Celestial Book Faire
Main Characters: Twilight Sparkle, Apple Bloom, Silver Spoon
Cameos: Starlight, Satsuma, Cadance
Original Start Date: August 13, 2013
Apple Bloom trots out of a back room with a stack of books. A guest is magically reading several books at once. The librarian starts putting away her books when she takes a moment to check on her guest. She jumps, dropping her books, and yelps in surprise.
‘Princess Twilight!’
‘Hi, Apple Bloom,’ Twilight greets. ‘Hope you don’t mind that I made myself at home.’
‘O-o-o’ course. This is yer home.’
Twilight laughs. ‘Apple Bloom, this is your and Starlight’s home.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘Technically, my castle was my last home. That’s my current home.’
The princess points to a new door on the wall. The librarian scratches her head, confused. She picks up her books and begins reshelving them. Twilight trots to another bookshelf. She drops one of her books when she is finished with it. Apple Bloom sighs and picks it up.
‘So, uh, how long are ya in town fer, princess?’
‘I shouldn’t be too long. Just waiting for you to get ready. Also, you can still call me “Twilight” like you did when you were younger. No need to be so formal.’
‘Waitin’ fer me t’ be ready fer what?’
‘The Celestial Book Faire, silly,’ Twilight laughs, casually dropping another book. ‘It only comes around every ten years.’ She pulls a book from the shelf and hugs it. ‘The last one was so magical.’
Twilight sparkles as she reminisces.
‘Yeah... Ah didn’ know ‘bout that ‘til jus’ now, so...’
‘WHAT! You have to go! It is your sworn duty as a librarian!’
‘Well, uh...’
‘It is only the largest gathering of books in the world! You have to go and show off your collection, hunt for rare finds, meet new librarians.’
‘Yeah, well...’
‘Not to mention, it is in the Crystal Empire. In the most wonderful library in Equestria.’
‘Uh... Am Ah gonna have t’ get a mop?’
‘Why? Did you spill something?’
There is a knock on the door. Silver Spoon carefully sticks her head in. Apple Bloom glowers at the new arrival.
‘I, uh, know you are still mad at me, Apple Bloom, but, um, I wanted to research crop trends near the Everfree for a possible expansion, and the hall of records said you might have a history book on it.’
‘Ah might.’
‘Can this wait?’ Twilight interrupts. ‘We were just about to leave for the Celestial Book Faire.’
Silver gasps. ‘The Celestial Book Faire? Is that soon? I always wanted to go!’
‘Then you can come along. Since you’ll be travelling with me, we will stay at the palace.’
Silver gapes, imagining the getaway of a lifetime. ‘I am so there.’
‘Wonderful!’ Twilight cheers. ‘We’ll meet at the train station in thirty minutes. I want to stop by to see my friends real quick and to pick up some snacks from AJ and Sugarcube Corner.’
‘Ain’t we gonna take yer ship thin’?’
‘Oh, that is fine where it is. No need to worry. Just have your inventory lists and favorite showpieces ready when you get to the station. You don’t want Starlight to have to overnight them.’ Twilight goes to the door. ‘Come on, Silver Spoon. Let’s get ready.’
‘R-right! Thank you, princess!’
Twilight smiles. ‘Please. Just call me “Twilight”.’
After school, Starlight creeps into Ponyville Library. Satsuma follows stealthily.
‘Why are we being careful?’ the younger brother asks. ‘I thought you said Apple Bloom was going away for a while.’
‘That is exactly the point,’ Starlight replies. ‘She is out with my mom at the Celestial Book Faire. That means they had to bust out the rarest of the rares. All the hiding spaces are open!’
‘They’re going to the Celestial Book Faire without me?! Luckies...’
‘More importantly, we are free to search for the rarest books in mom’s collection.’
‘Wouldn’t she have those on the TARDIS? And couldn’t you have hunted for them a few weeks ago when Apple Bloom was out of town?’
Starlight stares at his brother blankly. ‘We are free to search for the rarest books in mom’s collection.’
Satsuma groans, ‘Where do we start?’
Silver Spoon stands on a balcony overlooking the Crystal Empire. Apple Bloom trots out beside her.
‘Isn’t this beautiful?’ Silver asks. ‘I’ve never been here before. This is so amazing.’
‘Ah’ve come a couple times, but it still feels like it is the first.’
‘Thank you for letting me come on this trip with you.’
Apple Bloom snorts. ‘Thank the princesses. If it were up t’ me, ya’d be lookin’ fer a pegasus t’ catch ya right now.’
