I had two more dreams about my mother each one I’ve had before. However, I still wasn’t able to see her face. But that wasn’t the most interesting thing that happened during the night. Or disturbing if you look at it another way. You see when consciousness came to me in the morning I was spooning with someone. My arm was around her and her head was nestled against my other arm. Not only that but she had her hand over mine and it was placed in a very private and stimulating place on her.

My body froze, as well as my mind, and dared not move a muscle. Rainbow is in bed with me? It was a little shocking. Because when I looked down there was her long colorful rainbow spectrum of hair. She was still asleep too. If by the sound of her snores was any indication.

My mind simply shut down as I watched her sleep. I slept with Rainbow. Will she tell the others? Probably, but how will the others feel? As those thoughts raced through my head I watched and heard her moan slightly when the sun slowly began to caress her face. Her hand gripped mine a little more tightly around her chest and snuggled more up against me. “Five more minutes,” she groaned testily against the offending sunlight.

That sort of brought my mind back into gear and it was then I had to admit two things. One was that this sleeping position was extremely comfortable. Two was that she was cute when she was sleeping this way. But I still had to figure out a way out of this. The best way was to simply try and pull away gently without waking her.

When she looked relaxed enough I slowly pulled my hand away from her chest. Her hand was already laying on the bed as my arm lifted up and then behind me. Slowly I started carefully moving the rest of my body away from her. However just when I thought that I was home free...

“No,” she complained turning herself overlaying one arm and one leg over me, “two more minutes stud.” And after that, I was hopelessly entangled against her with her arm and leg-pulling me tightly against her. I was stuck and that was that.

She sighed contently against my neck as went back to sleep. Looking at the clock, on the window sill told me it was Seven AM. I promised Fluttershy that I would help her pass out flyers this morning and I wasn’t about to miss it. My mind had just made up just shaking her awake and telling her to leave when something happened that sent chills up and down my spine.

FLASH. CLICK.

There was a sudden flash of light and the sound of a camera. My eyes went wide as there were only two people in this house that could do that. Rainbow woke up at the sound. She bolts straight up in bed instantly awake and looking around for whatever dared to wake her, “Hey what gives.” Then she saw what was behind me, “Mom!” she complained.

“Oh this is such a wonderful moment,” I heard Misses Dash say while Rainbow got out of bed. I didn’t look, but I heard Rainbow’s footsteps walk toward her mother and her irritated voice following her, “Come on mom give me that thing so I can erase it.”

“Not on your life dear,” her mother shot back, “this is going in the family album.”

I took that moment to get up, grab my bag, and retreat to the bathroom to get ready for the day. On my way, I passed her grinning father. “Not. A. Word,” I passed him and into the bathroom still with the sound of Rainbow’s mother playing keep-away with her daughter. “Why me?” I asked no one and took a quick shower. Never in my life have I ever thought that she would be that bold. I finished my shower, dried off, and put on the spare clean clothes. At that time everyone was at the table having breakfast.

Toast and oatmeal. “Come and have some breakfast dear,” Misses Dash said cheerfully.

Rainbow wanted to take me to school this morning. So, with that in mind, I sat down at the table with a couple of pieces of toast and oatmeal. It’s nice having a quiet family oriented breakfast in the morning.

“So, how’d you sleep last night Fred?” Rainbow’s father asked out of the blue. Sudden thoughts of running out of the house came to mind.

“Well he was using me as a pillow all night,” Rainbow grinned at me with a wink, “So, I bet he slept great as I did. So well that I didn’t want to get up.”

“I know you did,” Misses Dash giggled at us, “I’ve got the picture to prove it. Oh, you two look so good together.”

Yep, matchmaking in progress. It’s going to be one of them days.

^_^

“Oh, you made it,” Fluttershy beamed at me hugging me before handing some flyers to me. “Thank you so much for doing this with me.”

She could always make me smile, “You’re welcome Fluttershy anytime.” Taking some of them from her I started waving and saying hello to some of the students as they walked by. Like Miss Scratch for example. My favorite DJ was walking up the path now, “Hey Vi,” I called out to her with a wave of my hand. She waved back and walked up.

“Hey Fred what’s up man?” she asked after taking off her headphones so she could hear me. I’m one of the very few that she actually does that for.

“Sunset is at it again and I need you to let me know what she’s doing if you spot her OK?” I asked her.

She nodded and fist-bumped me, “Sure thing, she up to her old tricks?”

This time I shook my head looking at her with serious eyes, “Not old tricks, but a new trick that will make the old ones look like she was an angel.”

Even her eyes went wide at that, “Seriously dude?”

I slowly nodded to her, “Seriously.”

“Sure thing,” she said in thought, “I can even get some of the rockers to keep an eye out too.”

“Thanks, Vi,” I said with a wide smile, “And stay cool.”

“You know it,” she grinned putting her headphones back on as I heard dubset come from them as she walked away. After turning toward Fluttershy she sat down in front of the statue base and start crying. I walked over and sat down next to her putting one arm around her shoulders. “There now,” she leaned against me, “It’s alright, OK?” Turning her head to me she nodded with a soft smile.

Just when she was about to reply something hit her head first and then mine before landing in my lap. I was rubbing my head when Fluttershy called out in shock, “Fred look.” It was the Fall Formal Crown. But which one was it? As soon as my hand wrapped around the crown something flew into me. The only way I can describe it is the feeling you get when the blood is rushing back into your arms and legs after they’ve been asleep for a while. That cool tingly feeling washed over me making me slightly dizzy.

I leaned against her for a moment as the wave washed over me then seemed to dissipate. However, that’s when images flashed in my mind. It was the dreams that I was having from before. Only what I saw under the hood, and from where the voice in the throne room came from, shocked me.

My mind went through the dream where I was looking up to my mother in the robe. She was singing to me and when she lifted her head the light shined on her face. It wasn’t a human head, but a pony head covered in white fur. Tears came from her eyes as she sang to me running a soft furred hand against my tiny cheek, “I love you, my sunshine boy, remember that.” Then came the same voice from behind me, “It’s time,” it was my other mother. Both had the same voice. How? What is this?

