The very next morning, Anton was all dressed up and ready to go to the art exhibition. He along with the girls, Spike, and the two sisters were walking through Canterlot to the Gallery. As they walked, Applejack looked to Anton and spoke, "Scared, Anton?"
"A little." he admitted.
"Well, don'tcha fret none. Just keep your head up and have confidence in yourself." A.J encouraged him.
"Applejack's right, darling. Remember we're all here for you." Rarity agreed.
"And no matter what those judge chumps say, we all know you did your best." Rainbow added.
"Thanks, girls." Anton smiled, as they arrived.
They entered to see half of Canterlot and art critics alike turned up to see the art show. As Anton looked around he heard a familiar voice call out to him, "Anton!" Anton and the group looked and saw the boys friend from the Gala, Pearl Gem was galloping over.
"Pearl!" Anton cheered, as the two embraced, "It's so good to see you."
"Same here. When I heard you were entering I just had to see you."
"Thanks for coming. This means a lot." Anton replied.
"Nice to see you again, Pearl." Twilight greeted her.
"Same to you all as well." the young girl replied.
"A warm welcome for her and not me? I'm hurt." came another voice. The group saw Discord who was posing in someone's picture come out of it and present himself.
"Uncle D!" Anton cheered, as he ran over and embraced his surrogate uncle.
"Now this is more like it." Discord said, as Fluttershy joined in the embrace.
"I hope you don't mind if I invited Discord." Fluttershy told her son.
"Not at all, this is perfect."
"Don't overlook us now." came a female voice.
They looked seeing Shining Armor and Cadence wheeling Flurry Heart inside, "Shining Armor! Cadence!" Twilight went over to hug the two and nuzzle with Flurry Heart.
"It's nice you could all make it." Celestia told them.
"Well, after we read about Anton entering the art exhibition here we just had to see it for ourselves." Cadence said, as she walked over to Anton and hugged him.
"Now isn't this a charming gathering." Discord said, taking in all the faces who turned up for Anton.
"It certainly is." Fluttershy agreed.
"The exhibition will be starting soon," Luna looked at the time, before turning to Anton, "You better go and join the rest of the artists here."
"Yes, Princess Luna. I'll see you all soon." Anton told them, as he went over to the rest of the artists.
Standing by the rest of them made him feel like a minority, but Anton knew not to be intimidated and stood tall just as the girls wanted him. Soon all the ponies and such were gathered as Art Nouveau greeted them with all the artists at his side.
"Welcome, everypony, to my Art Exhibition. I'm your host and head judge Art Nouveau!" the crowd cheered, "Today we have a long line up of artists who've traveled from the many corners of Equestria to share with us their latest masterpieces. Now then if you'll follow me we can begin." Art and the contestants led the crowd through the gallery. At stopped before a painting and allowed the painted to explain their artwork to them while being judge on the style, the coloring, the description, and presentation.
Anton watched closely as each participant who went before him explained their art to the crowd with confidence showing no sign of being nervous. He knew if he wanted to be taken seriously like these guys he really had to show the critics and such he was just as confident in his work as they were in theirs.
Finally they approached Anton's painting, as Art spoke up, "And now we come to this piece of work titled 'Web of Equestria', made by Anton MacLeod."
The group was curious, as they saw the one who stood out among the artist ponies present himself to them, "Hello, everypony. I am Anton MacLeod."
Before any of the critics and such could say anything, Art spoke up, "Now I know Anton here is not like the rest of us, but there is no rule that says non-ponies can enter. Now then, Anton, your artwork is titled 'Web of Equestria'. Tell us what is the Web of Equestria?"
Anton stood tall and cleared his throat before answering in detail, "Well, Mr. Nouveau, the Web of Equestria is each of our places and symbolism in Equestria and how we're all connected like one huge web. For example our illustrious leaders Princess Celestia and Princess Luna represent day and night. And we cannot have one without the other. We need both to balance each other out. A time for play and a time for rest however you wanna look at it," Celestia and Luna smiled seeing how well he described their place, "Second we have Discord the master of chaos. And while I am aware of his reputation in the past, but you must also remember we need chaos just like we have order. I mean if everything was all perfect then it would just be dull. A little chaos in life makes things all the more interesting depending on how it's presented." Discord smiled and wiped a tear from his eye before blowing his nose and stuffed the handkerchief up his nose all the way.
