(Links later in the chapter aren't needed, but they aided me in writing, so I decided to throw them in for you.)

I looked around in amazement at the world my mind had constructed for me. I knew I was in a dream, a rarity for me, but I had no control over the events that seemed to take place. Not that I had any desire to control them. Events were proceeding pleasantly within the confines of the Ponyville town park, and I was content with things as they were. When Discord appeared, though, I was suddenly aware of why I was unable to do anything about the state of my dream.

“Good Morning, Icarus! How nice of you to make your normally inaccessible mind so pleasantly pliable by imbibing copious quantities of alcohol.” He sat down in place, a chair appearing below him, and a table before him. He quickly laid his arms on the table before fixing me with a glare. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been trying to get in here? I mean, honestly, boy! It’s like a bloody fortress. How you managed to get so good at guarding your thoughts, I’ll... Oh. Wait. I do know.”

“What? Why do you want to come into my mind?”

Discord rolled his eyes before he motioned at me, the sudden disorientation of teleportation washing over me. “The game grows boring when I’m the only player, Icarus. Of course, you don’t really know the game yet. To be fair, you can’t know. In fact, the only other person who knows is Celestia, and she’s a terrible sport. And, to make it better, she can’t even tell you about the game.”

“What game? I don’t follow any of this.”

“Oh, poo.” Discord crossed his arms, his demeanor shifting to that of a petulant child. “I don’t understand what’s going on! I won’t even try to understand!”

“Damnit, Discord, I don’t get it! I don’t even know what the right questions would be!” The god seemed to stop for a moment, and I jumped on the chance. “How could I possibly understand what’s going on? I’m on a vacation now, and I’m busy dealing with the girls. What game am I a part of that Celestia can’t tell me about?”

“Oh.” The god quickly looked around, but it was clear that he wasn’t really looking at the dream world. “Oh my. I um... Oh.” He looked around for several moments, his features fading a small amount. “Let’s just pretend that this didn’t happen, okay? Oh, wait. In case I forget, and I never get a chance to tell you. It’s the fourth door, not the fifth. She’ll figure it out in less than six weeks. She didn’t want it anymore than you did.”

I only looked at Discord as he ran about my dream, stuffing various objects into suitcases that looked identical to my own. “I’m guessing that these will make sense when the time is right?”

“No, that’d be too logical. They’ll make sense when the time is wrong, and it’ll be up to you to know when that time is.” He paused in mid motion, the tree sticking out of the suitcase as he wrestled with the branches. “Icarus, you can’t hope to make sense of it now. It’d be best if you just went about the rest of your vacation as if this never happened. Oh, and if the wench asks about why I was here, just tell her to teach her grandmother to suck eggs.”

“The wench? Screw you, Discord, I’m not playing your stupid games.”

“Celestia. Tell her that. You really don’t have a choice, boy. The gods are the players, and you’re all just pieces. I can count, on one hand, the number of people who really matter in the world. Of course, that one hand would have to have about thirty fingers.” He finally got the tree fully into the suitcase, and then he looked around the landscape, seemingly satisfied. “Yes, this will do nicely. I’ve undone just a tiny fraction of what I’ve done, but it’s enough to work for now. With that done, Icarus, all I need you to do is wake up.”

“Discord, this is the most cliched thing you’ve ever done, isn’t it?”

“Second place. But seriously, wake up.” His voice shifted into one I was more intimately familiar with. “Icarus, wake up.”

“... up, Icarus. It’s time for breakfast.” I cracked open my eyes to look up at Rarity as she gently shook me. “Come on, love, it’s nearly ten. You can’t just sleep the day away.”

“Says who?”

“Says the girl who has something you want.” I moved a bit, so I could sit up, and Rarity just adjusted herself so that she was on my lap. She gave me a quick kiss before leaning back. “That’s all you get until you get out of bed, and come have breakfast.”

“Cruel and unusual punishment, Rarity! How could you do this to me?” I tried to pull her in for another kiss, but she used her superior position to keep me at bay. After a few futile tries, I finally managed to work up the strength to get up, and as I did Rarity moved to the door. “Cheater.”

“Not really, Icarus. I said that was all you got until you got out of bed. Now you can come over here to get the next part.” I made my way over to her, and she just let out a musical laugh before she threw some clothes at me. “Get dressed, love, and then join us for some breakfast.” I pulled the clothes off of my face just in time to see her flash me a quick smile as she shut the door. I looked at the clothing that had been thrown at me, and I put it on without complaint or thought. I ran a hand along the growing beard on my chin as I walked the hall towards the downstairs, and I idly mused to myself that a shave was likely in order after breakfast.

I was thoroughly unsurprised to find that Applejack had made breakfast once again, and I was forced, finally, to outright admit that she did make a better apple pancake than I. As the last of the pancakes were eaten I leaned back in my chair, looking at the girls for a moment before finally speaking. “Plans for the day? I already know that Twi and I will be busy this evening, probably around eight or nine, but that leaves the rest of the day free for adventure and exploration.” When no answer was forthcoming, I let out a small chuckle before I stood up. “Well, given the overwhelming response, I think it’s quite clear that we need to find something to do before lethargy claims us all.”

Almost as if to answer my unasked question, Twilight’s horn glowed for a heartbeat before a scroll materialized before her, a simple wisp of vanishing smoke showing that it had appeared through magic. As if by precognitive effort, Twilight’s hand snapped out to reclaim the scroll before gravity’s omnipresent effects could assert its hold. She looked at the wax seal for a moment before she opened the letter, her eyes flying along the page, her expression shifting from happy to sad, and back again as she looked over the words written in the flowing script that I’d come to know as Celestia’s writing. My own letter from her had been in that regal script she used so often, and so well.

