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A Pony's Destiny

by StevieBond

Chapters

And So It Begins

Everypony is born and they all have a separate destiny to aim and live for, no matter what it is. But not everypony takes it as lightly as others do. Well then who am I? Because I am in the minority and I do not understand what destiny is really like.

I am Bond Racer, a one of a kind Alicorn living in Ponyville, yeah, how often do you have an alicorn come by and stay here, eh? But aside from the fact that I could be quite a character, I do understand a lot of general qualities. Such as being able to fly and use magic, something that I haven't done for a long time, except for small things like cooking and visiting Cloudsdale via flying, but that's it.

In addition to this, I can be caring and loving to other ponies, although that isn't always the case as I have yet to share some deep love to a lucky mare, apart from one night stands which only happened at least once in Ponyville. But one time when I was growing up in Fillydelphia, it got too much for me and I left that city to live the quiet life in Ponyville, yeah long story short, things change as well as happen and sometimes, it's not for the better.

However, the last important part of me that I'm proud to have is my humour, granted, it can be really random and out of the blue at several points, but at the same time, I occasionally pull out a few one-liners which I have a feeling will be present someday. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but maybe, just have an inkling for these things you know.

I live in a well designed home, just by where ponies pass the entrance path into Ponyville and I like it that way, because I rather have my own personal space than to have a home slap in the middle of the town...okay close to the middle cause of the Town Hall at the actual centre, but that's for another time.

Now when I first got here, I didn't know anypony...well until I attended the Town Hall permanent residence meeting where I signed a couple of forms to Mayor Mare so that I could have a place here and what a spectacular process it was. Living in my new home for free and on one kind of benefit, thanks to Princess Celestia who was also there at the meeting, because she believed I had potential to be somepony special. After the meeting and welcoming myself to my new home, I burst out in fits of laughter after what Celestia said. Me, an alicorn I accept, but special? Wow! She needs to write my jokes, because that cannot possibly be true. There is no sign of evil around here whatsoever, not a single peep of evil.

Of course, it wasn't long before I started to make a couple of friends around here which is her my weekly routine comes in. Normally, my week consists of the usual kind, I prepare for the week on Monday where I don't need any help with before taking a stroll around the village and beyond. Tuesday is when I take up to the skies and visit Cloudsdale to help with the catering at Wonderbolts Academy where I originally met the Wonderbolts before I bumped into Rainbow Dash who was having a tour around the academy, she tends to show off, but is loyal to her friends, especially me. Wednesday is when I help tend to some of the small animals just a short walk away from the Everfree Forest, with Fluttershy who cares for them everyday, she was incredibly shy when I first met her, but I did swallow a lot of my witty humour and brag in order to become friends with her. Thursday is my shopping day and I have a real guilty pleasure of buying a lot of apples, thanks to Sweet Apple Acres and Applejack who has surprisingly impressive strength. Friday is the time when I help Pinkie Pie out with whatever random and pointless party she has planned, but then again, she was the first pony I became friends with after I found my new home and she really helped me get settled into Ponyville, with her being crazy too, it gives me competition on who be can be less sane.

Saturday is possibly my favourite day of the week, I like to attend Saturday night parties and through Pinkie, I met Rarity who designed a marvellous suit and shoes for me. She's a fine, fancy-looking mare don't get me wrong, but maybe a bit too fashionable for me, which is a shame really, but there you go. Sunday is like my relaxing day, unless it's the last Sunday of the month where I am summoned to meet the Princess, asking me how I'm doing in Ponyville.

Well, that was all two years ago when I first arrived, time passed a bit then and today was going to be an unexpected one. Today was the Summer Sun Celebration or in detail, the event where Nightmare Moon was banished to the moon by Celestia, which was due later this evening and as I walked out of my home to a clear day, I look to see that the preparations were already underway.

Hey, that rhymes, I thought to myself.

I was about to look all around the town that was getting into the celebration if you can call it that, when I looked above to see the unicorn guards with a purple unicorn pony and a baby dragon on board. They flew down to the ground before stopping as I watched with curiosity.

"Thank you, sirs." the purple mare spoke as she and Spike got out of the carriage, before the unicorns began to fly away.

"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have something interesting to talk about." the little dragon suggested.

I took a deep breath, put on my smile and walked up towards them. There, my first step of my destiny began...

"Come on Twilight, just try." Spike added.

I could see Twilight was unsure about making friends, but she gave it a go, "Um, hello?"

"Why hello there, you must be new here." I replied.

"I am, my name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Hey! That's a pretty cool name, mine is Bond Racer." I said.

"Nice to meet you, Bond Racer and..." Twilight paused as she noticed I had wings and a horn. "...are you?"

I rubbed my left foreleg behind my head "Yeah...an alicorn, I'm special according to my parents in Fillydelphia, but I'm not really."

"But why would you say that, how come you were born as an alicorn?" Spike asked.

I was a little unsure if I was ready to discuss that issue as I only just got to know them, "I'll tell you another time."

Soon, Pinkie Pie trotted along and saw me, "Oh hi, Bond Racer and-" she noticed Twilight, let out a huge gasp and then zoomed away fast.

"Well, that was interesting, alright." Twilight spoke sarcastically.

I of course wasn't affected by Pinkie's randomness as I lived here for a while now, "Yeah, I apologise about that. She's Pinkie Pie, the number one go to pony for parties and she is as crazy as I am."

"Crazy as you, you seem normal to me." she said in confusion.

"Well, give me two drinks of apple cider and you'll see the crazy side of me, with good intentions." I then winked.

Twilight blinked at me before shaking her head, "Well, I've gotta get going as I'm here to see over the preparations by order of the Princess."

My ears perked up, "Princess Celestia? I know her and I see her a few times."

"Really? How do you know her and all that?" Spike intervened.

"Like I said before, I'll tell you about it soon. For now, I'll let you get back to what your job is."

"Thanks Bond, I've gotta go to my new home which is the treehouse library, maybe I'll see you soon." Twilight said to me.

"I know where that is and it would be nice, see you next time." I replied as they walked away from Ponyville to Sweet Apple Acres.

She seemed like a nice pony who knew what she was doing, but perhaps needs a bit of help with making friends, maybe I could help her with that when I get the time. I then got back to looking around, seeing the ponies setting up decorations around the Town Hall which is where the big event is taking place.

As time passed, it was completely night time and I was to attend the rising of the sun by Celestia, so I made my way to the Town Hall, but I saw Twilight and Spike who were on their way too.

"Oh hey you two, you're coming to the event as well?" I asked them.

"I am, dude, not sure about Twilight here." Spike answered.

I could see that Twilight was not in her normal expression, she looked a bit irritated for some reason.

"Are you alright, Twilight?" I asked with concern.

"No, all of the ponies in this town are CRAZY!" she snapped back.

"Come on Twilight, you really should lighten up, it's a special event." Spike intervened as he continued walking towards the Town Hall.

Twilight then talked in a silly voice, copying Spike's words, which did made me giggle a little. "Uh, here I thought I had time to learn about the Elements Of Harmony, but silly me, all this ridiculous friend making has kept me from it!"

I stood there, looking back and feeling worried about her.

"Oh Bond, I'm sorry, I don't mean specifically you, just making friends in general." Twilight apologised.

"Oh it's alright, I was exactly the way you were when I first came here months ago." I smiled  "Anyways, you said something about the Elements Of Harmony?"

Twilight replied, "Yes, legend has it that on the longest day of the 1,000th year, the stars will aid in Nightmare Moon's escape and  bring back everlasting night. I believe that the Elements Of Harmony may be the only way to stop her."

My ears perked up, "Wait, I remember reading that from the Canterlot library a while ago."

"You did?"

"Yeah and don't explain how, but I'm getting a lingering presence that isn't good. As for the Elements of Harmony, if what you're saying about them is true-"

We were interrupted by Spike, "Come on you two, it's time to watch the sun rise."

"But then again, I hope it really is just a ponytale and that it's just a windy night tonight." I said to her as we walked inside.

It was already crowded in places with all kinds of ponies present. Twilight and I were feeling a bit worried and there was a bit of silent until Pinkie appeared by surprise.

"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited? I've never been so excited. Well except for that one time that you came in to town and I went-" she then took a huge breath before continuing, "but I mean really, who can top that?" she asked in her usual way.

"Maybe trying to calm down would top what you've just seen today." I said, trying to reason with Pinkie which never seems to work.

Soon the music began to play with the birds chirping, composed by Fluttershy. A spotlight then shone on the stage where Mayor Mare walked on.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" the Mayor boomed in her formal voice.

All the ponies cheered, except Twilight and me who were still feeling worried.

The Mayor continued, "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year."

Twilight looked at the moon as I did as well and to our shock, we saw three stars moving towards the moon and in a small bright flash, the mark of the Mare of the moon disappeared. This confirmed that the legend was definitely true and I had a feeling something was going to happen.

No pony else noticed all this as the Mayor carried on, "And now, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you the ruler of our land. The pony who gives us the sun and the moon every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!"

I saw Rarity grabbed a rope beside her to pull the curtains to the side to reveal...nothing! The ponies then felt confused.

"This can't be good..." Twilight said and I nodded.

"Remain calm everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation." The Mayor said.

Pinkie didn't seem to be affected by our worries, "Oh, I love guessing games, is she hiding?"

"She's gone." Rarity said on the balcony and everypony gasped.

"Oooh, she's good." Pinkie said which made me roll my eyes, but then she screamed!

We then saw a dark blue mist with stars appearing on the balcony as Rarity ran off frightened.

"Oh no." Twilight whispered.

The mist began to take shape and in one whoosh, a dark alicorn pony appeared, this must be...

"Nightmare Moon." Twilight said for me as Spike fainted, falling off Twilight.

Nightmare moon began to speak as every other pony shivered in her presence, "Oh my beloved subjects. It has been so long since I've seen your precious sun loving faces."

"What did you do with our princess?" Rainbow Dash yelled as she began to fly but her tail was caught by Applejack's teeth.

"Woah there, Nelly!" she said with Dash's tail in her mouth.

Nightmare Moon chuckled, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am? Does my crown no longer count now that I've been imprisoned for a thousand years?"

For a thousand years...where have I heard that line before, a song maybe?

"Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

"We did!" I yelled. Soon the attention was turned to me and Twilight.

"I know who you are, you are the mare of the moon. Nightmare Moon!" Twilight yelled.

Everypony gasped again.

Nightmare Moon smiled, "Well, well, well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I am here."

"You're here to..."

"To cover all of Equestria in eternal night." I finished for Twilight as she couldn't seem to be brave to finish her sentence.

Nightmare Moon then laughed evilly, "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night...will last...FOREVER!" she yelled before laughing evilly again.

I may be a crazy pony from time to time, my humour can be quite witty and odd and sometimes, I may show some care and love, but I wasn't stupid. I knew the difference between good and evil and Nightmare Moon was anything but good. I knew that this was a dark moment for all of us ponies, I wondered if there would be anything that could stop her...

Friendship Is Magic

Nightmare Moon continued to laugh as the mists and lightening grew bigger.

"Cease her! Only she knows where the princess is!" Mayor Mare yelled.

Three pegasi guards flew up towards Nightmare Moon.

"Stand back, you foals!" she yelled as he casted lightening to threw the guards of their balance before turning into a night blue mist and flying fast through the door and outside.

I looked around and I saw that Twilight had disappeared, I decided to look for her and then I remembered that she would be staying at the library. So I galloped out of the Town Hall and to the Library, it didn't take long before I came across the treehouse with a book sign outside. I knocked on the door and Twilight answered.

"Oh hey there, what are you here for?" she asked.

I replied randomly, "I've come to help you, also, do you have a glass of water nearby? I haven't drunken anything today yet."

"Now is not the time to get drunk, I'm busy going through all these books."

I noticed books on the floor, "Looking at the mess here, I'm glad that nopony else lives in this treehouse."

Twilight didn't seem to hear what I said as she went through looking at more books.

"Elements, elements, elements. Ugh, how can I stop Nightmare Moon without the elements of harmony?"

Suddenly, I felt a whoosh of wind above me, only to find that Rainbow Dash just appeared from nowhere, isn't that Pinkie's job?

"And just what ARE the Elements of Harmony and how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a SPY?" Dash exclaimed.

"No, I am." I answered in a posh voice. Twilight and Dash then saw me in my spy disguise with a cigar.

"Gentlemares?" I asked them which was met with confused expressions and a moment of silence until more mares came in.

"Simmer down, Sally, she ain't no spy." Applejack looked at me, "And neither are you, sugarcube. But she sure knows what's going on, don't you Twilight?"

So with myself, Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, Raity and Fluttershy together, we listened to Twilight who closed her eyes and explained.

"I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only thing that can stop her. But I don't know what they are, where to find them, I don't even know what they do."

"The Elements Of Harmony, a reference guide." Pinkie said looking at one of the bookshelves.

Twilight dash over, "Where did you find it?"

"It was under E" Pinkie sung as she bounced around.

"Oh" was all Twilight could say, she opened up the book and we all looked inside.

"There are six Elements Of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery, it is said that the last known location of the five elements is in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now...The Everfree Forest!"

The other gasped at the name, I've heard of that forest mentioned before, but I never went in there before. Thinking that there were six elements, I assumed that Twilight would be the one to learn and find it, leaving me as the odd pony out. I felt a little disappointed that I couldn't be able to help, despite my alicorn status and being apart of the elements. But I didn't let that get to me, I was a very strong pony who can take a lot of feelings and emotions of any kind.

I turned and walked out of the Library as they pondered over the book, not noticing that I had gone. I walked back to my home, looking at the sky and seeing it all covered in eternal night. This wasn't the time to be random and strange, I couldn't even think of anything that'd make me smile a little as I opened the door and walked into my house.

I looked at the photos frames by one of my shelves, some of which were filled with photos and others without. I had a photo of myself as a baby, one as a filly and one of my family from Fillydelphia. It just seemed to be a perfect upbringing...well, it was almost perfect. I sat on the couch and looked down, thinking back to how it was all I wanted it to be, until the one time where it all went horribly wrong and that my hopes for a better future were destroyed. That happened over two years ago, so it was a few days before I moved to Ponyville, looking for a better chance at finding hope.

"I wanted to be with them and be apart of their adventures like the one they're on right now, but how can I be when I don't have an element?" I asked myself in despair.

A bright light suddenly appeared in front of me, I shielded my eyes until I was able to see again.

"Wait a minute, Princess Celestia?" I gasped.

"Bond Racer, I believe it is time for you to know your true purpose." she boomed in her echo voice, which I knew that she must be speaking through other means and she may be imprisoned by Nightmare Moon.

"What purpose, I don't even understand, how are you even-"

Celestia raised her hoof, "You have a destiny with the other six ponies, you must go to the Everfree Forest and into the castle, there you will find an element that no other pony even knows and when you learn to accept it and help your friends, it will find you."

I suddenly perked up, "Wait, there's a seventh element?"

"That is all I can answer for now...please save us, before the night consumes us all!" she then disappeared in a bright light.

I wanted to ask more, but realizing that the other six would be in trouble as well as knowing about a 7th element, I knew what I had to do. So picking myself up, I put on my blue suit and blue shoes, but I left my shades as it was a bit pointless to wear them in the night-time...unless I was going to a Blues Brothers convention...don't even ask!

I then walked out of my home and then I flew up and fast towards the Everfree Forest, I kept myself above the trees before crossing past a river and then a bridge where on the other side was a castle. This was the castle that Twilight spoke about, I spotted a couple of bright lights coming from area of the castle. I flew on over and looking through the glass window in what was a throne room, I overheard Twilight speaking with determination.

"You think, you can destroy the Elements Of Harmony, just like that? Well, you're wrong. Because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!!

Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of…HONESTY! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticor with her compassion, represents the spirit of…KINDNESS! Pinkie pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of…LAUGHTER! Rarity, who helped a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of…GENEROSITY! And Rainbow Dash…who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the spirit of…LOYALTY! The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!"

"You still don't have the sixth element!" Nightmare Moon quickly protested. "The spark didn't work!"

"But it did…"Twilight paused as she turned to the others, "a different kind of spark…I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you,the spark ignited inside of me…when I realized you all…are MY friends!"

Suddenly, the sixth element came down upon her, showing brightly.

"You see Nightmare Moon…when those elements are ignited by the…the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element. The element of…MAGIC!

All of the ponies' crystals formed together into necklaces and a tiara for Twilight. Each of the ponies glowed and Nightmare Moon's face remained unchanged. That can't be good…

It turned out it wasn't…the ponies' entire glow dissolved and they fell to the floor.

"Wha… What happened? Why didn't it work?" Twilight exclaimed.

Nightmare Moon laughed.

"Don't you see? There is ANOTHER element! Did you not know that?" Nightmare Moon answered their failure.

"What? Another element? My books only told me there were six!"

Nightmare Moon laughed evilly once again.

I knew there was one thing they were missing, because without it, how can they believe in harmony and peace? I then flew in through the glass window that shattered, yet for some reason, I didn't feel any pain, nor any cuts.

"Stop right there, moony!" I yelled out of the blue as I landed down in front of the six ponies.

"What have we here? Another pony?" Nightmare Moon asked with interest.

"That's right and I represent the seventh Element." I looked back at the other six mares. "At first, I felt sad that I wasn't going to be part of something big. Then, thanks to a great message of faith and hope from Celestia, I learnt that I was part of the group, because it was my destiny." I looked back at Nightmare Moon, then a gold necklace appeared from nowhere with a pair of white headphones on it, I clicked it into place around my neck with my magic. "You see, as an alicorn, I have twice the power of a normal pony and with this acceptance of who I am and what I represent, we have all the power to stop you. Behold...the element of...FAITH!"

Suddenly, the seven of us began to fly up closer together and a huge boom was made and a large rainbow appeared and headed towards Night Moon who screamed in terror as the rainbow spun around, covering her cries. Before we know it, a bright light shone again and after a while, it all disappeared.

I woke up quickly and saw the others not quite awake yet. "Mares, wake up. It's all over." I said to them.

"Ugh, my head." Dash said first.

"Is everypony okay?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, my goodness." Rarity exclaimed.

"Why Rarity, it looks lovely." Fluttershy complimented.

"I know, I'll never part ways with it again."

"No, you're necklace, it looks just like your cutie mark."

"Why, so does yours"

"Look at mine, look at mine!" Pinkie bounced in excitement.

"Aw yeah!" Dash said to herself.

Twilight had a crown on her head instead of a necklace. Which makes her the leader with me having a necklace that makes me a bit feminine-ish, ah well, you can't win them all, I guess.

"Gee Twilight, ah thought you were just spouting a lot of hooey, but ah reckon, we really do represent the elements of friendship." Applejack said.

"Indeed you do." A voice spoke as we saw the sun rise and Celestia appeared in front of us.

We bowed down, except for Twilight who ran over to her.

"Princess Celestia!"

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it." she then looked at me, "Bond Racer, I'm proud of you too."

I shied away a little, "Thank you Princess".

"But, you told me it was all an old pony tale." Twilight said with a confused look.

"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew that it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her. But you could not unleash it without letting true friendship into your heart."

We all smiled in agreement.

"Now if only there was another will as well." Celestia walked over to see where Nightmare Moon was, "Princess Luna."

Luna who looked a lot lighter blue than before woke up, startled.

"It has been a thousand years, since I've seen you like this. Time to put our differences aside, we were meant to rule together, little sister." Celestia added.

"Sister?" the mares said in unison.

"Luna?" I asked.

"Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked to her sister,

We looked on with worry, with Pinkie falling over frontwards.

Luna then got up and ran to her in tears, "I'm so sorry, I missed you so much, big sister."

"I missed you too." Celestia replied with a hint of tears.

We saw Pinkie doing her over the top crying with a tissue before stopping, "Hey, do you know what this calls for?"

"A PARTY!" I shouted.

"Hey, that's what I wanted to say!" Pinkie moaned.

"Sorry, but you gotta be a little faster to deliver a punchline." I winked.

Everypony else laughed at our little scene.

Soon, we were all back at Ponyville with smiles on our faces, knowing that we had saved Equestria from darkness and that we were declared heroes of Ponyville. No sooner we got off the carriage, Spike ran up to Twilight and they hugged, I then gave him a brohoof afterwards.

Twilight however looked a little down and I placed my foreleg around her to try and cheer her up.

"Why so glum, Twilight? Are you not happy that you've completed your mission and that you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Celestia asked.

"That's just it, just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." Twilight spoke, feeling sad.

"Spike, take a note please."

Spike pulled out a letter and a quill. Where did get those from all of a sudden, has Pinkie been through the 4th wall again?

"I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission. She must continue to study the magic of friendship, she must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville."

The seven of us smiled and got together for a group hug.

"Oh thank you Princess Celestia, I'll study harder than ever before!" Twilight declared.

Soon, the celebration began and in the day time too which was a bonus. Pinkie then began to speak how excited she was, saying the same thing as before. I shook my head and giggled because she was being herself as always. After time passed and that it was evening, the celebration ended and we all exchanged our goodbyes.

I trotted off back home, smiling all the way, learning a lesson. I learnt how to accept who I am and that I should never give up on faith when there's a glimmer of hope present in the face of all things evil and dark. This was a new chapter in my refreshed life and being part of the Elements of Harmony, I knew my life was going to change for the better. Perhaps forever maybe, as I got into my bed, thinking how proud I am to represent, the Element of Faith.

The Ticket Master

I woke up to a bright late morning in Ponyville with a smile, getting out of bed and preparing for the day. As I left the house, I saw Twilight and Spike walking along.

"Good morning, you two." I called to them.

"Oh hey Bond Racer, we were on our way to help Applejack with collecting apples, wanna come?" Twilight asked.

Seeing that I had nothing to do today, I replied, "Sure, I'll gladly help."

We then walked along to Sweet Apple Acres where we saw Applejack about to buck the first apple tree.

"Well, howdy there, ya'll." Applejack greeted, "You come to help me?"

"We sure have." Twilight answered.

"Sweet, lemme get ya some empty baskets." Applejack grabbed a couple for us to put on our backs.

I went and picked up a pair of baskets with my magic and placed on my saddle.

"Alrighty then, let's get to work, 80's montage style!" I yelled which was met with confused looks from AJ, Twilight and Spike.

One randomly played uptempo 80's song and a few hours later, we were travelling to the barn to drop off the last full baskets of apples with Spike throwing a couple of bad apples out on Twilight's baskets, repeating no all the time.

"Thank ya kindly you both for helping me out, ah bet Big Macintosh ah can get all these golden delicious apples in the barn by lunchtime, if ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of granny's girdles." Applejack giggled.

"No problem at all, Applejack, but I'm glad the goal is lunchtime, all this hard work is making me hungry." Twilight said.

"I know, right?" Spike intervened as he threw an apple on Twilight's head, she gave him an evil stare back.

"Please Spike, you've been lounging on my back all morning, while we worked."

"Exactly, you three are taking so long, I missed snack-time."

Twilight's stomach began to rumble as if right on queue. I then copied the noise by doing an a dubstep impression before going into a beatbox with wubs!

"What in tarnation are you doing?" Applejack asked in total confusion

"Whoops, I got a little carried away there." I replied shuffling my hooves on the ground.

Twilight giggled nervously, "I guess we better get some food."

Spike then continued to go over the apples until he found a bright red one with a window shape on it. I'm guessing Equestria doesn't like Windows 8, that figures.

"Oh Spike, that looks delicious." Twilight smiled before Spike ate the apple, "Spike!" she exclaimed.

Spike then burped out a letter.

"It's a letter from the Princess." Twilight said.

"No, really Miss Sherlock?" I asked sarcastically.

Spike chuckled a little but Twilight didn't seem pleased by my witty humour. He then spoke what the letter said, "Hear ye, hear ye! Your grand royal highness, Princess Celestia, of Equestria is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital of Canterlot on the 21st day of… yadda yadda yadda… cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus two guests."

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight and AJ said in excitement.

I knew what the event was about, so this wasn't new to me. I once tried to sneak into that event in order to get a look at some of the fine-looking mares who play music there and try to score, but their security was tight. I ended up being kicked out of the castle and I had to walk back to Ponyville with a pain in my right leg, but that was way before I learned about being a better pony when I got here, but that's another story.

Spike didn't seem impressed by it either, before he burped out three golden tickets.

"A golden ticket, did Charlie take over The Chocolate Factory from Willy Wonka or something?" I asked out of the blue.

Thankfully, they were more interested in the tickets then my pointless rambling.

"I've never been to the Grand Galloping Gala, have you, Bond?"

"I haven't really, so you could give one to me, Twilight." I said

"Oh yes, here you go." she replied giving me a ticket which I kept in one my suit pockets for safe keeping.

"Thanks, Twilight"

"What about you, Spike?" Twilight asked him.

"No and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frou-frou nonsense."

"Oh come on Spike, a dance would be nice."

"Nice?" Applejack interrupted. "It's a heap good more than just nice. Ah'd love to go. Land sakes, if ah had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business ah could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Macintosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, ah'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala."

"Oh…well in that case…would you like to-" Twilight was then interrupted by a scream.

"Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed after she had fell on top of Applejack and Twilight.

"Rainbow Dash! You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples! What were you busy doing? Spying?" Applejack demanded.

"No!" Rainbow Dash immediately responded. "I was busy… napping. And I just HAPPENED to hear that you have an extra ticket?"

"Yeah but…" Twilight was interrupted once again.

"YES! This is so awesome! The wonder bolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year! I can see it now…"

Rainbow Dash then told about her story and wish which was quite more entertaining than hearing Applejack's I'll admit.

But I wanted to get back to being serious, so I picked up the apple baskets and took them to the barn and in record time too. Looks like Big Mac is going to take a hit in his pride after all. I walked back when I saw Applejack and Dash hoof-wrestling on a tree stump. I put on a referee shirt and then galloped over and behaved as a commentator and referee.

"Looks like AJ's got the head-start, but Dash has got the determination to win this battle and what's this? Dash has given up?"

"Ugh! I'm getting bored of this, I'm outta here." Dash said as she flew off.

"You're not getting away, sugarcube!" Applejack yelled, chasing after her.

I followed them both, seeing I had nothing else to do. I had a quick bite to eat along the way as I was hungry myself. Afterwards, I caught up with them shortly to see the other four mares present.

I heard Applejack saying,"Wait just another minute!"

"Applejack! Were you following me too?" It was Twilight.

"No! Ah was following THIS one!" Applejack pointed to Rainbow Dash, "to make sure she didn't try any funny business…still trying to take my ticket…"

"YOUR TICKET?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"But Twilight's taking ME!" Pinkie Pie interrupted, who was obviously a part of the group too.

Soon every pony was joining in, trying to win their way to the extra ticket.

Okay, I know that certain events can bring out a lot in ponies, but this was beginning to get on my nerves.

"QUIET!" I shouted and they all suddenly stopped talking...well almost everypony.

"And I said oatmeal, are you crazy...oh." Pinkie said.

"Look, I know this sounds like a big deal for you all, but arguing over the last ticket isn't going to help, Twilight should be the only pony to make a decision and I don't think she can with a rumbling stomach!" I exclaimed.

"Bond's right, I'll make a choice in my own time, now go on, shoo!" Twilight yelled.

The other five mares then walked off, muttering and Spike went back to the library, probably to get away from the issue.

"And don't worry, I'll figure this out...somehow." she then looked a little down.

I felt that this wasn't the time to be random, it was about time I started being a more serious friend, "Hey Twilight, are you feeling okay?" I asked her.

She smiled, "I feel a little better now that you helped me to get some breathing space, thank you, Bond."

"It's alright, let's head to the local restaurant, I'm sure you're desperate to have some food."

"I am indeed, let's go."

We walked on over to the restaurant, I told her that I already had something to eat earlier. She ordered her food and while we were waiting, she began to feel better talking about her ticket issue.

"What do I do, Bond? I mean, I could give away my ticket and give it to two other ponies, but that would still leave three other ponies out." Twilight wondered.

"You know, I've been thinking. Why don't you sent a letter to Princess Celestia and asking for more tickets, I'm sure she wouldn't mind." I suggested.

"I could, but I wouldn't wanna offend the Princess. Besides, she only expects a letter from me, when I learn something about friendship."

I shrugged my shoulders and we were both stumped on what to think next. Soon the waiter came by with Twilight's meal and she began to eat away. I however noticed a drip of rain from the sky, looks like it was about to rain. Using my magic, I created a big umbrella and had it covered the whole table and us so that we didn't get soaked.

"Thanks again, Bond." Twilight said as he went on with her food.

"Hello there, guys." a voice yelled from above us.

I flew above and sure enough, it was Rainbow Dash who must've brought the clouds over.

"Dash, you're not doing this just for the ticket, are you?" I asked her.

"Me? No, no, no, I'd do it for anypony." Dash replied with a hint of hesitation.

Suddenly, I saw the words truth, doubt and lie appear in front of me as if I was interrogating Dash, I selected doubt.

"That's funny, Dash, cause the last time I heard, Twilight is not accepting any unwanted favours. So take that raincloud and shove it up-" I got interrupted.

"Woah dude, fine, I'll go." Dash sighed as she closed up the raincloud, it was still raining.

I flew down to underneath the umbrella, Twilight had just finished eating and she looked satisfied.

"I feel much better now. We should get out of this rain and back to the library, I may have an idea."

I nodded, we made our way back to the treehouse to find it locked. I knocked on the door.

"Umm, hello? Anypony in there?" I asked.

The door unlocked, it was Spike who opened the door.

"Quick, you two, get inside." he said.

Twilight and I got in as Spike closed the door.

"Why did you lock the door, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"Cause Pinkie went around and told everypony you had an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala and they were looking for you here." Spike replied.

"Well, good thinking, let's turn out the lights too." Twilight suggested.

It was all quiet and a little dark, until the main light came on and we saw the five mares again standing by the window.

Twilight screamed and spoke. "I can't decide! I just can't decide! It is important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me some gifts and doing me favours won't make any difference because you're all my friends and I want to make you all happy and I can't! I JUST CAN'T!" she then placed her hooves above her head and wept.

"Oh NOW look what you five have done?!" I scolded at them.

All of them felt guilty for how they behaved today. Applejack walked gently up to her. "Twilight, sugar. Ah didn't mean to put so much pressure on you. And if it helps, ah don't want the ticket anymore. You can give the ticket to somepony else. Ah won't feel bad, ah promise."

"Me too." Fluttershy flew near Twilight. "I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful."

"And me too!" Pinkie Pie joined as well. "It's no fun upsetting your friends!"

Rarity walked over to Twilight. "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did."

"YES! THAT MEANS THE TICKET IS MINE!" Rainbow Dash laughed as she chanted.

We looked up at Dash, "Inconsiderate, WITCH!" I yelled.

Dash changed her mood suddenly, "You know… I haven't perfected my signature move for the wonder bolts anyway… I don't need that ticket either."

"We all got so gung ho about going to the gala, that we couldn't see how un gung ho we were making you…" Applejack confessed.

"We're sorry Twilight." They all said, apologising.

"Now that's better." I added.

"Spike, take down a note."

Spike got his utensils ready.

"Dear, Princess Celestia. I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful… so… though I appreciate the invitation, I am returning the three  tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"WHAT?" Everypony exclaimed, me included.

"Bond Racer was right. If all you ponies can't go with me, then I don't want to go either. And I know I can ask for more tickets… but I don't want to risk upsetting Princess over this situation… so I am returning them."

"Twilight…" Applejack began. "You don't have to do that."

"Nope, I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now."

Spike opened the window and sent the letter with his breath.

"Now you won't get to go to the gala either…" Fluttershy said.

"It's okay… if you all aren't there as my best friends, then I couldn't possibly have a good time."

Every pony went up for a group hug and I joined in.

Spike made a disgusted face for the third time today already. However, he looked as if he was going to throw up.

"Well wallow my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy who can't handle the least bit of sentiment…"

He burped up something else… it was a letter!

"A letter from the princess?" Twilight exclaimed, surprised. "That was fast!"

Spike grabbed the letter and opened it to read it. "My faithful student, Twilight. Why didn't you say so in the first place?"

Something popped out of the letter. Spike grabbed them and held them up in the air.

"Seven Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" He cried.

Every pony gasped.

"Now we can ALL go!" Twilight announced.

Every pony cheered.

Suddenly, both mine and Twilight's stomachs began to rumble. Rarity walked over to us. "Allow us to treat you to dinner!"

They began walking out the door, grabbing their own ticket on the way. When each of the ponies received their ticket, Spike walked out with his in his hand as I followed behind him until it flew out of his hand and into my pocket.

Before I looked at him, feeling a little sad inside, Spike burped something else out. It was another letter.

"And one for you, Spike." He said as another ticket came from the letter. He grabbed it with much excitement as he began laughing and skipping, but after he saw us and the rest of the ponies, he quickly returned his excitement. "I mean, gross, I have to go too?"

He began walking "cool" at first, then after being far enough, he continued his excitement.

After a quick giggle, we made our way to the event and thankfully, with the tickets, I was able to get in smoothly this time without being kicked out...again. We all had quite a good time as the night began, I showed off my randomness once more and just being myself. After the event was over, we walked back to Ponyville.

"That was quite some event, but ah gotta get straight back home, tomorrow will be the start of Applebucking Season, goodnight ya'll." Applejack said and she left, before the rest of us said our farewells.

I walked on back home and taking off my suit and shoes, I headed straight to bed. It had been quite an interesting day, fighting over a ticket though, how childish is that? Oh well, at least it all turned out well in the end and as I began to sleep, I wondered if the issue was originally set up by the Princess just to teach Twilight a lesson about friendship.

For the time being, I only had three words to describe what I learnt...share your blessings.

Applebuck Season

I woke up to feel a slight tremble, wondering what it was. After waking up fully, I grabbed a party popper and shouted "EARTHQUAKE, WHEE!"

I then dashed out of the house, thinking of seeing cracks in the land, but to my random disappointment, it wasn't. However, I looked at the fields to see and hear increasing noises of galloping.

"STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash shouted and then I saw the other ponies running around and looking for cover.

I spotted Pinkie who didn't seem to pay attention to the incoming herd.

"Heeeeey, thiiiis maaaakes myyyy voooice soouuunnd siiilllyyy." she spoke.

"Cool," I said, "Miiiiind iiiiiiif Iiiiii joooooiiiiinnn iiiiiiinnnn?" I asked, doing the same thing.

"Pinkie Pie, Bond Racer, are you crazy, run!" Twilight yelled.

"Everypony calm down, there is no need to panic." Mayor Mare assured.

"Oh but Mayor, whatever shall we do?" Rarity asked in her dramatic fashion.

"Look there!" Dash yelled.

The herd was getting closer, but we then saw Applejack among them, looks like we could be saved here.

"This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen." Pinkie said whilst eating a box of popcorn.

"Oooh, can I have some too?" I asked.

Twilight rolling her eyes was all she could do, seeing our randomness.

The herd was getting closer and it seemed like Ponyville would get destroyed here, until I saw Applejack lassoing a rope to the front cow and with her strength, she got the stampede to turn to the right. We were saved at the last minute, talk about cutting it close. The trembling stopped after a moment and the ponies cheered at Applejack's bravery.

I had to join in, as Applejack yelled "Yee-haw!" before galloping away.

"Yee-haw, ride 'em cowpony!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Applejack was just, just..." Mayor Mare was interrupted.

"Apple-tastic!" Pinkie added in.

"Exactly, we must do something to thank Applejack for singlehoofly saving the town."

"I know...A PARTY!" Pinkie yelled.

I'm guessing Pinkie doesn't know about more to life than parties, but trying to question her would be a waste of time, so we all went along with the idea.

A few days passed since the pony prize award trophy needed time to be made I guess and soon, the town was covered in decorations, it looked very fancy as well, just not in the Canterlot fancy way.

I was with Rarity and Twilight, setting up the main decorations around the Town Hall.

"We all ready?" Twilight asked.

"Just one last thing." Rarity said as she lifted up a big banner with her magic and had it secured on the balcony, "Now we're ready."

"Is Applejack all set?"

Dash flew in, "Actually, I haven't seen her in a few days."

"Not since the Stampede" Pinkie said.

"But she'll be here for sure, Applejack is never late."

"Hmm, maybe I can go and look for her, just in case." I suggested.

"Good idea, Bond, the rest of us will stay here with the preparations." Twilight nodded

There was no need for more words, as I flew off away from Ponyville. Sweet Apple Acres was probably where she would be as I remembered what she said some time ago about bucking apple trees cause of a season or something. When I got to the farm, I saw several trees with apples on them and some without and in completely filled baskets. I then heard a tree getting whacked, I landed down and walked closer to find Applejack taking a quick breather after bucking an appletree, she looked tired and in rough shape.

"What on earth is she doing?" I asked myself.

She then bucked a basket and several apples fell out, she was walking slowly over before she stopped and fell asleep while standing.

"Applejack?" I called to her, but she didn't reply, she seemed to be fast asleep.

I then teleported to right in front of her face and asked her again, "Applejack!"

This time Applejack heard me, she woke up and shook her head.

"Howdy, Bond." she said quietly.

"What is all this?" I asked.

"It's applebucking season." she answered, moving towards the next appletree, "It's what the apple family call harvesting time. We gather all the apples from the trees, so we can then sell them."

"So this is what you meant a few days ago." I said, "Well, I can see that, but why are you doing it on your own?"

"Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself."

"I see, but what about the other relatives you briefly told me about, when I first met you a few years ago?"

"They were only just here for the apple family reunion. They live all over Equestria and are busy harvesting their own orchards, so ah'm on my own. Which means, ah should get back to work, ya know, hint hint."

I was feeling concerned about her after hearing all that, "Whilst I can understand why you need to do your job, you shouldn't be working on your own too hard without taking a break, especially when you have a job as big as this."

"Oh don't you worry none about me, ah'm just fine and dandy." she then walked over and began to buck another tree, she missed.

"Applejack, you don't look so good, do you want me to help?" I suggested.

"Help? No way, no how." she replied.

"But this is an enormous land of appletrees, there's no way you can do it on your own."

Applejack then moved closed to me and looked at me right in the eyes, "Is that a challenge?!"  she asked with a stern look.

Here, I decided to have a bit of fun with her. "Why of course it is, I bet that I can buck that side of the orchard faster than you."

"Well, ah'm gonna prove to you that ah can do it faster than you! Now if you'll excuse me, ah've got this side of the orchard trees to buck!" she snapped.

So the challenge was on, with my wing-power and magic, I got one quarter of my side with baskets full of apples and applying the same process to the next quarter until I had my side of orchard completely full of apple baskets in record time. After I had finished, I looked over to see Applejack still struggling to do even one quarter of her side.

Without her noticing, I flew away and back to Ponyville to tell Twilight about what I've seen.

By now, there was a crowd, gathered around the Town Hall, but they seemed to be muttering about why Applejack hasn't turned up.

I decided to take the stage and explain briefly about the issue. "Attention everypony, Applejack isn't coming here to accept her trophy and your cheers. She's far too busy working on her applebucking season and she's very tired from it all. So on her behalf, I'll take the trophy so I can give it to her. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news here, but at least you now know why."

"Very well, Bond. You may take the trophy for Applejack." Mayor Mare said, smiling. "I'll take it from here."

I nodded. I lifted the trophy which was lighter than I thought, I then grabbed a small banner with my magic and had it wrapped around the trophy and me so it wouldn't fall off. I walked off stage and over to Twilight as I had another idea.

"Twilight, I think you should come with me this time, I need a second voice."

"Sure thing, Bond." she replied.

We walked from Ponyville to the farm and I could see Applejack was about to buck her last tree on her side of the challenge.

Twilight was surprised by how she looked and she walked over to her as I placed the trophy to just outside her family's home. I flew back to where she was bucking the tree and then the apples fell into the basket. She did it, she managed to do her side in the end, a lot slower, but I was quite impressed with her determination, even though she was being stubborn today.

"Hah! Look, ah did it. Ah harvested my entire side of the acres without your help. How do ya like them apples?" Applejack said in her proud way.

Soon, Big Mac turned up, "Umm, how do ya like them apples?" he asked and we then looked to find another area of trees with apples of them, I didn't even know there was another area.

Applejack's pupil's in her eyes grew smaller and began mumbling odd words until she fainted.

Twilight and I came on over to see if she was okay.

"Applejack, Applejack?" Twilight asked.

"Huh?" was all Applejack could reply with.

"Oh good you're okay." Twilight smiled before putting on her serious look, "Now Applejack, I completely respect the apple family ways, you're always there to help everypony in need. So maybe you could put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you."

"Okay Twilight." Applejack replied.

"I am not taking no for an answer...what?"

"Yes Twilight, yes please, ah could really use your help...and yours too, Bond." she pleaded.

Twilight and I smiled, we finally got her to understand.

"Allow me to pick you up and take you inside your home." I said to Applejack.

"Thanks, sugarcube" she smiled

I helped her get up with my foreleg and carried her on my back, walking her home whilst Twilight went off to find the other four mares to help us out. I walked into her home and it was the first time I ever been into Applejack's family house. It spoke Country all over it a mile away, but I kept that pointless fact to myself. I helped Applejack get off my back and onto a sofa where she could finally rest and I sat beside her.

Applejack looked sad, probably thinking about how she acted, I saw a tear fall.

"Applejack, I don't blame you for how you behaved today, we all have our off days. So you don't need to be as sorry as much as you are right now." I said.

"But ah am sorry, sugarcube." she sniffed, "How can ah still have friends after the way ah acted?"

"Because we're your true friends and true friends always forgive each other in the end. No matter how small or big the problem is."

I then pointed to her the trophy I had brought from the town sitting by the fireplace.

"That was for when you prevented the stampede from stomping all over Ponyville, you were a hero that day." I said to her.

Applejack then smiled and gave me a welcoming hug, which I accepted as I was big fan of hugs.

"Thank you, Bond...don't tell Big Mac cause he's the best brother ever, but ah wish ah had another brother, like ya."

In our hug, my mood changed a little as hearing those words reminded me of my long past. "I wish I had one too." I whispered.

We pulled out of the hug.

"Ah'll go and get some sleep, you and the others can help finish off bucking them trees. Ah'll come out with drinks later."

"Alright, rest easy." I said. I then walked out of her home and as if right on queue, Twilight and the others showed up. We then got to work on the remaining appletrees and bucking every last one, filling the baskets with apples.

The time went by so quick that it was almost the beginning of the sun going down, but the work was finally done.

Applejack then came out, well rested and back to her normal self, "Hey there ya'll, ah got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya."

We then came by over to a table with bottles of apple juices and straws.

"Girls...and you Bond, ah can't thank ya enough for this help, ah was acting a bit stubborn."

"A bit" Twilight giggled

"Okay, a might stubborn and ah'm awful sorry. Now, ah know the town gave me the prize pony award, but the real award is having you six as my friends."

We then drank our apple juices...it was quite sweet but tasty all the same, just how I like my drinks...well apart from when Berry Punch likes to try and sneak a bottle into my suit and the less said about that, the better.

"Phew! That applebucking sure made me hungry!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"And I've got the perfect treat!" Spike said who I didn't realize was here, he showed us a plate of some dodgy looking food.

Pinkie Pie flinched "Eeew... Spike, that's the leftovers from the party, I threw those away, where'd you get them?"

"From the trash." Spike replied.

Everyone made disgusted faces and shouted "EW!".

"Just a little nibble? Come on." Spike encouraged.

However, every pony declined his offer with disgust.

"Ah know how to solve this, apple pies." Applejack then showed us a couple of small pies.

"You cooked those as well? You're not overworking again, are you?" I asked.

"Nope, Big Mac made these for us while was he was recovering from his injury."

I then smiled again, after enjoying our apple pies, we all began to take the walk back home, but not before saying our goodbyes to Applejack.

"Just remember, next time your applebuck season comes around, just ask for us and we'll be here." I said to Applejack.

"Thanks again, ah sure will, ya take care now."

"Same to you, ta-ra!"

We were walking on our way back to Ponyville when Twilight looked over at Spike.

"Spike, take a note, please." Twilight asked.

Spike brought out his writing utensils.

"Dear Princess Celestia," Twilight began. "My friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help any pony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

That sounds like a good lesson to me, we all then exchanged our farewells, before I trotted off back home just in time to see the moon rise. I got myself into bed, I then noticed that I didn't put on my suit and shoes today. That didn't matter though as I was doing a lot of zooming around today and the clothes would've got me too hot and sweaty a bit.

I got into bed and waiting until my sleep got the better of me and my eyes and I thought about the lesson learnt today, or as I'd like to put it in a shorter sentence...let your friends or other people/pony/whatever help you.

Griffon The Brush Off

I woke up the next day, refreshed and rested as always. It was a Tuesday as well, so I had to be a up a little earlier than usual...well okay around 10:00am but still, I don't have to be awake for ridiculous hours at least. Getting myself ready and after a late breakfast, I left the home to visit Cloudsdale.

It looked to be yet another good day, it's as if the weather is always sunny, not that I'm complaining. I flew up and made my way to the clouded city and as an alicorn, I had no problem landing on clouds. Now if I was a unicorn or earth pony...I would be screwed right there. Landing down, I headed on over to the weather management team department and entered inside.

"Afternoon, Bond." said the receptionist.

"Hey there." I said back, continuing walking past down the hallway.

Approaching the cafeteria, I entered into the kitchen. I put on my chef hat and overalls before greeting myself to my support worker who never wishes to say his name, but that's fine with me.

"Well hi Bond, you ready for another Tuesday morning of baking?" he asked.

"You bet, so what's the menu this week?"

"Well, it's a tomato soup for starters since the ponies here couldn't get enough of your wonderful sauces last month. We then have macaroni cheese with herbs as the main course and for dessert, the good old fashioned Wonderbolts Style Pancakes with lemon." he boasted.

"Sounds like it's gonna be an easy Tuesday for us both." I squeed.

"Yeah, but let's not tell the Wonderbolts that, shall we?"

"Not to worry, I can keep a secret." I winked, "By the way, have you seen Rainbow Dash today?"

"Oh yeah, I last saw her flying around the clouds with some sort of griffon. After your duty, you could go and see what that's about."

"I'll see if I can." I replied before resuming my work.

Soon, it was lunchtime and good thing too as the work was just about done.

"Well Bond, another Tuesday gone by and we have plenty of well-prepared food here to feed our wonderbolts, a job well done as always." my support worker said.

"Thanks, same time, next week." I said as I took off my chef hat and overalls.

"Indeed, you take care, Bond." he answered as I opened the kitchen door and exited the cafeteria.

I smiled at the receptionist before I left the academy to go and find Rainbow Dash. But as I was flying among the clouds looking for her, I felt a huge speeding breeze pass me and I nearly fell to the ground, only to get my wings under control.

"What was that?!" I yelled with a surprise expression as I put my hooves on the ground.

"Oh hey Bond, sorry about that. You just flew into a quick race." Dash replied as she landed down on the ground with somepony else.

"Okay, and who's this?" I asked, noticing a big griffon my support worker said about earlier.

"Hey, what's up?" she greeted.

"SWEET!" I exclaimed.

"This is my griffon friend, Gilda." Dash explained, "She half eagle, half lion-"

"And all awesome!" Gilda finished as they did a bro-claw/hoof or whatever you could call it.

Dash continued explaining, "Gilda's my best friend from my days at Junior Speedster's Flight Camp." she then looked at Gilda, "Hey, remember the flight chant?"

"Sure, they made us recite it every morning. I'll never get that lame thing out of my head." Gilda shook her head.

"Sooooooo?" Dash asked her.

Gilda sighed, "Only for you, Dash."

They then flew up and started doing their chant, I could tell that Dash seemed happy to do it, but Gilda, not so much. I found the chant so laughable, it wasn't worth repeating in my head and I was nearly close to bursting out in laughter, but I kept my inner humour under control.

Then, I heard a burst of laughter from behind me, it was Pinkie Pie, alright.

"Oh that was awesome and it gave me a great idea for a prank." she then smashed her face in the ground and she now had some weird looking facial accessories from shades to a party whistle. "Gilda, you game?" she asked Gilda.

"Well, I groove on a good prank as much as the next griffon, but Dash, you promised me we'd get a flying session this afternoon." she answered as she flew upwards. "Oh and you can come along for the ride, mister umm."

"Bond Racer and yes, I can be cool in the skies, too." I answered.

"Yeah, uh well, Pinkie Pie, you don't mind, do you? I haven't seen Gilda for a while, we'll catch up with you later." Dash said to Pinkie.

"Oh umm, sure, no problem. Have fun you guys. Catch you three later." Pinkie replied although she didn't seem too happy about it.

We then flew off to the clouds, I looked back and saw Pinkie feeling a little down. I couldn't do anything though, unless I wanted to carry her and have her on my back, but her randomness would drive even me insane. I looked forward and tried to catch up with Dash and Gilda, but they seemed to have disappeared, so I kept looking.

I was beginning to feel tired, so I gave up finding them and flew back to Ponyville, then just my luck I saw Dash and Gilda a bit away from me and in my other view, I saw Pinkie hiding underneath an umbrella on the table.

"Hey Pinkie, are you okay?" I asked her as I moved towards her.

"Shhh, I'm watching over them both." Pinkie whispered.

"But why?"

"Just trust me."

"Oooh kaaay." was all I could say.

We listened in to what Dash and Gilda were saying.

"I gotta take a few weather jobs about here, shouldn't take long. Just hang around in town here and I'll come find you." Dash said.

"That's cool, I guess. I'm gonna go chow down." Gilda boasted.

"Later" Dash said as she flew off.

We kept an eye on Gilda as she walked through town. Gilda snuck behind one of the food stalls and lifted her tail out in front of an elderly pony who screamed.

"A rattler! A Rattler! Quick, everypony run for the hills, everypony save yourselves!" she yelled as she ran away slowly.

Gilda then popped up from behind the stall.

"This stuff isn't fresh, dude." she said to the food seller, inpolitely.

"Poor Granny Smith, she didn't know it was a prank." Pinkie said.

"Gilda didn't even pay attention that it was a mare she said dude to." I added.

I had a feeling that she was beginning to show her true colours, when she sneakily grabbed an apple from a crate on another food stall, with no pony suspecting it. I had to agree with Pinkie, she was turning into something I thought she wasn't at first.

We then saw Fluttershy walking backwards to where Gilda was walking towards.

"Alright little ones, this way." she said to the ducks.

"Oh no, if she bumps into Gilda, it will get ugly really fast." I said to Pinkie.

But it was too late, Fluttershy bumped into Gilda and I knew this was not going to fun at all.

"Hey!" Gilda yelled.

"Please, excuse me." Fluttershy asked as she turned around.

"I'm waking here!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was just trying to..."Fluttershy got interrupted as she backed away from Gilda slowly.

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm sorry, why do you watch where you're going, doofus!" she yelled and this was beginning to scare the ducks away.

I couldn't stand by and watch this bullying anymore, I leapt out from behind the table and stood in front of Fluttershy, looking at Gilda.

"Gilda, what's the big idea?" I asked.

"Ooooh, so you're one of the sissy ponies?" she asked.

But before I could answer, she let out a huge roar. I wasn't intimidated, but I heard Fluttershy squeal quietly and she was shivering as I looked behind me. Before turning my attention back to Gilda.

"A griffon roar, is that it? I've heard buffalo roars that were more intimidating than that." I bragged.

"Ugh! Whatever!" Gilda snapped, "All you lame ponies are driving my buggy, I gotta bail!" she then flew off.

"Woah, I just can't believe it, how could Dash's old friend be such a mean prankster, a thief AND a bully?" I asked.

"Well, I can take it, but NO ONE treats Fluttershy like that, NO ONE!" Pinkie snapped.

"Why don't you take Fluttershy to Twilight and tell her about it, then set up a plan to even the score?" I suggested.

"Oooh, we can have it at Sugercube corner, the Cakes are away today."

"Great, when you've taken Fluttershy, we'll meet back there and we'll go over the plan."

Pinkie nodded as she picked up Fluttershy and they walked to Twilight's home. I went up in the sky to look for Dash, it was by luck that I saw her in a few seconds.

"Hey again Bond, we were looking for you earlier and-" Dash said before she noticed my sad expression. "-is something wrong?"

I told Dash about what I had seen, before adding that Pinkie saw the whole thing too and that Fluttershy almost got bullied in the process.

"I can't believe my old friend would treat my new friends like that." Dash said who looked disappointed about Gilda's behaviours towards me and the other ponies.

I nodded, "I was surprised too, but Pinkie has a plan to try and get Gilda back for the mean pranks she did."

"Well, I need to see it for myself, but let's get to Sugarcube Corner."

"That's what I was about to suggest, but let's go."

We flew to our destination and Pinkie was already there. After going through the plan, Pinkie set up party decorations and went out to send invites, informing the guests that it's all part of a big prank that Dash had set up. Moments later, the plan was in place, now we had to wait for the guests to arrive and then Gilda would show up.

The guests began to arrive with Pinkie welcoming them, the rest of us were present too. Then, the griffon herself turned up, it was time for to see if the plan worked.

"Gilda!" Pinkie welcomed, "I'm so honoured to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties and I really, really truly sincerely hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony-folk."

Pinkie held her hoof out and Gilda began to shake it, until she got shocked and then fell on the floor. Everypony and myself all laughed. Since then, every other prank followed and Gilda fell for all of them. It felt great to see karma biting back on Gilda, but after the pintail on the pony game, Gilda lost her temper, thus concluding the end of the prank plan.

"This is your idea of a good time? I've never met a lame bunch of dweebs in all my life!" Gilda snapped before going over to Dash, "Come on Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene!"

Gilda was about to leave, till she saw Dash not moving, "I said come on, Rainbow Dash, WE'RE LEAVING!" she yelled.

Dash could finally see Gilda for what she really was and she was not pleased, this was my queue to step forward.

"You know, Gilda, I was the one who set up those mean pranks at this party." I said to her

"What?!" Gilda spoke in shock.

"So I guess I'm a lamo as well as a sissy?"

I saw that Gilda was beginning to lose her temper.

Dash then added, "They weren't all meant specifically for you, it was just bad luck that you set them all off."

"No way! It was Pinkie Pie, she was the one who tripped me up, to make a fool of me."

"Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude." Pinkie said "I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down."

"And you sure didn't need any help making a fool of yourself." Dash intervened, "You know, this is not how I thought my old friend would treat my new friends. If being cool is all you care about, then maybe you should go find new cool friends someplace else."

"Oh yeah? Well you're such a flip-flop! Cool one minute and lame the next!" Gilda yelled before she turned her back to leave. "When YOU decide not to be lame anymore, give me a call." She then left, slamming the door behind her and flying away.

"Wow, talk about a party pooper" Spike said.

"I'm sorry that I brought Gilda here, everypony. I never knew how rude she was." Dash said before turning to Pinkie, "I'm really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her."

"Hey, if you wanna hang out with party poopers, that's your business." Pinkie smiled.

"I'd rather hang out with you, no hard feelings?" Dash held out her hoof.

"No hard feelings." Pinkie replied.

They shook hooves before getting electric shocks off each other and all the ponies laughed, myself included.

Twilight approached Pinkie, "Hey, Pinkie, sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks likes I'm the one who misjudged you."

"It's okay Twilight, even you can't be a super smart smarty smart-pants all the time." Pinkie Pie accepted her apology. "Come on everypony, there's still a whole lot of partying to finish!"

Everypony cheered again.

I was impressed with how they planned and handled the pranks since me, Dash and Pinkie organized it all.

After the party was over, the five of us and Spike stayed behind to clean up the shop.

Twilight smiled and looked over to Spike. "Spike, could you take a note?" she called.

"I'm on it." Spike delightfully followed.

"Dearest Princess Celestia," Twilight spoke. "Today I learned that it's hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who's not so nice. Though it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behaviour. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who is true will surely come to light. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

Spike then sent the letter off with an extra ink bottle, probably a small prank set up by Dash and Pinkie again, thankfully, I wasn't involved in that. After we cleaned up, we said our goodbyes and I headed off home, walking through the sunset over Ponyville. As I was about to walk in my home, I spotted a small caravan being pulled by a pony who was underneath a big cloak. I was curious to know who that was, but I thought better of it and just headed inside my home.

I had a quick drink before I headed off for an early bedtime. Before I closed my eyes and started to sleep, I thought back once more to the new lesson that a few of us actually learnt. But I however, learnt one other vital thing that summed up all about what happened today...griffins are jerks!

Boast Busters

I woke up the next day, still wondering about who was travelling into town with a small caravan yesterday. Walking out of my home, I looked to find a small crowd gathering around the Town Hall. This caught my interest straight away, but then I saw two small looking ponies rushing towards me.

"Make way! Coming Through!" one of them yelled.

"Woah! Watch where you going you two." I exclaimed.

I realized that it was Snips and Snails, or as I like to call them, the slapstick comedy of Ponyville.

"Now what's going on?" I asked.

"Oh, haven't you heard, there's a new unicorn in town." Snails answered.

"Yeah, they say that she's got more magical powers than any other unicorn, ever!" Snips added.

"Oh really?" I smirked "You obviously forgotten that I'm an alicorn and I'll always have twice as good magic as anypony."

Spike and Twilight then showed up, almost from nowhere.

"Well, that's kinda different." Spike intervened, "The honour of the most magical unicorn belongs to twilight."

Oh that's right, Spike hasn't seen my normal magic at all yet.

Twilight blushed which was cute. "Where is this unicorn?" she asked.

"Oh, she's at the town hall, come on." Snails answered before galloping off.

"Yeah, come on!" Snips added, running off the same way.

We shrugged and walked over to the town hall, we found a reasonable space between us and we stood among the crowd.

"Come all, come all. Come and witness the amazing magic of the great and powerful Trixie!" a voice boomed.

"Oh great, looks like we may have a show-off, here." I said to nopony in particular.

Suddenly, the caravan I saw before turned into a big performance stage. It may have been along the lines of something transformers-related, but that's another story. A small grey smoke appeared before disappearing to reveal Trixie herself with her outfit that could be passed as a magician's costume.

Everypony went "Oooh", most of them did except for a few and I was one of them.

As she moved around on stage, I suddenly looked at her in a gaze...it was as if she was the most beautiful mare I've ever seen.

"Watch in awe, as the great and powerful Trixie, performs the most spectacular feat of magic ever witnessed by pony's eyes." she boasted as fireworks went off and confetti blew around.

Okay, she may be a little too much of a bragger, but I still found her very attractive.

"My, my, my, what boasting." Rarity sneered.

"Come on, no pony is as magical as Twilight-" Spike interrupted himself as he remembered Rarity was beside him. "-Oh uh hey Rarity umm, must dash."

He then zoomed off in a direction, I giggled at this since I now learnt that Spike has a crush on Rarity, yes I was able to tell very easily.

"There's nothing wrong with being talented, isn't there?" Twilight asked.

"Nothin' at all," Applejack answered, "Except when they're goin' around showin' off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons."

I looked back at Trixie who created a bouquet of flowers with her magic, I sighed and wished I was giving her those flowers.

"Just because one pony has the ability to do lots of magic, does not make one better than the rest of us." Rarity stated.

"Especially when you've got me around being better than the rest of us." Dash boasted which was met with Applejack not looking pleased. "I mean, yeah uhh, magic schmagic, booo!" She said to Trixie.

"Well, well, well. It seems we have some neeeeigh sayers in the audience." Trixie said.

I laughed at that punchline on the inside, since it was straight from the horse's mouth...or pony's mouth, whatever, I'm random and I'm proud of it. Not only was she beautiful, she seemed to be funny as well, in her own way.

"Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the great and powerful Trixie?" she asked. "Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?"

Rarity pshhed at Trixie's claim, "Just who does she think she is?"

"Yeah, since we know that Twilight here is-" Spike got interrupted.

"Spike! Shhh!" Twilight whispered before taking him away from the crowd.

Dash flew up towards Trixie which got me back to my senses.

"So, great and powerful Trixie. What makes you so awesome anyway?" she asked.

"Why, only the great and powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa major!" she stated.

"What?" Snips shouted.

"No Way" Snails added.

Trixie continued, "When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no pony to turn to. But the great and powerful Trixie stept in and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa major and sent it back to it's cave in the Everfree Forest!"

"Sweet!" Snails said.

"That settles it." Snips stated.

"How do you know it, you didn't see it!" Spike yelled. "And besides, Twilight-" his mouth was then zipped by Twilight's magic.

Trixie chuckled, "It's true, my enthusiastic admires. Trixie most certainly is the best in Ponyville."

She was met with complete silence from the audience, minus a tumbleweed blowing across the town.

"Don't believe the great and powerful Trixie? Well I hear-by challenge you ponyville citizens, anything you can do, I can do better. Anytakers? Anyone? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest Unicorn that's ever lived?"

Fireworks and music went off again...now I was beginning to get bored of seeing the same stuff everytime she makes a bold statement or question. As pretty as she was, I had to snap out of it and to be on standby in-case any of my friends needed help.

Spike then unzipped his mouth and began begging at Twilight.

"Please, she is unbearable!" he said to her "You just gotta show her, you just gotta."

"There's no way I'm gonna use my magic now, Spike. Especially since..."

"Hmm, how about you?" Trixie asked as she pointed her hoof at Twilight. "Well how about it, hmm? Is there anything you can do that the great and powerful Trixie can't?"

"Well, how about you little hayseed?"

"That's it, ah can't take anymore of this!" Applejack said as she walked up towards Trixie.

"You show her, AJ!" Spike yelled.

"Can your magic do this?" Applejack asked before showing how she lassos her ropes and doing small tricks and finishing with catching an apple, which got cheers from the audience, "Top that, missy."

"Oh ye of little talent." Trixie said as she lifted her hat off to reveal her light cyan mane which got me attracted to her a bit more. "Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie."

She used her magic to levitate the rope and have it as a snake charmer which caught Applejack's eyes, before trying her up by her hooves and on her back, with an apple in her mouth. Applejack struggled to get up as she jumped off the stage.

"Once again, the great and powerful Trixie prevails." Trixie bragged.

"There's no need to go strutting around and showing off like that." Dash snapped.

Really Dash, look who's talking, I thought to myself.

"That's my job!" she stated before she showed how fast she went through the clouds and up to the sky before zooming back down with a hint of rain, stopping by the stage with the rain water and creating a small rainbow above her.

"They don't call me Rainbow and Dash for nothing." she boasted.

"When Trixie is through, the only thing they'll call you, is loser." Trixie then used the rainbow above Dash to spin her around till she fell down on the ground.

This was starting to not look good and Twilight didn't seem to feel comfortable until Rarity stood forward.

"Enough. Enough, all of you." Rarity exclaimed. "I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace."

"Oooh, what's the matter? Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?" Trixie insulted Rarity.

"Oh, it. Is. On! You may think you're tough with all your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style." Rarity used her magic to grab the curtain Trixie was using and create an instant dress for herself. "A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty." Rarity said as the audience gave "Ooh"s.

However, Trixie began using her magic as Spike backed up Rarity. "Rarity won't let Trixie get the best of her! She's strong, she's beautiful, she's—

Trixie had changed Rarity, causing the audience to gasp.

"QUICK! I NEED A MIRROR! GET ME A MIRROR! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!" Rarity squealed.

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack tried to prevent Rarity from freaking out.

"Nothing."

"It's fine."

"It's gorgeous."

"It's green…" Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack looked over to Spike. "What?" He asked.

"No. Green hair! Not green hair!" She cried. Her hair was indeed changed to a green colour, that which looked as if it actually had been turned to grass. "Such an awful, awful colour!" She continued crying, running away.

A pony she passed, who had green hair, exclaimed, "Well, I never!"

"Well, Twilight, guess it's up to you." Spike insisted. "Come on, show her what you're made of."

"What do you mean? I'm nothing special" Twilight hesitated.

"Yes you are, you're better than her."

"I'm not better than anypony."

"Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all." Trixie provoked.

"Who, me? I'm just your run of the mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go." Twilight declined and ran off.

"Twilight?" Spike called.

"Ha! Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Was there ever any doubt?"

Then the whole show was over and everypony went back their normal routines, except for me, I wanted to know more about her and why she looks so gorgeous. Being single for so long was getting me down a little, so I had to try my luck and speak with her, but I then remembered that it was a Wednesday, so I guess it would have to be later on after I had done my animal support work with Fluttershy.

I walked on over to her cottage to see Fluttershy there, I was a little late than usual, but because of what happened earlier, I knew I'd be forgiven.

"Hi Fluttershy, sorry I'm late this week. I got caught up with that attraction." I said as we shared a quick friendly hug.

"Hi Bond, it's alright, I was there too, but I was at the back which was why you all didn't see me." she said.

"Ahhh, so I guess we're both late today."

"Maybe. Anyways, let's get to work with the animals." Fluttershy smiled.

"Okay." I said back, smiling.

We started off with tendering to the chickens in the back garden and collecting eggs, followed by a trip by the lake to help with the ducks, before finishing with healing up a creature Fluttershy rescued a while ago and releasing it back into the Everfree Forest. It took a while to do it all and it was Sunset already, but the work was done at least.

"Thanks for helping me out, despite the lateness." Fluttershy said.

"It's fine, glad I can be of help, when I'm not being random." I replied.

Fluttershy giggled, "See you for the animal work next time, Bond."

"Same to you, Fluttershy,"

With my work done, I walked back to the town in the hope to find Trixie.

It was the beginning of nightfall when I found her caravan, I knocked on her door to see if she was awake, and her door opened.

"Who's there?" Trixie asked before she saw me "Oh, who are you?"

A bit impolite but I laughed it off, "Why hello great and powerful Trixie, I was among the audience who enjoyed watching you perform."

Trixie then began to smile.

"I liked the way you handled the earth pony, pegasi and unicorn all on the same day."

She began to brag again, "I know, my magic is the greatest magic ever and..."

I then cut her off, "But! Have you ever taken on...an alicorn?" I asked, as I moved my mane back to reveal my horn and opened up my wings before putting my pose.

"Whaaaaaaa, that's impossible?! I mean umm, who are you to question the great and powerful Trixie?"

"What's that? I can't hear your bragging, guess you're not that great and powerful, are you?"

Just as Trixie was about to make a retort, we heard screaming approaching towards us.

"TRIXIE!" Snips and Snails yelled.

"What are you two doing here? Trixie thought the great and powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed by you." she snapped.

"Is there a problem," I asked out of the blue.

Snips chuckled nervously "We have a tiny problem."

"Actually, it's a big one." Snails added.

"What is so important that you cannot wait until the morning to disturb Trixie?"

Suddenly, we heard a loud roar far from us, we looked over to one exit from the village to near the forest to find a giant blue bear of sorts, approaching the town. This cannot be good...

The giant bear roared loudly and surprise surprise, Trixie screamed like a little filly and ran. Snips and Snails ran away too. It moved closer into town and I got out of the way just in time before it smashed the caravan into pieces with one of it's claws. I caught up with the others as we ran across town...until we ran into a dead end. The bear found us and had us blocked from escaping.

Now I could easily fly away, but I didn't want to leave the three of them helpless, especially when I have a crush on Trixie who appears to be scared of the blue looking bear.

"Great and powerful Trixie, you've got to vanquish the Ursa." Snips said.

So this is the Ursa Major that Trixie was talking about?

"Yeah, vanquish it so we can watch." Snails said.

I just couldn't believe that in the face of danger, they can be just as stupid as anything else.

"It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here." Snips added.

Yep, they were indeed doubly stupid, I know I can be random but those two, let's not even go there.

"Wait! You brought this here, are you out of your little pony minds?" Trixie yelled.

"But, you're the great and powerful Trixie."

"Yeah, remember? You defeated an Ursa major." Snails asked.

We failed to notice that the Ursa was right in front of us, he growled once again and Trixie tried to be brave but I could tell that she was nervous.

"Uhhh, okay. Stand Back." she said.

Trixie then tried to use various kinds of magic to vanquish it, but they all backfired.

"Uh oh" I said to myself.

The bear growled and seeing an opening, they ran away. By now, the whole town began to notice the bear around Ponyville, the ponies screamed in terror. I wanted to use my alicorn magic to defeat it, but for some reason, I just couldn't, something was holding me back. I caught up with the three again, but this time, Twilight and Spike showed up.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked.

"We brought an ursa to town." Snips replied.

"You WHAT?" Twilight exclaimed.

"Don't worry, the Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it." Snails said.

"I can't…" Trixie confessed.

"WHAT?" Snips & Snails shouted.

There goes the bombshell. I guess she was smoke and mirrors after all, but still, I didn't want her to get hurt.

"Uh, I can't, I never have. No one can vanquish an Ursa Major. I just made the whole story up to make me look better." she added.

"Made it up?!"

The Ursa roared again and it looked like I would be the only one to save them, but then I'd risk losing what I was trying to gain. I was about to run the risk until Twilight moved forward in front of me.

"Bond, save your magic, I'll swallow what I have to lose if it means saving you all." Twilight said.

I breathed a sigh of relief, looks like it was now or never for Twilight.

She began using her magic, which caused a gentle breeze to flow by. Due to the wind, a soft lullaby played. The Ursa noticed this and changed its expression to a soothed one.

"Nice use of number sixteen." Spike announced.

Twilight then grabbed a water tower. She dumped the water inside and ran the empty tower through a barn filled with cows. When the tower came out, it was filled with milk.

"That's new." Spike also announced.

She screwed the top back on. The Ursa was beginning to doze off. It almost fell on Trixie, but I swooped in and grabbed her at the last second. I then took her out of harm's way and placed her down beside me, I'd never seen her so frightened by it all. After I rescued her, I looked back to see Twilight had stopped it and instead carried it over to the bottle, which he began sucking on as a baby.

Every pony came out to observe. I could see that Twilight was using a lot of strength to carry that Ursa back where it came from. Twilight finished and was panting, when every pony was cheering for her.

"Heavens to Betsy!" Applejack exclaimed. "We knew you had ability, but not that much!"

"I'm sorry." Twilight immediately replied. "Please, please don't hate me."

"Hate you?" Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack exclaimed.

"Why, whatever do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.

"Well, I know how much you all hated Trixie's showing off with her magic tricks, and I just thought-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Rainbow Dash cut off Twilight. "Magic's got nothing to do with it. Trixie's just a loudmouth."

"MOST unpleasant." Rarity added.

"All hat and no cattle." Applejack finished.

"So - you don't mind my magic tricks?" Twilight asked.

"Your magic is a part of who you are, sugarcube, and we like who you are. We're proud to have such a powerful, talented unicorn as our friend." Applejack explained. I nodded towards what she said.

"And after whipping that Ursa's hind quarters, we're even prouder." Rainbow Dash encouraged.

"You are?"

We all agreed and nodded.

"Wow, Twilight, how'd you know what to do with that Ursa Major?" Spike wondered.

"That's what I was doing when you came looking for me. I was so intrigued by Trixie's bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading up on them."

"So it IS possible to vanquish an Ursa Major all by yourself?"

"That wasn't an Ursa Major, that was a baby, an Ursa MINOR."

"THAT was just a BABY?" Trixie immediately questioned.

"And it wasn't rampaging; it was just cranky because SOMEONE woke it up." Twilight explained, directing the blame on the kids.

Every pony stared angrily at them.

"Well, if that was an Ursa Minor, then what's an Ursa Major like?" Spike asked.

"You don't wanna know." Twilight responded after thinking for a moment.

"Huh." Trixie walked over to Twilight. "You may have vanquished an Ursa Minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She popped out a screen of smoke, but once the smoke disappeared, every pony could see her retreating.

"Why that little..." Rainbow Dash began to fly towards Trixie, but Twilight stopped her.

"Just let her go. Maybe someday she'll learn her lesson." Twilight said to Dash.

I wanted to follow Trixie though, so I looked for a chance to sneak off when nopony was looking.

"Now, about you two." Twilight noticed Snips and Snails trying to sneak out.

"Uh we're sorry that we woke up the Ursa Minor." Snips said.

"We just wanted to see some AWESOME MAGIC." Snails said.

"Yeah! And the way you vanquished that Ursa Minor was AWESOME!"

Twilight looked at them, seriously.

They bowed down before her and spoke sulkily. "We deserve whatever punishment you give us."

By then, I had the chance to sneak away from Ponyville, I then flew up when nopony was looking and I began to look where Trixie went. It wasn't long before I saw a glimpse of her light blue body by a pond, outside the Everfree Forest. I landed on the ground and walked on up to her to see if she was feeling the same as before.

"Who's there?" Trixie sniffed.

"It's only me, are you alright?" I asked with concern.

"Oh it's you. *sniff* Does it look like I'm okay?"

"Well, you're in a forest, laying down and crying, so I guess not."

"Please, leave Trixie alone, *sniff* I don't want anypony to see me right now. *sniff".

She carried on cryin, I did feel sorry for her since she lost perhaps everything, but then again, it didn't excuse her for all her false bragging.

"Trixie, I'm not going to leave until you tell me why you have to be what you were earlier today and what could've made you be that way." I exclaimed.

"But I have nowhere to go, *sniff* my home is gone and all my personal things with it, too."

"Then, you haven't seen what I can really do. If you want a home, why not cheer up and watch me work my magic." I suggested.

Trixie then stopped crying and looked at me, I smiled back at her as she showed off the most beautiful eyes, despite the tears flowing down her face.

"Let me help you." I said to her, smiling.

"But, how come you didn't use your magic earlier?"

"I was saving it until the time was right, I could've used my magic earlier, but Twilight stepped in and risked what she thought she would lose for me. That makes her a pony who cares about her friends, me included."

I then held out my hoof as if offering to help her get back up on her hooves. "I'm Bond Racer by the way and now, I wanna be your first friend and maybe someday, I can also be that somepony who cares for you."

Trixie couldn't say a word and was surprised at my offer, seeing that she had nothing left to lose, she sighed.

"Alright, Bond, show me." she replied, accepting my offer to help her up. Looking at me, she showed a small smile.

"Come this way, there's a big patch for where I can show you my magic." I said as I held her hoof and walked with her into the Everfree Forest.

We came across the a big empty area in the forest which was the prefect place to make her a home.

"Alright Trixie, now watch as I give you a demonstration on how alicorn magic works.

Trixie nodded as she sat down on an empty log.

I began with creating a light around my horn and I lighted up the area so it was more clearer to see what I was doing. I flew up and with my wings keeping me above the ground, I began to work on building the house by pulling several trees from the ground, shredding the leaves and chopping down the branches. I then took a few and sawed them, turning them into wooden floors and laying them up in the centre of the big area, this would be the flooring of Trixie's new home.

Trixie had stopped feeling upset at this point and was more interested in how I showed my alicorn magic.

With the flooring in place, I began to build the walls with the remaining chopped trees, lining them up like a tower, making sure each wall was secure. With the walls in place and secured with my magic, I began to work on the roof with a chimney in mind. I then used a teleporting spell to teleport a huge bag of roof-tiles I had spare in my home, placing them on a wooden ceiling frame with a few more trees chopped.

Trixie was speechless at what I was doing and she was smiling a lot more.

I wasn't done yet though, she was missing windows, so I created two windows, one for the main room and one for her bedroom. With the exterior of the house done, it was time to get to work on the interior. I flew back down the ground to see Trixie crying happy tears, this made me smile and pleased to know that I wasn't showing off, I was helping her out.

I took her hoof and walked inside her new home. It was empty indeed, but I was going to change that. I started off creating a fireplace so the smoke could go through the chimney. Then I created a corner with utensils and a sink, which would be her kitchen. I finished off by having a table and chairs appear in the centre of the room and a sturdy bed in her bedroom.

The house was finally done and it looked very welcoming, my horn stopped glowing as I didn't need to use my magic anymore now.

"Welcome to your new home, Trixie. I'm sure you'll find it to your needs and give you a chance to get back on your hooves." I said to her.

Trixie galloped up to me and gave me a caring hug, then what happened was so unexpected, neither of us were even thinking of it...she kissed me...for a few seconds, before she pulled away, blushing away.

"Umm, I mean. Thank you, Bond...I can't say anymore. You were great and powerful in the end." she complimented.

"It was my pleasure, but I did all this, because I had faith in doing this for you."

"I wish I had your faith and your magic." Trixie said.

"Well, maybe someday when you learn to change and be for the better, you might."

"Yeah, about how I kissed you, I didn't meant for it to happen. I was just overwhelmed with emotions, because no other pony has ever done that for me, since my parents..."

"Your parents?" I asked.

"...I'm sorry Bond, I can't tell you that right now. Maybe another time when I get back up and perhaps find a job to help myself out."

"Alright. I'm sure you'll find a good job, it may or may not what you want it to be, but anything to make some bits."

"Thank you also for saving me when I was about to be squashed by that Ursa, maybe I'll see you soon...if you want to see the great and powerful Trixie again?"

I smiled back, moved towards Trixie, grabbed her face and I kissed her. Trixie was surprised at my odd but loving response, she soon succumbed to the kiss by closing her eyes.

"I do Trixie, but I'll give you as much time as you need until you wish to see me as well. But we'll have to keep it a secret."

"You're right, because nopony else knows about this." Trixie agreed.

"Alright, I've gotta go to my home now, the others will probably be wondering where I've gone off to." I said as I began to leave.

"Okay Bond, thank you again, I'll see you soon."

"Same to you."

We hugged once more before sharing a quick kiss. I opened the door and left Trixie's new home, I then flew up and began to leave the forest, but not before noticing a large shadow of something big flying into one of the mountains. It could've been a dragon, but I must've been seeing things, since Spike is the only dragon I know that lives around here.

I flew back to Ponyville and into my house, before getting undressed and into bed. As I lay in wait to fall asleep, I reflected on the events of today. I didn't hear one of Twilight's lessons this time, but I didn't feel like I needed to hear it from her when I learnt all that already when I was helping out with Trixie and showing my magic for good use. Speaking of which, it was quite special to see her go from a complete show off and bragger to a sensitive and happy mare. There was no need for words when we kissed, we were in love and we made a promise to have this relationship be a secret and we're going to keep that promise.

Dragonshy

I woke up to what may be a very busy day in Ponyville, but I had an inkling in my head as I thought back to when I saw a silhouette of something big flying over me last night, but I didn't think more of it as I may have been seeing things. I got myself ready for the day and left my house.

It was quite rare to see several ponies out in town today, I then looked above to see clouds of smoke approaching which was kinda odd since I didn't see any heavy rainfall along with it.

"No way, it can't be bonfire night, it's the daytime, unless a house is on fire..." I said to myself.

I walked along further into town to find Fluttershy in a state of worry.

"Help, help. Please?" Fluttershy yelled but in a quiet tone.

"Hi Fluttershy" I said to her, "What's wrong?"

"There's a horrible cloud of smoke."

"Oh, you mean the smoke I just saw?" I asked, pointing my hoof in the sky.

"Yes, it's heading this way and-" she squealed when Dash zoomed past before stopping, bouncing a ball on her head.

"Don't be such a scaredy pony. It's just me, future Equestria's ball bouncing record holder." Dash boasted.

I guess she completely forgot about what happened with yesterday's events.

"This calls for a celebration." Pinkie exclaimed.

"No Pinkie pie, this is no time for celebration." Fluttershy said, "This is a time for panic, for-"

"Oooh, I'm gonna need balloons." Pinkie interrupted. "One for everypony in Ponyville."

I was shaking my head since both Dash and Pinkie were oblivious to the smoke flying above them.

"LISTEN UP!" Twilight shouted who was standing on the bridge.

"Finally, about time somepony noticed." I spoke out loud, instead of thinking it which was met a few gazes.

"Smoke is spreading all over Equestria." she said.

Soon, the ponies began to notice.

"That's what Fluttershy's been trying to tell you." I exclaimed.

"But don't worry, I've just received a letter from Princess Celestia informing you that it's not coming from a fire."

"Oh thank goodness." Fluttershy sighed

"N'awww, I wanted to see a daylight bonfire." I said randomly which was met with confused looks at me again.

"It's coming from a dragon." Twilight stated.

The ponies gasped.

"A d-d-d-dragon?" Fluttershy spoke whilst shivering.

"Cool!" I yelled, "Always wanted to see a dragon, I wonder if I can take it on!"

"Ugh, this is no time to mess around." Twilight said to me, "Come on you three, we need to go to the Library."

I sighed and got back to being normal as we headed on to the library where Applejack and Rarity were waiting for us there. All seven of us headed on inside, whilst Twilight took out a book about dragons.

"What in the name of all of cinnamon sticks is a dragon doing here in Equestria?" Applejack asked.

"Sleeping" Twilight replied.

We were feeling a bit confused by then,

"According to Princess Celestia, he is taking a nap. His snoring is what's causing all the smoke."

"He should really see a doctor, that doesn't sound healthy at all." Pinkie said.

Hello new forum weapon, I said in my head and since when did Pinkie start having knowledge about health and safety.

"Well, at least he's not snoring fire." Rarity added. "What are we meant to do about it?"

"I know, how about I give him the old 1 2 3 and kick his backside out of here?" I asked happily.

But Twilight wasn't amused at my humour, "We need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else." she said, "Princess Celestia has given us this mission and we must not fail. If we do, Equestria will be covered in smoke for the next 100 years."

"Talk about getting your beauty sleep." Rarity said.

"Alright everypony, I need you to gather supplies quickly. We've got a long journey ahead of us, let's meet back here in less than an hour." Twilight said.

I decided to take the stand, "Okay girls, you heard her, the fate of Equestria is in our hooves. Do we have what it takes?"

They all replied with determination and left the library...well almost everypony.

"Umm, actually..." Fluttershy said quietly.

"Lemme guess, you don't want to be involved because you're afraid of the dragon?" I asked her.

"Umm...no..."

"But you're part of the elements of harmony, remember? You know how to take care of animals, don't you?"

"I do, but I have never looked after a d-d-d-dragon." she began to shiver again.

"I'm guessing Spike doesn't count?"

"He does, but he's not a big dragon."

"Well, I don't understand, why aren't you saying something about it to the others?"

"Because, they won't give me a chance."

I then thought of an idea that could help her, "I'll tell you what. Next time you wanna speak up, allow me to ask them to listen to you."

Fluttershy showed a bit of a smile, "Thank you, that would be kind of you."

So, nearly an hour later and we were all standing in a row as Twilight walked down the row like something out of the army. She may be good, but she's no Full Metal Jacket...I then realized I had a jelly doughnut in my pocket and I threw it away quickly.

"Alright you six, listen up. I'm mapping out the fastest route. But we've all got to keep a good pace, if we expect to make it up the mountain by noon." said Twilight.

"M-m-m-mountain?" Fluttershy shivered.

"The dragon is in that cave at the top.

"Looks pretty cold up there." Applejack said.

"You bet it is, the higher you go, the chiller it gets." Dash said.

"Good thing I brought my scarf," Rarity added as she put a scarf around her neck.

"Oooh, pretty." Pinkie complimented.

"Oh yeah, that'll keep you nice and cosy." Dash remarked.

Fluttershy gulped, I nudged a hoof as if to tell her that now is her chance to speak to Twilight, so she moved forwards to talk to Twilight as she pulled out a map.

"Um, excuse me Twilight." Fluttershy said to her, "I know you're busy right now."

"Uh-huh," Twilight replied who wasn't really paying attention to Fluttershy, "We could go this way."

"But if I could have just a second-"

"Uh-huh. No we wanna avoid that."

I rolled my eyes at Twilight not taking any notice of Fluttershy,

"So umm, I was thinking that umm...maybe, I should just stay here in Ponyville." Fluttershy said as she finally got to finish her sentence.

"Uh-huh." Twilight said.

"Oh, good. I'll stay here and..."

By now, Twilight finally noticed what Fluttershy was telling her, took her long enough.

"Wait, you have to come. Your way with wild animals will surely come in handy."

"I don't think I..."

"And don't worry about your animals and the meadow, Spike's got it all covered while you're gone." Twilight interrupted as Spike shows up with her small animals.

"You can count on me." he boasted before her put bunny stomps his head, causing the other animals to run away from Spike. "Hey, hey, wait!" he yelled, running after them which got me laughing on the inside.

"I don't think he is up to the task. Maybe...but...but...no." she squealed.

"Are you sure you want Fluttershy to come along? I mean that pony is afraid of her own shadow, she's just gonna slow us down." Dash said to Twilight quietly.

"Oh she's just a little nervous, once we get going, I'm sure she'll be fine."

We then heard another squeal as Fluttershy jumped into the hedges, trying to escape her shadow.

"I'll take Fluttershy myself, Twilight, you five go on ahead." I suggested.

"But we need her..."

I had to cut her off, "No buts Twilight, I understand we have an important mission to carry out, but Fluttershy needs sensitive support and you five haven't exactly been helping her get through her extreme nerves." I paused for a second, "Please, let me handle her nerves issue, trust me, she'll be better prepared when the time comes."

Twilight sighed, "Alright, do what you can to help Fluttershy, but don't take too long, we need her to drive the dragon away."

"It'll take time, but we'll be there. I promise you that." I said with confidence.

Twilight nodded, she then turned her attention to the others. "Alright girls, move out!"

Soon, they all galloped along the pathway out of town and on their way to the tall mountain. I looked at Fluttershy and helped her out of the hedges.

"Are you feeling any better, now that you're not going with them?" I asked her.

"Umm, I'm still scared but I feel a little better not to be facing that dragon."

Here, it was time for me to show a bit of understanding and explain to her, "Okay, I know how much this scares you and I understand completely that you don't want to go through with it."

Fluttershy nodded.

"But at the same time, this is an order from the Princess herself who has placed her trust in all seven of us to achieve, I'm sure the last thing you wanna do is let down the Princess because you weren't able to face your fears?"

"That's the other thing I'm afraid of, I don't wanna let the Princess down." Fluttershy said as she looked down at the ground.

This was when my tough love support kicked in, "Neither do I, but if there's one thing I've learnt from you and the others when I first got here, is that you can't keep hiding away from something that scares you when everypony else in the same group has to do it." I paused for a second, "I mean for example, how would you feel if you placed your trust in a group of ponies and one of them let the whole group down because of extreme shyness?"

It seems that I hit the nail on the head as Fluttershy perked up, "Oh, if that was to happen, I would understand but I would be really disappointed."

"Exactly, the point is that there will be times where you have to come out of your shell and this is one of those times. No matter what happens, when all of us are together, we can do anything like asking that big dragon to leave." I said with confidence.

Fluttershy thought for a moment, thinking that her friends could run into trouble soon if we don't get there in time, "My friends, we have to help them."

"Then if you are ready, hop on my back and we'll fly on over." I said as I opened up my wings.

"Alright, I'm ready to go." Fluttershy replied as she got on my back.

"Hold on tight, we're going supersonic!" I spoke with confidence as I flew up with Fluttershy and zoomed out of Ponyville, flying straight to the mountain. It didn't take long and to our amazement, we spotted the five ponies almost reaching the top when we arrived. I flew down towards what looked like an entrance to the cave with the cloudy smoke coming out.

"We're here, Twilight." I said to her.

"Ahhh, there you are and right on time too, we're just nearing the top." Twilight said to us.

"Was it still a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?" Dash asked quietly.

"We're about to find out..." Twilight said as we came across the cave entrance, "...we're here."

I began to wonder what was next in the plan before Twilight explained it for me.

"Rainbow Dash, you'll use your wings to clear the smoke."

Dash nodded as she flew up into the smoke.

"Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you'll create a diversion to distract the dragon if things get a little hairy in there."

Pinkie then brought out a rubber chicken and shook it with her mouth, leaving Rarity and Twilight puzzled.

"Applejack, be ready with the apples in case he decides to attack."

Applejack replied by bucking two apples, sending them to the tree and splattering across the tree.

"But it shouldn't come to that, because Fluttershy will do what she needs to do to wake him up and between the two of us, we should be able to get him to understand why he needs to go."

I followed all that clearly, but I was left with a question, "Umm, what about me, Twilight? The only alicorn member of the group and all?"

"Oops I forgot, if all else fails, you'll use your Alicorn strength and magic as a last resort, okay?"

I wasn't sure about how strong my magic was but I nodded and hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Is everypony ready?" Twilight asked.

We all replied that we were, except Fluttershy who didn't answer.

"Okay, we're going in." Twilight then went on inside, but Fluttershy didn't follow.

Twilight then came back out and was not pleased, "Come on, Fluttershy. We have to do this. Now!" she exclaimed.

Now I was beginning to feel irritated by how Twilight was once again, not letting Fluttershy speak up for herself. I decided to take the issue into my own hooves and go inside the cave first.

Twilight spotted me walking inside, "Bond, that's not part of the plan." she said.

I ignored her and went further into the cave, I was then at the centre and sure enough, it was indeed a red dragon sleeping and snoring out the cloud smoke, but he appeared to be laying on mountains of treasure, looks like I hit the jackpot first! I used my alicorn magic to sneakfully take a bag full of bits and place them in my suit pocket. However, the dragon began to awake as it opened up it's eyes and looked straight at me.

"Uh oh..." I whispered.

Suddenly, the dragon grew angry and let out a flames roar at me, I ducked just in time avoid getting burnt to a crisp by the flames as I speeded out of there, with the dragon following me.

"MAKE WAY! DRAGON RAMPAGE COMING THROUGH!" I shouted, exiting the cave before running into the tree, falling backwards and lying there in a daze.

The other ponies then shivered at the dragon showing out of the cave and roared, sending the other five into a rock that suddenly cracked. By then, I had regained my focus to see that Fluttershy was hiding inside the rock, but then noticed how hurt the six of us were.

"This is your chance, Fluttershy. Do it for us, do it for Equestria!" I yelled.

Fluttershy then looked at the dragon and that's when it all changed.

"How dare you..." Fluttershy said angrily at the dragon, "HOW DARE YOU!"

She the flew up and walked along the dragons mouth and looked at him right in the eyes.

"Listen  here, mister! Just because you're big, doesn't mean you get to be a bully! You may have huge teeth, sharp scails, snore smoke and breathe fire, but you do not, I repeat YOU DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS! You got that?!" she scolded at the dragon.

I was blown away by how brave she was being, the dragon then began to cower a little.

"Well?" Fluttershy asked the dragon.

"But that brown one stole my treasure." the dragon said.

"I sure did." I bragged.

"And I am very sorry about that." Fluttershy said.

Oh thanks for switching sides, Fluttershy, that's the last time I'm giving you advice, I thought to myself.

"But you're bigger than he is and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where you're snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures."

"But I..." the dragon tired to say.

"Don't you but I, mister. Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

Suddenly the dragon began to cry, now I was back to being impressed with Fluttershy again.

"There there, bad dragon, you just made a bad decision. Now go pack your things, you just need to find a new place to sleep, that's all." she then flew down to the ground as the dragon began to fly away.

We had all recovered by then, we ran over and gave Fluttershy a group hug.

"I knew you could do it." Twilight praised.

"Well, our work is done here and look, the smoke's gone too." I pointed out.

Twilight looked at me, "But we couldn't have done it without your help, Bond, you helped Fluttershy when she needed encouragement. This is gonna be one great letter to write to the Princess."

"Oh it's nothing really, just my amazing brain at work today."

"Come on ya'll, let's get back to Ponyville." Applejack said.

We all agreed as we walked downwards and to the bottom of the mountain and made the short walk back to town. By then, I could see the pegasuses all working and wiping the remains of the smoke away and some creating rainclouds.

"Spike, take a letter." Twilight said.

Spike sighed, dropping the bunny he was holding. "With pleasure."

"Dear Princess Celestia..." Twilight spoke. " I am happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and that it was my good friend, Fluttershy, who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught me to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength, and can help you overcome even your greatest fears. Always your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight! You gotta come see this!" Applejack yelled. We ran outside to see Rainbow Dash bouncing a ball on her head. "She's just five away from a new pony record!"

"Three hundred forty-seven, three hundred forty-eight..." Rainbow Dash counted.

Some pony had roared, causing Rainbow Dash to drop the ball. "Dragon!" Rainbow Dash fell to the floor.

Every other pony began laughing.

"Why are you laughing? That awful dragon is back!" She stood back up.

Pinkie Pie had walked up to her and roared loudly again.

"Pinkie Pie, you scared me...I mean, uh, you... broke my concentration."

Fluttershy flew near her. "It's okay, Rainbow Dash. Not every pony can be as brave as me."

Rainbow Dash blew a leaf that was floating in the air. The leaf swerved over to Fluttershy and landed on her back. Fluttershy screamed and fell to the floor. We all laughed at that moment, before I picked her up.

"Oh and umm, thank for giving me support when I needed it." Fluttershy said.

"It's okay, best friends always help each other, no matter what it is." I said.

She gave me a friendly hug which I accepted, before she went to the Library to pick up her animals and take them home.

Dash and Pinkie decided to call it a day as they both went to their homes.

Applejack and Rarity though had work to do shortly for some reason, but I didn't offer as I thought they could handle it.

Making my way back to my home, I grabbed some food from the cupboards as I was feeling very hungry after taking on that dragon. I then took out my small bag of bits that I snuck out from the cave and placed them in my bits jar, I never knew when I would need them. After my dinner, I then took a quick nap and had a quick dream about me and Trixie, wondering on when will I see her again...

Look Before You Sleep

I woke up from my quick nap and looked out the kitchen window to see the pegasuses gathering rainclouds and blocking out the moonlight. At first, I was confused on why they were doing that, only to then remember that this was to do with creating a rainfall for environment reasons, although I didn't pay attention the details or the true purpose, I was too busy being random in my mind at the time.

I headed on out to see a few other ponies helping out on the ground, taking down tree branches, I noticed Applejack and Rarity were there too, probably helping out. AJ was lassoing the branches down in her own cowpony way, but Rarity was more interested in making the branches and leaves look fabulous, I walked over to see how they were doing and if they needed help.

"Hey there you two, I see the event with the dragon we had, didn't tire you down." I cheekily said.

"No way, sugarcube. It's gonna take more than a red dragon with a snoring issue to take us down." Applejack bragged.

"Especially when I still get to have my mane still looking fabulous." Rarity added as she used her magic to turn the leaves on a tree branch into pony shaped leaves. "Perfect." she said.

Just then, Applejack lassoed the branch down, this caused Rarity to frown.

"Just take the broken branches down, Rarity. Don't ya'll care about anything other than prettifying?" she asked.

"Somepony has to, you're making an absolute mess of this part of the town, Applejack." Rarity complained.

"Yeah well, the storm's gonna make an even bigger mess if we don't prune all these lose branches, so they don't tumble down on anypony."

"I simply cannot imagine why the pegasi ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could've been a glorious evening."

"Think more practical like will ya?" Applejack asked, "They accidentally skipped a sprinkle season last week, so we need a douse of a downpour to make up for it is all.

"Well, that would explain why the recent days I've had, have been nothing but sunshine." I said to them, before getting back on what I wanted to ask, "But that's not what I came to say, I was meant to ask, do you need my help with anything?"

"Sure we do, could you take those branches on those last few trees down?" Applejack pointed to me the trees with branches.

I nodded as I walked over and used my magic to bring down the branches and the leaves. But then, I felt a drip, looks like it was about to rain, but I didn't mind, I was in my suit and shoes after all.

"Oh no! My wonderfully styled mane will be ruined!" Rarity whined.

"Ya should've hurried up and finished the job already." Applejack said who didn't seem to mind the rain.

I could only giggle at Rarity's battle against anything icky as I finished off my work on the tree branches...but since my random mood was active, I used a small twig to write Santander on one of the branches. I vowed that I would keep it at my house until Equestria starts having credit card technology and that a local branch would be built in Ponyville.

The rainfall was about to really kick in and I started getting a bit soaked. I went to check on Applejack and Rarity who seemed to be not on good terms. I was wondering what was happening between them, until we heard our names being called.

"Applejack! Rarity! Bond!" a voice shouted from afar.

We looked to see that it was Twilight calling for us, "Come inside you three, quick!"

We galloped to Twilight's home and inside, except for Applejack who stopped outside.

"Woah nelly! Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightening storm?" she asked.

"It is if you have a magical lightening rod protecting your home like I do." Twilight answered.

"Awww no fair, I want one." I spoke out, randomly.

"Well maybe if you master your alicorn magic, you can have one too." Rarity cheekily replied which made Twilight giggle.

No way, did Rarity just owned me...why that little white marshmallow!

"Come on in," Twilight said.

"Oh, we are most grateful for your invitation." Rarity replied.

"Thank you kindly for your hospitality..." Applejack said before being cut-off as Rarity pointed to her hooves being muddy.

"Uhh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?" Rarity asked.

I heard Applejack muttering grumpily as Rarity and I walked on in and closed the door.

"Some storm, huh?" Twilight asked, "The pegasi ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you three don't have any trouble getting home."

"It may indeed be a problem." Rarity replied who wasn't sure.

"Probably for me too, since my suit is a little bit soaked at the moment." I added.

"Well, you're both welcome to stay if need be. Spike was summoned to Canterlot to help out on royal business. I'm all home alone tonight." Twilight then gasped, "You and Applejack should have a slumber party, I always wanted one of those."

Oh no, a slumber party where it's all girly and all that jazz. I wasn't a fan of those, not even when my sister tried to get me into them. Twilight noticed my expression and realized I wasn't a mare, I was 100% all stallion baby!

"Oh, but you're a male pony, so this probably won't be your thing."

"I'm afraid not, maybe I should get back to my home..." I said as I opened the door before I was taken back by the noise of the thunder and lightening. The rainfall looked too furious to walk through, so I guess I had to stay here for the time being until the rain subsides.

"That was close, Bond. My library has plenty of books that can be right for you." Twilight suggested.

"Alright then, I'll have a look at some." I replied.

"Good, make yourself at home."

So I went over to the books to see if there were a few that caught my interest as I listened over Twilight's conversation with Rarity.

"Oh! Uh, goodness. Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now." Rarity laughed nervously. "Ah, silly me, I can't possibly stay here all night - with Applejack."

Twilight walked up to her shelf and brought out a book. She opened the book to Rarity and revealed the contents inside.

"Slumber 101: All You've Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask." Rarity read out loud.

"My own personal copy. It's a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents. I've been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great!"

"Yes, uh, great." Rarity laughed nervously.

Outside, Applejack was still trying to wash the mud off her hooves using a hose, but she had some trouble with it, I tried not to, but I couldn't resist letting out a giggle.

"Well, let's get started, shall we?" Rarity suggested.

They began to grab, whatever it was they used for face masks, so I decided I would just leave them to their fun. I began looking around at the shelves, seeing if I could find something to read.

"What in tarnation..." I heard Applejack. "Now wait just a goll-darn minute. Ya make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it's okay for you all to have mud all over your faces?"

"Silly! This is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion." Rarity replied.

"We're giving each other makeovers! Tee-hee!" Twilight added. I heard excitement in her voice. "We have to do it, it says so in the book."

"Slumber 101: Everything You... Oh hey, heh, would ya look at the time. Ah gotta skedaddle on home quick. Ah'm mighty late for, uh, for somethin'. Uh, g'night." Thunder roared outside. "Or maybe Ah'll stay here for a spell."

"Hurray slumber party!" Twilight yelled in excitement.

"Blah. What in the world is this for?"

I heard Rarity sigh. "To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course."

"Puffiness-schmuffiness! That's good eatin'!" Applejack made some loud chewing noises.

"Tee-hee! Isn't this exciting? We'll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun."

"Did you hear that, Applejack? You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight's very first slumber party, would you?" Rarity smirked

"Of course not, and you wouldn't either, ah reckon." Applejack answered back.

"So do we have an agreement?"

"You betcha." I assumed Applejack spit in her hoof afterwards.

"Oh! Gross! You know, there's messy and there's just plain rude."

"You know, there's fussy and there's just plain getting on my nerves."

"Fortunately, I can get along with any pony, no matter how difficult SHE may be."

"Oh yeah? Well, ah'm the get-alongin'ist pony ya ever gonna meet."

"That's not even a word."

"This is going to be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!" I heard Twilight say in the middle of the argument.

I wasn't interested in how the slumber party was going. I was paying attention to a couple of books that caught my eye and I was reading them in the upper floor of the home. It was all quiet at least, away from the girly chattering or whatever goes on in slumber parties nowadays. I was getting into reading a second book I found when I heard screams coming from downstairs, so I went down to see what was happening. Only to see Twilight with her slumber party book.

"Ghost stories, check." Twilight said as she crossed it off in the book checklist."Now, who wants s'mores?"

Finally, something that I could do in a slumber party besides reading away.

"Oh, I do, I do!" I exclaimed.

We went into the kitchen, where Applejack began roasting marshmallows on a nearby fireplace while Rarity was going over the instructions on making a smore.

"Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate and be sure it's centred - that's critical - and then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. And done. Ta-da!"

"Ooo!" Twilight gazed at the treat.

"Nah, ya just eat 'em." Applejack munched loudly on the treat as Rarity stared at her, very annoyed.

Applejack belched.

Rarity sighed. "You could at least say excuse me."

"I was just about to, but you interrupted me." Applejack replied. "Pardon."

I had one that I made myself, Rarity was right, these were tasty.

"S'mores, check. Now the next item of fun we have to do is Truth or Dare." Twilight announced, writing in her book.

"I dare Applejack to do something carefully and neatly for a change." Rarity began fighting.

Looks like it's about to kick off between those two again...

"Oh yeah? Well ah dare Rarity ta lighten up and stop obsessing over every last little detail, for a change." Applejack fought back.

"I think the truth of the matter is that SOME pony could stand to pay a little more attention to details."

"And I think the truth is SOME pony oughta quit with her fussin' so the rest of us can get things done."

Twilight walked over to her book and flipped through the pages. "Um, I don't think this is how the game's supposed to work. You have to give an honest answer to any question or do whatever any pony dares you to do."

"I dares you to step outside and let your precious, tidy mane get ruined again!" Applejack began first.

Rarity gasped.

"You have to. It's the rule." Twilight backed up.

"HAH!" Applejack laughed.

"Fine!" Rarity slowly walked to the door and then outside, letting herself get drenched in the rain. Applejack snickered as she came back in with her mane and tail shivering. Applejack began laughing but was cut short when Rarity walked straight towards her.

"Okay! I dare Applejack to play dress-up in a fru-fru, glittery, lacey outfit!"

Applejack gasped, but she walked away to put on her outfit. When she came back, she was wearing, what appeared to be, a princess outfit.

"Happy?" She asked.

"Very." Rarity, replied, giving a smirk.

"Um, do I ever get a turn?" Twilight asked, trying not to interrupt.

This was getting a bit out of control and if something wasn't done soon, there would be a fallout incoming.

"I dare ya to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town." Applejack commenced.

"I dare you not to enter the next rodeo that comes to town." Rarity replied.

"Umm, could you two stop now?" I asked, but to no avail.

"I dare ya to not comb your mane a hundred times before bed."

"And I dare you to comb yours just once."

Twilight slammed the book down the floor in anger.

Suddenly, Rarity and Applejack stopped and looked at Twilight. I could see that she was a little angry and upset at them both, she then turned and ran upstairs without a word.

"Well, are you two happy now?!" I asked them as they looked, feeling guilty on how they behaved tonight.

"What is your problem towards each other? Why are you acting like this now compared to earlier today?"

Rarity and Applejack didn't seem to reply, which didn't help.

"I'm disappointed in you both. You're part of the seven elements and you should know better than to exchange petty arguments when you're guests in a pony's home who's trying to be close friends with you."

"Ah know that, it's just that Rarity started it by foolin' around with the branches and not taking them down like we were supposed to." Applejack explained.

"Actually, it was you who started it when you criticized the way I behave with everything I do." Rarity snapped back.

"This is exactly what I mean. But right now, there's a purple pony upstairs crying her eyes out who needs her FRIENDS...and whether you like it or not, you're going to help me and cheer up Twilight." I snapped.

"Ya right, Bond. We're sorry." Applejack apologized

"It's not me, you need to apologize to." I said "Afterwards, I think we'll call it a night and try to get some sleep."

"I can agree to that, let's go and help our dear Twilight." Rarity added.

We walked up the stairs to Twilight's bedroom and we saw Twilight on her bed, wiping her eyes.

"Twilight, are you alright?" I asked calmly.

"Why did it had to happen tonight? All I wanted was a slumber party." Twilight cried.

I held out my hooves and pulled her into a hug, which she accepted.

"I know you did, it's just that Applejack and Rarity have been exchanging petty arguments all evening. But they're here now and they have something to say." I then looked at them both, "Don't you?"

I pulled out of the hug as Rarity and Applejack went towards Twilight.

"We do, dear. I'm sorry for my behaviour tonight. I don't know what came over me." Rarity apologized.

"Ah'm sorry as well, Twilight. Ah didn't mean for it to get out of hoof and ruin ya slumber party" Applejack added, apologizing too.

Twilight smiled a little at them both, she got off her bed and hugged both of them separately.

"It's been a long day for us, from sending that dragon away to this. We should get some sleep and I don't think there's anything else that could possibly go wrong." I stated.

Suddenly, lightening struck the tree that was outside Twilight's home. Me and my big mouth...

"Ya see, that's why we needed to take all those branches down in town." Applejack said. "Not spiffy them up."

"But I..." Rarity got cut off.

"Outta mah way missy, times are wasting."

She then opened up the window and pulled out a rope to lasso and tie around the top part of the tree.

"Wait, stop, don't!" Rarity yelled.

"No waiting, no nothin'!"

The broken part of the tree was now balanced with the tied rope.

"And that my friends is what we call gettin' her done."

She then pulled the rope towards her, but the broken part was bigger than we thought and it was about to come crashing down. I knocked Applejack out of the way but I ended up falling with the tree on the bedroom floor and now I was stuck.

"ARGH!" I screamed in pain "MEDIC!" I also shouted out of nowhere.

"Bond!" Twilight yelled, "Can you move?"

As much as I tried, I wasn't able to. "No...I'm stuck-ow!"

"I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here." Rarity said as she covered her mane with a book.

"Well you should've tired harder." Applejack snapped before noticing Rarity placing books on Twilight's shelf, "What in tarnation are y'all doin' over there?"

"Cleaning up this mess SOME pony made. Who was that again? Oh, right, that's YOU." Rarity responded.

"We gotta do somethin'!" Applejack exclaimed. She tried kicking the tree, pulling the tree with a rope, jumping on the tree, and any other way to get rid of the tree. "Rarity, for pony's sake, stop sweatin' the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!" Rarity only glanced back and then continued placing the books back. "Ah said hussle over here and help me!" Rarity didn't listen. "Look, ahm sorry, all right?"

"What was that?" Rarity asked.

"Ah said ah'm sorry!" Applejack yelled through the storm. "I shoulda listened to you when you noticed where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin' attention to detail woulda saved us from this whole mess. But right now, ya need to stop bein' so dang fussy pickin' up all those little things and help me move the one big thing in here that actually matters! Please!"

Rarity finally looked over at the tree when Applejack said that. She looked like she wanted to help, but she was worried about something. "Uh. Uh, but I'll get all icky!" She exclaimed.

"Consarnit! What the... eh... you... Ah mean, yes, ickiness is often a side effect of hard work. But y'all need to get over it, on account ah just can't fix this mess ah made myself. Ah need your help!"

Rarity hesitated for a moment, and then thought. Finally she looked toward Applejack. "Oh. Let's do this."

Rarity walked over to Applejack and they both talked for a moment, sharing a plan. Rarity and Applejack began to get to work. Rarity used her magic to make the tree into a bunch of small ornaments instead. Much to my relief, I was free at last, minus a few cuts and a big one where I was bleeding a little, I wasn't badly hurt.

Applejack was about to kick the bottom of the tree out the window, but she noticed Rarity's look on her face and paused. She placed her feet down and turned around. She grabbed the stump instead and lightly threw it out the window. Applejack closed the window, and the chaos died down. Rarity looked at herself. She was covered in mud and leaves.

"U-ugh. Oh, I look awful" Rarity said.

Applejack thought for a moment and thought up of an idea. She grabbed a couple of the eye pieces used in spas and placed them on Rarity's eyes.

"Better?" Applejack asked.

"Hm, thanks." Rarity responded.

They both hugged.

Twilight helped me to get up and had me looked over and from a small cabinet, she wrapped a bandage around my big cut and a couple of plasters around the small cuts. I was hurting still, but I felt much better with other things that were back to normal.

A few minutes later and we were having fun with a few games, something they should've had all along, I then noticed the time.

"Well, I think it's time I left. The rain has died down a lot, making it tolerable for me to travel home at the moment." I said.

"Awww, but we need a stallion to keep company through the night." Rarity smirked.

"Oh you, Rarity." I then turned to Twilight, "But before I go, I'll happily hear what you've learnt about tonight."

This cheered up Twilight a lot as she found a quill and started to write.

"Dear Princess Celestia, it's hard to believe that two ponies who seem to have so little in common could ever get along. But I found out that if you embrace each other's differences, you might just be surprised to discover a way to be friends after all!" Twilight had finished her letter.

"That I can agree with, well, time for me to leave, goodnight you three." I said to them as I began to leave Twilight's home.

"Okay Bond, have a goodnight as well and take it easy with those cuts." Twilight replied.

"I will indeed."

I then went downstairs, opened the door and left the library, before galloping back to my home but taking care of my cuts and getting inside. It was good to be in my home again after all the girly stuff. Climbing into my bed carefully, I recapped over everything that happened today.

That's two friendship lessons learnt in one day, hard to believe that one minute, we were dealing with a dragon at the mountain with Fluttershy coming out of her shell and the next minute, I intervened in a petty argument before Rarity and Applejack made up and helped Twilight have the best first slumber party ever. Speaking of which, I still didn't find it to be my thing, but it was good to hang out with them as very good friends. I could only think about getting some sleep and never mind thinking of what to do the next day.

Bridle Gossip

After a couple of windy days with showers of rain, I woke up to a glorious day of sunshine. It was a Sunday and it looked to be quite a hot day too, so there was no need for my suit and shoes today. I left the house to start my calm and peaceful Sunday when I looked around to see nopony was out, all the doors and windows were closed and I spotted a tumbleweed blowing across town, it was the perfect setting for a ghost town.

Apart from one strange looking pony that was digging at the ground and was dressed in one brown coat, covering the whole body and head. I was curious to know who that was and see if she was a visitor or something. I trotted on over to greet the pony if she was one.

"Hello there, are you visiting?" I asked.

It didn't reply.

"Well, the least you can do is reveal yourself so that I know what you are."

Soon, the hood was lifted down by a hoof to find...a zebra!

"A zebra? I didn't know Africa existed in Equestria." I said in confusion.

The giggling confirmed that it was a she, "The name is Zecora, brave one. But I am not here for any fun." she greeted.

Oh, I guess Zecora is a poet and I didn't even know it.

"I'm Bond Racer and fun? Oh wait, you mean you're doing something busy?" I pondered.

"Yes, I am looking for a herb for my brew, you don't have the herb I need, do you?

"I'm afraid not, I hope you find it."

I then walked further on and into Sugercube corner as I could hear several voices.

"Just look at those stripes, so garish." Rarity said.

"Hey there all of you." I said to them, "Before you ask, she's a zebra."

"A what?" everypony gasped except Twilight.

"A zebra and her stripes aren't a fashion choice, Rarity, they're what she was born with." Twilight stated.

Rarity gasped and fainted in her own way.

"Born where?" Applejack asked, "Ah've never seen a pony like that in these parts, except her."

"Well, she's probably not from here and she's not a pony. My book says that zebras come a far away land, but I've never seen her in Ponyville." Twilight explained. "Where does she live?"

"That's just it, she lives in the Everfree Forest" Applejack said nervously.

Suddenly, there was a loud clash of utensils coming from the kitchen.

"Spike!" Twilight yelled.

"Uh, sorry." Spike said quietly.

"The Everfree Forest just ain't natural, the plants grow."

"Animals care of themselves." Fluttershy added.

"And the clouds move..." Rainbow Dash added in.

"...all on their own." all three finished, with Rarity fainting again.

"Pfffft, hahahaha! Stop it you all, you're killing me with these jokes!" I exclaimed in fits of laughter.

Twilight didn't seem amused by it all though. Spike was right. she really does need to lighten up.

"And that wicked enchanted Zecora has minions doing her evil uh stuff." Pinkie exclaimed, "Why, she's so evil, I wrote a song about her."

"Please, not another one of your pointless songs, Pinkie." I sighed.

"Here we go." Dash said, rolling her eyes.

After a moment of her random singing, she finished in a strange monster pose.

"Wow catchy." Twilight said sarcastically.

"It's a work in progress." Pinkie said.

"This is all just a lot of gossip and rumours. Now tell me, what have you actually seen Zecora do?"

"Well. Once a month, she's comes into Ponyville." Dash said.

"Then, she lurks by the stores." Rarity added.

"And then, she digs at the ground." Fluttershy finished.

All the while, Twilight responded to each answer with total sarcasm. Once again, I found it hard not to laugh.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry to find this all funny, but how's any of this bad?" I asked, "Maybe she comes to town for a visit."

"Yeah, maybe she's just tryin' to be neighbourly." Applebloom added who I just realized was with them too, I need glasses.

"And maybe she's not lurking by the stores, maybe she's just going to them, lurk free, to do some shopping?" Twilight thought.

"Yeah, everypony likes to shop. Ya know what ah think-" Applebloom than got interrupted.

"Applebloom, hush and let the big ponies talk!" Applejack told her.

"Ah am a big pony." Applebloom muttered as she walked off.

Well, that was rude, AJ. I thought to myself.

"What about the digging at the ground? You gotta admit, that is weird." Dash said.

"What if she's digging for innocent creatures?" Fluttershy worried.

"I'm sure there's an explanation for everything that Zecora does." Twilight assured "And if anypony were actually brave enough to approach her, she or he would find out the truth."

"Well ah'm brave enough, ah'm gonna find out myself." Applebloom said quietly as she opened the front door when nopony was looking. I was however, but I didn't think to stop her as it wouldn't help anything.

"You ponies are being ridiculous." Twilight yelled.

"Well, I heard that Zecora eats HAY!" Pinkie Pie replied.

"Pinkie, I eat hay, YOU eat hay!"

"Yeah, but I heard it's the EVIL way she eats hay."

"Hey! Where's Applebloom?" Applejack asked.

"The door's open." Fluttershy pointed out.

"She went outside!" Rarity cried out.

"And Zecora's still out there!" Rainbow Dash added into the fear.

"That silly lil' filly! I told her to stay put!" Applejack said.

Every pony began running out the door, hastily. Twilight started for the door too, but before she left, she spoke to Spike. "Spike, you stay here in case Apple Bloom comes back."

"Will do!" Spike replied as she headed back into the kitchen.

We then left Sugarcube corner and out of Ponyville, making our way into the Everfree Forest. It wasn't long before we spotted Applebloom and Zecora who I saw earlier but the others didn't know I spoke with her. They ran into the blue flowers, I was about to go in myself, but my alicorn instincts told me not to, so I stood back.

"Applebloom?" Applejack yelled.

Applebloom gasped and looked back at us.

"You git back here right now!" Applejack shouted.

"Beware! Beware, you pony folk!" Zecora exclaimed. "Those leaves of blue are not a joke!"

"Y-you keep your creepy mumbo-jumbo to yerself, ya hear?" Applejack exclaimed while picking up Applebloom.

Every other pony agreed with Applejack, standing against Zecora, except Twilight.

Twilight sighed. "Oh brother."

"Beware! Beware!" Zecora warned for the last time as she disappeared into the mist of the jungle.

"Yeah, back at ya, Zecora! You and your... lame curse are the ones who better beware!" Rainbow Dash continued to fight back with words.

"And you! Why couldn't you just listen to yer big sister?" Applejack asked Applebloom.

"Ah...ah..." Applebloom tried to say something.

"Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?"

"Just like in my song!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, singing her song.

"You guys, there's no such thing as curses!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Well, that's interesting to hear coming from Miss Magic Pants herself." Rainbow Dash responded.

"My magic, REAL magic, comes from within. It's a skill you're born with. Curses are artificial, fake magic. It's conjured with potions and incantations, all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. But curses have no real power, they're just an old pony tale."

"Just you wait, Twilight." Applejack replied in an eerie mood. "You're gonna learn that some pony tales really are true."

I stood still and looked around, as coming here in the forest gave me an idea that I could go and check up on Trixie and see how she's doing, Twilight saw me standing still as the others began to leave through the blue flowers.

"Are you coming, Bond?" she asked.

"Not yet, I'll be back in town later, I can fly out of here in case anything goes bad." I replied.

"Okay, we'll meet you again tomorrow." Twilight then left the forest with the others.

I then turned around, flew up and began to look for Trixie's home that I built several days ago. Spotting the big area in the forest, the house was there and it was in a strong condition when I built it. I flew down to outside her house and noticing it was sunset, I had to double time the visit so I could get back to Ponyville before night time when the forest becomes more menacing.

"Hello, are you home, Trixie?" I asked.

I got no reply, until I spotted a note on the door.

It said the following:

Greetings to anypony who finds this house. Unfortunately, I am not at home right now as I am away on a job search all over Equestria. I will be back soon when I have a job, so come back another time.

PS, if you see this, Bond Racer, I still love you.

Trixie <3

I was disappointed to find that she wasn't home, but it was good to know that she had faith in changing for the better whilst being herself and that she still loved me which made me feel warm inside. I then flew up and headed on back to the town into my home, noticing that it was beginning to go dark. Heading on in to my home, I went straight to bed and began to fall asleep, thinking back to all that happened today.

Waking up the next day, I went out and over to Twilight's library to see how she was doing. I walked on over and to my surprise, I saw the other five mares present along with Applebloom and I gasped at how they were looking on closer inspection. Twilight's horn was wobbly with blue dots, Pinkie's tongue had grown too big and was spitting everywhere, Rarity's body was covered all over in a wrinkly mane, Applejack had shrunk down was carried on Applebloom's back, Rainbow Dash kept crashing into walls, but Fluttershy looked normal to me, but I can tell that she didn't feel normal.

"What is it, Fluttershy? Is something wrong?" I asked her.

Fluttershy shied away until she said, "I don't wanna talk about it." in a very low monotone voice.

We all opened our eyes wide, before Spike burst out laughing.

"Haha, this is hilarious! Look at you six, we've got harirty, rainbow crash, spitty pie, appletini, flutterguy and umm...I got nothing." he said, looking at Twilight.

"I've got one, Twilight flopple." I said randomly.

Spike and I then started laughing again.

Twilight wasn't amused. "Oh haha!" she laughed sarcastically. "This is no time for jokes! Now Spike, start looking for more books, so I can find a cure."

Spike groaned while Rainbow Dash continued to pull herself out of a ladder she had crashed in to. Once she broke free, she spoke to Twilight while flying unbalanced.

"I think we'll find a cure to this curse at Zecora's place!"

"It's not a curse!" Twilight exclaimed, making Rainbow Dash crash again.

"Ah agree with Dash! We'll go to Zecora's and force her to remove this hex!" Applejack agreed.

"It's not a hex either!" Twilight argued.

"I don't care what you say." Rainbow Dash responded. "It's time to pony up and confront Zecora. Come on, girls; are you with me?"

"Ah am-pft!" Pinkie Pie spat.

"And I as well." Rarity added.

"Uh, I don't know. Seems awfully dangerous." Fluttershy gave her opinion, leaving Spike to only giggle again.

"How about you, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash asked. She looked over to where Applejack was supposed to be, but she wasn't there. "Applejack?"

"Pf-she's gone-pft!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Rarity screamed. "Aah! Or somepony stepped on her!" She checked her hooves, causing every other pony to check as well.

"... or sat on her?" Twilight added. Every pony checked there too.

"Rarity's hair!" Rainbow Dash offered.

Pinkie Pie began searching through Rarity's hair. "Oh! OH! Pinkie, what are you doing?" Rarity exclaimed. " Ah, really. Aah! You ever hear of personal space?"

"Nopthe." Pinkie Pie replied, shaking her head.

"Applebloom is gone too!" Twilight cried out.

"I bet they went after Zecora!" Rainbow Dash responded.

"Well we better go find them." Twilight began walking out. "Come on ponies, let's go."

Pinkie Pie had her hoof on a strand of Rarity's hair, causing her to be unable to move.

"Oh dear." Rarity announced. "This is so unseemly. Auuuaah!" Rarity broke free.

Rainbow Dash was flying upside down on the floor. "Hey, a little help here?"

"Oopsie! Sorry." Fluttershy said, helping Rainbow Dash along with Pinkie Pie, which only caused her to crash again.

"Uh... Spike? Are you coming?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nope! Uh... gotta stay here and look for a cure." Spike answered.

I rolled my eyes and sprinted by Fluttershy on the way to the Everfree forest.

We arrived, already galloping into the forest with no hesitation.

"C'mon. We've got to get to Zecora's. Hurry!" Twilight announced.

We all then galloped into the forest and quick as we could, despite a few setbacks with Rarity tripping up and Dash crashing into trees. But most of us came across a big treehouse with strange decorations, this must be Zecora's home. Whilst Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, wondered what was going on, I walked closely and watched through a window to find Zecora standing over a cauldron, possibly mixing up something.

"Hmm, the perfect temperature for ponies I presume, now where is that little Applebloom?" Zecora wondered to herself.

I was confused by what she meant, but this freaked out the mares which was when Dash along with tiny Applejack found us, but crashed through the tree-door, messing up most of Zecora's home.

We went inside to see a lot of damage done and Zecora not pleased.

"No! You know not what you've do! You've gone and spilled my precious brew!" she exclaimed.

"We're onto you Zecora. I didn't want to believe that you cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming!" Twilight stated.

"You made me look ridiculous!" Rarity added.

"You made me SOUND ridiculous!" Fluttershy emphasized.

With incoherent speech, Pinkie Pie joined in.

"You ruined my horn!" Twilight finished.

"How DARE you! You destroy my home, destroy my work. Then rudely accuse me of being a jerk?" Zecora responded, defensively.

"You put this curse on us, now you're gonna uncurse us." Rainbow Dash demanded.

"It is unwise to venture down this road. Your actions will make my anger explode!"

"Where IS Applebloom?" Twilight demanded and began shoving her head at Zecora's.

"GIRLS!" I shouted, realizing I couldn't take it anymore. "Can you stop all these accusations for a moment?"

"Zecora!" A familiar voice exclaimed. "I think I found all the things ya asked for." It was Applebloom, she had walked in and noticed the situation. "What in Ponyville is goin' on here? "

Applejack gasped. "Applebloom! You're okay!"

Applebloom smiled. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Twilight jumped in front of Applebloom. "Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you up into soup!"

Zecora and Applebloom began laughing, I joined in the laughter as well.

"Oh Twilight. Did those silly fillies finally get in yer head? You know there's no such thing as a curse." Applebloom said.

"Apple Bloom, sweetie. You can't just stand there and tell me this isn't a curse." Twilight replied, presenting the others' misfortunes.

"This isn't a curse." I said on Applebloom's behalf. "Besides, didn't you stop to think why I didn't go into the blue flowers and you six did? I had a bad feeling about the plant, but you all were being too stubborn about Zecora's appearance to notice that."

"He is correct." Zecora agreed, "If you remember back, the words I spoke were quite exact."

We remembered the words she said yesterday.

"It was a warning, about that blue plant, it's called poison joke." Applebloom explained.

"That plant is much like poison OAK. But its results are like a joke." Zecora added.

"What in the hay does that mean?" Applejack asked, still lingering on top of Zecora's head.

"It means this plant does not breed wrath. Instead this plant just wants a laugh." Zecora replied.

Applejack stood silent for a moment, trying to translate what Zecora had just said. "... Will somepony please talk normal?"

"I think what she's saying is that when we ran in to save Apple Bloom, we ran into the poison joke. All our problems are just little jokes that played on us." Twilight responded.

"LITTLE JOKES? Very funny…" Applejack replied sarcastically.

"Ok, fine. But what about the cauldron?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"And the chanting?" Fluttershy added.

"And the creepy decor?" Rarity joined.

"Treasures of the native land where I am from." Zecora looked over to the couple of masks that lay against the wall. "This one speaks 'hello', and this 'welcome'."

"Not welcoming at ALL, if you ask me." Rarity replied.

"The words I chanted were from olden times. Something you call a nursery rhyme." Zecora explained.

"But the cauldron... The Apple Bloom soup?" Twilight questioned.

"Lookie here Twilight. That pot of water wasn't for me, it was for all these herbal ingredients." Applebloom pointed to a nearby book that contained ancient recipes for cures. "The cure for poison joke is a simple all-natural remedy. You just gotta take a bubble bath!"

Twilight read over the book and continued to wonder. "But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn't find anything." She said as her horn continued to wobble. "What book has this natural remedy?"

Zecora walked over to the book and closed it, showing the cover. "Here is the book you see. Sad that you lack it in your library."

Twilight looked disappointed. "Actually, I do have this book, but I didn't look inside because the title was so... Weird." Zecora opened the book again, showing Twilight a page, which Twilight read out loud. "Supernaturals: Natural remedies and cure-alls that are simply super. I...I... I'm so sorry Zecora. I had the answer the whole time, if only I had bothered to look inside..."

Zecora chuckled. "Maybe next time you will take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book."

"Ain't that the truth?" I muttered.

"Hahaha." Applebloom laughed.

"Zecora? Would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of the herbal bath?" Twilight asked.

"Mix it up I certainly will. Yet I am missing an herb from Ponyville." Zecora accepted.

"But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are MYSTERIOUSLY closed." Applebloom questioned.

"Oh, well... I think we can help you with that."

We walked on back to Ponyville with Zecora and once again, the other ponies screamed and ran for cover indoors. Twilight knocked on one of the doors, till a pony popped out. "Daisy, we need to talk." she said to her.

Soon, we were all at the spa where the six of them were all enjoying their bubble bath which got rid of their effects from the poison joke. While this was going on, Twilight readied her letter to Princess Celestia. "Dear Princess Celestia," Twilight spoke as they continued to bathe. "My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week: Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don't care what your "cover" is; It's the "contents" of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

A well worthy lesson I say, quite a vital one too, judging by how I appear before showing off my randomness.

After their bath session, they all felt much better and happier as we left the spa. We gave Zecora a polite farewell and that we may see her again sometime soon. The rest of us then said our goodbyes before heading back to our homes. Quite an interesting two days it had been, one minute I was walking around a ghost town minus a Mexican stand-off and bar fights. Then the next, the six mares were all affected by the poison joke. Heading off to bed and wafting to sleep, I admit, I did get a lot of laughs today, but they were all meant to be harmless, they know that I mean well and that I'll always care for them.

So I guess in short, the lesson is this...book, cover, yada yada!

Viva Las Pegasus

There was no mistake about it, I needed a day away from Ponyville, the quietness was beginning to grate me slightly and having time away from the ponies would surely give me some breathing space, so that when I come back, I'll be all fine and dandy once more.

I woke up very early in the morning with that feeling in my head, wondering where I could go for my day out. In Equestria, there are plenty of places to go and whilst Canterlot and Cloudsdale are good places, they don't really seem to be as ideal vacations away from the centre part of the world. It was time to go further and with my very own world map, finding a place to have a vacation shouldn't be hard.

There were many far places I could go. Fillydelphia is out of the question as going back there will bring back bad memories of my past, so not a chance. Baltimare would be nice, but then again, it would be too close to Fillydelphia, so perhaps not there. Manehatten sounds like the ideal place for me, but I wouldn't know anypony there and from what I heard, it's a city where ponies will try and step on one another to make it big at all costs.

Appleloosa and Dodge Junction are not really my kind of style, leaving Vanhoover and Las Pegasus as the only two reasonable options. Seeing that I have a relative in Las Pegasus, I decided that this is where I'll have my vacation and when I get there, I will make sure that whatever happens over there, stays there.

So, putting on my clothes and grabbing the stuff I needed, I exited my house and locked the door behind me. It was still early morning in Ponyville, there was nopony else walking around and not even one store was open. Well apart from the general store by the train station which just opened up, as I made my way to the station.

"One return ticket to Las Pegasus, please." I said to the ticket officer.

Taking several bits of out of my bag, I bought a ticket, must not lose it for when I need to get back here. Soon, the train arrived and got on board. It was very quiet with not many ponies on, but then again, it was in the early morning. Taking a quick rest on the seats, I was on my way to Las Pegasus.

Waking up from my nap sometime later, I looked out the window to see the glimpse of flashy buildings and huge signs. I was approaching Las Pegasus, a little quicker than I thought too. Soon, the train pulled into a rail station that had a lot of sparkles around the signs and I'm not talking about Twilight or Rarity here.

I got off the train with my ticket and bags of money safe in my pockets, before leaving the station and taking a moment to look at the surrounding. Despite it being the daytime, there was a lot of hustle and bustle, even more so than I was at Fillydelphia...no, I don't wanna think about that right now, this is a time for being random, not depressed. Anyways, if the city is like this during the day, I can only imagine how it'll be when it's night-time.

I explored most of the city and soaked up the sunshine whilst trying not to get an unwanted tan, have you seen the prices of getting a fur tan removal at the Ponyville Hospital? No, you haven't. Thankfully, I have my clothes on to cover most of my fur body from the sun. It wasn't long before I came across the high street with several stores, consisting of stuff that Ponyville doesn't even have, it kinda reminded me of how simple Ponyville can be sometimes, but then again, if I hadn't moved there, I wouldn't have made friends the six mares....and of course, falling love with Trixie who I hope to see again.

Speaking of which, I then remembered that long ago, my older sister left Fillydelphia for Las Pegasus and that she works at the Shamal Hotel. I haven't seen her since she left the family home many years before I left. I wondered if she still remembers me, cause when she moved, me and my parents didn't hear from her.

After walking around for a while, I found the Shamal Hotel and it was lunchtime, so I decided to have a meal inside. Turns out that when I walked on past the entrance and inside, it was more than just a hotel. There was a Casino and a Restaurant beyond the reception area, it was like a huge area of luxury that Rarity could only dream...well, unless she has a major breakthrough selling a fashion dress to a celebrity pony.

I walked on over to the Restaurant and the stallion employee working there, greeted me in a formal matter.

"Welcome to our finest Restaurant sir, may I check your..." he paused himself when noticed my alicorn status. "...an Alicorn sir? That is quite a rare sight, if I say so!"

I giggled inside. "I know and ponies think that the Princesses are the only ponies to have that status, but not me, I'm just like any other pony."

"But you're an alicorn, sir and you must be treated more royally than other ponies. I was about to ask you if you had your name registered, but that won't be necessary, sir." he said.

"Sweet!" I cheered.

"This way sir, to table six." he showed the way, escorting me to my table.

It was a very fashionable-looking Restaurant, lots of golden decorations, but it did have an outdoor area for the hot summer days. I sat myself down at Table six, it was in a quiet area that had a VIP sign above, probably intended for the most famous ponies in Equestria.

"Impressive suit design and may you enjoy your time at our Restaurant, sir." he complimented as he walked off.

"Many thanks." I replied, as I looked at the menu.

One impressive lunch meal and dessert later, I was feeling quite stuffed, but nowhere near like a turkey, unless I was looking for one to gobble, gobble up...oh the joys of my random mind. I waited until a waiter came along with a bill and a pack of mints, I took out several bits and left a bit of change on the side as it was quite an excellent meal I had. I left the Restaurant with a smile and then entered into the Casino which was on the opposite side of where I was standing.

Never have I seen so many fruit machines in all my entire life, not even the small casino department in Fillydelphia had this many. I decided to try my luck at one of the machines, so I slid in a bit, pulled the lever by the side and watched to see what I would get. To my surprise, I got three BAR's in a row, causing the machine to drop out hundreds and hundreds of bits, looks like I was going to need more than one bag.

"Geez, I thought having a normal day was lucky, but this takes all the sweets I've eaten at Sugarcube Corner!"

"Oh, it's just a normal day in the life of an alicorn, bro." a mare voice said behind me.

I startled, "Who said that, no calls me bro except-"

"Except your sister." the voice added as she cut me off.

I turned around to see a strawberry cream looking pegasus with chocolate hair and was dressed in some kind of casino outfit.

"Why the confused look? Don't you remember me?" she asked.

Suddenly, it hit me, it was Sweet Chocolate, my older sister from many years ago, I was shocked to see her.

"Oh my gosh, is that you, Sweet Chocolate?"

"It is and I remember you, Bond Racer."

We both felt emotional and went in for a brother/sister hug.

"I can't believe it's you, it's been so long!" I exclaimed.

"I know, bro, it has been a long while since I moved out of our parents home." she responded.

I then remembered that I had a pile of bits that had just finished falling out of the fruit machine, using my magic, I counted up all the bits...I realized that I had...OVER 9,000! Okay that was a lie, it was 2,000 bits, but that was still way much more bits than I ever had at all.

"2,000 bits, how am I gonna carry all of this?"

"I have a briefcase for them right here." She then opened up the case and I stored the bits inside, I was impressed that it was able to carry that much money. "Come on bro, I'll show you around for a while before heading back to my hotel room, I think we'll have a personal talk about our lives there." she suggested.

"Sounds like a good plan to me." I agreed as we walked around the Casino.

There was more games in here than I thought, Cards games, Roulette, a live broadway band playing swing music there was even a bar in the corner. After a while, she went into a locker room down a hallway away from the busy area, probably to get changed. I waited outside for a while, she then came back out and was out of her casino outfit.

"My daytime shift is over as mine is a part time job, you see." Sweet Chocolate told me. "My hotel room is this way."

We then took the elevator to the second floor and came across to one of the doors that had one of those electronic keypads that require a code to unlock the door. Luckily, they were shaped huge due to the size of our hooves. I looked the other way as my sister put in a code and the door unlocked. We walked inside and I found the place to be very clean with no messy clothes or anything lying around. Compared to how she used to leave to her room messy when we were fillies, I was mighty impressed.

Suddenly, I heard a bit of commotion from outside the hotel, I went on out to the balcony which looked over to the view of the city, I looked down to find the noise of sirens approaching, with ponies in police uniforms showing up and I looked back at my sister, thinking that there may be trouble coming. Suddenly, I felt that my vacation was going to take an unexpected twist and unless I wanted to be apart of it, I knew that I would have to cut my time here short and get back to Ponyville.

"Sweet Chocolate, looks like we'll have to have the talk another time, this is-" I got cut off as I grabbed the case with the 2,000 bits I won.

"No! You can't leave now, I don't care what's happened out there, I need to speak with you." she pleaded.

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't leave my Sister behind and sad, "Alright, sis, but let me use my magic to lock the place up."

"Okay, do it, bro."

That was all the encouragement I needed, I locked the balcony door and made the walls around us have soundproof so that nopony else could hear us.

"Alright, it's all safe." I said to her as we took a seat on the bed. "Now what is it you need to talk to me about?"

"Our past...I left home to come here, but you never knew why I left."

She had a point, I guess it was time to know the real reason, so I sat beside her and listened.

"When I was the only child and before you came along, I was loved and cared for by our Mum and Dad. I was in a place of happiness, I had the best friends, the best school but I had the best family home. But then when they told me I was going to have a little brother which was you, I was so excited that I couldn't wait to have a relative around my age and somepony to talk to. When the birth came, I was there, looking at you. You were incredibly adorable, but there was one thing that confused me. When I was born, I was a pegasus, but when you were born as an alicorn, that was when it all changed."

"What do you mean, Sis?" I asked her with concern.

"Well, at first it was just a few normal days but then a few years passed and by then, you were at that Filly School and I had just finished my last year which was 3 years before you left the school. Mum and Dad were paying so much attention to you I began to feel jealous of how smart and how funny you were when you showed it in front of our parents. However, one fateful night which was the night I left home to move here, I came home a lot later than I promised and our parents were mad at me for breaking my promise and then, because they accused me of being jealous, they wanted me to leave home and find a place of my own. I had never felt so angry at our parents, but I lost my temper and afterwards, I packed what I needed and I went straight out the door, vowing to never contact them again."

"Well great, that's my vacation ruined." I said out of the blue.

"I'm sorry, Bond, but that was years ago. However, I did make one other promise which was what happened after I had left the house. The one where our Mum and Dad...lied to you about." she looked at me.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"After I left the house, I went straight to our aunt asking if she can have us stay in touch, which I'm so glad to hear that she did. Telling her that I was forced to leave home and I said to her that I was going to start a new life in Las Pegasus, you were told all this by your aunt when our parents brought you around which is why earlier today, you then remembered it all."

After hearing all of this, it took a long moment for me to swallow the whole story, I looked down in sadness. Of course, I remembered a brief glimpse of those days, but it was what happened that made me leave Fillydelphia which was the worse part of my past. But my Sister doesn't know about it since she never wished contact with our parents since that night, I looked back at her sister who felt quite upset, telling me all this.

"You know what, Sweet...I don't blame you for being jealous, you had your reasons to be, it's just that I was born as an alicorn through just dumb luck...or a rare blessing according to Princess Celestia." I said to her as I opened up my forelegs, asking for a hug.

Sweet looked like she was about to ask me how I met the princess, but she smiled and accepted the hug.

"But either way, I missed you so much, Bond!" she cried.

"I've missed you too, Sweet, I'm so sorry to hear that you went through all of that." I said tearfully.

"Don't be, I was the one who made one bad choice."

We pulled out of the hug.

"At least things have changed for the better on your end, right?"

"They have, I have the best job, the best hotel room and as of today, I have you back in contact!" she giggled.

"Well, whoo-pee-doo, let's share a medal!" I exclaimed randomly.

Sweet laughed, "That's my little brother."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Sweet Chocolate, are you in there?" A male voice boomed from outside the room. "It's your boss, the issue we had has been removed from the Hotel, we wanna know if you're alright."

"Everything's alright in here and I'm fine." she said loudly.

"Okay, but come down to the Staff Room as soon as you can, we need somepony to take over one of our member's night-time shift." he said before hearing the hoof beats and then nothing more.

"Well, I guess I better get going." I said quietly, "I'll make my out through the balcony door and fly off."

"Alright bro, but how are you getting home?" Sweet asked.

"I have a return ticket to Ponyville which I can use one more time."

"So that's where you live now, that'll explain why you've met the Princess."

"Yeah, but it's nothing special really alicorn or not, I'm still the same pony since the day I came into this world and you saw me for the first time." I said confidently.

I grabbed the briefcase and got myself ready to fly off.

"Before you go, Bond, I just wanna thank you for talking to you, I feel so much better now."

"I feel the same way, sis, I'll see you soon." I smiled.

"Same to you, bro, take care of yourself."

I nodded and then opened the balcony door, it was already approaching sunset, so I had to get to the train station as soon as possible. I looked back once more and waved at my sister, before using my magic to hold on the briefcase and began to fly up, leaving the Shamal Hotel and landing towards the station. I got on the platform and I was just in time as the train had just pulled in. Using my return ticket, I got on board and found myself a comfortable seat.

Looking through the window, I was glad to have my vacation away, but it was time for me to go home, I kinda began to miss the six mares and their friends and I was wondering what they were up to while I was away since the morning. The journey took the same amount of time as before, the train pulled into Ponyville Station and it was the beginning of nightfall, I got off the train with my briefcase and walking out of the station. It was good to see Ponyville again...and I wanted to get a drink from Berry Punch, but it was getting dark and I was getting tired, so I decided to leave it be.

I then unlocked the door to my home and I walked in to find that nothing had changed, it was all the same. I placed my briefcase on the table and opened it up to find my 2,000 bits safe and sound. I used my magic to carry the bits and into my huge bits jar which was now completely full. I took off my suit and shoes and walked straight to my bed. It was a great vacation and I got to meet my Sister again, but now that I knew what really happened to my sister, I no longer had any respect for my parents, but then again, my reasons for moving to Ponyville still remain a secret to all and it was gonna take a while for me to let it all sink in, a few months during the Winter would do me good since it was coming soon...

Winter Wrap Up

Three Months Later...

I woke up on one cold morning, it was almost the end of Winter and after countless cold days and nights with one hot day now and again, I couldn't wait for Winter to go and watch Spring roll in. I got myself dressed and also had my scarf on before settling into an early breakfast, before taking a look outside to see several ponies walking to the same place. I then heard a knock on the door and answered it to see Twilight and a sleepy Spike.

"Hey there Bond, are you ready for Winter Wrap Up?" she asked.

"Uhhh, what is Winter Wrap Up?" I asked back in confusion.

"Oh that's right, you moved here during the mid Summer. Winter wrap up is when all of us ponies come together to clear up all the Winter stuff and prepare the whole town for the Spring." she explained.

I understood it a little better and seeing that I wanted to be helpful, I nodded.

"In that case, I'm ready."

"Good, we're all meeting at the Town Hall, come on."

I left the house with Twilight and Spike who was still sleeping as we made our way to the Town Centre.

"Those must be the team vests Rarity designed. Blue for the weather team, green for the plant team and tan for the animal team. I wonder what team vest I'll be wearing." Twilight spoke.

"Well, I could wear all three since I'm an Alicorn. I wonder if that's possible." I said.

"I'll take a blue vest, the same colour as my blanket, which I think I hear calling my name." Spike intervened who wasn't awake, "Spike, Spike, come to bed. Ugh, it's too early."

But Twilight didn't pay attention, she was more interested in the event then Spike wanting to sleep. Soon, we arrived outside the Town Hall where everypony had gathered together, Mayor Mare was on stage and was about to speak.

"Thank you everypony, for being here bright and early. We need every single pony's help to wrap up Winter and bring in Spring."

The ponies cheered as Twilight jumped high a few times, probably trying to get the Mayor's attention, but the Mayor didn't notice and she continued.

"Now all of you have your vests and have been assigned to your teams. So let's do even better than last year and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up, ever!" she stated.

The ponies cheered again.

"Ohhh, this is so exciting!" Twilight said happily.

"Alright everypony, find your team leader and let's get galloping." the Mayor Mare said.

Soon, all the ponies left and went to a few places to their assigned teams. I noticed that Dash, Applejack and Sparkler were the team leaders...wait a minute, Sparkler? Who made her team leader? I bet Berry Punch slipped a few bottles underneath the Mayor's desk in order to have her friend assigned as team leader or something. I looked at Twilight who seemed a bit lost at where to go to.

"Oh gosh, where should I go? I'm not sure where I would fit in."

"As for me, I would be pulled in three different directions, unless I make two clones of myself...I wonder if that's possible."

Twilight shook her head at me, "What does everypony exactly do?" she asked to herself.

Suddenly, the music began to play and a few ponies started to sing.

"Oh god no!" I yelled loudly. "Not a musical song, I'm outta here!"

I then flew away from the town as far as I could...if there was one thing I didn't like, it was musicals and this was one of them! Flying away, I decided to check on Trixie, I hadn't seen her for months since I made that house in the Everfree forest. With it being snowy though, I was worried if she was snowed in on out of her home. I saw her home and it wasn't snowed under thankfully, I flew down and landed outside her home. There wasn't a note on her this time, so I was feeling more hopeful.

"Trixie, are you home?" I called out.

The door opened...and there was Trixie with her scarf on, she still looked just beautiful as I first met her since the ursa minor incident. I smiled instantly looking at her and she looked back with a shed of tears, we galloped towards each other and ran into a loving hug as we wrapped our forelegs around each other.

"I've missed you, Bond Racer."

"I've missed you too, Trixie."

We moved our heads slightly, looking into each other's eyes before sharing a loving kiss.

"Come on inside, I wanna hear so much about you." Trixie offered.

"Same here, I gladly shall." I spoke

Pulling out of our hug, we walked in her home and I found the place feel much more warm and welcoming than when I built it.

"Hot Chocolate?" Trixie asked as she went to the Kitchen area.

"Please, that would be nice." I answered.

"So where have you been, I, the great and beautiful Trixie wishes to know." she said whilst making the drinks.

"Hehe, good one. I've been around Ponyville, it is my home. But I did came back from a vacation in Las Pegasus."

"Oooh, tell me."

Trixie came by with the drinks as we sat down on the sofa.

"Well, I went there, because I needed a day out away from Ponyville and after seeing my Sister who lives there, I knew I had my fun and I came back home on the same day."

"And when was that?" Trixie asked.

"Three months ago...and yes, I missed you throughout that time." I looked at her as we drank our hot chocolate. "Show how have you been holding up, have you found a job?"

"Yes, I found a place to work and earn a few bits." Trixie answered.

"That's good news, do you enjoy working there?"

"Well, it's on a rock farm owned by the Pie family."

"Pinkie has a family on a rock farm?"

"Yes, but they haven't mentioned anything else apart from that."

Hmm, it sounds plausible that Pinkie has a rock farm working family when her personality is so far out, but I didn't let it phase me for long as I was with Trixie right now. Moments passed by as we exchanged gossip stories and randomness which was mostly at me. I then looked at the wooden clock and noticing the time.

"I'm really sorry Trixie, but I'm gonna have to go. I have a feeling that I may be needed back in town." I said to her as I finished my drink and got up from the sofa.

"Awww, alright Bond." Trixie responded as she hugged me, "Please come back again soon."

"I will, Trixie, I love you."

We shared a romantic kiss right then and there.

"I love you too, Bond."

I then left her house, but not before waving back at her as flew away and back to Ponyville to find a huge commotion going on, that's strange, they were singing a musical number and now it looks like Fight Club is about to start, I saw that Twilight was looking upset about it.

"Uhh, what is going on here?" I asked Twilight. "Why aren't you all singing a tune now?"

"Ohhh Bond...I'm a winter mess up." she answered sadly.

"Come on Twilight" Spike assured, "You're good at a lot of things. Just not nest-making, ice skating, owl awakening and snow clearing."

"Gee, thank you for making me feel soooo much better," Twilight sarcastically replied.

"That's what I'm here for, sister."

I shook my head at Spike's dumbness over Twilight's feelings.

We then looked at Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy busy arguing until the Mayor stepped in.

"Oh, what in Equestria are you all arguing about?" she asked, feeling displeased "This sort of silliness is the reason why we were late for Spring last year and the year before that and the year before that."

Twilight then perked up, "Did she say, late?"

"Well, yeah...she didn't say that she was late for a very important date." I answered randomly.

Spike giggled although he tried not to.

"I was hoping my amazingly inspirational speech would urge everypony to do better than last year, but now it looks like we're going to be later than ever. I mean, just look at this catastrophe!" the Mayor exclaimed, "The ice scorers made the ice chunks too big to melt; the nest designer is horrendously behind, we need several hundred, and she's only made one and don't get me started on all the clouds in the sky, the icicles on the trees...this isn't good, not at all!"

"And it's gonna be all to pieces disastrous if we can't get our seeds all planted." Applejack included.

"Chillax Applejack, we're bustin' our chops as fast as we can." Rainbow Dash replied.

"No, not fast, we have to wake animals slowly." Fluttershy warned.

"Uh, AJ?" Big Macintosh had come over to Applejack.

"Oh good gravy, Caramel lost the grass seeds again, didn't he?"

"Ai-yup."

One of the Pegasus ponies flew over with another problem. "Ditzy Doo accidentally went north to get the southern birds!"

"Oh that featherbrain. Didn't she learn her lesson last year when she went west?" Rainbow Dash reacted.

All the ponies began grumbling and complaining.

"Stop this at once. We don't have time to argue. It's almost sundown. Spring is going to be late again. Another year of scandal and shame. If only we could be more organized." The Mayor intervened with sadness.

At this point, I was extremely temped to use my alicorn magic to solve the issue, but that would be just lazy. I looked at Twilight and it all clicked, perhaps she could be the one to fill that role. I was about to ask her, but she already seemed to know what to do.

"Spike, get my checklist and clipboard, stat!"

"Errr, yes mam." Spike responded as he zoomed off.

"Stop everypony." She said to the ponies, but they continued to argue. "Stop!" She used her magic to make the bird near her chirp loudly enough to gain the attention of everypony. "Sorry." She apologized to the bird. "I know you all want to complete your jobs on time, but arguing is no way to go about it. What you need is organization, and I'm just the pony for the job."

"Hey, what about me?" I asked her.

"Oh, as for you, you can be the support assistant for all the tasks in case one of the ponies here gets tired."

"That sounds good enough for me..."

We all then got to work and with Twilight's organizing skills and checklist, it started off every smooth. I watched over the whole wrap up, beginning with the nest designs by Rarity which changed my opinion about her slightly, guess there is more to her than being fancy and posh. Next, I saw the ices being broken into square shapes which made them melt quite effectively, watched over by Pinkie, next was the huge row of ploughing, so the seeds could be planted with Applejack looking pleased. Fluttershy with her line of bells were able to wake up the animals and one of the birds gave loud chirp which must've been a signal to let Dash and his team know that it was time to swoop the snow and clouds away. In less than a minute, the whole area of snow was gone from the trees and hills, as well as the clouds.

I was in shock at how easily that snow got whooshed away, it was near nightfall by the time they were all done with the wrap up. Once again, my alicorn magic was saved for another time, but why should I care about that when these ponies are able to pull this off, Ponyville now looked exactly as before, just the way I like it.

"I can't believe it!" The Mayor exclaimed.

"Neither can I." I said to myself, but I meant that in a nice way...I think.

"Spring is here! On time!" The mayor looked over at Twilight. "And we have you to thank for it. If it weren't for your organizing skills we would still be arguing."

"Ai-yup." Big Macintosh stated.

Everypony laughed, joyously.

"It was a team effort." Twilight said.

"And since you helped every team…" The mayor announced." We have an official vest for you. We give you the title, 'All-Team Organizer'!"

The vest had all three colours of the vest teams.

"Gosh, I don't even know what to say. Thank you everypony."

"And hereby I declare that winter is...wrapped up on time."

All of the ponies cheered, but I spotted something.

"Hey everypony look over there," I pointed at Spike sleeping on the last ice slab. "Spike is in for a big surprise when that last ice melts."

Everypony laughed...guess I was of good use after all. That's when it hit me, I could be the event's entertainer in case they need enthusiasm to do their work. I quickly suggested it to the Mayor and she kindly accepted it for when the event comes round again.

It was nightfall and I was at the library with Twilight and Spike who caught a cold after falling into the melted ice water..

"Bond, could you write this for me?" Twilight asked.

"I gladly shall." I answered as I used my magic to hold up a quill and a scroll to write.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Dear Princess Celestia, Winter Wrap Up was one of the most special things I've ever been a part of here in Ponyville. It helped me to learn we all have hidden talents and if we're patient and diligent, we're sure to find them and as always, with good friendship and teamwork, ponies can accomplish anything."

She looked over at Spike. "How was that, Spike?"

We noticed that Spike had fallen asleep, "You should probably take him to bed, he'll need to rest well for a while." I said.

"You're right, thank you...oh by the way, where did you go earlier today?" she asked me.

"I needed to get away from when the whole town began to perform a big musical, I'm not a fan of it, you see."

"Okay, that's all Bond, I'll see you soon." she smiled.

"Same to you, Twilight." I smiled back before leaving her home to go back to mine.

I walked into my home and took off my scarf and the rest of my clothing and got into bed. It had been quite a really good day of interesting things, minus the unneeded singing. I learnt what Winter Wrap Up was about as apart from Twilight, it was the first time I saw it for myself. Not only that, I got to see Trixie again and shared so much I wanted to talk to her about...except our pasts, maybe that will come to a point later in time, when it's right to do so...

Call Of The Cutie

I woke up to a bright day, oh the sweet joys of Spring which has been good for me. It was a Thursday, so I had to do my weekly shopping and a good thing too since my food storage was running incredibly low. Grabbing several bits from my jar and placing them in a bag, I placed on my saddle bags and left the house to begin my shopping around town. I walked past a filly school which of course brought back bad memories, but I didn't let that phase me as this was Ponyville, not Fillydelphia.

I looked to see that the Fillies were leaving the School, all cheerful...except for Applebloom who looked sad as she walked away from School, although she had a friend called Twist talking to her at least, which got me wondering if Applebloom had friends.

"Hi Applebloom and Twist." I said to them.

"Hi Bond." Applebloom said depressingly.

"Oh hey Mr. Racer." Twist who replied more happily. "You want something sweet, I've got some peppermint sticks, I made them myself."

"Well I'm shopping at the moment, but I'd like to have one so you can reserve one for me."

"I'll make sure to remember, what about you Applebloom?"

Applebloom responded with a no thank you but in a not moving mouth kind of way.

"They'll make you smile."

"Nooooo." Applebloom replied quietly.

"Is there something wrong, Applebloom?" I asked.

I then saw two other fillies walking up.

"I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutiemark. I mean waiting for your cutiemark is so last week." one spoke, "You got yours and I just got mine. We all have them already." she then stopped to notice Twist not having one. "I mean almost all of us have them already."

Twist sighed and I didn't know who they were, but I could tell that they didn't seem friendly.

"Don't worry you two, you're still totally invited to my cute-ceañera later tonight." she added as she and her friend began walking around Applebloom and Twist.

"It's going to be amazing." her friend said.

"It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutiemark. How can it not be?"

Wow, their boasting reminds me of Trixie's boasting, thank goodness I was able to change her ways that night, but these two are somewhat worse, especially the pink one, she has a major high opinion of herself.

I had to step in as Applebloom was beginning to look uncomfortable, "You know, why don't you take your boasting somewhere else? There's a time and a place for bragging over a cuitemark and this is not it."

The two then noticed me, "And you are?" the grey one asked me.

"Bond Racer, an alicorn who knows what it's like dealing with boasters." I proudly stated.

"Yeah, whatever!" the pink one remarked which made me roll my eyes, she obviously didn't know better.

"Bump, bump, sugarlump, rump!" They chanted as they did the actions in unison before giggling.

"Gimme a break." I said to myself.

They then walked off but not before one of them said, "See you this weekend..."

"...blank flanks!" both of them said, giggling all the while.

Twist and Applebloom both felt extremely sad about it, I gave them both a quick hug.

I smiled at them, "Don't let them bother you, everypony gets a cuitemark in time, when they discover what they're destined to be." I looked at Twist, "Like you, Twist, if what you're saying is true about your peppermint sticks, you might get yours very soon."

"Thanks Bond." Twist said who seemed to have cheered up. "I have to get home now, see you Applebloom."

"See you at the party, Twist." Applebloom replied back, but she was still sad.

I sighed, "I wish I knew what your talent was, Applebloom, but you have all the time in the world to find out and when that day comes, it'll be worth the wait and you're massive apple family would be proud."

Applebloom looked at me, but she wasn't feeling much better.

"Come on, I'll take you home after I've done my shopping, okay?"

Applebloom nodded and soon, we were in town, I had a few questions for her as I was checking over my list.

"Who were those two fillies?" I asked.

"The pink one is Diamond Tiara and her friend is Silver Spoon."

"Pfffft, hahahaha! Tiara? Spoon?" I laughed randomly, "What kind of talents are they exactly?!"

Applebloom looked back, confused at my randomness.

"Ahem, sorry about that, continue, do you know why they pick on you?"

"They always seem to make fun of fillies who don't have cuitemarks and ah'm afraid that ah'm going to be laughed at her cute-umm whatever in the hay she meant."

"I think in simple terms, it's called celebration, but that's only a guess."

"It's not fair, it's just not fair!" Applebloom moaned.

"I know how you feel about wanting a cutiemark, but everypony gets one eventually and it always happens when you don't expect it."

"But ah don't want one, eventually. Ah want one right now." she continued to moan, "Ah can't go to Tiara's cute-thingy without one, ah just can't."

I sighed again, wondering if she will stop whining.

After my shopping was done, I walked Applebloom to her apple family home to find Applejack hard at work.

"Howdy there, Bond," she greeted before noticing her little sister, "What's wrong sugarcube?"

"Ah just don't know if ah should go to Tiara's cutie celebration thing." Applebloom said unsure about it.

"Why's that?"

"Cause ah don't have a cutiemark."

"Y'know, ah was the last pony in my class to get my cutie mark, and ah couldn't be prouder of it. Ah know my future was to run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny apples sealed the deal." Applejack gasped, "Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class, too. Same as Big Macintosh. What about you, Bond?"

"I'll tell you some other time." I replied whilst looking down.

"Ah don't see how that's supposed to make me feel better." Applebloom responded whilst kicking a bad apple around. "It probably means that being the last one in your class to get a cutie mark runs in the family." Suddenly, she perked up and exclaimed, "Runs in the family! Runs in the family! You've got apples for your cutie mark, Granny Smith has an apple pie, Big Macintosh has an apple half, my unique talent must has somethin' to do with apples! Apples apples apples!" Applebloom hopped around excitedly, which eventually caused her to crash into a bucket of apples. " Oops... apples."

"Well, ah guess we better get back to work. Ah've got apples to sell." Applejack said.

"Ahhh, I knew there was something I forgot to get during my shopping day." I replied, "Mind if I have four apples?"

"Sure ya can, Sugarcube. 20 bits and they all yours."

I handed some bits of my bag and exchanged them for a small bag of our apples. "Thanks, AJ."

"No problem, Bond. See you again."

"Same to you."

So I left Sweet Apple Acres and headed on home with my shopping. Heading on inside, I unpacked all the shopping and stored my food in the cupboards and the apples in a fruit bowl. With it approaching sunset, I decided to head out again and see if Applebloom is feeling better, it was only by chance that I saw her walking through town on her own and she was heading to the flower store.

"Hi again, are you feeling better?" I asked her as I approached with her with concern.

"A little bit." Applebloom replied. "Ah was on my way to the cutie-thingy, but ah need Twist to come with me." she then knocked on the door.

The top half of the door opened and it was Twist who answered it.

"Oh, hey there, Applebloom. Good to see you." Twist said.

"Hi Twist, are you ready to go to Tiara's cute-cen...ugh, ah can never seem to get that right."

"Yes, just one more thing and-" she cut herself off when she noticed me "Oh hey mr. Racer, I've got you a peppermint stick you reserved earlier." she then gave out one to me as I walked over. "Here you go."

I took the candy from her, "Thanks Twist..." I then took a bite and it was quite good "...mmm, this is very good candy, I wouldn't be surprised if you got a cutiemark from this."

"But for now, ah don't have a cutiemark and you don't have a cutiemark, right?" Applebloom asked.

"Well, umm..." Twist then opened up the bottom half of the door to find...a cutiemark on her flank.

"A cutiemark? Well congrats, Twist. Now I know why this peppermint candy tastes great."

"Thanks, Mr. Racer. Isn't my cutie mark swell?" she asked Applebloom. "I've always loved making my own sweets, but it took me some time to discover that it was my super special talent." she then beamed herself with pride. "Pretty sweet, huh?"

I saw Applebloom looking sadder than ever, "Yeah, really sweet." she said to herself.

"Hey, that doesn't mean we can't go to the cute ceañera together. You're still gonna come to the party, aren't you?" Twist asked.

Suddenly, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked by, on their way to the party.

"Of course she will." Tiara answered rudely.

"It's not like being the only pony there without a cutie mark will be like, the most embarrassing thing ever." Spoon added.

They giggled before carrying on walking to Sugarcube Corner.

Now they've gone and done it, I looked back at Applebloom to see her running off, crying, leaving Twist on her own.

"Don't worry about her, Twist, you go on to the party." I said to her, "At least you know how to stay friends with others who don't have one. I'll be sure to come by for more peppermint candy again in the future."

She perked up and smiled once more, "Thanks Mr. Racer, that would be sweet."

I just knew she would say that...I went around town, looking for Applebloom, before I found her, sitting down by the lake and in tears.

As much as I love being random and funny, this wasn't the time for it.

"Applebloom, I can only apologize for seeing what you're going through, but I want you to believe that it's not going to last forever and you can't keep running away from your problems, you will have to face them."

Applebloom sniffed. "But why should ah face one of those problems tonight?"

"You never know, you might find some others who agree with you when you least expect it. Now do you wanna go to the party or not?" I asked.

She wiped her tears away and got up, "Ah do, because ah wanna have a good time."

"Well don't you worry, a few of us older ponies will be watching over the party." I assured, "Pinkie, Twilight and myself will be there and one of us will step in if any bullying starts."

Applebloom smiled again, "Thank you, Bond. Ya'll a really great friend." she then hugged my foreleg.

"That's what friends are foooooooorrrrrrrrr." I sang out randomly in a low tone voice.

Applebloom chuckled and soon, we were on our way to the party. When we arrived, it was just starting and Twilight was outside, probably greeting the fillies who got the invitations.

"Hey Twilight, I'm here at last and we have one more apple for the party." I said with a smile.

"Hey Bond, great. Have fun, Applebloom." Twilight said to her.

We headed on inside and the party was in full swing, Pinkie was on food duty and the sweets on display were very tempting to take, but I resisted as I wanted to keep my stallion figure tolerable for Trixie to gaze at, he he he...what, I know it's too soon but come on, I have standards!

I walked on over to one of the corners of the shop and began my duty as party security for the night as I watched over the area. I saw Tiara showing off her cutie mark to a few other fillies, whilst Applebloom was hiding behind a chocolate statue, only to then see pinkie give her a party hat before bouncing back to her food duty. Snips took a big bite out of the cake which angered Tiara, whilst Applebloom zoomed away and into another corner of the shop, it seems that she's chickened out and not staying which disappointed me.

She grabbed a pink cloth and wrapped it around her body, probably to hide her flank from the two fillies, but then as soon as she was about to leave, she tripped up and smashed into the record player which stopped it playing. Soon, all of us were paying attention to Applebloom.

"Oh no." she said to herself.

"Nice try..." Tiara added.

"...blank flank!" she and Silver Spoon said together.

This was the third time they've picked on her today and I was about to teach them a lesson with my alicorn magic, when suddenly...

"You got a problem with blank flanks?" a voice yelled.

Soon, two fillies from under the table came out...it was Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who were the first two fillies I met when I first came to Ponyville...hang on, why haven't I seen them until now?

"I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?" Scootaloo asked.

"The problem is, I mean she's like totally not special." Spoon answered back.

"No." Sweetie Belle disagreed. "It means she's full of potential."

"It means she can be great at anything." Scootaloo added. "The possibilities are like, endless."

"She can be a great scientist, an artist, she could even be mayor of Ponyville someday."

"Yeah and she's certainly not being stuck up like you two."

The other fillies laughed.

"Hey, this is my party, why are you two on her side?"

"Because..."

Sweetie and Scootaloo then revealed that they didn't have cutie marks which cheered Applebloom right up.

"You don't have any cutie marks either?" she gasped, "Ah thought ah was the only one."

"We thought we were the only two." Scootaloo replied.

"Well, I for one think you're three very lucky fillies." I intervened.

"Lucky? how can they be lucky?" Tiara asked rudely

Twilight then came in and answered for me, "They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are and what they're meant to be."

"Hear, hear!" I agreed. "And they've got all the time in the world to figure that out, not just in one day." I finished.

Soon, Applebloom got welcomed by the other fillies and the party ran smoothly again. Moments later, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were talking together and overhearing their conversation, they wanted to make a society of what their talents are and they would be known as The Cutie Mark Crusaders. I found it a little humorous at first, but it sounded like a perfect fit all the same.

I chuckled on the inside at watching Tiara moaning like a baby, I then walked towards Twilight who has drinking down some berry juice.

"Twilight, you should definitely write a report about this. I believe a lesson was learnt today." I suggested.

"Already on it." she then got Spike to write out a letter, "Dearest Princess Celestia," She began reading out loud. "I am happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes, the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are."

A lesson well learnt I said to myself, soon though, the party came to an end and all of us said our farewells before going back to our homes. I was actually looking forward to getting to my bed as it had been more than just a shopping day. Sleeping on my bed, I learnt one other thing about talent before my random mind decided to mess up with what I've learnt.

It's okay having no talent...wait, that didn't sound right...oh well, sleepy time...

Fall Weather Friends

The last several months have been extremely quiet but there were a few highlights. I was able to catch up with Trixie whenever possible as our love grew stronger, my friendships with the other mares were improving too, but my visits with the Princess were beginning to happen less and less often. I wanted to know why, but there wouldn't be a chance at all.

I woke up one late morning, I looked on out to see all the trees have orange leaves, it was Autumn/Fall time in Equestria and there was a tradition that I know happens once every year, an event called the Running Of The Leaves, where we all race through the forest, blowing the leaves off the trees. I haven't taken part in one yet, but this year, I wanted to and to make the most of it...if I could get my wings strapped for me so I won't cheat.

I walked on out to see Dash speeding past my house and to Sweet Apple Acres, I wanted to know why and was it necessary. When I flew up and landed outside the farm, I found Dash and Applejack beginning a game of horseshoes.

"Howdy there, Bond, are you gettin' yourself fit and trained for tomorrow?" Applejack asked as I approached them both.

"I sure am, and it explains why I have been eating a lot of healthy apples for a reason." I smirked.

"Nice one, sugarcube." she then looked at Dash, "Okay Dash, your turn first."

Rainbow Dash threw her first horseshoe and it landed near the stake.

"Whoo-hoo!" Dash yelled excitedly.

"Woo-wee!" Applejack agreed, "Not a bad pitch for a pony who works with her head in the clouds."

"Oh yeah, think you can do better, cowgirl?"

"Ah know ah can."

Applejack threw a horseshoe but wasn't as close as Dash's first throw.

"Oh for Pete's sake."

Dash giggled, "Looks like this pegasus can pitch better than the work horse." Dash sneered, "The object of the game is to get the closest to the stake."

"Alright, alright, you got another throw there, ponygirl."

Dash grabbed her second horseshoe and threw it too fast it hit a shed window.

"Wow Rainbow, you couldn't hit a barn door with that kind of a throw." Applejack said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Yeah, yeah, I still have the closest throw, applesnack. Just try and beat it."

Applejack threw her second horseshoe and with a bit luck, it wrapped around the stake.

"Yee-haw!" she yelled, "It's a ringer, that's how we do it down here on the farm."

"I lost." Dash said depressingly.

"Oh don't feel bad, Rainbow, it's all in good fun,"

"I hate losing."

"Besides, you're a mighty good athlete." Applejack complimented before adding, "Ah'm just better."

"Alright Applejack, you think you're the top athlete in all of Ponyville?"

"Ah was gonna say in all of Equestria, but that might be gilding the lilly." she then waved her tail in Dash's face.

"And I think I'm the top athlete, so let's prove it."

"Prove what?"

"I challenge you to an iron-pony comeptition." Dash declared which caught Applejack's full attention. " A series of athletic contests that will decide who's the best, once and for all."

"You know what Rainbow? You're on!"

They then spit on their hooves and did a marehoof...which was kinda gross to me.

"Ewww gross, spitting on hooves is so 1993." I commented, "Girls, aren't you taking this a bit too far?"

"Oh don't worry about us, sugarcube." Applejack assured.

"It's just a cool and awesome comeptition." Dash added.

"Well, I'll go and get Twilight, I'm sure she'll want to be involved in setting up the challenges." I said as I flew off.

I had found Twilight with Spike in town by coincidence, I swooped down towards them.

"Oh hi Bond, what you're up to?" she asked.

"Looking for you, actually. I was wondering if you could help set up a few challenges for Applejack and Rainbow Dash." I explained.

"What kind of challenges?"

"You'll have to come with me to hear for yourself."

"Okay, I'll come along."

Twilight, Spike and I then walked towards the farm, only to find AJ and Dash were both doing stretches.

"Hey there you two, so you're both doing what now?" Twilight asked.

"An iron-pony comeptition." Dash answered.

"See, we need a few ponies to set up a bunch of events to decide which one of us is-"

"Is the most athletic pony ever!" Dash finished, cutting Applejack off.

"And I'm here to..." Twilight was interrupted.

"Umm, uhh, I don't know." Dash said. "Why is she here?"

"To be our judge and keep score." Applejack explained.

"Right, somepony's gotta record my awesomeness for the history books."

Looks like Rainbow the boaster is back...she'll learn it all over again soon.

Soon, a series of challenges were made around Sweet Apple Acres and all seven of us and Spike were attending.

"Hello everypony and welcome to the first annual Iron Pony comeptition!" Spike announced on Twilight's back.

"Uhh Spike, who are you talking to?" Twilight asked.

"Me!" I said, "I'm a member of the audience." I waved from an empty bench with only me sitting on it.

Soon, we were all here, it felt great to be altogether in our group again, we haven't had one for a long while.

"Let the games begin!" Spike declared.

All of us cheered, minus Twilight and the first event was about to start which was the barrel weave.

"Ready, set, go!" Twilight said.

Applejack went first, moving quick between the barrels but she touched one of them before crossing the line.

"Wow, 17 seconds." Spike commented.

"17 seconds? That beats my record from last year's rodeo."

"But you got a 5-second penalty for nudging the barrel."

"Oh nuts and shoes. Still, that's 22 seconds, not too shabby."

Dash was beginning to sweat buckets, maybe she's changed her mind over all this?

"Hey, don't be nervous. Remember, it's all in good fun. Now get on up there!" Applejack assured.

"Ready, set, go!"

Dash then zoomed by and finished it in breakneck speed time...well apart from the neck-breaking, that'll never happen here.

"Whew! That was some fancy hoof-work, Rainbow." Applejack complimented.

"Thanks." Dash panted. "But, I couldn't have been as fast as you."

"What was the time on that, Spike?"

"16 seconds!"

That looked more like 5 seconds to me...guess logic's gone out the window at this point, ah well, it was fun while it lasted.

"16 seconds?" Applejack gasped, "Rainbow, are you sure you're not secretly a rodeo pony?"

"Rainbow Dash wins the barrel weave." Twilight declared as Fluttershy placed an apple slab with a number 1 on it next to Dash's name on a wooden scoreboard.

"I can't believe I won." Dash bragged slightly.

"Yeah well, don't go getting used to it." Applejack remarked,

Soon, every other challenged followed and a crowd was beginning to take shape, with the Apple Family now on the benches with me, before several other ponies showed up and the support between both of the mares was split down the middle. Of course, I didn't wish to root for either, I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the action.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Spike announced. "At the halfway point, our competitors are tied with five and five."

"Who are you talking to?" Twilight asked in confusion.

"Them!"

Woah! There were even more ponies around with several pegasuses from Cloudsdale now watching the comeptition. Many more challenges passed and I was beginning to see Dash using her wings to win a lot of the challenges.

The final challenge passed and Dash had won by a landslide with 15 points to Applejack's 5 points.

"I am the iron pony!" Dash declared herself.

"Only cause you cheated!" Applejack remarked.

"What?" Dash then flew close to Applejack's face.

"You used your wing power to help you win over half those contests."

"Sounds like sour apples to me."

"Are you saying you didn't use your wings?"

"Well no, but you never said I couldn't use my wings."

"Ah didn't think ah needed to tell ya to play fair."

"I still would've won, without my wings."

"Then, maybe you can prove it." I added as I stepped in.

"Gladly, how?"

"Tomorrow's the annual running of the leaves, ah challenge you to race me in it."

"Hah, easy peasy." Dash sneered.

"Hold on, there is one condition. The point is to RUN, so no wings allowed!" Applejack exclaimed.

"No wings, no problem."

They then did the gross spit-hoof again...I for one would be glad when tomorrow's event was over.

----------------------------------------

The next day came by and several ponies were getting ready to race. I turned up with a number shown on both sides of my flank, looks like I was number 8.

"Bond, are you racing in the event?" Applejack asked.

"I sure am and I will NOT use my wings for this one." I stated.

"Well, at least ah know ah can trust you on that one."

I smiled until Dash turned up.

"Pardon me, excuse me. Make way for the Iron Pony."

"The Iron phony, you mean." Applejack responded, losing her smile.

"So, Applejack, you ready to win second place?"

"I'm ready to run a good, clean race."

"Yeah, yeah..."

"You are not allowed to use your wings!" Applejack assured.

"I could win this race with both wings tied behind my back." Rainbow Dash bragged.

Applejack had this seductive look on her face. She grabbed a rope nearby and literally tied Rainbow Dash's wings, making sure she is unable to fly. "Trussed up like a turkey. Well, a turkey who can't fly, that is."

"Very funny." Rainbow Dash responded, sarcastically.

"Least now we know we're racin' fair and square."

Trumpets sounded throughout the area.

"Racers! Please take your positions!" We heard Pinkie Pie announce.

Spike came out of nowhere, in front of us, and called out to Pinkie Pie. "Um... Pinkie Pie?"

"Hey, Spike! What's up? Oh wait, it me, I'm up!" Pinkie Pie laughed.

"Uh, yeah. I know you're doing the announcing today and stuff and... I'm sure you're gonna do a great job and all, but... I was just wondering..."

"What?"

"Aw... Forget it." Spike began walking away, but Pinkie Pie called after him.

"Spike! Would you like to be my co-reporter? We could comment on the action together."

"We could?" Spike replied, excited.

"Climb on up." Pinkie Pie tossed a rope, which Spike grabbed and began climbing on to the balloon.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, I readied ourselves into our positions, but all of a sudden, Twilight jumped into the starting line with us.

"Twilight? What in tarnation are you doing up here?" Applejack asked.

"I'm racing." Twilight responded.

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Good one, Twilight!"

"I'm not joking." Twilight replied, keeping her positive mood.

"What? You're not an athlete, you're a... well... you're an egghead."

"I am not an egghead, I am well read."

"Egghead" Rainbow Dash whispered over to Applejack who began snickering.

"Now come on you two, be nice to the pony who brought all of us together against the face of evil!" I intervened with a firm tone. "May I also remind you that if it wasn't for me saving you all, you wouldn't be here!"

Applejack and Rainbow Dash then felt ashamed.

"You're right, Bond...sorry, Twilight." Applejack apologized.

"Now that's better."

"All right, ponies, are you ready?" Pinkie yelled

"Get set." Spike added.

Every pony took their position. The drums rolled and the bell finally rung. I took off and with my impressive alicorn endurance, I took the early lead, much to Applejack's and Dash's shocked expressions.

"And they're off!" I heard from Pinkie Pie. "Welcome to the official coverage of the Running of the Leaves!" Pinkie Pie announced as she hovered above us in her balloon. "You know, Spike, despite its name, the leaves don't do any of the actual running. No, that's left to My Little Ponies."

"Why, yes, Pinkie, it's the running of the ponies that causes the leaves to fall." Spike responded.

Many leaves from the trees fell as we continued running through. "Ugh. Those lazy, lazy leaves. But this year, the run is about more than the weather. It's about the race to the finish and the two runners who want to win it: Applejack and Rainbow Dash."

I currently remained in the lead with Applejack and Rainbow Dash not far behind me, a few minutes in and I didn't feel any sign of slowing down at all.

"You know, Pinkie, these two ponies have a bit of a grudge match they're trying to settle. Trying to prove who's the most athletic." Spike announced.

"Yes, and 'grudge' rhymes with 'fudge'."

"Yes it... does. What?"

"And I like fudge. But if I eat too much fudge I get a pudge and then I can't budge."

"So... no fudge?"

"Oh, no thanks. I had a big breakfast. Let's check in with our two competitive ponies, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Having come fast out of the gate, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are evenly matched for second running neck in neck with Bond Racer, the only alicorn in the race still in the lead and is now increasing the gap. But what's this? Applejack is making a move, she's now ahead for second place by a nose. But Rainbow Dash pulls at Applejack's have-it and takes second. She's ahead by half a nose. Or maybe three quarters of a nose. No, about sixty-three point seven percent of a nose... Roughly speaking. Applejack sees this move and pushes forth with her strong workhorse legs slinking ahead by three hundred and fifty noses!" Pinkie Pie described exactly what was going on between the two.

I could only giggle inside at Pinkie's random commenting, but I didn't let that phase me as I stayed focused on the footpath in front of me. I then leapt over a rock, good thing I watched where I was going, but then I heard a pony feel to the ground, no guess as to who it was. I looked back quickly and saw Dash now galloping faster and trying to overtake me.

"Watch out, Bond. I'm about to prove why I am more awesome than you!" she yelled back.

I didn't answer, I kept on racing and soaking up the enjoyment I was having. It had been a very long time since I did a running event, I never had one of those since I left the Fillydelpia state school. Then I saw Applejack suddenly overtake Dash and was now behind me.

"How are you not tired yet, Bond?" Applejack exclaimed.

"I'm an alicorn, remember? I have more endurance than an earth pony and look, no wings!" I boasted as I picked up the pace slightly without a scratch. I looked forward and leapt over a tree stump, I was sure that Dash would trip up and one thud later, that confirmed it. But I did have one question, where was Twilight? Ah well, guess I'll find out at the finish line. I came across two paths, the arrow sign above pointed right which was where I went and by then, it was a little quiet with barely any hoof-beat noises made behind me. Guess the other ponies started to get tired and all slowed down. However, I remembered the story about the tortoise and the hare, so I kept on going and by this point, I was beginning to break a sweat but I was still durable enough to keep going. Few minutes later, I was starting to feel tired but then in the distance, I saw a white banner, this must be the finish line. So I made one last quicker pace of gallop and sprinted through the finish line!

"Bond Racer has crossed the finish line, the pony who took part for the first time has won first place!"

"I won something? HURRAH!" I shouted with happiness.

I then stopped to a halt afterwards and let out a huge sigh, trying to catch my breath. I then turned around to see a lot of the other ponies sprinting to the finish line, Twilight was among them however and she crossed the line in 5th place, she then stopped to see me.

"Wow! Bond Racer, you won. Congratulations!" She exclaimed in joy, offering a hug.

I accepted the hug, "Thanks Twilight, I'm proud of you for coming 5th place, your studying must've helped."

She nodded.

We then looked back at the rest of the ponies finishing the race and they all looked exhausted...Applejack and Dash didn't turn up yet, but just then, we saw them both crossing the finishing line and they looked to be in rough shape. Twilight and I shook our heads and giggled.

"Ah won!" Applejack stated.

"No, I won!" Rainbow Dash argued.

"You tied!" Spike announced.

"TIED?" Rainbow Dash and Applejack exclaimed in unison.

"For first?" Applejack asked.

"For last!" Pinkie Pie answered.

"LAST?" Applejack shouted, shocked.

"Then who won?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

Spike and Pinkie Pie walked over to me.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, your winner of the race is Bond Racer!" Pinkie raised my hoof in the air.

Everypony else cheered...well they tried to as most of them were still tired from the race.

Spike gave me a gold medal and a small trophy. Twilight got a medal as well with 'Top 5' marked on it.

"What about Twilight?" I heard Rainbow Dash. "How come SHE has a medal?"

"I got fifth place, which is rather good considering that I've never run a race before." Twilight walked over to me and congratulated me.

"What? How's that even possible?" Applejack asked.

"You ran so slow, and looked at the scenery!" Rainbow Dash added.

"Exactly. I paced myself, just like my book said. Then at the end, when all the other ponies were worn out, I sprinted to the finish." Twilight explained.

"I don't believe it. Twilight and Bond Racer beat us." Rainbow Dash exclaimed, surprised.

"Well, with all your horsing around, it was quite easy."

I then performed a rim-shot with drums and cymbals from out of nowhere.

"You're right, Twilight. Our behaviour was just terrible." Applejack admitted.

"We weren't very good sports." Rainbow Dash added.

Every pony suddenly gasped and bowed.

"Sounds to me like an important lesson was learned."

"PRINCESS CELESTIA?" Rainbow Dash and Applejack cried out as the rest of us bowed in her presence.

"Princess, I haven't seen you for a while. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Fall is one of my favourite seasons, so I came to celebrate the Running of the Leaves."

"I'm sorry you had to see us being such poor sports, Princess." Applejack apologized.

"That's all right, Applejack. Anypony can get swept up in the excitement of competition." Princess Celestia accepted the apology.

"It's important to remember that the friendship is always more important than the competition." Twilight taught them.

"Exactly, Twilight. Now, unfortunately, because the two of you were busy tricking each other instead of shaking down leaves, many of the lovely trees of Equestria are still covered." Princess Celestia looked over at the covered trees.

"Why, Princess, I bet we can knock those leaves down for you lickety-split. What do you say, friend? Wanna go for another run?" Applejack asked Rainbow Dash.

"I'd love to stretch my legs." They both sprinted towards another group of covered trees to finish the job.

"Bond Racer, congratulations on winning the race. Regardless of your alicorn status, you won the race fair and square." Celestia complimented.

"Thank you, Princess. This was the first time I ever took part, I never believed I would win. I guess I have my endurance to thank for."

"Indeed you do, I must now return to Canterlot. I will see you all soon."

Celestia then began to fly off.

"Bye Princess." I said to her, waving. "Well, guess I better go back home and take a rest."

"Good idea, Bond, you deserve it." Twilight agreed.

Soon, I walked on back to the town and it was already the sun was beginning to set.

I noticed Rarity in town and greeted her.

"Oh hey Bond darling, is that a running of the leaves trophy?" Rarity asked.

"It sure is, I won it today."

"Congratulations dear, you deserve a suit, sewn by me." she suggested, "I will make it first thing tomorrow and I'll take no other answer."

"Really? Goodness! Thank you Rarity, I'll drop by tomorrow. See you then."

"Fabulous, same to you, dear."

I smiled as I opened the door into my home. I placed my trophy where I had room on my shelf and I hanged the medal around it. I then went straight up to bed and recapped on yesterday and today. I never realised how much Applejack and Rainbow Dash could get themselves deep in competition with each other, it's no wonder they didn't focus and ended up joint last. However it seems that they learnt their lesson and did very well, blowing down the rest of the leaves.

As I began to sleep, I learnt one other thing from today...reading about running is better than exercising...I think.

Suited For Success

I woke up the next day and I must've been really tired from yesterday's running of the leaves as it was already late morning. I left my suit behind, but I put my shoes on as I wanted to keep my hooves clean for today, since I'll be visiting Rarity who'll be making a new suit for me which is very kind of her. I left my home and headed on to Carousel Boutique, I saw Applejack and Twilight along the way.

"Well if it isn't mister first prize, himself." Applejack greeted cheekily.

"Hehe, hi there Applejack and Twilight". I replied.

"Hey there Bond, we were on our way to see Rarity about this dress of mine with a button that needs sewing." Twilight showed me.

"Really? I was on my way there too, apparently Rarity is working on a suit for me."

We walked onwards.

"Well, ah say that's mighty kind of her." Applejack said.

"Just hope we don't give her too much work, she's a very busy pony, even at the best of times." Twilight added.

"I'm sure she'll be alright with making one suit and repairing a dress." I assured.

We arrived and walked into Rarity's home.

"Anypony home?" Twilight asked.

"She must be in her dress making room, upstairs." I suggested.

We then knocked on the door on our left and opened the door.

"Howdy Rarity." Applejack greeted.

"Shhhh." Twilight whispered to Applejack. "Can't you see Rarity's trying to concentrate?"

She was right, it seemed Rarity was hard at work on a dress.

"What do you think she's making?" Applejack asked quietly.

"Looks like a dress." Twilight answered.

"I wouldn't bother her this way if I were you." I warned.

Rarity looked back at us. "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.

"Oh, very sorry to trouble you Rarity, but I need a quick favor." Twilight grabbed a dress and placed it on an empty table beside Rarity. "Could you please fix a button for me, it's my dress for The Grand Galloping Gala."

"Wait a minute, didn't we already go to The Grand Galloping Gala a few months ago?" I asked.

"Yeah, but that was only at a fine restaurant, outside the Canterlot Castle." Twilight explained.

"I see, I'll take your word for it."

We then got back to Twilight's dress.

"Oh no no no." Rarity gasped. "You can't wear this...old thing." she dismissed, "You need a glamorous new outfit and I'll make it for you, no problem at all, it would be my pleasure."

"Oh that's really sweet of you to offer, Rarity. But I-I can't do that, it would be so much work, this dress is fine."

"Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress."

"But-"

"Not another word. I won't take no for an answer."

"Well, in that case, thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handy work, I'm sure it'll be absolutely beautiful."

Rarity then looked at Applejack, "Let me guess, Applejack, you don't want a new gown either?"

"Gown? Shoot, ah was gonna wear my old work studs."

Rarity gasped again, "You can't possibly be serious Applejack, you absolutely must wear formal attire."

"Hmmm...nah."

"What if I just spruce up your ermm, studs for you a little bit?"

"Uhh, well, okay sure, why not. Since you're offering and all, just don't make them too frou-frou."

"Deal."

"Umm, Rarity?" I asked her,

"Oh goodness me!" she gasped again, "I completely forgot you were coming around here today, I'll get started on your new suit in a moment, dear."

I smiled, "Thank you."

"LOOK OUT BELOW!" we heard a voice from outside and I knew it was Rainbow Dash, she then crashed through the roof and bounced into the mannequins...or is it ponyquins, judging by the shapes?

"Oops, sorry, new trick, didn't quite work." Dash said as she got up from the mess.

"Hmmm...idea!" Rarity stated. "I'll make an outfit for you to wear to the gala too, Rainbow Dash."

Dash looked confused, "Outfit for the what now?"

"I'll make one for you and you and all of you, oh and of course Pinkie and Fluttershy too. Oh and when I'm done, we can hold our very own fashion show." Rarity suggested excitedly.

"Oh, what a great idea." Twilight agreed, "If you're sure you can handle it."

"Oh it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost for my business, plus fun!"

"Ohhh, I love fun things!" Dash added.

"Then it's settled, we'll have a fashion show, starring us!"

The mares all cheered whilst I tapped Raity in the shoulder.

"Oh and a suit for you, too, Bond."

Rarity then got out a couple of fabric rolls and started work.

"So, all you have to do is make a different, stunning, original and amazing outfits for all six of us, plus yourself, making it seven in lickety split?"

Rarity giggled "Oh Applejack, you make it sound as if it's going to be hard."

"Well, in that case, we'll see you later." Twilight said as she, Applejack and Dash left her home.

"Now I can finally know more about the suit you're making for me." I sighed.

"Oh yes, dear. You see the colours here, this is all going to be part of your new and marvellous suit."

Music then began to play, I knew there was a musical part coming.

"Uh oh, an incoming musical, I'm outta here." I then turned and was about to leave.

The music then stopped with a noise of vinyl scratching.

"Just a minute, Bond. I've been meaning to ask you."

Looks like I wasn't going to be able to hide it for long, so I turned back round.

"What about?"

"Well, why do you keep flying or running away whenever we ponies start to sing?" Rarity asked.

"Because it gives me bad memories of my past...and I'd rather not talk about it."

"I see, but musicals is part of who we are in all of Equestria, since the day Hearts Warming Eve became a holiday of songs."

"Well believe it or not, I'm one such pony who doesn't share that view."

"But please stay and watch how I do my work. You are earning a suit from me."

Oh, guess she really isn't that generous if she wants me to stay behind and listen to her sing.

I sighed and gave in, "Alright, I'll stay and watch, but I'll be the one having nightmares when it's bedtime."

Rarity squealed "Thank you darling. Now prepare to be amazed at my work!"

The music began to play again, but I didn't interrupt this time as I watched all her magic at work.

"Thread by thread, stitching it together

Twilight's dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip

Making sure the fabric folds nicely

It's the perfect colour and so hip

Always gotta keep in mind my pacing

Making sure the clothes' correctly facing

I'm stitching Twilight's dress"

That was one dress down, five more to go, plus my suit.

"Yard by yard, fussing on the details

Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine?

Make her something perfect to inspire

Even though she hates formal attire

Gotta mind those intimate details

Even though she's more concerned with sales

It's Applejack's new dress"

Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink

Fluttershy something breezy

Blend colour and form,

[To Bond Racer] Do you think it looks cheesy?

"No" I answered normally.

"Something brash, perhaps quite fetching

Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die?

Making sure it fits forelock and crest

Don't forget some magic in the dress

Even though it rides high on the flank

Rainbow won't look like a tank

I'm stitching Rainbow's dress"

"Piece by piece, snip by snip

Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip

Thread by thread, primmed and pressed

Yard by yard, never stressed

And that's the art of the dress!"

Whew, I'm glad that's over, I said to myself. After she was done singing, she then used her magic once more to make my suit and it was done.

"Here you are, Bond. All finished. What do you think?" Rarity asked, showing me a black suit with a white neck-collar and a brown bow-tie with matching black shoes.

I had to admit, I was very impressed with her handiwork...or is it hoof-work?

"I should try it on, just to be sure." I advised.

"No problem at all, put in on."

I used my alicorn magic to dress myself and then looked in the mirror, I began to admire my appearance in my new suit.

"Ooooh, I must've worked my fabulous style a little too much on yours, because you look smashing!" Rarity complimented.

"I sure do and I love it!" I replied, "It's as if I'm wearing the best suit around and I'm invited to any party I can go to!"

Just then, we heard a knock on a door.

"Oooh, come on in, girls!"

Soon, we saw Twilight, Applejack and Dash back but with Pinkie and Fluttershy this time.

"Girls, you're just in time...have a look at your new dresses!" she pointed to them.

"These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colours right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out BEAUTIFUL, don't you think? Ooo, and I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favourite! Aren't they all amazing? "Rarity announced each dress's details very excitedly as she awaited the instant approval from her friends.

There was a silence so deep, that I could hear every pony's eyes blink, especially Rarity who kept smiling excitedly.

"Wow... They're..." Twilight didn't know what to say.

"Yeah, they're..." Rainbow Dash tried to assist.

"They sure are something." Applejack added.

"Yes!" Twilight pointed out. "Something."

"I love something! Something is my favourite!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"It's... nice." Fluttershy commented, but she held her ears and head down as if she looked disappointed.

"But what's the matter, don't you like them?" I asked them, "I mean, I love this suit that she worked on for me."

"Oh no, yours is very nice...the dresses are nice too." Twilight assured.

"And we're so plum grateful that Rarity work hard on them."

"Okay, no offence Applejack, but that was a lousy lie." I remarked.

Applejack changed her tone, "Oh umm... ah guess what we're all saying is that they're just not what we had in mind."

The others nodded and Rarity changed to a disappointed look.

This was confusing, how could they not be overjoyed with their new dresses? I found them all amazing and ideal for each of them, despite my lack of knowledge about fashion and being a stallion. What more could Rarity possibly do to make them perfect?

"That's okay." Rarity picked herself up. "Not a problem. There's plenty more where that came from. They were only a first pass. You're my friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied. Not to worry, I'll redo them."

"Oh, Rarity. You don't have to do that. They're fine." Fluttershy tried to reason.

"I want them to be better that just fine." Rarity explained as she began her redoing process. "I want you to think they're absolutely perfect."

"Are you sure? Ah mean, we wouldn't wanna impose." Applejack asked.

Rarity laughed. "Oh, it's no imposition. Really, I insist."

"Well, in that case, thank you again, Rarity." Twilight thanked as she and the other ponies began leaving the room.

Rarity laughed nervously. As soon as the door closed, she looked at the ground, sadly. "What have I gotten myself into?"

"A heap of trouble?" I asked.

"Well, obviously." she remarked.

"Rarity, don't you think that would be too much for you?"

"Not really, if they want their dresses done differently and perfectly, I shall do it."

"But I don't see why after the trouble you went through with these first dresses, I thought they were amazing."

"Well, thank you Bond for understanding, but I just wish the others saw it that way."

"Maybe I can try to convince them?" I suggested.

"That would be so kind if you could, dear."

"Alright, I'll head off and talk to them, don't work too hard."

Rarity nodded as I took off my new suits and shoes and left her home.

I found them walking along by the town.

"Hey girls, do you think I could talk to you five?"

"Sure, what is it?" Twilight asked.

"Don't you think that you were being a little in-polite with the comments you made about the dresses?"

"What makes you say that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"You have to understand that she worked so hard on those dresses and I was there, watching it all take place."

"We know that obviously, they just weren't what we had in mind." Dash exclaimed.

"Well I hate to bring out my logic book here, but why didn't you just explain what you wanted your dresses to be BEFORE she started making them?"

"Oh right, we didn't think of that...but it was all happening so fast." Dash said.

"We were just taken back by her generosity." Twilight added.

"I know, I was too when she made that suit for me which by the way I thought was more than just nice, it's the best suit I ever had!"

"Now who's the one bragging..." Dash muttered.

"What was that?" I asked in an almost yelling way.

"Hey! Why don't we go back one by one and ask her to make dresses for us with our ideas in mind?" Pinkie asked whilst jumping.

"Pinkie, that's actually not a bad idea." Twilight agreed.

"Girls, you're missing the point."

"No we're not, we're on point and going back to Rarity." Pinkie stated.

"Alright partners, let's go." Applejack said as the five of them turned round and went back.

"Girls, come back here!" I yelled, but they ignored me, "Ugh, this will end in tears..."

I walked back home to take a quick rest, but I was starting to worry about Rarity working too hard because of the girls's fussiness over their dresses. Later that day, it was already sundown and I heard a knock on the door, I opened it to find Spike in front of me.

"Oh hey dude, haven't you heard?" he asked.

"Heard about what?" I asked in confusion.

"Do you know a pony named Hoity Toity?"

That name rung a bell...slightly. "I think I do, isn't he the bigwig hotshot from Canterlot?"

"Yeah, that's him!" Spike exclaimed, "He heard about Rarity's fashion show, well maybe I haven't mentioned it to him. He's coming here, all the way from Canterlot to see her work."

"Wow, that must be quite an honour for her, when's the fashion show?"

"Later tonight."

This struck a nerve as I knew it would involve the dresses the five wanted theirs to be instead of Rarity's original designs.

Soon, it was night time and the fashion show was about to start, many ponies attended the event, I took a seat by the front centre stage with Spike on the left side of me, before we were greeted by none other than Hoity Toity himself.

"The appearance of the stage and outdoor is not too shabby." he commented before noticing me. "Sweet goodness! An alicorn in Ponyville?"

"Yep, you're looking at Bond Racer." I stated confidently.

"My, my, my. How did you become one?"

"A lucky birth, according to the Princess."

"Hmm, indeed." he clapped his hooves and a pony game him a cushion to sit on.

The lights went dark on the stage, signalling that it was starting now. Typical fashion music began to play, courtesy of my cousin, Vinyl Scratch on the decks. Which reminds me, I need to go to one of her parties sometime, haven't done so for months.

One by one, the five mares came out with their new dresses on and I was shocked, they looked so awful compared to the dresses they had before and that hurt me inside, considering this was Rarity's work. Hoity Toity agreed with me sadly.

"It's a travesty is what it is. Those outfits are the ugliest things I've ever seen, oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not to mention wasting my valuable time!"

It was about to get worse as Rarity walked on stage looking down and feeling miserable, I could only shake my head watching it all unfold. Shortly though, the torture was over and all the ponies, including Hoity Toity, left the event. Spike had already gone home, but the rest of us stayed as they needed to change out of their dresses. I walked around the back to outside the dressing room and found Rarity sitting down and in tears, which proved my point earlier.

"Rarity, I'm so sorry to see your dream go down in flames like this." I said to her as I hugged her.

She wailed quietly but accepted my hug, "It isn't your fault dear, but right now, I need to be alone." she sniffed before pulling out of the hug and walking slowly to her home.

I had never seen Rarity looking so miserable, I was beginning to feel sorry at her, compared to my first opinion about her when I first came here.

The rest of the ponies came out of the dressing room to find me with an annoyed look.

"Uh, Bond, where's Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Went home...and in tears, might I add."

"But why?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well what do you think was going to happen earlier?" I exclaimed. "This event was her one chance to get a big break into the world of fashion, but because of your fussiness over the first dresses, she focused on your petty priorities instead of pursuing her own dream...and now it's all gone down in flames." I sighed. "I'm going home too, you five should be quite ashamed of taking her generosity for granted."

Their faces dropped with guilt, but I turned and walked towards my home. Heading in to my home, I went straight up to bed as there was nothing else I could do until tomorrow...

When the morning came, I got up and wanted to check on Rarity if she was alright. I was walking along to her home when I stopped Rainbow Dash with Rarity's cat.

"Uhh, what are you doing?" I asked in confusion.

"Shhh." she answered.

I looked at her then saw a dress on a mannequin near the tree, where Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy stood.

"Opal, how did you get up there? Hang on, you poor dear! Mama's coming!" I heard Rarity's voice.

When she said mama's coming, I couldn't help but snicker at the thought of a dirty joke...

Rarity came outside, rushing to get her cat off until she saw Rainbow Dash the same way I did. "Rainbow Dash? How dare you strand my poor Opal on the tree?"

"Well, how else were we gonna get you out here to show you this!"

The others presented the dress, leaving Rarity breathless.

"What is it? It's not... You..." She gasped.

"We all finished your dress for you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewing." Applejack added.

Guess Fluttershy does other things besides taking care of animals.

Fluttershy blushed. "Do you like it?" She asked.

"Like it?" She walked around the dress and observed it. "Like it?" She said, in a negative tone.

"Uh-oh. She doesn't like it." Fluttershy reacted.

"No, I don't like it." Rarity replied boldly, causing the girls to be disappointed. Suddenly, she turned around to them and exclaimed proudly, "I LOVE IT!"

"Yay!" Every pony cheered.

"You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it."

"We just followed your brilliant design." Fluttershy responded.

"Like we should have let you done for our outfits. Those first dresses you designed were perfect." Twilight added.

"We're so super sorry." Pinkie Pie apologized.

"You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them." Rainbow Dash explained as she brought down Opal. "We all saw how well that turned out."

"Oh, I forgive you." Rarity accepted.

"Well, that's mighty big of you." Applejack said.

"But my whole career is still ruined!" Rarity dramatically cried.

"Oh, right. That."

"Maybe not." Twilight added, looking over to Hoity-Toity who walked behind me.

"All right, I haven't got all day." He stated.

We were then inside Rarity's home where we had the fashion show and I had my new suit on which made me feel happy.

"Take two." He announced as I watched, hoping the first dresses will be used this time.

Spike closed the curtains leaving the room engulfed in complete darkness. Rarity used her magic to create a light, which it itself created many special effects, stunning Hoity-Toity. Twilight revealed herself in the perfect dress Rarity had made.

"Hello... Oh, this can't be the same designer." Hoity-Toity commented.

Applejack then revealed herself after.

"Simply magnificent! And suddenly I have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie. Candied apples on a stick? Apple turnovers? Apple cobbler?"

Third, it was Pinkie Pie, representing the candy she loves so much.

"Brilliant!" He exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash frightened him when she introduced herself through thunder sound effects.

"Oh, spectacular!" He was really getting excited now…

Lastly, Fluttershy presented herself with the addition of loose petals

"Now this is a fashion show. All of these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!" He commanded.

Rarity introduced herself in her new dress, presenting a light and I was blown away, the dress looked stunning on her.

"Bravo! Bravo! Magnifico! Encore!" He cheered.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!" Rarity thanked, joyfully.

Every pony had gathered on the first floor of the shop, where Twilight began speaking her letter to Spike.

"Dear Princess Celestia. This week my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."

I performed a rimshot on a drum-kit right on queue which made Twilight giggle.

Spike blew and sent the letter.

"Rarity, my congratulations on a most impressive fashion debut. Would you do me the great honour of allowing me to feature your couture in my best of the best boutique in Canterlot?" Hoity-Toity asked.

Rarity gasped.

"Now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday."

Rarity quickly changed the expression on her face.

"Ta-ra!" he said before leaving.

"Don't worry Rarity, with us seven altogether, we can accomplish this in good time."

Soon, we began working making copies of the same dress designs and since we all knew what each dress needed to be, it didn't take long. It also felt great to put my alicorn magic to use as well. I may not be feminine, but I learnt quite a bit about fashion, something that Rarity was pleased to know about. It was almost the evening, by the time we were done. We had five copies of each dress made which should be much more than enough to impress Hoity Toity's boutique.

"Yes, most impressive my dear." I complimented, impersonating Hoity Toity's voice.

The girls laughed as we went in for a group hug.

"Thank you all very much for assisting me with my work. You ponies were a BIG help. I can't thank you enough." Rarity announced.

"It was nothin', Rarity! We wanted to make up for the trouble we caused." Twilight replied.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Rarity chuckled.

Soon, every pony left home for the night, I placed my suit and all I was about to leave to when I felt a hoof on my shoulder.

"Bond Racer, I also can't thank you enough for how much of a great help you've been today." she then hugged me.

I accepted the hug in return, "It's alright Rarity, I was doing what I was trying to be...and that's being a close friend."

"Well, I can take care of this mess, have a goodnight, dear." she said as we pulled out of the hug.

"You too." I replied as I left her home and back to mine.

What a pair of days and nights I thought to myself as I went into my bed. To go from having my suit designed by Rarity to learning a lot about fashion and helping her keeping her dream alive. It felt real nice to be apart of it, although I did wonder, where did those awful dresses go to? Oh well, maybe I'll find out tomorrow. I learnt an additional lesson all the while too, bow ties are cool!

A Brother/Sister Bond

I woke up the next morning, feeling refreshed and ready to move with the day. I left my home and walked around town, I spotted Twilight and Spike on a small hill, Twilight seemed to be practising with a new spell.

"Morning you two, are you busy?" I asked.

"A little, Twilight's working on a combo spell." Spike explained.

She made a suit appear on Spike, followed by turning the stick into a fancy cane and Spike admired himself.

"Eyes over here, Spike." Twilight said

"Uhh, sorry" Spike answered as Twilight began to turn a rock above Spike's head into a hat.

"For this to work, it's crucial that we keep our concentration un-"

We then heard a "Oooh!" which distracted me and the rock landed on Spike's head, causing him to fall in a daze.

"Spike!" Twilight yelled, "This magic needs our full attention to make it happen, there's no other way."

"I can't help it, look."

Spike pointed us to see Pinkie acting very cautious and odd today, switching to many hiding places.

Twilight sighed, "Never mind her, she's just being Pinkie Pie."

"Super extra Pinkie Pie today." Spike added.

I walked over to see Pinkie and seeing her tail shivering.

"Hmmm, twitchy, twitchy, twitch." Pinkie said to herself.

"Ohhh, you're having one of those superstitious days again?" I asked her.

"I am...wait a minute, how do you know?"

"You had one a long time ago before, it was that week after I moved here." I reminded her.

"Oh yes, you're right."

Twilight and Spike then came up beside me, "Pinkie Pie, what in the wide, wide world of Equestria are you up to?" she asked.

"Oh it's my tail, it's my tail, it's like twitching twitching." she replied showing her tail right in Twilight's face before moving away. "And you know what that means?"

"Actually, Pinkie, I haven't the slightest idea." Twilight said who was unsure.

"The twitching means my pinkie sense is telling me that something's gonna start falling." Pinkie explained in her random way, "You should better duck for cover."

"Oh Pinkie, it's not gonna rain. When's there barely even a cloud-"

Suddenly, a frog came by and crashed on Twilight's face which cut her off.

"Wow, talk about getting kissed by a Prince!" I exclaimed, performing my rimshot moment again.

The frog croaked.

"He just said, nice catch in frog," Pinkie translated.

"Ohhh, I'm so so sorry." a voice said, we looked up and it was Fluttershy with a wagon full of frogs....she must be desperate for a coltfriend.

"You okay, Twilight Sparkle? I just couldn't stand to see the pond getting overpopulated. What with the frogs all hopping into each other. So I decided to fly as many as I can over to froggy bottom farm."

"Of course you did." Twilight muttered.

"Bye bye." Fluttershy said as she flew onwards with her frogs.

"Uhh Twilight, you've got a little something on your face, there." Pinkie pointed.

"Really, did your pinkie sense tell you that, too?"

"Nah, I could just see it." Pinkie then trotted off.

Twilight grumbled and then shook the frog off her face.

Suddenly, Spike burped out a letter.

"A letter from the Princess?" I asked surprisingly.

"What could it be about?" Twilight wondered.

Spike then read out the letter, "My faithful alicorn, Bond Racer, you are hereby requested to meet me at Canterlot Castle, there is an urgent matter that needs your assistance. Princess Celestia."

"A meeting with me? Well this is a surprise." I said.

"We'll be fine in case you're wondering." Twilight assured.

"Oh right, well just don't let it get to you too much if Pinkie's twitchy behaviour carries on, I'll be back soon." I said as I began to fly.

"See you then, Bond. Come on Spike, let's continue our practice session where there is a little less commotion." Twilight said as they walked off.

I flew into the sky and on my way to Canterlot, I landed down to just outside the castle, where there were two guards on standby.

"We are here to escort you to the Princess." one of them said as they walked along with me inside. We then arrived at a large doorway which led to the throne room where the Princess was seated, obviously waiting for me and another Pony that was nearby.

"Bond Racer is here to see you." one of the guards spoke.

"Thank you, you may now leave us." Celestia responded.

"Yes, your highness."

The guards left the throne room, closing the door behind me.

I walked down the throne room, closer to the Princess and I bowed in her presence.

"Hello Bond Racer, I am pleased you could be here today." Celestia greeted.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Princess. What did you wanted to see me for?"

"I summoned you here because I believe you may be able to help out with great importance."

"And who might that be?"

"Your sister, Sweet Chocolate." she pointed to my Sister who was looking at the stained pictures before turning towards me.

"Well hi again bro!" she greeted.

"Sister, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I came by to see how you were doing." my sister replied before her mood suddenly changed, "However, I also have sad news."

I began to feel concerned, "What's it about?" I asked, preparing for the worst.

"You remember our auntie who used to look after us when we were little?"

"Of course I do, you mentioned about it when I was visiting Las Pegasus."

"Well...a friend of hers sent me a letter to tell us that...she...passed away...yesterday morning." she sniffed.

I gasped and felt as if I had just got kicked right in the horseshoes, I was distraught to hear the news.

"Our auntie, the one who gave us faith when our parents couldn't...is gone?" I asked, trying not to cry.

"Yes..." she began to cry and so did I, we walked closer to each other before moving in with a sister/brother hug, sharing our tears together.

"I am very sorry to hear your loss, you two. But you must stay strong because as I am aware, you are the only two who can carry on the family name." Celestia intervened.

We pulled out of the hug and my Sister nodded, "You're right, Princess."

"However, that is only half of the discussion. I believe there is a story that you, Bond, have not yet told. The events that led you from Fillydelphia to Ponyville in the first place."

"Of course, I never got to hear what happened to you in the years after I left home." Sweet Chocolate agreed.

"I guess I should explain why I came here in the first place." I sighed.

My sister had wiped her tears away and she sat down to listen.

"When you left our parents years ago, things were quiet for a while and our Mum and Dad were always happy, they watched me grow up and finding out how I did at School. It seemed like it was going to be all very well...until one fateful night where it turned incredibly sour." I then took a deep breath and carried on. "It was the Fillydelphia state talent show at the school that night, all of us had separate big parts to act on. Our parents were in the audience, watching it from the beginning. When my part began, I was quite nervous as my role was about being funny and entertaining, which is why I tend to spurt out random stuff, but I pulled it off in the end. When my part was finished, I got a huge applause and I looked around to see that our parents weren't there. So after the show, I went looking for them, I had snuck out of the building and went around until I found them in alleyway a short walk away from the school...cornered by a gang of pony mobsters." I started to get emotional at this point, remembering the events that followed. "They wanted all their money that we had saved up for my future studies...when they both refused...their mob leader sang a disturbing short musical song...and...and...pulled out a gun with unicorn magic...and fired it...at our Dad. I had to look away, hearing our mother scream so loud...b-before...another gunshot went off."

I began to cry at this point, but Celestia had brought in a box of tissues to help clean my tears away, my sister said nothing so far.

"I screamed at the mobs for killing our parents, they saw me and looked like they were about to kill me as well...until a bright light from above suddenly appeared, blinding the killers, giving me a chance to escape. I then discovered that I was able to fly now, so zooming back to our family home, I took whatever I could, galloped over to our auntie's house and telling her that I needed to get out of Fillydelphia as quick as possible. She took me to the train station, gave me a bag of bits and wished me luck, I boarded the train and I didn't care where I was going. I wanted to get out of there..." I paused for a moment, trying to calm down. "...when it was the next day, I found myself in Ponyville. There was an empty home up for sale just by the entrance to the town, so I went straight to the Town Hall and to my surprise, Princess Celestia was there with Mayor Mare, I asked for a home and with the princess's blessing, I was able to move into the new home. It was quite empty at first, but when I unpacked what I took, it began to look and feel like a new home."

I had stopped crying then and was able to finish the rest of the story with comfort.

"So that's all there is to it, ever since that night, I've hated musicals with a passion and it's why you never see me when somepony starts singing with background music. Although the day before, I did listen to one pony singing, so it was a start I guess."

I took another deep breath as I finished my story, my sister began to cry again.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, bro. If I had known, I would've kept you safe from those mobsters." she cried, hugging me again.

"It's alright, sister, there was nothing we could've done to save our parents. But things have turned out for the better since leaving Fillydelphia. I have made the best friends ever and also become one of the elements of harmony, being the element of faith is something to be proud of." I said whilst beginning to smile.

"It is indeed and you should be very proud of how far you've come, since that day you arrived in Ponyville." Celestia said.

"As I am too, bro."

"Thanks sister."

We shared another quick hug.

"Well, I've gotta go back to Las Pegasus, I hope one day, we'll meet again on happier terms." Sweet Chocolate said.

"I have faith that we will, sister." I replied. "I shall head back to Ponyville as well."

"Very well, you may both leave the castle. But remember, whatever was said in this room will never leave this place. I will make it my duty to keep this conversation a secret between all three of us." Celestia stated.

"Thank you Princess, I feel like a lot of weight has been lifted off me." Sweet said.

"Same here, thank you again, Princess." I agreed.

"It's no problem at all, I will see you soon, Bond."

After waving to my sister and the princess, I exited the throne room and then left the castle and began flying back to Ponyville. I felt so much better after letting out my dark past and all of a sudden, I didn't seem to mind musicals...guess a bit of Rarity's persuasion is rubbing off on me, hehe. It was sunset as soon as I landed down in the middle of town and I found Spike.

"Hey Bond, good thing you're here." Spike said.

"Oh hey Spike, what is it?" I asked.

"Rainbow Dash said that an event is going to take place at Cloudsdale tomorrow and she wants as much support as possible."

"Well, since I can fly, I'll be sure to be there for her and Fluttershy too."

"But what about the rest of the girls?" he asked with concern.

Spike had a good point, since the other four couldn't fly.

"I'm sure Twilight will find a way."

"Maybe, catch you around." Spike said as he walked off.

"Same to you." I replied as I walked back to my house.

Walking into my home, I didn't wanna do anything else except getting into bed as I was quite tired with today's events. It was a quite a contrast, seeing Pinkie going all twitchy to discussing my past to my Sister and the Princess which kinda gave me a lot of relief. I could now finally move on and perhaps start to enjoy musicals too, but right now, one step at a time is all I want...

Sonic Rainboom

I fully awoke the next morning, feeling happier and lighter as my talk with Sweet Chocolate about my past did me a lot of good. I wanted to let out my joy about being more happier about my life here and remembering what Spike said yesterday, going to a contest in Cloudsdale to support Rainbow Dash was to be an excellent idea. But I then thought about the other four mares, what if they wanted to come despite them not being able to fly? Thinking of what to do about it, I left my home and went straight to Twilight's house, I knocked on her door before opening it to find that Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack  were with Twilight as well.

"Oh hey girls, what's this about?" I asked them.

"Hey there Bond, we were helping with Twilight arranging the books around her library." Applejack answered.

"Ahhh, last one." Twilight sighed as she slid a book into among her other books. "Thank you so much for helping me clean all these book, girls. It was a crazy weekend of studying." she then rolled her eyes around to verify her point.

Then we heard an incoming loud yell and before we knew it, it was Dash who zoomed through the open window, then collided into us and the books all came falling down on the floor, then Fluttershy turned up to see what happened.

"Rainbow Dash, you rock, woohoo." she said quietly before noticing the whole place being a mess. "Did my cheering do that?"

Dash chuckled slightly as she got up, "Sorry about that, ladies...oh and you, Bond. That was a truly feeble performance."

"Actually, it wasn't all bad. I particularly liked it when you made the clouds spin." Fluttershy commented.

"I'm not talking about my performance." Dash exclaimed, "I'm talking about yours, that feeble cheering."

"What are you two arguing about?" Twilight asked.

"Were we arguing? I'm sorry." Fluttershy apologized.

"I wish you guys could come to Cloudsdale to see me compete in the best young fliers competition." Dash sighed.

"What's that?"

"It's where all the great pegasus fliers get together to show off their different flying styles." Pinkie explained as she demonstrated a few examples which had he chuckling. So this is what Spike talked to me about yesterday.

"Least I'm able to fly and give you support." I pointed out.

"Golly, ah'd love to see you strut your stuff in that competition." Applejack said.

"Yeah, I wish you girls could be there. Fluttershy's a great support, but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational." Dash said.

"Well that may be true, but at least with my cheering, you'll get a lot of encouragement to do better than 20%. I said.

"Oh yeah, thanks Bond."

"Oh! I'd love to see you make a sonic rainboom." Pinkie intervened excitedly, "It's like, the most coolest thing ever. Even though I've never actually seen it, but come on, it's a Sonic rainboom." she added, bouncing up and down for a second, "How not cool can it possibly not be?"

"What's a sonic rainboom?" Twilight asked.

"You really need to get out more." Pinkie then showed another example in her own way. "The sonic rainboom is legendary. When a pegasus like Rainbow Dash gets going so fast, BOOM! a sonic boom and a rainbow can happen all at once!"

"And Rainbow Dash here's the only pony who's ever pulled it off." Applejack added.

"It was a long time ago, I was just a filly." Dash intervened, trying to be modest.

"Yeah, but you're gonna do it again right?" Pinkie asked.

Dash hesitated for a second, "Are you kidding? I'm the greatest flier to come out of Cloudsdale. I could do sonic rainbooms in my sleep."

Now that I would pay money to see.

"Wow, if you pull that off, you'll win the crown for sure." Twilight said.

"The grand prize is an entire day with the wonderbolts. A whole day of flying with my lifelong heroes, it'll be a dream come true!"

"Yay." Fluttershy cheered quietly.

Dash was still not pleased with her quiet cheering, "I'm gonna go and rest up for later today. Don't wanna over prepare myself, you know." she then turned her attention to Fluttershy. "But you on the other hand, better keep practising. I need a cheering section to match my spectacular performance." she then flew off through the window and out of sight.

"She's practised that move 100 times and she's never come close to doing it, I don't know if I can cheer loud enough to help her." Fluttershy said as she flew off as well, both her and Dash were probably on their way to Cloudsdale.

"Well, guess we better get this cleaned up...again." Twilight said, pointing out the room was still a mess.

"And with me around, we'll get his cleared up in double time." I added.

They all nodded in agreement and soon, the Library was all clean again.

"Now that we've got this place all fine and dandy again, what can we do with gettin' to Cloudsdale?" Applejack asked.

"Well, I would like to carry all four of you, but even I'm not that strong." I then blushed and looked away.

Rarity smiled and then looked at Twilight, "Go on." she said

"Go on, what?" Twilight asked.

"Find a spell that will get us wingless ponies into Cloudsdale, didn't you see how nervous she was?"

"Nervous? Have you been paying attention, she was tootin' her own horn louder than a brass section of marchin' band." Applejack commented.

"Oh please!" Rarity remarked, "I've put on enough fashion shows to recognise stage fright when I see it. We've got to find a way to be there for her. Now go on!" she then bucked her flank sending Twilight across the room.

I giggled quietly at that moment, but I wanted to thank her for taking the attention away from me...maybe next time.

"Ugh, fine...which book should I start with?"

"Here, a flight spell, page 27." Pinkie answered, throwing a book over to Twilight.

"How'd you do that?" Applejack asked.

"It landed on my face when Rainbow Dash knocked me into the book case."

Our survey says...EH-EH...more likely it was just dumb luck, me thinks.

"Here it is, a spell that will allow earth ponies to fly for one whole day." Twilight stated as she read the book. "Oooh, it looks really difficult, I'm not sure if I can do it."

"You've got to try." Rarity insisted.

"Okay, but apart from Bond Racer, who's gonna volunteer to be the test subject?"

Pinkie and Applejack were unsure about it.

"I will!" Rarity exclaimed. "For Rainbow Dash, I will go first."

"Here goes..."

Twilight then used a whole lot of her magic as a twister began to spun around Rarity. After a moment of a bright flash, we covered our eyes and then opened them to find Rarity with butterfly shaped wings. I had to admit, she looked quite impressive with wings.

Me, Pinkie and Applejack gasped.

"I think it worked." Twilight said who was exhausted from the spell.

"My goodness! I can't believe I'm flying." Rarity yelled in happiness.

"That's so cool that you pulled that off." I complimented Twilight, "Do you think you could do it twice more?

"Umm...maybe not, creating one pair of wings nearly drained all my magic out." Twilight replied. "I know, I can create a spell so that you two and myself can walk on clouds and that we don't fall through."

"Good thinking. What about a hot air balloon, is there one around?"

"OH! I have the one I used for the running of the leaves event, it's still parked away by Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie answered.

"Then we have our transport for the three of you." I said.

"Come on everypony, let's give Dash the best support she's ever had." Applejack added.

We all agreed and travelled to Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie, Applejack and Twilight all got in the hot air balloon and they were flying away. Rarity and I flew alongside, guiding the balloon to Cloudsdale. Moments later and were approached the clouds and I knew that were arriving towards the sky city. Rarity and I arrived first and we saw Fluttershy and Dash, we waved at them to get their attention.

"Hi Bond Racer and...R-R-Rarity..." Fluttershy said, noticing Rarity's wings.

Dash turned around, "Rarity, you're flying!" she exclaimed.

"I most certainly am." Rarity replied happily as I flew down on the clouds. "Aren't my wings smashing, Twilight made them for me, I just adore them."

Dash and Fluttershy stared in amazement.

"Why so shocked? we couldn't leave our favourite flyer without a big cheering section."

"We?" Dash asked.

Then, the hot air balloon with Pinkie, AJ and Twilight appeared and landed on the clouds.

"I-I can't believe it!" Dash exclaimed.

"It's incredible." Fluttershy added.

"This is so cool, you girls made it!"

"Sure did," Pinkie said as she jumped out of the balloon.

"WAIT!" Dash yelled.

Pinkie landed on the cloud safely, before AJ and Twilight did the same.

"How did you do that? Only pegasus and alicorns can walk on clouds."

"Pretty cool, huh?" Pinkie asked as she did somewhat impressive cartwheels.

"I found a spell that makes temporary wings, but it was too difficult to do more than once. So I found an easier spell that lets the rest of us walk on clouds for one whole day." Twilight explained.

"And we came to cheer you to victory." Applejack added.

"To be honest, I was starting to get a teeniest tiniest bit nervous. But I feel a lot better that you're all here." Dash then thought of an idea. "Hey, we've got some time before the comeptition, why don't Fluttershy and I show you around Cloudsdale?"

We all agreed to the idea and began walking along towards the city.

"Here it is, the greatest city in the sky."

For me, this wasn't new as I had visited this place many times, but the others who hadn't been here before were easily impressed, I noticed Rarity admiring her wings with a mirror which was to be expected. After a long tour of the city, it was almost time for the flier comeptition, so we made our way to the stadium. We took our seats among the crowd whilst Dash went through the volunteers entrance to brace herself for the upcoming challenge.

"Hang on, where's Rarity?" I asked.

"She went to sign up at the last minute. Obviously to show off her wings." Applejack sneered.

I shook my head, Rarity should be ashamed for trying to steal what could be Dash's greatest moment. But there was nothing we could do, we had to sit back and watch the show, which was about to start.

"Mares and gentlecolts, please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved, Princess Celestia!" the announcer stated.

Celestia then showed up in her own seating area.

"Please welcome our celebrity judges for the best young flyer competition, the Wonderbolts!"

The wonderbolts then arrived and demonstrated what they can do.

"And now, let's find out who will take the prize as this year's best young flyer."

Soon, it all began and I was fascinated by each pegasus who came out one by one, overcoming the course around the stadium, this continued for some time, but we still haven't seen Dash or Rarity compete yet.

"And now, for our final competitor of the day, contestant number 15...oh and err there's contestant number 4."

We cheered on for both of them, but with my keen eyes, I looked closely to notice that Dash was very nervous about it, then with my vulcan hearing, I heard laughter form underneath the cloud we were sitting on. I looked behind me and looked down to find three colts sniggering at Dash...they must be bullies or something, can't do anything about it now, except to cheer on Dash louder than before.

Rarity and Dash did the course at the same time and finished it in unison....then came along trouble. The ray from the sun's warmth caused the wings to burn to cinders leaving Rarity with no wings, she started falling from the sky.

"Oh no! Those wings evaporated into thin air!" Twilight yelled.

"Uhh, that's what I was already thinking." I added.

I spotted the wonderbolts zooming down through the stadium, probably to rescue her...

"Hold on, Rarity! I'm coming!" Dash yelled as she went after them...I was tempted to go and help, but then I thought that this could be her chance to pull off the sonic rainboom if she can fly to save Rarity fast enough. We watched with fear until out of nowhere, we saw a bright rainbow circle appear, it was a glorious sight too.

"A SONIC RAINBOOM! SHE DID IT! WOO!" Fluttershy shouted, leaping for joy.

We saw Dash fly back up with Rarity and the Wonderbolts, landing them down on the clouds.

Dash looked by to see Fluttershy cheering her so loud and she looked back, smiling and feeling proud. Sometime later, we all met up and Rarity was in the hot air balloon, since she didn't have the spell to walk on clouds.

"I want to apologize to you all for getting so carried away with my...beautiful wings. I guess I just lost my head."

We all accepted her apology.

"And I'm especially sorry that I was so thoughtless as to jump into the contest at the last minute, after you worked so hard to win it. Could you ever forgive me?"

"Aw, it's ok." Rainbow Dash responded. "Everything turned out alright, right? I just wish I could have met the Wonderbolts when they were awake." The wonderbolts had actually walked over to us and one of them tapped Rainbow Dash. She turned around and her face immediately surrendered it's calm, cool, and collected expression. "Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohMYGOSH!"

"So you're the little pony who saved our lives." The one with a mane resembling of a fire spoke. "We really wanted to meet you, and say thanks."

"Ohmygosh Ohmygosh Ohmygosh Ohmygosh Ohmygosh!" was the only thing Rainbow Dash could reply with.

Princess Celestia and her royal guards flew over to us.

"Princess!" Twilight announced.

Each of us bowed as she spoke. "Hello Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends too."

"Princess Celestia, I am sorry I ruined the competition." Rarity spoke as she held her head low. She looked over to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash here really is the best flyer in Equestria."

Rainbow Dash rubbed her hooves shyly.

"I know she is my dear."Princess Celestia responded. "That's why for her incredible act of bravery, and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I'm presenting the grand prize for best young flyer to this year's winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!" Princess Celestia herself placed the award on Rainbow Dash as every pony cheered.

"Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!" Rainbow Dash announced excitedly as Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy carried her around for a victory lap.

I remained with Twilight, because I wanted to hear today's report…

"So Twilight Sparkle, did you learn anything about friendship from this experience?" Princess Celestia asked.

"I did Princess," Twilight replied, looking over to Rarity. "but I think Rarity learned even more than me."

"I certainly did. I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground, and be there for your friends… and when a certain friend tries to talk you out of trouble…" Rarity looked gently over to me. "You should listen to them…"

"Excellent. Well done Rarity." Princess Celestia responded.

The rest of the girls brought Rainbow Dash back and placed her on the cloud.

"This really is the best day EVER!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"Uhh, hey Rainbow Crash." The dark brown pony had come back.

"Dash!" The tan one nudged and corrected the dark brown one.

"Oh! Uhh... Sorry Rainbow Dash. Uhh, we just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition."

"That sonic rainboom was awesome!"

I rolled my eyes at the irony of it all.

"Heh, thanks guys." Rainbow Dash replied.

"Uhh, we're really sorry we gave you such a hard time before."

"Aww, that's ok. Don't worry about it."

"Hey. Do you want to hang out with us? Maybe you could show us how you did that incredible trick!"

"Sorry boys..." She flew over to the couple of wonderbolts waiting for her. "But I've got plans!" She glided along with her idols as they headed somewhere else.

"Well, I best be going." Princess Celestia announced. "I hope you all had a great day! Night will fall shortly, so farewell all!"

Every pony bowed and Princess Celestia left with her royal guards and she wasn't wrong, it was sunset, so we said our goodbyes to Rainbow Dash who flew off home, whilst the rest of us went back to ponyville, with the hot air balloon in tow. We landed outside the Library and said our farewells, with me giving Rarity a quick hug as she went through a lot today.

I walked back home and my wings were getting tired, it felt good to be back on solid ground. Heading straight to bed, I recapped over today's events. Rarity learnt a valuable lesson which I hope she'll remember from now on as her selfish desire for attention nearly cost her own life, but despite that, I got to see a sonic rainboom and falling asleep, I was proud of Rainbow Dash and I knew everypony would agree with me...

Stare Master

I woke up the next day and I wasn't sure why, but I felt like seeing Rarity and talking to her, even though I'm in love with Trixie despite every other pony not knowing this...shaking my head, I put on my genuine smile and left my house with my shades on. I walked through town, on my way to Rarity's home when I spotted Fluttershy walking by, holding a basket in her mouth, but she didn't seem to be alright.

"Hey Fluttershy, are you alright?" I asked, walking over to her.

She put down the basket and snuffled, "Ah-choo!" she sneezed.

I guess not, good thing I had my bubble shield spell mastered.

"Oh hi Bond, I was taking Opal here back to Rarity's, from her grooming session, when I caught a cold from somewhere." she answered, whilst snuffling.

"You don't look so good, Fluttershy, you should go back home and get some rest." I advised.

"But what about Opal?"

"Leave it to me, I was on my way to Rarity's home anyway." I insisted, "It would be nice for me to help you."

"Alright...thank you Bond, you're a true friend." she complimented, "I'll go and get some rest."

"Good, now take it easy for the day." I added as she walked to her home.

I smiled back as I picked up the basket and trotted along towards Rarity's home. When I arrived, I opened the door and then walked upstairs since Rarity wasn't down here. I rung her bedroom/outfit design doorbell and opened it.

"Oooh, what now?!" Rarity exclaimed.

I then placed the basket down, "Oh I'm sorry Rarity, am I interrupting something?"

"Oh goodness, Bond Racer, what brings you here?"

"I was on my way to see how you were doing when I saw Fluttershy taking Opal back from her grooming, but she wasn't feeling well, so I took her job of taking your cat home instead." I explained with a smile.

"Well, aren't you a sweet dear and forgive me for my outburst when you walked in. I was so wrapped up in my work that I forgot Opal was being brought back from her grooming."

"Oh I'm sure it was no trouble at all, she's right here in the basket as well."

Opal than jumped out and was looking very clean.

"Oooh, she looks great." Rarity commented, "I just don't understand how she's able to do it. I can't get near her without getting a swipe from her claws." she then moved her head close and nearly got swiped by Opal's claws, "Did she use...the stare on her?"

"Umm, what's the stare?" I asked in confusion.

"Oh, you don't know what it is?"

"Not really..."

"Well, from what I know, Fluttershy has a deep dark ability of using the stare, it happens very rarely and it seems to effect all kinds of animals. But she seems to have no control over it and it just happens." Rarity explained.

"I see." I said, although I wasn't sure to believe it, unless I saw it myself. "At least she's very good with animals, since it's her speciality."

"Well, maybe Fluttershy should have Opal as a cutie instead of those butterflies."

We shared a giggle, cause I knew she was joking.

"Oh oh oh oh!" Sweetie Belle intervened, "Maybe I can be good with animals too."

Opal then swiped a bit off Sweetie's mane, that's probably Opal's way of saying 'fat chance'.

"By the way, I was hoping Fluttershy could help me with looking after my little sister and her friends. I've bitten off a bit more than I can chew with this order."

"But you're not eating anything." Sweetie said in confusion.

"No Sweetie, it's an expression. It means that I've taken on more work than I can handle. I've got 20 of these special robes to make tonight and they're due in Trottingham tomorrow morning."

"See? I've lined them in a special gold silk. It took so long to make, but I think it adds just the right touch, don't you?"

"These are pure golden," I compliment, "But twenty by tonight? How will you get it all done?"

"Well, I, uh..." Rarity tried to explain.

"Oh, oh oh!" Sweetie Bell cried out. "Maybe I could..." Rarity gave her a cold and irritated stare. "…just... just stand over here and watch." She walked over to a corner.

"I'll manage." Rarity answered.

"Well, maybe we should get out of your mane so you can work." I replied as she began walking out the door.

A couple of fillies suddenly rushed through the door, saying Hello to each of us.

"Hello, uh, girls..." Rarity grew another worried expression.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle!" They stopped and greeted her. It was Applebloom and Scootaloo.

Sweetie Bell changed her gloomy look to a joyful one. "Scootaloo! Applebloom!" She exclaimed.

"You ready for tonight?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yup! Cutie mark planning session is a go!" Sweetie Bell answered, giving a salute.

"Tonight is the night we each try to find our own special talent." Applebloom announced.

"Even if it takes us all night!" Scootaloo added.

"Ah'm ready! You ready?" Applebloom asked Scootaloo.

"Very ready!" Scootaloo replied confidently.

"Cutie Mark Crusader sleepover at Rarity's!" The three of them shouted loudly. "Yay!"

"And... look what I made us!" Sweetie Bell represented a velvet cape with their insignia on it.

"Oh, wow!" Scootaloo and Applebloom replied as they combined laughs and gasps.

"What does that patch on your cape mean?" I asked.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders! Yay!" They shouted.

"We're on a crusade, a mission!" Scootaloo responded.

"To find our cutie marks!" Applebloom added.

"Yup. And look. I lined them with this special gold silk. It took so long to make, but I think it adds just the right touch, don't you?" Sweetie Bell finished.

My expression instantly changed to a shocked one when I heard the words "gold" and "silk". I looked over Rarity to see her eye begin twitching. She rushed over to her desk and pulled out her other gold fabric to reveal square holes in it. "Sweetie Belle! What have you DONE? That was the last of the gold silk! Oh, now I'll have to make more! Oh, I hope I can make more. I'm gonna have to work all night! Which means... sorry, girls, I'm afraid the Crusaders sleepover is cancelled."

