My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony

by Captain_Cosmos

First published 27th of August, 2020

Ponyville get's a new resident!

When a mare moves to Ponyville, she expected to find what her parents have told her. That Ponyville is a place for all of ponykind to live together in harmony. And she does find that to be true...but she fears that her biggest secret will ruin her new life in the not-so-quiet town.

What will happen when she meets a certain group of mares? Only time will tell.

AU CHANGES:

Takes Place during season 8 and beyond, but Cozy Glow doesn't exist.

Celestia and Luna NEVER retire and hoof over the throne to Twilight.

OTHER NOTES:

As the story progresses, tags and characters will be added as deemed necessary

ALL ELEMENTS USED IN THE COVER BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS!

Ahem. Uh, Hi. It's me, Fluttershy. um, If for whatever reason you have a need to leave a dislike on this story, could you please consider leaving a comment explaining WHY? That way we know what to improve on in the future? Uh, Thank you for reading,

Episode 1: Arrival

The Friendship Express skidded to a halt in the train station. Once it stopped moving, it’s passenger car doors opened and let it’s passengers disembark. Among these passengers was a hot pink mare in a gray leather overcoat and carrying saddlebags. She stepped off the train, walked past the ticket booth, and out into town. She looked around, and then summoned a brochure out of her bag with her magic. She gave it a look over, and then looked around again. She smiled. “Well. This is the place. This is Ponyville.” She gave off a content sigh as she continued looking around. Everywhere she looked, she could see Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns going about their business, and living in harmony with each other. The mare smiled. “Looks like mom and dad weren’t kidding when they said this place had all three subspecies of ponies living here in harmony. Although...” She looked off in the distance...to see a massive crystal castle standing over the town. “They never mentioned a giant castle made of crystals being part of town.” She raised an eyebrow as she looked at the brochure again. She didn’t see a giant crystal castle anywhere on the town map. “Hm. Must be a recent addition.” She shrugged and put the brochure back in her saddlebag. “Gotta get an up-to-date town map. In the meantime, I should get to my new house and start unpacking. And make sure nothing got destroyed in shipping...oh dear Celestia...MY INSTRUMENTS!” On that note. The mare took off in a full gallop into town.

A few minutes later, she reached the front door of her new home and stopped. She looked at the number on the door. She smiled. “453 Pony Street. This is it. Oh please don’t let anything be broken.” She reached out with her magic to open the door, but stopped and actually fell back a little ways when a giant monster landed on the roof and let out a loud roar. She looked up to see the monster staring right at her. “WHAT THE?!” The monster roared again, causing all nearby ponies to flee in terror. The Mare just stood up and looked the monster right in the eye. “Oh no you don’t! I didn’t spend hours on a train just to become homeless!” She charged up her horn and with one burst of magic, sent the monster rocketing into the sky, far FAR away from the town. The Mare smiled at her handiwork. “That was close.” She returned to her door and went to open it, before stopping again when she got the feeling she was being watched. She turned around to see seven ponies staring at her, jaws ajar. The Mare looked around nervously. Trying to find words. Finally the words came out. “Uh...that...that wasn’t your guys’ monster...pet, was it?”

The white unicorn shook her head. “No. Not at all darling, we were trying to run it out of town.”

The blue rainbow maned Pegasus nodded. “But then we turn the corner and see you blast it into Tartarus!”

The Mare smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Yeah. Well...I did just move here. I’m not really keen on losing my house on the first—oof!” That was as far as the Mare got before she was tackled to the ground by the pink earth pony, who was beaming at her.

“YOU’RE NEW THIS IS AMAZING WELCOME TO PONYVILLE I’M PINKIE PIE WHAT’S YOUR NAME YOU WANT A TOUR I CAN SHOW YOU AROUND FIRST I GOTTA PLAN A WELCOME PARTY FOR YOU I’LL INVITE EVERYPONY AND YOU’LL MAKE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS AND THIS IS SO EXCITING I GOTTA GO THANK YOU FOR HELPING RUN THAT MONSTER OUT OF TOWN SEE YA LATER!” Before the Mare knew what was happening, the pink earth pony, who was called pinkie pie? She didn’t quite catch that. The pink earth pony mare bounced off her and disappeared at lightning speed.

The Mare twitched, trying to regain control of her body from the shock. “Uh...Anypony else’s ears ringing after that concert?” She asked dazedly.

She heard chuckling before an orange hoof entered her vision. She took it and was helped back onto her hooves by another Earth Pony. Who gave her a warm smile. “That’s just Pinkie Pie sugarcube. The resident Party Planner AND one mare welcome committee of Ponyville.”

The Mare nodded as she shook off any remaining daze. “So her tackling me to the ground and nearly deafening me was the welcome wagon...okey dokey.”

That got a chuckle out of the group. The white unicorn nodded. “Please forgive her for tackling you. She just gets excited like that.”

The Mare nodded. “Well, she managed to NOT break any bones so...I’ll look past it.”

Everypony chuckled at that. The light pink unicorn smiled. “Good. She doesn’t mean any harm. She just wants to make sure everypony smiles.”

The Mare nodded. “I can tell.”

The lavender unicorn nodded. “Yeah. Anyway. Thank you for helping with the monster. We do appreciate it.”

The Mare nodded. “No problem. Uh...that’s not a common occurrence around here...is it?”

The white unicorn chuckled. “Do not worry darling, the creatures of the Everfree Forest typically stick to the Forest itself.”

The Mare sighed in relief and nodded. “Oh Thank Elysium. I was afraid I just moved into Tartarus’s playground.”

That got a chuckle out of everyone. “You actually just moved into its front yard. Still safer though.” Commented the rainbow maned Pegasus.

The Mare nodded. “Well. We’ll see.” She glanced at her door, which STILL hadn’t been opened yet. “Anywho. I should probably go in and start unpacking. It was really nice to meet you all. I guess I’ll see you all at the party?” She saw everypony nod. She nodded back. “Great. See you then.”

Everypony smiled and waved back. “See you then.” They all recited.

The Mare nodded and turned to finally enter her new home. She took a glance back to see the group of mares leaving, but her eyes widened as she caught sight of the lavender unicorn’s side. The Mare saw that she had WINGS. She let out a quiet gasp. Sweet Honey! She’s got them too! The Mare quickly entered her home and shut the door. She breathed heavily before sighing. “I thought I was the only one.” She shook her head clear. “No. No she can’t possibly have them. It was probably the daze of being tackled unexpectedly. Yeah. It must’ve been that.” She breathed in, and out. “Next time you see her, she’s either going to have wings, or a horn. Not both.”

With that. She nodded and went to open a box, only for the box she was going to open to EXPLODE and the pink earth pony from before landed on her hooves. “Hiya new friend!”

The Mare stumbled back on her rump in shock. “What the?! Why...but you...how...what?!” Her brain struggled to think right as Pinkie chuckled.

“I just came to tell you to get to Sugarcube Corner, go out the front door, turn left and walk til you see the gingerbread looking house. That’s Sugarcube Corner. Anywho. See ya when I come getcha for the party!” With that, Pinkie bounced out the door and closed it behind her.

The Mare stared at the door, not knowing what the hay just happened. “I...I...” She sighed. “I hope there’s someone I can talk to about that Pinkie.” She shook her head as she stood up again. She sighed in relief. “Thank Elysium I hadn’t taken off my coat yet. My secret would’ve been out like that.”

“SECRET? What secret?” The Mare jumped in surprise as Pinkie popped out of a flower pot. She watched as Pinkie landed on the floor.

The Mare’s eye twitched. “But you...I just...HOW DID YOU EVEN FIT IN THERE?!”

Pinkie chuckled. And proceeded to ignore the Mare’s question. “You got a secret? What is it? I can totally keep it for you. What is it?”

The Mare shook her head and smiled nervously. “Secret? What secret? I don’t have a secret. Why are we talking about secrets?”

Pinkie gave the Mare a hard stare. Nopony moved for what seemed like hours, then, Pinkie smiled. “Okey doki Loki. But I got my eye on you. No mystery shall go unsolved with Pinkamena Diane Pie!” With that, Pinkie bounced out the door, again. And closed it behind her. Again.

The Mare immediately used her magic to LOCK the door behind her. And sighed in relief. “Phew. That was way too close.” She walked to inspect the flowerpot that Pinkie had popped out of. She peered in and saw that the pot WASN’T able to fit a pony. “Yep. Definitely asking about that mare. So far she’s fit into a box, and a flowerpot, and I HAVEN’T seen her enter. At all.” She sighed and shook her head. “Just focus on unpacking. You’ll have plenty of time to question that mare now that you’re living in her town.” With that, the Mare started unpacking...trying to decide whether to fear the welcome party or not.

To be continued.

Author's Notes:

WHOO! Sure is GREAT to be back!

After being bitten by the shipping bug of other fandoms, I.E. Lumity from The Owl House, MLP has managed to draw me BACK and inspire this brand new story! ENJOY!

leave a comment with theories, predictions, or things you want to see happen in this series. I'm open to suggestions.

Episode 2: Apples and Cake

The Mare took the end of a cable in her magic and inserted it into the correct input going into a music mixer. Once she confirmed that it was in and secured. She smiled and stood up, stepping back to admire her handiwork. She looked around. She was currently standing in the basement of her new house. Which she had spent the last hour converting into her home studio. The Mare chuckled to herself when her eyes fell onto the mess of cables that ran from her music mixing equipment to her amps and mics. “After I calibrate everything to the acoustics in here. I’ll fix that cable management mess.” She heard a rumbling sound and realized it was her stomach. She snickered when she glanced at the clock she had hung up by the stairs. It read 1:30PM. “Wow. Didn’t realize it had gotten so late. Hm. Now’s as good a time as any to go grocery shopping.” She nodded and turned to leave. As she passed her drum set, she caught her reflection in the polished frame. She turned her head, and gazed directly at her side. Where a gradient blue tipped wing sat folded at her side. She was reminded of it’s twin on her other side when she consciously felt the feathers resting against either side of her. She sighed. I had way too close a call earlier. If that pink mare can appear out of flower pots too small for her...am I really gonna have to start wearing shirts in my own home too? She shook her head, and after taking a deep breath, proceeded up the stairs to go pick up groceries.

Out in the town plaza. A stallion handed a few bits to the cashier. Who smiled and accepted the bits. “Thank you Thunderlane. Here are ya apples.” The cashier took a bag of apples in her mouth and passed it to Thunderlane, who took the bag with his wing.

He nodded. “Thanks a lot Applejack. It’s so good to have an apple farm in town. That means fresh apples all season.”

Applejack chuckled and nodded. “It right does. Have a good day you hear?”

Thunderlane nodded. “You too. Say hi to Granny Smith for me.” With that, he left. Applejack smiled. “Another satisfied customer. She turned her head to look into the stand. “Hey Applebloom. How many apples do we have left?”

Applebloom smiled. “Don’t worry sis. We ain’t about to run out anytime soon.”

Applejack smiled and nodded. “Good.” She turned back to the Plaza, to see a familiar face walking towards them. She smiled. It was Ponyville’s newest resident, the hot pink mare with the gray overcoat. “Well I’ll be. Ponyville’s newest resident.” She tipped her hat to the Mare. “Fancy seeing you again. What brings you around this plaza?”

The Mare smiled. “I was told this is where I go to get some apples. Something about...all fresh all the time?”

Applejack chuckled and nodded. “Y’all heard right. The Apple Family takes pride in the quality of it’s apples. Each is treated just like a foal. How many will that be fer ya?”

The Mare thought for a second before smiling. “Just a small bag’s worth. If it’s not too much trouble.”

Applejack chuckled and nodded, turning into the stand. “Hey Bloom! Small bag of apples!”

“On it sis!”

Applejack smiled and turned back to the Mare. Who smiled back. “You were one of the mares fighting that monster earlier. Right?”

Applejack nodded. “Yep. Also helped ya back up when Pinkie Pie tackled you. Pardon me. We’ve never actually been properly introduced. My name’s Applejack.”

The Mare smiled and held out a hoof to shake Applejack’s. “Sparkling Medley. Ponies call me Sparkler.”

Applejack nodded and shook Sparkler’s hoof. “It’s right nice to meetcha Sparkler. Welcome to Ponyville. You’ll never find a more friendly town in all of Equestria.”

Sparkler chuckled. “My parents said as much. They said Ponyville was the town where ponies from all three species lived in harmony.” She looked around. “And I can definitely see why they’d say that.”

Applejack chuckled and nodded. “And not just ponies either. We’ve had members of other species make lives here. You could say Ponyville’s the capital of Friendship if ever there was one.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Wouldn’t surprise me.”

They both chuckled. Until a smaller pony came up with a bag of apples. “One small bag of apples as requested!

Applejack nodded and took the bag from her. “Thanks Bloom.” She turned to Sparkler. “Here you go Sparkler. One bag of apples.”

Sparkler nodded and took the bag in her magic. “Thank you. How much?”

“Five bits.”

Sparkler nodded and levitated the bits out of her coat pocket and dropped them into the box that Applejack held out. Applejack nodded and smiled. “Thank you for your patronage Sparkler. Stop by Sweet Apple Acres sometime. You’ll receive the customary Apple welcome.”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “Sure. I’ll swing by some time. Talk to you later Applejack.”

Applejack nodded. “See ya at your party.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Yeah. See ya.”

Sparkler turned to leave when she heard Applejack call out to her. “Hey Sparkler. I wouldn’t plan on sticking around here for much longer! If Rarity sees you in that coat, she’ll drag you to the Carousel Boutique and you won’t see the sun for hours.”

Sparkler, while having no sweet clue in Tartarus who the hay Rarity was, chuckled and nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.” With that, she left.

Sparkler walked through town. Having just gotten all her groceries, and a quick lunch, she was on her way home. She walked past a bush, and the bush ruffled. Sparkler stopped and turned her head to the ruffling bush, only to see a Pink mare spring out of it. “Hiya new friend!”

Sparkler gasped and jumped back in surprise. Not this mare again! “What the?! Pinkie Pie?!”

Pinkie nodded. “You know my name! Awesome! I see you just got some groceries Sparkler.”

Sparkler’s mouth dropped. “How do you know my name?!”

Pinkie chuckled. “I overheard you talking to Applejack silly. Anyway, I was just hiding in that bush for you to pass so I could jump out and ask you what your favorite cake flavor was!”

Sparkler’s eye twitched. “Why?”

Pinkie chuckled. “For your party silly! Can’t have a party without cake!”

Sparkler finally recovered from the surprise of being jumped, and smiled. “True. In that case, I’ve always been partial to chocolate.”

Pinkie smiled. “AWESOME! I love chocolate too it’s my favorite flavor it’s just so yummy anyway I best be off gotta chocolate cake to make see ya later Sparkler I sent invites out to everyone see ya!” With that, Sparkler watched as Pinkie took off at Mach something speed away.

Sparkler shook her head to clear her mind. “Geez. Does that mare run on hyper sugar or something?”

“Yes. Yes I do.”

Sparkler jumped again and turned to see Pinkie standing right behind her! Sparkler looked back and forth. “How did...you just...”

Pinkie chuckled. “I just wanted to remind you that I’m on to you.” She suddenly got close to Sparkler and gave her a hard stare. “My Pinkie Sense is never wrong, and it’s been going off ever since you came to town. There’s a mystery surrounding you and Pinkamena Diane Pie WILL sniff it out!” To emphasize her point, she sniffed Sparkler like a dog. Before racing past her at Mach something speed.

Sparkler stopped spinning and shook her head to stop her head from spinning. She looked at Pinkie's trajectory. Her eye twitched again. “Seriously. That mare needs to calm down. That’s the fourth time she’s surprised me, and I haven’t even been here for a whole day!” She groaned. And that’s the second time she’s told me she was on to me. I’m gonna need to be careful around her. She sighed and slightly sank her head. “Should I even try?” She asked herself as she walked back home. Contemplating what to do.

To be continued.

Author's Notes:

Pinkie's on to Sparkler. How long before she sniffs out Sparkler's wings? Only time will tell!

Thx for reading. See you all in the comments!

PS. this is the second of my stories that have pinkie pie, rate my writing accuracy of her antics please.

Episode 3: Detective Pinkie

Twilight Sparkle was walking through the hallways of her castle, going through student tests when something caught her eye. She looked up to see her dragon assistant Spike flapping his wings hard and racing to the front door. She chuckled as she called after him. “Hey Spike! Going somewhere?”

Spike stopped in his tracks, turned to face Twilight, and nodded. “Yeah Twilight. I’m meeting up with Gabby and the CMC to hang out at Sweet Apple Acres.”

Twilight nodded. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. And make sure you guys watch the time. According to Pinkie’s invitation everypony’s supposed to be at the Friendship School gym at sundown for the welcome party.”

Spike nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. See ya Twilight.” With that, Spike zoomed away.

Twilight watched him go and giggled to herself. Things with Gabby must be going great. She smiled to herself. She was relieved that Spike had finally moved on from his impossibly crush on Rarity. She may not have been an EXPERT on love, but even she could see that there just wasn’t a connection there. Spike and GABBY however...she could genuinely see happening. She chuckled to herself and shook her head. Returning her attention to grading papers and heading to the library.

She turned the corner into another hallway...and almost immediately her ears were assaulted as a familiar voice practically shouted at her. “TWILIGHT!!!”

Twilight jumped and papers scattered all over the floor as her magic involuntarily cut out. She shook her head to see her friend Pinkie poking her head through a door, smiling at her. Twilight sighed. “Pinkie! What have I told you about surprising me like that?”

Pinkie nodded and proceeded to ignore Twilight’s question. “I need your opinion on something.” She threw the doors open and wheeled out a cake. “You think this cake will get the message through to our new friend?”

Twilight looked at the cake, which was chocolate. She saw that there was writing on it.

YOU CAN BE YOURSELF HERE!

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Pinkie? Usually your welcome cakes say welcome. What’s the deal with the sudden change?”

Pinkie chuckled as she reached out of frame and pulled over a chalkboard with a pull down presentation attached. She started pulling down slides as she began speaking. “Because something’s up with our new friend Sparkling Medley. My pinkie sense has been going off ever since she arrived here, and it’s rarely gone off because of a new resident. So I did some sleuthing, compiled all the evidence...and my investigation has led me to the conclusion that our new unicorn friend is in fact NOT a unicorn at all. BUT SHE’S ACTUALLY AN ALICORN PASSING OFF AS A UNICORN!”

Twilight saw the drawing of the new resident with wings...and had a hard time stifling her laughter over Pinkie’s exclamation. “Pinkie. I stopped questioning your antics a long time ago, but...do I even need to explain why THIS isn’t possi—LIKELY?” Twilight corrected herself upon remembering her niece Flurry Heart, who was a natural born Alicorn.

Pinkie shook her head. “Oh yeah. Laugh it up. Play it off like it’s impossible.” She pulled down the next slide. “Whenever she’s outside she’s wearing an overcoat, more than long enough enough to cover the region of the body that would contain the wing joints. There’s no need for an overcoat early Fall Twilight. That’s just weird.”

Twilight sighed. “It could just be that she was cold—“

Pinkie interrupted her. “Perhaps. BUT! Let us go back to today’s monster attack. She summoned enough magic to blast that Bugbear far away from town. IN ONE SHOT!”

Twilight rubbed her chin in thought as she recalled seeing the mare blasting the beast. She nodded. “I admit that is unusual for unicorns.”

Pinkie nodded. “But it should be a piece of cake for Alicorns!” She pulled down the next slide to reveal a graph. Pinkie reached into her mane and pulled out a pointing stick. “This is a graph projecting the magical prowess of various unicorns in Ponyville. As you can see...” She slid to pointer down to a relatively long lavender line below very noticeably shorter lines. “This was your magical prowess when you were still a unicorn.”

Twilight nodded. “Looks about right.”

Pinkie nodded as she pulled down the next slide to show another graph, this one only had two lines. Both lavender, but one longer then the other. Pinkie continued. “And THIS is your prowess now. Dramatically more powerful.” She pulled down a smaller slide that added a line, a hot pink line. Twilight noticed how it was the second longest line. Pinkie continued. “And THIS is today’s measurements of our new Alicorn’s prowess. Dramatically more powerful than your Unicorn power, but not enough to match your current Prowess.”

Twilight nodded. “And what does this prove?”

Pinkie groaned as she kicked the entire presentation out of frame. The sound of a cat screaming being heard as a result. “It PROVES that she is NOT an ordinary Unicorn. If she’s that at all. I know exactly what’s happening here. She doesn’t want us to know she’s an Alicorn so she’s hiding her wings under clothing not made for wings. Why? I don’t know that yet. But my gut is telling me she’s hiding wings.”

Twilight sighed. She had to admit that Pinkie made a compelling argument, but she still could not see how it was possible. “Pinkie. If, and that’s a GIANT if, if she IS somehow an Alicorn hiding her wings, she must have her reasons for doing so.”

Pinkie nodded. “Of course. But she’ll be so much happier if she knows she doesn’t have to hide from us.”

Twilight shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. But either way. If she decides to tell us what’s up. She will. But until then, she won’t appreciate us pestering her about it.”

Pinkie deflated a little. “But I want her to be comfortable with herself and know that she doesn’t have to hide her true self from us.”

Twilight sighed. “And that’s why we can keep the words on the cake, but for now, lets just leave her be and let her enjoy life in Ponyville.”

Pinkie smiled and nodded. “Okey doki Twily. I best be off. Still several more balloons to blow up and hang up along with streamers!” With that, Pinkie bounced off.

Twilight watched her go and smiled as she rolled her eyes. “Our newest resident is an Alicorn. Yeah. When the princesses retire.” On that note, she used her magic to collect the scattered papers and continued on Grading them as if the last few minutes never happened.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Fortunately for you Twily, Celestia and Luna WON'T retire like in Canon, BUT...

Sparkler is in fact an Alicorn.

Pinkie: WELL DUH!

Grah! PINKIE!!! Get back to setting up for the party!

Pinkie: Okey doki loki

(rolls eyes) yeah. anyway, thx for reading

Episode 4: Parrots, Parties, and Discoveries

Sparkler reached out with her magic and pulled out a black sweater from her bedroom closet. She looked in the mirror. She turned to a perch. “Hey Flappy, you think this is less suspicious than my gray overcoat?”

Flappy, Sparkler’s pet bird on his perch, squawked. “Squawk. Definitely. Squawk.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Good. You don’t need an overcoat inside, but a sweater is perfectly acceptable.”

“Squawk! I doubt it’s necessary. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed as she looked out the window into town. “Maybe. But you remember what happened in Saddle Arabia back in school, I was singled out because of my horn and wing combo and was everypony’s favorite punching bag.”

