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. Next Chapter: Power Ponies Estimated time remaining: 11 Hours, 31 Minutes