"WHAT?" Sweetie Bell exclaimed.

"I just won't have any time to watch you if I want to get these robes delivered on time." Rarity answered.

"But—

"No buts this time. I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle; it's just the way it has to be."

"Awwww..." They groaned in disappointment.

"I suppose I could take them for the night." I offered.

They lifted their heads and looked excitedly at Rarity.

"I couldn't ask you to do that, dear." Rarity replied.

The CMC's looked at me.

"Oh, it's no problem at all." I responded.

The three of their heads continued to shift to each speaker.

"Have you spent a day with my sister and her friends? A problem is all it would be."

"Did Fluttershy have a problem with Opal? Besides, I'm an alicorn and I can handle much more than three hyperactive fillies!"

"Hey, I'm not hyper!" Scootaloo protested.

"I suppose that's true... and I do have a lot of work to do..."

"Come on, it'll be fun."

"I assure you, they're quite a handful."

"Come on Rarity, you've gone through a lot recently, you need time for yourself with your work, let me do you a favor in return."

The fillies stood proudly and smiled innocently.

"Well..." Rarity thought for a moment. "…all right."

"Cutie Mark Crusader sleepover at Bond Racer's house! Yay!" They shouted out loud, causing our ears to be sore from the volume. They were about to rush out the door when I shut it with my magic.

"Just a minute, fillies. You're not getting away from an alicorn that easily." I then created a big bubble around them which lifted them off the ground.

"See, Rarity? Not a problem, I'll bring them back tomorrow morning after you've done your work."

"Okay Bond, thanks again. Have fun Sweetie Belle."

I then left the home with the fillies still trapped in the bubble. We were walking around town, on our way to my home.

"Please Bond, let us out of here." Applebloom said.

"Are you kidding? The minute I let you three out of the bubble, you're gonna run off and I'll lose sight of you."

"Awww..." they all said.

"But I need to go to the bathroom." Scootaloo said embarrassingly.

"Alright, be quick, because I wanna make sure you three stay safe with me." I then made the bubble disappear and they landed on the ground...only to them create a boundary spell so they wouldn't try and sneak off far away from me.

"Nice try, fillies, but at least you're not stuck in a bubble now." I chuckled, as I was having a lot of fun, messing with them.

Soon, we saw Twilight trotting around.

"Hi Twilight!" The fillies said in unison which nearly caught Twilight off guard.

"Hey fillies...oh hello, Bond." she greeted.

"Oh hey Twilight. Where are you off too?" I asked.

"I'm heading to the Everfree Forest to Zecora's, to get some of my favourite tea." Twilight replied.

"That's quite brave of you." I said in a positive manner "Do be careful, won't you?"

"Of course, what are you doing with the girls?"

"Rarity has a big order to fill tonight, so I volunteered to take the girls over to my house to watch over them."

"Wow. Sounds like everypony has their hooves full today. Taking care of those three fillies all by yourself? You sure you can handle it?"

"What? These three little angels?" I smirked as they stood in a row with big smiles. "They'll be no problem at all."

"What about Fluttershy, could she help?"

"I'm afraid she's down with the cold today, I don't think spreading germs to other ponies would be ideal."

"Oh I see, I hope she gets well soon. Her animals need taking care of, after all." Twilight said, "Well, see you around."

"Same to you, Twilight." I answered as she trotted off to the forest.

We soon carried on walking around town and they told me a few stories about how they're to get their cutie marks which I didn't really pay attention to...all the while, I was thinking of Trixie and wishing to see her again.

She did raise a good point, with Fluttershy down with a cold, who's gonna take care of her animals for the whole day? It would be a lot more work needed, but I needed to be a useful friend all the same, I then thought of an idea.

"Girls, there's been a change of plans." I said to the fillies. "We're heading over to Fluttershy's cottage, I completely forgot that she needs help with the animals later tonight."

"Why's that?" Sweetie asked.

"She's not feeling well and needs a lot of rest. So when we get there, try to be quiet if possible."

The fillies nodded as we turned around and walked to Fluttershy's cottage, it was sunset by the time we got there. I opened the door and greeted, "Hi Fluttershy, it's only me and the three fillies." I yelled politely.

I didn't get a response, so I assumed she was sleeping in bed. After we all walked in and closed the door behind me, the little fillies began their hyper activities throughout the home. I had to chuckle a little here, since I know that their despite their high energy, I can put them under control in a bubble.

"No problem at all." I said to nopony, "Okay, fillies, what do you three wish to do?" I asked.

"I'm gonna get my mark first!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Girls?" I asked again.

"Nuh-uh!" Sweetie Belle counteracted.

"Should we—

"I am!"

"Girls, okay, now settle –

"I'm staying up all night!"

"Me too!"

"Me three!"

"GIRLS!" I shouted after I couldn't take the ignorance anymore. They all stopped what they were doing and walked over to ,e, in silence."Listen to me, please." I told them politely before clearing my throat, "So! What do you wanna do?"

"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Yes and..."

"And we want to crusade for our cutie marks!" Applebloom added.

"And, and, and, we, um- yeah! What they said!" Sweetie Belle struggled.

"Mmm, I don't know. Why don't we check to see if Fluttershy is alright," I suggested.

"Or... we could go adventuring in the Everfree Forest!" Scootaloo offered.

The rest of the girls agreed and began heading out the front door, but I put up a forcefield around the door, "That wouldn't be fun.. The Everfree Forest is too dangerous for you fillies. It's filled with far too many strange creatures and Celestia knows what."

"But you could go with us and we could catch those creatures." Sweetie Belle tried to reason. "We could be, umm... creature catchers!"

"YAY!" They all shouted again, damaging our ears with the strength of their voices. "Cutie Mark Crusader creature catchers!"

Scootaloo and Applebloom dressed up with a rug and basket to look like a monster. Scootaloo began making noises. "Arrrr... I am a dangerous creature from the Everfree Forest! Rrrarr!"

Sweetie Belle stared at them in confusion for a moment, but then finally realized at what they were up to. "Halt, dangerous creature from the Everfree Forest. I am Sweetie Belle, the creature catcher, and I'm here to catch you!"

"You can never catch me! I am far too powerful and dangerous!"

"You cannot run from me!"

They began chasing each other as they giggled at the same time.

"Come back, dangerous creature, so I can catch you!" Sweetie Belle bounced off of Fluttershy's head.

"Never!"

After seeing them mess around in the house without any regard for safety or destroying things, I quickly took action. "Alright, that's enough." I said, walking over to them and pulling the rug and basket off. Scootaloo fell off from being on Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stopped running.

I placed the three of them in front of me and began trying to talk some sense into them. "Look, I know how you little girls are really excited about well being 'Cutie Mark Crusaders', but you've got to remember that you need to watch what you're doing. Fluttershy and I don't want you girls to be getting into any trouble or harmed. Remember

They sighed and lowered their heads, apologizing.

"Now that we've gotten that out of the way, shall we play a game?"

"Oooh! How about Cutie Mark Crusader coal miners?"

"YEAH!" The others agreed.

"NO!" I exclaimed.

"Awwww!"

I looked on out the window and seeing night-time beginning, I guess I could try putting them to bed. So I got a few pillows from the sofa and placed them on the rug in the middle of the room. "Girls, I think it's time for bed, don't you think?"

"But we're not even tired." Scootaloo disagreed.

"How about I sing you a lullaby, maybe that will help?" I offered.

"Mm-hmm, yeah!" They agreed.

"Alright, here it goes..." I then used my magic to create and sprinkle sleeping dust on them and it worked, they fell asleep right away on the pillows, I then turned out the room light so they could sleep better. "Sing you a lullaby, yeah right." I muttered.

I went on upstairs quietly to check on Fluttershy,

"Are you okay?" I asked calmly.

"Yes, I'm feeling a little better." she replied, resting in her bed.

"Good, I just put the fillies to sleep, it was no problem at all."

"That's really impressive, Bond. You're truly one of a kind." she complimented.

"Uhh I guess I am." I blushed slightly, "But anyways, you need anything, I'll be outside watching over the animals."

"Thanks you Bond, goodnight."

"Same to you."

I walked back downstairs and through the backdoor to check on the animals...when to my surprise, I saw footprints of a chicken that trailed from the area into the Everfree Forest, I decided to go on in and find the chicken and bring it back. I then noticed a piece of red fabric by the fence...oh god no! Don't tell me the fillies went out to look for it as well. I then flew up above the forest trees and went to look for them, a few seconds later and I found a statue that caught my attention, upon inspecting it closer, clouds began to move away to show a full moon...and I gasped! It was Twilight who was turned into stone, she had a shocked expression...I know what this was the work of, legends say that a cockatrice lives in the forest and if anypony looked at it in the eye, they would be turned to stone.

Luckily, my alicorn magic is more than strong enough to reverse the curse. With my magic, Twilight went back to fully coloured purple and was moving again.

"Twilight, it's me!" I exclaimed.

"Oh gosh, Bond Racer, thank goodness it's you." Twilight said as she got up and hugged me "I was walking through the forest on my way back when a cockatrice came out and shocked me."

"It's okay Twilight, I'm here...but I only found you by luck, I came here because the three fillies went into the forest looking for one of Fluttershy's missing chickens."

"Oh no, that can't be good."

"Too right it's not. That why I need to find them quick before that cockatrice gets them."

"I'm not sure if I can help...my magic is too weak from that stone turning."

"It's alright Twilight, you just get out of this forest as quick as you can, I'll speak to you in the morning when I get the fillies out safe."

"Alright Bond, do be careful."

I nodded as Twilight galloped off towards the exit of the forest.

I flew up and resumed my search for the fillies, but not for long as I then heard screams and I looked at where it was coming from. I then found them huddled up together screaming and close to tears. I flew down quickly and placed a forcefield around them.

"Stay together, fillies, you're safe now." I said to them as I put on my shades, ready to deflect the stare curse...then as if right on queue, a cockatrice appeared out of nowhere and attempted to turn me into stone.

"Get ready to stare your last, you cocky monster!" I yelled as my shades and magic combined together. The cockatrice stared at me, but it had no effect and began to stare even harder and more evil, before it suddenly turned itself into stone, cause of the reflection off my shades. The cockatrice was now a statue as I celebrated on the inside...Everfree Forest - 0 Bond Racer - 1 would be what I shall put on a scoreboard in my house somewhere.

When it was over, I turned behind and evaporated the forcefield.

"Are you three girls alright?" I asked.

"Much better now that you saved us."

"Yeah, that was so cool!" Scootaloo agreed.

But I wasn't happy, I was disappointed in them, cause I had to myself at risk in order to save them.

The fillies looked back with a bit of guilt.

"We're sorry we snuck out of the house and into the forest." Sweetie Belle apologized.

"Yeah, we'll listen to you from now on." Applebloom agreed.

"We promise." Scootaloo added.

"Oh you will? I may not believe that for a second, but I'll give you a chance on that one. Cause if you don't obey me, you'll get 'the stare'!" I then winked.

We all giggled before I picked them up on my back, they held on tight as I flew up and we left the forest and back to Fluttershy's cottage. Flying down on the ground, the fillies got off me and we walked back into her home.

"You three have a goodnight, you're in safe hands with Fluttershy." I said to them.

"We will, goodnight, Bond." they all said as they went to their bed I made and fell asleep. I was tired myself, but I didn't wanna walk back to my house, so I slept on the sofa through the night.

The next morning, I woke up and noticed that the fillies had just woken up and were playing innocently around the garden, I then headed on out and saw Fluttershy and Twilight discussing about last night with Twilight writing it all on a scroll.

"And that's when Bond Racer brought Twilight back from stone." Fluttershy said.

"This is gonna make quite a letter to the princess. I have to admit. Bond Racer certainly knows how to handle those fillies." Twilight responded.

Fluttershy looked a little embarrassed. "Oh, I wouldn't go that far."

"Hmm? How so?"

"Well he assumed that he'd be just as good with kids as I am with animals. But I think we both learnt that sometimes, it's best not to bite off more than we can chew."

Twilight finished writing her letter and rolled it up. "You and Rarity both."

I walked over to them and greeted. "Good Morning you two."

"Oh good morning Bond, we were just talking about you." Twilight said.

"Yeah, I kinda figured that out and you know what, I think I can handle them well, "

We then heard footsteps behind us and turned to see Rarity. "Good morning, Rarity."

"Did you finish all those capes?" Fluttershy asked.

Rarity gave a sigh of relief. "Just delivered them. I have to admit, if Bond hadn't come along, I might not have." she then looked at me, "Thanks again."

"Won't you stay for some tea?" Fluttershy offered.

"I really must get back to the shop and clean up. Girls! Get your things. Time to go." Rarity called. However, the girls were too busy running around and giggling. "Girls! Girls! Time to- Girls! Your things! Girls! It's time to- GIRLS!" Rarity struggled with the little ones.

I walked over to Rarity. "Allow me." I cleared my throat. "Girls?"

The fillies immediately stopped talking and ran over to me.

"Yes, Bond." Applebloom answered.

"You called?" Scootaloo asked.

"Go and get your things. Rarity is here to see you home."

"Of course, right away!" Sweetie answered politely and ran with the girls to grab their things.

Rarity stood dumbstruck. "Ah, huh, ah, how did you...how did you do that?"

I winked over to Twilight and Fluttershy. "I guess I'm just as good with kids as I am with animals."

The girls ran out of the cottage with their capes. "Thank you, Bond! Bye! Thank you Stare Master!" They said as they headed towards home.

"Ah, uh, speaking of which, I could use your help with Opal."

"Of course." Fluttershy responded. "How about later today?"

There was a fierce meow as Rarity revealed Opal, who was clinging on to Rarity with her claws. "How about now?" Rarity strained.

Twilight walked over to Fluttershy and me and observed this as well. They began giggling at the sight.

"I guess I could do that." Fluttershy pulled Opal off of Rarity. The cat began to purr sweetly around her.

"Oh, thank you so much, Fluttershy! I should take the girls home now." She began running after the fillies. "Girls! Wait!"

"I should probably head home too… I need Spike to send the letter I just wrote."

"Ok, goodbye, Twilight!" Fluttershy responded as I waved to Twilight.

She waved to the both of us as she walked home.

Fluttershy looked at Opal. "Let's get you groomed, shall we?"

Opal released a meow along with a purr.

"I should probably go back home and get something to eat, I'm vanished."

"Alright Bond, see you soon." Fluttershy said. "Oh and thank you for all you've done yesterday." she then gave me a hug which I accepted.

"Anything I could do to be a true friend."

"And I wanna thank you too, Bond, you saved me a great deal of trouble," Rarity added as she hugged me too before she resumed running after the fillies.

"It was no problem, I'm just glad to be of use. See you girls."

They waved back as I went on home and it was very different, it wasn't nightfall this time as I got back home. Looking after those three fillies was quite a challenge and learning a lesson about taking on more than what I could do was quite a useful lesson. But with that out of the way, all I wanted to do was to get some lunch from my home and ponder about what to do next.

Exchanging Pasts

It was an hour later when I had my lunch in my home, after feeling satisfied, I left home and thought about what I could do for the rest for the day. Suddenly a scooter zoomed towards me, but it was going too fast so I slowed it down to a halt with my magic.

"Woah! Slow down...Scootaloo, you own a scooter?" I asked.

"Yeah...I didn't see you there, my bad." Scootaloo replied.

"Well be more careful with your speed...it kills...trust me." I advised.

"I will next time, after all, me and the others will listen to your orders like we said last night when you saved us."

"So you really mean it? Fair enough." I smiled, "Actually, I've been meaning to find out more about what the CMC Club is about."

"Well, first of all, we got a clubhouse from Applejack that Applebloom is repairing on, I don't know what Sweetie Belle is doing and I've just finished drawing map of Ponyville, see?" Scootaloo explained as she took out a map she drew.

"Not bad, you got the popular places well drawn." I commented.

"Thanks, Bond. Say, would you like to check out our clubhouse?"

Seeing that I had nothing else to do for the day, I was curious. "Sure, I'll race you there...oh and I'll go slow just a little."

"Okay, you're on!"

Luckily, the town was quiet with not many ponies around, so I flew up and whooshed away whilst Scootaloo zoomed through the town and we then arrived on an empty part of Sweet Apple Acres and came across a treehouse to see Applebloom working on it.

Scootaloo reached it first since I still had to fly down and land safely.

"Woah!" Applebloom exclaimed, "Hey Scootaloo, back already? You're amazing on that scooter."

"Thanks." Scootaloo noticed the clubhouse which looked quite new, "Wow Applebloom. You did all this?"

"Yep. Ah fixed the broken shudder, sanded off the splinters, rebuilt the roof, painted it."

"That's very impressive to hear all that from you two." I intervened. "But what's Sweetie Belle up to?"

"Ah think she's dusting the furniture we're going to be using for the clubhouse."

"Cool, let's see how she's getting on." Scootaloo suggested.

We then walked a bit further past the treehouse and through a hedge to find Sweetie Belle dusting with her tail, but also singing a tune...which sounded elegant. With Applebloom's repairing Scootaloo's scooter racing and Sweetie's singing, I could tell straight away that they each had a different talent that they were destined to have, but with them being fillies, they weren't exactly smart to catch on.

"There ya are, Sweetie Belle." Applebloom said, "See, ah told ya that we can find her by following her totally awesome voice."

"What's that sweet tune you're singing?" Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie looked a little shy to say, "Oh, I was just working on our Cutie Mark Crusaders theme song."

"Cool!" the two fillies replied.

"Teach us?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, I've only come up with one part. But okay."

"We're gonna head back to the clubhouse to work on our song, we'll be alright, Bond." Scootaloo said to me.

"Alright, don't you three work too hard." I responded.

After they walked on back, I flew up and thought of seeing Trixie again, but this time I would be feeling more confident to tell her my past from my sister leaving to moving to Ponyville. Maybe she'll tell me her past in return when she hears about it. I flew up and over the Everfree Forest to her home and sure enough, she was home today...I smiled gently as I flew down and landed outside her home.

"Bond Racer!" Trixie gasped as she saw me, "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too, Trixie." I replied as we shared a loving hug, before kissing passionately.

"You're such a good kisser, Bond."

"Well I learnt from the very best, which is you." I then smirked.

Trixie giggled, "Mind if you come in? I think it's time we talked about each other's past."

"Sure, I've got loads of time for that."

We then headed on inside and sat on the sofa. Holding hooves, we smiled and looked into each others eyes...it was a special moment for us both.

"So, why don't I start talking about my past, so that you can be more comfortable with talking about yours?" I asked.

"That would be helpful, thank you." Trixie answered.

So taking a deep breath, I began telling her exactly the same thing I heard from my sister and then what happened to me afterwards, which led me to move to Ponyville. Word by word, I told her the whole of my past and it felt more comfortable talking about it this time, as it was just Trixie that was present, nopony else. After I was done, Trixie looked back at me with a sad expression.

"I'm so sorry to hear all that," Trixie said, kissing me "But at least you still have a family member to support and stay in touch with." Trixie said.

"It's alright and what do you mean by still having a family member?" I asked.

"Well...this is where I shall tell you why."

Trixie took a deep breath and began her story...

Trixie's POV

It all started when I was a baby, born at Vanhoover Hospital, I was the only filly in the family and living with my parents was so wonderful. Even though my father didn't show much love, he still paid attention, but my mother loved me so much and would always be there for me.

"Look dear, isn't she beautiful?" my mother asked while she was holding me in her hooves.

"She is, honey." my father answered, "She looks like you a lot more than me."

"I think we should call her...Trixie."

"That's great..." was all he could say.

When I became a toddler, I learnt that I was a unicorn as my parents were and that we lived in a forest far far away from Vanhoover, but we were not far off Canterlot either. Back then, I didn't know anything about magic so I didn't use my horn for anything. I did however learn to draw early on which was a picture of myself with a magicians hat and cloak, I showed it to my mum.

"Mommy, mommy, look at this!" I exclaimed, showing a picture of me.

"Oh my...that is VERY well drawn! We'll have to post that up on the fridge." my mother said and she did exactly that.

Then, another time when I was sitting in my stool, drinking apple juice, my Mother would play a game.

"Where is mommy...there she is! Where is mommy...there she is!" she would say and I would yell yay in return.

It was all what I at a toddler age wanted, a loving mother, as she would pick me up and have me pretending to fly around the home before being hugged and loved...but with my father however, it wasn't so positive. Whenever I saw him, it was only when he came home from work and when I tried to get his attention, he would brush me off, not wanting to do anything with me.

"Daddy? Can I have upsies?"

"Trixie, daddy is very busy. Why don't you go and find mommy to have upsies with?" he would normally reply.

At first, I didn't understand about emotions, but with my father, I was learning very quick and not in a loving way. But with my Mum, it was always about being loved, but I wished my dad showed some attention and care. Things were okay for a few weeks from that point on, despite my Dad coming home very late from his nights at the tavern and waking up with a hangover the next morning. But on one fateful night when my Mum couldn't take it anymore, it all changed and for the worst. I was in my crib with my cuddly ursa bear and a pine-cone my mother picked down from a tree for me.

"Twemble in fear mista ursa bear! For by this magic amuwet I wield, you have been defeated!"

But I then heard a slam coming from the front door.

"Finally, you're back from that god-awful tavern you cannot stop going to even though I told you to stop! I've made up my mind, I'm divorcing you!" my Mother yelled.

"Huh? What's that honey? Keep it quiet...our daughter's asleep right?" my Dad asked, although he sounded incredibly drunk, worse than ever before.

"God, your breath stinks! I'm tired of you spending all of your money drinking and gambling every other night!"

"I said keep it down...I gambled cause I wanted us to..to be..be rich and if we were...were rich, you would be willing to buck me every night, so that we could have a son and I would be much happier!" said my Dad who started to yell.

"So THAT'S why, is it? You were so disappointed about us having a daughter, you didn't want anything to do with her?!"

"NO! I wanted a son and I said we...we could have a second child, but you w-w-w-wouldn't let that happen!"

"But we have several bills to pay and we are behind on many of them as enough as it is and as of this evening, I learnt that YOU started to spend our daughter's future college fund! So this is the last straw, I'm leaving tonight and I'm taking our daughter with me!"

"What? But I'll earn that...that money back...don't you worry...about it all. Just...come here...have a swig of this...this here wine...and give me some sugar baby."

"Oh god...you seriously need to...what are you doing? GET OFF ME!"

"I WANT A SON...AND YOU'RE...YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!"

"NOOO! GET YOUR HOOVES OFF ME!"

I then heard a hoofslap, but I then heard a bottle smashed, followed by several loud thuds on the floor.

"MAMA!" I shouted, but neither of them heard me.

"Ahhh who...cares, she was a...a lousy wife anyway..." my Dad said before he walked into another room.

I began crying, I wanted to help my mum, but there was nothing I could do. So in the very dark of the night, I left the house but not before looking at where my Mum was...she was lying down and not breathing, she had been killed by a severe cut to the head and was bleeding excessively. I got out of the house quickly and after leaving the forest, I walked for hours until I came across Canterlot Castle by dawn.

I asked a few ponies around by the morning if they could help me because I was lost and feeling hungry, but being the Canterlot ponies they were, they didn't pay attention, so just outside the Canterlot station, I gave up and poured out all of my emotions whilst closing my eyes, remembering the happy times I had with my mother and that I would never see her again...but when I opened my eyes, there was sparks flying above my horn, that was when I discovered my first magic spell, I was able to perform tiny bright sparklers and by then, a few ponies began to take notice.

"My My! What a beautiful display you have here." one pony said.

"And at such a young age, very impressive!" another pony agreed.

"Here you go, buy yourself a treat you adorable little angel." Then, I saw several bits being given to me.

After doing this for 12 hours, I collected loads of bits and found a place to stay by the alleyway, there was a fresh cardboard box that I used as my home, but it wasn't for long. When I grew up to a filly, I had learnt to master a few spells and tricks all by myself and I then travelled across several towns and cities all over Equestria, but I never went back to Vanhoover because of my past.

But since I didn't have friends or a school to go to, I didn't learn all about the meaning of friendship and instead, I became a boaster and made up stories to make me feel better about myself...which is why you and every other pony saw the way I acted.

Bond Racer's POV

I listened to all of Trixie's past and it made me cry a little.

"Trixie...I am so, so sorry to hear about all this. I guess we both suffered a harsh filly-hood in the past. What happened to your dad though?" I asked.

"I heard from a neighbour who used to live in Vanhoover that he died of alcohol poisoning."

"Well it may not be my place to say it, but looks like he got what he deserved."

"I don't blame you for saying that, Bond. He wasn't a good dad to me anyway."

We then got into a loving hug, sharing our tears together and several kisses.

"Well you know what, I feel much better sharing my past with you, Trixie."

"I feel the same way, Bond...I'll always love you and I'll always give you support and strength like my Mother did."

"And whilst I learnt about love from my parents, I never knew they loved me more than my sister."

"Oh Bond..."

"Trixie..."

We carried on sharing our love together for a while longer, before catching a breather and getting a few drinks of water.

"Look, it's almost sunset, we must've talked and made love for a long time." I pointed.

"I guess you should get going back to Ponyville, don't worry about me, I feel much better putting my past behind and telling you."

"That's good to know, I love you, Trixie."

"I love you too, Bond. I'll see you again soon."

We smiled before sharing one more passionate kiss, I then left her home and flew up out of the forest. I then landed in town to spot Spike walking towards the fillies school.

"What's going on?" I asked, hoping to get an answer.

"Haven't you heard, it's the filly school talent show." Spike answered, "Come on dude, you gotta watch this."

I nodded and began walking to the school to see a small theatre stage where it was taking place, I looked to see Snips and Snail doing some magic tricks, I guess they learnt a little when Trixie was around and when it was over, I shared a laugh before walking around to the backstage area.

I then heard Miss Cheerlie came on stage, "How about a round of applause for our S&S magic act?"

"Now for our next act we have Sunny Days and Peachy Pie reciting their favourite poem... on rollerskates!"

As I walked on to the backstage, I saw the three fillies and Twilight, a couple of ponies passed by us, on rollerskates.

"Break a leg!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, who had her hooves on top of a wooden box with Applebloom and Scootaloo.

Applebloom looked shocked and responded to Sweetie Belle's comment. "Sweetie Belle! What a thing to say!"

"No, no, no." Sweetie Belle explained. "You see, in the theatre it's considered bad luck to say 'good luck'. So you say 'break a leg' instead."

"That is very true fact!" I intervened which caused them to look at me. "How are you doing you three?"

"Nervous..." They all answered, holding their hooves toward their mouths.

"Don't worry, I know how you feel. You're gonna be amazing." I encouraged.

"Remember, just stick to what you know best." Twilight added, "I can't wait to hear you sing, Sweetie Belle."

"Why does everypony always think I'm gonna sing?" Sweetie Belle asked, annoyed.

"Actually, Twilight Sparkle, I'm the main singer tonight." Scootaloo answered.

"Oh?" Twilight questioned surprised.

"And I'm the main dancer. Hai-ya!" Applebloom released a chop.

"Oh?" Twilight repeated, more worriedly.

"And I'm in charge of..."

"Costumes?" Twilight answered for Sweetie Belle.

"And sets and props. How'd you know?"

"Really, girls? Are you sure...?" Twilight released a smile, in hopes to change their minds, which was pretty much too late now. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, you're on next." Ms. Cheerilee announced nearby. "Break a leg."

"Break a le..." Twilight repeated until Applebloom tripped while running towards the stage. "…Uh... good luck…!" The three threw their hooded capes backstage as they walked on stage.

"Twilight, I don't blame you for saying that...it seems they haven't grasped what they're meant do to yet." I said to her, as we stood back behind the curtains to watch the performance.

"Look, here are three little ponies" The faces of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were lit.

"Ready to sing for this crowd

Listen up, 'cause here's our story

I'm gonna sing it…

"VERY LOUD!" They both screamed out loud, causing Twilight and I to stand in shock and silence. I could only imagine how Applejack was feeling at this moment.

"When you're a younger pony…" Applebloom danced very…um…

"And your flank is very bare" Sweetie Belle began pulling a rope which revealed a wooden sun, which it's planks of wood were cut unevenly and all the nails were just… messy…

"Feels like the sun will never come

When your cutie mark's not there

So the three of us will fight the fight!" Applebloom made karate moves.

"There is nothing that we fear…" Sweetie Belle released a rope which lowered fake bats, spiders, and ghosts.

"We'll have to figure out what we'll do next …

The three of them began singing. "Till our cutie marks are here!"

"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders" My eye started to even twitch at this point.

"On a quest to find out who we are

And we will never stop the journey…" Scootaloo fell off a piece of the scenery.

"Not until we have our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle activated a fog machine, causing the stage to be engulfed in a fog.

They began jumping around, even bumping into each other again and releasing grunts. Scootaloo began singing solo again.

"They all say that you'll get your mark…

When the time is really right…" Sweetie Bell ran across with a clock in her mouth but tripped over Scootaloo.

"And you know just what you're supposed to do…" The spotlight was accidentally set on Applebloom, who released another kick, but getting her leg stuck on one of the cardboard trees.

"And your talent comes to light

But it's not as easy as it sounds

And that waiting's hard to do

So we test our talents everywhere…" Sweetie Bell ran upwards on to the top of the stage to place a blue filter on one of the spotlights.

"Until our face is blue!" Scootaloo positioned her face on to the blue spotlight.

"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders

On a quest to find out who we are!" A sudden large wind blew throughout the stage, causing everything to be in complete chaos.

"And we will never stop the journey

Not until we have our cutie marks!" Applebloom finally released her trapped leg from the cardboard tree, only to cause the other cardboard drawings to fall. Sweetie Belle noticed this and ran on top of a platform to prevent it, even as she continued to sing.

"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders

On a quest to find out who we are…" Another one of the cardboard houses began falling as well, causing Sweetie Belle to lift her other hoof to catch it. As she continued to struggle, holding up the scenery, I could only place my hoof in front of my face.

"And we will never stop the journey

Not until we have our cutie marks!"

Everything in the stage tumbled and crashed upon the girls, creating a very destructive noise. They poked their heads out, smiling at the audience, but they only received an awkward silence and finally laughter. The three fillies widened their eyes in shock and soon began walking back backstage with their heads held low in shame.

"Wow. That did not go as well as I expected." Scootaloo commented as she walked passed us.

"Ah can't believe they're laughin' at us!" Applebloom added.

"Was it that bad?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Back on stage, girls. It's time for the awards!" Ms. Cheerilee announced as Spike walked by her.

"Back on stage? No." Sweetie Belle answered in a demanding tone.

"They'll just laugh some more." Applebloom tried to reason.

"Yeah, what's the point?" Scootaloo asked.

"Now girls, let's be good sports. You made a great effort. You should be proud. Now come on!" Ms. Cheerilee, along with Spike, walked out into the stage and addressed the audience.

"Let's hear it for all our talented fillies and colts." The ponies began stomping their hooves.

"Despite that all going haywire, I hope they get an award for their efforts" I said to Twilight and as I looked on.

Twilight and Fluttershy could only agree with me by doing the same thing.

"Our first award goes to..." Ms. Cheerilee began. "Snips and Snails, for best magic act."

Spike had placed the awards on their necks. As they moved to the front, I noticed that the girls were trying to hide behind the ponies in order to cover their appearance.

"Hey! Mine's at least shinier." The short one, who must have been Snips, expressed.

"Well, mine's bigger." The tall one, who must have been Snails, argued.

"Oh yeah, well..." Snips tried to counterattack. "Well, mine is, um... heavier?"

"The next award goes to..." Ms. Cheerilee announced as the two left the stage. "Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie for best dramatic performance." Spike walked up to them and presented them with their medals. "And finally, the last award of the night goes to..." The drum rolls began and with my worried expression, I hoped that the girls would receive it. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Ms. Cheerilee exclaimed, leaving the girls very shocked and surprised.

"What?" They questioned.

"For best comedy act." Ms. Cheerilee announced, which the audience followed by cheers.

Spike presented them with awards as they bowed in front of the audience.

"Well it wasn't as I expected, but at least they got an award…" I commented.

The three girls ran over backstage very excitedly.

"Can you believe it? We won!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"I knew our act was awesome." Scootaloo stated.

"You know what would be the best?" Sweetie Belle asked. "If we won and we got our cutie marks."

The three of the removed their costumes in hopes to find their cutie marks on their flanks, but groaned in disappointment when they found out they didn't. Twilight and I walked over to them.

"Congratulations, ponies!" Twilight exclaimed. "Job well done."

"Thanks, Twilight…" The three of them responded sadly.

"Hey, you don't sound too excited." I said.

They sighed. "We worked really hard and won a prize but we still don't have our cutie marks." Scootaloo replied.

"Which is the prize we really wanted." Sweetie Belle added.

"Oh, girls..."

"But we think we know why." Applebloom said.

"Yes. We know why." Sweetie Belle joined.

"Oh? Tell me. I'd love to make a special report to the Princess." Twilight replied.

"Well, maybe we were trying too hard?" Sweetie Belle guessed.

"Yes? And..."

"And instead of forcing ourselves to do something that's not meant for us..." Scootaloo continued.

"Yes? Yes?" Twilight pursued

"We each should be embracing our true talent!" Applebloom finished.

"And that is...?" I asked.

The girls looked at each other for a moment and answered. "Comedy!"

Their answer did not only shock Twilight, but me as well...I had to laugh on the inside as they obviously haven't figured out their real talents, but maybe next time they will.

"Apple Bloom! You did it!" Applejack exclaimed who was on the empty stage with Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

"Did you see our award? Weren't we funny?" They asked excitedly as they ran towards them.

"One day..." Twilight giggled. "One day..."

"I guess they haven't thought what their talents were, hey Twilight?" I asked.

"Yep." She giggled again. "Isn't it obvious?"

"It sure is...they just have to find out themselves and I have no idea when that will happen."

"Agreed" Twilight responded.

"Well, time to call it a night I think, goodnight Twilight."

"Same here as I've gotta get Spike to send the letter, goodnight Bond."

I then left the school and walked back home, heading straight into bed since I couldn't keep myself awake for long. What a day it was, between exchanging our pasts with Trixie and watching the cutie mark crusaders performing, it's amazing that I can put up with a lot of randomness since that is what I'm all about in general. Sleeping away, I can only think of what else could happen.

A Dog & Pony Show

I woke up the next morning and after getting myself prepared for the day, I then thought about my suit that Rarity made for me and had an idea that with The Grand Galloping Gala coming soon, I could have my suit spruced up a little with some sparkle...no, not with Twilight, you shippers! Whoops, fourth wall random moment there *squee*.

Anyways, heading on outside and on my way to Rarity's home, I spotted a glamour looking mare walking through the town, she seemed to be dressed highly fashionable as if she was a celebrity. Turns out that she was when several ponies spotted her and shouted her name.

"We love you Sapphire Shores!" one pony yelled.

Sapphire Shores..so that's her name, I'm guessing that she is a Canterlot pony or from somewhere else. I walked down the same way before I realized that she was beside me.

"Well, hel-lo there, mister...an alicorn in Ponyville?" Sapphire Shores gasped, noticing my pony type status.

"The one and only, you're looking at Bond Racer, a one of a kind alicorn who isn't a prince." I boasted slightly.

"This town is full of surprises!" she exclaimed. "How do you cope with the other ponies around you?"

"Very easy. In Ponyville, I am just like any other pony that lives here."

"Well, I'm on my way to Rarity's Carousel Boutique to request a few sensaitional dresses for my upcoming tour."

"Quite a coincidence, I'm on my way there too to have my suit upgraded to higher standards."

We then arrived at the boutique, I opened the door first and we both walked in.

"Coming!" Rarity said "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic and unique...oh hello Bond and-" she gasped when she saw us "Sapphire Shores" The pony of pop!"

"Well good morning, Miss Rarity." she greeted.

"You...you know my name." Rarity shivered.

"Well of course I do, darling. I make it a point to know all of the up and coming designers and Clothes Hall magazine just simply raved about you."

"Looks like the designs you sent to Hoity Toity sometime ago must've gotten spread across other places in Equestria." I said.

"Oh my stars, if I'm dreaming, do not wake me up."

"Well I'm here, Rarity. So how can it be a dream?" I cheekily said.

Rarity sighed in relief, "How may I help you, Miss Shores?"

"Oh please, call me Sapphire." she corrected.

Rarity giggled, "How may I help you, Sapphire?"

"Well, as I'm sure you know I'll be touring all of Equestria with my latest concert. Sapphire Shores Zig Filly Follies, so I need to look...seeeeensaitional!" she said, singing the last word.

She must have a lot of royalty street cred, I thought to myself.

"I have just what you need." Rarity replied, walking over to her fashion display stage. "Sapphire Shores, prepare yourself for the pierce de resistance deralant courteous!"

I didn't know she could speak French...is there a Paris in Equestria I wonder...the curtains drew back there was a fashion suit that was in bright white with countless gems on all areas...I gasped!

"I used every last diamond I found on this one garment."

"And it is spectacular!" Sapphire complimented, "I'll take it."

"Really?!" Rarity gasped.

"Yes and five more, each done up in a different jewel."

"Beg your pardon?"

"Costume changes."

Rarity then looked in her gem box to find it completely empty...she then sighed and fainted.

"Hehe, yes I do have that effect on ponies." she commented before leaving the house.

"Five dresses?! That's gonna be a major challenge, how are you gonna find more gems?" I asked.

"There's a quarry area where countless gems lie in wait to be discovered, by me and Spike."

"Want me to help?"

"No it's okay darling, we'll be alright." Rarity assured, "I must now go and get Spike."

"Alright, see you later."

I then left the boutique then I remembered that it was a Friday and I'm sure Pinkie would need my help with the catering. So I walked on over to Sugarcube Corner and greeted myself.

"Morning Pinkie, sorry I'm late...I was caught up with speaking to Rarity and..." I then realized that nopony was around.

"Why is it so quiet in here?" I said out loud, unintentionally.

"SURPRISE!" Pinkie shouted, blowing a party whistle.

"Pinkie, it's not my birthday...well not for another few months."

"Oh..." Pinkie then blushed.

"Anyways, I'm here for my catering duty, but it seems like nopony else is here."

"Oh, that's because Mr. and Mrs. Cake are away on a honeymoon today, so it's just me in charge." Pinkie explained.

"So I guess it's gonna be a quiet morning for us, then."

"Yes-sir-ree!"

So we headed on into the kitchen and started working on several desserts and treats. I will be honest, all of what was being cooked here was tempting to eat straight away, but I and even Pinkie had to resist as otherwise, her customers wouldn't be able to buy anything from the store and the Cakes would not be pleased with her...or me since I'm working with her today.

So as time passed, we were a bit messy but the cooking work was done and we had several kinds of sweets and cakes ready to be put on display. After we did that, we agreed to call it a day and go out for lunch with the others. Meeting up with the others, Pinkie and I saw Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

"Hmm, I wonder where Rarity could've got to, she's been away finding gems for a client's multiple dress request for a long time." I pondered.

"Maybe she's planning a gem party for me." Pinkie said.

"I don't think so, but you did just remind us that yours is not far off." Twilight replied.

"Maybe she's in trouble." Fluttershy worried.

"Are ya kidding, she's got Spike with her, seeing how he's not here either." Applejack intervened.

"Well if so, we'd be ready to kick some flank!" Dash stated.

Soon, after our lunch, we were settling down by the bench, when Spike suddenly turned up in a hurry towards us.

"Argh! Rarity! Woods! Dogs! Hauled! Taken! SAVE HER!" he yelled without pausing.

"Woah, woah, woah! Take it easy, Spike." I advised. "Girls, this doesn't sound good, we need to go and rescue her."

"Alright. Spike, jump on." Twilight said as Spike climbed up on her back.

"Rarity said that she'd be at the quarry, let's get going!"

We then galloped out of Ponyville and into the quarry...I knew I should've insisted on helping Rarity earlier, but what matters now is rescuing her...all the while Spike was catching his breath with a paper-bag.

"Spike, can you breathe now?" Twilight asked as we galloped onwards.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Good, now tell us what you know."

"Yeah, cause all you said was what you just said argh, rarity, woods, dogs, hauled, taken and save her." Dash added.

"Not a whole lot there to go on, sport." Applejack pointed out.

"Sorry, Rarity and I were in the woods looking for jewels, when these creepy guys showed up." Spike explained.

"Creepy guys?" Twilight asked.

"They call themselves the diamond dogs. They grabbed Rarity and disappeared down a hole in the ground"

"Well that sounds mighty easy." Applejack smiled, "Just take us to their home and we'll save Rarity."

We then found the quarry and noticed several holes that may have been dug up.

"Holy moly, that's a hot of holeys!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Come on, all. Let's get started." Twilight said as we went over to the holes which looked like tunnels to somewhere

"Hello." Twilight said as her voice went down a hole...she then gasped before a volcano shaped amount of dirt came up and blocked the hole, covering her face.

"Guess they don't like ponies..." I said to myself.

Soon, several holes were beginning to fill too.

"Quick, we gotta get down before they're all filled up."

But the holes were being filled too fast for us.

"We can't muscle through it!" Applejack exclaimed.

"We'll see about that." Dash intervened as she tried to fly through the last hole...before it filled up causing Dash to stop.

"Whew, heavens to Betsy. Now ah'm used to picking myself up and dusting myself off, but Rarity won't even touch mud unless it's important."

This reminded me of the time when Applejack and Raity had the slumber party with Twilight and me as 'stallion company' as Rarity put it.

"Oh Rarity..." Twilight sighed.

"Girls, we can't give up! We gotta save her." I encouraged.

"But they blocked up all the holes." Fluttershy pointed out.

"Don't mean we can't dig'em out." Applejack said as she jumped on one of the filled holes. "Come on!"

The other then tired to dig up, but I stood back, thinking that this was gonna take long. They were underway with the digging when suddenly, I saw strange looking dogs popping up and causing mischief. This must be the diamond dogs that Spike told us and he was right, they were speedy diggers too, not to mention making complete foals out of us.

Soon though, they were exhausted trying to dig through and being tripped up by the dogs who then dug back into the holes. I walked on over and helped them back on their hooves.

"All those scary monsters popping up everywhere, oh poor Rarity must be terrified." Fluttershy said.

"Poor Rarity, what are we gonna do?" Twilight asked.

Spike then noticed one hole that wasn't filled up, "I got it!" he then pulled out a gem, "I'll save you, Rarity!"

"No, hold on, Spike." I placed my hoof out.

"What is it?" he asked

"If any of us try to go anywhere near that hole, they'll fill it up straight away." I paused, "We need to be stealthy and I believe there is a spell that will allow me to be invisible and silent for a short period of time."

"Wait a second, you're right, Bond. That's a great idea!" Twilight agreed.

"Good to know, so when the spell is in effect, I'll dive in quietly and just in case, you can use that gem as bait to lure the diamond dogs out, Spike."

"Sure, I hope you save her for me." Spike said, worrying.

"Don't you worry Spike, she'll be back in safe hooves with all of us." I then turned to Twilight, "Okay, I'm ready when you are."

"Alright, here goes..."

Twilight began to use her magic as well as I and soon, I couldn't see any of my parts but I was able to see the other ponies.

"It worked, I'm now invisible, now I'll use my silent spell so I can remain silent travelling down this hole but it won't last long."

"Go get 'em, sugarcube!" Applejack said.

I smiled back even though they didn't see me...I then jumped over and flew down the hole and after several seconds, I landed down on the floor. Looks like a cave for the dogs and to my surprise, there were a few gems dug in some of the walls. Rarity wasn't lying when she said about this place having gems waiting to be dug out. But obviously, those dogs are probably too lazy to dig something simple out compared to how much they tried to prevent us from entering their domain.

But then, the invisible spell wore off very quickly and I saw myself again.

"Shoot!" I said quietly, "Guess I'm on my own down here for the time being...now to find and rescue Rarity."

I walked on slowly through the tunnel and came across a room with several other tunnels...now where do I go? Oh Rarity, if something's happened to you, the elements of harmony would be no more and the Princess would have the dogs heads for this...no, I couldn't think of any of that right now. Then I had another idea, what if there was a spell for me to use that would let me discover gems through walls...I then attempted the spell and to my surprise, it worked. My horn was now glowing and I looked around to see gems being highlighted everywhere.

"Well that's a bit of a help but not much...oh wait, that tunnel has more gems than the rest. That must be where she's got to."

I then galloped into that direction and all I could hear was the galloping of my hooves, but then I came across several voices in the distant, I then approached a big room with cages...and the three dogs themselves who seemed to be moving towards a pony...Rarity! I sneaked in and hid behind a rock so I could hear what was being said without being seen.

"Oh please, diamond dogs, please let me go." Rarity pleaded.

"No!" the first dig replied.

"You're our precious little pony." the second one added

"Forever!" the third said, laughing.

"Whatever do you want from me?" she asked as if she was on the verge of losing her nerve.

"Gems!"

"Yes, the gems, the jewels."

"Find them. Find them all."

"Oh, is that all? Rarity asked as she suddenly perked up. She then trotted over to one spot and marked an X on it with a stick. "There, allow me to mark the jewels right there, now if you could be so kind to show me the exit and-"

She got cut off when she noticed a dog guard in armour, pointing a spear at her.

"Good." One of the diamond dogs said, "Now, dig them up, pony."

"What? But you said you wanted to find the gems."

Now, I was really worried for Rarity and I began hoping that the others would be able to get here soon.

"Yes, find and then dig." the second dog stated.

"Dig?"

"Yes, dig!" the third one said.

Rarity then tired to dig but she didn't even try to, leaving the dogs with surprised expressions.

"What are you doing? We said dig!"

"Forgive me but prior to you so rudely dragging me into your dirt pit, I had a pony pedi and I am not about to chip a hoof because you dislike my style of digging." Rarity answered boldly. Afterwards, she continued her way of digging.

"Oh, for goodness." The medium-sized dog placed his paw on his face. "Fine! Just stop. Stop! Dig, dogs! Dig!" He called toward the other guard dogs that were in a hole above them. "And fast."

Oh...guess I wasn't needed to barge in and spear one of the dogs...

The guard dogs began furiously digging at the spot Rarity marked.

"She won't dig, she pulls." The big dog announced, while they held up a saddle and a cart.

"I beg your pardon," Rarity responded as she began backing away. "but what, pray tell, are you doing?"

"Others will dig. You will haul the wagon." The big dog answered.

"Prrrecious pony pedi will be preserved." The small one added as he placed the saddle on Rarity when she reached a dead end.

"Well, somebody certainly needs proper nail care. When was the last time you two had a manicure? You're scratching up my coat with those jagged things." She had noticed their nails as they secured the saddle on her.

"Please be quiet!" The average one answered.

"Good heavens, what is that smell?" Rarity exclaimed.

"Smeeeeeell?" He released a horrid stench of his breath at Rarity.

"Ah, mystery solved. It's your breath." Rarity replied, frankly, which led the dog to turn around and smell his own breath.

"Enough! Search, pony!" He ordered.

"Well, since you insist..." Rarity began pulling the cart while finding gems and marking them with a stick. "But I must say the working conditions in here are simply dreadful. Musty and damp, it's going to wreak havoc on my mane. And this air is stifling, suffocating. And when I try to take a deep breath, the stench of all you dogs makes me nauseated. You look and smell like if you haven't bathed in weeks. Have you never heard of soap? You could all do with a good round of soap and water. Water, water, I'm terribly thirsty. Could I please have some water?"

"Good gracious, I can't take this anymore." The small dog pulled his ears. "BE QUIET, PONY!"

"And that's another thing." Rarity persisted. "I would appreciate if you stopped calling me 'pony'. I am a lady and I wish to be addressed as such. So you may call me 'Miss' or 'Rarity' or 'Miss Rarity'."

"Enough!" The average dog yelled out as he pulled his ears as well. "Your whining! It hurts!"

"Whining? I am not whining. I am complaining. Do you want to hear whining? Thiiis iiis whiiining! Oooh, this harness is too tiiight! It's going to chafe. Can't you loosen it? Oooh, it hurts and it's sooo ruuusty!" Rarity continued to whine in a high pitched voice, even starting to hurt my ears a little. "Why didn't you clean it first? It's gonna leave a staaain! And the wagon's getting heeeavy, why do I have to pull it?"

"Aaah! Make it stop!" The little dog desperately ordered.

"Stop whining!" The average one demanded.

"But I thought you wanted whiiining!" Rarity purposely answered.

"We'll do anything, pony!"

Rarity gave them an annoyed stare.

"Oh, uh, we'll do anything, 'Miss Rarity'." The average one laughed nervously.

"Anything?" Rarity questioned, dreamily.

Soon enough, she had the dogs doing work for her, as well as improving the conditions around her. As much as I wanted to save Rarity, I still couldn't do anything about it… I had to wait until she was alone but there was no possible way to tell her so, so the only thing I could do was just wait it out and see what Rarity did. The area was covered with ribbons as two guard dogs beside her fanned her. She was given water in a gold chalice.

So much for being a fashion designing damsel in distress.

The three other dogs were pulling the heavy loads of gems until they stopped for some air. "Wait! Why are we doing this?" The average one asked.

"To stop the awful noises from the pony's mouth, remember?" The little one began imitating Rarity's whining but the average dog placed his paw on his mouth.

"Yes, yes, I know. This is ridiculous! Letting a pony order us around. What are we? Mice or dogs?"

The other dogs began saying "mice", but suddenly changed their answers to "dogs".

The average dog stared at them for a moment, and then continued his speech. "Dogs do not pull. Ponies pull. Let her make the awful noises."

They walked up to Rarity and began placing the saddle on her. "What are you doing?" She asked. The average dog flicked her drink. "Hey, you spilled my drink. Oh!" Rarity began her whining. "Not sooo tiiight!"

"Ha! Make the noises all you want. But move while you make them. Hyah, mule!" He ordered Rarity, slapping her from behind.

I could instantly see the shift in Rarity's eyes. "Did you just call me a... mule?" She asked sadly.

The dog moved his eyes around, wondering what he should say. "Ehh..."

"Mules are ugly. Are you saying that I too am ugly?" Tears formed in Rarity's eyes and she immediately began crying.

"What are these noises?" The little one asked, walking over to them.

"HE CALLED ME UGLY!" Rarity cried out.

That was it, I could not stand by anymore...

"NO PONY CALLS HER UGLY!" I shouted as I leapt from behind the rocks and flew into one of the dogs in armour and spread him to the wall, leaving him dazed and bruised.

"AN INTRUDER!" the small diamond dog yelled.

"GET HIM!" the other one added as loads more dogs in armour showed up and came rushing towards me...not realizing of my alicorn status.

I then got to work by kicking each and every one of their flanks, kung-fu style...I began to feel tired but I beat all of them. Now the diamond dogs were starting to feel intimated.

"Now, to save you, Rarity." I said as I got her out of the chains...

"Bond Racer..thank you!" she said as she filled up with tears and hugged me which I accepted.

We then failed to notice that we were now surrounded by the diamond dogs.

"Oops...guess I let my guard down for a moment." I said embarrassingly.

Just then, we heard a gate being smashed, I looked ahead to see Spike and Twilight showing up.

"Lady Rarity, I'm here to save you." Spike exclaimed.

I then gave the dogs an evil glare and brightening my horn, which sacred them and they fled to the other ponies who turned up.

"Please, save us! Make it stop! Please!"

"Excuse me?" Twilight asked in confusion.

The dogs began their reasoning."So picky."

"And critical."

"She won't stop talking."

"We, uh, give her back. Yes."

Rarity then showed up from behind with a crate full of gems...Spike then jumped off and hugged Rarity,

"Rarity!

"You're letting us leave with all these..." Spike looked at the many carts of jewels in front of him. "jewels?"

"Yes. Take them. And her with them!" The average exclaimed in fright as they cowered in a corner.

"Please!" The small one added.

Soon, we then grabbed on a few other carts with gems filled and we made out way out of the tunnels and back to the outside, before leaving the quarry.

"I can't believe you got all these gems!" I heard Pinkie Pie exclaim.

"Heh. I can't believe you tricked all those dogs." Rainbow Dash added.

"Just because I'm a lady doesn't mean I cannot handle myself in a sticky situation. I had them wrapped around my hoof the entire time…well…not the entire time, actually…"

"What do you mean, Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Had it not been for Bond Racer, I probably wouldn't have been able to get away with all these gems." Rarity replied.

"Knowing that your 'whining' easily bothers them, I'm pretty sure you would have done it without me Rarity. After all, it was you who defeated them." I complimented.

"I can't wait to write to Princess Celestia about you ponies and tell her what you taught me today." Twilight said.

"Me? What did I teach you?" Rarity questioned.

"Just because somepony is ladylike doesn't make her weak. In fact, by using her wits a seemingly defenceless pony can be the one who outsmarts and outshines them all."

"Hmm, 'Outshines' is right. Now you have enough gems to cover Sapphire Shores's costumes." Spike announced as he was munching on one of the rubies.

"Not if you eat them all, Spike." Rarity used her magic to peel the ruby off of Spike's hands before he could take another bite and place it back on the cart, causing everypony to laugh.

When we arrived at Rarity's shop, all the ponies released the harnesses and began bringing in the gems. I climbed off the cart and was about to go help but Applejack stopped me. "Whoa there, partner, let us do that for you, you've done enough for today." She released a warm smile.

"Well, after kicking some dog's behinds, I guess I did earn a bit of rest." I said.

I then left the girls to do the rest of the work as I walked back home and we must've been in the tunnels for a while as it was already sunset. Heading into my home, I took off my suit and shoes and after grabbing a bite to eat, I decided to go to bed early. Sleeping away, I looked back to how I kicked some behinds on those dogs as well as singing a song in my head...

Everypony was kung fu fighting...and I was fast as lightening.

Green Isn't Your Colour

I woke up the next day and seeing that I had nothing else to do, I decided to check up on Rarity and find out if she got those dresses sold. But not only that, I think she has had a lot of bad luck moments as of late, but at least she's now safe again and I hope she doesn't have another bad luck moment.

Leaving my home, I went straight over to Rarity's home, I opened the door to find Rarity at work with Fluttershy who seemed to be in a pink and black dress with a lot of sparkling stuff, then I saw Spike, Twilight and Pinkie.

"Morning you three, what's going on?" I asked them.

"Rarity's making a dress and has asked Fluttershy to be the model for it." Twilight answered.

"But why and what for?"

"We have no idea, but she kept saying something about a pony called Photo Finish." Pinkie answered.

"Hmm, she's going to want to see attitude and pisaz!" Rarity stated.

"Attitude and pizzas?" I asked out of the blue, confusingly.

There was no reply, it seemed Rarity was trying not to lose focus.

"Attitude and pisaz" Fluttershy repeated, although a little slower.

"More light, it has to catch the sequins just so, a whole lot of it is a disaster."

Twilight then used her magic to bring more light in the room.

"Oh and hairdress needs more feathers. Pinkie Pie, more feathers."

Pinkie then trotted along with a basket of feathers, Rarity picked out a few and placed them on the matching hat

"Oh and sequins. More sequins!" she exclaimed.

Spike then walked along with a bag of sequins but he seemed to be in a different state of mind. Rarity the lifted the sequins and laid them all out on the dress.

"And more ribbon."

Spike placed a pair of ribbons by the ears.

"Oh no, less ribbon.

"No, more ribbon."

Rarity walked around to survey the back of the dress.

"Oh this hem is off, more pin cushion!" she yelled.

Spike ran off and came back with pins stuck on his scales when Rarity plucks out a few to hold down on the back of the dress...good thing they're not on his actual back or spine...mind you, there are politicians out there in the world who can use a spine. But once again, I'm going random and perhaps nearly insane thinking it over too much.

"Thank you all for helping me. I'm so sorry to be short with you, but I'm just so nervous." Rarity said, who finally noticed I was here. "Oh and hey Bond, didn't see you there."

We then noticed Spike still had a few pins on his back.

"Oh Spike, doesn't that hurt?" Twilight asked worryingly.

"Thick scales, can't feel a thing." Spike replied, "And even if I could, there is no pain that would keep from assisting...the most beautiful creature in the world."

"Creature, Spike? She's not a bug." I winked.

"Yeah very funny, buster." Spike remarked.

"Ugh!" Twilight said to herself, rolling her eyes at the disbelief.

Spike then turned around to look at us and said, "I'm gonna tell you three a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"I promise." Twilight said.

"I promise too." I added.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie declared loudly whilst doing the actions.

He then motioned us to come closer to him so nopony else could hear.

"I have a crush on Rarity."

Twilight's mood dropped, Pinkie gave a shock expression, but I started giggling quietly.

"Bond, you promised!" Spike complained.

"Sorry Spike...I just hehe, find it so amusing." I chuckled.

"Why is that?"

"You'll find out someday...but seriously, I won't tell anypony else."

"We won't say a word." Pinkie assured.

"Oh gimme a break, everypony already knows how you-"

"Twilight!" Pinkie cut her off, "You promised Spike you wouldn't say anything. He trusts you and losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever!"

"But-"

"Forever!"

"My lips are sealed, though I'm pretty sure Rarity's gonna pick up on your feelings."

"Like, she already does?" I asked, pointing to Spike who was now wearing a Rarity T-Shirt, to my surprise, "Hang on, where did you get that shirt from, you didn't have it on earlier, right?"

Just as Spike was about to answer, we heard a door open and looked to see three ponies enter.

"I...Photo Finish...have arrived!" she stated.

So this is Photo Finish? To me, she looks like the Lady Gaga of the pony world and if she was born in Germany....but I kept that to myself as I always do with other logical questions and facts.

"Let me just say, what an honour it is to-" Rarity was cut off when Photo Finish walked past her.

"We begin...now!" she said, transforming her briefcase into an old fashioned camera.

"Oh, I guess digital cameras haven't been invented yet?" I asked to nopony in particular.

"Attitude and pisaz." Rarity whispered to Fluttershy.

Photo began to take pictures and was easily impressed, "Yes, show Photo Finish something."

Fluttershy than tried to used the poses Rarity tought her, but it seems Photo didn't approve any of them. So going with her normal shy poses, Photo was back to being impressed and taking more photos.

"Enough!" she yelled, before turning her camera back into a briefcase and began walking out of the store with her management team.

"She hardly took any pictures." Twilight commented quietly.

"I'm sorry Rarity," Fluttershy apologized, "I tried my best."

"Well, the dress was too big for you and there was too much sparkle anyway." Rarity said. "I can't believe I ever thought I could impress her.

Now I could've been mean and said that maybe if Twilight wasn't here, things would've turned out differently, but I kept that one to myself too.

Suddenly, Photo Finish came zooming back. "It seems that I, Photo Finish, has found the next special star here in Ponyville."

"Really?" Rarity asked, hopefully.

"Yes really and I Photo Finish, am going to help her to shine all over Equestria."

Rarity smiled even more.

"Later in the afternoon, a photo shoot in ze park...I go!"

Photo and her team then zoomed out of the store again and left this time.

"Did you hear that? I'm going to shine all over Equestria." Rarity exclaimed.

"Oh Rarity, I was so worried that I had ruined everything." Fluttershy said.

"Oh never, I knew you'd be perfect."

Rarity then squealed and jumped up and down in excitement, not noticing that she was stepping on Spike's tail until Twilight dragged him away.

"We'll see you later, Rarity and Fluttershy," Twilight said as we waved and left the store.

"So, it's later in the afternoon?" I asked.

"Yeah, but I won't be able to see it, Spike and I need to go back to the Library." Twilight said.

"And I need to go back to Sugarcube corner." Pinkie said, "But remember Twilight...forever."

"Please stop saying that, Pinkie...you're not Beetlejuice!" I said.

"Oh you silly, there is no such thing as a juice made of beetles."

I facehoofed at Pinkie's blindness to movie references.

"Later, girls." was all I could say as I walked through town to the nearest cafe.

After my lunch, I decided to head to the park and I found Rarity and Fluttershy already there. They had a rack of dresses, probably as part of the photo session. They a huge blind stand too, so that there was a bit of privacy whilst changing outfits.

"Hey again, girls." I said to them, "I was the only one free to come along and see this."

"Oh it's alright, Bond. I'm glad you came." Rarity said.

Suddenly, a song came into my head hearing those four words, but I shook it out of my head.

"No...no...no...yes!" Rarity exclaimed as she pulled the blind stand to reveal Fluttershy in a bright outfit suit with countless blue gems. "That is the one, Photo Finish is going to love it."

"If she does, that is..." I muttered.

"Everypony is going to love it!" she added.

"Oh I'm so excited for you Rarity." Fluttershy replied, "Just don't forget us little ponies when you become the most famous designer in all of Equestria."

"Never." Rarity assured.

Then, Photo Finish turned up on a pillow and was being escorted by two stallions...she sure gets around in many ways.

"Put me down here." she said as they lowered down, she walked up to see Fluttershy and in her outfit.

"Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, the woman should be in something simple." she complained, "Something inspired by...the nature."

Did she just say woman...wait, what the buck...

"That's just what I was thinking." Rarity added as she bashed the dress rack away which went zooming off somewhere. "Give me a moment and I'll put a little something together."

"No, that will not be necessary." Photo replied.

"But...but, how are you going to help me shine across Equestria, if I don't design something new for these pictures?"

"I'm not going to help you shine over Equestria. I'm going to help HER shine, she is my star...you go!"

Looks like Rarity got pushed aside as if she was competition to Photo Finish, I felt bad for her as I thought that once again, she was going to have a bad luck moment. I walked up to her and placed a hoof around her, giving some comfort and support.

"Excuse me, Photo Finish, but Rarity here isn't going anywhere and has the right to be with Fluttershy helping with the dresses."

"And who might you be, mister stallion?"

I then flew out my wings and showed off my horn in an alicorn pose.

"Oh my!" Photo exclaimed. "Fine, Rarity can stay and help my new star to fame!"

After the first few photos were taken at the park, we then moved towards the park fountain outside the town.

Fluttershy was now dressed in a simple green dress with a few flowers which may have been more than basic, but for some reason, it seemed to match well with the fields. Fluttershy walked on over to Rarity who didn't seem happy anymore and I could only stand by and watch it all happen.

"I can't Rarity." Fluttershy said.

"Oh, but you must, Fluttershy" Rarity assured, "Photo Finish wants to make you a star, this is the opportunity of a lifetime."

"Yeah, but it's happening at your expense." I muttered.

"I know we were both hoping it would be my lifetime." Rarity added before perking up, "But nonetheless, you can't throw away this chance, you must do this for me. You...you must...we must!"

"Fluttershy!" Photo yelled, "It is time to work...the magics!"

Fluttershy walked towards by the fountain to have her photos taken, whilst Rarity walked off slowly.

"Let me come with you." I said to her.

"Alright...I could use a bit of comfort." she replied.

We waked back to her home and with me comforting her, she felt a little better. We then heard a door open, it was Twilight, Pinkie and Spike.

"How did it go? How did it go?" Pinkie asked, bouncing away.

"Umm...in a way, it didn't." I answered.

"Photo Finish wanted to work with Fluttershy, not me." Rarity added.

"Oh Rarity, I'm so sorry, is there anything we can do?" Twilight asked.

"I just want to be alone, right now."

"You heard her." Spike said "She wants to be left alone."

Spike then moved twilight and Pinkie out of the room. Before he turned around and began to skip towards Rarity, until Twilight grabbed him by the tail.

"What, I didn't think she meant alone alone..." he then raised his eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes, thinking that someday, his dreams of her will collide with reality. After they left, I noticed Rarity sewing on a black cloak and placing it around her.

"Uh, just a random question here. Why are you wearing that cloak?" I asked.

"I don't wish to be seen by any other pony right now."

"Including me?"

"I'm sorry Bond, I know you've been trying to cheer me up and I much appreciate it. It's just that I want a bit of time to myself, it's nothing too serious or threatening."

"Hmm, alright, but if you do start to feel overwhelmed by the disappointment. We'll be here for you and I'm sure Fluttershy will tell you as well."

Well, there was nothing else I could do except to leave her home and head back to mine. After taking a rest on my sofa sometime later, I heard my door opening and closing quick.

"Fluttershy?!" I said, noticing her already.

"Please, help me, Bond! I can't take it anymore!" she yelled.

"Don't worry, hold on to me and I'll get you to Rarity's as fast I can." I said. We left my home and I flew straight to her home, we opened the door and closed it quick, before we noticed that there were a few ponies with cameras.

"Phew, you're safe in here for now, Fluttershy." we noticed Rarity by the dress-rack, "Oh, sorry for us barging in here, but Fluttershy wanted to escape the paparazzi."

"Wow, look how popular you are." Rarity said sarcastically which I noticed straight away, "I'm so excited for you, you must be having the best time ever."

"Oh yes, best time ever." Fluttershy replied.

I then heard knocking and I noticed that it was Photo Finish outside...with my quick thinking, I used my magic to lock the door so that nopony could get in.

"Alright you two, no offence but you both are not very good at lying even though Applejack is THE worst at lying." I pointed out.

"We're not lying, we're-"

"Trying to not hurt each others feelings?" I asked, cutting Rarity off. "Come on Rarity, you had your dream almost ruined before, why are you putting that dream at risk again, even though the situation is different?"

"But that was a long time ago and we forgave each other after that issue." Fluttershy added.

"I know you did, but these small lies are just making it worse for the both of you. Wouldn't it be easy to just tell each other the truth?"

Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other and exchanged sad expressions.

"Oh and don't you worry. The door's locked, nopony else can get in here." I assured them.

"Fluttershy dear, Bond Racer is right...alright, I'm jealous!" Rarity confessed, "I wanted all the attention and instead it was going to you, I even started hoping that you would do something silly so that your modelling career would be over." she paused for a second, "But then when it started happening, all I could think was how could I want you to fail at something you love so much?"

"Love? Oh Rarity, I hate being a model." Fluttershy admitted.

"You do? Then why did you keep doing it?"

"I was afraid that if I quit, you would be mad at me, for not wanting to shine all over Equestria."

"And I thought that if I told you how jealous I was at your success, you would think I was a terrible friend."

"Never..."

I had began to smile at this point and I was feeling proud of them for opening up on how they really felt about the issue.

"You see girls, isn't it better to just tell the truth?" I asked.

"You were right, Bond." Fluttershy answered.

"I promise never to keep my feelings a secret again."

"Me too."

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." they both said before laughing calmly and sharing a friendly hug.

Suddenly, the door began to bang louder...I guess it was time to find out if they can put it to rest. I unlocked the door with my magic and came Photo Finish like a shot.

"Fluttershy!" she exclaimed, "I had looked all over for you. I've already got six more photo shoots lined up for tomorrow alone."

"I'm sorry Photo Finish, but I don't think I'll be able to make any of them." Fluttershy said with confidence.

"What?" she asked in surprise.

"We go!" Rarity and Fluttershy said together, doing a brohoof...or is it sishoof?

"That has just happen?" she asked.

"No means no, I'm afraid, you'll have to find another pony to do photo shoots with...and no, I am not the type...I have my own standards." I added.

Photo Finish then left without saying another word and she and her team left town.

"She's gone girls, I think we all deserve a bit of R&R at the Spa." I suggested.

"Fabulous idea, let's get the others if we can find them." Rarity advised.

Soon, me, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike were at the spa.

"Now this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon." Fluttershy commented.

"Quite rightly so." Rarity agreed.

"Dear Princess Celestia," Twilight began her letter while soaking in another smaller tub. "Being a good friend means being able to keep a secret. But you should never be afraid to share your true feelings with a good friend. Did you get all that Spike?"

"I would love to…" Spike replied. "But... I'm a little busy at the moment." Spike was fanning Rarity with a fan that had the same logo as the T-shirt he was wearing at the very beginning.

Twilight sighed happily and rolled her eyes.

After a while at the spa, we then left and saw Applejack coming towards us.

"Howdy ya'll." Applejack greeted us. "Just to let ya'll know that we'll be taking a train to Appleloosa later this evening, ah gotta escort a famous tree of mine and have it planted in the Appleloosa orchard."

"Why, is it really that important?" I asked.

"It sure is, sugarcube."

We thought for a moment, but then we all nodded in agreement that maybe some time away from Ponyville would do us a world of good.

"Sure Applejack, we'll help you." Twilight replied.

"Thank ya'll, now go get some food and rest, when ah'm ready, Rainbow Dash and ah will come on over to your houses and let you know that it'll be time to leave."

Soon, we then waved at each other, knowing that we would all be seeing each other later. I walked on home, watching another glorious sunset in the distance. I was able to sigh in relief as I got in and went straight to the kitchen for some food, before taking a rest on the sofa and not on the bed. I rested, thinking back about the issue which was now over and I was very pleased when the two mares told each other the truth. Which reminded me, I wonder when Spike will come round to admitting his feelings to Rarity when it comes to it.

Over A Barrel

It was the beginning of nightfall when I heard a knock on my door, nice timing there. Fully awake, I answered the door.

"Evening Applejack." I greeted.

"Howdy, Bond. Ya ready for the night train ride to Appleloosa?" she asked.

"I sure am, that's if you're ready."

"Ah already am, now let's get moving."

We then left my home and walked over to the train station, the others were already there waiting for me.

"Whoops, guess I was delaying the train journey, right?" I asked.

"Nope, cause you're riiight ooonn tiiiimme!" Pinkie replied, singing the last five words.

Now how did Pinkie knew that catchy pop song from the early 90's?

"Uhhh Pinkie, we're gonna need to talk about your knowledge at some point." Applejack said, "But let's get on that train, my tree is already packed and ready to go."

We all boarded on the train and found our seats in the carriages. We were in one carriage with the beds, possibly reserved for train journeys during the night. As the train got going to Appleloosa, I decided to have a look at the end carriage to see what the tree looked like. I walked quietly to the end of the train to find Applejack with a bed that had a tree in it.

"Hey Applejack, is this your tree?" I asked.

She turned around, "Oh hey Bond, yeah this tree is the one we're taking to Appleloosa...and this one is special to me."

"Why is that?"

"Let's say that Bloomberg here was one of the very first trees I bucked when I started applebucking as a little filly."

"I get you now."

Applejack then turned back to the tree and read a book to it, which was kinda odd to me.

"And that's when the yellow bird thought to himself, hmm my favourite little tree ain't such a little tree no more. So he sang a song, big and strong and they all lived in that great big tree, happily ever after. The End."

She then put the book down and wrapped the duvet around the tree, another odd moment there.

I snapped out of it when Rarity walked in, she must've heard it all.

"Applejack!" she exclaimed, "Weren't you reading a bedtime story to..." she then noticed the tree inside the duvet "...an apple tree?"

Applejack giggled nervously as Rarity showed an unamused look and walked towards her, I stood on standby just in case it would kick off.

"Well ya know, being planted in a new place can be very upsetting for a tree and Bloomberg here is one of my favourites."

"No fair Applejack, you got luxurious private sleeping cart for a tree, while I'm cramped in the same cart with all the other ponies." Rarity moaned, "How am I supposed to get my beauty sleep?"

"But Bloomberg here is the reason we're all making this trip. He needs his rest so we can give as a gift to my relatives in Appleloosa." Applejack explained.

"Hm! You talk about it as if it's your baby or something." Rarity huffed.

"Baby, who are ya calling a baby? Bloomberg's no baby."

Applejack then tendered to the tree. "Don't let wittle warity make you all saddy waddy, Bloomberg's a big and strong apple tree...oh yes he is, a cootchy coo coo."

Rarity and I stood there, confused by AJ's protective behaviour.

"It's wittle warity who's all saddy waddy." Rarity grumbled as she left the carriage in envy.

"Ah tell ya, Bond, ah just don't get why Rarity's so jealous of me having this cart all for this tree."

"Probably because she's a Canterlot pony at heart with high standards." I said.

"Maybe...but ah reckon we should get some sleep now."

"Good idea, Applejack and I'm sure the tree will be safe."

Applejack and I took our beds which were the closest to the cart with the tree. The other girls continued talking excitedly about their trip towards Appleloosa. I didn't really mind, however as I was a heavy sleeper and that in a few minutes, I'll be sleeping away with no sounds made.

It was sunrise when I woke up, the others were still asleep, so I looked on out through the window to see the sun rising...oh Celestia, you always to nail the sunrise to precision...what, I didn't mean it like that...whatever, just shut up! Anyways, I then started hearing loud hoof-beats from outside which got the other's attention. I look at through the window on the other side of the cart.

"Uhhh, girls, it looks like we're not the only ones around here in this desert."

We all then cramped together and looked through the window to find...

"A buffalo stampede!" Twilight finished saying for me.

The others agreed.

"Oh I just love their accessories." Rarity commented.

"They're getting awfully close to the train."

I had to agree...a little too close to comfort, suddenly we began to feel knocks on the sides of the train. What are the buffalo trying to do, knock the train off the tracks and potentially injuring us?

"Look! Now they're doing tricks!" Pinkie exclaimed as we started seeing one buffalo jump on another.

Then a small one jumped on top of both

"Oh oh oh, now do a backflip!" Pinkie said.

"Do a barreroll!" I added.

The small one however jumped on top of the train.

"Or just jump."

We then heard the hoofbeats move towards the end cart with the apple tree.

"Something tells me this isn't a circus act." Dash pointed as she opened a window and zoomed outside.

All we could do was look on out as we saw Dash trying to stop the small buffalo from getting to the end cart, but it didn't work as Dash ended up colliding with the level crossing sign and was down for the count.

We then heard a clink from one of the carts, we galloped over to find...that the end cart has been disconnected from the cart we were on and we could only gasp at what happened as the buffalo captured the cart.

"They got Bloomberg!" Applejack yelled.

"HEEEEELP!" Spike shouted from inside the cart

"And Spike!" Twilight added.

"I'm going to help Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie declared unexpectedly.

Knowing her randomness too well, we all agreed there was no point in arguing.

"Alright Pinkie, then you and Dash can go and rescue Spike, we'll head to Appleloosa and get help." I said.

"Good thinking, Bond." Twilight agreed.

Soon, Pinkie then bounced off the cart and bounced all the way to help Dash till she was out of sight.

The rest of us could only wait until we got into the station before we could do anything else...but it wasn't for long though as we approached a station with the Appleloosa sign on it. After it pulled into the station, we then got off the train and were about to go for help when suddenly, there was a pony waiting for us with a creepy big smile.

"Hey there!" he greeted "Welcome to Aaaaaappleoooooosa!"

"Braeburn, listen." Applejack replied, "We-"

"Cousin Applejack, mind your manners." Braeburn interrupted, "You've yet to introduce me to your compadres, shame on you."

So that is Applejack's cousin Braeburn? Least I'm getting to know the apple family, well pony by pony at least.

"Listen Braebrun, something terrible has happened."

"Terrible is right, you're train is a full seven minutes late, that's seven less minutes for you to delight in the pleasures and wonders of Aaaaaappleoooooosa!"

Braeburn was about to shove us off the station with his head until I stood in his way.

"Hold on a second, don't think of touching me with your head, I have standards." I told him, showing off my alicorn appearance.

"Whoops, my bad."

I then moved out of the way and he proceeded with his previous action, I was able to keep up with them easily.

"It boggles the mind that we several ponies built all this just this past year, don't it? And as ya can see, we have all of the finest comforts. Like horse-strong carriages and over there, art strong horse carriages."

"You mean drawers don't you?" I asked.

"Eeyep!" Braebrun replied, almost copying Big Mac's catchphrase.

"Listen Braeburn, ah-"

Applejack got cut off again as Braeburn moved the girls to another part of town.

"And here's our local water home, the Saltblock."

This continued for a bit longer, showing us the sheriff's office, the wild west dance area and the mild west dancers which had me confused.

"But Braeburn-"

She got cut off once more as he took the girls to the big area full of trees.

"And here's the most wonderful sight in all of Aaaaaappleoooooosa! Our apple orchard."

Well at least we know where to put the tree...if only it wasn't taken away by the stampede.

"Braeburn!" Applejack said, raising her voice a little...I could tell she was beginning to get annoyed by his interruptions.

"First harvesting should be anyday now." Braeburn carried on.

"Braeburn-"

"And good thing too."

"Brae-"

"Cause we need that grub to live on."

"BRAEBURN!"

"Uh yes cousin?"

Finally...he's paying attention...about time too.

"Ya have a very nice town and all, but we have a HUGE problem here, some of our friends are missin'."

"A stampede of buffalo." Fluttershy said.

"They took Spike." Rarity added.

"Rainbow Dash went after them." Twilight added.

"And Pinkie Pie went to look for them, but we haven't seen them since." I added.

"And we had an apple tree for your orchard, but they took that too." Applejack finished, explaining the problem.

Braeburn's expression suddenly changed after hearing it all. "Did you say, buffalo?" he asked before sighing. "Them buffalo, they wanna send our ponies to take these trees you see here off this land. They sure as hay don't want any new ones added in."

"But why?" Fluttershy asked.

"Beats me, we put a lot of hard work in this land, so we can feed our town, our families, our foals. And they're saying that all these trees have to go? It ain't fair."

"I know how you feel, but life is never fair for any of us." I said. "But then again, there's nothing wrong with a bit of faith."

"And speaking of faith, we need to go and rescue our friends from the buffalo." Twilight added.

We all nodded in agreement, we walking back into the town area of Appleloosa and bought a few supplies before grouping together on a cliff road.

"Gently please." Rarity whined.

"Sorry Rarity, but our friends are out there and we have to be ready for a long hike into buffalo territory if we're gonna save them...let's go!" Applejack said.

We walked on out to just about entering the desert...but it didn't take us long as no sooner we left the town, there was Dash, Pinkie and Spike all safe and sound.

"Hi guys!" Pinkie said.

"Pinkie!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she jumped into a hug....okay that was out of the ordinary from Fluttershy. "We're so glad you're safe."

We then got into a group hug, with all of us feeling happy again.

"Although, that's just made my purchasing of supplies gone to waste." I complained.

"Ah can get ya cashback later." Braeburn assured.

"Okay." I squeed out of the blue.

"How did you escape the buffalo?" Twilight asked.

"We didn't!" Pinkie Pie answered.

The little buffalo then hopped out from the rock and rubbed her hoof on the ground.

"We promised the buffalo a chance to talk." Rainbow Dash added.

"Talk?" I asked

"Yes...I'm Little Strongheart and we just want to talk…" Little Strongheart responded.

"Oh, yeah? 'Bout what?" Applejack questioned with a hint of aggression.

"We brought our new pal to explain to the Appleloosians why they should move the apple trees off buffalo land." Rainbow Dash replied.

"Are you sure, cause maybe we could-"

"That's weird. 'cause my cousin, Braeburn, here, wants to explain to the buffalo why they should let the apple trees stay." Applejack interrupted me.

"That would be a useful thing to –"

"The land is theirs! You planted the trees not knowing that. Honest mistake. Now, you just gotta move 'em, that's all." Rainbow Dash interrupted.

"Well... Eheh..." Braeburn chuckled nervously.

"They busted their rumps here! And now they're supposed to bust their rumps again, just 'cause some buffalo won't stampede someplace else?" Applejack defended.

"Plant the trees somewhere else!" Rainbow Dash continued to argue.

"Where? It's the only flatland around these parts!"

"The buffalo had it first!"

"The settler ponies need it to live!"

"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!" I shouted as they stopped to looked at me, "Each side has their own good reasons, but arguing is not the way to fix this issue!"

Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped. "Hey! I've got an idea! Get every buffalo and pony to come in town and I have a foolproof plan to bring them together!" Pinkie Pie rushed off, leaving us confused.

Nonetheless, we did as she asked and managed to gather all the ponies in the town and all the buffalo from the land towards a stage in the middle of the town. The entire crowd gathered around the stage and whispered with many questions on why they were there in the first place, especially with the buffalo.

Just for laughs, I had dressed up in a Simon Cowell costume, hoping to lighten up the mood, if anypony asks where I got this, don't!

Spike was playing the piano on the right hand of the stage while Pinkie Pie poked out her head from the closed curtains, grinning greatly. She turned her head towards Spike, waving over to him while he returned a thumbs up. What was Pinkie Pie going to do now…?

Suddenly, the curtains shot open and revealed a closed clam in the middle of the stage. The clam slowly opened, revealing Pinkie Pie, who was lying down. She sat up and began singing.

We may be divided

But of you all, I beg

To remember we're all hoofed

At the end of each leg…

No matter what the issue

Come from wherever you please

All this fighting gets you nothing

But hoof and mouth disease

Arguing's not the way

Hey, come out and play!

It's a shiny, new day

So, what do you say?

You gotta share

You gotta care

"It's the right thing to do

You gotta share

You gotta care

And there'll always be a way through"

"Both our diets, I should mention

Are completely vegetarian"

"We all eat hay and oats

Why be at each other's throat?

You gotta share

You gotta care

It's the right thing to do

And there'll always be a way

Thro-o-o-o-ugh!" Pinkie Pie finished.

The audience only returned silence. Spike's clapping was only heard. "All right, Pinkie Pie! That was FANTASTIC! What a great song! You're right on!"

The sheriff and the chief looked at each other for a moment and nodded. "It appears that Sheriff Silverstar and I have come to...an agreement."

"We have." The sheriff agreed.

"That was the worst performance we've ever seen..." The chief answered, disappointing and surprising Pinkie Pie.

"I would have to agree." I added whilst trying to impersonate Simon's voice, "It sounded like an elephant trying to walk on a roof without grace...it was utterly ridiculous."

"Teh... Abso-tively!"

"The time for action... Hmh... Is upon us!" The chief began with a threatening tone in his voice. "Our stampede will start at high noon tomorrow. And if the orchard is still there, we'll flatten IT! AND the whole town!"

"But, Chief!" Little Strongheart tried to reason.

"An' we Appleloosians say you'd better bring yer best, 'cause we'll be ready and waitin'." The sheriff counter-attacked.

"But, Sheriff..." Braeburn walked towards the sheriff.

The buffalo and ponies went their separate ways to prepare for the fight that was to come.

"Oh... That wasn't the message of my song at all..." Pinkie Pie commented, sadly.

I looked over to Spike. "Spike, take Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to the buffalo and see if you can prevent them from going on with this mess. The rest of us will talk with the sheriff and see if we can knock some sense into them."

"Got it!" Spike responded. "C'mon Pink!" Spike dragged Pinkie Pie by her tail while Rainbow Dash flew after them.

I looked over to Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight, and Rarity. "C'mon let's get to the town quick!" They nodded and began following me.

When we arrived at the town, every pony was already boarding their windows, locking their doors, and creating barricades throughout the whole perimeter of the town.

"Ah want my kin ta have what they need to live, but a storm's a-brewin' here and ah don't like the look of it." Applejack commented.

"We've just got to talk some sense into them before somepony gets hurt." Twilight replied.

We attempted to try to talk the ponies of the town out of fighting, but they were stubborn as mules. Every time we tried to talk, they continued on climbing in their windows and shutting their doors. When we reached their orchards, there were bucking apples, but for defensive uses. Twilight tried to get one of them to stop and talk but all she received was an irritated look. "Why won't anypony be rational and reasonable?" She exclaimed.

We returned back in town where they had just finished barricading the perimeter of the town with wood and nails. I knew that they wouldn't stand a chance against the buffalo…

"Sheriff, if we could only-"

Applejack tried to talk to the sheriff but he ignored her and kept moving. We turned over to the bakery to see ponies baking thousands of apple pies. Lastly, in the town square, they raised a flag with their emblem planted proudly on it. The ponies cheered and threw their hats upwards to the sky.

Fluttershy and Rarity looked at me, worried. "Bond, there must be something we can do to stop this!" Rarity said.

"The way it looks right now, I don't think we can do anything to stop it." I sighed.

Noon came as fast as the settlers prepared themselves for the attack by the buffalo. Many of the buffalo gathered above a cliff and stared down at us. The settler ponies looked very frightened by the huge mob they formed. The clock was only a few minutes away from hitting twelve. Many ponies watched from the inside of their houses as carts full of apple pies made their way over to the perimeter.

"Come on!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed while she tapped her forehead with her hoof. "THINK. Think, think, think, think, think, think, think!"

The sound of a bell tolled, striking suspense in each of us. The bell continued ringing throughout the silence that filled the entire area. I could only observe as the settler ponies stared beyond the town at the horde of buffalo waiting at the cliff. All of us were worried and could only wait to see when the buffalo would make their move.

As we waited for the buffalo to strike, I saw Little Strongheart place a hoof on the chief's face.

Rainbow Dash gasped as she observed what had just happened. "He's not gonna do it!"

I was feeling a lot more hopeful, maybe Strongheart was able to get through to him.

whaddaya say?

You got to share

You got to care

It's the right thing to do

I gasped as I heard Pinkie sing. "PINKIE! NOOO!" I shouted out to her.

"You got to share…" She continued singing. "You've got to care…"

"CHAAARGE!" The chief's voice erupted. In that second, they began stampeding towards us. Pinkie Pie could only stare, stunned.

I caught up to Pinkie Pie and pulled her away from the path of the stampede. From behind me, I could see the buffalo break through the wooden perimeter as if they were merely branches.

"PINKIE YOU IDIOT!" I shouted, "You just HAD to mess it up at the last minute, didn't you?!"

"But-"

"No time to argue, we gotta get back to town and put a stop to this one way or another." I then galloped back into town and stopped to see the carnage taking place.

As soon as I saw the chief hop into the air to pummel at the sheriff, the sheriff quickly threw the pie at the chief's face and the buffalo chief fell to the ground. The buffalo quickly came to his aid to see him defeated. One of the buffalo observed this and began crying as the pony next to him took her hat off in respect.

Spike cried along as well as he hugged Twilight tightly.

However, one of the pieces of the apple pie fell down towards his stuck out tongue. He closed his mouth and swallowed. He opened his eyes and quickly licked the pieces off his face. "Yum! Hey, I've got a much better idea!" he said, "We will allow the apple orchard to stay in exchange for a share of it's fruit and those delicious apple pies!"

The settlers cheered as they agreed to the negotiation between the buffalo.

I sighed in relief.

The settler ponies chopped down trees, creating a pathway for the buffalo to use for their stampeding. The ponies used the apples to bake the apple pies they gave out to the buffalo as they passed through the path.

"I'd rather eat turquoise any day of the week." Spike chomped on the bowl of gems he had.

"Bloomberg, this is yer special day. Mama's so proud of you!" Applejack announced as she had just finished planting her apple tree in a isolated spot away from the other trees.

I giggled on the inside, glad her baby talk with that tree was now done and dusted.

The buffalo began roaming back to their village after they finally settled their differences between the settler ponies. Little Strongheart noticed Rainbow Dash and waved over to her.

"Dear, Princess Celestia..." Twilight began speaking near me as she observed the peaceful scene. "Friendship is a wondrous and powerful thing. Even the worst of enemies can become friends. You need understanding and compromise." Rainbow Dash, Little Strongheart, and even Applejack began racing through the road as the sun began setting. "You've got to share. You've got to care –

"Hey...that's what I said." Pinkie Pie sighed as she walked over to Twilight and I.

Twilight giggled. "Sorry Pinkie, but you did kinda anger everypony else."

Pinkie Pie turned away without a word and looking upset.

"C'mon, everypony. It's time to go home." Twilight told us.

"Good idea, home is where the heart is, after all." I said.

Afterwards, the eight of us boarded a train as we waved goodbye to Braeburn who did get me the money back in the end. We were on our way back to Ponyville and it was already evening time when we got back. We exchanged our farewells and all I wanted was to get home and into my bed.

Sleeping away, I looked back to the moment where I unintentionally let out my anger on Pinkie...I wondered if she would forgive me for that heat of the moment. But then again, what I learned cheered me right up...PIES ARE AWESOME!

A Bird In The Hoof

I woke up the next morning and the first thing I was wanted to do was to go to Sugarcube Corner and apologize to Pinkie for getting all angry at her and that I didn't mean for it to happen. So getting dressed up straight away, I opened the door but then stopped to find a letter at my door, I opened it up and it was an invitation to a special lunch with Celestia at Sugarcube Corner. I picked it up and trotted over to the shop. Entering the store, I saw Mrs. Cupcake from behind the counter.

"Ahhh hello Mrs. Cake, you and your husband back from your vacation?"

"Yes, we got home yesterday evening. So we were here before Pinkie came in, but she didn't seem happy to see us." she answered worryingly.

"Oh...about that, is Pinkie awake, it's something that happened yesterday between her and me."

"Oh I see...yes, she'll be down shortly...Pinkie Pie!" she called. "By the way, are you here for the lunch special?"

"I am, here's my invitation which I accept." I handed it over to her by the counter.

"There we are, you're now on the guest list."

"Cool."

Soon, Pinkie came downstairs, but she seemed to be a little down...now I felt bad for the way I acted towards her.

"Morning Pinkie, can we talk?" I asked calmly.

"Okay, let's talk over here." she answered pointing to a corner.

We walked to the corner by the shelves with pots and plates.

I cleared my throat and told her, "Pinkie, I want to apologize for the way I let my anger out on you yesterday, I didn't mean it intentionally or personally. It was just a heat of the moment that I didn't see coming and not only that, you nearly kinda cost the ponies of Appleloosa the whole town with your song that did nothing to solve the issue. Just leave it to the experts in future, the ones that know what they're doing, alright?"

"Okay, I'll try not to mess things up from now on." Pinkie replied with a bit of happiness. "I just can't help with how I act, it's how I've always been."

"I know and I should've taken that into account, but I didn't, so I'm sorry for shouting at you."

"Thank you, Bond...and apology accepted." Pinkie replied

We both then smiled and went in for a forgiving hug...Pinkie felt happier now and so was I.

"With that out of the way, do you need some help with the food today?"

"Actually, we need an extra pair of hooves, Bond." Mr. Carrotcake said who appeared from the kitchen, "You've worked with Pinkie in here a lot since you've come here."

"Oh yes, this is where I can put what I've learnt to good use, I'll gladly help."

"Thank you, Bond, come on you and Pinkie, we're gonna need to get through this one as smooth as possible."

Pinkie and I walked into the kitchen and knowing where everything was, we got to work.

It was just about lunchtime when we were done with the food, I had just finished setting up the tables and right on time, I heard a carriage arriving outside.

"It's the Princess! Quick!" I exclaimed as the last of the food was placed on the table.

Soon, the Princess walked into Sugarcube Corner, with her guards stationed outside...I of course bowed in her presence.

"Princess Celestia, it is great to see you again." I greeted.

"Bond Racer, I am delighted to see you again as well." Celestia replied, "I hope Twilight and the rest of her friends will arrive soon."

"They will eventually, the lunch party is about to start...and who's that?" I asked, noticing a bird on her shoulder.

"Ohhh, this is a pet bird of mine, I'll tell you more soon."

"Okay...ah speak of the devil, here comes Twilight and Spike." I pointed, seeing Twilight enter the shop with Spike on her back.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Twilight Sparkle, good to see you my faithful student and you too, Spike." Celestia said.

Soon, the lunch party was in full swing, most of the other ponies began to arrive...well those who sent their invitations and were on the list anyway. Fluttershy was the last one to turn up as I saw Twilight greeting her into the shop.

"Thanks, Twilight." Fluttershy said.

"I'm so glad you could make it Fluttershy, it wouldn't be the same without you." Twilight replied.

I walked on over to where the Princess was sitting.

"Anything else we can get for you, deary-I mean esteemed guest?" Cupcake asked before correcting herself.

"Everything is fine Mr. and Mrs. Cake." Celestia answered.

I saw Twilight looking quite nervous as she was walking with Fluttershy, before a loud voice got my attention.

"Don't touch me!" Rarity yelled, "Watch the dress, careful, you're gonna spill that on me."

"Oh Rarity...you and your Canterlot standards." I said to myself.

I also noticed Applejack, confused on what to eat on the table, I walked on over.

"Just start with whatever you wish to eat, don't mind what the other ponies say, just tuck in." I insisted to her, before she did start eating.

Just then Pinkie started bouncing around, I guess she's back to her old self now...ah well, it's still random but that's why we love her. She then stuck her head in a chocolate fountain which went hard instantly before breaking into pieces...but then she did the unthinkable, she then zoomed over to Celestia and ate one of her cupcakes.

The Cakes gasped and took her away...Carrotcake brought back a new cupcake for the Princess.

"A thousand pardons, your majesty." he said as he moved backwards slowly.

"That's quite alright, thank you."

I breathed a sigh of relief, looks like Celestia is more laid back about the ponies here than I thought. Soon, I took a seat by the Princess whilst Twilight sat on the opposite side of Celestia along with Fluttershy.

"Oh yes, how have you been Bond Racer?" Celestia asked me.

"Much, much better, ever since my Sister and I had the talk with your help."

"That's good to know and what about you, Fluttershy is it?" Celestia asked, turning her attention to Fluttershy.

"Me? Oh yes your highness." she replied.

"I understand from Twilight Sparkle's letters that you enjoy attending to the needs of woodland creatures."

"Yes, I love to take care of animals."

"As do I, as Princess, I care deeply about all creatures great and small."

We then heard coughing coming from the birdcage Celestia had on the table.

"Nothing means more to me than the health and well being of all of my subjects."

Soon, the bird flew up and it looked quite the worse for wear.

"Ah Philomeena, you're awake. Say hello to our gracious hosts."

The bird squawked very croaky which was odd.

"Oh...my." Fluttershy said quietly to herself, feeling shocked.

"She is quite a sight, isn't she?"

"I...I...I've never seen anything like that before."

Just then, a unicorn guard came in and whispered something to the princess.

"Really?" she asked which the guard nodded, "Well, if we must."

She then looked at all of us, "I'm sorry everypony, I'm afraid I have to cut the party short. The Mayor has requested an audience with me, royal duty calls. Thank you all for a wonderful time, it's been a joy getting to know you all better."

Celestia was about to leave but then the guard whispered something else, she then looked at me. "Bond Racer, you're also needed to speak with the Mayor."

"Alright Princess, lead the way."

She giggled, "I will."

"See you girls, later." I said to the others as Celestia and I left Sugarcube Corner, whilst being escorted by the guards.

As we walked on our way to the Town Hall, I had a question on my mind. "Princess, what about your pet bird, Philomeena? Isn't there a chance that it might get stolen or something?" I asked her.

"There is no need to worry, Bond. One of my guards will go back and then will report to me." she answered.

"Alright." I smiled.

We arrived at the Town Hall shortly and entered through the door into the main centre area where Mayor Mare was waiting.

"Greetings, Princess Celestia." the Mayor bowed as she saw us. "It is an honour to have you at this important time...and you too as well, Bond Racer."

"Hello Mayor. The feeling is mutual." Celestia winked.

"So what is it you wish to see me for, Mayor?" I asked.

"Oh yes, first of all I have received a letter from the Fillydelphia National Council that your parent's will was discovered from your late Aunt's home." The Mayor explained.

This gave me a sudden shock, "A will? They left a will?" I asked on confusion.

"Yes and I have it right here, it was said that nopony, not even your sister knew about this will, but they seemed to had it all planned and written down in advance."

"And I know why too." I added, "Because they loved me much more than my Sister, they had everything planned and what they wanted for me to do in case something happened to them...which of course, a few years ago, something DID happen to them." I sighed, feeling sad, thinking back to the tragic night.

"But you have come a long way since then, Bond, never forget that." Celestia assured me which made me smile again.

Then, we heard a guard barging in..."Pardon me, your highness!"

"Yes?" Celestia asked.

"I followed back to Sugarcube Corner as you asked and I'm here to tell you that Philomeena has gone missing."

Uh oh, this can't be good...I had an inkling on who would steal the bird but I wasn't so sure.

"Guards, both of you find Twilight Sparkle and ask if she knows where it may be gone." she then used a bit of magic as if to locate Twilight. "She is at a cottage, looking over the Everfree Forest."

"Yes, your highness." one of them replied, before they both left the town hall and galloped away.

"Ah here it is, your parent's will." the Mayor said, passing a paper to me. I read the following:

To our wonderful son Bond Racer

If you are reading this letter and will, then you will perhaps know the real story of what happened to our sister and us. For these reasons, we wanted to apologize for the way we didn't take kindly to your sister's jealousy, we tried to do what was best for the family at the time. You were more blessed and special because you were an alicorn and you deserved to be treated twice as much.

However, since we are no longer alive, we are leaving behind and passing on the following things we had planned and prepared for you.

First off, we leave you with 5,000 bits stored away in a safe that we secretly transported to Mayor Mare with the Princess's blessing.

The mayor then brought out a small safe with a padlock and a key.

Secondly, we leave a family pocket-watch which is also in the safe that has been carried throughout the family generation, do whatever you can to keep this safe and when the time comes, pass it on to your children.

Thirdly, if you have found a special pony to love, we give you our blessing and permission to marry her, no catches.

This made me thought of Trixie which no other pony still knows about...yes I love Trixie, but do I wish to marry her? That's FAR too soon to ask that question...oh well, least I'd have the bits to buy an engagement ring for her if I wanted to.

Finally, although your sister did not approve of how we behaved, we wanted to leave behind a small bag of bits to support her future education if she wishes to.

We may not be around but we will always love you, we're so proud of you and we're blessed to have raised a wonderful alicorn as our son. Don't stop for being who you are, don't stop on giving and receiving love and don't stop living the dream and what your cutie mark tells you.

Your loving parents...

After I finished reading, a small tear came down my face as I smiled.

"Mum and Dad." I sniffed, "I'll always love you too and I forgive you...thank you."

Celestia placed a hoof around me, "There's one other thing I wish to add to the will."

I looked up at her.

"Don't stop in believing the element of Faith, as it is your faith that brings the faith and hope to the other elements of harmony."

"I second that motion." the Mayor agreed.

I smiled as I brought the safe and the will paper towards me.

"Now, what is the other reason you wish to see me?" Celestia asked.

"Oh yes, I want to know how many of the Ponyville guests will you be willing to accept for the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala?"

"First of all, the seven special ponies and Spike are the top priority."

"Good, I'll be sure to notify them...well the rest of them." the mayor corrected herself, noticing I was still here.

Soon, a door opened from behind.

"Your highness, Philomeena has been found." one of the guards said.

"Show me the way."

"Yes, your highness."

Celestia and I left the Town Hall as the guards took us to the fountain where we saw the other six ponies.

"What is going on here?" Celestia asked firmly.

The others bowed as they saw her.

"Twilight!"

"Yes, your majesty?" Twilight asked, sadly. "There's been a terrible accident."

"It's all my fault." Fluttershy presented herself to the Princess.

"No, Princess. Fluttershy didn't know any better. It was my fault." Twilight intervened.

"I'm the one who did it."

"But you were only trying to help."

"Some help I was."

"Will ya let me do this? She'll go easier on me."

"But it's my fault!"

"No, it's my fault!"

"No, it's my fault!" Pinkie intervened, "Wait, what are we talking about?"

"Girls! I think that's quite enough." I said to them firmly.

"Princess Celestia, I'm the one who took your pet bird. I really was only trying to help the poor little thing. Then I was gonna bring it back to you, honest." Princess Celestia walked over to the burnt ashes. "So, if you wanna banish me and then throw me in a dungeon in the place that you banish me to, then that's what I deserve."

Princess Celestia looked over at Fluttershy then at the ashes. She lowered her head and remained quiet for a moment.

"Oh, stop fooling around, Philomeena. You're scaring everypony." She suddenly spoke. The ashes moved and shot upwards towards the sky. Everypony gasped. The ashes spun mid-air and formed something magnificent, causing every pony to awe in its appearance.

"I don't understand!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "What is that thing? What happened to Philomeena?"

It flew and landed on Princess Celestia's foreleg. "This is Philomeena. She's quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix. Isn't that right, Philomeena?"

Philomeena released a proud answer, no longer the naked bird she was a few minutes ago, but a majestic creature instead.

"A... A phoenix?" Fluttershy questioned.

"A phoenix is a majestic and magical bird." Princess Celestia explained. "While it appears healthy and happy most of the time…" The phoenix rose from Princess Celestia's foreleg and began flying in the air. "…every so often it must renew itself by shedding all of its feathers and bursting into flame." She lowered her head towards us and whispered. "Rather melodramatic, if you ask me." She pulled away. "It then rises from the ashes, fresh as a daisy. All just a normal part of the life cycle of a phoenix. I'm afraid, mischievous little Philomeena here took the occasion to have a little fun with you, Fluttershy." Philomeena lowered her head in embarrassment. "Say you're sorry, young lady."

Philomeena made an "I'm sorry" sound.

I guess looks can be deceiving in the world of Equestria too.

"So... aren't you gonna banish me? Or throw me in a dungeon? Or banish me and then throw me in a dungeon in the place that you banish me to?"

"Of course not, my little pony! Where on Earth would you get such an idea?"

Fluttershy looked over at Twilight, who was staring towards the ground, nervously. "I guess I have some imagination."

"Fluttershy really did do everything she could to try to take care of Philomeena for you." Twilight added.

"And I do appreciate that your heart was in the right place, child. But all you had to do was ask me and I could have told you Philomeena was a phoenix and saved you all this trouble."

"I know. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Next time I'll ask before taking matters into my own hooves."

Twilight made an expression where she looked as if she just remembered something. "Should I write you a letter about that lesson, Princess?" Twilight asked.

"No, that's quite all right. I think I can remember." She responded as she looked at Philomeena standing on her back.

As the royal guards brought over Philomeena's cage, Philomeena rose in the air and flew, giving Fluttershy one of her feathers, which landed softly on her ear. Fluttershy looked back at her and smiled. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Philomeena. No hard feelings."

Rainbow Dash looked at the guards for a moment and flew up to Philomeena. She whispered something to the phoenix. Philomeena nodded and flew to the top of the cage between the guards. She spread her wings and began tickling their noses with the tip of her feathers. After a few seconds, they began snickering and soon laughing out loud. Philomeena flew over to Rainbow Dash and tapped her wings with Rainbow Dash's hooves. "Yeah!" She laughed with Philomeena.

Soon, we were all sharing the laughter...but then I remembered that I was holding onto my safe and will with my magic.

"Well then, I should get back to Canterlot." She looked over to Philomeena. "Come on, Philomeena. It's time to go home."

She returned to her birdcage and waved all of us goodbye. The royal guards had also brought a carriage to take Princess Celestia back to Canterlot. The Princess gave us one last wave and smile before she left.

Everypony sighed happily.

"Oh Bond, what is that safe and paper you're holding?" Twilight asked.

"I'll tell you another time." was all I could answer.

Heading towards and into my home, I placed the will down and stored it in one of my chest of draws and stored the safe down and unlocked it with the key, I opened it to find a huge bag which must have the 5,000 bits my parents left for me as well as the pocket watch which was in complete solid gold and it looked like brand new. I took it out of the safe and I placed it on my bedside table next to the lamp. As I got into bed, I wondered about something else...I never have told anypony about my cutie mark, maybe I'll get the chance to say something about that or maybe I won't. The other thing was what I learnt today...phoenixes are cool!

The Cutie Mark Chronicles

I woke up the next day and seeing the pocket-watch on my table that told me the time, it made me more aware that I can now learn the time from the moment I wake up. After getting myself ready with a breakfast and a clean up, I went on out to just enjoy the day until I started hearing wubs and booms coming from another house.

A window then opened at the top part of the house and a pony popped out.

"OH YEAH! GOOD MORNING PONYVILLE!" she shouted.

"Vinyl Scratch!" I yelled.

"Bond Racer, is that you?"

"Turn the music down please!" I demanded.

"Well dude, if you let me give you a hug, I will."

"Alright!"

The music then went off, the front door opened and out came a white mare with lightening-ish kinds of blue and purple shades.

I opened out my front legs to offer a hug.

"Aw yeah, hugs are the best." she replied as we shared a hug. "We should catch up."

"We will soon, cousin. I just need to go and talk to a few ponies, laters."

"Alright man, see you soon,"

Vinyl then walked back into her home whilst I walked into town to find five mares waiting outside Sugarcube Corner.

"Hey girls, what's going on?" I asked.

"Hi bond, I think it's time we had...the chat," Twilight answered.

This gave me a bit of a surprise, but I showed some courage.

"Alright, but not out here."

"It's okay darling, we're in Sugarcube Corner for the duration of the talk." Rarity assured.

"Good, then let's go on in."

We all gathered round the centre of the shop and they sat down, signalling me to sit down too.

"We're gonna be talking about how we got our cutie marks, since I don't think you or Twilight have heard about it yet and Rainbow Dash will be here as soon as she can." Fluttershy said to me.

"Ah guess ah should start with how ah got mine." Applejack then began her story. "Ah was just a little filly." Applejack sat down on the ground and brought us closer to hear her story. "Ah didn't want to spend my life at a muddy old apple farm. Ah wanted to live the sophisticated life, like my Aunt n' Uncle Orange. So Ah set out to try my luck in a big city. Manehattan! The most cosmopolitan city in all of Equestria. Ah knew Ah'd find out who I was meant to be in Manehattan. When Ah arrived at my Aunt and Uncle's, Ah knocked on their door. They let me in to the new life I was going to live!" she paused for a moment to catch her breath, "Although, Ah must admit the city noise took some getting used to. Where Ah'm from, nights are so quiet you seldom hear a peep until the roosters wake you.' My answer had frightened everypony, as if they had never seen or even heard a rooster before! As my Aunt began covering for me, Ah quickly grew nervous in my mind. What's he talking about? What do I say? Ah don't wanna look like a fool. That's what Ah was thinking until the food had finally arrived at our table."

'Thank goodness. Being a city pony's hard work. Ah'm so hungry ah could eat a...' The top was taken off of the plate to only show a disappointed amount of food on it! Ah couldn't believe it! That night in my room, as ah watched the sunrise, ah could only wonder what my family back at Sweet Apple Acres was doing. 'Oh, ah wonder what Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are up to. Ah bet they're applebuckin' their way through the Red Delicious trees. Oh, what ah wouldn't give for just one bite...' Ah never felt so homesick in all my days as ah did right then. Then all of a sudden, there was this loud explosion across the sky! It was amazin'! A rainbow pointin' right back to... home. In that moment, it all became clear. Ah knew right then just who ah was supposed to be. That's when this here appeared." She pointed towards her cutie mark. "Ah've been happily workin' on the farm ever since."

"That was quite good to start with, Applejack, now I know why you love apples so much." Twilight replied.

"Ah sure do...so who wants to be the next?"

"Oooh I gladly shall share mine." Rarity answered before clearing her throat."I was making the costumes for a play when I was your girls' ages. It was for the same school you three are attending right now. The costumes consisted of a group of fruit, a dandelion, a cake, a stack of hay, and a flower. However, I felt as if they could have still been much more fabulous! The next day, I tried every trick I could think of, but nothing seemed to work. The costumes just weren't right. And the play opened that night. When I was at the point of doubting myself in being into fashion, my horn suddenly began glowing and moving me! I had no idea where my horn was taking me. But unicorn magic doesn't happen without a reason. I knew this had to do with my love of fashion and maybe even my cutie mark! I knew that this was... MY DESTINY! At first, I couldn't believe that my horn had led me to a mere humongous rock. It wasn't until an explosion of rainbow flew throughout the sky. It had split the rock in half revealing many gems! There were so many gems, I could hardly stare away from their beauty! That night, at the play, I had coated the costumes with gems. Everypony in the audience was amazed at what an amazing job I had done! I looked at my flank and there it was! My cutie mark!"

"And you've been following your dreams of a fashion designer since then...despite a few hiccups along the way." I said.

"Yes dear, you and everypony else have done wonders in helping me." Rarity assured. "So, who's turn is it now?"

"I will." Twilight answered proudly.

"As a young filly in Canterlot, I always wanted to go to the Summer Sun Celebration, where Princess Celestia raises the sun." Twilight spoke. "And I saw the most amazing, most wonderful thing I've ever seen. After seeing Princess Celestia's spectacular appearance, I poured myself into learning everything I could about magic. Thus, I spent every day and night reading through my books, learning many new things! My parents decided to enroll me in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was a dream come true! Except for one thing... I had to pass an entrance exam! I had to hatch a baby dragon from an egg! I knew this was the most important day of my life, that my entire future would be affected by the outcome of this day and I was about to blow it! After trying so much, I finally gave up. All of a sudden, this explosion sounded from outside! It scared me so much that magic shot out from my horn and towards the egg! The egg broke, releasing a baby dragon. I screamed as I suddenly lost control of all my magic! I had no idea what was going on! I had never been more scared of anything in my life! It wasn't until the Princess placed her hoof on me. When I saw her, I instantly calmed down. All the bad magic I had caused was undone. I felt my excitement fall, but the Princess pointed her hoof towards my flank revealing such an amazing gift. My cutie mark!"

"So, you've learnt tons of spells and magic ever since." I replied.

"I have, but am I not done and not for a long time."

"So what about you, Bond? Do you wanna say your story?" Applejack asked me.

"I wanna hear two more and then I'll tell you mine." I said.

"Oh oh oh" Pinkie exclaimed, "leave it to me, I'll tell you how I got my cutie mark!" she began telling us her story. "My sisters and I were raised on a rock farm outside of Ponyville. We spent our days working the fields. There was no talking. There was no smiling." She sighed. "There were only rocks. We were in the south field, preparing to rotate the rocks to the east field when all of a sudden... BOOM!" She shouted. "This huge rainbow exploded in the sky! When I saw it, I was so happy! I never felt joy like that before. It felt so good. I just wanted to keep smiling forever. And I wanted everyone I knew to smile too, but rainbows don't come along that often. I wondered, how else could I create some smiles? I spent that whole night and morning making a huge party for my family! When the sun rose up, I looked out the shed where the party was going to be at. I screamed out to my parents, excitedly. When they came in, I shouted to them, 'Surprise! You like it? It's called... a party! 'I made a huge grin! After seeing them tremble with fear, I lost my smile. I continued to see them shake, seeing all the party stuff I did. Suddenly, they smiled like never before! 'You like it! I'm so happy! And that's how Equestria was made." Pinkie finished oddly.

We all sat in silent after hearing Pinkie's story.

"Remind me to not do this with Pinkie again." I whispered to Twilight which caused her to giggle.

"Okay all, I'll tell you my story," Fluttershy said as she took a deep breath, "

"It all started at Summer Flight Camp. You'd never guess, but when I was little I was very shy. And a very weak flyer. When I was practising my flying, I accidentally messed up and got myself tangled in one of the flags. These two other boys saw me and began making fun of me. And then, out of nowhere... Rainbow Dash had flown to my side and told them to leave me alone. Eventually, Rainbow Dash got into a race against them. I was the pony who was starting the race. As soon as I waved that flag, they began flying at top speed, making me fall off the cloud I was standing on top of. I could see myself falling straight towards the ground. I thought that was the end of me since I could hardly fly…but then the most wonderful thing happened! All these butterflies caught me! I had never seen such beautiful creatures. Butterflies don't fly as high as my cloud home. And I've never been near the ground before. There was this large burst of rainbow in the sky, causing a very loud boom which scared all the animals. However, I walked over to each one of them and told them it was okay. Somehow, I had the ability to communicate with the animals on a different level."

"And that's why you are incredible with the animals, but of course I've learnt a bit about it from my work experience too." I said. "But what about Rainbow Dash, what happened to her?"

"Oh. Well, I wasn't there, so I don't really know what happened."

Just then, we heard Dash fly in.

"Sorry I'm late, I had a raincloud issue." Dash said.

"Alrighty, let's hear your story, Bond." Pinkie said to me.

I was about to start when the Cutie Mark Crusaders suddenly turned up.

"We're here at last..." Scootaloo said before noticing Dash was present. "Rainbow Dash!"

"Hey you three fillies, would you like to hear my cutie mark story?" Rainbow Dash answered as she walked over to the three little girls.

Scootaloo sighed. "You have no idea what I've been through today to hear that story." She immediately sat down to hear it.

"It all happened during the race at Flight Camp, where I stood alone against all odds to defend Fluttershy's honour. As soon as the flag flashed, I began with an amazing burst of speed! I've never flown like THAT before. That freedom was unlike anything I've ever felt. The speed, the adrenaline, the wind in my mane... I liked it A LOT. Turns out the only thing I liked more than flying fast... was winning! Most ponies thought that the Sonic Rainboom was just an old mare's tail. But that day... The day I discovered racing... I proved that the legends were true. I made the impossible happen! And that, little ones, is how you earn a cutie mark."

"Wooooow..." was all the Cutie Mark Crusaders could reply with.

"Well, I guess it's time I told you all about how I got my cutie mark." I said to them. "But I want no interruptions, please?"

"We promise and whenever you're ready, sugarcube." Applejack encouraged.

I cleared my throat and began my cutie mark story, "It all began the second day after I moved to Ponyville nearly three years now, after Pinkie gave me a welcoming party, I still felt that I had no pony else to talk to...that was until I met Vinyl Scratch, she told me that I was her cousin that my parents or my auntie which was Vinyl's mother, never told me or my sister about. I got to know her and her background story about how she got her cutie mark by being a DJ. She had a gig coming up but a partner of hers had to pull out due to an infection, so I volunteered to take her partner's place, so during the next few days, so gave me a tour of Ponyville and that was when I met you all one by one, except for you Twilight but you understand what I mean?"

Twilight nodded with a smile, so I continued.

"When the time came, there was a summertime DJ gig and Vinyl and I were working on the stage and halfway through, we had the crowd going. But suddenly, Vinyl started to tend to her head before she collapsed. I then realized that she forgot to take her bottle of water whereas I did. So I did the brave thing in keeping faith in not allowing the gig to stop there, but I was a little unsure of how to handle it...until I and the crowd noticed a sonic rainboom appear out of nowhere, suddenly I began to feel a lot of faith glowing inside me, so I learnt quickly and I took over all control for the rest of the gig which went down a storm. After it was done, Vinyl had woken up and I gave her a hug to let her know that despite her fainting, it was amazing...that was when a small flash appeared by my flanks and on it was my cutie mark, a pair of headphones."

"That is so awesome!" Dash commented, "But how come you haven't shown us your DJ moves yet?"

"I guess I've been neglecting that talent for a long while because of what we've gone through since the past year or so." I answered.

"Wait a second!" Fluttershy intervened, "I heard that explosion. And I saw the rainbow too. Rainbow Dash, if you hadn't scared the animals, I never would have learned I could communicate with them and gotten my cutie mark."

"I heard that boom! And right afterwards there was this amazing rainbow that taught me to smile." Pinkie Pie added.

"When I got my cutie mark, I saw a rainbow that pointed me home." Applejack included. "I bet it was your sonic rainboom!"

"There was an explosion I could never explain when I got my cutie mark!" Rarity now exclaimed as well.

"This is uncanny! If that explosion didn't happen when it did, I would have blown my entrance exam. Rainbow Dash, I think you helped me earn my cutie mark too!" Twilight brought up.

"And when that rainboom appeared from my view, I suddenly found my faith in carrying on DJing for my cousin who couldn't continue for the rest of that night." I added.

"We all owe our cutie marks to you!" Pinkie Pie had tackled Rainbow Dash playfully to the ground.

"Do you realize what this means? All of us had a special connection before we even met." Fluttershy said happily.

"We've been BFFs forever and we didn't even know it!"

"Come here, y'all!" Applejack exclaimed and pulled all seven of us in for a group hug.

"Awww." Applebloom and Sweetie Belle commented

"Ewww..." Scootaloo protested, "Gimme a break. Come on, Crusaders! Maybe we just need to try zip-lining again."

The three fillies then left as we all shared a quick giggle.

"Well, I think it's time we all head off." I suggested.

"Good idea, I'll see you all tomorrow." Pinkie said as she waved at us leaving Sugarcube Corner.

"Oooh, all five you, huddle together." Twilight said to us as we left the shop completely, "It's Pinkie's birthday in a few days, so we're going to need to be discreet when the day arrives."

"Oh yes, we must give her a fabulous party." Rarity added.

"And we can have it in the barn, Granny Smith won't mind at all." Applejack said.

"Alright, got it." Dash replied.

"Oh and later tonight, there's a meteor shower event taking place, we should all meet up then just to throw Pinkie off the party scent." Twilight added.

We shared a quick group hug before waving, knowing we'll see each other again later in the evening. Heading into my home, I made my own dinner as I was vanished after revealing my cutie mark story today. Resting on the sofa and waiting until nightfall, I realized that this was the first time I revealed a part of my past to the other girls...it gave me faith that in time, I will reveal all of it. Then, my random side summed up what I learnt today...prepare to meet your future friends...I guess.

Owl's Well That Ends Well

It was the evening time and I heard a knock on the door, answering it, I'm guessing it was one of the mares.

"Evening Bond, are you ready to come watch the meteor showers?" Twilight asked.

"I sure am...just hope I don't have to be the one who clears up the mess."

"No dude, they're like shooting stars but bigger." Spike corrected, pulling a cart behind him with books and some punch.

"Oh I see now...for a minute I thought Armageddon existed in Equestria."

They both shook their heads at my randomness, but they knew I was joking...or was I? Anyways, we walked along to one of the hills overlooking the mountains, probably where the shooting star event was going to take place and we saw hundreds of other ponies present.

"I was sure I put the astronomer's guide back, the book would've helped me identify different planets and stars tonight." Twilight said who seemed to be concerned about the book.

"Well, maybe someone borrowed it. Besides, you don't need that book, you can already name the planets and stars cause, you're super smart and astronomically awesome." Spike complimented.

Woah, what's with the loving compliments Spike, you're supposed to have a crush on Rarity, I thought to myself.

"Thanks Spike, you're such a flatterer."

"Yeah I'm a sweet talker."

"Only because you learned from the best, right?" I asked, tapping Spike on the shoulder.

"And a number one assistant, right?" Twilight asked.

"Check."

We walked further to the top to greet the others and the CMC's.

"Howdy you three, that's some good apples and what's that drink?" Applejack asked.

"It's apple punch." Spike answered as he laid out a picnic blanket and placed the food and drink on it.

Dash then took an apple with her mouth and ate it.

"Wow Twilight, you're lucky to have a rad assistant." Dash commented, "I wish I had somepony to do whatever I told them."

"Oh, oh, oh, me me me!" Scootaloo jumped. "I'll do whatever you want Rainbow Dash."

"Oh yeah pipsqueak?" Dash said looking at her, "How about taking out the trash?" she asked throwing the eaten apple at her.

"Yes mam!" Scootaloo replied, grabbing the apple and galloping off.

"Do we have to thank Spike again for this amazing spread, isn't he simply amazing?" Rarity asked.

Soon, he was surrounded by Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, Dash and Fluttershy.

"I should be quite jealous you know, but I'm not...I have my reasons and standards." I intervened.

"Oh come on..." Spike replied doing a lip signal as if he's looking for a kiss from Rarity...fat chance of that happening. "I said come on."

"Little Spikey wikey!" Pinkie said, giving him a noogie on the head. "Who knew that big ferocious dragon  started off being cutesy wootsy?"

"Spike, you are such a little star, that I had to make a little bow-tie for you." Rarity added as she presented a red bow-tie with small gems covering it.

"Oh girls you're embarrassing me, stop it."

"It's okay Spike, I know how you feel..." I assured him. "But I don't need the kind of affections and gifts you're getting, being around Ponyville is more than enough for me."

"Twilight, your turn." Spike said, pointing at her.

"Spike, that's enough." she replied firmly.

"Oh right, that's enough."

"Hey everypony, the show is starting!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, pointing up in the sky and seeing the first shooting star zoom by.

Soon, nearly of us in Ponyville looked at the night-time sky to watch the shooting star event...one by one they zoomed by. Of course astronomy isn't my kind of thing, it was still cool to watch shooting stars go by...it reminded me of an old classic dance track about a shooting star, but that's for another time.

After it was over, I looked behind to see Spike sleeping away inside the punch bowl.

"Hey girls, check this out." I said as they turned around to see the same thing.

"Oh poor little thing." Rarity said.

"Ohhh, he's worked himself to the bone." Twilight added.

"And now the punch..." I said before putting on my shades "...has been spiked!"

Soon, we all laughed at my 'punch'line...okay, that wasn't my best but come on, it's who I am.

"Alright everypony, it's time to go home." Twilight stated as all of us walked back to Ponyville.

After exchanging our goodbyes, I went straight to my home and I then noticed a letter on the table, upon walking in. I looked at it to see what it was about before opening it. It was an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala that was due to take place in five days from now and it had the special Celestia mark on it, meaning that I had the Princess's top priority approval. It filled me with excitement for some reason, but that can wait for now as I placed the invitation letter by the bedside table, before getting into bed and looking at the pocketwatch before closing my eyes to sleep.

The next late morning came and I decided that I should catch up with my cousin as I promised but first, I had to turn in my invitation which I accepted to attend. Leaving the home and packing a few bits in my pocket for lunch later, I walked into town with my smile and I spotted Twilight with a few bags.

"Morning Twilight." I greeted happily.

"Morning Bond, you're cheerful today." Twilight replied, "What's the occasion?"

"I received an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Really? So have I."

"You got one as well?"

"I did, in fact I think all seven of us and Spike got one at the same time." Twilight explained, "I'm going to the Town hall to turn them in as confirming our attendance, want me to take it in for you?"

"That would save me a bit of time, thanks Twilight."

"No problem, I've gotta go and collect the others's invitations, see you later."

"Same to you." I replied as I gave the invitation to her and waved.

With that out of the way, I could go straight to my cousin's home. I knocked on the door and it opened...but it wasn't her.

"Hello...yes?" a grey mare with light black mane asked me.

"Oh hello there, is Vinyl Scratch here?" I asked.

"She is, but she's going through one of her hangovers...ugh." she then put a hoof in her face.

"I'm guessing you two are roommates?"

"We are...but we're very different."

"I see, mind if I come in and wait for Vinyl, I need to talk to her."

"Alright, come on in and wait by the sofa, she'll be down shortly."

I then walked on in to find the house looking elegant, I took a seat by the sofa and waited for her.

"By the way, what's your name and why do you need to see Vinyl?" she asked me.

"I'm Bond Racer...and I'm Vinyl's cousin." I replied.

"Ohhh, so you're the pony who saved her DJ gig a long time ago?"

"That's me and who are you?"

"I'm Octavia Melody, I'm in the world of music too, but in a different field if you follow my meaning."

"I understand, what kind of music do you do?"

"I play the cello in an orchestra band, we normally play together at the important events at Canterlot."

"That's cool I guess."

Octavia then noticed my wings and my horn. "Are you an alicorn?" she asked noticing my features.

"Yeah, I am indeed but it's nothing special, I'm just like any other pony."

"Why the modesty? You deserve to have more than what you give yourself credit for."

"Maybe in time, I will...just not now."

Then, we heard hooves coming down the stairs.

"Morning...Tavi...another day, another headache." a voice said, I assumed it was Vinyl.

"That doesn't surprise me, Vinyl and where are your manners, your cousin is here to see you." Octavia pointed out.

"Oh hey cousin...great to see you, man...ugh."

"Here Vinyl, let me help." I said as I walked to her and moved my horn slightly down and used a bit of magic on her.

"Huh...I suddenly a lot better around my head, what did you do?" Vinyl asked.

"Anti-headache spell, I learnt it from my school in Fillydelphia."

"Sweet...thanks man."

"Well, I've gotta go to band practice, we have a few days before The Grand Galloping Gala, don't mess up the house please." Octavia requested as she left the house with her cello carry case.

"I guess she's the landlady of the house?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"I see. So how have you been, Vinyl?" I asked whilst offering a hug.

"It's been good, cuz." she answered accepting my hug.

"Your friend Octavia seems nice."

"That's because she noticed your alicorn status and you're quite lucky, she's not that positive when it comes to me and other ponies."

"I'm sure it's not that bad. Besides, you'll always have me to back you up." I assured.

Vinyl smiled, "Thanks again. Mind if we head out, Tavi would appreciate a clean home after all."

"Sure, we can do that, let's head to the nearest cafe."

"Sweet, man."

We then left her home and walked to the nearest cafe for lunch and afterwards, we headed back to her home, talking about several stories and reminding ourselves of that one gig where I got my cutiemark.

"That reminds me, cousin. When are you gonna start being my DJ partner again?" Vinyl asked as we walked inside.

"I don't know, I've been so busy with helping out my friends here as well as solving personal stuff." I answered.

"Well, I hope we get to do a DJ gig together soon."

"Same here...speaking of which, are you going to the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Nah, I can't man, I've been booked for a filly school party in Cloudsdale on that same day."

"Oh right, well I'm sure it'll be fun for you when the day comes."

"I'll make sure of that. Thanks for stopping by, Bond."

"It's no problem, I'll see you soon, Vinyl."

We shared a hug before Vinyl nodded as I walked out of her home. I decided to check up on the others, so I walked to the treehouse to find all of them present, apart from Spike, along with an owl.

"Hi again girls...and who's that?" I asked, looking at the owl.

"Ah Bond, this is Owloysius." Twilight answered, "I recruited him to take care of my assisted work at night time so that Spike wouldn't be tired in the morning."

""Oh, what a fantastical, fluffelicious feathery little friend!" Pinkie Pie commented. "I'm HOOked!"

I then performed a rimshot scene which everypony laughed.

"He's just wonderful." Fluttershy added.

"'He's just wonderful.'" We heard a mocking voice above us, causing us to turn our heads toward it. There, up on a tree, we saw Spike lying down on a branch reading a book. He noticed us stare at him. "Uh, yes. Wonderful. He's quite... the charmer." Spike ended with an irritated tone to his comment.

"And Owloysius is just such a star I just had to make this little bow for you." Rarity pulled out another bow studded with gems and placed it on the owl. It looked just like the bow that Rarity had given Spike the night before. The owl looked down to observe the bow for a second, and then looked back at Rarity with no significant change in his expression.

Spike had seen that and immediately filled his face with redness that he stormed back into the library and slammed the door shut.

"What's he all saddle sore about?" Applejack asked.

"He's probably just jealous of Owloysius." Rainbow Dash answered.

"Maybe Spike feels threatened or worried that Owloysius will replace him?" Fluttershy offered a suggestion.

"Replace him? Hah! That's crazy! Spike knows he can't be replaced." Twilight responded with confidence. "Well it's been fun talking with you guys, but I have to finish some work."

"Bye Twilight!" The ponies waved goodbye to her as she walked back inside the home with her owl.

"I need to go back to Sugarcube Corner to make more cakes, laters!" Pinkie said before bouncing away.

This left Rarity, Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and myself.

"Alright ya'll, Pinkie's birthday is tomorrow, how are we doing with the presents?" she asked.

"I've got a fabulous bracelet for her with one of a kind red gems." Rarity answered first.

"I have a basket full of sweets that Mr. and Mrs. Cake gave to me in secret so we could bring it to the barn." Fluttershy added.

"I got her a ticket for a free tour around wonderbolts academy with me." Dash said, showing a ticket that had been wrapped in a bow-tie.

"Shoot! I knew there was something I forgot to get today. I promised Pinkie I would get her a bag of bits so that she can use it towards helping her look after her pet Gummy." I said, reminding myself.

"Don't ya worry, sugarcube, you still have time...and as for me, preparations for the party at the barn is halfway finished, but ah'll need a bit more help tomorrow morning as ah'm a little tired with that and of course working on the farm too." Applejack said.

"That's good to know." Fluttershy commented.

"Okay, we'll meet at the barn tomorrow and don't worry, Twilight knows about it too." Applejack assured.

We all then said our farewells and went our own ways. I trotted back to my home for an early dinner and placed a hundred bits in a bag and placing the bag in my suit pocket, reminding me to give it to Pinkie when it's her birthday tomorrow. It was around sunset when I came out of the house again, when I saw Twilight with Owloysius, but she didn't seem to be smiling.

"Twilight, what's the matter?"

"I just found out that not only did Spike sneeze and burnt the pages of the book I was looking for last night, but he tried to set up Owloysius with a stupid plan, all because he let his jealousy get the best of him." Twilight explained.

My sister Sweet Chocolate knows how that feels too well, I thought to myself.

"So I am really disappointed in him. Could you go and try and talk some sense into him?" she asked.

"I guess I could try, maybe a talk with me would help him see the error of his ways."

"Maybe, thanks Bond, I'll be back later this evening."

"Okay."

I then walked over to Twilight's home, I knocked on the door, but there was no reply.

"Spike, are you in there?" I asked, no reply again.

I then opened the door and walked in, "Spike, it's me Bond Racer, Twilight wanted me to talk to you."

Again I got no response, it looked like the place was empty...

"Uh oh! Don't tell me that he's just gone and run away." I said out loud to myself.

But then I noticed patches of red ketchup shaped as claw prints which led outside, I decided to follow it to see where it led. It went out of Ponyville, through the Everfree Forest which at night-time there was no way I was going to walk through that, so I leapt up and flew whilst looking down at the claw prints which got more transparent by each second before it was no more. There was a slight shower coming in which didn't help, but I came across a big cave, so I took shelter in there quickly.

As I caught my breath and entered the cave, I stopped dead in my track to find... a big green dragon that seemed to be protecting countless amounts of gems, this must be where Spike ran to and sure enough, I found him cornered by the dragon.

"You leave Spike alone you green nobody!" I shouted at the dragon which got both of their attention.

"Bond Racer, you're here!" Spike exclaimed.

I then flew around the big dragon, hoping to keep it distracted whilst Spike could escape.

"Run Spike, get out of here-ARGH!" I yelled as I got smacked down to the floor by the big dragon's tail.

"Hoo Hoo!" an owl called out of nowhere.

Owloysius had come to the rescue...as if right on queue...damn I'm good at this rhyming. Owloysius had him distracted whilst I got back on my hooves and galloped out of the cave along with Spike.

"Grab on Spike, we're flying outta here!" I yelled as he got on my back and flew up into the sky and out of the forest as fast as we could. It may have been the beginning of night-time, but I was able to see Ponyville from where we were. Soon, Owloysius joined us in the flying, confirming that he was safe too. When we reached Ponyville, I landed down and Spike got off me whilst Owloysius perched on a tree branch.

"Spike, are you alright?" I panted, trying to catch my breath.

"Yep, I'm completely alright." he replied.

"Good, now Spike, I was looking for you but you weren't home, so I was worried about you and it seems Owloysius came here cause Twilight was worried about you too, why did you run away?" I asked him.

"I thought she didn't need me anymore and that she didn't love me anymore." Spike replied, feeling sad.

"Aw man, sure Twilight was disappointed, but you're her number one assistant and always will be." I then explained the real reason why Owloysius was recruited by Twilight, "It's just that Twilight sometimes needs help during the night, but she can't keep asking you to help, you're a baby dragon and you need your rest. Whilst owls are nocturnal, so she asked Owloysius to help, but not to take your place."

Spike then perked up, "Twilight could never replace you, Spike, especially when you're being a jealous numbskull."

"Thanks Bond, you're a real great friend." he said.

"My pleasure, man."

We then bro-hoofed.

"Come on, let's take you home."

We then walked back to Twilight's home, I opened the door.

"Twilight, I found Spike in a cave and thanks to Owloysius, we're both safe and sound." I said as we walked in.

"Oh thank Celestia, I am so glad you're alright." Twilight said as she walked forward.

"Yeah Owloysius was a life saver." Spike added before he felt a little guilty about his behaviour.

Spike then went in for a hug which Twilight accepted.

"I'm sorry Twilight, I should've never been so jealous." he apologized.

"And I'm sorry too, Spike, I should've been more sensitive." Twilight replied.

"Well, I think it's time I went back home." I said to them. "I haven't forgotten about tomorrow either."

"Oh yes, Pinkie's birthday tomorrow. Spike and I will see you later when we're at Applejack's farm tomorrow."

"Okay, see you then." I replied as I waved and walked back on home.

Heading inside and back to my home, I could only think of going to bed and look back to what I've gone through. Seeing a shooting star event was kinda cool, catching up with my cousin earlier today and meeting her friend Octavia was a real pleasure. Of course, rescuing Spike from a big dragon was not what I had in mind originally, but it seems that Spike and Owloysius will get along better from now on...even if the owl cannot speak English. Oh well, one sleep and it'll be all systems go for Pinkie's birthday party!

Party Of One

I woke up a little later in the morning than I planned, due to the fact I was recovering from the whack from that big dragon's tail and landing hard on the ground, so I had a good enough reason to stay in bed longer. After having my breakfast, I remembered that it was Pinkie's birthday today but I had to keep the planned party by the rest of us a secret, so I grabbed the bag of bits I put aside and left my home to go straight to Sugarcube Corner.

I entered the store and greeted myself Mr. Cake. "Present for Pinkie's birthday today." I said quietly.

He nodded as I walked upstairs and slowly opened the door to Pinkie's room, it was the first time I had ever gone into her own room. She was sleeping away peacefully, I knocked on her door which woke her up, she stretched and got out of her bed.

"Morning sleepy pie." I cheekily greeted.

"Oooh, Morning Bond, what brings you here." Pinkie asked as she got herself to wake up more.

"Two words...happy birthday." I answered showing her a bag I had wrapped up with her name on it.

Suddenly, she perked up and jumped right towards me.

"OH MY GOSH!" Pinkie shouted, "It's my birthday today, how did I forget?"

"Probably because you were too busy with other ponies's birthdays and working around them." I answered before handing out my gift to her. "Here, it's not much but here it is, as promised."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed, as she took the present from me, she opened it to see the bag which contained 500 bits, which was a last minute change to the amount I originally put in there.

"You're welcome Pinkie!" I replied giving her a big hug...which she accepted.

"I hope I get a super duper party later!"

"Well, you never know, it depends on what the other ponies are doing."

"Let's go and talk to them, shall we?" Pinkie suggested.

"Sure, come on...you can leave the bag of bits here."

We then left the shop and began walking through town, we started off by going to Twilight's home, we knocked on the door, Twilight opened the door to see me winking which gave her the signal to keep the party a secret.

"Oh hello Bond and Pinkie, what's up?" Twilight asked.

"It's my birthday today, I just remembered!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Is it, oh well happy birthday, Pinkie."

"Thanks, we're going to have a special party for me and Gummy later this afternoon." she said, even though I didn't say anything about it.

"This afternoon? As in this afternoon, this afternoon?"

"Yes indeedy."

"Oh gosh, I wish I could make it but I've gotten behind on my studies, I really gotta hit the books."

We then looked inside to find piles of books in the centre of the floor...smooth Twilight, real smooth, I thought to myself.

"I understand, your studies come first. But don't worry, we'll be sure to save you some cake."

I winked at Twilight knowing that she did very well at covering up Pinkie's birthday party.

"Oh and before anypony asks, you shouldn't really hit the books, you should just read them." I said out of the blue.

"I'll keep that in mind, see ya." Twilight replied as she closed the door.

"Let's see if we can get Applejack to come with us." I suggested.

Pinkie nodded and soon we walked to Sweet Apple Acres and found Applejack towing three apple carts full of apples.

"Hi there, Applejack." Pinkie greeted.

"Oh hi Pinkie Pie..and Bond Racer." Applejack replied.

"Three apple carts? I hope you're not overworking again." I cheekily asked.

"No indeed sugarcube, the applebucking at this time of year is much calmer and Big Mac is covering half of the orchard for me."

"That's good to know." I smiled.

"Anyways, what brings you two around these parts?"

"Who's ready to shake their hoof thing?" Pinkie asked shaking her flank.

Suddenly, I felt the urge to dress up as a 70's disco dancer and say "Shake your hoof thing, shake your hoof thing, yeah yeah! Show em how we do it now!"

I noticed to see Applejack and Pinkie looking at me oddly..."Umm, don't mind me girls, carry on."

"It's an invitation to mine and Gummy's party to celebrate my birthday today this afternoon." Pinkie said whilst bouncing.

"This afternoon, as in this afternoon, this afternoon?" Applejack asked.

"That's funny, because that's exactly what Twilight said and of course it's yes, it's this afternoon."

"Well ah'd love to come but umm...ah have to keep picking these apples down, cause that's what we do."

Now everypony knows that Applejack is a lousy liar, so I was praying that Pinkie didn't catch on to that fact right there and then. Pinkie gave Applejack a suspicious look before going back to normal happy mood.

"Okie, dokie, lokie, a party is still a party. Even if there are only three guests."

I breathed a sigh of relief...it may have gone against her element of harmony, but that was a close one for Applejack.

"Let's try Rarity and see if she's free." I said to Pinkie as we left the farm.

"Alrighty, let's go."

We walked back and on to Rarity's home to find her having her trash can being carried out of the house by Spike who looked like he needed a bath.

"Anything else I can do for you, most beautiful one?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

Rarity sniffed and turned her head away, "Hmm, perhaps you could take a bath...how do I put this delicately?" she thought for a moment, "You smell like a rotten apple core that's been wrapped in malted hay and dipped in dragon perspiration."

Wow, that was quite honest...but it didn't seem to hurt Spike as he began to float in the air with hearts in his eyes before he was pushed away lightly by Rarity.

We walked on over and Rarity noticed us. "Hey Bond Racer darling and ooh Pinkie Pie, I love the hat, very modern, what's the occasion?" Rarity asked.

"Mine and Gummy's birthday party this afternoon, I'm delivering invitations." Pinkie replied.

"A party this afternoon, as in this afternoon, this afternoon?"

"It's so strange, everypony keeps saying that."

"Uhh do they?"

"I know it's short notice, but we haven't had such a great time for while, I felt that we could have a party today."

"And I'm sure that we would, but I'm going to have to decline." Rarity then tried to think of an excuse, "I've gotta wash my hair."

"Don't be silly, your hair doesn't look dirty."

"It doesn't?"

"Nope."

Rarity then went straight to the trash can and dumped her head inside it. "See?" she asked whilst trying not to vomit, "Dirty, I have to go." She then galloped into her home and closed the door.

"Well...that was weird." I said out loud.

"Huh, no Twilight, no Applejack and no Rarity." she pondered, "Oh well, a party is still a party with only two guests."

"Don't forget me." I intervened.

"Oh yes and you as well."

"What about Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, let's go and see them."

We then trotted over to Fluttershy's cottage to find her and Dash in the same place, much to our relief.

"Hi Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, I have a party for me and Gummy this afternoon, wanna come?" she asked them.

"This afternoon?" Dash asked.

"As in..." Fluttershy was then cut off by Pinkie.

"Yes, as in this afternoon, this afternoon."

"Oh man, we'd love to, but we're house sitting this afternoon." Dash said.

It occurred to me that house sitting was beginning to sound much more fun than just clinging on to Pinkie and making sure she stays distracted until the real birthday party arrives later.

Pinkie sighed, "Both of you?"

"It's uhh, a big house." Fluttershy added.

Dash then drew a watch on her wrist which made me laugh on the inside. "Oh would you look at the time, we gotta get going." she added showing the drawn watch to Pinkie, before they flew off...before Pinkie shouted.

"Wait! Maybe I could bring you cake and ice cream."

Uh oh...looks like Pinkie was about to get smarter...

"Who are you house sitting for?"

"Hairy." Dash replied.

"Hairy?"

"Yeah, I don't think you know him."

"That's strange, I know just about everypony around here."

"He's a bear." Fluttershy added.

"A bear?"

"Yep, he's a bear alright and he'll be pretty upset if we don't get to his house soon."

They both were about to fly off when Pinkie called out to them again.

"Wait! There's a bear around here that lives in a house?"

Yeah, this was not looking good at the moment, I winked at them to keep trying and carry on with it.

"It's really more of a cave." Fluttershy answered.

"But he's fixed the place up so much, it feels like a house." Dash added.

"And er he wants us to look after his house err cave while he's err."

"At the beach."

"He's vacationing at the beach?" Pinkie asked.

That's not even a word, Pinkie, I thought to myself.

"Yeah, he loves to..."

Here I thought Pinkie was about to catch on until Fluttershy and Dash came up with various hobbies that hairy loves to do.

"Gotta go!" Dash said as she and Fluttershy zoomed away this time.

"So it's just you, me and Gummy for the party this afternoon." I said to her. "Let's go back to Sugarcube Corner."

She nodded with a confused look, we walked back and made our way to her room to find Gummy with a ball of string.

"Something very strange is definitely going on around here, Bond." Pinkie said, "Sure, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have to house sit for the vacational bear, but what are the chances of all my other friends having plans this afternoon too?"

"I don't know, but if anything, at least I'm 100% free to be here for it." I assured her.

"Rarity has to wash her hair, Applejack has to pick apples and Twilight's fallen behind her studies and has to hit the books?"

"Read the books you mean?" I corrected.

"The more that I think about it, the more those are starting to sound like..." she then gasped "...excuses!"

"Oh come on Pinkie, it's not that bad..."

"You know what, forget the party...it's no fun with just you, me and Gummy." Pinkie sighed.

"Alright...I'm sorry that I couldn't be much help." I said to her.

"It's okay, you were being a good friend...I'll see you next time."

"Alright, see you later, Pinkie."

I then left her room and downstairs to find Twilight and Mrs. Cake.

"Oh hey there, is it do with the cake?" I asked quietly.

"It is...thanks Mrs. Cake, remember, not a word about it." Twilight replied.

Twilight then placed the box with the cake on her back as we left the shop.

"How did it go with Pinkie?" she asked as we walked through the town.

"It worked...but I feel so bad for keeping it a secret from her." I replied sadly.

"Don't worry, Bond, the birthday party will start soon...just need to finalize the gift on this cake and we'll be ready."

"In the meantime, I think I'll take a rest."

"Okay, do that...oh and we're all set to be ready by 4:00pm, so you have an hour to either rest up or keep an eye on Pinkie."

"Hmm, I much prefer for the former option, so I'll see you all later." I replied.

"Alright, Bond...don't be late."

"I won't."

So I made my way into my home and I took a rest on the sofa...keeping a secret from Pinkie is next to impossible, I had to give credit to the others that they were able to do it so easily. Least I can get some downtime until the birthday party.

It was nearly an hour later, it was time for me to go and get Pinkie and take her to the barn for the party. I walked back to the shop and upstairs to the first floor, to find a table and guests in the form of various objects...before noticing Pinkie looking less pink and with her mane straight down. From my point, this was not good.

"Who could that be?" Pinkie asked herself.

"It's me, Bond." I said as I opened the door.

"Oh...it's you, what do you want?"

"I just wanted you to come with me to Sweet Apple Acres...I have a confession to tell you and the rest of the girls about."

"A confession?"

"Yeah, but we need to leave here soon, I wanna tell all about it where nopony else can hear."

"Okay."

We then left Sugarcube Corner and travelled to the farm, I volunteered to let her hold on to me whilst I flew which she accepted. We arrived to outside the barn in a very short period of time, before landing.

"Come on, Pinkie, in here." I said.

"Alright..."

We then opened the barn door which was dark, as we walked in, the lights came on.

"SURPRISE!" shouted the five mares and Spike.

Suddenly Pinkie went back to normal with her bright pink colours and curly mane and tail restored. "Ohmygosh!" Pinkie exclaimed. "It's a birthday party?!"

"It is and it's for you, Pinkie!" I replied.

"And because you all love me so much, you threw me a surprise party!"

"That's what we've been trying to tell you, darling." Rarity answered.

"You six are the best friends ever!" she then felt sad for a moment, "How could I have ever doubted you?"

"It's okay Pinkie Pie, it could've happened to any of us." Twilight replied.

"By the way, what was your confession about, Bond?" Pinkie asked me.

"Oh yes...my confession is that I knew the surprise party from the beginning and I'm sorry for lying to you today, but I had to in order to keep it a surprise." I answered.

"It's alright Bond, you were being a true friend all day." she then opened up her hooves, offering a hug.

I accepted the hug, confirming that things were alright.

"Alright everypony, enough of this gabbing." Applejack said as she got the victrola going. "Let's party!"

Soon, we were all dancing away and having a great time. After a while, Twilight and Spike were going over writing a letter as the others played a game of piñata. "Dear Princess Celestia…" I heard Twilight's voice behind me. "…I am writing to you from the most delightful party. I'm not only having a great time with my friends, but also was given the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson about friendship. Always expect the best from your friends, and never assume the worst. Rest assured that a good friend always has your best interests at heart. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

I liked that one a lot, since these six mares are the best friends I've had...and they're streetlights better than the ponies I met back at the Fillydelphia filly school. After the party was over, we were feeling quite tried, but we had to rest up as much as possible cause in a few days time, the Grand Galloping Gala was approaching.

"Now that's what I call a birthday party!" I declared.

The others all agreed.

"But now everypony, there's one more special event coming up this week." Twilight said.

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie jumped.

"Yes, but we must take it easy for the next few days."

"You can count on us doing just that, sugarcube." Applejack assured.

"As will I, dear." Rarity added.

"Good, as soon as we make a plan of what to do during that day, we'll be ready for later that evening if all goes as smoothly as planned."

"And when we get there, it'll be the eight of us spending time together!" Spike intervened.

"Alrighty then...let's all head home." I said.

We all agreed. We said our goodbyes to Applejack as we walked back to Ponyville, Dash then said goodbye to us as she flew off to her home in Cloudsdale. The rest of us exchanged our farewells and headed to our homes, I walked back to mine and headed on inside. Getting out of my clothes and into bed, I looked back at today's events.

It seems that Pinkie has a different side to her after all, but it seems to be far much worse than her happy and random side. Good thing I don't have that in my personality, but as I began to sleep away, I learnt another odd lesson...don't ignore Pinkie or she'll cut you!

The Best Night Ever

The two days that followed seemed to flew by as we were all excited for the Grand Galloping Gala...well the six mares and Spike were a lot excited about it, I was a little less so. Even though Trixie wouldn't be able to go cause she hasn't had an invitation and she's not popular with Ponyville, I still wished she was able to come along so that I wouldn't be alone whilst the others were all about having the best night ever.

I had woken up quite a bit later than planned and it was already the afternoon and the day had arrived, but we had some time to kill before the evening event. We were all in the park just a trot away from Rarity's home, I was beside Twilight who was reading whilst Pinkie was bouncing on a trampoline.

"Ahh! I...can't...believe...the Grand...Galloping...Gala...is...tonight!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Pinkie, stop shouting, I'm trying to concentrate." Twilight replied in a slightly yelling voice.

Rarity then came out of her home to see us, before stopping to see Pinkie still jumping.

"Pinkie Pie, stop that right now." Rarity demanded, "It's time to prepare for the Gala and I refuse to let you put on your new dress if you're all sweaty."

Pinkie then stopped and jumped off the trampoline, I then noticed Twilight reading closely at the book.

"What's Twilight doing?" Pinkie asked.

"She's got an awesome magic spell she's working on for the Gala." Spike answered.

"Where are the others, it's getting late." Rarity asked.

"Hold your horses, girl, we're here." Applejack said as she, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned up.

"Perfect, I'm ready." Twilight said as she put the book down.

"For what?" Dash asked.

"Alright, Spike."

Spike placed an apple on the grass.

"An apple, are we having pie?" I asked.

"Shhh, watch." Spike said.

Twilight closed her eyes and used her magic on the apple, she moved it away from us and before we knew it, it grew larger and then turned into an apple-shaped royal carriage...I guess Cinderella isn't going to the ball, after all.

The other mares gasped and were impressed....I was too but how did she master that spell so quickly?

"Thanks, but that's just the start." Twilight replied, "Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?"

"Yes." she replied, showing four white mice from her mane. "Will they be safe Twilight?"

"You have my word."

Twilight used her magic on the four mice as Fluttershy stood back...they then turned into horses...with mouse faces.

"Neat huh?" Twilight asked us. "And don't worry, they'll be mice again by midnight."

"It's decent, but I hope Disney doesn't sue you for copyright infringement." I said to Twilight.

"Huh?"

"Oh...never mind."

Suddenly Opalescence jumped from out of the hedges and on to one of the mouse horses which scared them and they ran off, knocking Opal to the floor.

"Wait, come back!" Twilight yelled. "Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage, how will we get to the Gala?"

"Whatever shall we do?" Rarity asked in her usual fashion.

"Ahem!" I said to them as if I was willing to do so.

"Oh Bond dear, we couldn't possibly let you pull the carriage, you're an important guest as well as an alicorn."

"Exactly, which means I have the horsepower of two horses and can travel very long distances, this will be almost a breeze." I insisted.

"Okay if you say so, sugarcube." Applejack said.

So that was the travelling done, the next step was to get ready and have our outfits prepared. We headed into Carousel Boutique where the mares went in first to do their make-overs. I was of a course a patient one, Spike however wasn't.

"Come on you girls, let me in." Spike said, knocking the door.

"Sure thing Spike." Dash answered.

"Good heavens no, we're getting dressed." Rarity protested.

"Uhh dressed? Beg ya pardon Rarity, but we don't normally wear clothes." Applejack pointed out.

"Except for me." I added, trying to correct Applejack's fact.

"Okay, almost all of us don't normally wear clothes."

Rarity sighed as she opened the door to let Spike in, I stayed outside however as I wanted to be a gentlecolt.

"I'm sorry Spike, some of us do have standards."

"I still can't believe we're going to be at Canterlot tonight." Spike said, "Our hometown Twilight and the best part is that we all get to hang out together all night long."

"I don't know Spike." Dash said who was unsure.

"We'll just have to see." Rarity added.

"We're gonna be a might busy." Applejack said as she was cleaning Fluttershy's hooves.

"Busy having fun." Pinkie added as her mane went from straight to curly.

"Oh okay." Spike replied feeling down.

"Don't worry Spike, we'll all get to spend some time together." Twilight assured as she finished putting on some perfume.

"Great!"

Well that took like a second to cheer him up.

"Alright girls, let's grab our outfits and make our way to the carriage, it's almost sunset." Rarity said.

The other five mares nodded as they left the make-up room.

"Spike, Bond, put on your suits, please." Rarity requested as she presented our outfits over. "I will wait outside to give you bit of privacy."

Soon, Spike and I got into our suits and with one spray of a Lynx spray can I had in my designed black suit, I was ready to go. We then all met outside the apple carriage. Spike took his seat at the top whilst the girls went inside the carriage. I got myself into position as I grabbed the straddle and secured myself to it. We were on our way to Canterlot and with me pulling the carriage with Spike and the girls included, I didn't feel any strain at all.

"Bond, I planned our insiders to Canterlot." Spike said

"What are they?" I asked, although I tried to show little interest.

"I gotta show Rarity the crown jewels and Applejack the princesses golden apple tree and afterwards, we gotta go to my favourite doughnut shop."

"All of it sounds alright, but we'll have to see." I said.

We continued along the path way, out of Ponyville and through the open space all the way to Canterlot. We arrived at the castle where Spike got off and opened the door to allow the six girls to walk on out. I was still connected to the straddle, but I was able to look behind me to see the girl now dressed in their gala outfits.

"Woah!" Spike exclaimed. "You all look amazing."

"I have to agree. You six look incredible!" I added before doing a wolf whistle to compliment them.

"I can't believe we're finally here." Twilight said. "With all the things you can imagine, the reality of this night will sure to be the best night ever!"

Suddenly, I begin to hear background music...it was musical moment time again.

"Umm girls, I'll take this apple carriage to the parking area, I won't be long." I said, but they didn't hear me.

I got to the parking area and took off the straddle around me, now I was free to move and fly away from the singing ponies. I flew into the Canterlot castle and presented myself in front of the Canterlot ponies. I then spotted the Princess standing in her usual pose at the top of the stairs inside.

"Princess Celestia." I said to her.

"Bond Racer, it is so lovely to see Ponyville's faithful alicorn." she replied.

"Yeah and in a way, I'm quite excited to be here."

"That is good to know, I hope you enjoy your time here tonight and don't be afraid to show your alicorn status everypony here is treated well."

"Thank you Princess, I will do."

Soon, I then took a look around the entire castle, I had walked into the centre of the castle where the dancing was taking place, there was an orchestra band on stage that was about to get ready. I walked on over when I noticed Octavia, the mare that I met when I was looking to chat to my cousin Vinyl.

"Hi Octavia." I greeted as I waved before walking over.

"Oh, hello...Bond Racer is it?" Octavia replied.

"That's right, how have you been?"

"Tired but since this afternoon, I've been excited to perform here at the Gala with the rest of the group. What about you?"

"Quite well really, since it's my first time here."

"That's good, oh we're about to start, we'll talk again later."

Octavia picked up her cello and got herself ready to play.

"Okay, see you soon."

I then walked on to the outdoor garden area where it was all quiet, I then sighed as I still couldn't get the sadness of not seeing Trixie at the Gala out of my head...if only there was a way to bring her to Ponyville and have her being forgiven. I kept on walking around the garden in silence, until I heard two other ponies from across where I was, I hid behind the hedges to listen to the conversation.

"Well hello there, I am Prince Blueblood." the white stallion greeted.

"I am Rarity," she replied. "Oh my, what a lovely rose."

"You mean this rose?" Blueblood asked as he picked the rose up which delighted Rarity.

"Hmm, he seems like a nice Prince..." I said to myself quietly.

But he then placed the rose by his neck collar. "Thank you, it goes with my eyes."

"...or not, talk about having your hopes crushed, Rarity." I said.

When they walked inside the castle, I kept on walking outdoors and then I found myself at a bird sanctuary, what are the odds of Fluttershy being there I wonder? I then heard a singing voice which was indeed hers...well at least I pretended to win some money from the bookies office.

"Hmm, I should probably have a bit of fun." I said to myself...I then whistled in a singing way which got her attention.

"Oh hey Bond, are you enjoying the night?" she asked.

"I am, since I learnt that I can whistle." I boasted.

"Oh, so that was you?"

"Yeah, I was just having a bit of fun."

"Okay, I gotta look for more birds."

"Alright, don't go crazy, though."

"I'll try."

I had my fun in the garden and headed on inside, before noticing that Applejack had a sale cart stall by the entrance door, but she didn't seem happy.

"Hi Applejack, you okay?"

"Howdy Bond, not really...ah've only sold one apple pie tonight, ah I was hoping to sell more." she replied with disappointment.

"Here you go, Applejack, I'll take an apple." I said as I gave out a few bits and grabbed an apple with my magic.

"Aww shucks, thank ya kindly, Bond." she said smiling.

"No worries, anything for my close friends."

I then smiled back as I headed on inside. I found Twilight with Celestia, but she didn't seem to be happy to be walking beside the Princess. I walked up to her and grabbed her hoof to have a quick chat with me.

"Why are you not happy, Twilight? You're with the Princess."

"It's because she's been greeting the guests so much that she hasn't had time to talk to me."

"Well, it is an important event and it's not just us who were able to come here...even though I wonder why we top priority ponies are not having that claim proven clearly."

"I just hope it gets better."

"Well for whatever reason, I'm sure it will." I assured, "That reminds me, where's Spike?"

"Spike, I haven't seen him all night."

"Okay, try to cheer up, Twilight."

I then walked further along through the halls to see Rainbow Dash not looking like her cool and happy self...now I was starting to wonder if the girls had all got their hopes up too high, I then thought that if it keeps up, this would not end well.

"Dash, are you okay?" I asked her.

"Oh Bond, I was hanging out with the Wonderbolts, but they were far too busy to notice me." Dash explained, with sadness.

"I know the feeling Dash, it's because they're so popular with other ponies, everypony else wants their attention...it's why I don't show off my status to anypony in Ponyville."

"I know you don't and we all respect that."

"Thanks...we just need to be reminded that when we're together, we can actually have the best night, like Spike said sometime ago."

"You're right..." Dash then saw the Wonderbolts on their own "...oh here's my chance, see you later, Bond."

I carried on down the hall to see Rarity and Blueblood, they had stopped right in their tracks.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Blueblood said as he waved his hoof in front of her, they came across a puddle which seemed to have appeared from somewhere.

"Oh Prince, how chivalrous." Rarity complimented.

"One would hate to slip."

"Yes, one certainly would."

"One's cloak should take care of the problem."

"Of course it will."

They then stood for a moment, looking at each other...I couldn't take it anymore.

"Excuse me, aren't you going to offer Rarity one of your clothing so she can walk over the puddle?" I asked, walking over.

"Heavens no! I had this suit cleaned for my appearance." he replied as if he was behaving like a spoiled colt.

"Well, you're really not much of a prince charming if you value yourself over a mare who really likes you." I pointed out.

"I am a Prince and who are you to call me with such pettiness?"

"Because I am Bond Racer, a one of a kind alicorn."

"That's original. One who is an alicorn does not make a royal pony."

"Wow...that's rich coming from a unicorn who believes in his own hype."

"Boys!" Rarity yelled which got our attention. "Now that's quite enough from both of you. I'll talk to you later, Bond but right now we'll just walk beside the puddle."

"Alright, we'll speak later." I sighed as they walked on.

Soon I then returned to the dancing area to find Pinkie Pie not jumping around and smiling.

"What's the matter Pinkie, why are you not having fun?" I asked after walking towards her.

"These ponies don't know the meaning of fun, it's so boring..." Pinkie replied.

"Well, we are in Canterlot and they have high standards here, it's not like we can go crazy and wild like back in Ponyville....although I wouldn't mind for that to happen now."

Pinkie then gasped, "I know, what about a song?"

"Well, funny you should mention that. I have one in my head that only has two words."

Pinkie then perked up, "Really? What it's called?"

"The Safety Dance...hold on while I get an 80's soundblaster!"

I then asked the orchestra band members to stop playing and then placed an 80's soundblaster I made appear with my random magic and the safety dance track began to play and I started doing the moves in the centre of the dancefloor.

Youtube Video

During the dance, the Canterlot ponies were standing there in horror, seeing how I as an alicorn was behaving, but I didn't care, I was having the best time in that moment, even Pinkie noticed it and was jumping around, dancing with me. I saw a glimpse of Octavia seeing me, she was giggling when no pony was looking. Dash, Applejack and Rarity all heard the music and their moods changed to smiles and joined in with me and Pinkie.

"STAGE DIVE!" Pinkie shouted as she jumped off the stage, but she accidentally crashed into a table and the cake began to fly into the air and headed straight for Blueblood, until he grabbed Rarity and the cake went on to her instead....suddenly the music stopped.

Oh Blueblood...you're in for it now...and I was right, Rarity turned around and she was mad red at him.

"You sir are the most uncharming Prince I have ever met! In fact, the only thing royal about you is that YOU ARE A ROYAL PAIN!" she shouted at him.

"Ewww stay back, I just had myself groomed." Blueblood replied.

This put a smile on my face as he was showing how immature he was to everypony.

"What, afraid to get dirty?!" she then shook the mess of the cake at Blueblood causing him to fall back and into a statue.

The statue was saved by Dash but she couldn't control it and the statue collided into a pillar which knocked the other pillars around it down, all was left was carnage. Then, I looked back to see that Twilight and Celestia had arrived and witnessed us in messy states.

"Well, it can't get any worse." Twilight said quietly.

Before we heard the garden door slam open with dozens of small animals and Fluttershy looking messed up.

"You're going to LOVE ME!!!" she shouted. It's official, she is a shy psychopath...wonder what Sky News makes of that one.

Soon the animals were creating havoc around the place.

"Twilight, get your friends out of here quick." Celestia said.

Twilight whistled which got our attention.

"Come on!" she said.

We all then galloped out of the room and out of the castle, I quickly suggested the doughnut shop which was where Spike would be. They all agreed as we kept on galloping until we came gross the shop with doughnuts inside and Twilight opened the door and we walked in.

"Twilight Sparkle." the doughnut store owner greeted. "Long time no see."

"Hey you guys, how was it? How was the best night ever?" Spike asked.

We then got around a table, ordered a box of doughnuts cause I was starving right then and all of us told Spike about the whole event.

"That sounds like the worst night ever." he commented.

"It was!" we all said in unison before we laughed away.

"I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala." Twilight said.

"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!" a voice said.

"Princess Celestia" we all said.

"Pardon me Princess, but tonight was just awful."

"Oh Twilight, the Grand Galloping Gala is always awful."

"It is?" I asked in confusion.

"That is why I was thrilled you were all attending, I was hoping you could liven things up a bit and while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I'm sure you'll agree that in the end, it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends."

"You're right princess, friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great."

"Yeah, hanging out with friends." Dash said.

"Talking." Fluttershy added.

"Laughing." Pinkie added too.

"You mean you've been exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?" Spike asked.

"Yes Spike, you were right." Twilight replied.

"As horrible as our night was." Applejack said.

"Being together here has made it all better." Rarity added.

"Especially when I did the safety dance." I added.

"Oh yeah, you were a great dancer, how did you know those moves?" Pinkie asked.

"From my days at Fillydelphia, I'll tell you about it sometime." I replied.

"Well all of you, I must return to the castle, have a pleasant evening." Celestia said as she walked out of the store and flew away.

"Come on everypony, it's time to go home." Spike said.

I picked up the apple carriage and harnessed the belts around me, I then walked back around to the entrance and the girls and Spike got on. Walking back home, I felt much better after the event and despite the randomness, it was a really great night. Arriving back in Ponyville, the girls and Spike got off, I freed myself from saddle belts and headed into Carousel Boutique.

"Alright everypony, put your outfits and suits here, I'll clean them up in the morning." Rarity said.

So Spike and I took off our suits in a separate room whilst he girls did the same in another room. We then said our goodbyes as one by one, we left to go to our homes. I was about the last one to leave when Rarity called me.

"Wait a minute Bond." she said.

"What is it?" I asked as I turned around.

"I just wanted to say that I really thank you for sticking up for me when I needed it. I never knew Blueblood could be such a royal snob."

"It's the Canterlot attitude really, he must have some very high standard parents or something."

"Well, he is Celestia's nephew so that's where he gets his self-importance from."

"At least Celestia knows how to treat us well."

"Yes and to also say that you were a much better gentlecolt than he was, darling."

"Oh it was nothing, I was doing what any close friend would do." I then felt a little sad, "I just wish I had a special mare to spend the night with, it wasn't much fun on my own."

Rarity smiled more as she opened up her arms as if to have a hug which made me feel warm inside. So I walked up and moved in for a close hug and it felt like a long time.

"Bond, you will never be on your own when you're down, we'll always be there and we'll always love you, dear."

"Thank you, Rarity." I replied as I moved my face away and looked at her in the eyes...wait, what am I doing?

I then pulled away from the hug still smiling as I needed to remind myself that I am with Trixie.

"I guess I should be going home now." I said.

"Alright Bond, have a good night, dear." Rarity replied.

"You too, Rarity."

I then left her home and walked back to mine, I opened the door to my home and walked straight to bed. I timed that pretty well as I looked at my pocketwatch to display a few minutes before midnight. I bet those mouse ponies will turn back into normal mouses shortly, wherever they are. Getting into my bed, I had a few things on my mind. Despite Trixie not being there, I had a terrific night when I stuck up for Rarity, chatted to Octavia, bought an apple from Applejack to help her a bit and especially when I was dancing away with Pinkie. It was a terrific night for sure and they're all my closest friends, even better than the friends I had in Fillydelphia.

As I began to sleep, I did wonder one more thing. Why did I feel like I wanted to do more than look into Rarity's eyes for that split second. I'm in love with Trixie and Spike has a crush on Rarity and I know that he and his dreams would be devastated if Rarity was found to be in a relationship with somepony else. Whatever the reason though, I was getting close to telling them all my past and finally put it all behind me, but that would have to wait until next time...

Return Of Harmony Part 1.

I woke up to see a bright morning over Ponyville as the sunlight blazed through the window, thankfully it's not in my eyes but above my head. Getting myself ready for the day, I took a few bits out of my jar and headed out of my home, walking through the town. I then spotted a group of fillies and Ms. Cheerlie going in the same direction.

"Oh good morning Bond Racer." Cheerlie greeted as we walked along through the town.

"Oh morning Ms. Cheerlie, are these fillies on a trip?" I asked.

"They sure are...actually do you think you could help me?"

"I have a lot free time so I can, what do you need help with?"

"Well, I need a support assistant to watch over the fillies behind me in case they get lost or wander off."

"That doesn't sound too hard, sure, I can do that."

"Thank you, Bond." Cheerlie then turned to see the fillies, "Alright class, this is Bond Racer, he is going to our assistant watcher for the day."

The fillies said nothing but I didn't mind that. I walked along side the group as we continued on from out of Ponyville and in a field with a maze just off Canterlot.

"I want to start our field trip here in the world famous Canterlot sculpture gardens." she said, "That statue over there represents friendship." she then pointed to the statue with three fillies on it...they almost looked like the CMC's who were among the group. "Alright, my little ponies, this one represents victory."

We then saw the pony standing up with a flag...why do I get the feeling I'm walking into a Warhammer 40,000 workshop?

"How could would it be to have that as a cutiemark?" Scootaloo asked.

"Cool...if you were actually victorying if you want something." Applebloom remarked.

"That's not a word!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"What are you, a dictionary?"

"Alright you three, let's not split from the group." I said to them.

We then caught up with the rest in a second.

"Now this is a really interesting statue." Cheerlie said, pointing out one statue that looked really different from the rest. "What do you notice about it?"

"It's got an eagle claw." Applebloom answered.

"And a lion paw." Scootaloo added.

"And a snake's tail." Sweetie added whilst jumping.

"This creature is called draconequus, he has the head of a pony and a body of all sorts of things. What do you suppose that represents?"

"Confusion."

"Evil."

"Chaos."

The three fillies answered.

"It's not chaos you dodo." Sweetie remarked at Scootaloo.

"Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of." Scootaloo answered back. "And it is too chaos."

"It's not."

"You're both wrong." Applebloom intervened, before they ended up in a brawl.

"Okay, okay, break it up you three!" I said as I used my magic to separate them and landed them down a few feet away from each other.

"Actually in a way, you're all right." Cheerlie said. "This statue represents Discord, which means a lack of harmony between ponies. In fact, you three have demonstrated discord so well that you each going to write me an essay explaining it."

The other fillies giggled in the back and so did I when nopony was looking.

"Now let's go and I don't want anymore fighting."

"And I'm going to make sure of that." I added.

We carried along walking through the gardens and thinking back to what was explained about that statue especially the word 'chaos', I guess I really am in a Warhammer world at the moment, just hope I don't run into the Farseer, I don't want my mind possessed! After a long walk, we took a break by the Canterlot Garden Cafe, I then saw clouds approaching above the sky, but they weren't grey...they were pink! It started to rain as well, it looked like chocolate rain. Wow, that singer would have a field day if he saw this for real...I knew for sure that this wasn't normal, I had to find out why this is happening now.

"Excuse Ms. Cheerlie, I'm going to have to leave the field trip, something tells me I may be needed for something important." I said to her, pointing to the clouds.

"Alright Bond, do be careful."

"I will."

I then flew away from Canterlot Gardens and I was up in the sky when I spotted Dash flying towards me.

"Bond Racer, Twilight's been looking for you!" Dash exclaimed.

"I can already tell, judging by the weather right now." I said.

"Come on, we need to go to the Princess."

"I'm right behind you."

We flew towards the castle where we met up with the other five, after we flew down and landed, we galloped into the castle to find Princess Celestia walking from both sides of the stairway in worry.

"Princess Celestia, we came as fast as we could." Twilight said as we walked further inside the castle.

"Thank you Twilight, thank you all." Celestia replied.

"Is this about the weather and the animals weird behaviour? What's happening out there? Why isn't my magic working?"

Celestia put up her hoof to stop Twilight from speaking. "Follow me."

We nodded and followed the princess up the stairs and into the throne room were she began to explain.

"I've called you all here for a matter of great importance. It seems an old foe of mine, someone I thought I defeated long ago has returned. His name is Discord." We then saw a window glass image displaying Discord which scared Fluttershy. "Discord is the mischievous spirit of disharmony. Before my sister and I stood up to him, he ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unrest and unhappiness. Luna and I saw how miserable life was for Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns alike, so after discovering the Elements of Harmony, we combined our powers and rose up against him, turning him to stone."

"All right, Princess!" Rainbow Dash cheered, but Princess Celestia continued.

"I thought the spell we cast would keep him contained forever but since Luna and I are no longer connected to the elements, the spell has been broken."

"No longer connected?" Twilight questioned.

"This is Canterlot Tower, where the Elements are kept inside since all of you recovered them." She formed a determined and serious expression on her face. "I need you to wield the Elements of Harmony once again and stop Discord before he thrusts all of Equestria into eternal chaos."

"But why us? Why don't you—

"Hey, look!" Pinkie Pie interrupted. "We're famous!" Pinkie Pie pointed towards one of the stain-glassed windows which displayed us defeating Nightmare Moon. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were depicted on the left side while Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were on the right. I was on the middle. We were all using our elements to defeat Nightmare Moon, who was encased in a bubble on the top.

"You seven showed the full potential of the elements by harnessing the magic of your friendship to beat a mighty foe. Although Luna and I once wielded the elements, it is you who now control their power, and it is you who must defeat Discord!"

Wow...that was quite a mouthful, I guess the mares are used to that kind of thing, I thought to myself.

The girls looked at each other, worriedly, for a moment. However, Twilight formed a bold look as she responded to Princess Celestia. "Princess Celestia, you can count on—

"Hold on a second!" Pinkie Pie cut off Twilight once again, raising her hoof up in the air. "Eternal chaos comes with chocolate rain, you guys. Chocolate rain!"

Twilight looked over to Princess Celestia and smiled. "Don't listen to her, Princess. We'd be honoured to use the Elements of Harmony again."

Princess Celestia nodded and turned around to the door. She lowered her head and inserted her horn in the lock of the door, releasing magic and unlocking the door. The door released a bright light blue glow and opened, revealing a decorative chest which presented gems as well.

"Ooh." Rarity gazed in awe. "You can keep the Elements. I'll take that case!"

I shook my head at Rarity's desire for the case.

"Have no fear, ponies." Princess Celestia said to us "I have total confidence that you will be able to defeat Discord…" she moved the chest towards us and opened it. "…with these!"

There was nothing in the chest, causing the girls, even me, to gasp. Princess Celestia suddenly dropped the case in shock as she flinched back in horror.

"Oh well, if anypony needs me, I'll be outside in the chocolate pedals with a giant swivel straw!" Pinkie said.

"Oooh, can I join in? I wanna taste the chocolate rain." I asked her.

"Pinkie, Bond, this is serious business!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Hold your rifle, sniper class. The elements disappearing just doesn't make sense, that's all."

Suddenly we heard a deep and evil laugh echoing through the halls. "Make sense, oh what fun is there in making sense?"

"Discord! Show yourself" Celestia yelled.

But he replied back with more laughter as well looked all around to see where it was coming from.

"Did you miss me Celestia?" he asked before showing himself as a moving draconequus on one of the glass windows. "I missed you." he then slithered to another glass window. "It's quite lonely being imprisoned in stone but you wouldn't know that would you cause I don't turn ponies into stone."

"Enough, what have you done with the Elements Of harmony?"

"Oh I just borrowed them for a teensy little while." he then clicked his fingers and the elements of harmony on the glass window disappeared.

"You'll never get away with this, Discord."

"Oh I've forgotten how grim you could be, Celestia, it's really quite boring."

"Hey, nopony insults the Princess!" Dash yelled as she zoomed towards him, only to crash into the window which to my surprise didn't break for some reason.

Discord appeared again but slightly bigger, "Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, famed for her loyalty. The element of harmony you represent?"

"That's right, I'll always be loyal to the princess."

"We'll see about that."

"I can't believe we're waiting our time, talking to a tacky window." Rarity commented.

"The beautiful Rarity, representing the element of generosity if I'm not mistaken."

"So ya know who we are, big deal." Applejack replied.

"Oh I know much more than that, honest Applejack."

"You seem to know our strengths too." Twilight added.

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle and yours is the most powerful and elusive element, magic. Fluttershy's is kindness and Pinkie Pie's is a favourite of mine, laughter."

We turned to see Pinkie about to laugh.

"Pinkie!" Twilight called to her.

"Ha ha ha ha! He's standing on your head!" Pinkie exclaimed as we looked back to see Discord dancing above Twilight's head in the glass window.

I realized that he forgot about me, but that was a good thing, I didn't want to be made fun of.

"Stop stalling Discord!" Celestia yelled "What have you done with the elements of harmony?"

"Oh so boring Celestia, really? Fine! I'll tell you but I'll only tell you my way."

He then began to slither through all the glass windows. "Retrieve your missing elements just makes sense of this change of events. Twists and turns are my master plan, then find the elements back where you began." he then laughed once more before turning back into the still image of himself and his voice disappearing.

"Can we go home now?" Fluttershy asked.

"What do ya reckon he meant?" Applejack asked also. "Twists and turns and right back where we started?"

"Twists and turns...twists and turns...twists and turns, that's it!" Twilight said. "I bet Discord has hidden our elements in the palace labyrinth.

"Good luck my little ponies." Celestia wished us, "The fate of Equestria is in your hooves."

"Thanks princess, we won't let you down." Twilight replied.

We all bowed quickly, before we galloped out of the halls and out of the castle...we continued on out of Canterlot and through the fields before we finally reached the maze.

"So this is the palace labyrinth? I hope David Bowie doesn't live here anymore." I said out of the blue.

"Who?" Twilight asked in confusion.

"Never mind, forget what I said."

"We have to go in there?" Fluttershy asked who was very scared about it.

"Nope, dopey Discord forgot about these babies." Dash answered as she flew upwards. "I'll just do a quick fly over and we'll find the elements in no time."

Suddenly, her wings disappeared and she fell down.

"My wings!" Dash yelled.

Then Fluttershy's wings disappeared and soon Rarity's and Twilight's horns disappeared too.

For some reason, my wings and horn didn't...I was confused on why mine are still there.

Suddenly, Discord himself appeared, "You–You should see the looks on your faces. Priceless!" He laughed once again, a lot less terrifying now.

"Give us our wings and horns back!" Twilight demanded.

"You'll get them back in good time. I simply took them to ensure there's no cheating. You see, this is the first rule of our game: no flying, and no magic." He explained as he slid around us, ensuring we understood clearly.

"The first rule?" Rainbow Dash asked, a little confused.

"The second rule is everypony has to play or the game is over, and I win. Good luck, everypony!" He laughed once more and vanished.

"Never fear, ponies. We have each other!" Twilight assured us.

"Yeah! Like Twilight said, there's nothing we can't overcome if we all stick together!" Dash agreed.

We then entered into the maze and I was in the middle.

Suddenly, walls of shrubs appeared to Twilight's right and immediately began separating each of us in the labyrinth, causing the girls to scream.

"Stay calm!" Twilight exclaimed. "Everypony head to the middle as fast as you can, and we'll regroup there!"

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie responded to Twilight's command.

"Moving out!"

"See you in the center."

"Yee-haw!"

"See you guys there!"

However, I could hear Fluttershy panicking on the other side of the wall. "What's that? Who's there? GIRLS!"

"Fluttershy, don't panic, this is another moment where you need to be brave." I assured her. "Just like the time you stood up to that dragon, you can do that again, just find your way to the centre as fast as you can like Twilight said. Don't stop for anything."

"Okay, I'll move on quickly."

"Good, now go."

I heard her gallop on...as for me, I was temped to fly and use magic, but that would've ended the game suddenly. Discord obviously must've kept them on me just to find out if I would give into the temptation of using either one. I didn't wish to though, after all, he doesn't know that I have the element of Faith on my side which he failed to point out.

I began to gallop through the maze and using my instincts, I tried to avoid going to a dead end. I then found myself at what looked like the centre of the maze already. I was the first one to arrive though, I didn't see anypony else...suddenly I saw a bright light and Discord appeared again.

"Well, who might you be?" he asked.

"Bond Racer, the seventh element you failed to mention which none of the girls were able to point out?" I replied.

"Oh wait...did I forget you? Probably because I don't have much faith in you." he then laughed.

"Not a bad joke there. But why do I still have my wings and my horn?"

"Because I think with you by my side, we can rule all of Equestria together."

"Really? That sounds tempting and even better I might add."

"Then in which case, I must ask you. What element do you represent?"

"The element of Faith."

"Hmm and do you really have faith in those six other ponies?"

Now here, I could've answered honestly but then I feared that he would try and curse me with something, so I had to be smarter and to try and beat him at his own game when the time is right.

"No...I don't and it seems that now that I think about it, I never had total faith in them." I answered.

"Well isn't that a shame? Maybe you could put that faith to better use, like having faith in me."

"You know what, you are right. I'll gladly put faith in you and just to prove that I'm not bluffing, I'll help you nominate Rainbow Dash as the mare who breaks the rules of the game."

"Oooh, now that is wonderful and all the while, it'll give us more chances of causing chaos. Welcome to the team, Bond Racer."

"Thank you indeed..." I paused as I heard several hoofsteps, "I can hear a few ponies coming, leave it to me."

"In that case, I'll follow your idea and find Rainbow Dash and offer her the wings back....don't let me down." Discord then disappeared.

I breathed a sigh of relief...I turned around to see that Twilight and a few others had met up.

"Bond Racer, good to see you here." Twilight said whilst trying to carry a rock.

"Uhhh, Twilight? Why are you carrying a rock?"

"This big old rock is a diamond!" Rarity answered and she was looking a little grey-ish.

"What's with the grey colours?"

"I don't know why, maybe Discord tricked them or something."

"Well looky there, Rainbow Dash is flying away. She's abandoning us!" Applejack pointed out.

"Now I know that's a lie." Twilight answered before looking up.

There was Dash indeed flying away with her wings, guess the game is just about over.

"How can it be?" Twilight gasped.

Suddenly the ground began to shake and all the maze hedges fell through to the ground...and now the area was like a crater.

"Well, well, well, somepony broke the no wings, no magic rule." Discord stated as he clicked his fingers.

Fluttershy got her wings back and Rarity and Twilight got their horns back.

"You know the funny thing about it all, is that I didn't think of the bribery idea myself. I had help along the way."

"Huh? How could anypony help you?"

I then walked up to Discord and stood beside him, whilst the others were busy looking at him.

"Don't believe me...let's say that I needed faith and support in my work of bringing chaos to the world, so I need an alicorn to join my side...isn't that right, Bond Racer?"

"Definitely, I told you our plan would work." I added.

Then they noticed me beside him and I was smiling with a smug look.

"WHAT?!" Twilight shouted, "Bond...Racer...how...could...you?" she asked quietly.

"Game's over my little ponies. You didn't find your precious elements." He then pulled out an umbrella, "It looks like we might be due for a big old storm of chaos." he added and laughed evilly.

Looking at him and seeing the ponies, I then wondered to myself. Considering how I showed off my act of betrayal, what have I done?

To Be Continued...

Return Of Harmony Part 2.

Discord continued to laugh at the girls's failures...I didn't feel like I wanted to join in, but I had to or else he would be on to me like a shot and have me cursed too.

"Discord, you are much more fun than the girls are, I'm having the best time right now." I said whilst giggling.

"Why thank you kindly...see, if this alicorn believes in me in what I do, that makes me better than boring Celestia."

He and I laughed again.

"And what are you laughing it?" Pinkie asked.

"You ponies are just about the best fun I had in aeons." Discord replied.

"Well quit it! You better think before you laugh at the pink-ie pie."

"Oh yeah, well ha-ha!" Fluttershy added inpolitely.

Pinkie Pie darted towards her. "Quit it!" She replied with anger.

"No. Ha, ha." Fluttershy continued to conjure more anger in Pinkie Pie on purpose.

"QUIT IT!"

"No. Ha ha-ha ha ha."

"Uh...Rarity? This here diamond of yours?" Applejack asked as she placed her hooves on the boulder. "Twilight said we should split it six ways since we, uh, found it together."

"HI-YAH!" Rarity immediately flew over to Applejack and kicked her away from the boulder. "Try it, punk. He's mine. All mine! Ya! Ya! Ya!" She continued to frighten away Applejack as Twilight tried to stop them.

Glad that isn't me getting a karate kick, but I had a feeling I was going to after I 'betrayed' them.

"Why are you all acting like this?" Twilight questioned. She rushed over to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy who remained in their argument. "We need to stick together!"

Discord laughed. "It's just too entertaining." He announced as he sat on a couch, eating popcorn.

"Oooh, got some for me?" I asked...he then had a popcorn box appeared for me....hmm, toffee flavour.

"Stop it, Discord. You're not playing fair." Twilight confronted him.

"I'm not playing fair?" Discord asked, placing his paw to his chest and sitting up from his seat. "Perhaps we haven't met. I'm Discord, spirit of chaos and disharmony. Hello?"

"How are we supposed to find the Elements of Harmony when you took away the labyrinth before we could get to the end?"

"Oh, wait, did you...?" Discord laughed with a few wheezes. "How funny! You thought the Elements were in the labyrinth? Why don't I jog your memory?" He cleared his throat. "'Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the Elements back where you began.' I never said they were in the labyrinth."

"But...but…"

"Keep trying, Twilight Sparkle. Maybe the magic of friendship can help you." Discord mocked as he talked. "Now if you'll excuse us, Bond Racer and I have some chaos to wreak." He snapped his fingers and disappeared.

"Yeah, chaos for the win!" I said as I began to fly off.

"Wait! Bond Racer...I don't understand this, why are you on his side?" Twilight asked loudly.

"Maybe he don't have faith in us no more." Applejack answered.

I couldn't reply...I had to leave them and catch up with Discord. When I arrived at Ponyville, I saw the pink clouds were still there and to my surprise, the moon and sun were rising and lowering quickly after several seconds. I feel sorry for anypony who's travelling in space right now.

"So Discord, have you chosen your place to create your kingdom?" I asked spotting him in front of me.

"Why yes I have, Ponyville will be the capital chaos of the world." he replied. "Now for you to help me...turn this pathway of dirt into  soap, will you?"

I nodded with a smile and with my magic, did exactly so.

"Now, I want you to lift that big centre building and have it floating upside down, if you want to you can also do the same to a few others."

"Anything to keep my faith in you, Discord."

So I did exactly as ordered, I lifted a few buildings up and had them floating upside down in many places, then to further impress him and hopefully get him off my back for a while, I brought in the pink clouds and have it rain chocolate as well as altering the lands in the town by having hills in unnecessary places.

"Bravo, bravo, Bond!" Discord praised, "I am so impressed, I knew you would be a valuable ally to my plans."

"Thank you...it feels so good to use my magic for this, but I must request a break and think of how I can get back at those ponies for all they did to me."

"Very well Bond, you may go now. Teach them a lesson if you wish...I will be at the centre of Ponyville on my throne chair." he then disappeared.

I sighed in relief again...and then felt incredibly bad for doing those things...I wasn't sure how long I was going to be able to keep this up. So having an idea in my head, I went to Twilight's home and wondered, where was Spike while this was all going on? I walked in to find Spike in a bit of worry.

"Bond Racer, dude, what's going on around here?!" he asked loudly.

"Calm down Spike...it's the work of Discord, the spirit behind all this chaos...and mine." I answered depressingly.

"You, working with a villain? I can't see that and why would you want to anyway?"

"I had to take his side so that I could find a way to help Twilight restore everything without being cursed, it was the only way."

"Well you're lucky Twilight's not here and-"

He got cut off when the door opened...well here goes nothing, I had my bubble shield spell at the ready.

"Speaking of which, here she comes." Spike said as he zoomed off to hide in a corner.

"Spike are you in here-BOND RACER!" she shouted, noticing me.

I then created a force shield around me so she couldn't hurt me.

"You backstabber! Why did you betray us...we were your friends!" she shouted at me whilst on the verge of breaking down. "You always had faith in us...we loved you...we cared about you..."

She tried to resist crying heavily, but she didn need to, I was already guilty of my actions.

"Twilight if you let me explain, I will tell you everything you and the rest of you want to know." I said to her.

"Forget it, Bond...*sniff* you hurt me and the rest of us *sniff* who don't care cause they've been cursed by Discord."

She then cried her out eyes out with tears dropping like rainfall.

"That's exactly the point I was about to raise...cause why wasn't I cursed?"

She didn't answer as she continued to wail out in sadness.

"Think about it, back when we were all at the throne room. Discord mentioned you six but not me...why didn't he mention about me, why didn't he say anything about my faith element. Then it hit me, Discord must've wanted to try his luck by persuading me to join his side without having to do anything to make me join. I had to play along so that I could try to help you without interference and so I came here, because I had a feeling that the Elements of Harmony are here somewhere."

Twilight began to stop crying as she wiped her tears away.

"Bond, I can't speak to you about it right now. For now, I also worked out that the book about the elements is here somewhere too."

"The Elements of Harmony?" Spike asked, "I know exactly where that book is." he then zoomed over to one of the shelves and puled out a book that did look very familiar.

Twilight grabbed the book and opened it to find the Elements Of Harmony...they were all there, including mine.

"There's mine in there, that means Discord probably had something in mind for me when I am no longer useful to him." I said as I placed on my element neck collar.

"I now have to go and look for the others and use this book to change them back." Twilight said as she picked up the book with the elements inside it. "But you must stay here and hide yourself from Discord."

"What about me, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"You better come with me, just in case."

"Okay, I'm coming."

Twilight and Spike left the house as I stayed behind and looked back at how I had to behave in front of Discord...now I was wondering if I did it just to save myself and not care what happens to the others...it wasn't long before I saw Spike return feeling glum and walking upstairs to his basket. Then he suddenly began to look unwell and burped out a letter...then another, then another, it kept going.

"How can the Princess do that at a time like this...matter of speaking, where is Celestia?"

But I didn't have time to think as I heard the door open again and hoofsteps coming up the stairs, it was Twilight who was now looking really grey....wow, I really did not think my plan through, unless...

"Pack your things, Spike, we're leaving." Twilight said, failing to notice Spike in pain. "And don't ask where we're going, cause I don't know yet, just not here."

She was about to put her element crown in the bin when I stopped it.

"Twilight, you cannot give up!"

"But how can we carry on, if we don't have the faith?"

"I...can't...move." Spike said, interrupting us, "The Princess has been sending me these letters since I came upstairs." he then burped out what was probably the 19th letter. "Make it stop!"

"Wait a minute, these must be all of the letters you sent to the Princess since you arrived here in Ponyville." I said.

Twilight picked up a letter, "But why would she send them back?"

"To perhaps remind you of the friendship lessons you learnt...and if you want me to, the lessons that I should be reminded of when I first got here before you."

Twilight then looked at me..."If I forgive you, will you promise to read these lessons with me AND tell me and the rest of the girls your past story?"

I couldn't say no, I knew what I had to do to make things right.

"Yes Twilight, I promise...and I'm so, so sorry for the betrayal." I apologized before feeling emotional, "I was selfish to try and save myself, but not help and of you girls, I wanted to help you with restoring everything back to where it was."

"Thank you Bond...and I understand what you were trying to do, I forgive you."

We then smiled again and shared a forgiving hug to confirm that everything was alright. Soon, we began reading the letters together and it seemed to be working as Twilight was going from grey back to her normal colour.

"That's it, it's all so clear! Can't you see, Discord's trying to distract us from what's important." Twilight said as she began to jump around in excitement whilst holding on to Spike who still wasn't well. "He knows how powerful our friendships are and he's trying to keep us from seeing it."

I nodded in agreement.

"Do you remember what I said the first day we arrived in Ponyville?" she asked Spike. "I told you that the future of Equestria didn't rest on me making friends."

"Yes, but the opposite is true, the friendships that you made since you've been here were what saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon and now we need that faith and power of friendship to save us from Discord!"

"You're right Bond, I've got to fight for my friendships, for them, for us, for Equestria!"

We then noticed Spike again which gave Twilight a sheepish expression.

"Uhh why don't you stay here and rest? I'll take care of the whole fighting for friendship thing myself." she said to Spike who was now in his basket.

"I guess I should stay here until you come back?"

"Yes, keep yourself hidden until the time is right."

"Alright."

She then left in a dash whilst I looked at Spike burping out once again, I bet he'll be glad to take a break from burping when this is over. I looked at the window to see all of the chaos around Ponyville and Discord laughing away on his throne. I walked downstairs and looked through the window by the door, I noticed the six girls showing up and they were all back in their normal colours. I was relieved to hear that it worked, now I just had to wait for my signal as I listened to the conversation.

"Ugh this again? " Discord asked, seeing the girls back to normal as he drank the glass and threw the chocolate away which exploded.

"That's right, you couldn't break apart our friendship for long." Applejack replied.

"Oh Applejack, don't lie to me, I'm the one who made you a liar."

Well, Discord at least confirmed that he did more than enough damage to the girls...this was my queue. I exited the library and stopped right in front of Discord who had the girls held by their element necklaces.

"Hey Discord, what have you got there?" I asked.

"Oh if it isn't Bond Racer, I caught these ponies trying to restore ponyville."

"Really, can you bring them over where I am, I wanna tell them something?"

"Well, I was about to crush their necklaces but alright, go ahead."

He then lifted the girls back to where I was standing, I looked at them with a sad face. "Girls...I can only apologize for the way I behaved in front of all of you, I didn't want to be cursed, I wanted to help, but now I realize that I made a selfish decision. if you don't want to forgive me for that one fatal mistake I made, I can understand that."

The girls smiled back and gave me a group hug, even though I had already apologized to Twilight.

"Oh bravo!" Discord sarcastically as he applauded slowly. "You certainly had me there, I guess you never had faith in me after all."

"I never have, never will!"

"And I'll tell you what we've learnt, Discord." Twilight added. "We have learnt that friendships isn't always easy, but there's no doubt it's worth fighting for."

"Ewww gag." he replied, "Fine go ahead, use your element friendship thing. Just make it quick, I'm missing some excellent chaos here."

"Oh we will, but first, I have learnt a lesson too." I added before we got into position to use our elements of harmony, "The bad guy...always loses!"

Just then, our element necklaces began to glow as we grouped together and began to float in the air...a rainbow appeared from above us and it headed straight for Discord, when it collided, we could only hear him scream in agony as he began to turn into stone. He was then completely like a statue but with a different expression...he wasn't laughing anymore as the now statue of Discord fell to the side. Then a huge dome appeared around us and with a moment of extreme bright light, the town that was in chaos was now restored as the Ponyville we knew and love.

When it was over, I looked around to see everything back to normal, the other girls woke up and saw the sights.

"We did it, girls!" I said to them.

We all cheered in victory and suddenly, another light appeared.

"Congratulations, my ponies...I knew you would be able to defeat Discord." Celestia praised.

"It was all thanks to Bond's faith in us." Twilight said, pointing me out which made me blush.

Princess Celestia called all the ponies in Ponyville and Canterlot to gather in the royal hall. When it was time for us to walk in, we opened the doors and did so. We saw the Princess standing at the end of the hall with Spike along her side. As we walked towards her, we could see all the ponies looking at us, happily.

When we reached Princess Celestia, she formed a grin that narrowed her eyes. Applejack returned the same expression. Twilight nodded and looked over to Spike, who was waving shyly at her. Twilight shot another bashful expression and looked back to Princess Celestia.

"We are gathered here today to once again honour the heroism of these seven friends who stood up to the villain Discord and saved Equestria from eternal chaos." Princess Celestia announced, proudly.

Everypony behind us cheered loudly. Princess Celestia then opened a curtain nearby with her magic, revealing another stain-glassed window. The window depicted Discord being defeated by all seven of us. I could only smile and think how proud I was of myself...until I then remembered that I promised Twilight I would tell her and the others about my past.

"Girls, when we get the chance, can I have a word with you all?" I asked them, "I'm ready to tell you all about my past."

"Okay sugarcube, we'll find somewhere private to talk about it." Applejack answered.

"Thanks."

Soon after the celebration was over and it was the sunset, we went back to Ponyville and into the library, we sat around in a circle at the centre of the room.

"Alright girls, I'm telling you this as I promised one of you that I would, so here I go..."

I cleared my throat and I began telling them all my past, I told them everything...from the day I was born as a blessing, through the filly years at School, my sister Sweet Chocolate, the night when my parents were murdered by gangsters, the passing of my auntie. and explaining my parents will to finish. After being so open about it...I wanted to tell them about my relationship with Trixie, but I wasn't sure how they would take it...would they be happy, would they be mad at me?

The girls looked back at me and could only show sad expressions.

"My goodness, I'm so sorry to hear all that." Twilight said. "It must've been so awful for you when you came to Ponyville on your own."

"It was...I also came to Ponyville as I wanted to know if had the potential to be a stallion who find love and be in love with a mare and...I want to say it but I cannot say it...you wouldn't be happy about it."

"Wouldn't be happy about you being in love? Now that's a lot of lying haystack." Applejack replied.

"Go on dear, just tell us who it is and we'll promise to not be mad." Rarity added.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, tick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie assured, doing the actions.

Seeing that I had done well to get this far, I guess it was time to tell them the truth and find out. "Alright girls...I am in a relationship and I have been so for the last ten months." I confessed.

"Ten months? That is amazing...who is it?" Fluttershy asked.

I took a deep breath and sighed, "I am in a relationship...with...Trixie Lulamoon." I hanged my head in shame.

The girls then gasped...that didn't sound good.

"Trixie? The same Trixie who came here and showed off her false boasting and bragging?" Dash exclaimed.

"Yes...go on...be mad at me for choosing to love a mare that you don't like."

"Sugarcube, don't ever think that ah for one would be mad at your tastes in mares." Applejack said with a smile. "If Trixie is the mare you love, then that's your choice and ah for one respect that."

"Me too, if you and Trixie are happy together and in love, then that's fine." Fluttershy added.

"Well, it's gonna take some time to get used to the fact that you're dating Trixie, but I can respect that." Dash.

"Don't you worry, Bond, we will not think any less of you." Twilight assured, "But I do have a question, how did you find her?"

"I saw her by the lake outside the everfree forest, when I had a crush on her, I wanted to try and get to know her more which after the ursa minor fiasco I was able to. I found her by the forest crying, I wanted to cheer her up so I volunteered to show off a bit of my magic by designing her a house of her own in a big area inside the forest and when I was done, she thanked me and instantly fell in love with me right there and then. Ever since that day, we've tried to spend time together whenever we could and with my help, I've gotten to learn more about her background but I promised her I would never tell them."

"Well that's really thoughtful of you, darling...I'm not mad at your choice in mares either, I actually welcome it. If she ever needs anything fashionable, just bring her to my shop and I'll help her out." Rarity said.

"Well that is very kind of you, but she doesn't want that attention right now...and that's all I can tell you about."

"Alright, I think Bond has said enough about his personal stuff. Let's get some sleep and meet out for a picnic tomorrow." Twilight suggested.

"Weee! That's a super duper idea!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"I would like that very much, thank you all and goodnight all of you." I said.

We then got into a group hug which made me feel a lot warmer inside too. Afterwards, we all said our farewells and headed on to our homes. It was good to see my home back on the ground and not in the air thanks to the chaos stuff, I checked all of my personal stuff and was relived to see the will paper, the safe, the pocketwatch and other things still in their place.

Getting into my bed, I could finally sleep away and not have any secrets to keep for once. Saving Equestria from chaos was a major event, but we came out on top again. I was also glad of the reception I got when I confessed about Trixie. I had some worry about whether Trixie would find out that our relationship is now known to a few ponies. But that didn't matter right now...the six of them made a promise to respect my choice because they are my friends and we're gonna have a great picnic tomorrow, I can be sure of that.

Lesson Zero

I must've been very tired from the battle yesterday as I woke up to find my pocketwatch showing 9:30am already. Getting myself dressed and ready for the day, I thought about seeing Trixie as I know that she would love to see me again, but I would keep the part where I told my friends about her and me to myself. Even though this means I have to keep something a secret again, I just hope I could find the words to tell her and hope she would still smile about it.

As I left the home, I saw Twilight and Spike in town with Spike carrying a long scroll with the rest of it being dragged on the floor.

"How are we doing Spike?" Twilight asked him.

"Let's see. We've already dropped off your cape at the cleaners, returned the blackboard you borrowed from Cheerilee, ordered new parchment and quills from the stationary shop."

"Hmm, seems like we just placed an order for those a few days ago."

Spike looked behind him to see the long scroll that trailed behind them. "Can't imagine why we go through so many of them." He responded with a hint of sarcasm.

"Sounds like we're ahead of schedule." Twilight replied as I walked towards them.

"Good morning you two." I called out walking towards them.

"Morning Bond." Twilight replied, "How is your day?"

"It's just started but I feel like a free pony after last night."

"That's great, say, wanna come with me to Sugarcube Corner?"

"Alright, I was going there anyway."

"Cool." she then looked at Spike, "What's next?"

"Cupcakes." Spike answered excitedly.

Oh god...I hope there won't be any blood inside it...no wait, this the genuine side of Ponyville Pinkie would never resort to murdering ponies...right? Argh my brain, why are you messing up my vision with disturbing images? Anyways, shaking my head at those ghastly thoughts, I walked with Twilight and Spike to the shop.

We arrived at Sugarcube Corner and walked through the door. Twilight walked over to the counter and rang the bell.

"Hello, Twilight." Mrs. Cake greeted as she walked out of the kitchen to attend to her. "Are you here for your cupcakes?"

"Yes, mam!" Twilight answered, cheerfully.

Mrs. Cake walked into the kitchen and brought back a white rectangular box. She placed it on the counter and opened it. Twilight, Spike and I moved our heads closer to look inside. While Spike was drooling over the sight of the delicious pink frosted cupcakes, Twilight formed a sort of confused look on her face.

"Uh, I only ordered twelve." Twilight announced.

"Oh, I know, dear," Mrs. Cake answered as she continued to bring out more sweets from the kitchen and place them in boxes to return to the kitchen again. "But I had an extra. So I thought I'd make it a baker's dozen."

Spike was now trying to lift himself up from the floor to grab one of the cupcakes, but I lightly pulled him away with my hooves and kept him near me. "Take it easy, Spike." I told him with a warm expression.

"Oh, that was very thoughtful of you." Twilight responded. "It's just some of the icing from the extra cupcake is getting all over the one next to it." Twilight pointed to the cupcake with her hoof and pushed the box forward to Mrs. Cake. "See?"

Mrs. Cake looked in the box, causing to look inside to see what Twilight was talking about. We observed it for a moment, but I didn't notice much difference.

"Ohh... sure..." Mrs. Cake answered, uneasily.

"It's just that I'm planning on sharing these at a picnic later and I don't want anypony to feel like somepony else is getting more icing."

"Oh, no... of course not."

"Not to worry…" Twilight grabbed a kitchen utensil from the back with her magic. "I'll just move some of this one to…"

When I saw Twilight about to scoop up a large part of the top of the cupcake, I immediately placed my hooves on her. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Twilight." I announced, stopping her.

"Hm?" She questioned.

"You don't have to do anything. They're fine."

"But…"

"They're fine Twilight." I kept the smile as I looked towards her. "Nopony is going to fight about a cupcake having a little more frosting than the other one. Besides…" I looked over to the cupcakes. "There's no significant change, and I honestly can't tell any difference between them so…" I looked back at Twilight. "They're fine the way they are."

Twilight sighed, but happily. "Okay." She chuckled a little and placed the utensil back in the back. "I guess we should get going then."

"Twilight, can I please have one?" Spike asked, pleading on his knees while holding his hands together.

"No, Spike. You wouldn't want to spoil your appetite. You'll just have to wait until the picnic." Twilight replied.

"Aww!"

"Okay, time to tackle the next item on our list." Twilight said, placing the box of cupcakes on her back and beginning to walk out the door. I waved goodbye to Mrs. Cake and followed Twilight out the door.

When we were outside, Twilight looked over to me. "Alright, Bond. Spike and I just have to finish some stuff at home and we'll meet you all at the picnic, okay?"

"Gotcha. I'll see you at the picnic then."

She nodded and smiled, giving a wave before leaving towards her home.

I then got back to what I was going to do today, I headed over to the flower store as I wanted to get a rose for Trixie.

"Morning Bond." Roseluck greeted me. "Looking for an ideal flower?"

"Morning Rose, I sure am, a red rose for a wonderful marefriend of mine."

"Now that's very sweet, who's the lucky mare?"

"Well, she doesn't live around here, but I love her no matter how far she is."

"Awww..." Roseluck then picked up a rose from a basket. "...here you are, five bits, please."

I paid her as I took the rose. "Cheers Rose, see you then....oh tell Lily and Daisy I said hi as well."

"I will, see you soon too, Bond."

I left the flower store and trotted along to out of the town and into the forest to Trixie's home. When I arrived, I saw a note being put up by Trixie, looks like I caught her with something just in time.

"Trixie?" I called her when she turned around.

"Bond Racer!" she replied as she came up to me and opened her forelegs out.

I went in for the hug and we shared a passionate kiss.

"What's with the note, love?" I asked.

"Oh, I earned enough bits to go on a vacation...I really need one."

"I see...well before you go, I got this for you." I handed out a rose.

"A rose? thank you Bond...I love you!" she then took the flower and kissed me.

"I love you too Trixie, so whereabouts are you going?"

"To Vanhoover, after opening up to you about my past as well as you doing the same, I felt that it was time I took a holiday at the city where I was first born at and have some time spent there."

"That's really great Trixie, I'm sure you're going to have a fantastic time."

"Thanks, I'll bring something back for you when I return."

I smiled back and nodded.

"And I have just packed and ready to leave...I'll see you again when I come back." she added before kissing me.

"Okay, have a great time...bye Trixie." I kissed her back.

"Bye Bond..." she then walked off with her suitcase floating with her as she made the walk out of the forest. I decided to do the same as I checked the time on the town clock. It was almost lunchtime when I got back, so I was on my way to grab something for the picnic we had planned when I saw Twilight trotting around with something on her mind.

"You've got this, Twilight. You still have plenty of time to get that letter to Princess Celestia! Has to be somepony who needs the help of a good friend!" she said to herself.

"Hey again, Twilight." I greeted, walking towards her.

"Oh hey, Bond!" Twilight responded. "Do you need help? Do you have a problem or issue on your hooves right now?"

"I don't think so…"

Suddenly, we heard a scream.

"That sounded like Rarity." I pointed out...dear me am I becoming that obvious already?

We rushed over to her shop and ran inside.

"Rarity, what's wrong?" I quickly asked, spotting Rarity weeping on top of a platform.

"Why me-e-e-e-e-ee..." She sobbed and then gasped. "WHYYYY? Why? Why-y? And of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!"

I returned a very concerned and worried look as I rushed over to her. However, Twilight looked as if she saw this as more of an opportunity instead.

"What's happened? Are you alright?" Twilight asked.

"I've lost my diamond encrusted purple ribbon!" Rarity responded. "I have searched HIGH, and I have searched LOW. Low and high! High and low! But I can't find it anywhere!" She used her magic to placed a fancy couch near her and threw herself upon it. "Anywhe-e-e-e-ere! How can I possibly finish my latest creation if I can't find it?" Rarity exclaimed as tears streamed down her face.

"Calm down, Rarity…"Twilight replied as she placed a comforting hoof on her. "We'll help you find your-"

Meanwhile, Rarity was looking across from the couch when she suddenly opened her eyes in surprise and cut me off. "Oh there it is." She answered in her usual voice and halted the water works. She got up from the couch and began walking towards a bucket where her ribbon lay in plain sight. "Isn't it always just the last place you look?" Rarity picked it up with her magic and began cutting pieces from it.

Talk about making a mountain out of a mouse-hole.

"So you just lost your ribbon?" Twilight questioned with a sort of worried tone in her voice.

"Mmhm!"

"But now you've found it?"

"Yea-huh."

"And nothing else is bothering you? Nothing that I, as a good friend could help you with?"

"Hmm..." Rarity thought and then looked at Twilight. "There is one thing."

"Yes?" Twilight asked in a very excited manner.

"I think I left my measuring tape under the fabric over there." Rarity pointed to some fabric nearby and walked away. "Could you get that for me?"

Twilight lost her excited expression and sighed. "Measuring tape? Sure." Twilight used her magic to grab the measuring tape and place it in front of Rarity.

Rarity must have noticed Twilight's disappointed voice. "Twilight? Is there something bother-" We noticed that she had suddenly disappeared. "Twilight?" Rarity called, looking at the open front door. Rarity looked over to me. "Bond, did you see where she ran off to?"

Nope, she must've darted out or something." I replied.

"Hmm..." Rarity thought. "Well, I'm sure she'll be at the picnic...see you then."

"Same to you."

I left her home and along the way, I saw Octavia and Vinyl by the cafe

"Yo, cousin!" Vinyl said as she got off her seat and gave me a hug.

"Oh hi Bond." Octavia added.

"Hey Vinyl." I replied, accepting her hug. "and hi Octavia."

"Dude, Tavi told me everything about the Gala, you must've been drunk to have done that."

I shrugged, "Well the strange thing is that I wasn't."

"I have to admit, you did make me laugh." Octavia replied.

"I'm always happy to bring a sense of humour to any party."

"So what are you doing today?" Vinyl asked.

"Oh I've got a picnic to go which is about to start very shortly."

"Alright, take care, cousin."

"We'll see you soon." Octavia added.

"Okay, see you both soon." I then waved and trotted off out of the town.

When I arrived at the picnic site, I saw Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was bouncing over to me happily as she carried a basket with her mouth. Once she caught up to us, she lowered her head and placed the basket on the grass, removing the cloth that covered what sat inside.

Three balloons inflated and began rising in the air, bringing the basket along with it. Pinkie Pie gave a wide grin as Applejack noticed the balloons for a few seconds and continued setting up the blanket. Rainbow Dash was nearby, placing on sunscreen while she wore huge dark shaded sunglasses...wait a minute, how did she get them exactly?

"Please tell me I did not forget the plates." Rarity exclaimed near them, searching through a basket where cups, forks, spoons, and other utensils laid by. She gasped and pulled her head out. "I did. I totally forgot them. Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" She shouted, catching every other pony's attention. She placed her hoof on her forehead dramatically and using her magic, pulled her fancy couch out of nowhere and fell upon it, sobbing. "Why, why, why..."

I spotted several plates not too far from her and called her. "Rarity, the plates are right here." I pointed towards them.

She opened her eyes and noticed them. "Oh, yes, I knew I had taken them out before." We returned confused and awkward expressions as we noticed her continue to lie on the couch. "Uh... What? You didn't expect me to lay on the grass, did you?"

Soon, we wondered where was Twilight...until we heard a gift box drop on the blanket. We turned around to see a disturbing expression...

"JESUS!" I exclaimed...it was Twilight and she looked in a creepy way with her mane out of place. "Umm, are you alright?" I asked.

"No!" Twilight shouted. "I am not alright." Twilight retrieved various shock statements from the girls. "It's just terrible."

"Yes?" We girls questioned, leaning towards her.

"Simply awful." Twilight added.

"Yes?" I added.

"It's the most horrific trouble I've ever been in and I really really really need your help!"

"Yes?" We almost exclaimed.

"My letter to Princess Celestia is almost overdue, and I haven't learned anything about friendship!"

All the girls released sighs of relief while I looked in confusion..."Soooo, that's it?" I asked.

"Oh thank goodness." Fluttershy answered. "I thought something really awful had happened."

"Like if the Orks are invading Equestria." I said out of the blue.

"Orks are invading, darling?" Rarity asked me.

"Forget about it..."

"Something awful has happened!" Twilight exclaimed and teleported to Rarity, causing her to spit out the tea she was drinking. "If I don't turn in the letter on time, I'll be tardy!" She reappeared in the centre of the picnic blanket where we all resided. "TARDY!"

"You'll be late, you mean?" I asked her, "No offence, but it looks like you're getting yourself all stressed over nothing."

"This is not nothing. This is everything. I need you guys to help me find somepony with a problem I can fix before sundown! My whole life depends on it!"

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Oh Twilight, you're such a crack-up!" She fell backwards on the grass as she laughed.

"Come on now." Applejack said. "Have a seat and stop sweatin' the small stuff."

I placed a hoof on Twilight and agreed. "Applejack's right. I'm sure the Princess won't mind if you're a little late. Just tell her that you need a little more time…"

Twilight released a loud annoyed groan as she began walking away, angrily. She released one more annoyed groan before running off and teleporting.

"Wow. I've never seen Twilight so upset before…" Fluttershy commented.

"Oh, what a drama queen!" Rarity exclaimed as she continued lying on her couch. She noticed us realize her irony and cleared her throat. "Mm. Relatively speaking..."

"Why don't we all enjoy the picnic while we can?" I suggested.

The other five mares nodded and enjoyed our picnic, sometime later when it was sunset, I had something on my mind and I wanted to be sure if everything was cool after my confession about me and Trixie.

"So, just to clarify after the way I spilled out my secrets last night, you all don't have a problem with me dating Trixie?"

They all replied with mm's and nodded with smiles...this made me sure there was no problem.

"Nope, no problem at all!" Pinkie answered. "She deserves a 'you love her' party!"

"I don't think that's necessary, Pinkie. Besides, she's away on vacation."

"Awww..."

Just then, we heard a rumble coming from across the field, I then saw several ponies stampeding over the area.

"STAMPEDE!" I yelled.

"What in the name of all things oats 'n apples is goin' on here?" Applejack demanded.

The mayor continued running with the doll until a Pegasus flew over to her and snatched it away. Another Pegasus began fighting with the other one for the doll which eventually flew over beside Rainbow Dash.

"Don't look at it!" Twilight warned.

"Don't look at what?" Rarity asked.

"My Smarty Pants doll! I enchanted her and now everypony is fighting over her!"

"Why would you enchant your doll?" Fluttershy asked, worriedly as all the fighting occurred in the background.

"Oh, I had to do something! I had nothing to report to Princess Celestia! I thought if I couldn't find a problem, I'd make a problem! The day is almost over!"

"Not almost!" Applejack added as we began noticing the sun set completely. Twilight dug her head into her hooves, shamefully.

"Twilight Sparkle!" We heard a sudden magnificent voice above us. A bright glow emerged, causing us to face towards an angry Princess Celestia.

"Whoa nelly…" Applejack commented as she removed her hat.

"Woah...manure's about to go down hard!" I added.

Princess Celestia then used her magic to remove the enchantment and return everypony back to normal. After, Princess Celestia planted her hooves firmly on the ground in front of Twilight. "Meet me in the library." She announced boldly and flew off.

"Goodbye everypony." Twilight said, now depressingly as she stood up. "If you care to visit, I'll be in magic kindergarten, back in Canterlot." She began walking away as she lowered her head, sadly.

"I feel so horrible for Twilight now." I said.

"Magic kindergarten?" Fluttershy questioned.

"Canterlot?" Rainbow Dash added.

"We're never gonna see Twilight again!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Uh, What are we gonna do, y'all?" Applejack asked, worriedly.

"Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity yelled, causing the other ponies to look at her irritably. "What? I really mean it this time!"

I remained silent for a moment as I closed my eyes. I opened them again and looked over to where the library was.

"We all need to go and explain why this happened, we're her best friends and now that we think about it, we should've paid more attention."

"Bond Racers' right ya'll, we're all in this together and we stick it out no matter what!" Applejack agreed as we all began to run towards Twilight's library.

When we arrived, we immediately burst open through the door. Rainbow Dash quickly flew in front of Twilight and raised her hoof. "Wait!"

"You can't punish her!" Pinkie Pie cried out.

"It wasn't her fault!" Applejack added.

"I'm listening." Princess Celestia responded to their answers.

"Please, your highness. We all saw that Twilight was upset." Fluttershy began.

"But we thought that the thing she was worrying about wasn't worth worrying about." Rainbow Dash continued as Pinkie Pie rubbed her head sadly on Twilight.

"So when she ran off all worked up, not a single one tried to stop her!" Applejack explained.

"As Twilight's good friends, we all should have taken her feelings seriously and been there for her!" Rarity added.

"Please don't take her away from us just because we were too insensitive to help her."

"I agree with all of the above." I added in. "As an alicorn, I should've been a lot smarter and more supportive to try and help Twilight, but it seems that I didn't get my priorities right today. So if you're going to punish Twilight, let me and the rest of us take it as well since we failed to take our friendships seriously."

Princess Celestia thought for a moment and then returned to her smile once again. "Looks like you all learned a pretty valuable lesson today."

We all agreed to that.

"Very well. I'll forget Twilight's punishment on one condition." All the girls were ready to hear for what she had to say. "From this day forth, I would like you all to report to me your findings on the magic of friendship, but when, and only when, you happen to discover them."

All the girls cheered as Princess Celestia began leaving. Twilight noticed this and began rushing over to her as I followed behind.

"Princess Celestia, wait! How did you know I was in trouble?" Twilight asked.

"Your friend Spike made me aware that you were letting your fears get the best of you. I commend him for taking your feelings seriously. Now, if you will all excuse me, I must return to Canterlot. I'm expecting some mail."

She then flew away back to Canterlot....expecting some male, eh? Sorry Celestia but you're going to be getting letters instead of stallion company, I thought to myself with a cheeky grin.

"Y'all heard the Princess." Applejack announced. "Spike, take a letter."

Twilight looked at Spike and hugged him, most likely for the reason that he contacted Princess Celestia.

After, we all gathered around in a circle while Spike began writing the letter.

Applejack cleared her throat and began speaking while she held her hat down. "Dear Princess Celestia, we're writin' to you because today we all learned a little somethin' about friendship."

"We learned that you should take your friends' worries seriously." Fluttershy included.

"Even if you don't think that she has anything to worry about." Rainbow Dash added as she lay on the ground.

"And that you shouldn't let your worries turn a small problem." Rarity continued.

"Into an enormously huge entire-town-in-total-chaos Princess-has-to-come-and-save-the-day problem!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she expressed each word in her own creative way.

"Signed, your loyal subjects." Applejack finished.

Spike looked at us and then lowered his head deeper into the letter. "P.S. Obviously Spike did not have to learn a lesson, because he is the best, most awesome friend a pony could ask for. Unlike everypony else, he took things seriously, and..." He noticed Twilight look at him and shake her head. "Eheh... uh... yeah... I'll just, um..." He crossed out the part he wrote, leading us all to share a laugh together.

"Let's call it a night, girls, I think we've done well." I said.

"Oh wait, tomorrow evening's going to be nightmare night." Rarity intervened.

"Is it? I've never done that before."

"It's kind of like a night of where we dress up." Applejack said.

"Play pranks." Dash added.

"And giving out and eating candy!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"But I don't even have a costume for that,"

"Don't worry dear, I'm in charge of the costumes for the whole nightmare night. Which is why I'm going to be incredibly busy tomorrow."

"Well in that case, I can't wait, so I'll see you all then."

They nodded as I left Twilight's home and back to mine. Getting into bed, I had a quick thought over what happened today. Looks like me and the others will have a big part in writing letters to the princess from now on. Guess I better find a lesson I can learn as soon as the chance arrives. Sleeping away, I dreamt about Trixie and I wondered when she would return from her vacation. Oh well bring on Nightmare Night tomorrow, I have a feeling that one's going to be a surprise for me...and maybe everypony else.

Luna Eclipsed

The next morning and afternoon was buzzing with excitement, due to the upcoming Nightmare Night that would be happening in the evening. Because of this, the day just seemed to whoosh on by and last I heard from Rarity who was working on the costumes, she was absolutely drained and exhausted with no energy left, but the rest of us did volunteer to help so it wasn't too bad.

When I got my costume by sunset, I put it on to try it out and I loved it. My costume was like an undercover agent, complete with shades and an earpiece, I really did look like I was one of the agents from Men In Black, now if Equestria had an alien invasion to go along with it, then it would be just perfect for me!

It was the beginning of the evening when I heard a knock on the door, I opened it to find Granny Smith and three fillies in their little outfits.

"Nightmare night, what a fright, give us something sweet to bite." they chanted.

"Hey there fillies, great costumes...and happy nightmare night Granny Smith." I greeted.

"Ah should've been asleep five hours ago." she replied.

"I can imagine, at least it comes around once a year." I then grabbed a bowl of candy I had bought earlier and handed out a hoofful to each of the fillies sweet bags with my magic. "Here you go, just a couple for each for you."

I then saw a young colt in a pirate outfit, waving his sword. "Pipsqueak the pirate at your service, it's my very first nightmare night." he said.

"Is it? Well believe it or not, it's my first time too." I replied.

"Really? Why?"

"It's a long story, Pipsqueak."

Suddenly, Pinkie showed up in a chicken outfit. "Enough chit-chat! Time is candy!" she exclaimed.

"Uhh Pinkie Pie, aren't you a little old for this?" I asked.

"Too old for free candy?" she squawked, "Never!"

I sighed with a smile as I gave out candy to Pinkie, but she ended up plucking the rest of them and zoomed away.

"Well, looks like nopony else is getting candy from this house." I said as I placed the now empty bowl on the kitchen table.

The small group went to the other houses as I left mine and walked around to see the whole town with each and everyone dressed up in costumes, Rarity really went all out to make them look impressive. I wondered what the other four are dressed up as, I walked further into town until I saw Twilight and Spike in their costumes.

"Starswirl the bearded is only the most important contra of the classical era." Twilight stated, "He created more than 200 spells, he even has a shelf in the Canterlot Library Magic named after him. Maybe I should start up a pony group to teach ponies about history, don't you agree Spike?"

Spike could only hum in agreement as he was busy eating loads of candy.

"Evening Twilight and Spike." I greeted, walking towards them.

"Evening Bond, great costume, man!" Spike complimented.

"Cheers."

"That is one amazing costume, Rarity really went to town with yours." Twilight added.

"Yeah, she kinda did, mine is an undercover agent."

"I'm dressed as Starswirl The Bearded."

"And I'm a dragon." Spike replied.

"Does that mean you're double the dragon?" I asked him.

"Umm...maybe."

Pinkie and the fillies then showed up.

"Twilight, Twilight, look at hour hooves!" she exclaimed, showing bags filled up with candy. "Can you believe it?" she then plucked through the candy like a chicken. "And then, we went to Cheerlie's and we got a bunch more candies, didn't we, Pip?"

"Sure did." he answered.

Then a lightening struck above Pinkie scaring her off and the fillies as well. We looked up to find Rainbow Dash in her wonderbolts costume and on a dark cloud laughing.

"Rainbow Dash, that wasn't very nice." Twilight scolded lightly.

"Lighten up old timer, this is the best night of the year for pranks." Dash replied.

"Look what you did to Spike." she then pointed to Spike who was coughing.

"Oh it's all in good fun, oh look, there's another group over there." Dash then flew away with the cloud.

"Don't worry, karma has a way of biting back, she'll get hers when the night is over." I said to them.

We then walked along and came across an apple bopping game, Applejack was there and in a scarecrow outfit.

"Happy nightmare night, Applejack." Twilight said.

"Howdy Spike, hey Twilight and Bond, nice costumes." Applejack complimented.

"Thanks, I'm a dragon." Spike said.

"She means us, Spike." I intervened.

"With that beard, ah reckon you're some sort of Country Music singer."

Twilight grumbled and Spike giggled.

"And Bond, ah reckon you're some sort of spy."

"Close, an undercover agent." I corrected.

"Anyways, while you here, would you three like to bop for some apples?"

I went first and grabbed an apple with my teeth, then I saw a pony rise up from the huge basin, she then accidentally pulled out a plughole and all the water drained away.

We then heard a crowd gathering outside the town hall, there was a stage set up and Mayor Mare was in a clown outfit, Spike, Twilight and I walked along and joined the crowd.

"Thank you, thank you. Welcome to the nightmare night festival." she announced.

We all cheered.

"Now, all the little ponies who have been out collecting sweets, should follow our friend, Zecora, to hear the legend of...Nightmare Moon." she then laughed in a pantomime way.

"The spooky voice might've worked better if she weren't dressed like that." Spike whispered which Twilight giggled.

Then, a green powder and dust appeared and Zecora showed up.

"Follow me and very soon, you'll hear the tail of Nightmare Moon." she said.

Suddenly, we heard thunder and clouds forming in the sky.

"Looks like we're about to find out the tale being said on our behalf." I commented.

Then in one bright light, a pony in a black cloak and covered from head to hoof appeared on a pony carriage with two guards pulling it. The pony then jumped off the carriage and flew down to the ground, landing softly. It then moved the hood off to reveal...a dark blue mare who showed off her pose with a smile. This caused the other ponies to bow and feel scared, but Twilight and I weren't intimidated.

"Princess Luna." Twilight said as she began to move forward, before Spike stopped her.

So this was Princess Luna, she's a lot bigger and dark bluer than before, I guess she was busy recovering from the nightmare moon trauma all this time. Soon her cloak turned into bats that flew away and she opened her wings and walked slowly before stopping to strike another pose.

"She may be a Princess, but she's no top model." I said quietly.

"Citizens of Ponyville!" Luna announced with a voice that was at a high volume, we all were pushed back like a strong wind. "We have graced your tiny village with our presence. So that you might behold the real Princess of the night!" she continued, "A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead, a pony who desires your love and admiration." some of the ponies began to move away from her as she carried on with her eyes closed, "Together, we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!"

Lightning struck again as she finished her speech in another pose.

"Did you hear that everypony? Nightmare Moon says she's gonna feast on us all." Pinkie said as she and the fillies screamed and ran away.

Luna then noticed and stood there surprised. "What? No children no, you no longer have reason to fear us, screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror!" she then stomped a hoof in the ground, scaring the ponies again. "Madame Mayor, thy princess of the night has arrived."

She then offered a hoof out, but the mayor was scared.

"Well, if none of you are going to do so, then allow me." I said.

I walked forward and offered my hoof out to Luna, which she accepted as we did a hoofshake. I then moved backwards slightly as she offered her hoof out to the others, but they were too scared to do so.

"Very well then, be that way, we won't even bother with the royal traditional farewell!" Luna added before she left the town.

"What was that all about? I wasn't scared." I asked on confusion

"I'm gonna go and talk to her." Twilight said before she got stopped by Spike.

"You can't talk to her, she's Nightmare Moon." Spike exclaimed.

"No she's not, Bond and I saw the Elements Of Harmony change her back to good. It seems like she's having some trouble adjusting after being gone for a thousand years."

"Agreed and I'll come with you." I added.

"Okay, let's go."

Twilight and I walked into the Everfree Forest to find Luna looking at the statue and feeling sad.

"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked which got Luna's attention. "Hi my name is..."

"Starswirl The Bearded." Luna answered cutting her off. "Commendable costume, even got the bells right."

"Thank you, finally, somepony who gets my Costume."

I then nudged Twilight as she was going a bit off topic.

"Uhh Bond and I just came to welcome you to our celebration, my real name is..."

"Twilight Sparkle...and Bond Racer."

We nodded.

"It was thou who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!" she added whist flying and moving clouds.

"And that was a good thing, right?" I asked.

"But of course, we could not be happier, it thou not clear?"

"Well it kinda sounds like you're yelling at us." Twilight replied.

"But this is the traditional Royal Canterlot voice, it is tradition to speak, using the royal wee and to use this much volume when addressing our subjects!"

Her volume of the voice had almost blown Twilight's hat away as she adjusted it in the correct place.

"You know, that might explain why your appearance was met with mixed results." Twilight commented, "I think if you just change your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception."

"Change our approach?"

"Lower the volume we mean." I added.

"Oh, we have been locked away for a thousand years, we are not sure we can."

"Then let us help you, we'll make sure you'll fit in."

"And how will thou be doing so?"

"We can start with helping you lower your volume and I know just the pony." Twilight replied.

"Come on, let's go to Fluttershy's cottage." I added.

We walked out of the forest and over to Fluttershy's house where it looked completely dark, there were no lights on inside the house, looking at the windows.

"Don't worry Princess." Twilight assured. "Fluttershy can give you some great pointers, she's delicate and demure with the sweetest voice."

She then knocked the door.

"Go away! No Candy here! Visitors not welcome on Nightmare Night!" Fluttershy shouted from inside.

"Umm, Fluttershy, it's only us." I said.

The door opened slightly.

"It is you and Twilight." she opened a bit more "Oh and nightmare moon." she then gasped. "Nightmare moon!" before closing the door quickly.

"Uhh wait right here." Twilight then went inside her home.

"Luna, this could take a while, why I don't help you for the time being?" I asked Luna.

"We suppose that would be better, we feel that Twilight may be trying too hard."

"Alrighty, back to the town."

We walked back through the nightmare night celebration but it was the same reception as before when the ponies looked at Luna and took cover, I couldn't quite understand why they were so scared of her, even though we rescued her from the dark powers.

"It is of no use, Bond Racer." Luna said, "They have never liked us and they never shall."

"Our friend Applejack is one of the most likeable ponies around. I'm sure she'll have some ideas." I replied.

We walked on over to where Applejack was with the refilled huge basin of water with apples.

Applejack saw us and she jumped in fright too.

Great, not her as well...I thought to myself before clearing my throat, "Umm Applejack, Princess Luna is looking for a little advice on how to fit in around here."

"Fit in, really?" she asked unconvincingly.

I then showed a displeased look and she suddenly perked up.

"Ah mean uh that's easy, all ya gotta do is have the right attitude. Loosen up a bit, be positive, play some games and have some fun."

"Fun, what is this fun thou speakest of?" Luna asked.

Applejack pointed towards a bowl of plastic spiders.

"Pray tell, what purpose do these serve?"

"Try t-t-t-t-to land the s-s-spider's on the web." a pony answered for us who was shivering.

Luna picked up a spider and threw it at the web, only to miss and land just below the web.

"You can do it, Princess!" Applejack yelled.

She picked up another spider and threw it...this time it landed right in the middle of the web.

"It's a bullseye!" I shouted.

Luna gasped in delight, "Your Princess enjoys this...fun. In what other ways may we experience this?"

"There's a game where we aim and throw a pumpkin at the target." Applejack answered.

"Show us."

We walked over towards the pumpkins, I saw Twilight coming towards us.

"Any luck, Twilight?" I asked.

"I tried and tried, so I had to leave it be. I'm gonna lecture her tomorrow." Twilight answered. "What about Princess Luna?"

"I think we're making good progress." I answered confidently.

"Fire away, Princess." Applejack said.

Luna then placed a pumpkin on a catapult, before putting the weight down and letting go to fly the pumpkin which splattered on the target on the other side.

"It's a bullseye!" I yelled.

"Ha-hah! The fun has been doubled!" Luna exclaimed in delight.

Soon, the ponies who must've been following us cheered.

"Why don't ya try bopping for apples? We've got the best apples in Equestria, Princess."

"I ask that thou call us...me, Luna, fair Applejack. Hear me, villagers, all of you. Call me Luna!" she announced.

The ponies smiled and made positive comments and whispers.

"Show me to the bopping apples." Luna requested and the three of us followed back to the basin.

We saw Pipsqueak who just about fell into the basin. Luna rushed over to fish him out and save him.

"Hey you three." Pinkie said from behind us "Have you seen Pip? We lost him the last time we had to-" she stopped and squawked at seeing Pip being held by Luna's teeth.

"Oh great, she's gonna mess this up, isn't she?" I asked to nopony in particular.

"Nightmare Moon is gobbling Pipsqueak! EVERYPONY RUN!" Pinkie shouted.

The fillies screamed and ran away, Pipsqueak also ran away.

"Help, my backside has been gobbled!" he said, running away.

"Tis a lie!" Luna protested. "Thy backside is whole and ungobbled thou ungrateful whelp!" she stamped her hoof and thunder struck.

The older ponies began to feel scared again as they moved away,

Luna then tought of her actions and changed her mood, "Fair villagers, please do not back away. Let us join together in...fun."

She threw a spider at them, but they couldn't seem to make what she was trying to prove.

I facehoofed thinking that this is not going to end well.

"Not enough fun for you?" Luna asked, raising an eyebrow. "What's say you took this!"

She then used her magic to turn the plastic spider...into a REAL spider!

"A real spider...where's the BFG 9000 when you need it?!" I said randomly.

More spiders were then turned into real ones and the ponies all screamed in terror.

"Huzzah!" Luna exclaimed. "How many points do I receive?"

The ponies continued to scream whilst Twilight, Applejack and myself all watched in horror.

"Do not run away." she ordered, but they didn't listen. "As your princess, we command you."

There was still no response as the whole town was scared and several things were being knocked over.

"BE STILL!" Luna shouted in her royal Canterlot voice.

Soon, everypony stopped and they laid down and began to feel frightened even more.

"Princess, remember. Watch the screaming." Twilight said.

"No Twilight Sparkle, we must use the traditional royal Canterlot voice, for what are we about to say." she then turned to the other ponies. "Since you choose to fear your princess, rather than love her and dishonour her with this insulting celebration, we decree that nightmare night shall be cancelled...FOREVER!"

Luna then flew away to across the bridge, sulking.

"Shoot, we had everything going our way. Luna was happy, everypony in town was happy."

"Yeah and then Pinkie had to come along and screw it up...again!" I said with a hint of anger.

"Calm down, Bond...and now look at them." she added as we saw the fillies looking upset.

"It's not over yet." Twilight declared.

"What are ya gonna do?" Applejack asked.

"I'm gonna do what I do best, lecture her!"

She then galloped off to find Luna.

"Whilst she's doing that, I'm going to find Pinkie who seems to be the one causing trouble around here." I said to Applejack.

"Need help, sugarcube?" she asked.

"I should be fine, I'll just lay some candy down like a footpath and then I'll capture her and tell her to stop."

I then went into an alleyway and laid out the trap. Soon Pinkie came along and ate each candy like a chicken. She was right where I wanted her, I swooped down and grabbed her...she let out a scream, but I placed my hoof in her mouth.

"No! No shrieking! No squealing or screaming either! Okay?!" I asked her in a demanding way.

She replied okay despite my hoof in her mouth.

"I need to tell you this right now, she is NOT...I repeat NOT Nightmare Moon, she is Princess Luna, we restored her to good with the elements of harmony, she's changed and she definitely does not want to gobble you up!" I exclaimed.

"Well duh." Pinkie replied.

"Huh?"

"I know that, geez Bond, I'm almost as big as her, how would she gobble me up?"

By then, Twilight and Luna showed up, hearing the conversation.

"So why do you keep running away and screaming?"

"Sometimes, it's just really fun to be scared."

"Fun?" Twilight asked as she went into a thought, before gasping with an idea. "Pinkie Pie, you're a genius!"

"No I'm not, I'm a chicken." she squawked again.

"Princess Luna! We've finally figured out why you're having so much trouble being liked!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm." She responded.

"Come with me. I'll explain everything on the way."

"What can I do?" I asked her.