Then my mind went toward the dream with me in my father’s arms sitting on the stone throne. “Honey, it’s time again. You know the drill,” my mother’s voice called out. My father got up and walked over, but this time I saw the white pony face from the previous dream. Only she was part human and part pony. Most were human, but with four fingers and hooves instead of toes. Covered with fur she had long flowing hair from her head that seemed to blow in a breeze that wasn’t there. Her tail did the same thing. She also had wings and a horn. All went away right after I was placed in her arms hearing, “Time for your nap my beautiful sunshine boy.”

“Fred?” Fluttershy said and shook me to get my attention. Even after hearing her voice, it was like I didn’t register it. My mind was too busy processing what I saw and felt. I looked down at the crown in my hand. What just happened to me? I know those were my dreams, but is that my birth mother? I don’t understand.

“Fred?” she called out again. This time I slowly turned my head to her still with the shocked look etched on my face.

“Go to first period,” I told her softly, “I’ll take care of this.” I started walking toward the front double doors.

“What happened? Are you alright?” she asked me obviously worried about me.

“I just need time to think,” I told her while making my way toward my mother’s office. Is she my mother? No, but I mean yes she is but she isn’t. She’s my mother, but not my birth-mother. My birth-mother is an anthropomorphic pony?

Thoughts swirled around in my head as I stopped in front of my mother’s office. Taking a deep breath I steadied myself and opened the door. She looked up at me as I shut the door. Neither of us said a word as the crown was placed on her desk.

“Where was it?” she asked softly still disturbed by our talk yesterday.

“It hit Fluttershy and I in the back of the head. We were sitting in front of the statue. This isn’t our crown,” my voice was firm and calm. “It’s the one from Equestria, the world from the other side of the portal.”

She sighed shaking her head, “Fred…”

“Don’t,” I held up a hand, “Don’t do this, don’t cut me off. I know this is from the other world because it did something to me when I touched it.”

Sighing once again she leaned forward putting her hands on her desk, “Listen Fred there isn’t any portal.”

“Don’t do this to ME,” I growled as my hands started shaking with anger. It was happening again, but this time something was different. Heat was felt against my skin and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a glow. I was shocked at what I saw when I lifted my hands. So was my mother as she gasped at me with her hands over her mouth.

“AAAHHH,” I screamed while shaking my hands wildly, “put me out, put me out, put me out.” My hands were literally on fire and I was freaking out. The fire whooshed through the air comically as I tried to extinguish myself. However, after only a few seconds of doing this, the fire was gone. I stared at my hands stunned. However, they weren’t burnt at all but were perfectly fine. Plus, I really didn’t feel anything. It was what I saw that freaked me out not that I was actually on fire. “What the hell?” I gazed at my non-burnt perfectly fine hands.

My mother came up and looked as well grabbing my hands to look at them herself.

“You believe me now?” I asked while looking at her with a grin.

“Take the crown to Luna, so she can hide it somewhere,” she told me handing me the crown before sitting back down at her desk. The look on her face told me that the conversation was over. Just as if my hands being on fire never happened.

“Fine,” I mumbled irritably and left her office. Shut down again. Luna’s office was just down the hall, so it wasn’t a long walk. I knocked first before stepping in, “Luna?”

“Ah nephew,” Luna said with a smile then looked down at the crown, “I see you found it.”

I sat down, “It found us. It’s from Equestria, the world on the other side of the portal. And before you try and tell me that I’m wrong there’s something that you should see.” When I recreated the feelings from before only one was on fire. “If nothing is going on then explain this?” I pointed a finger to my flaming hand.

Luna’s eyes went wide and raced around her desk, but she had to pull her hand away because of the fire. “It’s a real fire, but how is this possible?”

Waving the hand I put it out after recreating the feelings from before. “That crown came from the other side of the portal, Equestria, and it's what Sunset wants. We can’t let her have it no matter what.”

Luna looked at me like a fish out of water with her mouth opening and closing.

I continued hoping for some answers, “Now about me. Something happened to me when I touched that crown. I felt something and experienced my two dreams again. I saw my birth-mother. A white-coated anthropomorphic pony. Part pony and part human she had multicolored flowing hair and even a tail with wings and a horn.”

Again she just stared at me like her mind just turned off.

“I’m right aren’t I Aunt Luna?”

She sat on the edge of her desk putting her hands to her face. She was taking some time to compose herself. So I waited. After a few minutes, she took a deep sigh and lowered her hands. The look on her face told me that I was about to get some answers. “It’s wrong of her to keep this information from you now,” Luna said quietly as she looked to be on the verge of tears. “But I understand why,” she came and hugged me tight, “It’s because she doesn’t want to lose you. Nor do I, but you’ll want to go.”

I hugged her back as she spoke out of her heart, “Or need to if I can’t control what’s happening to me.”

She nodded before pulling back and looking at me, “That too, but you’re right about everything.” Sitting back down she motioned for me to sit with her, which I did. She put her arm around me and held me close. Her voice betrayed her unstable emotions as she spoke to me, “You did see your birth-mother. Years ago she came to us, through the statue portal, and handed you to us. She told us that you couldn’t stay there and for us to raise you.”

“Why?” mind tried to take everything in.

“She didn’t say I’m afraid. All she did was…”

“Sit in a chair and sang to me a lullaby,” she nodded. My heart felt heavy as I sat with her and a lone tear escaped my eye. “So I am from that world. But why did she send me away? Based on my dream surrounding my father and when we were in that large stone room, we must be in Equestria somewhere. And because my father was indeed there that means both pony and human are there. I would have to be in danger somehow for her to bring me here.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” she said and stood up from the desk putting her hands on my cheeks. “just remember that your mom and I love you. She loves you so much that she’s afraid of never seeing you again and losing you.”

I just sighed as we hugged again, “I know and you’re right about that, but even if you hadn’t told me I’d still have to go because of what’s happening to me.”

She nodded while she took a minute to just hold me, “I know, I know. Just let me hold you for a minute,” she whispered. So, I let her. She held on for a good few minutes before letting me go. Then she stood like a sergeant, “I assume that you have a plan.”