"And now we come to the Crystal Empire rulers," Anton continued, "Shining Armor represents justice in Equestria. Looking to right the wrong brought onto us by forces who wish to disrupt our land with corruption and malice. Without Justice there is only Anarchy," Shining Armor smiled, as Cadence held his hoof. Anton continued on, "Princess Cadence symbolizes the love in Equestria, and love is what keeps us together. It's a special bond you share with anyone special to you, a bond that can withstand the test of time itself." Cadence smiled and shed a tear, as Shining Armor held her hoof, "And let's not forget baby Princess Flurry Heart. She has been the first child born in the Crystal Empire since it vanished a thousand years ago. And the first naturally born alicorn as well. She symbolizes a whole new generation of ponies for years to come not only in the Crystal Empire but in all of Equestria. And when she is ready to lead a kingdom of her own she will not disappoint us." Flurry Heart giggled, as her parents looked down at her with much hope.
The girls were loving Anton's description with every pony he explained, and were excited to hear what he'd say about them, "And now we come to some real special ponies I got to know since I first arrived in Equestria. Fluttershy represents the element of Kindness but also Kindness in general. She gave me a home and a family, and I never felt so happy for that. Her Kindness is the perfect example of the kind we should show more to each other. Because you show kindness to others and they may very well show Kindness in return. Maybe not right away, but you never know unless you try." Anton winked at Fluttershy who smiled with tears filling her eyes.
"Applejack represents Honesty in Equestria because she is known for telling the truth no matter how painful it might be, but knows it has to be done. Because if we can't be honest with each other and do nothing but lie, then we're just living a lie ourselves. The truth can hurt at times, but it can also set you free and relieve you of pain you keep bottled up," Applejack nodded in confirmation, "Rainbow Dash is the perfect symbol of Loyalty in Equestria. Loyalty and Trust is something built upon the bonds we share and know that there will always be some pony out there who has your backs and would never betray or abandon you. The bonds of trust and loyalty unites us all especially in the bleakest of times."
Rainbow whispered to some ponies, "That's my little buddy."
Anton motioned to the image of Rarity on his painting and explained, "Rarity is what many have recognized as the most Generous pony in Equestria. Doing things for others not for a profit, but because she loves to give to others. By being Generous to others you are giving them belief that there are plenty of ponies out there who do not care merely for themselves, but for any pony out there. And even the smallest acts of Generosity can lead to something much more." Anton smiled.
Rarity shed a tear and cooed, "The little darling has such a way with words."
"Pinkie Pie is the best symbol of Laughter in Equestria. And Laughter is just what Equestria needs. Without humor and a good laugh then the land would just be filled with sticks in the mud who have no sense of humor. Plus Laughter doesn't just have to be merely for comical relief, but a way to make people happy as well. A laugh can be the best way to tell someone is truly happy." Pinkie smiled brightly at Anton's words.
"Spike as you can see may be a dragon, and I know in this land dragon's aren't particularly peaceful loving creatures. But where I'm from dragons are symbols of strength and wisdom. And Spike embodies such virtues in his own way, especially since he also symbolizes the good side of dragons. And perhaps one day he can continue to share his own friendship with more dragons showing them that if they had more love in their hearts than greed then perhaps we could live in a better world for both kinds." Spike smiled, as Twilight nudged him knowing how right Anton was about him.
"And then we have Princess Twilight Sparkle; The Princess of Friendship. She embodies the one thing that apparently has proven time and time again what is stronger than any magic in Equestria. The magic of Friendship. And I agree with that. She spreads Friendship at any place in Equestria she is. And that Friendship is continued to be spread by those she shares her Friendship with. It was the bonds of Friendship she shared with her friends that helped over come such enemies like Nightmare Moon and Tirek. The bonds of Friendship forged by making friends is truly powerful and it helps connects us all in ways we'd never imagine. So as you can all see these ponies and such depicted in my painting are the perfect symbols of what they represent which connects us all in a way like a web. And that my fellow artists is what the Web of Equestria is all about." Anton concluded.
There was a brief moment of silence, until Anton's supporters from the Mane six, Spike, the royal sisters, the Crystal Empire rulers, Pearl, Discord, Fancy, and Fleur to start applauding followed up by the rest of the ponies following. Anton looked around seeing how much of an impression he made with his work of art. Happiness was filling up his heart and he truly felt like he was the bigger person than any of his competing artists.