Flappy flew off his perch onto the bed to look Sparkler right in the eye. “Squawk! New town, new life, fresh start. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I know that, but still...what if this just ends up like home? I don’t want to be the resident punching bag.”

Flappy leaned in and nuzzled Sparkler on the cheek. “Squawk! Any pony hurts you deals with me. Squawk!”

That got Sparkler to chuckle as she returned the nuzzle. She sighed in content. “Well, it’s nice to know I at least have ONE friend I can always count on. Thanks Flappy.”

Flappy nodded and started flying. “Squawk! Party Party Party Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and put on her sweater, over her wings. She nodded. “Ok. Ok. We can go.” She summoned the invite with her magic and checked the location. “According to this...the party’s supposed to be at the School of Friendship. Next to...” Sparkler’s eyes widened as she read where the school was. Right next to that giant crystal castle. “Next to that giant crystal castle. Ah huh. At least it’ll be easy to find.”

Flappy nodded and spread his wings. “Squawk! See you there! Squawk!”

Before Flappy could take off however. A giggling Sparkler caught him in her magic. “Hold on there mister. We need to set a few ground rules. One. Don’t go anywhere without telling me. Two, don’t eat or drink anything without checking with me first. Three, you can talk to anypony you want but be nice. First impressions are key. And finally, DO NOT! Under ANY circumstances, mention my condition, to ANY pony. There’s ALREADY somepony on to me and I don’t want anymore of that kind of attention.”

Flappy nodded and saluted with his wing. “Squawk! Aye aye Cap’n, Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and released Flappy from her magic. “In that case. Wait for me outside the castle. We’ll go in together.”

Flappy nodded, flapped his wings, and zoomed out the bedroom window. Sparkler watched him go and chuckled. “I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t challenge anypony to a race tonight.” She shook her head smiling. Flappy was a speedy bird, and a tad competitive about it. Ever since they had crossed into Equestria from Saddle Arabia, she had to make it a point to defuse any conversation as quickly as possible if it turned to speed and racing. Now that they were settled in Ponyville however, where there was an established veterinarian’s office within running distance, Flappy could knock himself out. And Sparkler did enjoy watching his little races every once and a while. On that note, she proceeded downstairs and out the door to catch up to him.

Several minutes later, Sparkler came to a stop in an open area between Ponyville and the crystal castle. She took a look around, and saw another building next to it. She smiled. “That must be the School of Friendship.” She trotted over to the building and saw a sign.

TWILIGHT SPARKLE’S SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP

She nodded. “Yep. This is definitely the place.” She looked up and around to see Flappy flying around at top speed. She could tell the yellow parrot was having an absolute blast zooming around the large castle. She chuckled. “The Yellow Streak is back.” She frowned and sighed. He’s having so much fun up there. I’m sure he’d appreciate some company. She cocked her head to one her sides to stare at the wing blocked by the sweater. Keeping up her Unicorn persona meant that she rarely used her wings since they moved to Equestria, especially for flying, which was basically asking somepony to see her. As a result, Flappy rarely had a friend to fly with. Whatever flying mate he did get was a bird or two. Sparkler sighed. Maybe I can help him find some local bird friends to play with. He’d love that. She sighed again, and decided that that was enough pondering on what ifs and whatnot. So she looked back up into the sky. “HEY FLAPPY! YOU ARE CLEAR FOR FINAL APPROACH!”

Flappy heard her and immediately came soaring down from the sky. He saw Sparkler turn her back to him to give him a place to land. He stretched out his feet and began to flap his wings hard to slow himself down. Within seconds, he gently touched down on Sparklers back. He folded his wings and smiled. “Squawk! And touchdown! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled as she started walking towards the school. “You looked like you were having fun up there.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! It Would be more fun flying with you, like we used to. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed and nodded. “I know. But while Saddle Arabia provided an open field where we could fly whilst staying out of sight from everypony, we are in barely-charted territory now.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Scouting mission! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled as she turned the corner of a hallway in the school, to see a giant arrow pointing inside a room. She nodded. “We’ll talk more about that later Flappy. Right now, ready to make some new friends?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Let’s get our party on! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and entered the room the arrow was pointing into...to find it pitch black. She raised an eyebrow as she entered deeper into the room. “Uh, hello?” She called out. In response, the doors suddenly slammed shut. She and Flappy jumped and turned to see that there was no light whatsoever. Sparkler called out again. “Uh, anypony here?” Nothing. She sighed. “I was told this is where a welcome party was...so I don’t know why you guys are trying to—“ That was as far as she got before a bunch of things happened at once. The lights sprang on, multiple explosions were followed by a vision blotting amount of confetti falling all around her, and the sound of MULTIPLE ponies all happily shouting out in unison.

“SURPRISE! WELCOME TO PONYVILLE SPARKLING MEDLEY!”

Sparkler managed to stop the ringing in her ears relatively quickly as she shook her head to get the confetti off her face. She opened her eyes to see a bunch of ponies smiling at her under a banner that had “WELCOME SPARKLING MEDLEY!” Written on it. She managed to get out of her shock. And a huge smile exploded across her face as she chuckled. “Well...that’s the last time I underestimate you. You still managed to surprise me.”

Pinkie Pie bounced in front of the crowd and smiled at Sparkler. “Of course! Surprise parties are the best kind of party! Because you get to surprise the guest of honor and see them smile and of course there’s the cake and the music and the dancing and the—“ Pinkie was interrupted by a magenta aura that surrounded her and pulled her away from Sparkler.

Sparkler saw the lavender unicorn from earlier today walk up and give Pinkie a look. “Alright Pinkie. Give the mare some space.” The unicorn let go of Pinkie and turned to give a warm smile to Sparkler. “Hello there Sparkling Medley. I’m Twilight Sparkle, as princess of Friendship, let me be the first to officially welcome you to our town.” As she said that last part, Sparkler saw Twilight spread her definitely-there wings to gesture to the rest of the residents of the town.

Sparkler smiled and nodded, immediately bowing her head in respect. “Thank you your majesty, it’s an honor to make your acquaintance.”

Twilight folded her wings back up and chuckled. “And that’s the last time you address me like that. I may be a princess, but just Twilight will do nicely.”

Sparkler was taken back by this, but smiled as she lifted her head again. “Very well...Twilight.”

Pinkie smiled and bounced up and down. “Well what are we waiting for? LET’S PARTY!!!”

Everypony cheered their approval as the music started and ponies started mingling with each other. For Sparkler, she was about to go and start introducing herself properly, when she was stopped by Flappy, who hovered right in front of her. “Squawk! That mare has the combo! Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I can see that.” Deep down, Sparkler was shocked with herself, she managed to not only NOT freeze up, but also somehow managed to not gasp at the fact that Twilight DID have both wings and a horn. HOLY TARTARUS! She DOES HAVE THEM! I’m NOT the only one! Her mind was racing, earlier she had believed herself to be seeing things due to the daze of being tackled, but now, there was no doubt in her mind. She had met somepony else with the wing and horn combo. She WASN’T the only one after all! She actually struggled to contain the swirl of emotions raging inside her, ranging from excitement to relief. Is it actually possible that I don’t have anything to worry about?! I mean, granted she’s a princess, but still...

Flappy saw the slight shock on his owner’s face and smiled. “Squawk! I think at the very least you can trust her to know. Squawk.”

Sparkler’s eyes widened as she suddenly got close to Flappy to whisper/hiss. “What did I tell you before we left?! No talk of that!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Right. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “We’ll talk later.”

Flappy nodded, and was about to say something else when they heard a squee, followed by a canary pegasus basically rushing up to them and gawking at Flappy. “Sweet Celestia. Your parrot is absolutely adorable!”

Flappy blushed a tad and smiled. “Squawk! Aww. You’re too kind. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “This is Flappy. My pet parrot since I was six.”

The canary mare nodded. “It’s very nice to meet you. Both of you. My name is Fluttershy. We kinda met earlier after that monster attack.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You mean the one where Sparkler absolutely bucked that monster into next week. Squawk! Yeah I saw that. Fortunately my innate trait of being the fastest being alive managed to save me from being squished. Squawk!”

Sparkler gasped. “Wait a minute, you were in the line of fire?!” Flappy nodded. Sparkler gave him an apologetic look. “Oh no. I’m so sorry Flappy. I didn’t realize...”

Flappy cut her off. “Squawk! No harm done. Squawk!”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

Fluttershy giggled. “You know, if Flappy ever needs a checkup, you’re welcome to bring him to me. I can make sure he’s healthy and feeling ok.”

Flappy raised an eyebrow. “Squawk! You’re a vet? Squawk!”

Fluttershy nodded. “In a way. I didn’t go to school for it, but taking care of animals is how I got my cutie mark. I promise you’ll be well cared for.”

Flappy smiled and turned to Sparkler. “Squawk! Can we? Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and after a second, nodded. “That’s very kind of you to offer Fluttershy. Thank you.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Anytime.”

A few hours later, after the party, Sparkler and Flappy entered the bedroom of their house. Sparkler giggled and sighed in content. “Well. That was a good party.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! And we made some new friends. And learned something BIG! Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded, picking up on what he was talking about. “Yeah. Yeah we did.”

Flappy smiled and landed on the bed facing Sparkler. “Squawk! That princess has the combo. And she ISN’T hiding it! Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. But Flappy, she’s also a princess. She may not be ABLE to hide it.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Still. I think she can be trusted. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed and practically flopped onto her bed beside Flappy. “Maybe. But how will she even react? ‘Hey, Princess Twilight. Guess what, I have wings and a horn too.’ That isn’t something you can just drop on somepony and expect only a good result Flappy.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! True. But here’s another reason to talk to her. She just might have more information about the combo. Squawk!”

Sparkler’s ears perked up at that. She raised an eyebrow. “You think so?”

Flappy shrugged. “Squawk! Possibly. But either way. I didn’t hear anypony bad mouthing her behind her back at the party, and you told me that ponies here considered this town the Capital of Friendship. Sounds to me like this won’t be school in Saddle Arabia all over again.”

Sparkler sighed. Flappy was right. From what she saw today, she couldn’t see herself having any problems in this town, but still. “I don’t know Flappy. I just don’t want to feel like the outcast again.”

Flappy scooted closer and leaned in to nuzzle her cheek. “Squawk! As I said, anypony hurts you, in ANY way, deals with me. Squawk!”

Sparkler smiled at her companion. “Thanks Flappy.” She reached out and wrapped her forelegs around him in a gentle embrace. Flappy’s right. This isn’t Saddle Arabia. Maybe I really could be myself around here. Around...her. She shivered at the thought of being friends with another like her. Certainly not what she was expecting, but she didn’t mind all the same.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

HIT ME WITH EVERY PROMPT YOU HAVE!

anything is possible for Sparkler in Ponyville. just...no friendship missions yet. she's not really part of the group yet.

Episode 5: Me and You

Flappy was happily flapping his wings high in the sky. He had been flying for the past hour for his daily morning flight. He smiled when he thought of the dozens of places he found where Sparkler could join him in the sky. Squawk! It’ll be great to get Sparkler back up here again. Squawk! He noticed Ponyville in between the clouds below him. He smiled and dived down.

In the basement of their house. Sparkler was busy adjusting dials and sliders on her recording equipment, trying to adjust for the acoustics in said basement. She inspected a dial and nodded. “Adjusting for acoustics really doesn’t work when it should be the tonal properties of the instruments, but it’s a good baseline all the same.” She sidestepped over to the mixer to ensure everything was set to zero when she heard flapping getting closer. She smiled and turned to see her feathery companion enter the basement with something in his claws. “Hey there Flappy. Back from your flight eh.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yep. And I found several secluded spots where nopony will see you flying. Squawk!” He dropped the scroll he had in his claws and it fell to the floor, unrolling itself to reveal the current map of Ponyville and the surrounding area that Sparkler managed to get at the tourist shop.

Sparkler noticed that Flappy had several spots circled. She sighed. “Good thing I can easily explain away the circles once we frame this.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Anywho. When I was flying around these spots, no other ponies were there. So they could be prime flying spots. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded as she studied the map. “They look like they’re thoroughly secluded. Away from the prying eye.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Perfect for flying together whilst maintaining your cover. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “We’ll explore these areas in more detail soon. Right now though.” She lit her horn and summoned a stack of flyers from the nearby table. “We need to get the word out that Sparkling Harmony Records is open for business.”

Flappy smiled as he clapped his wings to take to the air. “Squawk! DJ Flappy in the house! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled as she made her way to the stairs. “Let’s go DJ.”

Soon, Sparkler nailed a flyer to a post in the plaza. The flyer read...

Sparkler smiled to herself. Hopefully there’s a lot of demand for this. She nodded as she began to walk away, when she heard somepony shout out to her.

“Hey! You putting up these flyers?” Sparkler turned to see a white mare with a blue scruffy mane smiling at her.

Sparkler nodded and walked back over to the post. “Yeah. I’m trying to get the word out that my business is open. I’ll record any song anypony commissions.”

The mare smiled. “Oh thank Celestia you’re offering this! Spinal Record just relocated to Las Pegasus. He was the resident producer.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Well...I wouldn’t call myself a producer. So to speak. I’ll just do business with anyone who wants to make a song. I don’t really “sign” anypony. I’m Sparkling Medley by the way, most ponies call me Sparkler.”

The Mare nodded and held out her hoof. “Vinyl Scratch. Resident DJ known as DJ-Pon3.”

Sparkler smiled and shook hooves. “Nice to meet you Vinyl.”

Vinyl nodded and glanced to the side a tad. “I couldn’t help but notice your cutie mark was a mic over a musical note. By any chance do you have any musical talent yourself? Or are you just good at mixing?”

Sparkler chuckled. “I do sing and play a little. Back home I was known as a one mare band.”

Vinyl beamed. “Ooh. What instruments do you play?”

“Usually bass guitar, drums, or keyboard. But I can play piano and some other instruments like the harp.”

Vinyl nodded. “What genre do you usually play?”

Sparkler thought for a second. “A mix of genres actually, pop-culture, country, a tad bit of rock. And I have mixed a few personal electric tracks on occasion.”

At electric. Vinyl beamed and grinned. “My main genre is Electric. Hey, we should record sometime. I do my own mixes so I don’t need to commission anything, but it would be fun to record with somepony who gets my musical drift.”

Sparkler beamed. “I’d like that.”

Suddenly, a voice off in the distance reached their ears. “Oh Scratchy!”

At that, Vinyl’s face fell and she groaned. “Grah. Coming Tavi!” She shook her head. “Every time I tell her not to call me that in public, in one ear and out the other. Sorry Sparkler, I gotta go. That was my marefriend Octavia and she does NOT want to be kept waiting.”

Sparkler chuckled. “It’s ok. I understand.”

Vinyl giggled and shook her head. “Oh trust me. Ya don’t. Not until you have a marefriend like Tavi. Anyway...” Vinyl lit her horn and a card appeared in front of Sparkler. “I run the local club in town and tonight’s karaoke night. I can play any song you want to sing to, or you can bring an instrument and sing your own song. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, or just listen to what talent our town has to offer.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded as she took the card in her own magic. “Sounds like fun.”

Vinyl nodded. “An absolute blast.”

“SCRATCHY!”

Vinyl groaned. “I’M COMING!” She sighed. “I gotta go. Hope to meet you again tonight if you decide to grace us with your musical talent.” With that, Vinyl trotted off. Leaving Sparkler to look at the card.

Sparkler smiled. “It would be a good opportunity to get some insight on potential clients.”

All of a sudden, Flappy flew into her vision and hovered there. Smiling. “Squawk! I heard that conversation. We’re definitely going are we? Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and tucked the card into her sweater pocket. “Oh yeah. We’re going. Wanna sing our duet?”

Flappy beamed and nodded. “Squawk! Can we can we can we? Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “Sure. Gotta remember to bring the instrumental disc for Vinyl to spin.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Sparkler and Flappy about to drop some beats. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Come on. Let’s finish up here and get home so we can do a practice run as a refresher.”

Later that night. Sparkler and Flappy made their way through the streets of Ponyville, following the directions on Vinyl’s card to a place called ElectroScratch. Sparkler was still eying the name as they went. “ElectroScratch. Hm. Not a bad name for a club.”

Flappy’s eyes widened and he stopped to hover. “Squawk! There she blows matey! Squawk!”

Sparkler looked up and saw a building with a giant neon sign reading ElectroScratch. Sparkler smiled. “Ready to sing Flappy?”

Flappy nodded and sang. 🎵We’re gonna make, make, make them do a double take!🎵

Sparkler chuckled. “You can’t wait can you.”

Flappy shook his head. “Squawk! Nope. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Then come on.” She and Flappy proceeded into the building. Almost immediately, they heard music coming from downstairs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJnYZskgzkg

They made it downstairs and Sparkler’s eyes widened when she saw Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash—whom she met at her welcome party the other day— singing to the beat of the song. Sparkler got a tad nervous when her eyes fell on Twilight, but she also felt intrigue wash over her. Look at her. She’s a princess, has the horn and wing combo...and yet here she is, at a club, singing with her friends, and nopony is giving it a second thought... She gritted her teeth. I really wish I had her confidence.

Flappy noticed his owner’s distraught face and gave her a smile, flapping to centimeters away from her ear. “Squawk! You see that? Singing, dancing, hanging out with her friends, and not one pony giving a second thought to her wings and horn. I’m telling you. You should at least talk to her. Squawk!”

Sparkler facehoofed. “I know. I know! You’re right. At the very least I should talk to her. I just can’t get it out of my mind that it’ll go south faster than Fili-Second from the power ponies.”

“Hey!” Sparkler jumped when somepony suddenly appeared right before her. She turned to see a pink pony with a purple mane with light blue stripes in it. It was Starlight Glimmer, another pony she met at the party. Starlight smiled at Sparkler. “Glad to see you made it. Vinyl told us you might be coming.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Did she?”

Starlight nodded. “Yeah she said you sang so she reserved a karaoke spot for you. Your next actually.”

Sparkler smiled a little and giggled. “Am I now. Well. Guess I arrived at the right time.” She turned to the current performance and smiled. “They’re good aren’t they Starlight.”

Starlight chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. They’re fantastic singers. Though that’s not a surprise. They sing like, half the musical numbers that go on around here.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Really now. Huh. Good to know.”

Starlight nodded. “Yeah. Anyway, I gotta get back to the castle and get some work done at the School of Friendship. See you around Sparkler. Break a leg.”

Sparkler nodded. “See ya Starlight.”

Starlight trotted up the stairs just as the song ended. There was clapping and cheering as Vinyl hopped off the DJ stand and took the mic from Twilight. Vinyl cleared her throat and smiled. “Let’s hear it for the Elements of Harmony everypony! Seriously. You guys could be the next singing group sensation.” That got some chuckles and cheers from everypony as Vinyl continued. “Alright. Now. You all should remember this next act. Because you’ve met her at the party the other day, but also because she singlehoofedly took care of that bugbear from that last monster attack. Here to grace us with her talent...is there a Sparkler in the house?”

Everypony looked around for Sparkler. Who chuckled, cleared her throat, and started trotting up to the stage with Flappy in tow. “I’m here! I’m here Vinyl!”

Vinyl smiled as the crowd clapped. Sparkler hopped onto the stage and Vinyl held the mic out for her. “Some new blood is always welcome around here. What song are you gonna do?”

Sparkler smiled as she lit her horn and a vinyl record poofed in front of Vinyl. “Flappy and I are gonna do the song in this record. If that’s OK.”

Vinyl smiled and took the record in her magic while Sparkler took the Mic in her own. “A pony and her parrot pet singing a song she brought with her. Ooh we’re in for a treat aren’t we.”

Sparkler and Flappy nodded. “You could say that.”

“Squawk! Flappy and Sparkler are laying down the fast tracks tonight! Squawk!”

Vinyl chuckled and turned to set up the record. “Give me a minute to get it going.” She cocked her head to the crowd. “How about you give us all a little background on this one. It sounds like you two are proud of it.”

Sparkler nodded, and actually blushed a little. “Yeah. We are. Mainly because I think it encapsulates our bond perfectly.”

Flappy nodded and flew closer to the mic. “Squawk. Sparkler actually wrote it for our fifth anniversary of the day we met and I became her pet.”

That got an Aww out of everypony and Sparkler nodded. “It’s called “Me and You” And, I guess it can apply to all true friendships. Not just ours. We hope you all enjoy it.”

Vinyl nodded and set the record up. Hitting the play button immediately.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2RPiydd3VQ

The song concluded as Sparkler and Flappy bowed for an applauding audience. Vinyl smiled and joined them onstage. Sparkler let Vinyl take the mic. Vinyl turned to the crowd. “Well That was certainly a treat. And I think we all got the message loud and clear am I right guys?” The crowd cheered in response. Vinyl chuckled. “And...this amazing duo actually showed up at the right time. Because they will be taking up Spinal Record’s mantle. Go see them if you lot have a song or two that you’d like to record. Her flyers for Sparkling Harmony Records are all over town with more deats. For now though. Let’s give them a round of applause for that amazing performance. And call in our next performance.”

Sparkler and Flappy stepped off the stage to applause as the next ponies took the stage. They made their way to the bar to order drinks. “Lemonade with two straws please.”

The bartender nodded as Flappy smiled at Sparkler. “Squawk! DJ Flappy and Sparkler rock the house again. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Up top.” She and Flappy high-fived hoof and wing. Just as they heard a shout from behind.

“OH MY GOSH THAT WAS AMAZING YOU GUYS WERE GREAT I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WROTE THAT SPARKLER THAT'S SO NICE OH REMIND ME WHEN YOUR NEXT ANNIVERSARY IS SO I CAN THROW YOU GUYS A PARTY AHHH THIS IS AWESOME!” While Sparkler and Flappy were trying not to go deaf, a pair of forelegs belonging to one Pinkie Pie wrapped them up in a tight hug.

Sparkler recovered from the ringing in her ears and sighed. “Hello Pinkie. Thanks. You guys were good too.”

Pinkie nodded as she let go, Flappy gasping for air. “Not as good as you. That song had a nice message friends should depend on friends. OH! Mind if I use that for my class at the school of Friendship? Anyway. Flappy. I need to talk to you outside for a minute.” Before Flappy could do anything, Pinkie grabbed his wing and pulled him away.

Sparkler shook her head and stared at the staircase where Pinkie and Flappy raced up. Her eye twitched. “How in Tartarus can that mare have so much energy?! And did she just steal my bird?!”

She heard chuckling from behind her. “Your parrot’s fine. Pinkie won’t hurt him. Also, I’d stop questioning Pinkie if I were you. She’s impossible to explain.” Sparkler turned to see Twilight smiling at her.

Sparkler’s breath hitched in her throat before she raised an eyebrow. “You think I should just stop questioning her?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah. Trust me, you’ll sleep better.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Alright. You’ve probably known her longer than me so I’ll follow your command your majesty.”