I smiled, “Don’t worry, my friends and I along with some others have got it covered. Just keep this out of sight under lock and key.”

Luna picked it up and smiled, “Don’t worry she won’t get it.”

After walking out of the office it was time for second period. So, I hurried over to the football field where Rainbow and AJ were sure to be waiting for me. Hopefully Rainbow hasn’t told AJ about last night.

^_^

“Well hi there sugarcube,” AJ announced cheerfully while walking up tome giving me her usual punch in the arm greeting. “How’d you sleep last night?” she asked and immediately suspected.

“Slept fine,” I eyed her suspiciously. “Why?”

She just giggled while turning to watch Rainbow walk up, “Oh nothin’.”

Rainbow had a huge grin on her face, “She told you didn’t she?”

“Eyup.”

Dammit.

“Hey stud,” Rainbow said after walking up to me and giving me a light punch to my ribs, “Ready for a workout?”

All I did was point toward the track, “Let’s go, we got to talk.” I started on the track first as both of them followed beside me. We started running at a slow jog while telling them what happened, “The crown just showed up almost an hour ago. Luna has it hidden in a safe place for now.”

“What? It’s here?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah it’s here which means that Sunset will also be here, but at least she won’t be able to get it.”

“What about that crown being used for the Princess of the Fall Formal?” AJ asked as started to round the far side of the field. “I mean if she wins then she still gets the crown right?”

“You know,” Rainbow pipped up clearly worried, “You’re right AJ. We need someone to run against her in order to keep that crown away from her.”

“I’m wondering if the real owner of the crown is going to show up?”

“Good question Fred,” AJ panted beside me, “but how will we know who the real owner is?”

“Good question,” I told her, “I guess we’ll have to watch and see who asks about the crown AJ. Then go from there. Until then go ahead and text everyone to watch out for Sunset and listen for anyone asking about the crown.”

“On it,” Rainbow saluted.

“You got it sugarcube,” AJ did the same as the word was put out. I just hoped that it would be enough to solve this and put everything straight.

However, I got another surprise toward the end of PE. When I saw Rainbow and AJ again, they appeared out of breath, which confused me. “Hey, you two OK?” I asked while sitting down beside them off to the side.

“Are we OK?” Rainbow asks between gasps of breath, “You’re kidding right?”

“Yeah, I mean look at you sugarcube. You’ve been running all this time and you haven’t even broken a sweat yet.” Both of them were glaring at me and I didn’t know why, “What’s the big idea? You suddenly superman or something?”

I just shook my head slowly not having a clue what they were referring to, “What do you mean?”

“Listen stud,” Rainbow spoke up, “Yesterday you only got eight laps before you collapsed. Now, look at you. You’ve done at least twice that and haven’t even started sweating yet. What gives?”

“You know you’re right,” it just hit me when she said it, “I have no idea.” Could it be the crown that did this? It gave me hands that could be lit like a match so why not super strength or something? It was intriguing to be sure, but it would have to wait though. I offered a hand to both of them, “Sorry I don’t know what to say, but third period is about to start.”

I helped them both up with Rainbow following me toward our next class. AJ in the meantime told us that she and her brother had to get the cases of Apple Cider for the Fall Formal and take it to the gym. When we got there though Fluttershy had some news for us.

“What is it Fluttershy?” Rarity and Rainbow sat in chairs close to us so we could whisper.

“Sunset showed up and cornered me asking about the crown,” she started her tale, “I was scared and told her that you took it to the Principal's Office. But then another girl showed up with purple hair with a pink streak through it. She said her name was Twilight Sparkle and she also asked about the crown. I hope I did OK.”

“You did awesome Fluttershy,” Rainbow said as we all comforted her, which made her feel much much better.

“OK y’all,” I said getting them closer together, “Sunset can’t get to the crown and must win as princess in order to get it. However, it looks like this Twilight who showed up could be the original owner.”

“That’s good Fred darling, but how do we help?”

“I’m betting she’s smart and will know that in order to get her crown back she’ll have to win being Princess. So, the best thing to do is wait until she comes to us for help. She’ll have to go to Pinkie in the gym in order to sign up. That’s where we can meet to give her pointers and warn her against Sunset. Remember that she’ll be from Equestria, from the other side of that portal. So by letting her come to us we won’t scare her away OK?”

“Got it stud.”

“OK,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Understood darling,” Rarity nodded with a smile, “Perhaps I can make something for her.”

I just smiled and rolled my eyes at Rarity and her antics, but she was great at making clothes and has the most generous spirit of anyone. With them notified I wanted to update Flash and Vinyl. Flash was first.

:: Hey Flash, could you and your team watch out for a girl named Twilight Sparkle? She has purple hair with a pink streak running down. She is wearing a light blue shirt and a purple skirt::

:: Hey Fred, as a matter of fact, I saw her earlier. Tumbled out of the crowd and onto the floor. Yeah I’ll watch out, why?::

:: Right now a person of interest could be a VIP::

:: Sure you got it, man. Besides, she’s cute::

I just shook my head with a chuckle. :: Careful Flash what would Sunset think?::

:: Hey she doesn’t control me anymore, but I am surprised that she hasn’t done anything to me::

::Be careful::

::You know me man::

:: LOL I know that’s why I said it::

With Flash updated, I went to Vinyl.

:: Hey Vi, could you watch out for a girl named Twilight Sparkle. She has purple hair with a pink streak in it with a light blue shirt and purple skirt::

:: Yeah she’s in Celestia’s office right now discussing something::

:: Thanks Vi, that’s all I needed to know. You’re a gem::

“OK Vinyl told me that Twilight is with my mother right now,” I whispered to them as the class was well underway.

“Which means what darling?”

“Meaning my dear Rarity,” I smirked to her, “is that we watch and wait.”

“Alright you four,” came our teacher's voice as we separated, “your little powwow is over, time to attend class.” The whole class giggled and chuckled as I held up a hand.

“Sorry,” after my apology the class continued.