‘Apple Bloom, I’m sorry. I lost control. It will never happen again.’
‘Ah keep hearin’ ya say that, but all Ah can think o’ are ways ponies can disappear in the Everfree.’
Silver frowns and turns back to watching the city. The doors to their room open. Twilight trots in and groans.
‘You would think my own brother would have the foods I like in stock!’ the princess complains. ‘We should have asked to stay in Trixie’s villa. I hear she keeps it stocked with peanut butter crackers.’ She looks at the guests. ‘So, how are you liking the Crystal Empire so far? Been years since you were here last, right, Apple Bloom?’
‘Yeah, it’s been a while.’
‘Is this your first time here, Silver Spoon?’
Silver nods. ‘Yes. Thank you for inviting me.’
‘It is my pleasure. I really hope you enjoy the festival. It is very fun and informative.’
Apple Bloom nods in agreement. ‘Ah hope one o’ the other librarians know a thin’ or two ‘bout all-digital libraries.’
‘Oh! Those are great!’ Twilight cheers. ‘You can have interactive holograms for the books. James and I can install some when we retu- … Uh, if we’re ever back in Ponyville.’ She laughs nervously.
‘Shoot. Holograms. Ain’t that a bit much?’
‘I can use one of those when dealing with the Ponyville Hay Board,’ Silver sighs.
‘Maybe we can give you one too,’ Twilight says. ‘Any friend of our son is a friend of ours.’ She goes back to the door. ‘I’m going to see if they have dinner ready. Play nice while I’m gone.’
Twilight leaves the two young mares alone again.
Starlight and Satsuma have dug through every shelf and checked behind every book. They have yet to find any hidden books.
‘I’m bored,’ Satsuma complains. ‘Can I go home now?’
‘I called your mom and said you were staying with me tonight. I have you until somepony comes looking for the body.’
‘Ah man!’ Satsuma kicks a shelf. A latch uncouples, and a secret door opens. ‘I think I found something!’ the colt calls, getting out a dusty book.
‘What is it?’ Starlight asks, teleporting over.
‘Don’t know.’ Satsuma opens the book and reads a passage. ‘September 27. Had a sleepover with the girls. Pinkie brought over a new video game. Why does she waste her time on those things? The others were shocked to hear that I don’t have any game systems. They insisted heavily that I check out the local game shop. For some reason, Applejack and Fluttershy got very embarrassed when I asked about the owner. Sigh. This will be exciting.’
‘Sounds like one of mom’s old diaries. What does it say next?’
‘September 28. Oh. My. Celestia. Is it possible? I mean, there is nothing that says it isn’t possible. Anyway! I went to the game store like girls recommended. The clerk. Mr Wanderer. Sigh. He was like a dream. Sorry! The shop was fun. I learned a lot about gaming, and Mr Wanderer gave me a console for helping out. I can’t wait to play it! I’m am definitely going to have to go back there... I mean for more research of course!’
Starlight laughs. ‘I guess it was love at first sight for both of them. Can I have a look?’
Satsuma holds up the diary. ‘Have at it.’
The unicorn levitates the book in front of him. ‘October 8. Way to go, Mr Wanderer! The Obnoxious and Annoying Maxie was out in full force today. Worst of all, he was brutal to Fluttershy in the Pokemon tournament. Thankfully, Mr Wanderer was there to put an end to his reign of terror. Personally, I would have given him the King Sombra treatment, but I guess Mr Wanderer didn’t want Maxie getting off that easy. That arrogant unicorn was stomped faster than Luna or I could have said “to the moon!” And Mr Wanderer looked so good doing it too. He’s so great.’
Satsuma laughs. ‘These are great. Hey, order some pizza and point me to the soda. I want to hear more of these.’
Starlight tosses the diary back. ‘You read. I’ll order.’
Satsuma picks a passage. ‘October 12 - 20. I don’t want to talk about it.’ -- he shrugs -- ‘Must have been a boring week. Ah! October 23. I, rather, we had an interdimensional encounter today. We were all at Mr Wanderer’s to get out of Rainbow Dash’s hurricane...’
…
Several slices of pizza later, the brothers are back to reading the diary.
‘November 14. I kissed him! I finally kissed him! It was the best kiss ever! I am so happy. Oh, and happy birthday… James,’ Starlight reads.
‘Ugh! So boring!’ Satsuma moans. ‘How much are you going to read about your mom being in love with our dad? Get to the good stuff.’
‘November 15. I am going to kill them! I love James and Pinkie, but I am going to kill them!’
‘Now we’re getting to the good stuff.’