"See if you can get the fillies to the statue of Nightmare Moon."

"I'll do my best."

I then walked around town and asking them to follow me to the Everfree Forest and asking them to bring the candies to the statue. The plan seemed to be working as the fillies were piling the candy by the statue, Pipsqueak was the last one to dump his candy into the pile.

"Goodbye nightmare night...forever." he said depressingly.

Twilight and I waited until the winds blew angrily and Nightmare moon suddenly appeared.

"Citizens of Ponyville!" We heard in a booming voice. "You were wise to bring these candies to me. I am pleased with your offering. So pleased that I may just eat it... instead of eating you!" Nightmare Moon's statue came alive and immediately scared all the ponies. They ran, screaming, while I remained there. The statue transformed into Princess Luna, surprising me. Princess Luna removed the fangs from her teeth as Twilight came out from the bushes.

"I am not certain that did what you meant for it to do, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna announced with uncertainty.

"Just wait." Twilight replied, confidently.

"For what?" Princess Luna questioned as she jumped off of the platform. "For... for them to scream some more?"

Pipsqueak had come by and tugged at Princess Luna's hair. "Um... Princess Luna." She turned her head to face him. "I know there's not gonna be any more Nightmare Night, but do you suppose maybe you could come back next year and scare us again anyway?"

She turned her head to see the other fillies hiding behind the bush, but also listening to hear her decision. "Child. Art thou saying that thou... likest me to scare you?"

"It's really fun! Scary, but fun."

"It... is?" Princess Luna questioned, surprised.

"Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favourite night of the year!"

"Well then." Princess Luna replied, bringing a smile to her face. "We shall have to bring…" She began speaking in a booming voice, once again. "…Nightmare Night back!"

"Whoa!" Pipsqueak exclaimed as he was pushed back by the voice of the Princess. "You're my favourite princess ever!" He quickly bowed below her and fled back to his friends. "She said yes, guys!"

"YAY!" The children yelled, bringing a smile to my face as well.

"See?" Twilight asked. "They really do like you, princess."

"Can it be true?" She rose up her hooves and shouted. "Oh, most wonderful of...!" She lowered herself and realized she had been yelling again. "I mean... Oh, most wonderful of nights."

We saw Princess Luna enjoying herself as well. The children even returned to her to give her more candy, which I could tell made Luna feel a lot better and a part of something so inspiring and heart-warming. Princess Luna especially continued to frighten ponies in good fun. One pony, who was dressed as a mouse, was about to bob for an apple when Princess Luna suddenly emerged from the water and scared her. The pony jumped back in fear, but once she saw Princess Luna eating an apple as she hung her hooves over the tub, they all shared a laugh.

Luna, Spike, Twilight and myself were at the statue again where Twilight was about to write what she learned. "Dear Princess Celestia, When you first sent me to Ponyville, I didn't know anything about friendship. I met somepony tonight who was having the same problem - your sister, Princess Luna. She taught me that one of the best things you can do with friendship is to give it to others and help them find it themselves. I am happy to report that all of Ponyville has learned that even if somepony seems a little intimidating, even scary, when you offer them your friendship, you'll discover a whole new pony underneath. And even if my Star Swirl the Bearded costume didn't go over, this still turned out to be the best Nightmare Night ever." Twilight picked up a candy corn, from the pile of candy near Spike, with her magic and ate it.

Suddenly, we heard electricity crackle and looked above us to see Rainbow Dash screaming and flying away rapidly. Princess Luna had descended to us as she lay on a dark cloud. She winked at us as she smiled. Then, she began laughing which eventually led us to join her.

"Well, I suppose I should be leaving now." Princess Luna stated as she began preparing herself for her departure.

"You really need to come to Ponyville more often, Luna…" I announced.

"Indeed." She agreed. "You really showed me how I have friends, and I will be looking forward to the next time I come back. Until then… I shall say farewell." She waved to all of us. "Goodnight and have a happy Nightmare Night."

"Right back at you, Princess." Twilight replied and giggled.

The Princess smiled and began departing back to Canterlot as we waved goodbye.

"Well, I should get back home and into bed, I should go and see Rarity tomorrow, see if she has recovered from all of today." I said to Twilight.

"Good idea, Bond, have a good night." Twilight replied as she picked up Spike who seemed to have fallen asleep.

"Same to you."

I trotted back to the town and into my house. I then took off my outfit and hanged it up, ready for when I could, I would bring it over so that Rarity could have it returned and washed. Getting into bed, I gathered my thoughts about the evening. It was a great night and I did have some fun on Nightmare Night, despite Pinkie nearly screwing it up twice. It seems Princess Luna is now welcomed as a friend in Ponyville and I believe it should be that way, since I am an alicorn myself.

Sisterhooves Social

I woke up the next day and after going through my breakfast and getting ready, I planned to go straight to Rarity's home. When I got there, I went through the house door on the other side instead of through the shop door. I walked in to find Sweetie Belle making food in the oven, it didn't smell good and plus there was a big smoke coming from the oven.

"Sweetie Belle, what is all this?" I asked her.

"Oh, just making a surprise breakfast for Rarity." she answered.

I walked further along into the kitchen to find two other ponies by the table.

"Well, hello there handsome stallion, who are you?" the male one asked.

"Bond Racer" I replied.

"You're an alicorn as well, should we bow to you?" the female one asked.

"No it's okay, I'm just a normal alicorn without any relation to royalty."

Soon, the kitchen alarm went off and I heard Rarity galloping down the stairs, she tripped up and fell down to the bottom, almost where I was standing.

"Rarity!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "You ruined the surprise, I was gonna serve you breakfast in bed."

Rarity was not pleased and walked towards her little sister, she was about to scold her.

"Well good morning, Rarity." the male one greeted.

"Father...mother!" she exclaimed.

Oh, so these are the parents of Rarity and Sweetie Belle, I did have an inkling but I wasn't 100% sure.

"I have you know that Sweetie Belle here cooked this yummy looking breakfast all on her own." he added.

We looked to see a lot of burnt food.

"I'm glad Gordon Ramsay isn't here to see this, he'd go ballistic." I said.

"I figured." Rarity replied before sniffing a drink, "I didn't know you could burn juice."

"I've been giving her lessons." Rarity's mum said, "I wouldn't be surprised if she gets a cutie mark in fancy cooking by the time we get back from our vacation."

"Vacation, is that this week as in starting this very instant this week?"

Sweetie then placed bowl with more burnt stuff on the table.

"Ugh, let me guess, apple sauce?" I asked.

"Nope, toast." Sweetie replied.

I was at a loss for words at this point.

"We're gonna have the bestest time two sisters could ever have. I'm gonna go and grab my stuff from dad's wagon."

Sweetie then walked out to the outside.

"So when you say this week, is that seven whole days?" Rarity asked her parents.

"And six nights I know, such a short amount of time to spend with your little sis." her mum answered.

"You're gonna eat that?" her Dad asked.

Rarity shook her head and he took the plate.

"But I've got such a long to-do list." she sighed, "Oh well, I suppose spend time with your little sister will just have to be added to the list."

We then heard a loud bang of things coming from the front door, we saw Sweetie with loads of packed cases.

"Just a few necessities." she said.

"Geez, all that baggage and no sarcasm detected, are you a robot?" I asked out of the blue.

I got no response which was no surprise.

Soon, their parents left and rode the wagon out of town, Rarity and Sweetie returned to the kitchen.

"Now, let's get this kitchen all cleaned up." Rarity said.

"Cleaned up, but we haven't eaten yet." Sweetie replied.

"Well now Sweetie Belle, I appreciate the gesture, but we simply can't eat this breakfast, it's burnt."

"It's not that burnt." she protested slightly.

"Never fear my dear, I will get a proper breakfast going."

"Do you want to help with that?" I asked.

"No thanks Bond, by the way dear, what did you came here to see me for?"

"Oh I was just checking to see if you recovered from your day of making costumes for last night's event." I answered

"Oh the nightmare night, well as you can see, I am back to normal and well rested."

"Ah okay, see you two later."

I then left their home and wondered what else to do today....however, I wasn't looking I was going, without any warning, I knocked into somepony and fell on the ground.

"Ow..." I then noticed I had bumped into a grey pegasi mare with yellow mane. "...oh I'm sorry about that, let me help you."

I then got up and helped her up.

"It's alright, I'm okay." she said.

"I didn't see where I was going."

"Me neither, I was busy looking through the mail."

"Oh I see, what's your name, by the way?"

"I'm Ditzy Doo, but people call me Derpy for short."

"Nice name, Derpy, I'm Bond Racer."

We then shook hooves.

"So your job is delivering mail?" I asked.

"Yes, I have to deliver letters and parcels to all the homes in Ponyville and Cloudsdale." Derpy relied.

"That sounds like a lot of work."

"It is, but I've done it for a long while so I'm all good with it...I just wish I had more awareness with my surroundings."

"I'm sure it's not that bad, I better let you get back to your job."

"Okay, thank you Bond, see you next time...maybe can share a muffin sometime." she replied, perking up and flying away.

On first impressions, she seems a bit clumsy, but she's real nice and caring all the same....as for muffins, I liked that idea.

Sometime later, I had a meal at the cafe and I thought about visiting Fluttershy to see if Twilight had talked about her shyness last night when I saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom who was holding a piece of paper with her teeth.

"Hey there you two." I said to them, how's it going?"

"Pretty fine, Bond." Applebloom replied, putting the paper down.

"Why it's smashing..." Sweetie added in a calm manner before putting her face down with a stressed expression.

Suddenly, my sarcasm detector went haywire...guess she's not a robot after all.

"Huh?" Applebloom asked in confusion.

"I just wish Rarity and I could do something special together that didn't include me goofing everything up." Sweetie complained.

"The Sisterhooves Social." Applebloom exclaimed holding a flyer up at Sweetie, "Applejack and ah do it every year, you and Rarity could compete against other sister's teams and their neighbouring aunts."

"That sounds like the perfect way for us to hang out, Rarity will think it's an excellent idea." Sweetie said happily.

"You know Sweetie, if Rarity doesn't agree, do you want me to try and convince her otherwise?" I asked.

"Just in case, Bond...for now, leave it to me." Sweetie answered.

"Okay."

Sweetie then grabbed a sisterhooves social flyer and took it to Rarity's home.

"See you later Applebloom." I said to her.

"Same to you, Bond."

It seems that the fillies were catching on to my usual goodbye messages. I trotted over to Fluttershy's home and knocked on her door and entered...yes, they trust me enough to knock and open the door and they know that it's me doing that as no pony else does it.

"Oh hello Bond, are you well?" Fluttershy asked as she was tending to mice family.

"Hi Fluttershy, I'm good thanks and how about you, do you feel better now that nightmare night is over for another year?"

"Umm, yes."

"Did Twilight talk to you all about it and Princess Luna?"

"She did and I feel disappointed in myself that I let my shyness get the better of me last night, I wish I had helped her."

"It's okay, Fluttershy, she was quite intimidating at first, but Twilight and I weren't scared of her and with our help, she was able to be more welcomed by all of us."

"That sounds more friendly and nice."

"It does, I'll see you next time." I said as I left her home.

"See you, Bond."

I walked back to town to find Sweetie Belle walking with an angered face...I guess Rarity said no.

"What's up Sweetie?" I asked.

"My sister said it was uncouth." she answered. "So I'm going to Sweet Apple Acres to tell them about it.

"Don't you mean uncool?" She then gave me an irritated glare and I gulped, "Err I mean come on, I'll walk with you."

We walked to the farm to find Applejack and Big Mac working by the haystacks, there was no sign of Applebloom.

"Hey Applejack." I greeted.

"Oh howdy sugarcube and hey Sweetie Belle, what's the matter?" she asked Sweetie.

Sweetie climbed on a haystack and laid down with a sad look.

"I asked Rarity if she could spend time with me at the Sisterhooves Social and she said it was uncouth." she explained.

"I guess you had a fallout afterwards?" I asked.

She nodded, confirming it.

Applejack's expression suddenly changed, "Uncouth? Rarity said the sisterhooves social was uncouth?"

Applebloom then appeared from the bucket of apples and was eating one. "Yeah, uncouth?" she said with mouthful, before eating most of the apple and letting out a loud belch. "Wait, what's uncouth?"

"It's not the social part, she thinks I'm uncool." Sweetie added.

Uncouth, uncool, make up your mind, I thought to myself.

"Honey, Rarity think's everything's uncouth." Applejack replied.

"What's uncouth?" Applebloom asked again.

"It means uncivilized, ya know, bad manners."

Applebloom belched again.

"Exactly!" she added. "Sweetie Belle, just give Rarity some time, she'll come round, sisters always do."

I nodded as my sister, Sweet Chocolate always looked out for me.

"Not sisters like Rarity." Sweetie pouted.

"Come on now, Applebloom and ah have some chores to finish off. Maybe you can help."

"You sure you want me to help? I'd just mess everything up."

"Oh come on, that's just stinkin' thinkin', watch."

Applejack and Applebloom demonstrated on collecting the bruised apples and had fun doing so.

"This is a chore?" Sweetie asked.

"Since we can't sell the bruised apples, we gotta collect them all for the pigs to eat." Applejack explained.

"It's a lot of work, so we make a game of it." Applebloom added. "Wanna try?"

"Umm, okay." Sweetie replied.

So Applejack bucked a bruised apple whilst Sweetie grabbed a bucket, but the apple went straight on Sweetie's horn.

"Ow!" she exclaimed, rubbing her head, "You're right, it is hard work."

"That's why we do it..." Applebloom started

"Together!" They both said.

"Hmph! Rarity never wants to do chores together." Sweetie pouted.

"Come on, Sweetie, how about I be your big brother for the day?" I offered.

Suddenly Sweetie perked up. "Would you really do that for me?"

"Only until Rarity comes around and pours her emotions out." I smirked.

"Okay!"

So we both got involved in other work the apple family were doing, such as making grape juice which Rarity would call the fashion police if grape juice got anywhere near her dresses., I was tempted to spill some on my suit and watch her reaction, it would be totally worth it. The other job was corralling the herd of sheep into a huge pen where one of the sheep spoke...guess ponies, dragons and buffaloes are not the only animals that can speak English with no problem, beavers on the other hand...just no.

It was then nightfall when the rest of the work was done, we were camping around a fireplace just by the apple trees leading into the forest, we were all toasting marshmallows which was ironic cause Rarity looked like one...but I meant that in a joke way. It was all quiet when I heard a voice all for Sweetie.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out...how did she find us here? "I have been galloping all over for you, I-"

She was then cut off by Sweetie who turned her head away. The rest of us three could only watch what was happening.

"Oh hello un-sister, what are you doing here, better be careful, you might get some dust on you."

Rarity looked at her with guilt, "Oh Sweetie Belle, I want to apologize, I am not better off without a sister."

"I'm not better off without a sister either, spending the day with Applejack, Applebloom and Bond made me realize that."

"Even though I'm not technically a mare." I intervened.

"Same principle, sugarcube." Applejack corrected me.

"Shhh." Applebloom told us.

"It's alright you three." Rarity assured before turning to Sweetie. "But they are right, they know exactly how to treat sisters better than I do, something that I should've done from the beginning our parents brought you here." she said to her sister.

"Then why were you being dead against spending time with me?" Sweetie asked.

"I wasn't able to because of the Nightmare Night event which slowed my schedule down and I needed to work double time without interruptions."

"But I'm your one and only little sister, I try my best to help you and I want to help you, but you never accept it."

"Which is why I want you to listen to what happened to my day after you left and then ask you a question afterwards...please?"

"Alright, tell me, Rarity."

"Well, after you left, I was going through the draws where you cleaned up my room earlier, I then had several ideas which allowed me to design several dresses that I was pleased with. If you hadn't cleaned my room up, I wouldn't have had those ideas started."

"So I guess I didn't goof up on that?"

"You didn't in the end dear. Secondly, in the washing area with Opal, I saw the sweater you shrunk and I noticed that it was small enough to fit Opal inside it. You should've seen how she was looking when she had the sweater on as if you knew it was perfect for her."

By then, Sweetie Belle was now curious to hear more, "What about the picture?" she asked.

Rarity suddenly began to feel emotional, "That's when I realized I made a big mistake with how I behaved today." she sniffed a bit, "I was working on the last dress of the day until I was one gem short, so I went to look for the box you used and there I saw your picture." she put her head down for second, "It was the most beautiful piece of work I ever saw."

"It was?"

"Yes, it showed that no matter what happens, we're sisters and we'll always be that way. Something that our parents would want to see. *sniff* I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle, I should've been the best sister for you today, but I was being a terrible sister by complaining and moaning about you." she then cried silently.

Sweetie Belle finally smiled, seeing that her sister was deeply sorry for her behaviour, she walked forward to her big sister.

"Rarity, all I can say is thank you, it was hard work making that picture, but I made it because we're Sisters and we're meant to spend time together, you just haven't given me a chance do something for you."

"Well I have given you a lot of things to do in the past."

"Pardon for interrupting Rarity, but ah have to say that the problem is, is that you never give in, you never agree to what your sister wants."

"You're right Applejack." Rarity agreed before looking back at Sweetie. "Sweetie, could you ever find it in your heart to forgive me after how much I learned on how much you mean to me?" she asked with a tear.

Sweetie smiled with a tear, she walked forward and offered a hug which Rarity accepted. Applebloom and Applejack held each other, smiling at the scene. I was very impressed with Rarity right then, seeing that she finally understands about being a loving sister.

"Rarity...I forgive you...but on one condition." Sweetie said.

"Name it dear, what could I do to ever make it better for us again?" Rarity asked.

"Take part in the Sisterhooves Social with me, it's all I ask."

"Alright Sweetie...I'll do it...for you...for us...for our family."

"There's a few spots left to take part in it, I'll add your names in when we get home." Applejack said.

"Thank you Applejack." Rarity replied.

"Well, I think it's time we packed up and head back home, you've got a whole day with your sister to prepare." I suggested.

"Good idea darling, let's clean ourselves up and head on to our homes."

After a moment of cleaning up the campfire, Applejack and Applebloom headed to their home whilst I walked alongside with Rarity into town with Sweetie who was feeling tired and was resting on her back.

"Rarity, I'm so glad that you came round in the end and learnt what's important."

"I did, Bond and I was close to learning it the hard way, but I wasn't going to let my last chance with her go."

"Well remember, it may not be your thing, but if your sister wants to spend time or offer help, just let her do so."

"I promise, darling...have a good night."

Rarity then hugged me which I accepted.

"Same to you Rarity, get some good rest, you two will need it tomorrow."

I walked back home and headed straight to bed, awaiting the next day.

It was the next morning when I woke up, I walked straight along to the farm where the Sisterhooves Social was taking place. It was a really great event, all the sisters they each had was there, it made me miss my own sister though, but I didn't let that phase me as I wanted to cheer on the others. The event ended with Applejack and Applebloom winning the race with Rarity and Sweetie Belle taking second place was really great I thought.

After the event, I walked with Rarity and Sweetie Belle back to their home, I volunteered to write the letter for them.

"Very well then, what should we write to the Princess?" She asked.

Sweetie Belle walked to the mirror and observed herself. "I'll start. Having a sister is just about the bestest thing in the world. But it sure isn't the easiest."

"I agree that being sisters is a wonderful thing, but it takes teamwork." Rarity added. "Sometimes it's about compromising. Sometimes it's about accepting each others' differences. But mostly, it's about having fun together, even if it means getting your hooves dirty every now and then."

"Now that, I can agree with." I added. "I'll make sure to bring the letter over to Twilight so Spike can send it."

"Alright, thanks for doing that, Bond." Rarity said."

"My pleasure."

I left her home and headed to Twilight's home to see Spike already outside cleaning.

"Hey Spike, I have a letter from Rarity who wants it sent to the Princess."

"A letter? You can count on me." He replied, taking the letter, rolling it up and with his fire magic blew it away in the sky.

"See you around, man." I said as I turned headed on to my home.

I looked at the clock to notice that it was approaching lunchtime. I decided to have my food here and rest on the sofa, it was quite terrific to see Rarity and Sweetie Belle finally spend time together as sisters. Although I did miss mine and I wondered if there would ever be a chance to spend time with Sweet Chocolate as brother and sister in the future. Ah well, I did learn one other thing according to my random mind...siblings argue!

The Cutie Pox

After my lunchtime, I got up from my rest on the sofa. I checked my cupboards again and realized I was short of a few items, guess it's shopping time again for me. I grabbed several bits and left the house, I was trotting along through the town until I saw the CMC's with small but heavy looking bags.

"Hi there, you three." I greeted.

"Oh hey Bond!" They all replied.

"What's with the bags?"

"Oh these are our bowling ball bags." Sweetie Belle answered.

"Yeah, we're gonna have a game at the bowling alley." Scootaloo added.

"Wanna come and see us get our cutie marks in bowling?" Applebloom asked.

"I guess so, seeing I have nothing else to do today...except shop but that can wait." I replied.

We walked to Kingpin's Bowling Alley where Applebloom had something to say.

"Today's the day, Cutie Mark Crusaders, ah can just feel it. Today we're gonna get our cutie marks in...bowling!" she stated.

"Woohoo!" Scootaloo cheered as she jumped in the air.

Sweetie Belle cheered as well but she was holding her bowling bag with her teeth, she spat it out, "I mean, yay!"

"Why, after today, we won't be known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore, we'll be...the three strikes!" Applebloom declared

"That makes us sound like we struck out." Scootaloo replied.

"How about the pin twins?"

"But there are three of us." Sweetie protested.

"Okay then, umm...the bowling dolls!"

"Bowling Dolls, that's it!" Sweetie replied.

"Perfect!" Scootaloo added.

"Alrighty then, let's bowl them over."

"Just remember you three." I intervened, "If you don't get your cutie marks in this, don't be too guttered." I then performed a rimshot.

The three fillies groaned at my punchline and we all headed inside the bowling alley. I was guttered myself, I thought I bowled out the perfect punch lane...I mean line. Anyways, I watched them play and to no surprise, they weren't very good at it. Each bowl they threw was more laughable than before, but I laughed on the inside so as not to upset the fillies. After we were done with the game, we left the bowling alley.

"That bowling sure was fun." Sweetie said. "Even though all I got was gutter balls."

"Yeah, at least you were able to keep your bowl in your lane." Scootaloo replied, "I don't think Mr. Kingpin is ever gonna let me play again."

"Yeah, but that was before I reasoned with him, you should be lucky you're friends with an alicorn." I added.

"Hey, maybe I could get my cutiemark in demolition."

Scootaloo and Sweetie giggled about it, I knew they were joking. Besides, I'm the only one who can handle explosives...don't ask.

Meanwhile, Applebloom was being very silent and was looking very low which concerned me and the others.

"Oh come on Applebloom." Scootaloo said.

"I know just what you need to put the bloom back on your apple." Sweetie added. "A treat from Sugarcube Corner will cheer you up."

"That's where I was going to do a bit of sweet shopping." I said.

We went onwards to the sweet shop and Sweetie bought a cupcake for Applebloom to try and cheer her up, but Applebloom's mood didn't change.

"No it won't." she said depressingly.

We then tried other things that would cheer her up, but they were all met with the same response. This wasn't looking good for both us around her and Applebloom herself. After so many attempts, we kinda gave up and watched Applebloom continue to sulk, but she wasn't looking where she was going as we noticed that she was walking into the Everfree Forest.

"Come on Applebloom, it's just a cutiemark." Scootaloo said.

"Or a lack of a cutiemark." Sweetie added.

"Shhh, that's not helping." I said to her.

"Applebloom, where are you going?" Scootaloo called. "Applebloom come back!"

I sighed, "Just let her be, you two. I guess she just needs a bit of space, I'm sure she'll be careful after the last time you lot went in there."

"Don't remind us..." Scootaloo muttered.

"I'd give it some time, I'm sure she'll come back and feel better. Anyways, I've gotta go and do my shopping."

"And we gotta get back to our lessons, it's almost time." Sweetie replied.

"See you later, Bond." Scootaloo added as they galloped back to town and to the filly school.

I walked back into town and resumed my shopping. A use of magic, two bags full of the savoury food and one small bag of peppermint sticks later and it was sunset, I walked back home to drop my shopping and store them away. I still feel blessed to have several thousands of bits and even more so since no other pony (apart from the Mane 6, Spike, The Mayor and Celestia) knows about it, I have no desire of getting robbed of bits. I went into bed seeing there was nothing else for me to do today, but I did wonder if Applebloom was feeling better.

I woke up by the late morning and after I left my home, I saw Applejack and Applebloom, but what Applebloom was doing shocked me...she had three cutiemarks, I'm guessing something happened while she was at the forest.

"What in the heck?!" I exclaimed, walking towards them.

"No time to explain sugarcube." Applejack replied, "We gotta go to Twilight's home for an answer."

"I'll come with you, I have nothing else to do today."

We then walked to Twilight's home and told her that Applebloom has more than one cutiemark and she couldn't stop doing those actions.

"Three cutiemarks? Three talents? I've never seen anything like it." Twilight commented. "I was just reading something about unusual equine illnesses. What was it?" Twilight began searching through the shelves of books as I walked towards Applejack.

"What's going on? What's up with Applebloom?" I asked.

"I don't know! She got one more cutie mark and now she can't stop doing neither!" Applejack replied worriedly.

"'Perplexing Pony Plagues', perhaps?" Spike said from the top of a ladder and hopped over to Twilight's back.

"Yes, Spike, you're amazing!" Twilight praised.

"Yes, well, I do have some talents." Spike placed the book on a nearby podium, which Twilight began reading through.

"Hay fever...the trots..." She gasped loudly. "Cutie pox!"

"Cutie pox?" I asked, "That's a new one."

"Cutie pox. This puzzling pony plague afflicted a population of ponies back in the paleopony period!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Heh, say that ten times fast!" Spike joked, pointing his fingers toward the book.

Twilight returned narrowed eyes and bumped him off her back. "Random cutie marks appeared all over the ponies' bodies, causing them to perform all the talents that came with them!"

"Just like me!" Applebloom shouted as she continued to perform the actions of her cutie marks.

"Yes, but what's the cure? What's the cure?" Applejack asked in a demanding tone.

Twilight took another look at her book but opened her mouth in shock. "It says here there's no known cure!"

"No known cure?" The others exclaimed.

"The cause of the breakout was never discovered, and the cutie pox disappeared as mysteriously as they arrived!"

"Oh no!" Applebloom expressed worriedly and suddenly received another cutie mark. "Sacrebleu ! Plus de marques de cutie!" She gasped. "Qu'est-ce c'est? Je parle français?"

Her different language surprised us all.

"My sister's speakin' in fancy!" Applejack exclaimed.

"It's French, Applejack." I corrected.

"Now's not the time for corrections, Bond. She needs help!" Twilight announced.

"Ah know she needs help! We can't just wait for this to go away! We gotta find somepony to mix up a cure! And fast!"

"Tout de suite!"

"Not some pony...some zebra!" Twilight offered.

"Zecora!" Applejack realized. "C'mon! We need to go now!"

Twilight picked up Spike and we all exited and headed to Zecora's, galloping rapidly.

Outside, we continued running until we looked back and noticed Applebloom was trailing behind, struggling with her cutie marks.

"Hurry, hurry!" Applejack shouted.

"Dépêchez-vous!"

Suddenly, another cutie mark appeared behind Applebloom's flank, revealing sculpture tools. She was forced off my back to retrieve the tools and instantly created a perfect statue in the middle of town. Then, she received another cutie mark and she was immediately on top of a roof, cleaning out a chimney. As expected, she helplessly endured another cutie mark to which she began playing an accordion, all while continuing to spin the plates and twirl the hoop, in front of other ponies. Another cutie mark appeared and soon she was whipping a lion as she held a stool in front of her.

"Hang on, where did the lions come from, is that Jumanji guy at it again?" I asked randomly.

Yet another cutie mark was spotted, causing her to run to the park and be victorious against an elderly by playing chess. Right after, she was in front of us, as well as other ponies, fencing with another pony. Twilight and Applejack looked at each other worriedly as Spike was watching Applebloom's struggle while casually eating a bag of popcorn.

"She's cursed!" Lily exclaimed.

Applebloom was tightrope walking on some flags tied by a couple of poles.

"Hexed!" Roseluck added.

Applebloom was now sky flying.

"Enchanted!" Daisy finished.

"No, she's not." Spike assured from a stack of hay with narrowed eyes. The ponies sighed in relief. "She just has some weird mysterious disease with no known cure called-"

I quickly interrupted and cut off his sentence by placing my hoof on his mouth. I looked at the other ponies. "It's nothing."

Spike removed my hoof and looked at me awkwardly. "What do you mean 'nothing'? She has cutie pox."

"Cutie pox?" Everypony screamed and instantly cowered back into their homes.

We were left by ourselves in a silent town as a roll of tumbleweed passed by us. I looked at Spike with a displeased expression.

"What?" He asked.

"I thought I had removed their fear the last time that I visited here." We heard Zecora as she spoke to us. "But, doors are barred and shutters shut, guess I should've stayed inside my hut."

"Zecora!" Twilight shouted. "Apple Bloom has cutie pox!" She pointed to Applebloom who was too busy doing complex math on a chalkboard. "We were just on our way to see if you had a cure!"

"But magically you're here! Was your zebra sense a-tinglin'?" Applejack asked.

"My 'zebra sense' did not bring me round, it was a special flower that I needed found. I thought I picked enough to fix all the potions I had to mix, but after my visit from Applebloom, some had mysteriously left my room." Zecora walked forward to Applebloom. "Applebloom! What do you say? Did this flower just walk away?"

Applebloom looked at her worriedly as she lifted up weights. Another cutie mark appeared on her forehead. "I, um..." She was instantly forced to move to a nearby window and begin washing it with sponges and bucket of soap and water. Ponies inside the home noticed this and covered their faces with hazard masks.

"A cutie pox cure I have forsooth, for healing power is in the seeds of truth." Zecora pulled out some seeds from her bag.

"Well, well then give 'em to her! Quick!" Applejack quickly responded.

"These seeds must be planted in the ground. With the truth, they'll grow, and the cure is found." Zecora explained as she held up the seeds on her tail.

"Come again?" Applejack asked, confused.

"She means that the seeds have to grow into a flower, but only speaking the truth is its nourishment."

Zecora nodded and returned a scolding look towards Applebloom who was too busy struggling with her heavy weight and other movements.

"Well then let's get to it!" Applejack bumped the seeds from Zecora's tail and planted them in the ground.

"Applebloom, you've gotta tell the truth, it's the only way to make the flower grow and to put an end to the cutie pox." I called.

"Wah, ah can't stand it anymore!" Applebloom shouted as she continued spinning. "It's me! Ah admit it! Ah didn't earn my cutie mark! They're all fake!" Her spinning stopped as she plopped back on the floor, but her tapping resumed. Zecora released a grin as we looked at the ground for any changes. There was a twitch. "Ah figured the Heart's Desire would help me get what ah wanted most! So when Zecora left her hut, ah mixed up a special potion and put the rest of the Heart's Desire in it!" The planted seeds moved more, and then finally spurted out from the dirt and evolved into a magnificent flower, causing everypony to awe in amazement.

However, Applebloom quickly dove herself to the flower and ate it in one gulp. She sighed and fell to the floor, relieved. All of her cutie marks began disappearing from her body. She stood up and noticed the changes, smiling afterwards.

"Applebloom!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed nearby as she and Scootaloo ran towards her.

"Are you okay?" Scootaloo asked.

"Ah'm great, and ah've never been happier to be a blank flank. But ah'm awful sorry ah lied, 'specially to you gals. Ah was so desperate for my cutie mark, ah just got carried away." She apologized and walked up to Zecora. "And ah'm really sorry ah snuck those flowers from you, Zecora. Ah wouldn't blame you if you never wanted me to come by again."

"Now, Applebloom," Zecora lifted her head with her hoof. "…do not be silly. You are always welcome, my little filly. With each mistake you learn something new, growing up into a better you."

When we looked to see Zecora, she had mysteriously disappeared.

"What...how the hell did she disappear already?!" I asked which got no reply.

"Applebloom, would you mind writing to Princess Celestia and telling her what you've learned?"

"Ah'd be happy to, Twilight!" Applebloom cheerfully accepted. "Spike?" She called.

Spike immediately ran to her side with a quill and letter in his hand. "Ready!"

"Dear Princess Celestia, waiting for what your heart desires can be really hard. So, you may try to take a short-cut. But this dishonesty never works, because you didn't earn what your heart desired. The only cure is being honest with yourself, and others. And that's something every heart desires." Applebloom presented as her friends smiled at her.

Spike took a deep breath and blew the scroll, sending it to the Princess.

"Ah sure am proud of you, sis." Applejack announced. "Seems like you finally learned the importance of patience."

"Yeah." I added. "You really don't want to rush things through. Ah promise you'll find that cutie mark when the time is right."

"Yup! All good things come to those who wait." Applebloom smiled. "Well, ah've waited long enough."

"Actually, that was way too long." Scootaloo agreed as they ran past us.

"What?" Applejack exclaimed in shock.

"So what are we gonna do today to earn our cutie marks?" Applebloom asked.

"Well, I was thinking, for a pony who's never mixed up a potion before, you sure stirred up something fierce." Scootaloo offered.

"Yeah! So what if your talent is potion making?" Sweetie Belle added.

"Oh my gosh, totally! Let's go talk to Zecora, now!" Applebloom realized and the three of them began running towards the forest.

"Yeah!"

"Woohoo!"

I sighed and shook my head, but at least they were okay.

"So, what now for the rest of the day?" I asked.

"Ah think getting lunch and some rest may be on the list." Applejack replied.

"Good idea, let's get to that right now." Twilight said.

Soon, we had our lunch out at the cafe and it was nice to see things back to normal. Hopefully that also in time, the fillies would learn to be more patient and earning their cutie marks. As we stayed at the cafe for the rest of the lunch hour and talking about what each of them will have a special talent in, we moved on to pets...which got me thinking, why don't I have a pet?

May The Best Pet Win

I sat in silence on the subject about pets as up until now, I never really had a pet and now I wanted one, but I wanted to know what kind of pet would be ideal for me and where I could take it to spend time with. After we had our lunchtime at the cafe, Twilight and Applejack spoke about having a group get together with their pets, but I had to raise a question.

"Umm girls, I don't have a pet and what is this get together with pets?" I asked.

"Oh no worries sugarcube, just stick with us and you'll soon see what it's about." Applejack assured.

"Let's get our pets and then we'll go get Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and their pets to come along with us." Twilight suggested.

"Good idea."

Soon, we left the cafe and over to the Library to pick up Owlicious whilst Applejack went to her farm to pick up her dog, Winona, Sugarcube Corner as our next stop, Pinkie came out with her pet alligator who she called Gummy, next was over to Carousel Boutique for Rarity and her cat Opalescence, before trotting over to Fluttershy's cottage to have her and pet bunny, Angel who certainly doesn't seem to be all that from my point of view.

When the five of them and their pets were altogether, we made our way to an empty park where the animals started roaming free around the area. Upon getting closer, I spotted Rainbow Dash napping in the tree, only to see her wake up suddenly when the pets surround her. The girls then got their pets attention so that Dash could have a bit of breathing space whilst I paid attention to see the girls having fun with their pets.

"Sincerest apologies, Rainbow if our pets are bothering you." Rarity said as her cat jumped down from the tree. "Say you're sorry, Opal." her cat hissed, "She's sorry."

I giggled slightly, seeing that Opal has a mind of her own.

"What are you all doing here?" Dash asked.

"Why, we always round up our critters for a regular ol' Pony Pet Playdate in this park." Applejack answered as she ran past Rainbow and continued to throw the stick that she held on to with her tail.

"Uh, you do?"

"Same time every week."

Fluttershy had stopped by Rainbow Dash with Angel on her back. "I thought you knew. You didn't know?" She looked at us. "She didn't know?" She began rubbing her hoof shyly on the ground.

"Well we had initially planned on inviting Rainbow, of course, except-"

"We were totally gonna invite you, Rainbow, then Twilight remembered that you don't even have a pet, and Rarity remembered that you really like to take naps in the afternoon, so Applejack figured you wouldn't be missing out on anything anyway, and Fluttershy and I nodded our heads in agreement like this." Pinkie Pie interrupted Twilight and placed her hooves on Fluttershy, making her head nod.

"Oh, please don't be mad at us." Fluttershy begged.

"Oh, I'm not mad. You all are right. Not much point of a Pony Pet Playdate for me if I'm a pony without a pet, right?" Rainbow Dash replied.

"Exactly. So, if you'll excuse us." Applejack continued throwing the stick towards her pet while the other girls spent time with theirs as well.

Rainbow Dash flew back up to the tree and laid herself down as she crossed her forelegs behind her head. I walked up to the tree and looked at her. "Dash, I know how you feel, I don't have a pet either, but I think it's fun for all to be together, with or without a pet." I said.

However, we began hearing the girls' chattering as they had fun with their pets, causing Rainbow Dash to open her eyes and look at them uneasily. She covered her ears with the pillow, but when that didn't work, she flew towards the ground, near me. "Hey, now wait a minute! Just because I don't have a pet now doesn't mean I never want a pet!"

Fluttershy's eyes immediately widened and her face contained so much joy and excitement. "Ohh! Y, y, Oh, really? You really want a pet? Really?" She flew around Rainbow Dash energetically. "'cause I've got so many wonderful choices at my house." Fluttershy began dragging Rainbow Dash as she flew. "Oh, and I know you'll just love them, and they'll love you, oh!" Rainbow Dash noticed that she was still on the ground, so she rolled her eyes and flapped her wings. "And you'll be best friends forever and ever! Oh!"

"Ohhhh kaaaay, that was a strange change of behaviour." I commented.

"I wouldn't worry about it, dear. She gets that feeling when somepony wants a pet from her." Rarity added.

"Speaking of which, I've been wanting to have a pet as well, but because of what's been going on in recent times, I've never got around to thinking of having one and I'm not even sure what kind of pet would suit me."

Later on when the pets they had were back at their homes, the five of us were by the Town Hall when Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash turned up with several animals.

"What's going on here?" I asked.

"Dash is having a competition on who will be his best pet." Fluttershy replied as she joined us.

"Has she started yet?" I asked.

"Nope she's just about to." Applejack answered.

We watched Rainbow Dash blow her whistle loudly. The animals before her stood at attention. The girls began cheering loudly. Rainbow Dash saw this and blew the whistle briefly, causing the girls to quickly quiet down. "Shh!" She turned her head towards the assembled animals and began pacing in front of them. "So! You all think you've got what it takes to be my pet, do ya? Well, we'll just see about that!" She pressed her nose against the flamingo, causing it to take a long gulp. "If any of you don't think you can handle it, bow out now before you humiliate yourself in front of your peers. This competition isn't for the weak. You'd better be prepared to step up your game!" She noticed the butterfly and pressed her face closer towards it. "You call that flapping?" The butterfly began to flap much harder and faster. "That's better. There's only room on Team Dash for one of you, and my future pet needs to be able to take it to the extreme! Any questions?"

"Ah got one." Applejack whispered. "Does she understand what a pet really needs?"

If joining the army for animals was a possibility, I'd be worried too, I randomly thought.

"Yeah, like care and attention," Twilight answered. Applejack and I noticed Winona begin panting near Twilight. "Love and affection-" She suddenly licked Twilight on the cheek, causing Applejack and I to smile "-ugh! And breath mints!"

We turned our attention back to the competition. I looked back to see Fluttershy, but I noticed that she was gone. I then saw her gently pushing the turtle towards Rainbow Dash with her nose. "Now, you just pay attention, and try your best, and-"

"Seriously, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash interrupted her motivational speech. "The turtle? What did you bring that thing here for?" She pointed towards him, causing him to flinch.

Seeing the turtle look slightly hurt saddened us a bit.

Fluttershy licked a white clean cloth and polished the turtle's shell. "Technically he's a tortoise," Fluttershy placed a hoof around his shell and hugged him. "…and he's always dreamed of being somepony's pet. He just wants a chance to compete, he won't get in the way. You won't even know he's here."

Rainbow Dash observed how he even blinked very slowly. "No."

"Oh, just let him try."

"Ugh, but there's no way he can possibly keep up." She pushed the turtle, causing him to roll on his back and return to his original position. "Look at him!"

"It won't hurt to let him try." Fluttershy repeated, holding him towards her.

"But-"

"Please, Rainbow Dash…" I stated, walking over to her. "He deserves a chance…just like anypony or animal…" She returned a groan, looking annoyed.

"Grrgh, fine!" She surrendered. Fluttershy gently placed the turtle down, causing Rainbow Dash to fly up to his face. "But don't say I didn't warn you! This isn't a game, you know!" She turned her attention to the other animals. "Alright, now these games will determine which one of you has the most important qualities I'm looking for in a pet." Her paradoxical sentences caused me to shake my head. She suddenly sped away, causing the turtle to spin around on his shell. I walked over to him and placed it back right. "Speed!" Rainbow Dash shouted from a distance. After, she manoeuvred through each animal very quickly. "Agility." She stopped by us and puffed herself up. "Guts!" She sped towards a cloud and created a figure with it using her flying. "Style!" She sped back down and presented herself. "Coolness." Then, she created a triumphed pose. "Awesomeness." Finally, she used the cap she had on and turned it backwards, crossing her forelegs together as she wore a pair of shades. "And radicalness."

Twilight had come by. "Aren't those all the same thing?" She asked.

Rainbow Dash lowered her shades to where she could see Twilight. "You would think that, Twilight." She began patting her head. "And that's why you would never qualify to be my pet." She raced away.

"Consider yourself lucky we're not in the Pokemon universe, Dash." I muttered.

"What did you say?" Twilight asked.

"Oh I said don't worry about her. She's just being herself."

"Of course…"

Rainbow Dash had led the animals, as well as us, towards the track for the first part of the test. However, Fluttershy had to pick up the tortoise and fly him over to the starting line and place him on there. She flew back to us as we stood outside of the track.

"Speed!" Rainbow Dash announced. I slapped my hoof on my head because I knew the turtle was going to have trouble with this one… I just wish something could just help him... "On your marks..." The animals lined up at the starting line. "Get set..." They prepared themselves. Rainbow Dash blew the whistle. Immediately at the sound of the whistle, the animals dashed themselves throughout the race. I noticed the turtle barely getting one step on the line. Rainbow Dash analysed the animals that finished a lap. "Sorta speedy, not speedy, pretty speedy, could be more speedy..." The Falcon cried and instantly flew with a rapid speed and stopped at the line. "Yeah! That's speed!"

Right, if that Eagle does not win, I'm taking him as my pet, I said to myself.

The girls began cheering loudly. The other animals caught up with it as it stood, full with pride. The turtle had just finished a step on the line when Rainbow Dash walked up to it and clicked her tongue. "That's just sad."

Rainbow Dash began the next set of tests all involving what Dash had said earlier and each one, the tortoise kept coming last and letting Dash down. But there was one highlight that stood for me so far. The bat's time to shine on a stage was up and he hung upside down. There were several glasses below him and he created a soothing song as he lightly played them.

Wait a minute, where have I heard that part of a song before? Then it hit me.

"I'm starting with the mare in the mirror! I'm asking her to change her ways!" I spoke out a loud in a singing tone.

All the girls and animals looked at me, wondering what I was doing...there was nothing else said as I walked backward slightly.

Suddenly, the bat released a high-pitched squeal and shattered the glasses into bits of pieces. "Whoa! That was truly awesome! But... I'm afraid this is the radicalness competition, so I'm gonna have to take some points off."

When the tortoise was up to present himself, I was really astonished by his bravery and determined attitude to become Rainbow Dash's pet. He had went through the trouble to create an obstacle course consisting of jumping on a spring which would launch him over a pool of sharks, dodge through a continuously swinging guillotine, travel through a roller-coaster style obstacle, jump through a burning hoop of fire, and finally land at a sheet at the end. I truly commended his effort…but unfortunately when he set himself up at the beginning on top of a stool… he could not even make it across to the first obstacle. He jumped and only fell on his shell, helplessly. He waggled his legs as the curtains dropped on him. I saw Rainbow Dash sigh and walk over to him. I began walking towards her…just…just to see if I could do something for the poor animal…

"Listen, turtle..."

"Tortoise." Fluttershy corrected as she popped her head out of the curtains.

"Whatever!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, sending Fluttershy back. "You've had your fun, but I think you and I both know who made the cut and who didn't." He reacted by slowly closing his eyelids and reopening them, looking as if he didn't understand her. Rainbow Dash only stared at him for a moment until he croaked. "You didn't." She pointed at him, then at the flying birds in the sky. The owl, bat, falcon, and hawk had made the cut. "I mean... A for effort and everything, you gave it your best shot, maybe I've got a gold star sticker around here somewhere you can have, but, seriously, go home. You're starting to creep me out…" Rainbow Dash released an uneasy grin. Now it was beginning to look uncomfortable. "So, anyway…" She turned around and noticed me standing there in front of her. "Oh hey, Bond. What's up?"

"Well…" I thought for a moment. "Is there any way that tortoise has a better chance to be your pet?" I began feeling a little more emotional for some reason… "I mean… he really wants to. I can see he's placed so much effort in doing so…it's just…" I sighed. "He's not used to doing the kind of things that you've set standards for…"

Rainbow Dash returned slightly understanding eyes. "Listen, Bond… I know what you're trying to say and stuff...but he's just not the type of pet I'm looking for…"

"But a pet's supposed to be something to love and care for. Something you have a bond with… not for their superior skills…"

Rainbow Dash sighed. "I like to fly." She pointed to the tortoise that was still on his shell. "He can't fly. So if he can't fly, I can't fly. I would have to stay planted on the ground. Besides, he's slow! Have you seen the way he walks?"

"Can't you make an exception? I mean, you can take a saddlebag with you and place him in there. Or I'm pretty sure there are other ways…"

Rainbow stopped me by shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Bond." She began walking away towards the other pets, leaving me to only stare at the turtle and feel depressed. "You're all outstanding competitors, but there can only be one of you who's number one. So the final, tie-breaking contest is going to be..." She turned the other way for a moment. "…pause for dramatic effect ...a race against me! Through Ghastly Gorge! Dun dun dun!"

As she began escorting the animals to their final test, I looked at the turtle and picked him up. "Don't worry…" I thought for a moment. "...I know you'll win, you just have to show her how big of a heart you have...besides, I want that eagle as my pet." He could only look at me and release another brief croak. I squinted my eyes and looked back to see the others walking to Ghastly Gorge. Fluttershy had spotted me and flew over to me before leaving.

"Is something the matter?" She asked, aware of my expression.

"This little animal deserves so much more than to be cast aside." I answered as Fluttershy observed with a concerned expression. I thought for a moment and opened my eyes. "Can you do something for me?"

"What is it?"

"Can you take the tortoise to Ghastly Gorge and have him compete anyway?"

Fluttershy placed her hooves to her mouth. "Isn't that a bit too dangerous?"

"Yeah, I know. I just have faith in this little guy." I patted his shell.

Fluttershy closed her eyes and nodded. "Okay." She grabbed the turtle and we began heading towards the next area of the competition.

We arrived just in time to see Rainbow Dash giving her speech before the start of the event. "Actually, Ghastly Gorge isn't scary. It's fun. Heh. I've flown through it a million times myself, so, obviously I'll be at the front of the pack." As Rainbow Dash continued to be herself, Fluttershy had flew slyly behind the others and placed the turtle behind them. She patted his shell, whispered a comment, and flew back towards us. "But whichever of you make it across the finish line with me will have proven you can keep up with me," She began doing push-ups. "…and will have earned the honour, and glory, of getting to be my pet!" She stood up and braced herself at the edge of the cliff, seeming as if she didn't even notice the tortoise. "Ready?" She asked and looked towards the gorge. "Setgo!" She quickly announced and sped off. The other animals had hesitated for a second but began flying after her. The tortoise could only release a frightened expression, especially since he couldn't fly. He looked below him and wondered how he would accommodate to this test.

I looked at him seriously and muttered to myself. "Come on, you can do this." I closed my eyes and felt something immense inside me. When I had opened my eyes, I was surprised to see the turtle at the bottom of the gorge, slowly walking and severely trying his best to have a chance in winning. I had widened eyes and looked at the girls to see if they had an explanation on what happened, but they were too busy cheering for the others.

"Come on!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Let's go meet them at the end of the finish line!"

The other girls agreed and ran ahead. I shrugged and met up with Fluttershy to head towards the finish line as well.

When we finally arrived, we all stood and wait for Dash and the winning animal...I was placing my hopes on the tortoise so I could have the eagle.

We all heard a cry in the distance and looked up to see the falcon arriving in first place. The girls began cheering for the winner and the rest of the animals as they crossed the finish line. However, their cheering slowed down as they noticed Rainbow Dash wasn't among them as they continued to fly past the end.

"Hm, something's not right here." Twilight commented and grabbed a pair of binoculars with her magic.

Before she could have a second with them, Fluttershy immediately rushed between her and the binoculars to see what happened. "Where's Rainbow Dash?"

Applejack then placed herself between now and looked. "Great galloping galoshes! There's been an avalanche in there!"

"Rainbow!" Spike reacted and the girls began gasping and talking worriedly.

"Wait! Look!" Pinkie Pie suddenly intervened and pointed.

"It's a teenage mutant ninja turtle!" I exclaimed.

"Tortoise!" The others corrected.

"Whatever."

We could see the turtle slowly walking towards us and carrying something.

"Ahh! It's Rainbow Dash! It's her! It's Rainbow!" Pinkie Pie shouted and hopped excitedly.

The girls began cheering loudly again as I smiled at the sight of them. However, their cheering slowed down, once again, as they realized they were heading towards us at a very slow and awkward pace.

"Maybe we'd better go meet him half way." Fluttershy offered, grinning.

Twilight walked over to them, bringing the checkered banner and white line along with her and placing them firmly on the ground. The girls resumed cheering loudly as the turtle slowly passed the finish line. He stopped when we all met up with him.

"Huh. Way to go, little guy!" Spike praised as he patted him on the head.

"Oh, thank goodness you're not hurt, Rainbow!" Twilight exchanged words with Rainbow Dash.

"Just my pride…" Rainbow Dash returned softly and dusted herself off.

"I certainly hope all of this dreadful dust was worth it!" Rarity added as the dust flew over to her. She released a mighty sneeze.

"It sure was, if'n it means Rainbow gets to have her own little critter just like the rest of us from now on." Applejack expressed as she petted her dog on the head.

I noticed the turtle look up at Rainbow Dash, wanting to know what her decision would be.

"Uh... thanks." Rainbow thanked and hopped off of his shell. She lowered herself to see him face-to-face. "What you did... I owe you one." They knocked hooves…or feet… and that made me feel warmer inside, but I was still worried about her decision.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy spoke happily. "Your new pet is over here waiting for you!" She presented the falcon, who spread his wings and flew over to Rainbow Dash, landing above her bandaged wings. The turtle looked at her sadly.

"Oh... right... yeah. That." Rainbow Dash sounded uneasily.

"What's the matter?" Spike asked, noticing this.

"You got your perfect pet, right?" Pinkie Pie added, placing her foreleg on his head.

"The best of the best like you wanted, remember? It can fly and it's not a squirrel!" Fluttershy emphasized. "Should we sing about it again?"

"A falcon sure looks good on ya, Rainbow." Applejack commented.

But is she really happy with it? That's what I thought.

Rarity placed her camera and took a picture, which caused the light bulb above it to flash brightly and scare the turtle. He cowered inside his shell.

"Easy, fella. Nothing to be afraid of." Rainbow Dash comforted the tortoise. "The falcon sure does looks cool... he's absolutely everything I wanted in a pet." She sighed.

"Yay?" Fluttershy expressed in a questionable matter.

"But…?" I asked, longing for her to choose the brave tortoise.

Rainbow Dash looked at me and smiled. "But I said whoever crosses the finish line with me gets to be my pet."

"You did! You did say that!" Pinkie Pie quickly reacted. "She did say that, that was the rule!" She exclaimed as she hopped over us excitedly.

"And the only racer who crossed the finish line with me, was the one who stopped to save me when I needed help." The falcon immediately looked around worriedly and embarrassingly when she had said that. "The tortoise!" She announced and held him up, nuzzling her nose against his. I finally felt warm again inside my heart. I was so happy to see that tortoise smiling in accomplishment.

"But what about the-" Twilight was about to ask before being cut off when we all saw the falcon accept the exchange and shake wings/feet with the tortoise and flew over towards me and on my back.

"Looks like I have my very first pet, an eagle." I said with a big smile.

"Alright dude! That's one terrific pet." Spike complimented.

Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on his shell, causing him to look back and smile very slowly. His expression made me want to laugh, but it was mostly because on how happy I was to see him be chosen.

"Would ya look at that? He even smiles slow." Applejack commented and led the girls to chuckle and awe.

"Spike, take a letter." Rainbow Dash spoke. Spike pulled out a scroll and quill and began writing. "Dear Princess Celestia, I used to think that the most important traits to look for in a pet, or any best friend, were all physical competitive abilities. But now I can see how short-sighted and shallow that was."As she had spoke, I noticed Opal aggressively attack and bite that toy mouse she had in her claws. The winning pet noticed this and slowly walked over to her to take it away. However, Opal realized his attempt and began to furiously swipe her claws at him, but he had covered his head and feet by burrowing them inside his shell. He poked his head out, retrieved the mouse and dragged it inside his cage as Opal began to attack him. "Today I learned what the most important quality really is. A certain kind of spirit. A stick-to-it-ive-ness. A never give up, can-do attitude that's the mark of a real winner. And this tortoise has it." Opal had grown weary of attacking her pet and walked away as if he wasn't worth fighting. I smiled at her behavior and the tortoise's bravery.

"Tenacity." Twilight offered proudly.

"Gesundheit." Rainbow responded in the wrong way. "You just can't stop that little guy. He's like a... like a... Tank!" She placed her hoof on his shell. He poked his head out.

"But Rainbow! You didn't want a pet that couldn't fly because it would keep you grounded and hold you back, remember?" Fluttershy advised, causing his head to lower sadly.

"Hmm..." Rainbow Dash wondered, placing a hoof to her chin. After a moment of thinking, she raised it up and exclaimed. "I've got it! Everypony, go to the park. I have a surprised for all of you!" She chuckled and grabbed him, taking him with her as she flew away.

The girls and I exchanged looks with each other and shrugged.

We did as she asked and walked back to the park, waiting for Dash and her new pet.

"Heh. C'mon, Tank! We're gonna be late for our very first Pony Pet Playdate!" Rainbow Dash shouted from the top of the hill. We both turned our heads to see her flying towards the others, but what caught our eyes was Tank. He had flying goggles on him and some sort of flying contraption strapped on to his shell with a belt. He was no longer slow and stuck to the ground. He flew over to the others happily. We all exchanged looks and chuckled at the sight of him.

"Good thing he doesn't fire cannon shells." I said to no pony in particular.

As for me, I was having fun flying around with my pet eagle which I was going to name as Raven...what, it's a cool name, don't judge me!

After the pet play-day was over, we all exchanged our farewells and headed on home as it was nearly close to the evening. With my new pet, I walked home with my new pet on my back. It flew to an empty nested spot in my small shed in my fenced back garden, probably to make itself at home, which I could only smile at. I headed inside my home and took off my clothes and got straight to bed.

It's funny how so much can happen in a day or so. Earlier in the morning was all about that cutie pox and the rest of the day was about pets, Dash now has one which I'm sure she's happy with and so am I, I never had a pet before but now I do and I'm much happier thinking about that, as I went off to sleep.

The Mysterious Mare Do Well

I woke up to a bright morning with the sun already risen above the sky...and what do I care about going all nature right now, I have a day of just wanting to relax to spend. As I left my home and into town, I heard a cry for help down an old and unused well outside the park area.

"Help! Heeeeelp!" shouted a voice from down the well.

I galloped over to hear the voice getting louder.

"Help! HEEELP!" a filly cried.

"Looks like my time off is gonna have to wait...I'LL SAVE YOU!" I yelled as I flew up and zoomed right down the well to find a pink filly with cyan mane and I carried her on my back. "Hold on tight, this is going to be fast."

I then zoomed out of the well with the filly and landed down by it to then find a small crowd gathered around me and they were cheering as the filly jumped off me.

"Woah! What's with this crowd?" I asked. "Uhh, I mean thanks, but I'm just like the rest of you, I'm nothing special and it's no big deal."

"To me it was." the filly I rescued "You're my hero, umm..."

"Bond Racer, you're one of a kind wise-cracking alicorn!" I boasted.

The ponies cheered, which by then the six mares showed up.

"Bond Racer, I didn't know you wanted my job to save ponies." Dash remarked.

"Oh you, I was just at the right place at the right time, it's nothing really." I replied.

"Well, sugarcube, rescuing a filly is something to feel proud of all the same." Applejack said.

"Why don't we have a 'Bond Racer's a hero' party?!" Pinkie suggested.

"I don't think a party will be necessary Pinkie." Twilight answered.

"Yeah, it was just a normal rescue I did...although being a hero isn't bad either."

"Oooh, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Dash asked.

"Hmm, I guess so. How about we make it a bit of competition?"

"I'm listening."

"Let's see if we find out which one of us gets to solve a crises faster than the other."

"You mean, making rescues as a sport?"

"Yes indeed."

"Alright, Bond, you're on."

Dash and I bro-hoofed, leaving the other five with confused expressions.

Sometime later, things were quiet in Ponyville. I was by the cafe when I heard a mare scream, I then saw a runaway pram racing down towards the ledge that overlooks a gorge. I was about to gallop off and fly when I saw Rainbow Dash already there, grabbing the pram handlebar with her teeth. She was able to stop the pram just before it reached the edge, I looked on over and I breathed a sigh of relief. The other ponies on the other side cheered as Dash's heroic moment, I flew beside her to see her blush.

"Nice going there, Dash, you got that one before me." I complimented

Dash nodded before changing her expression when she looked inside the pram.

"Oh no, there's something wrong with the baby." she commented.

The other ponies gasped.

"She's not cheering for everypony's hero, Rainbow Dash!" she added lifting the baby high up.

The ponies cheered again.

"Wow, a lifesaver and a troll, are we related?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind."

Dash then took the baby back to her mother before she got pictures taken by a group of photographers. The rest of the six showed up along with Scootaloo who was wearing a cap that looked like Dash's mane.

"There's just aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe Rainbow Dash's awesomeness!" Scootaloo stated.

"I can think of a few new words." Twilight commented.

"And modest ain't one of them." Applejack added.

"Nah, but she was kinda awesome this time." I said. "So she and I have a point each now, I wonder if the next one will be a tie breaker."

I got no reply, but this didn't bother me. During the afternoon, I was trotting along and past the flower shops when I looked to my right to see a balcony about to collapse and taking the elder ponies with it. I was gonna make my move when I heard Dash's voice again.

"Never fear, your friendly neighbourhood Rainbow Dash is here!" Dash yelled before she zoomed over.

"You're lucky that Peter Parker isn't around to hear you say that." I muttered.

Dash grabbed the balcony, lowering them to the ground safely, Dash once again got cheers and that gives her another point from our comeptition battle, she now had two points and I had one. Soon, a chant began and I knew that this was when I decided the comeptition was over.

"Hey Dash, remember our comeptition? Looks like you won the decider." I said.

"Oh yeah, I'm so awesome!" Dash exclaimed.

"And I accept defeat with humility and friendship of course."

"Oh yeah, no hard feelings at all, Bond."

We did a brohoof before she went up in the sky, listening to the chants of her name.

"I can't hear you!" she said which the crowd then chanted her name louder.

I walked away slightly towards where the others had turned up.

"Guess the comeptition between you and Dash is over, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, she won the decider and I wasn't hurt at all."

"Well at least you know how to show humility, unlike Dash who has been behavin' like a huge boaster as of late."

"Call me silly, but I think this whole hero thing might be going to Rainbow Dash's head." Twilight commented.

"You may be right, silly." Pinkie added in her random way.

"Umm Pinkie, that wasn't meant to be taken, literally." I pointed out.

"Oh you silly, it's literacy, not literally."

I grumbled and facehoofed at myself...one of these days, Pinkie...

Soon afterwards, we were at sugarcube corner where the four of us, a small fanclub, Spike who was dressed as a reporter all listened as Dash told stories about her heroic deeds. I had to admit, she is starting to let this hero thing go way into her head.

"Danger is my middle name, Rainbow danger Dash." she boasted, putting on her sunshades.

Now I was beginning to see her being way more than a show-off...is she and Trixie related?

"Awesomely heroic and awesomely arrogant, that day." Applejack said quietly.

Twilight and Pinkie agreed whilst eating cupcakes.

Soon, we saw Dash put her hoof around Applejack by surprise.

"Hey Applejack, how would you like to be immortalised as my friend?" she asked.

"Immortal-what?" Applejack asked back.

But before Dash could answer, they got a photo taken.

"Are you taking notes?" Twilight asked Spike who writing something down a on a notepad.

"Yup, I've been hoof-picked by Rainbow Dash herself to write her autobiography." he answered.

A biography book as well? Seriously, Dash?

"Umm, autobiographies are supposed to be written by the ponies they are about."

"Maybe for you normal run of the mill ponies, but I'm far too busy saving lives to stop and write, that's why I hired Spike as my ghost rider."

Suddenly, Pinkie yelled, "AH! Spike's a ghost!" before zooming out of the store.

Okay, that was weird...

"Anyway, Spike here writes down everything I say. Don't you Spike?"

"Don't you Spike?" Spike wrote on his notes.

"This way, I can focus on performing my acts of bravery that nopony else has the guts to perform. Yeah, it takes guts."

Dash then got each filly to take a photo with as she carried on talking, "But it also takes brains and sometimes a big lunch and a nap. You're hero sure is not for everypony, but I am up to the challenge."

"I think we should leave her for now, girls and go somewhere else." I said to them quietly.

The others nodded as we went to the Library, we set around in a circle, thinking what to do to teach Dash some humility.

"So, what kind of idea do any of us have right now?" I asked.

"Well, ah think in order for her to stop bragging, there has to be something or somepony that can be better than her." Applejack replied.

"Wait, I've got it!" Twilight exclaimed, "We'll all make a new hero, one that protects the citizens of Ponyville."

The other girls agreed to it and talked about it a lot more, I wasn't sure however so I remained silent.

"That's a great idea, Twilight. But what do you mean 'make a new hero'?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well..." She began walking around, keeping her eyes locked on me. "If we get some pony to be the hero. One that is perfectly capable of doing the job and not boasting about it."

"What me? Oh no no no, I'm too modest."

"Exactly, you'd be perfect for the job."

"But, Twilight… how would I be capable of performing rescues?"

"Bond, we've all seen how strong your alicorn abilities are. You're strong, flexible, and very agile with wings and magic!"

I began to blush, "Why umm...thank you Twilight, but through all that, I'm just like everypony else...but..."

"But what is it?"

"I'm not sure if this is the way to go about it...wouldn't it be better to just talk to Dash about it?"

"Really dear, with her new found fame and fanclub? She would never have time to speak to us." Rarity moaned.

"Not if I can persuade her to do leave her fans for a while and to just talk to her."

"Alright, you can try and convince her, but we're still gonna go through with the plan just in case." Twilight said.

"Good, but I'm sure it won't come to that." I said, "I'm gonna go and look for her."

"Alright, we'll stay here for the moment."

I nodded as I left Twilight's home. As I walked down through the town, I was very concerned about how the others were going about it, I said that I wouldn't it but what if one of them if a few of them volunteered to be the new hero in the same disguise? What if Dash found out who the new hero was and got jealous about it? It would all end in tears and betrayal, I thought. I had to find Dash as quick as I could, but she was nowhere to be found at the moment.

But I then saw her taking autographs and there was a long line too, looks like I'm gonna have to barge my way through.

"There we go." Dash said as she was holding a pencil in her mouth.

"Someday, I wanna be just like you." a filly said who had her picture of Dash signed.

"Aim high kid, but don't aim for the impossible." she advised.

I walked towards her, "Dash, do you think we can talk?" I asked her.

"A little busy right now with signing autographs." Dash replied.

"I figured, but it's serious and I need to tell you about it."

"Okay, okay. So what is it?"

"Well, you see-"

I got cut off when I heard a scream, we all looked up to see a balloon that had burst and was falling with a mare inside it. Dash looked like she was about to do her heroic deed again and become more arrogant when suddenly, a dark blue mare with a purple hat and cape showed up from the rooftops and jumped so high and rescued the mare before the balloon crashed into a tree.

Me, Dash and the rest of the ponies walked on closer to have a proper look at the mysterious hero, they gave out cheers as the mare brohoofed the hero, before the masked hero jumped high and was out of sight. I spotted Twilight among the crowd, but she looked a little uneasy, I looked back with a glare as I began to learn what was really going on.

"Holy turnips, that pony came out of nowhere!" the mare who was rescued said.

"I've never seen so much bravery in all my life." Daisy added.

"That's right, Ponyville has a new hero." The Mayor intervened, "A mysterious mare that has done well by our fair city today." she continued as the mare on the hill disappeared, " I dub this new masked hero the mysterious, Mare Do Well!"

The ponies cheered except for Dash who didn't seem happy about it.

"Mare Do Well, huh? Well that mare would do well to stay out of my way." Dash exclaimed. "Ponyville's only got room for one hero and that hero is me."

I walked over to Twilight who didn't see me coming. "Umm, Twilight, what is the meaning of this?" I asked.

Twilight didn't answer but instead jumped in shock and ran away...okay, that was strange, but I can already tell. They probably decided to carry on their plan even though I told them that I would talk to Dash, it's just that we were interrupted by a screaming mare. I looked back and saw that Dash had already gone, this was the beginning of not going to end well when all is revealed.

The rest of the day that followed seemed to be one impending disaster after another in Ponyville, which got me thinking, why is it all happening now? Each issue that came along, Dash tried to save them but fails and then, Mare Do Well (possibly one of the five mares) would end up saving the day and of course, this made Dash more and more jealous...and not once have I had the chance to talk to her.

Well, following the dam incident, I couldn't stand aside no longer, I had to tell her all about it. I caught her flying through the clouds and decided to call her out.

"Rainbow Dash!" I called out as I flew upwards and beside her, "I've been trying to get your attention to speak!"

"Bond, not now." she replied.

"Can we discuss it by the dam, it's far away from the public's ear...this is really important."

"Alright, lead the way." she sighed.

When we landed by the dam, I first of all had to listen what Dash wanted to say before I could come out with the truth.

"All anypony talks about is Mare Do Well this and Mare Do Well that, what about me, how could everypony forget about so easily?" she asked me.

I sighed, "Well, I have the answer for you and I think I know what's been happening."

"Huh, well tell me, then."

I cleared my throat as I was going to be telling a lot, "It all started when you saved the elder ponies from the balcony and after that, the five girls all said that they were finding you to be overconfident, arrogant and with no humility. Sadly, I had to agree but when they and I discussed what could we go do to try and teach you a few things about humility and modesty, then began a bit of a disagreement. I wanted all of us to talk to you about it, but they didn't think like that, they thought of the idea to make a new hero and with four of the five mares all dressing up as Mare Do Well which will explain all of the actions that you and I saw."

Dash now had a shocked expression, but I carried on.

"Then it hit me, Pinkie was the one who not only saved the mare from the balloon, but also saved the ponies at the construction site, Applejack was the one who stopped that runaway carriage, Twilight was behind the magic who repaired the dam and Fluttershy was the one who flew past you, which meant that Rarity designed the costume...or costumes if there's more than one."

"So what you're saying is...they...wanted to...teach me a lesson?" Dash asked as she began to show a bit of anger.

"I'm sorry to tell you all of this, Dash, but I had to snitch them out and tell you the truth. If what you heard has made you feel angry and upset at them, I don't blame you. If this was happening to me, I would be feeling exactly the same way."

Dash then began to show a lot of anger in her face and I knew that if I didn't get out of the way quickly, I would feel bit of her rage, literally. I stood well back and saw Dash getting madder before she finally let her emotions out.

"ARGH! SOME FRIENDS OF MINE!" she shouted.

Her rage was being let out so much that she flew off at breakneck speed and I couldn't say anything. I was really disappointed in the other five girls for not taking Dash's feelings into consideration and giving more thought about their idea. I flew back to Ponyville and it was almost sunset, I was able to spot all five of them by the carousel boutique...with one of them dressed up as Mare Do Well.

"GIRLS!" I shouted at them as I flew and landed near them, "Inside, now!"

The mares could see that I was not in a happy mood. When we were inside, I locked the door so that nopony else could get in.

"You wanna know what's been going on, you wanna know why I am feeling like this?" I asked them sharply.

"Woah nelly!" Applejack exclaimed, "First of all, please calm down and tell us, peacefully."

"I'll try but I won't make it a promise."

"Right, now why are you mad at us?" Twilight asked.

"Because earlier today, I figured it all out when I left the library. But that's not all, just moments ago, I told Dash all of it and let's say that she is incredibly angry with you five right now and so am I!"

"But why did you do it, darling?" Rarity asked.

"I just couldn't stand aside and watch you go about getting rid of her ego problems the wrong way. There is a mare in Cloudsdale right now who is incredibly heart broken and needs far more than an apology!"

"But we were trying to teach her to be a modest hero." Pinkie said.

"But you failed to take her own feelings into consideration, obviously the one thing that was never important to all of you!"

My anger then went and I showed a sad look as they all did the same after me.

"I am extremely disappointed in you five today and consider yourself lucky that Celestia doesn't know about it, what would she say?"

"We...didn't mean to...hurt her feelings..." Fluttershy said who was trying not to cry.

"I just can't understand why you didn't take my idea in the first place...which was to just talk to her."

The ponies all hung their heads in shame as the thought of what they had done.

"And talk to her we will, let's go girls, we have a lot to explain." Twilight declared.

"I should think so, too." I added.

Soon, they left the costumes behind and we took Pinkie's balloon and hitched a ride up to Cloudsdale. When we got there and with Twilight's spell from the last time we were up here, we headed on into Dash's home which wasn't far. I knocked on her door and then opened it, to find Dash looking at a portrait on a wall, could it be her family or something?

"Hi Dash, are you feeling alright?" I asked calmly.

"Better that you're here." she replied whilst trying to wipe her tears away.

"Well, you may not like this, but there are five ponies who wanna talk to you and I'm not going to say anything, because I've said enough to them." I then stood by the wall as the others walked on in before closing the door. "Well girls, go on."

Dash turned around to see the mares all showing sad expressions, "So what do you girls want? To tell me I'm boasting about something else?" she asked coldly.

Yep, this was going to get ugly before it gets any better...if it does, that is.

"Rainbow, we came by here to see you. We need to talk." Twilight replied.

"About what, me not being graceful or whatever?"

"Rainbow please, we've been really thinking about it today, I know you're upset and you really have every right to be angry with us. But we don't want this to be the end of our friendship, it wouldn't be the same without you."

"Really, is that the best you can do?!"

"Calm down, we just want to say that we're…"

"Save it Twilight. I was bragging and boasting yes, but what you girls did was not cool at all. Why didn't you just say something about it like Bond Racer tried to do?"

Twilight and the others stood back in shame and said nothing.

"You know I remember you wouldn't stop talking about how your dresses were the best, Rarity. Oh and Twilight, you just loved to go on about being Princess Celestia's student like as if you were royalty. Yet as soon as I start talking about my heroic acts, you girls decide to gang up on me and make me the laughingstock of Ponyville. I hope you five are happy now. You're no better than every other pony I befriended."

"Rainbow, listen to me. We weren't trying to hurt you or anything, we just didn't think this would happen." Twilight said.

"Well you're a little late on thinking about it then aren't you? If you want to tell me you're sorry, then it's too late. I'm done with you girls, you ruined me just for some friendship lesson! Well you can put this into your next friendship report Twilight! We're no longer friends at all and I never want to see any of you ever again!"

It was getting real ugly, but they had it coming, I thought to myself.

"Wait, don't say that!"  Twilight shouted with her voice broken and beginning to cry. "Please…let us at least say something."

"I guess you can say something, but only for a few minutes."

"Rainbow, we all learned something the hard way today."  Twilight said. "We thought we were helping you, but instead we realized that we were not acting with humility or grace."

"Twi's right sugarcube."  Applejack said. "If anypony was not being humble, it was us. We ain't any better when it comes to boasting."

"As your good friends we really should've been more considerate."  Rarity said. "We five got caught up in being famous and living the high life. We should've thought this through more instead of humiliating you."

"We didn't mean to put you through so much."  Fluttershy stated. "We really hurt your feelings and we didn't want to do that."

"We really didn't mean to be meany pants to you Dash."  Pinkie said in a low voice. "We didn't mean to make everypony laugh at you. It's no fun for everypony to feel that way."

"The point is Rainbow, we're so sorry for what we did to you. We were being completely thoughtless about this Mare Do Well idea and should've taken into consideration your feelings. You may've been boasting and bragging about your accomplishments, but we learned when it comes to that, we're no better. We all understand if you no longer want to be our friend or anything, but please don't end your friendship with us. We're really sorry about this whole mess and we promise we'll never do something like this ever again to any other pony. Mare Do Well will never return again to hurt another pony ever again."

I looked on over at the scene I was watching, the five of them hung her heads and tears continued to drip down her faces. Dash and I could see the hurt and remorse in their eyes as they looked up at her. She was torn on what to do with her friends and what to say to them. I wasn't sure but I kept hearing whispers of more apologies towards her.

"Dash, I think they've learnt their lesson and most certainly the hard way too." I intervened, "You see girls, isn't it much better to just talk about these issues together?"

Dash looked back at the girls...and for the first time since earlier today, smiled, "Girls...I can see you're very sorry about it and don't want our friendship to end and you know what, Bond, you're right. If we can work things out together, then nothing can stop us."

"You…*sniff*…mean it Rainbow?"  Twilight asked with hope in her voice.

"Yeah I mean it, besides, what would the elements of harmony be without the most loyal friend in all of Equestria?" she asked with ambition, "Um…that wasn't being too boastful right?"

Twilight walked forward and hugged her. "We don't care Rainbow, we're just happy to have you back. Can you ever forgive us for what we did to you?"

"Sure, I forgive you, girls, but only if you promise me one thing."

"What's that?"

"The next time you girls want to teach me a lesson about something, just tell me like Bond Racer did today okay? Don't go all Mare Do Well on me."

"Of course Rainbow."

So through the beginning of the night, all seven of us began smiling and talking about it altogether. When we talked about the costumes, we agreed that the Mare Do Well costumes should be gone for good and by having them burnt. Rarity protested at first, but I promised her I would give her a treat if she did, she then accepted it.

After a while, I looked at the wall clock, "I think it's time for us to go home." I said.

The other murmured in agreement and made their way out.

Twilight look back at Rainbow and gave her one last hug. "Thank you Rainbow, it's good to be friends with you again."

Rainbow returned the hug and said, "Yeah…thanks Twilight. It's good to be friends with you all again." Dash then gave me a hug which I accepted. "Thank you as well, Bond, from how I see it, you were our hero today."

"I was, but it was for a good reason and I don't need to do that again." I replied before I whispered, "Twilight's birthday in two days, don't forget."

Twilight and the rest of us made our way outside and went into the hot air balloon and we waved farewell to Rainbow until she was no longer in sight. We landed outside Sugarcube Corner and when they got out of the balloon, I flew down beside them and smiled.

"Girls, I am very proud of you right now and I think what we've learnt should be sent to the princess." I said to them.

"Good idea, could you take a note for me, please?" Twilight asked.

"Sure." I replied as I used my magic to make a paper and quill to appear and began to write what Twilight had to say.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Today's events have taught me something very important about friendship and betrayal. We all learned that the thing you may try to teach your friend may in fact end up hurting their feelings. You should always think about how the act of helping a friend would result in. Always make sure that you talk to them first or other methods before doing more drastic measures. If you don't, it could end up costing you a friendship.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle"

I finished writing the scroll and gave it to Twilight who said her goodbyes and left for home already. The rest of us huddled together and spoke quietly.

"Alrighty girls, Twilight's birthday in two days, make sure we all get her presents and Rarity, I promise to give you whatever it is you need in return."

"How about an accommodation in Canterlot, I need to do some shopping there for Twilight's birthday dress." Rarity said.

"Leave it to me, I'll do it first thing in the morning and help you with the shopping."

"Thank you, darling."

"Alright, goodnight all of you."

We then exchanged goodbyes and hugs before going to our homes. I walked back to mine and taking off my suit and shoes, I headed straight to bed and recapped on today's events. For me, it felt good to be a hero for that filly by the well, but who knew that a bit of boasting and bragging would cause so much friction and falling out with friends.

Ah well, the important thing is that they all learnt a valuable lesson about talking things out before doing things that will have severe consequences, it was quite ugly at times, but they seemed to have made up and I feel the friendship among all of us is stronger than ever.

As I began to sleep, two things were on my mind, get Twilight a birthday present and help Rarity out with her Canterlot shopping, time for me to go all posh I guess...

Sweet & Elite

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face, why? Cause I was going to keep my promise for Rarity and also to make sure Twilight has the best birthday the next day. After getting myself ready with a small bag full of bits, I left my house and with my wings at the ready, flew upwards and straight to Canterlot castle. The sun had just rose up, so it was perfect timing on my part for sure, I landed outside the castle and walked through the entrance with no problems. I had made my way through the big areas before approaching the big doors, the unicorn guards on either side opened the doors for me as I walked into the throne room to see the Princess writing something down on a scroll.

"Good morning, Princess." I greeted as I bowed with a smile and walking further down the throne room.

"Well good morning to you, Bond, I felt your presence before you arrived into the castle." Celestia replied.

"Must be because of my alicorn status which when I'm here, I seem to be more respected by the ponies than down at Ponyville where everything is equal, not that I'm complaining as I love both sides."

"That is understandable, Bond, but I'm sure you haven't come to discuss formalities. Is there something you want to discuss?"

"Yes, well actually, there are two things. First one is that Rarity is looking to do a whole day of shopping later today here at Canterlot and she wishes to have an accommodation set up for her so that she can buy what she needs."

"I see and may I ask why before I proceed with the preparations?"

"Well, that's where the second thing comes in, in two days, it will be Twilight's birthday and I'm also here looking to find a really thoughtful present for her and I'm sure Rarity will be doing the same with a birthday dress or something."

"That is very thoughtful from both of you. In which case, I'll be glad to accommodate your friend and perhaps some spare space for you if you wish, I'll give you two a suite in the castle."

"Thank you Princess." I replied with a smile.

She faced one of the guards that were outside her room. "Would you please go find a young pony named Rarity from Ponyville and tell her to meet me at the suite?"

"Of course, Princess." The guard responded and began heading out.

Princess Celestia turned to me. "Come on, Bond. We shall go and meet her at the suite."

"Alright."

Princess Celestia walked me to the almost highest tower in the castle overlooking all of Canterlot.

"After I show your friend to her room, I'll let you two get started on finding Twilight's gift." Princess Celestia said to me.

Sometime later, Rarity walked up the steps with Opal by her side and a poor Porter trailing behind her with all her luggage. Knowing Rarity, it had to be full of just about everything a posh mare needed. She smiled when she noticed me...

"Morning dear Bond." Rarity greeted.

"Morning Rarity, as you can see, I lived up to my promise." I replied.

She smiled and looked at Princess Celestia. "One of your royal guards pointed me up here?"

"Yes." The Princess began. "How would you like to stay here?" She pointed towards the door and escorted her in.

As I walked behind them, Rarity grew an immediate surprised face with widened eyes, throwing a gasp in as well. "Here? I get to stay here?" Her voice echoed through the large room presented before her. The room contained a large magnificent bed, looking almost like the one Rarity has in her home, a vanity mirror, and some other furniture for her needs.

"Bond Racer said you were coming to Canterlot for a visit, and asked if I might accommodate you." Princess Celestia replied.

Opal began getting comfortable as she patted her paws delightfully on the bed. "Thank you so much, Princess." Rarity announced as she continued to observe the room.

"You're very welcome."

"No, really." Rarity rushed over to her. "This is so nice of you."

"It's nothing, really."

"Oh, but it isn't nothing, it's everything! I, I just don't know what to say but thank you, thank you!" She quickly bowed down and kissed Princess Celestia's hoof. "Thank you!" She kissed her hoof again. "Thank you!" As she kissed her hoof yet again, Princess Celestia began looking at me very awkwardly and slightly uncomfortable. I could only shrug as Rarity continued to bombard the Princess's hoof with kisses. "You are very we-"

"Thank you!" Rarity exclaimed, cutting off her sentence.

Finally when the Porter had managed to climb up all the stairs with her luggage, he presented himself by the door, panting. "Your luggage, mademoiselle?" His legs began shaking with all the weight.

"I'll leave you to get settled." Celestia finished as she walked out of the room and past the Porter who somehow managed to bow. "Your highness."

She looked back at Rarity. "Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you!" Rarity called out one last time as Princess Celestia left.

"Where would you like me to put these?" The Porter asked.

I was about to help him with more of the luggage, but his legs gave up and he fell towards the floor. One of the boxes from the luggage rolled over to Rarity and stopped below her hooves. Nonetheless, she smiled. "That's perfect."

Soon, we got around to packing and by the time we were done, the porter left and closed the door on his way out. Rarity came forward to me and gave me a loving hug which made me smile.

"Thank you so much for doing this for me, darling." she said whilst hugging me.

I smiled and accepted her hug, "It's alright Rarity, anything to make a close friend feel happy."

"You are so endearing you know, Trixie is very lucky to have you."

"Yeah, it does feel great and besides, I'm here as well in order to get a very good present for Twilight's birthday."

"Oh yes, now that we have everything unpacked, I must go over what I need to get in Canterlot and you can come with me."

"Sounds great to me, Rarity."

Shortly, Rarity picked out one of her fashion hats which was a pink one and placed a small saddle bag on her back, we were then on our way to the town of Canterlot. When we arrived, it was what I had a thought it would be, all posh and elegance with each pony minding it's own business. We took a seat by a posh cafe...yeah, I'm going to be saying posh quite a lot here...

"Bond, do you know what I love about Canterlot?" she asked whilst sipping a cup of her tea, "Everything."

"Yeah, sort of answered your own question there." I muttered

"I may have been born in Ponyville, but I am a Canterlot pony at heart." she stated, "Now I know that I'm here to get fabrics for the shop, but I must get or make something for Twilight as it's her birthday tomorrow."

"Maybe you could design a birthday outfit?"

"Ooh, perfect! Don't you just love it here, Bond?"

"Umm...nope." I answered, intimidating Big Mac's voice.

Then, a couple of ponies walked up to the table and faced Rarity as she sipped her drink some more, completely ignoring me.

"Please excuse our interruption." The male with glasses began speaking with the most snooty accent I've ever heard before. It was so ridiculous, that it made me want to laugh again. "I'm Jet Set and this is my wife Upper Crust. We saw you from across the cafe and just had to find out...

"...Where did you get that simply marvellous chapeau?" His wife finished, creating overly dramatic gestures for every word she spoke.

Their speech was highly annoying, but entertaining at the same time.

"Oh, this old thing? Oh, it's just something I-"

"Rarity!" We heard as a drop of water splashed on her hat. We turned our attention to see a window washer above us. "Hey Rarity!" However, his movements broke him from his harness and caused him to fall towards us while still hanging on one rope. "Whoo! It's me, Hayseed Turnip Truck!" His presence caused the two ponies to back away, frightened, as the ponies in the background stared at us. "We met at the big hoedown in Ponyville last month?"

Rarity returned a nervous grin. "Oh, yes, of course, how are you?"

"Good! Real good!" The rope snapped and he fell down.

"Hmm..." The two ponies expressed in a disgusted manner. "You're from... Ponyville?"

"Well, yeah, yes, but-"

"She sure is! She's a real big-time fancy pants dressmaker there! Probably made that real purty thing she's got on her head!"

The mare looked over at her husband. "I thought it looked a little country."

"I told you it wasn't something you could get here in Canterlot, dear."

They then rose their heads and walked off...that was quite rude of them, I had to say.

"Well they sure seem real nice." Hayseed said.

"I think you should get back to work." I told him.

"Umm, oh yes, see ya Rarity...and whoever you are." he replied before leaving us.

I could see that Rarity was looking down after those hurtful comments about her hat and where she was from...good thing I didn't say anything about living there. I put my hoof around her to cheer her up and decided that we should focus on getting the stuff we need for Twilight's birthday.

"Don't let them get to you, Rarity. You're amazing at what you do in the world of fashion, their snooty attitudes just comes with the territory of living in Canterlot I guess." I said to her.

"You are right Bond and I thank you for trying to help me." she replied whilst trying to show a smile.

Afterwards, we got to work and we shopped at several places around the town. I bought Twilight a birthday card and a small gift which was a mini gold statue of a book since I know she loves books.

"Alright, I'm done on my end, I guess it's back to the suite?" I asked her as she was carrying several bags with her magic.

"Yes and I have to get started right away, this new design is very ambitious and I'm going to make sure that it looks fabulous for her party."

"Nice, but watch where you're-" I got cut off as Rarity barged right into another pony, "-going." I sighed.

The bags then fell to the floor as a mare unicorn behind the colt took off a bag that was on his head to reveal a very classy unicorn...I was thinking to myself, oh here we go again...another insult towards Rarity.

"Fancypants." Rarity gasped.

"Wait, you know this pony?" I asked.

"Well, I say, that's one way of making an introduction." Fancypants said.

"My goodness, I am so sorry, I didn't see you there. I just got so many bags and I was trying to get back to my suite at the castle and-"

"You're staying at the castle?"

Rarity began collecting her shopping bags, "Well, this alicorn friend of mine you see here got me to stay at one of the Princess's suites."

"You two know the princess?"

"Hmm, a pony with expensive tastes I see." the pink mare unicorn asked, carrying a bag of feathers towards Rarity.

"Oh it's an ensemble I'm making for a friend, her birthday is in a few days." she then trotted off with her bags, "Again I'm really sorry I bumped into you."

"I'm not. You are obviously somepony worth bumping into." Fancypants replied, "Listen, I have a V.I.P box reserved at the Wonderbolts derby this afternoon, would you two be so kind to join me and a few of my companions there?"

"Us?" I asked

"Well of course, mister..."

"Bond Racer, Ponyville's one and only Alicorn." I replied.

"Bond Racer, a charming name and quite fitting since the wonderbolts derby is all about racing." the pink mare commented.

"Well I uh, sure." Rarity answered.

"We would love to see you there..."

"Rarity."

"...Rarity."

Fancypants and his mare soon walked off, which left me feeling much different than before.

"Well, looks like not every Canterlot pony here is snooty, Fancypants and his mare seemed genuinely polite." I commented.

"Indeed dear, but now I have a bit of a problem."

"What is it?"

"I'll explain when we get back."

"Okay."

We soon walked back to the suite and dropped the bags with the fashion materials and gifts.

"So what's the problem?" I asked.

"Being invited to see the wonderbolts derby in a VIP box is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but going there will cut the amount of time it'll take to make Twilight's outfit." she replied.

"Hmm, well Fancypants seems like the most important pony in Canterlot, his seal of approval could do so much wonders for you and your business. On the other hoof, Twilight's party may not be as sophisticated as the derby, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't put all your energy to creating that ensemble and they would always appreciate your hard work more than any other pony."

"Yes dear, I would hate to let them down."

I smiled as I began to think that she was going to make a good choice.

"And I won't, Bond, I'm going to the Wonderbolts derby as a guest of Fancypants." she then squealed like a little filly in excitement. I could see that Opal did not approve of her choice and I was unsure about it.

"Are you sure, Rarity? Because I can help you with the dress if you want."

"Yes if you could help me after we've been to the derby, that would be sweet of you. Now let's go, I want you to be there for me in case something goes wrong."

I nodded as we left the suite, we walked on over to the derby that was on the outskirts of Canterlot where Fancypants saw us.

"Rarity and Bond Racer, jolly good to see you. So glad you both could make it."

We walked on up to the highest box which was indeed a VIP area where other Canterlot ponies came forward to see us.

"Everypony, this is Rarity and Bond Racer." Fancypants told them. "They're staying at Canterlot Castle."

The other ponies gasped and smiles as they greeted us, not noticing my alicorn status though which was okay. Soon, the derby race was about to start and we looked on over to the wonderbolts preparing to race.

"I'll be rooting for Rapid Fire of course, he's sure to win the Grand Prize." Fancypants boasted.

"I don't think he has a chance against Fleetfoot." Rarity disagreed.

But then the race began as they flew around the track and the mare with the grey hair won the race, that must've been Fleetfoot. The other ponies gasped as Rarity let out a tiny squeal of delight.

"Bravo, Rarity. I say, how did you know Fleetfoot would be victorious?" Fancypants asked.

"My friend Rainbow Dash talks about her all the time, she said what Fleetfoot lacks in size, she makes up for it in speed." Rarity replied.

"And who is this Rainbow Dash?" one of the other guests asked.

I could see Rarity was struggling to answer, so I stood in.

"Oh she's the bearer of the element of Loyalty, one of the seven elements of harmony, she also works with the weather management team from Ponyville, a group of pegasuses responsible for bringing the water to Cloudsdale."

"Well, well, well, you two certainly get around. I told you all these were important ponies." Fancypants said.

Rarity breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that I saved her from embarrassing herself.

"Three cheers for Rarity and Bond Racer, my two new favourite party guests." he announced.

The others cheered in their Canterlot way.

"Say, wouldn't you like to join Jet Set and Upper Crust at the garden party tomorrow evening?" Fancypants asked us.

"Oh I wish we could go, but we have a friend's birthday party in Ponyville to go to on that same time of the day."

"Bond Racer!" Rarity exclaimed. "I don't need you to answer for me." she then cleared her throat, "I apologize for my friend's behaviour, he sometimes forget that we all have minds of our own."

"Oh he doesn't need to be, I can understand why friendships are important, but it would mean so much for us if you could come."

"Sure, I will be there tomorrow evening."

"Splendid, now we shall see you then, take care for the rest of the day."

"Oh we will, goodbye."

Rarity and I then left and headed on back to the suite, but not before getting more invitations to do other things which I didn't say anything about. Heading on inside, Rarity went straight to work on making Twilight's dress, starting with a small pink scarf around the neck on the pony mannequin.

"Looks like my evening for tomorrow will be a rough one." she said. "Turns out bumping into Fancypants like that was the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"So much for Twilight's dress being your top priority." I muttered.

"What was that, darling?"

"I keep looking at the dress you had in mind and you still haven't started it."

"I know and I want to work on it, but I can't possibly disappoint the Canterlot elite by rejecting their invitations now can I?"

I sighed as I had given up at this point trying to reason with her.

"Alright then, I'll work on Twilight's dress for you while you go about with the rest of your day, okay?"

"Okay dear, I'm sure you have some ideas, thank you."

So, she left as I went to work on the dress, it actually took me some time as I had no clue on what to do. After a long while, it was already the evening and I had fallen asleep beside the bed after placing what I could make as as dress on the mannequin. Although, I did hear hoofsteps coming through the door and knowing it would be Rarity, I didn't wake up as I thought she would be tired as well and hope she didn't mind me sleeping on the floor for the night.

The next day arrived and I had just woken up to see Rarity dressed in another outfit, possibly for the garden party later tonight.

"What do you think, Opal, too much?" she asked her cat, "You're right too little." she then placed a hat to match the dress. "Garden Party, here I come!"

Just as I was about to try and talk some sense into her again, the doors opened and it was Twilight and the others.

"SURPRISE!" they yelled, causing Rarity to gasp and then fainted.

"What just happened?" Twilight asked.

"I guess she must have been really surprised to see you all." I replied, "Anyways, happy birthday Twilight." I added as I showed her the card and present I got for her.

"Thank you so much, Bond!" She replied, sharing a hug and taking the card and present.

Shortly, Rarity stood up from the ground and looked at the girls with a puzzled expression on her face. "What are you...how did you...why are you..."

"Listen to her. She's so excited to see us she can hardly talk." Applejack stated.

"What I mean to say is, what are you all doing here?" Rarity questioned.

"When I got your letter saying you were stuck in Canterlot, I asked Pinkie Pie if it wouldn't be too much trouble to move my birthday party here, so you wouldn't have to miss it!"

"Balloons are super easy to pack." Pinkie Pie grabbed a suitcase and opened it, releasing many balloons.

"Wow...first Bond gets me a suite at Canterlot castle and now this. I don't know what to say, Twilight."

Rainbow Dash instantly flew up to Rarity's face. "How about you start by saying what you're doing in that fancy getup?"

"This? Uh." Rarity tried to answer as the girls looked at her with tilted heads. "Well I- I always put on something a little fancy when Opal's feeling under the weather... Cheers her right up." She ended with a nervous laugh.

I shook my head in disappointment.

"Oh, poor Opal, where is the sick darling?" Fluttershy asked, wanting to go inside and check up on her, but Rarity stopped her by placing a hoof in front of her.

"Oh, uhh, she's... hold on a minute." She slammed the door shut.

"Huh?" The girls released in unison.

We waited for several seconds, even exchanging looks. I could see that the girls were surprised of Rarity's behaviour. I knew I could have told them…but it wouldn't be right…

Rarity opened her door. "She's resting on the bed."

Fluttershy immediately dashed in. She flew over to Opal who looked as if she was drenched in water. Nonetheless, Fluttershy didn't seem to notice this and grabbed her from the bed as she held her up. "Poor baby. She looks awful." She growled at Rarity, who flinched after.

The girls had walked in and looked around. Twilight spotted the dress from which I worked on. "Is that my dress?"

"Yes, Bond Racer worked on it." Rarity responded with some slight nervousness.

"It's so, simple, so practical...so me! It's the perfect dress for my birthday party! I love it!" Twilight exclaimed and hugged me.

Rarity released a true sigh of relief. "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that." She looked over to the design she was actually supposed to make and threw it away with her tail.

I guess we were both lucky there.

Ready to celebrate Twilight's birthday, she led us through the castle in her new dress.

"When I told the Princess that I was moving the party to Canterlot, she was kind enough to offer us the Canterlot castle ballroom!" She opened the doors to reveal the same area where all that chaotic destruction occurred in the Grand Galloping Gala. However, it was fixed up and now filled with party items.

"Isn't it fancy pants?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Fancypants? Where?" She hid behind me. I looked at her with confused eyes. She noticed every other pony stare at her oddly and stood back up. "Ahh, I mean, where did you find the time to put up all these decorations? Haha."

"Oh, I never leave home without my party cannon." She pulled out a cannon and blew the fuse, immediately causing an explosion of streamers, confetti, and the ability to instantly decorate a table in a second. "Tada!"

Rarity noticed the confetti land on her dress and sent an irritated look back at Pinkie Pie.

"I thought about having my birthday outside, but they're having another party on the castle grounds today." Twilight stated as she walked over to the window to look outside.

I walked alongside Rarity to see what she was talking about and noticed a fancy party outside, including those two uptight ponies from the café incident. That must have been the garden party, I narrowed my eyes in slight annoyance.

Pinkie Pie slowly slipped between us and poked her head out, observing the party. "Let's party!"

We began partying through the afternoon, past the sunset time and making sure Twilight had the best birthday party, it was just the seven of us, but it seemed like we wouldn't have it any other way. However a few times, Rarity wasn't with us and she kept making excuses to be with the guests at the garden party outside....until she made a mistake by brining in a croquet mallet.

"Uh, what's with the croquet mallet?" Rainbow Dash asked as she held a pink party balloon in her hooves.

"What croquet mallet?" Rarity questioned in a muffled tone as a drop of sweat fell from her face.

"Duh, the one in your mouth!" Rainbow Dash pointed out, causing the music to cease and all the girls to return surprised expressions.

Rarity looked at her mouth to see a croquet mallet indeed. She instantly dropped it and laughed nervously. "Ooh, that croquet mallet. I- well I, you know, the truth is... the truth is..."

"Were you at that other party in the garden?" Twilight asked in a shocked tone.

"I, I..."

"Rarity, I'm surprised at you!"

"Twilight let me explain!" Rarity dove to Twilight's hooves. "I-"

"I hadn't realized you were such a savvy businesspony!"

"You must understand! I-"

"All of those ponies look so posh, I bet you could totally get some of them to buy your dresses. Very smart!" Twilight praised.

"Woo, wwwhy yes, I-I didn't want you to think I was being rude, so that's exactly the reason I didn't tell you. The one and only reason." A nervous laughter followed. I narrowed my eyes again but let it slide. I didn't want any other problems occurring after.

"Oh, well you didn't have to do that. You should totally go over there and mingle!" Twilight allowed.

"Twilight, you really are the best friend a pony could ever ask for." She hugged her in relief. "I don't know why I ever thought you wouldn't understand."

"Understand what?" Twilight questioned.

"Nothing." She instantly replied. "See you all later!" She began galloping out the door, but Rainbow Dash stopped her.

"Hey, wait up! We're your friends! I'm sure they won't mind if we check out the party too, c'mon you guys! Let's show them how to party Ponyville style!" I smiled and joined the girls with their trotting towards the garden party. Pinkie Pie trailed behind with her huge party cannon as Rarity stayed behind, shocked.

Soon, the carnage began as I walked into a corner and watch it all unfold, I was laughing so much at how much the five of them were making a mess of the place and ruining those two snooty ponies who insulted Rarity and Ponyville. Twilight was dancing in her nerdy way which was kinda cute until Fancypants walked towards her.

"Excuse me, might I ask where you got your ensemble?" He asked

"Why yes, yes you may." Twilight responded happily. "A very, very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me."

Rarity watched as she was drinking more punch, but suddenly spat it out when she heard Twilight's sentence. She walked over to the two as the two ponies from the café were drenched in punch. I smiled at their appearance and joined Rarity.

"Ponyville?" He asked in a sort of lifeless tone. "You don't say?"

"I do say. Her name is-"

"Fancypants!" Rarity exclaimed, cutting off Twilight. "Come with me! I'd like to show you this, er, thing, that's over there. On the other side of the room."

"In a moment, my dear." He held his hoof up. "This lovely mare from Ponyville was just about to tell me who made her charming dress."

"That dress? Oh come now, who cares, it's just a plain old-"

"Oh don't be so modest, Rarity, this dress you made is beautiful!" Twilight's response caused all the other ponies to return a loud and immediate gasp as they dropped the things they were carrying. The rest of the girls had joined Twilight and me. "We all think so!"

"You know these ponies?" Fancypants asked Rarity.

Rarity seemed to swallow her pride, "Yes. Yes, I do know them, they may not be as sophisticated as some of you Canterlot ponies, but they are my best friends and they are without a doubt the most important ponies I know."

"Important ponies? These ruffians?" Jet Set questioned.

"Don't make me laugh!" Upper Crust added, and the both of them began laughing arrogantly.

"I, for one, find them charmingly rustic." Fancypants commented caused them to shut their laughter and ponies behind them to gasp. "And I think the dress you made for your friend is lovely. I dare say every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one."

The wife immediately popped up near Rarity. "Oh, I'd like to place my order right now."

"I think you should get two. Hm?" The husband joined.

"Er, yes, now then. How about you introduce me to your friends?"

"With pleasure!"

After the party, the girls began to prepare to leave. I told them that I would meet up with them the next day as it was quite dark and I was tired from today's event, I heard her writing a letter to Princess Celestia.

"Dear Princess Celestia, I wanted to tell you about the important lesson I learned during my visit." Rarity began.

Princess Celestia had appeared out of nowhere and walked towards her. "Now that I would like to hear."

Rarity was surprised by her presence, but turned around to began walking around the room. "I learned that no matter where you go in life, you should never forget that you are the product of your home and your friends. And that is something always to be proud of, no matter what."

Princess Celestia smiled and closed her eyes. "Hm, a very valuable lesson to have learned, see you soon, my little ponies." she added before leaving us.

"Mind if we talk, Rarity?" I asked.

"Yes, I wanna get something off my hooves too." she replied.

"Alright, I'll go first, I want to apologize for how protective I was, being with you yesterday."

"It's okay dear, I was just so nervous of trying to fit in that I forgot what's really important."

"Well, I'm really glad that you remembered in the end and Fancypants really helped you out."

"He sure did, so my business could grow bigger for me."

"Indeed, but don't forget about us." I winked.

"I won't...now, this may be a bit personal, but I wish to know...have you been spending time with Trixie as of late?" Rarity asked curiously.

"I haven't seen her since she told me that she was going to take a vacation away from the forest...so I haven't been able to show my affection of love since then." I sighed.

"You poor dear, let me help you with a hug."

She then gave me a warm friendly hug which I accepted. "Thank you Rarity. I guess we should go to bed now." I said pulling out of the hug.

"Okay, climb on the bed."

My eyes widened slightly, "Umm, I don't think I should, I'm in love with Trixie and all and-"

"I know, but I won't do anything to you, darling, I promise." she insisted.

"Oh...alright...have a good night, Rarity."

"You too, Bond."

So we then got into bed and as promised, she didn't put a hoof on me and I was happy with that. It was quite a terrific birthday party and I think Twilight left a very happy mare, I'm sure we'll get to party like that in Ponyville again sometime.

Secret Of My Excess

When I woke up the next day, I helped out Rarity with her luggage before we left the suite and out of the castle.

A few days had then passed since Twilight's birthday and during that time, I learnt that Spike had his birthday coming up, so I thought of getting something for him. When I woke up the next morning in my home, I reminded myself that it was Spike's birthday today. I thought of getting him something gem-related but then he'd probably try to eat it. So perhaps a gem made in stone on a stand would be better.

After getting myself ready and packing a few bits, I trotted out of the house, into the town and over to the gift shop. After I made the purchase of a gem made in stone and in plaque, I had it wrapped up in a present and I made my way over to Twilight's Library home. Along the way, I saw Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity heading the same way.

"Hi girls, I guess we all have the same idea." I greeted.

"Sure do, sugarcube, these presents here are all for Spike." Applejack.

I then noticed Rarity having a heart necklace around her.

"Where did you get that necklace from?"

"Spike gave it to me the day after you and I came back from Canterlot, it was so beautiful that he wanted to give it to me instead."

"Wow, that's very generous of him, I guess you returned a favor?"

"Sure did, a thank you kiss is as harmless as anything, dear."

I smiled as we arrived at Twilight's house.

We opened the door to Twilight's home and entered.

"It's over, Spike! I'm cleaning that cheek!" Twilight exclaimed as Spike began running away from her.

Twilight used her magic to teleport him back to her, but he continued running. Nonetheless, Twilight continued casting her spell, creating an unending cycle, tiring both of them. "It's mine!" Spike shouted as Twilight teleported him. "Stop it!"

"Never!"

"Twilight!"

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie disappeared from our group and reappeared in front of Twilight, blowing a party hooter. After, she rushed over to Spike and greeted him. "Happy birthday!" She threw confetti and streamers over him. For whatever reason, Twilight managed to use the cloth she had and wiped Spike's cheek. "Party time, woohoo!" Pinkie Pie threw more confetti in the air.

The girls grabbed the gifts and held them with their teeth, except Rainbow Dash, who flew and held the dumbbell with her hoof.

"Are those... for me?" Spike questioned, surprised.

"You bet they are, birthday boy." Applejack replied, tossing the gift onto his claws.

"Happy birthday, Spike!" Fluttershy softly exclaimed and placed her gift on top of Applejack's.

"Happy birthday, Spike." I added, placing my gift on top of hers.

Rarity also threw her gift on top of mine. Pinkie Pie stretched her legs and placed hers on Rarity's. And Finally, Rainbow Dash released her dumbbell on top of all of them, causing Spike to lose his balance and fall towards the floor, dropping all the gifts. He looked at all of them with a puzzled expression on his face as he rubbed his head.

"Don't you know you get presents on your birthday?" Rainbow Dash asked him.

"Well, actually, this is my first birthday in Ponyville, I usually just get one present from Twilight. A book." He explained with a frown.

As Twilight began walking towards him, I could see her carrying a book with a bow on it. However, she stopped upon hearing Spike's sentence and looked back to see the book she was bringing him. She hid it behind her and slowly walked away as she blushed.

"Speaking of presents," Rarity pulled out a cape-like cloth. "…this is from my new line of taffeta capes. I'm going to make one for each of you!" She presented it before us.

All of the girls were fascinated by the cape and offered their surprised thoughts and awes with it.

"Um, Rarity…" I commented as I continued looking at the cape. "Wouldn't these kinds of capes be more for girls?"

"Oh...right, not to worry dear, I'll make one in a blue, colt style for you when I can."

I smiled, "Cool, thanks."

"I've been inspired by the generosity of my little Spikey-wikey, who gave me this beautiful fire ruby, one of the kindest acts I've ever experienced."Rarity presented her necklace. I noticed Spike gain that love-struck look on his face once again. Rarity rubbed her head compassionately on Spike's as he warmly accepted. "Mmm."

Spike opened the impressively many gifts he received as we ate cake and other treats. Honestly, I had never seen so many gifts in my life. He was just finished digging through a square box to pull out a blanket with apples on it. "Applejack, I can't thank you enough for this great blanket. I really needed a new one." He hugged Applejack, causing her to drop the apple she was in the middle of eating.

"C'mon, Spike, you already thanked me fifteen times." She gently pushed him away from her. "I'm startin' to get a little embarrassed."

"I know I keep thanking you guys, but I'm just so grateful."

"Hold on, Spike." I announced as I walked over to him. "You still have this one to open." I gently pushed the box towards him.

He immediately began tearing the wrapping paper. When he finally opened it, his eyes widened at the sight and he mouth watered. "Gems? You got me all sorts of gems?"

"Of course. Dig in!"

"THANK YOU!" He squeezed me and literally jumped inside the box, munching on all sorts of gems. "I wish this party could last forever!"

Pinkie Pie was bouncing on a blue balloon with a party kazoo in her mouth until it popped. She sat down and spread her hooves. "Duh!" She rushed over to Spike, pushing Applejack and Twilight out of the way. "The party can't last forever 'cause you have to go to Sugarcube Corner, 'cause the Cakes said they have a special surprise for you, 'cause it's your birthday!" Pinkie Pie's excited movements caused her to fall towards the ground.

"No way!" Spike exclaimed loudly and instantly began running out the door.

"I said the party couldn't last forever, but it doesn't need to end right now!"

Spike continued running and ignored her, slamming the door behind him in an excited and happy manner.

I chuckled lightly and looked at the others. "I'll go make sure he doesn't hurt himself on the way over there."

I walked over to Sugarcube Corner to catch up to Spike who was excitedly motioning his feet near the counter. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!"

"There's the dragon of the hour! Happy birthday, Spike!" Mr. Cake announced joyfully.

"Thanks!"

"When we found out it was your birthday, we couldn't resist trying out a new recipe!" Mrs. Cake lowered herself below the counter to retrieve something. "Sapphire!" She presented a blue cupcake with sapphires on it. The cupcake stood proudly on the plate.

"Wow!"

The cakes gave him the cupcake, which he returned a series of licking lips and more watering of the mouth. I continued smiling and walked up to him. "C'mon Spike, we can still enjoy your birthday a little more while we still have the time."

"Alright." He answered but laid his eyes on the cupcake.

We started walking out as the Cakes followed us and stopped at the door.

"Thank you so much!" He shouted towards them, waving them goodbye and licking his lips again after. "Man, first I get a bunch of great presents from my best friends, and now an amazing sapphire cupcake!" He excitedly commented to me as I looked at him. "Hohoh, what a day!" He suddenly bumped into somepony. "Whoa!" I noticed the pony was Ms. Cheerilee. The grocery bag on her back was about to fall off. I quickly rushed towards it and prevented it from falling and spilling any of the contents inside. However, Ms. Cheerilee was on the floor with her eyes spinning around in a daze. Spike's cupcake must have flown out of his hands because he caught it with his insanely long tongue and brought it to his claws again."Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, Cheerilee!"

"That's okay." She responded. I placed the bag back on her back. "Thank you so much, Alex." She thanked, sending a smile to me.

"It's not a problem at all." I replied, returning a smile as well.

She looked over to Spike who still had his cupcake. "What's got you so excited?"

"Pinkie Pie told me I should come see the Cakes, so they could give me a cake 'cause it's my birthday today!" He explained.

"Well, happy birthday, Spike! I wish I had something to give you!" She placed a hoof on her cheek and thought. "Uh... oh!" She raised her hoof with an idea. She dug through her grocery bag with her head and pulled out a hat with a feather on it. "Here you go!"

"Wow, really?" Spike questioned, touching the hat.

"Sure! Everypony should get fun gifts on their birthday!" Spike immediately sprung towards Cheerilee and gave her a grateful hug as well. "Have a great birthday, Spike! Goodbye, Alex!" She announced as she began to walk away.

I waved and looked towards Spike.

"I wish every day was my birthday..." He presented dreamily as he tugged the sides of the hat over him.

I started began having this odd feeling as he carried on walking through the town. I had an odd feeling about him now, but I shook it off and decided to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing. I then spotted Derpy flying around in her special way before stopping and landing on the ground when she saw me.

"Oh hi Bond." she greeted.

"Hey there Derpy, how it's going?" I asked.

"Very good and what about you?"

"It's all fine, would you care for a muffin?"

"Sure, where shall we go?"

"My home at Cloudsdale."

"Alright, show me the way."

Derpy and I then flew upwards, although she may be a little clumsy with her flying, she did seem to have a good mindset of where to go. When we arrived at Cloudsdale, we continued to fly over until Derpy pointed her hoof out to a house.

"There's my home, it's right there." she said.

We flew down and landed by the door, she opened it and we walked in. When I had a look around, the house was quite nice and welcoming from what I could see. There were two bedrooms instead of one though, so I guess Derpy isn't the only pony that lives here. I then heard light hoofsteps coming from one of the bedrooms, a little filly showed up and she was a pink filly with blonde mane...just like Derpy, I wondered if that was her...

"Mommy!" the pink filly exclaimed as she galloped over to hug Derpy by the foreleg which made me smile.

"Hi Dinky, we have a guest in our house today. This is Bond Racer, say hello to him."

"Hi Mr. Racer." she replied to me.

"This is Dinky Hooves, she's my daughter."

"Well hello there, Dinky." I said to her, noticing she had a horn. "You're a unicorn?"

"Yes I am."

"So your daddy must be a unicorn, right?"

"Well actually, we're not even sure if that's right." Derpy intervened.

"What, how come?"

"We don't know, but I do know that someday, she's going to learn to use magic and be a great daughter." she said petting her daughter, Dinky. "That portrait over there is my parents, they were pegasuses like me."

"That I can understand, but how was Dinky born as a unicorn is what I can't quite get."

"Like I said, we just don't know how or why."

"Oh well, she seems to know her surroundings."

"Yeah she does...anyways, time to make muffins."

"Oh oh oh! Can I help?" Dinky asked in excitement.

"Of course, Dinky."

"Yay!"

"What about me?" I asked.

"You just make yourself at home, we'll take care of the muffins."

"Okay then."

I sat by the sofa and watched Derpy and Dinky go through a recipe book and making the muffins...some time had passed and when the muffins were done, I could smell them and they were good.

"There we are, muffins are done and ready." Derpy declared as she served them on a large plate at the table

"And they smell really good." I said as I walked over.

"Yay, muffins!" Dinky exclaimed.

We then got stuck in by eating the muffins, there was at least enough for me to have a couple. They tasted really good too...mmm, double chocolate, hope Dinky brushes her teeth...but what do I care really, I'm just a guest in their home.

"Those were some terrific muffins, you should forget about being a delivery pony and open a muffin store." I suggested.

Derpy and Dinky giggled, "You're funny, Bond." Derpy said.

"Ah well, I do try." I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

Just then, a scroll appeared from nowhere and landed by me.

"A letter from Twilight Sparkle?" I asked as I opened it up to read the letter. "Bond Racer, come straight back to Ponyville, major emergency!"

"Ohhh, that doesn't sound good." Derpy commented.

"Nope and I'm gonna have to cut this short as I need to go right away."

"It's okay, we'll see you again another time, but thank you for seeing me and Dinky."

"Same to you both, good bye." I replied as I waved and left their home.

I soon leapt up and began to fly out of Cloudsdale and back to Ponyville, when I arrived, I heard a siren go off.

"What the, is there a nuclear war in Equestria?" I asked out of the blue.

I got no answer, but then a giant purple arm suddenly appeared and with it's claw, smashed the siren post to dust.

"Oh...my...word." I said quietly.

I looked up and up to see that it was a huge dragon with green scales.

"ARGH! IT''S SPIKEZILLA!" I shouted out loud.

Spikezilla which I decided to call it for the moment, rampaged through the town, scaring the other ponies into hiding. I then heard a loud scream by the tail, I looked over to see Rarity bring wrapped around by his tail.

"Put me down you brute!" Rarity yelled at him.

I'm guess Rarity has no idea that it's Spike.

He continued to cause damage through the town when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy showed up.

"Dash! Fluttershy! You girls have to free Rarity from him!" I exclaimed.

"We're on it!" Rainbow Dash responded and brought Fluttershy with her.

"Don't worry Rarity, we'll save you!" Fluttershy said as they flew towards her.

"Put her down, right now!" Rainbow Dash commanded on his left.

"I- if you wouldn't mind, that is..." Fluttershy added fearfully on the other side.

"I mean it, dragon boy!"

"We'll be ever so grateful if you'd be so kind as to possibly consider..."

"Drop her, scaly!"

"Uhh, you two, this is not helping." I intervened.

Spike backed away from them and turned around, wildly swinging his tail around to swat them out of the air. "Hey!" Rarity yelled as she was tossed side to side in his tail. "I'm- Not some- -sort of common- fly swatter!" He eventually was successful when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were caught hold by Rarity's cape, which tore, and began falling straight towards the water as they screamed.

"Look! The Wonderbolts!" Dash exclaimed as they suddenly turned up.

I began to fly up again and watch as the wonderbolts tried their best to stop Spike but they were unsuccessful as Spike got them trapped in the water tower basin by the mountain.

"Oh be quiet. You've got nothing to be proud of!" Spike opened his mouth and motioned his claw mockingly as Rarity continued to lecture. "You steal everypony's things, terrorize the town, and use me as a weapon against my own friends! Which, as horrible as it is, I can almost understand because you're a dragon and all. But this!" I saw her rip something, most likely her dress. "This is a crime against fashion!" Spike brought her closer to his eyes to observe something on her… Strangely… his expression changed… It wasn't aggressive anymore…"Oh no. You are not getting this gemstone! This was given to me by my dear friend Spikey-wikey... the kindest, sweetest, most generous dragon ever. And it is too precious to me to give to a greedy old beast like you!"

Spike grunted and opened his eyes. They turned into compassionate ones… Maybe… Maybe he's remembering about the gemstone! After a few seconds, Spike shook his head and placed his claw on his cheek.

"Oh, what now? I suppose you'll be eating me or something?" He began shaking and suddenly, through jerky motions, transformed back into himself. "Spike? You're the rampaging dragon?" Afterwards, they began falling straight towards the ground, screaming.

Pinkie Pie was looking through a pair of binoculars as we could only stand watching at the bridge. "Somepony do something!" She cried out loud as Applejack placed her hat over her face, fearing the worst.

"I'm on it!" I yelled as I flew as fast as I could towards them...eventually, I swooped by and Rarity landed on my back whilst I grabbed Spike with my hooves. Then, I finally slowly down and flew to the bridge, before landing down and dropping them off.

"There we are, all in a good day's work." I bragged slightly.

The water tower fell from the mountain, revealing the wonderbolts cowering together, but once they noticed they were free, they hovered in the air proudly and flew away.

I sighed and joined the others on the other side of the bridge. "I never want to go through that ever again…"

"Ugh, don't even remind me." Twilight replied.

"Ah'm just glad that's over. Next time we'll think twice about getting him gifts on his birthday." Applejack added and we all shared a laugh.

I noticed Spike sitting on the bridge arch as he looked around at all the damage he caused when he was a godzilla spin-off earlier, but I knew that he wasn't himself at the time, Rarity walked towards him, perhaps to cheer him up and give him some assurance, before planting a kiss on his cheek which made him smile.

As we walked back towards town by sunset, Spike began writing a letter. "Dear Princess Celestia, today I learned a great lesson about friendship. Well, you might think that it would feel good to get lots and lots of stuff, but it doesn't feel nearly as good as giving something special to somepony you really care about. But I learned that it truly is better to give than to receive, and that kindness and generosity are what leads to true friendship and that's more valuable than anything in the world. Well... almost anything." He looked towards his cheek, which presented a pair of lips.

I looked at him and smiled. "That's a good letter, Spike."

"Thanks!" He responded. "Sorry about the way I acted."

"I'm sure everypony will understand...in the meantime, I think it's going to take all of us to repair all of Ponyville."

"Yeah...I feel so horrible after that."

"Don't be, Spike. I suggest you take it easy for a few days and then you'll be fine once again."

"Okay, thanks."

"No worries."

Soon afterwards, we all exchanged our farewells and agreed that starting from tomorrow morning, all of us will fix the damage that was caused today, with help from the other ponies of course. I made my way home and inside, I wanted to get to bed as I feeling more tired than normal, plus, I would be needed for the next morning.

As I began to sleep, I looked back on today's events. Spike sure had a good birthday to begin with and I had a good time hanging out with Derpy and meeting her daughter Dinky, I could only smile at them. Then seeing Spikezilla rampaging through the town...I'm just glad that no camera holder got crushed, that alone could give anypony nightmares!

Hearth's Warming Eve

A few days had passed since the Spikezilla incident and Ponyville was finally back to normal with everything repaired and looking fresh once more. However, as I woke up one morning, I looked out the side window to find it all snowing...I guess I forgot that it was the start of Winter and that the event known as Hearth's Warming Eve was here. Now I had always wondered, why do they call it that instead of Christmas?

Ah well, if I was gonna start questioning the functions of Equestria, I'd be doing it forever. Anyways, Winter is Winter and it seems everypony else is excited about it. My point was then proven, when I heard a knock on the door and I opened it to see the six mares.

"Morning Bond!" they all said.

"Umm, morning all, what's this about?" I asked.

"Oh haven't you heard, Princess Celestia selected us to play roles on one of the most important plays on Hearth's Warming Eve." Dash answered.

My eyes suddenly widened, "A p-p-p-play?" I asked whilst shivering as the mental image of my parents getting shot played again.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Bond." Twilight apologized, "We forgot that the last time you were in a play..."

"...was when I lost my parents that night." I finished for her as I shook my head, "Sorry for worrying you girls, it's just that everytime somepony says something to do with roleplays and musicals, I get that mental image in my head of...well, you get the idea."

"So even telling us all about it hasn't made it go away, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"No and I just don't get it."

"Well, you don't have to be in the play if you don't want to, us and the Princess Celestia will understand." Fluttershy said.

"But it would mean a lot, if you could come along and be apart of the play group, darling." Rarity added.

"Besides, we're going to be in Canterlot, not Fillydelphia." Twilight assured.

I pondered for a moment, they were right, I live in Ponyville...I just forgot about that for a split second. I looked back at the girls and they seemed to really want me to be with them for the play...besides, I haven't done for a play for a long time but I wondered if I still got it. I smiled back and thought that there was only one way to find out.

"You are right and I'm sure at Canterlot, security will be extremely tight. In which case, I'll gladly come along and help you all."

The six mares then gave me a group hug which made me feel loved all over again.

"Thank you Bond, we promise you, it'll be terrific and I'm sure you'll demonstrate how you act in a play very well." Twilight said.

"I can guarantee that...I think." I replied with a wink, "By the way, is Spike coming along?"

"Actually, he's not very well to be in the play, but it's no problem, it's still gonna be fun!" Pinkie replied.

"Come on ya'll, we got a train to catch. " Applejack said.

Soon, we all boarded a train to Canterlot, the snow was still falling down and it looked quite impressive to me. We looked on out through the windows as we were travelling to Canterlot. I looked around and it appears we weren't the ponies from Ponyville going to Canterlot. I saw Derpy sitting beside her daughter Dinky and the Cutie Mark Crusaders with their CMC capes on.

"We're getting closer!" She excitedly announced.

Rainbow Dash opened her window and looked out as well. "I can hardly wait!"

Fluttershy joined them. "I'm so excited, I-I feel like shouting! Woo hoo!" She cheered.

"Whooowee! Canterlot, here we come!" Applejack shouted in the snowy environment.

"Oh, I do hope I look festive enough!" Rarity added, wearing a small miniature tree as her hat, which contained ornaments and decorations already.

Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out from underneath the top of her tree. "There it is! Canterlot!"

"Oooh..." The girls released as we neared closer to the city.

Once we arrived at the stop, everypony on the train left, and we trailed behind them. When we stepped out, the train whistled a few more times and began leaving the station.

"Oh, isn't Canterlot wonderful this time of year?" Twilight commented as we all looked around and gazed at the scenery. Pinkie Pie hopped beside us.

"Yeah, I wish it was Hearth's Warming Eve every day." Rainbow Dash added.

"There's so much to look at! Ah feel like my durned eyes are gonna pop right out of my head!" Applejack commented in town.

I could see several ponies in the background, but mostly I saw a huge decorated tree, bells, and many decorations! "You're absolutely right there, Applejack." I added.

"I have an idea; let's play 'I spy with my little eye' as we walk!" Twilight announced. "I'll go first. I spy..." Twilight began looking around. "…an eight-foot candy cane."

I looked towards where Twilight was facing and saw that huge candy cane she was talking about. Scootaloo and another filly were trying to pull their tongues off of it, causing me to chuckle.

"I spy a snowpony!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, causing us to turn our heads towards a pony who was just finishing placing on a hat for it.

"I spy somepony eating a gingerbread house...!" Pinkie Pie waved her hooves excitedly and sped towards a nearby shop, returning with a large gingerbread house and chomping down on the whole treat. "...and it's me!" She spoke as she munched with cheeks full.

We all laughed as she munched loudly. My random mind kicked in and I then wondered if Ebenezer Scrooge was gonna turn up with his grouchy mood face on, but nothing of the sort happened as we carried on.

"Come on everypony, we better go to the Canterlot theatre so that we have loads of time to rehearse." I advised.

The others nodded in agreement as we walked on to the theatre and through the back door to the backstage area.

After we got our scripts, we began rehearsing our lines over and over again all through the morning and afternoon whilst taking breaks along the way, all in time for the event that was about to start at the beginning of the evening.

"I can't believe that Princess Celestia chose us to put on the most important play of the season! Do you all know what an honour this is? For all of us?" Twilight shared, closing her eyes while Rarity puffed her cheeks with powder.

"It's a little weird…" I said, looking around and noticing the dressing room full of mares.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Well…I'm pretty much the only guy in here…"

Twilight giggled. "Don't worry, Bond. It'll be fine."

"Oh, I wish she hadn't honoured me quite so much, I can't go onstage! I don't want everypony looking at me!" Fluttershy commented, almost in a panicked tone. After, she sped towards the box full of colourful scarves and hid her head inside.

"Fluttershy, darling, there's nothing to feel nervous about." Rarity began comforting her.

"No?" She pulled her head out.

Rarity grabbed her and began pushing her back towards the mirror. "Of course not." Using her magic, she grabbed the brush and ran it through Fluttershy's hair. "All across Equestria, ponies are preparing their own pageants for Hearth's Warming Eve," She grabbed some mascara and used it on Fluttershy's eyelashes. "…in their own towns. It's tradition."

"So you're saying they'll be too busy to come to our play?" Fluttershy asked, replacing the frown with a ray of hope.

"Well no. We're in the Canterlot pageant, the biggest, most important production in all of Equestria. A lot of ponies will come to watch us." She puffed Fluttershy's face as well.

"A lot?" Her frown returned.

"Hundreds."

"Hundreds?" She began trembling in fear.

Rarity gasped. "Maybe even thousands!"

"Uh, Rarity. Not helping." I told her.

"Oh...yes, dear."

I then went over and comforted Fluttershy till she was brave enough to come out of the box.

Suddenly, we were interrupted when a gush of wind, along with snow, blew throughout the whole room.

"Oh, my hair!" Rarity exclaimed. "Applejack? Be a dear and shut those windows, will you?" She pointed towards the windows.

As Applejack had just finished placing on her costume, she began walking towards the open windows, annoyed, to close them until she heard Rainbow Dash nearby. "Aaah, Rain-bow-Dash! Rain-bow-Dash! Aaaah! Thank you, thank you!" She created her own noises that simulated the crowd's cheering.

"It's a re-enactment of the founding of Equestria. It's not the 'Rainbow Dash Show'!" Applejack held her hoof on the window, but didn't close them.

Rainbow Dash lowered herself with a bored expression and looked at Applejack. "Well it should be the 'Rainbow Dash Show'! I'm the star!"

"The star?" I included myself. "We're all of equal importance in the play, Rainbow Dash…"

"My hair!" Rarity shouted.

"Bond is right." Applejack explained to Rainbow Dash. "The Hearth's Warming Eve pageant is about harmony and friendship."

"Shut the window!" The others girls exclaimed.

I sighed and threw the windows closed, almost harshly. I looked at them all seriously. "Come on, girls. Now's not the time for fighting. Remember, Princess Celestia chose us, no pony else but us, to represent friendship and harmony in the play. You don't want to disappoint her, do you?"

"No…" They sadly answered with lowered heads.

"Exactly, now get your acts together and prove to Princess Celestia what true friendship is!"

"Thank you Bond, I knew I was right to pick you as the narrator of the tale." Twilight complimented.

"Alright, I'm about to get into position, since I am the narrator of this play and all."

"Okay Bond...break a leg." Twilight winked.

I walked on the stage and got myself ready and thankfully, the curtains weren't pulled yet. Once I was in position, I saw the lights around the building go dark and the audience going quiet. The curtains were then pulled to the sides and I began my part.

"Hi, I'm Troy McClure, you might remember me from such production films as The Triple X Factor and Wow, Look At That Sunbutt! But tonight, the tale I have is no laughing matter. It explains the story of how Equestria came to what it is today." I then cleared my throat, "Once upon a time, long before the peaceful rule of Celestia, and before ponies discovered our beautiful land of Equestria, ponies did not know harmony. It was a strange and dark time. A time when ponies were torn apart, by hatred."

The audience gasped.

"I know. Can you believe it? During this frightful age, each of the three tribes, the Pegasi, the unicorns and the Earth ponies, cared not for what befell the other tribes, but only for their own welfare. In those troubled times, as now, the Pegasi were the stewards of the weather. But, they demanded something in return. Food that could only be grown by the Earth ponies. The unicorns demanded the same, in return for magically bringing forth day and night. And so, mistrust between the tribes festered, until one fateful day, it came to a boil. And what prompted the ponies to clash? 'Twas a mysterious blizzard that overtook the land, and toppled the tribes' precarious peace."

"The normally industrious Earth ponies were unable to farm their land. The Earth ponies were freezing. The home of the Pegasi fared no better. The Pegasi were hungry. And the unicorns were freezing and hungry. Even the unicorns' magic was powerless against the storm. Each tribe blamed the others for their suffering, and the angrier everypony grew, the worse the blizzard became. And so it was decided that a grand summit would be held to figure out a way to cope with the blizzard."

The inside of a huge old-fashioned building was shown as the ponies of different descents gathered up for a meeting. "Each tribe sent their leaders." Fanfare played. "Daughter of the unicorn king, Princess Platinum." Rarity walked in, wearing many shiny and stylish things. Fanfare continued to play as Rainbow Dash walked in as well. "Ruler of the Pegasi, Commander Hurricane. And lastly..." Fanfare played once more, but with kazoos. "...leader of the Earth ponies, Chancellor Puddinghead." Pinkie Pie presented herself as she blew out confetti. "Perhaps the three tribes could finally settle their differences, and agree on a way to get through this disaster."

I then moved backwards slightly as my part was done for the moment, I smiled to myself knowing that after a few years, I've still got it and I felt very relaxed being on stage and in a play after all those years. Just as the three of the looked at each other seriously, as if they were preparing to have a calm discussion about the issues they faced, instead, they began babbling insanely and unorganized.

"All I wanna know is why the Earth ponies are hogging all the food!" Rainbow Dash demanded, stomping her hoof on the table.

The Pegasi joined her as they shouted in agreement.

"Us? We're not hogging all the food, you are!" Pinkie Pie counter-attacked. "Oh wait. You're right. It's us. Well, it's only 'cause you mean old pegasusususes are making it snow like crazy!"

"For the hundredth time, it's not us! We're not making it snow! It must be the unicorns! They're doing it with their freaky magic!"

Rarity gasped. "How dare you! Unlike you Pegasi ruffians, we unicorns would never stoop to such a thing! H-m-ph!"

The unicorns joined her.

"Well, if you non-earths aren't gonna stop using your weirdo powers to freeze us all, then I'm just plum out of ideas."

"What a shocker. An Earth pony with no ideas."

"Commander Hurricane, please cease with the insults!"

"You're not the boss of me, your royal snootiness!" Rainbow Dash flew up to Rarity's face.

"I beg your pardon? I am a princess!" Rarity placed her crown upside down. "I won't be spoken to that way!"

I giggled slightly at Rarity putting her crown upside down, it was kinda sweet for her to do that in order to keep me smiling. It was then my turn to resume the narrating of the story.

"So the summit of the tribes did not turn out as well as hoped, and the three leaders returned home to lick their wounds, and basically complain."

Rainbow Dash returned back home. Fluttershy was resting on a cloud until Rainbow Dash ordered her off. "Atten-tion!" Fluttershy was startled and immediately saluted, but this caused her to fall off the cloud and stand back up in a daze. "Well? Aren't you curious about how it went?"

"Oh! Commander Hurricane, sir! How did it go, sir?" Fluttershy walked towards the bottom of the stairs where Rainbow Dash stood above.

"Horribly!" Rainbow Dash kicked a pile of snow which landed on top of Fluttershy's hat. "Those other tribe leaders are so disrespectful! Don't they realize that we are a mighty tribe of warriors, and should not be crossed?" She flicked her hoof up, causing Fluttershy to spin around and fall down the stairs. "We have got to break ranks with those weak foals!"

On the other hoof, Rarity was back at her kingdom, shivering dramatically. "Clover the Clever! I need you!"

"Yes, your majesty." Twilight answered, wrapping a blanket around Rarity. "Did the other pony tribes see reason as I predicted?"

"Those other tribes are impossible!" Rarity exclaimed as she shut the doors. "I, for one, can no longer bear to be anywhere near those lowly creatures." As Rarity rested on a pillow, Twilight brought a bucket of water with narrowed eyes. "The unicorns are noble, and majestic. We will no longer consort with the likes of them!" She slammed her hooves in the water after, even causing a drop of water to splash on Twilight's nose.

Next, Pinkie Pie fell through the chimney and landed back at her home. Applejack noticed this. "Wouldn't it have been easier to use the door, Chancellor?"

"Maybe for you, Smart Cookie. But I am a chancellor. I was elected because I know how to think outside the box. Which means…" She placed her head back in the chimney, causing her voice to echo. "I can also think inside the chimney. Can you think inside a chimney?"

"Uh—

"I didn't think so." Pinkie Pie interrupted, walking past her with her face full of soot.

"Ugh."

"Ohmygosh. Hold on to your hooves – I am just about to be brilliant!"

Applejack muttered under her breath as Pinkie smiled brightly. "That'd be a first…"

"I have decided that the Earth ponies are gonna go it alone!"

"Aw, so you mean the other tribes didn't come around? Shoot... I really thought we could get through to 'em if we—

"Don't worry about them." Pinkie interrupted again. "We're the ones with all the food, right?"

"Actually, we're all out…"

"Fine, then we'll have to go somewhere new where we can grow some new food. And with me as our fearless leader, what could go wrong?" She opened the door, which caused a pile of snow to tumble on her.

"Where should I start?" Applejack muttered under her breath again.

"The point is..."

"We must find a new land!" The three leaders exclaimed confidently in unison.

I moved forward once again to resume my part, "And so, each leader encountered obstacles along the way, but eventually, they all arrived in a new and wondrous land. Nopony had ever seen paradise before."

"This is the new land we've been searching for!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed joyfully as she bounced on the clouds.

"What a view... I can see my future house from here." Fluttershy pointed towards the ground.

"I proclaim this new land to be..." Rainbow Dash pulled out a flag and placed it on the cloud. "Pegasopolis!"

"I've never seen such jewels!" Rarity was analysing a pile of jewels on the land. "This ruby is dazzling. This whole land is dazzling. I'm double dazzled!" She squealed as she planted herself near the pile of gems. "In the name of the unicorns, I hereby dub this land Unicornia!" A flag was planted between Twilight and her.

"The air! The trees! The dirt." Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she rubbed herself on the pile of dirt. "This dirt is the dirtiest dirt in the whole dirt world!"

"And fertile, too." Applejack added, holding a pile of dirt in which a seed grew from inside. "Perfect for growing food."

"In the name of the Earth ponies, I think I'm gonna call this new place... uh... Dirtville."

"How about… 'Earth'?" Applejack corrected.

"Earth! Congratulations to me for thinking of it." She bowed, causing her hat to fall off as Applejack could only returned annoyed eyes. From her hat, sprouted a flag as well.

"We found our new home!" The three leaders shouted in unison, but this caused them to be notified of their presences, revealing that they were only short distances away from each other.

"I planted my flag first!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, defensively.

"Did not!" Rarity argued.

"Did too!"

"I planted mine earlier than first." Pinkie Pie intervened, planting her hooves on the ground which caused her flag to easily fall like a toothpick.

"All of you riff-raff are trespassing in Unicornia!" Rarity cried out.

"The name is Pegasopolis!"

"Earth!"

"Pegasopolis!"

"Unicornia!"

"I say we fight for the land." Rainbow Dash offered. "May the best pony win!"

Winds began to blow through the land.

"That's barbaric." Rarity responded and grabbed Twilight. "Clover the Clever? Throw that brute into the dungeon!"

"What dungeon?" Twilight asked, confused. "Look, perhaps if we all calmed down..."

"I agree. Let's all calm down." Applejack added.

"I vote for calm." Fluttershy raised her hoof.

"I'll have you court-martialled for insubordination, Private!" Rainbow Dash reacted to Fluttershy, creating more wind and chilliness to appear in the land. "We settle this on the battlefield!"

A snowball was thrown at Rainbow Dash, causing Rarity to laugh until she was whacked with a snowball as well. As Rarity steamed, Rainbow Dash began laughing at her.

"Who dares throw a snowball at royalty?" She demanded.

Pinkie Pie was revealed to be the one with the snowballs, but then it puzzled her as well. "Wait a minute, where'd all this snow come from anyway?"

"Oh no. Not again." Rainbow Dash expressed as the entire area began filling with snow.

The curtain fell and I began speaking once more. "And so the paradise that the ponies had found was soon lost, buried beneath a thick blanket of snow, and hard feelings. Instead of beautiful, it was blizzardy...and I'm sure you get the idea."Everypony was forced to seek shelter. They searched high and low, but the only shelter for miles was a cold and desolate cave." The curtain opened to reveal the cave, along with the girls inside. "And, of course, the three tribes had to share it, and nopony was too happy about that."

"Please, Commander Hothead." Rarity began as they faced off with each other.

"It's Commander Hurricane." Rainbow Dash corrected.

Rarity cleared her throat. "Please, Commander, could you just stand back and give me my royal space?" She pointed towards the ground.

"You mean like this, your highness?" Rainbow Dash purposely placed a hoof in front of Rarity.

"Indeed not!" Rarity repeated her motion. Then, she placed her face near the ground. "You see this invisible line?"

"Private? Outline our territory for everypony to see." Fluttershy began following her order and planted her hoof on the ground. Then, Rainbow Dash grabbed her as she flew and began moving her, creating a line in the dirt. "See this real, non-invisible line? No unicorns or Earth ponies are allowed to cross it!" The line extended between half the cave. "This is the sovereign territory of Pegasopolis!"

"Clover the Clever?" Rarity called.

"Uh... Smart Cookie!" Pinkie Pie called as well.

"I know, I know." Applejack replied.

They began creating their own line too, but Twilight came across Applejack. They looked at each other and nervously began going the other way. Meanwhile, Fluttershy came across a rock as she continued to create the line. She saw this and moved her hoof to the left, giving the others the rock space.

"What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Don't go around the rock, go over it! I'm not giving up an inch of territory to the enemy!"

Rarity ran over to the scene. "That rock is clearly on the Unicornia side of the cave, and it belongs to us!" She inched her head closer to Twilight, who walked over. "Who knows, there could be jewels inside." She muttered under her breath.

Rainbow Dash grunted as she kicked the rock over to her side. "I claim this rock for Pegasopolis!"

"Unhand that rock this instant, you scoundrel!" Rarity demanded.

Pinkie Pie ran over to Rainbow Dash, noticing the rock below her. "Oh look, you found my rock. I've been looking for it everywhere." She picked up the rock with her teeth and ran away.

"Hey! You invaded our territory!"

Pinkie Pie placed the rock on the side where Applejack was. "Finders keepers, losers weepers!"

"That's the last straw!" Rainbow Dash assured, placing her hoof down. After, she began walking over to Pinkie as she picked up the rock and looked at Rarity, who was on the other side.

"Give me my rock!" She commanded, causing Pinkie Pie to run.

"Look, everypony! The entrance!" Twilight pointed to the entrance of the cave. Ice cracked as it covered the only opening. This caused Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie to turn their attentions towards it, but only for a second until they continued arguing again.

"Great. Now there's no way out! We're trapped!" Rainbow Dash announced.

"You two deserve this horrible fate. You've done nothing but argue and fight with each other!" Rarity responded as they all returned to their sides.

"You've been fighting too, your highness."

"Yeah! Worse! I haven't been fighting nearly as much as you!" Pinkie Pie added.

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and I began noticing ice moving towards the three arguing leaders and began freezing them from the bottom.

"How ridiculous! A unicorn never stoops to fighting!" Twilight walked away from Rarity as the ice began to devour her completely.

"That's just 'cause you wimpy unicorns know you'd never win!" Fluttershy did the same. "Earth ponies are numbskulls!" Rainbow Dash was now completely frozen.

"Pegasi are brutes!" So was Rarity.

"Unicorns are snobs!" And finally… Pinkie Pie.

We looked above to see some kind of spirit horses running around in a circle.

"What is that... thing?" Fluttershy asked as she shivered in both fear and coldness.

"They must be... windigos!" Twilight answered.

"Windigos?" Applejack and Fluttershy questioned.

"My mentor Star Swirl the Bearded taught me about them. They're winter spirits that feed off fighting and hatred. The more hate the spirit feels, the colder things become!"

"Then... this is our fault." Applejack admitted. "We three tribes... we brought this blizzard to our home by fightin' and not trustin' each other. Now it's destroyin' this land, too…" We looked at our surroundings to see everything in ice, and the ice was inching closer to us.

"And now our bodies will become as cold as our hearts... all because we were foolish enough to hate…" Twilight explained as we all began huddling together.

"Well, I don't hate you..." Fluttershy offered to Twilight. "I actually hate Commander Hurricane a lot more than I hate you guys." The girls reacted by giggling. "Actually, I don't really hate her, I just really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really dislike her."

The ice began forming on the legs of Twilight and Applejack as they laughed.

"Well, I don't hate you guys either." Applejack expressed.

"Nor do I." Twilight added.

"No matter what our differences, we're all ponies…" Applejack said lastly as the ice completely froze Twilight, Fluttershy and her.

Then a bright light appeared and cracked the ice off of Fluttershy, Applejack and Twilight. The light attacked the windigos and caused them to halt their coldness. A large heart appeared very brightly above us.

"What was that?" Fluttershy instantly asked.

"Ah didn't know Unicorns could do that?" Applejack asked Twilight, very surprised.

"I didn't either..." Twilight responded. "…nothing like has ever happened before, but I know that it couldn't have been just me. It came from all three of us, joined together in friendship."

I said the final part of my role, "All through the night, the four ponies kept the fire of friendship alive by telling stories to one another and by singing songs, which of course became the winter carols that we all still sing today. Eventually, the warmth of the fire and singing and laughing reached the leaders, and their bodies began to thaw. And, it even began to melt their hearts. The three leaders agreed to share the beautiful land, and live in harmony ever afterwards. And together, they named their new land..."

"Equestria!" We all exclaimed, causing the curtains to close and the audience to cheer loudly.

When the curtains opened again, we were all standing in a horizontal line. I joined the six mares as we bowed. Confetti above us exploded into the air as the bells rang. We began the song that came along with it.

"The fire of friendship lives in our hearts

As long as it burns we cannot drift apart

Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few

Laughter and singing will see us through (will see us through)

We are a circle of pony friends

A circle of friends we'll be to the very end."

After, the curtains closed again, and that was the end of the pageant, though, we still heard the audience stomp their hooves and cheer.

Back in the dressing room, ponies were removing their costumes and chattering about the job well done. I could see Derpy holding a hat for somepony as she smiled happily with her crossed eyes.

"We should be so honoured that Princess Celestia chose us!" Twilight expressed joyfully. Pinkie Pie placed her hoof around Rarity as she smiled brightly. Rarity could only send an accepting look as Pinkie Pie stuck her tongue out. "She must really think we exemplify what good friends are!"

However, Twilight was interrupted when the window was opened again and a heavy breeze blew through our manes.

"Ugh, Applejack, I thought you closed all the windows." Rarity began.

"Don't blame me." Applejack faced Rarity. "Rainbow Dash should've flown up there and shut it. After all, she's got wings."

"Why do I always have to do all the high up chores?" Rainbow Dash counter-attacked. "Why can't Twilight use her magic for a change?"

As the girls began arguing, I shook my head and walked towards the windows. Unexpectedly, we all heard the roar of a windigo, causing them to immediately shut up. I closed the windows shut and looked at them with a slight smile. "Still feel like arguing?"

This caused the girls to begin laughing.

"Once again, Bond, you've proven my point." Twilight added and giggled.

We all boarded the train again, which would be going back to home. I couldn't believe it was already night time.

"So Bond, how do you feel now?" Twilight asked as we rode the train back to Ponyville.

"I feel really great and I believe that I still have it after all those years."

"That's great...oh by the way, look up at the carriage ceiling."

I looked up and it was a mistletoe...oh boy, looks like it's kissing time for me right now.

"Ahhh, I didn't notice that...guess I was too busy thinking how proud my parents would've been if they were still alive." I said with a smile and a tear.

"Well either way, you definitely deserve it..."

Each of them planted a friendly kiss on my cheek, starting with Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, Fluttershy and finally Dash who hesitated at first before putting her pride aside to give me a kiss on the cheek as well.

"I feel so much better girls, I feel loved again." I commented with a big smile.

When we arrived back in Ponyville, I told all of them goodnight before I began walking back home. When I got back, I headed on inside and placed my scarf around my bedside table, before getting into my warm bed. I looked back on all of today which was a great one indeed. I felt so happy to have performed my part with nothing tragic happening this time, it all went incredibly smooth and the ponies cheered for all of us, which helped me relived my joys when I did plays as a filly.

I looked up at the ceiling as I fell asleep, pretending that I'm looking at above the sky and seeing my parents...watching me and thinking how proud they are of me today...and that I was going to enjoy the rest of the month with celebrations...as for learning a lesson, well they may not do it here, but Christmas is awesome!

Family Appreciation Day

I woke up to a wonderful but already late morning and it was all clear too. The Hearth's Warming Eve was a big highlight but I had great fun during the rest of that festive month. It was January now and all of Ponyville was bright and clear once again. It was a shopping day for me too and good thing, as my food cupboards were just about empty.

It was all calm and quite sunny too, so leaving my suit behind and just putting on my shoes and grabbing a lot of bits from my jar, I set off out to town to begin my shopping, when I got there however, I spotted Applebloom with a light blue bonnet who looked to be feeling embarrassed and Granny Smith with a fancy hat and...BEES!

"Whoo! Why hello bees, Beatrice, Beecher. Ooh, you've all been busy little bees, haven't you?" She said, making buzzing sounds afterwards."

I stood there in total confusion, but was glad to not be close to the bees...I hate them!

"Granny, isn't there a less silly way to get the honey?" Applebloom asked as she lowered her head in embarrassment.

Just then, I spotted two other fillies coming along the pathway...it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, I knew they were going to be trouble for sure as twice I had to cheer Applebloom up because of them.

"Oh, isn't this just precious?" Granny Smith commented loudly as she grabbed Applebloom and picked her up.

"Please stop!" She desperately asked in a whispered tone.

"And it is perfect for makin' our zap apple jam!" Granny Smith announced loudly, beginning to gain the attention of the other ponies around her.

"Shh! Stop it, Granny!" Applebloom pleaded, but the fillies that were walking by her stopped and began laughing. "Granny, please! Those ponies over there are watchin' me!" She pointed to the fillies.

"What?" Granny Smith questioned and looked at them. "Are those fillies your friends? Hello, Half-pint's friends!" She waved to them.

"Hi, Granny Smith!" Silver Spoon waved as she greeted her. Princess Tiara began to wave as well, but by the look on her face, I could see she was up to no good. "Hi, Half-pint!" She resumed in a mocking tone and laughed with Diamond Tiara after.

Applebloom slumped on the ground and buried her face...I know that feeling all too well.

"What dolls. Why, when I was little, ponies didn't come that purdy."

"Are we done shopping, Granny? 'Cause Ah'd like to get back to the farm, fast."

"Hold on, smellybelly." She began walking on her own. "Ah got my honey, gooey-goo!" She hopped cheerfully as she sang, attracting much more attention from the ponies around her. "Got my honey, gooey-ooh! Got my honey, iddley-hoo!"

Applebloom placed her hoof on her bonnet and lowered it towards her face...poor Applebloom, I'm sure there's more to Granny Smith than what any of the apple family lets on. It's not as if she's going crazy, right?

Shaking my head, I carried on and got stuck with the shopping.

After I was done with one lunch break later, I spotted Applebloom walking through the town, probably heading for home after her school hours, I decided to check up on her.

"Hi Applebloom, are you feeling any better?" I asked.

"No, ah'm so embarrassed by my granny today." Applebloom replied sadly.

"Oh I'm sure it's not that bad, there may be something about your granny that nopony knows about."

"But that's not the worst of it, tomorrow will be family appreciating day and Granny Smith is going to be there to tell a story, ah'm gonna be the laughing stock of Ponyville." she then laid down and face planted the pavement.

"Come on Applebloom, you know that me and the rest of your friends will be there if you need help or advice. Just let me drop my shopping at my house and I'll walk you back to the farm."

"Okay, thank ya Bond."

I smiled as we trotted to my home where I went inside and dropping my shopping bags on the table, knowing that I'll take care of the rest of it later. We then walked onwards to her Apple family home and I looked to see Applejack laying down wooden baskets and watering cans in a trailer.

Before I could ponder what they were for, Applebloom quickly galloped into her home but she did smile.

"Howdy Bond." Applejack said as she saw me.

"Hey Applejack, what's with the baskets and watering cans for?" I asked.

"Oh, it's the Zap Apple Harvest! You see, Granny Smith can tell all the signs of zap apples, which are these amazing apples that are magic!"

"That sounds new to me, I've never heard of that kind of apples."

"That's because they only grow here in Ponyville!" She chuckled. "Can you believe that? Everypony in Equestria comes to Ponyville, just to get some of our jam!"

"I see, so I guess they're at a phase?"

"That's right sugarcube, they're about to be ready to be picked, but they need to go through two more phases before those leaves turn into flowers before turning into zap apples."

"Right, I get you now."

"By the way, did you know why Applebloom ran into the house as she was walking with you?"

"Oh, she's feeling embarrassed about Granny Smith's behaviour and those two filly bullies saw it all."

"Well, it is a bit of a concern, but Big Mac and ah can't help her, these zap apples need our full attention for now."

"Why?"

"Well, after the fifth day of the Harvest, they disappear."

"Disappear, just like that?"

"Eeyup!" Big Mac answered unexpectedly.

"Well, I can at least help you out with the watering if you need it."

"Okay, thanks Bond."

With my magic, I grabbed a watering can that was full of water and began to sprinkle on most of the trees.

When I reached the cart to place the can back on there, a sudden gust of wind began blowing through our manes. We looked up to see a sudden change in weather as dark clouds appeared, seeming as if there was a storm forming. Crows flew above us and cawed.

"Look!" Granny Smith rushed to us. "The third sign!" The crows had formed an apple pattern in the sky. "Right on time! Hot diggity!"

Small blue glowing round objects formed on the trees as electricity cackled around them. The blue objects literally bloomed and formed the base for the apples.

"Wow!" We all emphasized at the sight of the magic.

After a moment of taking in the sight of the pre-zap apples, Granny Smith made her announcement. "Alright, you lazy daisies, move your caboose!" She left, along with Big Macintosh, to continue whatever she was doing.

"Did that just happen?" I asked.

"Sure did, pretty fancy, ain't it" Applejack replied.

"Right, I'll go home for a lie down after seeing that."

"Ah don't blame you, but if you were working here, you'd get used to it mighty quick." she giggled, "See you later."

"Same to you, Applejack."

I then trotted off from the farm and through the town, it was already sunset so I went back to my home to start unpacking my shopping and storing all the foods away. Before making a quick sandwich as I quite hungry just then along with some apple juice. Maybe tomorrow when it's ready, I could try some of their zap apple jam if there's plenty to go around of course which I thought as I called it a day to catch some sleep.

The next morning came and the first thing on my mind was to go to the school and check on Applebloom to see if she was any better at all. So I left the house and began to the school when along the way, I spotted Granny Smith and another elderly pony walking with her.

"Morning Granny Smith." I greeted.

"Oh morning err...what are you called again?" Granny Smith asked.

"Bond Racer...or Bond for short."

"Oh that's right, Bond."

"And who's this?"

"Why, this is Uncle Apple Strudel! Ah was just about to fetch a train to visit him but it turns out he was on it!"

"I see, well mind if I join you on the way to the school?"

"Not at all, sonny!"

When we arrived at the school, Granny Smith walked through the open door and announced for all to hear. "Well howdy, my little ponies!" She continued walking with a huge grin on her face. "Howdy, y'all! I'm as happy as a pig in a fresh mudpile to be here!"

Applebloom quickly rushed over to her and spoke nervously. "Whuh- what are you doing here? Did you miss the train?"

"Er no, it came." She responded. "And Uncle Apple Strudel was on it."

"Ooooooh, noogie noogie noggie!" He stretched a hoof to Applebloom's mane and messed with it.

As Applebloom walked slowly back to her seat, I heard Tiara whispering to Silver "I can't wait to hear Granny Smith's presentation...if she can remember any of it." They both shared a giggle.

"Mind if I hear her presentation?" I asked.

"Of course!" She answered brightly.

"Thanks." I sat by Ms. Cheerilee and waited.

Apple Strudel placed a small chair for Granny Smith to sit on, but when she sat down, she merely caused the seat to fly back.

"Long ago, when ah was a little pony…" She pulled out a map and showed it to the others while holding it with her teeth. "…things were very different here in Ponyville, 'cause there was no Ponyville! That's right, my little ponies. Me and my family were pilgrim pony folk, back when I was a little filly. Oh, we ventured far and wide, collecting new seeds and sellin' the old. But my pa was the finest seed collector in all of Equestria. Then, one day, the Smith family found themselves in the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities. A place called... Canterlot. Well, ah bet your hooves to hindquarters ah had never seen anything like it before nor since. And as if the beauty of that city wasn't enough, suddenly, she appeared. Princess Celestia, the most regal of all ponies. When lo and behold, she stopped to look at my pa's seed collection. Then Princess Celestia saw that we were plumb-tuckered, and hankerin' to find our forever home. And bein' a royal Princess and all, she knew exactly the place for us to lay down our stakes. My pa gave the Princess a mighty thanks. We quickly found that land near the Everfree Forest, and we built our first home. Next, we planted our first orchards. But an orchard don't grow overnight, and we were getting mighty short on food. Now mind you, we were cautioned about the forest, and we knew that it was not fit to enter. But I knew there was critters livin' there. There must be somethin' to eat. It was dark and musty, and ah won't lie, it was scary. But every inch was covered in plant life, and before ah knew it wasn't ah standin' in front of the most incredible apple trees! Ah had never seen anything that bore this kind of colourful fruit! Oh I started picking apples quick as a whip! But, somethin' didn't feel right. Ah turned, and there before me stood the timber wolves! I've never run so fast in my life. Ah did the only thing ah could think of. Ah scared them away with pots and pans! The next morning, my pa and I planted those special apple seeds, and before our eyes they grew like wildfire. Well, we had full grown trees faster than you could say lickety split. Then each year, ah paid close attention to the signs of the zap apple special harvesting times. How the weather affects the Everfree Forest, how the timber wolves howl when the zap apples first start growing, and how they zapped away if you didn't pick 'em all in one day! And the fruits of our labor were the best fruit we ever tasted. Soon enough ah was mixing up batches of zap apple jam. Just like harvestin' the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin' zap apple jam. Ah learned that you gotta be extra friendly with the bees, otherwise their honey won't taste rightly sweet to mix in with the zap apples. Who'd'a thought that glass jars needed talking to? Or that zap apples like pink polka dots? But magic is as magic does. Just funny that way. Then ponies started comin' to our farm from far and wide just to get a taste of my zap apple jam. Some of them decided to stay, like Stinkin' Rich, Diamond Tiara's great grandfather. Matter of fact, the first thing he ever sold was my zap apple jam. And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies. And that is how Ponyville was founded."

When she finished speaking, she looked at the fillies as we were all shocked in a good way.

You gotta be joking...Granny Smith was one of the ponies to start the founding of Ponyville...that is flipping awesome, but that didn't stop there, Silver Spoon began clapping her hooves first and everypony joined in, including me, except Tiara. This gave me the assumption that deep down, Silver is actually a nice filly and can be nice...now I wonder if it's Tiara that's being a bad influence on her.

"Oh, thank you kindly, little ponies." She announced. "Oh, now now, let's settle down."

"So if it weren't for you and the zap apples, Ponyville wouldn't even exist?" Scootaloo excitedly asked.

"Darn tootin', little filly!" Granny Smith answered, stomping a hoof on the ground.

"If it weren't for my Granny Smith, your daddy wouldn't have Barnyard Bargains." Applebloom told Diamond Tiara.

"Boom and Tiara just got owned!" I randomly said, which gave me confused looks from the fillies.

Tiara looked at all of them and raised her hooves up. "But she's just a...kooky old lady!" Tiara protested, causing the fillies to gasp.

Applebloom quickly sped towards Granny Smith as she was licking the chalkboard again. "She is not a kooky old lady! She is the most amazing pony in all of Ponyville!" She hugged her lovingly, sending a warm feeling to me.

The other little ponies agreed, causing Diamond Tiara to groan and let her head fall on her desk.

After class was dismissed, we walked as a group over to the farm to see that the zap apples had arrived and were being taken down by Applejack and Big Mac, not before long, I saw several jars full of zap apple jams, they looked very rainbow-ish and quite tempting to spread on bread.

"Here you go, sugarcube. One jar of zap apple jam, on the house." Applejack said as she handed out a jar for me.

"Thank you Applejack." I replied as I opened the jar and with my magic, grabbed a knife and spread the jam on a slice bread. I took a bite and it tasted incredible. It was so sweet and very fruity too...I would most definitely be getting this on a regular basis compared to the bags of peppermint sticks although I mean no offence to Twist and her way of making them.

Applejack and I walked over to see Applebloom working a little with selling jars of the stuff.

"So ah take it Family Appreciation Day went well?" Applejack asked.

"Did it? My Granny Smith is super special!" Applebloom exclaimed as Big Macintosh joined us. "Ah just forgot that for a little while…"

"Aw, don't fret." Granny Smith added. "Ah forget things all the time. Now, ah'll getcha... er... somethin'."

Nonetheless, Applebloom smiled and hugged her again.

"Who wants to help Granny sing to the water?" Applejack asked the foals before her.

"We do! We do!" They hopped in the air and rushed over to help.

Applejack and I shared a smile when we saw the little ones place on bunny suits and begin hopping over the watering cans.

"A, b, c, d, e f g..." They sang as they all hopped over the cans. They continued when Filthy Rich came over with Diamond Tiara, pushing her towards the children as she wore bunny ears.

"But dad!" She tried to protest.

Nonetheless, she was pushed again towards the hopping.

Applejack and Applebloom looked at each other and began laughing. I could only join in, seeing Tiara getting what she deserved, although I did wonder where Silver Spoon was, oh well, at least Filthy Rich is able to respect the Apple Family and it's history. After the selling event was over, I decided to walk on back to my home with my jar of zap apple jam.

When I got home, I placed the jar in the cupboard and took a sit down on the sofa, reflecting back on the things I've seen since yesterday. Who would've thought that Granny Smith was responsible for finding and naming this big area Ponyville as well as learning that zap apple jams turned out to taste so damn good? I'm sure it'll be a matter of time before zap apple season comes round again and I get to taste some more in the future.

Baby Cakes

I was busy taking a nap, going through some of the photos I had and smiling through each one, I was also having another zap apple jam sandwich and had just finished eating it when I heard a quick knock on the door.

I opened the door to see the six girls, with Pinkie jumping up and down.

"Hi Bond, come to the hospital quick!" Pinkie said fast.

"Uhh hi girls, what for?" I asked.

"It's Mrs Cake, she went into labour earlier this morning." Twilight replied.

"Oh okay, lead the way."

The girls then took me to the hospital and passing through the reception, we headed on over to a medium-sized room and I looked through the window to see the newborn foals sleeping in cradles, this must be where the newborns go to after they are welcomed into the world. It brought me back memories of my time as a baby and being loved which made me smile, they were quite adorable babies too.

"Can you believe the new baby is finally here?" Applejack asked Twilight.

"Cup Cake and Carrot Cake must be so proud!" Twilight answered.

"I wonder if it's a filly or a colt?" Rarity squealed.

"I wanna see the new baby pony! I wanna see!" Pinkie Pie excitedly demanded as she rubbed her face on the glass window. "Which one is it?"

"So girls, just to clarify, when did this happen?" I asked the girls.

"It happened when you were with the fillies at the school, listening to Granny Smith's story." Applejack answered.

"And this was something the cakes had planned for a long time." Fluttershy added.

"Oh I see." I nodded before smiling again.

I looked through the window to see Mr. Cake near a baby bed with a little colt underneath the covers. "Meet our son, Pound Cake."

He unveiled the little colt from beneath the covers. He yawned adorably and resumed his sleeping.

"Awww" we all replied in unison.

"...and our daughter, Pumpkin Cake." He added as he removed the covers from another small filly that was wrapped in a pink blanket. she did the same thing.

"Huh?" The mares said in confusion.

"Twins?!" I asked out of the blue.

"Two new foals for me to play with?" Pinkie Pie reacted, gasping afterwards. "That's two, two, two times the fun! This is the greatest day ever!"

"Pinkie, before you do anything stupid, I suggest you calm down, this isn't a Rush Hour movie." I intervened.

"Okie dokie lokie." she replied with a smile.

Applejack faced back to the window and formed a determined confused face. "Now how in thunderation is one of them twins a pegasus, and the other one a unicorn?"

"Easy." Mr. Cake answered. "My great-great-great-great grandfather was a unicorn, and Cup Cake's great aunt's second cousin twice removed was a pegasus. That makes sense, right?"

I put on my glasses and reading a page from a book titled, 'Logics of the universe.' "Well according to my logic rule book...it makes no sense what so ever." I said as everypony looked at me with strange expressions.

"Ah think you need to lay off the zap apple jam for a while, sport." Applejack commented.

"Anyways, once little Pound cake gets his wings going, he'll be flying all over the place." Dash said.

"And be careful around Pumpkin cake." Twilight advised.

"Baby unicorns get strange magic surges that come and go." Rarity added.

In the corner of my eye, I spotted pinkie trying to sneak into the baby room, but I stopped her with my magic as I placed her in a bubble and brought her back to the group.

"Nice try Pinkie, but you're not smart enough to outsmart me." I smirked.

"Aww…" She released and frowned.

"C'mon, Pinkie. Let's go to Sugarcube Corner." Twilight said as we began to leave the hospital.

"Alright!"

When we got there, we had zap apple cupcakes that Pinkie actually made with Applejack's help before we went to the hospital earlier. They were quite tasty as well and I looked around to see Dash was still present, to my relief....you just never know.

"I can't wait till I start playing with them, it's gonna be so much fun!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Calm down, Pinkie, they were just born...give it a month or so before you start." I advised.

"Alright."

We then finished the rest of the day hanging together through the sunset before calling it a night-time with Pinkie hopping back home, still excited about the newborn foals.

One Month Later...

I woke up one morning to hear a door knocking, I got out and walked straight to the door and opened it.

"Good morning Bond, " Mr. Cake greeted. "We were wondering if you were available to babysit our babies. We're in a hurry for an important task and we need a babysitter as quick as possible!"

After rubbing my eyes so that I was fully awake, "Yeah, I think I can help you with that."

They both sighed in relief. "You can't believe how relieved we are to hear you say that!"

"Hey, what about me?" Pinkie asked.

However, they ignored her. "Can you start now?"

"Sure I can." I said with a smile.

"Great, come on over to the shop. We'll explain everything there!" Mrs. Cake announced.

"Come on, honey bun! We have to hurry!" Mr. Cake added, causing the two of them to quickly leave back into town and I followed them.

When I arrived in the sweet shop, I could already see the Cakes hurrying sweets in and out of the kitchen. I saw the little foals sitting beside me on the floor, giggling and waving their little hooves around. I also noticed Pinkie Pie in the corner of the room, sitting down with an annoyed expression.

"Now, Bond." Mr. Cake said nervously, "I'm sure you'll be able to keep the foals nice and safe right?"

I returned a confident smile. "I'm sure, as an alicorn, I know what it takes to be responsible."

I heard the oven ding, and Mrs. Cake came out with what appeared to be a giant cake covered in a cloth. "Oh, here you are dearie." She picked up a scroll that was on the covered cake and threw it towards me. "All your responsibilities are on this list."

My eyes widened at the long list. "I'll get them finished as soon as possible. You can count on me." I assured.

"We'll frost it when we get there! C'mon, sugarplum, tick tick!" Mr. Cake said as they pushed the cake on the trolley out of the shop.

"Take good care of our two precious little ginger snaps! Everything you need is in the shop!" Mrs. Cake announced as she began leaving the door.

"Don't worry, I can handle a couple of foals."

She smiled lightly and waved. Then, she walked off with Mr. Cake.

I closed the door and turned around. I saw the two foals sitting there, looking at me with bright smiles. Suddenly, they both walked up to me and did their baby talk, whilst pointed at my wings and horn.

"Ahhh, you see that I have wings and a horn, that means that I am an alicorn." I said to them, realizing I had rhymed that well.

Then to my surprise, they stood on their back hooves and held their forelegs out, as if they wanted to be picked up by me.

"Awww somepony wants to have upsies, come here you two." I said in a childish talk as I used my magic to lift them both up and have them on my back.

I walked around the main room slowly with them on my back as they giggled and cheered, telling me that they approve of my foalsitting which made me smile. This was the first time I had seen them since they were born a month ago and I had to admit, they looked and were being quite adorable twins and would certainly put a smile on anypony's face.

Speaking of which, I looked over to see Pinkie pouting with her forelegs folded and looking quite annoyed. I guess she wanted to be a foalsitter so badly and was mad that she didn't get picked. However, I could see why the Cakes would hesitate in asking her.

"You know, Pinkie, you don't have to show that expression in front of me and the foals." I said to Pinkie. "I mean, look how much fun they're having, doesn't that make you smile?"

"Yeah...it's brilliant." Pinkie replied sarcastically.

"You really wanted to be the one, didn't you?"

"Yes, I should be taking care of them, I promise I would be good to them."

"Well you have to take proper care of them, not just play with them, there's a difference between the two."

Pinkie then sat normally and went from annoyed to sad, I stopped slightly as I put the toddlers down gently, they were still smiling at me.

"But then again, there's gonna come a time where I might not be able to watch over them on a regular basis, so I guess in order to practice as early as possible, you can help me babysit them." I sighed.

Pinkie then suddenly changed and jumped in the air as she smiled excitedly. Unfortunately, that was her first mistake made already as the twins fell backwards feeling frightened by the noise...they started wailing.

"Uh oh..." Pinkie said quietly, as I face hoofed.

"Thanks a lot, Pinkie..." I muttered.

"Oh, don't cry little friends! Look, look!" She pointed towards the door to the kitchen and raced towards it. She hid behind it. "Where's Pinkie Pie... Where's Pinkie Pie?" She asked, worriedly. The two looked at each other and began crying again.

I sat down and pick up the twins, trying to calm them down. "Shhh, it's alright you two, don't cry, I'm here for you." I said to them. It was working for the moment as they began to stop wailing.

"Oh no, I'm right here, see!" She rushed over to me and began making goofy faces. The foals stared before they continued wailing. "Oh, think think think..."

"Pinkie, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to do this."

"Do what?"

I then used my magic to grab Pinkie by the tail, I then had her floating around the room before I hanged her on one of the hooks by the door. I turned around with the twins and had them looking at Pinkie hanging upside down with her tail hooked.

"Look Pound and Pumpkin, Pinkie is..." I paused as I put on my shades "...just hanging around."

I then performed a rimshot and the twins stopped wailing and started giggling. I was glad that my style did the trick, despite Pinkie not approving my methods. Pinkie then tried to get off the hook and she did before she bumped her head on a cupboard. I was about to help her when a bag of flour fell on her and when the smoke cleared, the twins and I saw her covered in flour, she looked like a ghost. The cake twins laughed again but I joined in as well, giggling along with them.

"Nice one, Pinkie, that was good timing." I praised.

"There, see? Nothing to this babysitting business! Ugh!" She fell to the floor, exhausted.

"Don't worry Pinkie, go and get yourself cleaned up while I take care of them."

"Alright...thanks." Pinkie sighed as she walked upstairs.

I then used my magic to go over the list to see what's next, after crossing off introducing myself to the twins and what I can do. "Okay, looks like it's feeding time up next." I said as I looked out the window to see it was the late afternoon already.

I carried the twins and had them sat down in their baby chairs with my magic and then walked over to the fridge, I opened it to find two bowls of mashed up food, assuming these are for the twins. I took them out and placed one of each to their little tables in front of them. "Alright you two, it's dinner time, open wide, please." I said to them as I lifted their spoons and scooped out their mashed food and to their mouths. They smiled as they opened trier mouths and ate their dinner, then to my surprise, they grabbed the spoons off me and started eating on their own...looks like Mr and Mrs Cake are really blessed, they have fast learners on their hooves.

"Feeding time, check." I said after they were done eating and I took the bowls and spoons to the sink, before crossing off dinner on the list. "Okay next up, bath time..."

"It's time for a bath you two." I said to them as they lifted their forelegs out, wanting upsies again I assumed.

I carried them on my back slowly upstairs and into the bathroom. I started running the bath for them as I put the twins down by the bathroom rug. Then I spotted Pinkie cleaned and back in her normal colours after that flour incident.

"Oooh, what'cha doing?" she asked.

"Oh it's bath time for the twins and I've got it all covered, see?" I replied.

"Umm, they're not beside you..."

I looked to my side...and gasped, they weren't by the rug anymore.

"Oh horse apples...I let my guard down for one second and they decide to run away from me."

"I'll get them." Pinkie declared as she chased after the twins all around the bathroom until she caught them both and placed them in the bathtub. Then as if they knew the fun was over, the twins started wailing again.

"Ooh, look guys, bubbles!" I said as I used my magic to lift out a few bubbles and this gave me an idea. I grabbed loads more bubbles and began to put on a quick show with doing all sorts of creative shapes with bubbles....who needs Bubble Thing when you've got this going? Pinkie then added a rubber duck to help me out which was the first good thing she did for once without making them cry. She was about to put in a ship too but I stopped her.

"I think a rubber duck and my sideshow will do just fine." I said.

When bath-time was over, we dried them off, placed on their diapers and took them to their own bedroom area, whilst we ticked off bath time and looked to see what else was needed. Then, we began to sniff an awful smell, we held our hooves on our noses and turned our heads to see the two foals playing with the blocks. Pumpkin Cake was watching as she had her binky in her mouth and Pound Cake was repeatedly lightly pounding one of the blocks on top of the other.

"Smells like somepony needs us to changie-wangie their diaper-wiper right now-a-wow!" Pinkie rhymed, grabbing two diapers.

"I'll go grab them and place them on the changing table, alright?" I softly told Pinkie.

Still holding her nose, she nodded with some straining in her face. I walked on over towards them and they didn't flinch, not one bit...then, they looked at each other, giggled and attempted to run away...but once again, I get the best of them as I grabbed them with my magic and carried them over to the diaper changing board. Pinkie then attempted to change their diapers but through the commotion, she somehow placed the diapers on herself.

I could help laughing at the sight and the twins laughed as well before running off to hide.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Pinkie sighed before we heard the bell ring downstairs. "Oh! Thank goodness they're home!"

"I'll go and answer it, you change the diapers, Pinkie." I said as I went downstairs to open the door.

"Oh, hi Bond." she answered.

"Hi Twilight, what brings you here?"

"I just came by to see if you needed help."

"Well I think Pinkie does, since she wants to be their foalsitter in case I can't be. I think all we need to do is change them and then put them to bed,"

We then began hearing strange loud noises coming from upstairs. We quickly rushed to the top of the stairs, wondering greatly what was happening.

We walked into the twins's bedroom to Pinkie crying her eyes out...which surprised us, but then we saw the baby twins walking towards her and seeing Pound already flying and Pumpkin using her unicorn magic to lift a bag of flour. When Pinkie noticed this, she stopped wailing, but was whimpering a bit as the two foals returned smiles.

They stood up and stretched their hooves, as if to present themselves, and flour immediately rained down upon them. They flinched as it hit them, but they once again presented themselves with smiles as Pinkie Pie watched.

"Y'know, you're right. That is funny…" Pinkie giggled as she wiped her tears away.

I walked on over to Pinkie as Twilight grabbed the babies with her magic and began drying them off.

"What happened Pinkie?" I asked as I gave her a comforting hug.

"It's a long story." she answered, accepting my hug.

After a short while when we got the twins to go to bed, we walked downstairs to find the place a little untidy, so we began to clean up so it looked dazzling as Rarity would put it.

"Hey, Twilight… you mind if you take down a letter…?"

"Not at all." Twilight smiled and pulled out a paper and quill, preparing to write the letter herself.

As I began to work on making the place tidy, Pinkie Pie spoke what she wanted to say in her letter. "Dear Princess Celestia, I've always had fun playing with little kids, and I thought babysitting meant just more playtime, right? Wrong! Being a caregiver is way more responsibility than just being a playmate. And today I learned that sometimes our desire for responsibility can outrun our actual ability to handle it."

"Great job, Pinkie." Twilight praised. "I'm sure the Princess will like this letter."

"Thanks Twilight." Pinkie Pie smiled and walked over to the foals, giving them a kiss on the forehead each.

"Well, I better go see Spike before he falls asleep. I'll see you all later, okay?"

"Alright. Goodnight, Twilight." I responded as Pinkie Pie waved.

She smiled and nodded, taking the letter with her and leaving the shop. When it was night-time and as we watched over the twins sleeping peacefully, we heard the doorbell ring...that must be Carrot and Cup Cake.

"Bond Racer, we're back." Carrot Cake called.

"How did everything go?" Cupcake asked.

We heard them gasped, noticing how we cleaned up the shop.

"Are we in the right place?" Carrot Cake asked himself.

"Shhh" Pinkie said from the staircase and waved her hoof out, probably to ask them to come upstairs. They then looked to see the twins sleeping away happily. The Cakes could only smile at us whilst pinkie stood beside me.

"Bond." Mrs. Cake announced. "This is just... just..."

"Amazing, is what it is." Mr. Cake finished.

I placed out my hoof with a smile. "Well as you can see, I did my best but I think I know what you're going to ask and even though I enjoyed taking care of them, I'm going to have to decline."

"Really, but why?" Pinkie asked.

"Let's just say that whenever I look at them, I see myself as a baby and reminding myself of my time...when my parents were alive and I don't wanna share my emotions in front of them, they're just babies. Besides, Pinkie really helped out when I needed it and she learned a lot about taking care of the twins too.."

"Ohhh we understand, but Pinkie, is this true?" Cupcake asked.

"Hehe…I guess so." Pinkie responded, shyly.

"In that case, we had no idea how responsible you really are." They exchanged a look with each other and nodded. "Would you be interested in becoming our go-to babysitter on a permanent basis?"

This caused Pinkie to widen her eyes and open her mouth in shock. "Hm- Ah- lemme check my schedule!" She pulled out a notepad. "I should be available a week from... never!" She answered frankly.

However, we heard the sleeping foals sigh. We looked in to see Pound Cake holding out his hooves. "Pinkie..."

"Pie..." Pumpkin Cake added, turning her body to her side to continue sleeping.

We both smiled and Pinkie began tearing up. She happily gasped and looked towards the Cakes. "I have some free time next Tuesday."

"Well, it's time for me to go home now, I need some rest after today."

"Before you go, we just wanna say thank you for looking after our foals all the same." Carrot Cake said with a smile.

"No worries, it was my pleasure to help, goodnight."

I walked down the stairs and was about to leave the store when Pinkie trotted down and hugged me.

"Thank you Bond for telling them, I have learnt so much and I pinkie promise to make sure it stays that way."

I accepted the hug, "No worries Pinkie, they really enjoyed me but I believe they'll be better behaved with you from now on." We pulled out of the hug. "Have a good night, Pinkie."

"You too, Bond."

I left the store and walked back home as I saw the moon settling up in the sky, it had been a long day and I was eager to get into my bed. I walked in my home and took off my clothes and trotted straight to bed. I had to admit, taking care of baby ponies is quite a lot of hard work, but their adorableness makes it worthwhile all the same.

As I began to sleep, I wondered if I could be a great parent someday...but then again, toddlers are the devil...sometimes.

The Last Roundup

I woke up the next morning to hear a lot of hoof noises and chatter around, when I got myself dressed and ready, I walked on out of my house and look to see a lot of ponies making decorations around the town hall, I trotted along to get a closer look. When I got to the centre of the town, I looked up to see Rainbow Dash and Derpy working on putting up a banner around the town hall that had apples on it, looks like this is something do with the Applejack. I pondered what it would be about as I heard Dash and Derpy talking.

"Careful Derpy." Dash called to her, "You don't wanna do any more damage than you've already done."

I then noticed the roof top of the town hall had been damaged and saw that Derpy was jumping on a storm cloud.

"I just don't know what went wrong." Derpy replied as she jumped on the cloud before shocking herself with the lightening.

"Yeah, it's a mystery." Dash said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Morning Derpy." I called out to her.

"Morning Bond!" she replied happily, swooping down from the cloud and giving me a quick hug which I accepted.

"Wait a minute, you two know each other?" Dash asked surprisingly.

"Sure do, I even got to try out her latest range of muffins." I answered.

"Did she drop or break anything that's yours?"

"Now come on, Dash, everypony especially Derpy deserves a fair treatment, she's a loving pony who means well."

Dash just rolled her eyes which made me frown but didn't carry the conversation further.

"Nice work, Rainbow Dash." Derpy commented as she flew back up, only to then collide into one of the pillars with her flank. The pillar began to fall and Dash tried to stop it but was unsuccessful as she and pillar went right through the wooden floor, creating a hole. I walked on over along with Derpy to look down see Dash looking okay to my surprise.

"You okay, Rainbow Dash? Anything I can do to help?" Derpy asked as a piece of wood fell through.

Rainbow Dash immediately flew out and confronted Derpy. "No! Nothing! In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing!"

Derpy did as she was told, planting her behind on the floor, but it caused several cracks to form and instantly break the part of the floor she was sitting on. When Derpy began falling down, she quickly grabbed Rainbow Dash, bringing her down with her. They landed with a loud thud. "Oops. My bad."

"Oh Derpy." I said giggling away.

I quickly walked over to the hole to help them up. "Applejack! Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!" I heard the crowd chant, even while the Mayor began her announcement.

"Everypony, can I get your attention? Attention please!" The crowd halted their chanting, and I stretched my hooves out to Rainbow Dash and Derpy to help them out of the hole. "Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year's Equestria Rodeo competition in Canterlot." The crowd cheered as I began pulling Rainbow Dash and Derpy up. "And, I want to thank Applejack in advance, for generously offering up her prize money to fix town hall." Rainbow Dash had managed to get back up on the floor, but Derpy was still struggling a bit, so I used my free hoof to help her up. Just as half her body was out, she joined the crowd, verbally.

"Yeah, Applejack! Whoohoo!" Derpy cheered, using the hooves that she was using to hold on to mine and fell back into the hole. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at this and continued observing the event. I lightly giggled and helped her out again as the crowd pounded their hooves.

"Speech! Speech!" Pinkie Pie demanded, hopping excitedly and happily on the ground.

"Oh, shucks. Ah'm not much for speeches." Applejack responded, who was standing near the mayor.

"Alright then, no speech!" Pinkie dashed off, but came back when Applejack began speaking.

"But, this here is the nicest send off anypony could ask for. Y'all have been cheering me on in every rodeo since ah was a little pony. So it seems only fittin' to use my winnings to fix up town hall. Ah promise to make Ponyville proud!"

The crowd cheered, once again, causing Applejack to tip her hat over to us and smile.

"So, you're going away to a rodeo competition?"

"Ah sure am..." Applejack replied before pausing. "Say, would you like to be my travelling partner, ah would sure love to have support."

"Really?" I asked, "Well you're in luck as I have nothing to do today, sure I'll gladly come along."

"Sweet, sugarcube, just let me go fetch what ah need to pack and ah'll come to your home before we depart from the train station."

"Okay cool, see you then."

I walked on back and after grabbing something to eat, I waited at my home for Applejack. I heard a knock on the door, assuming it's her, so I opened it and it sure was. We then walked along to the train station where the rest of the apple family and our friends were waiting.

"Ah want you to show all them high-falutin' rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony's like!" Granny Smith encouraged her before Applejack and I could begin to board the train.

"You betcha, Granny Smith." Applejack replied with a grin.

"And bring back all that money!" The mayor announced, cheerfully.

"You betcha, Mayor." Applejack responded, beginning to walk towards the train, but Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared in her way.

"And have fun. And don't be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would!" Applejack smiled and continued her way towards the train. "And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy and taffy gives lots of nervous energy!" She held out a bag of candy and began munching on it.

Twilight narrowed her eyes a bit at Pinkie's behaviour, but she turned her head to face Applejack. "Just do your best, Applejack."

"Ah'll do better than my best!" Applejack answered confidently.

"And you make sure she gets the best support, Bond."

"I will try my best, Twilight." I replied.

"The train to Canterlot is about to leave! All aboard who's coming aboard!" We suddenly heard.

"Guess that means us." Applejack told us.

"Seeya both later!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, excusing Applejack to board the train.

"With lots of new blue ribbons!" Applebloom promoted.

"And lots of money!" The mayor highly emphasized again.

"Darn tootin'!" She entered the train, which began moving. We ran by the train, staying with her as much as we could. "See y'all by sundown, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!"

Every one of then released an assortment of byes.

"And drink sarsaparilla!" Pinkie Pie added last, which made me and Applejack feel confused.

We settled down on the train ride and I was curious to know all about the rodeo and what did they mean by blue ribbons.

"So if I may ask, Applejack, what is the rodeo about...is it similar to the stuff you and Dash did way back at the running of the leaves event?"

"It kinda is, partner. There are plenty of events that you might be familiar with."

"I see and what is the meaning of a blue ribbon?"

"A blue ribbon is the top prize in a rodeo event, after that red is second, green is third, purple is fourth and pink is fifth place."

"So the aim is to do well enough to be in the top five in order to win a ribbon in every event?"

"That's right."

"Well, I'm sure you're gonna do terrific in each and every one."

"Ah hope so, ah gotta do my very best so ah don't come back home empty-hoofed as well as winning the prize money to repair the broken roof on the Town Hall."

"I can tell, but don't set your expectations too high, always remember that even if you don't do well as you hope, don't let that stop you from reminding yourself on what's truly important to you."

"Thanks sugarcube." Applejack then gave me a hug which I accepted of course.

Soon, things were quiet as we travelled along to Canterlot and before we knew it, we were pulling into Canterlot Station. As we got off the train and on the platform, we noticed a mare with a cherry mane holding up a sign with Applejack's name on it.

"Looks like somepony knows you were coming here." I said.

"Why of course, it's Cherry Jubilee." Applejack replied with a big smile.

"Well if it isn't Applejack, howdy to you and who's this wonderful stallion?" Cherry asked.

"Why this is Bond Racer, just a normal everyday alicorn who's here to give me support today."

"Well howdy there Bond, glad to see Applejack has a friend to come along with, cause a lot of other ponies are taking part in the rodeo this year and each other pony will be getting support too."

We then walked out of the station and out into the fields of Canterlot, we then looked ahead to see a small blue stadium with banners that have horseshoes. This must be the place where they do the rodeo show.

"Looks like we're here already." I commented.

"Well, you better go find yourself a seat among the crowd benches and get comfy." Cherry suggested, "It's gonna be a long day of events."

"Alrighty then...good luck with the events, Applejack." I said to Applejack, giving her a quick hug.

"Thanks sugarcube, here ah go." she replied as she went through the gate entrance whilst Cherry and I walked through the arch door leading to the benches around the stadium.

We picked a good row to watch all the action and so that she could see us cheering for her.

"Attention all everypony, the rodeo show will start in five minutes!" a voice commentator announced.

"So Bond, is this your first time at a rodeo?" Cherry asked.

"Actually, it isn't. I was at one before, but that was back at Sweet Apple Acres, it's a funny story though." I answered.

"Ah bet it is, either way, ah can say that you will have fun at this rodeo, all the ponies taking part will be doing their best to keep the crowd wild and cheering and ah like to cheer loud so ah'm just warning ya now."

"Okay, thanks for the warning."

"Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to the first event of the Equestria Rodeo Show!" the voice commentator said, "Our first event as the haystack toss and here come the 10 ponies who will be taking part of today's show!"

"Look, there's Applejack, she's wearing the number 6 on her sides." Cherry exclaimed.

"Ah yes, I can see her too." I added.

The first event was then underway, Applejack wasted no time in starting. After a while, the haystack toss event was over and Applejack won second place and was awarded the red ribbon, which was a great start I thought.

The second event was the horseshoe throw and as much as she tried, she won a green ribbon which was still good. I still hoped that she would win a blue ribbon at least once today. Third up was the barrel slalom and she won a red ribbon...several other events followed from high jumps to hurdles around the track, she carried on winning a lot of medals, but not one of them was blue. When the final event concluded with the 200 meters run, she won one last red ribbon of the day and that was it for the rodeo show.

When it was over, Cherry and I left the stadium and waited outside to congratulate Applejack on her impressive list of ribbons, but I did wonder if she felt alright, when she came out of the gate, we walked on over to her, she had a pair of saddle bags full of ribbons, but she didn't seem to be happy.

"What's wrong Applejack, you won a fine number of ribbons, like we knew you would." Cherry said.

"Well as you can both see, there's every colour of ribbon down there. Every colour...but...blue." she paused as she sat down, feeling a little sad, "Ah came in fourth, third, even second, but I didn't win one first prize, and ah certainly didn't win any prize money. After that big old send off Ponyville gave me earlier, ah wanted to come back a winner, not a failure."

"Applejack, you're not a failure and if the other girls were here, they would tell you the same thing and we're your best and closest friends." I assured her.

"So, you're not upset, or disappointed?"

"Nope." I said with a smile.

"But what about the mayor? Ah don't think ah can face her and tell her ah didn't get that money to fix the broken roof."

"Oh ah'm sure you folks will find another way to solve that problem. Anyways, the sun is setting right now, so ah better get going." Cherry said.

"Okay, nice to meet you, Cherry." I said.

"And ah feel the same, see you soon, Applejack." Cherry waved and then left as she boarded a train.

"Just out of interest Applejack, where does that train go to?" I asked her.

"Dodge Junction, it's where she lives, it's like Appleloosa but it's further away than that."

"I see, now back to the money issue. Cherry is right, there will be another way to repair that roof and I think we should go home and tell the others about it. Don't you worry, I'll be right at your side, I promise."

Applejack then smiled at me, "Thank you Bond, you're a real close friend." she replied giving me a hug.

We got on board another train that would take us back to Ponyville and as we finally relaxed on the train leaving Canterlot, Applejack had something she wanted to tell me. "Bond, mind if you take a letter?" She asked.

"Of course not, Applejack." I answered, taking out a quill and scroll I made appear by my magic.

She smiled and looked out the window as she spoke. "Dear Princess Celestia, it's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you'd hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family."

"Excellent." I commented and rolled the scroll up for when later on, I can give it to Twilight.

When the train arrived at Ponyville, we saw her apple family and the Mayor waiting for her and she got a group hug as she boarded off the train, I followed shortly as we got off the platform.

"Alright everypony, ah won a mighty number of ribbons except blue, so ah didn't win any prize money." she sighed.

"That's alright Applejack." the Mayor assured, "Not to worry, we can fix the roof another way."

The Mayor then began walking away. Applejack's family also began walking back to the farm. Before Applejack began leaving with them, she turned to face me and smiled.

"Thanks again sugarcube, the other girls might not say it, but our lives would not be the same without you being here for all of us."

"It's alright Applejack, I would do the same thing for all of you because you're my closet friends and I care so much for all of you."

We shared one more hug before she went off with her family to the farm whilst I made a walk to Twilight's library and by then, it was the beginning of the evening. I knocked on her door and Twilight opened it.

"Oh Bond, you're back, how was the rodeo?" Twilight asked.

"It was really great, Applejack won a huge amount of ribbons and she learnt a valuable lesson, so I have this." I replied, showing her a scroll.

"Great, I'll make sure Spike sends it to the princess, have a good night."

"You too."

She then closed the door with a smile and I walked back home. Getting inside, I took off my clothes and walked on over to my bed. I thought about what Applejack said in her lesson report and I had to agree. I sometimes had a case of not doing as well as I wanted to, but I always have my friends to give me support and get me back up. Which reminded me as I got to sleep, how long is Trixie's vacation? It's been a while and I'm really beginning to miss her, I hope she comes back soon...

The DJ Cousins

I woke up the next day and pondered to myself about something. I know what I haven't had for a long time, a day or night out drinking booze! It's been so long since I drunk a lot of the good stuff as well as Berry Punch trying to get the best of me when drunk but failing everytime. So you know what, forget what the others are doing, I'm going to get wasted tonight! Now who should I spent it with, I asked myself, then it hit me, why my cousin Vinyl Scratch of course, I'm sure she'd be up for it.

So I left my house and no sooner had I walked into town, I saw a long line going from the town centre to a long path leading to Sweet Apple Acres. Since my curiosity got the better of me as it always does, I decided to fly up and slowly look to see why there was a long queue. I flew along a long, long, long line, until I saw the end of the queue where there was a stand and the Apple family seemed to be selling something. Upon getting closer, I could see that it was apple cider which is kind of my guilty pleasure, I tried it once before long ago and it was quite good, but it didn't suit my tastebuds...but Berry Punch's drink on the other hand, that is good quality.

"Morning you two, is this a long line for apple cider?" I said to them as I flew down to the ground.

"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied.

"But why?"

"Ah guess it's cause since everypony loves it so much, they'll literally try to get here earlier just to get their hooves on a drink." Applejack answered.

Then Applejack went across to a megaphone and began to speak, "Attention everypony, cider season is now officially open!"

The ponies smiled as one by one, they bought a mug of apple cider and this carried on for what was at least like an hour as the queue got smaller and smaller. Then, when I saw it was Rainbow Dash's turn to get a mug, none of the cider came out of the tap from the last barrel and she showed an irritated expression.

"Uh, sorry everypony, that's it for today." Applejack announced.

The ponies replied with disappointing looks.

"Surprise, surprise, you ran out again." Dash exclaimed.

"Yeah, you always run out." Caramel added.

"For the record, I don't mind if-" Fluttershy got cut off just then.

"Why can't you make enough cider for all of us, or at least for me?" Dash asked.

Soon, several other ponies started complaining, I knew I had to do something. I leapt up on the cider stand and cleared my throat.

"Hold on everypony, I'm sure the Apple family have tried their best to keep up with the supplies this year." I said to them.

"They always say that!" Caramel complained.

"And it's always true. But Apple family cider is made with love and integrity, and only the highest quality apples in Equestria. Sorry, but that recipe takes time."Applejack explained, "If y'all just be patient, we'll have plenty more tomorrow." Applejack announced as the other ponies began leaving in a huff.

"So much for me being good at crown control." I said with disappointment.

"Don't say that Bond, we thank you for trying to help." Applebloom assured.

"She's right, y'know!" Pinkie Pie added cheerfully. "You can't rush perfection! And this year's batch was perfection!"

"Uh, Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy asked trying to prevent Dash from exploding with rage.

"I'll never forget the cider I just drank! It was a moment in time that will never exist again."

Rainbow Dash began growling as if she was literally going to explode, but a sudden honking interrupted us all. Motorized noises followed after. We looked to the left side of the trail to see something come our way. It seemed to be some kind of vehicle or machine. I could see some kind of light bulb on the top.

"What in Equestria is that?" Applejack asked, walking towards us.

Two objects near the light bulb polluted the air, releasing small puffs of smoke. The machine seemed to somehow gain the attention of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. They widened their eyes at the sight and walked towards the machine excitedly, being followed by other ponies as well. The machine moved closer to the stand until it halted after damaging the white fence nearby, annoying Granny Smith. Well… there goes my first impression.

Two tall ponies jumped out of the machine and faced the crowd. They looked…odd…

"Well, lookie what we got here, brother of mine, it's the same in every town." He randomly began singing. "Ponies with thirsty throats, dry tongues, and not a drop of cider to be found." He provided an example of this with one of the ponies in the crowd. "Maybe they're not aware that there's really no need for this teary despair"

"That the key that they need to solve this sad cider shortage you and I will share." His obviously twin brother finished, causing the other ponies to awe and excitedly chatter.

"Well you've got opportunity

In this very community" They both sang.

"He's Flim."

"He's Flam"

"We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers

Traveling salesponies nonpareil"

I narrowed my eyes.

"Non-pa what?" Pinkie Pie questioned.

"Nonpareil," Flim answered. "And that's exactly the reason why, you see

No pony else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be." He grabbed Applebloom and kissed her on the forehead.

"And that's a new world, with tons of cider

Fresh squeezed and ready for drinking."

"More cider than you can drink in all your days of thinking." Flam slid down a sort of tube that was connected to the machine. It appeared to be some sort of vacuum or suction device. However, I managed to spot Derpy in the crowd as well. She was flying above us, noticing the scene as well.

"I doubt that." Rainbow Dash commented.

"So take this opportunity." They sang.

"In this very community." The crowd joined.

"He's Flim"

"He's Flam"

"We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers

Traveling salesponies nonpareil."

"I suppose by now you're wondering 'bout our peculiar mode of transport."

"I say, our mode of locomotion."

"And I suppose by now you're wondering, where is this promised cider?"

"Any horse can make a claim and any pony can do the same."

"But my brother and I have something most unique and superb

Unseen at any time in this big new world."

"And that's opportunity"

"Folks, it's the one and only, the biggest and the best"

"The unbelievable"

"Unimpeachable"

"Indispensable"

"I can't believe-able"

"Flim Flam brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000!"

"Oh, we got opportunity

In this very community

Please Flim, please Flam, help us out of this jam

With your Flim Flam brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000" I could only look at the crowd in surprise.

"Young filly, I would be ever so honored if you might see fit to let my brother and I borrow some of your delicious, and might I add spell-bindingly fragrant apples for our little demonstration here?" Flim asked Applejack.

"Uh, sure, I guess." Applejack answered, still a little confused about what is going on.

"Opportunity, in our community." The crowd added.

"Ready Flim?"

"Ready Flam?"

"Let's bing-bang zam!"

"And show these thirsty ponies a world of delectable cider!" They exclaimed as they powered the machine with their magic."

"Cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider..." The crowd continuously began to chant.

"Watch closely my friends!" Flim advised as the suction device hovered over a tree and sucked in the apples from it.

"The fun begins!"

"Now, here's where the magic happens." Flim stood on top of the machine. "Right here in this heaving roiling cider press boiling guts of the very machine…" I looked to my sides to see Twilight, Spike, and Rarity all chanting with the crowd as well. I could hardly believe it. "Those apples plucked fresh are right now as we speak being turned into grade-A top-notch five-star blow-your-horseshoes-off one-of-a-kind cider!"

"Feel free to take a sneak peek!" Flam encouraged, causing several ponies to race over to the machine.

Although, Granny Smith interrupted, causing the crowd to cease their chant.

"Now wait, you fellers, hold it!

You went and over-sold it!

I guarantee that what you have there won't compare

For the very most important ingredient

Can't be added or done expedient

And it's quality, friends, Apple Acre's quality and care!"

"Well Granny, I'm glad you brought that up, my dear, I say I'm glad you brought that up" Flim responded. "You see that we are very picky when it comes to cider if you'll kindly try a cup." He caught a cup out of nowhere and hoofed it to Granny Smith, who took a sip and looked shock.

"Yes, sir, yes ma'am this great machine, it's just the very best" I looked over to the machine to see it perfected in passing fine apples and discarding the bad ones.

"So whaddaya say then, Apples

Care to step into the modern world

And put the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 to the test?"

"Cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider, cider…" The crowd again began to chant while I could only remain speechless, feeling that these two were bad news…

"What do you think, folks? Do you see what the Apples can't? I see it clear as day! I know she does! So does he!" He pointed at me, causing me to feel very irritated. "C'mon Ponyville, you know what I'm talking about!"

"We're saying you've got," They began.

"Opportunity" The crowd joined.

"In this very community

He's Flim, he's Flam

We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers

Traveling salesponies nonpareil"

"Yeah!" They finally finished.

There was nothing I could say after seeing all that.

"Oh you know what, I cannot handle this, I am soooo out of here!"

I then flew away as far as I could from those two show-offs...talk about bragging rights, I needed a drink badly. So I flew back to the town and to my surprise, there was barely anypony around, probably because they were all still at the farm. I looked up to see a window opening from one of the houses. It was my cousin's, suddenly I heard a boom and music played from the bedroom once more.

"Uh oh, here we go again." I said to myself.

"Awww yeah! It's wub time!" Vinyl yelled as she lifted her head out the window.

"I see that the empty town has given you ideas?" I asked loudly.

"Oh hey there cousin, it sure has. Come on in!"

Then to my relief, the music was turned right down as I opened the door to see Vinyl smiling and we shared a friendly hug as cousins.

"So how have you been doing, Bond?"

"Pretty well for myself, I guess."

"But it's not totally perfect?"

"Not really..." I sighed, "...it's been a while since I shared my love to my marefriend who's on vacation, not to mention that it's been a while since I did a DJ gig followed by having a drink...I feel like I'm neglecting my cutie mark."

I then sat down on the sofa and feeling low as I looked at my cutie mark, I then felt Vinyl putting her hoof around me.

"Awww man, I know how you feel." Vinyl then gasped, "I have an idea, why don't you come along to one of my gigs? It's happening  outside Vanhoover."

"Vanhoover, that's a bit far away from here, isn't it?" I asked.

"It is, but I normally hire out a transport van from a company from Canterlot to help me out." she explained.

"That's good to know, but you really want me to come along and DJ with you?"

"Yeah, I'm not kidding, it would be totally awesome to hang out with you again as a DJ partner as we once did before."

"Then...I'll do it. Then afterwards, we can get a drink when we get back to Ponyville. Although I'll keep an eye on you so that Octavia doesn't come home to see you staggering around somewhere."

"Shut up, cousin, you know I can't help that." she said whilst beginning to laugh.

"I know, my bad." I replied as we shared a laugh.

"Alright then, I'll get my equipment packed so we'll be ready to travel."

"Cool!"

Sometime later, a van pulled up and with my help, got Vinyl's equipment packed and loaded, ready to go to outside Vanhoover. The trip took sometime as well as when we arrived, we came across a nightclub that was outside the city which must be where Vinyl is having her DJ gig. I got out of the van and looked up to see it being Sunset already, we proceeded to unpack the equipment and bring them inside to find the place empty but with the lights in place, before placing them down on the centre stage.

"Wow Vinyl, you sure know how to pick your places to DJ." I said with a surprise expression.

"That's because I learn to pick the best places wherever my music goes." Vinyl replied.

"Sweet."

After setting up the equipment, it all looked ready to go, now all we needed was a crowd and we were set. By the time the first few walked in, we were given a few supplies of food and soft drinks as we needed them for sure.

"Alright, we've got a crowd going, ready to DJ with me, cousin?" Vinyl asked me as we got ourselves ready on stage.

"Bring it on!" I replied before we did a brohoof and got the first track started by Vinyl.

The moments that followed were simply indescribable...there was a mixture of what Vinyl called was Dubstep which lasted for nearly an hour, after she was done, I followed on the night with my side covering a genre called Uplifting Trance and the young colts and fillies were dancing away, moving to the beats of the music. All the while, I looked at Vinyl, in order to be sure she doesn't collapse like last time, but on this night, she didn't so she must've learned from her mistakes which made me smile and the night so much better. For once, I was doing what my cutie mark was displaying and I couldn't be more happier it was happening on this night.

Another hour later and we were both exhausted, but the music was over and the crowd was buzzing with cheers and applause, Vinyl grabbed a microphone and came forward to say something to the crowd.

"Thank you everypony from Vanhoover for coming tonight, I wanted to give a shout-out to my cousin, Bond Racer who was my DJ partner for this night only, see you all again soon, have a good night!" she spoke to them.

Afterwards, we shared a hug signalling our proud achievement and the fact that it all fell into place.

We shortly had to pack up and call it a night before travelling all the way back to Ponyville, it looked to be around midnight by the time we got back, but the night was so worth it.

"Don't worry about bringing the equipment in, I'll just put down by the sofa and deal with them in the morning." Vinyl said.

"Okay." I replied before adding, "It was a fantastic night and it felt great to finally do a DJ gig which I've been meaning to do for a very long time."

"Don't worry about it. Either way, it was real nice to hang out with you again."

"Same here...have a good night, Vinyl."

"You too, cousin."

We shared one last hug before I left her house and walked back home to my house. Once I got in, I took off my clothes and thought of nothing else but going straight to bed and sleeping away with thinking over my events with today. I guess the Flim Flam brothers did do me a favor as it allowed me to spend some time with Vinyl and perform at DJ gig which I so wanted to so since I became one of the elements of harmony. I did wonder though...maybe the six mares could tell me what happened while I was away and I hope they wouldn't be mad at me for not being there for the rest of the day.

Read It & Weep

I woke up and it appeared to be already the afternoon...I really must've worked myself out after that DJ gig with Vinyl last night. But that's not on my mind right now, I wanted to see the six mares and find out if they're alright and hope they're not angry or disappointed for me not being around. As soon as I got myself ready, I saw them altogether at the park where they were watching Rainbow Dash flying around in the sky, possibly trying to master a few new moves.

I sighed and walked on over to them. "Afternoon girls."

"Oh hey there darling." Rarity replied.

"Bond, where were you yesterday and this morning?" Twilight asked gently.

"I'm surprised...I thought I was going to be greeted with a not so positive reception after the way I just flew off when those Flim Flam brothers were bragging to the extreme." I said.

"We're not sugarcube, we all would've done the same if we were in your hooves." Applejack assured.

Sighing in relief, I told them about my time with Vinyl Scratch and being at one of her DJ gigs because I was neglecting my cutie mark, they seemed to be smiling about it though.

"If I wasn't feeling the way I was yesterday, maybe I would've been able to help...speaking of which, what happened to those two show-offs?" I asked.

"Well after you left, the Flim Flam brothers offered to do a partnership with the apple family because of the cider shortage." Fluttershy explained.

"But we flat out refused and they then challenged us to a comeptition, whichever side produced the most cider barrels in the morning wins control of the business." Applejack added.

"The brothers won by ten barrels more and we were about to feel upset when the customers drank their cider, but it wasn't good at all and hitting a problem, they packed up and fled the town." Twilight added in.

"So the apple family is still in business!" Applejack finished.

"Wow, guess I missed out quite a bit...so what's going on with Dash today?"

"Oh she's working on a new stunt move." Pinkie answered, "Isn't she the most daring devil, I mean the most devilish darer, I mean-"

"She's dazzling." Rarity intervened, cutting Pinkie off.

"Simple and to the point, just how I like it." I replied, winking at Rarity.

"Oh Bond, you're becoming such a flatterer." Rarity complimented.

I smiled back, before we knew it, there was a loud crash on the field.

"Ohhhh!" the girls exclaimed, seeing that Dash must've fallen to the ground or something.

"So much for dazzling." Pinkie sighed.

I galloped over to see Dash was knocked out and in a lot of pain.

"Girls, we gotta get her to the hospital, stat!" I yelled.

I placed Dash on my back and we all began to run to the hospital as fast we could.

Sometime later, the six of us were watching over Dash, hoping she would be alright if she wakes up.

"You think she's gonna be okay?" Applejack asked worryingly.

"Oh, I'm so worried." Fluttershy added.

"Is her face gonna stay that way?" Pinkie asked as we noticed her odd expression.

Eventually, Dash opened her eyes slowly and she woke up, noticing she had a bandage around her right wing....hah, take that, Conservatives!

"Awwww." Dash groaned.

Meanwhile, the doctor was looking at some x-rays of Rainbow Dash's wing, which seemed to be broken.

"How is she, doctor?" Twilight asked my question again to him.

"She's going to be fine. Luckily she has friends like you who got her over here in a jiffy."

"Huh, how long do I need to lie here? I've got things I need to do!" Rainbow Dash argued.

"Well, that all depends on your recovery, but I'd say a few days minimum."

"You guys have gotta get me out of here, I'm gonna climb the walls!"

Pinkie Pie quickly ran over to Rainbow Dash. "Ooh, just like a spider!" She turned her body towards the doctor and placed her hooves on him. "Did the crash somehow give her super-duper spider powers?"

"Nnnno…" He turned away, causing Pinkie Pie to fall on the ground. "Nor did it give her amazing healing powers. She needs to stay in bed for a few days."

"Few days?" Rainbow questioned, falling back on the pillow and lying down. "Might as well be a few months, or few years!"

"It's not so bad Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy assured.

"I bet the chow in here is hoof-lickin' good." Applejack encouraged.

"And the hospital gowns, they match the curtains!" Rarity added, holding one up near the window where the curtains presented themselves.

"And look, you have a roommate!" Pinkie Pie said as she pulled back a curtain to find a pony covered in bandages all over.

Twilight rubbed her chin and noticed a cart of books being pushed past the room. She smiled and ran towards the cart bringing back a book for Rainbow Dash. She held it near her and poked her with it, placing it by the side of her bed afterwards.

"What's this?" Rainbow Dash questioned in an irritable tone. She picked it up and analysed the cover. "'Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone'."

"This is the first story in the series." Twilight patted the book cover. "I own all of them." She released a squee.

However, Rainbow Dash returned an annoyed look at her. "No thanks. I so don't read. I'm a world-class athlete. Reading's for eggheads like you, Twilight." Rainbow Dash responded as Twilight formed narrowed eyes. "Heh, no offence, but I am not reading. It's undeniably, unquestionably, uncool."

I stood there in confusion as to what she just said...whilst the other girls laughed.

"Is she serious?" Applejack asked. "Who doesn't like to read a bang-up tale from time to time?"

"Why, a good book is almost as magnificent as silk pyjamas on a Sunday morning, heh!" Rarity expressed.

"Reading is for everypony, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight agreed, placing the book back in front of her.

"Yeah! I love reading!" Pinkie Pie added, hopping excitedly. "And my head isn't even close to the shape of an egg! It's more the shape of an apple, or maybe an orange, but a big orange, more like a grapefruit really..." She placed her hoof to her chin to think about it.

"All right, my little ponies." One of the nurses announced from the door. "Rainbow Dash needs her rest. You'll have to come back tomorrow."

We all began walking out before Twilight stopped to look at Dash once more.

"I think you'd like Daring." Twilight explained to Rainbow Dash as she began walking out as well. "She's a lot like you. Adventurous, fierce, and undeniably, unquestionably, unstoppable." She stood at the door, waiting for a response from Rainbow Dash, but she merely flicked her hoof away.

As we left the hospital and noticing it was sunset already, we began talking about having just a couple of us visit her once a day when it's right to go see her.

"I know, Fluttershy and I will visit her tomorrow." Twilight suggested.

"And I'm sure you can take care of the animals for an hour while we're there, right, Bond?" Fluttershy asked.

"Why I sure can, after all, I learned a lot from your work experience." I answered.

"Thanks." she replied with a tiny amount of blush.

Man, I'm on a roll with the flattering today...I wonder if I can keep it up.

We soon called it a day and headed to our homes whilst thinking that Dash will recover soon in a few days.

When the morning arrived, I visited Fluttershy's cottage to find her just about to leave and meet up with Twilight to visit Dash at the hospital. Sharing a quick hug before she left, I got to work on watching over the animals, especially keeping an eye on Angel, her bunny who seems to be behaving like a spoiled bunny as of late, I'm hoping it doesn't get worse for Fluttershy.

When Fluttershy came back by the afternoon, I was glad that my animal work was over, even though I had complete control over it.

"Thanks for watching over my animals." Fluttershy said.

"Not a problem." I replied.

"Oh, by the way, Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack are going to visit Dash and Applejack wants you to help Big Mac with the apple trees."

"Alright, I might as well fly over there. See you soon, Fluttershy."

I waved and then flew to the apple farm, when I arrived, Big Mac gave me a wave and I flew down to land.

"I guess you were waiting for me to help with the farm?" I asked.

"Eeyup." he replied. "Ah need you to take down the apples on that side of the orchard, ah've got this one covered."

"Got it."

"But, ah dare you to do so without your wings or magic, ah wanna see how strong you are at bucking trees."

"Are you serious?"

"Eeyup."

There was no point in arguing really, I got to work right away, walking over to one side of the orchard and began to buck the first tree with my backlegs and a few apples came falling down into the baskets below, it took me a while to get hang of it before I started gathering improved psychical strength which might come in handy later on if evil arises again.

After a while of tree bucking for apples, it was almost sunset and Big Mac came on over and shook hooves with me.

"Good job, ah think you have a knack of taking down apples the traditional way." he complimented.

"Really? So I have proven to be more that just a flyer with magic?" I asked.

"Eeyup, ya can head on home now."

"Cool see you around."

After I left the farm, I flew on up and I wanted to go back home to rest, but along the way, I saw Dash outside the hospital and looking well rested but she seemed to have something on her mind.

"Is Ahuizotl gonna get away with the statue head, what's gonna happen to Daring?"

"Hey there Dash, you healed up quite quick." I said to her.

"Oh hey Bond, yeah my wing's back to normal." she replied but not so happily.

"But there's something on your mind right and is it to do with the daring do book?"

"How do you know?" she gasped.

"You were pacing about saying it when I saw you." I replied. "Have you thought where else to look for the book?

"Aha!" Dash said with a smile, "Twilight has a copy of the book..." she paused after reminding herself of something else. "..but I can't ask her after I called her an egghead and all." she then fell backwards softly.

"Come on Dash, Twilight's gone through much worse than that. I'm sure won't mind you coming around."

"Really, that's it?"

"Why of course, you accepted Twilight's apology after that mare do well incident, I'm sure she'll accept yours much easily."

"Ugh, don't remind me...alright, I'll go to her home and ask."

I grabbed her hoof and pulled her up so she was back on her hooves and we walked to Twilight's library, we then knocked the door.

"Oh hi Bond...and Dash, you're out of the hospital?" she asked noticing Dash without her bandage.

"Yeah, but I have to let my wing a rest for a few more days before I can fly well again."

"Cool, so what brings you here?"

"Just to say that I didn't mean to say that's you're an egghead, because I'm an egghead…"

"Huh?" Twilight questioned.

"See, I was thinking of coming to you, because you have the book I needed to read and finish the last chapter of-"

"-'Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone'?" Twilight finished Rainbow Dash's sentence.

"You got me…" Rainbow Dash responded, lowering her head in angry shame.

"Wow, I knew the book was good, but I didn't know it could drive a pony to being crazy over it!" Twilight commented.

"Good? Try awesomely amazing." Rainbow corrected. "That book is undeniably, unquestionably, un-put-down-able! But then I had to put it down and I was sent home before I could finish it."

"Well, why don't you come on in..." Twilight then looked at me "...you can come in too, Bond, there may be a book for you."

"Okay." I replied with a smile.

We walked on inside as Twilight grabbed a book that Dash wanted.

"Like I said, I have every book in the series and you can borrow them all, anytime you like." she said as she lifted out the same book Dash wanted to read.

"Uh thanks Twilight...I actually feel happy to be doing something new like reading." Dash said, "I thought reading was for smart ponies like you."

"Rainbow Dash, just because your athletic, doesn't mean you're not smart." Twilight assured.

"Yeah, just look at me." Spike added as he tried to show his arm muscles which was met with confused faces...he then grabbed up his broom and resumed cleaning in a huff.

"Reading is something everypony can enjoy, if they just give it a try." Twilight assured.

"Yeah, I get it." Dash replied. "I shouldn't knock something until I tried it."

As I grabbed a book called 'History Of The Alicorns.', I intervened into the conversation. "That sounds like a great lesson and it would make a great letter to the Princess."

"Did you get all that?" Dash asked Spike.

"Yeah." Spike answered who was unsure.

"Great...you write the letter, I'll gotta finish this book."

Dash then took the book with her mouth and flew out of the library...she was very eager to read it I have to say.

"And as for me, I'll borrow this book for a while...it just seemed to grab my attention." I said as I lifted the book from a shelf.

"History Of The Alicorns, that's a great book, I'm sure you'll find it interesting."

"I'm sure I will, have a good evening."

"You too, Bond."

I then waved and with my magic, I brought the book with me out of the library and to my home. When I got inside, I got undressed and into bed, I switched on my night light and got into bed before opening the first page of the book and began to read. It was great to see Dash finding a new hobby and interest in reading and so did I, I haven't read a book for a long time either and as I continued to read, I learnt one other thing...Indiana Jones is awesome!

Hearts & Hooves Day

I woke up the next morning and looking at my calendar, it was Hearts & Hooves Day which to me seems like Equestria's version of Valentine's Day. But I was a little down knowing this, as for starters, I have a marefriend in Trixie but she's been away for a long time and I really miss her a lot, secondly, most of the mares I know, don't seem to know much about relationships.

Getting myself cleaned with a shower as I really needed one today and followed by a zap apple jam sandwich, I left the house with bits in my pockets and began walking around town, noticing the day was just like normal, there wasn't much hearts and hooves going on as there could be...maybe they like to keep things private?

I then spotted the CMC's walking by with something on their mind.

"Now it can't be just anypony, Miss Cheerlie is one of the best mares in Ponyville." Sweetie Belle said. "She deserves to have one of the best stallions as her special somepony."

"Morning there fillies, shouldn't you be in school right now?" I asked them as I walked over.

"Actually, it's our morning break and we're on a mission." Applebloom replied.

"Lemme guess, another one of your aims to get a cutie mark?"

"Not really, we're looking for a stallion for Miss Cheerlie to have a hearts and hooves day with." Scootaloo answered.

"Oh I see and really, Miss Cheerlie? Your school teacher?"

"Of course, she's the best teacher ever!" Sweetie exclaimed.

Suddenly, music began to play in the background...I sighed, seeing I had nothing else to do right now.

"Alright, I might as well listen to why you three think that."

The CMC's and began to sing.

Cheerilee is sweet and kind,

She's the best teacher we could hope for

The perfect stallion you and I must find

One to really make her heart soar

But,

This one's too young,

This one's too old

He clearly has a terrible cold

This guy's too silly, he's way too uptight

Well nothing's wrong with this one,

He seems alright!

His girlfriend sure thinks so...

How 'bout this one?

He's much too flashy

He might do

If he weren't so splashy

Too short

Too tall!

Too clean

Too smelly!

Strangely obsessed with tubs of jelly...

-Sigh-

I don't think that we're mistaken,

It seems all the good ones are taken

I really feel that at this rate

we'll never find the perfect date

Don't want to quit and give up hope!

"Doing anything special for Hearts and Hooves Day?" Scootaloo asked Big Mac

"Oh, please, oh, please, oh, please say..."

"Nnnnope!" Big Mac replied.

They then gasped in delight.

We did it girls, we found the one!

Who will send our teachers heart aflutter!

"Wait a minute! Let me get this straight, are you talking about my brother?" Applebloom asked.

The music stopped after that...we were inside the barn as the fillies watched over Big Mac without being seen, I was quite confused by the thought of Big Mac and Cheerlie together, I wasn't sure if that would be right.

"You're right Sweetie Belle, Big Macintosh is the perfect match for Miss Cheerlie." Scootaloo answered. "He's nice, super hard working.

"Hmm, but he's also pretty shy." Applebloom added. "He's never gonna ask Miss Cheerlie to be his somepony."

"Maybe he doesn't have to." Sweetie said.

"Huh?"

"If we can get Big Mac and Miss Cheerlie in a really romantic setting, I bet she'll ask him."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Scootaloo agreed.

"So what are we waiting for, let's get out there and create the perfect date!" Applebloom exclaimed as they slapped their hooves together.

"Woah, you can leave me out of this one." I intervened.

"But why Bond, don't you have a special somepony?

"Well, I'm keeping myself reserved, it's how I go through hearts and hooves day."

"Well in that case, would you like to help us?" Sweetie asked.

"Sorry fillies, but I have better things to do...I'll see you around."

I then walked out of the barn and flew out of Sweet Apple Acres to the Everfree Forest, praying that Trixie is back from her vacation. I landed by her home and I saw smoke from the chimney...this gave me hope, she must be home.

"Umm..hello, anypony home?" I asked out loud.

The door opened...and there she was...Trixie galloped towards me as I held out my forelegs.

"Bond Racer!" Trixie exclaimed, smiling at me with a tear. "I've missed you."

"Trixie!" I replied before sharing a kiss, "I've missed you so much too."

"Come on in, I'm sure there's loads to talk about."

"There is."

We then walked inside holding hooves, we sat by the sofa and got into a loving embrace, cuddling and exchanging kisses...it was a special moment in that time...I didn't want it to stop. But after a short while, we began talking about several things.

"So how was your vacation in Vanhoover?" I asked.

"It was really great, I had no bad memories at all. I had a lot of fun...something that I missed years ago." she replied before walking over to a bag she had on the table. "I bought this for you...as I promised."

She took out a black stylish hat that had my name on it...and placed it on my head.

"Wow, it looks good and it fits...thank you Trixie."

"So how have you been, Bond?"

"I've been doing very good, I've got my own pet which is an eagle and he's cool to have."

"An eagle as a pet, that's kinda cool."

"Yeah, but I don't think I've been paying much attention to it cause of other things."

"Really, what kind of other things?"

"Well, me and the other mares had Twilight's birthday at Canterlot, I was then babysitting twins for a family at Sugarcube Corner, I helped give support for Applejack at a rodeo show and I got to be a DJ partner for my cousin who lives here."

"That;s quite a lot of good things, but it's great that you've been keeping busy while I've been gone."

"Yeah, I guess...but you're back now and that's what matters to me."

"Oh Bod, I love you..."

"I love you too, Trixie..."

We then shared another moment of embrace with kisses, before I had a question.

"It's hearts and hooves day today, I was wondering if we could spent a romantic day out together." I suggested.

"That would be wonderful...if only I was welcomed in Ponyville though." she replied with a sad expression.

"Who said it had to be in Ponyville?" I asked her with raising eyebrows.

"Oh right...but where else could we go?"

"Canterlot, the ponies over there won't know you, so you'll be safe with me."

She pondered for a moment and smiled, "Alright, let's go and have a day of loving together."

"Sweet!" I said in my own happy way.

We left her home together and I offered her to give her a ride and fly over to Canterlot. She accepted by climbing onto my back and holding on to me. We flew upwards and through the sky...I felt the loving warmth of Trixie on my back as she held on to me. We landed outside Canterlot and began walking through the town, holding hooves and smiling at each other.

"Wow, Canterlot is way more classy and royal than Vanhoover and Ponyville combined." Trixie commented.

"It sure is, but there are a few downside such as rich, snobby ponies, but I learnt that not all of them are." I replied, "Mr. Fancypants and his wife Fleur De Lis turned out to be genuine and polite classy ponies."

"Really, I can't believe I'm with an alicorn who knows royalty and celebrities""

"I guess now that I think about it, it is quite a privilege for me."

Sometime passed as we enjoyed what Canterlot had to offer and with my alicorn status, the ponies were incredibly polite and generous to us...especially when we visited a restaurant and enjoying the finest meals there and talk about what's happened on my end...it was the day I wanted and needed so much that I couldn't stop smiling, being with her.

"Well...this was the best food I have ever head, it makes a change to making my own dinner in my own home." Trixie smirked slightly.

"Oh really? Your meals don't have to be classy for me." I winked.

"Ha, oh you..."

We then shared a huge milkshake, holding hooves across the table and began sucking our straws, drinking the milkshake, it was quite a cheesy scene, but we didn't care.

By the time it was sunset, I picked up Trixie on my back and flew from Canterlot back to her home...we landed down and we walked into her home again....and there, the mood changed from love to passionate love.

"Bond, I've had one of the best days ever..." Trixie said with a gentle smile, "...and I really want to show you how much I appreciate it."

"I'm glad you did...anything to make you feel loved and happy with me." I replied.

She the grabbed my hoof and took me to her bedroom where I started blushing, but I can see Trixie blushing too. We sat on her bed and held into each others forelegs as we laid down on our sides, engaging in total embrace and love...but there was no need to go further than that...I wasn't ready for third base and I'm sure Trixie isn't ready either, there'll be a chance for that when the time comes, just not today.

"Well, I should probably get going...are you gonna be okay-"

I cut myself off noticing that after making out, Trixie had her eyes closed but her forelegs were about loose enough for me to wiggle out and get off her bed. After a second of not trying to wake her up, I quietly walked out of the house, but not before giving her a goodbye kiss on her cheek.

I then walked out of her home and began to fly away out of the forest...I then spotted the CMC's collecting apples by the orchard and storing them in a big wooden crate, I flew down to find out why.

"Hey there fillies, what's all this about?" I asked.

"Oh hey Bond....we were gathering these apples as part of our punishment." Scootaloo replied.

"Punishment? I guess something happened earlier on?"

"Yeah, we tried to get Big Mac and Miss Cheerlie together, but it didn't work a few times, so we made up a love potion that would make them fall in love together...when they found out, we learnt a lesson about friendship and love." Sweetie explained.

"Oh I see..."

Then, Big Mac and Cheerlie turned up.

"Oh hey there Miss Cheerlie, what are you doing here?" Applebloom asked.

"Since you three are doing all of his chores, Big Mac and I thought we could have a picnic at the gazebo." Cheerlie replied before looking at Big Mac, "Ready sugar plum?"

"Eeyup, pumpkin pie." he replied in a romantic voice.

The fillies gasped, but I noticed Cheerlie and Mac winking, probably to say to me that they'll keep the joke going, before then began walking off into the sunset.

"Nooooooooooooooooooo!" the fillies screamed.

I giggled quietly and began to fly back home. When I arrived, I could see the sun going down and with the day I had, I needed some sleep...when I heard a squawk coming from my shed. I walked over to my garden to find Raven with a hat of it's own and a tiny briefcase.

"Uhh Raven, what is this?" I asked it.

There was no reply.

"Why are you leaving...can't you stay?"

The eagle shook it head as if to say no.

"Oh...okay, well at least we had a good time and you were a cool pet I guess. I'm sure you'll find a new owner who will take better care of you or you just wish to be free for all time."

It squawked again before tipping it's hat towards me and flying off into the distance...I sighed that I had to say goodbye to my eagle right out of the blue, but I guess I wasn't being a good pet owner whenever I had time.

I sighed as I got in and took off my clothes and storing my hat that Trixie got for me on a hanger. I got into bed and resumed my reading of the book I borrowed from Twilight a few days ago whilst recapping over today, that should cheer me up.

I was overjoyed to see Trixie again and to spend the day with her was incredible, not to mention the passionate romance we shared together. I wonder if she's dreaming about me right now...I guess Luna has the answer to that. As for the fillies, I learnt a lesson from them too...shippers destroy lives...if handled the wrong way.

A Friend In Deed

I woke up the next day, but I was feeling a little sad that Raven had to leave...oh well, guess I'm not really that good at looking after a pet, but as long as I have Trixie and my best friends, I should get over it quick...speaking of which, I could do with a song from Pinkie...as long as she's not just being a playmate to the cake twins.

It looked to be quite a hot day too, so I left my clothes and shoes alone, before leaving the house trying to create a smile as I walked through the town. Then, I spotted Pinkie trotting down the street with a smile and greeting everypony she went by with various messages which got me curious.

"Morning Pinkie." I greeted.

"Oh hey, morning Bond, are you doing well?" Pinkie asked.

"In some way, I am."

"Awww but what's wrong?"

"Well, remember the eagle that I took as my pet a long while back, it left the nest so to speak yesterday, but he left with a polite departure...so I'don't have a pet anymore."

"Awww, that's disappointing to hear...I guess not everypony is good at raising pets."

"You're right about that, but it's alright, I have plenty of others to share my love with such as you and the other mares."

"Awww, you're amazing with words, Bond and always will be."

"Thanks, by the way I was listening to your greetings earlier, how do you know everything about every other pony?"

"Cause everypony's my friend and I love to see my friends smile."

She then showed off a big smile with her teeth on show...I then heard the beginning of a melody playing, I guess there's a musical part coming up and for the first time, I needed one to smile proudly again.

"Well, could you do me a favor by singing that song you sung when I first came here?" I asked Pinkie, "It would really help me cheer up."

"Whee!" she replied while bouncing, "I haven't sung that one for a while, of course, I'll sing it for you, just listen and I'll make you smile!"

The music then began to play as I trotted alongside her in a rhythmic motion

"My name is Pinkie Pie (Hello!)

And I am here to say (How ya doin'?)

I'm gonna make you smile and I will brighten up your day

It doesn't matter now (What's up?)

If you are sad or blue (Howdy!)

'Cause cheering up my friends is just what Pinkie's here to do"

During which, she cheered a few fillies up.

"'Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile

Yes I do

It fills my heart with sunshine all the while

Yes it does

'Cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine"

We then trotted to the filly school and shared a few smiling moments to a few fillies which made them happy.

"I like to see you grin (Awesome!)

I love to see you beam (Rock on!)

The corners of your mouth turned up is always Pinkie's dream (Hoof bump!)

But if you're kind of worried

And your face has made a frown

I'll work real hard and do my best to turn that sad frown upside down"

We then trotted in unison through the town again and at this point, I began to smile better.

"'Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin

Yes I do

Bust it out from ear to ear let it begin

Just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin

And you fill me with good cheer"

We then took a quick stop to think about the sad stuff, but we shared a hug and smiled again.

"It's true some days are dark and lonely

And maybe you feel sad

But Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn't that bad

There's one thing that makes me happy and makes my whole life worthwhile

And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile"

We were then back on our hooves and trotting again.

"I really am so happy

Your smile fills me with glee

I give a smile I get a smile

And that's so special to me

'Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam

Yes I do

Tell me what more can I say

To make you see

That I do

It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam

Yes it always makes my day"

At this point, the other five mares turned up to join in with us which made me it more fun and happy for me.

"Come on every pony smile, smile, smile

Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine

All I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine"

The ponies across the town then joined in the singing, I couldn't stop smiling right now.

"Come on every pony smile, smile, smile

Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine

All I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine"

"Yes the perfect gift for me ([Choir] Come on every pony smile, smile, smile)

Is a smile as wide as a mile (Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine)

To make me happy as can be (All I really need's a smile, smile, smile; From these happy friends of)

Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile

Come on and smile

Come on and smile"

The music ended with all the ponies cheering before they all went back to their work, leaving the seven of us together....I was so happy that I forgot all about the sadness about my pet leaving me.

"Wow! Thank you so much Pinkie!" I exclaimed giving her a big hug, "I really needed that."

"No problem Bond, I'm glad you cheered up." Pinkie replied, sharing my hug for a few seconds.

"Cheered up, what happened earlier darling?" Rarity asked me.

"Oh you remember my pet eagle, the one I took in after the gorge incident? He left me but with a polite departing gesture." I answered.

"Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that, Bond." Fluttershy responded.

"It's alright. To be fair, I wasn't being much of a good pet person with all the recent stuff around me."

"But what matters is that you still have us as your awesome friends." Rainbow Dash assured.

"And of course Trixie who you love very much." Twilight added but in a quiet tone so nopony else heard.

"Thank you girls...I love you all too."

We then shared a group hug...it felt like a very long time since we had a hug altogether.

"Well, I gotta go back and take care of the animals." Fluttershy said.

"I've gotta get back to studying." Twilight added.

"I have to go as well, Sweetie Belle needs time with me." Rarity also added.

"And ah have to finish off painting a side of the barn ah'm working on." Applejack said as well.

"Alright girls, I'll see you all soon." I replied.

They all waved and went to where each of them were needed. this left me with Pinkie and Dash.

"So what about you, Dash?" I asked her.

"Actually, I was gonna go back to Cloudsdale but I'll stick around for you if you want." she replied.

"Really...thank you Dash and what about you, Pinkie?"

"I spotted a donkey that looks kinda down so I'm gonna go try and befriend him....later!" Pinkie replied before trotting off in a direction.

"So, wanna race with me around the skies?" Dash asked with a smirk look.

"Just bring it!"

I then zoomed into the sky before Dash could and the race was on... we flew around the whole area of Ponyville as an impressive speed, whilst dodging the clouds which was no problem since there wasn't much around today. We then flew around Canterlot but we kept away from the castle area before flying around at a slower speed across Cloudsdale.

After a while, I could see Dash beside me beginning to flap her wings harder and harder.

"Umm Dash, why don't we land by Twilight's library as the finish line area?" I asked her

"Okay, here it goes!" Dash then zoomed down to the ground before landing as I did the same and landed beside her.

"Whew...it's been a while since I used my wings for a challenge as big as that." I said.

"Although, Dash once again took supreme...with humility and grace." Dash replied.

"That's good to know, shall we go inside?"

"Yeah sure, besides, I have a Daring Do book I need to borrow from Twilight."

We then knocked on the door and walked on inside to see Twilight with a book she's reading.

"Oh hey there Bond and Rainbow, what's up?"

"Hey Twilight, I have a Daring Do book I would like to request borrowing."

"Sure Dash, which one would you like?"

"Daring Do and the Griffon's Goblet."

"One moment..." Twilight then pulled out a book with the same title on it and brought it over to Dash. "Here you go, clean as new."

"Thanks!" Dash then sat on the stairs and began to read.

"What about you Bond?" Twilight asked me.

"Oh I'm alright...I'm still reading the History Of The Alicorns book I borrowed a while back." I reminded her.

"Oh yeah, is it good for you so far?"

"It's really fascinating so far...I think I even learnt a spell from it."

"Cool, what spell is it?"

"It's the one where I can turn an object into a different object, but I won't do that now."

Just then, a door opened and it was Pinkie who walked in but she didn't seem to be her happy self.

"Hey Pinkie, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I just can't believe it." she replied.

"Believe what?"

"Cranky said he would never forever be my friend. " she then began to feel upset. "It was horrible." she added before her voice began to crack.

"Umm, who is this Cranky?"

"The donkey that I saw a while ago, I tried to be friends with him but none of my ideas worked."

"I know this is hard for you Pinkie, seeing your friends with everypony, but you're just gonna have to accept that Cranky is the only exception." Twilight advised. "He just doesn't want to be bothered."

"Yeah, he doesn't wanna be bothered by your over the top super antics." Dash added, although I think she didn't it in a mean way.

"Rainbow!" Twilight scolded lightly.

"No no, it's okay Twilight. I get what you're saying...what you're both saying." Pinkie assured, "And I guess I can leave Cranky, right after he accepts my apology." she then trotted out of the library.

Twilight then face-planted on her book in disbelief...so that's where Facebook came from.

"Want me to go with Pinkie?" I asked them.

"Just to make sure she's alright." Twilight answered.

"Okay, see you both soon."

I then left the library and began to follow Pinkie...I then had an idea.

"Wait, Pinkie!" I called out to her "Does Cranky have any friends or somepony that he might remember that would get him to feel better?"

"Well, he did mention something about being "alone with his memories"." She replied.

"What about that female donkey I saw you greeting to earlier today?"

"You mean Matilda?"

"Yeah, she could be the one that would make Cranky smile."

Pinkie then gasped and smiled, "Oh my god! Bond Racer, you're a genius!" she exclaimed, "I'll go and get Matilda right now."

She whooshed off quickly I didn't reply to her in time. Shortly afterwards, Pinkie brought a female donkey with her which was indeed Matilda and the three of us walked to a home where Pinkie found Cranky was living in.

"Shh." She shushed and began preparing herself to talk to Cranky again. She knocked and began speaking. "Cranky? It's me again. I understand that you don't wanna be my friend or accept my apology... before I leave you alone forever, I have something to at least try to make up for ruining your book."

"No, I don't want it, kid! Anything you would give me is sure to lead to some sort of disaster!" He answered harshly.

"Goodness, you really are cranky." Matilda responded.

We heard some movement of locks and chains, and Cranky slowly opened the door. Pinkie moved her head to face him, but he placed his hooves on her head and pushed it away, as if something else caught his attention… He then began staring at Matilda… These two must know each other…

"It can't be..." He quickly rushed back in to retrieve his wig and place it back on. "Is it really you?"

"It can, and it is."