“Well, girls, and Icarus, it seems that our lack of a plan has just been resolved, courtesy of our esteemed Princess Celestia.” She held out the letter, gently tapping it with one hand. “Seems that she’s arranged for us to go to a large celebration that lasts most of the day. The once-a-decade celebration for the emergence of the fireflies is being celebrated, now, and today marks the first day. But, normally, that wouldn’t really be all that special, nor would it require a letter. The special part is that we’re the guests of honor, to host the commencement at noon today.”

I felt a tiny smirk come to my face as I turned to look at Rarity. “Seems, then, that we’ll all need to get ready for the public to see us in all our glory, eh, girls? I mean, I know I don’t take all that long to get ready, but some of us... Well, I’m going to go and take a shower. Just an hour till noon.”

“Yes, Icarus! I get it! I take a long time to get ready!” Rarity shot me a glare that could’ve turned Discord back to stone. It wavered as I smiled back at her, and then she stood, storming off upstairs. “I’ll get out something for all of you to wear, so don’t get ready until I give you the go ahead! And I really must talk with Princess Celestia about her timing.”

I waited until I heard Rarity’s door close before I took the letter, quickly scanning it over before placing it on the table. “I agree with Rarity. Timing is not Celestia’s strong suit.”

“She’s always had a quirky sense of humor. She’ll find what gets you going, and use it to her amusement. Prank wars between Luna and Celestia have, according to their letters, only grown worse since Luna’s regained her confidence and has started appearing in public.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “This is something I’d like to hear about. The personal side to Royalty.” I started for the stairs. “But, another time. I really do need a shower and a shave.” I received no reply as I went up the stairs, and just minutes later I was in the shower, idly singing to myself as I did what one does in the shower. After I finished, I dried off, and stood before the mirror in the bathroom, my razor resting in my hand as I decided on what I’d shave, and what I’d keep. After making my decision, I applied the cream and went about my task.

It was a quick job, and as I washed away the last of the leftover cream from my face I flashed a quick smile at my reflection before walking back into my bedroom. Sitting on the bed, with a small note of paper, was a set of clothing that I could only assume was put there by Rarity. I looked over what she had put out for a moment before I unfolded the note.

I’m only slightly upset that you didn’t bring along the suit that I made for you. Although you couldn’t have known... Still, this will have to do. Come see me once you’re dressed.

Love,

Rarity

I shook my head as I folded the note over again. “It’s a tropical Island. I wouldn’t wear a suit if you’d put one out, Rarity.” I quickly donned the clothing that was put out, and as I was adjusting the way the shirt was sitting, a series of knocks came from my door. At the same moment, a set of quick knocks came from the door to my small balcony, as well. My gaze flicked from one portal to the next, and back again several times before I settled on answering the regular door first. When I opened the door I found myself face to face with Twilight, who was already wearing her attire for the day. The dress ended just above the knee, and was clearly one of Rarity’s designs. It had a selection of jewels woven into the fabric, and the single shoulder design seemed to work fairly well with Twilight’s body.

“Oh, good, you’re dressed.” Twilight’s normally calm demeanor was in abeyance as she swept past me into my room. I slowly closed the door after her, and I turned in place to look at her as she paced back and forth, casting quick glances my way every few steps. “I just got a second letter from Princess Celestia.”

“Oh? And what’s this one --” Several louder knocks came from the door to the balcony
, and I let out an explosive sigh. “Yes, Dash, I know. Two seconds.” I began muttering to myself as Twilight stared at me from the middle of my room. “She knocked at the same time as you. I just hadn’t let her in -- Oh.” I stared at the visitor for a moment before I found my voice. “It’s not Dash.” I opened up the door quickly, allowing in the Princess of the Night. “Good morning, Princess Luna. To what do we owe your visit?”

“Good morning, Icarus Phaethon.” She turned to look at Twilight. “And to you as well, Twilight Sparkle.” Her focus returned to me. “I happen to be one of the people requested to be present for this ceremony, and I’d be foolish to let such a chance pass me by. Also, someone must keep an eye on Discord. His attempts at reintegrating with society are... Questionable. Tia asked me to keep an eye on him. Especially now, while the Elements are on vacation.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Any particular reason, though, that you chose to come... Right. Vacation home. Why not the front door, though? Wouldn’t it have been more...” I gave a quick shrug. “I don’t know, appropriate? Suitably royal?”

“I tried. Several times. No one answered. I refrained from the RCV only because Tia made me promise not to use it.” She gave a small smile. “And we all know that breaking a promise is the quickest way to lose a friend. Now, that silliness aside, I need somewhere to get changed. Have you any room? Also, before I forget, I need to speak to Rarity. I have gossip that simply must be shared. A certain noble has returned to the forefront of Canterlot life, and he’s already started a herd. With a Canterlot celebrity, and a high ranking officer from my own personal guard, no less.”

I gently grabbed Twilight and started for the door. “You can use my... Your? Whoever uses this room while you’re on vacation, it’s yours now. And I’ll let Rarity know as soon as I can.” I closed the door behind Twilight, and quickly let out a sharp breath. “I think that went quite well, don’t you, Twi?”

“I didn’t know the two of you were so close.”

“We aren’t. I just know who to suck up to when it’s Nightmare Night. Also, she has some rather interesting taste in artful decoration. And a narcissistic streak the likes of which you’d never imagine.” I shook my head quickly, and motioned Twilight towards her room. “Now, is there something you wanted to talk to me about? Or did you just come by my room for better pacing space?”