Twilight chuckled. “Sparkler. Just Twilight will be fine. Please. I usually try to avoid using my position as much as possible.”

Sparkler nodded. “Right. You told me that.” Both mares chuckled before Sparkler spoke again. “I heard you and your friends singing earlier. You were amazing up there.”

Twilight nodded. “So were you and Flappy. I didn’t know you two could make such an amazing duet. Although I noticed your cutie mark is a mic over a musical note so I should’ve seen it coming.”

Sparkler chuckled. “The mic is because I like to sing. The musical note is because I also play quite a few instruments. Put them together, and you get a mare who’s considered a One Mare Band back home.”

Twilight chuckled. “Have you ever thought about doing that for a living? You definitely have the vocal talent.”

Sparkler giggled and shrugged. “Eh, if I get approached by an agent or somepony who wants to make me famous, I may consider it. But for now, I’m just happy recording songs for ponies and recording my own songs for fun. I’m not gonna actively look for a musical career.” At least not until I’m comfortable with everypony seeing me in all my horn/wing combo freakiness.

Twilight nodded. “Well. I’m sure there are quite a few ponies around here who’ll come to you to record a song or two. We’re a very musical lot.”

That got both Sparkler and Twilight chuckling. Until Flappy suddenly stopped in front of them...with a panicked look on his face. “Squawk! Sparkler we need to go! Squawk!”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Go? What do you mean?”

“Squawk! We got a problem named Pinkie Pie! Let’s go let’s go! Squawk!”

Sparkler was confused, but nodded. “Ok.” She turned back to Twilight. “I better go see what the heck’s got him all spooked. It was nice talking you to Twilight.”

Twilight nodded. “Nice talking to you too Sparkler. Hope to see you around.”

Sparkler nodded. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. Have a good night.”

Twilight nodded. “You too.”

Sparkler nodded and finally allowed Flappy to pull her along.

A few minutes later. “Alright Flappy. What’s got you so spooked?”

Flappy looked her in the eye and simply said. “Squawk! Pinkie Pie KNOWS! She KNOWS about your wings! Squawk!”

Sparkler froze at that. “She...does?” Her eyes slowly widened as panic washed over her. Pinkie had taken Flappy to talk in private earlier...and he came back panicky...holy Tartarus. “Oh...no. No no no no no! This is bad, this is very, VERY BAD!”

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

ALL RIGHTS GO TO RESPECTIVE OWNERS!!!

song choice Shake your tails: because i just wanted the mane 6 to sing something

Song choice Me and You: message fits the friendship is magic theme if you ask me. ALSO, would've ideally liked the full version but I couldn't find the full version sung as a duet.

NOW....

🎵Prompt prompt prompt

give me your greatest prompts!

I can feel you thinking

and I will never stop

I know you

you want to see this continue

prompt prompt prompt

give me your greatest prompts!🎵

(I had Chop Away At My Heart from Milo Murphy on my mind😅. DON'T JUDGE ME!

Episode 6: Fears and Doubts

Sparkler quickly galloped around the house. Locking every door and window and pulling down the blinds so nopony could see inside. She galloped back to the living room and gave Flappy a frantic look. “You’re saying my secret’s out?!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yep. Squawk!”

“How the hay did Pinkie find out?! Is THIS why she talked to you in private?!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Basically, she told me she knew you had wings. I tried to deny it but she knew I was lying. Squawk!”

A frantic Sparkler pulled Flappy in and stared right into his eyes. “HAS SHE TOLD ANYPONY ELSE?!”

Flappy nodded, much to Sparkler’s horror. “Squawk! She told Twilight. Squawk!”

At that, Sparkler let go of Flappy and stood there, absolutely frozen in shock. “Twilight...” She couldn’t believe it. The ONE pony that she was considering to let in on her secret...was told by another who somehow found out. “Flappy. Please tell me you made Pinkie PROMISE not to tell anypony else.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! She gave me her word. And...by the sound of it. It doesn’t seem like Twilight believed her. Squawk!”

Sparkler calmed down a little. “She doesn’t believe her. Ok. Good. Alright. So it’s just Pinkie who really knows the truth...did...did Pinkie say anything else?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! She told me to tell you that you don’t need to hide anything around here. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. She wanted to believe it. She wanted to believe that she didn’t need to hide herself from anypony. But her mind kept going back to school in Saddle Arabia, where she was the outcast.

Flappy saw the distraught look on Sparkler’s face. “Squawk! Sparkler. If I may. I think I’m with Pinkie Pie on this one. I genuinely believe it’s safe for you to be yourself in this town.”

Sparkler nodded. “You keep saying that, but every time, I can’t help but fear that it can turn into Saddle Arabia School all over again. I...I don’t want to be branded as Featherhorn again, it hurts.” She sniffled as her eyes started to water.

Flappy saw and immediately flew in and wrapped his wings around Sparkler best he could. “Squawk! There there. Remember. You always got a friend in me. And I’ll stick by you till the very end. Squawk!”

Flappy’s words sank in and Sparkler smiled and hugged her parrot back. “Thanks Flappy. You always know just what to say.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Oh. And just a reminder. Anypony gives you trouble. Let me at’em and I’ll take them down a peg. Squawk!”

Sparkler giggled. “Ok my knight in shiny armor.” She sighed in content before continuing. “So you think I should talk to Twilight?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yes. You should. She may be able to provide more information on the horn/wing combo. And she just might be able to help you gain confidence in your real self. She is the Princess of Friendship after all.” He waggled his eyebrows, which Sparkler didn’t notice.

Instead she just chuckled. “Now. I just need to figure out how to bring it up.”

Later that night. Flappy was sound asleep on his perch, while Sparkler slept comfortably in her bed. Well...almost.

Sparkler trotted happily to her locker in between classes. Looking to exchange her math book for her music folder. She sighed happily. “Ah, band class. My favorite time of day.” She reached her locker with her magic and began dialing the combination. “A time where I can be in my element. Take another step towards my dream...and—oof!” That was as far as she got before her locker suddenly burst open and she was forced against the wall behind her by an avalanche of feathers. She collapsed on the floor as the feathers completely covered her.

A host of other students watched the scene from afar...and began laughing their flanks off. One of them pointed at the feathery mess. “Is that enough feathers for your chicken wings Featherhorn?

Sparkler poked her head above the feathery mess and rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah. Hahaha. Real funny guys.

Another of the students chuckled as he mockingly directed an ear at her. “What was that? I don’t speak horned chicken.” The laughing continued.

Sparkler let her ears droop as she got herself out of the mess. “Ok. We’ve all had a laugh. We can stop now.”

The laughing didn’t stop. Another student smirked at her. “Would you like some seeds for lunch? I happen to have some just in case I run into a chicken!” The student used his teeth to pull out a bag of seeds, and threw it at her. It smacked her in the face and fell to the ground. Sparkler just stared at it just as the bell rang. The laughing finally ceased as the students all headed to class. Sparkler just sat there, eyes wet. Covered in feathers.

All of a sudden, she heard a voice from behind her. “They were right you know.” Sparkler turned around and suddenly found herself in Ponyville Plaza. Surrounded by the residents of the town. She looked around and saw Twilight step forward, wings spread, and with a disgusted scowl on her face. “You’ll never belong anywhere. You’re nothing but a pointy chicken freak. As Princess. I hereby banish you from Equestria.”

Sparkler gasped. “What? No! Twilight please! I’m sor—“

”SILENCE! You are a disgrace to ponies everywhere.” With that. Twilight turned and walked away.

”Squawk! You heard her. Get out of here you freak. Squawk!” Sparkler saw Flappy give her a disgusted look before flapping away as everypony else started walking away.

Sparkler watched all her new friends go. “Wait, Flappy! Twilight. Anypony. No! NO!!!!

Sparkler’s eyes shot open and she bolted upright. She breathed heavily and looked around. She saw that she was still in her bedroom, in her house in Ponyville. Her eyes began to water as she slowly laid back down. She looked up to see Flappy sound asleep on his perch. She squeezed her eyes shut to prevent tears, which came out anyway as she quietly sniffled. It was just a dream? More like a nightmare... She assumed the fetal position and grasped her tail. Pulling on it to make herself into as small a ball as possible as tears continued to flow down her face. What did I do to deserve this? she asked herself as she cried. Before long, she had cried herself back to sleep.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

I don't know about you guys. but I just wanna scoop Sparkler up and let her know everything will be ok.😂

So she knows now that Pinkie pretty much knows. how will she approach Twilight? time will tell.

Also, Flappy...what was with that eyebrow waggle?

Episode 7: Pet Playdate

It was a beautiful fall day in Ponyville. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze. And Flappy and Sparkler were enjoying a nice stroll through Ponyville Park.

Sparkler breathed in the fresh air and sighed happily. “Ah. Nothing like a nice walk in the park to clear your mind eh Flappy?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You got that right Sparkler. This is peaceful. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded as she looked around. “And the park here is gorgeous. A pond, greenery, we never had this in Saddle Arabia. AKA the desert.” She smiled to herself. “I could get used to this.”

Flappy nodded as he saw something in the distance. “Squawk! Yeah. And we have a good chance of running into other pet owners and their pets too. Like that group over there.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow and looked ahead, to see a group of familiar ponies. One of them being that pink party pony. Sparkler’s smile faded and her ears drooped. “Uh oh. It’s Pinkie!” She quickly looked around and spotted a tree. In no time, she galloped to the tree and hid out of sight.

Flappy raised an eyebrow and followed his owner to her hiding place, landing in front of her. “Squawk! Why’re we hiding? Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed and leaned in to whisper. “Because you said she knows about my wings. If I go over there and she sees me. There is NO telling what could happen! She could pressure me to reveal myself, to prove that she was right when she told them about me.”

“Squawk! Didn’t I tell you she gave me her word she wouldn’t tell anypony? Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “Excuse me for not entirely trusting that pony. For all we know she’s over there telling them about my wings right now!”

“No I’m not. I’m actually here seeing what you two are doing.”

Sparkler and Flappy jumped back and gasped when they heard Pinkie, who had snuck up on them. Flappy flapped his wings and began hovering while Sparkler glared at Pinkie. “Gah! Pinkie! You almost gave us a heart attack!”

Pinkie smiled. “Didn’t you two see me coming?”

Flappy shook his head. “Squawk! NO! Squawk!”

Pinkie chuckled. “Anyway. Why’re you guys hiding behind this tree? My friends and I are having a picnic and pet play date over there and we have extra food for another friend.”

Sparkler eyed Pinkie. “I didn’t think anypony saw us?”

Pinkie chuckled. “Pinkie Sense. Anyway. If you're worried I told anypony about your wings, I promised Flappy I wouldn’t. And I don’t break promises.”

Sparkler gave Pinkie a nervous smile. “Wings? What wings? I don’t have wings. I’m just a Uni—“ That was as far as she got before Pinkie shut her up with a hoof to her mouth.

Pinkie smiled. “Sparkler. We all know that’s not true. Stop trying to lie to me. It’s not gonna work.”

Sparkler’s eye twitched as she just decided to ask the obvious question. “How the hay did you even find out?”

Pinkie smiled and bounced in place. “Pinkie Sense. Combined with my stupendous sleuthing powers. I told you no secret stays hidden from me for long.”

Sparkler wanted to ask what the hay Pinkie Sense was, but then she remembered what Twilight said. ”Don’t question Pinkie. Trust me. It’s not gonna work. At all.” Instead. She just sighed. “Just keep it to yourself. Got it?”

Pinkie nodded. “Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye. That’s a Pinkie Promise. The ultimate friendship promise. If you break it, it’s the fastest way to make a friend.”

Sparkler nodded. “I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it.”

Pinkie nodded and turned to Flappy. “You can go introduce yourself to our pets over there Flappy. They’re really friendly.”

Flappy turned to Sparkler with a raised eyebrow. Sparkler sighed and nodded. Flappy smiled and zipped over to the picnic. Pinkie turned back to Sparkler. “Wanna come along? I’m sure Twilight would be happy to talk to you about your wings.”

Sparkler glared at Pinkie. “Except for one problem. She isn’t alone! I had PLANNED to tell her first before anypony else but you went ahead and threw a wrench into it with your snooping around!”

Pinkie chuckled. “It’ll be fine. We won’t turn you away just because you have wings. We haven’t turned Twilight away for that.“

Sparkler nodded. “Right. Because she’s a princess. And you don’t turn away a princess.”

Pinkie straight up laughed. “Oh silly. Twilight doesn’t like it when we treat her as a princess. And we knew her LONG before she was a princess. We would never turn her away. And we won’t turn you away either. You can take off that sweater and just be yourself. You’ll be happier that way.”

Sparkler sighed. “Someday I might ditch the sweater. But until then, NOT, A, WORD! And don’t you dare convince Twilight to seek me out. I go to her. Got it?”

Pinkie nodded and grabbed Sparkler’s hoof. “Oki doki Loki. Now come on. I’m sure everypony’s itching to get to know you.” With that, she practically dragged Sparkler over to the picnic.

...

“Rarity I don’t need a new outfit right now!“ Shouted Sparkler as she was being chased by Rarity with a measuring tape.

“It’ll be just a few measurements darling! I insist it’s no trouble!” Rarity shouted back.

The rest of the gang watched Rarity chase Sparkler around for the last ten minutes, failing to contain their laughter. Applejack shook her head. “I knew that was gonna happen eventually.”

Rainbow nodded. “It was only a matter of time. Rarity just can’t resist offering to dazzle up a friend.”

Flappy nodded as he watched the chase. “Squawk! She’s certainly persistent. That’s for sure. Squawk!”

Starlight nodded. “Alright. That’s enough chasing.” She lit her horn at Rarity and effortlessly ripped the measuring tape from Rarity’s magical grip.

Rarity watched her measuring tape leave her and stopped in her tracks. Whipping her head around to Starlight. “Starlight! Give that back!”

Starlight shook her head. “Not until you stop chasing Sparkler around like a dog.”

Sparkler had stopped in her own tracks by then and sighed in relief. “Oh thank Elysium Starlight. Thank you for making her stop!”

Starlight chuckled and Rarity just pouted. “It would’ve only been a few measurements darling. Why must you insist on not needing a new outfit?”

Sparkler sighed as she approached Rarity. “Look, Rarity. If I ever have need for a new outfit, I promise I’ll come right to you. But I just don’t see myself needing one anytime soon. Ok?”

Rarity sighed. “Alright. I just thought you’d look better in something more colorful.”

Sparkler chuckled. “I have plenty of more colorful sweaters. I just decided to wear black today.”

Rarity sighed in defeat and nodded. “Alright. I’ll take your word for it. But do come and see me when you have need for a new outfit. I’ve already thought up some LOVELY designs you might like.”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “With the stories I’ve heard of your expertise. That doesn’t surprise me.” Rarity and Sparkler chuckled as they made their way back to the picnic blanket.

Flappy moved over a bit for Sparkler to take back her seat next to him as Rainbow smiled at Sparkler. “I think you might be the FIRST pony I’ve ever seen refuse Rarity’s offer to make them new clothes Sparkler.“

Sparkler chuckled. “I just don’t need any new clothes at the moment. What’s wrong about that?”

That got a chuckle out of everypony as Spike shook his head. “Nothing. It’s just that we’ve never seen Rarity’s fashion offer rejected. Most ponies would jump at the chance for Rarity to design their new outfit.”

Sparkler chuckled as she shrugged. “Guess I’m not in the majority then.” I wonder if maybe I was TOO quick to refuse.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yeah. Sparkler here mainly just wears sweaters. So get used to it. Squawk!”

“Hoo hoo.” Hooted owlicious.

Flappy turned to the owl and glared at him. “Squawk! Sparkler is NOT hiding something. She just likes to wear sweaters. That’s all! Squawk!”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “You speak owl Flappy?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! All animals can understand each other. Squawk!”

Fluttershy nodded. “It’s true. Animals have the natural ability to communicate with other animals of differing species.”

“Hoo hoo.” Owlicious hooted again.

Flappy groaned. “Squawk! It’s perfectly normal for Sparkler to wear sweaters! There’s nothing suspicious about it! Squawk!”

Twilight chuckled and gently nudged Owlicious with her wing. “Come on Owlicious. There are ponies that wear clothes. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Hoo hoo.” Owlicious responded before flapping his wings and flapped onto Twilight’s head and promptly settled in and closed his eyes to fall asleep.

Fluttershy smiled warmly. “Aww. Looks like it’s past somepony’s bedtime.”

Twilight nodded. “Looks like it.”

The dog sitting next to Applejack, Wilomena, laid down and yawned. Applejack chuckled. “Looks like the pets are outta juice.”

Rarity nodded. “Just as well. I should be heading back to the Carousel Boutique to finish up some commissions and orders.”

Everypony nodded as they stood up and packed up what was left of the picnic, or rather watched as Pinkie downed the rest of the food and promptly zipped around and had all the plates and the blanket in the basket in under ten seconds.

Sparkler watched and chuckled. Shaking her head. How is she always so hyper? It’s like she doesn’t have an off switch.

Pinkie tossed the basket onto her own back and smiled at everypony. “It’s been fun girls. See everypony here for next week’s pet play date!” With that, she zipped away at Mach pinkie speed.

Rarity nodded and turned to Sparkler. “Do keep in mind that my offer still stands darling. My mind’s been working overtime with new sweater designs for you.”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “I’ll be sure to stop by the Boutique when I have need for it.”

Rarity nodded and turned to leave, as did most others. Twilight stuck around for a tad and turned to Sparkler and Flappy. “You and Flappy are welcome to join us next week Sparkler.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Yeah. Sounds like fun. We’ll be there.”

Flappy nodded and flapped his wings. “Squawk! Definitely. This was fun! Squawk!” He flapped off, aimlessly flying around.

Sparkler watched him and smiled. “And check that off the list.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Hm?”

Sparkler chuckled. “I’ve been meaning to find him a group of animal friends since we moved here. Now he has a host of them.”

Sparkler felt her tail being tugged and turned. She looked down to see Fluttershy’s pet, Angel, staring at her with a disapproving face. He pointed his fingers at his eyes, then pointed them towards her, and then proceeded to hop past her and Twilight after Fluttershy.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow towards the rabbit. “What the hay was that all about?”

Sparkler shrugged. “Beats me. I only just met him today.”

Twilight chuckled and nodded. “Anywho. I’m really glad you and Flappy happened to be in the park today. It was nice to get to know you.”

Sparkler nodded. “Same here. Flappy made new friends. I made new friends, you made a new friend. Win-win all around.”

Twilight nodded. “I think you’ll enjoy your life here in Ponyville. See you next week.” With that, Twilight walked off.

Sparkler watched her go and smiled, actually blushing little. She nodded. You know what princess? I think I will enjoy it here. Once I work up the nerve to reveal my wings to you. She sighed and trotted off. Internally thinking up a way to tell Twilight about her wings.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

PROMPTS!

I, NEED, PROMPTS!

Hit me with every prompt you've got. what do you want to see next?

Chapter 8: Marhabaan bikuli makhluq!

The bell rang throughout the School of Friendship. Signifying the end of class, and the end of the day. Twilight smiled as she watched her class pack up. “Don’t forget about tomorrow’s test on the magic of Friendship in Griffonstone!” There was a collective groan from the class. Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes at the predictable reaction. “And the day after will start our Saddle Arabian portion of our International Friendship Unit. So make sure you tune your brains accordingly.” The class left the room and Spike, who had been in the back of the room, walked to the front.

“Well. Tomorrow should be a fun class. I don’t need to be here for it do I?”

Twilight chuckled and shook her head. “You’re excused Spike. But I want you here for the day after tomorrow for the start of Friendship in Saddle Arabia.”

Spike nodded. “Now that one, I’m actually looking forward to. Especially since we now have a friend who grew up in Saddle Arabia.”

Twilight nodded. “Speaking of Sparkler. I’m gonna head over to see her. Ask her if she’d be up for a presentation of her hometown, a firsthoof insight is always a superior teacher to secondhoof information.”

Spike nodded. “That’s a great idea.”

Some time later, over on Pony Street, a door opened and Sparkler let a SHR client out. She smiled at him. “Give us a few days to work our magic and I think you’ll be happy with the result Soarin.”

Soarin smiled and nodded. “Thank you so much Sparkler. I’m looking forward to seeing the final result. Hopefully she’ll love it.”

Sparkler nodded. “So, who’s the lucky mare that gets to hear your talent anyway? A fellow wonderbolt?”

Soarin nodded. “One of the newer ones actually.” He leaned in and whispered something into her ear.

Sparkler’s eyes widened and she smiled. “So YOU’RE the stallion she’s been droning on about. The one who LOVES pie.”

Soarin chuckled. “Yeah. That’s me. I’d really appreciate it if you kept this under wraps. I want this to be a surprise to her.”

Sparkler nodded. “Client Privacy Policy. Anything they confide in us we only disclose with their permission.”

Soarin nodded. “Thanks Sparkler. I really do appreciate this.”

Sparkler nodded. “Just doing my job. See you in a couple days.”

Soarin nodded and spread his wings to fly off. Sparkler watched him go and chuckled to herself. If Rainbow’s gonna be hearing this, then I better make it awesome. She nodded and went to close the door, when she heard somepony call out her name.

“Hey Sparkler!” Sparkler pokes her head outside to see Twilight smiling as she approached.

After taking half a second to compose herself, Sparkler smiled. “Hey Twilight. How’s it going?”

“It’s going fine. Was that Soarin I just saw fly away?”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. He was here on official Sparkling Harmony Records business.”

Twilight smiled. “Did he commission a song?”

Sparkler nodded. “He did. Though that’s all I’m allowed to say on the matter.”

Twilight chuckled knowingly. “So long as a certain rainbow maned mare likes it that’s all I need to know.”

Sparkler and Twilight chuckled before Sparkler motioned for Twilight to come inside. “Wanna come inside?”

Twilight nodded. “Sure. I actually have something to talk to you about.”

Sparkler’s breath slightly caught in her throat. Twilight actually had to talk to her about something? If that party mare put her up to this I swear to Celestia... Sparkler let Twilight into her home and they stepped into the living room. Sparkler looked at Twilight. “You want anything to drink? I got some homemade lemonade you might like.”

Twilight smiled and nodded. “Yes please. If it isn’t too much trouble.”

Sparkler nodded and they proceeded to the kitchen. Sparkler immediately went for the fridge and opened it to pull out two bottles of her homemade lemonade. She used her magic to levitate one over to Twilight. Who smiled and took it in her own magic. She opened the bottle and took a sip. Her eyes widened when it’s sweetness touched her tongue. She set the bottle down and smiled at Sparkler. Swallowing the sip before talking. “Sweet Celestia. This is amazing!”