"Matilda!" He exclaimed and walked towards her. "But how?"

"Pinkie." She faced Pinkie, who returned a bright smile as she waved her hoof.

"But... I never told you about her!"

"You didn't have to." Pinkie Pie responded. "I put two and two and two together and it added up to Matilda." She pointed her hoof towards her.

"What?"

"Well when you were talking about your souvenirs, you said something about trying to find a special friend!" Pinkie Pie explained. "And y'know, I wasn't just born yesterday, nuh-uh! My birthday isn't for another seventy five days!"

"Huh?" He questioned, still confused.

"And then, in your scrapbook, there was a flower, an old ticket, and a menu from the Grand Galloping Gala! And I knew I recognized all these things."

"But how could you have ever seen them before?"

"Because I also have them in my scrapbook." Matilda answered his question, presenting a pink scrapbook with a blue bow in the top.

"And I'd seen them in Matilda's book!" Pinkie added excitedly, pointing towards the book.

Matilda then opened her scrapbook, allowing Cranky to take a view inside it. "Oh, Matilda. The night we met at the gala was the most magical night of my life…" He took a pause to continue to analyze the pictures and such. "I couldn't wait to see you again. But when I came to your room the next day, you were gone."

"Didn't you get my note?" Matilda asked.

"No, I never got it! Ever since that day I've gone from town, to town, to town... searching all over Equestria for you, until finally I gave up. I came to Ponyville to retire from my search…"

"I was living in Ponyville the whole time. I always hoped that someday you would come and find me. Doodle."

Pinkie Pie widened her eyes from shock. "Uh. Matilda? Nopony calls him Doodle..." She rubbed her hooves anxiously.

Cranky walked closer to Matilda in a sort of romantic way. "Nopony... but Matilda. Mmm." They then began rubbing each other's head, causing me to smile and begin to see things lighten up and quickly escalate to better statuses. I also noticed Pinkie grin brightly.

"Oh, Doodle, I'm so happy to see you." Matilda commented and kissed him on the nose.

Cranky suddenly widened his eyes in shock and began quivering. Pinkie widened her eyes as well, but in excitement. We both observed how his mouth continued shaking and quivering until it finally transformed into a bright smile. Pinkie gasped and smiled very brightly as well, seeing how her wish was complete. Both of the donkeys looked at each other and rubbed their heads happily.

"So does this mean that you accept my apology?" Pinkie asked hopefully.

"Yes, Pinkie, I accept your apology, and I am honoured to call you my friend." Cranky responded proudly.

From standing up, Pinkie quickly sat down and began grinning as if she was holding something in. But then I noticed that she was actually about to literally explode in happiness as I could only slightly widen my eyes at her. She shook violently and suddenly burst upwards in the air like a rocket. "Woohoo! This is just fantastic!" She began falling back towards the ground, causing me to quickly hold out my hooves and catch her.

"Pinkie, we're eternally grateful to you." Cranky explained. "But... Matilda and I just want to spend some time together in peace and quiet."

"Oh. Um, but we're still friends?"

"Pinkie, you went way, way, way out of your way to make me happy." Cranky walked over to Pinkie and placed his hoof on her shoulder. "Of course we're friends."

Matilda then walked over to Cranky, which caused him to begin walking her to his home.

"Great!" Pinkie exclaimed and watched as they both walked inside.

"Come on, Pinkie." I announced. "Let's go home."

She smiled brightly and began walking with me as we headed towards home.

"I'm so glad!" She commented.

"So am I...and you know what, I think I've learnt a lesson today because of you, Pinkie."

"Really? What did you learn?"

With my magic, I then created a scroll and quill and began to write.

"Dear Princess Celestia, there are many different kinds of friends, and many ways to express friendship. Some friends like to run and laugh and play together! But others just like to be left alone, and that's fine too. But the best thing about friendship is being able to make your friends smile!"

"That's fantastic, Princess Celestia will like that." Pinkie complimented.

"Thanks Pinkie, I've gotta send this to Twilight and I'll see you again." I replied.

We shared a quick hug before she bounced towards her sweet shop home whilst I walked over to the library to see Twilight just come outside.

"Hey again Bond, how's Pinkie?" she asked.

"It's all good now, Cranky found his special friend that he was looking for so many years and he forgave Pinkie, plus I also have here a lesson I learnt today."

"Oooh great, I'll make sure Spike sends this right away....see you soon." she replied taking the scroll from me.

"Same to you, Twilight." I replied before going back to my home.

I headed straight to bed as I had nothing to take off today, I began to read my book once more and recap on today. Pinkie really helped me to cheer up with that song as well as that group hug. Racing with Dash was a major breeze of enjoyment and even Pinkie and I learnt a lesson about friendship.

As I began to fall asleep, I realize that I need to go shopping again...guess I need to cut down on the food I eat.

Putting Your Hoof Down

I awoke the next day with a smile on my face, thanks to Pinkie singing for me yesterday, but all the same, I still needed to keep up with my experience in looking after animals, I wonder if Fluttershy needs help today with the animals after I've done my shopping. I looked on out through the window as well as my pocket-watch and it was already near the lunch hour.

Packing up a few bits, I put on my shoes only and began to walk out to the town. I saw a few stores around some areas, it must be market day, hence the reason for all these tent-ish shops suddenly appearing today. As I trotted on through the markets stalls, I noticed Fluttershy walking slowly towards the stall with asparaguses on sale. When it was her turn, a pony suddenly cut in front of her with no regards to Fluttershy who was right behind her.

This did not sit with me well...Fluttershy is extremely sensitive and I had to do something.

"Uhh, what do you think you're doing, cutting in line?" I asked the mare.

I got no reply as she purchased an asparagus before walking off.

"Wow...no respect."

But when a pair of mares with ridiculous 80's styled manes shoved Fluttershy away, that was it for me.

"Hey, my friend here was in front first." I said to them.

"Ugh and who are you, the loser patrol?"

"I'm an alicorn and I know when to respect ponies, unlike you two!"

"Excuse me?" Her friend replied. "You're like totally uncool, you know that?"

"Well if I was uncool, would I be able to do this?"

I then used an alicorn magic to lift them up off the ground and had them floating around.

"Hey! Put us down you moron!" One of them yelled.

"Bond Racer!" a voice yelled, "Put them down!"

I looked behind, it was Rarity and Pinkie Pie who must've seen it all happening.

"That's not the way to settle things, dear."

"Fine..." I sighed, letting them go...before they ran off until they were out of sight.

Shortly then, we walked up to Fluttershy who was speechless during the time.

"Fluttershy, you mustn't let them treat you that way." Rarity said.

Oh, it-it's really no big deal." Fluttershy replied.

"It's bigger than big, it's double big, you are a pony with a problem." Pinkie Pie added.

"What problem?" Fluttershy asked. Pinkie exchanged a look with Rarity and nodded. Then, she moved Fluttershy to the side and quickly took her place on the front of the line, causing Fluttershy to spin and fall to the floor. "Oh, go right ahead Pinkie Pie, you first."

"Right there!" Pinkie pointed out. "That's the problem."

"You've got to stop being such a doormat." Rarity added.

"A doormat?" Fluttershy questioned, surprised.

"A pushover, darling." Rarity explained. "You've got to stand up for yourself, promise us."

"She's right, I may have helped you out here but I won't always be able to do so." I added.

"Oh okay, I promise."

Fluttershy turned to the stall to see one asparagus on sale...before it was sold by a nerdy pony which left Fluttershy sad.

"Watch and learn." Rarity said as she began walking towards the pony. "Hold it right there, mister small and handsome."

"Uh, who, me?" He asked.

"Oh, of course, you, nopony ever called you handsome before?"

"Uhh, that'd be a big no."

"Oh, well they should! How about flexing some of your muscles for me?"

She then grabbed his hoof which must've gotten him feel excited...I had to say, I was blown away by how Rarity could use her charm to a high standard...she then used a bit of her magic to take the asparagus away from his saddlebag and into Fluttershy's, before we left him in a trance. I tried to laugh on the inside which isn't so hard to do these days.

"See, that's not so hard, is it?" Rarity asked.

"Um...I guess not." Fluttershy responded.

"Well, that's one way of getting what you want." I complimented.

"I have plenty more ways dear, I promise you that." she then did a playful wink and I knew she was kidding. "Alright then! What else is on your list?"

"Let's see, I also need tomatoes." Fluttershy replied which lead us to the tomato stall.

This time, there was no pony in line. Fluttershy walked up to the stand and used her wing to brush the three tomatoes off and into her saddlebag. Then, she placed a bit on the counter. "Here you go." Afterwards, she began walking back to us happily.

The tomato stall-holder looked at the bit, a bit surprised, and cleared her throat, catching Fluttershy attention. "That'll be two bits. Not one."

"Oh, but last week it was only one bit."

"That was then, this is now."

"Oh, okay. I don't wanna argue about it." Fluttershy replied, placing a bit on the counter.

Pinkie then jumped in, probably to help Fluttershy out.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Mindin' my own business, maybe you should try it!"

"Two bits for tomatoes is outrageous, one bit is the right price." Pinkie placed a hoof on one bit and brought it back to her side.

"I say it's two bits." The stallholder placed her hoof on the bit and brought it back to her.

Pinkie narrowed her eyes and brought it back. "One bit."

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"Two bits!"

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"Two bits!"

"One bit!"

"I insist it's two bits or nothing!"

"One bit and that's my final offer!"

Wow, is it rabbit or duck season again, I wondered.

"Have it your way, one bit it is!" Pinkie Pie quickly responded and took the bit with her. After, we quickly walked away from the stand, smiling after seeing Pinkie do her job. We shared a small laughter. "See? Asserting yourself can be fun!"

"I guess you're right!" Fluttershy replied, feeling better now.

"So, Fluttershy, do you feel like giving it a try?" Rarity asked.

"Um, okay."

She then flew over to the cherry stall that had one cherry left. "Boy am I glad you have one cherry left." Fluttershy explained to cherry stall-holder as she began landing and using her wing to retrieve the bit from her saddlebag. "You see I'm making this special meal for my bunny Angel, he's a very picky eater, and the recipe calls for a cherry on top."

"So, you say you need this cherry 'very badly'."

"Oh, yes, I'm desperate for it!"

"Then it'll be ten bits!"

"What? That's highway robbery!" I yelled.

"Ten bits for the cherry."

Fluttershy looked over at us again, noticing Rarity nod her head as Pinkie flipped her hoof to motion Fluttershy to try her method.

"Ten bits for one cherry's outrageous! I insist on paying you...eleven bits!"

"Eleven bits?"

"Umm...I mean, nine bits!"

"Er, now wait a minute."

"Okay, twelve bits, but that's my final offer!"

I looked over to Rarity and Pinkie Pie to see them notice that Fluttershy was just making things worse. Pinkie dug a hole in the ground and stuck her head in there while Rarity only placed a hoof to her face.

"I think you're confused."

"It's twelve bits, take it or leave it."

"Okay, I'll take it!"

I had enough, I had to intervene, "One bit or nothing. Don't you dare try to scam her from her money."

"Or what, kid?" He responded, aggressively.

I was about to use my magic when Rarity put her hooves around me by the waist, making me lose my concentration.

"Please don't it dear, violence is not the answer for this type of situation." Rarity said to me.

Pinkie placed her hoof on me as well and then looked at Fluttershy. "You shouldn't give him your money! One cherry is not worth twelve bits!"

"But... I was only doing what you did…"

"It was a valiant effort, but you should refuse to give him your business and just walk away." Rarity responded.

"But, I can't let Angel starve! He won't eat it unless I make it just right! I need that cherry no matter what it costs!" Fluttershy began flying towards the stand, but stall-holder heard us and changed the deal.

"In that case, twenty bits!"

"Twenty?" Fluttershy widened her eyes and stopped. "Oh, but, I don't have that much!"

"Then why're you wasting my time?"

Another pony walked by, carrying two bits with her magic. "I'll give you two bits for that cherry!" She placed the bits and removed the cherry from the stall.

"Sold! Eh, tough break, kid. Next time, don't be such a doormat."

Fluttershy frowned and began walking away sadly, whilst Pinkie and Rarity who were still holding on to me could only watch her and feel sorry for her...why was the pushover attitudes happening today I wondered.

"Umm, girls...I can't breathe..." I said to them before they let me go.

"Bond, I understand that you want to help us out..." Rarity said to me, "...but you can't keep fighting all of our battles when sometimes, we need to do them on our own, do you understand what I mean, dear?"

"I do...I just wish I could get a bit of payback of my own after that stall holder insulted me...I am in no way a kid." I replied.

"Aww come on and smile, I helped you to smile yesterday, didn't I?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah...I guess I forgot about that for a moment."

"Let's go to Sugarcube Corner, I have a new batch of cookies for sale."

"Thanks Pinkie...I would like that."

As we turned around, I used a bit of magic to set a corner of the cherry stall on fire when nopony was looking...I smiled as the stall holder fetched a bucket of water to try and put it out, which he did and sighed. I felt much better after that as we walked from the market area and into Sugarcube Corner in town. There Pinkie got me a bag of cookies to share along with Rarity who had one.

Some time later, a queue began to form in the shop, so Pinkie had to take charge which was fine with us. Then we saw Fluttershy turn up by outside the shop. She was in queue when a pony tapped her from behind and when Fluttershy was looking back, the light blue mare cut in line in front of her...oh no, here we go again.

"What do you think you're doing? Didn't you see me?" Fluttershy asked her in a displeased emotion.

"Uhh, I guess maybe." the light blue pony replied.

"Maybe? Maybes are for babies!" She placed her hoof on the pony and spun her around, making her face her. "Now go to the back of the line where you belong!"

The light blue mare then zoomed out of the shop...and so did every other pony who saw it all...okay that was strange and where the heck did that aggressive behaviour come from, is she going crazy again.

"Hey look at you." Pinkie said.

"Oh, your attitude is so feisty, it's fabulous." Rarity added as Pinkie nodded.

"Maybe a little too feisty for her own good." I muttered, hoping nopony heard me.

"Thanks, it's all part of Iron Will's lessons." Fluttershy replied.

"Well, looks like that monster's workshop really paid off!" Pinkie stated.

"Iron Will's not a monster, he's a Minotaur and a true inspiration. His techniques really work."

"Well, they've certainly made a difference in the way you carry yourself. You truly are a whole new Fluttershy." Rarity replied.

"Yes I am and Fluttershy feels pretty stoked about new Fluttershy."

Talking in a third person now as well...who is this Iron Will and what has he done to Fluttershy?

"Well, old Pinkie Pie feels really proud of new Fluttershy...proud as pink punch." Pinkie said as she pulled out a bowl of pink punch. "Want some?" She snorted and giggled, falling towards the floor from her own joke, but by the look on Fluttershy, she didn't take it that way…

'You laugh at me, I wrath at you!' "

"No, no, no, wait, she was only-"

I got cut off as Fluttershy pushed the bowl of pink punch towards Pinkie, shocking both Rarity and Pinkie as she held the bowl on her head.

"Bye, all!" As Fluttershy jumped out of the sweet shop, everypony outside immediately ran away. "What a day. Taxi!" She waved her hoof and called a nearby taxi as I stood at the porch of the building. Pinkie and Rarity soon joined me. The taxi came towards Fluttershy to give her a ride, but suddenly another pony jumped on the carriage and smiled happily as if she wasn't even there.

"Uh-oh…" I slipped out.

"Oh no you don't. 'Cut in line, I'll take what's mine!'" Fluttershy instantly pounced in the air and right on top of him, furiously fighting, landing punches and throwing out the pony in front of us. "Nopony pushes new Fluttershy around!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she raised a curved hoof. "Nopony!" She screamed loudly, causing the taxi driver to become frightened and quickly take off with her inside.

"Okay...this has now become a major problem." I pointed out in my obvious fashion.

"Old Pinkie Pie is not so sure new Fluttershy is such a good idea after all." Pinkie commented after watching the mess happen.

"Old Rarity agrees." Rarity responded.

"Bond, we're gonna go and try to stop her before it's too late!" Rarity said to me. "We'll be alright."

"Yeah! I'm pretty sure she'll listen!" Pinkie Pie agreed happily.

"Okay girls, I have a bit of shopping to finish off. I'll see you two later." I replied as they galloped off.

I carried on with my shopping around town before checking off all I needed on my list and walking back home...but I was worried about Fluttershy, so after heading into my home and storing my shopping away in my cupboards, I walked out and began to walk to her cottage, when I saw Pinkie and Rarity run past by me and in tears...I'm guessing their idea didn't work.

It was Sunset by the time I caught up to them and I saw them crying by the lake, I sighed as I walked towards them.

"Oh girls..." I said to them as I opened up my hooves to give them both a caring hug together. "What happened?"

"We tried to change her back to normal but she went crazy on us." Pinkie sniffed as she and Rarity accepted the hug.

"In other words, she became a bully...making fun of the things we loved." Rarity added.

I continued to hug them, "It's all thanks to Iron Will's training at the end of the day....and from the looks it, it's going to take much more than you two to solve this problem." I said gently.

"You're right dear, why don't you go talk to Fluttershy, we need a bit of time to ourselves."

"Alright, I'll do my best...don't you worry girls, I'll have the old Fluttershy back for all of us."

I then flew up and towards Fluttershy's cottage, but when I got there and landed down, I found the windows and door all boarded up on the outside...this surprised me a bit as I walked over and knocked on her door.

"Fluttershy, it's only me." I called out in a careful manner.

"Go away!" She exclaimed from inside, sounding muffled on the out. "Go away before nasty Fluttershy strikes again!"

"Oh Fluttershy, I just want to let you know that everypony in their lives has at least done or said something they regret....you're not the first and you won't be the last."

"You're right. I'm the only one to blame." Fluttershy continued. "But don't worry, I'm never coming out of my house again. Everypony will be a lot safer with me and my mean mouth locked away."

"But it's not your fault overall, you just received some bad advice from this Iron Will character...besides, there are other ways to assert yourself besides yelling at everypony. You can stand up for yourself without being unpleasant about it."

"I, I'm not sure I can, I'm too far gone. Whenever I try to assert myself, I become a monster." Fluttershy responded.

"Don't say that, you're not a monster." I assured as I then turned around to find a Minotaur with two goats. "But this guy is..." I muttered.

"Iron Will's my name, training ponies is my game." He announced with a thumbs up.

"Uh, interesting catchphrase." I replied in confusion.

"Your friend Fluttershy loved Iron Will's catchphrases. Word on the street is that she doesn't take no guff from nopony! So, Iron Will is here to collect Iron Will's fee."

He began walking up towards the door, but I wanted to stop him.

"Umm, you can't see her now, she is in no condition to see you right now." I told him.

"Are you kidding? Fluttershy is overdue as it is. Iron Will collects now."

Then he grabbed by the horn and flew me at the side of the house like a dart and my horn got stuck...this is bad...

By then, I saw Pinkie and Rarity turn up to see the horror happening as they galloped towards me and tried to get me off the side of the house...after a second, I was free but now we had to sit back and pray for Fluttershy.

Iron Will grabbed all the wooden boards and threw them away. "Your payment is overdue, Fluttershy!" He raised his fist, as if he was about to strike down the door, but he actually just knocked lightly. Fluttershy opened the door and came out as we stared in suspense. Iron Will snorted and began speaking. "You were nothing but a doormat, and Iron Will turned you into a lean, mean, assertive machine!"

He then did some kind of shuffle moves...I guess everyday he's shuffling...

"Now, pay Iron Will what you owe Iron Will!"

"Um, no." Fluttershy frankly responded.

Pinkie fainted, my jaw almost completely dropped and the goats bleated in shock.

"What did you say?" He asked in an intimidating way.

Fluttershy didn't look scared. She didn't look timid. She just looked him right in the eye. "No."

"Ohhh, I'd hate to be you right now," He replied as he bended the wood with anger. "Because Iron Will is gonna to rain down a world of hurt unless Iron Will gets his money pronto!"

But to our surprise, Fluttershy didn't seem affected as she began to speak. "As I recall, during your workshop you promised one hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed, or you pay nothing...well, I'm not satisfied."

"What do you mean you're not satisfied? Everypony has always been satisfied!"

"Well I guess I'm the first then, but since I'm not satisfied, I refuse to pay, it's as simple as that."

The two goats of his joined him in a circle talk about what to do with the situation he was in. After several seconds of their bleating, they glanced back at us (but mostly at Fluttershy), and then returned to their bleating.

"Ohh, are you sure you're not just a little bit satisfied?" He asked as he rubbed his head and then began to mess with his tie nervously. "B-because maybe... we could, cut a deal, I-I mean, we're both reasonable creatures, aren't we?"

"I'm sorry, but no means no." Fluttershy clearly and boldly stated.

"No means no, huh?" The black goat began carrying him. "Nopony's ever said that to me before. Huh, I gotta remember that one. That's a good catchphrase for my next workshop." He grabbed the white basket from the white goat and soon he and the goats left.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie immediately rushed over to Fluttershy.

"You were amazing, Fluttershy! You totally stood up to that monster!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as they both held out their hooves to hug Fluttershy.

"In fact, you didn't change at all! You were the same old Fluttershy that we've always loved!" Rarity added.

"The one we've missed!" Pinkie included.

"Don't worry, old Fluttershy's back for good. I'm sorry I took the whole assertiveness thing too far. Friends?" She offered.

The two of them returned teary eyes, but of joy this time. "Friends!"

They hugged each other, giggling as well as I could only smile warmly at the scene. Fluttershy came towards me shortly, "Thank you for helping the three of us today." she said, giving me a hug which I accepted.

"It's alright, but at the end of the day, you were the one who fought a tough battle and came out on top." I replied with a smile.

"Even though you slightly helped her but in a support way which is okay." Rarity added.

"Yeah I guess...let's help clean up the cottage, shall we?"

"Whee, let's do this!" Pinkie exclaimed.

We helped out and around the cottage for a while and after we were done, Rarity and Pinkie said their goodbyes and left to go back to their homes whilst Fluttershy came up to me with a question.

"Do you mind if you write a letter for me to take to Twilight so she can send it to the Princess?"

I smiled warmly. "Sure." I found a spare piece of paper around and a pencil and began to write whilst Fluttershy smiled and closed her eyes to begin speaking.

"Dear Princess Celestia, sometimes it can be hard for a shy pony like me to stand up for myself, and when I first tried it, I didn't like the pony I became. But I've learned that standing up for yourself isn't the same as changing who you are. Now I know how to put my hoof down without being unpleasant, or mean." She stood with the box of food below her, looking at me.

"That is terrific." I praised as I rolled up the paper.

However we noticed Angel begin his tantrum again, not liking what was in his bowl, Fluttershy then used her signature move, The Stare which was the first time I ever saw it and immediately caused Angel to widen his eyes and try a piece of cucumber before liking it and eating the rest of his food...so that's The Stare that Rarity talked about all those months ago.

"Well, I guess I better leave you to finish taking care of your animals." I spoke as I began to leave.

"Alright Bond, thank you again...I'll see you soon." she replied, giving me another hug.

"Same to you, have a good night."

I then left her cottage and trotted over to the library and knocking on the door and opening it.

"Oh hey there Bond, another letter?" Twilight asked.

"Yep and it's from Fluttershy, you won't believe what happened today." I said.

"Well, I'll be sure to hear it sometime...I'll get this letter sent, goodnight Bond."

"Night Twilight."

I then closed the door behind me and began walking home through the beginning of the night. When I got in, I took off my shoes and walked on over to my bed and wrapping a tiny bandage around my horn as the impact of hitting the side of the house by Iron Will was a little painful.

I couldn't believe that one bad training could lead to a pony behaving the exact opposite and not in a good light. Fluttershy and a few of us learnt that the hard way, but she seems to be back to her old self now and it seems that Angel is going to learn to behave from now on.

It's About Time

I woke up the next day and felt a slight headache going on in my head...but I didn't let it get me down, a quick drink of water and a headache tablet should solve this little issue. When I got myself dressed, I walked on downstairs to the kitchen with one drink and a tablet later, I began to wait for the tablet to take effect for my headache.

I walked out of the my home to find it being a clear day, I then noticed Pinkie trotting away whilst being floated on balloons...which was quite weird but that's Pinkie for you.

"Come on Fluttershy, the party can't start until the party supplies get there." Pinkie said to her.

I then noticed Fluttershy crawling on the ground with boxes of party supplies which took me by surprise.

"Uhh...happy...to...help....but can I carry the balloons next time?" she asked whilst trying to carry the boxes.

Suddenly Twilight burst on the scene and ran into Fluttershy, knocking all the boxes down with the party stuff inside.

"Allow me to help you." I offered as I walked over and picked up two boxes and placed the supplies back in them.

"Thanks Bond!" Pinkie replied.

Twilight then got up but she seemed to have a glass and moustache mask on her face without noticing, she then jumped on one of the bridge poles and looked at the ponies that were by her.

"Listen everypony, I have get something really important to say." she announced.

The other ponies laughed at her and I tried not to giggle, Twilight noticed and shook off the disguise mask.

"This is no laughing matter, we have a crises on our hooves." she added which caused the ponies to gasp. "I just been visited by myself from the future."

"Then we must send you back...to the future!" I yelled as I performed a rimshot which caused the ponies to laugh again.

"This isn't a joke, my future self tried to warn me about a horrible disaster that gonna occur sometime before next Tuesday morning."

"What kind of disaster?" Applejack asked who she and Rarity turned up without me noticing.

"I don't know, I got sucked back to the future before I could explain."

"RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" Pinkie yelled as she tried to run whilst still attached to the balloons.

All of us could only stare in total confusion as I thought that Pinkie must be a fan of Iron Maiden.

"Whatever shall we do Twilight?" Rarity asked, "How do we stop a disaster if we don't know what it is?"

"We'll just have to work together to make sure we're safe." Twilight answered

"Woah, woah, woah!" I exclaimed, "Hold on a moment...don't you think you're taking this too seriously...what did your future self exactly say?"

"Well, my future self disappeared before she could explain."

"Probably because you wasted her time with your unnecessary questions."

But before Twilight could retort, Pinkie ran on by with her balloons and screamed.

"Anypony else wanna panic with me?" Pinkie asked after stopping, "No?" She then screamed again and ran away...which left us confused again.

"Everypony, time to disaster-proof Equestria." she announced and soon, we all go to work in making Ponyville as secure and safe from anything that could be disastrous.

I decided to fly all around checking on everything going on...starting with the dam where the crack was filled up with cement by Applejack and Rarity. Next was the filling up of water in the water tower by Mrs. Cupcake, then a metal steel slab was screwed in on one part of the bridge's pillars by Pinkie and Big Mac, followed by cleaning up dropped food and dirt from the pavement by the CMC's. But then it got a bit ridiculous for me, Spike painted through a crack in the wall of the library, Pinkie snipped off a loose strain from her mane...before we finished it by checking over the list in town and I was with Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy.

"So Twilight, are we done yet?" I asked.

"Done and done and done." she replied, going over her list. "Applejack,  what about the Everfree Forest?"

"The perimeter's clear." She replied.

"Great." Twilight checked off on that.

"And my team gave the all clear from Fillydelphia to Las Pegasus." Rainbow Dash announced from the sky.

"Excellent." Twilight checked off on it again. "Well, we've done everything on the list, but still... future Twilight looked like she'd been through a horrible ordeal." Twilight rolled up the list and put it away, beginning to walk off. "I just have this nagging feeling we should be looking for something bigger than loose bolts and leaky pipes."

Suddenly, a loud roar sounded throughout town, surprising us and even causing Fluttershy to jump a little. A three-headed huge black dog appeared out of a nowhere in the middle of town, roaring again.

"Okay everypony," Pinkie Pie stood in front of all of them, looking confident. "Follow my lead." Immediately, she began screaming and running away, causing everypony to panic with her. Ponies shut their windows and found anywhere else to hide.

"What is that thing?" Spike asked worriedly, running out.

"That's Cerberus!" Twilight answered. "He's supposed to be guarding the gates of Tartarus, but if he's here, then all of the ancient evil creatures that have been imprisoned there could escape and destroy Equestria!"

"Destroy Equestria?"

"Yeah, isn't it great?" Twilight walked towards the monster. "Hey, Cerberus! You look like you could use some obedience training! Magic obedience training!"

Cerberus responded with a loud roar.

Fluttershy then began flying towards it, surprising Twilight when she immediately had Cerberus under her control. Fluttershy began rubbing its torso, speaking as if she was speaking to one of her pets. "Who's the cute widdle three-headed dog?" She asked playfully as the giant monster really…acted like a dog.

I guess even a Greek monster can't escape Fluttershy's kindness.

"Wow, I knew you were good with animals, but this is amazing." Twilight commented.

"I guess even an animal this size loves affection from a shy mare." I added.

She blushed lightly and continued to rub its belly. "Aww, he's just a big furry guy who got out of his yard, that's all. Right, Cerberus? Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?"

Pinkie startled us when she came galloping by us, continuing to scream out loudly.

"Pinkie." Twilight called, causing Pinkie to instantly stop screaming and go over to her.

"Yes, Twilight?" She asked.

"Do you have a ball I can borrow?"

She rushed over to a nearby tree with a huge hole and began reaching inside. "I have balls stashed all over Ponyville," She brought out a yellow ball with a blue stripe. "In case of ball emergency."

"Wait, you had a ball in that tree?" I asked Pinkie.

"Yep." she replied quickly.

I shrugged and Twilight grabbed the ball with Pinkie walking over to her.

"Hey, Cerberus!" She called in a sing song voice. "Look what I have!" She waved the ball around in front of the three heads, causing them to grow excited. "I'll be back as soon as I've returned him to the gates of Tartarus." Twilight stated as she began leading him with the ball. "Once he's back at home, there'll be no disaster."

"Alright, be safe." I commented, even though she was too far to hear me.

While she was away, I brought the ponies who ran back into town and assured them all they were safe, after which, I began spending time with the others as there was nothing serious happening for the rest of the afternoon. It was sunset by the time Twilight got back and she looked in a right state, but in a messy way.

"Twilight, how did it go with Cerberus?" I asked.

"Great, I got him back before any of the evil creatures could escape." she replied.

"That's great to know...by the way, you need to have a shower...just saying."

She giggled nervously, "I guess I need to clean a myself up...I'll catch you soon."

"Alright, same to you."

Twilight then walked back to her library whilst I went to my home as I was getting a headache again, not only that, I just couldn't seem to care anymore about this huge deal being made out of what I think is only a small problem that can easily be solved.

As I walked into my home, I made myself a zap apple jam sandwich...I really needed one this time along with a drink and a tablet to sort my headache out, if this doesn't work a third time later, I probably will have to see a doctor at the hospital.

When it was nightfall, I walked on out to clear my head and get some clean air, when I saw Pinkie, Twilight and Spike holding an ice cream cone.

"Uhh girls and Spike, I probably don't want to know, but what are you doing?" I asked.

"Oh we're going to Canterlot and sneak into the library there." Pinkie answered quietly.

"What for?"

"To try and stop time." Spike added.

"Okay...well you might need a flux capacitor for that but good luck to you three."

"Thanks...now let's get moving." Twilight said as they walked onwards to the train station.

Shaking my head at all of it, I then saw Rarity outside and seemed to have something on her mind.

"Hi Rarity, are you alright?" I asked, walking towards her.

"Hi Bond, there is but mind if we go to my house to talk about it?" she replied, asking me.

"Alright, lead the way."

We then walked into her fashion shop/home and into her dress making room with her bed. We walked into the centre of the room before she turned around and sat down, whilst I did the same.

"So Rarity, what is it you wish to talk about?"

"Well Bond, it's not easy for me to say but it's a couple of personal things. The first is that I need to tell you something about Spike."

"Oh, what about Spike?"

"Well, you see, remember the time when he and I were falling from the sky?"

"Yeah, that was when I saved you both."

"Yes that one...well I never got around to thanking you for saving me and Spike....but it was what Spike said before you saved us."

"I see, what did he say?"

"Well, he confessed that he had a crush on me, but I placed my hoof on his mouth."

"So that means you already knew he had a crush on you?"

"Quite right dear, the way he dropped hints about his crush on me was a dead give-away, but I had to let him have his fun so his feelings wouldn't get hurt."

"I think I understand now...so I guess you don't feel the same way about him?"

"Well, he is a young baby dragon, darling and I don't mean any disrespect to him, it's just that the idea of a dragon and a pony together and in love, it just makes me feel a little bit...uncomfortable."

"I can only imagine...and I would be the same way if a female dragon had a crush on me....have you spoke to him about it yet?"

"Oh I want to, but I can't do it, it would devastate him."

"Yes it would, but someday, he'll eventually have to grow out of his crush and just see you as a friend."

"I know...but this leads us to the second personal topic I have to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Well...I know you're in love, but...I have a crush on you."

My eyes then open wide, hearing this...I never thought Rarity would have a crush on me, I looked at her seeing her blushing and all at her confession.

"Really...Rarity, you fancied me?" I asked just to be sure.

"Yes I do, darling...even though you're in love with Trixie." she replied.

"Which I am, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna start thinking different. You know that I will always care for you and the others."

She began to whimper a little bit, "I know, it's just that I wish I had confessed to you about it far much sooner after all the times you've rescued me."

"Hey, hey, it's alright...you had your reasons why and I respect that."

Rarity sniffled a little bit and I felt sorry for her, I walked forward and gave her a loving hug.

"What's this hug for?" Rarity asked who seemed to be cheering up a little.

"Just because I love Trixie, it doesn't mean I can't share my love with anypony else." I replied calmly.

"Well, in that case dear, can I find out if there is a feeling for me?"

"What do you mean?"

"I wish to find out if I can feel anything, by giving you a kiss."

"A kiss...right here?"

"Well nopony else is here, it's just us two, darling."

"I don't know if I should."

"Well why not?"

"I just feel a little scared that if I do this, it'll look like I'm cheating on Trixie."

"But you're not, nopony will ever find out about it."

No more words were needed at that point, so preparing for the worst, I sighed and held out my hooves around her waist whilst she held her hooves by my neck and as we looked into each other's eyes, we moved our heads slightly forward...and shared a quiet kiss for a few seconds before pulling away.

Rarity was blushing a lot this time and I was blushing too, I felt terrible for doing it but if Rarity wanted to find out, it had to be done.

"So Rarity, did you feel anything?" I asked.

"Not really...I am a little sad, but maybe it's because I know that you're in love with Trixie that my heart was not in it."

"Well either way, I hope you're alright now after you kissed me."

"Yes, I'm okay now...thank you for letting me find out, Bond...I swear that nopony or Spike will ever find out. I promise you."

"Alright, thank you Rarity...I promise to keep what you said about Spike too so that we're even...have a goodnight Rarity."

"You too as well, dear...goodnight."

We then smiled at each other before I left her home and walked on back to my home. When I got in, I took off my clothes and got into bed...I wasn't interested in reading my book. But I did think about what happened today...Twilight with a message from the future is quite cliché, but I hope she's had her issue sorted, not to mention seeing that Cerberus before being controlled by Fluttershy.

As for tonight, Rarity confessed a lot and we shared a kiss just to find out if there was anything she felt...she said she didn't...now that I think about it, I didn't feel anything either. But for the time being, I learnt a lesson about the worrying...don't worry about the future.

Dragon Quest

I woke up the following day after having a day all to myself in order to clean my head which I did by just staying inside the house and have no outside noise to contend with. But no sooner had I got up, I heard a knock on the door and getting myself dressed, I opened it to see Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Morning Bond." Dash greeted.

"Morning you two, what's up?" I asked.

"We're gonna meet with Twilight and Spikey Wikey for breakfast, wanna come?" Rarity offered.

"Sure, I'll come along."

I left my house as we walked to Twilight's library, Rarity opened the door for us and we walked in to find the library in a mess with books all over the place.

"Hey guys." Dash said to them as Spike jumped into the books as if he got scared.

"Good morning." Rarity added.

"You wanna join us for breakfast?" I asked Twilight.

"That sounds great, I'm vanished."

"Cool, what about you Spike?"

Spike climbed out of the book mess, "Count me out, I've gotta get an early start." he said as he jumped onto the clear floor.

"An early start?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, I'm going to the quest of self-discovery. I need to learn what it means to be a dragon and the only way I'm going to do that is to join the dragon migration."

"What?!" The three mares asked surprisingly.

"Say what?" I added randomly. "Did something happen yesterday?"

"Yes, we watched a dragon migration going over Ponyville yesterday, but a few comments later, Spike took offence to what a few of us said about him being different to the others and it just didn't sit well." Twilight explained.

"Oh I see."

Spike then began packing a few things and making a travel bag.

"Spike, that's nonsense talk." Dash said, "I know that you're a dragon, but those dragons mean business. They're big and tough and scary."

"And I'm small and meek...and I like to wear aprons." He said, throwing an apron away. "See, this is exactly why I need to spend time with them."

"All she's saying is that you could get hurt." I added.

"Bond is right, I don't want those big, ugly, nasty dragons to hurt one little scale on your cutsey-wutsey head!" She rubbed her hoof gently on his head.

"I'm sorry, but I've made up my mind." He began walking out the door.

"Oh, uh, quick, do something!" Rarity directed desperately to Rainbow Dash and me. "Stop him before it's too late!"

Rainbow Dash quickly flew over to the sack he was carrying and grabbed it with her teeth pulling it away and preventing Spike to move any further. "Ngh! Hey! Give it back!"

"Stop it you two!" I yelled as I used my magic to separate them.

Twilight then used her magic to bring Spike's travel bag towards him.

"Really?" Spike asked, surprised.

"Yes, Spike." She replied softly. "I couldn't answer your questions. My books couldn't either. I understand why you want to look elsewhere. I truly believe you need to go on this quest. And we have no right to stop you." She looked towards Rarity and Rainbow.

"I suppose not." Rarity finally agreed, rubbing her head with her hoof.

"I still say you're nutty, but hey, I've done lots of nutty things." Rainbow added.

"We know." We all responded as Dash moaned

"Well then, I guess this is goodbye, Spike." Twilight hugged him before sending him off. "We can't wait to hear about it when you return."

"Yeah, we hope your trip-"

"Quest." Twilight corrected.

"-your quest answers some of your pesky "who am I" questions."

"Thanks, everypony. I know it will."

"Goodbye, Spikey-wikey!" Rarity waved as he continued walking.

"Go get 'em, big guy!" Rainbow Dash added.

"We have faith in you!" Twilight finished.

I waved as well, but I was a bit surprised when I saw them grinning.

"We're following him, right?" Rarity asked through her grin.

"Of course." Twilight answered in the same manner.

"But how are we gonna do that?" I asked.

"Easy, once we have our breakfast, we'll go over a plan." Rarity replied.

"Alright...let's eat."

We then left the library and over to the cafe, whilst we ordered our food and waited, Rarity was drawing something on a paper.

"What's that you're drawing?" I asked.

"Our disguise to protect ourselves." she replied.

"What for?"

"Well we can't just go to the dragon migration looking like we are right now, we need to blend in with them so we can keep an eye on Spike without getting ourselves caught, darling."

"Good thinking, Rarity." Twilight complimented.

Soon, our food arrived and we began eating...afterwards, Rarity headed off to her boutique.

"I'm going to start designing this right away, I'll meet you three later." she said as she walked off with her papers.

"Alright." Twilight nodded. "We'll meet you at the boutique by then."

Opening the door to her dress shop, I looked around and called for their names. "Rarity? Twilight? Rainbow Dash?" I continued to walk around, looking for them until I suddenly came across a weird looking creature. I slightly jumped until I noticed that it was supposed to be a dragon. The scales were studded with gems and each side of the dragon had holes for wings, which Rainbow Dash filled. There was a large bow wrapped around the neck, and it was clearly made to present a female dragon.

"Well you know how fast I work. Like it?" I heard Rarity say from inside the dragon.

"Yeah, it's quite impressive, but are you sure this will actually make the other dragons believe we're one of them?"

"That's what I was asking." Rainbow Dash added from inside as well.

"It'll have to do." Twilight answered while her face appeared inside the dragon's mouth. She must have been on top of Rainbow…

"Yes… it's the best I could do…" Rarity stated. "This is the first time of ever creating a dragon by fabrics…"

"Alright… so… I have to hide under there as well?"

"Yup." Twilight replied.

"Okay…" I walked towards the costume, opening the flap on the bottom and stretching it over my head so I could walk in. I saw Rarity at the end of the tail, Rainbow Dash at the front with her wings, and Twilight on top of her.

"Just go ahead and squeeze in over here." Rarity directed, making some space and allowing me to stand between her and Rainbow Dash.

"Okay… so how are we going to go all the way towards the dragon migration in this…?" I asked.

"After researching up the migration in my books, and of course watching the direction they flew, I found out that they stay in a volcano...and it's not extinct."

"Okay…so how are we going to get over there then?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

"I've been working on my teleportation spell. It may wear me out a bit, but hopefully it takes us over there."

"Alright! So what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Rainbow Dash announced.

"Okay, here goes nothing." Twilight began closing her eyes and grunting. I could hear the magic begin to work. She let out a puff of air, breathing in a new take, and strained herself again. After a few seconds, she finally caused something and we were instantly teleported in front of a volcano. "Wow..." Twilight sighed in relief. "...that was exhausting."

From what I could see with the two eye holes Rarity placed at the front of the neck, we finally made it to the top, and there were many dragons inside the dent of the volcano. After having some time to observe the other dragons, Rainbow spoke up in a hushed tone. "I'm telling you, we'll never pass for a real dragon!"

"Oh, pish-posh! This costume is fabulous, one of my finer creations." Rarity added, causing Twilight to shush them both.

"We'll never pass if they hear three voices coming out of one dragon! Now come on, let's go!"

Rainbow Dash took a first step, but being hard as it is already, we actually slid downhill. When we finally regained our balance, we began trying to walk over to the group Spike joined. "Um, excuse me? Uh, hi. I'm Spike." The red teenage dragon released his grip on the other, dropping him towards the floor in silence.

Another purple teenage dragon walked up to Spike. "You sure your name is Spike and not Shrimp?" This caused them to all laugh. I narrowed my eyes.

"No, it's Spike! I'm not, I mean, I'm sure about that..."

"You look more like Peewee to me." A large brown teenage dragon pointed out, causing them to laugh once again.

"Hey guys, c'mon, seriously." The red teenage dragon spoke. "Leave him alone, or he might fly away. That is, uh, if he had any wings!" He grabbed Spike by his tail and held him upside down. He released him once they began laughing.

"You fly in on your mommy's back during the migration?" The brown one asked, mockingly.

"Not exactly..." Spike responded, who was obviously not aware of their teasing methods.

"No, no, can't you see baby Spike just hatched? I bet he still sucks his claw at night!" The purple one announced.

"No, I haven't sucked my claw in months!"

This, again, caused them to all laugh.

Spike then began sucking on his claw, but quickly pulled it back when the red one began speaking to him. "Well if you weren't just hatched, how come we haven't seen you around before?"

"Oh, well, y'see, I live in Ponyville and-"

"Hahaha! Ponyville? That explains it! I knew there was something vaguely pony-ish about you! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were part pony!"

"Who, me? I'm not part pony! I'm all dragon, see? Raar!"

"Or maybe you're a pony in a dragon costume."

"A pony in a dragon costume...!" He laughed, causing Twilight to go with the flow and deepen her voice.

"Aheh...yeah...hilarious."

These dragons are really idiots, I thought to myself. If it was just me, I would be tempted to beat them down with my alicorn strength but then the bigger dragons would probably notice and try to destroy me.

"Nnh, I am a real dragon!" Spike protested

"Oh yeah? Prove it." The red one remarked.

"Well... how?"

"By acting like one! Who's up for a little belching contest?"

What followed were a Series of other tests. The belching contest became a no contest when Spike burped out a letter which the red dragon scrunched up and threw into the lava pool which got Twilight a little angry. Next up was a tail wrestling which we volunteered to tail wrestle with Spike so that he would win but we had to make sure our cover wasn't blown. Then, a race to climb up to the top of pile of gems which I was surprised that Spike didn't end up eating...good thing too and then finally, an event where dragons dive into the lava. Spike was the last to try as he jumped off the edge only to land face first into the lava before sinking.

"Oooh..." They reacted.

Spike poked his head out of the lava and sprayed some out from his mouth. "Ugh...was I...that bad?"

"No, dude... that was awesome!" The red one responded. Typical… But at least he's okay and he seemed to gain more of their so called "respect". "No pony could live through a belly flop like that!" He chuckled and lifted him by his scale. "You're one tough little dragon." He released him.

As expected, he gained their general approval.

After that event, they created some ritual they made themselves. Dragons stood by the side of a straight line, erecting their tails towards one another and producing a sort of path for Spike. He walked in, a little confused, but reached the red dragon.

"Spike, by belly flopping so hard, you have proven yourself worthy. I hereby dub you 'rookie dragon'" He said as he patted Spike's shoulders with his tail. "…and will now perform the initiation ritual. Rrrrgh. Now let's party dragon style!"

They began to dance and eat maniacally while we could only try to remain hidden and watch.

"Girls…I'm not so sure this is the type of crowd Spike should be around…" I whispered.

"I agree." Rarity added. "I mean, look at them. They're so…so…"

"Rowdy and uncouth?"

"Yes. Exactly so."

"Well, we can't ruin this for Spike... We just have to watch and help him in any way we can…" Twilight responded, continuing to look out of the head.

I sighed and muttered. "Well, I'm just trying to resist not getting out of this and kicking their dragon butts!"

When they finally finished, they were lying on the ground with crossed arms and bellies full.

"Man, was that a great party." Spike commented.

"Great?" The red one asked, "Huh, maybe by Ponyville standards. Stick with us, Spike We still got plenty to teach you about being a dragon."

"I'm not going anywhere. The way I feel right now, I could hang out with you guys forever."

"Forever?" The girls exclaimed in a whispered tone.

They dove into the boulder behind them and decided to carry on this conversation.

"Spikey-wikey is going to stay with these awful dragons? Forever?" Rarity questioned.

"Oh no, this is terrible!" Twilight commented.

"I should've stopped him back at the library when I had the chance!" Rainbow Dash added.

"No, Rainbow Dash, this is all my fault! I encouraged him to go!" Twilight responded.

"Girls, calm down, alright?" I intervened "Spike's been with us for a long time. There's no way he'll stay with those dragons just because they're dragons.We're his real family from the way I see it."

We looked back at the dragons to see them up and alert. "Y'know, Spike, I think you just might be ready for a real dragon raid." The rest of them cheered. "There's a nest full of phoenix eggs nearby, and we're gonna swipe 'em!" However, this caused Spike to turn his excitement upside down.

"Aren't you totally psyched to go on this raid?" The brown one noticed and pushed him down to the ground roughly.

"Oh yeah, I'm excited." He stood back up. "I mean, I'm psyched."

"Alright then. Let's fly!" The red one commanded and began leading the rest of them out of the volcano.

Spike realized how he didn't have any wings, so he smiled and took this opportunity.

"Uh, sorry guys! I guess I'll meet you back here at the crater! After the whole raid thing's over? We'll totally hang then!"

But the brown dragon grabbed Spike and took him along with the other dragons flying away.

"Oh no, they took Spike!" Rainbow pointed out, watching from the mouth. "We've gotta go after them!" She tried flying, causing Rarity to scream as she was only dragging us.

Twilight yelped. "Rainbow Dash, stop! We can't fly!"

"And you're ruining my fabulous costume!" Rarity added.

When I noticed Rainbow wasn't stopping, I quickly jumped and grabbed her flanks with my hooves, bringing her back down. She quickly took notice of this and looked out. She realized how we almost went into the lava…"I'm sorry, but we gotta help Spike!"

"Well, we're just gonna have to hoof it!" Twilight responded and let us to the edge of the volcano. "They're heading towards the forest, come on!"

"Hold on a minute, we're going downhill so we have to-"

I was interrupted when Rainbow Dash went on ahead and jumped off, causing us to slide down the volcano roughly. Once we finally reach the end, we rolled over together and stopped after several seconds.

"Everypony okay…?" Twilight asked.

"Uh-huh." Rarity answered.

"Yeah." I answered as well.

We saw a bright beam of light come from the forest.

"Look! Spike might be in trouble! Let's go!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

We continued galloping through the forest. Since I was behind Rainbow Dash, I could hardly see anything but green and darkness. It wasn't until a little while when we started hearing voices. "Well, what are you waiting for, Spike? Smash it!"

"Oh no! Spike's in trouble!"

"Smash the egg?"

"Yeah!"

"Yeah, throw it on the ground as hard as you can!"

Come on Spike, I thought to myself, you know better than that.

"No!" He lowered his arms and turned away. "It's just a defenceless egg, like I was! And I'm not gonna let you hurt it!"

"What did you say?" The red one asked in an intimidating way.

"I said no." Spike responded boldly.

"No one says no to me." The red dragon inched over to Spike, causing him to slowly back away until he bumped into us.

We finally revealed ourselves when Spike was in danger. And I was ready to strike at these adolescent fools.

"Nopony's gonna lay a claw on him!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flew and held her hooves up.

"That's right!" Twilight agreed in the same pose on the ground as she shook her hooves.

"Fighting's not really my thing, I'm more into fashion," Rarity flipped her hair as I remained in my defensive stance. "…but I'll rip you to pieces if you touch one scale on his cute little head!" Rarity finished aggressively.

Our responses caused the dragons to laugh out loud. "Ooh, scary, hehe! Spike, are these namby-pamby ponies your friends?"

"Yes, they are." He responded firmly. "And they're better friends than you could ever be. Now, if you don't back off, you'll see what us ponies do when confronted by a huge group of jerky dragons."

"Oh yeah?" The red fool snorted. "What's that?"

"Here! I'll show you!" I exclaimed as I began to use my magic. "Eat this, you losers!"

I then created a huge ball of ice with spikes and threw them at their way...they yelled and tried to run away but they got caught in a cold blast and one bright light later, we looked at the three dragons who were now stiff in their running poses, they were solid as statues and cold as ice.

"Phew..." I said and I nearly trembled to the ground. "...that one nearly made me use up my magic for today."

"Bond Racer, are you alright?" Twilight asked worryingly.

"I'm okay, just a little shaken up after doing that kind of magic just to save you three and Spike...and of course that little egg."

"That's good to know, it's time to go home." Dash said.

"Agreed, get us home, dear." Rarity added.

"Already on it." Twilight replied as she began to use her magic to teleport us back to Ponyville.

A sudden flash and we were now just outside the Everfree Forest and we were feeling quite relieved.

"That was a close one, thanks you guys." Spike said before he looked at me. "Especially you, Bond. You really saved all our us."

"Of course." I smiled, holding out my hoof. "What are friends for?"

Spike accepted my bro hoof/claw and smiled. "You're more than friends. You're my family." He expressed, his eyes tearing up a bit.

This caused Rarity to squeak as we joined in for a group hug.

After, we began to head back towards town under the night sky. Spike placed the egg on Twilight's back. Then, he brought out a scroll and quill and began writing his letter to Princess Celestia.

"Dear Princess Celestia, seeing the great dragon migration made me wonder what it meant to be a dragon. But now I realize that who I am is not the same as what I am. I may have been born a dragon, but Equestria and my pony friends have taught me how to be kind, loyal, and true! I'm proud to call Ponyville my home, and to have my pony friends as my family. Yours truly, Spike. P.S. BOND RACER IS SO AWESOME!" Afterwards, he rolled it up and sent it to the Princess while I tried to hold in a laugh. He grabbed the egg again and observed it. "Stick with me. I've got plenty to teach you about being a pony."

I slightly laughed on the inside, but I took it as a compliment.

"Well, I better go home, I'll need to rest after pulling off that ice magic spell...which I never thought I could pull off." I said to them.

"I don't blame you Bond, have a good rest and a good night." Twilight replied.

"Yes, just take it easy for the night and all of tomorrow, dear." Rarity added.

"I will indeed, goodnight you all."

I then began the walk back home and as I made my way in my house, I could only take off my clothes and get a well earned drink of apple juice before calling it a night and heading off to bed. What a day I have to say...I never knew a dragon migration existed but there's always a first time for everything I guess. Not that it matters now, all I want is to get a good night sleep and so I began to dream...

Hurricane Fluttershy

I woke up the next day and as I promised, I would take it easy no matter what happens today. After my breakfast, I walked out to see a beautiful day with a lot of pegasuses in town, which left me wondering why. I then spotted Fluttershy and Derpy which gave waves to both, then Rainbow Dash arrived on the scene with a bag of flyers.

"Calling all pegasus ponies! Meeting tonight!" We heard Rainbow Dash announce above us as she rained down flyers.

Derpy began reading one flyer that landed on the ground in front of her while a flyer landed on Fluttershy's mane. I noticed how Derpy moved her eyes in a reading motion, yet they remained crossed. Fluttershy grabbed the flyer off from her mane with her hoof. In only one second, she looked at the flyer and quickly fled away, catching Derpy's and my attention.

"Mandatory meeting for all Ponyville pegasi." I heard Flitter read nearby.

"Library, tonight. Be cool, or be mule." Rainbow continued, dumping all of the papers in her sack and flying near a familiar mule. "No offense."

"None taken." He responded.

I wondered why Fluttershy ran away when she saw the flyer...could it be to do with something that happened to her in the past? I wanted to know more, but I guess that will have to wait until nightfall when things become a bit clearer.

After a morning and afternoon of resting and relaxing, it was night time and I saw where the meeting was going to take place, I walked over to Twilight's home and saw many pegasuses in a line around the home with Dash outside.

"Alright, go on in, find a seat." She said, directing the ones in the line, causing them to walk in.

"Evening Dash, mind if I come in and see what this is about?" I asked.

"Well, since you have wings, I guess you can." she replied.

I saw so many pegasuses in one room...I was then joined by Fluttershy who was brought in by Dash.

"The presentation's about to start." She said as a film began playing as the lights were turned off. Based on how the film was displayed, I figured that it was a really old film…Once the countdown was complete, a black horse with wings was depicted on the screen and old music played and the announcer in the film began speaking.

"Every living thing depends on the life-giving nourishment of rainwater, and it is up to Cloudsdale to provide rain-filled clouds to every corner of Equestria. But how, one pony might ask, does Cloudsdale gather all this extra water? Tornado power! That's right, pegasi-driven tornado power. A team of pegasi combine their wing power to create a jumbo tornado, powerful enough to pull water out of the local reservoir, and funnel it all the way up to Cloudsdale. Remember, pegasi, your jumbo tornado must reach a minimum of eight hundred wing power to lift that water up to Cloudsdale. So, the next time you're wondering "Where does all that extra rainwater come from?", just remem-"

Everything in the film suddenly halted in a distorted way. This caused for the ponies watching to return confused chatter. When the lights turned on, we turned our heads to see Spike having some trouble with the projector as there was film spread everywhere in a mess. "Uh...intermission?" He shrugged.

"You really need to upgrade to HD." I said out of the blue.

"What's HD?" Spike asked.

I didn't wish to reply to that.

"So, here's the scoop." Rainbow Dash announced as she showed us several images. "Cloudsdale has chosen our own highland reservoir as a source of the rainwater they need for all of Equestria. And you know what that means. It means it's up to Ponyville's pegasi to bring that water up to Cloudsdale. Not only that, but Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, will be here to oversee the water transfer and record our top tornado windspeed. Now last year, Fillydelphia broke the windspeed record with a top speed of nine hundred and ten wing power. But I think we can do better. I think we can get a top speed over a thousand! If each and every pony trains, and trains hard to get their wing power numbers up."

We then heard a bit of coughing.

"That coughing better be from a popcorn kernel, Thunderlane. Nopony's getting sick on my watch. So, are we gonna train hard?"

"Yeah!" The Pegasi cheered.

"Are we gonna be strong?"

"Yeah!"

"Are we gonna be fast?"

"Yeah!"

I noticed Fluttershy lying on the floor with her hooves covering her eyes, significantly growing my concern.

"Record-smashing fast?"

"YEAH!" A white big and buffed pegasi emphasized loudly.

"Who's with me?"

The crowd cheered loudly...she then noticed that Fluttershy was gone.

"Fluttershy!" she said to herself.

When the meeting was over, all of us left the house, I had to talk to Dash on why Fluttershy is scared of taking part.

"Umm Dash, could you explain to me why Fluttershy is behaving the way she is since earlier today?" I said.

"I actually don't know, she's always been that way since we were at flight camp." she replied.

"I could find out tomorrow."

"Yeah, do that and if you can, please get her to join me and the rest of the pegasi on the race track by the field."

"I'll try to....see you then."

Dash nodded as I trotted back to my home as there was nothing else I could do until tomorrow, I began to sleep and wondered why Fluttershy has a secret, could it be to do with the hurricane water collecting or whatever Dash called it?

Waking up the next morning, I left my home and walked over to Fluttershy's cottage, I knocked on her door...it opened slowly and I saw Fluttershy peeped through the door before opening it wide, she was dressed in her nightgown and had spots all over her face which took me back.

"What in the world?" I said in confusion.

"Achoo." she replied calmly, "Morning Bond Racer." she added before coughing a bit.

"Fluttershy, what happened to you?"

"Oh I" She sniffed. "I think I have" She coughed weakly. "the pony pox. I'm sorry, I really, really wanted to come to training day today" She weakly coughed again, sliding herself on the floor a little dramatically. "but this pony pox has really knocked me for a loop. Achoo." She coughed again.

"Oh, you poor thing." I responded. "You know, there's only one cure for pony pox."

"I know, plenty of bed-"

"Nope." I said as I cut her off. "You giving up faking the sickness and telling me the whole story."

I then walked inside and closed the door as we sat on the sofa.

"I want to know what's going on and what's making you act like this?" I said.

Fluttershy began to feel sad. "I'm…I'm afraid of others…"

"What do you mean?"

"Well back at flight camp when I was just a little filly, um…" She paused for a moment. "The others there used to tease me…a lot. Ever since, I've been afraid to perform in front of others, I just can't stand it, the fear is always there."

"Wait a second, didn't you tell me and the others about this before?"

"Yes, but that was to do with my cutie mark."

I put my hoof around her. "Trust me, nopony will tease you here if you try your best. And even if they do… I'll be there to make sure I kick their flanks...by magic of course."

"I understand, it's just so very hard and I don't think I can go."

"Well, whatever choice you make is yours but if you want my opinion, I think you should face your fear. But if it really hurts you too much to where you can't do anything about it then I understand, me and the rest of us will be there for you."

"Thank you Bond, you're a terrific friend." she replied with a smile.

I smiled back before we heard her door knocking.

"Fluttershy? I know you're in there!" we heard Dash call. "You're avoiding tornado duty and I want to know why!"

Fluttershy went to open the door and tried the same tactic on Dash, unfortunately she was a lot smarter to see through it. Fluttershy then yelped when Rainbow Dash suddenly rained down a bucket of water on top of her, drenching all of her mane and robe.

"Cold water! Those pony pox are clearing right up." She stated as the dots Fluttershy had wore off and sunk to floor.

"Oh, y'know, all of a sudden I'm, I'm starting to feel better." Fluttershy laughed nervously. "I'll just get out of these robes and-ow! Oh, my wing, oh, ow, it's hurt, I guess I can't fly after all-"

Rainbow Dash blew her whistle all of a sudden Fluttershy jumped and was flying again.

"Messed up wing, huh? Stop horsing around, Fluttershy, we've got a lot of training to do. Come on now, what's going on?"

"Well, y'see, uh, well...oh, Rainbow Dash, I just can't do it! I can't fly!"

"What are you talking about? What about the time you faced up to the dragon and also faced up against Iron Will when we heard about it? Just last week you went into that wicked nose dive to save that falling baby bird right before it hit the ground!"

"But that was different, that was an emergency! This whole tornado thing, it's more like a performance, and you know how I hate performing in front of others. Don't you remember flight camp? I couldn't gallop hard, or fly fast, not with everypony looking at me!"

"It wasn't that bad."

"You're right, Rainbow Dash, it wasn't bad. It was horrible!" She paused for a moment. "The other foals used to tease me, a lot...I just can't risk that sort of humiliation again."

"Suck it up, Fluttershy! This is no time for-"

"Ahem!" I intervened with a stern look at Dash, causing her to change her tone.

"-what I mean is...confidence or no confidence, I'm gonna need every pegasus to break the record, including you. I need every ounce of wing power I can get."

"Oh, I-I don't think so, Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy responded

Rainbow sighed again and began flying out sadly. "Thanks anyway."

Fluttershy frowned before she looked back at Dash, "Wait...I'll do it…"

"You will?"

"I will."

"You're game?"

"I'm game."

"Alright, good for you, Fluttershy." I said, "That's the way to do it."

"Come on, Fluttershy! The training is still going on!"

Afterwards, we began walking out the door and flying towards the training grounds. Arriving there, we saw Twilight and Spike sitting in the middle of the track with a small machine. I walked over to them with Fluttershy, hoping that seeing one of her good friends would calm her down a bit.

"Hey, Twilight, Spike." I greeted with a small smile.

"Hey, Bond." Twilight replied, "Are you going to train for bringing the water up to Cloudsdale?"

"Only if I'm needed cause of my status."

"I see and what about you Fluttershy?"

"Um…yes." Fluttershy replied with a bit of hesitation.

I leaned in towards Twilight a little and whispered. "She's a little nervous right now."

"Well, with all of us by her side, I'm sure she'll feel better." Twilight added confidently.

"I hope so…"

Just then, Flitter and Cloudchaser walked towards us, noticing the machine and asked about it, which was what I was going to do. "What exactly does this machine do?" Cloudchaser asked.

"This is an anemometer." Twilight explained, pointing towards the machine. "It measures your accelerative velocity and translates it into wing power, thus gauging your cumulative H2O anti-gravitational potential. Any other questions?"

"Yeah." Flitter answered after looking confused at Twilight's explanation. "What exactly does this machine do?"

"Um…I'm assuming it measures how fast your speed is and how strong your wings are?" Hence, the context clues "accelerative velocity" and "wing power".

"Ohhh...okay...I see..." The two Pegasi, including the crowd, responded and seemed to have understand.

"I guess simplicity won this round again."

Twilight formed a sort of irritated expression on her face until we heard a pegasus cough in the crowd. Twilight poked her head out to see who it was. "Is that you again, Thunderlane? Please…we need to have a germ-free environment."

She then prayed a can at Thunderlane.

"It wasn't me, it was Blossomforth." He complained.

"Don't worry, Twilight. Thunderlane's just cooking up an excuse to spend tornado day in bed. Why don't you get over here and be our first test flyer, Thunderlane?"

He flew over to the starting line of the track and readied his wings. Once he was ready, he fluttered his wings rapidly and flew past the anemometer, causing it to spin with the wind.

Once it stopped, Twilight analysed the gauge. "We have 9.3 wing power."

This caused the other ponies to congratulate and praise him, especially that rather large and muscular fellow who exclaimed his usual "YEAH!"

"Not bad...not bad." Rainbow Dash commented, looking at the notes Spike was taking. Then, she flew over to the starting line and once she was ready, she quickly flashed her wings, increased her velocity significantly and even created a rainbow behind her as she flew. The huge gust of wind she caused even made us feel like we were going to be blown away.

"16.5 wing power!" Twilight announced, leaving the crowd to respond in mighty cheers.

"Now listen up. If each of you can get your numbers up to at least 10.0 wing power by the end of the week, we'll no doubt set a new tornado speed record. We'll be number one!"

The other pegasi cheered and began flying around above us in excitement. However, Fluttershy remained staring at the ground sadly.

Later on, Twilight and Spike continued to measure each pegasus's wing power. Fluttershy remained behind the pack the whole time, seeming to become a little more nervous every time she saw a pegasus speed its way on the track. She dug her head in the ground as I could only watch and try to give her support. Finally, it seemed as if the last pegasus had had his turn, leaving only Fluttershy left. Spike revealed the records in the notepad towards Rainbow Dash, who observed them and smiled.

"Impressive. Fluttershy, your turn." Spike declared as Rainbow blew her whistle and clapped her hooves.

"Come on, Fluttershy. You'll do great." I said as she walked to the starting line. She noticed how every pony was looking at her. "Don't pay attention to any other pony." I added.

She took in a deep breath and began to fly and it seemed as if she was beginning to become a little more comfortable as she raised her head and continued flying, smiling at her wings. Unfortunately, those two other pegasi were watching and laughed.

"Hey, no laughing!" I exclaimed at them...that got them to stop right away. Fluttershy noticed this and immediately came to a very slow speed, looking back with a worried expression as she finished her turn.

"Tell her!" I heard Twilight say to Rainbow Dash in a hushed tone.

"No, you tell her!" Rainbow Dash argued in the same tone.

"No, you!"

"Um... great job, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash gave up and placed her hooves behind her back. "You measured, uh, uh, .5."

Fluttershy returned a smile with ears perked up anyway.

".5? Isn't that like, less than one?" Spike commented, causing Twilight to bonk him on the head. "Ow!"

"Spike!" I exclaimed, "That is no way helping."

Fluttershy immediately shifted from her happy expression to a saddened one. Then, I noticed her staring at the other pegasi. They weren't laughing, but she took it the wrong way, before turning around and began running away, sobbing in her mane which covered her face.

"Fluttershy, wait!" Rainbow Dash called, "So some punks poked a little fun at you and you got stage fright, big deal. You aren't gonna go quit just because of that, are you?"

Fluttershy stopped and turned around, looking at Rainbow Dash with tears streaming from her face. "Yes!" She exclaimed through her crying.

As I saw her cry, I felt nothing but complete sympathy for her...I didn't feel like being a comedian at all.

"But I need you!" Dash pleaded.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy apologized, speaking between sobs. "I just don't have the courage right now..." She continued to gallop away as she cried, leaving Dash to buck the ground in disappointment.

"Just give it some time, Dash, I'm sure she'll come round."

Dash sighed, "If only there was a way to lift Fluttershy out of the dumps."

We both sighed as we walked back to the training grounds.

When it was sunset time, all the pegasi, Twilight, Spike and myself were at the big pond where the water was which I assumed was going to be carried up to Cloudsdale, here was also a huge anemometer near Twilight and Spike. I have never seen this tornado duty happening before so this would be a first for me.

We heard a whooshing above us, causing us to look up. If I remembered correctly, it was Spitfire from the wonderbolts. She flew towards us, stopping by the anemometer. Her presence allowed the other pegasi to cheer loudly as she waved at all of them. Rainbow Dash took notice and flew in front of the other pegasi.

"Are we ready to do this?" she asked.

"Yeah!" The crowd cheered.

Before Rainbow Dash could blow her whistle, Spike came running towards her.

"Look!" He said as he presented his notepad to her.

She analysed it for a moment.

"Lazy Thunderlane! Where is he? He's been trying to get out of tornado duty the whole time with his fake coughing and all. Rumble, where's your lazy brother?" She asked the little colt.

"He's got the feather flu. He's down at Ponyville hospital." He answered.

"But he's not the only one." Spike added, presenting his list again, showing several ponies absent as there was an x on each of their names.

Twilight grabbed an old calculator and began calculating the results with the missing pegasi. "Let's see, with those eight sick pegasi out with the feather flu..." She gasped. "Oh no…"

"Don't tell me we won't be able to break the windspeed record!" Rainbow Dash shared, becoming worried.

"No..." Twilight shook her head.

"Phew!"

"...you might not have enough wing power to create a tornado powerful enough to lift the water to Cloudsdale!"

"Well, should we pack up?" Spike asked.

Rainbow Dash stood silent as she looked at the other pegasi in line, especially Spitfire who was looking at her watch. "No. Of course not. Forget the record, Cloudsdale still needs water! Okay, everypony! Let's give it all we've got! On the sound of the horn, we take off!"

After checking the anemometer, Twilight tapped it, letting them know that it was good to go. Spike took in a deep breath and blew the horn. Every pegasi lifted off into the air and began flying in a formation, already creating a tornado that spun the anemometer.

"You think they're gonna make it to eight hundred wing power?" Spike asked.

"I sure hope so!" Twilight responded and began reading off the anemometer. "One hundred and fifty wing power. Two hundred and fifty wing power. Five hundred wing power!"

"So this is how they do it...and without magic too...damn!" I commented under my breath, continuing to analyse the scene. The water beneath them began being lifted.

"Seven hundred and fifty wing power!"

The wind was now growing really strong.

But then I heard some galloping and I turned around to see Fluttershy approaching towards us. "Fluttershy! What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I figured if I couldn't help Rainbow Dash with the tornado, the least I could do was offer moral support!" She exclaimed softly through the powerful wind.

"She could sure use it, considering eight pegasi are sick with the feather flu!" Twilight announced as I grabbed Fluttershy's hoof and helped bring her to me, where I held on to the machine.

"Oh no! That's terrible news!"

All of the water was beginning to lift up, but one of the pegasi became tired and softened his flying, crashing against the other pegasi which led to a whole mess. Every pegasi was thrown out and the water that was inside the tornado fell back inside, where it started. Rainbow Dash landed near us and on a tree before we rushed over.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"I'm fine!" Rainbow muffled, trying to pull herself out.

I placed my hooves on her and helped her.

"Oh, you were so close to the eight hundred wing power minimum! I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash…" Twilight stated, sadly.

"We've got to try again!"

"But you've pushed your crew to their limit already!" Twilight responded, "If you break apart again, somepony could get hurt!" She paused as she pointed at the ponies that were lying on the ground. "You should quit, it's not safe!"

I wanted to help but this is the pegasi's job, not mine...as I promised myself before, I wouldn't help fight a battle that is too personal unless I was really needed to help.

"No! One more time! I've gotta know we gave it our all! If I'm going down, I'm going down flying! C'mon, ponies, let's make this happen!"

Spike blew the horn once more, causing the pegasi to fly in a formation again.

"Okay, here we go..." Twilight said as she observed the anemometer. "One hundred wing power! Two hundred... five hundred!" Inside, I could see Rainbow Dash trying to keep the pegasi ponies' motivation up. "Seven hundred! Seven hundred and fifty wing power!"

Fluttershy was forced to fall back towards the machine, causing her to hold on to it.

"They fell apart right after this!" Spike shouted out.

"Oh, I'm too nervous to look!" Fluttershy commented, placing her hooves on her face.

"C'mon! Just a little harder! I can see the water trying to funnel through!" I heard Rainbow Dash exclaim from inside.

"Seven ninety five! We are so close!" Twilight announced. "Fluttershy, they need you up there!"

"I won't make a difference!" She responded, shaking her head.

"You can make a difference!" Twilight argued.

"It's sticking at seven ninety five! I don't know if they've got any more in 'em!" Spike added after reading the anemometer.

"Do it for Equestria! Do it for Rainbow Dash! Do it for yourself!" Twilight held a pair of goggles near Fluttershy.

She only looked at them and then closed her eyes, looking away. "I can't! I just… can't!"

I sighed but then a light-bulb went in my head....it would be risky but it might help kill two birds with one stone...not literally though.

"I have an idea." I exclaimed to them as I began to run into the tornado.

"Bond wait!" Twilight yelled.

But I ignored her and plummeted right into the tornado and the feeling of it all, it was unbelievable. I was being thrown around in a circle. Luckily, I had my bubble spell activated to keep myself dry and to avoid having water filling up my lungs.

Soon enough, I saw Fluttershy being sucked in as if she forced herself to come in. She tried to strain herself to go fast, but she released a breath in exhaustion. Afterwards, I noticed her begin to struggle with herself once again as she placed her hooves on her eyes. She continued struggling for a moment until she finally strained her eyes and screamed out. "No!" She began racing towards me, faster than any other of the pegasi! She finally caught up to me, allowing me to grab her hoof and fly faster together.

I could see the water increasing and finally being lifted towards Cloudsdale! When all the water was lifted towards Cloudsdale, I heard Spike blow the horn, allowing all the pegasi to slow down and land on the ground as I landed alongside Dash. However, Fluttershy continued to fly around It wasn't until Rainbow Dash came by and stopped her with a cloud.

"Whoa, girl, take it easy!"

"Whuh, what? Did we do it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, we did it! You did it!" Rainbow Dash replied as they hugged until they landed.

"Great job, Fluttershy, that was awesome!" Flitter praised.

"Yeah, we couldn't have done it without you." Cloudchaser added as Fluttershy rubbed her hoof embarrassingly.

"Nice job, Rainbow Dash. You may not have set a new record, but you showed a lot of guts." Spitfire showed up by Rainbow and congratulated her.

"Thanks, but if you wanna talk guts, then you've gotta give it to my number one flyer, Fluttershy. Let's hear it for Fluttershy!"

As Fluttershy placed her hooves on her face in fear, the crowd grabbed her and began throwing her up in the air, catching her in victory. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Fluttershy can really fly!" They chanted and cheered. They began carrying her and bringing her back to Ponyville for a quick celebration.

Once the mini celebration was over and every pegasi flew back to Cloudsdale, I walked Fluttershy back to her cottage. "You should be very proud Fluttershy as we all are very proud of you. You managed to overcome two odds in one swoop."

"What were they?" she asked.

"You overcame your fear of flying in front of others for good and you saved Cloudsdale from water shortage."

"Wow! Thank you Bond for what you did today and believing in me."

"It's alright, I owed you one for all the times and all the lessons you gave me about looking after animals."

"Do you mind if you take a letter for me?"

"Not at all." I then grabbed a piece of paper and pencil with my magic and prepared to write.

"Dear Princess Celestia, sometimes you can feel like what you have to offer is too little to make a difference, but today, I learned that everypony's contribution is important, no matter how small. If you just keep your head high, do your best, and believe in yourself, anything can happen."

"Great lesson, I'll take this to Twilight right now...you take it easy for the rest day, okay?"

"I will, goodnight Bond." she then gave me a friendly hug which I accepted.

"Good night to you too, Fluttershy."

I left her cottage with the rolled up paper and flew over to Twilight's home where she was about to enter her house.

"Oh hey Bond, yet another letter?" Twilight asked noticing me.

"Yep, it's a great one too." I replied as I gave her the letter.

"I'll have this sent very shortly...by the way, thank you for helping Fluttershy out." Twilight gave me a hug.

"It's okay, I only helped and she fought another tough battle on her own...goodnight."

"Okay, goodnight Bond."

I then left her home and walked back to mine as the moon began to rise. I got in my home and got myself undressed, before heading over to bed and carrying on with my reading of the book which I was now halfway through reading. It felt so cool to see those pegasi use their wing power to bring up water to Cloudsdale, but they almost didn't pull it off until Fluttershy finally found her courage and succeeded. Two birds with one stone is the saying of the day as I began to sleep...

Ponyville Confidential

I woke up the next day and I could think of nothing but having a day of trotting and it being the weekend, the fillies should be out enjoying the day too. Leaving my home after a drink and a snack of muffins, I began trotting around the town.

I was trotting along by the filly school when I saw the cellar doors by the side of the school opened fast and the CMC's jumped out and landed on the grass, all dazed with stars around their heads. I walked on over to see what was that all about, I then saw hats and notes fly out towards them too.

"Now what, do you know what I had to do to get that story?" Scootaloo moaned.

"Oh you don't even know what ah had to sit through." Applebloom replied.

"Hi there you three, what was that all about?" I asked them.

"Oh hey Bond, not much." Sweetie answered.

"I think those hats and notes means way more than not much, now tell me the real reason." I smiled.

"Alright, Miss Cheerlie set up a all week long task called the Foal Free Press and Diamond Tiara is the editor." Scootaloo explained.

"And that would be the same Tiara who bullies you three?"

"Yeah..." Applebloom sighed.

"Now why would Cheerlie do that? Does she not know about the bullying issue?"

"Actually, we've never talked to her about it." Sweetie said. "She's always too busy."

"Well, do you want me to go and speak to her for you?"

"No thanks, we'll take care of it." Scootaloo replied.

"Oh, do you want to be interviewed?" Applebloom asked.

"Nah...I'm against anything that goes in the press which emotionally hurts the ponies that are in the stories." I replied with a hoof on my chest.

"Okay, we'll see you later." Sweetie said.

"Alright, but if Tiara starts giving you grief, just come to me....speaking of which, where's her friend?"

"Silver Spoon? She's not interested in taking part." Scootaloo replied.

"Well if you ask me, good for her...because I've got an idea for the future...but that can wait, see you later."

I then trotted off before stopping and catching a breather and a snack by the cafe. I then saw Derpy flying by with her daughter, Dinky and landing by me.

"Hey there Bond." Derpy greeted with a hug.

"Hey there Derpy and hi Dinky, how have you both been?" I asked.

"We're doing great and we've got a muffin for you."

"Oooh, thank you." I then ate the muffin...which had custard inside this time. "Now that's really sweet."

"Yeah, Dinky came up with the custard idea."

"Really, well she's a little genius."

"Thanks Mr. Racer!" Dinky exclaimed.

"Well, I should be going, you two take care."

"Okay, we'll see you again, bye Bond." Derpy waved as she flew off with her daughter on her back.

I then made my way back to my home for a rest on the sofa. Sometime later though, I heard a small thud outside my door, I opened it and on the ground was a newspaper called the Foal Free Press, I read the first few pages and seeing one article, it confirmed my displeasure about newspapers, I decided to go and look for the girls to hopefully warn them that any of them could end up getting caught in the press too.

I wondered where they could be, though...I could try the spa if none of them are at their homes, I entered in and just my luck, I heard the girls chatting with getting treatments from the spa twins.

"Oh this is the life, isn't it girls?" Rarity asked. "The best hooficure I ever had."

"You said it, oooh." Applejack replied who was getting hoof chops on her back.

"I don't think I've ever been so relaxed." Spike said slowly.

"Guys!" Dash exclaimed as she walked in. "The new Gabby Gums column has come out...the great and powerful Trixie's secrets revealed."

"Wait...what?!" I yelled as I galloped on over to see the article. "How did they get that story?"

"We already read that one, Rainbow Dash." Rarity said. "Come on, relax, have a hooficure, it feels so amazing."

"How can I relax when an article about my marefriend is in there?"

"Did you forget who you're talking to?" Dash asked Rarity. "The day I get a hooficure is the day I turn in my daredevil's license. Besides, I haven't read this Gabby Gums yet."

"Umm...am I getting through to any of you?"

"Well do it quietly, will you?" Spike asked as he somehow grabbed a pair of sliced cucumbers and placed them on his eyelids. "Some of us are trying to unwind."

"EVERYPONY!" I shouted...now I got their attention.

"What is it?" They all asked me.

"I've been trying to tell you that what's being written in the papers is wrong, don't any of you even think that this Gabby Gums is being a little mean?" I asked firmly.

"She's not mean, Bond, she's a hoot." Applejack replied.

"Celestia, just like us?" Twilight said as she read a title of another article, "Gabby Gums doesn't value anypony's privacy."

"Oh lighten up Twilight, it's nothing but harmless gossip." Rarity said.

"Girls, that's not the point-"

I then got cut off...I hate it when that happens.

"Yeah Twilight, I mean listen to this one." Pinkie interrupted, showing another article the paper. "Mayor, not naturally grey, the mayor in a mane dye scandal. Who wouldn't wanna read that?"

"The mayor itself would not read that...I mean how do you think she feels, seeing herself in that paper."

"Bond's right, I just can't help feel sorry for the ponies that are featured in her columns. It's gotta be a little embarrassing."

"Are you kidding, do you know how awesome it is until you get your name in the picture?" Dash asked happily.

That...was the last straw.

"That's it girls, I cannot stand by and listen to this anymore...enjoy your laughing at other ponies's misfortunes, but when you come across an article about any of you, you'll change your tune...good day!"

I then trotted off in anger and slamming the door behind me and leaving the spa....I stopped and sighed in anger, only to then notice a filly with a camera go inside. Thinking that an article might come into play, I used my magic to grab the filly and bring him over to me.

"Oh no you don't, who are you and what were you about to do?" I asked him, holding him in the air.

"The name's Featherweight and I was going to take a photo to bring out a juicy gossip for Gabby Gums." he replied.

"I've been hearing that name a lot today, I have a feeling you know who it is, right?"

"Yes, I'll tell you...they are three of them and they go by the name of Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."

"Those three fillies? Those silly girls...I knew I should've helped them out from the beginning." I said with a hint of sadness, "But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you take a photo and hurt another pony's feelings."

"But what else am I supposed to do?"

"Just find a picture of something else...something that isn't to do with hurting a pony's feelings."

"Alright mister..."

"Bond Racer and good, now run along." I then let him go to which he began galloping to another part of town.

It was the beginning of sunset and I had just spotted Silver Spoon walking down the street...without Diamond Tiara. This was my one chance to try and see if I can find out more about those bullies and maybe try to get her to change her behaviour.

"Hello there, Silver Spoon." I said with a smile.

"Oh uh...hi mister Racer, what do you want?" she asked politely.

"You ask me politely? I guess there is more to you than being a follower for Tiara, am I right?"

She walked a little forward to me.

"Well, let's just say that she and I have been friends for a long time...I can't say anymore, I've gotta go." she then galloped off with a sad expression.

This got me curious...when did they became friends and why does she have to follow Tiara around? I guess I could find out in time...but right now, I wanted to go home and just have a bit of time to myself. I laid on the sofa and began to feel quite down and disappointed at the girls who didn't seem to care about the feelings of those ponies.

Just then, at the beginning of the night, I heard a knock on the door.

"Bond Racer, are you in there? We need help." I heard a young voice call.

It sounded like Sweetie Belle's voice, I got off the sofa and opened the door to see the three fillies and they looked quite worried.

"Oh hey there fillies, come in and tell me what's wrong." I replied.

They nodded and walked into my home, I sat on one side of the sofa and the fillies all sat on the other side.

"We need your help, it's about Diamond Tiara." Scootaloo said with a sad tone.

"Just tell me...and I'll help you."

"Alright, when we went back to the editing room, Tiara got mad at us for not getting any new articles or juicy gossip for the paper." Applebloom explained.

"Then Tiara began to threaten us with blackmail, saying if we don't find an article by tomorrow." Scootaloo added.

"She'll print embarrassing photos of us on tomorrow's paper release to make up for the lack of gossip." Sweetie finished.

"Why that little...how dare she use blackmail to get her way with you...well I can help you...if you tell me how you managed to get the gossip about my marefriend Trixie." I said with a little bit of firmness.

"Wait a minute, she's your girlfriend?" Applebloom asked surprisingly.

"She is and I much prefer to call her my marefriend, now tell me, how did you find out about it?"

"We're sorry Bond Racer, we didn't know about it, Tiara was the one who asked Featherweight to take all the photos he could find around and beyond Ponyville." Sweetie said...but it looked like she was about to get emotional.

"And then get us to make stories about them...please don't be mad at us." Applebloom added.

I sighed with a little bit of guilt..."I'm sorry fillies, it's just that Trixie has been through so much in her past like I have...and besides, you shouldn't make up lies and print it out in the papers as true."

"We know that, we just wish we didn't have to go through blackmail." Scootaloo said.

"Alright...I forgive you fillies, I'll let you stay here for the night and I'll go to the school with you to help you out tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay, thank you Bond." they all said in unison.

I gave them a quick group hug before I prepared some beds for them thanks to my spare supply of duvets and pillows from under the stairs, they then got into them and began to sleep away.

"Goodnight Bond."

"Goodnight fillies, don't you worry, just sleep well."

They looked back and began to sleep as I walked up to my bed and started falling asleep...I'm really glad they came to me for help when they needed it, I hope I can solve this in time before another pony gets hurt emotionally.

The next morning came by and I woke up before the fillies and I walked past the living room to find them just about to get up. "Morning you three, did you sleep well?" I asked them.

"We sure did, so how are ya gonna solve this?" Applebloom asked.

"Just take me to where the printing happens and I'll make sure Tiara doesn't print those photos."

"Okay, we'll lead the way...and then get a quick breakfast." Scootaloo said.

So I followed them to the school and when we got there, they took me the cellar doors to find they're already opened, I'm guessing they're just about to start printing.

"Wait here fillies, I'll be bright back." I said to them as I walked down the stairs into the printing room.

"Stop the presses!" I yelled in my random way.

"Uh, they haven't started yet." a filly replied who covered in patches of ink

In front of me a chair turned around and there was Tiara herself.

"Oh it's you...what do you want?" she asked rudely.

It was time for me to play it smart and try to outwit her.

"I hear you have some juicy photos of your employees?" I asked.

"Who wants to know?"

"Why me of course, I am an alicorn remember, you don't wanna disrespect ponies of the highest order, do you?"

"Maybe not, wanna have a look at the photos?"

"With pleasure..."

Now was my chance to use my magic and grab the folder and have it with me.

"...thank you, pleasure doing business."

"Hey...come back here-"

I cut her off by closing the door behind me as I went on back to the outdoors. "I've got the photos, but I'm also gonna do a favor for you, wait right here while I go to speak to Miss Cheerlie."

They nodded as I walked into the school building and over to one of the classrooms to find Cheerlie writing a few things down.

"Morning Cheerlie." I greeted her as I knocked on the door.

"Oh morning, Bond, is there something on your mind?" she asked.

"Yeah, there is and it's about the Foal Free Press."

"Okay, what's the problem?"

"From what I know, the three fillies have said that they've been bullied to write hurtful gossip and stories because if they don't, the editor Diamond Tiara will print these embarrassing photos in this folder."

I then brought the folder onto her desk and Cheerlie opened it to see the photos...suddenly her expression changed from smile to displeased, she then got up from her chair and gave me the folder with the photos back.

"Bond, could you come with me please?" she asked.

"Sure."

We then walked out of the school and Cheerlie saw the three fillies looking down.

"Oh hi you three fillies, I'm sorry that I put Diamond Tiara as editor in the first place. In a moment, I'm going to put things right. Please follow me, girls."

The fillies could only nod as well made our way into the cellar and into the printing room.

"Class, can I have your attention please?" Cheerlie stated as she walked to the editor's chair and signalled Tiara to get off. Tiara showed an expression and looked at the ground...yep, she was in big trouble right now. Soon, the other fillies came to the centre of the room and we all paid attention to what Cheerlie had to say.

"Alright children, I have received a complaint about our editor and I had to agree. Bullying and blackmailing will not be tolerated at this school."

The three fillies looked at me with smiles for the first time, we looked back to see Cheerlie continue.

"So staff, I guess I gave a little too much authority to a first time editor." she then looked at Tiara with a slight hint of anger. "I'm sorry Tiara, but I have to punish you. First, you are hereby stripped of your editor title."

She then kicked the back of the wall and Tiara's portrait rolled up which made Tiara growl like a dog...I can think of a better word than that, but I kept that to myself.

"Secondly, to make sure you have learnt your lesson. You will receive one whole month of detention where you must write the line 'I will not use blackmail'."

Tiara could only walk to the side of the room and look down, as if she just got owned big time.

"And now class, here is your new Foal Free Press editor and chief, Featherweight." Cheerlie announced.

The fillies cheered and I let out a big smile...I'm sure Feather weight will be terrific as the new editor.

"Him, but what about me?" Tiara asked in her moaning voice.

"Here you go, I've been promoted to staff photographer." said the filly beside her as he took a picture which caused Tiara to lose her balance and fall backward into the printing ink machine when we got covered in ink in many areas.

All the fillies laughed and Cheerlie and I shared a quick giggle.

"Come on you three, let's get on out of here." I said to them. "And get you some breakfast."

The fillies smiled back as we left the cellar and out of the school and made our way to the cafe that had opened a few minutes ago. As we had our breakfast and other ponies began to start their days, the CMC's couldn't stop smiling.

"Wow, thank you so much Bond, you were amazing!" Scootaloo praised.

"You're welcome, what are friends for...I'm sure the others will be happy to hear about it all."

"Ah believe they will." Applebloom agreed.

"By the way, what do you want to do with these photos in the folder?"

"Oh leave them with us, we'll take care of it" Scootaloo replied as I gave the folder over to them.

"Alright, I'm going to go now and have a quick rest, have a good day you three."

"We will Bond, see you soon." Sweetie Belle replied.

I then left the cafe with a satisfied breakfast meal and walked on home, along the way, I saw Twilight coming out of her home.

"Morning Twilight."

"Morning Bond, what brings you out on the morning before me?" Twilight asked.

"I think the Cutie Mark Crusaders have a story to tell that can answer your question and they may have learnt something too, you can find them at the cafe."

"That's terrific. Oh by the way, later on, we're going to be helping Pinkie and the cakes escort a cake to Canterlot, wanna come along for the ride?"

"I might just do that, I'll see you then."

"Great, see you Bond."

I then walked back to my home and decided to do a bit of quick reading before recapping on yesterday and today. I was still against reading the papers and whilst it did do some damage, I feel proud to have not only prevent more gossips from being spread, but I helped the CMC's out with a bullying issue. It probably won't go away permanently, but they know that I'll always have their back.

This left me wondering with two questions...is there more to Silver Spoon than what she could be letting on and what does this cake look like and why does it need a pony like me to help? oh well, I guess I'll find out later. In the meantime, my random mind told me what I had learnt...ponies have secrets and they don't like their secrets being aired.

Desserts, Desserts Everywhere

As I was reading through the book, I heard a knock on the door and I opened it to see Twilight.

"Hey Bond, are you ready to go?" Twilight asked.

"Hey Twilight, I sure am." I replied.

After leaving my home, we walked over to Sugarcube Corner to find a crowd of ponies and barriers that are made into a path from the store to the train station, the other mares were there too and I saw Pinkie and Applejack come out of the store with Big Mac holding a big but beautifully designed cake tower, followed by Mr. & Mrs. Cake who looked extremely nervous about it.

"That's it, Big Mac, nice and slow." Pinkie said as she walked backwards with a red light helmet on her head. "This is precious cargo you're carrying."

"Yes, it took months of planning and testing." Carrot Cake said.

"I would hate for it to-"

Cup Cake got cut off as Big Mac nearly stumbled on the ground...with my quick thinking I grabbed the cake with my magic and had it floating in a bubble...I love doing that spell.

The cakes gasped as they thought the cake was going to fall and Carrot Cake fainted.

"Don't worry Mr and Mrs. Cake, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will help us." Pinkie said as they both showed up.

"It's no problem Pinkie, my bubble spell has got it covered." I said as I lifted the cake off Big Mac and walked it all the way to the train station.

"See Mr and Mrs. Cake, we got it here without a hitch." Pinkie commented as she opened a door into the train carriage, "Now all we gotta do is get it...in."

We noticed that the cake a little too big to fit in which left them in a bit of a problem as Carrot Cake fainted again.

"Perhaps we could take down the whole side of the carriage so it makes it easier for us." Twilight suggested.

"Good thinking, but I hope we don't damage it." I added.

Big Mac walked inside the carriage and gave the side of the carriage a huge whack with his backlegs, causing it to fall on the platform, thankfully, the bottom part was safely hinged on. We then escorted the cake into the carriage and onto the table. The sis mares and myself headed on and in the train as Big Mac pushed up the side of the carriage back up and hammered it in so it was secure again.

We all had a proper look at the cake and we were all impressed with the design and it looked incredibly tasty.

"By the way girls, how are you all today?" I asked with a tiny smile as I was still bit hurt from yesterday.

"We're alright, dear." Rarity replied before showing a sad expression, "Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo told us the whole story about yesterday. We're very sorry that we didn't consider Trixie's feelings being hurt in the paper."

"Yeah, we weren't exactly being sensitive about it." Dash added.

"Can ya forgive us, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

I smiled more..."Thank you girls and I do forgive you." I replied giving them all hugs.

"Anyways, thank you all for helping me get the cake safely on the dessert car." Pinkie said.

"Thank you for inviting us all to go with you to Canterlot for the National Dessert Competition." Twilight responded.

"I'm sure the festivities will be just lovely." Rarity commented, placing a hoof on her chest.

"Phooey on the festivities," Applejack intervened, bumping Rarity on the shoulder. "I can't wait to try all those tasty treats!" She turned to face the cake and licked her lips hungrily. She was about to touch it with her hoof, but Pinkie Pie slapped it away.

"Well the tastiest treat of all is sure to be the Cake's Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness." Pinkie answered. "All that rich creamy goodness of the marzipan, combined with the tart tanginess of the mascarpone, blended perfectly with the smooth, silky sweetness of the meringue." As she detailed the cake very descriptively, this caused the ponies to gaze at its glory, such as Applejack panting like a dog and Rainbow Dash licking her lips. "That's why I call the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness the 'MMMM'."

"Haha." I chuckled lightly. "Clever."

"MMMM." The other girls joined.

"Exactly." She responded, jumping on the table near the cake. "It's the most delicious delectable delightful de-lovely cake in Equestria, and it's sure to win first prize."

"Zis is not so," We suddenly heard a French accent coming from the door to the train car. "For I, Gustave le Grand, do challenge your crude cake to a duel of delectable delicacies, against my Exceptionally Exquisite Éclairs!" The French griffon had walked in and presented his dessert in a very bright manner, literally, almost blinding us. However, he was actually using a spotlight to make them shine. He turned it off and threw it to the side. "They will undoubtedly strike down all ze competition, winning first prize and crowning me le champion." He pointed, placing the éclairs on another table.

"Not a chance le Grand." We heard a familiar voice come in as well, causing us to look at the entrance to see a familiar pony walking in with a cart behind him.

"Donut Joe! What are you doing in Ponyville?" Twilight asked, reminding me that this was the pony from the Grand Galloping Gala.

"Picking up the final all-important ingredient for my contest entry, 'Donutopia!'" He presented the doughnut city with his hoof as well. "And with these super-sprinkles," He shook a can of sprinkles above it. "My donuts are going to dunk all the other lousy desserts, steal first prize, and make my donut shop famous, forever!" He laughed dramatically.

Just when I thought this couldn't get any more ridiculous, I heard an elderly female join us in the car. "Oh, Joe..." She laughed, and we began seeing a chocolate moose slide in the car. "Your dippy donuts could never out-rival me." She laughed once again, bringing in the dessert into the car. I could see Fluttershy, pulling back from fear, causing me to place a hoof around her and hold her.

"Hello. What's your name?" Pinkie asked the moose, thinking it was actually the dessert talking. "I, am Mulia Mild." The actual one talking, a mule, appeared out of nowhere. "Behold, my chocolate mousse moose." She presented, causing me to chuckle a bit once again. Clever. "It will trample all your treats, be given first prize, and make me the greatest chef in Equestria."

"Madame Mild," The griffon confronted her. "You and your mousse moose are mistaken."

"Your frou-frou éclairs will never defeat my donuts." Donut Joe intervened.

"The Cakes' Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness is going to win!" Pinkie added herself in the competition.

"Your simple cake could never take my moose." However, we heard the train whistle blow, causing her to gasp. It was an indication that told us that the train was beginning to move. As the bakers stared at each other in an aggressive and competitive way, we began hearing the wheels on the train move.

"Well it sure looks like we're in for a delicious competition tomorrow." Twilight announced, breaking off the competitive moment. "Maybe we should all settle down until we arrive at Canterlot."

"Hmph." Donut Joe released, walking to his room.

"Nyahh." Mulia Mild whined, following the same movement.

"Huh!" Gustave mumbled.

They all shut their doors angrily, leaving me and the others confused.

"You know, we should give them a bit of breathing space, the train ride to Canterlot shouldn't take long." I advised.

"I guess so, let's take a sit down on the chairs there." Twilight added as she pointed to the big beds by the windows.

We all then took a rest as the train carried on to Canterlot, I wanted to get a bit of fresh air though, so I kept through the carriages until I got to the back end of the train with an open area and placed my forelegs on the railing, whilst looking over the tracks moving away from me as the train was going forward.

I thought to myself that with all those chefs and those cakes, does a place called Baker Street exist in Equestria...suddenly, a song began to play from somewhere and I wanted to sing it...and with nopony else around, I smiled and began to sing:

Youtube Video

After a short while, the song faded away and I stopped singing. I sighed with a smile as I walked back to the carriage with the girls and took a rest with them. Soon, the train began to pull into Canterlot station, I whistled to get their attention.

"We're here girls...I guess the next step is for all of us to carry this cake on the moving tray and I think the others with their cakes will be doing the same." I said.

"Okay, to the Castle Gardens!" Pinkie exclaimed as we got off the train with the cake and began making our way to the castle, through the main hallway and into the gardens where a jury was present along with Princess Celestia. We were the first to arrive in the garden, followed by Joe with his donut city thing, then the Griffon Chef and finally Mulia Mild with her chocolate moose.

When all of the cakes were placed in a row and on show, it looked like it was about to start, so the six of us stood in front of a few other ponies who attended as we watched Pinkie standing beside the cake tower Mr. & Mrs. Cake made.

The juries came to inspect all of the cake designs closer, starting with the mule's moose, right to the other side of the long table with Pinkie's cake...after a while, they had a quick chat and placed a blue ribbon on hers. They placed a red ribbon on Joe's donut's city, a green on the griffon's Éclairs and a purple on the mule's choc moose.

We gave out a small cheer for Pinkie and Celestia came forward to take a slice to try it....and she really liked it, much to Pinkie's relief.

"Whee! I can't believe my cake won! I'm so happy!" Pinkie exclaimed bouncing around.

"Calm down dear, I think we all deserve a slice, don't you agree?" Rarity asked.

"That sounds lovely." Fluttershy replied.

"Well what are we waiting for, let's dig in!" Dash said with a bit of excitement.

Soon, we all got a slice of the cake and I found it quite delicious too, but I had a look at the other cake designs and felt a bit of sympathy. After I had my slice, I decided to go up to the others and be graceful in trying their foods whilst the girls continued to eat theirs.

"Hey there Joe, mind if I try a couple of those donuts?" I asked.

"Thanks err..."

"Bond Racer."

"Sweet name...anyways, have a couple, I appreciate it."

I took a couple and ate one, they were quite sweet too.

"Oh Monsieur, mind if you try one of my Éclairs?" the griffon chef asked.

"Of course, there's plenty of room for a few."

I took one and I liked the soft creamy centre...it was indeed full of his pride as he said earlier on the train. This left with the mule's chocolate moose statue, she didn't need to offer as I already knew what I was going to say. She smiled as I took a piece of an antler and found it quite sweet and minty as well. It must've been mint flavoured to give the chocolate something else to provide for the taste.

By then, I was full and I couldn't wait to get some rest for the train ride home and perhaps do a bit of exercising around Ponyville or I won't be to fit in my normal clothing, I have standards I need to maintain of course.

After a moment of resting and talking with the mares and Celestia, we agreed to call it a day and go back to Ponyville, the Princess told us to leave the cake here as her Canterlot Staff may want some along with the other desserts on display. We nodded and said our goodbyes to the Princess as we left the castle and boarded an early train back to Ponyville.

When we got back, we shared a group hug as we left the station and watched Pinkie bounce off to her sweet shop & home with the blue ribbon she won, I'm sure Mr. & Mrs. Cake will be very proud to hear about the good news. After that, we said our farewells and walked back to our own homes.

When I got back to mine, it was already sunset time, looks like I'm beginning to develop a habit of getting home just before the night begins. So I got in and took off my clothes, before grabbing a drink making the most of the last scoop of the zap apple jam and making a sandwich...it was tasty while it lasted, guess it's back to normal jam.

I grabbed a quick drink before heading to my bed and picking up the book that I was now close to finish reading as there was a few more pages to go before the end of the book, I am very thankful that this book has given me a few new spells to learn and master, I believe they will come in handy for someday.

After nearly half an hour of reading the book, I finally got to the end of the book as I sighed in relief and placed the book by the table, reminding myself to return it to the Library tomorrow, I then turned off the lamp and began to sleep comfortably before starting my trip to dreamland.

Suddenly, I felt a twitch and I felt cold...it was as if something dark was approaching the area with a hint of evil...but I must've been imagining it as I always seem to do. I began to sleep again, but I didn't feel a twitch this time as I slept with a smile.

A Canterlot Wedding Part 1.

I woke up the next day, but I wasn't able to get over the sudden twitch I had last night as if something evil was coming this way. But for some reason when I looked around, it all seemed fine to me. As soon as I had a late breakfast and got myself cleaned and dressed, I heard a knock on the door and I opened it.

"Morning darling." Rarity greeted who hat a summer hat on and was carrying a basket.

"Morning Rarity, what's the occasion?" I asked.

"We're having a picnic by the park and this time, we'll have no disturbing worries from Twilight." she giggled slightly, "Wanna join us?"

"Sure, it'd be good to get out of the house today."

"Fabulous, now let's get going dear."

I left my home and walked with Rarity to the park to find an ideal picnic spot. I then spotted the other five mares already there. I had a feeling it was going to be a terrific day with us seven together. It had been a long time ago since we had a bonding time together.

"Hi there girls, we're here now." Rarity called.

"Yay! Let's start the picnic!" Pinkie jumped.

"Calm down sugarcube, it's only a picnic, not a party." Applejack replied.

And thus, our picnic time began with apple drinks and a lovely looking chocolate cake with pink frosting.

"It is gorgeous out." Rarity sighed happily. "Just gorgeous."

After a while of our picnic time and talking about all the things we have gone through, we heard small steps coming our way, it was Spike and it looked like it may be something important.

"Twi...Twi...Twi." Spike tried to say after he stopped running and was by Twilight. "Have...just a...hang on a minute..." he then burped out a letter as if right on queue.

Twilight picked up it up with her magic and began to read.

"Dear Twilight, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot...wedding?" she asked herself in confusion, "I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music..."

"Oh my goodness! What an honour!" Fluttershy commented.

"...Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception...."

"Hip, hip, hooray!" Pinkie responded.

"...Applejack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception..."

"Well, colour me pleased as punch!" Applejack said happily.

"...Rainbow Dash...I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a sonic rainboom as the bride and groom complete their "I do"'s..."

"Yes!" Dash said proudly.

"...Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids..."

"Princess Celestia wants me to...wedding dress? For a Canterlot wedding... I, ah, ooh, oooh!" Rarity said before fainting.

"..Bond Racer, you will be providing the entertainment at the wedding reception..."

"Aw heck yeah! Always wanted to be centre of attention...umm, I'm joking by the way." I said to them before clearing my throat.

"...and as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all. Making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia....But I don't understand. Who's getting married?"

"Oh, wait! Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first." Spike said as he burped out another letter which Twilight grabbed and read.

"Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and...my brother?!" Twilight gasped.

"Your brother's getting married? Congratulations, Twilight! That's great news!" I commented.

"Yeah, great news." She responded sarcastically, "That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armour." She pointed towards Canterlot. "I mean, really, he couldn't tell me personally?" She grabbed a sandwich that had two olives on top with her magic and made it look like it was talking, deepening her voice to represent her brother's. "Hey, Twilight, just thought you should know I'm making a really big decision that changes everything. Oh, never mind, you'll hear about it when you get the invitation."

The girls exchanged worried looks with each other whilst I tried not to laugh, Twilight then returned to her normal voice. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza? Who in the hoof is that?" She exclaimed, snorting angrily.

"Um, Twilight? Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked, holding out a hoof to her.

"Sorry," She apologized, walking away. "It's just that Shining Armour and I have always been so close. He's my B.B.B.F.F!" The other girls responded with questioning looks. Twilight looked back annoyingly and then back at us, explaining. "Big Brother Best Friend Forever?"

"Ohhh!"

"Before I came here and learned the importance of friendship, Shining Armour was the only pony I really accepted as a friend." One of the birds flying past us landed on Twilight's hoof. She nuzzled it compassionately and allowed it to fly away.

"Lemme guess, another song is about to start?" I asked.

"Eeyup." Applejack replied, almost the same way that Big Mac replies.

Music began to play and Twilight began to sing.

When I was just a filly, I found it rather silly

To see how many other ponies I could meet

I had my books to read, didn't know that I would ever need

Other ponies to make my life complete

But there was one colt that I cared for

I knew he would be there for me

My big brother, best friend forever!

Like two peas in a pod, we did everything together

He taught me how to fly a kite (Best friend forever!)

We never had a single fight (We did everything together!)

We shared our hopes, we shared our dreams

I miss him more than I realized

It seems...

The other five girls then joined in for a moment

Your big brother, best friend forever

Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together

And though he's, oh, so far away

I hoped that he would stay

My big brother best friend

Forever...

Forever...

She then finished the song, looking at the castle with a few tears. The rest of us were slightly worried as I walked over to Twilight.

"Well Twilight, as one of your P.F.F's." I said to her as I put a hoof around her. "Pony Friends Forever...I wanna tell you that I think your brother sounds like a real good guy."

"He is pretty special." She responded, walking back to the picnic area and sitting by her piece of cake as she flipped it lightly. "I mean, they don't let just anypony be Captain of the Royal Guard."

"So let me get this straight." Rarity quickly rushed over to Twilight. "We're helping out with the wedding of not only a princess, but a Captain of the Royal Guard?"

"I guess we are." Twilight replied in a saddened yet annoyed expression as well.

"Ooh, ooh, oooh!" Rarity began joyfully fainting again, causing Twilight to pull out a pillow with her magic and place it behind Rarity before she fell to the ground. The other mares then began to talk about the wedding in their excited moods.

I could only stand back and just wonder why Twilight would be sad to get a wedding invitation. If I had one where my sister was getting married, I'd be honoured to attend, letter or face to face, but I guess everypony is different on the inside.

After we wrapped up our picnic, we took the train to Canterlot and it was quite weird, cause we were there yesterday for that cake comeptition and now, there's a wedding today? Although that would explain why I saw a few unicorn guards around the Canterlot town when we were riding the train back home.

We were all sitting down and talking about the wedding, but I didn't say anything...suddenly, I had another twitch and it felt the same kind of coldness as before...I was beginning to think that something may not be right. But as before, I shrugged it off as a minor migraine issue.

"A sonic rainboom? At a wedding? Can you say 'best wedding ever'!" I heard Rainbow Dash exclaim in excitement.

"Best wedding ever!" Pinkie Pie screamed in joy as we passed through a dark tunnel in the train.

"So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding," Spike spoke. "But I'm the one who gets to host the bachelor party! I have just one question. What's a bachelor party?"

This caused the all the girls except Twilight to giggle and laugh.

"Why the long face, Twilight?" I asked.

"I'm just thinking about Shining Armour. Ever since I moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with this "Princess Mi Amore Ca-whatshername", we'll probably never see each other." Twilight replied sadly with a hint of anger.

"Come on, now. You're his sister. He'll always make time for you."

"Couldn't seem to make time to tell me he was getting married."

When a few seconds passed, a pink wall of magic passed through us, surprising me a little. Finally, I heard the train stop. We all headed to the exit of the train and looked out to see a large amount of guards waiting outside with motionless expressions. "Whoa, what's with all the guards?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions." Rarity explained. "Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies."

Pinkie then sneezed, releasing confetti from out her nose before walking off happily.

"Good thing the confetti didn't come out the other end." I commented.

The other ponies began to laugh out loud...proving my point that I'm going to do well as the reception entertainer.

"Now let's get going, we've got work to do!" Rarity announced as we all boarded off the train.

"And you've got a big brother to go congratulate." Applejack reminded Twilight, who was still on the train.

"Yeah. Congratulate. And then give him a piece of my mind." Twilight answered, still showing that irritated mood she's been having. She walked past the guards that were guarding one section of the place.

The rest of us looked on with confused looks.

"I guess we better get started on those tasks the Princess wanted us to fulfil." I announced.

"Right…" Rainbow Dash replied. "Come on, guys." She began leaving as everypony followed to their other stations.

As I left the station, one of the guards approached me. "Bond Racer, your role will take place at the wedding reception at the Canterlot Castle Gardens. Also, the Princess has requested to see you immediately."

"Alright, I will go now." I replied as I began to fly up towards the towers where I saw Celestia looking through a telescope. "Celestia." I called out to her as I flew down beside her on the tower balcony.

"Bond Racer, I am thrilled you could be here, because you two roles to fill, not one." Celestia said.

"So I'm not just an entertainer?"

"Not quite, because of your status as an alicorn, I feel that you may be most useful for this important task."

"Is it also to do with the wedding?"

"As you and the others may have noticed, we have several guards protecting the whole area of Canterlot."

"But why?"

"A threat has been made against Canterlot and we don't know who's responsible for it. That's why I asked Shining Armour, Twilight's brother, to provide additional protection." She then pointed out the big bubble around the whole area "Do you see that magic bubble around the town?"

"Yeah."

"Watch closely." I turned my attention from her towards the magic bubble. Suddenly, I saw something being shot upwards towards the bubble. It looked to be some magic and it combined with the bubble, reinforcing the protection. I widened my eyes a bit. "That was Shining Armour's protection spell. If it wasn't for it, we'd probably be much more vulnerable and probably have to cancel the wedding."

"Oh that reminds me, who is this Princess Mi Amore Cadenza Twilight's brother is marrying anyway?"

"She is Twilight's former foalsitter and my niece."

"Your niece?"

"Yes!" Princess Celestia managed to smile warmly now. "Why don't you go meet her and Shining Armour? I'm sure you'll like them…"

"I will later, but getting back to the threat, where do I come in?"

"Yes indeed, I wish to tell you that if you find anything suspicious going on around Canterlot, report to me straight away...or Princess Luna if something happens during the night."

"Speaking of the night, Princess." I said as I raised my hoof slightly, "Last night, I felt a sudden twitch and it felt cold and lonely as if something evil was approaching and it happened again when I was on the train with the mares. Could that be to do with the threat?"

"Hmm, it may well be...just be sure to stay vigilant at all times until the day of the wedding which will start tomorrow morning...I must now attend to my royal duties."

"Alright, Celestia, I'll make sure to do so."

I then flew down from the tower and onto firm ground by the town and began to walk around, seeing the other ponies all gossiping about the wedding. I also looked to see a lot of guards around town as well, guess Celestia was not kidding when Shining recruited more his guards to protect the place. As I turned into a corner and seeing the cafe, I spotted Vinyl and Octavia which made me smile.

"Hey there Vinyl and Octavia." I greeted.

"Cousin! Come here dude." Vinyl replied as she got up from a chair and gave me a hug. "How are you doing?"

"I feel great and still full of adrenaline after that DJ gig we nailed a few weeks ago." I replied.

"Awesome."

"Hey there Bond, are you here for the wedding?" Octavia asked.

"I sure am, I'm here to provide the entertainment in some way for the reception tomorrow."

"That's cool man, I'm involved in it too, providing the music for the evening on that day." Vinyl added.

"Nice one, I'll see you then, Vinyl."

"See you then, cousin."

I waved to them both as I walked on, before I then saw a white unicorn with blue mane surrounded by a few guards. As soon as he saw me, he stopped and come out from behind the guards.

"Hello Bond Racer." he greeted which surprised me.

"Wait, you know me? How?" I asked.

"Princess Celestia and my sister Twily told me so much about you. You are one amazing dude!" he replied.

"Wow...thanks. Then you must be..."

"Shining Armour, captain of the royal guards. The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority."

"I can see that clearly, so you probably saw your sister today, I guess she didn't take it well?"

"Not really, she was a little angry at me but I did explain everything I could to her as well as telling her that she'll be my best mare at the wedding which also made her smile when I told her about Princess Cadence."

"Yeah, Celestia told me a bit about that. Anyways, I shouldn't be keeping you from carrying our your duties until the wedding."

"You're right, I'll see you then. You might even see me for the rehearsals later this evening."

He then resumed walking down the town with his guards as I took a seat by a restaurant and had a great meal, even with the guards showing up a lot all day today.

It was near sunset by the time I walked back to the castle, just to check on the girls, when I spotted Luna going through the bubble and approaching the tower where Celestia is, I decided to fly up and be a bit curious.

I could hear their conversation as I approached them.

"Rest, my sister. As always, I will guard the night." Luna said.

Celestia nodded as she went inside the tower.

"Hi Luna." I said to her as I flew down to the balcony.

"Why if it isn't Bond Racer, we haven't seen you since Nightmare Night."

"Yeah, that was a few months ago...is every other pony still happy to be around you?"

"Of course, especially when I do my best to make everypony's dreams not turn into nightmares."

"Actually, that's the first time I heard you say that you can control a pony's dream."

"Why so it is, is there something on your mind?"

"I think so. Last night when I was dreaming, I felt a sudden twitch, it felt cold and quite dark as if something evil was approaching and now after thinking over it for a while, I think this source of evil may have already infiltrated Canterlot right under our noses."

"Hmm, that is curious news, I will speak to Celestia about it in the morning before the wedding rehearsal, I must now resume my post to watch over Canterlot at night."

"Alright, thanks Luna."

I then flew away from the tower and then spotted the mares and Spike outside a shop. I flew down and landed beside them, just to see how they're holding up in preparation for tomorrow. I then saw Twilight come out of the shop and sat beside her.

"Bet I can guess what you're all thinking. Cadence is the absolute worst bride-to-be ever." Twilight said as she brought out a drink.

That got all of our attention which left me wondering...could it be Cadence as the one responsible, but that would be me jumping to conclusions which I wanna avoid doing, especially with an event that's important as this.

"I'm guessing you have a lot to tell me what happened today?" I asked nervously.

"I sure do, Bond and I hope you and the others listen." Twilight replied.

"Who, me?" Spike asked in a high voice, controlling the Cadence figure that's supposed to be on the cake.

"Spike!" Applejack exclaimed. "That goes on the cake."

Spike laughed nervously and placed the piece on the table.

"Twilight, whatever are you talking about?" Rarity asked as Twilight sipped her drink. "Cadence is an absolute gem!"

Twilight opened her eyes and pushed away the drink in order to respond to Rarity. "Rarity, she was so demanding!"

"Well of course she is! Why shouldn't she expect the very best on her wedding day?"

Twilight furrowed her eyebrows and placed a hoof to her forehead, sighing. After, she looked towards Applejack. "Applejack, did you know that after she told you how much she just 'love-love-loved' your hors d'eouvres she threw them in the trash?"

"Aw, she was probably just trying to spare my feelin's." Applejack responded and began sipping her drink as well.

"No, she was just being fake, and totally insincere!"

Fluttershy lowered her head and slightly looked around in thought. "She did raise her voice at one of my birds during rehearsal."

"See? Rude!" Twilight pointed out.

"But he was singing really off-key." She responded, bringing out the bird which began singing terribly off-key, causing us to place our hooves on our ears.

"Rainbow Dash, you're with me, right?"

"Sorry Twi." Rainbow answered, rubbing her muscles and stretching her wings. "Been too busy preparing for my sonic rainboom to pay much attention to the bride's bad attitude."

Twilight then looked at me, "Bond, you may not have seen her, but you know I wouldn't be acting like this if it was for no reason, right?"

"I know that Twilight, but I would need to see it for myself in order to give out a better judgement and if it can back up your claims." I replied.

"The princess is about to get married." Rarity said, trying to reason with her, "I'm sure any negative behaviour she might be displaying is simply the result of nerves."

Twilight stood up and slammed her hoof on the table, "And I'm sure it's the result of being an awful pony who doesn't deserve to even know Shining Armour let alone marry him!" She answered, emphasizing with her hooves and slamming them back down again.

Before I could try to calm Twilight down, Applejack decided to fill in for me and create the wrong move. "Think maybe you're being just a tiny bit possessive of your brother?"

To make things worse, the rest of the girls agreed. "Uh-huh."

"I am not being possessive, and I am not taking it out on Cadence!" Twilight responded angrily. "You're all just too caught up in your wedding planning to notice that maybe there shouldn't even- she slammed her hoof harshly on the table, causing all the drinks on the table to jump upwards in the air and splatter everywhere. -be a wedding!" Her actions had startled and surprised us. She turned around and began storming away from us.

"I guess we should let her calm down about this whole ordeal and go back to the Castle." I suggested.

The other nodded as we walked back into one of the rooms in the castle, we were then approached by Cadence.

"Evening ponies, my old bridesmaids were...not that impressive, would you like to be my new bridesmaids?" she asked them.

The five of them all smiled happily and nodded, accepting her request. So this is Princess Cadence...she looks like a nice alicorn to me.

"Oh and who do we have here?" she asked noticing me.

"Bond Racer...but I am only here to provide the entertainment." I replied.

"Well I'm sure you'll put on a good show tomorrow." she walked off before muttering something which I couldn't quite hear.

Sometime later, it was the beginning of nightfall and the girls were in their bridesmaids outfits. I looked at them all and they were lovely looking, although I was wondering if Twilight was okay. I then heard the doors open to see Twilight turning up.

"Shining Armour's in real trouble! You have to help-" she cut herself off noticing the girls in their dresses. "Dresses? What are you–?

"Can you believe it? We're gonna be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's new bridesmaids!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

"New bridesmaids? What happened to her old bridesmaids?"

"She didn't say. But she did tell us that she would love-love-love it if we'd fill in for them." Applejack answered.

"Seeing as we've been working so hard and everything." Rarity added.

"And you had your doubts about her."

"Told you she was an absolute gem!"

"You sure this is what I should wear? Doesn't seem all that aerodynamic." Dash commented.

"Hmm. I'll see what I can do."

"Looks like I really am on my own." Twilight sighed as she walked out of the room slowly.

I walked up behind her and placed a hoof round her. "Not anymore, Twilight...you said Shining is in trouble?"

"Yes, but I don't think there's anything else we can do right now."

She then walked off further away...I decided to leave her be.

A few minutes later, me and the five girls were in the throne room with Shining, Spike and Celestia, I watched as the girls rehearsed their walking down the aisle.

"Perfect, girls. No need to rush!" Princess Celestia commented. "Then of course, Cadence will enter." We all looked towards the door, which the royal guards nearby opened and presented Cadence. I could see Shining Armour open his mouth slightly as he gazed at her beauty. Princess Celestia continued speaking as Cadence walked up to her. "I'll say a few words, and then we'll begin with the vows. Shining Armour, you'll get the ring from your Best Mare." Shining Armour turned his head to see her Best Mare, but she wasn't there. I was really worried about her right now, but I didn't show my face about it.

"Do you?" Spike nearby asked in a deep voice. "I do!" He answered himself with a high voice as he was playing with those figures again, even accidentally throwing the Shining Armour one across the floor.

"Hey... has anypony seen Twilight?" Shining Armour asked.

Afterwards, we heard the door open, catching all of our attention.

"I'm here!" Twilight answered, walking in. "I'm not gonna stand next to her. And neither should you!"

Uh oh...this is going to get nasty in a hurry, I thought to myself.

Shining Armour returned an embarrassed expression as he looked around nervously. He faced towards Cadence and apologized. "I'm sorry, I don't, I don't know why she's acting like this."

"Maybe we should just ignore her." Cadence responded in a rude tone.

"You have to listen to me!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Oh goodness!" Fluttershy reacted, rushing towards her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Twilight responded briefly.

"Ya sure about that?" Applejack asked, leaning towards her.

Twilight grabbed her hat with her magic and pulled it over her face in response. "I've got something to say!" Twilight walked a few more steps towards them. "She's evil!" She pointed, causing Shining Armour to become alarmed as Cadence returned an innocent and frightened look. "She's been horrible to my friends, she's obviously done something to her bridesmaids and if that wasn't enough, I saw her put a spell on my brother that made his eyes go all…" She rattled her eyes around in confusion as she stuck out her tongue.

Now I could see what Twilight meant and suddenly, I suffered another twitch when nopony was looking, but I stayed focused on Cadence and with my twitching going, I saw...green eyes where Cadence's purple eyes are...that's it! She's the one behind the source of evil and whoever it is must've used a disguise to get inside the castle without getting caught and if that's the case...where's the REAL Cadence?

I wanted to tell them right there, but my twitching lasted a bit longer before it ended with me catching my breath and trying to regain my confidence, before the imposter Cadence broke the silence.

"Why are you doing this to me?" She asked as tears fell from her eyes.

"Because you're evil!" Twilight responded, continuing to point at her as she began running out of the room, continuing to cry. "Evil!" She repeated, teleporting back at the door. "And if I don't stop you you're gonna ruin my brother's life!"

The other ponies could only return shocked expressions whilst I let out a small smile as if to know that Twilight was right the whole time and that I saw it thanks to an evil twitch. But then I looked at an angry Shining Armour who was looking at Twilight who could only grin nervously at him...this was going to get a lot uglier than I thought.

"You want to know why my eyes went all...whatever you just did? Nuh! Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadence hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic to heal me!" Shining explained in an angry mood, "And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty! And if she hasn't been on her best behaviour with your  friends, it's because with me being so busy, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!"

"I was just trying to-"

"She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be perfect! Something that obviously wasn't important to you! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all."

Now that was a sting in the tail...looks like it was going to take more than Twilight's claims to make them see sense.

I used my magic the shut the doors before Shining walked through.

"What are you doing, Bond?" he asked me.

"Trying to stop you and everypony else from making one of the biggest regrets you'll ever make." I replied with a serious look.

"Stop this right now Bond, this is not you!" Celestia ordered in her angry expression.

"I'm sorry Princess, but I can prove that Twilight is right. Remember when you said that I should report to you straight away if I felt anything suspicious?"

The other looked back and didn't say anything, but I carried on.

"Well, thanks to a twitch I just suffered a few seconds ago, I saw Cadence for what she REALLY is...and that is an imposter. She had green eyes behind her normal eyes. Whoever this evil foe is, she must've put on a disguise without getting caught. You have all been talking to an imposter and you've been far too blind to see that."

Suddenly, Princess Luna appeared right besides me. "He's right...it's what we call trusting your instincts and it's a lesson to learn, right, sister?"

Celestia sighed a little angrily, but accepted my thoughts about it by nodding. "Bond Racer, it takes a lot for me to be angry at anypony, but you are doing what I asked you to do. So I have something else in mind..." Celestia then looked at the five girls. "...I want you five and Spike to stay here just in case something does happen to Twilight or Bond. Luna, you must return to watch over the castle in case something else comes along. Shining Armour and I will go and talk to this fake Cadence and we'll try to find out if there's more than what has been said."

She didn't say anymore as I let go of the doors and Shining and Celestia along with two unicorn guards walked out of the throne room with them, leaving just the seven of us and Spike, they couldn't say anything after the way Twilight behaved and how I behaved.

I was left wondering...would we be able to do whatever it takes to explain our actions?

To be continued...

A Canterlot Wedding Part 2.

As we looked at each other in silence, Twilight began to sing.

"Maybe I was being overprotective. I could've gained a sister. But instead... I just lost a brother.

He was my big brother, best friend

Forever...

And now, we'll never do anything

Together..."

She finished it and then slumped on the floor and cried her eyes out.

"Girls, I think it's best if we all head back to the room where we're staying." I suggested. "Can't you feel that evil presence?"

"I do admit, I have a tiny inkling about it and I don't like it one bit." Rarity replied.

I then looked at Twilight, "Come on Twilight, we're taking you back to our rooms, it's not safe here."

She then wiped her tears away with her hoof and stood up to look at us. "Alright...I just can't believe the way my brother spoke to me."

"It's okay, I'm sure he'll see sense and forgive you after we tell him everything." I replied.

We all left the throne room and trotted back to the rooms in the castle we were staying. Shortly afterwards, I now felt that it was safe for all of us to speak.

"Okay girls, we can now talk freely in this room, there are so many guards outside, so we are safe." I said.

"Alright, so can you explain what you meant by evil twitching?" Applejack asked.

"Well, I started having it since yesterday evening as I was sleeping. It felt really dark and cold, like I was in an underground cave of sorts. Similar to the caves we saw back when we were dealing with those diamond dogs, but much worse."

"Twitching, was your tail twitching?" Pinkie asked, demonstrating her twitchy tail.

"No that's different, my twitching was to do with going through a nightmare headache and -UGH!" I exclaimed as I suffered another twitch and this time, it nearly left me shaking as I had my eyes closed...my vision suddenly generated an area that was shaped like a cave, there was nothing but a cold air and a dark presence...with only a mining cart as the feature. My vision suddenly vanished as I opened my eyes.

The girls and Spike all gasped at the sudden moment as I panted. "That was a big one...I didn't mean to scare you all." I then shed a small tear.

"Oh my gosh, are you alright?" Twilight asked as she went over to comfort me.

I wiped my tear away, "I'm okay now, the twitching's gone again, but I fear that it's gonna keep coming back until this evil presence is out of here."

"Woah...that would explain why you were being very quiet all day up until now." Spike said.

"Yes, so since Twilight and I know about the imposter, we are left with one other issue. We don't know where the real Princess Cadence is, but we haven't got long before the real wedding starts tomorrow."

"So what are we supposed to do?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well since Shining and Celestia are looking for the fake Cadence, there is nothing else we can do as we still lack strong and genuine proof." Twilight replied.

Just then, the doors opened to reveal Celestia and thankfully, she wasn't in an angry mood now.

"Hi Princess Celestia, did you find the imposter?" I asked her with a bit of hope.

"Shining Armour and I looked everywhere, but we couldn't find her."

Twilight and I sighed.

"Then, there's nothing else we can do until tomorrow. I suggest that we all sleep on it for now and think of a plan to find the real Cadence and bring her home safe, where ever she is." I advised.

"A sensible idea, Bond." Celestia replied calmly, "Although the evidence shown may not be strong enough to support your claims, Luna and I will remain vigilant at all times. I'll speak to you all again tomorrow, have a good night."

Celestia smiled a little as she left the room and closed the doors behind her.

"So girls, as I wanted to tell you earlier, I wanted you five to prevent yourself from repeating the same mistake we made before."

"Same mistake, what do you mean by that?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, remember the time Twilight got all worked up about being tardy and seeing what happened, we didn't even try to help her when we should have and she almost got in trouble because of us not being close friends."

"Wait a minute, you're right." Twilight said to me. "But I did forgive you all when it all went really ugly and you saved me from Celestia's punishment."

"Yes but not only that, I had to do what I did earlier because if you five and Spike had walked out on her...you would've defied every single lesson we all learnt about friendship, especially the one where your close friend will always have your best interests at heart."

"Plus, it would've been completely ironic if that happened." Twilight added.

The others then pondered about it for a moment.

"You know what sugarcube? You raised a good point." Applejack said, "We would've been the worst friends if we had walked out and ignored Twi's emotions for a second time."

"Now that you mentioned it, this also reminds me of the time of when we had the Mare Do Well incident, I was really angry about it, but you did help try to rebuild the friendship we almost lost, Bond." Dash added.

"Yeah, in a way, I'm beginning to be like a big brother to you all." I replied.

"And speaking of relatives dear, you also helped me and Sweetie Belle to make up and start over as close sisters." Rarity said.

"You also took care of me and gave me the chance to be a foalsitter when you were looking after the cake twins." Pinkie added.

"Don't forget the times you've helped me out with overcoming my problem with assertiveness with Iron Will and also being afraid to fly in front of other ponies." Fluttershy added too.

"I guess what we're all trying to say is that you've done a lot for us and everytime you have, it makes us feel stronger. But I do wish to know why you've been such a big help for all us." Twilight said to me.

"Well, after overcoming the issue we had with Discord, I really wanted to make up for my "traitorous" behaviour by being more helpful than ever before. Of course, this goes against what some of you said about me not keeping on fighting all of your personal battles for you, but I really wanted to in order to make sure that you could all overcome your problems."

"We understand, darling and you have done so much for us...alright, we believe you and Twilight." Rarity said as the other girls nodded.

We all then smiled for the first time today and shared a group hug which made us feel loved.

"So what are we gonna do about tomorrow?" Twilight asked.

"We'll have to come up with a plan and I think I've got one." I replied as I cleared my throat, "Tomorrow morning when just before the sun rises up, Twilight and I are going to speak to Princess Luna and see if she can help us find the real Cadence as soon as possible. The rest of you are going to have to play along with the wedding scene in case we're delayed in getting back on time."

"And if all else fails, we'll use our elements of harmony to expose the imposter for who she really is." Twilight added.

"That's if we can get to them in time." I pointed out.

"So what we are gonna do in the meantime?" Applejack asked.

"We'll have to sleep on it like I said before, but Twilight and I will leave this room a few hours early before the wedding starts."

"Alright, let's have a good night's sleep together...and don't worry about your brother, Twilight, we'll rescue him." Rarity said as she comforted Twilight.

"Thank you all." Twilight replied with a smile.

"Let's go into our beds and have a goodnight." Fluttershy said as she got into one of the big beds with room for one more.

The rest of us then took the other two big beds as Pinkie and Dash shared one, whilst Applejack got into the big bed that Fluttershy shared. Twilight slept on the single size bed just beside them, leaving one more double size bed for me and Rarity.

"Same as before, dear, you can trust me to sleep with you and I won't touch you." Rarity assured me.

"Of course, thanks...goodnight." I replied.

Soon, Rarity and I got into the last bed and soon, we were all comfy and began to sleep away, hoping we can stop this evil from succeeding.

It was the beginning of the morning when I woke up, I sneakfully got out of bed so as not to wake up Rarity or the others as I quietly walked over to Twilight who was still sleeping.

"Twilight, are you awake yet?" I asked her in a whispering voice.

Soon, Twilight began to move as she opened her eyes and yawned quietly. "Morning Bond, are we ready to go?"

"Yes I am, how about you?"

"I will once I wake up a bit. But let's get going...I have a brother to save." she replied as she got out of bed.

We then began walking a little quiet and opened the door slowly so we didn't wake the others up, we left with a smile as we knew they would be able to follow through with the plan until we get back with the real Cadence. We left the room and into the outdoors, we noticed the sun was starting to rise, so we had little time to see Luna.

"Quick, on my back Twilight and hold on." I said.

She got on my back and wrapped her hooves around me so she wouldn't fall as I began to fly upwards and over to one of the towers. We spotted Luna who was about to walk inside the tower, we landed on the tower as Luna saw us.

"Morning Bond and Twilight, what brings you here?" Luna asked.

"We have evidence." Twilight replied.

"And a plan." I added.

"Pray tell, please explain to me the following."

We nodded as Twilight and I began to tell her everything. Luna listened carefully to us and when we were done, she put a hoof on her lower mouth.

"I see, so the Cadence you both have seen is an imposter?"

"Yes, the Cadence I remember would never be so mean and disrespectful." Twilight replied.

"But we have no idea where the real Cadence is." I added.

"Wait a moment, you said to me about an underground cave with a mine cart?"

"Yeah, what does that mean?" I asked Luna.

She closed her eyes as if she remembers something. "I know of the underground cave you speak of, it was once a mining area for where ponies would work on digging out crystals many years ago. But it was abandoned after an accident caused the mines to be caved in, trapping any surviving ponies from escaping."

"And where is this mining cave?" Twilight asked.

"In a manner of speaking, you're standing above it."

"Wait a minute, this area of Canterlot was built above the caves?" I asked in confusion.

"It was and if this imposter had somehow got to the real Cadence, my guess is that she may have imprisoned the real Cadence and took her place with the disguise."

"Then that's where we need to go, the abandoned mining cave." Twilight declared.

"I would normally retreat to my slumber for the duration of the daytime, but since this is too dangerous, I will come along with you and find the real Princess Cadence. It's the least I can do, after you both helped me become a friend to all ponies on Nightmare Night."

"Thank you, Luna. Let's go, we have a real princess to rescue." I said as Twilight got on my back and Luna and I flew off the tower and by a waterfall cave underneath the castle.

"This leads to the mining entrance, once we're inside, stay close, the imposter may have laid traps for us." Luna advised.

We nodded as we flew inside and landed on the ground with Twilight getting off my back. We walked closely as we walked through the tunnel which seemed to go on for a bit, until we came across a big area of where crystals were present along with a few mining carts, the same one from my vision. As we walked further on, we came across one huge crystal that looked like a mirror, except that upon looking closely, we didn't see our reflection, but we saw something else.

"There's something on the other side of this mirror wall...thing." I said with a confused expression.

"Leave it to me." Twilight assured as she began to use her magic and with it, she created a huge beam of sorts that blew the crystal wall away.

When we looked inside, it was a small room with...Princess Cadence...I hope this is the real one.

"No! Wait! Please! Don't hurt me!" she exclaimed in a panic state.

"It's alright Princess Cadence, we know you're the real one." Luna assured.

"But I can prove it to you, let me."

"If you insist, Cadence, please do so." Luna replied.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake..." Cadence began as she looked at Twilight.

"Clap your hooves..." Twilight added.

"...and do a little shake." they finished together.

"You remember me!" Twilight exclaimed as they shared a hug.

"Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?"

We then heard a bit of evil laughter sounding like an echo across the whole cave.

"We have to get out of here. We have to stop her!" I said.

Suddenly, we saw three mares walking towards us with green eyes.

"You're not going anywhere." they said in a possessive chant together.

"That's the bridesmaids the imposter got rid of yesterday...watch out." Twilight exclaimed.

"Wait...I have something...here." Cadence said as she picked up a bouquet of flowers.

Twilight grabbed it with her magic and dangled it in front of the possessed mares which got their attention. Then, Princess Luna came forward and used a bright light on the mares with her magic. After several sparks that appeared above their heads, the green eyes went and the bridesmaids were back to their normal coloured eyes.

"Ugh, where are we?" the light green mare asked.

"You were brought down here by the fake Cadence."

"A fake Cadence?" the blue one asked in confusion.

"There's no time to explain, we have to go now. The wedding may be starting any moment." I said to them all.

"I will use a teleport spell to bring us out of the caves and into one of the rooms in the castle, stand close together."

We all nodded as we formed a circle closely, whilst Luna began working her magic to create a circle around us, she then made a bright appeared, causing us to close our eyes. When the light was gone, we opened them up again to find ourselves no longer in the caves, but in one of the rooms.

"This is the dressing room for the bridesmaids." Cadence said as she turned her attention to the three mares. "Stay in this room you three, you'll be safe with Luna."

The bridesmaids nodded as Luna stayed behind to try and heal them, whilst Cadence, Twilight and I left the room and began to gallop towards the throne room. When we arrived, we heard Celestia performing the last part of the vows, looks like we made it just in time.

"Princess Cadence and Shining Armour, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you-" Celestia got cut off.

"Stop!" Twilight yelled as she and I walked into the room.

"Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?" the fake Cadence moaned, "Why does she have to ruin my special day?"

"Because it's not your special day! It's mine!" the real Cadence replied, showing herself.

The other ponies gasped.

"What? But how did you escape the caves?"

Twilight and I gave her a quick summary of what happened.

"Hmph, clever, but you're still too late." she said.

"Ah don't understand, how can there be two of them?" Applejack asked.

Nice white lie, Applejack, I thought to myself.

"She's a changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them."

Suddenly, green flames showed up around the fake Cadence and a transformation began. The pink attire along with the pony body suddenly went and in it's place was a black...changeling I guess with a longer horn and a disturbing laugh.

She laughed at us, "Right you are, Princess. And as I Chrysalis, queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects."

Spike suddenly fainted...

"Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!" Chrysalis added as she walked down the isle closer to Cadence.

"They'll never get the chance! Shining Armour's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!" Cadence protested.

"Oh, I doubt that. Isn't that right, dear?"

"Mm-hmm." Shining replied who we could now notice that he has been possessed.

Cadence was about to gallop but Chrysalis stood in front of her.

"Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you?"

Cadence backed off slowly.

"Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armour's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it."

We then looked through the windows to see small changelings outside the bubble and trying to knock through it which made several ponies gasp...I had to agree, this was not looking good.

"He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now...and I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as captain of the Royal Guard."

"Not my Shining Armour!" Cadence exclaimed.

"Soon, my changeling army will break through. First, we take Canterlot and then, all of Equestria!"

"No! You won't." Celestia intervened, "You may have made it impossible for Shining Armour to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!"

Celestia flew up to attack Chrysalis but the queen struck back with her magic and to our surprise, it was more stronger and with one huge zap, Celestia fell to the floor with her crown beside her.

Everyone one of us suddenly gasped.

"Celestia!" Twilight and I yelled as we ran over to check on her.

"Ah! Shining Armour's love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!" Chrysalis declared.

"Bond Racer...Twilight Sparkle...you were right all along, I'm sorry that I didn't believe you both at first." Celestia said whilst trying not to cough after being knocked down by Chrysalis. "I failed to protect you and my subjects."

"Celestia, we can worry about apologies later, it's not too late to save everypony." I assured.

"The Elements of Harmony. You must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen."

All seven of us nodded in agreement as the girls suddenly got out of their bridesmaid dresses and ran out of the throne room and hopefully into the other part of the castle where the Elements Of Harmony are.

"You can run, but you can't hide!" Chrysalis yelled as we escaped.

We were outside, but it was too late, the bubble has already gone and a swarm of changelings came right down by us.

"Looks like we're gonna have to bust through these jerks...HEAVY METAL STYLE!" I shouted in a high voice and the fight scene began!

Youtube Video

After nearly 3 minutes of kicking their flanks, we finally made it to the room where the Elements Of Harmony would be...only to find more swarms of changelings already there.

"Oh you gotta be joking." I muttered...before I felt something land on my horn...eww, it was something sticky and green.

We were then grabbed and brought to the same room where the wedding was taking place, as we were brought in, we noticed Celestia and Luna captured in what looked like cocoon pods. Spike had woken up from his fainting but felt powerless to say or do anything. So did Cadence who was beside him but was seem to be stuck on some green sticky stuff and Shining who was still possessed also beside her.

Before we saw Chrysalis looking pleased with herself right now...if only I was stronger so I could beat her.

"You do realize the reception's been cancelled, don't you?" she asked us. "Go! Feed!" she then said, ordering the changelings to let us go and leave the room.

First mistake there, queen...

"It's funny, really. Twilight and Bond were right to be suspicious of my behaviour all along. Too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!" she added.

I laughed out of the blue knowing that we still have the power of friendship to help us, without the Elements Of Harmony.

"What do you find so funny? Explain yourself!" she demanded.

"The funny thing is..." I said as the other five girls rallied to our side to make our point, "...we already knew that."

"But even though you failed into fooling us, you did manage to fool everypony else." Twilight added.

"Hmm, I did, didn't I?"

Chrysalis then walked to the window and began to sing...second mistake there...

This day has been just perfect

The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small

Everypony I'll soon control

Every stallion, mare, and foal

Who says a girl can't really have it all?

Twilight snuck over to the steps where Cadence was, "Quick! Go to him while you still have the chance!" she whispered to Cadence as she used her magic to free Cadence from the sticky stuff.

Cadence then walked over to Shining who was still possessed despite everything that's happened today so far, she began to cry and hugged him, suddenly, her horn created a bit of magic and floating heart appeared, it went over to Shining and in one bright flash, the greens eyes off Shining was gone. It appears her love for him broke the cursed spell.

"Wha- where...huh..." Shining said as she shook his head, "...is...is the wedding over?"

Chrysalis then stomped down in front of them, "It's all over!"

"Your spell! Perform your spell!" Twilight yelled.

Chrysalis laughed, "What good would that do? My changelings already roam free."

Shining tried to use his magic, but it seems he's running on empty after all he's been through. "No! My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them." " he said tiredly.

"My love will give you strength." Cadence assured as she put her hooves around him.

"What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment." Chrysalis intervened as she looked over the balcony at her swarm's destruction.

The changeling queen failed to notice Shining and Cadence brining their horns closer together and upon contact, they began to create a strong powerful magic and when bright lights began to appear, that got the queen's attention.

"Queen..." I said with a smirk, "...you have just made your third and final mistake."

"How could I have made three mistakes, you worthless alicorn!"

"Just...watch."

Soon, Shining and Cadence had restored themselves to perfect conditions, they began to float up slightly as more of their combined magic grew stronger, just before we knew it, a huge bubble appeared and grew bigger at an alarming rate.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Chrysalis shouted as she got pushed away by the big bubble.

I then looked out the window which looked over at the desert to see Chrysalis and all of her minions getting blasted far, far away from Canterlot and beyond...Team Rocket, eat your heart out!

Afterwards, Cadence and Shining floated back on the ground and we noticed the cocoon pods disappeared for good, releasing Celestia and Luna.

Twilight galloped to Celestia whilst I helped Luna up, Luna nodded to say thanks in some way and then disappeared, probably to recover.

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine." Celestia assured as Twilight helped her up, "You have a real wedding to put together."

Two days then passed as the city of Canterlot needed time to recover from the invasion, the wedding preparations began afterwards with me and Twilight checking over everything. We made sure the catering was tasty, the dresses were fabulous and that the birds were singing in tune.

We were then looking over about bridesmaids in the hallway when Shining came to see us, he looked at Twilight and I but showed a sad expression as he still remembered the way he acted last night.

"Bond...I owe you an apology for how I acted that night." he said to me, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, you are one amazing alicorn and you were right to be suspicious."

"I wouldn't blame yourself too much, Shining, you just didn't know that it was happening from the start." I assured with a smile. "But for what it's worth, I forgive you."

"Thank you." he then turned his attention to Twilight, "Twily...I have no excuse for how I released my anger out on you...you're my L.S.B.F.F and you mean so much to me...I'm so sorry for what I said before...please forgive me."

"Shining...you're my B.B.B.F.F and you mean so much to me too...I will gladly forgive you." she replied.

"Thank you Twily..."

They then shared a brother/sister hug which made me smile more and it made me thought of my sister who I miss too.

The next day was the day of the wedding and this time, it was going to be amazing. I stood beside Spike and Shining in my suit from the Grand Galloping Gala, whilst Twilight and the others stood on the other side waiting for Cadence to arrive.

"Hey there you two, who are those ponies over there in the front row?" I asked them.

"That's our parents." Twilight replied.

"I see."

Twilight turned her attention to her brother, "Seriously, though. I get why the queen of the changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadence to marry you?"

"I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband. She'd be getting a pretty great sister, too." he replied.

The wedding music began as the birds sung at Fluttershy's command. The CMC's came down the isle first, laying out petals of flowers down the carpet before taking their positions by the front row. Cadence then walked down the isle in her wedding dress, I looked around to see several ponies sharing their emotions.

Maybe one day, that'll be me and another special pony in Trixie, I thought to myself with a smile.

Cadence was then by Shining Armour and the rituals was about to start by Celestia, "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza-"

"Princess Cadence is fine." Cadence said, cutting her off gently.

"Hm. The union of Princess Cadence and Shining Armour. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?" she asked.

Spike the brought out the rings that would go around their horns...seems legit to me, said my random mind.

"I now pronounce you mare and colt." Celestia finished as Cadence and Shining shared their wedding kiss which every one of us then cheered.

They walked down the isle together and over to the balcony where hundreds of other ponies cheered. We followed onwards to see them both when Celestia approached beside us.

"This is your victory as much as theirs." Celestia said to Twilight and me, "You two persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to you and my sister, Luna being able to bring the real Princess Cadence back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."

We all nodded in agreement, knowing that thanks to me and Twilight, we saved hundreds of lives and stopped the queen's plans.

Shining and Cadence shared a kiss together.

"Rainbow Dash, that's your cue." Celestia said.

Dash then flew up high in the sky and then went down so fast, she pulled off the sonic rainboom...which I hadn't seen since she rescued Rarity and the wonderbolts.

"Best... wedding... ever!" she yelled.

"Come on everypony, it's not over yet, we have the evening reception to go through." I said.

It was then the beginning of the evening, we were by the Canterlot Gardens where all the coupled ponies were dancing slowly, with Cadence and Shining in the centre, Luna then appeared and flew down beside us.

"Hello, everypony. Did I miss anything?" Luna asked with a wink.

"Not really, just the usual wedding followed by a sonic rainboom." I replied.

Luna and I shared a laugh then as music began to play once more....I then noticed a DJ equipment set up where Pinkie and my cousin Vinyl were at.

"Let's get this party started!" Pinkie declared.

"Too right, here we go!" Vinyl added.

Music then kicked up a notch and Twilight began to sing:

"Love is in bloom

A beautiful bride, a handsome groom,

Two hearts becoming one

A bond that cannot be undone because

During the song, I was busy break-dancing and showing off my moves and getting all the ponies dancing.

Love is in bloom

A beautiful bride, a handsome groom

I said love is in bloom

You're starting a life and making room

For us (For us, For us....)"

Shortly afterwards, we stood by the wedding carriage where Cadence and Shining were about to get in.

"Twilight! Bond! None of this would've been possible without you both." Shining said to us happily, "Love ya, Twily."

"Love you too, B.B.B.F.F." Twilight replied as they shared a hug.

"Ready to go?" he asked Cadence.

"Oh! Almost forgot." she replied, throwing a bouquet of flowers to the bridesmaids

"IT'S MINE!" Rarity shouted before she grabbed them.

Looks like she'll meet somepony special someday, I thought to myself.

Cadence and Shining were now inside the carriage as they were now riding off out of Canterlot and into the distance...possibly to be away on their honeymoon.

"Now this was a great wedding." Twilight stated which everyone of us agreed on.

"Oh, yeah? Just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!" Spike added with a grin.

Everyone of us laughed as I sighed.

"Well all, I think our work is done here and it's time to go home." I said to them.

One of them yawned, confirming that a few of us were getting tired.

"Enjoy the ride home, my little ponies, you deserve it." Celestia added.

We soon got on a train and arrived back in Ponyville...as we arrived and got off the train, we looked to see the clock pointing towards midnight.

"Let's take a few days of resting, we really need it." I said to them. "Oh and I think that I can say that whatever happened a few days ago, we'll always love and care for each other."

"That's right, when there's a problem, we'll make sure to get the facts first." Spike added.

We then all agreed and shared a loving group hug.

"Keep the outfits all of you, I'll let you have a rest and get some time put aside to wash them when you bring the outfits over to me sometime." Rarity said.

Shortly, we exchanged our farewells and agreed to have some time for ourselves for a few days. I walked to my home and into my house. I took off my formal attire and had it placed on the sofa as I walked upstairs to my bed, noticing the book I borrowed was still there.

I got into my bed and reflected on everything that happened this week. I'm so glad that I never use any spell to disguise myself as that Chrysalis was able to fool nearly everypony except me and Twilight. I'm so happy that I was able to cheer her up when she needed it, if I hadn't been there, who knows what would've happened.

At least we were able to help out whilst Cadence and Shining saved the day in the end with the power of love....I fell asleep and for once, no twitching happened at all, so the source of evil was gone for good...I hope that in the future, no more villains will arrive, but if need be, we'll be ready to take it on.

I'm glad that we crashed Chrysalis's wedding...

The Crystal Empire Part 1.

Three Weeks Later...

I woke up to a wonderful morning as I sat up and looked through the beside window to see another glorious sunrise. The seven of us became more caring towards each other since we saved Canterlot from the Changeling invasion. Chrysalis and her changelings may have been defeated, but she hasn't been defeated permanently and we do not know when she'll return, but next time she does, every single pony will be ready.

Thankfully, it's been very peaceful and we've been enjoying our times together, especially the days whenever Trixie misses me and loves me when I visit her home in the forest. Today, the seven of us and Spike were going to be in the park to have a picnic and I had to get dressed and ready for the day. So having a quick breakfast and cleaning myself up, I got dressed into my normal clothes and left the house before trotting towards the park.

By then, all seven of us had become more famous so everypony I walked by, they looked and greeted me with a smile and I would reply with a warming response, like I was about to prove here.

"Morning Bond Racer." Golden Harvest greeted.

"Morning Golden." I replied. "Keep those carrots looking well."

"Hello to you, Bond." Roseluck said.

"Heya Rose, your flowers are lovely today."

"Hey hey Cousin!" Vinyl Scratch yelled from her bedroom window, "Have a day of wubs."

"Same to you, Vinyl." I called back gently. "Say hi to Octavia for me."

"Hello Bond, letter for you and Twilight." Derpy said as she handed out a letter from her bag.

"Morning Derpy..." I then took the letter and thought about opening it later at the picnic as I placed it in my pocket. "...keep the muffins coming."

Derpy smiled and flew away.

Yep, life in Ponyville was about as amazing as I wanted it to be and I couldn't be happier. I also feel incredibly happy to have a loving sister in Sweet Chocolate as well as a marefriend in Trixie. As I trotted out of the village and towards the park, I spotted most of the girls already there, along with Rainbow Dash who flew down to the ground and Applejack who had just arrived with a bag of apples.

"Morning girls." I said as I walked towards them.

"Well howdy Bond, ya'll ready for the picnic?" Applejack asked.

"I sure am." I replied.

"It is going to be a fabulous picnic." Rarity said

"And it's gonna be fun." Pinkie added.

"With a moment shared with a few animals." Fluttershy also added.

"So where's Twilight?" I asked.

I then saw my question being answered already as Twilight turned up with a few bags and Spike on her back.

"Guess I didn't need to ask that."

"Hey there all, hope we're ready cause I'm vanished." Twilight said.

"Me too, let's get to the grub." Spike added as he jumped off Twilight's back and walked to the baskets.

"By the way, when we're done, you've gotta see this letter Twilight, it's addressed to both of us." I said to her.

"Oh okay, I'll be sure to remember." she replied.

We all sat down and then began our picnic time that lasted for an hour during the morning.

When we were done with the food and relaxing, I took the letter out of my pocket and opened it with my magic.

Twilight then read the letter. "Dear Twilight Sparkle and Bond Racer, you must come to Canterlot at once. I have a test prepared for you both. Princess Celestia."

"A test?" I asked.

"Oh no, a test and I haven't studied for it!"

"Calm down dear, whatever it is, I'm sure the Princess will understand." Rarity assured.

"We'll come along with you if that helps." Spike added.

"Alright, thank you." Twilight replied.

We then wrapped up our picnic time and boarded a train to Canterlot and made our way to the castle. The five mares and Spike were asked to wait outside by the guards as Twilight and I went on inside. We then walked through the hallway and into the throne room, where we saw Celestia and Luna looking through one of the stained glass window images.

"Excuse us, Princesses." I said which got their attention.

"Trust me little sister." Celestia whispered to Luna as Luna walked out of the throne room in her calm state.

"You wanted to see us?" Twilight asked as we walked towards Celestia, "To give us a test?"

"This is a different kind of test." Celestia replied as she turned to see us and walked to the centre where we were. "The Crystal Empire has returned."

"The Crystal Empire?" Twilight asked worryingly.

"I guess Dr. Cortex did get rid of that bandicoot in the end..." I muttered randomly.

"I'm sorry, I-I thought I'd studied. Ooh. I don't think there's anything in any of my books th–"

"There wouldn't be." Celestia assured as she went over to a crystal that had a glass cover around it. "Few remember it ever existed at all. Even my knowledge of the Empire is limited. But what I do know is that it contains a powerful magic." she then brought out the crystal to the centre and it created a tiny sized empire. "One thousand years ago, King Sombra, a unicorn whose heart was black as night, took over the Crystal Empire." the image then showed the King himself.

"Damn, he's ugly." I commented to nopony in particular.

"He was ultimately overthrown, turned to shadow, and banished to the ice of the Arctic north. But not before he was able to put a curse upon the Empire. A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air." and then the city disappeared and turned back into a crystal, "If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those things are reflected across all of Equestria. If hatred and fear take hold..." Celestia paused to show us an example which saw dark spiked crystals appearing around us before disappearing. "Which is why I need your help finding a way to protect it."

"You want us to protect an entire empire?" Twilight asked.

"No offence Celestia, but could you explain why we have to do this when you and Luna can easily dispatch this foe?" I asked without even thinking better of it.

"As much as I want to accompany you, I can't be everywhere at once and neither can Luna." she answered as she put the crystal back inside the glass cover. "It is, as I said, a different kind of test. But one I'm certain you two will pass."

"I understand Princess...how do we begin?"

"By joining Princess Cadence and Shining Armour in the Crystal Empire."

"My brother is there?" Twilight asked with a happy expression.

"He is and your Ponyville friends will join you there as well. I have every confidence you two will succeed." Celestia added as we began walking out of the throne room. "And when you do, I'll know that you Bond are worthy enough to keep your alicorn powers and Twilight, you'll be ready to move on to the next level of your studies."

Twilight then looked at Luna who seemed to be feeling a little down.

"But what if I fail?" she asked with a bit of worry.

"You won't."

"But what if-"

Celestia cut her off, "You won't." she said a little firmer. "But Twilight and Bond, in the end, it must be you both and you both alone who ultimately assists Princess Cadence and Shining Armour in doing what needs to be done to protect the Empire. Do you understand?"

We nodded.

"Then go, there is no time to lose."

Twilight and I shortly left the castle to join up with Spike and the other five mares.

"Ah, Twilight and Bond! That was fast! Let me guess, you both got a perfect score?" Spike asked us.

Twilight didn't say anything which worried me a bit.

"A-minus? B-plus?" Spike gasped, "Twilight, did you...fail?" he asked quietly.

"Shhh, I think a musical number is about to start." I replied to him.

Twilight began to sing, here we go again, I thought to myself with a smile.

"I was prepared to do my best

Thought I could handle any test

For I can do so many tricks

But I wasn't prepared for this

Levitation would have been a breeze

Facts and figures I recite with ease

The square root of five hundred and forty-six is twenty-three point three six six six four two eight nine one zero nine."

"That is correct!" I exclaimed.

"I could ace a quiz on friendship's bliss

But I wasn't prepared for this

Will I fail, or will I pass?

I can't be sure..."

Spike then joined in on the song.

"She can't be sure...

My mind is sharp, my skills intact

My heart is pure

(Her heart is pure)

Oh, I've taken my share of licks

I've made it through the thin and thick

But no I wasn't

(Oh no, she wasn't)

Oh no, I wasn't

(Oh no, she wasn't)

No I wasn't

Prepared... for this!"

The song was then finished

"Uh, prepared for what exactly, darling?" Rarity asked.

"Twilight! Uh, did you pass?" Applejack asked.

"Are we gonna celebrate your awesomeness with Princess Celestia?" Pinkie added.

"Not quite. We're going to the Crystal Empire!"

"Huh?" the five mares said un unison."

"Crystal what?" Dash asked in confusion.

"There's not much time to explain all, we gotta go to Canterlot station." I  replied.

We then boarded a train from Canterlot to The Crystal Empire and the ride was a bit of a long one. By the time we approached a station, it was already beginning to feel cold and there was a huge blizzard of snow as soon as we get off.

"Good thing you kept my scarf before we got here." I said to Rarity.

"Quite right dear and you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves." she replied as she had one around her neck.

Spike then came out with several cases, obviously Rarity wanted to be ready for anything.

"I didn't say a word." Spike said to himself before dropping the cases and several scarves fell out. "Hey! C'mere..."

We then saw a stallion with a scarf and eye mask coming towards us.

"Twilight!" he exclaimed.

"Shining Armour?" Twilight responded as he walked closer.

"Twily! You made it!"

They then ran to each other and shared a brother/sister hug.

"We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark."

"What kind of things?" Fluttershy gulped.

"Let's just say the Empire...isn't the only thing that's returned."

We then began walking from the station and through the cold snow, it appeared that even with the scarves, it still felt cold.

"So what else has returned?" I asked despite the howling winds of the blizzard.

"Something keeps trying to get in! We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place."

"But Princess Celestia said Bond and I were being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected." Twilight said before we heard a disturbing howl.

"Th-That's one of the things, isn't it?" Fluttershy shivered as we looked back.

We saw a dark black fog approaching with a head on it.

"Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!" Shining yelled as we all began to gallop as fast we could.

The black fog was catching up with us, I was sure that was the King Sombra that Celestia mentioned about, just as we were about to leave the coldness, Shining got knocked down and we helped him up before galloping onwards and finally made it through some kind of shield.

"Everypony okay?" I panted as we laid down on a green grass with some sort of tower in the distance.

All the others replied in agreement that they were, until we saw Shining making it through the shield with us.

"Oh, no! Shining Armour, your horn!" Twilight exclaimed as she noticed tiny dark crystals on his horn.

There was nothing we could about it right now as we walked onwards to see the Empire itself.

"Sparkleriffic!" Pinkie exclaimed.

I had to agree, upon arriving into the city, it was quite a dazzling place, even more sparkling than Canterlot. If it had gems, this would be Spike's dream of a permanent home and he would never want to leave.

"It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous!" Rarity exclaimed excitedly, "There are no words!"

"Focus, Rarity. We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery." Applejack said.

"Eh, I don't see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me." Dash added.

"A- p- guh! Another old...have you lost your mind? Look at the magni-"

Rarity got cut off as Applejack and Dash laughed, doing a sister-hoof of sorts.

"Very funny." Rarity muttered as I giggled slightly.

We walked on inside the castle and it was more sparkling than the outside. When we walked into the throne room, we saw Princess Cadence who looked very tired, but she lifted herself up when she saw us.

"Cadence!" Twilight yelled as she trotted towards her.

"Ooh" Cadence replied as they shared a quick hug.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" they chanted together before sharing a laugh, until Cadence was interrupted by her magic horn going off for a moment before she got her magic back on.

"One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance." Cadence said before sighing.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Cadence has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it." Shining explained, "But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra."

"It's alright Shining Armour, I'm fine." Cadence assured despite showing that she isn't.

"She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade...Well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen."

"That's why we're here." Twilight said.

"Why we're all here." I added.

"Well, with Cadence putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the Arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies."

"Crystal Ponies?! Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?!" Rarity asked in her exciting mood again, "Um, ahem. Please continue."

"But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the Empire without having to use Cadence's magic."

"A research paper!"Twilight said happily.

"Huh?" I asked in confusion.

"That must be part of our test...to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers!"

"Yeah, who doesn't?" Dash asked sarcastically.

"Oh-oh-oh! Lemme guess! Is it Spike? No no, Fluttershy! Rarity?" Pinkie asked whilst bouncing everywhere.

"Don't worry, big brother. I am really good at this sort of thing."

"In that case, go on and bring back any information that might be useful to us." Shining replied.

"Alright team, let's split up and find some answers." I declared.

Everypony else nodded as we left the crystal castle and walked on outdoors to the town, we agreed to split up in the hope we find answers as quick as possible. I stuck with Twilight and Spike, since we had to "pass this test" together, I wouldn't wanna be any other pony type than an alicorn.

We knocked on a door to one of the houses and a pony answered it.

"Yes?" the mare asked us.

"Hi, we're here to require information about the origins of the Crystal Empire and King Sombra, do you know anything about it?" I asked her.

"I'm sorry fellow ponies, but I don't know much about what you're looking for." she replied.

"Are you sure? Absolutely sure?" Twilight asked.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could help you. But I...can't seem to remember anything before King Sombra came to power." she was cut off when she got spooked by something. "And I don't want to remember anything about the time he ruled over us." she added, shuddering afterwards.

"King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't...crystally." Twilight pointed out.

"Have we really been gone a thousand years?"

"Yes." I replied.

"It feels like it was just yesterday."

"If you think of anything, even the smallest thing." Twilight said.

"Of course." the mare replied before closing the door.

"Well, that was a total bust." Spike commented.

"Maybe the others are having better luck." Twilight replied as we walked around to other parts of the city.

After a while, we regrouped at the centre of the tower, hoping the others found anything useful.

"Alright girls, any luck?" I asked them all.

They all looked down slightly with disappointing looks.

"Sorry, Twilight and Bond. These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing I was able to get out of 'em was somethin' about a library." Applejack replied.

"A library?" Twilight gasped, "Well, why didn't you say so?!"

"Uh... thought ah just did."

We then trotted to a big store with a book plaque above, indicating that this is the Library, we walked on inside to find a huge place with books, it looked glimmering.

"I just... I don't even know what to... There are no words." Twilight said excitedly.

"Umm Twilight, remember what we're supposed to be doing." I said as I tapped her on the shoulder.

Twilight squeed and sighed as we walked to the reception.

"Oh hello ponies, May I help you?" the receptionist asked.

"Yes. We're looking for a book." I answered.

"We have plenty of those."

"You do. You really do!" Pinkie said as she jumped slightly.

"We're lookin' for a history book. Somethin' that might tell us how the Empire might've protected itself from danger back in the day." Applejack explained.

"Yes. Of course. History, history... Ah, yes."

"Which is where, exactly?" Rarity asked.

"I...I can't seem to remember. I'm not sure I actually work here."

"Ugh." Dash groaned as she put a hoof on her face.

"We'll just take a look around. I'm sure we can find it on our own." Twilight assured.

"Let me know if you find anything." the receptionist said as she walked off slowly.

"I like her!" Pinkie commented.

Soon, we began searching through many books in the history section and after a while, we kept coming up with nothing.

"Uh, anyone else startin' to think this is a lost cause?" Applejack asked.

"No, no, no, no, no... Yes! 'History of the Crystal Empire'. I just hope it has the answers we need."

We then left the library with the book we needed and galloped back to the crystal castle to let Shining know about it.

"A 'Crystal Faire'. According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to 'renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm'. My friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book!" Twilight explained.

"That sounds pretty promising." Shining replied with a slight smile for the first time.

"We'll get started right away. C'mon, Bond, we've got a Crystal Faire to put together!"

"Right!" I replied.

We then walked outside the throne room to rejoin with the others and music began to play. It was time for another musical number to play, but this time, I wanted to start it so Twilight nodded and allowed me to sing the first part.

"Princess Cadence needs our help

Her magic will not last forever

I think we can do it

But we need to work together

We have to get this right

Yes, we have to make them see

We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history"

The other girls then joined in.

"It says that they like jousting

They flew a flag of many hues

Made sweets of crystal berries

They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes"

We then all sung together for the first time.

"Oh, we have to get this right

Yes, we have to make them see

We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history

There was a crystal flugelhorn

That every pony liked to play

And the Crystal Kingdom anthem

Can you learn it in a day?"

We then all sung together one last time.

"Oh, we have to get this right

Yes, we have to make them see

We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history"

We then finished the song, not knowing that we had all we needed set up and ready to lift the spirits of the crystal ponies up.

To be continued...

The Crystal Empire Part 2.

"It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done this without you!" Twilight exclaimed happily, "One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!"

"What's this thing for?" I asked, looking over a medium sized statue of a crystal standing on a podium.

"The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the faire's centrepiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block."

"Nice work, Twi. Think we're ready to get this faire up and runnin'." Applejack said.

Soon, the faire was up and running and several ponies were out, trying to enjoy the festivities. I was with Twilight who was still going over the book whilst I was nomming away on some good pie. I then saw Dash flying towards us and covering the crystal statue with the flag, which confused Twilight.

"Why did you-" Twilight asked before getting cut off.

"I think we may have a problem..." Dash replied.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Dash then quickly explained what she heard from the other ponies about a crystal heart protecting the empire. We gasped and ran straight to the castle to tell Shining and Cadence about it, we were on the castle balcony, overlooking the city.

"I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart! There was a page missing...How did I not notice?!" Twilight exclaimed while slightly panicking.

"It's alright, Twilight." Cadence replied before she fainted in Shining's arms and her glowing magic went out.

"Twily..." Shining said and he knew what was about to happen.

We then looked over the horizon to see the huge shield evaporate, revealing the cold blizzard. Then in the distance, we saw the black clouds coming towards us at a fast pace with Sombra's head in the middle, and it began covering the outskirts of the city already.

This was looking grim for all us of involved as we looked on to see the outer parts of the city get covered in the black clouds, before noticing Sombra showing up by the entrance to the city.

"The Empire is under attack." Shining commented.

Cadence then got up after a short while of being exhausted from her magic, she began to use her magic again to bring the shield back up and she timed it perfectly as well, as Sombra was about to make his move before being stopped.

"Nice timing there, Cadence." I complimented

"I have to find the Crystal Heart!" Shining said.

"No, you stay here with Cadence. She needs you, Shining Armour. We'll retrieve the Heart." Twilight said as she and I galloped from the balcony and out of the castle with Rainbow Dash behind us.

"Let's do this!" I replied.

"I've been trying to figure out how we're meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do, Rainbow." Twilight said.

"Name it." Dash said.

"You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Faire going."

"What? With that thing moving into the Empire?"

"The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart."

"Yeah, and?"

"If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won't matter if Bond and I find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Faire."

"Keep the Faire going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!"

"What about Spike?" I asked Twilight.

"He can stay here too, this may be even far too dangerous for him." Twilight replied.

"Bond and Twily, be careful!" Shining said to us from the balcony.

"We will." Twilight replied as we went back inside the castle.

"So where do we go to find this crystal heart?" I asked as we went through several rooms.

"I'm not sure, but I'm trying to remember Celestia's orders." she replied before pausing for a moment, she then gasped, "Of course!"

She then galloped to the throne room and I followed her.

"What is it, have you found it?"

"No, because this isn't King Sombra's castle."

"Well, isn't this where he lived when he was in power?"

"It is. But it didn't look like this. "

Twilight then used her magic which then created a dark aura and zapped it at the crystal on top of the throne chair. The ray from the now dark crystal revealed a secret spiral staircase in the middle of the room.

"Whoa. When did you learn to do that?"

"That was a little trick Celestia taught me."

"Remind me to not get on your bad side."

We then shared a giggle, before making our way down the stairs, but Twilight stopped me.

"You stay here."

"If you insist." I replied as I stood still by the stairs. "Can you see what's down there yet?" I called out.

"Not yet. I can't even tell how far down this goes..."

There was silence for a moment.

"Bond?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you see outside?"

I then trotted over to one of the windows looking over the city, there was Sombra among the dark clouds still outside, but I could see the shield was flickering now.

"It's not good! Cadence's magic must be fading faster than before!"

I then heard nothing from her and there was silence for a long time...I was getting worried about Twilight, so I galloped down the spiralling stairs to find Twilight sitting in front of an opened door with a wall behind it.

"Twilight? Twilight! Twiliiiight!" I yelled as I then bucked the door shut and saw Twilight's came back to her sense.

"Huh, what?"

"I know you told me to stay up there, but you were down here for such a long time and you weren't answering and I got worried so I came down here and you were just staring at that wall and..."

I then noticed Twilight opening the door. "This is King Sombra's dark magic. A doorway that leads to your worst fear."

"How exactly...it's just a wall"

Twilight opened the door and suddenly, my vision changed...I was back in the streets of Fillydelphia in a dark alley and I was being chased by ponies in big cloaks and hats...oh no, it's those gangsters.

"No...get away from me...leave me be!" I yelled as I kept running before I ran into a wall, I was then cornered.

"Goodnight...sleepy...filly..." the gang member in front said in a melody voice before pointing a gun at me.

"Noooooooooooooooo....argh!" I exclaimed as my vision suddenly went back to normal. I looked around to everything was the same and with Twilight standing by me.

"Oh Twilight...it was a nightmare." I said whilst trying not to cry. "It was my worst fear, being shot by the gangsters in Fillydelphia...it was a disturbing fear." I added as I sat down in sadness.

"A fear that will never come to pass..." Twilight assured as she gave me a loving hug and quick peck on the cheek which surprised me, "...we'll always be there for you and we're not gonna fail our test!"

I got up, wiping away my tears and smiling slightly. "Thank you...Twilight..."

We then shared another caring hug, just to be sure I was alright before pulling away. "Now what can we do about this door?"

"Let's use our reform spell together, combining our magic together will get rid of the cursed door."

"Alright, let's get this over with."

We then held hooves and used our magic together on the door...the dark crystal above it shattered to pieces. Twilight then opened the door slightly and she walked in, it looked much different.

"What's in there?" I asked.

"Stairs. Lots and lots of stairs." she sighed, "Maybe you should come with me this time."

"Alright and don't forget, I can help you fly upwards if you need me to."

"Good idea, I'll hop on now...just follow the stairs going upwards."

"You got it."

Twilight then got on my back and held on as I began to fly up the stairs, it took a while but we then reached the top...it was quite windy up here too as I landed down on the ground.

"Woah...I can see my house from here!" I said as Twilight got off me.

"Look, the crystal heart!" she replied, pointing to it that was in the centre.

She then walked towards it, but as she got close, a black circle appeared and an alarm of some sorts went off. I looked out to see that Sombra had noticed and used his magic for something. I looked back quickly to see Twilight about to jump but she got trapped by dark crystals. The heart however escaped and landed beside me.

"The heart, where is the crystal heart?" Twilight asked.

"I've got it, it's on the other side with me...it rolled over to me when it flew out of the centre."

"You can move, just not towards me! How could I have been so foolish? I was just so eager to get it! Then when I saw what was going on outside, I..."

"You have to get out of there, Twilight! You and I have to be the ones who brings the Heart to Princess Cadence! If we don't, we'll fail Celestia's test!"

"Bond...I may not be able to pass my side of the test but you still can achieve your side. King Sombra is already attacking the Empire. He could reach the Crystal Ponies at any moment... reach Princess Cadence, my brother, my friends. There may not be enough time for me to find a way to escape."

I looked down with a sad expression as I saw tiny dark crystals began to show up around the top tower.

"You want me to be the one to brings the Crystal Heart to the Faire alone?" I asked her, just to be sure.

"Yes...GO!" she replied.

I lifted the crystal heart with my magic as I noticed that the shield spell was down again and more of the city was about to be covered in Sombra's darkness. I didn't had much time left...I had to do it for the sake of the crystal ponies. I began to fly up and swoop down the tower.

"HEY EVERYPONY!" I shouted. "I'VE GOT THE CRYSTAL HEART!"

"NOOO...THAT...IS...MINE!" Sombra yelled as he began to make his move from the distance.

I carried on flying downwards when I saw Sombra appear from a crystal hill he seemed to be standing on...to my amazement, the dark mist around him disappeared to reveal true body form.

"Yeeeeeeeeesss...." Sombra said with delight.

Suddenly, one of my wing feathers clicked knocking my flight ability off balance, I was now falling with the crystal heart...it looked like everything was about to end here when I was swooped by a flying pony.

"Ugh...Princess Cadence!" I exclaimed.

"I've got you, Bond...and the Crystal heart"

We then landed by the bottom of the tower where all the other ponies were.

"The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not!" Cadence exclaimed as I placed the heart in the centre which was now magically held in place.

Suddenly, everything started to glow into bright lights as the crystal ponies began to glow into crystal versions of themselves, much to Sombra's rage, seeing it happening. Cyan lights began to glow all across the city as the crystal heart began to spin round faster and faster. A huge circle then appeared and increased in size, when it went through me, I looked to see myself in a crystal form...talk about dazzling to the extreme! Every other pony began to dazzle as well as I looked back to see Sombra looking shocked at the event.

"NO...NO...STOP!"

Another huge circle appeared and it was more powerful...Sombra screamed in extreme pain as he was literally blown to pieces, apart from his horn which was kicked right out of Equestria and the black fog was driven back, before being completely wiped out along with the snowing mountains...no more blizzards will be blowing around here at last. One last push of magic was made as very powerful lights brightened across the whole land around the Crystal Empire and beyond.

"AND THE CURSE IS OUTTA HERE!" I shouted which got every pony cheering.

I looked up above to see Twilight free and in her crystal form...she actually looked quite gorgeous...actually nearly all the mares around me were beautiful looking. Perhaps I should come here more often when I have time...oh who am I kidding, I'm just being random again.

Afterwards, Cadence brought Twilight down from the tower and she and I shared a celebration hug. However, Twilight didn't seem to be happy about something, but I assured her that when we tell Celestia all about it, she'll understand.

Sometime later, the seven of us and Spike were walking back to the Station around the city with Shining and Cadence escorting us.

"I do so wish it was permanent. Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?" Rarity said.

"But... good things are better when they're a rarity." Applejack complimented.

"Aww..." Rarity then giggled slightly.

"Everything's gonna be okay. You've gotta stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarrassing." Shining said to Twilight.

"Wasn't me who saved you in the end. It was Bond and he did it alone whereas we should've done it together." Twilight replied sadly.

"It's just a test. Maybe she'll let you retake it."

"I don't think she's gonna give me a new test."

"Cheer up Twilight, once we get back and explain it all to Celestia, she'll be reasonable." I assured.

The six mares, Spike and myself got on board in the train as we waved to Shining and Cadence before they were out of sight. Due to no more blizzards, the journey didn't take as long as before and by the time we got back, it was the beginning of sunset.

We were all at Canterlot, the others and Spike waited whilst Twilight and I were in the throne room with Celestia who had just put up another window glass frame image that showed me inside the crystal heart...but no sign of Twilight on there.

"It's beautiful." Celestia commented.

"I wish it had been both of us who ultimately made it so. But it wasn't." Twilight replied sadly as I had my hoof around her.

"Twilight, as I understand it, Bond brought Princess Cadence the Crystal Heart because you weren't sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. You weren't willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own. Far better that I have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own best interests."

"Does this mean...?"

"Yes...you two have passed...with flying colours."

"Whoohoo!" I exclaimed as Twilight and I did a bro/sis hoof.

"Now go on, you deserve to celebrate with your closest friends. I will meet you all again very soon."

"We will Princess, come on Twilight."

Twilight and I trotted out of the throne room and out of the castle and saw the others by the stairs.

"Hey there all." I said to the others as they looked worried.

"We passed!" Twilight and I said together.

The others ponies cheered and soon, music began to play, time for yet another musical number as Rarity began to sing.

"You were prepared to do your best

Had what it takes to pass the test

All those doubts you can dismiss

Turns out you were"

The other ponies then joined in.

"Prepared for this!

You clearly have just what it takes

To pass a test with such high stakes"

"We knew for sure you would prevail

Since when does Twilight Sparkle ever fail?"

"All those doubts that you can dismiss

Trust yourself and you cannot miss"

Turns out you were

Turns out I was

Turns out you were

Turns out I was

Turns out you were

Prepared for this!"

The music number ended by then as we shared a group hug.

"Yeah, I knew everything was going to be fine." Spike sighed before fainting on Twilight's back.

"Well, he has been through a lot today...so what do you say, girls...it's time to go home." I said.

They all nodded as by sunset, we got on a train back to Ponyville and we arrived back just in time to see the beginning of the night. We then exchanged our farewells and called it a night before I walked off back to my home. When I got in, I sighed with a smile, knowing that had been a long day of one big event. I got undressed and headed off to bed as I looked back to what happened today.

Who would've thought that there was a Crystal Empire? Well it seems to now be the home of Cadence and Shining who I'm sure will be amazing rulers over there and there is nothing to fear with that Sombra gone. But I did wonder though...how did Sombra know about my worst fear and where did the remains of his horn fly off to?

But I am happy that Twilight and me have developed a very close bond of friendship and care and we're gonna keep it by sharing a big smile before falling away to sleep and waiting for dreamland...maybe if Luna had heard the news yet...okay that's it, no more talking in my head until tomorrow.

Too Many Pinkie Pies

I woke up the next morning to a bright day and it was going to be a fine day of where I should have it all to myself for once. After having my breakfast and just my shoes on for what could be a hot day, I trotted out of my home and through the town. Along the way, I spotted Twilight and Spike by the cafe, it looked like they were focusing on an apple or something.

"Try again, Twi, you can do it!" Spike encouraged.

"Phew, this spell's a toughie. But I feel lucky this time! One, two..."

Twilight then got cut off by Pinkie who jumped out of nowhere and hugged her.

"Hi!" Pinkie said to her.

"Pinkie, why'd you do that?!" Twilight asked.

"'Cause hugs are funneriffic, especially when you throw one around a friend. Whatcha doin'?"

"Trying to turn that apple into an orange!"

"But you kinda threw her aim off..." Spike added as we saw a flying orange.

Okay, that was weird...but what can I say about defying logic that hasn't been said.

"Wheee! What a cute orange birdie! Do me next, Twilight! Do me, do me!" Pinkie then turned round to see Rarity who was in a dark cloak, "Ooooh, Rarity, wanna see Twilight turn me into an orange? It's gonna be funna-fun-fuuun."

"As fun as creating this haute couture ensemble that I just finished making? Delightful, non?" Rarity replied as she took off the cloak to reveal her dress with loads of sparkle.

"This is terrible!" Pinkie gasped.

"I admit it's perhaps not my finest work, but I-"

"You had total-awesome-amazing fun and missed out on it?! Neh! Wait! What if there's more awesome amazing fun with friends happening somewhere in Ponyville right now that I'm missing out on too?!"

Pinkie then zoomed away, leaving us confused as I walked over to see if I could know more about this.

"Hey there all, morning." I said to them.

"We weren't going to turn her into an orange! I swear!" Spike exclaimed.

"Umm, I wasn't thinking of that, Spike."

"Oh...right."

"Anyways, I've got some shopping to do, I'll catch up with you all afterwards."

"Okay Bond, see ya."

I smiled as I walked on through the town, stopping by the shops I needed to go to. I was halfway through my shopping spree, when I came across Silver Spoon on her own. Remembering the last time I saw her, she didn't give me much information about her friendship with Diamond Tiara. This was another chance for me to see if she can be reformed.

"Well, afternoon there, Silver Spoon." I greeted.

"Oh...um...hi mister..." Silver responded.

"Bond Racer."

"Oh right...so what do you want?"

"Well, you didn't give me much information last time I saw you, so mind if you explain to me about your friendship with Diamond Tiara?"

"I told you that she's my only true friend."

"But is she everything that everyone of us sees her, or is there much more that can be only be discussed in private?"

"Why do you want to know so much?"

"Because unlike Tiara, I believe you still have a chance to change for the better."

Silver looked back at me, wondering what I meant.

"What I mean is, is that based on what I've seen from you so far, you're more of a follower than a pony who doesn't have to be."

Silver then pondered, maybe I'm beginning to get through to her.

"Well, I have been following her for a long time and she and I go way back to when we first met through Tiara's Dad and my Dad."

"I see...do you wish to take this conversation away from town?"

"Yes, I don't want Tiara to hear about it." Silver replied a little worryingly.

We then took a walk out of the town and by the park, just by the lake.

"So about earlier, it's based on what went on between your Dads?" I asked.

"Yeah, in fact if it wasn't for Tiara and her Dad, my Dad wouldn't have been able to start his sugar business in Canterlot."

"Ahhh, so that's what your cutie mark is about, it's to do with cooking?"

"Yes and when I discovered it, we needed a business so I could put my talent to use."

"Okay, I may understand you a bit more, but it doesn't explain why Tiara has to be a bully to the fillies who don't have cutie marks."

"I don't know why either, she's always hated the Apple family, but thankfully, Granny Smith has been able to tolerate her since Filthy Rich relies on his deal with the Apple family so that his business called Barnyard Bargains can run with reasonable profits."

"So what you're saying is that without the Apple family's support, Filthy's business would grind to a halt?"

Silver nodded back. This was a bit of a concern, I don't think Tiara realizes the consequences of her bullying actions and if she were to keep it up or if got much worse, then one day it would come back to haunt her family and there would nopony to blame but herself.

"Well either way, I'm suite surprised at how nice you can really be. You have the chance to change your ways and be a good filly. If you want my advice...friend or not, bullying should never be ignored nor used against other fillies, especially when it's about cutie marks."

"Yeah...you are right, but Tiara has been the only friend I have, I don't wanna risk losing my only friend and be all alone."

"But you can't keep being her follower, Silver, it's not good for you. Besides, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are the nicest three fillies I've met and that you really should get to know them if you give it a chance. Don't let Tiara's influence get the best of you, you can be a whole lot better. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I understand...I want to talk to them, but I don't think they would ever forgive me for being a follower for Tiara." Silver sighed.

"Just give it some time...maybe they'll see the potential good side in you and help you out." I assured.

"Alright...I'll think about it...thank you mister Racer, you know...you're a really good pony who has a lot of faith in ponies like me."

"Well, I do my best...that's all. Anyways, I've got my shopping to do, I'll let you go to have a think about what I've said."

"Okay...I'll see you around."

Silver then smiled and walked away whilst I went back to the town to continue my shopping. When I had finished the second half of my shopping, Pinkie then bounced in front of me by surprise, taking me back a bit.

"Geez Pinkie, what in the wide, wide world of Equestria are you doing now?" I asked.

"Timing myself galloping back and forth between the swimming hole and Sweet Apple Acres. I'm trying to cut down my time so if Rainbow Dash dives off the swing, I can get to Sweet Apple Acres to help with the barn raising, and then be back in time to see Rainbow Dash hit the water after doing a double flip! If I can cut my time by only twenty minutes, I'm good." Pinkie explained quickly.

I then laughed, "Oh, Pinkie. I'm afraid no matter how hard you try, the only way to pull something like that off is if there's more of you to go around."

Pinkie then moved her head like a clock before bells rang in her pupils...this was getting weird already.

"That's it, Bond! The legend of the Mirror Pool!" she exclaimed as she galloped off, away from the town.

"Legend of the what now? Pinkie! Twilight may be familiar with loads of legends, so you're talking to the wrong pony about it and besides, I never heard of...come back, Pinkie!"

It was no use, she was already out of sight.

"Oh Pinkie...someday, your randomness will be your downfall...wait, that didn't sound right." I said to myself.

I then remembered that I still had shopping bags on my back to carry home, so I walked back with my shopping and taking the stuff out of the bag, I stored the food and drink away. I then checked over my number of bits I had...I still had thousands of bits stored away, but I did wonder if it was going to last or run out at some point. It was lunchtime after my unpacking was done too...I'm just too good at perfect timing, I wonder when that'll stop, I thought before letting out a small giggle.

When it was the afternoon, I was resting on the sofa, Until I heard a slight tremble approaching town, I rushed over to the door and looked out to see...holy pony apples! I noticed an army of pinkies bouncing all across the town before leaving the town just like that.

"What in the world?" I said with the most confused expression.

I then saw nearly the whole town of ponies going over to Twilight's home, maybe she can help solve this new issue. But it was getting worse quick as several ponies looked quite angry. Twilight's opened the door to see her surprise as I walked over to make sure she wouldn't get mauled.

"Okay, everypony, please, calm down!" Twilight stated.

"Calm down? I just had a Pinkie hurricane raging through my shop!" Rarity complained.

"And they trashed our critter picnic!" Fluttershy added with her level of assertiveness present.

"Please everypony, hang on while we try to figure something out!" I intervened as I walked to Twilight's side.

"Thanks Bond, I could use the help. I've gotta try to remember the name of that legend she mentioned."

Twilight and I walked into the library and she went through looking at the books. I helped her and did the same until I came across one book that was lodged far in the back. I grabbed it with my magic and brought it over to Twilight.

"Is this what you're looking for?" I asked her as she took the book from me.

"Aha, here it is! "The legend of the Mirror Pond"...It describes a spell I can use to send them back where they came from!" Twilight said.

"That's perfect! Let's go!"

"But there's a catch. If I can't figure out which one's the real Pinkie, I might send her back by mistake!"

"Well, we'll just have to figure out who the real one is then. Shouldn't be too hard...if I use one of my new learnt spells."

"Wait, what kind of new spell?"

"Well, remember the book I borrowed from you, I read through all of it that I learnt several spells like one I'm about to do later called a pony location spell."

"Umm..okay, but let's get the angry pony mob out of the way."

"Alright..."

We then left the library to face the ponies who were still not pleased.

"Does anypony here know how we can tell the real Pinkie Pie from all the rest of them?" Twilight asked.

All the ponies didn't respond...looks like it was gonna be more challenging for us than we thought.

"Twilight! I have to talk to you, I need your help!" Pinkie exclaimed although, none of us were sure she was the real one at first.

"Excuse me, whoever you are, but I'm not talking to any of you Pinkies unless you're the real Pinkie."

"Oh, but, but I am the real Pinkie!"

Then, several other Pinkies showed up saying they were the real Pinkie which scared off some of the ponies.

"How in tarnation are we supposed to tell which is the real Pinkie?" Applejack asked.

"I have no idea." Twilight replied.

"I can use my pony location spell." I suggested.

"Uhh Bond, I don't think that will work."

"We've all got the same adorable tails, we've all got the same adorable manes, we've all got the same adorable hooves! Which one of us is the real Pinkie?! Oh! I haven't the slightest clue! And if I can't tell us apart... who can?"

I noticed her beginning to sob...I then used my new learnt spell on her and my readings came up as positive, meaning that she's the real one. But Twilight and Spike had already gone, so I had to catch up with them...by the time I did, I saw all the Pinkies bouncing through in the town in a large group which scared several ponies into hiding.

"Ugh, this is hopeless!" Twilight stated.

"Maybe that one's the real Pinkie." Spike said as he pointed to the Pinkie who had her head laying on the side of a mushroom table.

"Please. The real Pinkie Pie never sat that long in one place her whole life!"

"Umm Twilight...that's not the way to see things about it." I intervened.

"Oh really, got any better ideas?"

"Not really..." I sighed, thinking that it was slightly impolite of Twilight to say that.

"I'm gonna go ask." Spike said.

"Of course she's gonna say she's the real Pinkie! They all do! You're wasting your time."

Spike walked over to Pinkie.

"So lemme guess. You're the real Pinkie Pie?" he asked.

"Heck if I know. Could be any one of us if you ask me. And if I said I was the real Pinkie, you wouldn't even believe me anyway. So just leave me alone. I've got some important poking the ground with my hoof to do." Pinkie then walked away slowly.

"Oh, Bond, how're we gonna do this? I can't risk sending the real Pinkie back into the pond!"

"I miss the real Pinkie." Spike said as he and Twilight walked away.

"I bet she misses you too. Bet she'd do just about anything to get to be with her friends again." Pinkie said as she cried again.

I couldn't stand to see more of it, I went over and gave her a comforting hug as I was absolutely sure she was the real one...she accepted it but she wasn't smiling or feeling any better.

"I've got an idea." I said to Pinkie as I turned to Twilight, "What if you gave them a test? Pick something really hard for a Pinkie to do, something not fun at all! Any Pinkie that can't do it goes back into the pond. But whoever wants to stay the most, that has to be the real Pinkie!"

"You know, that's not a bad idea." Twilight replied.

Pinkie began to smile suddenly, "This is great! If I pass, I get to be with my friends again!" she then gasped "But what if I don't pass? Oh, what if I'm not the real Pinkie Pie?! Ohhhh! Stupid...magic...mirror...water! This is all your fault!...And mine."

She then face planted the ground before getting up and walking away.

"So how are gonna do this, Twilight?" I asked.

"First of all, you get Applejack and Big Mac and go round up all the Pinkies and bring them inside the Town Hall. I will go and find the others and get them to help me set up the test." she declared.

"Right, I'll get on it now."

I flew over to the apple farm and got Big Mac, Applejack and added help from Applebloom and Winona as we began to form a round up boundary. Soon, we began collecting all the Pinkies around Ponyville and have them rounded together like a herd of cows.

"Hyah, ya Pinkies! Hyah!" Applejack yelled.

"Ooh, they wanna play chase! This is fun, too!" said one of the Pinkie clones.

Shortly, we made our way to the Town Hall and all the Pinkie went inside all shouting fun over and over again.

"Oh, give it a rest." Applejack sighed.

I know how she feels...I was getting a headache from their repeated word as well. When they were inside, the rest of us went on in and shut the door behind us. We saw Twilight on stage with Spike and they had the curtains down, so it looks like the test is almost ready.

"Welcome, Pinkies, welcome. Please have a seat and make yourselves comfortable." Twilight announced.

But the Pinkies didn't reply as they were too excited to stop.

"Okay, I suppose you can't be comfortable staying in one place, but have a seat anyway." I said to them.

Still no response.

"Sit down!" Twilight yelled which got their attention as they all stopped and sat down.

"Better. Now, I suppose you're all wondering why I've gathered you all here today."

"For fun?" one of the Pinkie clones asked.

"No, just the opposite actually."

"Wait up, I got one more!" Dash exclaimed as she brought in a depressed Pinkie, once again confirming that she was the real one. "Found this one poking at the ground with her hoof, drawing frowny faces."

"Have her come sit with the others."

"No wait..." I said to them. "Bring her over to my side...right here."

Dash nodded as I walked to the left side of the hall centre and Pinkie was brought down beside me. I put my hoof around her, trying to comfort her and assure her that she'll pass the test Twilight has set up.

"Pinkies, you've been brought here to take a test."

All the Pinkies clones shared their disappointment except for the Pinkie beside me.

"Don't worry, it's a simple test, about as simple as they come, and whoever passes gets to stay."

The clones nodded in agreement.

"Curtain, please. The test... will be watching paint dry!"

The curtains pulled up and I saw Rarity and Fluttershy who just finished painting a wall that was still wet.

"On your mark, get set, go!"

Soon the test began with the clones all sharing worried expressions...they should be, since I knew that the Pinkie beside me would be able to pass this test, no matter how bad it looks to her.

"Ooh, this is so exciting!" Spike commented as he had a bag of popcorn.

Several minutes passed and Spike had run out of popcorn and was hanging upside down on the chair.

"Okay, maybe not that exciting." he added.

It was all quiet at the point until a bird flew by on the other side of the window.

"Oh, hey, look at the birdie!" one of the clones said.

That gave Twilight the signal to zap a spell at the clone, soon the Pinkie clone turned into a pink smoke and flew out the window and of sight...probably back to the mirror pool.

"Watch me bounce and touch the ceiling!" another clone said...one zap later and that clone was outta here.

I then heard a conversation between three more clones talking about an orange frog...oh yeah, I think Twilight needs to sort that out when this was done. The three clones were then zapped and on their way out, back to the pond where they belong.

This carried on for a while as more and more clones were zapped back to the mirror pond, whilst the real Pinkie didn't flinch at all by my side as we remained focused on the drying paint on the wall. Soon though, we were left with two Pinkies, one in the middle and the one beside me.

By then, all of us involved were getting worried and jittery.

"Ugh, I can't take it anymore!" Dash exclaimed.

I then thought of an idea that would be risky but may put an end to this issue.

"Hey you two Pinkies, who wants a hug?" I asked them both.

"Oh...oh...oh...I do!" the one in the middle replied before she closed her mouth with her hooves.

Twilight knew it was too late for that, the last clone was then zapped away back to the pond.

"No thanks...I'm not good enough for a hug." the Pinkie by me said.

"Awww, cheer up Pinkie...you did it." I said.

"I passed?" Pinkie asked.

"You passed. You're the only Pinkie who kept staring at the wall." Twilight said.

"I had to. I just had to. I couldn't leave my friends, I just couldn't. But I guess sometimes I will have to choose between them."

"And now...I'll ask you again, hugs?" I asked Pinkie.

Pinkie finally smiled as she and I shared a friendly hug, before the rest of us came close and turned it into a group hug.

"I'm glad that ordeal is over, may the Mirror Pond never be used again I say." I said to them as we left the Town Hall, noticing the sunset.

"Agreed, I'll go to the Everfree Forest and find a rock to block the entrance to it." Twilight said as she trotted off whilst the rest of us went to Sugarcube Corner.

"Spike, could you write me a letter for Celestia?" Pinkie asked as we helped ourselves to a plate of free cookies.

"Sure thing Pinkie...ready." Spike answered as he got a paper and a quill to write.

Pinkie then began to speak about today. "Dear Princess Celestia, it's great to have fun, but it's even greater to have great friends. And having lots of friends means that you sometimes have to make choices as to who you'll spend your time with. But that's okay, because good friends will always give you lots of opportunities to have fun. So even if you're missing out, it's never for long. Respectfully yours, Pinkie Pie."

"Great lesson, Pinkie." I said, nodding in agreement.

Spike then rolled up the letter and with his fire breath, sent it away to the Princess.

"Well girls, I think it's time we called it a day...by the way, did somepony say something about a carnival this week?" I asked.

"Yes sugarcube, it's the carnival float parade in two days." Applejack replied. "Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have been working hard on making their float today."

"That's cool, I might pop round to see if they need help."

"Okay, see you then, Bond."

"Same to you Applejack and everypony else."

I then waved at the girls and Spike as I left Sugarcube Corner and walked back to my home. I got in and had my late dinner as I hadn't eaten anything since lunchtime. Feeling satisfied, I cleaned up my face and headed on over to bed and getting comfortably, I looked back at today.

I'm all for myths and legends, but what a case of sending in the clones today. I'm really glad that mirror pond will not be used again. One Pinkie Pie is more than enough...but can anypony imagine what it would be like to see clones of me? I don't think Ponyville would've survived, but oh well, I can dream about it at least and look forward to the carnival parade on the day after tomorrow.

One Bad Apple

I woke up at around the afternoon and my main interest was the upcoming Harvest Parade that was due to start tomorrow and with many ponies involved, it was sure to be a good one, especially since the CMC's are taking part this time. I wondered what their float looked like, so getting myself ready and dressed, I walked out of my home and trotted over to Sweet Apple Acres.

Along the way, I saw the CMC's, Applejack and another filly walking with them, she had a dark brown boat and dark pink mane, who could she be I wonder? I walked along closer and waved at them and it had been a while since I last saw them.

"Oh hey there Bond." Applejack greeted who had a travel suitcase in her mouth.

"Hey Applejack." I replied before looking at the fillies as we walked onwards to the farm, "Hey there CMC's. I hear you're apart of the harvest parade tomorrow."

"That's right, we finished designing our float just before bed time." Scootaloo replied.

"That's cool, mind if I take a look at it?"

"Sure, but we're gonna have Applebloom's cousin here, Babs Seed take a look at what we do before we get to the float." Sweetie added.

"Why is that?"

"Cause she doesn't have a cutie mark like us and we're gonna make sure she fits right in." Applebloom answered.

"I get you now...I'll hold on to that case for you, Applejack."

Applejack then placed the case down as I carried it with my magic.

"Thank ya kindly, sugarcube...we're just on the farm now. Why don't you fillies show Babs Seed around whilst Bond and I check on the barn?"

"Okay, sis, we'll be right back." Applebloom replied as they walked off through the trees, possibly to their clubhouse.

Applejack and I walked into her family home and I greeted myself to Big Mac and Granny Smith, before we went upstairs and into Applebloom's bedroom. I noticed her room was an absolute mess though but with me around, it can be cleared up shortly.

"So who was that filly again if you don't mind me asking?" I asked as I placed the case down on Applebloom's bed and began to use my magic to make the bed.

"That was Babs Seed, mine and Applebloom's cousin from Manehatten." Applejack replied.

"Oh, so she's not from around here?"

"Nope, she's the daughter of Aunt & Uncle Orange."

"Ah yes, the same ponies you visited when you went to Manehatten as a filly?"

"That's the one, Babs has come here to get some help in making friends, because she's been bullied by other fillies at her school in Manehatten."

"That's just a city away from Fillydelphia and I know how it feels, growing up without not much friends during the filly years....do the CMC's know about it?"

"They don't and ah'll let them ask me cause ah don't wanna become an overprotective relative, ah want them to stand strong for themselves."

"That's understandable...and we're done."

The bedroom was now cleaned up and looked very tidy.

"Thanks for doing that, sugarcube. Ah'll let you be on your way...feel free to come back if you need to tell me anything."

"I'll do so just in case...later, Applejack."

Applejack nodded as I left Applebloom's bedroom and then down the stairs and out of the house. By the time I was out, I saw the fillies go into the barn. I walked onwards and followed them to the inside.

"So CMC's, where is this parade float?" I asked them.

"Here it is! The official Cutie Mark Crusaders float for the Summer Harvest Parade!" Applebloom stated as she took down a cover that showed the float itself.

"Wow...that looks well designed, nice job, fillies." I complimented.

"Thanks...and what about you, Babs?"

"Umm, it's great mister..."

"Bond Racer." I said for Babs, although looking at her expression, I wasn't sure if she was completely happy at the moment.

"As a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, you'd be able to ride on it with us! It'd be totally fun." Scootaloo said to Babs.

"Yeah..." Babs replied, laughing nervously.

I was wondering why she was worried until I heard two more voices come into the barn....uh oh, not Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

"More like funny...looking." Tiara said, giggling away.

I saw Silver giggling as well, but she seemed to be struggling to do it properly...I looked at her and noticing me and trying to remember what I said, she changed her tone a bit, looking at the parade float.

"What is that thing, a giant orange?" Silver asked somewhat innocently.

"It's a pumpkin." Applebloom replied.

"More like a lame-kin." Tiara criticised before noticing Babs, "Who's the new blank flank?"

"She's mah cousin, Babs. She's from Manehattan!"

"Manehattan, huh? Well, I guess you have that going for you."

"I suppose you're gonna join their little club...the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Silver asked nicely which Tiara didn't seem to notice.

"More like the Cutie Mark Crybabies!" Babs replied rudely before walking over towards them.

"Hey!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Oooo, heh, big city attitude! I like it!" Tiara commented.

"Oh my gosh!" Silver yelled, "I forgot that I was meant to attend a catering service with my dad a few minutes. Oh he's gonna be so mad at me for being late...sorry Tiara but I've gotta go."

Silver then galloped out of the barn, leaving all of us surprised, wondering what just happened. I looked outside and saw Silver trotting off and leaving the barn, she turned around to see me and gave me a wink.

Ahhh, I thought to myself...good for you Silver Spoon, I'm glad you know better than to encourage a bullied filly to become a bully...she then carried on trotting till she was out of sight.

Suddenly, I heard loud crashes, so I hurried back to the barn and I found the parade float outside the barn in many pieces. I saw Applejack by one of the house windows who heard the commotion. I waved at her, telling her to come here quickly before I walked back into the barn.

"Looks like somepony's pumpkin just got squashed!" Babs said sarcastically

"Oh no, you didn't!" I said in a shocked expression.

"Oh yeah, she did." Tiara replied, laughing.

"When ah tell Applejack-"

"You gonna tell Applejack what?" Babs asked rudely, cutting Applebloom off.

"W-well, y'know, uh..."

"What're you, a snitch?"

"Come on, Babs, you should hang with us! Y'know, the cool ponies, not these babies!"

"Who are ya callin' my sister a baby?!" Applejack exclaimed as she showed up outside.

Suddenly, Babs's expression changed from confident to nervous. Tiara however was still no different...bad move, Tiara.

"Oh look, it's your big sister, come to save you again...what a scaredy blank flank."

"Get ya flank outta our farm, right now!" she demanded.

"Pfffft, fine...whatever I'm going." she then left the barn and on her way out of the farm, she turned back "Wait till my daddy hears about this, he won't like it."

"Your pa relies on my family's business so he can maintain his side of the deal by running Barnyard Bargains and the way you drag his family name around will certainly not help him or his potential customers."

I saw that Tiara couldn't think of anything to say, as if she got owned and had met her match. She growled before leaving the farm in a huff...good thing she doesn't know about Silver changing her ways, it would be much worse.

"Okay fillies, just tell us what happened." I said to the CMC's.

"Well, Babs Seed went and started messing with our parade float and then in a few seconds, it rolled out and smashed into pieces." Scootaloo explained.

I looked at Babs and she looked real guilty, she knew she was in big trouble for doing that.

"Babs Seed...ah'm very disappointed in you!" Applejack scolded, "When you said you wanted to visit us because you were bullied back home in Manehatten and that your parents weren't paying enough attention, ah took pity on you and have you be welcomed as a friend and a worthy cousin to me and Applebloom."

"I must agree, you had no excuse to be a bully yourself and wreck these fillies's parade float." I added. "They tried to make you feel comfortable cause of you having no cutie mark and this is how you repay them?"

"I...didn't want to be bullied..." Babs replied hesitantly.

"Well granted, Tiara and Silver have only said mean things to them, but they have never damaged other ponies's stuff, probably because they know it would get them in trouble straight away, whereas you on the other hoof had no problem in destroying something the CMC's worked so hard at designing."

"I'm...I'm...I'm sorry." she said.

"Too late for that now, Babs." Applejack replied, "Ah was gonna have you sleep in Applebloom's room but now it's not gonna happen. You'll be sleeping in the barn tonight and tomorrow morning, you're going back to Manehatten with no chance of seeing the Harvest Parade."

Babs sunk her head lower to the ground...sleeping in the barn and going straight home the next day is a worthy punishment. Cousin or no cousin, she had no right to do it, regardless of what happened to her back home.

"In the meantime, I suggest you can start serving your punishment by helping the CMC's clean up this mess." I added.

Babs nodded and began to pick up a few bits of broken wood around the field.

"Wow...that was..." Sweetie said,

"...amazing!" Scootaloo finished.

"It wasn't good for me to do, but ah had to stop playing nice in order to get my point across." Applejack responded.

The CMC's began clearing up the bits and pieces along with Babs...I saw her face, she was feeling full of guilt.

"So, I guess you have to go and write a letter to the Orange family?" I asked her.

"Darn tootin, ah think ah'll do it after my family's dinner...you can join us for that if you want."

"That would be good, thanks Applejack."

"Okay, just keep an eye on the fillies until then."

"Aright, I'll do that."

Applejack walked back to inside her home as I watched the clearing up taking place. When it was done, all the piles of pieces were stored in one corner of the barn. The CMC's seemed to be in good shape, but Babs on the other hoof, had a few splinters and cuts from picking up the pointy wooden parts.

Soon, it was dinner time and I was sitting around a big table next to Applejack, along with Big Mac, Granny Smith, the CMC's and Babs who hasn't said a word since the telling off moment. We shared a few stories together like one big family as we ate the food and after we were done, Big Mac and Applejack took the dishes to the kitchen sink, whilst the CMC's, Babs and I left the house.

It was almost sunset and I was going to call it a day when I saw Babs galloping into the barn leaving the CMC's confused and feeling worried about her for the first time. I sighed as I walked to the barn to see the CMC's looking over Babs who was resting on a pile of hay and sobbing away, thinking perhaps of how it all went horribly wrong and so quick.

"Err cousin, mind if we have a little talk?" Applebloom asked Babs.

"Go away...I don't *sniff* deserve to have...friends." she replied whilst sobbing.

"Listen, we're not gonna pretend that none of this didn't happen, but we've been thinking." Scootaloo said.

"Maybe if you can redeem yourself by doing us a favor, maybe you won't be sent back to Manehatten." Sweetie added.

Babs stopped sobbing and looked at them.

"Actually, they have a point. If somepony is either misguided or bullied as much as you have been, there are always ways to change or learn to be a better pony." I intervened.

Babs wiped away her tears and raised her head up.

"Well...what could I do?" she asked.

"Why don't you help us with building a new parade float for the harvest parade tomorrow." Scootaloo suggested.

"It's the least you can do to make it up for us." Sweetie added.

"And if we get it done before bedtime, we'll let my sister know and ask her to not send you back home tomorrow." Applebloom said.

"Alright, I'll do it..."

The CMC's smiled, but Babs to me wasn't done talking.

"...I'm really sorry I wrecked your old float...I hesitated when Tiara noticed me having a blank flank...I also didn't mean to bring shame to the Apple family...so... can we...start over?"

"Definitely." Applebloom replied.

"Yeah." Sweetie and Scootaloo added in unison as they all shook hooves.

I began to smile at this scene...I decided to watch over them as they went to work on designing their new float, but instead of a pumpkin, they went for an golden apple, which is quite fitting really since it represent the apple family right through...just hope Aphrodite doesn't find out her golden apple is missing...nopony should ever have to tolerate Hector and his voice.

When they were done, I was really impressed, it looked very...golden, but still worth watching to see it made and they finished it a lot quicker than planned. The night time had only just begun by then and I walked over to them with a smile.

"Nice work, fillies. I'm pretty sure your float would win if the harvest parade was a competition." I commented before looking at Babs, "You see, isn't it much better to work hard and be a great friend?"

"You're right Bond, it is a lot better and I do feel great about it now, I hope it's not too late for me to join the club." Babs replied.

Applebloom came forward and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"What do ya say girls, has she proved herself to be one of us?" she asked the other two.

Sweetie and Scootaloo nodded and smiled.

"Why don't you fillies welcome Babs into your club while I go to Applejack and tell her about the work you've put in." I suggested.

"Great, thanks for doing that, Bond." Applebloom replied.

I left the barn whilst the four fillies went off to their clubhouse. I walked into the house to find Granny Smith just walking slowly off to bed whilst Applejack was busy writing down something with a quill in her mouth.

"Hey Applejack, something great happened just now." I said to her.

"Oh, what is it sugarcube?" she asked.

"I think Babs Seed has learnt her lesson. After a quick talk, she was willing to help the CMC's build a new parade float in the shape of a golden apple and it didn't take long with the extra pair of hooves, it looked so cool by the time they were done. Then, Applebloom said that Babs has done more then enough to be forgiven and is now joining the club." I explained.

Applejack showed off a welcoming smile that was warming enough.

"So, are you still going to send Babs home to Manehatten?" I asked.

"Nope...in fact, she's gonna share a bedroom with Applebloom tonight and be apart of the Harvest Parade tomorrow."

"I think that's a great option. I should get going now, I'll be at the Harvest Parade tomorrow."

"Okay, have a goodnight sugarcube." Applejack then gave me a friendly hug which I always accept.

"You too."

I then left the apple family home and trotted back to my home, admiring the moonlight of Luna's work before heading into my house and heading to sleep, thinking of nothing but the upcoming parade the next day...

Waking up the next day, I looked out to see the parade about to start. I left the house and I was able to watch it all just in time. It was underway and on the other side of the pathway, I saw Silver Spoon who gave me a wave and I waved back. A few ponies down from her was Diamond Tiara with her dad Filthy Rich who showed a displeased expression towards his daughter, I guess he found out about yesterday and decided not to let her speak for today...good, she deserves to have her mouth closed.

As the parade carried on, I saw the golden apple float with the CMC's inside and their new member Babs Seed wearing the club's cape and driving the float as well. I didn't know Babs could drive at that age, must be a hidden talent or something she grew up with in Manehatten.

The harvest parade was then over by late afternoon and it was a big success. Turns out the parade float designs were all apart of a comeptition after all and the golden apple won first place, a huge achievement that I think all four fillies should be proud of. When the packing down was done.

Babs stayed in Ponyville for a few days and we all got to know her a bit before on her fifth day of being here, she told us she had to go home to Manehatten, but she seemed pretty confident. I was at the station with the four fillies and Applejack, she had her CMC cape on and her travel case with her as she was waiting for her train-ride to Manehatten.

"So you promise you're gonna start our Manehattan branch of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, right?" Applebloom asked.

"Yeah, and I promise to keep talking to my big sis about the teasing back home." Babs replied.

"Good. And if you have any problems, we've got your back too, y'hear?" Applejack said.

Then came along trouble...again...

"So you're leaving huh? Great! Now me and Silver Spoon, if she were here, are stuck here with these lame blank flanks." Tiara said, pointing her hoof out.

Applejack and I were hoping Babs had changed for the better.

"Hey! That's not how you talk to my friends!" Babs yelled.

"F-friends?"

"Yeah, you got a problem with that?"

"Well, what if I do? What are you gonna do about it?"

"Tell your father about your bad attitude!"

Babs then walked over to her causing Tiara to move backwards, Babs moved her head forward close, scaring Tiara slightly, causing her to fall off the platform...and into a puddle of mud with a pig beside her, we all shared a giggle together, she had that coming.

Babs then gave brohoof to the CMC's as the train arrived, it was time for her to say goodbye and we exchanged our goodbyes back as she boarded the train to Manehatten. She was gone from Ponyville, but I had a feeling that we'll be seeing Babs Seed again soon.

We left the platform whilst Tiara walked to her home a muddy disgrace...but we didn't care about her that much, we spent the rest of the day with a well earned treat at the cafe along with our friends. Those sundaes and milkshakes cannot be beat I tell you. After which, it was near sunset so we all called it a day and exchanged our farewells before heading our separate ways back to our homes.

Heading back inside mine, I took off my clothes and had a quick meal by the kitchen before calling it an early night and headed off to bed. Getting myself comfortably, I looked back at the last few days when Babs Seed came to Ponyville. At first, I really did not appreciate how she had to become a bully in order to avoid being bullied, but it seems that she had learnt a lesson and became a member of the CMC's, going back to Manehatten a happy filly.

Speaking of which, I am so happy that Silver Spoon is learning to become a better filly by distancing herself from Tiara more often now. I say that it won't be long before she becomes a fully friendly filly that the CMC's will surely want to get to know better.

Magic Duel

I woke up the morning and looked out the window to see patches of puddles across the fields, I guess it had been raining a lot during the night, not that I really care about it. Getting dressed and having my breakfast, I walked on out to find ponies gathered around the Town Hall, I wondered what was going on there.

When I walked closer and joined the crowd, I noticed Rarity getting zapped by magic, one blast and she now had a weird looking dress on her.

"You beast! This shade of brown should only be used for accents!" Rarity exclaimed as she began to faint before Applejack saved her by falling on her back.

"Come on, Applejack. We've got to get her in a nice, soothing pink, stat!" Pinkie said as they trotted off away from the crowd.

"What's going on here?" I asked before noticing the pony responsible....Trixie!

"Well...hello my love." she greeted in an evil way.

I was shocked to see her in Ponyville, she also had a black cloak and some kind of necklace on her.

"Trixie...what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I'm back to settle an old score with Twilight before I can fully move on..." she replied, "...now where is Twilight?"

"So much for being the marefriend, Bond loves." Dash muttered, thinking nopony heard her, but I did.

Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike then turned up.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't...Twilight Sparkle."

"Trixie!" Twilight exclaimed.

"What's she doing here?" Spike asked.

"You call that great and powerful?" Dash asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Trixie's eyes began to glow red as she zapped her magic at Dash, in a few moments of smoke, we saw Dash's right wing a lot bigger, causing her to be oriented in the air flying about everywhere.

"Oh! She's Rainbow Wobble, now!" Snips commented.

"Yeah! Ha ha ha ha!" Snails added, "Good spell, oh Great and Powerful Trixie!"

"You two! Quiet!" Trixie demanded.

I guess she had an issue with them as well, reminding me that they were the ones who brought that Ursa Minor to the town, wrecking her mobile home a long while back. One zap of magic and a small dust of smoke, we saw Snips and Snails now connected to each other by the horns.

"Uh, hey! W— What happened?" Snips asked.

"Get off of me!" Snails said.

"Let go!"

"Go this way!"

I was taken back by how powerful her magic had grown and I just stood there, thinking I couldn't do anything at the moment.

"Stop picking on my friends, Trixie!" Twilight demanded.

"You and I have some unfinished business. My magic's gotten better since I was here last. And I'm going to prove it! Me and you, a magic duel. Winner stays, loser leaves Ponyville forever!" Trixie declared.

"No Trixie, you can't do that...why are you acting like this?" I asked worryingly.

"Stay out of this, Bond. This is between me and Twilight."

"If it involves my friends, it does involve me."

"He's right...forget it! I'd never make a deal like that!" Twilight agreed.

"Hm. Your choice."

Trixie then zapped at Spike and turned him into a bouncing ball.

"Trixie, put him down. Why are you doing this?"

"Why? Because you humiliated me! After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor, I became a laughing stock! Everywhere I went I was laughed at and ostracized. I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living! A rock farm!"

"Hey! You're lucky my family's rock farm would take the likes of you!" Pinkie commented.

This offended Trixie as she zapper her magic to take Pinkie's mouth away and dumped it in a trash can...now why didn't I or any other unicorn think of that when she's being too crazy.

"Now I want revenge! And I'll just keep casting spells 'til you agree." Trixie said, using her magic to shake Twilight's library home to prove her point, "Well? What do you say?" Trixie asked.

Twilight and I looked around to see the damage done here, the ponies were either scared or surprised at what they had become as well has the library still hanging upside down.

"Trixie! Stop it now...what's gotten into you?" I asked her in a demanding way. "What happened to the Trixie I helped out so much, what happened to the one I fell in love with?"

"I said stay out of this, love. Don't make me hurt you."

I now wondered if that was her really talking or if it's to do with that necklace...I used my magic to create a bubble shield around me.

"No...you want my friends, you have to go through me." I replied as I stood in front of Twilight.

"How dare you take her side instead of mine!" she yelled as she zapped her magic at a huge amount this time.

To my surprise, I was pushed back by her magic...how can it be stronger than mine...it has to be that necklace, it must have some kind of magic in it. Suddenly, my shield broke and I felt a huge jolt of electricity like I had just come in contact with exposed live wires.

"ARGH!" I shouted as I fell to my side with a few burns and a bit of smoke...talk about taking one for the team.

"BOND" Twilight yelled as she walked to my side before looking back at Trixie, "Alright Trixie. Let's duel!" Twilight declared.

"Excellent." Trixie replied before undoing all of her magic she casted...apart from Pinkie who didn't get her mouth back. "If I lose, I won't set hoof in Ponyville again. But if you lose, you're the one banished from this one-horse town!"

Everypony gasped, except me as I was recovering from my shock of magic that went through my body.

"Draw!" Trixie yelled.

She used her magic to lift up a cart and barrels of apples and flung them over to the crowd, causing the ponies to run away apart from Shoeshine who was about to be crushed when Twilight stopped it with her magic and placed the barrels, apples and the cart back together.

Trixie then brought in loads of apple pies and threw them at her, Twilight countered this by brining in a parasprite and it ate them all with no effort made...well now we know who ate all the pies. She then zapped the parasprite away.

Next up was a huge cloud of snow that fell on top of Twilight, Twilight used her magic to melt the whole snow away. Now it was Twilight's turn and she zapped her magic at Trixie, she then had an old fashioned moustache that suddenly grew.

By then I had help on getting up by Rarity who helped me, I noticed Trixie's facial hair and I shared a giggle along with the other ponies. Trixie solved it by using a pair of scissors and cutting off the moustache and then had it vanished.

"Snips, Snails, step forward!" Trixie demanded.

"Wh-what is it, oh Great and P-P-Powerful Trixie?" they both asked nervously.

Trixie then zapped her magic at them both, they flew up before flying down to the ground, noticing that Snails was now an elderly pony and Snips was a baby....I was surprised that kind of spell was even possible.

"An age spell? But... how could you do an age spell? That's only for the highest level unicorns!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Well, Twilight? Give up?" Trixie asked.

Twilight then began to use all of her magic strength to turn them back.

"Come on, Twilight, you can do it!" Spike yelled.

She tried valiantly, but alas, she couldn't do it with her own magic...we all knew that Twilight had lost at that point.

"Trixie is the highest level unicorn!" she said, laughing, "And now it's time for you to leave Ponyville! FOREVER!"

"That's enough, Trixie!" Applejack yelled.

"You proved your point, but you can't possibly expect Twilight to leave Ponyville!" Rarity added.

"You fools! She's already gone!"

Before any of us could say anything, Twilight was picked up and thrown out of town before a huge circle bubble was created over the whole town, followed by thunderous clouds. All of us ran to the side of the bubble to see Twilight outside while were inside.

"It's okay, guys. I'll figure something out. Just take care of each other." Twilight said, "And keep an eye on Trixie. There's something strange about her." she then galloped away into the Everfree Forest, I hoped that Zecora might be able to help.

"Twilight?" Spike said to himself as he looked on, feeling sad.

"Trixie..." I said to the mares, "...I can't believe it, she was never like this to me before."

"Well, she is now..." Dash stated, "...what are we supposed to do now?"

"I know...let's go to the Library." Spike suggested, "Twilight is bound to have a book about that necklace I saw."

"Alright then partners, let's get going." Applejack said.

"Is there anything I could do?" I asked them.

"Yes there is, darling, you need to keep Trixie distracted so we can go about with what we need to do without her finding out." Rarity replied.

"Are you sure that I can do that?"

"You have to and we need to be quick about it." Fluttershy said.

"Why is that?"

"Oh wait...we haven't told you yet. Princess Celestia and two important ponies from Saddle Arabia are coming here to watch Twilight's magic performance tonight. We have to sort this out and get Trixie out of Ponyville before they get here." Applejack explained.

"Alright...I'll do my best to keep her distracted."

The girls galloped off to the library whilst I went around town, looking for her. After a while, I spotted her on a wooden cart with no wheels and Snips and Snails who had been turned back to normal were pulling it.

"Pull, you fools!" she ordered them before noticing me. "Oh hey there love, how's about a romantic kiss?" she asked before she appeared in front of me and began kissing me.

However...for the very first time, I didn't feel the spark like we did many times before. There was almost nothing between us, as if the candle between us had burnt out.

"What's the matter, why are you not kissing me back?" she asked.

"Because I know that all of this...this is not the real you, I'm beginning to believe that it has something to do with the necklace you're wearing...if that is a necklace." I replied, trying to be smart.

"It's an alicorn amulet my love and with it, it gives me much greater powers than Twilight could ever have."

"But why use it for revenge, Twilight never did anything to you...I thought I changed you for the better."

"Well, it turns out you didn't and your magic wasn't strong enough to stop me and you're an alicorn yourself."

"I didn't want to use my magic against you, I still love you but now that I think about it..."

I was then cut off when the bubble shield flashed for a second.

"Somepony set off the magic force field, and Trixie intends to punish them!"

"But...wouldn't it be faster if we had some...wheels?!" Snips asked.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't trust wheels. Now pull faster!"

"I'm telling ya, Snips, she's getting weirder and weirder!" Snails commented.

The cart began moving with them pulling it and sighing, I followed them to see a couple of beavers whacking the force field with their tails and a log beside them.

"Stop! You there! What are you doing?!" Trixie asked them.

The beavers replied in their own language and they didn't seem pleased.

Trixie rolled her eyes as she lifted up the bubble shield and the beavers left to the other side, carrying the log before Trixie placed the shield back down. Suddenly, Trixie turned her cart into a bedroom-sized cart...now that was a new low I thought.

"Gah, why is she so mean to us?" Snails asked sadly.

"Yeah! I miss the days when she was just a fraud!" Snips replied.

Trixie then cracked the whip at them and they began pulling...I sighed in sadness, thinking that the Trixie I had loved is gone...I then looked back at the beavers to see them pulling out...Fluttershy who was in some kind of outfit, I'm guessing they've formed a plan. I had to go and check up on them and forget about Trixie for a moment.

I noticed that it was now the middle of the afternoon so there wasn't much time. I looked all over for the girls until I spotted them doing hard work inside the Town Hall, the inside was different and they looked exhausted as well...especially Pinkie who still couldn't speak since she had her mouth taken away by Trixie.

"Girls, what happened here?" I asked as I helped all of them up.

"Trixie ordered us to turn Ponyville into her little kingdom." Dash replied.

"I had to design banners and I got pricked by my needle a few times." Rarity added.

"Ah had to make an apple facial for her face, although ah'd much rather sling it in her face." Applejack said. "And Pinkie was asked to dance several times...it's been very quiet without her mouth too."

I sighed, "Well girls...I kept her distracted and I found out that she has an alicorn amulet."

"So did we, we got Fluttershy to go into the Everfree Forest to let Twilight know about it, all we can do now is wait for a plan to come together." Spike said who appeared suddenly.

We then left the Town Hall to see that Fluttershy was back in town...that didn't take long.

"Oh there you are, come to the Library. Twilight has written a plan for us." Fluttershy said.

We nodded as we galloped over to the library.

"So what has Twilight written about?" Applejack asked.

We went over the plan and I noticed my part was to keep Trixie fully distracted whilst the rest of the mares prepared for the upcoming second duel. Reading the details, I began to show a smile as I thought that this could really work. After going through it all, I left the library to find Trixie and this time, I was going to be quiet and not say anything.

It was now the late afternoon, so we all had to pick up the pace before Celestia and the Saddle Arabia ponies get here. I saw her with the two fillies still pulling the carriage around.

"Oh it's you again, come back to accept me as who I am and to love me again?" Trixie asked.

I stayed in silence, until we heard the force field go off.

"This better not be another false alarm, or the Great and Powerful Trixie will...you!" she said, spotting Twilight and Zecora outside the force field. "What's the matter, Twilight Sparkle? Not enjoying your exile?"

"I know about the Alicorn Amulet. I know you cheated." Twilight replied.

"Cheated? Moi?"

"Yeah. And I thought you might wanna see what a real magical amulet looks like. Zecora gave it to me." she then showed a gold necklace with a green gem in the middle and placed it on her neck, "It's from beyond the Everfree Forest and it's way more powerful than your measly little Alicorn Amulet!"

"Ha! Nothing's more powerful than the Alicorn Amulet! And no pony's more powerful than the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

"Care to put your amulet where your mouth is? How about another duel?"

"Why should I? I already beat you."

"That's up to you! But I guess you'll never see the totally awesome magic from beyond the Everfree Forest. Come on, Zecora."

They were about to leave when Trixie stopped them, after pondering for a moment.

"Wait!"

Trixie then made the force field disappear, not returning again.

"Okay, okay, you're on! A second duel."

Soon, we were all in the centre of town where the duel was to take place. Everypony watched as I then noticed Mayor Mare was locked in a cage...I wasn't sure if there was anything else I needed to do in the plan, but I could do was watch and hope this works.

"Let's start with a simple age spell, shall we?" Trixie said.

"Let's." Twilight replied.

"Snips, Snails."

The two fillies came forward and Trixie used her age spell on them, turning them both into babies.

"An oldie, but a goodie, ha. Now, let's see what your little charm can do."

"No problem. Um, Applejack, Rarity? Could you help me, please?"

"Huh?" Applejack and Rarity said together as they came forward.

Twilight then zapped her magic at them and turned them...into Fillies.

Trixie then gasped, "Oh, ho-hum. So you can do an age spell, big deal."

Twilight then showed off more of her magic by zapping at Applejack and Rarity and each form was different...I of course didn't say anything as I knew all of this was happening with a good explanation.

"That's... That's impossible!" Trixie exclaimed.

"That's nothing!" Twilight responded.

She then looked at Rainbow Dash and zapped her...for a moment, it was like nothing happened until I saw a second Rainbow Dash appear.

"Yow!" Dash exclaimed as she saw seeing double.

"How did you-"

"Duplication spell." Twilight said, cutting Trixie off, "Ever see one pony play ten instruments?"

A zap later and Pinkie had several instruments and she playing them at once.

"This... just can't be!" Trixie said in a surprised expression.

"Ooh, one more. I can turn a mare into a stallion." Twilight said as she zapped at Applejack and turned her into a male version of Applejack before zapping her back to normal.

"Well, Trixie, looks like my amulet is more powerful than yours–hey! Give it back!"

Twilight was cut off as her necklace was taken by Trixie.

"With this amulet, I shall now rule all of Equestria!" Trixie said as she laughed.

She then pulled the alicorn amulet off her neck and we saw the redness in her eyes vanish completely, before placing Twilight's gold amulet on her neck.

"Witness, my subjects. Gaze upon an ever greater and 'powerful-er' Trixie!"

This was my chance to get that amulet off her since she no longer has that powerful magic. I swooped towards her and grabbed the amulet with my magic.

"Hey! " she yelled before coughing, "I mean...I don't need that old Alicorn Amulet. I have this!"

She then tried to zap at me, but instead of hurting me as before, she was tickling me.

"Stop that Trixie...it tickles." I said to her in fits of laughter.

"Tickles?! That was supposed to make you writhe in agony! This amulet is defective! Give mine back!!"

"Sorry. This is going back into hiding where it belongs." I then flew over to Zecora who had a box ready to store the alicorn amulet in.

"By the way, Trixie, the amulet around your neck? It's one of Zecora's doorstops." Twilight said as the green gem fell and cracked into pieces.

"But... how did you do those spells? Nopony can do those spells!"

"You're right. Not even me. Zecora taught me so much about magic while I was in exile. She even taught me when not to use it. My magic alone wasn't powerful enough to take on the Alicorn Amulet head to head, so I needed to use a different kind of magic – the magic of friendship. I also knew that the only pony who could get the amulet off your neck was you."

"But...what about the pony with the ten instruments?"

"That's not magic. That was just Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie began playing the instruments again which all the ponies cheered at. Soon, we wiped out all the dark clouds above the town to show a clear sunset, we were able to solve the issue long before the evening event. But I had to talk to Trixie now that she was back to her normal self.

"Trixie, we need to talk." I said to her as I found her away from the other ponies.

"Alright." she replied.

"I'm afraid that what you did today was incredibly irresponsible and downright evil and cruel, you even hurt me, both mentally and physically."

"I know...I'm really sorry, I guess I let revenge and that amulet go to my head."

"You sure did...I've been thinking...maybe we're not meant to be together."

"After the way I behaved...I deserve it. I guess I never learnt about real and magical friendship."

"So, you're agreeing to call it quits and go our separate ways?"

"Yes...we should split up...it's for the best." Trixie began to shed a tear.

"Don't cry Trixie, you'll find somepony better than me."

"I guess you're right....and as for you, I think you deserve a wonderful and generous mare."

This made me wonder, was she talking about Rarity...the mare who had a crush on me sometime ago?

"Thanks, I think you should come and watch the evening display which is starting soon, what do you say?"

"Okay, I'll come along."

We shared a smile and a hug before walking to the centre to find a display stage set up and soon, the event began by the beginning of the evening. Twilight was in the centre stage and she used her magic to lift and carry the small animals around and forming many shapes. All the ponies were impressed. Especially Celestia and the ponies from Saddle Arabia, then we saw fireworks going off. I looked at my side and saw Trixie using her magic, I then remember her telling me she did that for the first time when she was a baby.

"Trixie?" Twilight asked, noticing the fireworks.

"It's the least I could do." Trixie replied, "I treated you and your friends so horribly when I was wearing that Alicorn Amulet. I just couldn't control myself. You can forgive me, can't you?"

"Hmm, sure....as long as you go around Equestria and learn what it means to be a good friend."

"Oh, good. Don't you think the Great and Apologetic Trixie is the most magnificent humble pony you've ever seen?!"

"Maybe, but I'm sure you'll learn when you give it a chance." I replied

"I will...thank you all for forgiving me, I must now say a farewell to you all and wish you all the best. Bond, what we had was special and I won't forget the times you were there for me. You'll always have a special place as a very close friend."

"Thank you Trixie, you're right. It was great fun, just don't forget to come to us if you need advice."

Trixie then nodded and then with a puff of smoke, she galloped away before tripping up and then getting up and galloping away from Ponyville...I let out a giggle, watching her leave. After the event was over, Twilight gave Pinkie her mouth back and looked like she wanted to speak, but it was a bit late in the evening so we exchanged our farewells whilst I headed back home.

So there I was, I was now a single stallion once again. I guess me and Trixie splitting up was for the best, however what she said earlier left me pondering, did she mean that Rarity could be the one for me now? I was about to call it a night when I heard a knock on my door.

"Who could that be at this time of the night?" I asked myself, before opening the door to see Rarity.

"Hi there darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked.

"Hi Rarity...not really, I'm still a little hurt that I had to end my relationship with Trixie." I replied.

"Awww cheer up dear, I wanted to come on by and let you know that I'm here for you."

"Thank you Rarity...you really are a wonderful and generous mare...if only I could show you how much I appreciate it."

"Well dear...now that you're single, could you let me try to kiss you again?"

"It may be a little too soon for me since it all happened today, but I am quite down so I guess I can let you kiss me."

"Alright...here it goes."

She then walked inside my home and we sat on the sofa. She put her hooves around my neck and I put mine around her back, she moved her head forward until she had her lips on mine...but this time...it felt different. We looked at each other while kissing, before we closed our eyes....now there was the spark that I thought I would never feel again.

Suddenly she began to move forward, making me lie down on the sofa while she was on top of me...Rarity was now blushing in bright red and so was I.

"Whoops, guess I went a little too far, darling." Rarity giggled.

"It's alright...all you did was cheer me right up..." I replied as she got off me and sat back down whilst I got up. "But seriously, I felt something really good and what about you?" I asked.

"I felt a lot of love since you were single and my heart was crying out to love you."

"In that case, I think we should have a day together to see where it goes."

"Good idea...actually, that's also what I came here to tell you about. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and I will be having a day of camping and finding the rainbow waterfall that exists beyond the Everfree Forest somewhere, We'll be having the CMC's with us and it'll be a few days, would you like to come along?"

"Sounds really great, I'll join you all."

"Fabulous darling, I'll call it a night now...Sweetie Belle and I will come over to you in the morning to let you know we're going, have a good night."

"Alright, goodnight Rarity."

Rarity then give me a quick peck on the lips before she left my home and closing the door behind her. I then called it a night for real this time as I went straight to my bed. I was really surprised about that moment, I thought I was going to be single from now on, but now it seems that we have feelings for each other.

But I guess if the love does get stronger between Rarity and I, we'll have to keep it away from Spike at all times. I began to sleep away, wondering that I had indeed learnt a lesson from today's event, that if some things aren't meant to be, they won't last and if some things are, then they will be...

Sleepless In Ponyville

I woke up the next day and it was a really bright day, probably a bit on the hot side, but with a camping trip I'm gonna take part in today, I guess I can leave my normal suit to one side and just have my shoes on. I then heard a knock on the door, I opened it to see Sweetie Belle and Rarity with many bags...and a cart full of other stuff...where does Rarity get all this?

"Morning Bond, are you ready to go?" Sweetie asked whilst showing a bit of exhaustion.

"I sure am...and morning to you and Rarity too." I replied.

"Fabulous, let's go on catch up with the others." Rarity said as we made our way out of the town.

I noticed that Rarity was dressed in a summer outfit with a yellow napkin wrapped around her, she did look very gorgeous today...I guess she really wants to show me her love now that I'm single again...but probably won't be for long. We approached a forest by a hill and just outside, we saw Applejack along with Applebloom and Scootaloo who were within speaking range from my ears.

"Hey!" Rarity greeted as we walked towards them.

"Oh hey there Bond...are you alright today after what happened yesterday?" Applejack asked.

"I am okay now...I guess Trixie and I just weren't meant to be." I replied while still thinking about my sadness.

"Well don't you fret over it, we're all here for you and we'll always love you."

I smiled again as she gave me a hug. "Thanks Applejack."

She then turned to notice the cart of packed bags. "Gee, Rarity, did you remember to pack?"

"Oh, well, let's see who gets the last laugh when you're absolutely desperate to curl your lashes, and you realize you didn't bring your eyelash curler." Rarity replied whilst putting on her pink shades.

"Well, looks like we're all set now."

"But what about Rainbow Dash? Isn't Rainbow Dash coming?" Scootaloo asked.

"'Course she is, sugarcube. She's gonna meet us up at our first campsite."

"Oh."

"Alright, y'all, let's move 'em out!"

We then began walking up the hill and through the forest, noticing the bottom of the waterfall on our right side. Sometime later, we were far away from Ponyville, but we could still see it. Rarity and I were behind the group, trying to get a chance to speak quietly without them knowing.

"So how are you darling?" she asked quietly.

"Much better after you and I shared that wonderful kiss." I replied. "That reminds me..."

I then moved my head close to hers and kissed her on the cheek which caused Rarity to slightly blush.

"Thank you, dear..."

We then moved away slightly from each other so none of the other ponies would get any ideas if they saw us close.