“Right.” Twilight’s cheeks flushed a bit as she started for her room. I followed just behind her, and once we were both in her room she flared her horn and the door closed behind me.

“You and your magic. I swear, it’s like the easy switch for life...”

“Not as much as you might think, Icarus. Anyway, I came by because Rarity suggested two different ways that I could do my hair for the day, and I wanted to get your opinion on which would look better.”

“I’m not really qualified to answer that.”

“Rarity said that you are, and that you’d say exactly that to try and get out of answering.” She gave me a smile. “And the next thing you’d say, if I wasn’t saying this, would be to say that she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She knows you too well, Icarus. I could have this whole conversation without you, so can we just get to the end of it, and you look at the two styles and pick one?”

“Fine.” I glared for a moment before I faltered, and gave her a wan smile. “Let’s see it. When you and I dance tonight I want everyone’s jaws to hit the floor. And not just because of my dashing good looks.” The unicorn’s cheeks flushed for a moment before she looked towards the mirror, her horn glowing softly as her hair did the same, quickly shifting into an elegant bun. Several locks of her hair escaped the bun, gently falling around her face, framing it with a lock of purple on one side, and pink on the other. A necklace gently floated to her neck as her hair finished styling, and after just a moment her look was complete.

“This is the first option.”

I had no words to describe her beauty, but I knew that I had to say something.

Eloquence, thy name is Icarus!

“That one. I don’t care what the other one is, that one is... Yes. That one.”

Her cheeks flushed hotly for a moment, and then she turned to look at herself in the mirror once more. “Are you sure? It’s not too serious looking? Not too... Severe?”

“No. Never.” I took a step closer to her, putting a hand on her exposed shoulder. “Trust me, Twilight, you look gorgeous. If I didn’t already have a plan for today, and tonight, and we didn’t have somewhere to be soon... Let’s just say that I’d quite like to spend quite a bit of time with you, and that I’m peeved that I can’t today. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I know that you’re not done getting ready just yet, so I’ll go bother Rarity some.” Twilight’s blush only grew before she darted in for a quick kiss. Before I could react, though, a flash of light put me in the hallway, just beyond Twilight’s door. I let out a breath before I turned in place, now facing Rarity’s door.

I knocked two times, and then took a half step back. The door flew open, and Rarity glared at me for a heartbeat before her irritation seemed to vanish. “Oh, good, come in.” I stepped in, and closed the door behind myself. “All the others are getting ready, and you’re done. This is good. Now, I have a few things I’d like to talk to you about. The first of which is probably one of the more important ones.”

I walked to Rarity’s bed, and took a seat, watching as Rarity did her hair and makeup by hand. “Okay. I’m ready when you are.”

“Twilight. I already know that you’re planning something for tonight. What is it?”

“That’d be telling, Rarity. And I don’t feel like spoiling the surprise.” Rarity turned to look at me for a moment. “Okay, I’ll explain, but I’ll also need some help. And a rather hefty dose of magic, not that I think about it.”

Rarity’s mouth turned up in a smile. “Please, do explain. If this is anything you’ve thought up, it’s sure to be interesting...”

“... And I’ll just have to make it up from there. Although by that point it’ll be a cooperative effort.”

Rarity’s smile had only grown though the explanation of my plan, and she pulled me into a massive hug. “That’s probably one of the best ideas I’ve ever heard from you, Icarus. If this goes off as smoothly as you’ve planned, it’ll have to get a name in the courting world.” She hesitated for just a moment. “But, I don’t know if I can pull that kind of magic off on my own. I’ll certainly give it my best shot, though.”

“Well, if you need some magical assistance, Princess Luna is here to help host the ceremony. Maybe she can help you out. Oh, and she wanted to talk to you about some gossip, or some such. Something about a noble. I’ll be honest, I didn’t listen much to the specifics.”

Rarity’s brow furrowed for a moment, before realization splashed across her face. “A noble? There’s not really much good gossip floating about the Canterlot nobility. At least, not since the Orion debacle.”

“Well, that’s what she asked me to tell you, so I’ve done my part.” I stood up from the bed, shaking my limbs a bit. “And now, I’m going to head downstairs. We should probably be going soon, anyway. It’s nearly time to leave, since it does take some time for us to get to town.”

Rarity glanced at the elegant watch on her wrist before her eyes widened. “Yes, please do. I need to finish getting ready... And then chat with the Princess of the Moon.”

Her gaze moved between the pile of cosmetics and the door several times before I took the situation into my hands. I stepped up to Rarity, and, without a word, placed a swift kiss on her lips. “You look amazing, Rarity. Anything more than you’ve got already would look overdone. Go see Luna, and then we can go. I promise, you look radiant.” The fashion centric unicorn seemed to relax in my grip, and she only looked into my eyes for a moment before she returned my kiss with one of her own.

“My Prince Charming, here to rescue me from distress of my own design.” I felt my cheeks flush a bit, and I took a small step back. “Never change that part of you, Icarus.” She stood from her seat after that, and then moved to the door, opening it and moving down the hall without a trace of doubt in her stride. I followed her as far as her door, but then I turned down the hall, quickly going down the stairs and planting myself atop one of the couches in the living room.

It was only a few minutes before I heard someone else come down the stairs, and when I looked over I was greeted with the sight of both Applejack and Fluttershy, both of whom looked fantastic. They each took a seat on a couch opposite me, and we just sat together in silence, waiting for all the others to finish getting ready. After several moments I looked between the two, and adjusted my posture. “Just figured I’d let you know, Princess Luna is here. She’s helping to host the event. Oh, and Fluttershy, Discord’s going to be there too.”