Art spoke up to Anton, "Well said, Anton. A true meaningful lesson for all of us to remember about how no matter what pony tribe we're from, what class we're in, or what species we are. What we all have in common in that Equestria is home to all of us. Another big round of applause for Mr. MacLeod!" the crowd applauded for Anton who smiled.
After going through the rest of the artwork on display it was time for Art and the judges to go over the final votes for the big winner. Anton waited with his friends, "Anton you gave a wonderful speech about your work." Celestia congratulated him.
"A jolly good job, my boy." Fancy commended him.
"You really captured each of us in our best elements." Twilight put in.
"You had me down so well." Discord wiped a tear from his eye.
"We're all proud of you, Anton." Fluttershy added.
"Thanks guys. Hearing all of you say that and everyone here commending me means so much." Anton smiled, until Art and the judges returned.
Art spoke up to the crowd, "After much debating the judges and I have finally picked out winner."
A mare judge spoke up, "And the first prize winner in Art Nouveau's Art Exhibition is... The Web of Equestria by Anton MacLeod!"
The crowd of ponies cheered, while the group looked at Anton who looked lost for words. Applejack nudged him forward to the judges, "Go on, Sugarcube."
Anton getting himself together, walked up to Art and the judges. Art levitated a blue ribbon to Anton who accepted it, "Congratulations, Anton."
"Thank you. This is truly an honor."
"I can make it even more of an honor." Art replied.
"How?"
"Well, would you be interested in enrolling in my Art Academy? I guarantee the courses there will help you become a better artist than you already are."
Anton was intrigued by the offer, but looked back at his friends before giving Art an answer, "Thank you, but I'd like to spend my childhood as much as I can with my friends and family in Ponyville. Please understand."
Art smiled, "I do. But my offer will remain open whenever you're ready."
"Thank you again." Anton smiled, as the judges brought Anton's painting to be displayed. Many photographer's were taking pictures of Art and Anton standing before the Web of Equestria.
After evading the paparazzi, Anton was being congratulated by his friends, "Way to go, buddy!" Rainbow ruffled his hair.
"Congratulations, Anton." Rarity nuzzled him.
"We knew you could do it." Shining armor playfully punched his shoulder.
"You should be very proud of yourself, Anton." Luna said.
"Oh, I am."
"And to be offered a chance to attend Art's Academy is such a big opportunity for you." Twilight put in.
"I know. But I'll look into that when I'm older. No use rushing things, right?"
"That's for sure." Spike agreed.
Celestia spoke, "We're all proud of you, Anton. And if you don't mind. I would like to hang your painting among the rest of the palace artwork for future generations of ponies to see and remember it's meaning."
Anton's eyes lit up with joy, "You mean it?!"
"I do." Celestia confirmed.
"Thank you, Princess. I would love to have my work hang in the castle," Anton then saw Jet Set and Uppercrust walking by while giving Anton a look. The boy no longer intimidated spoke out, "Not bad for a monkey boy, huh?!" The snobby couple said nothing and just walked away without even dignifying Anton with an answer, "Yeah walk on. You know it's true."
"Don't mind them, Anton. Those two will never change." Fancy told him.
Anton nodded, until Pearl went up to him, "You were amazing up there, Anton." she kissed Anton's cheek putting a blush on his face. The boy looked away feeling a bit embarrassed, while the girls cooed and awed at such a moment.
Pinkie spoke up, "Now that that's over, we should party!"
"Doughnuts at Joe's?" Spike asked.
"Works for me." Rainbow agreed.
"And us." Shining Armor said, as Cadence and Flurry Heart were all for it.
"Would you like to join us, Princesses?" Twilight offered.
"We would be delighted, Twilight." Celestia answered.
"May we join as well?" Fleur asked on behalf of herself and Fancy.
"Of course. More the merrier." Rarity said feeling giddy.
"And you, Pearl?" Anton asked hopefully.
"You bet I will." she answered.
"Well, you can count me in too." Discord said.
"Well, then..." Anton loosened up his tie, and slipped his tuxedo jacket off before letting it hang over his shoulder, "Let's go party!" they cheered before heading off. As Anton left he took one last look at his painting and thought, 'Perhaps even I may find my place in the real Web of Equestria.'