Starlight looks up from the book. ‘That was the week mom and dad were broke up because he told her Pinkie had stolen his first kiss.’
‘First kiss? That is all?’
‘Hey, the first kiss is very important. I was only a little older than you when I got my first kiss.’
‘Really? With an alien?’
‘EWW! I didn’t want to know that!’
‘You asked.’
‘Just read the next entry,’ Satsuma grumbles.
Starlight laughs and raises the diary. ‘That beard! I am gone for a couple days, and he grows a beard! That is worse than kissing Pinkie Pie!’
Twilight stops at every booth she passes and catches up with the librarians she meets. Silver Spoon chats with a vendor about some rare books. Apple Bloom trots ahead of them, barely looking at the stands. She stops when she sees a booth with lots of books on farming.
‘Have an interest in farming?’ an old unicorn stallion asks.
‘Jus’ a bit,’ Apple Bloom replies. ‘Jus’ seein’ if there’s somethin’ mah sister could use.’
‘Well, I have the finest collection of agricultural information in Equestria. From crop rotation in Baltimare to proper rain rates in Appleoosa to a special collection of letters on rock farming written by Cloudy Quartz herself.’
‘Anything for the Ponyville area?’ Silver asks, trotting up.
‘Ah was jus’ ‘bout t’ ask that...’ Apple Bloom grumbles.
‘Oh. Are you two from Ponyville?’ the unicorn asks. ‘It is good to see a couple out together like this.’
‘We ain’t a couple,’ Apple Bloom growls.
‘Oh, that’s a shame. I usually give discounts to loving couples.’
Silver pulls Apple Bloom in close. ‘Oh, don’t listen to her. She’s just shy,’ she tells the unicorn. ‘We even went to the Cadance Times festival and everything. … Now, what was that about a discount for rare books?’
Apple Bloom pushes away. ‘Don’ ever touch me again.’
‘Sheesh. I was just trying to get a discount. You can try acting a little. This is probably why you don’t have many rare finds. You aren’t willing to cut loose a little.’
‘Ah am plenty loose!’
Silver smirks. ‘Wait until Starlight hears that.’
‘What? Hey!’ Apple Bloom growls and headbutts Silver.
‘Ooo! What did you find here?’ Twilight asks, trotting over.
‘Princess Twilight!’ the old unicorn gasps bowing.
‘Just Twilight is fine,’ the princess replies, examining the wares. ‘Looks like you have a lot of interesting books on agriculture. Oh. Those letters from Cloudy Quartz are fake.’
‘Princess?’
‘She’s my best friend’s mother. I think I can recognize her writing from all the Hearths Warming cards she sends us.’ She looks around. ‘And that treatise on cherry farming is a forgery. My husband and I gave the original to Cherry Jubilee in Dodge Junction for her birthday last year.’ She keeps looking. ‘Do you have any books that aren’t fake?’
‘P-p-princess, that is a pretty harsh accusation, especially given the nature of this event.’
‘I know. I know. I’m sorry. I’ll have somepony from the royal archives come and check your stock just in case.’ -- she laughs -- ‘You don’t want to accidentally sell a forgery.’
‘Right… That would be bad.’
‘Sorry for interrupting. Come on, girls. Let’s get some lunch.’
Twilight happily trots away. The unicorn grumbles to himself. The younger mares sigh and follow Twilight.
‘That was pretty impressive,’ Silver compliments.
‘Oh, when you have read every book that will ever exist at least twice, you pick up on a few things.’
‘Right...’ Apple Bloom replies. ‘Ya said somethin’ ‘bout lunch?’
‘Uh, huh. I made reservations at the finest restaurant in...’ Twilight stops when she sees a white unicorn mare with a black mane tied up in a bun approaching. ‘Hello, Raven. Is it time?’
Raven nods. ‘It just started.’
Twilight claps. ‘Wonderful! I can’t wait.’ She turns to the others. ‘Gals, you’re going to have to go on without me. I have an appointment. I probably won’t be back until sometime tomorrow. Have fun!’
Twilight kicks off the ground and flies back towards the palace. Raven bows and follows the princess. The younger mares wonder what to do next.
Silver shrugs. ‘Well, I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Let’s get to the restaurant before it is too late.’
‘Like Ah’d want t’ dine with...’ -- Apple Bloom’s stomach growls -- ‘Hope ya know where we’re goin’.’
Starlight pays the pizza delivery pony and turns back to the main room, levitating a couple pies and a few bottles of soda.
‘February 14!’ Satsuma declares.
‘I think I know where this is going,’ Starlight groans, setting down their lunch.