"Oh, are we there yet?" she asked.

"The last thousand times you asked that, the answer was no." Applejack replied before we stopped at a huge area, "This time, it's actually yes. There's Rainbow Dash up there right now."

Dash then flew down towards us in her boasting but genuine way.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash! What's up?" Scootaloo greeted although she seemed a bit nervous of her idol.

"What took you guys so long?" Dash asked.

"Well, some of us didn't pack as light as the others. So we were slowed down a bit." Applejack answered, pointing to the big cart behind Sweetie.

"So is this a check point?" I asked.

"It sure is, it's gonna take another day before we get to the top of Winsome Falls, let's get unpacking." Applebloom replied.

We began unpacking a few tents whilst I collected firewood with stones and placed them around the centre of the big area.

"Looks like you'll be sharing a tent with me, huh?" Dash asked as she sat beside Scootaloo.

"Heh, if that's okay with you." Scootaloo replied.

"Sure! Long as you don't snore. You don't snore, do you?"

"Nope. No way. Not me. Never snored a day or night in my life."

"Then you and I are gonna get along just fine."

Just then, we saw one of Rarity's cases transform into a huge tent house.

"You have got to be kidding me." Dash commented, summing up what the other five of us were thinking.

"Sweetie Belle, do be a dear and see if you can find some fresh flowers for my bedside vase." Rarity said as she threw a vase down from the balcony before it landed on Sweetie's back who trotted it inside the huge tent.

"Scootaloo, do be a sweetheart and see if you can gather some firewood." Dash requested whilst impersonating Rarity, which made the rest of us giggle. "Seriously though. Can you get us some wood for the fire?"

"Of course!" Scootaloo replied as she went off to get more wood.

Sometime later, it was almost the evening time, the fire was well lit, we had eaten well made food, but now Dash had something to say.

"Okay, everypony get comfortable, 'cause I'm about to tell you the best story you've ever heard." Dash said to us as the CMC's sat on the log with Applejack beside her tent whilst I was sitting beside Rarity who was relaxing on a posh sofa.

"Is it about the time when Rarity had wings, and then they got ruined, and then you saved her from plummeting to her doom?" Scootaloo asked.

We were taken back by that one...I don't think any of us wanted to be reminded of that event.

"Okay, maybe it's the second best story you've ever heard. But probably still the scariest. You like scary stories, right?"

"Mm-hmm."

Dash then sat down on another log and began to tell her tale, "It all happened on a night just like this one, in a forest, just like this..."

Let's be honest here, I'd rather focus on finding out how much Rarity would love to be with me than some old fashioned story told by a toned-down boaster, but that's that just me.

"...And then, The Olden Pony asked, 'Who's got my rusty horseshoe?'" Dash said as she impersonated an elder pony.

"Not me!" Sweetie answered.

"You do!"

This scared the CMC's whilst Dash laughed.

"Something in my throat." Scootaloo said as she coughed for a moment, "I wasn't scared at all, heheh. Good story."

"Knew you wouldn't be scared. The way you jumped that cart the other day, you're like me – fearless."

"Yeah. Fearless."

Even though we hear a hoot from an owl, Scootaloo shivered for a moment...as I looked at Sweetie Belle who felt sad and scared.

"Don't worry. Rarity is here to keep you safe and sound. Ooh!" Rarity said to her sister.

Applejack then yawned, "Think it's about time for me to hit the straw." she saw Applebloom trembling beside her. "Don't you worry, little sis. There's no 'Olden Pony' in our tent."

"Haa, that sure was funny, wasn't it? Heheh. How they were all afraid of The Olden Pony? Heh, but not me, heh!" Scootaloo said nervously.

"That's because you're tough, just like when I was your age!" Dash replied. "I'm hitting the sack. Come in whenever you feel like it."

"Oh wait, where am I sleeping again?" I asked.

"With me and Sweetie Belle, darling, come in." Rarity said as I walked in.

It was a little bigger on the inside, I looked around to see a small bed which is probably for Sweetie and a huge bed which was obviously for Rarity and me.

"Goodnight Bond and sis." Sweetie said as she yawned before walking over to her bed and wrapped the covers around her.

"Goodnight, Sweetie." Rarity replied as she took off her summer outfit and got in the big bed first and I followed afterwards.

We got ourselves comfortable in bed and turned out the lights...this was only the third time I had to share a bed with Rarity and this time...I felt like I wanted to be close to her. Although, she seemed to pick up on my current mood and she looked at me as we noticed a ray of the moonlight coming from the top window.

"Come a little closer to me if you want, darling." Rarity whispered.

"Are you sure?" I asked whilst whispering.

"I am dear...goodnight."

This put a smile on my face as I moved myself closer to her and began to sleep peacefully.

The next day arrived and we had to pack and move on to the next checkpoint further up the hill. I volunteered to pull the cart so that Sweetie could have an easier journey. Although while we were making our way up to the next area, I noticed Scootaloo sleeping whilst riding her scooter, which made me wonder if that ghost story did scare her.

"Ohh... Am I sweating? Oh! I think I'm sweating! Oh, uh, but it's absolutely worth it to get to spend time with my little sister. It's just that this cart feels like it's getting heavier all the time!" Rarity moaned.

"Ah don't care if that's cart's as heavy as a pack of mules. If we don't get a move on, it'll be dark before we get to the campsite!" Applejack responded.

"Dark?!" Scootaloo gasped as she began to move faster, "I'll just ride ahead and make sure the path is clear. We don't wanna be out here after dark, right?"

"Doesn't matter to me." Dash replied.

"Well, y'know, it's for the scaredy-ponies, heheh."

Now I was beginning to worry about Scootaloo and that maybe she's trying to not be scared so that she can impress her idol and perhaps take her under her wing. Before I could ponder more about it, she scooted off at a fast speed...good thing there's no road signs about speed limits around here, although there should be, but then again vehicles don't really exist around here.

After a while of walking through the forest and getting nearer to our next camp site, we saw Scootaloo floating down from the sky and onto a hedge bush and landed neatly which confused us slightly.

"Um... don't come this way! Take the path! It's, heh, way better than going through the bushes." Scootaloo said to us as she joined us again before we continued walking.

"You're more nervous than a worm in an apple on cider making day. What gives, Scootaloo?" Applejack asked.

"Heh, nothing, just thought I heard something, aheh." she replied.

"You sure you're okay? You seem a little jumpy." I asked her.

"Just getting my exercise! You know how important it is to stretch out those hindquarters every so often, aheh." she then zoomed and stopped in front of Rarity. "Uh, d-do you need a little help?"

"That's so sweet, thank you." Rarity replied as I got out of the saddle cart.

"Um... what are friends for?"

Scootaloo then got herself in the saddle cart and began to pull away, least it will help take her mind off the spooky story.

Time seemed to go by quite fast as we carried on getting higher and higher up the hill, until we came across another camping area but with a cave entrance.

"No need for outdoor tents tonight, y'all. We'll just take shelter in that cave." Applejack said, pointing to the cave.

"All right! A deep, dark cave! Perfect for the story I've got for tonight. All we need is a campfire, and we're good to go." Dash added.

"Uh, of course..." Scootaloo replied, hesitating, "I'll be right back with lots of firewood from the deep...dark...not-scary-at-all forest!"

"Thanks."

We walked inside the cave to first of all check that there was living being in there, which there wasn't and soon we unpacked our camping equipment and with the stones and logs in place, we were now waiting for Scootaloo with the firewood.

"Bbbbrrr! Hoo-wee! It's colder than a timberwolf's toenail. Bbbrr! Where's that Scootaloo?" Applejack said.

"Here you go!" Scootaloo replied who came back with a few twigs.

"That's it?" Dash asked.

"It's all I could find, 'cause, y'know, there aren't that many trees around here!"

Most of us stood there confused, seeing that there were plenty of trees behind her.

"It's all we need. Why don't you sit with Rainbow Dash for a while?" Applejack suggested.

Scootaloo zoomed to sit by Dash.

"Now, where was I? Oh yeah, the scary part." Dash said who imitated an evil laugh.

"Hey, I have an idea! How about I tell tonight's story?" Scootaloo said.

"Alright, just make sure it's a horrible one."

"There once was a really really nice pony who lived in a bright and sunny land, where there are rainbows every day, and lots and lots of happy friends, and-"

"No offence, but it's not a real campfire story unless somepony's shaking." Dash said, cutting her off, "I've been told that these very woods are haunted...by The Headless Horse! It gallops only at night-"

"If it doesn't have a head, then how in tarnation does this pony know where it's goin'?" Applejack asked.

"It's headless, not brainless...looking for little lost ponies-"

"So where's its brain?"

"Ugh...fear was dripping from the air..."

We then heard all of the story as unknown to the other ponies, I was beside Rarity and I took a risky move by having my right hoof holding her left hoof behind the log so they couldn't see it. Rarity and I blushed for a moment, quickly looking at each other.

"...and they were never heard from ever again!"

"Never?" Sweetie asked nervously.

"Never!"

The fireplace then flew up slightly, scaring the fillies before they laughed...except Scootaloo who was now trembling more than ever. Sweetie Belle went inside the big tent as Applebloom went inside the green tent and Dash went inside the other tent.

"It's not time for bed yet, is it?" Scootaloo asked.

"'Fraid so, Scootaloo." Applejack replied.

"Uh, but we haven't even sung any campfire songs yet!"

"Maybe tomorrow."

"Aww."

"Seems like you don't really wanna go to sleep tonight. Is there some reason why?"

By then, I activated my lie detector spell, one of the spells I learnt from the book I read.

"Pfft, of course not! I just love camping and hanging out with Rainbow Dash so much that I don't wanna waste a single minute with sleep! Heh, silly sleep."

A red buzz went off around my horn, but nopony noticed. I knew straight away that Scootaloo's answer was a lie.

"That's cool and all, Scoot, but this pony needs her shut-eye and she needs it now!" Dash said as she walked into her tent, with Scootaloo in tow.

I went inside Rarity's tent and same as before, I got into the big bed with Rarity. After a few minutes of calling it a night and with the others asleep, I tried getting some sleep, but my mind was getting worried for Scootaloo and that if she really is scared, she may do something stupid.

"Rarity, I can't sleep...I'm worried about Scootaloo." I whispered to her.

"Are you, dear?"

I nodded.

"...I have to admit, she isn't really herself." Rarity replied whispering.

"Maybe I should go and talk to her about why she's acting like this."

"Alright darling, please do...and if she goes out, be careful."

"I will, Rarity...I'll be safe."

She the gave me a quick kiss on the lips which made me smile a lot as I quietly got out of bed and sneaked out of the huge tent. I looked around the camping area to find the mares all sleeping...except Scootaloo who wasn't there. I gasped, thinking that she may have ran out of the cave and somewhere in the forest. I had to do something and maybe get Dash involved for help too.

"Dash...Dash, wake up." I whispered loudly to her.

"Ugh...Bond...what is it?" Dash asked feeling sleepy.

"Scootaloo's missing, look..." I pointed to her sleeping bag which was empty. "...I think she may have gotten scared of the stories you've told and ran out to the forest."

"Oh Scoots...let's go find her quick."

I nodded as we walked sneakfully out of the cave and then flew up above the trees to find her...after a while, we heard a loud cry for help and we flew in the direction of the voice to find Scootaloo getting washed away by the river before falling down a waterfall.

"There she is!" I pointed to her.

Dash wasted no time in zooming down the waterfall and grabbed Scootaloo before we flew to a safe spot.

"Rainbow Dash! Is that you? Thank you, thank you!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

We then landed on a safe spot with the moon shining down on us, hoping to get an explanation.

"What were you doing out here in the middle of the night?!" Dash asked with a demanding expression.

"It is time for you to face your real fear, Scootaloo!" said a distant voice which I was able to hear...was that Princess Luna?

"I'm so, so sorry, Rainbow Dash! I just wanted you to hang out with me and see how cool I was so you'd take me under your wing, teach me everything you know, and become like my big sister!" Scootaloo explained before she head a few tears. "But then you started telling those spooky stories and I got scared! I thought I heard The Headless Horse so I ran out here by myself, and...well, I guess you know the rest."

"So that's why you've been acting like this since yesterday evening." I said.

"Hey, I'm gonna tell you something, but if you ever tell anypony else, I'm gonna deny it. First time I heard those stories... I was scared too." Dash said to her.

"You were?"

"Sure! I mean, I got over it because I realized pretty quick that if there was such thing as a Headless Horse, I could totally take it on. So, you're looking for somepony to take you under their wing, huh?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Yeah, I might be up for something like that."

"Really?"

"As long as you don't go falling into any more rivers in the middle of the night."

"It's a deal!"

I smiled at the loving and warming scene as they shared a friendly hug...I had to admit, with them together, they do look like long lost sisters...but it was still the night time and we needed to go back to the cave.

"Girls, we need to go back and get some sleep...and just to be sure, why don't you share the sleeping bag so you don't get scared." I advised with a wink.

"Oh I don't think I need that much affection, Bond, cause I know that Dash will save me in my dreams."

We shared a giggle together before we flew with Scootaloo on my back and we returned to the caves, we walked in quietly and I saw Dash and Scootaloo getting to sleep in their sleeping bags as I walked sneakfully inside the big tent and quietly climbed into the big bed where I felt Rarity's warmth once more, leaving me happy enough to sleep.

The next day arrived and we packed up and left the cave to carry on the walking. After another long walk, we finally made it to the top of the waterfalls to find a waterfall and a lake pouring down rainbow coloured waterfalls. We all looked up to see that it was coming from Cloudsdale and the city was almost like above us.

"I call sister teams!" Sweetie exclaimed. "Last herd to make it to the falls is a mouldy carrot!"

"Ugh, if you insist." Rarity replied before galloping with her sister "It is so on!"

"They think they can beat the two of us?" Dash asked as she grabbed Scootaloo by the hoof and they flew fast towards the falls.

Applejack and Applebloom joined in by galloping to the top. I trotted along and watched them have fun like close sisters and in a way, one big family...if only my sister was here, we could take part in it too.

After we had our fun at the waterfall, we agreed to declare the camping over and a success, we walked all the way down from the hill, past the forest and back into Ponyville...it took a long time as well...it was already sunset by the time we got back.

"Well I have to say, it was great fun and we should do this again soon." Applebloom said.

"It sure was fun." Sweetie agreed.

"I'll say and I got myself a flying tutor out of it." Scootaloo boasted.

"Hold your hooves for a moment, I'll train you alright, but it'll have to wait till tomorrow." Dash said.

"Alright, we'll see you all soon."

Scootaloo and Dash then waved at us and then left.

"We best be headin' on back home too, see ya soon, partners." Applejack said as she and Applebloom trotted off to their farm home.

"Lemme help you with some of the bags." I said as I took a few bags off the cart and brought them into Rarity's carousel boutique. Sweetie then went up the stairs and carried one bag with her, which is probably her own one, leaving me and Rarity outside her home.

"I think Sweetie Belle and I can take it from here...I'm also very happy that you finally found your smile and love back." Rarity said as he gave me a loving hug which I accepted.

"It's all thanks to you as well...this was a great trial I thought, I now believe we are ready to have a loving relationship." I said.

"I agree darling...I just feel so much love when I'm with you...I'll see you soon dear, I love you Bond."

"I love you too, Rarity...I'll see you soon as well."

We then shared a loving and romantic kiss before waving as I walked back home with a smile on my face.

I headed inside and taking my shoes off, I went straight to my bed and thought over the few days that went by. I knew Scootaloo looked up to Dash but I never thought she was really scared of campfire stories. Still, at least she now has a big sister to learn so much about flying from. I still think they would be perfect as sisters...of course there could be such a thing as adoption, but that can wait for the time being.

As for me, I meant what I said that I now love Rarity and that she loves me too. But when would be the right time for her and me to break the news to the others? Because there is Spike and we know that he would be crushed if he ever found out about his crush dating me...I guess that can also wait for now as I began to sleep in my own bed with a smile.

Wonderbolts Academy

One Week later...

I woke up one morning and I felt happy and upbeat, because when I have the chance to look at what I have right now, I smile. I have a wonderful home, a loving sister who lives far away, the best friends and of course, my new and amazing marefriend in Rarity who none of them know about as there was Spike to keep in mind about.

A few days ago since the campfire event, Dash told us that she had sent off an application form to join the Wonderbolt Academy so that she could move one step further to her lifelong dream of becoming a wonderbolt herself. Today, we were told that the academy were sending feedback through the mail and this was to let the pegasi know if they had been accepted to enrol or not.

Of course, all of us had to give Dash a lot of support and hope as we know that she can do it. We agreed to have a meetup by one of the hills outside Ponyville and just within reach of Cloudsdale...well for those who had wings or a hot air balloon with a cloud-walking spell for earth ponies and unicorns.

I got dressed up and after a quick breakfast, I walked out of the town and just my luck, I saw Rarity just leaving her boutique home. I waved out to her as she walked closer to me, before going in for a loving hug.

"Morning darling...are you well?" Rarity asked before she kissed me.

"I sure am...and morning to you, love." I replied, kissing her back.

"Ready to go and meet with the others, dear?"

"Yep, I'm sure Dash will get in without a problem."

We then held hooves as we began to walk out of Ponyville and onto the hill. When we got there, Rainbow Dash was already there along with Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight, as soon as we walked towards them, they waved at us....we quickly let go of our hooves so they didn't see.

"Hey there you two, glad you could make it." Twilight greeted.

"Hi there girls." I replied with a shy but gentle smile.

"You seem like you have somethin' on your mind, sugarcube." Applejack noticed.

"Oooh, what is it? what is it?" Pinkie asked in her own exciting mood.

"We'll tell you later, girls..." Rarity replied, saving my flank there. "...right now, this is about Rainbow Dash and her dream which we hope will come true today."

"Too right it's about me today." Dash boasted. "But it's not easy getting into the academy, it'll be my first time going there if I get in...the mail should be arriving anytime today."

Soon, we grouped together and we waited for the mail to arrive, by then Pinkie had been jumping around, worrying about the feedback, even though she shouldn't be the one worried when it should be Dash, but Dash seemed to be quite confident but nervous too.

"Ooooh, I wish the mailpony would just come already! I can't wait another minute to find out if Rainbow Dash got in or not!" Pinkie exclaimed worryingly.

"Pinkie Pie, you're more nervous than Rainbow Dash." Twilight responded.

"I'm not nervous at all. When I get into the Wonderbolt Academy..." Dash said before she got cut off.

"IF you get in! If you get in! Don't jinx it!"

"I'm telling you, it's in the bag."

"Don't jinx it!"

"She is the best flyer in Ponyville." Applejack commented.

"In Ponyville? I'm probably the best flyer in all of Equestria. I wouldn't be surprised if they just went ahead and made me a Wonderbolt on the first day."

Soon, we then saw Derpy with her mailbag approaching towards us.

"Got a letter here for Rainbow Dash." she said, waving a letter out.

"Right here Derpy." Dash replied as she took the letter from her.

"Oh hi there Bond, haven't seen you for a while, are you well?" Derpy asked me.

"Yeah I'm alright these days, I do feel quite down a few times, but it's all good." I replied.

"Awww, but it's nice to know you're feeling okay, see you soon."

Derpy then flew away and we focused on the letter that Dash had just opened and she read it.

"I...didn't get in." she sighed.

Pinkie then gasped.

"Gotcha! Ha, you guys are so gullible. Like I wasn't gonna get in!" she said with a smirk.

"That's fabulous news!" Rarity replied.

"I had a feeling you would get in, it's just so right for you." I added.

"I'm just sooooooooooo happy for you!" Pinkie exclaimed, hugging Dash.

"Uh... thanks?" Dash replied, "Pinkie Pie? I kinda need to get going."

"Okay, I'm done!"

Pinkie then let go of Dash before we all decided to give her a group hug before pulling away.

"The sooner I get there, the sooner I get to show my stuff! See you guys in a week!"

"Good luck, sugarcube!" Applejack said.

"Won't need it!"

Dash then flew off before noticed Pinkie Pie who brought out a megaphone from somewhere.

"DON'T FORGET TO WRITE!!!" she shouted through the megaphone, nearly blowing away from the voice wave. "Do you think she heard me?" she asked, turning her head towards us.

"Probably loud and clear from two cities ahead, Pinkie." Twilight replied, giggling.

"Come on all of you, we should go to Sugarcube Corner to commemorate Dash getting into the Wonderbolt Academy." Rarity suggested. "And as promised, we'll reveal to you some happy news."

That was a bit sudden from Rarity...although I guess it would be okay telling the other girls about our news since Spike isn't around us. We walked into the sweet shop and after having a brunch full of cookies and lollipops, along with some apple juice, Rarity and I were sitting side by side, we looked at each other and agreed to announce the news.

"So you two, what's the good news?" Fluttershy asked.

"Alright...well, since the day after we had the camping trip. Rarity and I..." I paused as Rarity and I held hooves. "...are a couple."

There was silence for a moment before we saw the smiles appear from the other mares, they then cheered in delight.

"OH MY GOSH! THAT'S AMAZING!" Pinkie shouted whilst bouncing like crazy around the store.

"That's might wonderful news, sugarcube." Applejack replied.

"Well I think you two are beautiful together." Fluttershy complimented.

"I guess it should be no surprise, since you've saved Rarity a lot of times from danger." Twilight added.

"Yeah...and in a way, I had a crush on him after he started saving me a few times. So when he became single, I wanted to try and see if Bond and I could be an item." Rarity replied.

"So how did you two get together?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, she came over to my house one night and after sharing a surprising moment, we agreed to have a few days together and it just seemed to grow stronger from there, we had to keep it as a surprise from the others until we were ready to show it." I explained, "Speaking of which, Spike doesn't know about this and we'd rather he didn't find out about our relationship."

"Don't worry, I won't tell Spike." Twilight assured.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie added, doing the actions. "Speaking of which..." she then zooms out of the store.

"We'll keep it a secret until you're both ready to talk to him." Fluttershy said.

"Thank you, dears." Rarity replied before she turned her face to me.

"Ummm yes?" I asked.

Rarity then grabbed me by the neck and kissed me passionately, we both blushed in front of them.

"Awww..." the mares said in unison.

We then heard creaking noises from a mailbox outside, I looked out to see Pinkie going over it.

"Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash hasn't even been gone twenty-four hours yet. Give her a chance to settle in first." I said to her.

"Wait! If I'm not here when Rainbow Dash's letter arrives, I won't be able to read it right away. And if I don't read it right away, I won't be able to write her back right away. And if I don't write her back right away, she might think I didn't get her letter, and then she might worry it got lost. And if she's worrying about her letter, she'll be distracted. And if she's distracted, then she won't do well at the academy! And if she doesn't do well at the academy, then she'll get kicked out! And if she gets kicked out, they'll never let her be a Wonderbolt! And if she doesn't get to be a Wonderbolt, all her dreams will be crushed! And it will be all...my...fault!" Pinkie exclaimed without pausing before planting her face on the ground.

"So in other words, you're sticking by the mailbox?"

"Yep!"

"Suit yourself."

A few days had passed since then, I was with the mares in town, holding hooves with Rarity, when we saw Pinkie sleeping by the mailbox before she woke up and gasped, going over it again.

"She's still at it." Rarity commented.

"I just wish we could help her." Fluttershy added.

"Help me? The only thing that could possibly help me right now is a letter from Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie exclaimed, "It's been three days already. By now, she probably doesn't even know our names anymore! She probably can't remember our faces! 'Pinkie Pie? I never heard of a Pinkie Pie! Who is Pinkie Pie?'"

"Well, if you're so worried, then why don't you send her a letter first?"

"Of course! That's a great idea!"

Rarity and I sighed in relief...until something clicked in my head.

"Actually, I have a much better idea." I said to them. "On her last day of training, why don't we go up to Cloudsdale and visit her at the Wonderbolt Academy?" I suggested.

"Wait! That's even better!" Twilight replied. "But, we should probably let the academy know that there'll be other ponies visiting, because you never know when a dangerous training course is going on."

"Good thinking...I'll go up and visit the academy myself. I know the receptionist and the catering team over there."

"I wouldn't mind a little trip." Rarity added.

"Well, when Bond has let the academy know we're visiting, I'll come along too." Twilight said.

"Count me in!" Applejack added.

"Me too." Fluttershy added also.

"Me six!" Pinkie said, "But don't be upset if she doesn't recognize you at first. It may take a while for her to get her memory back."

We rolled our eyes at Pinkie, but then shared a giggle cause she's just being herself as always.

"Alright, I'll be back soon, girls." I said to them which they all nodded.

I gave Rarity a quick kiss as I flew upwards all the way to Cloudsdale and I came across a building with a Wonderbolt sign on it, this was the academy alright. I walked in through the entrance and over to the reception area.

"Bond Racer, long time no see, what brings you here?" the receptionist asked.

"Hi there, yeah it's been a while. I've got a favor to ask." I replied.

"Well after all the hard work you've done with the catering at the academy, I say you deserve something in return, so what can I do for you?"

"Well, Rainbow Dash is one of my friends who's training here and me and the rest of her friends in Ponyville would like to come and visit her when she has her last day of training. Do you think you could sent out a warning message to the pony who is in charge of the academy in case of any trainings or drills?"

"I think there's an empty spot for that in this book...what time would you and the others like to meet her?"

"Anytime is great for all six of us, we'll have a hot air balloon and some spells so none of the non-pegasi fall through the clouds."

"Okay, I have you and your friends coming around by after the lunch hour, is that alright?"

"That's great, thank you...oh and tell Dash I said hi."

"I will...I shall also let commander Spitfire know you're all coming on that day...take care, Bond."

"Thanks again...goodbye."

I then left the academy with a smile on my face, before I noticed one of the Wonderbolts outside the building.

"Woah dude, you look cool." the stallion said to me.

"Thanks err..."

"The name's Soarin, Spitfire's right hoof member of the elite team, along with Fleetfoot." he replied.

"Ahhh yes, I remember now...good to meet you, I'm Bond Racer."

"Sweet name dude..." he check his watch, "...oooh I gotta get back to my patrol, I'll catch you around sometime."

"Alright, you have a good day."

Soarin then walked inside the academy as I began to fly away from Cloudsdale and back to Ponyville. I was able to tell the girls the news and they were all smiles about it, especially Pinkie who had began to feel twice as excited than before, but we agreed to let her be herself.

The final day of Dash's academy training had arrived and me and the five mares were at the cafe, after we had our lunch, we went over to the back of Sugarcube Corner. Rarity, Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie all got in the balloon before Twilight put on the cloud walking spell on all four of them, whilst Fluttershy and I helped brought up the balloon into the sky and on our way to Cloudsdale.

When we arrived, I spotted a tornado moving out of control across the training ground and several pegasuses were being knocked around by it...I could tell that this was trouble...so after the hot air balloon landed by the academy, we all got off and took a closer look at the tornado.

"Stand back, girls. I'm about to use another spell I learnt from the book." I said.

I then galloped closer to the tornado and with my magic, I created a huge gush of air that was like a tornado but it spun in the opposite direction. This caused the black tornado to slow down before stopping and then vanishing away to a clear air.

"Phew! Glad to have learnt that one." I said to myself.

Soon, some of the pegasuses came towards me and applauded and cheered.

"Thank you all, but I was just being a saviour, that's all."

"Woah Bond, that was so cool, what was that?" Dash asked.

"An anti-wind spell, it allows me to turn any disaster wind-related into a gentle breeze."

Pinkie then showed up and she saw Dash which made her cry for some reason.

"Pinkie Pie!" Dash said.

"You...remember me!" Pinkie replied before hugging her.

"Well...yeah, of course I remember you. But...what are you all doing here?"

"We decided to come visit you, but I guess we came along at the right time." I answered.

Then I saw a light green mare with a gold mane appear along side Dash.

"That...was...awesome!" she said.

"Awesome? Are you serious, some of us could've gotten hurt!" Dash exclaimed.

"Yeah, but they weren't, right? Can't say the same for the clouds. We totally wiped them out with that tornado. The other cadets will have to be up there for days to bust as many as we did."

"A hoof bump? Seriously? You made me clip my wing. You sent half of our class into serious tailspins on the obstacle course. You unleashed a tornado that nearly demolished our team."

"Yeah, and?"

"And I get that you want to be the best. So do I! But you're going about it in the wrong way."

"The Wonderbolts don't seem to think so. After all, Spitfire did make me the leader and you the wing-pony."

"You're right. She did."

Dash then sighed and flew off to inside the academy as the other mares joined close to me.

"Excuse me, but who might you be?" I asked her.

"The name's Lightning Dust and I'm the leader of this team." Dust replied.

"Well, I hate to say this but if it was you that created the tornado, then I don't think you should be a leader at all."

"Oh lemme guess, you're one of Dash's friends?"

"Darn straight and..." I paused for a dramatic effect by flying my wings open and having my horn shining. "...you should learn to know your place so you don't venture to the wrong side."

"Woah...so I guess you're an ultimate flyer who also uses magic a lot of the time or something?"

"Only if it's an emergency like everypony just saw."

We then saw Dash come back, but she looked down and sad as well.

"Dash, what happened?" Fluttershy asked.

"I quit." she replied.

"You did what?!" Applejack asked in an almost yelling voice.

"Being a Wonderbolt was your dream!" Rarity said.

"Not anymore." Dash sighed.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I know how much this meant to you." Twilight said as we shared a group hug.

"Rainbow Dash!" we heard a voice yell...it was Spitfire. "How dare you storm out of my office without giving me a chance to respond!" she exclaimed, ordering two guards to bring Dust forward to her.

Looks like something ugly is about to go down, I thought to myself.

"Wonderbolts are looking for the best flyers in Equestria, but you were right. Being the best should never come at the expense of our fellow ponies. It's not just about pushing ourselves. It's about pushing ourselves in the right direction. You've shown that you're capable of doing just that."

Spitfire then turned to Dust and to our shock, she ripped a medal off her wonderbolt training outfit and looked like she was about to be kicked out in disgrace, but somehow my element of Faith kicked in...I wanted to help her for some reason.

"Wait a minute." I said to Spitfire. "I mean sure, what Dust did was irresponsible and not right, but it doesn't mean that she should be kicked out without having a second chance to redeem herself."

"What are you saying, Bond Racer?" Spitfire asked.

"I'm saying that if Lightning Dust is willing to learn her lesson, she should have the chance to keep her dreams alive."

I saw Dust showing a smile for the first time whilst Dash was amazed at how I was having no problems, talking to Spitfire.

"Well, it seems my mind has been shown for me..." Spitfire turned to Dust, "...Lightning Dust, it seems you have been a second chance by the academy, but from now on, we'll keep an eye on you and your training whilst you undergo disciplinary action."

"Anything to keep my ambition alive...thank you Bond, I can't believe you have faith in me to be a better pony." Dust said as she showed an improved smile.

Spitfire then took Dash's wingpony medal and placed it on Dust's outfit.

"As for you, you're no wingpony, Rainbow Dash. You're a leader." she said, placing the leader medal on Dash's outfit.

"OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!" Dash exclaimed whilst flapping her wings in excitement.

The rest of us smiled at the change of events.

"Now get out there and give me twenty!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Dash then flew up with the rest of her team which I was able to name easily since I had gotten to know all of them, along with Dust who flew beside her.

"Remember Bond, this is Lightning Dust's second but last chance too. If she ever breaks out of line, that's it for her." Spitfire warned.

"That's fair enough..." I said before looking at the others. "...come on girls, it's time to go home."

"Whee, let's go!" Pinkie agreed.

We decided to let Dash finish off her last day at the academy as we were sure that she'll tell us all about it another time. We then travelled back home with the hot air balloon and onto the safe ground.

"By the way ya'll, my apple family reunion is comin' up in two days and it's gonna be one mighty hoedown." Applejack said.

"Oh yes, I guess it's just for members of the apple family only?" I asked.

"Yeah...in a way it is, but ah think Granny Smith could make an exception, if you want to come along that is."

"I'd love to."

"Alrighty, ah'll see what ah can do, goodnight ya'll."

Soon, we said our farewells as Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight and Pinkie went back to their homes, leaving Rarity and I walking back to her home. When we arrived, she opened the door and turned around to look at me in the eyes.

"Bond dear...I don't mind you spending a day with the apple family, I have a lot of dresses to make during this week and I can trust you as all of us do." Rarity said as she placed her hooves around my neck, smiling.

"Thank you Rarity...I'll miss spending a day with you, but it'll be fun for me I think." I replied as I had my hooves around waist.

"Goodnight darling."

"Goodnight to you too."

We then shared a passionate kiss that lasted for a few seconds...and it was quite romantic too.

We then let go as I turned around and walked back to my home.

As I got in, I took off my clothes and walked over to my bed and getting comfortable. I was really happy with how this week has been, Rarity and I told the others about our relationship with no problems and Rainbow Dash had her proud moment of being a leader. I think we could all agree that Dash is now one step closer to her lifelong dream of being an official Wonderbolt...as well as gaining a possible friend in Lightning Dust thanks to my Element Of Faith.

As I began to fall asleep, I was happy with one other thing...I love being an alicorn!

Apple Family Reunion

I woke up the next day and since I'll be over at the farm helping out for the family reunion, I guess I should clean myself up. So with a quick shower and drying myself off, I got myself dressed and nomming down food at lunchtime since it was already the afternoon. I guess with all the stuff happening, I seem to be getting tired a lot.

Oh well, today and tomorrow should be quiet days for me, it'll be good to meet a lot of other ponies part of the Apple family, even though I'm technically not a member of the family, but I may be an exception and that I'd be willing to help with the work.

So after my lunch, I left my home and began walking over to Sweet Apple Acres. When I arrived, I saw the barn doors wide open. I walked over and inside to find the apple family working over the preparations already.

"Well howdy Bond." Granny Smith greeted, "Yer here to help us?"

"Hi Granny Smith, I sure am." I replied, "And to prove it, I shall be using no magic or wings."

"Eeyup." Big Mac agreed, approving of what I said as he was pulling a few haystacks to the outside.

I then noticed Applebloom going over a pile of letters and Applejack on top of a ladder, grabbing a box that must be full of something.

"Ha! Found 'em!" Applejack said, "Well hey there Bond, glad you could make it."

"The feeling's mutual."

Applejack then dropped the box to the ground which created a bit of dust.

"Aaa-choooo!" Granny Smith sneezed which knocked her back slightly.

"Heh. Gesundhoof." Applejack said as she got off the ladder and on the ground.

"Why, thank you, Applejack. Ah still can't believe it's been almost one hundred moons since our last family reunion. Aw, ah remember it like it was yesterday."

"Well, you have been talkin' about it pretty much every day since then."

"Apple Bloom! How them RSVPs comin' along? Who's showin' their muzzle at the reunion?"

"Everypony!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"Everypony? Feathers on a goat, are you sure?"

"Well, I got RSVPs from Apples from Yonder Hill, Hollow Shades, Galloping Gorge, Foal Mountain, Apples from Fillydelphia, Tall Tale Town, and all the Apples from Appleloosa!"

"Guh?"

"Oh! And how could I forget? Manehattan! Babs is comin'! I get to see my favourite cousin!"

Applebloom then jumped around in excitement and I had to admit, it would be good to know how Babs has been doing since she was here last time and learnt her lesson about friendship.

"Ah think we're gonna need a bigger cider trough."

"Wow...now that is lot of apples coming around." I said, "Good thing you have me here for the reunion so we can have the event on time."

"Indeed sugarcube, we probably will need it." Applejack replied.

Soon, I got to work with helping Big Mac out with preparing the stalls, building a stage by the barn and laying out an obstacle course that went from the barn and up to the orchard hill.

When we were done, it was already sunset and we walked into the apple home to find an apple pie and drinks made on the kitchen table and the rest of the family sitting down already. I sat by Applejack and Big Mac took the end seat of the table.

"Whooeee! Looks like the family's grown tenfold since the last reunion! I'm gonna be busier than a worm in a rotten tomater tryin' to get everything ready!" Granny Smith exclaimed.

"Ah could always help out." Applejack said.

"Me too." Applebloom added.

"Eeyup."

"Don't forget that I'm helping out too." I intervened.

"Oh, ah sure would appreciate that. Granny's a little rustier in the giddy-up since the last time the Apples all got together."

"You may be a tad old, Granny, but you're as feisty and full of spark as ever-"

"Who you callin' old?!" Granny Smith interrupted who seemed offended.

"Uh...ah just meant...Why don't you let me take over puttin' the reunion together this time 'round? Then all you need to worry about is enjoyin' yourself."

"Hmmm. Alright, young'un, you got yourself a deal. You are in charge."

"Ah won't let you down, Granny. You just tell me what the reunion needs, and ah'll take care of the rest."

"Ah'll do better than tell you what the reunion'll need, ah'll show ya!"

"But let's tuck in first, before we do." Applebloom intervened, reminding us of the food on the table.

After we were done with the food, Big Mac took the dishes to wash up whilst the rest of us took a seat by the sofa as Granny Smith pulled out a photo album book, probably full of photos of the apple family from generations.

"So if I may ask, how long has the Apple Family been hosting this event?" I asked as she began opening up the album book.

"We've been hostin' these things at Sweet Apple Acres every hundred moons since we first planted roots here in Ponyville." Granny Smith replied.

"Hey, who's that?" Applebloom asked.

"That'd be your Great-Great-Auntie Applesauce when she was just about your age. Now, she used to go by another name, but everypony started calling her Applesauce after half her teeth fell out when she was makin' apple jam. Yeah. Never did find them teeth in all those jars."

She then turned a page to the next page of photos.

"Hey! That's you, Granny!"

"Sure is. Apple family's been workin' on that same old quilt since our first reunion...but nopony told me you actually had to knot the end of the thread!"

Applebloom giggled whilst Applejack was in thought.

"Okay, so ah'll need to get new quiltin' materials, fabric, needles, thread. You've really been workin' on the same quilt since the first reunion?" she asked.

"Surely have, ah don't think we're ever gonna finish that dog-gone thing!"

"Hey, what's goin' on here?" Applebloom asked.

"Well, you know us Apples enjoy a good fritter..."

Granny Smith then pointed to a photo of what looked like Applejack as a baby who had eaten a plate full of apple fritters.

"D'awww, she's cute enough to cause diabetes..." I commented which got me confused looks from the others, "...never mind."

"That's how we figured out your sister had the appetite of a full-grown stallion." Granny Smith pointed out, nudging at Applejack's stomach.

"Better get twice as much honey and flour, then...fifty more buckets of apples...more oil...wood for the fire..." Applejack said to herself.

Granny turned over another page for more photos.

"Now, stick an apple in my mouth and roast my rump! This one sure brings back memories. Y'know how Babs is your favourite cousin? Well, Apple Rose is mine. The two of us entered the seven-legged race every reunion...but we never won a single one of them races."

"Races. We'll need cloth ties, finish line...Not much to a seven-legged race. Hmm..."

"And, of course, we can't forget to take the big family photo! We always snapped a photo in front of the barn at the end of every reunion, let's us see how our family's grown!"

"Photo in front of the barn. Got it."

"You sure have some great memories of these reunions, don't cha?" Applebloom asked.

"Indeedy, and ah'm lookin' forward to makin' more at this one. Oh, ah'm sure everypony is, and ah do mean everypony! We got the whole family together this time 'round! Who knows if they'll all be able to make the next one?"

"That's true! Busy as everypony's lives are gettin' these days, chances are pretty slim we'll be this lucky next time 'round." Applejack added. "Don't worry, Granny, ah'm gonna make sure this is the most memorable reunion we've ever had! Ah'd better get started...ah've got some plannin' to do!"

"Do you want me to help?" I offered.

"Sure, you are here for a reason after all."

Applejack and I got off the sofa and went upstairs into her bedroom and we went over a lot of planning and preparation, it took a lot longer than I thought as well as it was already night time.

"Now are you sure you're okay with being in charge of the reunion, cause this could be a mountain of a challenge for you." I said.

"Ah'll be okay with it, as long as ah have your help, we should be able to pull it off." she replied.

"Alright...well it's been a long while, I think we should call it a night."

"Okay and feel free to sleep by the sofa downstairs."

"Alright, thanks."

We then heard a door open to see Applebloom.

"Apple Bloom! What are you doin' up?"

"Ah was gonna ask you the same thing." Applebloom replied.

"Ah can't sleep. My gears are turnin' in my head about this reunion!"

"Yeah...ah can't wait to see my cousin Babs. We're gonna do so many fun things together..."

"Fun? That's just the beginnin' of it! Granny Smith handed me the reins of this reunion, and I'm gonna make the most of it. Apple Bloom, I've got so many things planned you won't even have a minute's rest!"

We saw Applebloom suddenly falling asleep and Applejack smiled.

"Trust me, little sis. This reunion I'm puttin' together is gonna be worth the wait."

"I'll take her back to her bedroom, goodnight Applejack." I said.

"Thanks...goodnight sugarcube."

I then picked up Applebloom and put her on my back and left Applejack's room and over to Applebloom's room, I dropped her off into her bed slowly and placed the duvet on top of her and left her room. I then walked downstairs quietly and to the sofa to find a duvet cover already on it and with Big Mac standing beside it.

"Is this for me to sleep with?" I asked.

"Eeyup, goodnight Bond and sleep well, we gotta lot of work to do tomorrow." Big Mac replied as he went up the stairs.

"Hehe, I guess so." I said quietly as I got on the sofa and pulled the covers on me as I laid down and began to fall asleep.

It was the next morning and I got woke up by both a cockerel crowing out when the sun rose up and Applejack who pulled the duvet away from me.

"Rise and shine! We don't have much time!" Applejack said.

"Okay, just let me get myself prepared first and I'll join you." I replied.

I then got off the sofa, trying to wake myself up before getting to work. When I was ready, I followed to the outside to start with bucking the trees and collecting wooden baskets full of apples. Next was collecting fabrics from Carousel Boutique so we could design the decorations around the farm and Rarity was happy to let Applejack take a lot, I snuck in a quick kiss between her and me before Applejack and I moved to our next stop which was collecting lots of other foods from Sugarcube Corner and we mostly got jars of honey from Pinkie.

"Don't forget the glitter!" she exclaimed as she poured out a lot of glitter which fell on Applejack, covering her in dark gold.

I giggled on the inside before we went back to the farm. Next was brining in a lot of water in small buckets, so we had Rainbow Dash come along with a raincloud and bounced on it several times to cause a rainfall, Applejack of course got wet as I stood back, but she shook the water off before getting an electric shock, I giggled again but quietly.

Lastly, we collected piles of wood and placed them in a long row before putting down several cauldrons full of something, it had to be apple-related I think, we had Spike used as a lighter who burped out one huge flame which got the firewood now cooking.

Spike and Dash left the farm after we were done, the whole farm was now ready for the reunion event.

"There, I think that'll do it!" I stated.

"And just in time, too." Granny added, pointing to a rumbling noise.

"They're here!" Applejack yelled.

Soon, loads of ponies turned up with a few wagons and one blimp. Among them, I did remember a few of the apple family ponies, such as that stallion who was cleaning in Canterlot when I was with Rarity, Braeburn who I hadn't seen since that incident at Appleloosa, Carrot Top who I get carrots from, Cheery Jubilee who was there to cheer on Applejack back at the rodeo and Babs Seed who turned up quietly but smiling.

"Apple Rose! Ohhh! Ooh, this is more excitin' than when it rained frogs!" Granny Smith exclaimed as she went over to her old friend.

Soon, Applejack took to the stage and I stood alongside her so I could be welcomed.

"Howdy, y'all, and welcome to the Apple family reunion!" Applejack greeted. "My name's Applejack and a few of you may know this alicorn beside me. He is Bond Racer and even though he may not technically be part of the apple family, he has helped saved our flanks in more ways than one."

"And I can vouch for that after the way ya'll tried to save Aaaaaplloooooosa." Braeburn commented.

"That's right, cousin, so everypony make sure you welcome yourselves to him nicely, cause he's a real close friend of ours and we love him so."

I blushed slightly but smiling, "Thanks Applejack."

"Now with that introduction out of the way, ah just want to let y'all know that ah got a real big day planned for ya! We're gonna start off with an obstacle course for the young'uns, and some fritter makin' and quiltin' for the not-so-young'uns. And there's lots more to come after that! Hope y'all enjoy it!!"

The ponies then cheered and soon the event was about to begin, I walked off the stage and was greeted a few of the ponies. I then saw Applebloom looking down.

"Where is she?" Applebloom asked herself.

She then felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to see Babs smiling.

"Babs!"

"Cuz!" Babs replied as they shared a relative hug.

"Ah know it hasn't been that long since we've seen each other, but-"

"-It felt like forever!" they both said.

"Hey there Babs, how are things back in Manehatten?" I said to her.

"Oh hi Bond, it's much better now that I've learnt to be a better friend as well as having my big sister help me."

"That's great to know."

"I can't wait to tell you about my new school!"

"Ah can't wait to hear all about it!" Applebloom replied.

"Jeepers, where do I start? Okay. So first day-"

"Babs! So glad you could come!" Applejack said, cutting her off.

"What am I, gonna miss out on spendin' time with my favourite cousin? Forget about it!"

"Why don't you two head over to the obstacle course?"

"We kinda wanna catch up a little bit first..."

"Don't you worry. There'll be plenty of time for family bondin' while you're racin' against your other cousins."

"I have an idea, just wait." I whispered to them quickly.

We then saw other fillies having their front hooves tied with other fillies.

"Alrighty, ponies! Ready to have some fun?" Applejack asked all the fillies.

"Whoa, is that the finish line? It's like a mile away or somethin'!" Babs exclaimed.

"Actually, that's just the marker where you go on to the next leg of the race."

"There's more?" Applebloom asked.

"Much more. Trust me, ah have put together somethin' you are never gonna forget. After the seven-legged race, you're gonna wanna hurry up and head over here, where you'll be bobbin' for apples!" she then showed a quick demonstration, "Then you'll run around these trees fifty times until you're real good and dizzy. Then you'll jump these big wooden hurdles. And then there's the final leg, where you'll balance plates on your head while sayin' "Pappy pony picked a pluck of prickly pluffnuggets" over and over and over again. Last pony standin' wins!"

Then there was complete silence between all of us.

"Seriously?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Seriously! C'mon, y'all! Let's start makin' some memories!"

Oh great, the stubborn Applejack is back, I thought to myself.

"On your mark...get set...go!"

The fillies then began to race away as I looked on.

"Whooeee! Lookin' good, everypony! Ooh, better go check on the quilt."

As soon as Applejack turned her back, I trotted along behind the fillies and no sooner we were away form the farm, I galloped onwards and stopped in front of Babs and Applebloom and I quickly untied the rope between their hooves.

"Why did you do that, Bond?" Babs asked.

"So that you can continue with your catch up whilst Applejack isn't around to stop it." I replied. "So please continue, we'll just walk the rest of the way on this course."

"Okay, so as I was saying..."

Babs went on to tell Applebloom and me about with the help of her sister, she was transferred to a new school in Manehatten by her parents and that on her first day, she was welcomed very politely and friendly. She also said about how much more attention her parents have been giving her and how much more loving and welcoming her home has become.

"Well I'm very pleased to hear about how far you've come since your lesson." I commented.

"Thanks Bond." Babs replied before looking at Applebloom, "So how are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle?"

"They're both doing great, Scootaloo is now getting lessons from Rainbow Dash on how to be a great flyer." Applebloom replied.

"That sounds cool."

"Look, we're back at the farm now. Let's go get some apple fritters." I said.

"Okay." they both replied.

We grabbed a few apple fitters and they were tasty, even more so since Apple Fritter was making them today. After we had our snack, Applejack came to check up on us.

"There you are, young'uns, your fellow Apples are waitin' for you to join them." she said.

"Applejack, ah get that ya want this to be like a super-awesome reunion, but you're rushing everything." Applebloom replied.

"Oh that's that a hooey, there'll be plenty of time to bond with Babs and everypony else when we do the hayride."

"Hayride?" Babs asked in confusion.

Soon, I saw several ponies getting on a cart with hay laid out so it looked more comfy.

"Alright, everypony! Step right up, take a seat, and leave the drivin' to these stallions!" Applejack said pointing to two stallions who were ready to pull. "Now, ah know y'all have been workin' real hard makin' some awesome memories. And in all of our past reunions, we always had a nice and relaxin' hayride around the farm. Which is why ah decided to change things up a bit, and try somethin' just a wee bit more excitin'. So let's get this show on the road! Giddy-up!"

Applejack then bucked the cart and the stallions pulled the cart away and they were going quite fast too....I sighed, thinking that this could only end in trouble, I galloped alongside the cart just in case.

"Where in the world does that girl have us headed? The west orchard?" Granny Smith asked.

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied.

" What?! I was jokin'! Why, we haven't tended those fields since all the trees went and got-"

She was then cut off when went through the trees and spotted...bats!

"What are those?!" I exclaimed.

"Wowza! Never seen real fruit bats before!" Babs commented.

Soon, the fruit bats swooped down and made a huge annoyance to us, so all the ponies bailed out of the cart as we stopped to look at the runaway cart smash right into and through the apple family barn...the bats flew away, but the damage was done...the barn collapsed into several pieces and was now one huge mess.

I watched in shock, seeing that the barn they had was now destroyed, I saw Applejack beside me as she began to cry.

"Ruined. Everythin' is ruined." she said whilst sobbing.

I gave her a loving hug, cause she really needed it as Granny Smith came by.

"I'm so, so sorry." she sniffed.

"Don't be Applejack, it was an accident, I'm sure everypony is alright." I assured.

"But it's not alright. Just look at this! The barn and all my plans for the perfect family reunion are completely destroyed!"

"Maybe that's a good thing." Applebloom said without thinking through it.

"How can that possibly be a good thing?"

"Applejack, you had us so caught up in all the doin', we haven't had a second to enjoy the company of the folks we've been doin' it with!" Granny Smith said.

"Really?"

The other ponies nodded and agreed.

"Oh, Granny Smith, here you let me be in charge of creatin' great memories, and the only thing anypony's gonna remember about this reunion...is that it was the worst one we ever had."

"Oh, hey now...everypony's still here, ain't they? Still plenty of time to make good memories! You've just got to give everypony a chance to actually make 'em"

"The family photo! Guess we can't take it in front of the barn this year...unless...Everypony! Ah have one more activity!" she announced.

"Applejack..."

"Trust me, Granny Smith. This'll be one we'll remember for all the right reasons."

"I'm guessing a musical number will be involved?" I asked.

Music began to play which answered my question...although it had been a while since I heard a musical number.

Applejack began to sing as I heard Country music which got all the ponies excited as we began to work on the barn.

Raise this barn, raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Together, we can raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Up, up, up, go the beams

Hammer those joints, work in teams

Turn 'em round quick by the right elbow

Grab a new partner, here we go

We were underway with rebuilding the exterior.

Raise this barn, raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Together, we can raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Finish the frame, recycling wood

Workin' hard, you're doin' good

Turn 'em round quick by the right elbow

Grab a new partner, here we go

By then, the ponies were dancing away whilst finishing off the exterior.

Raise this barn, oh, raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Together, we can raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Slats of wood come off the ground

Hold 'em up and nail 'em down

Turn 'em round quick by the left elbow

Grab a new partner, here we go

Applebloom then joined in the song.

Look at us, we're family

Workin' together thankfully

We Apples, we are proud to say

Stick together the pony way

Bow to your partner, circle right

Get down if you're scared of heights

Forward back and twirl around

That barn's gonna be the best in town

The apple family joined in as I continued to tap my hooves, watching everything I saw unfold.

Raise this barn, raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Together, we can raise this barn

One, two, three, four

Take your brushes, young and old

Together, paint it, bright and bold

Turn 'em round quick by the left elbow

Grab a new partner, here we go

The barn was now fully rebuilt, all was left was to paint it and I took care of it as they continued to sing and the music began to slow down.

We raised this barn, we raised this barn

Yes, we did

Together we sure raised this barn

Yes, we did

Being together counts the most

We all came here from coast to coast

All we need to strive to be

Is part of the Apple family

Before the music ended, Applejack set up a camera, ready to take a photo. We all got in the frame just in time when the music finished as the camera flash went off.

Soon it was sunset, the event was over and all the apple family ponies from across Equestria were packing up and leaving.

"Ah can't wait for the next reunion!" Applebloom said to her cousin.

"Me neither!" Babs replied.

"Ah mean, obviously we have to get together before then!"

"Obviously."

I smiled at them both before walking over to Applejack who was washing herself in the basin.

"Oh, you did it, Applejack! You put on a reunion that everypony will remember!" Granny Smith complimented.

"Just had a couple minor hiccups along the way." Applejack added.

"Yeah, just a couple."

It was then nightfall when we took all the decorations down and stored away the haystacks and apples. The apple family were going over the new photos that I took during the rest of the day, whilst me and Applejack were outside with a piece of paper and a pencil.

"So Bond, mind if you help me with the letter?" Applejack asked.

"I'll gladly help out" I replied as I grabbed the pencil and paper with my magic as Applejack began to speak.

"Dear Princess Celestia" Applejack began, "Today ah learned a great lesson about family, which, if you think about it, is really the first group of friends you ever make. Turns out that when you're with folks you care about, you don't have to do much to make that time memorable. Even the simplest of activities can take on a whole lotta meanin'! And you'll find that you'll remember the "who" long after you've forgotten the "what". Your humble subject, Applejack"

"Great letter Applejack, I'll make sure to give it to Twilight when I get back shortly."

We then noticed two shooting stars whoosh through the night sky and I saw Applejack shed a tear of happiness, this made me believe that her parents are not around which made me sad, since I know how she feels too well.

"Well Applejack, it may not be my place to say it, but if they were here among the living, I'm sure they would've been very proud of you today." I said.

"No worry sugarcube, you're right." Applejack nodded before she placed a hoof on my shoulder, "Me and the apple family also wanna say thank you for all the help you've given us since yesterday, we really mean it."

"It was my pleasure and in some way, I felt like I was part of the apple family."

"Well from the way ah see it, you are one of us...just like the seven of us when we're all together, we're like one big family too."

"I guess you're right...I better go now, I'll see you again, Applejack."

"Alright Bond, have a goodnight and safe walk home."

Applejack and I shared a friendly hug, before she gave me a cheek kiss which surprised me.

"Sorry about that, Bond, but that's how much you mean to the Apple family now."

"That's okay, as long it's like that, no harm done, goodnight to you too."

We then waved as I flew out of the barn with the letter and all the way back to Ponyville. I knocked on Twilight's library door and Twilight opened it.

"Oh evening Bond, how did the apple family reunion go?" Twilight asked.

"In a way, it was very touching, seeing several ponies altogether as one family...Applejack wrote a letter about it which I have here." I replied as I gave the letter to her.

"Great, I'll make sure Spike sends this when he can...oh and about family, I also see it the same way that Applejack does. When we're together, we're one loving family as well."

"Thanks Twilight, that means a lot. Time for me to call it a night, have a goodnight."

"Goodnight, Bond, sleep well."

We then shared a friendly hug before I walked back to my house, it had been a while since I saw it as well. I walked on inside and took off my clothes and got into bed. I never thought planning and preparing for a huge family reunion would be such hard work, but it was all worth it in the end, despite the barn getting knocked down before being rebuilt.

As I began to sleep, I started coming around to the idea that I am now apart of the apple family as well as a family relative to many others and in addition to having Rarity as my marefirend...I absolutely love it!

A Birthday Surprise

I woke up the next day to find a few gifts and cards by the table from my bedroom. Getting myself up and dressed, I walked on over to see what they were and looking closely, it hit me. It was my birthday today and I had completely forgotten all about it, when I should've remembered, speaking of which, it looks like the others remembered.

I opened up one of the cards which said 'open me first' and it had a message saying 'Grab a cookie and start here' with a yellow balloon on it, which was strange at first but I worked it out, whoever send this it must've meant something about Sugarcube corner. So after my breakfast, I walked out of my home and headed to Sugarcube Corner. Along the way, I spotted Spike out in town with a list on a long piece of paper.

"What to do, what to do..." Spike said to himself before he gasped, "...A hot air balloon ride!"

He then rushed over but didn't look where he was going and ended up being knocked down by a stump and as luck would have it, the rope that was tied began to loose and then it was flying away.

"Oh no! Wait! Runaway balloon!" Spike exclaimed as he tried to catch up to it in many ways and he was close but not close enough.

I then put on my serious face and began to gallop before flying upwards to catch the balloon and with my mouth, I grabbed the rope with my teeth and brought it back down to the ground and had it tied up.

"Wow, thanks Bond." the balloon pilot mentioned.

"Oh it's no problem." I replied, "So Spike, I guess you were looking to do something?"

"Yeah, it's my day off cause Twilight is busy with a whole day of reading new books and spells from Princess Celestia."

"I guess that's our Twilight, the book nerd she always is...by the way, it's my birthday today and I only just remembered."

"Really? Well, happy birthday, man."

"Thanks Spike."

We then did a brohoof.

"In that case, wanna ride in the balloon with me?"

"I'd like to, but I got a card that's telling me to go to Sugarcube Corner."

"Okay, see you later, dude."

Spike then got in the hot air balloon with the pilot mare and they flew upwards and away. I smiled as I walked over to Sugarcube Corner, when I walked in, I was greeted by none other than Pinkie.

"SURPRISE!" she greeted loudly.

"Hi there Pinkie...I guess you know about my birthday?" I asked.

"It's your birthday?" she gasped, "Ohmygosh! I nearly forgot...happy birthday, hope your day is fun fun fun!"

"Thanks Pinkie...I came here cause I followed a message."

"Oooh, in that case, here's a cookie and a card from me."

She then gave me a card which I opened and it showed a message saying 'you'll find the animals here' with a pink butterfly next to it.

"Another clue...well, I better go and see Fluttershy about this...butterfly." I said.

"Fluttershy...butterfly...that rhymes!" Pinkie replied, bouncing around.

"Right...it does...see ya."

I then left sugarcube corner and trotted over to Fluttershy's cottage and I noticed her door was already open. I walked on in and knocked at the wall by the door.

"Hello, are you here, Fluttershy?" I called.

Some of the animals in the cottage pointed to the backdoor that leads to the garden with the everfree forest in view. I walked through that door and to the outside to see Fluttershy singing a tune about a birthday and I heard all of it.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Bond Racer

Happy birthday to you

She then turned around to see me.

"Oh...my...hello Bond, I didn't see you there." she said.

"No it's okay...thank you for the birthday message." I replied.

"Oh, was it your birthday, I didn't know."

"Don't worry, you're not the only mare."

"Actually, if you come with me to the house, I do have a card for you."

I nodded as we walked into her home, she went over to her table and grabbed the letter. I took the letter and opened it to see another message that read 'Forget about the money, Apples grow here.' with a red apple next to it.

"Right, next stop...the apple farm, see you Fluttershy."

"Okay, see you Bond."

I left her cottage and flew to Sweet Apple Acres to see Applejack, Applebloom, Spike and a giant pig by the cellar doors.

"Ta-da!" I heard Spike announce as soon as I flew down and landed.

"Good job, you two." Applejack complimented.

"Applejack, is it okay if ah get goin'? Ah don't wanna be late for my Crusaders meeting. We're gettin' fitted for water skis!" Applebloom said.

"Heh, you definitely don't wanna be late for that."

"Water skiin' cutie mark, here ah come!"

Applebloom then galloped off and away from the farm.

"Spike, you can head on out too, your work with me is done for now."

"Will do."

Spike then walked away from the farm and Applejack noticed me.

"Oh howdy there sugarcube, what brings you here today?" Applejack asked.

"Well, I came here because I'm following a clue and it's my birthday." I replied.

"Sounds mighty interesting and happy birthday to you, partner."

"Thanks."

"As for your clue, ah had a letter sent to me but it had your name on it which kinda confused me."

"Show me."

We walked into her barn home and on the table was a letter with my name on it, I opened it to see yet another message that had not only a lipstick marking, but a message saying, 'Only as somepony as fabulous as you can find me." with a purple gem beside.

"Looks like I'm off to see the love of my life, Rarity." I said.

"Okay sugarcube, just stay outta trouble." Applejack replied.

"I will..." I giggled as I left the farm and flew very fast over to Rarity's home.

When I got there, I walked in to her home and there she was, working on another dress when she saw me.

"Oooh hey darling." she greeted before hugging me.

"Heya Rarity, it's my birthday." I replied.

"Oooh happy birthday dear."

We then kissed passionately for a few seconds.

"Thank you, my love...I'm also here because there may be a clue for me and I've been getting these clues since this morning."

"Well, I may have something that might help you, come over here."

She pointed to a letter beside the dress she was working on, it was covered with traces of glue and tiny broken gems but that didn't bother me, I opened it to up to find a message that reads, 'By the lunch hour, look up to the clouds.' with a rainbow cloud beside it.

I saw the clock above the front door and noticed that there was a few minutes before lunchtime.

"Well I should get some lunch and look up at the skies." I said to Rarity as I hugged her with my hooves around her waist.

"Alright darling...when you come back, I'll have a special birthday surprise for you." she replied before winking.

"Cool, love you."

"Love you too, dear."

We shared a loving kiss and I was on my way out. When I walked over to the cafe, I ordered a meal of my choice and whilst I was eating, I looked up to the clouds to see just normal clouds, until I heard a distant whoosh. I looked as hard as I could to see Rainbow Dash shifting the clouds around and making them smaller at an alarming speed.

When she was done, the clouds spelt out a message for me saying 'Happy Birthday Bond Racer'. I smiled a lot when I saw it and Dash then flew down and she too had a letter for me as well.

"Wow...thank you Dash." I said.

"No problem, just doing my job, birthday boy." Dash replied before she massed around my name above my head. "Oh and this is for you."

I opened up the letter and it had a longer message which read, 'Well done for getting this far, this is the last one. Want to know more about magic, read my books.' and it had a dark pink star beside it.

"Oh and if it's alright, I'm coming with you." Dash added. "You can leave the letter here."

"Alright, let's go." I replied.

Dash and I walked to Twilight's library and I saw it all dark until the light flickered on.

"SURPRISE!" everypony shouted.

"Happy birthday, Bond Racer!" Twilight exclaimed as she trotted over to hug me.

"Well, to be honest, I began to have a feeling of where there was going, but then it would've taken the fun out of waiting and keeping it a surprise." I replied with a wink. "But still, I am amazed to have such amazing friends..." I paused to look at Rarity, "...and a loveable marefirend who have gone through this trouble to set up a great birthday."

"Awww and you're of one the best friends we've ever had too and we love to make you happy." Pinkie replied.

"As well as an amazing cousin." Vinyl added who was also there.

"Not to mention my favourite pony to give muffins to." Derpy also added, "By the way, it was me who sent the letters around by Twilight's request."

"In other words...we all knew about your birthday long in advance thanks to Pinkie keeping track of everypony's birthdays." said a voice from behind me.

"Sweet Chocolate!" I exclaimed.

"Yes indeed, happy birthday, bro!" Sweet replied as we shared a relative hug. "Here's one more card and gift."

"Thanks, sis."

Soon, the party began around the bottom floor of the library. With the six mares, my sister, my cousin, Derpy and Spike all in one room along with decorations and food, it was an amazing birthday party. During the party, my sister and cousin were talking and I remembered that they hadn't seen each other for a long time. I smiled at the scene, seeing that they were getting along really well.

Then came the finale, the birthday cake that they said Spike himself made the day before my birthday and I was impressed that it had a few gems on it, since I know he has a huge craving for gems, especially when Rarity gives some to him. So I blew out the candles and we all enjoyed a slice of cake and on this occasion, the cake did not lie.

It was Sunset by the time the party was finished, we all exchanged hugs and farewells until all that remained were Spike, Twilight, Rarity and me. Spike began sweeping up the flooring whilst Twilight cleaned up the tables and the plates.

"Time for me to go home, I had the best birthday ever!" I exclaimed.

"That's great to know, Bond." Twilight replied.

Suddenly, Spike burped out a letter from nowhere.

"It's from the Princess." Spike said.

"I'm sure we can find out about it tomorrow, Spikey Wikey, now it's time for me to go home as well." Rarity intervened.

"Alright, see you Rarity." he replied, sighing.

Rarity and I then left the library home, then I felt my right hoof being grabbed by Rarity.

"Come on darling, I promised you that birthday surprise." she said with a sly look.

"Okay, lead the way, love." I replied with a poor attempt at doing a low voice.

Rarity then took me to her home and into her bedroom where there was a dress that looked finished and sparkling.

"Okay dear, watch this performance...it's for your eyes only." she said as she placed on her dress.

I gulped as I watched her getting into that dress, shortly, she had her dress on which was a black gown that was almost see-through with stockings to match.

"So, how do I look darling?" she asked as she walked closer to me.

I found her so incredibly sexy that I smiled big and my wings flew open in an instant.

"Is that your reply or are you happy to see me?"

"Umm...err, I think it's a case of both..." I replied although I wasn't sure.  

Rarity giggled, "Here darling, come to bed with me. You deserve to sleep with me tonight." she added as she climbed onto her bed.

I then followed suit by taking off my suit and shoes and joined with Rarity on the bed. So there we were, looking into each other's eyes and feeling the love between us.

"I wanna show you how much I love you dear and this is the way to go about it." she said with a loving smile.

"So do I, love and if you really want this, then let's make it special." I replied.

After that, no more words were needed, we began to kiss passionately as we showed how much we were in love, but what happened next and for the rest of the early evening is not worth explained in detail because after all, we need to keep this story remaining Teen and not Mature, so whatever Rarity and I did will remain locked away in my vault of knowledge, thanks to Populous: The Beginning.

It was the beginning of the evening and I was relaxing on the bed with Rarity who was resting on her side with her hooves around me, we shared a few kisses, knowing that we shared a lot of passionate love just between us.

"One thing I'm glad about darling...is that you know how to be smart and be safe." Rarity said quietly.

"That's me in a nutshell...quick get the nutcracker." I replied randomly.

Rarity then laughed...huzzah! Finally somepony laughed at my randomness and I feel twice as good now.

"Alright love, I think I'm going to call it a night." I said.

"Oh, are you going back to your home?" Rarity asked.

"Well, if you want me to stay, I guess I can."

"Please darling...I want to have a night where I can sleep beside you."

I then smiled back and kissed her gently. "For tonight, I will for sure as I wanna feel your love and see you in my dreams."

Rarity then squeed before kissing me back. "Thank you...goodnight dear."

"Goodnight to you too, love."

We shared one more kiss before we got under the duvet and made ourselves comfortable with each other in the bed.

What a birthday, without a doubt, it was the best birthday ever and I wish everypony the best of luck if they can try and top it off for my next one, although knowing Pinkie Pie, she'll find a way to do that. But none of that matters now, as Rarity and I began to sleep, I could only dream of the romantic times we can have ahead of us...

Keep Calm & Flutter On

I woke up the next morning and saw Rarity sleeping away peacefully on my side, we then heard a bell ring which woke Rarity up.

"Oh uhh...I'll get it darling." Rarity said as she kissed me and got the bed, before walking out of her bedroom.

I got up as well shortly afterwards, putting on my clothes and making my way downstairs, I saw Rarity talking to Twilight.

"Morning Rarity...and morning Bond, remember the letter I got yesterday, the Princess wants us to meet together at the park away from Ponyville." Twilight said.

"Well if it's from the Princess, I guess we better get ourselves ready and meet up." I replied.

Twilight nodded as all three of us walked to the hill by the footpath to see Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Spike already there.

"Morning dears." Rarity greeted as we walked towards them.

"Oh hi Rarity." Pinkie replied. "I love it when Princess Celestia comes to Ponyville! I got my hooves shined just like yours for the occasion. Ya like?"

"I certainly do!"

"I'm surprised she's not here yet." Twilight said with a hint of worry.

"I wonder what's taking so long?" Spike sighed.

"And where are Applejack and Fluttershy?"

"I think Fluttershy's detained helping Applejack with a mishap at Sweet Apple Acres. They'll be along." Dash replied.

"But, I still don't get why the Princess would be so late." Spike said.

"She's bringing an important visitor. That could be part of it." Twilight responded.

"A visitor who's important and slow." Dash added.

"Maybe it's somepony so terribly important, she still had many more terribly important things to do before she got here." Rarity said.

"Maybe the visitor has a deer antler, a goat leg, a bat wing, and a snake tail!" I exclaimed as I gasped at what I saw.

"Yeah, right. That's Discord." Twilight replied.

"Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would Princess Celestia bring along someone like that?" Rarity asked.

"M-m-maybe you should ask... her!" Spike said as he pointed to the Princess who turned up along with a statue.

"Huh?" all the mares said confusion.

I too was surprised to see the statue of Discord by the Princess, what could this be all about?

"With all due respect, Princess Celestia, how could you bring Discord here?!" Twilight yelled before clearing her throat, "Your majesty."

"I'm fully aware that the last time Discord was here, he created serious havoc." Celestia replied.

"If by 'serious havoc' you mean 'turning Ponyville into the chaos capital of the world...'" Dash said.

"...and tricking us all into being the opposite of our true selves..." Rarity added.

"...And making yummy delicious chocolate milk rain all over the place without a single dollop of whipped cream to go with it anywhere in sight! Not a single dollop!" Pinkie finished.

"Oh and the less I say about my behaviour that day, the better." I intervened with a sad look.

"Yes, I understand. But I have use for Discord's magic if it can be reformed to serve good instead of evil. This is why I've brought Discord here, because I believe that you are the ponies who can help him do just that." Celestia explained.

"This will never work! This is a disaster! How will we ever control him?! We're doomed!" Spike exclaimed.

"Need I remind you that you are the ponies who turned him back into stone like this in the first place?"

"I suppose we can just use the Elements of Harmony against him again if it gets out of hand." Twilight responded.

"Uh, w-w-we probably need a volunteer to run away from here right away to get them. I'll do it!"

"No need, Spike. I have them right here, and I've cast a spell so Discord can't take them and hide them again. Now where is Fluttershy? I believe she may know best how to begin reforming Discord."

"Fluttershy? Really?" Dash asked who was confused.

"She's with Applejack at the farm, we should go and get them now." Twilight replied.

"I'll do it, this won't take long." Dash declared as she zoomed off to the farm.

Soon, Dash returned with Fluttershy and Applejack, Celestia walked over to Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, this may your most challenging quest yet, I want you to try to reform Discord and turn him to good." Celestia said.

"Reform D-d-dicord?" Fluttershy asked who shivered a bit.

"I realize that this is a tall order, but I wouldn't ask if I weren't confident you could get him to use magic obediently of his own free will."

"And...you really think I'll know best how to do that?"

"I do. Now, I must return to Canterlot for Equestria's royal summit. You may release Discord when ready."

Celestia then returned to her carriage and was escorted away by the guards, leaving all eight of us with the statue.

"Okay, ponies, guess it's time to get started. Let's just hope this releasing spell works." Twilight said.

"Or... let's not." Spike added as he stood behind Twilight.

"We'd best keep our elements on at all times 'til further notice." Twilight added as we all collected our elements of harmony and clicked then into place on our necks.

"Check!" We all replied.

Twilight then began to perform the spell and soon, we were floating above the ground and bright coloured lights flew around us like a circle. As we performed the spell, the rocks began to crumble away on the statue and when we were done, we all saw Discord in his restored state as he let out a huge yawn.

"Oh! Ooh! Ooooh!" Discord exclaimed, "Well, it's about time somepony got me out of that prison block. What a relief! " he then snapped his fingers and turned a small squirrel into a big one that ate a branch.

We then gasped, knowing that this was going to be a major pain to get through this day.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Nnnnnnnnngh– Why, stretching, of course. When you're a creature of chaos, stone bodysuits aren't your typical go-to fashion choice. Nnngh... "

He snapped his fingers again and turned a small bunny into a big rampaging one.

"Make that bunny cute again! Now!" Pinkie demanded.

"Oh...he's adorable the way he is." he replied, trying to stroke the giant bunny that nearly bit him and blew a raspberry at it. "You know what else is adorable? You ponies truly believe that you can reform me, and that you're putting your faith in this one here to make it happen. Makes me wanna pinch your little horsey cheeks..."

"How'd you know about that?!" Twilight asked.

"Being turned to stone doesn't keep me from hearing every word Celestia says. Although I admit it makes rolling my eyes a challenge."

"Well, unless you want us to turn you back to stone, you'll zap those animals back the way they were, pronto!"

"Oh, you wouldn't dare turn me back to stone and risk disappointing your precious princess."

"Try us, "Dip-cord"!" Dash remarked.

"You think you can treat poor defenceless animals like that and get away with it?!" Fluttershy asked with an assertive mood.

"You go, Fluttershy."

"You'd best watch your step, buster, or I'll give you...the Stare!"

"The Stare? Oh no, please, not that! Anything but your disapproving eyeballs! Oh no! No no no, stop! No, no! I can't! Stop! I can't take it anymore! I'll do whatever you say! Because...you are hilarious!" Discord laughed.

To be fair, I wasn't surprised that her stare didn't work, cause he was born evil and has always been so.

"If it turns out we need to use our elements against you, I'm sure we can convince Princess Celestia it was for a good reason!" Twilight said as we all began to prepare ourselves to do just that.

"Mmm...I suppose that's correct." Discord sighed as he snapped his fingers to turn the bunny and squirrel back to normal, he then muttered something else but I didn't hear it. "Well, it looks like I know where I'll be crashing while I'm being 'reformed'..." he paused grabbing Fluttershy, "...With you, Fluttershy." he then laughed.

"Oh, dear." she replied worryingly.

"You better not let her come to any harm." I said to him.

"Now why in the world would I wanna do that...traitor." he smirked.

"So, you still remember me then?"

"Why of course, if it hadn't been for your betrayal after you so smartly joined my side, I would be ruling all over Equestria in chaos!"

"Come on now, friends, let's try to make a start by taking him to my cottage." Fluttershy intervened.

We all sighed as we walked to her cottage, when we arrived, Discord wasted no time in making himself at home as he laid down on the couch.

"He may be horrible, but that doesn't mean we have to act the same way. We should at least try to be hospitable." Fluttershy said to us before turning to her pet, "You don't mind giving up your favourite spot on the couch, do you, Angel Bunny?"

Angel than squeaked as he tried to get Discord of the couch but to no avail.

"Oh, I'm sorry about Angel. Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, yes. Thank you, Fluttershy, for your concern. If only your pony friends could be as considerate..." Discord replied.

"Don't listen to him, Fluttershy! He's just trying to drive a wedge between us like he always does." Dash intervened.

"Now why in the world would I ever try to do a thing like that?"

"So we can't unite and use the Elements of Harmony against you, that's why!"

"I never thought of that..."

"You big liar!"

"Now, look who's a liar. Anyone can plainly see that I'm not big at all."

We then noticed that Discord had shrunk down to size before he grew back up big and accidentally knocked over a vase, he clicked his fingers and turned the broken vase into a lamp of himself on the table.

"Ah can't watch..." Applejack commented as some of us began to leave.

"We'll be outside." Dash added.

"You sure you're okay with this?" Twilight asked Fluttershy.

"I know it's not gonna be easy, but Princess Celestia's counting on me. And...I think I actually know what to do."

"You do?" I asked.

"I think the key is to befriend him. Being kind to him and letting him be my house guest is probably the best way to do that."

"And you really think that'll work?"

"I think it's worth a try."

"Okay, but if you need us, all you need to do is whisper 'help', and we'll be back here with our elements." Twilight replied as she turned to Discord who was on the couch, "So watch that goat-legged step of yours, pal!"

"Wh-what?!" Discord exclaimed before he appeared with a Victorian chair and a top hat with a monocle, "Look at me! I'm practically reformed already."

I rolled my eyes as the rest of us left the cottage, the six of us huddled together.

"She's really alright with him staying there?" Rarity asked.

"That's what she said." Twilight said.

"Personally, I think we should come up with a backup plan, in case this whole "befriending" business doesn't work out." Dash suggested.

"Dash is right. This is Discord we are talking about, girls. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have another trick up our sleeves." I added.

"And I think I know just the trick." Twilight replied, "To the Library."

We then trotted away from the cottage and agreed to meet up later just in case. So Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack and Dash split up whilst I stayed with Twilight as we went over to the library. When we arrived, we walked in and Twilight went over to a few books and began zooming through them.

"That's weird. The spell I had in mind isn't in here. Spike, where are the other books I asked you to pull?" Twilight asked.

"Right here, Twilight." Spike replied as he gave her more books.

"I really want to have a reforming spell up and running pronto."

"But what if he makes the Elements of Harmony disappear like he did last time?"

"Princess Celestia cast a spell protecting them, remember? Uh-oh."

"What's wrong?"

"Princess Celestia didn't cast a spell protecting our books! Everywhere I thought I'd find the reforming spell..."

Twilight gasped and I had a clear idea of who's responsible for the disappearing pages.

"I think we need to go back to the cottage, fast." I said.

"I guess so, let's go." Twilight replied.

We then galloped all the way back ot the cottage to find...her whole house spinning around.

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy, can you hear us?" Twilight called.

Fluttershy then flew out of the spinning house with her pet bunny.

"Fluttershy, what's going on? Are you okay?!" I asked.

"We're fine. Everything's going great. Isn't it, Angel?" Fluttershy replied whilst Angel was dizzy.

"We've come to get you away from Discord! He's just terrible and, from the looks of it, completely out of control!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Oh, but you're wrong! We're making great progress!"

"Seriously?" Spike asked with a stern look.

"I'm earning his trust by giving him a little space to be himself."

"Hate to break it to ya, but he used that "space to be himself" to tear out all the reforming spells from the library!" Spike explained.

"That does explain the paper eating..."

"He ate them?! Ugggghhhh!" Twilight groaned.

"But we aren't gonna need a spell. He's already really considering being reformed! He said so."

"And you believed him?"

"If I'm going to be his friend, I have to start by giving him the benefit of the doubt! Tell you what. Bring all the ponies over for a dinner party this evening, and I'll bet his manners will have really improved by then. I'll even get him to put the cottage back on the ground first."

"Alright. Dinner it is." I sighed.

Sometime later, it was the later afternoon and we were making our way to the cottage. Rarity and I agreed to not hold hooves while we were walking together or else Spike would've been on to us like a shot.

"Ugh, I can't believe we're having a dinner party with Discord!" Dash complained.

"This evening is sure to be a disaster. Glad I didn't bother wearing my fanciest outfit." Rarity agreed.

"Fluttershy thinks this is the way to reform Discord and asked us to give it a chance." Twilight added.

"I'm just glad that it's not me who has to do this, I would've turned him back to stone on the spot." I said.

We opened the door to her cottage which was back on the ground and Discord saw us.

"Oh, our pony guests!" Discord greeted with an upper close voice, "We're so delighted that you've come. Please, do come in."

"See what a beautiful job he did helping? Discord set the entire table himself. I'm so proud." Fluttershy said, smiling.

"Hang on to your elements, girls. It's gonna be a bumpy night." I commented.

Soon, dinner time began and since there was so much chaos involved, it went very quickly. We then saw Angel turn up on the table and it looked like he had something to tell us.

"Now is not a good time, Angel. We're having a dinner party." Fluttershy said.

"Hold up! Ah think he's tryin' to tell us somethin'!" Applejack interrupted.

Angel tried his best to tell us what he's seen before we started getting an idea.

"Oh, oh, oh! Sweet Apple Acres?" Rarity asked.

"Flooding at Sweet Apple Acres! And we all know who's behind that now, don't we?!" Dash asked as she looked at Discord.

"Who, me?" Discord asked innocently.

"Oh, give it a rest! What do you think of your "friend" now, Fluttershy?"

We then sighed as we left the cottage, leaving Fluttershy confused with Discord. It was sunset by the time we saw what was going on. The apple orchard was flooding with beavers building up logs and building up water levels around the lakes.

"Ah've never seen the floodin' this bad! They've built dams 'round here before, but never like this! What's goin' on?" Applejack asked.

"It's no use. They won't listen to a word I say!" Fluttershy sighed.

"You see Discord's behind all this, right?" Dash asked.

"Oh, of course I do! Do you all think I'm a silly, gullible fool?"

The other girls replied awkwardly.

"I've just been trying to gain his friendship any way I can, so he'd come to trust and listen to me!"

"Listen Fluttershy, I know you want to accomplish this goal, but I think Discord is going to have to be an exception. It would be best if we turn him back to stone if he's never going to learn his lesson."

"I know that, Bond...but let me try one more method I have in my head."

We all nodded before we saw Discord water skiing.

"Hey there, Fluttershy, you want a turn? The water's great!" Discord yelled.

"Time to see if it works."

"Fluttershy, oh, there you are. A sight for sore eyes."

"As you can see, there's a big mess down here at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Oh, yes. Awful business, that. Mm."

"It is awful. This is Applejack's home, and it's being destroyed by innocent creatures who would never be acting this way if it weren't for your reckless behaviour. You need to fix this."

"Oh, yes, very well, I will fix it. I only ask one thing in return."

"Yes?"

"I ask that you never use your Element of Harmony against me. As a sign of our friendship."

"What...you can't do that deal!" I exclaimed.

"I will never use my Element of Harmony against you." she then took off her necklace and threw it to Spike.

"Excellent!" Discord yelled as he snapped his fingers, "There, much better! I do prefer ice skating to water skiing! Don't you?"

We noticed her turned the river into ice and there was jury that gave him 10's and they looked like him.

"Discord! That's not fixing it!" Fluttershy yelled as she galloped towards him, "Why, I oughta..."

"Where are you going? What's wrong, pal?"

"Don't call me your pal!"

"Oh, pfft, come skating with me, and we'll let bygones be bygones." he then brought out a pair of ice skates for Fluttershy.

"Here you go, Fluttershy! Game on!" Spike said as he brought Fluttershy's necklace to her.

"He fixes this or he goes back to being stone! Princess Celestia will understand!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I made a promise not to use my element against him, and I'm going to keep it."

We then gasped, thinking this could get a lot worse.

"Hahah! You see? She wants to have fun with me because we're friends. She can't use the elements against me because we're friends. I'm free forever!" Discord boasted proudly.

"Not. Your. Friend!" Fluttershy yelled angrily as she threw her ice skates away.

"Who cares? I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm Discord, the master of chaos! You think you can boss Discord around? You think I'm just going to turn all this back because you say so? Because if I don't, I'll lose the one friend I ever had?"

"Is that how you see your life, Discord?" I asked, "Just you and you alone against the world with no friends at all? Sure you may have your freedom, but if you had ever stopped to think, you would know that having no friends to spend your time with can make it a pretty lonely world for you. So I hope you enjoy your time going back to stone, because you'll never have another friend like Fluttershy again and you will never have the chance to have fun and be friend for all eternity!"

Discord then stopped suddenly and changed expression, "Oh, oh..." he said to himself and now he felt sad. "Well played, Fluttershy and Bond. Well played."

He then jumped onto a tree and began to use his magic to restore the whole of the apple orchard and the beavers back to normal. We all cheered around Fluttershy as we shared a group hug, although I had a part in this by the end of it, Discord then appeared in front of us, but seemed vulnerable and happy for the first time.

"I liked it better my way, but...I guess when you're friends, you can't always have things exactly your way all the time, eh?" Discord said to us.

"See, that's what we were trying to tell you, everything in your life is better when you have friends." I replied.

"Spike, get a letter to the Princess." Twilight requested.

"Got it." Spike replied as he went off to write a letter.

Sometime later, it was around sunset and we were on the outskirts of town with Discord and the Celestia had just arrived to see us.

"Yes, Princess, I'm ready to use my magic for good instead of evil...most of the time." he muttered hoping nopony would hear it.

I heard it though and I rolled my eyes, think that he still has a lot to learn about friendship.

"Congratulations on your success, ponies. I definitely sense a big change in Discord." Celestia said before she said to Twilight, "I'll leave the Elements of Harmony with you, Twilight. Just in case."

"You were right when you said Fluttershy would be the one to find the way to reform Discord. By treating Discord as a friend, she got him to realize that friendship was actually important to him. And something that, once he had, he didn't want to lose." Twilight replied.

"Go on. Say it..." Fluttershy said to Discord.

"Alright...friendship is magic." he said quickly.

"See? He can be a real sweetheart once you get to know him." she added, causing us to look awkward about it.

"Well Discord, it's time for you to have a place in the castle." Celestia said as she got on her carriage.

"Oooh, I've always wanted a place up there..." Discord replied as he got on another carriage that had space for him to sit. "...just to be sure, we're on the right track, are we?" he asked us.

"Well, you have a lot to learn about friendship and we mean a lot, but you're off to a start I guess." I replied.

"Thank you...we're ready to go."

Soon, Discord and Celestia were on their way out of Ponyville, leaving us to have another group hug.

We were walking back to the centre of Ponyville when Spike burped out a letter.

"Another letter, what's this one about?" I asked.

Spike read the letter.

"It's from Princess Cadence, she wants help at the Crystal Empire tomorrow so they have a chance to host the upcoming Equestria Games."

"Equestria games?"

"Looks like we've gotta lot of packing to do, ah say we make a start so we're ready for the morning." Applejack advised.

"Good idea, let's call it a day and start preparing." Twilight added.

We all nodded, exchanging our farewells and heading back to our homes. When it was only Rarity and I together, we shared a loving kiss before I walked off to my home whilst Rarity did the same. When I got in, I took off my clothes and sighed, seeing I didn't sleep in my home last night as I normally do.

I got a few of my saddle bags out on the table and began to pack up a few drinks, I would then do the rest of the packing in the morning. But for now, I wanted to get some sleep and recap on today only, I never thought it was possible for someone like Discord to be changed to good and not stay evil forever. It seems like he's now learning to change for the better with Fluttershy helping him and let's hope she can make sure she gets him to learn lessons about friendship.

Game Ponies Play

I woke up the next morning and the first order of business was to finish off my packing, so I put on my clothes and packed a few bits of food for the train journey. I smiled as I was happy with what I needed, I then left the home to see the other girls already leaving the library.

"You absolutely sure you can do this?" Twilight asked Spike.

"Of course. Wouldn't have agreed to it if I couldn't. Piece of cake. Speaking of cake, I got a little something I need to attend to." Spike replied before pulling out a cooking book.

"Yeah, like keeping an eye on a house full of critters."

"Uh, yeah, uh, that was totally what I was talking about. Relax. Go to your welcoming thing in the Crystal Empire. Spike's got it all under control."

Spike then closed the door and suddenly, huge animal noises shook the house.

"Morning girls, I guess you've asked Spike to watch over your pets while we're away?" I asked.

"Yeah, but I am worried that he can't handle it." Twilight replied.

"I wouldn't worry and besides..." I paused as I kissed Rarity, "...Rarity and I will be able to share our love without him knowing."

"Yeah that's true, partner." Applejack agreed.

"Hurry up, guys! We can't miss our train!" Dash exclaimed as we trotted over to the station where our train was there.

"Tickets." The conductor said as we showed him the tickets that Twilight bought for all of us.

"Oh, this is gonna be a real treat. Princess Cadence said she'd never seen the Crystal Ponies so excited." Applejack said.

"Duh! Of course they're excited. They're up for the Equestria Games. It's only the biggest sporting event in all of Equestria." Dash added.

"Didn't Cloudsdale host the Equestria Games one year?" Rarity asked.

"No. Cloudsdale should have hosted the games one year. I'll never forget when we got the bad news."

"Well, these Crystal Ponies lost a thousand years to an evil king's curse. They've had enough bad news. No way we're letting them experience the pain of losing out on these games." I intervened.

"Exactly. Princess Cadence is counting on us to do our part to convince the Games Inspector to choose the Crystal Empire. And we are not gonna let her down. Are we?" Twilight added.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO! What? I was just answering Twilight's question." Pinkie said.

We rolled our eyes over at Pinkie's dramatic reply as we got on the train, we were then on our way to the Crystal Empire.

Thankfully, the journey wasn't as long as before since the curse was long gone when we dealt with that unicorn king. When we arrived, we got off the train and Pinkie already made a beeline for the cake store beside the station.

When we left the station, we stopped to look at the city which looked even more sparkling than before.

"Wow! The Crystal Empire looks crystallier than ever!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"That's not even a word." I muttered.

"They must have everypony in the Empire out sprucing it up!" Applejack added as we arrived into the city.

"This must be why we were asked to handle the welcome committee routine." Twilight thought.

"And it's probably also because we'll be awesome at it." Dash added.

"Princess Cadence was right. These ponies do look pretty darn excited."

"Yup, I remember that feeling. But not as much as I remember the crushing wave of disappointment that came when things didn't work out. That right there. That is the face I do not want to see."

We carried on walking further in the city till we were at a fashion salon, we walked in to see two workers and Cadence herself.

"We're here." Twilight called.

"There are my girls..." Cadence replied before she noticed me"...oh and you as well, Bond.

Twilight and Cadence then did their chant again.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

One of these days, that chant is going to be grating to everypony, I thought to myself.

"Oh, my. This is spectacular. Please, everypony, stand back! I need air!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Go ahead and try whatever you like. It's all complimentary for the welcome committee." Cadence replied.

"Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo!"

"That over there is a crystal mud bath, which relaxes your body and rejuvenates your coat. Now, I realize it can be kind of strange to climb into mud, but if you'll just give it a chance, I'm sure-"

"Woo-hoo!" Pinkie yelled as she jumped in the mud bath.

"Pinkie, no!" Twilight yelled, but it was too late.

"Ahh, so relaxing!"

"Pinkie Pie! Honestly!"

I took Rarity's hoof, just to remind her that I'm still here, she smiled back at me and gave me a quick kiss.

"Go ahead, have a good time while I get my ceremonial headdress done." Cadence said.

"Ceremonial... headdress?" Rarity asked excitedly.

"When meeting with important guests, it was tradition for rulers of the Crystal Empire to weave crystals into their manes in a very specific way. The Games Inspector is known for doing her homework. She'll certainly be expecting my look to reflect the importance of her visit."

Just then, the doors opened and a crystal mare came by to tell Cadence something.

"Princess, if I may have a word... I-I have two pieces of news for you. First, your mane stylist has the flu and won't be able to make it for fear of you catching it, too." she said.

"Oh. Well... I hope she's better soon. Do any of the other stylists here know how to do the traditional royal ceremonial headdress?" Cadence asked the other crystal ponies.

Neither of them knew and shook their heads.

"Oh...just a... small detail."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're trying to land the Equestria Games here. There is no such thing as a small detail!" Dash said.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight scolded lightly.

"I suppose...I could give it a shot." Rarity intervened.

"Oh, Rarity, you would do that for me?" Cadence asked.

"Way to step it up, Rare!"

"Fortunately, I have all the precise instructions right here."

Cadence then rolled out a scroll that looked quite long.

"Oh, my!" Rarity gasped.

"You sure you're up to this?"

"Working on the hair of royalty on such an auspicious occasion is the opportunity of a lifetime! I will give it everything I've got!"

"See? No worries!" Twilight added.

"Besides, the Games Inspector isn't expected for several hours. I'll have plenty of time to figure out exactly how to... do... this..."

"Oh, Rarity, that's wonderful!" Cadence then turned to the messenger, "You said you had a second bit of news?"

"Yes, quite. The Games Inspector, Ms. Harshwhinny, will be arriving on the... next train."

All the mares gasped except me as I had now idea who that was.

"What!? You couldn't have told her that news first!? That's fifteen minutes from now!" Dash exclaimed.

"Oh, my goodness!" Fluttershy added.

"How long before Cadance is ready?" Twilight asked Rarity as she was looking through the list.

"Hmm...I'm sure to find some shortcuts." she replied.

"Can you have her back at the castle when we're done?"

"Done." she then turned to me, "This could take a while, darling. I'll be alright in here, you and others focus on the task."

"Alright, love, don't work too hard." I replied with a smile.

We then shared a loving kiss before I walked out with other five mares.

"Okay, we'll be fine. Everypony, just be on the look out for the pony with the flower print luggage." Twilight said.

"Easy peasy, pudding in the freezy!" Pinkie added, bouncing.

"We bring the Games Inspector back to the castle, put on our big welcome committee how-do-you-do and then..."

"Put the pudding out to thaw before you eat it or you'll crack a tooth?" I asked randomly.

"I'll just ignore that. We need to remember that the Games Inspector arriving early is probably part of a plan to psych us out." Dash said.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"You said it yourself. She's got a rep for trying to catch hosts off-guard, just to see if we can handle the kind of massive pressure that comes with hosting the Equestria Games."

"Oh, no...we're gonna blow it..." Fluttershy added with a bit of worry.

"Not if we always stay one step ahead and don't fall for any of her mind games. Anything she throws at us, we just need to remember she's testing us and roll with it."

We then trotted out of the city when I felt a tap on my shoulder, before I turned around to see Shining Armour.

"Hey Bond." he greeted.

"Oh hey Shining." I replied.

"Shining!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Twily!"

They shared a quick hug.

"Oh if you don't mind, sis, I wanna give Bond here a tour of my commands and actions of a royal guard."

"Alright, we've got an important errand to run, we'll see you later Bond."

The girls then rushed off to the station whilst Shining took me to inside the castle and down the stairs

"This here Bond is the entrance to the royal guard academy, it's full of both guards that are in either crystal form or not." he explained before we went through the doors to see a training facility, a mess hall and a pathway that leads into the light somewhere.

"Now, that there is the shooting range for the unicorn guards, it's always worth keeping their accuracy in check, as I'm sure you would know."

"Well, I haven't been doing any target practice since my magic isn't used like that." I replied.

"Why don't you give it a try for today only?"

"Hmm, I guess I could."

We then walked over to the training area and I got in line. A target appeared from far away and with my horn, I took aim and fired a few shots with my magic. When I was done, the target moved closer so I could see where I got the target.

"Not bad for a first time." Shining complimented. "Now next is the obstacle course, these are for the crystal earth ponies who wanna get in and to join our ranks...think you can handle it without using your magic or wings?"

"I'll see what I can do."

"Great, now start over here and get in position."

I walked over to the front line and got myself ready.

"Ready...GO!"

I then began to gallop, jump and crouch throughout the course and when I was done, I was by the finish line and caught my breath for a few seconds.

"Now that's how you nail the course, now come with me, this is the last thing I wanna show you."

We then walked into the bright light and I found myself in a small crystal stadium.

"We use this stadium to train ourselves up in case we win the right to host the Equestria Games and we're hoping to get that chance this year." he said as I looked at a few ponies at work, training.

We then saw the doors at the top of the stairs open, it was Twilight who trotted down towards us.

"Hey Twily, what's up?" Shining asked.

"Hello again, Shining Armour, you've gotta help me." Twilight replied.

Shining then blew his whistle and the ponies all began to run around the track.

"Everything okay?"

"I left the other ponies behind giving the Games Inspector the worst castle tour ever."

"Castle tour, huh? I'm pretty sure I can give you a hoof with that. Everything's gonna be okay."

"I know, I'm not worried. I'm not worried... it worked!"

"I'm outside!" a beige mare with green mane exclaimed, "Feels so good to stretch the old legs!"

She then galloped around the track with the other ponies.

"Uh, what the-" I was then cut off.

"Turns out the crystal castle doesn't have a gymnasium." Dash said.

"Make her stop!" Shining exclaimed.

"Wait, that's the Games Inspector! Let her do her thing."

"Uhh, are you sure about that, Dash, she doesn't look like it to me." I said.

The mare then stopped by us, when she saw me as an alicorn.

"You...are Ms. Harshwhinny, the Equestria Games Inspector, aren't you?" I asked.

"Inspector what-now?" she replied.

The five mares gasped.

"We got the wrong pony?!" Dash gasped.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO! I mean, YEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!" Pinkie shouted.

Twilight then began to breathe but in a panic state.

"Twily, get a hold of yourself, you and the other girls should go back to the station and find her." Shining said "Bond, you should go and see Cadence and don't let her know about this mess."

"I'm on it, let's go girls." I declared.

We all then galloped out of the crystal stadium before splitting up. The girls went back to the station and I galloped over to the beauty parlour where I know Rarity and Cadence would be. When I got there, I opened the door to see them still there along with two other mares who were relaxing.

"Every city and empire wants to host the Equestria Games. So, I have to go through all the big phony-baloney song and dance, though of course, I'm never getting the real inside scoop." said the brown mare with gold mane and was dressed in a purple suit.

"Oh, golly, I've been having a swell time since I got here. I'm actually thinking of extendin' my stay." the other mare replied who I think was the same one we bumped into just a short while ago.

"And what exactly has made your visit so special?"

"Oohohohoooh, gosh, where to start?"

I walked closer to Rarity who was standing beside a tall blind stand, Cadence is probably getting changed or something.

"Oh hi darling, is everything alright?" Rarity asked me.

I was about to answer when the other girls came in from behind me.

"Wonderful news, look! Princess Cadence, better than new!" Rarity added as she showed Cadence in her new look and I had to admit, she looked amazingly wonderful.

"Princess Cadence?" the brown warm asked as she jumped up to see Cadence. "So, this is where you've been! I will have you know this is by far the worst welcome I've had in all my years!"

"I-I can't believe it...what was wrong with your welcome?" Cadence asked.

"There wasn't one!"

"What is going on?"

"Princess, we gave our welcome to the wrong pony, left the right one waiting at the station, and completely ruined everything." Dash explained.

"Cinnamon bun?" Pinkie asked before she squeed.

I facehoofed, "Maybe I should've gone with you girls instead, I probably would've helped you out with my identification spell." I sighed.

"When I was a little filly, I wanted so badly for Cloudsdale to win the Equestria Games. But it didn't happen. So I thought I could make up for that disappointment by helping the Crystal Empire win the chance to host the Games. But it looks like I ruined your chances instead." Dash said.

"Not so fast, speedy." the beige mare intervened.

"I just finished hearing about how Ms. Peachbottom was just treated to the warmest, finest, most fabulous reception she ever had." the brown mare added.

"Darn tootin'"

"Courtesy of these fine ponies right here. Which I, Ms. Harshwhinny in my expert opinion, amounts to the first ever unvarnished, unrehearsed, and unbiased appraisal of a potential host of the Equestria Games. Which can only mean one thing..."

Sometime later, we were at the stadium with every other pony in attendance, about to hear the news.

"...The next host of the Equestria Games is...the Crystal Empire!" Cadence announced.

All the ponies and us cheered at the great news.

"We did it!" Dash exclaimed.

"Congratulations, Crystal Ponies!" Cadence added as a huge spark above the crystal tower blew into several light wave colours.

Soon, it was time for us to go home to Ponyville, since our work at the Crystal Empire was done.

"You know, it feels good to help others get something you always wanted but never had. Almost as good as getting it yourself. Almost." Dash said.

"We'll still be able to come back here and watch the games when they're played." Twilight assured as we got in the train with our saddle bags.

"You're right. That'll rock!"

"All aboard!" the conductor said before the train began to start moving, we were on our way back home.

"It's a shame Spike had to miss out on all this. He would've had fun here." Pinkie said.

"I'm sure he's having a great time watching all the critters back at home." Twilight replied.

"Think he's still got a handle on things?" Applejack asked.

"If he's staying calm and collected, I bet he's doing a terrific job as a leader." I answered.

The girls nodded in agreement.

Soon, we were back in Ponyville by sunset and as we got off the train and onto the station, we saw Spike with all the pet animals.

"Well Spike, looks like you took care of the pets." I commented.

"I sure did, although I wasn't able to bake a gem cake out of it." he replied.

"Probably because of your desire to eat as many gems as possible, Spikey Wikey." Rarity said.

"Well, it's time we called it a day, ya'll." Applejack declared.

We all nodded in agreement as we exchanged our farewells with the pets all back with their owners. I walked to my home and I was about to walk in when I felt my hoof grabbed on.

"Wait darling, you forgot to give me a proper 'see you tomorrow'." Rarity said to me.

"Oh yes...how I could I ever forget your beauty and love for me?" I replied.

We shared a passionate kiss which lasted for a great amount of time.

"See you tomorrow, love." I said.

"Same to you, dear." she replied.

We kissed again before hugging and then allowing me to walk into my home whilst Rarity went her way home. I got in and took my clothes off as well as unpacking my saddle bags, before having a quick meal and then calling it a night as it was the evening time.

As I got into bed, I looked back on today, it was quite an eventful day to say the least, I for one am very happy that the Crystal Empire is getting to host the Equestria Games, even though I have never seen it nor been to one before. It'll be a very, very long wait until that day arrives.

In the meantime...the rest of the week shall be fine and dandy.

Magical Mystery Cure

I woke up the next morning to see a bright and clear day, although I noticed a few clouds sparkling around which was confusing. After I had a clean shower as I really needed one for Celestia knows how long, I went over to my breakfast and then noticed my food stocks were running low again, although thankfully, this is happening less often as I am controlling how much I eat each day.

When I was done with breakfast, I put on my clean clothes and walked outside to see the whole town just normal which made me more curious, I then looked over at the Library house to see Twilight open a window and started singing, I trotted over to hear what she was saying musically.

Morning in Ponyville shimmers

Morning in Ponyville shines

And I know for absolute certain

That everything is certainly fine

There's the Mayor en route to her office

There's the sofa clerk selling some quills

"Morning, Bond." she greeted in her normal voice.

"Morning, Twilight." I replied.

My Ponyville is so gentle and still

Can things ever go wrong?

I don't think that they will

Morning in Ponyville shimmers

Morning in Ponyville shines

And I know for absolute certain

That everything is certainly-

She was then interrupted by a huge splash of rain from the clouds.

"Rainbow Dash, that's not funny!" Twilight exclaimed before she and I noticed that it was Rarity."

"Terribly sorry, darling. I'm afraid I'm... I'm not good with the thundery ones." she replied.

"Something tells me everything is not going to be fine." I stated the obvious.

Rarity began moving the clouds with her magic.

"What are you doing? What happened to your cutie mark?" Twilight asked Rarity.

"Whatever do you mean, Twilight? I'm simply doing what I've done since the day it first appeared. Does my sky look fabulous or what?" she then heard ponies around Ponyville complain. "Too last season?"

"Where is Rainbow Dash? Why isn't she handling this?"

"Oh Rainbow is attending to her animals in her lovely cottage."

Twilight and I looked at each other and we knew we had to find out what else has gone wrong. We trotted over to what was supposed to be Fluttershy's cottage but it didn't seem to be for some reason.

"Something strange is going on..." I said as I knocked the door.

"Hey, guys." Dash greeted.

"Rainbow Dash! Why is Rarity doing your job?" Twilight asked.

"And what in Equestria is going on in...here?" I added.

We looked inside to see a whole load of animals roaming around the place, music began to play.

"Ugh...this is gonna be one of those days." I muttered as Dash began to sing.

These animals don't listen, no, not one little bit

They run around out of control and throw their hissy fits

It's up to me to stop them, 'cause plainly you can see

It's got to be my destiny, and it's what my cutie mark is telling me

The music kept going as we trotted to Sugarcube Corner to find Fluttershy working there now as she began to sing.

I try to keep them laughing, put a smile upon their face

But no matter what I try, it seems a bit of a disgrace

I have to entertain them, it's there for all to see

It's got to be my destiny, and it's what my cutie mark is telling me

We then galloped to Sweet Apple Acres to see Pinkie Pie, trying to buck down the apples from the trees.

I don't care much for pickin' fruit and plowin' fields ain't such a hoot

No matter what I try, I cannot fix this busted water chute!

I've got so many chores to do, it's no fun being me

But it has to be my destiny, 'cause it's what my cutie mark is telling me

Next was Carousel Boutique and we noticed Applejack not doing well at making dresses.

Lookie here at what I made, I think that it's a dress

I know it doesn't look like much, I'm under some distress

Could y'all give me a hand here and help me fix this mess?

My destiny is not pretty, but it's what my cutie mark is tellin' me

Before we went back to the main area of the town to see Rarity with her cloud shapes.

I'm in love with weather patterns, but the others have concerns

For I just gave them frostbite over top of their sunburns

I have to keep on trying, for everyone can see

Then all of them joined in for the big finish.

It's got to be

It's got to be

My destiny

My destiny

And it's what my cutie mark

It's what my cutie mark

Yes, it's what my cutie mark is telling me!

"This is bad. This is very, very bad." Twilight stated as we were in her library home.

We then saw Spike woke up.

"What's going on? What's happening?!" He asked.

"Last night when you were taking one of your seven-hour bubble baths, I got a special delivery from the princess."

She then read out the letter that was on her table.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle, the spell contained on the last page of this book is Star Swirl the Bearded's secret unfinished masterpiece. He was never able to get it right, and thus abandoned it. I believe you are the only pony who can understand and rewrite it. Princess Celestia From one to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny singled out alone, fulfilled. That doesn't make any sense. It doesn't even rhyme!"

We then walked over to the elements of harmony display case where the colours were mixed up...apart from mine.

"I cast the spell so I could find out what it was, but nothing seemed to happen. But now I know something did happen. The spell has changed the Elements of Harmony! That must be why their cutie marks are all wrong!"

"Well...except for mine though, why is that?" I asked.

"I think it's because that since you were born with alicorn powers, yours was strong enough to block the casted spell."

"So just cast a counter-spell to switch the rest of them back." Spike said.

"There is no counter-spell!"

"Why don't you just use that memory spell you used to fix everypony when Discord was here?"

"It's not their memories, Spike. It's their true selves that have been altered!"

"Zecora's cure for the cutie pox?"

"That won't work either..."

Spike sighed, "Well, maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe our friends will grow to like their new lives."

"No, Spike. They're not who they are meant to be anymore. Their destinies are now changed and it's all my fault."

Soon music began to play as Twilight went upstairs, I then followed her up to her bedroom,she looked out the window and began to sing.

I have to find a way

To make this all okay

I can't believe this small mistake

Could've caused so much heartache

Oh why, oh why?

Losing promise

I don't know what to do

Seeking answers

I fear I won't get through to you

Oh why, oh why?

"Oh Bond, what have I done?" she asked as she hugged me which I replied with holding her with a hug.

"Aww cheer up Twilight, you'll figure out a way to fix this. They're your friends." I replied.

"You're right, Bond. And they mean more to me than anything. My friends..."

She then pulled away and began to show a determination look.

"Twilight? Are you alright?"

"I've got it! I know what to do!"

"You do?"

"I may not be able to remind them of who they are, but I can show them what they mean to each other. They'll find the part of themselves that's been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much! Come on, Bond!"

We then walked downstairs where Twilight gave me my element of harmony necklace and placing her own element on her head before placing the rest in a small box that Spike was willing to carry. We galloped out of Ponyville to find Fluttershy with her bag walking towards the hot air balloon.

"Fluttershy, wait!" Twilight yelled.

"Oh... Hey, Twilight..." she replied.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm moving back to Cloudsdale. I don't know what's wrong, but I can't seem to make anypony laugh."

"Before you go, we were wondering if you might be willing to help Rainbow Dash. She's really struggling with her animals." I said.

"But... I don't really know anything about animals..."

"But you do know something about Rainbow Dash."

"I... know that she's a true friend, and I'll do anything I can to help her."

We then galloped over to her cottage to see Dash held hostage in a cooking pot.

"I'm in here! Help! I'm trapped!" Dash yelled.

"Hurry, Twilight! Can't you do some sort of spell to get her out?" Fluttershy asked.

"No. Fluttershy, you're the only one who can help! Rainbow Dash needs you!" Twilight replied.

Fluttershy walked further inside and did her best to tend to the animals.

"Um... Hello? Little... woodland creatures? I know that you're all very upset and feel like giving Rainbow Dash a hard time, but we'd all really appreciate it if you'd calm down and, um, maybe... rest for a bit? Oh! Uh... look! Here's some nice, juicy leaves for you to munch on. And some crunchy, munchy acorns too. Uh, wouldn't you like to take a break and have a little snack?"

Soon, all the animals stopped and went over to the animal foods.

"Aww, look at that. I guess you were all just cranky because you were hungry. Oh, you are very welcome, little friends."

"Goodness, it's like I can understand them! I... I feel strange, like... like this is what I'm meant to do, like this is who I am! My destiny! Wha... what happened?"

We then noticed Fluttershy's cutie mark change back to her three butterflies when Twilight her element on her neck.

"Fluttershy, look! Your cutie mark! It worked! It worked! Oh, I'm so happy you're back to normal! Now we need your help!" Twilight exclaimed.

Music started to play again with Twilight and Fluttershy singing.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

"Um, hello? Friend trapped inside, remember?" I pointed out before they untied Dash and freed her.

We then trotted out of the cottage and into the main town see Rarity at her worst which made me incredibly sad as I love her so much.

Rarity needs your help

She's trying hard, doing what she can

Would you try, just give it a chance

You might find that you'll start to understand

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help you see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light that shines from a true, true friend.

Dash then kicked out all of the dark clouds to reveal a bright afternoon whilst I hugged Rarity and gave her a quick cheek kiss to show my true love, but made sure Spike didn't notice.

Twilight then gave Dash her element necklace and her cutie mark was back to her normal rainbow thunder cloud.

"Uh, what just happened?" Dash asked.

"There's no time to explain, but we need your help. Applejack's trying to make dresses!" Twilight replied.

"Say no more!"

We galloped to carousel boutique and walked in to find the place boarded up with Applejack working miserably by the sewing machine.

Applejack needs your help

She's trying hard, doing what she can

Would you try, just give it a chance

You might find that you'll start to understand

Rarity then moved Applejack to the side as Rarity began doing her dresses with her magic.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light that shines from a true, true friend.

Rarity  then got her necklace and her original cutie mark came back.

"Oh my, what a terrible dream I had. Or, maybe I'm still having it." she said.

"Rarity, Pinkie Pie is about to lose the apple farm. We need Applejack's help!"

"Lose the apple farm? Well we can't let that happen, now can we?"

We galloped to Sweet Apple Acres to see pinkie with her mane straight down and upset as Rarity began to sing.

Pinkie Pie is in trouble

We need to get there by her side

We can try to do what we can now

For together we can be her guide

Applejack began to buck the trees and got the hang of it once again.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light that shines from a true, true friend

The same procedure then happened as before as Applejack was back to normal with her original cutie mark.

"Yee-haw! Now that's more like it! What's next?" Applejack asked.

"The townspeople are furious. We need the old Pinkie Pie back."

"Ah'm on it. Ah know just the thing."

We returned to the town as Applejack sung her part.

The townspeople need you

They've been sad for a while

They march around, face a-frown

And never seem to smile

And if you feel like helpin'

We'd appreciate a lot

If you'd get up there and spread some cheer

From here to Canterlot

Pinkie then grabbed her necklace and began to perform in front of the ponyville Ponies.

"Come on ponies, I wanna see you SMILE!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"PINKIE!" The crowed responded before she and the rest of us all began to sing.

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

A friend will be there to help them see

A true, true friend helps a friend in need

To see the light! (To see the light!)

That shines! (That shines!)

From a true, true friend!

The song was then over...at last as we all shared a group hug before Twilight gasped.

"Wait a second, that's it! I understand now! I know how to fix the spell!" she said.

We then made our way to the library where Twilight got the book she received and began to write.

"From all of us together, together we're friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!" she announced before our necklaces starting to shoot out beams at Twilight before a huge bright took over the area and when it was goes, so was Twilight.

We all stood there, feeling shocked.

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked.

We then noticed a small smoke area of where she vanished, it had the marking of her cutie mark.

"Wait a second girls, I've got it. I know what to do with another spell I learnt from the alicorn book." I said as I walked into the middle of the room.

"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.

"There is a spell that allows me to walk into pony's state of concious and teleport myself to wherever he or she is."

"Explain that again, sugarcube." Applejack said in confusion.

"Just let me perform the spell...oh and wait outside, I'll need concentration to pull this off."

"Okie dokie lokie." Pinkie replied as the girls left the library.

With my magic, I attempted to perform the spell and it took a lot of my magic strength, suddenly, in one bright light, I was no longer in the library, I was in...some kind of other dimension. Then I saw Twilight who was not far from where I was, we were floating as well.

"Hello?" Twilight asked.

"Twilight...there you are." I called out.

"Oh Bond, where are we? What is this place?"

"I have no idea, all I did was performed a dimension travel spell that nearly took out my whole strength."

Then Princess Celestia showed up in front of us.

"Congratulations, Twilight....and Bond I knew you could do it." she said.

"Princess...I don't understand. What did I do?" Twilight asked.

"You did something today that's never been done before. Something even a great unicorn like Star Swirl the Bearded was not able to do, because he did not understand friendship like you do. The lessons you've learned here in Ponyville have taught you well. You have proven that you're ready, Twilight.

"Ready? Ready for what?"

We then walked across the dimension and music began to play as Celestia started to sing with images of our previous moments being shown.

You've come such a long, long way

And I've watched you from that very first day

To see how you might grow

To see what you might do

To see what you've been through

And all the ways you've made me proud of you

It's time now for a new change to come

You've grown up and your new life has begun

To go where you will go

To see what you will see

To find what you will be

For it's time for you to fulfil your destiny

Celestia then flew up and used a beam magic at Twilight who then floated up and in one massive bright light, we were out of the dimension and outside the library home, I woke up to see the evening sky just beginning and I saw Twilight getting up...and showing off her wings!

"SAY WHAT?!" I shouted.

All the other mares and Spike gasped.

"Wha...ah've never seen anything like it!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Ha! Twilight's got wings! Awesome! A new flying buddy!" Dash said happily.

"Why, you've become an Alicorn. I didn't even know that was possible." Rarity added.

"Alicorn party!" Pinkie shouted, swinging by a kazoo.

"Wow...You look just like a princess!" Fluttershy said.

"That's because she is a princess." Celestia said who appeared.

"Huh?" the mares asked.

"Wait...hold on a second!" I intervened as I drank a glass or water and spat it out.

"A... A princess?" Twilight asked.

"Since you've come to Ponyville, you've displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess."

"But...does this mean I won't be your student anymore?"

"Not in the same way as before. I'll still be here to help and guide you, but we're all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight."

"But...what do I do now? Is there a book about being a princess I should read?"

"There will be time for all of that later, but tomorrow there'll be a coronation for you Twilight."

"Well in that case, we should get a lot of rest as it's night time by now." I said.

"Of course, I will meet you all tomorrow."

Celestia then flew up and back to Canterlot, we were all tired from today's event as well, so we called it a night and exchanged our farewells before we all made our own way home. I got into my home and took off my clothes, I walked straight to bed and recapped on everything today.

I just couldn't believe it...not only did I pull off that mind dimension travel spell, but Twilight has now become an alicorn. That means that I can have her travel with me in case she wants to go to Cloudsdale for something. I have a feeling that tomorrow will indeed be just fine for Twilight.

Just as I started to dream away, something came to me...like I felt an evil chord struck into me but then again I probably had been working too hard with my magic, so maybe a long rest will do me good.

Settling The Score

Dear Celestia...right now, I was going through a huge headache, almost bordering on a migraine moment...and it was hurting so much whilst I was trying to sleep and dream peacefully, but it didn't seem to be working.

I had seemed to be dreaming and it was quite a heavy dream as I was even struggling to find way to wake up as I normally would. I was moving about and shaking a little fierce until I saw a jump scare moment that made me scream my lungs out with extreme fright.

I woke up after a sudden shock as I took deep breaths and tried to calm down, wondering if what I just had was a very bad dream or something worse...no, Princess Luna could possibly give me that dream unless it was a warning or something. Checking through my surroundings just to be sure, I looked out the window to see it still the night-time before checking my pocketwatch.

"Hmm, it's only been 10 minutes since I went to sleep." I said to myself.

I then felt a moment of coldness, but I wasn't physically...it was something else as if a chill presence had arrived, I got out of bed and no sooner did I feel my hooves contact the floor, I heard a weird  voice calling in my head.

Yeeeeeeessss...walk out of the home...see the awful truth that has finally caught up to you.

"Who is that? Explain yourself!" I exclaimed, feeling worried.

I got no reply as I left my bed, past the sofa and towards my door before I heard that voice again.

That's right...open the door...see Ponyville for what it REALLY is.

"Not until you tell me who you are and what is going on out here." I replied firmly.

You will find out shortly...now open it!

I sighed and opened the door and walked out to find...the whole town just normal, but not exactly. I walked across the whole town to find the place completely silent underneath the moon, but there was something odd about the moon. It wasn't a normal colour, it was in red...I was beginning to realize that something strange is going on here and there's a source of evil nearby.

I then noticed red stars appearing in the night sky and began to form a shape, like a constellation which was what Twilight described it as. Suddenly, white lines began to appear between each star, making the constellation more clearer and then I began to feel a more intimidating sense of eerie around me.

The voice in my head spoke again.

Don't stand there you so-called pony, see the whole of town for yourself...even visit the apple farm if you wish.

Shaking my head, I walked over and into the library home to find the whole place dark and silent. There was no sign of Twilight and Spike at all, not even her pet owl was here, so I left the library confused.

Beautiful, isn't it? The sound of silence...but we're only just getting started.

"Get away from me!" I yelled as I heard the voice my head.

I went straight to Sugarcube Corner to see nopony around here either. Not even the sound of Pinkie's laughter was present, it was all silent.

I galloped to Carousel Boutique, hoping my marefriend was there. But there was nothing going on here as well, the sound of the sewing machine, the humming noises from Rarity and the generosity of sharing her love with me was not there, now I was beginning to feel scared.

You should be by now...but I will let you go elsewhere if you don't believe me.

"No...I can't be scared of you!" I replied trying to not let my voice break.

I then flew up and straight to the cottage, but there was no Fluttershy around and her animals were not there as well. No presence of her kindness was around here...I then whooshed over to Sweet Apple Acres where I had the same reception, no sign of trees being bucked to make the apples fall, Applejack and her family were not present at all.

This left me with one place to look, so I flew up and up to Cloudsdale and my jaw dropped to find the whole city of clouds completely deserted, no doubt that Rainbow Dash wouldn't be here, based on my earlier encounters. Now I felt incredibly worried before I noticed the blue sky turning into complete black with the stars going from white to red.

I flew back to Ponyville and by now, the eerie presence was more stronger and more evil. Now I was certain, this is all the work of a powerful foe that has arrived here, but who is it and what purpose is he trying to prove here, why does it have to do something with me?

"Wherever you are...come on out and show yourself you evil freak!" I demanded.

I then heard hoofsteps approaching in front of me, I looked ahead to see a huge cloak covering the whole pony. The source of evil around me was getting darker and colder, this pony must be the reason behind all this, how can it have so much power to pull this off?

The pony then stopped as he was just thirteen feet away from me, he moved his head up slightly before I saw a quick gaze in his eyes...it screamed out dark red like fresh blood, I startled at the sight and jumped back quickly.

"Good, I have your full attention." he commented.

I tried to regain my composure and remain brave and focused.

"You s-s-sure do and you will r-r-regret it, now tell me who you are this instant!" I demanded.

"Fool! You are in no position to order this pony around!"

"I do have the right, actually, for I am an alicorn myself...it's a shame you don't know-"

"I am aware of who you are and what kind you are...for I have seen you before!"

"Seen me before?" I pondered for a moment, "But how could you have done, what makes you think I am somepony you're looking for?"

"I have travelled a far, far path to finally see you again and I always knew that one day I would...or in this case, one dark night."

I snarled back, "For what, a chance to solve a problem...or something you wanted to finish but never could?"

"It goes much further than finishing off what I started...but now that we have met again, it is time for you to accept."

"Hah! You can't possibly expect me to be a pushover, I still don't know who you are, but if you know what's good for you, you turn your flank around and go away so Ponyville can be left in peace."

"SILENCE!" he shouted before clearing his throat, "Then perhaps this will recollect your memory..."

"What do you mean?"

He then began to sing a disturbing musical piece.

"You were the one that got away, when you witnessed the lives that left you.

The spilling of the blood, the sound of the bullets that rang through what was true.

That one dark night which was meant to be your last,

was denied for when the light shined, trying to run from your past."

"B-b-b-blood...b-b-bullets....my p-past..." I said, trying to shiver. "No...no, no, no...you can't mean..."

"I mean all that was witnessed as you saw the demise of what you called love,

but they are not with you and there is no point looking up to the above.

For I was the one who performed the deed in Fillydelphia all along,

now it is time to show myself and make you and all you hold dear...GONE!"

He then let out a deafening roar that caused trembles around us, he then pulled off his cloak to reveal himself for what he truly is...he showed himself as a dark black alicorn with several armour attachments in steel silver with his unicorn horn made of the same material.

"Now...do you remember?"

"NOOOO...the one who killed my parents in Fillydelphia? YOU HEARTLESS MONSTER!" I shouted as I began to control my emotions.

"Call me whatever you want, it makes no difference."

"But my parents NEVER did anything to you."

"You are right, they were just 'unfortunate' to cross my path when they saw me and my members performing an illegal crime...they had to be silenced!"

I began to show off my anger and my tears as I tried to find to way to build up strength to take him down.

"Now stay where you are...for I will do you a favour by sending you to see your parents...from the gates of Tartarus!"

He then blasted a bit of his dark magic but missed as I jumped out of the way in time.

"Hmph! You're faster than I expected, this is going to be a great battle...don't worry if you lose, your sister will join you before I am done."

"Sweet Chocolate...no, you will NEVER find her!"

"Oh but I can and I will...take this!"

He then pounced before I moved out of the way...I then took a shot with my magic to attack him...direct hit, but it didn't seem to faze him.

He then showed off his defiant laughter, "You worthless pony! Your alicorn strength is no match compared to mine!"

"Then I will keep trying...and soon, I will avenge my parent's deaths ...and you will be the one gone from here forever!"

"Just try!"

We then engaged into a battle of magic and physical attacks that lasted for a long time as well as battling all over Ponyville whilst I was trying not to damage the town that was still deserted...but no matter how I hard I tried, I was beginning to lose strength in carrying on. I had scraped him several times and he had a few cuts, but he wasn't that hurt one bit.

"Your struggles against a losing battle is worthless...accept your fate now and I promise to finish you quickly."

"A tempting offer...whatever your name is, but I have learnt far much more in the way of spells than you would know."

"I am the alicorn tyrant known as Dark Wonder and suit yourself...try this!"

He then disappeared before I saw several of him, he must've used a temporary decoy spell...I then remembered back to all the spells I learnt from the book...then it hit me. I started off with the pony identification spell I used before to locate the real Pinkie Pie, sure enough, I read the one on my centre right as the real deal...I then zapped my magic at him but he dodged and soon all the decoys disappeared.

"So you have learnt from books, that is nothing, all alicorns learn from books...how about a hurricane to destroy Ponyville?!"

He reappeared above me, flying as he spun in a big circle, causing the evil fog and wind to rise up and form into a hurricane, I then flew up and studied the direction the hurricane was moving. I remembered my anti wind spell back when I took care of that tornado outside the Wonderbolts academy. I then spun around the huge hurricane to bring it to a halt and it all turned into a gentle calm air once more.

"Impressive...it seems your time in Ponyville has trained you well. So much for wanting to move on from your past and dismiss it entirely!" Dark Wonder complimented.

"You're wrong! I would've been far too weak to face you and your cronies back then." I remarked.

"Actually, my cronies were decoys of me all along...that's right, even as an evil genius, I can have fun too."

"So not only are you a tyrant, you're a troll too?"

"As I said before, I don' t care what you call me...now if we are through...TAKE THIS!"

He fired another dark beam at me which was more stronger than before, but I created a huge bubble shield spell to protect me from the blast which worked. He fired several more which to my sadness was able to damage some of the buildings around Ponyville as I moved too fast for him.

"That does it, you little annoyance...I'VE HAD QUITE ENOUGH OF YOU!"

He then casted a spell on me...I couldn't move, I was stuck like a statue.

"Got you at last...you cannot save yourself from what you know is true, now say your farewell to this cruel world."

Dark Wonder began to swoop towards me with the intention to run his horn right through my heart...when suddenly, a bright light shone around the whole area and I saw three ponies appear in the centre before the light vanished.

"Bond Racer...are you alright?!" I heard one of them ask.

"Yeah...not a scratch, I'm glad to see you three here..." I replied.

It was Celestia, Luna and Twilight, I was relieved...then I saw a fourth mare appear.

"Sweet Chocolate!" I exclaimed.

Suddenly, I saw Dark Wonder regain his focus and noticing the appearances of the mares.

"Hah! So you decided to show up after all? No matter, I'll beat all of you one by one!" he yelled.

I grinned slightly at him, "It's funny you know, despite you being all powerful and magical, you have NO friends, you stand alone against the world...but you wouldn't know that, you might wanna ask Discord except you can't because he's reformed."

"Discord? Don't make me laugh! All it takes is one tempting offer to assist an evil being and he'll be back to his old ways, I foresee it!"

"Don't you talk to my bro that way, we'll put you away for good!" Sweet Chocolate scolded. "You WILL pay for killing our parents and trying to destroy us!"

"Good, good...use your aggressive feelings, mare...let the hate flow through you."

Now where did that line come from?

"Waaaagggghhh!" Dark Wonder shouted as he released a huge shock wave of magic, knocking all of us down by surprise.

"Ugh...he is far much stronger than I thought..." I struggled to say.

"Silence, Bond Racer! Now it's time for you to say farewell to this life."

He then made his move towards me with an evil grin until a beam knocked him off guard.

"Argh! What is this now?!"

I looked to see that the beam came from Sweet Chocolate, there was a bit of smoke coming from her mane on her head. She then sighed and swept her mane to one side to see... a horn!

"WHAT?! Sweet...you're an alicorn too?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes bro...I always have been." she replied before starting to tear up, "I'm sorry for not telling you this before, but I was just so ashamed of who I really was. The truth is...our parents wanted me to accept who I was, but I didn't because of the myth that alicorns have longer lives than other pony types, that's why our parents argued at me and why I really left."

"Sweet...I just can't believe it...but why tell me at a time like this?"

"WHO CARES!" Dark Wonder intervened, "Maybe your parents will be able to tell you that when I take care of both of you right now!"

He then shot another beam at us, but Sweet galloped to my side and performed a bubble shield to protect us...I felt my sister's power and it was even stronger than mine.

"What...why isn't it working?!"

"It's because I said before, we have one magic more powerful than yours and that is friendship!" I replied. "Now...it's time to d-d-d-d-DUEL!"

Sweet and I then jumped up and flew in the sky in unison as Dark Wonder did the same, he attacked once more but we fought back with our own magic beams that shone bright lights.

"Come on, you two...you must save us and Equestria!" Celestia exclaimed who got up and was recovering.

"Yes, you have to restore peace and harmony for us all!" Luna added who was the same.

"Do you have anything that can help overcome the Dark Wonder's power?" Twilight asked me.

"Wait...that's it...the power combo spell, it's the last spell I learnt in the book!" I exclaimed.

We aimed our beams at his eyes, blinding him for a moment, giving me a chance to speak.

"Sister, the power combo spell is a spell where if a unicorn or an alicorn creates magic, the energy can be combined with another said's magic power which makes the overall attack twice as powerful!" I explained.

"Are you sure about this, bro?" Sweet asked.

"I'm sure of it...and we have to, or we'll lose everything that we've gained in our lives right here."

"Okay, bro...let's do it!"

Shortly, my sister and I touched horns and began to create a huge magic...and it was twice as bright which nearly enveloped the entire area in brightness...blinding the Dark Wonder even further.

"NO...THIS CANNOT BE!" he shouted.

Then, our eyes brightened and we turned our attention to Dark Wonder and shot off a mighty-sized beam at him.

"NOOOO....AARRRRGGGHHHH!!!" he screamed in agonizing pain until his scream starts fading into complete silence.

We then flew down to the ground and when we opened our eyes, we saw that the Dark Wonder was gone.

"THEY DID IT!" Twilight yelled in delight.

"Yes...the Dark Wonder is gone forever..." Celestia assured.

"That is wonderful news, sister." Luna responded.

Sweet and I hugged with tears of joy as we knew that we made our parents proud that they can finally rest in peace and in happiness. Soon, the eerie presence began to fade away and we started seeing the normal night-time of Ponyville restored along with all of the ponies living here.

"Look, Ponyville is back to normal!" Twilight pointed out.

"And now, it's time for us to have a good night...for real this time under the watchful eyes of the real moon." Luna stated before she flew up and away in the sky away from Ponyville.

"Bond and Sweet, you were incredibly brave in facing your fear and overcoming it." Celestia said, looking at us. "We are all proud of you...I believe it is time for you to become the alicorn that everypony can aspire to with faith."

"Really Celestia, you want me to be a Prince?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, you have proven to be far worthy to be awarded the title." she then turned to my sister, "Sweet Chocolate, you were also able to bring out your true appearance and with Bond's Faith and magic, it created enough power to defeat the Dark Wonder for good. Would you also consider the honour of being a Princess?"

"Well Princess, it would be a great honour, but I only just got used to accepting who I really am and I have the best life with all going well for me...I would have to turn that title down." Sweet replied with a smile.

"Very well, I understand your reasons. The coronation for Twilight and Bond will start tomorrow...you all need to get some rest before the day...I bid you all a goodnight."

Celestia said no more and with a smile, she flew up returning to Canterlot, leaving me, my sis and Twilight.

"Celestia's right, we should get some sleep...where are you gonna be sleeping, sis?"

"Oh Sweet can sleep in my library for the night, I'll have a bed made in my upstairs room, just below my bedroom." Twilight replied.

"Thanks Twilight...by the way, nice to meet you."

"Same to you too."

They then shook hooves and shared a slight giggle, before sharing a hug with me before they walked into her home. Then I saw Rarity gallop to me and almost tackling me to the ground.

"Oh Bond Racer, my darling!" Rarity exclaimed, "What happened? All I saw was a nightmare coming true!"

I shed a tear, "It was a past memory that finally caught up with me, but me and my sister overcame it and now, the darkness is gone away from me and my parents can at last rest happily."

"Oh my dear, I am so happy for you and your sister."

We then shared a moment of tears of happiness as well as sharing a loving moment of kisses.

"I have to get home, because tomorrow and because Celestia just said so...it's not only Twilight's coronation, it's also mine...because of my bravery in saving all the ponies, I'm getting the title of-"

"Prince?" she asked for me.

"Yes...and I WILL be a much better Prince than that rich snob."

"Bond darling, you don't need to tell me...I know you will be better and that's why I love you."

"I love you too, Rarity...have a goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight dear..."

We then shared one passionate kiss in our loving hug before pulling away and smiling as I walked to my home and took off my clothes and going straight to bed. I began to wait until I could fall asleep and this time, I didn't feel anything evil...I felt love, faith and happiness, just the way I like it...it's gonna be a great day tomorrow and my sister and cousin being there will be amazing.

------------------------------------------------

The next day arrived, it was my day of leaving my normal alicorn day and in it's place would be my first day as an alicorn with a royal title as a Prince. I got up and out of my bed with a clean head and had a good shower, since I gotta smell good for the day. After my breakfast, I got into my normal clothes and walked on out of my house to see Twilight just about leaving her home.

"Morning Bond, are we ready to go to Canterlot, we have a lot to do before the coronation." Twilight said.

"Yes indeed, is everypony else we know coming?" I asked.

"They'll all be there later, we're just leaving a bit earlier than they are so we can prepare."

"Then let's get going."

She nodded as we walked over to the station and boarded a train to Canterlot and when we arrived, we got off and made our way to the castle where the guards escorted us to our rooms which was where we would change into our coronation clothing. I had my own space and room to change into so it was all fine.

I was beginning to feel quite nervous about this new step and I'm sure Twilight was the same with her coronation. When I got dressed into my coronation suit, I did look quite amazing in the mirror. I then heard a knock on the door before it opened and I looked back to see Rarity with her loving smile.

"Rarity, my love." I said to her.

"Bond, my darling, are you ready for the fabulous event?" she asked.

"More than ever now that you're here."

We then shared a passionate kiss.

"Okay, save it for later you two." we heard a voice say which caused us to break the kiss.

"Oh, hey Twilight." I said embarrassingly.

"Are you almost ready to go, the ponies are waiting for us to meet in the throne room." Twilight said.

"I am...I'll share my love for you later, Rarity."

"Okay dear, you'll be smashing and so will you, Twilight." Rarity said as she gave me a quick kiss before she trotted out of the room.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" I said to Twilight, "To go from new friends to being a Prince and Princess."

"Agreed, but don't you worry, everypony knows that even with our titles, you are still taken and I am a single mare." she replied.

I smiled at this, "Okay, we should let get going, let's not keep them waiting."

Twilight nodded as she and I left our rooms before making our way through the castle before we arrived the throne doors which opened. We walked down the throne room to see a huge crowd with our other mares, Twilight's family and my sister on the right of me who was able to recover quickly thanks to Nurse Redheart. When we stopped in front of Celestia, I noticed my love, Rarity shedding a lot of tears which made me cry as well, but I had to stay strong for the day.

Celestia began to speak which caused the whole room to fall silent.

"We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion. My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she's lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna. But the day before today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria's newest princess." Celestia paused for a moment, "But that is not all, Bond Racer also saved the life of his only remaining family member from the Dark Wonder who took away what he had when he was young and almost destroyed Ponyville in the process, but thanks to Bond and his sister's bravery, all is well and he has been awarded a royal title. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Bond Racer!"

Music began to play and a choir began to sing.

The Princess Twilight cometh

Behold, behold

A Princess here before us

Behold, behold, behold

Behold, behold (behold, behold)

The Prince Bond cometh

Behold, behold (behold, behold)

The Princess is here

The Prince is here!

Twilight and I walked to the balcony to watch nearly a thousands of ponies cheering at us.

"Say something, you two." Celestia said to us.

Twilight cleared her throat and spoke, "Oh. Um...A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!"

I then stood forward and said my piece, "Wow...I wish I could say so much about today, but I know that we wanna enjoy this celebration as much as we can. Never in my life did I ever believe that one day, I would become an alicorn with royalty and I don't think this would be even real if it was not for my faith as well as my sister. But after the way I showed myself before, I can now finally smile at the fact that my parents can finally rest up in heaven and that they are looking down, smiling and feeling very proud of me. But I have also loved becoming close friends with those I really care and one special somepony who I truly love. But no matter what happens after today, I will still be your wise-cracking alicorn...thank you all, thank you everypony!"

We then turned back and returned to the throne room to see Shining who was there.

"Twilight! I'm so proud of you!" Shining exclaimed as he hugged Twilight.

"Are you crying?" Twilight asked.

"Of course not. It's... it's liquid pride. Totally different thing."

I giggled before I saw my sister.

"And I am so proud of you, little bro!" Sweet added as she hugged me.

"Thanks, sis...I'm sure our parents would've loved to have been here for me." I replied.

All the ponies cheered again as the music continued to play with the choir singing.

"Best coronation day ever!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"We love you, Twilight and Bond." Fluttershy added.

"And we love you too, girls!" I replied.

Twilight began to sing,

Life in Equestria shimmers

Life in Equestria shines

And I know for absolute certain

That everything (everything)

Yes, everything

Yes, everything is certainly fine

It’s fine

"Yes! Everything’s going to be just fine!" I declared as everypony else agreed.

The coronation finally finished and we were packing up and going back to Ponyville and I told the six mares, my sister and Spike that I would catch up with them shortly, I was alone for a moment until I met a few familiar faces along the way.

"Hey there Bond!" Derpy greeted, "Or shall I call you Prince Bond?" she asked.

"No Derpy, Bond is fine...prince or not, I'm still the same random pony." I replied with a wink.

"Okay, see you around....and take this muffin."

Derpy then gave me a friendly hug and a muffin and left...then I turned around to meet another familiar face.

"Now that was an amazing show, my old flame." Trixie said.

"Oh...hi Trixie." I said. "You're not wearing your magician hat and cloak?"

"Nope, I've ditched them now and I'm learning to become a teacher for unicorn magic. I'm showing my magic but in a different light, which is to benefit unicorn fillies." she replied.

"That's really great to hear, I'm sure you'll be terrific at that when you learn more."

"Thank you Bond, now I must go to my new home...in Vanhoover where the filly school is. But don't worry, I've given the home you built for me once to a new home owner and she's real nice."

"Oh okay, that's good to know...I'll see you around Trixie, good luck with the teaching."

"Thanks Bond, I'll see you again in the future when I'm worthy enough to visit you in Ponyville."

Trixie and I shared a quick hug before she trotted off with a genuine smile as I re-joined with the others by the Canterlot station before we got on the train and riding all the way home...my sister couldn't get off at Ponyville as she still had her home in Las Pegasus so she gave me a loving brother/sister hug before we arrived at Ponyville.

When we got back by sunset, we had a huge welcoming celebration around the whole of Ponyville and all the ponies living here cheered for me and Twilight. We had a huge party around and inside the Town Hall and it was amazing, since Vinyl Scratch and I took turns at being the DJ for the celebration, we hadn't done so since I volunteered to be her DJ partner at that gig in Vanhoover.

When the Ponyville party was over, it was the beginning of the evening and most of us were getting tired already and agreed to call it a night. So I and the other six mares and Spike all got into a very close group hug and we held on tighter to make it last longer. We all agreed to have a couple of days rest before we even think about what to do next if we have any more adventures, although they'll come around eventually if we know them too well.

But Rarity and I remained outside as the others all exchanged our farewells, leaving the two of us to have a moment of love. I held Rarity by her hoof as I took her to my home for a private moment of simple romance as anything else further would not be discussed here. We made a lot of heated passion with kisses and hugs on the sofa and we were loving every minute of it, after another special kiss, Rarity yawned and I agreed, it was getting late and needed sleep.

"I'll let you get going to your home, Rarity. Goodnight my love, I love you so much." I said as we got off the sofa.

"Thank you darling, I love you so much too Bond...I wonder if any of the other five will find true love like we have." she pondered.

"Well who knows, anything can happen in Equestria."

We then shared one more loving kiss before Rarity walked out of my home and I closed the door, taking off my coronation suit and getting straight to bed, before I pulled the covers over me and waiting for Luna to put me into my dreams, I wonder what I'll dream tonight.

Sleeping away, I know that my sister and my cousin mean so much to me and so do my parents who smile away, watching at how far I've come. Yesterday was a major nightmare when that gang leader who turned out to be Dark Wonder all along, turned up and nearly destroyed the town, but the score was finally settled and I know that from now on...things can only get better!

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Princess Twilight Sparkle Part 1.

A few weeks had passed since the moment where I had my personal score finally settled and also since Twilight became a Princess. During that time, I learnt that I was no longer needed to do my voluntary work stuff and in addition to that, I was aware of the Summer Sun Celebration that was coming up once again and we all had to be there to see the eclipse or something, at least there's no Nightmare Moon to deal with this time around.

When I woke up one morning and stretched, I heard a knock on the door as if right on queue, I opened it to see who it was.

"Morning, Prince darling." Rarity greeted as she kissed me.

"Morning my love." I replied, "What brings you to my home today?"

"Twilight is going to be learning to fly with her wings at Canterlot and Rainbow Dash is teaching her, wanna come along?"

"Do you even need to ask, you know I will be there for any of you, no matter what it is."

I then hugged her and began kissing her around her neck which made her giggle.

"Oooh my dear, not in front of Ponyville."

"Alright, we'll save it for later. Let's go."

We left my home and she walked with me to the train station where I saw the others and Spike.

"Well, if it ain't the mighty Prince Bond." Applejack greeted first which took me back slightly.

"Oh yeah...guess that's one of the things I'll have to get used to, as if I wasn't that royal already." I responded as I looked around myself.

"What's wrong? Isn't being a Prince super fun?" Pinkie asked curiously.

"It is, but that doesn't mean you all should call me Prince from now on, you know I'm never going to change."

"We do, it's just that we're not used to having royal ponies as close friends." Fluttershy said.

"And we've always called Celestia and Luna princesses first before their first names." Dash added.

I could see Twilight's expression, she seemed concerned about something.

"Well, either way, let's not waste any time. This is all about Twilight and her soon to be awesome flying." Spike intervened.

This made Twilight slightly smile, but not show a genuine one.

We then boarded the train to Canterlot where there was a moment of silence, I walked over to Twilight who was looking out the window as the others were chatting.

"Are you okay, Twilight?" I asked gently.

"I'm just worried that I'm not going to be able to fly." Twilight sighed.

"Cheer up, you'll get the hang of it. You just need some good practice and you'll be flying with colours, just like me and all the pegasuses."

I put a hoof on her shoulder and smiled.

"You know Bond," Twilight said as she turned towards me with a smile, "I don't know what any of us would do without you being there for us."

"It would be a whole lot different, I'm sure."

Sharing a quick hug, I sat down beside Rarity whilst Twilight did the same.

We shortly arrived at Canterlot, when we got the train, Dash took the lead to where ever we were going.

"Okay everypony, we're heading out to the Canterlot fields by those two building." she said in an announcing way.

When we got there, we all stood in a row and watched Dash began teaching Twilight about flying.

"So first of all Twilight, get those wings flapping slowly and upwards to where I am right now." Dash ordered.

"Okay, here I go..." Twilight said in an almost whisper voice as she began using her wings.

She then flew off the ground slowly, I and the others watched as she flew up towards Dash and thinking that maybe she'll get the hang of it quicker than she thinks, but still, at least I'll be here, just in case.

"You gotta really flap 'em hard." Dash said.

So twilight flapped her wings a bit and nearly lost control.

"Whoa!" she exclaimed as she landed on a tree branch with a bird's nest.

Okay, maybe she needs to practice more than I thought.

"Uh, maybe not quite that hard."

Twilight then got off the branch and started flying again, learning to land but she struggled and landed on the ground a little hard.

"Lookin' good up there, Princess Twilight." Applejack commented as she helped Twilight up.

"Applejack, you know you don't have to call me that." she replied.

"Why do you protest so?" Rarity asked. "You've already given up wearing your crown all the time. The least you can do is embrace your new title."

"If other ponies want to address me that way, I suppose it's fine, but...not my friends. It just doesn't feel right." she sighed "And neither does all this flying business. The Summer Sun Celebration is only two days away, and I'm never gonna be ready to perform my part."

I then looked around Canterlot to see some of the decorations being put up...how on earth did I miss all that happening?

"Not if you spend all your time down here, you won't!" Dash responded, "Now get up there and show everypony the big finish!"

Twilight got into focus mode and then flew up and around us and she seemed to be enjoying it...until she lost control by flying into the grey clouds before she started falling. This was my signal to rescue her, so I flew up quick and grabbed her before she hit the ground.

"Got you just in time." I said as she let go once we landed by the others.

"Phew, thanks for that, Bond." she replied, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Wow! That was a big finish!" Pinkie exclaimed.

The rest of us stayed in silence, since there was no way we could question her behaviour and Celestia knows I tried twice before already.

"I guess you still need to learn about flying, but we'll leave it for now and come back to it tomorrow." Dash said.

"So what's next?" I asked.

"We're heading to the castle, I hear the glass frames of Twilight and you have just been put up." Rarity answered.

"A glass frame of me? Damn I'm good!" I exclaimed as we began walking to the castle.

When we got to the throne room, we looked at the two new glass frame designs on the left side, there was Twilight in one frame and me next to her. I had to admit, I felt a bit of pride and happiness seeing myself on there, I never believed it would happen to me at all. I see that they were able to get my good side showing, I did look quite the stallion on that side, always.

"You both look amazing, darlings. They've really captured your regality." Rarity commented.

"Thanks, I do look like I'm a hit with the mares." I smirked.

Rarity giggled slightly which I noticed got Spike confused.

"I suppose." Twilight said who was still unsure about it all.

"Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity replied, "It's everypony's dream to someday wear a crown and have their coronation ceremony preserved in stained glass for all to see."

"I don't know if it's everypony's dream." Dash disagreed.

"Most of my dreams are about frosting!" Pinkie added, showing us how she eats frosting.

"We'd better get going. We don't want to miss our train." Fluttershy pointed out.

"Fluttershy's right." Applejack agreed, "Don't know about y'all, but I've still got bushels to do to get ready. The official celebration may be here in Canterlot, but hoo-wee, has the Mayor put us in charge of one heck of a party back home." she paused seeing Twilight looking sad, "Aw, don't look like that, sugarcube. You get to be right there with the other Princesses when Celestia raises the sun."

"And I'm honoured. Really, I am." Twilight responded. "It's just that the Summer Sun Celebration is what first brought us all together. It just doesn't feel right not getting to spend such a special day with my Ponyville friends."

"It doesn't feel right to us either, darling." Rarity agreed, "If the Mayor wasn't so desperate for our assistance, we'd most certainly stay here in Canterlot. And of course we do understand that your royal duties must come first."

"And of course, I was scheduled to be with you, preparing and all, but I had to flat out refuse because of my personal reasons and the Princess understood, besides from the way I see it, the image of myself on that window is more than enough." I said, "The Summer Sun Celebration may have brought us together, but it's something much bigger that will always keep us connected." I then pointed my hoof to the frame image of us with our elements. "For example, The seven of us are united by the Elements of Harmony. No amount of royal duties is going to change that. Right, everypony?"

All the others nodded and agreed.

"Right, Pinkie Pie?"

"Creamy, creamy frosting... " Pinkie said as she began drooling.

"You should take that as a yes." Fluttershy commented.

By the later afternoon, we were at the train station where us six were about to board before we looked at Twilight and Spike who was staying with her for obvious reasons.

"We're gonna write you and give you so many details, it'll be like you're in Ponyville with us! Right?" Pinkie asked.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." We all replied in unison.

"And you will be with us right after the Celebration. We already have an appointment on the books to discuss the royal upgrades to your loft decor." Rarity added.

"Oooh, I wish I could upgrade my home." I said randomly. "I need to install a high definition TV."

The train whistle blew.

"All aboard for Ponyville!" The conductor said.

All of us giggled at my randomness as we got into a group hug before we got on the train and waved at Twilight and Spike until they were out of sight.

"Well girls, at least I now get to show my true affection for my special 'princess'." I said slyly as I kissed Rarity on the cheek.

"Woah there, lover boy." Applejack giggled, "Save that for later, we still got a lot of work to do on our part with Ponyville and all."

"Yeah, like making all the fabulous sweets and cakes...with f-f-f-frosting." Pinkie sighed.

"Here we go again." Dash muttered.

Rarity and I blushed slightly, there was a bit of silence for the rest of the journey. As soon as we arrived into Ponyville by sunset, we saw most of the whole town decorated in preparation for the Celebration in two days time. All the mares had to go their separate ways in order to do their part for the event. Which left me wondering...what could I be doing?

Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Dash all left their ways, leaving Rarity and me for some alone time.

"So if it's alright with you darling, I've got one dress to to design before doing the rest tomorrow." Rarity said to me, "You don't mind waiting, do you?"

"Of course not, I'll be flying around Ponyville checking on things if you need me." I replied before kissing her as she walked to her home whilst I flew up and flew around the town slowly, seeing all the ponies at work.

When it was the beginning of nightfall, I landed down and walked to Rarity's home...I opened the door and headed on inside to find Rarity just finishing up with the mess in the centre of the room.

"Evening darling, I just finished with the first of many dress for the day. Are you alright?" she asked.

I closed the door behind me.

"I guess so..." I answered but not totally focused on it, "I'm still a little uneasy about what the future holds for me since I'm a Prince as far as the window glass frame in the castle is concerned."

"If it's to do with our love, it shall never change."

We then shared a loving hug before exchanging kisses before she grabbed my hoof and took me up to her bedroom. I could see that she getting tired but she didn't seem to let it get the best of her, she wanted to show her love to me and so did I. We got the bed and in seconds, engaged in a moment of passionate love with mostly kisses.

"You see my dear? Our love will not be different, we'll always be just the way we want it to be." Rarity said as she laid beside me.

"You're right...I just forgot about that for a second." I replied, "Mind if I sleep with you tonight, I don't think I could be anywhere else but here right now."

"Of course darling, anything for us to share the love together."

We then shared another kiss before we pulled the duvet cover over us and snuggled closely before we fell asleep together.

When I woke up the next morning, I saw Rarity was not beside me, I then heard screams coming from downstairs. I got out quick and galloped down the stairs to find spiked vines growing around the house.

"What is this...I don't even...DAH!" I exclaimed as I felt a vine from behind me, causing me to gallop out of the house to find Rarity comforting Sweetie Belle before I noticed other ponies around town all panicking and rushing.

"What's happening here?" I asked as I hugged Rarity, "And why is the sun and the moon together?"

"Something very strange is going on, and I for one would like an explanation too!" she replied.

"All I know is the sky's split in two, and these clouds moving in sure aren't from around here." Dash explained.

"Neither are all these crazy plants! They're comin' from the Everfree Forest! And try as we might, us Earth ponies can't do anythin' to get rid of 'em! " Applejack added. "Don't suppose you know any magic that might stop 'em from spreadin'?"

"I'm afraid I haven't learnt that kind of magic yet." I answered with disappointment.

"And this whole raging forest situation seems to have left my horn on the fritz." Rarity said as her horn flickered with no aura around it.

"We have to figure out something! I don't know how much more of this Ponyville can take!" Fluttershy yelped, "I don't know how much more I can take!"

"The forest is expandin', y'all, and judgin' by how fast it's movin', it doesn't seem content just takin' over Ponyville. Ah reckon before long, it'll cover half of Equestria!"

"I guess I could try to keep them at bay for now." I suggested, "But it would be so much better if Twilight was here to help us."

"Wait a second, that's it... we should try the library" Pinkie gasped.

"Good idea sugarcube, let's get going now."

We galloped to the library and no sooner were we checking through the books, we saw a flash of light appear and then a loud thud by the window. It was Twilight who collided into the books and Spike who is probably knocked out from when he hit that window, I'm surprised it didn't break.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity exclaimed as I helped Twilight up.

"Oh, I hope you know we wouldn't normally go through your books without permission..." Fluttershy said.

Just then, the door opened and we saw Spike crawling in.

"Sweet ground!" he said whilst kissing the floor, "Sweet, sweet, wonderful ground!"

"Okay, I get it! I need to work on my flying!" Twilight said, rolling her eyes.

"I dunno if you've noticed, but the Everfree Forest is just a teeny-tiny bit out of control." Pinkie stated.

"No...you don't say." I said with a sarcastic tone.

"Guess it turned out you were missin' something here in Ponyville after all." Applejack said.

"But perhaps you already know what's causing all of this calamity. Has Princess Celestia sent you to dispel it posthaste?" Rarity asked.

"Not exactly. You see, Princess Celestia is, well... she and Princess Luna are both-"

"Gone missing!" Spike said, cutting Twilight off.

We all then gasped.

"I don't know who has taken them, but I've got a hunch we're going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back."

We then retrieved our elements from the display case, it wasn't that long ago I was wearing my element of faith necklace again.

"Oh, yeah, just like old times." Dash responded.

"A-boo-yah!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"You see, just like I told you, we'll always be connected by the Elements." I added.

"Now we just gotta figure out who to aim these bad boys at so we can get Celestia and Luna back and keep the rest of Equestria from becoming plant food! Any ideas?" Applejack asked.

"I haven't found squat in any of the books I've been looking through!" Pinkie said as we saw her colouring in photos on a book, "Oopsies! Missed a spot!"

So much for serious business...

Twilight pondered for a moment after that random moment, "Half day, half night... strange weather patterns... out of control plants. I think I'm starting to get a pretty good idea of who we're up against."

"Wait...you don't mean Discord?" I asked.

"That's exactly who I meant, come on all, we need to call him out in the town square."

There was no further words needed, we all trotted out of the library and towards the centre of the two square which was yet to witness the amounts of vines showing up. We all formed a circle and began using our elements in a rainbow colour, when a bright light appeared and vanished, we saw Discord who was singing in a bathtub.

"Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap-ooh!" he sang before noticing us, "Now, Twilight, you know Princess Celestia said that you were to give me a heads up before you summon me with that little spell she gave you. In case you haven't noticed, I was in the middle of a particularly invigorating shower."

"E-nough! Release Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and stop the Everfree Forest from invading!" Twilight demanded.

"Why, whatever are you talking about?"

"Don't you play dumb with us, Discord! We know you're the one behind all of this!" Applejack snapped.

"Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love what you've done with the place, but I couldn't possibly take responsibility. I'm reformed, don't you remember?"

"Yeah, right! This has got your cloven hoofprints all over it!" Dash retorted.

"I'll have you know that I have only one cloven hoof. Such accusations. And here I thought we were friends."

"Drop the act, buster! We're onto you!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"I have to admit, this does look like something you would do, even though we need more evidence." I added.

"Oh come on, I'm innocent. Would I lie to you?" Discord asked innocently.

We all answered yes except Fluttershy.

"Um, maybe?" Fluttershy answered on her own.

"Well then, it seems we've reached an impasse. I'm telling the truth, but you think I'm lying. What do friends like us do in a situation like this, Princess Twilight? Congrats, by the way, on the promotion. You totally deserve it."

He then slid towards me.

"Oh and I haven't forgotten about you, Prince Bond Racer. I heard that you and your sister took on the Dark Wonder...pretty impressive."

"I say we blast him back to stone!" Dash declared.

"Works for me!" Applejack agreed.

"Hear, hear!" Rarity added.

"Hey! We can't do that! What if he really is telling the truth?" Fluttershy said as she flew in front of Discord.

"Well, finally! Somepony willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. The rest of you could learn a lot about friendship from my dear friend Shutterfly here." he said, grabbing Dash by mistake.

"Um, it's Fluttershy." I whispered.

"Oh, right, whatever."

I rolled my eyes...he still has a lot to learn.

"If you're not the one responsible, then help us figure out who is!" Twilight demanded.

"I suppose I could, but after all the hoof pointing and besmirching of my good name, I just don't know if I'm up to it." he then started knitting with the vines. "Why don't you ask your zebra friend if she knows anything?" he then added as he knitted a vine-made arrow pointing towards the forest.

"Zecora!" Twilight exclaimed as we saw Zecora walking out of the forest with most of her potions and crafts.

"From my home, I have had to flee! The forest has grown too wild, even for me!" she said.

"Any idea why all this is happenin'?" Applejack asked.

"I'm afraid it is a mystery to me as well, but I may have something that, if combined with a spell... I do not dare to use it myself, the results would be tragic. It only responds to Alicorn magic." she paused as she took out a small bottled jar of white liquid, "Princess Twilight, you can turn the potion from purple to white. After a sip, you may see why the sky is day and night."

As Twilight began to drink the potion, we didn't see anything happen of the sort.

"Doesn't seem to be worki-"

Twilight was cut off when her eyes went all bright white...looks like it's flashback time and the rest of us are not involved...

To Be Continued...

Princess Twilight Sparkle Part 2.

We continued to watch Twilight with her bright eyes still in white. She showed emotions of shock, sadness and was talking to herself very quietly, whatever flashback she was witnessing, it certainly was taking it's toll.

When the brightness in her eyes went, she looked at us in confusion.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" she asked.

"It's just...you were mumblin' to yourself..." Applejack answered.

"Ooh! And don't forget the uncontrollable sobbing!" Pinkie added.

"We were really worried about you." Fluttershy said.

"Yeah, your emotions turning into something quick and fierce at times." I pointed out.

"I for one found it delightful." Discord intervened, "Sort of a one-pony theatre piece, if you will. You should really consider taking it on the road."

Yep...definitely a lot to learn.

"Did you find out whose rump we need to kick and where we can find them?" Dash asked.

"I saw something from a long time ago. But it didn't explain what's happening now." Twilight replied.

"Perhaps farther back still are the answers you seek. Another sip of the potion will give you a peek." Zecora said.

"You sure about this?" Spike asked.

Twilight began to drink a bit more of the potion as we saw her eyes go to bright white again.

"Oh, I do hope she breaks into a song this time!" Discord exclaimed.

"If that happens, I'm shaving my mane and becoming a priest." I muttered.

After another flashback which didn't break into song, thank Celestia, Twilight's eyes were normal again.

"So what did you find out?" I asked.

"I still don't know what's happened to Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, but I think I know why the Everfree Forest is acting this way. Something's happened to the Tree of Harmony." Twilight explained.

"The tree of what now?" Dash asked who was slightly confused.

"It's where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna found the Elements. I think it's in danger."

"Well, all right then! Let's go save a... tree. Uh... where is it exactly?" Applejack asked.

"I think it's in... there."

She pointed to the Everfree Forest.

"Ooh-hoo! I'm going to need more popcorn!" Discord said as he watched us all go into the forest.

There was a bit of silence as we walked through forest on the night side of the sky.

"Seems like only yesterday we were heading into these woods to find the Elements of Harmony." Rarity said.

"Seems like only yesterday I was foolish enough to think I should go after them on my own." Twilight added.

"Well, I don't know what we're going to face in there. But whatever it is, I know we need to face it together." I highlighted.

All the others agreed as we walked onwards through the forest, we came across a pond where my instincts and magic began to kick in.

"We can use those to cross." Twilight said.

"No wait!" I said with a slightly stern voice. "I sense something very bad about those stones."

We then noticed the stones were moving around a lot before they rose up to reveal a pond creature.

"A cragadile!" Rarity gasped, "Run for your lives!"

"Quick, this way!" I yelled as we galloped through the tight branches and made it onto a clear path where the vines began to close up the spaces, blocking the "cragadile" as Rarity called it from reaching us.

"That was close." Twilight commented.

"A little too close, if you ask me. You sure you're all right?" Applejack asked.

"I'm fine. I just can't seem to get these new wings to do what I want them to do when I want them to do it."

"Aw, you'll figure it out eventually." Dash assured.

"'Eventually' isn't soon enough."

"You have been having an awful lot of trouble with those things. And, well, who knows what else is gonna to come after us? You know, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for Twilight to go back to Ponyville and let us look for the Tree of Harmony without her." Applejack suggested.

"No AJ, we are all part of the seven elements and we stick it out together through thick and thin." I stated, "We've made several mistakes before and we're not going to make another one."

The others held thier heads down, reminding them of all the mistakes they had made among us before and whilst they were overwhelming obstacles at times, we never once gave up in the face of those odds and we've always pulled through together. They knew what I was talking about and we walked towards each other closer.

"You're right Bond...we have a special connection and no source of evil is gonna take that away." Twilight agreed.

We then shared a group hug before we carried on walking further into the forest, much closer together this time.

"Are we there yet?" Spike asked.

"I don't know where we are. We're lost." Twilight replied.

"Maybe not..." I intervened, pointing to a huge cave entrance.

We walked inside and then came across a a huge tree that was made out of crystal with several vines covering most of it.

"That must be the Tree of Harmony." Rarity commented.

"I think it's dying!" Fluttershy gasped.

"So let's save it already!" Applejack declared as she tried to lasso the vines away from the tree but didn't work.

Dash then attempted to move the vines but she had no luck either.

"Valiant efforts on both your parts, but the tree remains in jeopardy." Rarity said.

"Maybe I could try and do something about it." I said as I flew up towards the tree and tried to use my slash magic to cut away the vines. "Ugh...it's working but they seem to be growing too fast for me to finish the job."

I then flew back down by the group at a loss.

"I know how we can save the tree. We have to give it the Elements of Harmony." Twilight said as she looked at the tree.

"Wait what...even mine despite the fact that only the sisters knew about it?" I asked.

"Yes...even yours."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, heh. How are we supposed to protect Equestria?" Dash asked.

"How are we meant to rein Discord in if we can't use the Elements to turn him back to stone? Rarity added.

"Twilight...The Elements of Harmony. They're what keep us connected no matter what." Applejack said as she had her hoof on her element necklace.

"You're right about one thing, Applejack. The Elements of Harmony did bring us together. But it isn't the Elements that will keep us connected. It's our friendship." Twilight assured, "And it's more important and more powerful than any magic. My new role in Equestria may mean I have to take on new responsibilities, and our friendships may be tested, but it will never, ever be broken. There's no time to lose. Everypony ready?"

We all nodded in agreement as we got into position. Twilight flew up and used her magic to take the small shaped gems in our necklaces away from us and guided them to the tree, one by one they all went into thier small slots on the tree before Twilight's own went into the centre. They were then locked in and the tree began to glow in total brightness.

We closed our eyes and noticing the vines evaporating all around us, we then saw two piles of vines by the tree which disappeared, revealing Celestia and Luna, that would explain how they were captured, but I didn't think they would be caught off guard easily. Twilight galloped over and hugged both the princesses.

"We know how difficult it must have been for you to give up the Elements. It took great courage to relinquish them." Celestia said before a crystal made box appeared in front of us.

"What's inside it? How am I supposed to open it?" Twilight asked.

"Seven locks, seven keys." Luna pointed as we looked at the keyholes.

"I do not know where they are. But I do know that it is a mystery you will not be solving alone."

Celestia and Luna then disappeared as they retreated ot the castle whilst the rest of us all left the forest with the box to find Discord waiting for us.

"Bravo, ladies, bravo!" he exclaimed, "How ever did you save the day this time? Blast the beastie with your magic necklaces, I presume? Where are those little trinkets of yours? You know, the ones you use to send me back to my extremely uncomfortable stone prison?"

"Gone." Applejack sighed.

"Gone? Gone?"

"But our friendship remains." Fluttershy told him, "And if you want to remain friends, you'll stop thinking whatever it is you're thinking and help us clean up."

He then appeared away from us with a maids outfit and a brush.

"Fine. But I don't do windows."

"One thing I don't get. Why did all this happen now?" I asked.

"I have no idea. Those seeds I planted should have sprouted up ages ago."

"What did you say?!" Twilight asked raising her voice.

"Oh, why should I try to explain it when you can see for yourself?"

Discord then brought in the last amount of the potion Twilight had taken earlier, she drank the rest of it as Discord commented on the flashback she was having.

"Well, obviously things didn't go according to my original plan. My plunderseeds should have stolen the magic from the Tree of Harmony and captured Princess Celestia and Princess Luna thousands of moons ago. Alas, it seems the tree had enough magic to keep the seeds from growing up big and strong. Until now, that is."

Twilight then shook her head as she looked at Discord, feeling displeased.

"You realize this is information we could have used hours ago?!

"And rob you of a valuable lesson about being princess? What kind of friend do you think I am?"

There was no way around it...he did have a point.

When we got back, Discord began to clean up the whole town as punishment and we deemed it to be quite fitting for him. It was then the day of the Summer Sun Celebration which took place by the Canterlot Castle. We were all in attendance among the crowd as we watched Celestia, Luna and Twilight standing in a line.

"Citizens of Equestria, it is no longer with a heavy heart but with great joy that I raise the summer sun." Celestia announced, "For this celebration now represents not the defeat of Nightmare Moon, but the return of my sister, Princess Luna."

All of us cheered as we saw Luna fly up and lowering the moon whilst Celestia followed suit by beginning to raise the sun. As the sun and the moon were at equal level, Twilight flew up fast and created a huge aura shape of her cutiemark and all of us stood there and admiring what we just saw. I knew Twilight could pull it off in the end thanks to further training with her wings and I am so glad that it's not me up there.

When the event was over, I was with the others when I saw Twilight coming towards us.

"You guys go on ahead, me and Spike will be back at my home in Ponyville later." she said with a big smile.

We all then shared a group once more, thinking how happy we were to be seeing her where she should be again, with us. We agreed to leave Canterlot and go on home. When we arrived back in Ponyville, we said our farewells but not before I heard Applejack and Dash saying something about a beehive challenge at the apple farm later today, but I must've been hearing things.

Fluttershy flew off to her cottage as well as check up on Discord who was asked to go back to Canterlot after he had cleaned up Ponyville and Pinkie bounced to her home as happy as can be. Rarity and I were the two left once more, but we didn't care, we loved being together.

"Say Rarity, for allowing to me to sleep with you in your bed, how about I return you a favor by offering you to sleep with me in my home sometime." I offered.

"Oooh darling, that would be quite fabulous and romantic if we could do that sometime." Rarity replied.

We held hooves as we walked to my house, as soon as we got in, I used my magic to tidy up the place a little.

"Well just as preview, here we are. It may not be as stylish or classy, but it's what I call home." I said as I wrapped my hooves around her waist making the two of us stand on our backlegs.

"You don't have to downplay your home's appearances dear, I love you for who you are and what you show as genuine." she assured as she wrapped her hooves around my neck.

"That is why I love you too..." I paused myself as I kissed her a few times. "...but there's one thing we've forgotten for a while."

"Oh...what is it?"

"How long do you think we can keep this up away from Spike, he's the only one among us all that doesn't know."

"I don't know darling and quite frankly, I'm a little worried about his feelings. If he finds out the wrong way, it could devastate him and his heart. Our only hope would be to leave it up to fate and let it decide the answer for us."

"Wow Rarity...that's quite deep of you to say that. I guess Twilight's knowledge has rubbed off on you."

"Maybe, but let's not go into that state of worry now. Spike is with Twilight for now and I want us to have a moment of love between us once again."

"Okay my love, you got me."

We then walked over to my bedroom and before I knew it she planted a kiss on my lips, causing me fall slowly backwards onto my huge bed. What followed was another scene of passionate kisses and soon we forgot all about our worries, there was nothing else we could think of except the power of love between us.

But whilst we were kissing, I did mange to recap about the recent events. It seems that Twilight now knows how to fly, so maybe someday she'll be as good as Rainbow Dash or even me...nah! I still have the most durable wingpower as well as the most amazing magic, even though Twilight has learnt more through it than I have.

But I did wonder one thing...we don't the elements with us anymore, but Twilight is right. What about the crystal box that appeared and does it contain something incredibly powerful? I guess time and fate will tell for now...

Castle Mane-ia

After several moments of romance, we took a break to catch our breaths from all the kissing. I am the happiest and the luckiest stallion in the world right now. I looked to see Rarity on my left side of the bed who perked up as if she remembered something.

"Oooh darling, I promised myself I would have a get together with Fluttershy today." she said as she got up.

"Oh do you? That's perfectly fine and plus, you haven't done that for a long time. You deserve it." I replied with a smile.

"Thank you dear, this is why I love you so much." she paused to kiss me. "I'll be alright with Fluttershy, I'll see you later, Bond."

"Okay, I'll see you then, Rarity."

She then left my house as soon as I got off my bed, I thought of seeing Applejack and Rainbow Dash, finding out more about thier bee challenge or something. After I left my house and seeing Rarity already walking to Fluttershy's home, I walked on over to the apple farm where my earlier ideas came true. I walked to the side of the into a huge pen where I saw both mares staring at each other covered in bees.

"I'm not gonna move. You move." Dash said.

"Uh-uh. There is no way ah'm movin'." Applejack replied.

I was standing there confused on why this is happening, till I noticed on my left was Pinkie with a pink table and her pet, Gummy on it, she seemed to be holding a notebook.

"This is the most daring dare anypony ever dared dare another pony to dare!" she exclaimed.

"Wait a minute, this is a dare?" I asked.

"Why yeah! Rainbow Dash and Applejack are competing for the title of "Most Daring Pony"! This is the final test: the Bee Stare! Last pony to blink wins!"

I then saw a bee keeper approaching us.

"I'm gonna need my bees back." he said.

"But then we'll never find out who the Most Daring Pony is!" Dash moaned.

"Eh, sorry about that."

He then whistled and soon the swarm of bees left the mares and followed the bee keeper. I then noticed that they were wearing protective suits as well...good thinking, I thought there was gonna be a mountain of stings and lumps by the end of it.

"Well, what do we do now?" Applejack asked.

"How about a running of the leaves again?" I suggested randomly.

"Running of the leaves isn't for another four months."

"Don't worry, ladies, I've been keeping excellent score all day! Hmm, move the decimal, carry the 2, and...Congratulations! You're tied!" Pinkie yelled.

"Tied?"

"Oh the irony!" I exclaimed to nopony in particular.

"You can't be tied for the Most Daring Pony!" Dash protested.

"I dunno! Numbers don't lie!" Pinkie then showed not numbers but pictures which got us never asking for this. "I'd love to stay and keep keeping score, but I promised to help test the new school bell. I get to ring it all week, non-stop! And I don't even have to take turns, because no one else volunteered!"

Pinkie then bounced away from the farm with Gummy on her tail, leaving the three of us behind. Both of the mares got out of thier protective suits.

"Okay, no problem. We just have to come up with another daring dare."

"Right. Ah think ah might have an idea of what we can do." Applejack said as she put a hoof below her chin.

"And what kind of dare are we talking about?"

"Ah dare both of us to go into the Everfree Forest, to the abandoned old castle and scare somepony who happens to go in there. The one who gets scared the most, loses."

"Hmmm, you're on!"

"I better come with you, just in case." I advised. "I haven't got anything else to do anyway."

"Alright, sugarcube, follow us."

So Applejack, Dash and myself all trotted into the forest and with it being still daylight in the afternoon, we were able to find the castle a lot easier this time around. When we got there, we began walking towards the castle, not noticing that it was almost sunset.

"Well, here we are!" Applejack stated.

"This is where we got the Elements of Harmony." Dash pointed out.

Way to state the totally obvious fact, miss Rainbow.

"When ah was just a filly, Granny Smith told me of an ancient legend. When Nightmare Moon was banished, not every last bit of her dark magic went with her. Granny used to say, when night falls on the castle, that magic takes the form of...the Pony of Shadows!"

"You mean, like a ghost?"

"Nopony knows!"

"Ugh."

"So we're now in this castle that's laid in ruins and becomes haunted at night?" I asked.

Applejack nodded.

"Right, if Casper does not appear during the night, I'm gonna be disappointed."

"Who?" Dash asked in confusion.

"Seriously, you don't read any of the ghostly books?"

"Duh, I read Daring Do stories, not other books."

"Uhh...moving on."

We then walked further into the castle where it was getting a bit cold, I looked up to see the sun setting. How on earth can it be night-time already?

"I don't see what's so daring about an old legend. Plus, I don't believe in ghosts." Dash exclaimed.

"You might wanna rethink your position on that." Applejack retorted.

Suddenly, we then heard a somewhat high-pitched scream from another part of the castle.

"ARGH!" Applejack and Dash yelled.

"You saw that, right?" Applejack asked whilst shivering.

"I didn't see anything, all I heard was a light scream." I replied.

"Run!" Dash yelled as she galloped away along with Applejack.

They left me behind without even knowing as I looked up to see the moon up in the sky, it was the beginning of the night and if the legends were true, I would need to find the mares and get them out of here before the pony of shadows finds them.

But not before I shout out a line I wanted to say for a long time...

"SCOOBY DOO, WHERE ARE YOU?!" I shouted out of the blue. "Okay, let's back to searching those two."

As I walked among the corridors, I used my magic to create a bright light around me so it would appear to be daylight where I go. Soon afterwards, I found myself in a room that was more like a dead end, just then I heard another loud yell, but it wasn't the same one.

"Whoa! The Journal of the Two Sisters." Twilight exclaimed from another room. "Maybe this is the book Princess Celestia was talking about!"

"Twilight?! Is that you?!" I asked loudly.

"Bond Racer, it is me, but what are you doing here?"

"Well, it appears that I'm on the other side of this wall."

"Okay, stay where you are, I'll find a way to come and get you."

"Wouldn't it be better for me to just teleport?"

"I tired doing that earlier, but for some reason, a kind of magic is preventing me from doing it."

So the legend is indeed true...but if Twilight is here along with Applejack and Dash, then what are the chances that the others might be here as well? I couldn't stay here, now I had to double time it and find them faster.

"Okay, I'll stay here for now...hurry!" I said.

"I will..." Twilight replied before I heard galloping noises.

I then heard two more familiar voices coming my way.

"I'm starting to wonder if maybe this castle doesn't want my expertise!" Rarity commented.

"Oh dear. Angel? Rarity, have you seen him?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm not sure he made the trip down with us, dear."

"Oh, goodness! We have to find him. An ancient castle is no place for a bunny. He could get hit by falling debris, or the floor could give out under him! Oh! He could be trapped in a dark place with no way out!"

"I can only imagine how that might feel. Hmm..."

"Fluttershy? Rarity?" I called out, seeing them approaching towards me.

The two mares gasped slightly as they saw me.

"Bond Racer? What are you doing here?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, I was following Applejack and Rainbow Dash into the castle because of a dare and now it looks like we're all stuck in what appears to be now haunted by the pony of shadows, according to a legend." I explained.

"P-p-p-p-pony of s-s-s-shadows?" Fluttershy shivered.

"Oh come on dear, there's no such thing as legends, it's just a ruined castle, nothing more." Rarity dismissed.

"Were you two looking for Angel?" I asked.

"Yes, have you seen him?"

"Nope...but I did hear Twilight's voice from the other side of the wall, she says she was coming to get me so I have to stay right here."

Just then, I began to hear organ music playing...now this was starting to get slightly creepy. Where's the Ghostbusters team when you need them?

"I guess we can't stay here...hold my hoof Rarity, we're gonna find the others and get out of here."

Rarity grabbed on to my hoof tightly as Fluttershy walked closely beside us. We started hearing more screams around the castle, which caused us to pick up the pace. We then stopped into another room which was looked like another dead end.

"Oh great, another room with no other way out."

"I'm scared darling." Rarity cried as she held onto me tight.

"M-m-m-m-me too." Fluttershy added who was shivering more.

We then heard gallop noises coming into the same room, it was Applejack and Dash who saw us. But before they could say anything, Twilight showed up along with Spike who was holding on to a book.

"Alright, everypony, stop!" she yelled.

"Twilight?" Applejack said.

"Fluttershy? What are you doing here?" Dash asked.

"She's with me..." Rarity replied as she let go of me and placed a hoof around Fluttershy.

"Have you all spent the whole night running around, scaring each other?" Twilight asked.

"Not me, I was trying to look for these two when they planned to do a dare here which I guess isn't a dare anymore." I replied.

"Okay, well apart from you Bond."

"Well, that depends." Applejack answered.

"On what?"

"On whether or not you're the Pony of Shadows."

"What's...the Pony of Shadows?" Spike asked shivering with the book.

"Oh, that's just an old ponies' tale." Twilight dismissed.

We then heard organ music play again.

"Then who's playing...that?"

"We're going to find out."

We then walked into another room where the music was coming from, we saw the organ player and a big blind, I took the bravery of pulling it to one side to reveal...

"PINKIE!" We all exclaimed in unison.

"Hey, you guys! Did you know I can totally play the organ? Because I didn't!" she responded as she play a famous theme with the organ.

"CHARGE!" I shouted randomly which got me confused looks. "What?..."

"You're the Pony of Shadows?" Dash asked.

"The pony of what?" Pinkie asked as she got off the organ player chair.

"See? What'd I tell ya?" Twilight stated.

"Ah thought you went to ring the school bell all week!" Applejack said.

"Oh, yeah! I only had to ring it for, like, five minutes! They said that was good enough! Eh, can't imagine why..."

"I see...well since we've caught you in some way, explain to us about it all."

"Okie dokie lokie. I decided to throw a "finish ringing the school bell" party! But I didn't have any bluebells, and you can't throw a "finish ringing the school bell" party without bluebells, so I went to Everfree Forest to pick some, but it started to get so chilly. I had to wrap myself up in the tarp I was gonna use to gather flowers, and then I saw Fluttershy and Rarity. But they went into the castle before I could invite them to my party. Luckily, I followed them inside so I could help you all with your party!"

"What party is that?" Rarity asked.

"Uh, the "everypony come to the scary old castle and hide from each other while I play the organ" party? Duh!"

"And you would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for us meddling ponies." I said with a slight smirk.

The other ponies laughed at my one-liner, before we thought about what to do next.

"But seriously," I added. "I think we've learnt that sometimes, we let our imaginations get the best of us."

"Ah think we all did tonight." Applejack corrected.

"I always let my imagination run away from me! Then it comes back... with cake!" Pinkie added as she showed a small cake and ate it quickly.

"Well, it's good to know that whenever your imagination is getting away from you, a good friend can help you rein it in. And even though I didn't find anything out about the mysterious chest, I'm glad I was here to help all of you." Twilight said boldly.

"You certainly did that, Twilight." Rarity agreed.

"Yeah! Why weren't you scared?" Dash asked.

"Reading Celestia's diary made it hard to be afraid, because I knew what it was like when she and Luna lived here. Knowing something about the past made it easier to deal with my problems in the present, even the scary ones." Twilight explained.

We all agreed to that one as we began to make our way out of the castle.

"I've just thought of a great idea! Why don't we keep a journal, just like the royal pony sisters?

"All of us?" Fluttershy asked.

"Sure! That way we can learn from each other! And maybe some day, other ponies will read it and learn something, too!"

"What a splendid idea!" Rarity responded.

"Ah know what my first entry will be! 'Dear Diary, Ah'm glad Granny Smith's legend wasn't true.'" Applejack added.

"Me too!" Dash added.

"Me three! Because that means you two are still tied for Most Daring Pony!" Pinkie intervened.

"Pinkie, I think we've had more than enough for today. Let's just put the most daring thingy away for now." I suggested to which all the others agreed.

"Heh, Shadow Ponies... How ridiculous is that?" Spike asked.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far, but anyways, we should get back home and call it a night."

There was a long silence until we all made it by Twilight's home, everypony exchanged our farewells with tighter and closer hugs after what most of went through that night. As all the others left, I took Rarity's hoof and brought her to my house. She had quite an awful fright and I knew she needed comfort for tonight.

As we got in, I locked the door behind me and took Rarity to my bed. I could see that she was still slightly shaken up and tired from today. So I was going to do my best to keep her loved and protected, maybe even Princess Luna could help if possible.

"Thank you so much Bond...I feel so much better to be sleeping with you. I love you so much darling..." she said in a quiet tone.

"It's alright Rarity, I could see that you went through a lot today and tonight, I love you so much too, my love." I replied.

We then got on my king size bed and began to get cosy, sharing a passionate kiss and waiting for our eyes to close and sleep away, I hope the dreams we have will be much better than my mind recapped on.

What an eventful day and night, it amazes me that one dare could lead to new heights of scared moments. I guess the castle at night has it's share of tricks, but with Pinkie being the one playing that organ, I had my doubts about the legend again. But that didn't matter now, I'm sleeping with Rarity in my bed and once again, I feel like the luckiest stallion ever.

As for what I learned well it was obvious, Scooby Doo is awesome!

Daring Don't

I woke up the next morning to find myself and Rarity close by me. I smiled as I looked at her sleeping away and I was about to get out when I noticed that my hooves were around Rarity's stomach and she was holding on to them. Okay, guess I'm her cuddly toy right now...but that didn't matter, she looked beautiful to me as always.

"Morning my love." I whispered. "Are you well?"

Rarity turned around to see me and she smiled.

"Morning dear, I feel much better now that we're together and close." she replied quietly.

We shared a loving kiss for a while until we heard a knock on the door.

"I'll go and answer it." I said as I kissed her before I got out of bed and walked over to the front door and opened it.

"Morning Bond, we're having a super duper random party at Twilight's library, wanna come?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, could it wait for a while? Some of us are still shaken up from last night."

"Oh, whoops...sorry."

"It's alright, but we will be there for the random party when we can."

"Yay! Thank you...see you then!"

She then bounced away as I closed the door and went back to the bed and snuggled up to Rarity who hugged me around my neck and we shared calm and loving kisses.

"But all the same, I still need to get up and have some food." Rarity said until we heard her stomach growl right on cue.

"Same here..." I checked the time on my pocketwatch, "...woah, we must've slept longer than we thought."

"Why, what time is it?"

"It's 11:30am...we should get some lunch by the cafe to save time and energy."

"Alright dear, we'll do exactly that."

We then got ourselves ready and all cleaned up before we grabbed a lunch by the cafe before we made our way to the library, holding hooves until we let go and opened the door to find the party had just about to start.

"Hey Bond and Rarity, great to see you both here." Twilight greeted.

"It's no trouble at all, Twilight." Rarity replied, "Is that punch?"

She then went over to get a drink whilst Pinkie gave me a party hat for me to wear. We then heard the door open again to see Dash zoom right in.

"Heya, Twilight! Aren't you excited that-"

Dash got cut off as Pinkie blew a party horn at her.

"So glad you've finally made it!" Twilight said.

"What's everypony doing here?"

"We're having a holiday party!" Pinkie exclaimed, blowing her party horn.

"So what holiday would today be?"

"National Random Holiday Party Day! Woo-hoo!"

"I've never heard of it either." Rarity said as she drank in a glass, "But the punch is quite tasty."

"You might say the secret ingredient is...a secret." Pinkie whispered.

"How come nopony bothered to invite me?" Dash asked.

"Ah came to invite you personally, but it seems you were a speck too busy reading the last Daring Do book for the twelfth time." Applejack replied.

"Yeah, well, in three months and twenty six more days, I'll be able to read the next one."

"Oh, haven't you heard? The release of the next book got pushed another two months." Twilight told her.

Dash then spat out her drink on the floor.

"Two more months?! I've been waiting so long already! I don't think I can take another two months! I'll never make it!"

"Yeah. I can vouch for that..." Fluttershy said to herself.

"Did they give a reason?"

"The publisher just said author A.K. Yearling won't be able to finish the book for another two months. Cupcakes?" Twilight offered.

"A.K. Yearling? Is she related to J.K. Rowling?" I asked out of the blue.

"Uhh...I don't follow." Twilight replied.

"Anyways. How could you possibly know that before me? I'm the series' biggest fan!" Dash boasted.

"I'm just as big a fan as you! In fact, I'm the one who first introduced you to the books, remember?"

"Oh. Right."

"A.K. Yearling just might be my favourite author. I know everything about her. Where she grew up, where she studied literature, where she wrote the first Daring Do book..."

"Where she lives?"

"Uh...no, though I could probably find out somehow. Why?"

"Don't you get it? The new book is obviously delayed because she needs help dealing with whatever everyday nonsense is distracting her from spending her every living breathing second writing! So I– I mean, fans like me, can get to read the new book ASAP! Think about it! We could help her with her laundry, buy her groceries, cooking her meals, whatever! Now, who wouldn't appreciate that?"

"Hmm, I don't know...What she probably wants most of all is respect for her privacy."

"She can always just say no."

The rest of the ponies smiled and nodded.

"Mmh... I suppose you're right..."

"Of course I am. So... how's about getting that address?"

I guess we're about to go on another long travelling adventure. So with the address we got, we left the library and took the train out of Ponyville, past Canterlot, past the drop-off point underneath Cloudsdale, through the Unicorn Range and past Galloping Gorge, before we came across a forest, just miles away from Vanhoover.

Thinking of Vanhoover reminded me of Trixie and I was wondering how she was doing when she told me she was living there now and being a magician teacher at the filly school over there. But I didn't wish to go further, I have my love for Rarity now and besides, there's a crazy fan obsession to take care off in Rainbow Dash.

We were walking through the forest with Pinkie spreading red paint in a line behind us.

"You see what I mean?" Twilight commented, "Why would she live in this remote part of Equestria except to keep folks from intruding on her privacy? We should respect-"

"I think I spotted the house!" Dash exclaimed, cutting her off, "We're super close! This way!"

Dash then zoomed ahead.

"Wait!" Twilight yelled before we galloped, following her.

We came across a small home in the centre of the forest, it looked to be pretty beat up from where we saw.

"Oh no. What happened?"

"Apparently somepony has intruded on her privacy pretty hard already..." Dash answered.

We walked closer to the home and Dash knocked which caused the broken door to fall down. We all walked in to find the inside of the home not any better than the outside.

"Hoo-wee, somepony really trashed this place." Applejack commented.

"Hmm...Maybe...or maybe A.K. Yearling's just a terrible, horrible, unbelievable slob!" Pinkie added.

That sounded a bit awful to say from Pinkie, I thought.

"I hope A.K. Yearling's alright!" Rarity said.

"Oh no! What if something terrible happened to her?" Twilight asked with a hint of worry.

"I know! There might be no more books! Uh...But, of course, I'd be worried about her, too. Heh." Dash said whilst giggling nervously.

"What are you all doing here?" said a voice from outside.

We looked to see somepony with a black cloak over her before she moved towards us to reveal herself clearly.

"Uh... A... K-K... Yearling...?" Dash said nervously before she squealed in happiness.

"We didn't do this! Honest governor!" I exclaimed.

"What have you done to my house?" Yearling asked.

"We didn't do this, Ms. Yearling-whoa!" Applejack got cut off she she slipped off the mat by Yearling who was looking around the house for something.

"We're awfully glad to see you're alright." Twilight said.

"Okay, clearly this isn't the best time, but I've just gotta say how much we all really love your books..." Dash praised before laughing nervously again.

Yearling then took the book that Dash had on her head and tapped her hooves on the side of the book which then unlocked and opened to show a huge gold hoop of some sorts.

"It's safe." she sighed.

"Great! Maybe now would be a good time for me to ask her how we can help move the new book along a little faster. Chop chop!"

"Rainbow Dash, a minute please!" Twilight scolded lightly as she took Dash out of the house whilst we stayed inside.

Just then, we saw three stallions show up and approach Yearling and they seem too friendly.

"I smell trouble here...mares get back!" I ordered.

"No." Yearling protested, "Leave this to me."

She then threw off her pink cloak, her spring hat and her shades to reveal herself as...Daring Do!

"A.K. Yearling is Daring Do!" Twilight and Dash exclaimed from outside.

We all stood outside as we could tell carnage was about to go everywhere in the room.

"A.K. Yearling and Daring Do are one and the same! My mind is officially blown!" Twilight exclaimed in excitement.

"Aw, come on, I knew it all along." Dash responded.

The action didn't last long however as Daring dropped the hoop by the front door, we noticed a fourth stallion who picked it up.

"Many thanks, Daring Do." he complimented in a villainous way "As you've probably surmised, our earlier search for this treasure was... unsuccessful. So kind of you to find it for us."

"Give it back, Caballeron!" Daring demanded.

"That's Doctor Caballeron to you."

"He's from book four: Daring Do and the Razor of Dreams. He wanted to partner with Daring Do on her adventures." Dash explained.

"I know, but she refused! I can't believe it! The real Daring Do and the real Caballeron!" Twilight added.

"So let me guess: Ahuizotl has put you up to this? You're stealing the ring to give to him so his hold on the Fortress of Talicon will be good for eight centuries as foretold by prophecy!"

"Close, but...no. I'm going to sell this to him, make a bundle, and retire from archaeology in splendor."

"Caballeron, you fool! You're dooming the valley to eight centuries of unrelenting heat!"

"To market, henchponies!"

Shortly, he and the other stallions left the house with the hoop and were out of sight.

"Uh... should we go in and help her, maybe?" Fluttershy asked, pointing to Daring who seemed to be having problems with her legs.

"Good idea." I replied.

We walked back in the house as Dash walked up to her.

"Are you okay?" Dash asked.

"I got this." Daring replied.

"Um, she was just trying to help, Ms. Do." Fluttershy pointed out quietly.

"Daring Do doesn't need help. She handles her business herself."

"Oh no...don't tell me you bumped into Trixie and got you to talk in a third person." I said worryingly.

"Who is Trixie?"

"Looks like I was mistaken..."

Daring then flew out of the house and away from the forest.

"We've gotta go help!" Dash exclaimed.

"You heard her! She says she works alone!" Twilight responded.

"How can we just stand by and do nothing? You know what's at stake here! Ahuizotl has sought control of the Tenochtitlan Basin since book three!"

"True, but in book four, she defeated Ahuizotl and secured control of the Amulet of Atonement, dispelling the dark magic of the Quetzalcóatl Empress, and thus protecting the basin with the Radiant Shield of Rasdon!"

"But the Radiant Shield of Rasdon is vulnerable to the dark enchantment of the Rings of Scorcherro!"

"But are you forgetting that the Rings were scattered to the four corners of Tenochtitlan, thus rendering the dark enchantment powerless?"

"Only if you assume that the Rings have yet to be retrieved, and the ring Caballeron just stole isn't the last to completely restore the dark tower and its cruel hold on Tenochtitlan! Did you ever think of that?!"

"You gotta admit, Rainbow Dash makes a pretty good point." Pinkie pointed out.

"We gotta help Daring Do retrieve the ring for safekeeping before it's too late!"

"Okay, but sounds to me like we're in way, way, way over our heads." Twilight replied, "We're going to need a carefully thought out plan..."

"I'm coming, Daring Do!"

Dash then zoomed away.

"That's not a plan!" Twilight shouted.

"It's no good yelling Twilight, she's already far away from us." I said.

Twilight sighed.

"But all the same, we do need to go after her, we have no idea what troubles she'll get into." Rarity said.

"You're right, let's go, gang!"

We then galloped as fast we could to Dash's last known direction, by later afternoon we managed to find her but sitting down and feeling sad.

"Thank goodness you're alright!" Rarity said as we walked towards her.

"Quick, where does it hurt?" Twilight asked.

"In here." Dash replied as she pointed to her chest, "Daring Do and the ring have been captured by the dreaded Ahuizotl, and it's all my fault."

We all gasped.

"Maybe this will help." I said before held my head up and shouted, "JUMANJI!"

Nothing happened, all I got was blank expressions from the others.

"Ugh, does any line from any movie actually do something?" I moaned.

Twilight shook her head.

"Dash, I'm sure whatever you did was an honest mistake."

"Whatever. Let's just go home." Dash said almost depressingly.

"We can't go back now! Looks a mite like she needs our help more than ever!" Applejack told her.

"Trying to help is how I got in this mess in the first place. You were right, Twilight. We should've stayed out of this."

"Look, there is more going on here than meets the eye. In every Daring Do book, there always is! We can't turn our backs on her!" Twilight said with determination.

"She doesn't want my help, Twilight."

"Perhaps. But she might need it anyway."

"No. My hero's way better off without me."

"This don't sound like you." Applejack intervened.

"Where's the Rainbow Dash who would help anypony at the drop of a hat?" Pinkie asked.

"Or pith helmet, as the case may be." Rarity added.

"She's here where she's got no business being. She should be at home."

Twilight began to clear her throat for a bit of tough love, "It's fine to look up to Daring Do, but you've put her so high up on a pedestal, you can't even see your own worth anymore! She's in the fortress, and we're here, and we wouldn't be who we are if we didn't go in after her! And neither would you! So, are you with us, or not?"

Whilst they weren't looking, I snuck away and flew off to find the fortress and sure enough, I came a cross a huge temple. This must be where they took Daring. Oh if Indiana Jones could see me now, doing all this work for him. I overheard Daring's voice and an villainous laughter coming from an open window, I saw it and swooped through to find Daring close to being underwater with some piranhas.

I swooped in and grabbed her just in time.

"I've got you, Daring." I said as I placed her on my back and used my magic to free her from the hoof-cuffed cinder blocks.

"I was just about to save myself, y'know." Daring replied.

"Yeah right, more likely you would be sleeping with the fishes."

Just then, I saw Dash turn up with Daring's hat.

"And as for me, I just thought you might need this." she said as she brought the hat over.

"Have I mentioned yet that I work alone?" Daring asked

"Have I mentioned yet that you're lucky I don't?" Dash countered.

"And have I mentioned that if we don't get a move on, we're going to have eight centuries of sunny day hotter than Celestia's worst day?" I asked them.

Daring sighed and smiled slightly as we left the pool area and headed straight to the centre of the temple. We saw the others distracting Ahuizotl and the guards which gave us a chance to do something.

"Come with me! Help me get all these rings off!" Daring asked.

We flew up to the tower and started removing the rings from the tower, each one getting heavier than the last.

"If we can remove the giant ring at the bottom, the whole fortress will collapse!"

"W-Was this your plan all along?" Dash asked.

"I had to find a way to get into the fortress."

"You did it on purpose?! But- but I thought-"

"I didn't count on how heavy this ring would be, though...Guess having a little help can be handy sometimes."

Ahuizotl suddenly turned his attention to us.

"Stop them!" he ordered.

But it was too late, I used my magic to lift the last big ring from the tower, we then heard rumblings around the temple.

"Ponies! Run! This place is goin' down!" Dash yelled.

We followed her and escaped from the Temple as fats as we could. We managed to escape just in time as we looked back to see the temple collapsed in a heap with Ahuizotl trapped among the rubble.

"Daring Do! I will have my revenge!" he yelled.

I flew with Daring and Dash as they shared a hug which surprised me.

"Could never have done this without you, Rainbow Dash. I've got a book to finish!" Daring said as she flew off till she was out of sight.

"Come on Dash, it's time to go home and you've got something to write down in the group journal as well." I said to her.

Dash nodded and soon we were all preparing to take the train all the way back home to Ponyville, it had been a long day of travelling too, it was already nightfall when we got back before stopping outside the station.

"Twilight, do you have that journal, I need to write something down about today." Dash asked.

"Of course, Rainbow. Just come to my home and I'll give it to you, you can then return it tomorrow." she replied. "Goodnight everypony."

We all replied goodnight to Dash and Twilight before rest of us shared our goodbyes, but not before I gave Rarity a loving kiss.

"Well dear, you were a hero to do what you did in that moment." Rarity praised.

"Oh yeah...it was a heat of a moment, I wasn't thinking straight but it was a gut instinct." I said whilst laughing nervously.

"But regardless of that, you're my hero always."

"Thank you Rarity...that means a lot to me and to our love."

"Goodnight darling."

"Goodnight my love.

We shared one more kiss before making our own ways back home. When I got into mine, I went straight to the bed and even though it didn't feel the same, I believe it won't be long before Rarity sleeps with me again. But still, what an adventure that was today. Who would've thought those stories would turn out to be true stories in Equestria...I guess life is indeed full of surprises.

But if I was asked, not a chance. I'd rather remain a lover for Rarity than go on daring adventures around the world and have no time for anything else. Anyways, I need my sleep and I can only wait for what could happen tomorrow.

Flight To The Finish

I woke up the next day and I noticed that once again, I slept for much longer than I thought. It was almost lunchtime when I got up, but I felt kinda lazy today so no cafe for me. Home made lunch is the choice of the day, but as I looked into my cupboards, there was barely anything. I guess it's shopping time today, so much for a lazy day.

I got myself dressed, put on my saddle bags and scooped out loads of bits into my bags and left my house. After I left my home, I then thought that it's been some time since I saw the CMC's and I wondered how they were doing as of late. I thought of seeing them during thier school lunch break after my shopping through town.

"Now where did I put that shopping list?" I asked myself, "Oh wait, I didn't write one. Ah well, I'll buy what I can get around here. Now to go out shopping and stop talking to myself while I'm at it."

I walked across town and greeted many ponies along the way during my shopping. However, I walked into two mares that I don't think I've seen much of around here. One was a mint green unicorn with light cyan mane and the other was a beige earth pony with an indigo and pink mane.

"Good day to you two, I don't think I've seen you much before." I greeted.

"Oh hello there Bond Racer." The beige one replied, "No, we haven't really because of all of our busy lives. I'm Bon Bon."

"And I'm Lyra Heartstrings." The other one added as she showed me playing a small harp.

"Ahhh, so that's why I hear the harp sometimes at night." I responded.

"Yeah, but she hasn't played it as of late." Bon Bon sighed.

"Why is that?"

"She's developed some kind of obsession in her head about...I don't even wanna say it."

"Aw come on Bon Bon, what's wrong with having a human live in Equestria?" Lyra asked.

"Because there are others who can list several reasons why it could go wrong?"

"I think I better leave you two to it while I finish my shopping." I said as I rubbed my hoof behind my mane.

"Now look what you've done, our new friend can't stand you already." Bon Bon moaned as she trotted on.

Lyra looked down and felt somewhat miserable.

"Cheer up Lyra, it wasn't your fault." I assured her as I lift her face up with my hoof. "I've witnessed much worse events than that."

"Thank you Bond, I needed to hear that." she replied cheering up.

"Now what do you mean by humans?"

"I can just feel that someday, it's going to happen and I for one cannot wait for that day to arrive. I don't care if it takes months or years, I'm going to be the most caring and attention giving pony to the very first human!"

Now I could see why Bon Bon is able to tolerate Lyra's obsession before it gets annoying.

"Well, we'll see if that happens. Anyways, I've gotta go and finish my shopping. I'll see you both soon."

"Alright Bond, see you next time."

Lyra then trotted off, feeling much better as I continued with my shopping.

When it was finally done, it was dead on lunchtime so I walked back to my home, unpacked my shopping and made myself my home made lunch as planned. After I had my lunch, I left my home and walked towards the filly school until along the way, I saw the CMC's walking by before they stopped. I could just about hear what they were saying.

"Alright, the winning routine needs to show what's important about Ponyville, right?" Scootaloo asked the other two.

"Right!" Applebloom and Sweetie replied.

"So... what's special about Ponyville? It's... It's... I got it! It's a place where different kinds of ponies live together as friends!"

"Earth ponies like me!"

"Unicorns like me!"

"And Pegasi like me! So somehow we got to figure out a way to show that in our act."

"Don't forget the fourth kind." I intervened, "Alicorns like me and Twilight."

"Oh, hey Bond Racer...or is it Prince Bond Racer now?" Scootaloo asked as she and the other bowed.

"No it's alright, you three don't have to bow or call me Prince." I smiled, "So what's this all about?"

"Well you know about the upcoming Equestria games? Ms. Harshwhinny selected our school to be divided into teams do to a flag carrying routine." Applebloom explained.

"It's all part of the opening ceremony and whichever team pulls off the best performance wins the honour of carrying the Ponyville flag at the games." Sweetie added.

"That sounds cool, I forgot that was still coming up in a few months." I replied.

"So we're gonna need a plan." Sweetie said.

"And a lot of hard work!" Applebloom added.

"And a whole bunch of practice! But take it from me, we may just be little ponies, but we have hearts as strong as horses!" Scootaloo stated.

I heard music beginning to play, guess it's time for another musical number. I watched over them as they began to sing.

We're the toughest little ponies in town

Got the moves, got the mojo, no harder working ponies around

We are a trio, work as a team

We'll be the first ponies out on the flag-waving scene

We get going when the going gets tough

We know our very best is just never enough

We're kinda short, but so what? We don't get defeated

We could take a little break, but we don't need it

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hea-a-a-arts, hearts strong as horses

When we put our minds together, we can achieve

We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and you should believe

We've got determination to represent the nation

For the win

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

And we're playing to win as we gallop to glory

We can conquer any challenge we're in

We've got hea-a-a-arts, hearts strong as horses

Hearts strong as horses

The song ended with the CMC's suspended in the air, before I heard clapping hooves from behind me. It was Diamond Tiara who was applauding sarcastically and Silver Spoon who applauded genuinely as if she found it amazing.

"If that's the best you've got, we're going to win for sure." Tiara remarked at the CMC's.

Silver didn't say anything before Tiara nudged her. "Oh umm...we already have the most divine routine planned." she said but not convincing enough which Tiara failed to notice.

"It's absolutely sure to crush everyone else...and I mean crush."

"But we're winners! And we have hearts!" Scootaloo boasted proudly.

Silver again didn't say anything.

"Come on Silver." Tiara demanded, "Don't be so sympathetic to these blank flanks."

"Now hold on there!" I intervened, "I'm sure Silver can think for herself."

"Uh...umm..I-I..."Silver tried to say.

"If it's cutie marks, what does that have to do with flag carryin'?" Applebloom asked.

Good move Applebloom, I thought, that should give Silver some time.

"Having cutie mark-less ponies represent Ponyville would be unthinkable." Tiara replied. "And we, of course, already have our cutie marks. So we know who's gonna be in the winner's circle."

Scootaloo then walked right into Tiara's face, just a nose away from contact.

"Listen, you two! Cutie marks or no cutie marks, you'll see! The Crusaders are gonna carry that flag at the Games." she exclaimed.

"May the best ponies win!"

"Game on!"

Tiara and Silver then turned and walked away before Silver looked back and smiled. This made the CMC's look confused, but I smiled back as I knew my plan to reform her was working, now all she needs is something that Tiara says or do that will cause her to say enough is enough.

After the lunch break was over, I decided to leave the CMC's so they could begin to work on thier team performance whilst I walked back into town. Along the way, I spotted Bon Bon from earlier, I guess I could kill a bit of time by talking to her.

"Hi there, we met earlier?" I asked.

"Oh yes, sorry about how I acted, I've been with Lyra for a long time and she can be quite irritating." Bon Bon replied.

"Oh believe me, I know what it feels like all too well."

"So, you're a Prince as well I hear which I forgot to say earlier as well as bow to you."

"I wouldn't worry about that, no pony's perfect the first time. I'm not exactly perfect myself, even with my magic strength, I have my flaws."

"I see...by the way, have you seen Lyra?"

"No I haven't, why is there something wrong?"

"No, she hasn't talked to me since what I said earlier."

"Well, my advice is to give her some time, she'll come round before you know it and then you can talk it over and sooth it for the time being."

"I'll do that...thanks Prince Bond."

I then walked onwards and back home to have a quick rest and put my hooves up. I then heard a knock on the door, I opened it and to my surprise, it was Twist.

"Well hello, Twist. This is a surprise." I said with a surprised expression.

"Yes, hi Prince Racer, it's been a while. I just came to ask you if you wanted some bags of peppermint sticks."

"You know, that's the one thing I forgot to put on my list, sure, I'll gladly have a bag."

"Sweet, I have one at the filly school by the stage area."

"In that case, I'll come with you."

So I left my home with Twist as we walked over ot the filly school and by the playground area outside. When we got there, a big stage was set up with Ms. Cheerlie and Rainbow Dash present.

"Show me what you got, Cutie Mark Crusaders, and make it good!" Dash exclaimed.

"Don't worry, we will!" Scootaloo replied.

"Now, this is just a little something we threw together. It's not perfect yet, not even close." Sweetie added.

Twist walked towards the backstage and grabbed a small bag with her mouth and brought it over to me.

"Thanks Twist, I'll be sure to enjoy them. Are you part of a team?" I asked.

"I am, but it's not my team's turn yet." Twist replied.

"I see, I'll leave you to it then."

I waved at Twist as she joined her team whilst I noticed Tiara and Silver hiding among the bushes. I had excellent hearing so I walked and sat by Dash whilst overhearing what they were saying.

"Let's watch the Cutie Mark "Goof-saders" do their saddle routine." Tiara smirked. "They're gonna be a hot mess!"

"Since the dawn of recorded time, in one town of amazing amazingness, three types of ponies coexist!"

"We are Earth ponies!"

"We are unicorns!"

"We are Pegasi! And the town where friendship reigns is our home. Now, welcome to the stadium, the flag of the place we love best..."

"Ponyville forever! Yay!"

"It's kind of a work in progress. So? What did you think?"

"Well I have to admit, it looks really good for a first time attempt." I complimented.

"That was ama-- Wait. Hold on now. Gotta stay calm, cool and collected. To give a calm, clear analysis-- Wait. You whipped that act together just yesterday?! That is-- Professionalism, Dash, keep those emotions in check!Overall, it was... kinda, sorta... Overall, it was okay. Keep working hard. Who knows? You might have a shot. Gotta go!" Dash added.

"Lemme guess, Ms Harshwhinny?"

"Yeah, she wanted me to act professional and not go over the top."

"Well, that's...just like...her opinion, you know, that's all it is."

"So I still have the right to say whatever I thought about that performance for real?"

"Of course, don't let her posh snooty attitude boss you around."

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind, thanks Bond."

I then overheard Tiara talking again as she walked by the school with Silver.

"Did you see that?! I can't believe I'm saying this. They could win!" Tiara exclaimed.

"Yeah, that performance was totally amazing." Silver added. "Oh wait, I mean how do we stop them?"

"We need to find a new way to get under their skin. Or maybe...get under their wings."

Silver gasped, "You don't mean pick on Scootaloo because of her wings?"

"Of course I mean that, there's no way their performance would be able to...take off."

I looked at Silver who sighed and gulped, looks like she's ready to swallow her pride and go for it.

"No!"

Tiara turned around and looked at her, looking shocked. "What did you say?" she asked.

"I said no...calling names for having no cutie marks is one thing, but bullying them because of disabilities is something I don't wanna be involved in."

"Oh please, don't tell me that Bond Lamer is getting through to you."

"That's Prince Bond Racer and unlike you, he's had time for me to listen to what I wanted to say for so long."

This soon got the attention of not only me, but the CMC's as well who were just leaving the school.

"And what's that exactly? Remember what me and my daddy did to help your dad's business? You owe me!" Tiara said, stomping her hoof.

"You know, I thought this would be difficult because of how much we've gone through together, but your behaviour towards me has told me otherwise!" Silver yelled back.

"Alright fine! You leave me alone while I go and bully Scootaloo about her lame wings and that she cannot fly!"

"Hmpf!" Silver retorted as she galloped away from her now what seem to be ex-friend.

Me and the CMC's heard it all, Scootaloo then tried to use her wings and fly but she could only get off the ground before falling flat. When she got up, she was feeling sad and she galloped away from us without saying a word.

"Scootaloo, wait." Sweetie called as she and Applebloom tried to catch up with her.

I sighed at the fact that even though Silver finally came out of her shell, it happened at the wrong time. With it being Sunset time, I realized there was nothing else we can do until tomorrow which is when we all go to the Crystal Empire for the opening ceremony practices.

I walked home and as I got in, all I could do was get some sleep and hope that Scootaloo will be alright by tomorrow.

When I woke up the next day, I made my way to the station to see Sweetie and Applebloom, rushing around, looking for Scootaloo possibly since she wasn't here.

"Crystal Empire! All aboard!" The conductor announced.

"Hi you two, have you spoken to her?" I asked them.

"We haven't seen her since yesterday." Applebloom answered sadly.

"Scootaloo? Where is she?" Sweetie asked.

"She'd better get here soon! This here train is about to leave!"

"Here I am..." Scootaloo said as she showed up, looking depressed.

"Are you alright?" I asked her.

"I...I'm not going."

"What?" Sweetie and Applebloom gasped.

"I'm the weak link. If I go, and fall, flop, or do anything but fly, I'm gonna blow it for you two."

"I can't believe you're quitting on us!" Sweetie said sadly.

"But you're better off without me!"

"That's not true, Scootaloo!" I said to her, "Besides, you saw what happened yesterday. Silver's no longer going to be Tiara's yes pony and Tiara is weak when she has nopony as her friends. You have nothing to worry about at all."

"All aboard!" The conductor called.

"There's nothing worse than living with regret and trust me, I've been there before, so what do you say?"

"Okay, let's do it for the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Scootaloo replied confidently.

"YAY!" The other two responded happily.

"That's the spirit!" I said, "Now let's get going."

We then boarded the train and we sat at the end coach when Rainbow Dash came in.

"So how's this team doing?" Dash asked before she noticed Scootaloo in tears as did I.

"I'll let you handle this one, Dash. You know her better than I do." I said to her smiling as I stood back slightly.

Dash nodded as she walked towards Scootaloo.

"What's wrong, Scootaloo?" Dash asked as she put her hoof around her.

"I didn't want to ruin their chance to win just because I couldn't fly." she replied trying not to cry.

"And who said you had to?"

"Diamond Tiara said it, but that was after she and her friend fell out so they won't be bothering us anymore. But isn't flying what Pegasus ponies are supposed to do? You flew when you carried the flag in the games!"

"But that was me! You're you! And it just doesn't matter if you can fly or not. Your routine was amazing 'cause it represented exactly what makes Ponyville special. You do still know what that is, right?"

"Friendship." Sweetie said.

"Three kinds of ponies livin' together as friends. Just like us. Earth ponies..." Applebloom added.

"...unicorns..."

"...and Pegasi." Scootaloo finished, "But Rainbow Dash...what if...what if my wings never grow? What if I never fly?"

Dash then gave Scootaloo a sisterly hug.

"Listen, Scootaloo. Maybe you'll fly someday, or maybe you won't. You're all kinds of awesome anyway. Who's the toughest little pony in town?" she said.

The CMC's began to sing a short version

Got the moves, got the mojo...

No harder working pony around.

We are a trio, work as a team

We'll be the first ponies out on the flag-waving scene

"So let's get to the Crystal Empire and let's do the routine as it was! And let's win this thing!" Scootaloo yelled with determination.

With no time to lose, we arrived at the Crystal Empire and trotted over to the stadium where the performances took place. There was only three to watch since Tiara had to pull out due to Silver falling out with her.

It was then the CMC's turn to do their performance.

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

We've got hearts as strong as horses

And we're playing to win as we gallop to glory

We can conquer any challenge we're in

We've got hea-a-a-arts, hearts strong as horses

Hearts strong as horses

During the chorus, I felt my back leg tapped, I looked to my right to see Silver smiling at me.

"I just wanna say thank you for giving me all the confidence I needed to become my own pony." she said. "I feel so happy and free now that I'm no longer Tiara's friend."

"I'm very happy for you Silver, you're very much welcome." I replied. "Now you just gotta give it time before you talk to the CMC's, I'm sure you can do it when the time is right."

"I hope so."

She then hugged my leg and I put my hoof around her to accept the hug.

The CMC's performance ended with Scootaloo jumping through a hoop on her scooter.

All the crystal ponies cheered at the performance as all the fillies stood in a line among their respected teams and Ms.Harshwhinny joined the stage and began to speak through the microphone.

"In the Equestria Games, the Ponyville flag will be carried by...'Cutie Mark Crusaders'!"

The crowd cheered at the result whilst I smiled happily at them.

The CMC's came on stage and were awarded flower made crowns, they all smiled big when Dash approached them.

"Ahem. Look. What you three did was...acceptable." she said during her 'Professionalism' manner.

"Acceptable? Acceptable?! Why, it was totally stupendously the single most amazing thing I've ever seen!" Harshwhinny exclaimed.

Oh the irony...

"Contain your excitement, Ms. Harshwhinny. Remember – professionalism."

"Ahem. Y-Yes, well, I-"

Harshwhinny then ran off, causing us to laugh.

"You know what this means, right?" Scootaloo asked.

"What?" Applebloom asked.

"We are totally gonna get cutie marks in flag-carrying!"

"Yeah!" the other two replied when we saw Dash fly away with a groaned look.

I could tell they were only joking.

It was time head on home, I gave the CMC's a group hug before we all travelled back to Ponyville. We got back by sunset where I noticed Spike running to the library home with a book.

"Hey there Spike, what's the rush?" I called out.

"Oh hey Bond, I found this awesome book about ponies with superpowers." he replied excitedly, "I've gotta read this before Twilight has her bedtime."

"Alright, have fun reading it."

I then walked into my home and took off my clothes and nearly landed on the bed. As I waited until my eyes closed, I thought back on today. I am so thrilled that Silver Spoon has finally ended her 'friendship' with Tiara, now she can be a much stronger filly without her influence, but it did leave me with two questions on my mind as I fell asleep.

Will Silver be alright when she takes time before finding the courage to speak to the CMC's and what would Tiara make of it if she found out? I hope it doesn't get too ugly, but whatever the reason, I also hope that Scootaloo does get to fly for real someday.

Power Ponies

I heard a knock on my door which woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and looked at my pocketwatch to see it reading 8:00am.

"Now why would anypony wake me up at a time like this?" I asked myself. "Ugh...I hate Mondays...wait, is it a Monday, oh who cares."

I then shook my head before I heard the door knock again.

"Hold on...I'm coming." I said in a grouchy voice.

I then opened the door and took a deep breath to stay calm.

"Morning Bond." Twilight greeted.

"Oh, morning Twilight, why did you wake me up at a time like this?" I asked.

"Sorry but Celestia has asked us to go to the abandoned castle and have it repaired. She's thinking of getting it restored to it's former glory."

"As long as it's during the day, I don't mind...I'll be on my way after I had my breakfast."

"Alright but don't be too late. You don't wanna disappoint Rarity, right?"

"Yeah real funny Twilight...anyways, I'll see you all shortly."

Twilight stuck her tongue out before she giggled and closed the door. I then let out a huge yawn before I got myself a drink to wake me up. After I had my breakfast, I got cleaned up and dressed before I left my home and flew over the Everfree Forest and towards the castle and landed outside.

I walked inside to the tumbled throne room to see the six mares working along with Spike who was reading the book he got from the Canterlot Library yesterday.

"Looking good, everypony! Let's keep this magical makeover moving!" Twilight ordered.

"You got it!" Dash replied as she and Fluttershy carried a huge piece of fabric around the room.

"Bond is here, ready to do his part." I said to them.

"Oooh, good you're here. Help me with this, sugarcube." Applejack said as I adjusted the frames on a wall.

I then saw Spike with his book in his small bag and walked towards the others.

"You sure you don't need any help?" he asked.

"Nah, that's okay." Applejack replied.

"We have everything under control!" Pinkie added as she surfed around, creating bubbles whilst wiping the floor.

"Dash?"

"I'm good!" Dash replied.

"Isn't there anything I can help you with, Twilight?" Spike sighed.

"Don't worry about it, Spike! It's all good!" Pinkie answered quickly.

"I think she's right. It looks like we've got it, Spike. Looking great, everypony! Why don't you find a quiet spot and finish reading your comic? Aren't you right at the part where Hum Drum was about to stop the villain?"

Spike then pulled out his comic book and left the throne room to probably read in a quiet place.

I then noticed Rarity beside me. "Surprise darling." she said before she kissed me.

"I love it when you surprise me, my love." I replied, kissing her back.

"Okay you two, we've got work to do around here." Twilight winked.

Soon, with my help, we finished off the work needed and we agreed to take a break.

"Let's look for Spike." Pinkie said.

"Agreed." Twilight replied.

We left the throne room and walked through the halls.

"Spike! Where are ya, Spike?" Applejack called.

"We're breaking for tea and biscuits!" Rarity added.

"Spike!" Dash also called.

"Heeeeeelp!" Spike yelled from a room.

We gasped and galloped to where he was and when we barged into the room, we saw a bright light and we began to get sucked in by the comic book...a huge light enveloped everything.

When we woke up after what seemed like a few seconds, Spike gasped first.

"Is this... Maretropolis?" he asked himself as he looked around.

"Somepony wanna tell me what the hay is goin' on?" Applejack asked.

"Holy new personas, ponies! You're the... Masked Matter-Horn! Fili-Second! Zapp! R-Radiance! Mistress Mare-velous! Saddle Rager!  Agent Voice! You're the... Power Ponies!"

"Well I'll be..." I said as I looked at my agent outfit. "...go go Power Rangers!"

The other stared at me, wondering what I just said.

"No it's Power Ponies." Spike corrected.

I then looked at Rarity...or Radiance now and my Celestia, she looks stunning. If only Spike wasn't with us right now...just then, we heard a small explosion and all us rushed to where it was coming from as we looked down from the top of a building we were on.

"Power Ponies!" a mare laughed who seemed to have separate strands of hair like Medusa, "How kind of you to join us!"

"Huh?" we all wondered.

"Did she just call us... Power Ponies?" Applejack asked.

"You're the...the superheroes from my comic book! It somehow zapped us all in here!" Spike replied.

"So somepony zap us back out!" Dash demanded.

"My comic book! It said the way to get back to where we started was to defeat the Mane-iac! Your arch-nemesis!"

"Time for the mane event!" Mane-iac boasted as she used her strips of mane to lift up a pretzel stand and threw it at us.

We then saw a letterbox thrown at us which headed towards Pinkie, when it landed, we looked to see wasn't there.

"Pinkie! Where'd she go?!" Dash asked.

"Wheeeeeeee!" Pinkie exclaimed as she zoomed across the buildings.

"She could be miles away from here by now! Pinkie is Fili-Second, the fastest pony in all of Maretropolis!" Spike explained.

Applejack used her rope to whip at Mane-iac but missed an she ended up lassoing a streetlight pole and speeded down from us and wrapped herself around the pole. Mane-iac laughed at this.

"Twilight! Freeze her mane!" Spike yelled.

"Do what?" Twilight asked.

"You're the Masked Matter-Horn! You can shoot all kinds of crazy power beams from your horn!"

Twilight used her horn but only created snowflakes.

"You know, I'm beginning to enjoy this." Mane-iac smirked.

"Dash! Quick! You're Zapp, and your superpower is controlling the mighty forces of nature! Unholster the lightning bolt!"

Dash flew up and used he necklace to bring in a tornado.

"Lightning, not a tornado!" Spike yelled.

We all then got sucked in the tornado and began spinning around.

"Fluttershy! You're Saddle Rager! Lose your temper, and you'll turn into a huge, super-strong monster!"

"Oh, gosh! That wouldn't... be very... polite!" Fluttershy replied.

"Ugh! Rarity! You're Radiance! Use your jewellery to create attack constructs!"

"What's an attack construct?!" Rarity asked.

"Just think of something, anything, and your bracelet makes it appear!"

Rarity used her bracelet to make a complete tea set appear.

"Something useful!"

We continued getting spun around until Spike was flown out of it.

"Well, this has been quite the mane-raising experience. But I really must be going." Mane-iac said as we heard her leave us, laughing all the way.

Shortly then, the tornado got bigger and wider before it popped, leaving us lying on the ground.

"That was spin-tastic!" Pinkie giggled as I saw Radiance land down on a small table and glass case she probably created.

"Lemme get this straight: We've been sucked into some kind of comic-book world?" Applejack asked.

"Technically, it's called Maretropolis." Spike answered, "And if we wanna get back to Ponyville, I think we have to stop the Mane-iac from using her doomsday device to destroy it!"

"No biggie. I was already awesome. And now we've all got superpowers!" Dash boasted.

"Almost all of us have superpowers..."

"But you must have them too, Spikey-boo. Your character is wearing a cape!" Rarity said.

"Yeah, for absolutely no reason. He's pretty much useless..."

"Good thing you're not really Hum Drum, then." Twilight added.

"Yeah, good thing..."

"If I may interrupt, what exactly am I dressed as?" I asked.

"Oh you're Agent Voice, you have the power to imitate any voice in this comic world as well as dress the smartest."

"Really...that's it? Ugh, I never asked for this!" I replied, intimating the voice who said that line.

"So the six of us Power Ponies will take care of Mane-iac, and get us back to Ponyville!" Dash said.

"Spike, where is the Mane-iac building her doomsday device?" Twilight asked.

"Her top-secret headquarters! But you'd better get there quick." Spike said as we all began walking, "That glowing orb she just stole is what she's going to use to power it up!"

"Lead the way, Spike!" Applejack said.

"Then leave the rest to us!" Dash added.

Spike sighed as he led the way and walked in front of us. When we arrived at a tall warehouse, we stopped walking.

"There it is!" Spike exclaimed as he pointed out the warehouse.

"Is that a... shampoo factory?" Applejack asked.

"All right, Power Ponies, here's the plan. Rarity, you, me and-"

"Come on out, Mane-iac! Or the Power Ponies are comin' in!" Dash yelled, cutting Twilight off as she used her lightening to zap the neon lights off the sign.

"So much for 'element of surprise'."

"Guess I'll just hang back here doing nothing." Spike sighed.

Now I was beginning to feel concerned about him, as if he was being left out.

"Oh, I don't think she's home. Maybe we should just come back later." Fluttershy said, trying not to panic.

We then heard the Mane-iac laugh villainously.

"She's home." Rarity responded worryingly.

The warehouse door then lifted up and we saw a huge group of unfriendly ponies.

"Time to Power Pony up!" Applejack announced.

"Ooh! Nice catchphrase!" Pinkie commented.

"Freeze ray!" Twilight yelled as she threw a beam at one of the hench-ponies, but it was only a snowball.

"It's an improvement, darling." Rarity commented as she flew up on a flying carpet. I hope she didn't borrow it from Aladdin...

Two of the hench ponies galloped towards me, I leapt up and used my strength to knock them both out.

"Did somepony wanna double up?" I remarked.

"Ooh, I do so love a functional accessory!" Rarity said as she laid out her hooves with the bracelet on.

Fluttershy whimpered as a pony came towards her before he got stopped by a zap from a lightening.

"My hair!" he exclaimed as he galloped away.

"Seriously? You aren't even just a little angry right now?" Dash asked, confused by what he just said.

"Nice work, Power Ponies!" Twilight praised, "Now let's take care of the Mane-iac and get ourselves home!"

"I don't think so!" Mane-iac replied as she showed herself, "I have a city to destroy, and I'm not about to let the Power Ponies stop me! Not this time!"

"Yeah, like I haven't heard that line before." I muttered.

"Just watch us!" Dash yelled.

Mane-iac then brought out a hairspray can.

"The Hairspray Ray of Doom!" Spike exclaimed, "It stops you in your tracks and renders your powers useless!"

Dash zoomed towards her before Mane-iac sprayed at her which stopped her instantly and she fell on the ground like a glass object.

"We'll just see about that!" Rarity exclaimed as she and the others all galloped towards her.

Mane-iac used her spray at them and they stopped instantly. I had then noticed that Fluttershy and Spike weren't with them and neither was I. I hid behind the mailbox like a coward, noticing Fluttershy and Spike were behind there too.

"Fluttershy, please! Just a little anger?!" Spike asked quietly.

"Well, I'm not so much angry as I am concerned, bordering on terrified!" Fluttershy replied nervously.

"Well I hate to point this out, but we've got company." I said, pointing to Mane-iac who was in front of us.

She then used more of her hairspray but I bought up a shield to protect myself and galloped away out of sight. I turned around a corner and looked back to overhear the commotion.

"Don't spray!" Spike yelled.

"Oh, Hum Drum, why in all of Maretropolis would I use the Hairspray Ray of Doom on you? Rather pointless, don't you think?" Mane-iac asked before she laughed and brought the six mares who were trapped like statues into the warehouse and closed the door.

When the coast was clear, I came from behind and walked over to Spike who looked really depressed.

"What am I supposed to do? I'm useless. No wonder my friends never need me to do anything important."

"Spike, you know that is not true. You know that you always come through for Twilight and the rest of us when we need you."

"But you and the others are the ones with superpowers. They've probably already figured out how to escape."

"After the way they got captured by that hairspray can? I wouldn't be so sure."

"What makes you say that?"

"Listen Spike, I know what it feels like to not be useful and to not be offered a chance to help. But that doesn't mean you have to think you're useless."

"Really?"

"Yes, I mean you do help out a lot when Twilight asks you and so does Rarity at times. Besides, I'm the only power pony the Mane-iac hasn't captured, so I can offer to help you out and rescue our friends together."

"You're right, we have to do it for our friends!"

"That's the spirit! Now let's sneak inside and see what's happening."

Spike got on my back and I flew up to the rooftop of the warehouse and looked for a way in.

"Spike, you go into that vent and sneak in until you find an exit so you can see what's going on."

"Got it, you go to the warehouse entrance and imitate a voice of whatever you can do to get that door open."

"Right, don't you worry Spike, I believe in you."

"Thanks dude."

Spike smiled and snuck in the vent shaft whilst I flew down to the entrance. I knocked on the entrance door and began to imitate a voice.

"Pizza delivery!" I called.

The door opened and a hench pony came out.

"Uh, we didn't order pizza, it's ruins our style." he complained.

"You sure? This is the shampoo factory, right?"

"Go away!"

"How about no?"

The hench pony slammed down the door, I took several steps backwards and lit up my horn and created a huge blast, exploding the door down and galloped inside to find Spike watching over the mares who were trapped in a cage.

"Over there! Idiots!" Mane-iac ordered as the hench ponies came towards me.

"Time to kick flank, Power Pony style!" I exclaimed.

Spike then jumped from the walkway and landed on a hench pony, knocking him out. Whilst I got my daily exercise by knocking the others out and freeing the mares from the cage in the process, before Spike spotted Fluttershy not moving.

"Fluttershy, why are you hiding?" Spike asked.

"You seem to have everything under control." she replied.

"Fluttershy, we need you! You have to power up!"

"I'm sorry, it's just that nothing is making me mad."

We then saw a firefly get mane-whipped by Mane-iac and collides into the wall.

"Oh, goodness! Are you okay?" she asked before she got mad at Mane-iac "Are you kidding me? I mean, I know you're evil and everything, but you hurt a teensy, little, harmless firefly?! Really?! Well you're just a great, big, meanie!" her voice began to go deeper. "There! I said it! What makes you think you're so special?! Like the rules of common courtesy don't apply to you?! Why don't you pick on somepony your own size?!"

She was now huge and let our a big roar.

"Holy Celestia!" I yelled in shock. "Has the Incredible Hulk been around these parts?"

Fluttershy or Flutterhulk as I now saw her jumped onto mane-iac superweapon, knocking her off and smashing the weapon to pieces before stopping, feeling embarrassed. We then saw Mane-iac tied up in her own mane, thanks to Applejack.

"My mane! My maaaaaane!" Mane-iac laughed insanely.

"Once again, the day is saved by-"

Spike got gut off as we began to feel a force pulling us away from the comic world and back into our own world, landing on in same room we were in before.

"I'm starting to feel like Alice in Wonderland at this rate." I muttered.

"Awesome!" Dash yelled. "Did you see how I was raining down a storm of justice at the end there?!"

"Eh, we had a good half second before we got sucked back out of the comic, and the Maretropolis bakery was only sixty-five blocks away!" Pinkie added.

"I'm just glad to be back." Spike said.

"We wouldn't have made it without you, Spike and of course you too Bond." Twilight said to us, "And I hope you realize that just because we don't always need your help, it doesn't mean that we don't think you're helpful."

"And that you don't have to have superpowers to be a super friend." I added.

We all nodded in agreement.

"But I do have one question. Where exactly did you get that comic book?" Twilight asked.

"This one I got in Canterlot at the House of Enchanted Comics. Well, I didn't know it meant they were literally enchanted!" Spike answered innocently. "I thought it just meant, like, the comics they sold there had really enchanting storylines! Hey, wait up! I'm an important part of this team, remember?!"

As we left the castle and seeing the sunset, I walked alongside Rarity and quietly as Spike caught up with us and got on Twilight's back.

"Pssst, Rarity, want me to come over and save the world tonight with you?" I whispered her slyly.

"Oooh darling." she replied, giggling like a filly. "You'll always be my superhero."

She then kissed me quickly as we all made it back home.

"Ah gotta go straight back to the farm, ya'll." Applejack said as we exchanged our farewells. "By sunrise tomorrow morning, it'll be applebuck season again and this time, ah'm sure ya'll can help me out from start to finish."

"Of course Applejack, anything we can do to help, just say and we'll be there." Twilight replied.

"Thank ya kindly, not only that, ah have a little surprise for ya'll when ya come on over, goodnight ya'll."

After the coast was clear, Rarity grabbed my hoof and took me to her home.

"I have to confess, you looked incredibly stunning with that outfit on. You were indeed quite a radiance." I complimented as we walked into her home and upstairs to her bedroom.

"I suppose I was, but you were a handsome stallion too with that fabulous agent suit." she replied, "Speaking of which, I still have that costume you wore on Nightmare Night that was almost like that one."

"Really, shall I wear it for tonight?"

"Only if I can design my power pony outfit which shan't take long."

We got into her bedroom and as soon as we closed the bedroom door behind us, I got on the bed and then Rarity pounced on me, causing me to fall backwards on the pillows.

"Now, you just lie here while I go and get your outfit and make mine."

In no time at all, I saw my agent costume from Nightmare Night and dressed into it whilst Rarity designed her radiance which looked almost exactly like the original one. My wings flung open as I started at her heroic beauty and design.

"Let's go and save the world, Agent Voice."

"My dear Radiance, anything for you."

No more words were needed, we got on the bed and exchanged romantic kisses...it was a night of passion for sure.

Bats

It was the next day when I woke up, I noticed that Rarity was not with me. I guess she woke up before I did, but then I saw her with two mugs she was carrying with her magic, she was also dressed out of her hero outfit from last night.

"Morning darling, hot coco?" she offered.

"Oooh yes indeed, thanks love." I replied as I took one of the mugs from her and drank it.

We then heard a knock on the door.

"I'll go and get it, dear." Rarity said as she kissed me before she left the room with her mug.

I drank mine and got out of bed, I noticed I had my agent costume on. I took it off and walked downstairs with my mug and into the kitchen and placed the mug in the sink as I finished drinking the hot coco.

"Bond, it was Twilight. She says Applejack needs all six of us for an emergency."

"Emergency?" I asked, "Well, looks like our quiet moment of romance will have to wait."

We then left the house and I got Rarity on my back before we flew up and to the farm whilst Rarity held on to me. When we arrived, I landed down outside the entrance and she got off me as we heard the bell going off several times.

"Attention! This is a Sweet Apple Acres code red!" Applejack yelled, "Ah need all hooves on deck!"

"Code red? I don't see any planes or tanks around here." I replied.

"Not that sugarcube, this is a different code red!"

"Calm down, Applejack." Rarity responded.

"Calm down?! How can ah calm down at a time like this?! Vampire fruit bats are attackin' Sweet Apple Acres!"

"But I thought the fruit bats usually stayed put in the west orchard." Twilight said.

"The fruit bats do, but these aren't just your everyday ordinary fruit bats. They're vampire fruit bats! I'll be darned if they think they're gonna sink their fangs into my blue ribbon apple."

Applejack then pulled a cloak away to reveal a huge red apple, they were all amazed by it while I was a bit...meh.

"This here's our entry into the Appleloosa State Fair's produce competition. You know how much TLC goes into getting an apple to grow like this?"

"Applejack! When you go big, you really go big!" Rarity commented.

"That's what she said..." I muttered.

"Them vampire bats want to shrivel it up like a raisin!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Oh, I'm sure if we just let them know how special that particular apple is to you, they'll leave it alone." Fluttershy responded.

"Yeah, right. Be my guest."

Fluttershy then flew towards one of the apple trees with the bats in them and after a moment, she came back.

"Well? What'd he say?"

"Um... yes."

"Huh?"

"But... it could've been a no."

"Oh.

"This is the first vampire fruit bat I've ever met and, well, it might take some time for me to really understand their language."

"Uh-huh. And in the meantime, this pest and his vermin friends are gonna go after my prized apple and, while they're at it, every other apple in the orchard! These vampire bats are nothin' but a bunch of monsters!"

"Monsters?! Oh, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"No, I do not."

Suddenly, I heard background music playing, time to watch a Thriller knock-off, I thought.

Those vampire bats will give you a fright

Eating apples both day and night

They rest for a minute, maybe three

Then they're eatin' every apple in your apple tree

They don't care about nada, not zilch, no, nothin'

'Cept bringin' about an orchard's destruction

Fluttershy intervened in the song.