Sparkler chuckled as she sat down at the table across from Twilight. “Thanks. Just a little experiment in my spare time.”

Twilight nodded. “A successful experiment. Is the recipe top secret?”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “I’d like to be the only pony to know that if you don’t mind.”

Twilight nodded and took another sip. “Alright. Fair enough.”

Sparkler nodded. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about? Please don’t say wings. PLEASE don’t say wings!

Twilight smiled. “So, we’re learning about friendship on the international level and the next subject is Saddle Arabia.”

Sparkler had to consciously beat down a sigh of relief as she nodded. “Really. Huh. You guys are in for a treat. That’s for sure.”

Twilight nodded. “Yes. And I was wondering...if you’re not too busy. Maybe you could come in and give us some insight on Saddle Arabian culture.”

Sparkler smiled. She only had one client currently so she could take a few hours to give a lesson about her home. She nodded. “Sure. I’d love to come in and get your brains in the Saddle Arabian mood. What day were you thinking?”

Twilight smiled. “Does the day after tomorrow sound good?”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. That sounds good. And Flappy can give his own insight. If that’s ok with you.”

Twilight nodded. “The more insight the merrier. Thanks Sparkler.”

Sparkler nodded. “Sure thing Twilight. Oh. One thing. Make sure no creature has any food in the room. Flappy tends to just dive right in for the snacks if he can get at them.”

From elsewhere in the house, they heard Flappy groan in annoyance. “Squawk! Oh Consarnit! Squawk!”

Sparkler and Twilight laughed as Twilight nodded. “Thanks for the tip.” She got up out of her seat. Sparkler followed. “Thanks for the lemonade. It was SO tasty.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Feel free to stop by anytime. My door’s always open.”

Twilight nodded as she and Sparkler walked to the door. “I’ll keep that in mind. Anyway. Have a good evening Sparkler.”

Sparkler nodded. “You too Twilight.” With that, Twilight left. Sparkler closed the door behind her and chuckled to herself. Pinkie Pie, you are one lucky mare. She finally allowed that sigh of relief to escape. “That was a close call.

Flappy entered her view and nodded. “Squawk! If you ask me you should’ve taken this opportunity. You two were in the kitchen, having that sweet sweet Lemonade. How hard could it have possibly been to just say it? Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “I’m not ready yet. I’m still not entirely sure if I should trust her. What if she immediately makes a royal statement or something? Then everypony would know, they’ll shun me into the outcast role, and then We’ll have to move away! It would be the end of my life in Equestria!”

Flappy shook his head. “Squawk! Sparkler. You can’t just assume it’ll turn out that way. This isn’t Saddle Arabia. And you aren’t in school anymore. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed in frustration. “You keep saying that. But my mind just doesn’t want me to believe that.” She summoned a pillow from the couch over to her, and promptly screamed into it. “Gah! Why is it SO hard to trust anypony in this town?! They’ve given me ZERO reason not to trust them! And Twilight has the same condition! If she can be herself, why can’t I bring myself to do the same!” She buried her head in the pillow and hopped onto the couch, groaning into the pillow.

Flappy sighed as he watched his owner struggle to regain composure. He could tell that she wanted to trust the residents of Ponyville and reveal her true self. But the fear of being shunned and ridiculed like before was holding her back. Eating away at Sparkler. Slowly gnawing away at her sanity. If she doesn’t talk to Twilight soon. We could have another breakdown to deal with. He shivered at that. And then he flapped his wings and flew over to the couch, where he landed on Sparkler and proceeded to wrap his wings around the mare. “Squawk! Hey. Calm down Sparkler. It’s all gonna be ok. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed as she sat up. “Is it though? I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! That may be a sign that you need to talk to Twilight soon. Uncork the bottle and let out it’s contents, before it goes boom. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You have another opportunity coming up. I REALLY think you should take it. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Maybe if I can get her into an empty room alone. But I’m not so sure—“

Flappy interrupted her. “Squawk! I can make sure nopony disturbs you two. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “If I can get her into an empty room alone, then yes. I will tell her then.”

Flappy smiled. “Squawk! Trust me Sparks, you’ll feel so much better. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I sure hope so.”

...

Sparkler tried to control her breathing as she and Flappy made their way to the School of Friendship. Today was the day she was gonna accomplish two things. Broaden the horizons of the next generation on Saddle Arabia, and equally as important, tell Twilight about her wings. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. You can do this Sparkler. You're only gonna be revealing your secret to the most politically powerful pony you’ve ever met, a pony that can bani—NO! Don’t go there brain! She doesn’t seem like the kind of pony to do that. In fact, you don’t even need to think about it right now. Instead think of your presentation. “Flappy, what species of parrot are you?”

“Squawk! Saddle Arabian Teal Kiki Parrot. The most common of parrots in Saddle Arabia. Squawk!” Answered Flappy automatically.

“Most important holiday?”

“Squawk! Saddle Founding Day. My turn. Why the sudden quiz? Squawk!”

“To keep my mind off the other thing I’m gonna do today.” Sparkler answered.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Is it working? Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Yep.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Good. Squawk!”

They reached the School of Friendship. Sparkler nodded. “Right. Let’s go in there and lay the groundwork for the magic of Friendship in Saddle Arabia!” She pushed open the door and she and Flappy entered the building. They had barely gone a few steps before they saw Starlight galloping towards them.

Starlight stopped in front of the two and smiled. “Sparkler, Flappy. You made it.”

Sparkler nodded. “Yep. We’re here and ready to fill those young minds with Saddle Arabia fuel.”

Starlight nodded. “Great. Though unfortunately Twilight and the others won’t be able to make it to the assembly.”

Sparkler frowned. “Why not?”

Starlight sighed. “They’ve been called on a Friendship Mission and it’s gonna be a few days before they even make it there.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “So they aren’t here?”

Starlight shook her head. And both Sparkler and Flappy had to keep a calm face to not give off any revealing signs. OH FOR THE LOVE OF TARTARUS! Are you freaking kidding me?!

Instead, Sparkler just nodded. “Well. That’s a bummer.”

Starlight nodded. “I think Twilight was the most disappointed of all. She was REALLY looking forward to your presentation.”

Sparkler nodded. “Well. I can always have a one on one lesson with her when she gets back.” There goes my plan for today. Grah!

Starlight nodded. “I’m sure she’ll like that. Come on. Every creature’s in the assembly hall already waiting for you.”

Sparkler nodded as Starlight led them to the assembly hall. Along the way. She and Sparkler shared a quick glance. Their eyes doing the talking.

I finally work up the courage to tell Twilight, and she isn’t even here!

I would ask if maybe telling somepony else is an option, but I know it isn’t.

Only Twilight right now. After all, she and I have the same condition, she’s likely to know more about it. I hope.

Soon, they reached the hall and Starlight opened the door. Inside, Sparkler and Flappy saw that it was packed with students. Sparkler suddenly became nervous. Ah Huh. That’s a lot more than I expected.

Starlight smiled at them. “Let me calm them down first. Then you two can start.” She proceeded to the stage and cleared her throat, preparing to address the crowd. “Alright. Every creature calm down!” The crowd didn’t seem to hear her. She sighed and lit her horn. Calling an air horn over to her. She magically squeezed the air bubble and a loud wail assaulted the ears of every creature. The crowd instantly shut up and snapped their eyes to the front. Starlight smiled as she put the air horn away. “Air horn. Never fails. Ahem. Welcome every creature. Yesterday you all had an exam on the magic of Friendship in Griffonstone. And Twilight wanted me to let you all know that you passed.” That was met with cheering from the crowd for a moment. Starlight waited for them to settle down again before continuing. “So, as a last minute reward, after this assembly, all classes are canceled until Twilight and the other teachers get back from their latest mission.” Another round of cheers before Starlight continued. “You can use that time to study because there’s gonna be a quiz on today’s presentation.”

There was a collective groan as one student shouted. “What?! But how?! Miss Twilight isn’t even here for the presentation!”

Starlight chuckled. “But I am, so I will be in the back using a recording spell from which Twilight will draw up the quiz.” She was met with eye rolling, groaning, and sighing. “Hey. Don’t blame me. It was all Twilight’s idea. Just following orders here. Anyway. Here to share with us her insight into Saddle Arabian culture. Ponyville’s newest resident musician/singer/recorder. Sparkler!”

The crowd clapped their upper extremis together as Sparkler exchanged places with Starlight on stage. She shot Starlight a smile. “Thank you, Starlight, for incentivizing them to pay attention. This will serve as the groundwork for their adventure into the magic of Friendship in Saddle Arabia and it’s an interesting culture.” She turned her attention to the crowd and waved. “Hi every creature. My name is Sparkling Medley. Sparkler for short. And Twilight’s asked me to get your brains into the Saddle Arabian groove. To help with that. I brought a very good friend of mine who’s actually a native of Saddle Arabia. Come on up here Flappy.”

Flappy smiled and took a lap around the room. “Squawk! Marhabaan bikuli makhluq! That’s Arabic for Hello every creature! Squawk!” He flew to Sparkler and landed on her waiting outstretched foreleg. He gave a bow before settling down.

Sparkler chuckled. “Show off. She commented.

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! You know me. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the crowd. “Anywho. That’s right Flappy. Marhabaan bikuli makhluq is Arabic for Hello every creature. Now. I mentioned that Flappy here is a native of Saddle Arabia. Just out of curiosity. Does any creature here know what species of parrot Flappy is? Any creature? Just raise an extremis if you know.” She saw one hoof raise. She smiled. “You. The one in the front with the turtle shell. You know what species he is?”

The volunteer nodded. “He’s a Teal Kiki Parrot. The most common species of parrot found in Saddle Arabia.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Yes. That’s right. A Teal Kiki Parrot. Not only the most common parrot species, but actually the most common BIRD species in Saddle Arabia. They’re literally everywhere. They’re about as common as...” She lit her horn and summoned a stringed instrument she had brought. “A chordophone. A Saddle Arabian string instrument played often. Especially on Saddle Arabian holidays such as Founding day—“ She and Flappy went off to tell them all about Saddle Arabia and it’s cultural history, going as far as to utilize the Chordophone to perform a traditional Saddle Arabian Duet. But...even though Sparkler was focused like a laser on the presentation. One thought lingered in the back of her mind. Of all the times for them to go on a mission...who knows if I’ll be able to work up the courage again.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Well, now that Twilight won't be back for a good week or so-

Sparkler(sarcastically): THANKS A LOT!

All in the name of a good story Sparkler!

Anyway, now that Twilight's gone, how does everypony feel about a certain god of chaos making an appearance?

Episode 9: Chaotic Introduction

🎵So come on girl, let’s fly together!

Ooh!

Fly together!

Ooh!

Let’s fly together!🎵

Soarin smiled as the song finished. He turned to Sparkler and Flappy. “You two are miracle workers. You know that right?”

Sparkler and Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! We are good aren’t we. Squawk!”

“I take it you like the result?”

Soarin grinned and nodded. “I honestly never expected it to come out this good. Heck, Spinal Record couldn’t do half the things you’ve done with this song.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Well, I was considered a one mare band back in Saddle Arabia so I think that helps.”

Soarin nodded. “I definitely see why.”

Sparkler nodded and lit her horn to summon the record from the player and promptly slid it into a cover. She smiled and held the record out for Soarin. “Here you go Soarin. One side has just the instrumental if you decide to sing live, and the other has the full song with the vocals.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Standard SHR package. An Instrumental and a regular. Squawk!”

Soarin nodded and he took the record in his wing. “Thanks Sparkler. Flappy. I really appreciate this. I just hope Rainbow likes it.”

Sparkler nodded. “I’m sure she’ll LOVE it. By the way. Have you heard anything from her in the last few days?”

Soarin shook his head. “Last I heard from her she said she was going on a Friendship Mission far far away. Haven’t heard anything since.”

Sparkler nodded as she deflated a tad. “Alright.”

Soarin raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

Sparkler sighed. “I was just wondering because I was actually wondering when I would be able to see Twilight again.”

Soarin nodded, then gave a light gasp and smirked. “Oh? Got the hots for the princess?”

Sparkler’s eyes widened as she blushed. She recovered and glared at a chuckling Soarin. “It’s nothing like that! She actually had asked me to give a presentation at her school about Saddle Arabia and Starlight said she was disappointed to have to miss it so I just thought I’d do the presentation one on one with her!”

Soarin chuckled as he nodded. “Sure.”

Sparkler groaned and shook her head. “I do not have ‘the hots’ for Twilight. She and I are just friends! I most certainly am not falling into the love-at-first-sight trope!”

Soarin nodded. “Whatever you say.”

Sparkler rolled her eyes as she led Soarin to the door. “Don’t you need to head back to HQ or something?”

Soarin chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. This was just a pit stop. Anywho. Thanks again Sparkler.”

Sparkler nodded. “Anytime.”

Soarin nodded and walked out the door. Sparkler closed the door behind him and let out a flustered sigh and rolled her eyes. “Me and Twilight. Yeah. When Tartarus freezes over.” She heard snickering and looked up to see Flappy trying, and failing, to keep a straight face. She shook her head. “No. Don’t you dare—“

Too late, Flappy let out loud bouts of laughter. “Squawk! Hahaha! Aww! Does my little Sparky have a crush? Squawk!”

Sparkler shook her head as she went for the kitchen. “Flappy! You know I only wanted to know when Twilight would be back so I can tell her about my wings. Get your mind out of the gutter!”

Flappy continued laughing as he flew into the kitchen and landed on the table. “Squawk! Aww! But you two WOULD make a cute couple. I can totally see it happening. Squawk!”

Sparkler shook her head as she got out a bottle of her homemade lemonade. “No. Flappy. Stop. Twilight and I are just friends. And I DON’T have a crush on her. End of story.”

“I don’t know. I can see you two happening as well.” Sparkler’s eyes widened as a new voice reached her ears.

She glanced down at Flappy. “Flappy was that you?”

Flappy shook his head as the voice returned. “By the way. What’s this I heard about wings?”

Sparkler’s and Flappy’s eyes widened as the oven suddenly opened and milk started flying out. The milk collected into a flying ball that expanded into a snake, and grew arms and legs, and with a poof, the milk turned into a creature that was the weirdest mishmash of animals they’ve ever seen.

The creature smiled and landed on the floor. “Greetings new friends!”

The response was Sparkler and Flappy screaming and assuming attack positions. Sparkler lit her horn and growled at the creature. “Who are you! What are you?! How did you get in here!”

The creature chuckled. “Why, it is I, the Lord of Chaos! The master of mischief! Ponyville’s resident draconnegus, DISCORD!” A huge sign saying Discord suddenly dropped out of nowhere and music and applause filled the room.

Sparkler looked around, trying to find the source. After failing to do so, she groaned and cleared her throat. “TURN THAT OFF!” She shouted.

Discord nodded and with a snap of his fingers, the noise stopped and the sign disappeared. Another snap popped in a chair that Discord sat down in. “Sorry. I overdo it sometimes. Anyway. You two must be the new residents of Ponyville. Yes?”

Flappy cautiously nodded. Discord smiled and extended his hands for shaking. “A pleasure to meet you! Fluttershy told me about you the other day!”

Sparkler and Flappy looked at each other, and then back at their unexpected guest. “Fluttershy?”

Discord nodded. “Oh yes. She told me how you blasted a bugbear out of town. Impressive.”

Sparkler nodded. “I suppose so. It’s Uh, nice to meet you Discord, my name is Sparkling Medley, Sparkler for short.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! And I’m Flappy. Squawk!”

Discord smiled and shook their hoof and wing. “A pleasure!” He snapped his chair away and smiled at Sparkler. “So. What wings are we talking about here?”

Sparkler’s and Flappy’s eyes widened as they instantly shook their heads? “Wings? What wings? I didn’t hear anypony say wings.”

“Squawk! You must’ve misheard. Squawk!”

Discord chuckled. “Oh really?” He snapped his fingers and a recording device dropped into his hand. He pressed the play button. And Sparkler and Flappy heard Sparkler’s voice. “Flappy! You know I only wanted to know when Twilight would be back so I can tell her about my wings. Get your mind out of the gutter!”

Sparkler’s eats drooped and she froze in fear as Discord snapped away the recorder, and her sweater, revealing her wings. Discord smirked. “Must’ve misheard Huh?”

Sparkler instantly lit her horn, grabbed hold of Discord’s beard, and yanked it so Discord’s eyes were brought to her own. She gave him a TERRIFYING stare. “Utter a WORD of this to ANYPONY, and I’ll dismantle you into your separate animal parts! Am I clear!”

Discord nodded without hesitation. “Crystal.”

Sparkler let go of his beard and poofed a sweater back on while Discord straightened himself out. “Just so you know, you don’t need to hide around here. Twilight’s one too.”

Flappy sighed and nodded. “Squawk! That’s what I keep telling her! Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “Well I WAS going to tell Twilight the other day after our presentation. But then she had to go on that Friendship Mission. I mean, I understand it’s important and that she’s the Princess of Friendship and all that. But still!”

Discord chuckled. “Don’t worry. She’ll be back. Oh! I know!” He snapped his fingers and Sparkler and Flappy saw two plates of food, utensils, a table cloth, and scented CANDLES appeared. Discord smiled. “You can tell her over dinner. Ask her out on a date.”

Sparkler quickly lit her horn again and the romantic scene was turned back to the way it was before Discord. She shook her head. “NO! I’m not gonna ask her out on a date! I don’t like her like that!”

Flappy and Discord snickered. Sparkler eyed them. “What?!”

Discord smirked. “You’re in denial.”

Sparkler gasped and shook her head. “I am not in DENIAL! I’m stating FACT!”

Flappy snickered. “Squawk! You’re getting pretty defensive about it. Squawk!”

Sparkler blushed as she tried to stay calm. “Am NOT!”

Discord and Flappy chuckled as they started singing in unison. “Sparkler and Twilight sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

Sparkler growled as she lit her horn and summoned a frying pan. “Utter another word on this subject and you both get a frying pan to the face!”

Discord and Flappy saw the frying pan and ceased laughing. “Alright alright.”

“Squawk! We’ll stop. Squawk!”

Sparkler smiled and put the frying pan away. “That’s what I thought.”

Discord chuckled. “But you’re still in denial.”

Sparkler summoned the frying pan again and went to whack Discord with it. “GET OUT!”

Discord dodged the frying pan and popped away. “It was nice to meet you. Hope to run into you again soon.” He said.

Sparkler sharply inhaled and exhaled and put the frying pan away again. She turned to a Flappy. “We will never speak of this again.”

Flappy nodded. Sensing that Sparkler was dead serious.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

I had WAY too much fun with this one.😂😂😂😂😂

anywho. What should Flappy and Sparkler get up to next while they wait for Twilight's return?

don't be shy. nothing's too crazy.

PS, What do you think? would Twiight and Sparkler make a good couple?😊

Episode 10: Friendship's Origin

Sparkler was trotting along the streets of Ponyville, going through a list of things she held in her magic along with a quill. She crossed off a thing on the list. “Get apples from Sweet Apple Acres--note to self Big Mac doesn’t talk much--check. Stop at the build-a-pony store and pick up Flappy’s gift. Check.” She inwardly sighed in relief. Thank the MAKER they didn’t ask why I wanted the plushie to have both wings and a horn. I’m not so sure if they would’ve blindly believed Flappy wanted it that way. she nodded and scanned the next item on the list. “Next up...oh. That’s everything.” She smiled and whisked the paper away. “Now to get back ho—“

“INCOMING!” Sparkler’s ears perked up and she turned just in time to see a Pegasus crash into her. They rolled on the ground to a stop.

Sparkler shook off the pain and turned to find that her sudden ‘attacker’ was none other than Rainbow Dash. She gasped. “Rainbow?! What the hay? A-Are you OK?”

Rainbow chuckled and got up. Nodding as she turned to Sparkler. “Yeah. I’m fine. I just got a little carried away with my speed. How’s it going Sparkler?”

Sparkler smiled. “It’s going good. How about you? That friendship mission of yours turn out OK?”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. We totally fixed the magic of Friendship there.”

Sparkler nodded. “So if you're here does that mean everypony else is back too?”

Rainbow shook her head. “Nah, they’ll be back tomorrow morning. I just got off a few stops before Ponyville because I could go MUCH faster than that train.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Any reason?”

Rainbow smiled sheepishly and nodded. “Uh, I may have been a little impatient getting back so I can see Soarin again.”

At that, Sparkler chuckled. “Aww. Did big bad Rainbow Danger Dash miss her coltfriend?”

Rainbow chuckled nervously. “There are other reasons.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Name one not Soarin related.”

She smiled knowingly at Rainbow, who reached behind her head and rubbed the back of her neck. “Er...well...” she sighed. “Ok FINE! You got me. I just wanted to see Soarin again.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Hey, I don’t blame you. Were I into colts I’d be all over him as well.”

Rainbow chuckled and nodded. “Yeah—Wait.” She did a double take as she realized what Sparkler said. “WERE you into colts. You saying you don’t swing towards Colts?”

Sparkler’s eyes widened as she realized what she just said. She blushed and smiled sheepishly. Giving a slight nod. “Ahem. Well. MAYBE I’ve always preferred mares to colts. Just something I’ve always known about myself.”

Rainbow gave her a hard look, before smiling. “Alright. That’s cool I guess. You’re into mares then you’re into mares. I’m not judging.” She nodded and flapped her wings. “Sorry about the crash. And sorry for cutting this short but I gotta go. Soarin’s waiting for me.”

“Rainbow wait, before you go. Do you know if Twilight’s seeing anypony right now?”

Rainbow froze in the air and turned to look down at Sparkler. She shook her head. “I don’t THINK so. I know she had a thing for a Pegasus guard from the Crystal Empire at some point. But I’m pretty sure they’re just friends.”

Sparkler nodded. “Alright. Thanks.”

Rainbow doubled back AGAIN as she realized something. “Hang on a minute. Why did you just ask that?”

Sparkler’s eyes widened as she realized what she just asked. “Oh, did I just ask that? I—I don’t know. I just...asked without even thinking.”

Rainbow smirked as she landed on the ground. “Is somepony crushing on the Princess of Friendship?”

Sparkler immediately shook her head. “Of course not!”

Rainbow snickered. “Then why did you just ask if she was available?”

Sparkler shrugged as she struggled to stop her blush. “I don’t know. I just asked before I even thought about it.”

Rainbow nodded as she flapped her wings again. “Sure you did. Personally I think you might be a good match for her. Anyway. See ya Sparkler. Gotta fly.” With that, Rainbow zipped away.

Sparkler watched her go. Is Twilight seeing anypony?! Are you insane?! Why did I just ask that?! She shook her head clear and began trotting back to her house. Grah! It’s just Discord and Flappy from yesterday getting to me. I don’t have a crush on Twilight. The ONLY interest I have in her other than friendship is that she’s got the same condition as me. That’s all. She nodded. Though she is a sight to behold—STOP IT! No! Bad Sparkler. Bad! She shook her clear again and continued on.