^_^

The good thing about all this is that my friends and I got pretty much the rest of the day off. The reason being is that we are preparing for the Fall Formal. So, Fluttershy, Rarity, and I all went to the cafeteria for lunch. Rainbow had to go help AJ. Rarity and I already had our meal so, we waited for Fluttershy. I watched Fluttershy like a hawk, blame myself for being protective of her. The cafeteria was filled with the smell of food and drink. Not to mention the sound of chatter. I was sipping on my coke when a purple-haired girl starts talking to Fluttershy.

That’s her. Fluttershy got shocked into spilling her fruit bowl. That must have been the news about her running for the Princess of the Fall Formal. Bet my car on it. Twilight and Fluttershy made their way over as she introduced her to us.

“Everybody,” Fluttershy said while sitting down, “this is Twilight Sparkle and she is running against Sunset in the Fall Formal.” After Twilight sat down Fluttershy motioned to us, “These are my friends Fred and Rarity.”

She is really nervous, that much is obvious. I offered my hand. Which she shook it as if she was going to shake a bomb or something. “Hi there Miss Sparkle,” my voice was as friendly as could be.

“Hi darling,” Rarity shook Twilight’s hand as well, “do you need any outfits because I’ve already got a few ideas for you.”

I chuckled after taking a sip of my coke, “She’s good Twilight, and good luck in your running for the Fall Formal. Sunset’s a mean one so watch out for dirty tricks OK?”

“Um…OK I’ll uh remember that,” her voice was a little unsteady and nervous, “Thank you.” I noticed that her eyes were darting between us as well.

“You’re welcome,” I told her. It’s not surprising that she’s nervous being from another world and all. Still, I need more information.

“Rarity,” Twilight spoke up with her voice a little more sure of itself, “you make clothes here?”

“Yes, I do and I’m one of the best if I do say so myself,” Rarity beamed while putting a hand to her chest. “I would enjoy making one for you for the Fall Formal. We need someone to run against that witch Sunset. She causes too much trouble and division around here.”

“Oh I agree Rarity,” Fluttershy spoke up then turned to Twilight again, “I want to thank you again for standing up for me.”

“Yes,” I confirmed with a nod, “thanks for doing that. Fluttershy is our dear friend and we’re rather protective of her as well as each other.”

She blushed a little while munching on an apple, “You’re welcome. After all, I just couldn’t stand there.” Then she seemed to change gears, “Principal Celestia said that I needed to speak with the head of the party planning committee in order to sign up.”

I nodded to her while eating my lunch, “Correct. That would be Pinkie Pie. She’s currently in the gym right now making sure all the decorations are perfect. We all can take you there after we finish lunch.”

She nodded, “Thank you, that would be great.” Then everything fell silent. So, I’d figure I would try to get some information about her. You know, standard questions that anyone would ask.

“So, Twilight, can I call you Twilight?”

She seemed to think about it but then nodded.

“Twilight,” I smiled at her, “Where you from?”

“Oh…uh,” she was obviously thinking about it, “Quite a ways from here.”

“I’ll bet,” I chuckled, “So how you liking it so far?”

“It’s um,” she paused for a time, “…different than what I’m used to.”

I’ll say.

“Well Twilight,” Rarity spoke up and put a hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “You can count on us to be by your side.”

Twilight blinked and looked between us as if she couldn’t believe her ears, “You mean you all will be my friends?”

“Oh yes,” Fluttershy spoke up happily, “After all it’s the least we could do.”

“That’s right darling. You helped us already by helping our dear Fluttershy, so it’s our turn to help you. Isn’t that right Freddie pooh?”

I laughed a little at her antics, but smiled all the same, “You bet Rarity anytime anyplace.” Right after Rarity spoke to me that last time I heard a growl coming from somewhere.

Twilight just giggled slightly, “I must be hungry.”

“Well eat up then. Can’t have our new princess run on an empty stomach can we?” she actually smiled a little, which was encouraging.

“So Fred dear,” Rarity had finished her meal and was making sure her outfit was still clean, “how are we going to ensure that Sunset doesn’t interfere this year?”

“Well,” I sat back pretending to think it over, “I can have Flash and his team plus Vinyl and her group watch out for Twilight here. Making sure that neither Sunset nor her two henchmen, Snips and Snails, get to do anything to you.”

“You have what now?” Twilight looked at me a little confused.

“Think of them as bodyguards,” I chuckled, “you see Sunset will try and sabotage you like she’s done with all the rest who ran against her.”

“Oh yes, like the girl during the Spring Fling,” Fluttershy brought up.

“Oh what she did was truly horrible,” Rarity spat out. “Bringing up all that past so that she could influence the votes, truly un-ladylike.”

“You have no idea,” Twilight whispered just under her breath, but I caught it.

I looked up to her, “Sorry?”

For a second her eyes went wide but then recovered, “Oh nothing. I just said that I had no idea…that she would be that way.”

“Well you do now and now that lunch is nearly over why don’t we head over to see Pinkie?” She smiled and stood from the table.

“OK,” she agreed while I offered to carry her tray for her. Of course, that got Rarity in on that too and then Fluttershy, so I wound up carrying all of them. Lucky me.

^_^

As we walked into the gym we didn’t see Pinkie right off. That’s because she met us with the shout of…

“INCOMING,” from above somewhere, and a mess of streamers came down. We were covered from head to toe in them. Every size and color we adorned now as they hung from everywhere. Looking down was Twilight on the floor covered with them.

“Pinkie Pie,” Rarity called out in frustration, “you know how long it takes to get these out of my hair?”

After chuckling at Rarity I knelt down to Twilight picking out the streamers to dig her out, “You in there Twilight? Sorry about that, Pinkie can be so random sometimes. Here let me help you.” I offered my hand when her head got uncovered.

“Thanks and it’s OK, I’m used to it,” she said, still a little nervously, but took my hand anyway and stood up.

“Oops sorry everyone,” Pinkie said while inflating a balloon quickly, pointed the open end toward us, then let all the air out. Everyone’s hair got blown back as all the streamers got blown away as well. “There,” Pinkie said proudly, “all better.”