Fluttershy perked up a bit at that, and she let a smile come to her face. “I hope that he’s been behaving himself. I’d hate to have to have a talk with him.”

I was about to give her a small taste of what Discord had been up to when the rest of the girls came down the stairs, a Princess in tow. “I promise you, Rarity, he’s already shattering the norm. Nobility has been held to the monogamy law for centuries. Tia herself told me about how strictly it was enforced during my forced vacation.”

“Forced vacation?” Princess Luna turned to look at me, her eyes narrowing the tiniest bit. “Did they at least have postcards? What kind of vacation is it if you can’t even get some postcards?” I gave a small shrug. “I mean, it’s only natural, right? Go someplace new, get a postcard. It’s what I do.”

Twilight’s jaw nearly dropped as she looked between myself and the Princess. “I don’t think that Princess Luna had much time--”

“They were all sold out. I waited in line a thousand years, and just as I was about to be next in line they ran out.” A smile came to her face. “And then? I find myself back in Ponyville. All my aggression needed an outlet. I mean, what other way is there to deal with being denied a postcard from the moon.” She took a few steps closer to me, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Perhaps, Icarus, you could pick some up when you take your trip there.”

“No thanks. I’m much too fond of things like air. And breathing. And water. You know how it is.”

Without warning Luna turned to look at Twilight. “I like this one, Twilight. He’s got a sense of humor. Unlike those others that Tia told me about. Those who are now enduring the hardships of the northern climes.” Twilight looked away from the royal representative, and a strong blush surged to her cheeks. “Now, we’ve spent more than enough time dilly-dallying. We go, now, to the festival! Avante!”

I trailed at the tail of our little group as we walked, content to take all the time I liked as I covered the space between the house and the town. My participation wasn’t really required, since I had no real fame, unlike the elements, so I had leave from Luna to wander about the town, and enjoy the festival while they went about their host duties.

The normally sleepy little town was abuzz with activity as I walked along the main street, and vendors of all sorts were hawking their wares, desperate to get whatever business they could. I took the time to peruse many of the wares offered, and I even purchased a few odds and ends that struck my fancy. I ambled about as the ebb and flow of pedestrians dictated, and before long I found myself in the town center where the girls were sitting atop a large stage. Discord was there too, and Luna was giving a small speech. I didn’t linger long to listen, and after just a few moments I was back in the markets.

I socialized with a good number of the locals for a while, offering my expertise to those who I could. I even arranged for a few customers who could work with a long distance style repair and maintenance gig. When I heard the clock tower strike two, I finally decided that I’d get myself something to eat. With the myriad of choices at my disposal, it was easy to find something to eat, but finding something that I actually wanted wasn’t quite as easy.

A small bistro caught my eye as I walked, and I stepped inside, surprised to find the shop mostly empty, despite the hustle and bustle outside. None of the patrons looked up at my entry, and I found that a bit disconcerting at first. A heartbeat later, though, and the feeling vanished, leaving me wondering whether it actually happened. A woman approached me with a menu in her hand, and she led me to a table. I took a seat at the table, and she placed the menu in front of me without a word, simply looking at me for a moment before departing.

“Well, if it isn’t my latest customer!” The voice shattered the silence, and every head snapped in the direction of the door, where stood the jeweler. She quickly made her way towards me, ignoring the withering looks directed at her by the other patrons. “I was certain that you’d be in town today, and here you are. In my favorite little coffee shack, too.” She took the seat opposite me without pause, adjusting herself until she was comfortable. “You know what you want yet, boy?” I nodded, explaining what I had chosen from their limited menu. “Great.” She turned to look towards the back of the shop. “Carafe! Carafe you lazy inbred sod, two hot chocolates and a banana nut muffin! Now!” She looked back at me. “Sometimes he’s a bit hard of hearing.”

“You are something else.”

“Aren’t we all, though? Dear, once you’ve been alive as long as I have, you’ll realize that you’ve never seen it all. And that there’s always something new that will surprise you.” She looked over her shoulder at the approaching man. “Take Carafe, for example. A finer cook you’ll never meet. Shame that he’s not --”

“You promised that you wouldn’t talk about that, Atropos.”

“Nonsense, Carafe. He doesn’t care. No one here cares.” She turned to look at me once again. “He’s a changeling, Icarus. Raised by human parents, he never knew just how different he was until the invasion.”

I extended a hand towards Carafe. “Icarus Phaethon. Is it true?”

He took my hand in his, giving it a quick shake. “Aye. You’re the fifth one to know. And I’d much rather it stay at five.” I nodded, and a smile came to the man’s face. “Thank you. Now, is there anything else you need, or did Ms. Windbag here cover the entirety of what you’d like?”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Carafe.”

I squirmed in my seat for a moment before I shook my head. “Thanks, Carafe, but she covered it.” He gave me a smile, and scowled at Atropos, before he took his leave, and returned to the kitchen.

“If I was a few dozen years younger I’d give his lovely bride a run for her money.” She caught the look on my face, and cackled for a moment. “Not really, Icarus. That’d be horrible. I’d have to be at least fifty years younger to give it a shot with Carafe.”

“That’s not... You’re bizarre. Amazing, great at what you do, but bizarre.”

“I certainly try, dearie. I certainly try.” She fetched a small ball of yarn out of her purse, along with some crochet needles, and she got to work. “Now, how goes the work on giving out those amulets? Any luck yet?”

“No.” I began fidgeting in my seat under her scrutiny. “I haven’t really been thinking about them all that much.”