Minutes later, she reached her house and went in. As she closed the door behind her, she smiled and called out. “Flappy! I’m home!”

Flappy flew into the living room and smiled. “Squawk! Hey Sparkler! Back from the errand run? Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Yep.” She took one look at Flappy and after a moment of reflection of the last ten minutes, chuckled.

Flappy raised an eyebrow. “Squawk! What’s so funny? Squawk!”

Sparkler smiled at him. “I just had a run in with Rainbow Dash, who came back early to be with Soarin. She crashed into me and when I came back and saw you I was reminded of how we met.”

Flappy’s eyes widened as he smiled and started chuckling with Sparkler. “Squawk! Oh I remember that. That might just be the best day of my life. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. I remember it like it was yesterday.”

...

I was walking back home from school that day, being followed by certain classmates...

Six year old Sparkler was covering her tear soaked face with her wings. Blocking the incoming eggs that were being thrown at her. She felt another egg explode on her wing and she let out another sob. “Come on guys! This isn’t funny!”

One of the assailants just laughed at her. “What’s wrong Featherhorn! Don’t like eggs?”

The other assailants laughed and continued throwing eggs at Sparkler. Who continued to hide behind her wings. After a moment, they all heard an adult shout. “Boys! It’s time to go!”

The assailants chuckled and threw one more round of eggs at Sparkler. “See you tomorrow Featherhorn!” The assailants laughed as they left.

Sparkler heard the laughing fade and took the opportunity to run. She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her. Tears still falling from her face. Stupid bullies! Why won’t they just leave me alone! She tripped over her hooves and fell to the ground. She grunted in pain before standing back up. That’s when her little pony ears picked up what sounded like a whooshing sound. She turned to its source, and only had two seconds to see a little ball of feathers gliding straight at her before it crashed into her. She toppled back down on the ground and the ball of feathers settled on the ground next to her. Sparkler shook off the pain and turned her head to get a good look at what hit her. She examined it, and saw that it had eyes. She gasped. “A baby Teal Kiki Parrot!” She stood up on her hooves and cautiously approached the bird. As she approached, she heard whimpering. She quietly let out a gasp as she extended her wings and carefully picked the parrot up. “Hey. Hey there little one. Why are you crying?”

The parrot looked up at Sparkler before turning its head to Its wing. It unfolded one of them and Sparkler saw that it was bent in several places it shouldn’t be bending. She gasped. “Oh no. It’s broken.”

The Parrot nodded. “Squeak! Hurts. Squeak!”

Sparkler nodded and gently cradled the parrot in her wings. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you healed up.”

...

Sparkler opened the door to her room and immediately went to her desk. She set the parrot down on the desk with its broken wing up and she gave it a warm smile. “Sit tight. It’ll be OK.” She lit her horn and summoned the first aid kit her parents had. She opened it up and turned back to the parrot. “Ok. I know it’s gonna hurt, but I have to pop the wing bone back in. It’ll only hurt for a second. Is that ok?”

The parrot looked up into her eyes, and slowly nodded. She nodded and lit her horn. Carefully taking the parrot’s broken wing. She breathed in and out and nodded. “Ok. On the count of three. One...two...three.” She manipulated her magic and popped the wing bones back into their proper place. That elicited a scream from the Parrot, who immediately started squirming around. Sparkler extended her magical hold to the whole animal to hold him still. “Hey! Calm down. It’s ok. Just stay still and I’ll bandage it up.” She extracted a roll of gauze from the medical kit and carefully wrapped it around the parrot’s wing. She finished bandaging it up and smiled warmly at the parrot. Setting it back down on the desk standing up. “There. Does that feel better?”

The parrot glanced at it’s wing before nodding. “Squeak! Thank you. Squeak!

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Your welcome. I can take you home now.”

The parrot shook its head. Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “You don’t want to go back? What about your family?”

The parrot deflated a little. Sparkler saw this and somehow understood. “Oh. You...you don’t have one.” She saw the parrot nod. Her heart ached as she wrapped her wings carefully around the parrot. “Oh you poor thing. You must be lonely.”

The parrot nodded as it snuggled into Sparkler’s wings. “Squeak! Very lonely. Squeak!”

Sparkler nodded. You poor thing. An infant like you shouldn’t be out there alone. Her eyes widened as she thought of something. “Well. How about you stay here?”

The parrot looked up at Sparkler with a raised eyebrow. Sparkler gave it a reassuring smile. “Think about it. This way you don’t have to be alone and I promise to take good care of you. How about it?”

The parrot smiled and nodded, flapping it’s good wing. “Squeak! Yes! Squeak!”

Sparkler chuckled and hugged her new parrot friend. “We’re gonna be best friends forever. I just know it.”

...

“Squawk! And then you cried your eyes out until your parents said yes to having me around. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled as she lay eyes on the photo taken that day. She and Flappy had moved to the couch and began looking at their photo album. “Yeah. And when they did I realized I didn’t give you a name yet. So after seeing that you liked to flap your wings I came up with Flappy.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Sparkler, I know I’ve said this before, but I can never say this enough. Thank you for everything. I honestly felt my life was over before you came along. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “And I’d do it again and again if it means I get the best friend I’ve ever had.” She lit her horn and summoned her saddle bag. She opened it up and pulled out the plushie she had gotten made. “Here. Got a little something for you.”

Flappy saw the plushie and gasped. It was a near exact replica of Sparkler herself. Wings and all. Wearing a shirt that had a message on it. YOU ALWAYS HAVE A FRIEND IN ME. He smiled. “Squawk! You got me a plushie of you? Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “This way I’ll always be with you even when I’m not there physically. Do you like it?”

Flappy smiled and wrapped his wings around the real Sparkler, and the plushie. “Squawk! I love it! Thanks! Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and wrapped her legs and wings around her pet companion. “Happy Anniversary Flappy.”

Flappy nodded as he snuggled into the hug. “Squawk! Right back atcha. Squawk!” He and Sparkler stayed in each other’s grasp. Enjoying each other’s company, as they had for so many years prior.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

and THAT'S how Sparkler and Flappy met. I actually had some liquid pride writing this.

also, SOARIN!

Soarin while eating pie: Yes?

You featherbrain! you just HAD to tease Sparkler didn't you. now you've set off a chain reaction!

Soarin: Sorry!

*sigh* It's fine. anyway. thx for reading and let me know down in the comments what you want to see next!

Episode 11: Ready Now to Touch the Sky

A small pop and a puff of blue smoke were followed by Sparkler and Flappy clinging to each other as they landed just outside the Everfree Forest. After a few seconds of shaking and heavy breathing, they calmed down and let go of each other. Sparkler nodded as she summoned a copy of the town map and crossed out a circle on it. “Pro tip, NEVER, EVER go into the Everfree Forest. That pack of timberwolves came out of nowhere.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! When I flew overhead the other week, it was clear as the sky. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and put the map back into her saddlebag. “It may have been empty AT THE TIME. I don’t EVER want you going in or over this Forest again. Got it?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Got it. Ok, so we crossed out more than half the potential secluded flying spots. What’s next on the list? Squawk!”

Sparkler smiled. “The map says it’s the Windy Ring. It looks like a natural circular stadium.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Let’s go there. That sounds like a perfect place. Squawk!”

Sparkler shrugged. “We’ll see.” She grabbed hold of Flappy and lit her horn. It pulsed as they popped away.

Seconds later, they popped in on the top of the mountain surrounding the area. They let go of each other and both got a look at the view in front of them. They could see that indeed it was a crater with a seemingly smooth and flat stone base, surrounded by the mountain they were standing on.

Sparkler let out an impressed whistle. “Whoo. Don’t get a view quite like this in Saddle Arabia Eh Flappy?” She called out to account for the face that the wind was really blowing in the area.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! And the wind conditions are something too. I actually think this could be a great place for flight training. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “Sure. If you want to increase your strength and stamina. I might even be able to make an obstacle course for you!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Sure thing. But right now. Those wings of yours need a good stretch after being cooped up in your sweaters! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Alright. Fine.” She lit her horn and a ball shot from it. The hall fell down onto the ground and started expanding into lines that circled the rim of the crater. The lines touched at the other end and the whole line flashed before disappearing. Sparkler nodded. “Tripwire spell. Just in case we get a tad too high and others enter this area!” She lit her horn again and her sweater poofed away. Her wings spread open and she actually shivered, not used to feeling the cold wind blowing through her wings. “Ooh. It’s kinda chilly up here!”

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! You had a chance to get a new sweater made. Remember Rarity? Squawk!”

Sparkler gasped as Flappy took off. She laughed and assumed a take off position. “Oh you did NOT go there!” She flapped her wings hard, and took off from the rim after Flappy. She got a few meters forward before stumbling in the air. She quickly regained her balance and control and eased into a hover in front of Flappy. “Whoa! I’m definitely out of practice.” She chuckled.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Maybe you need a training course. For now... Tag you’re it! Squawk!” Flappy quickly touched Sparkler with his wing before taking off. Sparkler laughed and chased after him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CELvOdZPeA

And so they flew. They chased each other around, they raced, they played games, did tricks. And just had an awesome time in the air. The entire time, Sparkler was in complete bliss. While she always wondered why she needed to be born with wings, she would gladly admit that they had their perks. Being able to fly with her parrot being the prime perk. Back in Saddle Arabia, they would fly on a near daily basis. It always cheered her up no matter how down she was. And that was exactly the case now. Here, flying with Flappy, she could momentarily forget about her secret. Up there in the sky, she just could be Sparkling Medley, a pony who had both wings and a horn.

About an hour into the session. Flappy and Sparkler settled down on a cloud overlooking the Windy Ring. Sparkler set her hooves down on the fluffy cloud and took a deep breath. “Whoo. Wow what a workout. I definitely need to exercise my wings more.”

Flappy chuckled as he set down the cloud next to Sparkler. “Squawk! Well. Now you can. I mean, an hour out here and not ONE pony has come across here. I say that means we found our flight spot. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “It was nice to get up in the air again. Though I feel as though I should preen my wings. Since they’ve been cooped up in sweaters since we moved here.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! I’ll help with that. As always.”

Sparkler smiled. “Thanks Flappy.” She sighed as she laid down on her haunches. “You can go ahead and keep flying if you want. I’ll watch from here while I take a break.”

Flappy nodded and took to the skies again. Sparkler watched from the Cloud as he started weaving through the magical obstacle course she had created for him. She smiled. Yeah. This place is perfect for us. Open, secluded, a good view. Like our own little paradise. She continued to watch, until she felt her spine shiver involuntarily. Her eyes widened as she instantly lit her horn. So much for paradise! Somepony had crossed the tripwire spell! She pulsed her horn and the sweater she had been wearing that day popped into place, covering her wings. Once she felt the sweater settle. She peered over the edge of the cloud, curious to see just who had entered the area.

“Hey Sparkler.” Sparkler jumped and whipped around to see Rainbow Dash and Soarin hovering a few meters from her cloud.

Sparkler gasped. “Rainbow! Soarin! Sweet celestia. You scared me!”

Rainbow chuckled. “Sorry.” She and Soarin touched down on the cloud.

Soarin smiled at Sparkler. “Sup Sparkler.”

Sparkler nodded. “Nothing. Sup with you?”

Soarin chuckled. “Nothing much. Just out for a flight with my marefriend.”

Rainbow nodded. “What about you Sparkler? Whatcha doing up here, on a...cloud...” her eyes narrowed on Sparkler, who’s mind was racing with worry and nervousness. “How are you standing on a cloud? You aren’t a Pegasus.”

Sparkler nodded. “But I can teleport and cast a cloud walking spell.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Teleport?”

Sparkler nodded. “What? You’ve never heard of a unicorn teleporting?”

Rainbow continued to give her a hard stare. “But Twilight’s never been able to teleport onto a cloud.”

“Well. I can. Lots of practice and lessons from my dad.”

Rainbow continued to stare at Sparkler, who was trying to keep a calm face. After what felt like hours, Rainbow smiled. “That’s cool. Twilight might want to come to you for pointers.”

Sparkler nodded. “I’ll be happy to help.”

Rainbow nodded as Soarin looked over the edge and saw a yellow streak zipping through a homemade obstacle course. “Hey Sparkler, is that Flappy down there running that course?”

Sparkler smiled as she and Rainbow peered over the edge. Sparkler nodded. “That’s him. We came out here so he can work on his speed, stamina, strength, things like that.”

Rainbow watched Flappy go and gave an approving nod. “Hm. He’s a fast little critter. I’ll give him that.”

Sparkler laughed. “Oh that’s not even his top speed. That’s just his leisurely pace.” She lit her horn and directed her attention to Flappy. “HEY FLAPPY! KICK IT INTO OVERDRIVE!” She shouted over the megaphone spell

Flappy heard her, and Soarin and Rainbow’s eyes widened when he increased his speed at least tenfold. They watched him zip through the course lickity split, and nearly jumped back when he suddenly appeared at their level. Smiling at everypony.

“Squawk! Were you timing that Sparkler? Squawk!” He asked.

Sparkler chuckled and shook her head. “Nope.” She gestured to Rainbow and Soarin. “But these two wanted to see just how fast you are.”

Flappy laughed. “Squawk! Faster then both of them I’ll bet. Squawk!”

Rainbow gave a dramatic gasp and glared her wings as she stared at Flappy. “What?! No way! There’s a reason I can do the Sonic Rainboom! And I wouldn’t even need it to beat you in a race!”

Flappy laughed. “Squawk! Careful Dashie. You talk a good game, but you might not be able to back it up. Squawk!”

That earned a gasp from everypony as Rainbow smirked at him. “Oh you are going DOWN parrot! 10 laps around that obstacle course down there!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Bring it! Squawk!” Flappy descended down to the course. Rainbow followed suit.

Soaring looked at Sparkler. “Your parrot has no idea what can of worms he just opened.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Eh, so long as she actually doesn’t employ the Sonic Rainboom, this should be an interesting race.” She lit her horn again and activated the megaphone spell. She directed her attention to the racers. “I WANT A NICE CLEAN RACE FROM BOTH OF YOU! THAT MEANS NO PUTTING YOUR OPPONENT IN DANGER, AND NO SONIC RAINBOOMS DASH!

Rainbow laughed. “Don’t worry Sparkler! This may be a race, but I play fair!”

Soarin nodded his head when Sparkler glanced at him, vouching for Rainbow’s statement. She nodded and turned back to the race. “IN THAT CASE, ON YOUR MARKS...GET SET...GO!!!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ACksQK4P8Q

Rainbow and Flappy took off. Racing through the obstacle course. Soarin and Sparkler looked on, and Soarin was surprised to find Flappy actually managing to keep pace with Rainbow. “Whoo. That parrot of yours has some serious speed.”

Sparkler nodded. “He used to race all the time back home.” She chuckled. “You know what he told me when he first learned of the wonderbolts? He told me he was gonna be the first Parrot wonderbolt ever.”

Soarin laughed. “Well. He definitely looks like he has the speed for it. Unfortunately we don’t take animals as team members.”

Sparkler chuckled. “I figured as much. But that’s not gonna stop him from training.”

Soarin chuckled. “Hey, maybe he can be a wonderbolt for Nightmare Night.”

Sparkler chuckled. “I’ll talk to Rarity.”

At that moment, they saw Rainbow gain distance on Flappy and crossed the finish line first. Flappy followed only seconds later. Rainbow smiled as she crossed her forelegs. “Haha! Sorry Flappy. Maybe next time.”

Flappy laughed. “Squawk! You are a worthy opponent Rainbow Dash. But next time I shall be victorious! Squawk!”

Rainbow giggled. “In your dreams Parrot.”

Soarin smiled before an idea came to him. He turned to Sparkler. “Hey Sparkler, you mind if I race Flappy next?”

Sparkler smiled and activated the megaphone spell. “Let’s ask him.” She turned to Flappy. “HEY FLAPPY! GOT MORE IN THE TANK FOR ANOTHER TEN LAPPER? SOARIN HERE WANTS A RACE!”

Flappy smiled and nodded. “Send him down!”

Soarin smiled as he and Rainbow basically traded places. Once everypony was in position. Sparkler smiled. “ON YOUR MARKS...GET SET...GO!!!” Soarin and Flappy took off around the course.

Rainbow turned to Sparkler. “Gotta admit. That Parrot of yours actually put up a decent race.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Used to race all the time back home.”

Rainbow nodded. “It definitely shows.” She chuckled. After a second, she settled down again. “So. I hear you and Soarin got to know each other a bit while I was away.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Did we?”

Rainbow chuckled. “Did you or did you not help him with a certain song that he calls Fly Together?”

Sparkler’s eyes widened as she remembered his commission and chuckled. “Oh. Yeah. That. Yeah he came to me two days before you lot were sent on that Friendship mission. He already had the lyrics down, but said he didn’t have any musical talent beyond singing.”

Rainbow laughed. “That’s so true. Did he provide an example?”

Sparkler shuddered as she nodded. Remembering the attack on her ears. “Yeah. I was close to having to wash my ears for that one.”

Rainbow laughed. “That’s why we don’t allow him ANYWHERE near any instrument that isn’t pie.”

Sparkler nodded. “So. Did you like the song?”

Rainbow nodded. “I did. Spinal Record can eat his heart out. Soarin may have sung the song and he has a good voice and all that. But YOU Sparkler, you did things in that song I didn’t even know were possible.”

Sparkler chuckled. “What can I say? I’m just that awesome.”

Rainbow laughed. “I agree. Though nopony’s more awesome than me.”

Sparkler laughed. “Sure. Whatever you say.” They turned back to the race, which was still going on. Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “They don’t look like they’re stopping.”

Rainbow nodded. “They just passed ten laps.”

Sparkler nodded. “Think we should let them know?”

Rainbow laughed. “I say we let the boys duke it out. I kinda want to see if Flappy can pass the finish line before Soarin at all.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Alright then. But I’m not letting this go on forever.”

Rainbow laughed. “Exactly. I don’t want to have to carry Soarin back. Do you know how much pie he eats? Thank CELESTIA he’s a wonderbolt. That’s the only way he could keep in shape.”

Sparkler and Rainbow laughed as they watched the boys race. As they looked on, Sparkler smiled. Despite nearly blowing my cover, today was pretty great. Though Flappy and I MAY need to find a new spot to fly together.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Sparkler spreads her wings at last. And someday she might be able to do so freely without having to maintain her cover.

BTW, This chapter actually came about BECAUSE of the song used for the montage. Cloud 9.

also on the subject of song choices, come on, Nothing Can Stop Me Now from Planes just screamed race music. and i think it fitting for a race involving a wonderbolt.

all rights go to their respective owners

Now. time to start the reveal-to-Twilight arc, what scenario should I use to get them in the same room?

Episode 12: So Close, And Yet So Far

It was a beautiful sunny day in Ponyville. Very few clouds in the sky, birds chirping, and the townsfolk were going about their business. Among these ponies was Sparkling Medley, who was making client rounds to deliver commissions. She was smiling as she levitated the last commission to it’s commissioner. “Here you go Time Turner. One side instrumental, one side with vocals. As requested.”

Time Turner smiled as he took hold of the record. “Thanks so much Sparkler. I’ve been wanting to write a song or two. And I’ve heard amazing things about the Master Mixer from all over town.”

Sparkler chuckled at her new nickname. “I can confirm that it’s all true. And remember. If you find a problem, feel free to stop by and we’ll get it fixed at no extra cost.”

Time Turner nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. But I already know it’ll be great. You do an amazing job.”

Sparkler, while slightly confused as to how he already knew it was amazing, just put it off and nodded. “Well. Thanks. If you ever need any other commissions. My door’s open.”

Time Turner nodded. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a record to listen to and an adventure to begin.” He closed the door to his little box, and a few seconds later, Sparkler saw the box fade away. A second later, she was just staring at the wall that was behind the box.

She just shrugged and turned to walk out of the alleyway. “Monster attacks, a crystal castle, a pony that lives in a box that fades away...anything else I should look out for in this town?” She asked nopony in particular.

“Have you met Discord yet?” Sparkler jumped at the sudden reply and turned to see Twilight smiling at her.

After taking a second to compose herself, Sparkler smiled. “Oh, Twilight. Hey. How long have you been there?”

Twilight chuckled. “I was just walking by when I heard you asking if there’s anything else in this town you should look out for. To which I decided to ask if you had met Discord yet.”

Sparkler relaxed a tad and nodded. “He entered my house through the oven and apparently had turned himself into milk before taking his true form, a draconequus. I think.”

Twilight chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. That’s what he is. And he came in as milk from an oven?”

Sparkler nodded. “Yep. Sure gave Flappy and me a good scare. But fortunately he didn’t cause TOO much chaos.” Other than basically SHIPPING you and me together. Sparkler added in her mind. Not that she’d ever tell Twilight that.

Twilight smiled. “That’s good. You just can’t know what to expect with Discord.”

Sparkler nodded. “That's apparent.”

They both chuckled as they subconsciously began walking side by side. After a few seconds, Sparkler calmed down. “So how are you Twilight? Heard that friendship mission of yours went ok.”

Twilight nodded as her smile slowly vanished. “Yeah. It was a mission success. I’m so sorry I had to miss your Saddle Arabian presentation though. Starlight told me you and Flappy were a hit.”

“Squawk! Somepony ring? Squawk!” Right then, Flappy came in and landed on Sparkler’s back. He waved his wing at Twilight. “Squawk! Hey Twilight. Squawk!”

Twilight smiled. “Hey Flappy.”

Sparkler turned to Flappy. “Twilight was just telling me how she’s bummed she had to miss the presentation we did last week.”

Flappy chuckled and nodded. “Squawk! We did amazing. Every creature adored the Yellow Streak. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say.” She turned back to Twilight. “So, how goes your adventure into the magic of friendship in Saddle Arabia?”

Twilight smiled. “Great. The Friendship Mission put us behind schedule but we’re making our way back on track. Every creature passed that quiz on your presentation by the way.”

Sparkler smiled. “That’s good.” She giggled. “They all thought they’d get a break when you left for that mission. It was a tad amusing to see them learn that you made a quiz to keep their brains stimulated.”

Twilight chuckled and nodded. “I mainly just did it to make sure they actually paid attention to you. I didn’t want you to have a bad first impression.”

Sparkler smiled as she blushed a tad. “Aww. That’s sweet that you care.”

Twilight nodded. “Of course I do. We are friends after all.”

While Sparkler and Twilight were talking. Flappy just remained silent and watched. He smiled. This is it Sparkler. No other ponies around, we’re near our house. Just say there’s something you want to talk to her about privately, and go for it. You can do it. He would’ve loved to have reminded her of this out loud, but that would’ve been too revealing right off the bat.