Now wait just a minute, there's another side to this

And if I did not defend them, then I would be remiss

These bats are mamas and papas too

They care for their young just like we ponies do

Oh, give me a break, you're bein' too kind

These creatures have a one-track mind

The orchard is not their restaurant

But do they ever think what others may want?

No! They don't! And that is just a fact

These bats, they simply don't know how to act

That's where I have to disagree

They're loyal to their family

Spreading seeds both far and wide

You see one comin', you'd better run and hide!

They're big and ugly and mean as sin

Will ya look at the state my trees are in?

They help your trees, they'll grow stronger faster

They've turned my life to a total disaster!

Rarity and Dash joined in the song.

Well, I for one don't have a doubt

These vermin must be stamped right out

I second that, they've got to go

These bats, they've got to hit the road

It comes down to just one simple fact

They've crossed the line, it's time to fight them back!

The rest joined in except me and Fluttershy.

Stop the bats! Stop the bats!

Make them go and not come back!

Stop the bats! Stop the bats!

Make them go and not come back!

Stop the bats! Stop the bats!

Make them go and not come back!

Whilst they were singing, I put on a familiar costume.

Yes, it comes down to just one simple fact

They've crossed the line, it's time that we attack!

Applejack finished the song and then I got their attention.

"Cause this is thriller, thriller night!" I sung which confused them. "Oh never mind, forget what I just said."

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but I believe Applejack has made the better argument. These vampire fruit bats sound downright dreadful." Rarity said.

"So let's get to roundin' them up so they don't destroy the rest of my orchard." Applejack ordered.

"Fruit bat round-up, fruit bat round-up!" Pinkie sung whilst bouncing.

"Um, excuse me, but, um, what if instead of rounding them up, we...let them have part of the orchard?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Have you lost your pest-lovin' mind?!"

"They're only here because they're hungry! If we build a sanctuary for them, they could have their own apples to enjoy! After a while, they could even help the rest of your orchard! The vampire bats don't eat the seeds of the apples, and when they spit them out, they grow into even more productive apple trees!"

"Listen, Fluttershy. That sounds real nice 'n' all, but every second we spend buildin' this so-called 'sanctuary' is a second they'll spend destroyin' orchards! You don't know what it was like the last time there was an infestation, but Granny Smith has told me enough stories about it that just the thought of it gives me nightmares! Granny says we lost a huge section of orchard that year. They had to ration out apples all winter!"

"What about the cider? There was still cider, right?" Dash asked.

"Not...a...drop."

"No cider?! No cider?! We need to round up these monsters, and we need to do it now!"

"If Granny Smith wasn't with Apple Bloom an' Big Mac checkin' out our produce competition in Appleloosa, she'd be here tellin' us to do just that!"

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but I think Applejack is right. I just wish there was another way we could convince them not to eat them in the first place. Maybe there is...!"

Shortly afterwards, we were in the library where Twilight was going over several books.

"So, there's good news and bad news." she said, "The good news is that I found a spell that can get the vampire fruit bats to stop wanting to suck the juice from the apples. But in order for the spell to work, I need the bats' full and complete attention."

She looked at Fluttershy and this gave us the assumption of what she was thinking.

"Oh no." Fluttershy gasped.

"Fluttershy, I need you to do your Stare on the bats."

"Oh, gosh, I don't know."

"What's the problem? You've used the Stare plenty of times before!" Dash said.

"Yes, but it's not something I take lightly. I've made a vow not to use it except in dire circumstances."

"This circumstance is plenty dire to me!" Applejack

"Me too! Think of the cider! Won't somepony please think of the cider?!" Dash cried in dramatic fashion.

I looked at Rarity...she was not amused by Dash's diva-ish behaviour.

"I'm sorry. I just don't like the idea of taking away the thing that really makes the vampire fruit bats," Fluttershy paused as she gasped "Vampire fruit bats! It just feels wrong!"

"But if we don't do this, there won't be any apples left for anypony here in Ponyville. Doesn't that feel wrong, too?" Twilight asked.

"Hold on second, let's not put any peer pressure on Fluttershy. I have a bad feeling about this, what if Fluttershy gets bitten by one of those vampire bats?" I asked. "Wouldn't she turn into one of them and therefore lose our only hope of getting rid of them?"

"Don't be so dramatic dear, I'm sure Twilight would be able to reverse that curse." Rarity assured.

"Well umm...I guess...but I should be Plan B just in case."

We all then left the library with Spike in tow and walked over to the Apple Farm.

"So what's it gonna be, Fluttershy? Will you do your Stare on the bats or not?" Applejack asked.

"Um...Um...Okay, I'll do it." Fluttershy sighed.

"Good choice. I knew you wouldn't side with those icky bats!" Rarity said, whimpering.

"They're not icky."

"First round of cider's on me!" Dash declared.

"Hold it right there! We've gotta round up these beasts with wings first. Time's a-wastin'!" Applejack exclaimed.

After a while of rounding up the bats with mostly random methods, it was time for the spell to happen.

"Good work, everypony!" Applejack praised, before turning to Fluttershy, "Ah think we got 'em all! Now all we need is for you do to your Stare."

"Oh, um, are you sure I really need-"

Fluttershy was cut off as we all nodded.

"Okay. I really, really, really hate to do this to you... I just hope you can forgive me..."

The bats hissed before Fluttershy began to use her stare of them which got all their attention.

"Good... Now you go, Twilight!" Applejack said.

"Alright." Twilight replied.

She used her magic on the bats and created an aura around them, I then noticed some of aura going to Fluttershy, before it disappeared.

"You can stop staring, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy then stopped and flew back down.

"Did it work?" Spike asked.

"Only one way to find out for sure." Applejack replied

Dash brought up an apple ot one of the bats and the bat looked away and flew off along with the other bats.

"Ye-he-heah, whoo!" Dash exclaimed.

"My crop is saved! Yee-haw!"

"We'll be drinking cider all winter long!"

"Ah wanna thank you for your help. Ah couldn't have done it without you."

"Aw, don't mention it, Applejack. It was my pleasure! Really!" Spike replied.

Wait a minute...Spike didn't do anything, unless he was being sarcastic.

"Now all we gotta do is sweep up these cores so I can start buckin' fresh tomorrow mornin'!"

I then heard Fluttershy sniff at one of the apples...uh oh, I sense a side effect.

"Umm Applejack, would it be alright for me to watch over the apple trees tonight?" I asked.

"Why do ya wanna do that, sugarcube?"

"I just have a bad feeling that the spell may have created a new problem."

"But my spells are one hundred percent fool proof." Twilight assured, "They couldn't have possibly made things worse."

"I just have a bad hunch and you all know what happened last time you chose to ignore the signs."

"Yes, we know." They all replied.

"Okay partner, come by the apple farm at night and ah'll have you look over the apple orchard."

I smiled and nodded as we left Applejack and the farm.

"So are you sure about it, Bond?" Twilight asked, "You're not just overreacting?"

"Twilight, if I was lying to you, I wouldn't be saying that." I replied, "You remember the lesson Celestia learned about trusting your instincts back at that wedding, right?"

"Yeah, that's true. Well in any case, you shouldn't do it alone at night if something does happen."

"Speaking of which, I'll need some sort of light, like a torch."

"I have a spare lantern in my library, you can borrow that for the night."

"That's good to know."

When we got back, we split up and went to our homes as it was the late afternoon. When it was sunset and I had my dinner, I left my home and went over to Twilight who had a lantern ready for me. I took the lantern with my magic and was on my way until Rarity opened her door and trotted towards me and gave me a hug.

"Do be careful, darling." she said.

"With the apple family watching over the farm, I will." I replied before I kissed her softly and walked onwards to the farm.

When I arrived, I just saw Applejack go inside her family home.

"Oh there ya are Bond, just be sure to let me know if ya find anything." she said.

"I will Applejack, you just go on and sleep well." I replied.

I then lit up the lantern and when it was nightfall, I began my patrolling over the farm. After a while of not seeing anything, I began to see apples which were already sucked away and left to rot.

However, I then spotted one tree which had a huge cocoon shape hanging on the branch. When I looked closer, I could see that they were wings. I then saw a head and it looked at me before hissing.

"ARGH!" I yelled, "What the...is that you, Fluttershy?"

She hissed again and began to swoop at me and I ducked.

"Woah! I knew I was right all along...that's not Fluttershy, that's Flutterbat!"

I then heard a pair of hooves galloping before stopping beside me.

"Bond, ah heard ya screaming, what did ya see?" Applejack asked.

"Fluttershy has turned into a bat and tried to eat me!" I exclaimed.

"Bats don't eat ponies. Not even vampire bats."

"DUCK!" I yelled as we hit the ground when we saw Flutterbat swoop at us again before it perched on the branch upside down.

"Woah nelly! How did this happen? That's what ah don't understand."

"I think this was actually our fault."

"And how'd you figure that?"

"Well, we would kinda need Twilight for this, but I'll try my best."

I used my magic to create a display with a few silhouette pictures.

"Okay, so this is Twilight, these are the bats, and this is Fluttershy doing her Stare. The spell was supposed to go right onto the bats like this, but somehow the spell must have backfired. It took the vampire fruit bats' desire to be vampire fruit bats and transferred that desire into Fluttershy. We just need Twilight to reverse the spell and make it right!"

"Look out! Whoa!"

We ducked as Flutterbat swooped at us again before it flew out of sight.

"If she keeps this up, your whole crop will be gone in no time!"

"That's the least of my worries. Ah just want my friend back."

We then heard another voice.

"And we will!"

We turned to see the rest of the mares with us.

"We'll never get her back unless we corner her and catch her so I can reverse the spell!" Twilight added.

"I'm glad you're all here, I guess I kinda forgot that we do have the power to overcome anything we face together." I said as I scratched my mane. "But anyways, let's go and get Fluttershy back."

"But even if we can lure her to us, how're we gonna get her to stay still long enough for you to do your reverse spell?" Applejack asked.

"What about a mirror?"

"A mirror, that's it!" Twilight exclaimed. "If we can get Fluttershy to stare at her own reflection, it'll daze her long enough for me to perform the spell."

"Okay, let's get a mirror and something big to get her attention."

Moments later, we brought out the big red apple and a mirror we put behind it.

"Okay, let's get our friend back. Action stations!"

"So much for having the winning apple in the Appleloosa State Fair, huh?" Dash asked as Applejack sighed and sliced a part of the big apple so the juices fell out and Dash used her wings to blow the scent to Flutterbat's direction.

"She's coming!" I exclaimed.

Flutterbat hissed and swooped towards us before Applejack kicked the apple away to reveal the mirror which caught Flutterbat instantly. Twilight then used her magic on Flutterbat which engulfed her into a spiral and after a bright light, we saw the normal Fluttershy back, before she landed neatly on the ground.

"Oh... where am I?" she asked.

"Thank goodness you're okay!" Applejack exclaimed as she hugged her.

"But...what happened to me?"

"You turned into a vampire pony!"

"I tried to eat ponies?!"

"Not really, you tried to eat anything that looked like apples." I answered. "Now I think after going through that trauma, we should definitely do what Fluttershy suggested earlier today."

The others nodded in agreement.

When it was the next day, we watched Applejack put up a bat sign and have it reserved for that area to have vampire bats only.

"Fluttershy, Ah'm real sorry ah didn't take your suggestion in the first place." Applejack apologized.

"And don't forget, now you'll get seeds that will grow into even bigger and better apple trees." Fluttershy replied.

"Does that mean what I think it means?" Dash asked hopefully.

"Yup! More cider too."

"Yea-he-heah, whoo!"

"Okay, got the part about the spell, Fluttershy turning into a bat, building a sanctuary..." Spike said as he was writing today's lesson down.

"Be sure to put in there that I came to see that my short-term solution was a little short-sighted." Applejack said.

"And that you shouldn't let anypony pressure you into doing something that you don't think is right. Sometimes you have to tell even your closest friends 'no'." Fluttershy added.

"Now, how about we celebrate our stronger than ever friendship with a nice, ripe, juicy apple?"

"Stand back! I vant to suck its juuuice!" Pinkie intervened, imitating a vampire voice.

We all laughed at her failed attempt.

"Oh by the way all, tomorrow will be the start of the fashion week competition and it's taking place in Manehatten." Rarity told us, "I would love it if all of you could come along to support me."

"Fashion week in Manehatten? That's quite a long way from here." Fluttershy responded.

"Well, if you do come along, I'll have a surprise for you all."

"Alright, we'll make sure to be there with you." I replied.

"Fabulous my dears, I'll see you all tomorrow, we'll need time to pack."

"Whee, let's go!" Pinkie bounced excitedly.

We then waved at Applejack as we all walked back home and exchanged our farewells and agreed to meet together at the station tomorrow morning since that's when Rarity will need to be there before fashion week starts. I gave Rarity a quick kiss when the others weren't looking before I walked back to my home.

I recapped on what happened yesterday and today...first the stare, the hulk size and now a bat. No wonder Fluttershy is completely shy, she possess powers that she's not proud of. Oh well, at least she's back to normal now and I hope we'll never see her as a bat again in the future.

Rarity Takes Manehatten

The rest of the day just seemed to whoosh on by since we heard we were going to Manehatten to support Rarity in the upcoming fashion week. Of course, we all packed and prepared before the next day arrived, all of us managed to meet up in the morning. The Train was due to leave soon, so we had a few minutes to talk before we got on.

"There you are, Rarity! That's the last of your bags." Spike said as he brought out a pile of bags.

"Hehe, that's my Rarity." I said quietly to myself.

"Actually, Spike, I've got one last pile of bags, over there. Won't you be a dear?" Rarity replied as she pointed to another pile.

"Sure...I'll be a dear..."

Rarity turned her attention to us.

"An entire week in the fabulous city of Manehattan! Plus, all of my very best friends there with me!"

"Of course we'd all come along to support you during Fashion Week, Rarity!" Twilight replied.

"Not that you'll need it. We're sure you'll win." Fluttershy added.

Rarity squealed, "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that you'll all be there with me! However...Perhaps I can show you..."

She then showed eight tickets in front of us.

"What's that?" I asked.

"These are-"

"Ooh, ooh, ooh, I know! A paper fan!" Pinkie answered as she cut Rarity off.

"No, it's-"

"A magic trick! You know, where I pick a card and remember what it is and then you put it back in the deck so you can't look at it and-"

"These are tickets to the hottest musical on Bridleway!"

"You couldn't mean Hinny of the Hills... because that show's been sold out for months! Or could you?!" Twilight asked excitedly

"I could. I do."

"Oh, Rarity, you didn't have to do that, but...since you did..."

"This trip is fun already! I love jumping up and down! Whee-hee!" Pinkie exclaimed.

I didn't know what Hinny of the Hills was, all I knew was that it was one of the musical plays my school in Fillydelphia never did. We then got on board the train and we travelled across to Manehatten. When we arrived, it was a huge city and much bigger than the city of Fillydelphia which was thirty miles from here. Looking around for a moment, it was New York written all over it.

We exited the station with our bags and walked among the streets before we came across a huge hotel building.

"Come along, ponies! I found us a place to stay only a block from the train station in the very heart of this glorious metropolis!" Rarity said as we stood outside.

"Hey, look! That's the theatre where Hinny of the Hills is playin'!" Applejack said, pointing out the dome shaped building.

"Wow, Rarity! How'd you manage to get us seats for tomorrow night?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, I gave some designs to the costume designer, so he pulled a few strings." Rarity replied. "That is what makes Manehattan so splendid and amazing. You do something nice for somepony, and then you never know when they'll do something nice for you!"

"So then you can do something nice for us!" Pinkie said.

"Like get us in to see Hinny of the Hills!" Fluttershy added.

"Which is only the best musical in all of Equestria!" Dash bragged.

"It must be good if Rainbow Dash is impressed. Normally she doesn't even like musicals."

"I know. Ponies just bursting into song in random places at the drop of a hat? Who does that?"

Just then, I heard music beginning to play right on cue...oh the irony when Rarity began to sing.

Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me

Such a huge bustling community

And there's always opportunity

To do the friendly thing

If some are grouchy, pay no mind

Surprise instead with something kind

Lo and behold, you may just find

A smile is what you bring

We walked into the hotel and approached the reception.

"Welcome to the Mane Fair Hotel! Please allow me to take those bags to your room for you!" the hotel worker greeted with a huge bag carrier stand.

"Only if you'll accept this gratuity first." Rarity replied as she gave a gem to the stallion.

"Oh-ho-ho! I'll get your change!"

"Do keep it all. I insist!"

When he took our bags, Rarity got back to singing as we boarded on a cruise ship.

Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can give

Generosity, I'm here to set the bar

Just sit back and watch how I live

We were then at the big pony shaped statue of liberty I guess and me and Rarity were looking through the scope together and sharing a quick moment of love before we all left the statue and moved on back to around the streets Manehatten had to offer.

Some may say, "Rarity,

Don't be so big-hearted and bold

Treating strangers like they're friends

This town's too big and cold"

But this is how I play my cards

I'm not about to fold

Where I see a frown, I go to town

Call me the smile patrol

The others began to join in.

Oh, Manehattan, what you do to us

What if you find a Gloomy Gus?

It's no intimidatin' thing

Just be kind without a fuss

Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can do

Generosity, you are the key

Manehattan, I'm here just for you

Just for you

Rarity sung the last part and the song finished with us outside a fashion store.

"I guess that proves your point, Dash?" I asked.

"Yeah, more than enough." she replied.

Rarity sighed as she looked at the dress on display.

"To think my dresses could soon be displayed on the most glamorous shopping thoroughfare of the most glamorous city in Equestria! Oh, it would be my dream come true!" she said.

"Is there anything left to do we can help you with?" Twilight asked.

"Hm, nothing I can think of. The dresses are all completely finished, all made from a fabulous new fabric I've been developing for months. Stretchy, but not clingy. Shimmery, but not showy."

"Sounds amazing." Fluttershy commented.

"There's nothing left for me to do but check in at the runway with my dresses by two this afternoon."

"Oh, that's funny. Because that clock over there makes it seem like that's only ten minutes from now!" Pinkie said as she pointed to the huge clock.

Rarity gasped.

"Oh, my ribbons and threads. And the runway ballroom is all the way across town! If I don't get there, I'm disqualified! Taaaaxiii!"

A taxi then showed up instantly.

"So now which of you nice folks are hoppin' in?" the taxi driver asked.

"Fashion runway plaza in seven minutes. Can you make it?"

"Hang on!"

Soon the taxi driver and Rarity were out of sight on the way to the plaza.

"Whew, that was close." Spike commented.

We all nodded in agreement.

"Anypony else got a sneaking suspicion we're forgetting something?" I pondered.

"The dresses!" They all replied in unison.

"Quick everypony, let's get back to the hotel and get her dresses sent to the plaza." Twilight suggested.

There was no point in talking about it, we galloped all the way back to the hotel and into our room where the dresses on the dress rack were there. All of us were able to get the same hotel employee to run over and sent them to Rarity. We all breathed a sigh of relief as that was a close one.

Sometime later, it was the afternoon and we were all back at the hotel and walking into our hotel room, feeling happy about what we saw and did in the city. Except for Rarity who I noticed had just turned up to re join us and she didn't look happy.

"Oh, my gosh, what a great afternoon! That was almost too much fun!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Better pace yourself, 'cause the rest of the day is jam-packed!" Dash said.

"First there's the salon appointment to get our manes done." Applejack added. "Well, apart from you, Bond."

"Then our fancy dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern!" Pinkie added.

"And after that..." Fluttershy said

"Hinny of the Hills!" we all said in unison apart from Spike who was carrying bags of souvenirs, before we saw Rarity who began to look more upset.

"Is... everything okay?" Dash asked gently.

"You got the dresses the bellhop brought you and everything, right?" Pinkie asked as well.

Rarity didn't reply, she walked forward to her own bed and fell backwards before she bawled her eyes out.

"But he said he brought them." I said whilst somewhat depressed as seeing Rarity cry broke my heart.

"And then Suri stole them!" she cried whilst trying to catch her breath fast as if she was having a panic attack, "I let one of the other contestants use some of my one-of-a-kind fabric and then she turned it into a wardrobe just like mine, only now it looks like I'm the one copying her! My generosity has ruined me, I tell you! Ruined!"

"Now, Rarity, whatever went wrong, we're all here to help you get through it, no matter what it takes." Twilight stated.

We all agreed right away.

"Come on, Rarity, buck up! All we need is some fabric and you'll be back in business!" Applejack encouraged.

Rarity stopped crying and looked around the whole hotel room, looking for ideas until she found one in her head and gasped.

"This new line is going to be marvellous! Perhaps even better than the last! It's daring, it's bold! Perhaps I still have a chance after all!" she said with determination.

Sometime later, we all began to work on Rarity's new dress designs and it took a long while with all of us working on the sewing machines.

"Twilight! Sew these pieces together according to that pattern there!" Rarity ordered.

"You said if we skipped dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern, you'd order a meal for us while we keep working." Twilight moaned.

"Don't fret. It'll be here in an hour. That's not going to be a problem, is it?"

"Well, we're supposed to be watching Hinny of the Hills by then..." Dash replied before she was interrupted.

"Oh! I see! I go out of my way to get you tickets for a show, and this is how you repay me? By abandoning me in my hour of need?"

The other mares looked down whilst I stood back a little, thinking this was going to get ugly.

"Oh, oh, oh! Fine! Go and see Hinny of the Hills tonight! And then tomorrow morning when you come to see my fashion show without any fashion to show, you can have more entertainment! "Oh, why look, there's our friend Rarity going down in flames! Isn't friendship magic?!"!

"Rarity, calm down. What's gotten into you?" Twilight asked firmly.

"What's gotten into you?! Oh, go ahead! See your little show! Congratu-pony-lations, fillies! Sounds like you've all figured out already it's everypony for herself in this town!"

She then slammed the door, leaving us shocked and feeling sad...I couldn't sit here, I had to do something.

"I'll go and talk to her, don't worry about me." I told them, "If you get tired, I'll come back and finish the work for you all."

"Alright sugarcube, thanks." Applejack said.

I then left the room and began looking for Rarity who stood outside and I looked above to see clouds forming, I guess it was about to rain. Oh no, there's no way I'm gonna let a rainfall drop on Rarity and ruin her mane, she's been through enough. I then galloped outside the building and used my magic to create a big umbrella, similar to the one I made for when Twilight was trying to eat her lunch a few years back. I made it big enough to cover Rarity who looked up to see the umbrella.

"Rarity, do you wanna come take a walk with me?" I offered, "It'll help get it off your chest."

She looked back at me with tears in her eyes as I stood beside her. She sniffed but she nodded as if to say yes. So we held hooves and I brought the umbrella and had it covered both of us as we walked through the streets. Good thing we had our shoes on and a few times I got wet around my mane, but I didn't care. We then came across a huge park and went there and sat on a bench I made dry with my magic. We then hugged closely as it was just the two of us in the park, nopony else was around.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you and the others darling." she apologized, "I was just angry and upset at what happened to me earlier."

"My love, it's not your fault..." I replied before I kissed her, "...I guess Manehatten isn't exactly as perfect as some believe it to be."

"That Suri Polomare ruined me and my fashion dreams, although I wasn't too sure if her assistant was thinking the same way."

"An assistant, you mean she has somepony working for her?"

"Yes dear, her name is Coco Pommel and Suri likes to boss her around by fetching her coffee and all."

"I guess Suri is one of those mares who will do anything to become famous...she must be extremely shallow and lazy."

Rarity began to sing as she looked up at the rainy sky.

Oh, Manehattan, what have I done?

The thought of Fashion Week was fun

But I went way too far

My friends gave to me in ways so kind

And I gave them nothing but a hard time

And now alone I stand

And now alone I stand

"Rarity, don't say any of that." I said, "You're not alone, I love you and I always will!"

"You're right darling...thank you...I love you too."

We then smiled once more before we kissed passionately.

"Let's say we go back to the hotel and have a group hug."

"Quite right...I hope they do forgive me for my outburst"

"I'm sure they will once I tell them."

We then pulled out of the hug and walked all the way back to the hotel and into our room where we saw a set of dresses already finished.

"There. That's the last of them." Twilight said.

"Girls..." Rarity said as she walked into the room with me, "...I'm really sorry for my outburst. I completely forgot about what's truly important to all of us."

"Oh it's alright sugarcube and look, we've got all the dresses done for you." Applejack pointed.

"Thanks."

She then placed the newly designed dress on a rack and walked out with it.

"I'll be back after the fashion show, I hope you can still come."

"Of course we will." Fluttershy assured.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Twilight added.

Soon, we all left the hotel and made our way to the plaza for the fashion show. We took our seats whilst Rarity had to go backstage to get her dress showcase prepared. When it started, we were waiting for Rarity's dresses to show up...until it arrived.

"And now, Rarity from Ponyville with her brand new line – and I mean "brand new" – Hotel Chic." the mare on stage announced.

The ponies all whooed and took photos and they were amazing I had to say.

When the fashion show was over, we were waiting for Rarity outside the plaza. When she arrived, she came out with a silver trophy. Looks like she took second instead of winning the comeptition.

"Well my dears, it's not a win, but I'm happy with the designs you all made for me." Rarity said with a smile before she lost her smile, "I'm also happy you're all still here after how I treated you. Taking advantage of your friendship the way I did. How could you ever see past it?"

"Yeah, you were pretty rotten." Applejack said bluntly.

"Wow, Applejack." Dash exclaimed, "I know your thing is honesty, but come on!"

"Earlier today, we may not have seen you at your best, but we know you. And we would never let one thing like that change how we feel about you." Twilight said.

"And also how much we care for you." I added.

"Oh, thank you! You really are the most wonderful friends a pony could have!" Rarity replied smiling again, "You know, I already arranged to make it up to you this evening! Hope you're all available for an exclusive performance of Hinny of the Hills!"

We all cheered before sharing a group hug and leaving the plaza. After we had a group dinner at the restaurant not far from the hotel, we made our way to the theatre which was empty, but then the performance of Hinny Of The Hills began and when it was over, we all cheered and it was the first time I saw the play and I really enjoyed it.

"Wow! That was even better than ah imagined!" Applejack exclaimed.

"I loved it!" Dash added, "Uh, I mean, it was a'ight.

"How did you ever get them to agree to do an extra performance just for us?" Twilight asked.

"Remember my costume designer friend who got me the tickets? Well, I offered to make all the costumes for his next show!" Rarity replied.

"Um, here in Manehattan?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, um...yes...it will keep me away from Ponyville for a while."

We all sighed.

"But I so wanted you to see this show! And working for this designer is such a great opportunity!"

"We know. We're happy for you, Rarity. We're just sad for us." Applejack replied sadly.

We then heard a door open from behind us.

"Mind if I join you?" a mare asked.

"Sure. Come on down."

She was a beige mare with cyan mane, that must be Coco Pommel Rarity talked about, she had bags on her and she used her teeth to grab something out, it was a gold trophy and she gave it to Rarity.

"This is the first place trophy for Fashion Week. With my name on it! But I thought I lost!"

"You didn't. You won." Coco replied, "Suri was caught for doing a backstage deal with another contestant in order to improve her chances of winning. So, she was disqualified from the comeptition and after you left, I decided to give the trophy over to you. I've worked for Suri for so long, I started to believe that it really is everypony for herself in this town. Until I saw how generous you were with your friends and how generous they were with you. It made me start believing there was something better for me out there. So, I...I quit. I brought you something to say thank you."

She then pulled out a small gift box and gave it to Rarity.

"Hm. I suppose you'll need a job now that you're no longer with Suri."

Coco nodded.

"How would you like to work for my friend making all the costumes for his next show?"

"I would love to do that, but I would need something more than that if I want to make a living."

"Well I have something better." I intervened, "Why don't you come with us and move to Ponyville, you could work for Carousel Boutique."

"Oooh, that would be a real pleasure and plus, I would be able to learn more from you and your friends." Coco replied.

"You know what Bond, you're right." Rarity said.

Afterwards, we all introduced ourselves to Coco and got to know her well, on first impressions, she seemed a bit shy but she became confident after we talked to her. When it was the last day in Manehatten, we all got on the train with Coco and travelled all the way back to Ponyville. When we arrived back by mid afternoon, we showed Coco what Ponyville was like and she was somewhat fascinated.

"Wow...it's very different and everypony seems really friendly." she commented.

"There'll be more of that to come when you settle here." Rarity replied.

"Just come with me to see the Mayor and I'll make sure you have a home here." Twilight said.

"Alright, thank you." Coco replied as she walked with Twilight to the Town Hall.

"Well once again, I can't thank you all enough for being with me at Manehatten, rest assured we'll do this again soon...goodbye my darlings." Rarity said smiling as she trotted along home with Spike who carried her luggage with him.

The rest of us exchanged our farewells before heading to our homes. I got to mine and the first thing I wanted was an apple drink and a quick snack. As I sat on my sofa, I looked back at the few days behind me. Manehatten seemed quite amazing at first, before the bad sides of it showed up. I'm glad Suri got what was coming to her, she hurt my poor Rarity and her generosity.

Well, it all turned out really great in the end with Coco now living in Ponyville as Rarity's employee but I did wonder over one more thing...what was inside that small gift box Coco gave to Rarity, could it be something important or just a gift?

Following The Favours

I walked out of my house before I stopped to see Pinkie walking backwards whilst reading a very long scroll.

"Uh-huh... Interesting... I see... Hmm, that makes sense... Not much of a surprise there... WHAT?!?" Pinkie yelled as she looked at the paper with her eyes nearly popping out. "This is the most amazing thing ever! Why didn't you tell me how amazing this is?! Genealogy is better than cotton candy on top of a fountain of chocolate! You'll never believe who it says I'm related to!"

"Uhh Pinkie, what are you talking about?" I asked in confusion.

"It says in this paper that I am Applejack's cousin!"

"Wait a minute...according to that long scroll, Applejack is your cousin?"

"YES!"

But before I could say anymore she bounced away and onwards to the farm. I had to go to Twilight's library to find out more, I knocked on her door and entered to find a couple of books on the floor.

"Hey there Bond, I guess you saw Pinkie earlier?" Twilight asked as she greeted me.

"Hi Twilight, yeah I kind of in a way. What was she going on about?" I asked.

"Just some genealogical research."

"Come again?"

"Genealogy is the study of family history. Y'know, where ponies come from and who they're related to." Spike explained.

"Oh I see, well I obviously know my family tree...since after all, there is only me, my sister and my cousin...speaking of which. I'll see you again later, I have something to do."

"Alright, see you Bond." Twilight replied, waving as I left her home.

I walked across town before I saw Silver Spoon on her own, before Diamond Tiara came from out of nowhere and tripped her up.

"Ow!" Silver yelped as she fell down kinda hard.

"Loser!" Tiara called her as she galloped away.

I walked over to Silver who was beginning to tear up a little, I was glad her glasses didn't fall and break.

"Silver, are you alright?" I asked as I helped her up.

"I've had worse." she sniffed, "I should've known this would happen."

"I guess Tiara is not going to let this down easily. Looks like you'll need more help in order to settle this for good."

"But how can the cutie mark crusaders help me, after all I've done to them?"

"It won't be too hard to convince them that you've changed, after what they saw a few days ago."

"I guess...where could they be at the moment?"

"Probably on another one of thier crusades...or not."

I saw Sweetie and Scootaloo approach towards us.

"Hey Bond and...oh hi." Scootaloo greeted as she noticed Silver looking down.

"Hey there you two, mind if you spend a bit of time with Silver? I think she needs some 'real friends' to teach her about friendship."

"Friendship?" Sweetie asked.

"But why should we?" Scootaloo questioned, feeling suspicious.

"Come on, you saw the argument right." I told them, "I'm sure that if you give Silver a chance, you might be able to help her get over Tiara."

The two fillies huddled and engaged in whispers before they turned back to us.

"Well, I guess we could try and help." Sweetie said.

"Yeah, so we'll take you to our clubhouse and you can explain everything there." Scootaloo added.

"Okay...thank you." Silver replied as she smiled.

Sweetie, Scootaloo and Silver then walked from town and over to the clubhouse I would assume. I walked further along in town and passing Carousel Boutique, I saw Rarity and Coco coming out of the shop house with a rack full of dresses.

"Now remember Coco, you need to deliver these designs to the station in exactly five minutes before the train leaves for Manehatten, whilst I will clean up our workspace." Rarity said to her before she saw me and trotted towards me and kissed me before she turned and trotted back into her home.

"Hi there Bond, I guess you and Rarity are together?" Coco asked as she began to move the dress rack with her head.

"We sure are and how you are settling into Ponyville?" I asked.

"Far much better than Manehatten, everypony here has been real nice to me like you all have been."

"That's good to know...do you need help with the dress rack?"

"Well I have a few minutes to get this to the train station before it leaves."

"Well allow me to make it lighter so you can move it a little quicker."

I then used my magic on the dress rack and the aura then disappeared. Coco moved her head to the rack and began moving it quicker and easier.

"Actually, this does make it better, thanks for doing that. I'll see you again soon."

"No worries, see you too, Coco."

Coco then trotted through the town and to the station with the dress rack whilst I kept going through other parts of the town, before I nearly bumped into my cousin and Octavia.

"Woah cousin dude!" Vinyl said as she hugged me, "I haven't see you since that celebration when you became a Prince."

"Oh hi there Bond." Octavia added, "Of course I remember that, you're a far much better prince than Celestia's nephew if I say so myself."

Octavia then bowed at me.

"Ahhh you don't need to bow, I'm still the same alicorn pony long before I became a Prince." I giggled.

"Yeah, too right, man." Vinyl agreed, "You're still my cool and heroic cousin."

"By the way, have you heard the news?" Octavia asked.

"What news?" I asked.

"Oh it's nothing really...." Vinyl answered nervously.

"Oh come on, your cousin should know..." Octavia smirked.

"Alright...you know about my DJ partner Neon Lights? I've been...seeing him a few times recently."

"Oooh," I replied, "Are we talking about you dating him?"

"Yeah I guess...but it's not really special."

"To me it is, I say you should definitely keep that hope of being with him strong."

"I'm not much of a lover mare as I am a mare who wants to bring all the bass-lines to Equestria."

"Which I understand completely."

Octavia looked at her watch and gasped. "Oh goodness, I'm supposed to be at Canterlot for band practice in ten minutes... I left my cello there yesterday and I've just missed the train."

"I'll take you there by flight if you want." I suggested.

"Would a prince like you really do that for me?"

"Of course, I'd never leave any pony feel down and miss out on what could've been."

"Thank you very much, Bond. I'll see you after band practice, Vinyl."

"Okay." Vinyl replied before she looked at me, "You're an amazing dude. See you again and thanks for the advice."

"No worries...okay Octavia, just get on my back and hold on tight."

Octavia then got on my back and held on to my waist as I hugged my cousin before I stood back, opened my wings and began to fly from Ponyville and straight to Canterlot. Octavia kept holding on to me, almost for dear life until we arrived just by the cafe in Canterlot. Octavia got off me, she was slightly shaking but she smiled.

"Thanks for doing that, Bond. You're a good friend and a great Prince." Octavia complimented.

"You're welcome, see you soon and have fun with the band practice." I replied.

Octavia hugged me and then turned and trotted to another part of town, I was about to fly off until I heard a voice speak to me.

"Well, if it isn't Prince Bond Racer, I haven't seen you in Canterlot for a long time." Fancypants greeted as she and Fleur De Lis bowed.

"Oooh, it is quite an honour to see your grace and presence in front of us." Fleur added.

"Why thank you, you two. It feels special to be a Prince yes, but I'm still the same alicorn as before." I replied whilst trying not to blush.

"Of course, we know that you would never change and that's why you are the best Prince we've know." Fancypants replied.

"Thank you...I have to go now, but I'll set foot in Canterlot again soon."

"Alright Prince, we'll see your presence here again soon, take care."

I began to fly as I waved to them both before I flew up and all the way back to Ponyville. It was already the late afternoon when I got back and landed down. I then thought of checking up on Silver Spoon until I heard my name called...I'm getting interrupted a lot today it seems.

"Bond, could you help me out please?" Bon Bon asked.

"Oh hi Bon Bon, what is it?" I questioned.

"It's Lyra's harp...it's broken, I was moving some furniture around in the bathroom when I knocked Lyra's harp from the bathroom window, it feel on the concrete path and smashed it."

She then showed me the broken harp and laid it out on the ground.

"So you want me to fix it for you?"

"Yes, please do so, Lyra will be so mad and upset at me if she found out."

"Alright...leave it to me."

I began to use my magic as I picked up the pieces and after a couple of minutes, I had the whole harp back together again and it looked like brand new, I then gave the harp back to Bon Bon.

"Oh wow, you're a lifesaver...thank you! I'll see you again soon..."

She then bowed before she trotted away. I sighed, thinking that I could finally go to the apple farm and to the CMC's clubhouse. I walked all the way to the farm and then to the clubhouse, I heard a conversation from the inside and I listened in underneath the window.

"And that's how I became the filly that I was all this time until a few days ago when I couldn't take it anymore." Silver said.

"So that's why you said all those things to us with Diamond Tiara." Scootaloo replied.

"Yeah, but I don't want that anymore. I want real friends and I can't really excuse myself for the way I behaved."

"You don't need to apologize again." Sweetie said, "We're just happy to know your side of the story and you are worthy of our time as a friend. I believe you can start having great friends by becoming friends with us."

"Yeah, it would be real nice to have a filly like you join our club, even though you already have a cutiemark." Scootaloo added.

"Well, I don't think it would do me any good to be apart of the club." Silver said quietly, "But I will definitely accept your offer of being friends with you."

"Okay, from now on, you are our new friend, Silver Spoon." Scootaloo declared. "We'll let Applebloom know when she gets back."

I peeped through the window and saw them shaking hooves with Silver before giving her a group hug. I smiled and felt incredibly proud of Silver today and also happy that the CMC's gave Silver a chance. As I sneaked back down on the ground and walked back home, there was now the problem of how to deal with Tiara and how she can be prevented from bullying Silver again.

But I guess that could wait for another time, I thought as I decided to call it a day by sunset. I was about to go into my home when I saw Pinkie bounce into town.

"Hey Pinkie, where have you been?" I asked.

"I was with the Applejack family and we were on a trip when they found out I was Applejack's cousin." she replied happily.

"I see, well you can tell me all about it some other time. I'm quite tired after helping a lot of ponies out today."

"Awww, never mind, have a good rest and I'll see you soon."

Pinkie then hugged me before she bounced away.

I walked into my home and after having a late dinner, I heard my door knocking and I had to open it.

"Hey there Bond." Dash greeted.

"Oh hi Dash, what is it?" I asked.

"Oh me and the others along with a few volunteers are going to be taking part in a team competition at Rainbow Falls, all part of the upcoming Equestria Games, would you be able to come along with me and give me, Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps support?"

"You know, I keep forgetting that the games is coming up. You can count on me to come along for the ride."

"Awesome! We'll see you tomorrow."

I smiled as I closed the door, then I called it a day and went over to my bed and recapped on today before going to sleep.

I wasn't expecting to do a lot of favours today and who would've thought Pinkie and Applejack were cousins? Sure they're both earth ponies, but I don't think that counts in some way. Oh well, at least Silver Spoon finally has real friends she can count on, I just hope Tiara doesn't go to extreme lengths to get her revenge...

Rainbow Falls

I woke up the next day, quite happy and ready since Dash told me about some team comeptition at Rainbow Falls, looks like they were able to build a town up there after all, or has it always been there? I shrugged my shoulders and decided not to question the world's logics. After I had my breakfast and got myself dressed, I left my home and walked to the train station to see the others already there.

"Oh whoops...am I late?" I asked.

"Not really, the train doesn't leave for another five minutes." Twilight replied.

"Well what are we waiting for, let's get on!" Pinkie exclaimed as she showed off a cheerleader outfit.

"I'm not going to even ask where you got that from." I sighed.

"Oh I made it for her and a few others, dear." Rarity responded as she kissed me.

"Umm not in front of...oh, he's not here."

"Don't worry dude, Spike's busy looking after our pets again, now let's get going." Dash said.

We nodded and got on the train, we sat down on the sofas as the train started moving and we were on our way to Rainbow Falls. I had noticed that the big white buffed pegasi with tiny wings was among us with a few other pegasuses, I guess that's Bulk Biceps.

"Good luck, Rainbow Dash!" a cyan pegasi said to Dash, "Sorry we couldn't fly with you on the Aerial Relay, but the air sprinters needed us too."

"Too bad we can only compete in one event." a dark grey with cyan mane added, "But, rules are rules." he sighed.

"It was nice of you to be part of the team that doesn't have... uh... the strongest flyers." Twilight said.

"Nothing nice about it. I know that I can pick up the slack for anypony." Dash replied, "With me on the team, we'll qualify. I'm sure of it.

"Ponyville is very lucky to have you."

"Yeah, I'm pretty awesome."

"I am so proud to be representing Ponyville." Fluttershy said as she was trying to say since Bulk was taking up a lot of the sofa. "Oh, it's such an honour to even try out for the Games. I just hope I don't let anypony down."

"We'll make them proud!" Bulk yelled.

"'P' is for 'proud'! We're gonna be the best fans anypony has ever seen!" Pinkie cheered in her outfit.

"Ooh. Can't wait to see what everypony else is wearing, even though I am absolutely sure they won't be better than the Ponyville uniforms I'm designing for the Equestria Games." Rarity added.

"That's because they don't know that you get the passion to be amazing from me." I winked before I kissed her, causing Rarity to giggle.

"And we will make it to the Games once everypony carbo-loads on my apple brown bettys." Applejack said as she showed us a plate full of the stuff.

"I can't wait!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Soon, we arrived at Rainbow Falls and this was the second time I've been up here since I was part of the sisters camping trip a while back, and now, it looked like a well furnished village with a huge field area downhill. As we arrived into the station, we got off and made our way to the big field as I looked up to see the rainbow water coming from Cloudsdale. Rarity and I held hooves and shared a loving kiss...I swear, I never get tired of doing that.

When we got to the field, I saw several pegasuses, nearly all of them were the same ones I met back at the Ponyville pond when they were trying to get the water up to Cloudsdale and some of them back at the Wonderbolt Academy, speaking of which...

"Well if it isn't the coolest alicorn around!" I heard a voice say to me.

"I don't believe it!" I exclaimed, "Lightening...Dust?"

"Yeah, I'm still part of the academy and I'm learning to not only train to be a wonderbolt the right way, but I've made real great friends too....and it's all thanks to you after what you did for me since that tornado incident."

"Well I was just doing what I believed was right, you weren't a bad pegasi, you were just misguided and misunderstood."

"I admit I was and so was Spitfire when I went through my disciplinary training....but anyways, thank you, catch ya another time."

Dust flew off to another part of the field.

"I have to say dear, I am the luckiest unicorn to have you as my boyfriend." Rarity commented.

"I'm also lucky to have you as well, there's not enough words to describe how much I love you." I replied.

We shared a quick passionate kiss.

"Okay, simmer down ya love-birds." Applejack cheekily intervened. "We've gotta give our attention to supporting Rainbow's team."

Dash landed in the centre of the ground where a few pegasuses noticed.

"There's Rainbow Dash! She's an awesome flyer!" one said.

"I heard that she's flying the last third of the relay, which means everypony else is gonna have to be way ahead to beat her!" another added.

Just then, the Wonderbolts showed up swooped in on the scene.

"Oh, the Wonderbolts!"

"I hear they're flying for Cloudsdale."

"Then Cloudsdale will definitely qualify. They're the best flyers ever." a third one exclaimed.

The Wonderbolts landed on the ground in unison.

"And the game is on!" Spitfire declared.

"Hah, nice to see there's some real competition here!" Soarin added as he took off his goggles.

"Two more days of practice, then we'll see you in the air, Rainbow Dash! If you're lucky." Fleetfoot remarked as they trotted off.

I'm glad they didn't stop to bow at me, I've had enough unexpected encounters this week.

"The Wonderbolts know a winner when they see one, and we'll be winners just as soon as we practice! Right team?" Dash asked.

"Right." Fluttershy replied.

"YEAH!" Bulk added.

"Hooray!" Pinkie jumped as she blew a party hooter.

"And, um, I'm with her! Hooray!" Twilight also added.

We then heard cheering from another team.

"Give us some clouds! Give us some dale! And what do you get? Cloudsdale! Woo-hoo!"

"Where can I get pompoms like those?!" Pinkie gasped.

"So it's gonna be a team battle I see? Between us and the Wonderbolts?" I asked.

"Well mainly Rainbow, Fluttershy and Bulk." Twilight answered.

"Bond darling, mind if we visit the village of Rainbow Falls together?" Rarity asked as she grabbed my hoof.

"Anything for you, my love...I guess we'll be back later, folks." I replied as she and I left the field and walked uphill to the village.

As we held hooves and explored the village, several ponies who saw us stopped and bowed whilst we were walking by.

"Umm, it's okay everypony." I said to them, "I may be a Prince but I don't expect this to happen twenty four seven.  Just carry on with your businesses, don't mind me."

The other ponies blushed and went about thier own lives whilst I sighed.

"Are you alright dear? You don't have to be with me if you're finding this new role a little irritating." Rarity said.

"No it's okay, I've gotta get used to it whenever it happens and besides, I don't ever wanna leave you hanging and alone."

"Awww my darling."

She put her hooves around my neck and kissed me.

"I love it when you do that." I giggled.

She kissed me twice more.

"I better calm down now...it's just that I've never felt love like this before." Rarity sighed.

"Come on my love, let's just enjoy our time together, like a loving couple."

"Of course, dear."

I began to feel much better now as Rarity and I visited some of the stores, sharing our love with each other all the while. We were resting at the cafe just by the rainbow waterfall, reminding ourselves of the time we went up here with Applejack, Rainbow and the CMC's. Not to mention how much we enjoyed sleeping in the same bed in her luxury transforming camp tent.

Just then, we Twilight show up via flying towards us.

"There you are, Soarin had an accident!" she said, "He's over at the local hospital."

"I'll go and see him." I replied, "He'll probably want a stallion chat to cheer him up."

Twilight rolled her eyes but smiled.

"Okay darling, I'll see you later." Rarity said as we kissed. "Twilight will keep me company."

I then flew off and landed over to the hospital, when I got inside, I walked over to reception and began faking my stressfulness.

"Excuse me, Soarin in here? He's a friend of mine!" I exclaimed.

"Oh yes, he is stable, you may go on in. He's in room 107." The receptionist replied.

"Thanks..."

I then trotted down the hall way and snickered, that was a great faking from me, but still I was concerned about how hurt Soarin is. I then approach room 107 and there he was, with his right wing strapped up and it looked to be in bad shape.

"Hey there Soarin, how are you doing?" I asked as I walked towards him.

"Oh hi there Prince Bond, I feel much better now that you're here." Soarin answered a little quietly. "My wing is still badly hurt though."

"That's not good, how long will your wing be out?"

"The doc says up to three days and the contest is tomorrow, I'll be able to be let out tomorrow, but I won't be able to help my team win."

We then heard hooves coming down the hallway, Soarin quickly pulled the curtains over to cover himself...I was a little confused on why he did that, but I thought to not question it. I looked by the door and to my surprise, it was Rainbow Dash in a wheelchair along with the other mares.

"What in the world?!" I exclaimed. "What happened to you, Dash?"

"Major accident." she replied as she got lifted out of the wheelchair and onto an empty bed that was coincidently next to Soarin's but none of them knew about it.

"So, the medic pony isn't sure what's wrong with you." Twilight said who felt suspicious.

"Everything! Absolutely everything!"

"This'll cure everythin' that ails ya!" Applejack said as she crammed a muffin straight in her mouth.

"Thank you. I couldn't have done that on my own."

Twilight sighed.

"Nothing says 'get better' like a little medical pizazz!" Rarity said as she brought out a purple silk, "Silk slings and a glitter bandage?"

"That might help."

Rarity then wrapped the silk into a bow with her magic on one of Dash's bandages.

"And how is our patient doing?" Fluttershy asked as she walked in with Bulk who struggled to get in.

"I've been better."

Derpy then came along with a flag in her hoof, waving the Ponyville team logo, it's great to see her happy and get into the team spirit.

"We just wanted to let you know that we're so sorry you're hurt, but you shouldn't worry a bit about not being able to be in the tryouts. We'll be alright. We even have a replacement. We're so, so sorry that you can't compete. We all know how much you love to fly. And we promise-"

"Cross our hearts!" Bulk yelled, cutting her off.

"That if we qualify and make it to the Equestria Games and all win gold medals, you can have ours, because we know how much a gold medal means to you."

"Thanks..." Dash replied softly.

"I think Rainbow Dash might need to rest some more." Twilight advised, clearing her throat.

"I'll be back with you all shortly." I added.

The others nodded as Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Bulk, Applejack and Rarity who gave me a kiss left the room.

"Don't forget your bettys!" Applejack told her.

"You know, choosing not to choose isn't really a decision." Twilight added.

Soon, the coast was clear in a way leaving me, Dash and Soarin who was still behind his bed curtain, obviously listening to the conversation.

"Not choosing? Did something else happen today?" I asked Dash.

"Yeah, when Spitfire said that Soarin would be out for longer than a day, she and Fleetfoot wanted me to join thier team and replace him."

"Replace him? That's a little harsh."

"It was, but they seemed to feel awesome to have me on their team since I came from Cloudsdale."

"Well so do Fluttershy, Bulk and Derpy, but you don't see them cheering for the Wonderbolts."

"Yeah, that is true..."

We saw the bed curtains pulled to the side.

"You sure have nice friends." Soarin commented, "No pony's been by to visit me. Eh, too busy practising, I guess."

"Maybe those two just care about one thing and it's not friendship." I said.

"Well, hopefully your wing will be better soon." Dash said to Soarin.

"Oh, it's fine. I-I'm just keeping it warm in case my team wants me back."

"What do you mean, 'wants you back'? Spitfire and Fleetfoot told me that you were still too injured to fly!"

"And they told me that they were worried I wouldn't be one hundred percent by the tryouts, so they were going with somepony else!"

Oh, so Spitfire and Fleetfoot actually do care about him, I thought to myself.

"That somepony else was me! Until, uh, well, until I got hurt, that is."

"So, I guess we're all out of luck. Cloudsdale won't qualify without three fliers, and Ponyville won't qualify without you."

"Wait a minute, I don't think you are genuinely injured, Rainbow..." I said, beginning to feel suspicious, "Tell me the real reason."

"Okay, I'm sorry to be faking this but I was given a tough decision to make and I haven't made it yet, which was to join the Wonderbolts team or stay with team Ponyville."

"Well if you ask me, I would've stood by Ponyville, because that's where all my friends are. Sure there are a few exceptions of where my friends live, but at the end of the day, as long as you have the best friends, it shouldn't matter at all where they or you live."

"Wow...you're awesome at advice, man." Soarin complimented. "If only the others could've learnt that sooner."

"Well, I do my part to make Equestria better, no matter how easy or hard it is."

"You're right Bond..." Dash agreed, "...I should've remembered that and made my decision long ago and not faked my injuries."

"Good to know...now since it's already sunset. I'm not gonna tell the others about what we've talked about, but tomorrow, I hope to see you on the field ready with your decision Dash. Soarin, I hope you'll be there for everypony too...don't ask me why, but seeing you both in one room, I have a great feeling...goodnight."

I then winked as I left the hospital room, hoping they will be there with the rest of us tomorrow.

----------------------------------

When it was the next day, I was with the whole group and they were all feeling down.

"Even with Rainbow Dash's replacement, I don't think we're gonna qualify. No offense." Twilight said as she looked at our team.

"Gah! What am I gonna do with all these now?!" Pinkie exclaimed as she looked at her pile of pompoms.

"Uh, what were you gonna do with them before? Applejack asked.

Rarity sighed as I held her hoof, "Maybe my Equestria Games uniforms will still be in style next year. I mean, I am pretty fashion-forward."

Just then, we saw Rainbow Dash and Soarin approaching us and smiling. Dash was no longer in her fake injured appearance and neither was Soarin...I guess his wing healed up pretty quicker than I thought.

"Is that Rainbow Dash...walking?" Twilight asked.

Spitfire and Fleetfoot noticed as they turned up.

"Does...this mean you're feeling better?" Fleetfoot asked.

"I-I feel great, because...I was never hurt in the first place." Dash replied.

Everypony gasped, except me and Soarin who already knew the reason.

"I faked my injury so that I wouldn't have to choose between flying for Ponyville or Cloudsdale. I wanted to fly with you both, and the decision was too hard!"

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, you don't have to choose us. I know you love to win, and you should go with the team that surely will." Fluttershy said.

"I know now who I should've been loyal to."

"Good choice. Always stick with the winners." Spitfire responded.

"Ponyville. Because it's not just where I live, but it's where my friends are. The ponies who really care about me, whether I can help them win a race or not."

"Way to jump the gun, Spitfire." I remarked playfully.

Our group cheered with one huge yeah from Bulk.

"Are you sure that's the right decision?" Spitfire asked.

"You lied to me about Soarin's wing just so you could get a better flyer!" Dash exclaimed as Soarin crossed his forelegs and lookign displeased, "You may be a winning team, but you're still not the kind of team I wanna be a part of."

"Huh. Rainbow Dash, you are something. Saw it at the Academy, seeing it again here. We could learn a lot from a competitor like you."

"Yeah and a lot about friendship while you're at it." I muttered.

"Think we already have." Fleetfoot replied.

"Ready to fly?" Spitfire asked.

"Really?" Soarin gasped.

"Never should've lied and tried to replace you to begin with."

"Go, Cloudsdale!"

Soarin then flew up in happiness as the other two joined him, whilst Dash turned to our team.

"Come on, Ponyville relay team! We've got a race to get ready for!"

"YEAH!" Bulk yelled.

Soon, the relay race started and the Wonderbolts went first with Fleetfoot finishing the team's race.

"Come on, Ponyville! You can do it!" Soarin shouted.

Good move Soarin, I have a great feeling about you and Dash when this is over, I thought. It was now Ponyville's turn, and our team started with Bulk passing through the hoops and passing on the horse shoe to Fluttershy who picked up the pace.

"Go, Fluttershy! Woo-hoo!" Twilight cheered.

I was very proud to see Fluttershy no longer afraid of flying and being apart of a team. She was able to finish her part of the race and passed the horseshoe to Dash who immediately zoomed away and up to hoops among the clouds.

"Woo-hoo! Go, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie cheered with her pompoms.

Dash then whooshed through the finish line and according to the pony who had a stopwatch, Ponyville beat Cloudsdale by one second....how tight is that!

"Ponyville Qualifies!" he declared.

We all cheered whilst I gave Rarity a surprise kiss. Dash, Fluttershy and Bulk got into a group hug before they flew down by us and we joined in the group hug. Even the Wonderbolts were cheering, even though they lost by a second.

Sometime later, all the teams were on grouped podiums and they all received medals. Team Ponyville of course were earned the gold medals and Bulk, Fluttershy and Dash all wore them with pride as we cheered on. Spitfire then came by and took a wonderbolt badge off her racing outfit and gave it to Dash on her medal.

"YEAH!" Bulk yelled.

I then saw Soarin approaching us and he whispered something to Dash which got her blinking and blushing...I wonder why. Then the Wonderbolts team whooshed up and left. The seven of us, Bulk and Derpy got into a group photo to save as a memory.

"Equestria Games, here we come!" Twilight exclaimed in excitement.

"Aw heck yeah!" I agreed before we posed and had a photo taken.

After the competition was over, we knew it was time to go home and for Dash to write something about this in our group diary. It sure was fun being at Rainbow Falls with it's own village and playing field, but Ponyville is my real and true home, with whatever I could ask for.

We left Rainbow Falls by train and all the way back to Ponyville where Spike was waiting for us. Eventually, we had to tell him about the great news and by late afternoon, Twilight and Pinkie were playing tag whilst I was inside the library home with Dash who was writing about what she learnt down on the diary.

"Oh, I can't deny it. I love to win! But if I ever gotta choose between winning and being loyal to my friends, I'm always gonna choose my friends. 'Cause as much as I love winning, I love them waaaaay more." she wrote before finishing and taking off her medal and joining in the fun outside.

Fluttershy then turned up with a letter as I joined them.

"Hey there all, I just got a chance to meet the breezies in a far land through this letter, so I'm going to be away from tomorrow." she said in excitement.

"That sounds like a real treat for you." Twilight replied, "I'm sure you'll have fun and of course, we'll take care of your animals while you're away."

"Of course...thank you, I'll see you all tomorrow."

We all then exchanged our farewells and agreed to have time to ourselves for the rest of the day. I was in my home shortly afterwards when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it to see Rainbow Dash...and Soarin!

"Oh hi you two, what's all this?" I asked.

"Don't tell anypony else but...we've decided to hang out with each other for now and see where it goes." Dash replied.

"Yeah, I have to admit. The way she showed how much friendship means to her and what it's like to have the love and support, I wanted to learn as well." Soarin added, "And to me, she is quite a cutie."

"Soarin...shut up." she replied giggling.

"Well I think you two are an awesome match and I wish you both the best of luck." I said with a smile.

"Thanks man, you're more than a Prince from where I see it..." Soarin said, "...you're a cool friend."

"Thanks Soarin...see you both soon."

I then smiled and closed the door and started cooking up my dinner before sunset. As I had the rest of the day to myself, I recapped on yesterday and today. I am incredibly happy to see Ponyville becoming more of the talk of Equestria, first the CMC's chosen to be the opening ceremony and now Team Ponyville will be present at the Equestria Games.

It's going to be one amazing day at the Olympic event for sure and as for Dash and Soarin, I have a huge amount of hope that they'll be able to find out what love means and if they could be more than just friends in the future...

Three's A Crowd

It was the next morning and me and the other mares were by the train station, seeing Fluttershy who was dressed and ready to leave to explore the land of the breezies, the train whistled so there wasn't much time to say our goodbyes before she went away on her time away from Ponyville.

"Here's a wrap, in case it gets cold." Rarity said as she packed a rolled up sheet into Fluttershy's saddle bags.

"And ah packed you a basket of nice fresh apples in case you get hungry." Applejack added as she placed the basket by her.

"Have a great time!" Twilight said.

"Oh, I will. And I hope you have fun with Cadance." Fluttershy replied.

"All aboard!" The conductor said.

As Fluttershy got on board, I was wondering on what she meant about Cadence.

"Uh Twilight, what did she mean by you and Cadence?" I asked.

"Oh I forgot to tell you, I'm meeting with Princess Cadence, she's coming for a visit and I'm very excited." she replied.

The train whistle and began to move, we saw Fluttershy at the end carriage, waving at us.

"Goodbye! Goodbye, everypony!" she called.

The train was then out of sight.

"Fluttershy! I'll never forget youuuuuuu!" Pinkie called before she noticed a balloon, "Ooh, something floaty! La-la-la-la-la!"

The rest of us facehoofed, but we didn't have a chance to think more of it as we began to see another train pull in.

"Oh, I'm a bit nervous about Cadance's visit!" Twilight said as the train approached us.

"What, is she on that train just coming?" I asked.

"Yes."

"What could you be nervous about, Twilight?" Applejack asked, "Cadance just loves you to pieces!"

"I know, but I really want her visit to go without a hitch!"

"Oh, why wouldn't it?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, the last three times we've seen each other haven't exactly been worry-free."

"The fate of Equestria has hung in the balance during most of your visits with her." Rarity added.

"Exactly. Cadance and I haven't really had a chance to just enjoy being friends again. Which is why it is so important that this visit be about the two of us having some real quality time together."

"Ah'm guessin' you've got a plan that'll keep it that way." Applejack said.

"The timing couldn't be more perfect. For one day only, right here in Ponyville, the Star Swirl the Bearded Travelling Museum! Cadance and I can spend the whole day looking at Star Swirl the Bearded artefacts!"

"Sounds like a perfect drama-free way to spend the day with Cadance." Rarity responded.

"Not counting the drama surrounding which of the bells from his cloak they've chosen to put on display. Spoiler alert: it's this one!" she then pointed to the poster of Starswirl on the station wall.

Dash then coughed in some way, "Uh, sorry. Something in my throat...like a big ball of 'lame'!"

"I think it sounds delightful." Rarity said.

"Yup, definitely sounds like you two will have some real quality time together." Applejack added.

"Exactly. Just quiet time." Twilight replied.

"And right on time, folks." I said as the train pulled into the station and the doors opened.

Two guards who looked different to each other came out along with a red carpet and then Cadence appeared from the train and walked onto the station.

"Your Highness." Cadence greeted.

"Your Highness." Twilight replied.

"I'm teasing, Twilight. We're sisters-in-law. We don't have to be so formal."

The train blew it's whistle as the two guards walked back into the train, but not before one of them looked at Twilight and blushed lightly...hmm, now why did the light orange guard do that?

"Knowing you, you've made some plans." Cadence said.

"Boy, have I. Hang on just one second." Twilight replied as she looked at us. "You all-"

"Now, now, don't you worry about a thing! We will make sure that nothing – but nothing – interferes with your visit." Rarity assured.

"Go on, have a hootenanny with your kinfolk." Applejack added.

"You really are the best friends a pony could ever have." Twilight replied as she hugged all of us, "Coming, Cadance!"

Twilight and Cadence then left the station together.

"Two sisters-in-law bonding." Pinkie sighed, "Well, I for one am gonna make sure that nothing spoils their day!"

"I think we all can agree to do our part to make sure it goes smoothly." I added.

Just then, we saw a spinning object flying towards us.

"Man the trenches! Duck and cover!" I yelled as we ducked.

The spinning object collided into the tree where it it stopped.

"What is that?" Dash asked.

"No, not a "what", but a "who", dear." it replied whilst sniffing before it sneezed, blowing the tree leaves away to reveal...

"DISCORD!" We all spoke in unison.

"What in tarnation are you doin' here? And why the jumpin' June bugs are you blue?" Applejack asked.

"More like a shade of cerulean, to be precise." Rarity corrected..

"Wait a minute lemme do this, just this once." I said as I got into a dance pose. "Cause I'm...a deeper shade of blue...and there's nothing you can't do!" I sang randomly.

"Anyways...whatever colour you are is the colour of trouble!" Dash yelled at him.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, I've changed, surely you remember? I was reformed by lovely little....F-F-Fluttershy-" Discord replied as he sneezed.

"What are you, sick or somethin'?" Applejack replied.

"Well, of course I'm sick. The blue skin? These sneezes? Could somebody find me a fainting couch?"

The mares looked at Rarity.

"What?" she asked.

Pinkie then moved in a pile of luggage with her head so Discord could lie down on it.

"How charming, thank you." he said, "I can't stop sneezing and wheezing. In short...I need help."

"If you're so 'sick', why have you come here instead of, y'know, staying home in bed and getting over your weird illness?" Dash asked.

"Because this condition has left me helpless, simply helpless! Why, I can barely lift a spoon. I came to find the one pony who truly understands me and could nurse me back to health. Where is that dear, sweet Fluttershy? I need attention! I need some care! I need-"

"You need to chill. Fluttershy's out."

"Oh, of course, her trip to see the Breezies. Ah, yes, I had forgotten that was today."

"How do you know about her trip?" Applejack asked.

"Well, she told me about it in her last letter."

"You and Fluttershy write each other letters?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, of course we do! We're friends! It's just such a shame that today of all days is when I really need her. Oh, well, I know what to do."

"Good thinking. Head on home, put your feet up. I'm sure eventually you'll have the strength to make yourself soup or something..." Dash said.

"Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no! I mean, while she's gone, you ponies can take care of me! Isn't that what friends are for, taking care of each other?" Discord then grabbed Dash and hugged her, "Let the healing begin!"

"Not it!"

Dash then suddenly zoomed far away from our view...okay, that was record breaking fast.

"Well, that's some way to treat a suffering friend."

"Don't you worry, Discord! I'll give you cuddles, and read you stories, and tell you all about me!" Pinkie replied, "I was born on a Tuesday-"

"Oh, you're so sweet to offer, but Rarity and Applejack already volunteered to be my own personal nursemaids."

"Oh no!" I intervened, "There is absolutely no way I'm letting Rarity anywhere near your sickness."

"Psssh, fine then...how about you take care of me?"

"I would if I was immune to all kinds of sickness...which I'm not."

I then grabbed Rarity and brought her near my side.

"Anyways, I so hope you don't mind, Pinkie Pie."

"Well, as a matter of fact, I most certainly-" she got cut off as Discord showed a balloon in front of her, "Hey! Who keeps throwing away these perfectly good balloons?"

Pinkie kept bouncing and following the balloon till she was out of sight.

"That joker's up to something, and whatever it is, we're gonna keep it as far away from Twilight and Princess Cadance as possible." Applejack whispered to us as we saw Discord on a life support machine...from somewhere.

"You're right. We promised we wouldn't let anything ruin their visit." Rarity agreed, "Although I do so wish that "anything" had turned out to be something else!"

"Agreed, we must do whatever we can to keep him around us at all times, even if one of us catches his illness." I said to them.

"Did I hear you three talking about Princess Cadence's visit with Princess Twilight?" Discord asked.

"Maybe." Applejack replied.

"Fluttershy had mentioned that those two were getting together today. Mm-hm. How wonderful for them both. It is so rare that those two get to see one another. I don't know about you, but I sometimes wonder how close they could actually be. All those years apart before being reunited?"

"They're plenty close."

"And if they're not, this rare opportunity to focus on their friendship will certainly bring them closer. Unless..."

"Don't even think about it! They mustn't be disturbed!" Rarity demanded.

"Disturb them? I wouldn't dream of it. Not when I have two such dear friends of my own who have already offered to take care of me. And at such peril! This flu of mine is highly-" as he got cut off, I hugged Rarity and placed a bubble shield around us before he sneezed. "Contagious."

Applejack then sneezed.

"Oh no, I've gotten you sick. Whomever shall I turn to now in my time of need?"

"Forget it, Discord." I said, "I'm not letting you anywhere near me or Rarity."

"But taking in the sick and the desperate - isn't that what Fluttershy would do? Isn't 'helping' something that friends do for friends? Unless, of course, you're really saying that you're not my friend."

What...how are any of us supposed to answer that?

"No..." I sighed, "That's not what I'm saying."

"Oh, how elated I am to hear that. Shall the three of us head back to your place? I don't want to get anypony else sick."

"Guess we don't have much choice." Rarity said worryingly.

"I have a better idea and Twilight may not like it, but we'll have to go to the Library to see if we can find anything." I suggested.

"Good idea, darling...come along Discord."

"Carry me?" he asked.

"It isn't far. I think you can manage."

"Oh, poo."

Discord followed us, slithering like a snake as we kept a bubbled shield around Rarity and me, holding hooves until we arrived at the Library. When we got in, Discord laid on a big sofa whilst I went through the books, trying to find anything useful. Rarity gave Discord some company and at least we're keeping him away from Twilight and Cadence.

"So do you need anything?" Rarity asked.

"Just knowing that I have a good friend like you to take care of me has made me feel better already. I'll be fine here on my own. Oh, just before you go, just a little small request." he replied.

"I see...and anything else?"

Suddenly, music began to play...oh no...Discord isn't going to sing, is he?

A little glass of water please

A fresh pressed hanky if I sneeze

Some tea with honey from the bees

Whenever you can brew it

"I'll get your tea." Rarity sighed.

And while I get a little rest

A teeny tiny small request

Some codfish oil for my chest

Poured from a crystal cruet

"A crystal cruet?"

My goodness, I'm a nincompoop

Because I fear I've got the croup

I need a vat of pumpkin soup

And scarves made out of zinnias

Did I say zinnias? I meant silk

Or something shiny of that ilk

And then I'll need some nice warm milk

And pastries from Abyssinia

And since my stomach's feeling crummy

Why not give my aching tummy

Something soothing, something yummy

Piled up with noodles?

Add a slice of homemade rye

With stacks of Swiss way up high

Served with sides of sweet mince pie

More basil; I need oodles!

"Anything else?"

I'll be grateful for your charity

Until the bitter end

Because I've heard that tenderness

Is what you lend an ailing friend

Tenderness, isn't that right, friend?

"Right but-"

So, who's ready for my big reprise?

I'd like that glass of water please

Some magic spell to cure disease

A firm "gesundhoof" when I sneeze

A fresh bouquet of roses

Some lozenges will soon appease

My wheezing when I start to sneeze

A wig to keep me from the breeze

And blankets for my toes-es

Take tweezers out of my valise

And then massage my knobby knees

A bowl of peas, some extra cheese

A cuddle with a Pekingese

A singing harp who's named Louise

A goat on skis, a new trapeze

And more and more and more and more of these

"And just because I oughta-"

Make sure I'm drinking in the right

Amount of fluids day and night

I wish I may, I wish I might

Have just one little thing

Oh, would you please finally bring

Me that tiny glass

Of water?!!

The music and the song ended with Rarity being covered in water and not amused. Discord then took the glass of water but he then dropped it by the bed.

"Oops. Sorry." he said.

"Alright, this is ridiculous!" Rarity said before I came over and used my magic to dry her off. "Any luck, dear?"

"Not yet, but I do have a question," I replied before looking at Discord, "how did you even catch this flu?" I asked.

"Inadequate hoof and claw washing?"

"Right, there must be some way to just cure you! There has to be a spell or remedy in one of Twilight's books!"

"There is one way..."

"And you didn't think to mention it earlier?"

"Slipped my mind. On a hill at the very edge of Equestria, there grows an exquisite magic flower. Pick the flower as it drops its petals at sunset. Then you can make a magical soothing elixir to cure the blue flu."

"I suppose you have a good reason you didn't bother to get this flower as soon as you realized you were sick?" Rarity asked.

"Well, I couldn't travel that far in my condition. By the time I got there, I'd be too weak to even attempt to retrieve the flower."

Just then, we heard a door open and we saw it was Twilight and Cadence.

"Hey there you two and..." Twilight said before she noticed Discord, "...Discord! What are you doing here?!?"

"Oh, dear, dear Princesses, I'm sorry to say that I'm sick...blue flu."

"Blue flu?" Cadence asked.

"Ah, I fear I've already given it to poor Applejack." he paused for a moment, "You will be letting me stay at your place until I'm all better, won't you?"

"Stay? With me?!" Twilight exclaimed, "Uh, now is not really the best time, though I'm sure you already knew that..."

"It's going to be fine." Cadence assured, "We'll just get him what he wants and be back to the exhibit in no time. What was it that you needed?"

"Noooooo!" I yelled, "Don't sing that song again!"

"Yes agreed, I can't bear to get soaked!" Rarity added as she galloped out of the library and I followed suit.

When we were far away from the library, we breathed a sigh of relief.

"Right, we're finally away from him." I said as I hugged Rarity, "But in the process, we failed to keep him away from Twilight and Cadence."

"It's alright dear, there was nothing more we could do." she replied before she kissed me, "Now I think we should go and check on Applejack."

Along the way as we were walking to the farm, we then heard a familiar voice, "Well if it isn't the two love birds, the two who share love without a word."

"Zecora!" Rarity and I said.

"Yes indeed, I have a potion for Applejack, which I hope will bring her off her back."

"Wait, how did you know that...nope, I'm not going to question the world's logic. Let's just get going." I told them, "She'll be pleased to see you."

We then arrived at the apple farm and the three of us walked on in with me going in first.

"Hi everypony, it's only us." I called.

"Oh howdy sugarcube, ah'm up here." Applejack replied.

We walked upstairs and to her bedroom to find her resting in her bed, she had gone through a few tissues and she had a red nose.

"Oh hey there Zecora, mighty nice to see ya."

"Nice to see you too, although I wish it'd be seeing a healthier you." Zecora replied.

"In other words, she has a potion that might get rid of whatever sickness Discord passed to you." Rarity explained.

"That's real kind to know, mind if ya pour a small glass of that for me please, it's on the table next to me."

I lifted the empty glass up with my magic and brought it to Zecora who took off the kid and with her mouth poured half of the potion into the glass and then brought the glass over to Applejack who took it.

"Now drink it down, so it can remove that sickness frown." Zecora said.

Applejack drank the potion and after a few minutes, the redness around her nose went, her eyes were back to open normally and her sneezing was gone. I was impressed, a potion that can get rid of sickness like that, it would change the world!

"So, how do you feel now?" Rarity asked.

"Ah feel mighty fine like ah can knock down apples in lickety split." she replied happily. "Thank ya kindly for that, Zecora."

"That's alright Applejack, what are friends for. If you get sick again, don't be afraid to ask me for more." she replied as she walked from her room, probably back to her home in the forest.

"Ahhh you and your poems." I muttered whilst smiling.

"Well, with that out of the way, I think we should go back and find out how Twilight and Cadence are getting on with Discord." Rarity suggested.

"Good idea, let's go." Applejack replied as she got out of bed and we walked away from the apple farm and over to the library.

When we arrived by sunset however, we saw Twilight turn up with Discord who was now coloured in green with spots.

"Good you're here, we're taking him to Fluttershy's cottage so he can be nursed better when Fluttershy gets home." Twilight said.

We all nodded despite not knowing why he was not blue anymore. But along the way Twilight explained what happened after we left, turned out that Discord was faking his sickness just so he could put forward a friendship test for Twilight which according to him, she passed before a huge worm-like creature sneezed at Discord, causing him to fall sick for real.

When we arrived by the early evening, Discord was placed on the sofa and a huge quarantine bubble was created around him so he didn't spread any germs around the cottage. Twilight was busy writing down what she had learnt today before we saw Fluttershy return from her daily vacation.

"I think it's pretty clear that my visit with Cadance didn't go quite the way I expected." she wrote, "But in the end, I realized that when you're with a good friend, even the most chaotic day can end up being a great experience that brings you closer. Wouldn't you agree, Discord?"

"Yes, Twilight." Discord snorted.

"Ah don't wanna go sayin' you got what you deserved." Applejack said.

"Well, I have no trouble saying it. You got what you deserved!" Rarity added.

"Now, now, he's learned his lesson. Isn't that right, my little patient?" Fluttershy asked him.

"I'm so glad that you're back from your trip, Fluttershy. Just your presence here is making me feel so much better. I was just wondering, could I trouble you for just one more thing?" he asked.

"No!" Twilight snapped.

"What? I was simply going to ask for a teeny, tiny glass of water."

"I'll get that for you Discord" Fluttershy replied, "The rest of you can go on home, I'll take it from here."

The rest of us nodded and left her cottage, when we got back to the library with the journal, we exchanged our farewell before Dash zoomed away. The rest of us began to huddle about something...

"Alright all, Rainbow Dash's birthday is tomorrow...Pinkie, I'm sure you know what to do, right?" Twilight asked.

"Count on me!" Pinkie replied.

The rest of us agreed that we'll make Dash's birthday special, so after that, we exchanged our farewells with me kissing Rarity goodnight before I walked to my home and went straight to bed. What a day I had, taking care of Discord was no easy feat for me and Rarity, at least karma found a way to bite Discord after Zecora's potion helped Applejack get nursed back to health.

Bring on Rainbow Dash's upcoming party I guess!

Pinkie Pride

I woke up the next day to find that it was already the late morning, I looked through the window and a saw bit of decorations on a house. Looks like Pinkie is already working on making Rainbow Dash's birthday the best one ever. After I had a quick breakfast, I left my house and met up with the mares and Spike who were excited for Dash's birthday party.

"Morning all, I'm right here." I called.

"Fabulous darling, none of us could possibly miss Rainbow's birthday." Rarity replied.

"No way, no how." Applejack added.

"Ooh, I am so, so, SO excited because today I'm planning the birthday bash of... Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Dash replied.

"Rainbow Dash."

"Yes, Pinkie?"

Pinkie then put on her serious face as she grabbed Dash by the hooves.

"You realize that, by enlisting me as your party planner, I guarantee that this is going to be the funnest, most fantabulous, superbial party in Ponyville?"

"Uh...yeah? I guess."

"No guesses! Parties are no picnic."

"Oh, I like a nice picnic party." Fluttershy said.

Pinkie then growled...talk about taking party planning too seriously...even Serious Sam wasn't that serious.

"Parties. Are. Serious! And you have my certified Pinkie Party Promise that you will have the best birthday party ever!"

"Okay." Dash replied.

"Great! Now, who's ready to join this super duper party pony to plan this super duper pa-rty?"

"I am." a voice answered.

We gasped and turned around to see a stallion dressed in a poncho and cowboy hat over his head as well as a rubber chicken on his back, he looked like some kind character from a wild western show.

"And who are you, John Marston wannabe?" I asked him.

"Name's Cheese Sandwich. I plan parties."

"What an amazing coincidence!" Pinkie said, "I'm Pinkie Pie, and I'm planning a party!"

"Oh, it's no coincidence, my little pony. My cheesy sense was a-tingling, telling me a party was in the works."

"A cheesy sense? Ah! Double amazing! I have a Pinkie Sense!"

"Yes. I sensed you did. And I happen to be the premier party planner in all of Equestria. If there's a party in need, there I'll be. Be it wingding, hoedown, hootenanny, or shindig, I'm your pony."

"A pair of party pony planners in Ponyville?! What can be more perfect?!"

"I'll tell you what -- making this party epic!" Dash replied, "'Cause this isn't just any birthday. It's also the anniversary of when I moved to Ponyville!"

"Good heavens, Rainbow Dash. It's your "birth-iversary"!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Exactly! So what do you say, party planners?"

"Oh, I think we can do it!" Pinkie replied.

"Oh, I don't think so." Cheese disagreed.

They gasped, but I could tell he wasn't finished yet.

"I know so!" he added as he took off his poncho and hat and showed himself as a lively upbeat stallion with brown mane. "After all.."

Yep, another musical part incoming, I thought.

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me

I always knew that was the kind of pony I would be

"Me too." Pinkie replied.

"Come on, ponies! Who here likes to party? Ha-ha! You do! I can tell!"

When I was but a little colt, I just wanted to play

"Like me!"

But everypony told me, "Cheese, that fun just wastes the day"

"As if!"

But when I threw a party and I busted out some moves

"Uh-huh!"

The ponies finally saw the light and got into the groove

"You know it!"

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me

"And me!"

You'll never meet another party pony quite like Cheese!

"Uh, Pinkie?" Pinkie asked in confusion.

"Hey, good-lookin', want some mayonnaise?" Cheese offered to a pony.

My parties are all off the hook

I never plan them by the book

I start out fun, then whoopsie-daisy

Everybody just gets crazy!

Bored of snacks made by your mom?

How about a giant party bomb?

Huge piñatas filled with cake

Or dive into my fruit punch lake!

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me

You'll never meet another party pony quite like Cheese

"C'mon, kid, take it for a spin!" he said as he presented a gift with a hippo inside...yep, logic's gone for good.

"Golly, thanks mister!" the colt replied.

Oh, when I throw a Cheese party, be sure to not be lame

And miss my pie fights, wacky kites, and streamers in your mane

Fizzy drinks, Hawaiian shirts, and brie fondue delight

You know that with Cheese Sandwich, you'll be partying all night!

"C'mon, everypony! Let's party down with Cheese!" Dash announced.

"You're really a certified party pony?" Fluttershy asked.

"That's right! That's my guarantee!" he replied

The super-duper party pony–that pony is me-e-e-e-e

But what about the super party pony named Pinkie...?

The music then ended and I looked to see Pinkie no longer her happy self.

Whilst every other pony was with Cheese, I knew better than to follow a crowd as an old saying goes. I walked over to Pinkie and picked her up by the hoof as she was laying down on the ground.

"Pinkie, are you okay?" I asked.

"Not really..." she replied, sighing. "Why are you not with the others?"

"Because I'm not that easy to be led astray and I know better."

"You mean you still like my parties?"

"Well of course, the others are just being easily convinced because of what he said, but it doesn't make one difference at all. He may be a party planner, but from the way I see it, he's a travelling party planner. You're Ponyville's party planner, they've just forgotten about it right now."

Pinkie smiled and just then, Twilight turned up to see us.

"Pinkie, aren't you gonna help Cheese Sandwich plan the party?" she asked.

"That's okay." Pinkie replied, giggling nervously, "He obviously has what it takes to do it all by himself. Heh."

"Really?"

"Yes indeedy."

"Uh Pinkie, I'm still here and you know better than to lie." I intervened

Pinkie began to feel sad again, I hope I didn't push her to have her feeling depressed like before.

"Sorry Bond, you're right...I wanna help but Cheese has it planned already, he wouldn't want my help."

"Don't say that Pinkie." Twilight responded, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind you helping him."

"I wouldn't be so sure." Pinkie paused as she walked away from us, "After all, if Cheese really is the super duperiest partying-est pony of them all, maybe that means...I'm...not."

We then heard music, time for another musical moment.

For all my life, all I've wanted to do

Was make my friends want to smile true

But maybe I was wrong

And Pinkie Pie shouldn't plan parties at all

I'll try to get up on my hooves

And try a different task

I'll find something new to do

There's gotta be more to me than planning a party or two

I put away my party cannon, I deflated all my balloons

The bubbles all burst, now what is next for you?

For you...

Twilight and I felt sorry for her as Pinkie went into Sugarcube Corner, Twilight and I wondered what to do.

"Twilight, I have an idea." I said

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"Just let me find Rainbow Dash and I'll take care of the rest."

"I think she's with the others, last time I saw her."

I flew upwards and went around town, looking for Dash until I found her by the small stage just in view from the town hall.

"Totally awesome!" Dash yelled.

"Eeyup, Best ah've ever seen." Applejack agreed as she switched on a stage light, showing Dash's cutiemark in the sky.

"Hey Dash, mind if I have a word with you...away from the crowd?" I asked.

"Umm sure." Dash replied and we flew away from the crowd and found a quiet spot by the lake.

"I just wanted to ask, aren't you forgetting somepony?"

"Wait, you mean Pinkie Pie."

"Yeah, wasn't she going to be your original party planner?"

"She was until Cheese Sandwich came along. I mean, Pinkie Pie's parties are fun and sweet and all, but now this party's gonna be..."

"Lemme guess, super duper?"

"You said it! Oh, yeah!"

"Rainbow, you've forgotten one other thing. Cheese Sandwich may be a party planner and he sure is proving that already, but there's a difference between him and Pinkie."

"Is there?"

"Yes, Cheese is a travelling party planner from where I see it whilst Pinkie is Ponyville's party planner and always has been since she moved here a long time ago."

"Oh, now I get what you mean."

"Yes and to be quite honest, you should've known better than to just...umm how do I put this without it being dramatic...yeah, abandon the original party plans where all the decorations were already put up, along with the gifts outside Sugarcube Corner and of course, the big cake that Mr. and Mrs. Cake had worked so hard on...and let's not forget your birthday message from Soarin."

"Bond!"

"Okay, I made that last one up, but you get what I mean, right?"

"Yeah I do now."

Just then, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight turned up.

"Girls, I feel so bad that I left Pinkie behind. I was brought in by Cheese's bragging that I forgot about how much Pinkie has done for me and us."

"Yeah...totally ironic when you think about it."

"Well, as much as I love all this from Cheese, Pinkie will always be my favourite party planner...where is she?"

"I don't know, she went into Sugarcube Corner looking sad..."

I then cut myself off as we spotted Pinkie walking down the pathway from the town with her huge trunk, her party cannon and other things she had used. Dash flew up to stop her whilst the rest of us galloped until I was in front of Pinkie.

"Pinkie, wait!" Dash exclaimed, "I'm sorry I got all swept away by Cheese Sandwich."

"Well, apart from me and Twilight." I intervened.

"Sorry, Pinkie." Spike added.

"No, don't be sorry, Rainbow." Pinkie replied "Cheese Sandwich really is a super duper party planner, and he'll be a terrific head-liner. So I want to admit that and let you have your day."

"But don't you get it? You're both super duper party ponies. Sure, Cheese Sandwich is a great guest party pony, but you're Ponyville's permanent party pony. Nopony could ever take your place, and we could never have a party without you." Dash said.

"And besides, we have a strong connection with our friendship of harmony." I added. "We'd be nothing without one of us being here."

Cheeses Sandwich then showed up, but he looked a little unhappy as if he heard us talking.

"Bond Racer is right." he said as he took party hat off, "I never meant to take your place in Ponyville. I just wanted to show you what a great party pony I am, Pinkie."

"Why me?" Pinkie asked.

"Well..."

Here we go again with another musical moment, I thought.

I fear I told a little fib about my pony past

I hope that when you hear the truth, you will not be aghast

I wasn't quite the super party pony like I claim

The fact is that I was so shy, nopony knew my name

I stumbled into Ponyville one afternoon by chance

And found the biggest ever celebration party dance

Everything was perfect, cheer was filling up the place

And I saw that everypony had a smile upon their face

I vowed that day to change my life, the past I did set free

For now Cheese Sandwich was a party pony full of glee

A super duper party pony -- that's what I became

I traveled all Equestria, and all did know my name

But that never would have happened on my own, I'll tell you why

For the one who threw that party, it was you, Pinkie Pie.

"Me?"

"Yes!"

"Hah, really?!"

"Really!"

"So I was the pony that threw the awesomely spectacular party that inspired you to become an awesome spectacular party thrower?"

"Swear on Camembert!"

"Enough with the warm fuzzy stuff, you two." Dash intervened, "It's my birth-iversary, and you gotta throw me a bash!"

"Yeah!"

"Let's go!"

Super duper party ponies, that is me and you

A party thrown by one is good, but not as great as two

Come on and let's join forces, have twice the expertise

Now let's all go to the party planned by Pinkie Pie and Cheese!

And soon the whole birthday party bash was in full swing and with them two throwing it together...it was flipping awesome!

When the birthday bash was over by sunset, the seven of us were by the roadway outside Ponyville, Pinkie was writing something down on what she learnt until Cheese walked towards her.

"Just a little memento of my visit." he said as he gave her his rubber chicken.

"You're giving me your special rubber chicken friend?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh, he's not the only one...oh and I also have this for you, just in case we meet again."

He gave Pinkie a small piece of paper that had something written on it and then leaned forward and kissed Pinkie on the cheek, causing her to blush before he turned around and began setting off away from Ponyville.

"Well, Boneless Two, another job well done. But it's time we mosey along. Another town, another party."

Pinkie sighed before she fainted with the piece of paper in her hoof.

"Well what do you know, girls. Looks like Pinkie may have a first love interest." I said.

The others giggled before Applejack picked up Pinkie.

"Ah think she should rest easy for a while." Applejack said to us

We all nodded as Applejack took her to her home and the rest of us went back into town and exchanged our farewells before calling it a night and going back to our homes. I got into my house and couldn't think of anything else but the bed, now if Rarity was in it, it would be much better.

Speaking of company, I had to admit that Cheese Sandwich did sure brag a lot about his party planning, but he can definitely back it up. However, the moment I felt happy about as I got into my bed was me assuring Dash that Pinkie will always be Ponyville's number one party planner, but the kiss from Cheese did give out signs that maybe one day, Cheese and Pinkie will organise parties as a couple.

Simple Ways

I woke up the next day and I was hearing a lot of commotion and hooves walking across town. I got up and after a quick breakfast, I walked out to see several ponies all joining together at the Town Hall. I decided to follow with the mares who has just arrived alongside me as we walked over to the Town Hall where a crowd had gathered.

"Wow! I can't believe how many ponies showed up!" Dash exclaimed.

"I can! I mean, finding out who the Ponyville Days pony of ceremonies is is a pretty big deal!" Pinkie added.

"Yeah, but why?" I asked.

"Oh didn't you know, today is Ponyville Day." Fluttershy answered.

We saw the Mayor approach the podium as the three elder ponies took thier seats with Granny Smith among them.

"I didn't know Granny Smith was on the selection committee." Twilight said.

"Ponyville Days celebrates the founding of Ponyville, and she was right there." Applejack replied.

"I'm glad the committee didn't automatically pick me so everypony gets a chance to see how great being me actually is! Even though the festival's basically a party and the pony of ceremonies gets to organize the whole thing! So it'd totally make sense if they did pick me."

We told Pinkie to shush which was more easier said than done, considering her personality.

"Pinkie, we know you have a love interest in Cheese Sandwich, but right now, you need to calm down." I said to her.

We all went quiet when the Mayor began to speak.

"Citizens of Ponyville, this year's applicants were all exceptional, but there can only be one Ponyville Days pony of ceremonies. And that pony is..."

Pinkie suddenly inhaled before she floated up in the sky as a balloon, leaving us confused.

"Rarity!" the Mayor announced.

Rarity cheered as I looked around to see Spike not here and I kissed Rarity, whilst she got a bouquet of flowers.

"Whoo-ee! All right, Rarity!" Applejack cheered.

"Yeah! Whoo-oo-oo!" Dash joined in.

"Congratulations, Rarity!" Twilight said, "Do you know what you're gonna do?"

Spike then turned up with a huge wooden table filled with a replica-size of the town itself.

"Oh, I might have a few ideas." she replied.

"Is there one that springs to your mind?" I asked.

"There is but I'll tell you all about it when we get to my boutique"

"Then by all means, lead the way, Rarity." Spike sighed.

We were all at Carousel Boutique shortly afterwards where we saw a fashion stage set up in the centre of the room.

"I'm so excited for the festival, I can hardly stand up straight!" Pinkie exclaimed as she face-planted the floor.

"Me too. I'm glad Rarity was picked. I know she'll add a touch of elegance to the whole thing!" Twilight agreed."

"Probably more than a touch!" Applejack added.

The lights went out and the stage lights went on as Spike appeared from behind the curtain in his suit.

"This year's Ponyville Days festival, designed by Rarity, will feature various high-class events such as... a silent cider auction and tasting. A Ponyville gala in town square and, of course, a Ponyville fashion show." he announced. "This year's Ponyville Days festival pony of ceremonies creates shimmering couture of her own design."

"And the theme is...'Small Town Chic'!" Rarity added as she walked on stage in her latest dress which was stunning on her, I was speechless.

"Wow, Rarity. You really have put a lot of effort into this." Twilight complimented.

"Ah'll say." Applejack added.

"Oh, I think it's going to be magical." Fluttershy said.

"Do you really think so?" Rarity asked.

"Are you kidding? I can't wait!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Oh, that's such a relief. But of course, I couldn't possibly do it all on my own. The festival is in three days!"

"Speaking of which, where's Coco Pommel?" I asked.

"I'm right here." she replied as she came from behind the curtain. "I was busy helping her into the dress I made."

"Getting back on topic." Dash said "Pinkie Pie and I can hang lights and decorations in the town square!"

"And ah can get Sweet Apple Acres all ready for the cider tastin'." Applejack added.

"Oh, that's just perfect!" Rarity replied happily, "And now, Twilight, if you and Fluttershy wouldn't mind helping Coco with the fashion show..."

"Of course!" Twilight answered.

"I'd be honoured." Fluttershy added.

"I can focus on the thing I'm worried about most of all." Rarity said.

"Oooh, what's that?" I asked.

"Creating a Ponyville Days festival fantastic enough to impress...Trenderhoof!"

"Uh, who's Trenderhoof?" Applejack asked.

Coco stepped forward as if to answer that question for Rarity.

"Trenderhoof is one of the most amazing, handsomest travel writer to have ever travelled or written!" Coco explained, "Before Las Pegasus became an Equestria travel destination, he wrote about it. Before the culinary revolution in Trottingham, he discovered it! He knows what's going to be put on the map even before it's created."

"Sounds like somepony has a little bit of a crush." Twilight remarked, seeing Coco blush slightly.

"Oh, Twilight, "crush" doesn't even begin to describe it." Rarity replied, "He's practically divine. I can't believe he's coming!"

I looked around to see if Spike was still here, thankfully he wasn't.

"Just remember that if you have a crush on him too, think of me." I said as I kissed her.

She giggled, "Oh do be careful, Spikey wikey might still be around."

"He's not." Coco replied, "Maybe he went home to the library."

"I'll go and check on him." Twilight said, "So I guess we all better get to work on preparing the town for Trenderhoof's arrival."

"Thank you all." Rarity replied as the other mares left the boutique. "Oh Bond dear, I forgot about you. Would you mind accompanying me to the train station so I have company when Trenderhoof arrives in a few days?"

"Anything for you, my love." I replied before she kissed me. "I guess I better get going as well."

Rarity nodded as we shared a loving kiss before I left her home and walked back to mine, thinking of nothing but the Ponyville show. In the day that followed, several dresses and suits were made, the decorations were set up around the whole town and all the while, Rarity was getting more excited yet nervous at the same time. However, none of us had seen Spike since then and we were all wondering where he could've gone to and decided that once everything is in place, Twilight would go looking for him.

When the day arrived of Trenderhoof coming to Ponyville, I was with Rarity on the station and holding her hoof in the hope to keep her calm, but it didn't seem to be working or helping her much.

"Thank you ever so much for joining me, darling. I don't think I could have met Trenderhoof on my own!" Rarity said nervously.

"It's no problem, but you shouldn't be nervous about meeting him" I replied.

The train pulled into the station and several ponies got off.

"Is that him? Is he here? Bond, is he there?"

"Uhh... I'm not sure."

"You don't suppose he's decided not to come? Bond, I don't see him! What if he doesn't arrive? The whole festival will be a disaster-"

I cut her off by kissing her passionately.

"Thanks dear, I needed that."

"You have to get a hold of yourself my love. I mean, you haven't even met him yet!"

One last stallion exited the train, he was light brown with many shades of golden mane and was wearing a green sweater.

Rarity gasped, "It's him, it's him, is it him? Is it him? It's him, he's here, he's here!"

"Well, go up and talk to him!"

"I can't! Uh, hi–" she cut herself off, clearing her throat, "Hello, Mr. Trenderhoof. I am Rarity, and I have been chosen as pony of ceremonies for the Ponyville Days festival."

"Please, call me 'Trend'." he replied.

Rarity nearly fainted but I caught her in time.

"Gotcha." I sighed in relief as I put Rarity back on her hooves.

"Ahh and who are you...wait, you're an alicorn?" he gasped, "You are the new Prince Bond Racer I've heard so much about."

He then bowed at me, but it didn't bother me this time. Maybe being a Prince does have it's benefits after all.

"I am indeed, Trend..." I replied. "...and Rarity is the love of my life, so you needn't worry about any fan-girl crushes."

"That's wonderful news...now if you could be so kind to show me the town of Ponyville."

"Of course, Trend...follow us this way." Rarity replied who seemed to finally calm down.

We walked back to Ponyville with Trend as Rarity was explaining the plans.

"And over here will be the climax of the festival, the Ponyville Days gala! Music, dancing! And of course a locally sourced menu of delicious treats." she said.

"Reminds me of the 'Spring Fling meets Manehattan Wedding' I wrote about in Gallop & Prance." Trend replied.

"Exactly! I, I can't even describe how much your work has influenced me!"

We then carried on walking till we arrived at the Apple farm.

"And finally, Sweet Apple Acres. Ponyville's core, heh-heh, so to speak, where our quaint little hamlet began."

"Oh, breathtaking! I've heard about it of course, but to see it in vérité, to stand on the soil of a working farm... You can really feel the authenticity."

"Oh, yes, uh, they, they really do grow apples here."

"Thank you, Rarity. Thank you for bringing me here. This farm is truly something special."

"Oh, I had planned to transform it into an elegant country inn for the festival... but now I see just how special it is au naturel."

"Au naturel indeed."

When we saw Applejack, I noticed Trend's expression suddenly change.

"Who... is... that?"

"Who? Applejack?" Rarity asked, "Why are you staring at her like that?"

"I've seen a lot in my travels, but I've never beheld such beauty. Applejack...The pony of my dreams..."

"Oh...I see. Well, do you want to talk to her?"

"Uh not yet, I'd much rather focus on the main task of seeing Ponyville and impressing me."

I snickered as quiet as I could, thinking that Trend has no chance with Applejack. As we were walking back to the town, Rarity grabbed my hoof for a moment.

"Bond darling, I'll take it from here. I'm calm enough to show him the rest of the town."

"Alright my love, I'll see you later."

We then shared another kiss before I walked back to my home, as I walked in, I heard a few growls coming from somewhere.

"Hmm, that's weird, there's no wildlife creatures around here." I said to myself.

I got myself a drink and then I heard the growl again.

"Okay, this is getting a bit freaky, if anypony is in here, please come out."

"Y-ARGH!" a voice yelled as I looked up.

"What the!"

I jumped backwards so that it didn't catch me...it was then revealed to be Spike and he was looking rough, but why?

"Spike, what are you doing here?"

"Trying to find out the truth myself!" he snapped, "It's taken a while but now I know something is up."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me! I figured out what's going on and now I wanna hear it from your mouth...are you and Rarity together?"

Looks like I was busted, guess the secret was gonna come out sooner or later, but I never expected Spike to be that smart.

"Yes Spike...Rarity and I are a couple and we have been that way since Trixie got reformed where if you and the others remember, I had to split up with her after that amulet incident."

"Yeah I know that, I still don't understand why none of you ever bothered to tell me."

"Because Rarity was worried that if any of us told you, you would've been heartbroken, because we all know how much of a crush you have on Rarity and how much you love her."

Spike began to sniff.

"We had to hide the truth about us, because we all care about you and what if Twilight found out that you tried to attack me?"

"She would be angry and disappointed in me...and that I let my jealous emotions get the better of me...again."

"And after what you went through when you thought Owlicious was replacing you, none of us didn't want you to go through that again."

Spike began wiping away his tears.

"I know that...I'm really sorry that I tried to attack you Bond, I almost blew it by letting my emotions go out of control."

"It's alright Spike...if I was your age and a dragon, I'd be feeling the same. Now you probably won't ever be with Rarity and in love, but I'm sure that you have a very special place in her heart. You know she cares for you and she always has since you confessed that you had a crush on her a long time ago."

"You're right, dude...I should've reminded myself of that."

"So are you alright with it now, are we cool on me and Rarity showing our love, even with you around?"

"Yeah, water under the bridge and all that."

He then held out his claw and I responded by shaking it with my hoof.

"Just one thing you have to promise me...don't do anything that will hurt Rarity in any way unless it's out of your control."

"I can promise you that for sure, Spike, she'll always have full protection with me by her side."

"Thanks, Bond."

"You're welcome...now let's go and see if we can find the rest of them, they've been worried sick about you since you disappeared three days ago."

"Okay, let's go."

Spike and I left my home and it was sunset by the time we saw the others at the Ponyville show and we went into a group hug with Spike joining in.

"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed, "There you are, me and everypony else have missed you, where have you been?"

"Calm down Twilight, I just needed time to think things through for a few days." he replied, "But I'm back and I have something to tell you all later when this event is over."

"Whatever it is, we'll make sure to listen to ya, sugarcube." Applejack said.

Just then, Trenderhoof showed up.

"Well Rarity, after seeing what I've seen today, I'm moving to Ponyville!" he announced, "Being the most interesting pony in Equestria is exhausting. I want to leave my exotic, exciting life behind and live on a farm!"

"What?!" We all asked.

"Well, that's real nice, but ah sure hope you weren't thinkin' of Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said.

"Oh." Trend replied, feeling embarrassed.

"Uh, look, you're a fine pony, but, uh, well, ah'm, uh..."

"I think what Applejack is trying to say is that there's something unappealing about a pony who'd change themselves so much just to impress somepony else. If somepony doesn't like you for who you are, it's their loss." Rarity said.

"Well, this is awkward." Trend said quietly.

"Not at all. In fact, I know somepony who knows just how you feel."

"Really, then who?"

"She's Coco Pommel and I'll introduce you to her later."

"Alright."

Trend began to smile.

Sometime later, we had all the events taking place that Rarity planned and it all went amazing. When it came to the gala dance, a slow number came on and Rarity and I were dancing slowly together and in love. I saw Spike who smiled and waved at us from the table with the food, confirming that he was alright with me and Rarity being together. We then heard a quick conversation behind us.

"Hi there, you must be Coco, Rarity's friend?" Trend asked her who was dressed up.

"I am and you must be Trenderhoof...wanna dance with me?" Coco offered whilst blushing.

"I'd love to."

Coco and Trend then began to dance slowly together, all the while chatting and getting to know each other better. I wasn't sure what I heard, I think some of the words were to do with Trend being offered to stay at Coco's house for the time, but I must've been hearing things.

When the Ponyville Day event was finished by night-time, all the Ponyville citizens helped with taking down the decorations and packing up the leftover food and drinks. Coco and Trend had already called it a night with us overhearing that Trend was being offered Coco's sofa as his bed.

The seven of us and Spike were in the library as Rarity was writing down what was learnt today in the group journal.

"Organizing the Ponyville Day celebration was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I learned an important lesson. Real friends will like you for who you are, and changing yourself to impress them is no way to make new ones. And when you're as fabulous as I am, it's practically a crime!"

When she was done writing it in, we gathered around to hear what Spike had to say. I already knew about it earlier, but he said practically the same thing to the others but in a more gentle and confident manner. The mares then each gave him a close friendly hug.

"Spikey wikey, I'm proud of you. Bond Racer is right, he and I are together and in love, but you will always have a special place in my life." Rarity said as she hugged him.

"Thanks Rarity and you'll have a special place in mine too...along with Twilight." he replied.

Twilight giggled.

"Well, ah think it's time we called it a night, ya'll, we've earned our night's rest." Applejack advised.

"Good idea, have a goodnight all." I said as Rarity and I left the library, holding hooves.

"I'm so happy right now, everything was wonderful today." Rarity said as I walked her to her home. "My event was a huge success and we no longer have to worry about Spike's feelings."

"Agreed and plus, Trend and Coco seem to be getting along well from what we saw."

"Yes...anyways, have a goodnight my darling."

"You too my love."

We began sharing a passionate kiss and hugged, before she walked into her home whilst I walked back to mine. I did check the ceiling in case Spike was there, but he wasn't. I got to my bed and began to wait until my eyes allowed me to sleep. Ponyville Day was terrific and very classy. But the important thing is that Spike has finally come to terms with his crush and Rarity and I no longer have to hide our love from him.

I wonder how Trend and Coco will get along in the times to come...maybe something will happen, you never know...

Filli Vanilli

I woke up the next day and those few days must've got the better of me as I checked my pocketwatch to see that it was already the beginning of the afternoon. That's the first time I've slept past my breakfast and lunch time, so getting up and having a quick made lunch, I was more awake and ready for the day. I left my home and thought of seeing my love, I went over to her boutique home and knocked on the door.

"Oh hi Bond, are you looking for Rarity?" Coco asked as she opened the door.

"Hi Coco, yeah I am, do you know where she is?" I asked.

"I think she was in the park with a few other ponies on stage where there's a market taking place."

"A market...anyways, thanks Coco."

"No problem."

Coco then closed the door as I trotted down the town and towards the park, I found a few stalls and tents already up with all the ponies currently working, I then saw a stage on a small hill from the park. I walked closer to it to see Rarity and three other ponies dressed in the same outfits in a row. Spike was there too as he looked on from behind the stage, watching over a box full of more outfits.

"Alright, Pony Tones, let's run through that again!" Rarity announced as she blew on a pitch pipe.

A short performance began with Big Mac taking the lead and the others harmonizing.

Everypony's sayin' you should learn to express your voice

But if talk doesn't seem like it's the answer

The other three joined in.

Luckily you have a choice

When you find you've got the music

Got the music in you

Find you've got the music

Got the music in you

The performance was then over, me and a few others smiled and applauded whilst Fluttershy sighed.

"Hm, why are you sighing Fluttershy?" I asked, "Was it the performance?"

"Well um...it's much more than that." she replied before she blushed.

"Oooh and what's that?"

"I'll tell you another time."

"Fair enough."

"Woo-hoo, yeah! You were awesome!" Spike complimented.

"Thank you, Spike, but this is an ensemble." Rarity replied.

"That's what I mean, you were all awesome...even though it's not my kind of music."

"Oh, I thought you were all amazing, Pony Tones!" Fluttershy commented.

"Thanks, Fluttershy!" the mare with the sparkling pink and orange mane replied.

"Now, Pony Tones, I want you all to rest your voices for the remainder of the day." Rarity ordered, "We'll do a final run-through tomorrow before the big event, alright?"

"Eeyup" Big Mac replied.

The ponies then left and Rarity finally noticed me, she jumped off the stage and hugged me before sharing a kiss.

"Afternoon my darling, I was wondering when you were going to be here."

"Yeah, I way overslept this time but I'm here now, my love." I replied sheepishly.

"Of course you are..."

We kissed again before Fluttershy got our attention.

"Oh, Rarity, the Pony Tones are really gonna make the Ponyville Pet Centre fundraiser so special. Thank you so much for helping me help the animals."

"Oh, yes. It is wonderful when a plan comes together without any sort of drama, isn't it?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Ponyville Pet Centre fundraiser?" I asked, "Umm why am I always the last one to know?"

"Because you don't read the papers, remember?" Fluttershy answered.

"Ohhh...yeah, I should've known that too well." I then turned my attention to Rarity. "So anything I can do to help?"

"You can be here tomorrow to see my group rehearse, it would be wonderful, dear."

"Of course I'll be here for you tomorrow, let's just hope nothing goes wrong before then."

We then spent the rest of the day, looking over at everything else that was being put in place for the upcoming event.

When it was the next day, I was at the stage area with Rarity and the two ponies who's names I learned were Torch Song and Toe-Tapper when Fluttershy arrived.

"Morning, Fluttershy!" Torch greeted.

"Good morning, Pony Tones!" Fluttershy replied.

"Actually, we're the Pony Tones minus one tone." Rarity corrected, "Big Mac is inconveniently late."

"I hope what I said yesterday wasn't me jinxing it." I pondered.

We then heard wheezing and snorting coming from Big Mac who turned up...yep, I totally jinxed it.

"Well, there you are!" Rarity lightly scolded, "Haven't I told you about punctuality? Nah-ah! I don't want to hear it"

She blew the pitch pipe but we heard Big Mac gulp nervously.

"Big Mac? Can you please start the song?"

"Nope." he replied with his voice croaked.

"Big Mac! Did you lose your voice?"

"Eeyup."

All the other ponies gasped.

"Whatever did you do to cause this?"

"Well..."

Big Mac talked about what happened after they had the rehearsal yesterday. He was part of the Ponyville Turkey call and he had used his voice on it nearly all afternoon.

"A...a...a turkey call? You lost your voice doing a...a turkey call?!" Rarity asked somewhat angrily.

"Lost his voice and the title!" Pinkie replied from nowhere before she did a gobble noise, bouncing away.

I facehoofed as the others were standing there, confused.

"Now we can't perform tonight!"

"Wait, what? No! You have to perform!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "Otherwise, the fundraiser will be a disaster!"

"Well, we cannot perform tonight with only three voices."

"Why not?"

"It would take rearranging all the music, and we just don't have time. I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but I have no remedy for this situation."

I then thought of an idea, thinking back to an event long ago which the others might have forgotten.

"Fluttershy, Rarity, I've got an idea." I said, "We're going to Zecora's home."

"In the Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy shivered.

"Yes I'm afraid, but it's daylight so nothing evil will happen."

"Alright darling, lead the way." Rarity said.

We left the stage and walked to the forest with Big Mac in tow until we reached Zecora's home, we knocked on her door and walked inside to have Zecora check up on Big Mac as she looked into his mouth.

"I can cure this pony that is hoarse, but it will take a longer course." she said.

"Uh, come again?" Rarity asked.

"Mm. I can mix a brew that can work just right, but it cannot heal him by tonight."

"Oh, no! Ah! Where are we ever going to find a deep voice to replace Big Mac's?" Fluttershy exclaimed worryingly.

Zecora giggled for some reason whilst I giggled at Fluttershy worrying about Big Mac, I may have stumbled onto something.

"Pardon me, Zecora, but this is no laughing matter!" Rarity exclaimed, "We need a bass voice for the harmonies to work! Without it, the performance will be ruined!"

"Please, forgive my strange elation, but I was not laughing at your situation." Zecora replied,

"Then what?"

"Remember when you pony folk stumbled into poison joke? Miss Fluttershy had an unusual change, deepening her vocal range."

"Umm apart from me, I didn't step into it." I intervened.

"We know, dear..." Rarity replied, "But yes, I remember. Fluttershy, your voice became really low, making it sound like..."

"Flutterguy!" Fluttershy gasped.

"With these leaves I can mix a brew, creating the same effect on you." Zecora replied as she brought over a bowl of the poison joke leaves.

"Zecora, that's fantastic!"

"Yes! I'll do it! I'd do anything for the animals!" Fluttershy added.

"Why, you'd even appear on stage!"

"Oh. Except that. I just can't bring myself to sing on stage in front of everypony."

"What if you sang not in front of everypony?" I asked.

"Huh?"

"What if Big Mac was onstage, moving his lips while you're behind the curtains singing his part? It would be just like singing in your house! Nopony would know it was you!"

"Even still, I just don't think I could sing in front of..."

"You must! For the animals!" Rarity stated.

"Oh...Okay then..." she then gulped, "Mix it up!"

"Hey, nice reference to a forum game." I replied.

"Umm what's a forum?"

They looked at me, wondering what I just said.

"Oh come on, you know this happens from me, right?"

The other laughed, making me feel relieved, I am so glad that I can get away with being a little crazy.

It was then the evening time at the event and a small crowd was taking place by the stage, I was with the other mares before Rarity came out on stage and I smiled at her.

"Good evening, citizens of Ponyville!" she announced, "I want to thank you all for coming out tonight and generously supporting the Ponyville Pet Centre! Thanks to your kindness, pets are finding loving homes, and we're sure to meet our fundraising goal!"

"Where's Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"Probably hidin'. You know how much that pony hates the spotlight." Applejack replied.

"Just wait and see..." I added.

"So, with no further ado, please welcome the Pony Tones!"

We all cheered as the curtains opened and the performance began.

Trot outside and you see the sunshine

Something's in the air today

Sky is clear and you're feelin' so fine

Everything's gonna be a-okay

If you listen carefully

On every corner there's a rhythm playing

Then it happens suddenly

The music takes you over and you'll

Find you've got the music

Got the music in you

Find you've got the music

Got the music in you

Oh, o-o-oh

Everypony's sayin' you should learn to express your voice

But if talk doesn't seem like it's the answer

Luckily you have a choice

When you find you've got the music

Got the music in you

Find you've got the music

Got the music in you

Got the music, got the music in you!

The performance ended and it seemed to go off without any problems, we all cheered as I blew a kiss to Rarity.

"Pony Tones! Pony Tones!" the crowd chanted before they trotted away in excitement before they caught a moose among the stampede.

"THE MOOSE IS LOOSE!" I shouted, but no pony paid attention to me.

"Pony Tones! That was truly amazing!" Twilight exclaimed.

"And you sounded better than ever, big brother!" Applejack complimented.

Big Mac chuckled.

"Fluttershy, you were on the wrong side of the curtain! You totally missed the show!" Pinkie said.

"Uh, just like a true professional, Fluttershy was backstage making sure everything ran smoothly!" Rarity replied, "And it was perfect."

Then we saw two pegasuses walking by us.

"That was fantastic, Pony Tones!" the big one said.

"My new puppy and I thought it was super-duper crazy good!" the little filly added.

"Why, thank you!" Rarity replied.

"And we were wondering if you would consider performing at my daughter Zipporwhill's cute-ceañera."

"Will you? Will you?" she asked hopefully.

"We'd love to! When is it? Next week? Next month?"

"Tomorrow!" they replied.

"Oh, gracious, I'm terribly sorry, but that's much too last minute."

"Oh, no..."

"Well...I understand."

I walked towards Fluttershy and Rarity and I did kinda feel sorry for the filly.

"Oh, Rarity, we can't disappoint that sweet little filly." Fluttershy said in her deep low voice.

"Are you sure you're up for it?"

Fluttershy nodded, but I had a bit of doubt.

"Are you really sure?" I asked with concern "Cause what if the effect of the poison joke wears off during the performance?"

"You do raise a good point, dear." Rarity agreed, "We'll get some more just in case."

When the next day rolled on by, we were at Zipporwhill's cute-ceañera in the town hall and the Mayor was present. The Pony Tones did their performance with me hearing Fluttershy singing her low voice behind the curtains. The fillies cheered when they finished.

"Whoo, yeah, alright! We got the Pony Tones, we got the Pony Tones!" the filly exclaimed.

"Amazing, Pony Tones!" Mayor Mare commented, "And it would be even more amazing if you could perform at my ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow!"

"Ribbon-cutting, that's a ceremony?" I asked in confusion.

"Of course...it's not a pointless ceremony if that's what you're thinking."

"No, no, no. I just find it odd, but I guess it's part of being of Mayor."

"It is...so anyway Pony Tones, are you willing to do it for me?"

"Oh, Mayor, we would love to, but..." Rarity paused as she cleared her throat "Would you excuse us for a second, Mayor?"

"Certainly."

After a moment, Fluttershy and Rarity came back out.

"The Pony Tones will happily perform at your ceremony!"

Since then, the Pony Tones were getting asked to perform in a few other places, but I still had my doubts. They said they had spare poison joke but I was worried, thinking how long were they going to keep that up. I hope Big Mac's voice gets better soon, I'd rather have Fluttershy spared of embarrassment after all the hard work I've helped her with over the years.

We were over at Sugarcube Corner backstage, Fluttershy and I were talking about something until Rarity and Big Mac arrived.

"Fluttershy, we must talk to you." Rarity said, "Big Mac's voice is all better!"

"Eeyup." Big Mac added, proving his voice was clear and normal.

"That's great news, now we shouldn't have to worry about missing a low voice anymore. I suggest not doing the turkey call in future, Big Mac."

"Eeyup."

"Now you can bathe in the poison joke antidote and sound like your lovely self again." Rarity added.

"I'm gonna have to interrupt you there, my love." I said to her, "Because we have a problem."

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Well, Fluttershy wasn't sure if that performance you had before this one we have coming up shortly was her last performance."

"Yes, I wanted to sing one more time, but we've run out of poison joke." Fluttershy added.

"And I had an inkling that it was going to go horribly wrong and that she would be scarred by feeling embarrassed and humiliated in a way."

"I then remembered how much Bond has helped me and doesn't want me to throw that away, so I made a tough choice of not doing the low voices anymore long before you told me."

Just then, she gasped when we realized her voice was now back to normal...so much for needing the antidote.

"Looks like I'm back to my old normal singing voice." Fluttershy smiled.

"I will admit, as much as I have loved you singing with us." Rarity replied as she put her hoof around Fluttershy, "It means much more to me to hear the real you sing, even when you don't want to share it, which is understandable."

"Thank you Rarity."

They shared a friendly hug whilst I sneaked over to Big Mac.

"Lemme guess, you have a crush on Fluttershy?" I whispered.

"Eeyup." he replied, whispering back.

I then sneaked back to where I was before as Fluttershy and Rarity pulled out of the hug.

"Well, we should go and get ready for this performance." Rarity said. "We'll see you after the performance."

We nodded as I gave Rarity a kiss before Fluttershy and I left backstage and joined the crowd to watch the performance.

When the performance was over, I noticed Fluttershy writing down what she had learnt in our group journal.

"Sometimes, being afraid can stop you from doing something that you love, but hiding behind these fears means you're only hiding from your true self. It's much better to face those fears so you can shine and be the best pony you can possibly be."

"Great lesson there, it also serves as a reminder of what you learnt before when you and the other pegasi brought up that water to Cloudsdale." I agreed.

Fluttershy gave me a friendly hug before she went over to Big Mac and they were chatting quite a bit...I already knew why though.

It was nearly approaching midnight, so we all exchanged our farewells and walked back to our homes. When I got back in mine, I walked straight over to my bed and waited for my eyes to close so I could sleep. Fluttershy singing isn't new to me as I have heard her sing a lot before and the Pony Tones sing real terrific, especially when my lovely Rarity is with them. I hope I get to see more of them and perhaps Fluttershy singing on her own soon.

Twilight Time

I woke up the next day to hear my door knocking, I opened it to see Fluttershy and Big Mac.

"Morning there you two." I greeted.

"Morning Bond, would you mind taking our group journal to Twilight, please?" Fluttershy asked, "I forgot to give it to her last night and I took it my home by mistake."

Big Mac handed out the journal book and I took it with my magic.

"Sure, I'll do that for you shortly. You two have a fun day together."

"Thank you Bond and we will...see you soon."

"Eeyup."

I then left the house as they walked onwards through the town. I approached Twilight's library before I knocked and opened the door it to see Twilight, Spike and the CMC's who were lining up in a row.

"Uh, Sweetie Belle, maybe we should run through the steps another few times before you try it on your own." Twilight said.

"Nope. Ready to give it a shot!" Sweetie replied.

"Okay then!"

Twilight stood back as Sweetie began to use her horn for the first time, the sparks on her horn showed as she tired to lift up the broom from another part of the room before I heard a click somewhere.

"Ugh! Think I threw my neck out..." Sweetie sighed.

"Aw, you're okay." Scootaloo comforted.

"A little more magic practice and liftin' brooms'll be a cinch!" Applebloom assured.

"I doubt it. That thing weighs a ton."

"Hey, has anypony seen my-" Spike cut himself off as she noticed the broom, "Oh, there it is."

He then began sweeping the floor, whistling.

"Hmph. I'll never get my cutie mark for this..." Sweetie huffed.

"Maybe not. But I'm happy to keep helping you learn just for the fun of it as long as you like." Twilight replied before she noticed me "Oh hi there Bond, is that our group journal?"

"Yeah, Fluttershy forgot to give it to you last night." I replied.

She then took the journal off me and placed it on an empty book stand...although I did wonder when am I going to write something in there.

"So, what are the CMC's here for?"

"Oh since  they're currently on hiatus with cutie mark searching, they needed something else to do. So I came up with this tutoring session I call 'Twilight Time', where they can learn to make themselves better by doing these sessions."

"Ah I see and how long has this been going?"

"They started last week."

"Hey, who's gonna clean up this mess?" Spike asked as he came across a unicycle in pieces.

"This is no mess!" Scootaloo protested, "These are the carefully arranged pieces of a unicycle I took apart and will be putting back together... as soon as Twilight shows me how."

"Scootaloo, I already told you I won't show you how, but I'll help you find the instructions so you can figure it out yourself."

"Ugh, I hate research!"

"To your left, third shelf from the bottom. You'll find it in no time."

Applebloom was working with a plant inside a pot next to a set up chemistry display.

"Thanks so much for helpin' us all learn these new skills, Twilight." she said.

"Always glad to pass on my love of learning for learning's sake." Twilight replied.

"Only ah'm afraid ah'll never get the hang of this potion-makin'."

"Did you follow the magic plant-growing formula I gave you?"

"Well...uh...more or less."

"Well, let's try it out on this apple seedling and see how we do."

"Oh...ah hope this works."

Applebloom then dropped a tiny drop of liquid onto the plant which created a huge puff of smoke, Twilight coughed and then flower which blossomed into a flytrap plant of sorts coughed as well. Sweetie and Scootaloo giggled.

"Layin' it on a little thick there, aren't we, pal?"

I giggled, "Well you fillies enjoy your session. I'll see you all later." I said as I began to leave.

I then left the library and walked down through the town, I spotted Diamond Tiara go into the hospital which got me curious.

"Hmm, now why is she going in there?" I asked myself.

With mu curiosity at a high level, I walked over to the hospital but I casted a stealth spell I had learnt to improve on and walked inside. I followed Tiara down one of the hallways and downstairs to a lower level of the hospital which I thought didn't exist. There was a hospital guard member there who unlocked a gate for Tiara to enter, I went through it quickly without the guard noticing. Tiara then finally stopped at one of the doors down the hallway. It was almost like a see through door with a silver lock on it.

I stood back and kept an eye on my magic level since being stealthy for a long time can drain it out if I'm not careful.

"Mom, are you here?" Tiara asked worryingly as she tapped on the door.

Just then, I saw a mare on the other side that almost looked like Tiara, but had a darker pink coat with white and purple mane and a small green hat. Her eyes however caught my attention, the centre of her eyes were spinning around like the Doppler effect....BAZINGA, I yelled in my head.

"Tiara, my baby daughter." she replied as she looked at her through the window.

My mind was close to being blown...that mare who's locked up like an insane pony is Diamond Tiara's mother?!

"Mother...things are just not the same."

"I know they aren't Tiara, but you also know that I can't be free while I'm locked up here. Your father refuses me to let me anywhere near you, even though it's hurting you inside and you need a mother's love."

"Yes, you told me this before. I thought I would be able to have friends, but I lost one a few days ago."

"That's sad to hear, I guess your father still hasn't changed since I was put away in this mental part of the hospital."

"My father is becoming less helpful to me ever since that Bond Weiner started getting involved with those blank flanks and Silver Spoon who fell out with me."

"Tiara! Please stop! I am deeply hurt enough as it is with the depressing news."

Her mother began to cry as I looked on, still stealth but learning more about Tiara's background.

"I'm sorry mother." Tiara sniffed, "I just wanted to be popular so that my dad wouldn't neglect me."

"But you are your own pony, you shouldn't solve your problems through bullying and being spoilt."

Tiara began to cry as she laid her head on the door whilst her mother did the same.

"I may never be able to get out of here, but you have the whole freedom to be a better filly. Your father had divorced me when I went crazy a long while ago and wanted to forget all about me, but I will always be your mother and your father needs to learn to be a better parent."

"Oh mommy." Tiara cried, "I only wanted to come here to give you a short but gentle message."

"Really, then what was it?"

"Happy birthday mama..."

She placed her hooves on the door and her mother did the same on the other side and both cried again.

Now I understand why Tiara behaves like a spoilt child, her father must've been leaving her out so much and without her mother being there, that she began to change for the worse. But here, she seems to be far more forgiving and sympathetic, but even that doesn't excuse her from all the bullying and deceiving she has done towards the CMC's. But all the same...no filly should ever be separated from a parent's love, especially at a time of need of comfort and caring.

"Thank you my baby...I'm so glad you still remember my birthday after all this time."

"Okay little filly, time is up." the guard warned.

"Go on Diamond, just promise to be a better filly and don't let the past overtake your emotions like it overtook mine."

"I'll try very hard, mommy...I'll see you again soon.

Tiara smiled as she turned and walked away from the basement hallway, up the stairs to the ground floor of the hospital and then out of the building as I followed her. When she was out, she began walking back and away from the town, could be going back to her family home I guess. Whatever I saw and heard, I must not tell anypony else, I'm sure she doesn't want any grief beyond a personal level, but then again, this is Tiara I'm talking about here.

I shrugged my shoulders and decided to take a break at the cafe, it was lunchtime for me anyway.

After I had my lunch, I heard a bit of yelling.

"Go, go, go!" Sweetie yelled.

"We gotta beat them to Twilight's so we can explain!" Scootaloo added.

I then began to hear a chant sounding like a mantra, I left the cafe and looked to my right to see...what the heck!

"Twilight Time! Twilight Time! Twilight Time! Twilight Time!" The fillies chanted as the CMC's galloped away from them.

"What is this? A zombie rush?!" I asked out loud.

I then saw Silver turn up and she looked frightened by the mantra noise.

"Oh it's horrible!" she cried as she hugged my foreleg. "Diamond Tiara fooled the CMC's into thinking she had changed and got them to be popular, but when they talked about Twilight Time, she used it to her advantage."

"My god!" I responded. "How can one filly like her be so dangerous?"

"I really don't know, she never wants to answer me about her past."

I had to give Silver a comforting hug until we saw Tiara from behind the group of fillies.

"Thanks to me, you three are now the hottest thing around." Tiara yelled, "You're welcome."

She then turned and giggled in a non-sincere way...I guess she let her Father's behaviour get the best of her again. I had to help the CMC's out and prevent them from getting mauled outside the library.

"You better go straight home, I'll handle this." I said to her.

Silver nodded as I flew up and on my way to library, but when I got there, I saw two fillies already at the door.

"We...made...it...Quick! Knock on-" Sweetie was cut off when she noticed them.

The door was knocked and Twilight opened the door and she gasped at the number of fillies.

"Twilight, we can explain." Sweetie said.

"We know you said we should just keep Twilight Time to us!" Applebloom added.

"We didn't mean for so many other ponies to be here! Honest!" Scootaloo pleaded.

Twilight giggled, much to their surprise, "Oh, don't be silly. I only meant that for your benefit so you could get the most out of our time together. But if you want to share your time with others, that's fine."

"So you're not mad?"

"Of course not! Come on in, everypony! Spike made nachos!"

All the fillies cheered as they walked inside, I sighed and went in as well, hoping the CMC's will be alright. I walked in and I saw Spike having trouble serving a huge plate of nachos.

"Turns out we'll need some more than that." Twilight said.

Spike sighed as he went to Twilight's kitchen.

"Before we start, we should maybe get a bit more organized? Ponies interested in magic in this corner. Ponies who want to learn potions over here. Bookworm ponies over there."

Several fillies began splitting up and going over to their desired books.

"Incredible. Looks like everything's workin' out just fine." Applebloom commented.

"And I was so afraid Twilight would be disappointed in us." Scootaloo added.

"Told you I knew exactly how to handle all this!" Sweetie boasted.

"Thanks to all of you for taking time out to come learn new things." Twilight said to all of the fillies.

"Thank you, princess!" Tiara replied, sarcastically.

"Okay, okay, let's settle down. If you want to thank anypony, thank the Cutie Mark Crusaders for so generously sharing this time."

"It was nothing, really. We just felt it was the right thing to do." Sweetie replied.

"Hmph! What a laugh." Tiara muttered.

"Let's begin over here. And what would you like to learn, little one?" Twilight asked.

"I want to learn how to become a Cutie Mark Crusader!" Pipsqueak answered.

"And why do you want to become a Cutie Mark Crusader so badly, hm?"

"Because then I could get all my classmates to do me favours and stuff because I'm friends with a famous princess!"

"Uh oh...this is about to take a turn for the worst...might as well prepare." I muttered as I put on a hard hat.

"Is this true?"

"We wanted our time together just as a way to be with you and learn new things. Really and truly!" Sweetie replied.

"Prove it."

"Huh?"

"If it's true, then I'm sure you've all been practising your skills over the past week. Show me how much better you got."

"Uh, well, uh...we...can't." Applebloom said.

"We kinda rushed over and forgot to bring our stuff." Scootaloo added.

"Hm, I see."

I looked at Tiara who seemed to be grinning evilly at the CMC's thinking they were close to being in trouble.

"No, wait! Hey, everypony, you're in luck!" Sweetie exclaimed, "You came to learn, but instead you're getting dinner and a show! Get ready, 'cause we, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, are about to lay on you the amazing skills we learned in Twilight Time!"

The fillies chattered...I wasn't liking where this was going.

"Unfortunately, since we don't have Scootaloo's unicycle parts, she'll take apart and put back together one of the scooters from outside."

Scootaloo then brought in a green scooter.

"Hey! That's my scooter!" Pipsqueak yelled.

"You got us into this mess, kid. Might wanna roll with us." Scootaloo replied as she took the handlebars off.

"Apple Bloom doesn't have her apple seed with her, so she'll just grab an apple from the kitchen. And I will begin by using my magic to lift this broom!"

The CMC's then began working on their little tasks, however as I feared, it didn't pay off with a huge mess made around the place.

"That didn't turn out quite how I had hoped." Sweetie said.

"Looks like Twilight Time is over." Twilight declared.

"And look who's not the princess's entourage anymore." Tiara intervened. "Guess they didn't come here to learn after all."

"Well, neither did any of you."

"Awww..." the fillies said as they began to leave the library with Tiara feeling pleased with herself.

The CMC's looked miserable and I fell sorry for them that they got easily fooled by Tiara's fake "leaf turning".

"We're really sorry, Twilight. We made a huge mistake." Sweetie apologized.

"And we really and truly did enjoy learning new skills with you." Applebloom whimpered.

"Guess we'll have to just keep on doing it without you now. Thanks, Twilight." Scootaloo said as she brought forward the scooter she took apart but repaired it back together just like new.

"Thanks..." Applebloom said as she poured a drop on the plant which blossomed into a lovely flower.

"Thanks..." Sweetie added as she used her magic to lift the flower and place it on Twilight's head.

"Wait a minute you three." I called, "Were you not aware of what you just did?"

"Yeah." they all replied,

"You all managed to do your tasks effortlessly just now. I think that's more than enough proof for you to carry on having your time with Twilight and just you three, nopony else."

"He's right and I'm willing to give you a second chance." Twilight agreed.

The CMC's smiled and hugged Twilight, until we saw Spike return a huge pile of nacho cheese, only to find the others fillies were already gone.

"Aw, come on!" he yelled in frustration.

"Don't worry Spike, I'll have some of that...I'm quite hungry anyway." I assured him as I took a bite out of the nacho mountain...mmmm, cheese flavour. "I better get going now, but Sweetie, I think you should come with me to see Rarity, I'd love to see the look on her face when she finds out you can now do magic."

"Okay, Bond, see you girls later." Sweetie replied as she walked with me out of the library.

When we got to the boutique, we walked along inside and up the fashion room.

"Rarity my love, you're not gonna believe what Sweetie has learnt today." I said to her as she was resting on her couch.

"Oooh really? Let me see." she replied.

Sweetie concentrated and with her magic, she lifted up a small broom from one corner to another corner of the room.

Raity gasped, "Sweetie Belle! You...you can do magic?!"

"All thanks to Twilight's lessons."

Rarity began to tear up whilst smiling...Sweetie then brought over a handkerchief with her magic.

"Well, I'll leave you two to it, I've had a long day." I said.

"Alright darling, but before you go...please?"

I then winked and kissed Rarity before I left her home and walked back to mine.

When I was about to go in, Fluttershy came from out of nowhere.

"Oh hi Bond, did you hear?" she asked.

"Hear what?"

"A swarm of breezies are on their way here, they're going to be travelling through Ponyville during tomorrow."

"The same breezies you saw on your vacation?"

"Yes and I want all of you to help me."

"Of course, I'll make sure to help out on whatever you need tomorrow...by the way, how did you day with Bag Mac go?"

"Oh um...it was...nice." she then blushed, "Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow."

She then flew off whilst squeeing a little, I guess her day with Big Mac was a treat for her. I walked into my home and had a late dinner since it was already sunset. I decided to go to bed early so that I would be alert and awake for tomorrow's breezy event. It's hard to believe that Diamond Tiara's mother is in a dark part of the hospital, trapped from seeing her daughter and Tiara covering up her past by being a bully and almost dangerous, trying to ruin CMC's time with Twilight.

Speaking of which, I was really impressed with them who have learnt new skills with Sweetie finally able to use magic...now I wonder how long will it be before Sweetie gets the hang of it and becomes just as good as Rarity.

It Ain't Easy Being Breezies

I woke up the next morning and I felt a lot better and much more awake as I looked out through the bedside window to see a wonderful and clear morning. I got up and decided not to dress as it looked to be quite a hot day, so I had a quick breakfast and then left my house to see the mares all walking out of town.

"Hi Bond darling." Rarity greeted before she came over and kissed me. "We're meeting up outside the park. Fluttershy is already there."

"Okay, got it." I replied, kissing back.

We walked along with the others until we arrived at a dark green patch of grass by a tree where Fluttershy was already there.

"Is everypony here?" Fluttershy asked.

"We're all here." Twilight replied.

"Okay, everypony. As you know, the adorable fairy creatures known as Breezies are about to come through Ponyville."

"Yes! Ooh, it's so exciting! Ah!" Pinkie exclaimed as she hanged above a tree branch, "I can't wait for Rainbow Dash to make the breeze for them so I can see how cute they are up close!"

"I've never done it before, not that I won't be totally awesome at it, because I totally will!" Dash boasted.

"And that breeze is very important, but so is cheering on those teeny-tiny little things, so they have the confidence to ride that breeze to their native land. Did I mention how tiny they are? So tiny! I was thinking we could do a special Breezie cheer!"

"I love cheers!"

"But these cheers should be quiet cheers. We don't want to startle them. They need to be able to concentrate. Why don't we try it? You can do it, Breezies."

"You can do it, Breezies!" we all cheered which nearly knocked me off my balance.

"Oh, my."

"Heh, sorry, Fluttershy. Ah had no idea how hard it was to do a cheer quietly." Applejack said.

"Oh, it's okay. Quiet doesn't come naturally for everypony. Let's try it again."

"You can do it, Breezies!"

"Perhaps just a little bit quieter."

"You can do it, Breezies."

"Just a little quieter."

"You can do it, Breezies!"

"Perfect! Oh, um, I mean...yay."

"Great, then we're set with the cheering." I said, "What's next?"

"We need to get the ponies in Ponyville to set up the wind direction so the breezies don't get blown off course."

We nodded in agreement as we walked back to the town.

Sometime later, the whole town was working with the preparations, I was looked up to see the winds being made by the pegasuses.

"That's too strong! We gotta slow this breeze down or we're gonna blow those Breezies apart!" Dash yelled, causing Flitter and Thunderlane to slow down with their wings.

"What I don't understand is why they need the Pegasi to make a breeze for them." Carrotcake said.

"Well, you see, it's the breeze that activates the Breezies' magic, and that magic protects the pollen they're carrying from being destroyed." Fluttershy replied.

"So, no breeze means no magic means the pollen goes bad?"

"That's right! And they only have two days to get that pollen back before the portal to their home closes. That's why it's ever-so-important that we help them make their way through Ponyville safely."

"We certainly wouldn't want to scare them and divert them from their path!" Cupcake said.

"Now you understand."

"I have to say, you certainly know a lot about them." I said to her.

"Oh, thank you. I went to see them gathering their pollen in western Equestria." she paused when we saw Rarity show up in another one of her new dresses, nearly blinding a few ponies. "Um, Rarity? I, uh, hate to weigh in with you when it comes to fashion, but..."

"Oh, there's too much purple on this, isn't there? I knew it! But Twilight refused to admit it." Rarity stated.

"What?! I-"

Twilight got cut off.

"Oh, no-no-no-no-no. It's the perfect amount of purple. It's just that there's an awful lot of sequins on your jacket."

"Oh, darling, please! One can never have too many sequins!"

Especially when you're sparkling in my eyes." I said, raising my eyebrows and kissing Rarity.

"Umm Rarity, you can if they reflect the sun, and the light catches a group of Breezies right in their eyes, and blinds them long enough to get them off their course so they never get home!" Fluttershy said.

"I stand corrected! I suppose there is the rare instance where one can have too many sequins. I'll just take off my jacket." she then took off the purple jacket to reveal a much even bright dress, "I suppose this won't do either?"

Fluttershy shook her head.

"Don;t worry Rarity, you can wear that to brighten me up tonight." I whispered to her.

"Oooh darling, you are ever so naughty..." Rarity giggled, whispering back "...I love it!"

"Everypony, it's time." Twilight whispered to us, "Please welcome... the Breezies!"

We looked across the small bridge to see a purple mist approaching towards us, this must be the breezies. When they got closer, they were indeed breezies, although in my mind, they could easily pass off as a different version of butterflies. But all the same, it was quite cool to see them for the first time.

"They're as cute as Apple Bloom on the day she was born." Applejack commented quietly.

"And would you look at those adorable little packs they carry their pollen in?" Rarity added.

"Lun! Arshen aifo!" one of the breezies ordered.

"So... cute! Can't... take... it!" Pinkie exclaimed as she put her hoof in her mouth.

Spike then showed up besides us, before he climbed up a tree branch to have a closer look at the breezies...then there was trouble. Spike was jumping on the branch for too long as a leaf came loose and was blown away by the pegasuses wind power.

"Oh, no!" he exclaimed.

The leaf flew towards the breezies and a small group got cut off with the others as they flew out of control in the air.

The crowd gasped to see them in trouble.

"Slow down the breeze for the other group to catch up!" Dash ordered.

"They're too far back!" Thunderlane said, "We can't connect the breeze to both sets of Breezies!"

"What if we speed it up?"

"Then the first group'll be going too fast, and they'll get separated from each other!" Flitter replied.

The breezies were still spinning around...I was tempted to pull out one of my random moments, but I could see that now was not the time to play Spinnin' Around by Kylie Minogue.

"Tanagretu nik mir! Maisegu de piripa!" the breeze leader said, although we had no idea what he was saying.

One breezy fell out of the group and was spinning loose too fast, Fluttershy gasped and flew straight to the breezy and caught her safely.

"Mekenar stuf!"

"He's right! You must all gather as close as you possibly can!" Fluttershy agreed.

Shortly the breezies all grouped together and held onto Fluttershy as she flew down to the ground gently and the crowd cheered as we saw Fluttershy bring them down onto a small rock.

"Mugudi saikendus?"

"Oh, I understand the language of all kinds of creatures!"

"You must be so proud."

Finally, for a minute I thought I was going to have to use Google Translator, but not this time.

"And you speak my language too?"

"I can. This lot can only understand you. Clearly, they're not the brightest bunch around."

The breezies behind him seemed to disagree.

"That was amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"I'm sorry we couldn't get a breeze going that would get them back to the others." Dash said as she pointed to the rest of the big group flying away from Ponyville.

"Oh, it's not your fault." Fluttershy assured.

"I, for one, am very proud of you, Fluttershy. Leaping into action like that." Twilight complimented.

"I feel like I should design you a special hero's gown! Heh...Or a sash. At least a sash."

The minute Rarity said Sash...I was then reminded of a song which went the following:

I had a dream last night, you were there,

you held my hand so tight, I thought I just die.

Do you remember, when we used to have so much fun,

I used to cry sometimes, those days are gone, do you remember?

I then shook my head to get back my concentration.

"Okay, okay, okay! I know what you're all thinking! Why don't you just say it?!" Spike exclaimed.

"Spike, you don't need to say it...we already know you are sorry, but it wasn't your fault either." I replied, "Nopony didn't know that the leaf would fall off the branch so it was an accident waiting to happen."

"Bond's right, it's okay. It could have happened to any one of us." Fluttershy said.

"Okay...Thank you!" he replied as he stopped sniffing. "I'll just go back to the Library and rest my head."

"Alright Spike, please do so." Twilight replied.as Spike walked from us and back to the library.

We turned our attention back to the breezies.

"So, Fluttershy, you want us to get the breeze going again so these little guys can get a move on?" Dash asked.

The breezies protested as they grabbed onto Fluttershy.

"Maybe we should wait just a moment or so. They've been through so much..." she replied.

"Just gimme the word when you think they're ready."

"Will do...in the meantime, Seabreeze and the other breezies will stay at my cottage until they're ready to go."

"Got it."

Fluttershy then left with the breezies, leaving the rest of us with nothing else to do except to just wait and hope they get back home safe.

When it was the afternoon, I decided to check up on the breezies when during my walk through the woods, I noticed Seabreeze being spun and struggling to keep up with the wind current.

"Ah! Gah! Ah! Kesino! Uu! Tu ge! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Miuse konda!" he yelled as he avoided the acorns.

I stayed back so I could keep an eye on him, before he flew up and got his head stuck in a beehive.

I then heard Fluttershy gallop towards me.

"Bond Racer, have you seen Seabreeze?" she asked nervously.

"Well, he's about to get a sting in a tail." I replied, pointing to the beehive before I moved away and performed a rimshot.

"Ibeku-u-u! Ah, sa-sabada!" he yelled as he got out of the beehive and landed on the branch, before a swarm of bees came out with thier tails at the ready before Fluttershy flew up and stopped it.

"Excuse me, bees? Can you please back off my Breezie friend? He didn't mean any harm. It was just an accident." she asked which didn't work, she then put on a bee costume by surprise, "I'm working on a bee-type dance and was hoping you could help me? Does this bring to mind any images for you? Perhaps a bee?"

That didn't work either and the bees now had thier tails aiming at her instead. I had my bubble shield spell at the ready.

"Excuse me! I have done nothing but be kind, but I guess that is not working!" Fluttershy demanded. "You bees know better than to hurt a helpless Breezie! I demand that you go away now, or you'll have to answer to me!"

That did the trick as the bees turned and flew back to inside the hive.

"Menkyulen. Thank you!" Seabreeze said to her, "Thank you so much! Thank you for coming after me!"

"Of course. You could've gotten seriously hurt out there. Ponyville is much too dangerous for you. One tiny acorn is a threat!"

"Yeah, I know! That is one reason why I have been trying to get us to go from the beginning!"

"Oh, my goodness. I was just trying not to hurt any creature's feelings, but my displays of kindness may have cost you everything...Time is running out, and you may never make it home!"

"That is exactly what I have been telling all of them! But they do not listen to me! No breezy ever listens to me!"

"Seabreeze, I understand your feelings are hurt, but it's hard for them to hear you when you're shouting and being mean." I said to him, "The message doesn't get across that way."

"But what about those bees? Fluttershy was not nice to them, and that was the only way they listened!"

"Yes, but they had to go, and they wouldn't listen to me any other way. We need to go, now!" Fluttershy said.

Seabreeze then held on to her as they flew normally and not too fast, I followed them by flying to keep the wind current flowing gently until they got back at the cottage. When we arrived, I walked in with them where Fluttershy got their attention.

"My dear Breezies, I had to rescue Seabreeze from serious harm, and now I know more than ever that you must leave before it's too late! You would never survive in Ponyville."

"Erski parli polin!" the breezies protested.

"I can't help you any more. In fact, I wasn't helping you at all by being nice. Oh...But the truth of the matter is that I must be firm! You must go, now!"

I then opened the door and guided the breezies out of the cottage and after they left with Seabreeze, I closed the door and then saw Fluttershy crying her eyes out....I had to give her a comforting hug.

"Don't cry Fluttershy, you did the right thing, they had to learn." I assured, "They'll get back home for sure now, we best get going so we can help and watch them leave."

Fluttershy wiped her tears away, "Okay Bond...thanks for comforting me. Rarity is very lucky to have you."

When we were altogether at the town, the pegasuses were having trouble.

"It's too strong!" Dash yelled.

"I can't do it any lighter!" Flitter replied.

"Neither can I!" Thunderlane added.

"Fly back! I'm gonna try and see if I can slow it down." Dash told as they moved back, she slowed her wings down but the wind seemed to be too gentle this time, "Now it's too light! Oh, this will never get them home!"

"Oh, my. Maybe it's because there are too few of them. When they started their journey, there was more of them to face the breeze together." Fluttershy explained.

"I've been studying an old spell book from the Castle of the Two Sisters. There's a spell that I think could help us!" Twilight said "This is probably gonna feel a little funny at first, but you're gonna have to trust me."

"I love new ideas that make me feel funny at first!" Pinkie jumped.

Twilight then used her spell and in one bright light, the mares all turned into breezies

"What the?!" I gasped, "You're all breezies!"

"Huh, how come you didn't turn into a breezy?" Twilight asked.

I checked over my magic level and then blushed, "Oops, I had my anti-form spell active...sorry, but this does mean that you'll have protection from me. I'll keep the wind flow as gentle as I can until these breezies get home."

The six of them nodded as the breezies smiled at them.

"Maifo flai batendud!" Fluttershy said to them before she corrected her language, "Um, I mean, let's go!"

They then flew up into sky as a close group whilst I followed behind them, keeping the wind level and speed in check as we flew across from Ponyville, past the snowing areas and through the desert. One of the breezies began to feel tired and nearly fell out of the group before another breezy saved her.

"You can do this!" Seabreeze encouraged as he flew over to them, "I am sorry for how I treated you before! It was not right that I called you names! I did not even really believe those things I said! I was worried we would never get back to our home, and I lashed out...I know you can do this! I believe in you! Hold on to me, let us join the group!"

We then approached a small river with a tiny hole in it, I had to stop as they all flew into the hole and afterwards, I landed down on the ground, relived that I could give my wings a rest at last and I had to stay outside as I was obviously far too big for the hole. Several minutes passed and soon I heard the voices of the six mares coming back out, they all landed on the ground a bit away from me before a huge light appeared around them and they turned back into their normal pony forms.

"Whoa! That was a close one!" Dash exclaimed.

The others agreed.

"So, uh, I've always kinda wondered what it would be like to be a griffon." she added as if she was suggesting something to Twilight.

"Not a chance." she replied.

"You sure? What about a dragon? No? It doesn't have to shoot fire!"

"Girls, we should just go home, it's not safe for us out here and we're far away from Ponyville." I advised.

We then began the long walk back home and it took us three times longer to get back, that when we returned, it was already nightfall. As we exchanged our farewells, Applejack had something to say.

"Alright ya'll, me, Big Mac and Granny Smith will be going to a distant market village on the other side of the Everfree Forest." she said "So ah was wondering if any of ya'll would be free to watch over Applebloom and the farm while we're gone."

The others shook their head as if they wouldn't be able to.

"I'll do it for you, Applejack." I said with a smile.

"Thanks Bond, ah appreciate it. Ah'll see you at the farm tomorrow."

We then had a group hug before I kissed Rarity and walked back to my home, tired and exhausted. I went straight over to my bed and fell backwards, waiting to sleep. It felt kinda cool to see the breezies, despite the few hiccups during the day and that moment with Fluttershy was a bit of a sad moment, but she is right, I am an amazing friend to them all and I'm very lucky to have Rarity as well since both Rarity and Fluttershy go way back.

Better sleep now as I'm once again needed at the apple farm.

Somepony To Watch Over Me

I woke up the next morning and with my role as watching over Applebloom and the whole farm for the day only, I didn't wanna waste time. Cleaning myself up and having a quick drink, I left my home and first of all trotted to Rarity's home where I just saw her come outside.

"Hi Rarity, just came to stop by before I go over to the Applebloom to do my watch-over duty." I said as I walked over to her.

"Morning darling, of course." she replied as she wrapped her forelegs around my neck and kissed me. "I bet looking after a farm will also be a huge chore."

"It will be, but with my alicorn magic, it shouldn't take long."

"I can only imagine. You have a good day at the farm, dear....love you."

"Love you too."

We then shared a passionate kiss before I set off and walked on my way to the farm, I could've flown over there but my wings were still aching after the long trip of escorting the breezies back to their home. When I got there, I saw Applejack and Big Mac packing up loads of apple pies and this made me hungry as I didn't have breakfast yet.

"Morning Applejack, I'm here now." I called.

"Morning Bond, glad to hear it." she replied, "You look a little on the thin side, apple pie?"

"Really? Thanks Applejack."

She then carried a pie over to me and as I was eating through it, Applebloom appeared.

"Stayin' home alone, by myself, on my own!" Applebloom exclaimed as she galloped out of the barn, "Ah can't believe I'm really doin' it!"

She didn't look where she was going as she bumped into Applejack and the pies flew up in the air and Applejack caught them.

"Now, hey there, filly. Ah know you're excited, but bein' the only pony here to take care of the day's chores is a big responsibility." Applejack pointed to me, "And that's why ah also decided to enlist Bond here to watch over the whole farm where ya can't see."

"Ah know it! And it means everythin' to me that y'all think ah'm grown up enough to handle it. Ah won't let you down."

"Well, if ah'm gonna make my train, ah best to be off." Granny Smith said, "When Great Aunt Pine Apple says a pony's gots to ride by a certain time, you better be there! You be sure and take care now, Apple Bloom. Y'all take care as well. Ah don't know which of your delivery routes is tougher, you're each headed to a mighty hard-to-reach town."

She gave them two same maps but each one a different route.

"Eeyup" Big Mac replied.

"We know, Granny." Applejack added as she placed her route map in her bags, "That's the only reason ah agreed to let Apple Bloom stay behind alone, unless she gets into trouble and Bond here is able to solve it."

"It is?" Applebloom asked sadly.

"Oh, ah didn't mean it like that, sugarcube. It's just, ah take my job as your big sister real serious, which is why ah spent all night makin' this."

Applejack then pulled out a very long list.

"What is it?"

"Just a little list of helpful reminders."

I was then done with the apple pie...hmmm, it was quite tasty, but not as good as zap apple jams but I kept that to myself.

"That is a really lost list, even longer than the chores I had to do when Pinkie and I were watching over the cake twins." I commented.

"You don't have to worry about me. Ah can take care of myself and the chores! Ah'm ready for this." Applebloom said with a determined look.

"Ah guess you are. Ah'm just not so sure ah am." Applejack sighed.

"Oh come on Applejack." I said, "You need to trust your little sister that she can do this without you...clinging onto her." I then got up as I stood beside Applebloom. "Sure she's made a few mistakes before, but this could be a really big chance for her to turn it all around and make you incredibly proud of her. That's why I agreed to watch over the farm if for reason she can't. You can trust me, right?"

"Ah know ah can trust you, sugarcube. Ah'm just worried for her."

"Just like any other family member would be, but you don't see my sister watching over me. Anyways, the point is to not worry yourself at all when I've got it covered, it'll drive your crazy and out of character...remember the time you were?"

Applejack nodded sadly as this reminded her of the time she refused to let anypony help her with the applebucking season...she smiled and gulped as if to swallow her stubborn pride.

"Alright sugarcube, guess ah'm still a little stubborn." she replied before she hugged me, "Okay then. Good luck, little sis."

"Okaygreatseeyousoonbye!" Applebloom replied very fast as she helped push one of the apple pie carts.

"Goodbye." Applejack and Granny Smith replied.

"Eyuu-up!" Big Mac added.

Soon the apple family left as Applejack and big Mac walked towards the forest and Granny Smith got a taxi ride. When they were out of sight, Applebloom kept waving until she couldn't see them, she then showed a huge smile.

"Woo-hoo! Ah'm alone! At home! Ah'm home alone! This is gonna be so awesome!" Applebloom exclaimed in excitement.

"Okay calm down, Applebloom." I said, "Sure you may be in charge of the house and the whole farm for today, but don't get too excited, you still have your chores on that list to do."

"Oh...right, ah better get started."

"Do you want me to help? After all, Applejack wanted me to make sure you and the farm would be alright."

"No it's alright, Bond. Ah'm gonna go in the house and place the list up and go over it, ya can help watch over the farm and the orchard since ah I can't be everywhere at once."

"Sure, I'll do that for you, but it take a while, my wings are still aching."

"Why is that?"

"I'll tell you if or when you need me for anything."

"Okay...off ah go."

Applebloom then trotted into her family home happily with the list as I walked to the farm area and began my patrolling across the orchard, good thing I had the apple pie as that was more than enough to keep me full until the afternoon.

Sometime later when I checked all over the orchard with nothing out of the ordinary, I walked back to the main farm area and into the apple family home. I saw Applebloom still going over the list.

"Okay, number one seventy two: 'Make sure to pump the bellows to keep the stove warm.'" she read as she went over to the stove and bounced on the bellow which create a bit of fire on the stove. "Check! 'Make sure the hats and bows closet is fully stocked.'"

"Want me to do that?" I offered.

"No it's fine, ah've got it covered."

She then went over to the closet and began stuffing it with loads of hats and bows...now it looked like a pile that was about to fall out, but she closed the door quickly.

"Just pointing this out to you. That's not quite how you store them away."

"Oh, well how would you put them away?"

"Like this."

I opened the door and with my magic, I brought out the hats and bows and separated them.

"Just place the hats on top of each other like so on one side of the closet and neatly place the bows on the other side."

Applebloom held her hoof out slightly, signalling me to stand back. I watched her did exactly as I instructed and soon she had a much better looking pile of stacked hats on one side of the closest and bows on the other side, she then closed the door.

"Here's the list for you to check that off."

Applebloom grabbed the marker pen by the list and checked it off.

"Check! That's everything on Applejack's list!" Applebloom declared as I looked at the list, I flipped over the list and saw one more chore, but it had a question mark on it. "And now that my chores are done, since there's no one else here, ah get to make all the decisions! If ah wanna listen to music, ah can! If ah wanna read a book, ah can! If ah wanna just go down in the kitchen talkin' to myself, ah can!"

"Wait a minute." I said, "You missed out one last thing which I saw on the other side of this scroll you didn't see."

"Awww...what is it?"

I looked at it closely and fell silent for a moment, "It's quite a delicate one...and a little personal so I much rather not get involved."

Applebloom looked at the last chore...if it was a chore and suddenly, a tear began to fall from her left eye.

"I don't think there's any words needed for this one." I said as I put my hoof around her. "But it has to be done, right?"

"Yeah, ah wanna prove that ah can handle the farm on my own, but that one is a little too much for me to handle."

"Do you want me to go and visit that hill?"

Applebloom wiped her tear away.

"Yes please...ah feel disappointed that ah couldn't do this."

"But you've done every other chore on the list by yourself, so I'm sure Applejack would be incredibly proud of you...for now, it's almost dinner time, I'll go and 'see your parents' after that. You don't have to come along."

"Thank you."

After we had our dinner by sunset, I began to set off out to the orchard whilst Applebloom enjoyed herself by doing what she wanted around the house, I had confidence that she wouldn't break anything, cause my magic would help.

When I had walked to the far end of the orchard, I came across a small hill that I didn't see before. Upon walking towards it closer, I gasped...there on the hill were a pair of tombstones with letters engraved on them.

"This must be the place where thier parents are." I commented.

Just then, I felt a surprising but welcoming presence that went along my back which got my attention, I turned back to the tombstones and sighed as I walked over closer and saw the writing in detail.

The tombstone on the left read, 'Here lies Johnny Appleseed. A loving father to Big Macintosh, Applejack and Applebloom. Son of Granny Smith.' I then read what was said on the tombstone on the right. 'Here lies Honeybell Orange, loving mother of Big Macintosh, Applejack and Applebloom. Sister of Mr and Mrs. Orange.'

I then felt another presence, now I was sure that this was more of a spiritual presence than just my mind playing tricks. My eyes were then locked on a pair of mists that appeared above the tombstones. They then formed into two ponies that stood in front of me, I gasped in fright as I jumped back.

"Well, that's one way to scare a livin' pony, Johnny dear." the orange mare said.

"Now now honey, we have company." Johnny replied. "We're sorry for scaring you like that, we just haven't been contacted around here for so long."

"Nah, don't be, I'm used to it anyways." I assured, "So you must be the parents of Applejack, Johnny and Honeybell?"

"We sure are, at least ya now know where our children get their appearances from." Honeybell replied.

I was going to ask them why Big Mac had a read fur coat and Applebloom had red mane, but remembering back to the cake twins that looked nothing like Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I decided to not bother.

"So yes, I am here on behalf of Applebloom who's watching over the whole house and farm by herself today." I said to them, "It was the last chore on the list of things to do before the rest of the family get back, but she said she couldn't do it. I had a feeling that she didn't want to feel that pain again."

"We completely understand Applebloom's feelings. Because she has done this once before." Johnny replied, "But on a few occasions, it has been Applejack who comes here whenever she has time."

"I see, but there's one thing I don't understand, what happened to you?"

The deceased parents looked at each other in sadness.

"It all happened ten years ago." Honeybell said.

"Ten years...then it must've happened four years before I moved to Ponyville."

"Yes...an event took place that all of Ponyville never wishes to bring up for as long as the town exists." Johnny replied.

"What was it?"

"It was called...the Ponyville Hospital Massacre." they said together.

"Oh great...a Texas Chainsaw Massacre rip-off?" They looked at me very sternly, not pleased with what I said. "Umm err I mean, carry on."

"At the hospital, it seemed like a normal evening. Ah was rushed to the hospital as ah was about to give birth and welcome Applebloom into the world." Honeybell said. "When the procedure was over, Johnny and ah looked at her with tears of happiness and love."

"We couldn't wait till we were out of the hospital so Applebloom could be seen with the rest of the family." Johnny added, "However after a day later since the birth, it all went tragically wrong. There was a patient on the loose and had been declared insane by the staff who worked there."

"We heard screaming and the ponies crying for help from where we were. It was far too dangerous for Applebloom, we had to get her away from the hospital and back to the farm as quick as possible. So our chance came when a staff member galloped into the room. We asked the pony to get Applebloom to the farm safely and he accepted it by opening the window beside us and he escaped the hospital. But in front of us, the hospital door opened again and what we saw was very disturbing."

"It was the patient that had gone on a killing spree as he was covered in blood and grinned evilly. However, he revealed himself to not be a patient at all but explained that he was a hit-pony, hired...by Filthy Rich's father who ordered to put me down and anypony else who got in his way."

"So ah got out of the bed and stood in front of Johnny, knowing if my husband goes down, ah'm going with him. But he didn't care...he wanted to put an end to Johnny's past con dealings with the rich family, he then pulled out a huge machete knife that was in blood and dived straight at us...and then, we were no more."

Hearing all this made me emotional as it almost sounded familiar to what happened to my parents.

"So when Applebloom was brought to this farm safe, I guess the bad news broke out later?" I asked.

"Yes and we knew they would be devastated by what had happened." Honeybell answered, "There had been no other incidents like that since then."

That would also explain why Diamond Tiara hates the apple family, I thought. So her reasons for the constant bullying antics towards Applebloom go back even further than what happened to her mother.

"Since then, the rest of the apple family became more protective of each other." Johnny added, "It seems that at last, our daughter Applejack has finally come to terms in being less protective of her sister. We would've been very disappointed if she had started acting differently for the wrong reasons."

"Believe me, I know what it's like to feel this way." I said to them, "I lost my parents in a similar way, so I know how they feel."

I then saw the mists beginning to fizzle out beneath them.

"Looks like it's time for us to go again." Honeybell said.

"Indeed." Johnny replied, "But before we go, we have a message for Applebloom and Applejack."

"Okay, I'm all ears." I replied.

"We just wanted to let them know that we are mighty proud of our daughters and our son who we love all very much." Honeybell said.

"And we also wanna thank you as well for helping get through a few problems we have witnessed around us." Johnny added. "Now, go on back to the farm, we'll make sure to say hi to your parents as well."

"If you can do that, than that would be cool...thanks." I replied.

Soon the two parents disappeared as the mists fizzled away, leaving just the two tombstones in front of me. I smiled and bowed towards them, paying my respects before I turned around and began walking back to the farm. When I arrived, I walked into the apple family home to see Applebloom looking tired.

"Evening Applebloom, are you well?" I asked.

"Yeah, just a bit tired and all." Applebloom yawned.

"Well, I think you've worked very hard today, so you really should get some sleep."

"So ya did the last chore for me?"

"I did and I come back with a message too. Your parents showed up on that hill and they say that they are mighty proud of you and the rest of family for keeping the family home alive and they love you very much."

"Thanks Bond...ah wish ah had a bigger brother like you."

"Well you have Big Mac, I'm just a Prince...and a caring friend."

Applebloom hugged me before she went upstairs.

"Alrighty, goodnight Bond."

"Goodnight Applebloom."

She then waved before she yawned and walked slowly to her bedroom. I walked on out to the outside and when I sat down and looked up at the night time sky, I heard my name being called out. I looked to my left to see Applejack and Big Mac returning with thier apple pie carts.

"Evening sugarcube, how's Applebloom?" Applejack asked.

"She's out for the count after working through her chores today." I replied. "I helped her when she needed it, but she did nearly all of the work on her own."

"That's good to know...ah wanna thank you for watching over her, especially when you helped her."

"Eeyup." Big Mac added.

"You can walk on back home now, Big Mac and ah will take it from here...oh by the way."

"Yes?" I asked.

"When we were on our way from the forest, Pinkie Pie showed up from nowhere and told us to meet at Sugarcube Corner early tomorrow morning."

"Why?"

"She wouldn't say...but ah guess we'll find out tomorrow."

"Okay, goodnight to you both."

Applejack hugged me and then I began walking out of the farm and all the way back home. It was really quiet around town, except for a bit of noise coming from Sugarcube Corner, but I decided to wait until the early morning. I walked back home, headed on inside and went over to my bed.

As I began to sleep, I recapped on today. I for one believe that Applebloom is now far more than capable of looking after the whole farm on her own and I finally saw their parents and learnt more of the past events that happened here before I came along. They were proud of them...just like how my parents are proud of me.

Maud Pie

The alarm on my pocketwatch went off, I nearly slammed it down but didn't as I began to wake up. It was nearly seven am and the sun hadn't even began to rise yet. But if Pinkie wants to see us at this time, then we should at least try to be there. So I got up and having a quick breakfast, I put on my normal clothes and began walking towards Sugarcube Corner.

There was a bit of light coming up from the horizon, but it was still quiet around the whole town. When I arrived, Twilight and Rarity were already there...I was smiling, pleased to see Rarity again, I walked over to her and kissed her while we hugged.

"Morning darling." Rarity said.

"Morning, my love." I replied.

We then saw Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash turn up and they didn't look quite awake yet.

"Has anypony heard from Pinkie Pie since yesterday?" Applejack asked.

We all shook our heads. with Dash yawning.

"I don't see what's so important we had to meet her here this early. Celestia hasn't even raised the sun yet!"

"I hope everything's okay." Twilight said as she knocked on the door.

The door opened and it was pinkie who had a chef hat and goggles on.

"Thank goodness you're all here! There's no time to lose!" she exclaimed as we walked inside. "Careful!"

We looked around to see piles of rock candy which was quite tempting to eat, but I resisted for the moment.

"What is all this?" Twilight asked.

"My sister Maud's gonna be here soon, and I need your help taste-testing my rock candy recipes!"

"Uh, we're happy to help you, Pinkie Pie, but this seems like an awful lot of candy." Applejack said.

"Even for you." Rarity added.

"I may have gone a teensy bit overboard." Pinkie squeed.

"Well, we should get started now...I'll make sure we'll have a proper lunch later." I promised.

After a while of testing and eating several candy, we were all full up and there were still loads more rock candy around.

"Everypony ready for more?" Pinkie asked.

"Ugh. My teeth hurt." Dash replied.

Fluttershy moaned.

"Ah think we've had plenty. And shouldn't you be on your way to pick up Maud from the train station?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, but you've only tried half of the flavours, and we have to choose the perfect ones before she gets here so I have time to make more!"

"Maud is your sister. I'm sure she'll love your rock candy." Twilight assured, "And I'm pretty sure you've made enough. She's only staying for the week."

"Aw, it's not just for Maud, silly. I'm making candy for all of us!"

The rest of us groaned.

"Well why didn't you say that before?" I asked as I struggled to get up from the candy eating.

"It's part of a very important, super-duper special tradition that only the closest and bestest of friends can share. We're going to make rock candy necklaces together!" Pinkie explained, "It all started when Maud and I were fillies on the rock farm. She taught me the Pie family rock candy recipe! It adds a secret ingredient...it's rocks! And she showed me how to string the pieces to make them into a necklace! And once we were done, we'd trade! Maud and I have been trading necklaces back and forth since I moved to Ponyville. They're a sign that we'll always be best friends!"

"Aw, what a great tradition." Applejack commented.

"Hold on. The secret ingredient is rocks?" Dash asked.

"Yeah. But these are a special kind of rock that Maud discovered."

"Oh, what kind of a rock are they?" Fluttershy asked.

"Can't tell ya that, silly! It's a secret!" Pinkie whispered, "Now that Maud is heading out to get her rocktorate in rock science, this may be our last chance to trade them for a really long time. I can't wait for you all to meet her. I just know that my best Ponyville friends and my best sister friend are gonna become bestest friends!" she jumped around us in excitement. "We can make bestest-est friend rock candy necklaces together! She expresses herself through fashion just like Rarity, and she's really smart and loves reading just like Twilight! And she's honest, and loves forest things, and is good at games, and...well, oh, she's awesome!"

"She sounds amazing, but won't she start worrying if you aren't at the train station when she gets here?" Rarity asked.

"She sure will" Pinkie then gasped, "I gotta get out of here!"

She took off her hat and goggles and galloped out of the shop, leaving us confused.

"Girls...I think we should gather as many of these candies and box them up..if there's any left, we'll use magic to make it disappear." I said.

"Good idea, Bond." Twilight replied.

We began working across the ground floor and clearing up and boxing the rock candy. There was one pile left when we were done but we had it disappeared with our magic and the shop now looked very clean, no longer filled with piles of sweets.

"Alright girls, as promised, let's have a picnic lunch by the pond." I suggested.

The others nodded in agreement as we left Sugarcube Corner.

When we met up by the pond for our picnic, it was dead on lunchtime and we were enjoying ourselves together. We began tucking into our food and rock candy whilst waiting for Pinkie to turn up with Maud.

"I sure hope Maud has an appetite." Fluttershy said.

"Never met a pony or critter who didn't love Granny Smith's apple spiced muffins!" Applejack added.

"Oh, it's no use! I simply cannot find anything suitable to wear!" Rarity complained.

"I doubt she'll notice what anypony's wearing, so what's the big deal?" Dash asked.

"The big deal is that it will be very difficult to show Maud what a strong fashion presence we have in Ponyville if the most fashion-forward pony here can't keep her hat from falling apart!"

"Oh Rarity my love, I wouldn't worry about it one bit." I said as I put my hoof around Rarity. "It's what's inside that counts."

"Hmm, you're right, darling." She replied as she did the same, sharing our love together and looking at each other.

"I think we're all a little nervous about Maud's visit." Twilight said, "She's Pinkie Pie's sister, and it's obvious Pinkie really wants us to hit it off. Being able to make those rock candy necklaces together is really important to her. I'm sure everything will be fine."

"We're heeeere!" Pinkie exclaimed as she turned up.

"Where's Maud?"

"She's coming!"

"Uh...you sure?" Dash asked.

"She's not quite as fast as me. I asked Gummy to stay with her in case she got lost!"

After a while, we began to hear hoof-beats and then a grey mare with purple mane and wearing a dark turquoise dress...with Gummy holding on to her tail by his toothless jaws...this must be Maud, Pinkie's sister.

"We're over here, Maud!" Pinkie yelled.

She walked slowly towards us before she stopped at a small rock.

"Hm. Sedimentary." she said very glumly.

"Huh?" Dash asked.

"This is a sedimentary rock."

"That's...really fascinating, isn't it, all?" Twilight asked sheepishly, "We're just so thrilled you could come for a visit before your big trip. Pinkie Pie has told us so much about you. I'm Twilight, and this is Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Bond Racer."

"We're ever so glad to meet you." Fluttershy said.

"We're just gonna have the best time!" Applejack added.

"Pinkie Pie tells me you share my love for fashion." Rarity said as she showed off her huge rock crystal hat.

"I'm really into expressing myself through my wardrobe" Maud replied glumly.

I guess Pinkie was overstating on what her sister was like, she looks and speaks quite boring.

"A-and what is the delightful frock you're wearing now saying?"

"It doesn't talk. It's a dress."

"Oh, yes, of course, I, I just meant, the frock is, just..."

Just then, the mares's pets turned up.

"Uh, so this here's Winona." Applejack pointed, "That's Owlowiscious, Tank, Opal and Angel. Pinkie Pie told us you have a pet, too."

"He's in my pocket." Maud replied.

"Oh, you have a pocket pet? Like a tiny mouse? Or a baby bird? Or a trained butterfly?" Fluttershy asked.

"It's a rock. His name is Boulder."

"This is going to be the best, most awesome, funnest week ever!" Pinkie exclaimed, "I can't wait for us all to become bestest friends!"

The rest of us laughed nervously, obviously it was going to be quite awkward from where we stood.

We settled down at the picnic and began eating away, the girls had more to ask Maud, but I kept quiet as I hugged Rarity from behind.

"Maud? Would you like to try one of Granny Smith's famous apple spiced muffins?" Applejack asked.

Maud sniffed and picked up a crystal rock by mistake...must've fallen out of Rarity's hat.

"Oh, uh, heh, that's not– Um..."

Maud then crunched and ate the crystal.

"It's crunchy." she said.

"Maud's right! They are crunchy! Yum!" Pinkie added as she took a bite out of a muffin.

"So, uh, Pinkie Pie tells us you like games." Dash said.

"Boulder and I sometimes play a game called 'Camouflage'. It's kind of like hide and seek but way more intense."

"Awesome?"

I decided to heck with it, I'm gonna go all random on Maud.

"So when we're done with the picnic, wanna come to the other side?" I asked Maud, "We have waffles."

"Waffles are not important...rocks are." she replied.

"So I guess when you have so many rocks..." I paused as I put on my shades, "...you occasionally get stoned?"

"I never get stoned...only rocks hold my interest."

I then brought on a wrestling outfit and grabbed a mic, "Well Bond Racer says this, the rock smells what you're cooking, so get ready for me to whip and eat aaaalllllll those candy rocks!"

Everypony looked at me, completely befuddled at what I just did, Maud however stay the same.

"I'm gonna go and find more rocks...see you later, Pinkie."

"Okay Maud, see you later." Pinkie replied as Maud walked off to another part of the field.

"Well...that was a big random moment from me." I said embarrassingly, "I shall not be doing that again."

"Anyways, we should go back to Sugarcube Corner, this is the perfect time for us to set up everything we'll need to make our best friend rock candy necklaces!"

We then showed concerned expressions at Pinkie.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Well, I'm not sure it's the best time to make best friend rock candy necklaces." Twilight replied.

"Why not?"

"Uh?"

"Well, darling, you see..." Rarity paused as she didn't know what else to say as I held her hoof.

"You're ever so thoughtful to share your special bonding ritual with us, but, uh..." Fluttershy said.

"But what?"

Applejack sighed and said, "The truth is, we've all been tryin' real hard to get closer to Maud, but, well...maybe some ponies just don't click the way others do." all of us agreed except Pinkie, "We just wouldn't feel right makin' somethin' that means we're best friends if, well, we aren't."

"Oh. Okay." Pinkie replied sadly as her mane and tail deflated, "If anypony needs me, I'll be at Sugarcube Corner trying to figure out what to do with two hundred pounds of rock candy."

She then walked away from us slowly. Feeling a little guilty for what we did, we met up at the library.

"Cheer up girls, we did the right thing." I assured, "It was extremely awkward for all of us."

"Yes dear, but still. I feel awful! Just awful..." Rarity sighed as she nuzzled her head on my neck.

"Maybe we should have just pretended we were friends with Maud." Fluttershy said.

"If we didn't tell Pinkie Pie that we hadn't all become the best of friends, I think Maud would have." Twilight added.

"Maybe, but who really knows?" Dash asked, "That pony is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an igneous."

"Don't you mean 'inside an enigma'?"

"Nope. I mean igneous. It's a kind of rock. Ask me how I know that."

We then a heard a door knock and Twilight opened it to see Pinkie bouncing and her mane and tail back to normal.

"I've come up with just the thing to bring everypony closer together!" she exclaimed. "Follow me!"

We sighed and followed Pinkie to another huge field with an empty river-lake and we stopped to gasp at what looked like a huge obstacle course and Maud was there too...I could tell that this was going to end in disaster.

"I call it "Pinkie-Rainbow-Rari-Twi-Apple-Flutter-Bond-Maud Fun Time"!" Pinkie declared.

"Say that ten times fast." I remarked to nopony.

"It combines everypony's interests into one giant activity that we can all enjoy together and that will totally bring all of my bestest friends together as bestestest friends! You'll need these."

She showed us several costumes on ponyquinns.

"Like I said, say that ten times fast."

"Probably better for me to show you. Watch this!" She then went through the course and describing each section,"Applesauce tunnel for Applejack, pretty shiny stuff for Rarity, reading material for Twilight, critter time for Fluttershy...Cupcakes for yours truly...and it's a race for Rainbow Dash"

"Pinkie Pie, what is that?!" Twilight asked.

"A rock slide, of course! For Maud! First you climb, then you slide!"

"Ah've got a bad feeling about this..." Applejack said.

Pinkie jumped up the piles of rocks until one caught her hoof...we then knew there would be trouble. A huge rock at the top was wobbling before the big rock came tumbling down the pile, we all gasped. I tried to fly upwards but then my wings gave out.

"Ugh!" I gasped as I fell down a little hard, "I guess my wings have still not recovered yet..."

The mares couldn't watch as they closed their eyes.

"HELP!" Pinkie shouted.

Suddenly, Maud galloped from us and grabbed a costume and jumped onto the pile and straight to the big rock, she dug right thorough it with minimal effort. She then smashed the rock that trapped pinkie's hoof and she was now free, we all breathed a sigh of relief.

"What– how– what?!" Dash gasped.

Pinkie then jumped off the pile and onto safe ground, Maud did the same and then hugged her sister.

"Pinkie Pie, what were you thinking?" Maud asked with concern.

"I guess I wasn't." Pinkie replied sadly.

"I know how important it is to you that your friends become my friends, but I just don't think it's going to happen. I think it would be best if I just go back to the rock farm and spend the rest of the week there. It was nice to meet you all. Makes me happy knowing Pinkie Pie has such good friends."

"But... we never even got to make our rock candy necklaces..." Pinkie's voice nearly broke, "Wait, Maud! I'll come with you!"

Pinkie then galloped off, catching up with her.

"I can't believe Maud cut her trip short." Twilight said.

"I can't believe we nearly lost Pinkie Pie to that ridiculous obstacle course." Rarity added.

"And I can't believe that this is not butter." I said as I saw tub with the same title on the card table.

"Thank goodness Maud was able to reach her in time." Fluttershy said.

"Did you see how fast Maud moved?" Dash asked.

"And the way she smashed that huge rock into dust? How in Equestria did she do that?" Rarity added.

"Pinkie Pie was in trouble! Maud would move mountains for her if she had to."

"That's it! I think I finally realized what we all have in common with Maud!" Twilight stated, "Something that just might be worthy of a very important super-duper special tradition that only the closest and bestest of friends can share!"

"Really, what is it?" I asked.

"Come on all, we have rock candy necklaces to make."

"Sweet!"

We went back to Sugarcube Corner and we each made a rock candy necklace. When we had seven made by sunset, we went to the train station to find Pinkie and Maud waiting for a train to arrive, they noticed us as we walked on the platform.

"What are you doing here?" Pinkie asked.

"Pinkie Pie, we're so sorry we hurt your feelings by not bonding with Maud right away." I replied.

"And Maud, we're sorry that you felt the only way to spare Pinkie Pie's feelings was to leave Ponyville early." Twilight added.

The rest of us agreed.

"We've seen how much you care about Pinkie Pie first-hoof." Applejack said.

"Pinkie Pie's happiness means as much to us as it does to you, and we're sorry we couldn't see it sooner. The thing that makes us click and creates a special bond between us is how much we all love Pinkie Pie!"

"Aw, shucks!" Pinkie replied.

"That's a pretty great thing to have in common, if you ask me. What do you think, Maud?" I asked.

"Sure." Maud replied.

"What's wrong?" Pinkie asked.

"Sorry, darling. I think we all just thought she'd be a bit more excited about this." Rarity answered.

"Are you kidding me? I've never seen her more excited in my entire life!"

"I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't show my enthusiasm for things quite in the same way my sister does." Maud explained.

"Uh, we noticed and we're totally cool with it." Dash assured.

We nodded in agreement before a train arrived and pulled into the station.

"Maud, we'd like to give you something to take on your trip, so that you remember all your friends from Ponyville." I said as each of us gave Maud a candy rock necklace.

"Thank you." she replied.

"Try not to eat all the candy before you leave!" Pinkie said as she chewed on a rock candy.

Maud then opened one of her bags and placed the rock candy necklaces into them, we saw several more as well.

"Are those all the necklaces Pinkie Pie sent you?" Twilight asked.

"Mm-hm."

"You haven't eaten any of them?"

"I don't really like candy. But I do love Pinkie Pie."

Maud then smiled for the first time as Pinkie ate the last candy on her rock necklace.

"Have a great trip Maud, I'll see you soon!"

"Same to you, Pinkie." Maud replied before she winked at me...did she just troll me?

Maud got on-board the train and waved before the train began to move and leave the station. We left the station too, exchanging our farewells and heading on for our homes. I walked with Rarity and holding hooves, I kissed her as well.

"Darling, I forgot to tell you today that tomorrow, I'll be working on costumes that are part of a filly school play for Sweetie Belle." she said, "You're more than welcome to come along and help me and Coco design them."

"Sure my love, I'd be happy to help." I replied with a smile.

"Fabulous dear, I'll see you tomorrow then."

We shared a passionate kiss before I walked on home. I took off my clothes and walked on over to my bed as evening fell. I had to admit as I was laying on my bed, it was quite a day of awkwardness seeing Maud Pie, it was also the first time we all learnt that Pinkie had a third sister, when we all thought she had two. I wonder how she got into rock studying...oh well, I have an important manner to focus on the next day with my love.

For Whom The Sweetie Belle Toils

I let out a big yawn as I woke up the next day to find it was already late morning at around the tenth hour. Worried that I might be late, I had a quick breakfast before I got dressed and trotted from my house to Carousel Boutique. I walked into the store to find Rarity not there, maybe she's upstairs in the her fashion design room. When I got there and walked in, I saw a conversation going on.

"I have to leave for dress rehearsal soon, Rarity! Is it finished yet?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh, not quite." Rarity replied, "I still feel it needs a certain je ne sais quoi. Perhaps it needs... appliqués."

"Appliqués?"

"Or sequins."

"Sequins!"

Sweetie then grabbed a basket full of sequins but she tripped on a pile of mess and crashed on the floor with a few sequins landing on her tongue.

"Sweetie, do be careful." I advised her.

"Oh morning darling." Rarity said as she came over.

"Morning to you too, love." I replied as we kissed.

"Ugh, get a room." Sweetie moaned which got us giggling.

"Sweetie Belle, I adore having you help me, truly I do, but..."

"Guess I got a little carried away. It's just that I know how important it is for you to finish this wardrobe in time for Sapphire Shores and her backup dancers."

"Wait a minute, you're doing dresses for Sapphire Shores as well?" I asked. "The same one who bought your dresses a long time ago?

"Yes dear. This is without a doubt my most prestigious order ever. After all, Sapphire Shores is the pony of pop, and her Equestria-wide tour launches in Canterlot next week! Which means she must have these outfits by day after tomorrow at the latest!"

"But is there time?" Sweetie asked.

"Barely. But I work well under pressure. Hmm, as long as I stay calm, I'll be fine."

"Hang on, love." I intervened, "What about the rest of us, can Coco and Trenderhoof help?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure about Trenderhoof and Coco only works with me part time."

"But could you at least try to ask them to help you out? I mean, you've done a lot of good things for them, especially Coco...and besides, you don't want to go back to driving that wedge between your bond with your sister again, do you?"

"Ahhh...you're right Bond. I'll go and ask them as soon as I've finished this first dress."

"Oh, good!" Sweetie said, "Then maybe you could check the stitching and finish the buttons on the dresses I made for me, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo? I really want them to look perfect, and...I think I need your expertise."

"My, you've been so much help to me. How could I possibly say no?"

"Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you! You're the best sister ever! The dresses are right over there!"

Rarity and I looked at the dress on a dress rack and Rarity cringed at the designs and my eyes widened.

"Well I've gotta go now and rehearse for the play later tonight, I hope to see you there."

Sweetie then trotted away happily out of the room and on her way to the Ponyville Theatre building.

"Lemme guess, it's a big no to these dresses?" I asked.

"As much as I appreciate Sweetie doing her best to design with her magic, it just simply won't do." she commented, "She and her filly friends would be a laughing stock. I must make new dresses, ones that the audience will appreciate."

"Maybe, but I don't know, it seems like a bit of a risk to take. Remember the last time there was a wedge between you two?"

"Yes, but I said that I would spend time with my sister and help her out. Anyways, I'll go and get Coco and Trenderhoof to help me with the dresses and I'll need your help too."

"Alright, I'll happily help you with the new dresses, just hope you know what you'll have to face if she takes it the wrong way."

"I do, darling...trust me, I would never want to hurt her."

We smiled and shared a loving kiss before we left and travelled to Coco's home, Rarity knocked on her door and it opened.

"Oh hi Rarity." Coco greeted, "Is there a problem?"

"There is, I need two spare pair of hooves to help me with dresses for my sister's play tonight and also have many other dresses ready for Sapphire Shores's Canterlot Tour show."

"Oh my, that is a lot of work to do. Well it is my day off, but sure I can help...if Trenderhoof was feeling well too."

"Oh, what's wrong with him?" I asked.

"He caught a cold last night, so he's resting on my bed for now."

"That is a bit unfortunate." Rarity sighed, "But thank you for being willing to help me, we've got three filly dresses to design."

"Okay, let's get started."

Coco left her home with Rarity and me and walked back to the dress design room at the boutique.

"Alright, there are the new dresses we are going to design for each of them." Rarity stated as she showed us drawings of the designs.

"They look amazing!" Coco replied.

"Thanks, now let's get to work."

We started working on the dresses for the fillies which took a bit of time, but by the afternoon, we had them finished and I had to admit, they did look fantastic and would be star quality for the play, I was still not convinced that Sweetie Belle would take the change of the dresses lightly. But they're made now so I just have to wait and see for now.

"Magnificent work from both of you." Rarity complimented, "I will now take the dresses over to the Ponyville Theatre whilst you have a break. Coco, you can go back and check on Trenderhoof until I need you again later."

"Thank you Rarity." she replied.

"Bond, I want you to come with me and watch the performance later tonight."

"Alright, but won't you need help with the dresses for Sapphire Shores?" I asked.

"That's where the rest of our friends come in dear. Since the play will be by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, myself and you will come along and watch the play. As for you Coco, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight will be here to help you with the designs I have laid out right here."

She then laid out a few photos of the designs for Sapphire Shores and there were quite a few to get through, but I believed that they could do it.

"Wow, you certainly have it all planned out, one of many reasons why I love you."

"And having you with me is one of many reasons why I love you too."

She then kissed me.

"In the meantime, Bond, take a rest or let the others know in advance so they can be here and ready."

We left the home and Coco trotted back to her house whilst Rarity went to the theatre. I decided to go to the other mares houses and let them know about Rarity's request for help and to my relief, Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy were indeed free to be help out, I also told them about the play which Spike wanted to go and see too and I couldn't blame him.

When it was around sunset, all eight of us and Coco were in the dress design room.

"Alright girls, you have what you need to make the dresses." Rarity announced to Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Coco. "We're going off now but we'll be back after the play is over."

"Alright Rarity, tell them to break a leg from us." Coco replied. "And I mean good luck to them from us."

"I know what you mean." I giggle, "See you all later."

So Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and me left the boutique and walked over and inside the Ponyville Theatre, it almost looked like it was sold out, but we had a really good row to sit. Just a few away from the stage. Spike, Dash and Applejack sat on my left side and Rarity sat on my right side as we held hooves and smiled.

"Ah sure hope this performance goes well." Applejack said, "Last time they were on stage, it wasn't exactly good."

"You mean the time time they tried to sing a performance and get their cutie marks out of it?" I asked, "It was strange but now that we look back, it was kinda funny to see it all go wrong."

"It does now!" Dash replied as she tried not to laugh before she stopped and sighed.

"Shhh!" Rarity said, "The performance is about to begin."

The main hall lights went off as the curtains went up, the theatre performance by the CMC's was finally underway.

The play lasted for a while, I quickly looked at the other three all smiling happily, Rarity and Applejack were feeling proud of thier sisters and Dash was really impressed with Scootaloo, even though this kind of thing isn't exactly her style.

"Forsooth and anon, I cometh forthwith and post-haste with glad tidings, miladies." Sweetie said in her play.

According to the audience, it was the last line of the play, big fanfare music began to play and the curtains fell as they took a bow. We all got up and cheered at the play, it was really top-notch and from where I saw, they didn't seem to be phased by the dress designs, especially Sweetie.

Backstage in one of the dining rooms, were all chatting away about the play along with a few other ponies.

"Here we are, the stars of the show!" Sweetie announced as the CMC's walked in the room with thier own shades and out of the costumes.

"You may tell us how much you loved it now." Applebloom added.

"Line forms here!" Scootaloo said.

"Your line is already here." I said as the others stood behind me.

"Applebloom, you were really somethin' out there." Applejack complimented.

"Thanks sis." Applebloom replied.

"It wasn't my thing, Scootaloo, but you were awesome with your acting." Dash said to her.

"Thanks Rainbow!" Scootaloo replied.

"Sweetie Belle dear, you were magnificent on stage. I am so proud of you tonight." Rarity said.

"Thank you Rarity." Sweetie replied.

"I wonder if everypony else loved it." Scootaloo said as they walked to a few other ponies.

"What did you ponies like best?" Sweetie asked the others, "The writing, the directing, or the acting?"

"Oh my, I'm Lemon Hearts and I- I loved the dresses." she replied.

"I liked some of those lines you said." Noteworthy added.

"Oh, really? Which ones?" Sweetie asked.

"Uh, I don't really remember, but you were wearing a pink taffeta dress with lots of chiffon when you said them! Whoo-ee, that outfit was a dazzler!"

"I liked that one almost as much as the one with the lacy trim and all the embroidered cuffs!" Lemon added.

"That was a nice one too!"

I could see that Scootaloo and Applebloom were confused, but Sweetie was getting a little irritated by the answers...looks like what I feared all along was going to happen.

"Isn't there anypony here who remembers anything about the play besides the dresses?!" Sweetie growled.

The other ponies all muttered about the costumes, none of them mentioned anything else about the play.

"Ah think we should head home now, ah'm a little tired." Applebloom said.

"Me too," Scootaloo added, "We'll see you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle."

"Okay, see you both tomorrow." Sweetie sighed.

Scootaloo and Applebloom left the theatre along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Rarity, Sweetie and me all walked back to the boutique and Sweetie didn't say a word since then. I was worried about her and so was Rarity. When we got back, we walked up to the design room to see none of them were there, but there were new finished dresses, one of which had a lot of feathers in a hat.

We then saw a small message on the table, I read it which explained that they managed to get the dresses done on time.

"Whatever's the matter, Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked, "I was there to see your play."

"Not even close." she replied.

"Oh, dear. Was there something wrong with the dresses I made you?"

"No, they were perfect, and that was the whole problem!"

"Umm, maybe I should go?" I asked.

"Yeah, you probably should darling...this is between me and Sweetie now." Rarity replied.

"Okay..." I kissed her quickly before I left the room, but I hid myself beside the door outside so I could hear.

"How could you?!" Sweetie yelled, "'Oh, what amazing dresses! Oh, how I love the dresses! Ooh, dresses, dresses, dresses, dresses!'"

"Oh, so they did like them. You had me worried, you silly filly."

"There! I knew it! You did this on purpose! Stealing the spotlight like you always do! It's my fifth birthday party all over again!"

"The... the what now?"

"Don't act like you don't remember. Or are you trying to prove you're a better actress than me too?!"

"Sweetie Belle, if I did anything to upset you, then-"

"Admit you made those dresses too good on purpose!"

"I thought they were supposed to be good."

"Yes, good. Not jaw-dropping amazing!"

"I only tried to do what I thought you wanted."

"Ha!"

I quickly put on a stealth spell when I heard Sweetie's hooves leaving the room, she went into her own bedroom and slammed the door. Rarity came out afterwards and sighed...hate to say I told you so, Rarity, I thought to myself.

I deactivated my stealth spell and sighed which slightly surprised Rarity, I grabbed her hoof and took her downstairs so that Sweetie could have some time to herself and calm down.

"Rarity love, I overheard something that caught my ear." I said, "What was she saying about her fifth birthday?"

"I don't know, it was just a normal birthday I set up for her." Rarity replied as we found a sofa to sit down, "She had a few friends over and we were having a good time. We were waiting for my sister to come downstairs and that she wanted to look like a princess, but all I remember was that the fillies were getting bored of waiting and wanted to leave."

"I see, so what happened next?"

"I did what any other sister would do, kept the party going until she arrived. I brought out a box of party buzzers and other things and they loved it so, calling me the greatest and saying who needs a party pony when they have me. But I protested and said to them they were Sweetie's idea whereas I was the execution who designed them."

"Well, that explains a lot, but I guess your sister never learnt the whole story?"

"Maybe...maybe not....I want to tell her what really happened that day, but I don't think she'll want to listen to me right now."

"Perhaps not, but I know somepony who might be able to help."

"Who?"

"Just leave it to me...and don't worry, I have a feeling that after tomorrow, things will work out in the end."

"Okay, thank you darling, goodnight."

"No problem, goodnight to you too, my love."

We then shared a passionate kiss before I left her home and walked to my home. I went straight to my bed and waited until I started dreaming, when I did. I used my imagination to find Princess Luna and the dream began...

"Princess Luna, are you here?" I called out in my dream, "I need your help!"

Then by magic, Luna appeared in front of me.

"Prince Bond Racer," she replied formally, "It is an honour to see you again since the eclipse event a few weeks ago."

"Likewise Luna, I have a favour to ask and it's somewhat classed as an emergency."

"I see, what do you need me to help you with?"

"I want you to go and check on Sweetie Belle while she's dreaming, I just have a bad feeling that because of what happened to her on her fifth birthday without knowing the full story, she might do or might've done something that she will regret the next day and could cost both of them their future."

"That sounds quite a feat, but not that I couldn't be willing to handle. Of course, I will gladly help Sweetie see the error of her ways. I only ask one thing in return."

"Really? What do you need me to do in return?"

"Pay attention to your pocket-watch closely, I have a feeling that it may be an important key to a future event, that is all."

"Okay, I'll make sure to do that when this is done."

"Sleep well, Prince."

And with that, Luna flew away from my dream and I began sleeping a peaceful dream through the night.

When it was the next day, I heard a knock on my door and opened it to see Rarity with a box of dresses which were made for Sapphire Shores last night.

"Morning darling, I need help with these boxes, could you carry the one behind me and bring it to Canterlot?" Rarity asked.

"Sure Rarity, I can do that for you." I replied. "How is Sweetie Belle?"

"She is still sleeping, when this is over, I'm gonna make sure to treat her far much better than before."

I then left my home and carried the second box with my magic as we caught the train from Ponyville to Canterlot. When we got there, Rarity led the way to where we needed to go. We then arrived at an exclusive dance studio that was guarded by a bouncer I guess.

"This way, dear. Sapphire Shores needs these dresses asap." Rarity said as we walked in.

We then walked upstairs to one of the dance rooms, and upon opening the doors, we saw Sapphire Shores and her group of dancers who seemed to be rehearsing a performance. Rarity squeed in delight as I took both of the boxes and placed the dresses out on a dress rack by us.

"Wooo!" Sapphire exclaimed, "Take five ladies."

The dancers walked off as Sapphire walked towards us.

"Well if it isn't the fabulous Rarity and Prince bond Racer...what a seeeeeeenstational honour it is to see you here too."

Sapphire then bowed at me.

"Thank you Sapphire, but I'm not a pop-star, besides, I sing terrible." I smirked.

"Awww, always the modest Prince." Sapphire noticed the dresses laid out on the rack "Are those the new dresses I ordered?"

"Yes indeed." Rarity replied, "I have made sure that they are up to your standards as before."

"Well in that case, I'd love to try them on, after we give you and Bond a sample of our upcoming tour show...come on ladies!"

Sapphire and the mares all got on stage and gave us a rehearsal of one of her songs.

"Five, six, seven eight, ba-bam!" she instructed.

"Oh, bravo! Fabulous! Magnifique!" Rarity praised happily.

"I agree, you're really great dancers." I added.

"One more time, from the top. Let's not embarrass me in front of the Prince and my favourite designer this time?" Sapphire asked her dancers, "And a-one, two, three, four!"

The rehearsals continued until it was time for Sapphire to put on her new dress.

"Now, that's how I like it! You rocked it, girls! Get some water and be back in ten." she said and the dancers left the room. "Rar-i-ty, come on up here and show me what you brought me. Sapphire wants to see it and love it!"

Rarity went ahead with showing the designs made for her dancers.

"Okay then. Liking what I see so far. So is this the whole she bang?"

"Actually, I saved the best for last!." Rarity replied as she took out the big feathered hat I saw last night. "And here it is."

Just then, we heard smack noises coming from the window and to our surprise, Sweetie Belle landed and grabbed the box with the hat in it and galloped away.

"You gotta see this with the cinnamon ribbon! You'll love it!" Sweetie exclaimed as she left the room.

"Sweetie Belle?!"

"You know her?" Sapphire asked.

"Uh...Ahem. Just a moment!"

Rarity then galloped after her.

"Don't worry Sapphire, they'll be back shortly." I assured.

"They better be, I don't like wasting much time."

Shortly afterwards, Rarity and Sweetie returned with the box and they were ready to show it.

"Rarity, this isn't going to work out." Sapphire said, "You don't get to my level of success without learning to read the signs, and this situation has bad luck written all over it."

"I promise you'll absolutely adore the headdress as soon as you see it." Rarity assured.

She opened the box and lifted out the feathered hat and placed it on Sapphire's head.

"My, it is attractive, but..." she paused as she went to look at herself in the mirror.

"Look at the stitching, real close." Sweetie said.

"Well, I'll be. It's a dolphin! That's my lucky animal! They swim with me in my dreams."

"Wherever did you come up with the idea for a dolphin?" Rarity asked Sweetie.

"Oh, it just came to me...in a dream. I'm sorry I got jealous about those dresses. I know now that you were only trying to help just like you were trying to help save my fifth birthday party."

I smiled and closed my eyes. Thank you Luna, I will look at my pocket watch as promised, I said in my mind.

"Oh, Sweetie, I forgive you and I am so glad you finally know the whole story. Is there any chance you could do an encore performance?"

"Uh, I don't think the play went all that good. To be honest, the costumes were the best part."

Rarity and Sweetie then hugged.

"Well, I think it's time we went on home, it was quite a privilege to see you again." I said.

"I feel the same way too, Prince, I believe you and Rarity have a very strong future together." Sapphire replied.

"Thank you Sapphire, I'm sure you'll need me for more dresses in the future." Rarity said as we began to leave.

"Fabulous! Don't worry about the boxes, leave them here for us. Take care now."

Raity, Sweetie and myself left the dance studio and when we got the station, we saw Applebloom and Scootaloo waiting. When we got on the train, we told them what had happened today, so everything was finally settled.

"Well as soon as we get back, ah've gotta go straight to my family, we're gonna have a swimming session together." Applebloom said happily.

"As for me, I'm going to be having a flying session with Rainbow Dash and Soarin!" Scootaloo added before gasped and closed her mouth. "Whoops...I wasn't meant to say that yet."

"It's okay Scootaloo." I assured, "Nopony knows about them dating, just that they're working together...for now."

Scootaloo sighed in relief.

When we arrived back in Ponyville, we got off the train and Applebloom galloped straight back to her family farm whilst Scootaloo walked to the pond to wait for Rainbow and Soarin. Leaving me, Rarity and Sweetie walking back to the boutique.

"Well Bond, it's time for me and Sweetie Belle to talk about past times and clear them up." Rarity said, "So I'll be spending time with her for the rest of the day."

"That's okay, you two deserve it." I replied, "I'll see you both another time."

Rarity and I shared a kiss and I walked back to my home...hmm, it was still the daytime as I looked up at the sky before walking into my home. When I got in, I began preparing my lunch as I didn't have much else to do before I walked over ot my beside table and grabbed my pocket watch. When I looked all around it, I then noticed a tiny shape of a crystal box, it then showed a shiny glow of rainbow colours.

I gasped...I couldn't believe it, this family pocket watch is one of the seven keys to unlocking that crystal box. I knew I had to keep it safe for now and wait until all the other six keys are found, if they have been found that is. Oh well, better enjoy my lunch now and think about what to do next.

Leap Of Faith

After having my lunch and cleaning myself up a little, I thought about what to do for today. I then heard a few hooves and chatter past my house outside and trotting into town. This got my attention, even though it contradicts what I said earlier about me knowing better than to follow a crowd, at least I've got wings to save myself.

I left my home and looked to see where the ponies were going to, I attempted to fly upwards and to my relief, they were not aching anymore. At last, I can now fly normal again. I flew up and looked ahead to see a huge circus tent pitched up outside of town...is there a funfair today or is it something else? I made my way over there and flew down just a bit away from the tent.

I then heard the apple family talking from behind me.

"Wow, Granny. Ah can't believe you were a high diver!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"The best one in Ponyville!" she replied.

"Do you think ah could be a high diver?"

"Nope." Big Mac replied.

"Absolutely not." Applejack added.

"But-"

"Now you hold your horse feathers, little seed! Ah never said bein' a high diver was a smart decision! It's incredibly dangerous!"

"Ah know, but-"

"But nothin'! It is the riskiest, scariest, darn-fool thing ah ever did do! That's not to say ah didn't wish ah was still young and spry and confident, but let's leave the flyin' through the air to the Pegasi."

"Wow, when you put it that way, it doesn't sound so fun."

They then began to notice the ponies walking past them and to the circus tent.

"Wow. Ah wonder where everypony's headed." Applejack pondered before they saw me. "Oh! Hey there sugarcube."

"Hi Applejack, I guess I was going the same way."

"Sure looks like it."

Fairground music began to play from the circus tent and Granny Smith and Applebloom walked on.

"Now where in Ponyville do you two think you're goin'?" Applejack asked.

"Aw, quit bein' such a worry-worm and follow your ears!" Granny Smith replied.

"Come on, Applejack, aren't you curious?" Applebloom added.

"I'm coming with you all anyways, this is something I gotta see." I said.

We walked towards the tent and inside to find a good place to sit. It didn't seem like a circus show at all, there was a machine of some kind on stage as the lights dimmed for a moment and there was silence until the wench on the side got moved and the machine pulled down a poster of two unicorns and there was silhouettes of the same two.

"Thank you, one and all, for your attendance, and we guarantee that your time here will not be spent in vain!" one on the left said.

"Wait a minute...that voice sounds familiar." I muttered.

"In fact, we think it will prove to be the most valuable time you've ever spent!" the other one added as the curtains pulled up to reveal...

"The Flim Flam Brothers!" Applejack gasped quietly, "This should be interestin'."

"Wait, the same brothers who tried to run your family out of the cider business?" I asked.

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied.

"Welcome, one and all, to the demonstration of a lifetime!" Flim announced.

"A demonstration of a better life!" Flam added.

"A demonstration of a better time! And if we haven't captured your interest just yet, by the time we've finished, an unfortunate phenomenon practically guarantees that we will!"

"A phenomenon? What's that?"

"It's a circumstance perceptible by the senses, but in this case, it's the simple fact that..."

Background music began to play, guess it was time for a musical part.

There's ailments all around us in everything we touch and see

A sickness that lies waiting there in every breath you breathe

Disease will up and grab you as it crawls from land and sea

It's amazing how infected that the natural world and all its things can be

"Now I understand that some of you don't think you're sick."

"But twisted hooves and aching joints don't heal all that quick."

"Consider just how dangerous this world is! You might..."

Slip and fall, break or sprain something here tonight

But luckily for you, we've got the thing you need

And it's easier when all you need's the cure

The Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic

Is just what the doctor ordered, I'm sure

"Now I know our claims seem fantastical."

"Impractical."

"Improbable."

"Impossible."

"And magical!"

"So we welcome every suffering pony to make their way up to the stage."

"Now don't crowd."

"And we'll prove our tonic's effectiveness before your very eyes."

"You there! Come up here, good sir."

One of them pointed to the pony who was on crutches with glasses and a hat and the stallion walked on the stage.

"I'll wager you're tired of those crutches, my friend."

"Try taking a sip of this!"

The stallion drank a small amount of the potion and then, he let go of his crutches as they dropped and he landed on his front hooves and was now walking fine, all the ponies gasped, except for me.

That's why you're so lucky we've got the thing for you

Just come on up, we've always got some more

Of the Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic

I won't need these crutches to dance out the door! the stallion sang as he left the tent.

"Now how do ya like that?" Granny Smith asked happily.

"Ah don't. There's somethin' funny about this whole thing." Applejack replied.

"I don't like it either, but we'll just have to wait till we get a chance to talk to them." I added.

Now some of you may suffer from feelings of despair

You're old, you're tired, your legs won't work, there's graying in your hair

Just listen and I'll tell you that you don't need to fear

Your ears will work, your muscles tone, your eyes will see so clear

The crowd then joined in except for me and Applejack.

"Luckily for us, you've got the thing we need

The answer to our problems in a jar

The Flim Flam Miracle Curative Tonic

Is the greatest ever miracle by far!"

"It cures the reins, the spurs, and the Clydesdale fur blight."

"Hooferia and horsentery cured in just a night."

"You've got swollen hooves and hindquarters or terrible bridle-bit cleft."

"Saunter sitz and gallop plop or give your tail some heft."

"Mane loss, hay fever, or terrible tonsillitis."

"You heard it here, folks - this is the only place in all of Equestria you'll find it!"

It can make you shorter, taller, or even grow old

But who'd want that?

When with one drink

You can be young again-

The musical part ended abruptly.

"SOLD!" Granny Smith yelled as she held out several bits.

"Congratulations, Granny Smith! You just made the purchase of a lifetime!" Flim replied as he brought over a tonic in exchange.

"Are you as worried as ah am?" Applejack asked her brother.

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied.

"Allow me to go and check...I'll start by looking for that pony who drank that tonic a moment ago." I said.

"Good thinkin'." Applejack replied, "We'll just keep an eye on Granny Smith for now."

Soon the event was over and all the ponies and the apple family left...except for me, I stayed behind and around the circus tent to find anything suspicious. I then saw the stallion from earlier and he gasped as soon he saw me.

"Well, you seem to have healed up, quick." I remarked.

He then galloped away as I stayed in mid-flight and then cornered him as I flew down and landed.

"Now hold it right there, Mister...?"

"Shill. Silver Shill." he replied, shivering, "Ooh, what do you two want?"

"The mare who's named Granny Smith took some tonic and I want to know how it works. I mean, if the tonic cured you and all..."

Shill gulped.

"Wait a minute...your cure was all part of the act! It's time for you to tell the truth! You never needed crutches at all, did ya?"

"I, uh..."

Whistles then blew, making both of us jump, but he galloped away. I followed after him into the circus tent when I bumped into the brothers with Shill hiding behind them.

"Well, look who we've got here." Flim said.

"Wait a minute, brother, he's got wings and a horn." Flam added.

"Why...it's Prince Bond Racer!" they both gasped.

"Well, what an honour it is to finally see you."

"What brings you here to our humble abode?"

"Well, Granny Smith bought a bottle of that tonic, right?" I asked, "Well Applejack is worried that she may go off acting like a filly again."

"What's so bad about that?" Flim asked.

"She and Big Mac are worried that if she keeps galloping around like a free spirit, she may drop from exhaustion or worse! What's more, I know for a fact that your friend here is dressing up as a different pony every night so he can pretend to be cured."

"Well, well, well, that's quite an accusation." Flam replied.

"But let's say that it's true..." Flim added.

"Hypothetically..."

"Theoretically..."

"As I understand, Applejack's Granny was a famous aquapony."

"The star of the show, once upon a time."

"But hasn't set so much as a hoof in the water since."

I stood, looking at them and not amused. "Go on..."

"Well, then even if our tonic were nothing more than a mixture of apple juice and beet leaves..."

"Hypothetically..."

"Theoretically..."

"The fact is that Granny is happier now than before she tried it."

"I guess..."

"So, the question is..."

"Do you really want to be the pony who takes all that happiness away?"

I pondered for a moment, of course there was no way I was going to start trusting them, but I then had a cunning idea.

"Well...I guess I could get one for myself just in case." I said. "But I am a Prince and I have my standards, so this tonic better be as good as you say it is."

"That's the spirit! You have our word, Prince." Flim replied.

"Have one on the house and enjoy your happier days, our lord-ship." Flam added.

I then took a bottle from the case and then left the circus tent and when I was far away, I hid behind a tree and watched over the area, I could see that the brothers were setting up a diving area with a small pool and a very tall diving tower. I then saw thier friend Silver Shill getting something shiny and he placed it in his pocket. I then looked at the bottle of tonic and opened it. I took a quick sip and after a moment, nothing really happened, it did indeed taste like apple juice and beet leaves, but that was it.

Later that day, I went back to see a small crowd by the diving tower and a very small pool at the bottom. I looked up at the top to see Granny Smith in a swimming outfit.

"What on earth is she doing up there?" I asked as I joined the crowed.

"Granny's gonna break the Equestria high divin' record!" Applebloom replied.

"Where's Applejack?"

"Ah think she went after Granny and climbed up the tower for some reason."

We saw Granny Smith who dived off the board and was going down really fast, just then, I saw rope which lassoed onto Granny and stopped her from diving into the small basin, just a few meters away.

"Now what in tarnation did you do that for?!" Granny asked sternly as she walked back on the ground safely.

"That was the most fool-pony thing ah've ever seen anypony do in all my life!" Applejack exclaimed, "You can't do a dive like that!"

"Oh, quit your fussin'! Ah had enough tonic to do a dive ten times as high!"

"Twenty times, by my count." Flim corrected.

"Thirty, with a favourable breeze." Flam added.

"And besides, the Prince here approves of our product, right?"

I looked unsure but I knew what I was doing, I walked away from them and looked at the crowd.

"I hate to disappoint everypony, but the truth is that there's no way Granny could have made that dive, because this tonic is a fake!" I declared.

The crowd gasped as the Flim Flam brothers began to feel awkward.

"It's true ya'll." Applejack added. "Ah had my doubts about it but ah didn't wanna tell my Granny in case it'd hurt her feelings."

"But if the tonic is a fake, then how come Granny can swim again, and what about all that aquabatics stuff we just did?" Applebloom asked.

"Ah reckon sometimes you can forget what you're capable of, and it just takes a little extra confidence to remember that it was inside of you all along. But tellin' ponies your tonic can do things it can't is just wrong!" Applejack replied.

"But you agreed to us that it boosts confidence!" Flim said

"And that's not all it does, folks-" Flam added before he got cut off.

"Yes, it is!" we heard Silver Shill yelled, "In fact, it's not a tonic at all! I know, 'cause I helped make it! Watching Applejack save Granny and Prince Bond telling us that it's not right to lie, well, that made me realize I was making ponies believe in a thing that just wasn't so!"

So he was the stallion who made the tonic drinks...I did not see that coming!

"Believin' in somethin' can help you do amazin' things. But if that belief is based on a lie, eventually it's gonna lead to real trouble." Applejack said.

"Thank you, Applejack and Bond." Shill replied as he handed out a somewhat bigger bit then the normal size, "I got this through dishonest means. That was a mistake I won't be making again! I'd like you to have it, as a reminder of how you helped me finally see the truth."

Applejack then took the bit and through my eyes, I saw the rainbow shine as I did with my pocket watch earlier in the morning.

"Ah don't know..."

"Oh, don't worry. I'll track down the pony I sold that worthless tonic to and give him another bit to replace this one! Honest."

"Ah'm sorry, Granny. Ah hope this doesn't mean you'll stop swimmin'."

"Why in tarnation would ah do that?" Granny asked. "Ah just can't believe those two sales ponies had me believin' ah could near fly! Hey, where'd they go?"

We looked all around us, but they were out of sight.

"Ha! Those cowards turned tail and ran...never mind, if they come back here and try to rob us of what's right again, I will make sure the Princesses will pay them a visit." I said.

It was sunset by the time we were done unpacking the circus stuff since they left without their equipment to our surprise. I was writing down what Applejack had learnt thanks to me.

"Bein' honest sure gets hard when it seems like the truth might hurt somepony you care about. But ah think believin' a lie can end up hurtin' even more. Maybe some ponies don't care about that - but ah sure ain't one of them." She wrote down.

"Great lesson to learn." I complimented, "I'll make sure to return this to Twilight."

"Now you take it easy there, Granny!"

"Oh, I plan to! Hoo, ha, ha-whee!" Granny yelled as she dived off a much short board and into a huge wooden pool with Applebloom.

"Right, I better get going and bring this to Twilight." I said.

"Okay sugarcube, have a good evenin'" she replied, giving me a hug.

I then left with the book and walked back to the town and to the library where Twilight was just going back inside.

"Oh hi Bond." Twilight greeted.

"Hi Twilight, here's the journal Applejack wrote in." I replied.

"Great, I'm going to be helping Rainbow Dash with her upcoming Wonderbolts History exam in two days time."

"Exam, eh? Could this be the one where she finally gets to be apart of the team?"

"Well, we don't know yet but we'll have to wait and see. Anyways, I'm sure I can help her out on this, have a goodnight."

"Same to you, Twilight, goodnight."

She closed the door behind her and I walked back to mine and couldn't wait to get into my bed. I looked back at all that happened in the whole day. It always fascinates me when one minute, Rarity and I were delivering dress to Sapphire Shores, the next, I see the Flim Flam brothers return and I end up putting them out of their scheming business.

Not only that, that gold bit is one of the seven keys along with my pocket-watch which reminded me, I never got around to asking Rarity what was inside the gift box that Coco gave to her, I guess I could ask her tomorrow...

Testing, Testing 1, 2, 3

I woke up the next day to a bright morning as the ray of light shone through my bedroom window...I've gotta find a way to move my bed around so I can wake up better. I sighed as I got up before I had a shower as it's been a while. When I had my breakfast, I left my home and remembered that I need to go and see Rarity and ask her about the gift she got from Coco.

Along the way, I saw Twilight reading a book outside the library which was completely normal I guess.

"The magical properties of this spell will only have lasting effects if you focus on-"

She got cut off when Rainbow Dash zoomed by.

"No! Rainbow Dash!" she yelled, "How in Equestria does that pony expect to pass her history of the Wonderbolts exam tomorrow if she's wasting time flying?! I'm just gonna fly right up to her and tell her what I think about her lackadaisical approach to studying!"

She then put down the book and flew off.

"Looks like you have your work cut out, Twilight, I wish you luck." I commented to myself.

I shook my head and then walked to Rarity's home, I knocked on her door and walked inside.

"Hello, Rarity?" I called, "Are you here?"

"Hey darling, I'm up here." Rarity replied from upstairs

I walked upstairs and I looked into her design room.

"In the bathroom dear, it's only me in here."

My eyes opened wide but I put on my cool and calm expression and walked into the bathroom to see Rarity in the bathtub with bubbles...with her mane down and straight, she looked much younger and hotter!

"Well darling, what do you think?" she asked.

"Ohhhh...my" I replied in George Takei's voice as my wings flew open.

"I am pleased you're happy to see me this way." she giggled, "So what brings you over to see me?"

"Uhhh yeah, I was wondering about the gift you got from Coco, I never got around to asking you what that was inside."

"Oh yes, it was a ribbon thread roll that was rainbow coloured. I haven't used it yet as I have a gut feeling that it may be important."

"I see."

"Oh and I nearly forgot to tell you, Fluttershy also received a gift when we took the breezies home. It was a small breezy locket and it was small but when she got home, she said it was tiny when we were back to our normal size."

"You know what, my love? I think those gifts may be connected."

"Connected, what do you mean, dear?"

"Well, Pinkie got that rubber chicken from Cheese Sandwich, Rainbow Dash got that wonderbolt medal and yesterday, Applejack a got a gold bit that was slightly bigger than a normal size bit. Not only that, my pocket watch gave off a presence of rainbow aura."

"What a minute darling, are you saying that the gifts we've received are all keys to the crystal box?"

"Yes, which means that Twilight is the only one left who has yet to find or receive her key to unlocking the box."

"Hmm, well we can go through that when we're altogether another time."

She then got out of the bathtub and unplugged the plughole as I continued to watch her stunning appearance...is my nose bleeding? I checked my nose to see that I wasn't...I was relieved.

Soon Rarity was completely dry from her bath and I walked with her to her design room and bedroom. It was the two of us right now and we wanted to share the love by kissing passionately. We then hugged before we laid down on the floor together, until we heard a door knocking from downstairs.

"Ugh, typical." I sighed.

"Don't worry darling, we'll save it for tonight and I'll need to tell you something by then." she replied.

We got up and Rarity walked downstairs and I followed. She opened the door to see Fluttershy.

"Oh, Fluttershy dear, what brings you here?"

"Oh hi Rarity, would you mind designing Celestia and Luna costumes for Angel and Opal?" she asked, "It's for a play about the history of the Wonderbolts for Rainbow Dash's test tomorrow."

"I'll see what I can do, anything for our loyal friend, Rainbow."

"Thank you...I'll see you for the costumes later."

Fluttershy then flew away.

"Well darling, I've gotta make these dresses now...don't worry, I'm also working a military-related dress...and when I show it to the girls, I'll have it on for your eyes only later tonight." she raised her eyebrows at me.

"Alright my love, I guess I go and check on Dash if she needs help." I replied as I kissed her.

I then left her home and walked past the library to find Dash come out and looking depressed

"I'm gonna fail, I'm gonna fail, I'm gonna fail!" she said as she flew down on the ground. "And it's all your fault!"

"My fault?" Twilight exclaimed as she followed her, "I'm the one helping you!"

"Maybe your famous study methods aren't all they're cracked up to be, eh, teacher?!"

"Excuse me, I've used them to study for many a test and passed!"

"Yeah, right."

"Do you know the name of the premier Wonderbolts choreographer?"

"Uh, well-"

"Commander Easyglider. Do you know how many Pegasi flew in the original squad?"

"Um-"

"Seven! Do you know Princess Celestia's favourite flight pattern?! The Icaranian Sun Salutation! See? I could pass the test.

I could see this was getting out of hoof quite a bit.

"Fine! Rub it in, why don't ya? Besides, I don't see why I have to take this lousy test anyway. I've proven I'm one of the best flyers around."

"Knowing their origin and being able to properly represent them for all of Equestria is just as important."

"Yeah, right. Some history buff like you must have made that up to bring us flyers down."

"Knowing history actually is beneficial, Rainbow."

"Beneficial for eggheads!"

"Umm girls?" I asked them to no avail.

"Well, this egghead knows history and can fly. Maybe I should become a Wonderbolt."

"Just 'cause you've got wings, doesn't mean you can fly!"

They began making grunting noises and that was it for me.

"GIRLS! STOP!" I shouted at them, that got them to look at me. "Now, is that any way to talk to a close friend?"

"Sorry." Twilight said sadly.

"Yeah, sorry." Dash replied as they hugged.

Fluttershy then arrived, "Don't you have more important things to do? Like prepare Rainbow for her big test?" she asked.

"I've tried everything, Fluttershy, but none of my study methods work for her." Twilight replied.

"Well, no offence to your teaching methods, Twilight, but I think I may have a way to help Rainbow."

"Is there where your requests for the costumes come into play?" I asked.

"Oh yes, I'll go and get Rarity. You take Twilight and Rainbow to the small play stage outside the filly school."

"Okay, I'll lead the way."

So I took Twilight and Rainbow to where Fluttershy asked and when we got there, we Opal and Angel on stage with Spike dressed up as a director on his studio chair. The three of us waited until Fluttershy and Rarity turned up with the costumes. Rarity put the Luna costume on Opal and the Celestia costume on Angel. We sat down on the bench as we watched the play.

"Oh, who's that, who's that?" Dash asked.

"Celestia and Luna, back when they were happy." Fluttershy replied.

I then saw three more animals join the stage.

"Uh...now what?"

"Gummy's an Earth pony, Winona's a unicorn, and Tank is a Pegasus."

"They're the E.U.P., helping to protect the Princess." Twilight stated.

"Uh, how can any of us get all this in our heads?" I asked in confusion.

Suddenly, the animals ended up causing an accident on the stage as some of the props fell.

"Stop, stop, stop! That was aw-"

"Awesome!" Pinkie exclaimed cutting Dash off,  "I give it three woohoo's! Woohoo, woohoo, woohoo! And an extra "woo" for good measure! Woo!"

"I guess Pinkie's a broski..." I muttered.

"Well, I give it a "whoa, whoa, what?" I'm totally confused and I just wanna go home...Whoa– hey!"

Pinkie caught hold of Dash's tail and brought her down.

"Whoa your woes there, woeful. Some ponies learn through theatrical presentation, but other ponies learn through musical intervention."

"Oh god no...please don't tell me she's gonna...rap?" I gasped.

Hip-hop music kicked in...it was somewhat effective and catchy.

Well, back in ancient times, there were the Wonderbolts of old

A general named Firefly, amazing and so...

Bold!

She brought them all together, spreading unity...

In flight!

Performing at their very best with wonder...

And with might!

There's Admiral Fairweather and the Colonel Purple...

Dart!

Gave Wonderbolts a bit of steel along with...

Lots of heart!

An admiral named Fairy Flight and general called...

Flash!

Helped the 'bolts fly super high...

With style and panache!

Commander Easyglider was the real cream of...

The crop!

For with her wicked moves, the Wonderbolts...

Soared to the top!

Wonderbolts, yeah! Wonderbolts...

Huh!

Wonderbolts, yeah! Wonderbolts...

Unh!

That is my rappin' history of the Wonderbolts!

The hip-hop music ended, I was glad that was over.

"So, d'you get it??" Pinkie asked.

"No offence Pinkie but you're no Will Smith." I replied.

Dash then tried to imitate the rap, "General This and Colonel That, they're the Wonderbolts, something that rhymes with that!"

"That...was pretty terrible."

"What?! No... really? But I've gotta learn this stuff! Now!"

Rarity then turned up in her uniform and I gasped at her.

"And I am just the pony to help!" she said.

"Rarity, you look ridiculous."

"I am going to ignore that comment out of my desire to help you."

"Good luck."

I was so stunned and speechless by Rarity in her uniform that I nearly lost all concentration and took no notice of whatever was said to me. However, Twilight snapped me out of it as we began walking to the boutique with Rarity and Dash leading up the back of the group. When we got inside the, the mares went behind a curtain whilst I stood to the side, wondering what was gonna happen next.

"Get ready, Rainbow Dash, for I am going to take you on an historical adventure in fashion!" she announced, "I am now modelling the rather unattractive, and frankly itchy, original Wonderbolts flying costume. Fortunately, thanks to the vision of Flaire De Mare, the Wonderbolts ensemble became more streamlined in a wonderfully breathable fabric. Of course, there were fashion hits... and misses. Just look at those dreadful bell-bottoms. What were ponies thinking?"

She pointed to Pinkie's uniform.

"I dunno. I bet General Flash rocked these thangs!" Pinkie boasted.

"Pinkie, you're real!" Dash exclaimed.

I facehoofed at Dash's dumbness.

"Of course I'm real! I mean I'm not the real General Flash, the tenth leader of the Wonderbolts, but I, Pinkie, am really real."

"And I'm Admiral Fairy Flight, from the seventh squadron." Fluttershy said.

"And of course you recognize Commander Easyglider." Twilight added, but to me she looked like somepony out of Top Gun.

"And ah'm sportin' some sort of getup worn by Colonel Purple Dart." Applejack commented, even though classy uniforms isn't her thing.

"It's too much for my eyes!" Dash panicked as she jumped into a corner of the room.

"Now, don't you fret, Rainbow. This fashion show nonsense wouldn't help me learn nothin', either." Applejack said as she threw off her uniform hat away.

Rarity was not amused by her action and showed a similar expression as Maud Pie's.

"Really? Well, what special study trick do you have, AJ?"

"Who, me? Oh, ah got nothing."

Dash sighed as she left the boutique and we all followed her to the outside.

"Why, ah could tell you every little thing there is to know about the history of apples, but ah picked all that up over years in the field as a labour of love. How much time you got?"

"Twelve hours."

"Oh, then you are up a creek."

"I think we should just go back to old-fashioned studying." Twilight suggested.

"What about our play?" Fluttershy asked.

"Just look at these costumes! Surely something resonates with your inner Wonderbolt!"

"And Granny Smith discovered the first granny smith in Fillydelphia, when she was just a filly!"

Commander Easyglider was the real cream of the crop-

"Pinkie, stop rapping! That isn't gonna help Rainbow!" Twilight told her.

Well, I suggest you put down your silly cards of flash,

For I know that they cannot help our good friend Rainbow Dash!

Soon they all argued and I could see Dash was getting really uncomfortable about it.

"ENOUGH!" I shouted at them all...that stopped them arguing.

"Please stop!" Dash yelled, "No rapping, no cards, no costumes, no play, and no apples! I am never gonna pass this test, ever! Just forget it!"

She then zoomed away from us and Twilight flew after her.

"Well, that escalated quickly." I said to them as they looked guilty, "I mean that really got out of hoof, fast."

A while later, Twilight came back and she was smiling for some reason.

"Alright, I have an idea, to the library!" she announced.

As we trotted to the library, I started humming the Batman theme until we got inside.

"Everypony, I've got it worked out."

"What is it, Twilight?" Applejack asked.

"We have to help Rainbow Dash."

"Yes, but how?" Fluttershy asked.

"We've tried every kind of studying. My way, your way..." Rarity added.

"But we haven't tried Rainbow Dash's way."

"Hmm, I'm intrigued." Pinkie said as she put her rap hat on.

"Okay. Listen up, ponies, here's the plan."

Twilight began speaking to us about the plan and it was a long one and could well be a big gamble, but we were all willing to do it. Soon the plan was in place, now Twilight had to lure in Dash and wait for the plan to work.

We were all in our locations around the whole town of Ponyville, I was dressed up as one of the wonderbolts and it fit me just right. Then, I saw Twilight Dash flying above us, that was my queue to show up and appear along with few other ponies who volunteered to help me and the other mares.

Our part of the plan was then over and the five of us groups together and we saw Dash fly down to us first before Twilight did.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! Thank you! Thank you all so much!" Dash exclaimed as she hugged all of us.

"You're welcome, but it all came from you. You learned without knowing you're learning." Twilight replied. "Your main focus is flying, but then your brain is also absorbing lots of other information! It's actually really brilliant!"

"Ha, I always knew I was brilliant!"

We then laughed and agreed to call it a day as it was already sunset. We all said our goodbyes and we wished Rainbow Dash good luck for her exam tomorrow. I walked home with Rarity who were still in our costumes until we got back. I took off my wonderbolt costume and hanged it up on the dress rack by the door.

"This way darling, it's time for the little talk I wanted." she said.

We walked upstairs and into her bedroom and there she took off her hat, but kept the uniform on.

"So, what is it you need to say, my love?" I asked.

"Well, you know how we've been doing all this safe and everything?"

"Yeah?"

"Well dear, I feel like that we have something incredibly special and that I think we can go to the next stage of our lives."

"Next stage?"

"Yes...I just want to know. How do you feel about foals?"

"Foals? Well I do love taking care of them like the time I did with the Cake twins, but I never really considered myself to being a parent for real."

"Me neither darling, but sometimes our view on things change and now I wonder if I would be a worthy mother, despite not being loving enough to my little sister."

"Rarity my love, if you and I would ever be parents, I am sure that you would be a wonderful mother, just like I would be welling to be a caring and supportive father. But with what's going on in our lives, don't you think it would be too soon?"

"Yes dear, it may be too soon to be thinking about having a family of our own, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun tonight."

"You're right my love...I wanna know why you want to keep that outfit on for me."

"Well, I do have something else to tell you."

"What is it?"

Rarity walked up to me and close to my left ear.

"I...am...in...heat." she whispered.

"Uh oh." I said out of the blue.

"So you better march your hooves to my bed you ruffian Prince!"

"Right away my love!"

I got on the bed and she got on top of me, and held my hooves down.

"Now...allow me to show you how generous I can be with you tonight!"

"Rarity my princess, I will be with you every step of the way, right now."

There was no more words needed, we began kissing passionately and with Rarity in heat, I knew that I was going to have to face several rounds with my marefriend...looks like I ain't going back to my home as I was going to be with her all night long...

Trade Ya

It was the day after yesterday's event with Rainbow Dash getting help from us so she could pass her test and also my encounter with Rarity's heat mode that was activate-act-activated which will followed passionate action all night long. When it was the next day, I was sleeping with Rarity and sometime later that day, we heard from Rainbow Dash that she passed her test by a landslide, so she was now on the Wonderbolts reserve team, one step closer to working with Soarin we guess.

So when it was the following day, Twilight suggested that there was a Trade Fair going on at Rainbow Falls since she had to be there and we all agreed to come along if we had anything we wanted to trade with. All I had that was worth trading was my expensive shades, but I wasn't sure if anypony would want that from me in exchange for something I had in mind. We all met up at the station and got on board the train to Rainbow Falls, after a while, we were approaching the waterfall village.

"Yes! Best day ever!" Pinkie exclaimed, "We're all going to the Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange! And not just going, we're accompanying a princess on an official royal duty!"

"Please, it's not that big of a deal. There always has to be a princess at the Exchange." Twilight replied, "Last year was Princess Cadance, this year it's me. It's just a formality. I'm sure none of the other ponies will even notice I'm here."

When we got off the train, we began walking through the village and through a tunnel cave to the other big part of Rainbow Falls to find a huge crowd welcoming Twilight, they were tempted to welcome me as I was a Prince, but they didn't seem to pay attention to me which was exactly the way I wanted it.

"Could be wrong, but ah think they might've noticed." Applejack commented.

"Hmm, you don't say." I responded sarcastically.

Shortly the crowd began to separate and we carried on through the fair and looking at the several stalls with several items of interest.

"Oh, my goodness!" Fluttershy commented.

"You said it." Rarity agreed, "The Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange is simply divine. You can get anything you want here!"

"If'n you got the goods to trade for it." Applejack replied.

Spike however didn't look where he was going and tripped up on a rock, falling over and a comic book fell out of his claws, before Twilight used her magic to stop the comic from going into the mud puddle.

"Thanks, Twilight. Whew." Spike said, felling relieved, "One ding, nick or dent, and this Power Ponies comic book wouldn't be in perfect mint condition anymore. And if you want to trade for a mint comic, you gotta have a mint comic."

A few ponies came around and commented about Twilight, causing her to feel embarrassed and galloped away from them.

"Ah guess a pony who's here on official princess business has to expect a little fussin'." Applejack said.

"But all I'm supposed to do is settle disagreements over whether a trade is fair or not."Twilight replied as she began setting up her book stall, "And since the rule is that a trade is fair as long as both ponies get what they want, there's never been a disagreement. So there's really no reason for anypony to treat me as anything special."

A little white filly with cyan mane came forward to Twilight.

"Hi! Can I help you?" she asked.

The filly then showed a photo of Twilight herself...as if to have the photo signed or something, Twilight sighed over this.

Rainbow Dash then showed up by surprise.

"There's a pony here who's got a signed first edition of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Statue, and I'm gonna get it! I've been able to get first editions of all of the Daring Do books, except this one! No pony's ever put together a whole set, and I'm gonna be the first! If it hasn't been traded yet...It's the only one in all of Equestria!"

"Oh no! I'd really hate to see you disappointed." Fluttershy responded, "I did want to trade this bear call I've got for a bird whistle, but getting that book seems so important to you, so if you need me to help you first..."

"Normally I'd say I don't need any help, but you're right. This is really important. I've gotta get that book!"

Dash then grabbed Fluttershy and they flew to another part of the fair.

"Well, ah'm off to take a gander at some of the vintage stalls." Applejack said as she began to move with her huge cart.

"Did you say vintage? Why, old and rare items are so in style right now!" Rarity replied, "I'm hoping to get a vintage item as well. I just hope I brought enough to trade."

"Ah know what you mean, Rarity. Hey! Why don't we pool our trade stashes?"

"Pool?"

"As in snooker?" I asked.

"No, not that kind, sugarcube. That way, if one of us finds somethin' real valuable she can't live without..."

"She'll definitely be able to get it! Who could say no to exchanging a single object for such a huge assortment of items? Oh, yes! That is absolutely brilliant! I'm so glad I have a friend like you, Applejack."

"Ah feel the same way."

"Then let's go shopping!"

"Do you need me to help you with the trading?" I asked.

"No thank you darling, Applejack and I will be alright. I'm sure you'll find something worth trading for around here." Rarity replied, "See you later, dear."

She kissed me before she and Applejack walked to a trade stall a bit away from us.

"Alright, see you my love."

Twilight was setting up her books.

"Um, shouldn't your Princesses be headed to the royal box seats?" Pinkie asked.

"I may be the princess on duty, but I don't think that means I have to sit up there all alone doing nothing." Twilight replied, "Ever since I became a princess, Celestia's been sending me more books to read than ever. The library's overflowing, so I figured while we're here, I might as well trade away some books I don't need anymore."

"Mm-hm!"

"Well, I'm off to find somethin to trade." I told them.

"Oooh, what are you trading?" Pinkie asked.

"My trademark shades here." I then showed them as I place the shades on my head, "I've had it for a long time but I think it's time I traded it for something better."

"Well I'm sure you'll find something special, Bond. See you later." Twilight said.

I then began walking across the stalls and trying to find something and somepony worth trading my shades for. I then came across classy stall that had a very rich and expensive looking ring on a display case. I then thought of Rarity and about what she said the night before and our future. I thought of taking a gamble by trading my shades for that ring.

I walked closer to the ring and it had a few diamonds in there, it would be perfect for Rarity.

"Can I help you...oh! It's you, Prince Bond Racer!" the mare exclaimed.

"Well, if it isn't Fleur De Lis." I replied, "What brings you here?"

"Well Prince, I'm here on behalf of Fancypants who couldn't be with me today. I am looking for somepony and a fashionable item to trade for this classy ring."

"Well, all I have is this pair of shades that I have kept since I first moved to Ponyville, but I don't know if it's much."

"Sunglasses you mean? Well, in a matter of speaking, Fancypants and I have been looking for a pair of shades so we can travel around Equestria without being stopped by ponies every few moments."

"Really...well in that case, I'd be willing to trade my shades for the ring."

"I would love to, but I must ask you an honest question. Are you trading for this ring for yourself or is there something else?"

I sighed in embarrassment.

"Alright Fleur, you got me. I wanna trade for that ring...so that when the time is right...I wanna propose to Rarity."

"Awww, you romantic Prince!" Fleur complimented happily, "I bet the story of how you two came together in love is a special one."

"It is, but I promised her that I would keep the story a secret among my and her closest friends."

"Then...we have a deal, here is the ring and a small box to keep it safe in."

She then took the shades from my head to see my happy emotion as I brought the ring and the box from the display table and placed it safe in my normal suit pocket.

"Thank you so much Fleur, I hope you and Fancypants have a better time of travelling with those shades."

"We will and I think you look much better without them, happy to see your eyes in clear view."

"And you look really cool and trendy with those shades on, I'll see you and Fancypants another time."

"See you soon as well, Prince Bond."

I then left her stall and walked around more stalls, I feel incredibly happy that I now have a ring to propose to Rarity when I am sure she is the one I want to spend my life with. I was then back to where I was earlier when I saw Applejack and Rarity not happy towards each other.