‘We had our first date! We finally had our first real date! It was so amazing! I love him so much! … Also, I need to have a talk with Pinkie about personal property and the right time to discuss certain things. … Mental note: Try to find the right time to discuss a certain thing with James and Pinkie.’ Satsuma sets down the diary. ‘How come your mom’s diary reads like a cheesy love story? I mean, like, really cheesy.’
Starlight rolls his eyes. He mimes lifting a book. ‘Day 1. Ah bucked apples. Day 2. Ah bucked apples. Day 3. Ah bucked James after buckin’ apples.’ He stops miming. ‘Yeah. Your mom’s reads so much better.’
The younger brother throws a slice of pizza at his brother. ‘Don’t say that about my mom! Don’t use that word about her!’
Starlight catches the slice. ‘I was just joking around. Calm down. We’re going through my mom’s past. A few shots should be fair.’
‘Yeah… I guess...’ Satsuma gets a slice for himself. ‘You don’t have to say it just because it is true.’
‘Sorry, little bro.’ Starlight levitates the diary. ‘March 9. Celestia-damn it, Pinkie Pie. If this is garbled, it is because Pinkie mixed Poison Joke flowers into her baking for Zecora’s party. Ugh. Trying to write this with my mouth is almost as bad as using hands!’ He flips a few pages. ‘Ah! April 20. If we make it out of this alive, I am going to kill Trixie this for one...’
‘Boring!’ Satsuma takes the diary. ‘April 28. This sucks. James is going away for a few days. I miss him already. Oh well. He left me in charge of taking care of Rei. NOT Pinkie, no matter what she says. April 29. Come on, Rei. I know you are better than this. We’ll whip you into shape in no time! May 1. Damn it, Pinkie! You are ruining everything! You ruined my plans! You ruined Rei’s future! You ruined both our relationships with James! How can he love either of us after what you did! I have to find Rei and get her home or all our lives will be ruined! May 2. James hates us. I don’t want to live anymore.’ Satsuma sets down the diary. ‘This got dark fast.’
‘Keep reading,’ Starlight encourages.
‘May 3. This is the best day ever! I am friends with James and Pinkie again! If I wasn’t their friends anymore, I would have killed myself! I love them so much. I am so sorry. I screwed up. I didn’t mean to hurt Rei. She is just such a wonderful girl. I didn’t want to see her waste her life. Good thing James is back to care for her. I don’t think I am ready to be a mother yet.’ Satsuma laughs, ‘Yeah. Only took five hundred years.’
Starlight smiles and crosses his forelegs as he eats. ‘You might not remember, but your favorite foalsitter was not Fluttershy but a certain purple princess.’
‘What?! How would you know that?’
The unicorn frowns. ‘I hate changing diapers.’
Satsuma glares at his older brother. ‘You’re messing with me.’
Starlight charges a spell. ‘Care to time travel and find out?’
The younger brother thinks for a moment before lifting the book again.
Silver sits on her bed, reading one of her new books. Apple Bloom lays on her bed with her mobile out.
‘At least he’s not bored...’ Apple Bloom sighs.
‘Who?’
‘None o’ yer business.’
‘Ah. Starlight. What’s he up to while you’re here?’
Apple Bloom snorts and answers, ‘He’s hanging out with his brother.’
‘That’s nice. They are both so sweet.’
‘Great. First mah coltfriend. Now yer hittin’ on mah nephew.’
Silver closes her book. ‘Give it a rest, will you? I said I am sorry.’
Apple Bloom snorts, ‘Whatever.’
‘Apple Bloom. I am being sincere. What do I have to do to prove myself to you?’
Apple Bloom looks across the room. She turns back to her mobile. ‘Ah don’ know! Jus’ shut up ‘bout it.’
‘You’re the one who keeps bringing it up.’
‘You’re the one who was shovin’ her face int’ Starlight’s!’
‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!’ Silver shouts. ‘How many times do I have to say it!’
‘Jus’ shut up!’
Apple Bloom throws a pillow. Silver ducks. She snorts, picks the pillow up and lays on it as she returns to her book, facing away from Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom trots through the library. Most of the booths are closed with signs directing patrons to a conference room. At the conference room, the young mare finds it packed with librarians from around Equestria. She sighs and enters.
‘Sorry. Librarians only,’ a well-dressed pegasus says.
‘Ah am a librarian,’ Apple Bloom groans. ‘Ah’m Apple Bloom from Ponyville Library.’
The pegasus checks his clipboard. ‘Oh! There you are. We didn’t think you were coming since you never replied to our invitations.’