“Now then,” I motioned to Twilight to continue.

“Huh? Oh yeah,” Twilight walked up to Pinkie, “Fluttershy told me that you are the head of the party planning committee and that I can sign up to be Princess of the Fall Formal.”

“You want to run for Princess?” Pinkie asked as she gave the biggest shocked face that I’ve ever seen with a loud large gasp. Then she went back to normal and pulled out a pen and pad from her hair, “You can add your name to the list here.”

Everyone watched as Twilight seemed hesitant, but she grabbed the pen and started writing. She looked like she had to concentrate on it, which made me curious. When she got done Pinkie turned it around and was shocked, “WOW, you have really bad handwriting. It’s like you’ve never held a pen before.”

“Now Pinkie,” Rarity stepped up putting a gentle hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “that’s not a very nice thing to say.”

“Oops sorry,” Pinkie said apologetically, “sometimes I let my mouth speak before I do.”

“It’s OK,” Twilight dismissed with a wave of her hand.

“Did somebody order a dozen cases of our apple cider?” came AJ’s voice as she burst into the gym. She carried one case and set it down on the table near the door.

“Ooh, Ooh me me me me,” Pinkie bounced up and down excitedly racing over.

“Can you bring in the other cases Big Mac?” AJ called out which he gave out his usual eyup to it.

I decided to sit on a bleacher next to the table and watch. Twilight and the others walked over. It was then that AJ spotted Twilight, “Hey I know you.”

“You do?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Yeah,” AJ cheered happily while taking out a bottle and biting off the cap, “you’re the one who gave Sunset the what for today and protected our friend Fluttershy.”

Pinkie leaned over the table, with a balloon in hand, toward AJ, “Twilight here has signed up to run against Sunset for Princess of the Fall Formal.”

AJ nearly choked on her cider…almost. After she put down the bottle she turned to Twilight with an air of caution, “I’d be careful then if I were you. Oh, sure she’ll approach you all friendly-like, then once your back was turned…” She pretended that one of her hands held a knife and pressed her empty hand against her side pretending she’s in pain, “Then comes the back stabbin’.” AJ grabbed Pinkie and pulled her back down to the floor as she floated by.

“They told me already about what she did to the girl who ran for the Spring Fling,” Twilight said looking nervous about the whole thing using one finger to twirl one lock of her hair.

“Definitely uncool,” Rainbow said as she came in with Big Mac and the last of the cases. She then walked up and put an arm around Twilight, “But don’t worry about it Twilight, you got us to help.”

Twilight then smiled for the first time that I’ve seen her. And not a small one either, but a real big happy one, “Thank you all.”

“You’re welcome. The name’s Rainbow Dash,” she said while shaking Twilight’s hand, “captain of almost every team here. I see you met Applejack over there and Rarity, Fluttershy, Fred, and Pinkie Pie.”

I got an idea and walked up to one of the crates and grabbed a bottle. Then with a smile presented it to Twilight, “Why don’t you have a bottle to go.”

“Thank you,” she smiled at me, though I wasn’t sure if it was strained or not, “it was really nice of you, but right now I have to do some research on how I’m going to win that crown. So, yeah I’ll see you all later.” With that, she almost ran out of the gym.

Turned out it was a good thing too because soon after she left the double doors burst open with, “THIS LOOKS TERRIBLE.” While we gathered together Sunset, plus her cohorts, walked toward some floating balloons and popped them. “There should be more streamers near the stage and fewer balloons.” But it didn’t end there because she walked up to one of the bottles of cider and looked at it like it was the most disgusting thing on earth. “Ugh,” she said holding up a bottle with two fingers, “Fizzy apple cider? This is my coronation, not a hoedown.”

“Hey back off Sunset,” Rainbow said with a growl in her voice. I wasn’t doing too well either. Fluttershy, of course, was hiding behind me.

“Yeah,” AJ walked up beside Rainbow, “besides it’s not necessarily going to be your coronation this time around.”

Sunset zipped up to AJ with a glare, “Oh is that so? I can’t see why not because I’m running unopposed.” Sunset struck a pose trying to look all prim and proper.

Rainbow gave out a quick laugh, “Not this year queeny because you’ve got a competitor and we’ll make sure that it stays fair.”

“WHAT?!” Sunset asked as Pinkie showed her the clipboard.

“I know,” Pinkie mentioned, “Her handwriting is really bad.”

I watched as Sunset seemed to burn up right there in front of us, figuratively speaking of course, “Where is this Twilight Sparkle?” Like a light switch, her demeanor changed instantly to, “I’m looking forward to meeting with the competition.”

Naturally, we didn’t believe her, but she left right after that by practically dragging her two cohorts out with her. Meanwhile, I quickly gathered everyone together telling them that I was going to follow her and for them to continue with the preparations. They didn’t like it, but I said that I would be fine and for them not to worry. Just when I was peaking my head out of the door I heard Rainbow start whispering to the other girls. She’s obviously telling them about what happened between us. Right after walking out, I heard them all gasp at once, Yep, I was right. Dammit Rainbow.

I carefully followed Sunset as to not be seen by her. She sent her minions to do something else while I stayed out of sight. She turned the corner down the dark short hallway that nearly everyone avoids. There was an empty locker nearby that I could hide inside and listen.

“Can’t believe I didn’t recognize you earlier,” Sunset spoke first. “Should have known Princess Celestia would have sent her prized pupil after my crown. And her little dog too.”

“It’s my crown,” Twilight sounded like she was about to breathe fire or something.

“Whatever, this is just a minor setback for me,” Sunset dismissed her. “You don’t know the first thing about this place and I already rule it.”

Think again Sunset.

“If that’s so, why do you even need my crown? You went to an awful lot of trouble to switch it with the one that belongs here.”

“Pop Quiz, What happens when you bring an Element of Harmony into an alternate world?”

An element of Harmony? That’s what that crown is? But what’s an Element of Harmony?

“Seriously? You don’t know? And you’re supposed to be Princess Celestia’s star student?” Now Sunset seemed like she was really rounding on poor Twilight. “Then again,” she continued, “what were the chances she’d find somepony as bright as me to take under her wing after I decided to leave Equestria?”