“It’s quite alright. When the moment comes, so, too, will the amulet. Magic, you know. I work it into everything I do.” Silence fell upon the table for several minutes as I just watched her work. Our reprieve was interrupted briefly when our drinks arrived, along with my muffin, and together we passed the time as we each consumed our chosen fare. As I finished the last of my muffin, the woman across from me let out a small sigh as she put her needles down. “You’re going to head out now, aren’t you? It’s fine. I’m about done here, myself. I have to get back to my shop, and close up for the night. And you’ve got to head to the town square.”

“Not yet, I don’t. It’s still a few hours till sunset.”

She shrugged. “No. Just an hour. Time flies, Icarus.” I glanced at my watch, surprised to see that her words were true, and I only had an hour until the sunset ceremony, and I put my plan into action. She patted my arm gently as I went to rise, and her touch stopped me from rising just yet. “It’s a good plan. It’ll work. And Generosity is right, it does deserve a name.” She released my arm, and pointed to the door. “Now, go. Get a dash of Magic in your life. Creator knows that you need it.”

I stood up, and made my way for the door, pausing only briefly to look back at her. “Don’t worry about the bill, dear. I’ve got it covered.” A smile flashed across my face as I pushed my way back into the bustle of the market, and towards the town square. I could hear the band from quite a ways away, and all the commotion in the crowd seemed to be about the coming festivities, and what sort of special even there’d be this time around. As I neared the square, the crowd grew thicker and thicker, and soon I was unable to get any closer to my destination.

I began worming my way around the people in the crowd, desperate to get closer to the stage. As I squeezed past someone I heard my name, and I turned in place to find myself looking at the Wonderbolts. None of them were in uniform, so it took me a moment to recognize them, but when I did they all gave me smiles. “Hey, Icarus. Nice of you to come by.” Soarin pulled me towards their small cluster, and I was glad for the relief from the pressure of the crowd. “Sucks that you bailed on our show, though. It was a good one.”

“Next one I’ll actually stay for.” I looked around for a moment, thankful for the island of relative calm that the Wonderbolts enjoyed. “I take it you’re all here for the coming dance and party?”

Spitfire nodded and looked at Soarin before looking back at me. “You say that like the whole thing hasn’t been a party.”

“I was distracted. Didn’t spend much time really enjoying it. I was catching up, instead, with an old friend.”

Soarin raised an eyebrow. “Someone from Manehattan?”

“No. She’s just really old.” I paused for a moment. “That was funnier in my head than it was in execution.”

“Stick with inventing, Icarus. You’re better at it.”

Spitfire looked between Soarin and I. “I dunno, Soarin, that wasn’t bad. Better than the jokes you usually try and force of Fleet and I.”

“We agreed not to talk about the jokes I used to tell, Fire. I promised not to read those joke books anymore, and you promised not to bring up the horrors of my old style of humor.”

I looked at Fleetfoot as Soarin and Spitfire argued, and she gave me a weak smile. “I nearly broke up with him over the jokes he told. They were bad. Really bad.”

“I’ve never heard a joke bad enough to threaten to break up with someone.”

“Pray you never do. It hurt to hear.”

“Fleet, it wasn’t that bad!” Soarin flushed a bit at his outburst. “I mean, it wasn’t that bad, was it?” His face flushed a bit more at the nods he got from both Fleetfoot and Spitfire. “Screw you guys, then. I don’t need that kind of negativity.”

I looked between all three for a moment before an idea began to take place in my head. A small change to the plan that I’d laid out with Rarity. “Actually, Soarin, girls, I’ve got a small favor to ask of you.” They all looked at me, their argument seemingly forgotten, even if only for a moment. I quickly laid out what I was planning, and the three of them all got big smiles on their faces as the pieces of my plan came together. “And, so, I’d appreciate it if one of you could take a few things to the glade. Just to make things a bit more... cozy, when we get there. ‘We’ being Twilight and I.”

Soarin shook his head, the smile on his face only growing, while Spitfire and Fleetfoot both looked at me like I was a genius. “That plan is amazing, Icarus. If any guy ever pulled that off, I’d be hard pressed to say that I wasn’t amazed at the attention to detail.” I offered a shrug to Spitfire. “Seriously. If neither of them are going to help, I’ll gladly do what you need.” After a moment, the others agreed to help as well, and in a matter of minutes they had taken to the air, and were off to put into place the last pieces of my plan.

Now, all I have to do is get to the stage, so that I can actually get things started.

I looked towards the stage, and the seething crowd began moving to the beat of music that seemed to surge from all around us, yet had no source. “Oh, come the fuck on. Now?” As the tune reached a thunderous crescendo I started a mantra in my head to keep myself from being swept up in the lyrics. The voice that started the song was not one, but six, coming together in harmony.

“Once in a decade, just once every ten years,

The people of Firefly Island join together,

As one we stand side by side and let out our cheers,

It always happens, once in a decade, no matter the weather!”

I moved in time with the beat, against my better judgment, as I wove between the many people in the crowd. I hazarded a glance towards the stage, and I was surprised to see Twilight, and the others each holding a microphone. Twilight’s eyes were closed, but as I was about to continue she opened them, and began singing.

“A vacation, time away from a home away from home,

A chance, a fleeting moment in time,

I know all there is to know about this event, a glorious tome,

A chance to see this event, for which there is no rhyme!”

As Twilight’s first verse echoed into the night, nearly swallowed by the music, I pushed further still into the crowd. The undulating masses of people pressed against me from all sides, aiding my progress as often as impeding it.

“The loves and dreams of a dreamer and a lover,

Taking hold during this magical night,

What great wonders will we, together, discover,

Revealed in the ardent glow of the firefly’s light?”