A few minutes later, they had come up to the Sparkling house. Sparkler turned Twilight. “Wanna come in and have some Lemonade? Just made a lot more.”

Flappy took off from his perch on Sparkler’s back and watched in anticipation. That’s it. Get her inside...

Twilight frowned as she gave an apologetic expression. “Oh. I wish I could. That Lemonade’s the best I’ve ever had. But I gotta get back to school. My lunch break’s almost over.”

While Flappy internally cursed that another opportunity was just dashed away, Sparkler nodded. “Alright. I understand. Can’t be late for class.”

Twilight nodded. “Never have been late in the past. Not starting now.”

Sparkler nodded. “In that case. You better get going. See ya Twi

Twilight nodded. “Yeah. See ya.”

Sparkler turned to open the door, when she suddenly turned back to Twilight, who had started to walk away. “Wait, Twilight, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”

Twilight stopped and turned back to Sparkler. She smiled. “Sure. What is it Sparkler?”

Flappy smiled as his hope rose again. Come on Sparkler. Say it...just a few words.

“Which way do you swing?”

While Flappy had to beat down a loud groan of annoyance WHILE staying in the air. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

Sparkler nodded. “Which way do you swing? Like, do you prefer mares or colts?”

Flappy’s mouth hung open. He couldn’t believe it. Sparkler had chickened out, again. OH COME ON! You were SO close!

Twilight blushed a little as she realized what Sparkler was asking. “Oh. Oh. You mean which way do I swing? Uh. Ahem. Um, I actually swing both ways actually. Mare OR colt. Doesn’t really matter. Uh, any reason?”

Sparkler shook her head as she blushed too. “Nah, it was just something I’d been wondering and I couldn’t really resist asking. I ask weird questions like that sometimes.”

Twilight nodded. Suddenly feeling the awkward pile on. “Oh. Ok. That’s uh, fine I guess. Not really something I’d try to hide.”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. I feel like we live in an accepting enough society that I can safely say that I swing all the way towards mares. I’m not gonna hide that.”

Right. Because you’re too busy using it to DODGE the real issue here! Flappy wanted to shout. But he knew better.

Twilight nodded. “Alright. That’s uh, that’s cool. ahem. Uh, if there’s nothing else I’ll just be on my way.”

There IS something else. Somepony just chickened out YET AGAIN!

Sparkler nodded. “See you later Twi.”

Twilight nodded. “See ya.” With that, she watched as Sparkler and Flappy entered the house. When the door closed. She frowned and raised an eyebrow. “What in Tartarus was that all about?” She asked as she walked off.

Flappy stared at Sparkler in their house, still not entirely believing what had just happened. Sparkler saw the look on his face and raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Flappy landed on the ground. “Squawk! What do you mean WHAT?! Squawk!” He pointed star the door with his wing. “Squawk! What HAPPENED back there?! Squawk!”

Sparkler groaned and she banged her head on the foyer wall. “I DON’T KNOW!” She squeezed her eyes shut to prevent tears from falling, and they fell anyway as she cried. “I was SO close! I was ONE SENTENCE away from getting her alone. And then I said the WRONG ONE! ‘Which gender do you swing towards?!’ Grah! Why did I ask that!” She banged her head on the wall again, and several sparks exploded from her horn. The sudden reaction made Flappy and Sparkler jump back in surprise.

Flappy gasped and immediately flew into Sparkler, wrapping his wings around her neck in a hug. “Squawk! Sparkler! Calm down! Remember your emotional state. Breathe. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and began breathing in and out rhythmically. After a few breaths, she regained her composure. She sighed. “This isn’t good.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Your magic is reacting to your fear. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I’m losing control.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You know what this means. Squawk!”

Sparkler gulped and nodded. “I’m close to having another incident.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You know what you have to do. Tomorrow is the weekend. That’s the best chance you have to catch Twilight not doing anything. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I know.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Until then, we better get that ring on. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. But not yet. When we go to bed.”

Flappy sighed. “Squawk! If your horn starts going even more rogue, it goes on right then and there. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded.

Later on. Sparkler spat toothpaste into her bathroom sink and rinsed out her mouth after brushing her teeth. Once she finished, she placed everything back in its place and exited every bathroom to find Flappy hovering above the bed with a ring in his claws. She sighed. “Make a note Flappy. Tomorrow is the day. No ifs ands or buts about it, no dodging out, no last second decisions. I am gonna march up to Twilight’s castle, find Twilight, and reveal my wings. And if for whatever reason I chicken out at the last second, AGAIN, you have my permission to tear my sweater off.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Noted. You’ve put this off long enough. One way or another, Twilight’s gonna learn the truth tomorrow. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “And in the meantime. Let’s cork it Flappy.” She lowered her head to allow Flappy better access to her horn.

Flappy nodded and swooped in to slide the ring over Sparkler’s horn. He used one of his claws to swipe one side of the ring and it spun as it screwed down her horn into position at it’s base. Once the ring settled. Sparkler immediately felt her magic thoroughly blocked. She shivered for a second at the feeling before relaxing again. “Hopefully this’ll prevent history from repeating itself.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! At the very LEAST it should reduce the danger significantly. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and climbed into bed. She used her wing to grab the covers and pull them over her. She settled in. “G’night Flappy.”

Flappy nodded as he settled down on his perch. “Squawk! G’night Sparkler. Squawk!” He extended his wing and flicked the lights off. With that, they both drifted off the sleep.

Sparkler found herself in Ponyville Plaza. Walking around with Twilight. Twilight smiled at Sparkler. “Oh Sparkler. I’m so glad we’re finally together. I love you so much.”

Sparkler nodded. She smiled at Twilight. “Wanna know something about me?” She saw Twilight nod. She lit her horn and her sweater. With the removal of her sweater, her wings spread out. Twilight gasped as Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. I also have wings. Just like you.” Sparkler gave Twilight a nervous glance, waiting for Twilight’s reaction.

Flappy squinted his eyes before slowly opening them. Having been roused awake by the loud squeaking of mattress springs. He sleepily looked to Sparkler, and his eyes instantly snapped open when he saw a blue glow coming from under the covers. Oh NO! He instantly flew off his perch and landed on the bed. He used his beak to grab hold of the covers and threw them back to reveal Sparkler. And just as Flappy feared, she was the source of the glow. He shook his head worriedly. No. no this shouldn’t be happening! He got to work trying to wake Sparkler up. “Squawk! Sparkler, Sparkler wake up! Squawk!”

Sparkler rolled over in her bed, giving Flappy a distraught look as she remained asleep. She shook her head. “No. No no. Stop laughing. Please!”

She started glowing brighter, and much to Flappy’s horror. He noticed cracks starting to form on the ring. HOLY TARTARUS! This is WAY worse than before! He continually tried to wake Sparkler. “Squawk! Sparkler! Wake up! It’s OK! You're ok! Nopony’s laughing at you!”

Sparkler just shook her head. “Please! Twilight let me explain! No!”

The cracks on the ring grew bigger as Sparkler’s horn began letting out sparks. After a few seconds, the ring all but exploded into tiny pieces.

THAT got Sparkler’s eyes to snap open as she finally awoke. She bolted upright, and immediately noticed something wrong. She turned to see Flappy with a panicked look on his face. “Flappy?! What just happened?!”

“Squawk! The ring BURST! Your magic destroyed the ring! Squawk!”

She glanced up and saw that the ring wasn’t on her anymore, and her horn sparking. She looked down and saw that she was glowing. Her eye irises shrank to near invisibility in fear. She shook her head. “No. No no. This can’t be happening!”

Flappy took to the air and immediately launched into a song.

🎵Sometimes love’s a scary place, it’s like standing in the dark...

Flying through the universe trying to fix your broken heart...🎵

Sparkler heard Flappy’s singing, and tried to focus on his calm voice, but her magic only increased it’s uncontrollable sparking. She began hyperventilating. “Flappy, it’s not working!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Stay calm and listen to my voice. Eyes on me Sparkler! Squawk!” He continued singing.

🎵It’s ok to let it go, you don’t have to be so afraid...

Take a chance somepony else is gonna swoop in and save the day...🎵

Sparkler shook her head. “I don’t think that’s gonna help...I...I have to get out of here!” She turned around to her window, and before Flappy could say another word, she rocketed right through the window. Shattering it and zipping away. Flappy instinctively took off after her. He managed to catch up to her a few minutes later.

He glanced down and saw that there were still lights on in the houses below them. It will be a miracle if none of those ponies notice this! He came up beside Sparkler. “Squawk! Sparkler. Just set down. And listen! We can fix this!” He resumed singing again.

🎵You don’t have to face your fears alone...

Cause whenever you're in trouble... I’ll know.🎵

Sparkler shook her head. “No! I can feel it building. I...I can’t control it! I gotta get out of here!” She turned her head around to glance at potential hiding places. She spotted the forest and sighed. Least nopony will be crazy enough to go in there. She changed course to head RIGHT for the forest.

Flappy saw this and gasped when he realized her heading. Horseapples!

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Well, This just turned into a life threatening problem really darn quick

Will our hero meet her end? Find out on the Next chapter of Sparkling Harmony

Episode 13: Old Wounds

Flappy flew as fast as he could towards Friendship Castle. Determined to get to Twilight. He flapped his wings with all his might. “Squawk! Come on Flappy! Put your back into it! Squawk!” He looked in the distance and saw Friendship castle fast approaching. “Squawk! TWILIGHT! Squawk!”

In the castle, Twilight was fast asleep. Until her ears picked up squawking and she was roused awake. She opened her eyes and listened. “Ugh. Who left a window open?” She listened further. And she started to recognize the squawk. Hang on a second. I...Is that Flappy?! Twilight got out of bed and opened her bedroom door, to see Flappy zip past down the hall. After a couple seconds, Flappy zipped back and smiled when he saw Twilight.

“Squawk! THANK CELESTIA I found you Twilight. We need to go, now! Squawk!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Go? Where?”

“Squawk! It’s Sparkler. She’s in SERIOUS danger. Come on! Squawk!”

Twilight gasped. “Wait, Sparkler? What’s going on Flappy?”

Flappy have her a frantic look as he swooped in and started trying to push her along. “Squawk! I’ll explain on the way. But we need to go NOW! If we don’t hurry, Sparkler goes kaboom! Squawk!”

Twilight gasped. “Kaboom?!”

“Kaboom? Who’s going kaboom?” Flappy and Twilight saw Starlight and Spike rubbing their eyes.

Spike nodded. “Why is Flappy making as much noise as possible?”

Flappy groaned as he resumed pushing twilight along. “Squawk! NO TIME! COME ON LETS GO GO GO! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded. “Alright. Come on Spike—“

Flappy cut her off. “Squawk! JUST TWILIGHT! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded and spread her wings. “Alright, Spike and Starlight you can go back to bed. Let’s go Flappy.” She flapped her wings and Flappy led her out.

Spike watched them race off and raised an eyebrow. “What in Celestia’s name was that all about?”

Starlight shrugged tiredly and yawned. “Beats me. We can wonder tomorrow. I’m going back to bed. Twilight probably has this covered.”

...

“So what’s going on Flappy?” Twilight called out as she and Flappy flew through the sky over the Everfree Forest.

“Squawk! Sparkler’s having a magical breakdown! And you’re the only one who can save her. Squawk!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Magical breakdown? Flappy what EXACTLY is going on here?”

Flappy sighed. “Squawk! Promise me that to you’ll keep what you are about to hear and see to yourself. And understand that this wasn’t how Sparkler wanted you to learn the truth. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded, more confused than ever. “Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye. What’s going on with Sparkler?”

“Squawk! Sparkler is just like you anatomically speaking. Like you, she has wings AND a horn. Squawk!”

Twilight gasped. “You mean she’s an ALICORN?!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Is that what it’s called? Yes. She’s been hiding it because of her past in Saddle Arabia. In short, she was the outcast, the freak everypony made fun of, she—“

At that moment, they saw a bright blue light begin to REALLY glow. Flappy gasped. “Squawk! We’ll talk later! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded as they rocketed toward the light. They landed on the ground and Twilight saw a sight she never thought she would. She saw Sparkler glowing, clearly visible wings splayed out, and visibly distraught as her horn was sparking like crazy, all signs she recognized. “Sweet Celestia. She‘s holding it in!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! I tried to get her to release but she won’t listen to me! Squawk!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What’s causing this?!”

“Squawk! She’s been trying to bring herself to tell you about her wings ever since you two first met. But she never could. And it’s been slowly eating her up until finally, THIS happened! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded. “What’s been stopping her from coming out?”

“Squawk! She’s afraid of what everypony will say! She’s afraid they’ll shun her. Squawk!”

Twilight gasped. “What?! That’s ridiculous!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! TELL HER THAT! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded and started walking towards Sparkler. She cleared her throat. And then shouted. “Sparkler! It’s Twilight! Listen to me. You have to let the magic go! If you don’t, you won’t make it!”

Sparkler seemed to hear her, and shook her head in response. “No! T...too close, gah!” Tears started falling down her face from her eyes.

Twilight turned back to Flappy, who provided context. “Squawk! She’s afraid everypony’ll see and hear the outburst! Squawk!”

Twilight nodded. “I can fix that!” She lit her own horn and sent a small flare into the air. The flare exploded and erected an incredibly tall barrier that reached into the clouds around the area. She turned back to Sparkler. “Sparkler! You can release the outburst now. I just cast a cloaking spell. Nopony will hear or see it! I promise!”

Sparkler shook her head again, refusing to let it out. “Gah! T...too risky!”

Twilight could see Sparkler glowing brighter as the wind picked up speed. Her mind began to race. Sparkler had to release the magic NOW before it was too late. She shook her head and dived in to wrap her forelegs and wings around Sparkler. Pulling her close. “Sparkler! Please! Just let it go! Whatever happened in Saddle Arabia, I PROMISE you it’s different here! You don’t have to hide anything anymore! You can be yourself! Please! Let it go!” She pleaded, a few tears of her own falling down her face.

Sparkler closed her eyes tight and shook her head. “I...I can’t!”

Twilight shook her head. “Yes you can Sparkler! You should never be afraid to be yourself around us! We WANT to know the real you. Please! I’m begging you! Just let the magic go, and show us the real Sparkling Medley!” She pleaded.

At that moment, Sparkler’s horn lit up bright, her eyes turned solid glowy white, and a massive beam shot out from her horn. The beam burst through the clouds and into space, after a second, the beam stopped and Sparkler dimmed and her eyes returned to normal. Once the magic was let out and she stopped glowing, she all but collapsed into Twilight’s grip, unconscious as the wind slowly eased to a stop.

Flappy saw this and immediately flapped his wings and flew over to her side while Twilight gently set her down and lightly pressed her hoof to her neck to check for a pulse. Much to her relief, there still was. She let out a relieved sigh. “She’s alright. Just out like a light.”

Flappy smiled and sighed in relief. “Squawk! Thank the MAKER! For a second there, I thought she was gonna...” He trailed off, not exactly wanting to finish that sentence.

Twilight smiled and nodded. “She let it go just in time. A few more seconds and it may have been too late.” She gazed down at Sparkler and her eyes wandered to where Sparkler’s wings were completely exposed. “Sweet Celestia. She really DOES have wings. Pinkie was right all along.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Twilight. You are now one of the very few in all of Equestria that know the truth. I need you to promise that you will keep it on the down low until Sparkler’s ready. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded. “I promise.” She took another glance at Sparkler before nodding. “We should get her back to your guys’ house to rest. It’s not safe here in the Everfree Forest and she’s gonna be out for a while.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! You go on ahead and teleport her back. I’ll see you in a minute. Squawk!” He spread his wings and launched into the air. Zipping away in the direction of Ponyville.

Twilight watched him go and turned back to Sparkler. She sighed and carefully wrapped Sparkler up in her wings. She lit her horn. “Let’s get you home Sparkler. It’s gonna be ok.” With a single pulse of her horn, she and Sparkler popped away to safety.

A few minutes later, after popping into Sparkler’s bedroom with Sparkler in her grasp, Twilight gently pulled the cover over Sparkler, who she managed to get into bed without too much difficulty. She released the covers and started for the door. She turned around again to make sure Sparkler was ok, and found Flappy carefully passing through the broken window. He looked down to see Sparkler in bed, still asleep. He nodded and flew over to Twilight. “Squawk! Let’s go downstairs. I don’t want her to wake up prematurely. Squawk!” He whispered best he could.

Twilight nodded and lit her horn. Flappy turned to see the window glowing in Twilight’s magenta aura. He whipped back around and shook his head. “Squawk! No! Not yet—“ He hissed at her. “—It’ll help her remember when she wakes up. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded and dimmed her horn. She and Flappy exited the room and gently closed the door behind them.

“She’s lucky to have you you know.” Twilight commented when she and Flappy entered the living room. “Had you not been around, or fast enough, we would’ve been scheduling a funeral this week.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! I owe her my life. I was a chick when we met. My wing had been broken and she fixed it up. Were it not for her, I may not be here today. You better believe I’ll always look out for her as she has me. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded and sighed as she glanced back at the staircase. “She’s an Alicorn. I can’t believe it.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! I don’t know a lot about this Alicorns. All I know is that Sparkler has been an Alicorn Since birth.”

Twilight gasped. “BIRTH?! She’s a natural born Alicorn? Are either of her parents Alicorns?”

Much to Twilight’s surprise, Flappy shook his head. “Squawk! Dad’s a Unicorn and mom’s an Earth Pony. Squawk!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “So neither have wings. Then...how could she have been born an Alicorn?”

Flappy shrugged. “Squawk! Sheer pure dumb luck? Your guess is as good as ours. Squawk!” He sighed. “Squawk! Twilight. Please understand that Sparkler had no intention of hiding her wings forever. She’s been trying to bring herself to tell you the truth for weeks. Ever since she first saw that you two have the same anatomy. She really wants to believe that history won’t repeat itself, but her past left a lasting emotional scar and it’s one wound she NEVER wants to reopen again. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded. “You mentioned that she was the outcast...”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! The resident freak of the school. The one everypony made fun of. It was absolutely disgusting the way those brainless idiots treated her. Squawk!”

Twilight felt her eyes beginning to water again as she imagined little Sparkler being horribly mistreated. “How bad was it?”

Flappy sighed. “Squawk! They pelted eggs at her daily, calling her the Horned Chicken and other things along those lines. I can still remember helping her preen her wings daily just to make sure they stayed fully flight capable. It was rough. Squawk!”

“Did anypony try to stop this?”

Much to Twilight’s horror. Flappy shook his head. “Nothing COULD stop it. No matter what was done, every school day she’d come home covered in egg yolk and broken egg shells. Amazingly she never developed a fear of eggs. But I still get nervous every time I see any kind of egg. Squawk!”

Tears were falling down Twilight’s face by now. The mere image of a little Sparkler being assaulted by eggs for no reason made her heart ache.

Flappy continued. “Squawk! And the sad part is that the egg pelting WASN’T the worst of it. Those monsters actually did something much more horrible. Something that nearly led to her destruction during her FIRST magical breakdown. Squawk!”

Twilight gasped. “You mean tonight’s incident happened before?!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yeah. Once. Apparently an alicorn’s emotions play a larger factor in their level of magical control than the unicorn average. I’ll leave it to Sparkler to tell if she wants to, but she was in so much of an emotional mess that night that it took me singing to get her to let it out, which is what I tried tonight, but it didn’t work. THAT’S why I came to you. Squawk!” He sighed. “Squawk! I still have nightmares on occasion about it. The mere thought of losing her...” He landed on the floor as his eyes began to water. “Squawk! I don’t know if I could go on without her. She practically raised me from birth. I...I don’t want to lose her after everything we’ve been through together. Squawk!”

Twilight got down on her haunches and took Flappy in her hooves, embracing him just as tears started to fall from Flappy’s face. She tried her best to soothe the distraught parrot. “Hey, it’s ok Flappy. It’s gonna be ok. You aren’t going to lose her.”

Flappy nodded slowly. “Squawk! Thank you Twilight. I really do owe you for this. Squawk!”

Twilight smiled. “Of course Flappy. I know quite a few ponies who would’ve been devastated if Sparkler had perished tonight. Myself included.”

Flappy nodded and let go of Twilight. He flapped his wings and began hovering again. He cocked his head towards the door. “Squawk! I’ll find a way to coax Sparkler out of the house in the morning and we’ll swing by tomorrow so you two can finally have a talk. Squawk!”

Twilight bit her lip and glanced at the staircase again. “Actually, I think I’ll stick around and make sure Sparkler’s ok. If that’s alright.”

Flappy smiled and nodded. “Squawk! I think she’ll appreciate that. But what about Starlight and Spike? Squawk!” He asked as he realized that he probably set off a LOT of red flags when he made as much noise as possible.

Twilight giggled. “They know I can take care of myself. And I’ll send a magical pulse to Starlight in the morning telling her that everything’s alright and that I’m with you guys.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Alright. Feel free to crash anywhere you want. I got an Alicorn to watch like a hawk...it actually has a name. Who knew Squawk!” With that, he took off up the stairs.

Twilight watched him go and sighed. Who would’ve thought an Alicorn would be Ponyville’s new resident. I wonder if Celestia is one of those very few who know. So many questions burned through Twilight’s mind as she laid down right where she was and slowly drifted off to sleep, determination to help her friend evermore prevalent within her.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Now we know why Sparkler's been unable to trust anypony in town with her secret.

let me know what you guys think down in the comments!

Episode 14: Acceptance

Celestia’s sun grazed Ponyville with it’s warmth as the town slowly rose to face the day. In one house, with a shattered bedroom window, Sparkler slowly roused awake, tossing and turning in her bed. “No. Stay back. No. No! NO!!!” Sparkler’s eyes snapped open and she bolted upright, breathing heavily. She whipped her head around. Momentarily confused. “What? What happened?” Her eyes fell on the shatter window and she raised an eyebrow. “What happened?” Her eyes slowly widened as the events of the previous night came back to her. I...I remember losing control of my magic...and then when that magic dampening ring burst, I got out of here as fast as I could...and then the next thing I know, I’m here? How did I get back here? She focused on what happened the previous night, trying to remember what happened after she fled. Eventually, she came to remember a voice, and a pair of forelegs wrapped around her...that she couldn’t place with anypony she knew. Somepony was talking last night....no! her irises shrank to near invisibility as she came to the horrifying conclusion. Her secret was out!

At that moment, Sparkler heard her door open. In her shock, she instinctively dived for the covers and pulled them over her head to prevent anypony from seeing her exposed. She soon heard a familiar voice. “Squawk! Sparkler. Relax. It’s just me. Squawk!”