WHAT? Do you mean that Sunset is from there? That would explain a lot of things.

“Bit embarrassing that you were the best she could do.” There was a sudden bark from a small dog, “Oh, and I’d keep an eye on your mutt. I’d hate for him to be taken away from you.”

Then another voice spoke. One that I didn’t recognize. It was like a little boy's voice, “Is that a threat?”

“Oh, of course not,” Sunset sounded amused, “but I’d cut down on the chatter if I were you. Don’t want everyone to know you two don’t belong here, now would you?”

Look who’s talking. Already I was getting protective of Twilight while hating Sunset more and more.

“You want to be a princess here? Please,” Sunset again this time with her footsteps heading toward me, “you don’t know the first thing about fitting in.” Sunset left as she passed in front of the locker that I was still hiding in.

“So what do you think Twilight?” the little boy's voice spoke up again a little bit later once Sunset was out of earshot.

Twilight sighed, “I don’t know Spike. She was right about one thing though. I really don’t know how to fit in here.”

“What about that Fred fella, Fluttershy, and the others? You should be able to trust them. They are the human counterparts of your friends in Equestria. Except for Fred, but he seems to a good human.”

I saw Twilight walk around the corner where I could see her and what I saw shocked me. There was a small dog in her backpack and it was talking. My eyes went wide as I watched and listened to their conversation.

“You’re right Spike,” she told him, “They do seem nice. But still, they are humans and they are nothing but slaves there. No rights, forbidden to know how to read, and sometimes not even allowed to think for themselves. And remember what the schools taught years ago?”

What I heard rocked me to my core, What?

“I know that Celestia stopped that teaching that all humans are evil about eighteen years ago. And that she’s been trying to turn things around for the humans since then. We really haven’t had any trouble with them since they stopped that teaching.”

“That’s true,” Twilight agreed.

“As a matter of fact,” Spike, the talking dog which is still freaking me out a little, said, “humans aren’t that bad at all. They’re like us really. The only difference is the look and no magic.”

“You really think so Spike?” she asked looking skeptical.

“Listen Twilight,” Spike continued, “because I’m your number one assistant I’ve been dealing with them ever since you started sending me out on errands alone. So, I’ve gotten to know quite a lot of them on a personal level. Generally speaking, they’re good humans. Sure, there are a few bad apples, but then again we know more bad ponies than we do bad humans.”

“That’s true,” Twilight sighed, “alright Spike I’ll tell you what. I’ll keep an open mind and give them all a chance.”

“That’s great Twilight,” Spike panted happily.

“First I need to find a library to do some research,” Twilight said with a wide smile now walking away.

I waited until I was sure they were out of eyesight before stepping out of the locker. My mind reeling from the information as I walked without a destination in mind. Humans are slaves over there? Then my father must have been one too. If that was the case then he was her slave and she fell in love. That also explains why she sent me away. To protect me from that possible fate. I was walking through the halls like a zombie. Probably looking like one too with my slightly pale face looking shocked and all.

Everyone must be in class because the halls were empty. Without even looking or thinking I found myself in front of Luna’s office. I knocked.

“Enter.”

I simply went in and sat into the chair. “Nephew?” Luna asked when she saw the look on my face, “what’s wrong? What happened?” She knelt down in front of me putting her hands on my cheeks, “Something happened, what is it?”

It took me a minute or two, but finally, I looked at her. “I know why my birth-mother sent me here,” my voice soft with shock, “I overheard Twilight and Sunset talking and I got a lot of information.”

“What is it?”

I took a deep breath and continued, “Both Twilight and Sunset Shimmer are from Equestria. My birth-mother, Princess Celestia, sent me here because over there humans are nothing but slaves.”

“Wait,” Luna paused me, “then how were you born to her then?”

“My father must have been a slave that she fell in love with. When they were found out she must have sent me here in order to keep me from a fate as a slave or worse.”

“Makes sense,” Luna said sitting down on the edge of her desk. “So what about the crown?”

“Twilight is the real owner and it’s an Element of Harmony. Whatever that is.”

“Wow,” she spoke softly.

“Yeah.”

“What are you going to do then?” she asked me.

I knew what she was referring to. Regarding me staying here or leaving for Equestria. I sighed and stood up, “I’ll have to go with her. I want to see my birth mother.”

Luna hugged me tightly in her arms. Her sniffles already tugging at my heart. “Yes,” she said with her voice shaking, “you should.” Then she pulled away and looked at me with some tears in her eyes, “I’ll miss you, but just remember that both your mother and I are so proud of you and the man that you have become.”

“Thanks, Aunt Luna,” I smiled wiping away some of the tears, “will you be with me when I try and talk with mom tonight?”

“Yes, I will. Are you alright now?”

I gently grasped her arms with my hands and nodded my head, “I’ll get there. It’s just a lot to take in on such short notice.”

“I know my dear nephew, but I also know that you are a strong and honorable man,” she started to cry again but with a proud smile, “one that I’m so proud to call my nephew.”

We hugged again as she sniffed into my ear.

Then I heard her giggle when she said, “Even if you are an alien from another world.”

That did it. We both pulled back and laughed. It was just what I need to steady myself as we laughed together. “Thanks,” finally getting my breath back, “I needed that.” Right then my phone went off and it was a text from Flash.

:: Fred, one of my guys thought they saw Snips and Snails spying on Twilight in the library. They might be up to something::

:: Thanks Flash, I’m on my way::

“Sorry, got to go. Snips and Snails are at it again under Sunset’s orders.”

“What are they doing?” she asked as I headed to the door putting my phone away.

“Don’t know that’s what I’m going to find out,” I walked out of her office making a beeline for the library. Hoping beyond hope that I would get there in time before they got done with whatever they had planned.

It didn’t take long to get to the library, but it felt like forever. Snips and Snails were hiding behind a small pile of books while Twilight was fiddling with a copier. Not surprising. Those two nitwits haven’t seen me yet, so I tiptoed my way over while their attention was on Twilight. And when close enough I grabbed them by their shirt collars. “Aha caught ya red-handed you little varmints,” tried my best imitation of AJ. Of course, they started squirming and complaining as I pulled them away.