"No, ah insist. You go fetch what you want, 'cause that's the kind of tried and true friend I am." Applejack told her.

"Well! I am way too generous to let you out-friend me like that!" Rarity replied.

"GIRLS!" I yelled, "What are you two doing?"

They looked at me and tried to find answers.

"You're not going back to the way you both behaved back at that sleepover a long time ago?"

"No sugarcube, we're not tryin' to do that...even though it looked like we were."

"You know what, I didn't mean to act like earlier today, Applejack, I should've been more sensitive and caring."

"Ah should've been too, Rarity...I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

Applejack and Rarity then hugged which made me smile.

Just then, we heard a commotion over at another part of the fair, we all walked to where it was coming on. We arrived at a crowd that gathered and Twilight was on her Fair trade Throne.

"I've heard what you both have to say, and I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, but my hooves are tied. You said it was a fair trade." Twilight said.

"Yeah, I said it, but I was wrong!" Dash replied, "I did want that book, a lot. I said I wanted it more than anything in all of Equestria. But there's no thing that's worth as much to me as a friend. I might have forgotten that for a little bit, but it's true. Which means there's no way this trade can be fair!"

"Oh, come on, that's... the sweetest thing I've ever heard." the beige mare said, "Okay, the trade's off!"

Dash then gave a book which I think she wanted earlier to the book pony and Fluttershy hugged Dash instantly.

"I hope we get an explanation on what happened today." I said.

"And with that, I declare this trial, and this year's Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange, over! " Twilight announced.

"Woo-hoo!" Pinkie replied happily.

We all then agreed it was time to go home as the sun was beginning to go down. We left Rainbow Falls by train and were on our way back to Ponyville. Fluttershy and Dash told all of us what happened and showed each other what we all traded, except for me, I kept mine a secret for now.

"I know it's not the pie tin you were after, but I hope you like it." Rarity said as she brought over rusted pie tin to Applejack, "It's the rustiest piece of junk I could get."

"Well, ah took my half of our stash and got you this!" she replied as she took out a gem bracelet from her hat and gave it to her.

"Ohhh!"

"And ah know you're gonna love it, 'cause you already have a bunch of ones that look exactly the same sittin' in the drawer doin' nothin'. So that should settle it once and for all which of us is the better friend."

"Oh, come on!" Dash intervened, "You both gave up what you wanted to get something for each other! That's the coolest thing a friend can do. Trust me, I know." she winked at Fluttershy who smiled back.

"Hey, where's your double-doggie?" Pinkie asked.

"I traded it for something way better."

Fluttershy then used a bird caller whistle to show us and a bird appeared by her.

"Well, what do you know? My copy of Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue." Twilight said as she went through her books, "It's just a beat up old paperback, not a one-of-a-kind first edition..."

"Even better, because I can read this one with all my friends!"

We then giggled afterwards before I sneaked around and whispered a few words to the mares apart from Rarity. When we arrived back at the station, we walked back to the library and I gave Rarity and loving kiss before she walked home.

The rest of us went into Twilight's library and formed a circle as we sat down.

"Alright girls and Spike...I may have told a fib earlier when I said I didn't find anything to trade." I said to them, "The truth is...I did, but I kept it a secret for a good reason."

"A secret, just tell us what ya got." Dash replied.

"Alright, well you know that I always have my shades with me in my pocket? I traded it away."

"You high quality shades, what did ya get it for in return, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"For this..."

I then pulled the small box and opened it so the mares could see the ring.

"An engagement ring?!" Twilight gasped.

"WHEEE!" Pinkie yelled, "I totally get it, you wanna propose to Rarity!"

"Oh my goodness, that's very romantic." Fluttershy added.

"Thanks girls...I am certain that she is the one for me."

"Well I'm really happy for you dude." Spike said, "I know that you'll take great care of her as she is still a special friend of mine."

"And mine too since Rarity was the first pony I met when I moved here." Fluttershy added.

"Thanks all." I replied, "Now I wanna plan a proposal day and I think tomorrow would be the perfect time, so I apologize if this is such short notice."

"It's alright Bond, we'll do whatever we can to plan your proposal with Rarity and that it goes smoothly." Twilight assured.

"Alright, I'm gonna have my sleep now and think about the words I need to say when I pop the question, goodnight all."

I then got a group hug from them before I left and walked back to my home when the evening night began. I walked into my home and I took the box with the ring inside out of my pocket and placed it on my bedside table. I took of my clothes and got into bed and thinking back to today.

It was quite cool to see a trade fair exchange and seeing ponies trade with each other like I did with Fleur De Lis. If this proposal pulls off amazingly, I must owe her and Fancypants a big favour in return big time. I'm sure the other mares don't wanna let me down when tomorrow arrives.

To Plan & Propose

I woke up the next morning and looked at the box with the ring in it, it got me feeling a little nervous about proposing to Rarity, but living with regret of what could've been is not my style one bit. I looked on out the window to see a market sale going on around the town.

"There was a trade fair at Rainbow Falls yesterday, now we have a market day here today? The events in this world just keep on coming." I said to myself.

I got out of bed and got myself cleaned and dressed, I took my pocketwatch and the engagement ring box and placed them in my pockets, I was going to need both of them for today. After a long breakfast, I left my home and walked to the market to see the ponies already there.

"Hear ye, hear ye! The Ponyville Foal and Filly Fair is almost ready to begin!" Pinkie announced as she trotted in excitement.

"Morning Pinkie." I called.

"Oh morning Bond, are you super duper excited to be proposing to Rarity?!"

"I am, but I'm also a little nervous."

"Awww, have a cookie. It's on the house."

She handed out a cookie tied to a balloon which was typical of her and she trotted away.

I saw Rarity coming out of her boutique with Twilight on Spike's back, I hid myself away between two market stands so they couldn't see me.

"Just because the attendees are young, doesn't mean they don't deserve my very best creative work. Why, this puppet theatre is going to be the talk of the Foal and Filly " Rarity said as she moved out a designed golden puppet stand.

"How could it not be?" Twilight asked, "You're the one making it."

"Oh! But I couldn't have done it without the help of one of my dearest and most supportive friends, especially Spikey here who is still one of my favourite dragons."

"Your favourite dragon? Aw, gee..." Spike blushed.

"The hours have been long, the work taxing beyond compare, but it will all be worth it when we hear those three little words!"

I saw them go up to a pig-shaped stallion with two puppets held by his magic and they presented the puppet stand.

"This is awful!" he criticized bluntly.

I gasped...nopony offends Rarity's work and gets away with it.

"Awful?!" Rarity gasped.

"How could it be awful?" Twilight asked.

"And completely unusable." he replied as he looked at the bottom of the stand to see the wheels that weren't on the ground, "Hmm...Ugh! It doesn't travel!" he then poked his head through the stage which was a little small for him "Oh, there's no room for my puppets! It appears I won't have a travelling puppet theatre to use after all."

He then walked off in disgust as his two puppets glared at Rarity, I could see she was very upset by his negative criticism.

"I don't know what that guy was talking about. This thing is perfect!" Spike assured.

But it didn't work, Rarity galloped off in tears and to her boutique home, leaving them both unsure what to do.

I sighed as I walked out from between the stalls and approached them.

"I hate to say it, but I saw all of it...as much as there were a couple of problems highlighted, it does not excuse him from slandering my marefriend's work!" I said with slight anger, "How could a pony like him have no heart?"

"Oh Bond, I guess it's the way some ponies handle entertainment business." Twilight replied.

"And I thought the day was going to be perfect for me."

"Don't worry, you'll get your chance to propose to Rarity when everything is in place...all of us mares are working as quietly as we can."

"In the meantime, I'll go and check on Rarity." Spike added, "But I'll remember to do my part of the engagement plans, you have my word."

"Thanks Spike...I wanna go in and comfort her, but it would spoil the plan, but I know she'll listen to you."

Spike then got off Twilight and walked over to the boutique before Twilight hugged me.

"You just focus on making yourself scarce until we're ready. Be calm, brave and caring all the while." she advised.

"I will...thank you...see you and the rest later."

Twilight walked to the boutique as I walked around the rest of the market...I saw Applejack building an arrow sign by her apple stall.

"Howdy sugarcube, are yer feelin' fine?" she asked.

"A little nervous, but happy to do be doing this." I replied.

"Don't you fret on little bit, ah'm doing my part of the plan by building this 'ere arrow sign so Rarity will know where to go to find you."

"Great idea, I love it...thanks, Applejack."

I carried onwards and I looked up at the clouds that were being rounded up. I saw Rainbow Dash fly down beside me.

"So, what do you think?" Dash asked, pointing to the clouds she brought together.

"Looks really impressive so far, it's part of a message I'm guessing?"

"Yeah, pretty awesome eh? I better get back up there and finish it off."

She flew back up straight away whilst I walked towards the end of the market area to find Fluttershy with a few birds that were standing in a line, I had a feeling this was another part of the plan.

"Now remember my pretties, learn to harmonise effectively." she said to them before noticing me, "Oh hello Bond, I'm happy to be doing my best for your wedding proposal plan."

"Glad to hear it, are your birds performing an ensemble as Rarity calls it?"

"Oh yes, they're just rehearsing until we're all ready for the moment." she then put a hoof on my shoulder, "Rarity is one of my dearest friends, I know that you'll take great care of her when you have a wedding someday."

"I will do anything and everything to make sure she's happy and loved with me."

"Good luck later."

Fluttershy then hugged me before I decided to leave the market and go back to my home for lunchtime.

After I had my lunch, I heard a knock on the door and I had to open it.

"Hey there Bond." Spike said, "All our parts of the plan are finished, you can go and get Rarity, when you're ready."

"Cool." I replied, "Oh by the way. I don't know if we went through about where the proposal was going to take place."

"Oh we managed to discuss that after you left. It's going to take place on the hill overlooking the whole town."

"Great choice." I then sighed and checked my pockets for my ring box which was still there. "Okay, here goes nothing. I'm going now."

"Okay, I'll let the others know you're ready to begin...good luck dude."

"Thanks."

We did a bro-hoof/claw and he went off to where he needed to go as I walked out of my home to find the market stalls around the boutique gone which surprised me slightly, but I didn't care. I knocked on Rarity's door and it opened.

"Oh afternoon darling, I've missed you today." Rarity said as she hugged me.

"Hi Rarity, mind if you come for a walk with me?" I asked, "There's something I want to show you and I hope you love it."

"After what I've had earlier today, anything to be with you, dear."

She closed the door behind her and we held hooves and began walking through the town and there, it all began. We walked along the pathway until we came across a path of gems, we followed it and then we came to a shape of a heart made out of gems.

"Darling, this is beautiful." she said.

"We're only just beginning." I replied.

Secondly, we past a sign with an arrow pointing to the sky, we looked up to see a message made of light clouds being grouped together which real: 'You are the love of my life and the one I'll always love.'

Rarity gasped softly as we walked onwards out of the town and through the park fields.

"So tell me, what happened earlier?" I asked.

"I designed a puppet stand for a travelling puppeteer, but he found it all wrong and left in disgust." she replied sadly.

"Well who cares I say? He's not worth the time. I on the other hand am along with your bestest friends."

"Thank you dear..."

We then saw Fluttershy with a composer stick in her mouth as she waved it with her head and the birds on a tree branch sang.

We then finally made it to the hill where there was a small pile of hearts, in pink and red among other kinds of confetti. When we were standing at the top among the confetti pile. I saw a small note that said 'Read me, Bond' and I saw a small zebra-shaped hoof-stamp on the bottom right corner...thank you, Zecora, I thought.

I then began reading the note as I held my hooves with Rarity, I could see that she was beginning to tear up in happiness.

"I hope you had fun, with our walk today. When I'm with you, I never dream of being far away." I began reading, "You're beautiful, generous and without a doubt, you're clever. I hope you know that I and always will love you forever."

During my reading, the other mares began to show up along with Spike.

"You make me laugh and deep down inside. I am definitely sure that I want you by my side."

I then got down on one knee on my back-leg and pulled out the ring box.

"I could never imagine not having you in life...so will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

I then put down the note and opened up the box to reveal the ring, Rarity began crying in happiness and so did the other mares.

"YES!" Rarity shouted, "I LOVE YOU, DARLING!"

I gasped in relief as the mares and Spike all applauded, I placed the engagement ring on her horn and we began kissing passionately, standing on our backlegs and holding each other for several minutes, we didn't wanna let go.

"Congratulations, you both!" Pinkie exclaimed, "BEST PROPOSAL EVER!!!"

"Oh Rarity, I'm so pleased for you!" Fluttershy said to her happily.

"Bond, you were pretty smooth...and dare I say awesome!" Dash complimented.

"Thanks all, but I couldn't have done it without any of you." I replied.

"Oh it was a real pleasure to us." Spike said, "Even though it was tempting to eat the gems I laid on the pathway."

"And as for that poem." Twilight added, "I asked Zecora for a favor and she happily accepted."

"Well tell her I said thanks because I'm not good at rhyming," I replied.

"Mind if we see the ring, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Yes of course, girls." Rarity replied as she placed the ring on her hoof as I placed my left foreleg around her.

"Wow, that's a gorgeous ring, looks quite expensive." Twilight commented.

"Sure does look a mighty expensive ring." Applejack added. "How you were able to afford it?"

"That's for me and soon Rarity to know and you lot to guess." I smirked.

"Yeah, whatever, buster!" Dash remarked playfully.

"So, what's happenin' next?" Applejack asked.

"ENGAGEMENT PARTY!" Pinkie shouted as she jumped in the air.

"That sounds nice." Fluttershy replied.

"Well, let's get going dears." Rarity said.

So we left the hill and walked back to Ponyville, over to Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie had the whole place set up for a party already. It was indeed an eventful party, especially when Soarin, Big Mac and my cousin Vinyl turned up.

"Yo Bond, congratulations dude!" Soarin said "You are one awesome Prince."

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied.

"Thanks guys, I am just over the moon that it all went smoothly."

During the dancing, we listened to a lot of uptempo songs played by Vinyl, but when a ballad came on, Rarity and I couldn't resist dancing together and sharing our love.

When the party was over, Big Mac and Soarin had to leave, Spike was down for the count so Twilight lifted him up and carried him on her back until Spike woke up and felt something coming...he burped out a letter which woke him up instantly.

"It's a letter from Princess Cadence." Twilight said as she opened it, "Just to remind you that the Equestria Games is in two days, I hope to see you and all your friends by then."

"Well at least we've got more than a day to get ready." Applejack said.

"Then maybe we should have a quiet day tomorrow and pack whatever we need for the following day." Fluttershy suggested.

"That's good thinking, Fluttershy." Rarity agreed, "We'll see you all tomorrow. I have a night and a whole day to spend with my fiancé."

"Ooooh, have fun." Pinkie said as we left the store.

The others agreed to clean up the shop whilst Rarity and I held hooves as we walked to her boutique. We got inside and we trotted straight upstairs to her bedroom. She got dressed in her suggestive nightwear, but keeping her engagement ring on her horn.

"Bond darling." she said.

"Yes my love?" I asked cool and calmly.

She walked over, placed her hooves around me and kissed me.

"I wanna thank you for cheering me right up, dear. You, willing to be my husband was what I needed today."

"You're welcome, Rarity. But I wanna thank you as well for willing to be my wife."

"When you reckon we'll have at our wedding?"

"I'm not sure, there's a lot that's going on around us, so I think we're going to have wait for a while." I paused as we walked over to the bed and I laid on first before Rarity got on top and looked at me in the eyes. "But when the day where we have our wedding arrives, it will all be worth it in the end."

Rarity shed a tear as we gazed into each others eyes, this was a moment of a lifetime for her and me, there was nowhere else I'd rather be than with Rarity and just as before, we wanted to be among the passions of love. We got underneath the covers and engaged in fiery passionate kisses.

Tonight...was a wonderful blessing for me, Rarity may had that hiccup with the puppeteer earlier, but I knew that what I had to do would help her forget about it. With my engagement plan a success and finished, it's time for me to get my head game on as we all prepare for the long awaited Equestria Games!

Equestria Games

It was the following day after the marriage proposal, but yesterday as we promised ourselves, we all spent a quiet day whilst most of it was with my now engaged fiancé, Rarity. It was now the day that all of us were waiting for, the Equestrian Games which was to take place at the Crystal Empire. Rarity and I woke up in the morning and we were ready to go, we left her home along with Sweetie Belle before we all met up at the station, along with the other CMC's, Silver Spoon and the other pegasuses who were on Rainbow Dash's team.

Coco and Trenderhoof were there to see all of us off as they volunteered to watch over the boutique store. When the train arrived, we got on board and we got comfy on the chairs with me and Rarity snuggling up close as engaged lovers. All the ponies could think of was the games.

We were approaching the Crystal Empire and I could see Rainbow Dash was getting excited as some of her team members were busy keeping fit and the CMC's were holding the Ponyville team flag, Silver was there to support the team...it made my heart sing, knowing that she's a much better filly these days and Spike was checking over the travelling cases.

"This just got real!" Dash said as he turned to her team, "Listen up, gang! We're almost there, so I've got a few things to say. First off, who here besides me thinks this is the best Equestria Games delegation in Ponyville history?"

"YEAH!" Bulk replied in his way as he was lifting weights.

"And no matter what your sport is, we gotta give it our best, because we've all got a genuine shot at Ponyville gold!"

Her team cheered.

"With the possible exception of Bulk Biceps, Fluttershy, and me. I mean, we're good and all, but we're up against the Wonderbolts in the aerial relay, so gold's kind of a stretch. Let's not kid ourselves."

"Don't feel bad, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo replied, "We have absolutely no shot at getting gold either!"

"Uh, that's because you're carrying the flag for Ponyville in the opening ceremony. There are no winners."

"Winners or not, we still have the chance to be awesome!"

"That's the spirit! You hear that, everypony? Winners or not, we all still have the chance to be awesome!"

We all cheered in agreement.

"But, uh, let's still try to win lots and lots of stuff too, 'kay?

The team then went back to their training and shortly afterwards, we arrived at the Crystal Empire. We then got off and I noticed Spike was carrying a heavy bag until he placed it on a huge pile of other bags.

"It's all in there, gang! Leave it to Spike, champion gear-carrier for all your gear-carrying needs."

"And the Ponyville flag? You sure? And what about the flagpole?" Applebloom asked.

"In with the portable ramp." he then fell to the side as he laid his arm on the trolley which moved an few centimetres.

"Give it a rest, Apple Bloom." Scootaloo said.

"Aw, she's just nervous, that's all. Perfectly understandable. Whenever I'm afraid I'll forget something or start to panic, I have a simple trick. I count to ten, and by the time I'm done, I've calmed myself enough to get the job done right every time. Easy-peasy, cider-squeezy!"

Just then, a pair of crystal palace guards turned up towards me.

"Umm, can I help you?" I asked.

"Prince Bond Racer! We are honoured to have you at The Crystal Empire" one of them said as they both bowed

"You are requested to meet with Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight." the other one added.

I looked at Rarity and thought of something,

"I will guards, but only if my fiancé can come along too." I replied as I stood my ground like a boss.

"As you wish, Prince." one of them responded.

I held Rarity's hoof and we were escorted to the centre of the empire tower where Twilight and Cadence were waiting.

"O Great and Honourable Prince Bond, the Brave and Glorious." one of them announced before they walked away from us.

"Bond Racer, it's great to see you again." Cadence said. "Oh and I heard about your news from Twilight, congratulations on your engagement with Rarity."

"Thanks Cadence...Rarity means the world to me."

Rarity blushed as she held onto me tightly.

"Don't worry about the others, we'll all be together at the stadium." Twilight said. "We have to go to the castle first and meet with the other princesses."

We walked into the castle and we then approached the throne room to find Luna and Celestia already there and Shining Armour.

"Hey Twily!" Shining said as he went over to his sister. "Wonderful to see you again."

"Same here, Shining." Twilight replied.

I approached Celestia and Luna and greeted them with Rarity still by my side.

"Prince Bond Racer, we are thrilled to see you with us again." Celestia said.

"As I am too, Celestia." I replied before I looked at Luna, "By the way, thank you so much for helping Rarity out a few days back."

"You're very much welcome, Bond." Luna replied, "My sister and I heard the news, we offer our congratulations to you and Rarity."

"Thank you Princesses." Rarity replied, "Bond here turned out to be my one and only Prince when he proposed."

"It is quite a romantic moment." Celestia stated, "Now, Luna and I must now go and be seated with the other important ponies in Equestria before the games begin."

Celestia and Luna then left the throne room along with Shining who had to go to the stadium on security protection duty.

"So the ponies here believe that I am their greatest hero?" I asked.

"Well the last time we were here, you got the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadance in time to save this entire empire from destruction!" Twilight replied.

"Oh yeah, I remember that now."

"You are known throughout my empire as 'Great and Honourable Prince Bond the Brave and Glorious'. Cadence added.

"Wow, that is a long title to call me." I giggled. "Wouldn't it be better if I was the pony formerly known as Prince?"

Cadence giggled at my random joke.

"Well anyways, isn't that awesome?" Twilight added. "You're a big shot here."

"Really, whereabouts?"

Twilight went over to the balcony, Rarity and I followed her and we looked to see a crystal statue.

"See that? That's you!"

Sure enough, there was a statue of me in all of my crystal glory.

"Well, look at me...I am totally working it and they got my good side.

Rarity laughed before she kissed me.

"That is one of many reasons why I love you, darling." she said.

"This is why we all hope you do us the honour of lighting the torch at the opening ceremony with your magic." Cadence added, "It would mean so much to my citizens of the empire."

"Of course, I'll do it for sure." I replied with a smile.

"Thank you."

"Well, we best get going to the games as well." Twilight said.

"Then we must not keep everypony else waiting." Rarity replied.

We all began making our way to the stadium and when we arrived, the guards told us that only the most important ponies or alicorns can be up at the exclusive seating area where the other princesses were.

Rarity looked at me and kissed me, assuring that Pinkie and Applejack will keep her company until the games is over. I walked with Twilight and Cadence until we were with Celestia, Luna and all the other important ponies.

There was a seat for me by Twilight and it had the design of my cutiemark on the top of the seat which was quite classy and impressive.

"Places for the procession, everypony! Two minutes!" Shining announced from the ground.

I looked around the entire stadium from my view and it was quite enormous, not even the training stadium was as big as this. Soon, the whole ceremony was about to start.

"Everypony, we are ready to start the Equestrian Games!" Shining announced as the crowd went wild.

"First, welcome the delegation from Cloudsdale!"

I saw the Wonderbolts come from out of the tunnel way, although I had a sneaky feeling that Soarin would want Dash's team to win so he could spend more time with her.

"Next up, welcome the delegation from the Griffon Kingdom!"

"Griffon Kingdom?" I asked myself, "Since when were they part of the games?"

"It is quite a humorous story." Luna replied, "We'll tell you about it sometime."

"Next, welcome the delegation from Las Pegasus!" shining continued to announce.

Las Pegasus sounds very high class, I thought. Maybe that could be where I take Rarity for our honeymoon.

"And finally, please welcome the delegation from Ponyville!"

The CMC's and Silver Spoon came out with their team opening part, followed by Ponyville's team of Dash, Fluttershy, Bulk and Derpy.

We heard Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack cheering from the row that was above where Twilight and I were sitting and we were cheering loud as well, forgetting that we were in the presence of the other important ponies.

Silver Spoon brought out the team flag and stuck the pole on the ground along with the other flags from other cities and towns.

I then heard a hoof tap from my left from Celestia.

"Prince Bond, that's your queue to go up to the torch and bring it to light." she said.

"Right, I'll do it now." I replied.

I then got off my chair and flew upwards to the torch where Ms. Harshwinney was there.

"You may light the torch now, Pince Bond." she said.

I nodded as I flew up from the stand and concentrated my magic...and just so, I created an aura around the rim below the torch and then in one big whoosh, a fire wall appeared before it went into small blue flames around it. The crowd went wild as I breathed in my moment of pride and saw everypony smiling at me. Especially Rarity who blew me a kiss from afar. I then flew back down and gave Rarity a quick kiss before I flew back to my seating area with the Princesses.

"Let the games begin!" Shining announced and the crowd cheers as the first game got underway.

Some of the games passed and so far, Ponyville were doing really great but so were Cloudsdale, I guess I was wrong about Soarin...unless he's waiting for the right time to cost his team the win.

"Our next event...the aerial relay!"

"That's Rainbow Dash's team." I said to Twilight.

"I'm sure they'll win this one, just how they learnt at Rainbow Falls." she replied.

The event began and our team had a bit of a slow start but we knew that Dash would bring it back for us...the race was then over and we could see that Cloudsdale won the gold in that event whilst Dash's team took silver.

We could hear Pinkie cheering loudly from where we were. Shortly, the top three teams took their places on the podium.

"Congratulations to all our medallists. And now, the anthem of Cloudsdale will be sung by Lightening Dust!"

I pondered, I didn't know Lightening could sing, I guess we'd have to wait and find out what her singing voice is like. She got on the small stage by the mic and began to sing and to our surprise, she had a great voice, when she was finished, the crowd cheered.

"And so the Games conclude as they always do, with the ice archery finals! Ice archers, take your places!"

"Too bad Ponyville doesn't have any ice archers competing. We don't have anyone to root for." Twilight said.

"That's okay. Ponyville has thirty seven medals, and Cloudsdale thirty six." I replied, "So it looks like we'll be the overall winners of the Games anyway!"

"I wouldn't be sure, Cloudsdale has two ice archery finalists down there now! If they both place top 3, Cloudsdale wins the medal count!"

"So you're saying that it all comes down to this one event?"

"Pretty much."

The final event began and they used thier teeth to aim and fire with the bows as they began hitting the arrows on the targets.

"Hmm, they don't look like normal arrows to me." I commented as one of the arrows covered a part of the target.

"They freeze whatever part of the target they hit. Whoever encases their entire target in ice first wins." Twilight explained.

The event continued as one of the two pegasuses from Cloudsdale managed to cover up his target in ice. The other one next to him then fired his bow, but he tripped up on his stick of arrows and the arrow ended up going up to the sky towards a huge cloud above the stadium...I gasped and knew that there was trouble coming.

The ice arrow went deep into the cloud and it suddenly turned into a huge spiked ice cloud then began to fall down slowly, the ponies underneath it galloped away to safety whilst several pegasuses flew up and tried to stop the iced cloud.

"What can we do?" I asked, "We can't just sit here!"

Just when Twilight was about to reply, Spike suddenly showed up from the field.

"Leave it to me!" he yelled as he ran onto the field and jumped up. "Dash, Fluttershy! Move!"

He jumped on the backs of the pegasuses and confronted the ice cloud and with his all his strength, he breathed in a much as me could until he breathed out a huge dose of fire which stopped the iced cloud from moving before it began to melt and turn into rainfall. Spike to my surprise had an umbrella at the ready as he opened it to protect himself from getting wet.

We all breathed a sigh of relief and the crowd started cheering at Spike's bravery. We couldn't sit here, we had to go and praise him and Twilight agreed. We left our seats and reunited with the others with me hugging Rarity and kissing her as Spike came towards us.

"That was awesome!" Dash praised.

Cadence then showed up with us.

"I just wanted to thank you personally for saving those ponies and the Games, Spike." she said, "You must be very proud."

"I guess." he replied, feeling a little unsure.

"You guess?" I asked.

"Well yeah Bond, these crystal ponies here still see you as a hero. I just saw what needed to be done and reacted. Just so happens I can breathe fire and...if any of you could do that, you'd have done the same."

"Forgive me for bein' blunt, Spike, but you're not makin' a lick of sense." Applejack said.

"Well, it's just how I feel."

"Wait a second. I think I get it. You keep saying you let everypony down, but we all keep saying you didn't." Twilight said, "You know who's disappointed in you, Spike? You. And only you can make it right with you again. What would that take, Spike?"

"Meh, I don't know."

"Well, since Prince Bond opened the ceremony with the torch, would you do me the great honour of lighting fireworks at the closing ceremonies tonight?" Cadence asked.

"Come on, Spike." I added, "I saved the Crystal Empire, but you saved the ponies here and the game from certain disaster. I believe you deserve to have your moment with the fireworks."

Spike then changed his expression from sad to determined.

"Hmm..okay, I'll give it a shot!"

We all cheered, it was now time for the medal count and before that happened, the pegasi who fired the arrow into the cloud was willing to be disqualified for nearly putting everypony in danger because of his recklessness. Shining Armour accepted the claim which meant that after the final event, Ponyville won the medal count by one medal.

The closing ceremony arrived and it was time for Spike to light up the fireworks and just as before, he breathed in big and breathed out fast and his fire lit up all the fireworks as one by one they went into sky and exploded, revealing several colours and the crowd wooed and gasped at the display.

It was the beginning of the night when the event was finally over, we all began walking back to the station. The CMC's along with Silver trotted over to where Applejack, Dash and Rarity were there, already waiting along with Pinkie and Fluttershy.

"Oh! There are our little superstars! You were fabulous!" Rarity complimented as she hugged Sweetie.

"Made me sit up proud like a cornstalk in August!" Applejack added as she hugged Applebloom.

"Ya done good, squirt!" Dash said as she messed Scootaloo's mane playfully.

"You three really were wonderful." Twilight said.

"I would have to agree and Silver, you were terrific as an interim team member." I complimented.

"Thank you Bond...I feel so happy to be with these many friends." she replied as the CMC's gave her a group hug.

We all agreed that it was time to go home, so we got on board and we were on our way back to Ponyville. Across the table, I saw and listened to what Spike had to say when he wrote down today's lesson.

"You know, it's kinda weird. No matter how many times others tell you you're great, all the praise in the world means nothing if you don't feel it inside. Sometimes to feel good about yourself, you gotta let go of the past. That way, when the time comes to let your greatness fly, you'll be able to light up the whole sky."

"Great lesson there." I commented.

"Thanks dude...I also wanna thank you for letting me have my moment, you're one amazing friend." he replied.

We then did a bro hoof/claw before I heard a few yawns from around us.

When we all got back to Ponyville, we all shared one group hug as we all tired from today's event. Silver, Bulk, Derpy and the CMC's already went home, leaving the seven of us and Spike outside the station.

"So, with the Equestria Games now done, what are gonna do now?" I asked.

"Well, we still have the objective to open that crystal box." Twilight replied. "And according to the journals you've all written, we may have all of the keys to unlock it."

"Not quite sugarcube, you've yet to find yours." Applejack said.

"Yeah, but I don't know where to get mine."

"We'll just have to wait and see if any event comes up that might have the last key." Rarity said.

"In the meantime, I think we should have a few days to ourselves. It'll do us a lot of good." Fluttershy suggested.

"Great idea...I think we can all do with that for a while." Twilight agreed.

"Well, apart from me and my fiancé." I smirked as I looked at Rarity, "But I get what you mean."

I then shared a loving kiss with her before we all had a group hug and exchanging our farewells. I walked on into my home and the more I think about it, the more I realize that it's becoming no longer the same on just sleeping on my own in my own home. If I'm going to marry Rarity in the future, I at least would be willing to find a welcoming home for the two of us.

But for now, getting that crystal box unlocked is now our main concern, but I had an inkling that it was going to take something huge in order for that to happen...oh well, time to sleep and have a chance to dream...

Twilight's Kingdom Part 1.

Five Days Later

I woke up to hearing a knock on my door, I gasped as I looked at my pocketwatch to see it was already the afternoon. I got out of bed and went to open the door to see Twilight.

"Afternoon Bond, Princess Celestia has asked us to meet with the dignitaries in Canterlot." she said.

"Afternoon Twilight, you mean as in smiling and waving?" I asked.

"Yeah, it may not seem much but the Princess wants us to do our part of the royal greeting."

"Well, if Celestia needs us to, then I guess we better get going."

"Right, but let's get our friends to come along too."

I left my home and we began rounding up the other mares and Spike and we boarded a train to Canterlot, when we arrived, we left the station and walked to the castle.

"Seems like only yesterday I was saving the Crystal Empire from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?" Spike asked.

"You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here." Dash replied.

"Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits." Rarity added sarcastically.

"Heh, point taken."

I quietly kissed Rarity on the cheek.

"I'm glad you all wanted to come, but I don't think it's gonna be that exciting." Twilight said, "We pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive."

"Yes, but you and Bond get to smile and wave like a princess and a prince."

"Yes, but you're my princess, Rarity." I assured which made Rarity blush.

"How exactly is that different than smilin' and wavin' like not a princess and prince?" Applejack asked.

"It isn't." Twilight sighed,

"What's wrong, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

"Why the looooooooong face?" Pinkie also asked.

I then performed a rimshot out of the blue.

"I've just been feeling a little unsure about things lately. It doesn't seem that my new role as a princess equates to all that much."

"That's just silly. You've got a real important role in Equestria." Applejack said

"Princess Celestia wouldn't have asked you to come today if she didn't think so." Fluttershy added.

"I guess you're right." Twilight replied.

"Of course we are. Now hurry along!" Rarity told us, "You two don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet."

We then arrived by the castle where the three Princesses were, Celestia, Luna and Cadence greeted us.

We all joined up on the balcony and Twilight and I were looking over the town. A fanfare began to play as the ponies we barely saw back at the Equestria games arrived.

"The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!" the orange guard announced.

Twilight used her magic to roll down a banner from the tower and the ponies on the ground greeted the princesses whilst we smiled and waved at them going into the castle.

"That was it?" Spike asked, "Princess Celestia had you both come all the way to Canterlot just to do that?"

I looked at him with a blank face and Twilight held her head a little lower.

"I mean, whoa, really regal and important!" Spike added, changing his tune before he got thumped on the head by Applejack.

"Not much of a comeback there, I'm afraid." I smirked.

"Yeah whatever..."

Sometime later, Twilight and I were in the hallway, the others had already gone home but promised to be waiting for us when we were done with our royal duty. We were then greeted with the The Duke and Duchess was saw earlier and bowed at them.

"Your Highness and Lordship. Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum." The Duke said.

"Of course." Twilight replied.

The Duke and Duchess then left the castle as we stood in the hallway, until the three princesses arrived.

"Is there anything else we can do to assist with their visit?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, Twilight and Bond, but their visit is already over." Cadence replied.

"Oh." Twilight sighed.

"Something wrong?" Luna asked.

"I guess we just don't really understand why we're here, especially me. Couldn't one of the royal guard have unfurled the banner?"

"Having all four of us in the Canterlot Castle to greet them lets the dignitaries know that their visit is considered an important one." Celestia replied.

"Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see my favourite sister-in-law." Cadence added as she placed her hoof around Twilight.

"And I'm happy to see you. All of you." Twilight said.

"But...?"

"But I...well, it's just that Princess Luna raises the moon, Princess Celestia raises the sun, you protect the Crystal Empire, and all I seem to do is... smile and wave."

"Well I don't do anything much important, but you don't hear me complain." I said.

"That's not the point."

Just then, background music began to play. Maybe I should try singing this time.

It isn't that I'm ungrateful

For all the things that I've earned,

For all the journeys I have taken,

All the lessons that I have learned

But I wonder where I'm going now,

What my role is meant to be

I don't know how to travel

To a future that I can't see

I have my wings, I wear this crown

I'm a princess, this is true

But it's still unclear to me

Just what I am meant to do

I wanna have a purpose

Wanna do all that I can

I wanna make a contribution

I want to be a part of the plan

Celestia comforted her as she sang.

Your destiny's uncertain

And that's sometimes hard to take

But it will become much clearer

With every new choice you make

Luna then joined in.

Patience is never easy

I understand wanting more

I know how hard it is to wait

To spread out your wings and soar

Cadence then sung which was the first time we heard her sing.

But you stand here for a reason

You're gifted and you are strong

That crown is upon your head because

You belong

I then cleared my throat and gave my part a go.

Know that your time is coming soon

As the sun rises, so does the moon

As love finds a place in every heart

You are a princess; you'll play your part

I then stood back, slightly embarrassed but happy to have sung my bit.

We understand you wanting more

A chance to shine, a chance to soar

Soon will come the day it turns around

Know that your time is coming soon

As the sun rises, so does the moon

As love finds a place in every heart

You are a princess; you'll play your part

You are a princess; you'll play your part

The song then finished and Twilight smiled happily.

"Your time will come." Celestia said as she hugged Twilight.

"Come on Twilight, we should go back now, it's nearly night time." I said.

We then left the castle and waved to the princesses before we left Canterlot and caught the train back to Ponyville. Rarity and Spike were the only two waiting as all the other mares had to go home, but suggested we would all meet up to discuss about the crystal box and what keys we each managed to receive in our encounters.

"Well I would like that idea very much." Twilight said as Spike got on her back. "Goodnight you two, see you and the others in the morning."

"Same to you both." I replied as I walked back with Rarity.

"I'm happy you're home darling, I've missed you." she said, kissing me.

"I missed you too my love, I don't see myself anywhere else but with you nowadays."

I kissed her back as we got to her home and walked inside.

"You know dear, I've been thinking. You've been sleeping with me more than at your own home recently. Maybe we should plan to have a house of our own someday."

"I've wondered about that as well, but I'm not sure how big of a house we would need to store both mine and your stuff under one roof."

"Well, we can talk about that later tomorrow after discussing the crystal box issue...in the meantime, let's have a quiet sleep together."

"Alright, Rarity...we'll do that."

We kissed once more before we got to her bedroom and snuggled up close in her bed and waited until we began to sleep.

When it was the next morning, we heard a knock on the door. I got up first and went downstairs to answer it.

"Bond, we've got a major problem." Twilight said.

"Major? I guess the meet up with the others is gonna have to wait?" I asked.

"Don't worry, they agreed to see us later instead of the morning."

"Alright, let me tell Rarity and we'll get going."

"Okay, but time may be short."

I trotted upstairs and saw Rarity who had just woke up.

"Morning darling, is anything wrong?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes.

"There is, Twilight and I have to go to the castle, it's an emergency."

"Emergency?"

"Yes, the princesses need her and me right now...but I will be back as soon as we can."

"Alright dear, be careful."

"I will."

We then shared a loving kiss until I turned around and proceeded to leave her house. Twilight and I agreed to fly straight to the castle since it's been a while since I used my wings. We got there quite quickly and entered into the castle to see Celestia, Luna and Cadence.

"Twilight and Bond, thank you for coming quick." Cadence said.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"We must tell you a story before we can discuss the issue." Luna replied as Celestia brought out a book and opened the pages.

"Tirek and his brother Scorpan came here from a distant land, intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard." Celestia explained.

Unicorn wizard...that must be Starswirl The Bearded that Twilight talked about a few times, I thought.

"Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans. When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted us to Tirek's intentions." Luna added.

"Scorpan returned to his own land, and Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape."

"We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates."

"Oh yes, that was the time you were worrying about what your future self was trying to warn you, right?" I asked.

"Yes. But that was a long time ago." Twilight replied. "Why is he just now starting to steal magic?"

"His time in Tartarus left him very weak. He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers." Celestia said

"But with each passing moment, he grows stronger still." Luna added.

"And I know just the princess who can stop him." Cadence said.

"Yes. I'll find him and–"

Twilight got cut off.

"No, Twilight. I'm afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek." Celestia said.

"You mean me?" I asked.

"No...Discord."

We all gasped.

"Wait, wait, wait...but why him?"

"He's the only being who can sense imbalanced magic, so when Tirek steals magic, he will be able to sense the location and find him."

"But can we really trust him...what if he tries to convince Discord to go back to his evil ways?"

"Well, that's where you come in." Luna replied.

"Me?"

"Yes...we want you to keep an eye on Discord, just in case he finds Tirek and tries to persuade him, but only from a distance."

"Ahhh as in, watching him from a distance? Right, I can do that without a problem."

"Good, you may both go and be with your friends." Celestia said.

"Got it."

Twilight and I left the castle and flew all the way back to Ponyville and just in time, the rest of the mares and Spike were outside the library.

"Happy to see you two!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"So, are we thinking about the crystal box?" Rarity asked as I kissed her.

"Not quite." I replied.

Twilight and I then talked to them about what the princesses said to us and they gasped at Discord's name.

"As in Discord Discord?" Applejack asked.

"Yes!"

"I don't think it's that big of a surprise. He can be very helpful." Fluttershy said.

"He can sense when there's a magical imbalance. The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down whilst Bond will keep an eye on him from a distance." Twilight said.

"So what are you supposed to do in the meantime?" Dash asked.

"Nothing. Unless of course one of you needs me to smile and wave."

"Where are you going?" Spike asked as Twilight began to walk away.

"To the Castle of the Two Sisters. I'm not really needed anywhere else. Might as well catch up on some of my reading."

"You want some company?" I asked.

"It has been a while since we visited the castle. Might be fun!" Applejack added.

"Maybe I could use a little company right now." Twilight replied, smiling a little.

We all then walked together through the Everfree forest and along the way, we came across the tree of harmony which was still glowing with strong magic.

"I still can't believe we had to give back the Elements." Dash sighed.

"It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn't have survived." Rarity said.

"But Twilight was right. Even without the Elements, our friendship is as strong as ever." Fluttershy added.

"Ah just hope another 'friend' of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up." Applejack said rolling her eyes.

"Oh, you're talking about me, I presume?" Discord asked as he approached us by a flying umbrella.

"Discord, are you the new Mary Poppins?" I asked with a smirk.

"Oh ha de ha, mister watching over me from afar."

"Anyways, how'd you guess about us talkin' about you?"

"My ears were burning."

"What are you even doing here, Discord?" Dash asked.

"Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission. I suppose you all know that I've been tasked to capture a certain escapee."

"Big deal." Spike commented.

"You're right, Spike. It is a big deal. Seems I possess a magic that gives me quite an important role in Equestria. Maybe they should make me an Alicorn princess."

He then appeared with fake wings and a fake horn.

"In your dreams!" Dash remarked.

"Oh, I never dream of such things. Ask Princess Luna."

"Don't you have a creepy magic-stealin' villain to track down?" Applejack reminded.

"Yes, yes, yes, of course. It's just that I couldn't help but notice that Twilight hasn't yet opened this little chest of hers." he paused as he took us to inside the cave by the crystal box that was displayed on a flower. "I-I-It got me thinking, what if what's locked inside is something that could help her prove her royal worth? I only bring it up because she said that she's been feeling like her role as a princess doesn't equate to much."

"Wait a minute! How do you know how she was feeling?!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Oh, my. Is eavesdropping not the way you're supposed to find out what your best pals are up to? Woe is me. Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend...Well in any case, I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit.

"And good riddance!" Applejack said.

"Oopsie-doopsie, I almost left with the little journal you've all been keeping. What a fascinating read. Haven't you girls just learned so much? I've bookmarked a few of the more interesting passages. You really should take a look! We're still on for tea later, aren't we, Fluttershy?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Fluttershy replied.

"Well, I'll bring the cucumber sandwiches."

He then disappeared and we didn't hear him again.

"Sometimes ah think the 'reformed' Discord is more obnoxious than the 'before-he-was-reformed' Discord." Applejack said.

"Indeed." Rarity replied.

"But he could be right, couldn't he? What if there is something important in that chest?" Fluttershy asked.

"There's only one way to find out."

"Well girls, I guess I better go and keep an eye on Discord just in case he finds Tirek." I said to them.

"Alright darling...but do be careful, you are going to be near them both, I'm really worried." Rarity said as she held onto me tight.

"I will be...remember, if I can overcome Dark Wonder, I'm sure to be able to defend myself against Tirek."

"Okay, we'll look for answers at the abandoned castle in the meantime." Twilight replied.

I gave Rarity a passionate kiss before I flew up and went to the sky and started looking for Discord. When it was nightfall, I was in Canterlot and I didn't find Discord, but from a distance, I found a weird looking monkey dressed all over in black cloak...that must be Tirek. I landed on one of the rooftop houses and kept a watchful eye. He began to approach a grey unicorn who was reading a book and had no idea that Tirek was behind him.

I could only stand in horror as to what was about to happen to that unicorn...if that is a normal pony or perhaps Discord...the pony suddenly turned around.

"Tirek, I presume?" he asked, showing his real face...it was indeed Discord.

"Discord. You're free?" Tirek asked.

"As a bird." he replied, changing into a parrot for a moment before he went back to his normal appearance.

"I commend you on your escape."

"I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual."

He clicked his fingers and placed chains on Tirek's arms...good move Discord.

"Oh, I should have known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself."

I flew closer to another house so I could hear them more clearly.

"Oh, I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing it for my friends. Just between the two of us, it's mostly for Fluttershy."

"Fluttershy? You're not saying you're friends with ponies?"

"Surprised?"

"I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this 'friendship' is but a new form of imprisonment. Clearly you've had to abandon your true nature to stay in their good graces."

"I have done nothing of the sort!"

"Oh, please, I've seen this before. But he was always weak minded. You are Discord, you are legend, you cannot fall into the same trap that claimed my brother! Help me to grow strong, and be rewarded with something far greater than friendship. Freedom."

Discord began to look like he was being convinced, this was not good.

"Once I've stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down. Who better to do so than the master of chaos himself? Join me, Discord, and reclaim your greatness. Unless, of course, 'pony errand boy' is the role you've always wanted to play in this world."

I gasped as it looked like Discord was beginning to look evil.

"NO! DON'T DO IT!" I shouted as I flew from my hiding place and landed beside him, not aware of putting myself in danger. "How dare you try to feed Discord with your lies, you poor excuse for a monkey!"

"Ohhh, good one Prince Bond." Discord praised, "I didn't think of that myself."

"Well, looks like we have an alicorn...Discord, won't you mind helping me by draining this one of his magic?" Tirek asked.

"Don't do it Discord, Fluttershy worked her flank off to get you to be a good friend and we had to accept it as well."

"My, my...you are quite resistant...but it will not be enough to defeat me and my plans."

"Blah, blah, blah...like I haven't heard this before...you're gonna be defeated, pain and suffering, you will not succeed...when will you villains ever get some originals lines?"

Tirek began to growl in anger.

"Growl all you like, but you'll be back in Tatarus soon...Discord, whatever you do, do not go back to your old ways, he'll turn on you."

I then flew away as fast as I could to Ponyville to find Twilight back at her library, I grabbed her hoof and told her that it's urgent. We flew over to the castle to the Princesses and we galloped into the throne room.

"Princesses, we have another problem!" I exclaimed.

"What is it Twilight and Bond?" Celestia asked.

I then told them and Twilight what I had seen and heard as I was watching over Discord and Tirek.

Celestia sighed, "It appears that I have put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him."

"How could he do this?!" Twilight asked, "I thought our friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed."

"If Discord gets convinced to join his side, then Tirek will be able to gather enough magic to even steal flight magic from pegasi as well as draining away the unicorns of thier magic!" Luna added.

"He will also go after the Earth Ponies and then the ponies will no longer be in control of their world. That power will belong solely to Tirek."

"There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic. If he gets Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it."

"Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost."

"But there is one solution. It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us."

We gasped...knowing that this could very well be the challenging foe we would be facing since my battle with Dark Wonder, I really hoped and prayed that our closest friends and my fiancé are still alright...

To Be Continued...

Twilight's Kingdom Part 2.

Twilight and I stood in absolute silence at what we heard, Princesses getting rid of thier own magic as a sacrifice sounds like a heavy burden that neither one of us could handle.

"Tirek is set on possessing Alicorn magic. When he comes for us, we cannot have what he is looking for." Luna said.

"Does that mean I have to get rid of my magic as well as Twilight?" I asked.

"You misunderstand. Our magic cannot just disappear into thin air. Somepony must keep it safe."

"That somepony is you, Twilight." Cadence added.

"Why me?" she gasped.

"We believe that Tirek is not aware of a fourth Alicorn princess exists in Equestria, and Bond, thanks to your protest against being recognized as a Prince in Equestria, he may not be even aware of your title, even though he saw you earlier." Celestia said, "If we transfer our magic to you, Tirek will not know where it has gone."

"Do you understand what we're asking of you?" Cadence asked.

"Yes. It's just... I'm only now learning how to control my own alicorn magic." Twilight replied, "To take on even more–"

"Twilight, you represent the Element of Magic. If there is anypony who can do this, it's you." Cadence assured.

"Taking on this task will be one of the most difficult things I'll ever do, but with the help of my friends–"

"I'm sorry, Princess Twilight and Prince Bond, but you must keep your new abilities a secret, Twilight." Celestia said, cutting her off. "I fear that your friends being aware of your new power could put them at great risk. Do you still think you can take on this responsibility?"

"This is the role I am meant to play as a princess of Equestria! I will not fail to do my duty!"

"Then we must begin at once."

"Meanwhile, I'll stand well back." I said as I walked several steps back.

Celestia, Luna and Cadence circled around Twilight and used their magic to create a huge circle of coloured power like a ball, it then shrank as the power went into Twilight's horn.

The three princesses fell down in exhaustion and I noticed they didn't have thier cutie marks now and Twilight hugged Celestia.

"It is done." Celestia sighed.

I checked my scouter to see the power level of Twilight...it was over umm...six thousand.

"For now, I better watch over you, Twilight. Just in case you get a magical surge you can't control." I advised.

"Good thinking Prince Bond, you two may now leave and find a way to stop Tirek." Luna said.

"We will."

Twilight and I flew away from the castle until she had a surge that teleported away from me. I could only assume that she went back to the library. When I arrived, she was there and she sneaked into the library and so did I until Spike woke up.

"You weren't gone very long. Does that mean everything's okay?" Spike asked.

"Yep! Everything's fine!" Twilight replied, chuckling nervously as a few of books went flying around via a magic surge.

"In that case, I'm going back to bed. Sun's not up... and neither am I."

"That's strange. The sun should be up by now..." she then gasped, "The sun should be up by now!"

"Of course!" I said quietly, "Because you have the princesses magic, you have to raise the sun as well to bring forth the next day."

Twilight went up to her bedroom and looked through the window to see the moon.

"Okay, I can do this..." she said to herself.

I stood back as she began using her magic and in a few seconds, she lowered the moon and then raised the sun although it took a bit to get it controlled and soon the sun was now in the sky. At least we could see the lands better now.

Twilight walked downstairs and attempted to open the door with her magic but she ended up blowing the door away.

"Well, at least you be getting any knock-knock jokes anymore." I said with a wink.

"I have to gain better control. I sure can't practice here." Twilight said.

"Well, there is an open field where you can try, away from the town." I suggested.

"Then let's go."

We began galloping away from Ponyville, until I heard Spike from behind us.

"Uh, Twilight, where are we goin'?" he asked.

She then had another magic surge as she flew up fast leaving a small boomed crater before landing on the field where we could just see her. I galloped along towards her and so did the other mares who turned up.

"Oh, my goodness, are you all right?" Fluttershy asked.

"Jumpin' junebugs, Twilight! When did you learn to fly that fast?" Applejack asked.

"I must have caught a particularly strong breeze...or something." Twilight replied nervously.

"Must have been "or something", because there wasn't any breeze up there." Dash said.

" I don't know what happened, but I don't really have time to figure it out right now."

"Another visit to the Castle of the Two Sisters, I presume? We'd be more than happy to accompany you!" Rarity said.

"Not today! Tirek may still be a threat. I need you all to stay here and encourage everypony to remain inside."

Twilight then walked into the forest, leaving us six worried about her. I was the only one who knew about the magic transfer, but I had to keep it a secret. We then began working on bordering up every single door and window all across Ponyville, when we were done, it now looked like a ghost-town.

"Alright, y'all. Ah think we've warned everypony to stay inside." Applejack said.

"I'm sure Discord will catch Tirek and this will all be over soon." Fluttershy added.

"I'll bet he takes his sweet time." Dash said.

"Or perhaps these things just take time." Discord intervened as he showed up near us.

"You're back! Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?" Fluttershy asked as she hugged him.

I then noticed he was wearing some kind of necklace of medallion around his neck...Tirek must've succeeded in convincing him to join forces...I placed my bubble shield on standby, ready to activate.

"I did. I imagine they'll be your last decent meal for quite some time."

He clicked his fingers but at the same time, I used my spell and teleported to another area and then activated my stealth spell.

"Ta-da...what, where did Bond go?"

Suddenly, Tirek showed up and to my surprise, he looked much bigger and he wasn't a monkey as I thought, he was a centaur. Somepony's been playing too much Acropolis, I thought.

"You've gathered up all of them?" he asked.

"And her little dragon, too."

"Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends!" Fluttershy cried.

"Oh, we were. But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties. Surely you saw this coming."

"I didn't. I really didn't."

Tirek lifted up the cage and opened his mouth and breathed in the magic and strength from the five mares, I saw Discord looking away in sadness and regret. Tirek grew even bigger and had much more power.

"You really think she'd do anything for them?" Tirek asked.

"If Twilight has magic to give, it will be yours." Discord replied, "Soon there won't be a Pegasus, Earth pony or unicorn who will be able to stand up against us."

"Us? Who said anything about us?"

"You did."

"You've helped me grow strong, you've provided the means by which I can obtain Princess Twilight's magic, and now you are no longer of any use to me."

Tirek then grabbed Discord and drained him of his dark magic, which surprised me.

"But you said this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty. A gift from someone close to you."

"My brother who betrayed me. It is as worthless as he is."

Tirek then walked off, possibly to find Twilight.

"Surely you saw this comin'." Applejack remarked.

"I didn't. I truly didn't."

Looks like Discord got a taste of irony once again, I couldn't stand here whilst in stealth, I had to fly away and find Twilight fast before Tirek does. To my relief, I found Twilight first by the edge of the cliff, looking over at the abandoned castle.

"I can do this." Twilight said.

"Twilight! We are in big trouble now!" I exclaimed as I approached her.

"Bond, what is it?"

"It's Tirek, because of the portrait of you in the throne room, he found out about you. He captured our friends and then turned his back on Discord and drained him of his magic. He's on his way to find you, but he still doesn't know about me....wait a minute, I think we can still play that card."

"What do you mean?"

"Would you be able to transfer the princesses magic to me, but not your own?"

"I'm not sure I can do that."

"Princess Twilight!" Tirek yelled from afar.

"Tirek!" Twilight gasped as we looked over to other side of another forest.

"You have something that belongs to me!"

I teleported away fast and I stayed in mid-flight, I then saw Twilight teleport to the library balcony and she looked through the telescope. We noticed Tirek approaching towards us and began to hurl a huge fireball at us. Twilight and I got away from the library just in time before the fireball exploded. I was able to grab Twilight and landed her down on the ground, before we looked back and saw...the library completely burnt and destroyed.

"YOU MANIAC" I shouted at Tirek, "YOU BLEW IT UP!"

Twilight got up and showed a determined look, I stayed behind one of the houses whilst she flew up and launched a massive burst of energy at Tirek who got pushed back a long way. Twilight landed on the ground as Tirek began to smirk.

"Now I understand what your fellow princesses have done!" he said.

And thus the the battle that would certainly pass off as a Dragonball Z confrontation began. I looked to see Twilight and Tirek trying to defeat other, but neither of them could finish the job. The battle seemed to be declared as a no winner as Tirek got up from a pile of rocks.

"It appears we are at an impasse. How about a trade, Princess Twilight?" he then showed the others, Spike and Discord all trapped in bubbles, "Their release for all the Alicorn magic in Equestria."

I then showed up beside her.

"Even mine?" I asked.

"Yes...even yours...Prince Bond Racer!"

"Sooo you finally figured me out."

"Silence! What's it going to be?"

"Don't do it, Twilight!" Dash exclaimed.

"We aren't worth it!" Fluttershy added.

"Oh, but you are, Fluttershy." Discord assured, "You're the pony that taught me that friendship is magic. I had magic and friendship, and now I don't have either."

"Enough! I want an answer, and I want it now!" Tirek demanded.

I then thought of what Discord was wearing and with my mind, I sent a telepathic message to Twilight about it and she agreed, we hoped this plan would work.

"I will give you my magic, in exchange for my friends." Twilight declared.

"As you wish."

He clicked his fingers and the bubbles popped and all of our friends fell down to the ground slowly, except for Discord.

"All of my friends."

"After the way he has betrayed you, you still call him a 'friend'?"

"Release him!"

"If that's what you want."

The bubble around Discord popped and he fell down a little hard.

"Thank you, Twilight." he said before he looked at Fluttershy, "I'm sorry."

"I know." Fluttershy replied as they hugged.

"Now...it's both of your turn." Tirek said.

Tirek then proceeded to drain Twilight of both her magic and the princesses magic...he then went ahead with draining my magic and I felt extreme amounts of pain and torture until he was finished and Twilight and I both fell to the ground, feeling weak and empty of magic. Tirek then began to grow even bigger and larger than ever before, he was now a complete giant compared to us.

The others ran towards us as we got up and Rarity held onto me tighter than before and cried on my shoulder.

"Bond Racer...my fiancé!" Rarity exclaimed as she cried.

"Oh Rarity...I feel so weak...even though we all do right now." I replied.

I could barely gather the strength to keep myself standing and kissing Rarity, let alone be strong in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Twilight, what were you thinking?!" Spike asked.

Discord walked towards us with guilt.

"Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship. But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth."

He then took off the medallion and placed it on Twilight's neck and a rainbow colour shone through it.

"That's it!" I said quietly.

"You think that might be the last one we need?" Applejack asked.

"We have to get to the chest." Twilight replied.

We all agreed as we walked away from Tirek and pretended to feel lost and defeated as we left him and walked into the cave and to the tree of harmony. When we arrived, I could see that the other five keys were already in place.

"So tell me, my friends. How did you get these keys?" Discord asked.

"Well, we each got our keys per one encounter." I started off explaining.

"It began with me getting my key from Coco Pommel in Manehatten when I showed my generosity with my friends." Rarity explained.

"Then it was me who got the wonderbolts badge from Spitfire at Rainbow Falls, proving my loyalty to my own team.." Dash added.

"I was next when Cheese Sandwich gave me his rubber chicken when he came to Ponyville." Pinkie said as she jumped up and down.

"I got mine from Seabreeze when I brought the Breezies home after learning how to be kind but firm." Fluttershy added.

"With me, ah managed to get mine from Silver Shill when he learnt about being honest." Applejack finished.

"But what you, Bond...what is your key?" Spike asked.

"Princess Luna told me that my pocket-watch..." I paused as I took it out my suit pocket. "...contains a vital key which I have never got around to looking at yet. But I guess this was given to me by my late parents whenever I needed faith in whatever I do in my life."

I looked all over at my pocketwatch and began to notice a tiny gold flap, I flipped it and I saw a tiny gold bar shaped like headphones, it showed off the rainbow glow....I was speechless, I realized that I already had the seventh key all along.

I placed my pocketwatch back in my pocket and Twilight took the tiny gold bar of mine and her medallion which both spun around fast and turned into keys before they went into the holes. Suddenly, we began hearing hoofsteps from far away...Tirek was still at large, literally and was wanting to finish off the lands.

"Together! I think we have to do this together!" Twilight announced.

We nodded quickly as there wasn't much time, we all turned our keys in unison and the a huge light appeared around the box and then a rainbow travelled from the box to tree of harmony. Then, auras of rainbow light appeared on each one of us and we all began ot feel a new source of...rainbow power I guess. We then flew out of the caves and confronted Tirek and we were in mid-air, supported by the rainbow power, we all looked at each other and agreed that we were much more stronger and powerful than before.

I blushed slightly as I saw Rarity in her rainbow power form, she was even more beautiful than ever before, but to me, she's always been beautiful. Tirek grinned and attacked us with his fire-beam, but this time, it had no effect.

"How is this possible?! You have no magic!" he exclaimed.

"You're wrong, Tirek! I may have given you my Alicorn magic, but I carry within me the most powerful magic of all!" Twilight replied.

We then blasted our rainbow power at Tirek and he screamed in agony as he began to shrank down to his weakened state before he was placed in Tatarus...hopefully locked up away permanently. The three princesses were then able to escape and return to Canterlot as we all flew across the central land of Equestria and restoring all power and magic to everypony and undid all the damage that was caused by Tirek.

When the whole land was restored, we were returned to the tree of harmony, I gave Rarity a quick kiss before we noticed the crystal box flying away and over to the bit of empty land just outside the town. We galloped over to the town just in time to see the crystal box sinking into the ground before an earthquake came and we saw a huge crystal castle coming out of the ground. When we saw it and gasped, the rainbow power around us vanished.

"Sweet Celestia! Are you all seeing what I'm seeing?" Rarity asked.

"But... whose is it?" Twilight asked.

"I believe it is yours, Princess Twilight." Celestia said as she appeared beside us along with Luna, Cadence, Spike and Discord, before we walked into the newly created castle, "You've been wondering what you are meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?"

"As princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world! The role I choose to have! But I didn't defeat Tirek on my own – it took all of us to unlock the chest!"

"Then it is unlikely you are meant to take on this task alone."

We all nodded in agreement before we gasped in awe as we walked into a throne room with seven throne chairs and a small throne chair, probably for Spike.

"You are now Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship. But what is the princess of friendship without her friends?"

We all sat in our throne chairs that had our cutie marks above it, mine was next to Rarity whilst on my right side was Twilight.

"Wait a minute, where's my throne?!" Discord asked.

"I don't think you're quite there yet." Fluttershy replied.

"Yes, well, I suppose not."

We all then got into a group hug, even Discord joined in, seeing that he finally understands the true meaning of friendship and harmony. We then left the castle and walked out to find a crowd of ponies outside, cheering for us, I swear I never get tired of hearing or seeing that, it feels good to be one of the heroes.

Upbeat music began to play, I knew that this called for a musical part as a celebration.

Each one of us has something special

That makes us different, that makes us rare

We have a light that shines within us

That we were always meant to share

All of us then joined in.

And when we come together

Combine the light that shines within

There is nothing we can't do

There is no battle we can't win

When we come together

There'll be a star to guide the way

It's inside us every day

See it now! See it now!

Let the rainbow remind you

That together we will always shine

Let the rainbow remind you

That forever this will be our time

During the part, Discord gave Celestia a tiny bouquet of flowers...I wonder what that's all about.

Let the rainbow remind you

That together we will always shine

The music was then over and we had a group photo taken to remind us the moment. Things were then quiet and normal in Ponyville again. Cadence went back to the Crystal Empire and the two sisters returned to Canterlot, all of which had thier powers back, thanks to the rainbow power.

Twilight and Spike have thier new home and I looked all around the other parts of the crystal castle. There was a huge library and a big kitchen and also separated rooms for each of us, all having our own beds and everything else. It's like a holiday resort in a castle...I did now wonder, where do we seven ponies go from here?

Just as I was pondering some more, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey Darling, I some news for you and I think it's very important you know about it." Rarity said.

I turned around and kissed her. "Okay, we'll go somewhere more private around here and you can tell me." I replied.

We went into one of the separated bedrooms and sat down very close, holding each other.

"Just out of curiosity dear, I went to the hospital to check myself out."

"Oh you're not hurting are you?"

"No, it's nothing serious, but when the nurse told me, I couldn't believe it."

"Believe what, Rarity...remember, we have the power and the love to tell everything together."

"Alright, Bond Racer....I'm...pregnant."

Youtube Video

The Cutie Map Part 1.

I was laying down on the bed in my own house, my eyes were wide open and staring at the ceiling.

Some time had passed since Twilight got her own castle after we defeated Tirek who was the toughest opponent we ever had. We all had our own seats in the center of the castle, as if we were all members of a council. Nearly everypony in Ponyville has tried to come in for a visit, but they have been stopped by a personal guard that Princess Cadance insisted on Twilight having. He has his own room in the castle and so does Spike, most of the other places are filled with a six bedroom floor, a huge library, a big kitchen and a huge bathroom as well.

I was offered to have my own place in the castle as well, but I declined knowing that Rarity and I will be looking to get a place of our own together when the time was right and right now wasn't exactly the time. After thinking of it some more, I got off my bed and grabbed some lunch, I looked across the window to the Castle outside town.

It's awesome that she has a castle of her own, like Celestia and Cadance do, but the memories of her treehouse has gotta be playing on her mind as well. She lived in that for over four years and nearly everything in there was destroyed and worst of all, Owlicious went missing for a few days before we went out on a search party and found him in the dragon cave where Fluttershy got that red dragon to leave those years ago and was brought back safe.

Then a knock was heard on my door and all thoughts flew away instantly, I answered it straight away to see Twilight.

"Hi Bond, mind if you could come to the castle, we need to go through something important." she asked.

"Hi Twilight, sure, I could use a walk to clean my head a little. " I answered slightly hesitantly.

"Clean your head, is there something wrong?"

"It's not that important, but before you ask, if you really want to know, I'll tell you and the others when it's right to do so."

"Okay Bond, let's go."

I then left my house with Twilight and walked over to the castle and just outside the entrance, the others were already there.

"Howdy Bond, mighty fine to see ya again" Applejack greeted first.

"Yeah, it's only been a week, but it always feels wonderful to see you, girls." I replied, trying to smile.

"Especially when your love is here too, eh?" Rainbow smirked, nudging me on the shoulder.

"Rainbow dear!" Rarity slightly intervened, "Let's not embarrass him just because he's in love with me."

"Awww, I'm sure Rainbow was just kidding." Pinkie assured in her happy way.

"It's perfectly normal to be embarrassed." Fluttershy added.

"Anyways, we have to go on in." Twilight reminded as she entered the castle and the rest of us followed.

It was quite easy to know that the council room was in the center, when we walked in, we noticed Spike sleeping away in his chair next to Twilight. I took my seat next to her with Rarity on my right. We did look like an impressive council, although it would've been even cooler if our Council was something like off Star Wars, but none of us are Jedi's, nor did we have the powers of the force...in some way.

"Okay, let's go over this one more time." Twilight said.

"Ugh!" Rainbow facehoofed, "We've been over this a million times already!"

I then suddenly remembered the previous days, so I knew what Rainbow meant.

"We found the seven keys, defeated Tirek and got this sweet castle! End of story!"

"Yes, but why?"

"Ah don't know, sugarcube." Applejack replied. "Maybe it's just your new house and there ain't nothin' more to it than that."

"I must say, strictly speaking on aesthetics, there really doesn't need to be more of it. It's all simply divine..." Rarity paused before she looked at me. "...especially when my fiance with right here with me."

I blushed slightly. "Well you know me, love, I do my best to keep myself in top condition with appearances and such."

"Oh darling, you really don't have to sell yourself short, we know that we love you so."

"I agree with Twilight and Rarity, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy said before noticing Spike who was still asleep. "Oh and probably Spike."

"Shall we play a prank on him?" I asked sneakfully.

"Uhhh, let's not." Twilight disagreed as she stood in the center of the room. "As Princess...and you as well, Prince Bond, we have been chosen to spread the magic of friendship. So why would the Tree Of Harmony want us to sit in a castle in Ponyville? It doesn't make any sense."

She then got on her chair and it began, with all us on the chairs at once, some bright light appeared above her chairs with the cutie marks on them. After a moment of trembling, tiny crumbled shards appeared and a huge shaped cylinder of the Equestrian world appeared in the center. This of course woke Spike up who looked in astonishment. I had to admit, this was awesome looking.

"Is that new?" Spike asked. "I like it."

"So do I." I added. "A shame you can't play Age Of Empires with this map."

"This is incredible!" Spike said as he began walking on the cylinder map. "It's got all of Equestria!"

"Hi mom and dad!" Pinkie called when she looked at the rock farm before Spike stepped on it.

This caused Pinkie to start creating tears which was my part to step in, I lifted Spike away with my magic and towards Twilight. All the while, our cutie marks appeared in the center in the map, they then formed a circle shape and shrunk smaller until they landed on a mountain part of the map which from my angle was pointing towards the North East.

"But if this is Ponyville, why are our cutie marks over there?" Fluttershy asked.

"I don't know, but it seems the map wants us to find out." Twilight replied. "The tree, the chest, the castle and now the map, how can we not follow it?"

"By becoming a dragonborn?" I asked randomly which none of them noticed.

"You know what?" Rainbow asked as she slowly flew around the map. "There's a ton of room for dangerous adventures along that route, count me in!"

"Ah shoot, ah reckon ya right." Applejack agreed.

"Well, I was planning on organizing my baking sheets." Pinkie intervened sarcastically. "But okay!"

Rarity sighed happily. "Very well, anything to be...with you" she then trotted over to kiss me.

We then looked at Fluttershy who wasn't sure, but we understood why.

"Umm, maybe I'll just stay here with Spike." she said.

"Awesome!" Spike replied as we looked at him having a cap on with straws above crystals and a big foam claw. "Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us."

"Wait, where did you get those from?" I asked.

"From Applebloom, remember when...oh wait, you were having a week off, right?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, well anyways, Big Mac and I are gonna be talking about hoofball and trading hoofball cards and arguing about hoofball stats."

"On second thought, maybe I better go with them, in case they need me." Fluttershy said.

"Looks like it's time for a roadtrip." Twilight announced.

"Sweet!" I replied. "I'll get us one of George Foreman's lean mean grilling machines so we can eat on the road!"

The other giggled, even Twilight was smiling.

"Now that was a good time to be random." she complimented. "But seriously, we should get going."

"Well, suit yourself.."Spike replied. "But he's got a hog-fed love rookie card I plan to sweet talk, right into these hot little claws!"

We then left the council room and as the others walked out of the castle, Rarity and I stopped to have a loving hug.

"Are you alright darling?" Rarity asked me worryingly.

"I'm feeling a lot better after your announcement a week ago." I replied as I held her closely.

"Have you thought about telling the others yet?"

"I have, but I don't think it would be wise to tell them whilst we're on this quest. I'd much rather tell them when it's right."

"I feel the same way, Bond, I just hope that we get to tell them before my...stomach grows, cause they'll get a little suspicious about it then."

"Don't worry, we'll tell them together once this big ordeal is over...for us and for our little one."

"Thank you darling, this is why I love you always."

"And it's also why I love you always as well, my fiance."

We then started kissing passionately before we felt a whoosh landing by us.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Rainbow said. "Why are you two still standing here, let's go!"

She then whooshed away, we giggled slightly and then left the castle where the others were waiting.

"So Twilight, are you sure this personal guard will be able to keep this castle safe?" I asked.

"Princess Cadence approved this guard, so I wouldn't worry, this place will be very secure." Twilight replied confidently. "And Spike will be around the area too."

"Yeah, when he's not playing the hoofball game with Big Mac." Applejack smirked.

"By the way, how are the other relationships going?" I asked.

"Oh my umm...is working nicely." Fluttershy replied, blushing away. "Big Mac is such a romantic stallion."

"That's caused he learnt from the best which was our Pa." Applejack said, proudly.

"Mine has been a little on the awesome side so far." Rainbow answered. "Soarin and I plan to catch up on some time together after this little quest."

"And the same will apply to us as well, darling." Rarity added as she looked at me. "Don't forget that."

"For you, Rarity, I wouldn't forget at all." I replied in my sultry low voice.

"Okay ponies, let's catch a train to the North East!" Twilight said.

We all began our walk to the station and a train came along by after a while, we got on board and it was going to where we needed to be. We left Ponyville, sat back on the couches with me and Rarity snuggled up together and enjoyed a wonderful moment of peace for the duration of our journey.

When the train stopped, we looked out to see a buffer, looks like we came to the end of the line in a desert.

"What the...how many deserts does this world have?" I asked.

None of them replied as Twilight was busy looking at a small map. We then got off the train and began walking across the desert, the trail ended after a moment and walked along a grass field, followed by a long wooden bridge to the other side and across a hill before we found a small village in the center of a huge barren area.

"That's it, that's the place on the map." Twilight said, pointing out the obvious.

"Right, let's go down there and find the spa." Rarity responded as she began walking.

"Uhhh, I don't think there's a spa from where I can see it." I replied.

Twilight teleported in front of Rarity to stop her instantly.

"Wait! We don't know why the map sent us here, we shouldn't just walk right in, it could be dangerous."

"Dangerous? A village like that in the middle of nowhere, North East?" I asked.

"Yes!" Rainbow exclaimed.

Pinkie then whooshed up in front of us.

"Stay behind me everypony, I'm on it!" Pinkie said with a determined look.

"Careful Pinkie!" Applejack warned.

Pinkie then tipped over the edge and began rolling down to the bottom and hiding behind a rock.

We then followed her downhill via a small pathway, but I took Rarity on my back and she held onto me and I flew down to the bottom. We regroup shortly and saw Pinkie hiding underneath a big rock, she had it lifted up but it was about to crash on her before Twilight lifted it out of the way.

After gaining our bearings, we looked onwards to see the village in a closer view to find lots of ponies out and about.

"This is where the map sent us?" Rainbow asked. "It looks like the most boring place in Equestria."

"I'm not sure." I replied. "Some of them look really happy to be there."

"That's just an ordinary village, full of ordinary pony folk." Applejack replied.

"Could certainly use a little architectural flourishes, or any architectural flourishes" Rarity added.

"I think it's lovely." Fluttershy said.

"I don't like it, I don't like it one bit." Pinkie intervened. "I know smiles and those smiles, they're just not right."

"I have to agree, girls, they seem a little on the creepy side." I replied.

"Forget the smiles, look at the cutie marks." Twilight said.

We had a look at one of the ponies, who had a cutie mark of a double dash sign, we then looked at several other ponies who all had the same.

"Okay, that's weird." Rainbow said.

We then hid behind the big rock to keep ourselves out of sight.

"An entire village with the same cutie marks?" Twilight asked. "How can that be?"

"I bet there's some sort of horrific monster behind it." Rainbow replied.

"What makes you say that?"

"Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super awesome?"

"Ah reckon we all just head into town, talk to some locals and find out what's going on." Applejack suggested.

"Great idea, AJ, let's go."

We began walking towards the village.

"Those smiles are bad news." Pinkie said quietly.

"I don't think it's normal at all, but we're gonna have to go to find out why." I replied. "If trouble is involved, remember that we can stick together and overcome anything."

"Quite right, my dear." Rarity replied as she held my hoof.

As soon as we walked into the village, nearly all of the smiling ponies stopped to look at us.

"Welcome." a grey stallion greeted.

Soon, nearly all the other ponies said the same word, now this was getting more weird.

"This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria." Fluttershy commented.

"Ugh. Thanks a lot, map." Rainbow sighed.

"Welcome!" one said close to us. "Pardon my forwardness, but are you two Alicorns?"

Twilight suddenly beamed with a smile.

"That there's the Princess of Friendship!" Applejack replied.

"Well, you've certainly come to the right place for friendship."

"What brings you to town?" another asked.

"We're not entirely sure." I replied. "Oh and I'm the Prince of Friendship, second in command."

"I see. Well, all are welcome here in our little village. My name is Double Diamond, and this is Party Favor."

"Howdy, Double Diamond. I'm Applejack, and this here's Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and Bond Racer."

"And you all have your own unique cutie marks."

"If you don't mind, has there been any sort of...trouble here, lately?" Twilight asked.

"Trouble? Why, I don't think we've ever had trouble in our little village." Double replied.

"It's true. You'll see. Hm." Party added.

"Perhaps you'd care to speak to our founder, Starlight Glimmer."

"I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies are." Fluttershy said.

"I've got my eye on them." Pinkie replied quietly. "Something's rotten in...whatever the name of this village is that we're in right now!"

"We know that, we just gotta keep up this appearance until we find out what's going on." I whispered back.

We walked to the end of the village with a house bigger than the others, the stallions knocked on the door.

"Starlight, we have some new visitors." Double said as we walked into the house and we looked around.

"Be ready to fight." Rainbow whispered. "We don't know what's gonna come through that door."

A door on the other side of the room opened and out came a mare unicorn.

"Welcome! I'm so pleased to have you here." she greeted.

Rainbow groaned.

"This is Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and Bond Racer." Double said.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming it's Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Bond Racer? We don't get many Alicorns around here."

"Yes, but Twilight is fine." she replied.

"So! How did you hear of our little village?"

"It's kind of a long story." I replied. "Let's just say we found it on a map."

"Technically, it's a Tree-chest-castle-map!" Pinkie corrected.

"Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you!" Starlight said. "We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time."

"Say what?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt."

"Is that why you all have those cutie marks?" Twilight asked.

"Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I gave you a tour of the village!"

I then heard marching drums as she walked out of the house, looks like a song is about to start...oh goody.

"Heads high, ponies! Marching proud!" Starlight exclaimed to the ponies around the village. "All together now! Every one of you! No pony left behind!"

Life is so grand in our town

We're always filled with cheer

We never have to look around

To know that we're all here

The other ponies joined in whilst we looked with concerned expressions.

In our town, in our town

We don't have to wait

To find out that our destiny

Is just to emulate

"Let's see those big, happy smiles!" Starlight yelled.

Life is a smile in our town

Our cutie marks the same

Because we do not separate

Ourselves by more than name

In our town, in our town

We dare not compete

Winning only breeds the worst

Ego-filled conceit

"You see? Now everypony wins!"

Life is a joy in our town

We're all equal here

No one is superior

And no one shakes in fear

In our town, in our town

We work as a team

You can't have a nightmare

If you never dream

Other ponies argue

Do you ever wonder why?

When you think your talent's special

You don't see eye-to-eye

There's just too many differences

That lead to disarray

But when you learn to act as one

It's like a holiday

In our town, in our town

We don't complicate

When you learn to simplify

Life is oh, so great

Join in our utopia

Come out of the dark

Banded by equality

By our cutie mark!

The song was then over, I then vowed to never hear that song again.

Rainbow laughed, "You're kidding, right? Give up our cutie marks? No way!"

"Rainbow Dash, don't be so rude." Fluttershy scolded, lightly "I don't think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice."

"Don't believe their smiles, Fluttershy." Pinkie warned.

"I'm sorry, I guess we're just a little confused by all of this." Twilight said.

"We have no judgments here in our village." Starlight replied. "Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our cutie marks."

False promise? I thought to myself.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Is she for real?" Rainbow asked.

"When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way." Twilight said. "But, well, it doesn't seem like you need any help."

"Have you considered perhaps that you might have been sent here so we could help you?" Starlight asked. "After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different? But that is entirely your choice. Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We're all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well. Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need."

"Of course." Double replied.

Starlight then walked away and back into her home, we walked around the village and were greeted by more ponies.

"A cutie mark is a representation of a pony's unique talents and skills." Twilight said. "How is it possible to-"

Rarity gasped, cutting Twilight off. "What in the name of Equestria is that?!"

"Welcome!" A shopkeeper greeted. "Care to sample some local fashion? We've got cloaks this month!"

Rarity almost vomited at the sight, "Ooh, er, perhaps another time, good sir, thank you." she replied.

We then sat on a bench and looked around with more curious concerns.

"No wonder nopony's wearing anything!" I added.

"Really, Bond!" Fluttershy hushed, "They may do things a bit differently than we're used to, but that's no reason to be rude."

"No, the reason to be rude is that they all keep staring at us!" Rainbow protested.

"Need something?" Double asked.

"Uh, no! We're good!" Twilight replied before whispering to us, "Fluttershy's right. If we're going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we'll need the help of these ponies."

"Ah think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!" Applejack said.

"If we were at the end of Equestria, we'd be sitting on a big 'A'!" Pinkie giggled, "Get it?"

" Oh, please, Miss Pie!" Rarity scolded. "This is hardly the time for jokes! We've come all this way and for what?"

"Maybe you're right." I replied. "But we're here now, and it sure feels like something's wrong."

"That and two bits'll get you a cup of cider." Applejack added.

"Is this a bad time?" a mare asked beside us.

"We shouldn't be bickering like this in front of our new friends." Fluttershy said. "Really, Applejack, you're almost as bad as Rainbow Dash!"

"Don't drag me into this!" Rainbow intervened.

"Is your friendship ending?" the mare asked again.

"Are you crazy?!" Pinkie replied. "We'd never let a disagreement get in the way of food!"

"O-kay, well, my name is Sugar Belle. What can I bring you? We have muffins..."

All of us looked worried and tried not to show our faces, but we failed miserably.

"Then I guess we'll take six muffins!" Twilight answered.

"Make that twelve!" Pinkie added. "What? I'm hungry!"

"Says the mare who still has doubts about this village." I smirked.

"Come on, ponies. We've got to stick together." Twilight hushed. "It doesn't matter what happened before, we're here now."

"Ah guess you're right. And the sooner we figure out why, the sooner we can go home." Applejack said as a tray of muffins was placed on the table.

"Forgive me for overhearing, but just a moment ago you were disagreeing, and now it sounds like you're...agreeing." Sugar said.

"Uh-huh..."

"Well, you had such differing opinions – and cutie marks."

"We have differing opinions all the time, darling." Rarity said.

"But you look like you're friends."

"We are friends." I said. "A simple disagreement wouldn't change that."

"I'm sorry, I'm just having a hard time understanding. Different talents lead to different opinions, which lead to bitterness and misery. So... why aren't you bitter and...?"

Pinkie suddenly spat out a muffin she ate, I had a look and they didn't look healthy to me.

"Mmmm... good..." Pinkie said, trying not to lie.

"It's all right. I know I'm not a very good baker. At least, I know I'm not any better than anypony else in the village. Well, I... hope you enjoy our little village!"

She then left us and stopped before whispering to us. "Come inside before you go! Meet me downstairs!" She then whooshed back inside.

"Okay, that was weird too." Rainbow said.

"Let's all sit here and eat these muffins and act normal." Twilight said.

"Act normal?" I asked quietly. "I don't think that'll help knowing that we're being watched."

"You think?" Rainbow asked as we looked over at Double chomping on food.

"Ah got an idea." Applejack whispered, "But you gotta eat all of them muffins, Pinkie."

"Me?! Why me?!" Pinkie asked.

"You got a stronger stomach than any of us, and that filly in there might be our best chance at findin' out what the hay is goin' on round here."

Pinkie then began to eat the muffins and her face was getting more green by each muffin, until she ate the last one and looked completely worse for wear.

"Ah can't believe you ate all our muffins, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack exclaimed. "We'd best go inside and get some more!"

"Nice work, Pinkie." I complimented. "Don't worry, I'll get Derpy to make the best muffins when we get home."

We then walked inside and downstairs to a basement.

"I've accidentally eaten cardboard tastier than that..." Pinkie sighed.

"Hello? Sugar Belle?" Twilight asked.

"Thank you for coming!" Sugar replied as she showed up in front of us.

"Why did you want us to come down here?" I asked.

"So nopony could see what's about to happen."

Just then, Party Favor and a pegasi showed up, we felt really creeped out. Twilight was about to use her magic, but she was stopped with a question.

"Are you really the Prince and Princess of Friendship?" Party asked.

"Do you know Princess Celestia?" Night asked.

"I love your cutie mark!" Sugar complimented.

"Why err thanks, I'm glad you didn't say that you really like my mane." I replied. "There's a filly we know back home who has the same problem."

"How can you be friends with different cutie marks?" Night asked. "Don't you end up hating each other?"

"Oh, look at this one! This one's great too! I'd love to have my special talent back even just for a day!" Sugar said. "Make something besides those disgusting muffins..."

"So what's stopping you? Go get your cutie marks back." Rainbow said.

"Daydreaming is one thing, but you mean actually having it put back on? That seems extreme." Party replied.

"I'm not sure Starlight would like that. She wants us all to be happy in our sameness." Sugar added.

"How do you take somepony's cutie mark anyway?" Twilight asked.

"The cutie unmarking is a beautiful experience!" Night replied. "Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these."

"But nopony should keep you from your cutie mark. It represents such an essential part of who you are." I said.

"Oh, we're not kept from them. They're in the vault up in the caves. We can visit them any time we like to remind us of the heartache of a life with special talents."

"Can we visit this cave?" Twilight asked.

"Sure, just go to our leader and she'll take you there." Party replied.

"Say no more, we're going...and in some way, we're gonna make everything right." I declared proudly. "Just wait and see..."

We then left the shop and walked back to Starlight's home and after a moment, Starlight was more than happy to take us there. We left the village and onto a rocky hill with a cave in sight.

"I'm delighted you're interested in our cutie mark vault." Starlight said. "We hope someday every pony in Equestria will make a pilgrimage here to our little village to have theirs removed too, and our message of perfectly equal friendship can finally spread across the land."

"Girls...Pinkie's sense may be rubbing off on me, but I have a bad feeling that we're walking into a trap." I whispered.

"Oh, are you sure, Bond?" Fluttershy asked. "Maybe they miss thier cutie marks a little, but even they didn't seem all that unhappy."

"Then why did they want to meet us in secret?" Twilight asked. "And why did they ask us not to tell Starlight who told us about the vault? Something's not right."

"And when somepony like Double who's behind us, it makes it even more suspicious." I said.

We came across a cave entrance after a few minutes.

"Just through here!" Starlight said as we walked in. "Behold! Our cutie mark vault!"

We all stared in shock, we saw a huge wall full of cutie marks and some sort of staff in the middle, held on a pedestal.

"Please girls, let me build up my magic and strength...I've got an idea." I whispered.

"Alright Bond, if anything goes down in a moment, just use your shield and teleport combo spell and do whatever you can." Twilight whispered back."

I smiled and then activated my stealth shield barrier.

"And here is the Staff of Sameness." "It was one of the great mage Meadowbrook's nine enchanted items. We are incredibly fortunate to have it here. This is the tool that allows us to free ourselves from our marks! I'm curious...how did the subject of the vault come up?"

We all knew Pinkie was gonna blurt the answer out, so I prepared myself for trouble that was about to happen.

"Oh, some ponies were telling us how much they missed their cutie marks." Pinkie replied.

"Were they? Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking, don't you?"

Starlight then used her magic to levitate the staff, this was about to get ugly in a hurry.

Rarity began to laugh nervously. "Well, w-we certainly didn't intend to cause any disruptions to your charming little-"

"Good. Let's just make sure of that, shall we?"

Then more ponies turned up from among the corners of the cave.

"It's a trap!" I exclaimed in a familiar voice.

Twilight then flew up and began to attack, but she was stopped by Starlight's staff who caught her and I stared in shock as her cutie mark was lifted off her flank and into the staff. Starlight then used the staff to fly the cutie mark into one of the empty slots on the vault and it sealed shut.

"And now for you, Prince Bond!"

She then proceeded to launch the staff at me, but thanks to my build up, I teleported fast and appeared outside the cave. All I could do was listen to the screams that were going on inside the cave, no doubt thier cutie marks were being taken away as well and replaced with those equals.

To Be Continued...

The Cutie Map Part 2.

This got nasty so quick...now I know what happened to the cat who got too curious.

"Aw. I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today." Starlight said from inside. "You've spent your whole lives thinking those marks are a good thing."

"Give them back!" Twilight yelled.

"Well, now you can spend the rest of your lives here with us! And we'll teach you just how much better life can be without your cutie marks!"

I needed help...and fast, so I flew all the way back to the village to find the place all quiet and only a few ponies around.

In sameness, there is peace. Exceptionalism is a lie.

I looked around to see a few loudspeakers around Starlight's house.

Free yourself from your cutie mark. Choose equality as your special talent.

I trotted around and the first thing that came to my mind was the shop we were in earlier.

Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail.

"Ugh, I don't how much I can take this, I gotta find a way to restore this problem...and soon."

Be your best by never being your best.

I opened the door and walked down to the basement in the hope that Sugar Belle was still there.

Choose equality as your special talent. Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail. Be your best by never being your best. Conformity will set you free. Accept your limitations, and happiness will follow. You're no better than your friends.

It was a lot more lighter in the basement this time, probably because Double Diamond was with the others.

"Sugar Belle, are you here?" I asked.

Just then, Sugar appeared from a corner.

"Hi Bond, what you doing back here?" she asked.

"Well first of all, how could you not tell my friends that we were walking into a trap?!"

"A trap? Oh no...I guess Double Diamond did overhear what I was saying."

"He must've warned Starlight about it as well...but even so, you should've known better than to be dishonest."

"I'm sorry Bond...I just didn't want to go through spending those days in the book room again."

"Wait, what book room?"

"It's a small area in her house where she takes new ponies to spend a few days in and welcome them to thier new lives here."

"Hmm, that sounds strange to me, but with those equals put in place, I can see why it works."

"How come she didn't take yours away?"

"It's thanks to Pinkie Pie's senses that I was able to build up my magic and teleport out of the cave to escape. Right now, I am the only pony who's able to try and free them, but I can't do it on my own. I need help and you are the closest source of help I can get."

"Ohhh, I don't know..."

"Think about it...do you really want to spend the rest of your life, baking bad muffins?"

She sighed. "No...."

"Then help me with this and my friends will find a way to get your cutie mark back. Starlight won't be a problem afterwards, I can promise you that."

"Really? You would get my cutie mark back?"

"Yes, but we're gonna need a lot of help, is Party Favor and that pegasi around here?"

"You mean Night Glider, they are, but I don't think they wanna take the risk."

"They'll have to, otherwise the future of Equestria will fall into the hooves of evil and Princess Celestia will not hesitate to destroy Starlight."

"Destroy, you mean as in kill her?"

"Now you understand what I mean here?"

"Absolutely yes! We need to rescue your friends."

Just then, we heard a voice calling outside. We walked out of the basement and looked outside to see Starlight and several ponies gathered around and the mane six were there too.

"Gather round, friends, gather round!" Starlight called. "We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them."

"We have a welcome ceremony for new friends!" Double said. "The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage-"

"Not interested!" Rainbow interrupted "You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!"

"Y'all don't understand, do ya? You can't force nopony to be friends! It don't work like that!" Applejack added.

"It's all right, everypony." Starlight assured. "This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!"

"I'd like to join!" Fluttershy said.

"Huh?" Sugar said behind me. "Why does she want to join?"

"Well, she did seem to like this place as soon as we got here, but I'm wondering why." I replied.

"Fluttershy? How could you?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it." Fluttershy replied proudly.

"Wait, I've got it." I said quietly. "They've come up with a plan and I think it's brilliant, it should buy us some time we need to help them out."

"That's good." Sugar replied.

The rest of the mares were then walked back in the book room and Starlight shut the door.

"We have a new friend, everypony!" Starlight declared. "Now, there's one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be...dissatisfied with the village life!"

Sugar gasped slightly, knowing that she is one of the few who wants her cutie mark back. Party Favor and Night Glider probably want them back as well.

"Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!" Starlight added as she looked at Fluttershy. "Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure."

Fluttershy gulped. "Um, I don't know who they were. Um, I'm sorry. I don't know your names and faces yet."

"Nonsense! Obviously these ponies must have asked you directly. Kindly point them out!"

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Leave it to me, you two."

It was Party Favor and Night Glider who had walked up beside us and Party walked right into the center and gulped.

"He'll be fine, just tell me what we need to do and we'll help you." Night whispered.

"Okay, get back behind us, this little show case isn't over yet." I replied.

"It was me! It was only me!" Party exclaimed. "But I only wanted it back for a little while!"

"And you're quite certain it was only you?" Starlight asked as she held him by the chin.

"I just wanted to remember what it was like."

"And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness."

Party was then shown the door into the book room and the other ponies around didn't seem pleased, so much for thier smiles.

"I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of-"

Starlight cut him off as she closed the door and the other ponies began to welcome Fluttershy.

"Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met." Fluttershy said.

"Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed." Starlight said. "Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer."

She then gave a mean look as she guided Fluttershy into her home.

"Well right now, girls." I sighed. "We can't do anything about it, so just act like we don't have anything up our sleeves. I'll have to stay out of the village until then so nothing goes wrong."

"Okay, Bond." Sugar replied.

"We'll rescue them for sure." Night added.

I hoped so as I began to fly away from the village till I was out of sight. I landed on the hill watching over and began to have my thoughts from all the events that followed during the week.

Almost hundreds of thoughts were going around my head at once. The two words that I wasn't sure I was going to hear Rarity say, came out and she was almost hesitating to say them. Since then, none of the other ponies know about it. I couldn't believe that was my fiance was pregnant and I am the father!

Well, it's a good thing that nopony else has heard, Rarity wanted me to have some time to myself to think it over. But do I celebrate and feel happy that I'm going to be a parent with the love of my life, or do I want her to have an abortion? The former would force me and Rarity to make serious changes to our future plans, whilst the latter would crush Rarity and everypony else would have daggers in thier eyes at me. That question plays in my mind, the irony of it all is that it's the least of my concerns, but how would the others feel or react if Rarity and I told them were going to be parents soon?

When it was the start of the evening, I quietly flew back into the village and landed outside Starlight's house.

Just then, I heard a few muffles coming from the chimney and out popped Fluttershy who was covered in smoke.

"Get the cutie marks back. That's all you've gotta do, Fluttershy." she said to herself nervously. "Just sneak through the dark up to that spooky old cave with the scary magical staff and get the cutie marks back."

"Pssst, Fluttershy." I whispered to her.

She got out of the chimney and landed by me.

"Bond Racer, you escaped?!" she exclaimed.

"Shhh, keep your voice down. Yes I did and did you say something about the cave?"

"Yes, but I'm just a little nervous."

"Well don't be, because I have two ponies who will be here to help."

Just then, we saw Double Diamond with a crate of jars, Fluttershy hid on the rooftop and hid around the corner, away from view.

He knocked on the door and Starlight answered.

"Ahhh, the jars, excellent work, Double Diamond." she commented.

"Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here." he replied "Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted."

They both walked in and closed the door, I snuck towards the window to overhear the conversation.

"This one belongs to a princess. It could be very important to our cause."

"But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?"

"I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled. You may go, Double Diamond."

Double then left the home as I hid away and he walked away.

"Oh, dear. How are we ever going to get the cutie marks back now?" Fluttershy asked.

"You got me on that one." I replied as I flew on the roof beside her. "I mean, I'm tempted to take her on, but there's a chance that she'll land a shot on me and she takes my cutie mark away."

We then heard a small commotion from inside, we flew down gently to the window to see Starlight had walked into a basin with some water. She placed the cutie mark jars on a table and wiped herself dry with a towel. We then noticed that she had a different cutie mark and Fluttershy gasped.

"I knew it, I knew she couldn't be from around here." I whispered.

She then used a bit of make up to cover it and placed a small piece of paper with equal marks on her flank and brushed on the equals. She then turned off the lights, we knew we had to do something now.

"Oh, no." Fluttershy gasped as she hugged me.

"I have an idea..." I replied as we left her home. "But it's gonna have to wait until tomorrow. When you and Starlight leave the house, I'll try to sneak in and get those jars."

"Okay...I'll try not to think about it too much, goodnight."

Fluttershy then went back inside the house whilst I walked to Sugar Belle's bakery home, I knocked on her door quietly and went in, she had a place for me to sleep through the night, so it wasn't all bad. When it was the next day, I woke up and left the bakery, only to find a crowd gathered outside the book room.

"I've got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?" Starlight asked.

The five mares all looked completely exhausted and none of them replied.

"Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we? No new friends today, I'm afraid!"

"Wait! I'd like to lock them in." Fluttershy said.

"Marvelous, Fluttershy! That's the spirit! Party Favor, will you join us, please?"

Party Favor then galloped out and bowed at Starlight.

"I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony!" he exclaimed. "I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!"

"It seems there's cause for celebration after all!"

The crowd began to cheer.

"They tried to break me!" he added. "They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!"

"Such backwards thinking."

"But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!"

"Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!"

"Um, Starlight? I think we might have one more friend joining us today." Fluttershy said as Twilight came back out.

"Is this true?"

"I-I think so. But I just want to be sure." Twilight replied. "If I agree to leave my cutie mark in the vault, I'll really be happier?"

"Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"

"Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!"

Just then, Night Glider from behind gave me a bucket of water.

"Don't ask where I got this, okay?" she whispered.

I nodded and then began to walk closer and closer until I saw Starlight in the middle.

"Then how do you explain this?!" I asked out of the blue as I threw a bucket of water at her.

She jumped out of the way just in time, but a small splash caught her by the flank and it began to travel down, rubbing off her equal mark. Party Favor then dried it off which startled her.

"No! Get away!" she exclaimed as she pushed Party back, only to find her real cutie mark now in plain sight and the other ponies gasped.

"Oh you are so busted!" I said proudly.

"Wha... What are you looking at?!" she exclaimed. "They're the problem, not me!"

"How could you?" Party asked.

"You said cutie marks were evil!" Double added who now finally saw what she really was. "You said special talents led to pain and heartache!"

"They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!" Starlight said.

"Then why? Why did you take ours and not give up your own?" Sugar asked as she turned up.

"I...I had to, you fools! How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!"

"But the staff has all the magic we need!" Night said as she joined the fray too.

"The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!"

"You lied to us!" Double exclaimed.

"So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!"

"Except for you." Fluttershy said.

"Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea-" Twilight added.

"Quiet!" Starlight yelled, cutting her off.

"You can't have a cutie mark, Starlight! Either we're all equal, or none of us are!" Sugar said.

The ponies began to move towards her, before she created a barrier to push them back and galloped into her house.

"Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!" Double announced.

The crowd cheered and followed him and they galloped away from the village and possibly up to the cave.

"Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!" Rainbow declared.

"Our cutie marks aren't in the vault!" Fluttershy corrected. "They're in there with her!"

Just then, we began to see tiny stars in different bright colours flowing out of the cave and all across the village.

"Even without my cutie mark, I can tell this is beautiful!" Rarity commented.

"Especially when you're beautiful as well." I replied.

We then trotted over to Starlight's home and Applejack began to buck the door, but it wasn't working.

"Stand back, everypony!" Night yelled as she flew fast and knocked the door clean off.

We galloped inside to find the jars missing!

"They're gone! They were right over there!" Fluttershy gasped.

We then saw the bed that was pushed aside to reveal a secret passage, the seven of us along with a few other volunteers galloped down into the dark and through a cave before we came out to an exit away from the village.

"Look!" Rainbow said as she pointed at Starlight galloping across a tight chasm.

Party then looked at his cutie mark and brought out a couple of balloons and turned them into a pair of binoculars and looked through them.

"She's headed for the pass! If she makes it into those mountains, we'll never find her!" he said.

"These are amazing!" Pinkie said as she looked through the balloon binoculars.

"There's a whole network of caves up there!" Sugar added. "Your cutie marks will be gone forever!"

"Then let's get moving, y'all!" Applejack declared.

"Oh, come on!" Rainbow exclaimed, realizing that Night was faster than her because she had her cutie mark and Rainbow didn't.

"Girls, I'm gonna have to fly faster and catch up to her, these other ponies will help us." I said.

They nodded and I flew faster along with Night who flew beside me. Shortly we caught up to Starlight galloping across the mountain side.

"Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?" she asked as she used some magic to cause a pile of snow to fall on Midnight.

Sugar, Double and Party then came along to help out.

"We gave up everything for you, because we thought you were our friend!" Sugar answered.

Starlight was then galloping across a narrow bridge, Sugar then had an idea.

"My newest recipe...snow pie!" she said as she created a pie shape made out of snow and threw it at Starlight.

This knocked Starlight down and the cart toppled over and to my horror, the jars flew out and off the bridge. Starlight however grabbed them just before they hit the ground with her magic and continued to gallop to the other side with us in pursuit. She then stopped and used her magic to blast a part of the bridge away, so most of the ponies couldn't catch her.

Party however thought of an idea and used more balloons to create a balloon bridge, that pony sure knows a party trick or two. I then flew fast towards the cave entrance and landed down to block her path.

"Hold it right there, Starlight!" I panted. "This is as far as you will go."

"Out of my way, Bond." she replied. "I let you escape once, I won't be doing it again."

"Well then, I have one word to say..." I then cleared my throat and began to hope this worked. "AVALANCHE!!!" I shouted with all my might.

"INCOMING!!!" I heard Double yelled as he skied down the side

Starlight gasped as a huge pile of snow began to fall, as soon as she was covered, the glass jars fell and broke, releasing the six cutie marks.

I landed with the ponies who felt pleased that we stopped her, but Starlight soon got out of the snow and with an angry look, began to power up her magic. I however stopped her in time by creating a shield barrier, deflecting her own magic, however, mine was beginning to grow a little weak.

Just then, Twilight turned up and used her magic barrier, allowing me to stop and rest behind her.

"Wh– I studied that spell for years!" Starlight exclaimed as she stopped. "How can you-"

"I studied magic for years too! But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far." Twilight replied. "Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five! And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!"

"Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!"

"How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!" Double exclaimed.

She then used her magic to belt the snow around her and began to gallop inside the cave.

"She's getting away!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"I'd give it up, Rainbow, we'll never find her in there!" I replied. "I would've beaten her into submission anyways."

"We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something." Twilight added.

"It's you who have taught us something." Party assured. "We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now...now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!"

"Does that mean you'll stay in the village?"

"It's our home. I'm not going anywhere." Night replied.

"This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!" Double added.

"And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!" Sugar declared.

We began to share a moment of laughter before we made our way back to the village. The ponies set up a celebration and this time, it was more reasonable and normal, not just happy smiling and creepy like it was before. The seven of us watched outside with smiles and glad hearts.

"Now those are real smiles." Pinkie commented.

The six cutie marks on each of the girls began to flash from time to time.

"Ah'll never get used to that." Applejack said.

"I think it's divine." Rarity added.

"Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?" Fluttershy asked.

"I have a feeling it means our work here is done." I replied.

"Looks like you were right, Twilight. The map did have a reason for sendin' us here." Applejack said. "We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."

"But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you." Twilight replied. "And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."

We then shared a group hug together, for me it felt like it had been a while since then.

"This feels like an ending!" Pinkie said. "It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? 'Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!"

"She can bake alright, but I do think we need to move on, there are other places in the world where we are needed." I replied. "So come on girls, it's time to go home...and check on Spike, I have a feeling he's gonna like this storied event."

"I guess you're right, darling." Rarity replied.

We then waved goodbye to the ponies at the village and made our long trek back to the railway line in the desert. Luckily for us, the train had just arrived, we got on and rode all the way back to Ponyville. By the time we got there, me and Rarity looked at each other with smiles.

"You know what Rarity," I said to her on a coach away from the others, "I've given it some thought...and I'm ready to tell them if you're ready."

I held onto her hoof and smiled at her, she smiled back with a tear in her eye.

"Oh darling...I am so happy to hear you say that." she replied. "We'll tell them in the castle together."

We then shared a loving kiss and rejoined the others, we then left the station and made our way to the castle, it was still the last afternoon.

"Welcome back, Princess Twilight and Prince Bond!" the orange guard greeted.

We all walked into the castle and into the council room, as we all got in our seats, Rarity and I smiled, it was time to tell them the news.

"Girls, there is something that Bond and I have been wanting to tell you and we just can't wait any longer to say." Rarity said happily.

"Really, well we're glad that you could save it until our recent quest was over." Twilight replied. "So what's the news?"

"Girls...I'm pregnant!"

"And we're going to be parents!" I added proudly.

The five mares gasped at the news and at first, I wondered if something was wrong, but then they smiled.

"OH MY GOD!!!" Pinkie screamed as she bounced around the whole room in total excitement. "BEST...NEWS...EVER!!!"

"Wow, Rarity and Bond! Congratulations!" Twilight responded happily.

"What mighty fine news, ah'm sure ya both will be mighty fine parents." Applejack added.

"That is wonderful news, when did you become pregnant?" Fluttershy asked.

"It was over a week ago, so I've only just started." Rarity replied. "It's gonna be many months of struggle for the both of us."

"Well don't you worry, we've got your backs to help you with whatever it is you need." Rainbow assured.

"Thanks girls, it really means a lot to us." I replied. "I think we shall call it a day now, we've been through quite a lot."

"I will agree to that, let's have the rest of the day off and then we'll be back here to go over where to next." Twilight said.

We all then shared a close group hug before Rarity and I left the castle first. When we were outside, we walked to her boutique and headed on inside, we shared a loving hug and I spun her around slowly with happiness.

"I am so happy with how that went!" I exclaimed.

"So am I, darling...we have the best friends ever and we're gonna be parents!" Rarity replied.

"We'll be wonderful parents I'm sure, for now I'll let you have your peace and sleep."

"Okay darling, thank you..."

We then shared a loving and passionate kiss before I left her home and walked back to mine. When I got in, I made my dinner and had my thoughts come back, there wasn't many this time as I was completely sure of my decision. Who would've thought that there would be a tiny village in the North East that was run by a mare who used lies and propaganda to get what she wants? Well, she's now living in that cave a long way and I had a feeling that we will be seeing her again soon.

For now though, I smiled and thought of how amazing it's going to be when Rarity and I become parents later in the year or next year.

Castle Sweet Castle

It was the next day and after a daytime to myself, I was resting in my house by early sunset, when I heard the sound of my door knocking.

"Yeah hold on, just a sec." I responded calmly as I got out of bed and walked over to the door to answer it and I saw Fluttershy.

"Evening Bond." Fluttershy asked. "Is this too late for you?"

"Evening  Fluttershy...not really." I replied.

"Oh that's good and I know we came back from our quest yesterday, but I need your help. Most of my animals have gotten really dirty during a mudstorm last night and I was wondering if you could help me clean them up."

"Hmm, we'll it has been a long while since I worked with your animals, sure I'll help."

"Oh thank you Bond, I'm sure it won't take long."

With that, I left my home and walked with Fluttershy to her cottage. When I got there, I saw most of her animals covered in mud, this'll take longer than not long, I thought. But I smiled and went to work with helping the cleaning. It took some time and the sun was about to start lowering by the time we were done and I was covered in mud in a few places.

Fluttershy smiled as she finished off cleaning her otter. "Phew!" she said, wiping a sweat from her mane. "Thanks for helping me get them so fresh and clean, Bond."

"No problem, happy to do it!" I replied happily.

"You probably can't wait to get back to your home and take your own bath, huh?"

"Well for me, it's a shower in the outhouse in my back garden, but you were close enough. Is that all the animals done?"

"I think you and I are the only ones left, and I can't wait to get the mud out of my mane."

I then noticed Angel behind me and thinking back to when I wanted some payback after he tried nibbling at my hooves when I first moved here years ago, I silently bucked him in the puddle of mud he was looking at and giggled on the inside.

"Oh, no! Angel got dirty!" I said sarcastically. "I'd better stay longer to help give him a bath too!"

"Oh you don't have to do that, I can clean him up on my own." she replied as she grabbed Angel and placed him in a wooden bucket filled with bubbles.

"Fair enough."

"Oh and I almost forgot, could you go and check on Twilight?"

"I could, but why?"

"She seems to be a bit...not herself, I wanna help, but I'm already tired..."

"It's not a problem, I'll go and see what's bothering her, see you next time."

"Thank you, see you soon."

I then gave Fluttershy a quick hug and left her cottage, flying all the way to Twilight's castle. When I got in, I heard nomming sounds coming from the dining room, I walked in and saw the other mares eating away with huge piles of pancakes with lots of added stuff.

"Woah!" I exclaimed. "Is this a party or something?"

"Oh hi Bond!" Pinkie greeted. "This is the big pancake delight I made. Wanna try one?"

"Pancakes, eh? Sure...if there's a spare one for me."

"There's one for you right here, my love." Rarity said as I walked over and sat by her.

"This looks...huge, but I'll certainly eat as much as I can."

I started at my pile before I began tucking into the food, I was enjoying it and all the other girls seemed to love it a lot.

"Mm, these are delicious, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack complimented.

"Thanks!" Pinkie replied. "Twilight spent all night helping me pick the flavor! I kept thinking we'd found the right one, but she insisted I make even more to try. And more. And more and more and more and more! It was like she never wanted to-"

"Leave?" I asked.

"Exactly! Eventually we ran out of time so we just went with every-berry-any-chip-surprise!" she then whispered to us. "The surprise is I lost a measuring spoon in the batter. Somepony's gonna get a very special pancake!"

"That's gonna make going to the bathroom a challenge, right?"

Rainbow and Pinkie laughed whilst Rarity playfully glared at me. "Not in front of our food, darling."

"Up all night, huh? Is that why she's so, uh...out of it?" Rainbow asked.

We then saw Twilight snoring away, she was looking completely dirty.

"Actually girls, I've been meaning to say." I said quietly. "I don't know the whole story but Fluttershy wanted me to asked if Twilight has been a little too helpful lately."

"Now that you mention it, she was lendin' a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres yesterday after we got back and stuck around 'til near midnight." Applejack replied, "Dug up fifty tree-plantin' holes when all I needed was ten."

"She spent an entire late afternoon rearranging a single gem drawer at the boutique." Rarity added. "An entire late afternoon!!"

"You think that's weird? She raced me, like, a hundred times the other day." Rainbow said. "And lost every time! She just kept goin'! Best out of ten, best out of twenty, best out of a hundred! I mean, I know hanging out with me is awesome, but it was like she'd rather keep losing than-"

"Leave?" I asked.

"Yeah. Who does that?"

Twilight then went face first into her pancake plate and didn't seem to wake up by it as she grabbed onto it like a pillow.

"Somepony who's avoidin' somethin', that's who." Applejack answered. "Soon as she wakes up, we're gonna find out what."

"Well I don't think her sleeping in the dining room will do her any good." I then used my magic to levitate Twilight gently. "I'll carry Twilight to her bedroom and help clear this mess up."

"Sounds good, sugarcube." Applejack. "Ah don't think ah can eat anymore of this."

"Me neither, I need to do a bit of fashion researching or I won't be able to fit in my dresses." Rarity added. "See you again my love."

"See you Rarity." I replied back before we kissed.

"I'll stay behind to help clean up..." Pinkie suggested as she began eating the remaining pancakes. "...that measuring spoon has gotta be in one of these pancakes somewhere."

I giggled as I took Twilight to her bedroom at the second floor of the castle. When she was laid down, she suddenly woke up.

"Huh? I'm awake..." Twilight said as she saw me.

"Uh, Twilight? Is there something you wanna tell me and the other girls?" I asked. "Cause they wanted to say know how much they appreciate all you do for them, and they simply adore having you around, but they're worried that you might be avoiding something else?"

"Oh, has it been that obvious?" Twilight replied. "I've been...the thing is...I know it's silly, but I...I've been avoiding...this place."

"But why would you want to avoid a cool castle like this? This place has everything! Big tall ceilings that make you feel tiny! Shiny new floors that are cold to the touch! And it even has loooong empty hallways!"

I then heard my voice echoed.

"Okay, I get it." I replied happily.

"The castle is amazing. But it just...it doesn't feel like home."

"Well if Rarity was here, she would say that you would need to decorate and make this space your own."

"It's just so daunting! Look how big it is! I-I don't even know where to start!"

"You can start by letting me and the other girls do it for you. We do our best to make this the castle of your dreams while you go to the Ponyville spa for some much needed rest and relaxation."

I paused for a moment and smiled. "Oh and no offence but have you looked in a mirror lately?"

Twilight then saw herself in a mirror next to her bed and sighed. "I do look a bit Frazzled...but you are right, Bond. I guess I do need a little help. And so does my castle. And I just know you and the girls will do a great job, because nopony knows me better than you six."

"That's the spirit, Twilight."

"Thanks Bond, I needed to hear that."

She then got off the bed and hugged me."

"It's alright, I think you should go to the spa right away."

"Okay."

Twilight and I walked from her bedroom and back to the dining room to see the girls and also Spike who just walked in.

"Oh, no! Did I miss the pancakes?!" he exclaimed. "I sleep like a baby under that cold, cavernous ceiling."

"Spike,  glad you're here." Rarity said.

"Really?"

"Yes! You're taking Twilight to the spa!"

"Great! I've been meaning to get my claws done!" he then ate a few pancakes before noticing the girls were looking at him. "Oh, you mean now."

He then grabbed a few more pancakes and left the dining room with Twilight, making thier way to the spa.

"Come on, y'all! We've got work to do!" Applejack exclaimed. "Ah'll go and get Fluttershy and we'll get started."

"Oh oh oh oh!" I said. " I have two words...song time!"

Then as if right on cue, music began to play as each of the girls and myself sung our parts.

Let's all work together

To make this castle shine

Once we add some sparkle

It'll feel, it'll feel, it'll feel...

It'll feel divine

Crates of apples an' bales o' hay

Just makes ya feel at home

Furry friends and some popinjays

So she won't be alone

And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make

This castle a home

There's nothing like balloons and confetti

To greet you every time you walk through the door

She'll need this and those

Posters of all my heroes

How could anypony awesome ever ask for more?

And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make

A home she'll adore

Bright curtains of flowing silk and lace

This picture of me winning a race

Party cannons to give her a surprise

Hoes and rakes and some more garden supplies

Getting hugs from this nice, big, friendly bear

Decorate with some gemstones bright and rare

More of this and that

Don't forget the party hats

How could anypony awesome ask for more than that?

Let's all work together

To show that we have shown

Princess Twilight Sparkle

How we make, how we make, how we make

This castle a home

How we make, how we make

This castle a home

How we make, how we make

This castle a home!

After a long while, we looked over at the work we made and we all had a different reaction.

"Wow, girls! We did a...great job...together..." Applejack commented half-heartily.

I knew straight away that was a full blown lie.

"We sure did... something." Rainbow said.

"Together." Pinkie added.

"All together." Rarity corrected.

"Fluttershy, I love that you brought so many animals." Rainbow said un convincingly.

"Are these your trophies?" Fluttershy asked.

"I prefer to think of them as everypony's trophies but with my name permanently etched onto them."

"My my, Applejack, bringing the outdoors inside, it's... earthy... What a lovely touch!" Rarity complimented with a hint of sarcasm. "Are these cloaks vintage?"

"Nope, just old!" Applejack replied. "Unlike your sparkly window doohickeys which are...why, they're just swell! "

"No one said anything about my hidden confetti cannons!" Pinkie intervened before she squeed. "Oh, right! They're hidden!"

"Girls...there's no easy to say this." I said, "We had one job and it seems that we all screwed up on this one."

But before the girls could reply, Spike had returned.

"Hey guys, how do my claws look-Sweet Celestia!" he exclaimed.

"Oh, Spike! Are you and Twilight done already?" Rarity asked.

"Don't worry, I ordered her the super-deluxe mane blow-out! She'll be a while. Man, this place looks terrible!"

"Thank goodness somepony said something!" Fluttershy said.

"It's pretty bad, right?" Rainbow asked.

"This place looks like a mishmash of knickknacks." Applejack said.

"Hmm, I suppose it is a little cluttered." Rarity replied.

"What are you guys talking about? I think it looks super fun!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Suddenly, one of her hidden cannons went off and the animals which were frightened by the noise stampeded the whole place.

Seeing the damage that was happening, I had to do something and I could only think of one thing. "EVERYPONY STOP!!!" I shouted.

Suddenly, everything went silent, finally a moment to clam down thanks to my shouting.

"Okay, now it's a mess." Pinkie said.

"What're we gonna do?!" Rainbow asked.

"I dunno. But Twilight's blow-out won't take that long." Spike said. "If she was avoiding the castle before, she'll never set hoof in here now!"

"Come on, guys, we've gotta do something! Twilight's counting on us!"

"Spike, you've got to get back to that spa and stall her!" Rarity said. "Whatever you do, don't let her come home!"

"Like, forever? But we live here."

"Uh, yes, well, uh, maybe you could manage it 'til...sunset-ish?"

I looked at her and feeling displeased. "No Rarity, that's only going to make this problem worse."

"Okay, we all agree the castle is too cluttered, right?" Applejack asked. "So why doesn't everypony take one of their own decorations out and we'll see how it looks?"

The other girls replied happily, but I wasn't convinced.

"Oh sweet mother of Equestria." I said as I facehoofed in shame, "Girls, why do you have to exaggerate on every problem we face, such as wondering what Twilight would say when she see this?"

"We're not exaggerating, Bond." Fluttershy said. "It's just that Twilight does so much for us, that when we don't feel like we're doing much for her in return, we're letting her down."

"And I understand that...tell you what, I'll go to the spa and try and to buy you girls some time, whilst you all take down your decorations, it's the only way to get rid of the mess."

The others looked at each other before nodding.

"Alright darling, do whatever you can." Rarity replied before kissing me.

I then smiled and left the castle and walked over to the spa, when I got inside, I saw Twilight looking clean and with a somewhat new styled mane.

"Oh, hi Bond, how do I look?" she asked.

"Like a rock chick who's about to rock out." I replied.

"And more importantly, how does the castle look?"

"Yeah...about the castle...listen, we'll need to talk about that once we leave."

"Oh...okay, well I'm ready to go now."

"Alright."

As soon as we left the spa room and into the reception area, one of the spa twins, Aloe, came out with a form.

"Next customer." Aloe said. "Bulk Biceps, body massage?"

"YEAH!" Bulk replied. "Let's do this!"

I could only blink and shudder at the thought of him getting a massaged...that's the stuff of nightmares.

As we left and walked through the town, I cleared my throat and began to tell her. "Twilight, me and the girls all helped to try and make your castle look more better...well, let's just say that they have bitten off more than they could chew."

"Really? Is the castle bigger than I thought?" she asked.

"Not really, they all brought forward thier own ideas of how to improve the castle and when we done, it didn't exactly mix well....and to make matters worse, a hidden party cannon went off and the animals that were inside kind of made the place a big mess."

Twilight began to feel sadder at the news, I didn't want to make her feel that way, but it was better to be honest than to tell a lie.

"I'm really sorry Twilight, they tried so hard to help and now they're worried about what you'll say or do if you go back to find the place as one huge mess."

"It's alright Bond...I am so glad to have a wonderful close friend like you who's not afraid to tell me the truth, even if it may hurt me a little."

We then came across the burnt oak tree that was once Twilight's original home, the moment where it was destroyed by Tirek left a huge scar in her memory.

"I really miss this place." Twilight sighed. "Spike and I had so many wonderful memories here."

"And when there was a time, we all had some great memories here." I replied.

"It was...and losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for Spike, too." she paused as I gave her a comforting hug before she perked up slightly. "I've got an idea. Why don't we have the girls add some things to make the castle feel more like his home as well?"

"That's a great idea...maybe it's also time he had a bed of his own too and not just a basket."

"A bed? But he's way too short for a big bed."

"Hey, it ain't the size that matters, it's how you use it." I then winked.

Twilight laughed and I did as well, she's known me long enough that I can let out a few cheeky jokes now and then.

"Well, Spike having his own bed, I'll give that some thought, but right now, I wanna head back to the castle."

"Okay Twilight, I'm sure they'll be glad to see you back to your normal self."

We then walked back to the castle and Twilight opened the door to the main hallway.

"Hello? We're home!" Twilight called.

"Welcome home!" the five girls replied.

"Oh, I, uh...love what you've done with the place. You did such a good job of...preserving the integrity of the original design."

"Actually, it took a teensy bit longer than we thought." Rarity corrected.

"Really, how come?" I asked.

"We learnt that what really makes home feel like home isn't what it looks like. It's the memories you make when you're there." Applejack said.

"So Twilight, we've made something that celebrates the memories we've made with you since you moved to Ponyville."

We then walked into the Council room and looked around and I had to admit, it looked even better with the elements of Twilight's old home added in.

"The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we've had together." Fluttershy said.

"That one shows your party at the Golden Oak Library welcoming you to Ponyville!" Pinkie pointed.

"The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!"

"We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones." Rarity said.

"And the best part of it is, it's made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library, so you'll never forget where you came from." Applejack added.

Twilight smiled at the scene and so did I...though I felt slightly guilty on why I didn't come up with that before.

"It's exactly what the castle needed." Twilight said as she cried happy tears, "And I am ready to make new memories here."

We all then got into a close group hug, knowing that we accomplished a tough mission today.

"Then let's start right now with a new memory cake! Seven layer what's-that-flavor mystery surprise!" Pinkie exclaimed. "These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!"

"Let's go to the dining room. It's a little sparse, but  at least there's a table and chairs." she paused as we walked into the dining room to see a lot changed. "Whoa! What happened in here? Last I checked, this place was empty!"

"Woah girls, you really went to town in this room." I said.

"I couldn't help myself! It was just begging for the personal touch!" Rarity replied.

"Truth be told... ah couldn't either." Applejack added. "Your kitchen might have some rustic farm decor, Twilight."

"And there may or may not be some Daring Do posters up in your library." Rainbow said.

"And some stuffed animals in your bedroom." Fluttershy whispered.

Then another cannon went off in another room.

"What was that?!" Twilight asked.

"One of Pinkie Pie's confetti cannons." Applejack sighed.

"What? It's not my fault I hid them so well!" Pinkie protested.

We then giggled together before I reminded myself of the time.

"Well girls, it's getting very late for all of us, it's time to go back to our homes and sleep." I said.

"It is getting quite late, darling." Rarity replied. "Goodnight girls."

The others responded as we left the castle together before walking to her home.

"You were right dear, it was much better for us to undo the damage we did, but I hope you forgive us for that last minute decoration."

"I do, my love and looking at it, you did a brilliant job with the dining room."

"Thank you, darling...have a goodnight...love you always."

"Some to you my fiance, I love you always too."

We then kissed passionately and hugged before I went back into my house and seeing that it was night time, I went straight to my bed. Looking back today, I was concerned for Twilight, but now that her oak tree memories are with her in the castle, she seems much more happier with the place. Home is where the heart is after all...and speaking of which, I wonder if I could find a bigger place to own for when Rarity and I move out and start a family.

Bloom & Gloom

The next day and it was the late afternoon, I was outside of my home by the front door, looking around and breathing in the good air when I saw Silver Spoon and Twist walking by which surprised me, I smiled and called out to them.

"Afternoon you two." I greeted.

"Oh hi mister Racer!" Twist replied.

"Hey there." Silver added politely.

"What brings you two across town?" I asked.

"We're on our way to the CMC Clubhouse." Twist answered.

"We're going to be discussing about cutie marks and we're gonna help them." Silver added happily. "Wanna come along?"

"That sounds very cool...and I've already got my cutie mark." I replied, winking. "But since I have nothing else to do today, I guess I can visit the farm while I'm there."

They smiled back and I walked with them to the farm and when they got to the clubhouse, I stood outside and listened in on the conversation inside.

"Hear good, hear ye!" Applebloom stated. "This meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session! Who wants to do roll-call?"

"I'm pretty sure we're all here." Scootaloo replied. "Oh, look here is Silver and...Twist?"

"Oh about that, ah invited her 'ere."

"But why?"

"Yeah. Apple Bloom, what's this all about?" Sweetie asked.

"Oh, nothin'..." Applebloom paused as she pulled out a peace of paper. "Except this letter from Babs Seed sayin' she's got her cutie mark!"

"What?!" Sweetie and Scootaloo asked, feeling shocked.

"That's pretty sweet!" Twist responded.

"What great news from your cousin." Silver added.

"She says it's a pair of scissors!" Applebloom said.

"So... she's good at cutting stuff?" Scootaloo asked.

"Of course! She was always fussing with her bangs and tail!" Sweetie replied. "I'll bet she grows up to be a celebrity stylist!"

"But if she spends all her time cutting hair, who's gonna run the Manehattan CMCs?" Silver asked.

"Well, not Babs! She can't be a Cutie Mark Crusader if she's already got her cutie mark!" Twist added.

"Oh, wow. Ah guess you're right!" Applebloom responded.

"I'm glad she's happy, but I sure wouldn't want to be up to my flank in mane hair all day." Sweetie said. "Can you imagine getting stuck with a cutie mark you didn't like?"

"No...or at least ah hadn't..."

"Don't worry, Apple Bloom! Most of your family has apple-related cutie marks!" Silver assured. "I bet yours will be, too! And what's not to like about apples?"

"There's the core, and sour apples, and rotten apples, and apples with worms in them-" Scootaloo cut herself off as the others looked at her and not pleased. "What?"

"Not helping." Sweetie said as they saw Applebloom shaking in fear.

I had to step in at this point, so I entered the clubhouse.

"Sorry for eavesdropping fillies, but can you try to not scare Applebloom into worrying about what a cutie mark looks like?" I asked as I helped up Applebloom and gave her a hug. "Besides, worrying about a cutie mark will only lead to grief and bad dreams...and Luna knows that all too well."

"Oh yeah, Luna has visited me and you in our dreams." Scootaloo said to Sweetie. "I guess you'll be getting a visit from her soon, Applebloom."

"If ah do, ah hope she doesn't give me nightmares." Applebloom said worryingly.

"Princess Luna would never do that, unless a filly has been behaving badly...and I'd rather not say anymore about it." Silver replied as she shuffled her hooves and looked down with slight sadness.

"So is the meeting over, cause my parents need me back at the candy store." Twist said.

"Ah guess it is, the meetin' is over girls, time to leave and come back here again when ah'm not worryin' so much." Applebloom declared.

"Okay, just remember that every cutie mark is as good as what you're meant to do and who to be." Silver advised.

"Now that's some good advice, Silver." I complimented. "See you both another time."

Silver and Twist then left the clubhouse and away from the farm. Sweetie and Scootaloo did the same as well. Applebloom was a little down still, so I walked her back to the house.

"Ah guess ah just spent so much time worryin' about how to get a cutie mark, ah never even thought about what would happen after! There's just so many things ah never considered!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"I'm sure there are, but you don't need to-" I was then cut off.

"What if ah finally get my cutie mark and ah don't like it? What if ah get my cutie mark and nopony likes me?"

"Well, that's just ridicu-"

"What if the Crusaders drift apart? Ah mean, we won't really be the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore!" she paused and gasped. "What if it's not an apple?! Will ah have to move out?! Where will ah live?!?!"

"All right, that's enough." I said firmly. "Those are way too many questions to answer in just one day."

"But-"

"And nopony's gonna make you move out. Your family would NEVER dream of such a thing."

"Are ya sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure." I stopped as we approached the outside door. "Now go on inside and get some food down you...it's almost sunset."

"Alright, see ya soon, Bond."

She smiled and went inside whilst I walked back to my home, I had my dinner at around sunset as always and after a drink of apple juice, I was still pondering over Applebloom's obsession about having a cutie mark. She was right, she was so busy about wanting one, she never even thought about what would follow after she gets one.

I decided to have a quick nap in the hope I would find Princess Luna travelling across ponies dreams, it may be a little early, but I want to help her out...so after I closed my eyes, I let myself fall asleep and waited for my dream to begin.

"Princess Luna." I called out in my dream. "I'm sorry if this is too early for you, but I need your help again."

Then, I saw Luna appear and she was smiling and well awake and alert.

"Prince Bond Racer." she replied formally. "There is no need for apologies, I am always here for when somepony needs help with creating a dream or getting rid of a nightmare."

"Yeah, it's about Applebloom, she's getting so worried about what her cutie mark would be like and I was just wondering if you could help here try to worry less and less."

"Actually, I am in the process of doing just that."

"Really?"

"I even thought of the part where she becomes a pest exterminator."

"A pest exterminator?" I suddenly thought of a moment to be random. I then grabbed an outfit and a big rifle."Who are ya gonna call? 1-1-8!" I yelled in my sleep.

Luna giggled at my randomness. "It is why I have chosen to wake from my domain earlier today so I can be ready for her dream tonight." she then turned before looking back and winking at me. "You can stop napping now."

She then flew up and disappeared away from my dream, I then woke up and looked out the window to see it was the start of the evening. I then thought of killing some time by going to Rarity's home, I'm sure she wouldn't mind seeing me. Cause after all, she's pregnant and we are hoping to have a home together in Ponyville.

I walked to her boutique, tapped on the door and opened it.

"Rarity love, are you awake?" I asked out.

"Oh Bond darling, I was just about to help Sweetie get into bed." she replied.

"I don't need help, sister, I can do all this myself." I heard Sweetie saying.

Rarity then appeared from upstairs before coming down to see me as I closed the door. We then stood up and wrapped each other in a loving hug, kissing passionately.

"How's the baby in waiting, love?" I asked.

"It's early days and I'm nearly two weeks pregnant." she replied. "My sister Sweetie Belle has been helping me a lot, but she doesn't know about it yet...nor do my parents know. I'm worried about what they'll say."

"Well, they are your parents and you should talk to them about it when you can and when you do, put everything else aside and if you need comfort, I can be there for you."

"This is why I am engaged to be with you, they know about that and they are overjoyed to hear."

"That's great to know...if only my parents were still alive to hear about it all."

"But we'll always have each other and our bestest friends, dear."

"I know, love and I wouldn't have it any other way."

We then shared another kiss before we heard a yell coming from upstairs. We then walked up and slightly opened the door to Sweetie's bedroom.

"Bond dear, what is happening to her?" she whispered.

"I think she's having a dream but she can't seem to wake up from it." I whispered back.

"But why?"

"Maybe Princess Luna is doing it for a reason...she said earlier today that Applebloom need to learn a lesson about not worrying over a look of a cutie mark."

"Oh I see...I heard Sweetie mention a little about that today."

"Prince Bond..." I heard a voice call in the hallway "...find a bed and close your eyes, I want you to see this."

"Umm okay..." I replied although I was a little confused.

"It's okay darling, use my bed, I'll be right beside you." Rarity assured.

I smiled and we walked into her dressing and bedroom. I got on Rarity's bed and began to close my eyes as Rarity laid beside me. I began to sleep and then dream...I then saw myself looking at rows of doors and in the middle was Applebloom and Princess Luna.

"It's been a busy early night for us all, but I think it's time to bring it to a close." Luna said as a door in the middle appeared.

Applebloom opened the door to see the room of the clubhouse and Sweetie and Scootaloo were there.

"Princess Luna!" they said happily.

"I know you've all had a lot on your minds tonight, but I think Apple Bloom has something she'd like to share before you wake."

"We're still asleep?!" Sweetie asked. "Then why is Bond doing here?"

"I was asked to see this by Luna, I hope you don't mind." I replied.

"Cool!" Scootaloo said as she began flying around the room with ease, just like Rainbow Dash.

"It may be a dream, but you can fly just as amazing as Rainbow does."

"Thanks Bond!"

"Well, ah guess  ah should call this dreaming of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order!" Applebloom said as she got on the podium. "Ah know we all got pretty anxious when we found out Babs got her cutie mark, but ah for one don't want to have nightmares every night from now 'til we get ours!"

"Me neither!" Scootaloo replied.

"And even though we're all a little scared, a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us!"

"It's lucky we're all scared of the same things." Sweetie said. "That way we can just help and remind each other to just be who we are!"

"And when the day comes that you all finally get your cutie marks, you can be sure they'll fit you to a T." Luna assured.

"Exactly!" I added in agreement.

"Do you fillies think that Babs is worried or scared about some of this stuff?" Scootaloo asked.

"Ah know! Let's put together a care package for her!" Applebloom said.

"That way she'll know she isn't alone!" Sweetie agreed.

"We wouldn't want her to think that just because she isn't a Crusader, we can't still be friends! But, eh...maybe we should wait 'til we wake up."

"Good idea." Luna said.

"Uhh, can I stop dreaming now?" I asked.

"Of course, sleep well, Prince Bond."

I then opened my eyes and woke up to see Rarity not on my side. I then looked down to see Rarity who was smiling bigger than before.

"Sorry darling, but it's been a while since we had some fun together." she said.

"It's alright, love...it has been a while..." I replied before I got up and she got up too and moved closer to cuddle me. "By the way, have you thought about where we would like to be living in when we have a house together someday?"

"The thought had crossed my mind...I want us to have a home together, but I'm not even sure where, because of my fashion business."

"That's a very good point...we should have a home in Ponyville together, one where it's big enough for us, but not far from the boutique."

"We can discuss about that with the others when we have a chance, I'm sure they would love to help us."

"I can agree to that...I should probably go back to my bed...unless of course, you want me here for the night."

"More than anything in the world, dear..."

I then showed a smirk look and grinned.

"Alrighty then...but I'll make sure to be gentle with you."

"As long as I have control over you... it'll be fine."

I looked to my side to see the night still underway, it was getting a bit towards the late night, so Rarity and I kissed passionately before we got under the covers. She then climbed on top of me and I looked at her in the eyes...she was still beautiful since the day I first met her and the others many years ago.

Tonight was going to be a great night...as long as Sweetie Belle doesn't come knocking on the door during the night.

Tanks For The Memories

I woke up the next day to find Rarity sleeping beside me, I smiled instantly and kissed her on the forehead and she smiled right back whilst sleeping. I got out of the bed slowly and looked through the window, I noticed that there were orange leaves by a tree. Looks like Autumn is here and about time too, it's been a long while since the Season changed.

I looked back at Rarity and I did ponder, where could we go to find an ideal location for us to move in together?

Just then, I saw a rainbow whoosh outside, I knew straight away that was Rainbow Dash and I also saw her pet Tank in his helicopter ride, it had been a long while since we last saw him and then I remembered back during my school years that tortoises tend to hibernate for the Winter.

I wasn't sure if Rainbow knew that already, but that isn't really much of a concern for me. Today, I'm going to get a new house built in an empty spot where the tree library used to be, I'm sure Twilight and Spike won't mind if I have a big house built there so I can move all my stuff and have loads of room for Rarity as well.

I was about to get back into bed with her when I heard a door knock which woke up Rarity.

"Don't worry, Rarity, I'll get it." I whispered to her.

"Thank you darling..." she replied sleepily.

I walked downstairs and opened the door to see Rainbow and Tank.

"Hi Rainbow and Tank, long time no see."

Tank yawned and I could see that Rainbow was not happy.

"Yeah, hi Bond...I was gonna ask you why you're in Rarity's home, but that's not important, listen you got a minute?" she asked.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Well Tank here seems to be on the slow side today."

"Hmm, I think I know why, because I did my voluntary work with Fluttershy years ago as well as doing a report during my school years."

"That's nice, but what's wrong with him, then?!"

Tank yawned again with a smile.

"Well, he looks fine, he's just going to hibernate."

"You do realize he's not a bear, right?"

"I know that, Rainbow, but Fluttershy says that when the weather grows cold and less food is available, many animals hibernate to conserve energy. It's like taking a really long nap during winter, and then they wake up in spring. And see? Even tortoises do it! When the time comes, Tank will leave and dig into the ground."

Rainbow didn't seem convinced by what I was saying.

"But don't worry. He'll reappear when the spring sun warms the ground back up." I added.

"Come on! Tortoises don't hibernate! Somepony put that in there as a joke."

"It's not a joke."

"Well then Fluttershy must be wrong!"

"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy has studied all about animals ever since she landed in Ponyville I'm sure she knows what she's taking about. Besides, Tank needs to hibernate. It's healthy for him, just like sleeping is healthy for us."

Rainbow snorted. "What-ever. Okay, thanks. Come on, Tank."

"Where are you going?"

"To get a second opinion from a real reptile expert."

"Reptile? What could Spike possibly know?"

"That's what I'm gonna find out, laters..."

She then flew away, grabbing Tank with her and I closed the door.

"Well...that was impolite of Rainbow."

I heard and saw Rarity walking downstairs in her robes.

"Is everything alright dear?" she asked.

"I guess so. Rainbow came here to talk about her pet Tank and how he's getting tired and I told her about hibernation and she just refused to believe the true facts."

"I see, I guess she is in self-denial about it, I'm sure she'll come around to accept it before Winter comes."

"Yeah...as long as she doesn't do anything stupid...but anyways, I've been thinking about the new house idea I have in mind."

"Really dear, what kind of house should it be?"

"Well obviously, it has to be a big one for the both of us to live in and it has to be as close to this boutique so it can be less of a problem."

"And where should we have the house?"

"In the now empty area where the tree library once stood."

"Umm, are you sure, dear? Because I don't think Twilight would like the fact that you're suggesting having a bigger home for us to move in where she first began her journey."

"It wouldn't hurt to try and you raise a good point, perhaps I could ask Twilight about it if she's around."

"I think she's up in the clouds with the pegasuses, making sure everything is ready for the Winter."

"Alright, I'll go and see Twilight and ask her...would you like to come along?"

"As much as I like to, darling, I've gotta start working on a new dress plan since Nightmare Night will be approaching again during the Autumn."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that...okay, I'll see you later, love."

"See you again, darling."

We then shared a loving and passionate kiss and I left her home. I then flew up and went around Ponyville, looking for Twilight and it took me a bit of a while until I heard a loud voice coming from the trees where most of the leaves were being taken down.

"If you think hiber-you know, that napping thing-is so cute, why don't you go do it?! Somewhere far away from here?!" I heard Rainbow yell.

I landed down to see Pinkie, Twilight and Applejack nearby, busy digging up the leaves into bags until they saw Rainbow looking mad.

"What are you looking at?! Pinkie Pie and I are just having a conversation!" she added.

"Look, Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. "We all know how upset you are about Tank hiber-"

"Shhhh! Don't say that word! That's what started this all!" Pinkie said, cutting her off.

"We all know how upset you are about Tank." I added. "But you shouldn't take your anger out on your friends."

"Who said anything about anger?! I didn't say anything about anger! I'm not upset! And I am not angry!" Rainbow shouted. "Do I look angry?! Come on, Tank! Let's get out of here!"

"If I was my old self, I would've said that she must be on her period." I said out of the blue.

The mares gasped.

"Well thank Celestia, ya not that random and crazy." Applejack replied.

"But seriously, maybe we should leave her be for now to blow off some steam, whilst we finish off the work." Twilight advised. "They'll be bringing in the snow clouds from Cloudsdale soon."

We then nodded and I helped out with the leaf clearing and by the time we were done, several snow clouds were pouring in and the Winter was about to start, I said to the girls that I would see them later and look for Rainbow. I then thought of Cloudsdale, perhaps she's in her home with Tank, I flew upwards and to her home, I knocked on her door, but got no reply.

I then looked back and saw Rainbow in the distance going to the center of Cloudsdale.

"Hmm, what's she up to now?" I asked myself.

I then followed her to a huge building where the snow clouds were coming out of, I took another way in so as not to be seen by her and I greeted myself to the pegasi and they allowed me to explore the building as I please. I hid behind a column and took a quick look to see Rainbow sneaking around.

She trotted in her a uniform as a disguise I guess and stopped to see a hallway leading to a door, I followed behind her sneakfully and she opened the door to see a huge room that looked like a laboratory. I activated my stealth spell and held the door calmly as she and Tank went in.

"The winter lab. We're in, Tank!" she said happily. "Now we just gotta figure out a way to shut it down!"

She then wrapped Tank's leash on a microscope. "Wait here!"

I wanted to see what she was going to do before moving in, so I waited for the right time.

"Hm, we could get rid of these clouds, but...that's still not big enough." she then gazed at the big liquid bottle. "Slam dunk! With no water, they can't make clouds or snow! They can't make winter!"

Yep, I knew I had to step in, so I deactivated my stealth spell and appeared from behind her.

"Can I help you, Rainbow?" I asked smugly.

Rainbow gasped and turned around. "Bond! What are you doing here?!"

"Me? I could ask you the same question."

"But I asked you first, right?"

"I think we both know why you're here and I have to be honest...this has to be the stupidest thing you're about to do."

"Don't try and stop me, I don't want Tank to go into you know what!"

"Well since you are in complete denial over the true facts of nature, I'm just gonna come out with it...what you are about to do could potentially damage the Equestrian climate, we NEED Winter as much as we need the other Seasons, it is what helps makes the world go round and all lifeform to live. But I have to say, you are behaving like a baby and you need to stop it!"

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Rainbow shouted. "You can't tell me what to do!!!"

"Don't throw a fit, you could break something in this room!"

"I don't care...if you're gonna stop me from having the best time with Tank, then I'm taking you down!"

She then whooshed at me, but I stepped aside and she ended up crashing through another door and into a room full of jars that had something inside them, one of the jars however began to wobble and dropped...I knew that this was about to get ugly!

Several jars fell and exploded knocking Rainbow into the switch and suddenly the machine began to spin up, but it appeared that they were powering up too much, I could see that Rainbow was knocked out. I grabbed her and put her on my back and I took the leash with Tank on it and flew through one of the windows to escape.

I then flew to a safe distance from Cloudsdale and then looked back to see a huge pile of snow clouds crashing down onto Ponyville, I feared the worst was about to happen, I shut my eyes and then opened them up to find the whole town now completely covered in snow, looks like Winter will be here after all.

When it was safe, I flew down gently to where I saw the rest of the girls in one area and brought Rainbow and Tank down gently.

When Rainbow woke up, she shook her head and looked to see Tank still safe.

"Uhh, you okay, Tank?" she asked calmly.

Tank yawning was his only reply, then the other girls came by around us.

"Bond, what happened darling?" Rarity asked.

"Well, it's a bit of a complicated story, I'll explain later, I think Rainbow needs somewhere warm to rest." I replied.

"Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?" Twilight asked.

"Wh- No..."

"Let's get you and Tank back to your home, you should be fine soon." Fluttershy suggested.

We nodded in agreement and borrowed Pinkie's balloon and same as before with the cloud walking spell by Twilight, we all traveled to Rainbow home and placed her on the bed with Tank beside her. Fluttershy made a warm soup and after a while, Rainbow began to feel a little better.

"How are you feeling, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy asked.

"Whatever..." Rainbow replied.

"The poor thing looks so sad!" Rarity exclaimed. "Just what are we doing to do?"

"I don't know what we can do." Twilight replied.

"Buck up, Sugarcube. You just ain't yourself these days." Applejack said.

"Whatever..." Rainbow repeated.

"Uh, how can I say this tactfully...you've lost your sparkle, Rainbow Dash." Rarity said.

"I hate to say this, but, well... you've become...! A party pooper!" Pinkie added.

"Didn't you hear me? I said 'whatever'. " Rainbow exclaimed. "I don't know if you're here to cheer me up, or what, but I'm fine."

"Let me handle this, girls" I said. "Rainbow Dash, I was trying to give you some tough love earlier, but I wasn't saying the right words. But this time, I know what I have to say...your winter is going to be pet-less."

Rainbow suddenly perked up and began to cry loudly, holding on to Tank. I felt so horrible saying it, but there was no other way to get through.

"Bond darling, why did you do that for?!" Rarity asked.

"Because she'll never get past this until she lets it all out."

Rainbow continued to wail in sadness, I then saw Twilight bring Applejack forward.

"Uh... it's okay. Tank'll come back in a few months." Applejack said.

"Months?!" Rainbow cried. "I don't want him to go!"

"Alright, alright. There there." Fluttershy said, trying to comfort her.

"Thank ya Bond. Get her to stop." Applejack said.

"She's got to be about done by now." I replied. "Can't be too much left in there."

Rainbow cried more before she began to go quiet and sighed sadly.

"Feeling better?" Fluttershy asked.

"Uh-huh." Rainbow sniffed before she started crying loud again.

"Oh, you poor, poor thing..." Fluttershy then hugged her before she started crying.

"I can't bear to see Fluttershy cry!" Rarity said before she began feeling emotional.

"It's just heart wrenching!" Pinkie added and cried as well.

All four of them got into a group hug and I saw Applejack shedding a tear underneath her hat, Twilight saw it, though.

"You too?!" she asked.

"Nope, ah'm good." Applejack replied.

"It's alright, Fluttershy. It's alright." Rainbow said as she began to stop crying again.

"Look, everypony, I know how hard it is to say goodbye." I said. "But that doesn't mean Tank will be gone forever, you just gotta be patient and let nature run it's course, you have to trust me and everypony else when we say that by Spring time, Tank will be back."

"You think she's done, or just getting a third wing?" Applejack asked quietly.

"I don't know... Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"I think so. I feel better. Really, I do." Rainbow replied sadly as she got off the bed, "Thanks, everypony, I don't know what I'd do without you....or him..." she then paused to look at Tank. "Oh, Tank... I'm sure gonna miss you!"

She then hugged him, we then all joined in for a close group hug, it had been a long while since we did that and it felt emotional. It took a lot of my strength to resist crying, but they knew why. My past has emptied all the tears I had, there was none for me to shed so I had to be strong.

Shortly afterwards, we left Rainbow and Tank to spend their last moments before he goes into hibernation and sometime later, we put on our warm  clothing and began to enjoy the first day of Winter, it felt great to be ice skating again, although Spike was being a bit of a showoff.

"Well, guess we're starting winter with a bang!" I said as I made a few snowballs.

"The fun's come early! Yee-haw!" Applejack exclaimed as she bucked a snowball at Pinkie who fell and made a snow angel.

"You think we could mess up winter every year?" Pinkie asked. "It gets way less work!"

"Uh, I don't think Rainbow Dash could handle it." Twilight replied.

Rainbow then showed up with Tank in her saddle bag. "Riding that entire season from Cloudsdale to Ponyville was awesome. I thought you guys might like to say goodbye to Tank. He's ready to hibernate."

"And when Tank finishes hibernating, I'm gonna throw him the biggest welcome home party ever!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Or wait. Should it be a 'welcome above ground' party? Or a 'happy wake-up' party? Maybe an 'it's about time!' party!"

"And I'll design him a very special suit just for the occasion, whichever one it ends up being." Rarity added.

"I'm glad you're feeling a little better, Rainbow." I said.

"Yeah, me too." Rainbow replied before she put a hoof on my shoulder. "I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier, I knew you were trying to do the right thing."

"It's alright, I knew you weren't yourself at the time, but it's good to know that you're much better." I then looked at Tank who was put down on the ground by Rainbow. "So Tank, you ready to go and hibernate?" I asked him.

He just yawned and began walking into a soft grounded tunnel underneath the snow. We then all said goodbye to him whilst Rainbow said that she'll read one last Daring Do book to him, so we left them be and enjoyed the snow activities.

When it was approaching towards the evening, Rarity and I decided to leave and walk back to her home for a hot cocoa.

"Might I say that you were looking gorgeous in that winter outfit." I complimented.

"Awww thank you darling, they were the outfits that I wanted to make today and I am proud to have finished them." she replied proudly.

We then lit up the fireplace and got comfy together with our drinks. I had then remembered what I was meant to do earlier.

"Rarity, I forgot about my housing request today, I just remembered."

"It's okay darling, you'll get another chance to ask Twilight." she replied. "Now let's just snuggle up...no more words."

"Alright..." We then kissed passionately before cuddling up close together underneath a rug.

It was indeed Winter, but the love I have for Rarity is like celebrating the Summer time! I couldn't believe that Rainbow would go so far to keep Tank, but the point is that she has finally accepted what has to happen and she seems back to her self. Oh well, it's time to sleep with Rarity.

Moving On Up

I woke up the next morning to find the fire gone out by the fireplace and that Rarity was not with me. I then remembered that I needed to go and ask Twilight. I got off the couch and I was about to leave when I heard Rarity call for me from the kitchen.

"Morning darling, are you going to see Twilight?" she asked as I turned around to see her in her nightwear robe.

"Morning my love, yeah I plan to talk to her as soon as I can." I replied.

"Well don't rush dear, just take your time and I want you and I to try something I learnt from the Spa Twins a week ago, later tonight."

"I won't...and sure, I'll try to save my energy for that, I'll be back later."

I then trotted over to kiss her lovingly before leaving the house, I was then a few feet away until I heard the door open.

"Oh darling, I completely forgot, could you take Sweetie Belle to the station? She and the other two are meeting up for a rodeo event at Appleloosa."

"Sure, I can do that, where is she?"

"I'm coming out now." Sweetie replied coming out of the house. "See you sister."

I walked with Sweetie to the station to see Applejack, Applebloom and Scootaloo.

"Mornin' there, partner." Applejack greeted.

"Morning Applejack, I'm guessing you're going along with these three." I replied.

"Sure am, Big Mac is watchin' over the farm. We haven't been to Appleloosa for a long time and for these three fillies, it'll be thier first time."

"And we can't wait to go!" Applebloom added happily.

"All aboard!" the conductor said and the fillies got on the train.

"We'll see ya later, sugarcube and don't worry, ah won't be like ah was last time, ah learned from it." Applejack said.

"Good to know, see you then."

Applejack then joined the fillies and got on board the train, I waved to them as they left the station. That's one less thing for me to do, now to visit Twilight in her castle. I walked to her castle, greeted her personal guard and entered inside and walked into the council room with the big map.

"Hey there Bond, what brings you here?" Spike asked as he was walking over the map.

"Hi Spike, I'm looking for Twilight, is she around?" I asked back.

"Sure, she's busy sorting out her books in her library room."

"Cheers."

I then left the council room and walked through castle left hallway and saw the library, I entered in to find a pile of books on the floor by an empty shelf. Twilight then popped out and saw me, she squeed in slight embarrassment but I knew that was normal.

"I guess I caught you at a busy time?" I asked.

"Nah it's okay, I'm almost done with these books." she replied, getting out of the pile.

"You do need any help?"

"Really? Thanks, just follow where I want the books to go and we'll be done."

"Okay"

After a while of following her instructions, the book shelf was now full and neatly placed.

"Thanks for doing that, but I'm sure that wasn't why you wanted to come here." Twilight said.

"You're right, I wanted to ask you something and it's a bit of a personal thing." I replied.

"A bit personal, what do you mean?"

"Well, it's like this. You know that Rarity and I are going to be parents soon and I have this idea of her and me moving in together, but in a house that is bigger than my old place. I was wondering if I could have a new and bigger house built in the empty area where the old treehouse once stood."

"You want a new home where my treehouse used to be?"

"Well, yeah."

"Hmm, sure but I think you would need a lot of help in order to have one built, it might take a long while."

"I don't mind how long it takes, well I do actually, it kinda depends on when Rarity will go into labour."

"You do raise a good point, then of course you can have it built there. Besides, the memories I have of that tree is right here in the castle."

"Awww thank you Twilight, I better go and see the Mayor about it then, laters."

"Okay Bond, see you again soon."

I then gave her a quick hug and left the castle. I then walked to the Town Hall to see the Mayor.

"Ah greetings Prince Bond Racer, what can I do for you?" the Mayor greeted.

I then explained to her about the housing subject and she seemed to smile all the way through.

"Well, this is quite a challenge, but one that I am sure the builders can handle with." she then grabbed out a form. "Very well, consider yourself having a new and improved home for you and Rarity, just sign a few of these and my building team will get to work."

"Done, thank you Mayor, I will go now."

"Just be careful of the snowballs, it is still Winter."

She was right, it was still Winter and speaking of which, I went inside the cafe and had a hot meal to keep myself warm.

A few hours had passed and I saw a team of builders in thier winter outfits walking by and towards the empty area of the town. One of them pulled out a blueprint of a home, looks like they're about to start working. I then thought of making myself useful and actually help them out on how I want my house to be like.

I left the cafe and was about to ask them when I heard my name called out from another home.

"Bond Racer, over here!" a voice called, I turned my head to see Coco Pommel, I haven't seen her for a while.

"What is it, Coco?" I asked as I walked over.

"It's Trenderhoof, could you get him to a hospital, I think he may have swallowed something bad." she said worryingly.

"I'll do my best."

I trotted with Coco into her home and placed Trenderhoof on my back, he looked worse for wear and I galloped to the hospital with him, when I got in. I got Nurse Redheart to take him off me and he was placed on a hospital bed, they told me he will be taken care of.

That's another issue settled I thought to myself. I left the hospital and went over to the builders and asked them about how the new house would look and they assured that they had it all covered from the ceiling to the doorway and a special room for a crib.

I giggled on the inside, but I was pleased that they thought of everything for me and Rarity. So I left them be to get on with thier building and went back to my current home, it did look a bit on the small side, but it was great to know that I'll be moving to a bigger home.

It was almost sunset by the time I had done all of the packing in my home, I then left my home and saw the train pull in, looks like they're back from the rodeo event. I walked over to the station and saw Applejack climb out with a huge golden trophy.

"Wow!" I exclaimed. "I take it the rodeo went well."

"It sure did, ah won myself this 'ere trophy!" Applejack replied, feeling proud of herself.

"Did anything else happen?"

"It's a long story." Applebloom replied, feeling slightly down.

"Oh I hope it wasn't to do with trying to get your cutie marks."

"I'm afraid it was." Scootaloo said, "We just forgot about what Princess Luna told us, but we'll remind ourselves about it from now on."

"Well in any case, I'll take Sweetie Belle to Rarity's home."

Applejack nodded and left the station with Applebloom and Scootaloo. I walked home with Sweetie Belle and she told me all about what happened at the rodeo and how they met a stallion who was called Trouble Shoes and how they were able to help him see what his cutie mark meant.

"Well, I guess you three continue to learn more about cutie marks and the like. It also reminds me of what my cutie mark is, I should do some DJ gigs at some point, so I don't neglect my cutie mark any further."

"I'm sure you will." Sweetie replied as we walked into Rarity's home. "Rarity, I'm home."

"Ahhh Sweetie Belle, I'll be down soon. Bond darling, come up here, please." she said.

I then trotted upstairs as Sweetie went into her bedroom. I walked into the dressing room to see Rarity with a few wax candles lit and the room was a bit on the dark side as well. I was kinda taken back to see how sexy she was in her black angel outfit.

"Here darling, I want us to try these wax massages, it should help with keeping our bodies firm and soft." she said.

"Uhh okay then...I'll try." I replied, feeling slightly shy.

She explained how it all worked and she went first in massaging me and it felt so soothing and incredibly satisfying. After she was done, I took my turn in massaging her and she was feeling like she was in heaven and that everything around her was like a day at the beach with me behind her.

"Ooooh my dear, you are quite a natural...by the way, how did the housing idea go?"

"Much better than I thought, Twilight was more than happy to let me have the new house built where her treehouse used to be and the Mayor seemed very keen on having the bigger home built for the two of us...and our soon to be foal."

"That is fabulous news, Bond...now we'll be able to have a home together and I'll still get to have my boutique."

"Yeah, but it might take a few days so it can be built, I've packed up all of my stuff in my old house in advance. In the meantime, I'm thinking of sleeping here with you again tonight if you want to."

"Awww as much as I want you to, I think you should sleep in your old house for now, Sweetie Belle will be here for a few days and she might need me for a few things, but I will always be here if you need me as well."

"Okay Rarity, I love you dear, I'll see you again."

"Love you too darling, have a good night."

We then shared a passionate kiss before I left her home and trotted back to my old house. It was quite different seeing all the boxed full and packed around the house, I made sure that some of my personal stuff was boxed up and well hidden. After I had a quick dinner, I decided to have an early sleep before I heard a knock on the door and I answered it.

"Hi Prince Bond, I wanna thank you for saving me today." Trenderhoof said.

"Hi Trenderhoof, it was my pleasure and it needed to be done." I replied.

"Yeah, Coco was worried for me, can you believe that? I think she may have a crush on me."

"Well you never know, you could try your luck and see what happens, but you don't have to take my word for it."

"I'll try anyway, it can't really hurt...see you again, Prince."

He then bowed and left and I closed the door. I then got into my bed and as I fell asleep, I began to smile. Hard to believe that after six years of living in this house, I'm going to be moving out into a much bigger home. It's going to be amazing once it's done and even more so when Rarity and I move in together. I'm sure the rest of our friends will be able to help when the times comes, time to sleep and dream.

Make New Friends But Keep Discord

I woke up to the sounds of knocking on my door, it appeared to be right on the morning hour of 8am according to my pocket watch. I got out of bed in a grunting manner and walked over to my door to open it.

"Morning Bond." Fluttershy greeted.

"Oh morning Fluttershy." I replied. "And morning Big Mac."

"Eeyup." he said quickly.

"Umm we just wanted to let you know that Big Mac and I will be out on date all day and I was wondering if you could watch over Discord and also if you can help introduce him to Tree Hugger."

Well, that shot me right to the point, looking after Discord? Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?

"Uhh, who's Tree Hugger? Is it a protest voter?"

"I met her on a trip to see the Breezies. She's a member of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures!"

"Well as much as I would like to, I've got a bit of busy few days such as moving all this stuff to my new home soon." I replied. "I'm not sure if I'll have the time."

"We know that Bond, but Big Mac and I have been waiting to have this date for some time now. Also, Discord needs assurance that he'll get to have more friends if given the chance. Please help me with this and Big Mac will help out with any house work that needs doing in case the builders aren't around."

"Eeyup!"

I could see the pleading expression in Fluttershy and the concern of Big Mac's face...how in Equestria could I ever say no to faces like that?

"Ahhh, alright Fluttershy, I'll help you out with Discord." I said happily with a silent sigh.

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she hugged me by surprise. "Discord is in the cottage, go over to him when you're ready and we'll see you in the evening."

"Okay, see you both...have a fun date together."

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied and they both walked away in Ponyville with smiles.

"Uhhh..." I said to myself. "This is gonna be a long day...might as well get started now."

After I had my breakfast, I left my almost bare house since everything was nearly packed and flew over to Fluttershy's cottage. When I got there, I walked in to find Discord and "something else" was all I could think of.

"Ohoho, that's not all! When I went to look for them again, they were on the ceiling!" Discord exclaimed to the animals before he noticed me. "Oh well if it isn't Prince Bond Racer, I assume you're here to watch over me?"

"Yeah, Fluttershy wanted me to help you be introduced to Tree Hugger, whoever that is." I replied. "I don't even know what she looks like."

"Well I guess we'll have to find out later at the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Wait, wait, wait...there's a grand galloping Gala?!"

"Why of course, it's taking place tonight at Canterlot...did Fluttershy not tell you?"

"Well, it is the morning time, it's not exactly late afternoon."

"I see, but either way, at least you're here to help me make new friends...ho ho ho, I cannot wait!"

"Yeah...neither can I..."

I sighed, knowing that this was going to be exhausting!

"So what am I going to be doing for you in the meantime?" I asked.

"Ah yes, according to Fluttershy, I will need to visit Rarity's boutique after lunch time, she is working on an outfit for me." he boasted. "And I think she's about done by now."

"Really, Rarity's been working on her dresses all night?"

"I didn't mean it like that. Anyways, I thought I like to show you what I've been doing since you seven defeated Tirek."

"Okay, show me."

He took me into the garden to show Angel balancing on a basin full of gummy sweets with a disoriented figure holding the basin.

"That's uhhh...interesting." I commented, although it wasn't much.

"Save your compliments, there is more." he said as he pointed to another of his odd creation.

This continued for some time until he showed a lot of his work, I was quite speechless and dumbfounded. I'm glad he's fully reformed and all, but his work could do with serious feedback, but that wasn't the time for it. The Gala is a bit more important and speaking of which, will we need tickets and are the others going?

"Well it's nearly lunch time, so we better go and get some lunch along the way to the boutique." I advised.

"Ahhh, a marvelous idea...lead the way." he replied.

I then walked out of the cottage and took him to the Ponyville Cafe, unfortunately, it seems the ponies appeared to have a huge trust issue with him. He did try to take over with his chaos stuff a while ago after all, but even so, it didn't seem like anypony wanted to go near him.

"Don't worry about them, Discord, just give it time for the other ponies to come round." I assured him.

"Well, that's very kind of you to say, Bond, thanks..." he replied, smiling a little.

After our lunch, we walked over to the boutique, I went in first and Discord followed after me. I noticed Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow and the CMC's in the main room.

"Oh, your first Grand Galloping Gala!" Rarity exclaimed as she worked on Sweetie's dress. "The excitement, the anticipation! I wouldn't miss this for all the jewels in Equestria!"

" We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala!" Sweetie and Scootaloo sang together.

"Alright, y'all, keep it down." Applejack said as she was playing cards with Rainbow, "It ain't like it's a life-changin' experience or nothiiiiiiii-" She cut herself off when Applebloom appeared from behind a curtain with her dress on. "My little sister's all grown up!" she sniffed.

I giggled on the inside, talk about letting your emotions go wild, Applejack. She then blew her nose on Rainbow's tail that got me giggling again.

"Hey!" Rainbow moaned.

"This is gonna be the best night ever!" The CMC's exclaimed happily.

It was time for me to step forward and let them know I was here.

"Uhh hi all of you." I greeted and Rarity was first to notice me.

"Oh!" she gasped. "Afternoon darling...here is your ticket for the Gala." she then gave me a ticket before kissing me. "And how are you, Discord?"

"I'm doing alright, thank you." he replied. "I am here for my outfit if you got a minute."

"Oh right...give me a few moments and we'll get to work, right away...as long as you have a ticket."

"Well I don't suppose that, uh, these adorable little cutie-pies have their own tickets to the Gross Gruesome Gala, do they?"

Applebloom blew a raspberry at him. Fluttershy was right, he's not quite there yet.

"A-hem!" Rarity intervened. "To answer your rather rude question, they're going as our dates, our plus ones!"

I suddenly startled and my jaw nearly went loose. "Wait...what?" I asked which none of them answered.

"We're plus ones! We're plus ones!" the CMC's said in excitement.

"Yes yes yes, I believe I got that!" Discord replied with a hint of annoyance.

"Oh and I'm sorry Bond darling." Rarity apologized as she walked to me. "But Sweetie Belle and I have been wanting to go to the Gala as sisters for a very long time. It's also what my family would've wanted as well, I'm sure you understand, right?"

"Ahhh, well if it's a family thing, then I shouldn't be worried about it." I paused for a second. "Or should I?"

"Please don't, dear." she placed her left hoof on me. "I don't think any of us would want you to do anything stupid."

"Yeah!" Rainbow exclaimed as she placed her cards down, looks like she won a round or something.

"Anyways, have you got a ticket, Discord?"

"That will depend if I can find a date or a partner to go out with." he replied. "Fluttershy isn't able to take me, because of her evening date."

"I see...not to worry, let's get started on your outfit!"

The CMC's, Applejack and Rainbow left the boutique and Rarity got to work on Discord's outfit which was according to his liking and when it was done, she said to Discord to come back here if he finds a partner to go with to the Gala. We left the boutique but not before I gave Rarity a loving kiss. We walked to Sugarcube Corner and I went first to see Pinkie Pie with loads of cakes around the store. Discord disappeared and then I saw a cardboard box appear beside me.

"Oh hi, Bond."Pinkie greeted. "And hi Discord! Want some cake?"

An exclamation mark appeared and vanished above the box and Discord came out of it.

"I can give you a list of all the flavors we have in order of most delicious to incredibly-unbelievably delicious!"

"Actually, Pinkie Pie, who are you taking to..." He cut himself off, noticing the cakes. "I mean, do you... eugh, oh, you know what? I am famished. I'll take all the cakes."

"All of them?!" she then grabbed on to me. "He wants all of the cakes!"

"Okay okay Pinkie, calm down!" I said as she let me go.

"Well, I'll need all my energy when I'm dancing at the Gala, if I decide to go that is, oh by the way, are you bringing anypony?" Discord asked.

"Oh, of course! I was gonna ask my mom, because she's, you know, my mom, but it turned out she didn't want to go." Pinkie replied. "So I started asking around and around and around and I couldn't think of anypony and I was about to just go by myself and I realized, of course! Who loves fancy exciting affairs more than anypony else? My sister Maud!"

"Oh is Maud visiting us again?" I asked. "Are you sure she can handle a night at the Gala?"

"She's a Pie sister, what do you take her for?"

"Nothing, I was just curious..."

"You know what? Cancel my order." Discord said as he disappeared from the store.

"You want none of the cakes now?!" Pinkie exclaimed, seeing that she nearly placed all of the cakes in boxes.

"Actually Pinkie, I'll take a few off you if that helps." I replied.

"Awww thank you Bond, see you at the Gala!"

She then gave me three boxes of cakes.

"If I can find somepony to go with cause Rarity has Sweetie, then sure, you'll see me later."

I then took the cakes and left Sugarcube Corner to see Discord by the fountain and not looking pleased.

"Discord, I hate to say it but are you getting a little bit jealous?" I asked.

"Me? Jealous? Why would I ever think of such a thing?" he asked back.

"Because it seems like everypony else except you and me don't anypony or anyone to go to the Gala with." He then lifted his mood up and looked at me as if he remembered something. "Wait a minute, I'm supposed to be seeing Tree Hugger before the Gala, that was what Fluttershy said."

"Well I don't know, what does she look like?" I asked back.

"Oh I remember now, she is supposed to be a light green mare with some interesting orange mane."

Just then, I saw a light green mare with some orange mane, that must be her and she's alone.

"Is that who you mean?" I asked, pointing at her.

Discord looked and I could see that he was feeling a little less jealous.

The mare looked at us and she came towards us.

"Yo, are you Discord?" she asked him.

"I might be, who is asking?" he asked back.

"Oh, how rude of me. I am Tree Hugger. Fluttershy's friend from the Breezies camp."

"Ah well, I am indeed the one and only Discord."

"Radical to meet you. Really digging your vibe."

Just then, I had a random moment incoming.

"Viiiiiiiiiiibe! Viiiiiiiiiiibe! Viiiiiiiiiiibe! She's got that vibe, you, you got that vibe!!!" I sang and rapped.

Discord just blinked and looked back at Tree.

"My vibe?" he asked.

"It's a compliment." she assured.

"Oh, well, I'm sure it is. Well, I must be off."

"Wait, why?" I asked.

"Well, it has nothing to do with seeing you or not seeing you. You can be sure of that, have fun at the Gala!"

"Righteous!" she replied.

Discord then vanished...so much for being able to watch over him, but I couldn't let Tree Hugger be on her own.

"Uhh sorry about that, he's just not well today." I said before I came up with an idea. "Have you heard of the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Why yeah, man...Fluttershy gave me a spare ticket, but I don't have anypony to go with cause she's on her date with Big Mac."

"Well, if you want me to, would you like me to take you to the Gala? I have a ticket as well and I'm in need of a partner to go with as well."

"That sounds totally fly! Of course I'll go with you."

"Sweet, thanks...I'll take you to my fiance's boutique, she makes the finest dresses ever."

"Fiance? Are you engaged?"

"Yeah, but Rarity is going with her sister and I'll spare the details cause I'd like to get my outfit over there."

"Alright man, just chill and we'll be fine."

As we walked, I couldn't help to notice that she was some kind of hippy mare, maybe she needs a time machine to go back to the mid-60's. When we got there, I told Rarity about Tree Hugger and she got an outfit made for her and for me and soon, it was time to leave. She was okay with me going to the Gala with Tree since Rarity and I will have time for ourselves if there came a chance at the Gala.

When it was around sunset time, we arrived at the Gala along with Sweetie Belle, soon Rarity and Sweetie met up with the others whilst I introduced myself to Celestia and Twilight and Tree was greeted in return. I then gave her a quick tour of one of the castle rooms with a huge waterfall.

"Woah!" she exclaimed in her way. "The aura coming off the waterfall was so alive! So, like, magic manifestation."

I couldn't tell if she heavily drugged too, but I kept that idea to myself, I'm not a young colt anyway. Just then I felt a slight breath from behind me.

"Discord!" I said. "I thought you weren't coming!"

"No. I actually never said that. But funny how you remembered it that way." he replied, feeling displeased.

"No I wasn't meaning it like that, I swear. I guess you did have a ticket after all."

"Yes yes, the pony delivering the mail was late with the ticket delivery...my world isn't exactly what it seems...anyway, good to see you. Tree Friend, is it? Your name's slipping my mind right now. How strange."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Tree Hugger. Blessings." she replied.

"You have met me before actually!"

"Cool! Like, in another life, maybe?"

"You've gotta be kidding. You don't remember me?"

"I meet a lot of different creatures, each one of them perfect and unique."

I had to intervene to make it less awkward.

"Uh excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, but do you suffer from short term memory loss?" I asked bluntly.

Discord snickered in the back, behind me, but Tree didn't seem to change her expression. I then caught something in the distance, there was a big green blob around another part of the room and I gasped.

"What the...who or what is that?!"

"He is Smooze!" Discord replied. "Smoozeface, the Smoozinator- well I mean that's what we called him back in college. Smooze! I would like you to meet Fluttershy and... umhmhm... Tree... how'd you say it... Tree Embrace?"

"Oh, I like that! It's so in rhythm with my life force!" Tree said, happily in some way. "Maybe I'll change it!"

"I can't believe I've never heard you speak of the Smooze before. Sounds like you two are close." I said, feeling confused.

"Well, I'm glad you got that, because that's what is true. We are very close."

"Well either way, have fun with that thing...oh and if it becomes trouble, keep it under control."

"I'll do my best...ta-ta!"

He then grabbed the Smooze and took him away, although there was a bit of a green mess left on the floor.

"Tell you what Tree, why don't I introduce you to the rest of Fluttershy's friends?" I suggested.

"That would be a good vibration." she replied.

I was tempted to go into swinging 60's mode with a song reference, but I used all my power to resist such a move. We walked to another part of the castle where the dance floor was, I introduced Tree to the rest of the mares apart from Twilight who I was told was watching over the proceedings with Celestia.

She seemed to fit quite well with all of us and as we were talking, Rarity grabbed my hoof with a smile and told the others to look after Tree. We then walked out into the castle gardens where it was a little quieter, she seemed to want to tell me something in private.

"Darling, I didn't want the others to know, but feel my stomach will you." Rarity said, looking blushed.

I placed my left hoof on her stomach, it had gotten a little bigger and I smiled instantly, knowing that our foal is in there. We then went in for a loving and tight embrace with passionate kisses, it was if we found love at first sight again.

"Oh Rarity, I am so glad I'm able to be with you now...I was a little worried earlier even though I said I wouldn't be."

"It's alright darling, I missed you for quite a bit, but after the way you helped Fluttershy's friend, I just had to give you something in return."

"And it means the whole world to me that we will be closer together soon in our new home."

We then shared one more passionate kiss before I heard a microphone being tapped inside as well as Discord's voice. We then walked inside to see Discord has made a stand up comedian stage. With the Smooze nowhere in sight either, I could already tell that this was not going to end well.

"Check check, check! Is this thing on? Good evening, fillies and germs! I just flew into Canterlot, and wow, are my interspecies parts tired!"

None of the ponies responded, I personally thought the joke was lame.

"I've only got these tiny mis-matched wings, and even I can fly better than Twilight Sparkle! Am I right? Pchoo!"

"Hey!" Twilight intervened as Celestia giggled in the back.

Well it was true, Discord was a better flyer than Twilight but that was only for a short while.

"Uh, well, perhaps you're into more observational humor." He then vanished and appeared with his head only. "Did you ever notice how you always materialize out of thin air? Why not thick air? What's the deal there?"

That didn;t seem to get a response either.

"Tough crowd." he muttered.

"What is he doing?!" Twilight asked.

"I think he's trying to tell jokes." I replied.

"Maud! Jokes!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"My favorite." Maud responded in her low tone voice.

Discord continued with another joke. "Knock knock!"

We were all silent once more.

"You're supposed to say 'Who's there?'! This is the most basic of jokes!" he then smashed a watermelon with a mallet.

"You're the most basic of jokes." Maud said, bluntly.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed as the other ponies began to laugh.

Suddenly, I looked to see a door opening from behind us and saw a massive green slime appearing before it reared it's ugly head.

"Well I hope somepony grabs me the phone because I flipping called it!" I said with a hint of pride.

All the ponies tried to run away, but most of them got stuck in the slime.

"None of my magic works on this ooze! Can you stop it?" Twilight asked Celestia.

"I'm afraid not!" she replied worryingly.

"Discord, how could you bring him here?!"

"Oh, he's not that bad!" he replied, flying along by.

"Oh, my shoes will be ruined forever!" Rarity exclaimed in her diva way.

"That's what you're worried about? Really?" Applejack asked sarcastically.

I kept looking around and seeing the damage the Smooze was making until I realized I was stuck as well, that's just fantastic!

"This is kind of a bummer." Tree Hugger said.

"Isn't it, though? And to think, it would never have happened had I come to the Gala as somepony else's plus one." Discord said.

"Seems like something must have harshed his flow, you know? Like his senses are agitated."

"You don't know anything about rare creatures. I've known Smooze-face for ages. He's not agitated, he's partying down, yo!"

"All he needs is some, like, calming auditory therapy. I know, I always feel really at peace when I'm being bathed in positive vibes. Maybe he'll calm down with some sonic bliss!"

"Do you even know what you just said?"

Just then, Tree Hugger began some sort of chant and it was effecting the Smooze slime, it was moving around like a wave. Then it began to melt away from all of us and we became unstuck.

"Let go, Smooze! Bliss out!"

The slime all then formed into the one Smooze who was now like a giant in way!

"Wow!" I exclaimed. "I will never make fun of the 60''s again..."

We all cheered at Tree's impressive technique, if only Fluttershy was here to see it.

"Oh, thanks, everypony, it makes perfect karmic sense why magic doesn't work on him." she replied. "He only responds to vibrations that peace out his energy fields."

Discord appeared in front of Tree and he looked like he had enough.

"Stop it! Stop it! That's it! I'm done with you, Tree Hugger!"

"Oh man. You're really bumming me out! Can you just, like, lower your voice a skosh?"

"A skosh? A skosh?!"

He then scratched his claw and created a huge doorway leading to somewhere, I knew this was trouble incoming.

"Wait Discord!" I said. "What are you doing?!"

"Relax! I'm not going to hurt her, I'm simply going to send her to another dimension! I can't have her interfering in my relationship with Fluttershy anymore!"

"Wait, is this what this is all about? Do you really think Fluttershy would abandon you just because she's on a date with somepony that isn't you?!"

"Yes, because that's what you did when you went with Tree Hugger!"

"No, Discord! I simply brought her here to the Gala! I didn't abandon you! What if you had a friend that you could discuss chaos-based magic with? Would that mean we weren't friends anymore?!"

"Uh no, I suppose not... it would just mean that I'd have different friends for different things. Oh, oh dear, it looks like I've perhaps overreacted just a skosh."

"Try a lot of skosh."

"I'm just so new with this whole friendship thing. It's so much more complicated than it looks."

"Do you think maybe you owe somepony an apology? Not me!"

He then turned around to look at Tree and he then closed the portal till it was no more. Then he grabbed all kinds of royal jeweler from out of the Smooze and vanished them, probably to some room where the treasure goes.

"Er, Tree Hugger, I'm sorry that you got caught in the middle of my... er, you know... wrath."

"Oh, it's all groovy." she replied calmly. "Um, I need like a few minutes to clear out my chakras before I can hug you from a place of authenticity."

"Oh, your chakras. Fair enough."

Eventually, they did share a hug of forgiveness and Discord grabbed Smooze to have a word with him and we all listened.

"I owe you an apology, Smooze. I spent the whole evening thinking about my own feelings, and never thinking about yours."

The Smooze licked him back which was slightly gross.

"Well, friends! I think I may actually grow to like this multiple friend thing."

"That's good to hear." I replied. "But I think I'm going to call it a night, I'll see you all another time."

"Hang on darling, I'm coming with you too." Rarity said.

I smiled as we waved to the others and left the castle and got a ride all the way back to Ponyville. We got inside the boutique and I had noticed there was a disco ball above the main room and my soundblaster from where I used it at the previous Gala a couple years back.

"Uhh Rarity, what's all this?" I asked.

She then got us to stand on our backlegs in a hugging pose.

"Did we get the chance to dance?" she asked back.

"You're right...we never got the chance, because of what happened."

"Well, this is our night now, the others won't be back for a while." she then turned on the lights that were low. "We can dance away to a love song and sleep together afterwards."

"That sounds beautiful...I love you so much, Rarity."

"I love you so much too darling, now let us dance."

We then began to dance slowly and we heard a ballad that I once heard and it was true, I will be her stallion and I will fight for her honor, because I wanna do it all for the glory of love! When the music over, the disco ball stopped spinning and the lights went off, we walked upstairs and took off our outfits, we then got into bed and snuggled up together.

There were no words needed, it was a wonderful and romantic end to what was a very interesting day.

Discord certainly had his issues about Fluttershy not being with him, but it seems he has learned his lesson now and as for Tree Hugger, she was really something, I think she should be a professional, doing massages or something, but if she loves her job with the Breezies, then that's fine with me. Speaking of which, I wonder how Fluttershy and Big Mac got on with thier third date, maybe we'll find out soon.

The Lost Treasure Of Griffonstone

Waking up the next morning, I looked to my side to see Rarity's smile, even when sleeping she always looks on the bright side of life. I then whistled a quick song before getting out of bed and walking downstairs. As I made a pair of morning hot cocoas, my cutie mark began to flash, looks like I was needed to be at Twilight's Castle.

I drank up my hot cocoa quickly and gave the other to Rarity and told her that I was needed at the castle. She was a little down, but she understood about our cutie map objective, so after a loving kiss and embrace, I traveled to the castle, but when I got there, Rainbow and Pinkie were there too.

"Morning Bond Racer!" Pinkie greeted. "Did you get it too?"

"The cutie flash thing? Yeah I kinda did." I replied. "But why?"

"This is so exciting. The map is summoning you to Griffonstone, the very heart of the griffon kingdom!" Twilight answered showing up the map and the three cutiemarks near a desolate canyon and mountain. "I don't know if either of you have read "Bygone Griffons of Greatness", but Griffons were known to be-"

"Rude, insensitive bullies?" Rainbow said, cutting her off.

"You mean Gilda?"

"Yeah, I mean Gilda! When she came to Ponyville, she was a total jerk to all my friends, especially Pinkie Pie!"

"Oh I remember that, wasn't that the time we all played pranks because she bullied Fluttershy?" I asked.

"She was a bit of a party pooper." Pinkie replied.

"Mm-hm." Rainbow nodded.

"So, maybe Gilda was a little rude. You still get to go to Griffonstone, and according to this book, it has a rich, fascinating history!" Twilight continued as she began to tell a quick story. "In ancient times, griffons were known to be as greedy as dragons, always hoarding their bits and other treasures, but all that changed when King Grover found the mysterious golden Idol of Boreas. Legend says the Idol of Boreas was made from the dust of golden sunsets, blown across the mountains by the north winds. Possessing the Idol of Boreas filled the griffons' hearts with pride. It's said that that one great treasure is responsible for turning Griffonstone into the most majestic kingdom of all the land."

"Cool story bro." I commented. "Uhh I mean sis..."

"Why do you care so much about griffons anyway?" Rainbow asked.

"It was actually Gilda's visit that made me curious." Twilight answered. "So I picked up "Bygone Griffons of Greatness", and I've been hooked ever since! And now...Now you three get to see Griffonstone with your very own eyes."

"Really? Just the three of us?" I asked.

"Hey, you can totally take my place if you want. I still had half a nap to finish." Rainbow said as she yawned.

"Why don't you just come with us? I mean, you are the Princess of Friendship."

"No, no, if the map wanted me to go to the coolest kingdom in all of Equestria and tour the palace and see the actual idol that unites an entire species, which would be super amazing, I'm sure it would've said so." Twilight replied, a little glumly. "You three can handle whatever the issue is just fine. I'll stay here and do important princessy things. I guess."

"Well then, come on, girls! We're going to Griffonstone!" I declared.

"Fine..." Rainbow sighed.

"That's the spirit!" Pinkie exclaimed, blowing a party horn.

But before we could leave, Twilight gave us a quick guide and it took a long while for it all to sink in.

"Upon arriving in Griffon Gorge, be sure to pause and cast your eyes northerly, up the Hyperborean Mountains, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Griffonstone. Once in Griffonstone proper, go immediately to the palace, and introduce yourself to the king. "Bygone Griffons of Greatness" was written a long time ago, and it ends with the coronation of the fourteenth king of the griffons, King Guto. I have no idea who's in charge now. Tell the King you've been sent by the Princess of Friendship, and you're there to help him solve some sort of problem. If for some reason the king can't help, I'd try the Griffonstone library next. It's a little known secret that if you befriend a librarian, you can usually find out anything. Plus, as a bonus, there's a statue of King Grover outside! Photo op! And don't forget to sample some famous griffon scones. They're supposed to be the best."

"Okay, I think we have all of that lodged in our brains and we are fully packed, let's get going!" I said.

"Just be careful, out there." Twilight warned.

"We will be..."

Pinkie, Rainbow and I then left the castle and took the next train that went to Griffonstone. As we set close on one table, I could tell that Rainbow was not really keen on this quest and I felt a little concerned as she read a book.

"Watcha reading, Rainbow?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow sighed. "Twilight literally wrote a book on what we need to do in Griffonstone."

"You mean like a guide on how to figure out what problem we're supposed to fix?" I asked.

"And then some. It's like Twilight herself in book form." she then put on her best Twilight impression. "Always carry plenty of bits. The griffons are sure to help you as long as you share the wealth."

Pinkie and I giggled, before Pinkie placed a tiny bag of bits on the now empty food cart that went by us, I guess she ordered a lot of food.

We then arrived at Griffon Gorge station and began to continue our journey on hoof, thankfully, we had warm clothing and hats to cover ourselves from the cold wind. We then looked up and to the left and saw a couple of homes far away on top of a mountain. Rainbow already shuddered at the thought, but we couldn't fly at a time like this.

After climbing for what seemed like an hour, we finally approached the entrance to Griffonstone.

"Aw, Twilight should've come along!" Pinkie said. "Then she could see first-hoof that Griffonstone is...!"

She paused as we looked at the houses and they were in rough shape.

"A total dump!" I finished.

"Ugh, maybe the map should've called Rarity instead of us." Rainbow said.

"Are you kidding? She would rather get scratched by Opal then climb a mountain." I replied as I intimidated my fiance's actions.

We tried asking a few griffons, but they completely ignored us.

"See? These griffons are exactly like I'd thought they'd be." Rainbow said.

"Maybe we should just find the palace so we can ask the king what's going on!" Pinkie suggested.

"We don't have a king, losers!" a voice exclaimed a bit away from us.

We turned around and gasped...Gilda!

"Hello, Gilda." Rainbow hissed slightly.

"Dash." she hissed back.

"Pinkie!" Pinkie said randomly.

"Donkey!" I added out of the blue.

"What are you doing here?" Rainbow asked.

"Uh, I'm a griffon? What's your excuse, dweebs?" she asked back.

"Hey! These 'dweebs' are here to help Griffonstone!" I answered.

"Help it what?"

"Well... we're not really sure! But it involves a map, our cutie marks, a problem, and-"

"Bored now!"

"Well if you don't have a king, could you at least tell us where the Ideal of Boreas is?" Pinkie asked.

"Ha-ha! Don't tell me you really believe in that thing."

"You'd better believe in it!" A voice muttered from inside one of the houses.

A small window opened and out came an older griffon with a hat that I thought looked familiar.

"Tommy Lee Cooper, is that you?!" I asked randomly.

"No it's Shirley Temple." he replied, coughing and wheezing before getting out of the house. "It was the best thing to ever happen to us griffons!"

"Oh, great. Now you got Grandpa Gruff started!" Gilda moaned.

"I'll tell you the whole tragic tale...for a couple of bits!"

Rainbow sighed as she gave a few bits to Gruff, he then placed a few under his hat, we then fell silent as Gruff explained the tale.

"The first griffon king, King Grover, united our kind like we've never been united before or since! And he did it all with that incredible Idol of Boreas. That idol brought pride to the heart of every griffon that saw it! From one king to the next, Griffonstone had our golden idol, we were the envy of all other species! It held us together, it gave us an identity, right up until the reign of King Guto. That's when Arimaspi came, to steal our griffon treasure! King Guto tried to fight him off, but Arimaspi managed to get away with the idol! That thing and our treasure fell into the Abysmal Abyss, our pride went with it. King Guto was the last king of Griffonstone! And we all lived miserably ever after, the end!"

"That was the saddest story ever!" Pinkie said with a few tears.

"Aw, well, that's tough ponyfeathers! No refunds!" Gruff then flew away, fast.

"No wonder Twilight's book ended with the coronation of King Guto. Who'd want to record a history that sad?"

"It's not sad!" Gilda protested. "Do we look sad to you?"

"Does this look unsure to you?" I asked back with an unsure expression that looked familiar.

"Pinkie, Bond, I think I know why the map sent us here!" Rainbow said. "We need to find the Idol of Boreas and bring glory and pride back to Griffonstone!"

"Ha-ha, here we go, typical pony hero complex." Gilda sniffed. "None of us care about that dumb old idol, don't you get it? We don't care about anything, and that's the way we like it!"

"I think Rainbow Dash is right! The map sent us here to fix some sort of problem!" Pinkie replied.

"The only problem Griffonstone has is you!"

And not saying another word, she flew off in a huff...I'm glad she left, she was getting on my nerves after what happened last time she was around.

"Well, I don't care what she says." Rainbow said. "We're gonna find that treasure, make Griffonstone cool again and get back to Ponyville! Come on!"

"Wait, what about Twilight's advice?" Pinkie asked.

"What, taking a bunch of pictures?" I asked back.

"She mentioned finding answers at the library!"

Rainbow then threw the book she had on the floor by Pinkie.

"Knock yourself out. But when you get bored with Twilight's tour book, I'll be at the Abysmal Abyss finding the Idol of Boreas."

"Wait Rainbow, I don't like the sound of that at all." I said with a hint of concern. "What if we come across a foe that nearly took away all our hard work last time?"

"You mean Starlight Glimmer? But she's gone for now, she can't hurt us." Pinkie said.

"I know Pinkie, but I'm referring to a foe that may be waiting for anypony that dares to enter anywhere near that abyss."

"How can there be a foe?" Rainbow protested with her hooves in the air. "Cause if there was one, Twilight would've mentioned it."

"Well okay, maybe I overreacted, but still, not all seven of us are here together, so we don't have the full might to accomplish this task. It wouldn't hurt any of us, including you, to do a bit of research in a library around here."

Rainbow looked back, she knew that she was defeated, she sighed and flew back down. "Alright."

"Thank you, I know you don't wanna be any longer because of Gilda, but this quest is far more important than reopening old grudges."

"You know, he does have a good point." Pinkie added.

"Okay, okay, I get the point." Rainbow exclaimed. "Let's go find a library."

And with that, we then walked around the town and everywhere we looked, each griffon was grumpy and miserable.

"I know what Griffonstone needs!" Pinkie said.

"A Countdown conundrum?" I asked.

"A song! I've got a super song about smiling that sure to make even the most grumpy griffon grin!"

She was about start when I suddenly noticed a sign, Rainbow blocked Pinkie's mouth to stop her.

"Can't sing here!" Rainbow said, pointing to the sign that had a circle and a line going over a griffon with musical numbers.

"That's a shame...it's just like the movie Footloose, but with voices instead of feet." I sighed. "I miss the 80's..."

"But- how do you break into uplifting musical numbers with no singing?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah, that's Griffonstone's biggest problem, lack of uplifting musical numbers." Rainbow replied.

"Well if I can't sing, how about a party? If there's one thing these griffons need, it's a good cheer!" she looked around for something, "No party store? Aw. How about cake? Nothing cheers folks up like cake! Where's a bakery?"

None of those places were here when we walked around a bit more.

"No singing, no parties, no bakery?! What is this place?!"

"You're welcome to leave at any time!" a voice yelled above us, it was Gilda again and flew away from us.

"Well that just takes the cake. Wait, no! It can't take the cake 'cause there is no cake! Or muffins! Or griffon scones!"

"Come on Pinkie, let's just find the library." I said.

Afterwards, we came across what did look like a library, although it wasn't exactly like a library. We then looked around for any kind of book that would relate to what we were looking for.

"Well, that was hardly helpful...none of these books proved any use to us." I sighed in disappointment.

"See, we could've been saving that idol minutes ago instead of wasting our time." Rainbow complained.

"At least it didn't hurt to try, Rainbow. I guess we'll have to deal with the matter without knowing all the facts."

"Well I'm gonna scout ahead, don't wait for me..."

And before either Pinkie or I could answer, she zoomed away.

"Pinkie, go and find a supply store, I have a feeling that Rainbow's gonna need help." I advised.

"Okie dokie lokie!" she replied and she bounced away.

I decided to get to the bottom of the friendship that Gild and Rainbow used to have before that prank event a few years ago, there must be something that she cares about deep down inside, even if she never wishes to show it. I flew up above the town and before long, I saw Gilda by a stall, she seemed to be selling something.

"Uhh hey Gilda, you probably don't know me as much as the others." I said.

"Actually I do know about you" she answered back. "All of Equestria heard the news when you became a Prince and how Twilight Dweeble got her own castle."

"Ohhh...you caught me off guard there, but that's not what I'm here for. Rainbow Dash just went off to find the idol and I have a bad feeling that she may get stuck in the abyss. If you have any sense of decency left, you would come along and rescue her if she needs it."

"Not my problem."

"Well it should be your problem! She's your friend!"

"Used to be."

"Well what I can't understand is your back story about you and Rainbow, do you remember when she was?"

She sighed. "Yeah. Of course."

Gilda explained how she and Rainbow first met during the Junior Speedsters Flight Camp and after dealing with a few bullies that sounded very familiar to me, they became friends and stood by each other ever since, even doing the chant they had to learn. When she finished telling the story, she began to shed a tear, looks like it may have opened up an old wound from long ago.

"Well, that explains a lot, but still you should ask yourself this. Do you want whatever good times you had with Rainbow fade away completely  and be replaced with whatever tragic moment will happen to her and therefore, haunt you for the rest of your life?"

"Fine, I'll help her. But that doesn't make me her friend."

"That's fine Gilda, you don't have to say you're her friend, but if you can help her, I'm sure she'll appreciate it."

She then showed me the way to the abyss and when we got there, we heard screaming from far down the ravine.

"Rainbow! Pinkie!" I called out.

"Bond! We're down here and we're stuck!" Pinkie yelled.

"Hang on losers, I'm coming!" Gilda exclaimed as she swooped down.

I followed her and we found Pinkie and Rainbow who looked like she may have hurt something. Gilda grabbed on to Rainbow and I grabbed Pinkie.

"Hold on tight, you two!" I said.

In no time at all, we flew out of the ravine and down on a flat ground when Pinkie hugged me for saving her.

"You're more important to me than some chunk of gold." Gilda said and she seemed to say it in a genuine manner.

"Speaking of gold, I saw that idol as we were rescuing you, but it fell off a rock and...it's gone now." I sighed. "Dear Hunter, we failed our quest..."

But Gilda seemed more interested in talking to Pinkie and Rainbow so I remained quiet to see what happened.

"I'm really sorry about how I treated you two." she apologized. "And I'm really sorry for all I did at Ponyville, I guess somewhere along the way, I lost nearly everything I worked so hard on."

"Thanks, Gilda." Rainbow replied as she and Gilda did a claw/hoof shake.

"Apology accepted." Pinkie added. "And we're sorry for pulling those pranks on you."

"Uhh, thanks..." Gilda replied.

"And I'm just sorry we didn't get your idol back." Rainbow said. "Now I'll never be able to solve Griffonstone's problem."

"Wait a minute, I figured it all out." I gasped. "The map didn't send us to find the lost Idol of Boreas, I now think that it sent us here to replace it with something better!"

"Nothing's better than gold to a griffon." Gilda protested.

"That's because you don't have friendship!" Pinkie responded. "If you can learn to care about each other again, Griffonstone could be a mightier kingdom than it ever was before! And you don't need some golden idol to do that. You just need each other."

"Whoa, Pinkie, that was...really sappy." Rainbow said.

"Eh, what can I say? That's how I roll. Go on, Gilda! Go make a friend!"

"I don't know, Pinkie, you really think these griffons are up for this? We aren't exactly in Ponyville, you know."

"Wait a second, are those the griffon sconces?" I asked.

"Yeah, but they taste awful, I just don't know why." Gilda replied.

"Baking powder!" Pinkie exclaimed. "There's no baking powder in these." she then brought out a cup of baking powder out of her travel saddle bag. "Lucky for you I never leave home without it! Now just pop those in the oven and you'll have griffon scones worth their weight in gold!"

Pinkie then went to work and after several minutes, they came out looking so much better, we all had a piece and I found it quite tasty.

"Wow Gilda, with that baking powder added to these sconces, they're really tasty, you should start a business in this town."

"That's the first nice thing any...welll, pony has ever said to me!" she replied back.

"I guess that really was the problem we needed to solve." Rainbow said.

"Baking powder makes baked goods and friendships fluffy and delicious!" Pinkie declared.

Our cutie marks began to flash, meaning that our work was done here and it was time to leave.

"Well girls, we'd better be heading home." I said.

"What? Y-y-you want me to spread friendship here by myself?!" Gilda exclaimed. "How am I supposed to do that?! I haven't even made one single friend yet!"

"Not really, as of today, you've made three."

"But, you'll come back and visit, right?"

"Depends if we are sent on another quest here. But what about you, are you planning on visiting Ponyville?"

"Don't push your luck...ahhh I'm joking of course."

We then shared a laugh before Rainbow, Pinkie and I left Griffonstone and got on the train all the way back to Ponyville. It was around sunset time when we got back, I told them both that I'd go to Twilight to tell everything that happened. So we went for a group hug and Rainbow Pinkie left. I walked into the castle and in the map room, I told Twilight what happened.

"Well, so that was the reason why you three were went over?" she asked.

"Yeah, I guess sometimes, this map likes to troll with us." I smirked.

Spike laughed. "Nice one, dude."

I then said my byes and began walking back to Rarity's home, I walked on in and was welcome with open forelegs and a loving kiss.

"I'm so glad you're home darling, how was your quest?" she asked.

"It's a long story, I'll tell you about it in bed." I replied as we shared a moment of embrace before going upstairs and into her bedroom.

It felt quite interesting to see a Griffon village up in the mountains, but it was such a long while since we saw Gilda and at first, it didn't look liked she changed at all, but thanks to me, Pinkie and Rainbow, she brought out her good side and she learnt something.

Although I knew that Gilda would never show it, I think her friendship with Rainbow may have reunited.

Slice Of Life

I woke up the next morning to hear a lot of chatter outside.

"I'll be back, my love." I whispered to her before kissing her on the cheek

Something had to be going on, so I sneakfully got out of Rarity's bed and quietly walked out of the bedroom.

As soon as I left the house, I heard a conversation by the cafe.

"I really messed up on those invitations!" I heard Derpy say. "I feel just awful, Doc!"

"Hmph, perhaps that explains why I never got mine!" Another pony replied.

"I told Cranky I could get 'em printed for cheap, but that meant hiring somepony with no experience using a printing press..."

I then thought of getting involved, wondering what they meant. "Uh excuse me, is there something wrong?"

"Oh hi Bond." Derpy replied. "We've got a problem and it's a big one."

"I see, what kind of problem?"

"I was asked to send out invitations for Cranky and Matilda's wedding."

It then hit me, I remember seeing Cranky before, he first came here a long time ago and Pinkie and I were there to greet him before we found out the real reason was he was looking for Matilda and he did in the end. Looks like they're finally getting hitched and about time too.

"Oh, I wish there was a way I could go back in time and fix all this!" Derpy exclaimed.

"Going back in time is old thinking, my friend." Doctor Hooves said who appeared from nowhere. "I was working off a cutting-edge theory of making time come forward to you..."

"Wait, wait, wait..." I intervened before whispering to his ear. "Are you telling me you have the hots for her?"

"Quiet!" he whispered back before clearing his throat. "My life's work, decades, speaking, centuries, really, of research and experimentation, and I nearly had it cracked! Turns out there's a magic spell for it... who knew?"

"And all that because of time travel?"

"But there are so many things that magic can't explain, where science and mathematics are the real magic!" He then grabbed Derpy's hoof and went with him. "Come along Derpy, there's so much I can help you with."

"Wait, what about the wedding..." It was no good, they were out of sight shortly after. "...uhh never mind, guess it's up to me to save the day."

I shrugged and thought of getting my breakfast at the cafe instead, it was gonna be a long day.

After my breakfast, I walked to another part of town to find the mane six already in a circle with the rest of ponies watching.

"Do we know what they're on about?" Octavia asked.

"The way they're huddled up like that, I'd say it's either a friendship problem or a monster attack." Applebloom replied.

"A monster attack?! Blast! I'm performing at the ceremony this afternoon, and I still haven't sorted out what to play. How am I meant to practice with a monster invading Ponyville?"

"Maybe it's just a friendship problem, and it'll all be cleared up in half an hour or so." Sweetie Belle said.

"I hope so."

I was about to go over to the girls when Matilda suddenly showed up, almost knocking me down.

"Where's Pinkie Pie?!" she yelled. "I need my wedding planner!"

Just then, we all heard a buzzing noise, I looked up and saw a giant bee with a body of a bear.

"What in the blazes?!" I yelled, before I saw the mane six starting to kick ass, driving it away from the town.

"Oh, no! On my wedding day?!" Matilda exclaimed. "Somepony's gotta help me!" she then pointed at me. "You!"

"Me?" I asked.

"I'm to move an entire wedding from tomorrow to today!"

"But nopony's asked me to organize anything since Twilight came to town."

"So you'll do it?"

"I used to be the best organizer in all of Ponyville. You bet I'll-" I was then cut off by a growling of that thing again, I saw he had the girls beat.

I had to do something. "Matilda, I cannot do anything for anyone until that bugbear fiend goes, just hold on." I then turned around and went straight for the bug bear. "Hold on girls, I'm gonna save this town!"

And with that, I used all of my alicorn strength and magic to give that monster the old fashioned one two, I could've made it three, but there was no wrestling ring around. Before long, I had used up more than half of my endurance and magic, but the fiend was defeated as the bugbear collapsed, dazed and bruised.

"WOW!" Pinkie yelled. "That...was...amazing!"

"Thank you ever so much, darling!" Rarity added before kissing me. "I don't know what any of us would do without you."

"Just doing my job girls, as you all were." I replied.

Derpy then arrived and she was still worried. "What am I gonna do?" she then gasped, seeing Matilda. "Matilda! I feel so bad about the invitations! Is there anything I can do-"

"FLOWERS!" Matilda yelled, running towards a salon with another pony who I think volunteered to help.

Derpy then flew off to the florist, now was a good time to get a proper answer.

"So let me get this straight, Cranky and Matilda are having a wedding, but due to an incorrect date on the invitations, the wedding is today instead of the next day?" I asked.

"Yes!" The rest of the ponies replied.

"Right...now I'm getting somewhere. Is there anywhere I should check?"

"Matilda would want you to check the Town Hall" Octavia replied. "That's where the wedding will take place."

I nodded before giving the mane six a wave, I trotted to the town hall and walked inside to see decorations in place, I could see that Bon Bon and Lyra Heartstrings were working over it.

"I have to admit, when Matilda said we needed this place ready by today, I was a little nervous." Bon Bon said.

"With you by my side, I knew we'd get it done in time." Lyra replied before they bumped flanks which to me was odd.

"There is nothing like a best friend, is there?"

"Anything's possible when you know somepony as well as we know each other!"

"Ahem!" I said, walking towards them. "Hi there you two."

"Oh hi Prince Bond." Bon Bon replied, before bowing.

"Hey there!" Lyra added before giving me a quick hug.

"I see you both have been working hard in this hall." I commented.

"Why yeah, Bon Bon and I did all this and we're not finished yet."

"By the way, what was that noise earlier?" Bon Bon asked.

"Oh it was just a monster attacking Ponyville, you know how it goes." I replied.

"What was it this time? Creature from the Everfree Forest?"

"Uh, I think it's some sort of bugbear."

"Did you say bugbear?" She then hid behind a curtain. "It's found me!"

"What are you talking about, Bon Bon?" Lyra asked.

"My name isn't Bon Bon. It's Special Agent Sweetie Drops. I work for a super-secret anti-monster agency in Canterlot, or at least I did until the bugbear went missing from Tartarus a few years back."

I blinked in disbelief at what I was hearing. "What the heck!"

"When it escaped, we had to shut down the whole agency. Every last shred of evidence of the organization's existence was destroyed. Celestia commanded complete deniability."

"What?"

"Just ignore Bon Bon." Lyra said to me. "She gets in this mood whenever the word bugbear is mentioned."

"Oh I see, well either way, I took care of it by myself. So there's no need to go around like that, Bon Bon."

She then snapped out of her focus and looked at me. "Oh, you took care of it already?"

"Yeah, although it was thanks to the other girls that weakened it first before I finished it off."

"Oh..." Bon Bon couldn't say much more, her face went into a deep shade of red.

I then heard a voice from outside. "I need my ring today, no matter the cost!" I walked out to see Cranky with another pony. "As long as it doesn't cost any extra."

"Uhh Cranky, do you need my help?" I asked.

"Well Prince Bond, long time no see." he replied. "Yes, I want you to help me with getting the wedding rings from the jewellery store."

"We have a jewellery store?"

"It opened a week ago, now please get them for me. I need to find the wedding music group!"

Cranky then galloped off, leaving me confused, but if he wants those rings, I might as well get them.

After I talked to the store owner, I got the rings and trotted back outside. Suddenly, I heard a rush of music and turned my head to the right to see Vinyl with her sub woofers on wheels and Octavia with her cello! They rode around the town at a fast speed and I knew this would cause a bit of trouble. I was about to stop it until they grabbed the guests, the cake, Matilda and almost Cranky, but he ducked out of the way, they then tripped up on a dropped sceptre and everypony began flying in the air towards the town hall.

It took nearly the rest of my magic to guide them through the open windows and everything else along with it in time. I then walked in to find the town hall completely clean, no damage or mess was made, I breathed a sigh of relief and wiped a few sweats from my forehead.

"Something like that might work." Octavia said to Vinyl.

A while later, final preparations were being made and the Princesses turned up with a few gifts.

"What do you mean, you left it on the counter?!" Celestia said quietly to Luna.

"I thought you were bringing it!" she replied quietly back.

"This is just wonderful!" Celestia rolled her eyes.

"I handled the gifts for Cadance and Shining Armour! You were supposed to do this one, remember?"

"Well, we can't just come to this wedding empty-hoofed!"

I then saw Shining bawling loud which was usual for him.

"It's alright. He always cries at weddings." Cadance said. "Though usually it's not until the wedding starts..."

"Next time, you can just bring your own gift, and I'll bring mine." Celestia said to Luna.

"Fine!" she replied back and that was all they said on the matter.

"These flameless fireworks look even better than flowers!" Derpy said as I noticed the bouquet of sorts.

"Now that is one cool bouquet." I complimented. "I hope to have something like that when Rarity and I have a wedding."

Just then, Doctor Hooves turned up in a suit. "There you are! My suit has vanished and this was the only thing left in my closet! How do I look?"

Derpy blushed slightly. "Like a million bits!"

"Great whickering stallions, look at the time! We'd better get seated."

They grabbed hooves and found a pair of seats. I then looked to see Cranky and...that sea serpent from years ago! It had been a long while since I last saw him.

"I can't believe I lost my hair! I look ridiculous." Cranky moaned. "The love of my life deserves better than this!"

"Have no fear, Cranky my dear, it's Stephen Magnet's moustache to the rescue!" Stephen said, cutting a bit of his facial hair and placing it on top of Cranky's hair. I had to laugh on the inside, but each to their own I guess.

"Aw, thanks, buddy."

"Oh, no problem. Now you get in there and marry that donkey!"

As Cranky walked past me, I gave him the rings I held on to and he smiled back.

"Well, is everypony here?" Mayor Mare asked as the rest of us found our seats.

I sat to the far right and I felt a little alone until I felt a hoof touched mine. I looked to my left and saw Rarity, I smiled back and we shared a quick kiss and then, the ceremony began as the doors slammed and the locks were put in place.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in matrimony. As I look around this room, I can only imagine how uncomfortable Cranky must be."

Cranky grumbled a little as we all shared a little laughter.

"But I also see so many ponies from all trots of life, brought together by love. Cranky searched all across this great land of ours to find Matilda, and no matter what obstacles kept them apart, love would finally bring them together, just as it has brought all of us together now. It's remarkable to me, how a story like Cranky's search for Matilda could fill this room with such a unique collection of ponies! It makes you realize that everypony is the star of their own story, and it's not just the main characters in our stories that make life so rich! It's everypony, those who play big parts, and those who play small. If it weren't for everypony in this room, and many more who couldn't be here today, Cranky and Matilda's lives wouldn't be as full and vibrant as they are."

"I want us to have a wedding like this one, dear." Rarity whispered to me.

"I'm sure you do, but a wedding can be decided when two people agree as one." I whispered back.

"Too true, darling..." She then snuggled closer to me as the ceremony continued.

"And so, in front of all these loved ones..." Mayor continued. "Cranky, do you take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"You bet I do!" Cranky replied confidently.

"And do you, Matilda, take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do!" Matilda replied.

"Then I'm proud to say, I now pronounce you jack and jenny!"

Matilda and Cranky shared a wedding kiss and we all cheered with the flameless fireworks exploding.

"Of course! They need love to ignite!" Doctor exclaimed. "How could I have missed it?!"

After the ceremony was over, the party was up next, but Rarity and I decided to check up on the other girls who had to deal with that bugbear earlier, we found them outside the town hall.

"You know something?" Twilight asked us. "We are so lucky to live in this town. I love you all!"

She then tended to a huge lump on Rainbow's flank. "Ow! That's where the bugbear bit me!"

"Sorry!"

We then got into a group hug, before I looked up, it was sunset time.

"Wow, this day has sure gone by fast." I said. "We should all probably get back to our homes."

"Oh yeah, about that Bond." Applejack said.

"Yes?"

"While you were busy, all of your stuff was moved into your new and bigger home." Fluttershy explained.

"And the reason they're there is because the five of us helped out." Rainbow added. "Pinkie and I never got around to thanking you for helping us out at the Griffon Kingdom, so we did that for you instead."

"Wow...thank you girls. So I guess I'll be going to my new home to sleep."

"You mean our home, darling?" Rarity asked, elbowing me.

"Uhh yeah of course...I d--didn't mean to."

Rarity giggled. "I'm teasing you, dear, let's go and check it out."

We then said our farewells and walked to the new house. When we got there, the outside was completely created and a lot better than my old home. We walked inside and I couldn't believe it, the inside was a lot bigger than I thought, a bigger kitchen, a living room, a study/fashion room for Rarity and a big bedroom which would be for me and Rarity.

When we got to the bedroom, I looked at the corner. There was a cot and a lightly dimmed yet coloured lights hanging above it.

"This is for when our new arrival, darling, they really thought of everything." Rarity sighed happily.

"Yes, they did and then some...we must thank Mayor Mare for this." I replied.

"We've already done a lot for Ponyville, it's okay to let this one slide."

"Alright then, so are you planning to sleep in this new home?"

"Not quite darling, there's a few things I need to get from the boutique and as well as needing help with some of the furniture I'll need in our new home."

"Alright, we'll talk about it later." I then cuddled her. "Take care my love and goodnight."

"Same to you, my fiancé." We then shared a passionate and loving kiss before she left, going back to her home.

After my dinner, I got into bed and looked back on today. Who would've thought that a last minute wedding would be hectic? Oh well, things were able to turn out amazing in the end. That was wedding number two for me as well, I wonder if the third wedding will be mine and Rarity's...oh well, I can only dream.

Princess Spike

I woke up the next day and I looked around, it was no dream, this was really my new house...well our new house once Rarity sorts herself out with what she needs on her end. Speaking of which, I should go and check on her today to see if she needs help with some of the big stuff. Getting out of my king size bed that will be shared soon, I grabbed a quick breakfast and began my walk to the boutique.

But halfway through my walk, I was stopped by the swoosh of a wind passing by. I looked up to see Soarin who landed by me as well as Thunderlane who I hadn't seen the competition at Rainbow Falls, he was a little less confident than Soarin, but smiled all the same.

"Yo Prince Bond!" Soarin greeted.

"Hi Prince Bond." Thunderlane added as he bowed.

"Hi there you two, what brings you to Ponyville?" I asked.

"Well, we just came to tell you that we found a bit of gossip." Soarin replied. "It happened earlier this morning that I heard from my marefriend Rainbow."

"Yeah, we heard that Flash Sentry, Twilight's personal guard finally got the courage to ask her out on a date." Thunderlane added. "They're going to be away from Ponyville until this evening."

"Well, that's a new one." I said. "Anything else."

Thunderlane began to blush. "Yeah...it's nothing special."

Soarin nudged him. "Come on, don't be shy in telling him about your crush on Lightning Dust."

"Dude, don't mention my crush, it's not cool."

I looked back with a smirk. "You have the hots for Lightning?"

Thunderlane went into a pale shade of red, confirming that he did.

"Well I say that you shouldn't be embarrassed, I think you both match pretty well." I assured. "You should try asking her out the next time you see her."

"Maybe not yet, but someday...and thanks."

"So anyways, Spike is gonna have the castle all to himself." Soarin continued. "We're thinking of having a party there and let our minds go wild, it would be awesome if you could come along!"

"Well, I'm tempted but at the moment, I'm waiting for Rarity to move some of her stuff into the new home I moved into yesterday." I replied.

"You have a new house? Mind if we crash there instead?"

"There's a baby cot in the corner of one of the rooms, what do you think?"

"I'll take that as a no...the castle it is then, I'm sure Spike won't mind."

"Wait, let's go and talk to Spike about it first before we jump into anything and if he says no, then you can leave me out of it."

"Okay man, let's go."

Soarin, Thunderlane and I began walking to the castle, but when we got there, we saw Flash and Princess Cadance looking over Twilight who appeared to be snoring her head off on a pile of books.

"Whoa, what happened to her?" I asked.

"Shhh!" Cadance replied.

"Napkin! Tell the delegates I'll..." Twilight mumbled before snoring again.

"She's been awake since midnight, preparing for the summit! We need to make sure she gets some rest today! She'll never be able to attend the welcome reception in this condition! Can I count on you to see to it that she isn't disturbed?"

"Uhhh, as much as we like to, we kinda wanted to ask Spike about a party." I answered.

"Actually you know what, don't worry about it." Thunderlane said. "We'll talk about this another time. see ya Bond."

Soarin sighed. "Okay, guess we'll plan it somewhere else, we'll see you sometime Bond."

Soarin and Thunderlane then left the castle.

"What about you, Flash?" I asked him.

"Uhhh, I'll come back and see her another time for a date." he replied before leaving as well.

Just then, Spike appeared. "I promise! I won't let you down!" he said determinately.

A little later, I helped taking Twilight to a bed in one of the towers of the Canterlot castle and tucking her in gently.

"Perfect." Spike commented.

Then we heard a bird chirping.

"Hey there bird." I greeted. "Do you follow me on twitter?"

"Uh, excuse me? Can you keep it down a little?" Spike asked before the bird began chirping louder. "I'll give you bird seed! Worms! Anything! Just please stop singing before you wake the Princess!"

The bird then left through the window and away from the castle.

"Huh, I can't believe that worked!" I said.

"You doubt my methods, dude?" Spike asked.

"I wouldn't dream of it, you know that."

We then heard several ponies outside, we looked through the balcony to see a group of ponies in a game of croquet.

"Hyah!" Spike yelled as he ran from the ccastle.

"Wait Spike! Wouldn't it be better to just shut the window?" I whispered loudly.

I sighed, knowing he couldn't hear me, so I closed the window slowly and drew the curtains. Now Twilight could get some sleep in peace. I then followed Spike out of the castle and to the ground to see him being crowded by ponies who didn't seem pleased by his interruption.

"Uh, hi fellas. Sorry to break up your game, but there's sort of an important diplomatic summit kind of thingy going on, and it involves a princess needing her sleep, and, uh...maybe you could move your game somewhere else?"

But before they could answer, a chainsaw began to work into motion, I looked to see a pony using one by a tree.

"Spike, wait!" I exclaimed but he seemed to ignore me as he went straight to the stallion.

"Excuse me! Do you have to do this right now?" Spike asked before he sneezed. "Oh no! Are those dragon-sneeze trees?!"

"Uh, these are too top-heavy." the stallion replied. "Wouldn't take much to bring these beauties down."

"Can't you just wait a few hours?"

"Sorry, it's a public hazard, got my orders."

"Spike! Could you just hold on for a moment!" I said. "I've been trying to tell you something."

"What, dude?!" Spike asked before he sneezed again.

"I closed the windows and pulled the curtains, Twilight shouldn't be able to hear anything out here right now."

Spike then jumped to the ground. "Ohhh, but I don't think that's gonna be enough."

Suddenly, a drill was then turned on and began drilling the ground by a unicorn. It was so loud from where we was, I couldn't stand it.

"Excuse me, sir! I really need you to stop right now!" Spike yelled before the drill stopped.

"Lemme guess, the noise? Sorry, but we can't have a broken water main!" the unicorn driller replied.

"Ugh, you couldn't do this yesterday?!"

"Spike!" I scolded lightly before carrying him away from the unicorn with my magic. "I know you wanna stop all this just to give Twilight her sleep, but that's no reason to start being rude to ponies, you're gonna get yourself in trouble."

"I know man, I know and I'm sorry, but I want Princess Twilight to be rested, Princess Cadance to be proud and that maybe, Princess Spike will get a little reward. Hah! Princess Spike."

"Except that you're not a female dragon." I giggled. "I think Prince is the word you're looking for."

We were then back at the tower where Twilight was sleeping, noises were still going on, but I knew that it wouldn't be a problem for Twilight. Just then, we began to hear an argument from two ponies who were walking past us.

"Let me handle this, Spike." I said as I walked to them. "Uh, greetings. Can I help you?"

"Well greetings mister..." The mare asked back.

"Prince Bond Racer, you might recognize me from some of the pairings on key events."

They gasped together before bowing.

The mare continued. "My distinguished friend the delegate from up Manehattan and I, the delegate from Whinnyapolis are having a bit of a pickle, and we need the Princess Twilight to resolve it!"

"Well we have a bit of bad news, Twilight is in no condition to solve this right now, she is in dire need of sleep, so maybe you could come back later?"

"Oh sure now gosh I wish we could but, uh, we're both supposed to give speeches about our local economies in five minutes, and we've been booked in the same hall!"

"I had the room first, and let's be honest, my speech is more important!" the Manehattan delegate said.

"Wait a moment there sir, I think you'll find my speech is the more important one, don't'cha know?"

"Look, you is gonna have a lot of unhappy delegates on your hooves unless we get a ruling from Princess Twilight right now!"

I gulped slightly, the last thing I want is for any trouble to be caused on my account because of a princess who needed sleep.

"Uh Spike?" I asked him.

"Lemme see what I can do." he replied before going in the room.

Spike shortly came out with a look of uncertainty.

"Well? What'd she say? She picked with me, right?" the Manehatten delegate asked.

"Hey hey hey, let's not be too hasty there good sir. I got a feeling she went with me." the Whinnyapolis delegate added.

"He-hey, if she didn't pick me, it ain't hard to see that as an insult to all of Manehattan! Know what I'm sayin'?"

"And it'd sure be a shame see something like a scheduling issue create a nasty old rift between Whinnyapolis and Ponyville!"

"So? What'd the Princess say?"

"Come on, now! Spit it out!"

Spike looked like he had to come up with something, he then looked back at them. "Um, she said that, well, she said that she...she wants you to...share it?"

I sighed away from him, knowing that this will not end well.

"If that's what the Princess wants, what are ya gonna do?" the Manehatten delegate said.

"The Princess is always right!" the Whinnyapolis delegate added as they shook hooves before walking away.

Spike sighed in relief as he sat down and pulled out a bowl of red gems. "Now, back to more important things!"

"Uh Spike, mind if I leave now? I have a few important errands to run today." I said.

"Oh uh sure thing, I've got it all under control." he replied confidently.

"Okay man, just try to stay out of trouble."

I then flew away and back to Ponyville and by the time I got back, I noticed Rarity with a few boxes carried by her magic.

"Hi my love." I said. "Sorry if I'm late, I got caught up in a few moments and-"

"Bond!" Rarity said as she looked at me. "Where have you been? I was looking all over for you as soon as I found the time to visit you, but you weren't there."

"Yeah about that, I got caught up in helping Spike on a few errands that Twilight can't handle, because Cadance said that she was working all through the night last night and hasn't been able to sleep until this morning."

"Well Twilight working through the night doesn't surprise me, but what on earth for?"

"Spike said it was to do with something called a summit at Canterlot, with delegate speakers from all across Equestria."

"That sounds like a huge lot for Spike to do, so I guess you're back for a reason?"

"Yeah, I wanted to come straight back and help you with any of the heavy equipment you need help moving with."

She looked back at me with a smirk. "Well you might be out of luck, darling. Big Mac volunteered to help with one of my spare sewing machines."

I then saw Big Mac coming out of the boutique, pulling a cart of the machine. "Eeyup! Fluttershy wanted me to help you after ya'll helped her with Tree Hugger."

"I see, is there anything else?" I asked Rarity. "Something that I can do to make this up to you?"

"Well, once some of my stuff is in our new home, you're gonna have to do whatever I tell you to do, later tonight."

"Yes, I will do so, my love...you know I'm sorry, right?"

Rarity walked towards me with a comforting smile. "Of course I do, dear."

We then shared a quick kiss.

"Save that for the night, ya'll!" Big Mac intervened as I blushed and grabbed one of the boxes outside the boutique.

After a short while of helping some of Rarity's stuff moved into the home, we told Big Mac that we could take care of the rest before he left smiling. Rarity and I then thought of having a quick dinner since it was approaching sunset time. Afterwards, we talked about where the stuff would go and we moved most of her things in the spare empty room that would be used as a spare sewing room.

We now looked at the whole house, it felt like a new and improved home, I had my fiancé with me and a foal on the way.

We then shared a long hug, it was almost like we made up and that we felt stronger than ever.

"Shall we go and tell the others?" I asked.

"Why of course, darling." she replied happily.

We then left the house and walked to Twilight's castle, as soon as we walked in, Twilight and Spike returned from Canterlot and they told us what happened after I had left.

"Well Spikey, it seemed you had your claws full today, although you did learn your lesson." Rarity commented.

"I sure did and I promise never to take everything into my own claws again if I can't handle it." Spike replied. "By the way Bond, thanks for helping me out when you did."

"It was no problem." I said. "I did try my best, even though it distracted me from what I was meant to do earlier."

"Oh yeah, we heard that you and Rarity have moved in together in that new house, awesome!"

"And we couldn't be happier for you both." Twilight added. "By the way, did you see Flash Sentry earlier?"

"I did and he said he would try to ask you out another time." I replied.

"Well this time, I will be awake to see him when he I get the time. See you both soon and have a good day."

Rarity and I left the castle and walked back to our new home, we then walked upstairs and looked to see the start of night time, we got into the king-size bed and snuggled up together, it felt warm to be by her side again.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door, I whispered to Rarity to let me handle it. I answered it to see Thunderlane...and Lightning Dust!

"Well good evening you two, what's all this?" I asked.

"We just wanted to say thank you for giving me that assurance boost I needed." Thunderlane replied.

"We had a really good date tonight, we'll be dating again when we have time." Lightning added. "Just taking it slow, know what I mean?"

"Of course and I am so glad it worked out well, goodnight."

They smiled and flew away as I closed the door and went back upstairs and to the bed to find Rarity out of it and dressed in her sexy nightwear outfit.

"Oh darling, I nearly forgot...you still owe me for what happened earlier." she said slyly.

I gulped, knowing that this was going to be a fun night before I could get any sleep.

Oh well, better enjoy it and see what tomorrow brings me...

Party Pooped

A door knocked loudly and we were both woken up by it. I got out first and answered the door to see Pinkie bouncing.

"Morning Bond, urgent meeting at the castle, we need to go!" she exclaimed before bouncing away.

I just blinked, what did she meant by urgent meeting. Then I felt the hooves of Rarity behind me.

"Was somepony there, darling?" she asked. "Or shall we go back to bed?"

I sighed. "As much as I want us to, we've gotta be at Twilight's castle, it's quite urgent according to Pinkie."

"Well if we have to, we must be on our way."

We kissed, held hooves and made our way to the castle. When we walked into the hallway, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rainbow were already there with Twilight pacing about in a line shape which doesn't surprise me.

"You look nervous. There's no reason to be nervous." Twilight said with a huge amount of nerves.  "Nothing to worry about. Everything's gonna be fine!"

"Twilight, tell those butterflies in your tummy to beat it!" Pinkie replied. "Making new friends is always fun."

"Ohhhh..."

"They're probably just as nervous as you are." Fluttershy said.

"You've been planning this shindig for weeks." Applejack added. "You know everything about these fellers. It's gonna be dandy."

Twilight tried to take deep breaths to calm down. "You're right. Remember, Equestria and Yakyakistan haven't opened their borders for hundreds of moons."

"So that's what you're concerned about?" I asked. "Where is it?"

"Well, Yakyakistan is so far north of the Crystal Mountains, nopony's even been there! Imagine the look on Princess Celestia's face when she finds out we made friends with a yak prince! I'm calm! I'm calm..."

Spike then appeared blowing a trumpet, before the doors opened and a carpet rolled down.

Three yaks...if that's what they were entered inside with their manes covering their eyes, two of them moved aside and the yak in the middle approached Twilight.

"Ponies! Greetings, ponies!" he said.

Twilight moved forward to greet them. "Prince Rutherford, your Majesty. On behalf of all of us, I welcome you to Equestria."

"Me honored. Yaks hope for great friendship between ponies and yaks. Friends for a thousand moons!"

"You must be hungry after a long journey."

Spike then rolled in a tray full of food, I had to admit that I was kinda hungry as this time of the late morning.

"We've prepared a banquet of traditional yak foods." Twilight continued.

"If things not perfect, yaks get mad. Yaks always get mad when things not perfect!"

Twilight gulped and the rest of us looked on as the Yak leader munched on a meal before spitting it out.

"This no taste like yak food! Fake pony food make yaks mad!"

He then roared and flipped the table over, making a mess on the carpet and then proceeding to charge around the castle and cause some damage.

"Is it okay to be nervous now?" Pinkie asked.

"Gee, I don't know..." I replied sarcastically.

"Darling!" Rarity whispered loudly, nudging my shoulder, I really gotta stop thinking out loud.

After a moment of mayhem, they left the castle, but the hallway was in ruins and we all had to clean up and repair the damage.

"Them yaks sure have a funny way of saying "howdy"." Applejack commented.

"They're different, that's all. Very... different." Rarity added.

"I think they broke my record for most stuff broken in under a minute." Rainbow said. "I mean, they even broke the trophy."

"All we have to do is show them how great it can be to have friends before Princess Celestia arrives for the friendship party tonight." Twilight advised. "Now, who read the seven-volume cross-indexed history of Yakyakistan I recommended?"

"Um... I-I had a thing..." Rainbow said, almost wandering off with her words, I guess she and Soarin had a private night.

"I did, I did." Pinkie replied. "Did you know they live so far north of the Crystal Empire that it's cold all the time? Yaks have yak fur to keep them warm."

"Pretty sure that's what fur's always for, Pinkie Pie." Applejack corrected.

"I know! Yaks are so cool!" Pinkie jumped at Applejack which caused her to let go the hammer which smashed the vase that Rarity just put back together.

"Pinkie Pie, can you show them around town?" Twilight asked. "I know you have to plan the friendship party too, but it would really help make them feel welcome."

"Don't worry. They'll be in good hooves with me."

"Remember, we want to make sure Equestria feels like home. That means doing everything we can to make this place feel like Yakyakistan."

"No problem!"

"Good. Let's get out there and make some new friends!"

They all cheered in agreement, but I was a little unsure about it.

As the other five left, I stayed behind to make sure nothing else was damaged around the hallway.

"Oh Bond, you're still here?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, listen. I wasn't even aware of yaks living in Equestria." I replied. "And they sure as heck didn't look or felt friendly."

"I know it's a big ask, but remember our goal here, we're supposed to help spread the magic of friendship to places that need them, like the buffalo tribe and the griffon kingdom, this is just another one that we have to accomplish."

"Even so, I think it's too much to ask in trying to be reasoning with them and with Pinkie in charge, I'm not sure if she can handle it."

"Bond, how many years have you known Pinkie and the others before and after I settled here?"

"About six years now, but what's that gotta do with it?"

"You're supposed to have faith in Pinkie's methods, remember?"

Twilight had a point, it was over 2 years ago since I first discovered that I represented the element of faith. Of course, a lot of things had changed, but some things remained the same, I was only concerned that Pinkie could get hurt by the Yaks should any damaging take place.

"You're right Twilight...I kind of forgot, cause a lot of things have been happening to us since this castle first rose up from the ground."

"Well, I'm glad you see it, but I wanna know why?"

"I'm just worried that Pinkie might get hurt by the Yaks, I'm not sure if Celestia would appreciate yaks harming ponies."

"Bond, it will never come to that and even if it did, I would be the first to write to Celestia about it and she would take care of the issue."

"Well, I was also wondering...just in case Pinkie isn't able to set up the party, shall I be the backup party planner. Pinkie can just tell me what needs set up and I'll do it for her."

Twilight pondered over it and smiled back. "That's actually a sensible idea, Bond. You should go and tell her."

"Hmm, I will as soon as I find her."

"I think she went with Applejack to show them the hay beds in the barn."

I nodded before leaving the castle and trotting through the town...when suddenly, I was immediately stopped by a pie that just got thrown in my face...it tasted like pumpkin pie, my least favourite kind of pie, I let the pie drop to the ground and looked around to see who threw it.

"Well, look who it is. Bond Lame kin pie!" a familiar voice remarked.

"Diamond Tiara!" I yelled. "Show yourself right now!"

I then saw the little brat trotting up to me, she had a clipboard and a paper on her back for some reason.

"Not much of a prince now, are you?" she giggled. "I have asked my dad to put a restraining order on you. That means you can't strike back, even if I provoke you."

I used my magic to clean my whole face off. "A restraining order?" I asked. "You lair, your father is much smarter to know than to fall for your pack of lies."

"Oh really? Read this paper if you don't believe me."

"Fine, give it here."

I used my magic to read the paper...I gasped. I didn't want to believe it, but the signatures and the details were there. It has to be a very good fake, but I thought it was better to not continue the charade.

"Well, you got me there...guess I can't solve this."

"Ha! I thought so, Prince loser!" she then galloped away, laughing.

I never felt so mad since Dark Wonder came here, I wouldn't be surprise if she was one of his hell spawn, if he was still alive of course. I then reminded myself of what I was meant to do until I saw Pinkie and the others walking to the castle. I decided to walk back with them, they all seemed a little down.

A while later, we were back in the castle and sat in the throne room on our seven throne chairs.

"So how did it go with the yaks?" Twilight asked the girls and each of them replied differently.

"Y'know... it's goin' okay." Applejack responded.

"Satisfactory, I'd say." Rarity added.

"It could be better." Rainbow half-heartedly replied.

"It's not very good." Fluttershy whispered.

"It's a disaster!" Pinkie exclaimed in horror.

I sighed quietly, I was not surprised at all, but at least Pinkie wasn't hurt.

"Pinkie Pie, tonight's Yakyakistan theme party is more important than ever!" Twilight said. "You'll make them forget all about this afternoon, right? Because if it's not perfect, they're gonna smash everything! And I'm not sure how much more smashing this visit can take!"

"I definitely will! I think. Maybe...?" Pinkie then slumped to almost underneath the table, as if she was feeling scared.

"Wait Pinkie." I intervened. "How about I take care of the party?"

"You, wanna do it by yourself?"

"Well, not really, cause I will need your help in what it should look like."

"Awww I really appreciate your help. It's going to be my most happy-tacular party ever! I hope!

"Why are your eyes darting around like that?" Rainbow asked, pointing to her eyes.

"It's what I do when I'm not nervous!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" I asked. "Let's go and set it up."

Pinkie then whooshed out of the castle...I knew where she would go, so I left the castle and went to Sugarcube Corner to find Pinkie in her bedroom and she seemed to be more nervous then ever.

"Gummy, what am I gonna do?" she asked her pet. "I had all this amazing stuff planned for the party, but they're gonna hate it! There's no way to make Equestria feel like Yakyakistan. They're just too sensitive! Even Fluttershy made them mad!"

I entered into her room. "Pinkie! You need to calm the heck down and take deep breaths!" I exclaimed. "Seriously, it's not like you're building a skyscraper all on your own."

"Not helping! I need a new idea, and I need it now. How am I supposed to make this party feel like Yakyakistan without actually going there and bringing something back?!"

Just then, as Gummy pasted his tongue on her nose, she gasped as if she just had an idea. "Gummy, you're a genius."

"Uhhh Pinkie, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to go to the Yak kingdom and bring home some stuff that they'll actually like and feel like home, I'll be back later!"

"Wait, what am I supposed to do?"

"Just prepare the party and keep it under wraps until I get back! See ya!"

Without a moments pause, she zoomed out and from the window, I could see she galloped to the station and took a train ride to somewhere.

"Well, guess I better get to work..." I said before I heard hose words by Diamond from earlier, cause me to lose my cool. "...and if those Yaks get out of line, I'll just use my magic to stop them from causing any destruction. I'm sure Twilight won't mind me in doing some damage control."

The preparations were being made and I was more than halfway of finishing it all, when I heard Twilight's voice approaching the shop.

"And this is Sugarcube Corner. They're working hard to make your traditional Yakyakistan cake."

"Vanilla extract balance very tricky." I heard the yak prince reply.

Suddenly, Twilight appeared in the store just a few feet away from me. "How's tonight's party coming? I'm doing what I can, but it's really up to you two at this point! ...Pinkie? Where are she?!"

"She went off to where the Yaks originally live." I replied. "Something to do with making the party look like they are home away from home."

Just then, the yaks walked in and Mrs Cake gave the Yak prince a slice of the cake, he then chewed before spitting it out.

"Hmm...ponies too heavy on vanilla extract!"

That was it, I just had to release my new source of anger, no way was this place going to be smashed.

"Oh no you don't!" I exclaimed and just as the cake got squashed, I used my magic to catch them all and float above the floor, unable to escape.

"Alicorn prince pony, nasty to yaks!" he yelled.

"Bond! What are you doing?!" Twilight asked loudly.

"What does it look like, I'm trying to prevent them from causing anymore destruction."

"No, you can't solve this problem with magic, put them down!"

But I was in such a bad mood that I felt I didn't want to. "If I do that, they'll turn this place upside down, after all you said you were fed up with the damage they've caused in this town."

"But we're supposed to be diplomatic, let them go now!"

"FINE!" I shouted as I stopped using my magic and the yaks landed gently on the floor.

"We demand party!" the yak Prince demanded. "Party now or yaks no friends!"

"No! Just a little longer!" Twilight replied.

"No more longer! We leave now! Yak go to train, return with more yaks! We declare war!"

Twilight gasped and at that point, I really didn't care on what I said.

"Fine, go ahead and declare war on the ponies!" I replied rudely to them. "Your tribal attitudes and smash-it-up styles are no match for alicorn magic as Princess Celestia will prove when you come back. If I were you, I wouldn't bother returning, Equestria would be better off without your kind!"

Just then I received a huge slap to the face and it hurt just as much as being knocked out with a tree trunk.