Sparkler peaked her head out and saw Flappy land at the foot of the bed, giving her a reassuring smile. She gave a weak smile back. “Flappy. You scared me.”

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! Sorry about that. How’re you feeling? Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “I feel alright? But Flappy...I think my secret’s out! I remember somepony talking to me last night, and it wasn’t you!”

Flappy sighed and nodded. “Squawk! Yeah. It wasn’t me. When my singing failed to calm you down. I knew there was only one thing left to do. Squawk!”

Sparkler’s irises shrank as she realized what Flappy had done. “W-Who did you get?”

“The only other pony you know that has both wings and a horn.” Sparkler froze as that voice reached her ears. She recognized it as her voice. She slowly turned her head, and her Irises shrank to near invisibility when she saw TWILIGHT SPARKLE standing at the door.

She jumped before yanking the covers over her once again, too scared to face the princess. “Eep! Please don’t shun me! Please! I was gonna tell you eventually! I’m sorry!” She squeaked out shakily.

Twilight and Flappy exchanged looks of concern as Twilight slowly started moving towards the bed. She spoke in a calm non threatening tone. “Sparkler. It’s ok. I’m not gonna hurt you. I promise.”

Flappy nodded as he used his wing to carefully lift the cover so he could see Sparkler’s face. “Squawk! Sparkler, she saw the wings. You can’t hide from her now. It’s ok. She wants to help you. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded as she stopped beside the bed. “I just want to talk Sparkler. You don't have to worry.”

For a few seconds, nothing happened. Nopony said a word, and then...Flappy and Twilight heard quiet sobbing coming from under the covers. Flappy flapped his wings and took hold of the covers. He slowly pulled them back to reveal Sparkler with her eyes covered with her forelegs, sobbing uncontrollably.

Twilight hopped onto the bed in front of the cowering Sparkler, laying down on her haunches to be more at her level. “Hey. You ok?”

It took a second, but Sparkler responded in between sobs. “This isn’t how I wanted you to find out. I...I’ve been trying to bring myself to tell you for weeks now. But I was always too scared. P-Please don’t stop being my friend!” Her sobbing increased as she buried her head in her legs and refused to look up.

Seeing Sparkler like this was like a dagger piercing Twilight’s heart. She never would’ve guessed that Sparkler, a pony who she had known as confident, positive, and happy, had been hiding her true self out of fear of being shunned. And to know that her past had driven her to do so didn’t help. Without knowing what else to do, Twilight reached out with her hooves and wrapped them around Sparkler. Pulling her close.

Sparkler felt hooves wrap around her and pull her against Twilight’s body and tensed up. Confusion plagued her mind. W-what’s she doing? Why hasn’t she laughed at me yet? Sparkler unexpectedly got her answer when Twilight broke the silence. “Sparkler, I’ll never stop being your friend. It doesn’t matter if you have wings or a horn. You’re still my friend and that won’t change just because you’re an Alicorn.”

Sparkler let out a quiet gasp as she gazed up at Twilight in astonishment. She had long feared that were anypony to discover her true identity, they would shun her and she would’ve been branded the outcast again with Flappy remaining as her only friend, and here was a pony, a PRINCESS at that, saying that she didn’t CARE that she was...wait, did she just call her an...Alicorn? Sparkler momentarily forgot about everything as the inquiry left her mouth. “W-What did you just call me?”

Twilight gave off a warm smile as Sparkler slowly sat up out of her grip. “Having both wings and a horn. That’s called being an Alicorn Sparkler.”

Flappy nodded as he giggled. “Squawk! The horn and wing combo actually has an official name. Heh. Who knew. Squawk!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “You never knew that?”

Sparkler shook her head. “Nopony could figure out what I was. I had the horn of a Unicorn, the wings of a Pegasus, and apparently the strength of an Earth Pony, but none of the medical experts we talked to could figure out what I was. So I just started dubbing it the Horn and Wing Combo. I don’t even know where the wings could’ve come from, there aren’t any Pegasi in my family tree.” She sighed. “That...that really doesn’t bother you?”

Twilight shook her head. “Not so much bothers me as it does intrigues me.” She giggled before continuing. “Sparkler, I know you had a rough time growing up. But you don’t need to worry. It’s different here.”

Sparkler flinched a tad. “You know about that?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! I told her about everything, the egg pelting, the name calling, all except that which shan’t ever be brought up. Squawk!”

Twilight nodded, and pulled Sparkler in for another hug. “Sparkler. What your schoolmates did to you was downright horrible. And you have every right to be hesitant to show the real you. But I promise, Ponyville’s welcoming to all creatures. You can be yourself here.”

Sparkler felt tears coming again. “I...I just don’t want to be branded as the outcast again. It hurts.”

Twilight tightened her grip on Sparkler. “You won’t. I know for a fact that at the very least our friends won’t turn you away. They’ll accept you.”

For the first time since waking up, Sparkler put on a genuine smile as she returned the hug. “Thank you Twilight. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

Twilight nodded. “Thank you for being able to show this side of you.” They fell into silence as they just stayed like that.

Flappy smiled as he sighed in content. At last. He was glad that Sparkler was finally beginning to open up about her true nature. And we finally have a NAME for what she is. Hehe. he snickered at that thought. He suspected Twilight knew more about the horn and wing combo, and a name was definitely a start.

After a few minutes, the sound of grumbling broke the silence. Everypony frowned and Twilight and Sparkler broke the hug. They raised eyebrows when the grumbling was heard again. Flappy’s eyes widened as he realized it was him. He chuckled as he flapped his wings and launched into the air. “Squawk! Hehe. That was my stomach. Time for breakfast! Squawk!” He rocketed out the door.

Twilight and Sparkler watched him go and chuckled, hopping off the bed. “Is it still morning? Doesn’t feel like it.”

Sparkler chuckled. “You can join us for breakfast. Or do you have stuff to do today?”

Twilight chuckled. “I can stay for breakfast.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Alright. I’m glad actually. Because now my mind’s burning with questions about Alicorns.”

Twilight chuckled. “I just can’t believe you didn’t at least know what it is you were.”

Sparkler giggled and shrugged. “After a few years I just accepted calling it the Horn and Wing combo. Though Alicorn rolls off the tongue easier.” That got both alicorns giggling. After a second, Sparkler sighed. “Hey Twi? You think maybe we could keep this between us? I...I’m not quite ready to come out to everypony yet...”

Twilight nodded. “Your secret’s safe with me Sparkler. And when you are ready, I’ll be right there with you. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded, and then frowned when a high pitched voice echoed through the room. ”FOREVER!”

Sparkler and Twilight looked around the room. Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”

“That was Pinkie Pie. One of her many unexplainable antics. Also, I am getting SUCH an I-told-you-so from her.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Today you join Pinkie and Discord in the very few that know my true identity.”

Twilight gasped as they started for the door. “Discord?”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. Apparently he was eavesdropping on me and Flappy one day. As if Pinkie’s antics weren’t enough of a secret security risk.” They chuckled as they made their way down the stairs. Sparkler let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding all morning. Finally, Twilight knows, and we’re still friends... With that in mind, her confidence gained a massive boost. If Twilight accepted her, that meant that she could rationally believe that so would Ponyville. This won’t be school in Saddle Arabia all over again. I CAN be myself. She managed to tell herself, for the first time since she moved to Ponyville.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

AT LAST! TWILIGHT AND SPARKLER HAD THEIR LONG AWAITED TALK!

Now all Sparkler needs to do is build up enough confidence to tell everypony else.

so while she does that, WHAT'S NEXT FOR OUR HEROINE AND HER PARROT SIDEKICK ?

Don't be shy. Anything's possible in Ponyville!

Episode 15: Emergency at Tea Time

It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and Sparkler and Fluttershy were galloping frantically through the streets, escorting a flock of birds carrying an injured Flappy along. Wait...what?!

Fluttershy turned her head to give Sparkler a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry Sparkler. The Animal Sanctuary isn’t too far from here. We’ll take care of Flappy.”

Sparkler nodded as she glanced worriedly at Flappy, who was laying on a makeshift stretcher being carried by Fluttershy’s bird friends. “Just hang on Flappy. We’ll getcha all fixed.”

Flappy groaned in pain. “Squeak. It hurts. Squeak.”

Sparkler nodded. “Just a little further Flappy, it’ll all be ok.”

Mere minutes later, they came up to a building Fluttershy had led them to. She all but bucked the doors open and rushed in. Startling the only pony in the room. The mare jumped when she saw the door swing open. Fluttershy paid it no mind as she gave the mare a frantic look. “Cherry Blossom! We got a code red. Parrot down, he needs medical treatment now!”

Cherry glanced behind Fluttershy and saw the flock of birds holding a makeshift stretcher. She saw the stretcher carried a parrot, and it was clear it was in pain. She nodded. “Let’s get him to the ER.”

Fluttershy nodded and turned to her bird friends. “Follow Cherry Blossom. Get Flappy to the ER.”

The birds nodded and followed Cherry. Fluttershy then turned to a panicky Sparkler and gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry Sparkler. Flappy’s gonna be just fine.”

Sparkler nodded. “Can you really help him?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Of course. Helping animals is how I got my Cutie Mark. I’ll bring him out when we’re done.”

Sparkler nodded. “Anything you can tell me now?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Even with healing elixirs, he’s gonna need to stay on the ground for at least two weeks.”

Sparkler nodded. “That I can ensure.”

Fluttershy nodded and gave Sparkler a quick hug. “I’ll be back with Flappy soon.” With that, Fluttershy rushed out of the waiting room.

Sparkler watched her go and sighed. “Please bring Flappy back to me.” She whispered to nopony in particular. With nothing else to do, she walked over to one of the chairs and hopped onto it. Thinking back to earlier.

FLASHBACK...

Flappy did a loop and landed on the branch, where his new bird friends were using their wings to clap. Flappy smiled and took a bow. “Squawk! Thank you. Thank you. You’ve been an amazing audience. Squawk!”

One of the birds chirped something. Flappy smiled and nodded. “Squawk! I have saved the best for last. My greatest trick of the lot. A little something I like to call, the Air Blaster! Squawk!” He spread his wings.

“Hey Flappy!” Flappy turned to see Sparkler sitting at an outdoor table with Fluttershy and Discord. She shouted to him. “If you’re doing THAT maneuver, be careful!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Always careful Sparkler! Squawk!” With that, he took off.

Fluttershy, Discord, and Sparkler watched him take off. Fluttershy smiled as she noticed the other birds watching him in anticipation and excitement. She giggled and turned to Sparkler. “Flappy’s quite the celebrity. I think all my current bird tenants are gathered to watch him do his little stunt show.”

Sparkler chuckled as she set her teacup down. “Anything relating to flight, he loves to do. Racing, stunts, anything that uses his wings as they were intended.”

Discord nodded as he took a sip of his own tea. “Has he raced Rainbow Dash yet?”

Sparkler nodded. “He lost. Both against her AND her coltfriend Soarin. Fun fact, Flappy now is aspiring to be a wonderbolt.”

Discord and Fluttershy chuckled. “Do they even allow animals?”

Sparkler shook her head. “Soarin told me no. So while he may become the fastest thing alive, unless they change their rules, he can’t ever be a wonderbolt.”

Discord literally deflated. “Aw. I kinda wanna see Flappy in a wonderbolt suit now. I bet he’d look adorable.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Well. Good thing Rarity is a fashion designer. I just need to get Flappy in for a measuring, wait a few days for Rarity to make the suit, make sure it fits, and Badda bing badda boom, he’s a wonderbolt for Nightmare Night.”

Fluttershy nodded. “You won’t have to wait a few days. Rarity’ll be able to have the entire process done in a day at most.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Really? That quickly?”

Fluttershy nodded. “She’s really passionate about her work. And has become rather good at being fast and thorough.”

Sparkler let out an impressed whistle. “Whoo. That’s impressive.”

Discord nodded. “Which will leave you plenty of time for you two to chit-chat about things.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

Sparkler RAISED her eyebrow at him. “Things?”

Discord nodded. “She’s a perfect source if you need assistance with more...personal endeavors.”

Sparkler gave him a confused look. “Meaning?”

Discord groaned. “Romance! I mean romance!”

Sparkler and Fluttershy slightly leaned back involuntarily at his sudden outburst. Sparkler still wasn’t getting it. “Why would we chat about romance?”

Discord smirked. “Because you and Twilight are a thing now. Of course.”

Sparkler, who had taken a sip of tea, spat it out, and her eyes widened. “EXCUSE ME?!”

Discord chuckled. “Oh come on Sparkler, don’t think we didn’t notice you two started spending more time together.”

Sparkler blushed like mad. Think Sparkler, THINK! “How in Equestria would that correlate to us being an item?”

Fluttershy shrank a tad as she spoke up. “Um, well, it’s just that Spike and Starlight told us how you two now practically barricade yourselves in the castle library, always requesting to be left alone and undisturbed...”

Sparkler cursed herself internally. OF COURSE they would notice that! Sparkler shook her head. “That doesn’t mean we’re together. I mean, I’ve barely known her for a month, and I am NOT the kind of mare to fall into the love-at-first-sight trope.”

Discord smirked at her. “Then you wouldn’t mind sharing why it is you two have taken to having private study sessions regularly now?”

Because she’s been teaching me about my own kind. Again, Sparkler shook her head. “I don’t believe that’s anypony’s business. What we do behind closed doors is between us until either of us decide to disclose to everypony.” Or in this case, until I decide to disclose. “But we ARE NOT together, I don’t like her like that.”

Discord shot her a knowing smile. “So there’s NOTHING you like about her?”

Sparkler was about to respond...when she suddenly heard a crashing sound, followed by a loud squeal of pain. She whipped her head around to see a bunch of Fluttershy’s bird tenants hover over to them and squeak frantically.

Fluttershy listened. And gasped a few seconds later. “What?!”

Sparkler lifted an eyebrow. “What did they say?”

Fluttershy hopped out of her chair. “They say Flappy CRASHED!”

Sparkler’s eyes widened. “He WHAT?!” She hopped out of her chair as she followed Fluttershy and the birds over to the tree. They reached behind the tree, and both Fluttershy and Sparkler gasped at the sight of Flappy laying on the ground, wings splayed out, bent in ways they shouldn’t be, feathers a mess. Sparkler took a step towards him and lay down on her haunches. “Flappy?! Are you alright?!”

There was no response for a good minute, and then they heard a faint groan. “Squeak. Ow. Squeak.”

Fluttershy turned to her bird friends. “Get the stretcher, we need to get him to the Animal Sanctuary.” The birds nodded and rushed towards the cottage.

Sparkler lit her horn and carefully lifted Flappy off the ground and into her hooves. “Oh Flappy. What happened?”

Flappy groaned. “Squeak. Crashed into the tree. What do ya think? Squeak.”

Fluttershy got down on her own haunches and gave Flappy a reassuring smile. “It’s gonna be Ok Flappy. We’ll get you fixed up.” She turned to Sparkler. “I got an Animal Sanctuary not too far from here. It’s fully equipped to treat injuries this severe.”

Sparkler nodded. “Please? I don’t want to lose him.”

Fluttershy nodded as she noticed the birds return carrying a small stretcher. “You won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

At that moment, Discord popped in and got a good look at Flappy. “Yikes. That’s pretty bad.”

Fluttershy nodded as Sparkler carefully set Flappy on the stretcher. “Discord, can you look after the animals here?”

Discord snapped his fingers and turned into an exact copy of Fluttershy, and nodded. “Fluttershy mode engaged. Don’t worry. I’ll handle things here.”

The real Fluttershy nodded and got up on her hooves along with Sparkler. “Thanks Discord.” She turned to Sparkler and the birds, who were carrying Flappy in the stretcher. “Let’s move it!”

PRESENT...

Sparkler paced back and forth in the waiting room of the Sanctuary. It had been a half hour since Fluttershy had taken Flappy back to the ER and she hadn’t heard anything. She continued pacing as her mind raced. Grah! I knew that Air Blaster maneuver was dangerous. Why didn’t I stop him?!

He’s successfully performed it before, several times. There just weren’t any trees in the way.

And now he’s in the ER, with who KNOWS how many injuries beyond the wing damage.

Will he be able to fly again?

I hope so. He always enjoys flying, it would DEVASTATE him if that was taken away.

At that moment, Sparkler heard the door open and she snapped her head to the door to see Fluttershy pushing a mobile table with a sight that made her worries wash away. There, standing on the table, was Flappy, both wings were bandaged, and held to his sides by a bandage that wrapped all around his barrel, but still, he was alive.

Sparkler grinned as she ran over to them. “Flappy. You’re ok!”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Fluttershy’s a freaking miracle worker. Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded towards Fluttershy. “That she is. What’s the damage?”

Fluttershy launched into explanation. “Both his wing bones popped out of place, we had to pop them back in and bandage them.”

Sparkler nodded. “And what does he need to do to let his wings heal completely?”

Fluttershy reached under to the under compartment of the table and pulled out a bottle. She held it out for Sparkler. “He should get a sip of this every morning and every night before he goes to bed, it’s a healing elixir that’ll expedite the healing process. And he can’t be flapping his wings at all. Which is why we wrapped a bandage around his midsection, to keep them in place.”

Sparkler nodded and glanced at Flappy. “Hear that Flappy?”

Flappy sighed and nodded. “Squawk! Yes Sparkler. I heard. Squawk!”

Fluttershy nodded. “All goes well and you should be back in the air in as little as two weeks. Just don’t go doing that...Air Blaster? Is that the move you were trying to do?”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yeah. And I CAN do it successfully. Just...apparently can’t when trees are around. Squawk!”

Fluttershy nodded. “Well don’t go doing that again any time soon. We honestly don’t need another Rainbow Dash around here.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Meaning?”

“She crashes more often than you’d think. The Hospital is probably “sick” of dealing with her by now.” Fluttershy responded, giggling to herself.

Sparkler giggled too. “Ah. I see. You don’t want Flappy to start a habit of needing to be fixed up regularly too.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Um, I know you can’t fly, but...it would be good if maybe you could watch him while he does his trick shows from now on. Just as a safety precaution?”

Sparkler chuckled as she lit her horn and moved flappy from the table to her back, and took the elixir and settled it in her saddle bag. She nodded at Fluttershy. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you SO much Fluttershy. We owe you big time.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Yeah. Thanks a lot. Squawk!”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh. It was no trouble at all. I would hate for Flappy to lose his flight. After all, what’s a bird without flight?”

Sparkler and Flappy nodded. “A bird without flight is no bird at all.”

Fluttershy nodded and gestured to the door. “Flappy should get some rest. I can walk you two home if you want.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “An extra pair of eyes wouldn’t hurt.” She glanced at Flappy. “He can get fidgety sometimes.”

Flappy rolled his eyes as Fluttershy giggled. “We have to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself again.” Sparkler, Flappy on Sparkler’s back, and Fluttershy started walking, they exited the Sanctuary and made their way towards Ponyville. A few minutes into the journey, Fluttershy spoke up again. “So, um. Sparkler?”

Sparkler turned to Fluttershy. “Yes Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy shrank a little again as she bit her lip. “Um. I know you already said no. But, um. Maybe you just didn’t want Discord to know...are you and Twilight...?”

Sparkler groaned and shook her head. “No Fluttershy. We aren’t together. I meant it when I said you girls would’ve found out by now if we were.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh. Um, ok.”

Flappy laughed. “Squawk! Did I miss something at Fluttershy’s? Squawk!”

Sparkler shook her head. “Nope. Nothing at all.”

Flappy laughed. “Squawk! Sounds like I did. Squawk!” He turned to Fluttershy. “Squawk! I can confirm that they indeed aren’t together. Although they’d make the PERFECT couple. Squawk!”

Sparkler blushed. “Flappy! Will you stop? Please? I don’t like her like that.”

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! Oh come on Sparkler. Don’t think I don’t notice whenever you look at her these days. Squawk!”

Sparkler groaned. “Grah! Why does everypony ship me and Twilight?! First Soarin, then Discord, then Rainbow, followed by Flappy, I swear to Celestia if I get bombarded by Rarity with Twilight related questions when I take you to go get your Nightmare Night costume...”

“Um, if I may say something. I really do think you two would make a good couple. Not trying to match make, just an observation...” Fluttershy commented.

Sparkler sighed. “Well, least I know I have support IF we ever get there.”

Flappy giggled. “Squawk! When. Not if. Squawk!”

Sparkler turned her head and shot a glare at Flappy. “You are really lucky you’re hurt. I still got that frying pan.”

That shut Flappy right up. Sparkler sighed and shook her head. “Look, it’s not that I DON’T like her. I do, but I just don't LIKE like her. We’re just friends.” She nodded and turned back to watching where she was going. Just friends. Just friends.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Am I going to have everypony start teasing Sparkler about her and Twilight? Yes. Yes I am.

Why? because I'm a sucker for romance and can't keep it out of my stories for very long.

ANYWHO...Vote who Sparkler should hang out with next.

Starlight
Rarity
meet trixie
Or her parents come to town.

VOTE DOWN IN THE COMMENTS! THX FOR READING!

Episode 16: Raps and Visits

The Friendship Express skidded to a halt at Ponyville Station, as it did every day. It’s doors opened and allowed its passengers to either board or disembark. Among those who disembarked, an Earth Pony mare and a Unicorn stallion stepped off the train onto the platform. The stallion smiled. “At last. We made it.”

The mare nodded. “We did.” She looked around. Seeing that the reason for them being there wasn’t around. “We did remember the map she sent, right?”

The stallion chuckled. “Yeah. We did.” He lit his horn and summoned a map from his saddlebag. The map had a note attached to it.

Mom and Dad,

If Flappy and I are not at the platform to greet you, then we are most likely with a client working on some sick beats. If this is the case, I laid out the most direct route to my house on this map. When you are at the front door, send a signal through Horn Pulse to let me know you’re there, that way we don’t hear a knock in the recording.

The stallion opened the map and found a red line connecting Ponyville Station to a house. The mare looked on and smiled. “I can’t wait to see her again Thundercracker. Maybe we’ll even meet some of her new friends.”

Thundercracker chuckled. “I hope so, Aurora.”

Aurora smiled. “Then let us follow this map to our treasure. Yar!”

Thundercracker and Aurora chuckled as they walked off the platform and into town.

Meanwhile, in the headquarters of Sparkling Harmony Records, Sparkler was not in fact with a client, but instead laying down some sick beats with Vinyl Scratch. AKA DJ-Pon3. Sparkler in particular was rapping.

🎵Hey hey, check it here.

Vinyl and Sparkler are in the house.

Laying down some fast tracks turning up the heat.🎵

Vinyl took over

🎵A pair of music Unicorns mixing up the beat!🎵

Back to Sparkler as they alternated.