“Hey what are you doing?” Snips complained as he wiggled.

“We have a right to be here,” Snails said, “and you’ll be sorry when Sunset hears about this.”

I drug them right out of the library then tossed them aside, “Yeah like I’m really scared of her. Now you listen here you two punks. I know you are under orders from Sunset and I don’t care. You’re not going to get any more of whatever you want now git.”

Instantly they went running.

Meanwhile, I turned around and headed back into the library walking up to Twilight who was looking rather confused. “Hey, Twilight. Looks like Snips and Snails were taking pictures of you. And I’m sorry to say I didn’t get here in time to stop them.”

“They were? Why?” she asked and sat down in a chair at one of the computers.

I just shrugged, “There’s the rub, isn’t it? Don’t have a clue, but whatever it is it’ll probably show up in the morning.”

She groaned with her head on the desk in front of the keyboard, “What am I going to do then…um.”

“Fred.”

“Fred,” she finished, “what now?”

“I got an idea. Remember that the girls and I are your friends and friends help each other. So, why don’t I give them a call and we can see what we can do?” I took out my phone and brought them up on text.

Her head lifted up from the table looking at me curiously, “You all would do that?”

I nodded to her, “Sure, it’s what friends do after all.” I started texting the girls for them to come over and that it was an emergency while Twilight gave me a smile saying thank you. Twilight and I chatted a little while we waited for the girls to show up and it didn’t take long.

We started when Fluttershy arrived. “Sorry it took so long girls,” Fluttershy said when she walked up to the group. We had picked a secluded corner of the library for privacy.

“OK now that we are all here,” I started as we all sat in chairs in a circle, “I saw Snips and Snails here taking pictures of Twilight. More than likely they had already gotten what they need when I got there.”

“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said in her usual soft voice, “it’d be like the Spring Fling all over again.”

“Maybe not Fluttershy dear,” Rarity spoke up, “not unless we figure out a way to respond to it.”

“Got anything in mind sugarcube?”

“Not at the moment Applejack, but I’m sure we can figure something out,” Rarity said while crossing her arms over her chest in thought.

“What about trying to shut down whatever they post on YouTube?” Rainbow wondered aloud.

“Not a bad idea if we could find it in time then report it in,” I mused, “they would shut it down and they do act fast so it might cut back on the number of people seeing it.”

“We’ll still need to think of a way to use it against that meanie Sunset Shimmer,” Pinkie said rather grumpily.

“I’ve got a question,” Fluttershy spoke up. “How are we going to exchange ideas tonight if we go to our own homes? I don’t know if we would be able to solve it in just an hour or two.”

“Ooh, I know,” Pinkie bounced in her chair happily clapping her hands, “we can have a slumber party at one of our houses.”

I just grinned.

“You know Pinkie Pie,” AJ smiled putting an arm around her, “you’re one of the craziest people I know and so random I can’t keep up with ya. But every once in a while a brilliant idea will come out of that head of yours.” Then AJ looked between us all, “What do ya say, girls?”

There were agreements all around, even Twilight seemed to like the idea.

Then Rainbow grinned at me and rubbing her hands together, “I can’t wait for the truth or dare game tonight stud.”

I muffled the laugh with a hand over my mouth, “Oh I bet Rainbow and I just imagine some of the things that you would either ask or dare of me.”

“Normally it wouldn’t be proper for a man to be at a girls slumber party,” Rarity started to say then smiled, “But we all know what a gentleman he really is and it would be fine with me.” Again there were agreements all around, though Twilight seemed apprehensive about it, which I could understand.

“Thank you Rarity,” I smiled to her gently taking her hand, “but I’ll have to decline. Aunt Luna, mom, and I have some important family matters to discuss tonight. And unfortunately, it can’t be put off either.”

“Aww come on,” Rainbow was the one that looked downhearted the most.

I looked to her apologetically, “Sorry Rainbow.”

“Oh it’s OK sugarcube,” AJ nodded, “friends are important that’s true, but the core of any person is their family.”

That tugged at my heart, especially since that tomorrow night would be the last I would see them for a while. “I’m so glad and thankful,” I said putting one arm around Rarity and the other around Twilight, “to have all of you girls as my friends.” I even let a tear or two out and that lead to them doing the same. Then I looked to Rainbow and winked, “Even the ones that drive me up the walls sometimes.”

“Hey,” Rainbow gave out a quick soft laugh, “it keeps you in line. Someone has to do it.” Everyone giggled, but I didn’t mind in the least as I smiled at them all.

“Well,” I said with a wide smile, “Now that’s settled. It’s getting near the end of the school day, so I’ll go see my mom and Aunt Luna see what they want me to do.” I stood up while they all waved and said their see you later’s and left them there planning for tonight.

Have you ever felt that feeling where you are sad but really happy and thankful at the same time? Well that was what I was feeling as I walked through the halls toward my mom’s office. She might not want to even talk at all. We might have to wait until we all get home. I stopped in front of her door. Part of me wanted to stay and just forget the whole thing, but then again I felt I had an obligation to go. Not only so I can get to know my birth-mother, but to help her with freeing the humans.

I knocked on the door. “Come in,” I heard my mom call out, so I took a breath and walked in shutting the door behind me.

Before saying anything I just walked over, hugged her, and just held her, “I love you mom and I always will.”

She turned and held me in return putting her arms around me. Laying her head on my chest I could tell that she was beginning to weep. As I was starting to.

“You know that right?” I whispered laying my head on hers.

“I know son,” she whispered while sniffing against my shirt. Her arms were hugging me tight like she never wanted to let me go.

I took a breath and told her what I had to, “But you know we have to talk about.”

At first, she didn’t say anything, just held on to me a little more tightly as she started to weep softly. “No,” she wept and shook her head, “you’ll go away to see her. You won’t be safe there.”