I looked to the stage again, now just a bit more than halfway there. All that stood between me and the stage was the wide open area of the dance floor. I let out a small sigh, knowing, without knowing why, that I couldn’t go onto the dance floor just yet. Twilight took a half step back, putting herself next to the other Elements, and together they resumed singing as one.

“Life, a glorious adventure, from humble beginnings to triumphant ends,

Learning to live, to laugh, to love,

To spend it all beside you, my wondrous friends,

That is something I hold above,

All the rest!”

A tiny voice in the back of my head told me it was time, and I ran across the dance floor, each step measured and placed exactly where the tiny voice told me to put it. Without a thought I leapt, the magic of the song carrying me up onto the stage. I grabbed the microphone stand away from Twilight, turning in place to stare at the crowd.

“A chance to right the wrongs of years gone past,

A chance to be with the ones I love, is all I asked,

A celebration of the name of this land,

A party no less than ten times as grand,

As the great day of the Summer Sun,

It pales beside the majesty of this once-in-ten-years day,

None of this land would miss it, not even one,

For a chance like this, I’d gladly give my wings, and the chance to fly away!”

(A/N Song are bloody hard to write!)

The music ended mere moments after my verse, and the crowd went wild, applause seemingly surging from every part of the land. I felt my chest heaving with the exertion of my efforts, and I looked over my shoulder at the girls, and they all had the biggest smiles on their faces I’d ever seen. “I..” I let out a laugh. “I just told myself that I would remember this one. And, Rarity, you were right.”

“I told you, love.” She stepped over to me, and gave me a massive hug, into which the other girls quickly joined in. Luna, just a few steps away, smiled broadly before approaching the microphone that I’d been using.

“And that, people of Firefly Island, commences the celebration! Eat, drink, be merry! We still have some time before the emergence begins, and it is my royal decree that you shall all enjoy this night!” Her horn flashed for a moment, and a great bolt of light flew upwards before exploding in a display of fireworks, setting the crowd cheering louder than before. The band, also up on the stage, started playing as the echo of the magic faded, and the populace surged onto the dance floor, already letting out cheers for the music. Luna stepped back from the microphone after a moment, and then she turned to look at the girls and I. “That goes for all of you, too. Go, enjoy yourselves. You’ve been up on this stage all day, looking important while Icarus had all the fun. Now you can join him.”

The girls let out a cheer, and just a few minutes later we were seated at one of the many tables arranged in the town square, each of us with a drink sitting in front of us. I was still full of energy from the song, and it came out in quick and easy laughter, enjoying the moment as much as I could. For quite some time we all just enjoyed the music, taking some time to just relax after our impromptu performance.

“You finally got to remember a song, Icarus?”

I looked at Applejack, and gave her a nod. “Yeah, AJ. After all this time I finally remember one. And, of all that I can remember happening, I’m glad that this is the first one I can remember.” I felt my cheeks grow warmer as I let out a nervous laugh. “Didn’t quite realize how much it’d force out of me, though. Magic of Harmony would be damn powerful in a court of law.”

“That’s just the thing, Icarus, the magic will only make you say things that everyone already knows. Things that you know are true, but might not want to admit.” Twilight gave me a smile. “Remember the Winter Wrap-Up? I wasn’t comfortable revealing the fact that I was clueless, but I still did.”

“Aw, come on, Twi, you weren’t clueless. Just not quite used to how we do things back home.” Applejack patted Twi on the back. “And now look at how we get things done. Faster than ever, and with fewer problems.”

Twi blushed and looked away, prompting us all to laugh for just a moment. “Just because it’s true, and we all know it, doesn’t really mean I want to shout it out for everyone to hear.” I gave a shrug. “Just saying.”

“It’s fine, Icarus. You’re okay with having lost your wings, because it brought you to Ponyville, and to us.” Pinkie latched onto me in a big hug, her voice soft. “It brought you here, and to us. And that’s something that your wings could never do for you.” Pinkie gave me a quick peck on the cheek after that, and then she returned to her seat. My cheeks felt like they were ablaze after the kiss, and I brought a hand up to where I’d been kissed. Before I could turn to look at Pinkie, though, the music changed abruptly, shifting to some electronic song. “Vinyl? This is one of her songs! I had no idea she was on the island!” Without waiting, she grabbed my wrist, and Dash’s, and dragged us towards the dance floor. I shot a look over my shoulder at Rarity, and she gave me a quick smile and a nod.

The beats presented by the famed DJ didn’t fail to measure up to her usual quality, and everyone on the dance floor made sure that Vinyl Scratch knew just how much they appreciated her talents. I held back some, in my dancing, knowing that I’d still need to be fresh when the time came for my larger exposition of dancing talent. About half an hour after Vinyl started playing I spotted Soarin and Spitfire merging with the crowd, making their way towards the girls and I. Soarin said nothing once he got close enough, instead just giving me a conspiratorial wink.

As the echoing bass of the last song ended, the crowd let out a piercing cheer, its echo adding to the volume. Vinyl stepped out from behind her stand as the cheering dropped from a tsunami of sound to the steady beat of the waves on the shore, a microphone in her hand. “How are we all doing tonight?” The crowd responded with a loud cheer, and the DJ just smiled. “I’m sorry, what was that? I couldn’t quite hear you!” The crowd cheered once again, this time louder than before. “That’s what I thought! Now, we’ve been enjoying my famous tunes for the better part of an hour, now, but this isn’t just for celebrating the carefree and fun side of our lives. It’s also a chance for, as Icarus so aptly stated, us to spend time with our loved ones, and to maybe kindle new loves.” A low murmur ran through the crowd, and a good number of people fled the dance floor, and after just a few moments it was nearly empty. Vinyl frowned at the vacant floor, and then she brought the microphone to her mouth again. “Come on, you ninnies! It’s not that serious.”