"ENOUGH!!!" Twilight shouted. "I don't know what has gotten into you today, but I will not tolerate you being a bully!"

I finally lost it and snapped. "SHUT UP TWILIGHT! I'm not gonna put up with shtick! And you know what, screw you, screw these yaks and screw whatever ideas Pinkie has to solve this issue! As far as I'm concerned, I am done with today...DON'T BOTHER LOOKING FOR ME!!!"

I then blew away the door and flew out of the town at a rocket speed before I was so far away from Ponyville. I landed on the hill and began to take anger management breaths...curse that Diamond Tiara, she started that pot stirring to make me angry in the first place.

After taking time out for an hour, I sighed and thought of what I should've done earlier. I flew back and looked for the Tiara family home, Granny Smith was able to help me find the location when I went to the farm first.

I then came across a classy house, I knocked on the door and after a moment, the door opened and there was Filthy Rich.

"Well good afternoon Prince Bond." he greeted. "This is a pleasant surprise."

"The feeling is mutual. May I talk to you inside, it's about your daughter."

Filthy's smiled faded. "Oh I think I know where this is going, but yes, come on in."

We then sat in the dining room, I took a deep breath and began to tell him what happened to me thanks to Diamond Tiara, he seemed surprised.

"A restraining order?" he asked. "I never filed a restraining order...unless..." He then trotted upstairs and came back with the piece of paper I saw earlier. "Hmm, let's see." He read it through quickly until he stopped at the signature part. "Aha! I have found the problem...this signature is a forgery!"

"Forgery, you mean it's not real?" I asked.

"Yes, it seems that my daughter used my father's hoof-writing and passed it off as mine. Prince Bond, you have nothing to worry about and I apologise for my daughter's behaviour. I will see to it that she is punished first thing tomorrow morning."

"Oh thank goodness...thanks Filthy Rich. I shall be going now."

"Alright Prince, take care." he then bowed as I left the house.

I decided to walk back to Sugarcube Corner when suddenly, I heard a scream passing right by me, I galloped in pursuit until I ran into the store to find Pinkie landing on a bed.

"No! I'm all the way back where I started!" she exclaimed. "I was this close to helping Twilight befriend the yaks. Now I've just let everypony down."

I sighed and felt sad...I felt so bad for how I behaved, now was possibly a good time to start making up for that.

"Pinkie, you're not a failure, your tried your best...but it's also thanks to me that we may have just started a war."

"Really, but what did you do while I was gone?"

"You don't wanna know..."

Just then, we heard a bit of muffling coming from below us. Pinkie planted her ear to the ground and then lifted up her bed to reveal a secret slide.

"Looks like they found my secret party place, wanna come along?"

"No thanks, I'll just listen in from here."

"Okie dokie lokie."

She then slid down whilst I placed the bed to one side to hear what they were saying.

"Looky here. It's notes for the party she wants to throw for her folks' fiftieth anniversary." Applejack said. "But they ain't nearly that old! Huh. She's already plannin' their one-hundredth too. And their five-hundredth?"

"I had no idea she worked so hard on her parties." Twilight added.

"She may be more organized than you, Twilight." Rainbow remarked.

"Let's not get carried away."

"I just wish Pinkie Pie were here so we could tell her how much we all appreciate her hard work." Rarity said before she sniffed. "And my loving darling, I miss him already."

"Thank you! Thank you!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I love you too! All of you!"

"You're back!" Twilight said happily.

"I tried to go to Yakyakistan so I could bring something back for my party. But at the last second, I made a mistake. I worked harder on this party than any party ever. But I'm still just a big failure."

"Pinkie Pie, you're not a failure."

"What matters is how hard you tried." Fluttershy added.

"At least you were more reasonable in what you tried to do unlike 'somepony'." Rainbow said impolitely. "I mean, who else would've gone all across Equestria to plan one party?"

"You know...the trip was really hard. But everypony I met along the way was so helpful. I just wish the yaks could see how friendly and wonderful and great Equestria really is!" Pinkie then gasped. "I just got the best party idea ever!"

"It's too late. The yaks left on the last train." Twilight said with a hint of disappointment.

I never felt so guilty at that point...if only I could go back in time to prevent what I did.

"Um, no, they didn't. Trust me! There are a whole lot of sheep out here!"

"So, um, do we walk back up the slide or...or what?" Fluttershy asked.

At that moment, I decided to make myself scarce and leave before they could see me.

A while later, I heard a party going on all around town and as much as I wanted to join in, I didn't feel that I deserved it, since I nearly cost a future of a pony/yak alliance as well as the future of Equestria, so I watched from a short distance.

"I am very impressed, princess." Celestia complimented.

"Heh. Just doing my best to spread friendship." Twilight replied.

"And you did a wonderful job of it. You and your friends."

"Well...almost all of my friends...something happened with Bond Racer."

"Well Twilight, if something is wrong with him, it is best to give him as much breathing space as he wants. I am sure that he will come back a better and wiser pony."

When I heard those words, I shed a tear. She was right, it was best for me to be away from Ponyville...but what about Rarity, I can't leave her without nopony to cuddle up to, not after we both just got settled into our new home with a foal on the way.

Seeing a golden opportunity, I saw Sweetie Belle and whispered to her about me being away for a while, she nodded and soon, I flew away fast and gave Ponyville a wave, I wasn't going to be away for long.

I just needed time to think...

Amending Fences

Well, to my surprise...one moment, I was lying on the softest ground I could find in order to get some sleep, the next when I woke up, I saw myself back in my new home on the king-size bed. I looked to my side and Rarity wasn't there, but I heard a bit of noise coming from the kitchen. Feeling a wave of curiosity, I got out of the bed and walked downstairs to see that it wasn't Rarity, but...

"Princess Celestia?!" I gasped.

"Why good morning to you, Prince Bond." she replied. "I trust you slept well?"

Rubbing my eyes, I shook my head slightly before feeling a bit of pain in my head. "Ugh, how did I end up back here?"

"My sister Luna found you and she used her magic to carefully transport you back to your home." she then levitated a plate full of food. "Breakfast, Prince Bond?"

"I'll get to that in a moment. Where is Rarity?"

"She's at her boutique and if you're looking for Twilight which I believe you are, this is where I come in." Celestia then put on her serious face. "I want you to go to Canterlot with her, there's a few ponies that she hasn't seen since she became my student and I think it's time for her to make up those amends."

I was a little unsure, I hadn't seen or spoken to Twilight since I snapped at her after I prevented the Yaks from destroying Sugarcube Corner. "You want me to help Twilight in Canterlot? I'm not sure if she would want help from me after the way I behaved."

Celestia put a hoof on my shoulder with a smile. "As I understand, you were trying to protect the store and the rest of Ponyville from the Yaks 'unreasonable' behaviour. Twilight was as much in the wrong to not try other options as you were when you argued with her."

Celestia had a point, I acted way out of line at Twilight, but I was trying to stop any more chaos from happening. I still felt guilty that I nearly started a war between the yaks and ponies, but if I'm going to get over this issue, today would be a good time to make amends.

I looked up at Celestia. "Okay Princess, I'll do what I can to help Twilight. Where is she?"

"In her castle, preparing for her trip to Canterlot." She then used her magic to put me in a chair with my food in front of me. "You still have time for breakfast, so there's no need to rush."

I giggled slightly, Celestia sure knows how to help with even the most basic of needs. "I guess Sweetie Belle was just too worried to keep what I said to her a secret, like a little sister would be."

"She was and she hopes you forgive her." she then walked away and towards the door. "Now I must return to Canterlot, I am expecting you and Twilight to be there." She smiled and then opened the door before leaving and flying upwards.

I looked back to my breakfast. "Well, better get eating, I'm gonna need this energy..."

After I was done eating and having a drink, I got dressed and left the house. Along the way, I thought of seeing Rarity and hoping she was alright, I walked into her boutique and saw her working on a dress. I then walked up behind her and placed my forelegs around her waist and my head on her shoulders.

"Morning my darling." Rarity said happily. "I heard the whole story from Sweetie, so I understand why you're like this."

"Well, you can let Sweetie know that I was wrong to tell her that I wanted to be away and that I forgive her for telling you." I replied before kissed her on the cheek. "But if there is one pony I have to apologize to, it's Twilight."

"Of course, dear." I then let go of her and she turned around to hug me back. "I think Twilight is heading to Canterlot to rekindle with a few ponies, Spike hasn't been well since he ate all those gems at yesterday's party. Perhaps you could help Twilight if it makes you feel better."

"It would help me get through today...I'll see you at home, Rarity." We then shared a romantic kiss. "And I will be at home this time."

Rarity giggled. "I know you will be, cause Princess Luna would easily find you again."

We kissed once more before I left the boutique and walked to Twilight's castle, only to see her coming out of the castle.

I sighed and gulped. "Here goes nothing..."

Twilight noticed me approaching her, she seemed more confident regardless of yesterday than I was. "Morning Bond, are you here to help me?"

I scratched my mane, but I tried to put on a brave face. "If it helps to forgive me for the way I acted yesterday with those yaks."

"Well Spike was going to help, but he's still recovering from his obsessive gem-eating." Twilight then showed me a sad look. "Plus, it gives me a chance to say that I'm sorry as well. I should've been more open to other options and you were trying to save these ponies and I should've remembered that."

"I guess were both made rational decisions without a second thought, but at least Pinkie was able to save us all in the end."

We then smiled a shared a forgiving hug, it felt good to be in the good books again. "So with that out of the way, I'm helping you rekindle with old friends that you once had at Canterlot?"

"Yes, the problem is that I can't remember any of their names right now!" she replied as we walked out of Ponyville. "But do you really think that they think I'm a bad friend?"

"Well, you'll never know until you find out, so what are waiting for? Let's get flying."

Twilight and I opened our wings and began to fly to Canterlot, she felt a little worried still.

"Come on, Twilight. You're getting worked up about a small issue."

We then landed down outside the castle grounds.

"The only logical place to start is at the beginning." Twilight said before she pointed to a big tower to my left. "Look, that's the tower I used to stay in three years ago!"

"Woah! That is an awesome tower." I complimented.

We walked to it and Twilight opened the door, she went inside first and I followed and I gasped. It was even bigger on the inside and now wasn't good time for my mind to be dirty.

"Oh. It's exactly how Spike and I left it!" she said, walking upstairs and coming across a book that had a lot of dust. She blew it away and gasped. "Look! It's Predictions and Prophecies! And it's still open to the Elements of Harmony!"

I looked around to see some objects of interest, until I noticed a stuffed teddy that looked a bit damaged. "Hey Twilight, who does this teddy belong to?" I asked.

She looked at the animal I picked up with my magic. "Oh, you found Spike's stuffed toy he used to go to sleep with, he used to miss that so much when Spike and I first moved to Ponyville. I shall make sure to bring this to the castle at home."

"Looks a little rough though." I said. "I'll see if I can get Rarity to fix this up, I'm sure she won't mind."

"I think you're gonna make Spike a happy dragon after this is done." Twilight replied, smiling before she felt concerned again. "But anyways, how could I have let this happen?"

I put my hoof on her shoulder. "Come on, Twilight. Celestia gave you an assignment. No pony could blame you for that."

She looked at the glass window that showed a bright morning. "But look at the way I left this place! It's a total mess! Just like how I left my friendships."

At that point, I had a good question. "Sooooo, who are the old friends you've gotta make it up to?"

"Spike would know, but he isn't here right now..."

Just then, a letter suddenly appeared in front of us, Twilight opened it and read the following:

Dear Princess Twilight.

Spike wanted me to let you know about your old friends names. They were Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moondancer. I also hope that you and Prince Bond have made up and become a stronger Princess and Prince of Friendship.

Your former mentor,

Princess Celestia.

She then closed up the letter and it disappeared.

"Well, I guess that answers your question." I commented.

She looked up at the "Yeah. Them."

"Well no time like the present, let's go and find your old friends." I declared.

"If only I knew where they lived."

I pondered for a moment. "Wait a minute, did you say one of the ponies was Minuette?"

"Yeah."

"I remember hearing that name. In fact, I once came to Canterlot for a dentist appointment with her when I got settled into Ponyville several years back. Her home has an hourglass on the top above the door. I don't understand why, but I guess it's part of the decoration."

Twilight smiled. "That means she and the others must live in the town of Canterlot, then show me the way!"

"My pleasure!"

We then left the tower and walked into the Canterlot town, it wasn't long before we found a home that had an hourglass above us, Twilight tapped on the door and I stood aside so that Minuette would see Twilight first. The door opened and out came Minuette like a shot.

"Minuette?" Twilight asked.

"Twilight Sparkle!" she replied happily. "You old so-and-so! What are you doing here?!" she then looked at me. "Oh Prince Bond Racer! I haven't seen you since the Canterlot Wedding, how are you doing?!"

"Hi Minuette, I'm doing great and my teeth are as good as gold."

"That's good. Hey, grab a picture of me and the Princess, will ya?!" She then brought out a camera and levitated it to me. "I try to tell my co-workers we used to be friends back when. But they never believed me!"

I shrugged and took a photo with Minuette with Twilight's wings open, I then flew the camera in her home carefully.

"So what are you doing here?! I mean, I know you're here all the time, but you never come to see me. Hey, I just had the greatest idea! You wanna go see Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine?"

"Of course! My old friends!" Twilight relied excitedly.

"You too Prince Bond, it'll be great!" Minuette giggled. "Come on! Let's fly! Get it?"

Twilight looked at me with a smile. "This is perfect! I can apologize to all three of them at once!"

"Let's hope their not as traumatized as Minuette." I whispered back.

We followed Minuette to Joe's donut store and before we knew it, she waved to two other mares who were sitting at a table. "Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine!" she called out.

They both looked at us and gasped.

"Twilight Sparkle?!" They both said. "Over here!"

We then sat around a table with them and we began greeting and talking, or in Twilight's case, rekindling with how they used to be friends with her, soon they began telling a few stories about what had been going on all this time and they giggled.

"She did!" Minuette exclaimed. "Twinkleshine literally spit out her oats when she heard you were the Princess of Friendship!"

"We saw you at the coronation. That was some shindig!" Twinkleshine added.

"You did?" Twilight asked.

"Sure! We see you all the time!" Lemon replied.

"You remember our old friend, Lyra, right?" Minuette said. "She lives in Ponyville, too. We're either always over there visiting her, or she comes over here to visit us! We thought about asking you to join us from time to time, but we just sorta figured you moved on."

Lemon cleared her throat. "So, um, what brings you by anyway? All those times you've come back to Canterlot you never had donuts with us before."

"Well, uh, you see..." Twilight sighed. "I came to apologize."

Minuette gulped down a bit of food. "For what?"

"Before I left Canterlot, I didn't really appreciate my friends. And that's because I didn't know how important friendship was. But I've learned so much since I moved to Ponyville. I learned what it means to be a good friend and that I certainly wasn't one to the three of you. So for all the pain I caused you, I am truly sorry."

The three of them giggled, I guess they weren't really hurt as much as Twilight thought.

"Oh, come on, Twilight!" Minuette said. "Sure, it might've stung a little bit when you ran off to Ponyville without saying goodbye, but it's not like we weren't used to that from you!"

"Yeah, we didn't take it personally." Twinkleshine added.

"But it's really good to see you now." Lemon said before she looked at me. "What about you Prince Bond, what brings you here?"

"I'm here to help Twilight with the friendship making here, but it looks like she's got it under control already."

Lemon then smirked at me. "Is that the only reason?"

"Of course, why would I be here for anything else?"

The three mares looked at each other. "Never mind, we can tell you another time...Hey! Anypony up for a blast from the past?"

"Sure, where are we going?" Twilight asked.

"You'll see." Twinkleshine replied.

We left the donut store and walked across the fields to a building which looked like a school building.

"It's our old science lab!" Twilight gasped. "I have so many great memories of this place!"

"Remember when Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in that beaker?" Minuette asked before they shared a giggle.

Twilight looked through a window to see a classroom before she looked back at the mares. "What ever happened to Moondancer?"

"Moondancer?" Lemon asked.

"Yeah. You know. Our other friend."

"Oh, right! Moondancer! I remember her." Twinkleshine said.

"I wonder what she's up to." Lemon added.

"Yeah, I always liked her." Minuette said. "We just sorta lost touch after you left."

"I think she went to live outside the stadium, didn't she?" Twinkleshine asked.

"Well, let's go see."

We then left the school grounds and walked to a small home that looked really old compared to the other buildings. It felt so run down, it couldn't be possible to have it restored on that BBC programme once called Restoration.

"I think this is the place. Didn't used to look like this, though." Minuette said.

Twilight walked to the door and knocked and the door opened, out came a beige unicorn with red and purple mane, she almost looked like Twilight. Hmm, I then wondered if Silverlay was around, or is that from another pony universe?

"What do you want? I'm trying to study." Moondancer said inpolitely.

"It's us! Your old friends!" Twilight replied.

Moondancer didn't seem interested and shut the door, which left us feeling awkward.

"That's old Moondancer, alright. She always did like her books." Twinkleshine said. "Hey! Kinda like you used to be, huh?"

"Exactly how I used to be." Twilight sighed.

Lemon and Twinkleshine said they had to get back to their jobs, so we waved at them. Minuette stayed with us as we took a seat by a cafe, we bought ourselves our own drinks and just then, we saw Moondancer walk into a library.

"Nopony looks at her or says hello or even gives her a smile." Twilight commented. "It's like she doesn't even exist. Was she always like this?"

"Well, she always was a little shy." Minuette replied. "But for a while there, she was really starting to come out of her shell. Remember when she threw that party? Oh, right. I think you might've been busy that day."

I looked at Twilight and she gasped with her eyes wide open, it looked like she remembered that day. "That was the day before Celestia sent me to Ponyville and where my destiny began!"

"Woah!" I exclaimed. "Imagine what Equestria would've looked like had you not been there to see Nightmare Moon's return before everything else that followed."

"Thought she finally might be letting her guard down a little with that party." Minuette continued. "We invited her out a few times out after that. But she was always too busy studying. So, eventually, we just stopped asking."

Twilight looked down. "I had no idea that party was so important to her. I've gotta find a way to make it up to her!"

"Do you want me to come along?" I offered.

"It's alright Bond, I'll try on my own first and if it doesn't work, you can help me then, just make sure to stay around Canterlot until I need to find you."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll even keep Minuette company if need be."

She then walked to the library and I was left with Minuette.

"Hey Bond, mind if you come to my house, there's a few photos I wanna show you." Minuette said.

"Well Twilight can find me anyways, so sure." I replied.

I walked with Minuette to her home and when I walked inside, I was surprised to see the home exactly the same way it was when I was last here years ago. Her dentist room and equipment was still in the same room, so was a portrait photo of her and...Doctor Hooves?

"Oh yeah, I never got around to asking you, is Doctor Hooves..."

"My brother?" Minuette finished for me. "Not quite, he and I are cousins. We both have a similar cutie mark yes, but I help out with studying ponies teeth in my own time. Speaking of which, can I see yours?"

I opened my mouth and showed my teeth, she then got out her teeth magnifier and looked inside.

"Hmm, very good condition on all sides, you've been taking great care of yourself since then."

"I sure did." I then saw a photo of Minuette along with Twinkleshine and Lyra Heartstrings dressed up as bridesmaids back at the wedding. Then I saw a photo in a dark corner that hadn't been put up, I picked it up and saw the image...I gasped in absolute shock. "Minuette, where did you get this from?"

Minuette walked by and she gasped. "Ohhh...I didn't wanna put that up, because of what happened four years ago, do you remember?"

I sighed and closed my eyes. "Yes...it's suddenly coming back to me now...I just reminded myself why Moondancer is acting like she did earlier, it's to do with more than just the party. I need to see Twilight about this if I can find her."

Just then, I heard a bit of commotion from outside, I looked out to see Moondancer trotting away from Twilight.

"You gotta give friendship a chance." Twilight said to her.

"I gave friendship a chance a long time ago." Moondancer replied, levitating Twilight out of her way. "It didn't work out then, it isn't gonna work out now!"

I trotted over to Twilight, feeling worried for her.

"Twilight, are you alright?"

She then began to feel emotional. "No, no I'm not."

I then gave her a hug and then I thought of an idea. "I think you should give her a bit of time...and let me handle this."

"The first part I can understand, but why you?"

"I remembered that it isn't just the party that she wants to forget about...she's completely forgot about me."

"Why would she forget about you, I don't remember seeing you at Canterlot years ago."

"Well, this might give it away, but do you remember the one time when she said that she went away from Canterlot to do a nature study with a special pony she met in secret?"

"I remember her saying something about it, but I didn't pay attention cause I was into my books."

"Well that stallion she spent time with on that day...was me. In other words, Moondancer and me...used to be an item."

Twilight gasped in shock. "Oh my goodness! So you were the stallion that she used to spend time with when she wasn't studying?"

"Yes, but that was 4 years ago and I never went to that school you went to. Moondancer would often tell me about it and about her friends, you were one of hers too and whenever we were alone, she would often say that she loved me and we would kiss and I would reply back saying that I loved her too. But then I got involved in a one night stand where Moondancer found me completely drunk...and that was the end of it. I often visited her since I lived in Ponyville but after that night, I never saw her again...until today."

"So her problem isn't to do with the party?"

"Oh no, I think the party helped her feel uncomfortable about having friends, but it was my teenage mind that started the downhill."

"Oh Bond...I'm so sorry to hear all that."

She then hugged me and I hugged back.

"It's alright Twilight, things have changed since then right, I have my own house with my fiancé, Rarity and a foal on the way."

"Bond, I've got an idea...I'm going back to Ponyville to get my secret weapon."

I blinked slightly, pulling out of the hug. "What kind of secret weapon?"

"You'll see. Minuette and I are gonna set something up big and I want you to convince Moondancer to be at the Canterlot field ground by that gazebo. I'll be right back!"

She then flew off to Ponyville whilst I trotted to Moondancer's home and when I got there, I knocked on the door, but there was no reply. I then opened the door slightly and set my left hoof inside.

"Uhhh hello, Moondancer, are you here?" I said as I walked in.

"What do you want?" she replied, walking from another room. "Wait, are you that alicorn that was with Twilight earlier?"

"Yes, I wanted to say that I saw a photo earlier today...it reminded me of that one night, don't you remember?"

"Remember what night, what was so special about it?"

I then brought out the framed photo I had kept hidden after my visit to Minuette's home and showed it to her. "Here. The night we looked at the stars after I helped you with your nature studies."

Moondancer gasped, her eyes began to feel emotional, she then looked at me. "Bond Racer? Is it really you?"

"Yes, it's been four years since I last saw you."

She then began to feel a little mad. "Ugh! Now I remember, you and I used to be together! But then you got too curious for your own good and threw it all away!"

"Yes, a massive mistake that I swear to never, ever repeat! I have not touched any alcohol bottle since then."

"Well I can tell by the slight scent of your breath and your clean teeth, but that still doesn't mean you get to walk back into my heart and expect everything to be roses again!"

"Moondancer, I don't think you understand why I'm here. I just wanted to ask you if you could walk with me to the Canterlot field by the gazebo. The day where we first met, there's so much that I wanna talk to you about."

"Oh I see, but why should I?"

This was going to count as a gossip chain, but I had no other choice. "Does the name Rarity ring any bells?"

She pondered before pulling out a book that had a fashion logo on it. "Yes, she is the mare who's had big success with fashion for the last two years. She was the pony I did my fashion study on, one time, why do you ask?"

"Because...I live in a big house that I now share with the pony I'm going to be marrying...and also have a foal."

Moondancer blinked...and then I saw something I hadn't seen for four years...she smiled happily.

"Wow! So you DID promise what I wanted you to do."

I looked surprised. "Promise, what do you mean?"

"After I broke up with you, I said to you that you should stay in Ponyville, find a library and read books on how to be a much better stallion and after all those years, you really DID mature in the end!"

"Well, so I stuck by a promise and I never even knew it."

"You were suffering from a hangover the next day, but still. I am so proud of you and congratulations on the engagement to Rarity." she then felt a bit sad again. "I'm so sorry that I said to never speak to me again and for how I behaved towards Twilight. I bet I'm too late."

I walked forward and smiled, placing my hoof on her shoulder. "Moondancer, is it never too late. Twilight isn't a quitter and with the help of her friends, she always overcomes her challenges in the end."

"Really? So where is she?"

"Well, if you come for a walk with me, you'll find out...also, just to be sure. I'm sorry too for when I got so drunk that I costed everything we had then. I always regretted that one night stand ever since and I tired so hard to forget it."

"Thank you Bond...and after what you've told me, I forgive you. So...friends?"

"Friends."

We shook hooves before going in for a hug...I felt so relieved and happy.

Moondancer pulled out of the hug. "I'll come with you, but on one condition."

"Name it." I replied.

"I still have a bone to pick with Twilight and I will not get over the birthday issue from 3 years ago until I've said my piece."

Well, I had a feeling it wasn't gonna be pretty, but I understood. "I understand, Moondancer, come on."

We then walked from her home and to the Canterlot fields to find a huge party all set up, Pinkie Pie has done it again.

"SURPRISE!!!" Everypony shouted.

"Thanks but no thanks. I don't do parties." Moondancer replied.

I stood back a bit as I already knew what was about to go down.

"I know. And I think it's my fault." Twilight said. "Back when we were in school together, you invited me to a party. I was so focused on my studies that I didn't show up."

"Big deal."

"It was a big deal. And now that I realize how important friendship is, I'd like to make up for my mistake with a new party. A party in honour of my friend, Moondancer. Please. You've got to let me make this up to you."

"And you think this is gonna do it, huh?"

"Eh, yes?"

"Well, sure, why wouldn't it? That was only the first time I put myself out there and then you didn't even bother to show up! Then you left town without saying goodbye even though we were supposed to be friends!" she then broke into tears. "I was humiliated! I felt like I wasn't important! I never wanted myself to be hurt like that again! Those three finally convinced me that I had value! That other ponies might like me and want to be my friend! And you! Didn't! Show! Up!"

I then saw Pinkie whispering something to Spike and he ran off for some reason.

"You're right. This party can't make up for the way I hurt you. But please, don't let my mistake be the reason you can't be friends with anypony else."

"We were your friends then and we'd be honoured to be your friends now." Minuette said.

I then saw three more ponies show up with gifts as Spike guided them in.

"What? That's the librarian! The bookseller! My sister!" Moondancer exclaimed happily.

"You've got a lot of friends, Moondancer." Twinkleshine said.

"I'm sorry, Moondancer." Twilight apologized. "I've faced magical creatures, the end of Equestria, all sorts of things, but seeing how my actions affected you, that was one of the worst feelings I've ever had."

Moondancer began to smile through her tears. "Thank you, Twilight. I never realized how much I needed to hear that."

Moondancer and Twilight went into a forgiving hug, all of us smiled although I got a bit emotional, then a party cannon off, it was time to start the party!

It was past sunset when the party began to wind down, Twilight, Pinkie and I shared a group hug knowing that we did a terrific job today.

"I think it's time for us to go, Moondancer." Twilight said.

"Thank you for helping me make some new friends." she replied happily. "Even if they are my old friends."

"Oh. We'll come back and visit soon." Pinkie assured.

"That would be great! You still gotta teach me that Haycartes technique!"

"Deal." Twilight replied.

"And Bond Racer, if you ever need a foal-sitter or if you want a godmother, feel free to let me know."

I blushed and laughed nervously. "Uhh sure thing, but that'll have to wait for a few months."

The others laughed at my moment of blushness, but I didn;t mind, I knew they were just teasing. We all then gave Moondancer and the rest of them hugs and said our byes to them before Pinkie, Twilight and myself flew all the way back to Ponyville with Pinkie on my back. When we landed back home, Pinkie said that she needed a day off after organising two parties in a row whilst I gave Twilight the stuffed teddy so that Spike could be reunited with it.

As for me, I walked back to my home under the beginning of the moonlight. I yawned as I got in, it had been a long day and after closing the door behind me, I was welcome with a kiss.

"Evening darling, how was your day?" Rarity asked.

"It's a very long story, considering the time." I replied.

"Well right now, you're with me and I'm getting tired as well, so let's go up to bed and dream together."

"I wouldn't ask for anything else than that right now."

Sharing one more kiss, we walked upstairs and to the bedroom. We got ourselves tucked in and slept closely, before I began thinking back to today. It was one thing for Twilight be reunited with her old Canterlot friends, but the shock moment had to be Moondancer. She was my first love, but I am so glad that what I did in the past is buried now and that Moondancer and I are friends once again.

I began to sleep and all I could do was smile...

Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?

I felt a sudden twitch and looked up to see nothing out of the ordinary except seeing Rarity on my right side, sleeping away with her sleep patch on, so I smiled and went back to sleep. Several hours past and I woke up the next morning to find Rarity not at my side again, I really gotta stop having these late nights.

I got myself up and after a quick breakfast, I walked to the boutique and opened the door, walking in to find the other girls busy grooming their pets which was a bit odd, but then again, I didn't own a pet and I don't plan to anytime soon.

"Morning girls." I greeted.

"Oh, morning Bond." Rainbow said before she yawned. "Thanks for setting this all up, Rarity."

I then noticed that all of them had sacks under their eyes, I guess they didn't sleep well or they've been working overtime.

"A grooming day was a really good idea for all our pets." Fluttershy commented.

"Except for me, but that would explain why I'm the last to know." I replied. "Anyways, why do you all look so...tired?"

Just then, Rarity dosed off and with her magic, accidentally pointed her cat comb into Opalescence, causing her to screech and jump on the ceiling light. I walked over to her and kissed her to wake her up.

"Oooh, thank you darling." she kissed me back before seeing Opal hanging above her. "Oh my, I'm sorry. I didn't get my normal beauty sleep last night."

"You know," Twilight said before yawning. "I didn't sleep well either."

The others murmured and nodded.

"I'm totally beat to!" Pinkie exclaimed, rolling across the room.

"I can see that." I said. "But I would like to know why."

"Ah guess we're too tired to explain." Applejack replied.

Fluttershy yawned. "I only went to bed early last night, but then I had a really scary nightmare."

"Me too." The others replied.

I was confused. "Wait, a scary nightmare? What was it about?"

Twilight tried to explain. "There is this blue smoke monster and-" she paused, seeing the other girls eyes wide open. "-what?"

"I dreamt about that blue smoke thingy too." Fluttershy replied.

"Me too." the rest added.

"Hold on a second, you all dreamt the same nightmare." I said. "But how come?"

"So what, it's probably just a coincidence." Rainbow retorted.

Spike then turned up with a few towels, possibly for Twilight who has been bathing in the wooden tub.

"That's an awfully big coincidence." Twilight said.

"Huh, I wonder why I didn't have that nightmare." Spike pondered. "I slept great."

"Actually, I was gonna ask that." I replied. "If you girls all had the same dream, how come I didn't get the dream. Cause all I dreamt about was seeing the future of me and Rarity's lives together, there wasn't any nightmare involved."

"So then what could've given us girls the same nightmare?" Rarity asked as I wrapped my hooves around her pregnant waist gently.

"I don't know, but I do know who might." Twilight replied. "Spike, could you send a scroll to Princess Luna?"

"Sure." Spike replied, bringing out a scroll. "Say it."

"Dear Princess Luna, last night, my friends and I all dreamt of a creature made of blue smoke. However Prince Bond Racer did not dream the same as we did. I'm sure you're very busy but..." Twilight paused to yawn before continuing. "...when you have the chance, please let me know if you have any idea what it could mean. Yours, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You can leave out the yawns."

I looked at the scroll and saw yawns on it, I put my hoof on Spike's to let me remove those and he finished it off before wrapping it up and sending it away through the open window. For a moment, things were very quiet, this was a good time for me to wonder why I didn't get the dream they did.

"Okay Twilight, do you have any ideas on why I didn't get the dream?" I asked.

"I don't know, there has to be something else." Twilight replied. "Maybe the nightmare can't get to you because of your element."

"You mean my element of faith? That could be a reason, but it seems a little far-fetched."

Suddenly, the door flung wide open, we looked back to see Princess Luna.

"Which of you saw the creature of blue smoke in your nightmare?!" she asked, feeling concerned.

"Woah..." I said quietly. "...that was fast."

"We all did..." Twilight said. "...except Bond."

"And not me." Spike intervened, walking away.

"So you encountered the smoke monster too?" Twilight asked Luna.

Luna walked in and explained. "The Tantabus is a creature of my nightmares. It escaped from my slumbers yesterday."

"But how did it get into ours?" Fluttershy asked.

"The Tantabus is like a parasite, my dreams must no longer be enough for it. Now it seeks others to infect and corrupt, they must've learnt of you six girls from seeing you in my dreams." she then turned to look at me. "As for why you didn't have the dream Prince Bond, it's quite simple, you bear the element of faith, don't you?"

I nodded.

"Faith is in fact one of the strongest elements in Equestria, it is entirely difficult for even the worst of nightmares to break. With the visions of your element inside you, combined with the magic and spells you have learnt, you are able to have the dreams that shine so bright that the nightmares cannot bare to battle your visions."

"Cool!" I replied, I also smiled since I didn't mind not being dreamt in Luna's dreams. But thinking about it, I wondered why she didn't dream of me. I was thinking that Luna might know more than she is letting on, but my thoughts were interrupted by Spike.

"Woah, woah, woah." he intervened. "So what you're saying is, he dreamt about all of them and not me?"

We rolled our eyes.

"So smoky gave us some bad dreams, no biggie." Rainbow shrugged off.

But Luna continued. "I saw that the Tantabus had grown more powerful, but I did not realize that power was enough to enable it to escape my dreams. If it's power grows, it could very well find a way to escape into the real world, it could turn all of Equestria into a living nightmare!"

Rainbow began to worry. "Okay, okay, okay, I take it back! That does sound bad! Really bad!"

I then face-hoofed, took her long enough to realise how serious this is.

"So what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" I asked.

"I would advise you six to keep yourselves awake until tonight, I will explain the details then." Luna replied. "Prince Bond, I need you to come with me. I wish to speak to you about your important role in private."

"Of course, Luna." I replied. "I'll be back later, all."

I trotted to Rarity and kissed her before leaving the boutique with Luna, she then used her magic to teleport me right into the Canterlot castle. We then walked into her bedroom and shutting the doors and windows, she looked at me. "No pony will be able to hear us, Prince Bond. I must ask you first, what was your dream about?"

"It was about the future which had me and Rarity having a family in our home." I replied. "We had two children of our own, a colt and a filly."

Luna pondered. "And Rarity is pregnant and due to give birth, yes?"

"Yeah, I think she is due in about two months, the growth of her stomach has slowed down since last week."

"I see. Prince Bond, are you able to create dreams of your own or for your friends?"

"Hmm, I haven't done that or even imagined having my friends in my dreams." suddenly, I then opened my eyes a little. "Wait a second, there was one dream I had that happened before the one I had last night. It was just me and Rarity and the children, none of our friends ever came around...nor my sister or my cousin, I had wondered why."

"That is a curious dream, Prince. I will keep that dream in mind, but for now, I must make preparations for tonight. You should return to Ponyville and help the girls with whatever help they need today. I also ask of you to let Twilight know to set up a group slumber in her castle."

"I will Luna."

I opened the doors and smiled at Luna before leaving the castle and flying back to Ponyville, I told Twilight about Luna's group slumber and after that, volunteered to help out the girls for today. I was a little tired myself when it was night time, but I was strong enough to be relaxed whilst awake. Luna took us the Twilight's bedroom and she saw the beds all made up around in a circle shape.

"We've prepared everything exactly as you requested." Twilight said as we walked in.

"Good. As you six slumber here, I will pursue the creature into whichever of your dreams it infests." Luna replied.

"Ooh! It'll be like a princess sleepover!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Speaking of princesses, aren't you going to ask Celestia for her help as well?" Twilight asked.

"There is nothing my sister can do. She has no power in the realm of sleep." Luna replied sadly. "Only I can move from dream to dream; I am afraid nopony can help me tonight."

"Even us?" Applejack asked.

"Especially you. You have all suffered so much because of me. You need only slumber while I hunt the Tantabus in your dreams."

Spike then made a gutsy move to yank on her mane. "I know you said nopony can help, and I'm no pony! I'm gonna stay up and watch over you girls, just in case!"

"Aw, thank you, Spike!" Twilight replied.

"What about me, Luna, what is my role?" I asked.

"I would like you to watch over the dreams they have and if any of them start having the nightmares at any point, summon me and I will be there to rescue them from the Tantabus." Luna replied.

"Well if I may ask, why can't I just go to sleep and find and torch the Tantabus myself?"

Luna put a hoof on my shoulder. "I'm afraid that would be a disaster waiting to happen. If the Tantabus learns of your involvement with one of the ponies dreams that isn't yours, he might come after you, putting yourself and your future dreams at great risk."

"But I use my born alicorn magic right?"

"I'm afraid it would be countered by the Tantabus's own magic. As I said earlier, it can infect and corrupt a dream and if we leave this for too long, it will grow powerful enough to even defeat you and use your magic to escape the real world. Do you understand what I mean?"

I sighed and nodded, there was no point in arguing. "I do Luna, let's get this smoke fiend under control before it's too late."

Applejack yawned. "One good thing about not sleepin' good last night, shouldn't be too hard to fall asleep now."

"Are you kidding?!" Pinkie replied. "This is so exciting, I don't know if I'm ever gonna-" she cut herself off when she suddenly fell slowly on her bed and began snoring.

I had a feeling that they were all going to snore, Rarity's snoring I can tolerate, but six snores is too much. I used my magic to make a set of earmuffs appear whilst Luna began to fly to the ceiling and she used her magic to create six lines and each of them went to one of the girls heads. The first bolt of light went to Rarity, I was glad she went with her first.

I looked around the whole bedroom of the girls sleeping and for a while, nothing was happening. Spike was getting bored quickly though and pulled out a book from under his bed and began reading. Then after a few moments of silence all the girls suddenly gasped and woke up and Luna flew back down, looking disappointed.

"I am so sorry, my friends. I failed." she said. "It will be back to infect your dreams the next time you sleep."

"Oh no!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

"Yeah. Ah reckon ah could live without seein' that thing ever again." Applejack added.

"But you will. Again and again, every night, until it grows powerful enough to infect the waking world! After what I did as Nightmare Moon, the fact that I am once again responsible for harming others is more than I can bear."

"It'll be okay! Everypony makes mistakes!" Pinkie said.

"As long as none of you dreamt about another pony, the Tantabus remains confined to your dreams. I still have a chance to catch it before it's too late."

"Phew, that's good to hear! Although after you left I did have a new dream that I was eating a giant ice-cream cone with all of Ponyville and taking a test we had to study for. See, what'd I tell ya? Everypony makes mistakes!"

Luna cringed at what Pinkie just said, I guess this was bad news to her.

"But that means the Tantabus could be turning every dream in Ponyville into a nightmare!" Twilight said.

"It is far worse than that. Infecting all those dreams gives it more and more power. Soon it will be able to escape into the real world and infect Equestria with its nightmare plague!"

"Then you must let us help you stop it before that happens!" Rarity said.

"But how? The Tantabus was able to escape Luna when it only had six dreams it could escape to!" Fluttershy added.

"It is true." Luna replied. "With so many dreams to hide in, I do not know how I can catch it."

"Hmm. What if every pony in Ponyville were having one dream?" I asked.

"I... can create shared dreams, yes, but for so many ponies at once? I have never done anything like that. The amount of power it would take..."

"Well, it is worth a try, isn't it?"

"Of course. I will do anything to end this, including accept your help. I cannot allow the Tantabus to escape into the real world. All of you must now go back to sleep, and hope that I can create such a dream."

And with that, the girls went back to sleep, this time with Spike who fell asleep as well. I watched over them and then suddenly, Luna vanished and six moon pieces went into each of the ponies. Luna is full of surprises and then some.

But however, the same problem was happening again and it seemed like they were struggling even worse then before.

I sighed, there was no other way I could stand back...I decided to get involved by getting into a spare empty bed and I waited till I fell asleep, then with my creative mind, I walked into a dream where everypony was out in Ponyville, I could see the blue smoke, that must be the Tantabus, there was also Luna who seemed to be straining on her magic.

"I cannot hold this dream together much longer!" she yelled with tears. "Equestria will fall, because of me!"

"Is it just me or did it just get even bigger after Luna said that?" Spike asked.

"Wait a second, I got it!" I exclaimed. "It's feeding off your guilt, Luna!"

"Wait a minute, Bond, you're right!" Twilight agreed.

"If that is so, that may be how it grew strong enough to escape in the first place!"

"Say what now?!" Applejack asked.

"I created the Tantabus to give myself the same nightmare every night, [pants] to punish myself for the evil I caused as Nightmare Moon!"

"But why would you do that?!"

"To make sure I never forgave myself for how much Equestria suffered because of me! But it seems I have not learned my lesson, for now I have only made you suffer more."

The Tantabus then began to take shape of a pony and created a torn line which showed off a bright light.

"But that means you might just be the key to stopping all of this!" Twilight replied.

"Yeah! If it gets strong because you feel bad about what you did as Nightmare Moon, then you just gotta stop feeling bad for what you did!" Rainbow added.

"How can I forgive myself? I am no better now than I was then." Luna said as the Tantabus began exiting the dream realm. "My creation is about to turn the world into a living nightmare!"

I took a deep breath and replied. "But look at what you're doing! Nightmare Moon would've wanted the Tantabus to turn Equestria into a nightmare, you're doing everything you can to stop it! Don't you see? That proves you're not the same pony you were then! Everypony who knows you knows that Nightmare Moon is in the past! We all trust you, Luna! Do you trust us enough to believe we're right?"

That did the trick, Luna stopped crying and looked at us, she then smiled warmly. "I do!"

Suddenly the tear in the world vanished and the Tantabus began to shrink to the size of Luna before it walked inside her body. "Thank you. Thank you all."

Just then, the dream ended and I woke up first to hear a rooster call, soon the others woke up with smiles and Luna appeared, falling slowly down on a few pillows and began sleeping away.

"Morning girls, Luna did it!" I whispered loudly.

"She sure did!" Applejack replied. "Only...ah'm not exactly sure what she did."

"Luna created the Tantabus to punish herself!" Twilight replied. "The worse she felt, the more power it had! But when she finally forgave herself for what Nightmare Moon did..."

"She went poof...and girls, we should be quiet here..." I pointed to Luna who was sleeping.

"Huh. Wonder what she's dreaming about now?" Spike asked.

"Whatever it is, we should probably leave this room quietly, so we don't disturb her."

"Good idea, Bond, let's go everypony...quietly." Twilight said.

The others nodded and soon we gently walked out of the bedroom and then into the dining room. As we got ourselves some breakfast, I looked back to last night. I never knew that Tantabus was Luna's own creation which was made out of guilt and shame. She was also right on one thing, at least it didn't found out about me. But I wondered why, was it because my magic had more than enough power to move out of one dream and into the real world?

All this thinking was giving me a headache though, so I thought not to think of it now and just move forward with my future dreams with Rarity...and maybe this time with my best friends too...

Canterlot Boutique

It had been an eventful day since we helped Luna with her problem, we were glad that it was over. Rarity and I took it easier than the others due to her pregnancy, she was now into her 4th month being pregnant and we couldn't be happier. It was the next morning sometime later and I was at the kitchen clearing up after our breakfast, when Rarity came in with something she wanted to tell me.

"Look darling!" Rarity exclaimed. "It's come true!"

"Woah Rarity!" I replied. "What is this about?"

"It's a letter and it's the most important letter I've ever received."

I calmed her down by kissing her, she then blushed and smiled.

"That should help, now please tell me, clearly."

"Well, remember when I said that I would one day love to have my boutiques opened across Equestria?"

"Oh yeah, you mentioned that back when we were visiting Canterlot and meeting Fancy Pants."

"Well, this letter could be the answer I've been waiting for."

"Well, open it, I wanna see too."

Rarity used her magic to open it gently and opened up to see the letter. After reading it for a few seconds, she began to smile bigger before jumping up and down in happiness. "I got it!"

"You did?"

"I have been holding out for the perfect location and it finally became available! So now I can finally fulfil my dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot!"

"Wow!" I said happily. "That's amazing, I am so happy for you my love!"

"Thank you darling..."

We shared another kiss, but with a bit more passion. I was overjoyed to hear that her business was finally going to expand to areas beyond Ponyville and it was about time too.

"We should tell the others." Rarity suggested.

"I was thinking the same, let's go to the castle." I replied.

We then left our home and travelled to Twilight's castle and told her the news. Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack and Fluttershy were told too, we then left to take a train to Canterlot. Coco Pommel and Trenderhoof volunteered to watch over Rarity's boutique along with Sweetie Belle who wanted to help.

When we arrived, Rarity took us to an open lot that appeared to be dug deep and ready to have a building placed on top of it. It looked quite a big shape too, perhaps a little bigger than her original shop, but I didn't want to comment on that.

"So this is where you're having the second store?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes and it's gonna be magnificent!" Rarity replied happily. "I must make my finest dresses before it's built and the grand opening follows. That's if you all don't mind..."

"Of course, Rarity, we'll do it together." Twilight said with all of us nodding in agreement.

Sometime later, we began working on Rarity's newest dresses once her second store was done and after an hour of hard work, the dresses were all done and we were taking a well-earned break inside her new store.

"Rarity's such a savvy business-pony." Coco said. "I'm so impressed she used the huge bonus she earned making the costumes for Sapphire Shores' Equestria-wide tour to open a second boutique!"

We all replied, agreeing with her.

"I take it from your reaction that you like the boutique?" Rarity asked.

"It's lovely." Fluttershy replied.

"Gosh, Rarity. Ah know hard work when ah see it, and it looks like you worked your hooves to the nub!" Applejack added.

We then noticed her hooves were a little worse for wear, compared to ours

"I don't know. Those hooves don't look nubby." Pinkie said. "The look scrubby, and buffy, and pedi!"

"Well, despite my 'nubby scrubby buffy pony pedi', I actually have been working very hard! But I wouldn't have been able to get theses done if I didn't have your help." Rarity replied "Oh I nearly forgot, I also recruited a new manager for the store, Sassy Saddles!"

Just then, we heard a door open in came a mare. "Bust my buttons, Rarity! The ponies from Ponyville!" she exclaimed.

Shortly, we all greeted her one by one and she seemed to be pretty happy to work with Rarity.

Rarity then continued. "I knew I needed a manager for Canterlot Carousel, so when Sassy showed me her résumé, and I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot, I hired her right on the spot!"

"I then laid out this plan, or 'pattern' as we say in the fashion biz, for Canterlot Carousel, so that Rarity's boutique will be a guaranteed success, and those doors will never, ever, ever close!" Sassy added.

"Wow, Sassy. Your attention to detail is truly impressive." Twilight commented.

Sassy smiled back. "I've already put a pin in the first piece of the pattern, Beautify the Boutique! But next was the very crucial pattern piece, Marketing to the Mares! Turns out that everypony here loves royalty!"

"So, I created a collection that beautifully revolves around the royal element of Canterlot!" Rarity added.

"And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!"

"A new princess?" I whispered quietly.

Rarity then looked at Twilight. "In every poll Sassy Saddles took, you were the most popular princess! Coincidentally, one of my gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your your coronation!"

I then thought of what TLC meant and then hummed to a song. "I don't want no scrubs, a scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me..." before I refocused.

"Judging by this baby, TLC stands for Tasty Liquorice Candy!" Pinkie said.

"TLC stands for 'Time, Love and Couture'." Rarity corrected. "And while I do agree that that this dress has potential, I've not had enough time to give it enough love to become couture."

I thought it would be tables, ladders and chairs but I kept that to myself and Rarity continued. "But the rest of the gowns in tonight's line have met Rarity's Rules and are ready to be presented!"

"My marketing research also confirmed that customers that view somepony famous wearing a gown wish to own that gown for themselves!" Sassy said, showing us a dress. "I call this piece of the pattern Celebrity Status!"

"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear this tonight?"

"If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, then I say stick a pin in it. It's done." Twilight replied.

"I thought you were gonna say stick a fork in it." I said before realizing I said it out loud. They looked at me and it made me blush.

"Alright, everypony! Let's set the stage!" Sassy declared.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked.

"No it's alright darling." Rarity replied. "Me and the girls can take it from here."

"Wait, I need your help to create a stage outside the store in preparation for the grand opening." Sassy said. "It's not too much to ask, is it?"

"Nope, I can take care of it, leave it to me." I replied before leaving the store.

When the stage was done, it was around sunset time and a crowd began to form beside the store.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Rarity greeted as the show began to start. "I am designer and couturier Rarity, I'd like to welcome you again to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel, and I'm thrilled that you are here to see my newest collection, inspired by this regal city!"

The crowd began to respond positively and there was flash photography, I knew that this was gonna be a long event.

"Rarity, I'm-" A mare said to Rarity.

"Fashion Plate of Cosmare Magazine!" Rarity replied, cutting her off. "I'm so honoured that Cosmare was able to do a piece on the grand opening of my boutique!"

"Well, when Sassy Saddles calls, says she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail! Now tell me all about your latest collection!"

"Oh, ah, it's called Rarity's Royal Regalia."

"Royally radiant!"

"My favourite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration, and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot. Everywhere I looked the royal city just spoke to me! I call it 'Inspire-ation'."

"Genius! Simply genius!"

"I spent hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds, which inspired this gown, 'Water Filly'!"

"Oh, the whimsy!"

"Watching Celestia raise the sun each morning literally lit up my day...this is 'Tripping the Light'."

"Fantastic!"

"And of course, Luna raising the moon guided me to sleep. I call this 'Over the Moon'!"

"Well, I certainly am!"

"And for our finale, I have something very special. I was inspired by the stained glass window created in honor of Princess Twilight... I call this 'The Reign in Stain'!"

"Because the dress is inspired by the stained glass window of a reigning princess!

"Yes!"

Sassy then got into the conversation "Oh, well, I think 'The Reign in Stain' is too difficult to explain! Especially for the signature piece of a collection?"

Rarity tried to respond. "But I rather like the-" But she got cut off.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, I, Sassy Saddles, am pleased to introduce the grand finale of the grand opening of Rarity's Royal Regalia, the Princess Dress!"

"Success!" Fashion added.

The crowd was very impressed, but now I was beginning to feel unsure about it.

"Everypony, please follow me and you can all place your orders for the Princess Dress!" Sassy said, leading most of the guests with her.

"Rarity, I want to be the first pony to congratulate you!" Fashion complimented. "The Princess Dress has just guaranteed Canterlot Carousel's success!"

Well, I had to agree, it was a successful grand opening, but Rarity is supposed to be the main mare getting the deserved attention, but Sassy is the one getting it. Was she trying to take the credit and take advantage of Rarity's generosity? It would be Suri Polomare all over again, I decided to keep the thought in my mind and be wary of what Sassy may be up to.

My thought was interrupted as the other girls came to us, congratulating Rarity.

"Yeah! Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing!" Twilight said. "And everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!"

"You bet your saddle they did!" Sassy replied after the guests left. "Rarity now has one hundred orders for her signature gown!"

Rarity gasp and began to stammer in shock. "One hundred orders? All at one time?!"

"According to my pattern, the next piece is 'The Success of the Signature Dress', so I do not see the problem!"

This made for an awkward moment which was suddenly halted by Pinkie.

"Cupcake?!" she offered excitedly and the other girls all took a piece and went to another room, leaving just me, Rarity and Sassy.

Rarity was beginning to feel displeased by Sassy and I had to agree. "First of all, Sassy Saddles, I would have appreciated getting to name the final gown from my collection myself." she said.

"My research shows your 'Reign in Stain' name was a play on words that was both very confusing and quite unappealing." she remarked.

"To you, maybe!" I retorted out loud.

"Well I see your point, but we should have discussed it prior to the grand opening, Sassy!"

"My only goal is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed!" Sassy stated. "That's why I changed the name, and that is why I took all those orders for the Princess Dress."

"But, but receiving orders for one hundred dresses in one day, it, iiiit's just too much too soon!

"Are you actually saying we should cancel these orders?!"

Rarity stood back a bit and acted calmer. "Uh, no, Sassy. Promises were made, and I shall sew my very best to provide each and every pony a Princess Dress full of TLC."

"Oh, thank you, Rarity, thank you!" Sassy then left the store.

Rarity sighed as I put my hoof around her. "Rarity, do you want all of us to help you with the dresses?"

"As much as I would love to, darling, I can't accept, because these orders are my responsibility. All I have to do is stick to my plan so I can deliver each and every Princess Dress in keeping with my Rules of Rarity!"

I knew then that a song would be involved, so I stood back and watched.

The rules of Rarity, just a parody

No dress here's unique

The panels all the same

Each coloured windowpane

I fashion only makes me want to shriek!

By then, the rest of the girls came back to see Rarity in her own world whilst I remained worried.

Oh, to create would give me elation

To feel once again some inspiration

Come on now, Rarity

Give me some clarity

Time for your couture love to rule

The rules of Rarity, extra T.L.C.

This feels more sublime

Soon now, they will see how good these can be

With a little extra shine

The rules of Rarity guarantee quality

All can see it's true

These new gems add such flair

Their beauty can't compare

This old style suddenly gleams anew

When it was over, I had to ask her again. "Are you sure, love, because if we help you secretly, Sassy won't know and it would be a lot less stressful, remember the time you worked on the dresses for the other girls and the suit you made for me on your own, two years ago?"

Rarity looked at me in defeat, she knew I was right and that I was looking out for her best interests before mine. "You do have a point, darling." she looked at the other mares. "Girls, I'm sorry to ask you this but would you mind helping me with the 100 dresses?"

"100 dresses sounds like a lot to do..." Rainbow replied. "...and Sappy Paddle is nothing but a pushover!"

"But it's helping make this second store a success, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not if it's at the cost of having such a rude snob of a worker at this store." Applejack replied.

"We'll gladly help with the 100 dresses." Twilight said. "I'm sure we can do it if we schedule the times we'll each be available for it."

"Oh thank you girls and my darling, I would never be who I am if you weren't here for me." Rarity said happily. "I don't know how, but I'll make this up to all of you in the end."

We then began organising the work we planned and the dress making was underway. After 50 dresses were done it was night time and we agreed to work the scheduled Twilight laid out for the rest of the week.

A few days later and I came to Canterlot to check on Rarity's second store. Coco Pommel wanted to come along to see it for herself and I said she could. When we got inside, I heard a bit of commotion from the dress making room on the other side.

"How could you possibly be miserable?" I heard Sassy ask. "My pattern is perfect! 'Cosmare Cover Pony', done! You have your signature gown, the 'Princess Dress of Success'!"

"I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!" I heard Rarity protest.

That was it for me, it was time for this to stop and Coco followed.

"I have a piece for that! 'Assemble the Assembly Line'! You'll never have to sew again!"

"What?! No!"

"Yes! Then, the Canterlot Carousel never closes! And Sassy Saddles' boutique succeeds!"

I walked in and saw Rarity who looked exhausted and miserable, that was all the evidence I needed.

"STOP!" I yelled at Sassy. "This is not your Boutique! This is Rarity's boutique, she has done all the hard work and what do you do, you take all the credit without laying a hoof on a sewing machine! I had no concern about you at first, but now that you've shown your true colours, you are not welcome here!"

"Darling..." Rarity said before trying to smile. "...my love is right, I want you out of my Boutique and your dress ideas can go straight to Tatarus!"

"No! Oh, you can't do that, Rarity!" Sassy exclaimed. "I, I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be part of another failed boutique!"

"You know what Sassy." Coco said. "You remind of Suri Polomare who did exactly the same thing that you're doing."

"Suri who and who are you?" Sassy smirked.

"Exactly, thank you for proving my point."

"That is Coco Pommel, one of my assistants at my original boutique." Rarity answered. "Somepony who works just as hard as I do and gets the credit she deserves, just like I should be with these dresses."

"Not exactly sassy now, are you?" I asked Sassy with a smug look.

Sassy sighed angrily. "Fine! I'll leave you boutique and I hope it razes to the ground!" She growled before finally leaving the store slamming the door on her way out.

I knew that she will be trouble soon but that can wait. Coco gave Rarity a comforting hug and I gave her a kiss, telling her that it's gonna be better and she cried a little, but she smiled, knowing that I am there for her, always.

The next day followed and things seemed to be getting better. Rarity was now the centre of attention of the store with me and Coco working on the dresses in the back. But one customer came in for an order.

"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" I heard the customer asked.

"Oh no, I'm sorry, the Princess Dress has been discontinued." Rarity replied. "But there are plenty of other dresses on sale today!"

"Whoa. This dress completely speaks to my soul. Can I try it on?"

"Certainly. The dressing area is right back there."

From what I heard, the customer seemed to love it and made an order. Since then, more customers began to enjoy the variety of dresses we were making. This is how it should've been at the start for Rarity and I am glad that it's coming true. When she had a bit of time to herself, she sung a short melody again.

My favourite moment's when a pony sees it

That special gown that she just adores

That pony's now in style

My hard work's all worthwhile

Oh, yes, it makes my heart

My heart just soar!

Now that I would definitely agree. However there was a question I had in mind.

"I just thought of something." I said. "Carousel Boutique will always be your home for fashion, but what about this one in Canterlot, you can't be in two places at once."

"You're right darling, I would need somepony to stay here and watch over the store." Rarity replied.

"Umm Rarity, could I work here?" Coco asked. "I would have to move of course, but-"

"Uh uh uh, Coco dear, not another word. The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Canterlot Carousel!" Rarity smiled at Coco with a hoof on her shoulder. "Which is why I want you to manage the boutique while I am in Ponyville."

"Really, you want me to?"

"Well yes, I'll come to Canterlot with new designs and to see the customers of course, but Ponyville was always going to be my home base."

"Oh, thank you thank you!" Coco exclaimed. "And I promise to run everything following your rules."

"You're very much welcome, I have taught you so much since you moved to Ponyville, but I know that you're ready to run a store, but you won't be alone."

"I won't, I'll have Trenderhoof help me from time to time and I'll ask around Canterlot for a few others to help just in case."

"Good idea. Well darling, I think it's time we closed up for the day and head home."

"I can agree, let's go to our wonderful home." I replied.

Rarity, Coco and I left Canterlot and travelled back home. We said our farewells to Coco and went back to our home. By early night time, we got in and shared a passionate kiss.

"Oh Rarity, I am so proud of you." I said. "You now have two stores which means double the fashion spree and success!"

"Oh darling...I love you so much!" she replied. "I wanna repay you for how you stood up for me those days ago. Can I snuggle your fashion sense out?"

I felt surprised. "Uhhh...I know what you mean and I'll lead the way."

"Please..."

We went into our bedroom and carefully went into a moment of showing our engaged passion towards one another. But we did remain careful due to her baby foal bump, what a night...oh baby, what a night!

Rarity Investigates

I woke up the next morning to hear Rarity humming away and she seemed to be feeling refreshed. I on the other roof wasn't quite totally awake yet, probably because of what we did last night. Eventually I was wide awake as soon as she looked at me.

"Morning my darling." She said sweetly.

"Morning my love." I replied before getting out of the bed. "Last night was..."

"Fabulous, truly fabulous."

She walked over and we shared a romantic kiss. "I wonder if we'll have a quiet day today, but then again, something else will probably come up." I said, holding her by the upper waist above her foal bump.

"Knowing Equestria, it'll come up sooner than we think." Rarity replied. "But we'll be ready to take it on, no matter what it is."

Just then, our front door flung open and in came Rainbow Dash who seemed really excited.

"Hey you two, how's it going?" she asked.

"Very well, Rainbow." Rarity replied. "And what has got you excited?"

"I just heard from my amazing boyfriend that Celestia's Royal Garden will be having a grand opening tomorrow and the Wonderbolts will be kicking things off with an aerial display."

"That sounds good, but I guess there's more?" I asked.

"Yeah, I've been asked to fly with them!"

"Wow, that's exciting!"

"Well, kind of exciting. Technically, I'm not flying. I'm just the lucky reserve who was called in to be the backup flyer in case a Wonderbolt can't perform."

"Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity assured. "Out of all the reserves, you should be the one chosen."

"It is pretty sweet. And I do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight. Speaking of the dinner, are you two able to come?"

Rarity and I looked with smiles and Rarity moved forward. "Heavens, yes! A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest femme mystique couture? I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria."

"Great! See ya two tonight!"

And then Rainbow whooshed out of the house, gently closing the door behind her.

"It's terrific to see Rainbow finally getting the Wonderbolt recognition she deserves." I said.

"Quite true, darling." Rarity replied. "Oh, that reminds me, I must get this box with my latest designs to my Canterlot boutique so Coco can work her talent on them."

"Can I help?"

"Of course, dear. I want you to deliver this box for me cause as you know, my bump is getting a little bigger and I'm finding myself a little slower."

"I'll do it right away, love. I'll be back soon or possibly later if Coco needs help."

"Oh you are such a gentlecolt. I'll take it easy until you get back, I want you and I to dress up smart later tonight."

"Okay, I'll make sure to return as soon as I can." I then kissed her as Rarity brought over a sealed box.

With that I used my magic to grab the box and I flew off and away to Canterlot. When I arrived outside the boutique, I took the box in and found the shop to be doing terrific. I spotted Coco going over a few notes by the cashier.

"Morning Coco, I'm here delivering this box in behalf of my fiancé." I greeted.

"Oh morning Bond, thanks for getting this in. You are so sweet." She complimented. "Just place the box in the sewing room I'll take care of it later."

I nodded, bringing the box to where she wanted it. When I got back out, Coco was with a pony and a small box.

"Oh my, oh, there's been a mistake..." she said. "I ordered thread uncut stones, and these are hoof-polished."

"I'm sorry, but I've got a full load of deliveries today." he replied. "I'm not sure I have time to re-do your order."

"Of course you don't, but if there was any way you could squeeze in one more little delivery, I would be really grateful."

"Well, I'll see what I can do."

The delivery pony then left, I was kinda curious what they meant. "I see Rarity has taught you a few things." I commented.

"Oh it was nothing." Coco giggled. "Nopony minds a compliment."

"Yeah, that it true. Well I better get back home, me and Rarity have gotta prepare for an evening dinner with Rainbow later."

"That sounds nice, have a good time."

"We will."

I waved at Coco and then left for home to find a smarty dressed suit on a stand.

Sometime later, it was the early evening and Rarity and I arrived at the Canterlot Royal Garden with Rainbow and Soarin. From what I know, only the other member of the Wonderbolts, the mane six, myself and Scootaloo know about Rainbow and Soarin's relationship. The rest of Equestria doesn't know and they prefer to keep it that way until they are absolutely ready to declare it.

We were standing by a very long table, and it was beginning to be a terrific event so far.

"Let's grab some grub!" Rainbow said, grabbing a slice of apple pie along with Soarin who was craving for it.

"Mm, is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?" Rarity asked.

"No, it's broccoli!"

"Yeah, Juniper Phoenix is one of my favourite stallion colognes" the new stallion said.

"I've never heard of that before." I replied. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

"What, don't you know who this is?!" Rainbow asked.

"A gentlepony with fabulous taste in colognes and scarves?" Rarity thought.

"That's not a problem, Rainbow." the stallion said. "I am Wind Rider, the one where many ponies say I am living legend because I hold the Wonderbolts record in the Mustang Marathon!"

"That's quite a feat, good to meet you." I replied.

"You too." we shook hooves. "I have heard about your achievements with the heroines, I am more honoured to meet you, Prince Bond Racer."

"Still, it's gotta be amazing that you hold such an heroic record."

"Ah, that was a long time ago. Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record."

Spitfire and Fleetfoot then turn up. "Wind Rider, I see you met Rainbow Dash! She's one of our most promising reserves. She just might beat your record!"

"Really now?" he asked confidently.

"Oh, I'm nowhere near as good as you." Rainbow said. "I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances."

"Ah, don't be modest." Spitfire said. "A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time."

"Hehe. Well, it's nice to meet you all."

"Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir." Rainbow replied before Wind Rider walked off to meet with a few others. "I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!"

Soarin kept her cool by holding her hoof. "Yeah, I hear that he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honour in the centre of our aerial flower formation tomorrow."

"Really? That's incredible! Guess I'll just watch Wind Rider being awesome from the sidelines..." she sighed. "Practice tomorrow is gonna be so boring."

"Well I wanna keep you company, but I have to keep up my second-in-command role." Soarin said sadly. "But if I wasn't apart of this, I would have all the time in the world for you."

Rainbow blushed..."Soarin, be quiet...I don't wanna be blushing right now."

"Oooh, shall we leave you two alone?" Rarity teased.

"She's joking of course." I chuckled. "But if you want, we can watch you practice and help you."

"You could!" Rainbow replied. "They always let friends and family come watch practices!"

That was all we needed to know, we then caught a table for four with me and Rarity on one side and Rainbow and Soarin on the other side. Shortly, the food was arriving and we were enjoying the meals a lot, I was beginning to get full, I couldn't eat anymore.

"That dinner was absolutely divine. Thanks for inviting us!" Rarity said.

"No probs." Rainbow replied. "By the way, I am sleeping in that tower over there."

"Ooh, staying in the east tower? Those rooms have the best view of Canterlot!"

"How lucky are we?" Soarin asked. "Oh well, we better get some shut-eye before practice."

"Yeah we better get going too." I replied. "See you both tomorrow."

"Cool, we'll see you then."

Rainbow and Soarin left, holding hooves whilst Rarity and me left the gardens and took the train ride back home. We were both feeling pretty tired, so we got out of our clothes and headed straight for the bed, snuggling away before dreaming.

The next day and we heard the front door being banged on, I woke up first and gently moved out of the bed so Rarity wouldn't disturbed.

I looked at the clock to see it was already afternoon, I opened the door slowly and saw an unfamiliar mare. "Are you Prince Bond Racer?"

"The one and only." I replied. "Who are you?"

"Oh I am Stormy Flare, I am the mother of Spitfire, I'm sure you've heard of my daughter."

"The leader of the Wonderbolts, yes. Well it's nice to meet you but why do you ask?"

"There appeared to be a huge misunderstanding. Earlier this morning, I had wrote a letter to my daughter saying that I was sick and that I needed her help. And because of that, Soarin who is second in command of the Wonderbolts had to find a reserve which was Rainbow Dash."

"I see, mind if you come in and discuss this by the sofa?"

"That would be quite nice of you, thank you."

I lead Stormy in and she sat on the sofa and I sat on the opposite sofa. "Okay, so what happened next?"

"Well when my daughter came around to see me in top form, she was stunned, she was told that I was sick but it turned out that I did not write a letter at all, so somepony must've somehow got hold of my address so that the suspect could take her place for what could've been a selfish purpose."

"So in other words, Spitfire was led on a wild goose chase because of a fake note?"

"Correct, Wind Rider is asking around for anypony who has an alibi for last night. So do you have one?"

"Of course, me and my fiancé Rarity who's still sleeping were at the event last night. We left a few seconds later after Soarin and Rainbow left to go to one of the towers to the east." Suddenly, it hit me...no! Rainbow wouldn't stoop that low, would she?

"I see, so you both know Rainbow Dash well?"

"Yes, we've known her for years and we know that she would do anything to be one of the Wonderbolts. Now that you mention it, I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who sent that fake note."

"Well actually, Rainbow has already been questioned by Wind Rider and Rainbow claims that she didn't send the fake note, but the evidence is pointing at her for now and unless she can prove that somepony else did it, she will be banned from the Wonderbolts forever!"

"Woah! So how long does she have?"

"She has until the start of the show by sunset to prove her innocence. Now I must be going and I thank you for your cooperation, Prince Bond, I bid you a good day."

"You're very welcome, have a good day too."

Stormy then left the house and no sooner she left, Rarity came downstairs in her morning gown. "Who was it at the door darling?"

I then brought her by my side and explained everything that Stormy told me, she seemed a little sad.

"Well you may be right that Rainbow isn't exactly the smartest when it comes to chasing dreams, but for some reason, I believe she is innocent."

"And because of this happening, I wouldn't be surprised if this created a bond of mistrust between her and Soarin."

"That's also true, we need to go and help her fast...and I know just how to do it."

"You got an idea?"

"I'll use one of my latest dresses and go undercover to help clear Rainbow's name."

"What can I do?"

"Well, this may be tough, but I want you to keep Soarin on the straight and narrow, in case he thinks of something rash. I don't want this issue to be responsible for those two breaking up. I simply cannot allow it!"

"I can agree...alright, I'll see what I can do with Soarin."

"Thank you darling." she then kissed me. "You go on ahead to the event taking place and I'll go and help out Rainbow."

I nodded and then left the home and flew to where the Mustang Marathon was taking place. I saw a few of the Wonderbolts practising and there was Soarin and Wind Rider, I flew down towards by them and greeted my presence.

"Oh hello Prince Bond Racer." Wind said. "Come to see the Wonderbolts in training?"

"Not quite, I'm hear to speak to Soarin." I replied.

"Eh, me?" Soarin asked who seemed surprised.

"Yeah, seriously."

"Go with him, Soarin." Wind Rider said. "I'll watch over these members."

"Alright, thanks."

Soarin and I left the ground and shortly, our conversation went to the main issue.

"So I have to ask and this may be delicate, but do you believe that this issue will cause a strain and your relationship with Rainbow?"

"Yeah, it's gonna really hurt and we may well break up after this event." Soarin replied. "I don't want to end the relationship, but I have a responsibility to put my commitment as a Wonderbolt in front of my personal feelings."

"I can understand that, but do you believe that deep down, Rainbow is innocent?"

"I want to believe that she is innocent, but so far, all the evidence makes her the culprit."

"Well Rarity is trying to help Rainbow as we speak, if you're okay with that."

"Oh I don't mind if she gets help from her friends, I know that she can rely on you all when she needs you. Just like I should be there for her, but I can't."

"Well if it makes it feel a little better, I do have a question that's off-topic."

"Go on, I don't mind."

"How did you become a vice-captain of the Wonderbolts?"

"Oh that's a good story to tell. You see a long time ago, Wind Rider was the former leader of the Wonderbolts and Spitfire was second in command of the team. When he stood down four years ago, Spitfire was promoted to team leader and because of my impressive performances, I was promoted to vice-captain and I have been her right hand stallion ever since."

"Well that's quite the story, I am very impressed. Four years ago...that was when I just moved to Ponyville."

"Quite a coincidence for you, right?" Soarin then sighed. "But still, I don't think my girlfriend would ever wanna see me again."

Just then, Spitfire suddenly turned up.

"There you are, you are not gonna believe this!" she exclaimed.

"Spitfire, you're back!" Soarin replied. "What's happened now?"

"Follow me and you too, Prince Bond."

We then noticed it was beginning to rain as Spitfire took us to the Wonderbolts Academy. There was Stormy Flare, Rarity, Rainbow, Wind Rider and the other Wonderbolts.

"I'm here!" Soarin said, "What's going on?"

"I have found the culprit!" Rarity boasted. "Somepony sent Spitfire away and framed Rainbow Dash for it. And that pony was none other than...Wind Rider!"

"What?!" Soarin exclaimed. "How could he have been the one that did it?"

"Let me explain. I never believed Rainbow would send Spitfire away. When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, I could tell they didn't fall out, they were cut! Nopony loses hair in a chunk, and look at the ends, it's a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it! Then when we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice! Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the damas curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?"

I was surprised at what I was hearing, but I believed in it, so Rarity continued.

"It is precisely why I questioned the castle guards! They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for a small window of time when somepony brought them cake, a cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice! Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on her ivory scarf, and I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied in a tight Windsor knot, instead of its usual loose-slip knot! And why is that? Is it to hide the chocolate stain?!"

Rainbow began to smile, looking at Soarin and he looked back, smiling too. He knew then that was Rainbow was indeed innocent.

"Just admit it! You're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that ivory scarf!"

Wind Rider couldn't seem to take anymore of it and got a little mad. "Fffine, you caught me! I did it!"

The other wonderbolts gasped.

"But why, Wind Rider?!" Rainbow asked. "Was it because I took the last broccoli at the dinner and you really, really wanted it?"

"No. It was because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record!" Rarity replied. "I heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking his record. He said, and I quote, 'Heheh'. That's the polite yet disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy but really you're not."

"I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever, my record could be preserved." Wind said.

"Really? That is so not cool, and I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever. Until now." Rainbow replied.

"I did what I had to do to protect my record! Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!"

"That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about."

"She's right! Wonderbolts look after each other." Soarin added.

"Wind Rider, I have never been ashamed of you than I am right now!" Spitfire scolded. "This is not the Wind Rider I know when you asked me to take over as leader when you retired!"

"But-but-but!"

"Forget it, old timer. As far as the Wonderbolt academy is concerned, you are not welcome here anymore!"

"It seems that the Wonderbolts are now completely different." Wind sighed. "Very well, I will take my leave."

With that, he didn't say another word and instead left the building in a huff. I trotted to Rarity and spun her around in an embrace.

"My love, you were amazing!!!" I exclaimed happily.

"Oh my darling!" she replied.

Soarin looked at Rainbow. "Come here, my girl!"

"With pleasure!" Rainbow replied and they wrapped each other in a caring hug.

The other Wonderbolts slightly gasped.

Spitfire nudged Soarin. "Uh love birds, not in front of the others."

"Oops, sorry leader." he replied sheepishly.

"Alright Wonderbolts, I am back!" Spitfire announced. "Let's get this Mustang Marathon on track!"

We all cheered at the great turn of events.

"So, would you like to fly with us?" Spitfire offered Rainbow.

Rainbow could hardly contain her excitement. "Would I?! Woohoo! Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah, uh, uh-huh, yeah, aww yeah.."

The event was then underway as soon as the storm clouds moved over. It was an exciting event and Rainbow finally got her biggest moment in the sun. Rarity and I were incredibly happy that we saved Rainbow and Soarin's relationship too. It was an amazing day, but soon after the event was over, we were on our way to leave for home.

By the train station, we were waiting to get on board. Rainbow and Soarin were there to see us off.

"So where are you two gonna be?" I asked.

"Oh we're gonna have a night-time with just me and Rainbow." Soarin replied which made Rainbow blush. "I also wanna thank you both so much for saving our relationship. We feel stronger than ever before, we just couldn't be happier right now."

"Stop it, Soarin, sheesh!" Rainbow giggled slightly. "But anyways, thank you Rarity for help clearing my name, you and Bond were awesome."

"It was no trouble at all, Rainbow. Anything we could do to help." Rarity replied. "Ah our train is here, you two have all the fun in the world."

"Thanks, goodbye." Soarin replied.

Rarity and I boarded the train for home and when we got back, me and Rarity cheered and laughed. We caught out a culprit and saved a relationship in one day, what an accomplishment for the two of us. We were also a little tired, so we had an early evening of snuggling up together in bed before falling asleep.

Although I wasn't sure, but I felt a little movement inside Rarity's bump. One more highlight to add at this moment in time.

Made In Manehattan

I was woken up by the flashing on my cutie mark, I noticed Rarity's was flashing too and it woke her up.

"Uhhh, what's going on, darling?" Rarity asked. "Oh, my cutie mark."

I got out of bed. "Looks like we're needed at the castle, no time for breakfast."

"We can get some in the castle before we do anything else."

"Good point, let's go."

Rarity and I left our home and walked to Twilight's castle and went straight to the kitchen to grab breakfast. Once we were done we walked to the throne room where Twilight and the others were.

"Morning girls." I greeted.

"Both mine and my dear's went off this morning." Rarity replied.

"Mah cutie mark went off as well, so what now?" Applejack asked.

Twilight stopped looking glum and felt happy. "Yes! Finally! We've been summoned! I wonder where the map wants us to-" Twilight was then cut off.

"Uh, Twilight..." Spike said, pointing to her cutie mark, causing Twilight to sigh.

Then Applejack's cutie mark as well as Rarity's and mine flew up and on to the map and they stopped, hovering around a big city.

"Where do ya think?" Applejack asked.

Rarity squealed in delight. "Manehattan! We've been called to Manehattan! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit! And now, I return...with a purpose!"

"Hmmm. It looks like you've been summoned to this particular neighbourhood here." Twilight said, pointing to a section of the city.

"We're off to solve a friendship problem in one of the busiest and most vibrant cities in all of Equestria! Isn't this exciting?!"

"Nothing is more exciting than being with you, love." I replied before kissing her on the cheek, causing Rarity to giggle.

"Seems a hair odd, though, don't it? Map callin' me to a big city like Manehattan?"Applejack asked.

"You may be more of a country pony at heart, Applejack, but the map picked you three because you're the best ponies to tackle this particular mission." Twilight replied.

"But how will we even know what our mission's supposed to be? That neighbourhood probably has twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville."

"Pff. Kch. Ts!" Rarity dismissed. "More like three times! Why, it's not only home to the Haypacking District, it's also home to the Fashion District!"

"Which reminds me, do you think Coco would wanna come with us?" I asked.

"That's a good question, but she's working at the boutique in Canterlot now." Twilight replied. "So it can't be her who needs help."

"Then who...oh god no...not her."

"Suri Polomare? No it couldn't be...has to be somepony else." Rarity said.

I pondered. "Maybe Babs Seed, she does live there."

"Hmm, that might be a good answer, but ah don't think she has any issues." Applejack asked. "But ah guess it wouldn't hurt to ask when we get there."

"It's such an exciting city, and there's still so much I'd like to do there." Twilight said. "So many museums and historical landmarks to visit. Not to mention all the libraries! But this is your mission. Heh heh. Don't worry 'bout me. I've got plenty of...books...to keep me...busy."

Rarity then gasped. "I just remembered something! The Sisterhooves Social!"

"We'll have to miss it. No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan." Applejack said. "Ah sure hope Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset."

"Oh I'm sure they'll understand, this is an important quest." I assured. "If you could tell them right away, then at least they'll know where we'll be and besides, I'm sure Applebloom would want us to check up on her cousin."

"Ya right there, partner. So what are we waitin' for, let's get goin'!"

Applejack, Rarity and myself left the castle and after a word or two with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, we caught the train to Manehatten. The journey was quite a bit of a long one, but eventually we arrived at the station. We got off the train and left the station to soak up the sights of the city, it had been a while since we were last here.

"Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me!" Rarity exclaimed as she spun around a lamppost.

I chuckled. "Not even a baby bump slows you down."

Applejack gulped, even though we were here before, it was obvious that she wasn't used to a city like this.

"Darling, are you all right?" Rarity asked.

"Ponies move so fast here. Not at all like back home." Applejack replied before muttering, "Eyes peeled, ears open. Eyes peeled, ears open."

"Remember, Applejack, you're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence!" Rarity showed her trot across the road and I followed.

Applejack had a bit of trouble getting past, but eventually she made it to the other side. "Butter my biscuits, I can barely cross the street in this town. How am I supposed to help solve a-"

"SCV ready!" I said out of the blue, cutting her off. "Uhhh, that wasn't meant to happen."

Rarity laughed before we continued walking the streets. After a while though, we didn't seem to find any one who had a friendship problem until we saw a flyer blowing away before it hit me in the face.

"Owww..." I groaned.

"Oh goodness me, the wind is unbecoming here." Rarity said as she picked up the flyer.

"What's it say?" Applejack asked.

Rarity read the letter. "Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival. There's a guest performance by a local theater troupe, the Method Mares, as well as games, food, and much, much more. This event promises to bring our broken neighbours together and restore our sense of community but there's so much to do and we need your help." she then gasped. "Darling, this is it! The contact on the flyer is...Babs Seed?"

"Babs Seed? Why does she need help with a theater?" I asked.

"Maybe it's a filly school assignment or somethin'." Applejack said.

"Don't you see?! This must be why the map called us here!" Rarity replied. "Oh, and you were so worried!"

"Well, I suppose it's at least worth lookin' into...that is, if we ever get off this street corner."

"We will eventually, if we knew where the school was." I said. "Where is it again?"

"Applebloom says it's by the theatre we're goin' to." Applejack replied. "Good thing we were able to tell them about it."

"And it's a good thing that Coco gave us a hotel room to share before we left, it'll be no problem for us to sleep." Rarity said happily.

Soon, we found the filly school and as we got there, we heard the bell ringing, looks like school was over and among the fillies that came out, Babs Seed appeared with her cutie mark on show, a pair of scissors as Applebloom said a while ago.

Babs gasped as soon as she was us. "I don't believe it! Applejack!"

"Babs! How are ya doin' cousin?" Applejack asked putting her hoof around her.

"Much better now that you're here. Say, wanna come to my home, my big sister would like to meet you."

"That's kind of why we came here, we found this flyer with your name on it." I said showing the paper. "Could you tell us more about it?"

"Sure I can as soon as we get to my home, my parents are out in town tonight so it'll be me and my big sister."

We nodded and followed Babs to her home, we passed a theatre along the way that said Midsummer, but there appeared to be some letters missing, I guess it's fallen on hard times. Soon though, we arrived at Babs home which was quite inviting on the outside. She opened the door first and we followed.

"Hey big sister!" Babs called. "I'm home and I got a cousin and friends you should meet."

"Oh a cousin? I'll be right down in a minute." I heard a cheery voice reply.

"Just make yourselves comfy at those sofas, this won't take long."

"Thank you very much, Babs." Rarity replied.

"You've really grown up to be a proud filly." Applejack added.

"Thanks cousin." Babs replied before she went upstairs.

Soon, Rarity, myself and Applejack and Babs were around the sofa, catching up on what had been happening since we last saw her.

"Applejack and I were specifically summoned here to be of service, and you, my dear friend, are in need of help." Rarity said. "It's no coincidence, darling. It's fate!"

"This Midsummer Theatre Revival, what is it, exactly?" Applejack asked.

Babs explained. "Well, as part of big assignment we're all meant to do on our chosen subjects, I chose to a study and research on theatres and this one kinda got me interested. What I know so far is that it's an outdoor play held at the community park. Many moons ago, local theatre troupes would perform, and ponies in the neighbourhood would help make the costumes, and design set-pieces, prepare food to share during the performance."

"Y'all do look like you're enjoyin' each others' company. Kinda reminds me of Ponyville."

"That does sound kinda cool." I added.

"It was, up until several moons ago." Babs continued before she got out her book and pulled up a picture of a mare. "That's Charity Kindheart. She was a well-known costume designer on Bridleway. She started the Midsummer Theatre Revival as a way to share her passion for theatre with the neighbourhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival. But when she moved away to be closer to her grand-fillies, the neighbourhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered."

"Hey I just saw a photo of somepony familiar." I commented, pointing to a photo. "Isn't that Coco Pommel?"

"You're right, dear this must've been when she was a filly." Rarity said. "Ummm Babs, do you think you lend us one of those photos of Coco?"

Babs rubbed her head. "Umm, I guess I could, but I do need some of these photos for this assignment."

"Just the one photo will be fine, we don't need more than that." Applejack assured.

"Okay, here you go." Babs took out a photo of a filly Coco and Rarity put it away in her saddle bag. "By the way, what's that big bump on your stomach, are you expecting anytime soon?"

Rarity blushed. "Oh umm, not for another three months, I can still move around and be generous."

"Gettin' back on topic 'ere." Applejack intervened. "Nopony else stepped up to take over for Charity?"

"Well, a few days ago, I heard that a unicorn mare came to this city to try and revive it, but she hasn't made much progress. Because I learnt that there's just so much to do to bring back the Midsummer Revival, and this flyer which is part of my assignment doesn't seem to have helped."

"A unicorn mare, a few days ago?" I asked.

"Hmm, wait that sounds familiar." Rarity said before gasping. "Sassy Saddles!"

"Sassy, ya mean that unicorn mare who tried to take over your boutique in Canterlot?" Applejack asked. "That would explain where she went after ya kicked her out."

"I have to ask Babs, how do you know so much?" I asked.

"I've lived in this city ever since I was a baby." Babs replied. "I know every short-cut in this part of town too. I was also thinking, maybe if could help out Sassy, it would help with my assignment."

Rarity pondered, of course working with Sassy would probably cause another headache, but maybe it would be different this time. "Say no more! You finish up your assignment and we'll help out with Sassy. Applejack, Bond and I will make sure of it!" Rarity said confidently.

"You will?" Babs asked.

"You bet your boots we will!" Applejack replied.

"Thank you so much!" Babs exclaimed. "I can go to bed and finish off my work."

"And don't worry 'bout us, we're stayin' in a hotel room not far from 'ere."

Applejack, Rarity and me left Babs home and with the address, we walked to the hotel and found our hotel room before night time arrived. Rarity and I took the double size bed in one room and Applejack took the sofa, so we ere all comfortable and fast asleep.

The next morning came and our first goal was to check out the theatre which did look run down, however the doors to the entrance were open, looks like somepony is here already. We walked inside and the interior was somewhat worse, some of the chairs were broken there were a few stage lights missing.

We then slightly gasped when we saw a familiar pony on stage looking over dresses that look like they were just made.

"Huh, who's there?" the familiar voice asked before turning around.

"Sassy Saddles." Rarity said.

"Rarity?" she gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"We're here on a quest and it seems that we have to help you." I replied.

"Help me, help me with what, run me out of another town?!" Sassy snapped.

"Don't get ya needle in a haycloud." Applejack warned. "We're also here to help out on my cousin's assignment and if we do this, she'll be able to finish her school work."

"Oh, you mean Babs Seed, she's your cousin?"

"Darn tootin', we want to help revive this 'ere theatre, but we wanna know where to start."

"Plus, this is your chance to prove that you have learnt from your mistakes, where you want to admit it or not." I added.

Sassy was no longer mad, but she was now sad and looked at the dresses. "This is a nightmare."

"Oh, not at all, darling! Those dresses are quite lovely!" Rarity assured.

"I think she was talkin' about the Midsummer Theatre Revival?" Applejack corrected.

"When I came here to find a job relating to fashion, I was given the role to bring back this theatre, so far I finished the alterations for My Fair Filly, but I've barely started the other costumes for the Revival, and the Method Mares are coming to the park tomorrow for a costume fitting and rehearsal!"

"Well, I could help you with the costumes." Rarity said. "And this time, we'll take it slowly and carefully."

"But what are we going to do about the rest? The park is in desperate need of repairs, and the sets still need to be built!"

"Well I know a thing or two about buildin' and fixin' things." Applejack boasted. "It's kinda, well, my thing. Could be the reason the map called me here!"

"That may be good news, but the park is in a poor and unbecoming state, it would need to be taken care of first."

"Leave it to me, I'll take care of the fields." I said.

"You see, Sassy? All the help you need is right here!" Rarity declared. "Everything is going to be just fine!"

Sassy then smiled. "Oh thank you so much, thank you!" she exclaimed before calming down and looking at Rarity. "Then...I am very sorry for what I did at Canterlot, I promise to never rush forward with an idea unless you want me to."

"Apology accepted, Sassy and thank you."

We left the theatre and Sassy guided us to the park and we gasped, I had never seen such a run down park like ever.

"Perhaps we spoke too soon..." I commented.

"Oh dear, you're right!" Sassy added. "Are you sure you can manage this by yourself?"

"Well, there's a lot to do...but Rarity's right. The map wouldn't have called us here if we weren't up for the challenge!" Applejack said. "You two go on and take care of the costumes. We'll see you at the dress rehearsal."

Applejack and I wasted no time in cleaning the whole park. It was a good thing that I was here, who knows how long it would've took if I hadn't gone along. Just an hour later and the whole park was completely clean, the only thing left to do was to restore the outdoor stage which took much longer but in the end, it was done and restored to a peak condition.

The costumes that arrived with Rarity and Sassy, it was kinda nice to see them working together on costumes and not against each other.

"Wow, you did an excellent job!" Sassy praised. "This park is now magnificent and the stage is set too. Now we can begin with the revival."

"In that case, I better go and get my cousin, she'll be wantin' to see this and learn more towards her assignment." Applejack leapt off the stage and walked out of the park, probably to Babs house.

Shortly, a group of ponies arrived, they must be the Method Mares, although how come one of them is a stallion? But we didn't have time to ponder over that, Rarity and I stood back whilst Sassy took care of the rest. Soon, it was time for the play to start and to my surprise, I looked to my left to see a small crowd had gathered and Applejack and Babs were among them.

"Should we go ahead and start?" a stallion asked on stage.

We nodded as the crowd began to get bigger and soon the play began. It was a long one too, but Rarity and I were smiling through it as we held on together. After a while the play was over and the audience cheered, we joined in, I found it amazing too as the cast came on and took a bow.

"Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts." one of them said. "Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible, our neighbour, Sassy Saddles!"

Sassy then came on stage with a big smile. "Thank you all so much for coming. When I learnt about The Midsummer Theatre Revival, I realized that it was always something that began to mean so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit, though. My dear friends Rarity, Bond and Applejack helped me ever so much."

The audience cheered at us.

"Oh darling, please, it was just a few costumes." Rarity said.

"Aw shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer, is all." Applejack added. "To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This here was the result."

"Uhhh, I think it's alright for us to take some of the credit, but the real star here is Sassy." I said. "She was willing to over a new leaf so she could help out with the revival and now, I think she has found her calling, even though it's not exactly running a fashion store."

"Oh I'll have plenty of chances to run a store." Sassy replied. "But doing this was a big chance of a lifetime."

Sometime later, word began to spread across Manehatten about the event and Babs was able to use it as part of her assignment. As we were waiting for our train back home, our cutie marks were flashing, we knew that our job here was complete.

Rarity was the first to gasp. "I understand now! It all makes perfect sense! I know why the map called you here along with us!"

"You do?" Applejack asked.

"If Twilight had used her magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem, which is that these Manehattan ponies didn't think they had time to do something for their community! But by helping out Sassy with building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"

"Well I'll be!"

"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies than you thought!" Babs said. "But still, thanks to you all, I passed my assignment with flying colours!"

"Just like I knew you would, sugarcube." Soon, our train arrived and it was time to go. "Well, we better get goin', I want to check in with Apple Bloom and find out how the Sisterhooves Social turned out."

"Oh, absolutely, my dear." Rarity agreed. "Same with Sweetie Belle...and Sassy, I hope you take good care of yourself in Manehatten."

"Don't you worry, Rarity I will...and thank you again for helping me out." she replied. "I will remember your generosity and all you've taught me." she waved as we boarded the train.

It was the start of the evening by the time we got back, Applejack yawned as we got off the train.

"Well I better hit the hay, see ya'll next time." she said before trotting to her farm home.

Rarity and I walked back to our home and we walked straight into our bed, it had been a long few days and were sure to let Twilight know how we got on as soon as we could. As I slept away, I thought back on the two days, it was good to see Babs again but it was also surprising to see Sassy Saddles. It seems that she has finally understood what Rarity is really about and that a loving, generous and beautiful mare...and she's my fiancé!

Brotherhooves Social

There was a knock on the door, I woke up first and sneakfully moved out of the bed and answered the door slowly.

"Morning, ugh..." I tried saying before rubbing my eyes to see who it was. "...Applebloom?"

"Howdy Bond." she replied. "Ya'll never guess what 'appened."

"I think I can, but tell me."

"The Sisterhooves Social was put a day back because of some freak accident that Granny won't tell anypony about. So the event is happenin' today!"

"I see, well whatever the freak accident was, that sounds like good news."

"It sure does, Applejack was surprised but then happy to hear, she thought that she would've had to miss it cause of ya friendship, quest."

"From yesterday, eh?"

"Yep, so ah came here to let ya know that if Rarity and Sweetie Belle wanna come along for the event, they're very much welcome."

"Okay, I'll let Rarity know, see you, Applebloom"

Applebloom then turned and trotted, probably back to the farm where the event would most likely take place. It had been a long while since I last was at the Sisterhooves Social, Sweetie Belle and Rarity were at odds over it last time, but they were able to make up for it before the event. I'm sure they would have a wonderful time, but then again, Rarity is pregnant and I'm not sure if her taking part would potentially harm her or our unborn foal.

I closed the door and walked back upstairs, Rarity was out of her bed, but she didn't seem to be well.

"Morning darling, I'm not feeling too well...oooh!" her cheeks bulged.

I stood back as she galloped to the bathroom, maybe the foal was kicking her stomach too much. I knew that it would be a little dangerous for her, looks like Sweetie Belle won't be able to go.

"Rarity love, I think you should take it real easy today." I advised. "Never mind what the ponies say about your boutique."

Rarity came out of the bathroom, looking a little better. "You're right dear, Carousel Boutique shall be closed for the day. Besides, Coco is doing a magnificent job with my other fashion store in Canterlot."

"By the way, Applebloom came to the door and told me about the Sisterhooves Social." I then told her what Applebloom said. "So at first I was thinking that you and Sweetie Belle should go, but it seems that you're not well today."

"I'm afraid not, I feel so horrible for Sweetie Belle. My pregnancy has let her down..."

I put my hoof on her shoulder. "Don't be, love, I'll be back later and you just rest easily."

"Thank you, darling."

We shared a loving kiss before I left the house. I should probably go and check on the apple family farm and see how it's going. When I arrived, I saw the apples sister doing some kind of chant.

"S-I-S-T-E-R-S! Which two sisters are the best?" Applebloom and Applejack chanted together. "We are! Apple Bloom and Applejack forever! Yee-hoo!"

"We're gonna win every competition at the Sisterhooves Social!" Applebloom boasted. "Those other fillies aren't gonna know what hit 'em!"

"Hello you two." I greeted.

"Howdy there Bond, got curious about the event?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, but that's not all." I told them about how Rarity was feeling and they understood.

"Well that's a bit of a shame, but that's nothin' to it." Applebloom said. "There's plenty of sister teams takin' part this year."

I then saw Big Mac who came out and was looking at them.

"Oh, hey there, Big Mac! Did you want somethin'?" Applejack asked.

"Eeyup." He replied before he was cut off.

"Hold that thought. Applejack, you are the most awesome sister ever!" Applebloom complimented.

"Aw gee-whiz." Applejack replied, laughing. "Well I think it's sweet that you hold that opinion, but-"

"It's not opinion! It's objective fact! You saved Equestria like a gazillion times, you're smart, funny, strong, why you're the best sister of all time! Probably the best Apple of all time! Right Big Mac?"

"Eeyup."

"And with you by my side, I'm guaranteed to taste sweet, sweet Sisterhooves Social victory! Go Apples, go, go, go Apples go!"

"Uh, Apple Bloom? I think Big Mac's got somethin' he wants to show you."

I then saw Big Mac who had something in his teeth, he grabbed it with his hooves and spun it around till it went in the air before neatly landing on the ground.

"Well, I haven't seen anything like that since I was a young filly in Fillydelphia." I said.

"Oh hey! Is that the toy we used to play with when I was little?" Applebloom asked.

"Eeyup!" He replied happily.

"Neat! Alright then! Let's get back to practisin'!" Applebloom jumped in excitement, going over to a set of bowling pins. "One more run-through of our jugglin' routine, make sure our harmonies are tight in our song, and see if we can't beat our best pie-eatin' time!"

I looked at Big Mac who was walking away and looking glum, I could tell that something was on his mind.

"Hold on, sugarcube, I need a minute to talk with Big Mac." Applejack said.

"Wait, mind if I handle it?" I offered. "I think he needs a heart to heat talk with another stallion."

"That may be a better idea and I trust ya. I'll just have a talk with my sister whilst you do that."

I nodded before going into the barn and seeing Big Mac working on an anvil and a hammer.

"Hey Big Mac, you all right?" I asked.

He sighed. "Yup."

"You sure? You seemed a little down back there."

"Nope."

"Come on now, you can tell me." I walked closer to him. "You feeling a little left out, because I'm pretty sure they don't mean to."

"Maybe..."

"Well if you are, then maybe I could help. I helped out Applejack over the family reunion and I've helped Applebloom with taking care of the farm. I think it's now time for me to help you, what do you say?"

Big Mac turned around and looked at me. "Ah'm just a little glum that ah'm the only stallion in the family, it ain't no fun not havin' a little brother to spend time with."

"I know how you feel, since I have a sister as I've already talked about to nearly everypony around here."

"Ah wish that for even just one day, ah could take part in the event, but ah'm not a mare."

Just then, I heard a bit of commotion from outside. "Applejack ya alright!?"

We trotted out and I gasped, there was Applejack on her side and her cheeks were somewhat green.

"I'm alright, Applebloom..." Applejack said slowly. "...just a little mighty sick..."

I glanced at the mess that she threw up and it was not a pretty sight. "You need to get in the house and be looked over." I advised. "There is no way I'm letting you continue with this setting up event."

Big Mac took Applejack inside and Applebloom and I followed, telling Granny Smith what happened. Sometime later, Applejack was in her bedroom and Applebloom was somewhat distraught over it.

"This can't be happening! Your extreme awesomeness is backfirin' on me!" she exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but it looks like we won't be able to do the event." Applejack looked at me and Big Mac. "Try and cheer her up, won't you?"

"We'll do our best." I replied. "Better help you out with finishing off the setting up."

"Eeyup."

We immediately got to work on around the farm, thankfully there wasn't much left and we got it done in no time at all. Soon, I heard a bell ringing.

"Lunchtime! Come and get it!" Granny exclaimed from inside the house.

"That's good, I'm famished." I commented.

Big Mac and I got inside and sat by the table, Granny Smith had the food out and it looked delicious. As we were eating however, I noticed Applebloom who looked very low after what happened to Applejack and seemed to be on her own world.

"Oh, it's no use, Big Mac, if I know my Apple Bloom, she won't come out of a funk this funky 'til her big sister gets back." Granny sighed,

"There's gotta be a way to snap her out of it." I replied. "She can't go on like this throughout the event."

Just then, I heard a knock on the door and Applebloom answered it to see that it was Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"Hey Apple Bloom, the Social's gonna start in a few hours. Thought you might want to go with us." Sweetie said.

"Since Rarity and Applejack are both ill, you and Sweetie Belle can cheer on me and Rainbow Dash instead!" Scootaloo added.

"Pretty great they're letting you participate even though you're not technically sisters."

"Well, the Social's always had a pretty loose definition of what constitutes a sister." Granny said. "But as long as you share a bond that represents the spirit of the Social, you're in!"

A spirit of a social eh? I thought before I began pondering over it.

"So what do you say?" Sweetie asked.

"You coming?" Scootaloo added.

"Why not... got nothin' better to do..." Applebloom replied glumly. "Lemme wash up and I'll meet you in a little bit."

She then walked away and into the kitchen, I sighed along with Big Mac.

"Oh, such a shame we don't live closer to all your second cousins." Granny said. "You could maybe do the Social with one of them instead."

Suddenly, I saw Big Mac's face lit up, looks like he had an idea too.

"What is it, Big Mac? Y'all got an idea?"

"Eeyup!" He replied confidently.

"What? What is it?!" Applebloom asked.

"Why don't ah dress up as a mare and tell everypony that ah am a second cousin to you and that ah go by the name of Orchard Blossom."

I stood there with my eyes wide open, he cannot be serious!

"Say, that's a great idea and nopony will ever know 'bout it!"

"Wait, wait, wait." I intervened. "Are you sure you wanna do that, because there is a massive chance that it can backfire."

Applebloom looked at me. "Backfire, what do ya mean?"

"Like what if by some accident that the clothes you dress up in get torn or drowned in a pile of sticky mud, they would be of no use and then everyone would see you for who you really are."

"Then how else am I gonna be able to take part in the event?"

It was then my mind finally clicked with an idea. "Granny Smith, you mentioned about a spirit of a bond that represents a social right?"

"Errr, somethin' like that." Granny replied.

I looked at Applebloom. "Well then, why don't you go and ask Fluttershy if she can be your 'sister' for the event?"

"Really, she would do that?" she asked.

"I'm sure she would, you share a strong bond with her as a filly sitter, don't you?"

"Yeah, we do."

I then looked at Big Mac. "And Big Mac, why don't I be your 'brother' for the event tomorrow?"

"My brother?"

"Yeah, we can call it a one time exclusive event called the Brotherhooves Social. All we have to do is just work like a team as if we were brothers."

Granny Smith was in shock, but she smiled happily. "Well ah'll be knocked down with a feather, that is the smartest idea I've ever heard!"

"So you all agree to it?"

"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied. "And thanks Bond, I really appreciate you helpin' me out."

"And me too!" Applebloom added happily."

"Alright then, I best be going now and check up on Rarity. I'll be back later before the event starts."

"Okay Bond, we'll see ya around by then." Granny replied.

I smiled and left the barn and flew back home to see Rarity who was indeed taking it easy. I told her about today and she seemed impressed, even when I mentioned about being a brother for Big Mac.

"Well darling this is why I love you, you're always full of ideas when it comes to personal issues." she complimented.

"I love you too, because when you and I are together, we can help solve and overcome anything."

We kissed passionately and decided to have a bit of alone time for a while, after an hour or so, I hugged Rarity before I left the house to go back to the farm where a crowd had begun to take place.

"Today is our big day!" I heard Scootaloo boast.

"We have so got this. I'm gonna go sign us in." Rainbow replied.

"I guess I'm just a little jealous you two get to compete and I don't." Sweetie said. "But, at least I get to be here and cheer you on! I thought Apple Bloom was gonna be here too?"

"Guess she changed her mind." Scootaloo then saw Applebloom...and Fluttershy. "Hey, there you are! You ready to cheer on me and Rainbow Dash to victory?"

"Not quite, ya'll see very soon." Applebloom replied as she walked to the panel with Fluttershy, leaving Sweetie and Scootaloo confused.

I then saw Big Mac turn up with a smile and whispered to me what he had set up for our brotherhooves event and I liked it. It was then time for the event to start and Big Mac and I got ourselves lined up in position at the starting line.

"Welcome everypony to the Sisterhooves Social!" A well-dressed mare greeted. "I am Booth Barker and I will be judging the event, but first  we have a one-time special event for you all to watch. We have a brotherhooves social event featuring the only two stallions taking part, Big Macintosh and Prince Bond Racer who have created this exclusive course."

The crowd seemed impressed.

"They will be showing us how to make the most of an event as brothers! So cheer them on when they start, ready stallions?!"

"As ready as we'll ever be." I replied quietly.

"Eeyup!" Big Mac added.

The whistle blew and the event was underway, we first had to leap above a few haystacks and then turn to our left and leap across the mud pool. Thankfully, I was able to avoid contract but Big Mac wasn't so lucky, we hopped over a few barrels before climbing up a huge tub and landing in what was full of grapes, we stomped on nearly all of them which made into a lot of bottles of grape juice at the bottom.

Before I knew it, the finish line was in sight and just a few seconds before I crossed it, I slowed down slightly and Big Mac overtook me and crossed the line first and the crowd cheered in delight at the event. I had to admit, that was a good challenge and it felt good to get some exercise.

"What a splendid event by the team of two brothers!" Booth said. "To all the sisters taking part, this is how you take part and enjoy yourselves, good luck to all of you."

Big Mac and I left the area so the mares could get ready for their turn. I was drying myself off when Fluttershy and Applebloom came along.

"Wow, that was mighty somethin'!" Applebloom exclaimed. "My big brother crossed the line and he won!"

"Eeyup." Big Mac said, grinning. "Now it's your turn to win, we'll be cheerin' ya on."

Applebloom then walked to the starting line, but not before Fluttershy gave Big Mac a sweet kiss and joined Applebloom. Soon, the sisterhooves event was finally underway. It was a very close contest at several points, but in the end, the team of Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo crossed the line first and therefore were the winners and there was much rejoicing.

Sometime later after the event ended and all the decorations were taken down, I was on a hill away from the barn with Big Mac and Applebloom and we were all smiles about today.

"Well Bond, we wanna thank you so much for helping us out today, ya really gave me a chance to bond with the family closer than before." Big Mac said.

"Yeah me too." Applebloom added before looking at her brother. "But I would like to know why ya wanted to be in the event."

Big Mac took a deep breath and explained. "When you were little you used to look up to me, thought I was the best thing since Zap Apple Jam. Things are different now. Applejack's the hero of the Apple family, always runnin' off to save Equestria, an' I'm just here on the farm, doin' chores, helpin' out the way I can, nothin' special, nobody's hero, I guess I just thought... oh, never mind. Here I am about to start blabberin' on about my feelin's. You don't wanna hear all this."

"Yes, I do!"

"So when Bond suggested about that brotherhooves event, well, I could be somepony you looked up to again. Be your hero again. Even if it was for just a day."

Applebloom then began hugging him. "You're my big brother. You've always been a hero to me, Big Mac, and you always will be. I'm just sorry I haven't been lettin' you know that's how I feel. Guess both of us have been holdin' back when it comes to expressin' ourselves, huh?"

"Eeyup."

I couldn't say anything, the picture was worth more than just words. "But the important thing is that you both were able to solve the issues and still have a good time at the event when it mattered. Now I think it's time for me to go home, to my fiancé."

"That's aright Bond, I'm gonna spend some quality time with my big brother for just a little longer."

There was nothing more to say, I smiled, waved and flew from the farm and way back home. By the time I got there, it was sunset time and I opened the door to the smell of food on the table.

"Ahhh darling, you're just in time." Rarity said. "I'm feeling quite better and I am quite sad about missing the sisterhooves social."

"It's alright love, there'll be another chance to do that next time." I replied, wrapping her into a loving hug.

I then heard a knock on the door and I answered it.

"Oh hello, Miss Cheerlie."

"Hello Prince Bond, I hope I'm not interrupting." Cheerlie replied.

"No it's okay, what is it?"

"Well I need somepony to watch over a group of fillies who are going on a trip tomorrow, I'm not able to go as I have an appointment that I am unable to cancel."

"Say no more, I'll gladly watch over them for you tomorrow."

"Oh really! Thank you Prince Bond, I'll be going now."

I then closed the door and sat with Rarity and as we ate quietly and in love, I looked back on today and it was quite an event to be in. I think the Apple Family are so lucky to have me to save them, I'm sure Applejack is very happy to hear what happened as well.

I did wonder about one other thing, I hope Fluttershy and Big Mac keep getting closer and in love...

Crusaders Of The Lost Mark

The noise of my pocket watch woke me up and I nearly slammed it down, only to remember that I have to get up and help watch over the fillies since Miss Cheerlie is unable to, might as well make myself useful and hey, maybe something will happen.

The moment I got out of bed, I heard Rarity moan before she mumbled. "Hmmm...where are you....off to, darling?"

"I have to watch over the fillies, Miss Cheerlie is unable to do it today." I replied quietly. "I don't think it'll take long."

She sightly moved to see my face. "Well if you have to, make sure Sweetie Belle stays safe and Applejack and Rainbow would tell you the same with the others."

"They'll be safe with me, all...well however many fillies there are in her class."

"Just be careful too, dear."

I moved my head towards her. "I will." Before kissing her and then turning to leave my house.

I walked on over to the school and saw a group of fillies already outside the playground. Sounds like something was going on as I saw Scootaloo put Pipsqueak who I haven't seen since Nightmare Night on a wooden box. I entered the school playground which got their attention.

"Hey Bond!" Scootaloo greeted.

"Hey there, one half of the sisterhooves social champ." I replied with a wink. "What's going on here?"

"Oh I am running for student pony president!" Pipsqueak exclaimed. "And these fillies are helping me out."

"Student pony president, eh? That sounds cool."

"And what are ya doin' here?" Applebloom asked.

"Oh I'm here to watch over you all because Miss Cheerlie is away on an appointment, has she been gone for long?"

"Yeah, she just left five minutes ago." Twist replied before handing out a candy. "Peppermint stick?"

"Oooh thanks." I took it with my magic and placed it in my pocket. "Anyways, don't mind me fillies, continue."

Applebloom turned to Pipsqueak. "So, Pip! How would you help the school if you were elected student pony president?"

"Our playground equipment took quite a beating during Twilight's battle with Tirek!" he replied, reminding us of the time where Ponyville was in absolute peril, ohhh the shivers I get from that. "If I'm voted in as student pony president, I'll go to the school board and right this wrong!"

"Well, I think that's a ridiculous waste of money!" I heard from among the fillies, I could tell that was Diamond's voice I heard. "It's just like when Twist proposed to repair the window that Discord destroyed! She just wanted to repair it like a plain old schoolhouse window, but you all know voting for me was the best choice, because I convinced the school board to give that window visual appeal!"

"'Course, it doesn't hurt that her mother is Spoiled Rich, Miss President of the school board." Applebloom remarked.

"Exactly! Which is why when I am voted student pony president, the school will be putting a statue of me in the centre of our schoolyard!"

"That's not gonna happen!" Silver Spoon intervened. "There is no way these fillies are gonna waste their time voting for a spoilt brat like you."

"You take that back, ex-friend!"

"Make me!"

I had to step before this got ugly. "Hold on, hold on, just before any hoof-bags are thrown at dawn. Let's all calm down and try to get back on topic."

"Thank ya." Applebloom replied. "Haven't we all had enough of Diamond Tiara?"

"Do we really need a big statue of her?" Scootaloo added.

"Especially where our playground equipment should be?" Sweetie asked too which caused several whispers among the other fillies.

"A vote for Pip is a vote for the playground!" Pip declared.

"A vote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for more Diamond Tiara!" Diamond countered.

I rolled my eyes, this was going to be a long day. Soon they told me that I was to supervise the voting for school pony president and after a while of counting up the votes, we had a winner as I stood by the postal boxes.

"The votes have been counted! The student pony president is...Pipsqueak!" I announced.

Diamond gasped whilst the other fillies all celebrated, it was a landslide victory too, turnout was 95%, so a good day for democracy. The CMC's looked at their flanks, guess campaign managers isn't their destiny either...I facehoofed once again, I thought they were over their obsession with the cutie marks.

"Guess you're not as good as you thought, blank flanks!" Diamond said rudely. "In fact, I demand a recount!"

"No recount needed." I smirked. "There was only one vote."

"WHAT?!"

I couldn't help it, I was laughing away on the inside, until I was interrupted by Diamond screaming with rage before galloping away.

"What, I'm just glad that I was through with her before this happened." Silver said before she walked away with a few other fillies.

"I know Diamond Tiara's been pretty awful, but...we should probably make sure she's okay." Applebloom said. "Just 'cause she's never cared about anypony else's feelin's, doesn't mean we shouldn't care about hers..."

"Wait, what?!" I asked. "You can't be serious!"

"Uhhh no offence Bond, but could you please hear us out without interruptin'?"

I sighed. "Alright, do carry on."

"Is it weird that I feel bad for her?" Sweetie asked.

"It, it is, and...I'm weird too." Scootaloo replied who was confused, although I knew what she meant by that.

"She wants to change, but she doesn't know how." Applebloom said.

"Seems like she could use a friend or two to help her figure it out." Sweetie added.

"Well if you three are going to do that, I better come with you just to be sure." I advised.

"Sure, we might need you for the things we may not be able to do." Scootaloo replied.

Well thankfully, it was lunch hour and Miss Cheerlie had returned from her appointment after a few minutes of watching over the rest of the fillies, she thanked me a lot and I replied saying that it was too easy to look after them before I went with the CMC to where ever they were going to. It wasn't long before we were outside somepony's house and we could hear a bit of commotion from inside.

"Diamond Tiara! Why are you making that face? That is not the face of a winner." we heard a voice exclaim.

"Because...I didn't win." Diamond replied, sighing.

"What? You mean I have to own these party supplies and celebrate nothing?"

"Sorry mother."

"It's bad enough you lost to that transplant from Trottingham, but imagining you lost to one of those blank flanks... as a Rich pony, you must always think of your social standing. That starts here in Ponyville, and reaches all over Equestria. Don't ever forget that, Diamond Tiara. Ever!"

So that mare in the house is Diamond's mother? I knew right away that was a lie since I saw her REAL mother in that basement floor in the hospital just under a year ago. But these CMC fillies didn't know this and I thought it would be be best to keep it to myself. But I did wonder, who is she and how on earth did she become Diamond's stepmother as I saw it?

My thoughts were cut off when the door opened and out came Diamond who looked really glum until she saw the CMC's and myself.

"What do you four want? To gloat? Rub in my defeat?" Diamond asked impolitely.

"Actually, we wanted to invite you to our clubhouse to hang out." Applebloom replied.

"Really?"

"Yeah, for real!" Scootaloo replied.

"Well, thanks to you all, I don't have any important class president business to attend to or anything. So I might as well."

"That sounds like a yes..." Sweetie said.

"It'll have to do." I added. "I hope you three know what you're doing, cause this is really far-fetched."

The CMC's looked at me, feeling concerned. "Bond, are you okay, because this isn't like you."

"Sorry fillies, it's just that throughout all these years, Diamond has been nothing but a pain in the flank for just about everypony."

"Hey!" Diamond yelled.

"Well, it's true and you've caused me nothing but grief too, you're a lost cause."

The CMC's looked at me, a lot more worried now. "Bond, if you don't want to help, you don't have to." Applebloom said.

"Sorry again fillies...I just wanted to say my piece. I still wanna help, I really do, I'll try my best to keep quiet, maybe we can learn something from this."

The fillies nodded and smiled before turning our attention back to Diamond and we walked over to the clubhouse on the apple farm. Once inside, I could see that the CMC's had put up two posters, one that had several items all crossed out and the other one completely blank. As usual, Diamond seemed half-interested in it all.

After a while of discussing, I heard the door flung open, it was Pipsqueak and he looked like he was in a hurry.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders! I was at the school board meeting and they didn't approve my request for the new playground equipment!" he exclaimed.

"Why not?" Sweetie gasped.

"There's no money in the budget! So I checked my piggybank to see if I had enough bits, but my little piggy wasn't nearly full enough!"

"Don't worry, Pip!"

"We'll meet you back at school." Scootaloo said.

"And help you find a solution!" Applebloom added.

"Thanks, Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Pip replied before galloping away.

Suddenly, Diamond began to perk up very quickly, well that was a miracle recovery I thought.

"Oh, I already have a solution! Our new school pony president is gonna be kicked out of office and I'll be reinstated!" she declared before she galloped away.

I sighed angrily. "I KNEW this was too good to be true, after her, fillies!"

The CMC's left the clubhouse and galloped after her and I followed too, I was right all along, she is a lost cause! But then again, they way she behaves has to come from her stepmother, maybe there could be a chance for me to have a word with her about humility, but that could wait for another time.

We were catching up to Diamond but she kept laying down obstacles, all of which I avoided since I could fly. The CMC's eventually caught up to her, trying to get her to stop, but Diamond kept going as I watched over the chase several feet from the ground. Before long, Diamond was at the school where Cheerlie and many of the fillies were, the CMC's were too late, but they tried and I knew this was going to get bad.

"Everypony, I have an announcement!" she said to everypony.

"Diamond Tiara! Think hard about the choice you're makin' right now!" Applebloom intervened.

"You can be a better pony!" Scootaloo added.

But before she could answer, the school door was opened and out came a mare who seemed to be quite stuck up. "Diamond Tiara!" she exclaimed. "I just happened to be here for the school board meeting, and this is what I see when we adjourn? My daughter, associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? Socializing with their kind is not how you move up in Equestria! Come, Diamond Tiara!"

So this is her step-mother, at least we all now know where Diamond gets it from...like mother, like daughter, or step-mother in this case.

Diamond looked at her mother who was walking around the other fillies making them uncomfortable. "No, mother!"

My jaw literally dropped and my pupils shrank, did she just defy her stepmother?

"Excuse me?!"

"You've spent your life acting like a high horse, and raised me up following your hoofprints! At first I thought this was fine, but then I finally realized I wanted something you don't have, friends!"

The CMC's gasped and so did the others, I couldn't believe what was happening.

"That's enough, Diamond Tiara! Step away from those blank flanks!"

Diamond stood her ground, moving closer to the CMC's. "These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they are my friends! You need to stop calling them such mean and hurtful names! They are working harder to get their cutie marks than anypony I've ever seen! And they will get them exactly when they discover their true talent, which I guarantee will be amazing! Now, will you please deliver this to father?"

Her stepmother sighed. "Yes, of course, dear..."

Diamond looked at the CMC's. "I have to thank you, Crusaders. Obviously I've known since I got my cutie mark that my talent is getting other ponies to do what I want. I just asked my father if he could donate the money for the new playground equipment!"

I smiled, this was the first time I ever saw Diamond do something nice. She then turned to Pipsqueak. "I knew you were worried for a second there, weren't you? Ha! Well, I think it's all gonna work out just fine, Mister President!"

Soon, the fillies all got to work and once the money came through, the school playground was being restored and then improved on and by the time it was done, I was in awe, the playground looked even better and more fun than ever before and they all did it together.

Shortly, I was with the CMC's and they looked like they learnt something today.

"I've been thinkin', Crusaders. We spend an awful lot of time fussin' and frettin' tryin' to discover our true talent, but when we take a little time off, we end up helpin' other ponies figure out their true talent!" Applebloom said.

"Yeah, and I think that's way more important than worrying about our cutie marks, don't you?" Sweetie agreed.

"Absolutely! I don't care if I ever get my cutie mark, as long as I get to hang out with my best friends." Scootaloo said.

"That's the spirit, fillies!" I replied confidently. "So what do you say, Crusaders? Want to just focus on helping others find their cutie marks?"

"Yeah!" they cheered happily.

Suddenly, as soon as they slapped hooves, a spark of magic appeared from their hooves and down to their bodies before they began to fly up, covered in aura of magic, I had to stand well back and then a bright light flashed forcing me to close my eyes. When I opened them up again, this caught the attention of the other fillies who saw what was happening.

Shortly, they flew down to the ground gently and the aura was gone, by the time the CMC's woke up, the other fillies were in awe and when I saw what happened, my jaw dropped to the floor for a second time, I gotta stop doing that in future, I thought.

"What happened?" Sweetie asked.

"What's goin' on?" Applebloom asked too.

"It's your cutie marks!" Diamond replied. "They're amazing!"

I saw them too, all of them had the same cutie marks, minus a few differences. All of them were shaped like shields, except Applebloom had an apple in the middle, Sweetie had a musical note and Scootaloo had a lightning bolt, it took me a long while for it to sink it all in. After nearly five years, they FINALLY got their cutie marks, but in a way that I had never seen before.

"We all got the same cutie mark! Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!" They cheered happily together.

I knew then that it was time for a song, when the music started playing.

We're were searching for our cutie marks

For a while there

Trying to find out how we fit in

So many ways we've tried before

But we kept on trying more

'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in

Now we know what it took all along

And our journey here is never really done

For it is more than just a mark

It's a place for us to start

An adventure that has only just begun

We'll make our mark

Show the world what we can do

We'll make our mark

Helping fillies to break through

To the ultimate reward of a cutie marks

Sometime later, the CMC's celebrated with me and the rest of the Mane Six who were all smiling today.

"Alright, everypony! Get ready for the biggest cute-ceanera celebration ever!" Pinkie yelled in her way.

Applejack was holding onto her sister with a tear in her eye. "Oh, sugarcube, if Mom and Dad were here, they'd be so proud of ya."

"Oh... Thanks, Applejack" Applebloom replied.

"Now go on and party with your pals."

Rarity was the same with Sweetie, she was shedding a tear too, I'm sure their parents will be very proud of Sweetie. As for Rainbow, she and Scootaloo celebrated in their own way and that was being awesome but also sharing a hug.

"Well, what do you think, Crusaders?" I asked them. "Were those cutie marks totally worth waiting for or what?"

"YEAH!" They replied.

"But I'm quite curious." Twilight said." It seems that you all have a similar cutie mark, but I think I know why, it's because you're destiny is to help others find theirs."

"But I think for now, we should just enjoy the moment and rest, cause you never know what will come next." Fluttershy said.

We all nodded and soon got back to celebrating until the sun began to set, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and myself left shortly afterwards and back to Rarity's own boutique, where the sister shared one last hug before Rarity and I walked back to our home.

Getting inside, Rarity couldn't contain her happiness, she began to jump up and down before I reminded her that she was still pregnant, making her blush.

"Oops...I need to be a bit more careful about celebrations." she said bashfully. "I'm just so proud of my little sister."

"I think we all are." I replied. "And all of them I might add."

We walked up to our bedroom and got inside, getting comfortable and as Rarity went off to sleep, I looked back on today. It was indeed a long day, but so much happened, I learnt about Diamond having a stepmother who was pushy as heck, but now it seems that after many years, Diamond FINALLY understands about friendship and perhaps turned over a new leaf.

Maybe in time, she and Silver will become friends again in future...maybe...

The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows

It was the next morning and Rarity was the first to awake when I opened my eyes, she quickly pecked me on the lips before we got out of bed.

"Morning love, I feel like having a quiet walk with the two of us." I said.

"So do I darling, it has been hectic for the past few days." she replied holding my hoof. "Shall we go after breakfast?"

"Yeah definitely."

After we were fully awake following a breakfast, we left the house and walked through the town before we saw Pinkie coming towards us, she seemed to have something on her mind from what I could tell. Gummy was with her and he had a pacifier which was certainly odd.

"Did you take that from Pound Cake again?" she asked her pet alligator. "Don't you know it's wrong to steal from a baby?"

Soon, she was close to us not looking where she was going until Rarity intervened. "What's all this about a baby?"

Pinkie suddenly stopped. "What? Who? What? Who said something about a baby?!"

"You did, Ms. Pie, just now. What were you talking about?"

Pinkie grabbed the pacifier and sucked on it, I know she can be odd, but this is odder than odd. "By the way, Twilight wants us at the castle, we better get going."

"Well if she needs us, I guess we should." I replied as Pinkie trotted onwards. "So much for a quiet walk today."

"Don't worry darling, we'll take our time getting to the castle." she said. "We have our bun in the oven as Pinkie would put it."

"Yeah, you're right..." I smiled as we walked to the castle, past the doors and into the throne room where the others were waiting. "We're here, girls, sorry if we're late. You know how it is."

"Yeah Rarity pregnant and all that, we get it." Applejack chuckled.

"Great! Everypony's here." Twilight said. "Now I don't have to wait any longer to tell you all the wonderful news! Somepony special is coming to visit Ponyville, and I need your help getting everything ready!"

"Ready, who is it?" I asked.

"It's Shining Armor and Princess Cadance!" Twilight and Pinkie said at the same time.

"Yes, and they're coming-" Twilight said before she was cut off.

"Tomorrow!" Pinkie said.

"Yes, on the..."

"Friendship Express rather than the Crystal Empire train so as not to cause too much of a scene when they skip town and come visit?"

"Yes."

"Annnnnd?"

"And that's it."

"Oh."

"Uh, how did you know all that?" Rainbow asked.

"Pinkie Sense?" Pinkie grinned which made me suspicious, although her Pinkie sense is a very good reason so I chose to let it slide for now.

Rainbow looked at Twilight. "So, you said you needed our help with something?"

"Follow me." she replied as she got off the chair and we followed her into one of the bedrooms which had a stallion feel to it.

"Sweet posters! Is that Smash Fortune?" Rainbow asked noticing a poster.

"It sure is! When Shining Armor said he wanted to come to the castle and visit, I started collecting things he liked when he was a colt as a surprise!"

"Surprise?!" Pinkie exclaimed nervously.

"I've been so excited that it's been hard to keep it to myself!"

"I have no idea what that's like!"

"Aww, look at the cute little ant farm!" Fluttershy commented.

"And check out all these old comic books!" Spike said, picking up one that was wrapped in a bag.

"Be careful! They're mint-in-bag!" Twilight said, making Spike put down the comic gently.

"What's this?" Pinkie asked holding a tiny stallion plushie.

"This is Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry him around like his baby!"

"It is a bit juvenile for castle decor, but it was very sweet of you." Rarity said. "It also gives me an idea for when I and Bond have our foal and if it's a colt."

"Speaking of which, have we got around to getting an appointment to check if we're having a colt or a filly?" I asked.

"You know darling...I never thought of that." Rarity rubbed her pregnant stomach. "We have been so busy that I never got around to making time, we should do so when we can."

"Anyways, I'm sure Shining Armor will love it." Fluttershy said.

"Me too, but there's a few more things I'd like to add before he gets here, and I could really use a hoof collecting them." Twilight replied.

"Whatever you need, sugarcube, we'll help you get it." Applejack assured and we all agreed right away.

"Thanks everypony! I just can't wait until they walk in and see everything!"

"Totally understandable." Rainbow replied. "Watching somepony else be surprised with something is almost better than being the one who's getting the surprise!"

"But, neh, what if the surprise is something so incredibly exciting that that a pony can't keep it in any longer, and she has to tell the pony standing next to her what it is or she might explode!" Pinkie asked.

"I would say...no." Fluttershy replied.

"The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt, forever!" Rarity declared.

Pinkie got more nervous than before. "Gotta bounce!" And just like that she bounced around the room like a pinball and out of the room through the doorway, I wonder how many points a pony can score with a Pinkie pinball.

"So, I know the bar is set pretty high, but does anypony else think that Pinkie Pie was acting weirder than usual?" Rainbow asked.

"I do have to admit, she is acting really weird today." I answered. "It's like she knows something we don't but is not able to say because it's...a pinkie promise."

"Then what could we do?" Fluttershy asked.

"I have a two-pronged solution." Rarity said proudly. "You girls all work towards making the finishing touches before Shining and Cadence arrive and I'll go to the hospital to get myself an appointment to check our foal gender."

"That's terrific, love." I commented. "And whilst you're doing that, I'm gonna go and talk to Pinkie and get an explanation out of her before this gets too crazy."

"Please do that, Bond." Twilight said. "If Pinkie starts acting too weird then we may end up having a repeat of when she forgot about her birthday party a few years back."

I shivered, there was no way we were ever going to go through that ordeal again. "In that case, I better go now."

"Just a minute darling, not before you give me the good luck charm." Rarity smirked, raising her eyebrows.

I smirked back, knowing what she meant and I kissed her on the lips with affection.

"Woah there lover boy! There's a time and place." Applejack teased.

Rarity and I giggled before I left the castle and began my search for Pinkie and after a while, I saw her behind a house along with a desert stand.

"It's time to kick this operation into hyper-hoof, and avoid all ponies by any means necessary!" she declared.

"Hey Pinkie, could I have a word with you?" I asked.

She gasped and suddenly strapped herself on the stand saddle and galloped away with the desert wagon.

"Well that was a bit pointless...and a little bit rude." I remarked. "Hmm, if I can't get Pinkie to talk, then maybe I could find an alternative...I know, I could speak and Mr. or Mrs. Cake about it, I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

I walked over to Sugarcube Corner and as soon as I walked in, I found Mr. Cake in a trotting rush from in and out of the kitchen whilst Pound and Pumpkin were on the floor playing in their corner away from the door.

"Oh Prince Bond Racer." He said, bowing to me. "I'm so glad you're here, would you mind watching over our foals whilst Cupcake and I finish off our desert making?"

"Of course..." I said before pausing for dramatic effect. "...on one condition."

"Condition, well I guess so, what would it be?"

"Do you or Mrs. Cake know anything about Shining Armour and Princess Cadance coming to Ponyville tomorrow?"

"Well of course, it's the reason why we're so busy today, I had to get Pinkie to make the local deliveries for us."

"Then I have to ask you, was there anything else that was said that is to be kept as a surprise?"

Carrot scratched his mane slightly. "Yes there is, but we can't tell anypony about it until they do."

"But why, what's so secretive about it, because from what I've seen today, Pinkie has been acting really odd."

"Ohhh, well we really want to, but we still can't."

This wasn't getting anywhere so I decided to play my trump card. "Carrot Cake, I have known you and everypony else since I moved here four years ago, I am supposed to be the Prince of Friendship as well as maintaining harmony and faith to all around me. You should know that you can trust me to the fullest, if it results me getting into trouble, I'll take the fall for it, you don't have to worry about anything if you just tell me."

Carrot sighed. "You're right, sorry...Shining Armour and Princess Cadence...are having a foal."

I blinked. "Woah!" I said in a low tone. "And in that case, I'll watch over your foals now."

"Thank you Prince Bond." he said bowing again. "Now I must get back to my catering." He trotted through the doors to the kitchen.

I looked down at the foals and they seemed pretty happy to see me. Well, now was probably a good time to learn how to be a parent some more and this time at my own pace, the time when I had to help Pinkie with them was exhausting. After a while of having fun and taking care of them, I saw Pinkie enter the shop and trotting upstairs. I looked back at the foals and they seemed to be wanting to get up.

"Ahhh you wanna go into your room, leave it to me." I said, picking them up with my magic and placing them on my back.

They cheered in their adorable way as I carefully walked upstairs and to their own room, I let them down gently and they seemed to be happy as they went over to the toy chest. Believing they would be safe, I closed the foal cage behind me and went to Pinkie's room to find her laying down on the bed with Gummy chewing on a piece of paper.

"Finally, I'm all aloney on my owney." she said before I heard a stomach growl. "Wow, great idea! I'm starving too!" she picked an apple from her mane and ate it in one gulp. She then saw what Gummy was eating and gasped, taking the paper from him. "Oh no! It's the list that Twilight helped me make yesterday so I wouldn't forget all of my Pinkie Promises today! And I have three more things to do! Aw, four if you count bringing those snacks to Twilight's castle! I've been getting liberal with those Pinkie Promises lately..."

"Well you don't have to anymore." I said as I walked in.

"Oh Bond! What are you doing here?"

"I was watching over the Cake Twins but I had to exchange some information before I could do that."

"What do you mean?"

I looked at her with a serious expression. "Is it true that Shining Armour and Princess Cadance are having a foal?"

Pinkie began to act weird again but she looked at me, she knew that I wasn't an idiot and that I was right. "Yes..."

"Okay, now we've got that cleared up, do you want me to help you with your pinkie promise chores whilst you watch over the Cake Twins?"

"Really, you would do those for me?"

"Yeah, cause think about it, you wouldn't have to do them and because you'll be in one place, you won't have to worry about telling the secret."

Pinkie began to smile and she cried too. "Oh my gosh! Thank you Bond!" she exclaimed in her over the top way. "You're the best!"

I giggled. "Just doing my role as the Prince of Friendship and harmony." I then took the list and left the shop, going over her pinkie promise chores.

First was to help set up a school birthday party, turns out it was Featherweight's birthday today and due to my entertaining talents, he thanked me a lot and so did Miss Cheerlie and all the other fillies. Second chore was to help Mayor Mare with the cabinet filing and with my help, she was able to make a new filing system, she thanked me double since I was willing in for Pinkie Pie who couldn't do it. The third chore was to help create and place an inflatable  pony balloon by his furniture store and the owner praised me. The fourth and last thing was to deliver snacks to Twilight's castle which was by far the easiest to do, once I had a small crate of snacks ready to go outside the sweet store, I gave the list back to Pinkie and told her that she can go to the castle with the crate of snacks if she wanted to and she did.

Pinkie trotted onwards with the crate and as soon as I started following, I was called out from behind.

"Hey Prince Bond, long time no see!"

I turned around and gasped. "Shining and Cadence?!"

"Yep, how are you doing?" he asked.

"And more importantly, how is Rarity doing?" Cadence asked.

"Oh she's okay, she's at the hospital getting a check-up on her foal so that she and I can find out on foal's gender."

"That's so sweet, well we have something important to tell you all."

"So we decided to came a day early and tell my sister Twily and the rest of you about it." Shining added. "Let's go."

I walked with them to the castle and then, Shining opened the door to the throne room where the other girls were all talking.

"An awesome weekend with the best little sister in all of Equestria!" Shining said, cutting her off.

Cadence giggled. "Hi everypony."

"Shining Armor, Cadance! You're early!" Twilight exclaimed happily. "I thought something had come up and you weren't gonna make it until Saturday!"

"So did we. Turned out we weren't needed in Maretonia until next week. And the summit we were supposed to attend today had to be rescheduled, so... we got here even sooner than planned! It's wonderful to see you all again!"

Just them Rarity turned up and grabbed my hoof with a smile. "Darling, we need to have a talk right away."

"Alright love." I replied. "Twilight, why don't you show him around the castle, Rarity and I need to discuss a private matter."

"Okay Bond...let's go B.B.B.F.F." she replied.

"That's our Twily!" Shining laughed.

Rarity and I left the throne room and into one of the castle bedrooms so it was just the two of us.

"No pony can hear us in here, love." I said. "What is it?"

"I got an appointment for us to check on our foal, we're scheduled to be there first thing tomorrow." she replied.

"First thing tomorrow, got it, no matter what happens tomorrow, going to the hospital is our number one priority."

"Thank you, I want us to keep this a secret until we've had our check-up."

"I'll do everything I can to keep it that way, like I did when we both announced the pregnancy."

Rarity smiled and kissed me. "Let's meet with the others again."

We rejoined the others and after a game of scavenger hunt, Twilight pieced together all the clues she found and then saw a huge cake with a tiny pram on the top and she gasped! "Can it be? Are you two-?!"!

"We're having a baby!" Shining and Cadance said together.

Pinkie jumped around and said the same thing, glad she was finally able to say the secret now. "A baby, Twilight! It's a baby! Woohoo!"

"You mean...I'm going to be an aunt? This is the best prize ever!" Twilight said hugging both her brother and Cadance.

We had a party to celebrate the pregnancy at Sugarcube Corner and it was a great time. I found the time to speak to Pinkie when it was calm.

"Bond, thanks to you I was able to keep myself quiet and okay with not telling the secret, thank you so much for your help." Pinkie said, hugging me.

"It's okay Pinkie, you did a great job of keeping it a secret, but it wasn't just you, I kept it a secret too when I found out." I replied.

After a while longer, Rarity and I left the store and back to our home by sunset time. When we walked back in, she gave me an affectionate kiss. "Darling, I heard about you helping Pinkie earlier, I don't know what any of us would do without you."

"I feel the same way, love...I cannot see myself having any other kind of life than the one I have right now." I replied, kissing her back.

As we sat by the table and had our evening dinner, I noticed Rarity's bump kicking for a few seconds before it stopped. Good thing I had a bit ore experience when I was looking after the cake twins, it won't be long before I have to do all this for real with a foal of our own.

Pregnancy & Shopping

I felt a tap on my shoulder which woke me up, I turned to see Rarity's face with her eyelids half-open.

"Morning darling, have you looked outside?" she asked.

"Not yet...is something going on?" I asked back.

"Well, see for yourself...oooh."

"You okay?"

"I'm alright darling, the pregnancy is only slowing me down."

"That's okay then."

We both got out of bed and after a morning breakfast, I opened the door to see the town snowing. Wait, what's going on around here? My question could be answered when I saw Pinkie and Applejack coming towards me.

"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" Pinkie greeted happily.

"Hearth's Warming Eve, didn't we just have Winter a few weeks back?" I replied.

"No that was when we were clearin' up the whole area for Winter." Applejack answered.

I then remembered back to when Rainbow tried to stop Winter from coming, looks like it came during the night.

"Oh right, well in that case, thanks Pinkie. Are you joining us for something today?"

"Oh, that's mighty sweet of you, but we're just stoppin' in to wish y'all a happy Hearth's Warmin' before we go." Applejack replied.

"Going where?"

"To celebrate with our families!" Pinkie answered. "It's like picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity! Whoo! It's gonna be great!"

"We have to go now. See you later!" Applejack said.

"Alright, you two enjoy yourselves." I replied as they turned and trotted to the station.

Rarity then came downstairs in her robe. "Who was that dear?"

"Pinkie and Applejack, just saying the Winter greetings before going on a train ride with families."

"Hearth's Warming Eve?" Rarity asked before gasping. "Oh goodness! I forgot to get a few presents for Sweetie Belle and my parents."

"And I've gotta get a few presents for my sister and cousin." I then got dressed into my winter outfit.

"Then shall we go now?"

"If you want to, love."

Rarity smiled, holding my hoof. I knew she would be alright, considering how far she is into her pregnancy. But after she got her Winter outfit on, I suddenly remembered something about yesterday.

"Hold on love, weren't we supposed to be going to the hospital?" I asked.

"Oh yes darling, we'll do that right now." she replied, holding hooves and walking over to the hospital.

When we arrived, Nurse Redheart was there at reception. "Welcome Rarity and Prince Bond Racer." she greeted. "I assume you're here for the check up."

"Indeed Nurse." Rarity replied.

"Well, right this way, I'll take care of the procedure."

We walked into one of the check up rooms and saw a monitor equipment in the middle, I had a rough idea what this was all for.

"So if you'd like to rest on this bed, miss Rarity, we can set it all up." Redheart said.

"Of course." Rarity replied, taking off her Winter outfit and getting on the bed.

"I like to stand close, so I can see." I said.

"That's perfectly fine, Prince." the Nurse replied.

The nurse turned on the machine and then picked up some kind of gel cream and rubbed it on Rarity's pregnant stomach. She then got the heart monitor switched on and turned on a blue screen by the bed. I held on to Rarity's hoof as it was all going on, hoping everything was good.

"Okay, now we'll have to wait for a few moments before we can see the inside of your stomach due to the gel." Redheart said. "Whilst we're waiting, I want to ask if you're feeling any stomach aches."

"Only for a quick moment." Rarity replied.

"Do you have any headaches or suffer from stress?"

"Not really, all of my friends keep me calm and cared."

"And have you had any mood swings?"

"Just a few when I'm at home."

"That's perfectly normal during a pregnancy."

"We're also making sure that she eats healthy and that she's eating for two." I added.

"You are a very good Prince to your fiancé." Nurse said smiling. "Oh and we're ready to have a look, can you see it?"

I looked on the monitor and sure enough, among the wave lines, I saw a tiny head and I smiled instantly.

"Look darling, there's our foal." Rarity said calmly. "Could it be a colt?"

"I'm not sure, it doesn't look like it has what I have...it must be a filly."

Rarity looked at me. "Oh if it's a filly darling, I wanna name it as soon as our foal is born."

"Oh yeah, we need to come up with a good name after our shopping."

"We can think of that at a later date, dear. But for now, we can enjoy this moment."

"Yes..." I moved my head to hers and placed my hoof around her, seeing our foal-to-be sleeping on the monitor.

After a few minutes, the check-up was over and we were free to leave. Rarity put her Winter outfit back on and we left the hospital, the town seemed a little busy, but it was okay for us.

"Let's go here first, I want to design a gift for Sweetie." Rarity said, pointing to a fabric and material store.

"Okay love." I replied. "I might find something for my sister, Sweet Chocolate."

We walked around the store, Rarity found what she was looking for and I found what caught my interest thinking that a light pink and dark red coat would suit my sister, so I bought it and had it wrapped up. Rarity then left the store with me with her present for Sweetie wrapped. Next was a music store I went into with Rarity and there I met a few ponies I hadn't seen for a while.

"Well hi Octavia and Hi Vinyl." I greeted.

"Hey cousin!" Vinyl replied, giving me a hug.

"Hello Prince Bond." Octavia replied. "And hello Rarity, you looking well."

"Thanks Octavia." Rarity replied. "My foal bump is coming along nicely."

"Awww yeah, congratulations to both of you." Vinyl said, giving Rarity a hug."

"Thank you, Vinyl" I replied. "How are things with you-know-who?"

"Neon Lights? Yeah, things have been going great...we're kinda close now...and in love."

"And I just feel so proud they finally confessed their love." Octavia added. "It happened a few days after Cranky and Matilda's wedding."

"That's so cool!" I exclaimed. "I think you two make an awesome couple."

"Thanks cousin." Vinyl replied. "Anyways, have you been shopping yet?"

"Yeah, I just bought a gift for my sister, do you want one from me as well?"

"Nah it's okay, my boyfriend Neon has it covered, he's promising me something very special."

"Alright, take care you two."

"You take care as well, Prince Bond." Octavia replied. "Goodbye."

Rarity and I waved and then left the store and walked all the way back to our home. When we got in, I placed the gifts on a spare seat so we wouldn't forget them and Rarity and I settled down for a late lunch session. Now we felt was a good time to talk about foal names.

"So my love, do you have any name ideas?" I asked.

"I have quite a few." she replied confidently. "What about you?"

"Yeah, I have a few names of my own too."

"Shall we write them down on a scroll?"

"If you want to, I think that would be nice."

Rarity grabbed two empty scrolls and with our magic, we sat on opposite sides of our long sofa and started writing down names. After a while, Rarity was done and I just about finished.

"Shall we exchange scrolls?" I asked.

"Oooh, good idea, darling." she replied, taking mine.

I took and read the names Rarity wrote and I was smiling, think they were good, but there was one that caught my eye and I knew it was perfect, since we knew it was a filly she was having.

"Crystal Shine." I said with a glad heart.

"You like that name, darling?" she asked. "Because it's the best name I could up with."

"I love it, Rarity and I love you for coming up with the name, it just soothes when it's said from the mouth."

"Aww thank you dear." she then took the scrolls away and moved to my side. "And I love you too for loving what I do for the both of us."

We both shared a passionate kiss and then I placed one of my hooves on her stomach, feeling the warmth and love for our foal.

"We should have a relaxing bath session together in the tub, I'll get it set up for us, darling." she said with a sly look.

I raised my eyebrows at her with a smirk. "Alright my love, I'll be up when it's ready."

Rarity got off the sofa and walked upstairs, whilst swaying her flank and tail from side to side. She is such a charm queen I tell you!

"Bath's ready, darling." she called.

I got off the sofa and walked upstairs to see Rarity's name straight down and she got in first. I followed afterwards, taking my clothes off and feeling turned on by her stunning beauty. After a passionate bath session which I won't go into detail, we got ourselves dried and cleaned up.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door and I opened it to see Pinkie and Applejack again.

"Hey there, girls." I said. "What's up now?"

"We just came back from our trip and we have a few presents for you." Pinkie replied, placing a present by my hooves.

"Don't tell Rarity, but we think she's gonna love what we got for ya both." Applejack added.

"Thank you both, that means I gotta get presents for you both too." I replied.

"Nah, don't worry about it, ya'll deserve a bit of a generous gift. Ya don't to give us anythin' in return."

"Wow, well in that case, thank you very much, both of you." I then gave Applejack a hug and then Pinkie a hug.

"Hugs are always good." Pinkie commented.

I giggled. "They sure are, see you again, girls."

I took the presents in and placed them by the spare sofa, closing the door behind me. Rarity noticed me with the presents and smiled at me. There was no need for words, we were really happy with how things went today. It was a quiet day for one which made a real change, but best of all, we now know we're having a filly and we had the best name that we agreed together as well as doing our part of Hearth's Warming Eve.

It was a good day for us all.

Scare Master

It was quite a bustling day all afternoon, the whole town of Ponyville was getting ready for Nightmare Night and it had been a while since I did something during that event. I still remember the time when Princess Luna arrived and had trouble fitting in before me and my friends solved that issue.

Fast forwarding to the present, I was dressed up in my agent suit outfit and Rarity was dressed up as a vampire, she looked so beautiful, especially with the little foal bump. We left our house, holding hooves and watching the other ponies enjoying the event as it began.

"Well love, I believe you've done it again." I commented. "These ponies seem to absolutely like the outfits you made for them."

"Thank you darling, I always try to out do myself." she replied, kissing me. "But now is the time to make sure the finishing touches are done and then it'll be Nightmare Night time."

As we walked along, we saw Granny Smith and Big Mac with haystacks, as he pulled one from beside the cart, I saw Fluttershy shivering underneath. Oh, that's right, she's not used to Nightmare Night...

"Fluttershy? What're you doin' out and about?" Granny Smith asked her. "It's Nightmare Night, remember?"

"How could I forget? Oh, I don't suppose I could borrow a few pieces of hay from you?" Fluttershy asked in return. "I forgot to stock up on food for Angel, and you do seem to have quite a lot."

"We need it for the Apple Family Haunted Maze. The scariest maze that there ever was. Who knows what lurks inside?"

"Oh, I'm sure I don't."

I cleared my throat to get noticed which did the trick.

"Oh, howdy mister Bond!" Granny called.

"Good evening Granny Smith." I replied. "Uhhh Fluttershy, why are you hiding under the cart?"

She was shivering, struggling to answer. "B-b-b-b-because of Nightmare Night..."

"Oh not this again." Rarity said. "What happened to the Fluttershy that was more assertive?"

I looked at Big Mac who seemed to be somewhat out of focus. "And why aren't you comforting her?" I asked him.

Big Mac gulped, "Oh errr...about that-"

"Is that a mummified pony that just leaped out at ya?" Granny interrupted. "And what's that crunchin' sound beneath yer hooves? Maybe it's the bones of ponies that didn't make it out alive!" Her eyeballs went crazy too. "And are those peeled grapes or a thousand slimy eyeballs starin' at ya from beyond the grave?"

"Nope, it's the eyes without the face." I replied before pulling out a frightening jump scare with my mask.

Granny jumped in fright before chuckling. "Ya got me there, real good."

Rarity got Fluttershy back on her hooves. "So have you decided to come out with us tonight?" she asked her.

"Goodness, no!" Fluttershy replied, still shaking. "I couldn't be out tonight. I just couldn't."

"Technically speaking, you already are out right now."

"Oh. I guess that is true."

"So what if you stayed out a little longer with us? I know the rest of us would be super excited."

"You think so?"

"You would make them so happy if you joined in. They won't believe their eyes! Come on, Fluttershy, what do you say?"

Fluttershy pondered but then smiled. "Umm...okay, for our friends."

"Fabulous, let's go to Twilight's castle."

"Don't be so scared, Fluttershy," I said. "It's just an event we have once a year and it's fun."

"I know that..." she replied.

I looked back at Big Mac. "Oh and Big Mac, we're having a talk later."

Big Mac double gulped, I was beginning to feel suspicious, but that can wait. Fluttershy, Rarity and I walked to Twilight's castle where the rest of them were already there in the throne room.

"And then it got very, very quiet and suddenly they realized the balloons had never been inflated!" Pinkie said.

"Hi there girls." I called in a creepy voice

The mares screamed slightly, before noticing me, Rarity and Fluttershy.

"Got you, mares."

"Fluttershy, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Twilight asked.

"Everything is fine. In fact, it's more than fine." she replied. "I've decided to join you in your Nightmare Night festivities."

Rainbow scoffed. "Seriously? You? Out? Tonight?"

"Every Nightmare Night, I shut myself in my cottage and refuse to come out until morning. But it's just like when I was afraid to sing in front of anypony. If I hadn't given it a try, I never would've found out how much I enjoy it."

"And we'd have missed out on how great you sound." Applejack added.

"You can get dressed up in a costume with us and play Nightmare Night games with us and eat candy apples with us!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping around.

"Don't forget the best part. Goin' through my family's corn maze!"

Fluttershy's face dropped a little. "Oh, right. The maze."

"Uh, only if you're up for it."

"Oh, I am! I am ready to take on Nightmare Night!"

The mares cheered except Fluttershy who got scared a little, before I picked her back up. "Girls, let's just take it easy one step at a time, for Fluttershy's sake."

Rainbow groaned.

"Come to my boutique Fluttershy, I may have a costume for you." Rarity said.

"Okay." Fluttershy replied, walking with her.

"We'll meet you girls, later." I assured as I left with them.

Arriving at the boutique, we walked in and Rarity went over a few spare costumes that didn't get picked.

"Mummy? No. Headless pony? No. Vampire fruit bat? Ugh, definitely no." she commented, swiping each dress on the line. "You see, Fluttershy, the beauty of Nightmare Night is that you don't have to dress up as something scary." she then found a light purple dress with white silks. "Ooh! Yes. This one will look gorgeous on you. Period costumes are all the rage this year. What? No good?"

"What if we encounter something terrifying and need to get away quickly?" Fluttershy asked. "All those layers could slow me down, or worse, make me trip!"

"Oh. I never... considered that. Never fear!" she picked out another costume. "Ooh, now this is a real stunner! I call it "Masquerade"! Just a simple black dress underneath but with this ornately decorated mask!"

"A mask? They can just be so difficult to see out of."

"Yes, but this one has eyeholes."

"W-What about being able to see what's to the left or right of me?"

"I suppose your vision would be somewhat obscured. It's your first Nightmare Night out and about, and we do want you to be comfortable."

"What if I just wear the dress?" she then walked into the changing room.

"Oh, sure, dear. That's...fine." she looked at me. "It's so plain, it's frightening."

"Now love, be gentle." I advised. "This is her first time actually being out for Nightmare Night, don't rush things."

"I know, dear..." the door behind us opened and the other girls arrived in their costumes. "Oh, my! Look at all of you! My costumes fit you to a T!"

"Hoo-wee, we're gonna have the best time!" Applejack declared as Fluttershy came out with her black dress.

"Hey, Fluttershy, where's your costume?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm wearing it." she replied happily.

Pinkie gasped. "I get it! You're a robber escaping into the night! You're a ninja escaping into the night! You're black licorice escaping into the night!"

"Close. I'm going to a masquerade ball. Without the mask."

"Oh, that's great! Isn't it great?" Twilight asked.

"Girls, that's enough now." I lightly warned. "Baby steps, remember?"

They nodded, thinking back to when Fluttershy was learning to perform in front of a crowd with her 'Flutterguy' voice. We left the boutique and with Pinkie's suggestion, walked over to Sugarcube Corner to play a few games Pinkie had set up. Starting with pin the horn on Nightmare Moon and Rainbow just had her turn.

"Good luck beating that, Fluttershy!" she boasted.

"Well, um, it's just that if I'm blindfolded and somepony were to leap out in front of me, I'd never have the chance to defend myself." Fluttershy said.

"That's fine, darling. You don't have to do anything you don't want to." Rarity assured.

"We're just glad you're here." Twilight added.

"We don't have to finish that game." Pinkie said. "I have another one I know you'll love! Bobbing for apples!"

Fluttershy gulped, now I was beginning to feel concerned. "What's wrong?" I asked her.

"It's just that, um...what happens if, when my head is deep down in the water, some kind of scary monster appears? How would I even hear to know I was under attack?"

"Time for candy!" Pinkie announced, rolling away.

"It is?"

Pinkie then brought out six bags on the counter. "I made candy bags. Each bag has been made with each of you in mind, complete with each of your favorite candies!"

"That's kinda cool." I replied.

"Here. Take it. Take it! What are you waiting for?"

"Well, it's just...what if when I'm eating one of these chewy taffies, my mouth becomes glued shut and I can't scream for help?" Fluttershy asked.

I turned away and lightly face-hoofed, don't tell me she's going back to her old and completely shy way.

"Oh, goodness. We've only just started to celebrate Nightmare Night together, and I'm already taking all the fun out of it, aren't I?"

"You're not taking out all of the fun." Pinkie assured.

"I really wanna do this. But there's just so many things that terrify me about tonight. I couldn't possibly predict what might upset me."

Twilight thought of an idea. "Unless...you were the one doing the scaring!"

"Her scaring us?" Rainbow laughed before she saw us looking displeased. "Oh. You're being serious."

"The thing you hate is being scared, but if you're the one doing the scaring, then..."

"Then I can help you all have fun and I can still be a part of Nightmare Night!" Fluttershy replied.

"So you like that idea?"

"I think I do! And I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think I have the perfect idea for how I'm gonna do it!"

"Really? Oh, this is so exciting!" Pinkie said.

"Meet me at my cottage in an hour. Oh, I'm excited to see everypony soon!" Fluttershy left the shop.

"Well, that was a little odd, but at least she's learning at her own pace." I said. "By the way girls, you go on ahead. I need to have a talk with Big Mac."

"Oh, but why darling?" Rarity asked.

"He was quite hesitant earlier, I think there's something on his mind."

"Well if it's somethin' only a stallion can do, then be my guest, Bond." Applejack said.

I smiled and left the store and flew upwards to get a good view of the town. To my right, I spotted a big maze with a huge tree in the middle just off the apple farm, that must be where they're having the apple family maze as Granny Smith calls it. But now wasn't the time for that, I had to look for Big Mac. I spotted him coming out of the maze, looking around quickly and trotting away sneakfully.

I decided to go into sneak mode and follow him carefully by flight until he walked into the apple family home, I landed down gently and then tapped on the door and opened it. "It's only me." I heard a gulp in the distance, confirming my suspicions. "Big Mac, you ready to have our talk now?"

"Ee-yup." he replied as I walked into the living room. "Ah think..."

"There's no pony else around, so whatever we say we'll be kept between us." I assured.

"That's fine...so uhh, where should ah start?"

"Hmm, you can start by explaining the gulps you've been doing. I would like to know why you're doing that and why you hesitated on comforting Fluttershy."

Big Mac sighed. "Ah don't know why ah has to be like this...what happened yesterday, it just happened. Ah never felt so ashamed of myself..."

"Yesterday...wait you mean the family trip and you took to meet Pinkie's family?"

"Eeyup. When we got there, we were surprised to see a huge rock farm and a massive boulder. We got introduced to Pinkie's family and she had her three sisters too, Marble, Limestone and Maud. Applebloom got along mighty fine with Maud, but we had a bit of a rough time with Limestone. All the while, Marble kept looking at me a few times, blushin' away and ah was too shy to talk to her."

I remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"Then we ended up having bit of a quarrel because of how different our families are until Granny Smith explained about the Pie family's history and then everythin' was fine again and better than before. I sat by Marble cause Pinkie wanted us to so we would all be like a family, but she was still shy and ah just couldn't tell her because of Fluttershy."

"I see...so the main gist of it, is that you were too afraid to tell Marble that you and Fluttershy are already dating?"

"Eeyup...since then, ah've been out of it a few times, even when Fluttershy is by me...ah didn't want to tell her that ah was growing fond of Marble and risk losin' Fluttershy....ah love her."

"I'm sure you do, I know exactly how it feels to have a growing fondness for somepony. But that's all it is, your fondness for Marble doesn't mean you're seeing another mare behind Fluttershy's back, it means that you have a high amount of respect for her and from what I know from Pinkie, it's a huge compliment for the Pie family."

"Hmm ah never thought of it that way...so ah can still be with Fluttershy?"

"You can, as long as she is the one that your heart chooses."

Big Mac smiled and shook my hoof. "Thank ya Bond...ah wish ah had a brother like ya."

"Well, we were a few days ago back at the social event, so that's something."

"Ah guess it is."

We both shared a chuckle until I took a look at the time. "Oh, the event's about to start, we better go."

"Eeyup."

Big Mac and I left the house and over to the maze, when we got there, Big Mac went inside. "Ah gotta get into my mummy's costume now."

"Okay, I'll stay out here and wait for the girls." I replied.

Just then, I saw Spike and the girls arriving, apart from Fluttershy. Looks like Fluttershy's idea didn't work in the end.

"Oh, yeah! I can't believe we're finally doin' this!" Spike exclaimed.

"It's a good thing Fluttershy isn't here because she would never be able to handle this!" Rainbow said.

"Rainbow, I understand your disappointment that you can't do your lightning pranks this time, but please try not to drag down the fun out Nightmare Night the same way Fluttershy is." Rarity retorted.

"It's okay love, maybe when this gets going, the fun will be increased." I replied.

One by one, Spike and the girls entered the maze, Applejack stopped just as she was beside me.

"How did it go with my big brother?" she asked quietly.

"It's okay, after a long talk, Big Mac is feeling a lot better now." I answered, smiling.

"That's good to hear, thanks Bond. Ya comin' in?"

"I'll stay out here in case Fluttershy changes her mind."

"Okay." she walked into the maze.

Soon, several other ponies were inside and I watched it all unfold from above, there were a few screams happening in many places, but it was all in good fun. I spotted the girls however falling down a hole, but I was sure that there would be an exit for them, when suddenly I saw the hole being covered up by a huge circle. Then I heard a distant low growl from underneath...I knew then there was trouble brewing.

I swooped down and with my magic blasted through the hole and landed on a dark hallway, then I saw a huge green monster and behind me, I saw the girls and Spike trapped on a huge cobweb.

"I can barely move!" Rainbow yelled. "It's like glue!"

Twilight used her magic to teleport all of us to other side of the cobweb and they galloped towards the light, I decided to follow them and we were then outside, on a cliff, looking over the whole town. Then, I felt a swoop form behind and we saw it!

"No!" I exclaimed. "Flutterbat?!"

But there was the proof, it was Fluttershy alright, but as a bat, she looked at us before changing her expression. "Oh, my! I'm so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?" she asked.

"I can't believe it!" Twilight said.

"That...was..." Rarity added before she was cut off.

"THE BEST THING EVER!" Pinkie yelled in delight.

"It was way more terrifying than the most terrifying thing I could have thought of!" Rainbow commented.

"You out-nightmared the scariest part of the corn maze!" Applejack added.

"How did you do all this?!" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy explained. "After you left, I realized that I wasn't ready to give up on Nightmare Night. So I asked Granny Smith if I could try to make the maze even scarier for my friends. I had some help. Angel was the scary figure that kept scurrying after you in the maze. Fuzzy Legs made the sticky wall that made it difficult for you to see and move. And, of course, Harry was the especially scary monster."

"Wow." I said. "That is very creative and inspiring too. This is perhaps the biggest step you've ever taken tonight. I'm very proud of you."

"We all are." Rarity corrected.

"Thank you everypony." Fluttershy replied as we went into a group hug. "We could celebrate Nightmare Night together every year. But the truth is I really don't want to."

Pinkie gasped. "You don't?!"

"But you've done it. You found a way that we can all have a fabulous time together." Rarity added.

"Yes, but I've also realized something." Fluttershy replied. "You all may love Nightmare Night and I may be good at being a part of it, but it's no fun for me to see my friends feel like they're in danger, even if I know they're not. I really don't like it. It's just not my cup of tea."

"Spoooooooooky tea?" Pinkie asked.

"No. Just regular tea. We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them. Actually, I'm not afraid. I'm perfectly fine with it."

"Then we are, too." I replied. "Well girls, I think it's time we called it a night."

"Agreed darling, my little bump has been through quite a rough time." Rarity said, rubbing her stomach. "Mind if I get a ride home?"

"Anything for you, love." Rarity climbed onto my back and held on tight as we waved to our friends, flying back to our house and getting inside. We walked on in and took off our costumes, Rarity was quite a dazzle tonight, but her natural beauty underneath will always outshine, especially when she's with me.

As we got into bed, I looked back and I felt really glad to have helped Big Mac through his recent trouble, he was fond of Marble but that was all there is. At least I was able to help him stay focused on what his heart is telling him and that is that he loves Fluttershy. I hope those two keep on having private dates together.

What About Discord?

Three days later...

When I awoke the next day, Rarity was still fast asleep, so I'd thought it'd be better to sneak in a cheek kiss before sneakfully get out of bed. It was shopping day today as well, the supplies that Rarity and I have in our home were starting to become short and with Rarity still pregnant, it was my job to bring the supplies back up to full.

Grabbing the bits I had saved, I put on my normal clothes and gently left the house, closing the door behind me. For a while, nothing was going on until I saw two sphere things that looked like comets whooshing towards the ground.

"What the heck!?" I exclaimed before they landed right behind me.

After the dust cleared, I could see that it was actually Rainbow Dash and Discord which confirmed why the zooming spheres looked different.

"Oh, good day to you, Prince Bond." Discord greeted.

"Hey Bond." Rainbow added.

"Oh hi Rainbow." I replied before looking up. "And hi Discord, don't see you around us often."

"Well, apart from the night at the Gala, you're right." Discord said.

"Well either way, you two should've looked where you were going."

Rainbow giggled. "Sorry. Me and Discord are just messing around. Like we do."

"Since when?"

"Oh, Bond. We simply had a momentous time together these past few days." Discord said before he turned into a snake. "You could say it was..."hiss-terical"!"

Rainbow laughed. "Sneaky snake!"

"Just snaking around!"

"Good one, Discord!"

"It is?" I asked.

"Kind of an inside joke from this weekend. You wouldn't really get it unless you were there." Rainbow replied.

"Oh. Okay!"

"Cool, well, uh, catch you later, Bond!"

"Catch you later, Prince Bond." Discord added before he and Rainbow zoomed off.

Hmm, if Twilight and Spike saw this, they would've already been suspicious of Discord's behaviour. However I was more willing to let it happen, but still remain curious as to why this has started to happen. I then reminded myself that I had my shopping to do, so I carried on into the town.

After grabbing the necessary food and drink supplies as well as a rose I secretly bought for Rarity from the flower ponies, I checked my list to see I had gotten everything I needed, now it was time for me to go back home and put away the shopping and give my love this rose. I walked back home and stored away the supplies, now we were stocked up for a month or two.

"Rarity, are you here?" I called out, but there was no reply. I walked upstairs to find she wasn't there, I immediately thought of the boutique as the first place to go. Trotting there, I was about to walk in until I saw Discord again, but with Fluttershy who seemed better since Nightmare Night.

"Bond! This makes twice I'm seeing you in one day! Aren't I lucky?" he asked.

"Afternoon Bond." Fluttershy greeted before she gave me a hug. "I wanna say a big thank you for what you did a few days ago."

"What I did last night...oh you about Big Mac." I replied.

"Yes, thanks you, Big Mac and I are very much in love, but only when it's just him and me. Orange you glad you did it?"

Discord giggled along with Fluttershy, I kind of understood the joke a little.

"Anyways, shall we go inside?"

"Of course, after you." Discord replied as I opened the door to see Rarity who just packed up a couple of books in a saddle bag,

"Oh there you are, darling." Rarity said before she kissed me. "Did you get the shopping done?"

"Yes, it's done already." I replied. "I came back a bit early so I noticed you were missing."

"Well you know me, I like to keep on working even with my current appearance." she then noticed Discord and Fluttershy, "Oh hello you two, do you have some business with me?"

"Well, Fluttershy here has turned into a shade of...orange." Discord said as we suddenly noticed that Fluttershy was turned into an orange.

Rarity suddenly laughed and I had to admit, it was kinda funny, so Iaughed quietly.

"You see, we were all at Sweet Apple Acres, and I ended up turning the trees into the most-" Discord explained before he stopped. "Oh, who am I kidding? I simply can't do it justice. You really had to be there."

"We would've invited you to come along too, but I wanted to spend time with Big Mac." Fluttershy added.

"And I'm sure it was much more important than the fun that we had, haha."

Rarity gasped slightly. "Oooh, if you need more tips on being his lover, I can give you a few pointers." she then looked at me. "Darling, would you mind giving this bag of books to Twilight, they're books I wanna donate for her castle library."

"Sure thing, Rarity. I'll get on it now." I replied, taking the bag.

"Thank you, I'll see you at home later." she then kissed me and I left the boutique.

I flew up and over to Twilight's castle, landing on the balcony and walking inside to the library room, it was much cleaner than I last saw it. "Wow, it's even bigger this time around." I commented. "Uh I mean, anypony here?"

"Hi Bond, it's only me." Spike replied, reading a comic book. "Twilight's resting after her book reorganising. Do you need something with her?"

"I'm just here to drop these books off that Rarity wanted to donate to the castle and I can see an empty section on the shelves."

"Oh right, give them here and I'll get these sorted, no problem." Spike took the bag from me and placed them on a table. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you. How is Rarity really doing?"

"Rarity's okay as always, however she's into her 5th month of being pregnant."

"I see, is it bad?"

"She's starting to move around a little slower, but it's normal for her. I also remember that if I can't help her for some reason, you'll be there to help."

"Well of course, dude. Rarity's a very close friend of mine, I'll always be here to look out for her in case you can't."

"That goes for all of our friends too, none of us should forget that."

"Oh I'll never forget that part, we're all close and connected."

"Good to hear."

Just then, I saw Twilight come in and she looked a little glum. "I can't believe I missed out on all that bonding!" she moaned.

"I knew it, you are jealous!" Spike replied. "Because you spent your time in the castle, organising these books."

"Spike, I'm the Princess of Friendship, I don't get jealous. I'm sorry I missed out because sharing that experience will help me with my Princess of Friendship duties!"

"Come again?"

"If our friends could enjoy three full days with Discord that much, it must have had something to do with the specific things they did together! If we can find out what those things were, it could be a real breakthrough in the science of friendship!"

"Oh, I guess so."

"Uhh hello, I'm still here?" I intervened.

"Oh hi Bond...sorry, I didn't see you there." Twilight apologized.

"Anyways, I have to get going."

"Hold on a minute Bond, I would all of us to meet at the park and this time, Discord will be joining us."

"At the park, when?"

"As soon as I let the others know, don't worry about it until then."

"Okay."

I then left the castle and all the way back home. Rarity was back too so we had a few minutes of romancing before we heard a knock on the door. I opened it to see Pinkie and Applejack who came for us, so we walked to the park where the others were waiting with Twilight on the bench table.

"Thank you for coming. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't important!" Twilight said.

"I love important!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"I want to know how these funny moments you shared came to pass. I can use this data to help advance friendships all over Equestria!"

"Well I like the sound of that!" Applejack replied with the others nodding in agreement.

Now I was beginning to wonder as well, what actually happened during those three days and why can't I seem to remember.

"Perfect. Let's start with the snake." Twilight stated.

One by one, each of them told what happened during the three days and all it did was make Twilight more interested and curious.

"I guess you had to be there." Fluttershy said.

"I do need to be there." Twilight replied.

"You're not suggesting time travel?" I asked whilst wearing a familiar outfit. "After what happened last time?"

"Absolutely not. Time travel is not something to be messed with. We simply need to recreate everything that led to these jokes."

"Oh, what a brilliant idea!" Discord praised. "Shall we begin with the lunch date that kicked off the glorious weekend you missed out on?"

After a long while of going through several moments Twilight wanted to recreate, I was beginning to no longer care what happened during those three days, moving forward was what I wanted right now.

"Well I don't know about the rest of you but I feel we've been pretty exhaustive in our attempts to recreate every single detail of our previous encounter." Discord said. "No matter how hard we try, we can't possibly recreate our weekend of fun exactly as it happened because you'll always be watching, and you weren't there. It only serves to prove that moments of levity and bonding between friends simply cannot be recreated so that others might share in the experience."

"But for some reason, I don't seem to remember either." I said. "What did I do during the three days?"

"Oh don't worry about it, darling." Rarity assured. "All did you was just pass out after trying one of Discord's drinks, it put you in a deep sleep for a few days, but it wasn't anything serious."

"Oh...that's it?"

"Of course, I wouldn't lie to you, would I?" Discord asked.

Rarity looked at Twilight. "I'm sure there will be plenty of other chances for you to share in the kind of frivolity we had with Discord while you were away."

"Yeah, and I'll bet they'll be just as hissssss-terical!" Rainbow added before they started laughing.

"Absolutely." Fluttershy replied during her giggles before each of them went their separate ways.

"I'm not buying it. Not for a second." Twilight said.

"You should probably just drop this whole thing and admit that you were a little jealous." I replied. "I was told what happened and I don't care that much."

"I can't just drop it! Why they think they had this amazing and hilarious time together, but I can't figure it out! It doesn't make sense!"

I was face palming. "Twilight, you can't just pick and choose friendships just because you're the Princess of Friendship."

Twilight however didn't seem to hear me. "Our friends think something great happened to them while I was away, but maybe it was something awful! If we don't break the spell they're under, who knows what terrible things could happen?!"

"Wait a minute, you think this is all part of a spell?"

"Yes! Come on, Bond! There's no time to lose."

"Hold on Twilight, you're begin way over the top right now. Remember the time you gave up trying to figure out the Pinkie Sense?"

"Bond, this is about Discord and I'm not gonna stop till I get to the bottom of this. Have everypony meet us tomorrow at the castle." she then galloped off till she was out of sight.

I sighed. "This won't end well..."

The next day followed and we were all in the castle, Twilight was there and the other five mares all drank some kind of potion.

"Don't be embarrassed, so what if Discord cast a spell on you so you thought you had a great time, and now you have all these inside jokes that you're constantly laughing at?" Twilight said. "Don't worry! You didn't have your defenses up, I get it!"

"You're kidding." Rainbow replied.

"Twilight, darling, we simply had a nice time with Discord, and I recall spending most of yesterday re-enacting it for you." Rarity added. "Even my darling doesn't care about it anymore."

"Uh-huh. Or, you re-enacted what you thought was fun, but really wasn't because you were under a spell that made you think what happened was fun!" Twilight responded.

"What kind of fertilizer have you had your nose in, Twilight?" Applejack asked.

"Be honest; the only reason you won't drink the potion is because deep down in your hearts you know there's a chance that Discord has you under his power!"

Now the mares were beginning to look displeased with Twilight, I knew this wasn't gonna end well. "Twilight, how could you say such a thing?! I know Discord still makes mistakes sometimes, but you're accusing him of being downright evil!" Fluttershy said.

"Yeah! And to top it off you're accusing us of not being able to tell he was up to something! What do you take us for?" Rainbow added.

Discord then arrived. "Hi, Twilight! The gang mentioned we'd all be hanging out together today!" He said before he stood beside us. "Yeah! The peanut-butter-hoof-gang!"

The five mares all laughed.

"But I wasn't there! I wasn't included! Maybe it's my own fault for staying in and having a booksort-cation when I could have been making jokes and references and having a great time with my friends! But I didn't do that, did I? You all did! You were all there but- " Twilight sighed. "I wasn't there. I missed out. And seeing you having all these jokes I wasn't a part of and couldn't understand made me..."

"Jealous?" Spike asked.

"No. The Princess of Friendship can't get jealous!"

"Sure you can, Twilight, and none of us begrudge you for it." Applejack said.

"We're sorry if we made you feel left out." Fluttershy added.

"And you're allowed to feel a little jealous about it. You just have to be able to admit that that's what you're feeling so you can let it go!" Rarity said.

"Of course none of this would have happened if I hadn't encouraged everypony not to invite you this weekend." Discord said out of the blue before he saw Twilight gasp. "Well I didn't think that they should interrupt you, but now I see that we should have. Oh, I feel just terrible."

"Wait a minute. You didn't suggest not invitin' Twilight because you wanted to make her feel left out, did you?" Applejack asked.

"Of course not. That whole jealousy thing was just a happy accident." Discord replied before he explained fully. "Certainly we can all agree that Princess Twilight learned a valuable lesson here, that even she can have feelings of jealousy, that she should recognize said feelings rather than trying to pretend that she doesn't have them... oh, hm. Did I get the tiniest bit of glee out of watching her trying to recreate our weekend of fun in the name of science? Oh, most definitely! But what's important here is that it was never my intention to make Twilight feel jealous, that's something that the old me would have tried to do. Orange you glad I've changed?"

"I think that joke has run it's course." I replied.

"Yes well, I guess you have a point there...and I'm sorry that I got you drunk and into a deep sleep, that wasn't my true intention either."

"It's okay, Discord, I was too curious for my own good that day and I don't really care about it anymore."

"Then that means we're all still on good terms." Discord then wrapped us in a group hug. "Feeling better, Twilight?"

"Uhhh, I am, Discord." Twilight replied. "You all should head on home, I have a lot to talk to Discord about."

"Okay, let us know if you need anything." Fluttershy said. "See you at home later, Discord."

We then left the castle with all smiles, exchanging our farewells, Rarity and I walked back to the house for our evening dinner. I have to say that even to this day, Twilight was still finding Discord untrustworthy and yes, he has made a lot of errors, but at least he's trying so hard to be a good friend. However, it seems that now Twilight finally gets what Discord was explaining, I don't think she'll be suspicious of him anymore.

The Hooffields and McColts

I awoke to see my cutie mark flashing and it was just the late morning too. Rarity's wasn't flashing though, so it looked like I'll be on a friendship quest without my love on this one. Ah well, I guess duty calls when it does as I got out of bed, before Rarity grabbed my hoof and looking at me.

"Please be careful, darling." she said quietly.

"I will be love, don't you worry about me." I replied calmly before kissing her softly.

I then walked downstairs and out of the house, flying over to Twilight's castle and Twilight seemed very happy as I walked into the map room.

"Hey Bond, you got the message?" she asked.

"Yeah I did...and look at you, yours is flashing too!" I replied.

"I know, finally I get to go on a friendship quest, the first one since we dealt with Starlight Glimmer."

"I see, is Spike coming along?"

"No can do, man." Spike replied as he turned up with a feather duster. "I gotta watch over the castle with Flash Sentry...err I mean Twilight's personal guard."

Twilight face-hoofed in embarrassment, just then, the doors opened again and in came Fluttershy.

"You're here!" Twilight exclaimed. "Isn't this exciting?!"

"Hey Twilight and hey Bond, you were called, too?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yep, I sure was." I replied.

"Thank goodness. I feel so much better going with two friends."

"I was about to come and get you, but then I got distracted." Twilight said as she brought over a few packed bags. "Ever since the map called us, I've been doing a ton of research."

"Like testing out potential friendship problems and diversifying your solution portfolio.?" I asked.

"Yes!"

"Ever since the map called us? But that happened five minutes ago." Fluttershy said.

"I know! But I wanna be one hundred percent prepared! I mean, I'm the Princess of Friendship. How would it look if I couldn't solve a friendship problem?"

"Somepony who can't pick a choose on who to be friends with?" I smirked.

"Drop it Bond, I already made my peace with Discord yesterday. I've moved on from that now."

"Oh, I'm so lucky I'm being sent with you. Speaking of which, where're we going?" Fluttershy asked.

"The Smoky Mountains!"

"Ooh, I've never been there before."

"Neither have I. And there isn't a lot of information on them. All I could find was this. The Smoky Mountains harbor the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria, between its two majestic mountain peaks."

"That's gorgeous. And where there's nature, there's a ton of animal friends!"

"I can't wait to get started! I'm a little nervous since that's all I could find. I usually like to a bit more prepared."

"You seem pretty prepared to me. Are those for us?" I asked.

"Yup! I've prepared our things. Snacks, books, blankets, books."

"You said "books" twice."

Fluttershy giggled for a moment. "Whadaya think our friendship problem's gonna be?" she asked.

"I don't know. But I'm sure we'll figure it out." I replied.

"Do you think it'll be a problem about lying?" Twilight asked.

"I'm sure we'll find out when we get there."

"You're right."

"Now let's go girls, don't wanna waste any time, do we?"

Twilight, Fluttershy and myself left the castle and over to the train station and getting on board the train to Smoky Mountains which was the west, past Unicorn Range and just a few miles off Tall Tale with Vanhoover not far off either, I wonder how Trixie was doing these days. My thoughts were cut off when Twilight spoke.

"Ooh, could it be probably two friends just randomly deciding to do something together, but they forget the third friend, and the third friend feels left out? Or where one friend tells another friend's secret after they ask them not to?" she asked.

"We'll know very, very soon. Since we're almost there." Fluttershy replied.

"For now, could you try to calm down and not go crazy Twilight on us like a few years back?" I advised.

Twilight blushed. "Sorry Bond, I've been a little skiddly-bopty-boo. I just can't believe this is finally happening!."

Things were quiet before we arrived at a short station, we got off and walked over to the mountains to find a pair of hills, each had a big house, this must be our destination. However, no sooner we arrived, we saw a pumpkin flying from one house and landing over at the other.

"Whoa!" I exclaimed.

"What in Equestria is happening?" Twilight asked.

More pumpkins were then being flung at each others houses.

"It's war, war again!" I commented randomly.

"It's nothing like your book said it would be!" Fluttershy said.

"Oh, boy. I'm feeling very unprepared. Where do we even start?" Twilight asked.

"Maybe by figuring out where the flying pumpkins are coming from?"

I nodded and we walked over to the house on the left hill where we found a few ponies by a catapult launcher.

"Ready...aim...fire!" one of them said, launching a pumpkin.

Twilight went forward first. "Um, hi. Hello. Excuse us, but what are you doing?"

"We're pumpkinin' our neighbors!"

"Yes, but, um, why are you...pumpkining your neighbors?" I asked.

"Well, because the McColts are just plain rotten. Hey, wait a tick. Who are you two?! Yer not spies for the McColts, are ya?"

"I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. And I'm here to solve your friendship problem."

"Ahem! You mean we're here to solve a friendship problem." I intervened. "The name's Bond Racer, the Prince of Friendship."

"I'm Fluttershy and...um...I'm here, too." Fluttershy added.

"Ma Hooffield. Pleased to meet ya, but yer wastin' yer time. We don't have a friendship problem. We have...a McColt problem."

"And there's absolutely no friendship there." Another pony added.

"Well, maybe there could be if we figure out what the McColts did to make you so mad." Twilight replied.

"Oh, they done so many things. Why just today, they shot pebbles at our farmhouse an' wrecked it. See, we're not very good at buildin', so all it took was a little pebble. But still!"

"Oh, no!" Fluttershy commented, noticing the mice, squeaking in terror.

"I know what to do. We're gonna talk with these McColts and hear their side of the story." I explained. "Once we have all the facts, we can put an end to this using reason and rationale."

"Good idea, Bond." Twilight agreed. "In the meantime, could you please call off the pumpkining?"

"Oh, all right." Ma Hooffield replied, sighing.

"Thanks. C'mon, Fluttershy and Bond."

We left the Hooffield home and walked over to the McColts house where it was pretty much the same. We knocked on a door and the door opened to reveal two ponies who seemed to be a more up class than the other family.

"State yer business!" One of them told us.

"Don't even bother. They're probably spies for the Hoofields." The second one added.

"Hey, wait! You two are Alicorns! I thought just the three Princesses were Alicorns."

"There are four alicorn princesses and alicorn prince in Equestria now. I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship."

"And I am Bond Racer, the Prince of Friendship." I added.

"And I'm Fluttershy." Fluttershy said.

"We have a new princess and prince? When did that happen?" he asked, stammering. "And how did the Hooffields come by a princess and prince spies?"

"FYI, we're not spies!" I retorted. "Why does everypony here assume that we are?"

Just then. a somewhat bigger stallion approached us. "Because we don't get a lot of visitors. I'm Big Daddy McColt. You caught us at a weird time. We're in the middle of a giant feud with our...TERRIBLE NEIGHBORS!!!" As soon as he echoed those words, a farmhouse collapsed.

Suddenly, this felt like a scene out of Romeo & Juliet, except that I see no lovers around here, just feuding families.

"Well, actually, that's why we're here. To solve your problem with the Hooffields." Twilight said.

"So you're here to help us get rid of 'em?"

"No! That's not what I meant at all!"

"Well, if you ain't fer us, yer agin us."

But the three of us stood in, so we could have a proper talk.

"We are not on anypony's side. We're here to help you become friends again."

"Well, that's gon' be hard. I don't believe we've ever been friends with the Hooffields!"

"But you could be! They're just really upset you ruined their farmhouse."

"Wait a hog-wogglin' minute! We only did that because the Hooffields pulled a pin out of our wagon wheel!" Big Daddy McColt sighed. "A whole week's worth of food rollin' down the mountain. Us McColts are mighty fine builders but we don't know the first thing about farmin'. We have to travel a ways away to buy our food. Now, we'll be stuck eatin' the pumpkins the Hooffields launched at us. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin quesadillas, pumpkin paella, pumpkin cheese, pumpkin pie, pumpkin fritatas... Actually, that all sounds pretty good. But it'll get old!"

"Have you tried meeting at a neutral location, talking about your problems, and really listening to each other?" I asked.

"What?! No! They'd sooner launch their dinners at us than listen to us."

"Well, they'll listen to me. I'm an impartial third party." Twilight replied. "Bond, do you have a megaphone?"

"Uhhh, I'll teleport one now." I replied before using my magic to make a megaphone appear.

Twilight took a hold of it and flew up in the air till she was above the level of both houses on the hills. "Attention, Hooffields and McColts, I'm not on anypony's side, but I can see you're both wasting time and resources on being mean to each other. Ponies are supposed to help each other and be kind. So let's stop this senseless fighting!"

She then made the megaphone disappear and flew back down to us. "There. That should do it. Ready to go home, Fluttershy and Bond?"

"I'd love to, but if we solved the problem already, shouldn't our cutie marks be glowing again." Fluttershy said, pointing to our flanks.

"Oh, yeah. They should be glowing any minute now..."

After a while, nothing happened before I broke the silence. "I'll say it, that didn't solve the reason why we came here."

"So much for Potential Friendship Solution #28."

"I guess we should find out why the Hooffields are launching tomatoes now." Fluttershy said, pointing to one flying over towards the McColts house.

"Maybe we should divide by one, I'll go to the McColts house and you go to the Hooffields house." I suggested.

"Great idea, Bond, I didn't think of that." Twilight replied. "Come on Fluttershy, I'm sure you wanna help the animals."

"I sure do, I hope this ends soon, this fight is really affecting the animals around here." Fluttershy replied, walking with Twilight as I walked to the McColts house.

I walked on in and they were firing tomatoes in return. "I hate to bother this food fight, but do you remember what started this whole feud in the first place?" I asked.

"They know what they did!"

"Really, cause I'm starting to think neither of you know what either of you have done."

"Sure, we do. Them Hooffields did us a grave injustice to us some time ago fer some reason."

"Hear, hear!" the other colts added.

"Maybe we can find some common ground that you can bond over. What do you do when you're not fighting?"

"That's easy. Gettin' ready to fight."

"What do you hope to get out of fighting?"

"The satisfaction of winning!"

"Of winning what?"

"The fight, of course! To prove our family is the best!"

"The best at what?"

"Winning! Haven't you been listening?! Now are you gonna help us with the tomatoes or not?"

"Let me think about it." I then left the house and sighed heavily. "This is even worse than a day at the Griffon Kingdom."

I regrouped with Twilight and Fluttershy and they had the same result as I did. "So the only thing they have in common is that they both want to win a fight, and neither of them know what it's over. How do I end this feud if I don't know what it's about?" Twilight asked.

"Ooh! Maybe somepony just needs to say they're sorry." Fluttershy suggested.

"That's a great idea. And Friendship Solution #48. But we can move it up."

Sometime later, both families were out of the houses and in the centre of the field between the hills, there was a cake on a table too.

"I'm so glad you agreed to do this. This apology cake will go a long way to making amends between you two." Twilight explained. "Which part of my argument changed your mind? The part where I said the benefits of friendship outweigh the cost of war, or the part where I said forgiveness is an investment in happiness."

"Yeah, yeah. All of it." Ma Hooffield replied.

"Oh, it's such a bee-youtiful cake." One of the McColts commented, sniffing at it.

"Think of this as more than just a cake. It's the first step in the long road to forgiveness." I said.

"Nothing says let's be friends like a cake that says, 'Let's be friends!'" Fluttershy added.

Suddenly, the cake exploded and out came a few ponies! "Ready...aim...fire!" they said, firing at the McColts.

"Ma Hooffield, you planted ponies in that cake?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Yeah! Ha ha!" she replied laughing before noticing that we weren't laughing. "Wait. Were you serious about apologizin'? Why in Equestria would we do that? We didn't do anythin' wrong!"

"What're you talkin' about?! You done so many things wrong!" Big Daddy McColt protested.

"Not as many as you!"

Suddenly, both families were fighting again...never in my life have I face-hoofed more than once or twice. Twilight sighed heavily as well, she appeared to be at a loss here, was this a problem that we couldn't solve?

"Want me to use my magic to put a stop to all of this?" I asked.

"Violence never solves a friendship problem, Bond. Besides, I don't know if we can do this at all." Twilight replied. "Even if I make things right, they're just gonna fight again."

Then we saw little animal critters scurrying about, trying to escape from danger. "Oh, you poor things! There isn't enough food here for you! Brrr, and you're freezing!" she said, trying ot take care of them. "I'm gonna take you all home with me and give you all hot cocoas. How do you feel about book clubs?"

"I don't get it. This was supposed to be the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria. What happened?"

The critters spoke to Fluttershy and she seemed to understand what they were saying. "What's that? Oh! Uh huh... Twilight and Bond! They know what happened here!"

"What?" Twilight and I said at the same time.

After a long explanation, Twilight and I went to the houses and flew upwards to get the families attentions. "Stop! You have to listen to us!" Twilight exclaimed, using her magic to freeze the Hooffeild ponies.

"Everypony freeze!" I added, using my magic to freeze the McColt ponies. "Fluttershy! You have to tell them!"

Fluttershy cleared her throat and explained the whole story. "Before you keep fighting, there is something you should know! Long ago, there were two best friends, Grub Hooffield and Piles McColt. When they found the valley between the Smokey Mountains, they knew it was something special! So they made a promise to each other to protect and preserve the valley for all its adorable furry inhabitants. But they disagreed on how to go about it. Grub wanted to start by planting crops so that everypony would have something to eat, but Piles thought it would be better to start by building a shelter, to protect them against the cold and wind. The two ponies were unable to come to an understanding, so Piles went ahead and built a shelter anyway, exactly where Grub was going to start his farm! Grub was upset, so he tore down Piles' shelter so he could plant his crops! They kept fighting back and forth, until it turned into a feud! The valley suffered from the constant destruction, until finally the Hooffields and McColts moved to separate mountains. Even then, the valley, and all the animals in it, continued to be caught in the crossfire. You see? By fighting, you're destroying the very thing that brought you here in the first place! So it's time you both put your differences aside and come together, if not for yourselves, then for the sake of these cute and cuddly guys!"

Both families now began to look with regret over their actions against each other.

"Aw, shucks, we never meant to hurt any little critters." Ma Hooffield said.

"Yeah, we're sorry!" Big Daddy McColt added.

"They say they accept your apology!" Fluttershy replied.

"Uh, Princess and Prince? You can unfreeze us now."

"Oh, right!" Twilight replied as we both stopped freezing the ponies.

"Ma Hooffield? We promise we won't fight you no more."

"Us too, except we promise not to fight you. I suppose it doesn't matter who's right; we're both wrong"

"That's one thing we can agree on."

"This is wonderful! I am so proud of you two!" Twilight said happily.

"And on that note, I think our problem here is solved." I added, pointing to our cutie marks that now flashed. "Well families, we have to get going home. Our duty calls."

As we waved bye to the families, we caught the train back home and the three of us felt quiet proud.

"Yay! I told you we'd figure it out." Fluttershy said. "Big Mac would be really interested to hear about it."

"We did, and we didn't need my friendship portfolio to do it. We just needed each other!" Twilight replied. "So, what do you think will happen next? We've all been called by the map now!"

"Oh I'm sure we'll find out when we get home..." I said, chuckling away.

"What if it summons all six of us to another place? What about a pony we weren't expecting? What if it wants us to solve other kinds of problems, like quantum physics, or why the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?"

"Twilight, you need a bottle of night nurse before you exhaust yourself. Don't rush everything, anyways my aim now is to head back home for my early dinner with my love."

We arrived back at Ponyville and after giving hugs to both Fluttershy and Twilight, I walked back home to where Rarity has just started making dinner.

"Afternoon darling." she said, kissing me. "How was the friendship quest?"

"Quite a tough one, it was to do with settling a long rivalry between two families on a pair of hills."

"That's quite a story, you can tell me when dinner's ready."

"Sounds good to me."

Soon, I told her about it all and what happened before we got into our dinner, smiling away and wondering what'll happen next. Cause Twilight was right, all of us have now been summoned to many places to solve friendship issues. I had a feeling that this was also building to something huge but that could wait for now.

The Mane Attraction

Three Months Later

"Arghhhhh! Darling!" I heard a voice yell, waking me up.

"What's going on..." I asked, not feeling focused.

"It's happening again!"

"Hold on, let me get you out slowly."

I grabbed Rarity by the hooves and took her out of bed, she was panting and breathing heavily. Her time to give birth was fast approaching and her stomach had grown a little bit more. She was moving more slowly than before and she had been feeling some pain since last month, but everyone of us was there for her.

"Are you okay love?" I asked her with worry.

"It's alright now darling, false alarm." she replied with her a sigh of relief. "I'm not sure if I want to go through this again."

I held her by the waist, standing on our back legs. "I can understand why, but I think it will all be worth it in the end."

"I know dear...and our little bundle of joy will be a moment to remember." we then shared a kiss before I heard a door knock.

I opened the door to see Pinkie and Applejack.

"Howdy there ya'll." Applejack greeted.

"Hi there!" Pinkie added. "We have big news!"

"Calm down, Pinkie." I replied. "What's the news?"

"Well it turns out doin' up a concert's the same as settin' up a rodeo!" Applejack said happily. "And thanks to Pinkie's connections organizing the Ponypalooza Rock Concert, we've got quite a lineup for the Helping Hooves Music Festival!"

"That's so cool." I replied.

"I have the most amazing news ever! It is totally gonna freak your frizz!" Pinkie exclaimed. "It wasn't easy. In fact, it was terribly difficult. But I have managed to book the biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria as the main attraction of the Helping Hooves Music Festival!"

"Sapphire Shores?" Rarity asked.

"Sapphire Shores?! Please! Sapphire Shores is merely the second biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria. I have booked the one, the only, Countess Coloratura!"

"C-C-C-C-Countess Coloratura?"

"Uhhh, who is Countess Coloratura?" I asked.

Pinkie's mane suddenly frizzled up like she was turning into a super saiyan. "My frizz has been freaked!"

"No it hasn't, I just asked a question. I know a few months have gone by but you know that I don't read magazines or newspapers."

"Anyways! How how how how how have you not heard of her?!"

"And then I said that I knoe a gal named Coloratura when I was just a filly." Applejack added. "Wouldn't it just be the funniest thing if that Coloratura and this Coloratura were the same Coloratura!"

"Yeah, that would be kinda ironic." I replied.

"So we were wondering if you could help go through any hoops, a whole lot of hoops! That pony is very demanding!" Pinkie said.

"Well, I'd be able to help of course, but you know that Rarity is due sometime soon and I don't wanna put her in harms way."

"No it's alright darling, I completely understand." Rarity assured. "We artistes require certain necessities in order to do our best work."

"Are you sure, love, you want to help too?"

"Yes, I really do want to."

"Alright, then we'll both be able to help with anything you need."

"Thank you!" Pinkie replied happily. "Let's go see the others, they're already where the stage is being set up."

Rarity and I left the house with Pinkie and Applejack, before we met up with Rainbow, Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike. After a moment of talking, Applejack began to feel like something was on her mind.

"This was clearly some sort of misunderstandin', 'cause Rara was just as down home as me!"

"Wait, Rara?" I asked.

"Even that big name was too fancy for her, so I shortened Coloratura to Rara! We had the best time at Camp Friendship! Rara was just so easy goin'! We were like two apples from the same branch. Rara and I prepared this song for the camp talent show. When we performed, she belted it out, singin' in the most colorful, clear voice I've ever heard!"

She then gave us a brief sample of what the song was and I kinda liked it. She then continued. "After camp, we wrote to each other for a bit, but... then we lost touch. But Rara always did want to go to Manehattan to try and make it big. But a demandin' diva? Just you wait, Pinkie. Once Rara gets here, you'll see she's just a plain old pony like you an' me."

"I don't have to wait – she's here!" Pinkie said.

"Really?"

Suddenly, some random pop music began to play and a bright light shone above some sort of carriage with several ponies coming out.

"Countess Coloratura!" Pinkie squealed before she fainted, which was almost deafening.

"Clear the way! Stand back! Keep your hooves and tail to yourselves!" The lead pony said with the other following behind him.

"No... that can't be her!" Applejack muttered before she moved forward to her. "Um... hi. Remember me? We met at Camp Friendship? I gave you the nickname Rara?"

"AJ?" the mare replied.

"Yeah, heh...howdy, Rara!"

There was some whispering by the stallion, I began to assume that he's the manager. He then handed out something red with a stamp and Rara placed a stamp of a horseshoe on Applejack's cheek.

"Hoofsies!" she declared, which I thought was kinda cute.

"Ooh, you got hoofsies from Countess Coloratura! Look!" Rarity exclaimed with delight."Ooh, she clearly thinks you're very special!"

We then saw Rara give hoofsies to the other ponies in a line.

"Yeah...real special." Applejack muttered. I guess that wasn't quite the welcome she was expecting.

One the stallions stood in Rara's way as the manager took her away from the line.

"Now that's how you make an entrance! Big, bold, absolutely stunning!" the manager said. "Though it was muddied a bit with your interaction with that dusty farmpony. Do you actually know her?"

"Oh yeah, that's my childhood fillyfriend, AJ!" Rara replied. "She was the one that started calling me Rara." Rara seemed happy to talk about her, but her manager was clearly being uptight about it.

"Oh yes, how cute and...common. Of course, I was the one that started calling you Countess, and just look at how you've moved up in Equestria since then! Why, you've gotten everything you've ever wanted! Speaking of which, where is the pony Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie suddenly turned up with a wagon full of stuff. "Ooh! I'm the pony Pinkie Pie Mr. Manager sir!"

"Do you have the water imported from Rainbow Falls that I requested for Countess Coloratura?"

"I have twenty glass containers full right here!"

"Did I not tell you to provide straws in all of Countess Coloratura's beverages?"

"Uh, I don't think so. But lucky for you I have the biggest straw collection in Equestria! I call this straw Fernando."

I wasn't sure what to make of that, I only know Fernando as a holiday destination, not a straw.

The manager didn't seem impressed. "Hm. Let us confirm that you acquired the rest of the items that Countess Coloratura requested before she performs her run-through, shall we?"

"Ooh, we shall!"

"Floral arrangements from the royal Canterlot gardens... chocolate eclairs made by Gustave le Grande... a selection of crystals from the Crystal Empire... freshly picked cherries from Cherry Jubilee's farm separated red from yellow..."

"Abso-tootley!"

"Well, by some miracle your requests have been reasonably met. So let us move on...to rehearsal!" They then left. "See, Applejack? Demanding!" Pinkie silently commented, taking Rara's requested items with her.

Applejack wasn't feeling right about it. "The Rara I knew didn't hide behind a veil givin' out fake stamp kisses, sippin' up imported water, and needin' her cherries separated..."

"Oh I do understand. Sometimes it's hard to see our friends change." Rarity replied.

"She's become a whole other pony!"

"Maybe once you see Countess Coloratura perform, you simply won't believe it?" Twilight asked.

I wasn't feeling convinced. "Maybe, but I have to say...is it me or does her manager sound like a complete, stuck up jerk?"

"You're right darling, I'm afraid that most of the managers that watch over the artists are like that." Rarity replied.

Just then, the lights on the stage went off, looks like it was rehearsal time for Rara as the music began to play.

Time for the spectacle

Time for the show

The lights are bright and the colors glow

I'm not just anypony

I think you know

The time is now, it's about to go!

Razzle dazzle

Glitz and glam

Turn it all up, it's a spectacle

Razzle dazzle

Glitz and glam

Turn it all up, it's a spectacle

Give me more

Razzle dazzle

Glitter eyes, big surprise

Lights, cameras

Razzle dazzle

Glitz and glam

Turn it all up, it's a spectacle

Hear the applause

Here to impress

Not just a pony, I am the Countess!

When it was over, the ponies cheered except Applejack who wasn't buying it at all.

"Rarity was right! I don't believe it!" she said.

"I don't believe what I'm seeing here, either." I added. "Did you notice anything about it?"

"Well correct me if I'm wrong here, but that fellow isn't actually complimentin' Rara. He's congratulatin' all the bells and whistles he's piled on to make her Countess Coloratura."

"Oh nonononono, you don't understand, Applejack!" Rarity said, intervening a little. "Creating all of those elements is a lot of work, and Countess Coloratura's performance wouldn't exist without them."

"Oh, if we're all done here, I'd love to go back to my trailer and rest, Svengallop." Rara said.

"Actually, right now you're scheduled for your meet and greet with the schoolponies!" Pinkie said, holding a noticeboard.

"Ugh, I can totally get you out of meeting with the schoolponies, Countess." the manager whispered and I caught Applejack looking displeased.

"Absolutely not. My favorite part of any event is meeting with the schoolponies!" Rara said, almost standing her ground which made Applejack happy.

"The schoolponies'll be so happy to hear that, Rara!" she said, escorting Rara to the filly school.

"Excuse me, common farm pony, I do the escorting around here." he boldly stated.

"Oh really?" I asked with a smirk look, flying and standing towards him. "You call one seventh of the heroes who has saved Equestria three times a common farm pony?"

"That farm pony, a hero?" he then chuckled. "Very amusing and you are an alicorn, but you are not a manager. Now if you'll excuse me, Countess Coloratura needs me." he trotted off away and in the same direction as Rara and Applejack were going.

After the filly school event, I got Rara's attention for a bit of her time whilst Applejack went to see Pinkie about something. "Hi Rara, you mind if I talk to you about your manager?" I asked.

"Sure, but who are you and what about him?" she asked back.

"Oh right, the name's Prince Bond Racer. You might recognise me from some of my accomplishments with the elements of harmony?"

"Yes, I remember hearing about that one time. Do I need to bow to you?"

"No it's okay, I'm not keen on royal formalities." I then cleared my throat before Applejack alongside me.

"Oh AJ, what is it?"

"Well, while you were meetin' with the schoolponies, he was demandin' all sorts of stuff from Pinkie Pie." Applejack replied.

"I was gonna say that..." I muttered before remaining quiet.

"Svengallop works very hard as my manager AJ, so if he needs some things when we're on the road, I don't see anything wrong with that." Rara said.

"Well do you see somethin' wrong with him tellin' Pinkie that if she doesn't get those things by tomorrow, he'll pull you from our charity festival?"

"What? But he knows how important charity is to me, and leaving the festival would completely ruin my image!"

"I'm afraid Svengallop doesn't give a pickled pippin about your charity work."

"That's not true! Svengallop has always supported me in all my interests. You're just saying those things because you're jealous!"

"Jealous of what? A pony who hides behind a veil so thick she can't see when somepony's usin' her? No, I'm not jealous of that, Rara."

"I am not Rara, I am Countess Coloratura! And while we may have been friends while we were young, we have clearly gone in different directions!"

What I then said was gonna burn her. "Is that you talking, or is that Svengallop speaking for you?"

She gasped and she walked away with her head up in the air, I guess I made her mad.

"Uhh Bond, that's wasn't a smart thing to say." Applejack commented. "But you are right! He's manipulatin' her, and she's just not seein' it!"

"Hmm, do you have an idea of how you can make her see it?"

Applejack came up with an idea. "I know, I'll try to get Rara to do exactly what I say and then we'll see if that Svengallop truly has her best interests at heart."

"Okay, you go and try that. I've gotta go to Rarity and hope she's okay, with the pregnancy and all."

"Alrighty, I'll come and get you if this don't work."

I nodded, leaving the grounds and flying back home where I saw Rarity practising breathing techniques outside our home. I landed down and sat beside her, wrapping my left foreleg around her, she smiled back and kissed me.

"How was it darling, was she amazing?" she asked.

I then explained what Applejack had said and how I saw things from my view, even adding that we might need a back-up plan just in case.

"I see, dear...but it's like I said earlier. Some managers are like that."

"I know and thinking about it, we've seen Sapphire Shores twice. But she doesn't have a manager and she's doing fine."

"You are right and about pulling Countess Coloratura out of the event, I believe that would make the manager look just as bad as her, possibly even worse."

"Which is why I think we should be on standby, you never know when something goes horribly wrong."

"Agreed...alright, we'll see what we can do if Applejack needs us. For now, let's go on in, lunch is almost ready."

"Yummy!"

We walked in, giggling as we prepared for lunch. After our lunch, we walked back to the stage to find Twilight using her magic to create a screenplay, showing footage of Svengallop making more demands to pinkie behind a caravan. Looks like they beat us to it and it worked.

"So that's how you've been managing things?" Rara asked, displeased with what she just saw.

"Yeah, so? What's the problem?" Sven retorted.

"The problem is you've been using my name to intimidate ponies to get what you want!"

"But I work incredibly hard for you! I deserve everything I get!"

"But not because you scare ponies into thinking I won't perform for their charities otherwise! I would never do that to my fans! Which is why you should have known that I would never cancel the schoolponies' contest!"

"Hm, all this charity and schoolpony contest nonsense is just remnants of that boring little Rara I met back in Manehattan!

"You clearly don't understand the real me!"

"Ha, that's a joke! I made you somepony! What can you even do without me? Good luck, Countess Coloratura! Good luck."

And just like that, he trotted off and was out of sight, looks like the manager was fired, good riddance.

"Oh, Rara, I'm so sorry! Are you gonna be okay for the concert tonight?" Applejack asked.

"Of course! After all, the show must go on!" she replied with a moment of confidence.

Sometime later, it was the early evening a crowd had gathered at the Charity event. Rarity and Applejack were working backstage with Rara and it looks like it was about to start as Twilight out on stage. "Good evening, everypony! Welcome to opening night of the Helping Hooves Music Festival! Now it is my great honor to introduce you to our headlining act, Countess Coloratura!"

The performance began and Rara started to sing with me enjoying it a lot.

I'm here to show you who I am

Threw off the veil, it's finally time

There's more to me than glitz and glam, oh-whoa

And now I feel my stars align

For I had believed what I was sold

I did all the things that I was told

But all that has changed, and now I'm bold

'Cause I know

That I am just a pony

I make mistakes from time to time

But now I know the real me

And put my heart out on the line

And let the magic in my heart stay true, whoa, whoa, whoa

And let the magic in my heart stay true, whoa, whoa, whoa

Just like the magic inside of you

And now I see those colors

Right before my eyes

I hear my voice so clearly

And I know that it is right

They thought I was weak, but I am strong

They sold me the world, but they were wrong

And now that I'm back I still belong

'Cause I know

That I am just a pony

I make mistakes from time to time

But now I know the real me

And put my heart out on the line

And let the magic in my heart stay true, whoa, whoa, whoa

And let the magic in my heart stay true, whoa, whoa, whoa

Just like the magic inside of you

Just like the magic inside of you

The crowd cheered and this time I got involved and so did Applejack who I saw clapping away.

"Thank you, everypony!" she said to all of us. "When I arrived at the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I had forgotten who I really was! But then an old friend reminded me what real friendship is about, and she told me that if I was true to myself, I couldn't go wrong!" She then brought up the CMC's on stage to do a bonus performance with Sweetie singing most of the parts. Rarity felt like a proud sister in that moment.

It was all over then and it was time for the show to be wrapped up. Rarity and I said our farewells to Rara before I apologised to her for my remark earlier, she accepted it with a hug. We left for home and walked back, getting inside and up the stairs, into our bed.

It's hard to believe that in the space of many years, ponies can change and sometimes, it's not for the better. But thanks to Applejack and the rest of us, she was able to go back to what made her Applejack's filly friend. Talk about reunited friendship, it's all good.

The Cutie Re-Mark Pt. 1

"Bond Racer, can you hear me?" I heard a voice all me, waking me up.

"Hmm...what is it darling?" I heard Rarity ask as she woke up.

"Oh...I think I heard a voice or something." I replied as I had a feeling about it. "I have no idea why but I have to go to the castle."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you can handle it." She then kissed me. "Just be back here soon, I am due to give birth in a week or two from now."

"I know, love. I'll try to make this as fast as possible so I can be back for you." I kissed her once more before leaving our home and to the castle.

As I landed outside, I walked on in, greeting Twilight's personal guard and walking into the throne room where Twilight and Spike seemed to be looking over something.

"If somepony had told me when I was a blank flank that one day I'd give a speech to a class at Celestia's School of Magic, I wouldn't have believed it, but..." Twilight said as she took a deep breath. "...I hope that I've been up to the task, because I can tell that all of you are, and that the future of Equestrian magic is in good hooves."

Spike applauded. "Wow, hehe. That was even better than the...first eleven times."

"Mmh, I don't know, Spike. I'd like to be able to get through the whole speech without looking at the cards!"

"Morning Twilight and Spike." I greeted.

"Oh...morning Bond." Twilight replied. "Good timing, do you think you could help me?"

"Uhh sure thing. What is it?"

"Oh Twilight needs a bit of help with her speech." Spike answered. "She's just a little nervous."

"Nervous, eh?" I looked at the cards, it was a speech to the magic students "Twilight, you can't be nervous about giving a speech to a bunch of magic students, right?"

"Oh I'm not nervous, Bond but I do hope to set a good example, especially for magic students!" Twilight replied. "That's why this speech has to be..."

"...perfect?" I finished.

"Exactly. Let's go through it together." she gave a few of the cards to me to read. "When Princess Celestia asked me to speak to you today, I was honoured, to have the opportunity to talk about my favorite subject: magic."

I then read out what was on my cards.

"Obviously the long term effects of the simultaneous acquisition of cutie marks has yet to be determined, but!" I said and noticing Spike was on a projector. "Ahem, next slide, please."

It was a very good speech Twilight had prepared, I was sure she would nail it if I help do my part and Spike was more than impressed. We then left the castle on our way to the train station.

"I can speak from my own experience that the power of cutie mark magic is very real, and in the instance of my friends and I, it can be traced to a single event!" Twilight said. "Without Rainbow Dash's race to defend Fluttershy's honour, the rainboom wouldn't have happened. Fluttershy might never have discovered her love of animals. Applejack might never have realized that she belonged on her farm."

"Pinkie Pie might never have decided to leave her rock farm, Rarity may never have discovered her sense of fabulousness and I wouldn't have been able to fill in for Vinyl Scratch back at the DJ gig several years back." I added.

"But it's even harder to fathom what my life would be like. Without this rainboom, I might not have gotten into magic school. Celestia wouldn't have taken me on as her pupil or sent me to Ponyville to meet my friends. And the most powerful thing about Cutie Mark Magic that I found is the connection I share with them. But, um... Real question about...Cutie Mark Magic is...who it seems to affect."

Suddenly, I spotted a blur of a mare galloping across the town, I caught sight of her and she looked familiar.

"Did you see that Twilight? I thought I saw somepony familiar galloping, hiding from us."

"I noticed it too." Spike replied. "It's Starlight Glimmer!"

"Starlight, that unicorn mare who tried to use lies and propaganda to steal everypony's cutie marks?"

"Then it must be here." Twilight said. "I'm worried on what she could be up to."

"Nothing good, I bet. I heard she wasn't very happy the last time you saw her." Spike replied.

"Forcing everypony in her village to have the same cutie mark wasn't right. We had to do something!" I said.

"And now she's coming back for revenge. Uh, or she was just really interested in your speech!"

"Honestly, Spike. I'm not really sure what I saw." Twilight said. "But as long as I have my friends, I know everything will be all right."

"Maybe you were just more stressed about that speech than I thought." Spike thought. "That sounds better than Starlight Glimmer coming back with an evil plot for revenge."

"Well, when you say it like that, it does sound kinda silly."

"Or it's totally true!" I replied before noticing a mare in the distance galloping to Twilight's castle. "There she is again! She's going in your castle."

"What?!" Twilight exclaimed. "Come on, we gotta find out what she wants here."

Spike jumped on Twilight's back and we both flew back to the castle, we landed and dashed on in and to the throne to find my suspicions confirmed. Looks like Luna was trying to wake me up in my sleep to help with something and it was here.

"Welcome home, Twilight and Bond!" Starlight greeted rudely before zapping some magic at us, causing me to duck.

"What are you doing, Starlight?" Twilight asked.

"I'd tell you, but I don't want to ruin the surprise!" she then showed some kind of time device. "Won't be needing that any more." she laughed before using some magic on it and than vanished.

"Oh no..." I muttered. "...don't tell she's discovered the magic of time."

"Wait, you mean she found some kind of magic that lets her go back to the past?" Spike asked. "Well where'd she go?"

"I don't know, but I think we better find out!" I picked up the device. "I guess we could start with this!"

"Bond, no! Don't touch that!" Twilight exclaimed.

But it was too late, I pushed a button and a huge circle aura appeared around us as we were sucked in before it vanished and we found ourselves at...Cloudsdale.

"Where's Spike, what happened to him?" Twilight asked.

"My guess is that he ran somewhere to hide so he didn't get caught in the arua." I replied, looking around us. "Anyways, Starlight doesn't even have wings! Why would she come here?" I asked.

"I don't know, Bond, but it looked like she could fly with just magic! Let's keep our eyes open, we don't know what she has planned!"

As we looked around, we felt a whoosh zooming past us with rainbow trails and I gasped. "Isn't that Rainbow Dash?"

"Did Rainbow Dash look really young to you? And I didn't see a cutie mark...you don't think..."

"We've travelled back in time to when Rainbow Dash raced the bullies who made fun of Fluttershy and performed her first sonic rainboom?"

"Bond, only Star Swirl the Bearded could do something like that, and even his spell just went back a week! How could Starlight do more than the greatest wizard in Equestria?"

I then saw a paper that was rustled up, looked like a page out of a book that Starlight must've taken. "With this."

"Star Swirl's spell! Oh no!"

"Come on, let's go!"

"Go where?"

"To watch the race. I don't wanna miss the rainboom!"

"You're right Bond."

We galloped towards the stadium and as soon as we got there, Rainbow was knocked off by Starlight. "Aww, sorry about this!" she said with huge sarcasm. She then suddenly zapped her and then zapped Fluttershy, before she ended doing the same to Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity as we followed her through the same timeline.

"What did you do?!" Twilight asked.

"You are about to find out." Starlight replied, zapping her magic at me which I tried to prevent form happening with my shield "Give it up, Prince Bond or should I say, never will be prince?!"

My magic was draining fast and then it hit me, without the rainboom happening, my cutie mark would never have happened, I looked at my flank and it was vanishing away, weakening my powers until I began to strain.

"Hah!" Starlight said. "I win and now to finish this!"

She zapped more of her magic and we then got caught in an aura circle before we found ourselves back on ground and exhausted.

"Ugh... I don't know what Starlight's up to yet... but we'd better figure it out before it's too late!" Twilight said.

I was fully awake first though and I looked around, gasping. "Um, Twilight? I think it already is."

Twilight gasped to see the whole area completely different to what it normally was. "Your castle's gone."

"The map pulled us back... but whatever Starlight did in the past, changed things here!"

I was a little confused. "Then how did she do it?"

"Starlight altered Star Swirl's spell, then somehow used it on the map to travel into the past and change something! Once she did, the map pulled us back to the present!"

"So we're back when we started?"

"Not exactly. Everything's different, look! The map doesn't even make sense anymore! The Crystal Empire takes up half of Equestria!"

"Plus there's the whole missing castle thing..."

"Right! This is too big to handle on our own."

"You think?"

"We need to find our friends and get help!"

As soon as she mentioned our friends, I thought of Rarity...I had a very bad feeling about this. We walked around Ponyville, noticing a lot was different. Even the big house Rarity and I lived in wasn't there anymore, her boutique however was still intact and so was Sugarcube Corner, but there was nopony in either of them.

"Rarity....Pinkie?" I called.

"I don't think either of them are here!" Twilight replied. "I'm not sure anything we know is the same! But I know one place that could never change!"

"The apple farm."

She nodded and we flew over to the farm to see that it was still the same, but I remained wary of what had changed.

"Applejack?" Twilight said as I noticed her too.

"What can I do for you?" she asked.

"It's so good to see you! We couldn't find Pinkie or Rarity or Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash, but I just knew you'd still be here!"

"Of course I am. This is my home. But who in tarnation is Pinkie Bow and Flutterdash? Or you two for that matter?"

"You...don't know who we are?" I asked.

"Nope. Honestly, the only name I recognize is Rarity, but she left for Manehattan years ago."

"Probably to become a world-famous fashion designer?"

"Not that I know of. Last I heard she went to help with the cause like everypony else."

"The cause?" Twilight asked.

"The war against King Sombra and the Crystal Empire?"

"What!?" Twilight and I said in shock.

"Where have you two been?"

"Actually, it's when." I corrected.

"Did you bump your head on a crate of cider or somethin'?"

"I'm telling you the truth! And if you come with me, I'll prove it." Twilight said.

We left the farm with Applejack in toe and she seemed to noticed a few things. "Well, I'll admit I've lived in these parts my whole life and I've never seen this before."

"There's also supposed to be a castle that goes with it." I added.

"I still don't see what this has to do with you and I bein' friends."

"Another pony named Starlight Glimmer used this map to travel through time and change things in the past!" Twilight said. "For some reason the map's here but everything else is different!"

"Different how?

"Well for one thing, where we come from there's no war with King Sombra. Maybe you could tell us how the war started, then we can figure out when everything changed!"

"That's easy enough. When the Crystal Empire returned, it brought King Sombra back with it, and it didn't take long for him to force every one of his subjects to fight for him against Equestria. And even with Princess Celestia leadin' the charge, it still takes every last pony in Equestria doin' their part, workin' day and night, to keep up the fight."

"I just can't believe it! We stopped King Sombra! You and me and all of our friends!"

"But we aren't friends. At least not here."

Twilight felt glum, hearing that. "Right."

"Look. I hope all this helped, but I really need to get back to cannin' those apples."

"Thank you. We're going to set things right." I said.

"I hope you do." Applejack then left us and walked back to the farm.

I felt a little lost, thinking back to my words. "So...how are we gonna set things right?"

"I don't know!" Twilight replied. "The only thing we know for sure is that Starlight stopped the rainboom!"

"And that the map's still here."

Twilight gasped. "That's it! The map is connected to the Tree of Harmony! It must sense that something isn't right! That's why it's still here! I'll just use Starlight's version of the spell and go back a little earlier and stop her before she even knows we're there!"

"You mean we're going back to the future?" I asked randomly.

Twilight shook her head, I then realized that this wasn't the time for references, we used her magic and soon enough, we found ourselves back at Cloudsdale.

"All we have to do now is find Starlight and-"

Suddenly, there was magic that was zapped at us. Damn, it was Starlight again...how powerful is that unicorn exactly?

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I created that spell to send myself back in time, so even when you cast it, I still get sent back here. It wasn't difficult to change Star Swirl's spell. He'd already done the hard part. But figuring out I could use the map to go to any time or place, and pull you along with me?" she then laughed. "I even impressed myself with that. I knew you'd try to stop me. You're so predictable. Why else would I leave the scroll behind? Touching it triggered the map to whisk you here, and watch me erase the one thing that links you with your friends!" she then looked at us with a mad expression. "My village was a sanctuary of equality, where nopony's cutie mark allowed them to feel superior! It was a special place and you and your friends took it away! Now it's my turn to take something special from you! Without the rainboom, you and your friends will never form your special cutie mark bonds! Cutie marks for cutie marks! Sounds like a fair trade to me!"

She then disappeared again, Starlight was going to be a much more troublesome and powerful foe than we thought.

"At least now we know exactly what we have to do!" I said.

"We have to stop Starlight as soon as Rainbow Dash and those bullies race by!" Twilight replied.

We flew around, looking for the race. "Be ready, cause she could pop up anywhere."

"Over there!" she said as we flew to Starlight and the fillies were.

"Just remember how you'd feel if someone said those things to you." Starlight said to a colt.

"What's going on here?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, I was just reminding these two colts how hurtful teasing can be."

"Well, don't...I mean...you were?"

"Of course! In a world where everypony is unique, some are bound to feel more special than others. But that isn't a license to be cruel, is it?"

"No, of course not..."

"Oh, isn't it a shame we don't live in a world where everypony is equal? No one would ever tease anyone there! Wouldn't that be nice?"

"No, it wouldn't! I mean, it'd be nice not to be teased, of course, but that's not the same thing!" I exclaimed.

"We know you only convinced those bullies to not tease Fluttershy to stop the rainboom!" Twilight added.

"Oh, that's not true! I convinced them not to be bullies because everypony should be equal!" Starlight replied. "Stopping the rainboom is just a bonus."

"This isn't over yet!"

"If you say so!"

Out thoughts were interrupted by a young Rainbow Dash. I stood back and allowed Twilight to try to think of getting her to do the sonic rainboom, but alas it didn't seem to work and the young Rainbow left.

"Gee, Twilight, what's the matter? Couldn't convince her to do the impossible? That's too bad." Starlight remarked.

Twilight used her magic, but it was countered by Starlight and now we ended up inside the Everfree Forest.

"Ugh, well, that didn't work." I said.

"This is gonna be harder than I thought! We'll have to try again!" Twilight replied.

Agreed, I don't want to live in that awful future we saw!"

Suddenly, we heard spears being hoisted at us, along with two ponies. "Pinkie? Fluttershy?"

"Silence, changeling!" Pinkie ordered.

"All servants of Queen Chrysalis found in these woods must be destroyed!" Fluttershy added.

Twilight and I gulped...this was gonna be a struggle and a half!

The Cutie Re-Mark Pt. 2

Being held at spear point was not what I had in mind for a stag night, we had to think of something fast.

"Wait! We're not changelings! We're alicorns and we come in peace!" I exclaimed.

Just then, a familiar zebra showed up from behind them. "Stop! If they are changelings we'll soon see, though I think they're not what they appear to be." she said.

"Zecora! Please, you have to listen." Twilight said.

"Beneath this salve, no changeling hides, for it reveals the truth inside."

"What does it mean?" Pinkie asked.

"The meaning is far worse I see, for it is we who should not be."

"I think I can explain." Twilight said.

"I'm sure you can, but let's not talk here. Chrysalis and her army will soon draw near!"

We walked into a safer location and sat down, it was good to be not held hostage anymore.

"The changelings took over not long ago, though I'll wager in your world that isn't so."

"Chrysalis and her army tried to take over Canterlot, but my friends and I stopped her!" Twilight replied.

"Those friends as you know them are not here, alas. But tell me how all this came to pass."

"Starlight Glimmer, a pony who travelled back in time to stop my friends and me from ever coming together!"

"And it is these friends you have in life that keep Equestria free from strife?"

"I guess so. But this is the second time I've come back and this world is even worse than the last one! If Starlight keeps doing the same thing in the past, how could the present be so different?"

"Ah, time is a river, where even the tiniest changes seen, can lead to a cascade of effects downstream. This part of the forest is dark and damp, but it's done well to hide our camp."

We were inside and it looked like a decent village, at least we were safe here for the time being.

Just then, we heard a shriek and a unicorn mare appeared...it was Rarity! "Please, you have to help us!"

"The changelings attacked Ponyville! We barely escaped with our lives!" Rainbow added, showing up with her.

"The only changeling attack I see is the one that come here looking for me!" Zecora replied.

Applejack then showed up, but I was feeling suspicious. "It's taken quite a while to find you, Zecora." she laughed before turning into...Chrysalis!

"What a lovely village you've chosen to stage your little resistance. It looks absolutely delicious! Oh come now, Zecora. You're vastly outnumbered! I know you don't want your charges hurt. Come quietly to the dungeons of Canterlot and I promise to leave the others alone."

"Why would she ever trust you?" Fluttershy asked.

"Even if there's a chance Chrysalis will honour her word, shouldn't you try?" Twilight added.

We walked backwards from her. "Race to the map while we hold off their attack, stop Starlight and put the whole world back on track!"

"Time to make a decision, Zecora!"

"Even if what you are saying were true, we'd never surrender to a creature like you!"

We knew we couldn't stay here. Twilight and myself galloped away and to the map where we used our magic to zap back to the past, only ot find Starlight waiting for us again.

"Not bad, but it's gonna take a lot more than that!" she exclaimed.

"Lucky for you, there's more where that came from!" I retorted.

We aimed our magic, but she kept dodging with ease. "You've really gotta work on your aim."

Another moment of magic zapping and we were now outside the forest and a bridge that led to an abandoned castle.

"I know that place!" I gasped, before we heard a few growls behind us. I looked back to see werewolves coming towards us. "Uhhh, want a nice holiday ham?"

"The Castle of the Two Sisters! Come on!" We flew up and away from the timberwolves and into the castle.

"This place looks a lot cleaner than I remember it." I commented as we walked around. I gasped again as I saw..."Rarity?"

"The castle isn't open for viewings today." she replied. "The tapestries all need changing. Again."

"Rarity, it's me!" I said to her.

She looked at me with confusion. "Hmm, do I know you?"

Well, I couldn't be blamed for trying something that would backfire immediately.

"Rarity, you have to listen to me! The future of Equestria's at stake!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I don't know how you know my name, but I am far too busy to entertain some tourist's ridiculous fantasies."

"We have to get back to the map so we can stop Starlight from changing the past, because every present we've come to is worse than the last!"

"Time travel, you say? Now that's something I would like to see." a voice replied, we looked to see who was on the throne...Nightmare Moon who laughed. "Tell me how you came by this magic to travel through time!"

Rainbow then appeared. "The Princess asked you a question! And unless you wanna end up in the dungeon, you'll tell her what she wants to know!"

"Nopony in my kingdom but me should possess a magic powerful enough to change time."

"Your kingdom?" I asked.

"Who else?"

"Um... Celestia, of course!"

Nightmare laughed. "My sister has been imprisoned in the moon for years! But it is no less a fate than she'd sentence me to! Now, reveal to me the source of this time magic!"

"Alright." Twilight replied, causing me to gasp. "We have no choice, Bond." she looked at Nightmare. "I can take you to it, but you'll have to get past the timberwolves."

"I am the ruler of all of Equestria. Do you think I can't deal with timberwolves?"

"No. I know you can."

"And if you were thinking of trying to escape...it will be very unfortunate for your friend."

"Oh I won't go anywhere." I said. "I'll stay here if I have to."

Nightmare Moon and Twilight left, leaving me with Rainbow and Rarity, I tried to lighten up the mood with a few jokes of my own.

"Rainbow, wanna hear a joke? Middle of the afternoon-"

"As much as I like the thought of it, this is Nightmare Moon's realm and we have no time for jokes." Rarity said, cutting me off.

"Woah, woah, woah! Hold on Rarity, you're not exactly the leader here." Rainbow retorted. "I wanna hear this joke."

"Thank you Rainbow, now as I was saying. Middle of the afternoon, this crazy earth pony mare decides sets fire to the house she's living in. The fire brigade come and pull it out. A few hours later, she does it again, calls outside for help and said 'I've set fire to my house twice today, you better come and get me.'"

"Did they send those fire department ponies around to get her?" Rainbow asked.

"No that's the best part. The leader of the fire brigade gets his share of prank calls. He says "Alright miss, why don't you come down here?". An hour later and she shows up, her mane still smoking and her fur covered in soot, and smelling like a timberwolf."

Rainbow laughed out loud. "Good one, mister! I'll be sure to remember that joke."

"I didn't quite get the joke, but if it made somepony laugh, then I am impressed." Rarity added.

Suddenly, an aura appeared around me, it was time again. "Well, looks like I have to depart. Ta-ta!"

I was then alongside Twilight, back at Cloudsdale, seeing Starlight. "Up for another race-ending fight, Twilight?"

"No. You were right. I can't stop you." Twilight replied.

"But you can't stop me from trying, and we could be stuck doing this for all eternity!" I added.

"If that's what it takes to keep you and your friends from getting your cutie mark connection, then I'm game!" Starlight said proudly.

Twilight tried zapping at her. "What you're doing goes way beyond cutie marks! Everything we do here in the past, even the smallest change, can snowball into an avalanche of trouble for the future!"

"Oh, next I suppose you'll tell me that "the fate of all of Equestria hangs in the balance"!"

"It does!"

"Spare me your overblown ego! No group of friends, not even Princess Twilight's, is that important!"

"I don't know how important other ponies' friendships are to the future, but I can show you what the world is like without mine!"

Twilight used her magic to create a time moment or something and now were in a different place.

"Where are we?!" Starlight asked.

"The future. Or rather, the present." Twilight replied.

"But there's nothing here!"

"I wish I could say I was surprised, but every world I come back to is worse than the last. I don't know why my friends and I are so important to Equestria, but we are!"

"I don't believe you!"

"Come on, Starlight, look around!" I exclaimed, pointing to the surroundings around us.

"Like I said, everything in the past affects the future, even the tiniest act. And what you're doing leads here. I know I can't stop you, but I thought showing you this might change your mind." Twilight said.

Starlight didn't seem convinced. "Change my mind? You don't know anything about me! I was perfectly happy before you and your friends ruined what I built!"

"I don't know what happened that led you to make your village without cutie marks, and I'm sorry my friends and I had to take it away."

"You want to know what happened to me?! I'll show you!"

Starlight used her magic and now were in yet another different area.

"Where are we?" Twilight asked.

"That map of yours is connected to every part of Equestria, and this part is my home." Starlight said, showing us a school. There were two fillies, one that looked like Starlight and another mare. "Sunburst and I did everything together. In fact, I don't remember us ever being apart. Until today."

We saw Sunburst get her cutie mark and the younger Starlight not getting hers. I was now beginning to see where this was going. "And just like that, my friend was gone. His family recognized his magical talent and sent him off to Canterlot. I never saw him again."

"Well...why not?" I asked.

"Because of his cutie mark! He got his, and I didn't! He moved on, and I didn't! I stayed here and never made another friend because I was too afraid another cutie mark would take them away, too!"

"That's ridiculous. A cutie mark can't take your friends away!" Twilight said.

"Not everypony's lucky enough to get her cutie mark at the same time as her friends!" We then got zapped back and there was a piece of paper. "You don't know what it's like to lose a friend because of a cutie mark. But once I stop the rainboom, you will! And when I destroy this scroll, there'll be no way for you to change it!"

I was in deep shock, all of this...because of just not getting a cutie mark at the same time as Sunburst did. Jealousy knows no bounds!

"Starlight, you're right! I don't know what you went through!" I said. "But I do know you can't do this! Twilight and I have seen where this leads, and so have you!"

"I only saw what Twilight showed me! Who knows what'll really happen?"

"I've seen it a dozen times!" Twilight replied. "Things don't turn out well in Equestria without my friends!"

"Ugh, what's so special about your friends?! How can a group of ponies that are so different be so important?!"

"The differences between me and my friends are the very things that make our friendship strong!"

"I thought Sunburst and I were the same. But we turned out different, and it tore our friendship apart!"

"So try again! Make new friends! And if something that you can't control happens that changes things, work through it together! That's what friendship is! And it's not just my friendships that are important to Equestria, everypony's are! When yours ended, it led us here, but just imagine all the others that are out there waiting for you if you just give them a chance!"

"How do I know they won't all end the same way?"

"I guess it's up to you to make sure they don't."

We then whooshed through time once more and I tried my best, keeping up with what happened until eventually we were back in Ponyville along with the Castle of Friendship. We're not sure how, but we did it and everything looked just the same as it was before Starlight turned up. We then saw Spike who was watching over Starlight...and she was sleeping, I guess all that time travelling magic wore her out.

Soon, the rest of the mares turned up and we explained to them what happened.

"I mean, I knew my rainboom was awesome, but I never thought all of Equestria depended on it!" Rainbow said.

"Or on us!" Pinkie added.

"I think it's more than that. Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful." Twilight replied.

"I can't believe y'all were able to travel through time like that." Applejack said.

"That Starlight must be pretty magical!" Rarity added as she hugged me...it felt great to be loved by her again.

"She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony I've seen." Twilight said. "My magic couldn't stop her, I had to convince her to stop on her own. Once I realized that, everything fell into place."

"But if she's as powerful as all that, we can't just send her on her way...can we?" I asked.

"Actually, I kind of have something else in mind."

Just then, Starlight woke up and was face to face with us, I had my magic on standby for just in case.

Starlight gulped however. "I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I want you all to know that I'm ready for whatever punishment you think is fair."

"I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends, because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous." Twilight replied.

"I know first-hoof how true that can be."

"And that's why I've asked you here. If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know. You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place."

"How do I start?"

"Starting is easy! All you have to do is make a friend! And you've got eight of them right here."

Then I heard background music...is Starlight gonna sing?

I never thought that I would find a place

To step right in and start again

I never thought that I could just begin

Right where I left off and make a friend

Twilight then sang her part.

Don't ever think that it might be too late

You don't have to wait. There's no mistakes the friends you make.

A friendship's only made of what you bring

And you can do it right, you can do anything

Before the rest of us joined in.

Just use your eyes

This time, no lies

Just don't disguise

Who you are inside

Because your friends are always there for you

You don't have to be the same for friendship to be true

Because your friends are always there for you

Around the world, it's still the same

Together you have more to gain

There's nothing that a friend won't do

Everywhere you go

Friendship there will grow

When you find it, it's the key

Friends can change the world, you see

Everywhere you go

Friendship there will grow

When you find it, it's the key

Friends can change the world (ah-ah)

Friends can change the world (ah-ah)

Friends can change the world, you see

The song was over, looks like Starlight finally learned an important lesson, but now I had a question.

"So Starlight, where will you be going?" I asked.

"Back home, to my home in the far north east...there is some friends I need to make amends with." she replied.

"Well with all that magic you have, I'm sure you can teleport there in no time."

"Yes, but I will come and visit you all again soon...once again, I am really so sorry for everything I did and I know that's never gonna be enough for everypony."

"Oh come on, we forgave you." Rainbow replied. "Just accept it already."

"Alright...good bye you all, I will send you a scroll in advance."

And with that, Starlight vanished once more, probably back to her home.

Just then, Rarity began to pant heavily before falling to her side. "Darling!" she exclaimed. "It's starting!"

"Come on, we gotta get her to the hospital!" Twilight exclaimed.

We rushed as fast as we could with Rarity on top of me, panting and in a bit of pain. Soon we were at the hospital, I took her by the hoof and Nurse Redheart brought her into a delivery room. I vowed that I would stand by her for the duration of her delivery. The rest of the girls promised to wait outside in hope that everything will be okay.

"Alright miss Rarity, keep pushing." Redheart said. "You're halfway there."

"Oh...oh...oh!" she tried saying, trying to push but not too hard. "Darling, this is so...argh!"

"Don't stop love!" I said. "I'm here for you always and forever!"

She pushed several times more until eventually...I heard a tiny cry as Rarity panted and breathed heavily.

Nurse Redheart looked at us with smiles. "Congratulations Prince Bond and Rarity...it's a filly and she's a pegasus!"

"Where...is...she?"

Redheart cleaned her up and wrapped our newborn in a cloth. "Here she is..."

Rarity and I gasped quietly, she cried and I was nearly there. "She's beautiful...look, darling."

"I am, love...she is such a treasure..." I replied with emotion.

Redheart smiled back. "Take as much time as you both need, we'll discuss your evaluation and baby names soon." She left the room and possibly told the others to go into the foal viewing room.

Rarity and I were alone, along with our newborn who finally settled down and began sleeping away. "Ahhh, Crystal Shine."

"Crystal Shine, the name that we agreed." I added as we rested each other's heads with Rarity holding on to our foal.

Nothing else mattered to me than this moment, but I did have a quick second of thinking back to earlier today. I know ponies can hold grudges, but Starlight held such a grudge that I never knew and she went to extreme lengths just to prove a point. But now, thanks to Twilight and me, she's finally let go of it and learn to become a friend.

Never again will Starlight Glimmer try to go...back in time!

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