I still held her with my head gently resting on hers and whispered, “That can’t be helped now. But I will come back. I overheard Sunset and Twilight talking. Both of them are from Equestria.”

Her head tilted back and looked up at me with shocked teary eyes. “What?” she whispered in shock up to me.

I nodded to her, “It’s true. That’s how Sunset knew when and where to swipe the crown and who had it. It’s an Element of Harmony, whatever that is. When I touched it is when I got the power and unlocked the rest of my memories.”

Her head rested on my chest again as she silently wept, “I don’t want you to go. You don’t know what it’s like over there.”

“Actually,” I whispered back, “I have a pretty good idea. Twilight and her companion Spike were talking about how the humans over there are slaves. From that, I can guess that she brought me here because she and my father were discovered. So, she brought me here so I wouldn’t suffer a fate like that or worse. However, according to twilight she’s trying to change that and has made some good progress.”

For a little bit she didn’t say anything, just held onto me. Then she slowly leaned back and looked up to me again, “You want to help her don’t you?”

I nodded, “Yes I do. I want to get to know her. Plus with me being her son that could actually help her cause somehow.”

“But you’ll be gone.”

I knelt down in front of her holding her hands, “But I’ll be back mom. True it could be a while like a year or two, but it’s something that I feel that I need to do. Perhaps you could write her a letter.”

“Who else knows?” she asked.

“Well, only you, I, and Luna know everything I just told you in full. My friends only know that the crown belongs to Twilight and to not let Sunset have it. They know that she’s from the other side of the portal, but that’s only because I told them. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure that Sunset doesn’t get the crown OK?”

She nodded, “OK. I might not like you going away, but can you, Luna, and I do something tonight just the three of us?”

I smiled at her and hugged her again, “Of course we can. I’ve already planned for it actually. Twilight and the girls are going to have a sleepover at Rainbow’s.”

“OK,” she said and stood up and looked at the clock, “School’s out for the day, so let’s go make some more memories.” And with that my mom, Luna, and I closed the school locked it down, and left for home.

When we all got home we were sitting on the couch with me between my mother and Luna.

“By the look on your face sister, I believe that you two have talked already?” Luna asked while looking over to her sister.

“Yes we’ve talked,” she smiled sadly to me, “I knew deep in my heart that this might come. I’ve just been denying it.”

“Every bird must leave the nest dear sister,” Luna looked at me and smiled.

My mother leaned into me, “I know, I just hoped that he would stay a while longer.”

I put my arm around her, “Sorry mom.”

“I know. You need to do what you feel is right and I am proud of the man that you have become.”

Aunt Luna put her arm around me with a wide smile, “And so am I my dear nephew.”

“Sister, he suggested that I write to Princess Celestia,” my mother thought, “but I think I have a better idea. Sister, you have your own scrapbook of Fred growing up don’t you?”

Luna nodded, “Yes of course.”

“Good, then I’ll send mine with him when he goes and we can share yours then,” Celestia nearly beamed.

“That’s a wonderful idea and I do believe that I’ll write a letter of my own,” Luna got up to get the scrapbook and some paper and pens.

“And what else are we going to do tonight?” I asked curiously, “Like maybe a movie or two?”

“Alright,” Celestia winked, “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t read our letters to your birth-mother,” she grinned. I didn’t like how she grinned with that. Not that I was going to read them anyway.

“Deal.”

She nearly squealed like a fangirl over the joy of visiting memories.

“Here we are,” Luna said putting the scrapbook down with a short stack of paper and pens for them to write with.

So, for the next little while, I was strolling down memory lane starting with the earliest. And since we all know what happened to me now they started a few days after I showed up. You can imagine how that went. They talked about how she showed up, sat in the recliner, and sang a lullaby to me for a while. Soon she had to leave. One thing that I didn’t know was that Luna was the one who drove her back to the statue. Not only that but watched her walk into it. Turned out she waited until the very last minute.

Then came the usual first steps, first words, etcetera with the typical cooing.

“Oh do you remember this Luna?” my mother said while pointing to a picture in the scrapbook.

“Oh yeah,” Luna cooed and smiled, “Once he started walking he almost immediately started running.”

“And wouldn’t quit,” mom cooed.

They giggled and I lived my life over picture after picture, memory after memory, and story after story. For a while, I relived my life until it a little after sundown. We got up to the beginning of junior high when my cellphone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey stud,” Rainbow’s voice came over the phone, “What you up to?”

“Walking down memory lane with mom and Aunt Luna, Why?” Which was a good question.

“Well we are playing truth or dare and we have a truth question for ya.”

I groaned putting the phone down and a hand over my face, “Rainbow.”

“Oh come one, just one.”

My mother grabbed the phone and put it on speaker mode, “Go ahead Rainbow what was the question you want to ask Fred?”

My head snapped to my mother in horror. She didn’t just do that, did she? “Oh come on mom really?” I heard lots of giggles coming from the other side.

“Do you always get a boner in the morning or just when sleeping with me?”

“RAINBOW,” I shouted at the phone in disbelief at the question she just asked. What I heard from the phone right after that was laughter, Twilight asking what a boner was, and Fluttershy going, “Oh my.” Then to my surprise, both my mom and Luna looked at me with a wicked smirk and raised eyebrows.

I looked between them and was even more shocked by the looks on their faces, “Oh come on not you too.” That’s when Luna grabbed one arm, my mom grabbed the other, and my mom picked up the phone.

“Miss Dash would it be possible for all of us to come over so he can answer that in person?” my mother asked while I looked at her like she had just grown a second head.

I was speechless. However, Rainbow wasn’t.

“Aw yeah,” Rainbow cheered into the phone as others agreed to it, “Of course you can.”

“That’s great Miss Dash,” my mother said while I was staring at her with my mouth hanging open as if I was catching flies, “We’ll be right over.” Then she hung up the phone and both of them started to drag me to the car.

At least I was already in my shorts and t-shirt for bed. I had no clue where we going to sleep. That would all be worked out later after my fulfilling embarrassment.

Next Chapter: Chapter Four: The Portal to Equestria Estimated time remaining: 24 Hours, 51 Minutes