I looked beside me, and was pleased to see that Rarity was where she said she’d be. I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently and letting out a massive sigh. “And to think, Rarity, I cursed my dad out for almost an hour when he signed me up for those lessons.”

“If there’s one thing you need to remember, Icarus, it’s that it is always important to know how to do some more intricate dances.” She gave me a warm smile as her horn flared, and a small slip of paper flashed from her other hand, to the DJ up on the stage. I watched as she grabbed it, opened it, and quickly read the contents.

Her frown vanished in a moment, and was replaced with a wide smile. “Seems that we’ve got a special request. And one that I’m all too happy to fill.” She went to her booth as she spoke, and it took her a moment to retrieve the record she was looking for. “Everyone, clear the floor. Rarity, Icarus, the floor is yours.”

Rarity squeezed my hand back, and pulled me out towards the center of the floor. “Don’t worry, Icarus, Pinkie knows the plan, and when she’ll need to act. Unless you or I mess up during the dance, this will go off without a hitch.”

“Bloody dandy! Let’s hope I remember everything I need to do.” I looked over to Vinyl, along with the band atop the stage. “Roll it, Vinyl!”

As the music started, the band jumping right into the music, I quickly approached Rarity, pulling her close to me as she pressed herself into me. We quickly cut across the dance floor, our steps in perfect synchronization, our pace perfectly in time with the tempo of the music. With each flare of the music we made ourselves the undeniable center of attention on the dance floor.

As the music flowed through Rarity and I we each became an instrument for the rhythm. As our dance carried us nearer to the edge of the dance floor I felt a tiny nudge from Rarity, and I knew that my own addition to the interest of the night was only due to increase. With a quick push and a twist I sent Rarity back from me, her own knowledge of the dance turning the unforeseen move into an elegant spin. As she danced away from me, I span in place, snatching a rose from the hand of Pinkie who was exactly where she needed to be. Without pausing, I followed after Rarity, quickly bringing both of us back into the dance we both knew.

As we traversed the floor once again, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. “Not one of you knows the whole plan, Rarity. Keeps things magical.”

“Oh, I know that, Icarus.” She pulled my own move on me, pushing me into a quick backwards pace as she followed me. She performed a spin as she fell into my arms, but in a flash of light the voluptuous form of Rarity was replaced with the lithe figure of Rainbow Dash, her once knee length dress now replaced with an incredible dress that only went to mid thigh. I managed to keep my surprise from my face, but the sudden shift in dance partner threw me off as the music, too, changed to something more like what I could imagine Dash dancing to.

She flashed me a smile as she started moving herself to the beat, and I had little choice but to join her, matching her moves with ones of my own. We didn’t cut across the dance floor as the new song played, but our actions were no less enthusiastic. Dash’s incredible form, and amazing athleticism allowed her the control of our dance, but I didn’t let her run the whole show, doing what I could to add my own flair to her moves.

As the beat of the song continued pumping out, some in the crowd began pulsing on the edges of the dance floor, eager to see what was next on what I could only assume would be a six part dance. Dash and I did our dance for several moments before she suddenly repeated the same move as Rarity, quickly spinning herself as she leapt towards me. I was expecting a sudden change in who I caught, but when it was still Dash I couldn’t keep the confusion from my face. As I brought her out of the dip I’d lowered her into she leapt from my arms, a flash of light changing her into Twilight Sparkle.

I was at least a bit pleased to see that she was just as surprised by the sudden development as I was. However, it didn’t last long as the music shifted, once again, to yet another new song. The slightly slower beat allowed the two of us to do a tango-esque dance, and dance we did. Despite her initial surprise, Twilight seemed to take into the dance incredibly quickly, and within moments of her arrival she and I were moving about the dance floor with enough grace and style to put the dance I shared with Rarity to shame.

As we moved across the dance floor, Twilight took the rose from my mouth, holding it in her own, a flash from her horn turning the once red rose into a shade of lavender that she’d always said was her favorite. As the music built into a crescendo, I stepped closer to her quickly, turning her into an incredibly low dip as I gave her a kiss.

And with that kiss, our world flashed into oblivion for less than a heartbeat, and we were in the glade, the sounds of the music lost to the vast intervening distance. I held the kiss for several moments, and when I broke it, I opened my eyes to look at the beautiful woman in my arms. She looked up at me, as I looked down at her, and after just a moment she pulled me into another kiss, this one far more passionate than the last. It lasted no longer than the first one, and with a small sigh I brought the two of us upright.

I motioned for her to follow, and she took my hand and did so, refusing to break the near silence of the clearing. It only took me a moment to find the spot that I’d picked out during our last visit, and I was incredibly happy to see that the Wonderbolts had done as I’d asked. The blanket had several candles placed about it, each one shimmering with a magical flame of a different color.

“For you and I, Twilight, a dinner for two. Accompanied by a light show set to begin in just a few short minutes.”

Twilight released my hand as she approached the blanket, her gaze roaming around the entire area, taking it all in. “You planned all this, Icarus, for me?”

My cheeks flushed as I gave a shrug. “Well, yeah. I wanted to make it special, Twi. It’s not everyday I get to court the Element of Magic. I had help though. And, clearly, Rarity did too.”

She didn’t say a word as she leapt into my arms, pulling me into a great hug. I felt a tiny trickle of water on my shoulder. “It’s perfect. Better than I could’ve ever hoped for.” My cheeks threatened to burst into flames from her words, but I didn’t make any indication of my embarrassment. She broke the hug, and gave me a kiss before looking at the laid out dinner. “Now, how about we have something to eat?”