🎵Vinyl is the mixer sitting at the helm.🎵

🎵Sparkler is the band that the fans overwhelm!🎵

🎵Put them both together and what do you get?🎵

They rapped in unison.

🎵DJ Unicorns laying down the rap! Backed by a parrot we’re a triple threat!

BOOM!🎵

Flappy extended his wing to stop the recording, and the music, as Vinyl and Sparkler burst into giggling messes. He giggled himself. “Squawk! Aaaand THAT one goes right into the favorites drawer of the archive. That was AWESOME Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded and turned to Vinyl. “The great DJ-Pon3 CAN rap after all.”

Vinyl chuckled and nodded. “Apparently I can.”

Sparkler nodded. “You want a copy to take with you?”

Vinyl straight up laughed. “And risk Tavi burning it on the spot if she hears it?” She shook her head. “Nah. While I can say now that I can rap anytime I want. There’s only one Octavia Melody and I’d just as soon give up music than lose her.”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “Alright. But if you ever wish to own a copy of your first ever rap, SHR keeps everything on file.”

Vinyl nodded, but raised an eyebrow. “Won’t that be problematic space wise?”

Sparkler giggled. “One of the good things about being a unicorn is that you learn certain spells that deal with that problem.”

Vinyl chuckled and nodded. “You may have to impart some of those spells on me sometime. I’m something of a record hoarder myself.”

Sparkler nodded. “Just stop by when you need the spells and I’ll be happy to teach them.”

Vinyl nodded. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

Sparkler nodded. “So. Wanna head upstairs and have some lemonade? I’m a bit parched.”

Vinyl nodded. “I’ve been DYING to try some of that famous homemade lemonade I keep hearing about at the club...” She then sighed. “But I can’t. Tavi’s coming home tonight and I’m making a special welcome home dinner for her.”

Sparkler smiled as she started for the stairs. “Aww. That’s so nice.” She nodded. “In that case I can give you a bottle for the road.”

Vinyl’s ears perked up as she smiled. “Really?” She trotted after Sparkler as the two proceeded upstairs. “Thanks a bunch! I’ve heard that it tasted great and I’ve been wanting to treat my tastebuds to that goodness ya know?”

Sparkler nodded as they entered the kitchen on the ground level of the house. “Hey, I don’t blame you. Some ponies have commented that I could make a fortune selling it.”

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you?”

Sparkler smiled as she went to grab Vinyl a bottle of lemonade. “Eh, not looking to make big bits or anything. Already have a decent income with the commissions I do that’s more than enough to support me and Flappy so there’s no need to go overboard right?” She levitated a bottle of lemonade to Vinyl. Who nodded as she took the bottle in her magic.

“That makes sense I guess. No use having bits if they’re just gonna pile up.” Vinyl unscrewed the cap and took a sip of her lemonade, suffice to say, it’s reputation preceded it. She swallowed before her face lit up. “Wow! This is amazing!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Thanks. Just a little something I came up with in my spare time.”

Vinyl nodded. “Little? This is the best lemonade I’ve ever tasted. What’s the secret ingredient?”

Sparkler chuckled. “I will leave it up to speculation for as long as I can.”

Vinyl chuckled. “Fair enough. We all have our secrets right?”

Sparkler nodded. “Indeed.” You have no idea.

Vinyl nodded as she started for the front door. “Anyway, I better get going...oh!” She turned back around to Sparkler. “Um, mind if I steal an extra bottle? I’m sure Tavi would LOVE to have some of your lemonade.”

Sparkler smiled and lit her horn. A second bottle of lemonade floated to Vinyl. She smiled. “You’re awesome Sparkler. Thanks!”

Sparkler nodded. “No problem. Say hi to Octavia for me.”

Vinyl nodded. “Will do. Later Sparkler.” With that, Vinyl turned and left.

Sparkler chuckled as she heard the front door open and close. “We all have our secrets indeed.” She sighed. “I just wish I had the courage to come out with mine.”

At that moment, Flappy entered the kitchen with a raised eyebrow. “Squawk! You say something Sparkler? Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “You think I’ll ever be able to come out with my secret to everypony Flappy?”

Flappy landed on the table and nodded. “Squawk! Of course. I mean, ever since you came out to Twilight...albeit with some...persuasion...I can tell your confidence bar raised significantly. I’d say you’re just shy of the confidence needed to finally beat that fear into submission. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. It was true that she had gained a confidence boost since Twilight learned the truth. And that confidence somehow only grew when they had started delving into Alicorns and their history. “Yeah. Though I can’t—“

Flappy shook his head. “Squawk! No! Don’t start thinking like that! The time to come out is coming up. I can feel it. Squawk!”

Sparkler was about to say something, when suddenly, her horn flashed twice then dimmed. Sparkler beamed and shot to the front door. “Oh! Their here!” She reached the door and practically threw it open. Revealing two ponies smiling at her. She beamed. “Mom! Dad!” She wrapped her forelegs around her parents.

Thundercracker and Aurora smiled and returned the hug. “Sparkler It’s so good to see you!”

“We missed you around the house.”

Sparkler chuckled as they let go. “I thought you were glad to finally have some peace and quiet.”

All three of them laughed as Sparkler let them into the house. They walked into the living room where Flappy flew in. He smiled at the newcomers. “Squawk! If it isn’t Thundercracker and Aurora. Weren’t you supposed to be here hours ago? Squawk!”

Aurora laughed. “Thundercracker here INSISTED on a snack stop before we left Saddle Arabia. We missed our original train.”

Thundercracker chuckled and waved at Flappy. “Hey Flappy. How’re you doing?”

Flappy smiled. “Squawk! Never better. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “Ponyville’s been great.”

Aurora nodded. “I’m sure.”

Sparkler nodded. “So, you two want something to drink? Got some lemonade in the fridge.”

Thundercracker grinned and nodded. “We missed your famous lemonade.”

Aurora nodded. “But first. Let us see’em.”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “See what?”

Thundercracker chuckled. “Your wings of course.”

Sparkler’s eyes widened in realization and chuckled. “Oh. Right.” A pulse of her horn removed the sweater and let her wings spread out before folding back up again, or tried to. Because Aurora stopped them as she immediately began looking them over.

Aurora smiled after a minute. “They’re in good shape for being cooped up in sweaters all day. Not a single spec of lint.”

Sparkler and Flappy chuckled. “I do preen them regularly.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! And I make sure she gets every spot. Wing maintenance is important. Squawk!”

Aurora and Thundercracker chuckled and nodded. “Yes it is.”

“Glad to see you’re keeping up with it.”

Sparkler nodded as her mom finally let her wings fold up. “So, about that lemonade.” She led her parents to the kitchen and went to the fridge as they sat down. She got out 4 bottles of her lemonade and levitated three of them to her parents and Flappy. She closed the fridge door and took a seat at the table. “So, how’s life back in Saddle Arabia? Did Kilihima Village suddenly grow in our absence?”

Thundercracker laughed and shook his head. “Nah. Still the same rundown boring remote village it’s always been.”

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! How about the Parrot population? Squawk!”

Aurora nodded. “Common and active. As always.”

Thundercracker nodded. “So, you said you were most likely with a client if you weren’t at the Station to greet us Sparkler. Were you working on a commission?”

Sparkler smiled sheepishly and shook her head. “Um, yeah. Most likely didn’t mean definitely. I was actually laying down some sick beats with one of my new friends, for fun.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! They were laying down some sick beats. AND lighting the room on FIRE with their on-the-fly rap. Squawk!”

Aurora smiled. “Well I’m glad to hear you’re getting along with the local townsponies. It was SUCH a relief to hear that you finally had a group of friends after all these years.”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah...finally.”

Thundercracker shifted his weight around in the chair before looking at Sparkler. “So, have you told anypony about your wings?”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “One of them. And...you guys aren’t going to believe this...” she lit her horn and summoned a photo that had been hanging on the fridge and showed it to her parents. “But I’m NOT the only Alicorn after all! I found another like me!”

Thundercracker and Aurora’s jaws dropped as they lay eyes on the photo of Sparkler, her wings exposed, with a lavender pony that also had wings and a horn.

Thundercracker was the first to come out of his shock. “W-What did you just call yourself sweetie?”

Sparkler smiled excitedly. “An Alicorn. That’s what Twilight’s said we were. Heh. Can you believe the Horn and Wing Combo ACTUALLY has an official name?”

Aurora nodded. “That’s...pretty surprising.”

Thundercracker raised an eyebrow as he studied the picture. “Is this you and...you said her name was Twilight?”

Sparkler nodded. “Twilight Sparkle. One of my new friends. And now my tutor in all things Alicorn.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Sparkler also has a crush on her. Squawk!”

Sparkler blushed like mad as she shot a laughing Flappy a death glare. “I do NOT!”

Aurora raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Oh? Does our Sparky finally have her eye on somepony?”

Sparkler shook her head. “Nope. I DO NOT have a crush on Twilight, or ANYPONY. End of story.”

Thundercracker chuckled as he examined the photo still in front of them. “I will say she’s quite the looker.”

Sparkler’s blush remained as she took the photo in her magic and yanked it out of her parents’ view. She shook her head. “Don’t you two start too. I’m pretty sure half of Ponyville ships me and Twilight already. I REALLY don’t need my own PARENTS trying to matchmake us too.”

Aurora chuckled. “Oh relax Sparkler. We’re just teasing you.”

Thundercracker nodded. “We think it’s great you finally have somepony you can talk to about your...is it considered a condition?”

Sparkler shook her head as she placed the photo back on the fridge. “Nope. It’s a race. And I WILL say that I’ve been enjoying the time Twilight and I spend together. As FRIENDS. Nothing more.”

Flappy snickered. “Squawk! Sure. Just keep telling yourself that. Remind me to bring a camera next time we go for an Alicorn Lesson and I’ll show you the looks you’ve been giving Twilight. Squawk!”

Sparkler rolled her eyes. “Hey. How about we STOP teasing the Alicorn in hiding, and instead head down to the basement where I can show you the kind of talent I’m working with here.”

Thundercracker and Aurora nodded. “Can we hear that rap you did today?”

Sparkler nodded. “Sure thing. Come along.” She and her parents, with Flappy following, proceeded to the basement. Sparkler let her parents go first, but stopped Flappy before he could follow them. She gave him a VERY unamused look. “Are you going to take EVERY opportunity to take potshots at my NONEXISTENT crush on Twilight?”

Flappy snickered. “Squawk! Nonexistent wouldn’t be the word I’d use. But come on Sparkler. You know I’m only playing around. I think it’s great you finally have more friends. Even more so that one of them is just like you.”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Yeah. I’m happy to call Twilight a friend.”

“Squawk! For now. Squawk!”

Sparkler groaned. “Just get down there.” Flappy nodded and descended the stairs. Sparkler shook her head and glanced back at the kitchen, specifically at the picture of her and Twilight. She smiled warmly. Here’s hoping I can gather enough courage to come out to everypony else. On that thought, she closed the door to the basement and descended the stairs.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

VOTE ON THE NEXT CHAPTER!

Starlight
Trixie
Rarity
New Client

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THX FOR READING

Episode 17: Surfacing Feelings

Sparkler was trotting along Ponyville’s streets with Flappy on her back. She smiled and glanced back at her parrot friend. “So, you ready to become a wonderbolt Flappy?”

Flappy smiled and shivered with excitement. “Squawk! Even if it’s just a Nightmare Night costume. I’m so EXCITED! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Shame they don’t allow birds in the wonderbolts. You definitely have the speed to keep up with them.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! We have GOT to ask WHY birds aren’t allowed. Squawk!”

Sparkler giggled and nodded. “Next time we see Soarin we can ask.” She turned back to the road and saw their destination up ahead. “There’s the Carousel Boutique...” She slowed her pace as her smile faded. She took a deep breath. “Hopefully I don’t get pulled into the fray. I REALLY do not need Rarity the Gossiper finding out about my wings yet.”

In the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was hard at work on a new dress commission. She smiled as she placed diamonds on the trim. “Diamonds. They look simply DIVINE on any dress.” She placed another diamond in its place in the line when she heard the boutique door open and the bell ring. She beamed and trotted out of her workshop into the main store, launching into her usual greeting. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique.” She looked to the door, and her smile grew when she realized who it was. “Oh! Sparkler! How delightful to see you!”

Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Nice to see you too Rarity.”

Rarity nodded as Sparkler walked further into the store. “So, are you here for a new outfit? PLEASE tell me you’re here for a new outfit!”

Sparkler chuckled. “Kinda. But not for me.”

Rarity’s smile faltered. “Oh? Then who?”

Flappy chuckled and hopped off Sparkler’s back. “Squawk! I’m gonna be a Wonderbolt! Squawk!”

Sparkler chuckled and nodded. “Flappy wants to be a wonderbolt for Nightmare Night. You think you can make a wonderbolts outfit that will fit him?”

Rarity chuckled and nodded. “Foals play.” She lit her horn and summoned her measuring tape. She gestured over to the elevated stage. “Come up onto the stage and we’ll get you all measured up Flappy.”

Flappy nodded and flew over to the stage. Rarity and Sparkler giggled at his giddy mood and trotted over to the stage. Rarity hopped on and began measuring Flappy. “If you can spread your wings Flappy, this will be just a moment.”

While Flappy spread his wings, Rarity took measurement after measurement. While she worked, she chatted with Sparkler. “So, how’re you Sparkle? Enjoying life in Ponyville?”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. It’s been great. Definitely made the right choice moving here.” Now if only I could work up the courage to reveal my wings, it would be PERFECT!

Rarity nodded. “I’d say you did darling. And I’m sure Twilight would agree with you.” She shot Sparkler a wink.

Sparkler caught on immediately to Rarity’s meaning and her smile faded as she groaned. “Ugh! Rarity, exactly WHAT have Starlight and Spike been spreading around?”

Rarity chuckled. “They say you and Twilight practically barricade yourselves in the castle library regularly for hours at a time. Never allowing anypony else to join you. Well, except Flappy, from what Starlight and Spike say.”

Sparkler shook her head. “That doesn’t mean we’re together. I mean, libraries aren’t even all that romantic compared to other things.”

Rarity nodded. “Sometimes the most romantic moments come from the most unlikely of places darling.”

Sparkler nodded. “Maybe, but to set the record straight, Twilight and I are NOT together. As I told Fluttershy, if we were, there wouldn’t be ANY doubt as we wouldn’t keep it a secret.”

Rarity giggled. “Are you certain? Your secretive study sessions suggest otherwise.”

Sparkler shook her head. “They’re just that. Study sessions. What we study isn’t anything of any importance so we do not feel the need to spread it about.” Not until I’m ready at least.

Rarity nodded dismissively. “So there isn’t ANYTHING you like about Twilight?”

Sparkler groaned. “Look, it’s not that I DON’T like Twilight. I do, just not in that way.”

Rarity nodded and she stood at her full height while writing something on her notepad. “If you say so darling.” She nodded. “Alright. Got the measurements. You two just wait out here and I’ll be back in a few with Flappy’s new wonderbolts uniform.” With that, she trotted into her workshop.

Sparkler and Flappy watched her go. Once she disappeared. Flappy turned to Sparkler. “Squawk! I see you’re still in denial. Squawk!”

Sparkler groaned. “There is nothing to be in denial about. My feelings towards Twilight do not go beyond friendship. End of story.”

Flappy smirked. “Squawk! Then how about you be a tad more open about WHAT goes on in the library? I mean, Alicorns aren’t the ONLY thing you two study. Need I bring up music? Astronomy? Magic? Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “My mind just won’t allow me to say that. It’s on full lockdown to make sure nopony discovers my secret until I’m ready.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Alright, so you have a valid reason for keeping our study contents a secret. That doesn’t erase the fact that you’re in denial. Squawk!”

Sparkler banged her head on the stage floor in frustration. “WHY are you SO insistent that I have a crush on Twilight? What gives you that impression?”

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! I’ve seen the way you look at Twilight Sparkler. Friends do not give those kinds of looks to their friends unless they have a crush on them. There’s also you talking in your sleep. Lately I’ve been hearing Twilight’s name more frequently at night.”

Sparkler blushed. “T-That can mean anything.”

Flappy nodded, an idea coming to him. “Squawk! Alright. Then how about we try this. Describe Twilight. Squawk!”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Squawk! Describe Twilight. What do you see when you look at her, what do you feel when you think of her. And be honest. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed. “Well. Let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way. She’s smart, friendly, she’s trustworthy. She likes teaching.” She giggled at that one.

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Go on. Squawk!”

Sparkler nodded. “I also won’t deny that she is very beautiful. Any pony with two brain cells can see that. She’s kind, caring, understanding, honestly the list can go on.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Alright. What about how she makes you feel? Dig deep here. Squawk!”

Sparkler sighed as she continued pacing, which she had begun doing. “Well, whenever I think of her, I feel...happy? Relieved that I’m not the only one with wings and a horn after all.” Sparkler started thinking back to all the times she and Twilight got together. Carefully analyzing her feelings during those times. “Whenever we get together, I feel like I can truly be myself around her. She makes me feel safe, wanted. In a way that I’ve never experienced before. Whenever I see her smile, I quickly start to smile too, no matter how down I am, her smile is just too contagious...and when she talks on and on about, anything, I feel like I can listen to her voice for eternity, like a beautiful melody playing on re...peat...” Sparkler trailed off as she realized something. She had been thinking back to all the times she and Twilight were near each other. Be it with friends or one on one. She had carefully examined each memory and took note of her feelings and emotions, and while her earliest memories didn’t correlate to the feelings she found NOW, it was clear at least HALF of her memories of Twilight DID. Her eyes widened as she concluded something...she DID have a crush!

Flappy saw the spaced out look on Sparkler’s face and smiled, sensing that she finally got the message. “Squawk! What was that about being in denial? Squawk!”

Sparkler just stood there in total shock. She couldn’t believe it. Now that she stopped and thought about it, ever since she came out to Twilight about her wings and they started their study sessions, she had been increasingly comfortable around the princess. She didn’t deny that she had always been drawn to Twilight, mainly because she was a fellow Alicorn, but now that she was looking at her feelings more closely, she realized that as they spent more time together, hanging out and studying their favorite topics in the library on top of Alicorns, Sparkler had gradually begun to develop feelings for her fellow Alicorn, feelings that went beyond friendship! She was in love with TWILIGHT SPARKLE! The PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP!

At that moment, Rarity returned carrying a small blue jumpsuit with yellow streaks. She was absolutely beaming. “Oh Flappy. Ready to try on your new wonderbolts—Sparkler?” She frowned when she saw Sparkler standing there. Eyes widened, mouth agape, and frozen in shock. Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Sparkler? Everything alright?” She glanced at Flappy.

Flappy chuckled. “Squawk! It would seem our favorite hot pink Unicorn has had an epiphany and has discovered previously unknown feelings towards our mutual lavender Alicorn friend. Squawk!”

Rarity beamed and squealed in delight. “That’s wonderful!”

That snapped Sparkler out of it as she blinked and saw Rarity standing there. She raised an eyebrow. “Rarity? How long have you been standing there?”

Rarity chuckled. “Only a moment. But it would seem you’ve done a lot of thinking whilst I was making Flappy’s costume.”

Sparkler sheepishly nodded and blushed. “Yeah. Remember when I said I DIDN’T have a crush on Twilight? That may have been...incorrect.”

Flappy straight up laughed while Rarity gently set the costume down and rushed Sparkler, capturing her in a tight embrace. All while squealing like a filly. “That’s great Sparkler!”

Sparkler nodded as she pried Rarity off. “Not so much. Twilight probably just thinks of me as a friend, nothing more.”

Rarity chuckled. “Well, that shouldn’t stop you from telling her. The greatest of romances can come from the most unlikely of places, as well as the worst of friendships.”

Sparkler sighed. “But there’s another factor here. She’s a PRINCESS! Why would she ever date a nopony from one of the most remote backwater villages on the planet?”

Rarity gave off a dramatic gasp. “Sparkler! Do not think so lowly of yourself! You are NOT a nopony. And Twilight won’t care where you came from. You two are best friends and she values that above all else.”

Sparkler sighed as her ears flopped down. “She does?”

Rarity nodded. “Without a doubt. She is the princess of FRIENDSHIP for a reason.”

Sparkler nodded. “That makes sense.”

Rarity nodded. “Though she would prefer if you DIDN’T treat her like a princess. She hates that.”

Sparkler chuckled. “Took a few times but I shook the habit of addressing her as princess Twilight.”

Rarity nodded. “Good. She just wants to be treated as a regular pony.”

Sparkler nodded. “Still, the princess thing is still very much a factor to my mind. An intimidating factor.”

Rarity chuckled as she glanced at a clock, she frowned. “As much as I want to keep talking about this. I’m afraid I must get back to work.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! It’s fine Rarity. Squawk!” Sparkler and Rarity turned to see Flappy decked out in his new wonderbolts outfit. He gave Rarity a huge smile. “Squawk! You are amazing Rarity! It fits beautifully! Squawk!”

Rarity chuckled and nodded. “Anytime Flappy.”

Sparkler smiled. “Looking good Yellow Streak.” She turned to Rarity. “How much for the commission Rares?”

Rarity chuckled and shook her head. “Think nothing of it darling. On the house.”

Sparkler smiled and shook her head. “You don’t need to do that—“

“I insist darling. This entire process barely took me ten minutes. Not enough to justify asking for payment. Consider it a gift.”

Sparkler hesitated for a second before nodding. “Thank you Rarity. That’s very generous of you.”

Rarity nodded. “Anytime darling. Oh, and do come back tomorrow around lunch, I simply MUST have the details on how this little crush of yours came to be.”

Sparkler laughed and nodded. “Sure Rarity, I’ll be back.”

Rarity nodded. “Then I shall see you tomorrow darling. Do have a pleasant day.” With that, Rarity reentered her workshop.

Sparkler chuckled and Flappy landed on her back and shot her a smirk. “Squawk! So, who was right about you in denial? Squawk!”

Sparkler laughed as she headed for the exit. “I wouldn’t call it denial. I genuinely didn’t REALIZE I had feelings for Twilight until you made me describe her. Thanks Flappy.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! That’s what a wing parrot is for. Also, sorry but I just can’t resist. I told you so. Squawk!”

Sparkler laughed as she opened the door to step out into Ponyville. “Yeah yeah. Let’s just go home my little wonderbolt. Then you can tell me exactly what I’ve been saying in my sleep concerning Twilight.”

Flappy nodded. “Squawk! Aye aye Cap’n. Squawk!”

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

Don't worry, I won't rush the Sparkler X Twilight plot. And it won't be the mane focus, yet. Right now the mane focus is still Sparkler working up the courage to come out to everypony with her wings. For now...

VOTE FOR NEXT CHAPTER!

Starlight
Trixie
New Client
Any Other suggestions you can leave down in the comments.

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THX FOR READING!