“Gladly.” I allowed Twilight to take a seat first, and then I sat down beside her, leaning against the tree under which our meal was placed. “Dinner, for us, straight from the kitchen of Gilded Ladle, a simple fare of salad, and small cuts of a perfectly prepared steak.”

“Gilded Ladle? The executive chef from the kitchens of Canterlot Palace? How could you have possibly gotten him to make us something?”

“I have Rarity, Twi, and she’s got Luna. This whole plan worked a lot better than I thought it would because of their combined efforts.” The two of us started on the meal that we had before us, and Twilight quickly moved so that she could lean against me as we ate. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, eliciting a small sigh of contentment from the unicorn.

“When you sang, Icarus... I’m glad you’re with us.” She paused as she ate a bit more of her food. “I’m not so melodramatic to think that I’d have never found another love after what happened in Canterlot, but I’m still glad that it was you who I found, and who found me.”

“If I could do it again, Twi, knowing what happens, I’d probably still do it. I’d still be resentful of the loss, but with all of this waiting for me, it’s a sacrifice I’m glad to make.”

Silence fell between us once again as we both returned to our meals. Soon enough we were both finished, and looking out into the glade and waiting for the first of the fireflies to emerge. I felt a sudden presence in my pocket, and I reached a hand into that pocket, surprised to encounter a felt covered box.

Atropos, you clever girl...

I pulled the box from my pocket slowly, making sure to keep Twilight unaware of what I was doing. I cracked open the box with care, and the amulet within sparkled in the candlelight, sending shimmering sparks of light all over. With a faint click, I shut the box, and then adjusted my position beside Twilight just a bit. “So, Twi, what are the classical methods used to finalize a courting process. The signs that a given person has been accepted into a herd?”

She looked at me for a moment, her cheeks flushed. “Well, there’s quite a few methods, most of which are dependent on the attributes of the man. A pegasus often gives to each girl a feather. You, without your wings, I suppose, could use the fallback and give a personalized gift.” She turned a bit more, now fully facing me. “Why? I mean, I could probably --” I held the box towards her, my gaze failing to match hers. She took the box from my hand, and I heard the clicking sound that meant that she opened it. “Icarus... Oh, Icarus, it’s beautiful! It’s perfect, too.” She pulled it out of the box, and I finally looked up at her, watching as she held it in one hand, the box forgotten on the blanket.

The long chain dangled from it, and with deceptively steady hands I reached out and took the two ends. “May I, Twi?” She nodded, and I reached around her neck with the ends of the necklace, draping it and quickly fastening the small silver latch. After admiring it for a moment, I leaned back, and looked at her, admiring how it fit with not only who she is, but her entire outfit. “It’s totally out of order, and far from traditional, but I’d like you to be the first I officially ask into herd Phaethon.”

“Yes!” Twilight’s arms wrapped around my neck, and the two of us fell backwards onto the blanket, her arms coming down around my head to keep just enough distance between the two of us. She leaned in for a kiss, and after she broke it, a single tear fell on my cheek. “Yes, Icarus, I would love to be in your herd.”

As I was about to speak once again, a faint buzzing seemed to fill much of the glade, and I turned my head just in time to see a wall of flashing lights burst out of the cave that was the prime feature of the glade. Twilight and I just looked on in amazement as the sky seemed to quickly fill with millions of fireflies.

“You would not believe your eyes, if ten million fireflies lit up the world.” Twilight rolled onto her side next to me, pulling herself close as we, together, watched the sky slowly fill with the blinking lights of countless fireflies.

The show went on for nearly an hour before either of us spoke again, and it was Twilight who broke the long lasting silence. “I want to spend the next celebration here with you, Icarus. And the others, too. I want this to be something we do as a herd. Something we do together, to bring us closer to each other.”

I held back a small chuckle as I turned to look at the unicorn clinging to my side. “It’s a date, Twi. I know you like to plan ahead, but isn’t that pushing it even for you?”

Her cheeks flushed for a moment before she rolled herself atop of me, her eyes flashing with playful vengeance. “This coming from the man who asks Rainbow for the monthly weather report for next year?”

I rolled us both over, smiling down at Twilight. “Yeah, because I need to know what long term projects I have to plan for. Besides, I don’t make a minute to minute plan for my visits to the market, unlike some people.” Twilight grinned up at me, and then she rolled us both once again. I threw my momentum into it, and soon we were rolling about the grass, laughing and fighting to get atop the other to deliver our next witty comeback.

After several rolls, we finally stopped with Twilight sitting proudly atop me, her cheeks flushed with the exertion of our play and merriment. She leaned in for a kiss, and I brought my arms up around her to pull her into the kiss. As we finally broke apart, Twilight’s cheeks were flushed even more than before, and her horn had a faint glow around it. “I think... I think we need to head home, Icarus.”

I brought a hand up to her cheek, holding it there for a moment. “Of course, Twi.” I pulled a small piece of parchment from my pocket, and I broke the wax seal on it, and with that break a flash of brilliant white light consumed the two of us.

Author's Notes:

So, after much delay, Chapter XV, has finally been released. Please, let me know what you think, and point out any mistakes that I made (Since this is pretty much completely unedited.).

What will happen in the next thrilling installment? Will Icarus finally catch the mysterious bandit? Will Applejack ever solve the Rubik cube? Or, most chillingly of all, will Discord finally wear matching shoes?

No, dear reader, none of those! Instead, Twilight and Icarus will enjoy a special time! A very special time! The most special time of all! The sexy-time!!