‘Ah never got any invitation. Musta missed the email.’
‘You didn’t?’ The pegasus checks his information. ‘Isn’t your library still receiving messages by dragon’s fire?’
‘What? Spike hasn’ lived in Ponyville fer years. Ah mean, he coulda sent anythin’ ya sent me t’, but Ah never got any...’ She frowns. ‘He sent it t’ mah sis while we’re fightin’.’
‘That’s fine. You are always welcome to jo-’
‘Ah burned everythin’ she sent me durin’ that time...’
‘Well, uh, hopefully you didn’t miss anything important.’ He motions with a wing. ‘Come on in. We were just about to start.’
Apple Bloom nods and finds a seat.
Satsuma sits back, drinking a soda while Starlight reads.
‘Why can’t I just declare the election void and appoint myself the winner? UGH! Making matters worse, James just seems to know when either Rarity or I are thinking that and calls us to remind us of our place. He is so annoying! Oh, well. Once I win, I will enact sweeping reforms across the board. There is no way I can lose.’ Starlight turns the page. ‘I am going to ask Celestia to declare the election void and appoint me as the winner. That is the only fair outcome of this whole mess. At least Rainbow Dash learned a lesson in hubris she will never forget. Let’s hope she doesn’t forget this time.’
Satsuma laughs. ‘These have finally gotten good. It is like the whole first third was boring. Like everything from her date with dad on was so much better.’
‘Glad you think so.’ Starlight rolls his eyes and turns the page. ‘Uh, oh.’
‘What?’
‘Has everypony gone insane! Fluttershy hits her head and thinks she is married to James, and everypony is willing to go along with it!? Am I the only sane one left! I will find a way to cure her if it is the last thing I do.’
‘Whoa. Wait. Dad and Fluttershy were...’
Starlight looks up. ‘Didn’t you ever wonder why Rei calls her “mom” all the time?’
‘Not really. I mean, she is Rei.’
‘That completely logical explanation aside, this is why she does that. Fluttershy tricked her way into pretending to be married to dad. Rei was so happy to have a mother for the first time in her life that Fluttershy was made her legal guardian if anything happened to dad.’
Satsuma smiles. ‘Dad is pretty great like that.’
Starlight turns the page. ‘Oh. Here is a good one.’ He clears his throat. ‘I really hope he doesn’t tell Fluttershy, but I know he will. Anyway, James and I, uh, had to turn in our V-cards earlier.’ -- the younger brother yells and falls over, covering his ears -- ‘It was completely my fault. I was just so excited that I pounced him. I finally get why Rarity enjoys it so much. I hope he ends his fake marriage soon so we can do it more often. Oh! And I discovered a new comet tonight. Luna is even going to let me name it.’
‘I never want to hear about dad’s sex life ever again,’ Satsuma moans.
Starlight turns another page and grins. ‘Then you might want to keep covering your ears for this one.’
Silver Spoon sits in a coffee shop reading another new book. She sips her coffee. Apple Bloom sits at a nearby table. She has her mobile out.
‘Ya wanted t’ meet me here?’ the librarian asks.
‘Wasn’t me,’ Silver snorts. ‘I just came here after scoring some good deals on some Equestrian agricultural history. Have to buy them since I’m apparently banned from the library.’
‘Ya should check our website more often. Ah keep it up too date.’
‘Good thing I am not petty or I would ban you from using any Ponyville agricultural products. You’d be used to it from your self-imposed ban since high school.’
‘Ya can’t talk ‘bout mah sister like that! Ah love mah sister!’
Silver sips her drink. ‘And now you see why I would never do something so petty as that.’
Apple Bloom snorts and turns back to her mobile. Down the street, the crowd parts as two ponies make their way to the coffee shop.
‘It was so great seeing seeing them again,’ Twilight comments. ‘It is nice knowing Sunset is doing well.’
‘Maybe you should try to find a way to see them more often than every thirty moons,’ Princess Cadance laughs. ‘I’ve seen what your home can do… if you can trick James into doing it of course.’
The princesses laugh and stop at the tables. The two younger mares look up from their activities.
‘Apple Bloom, Silver Spoon, you remember Princess Cadance, right?’ Twilight introduces. ‘Cadance, this is Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon. They are close friends of my son.’
‘Only “close friends”?’ Apple Bloom wonders.
Silver gasps. ‘Oh my gosh! It is a honor!’
‘Thank you,’ Cadance replies. ‘I look forward to spending some time with you.’
‘Cadance is going to be joining us at some panels for the rest of the day,’ Twilight explains. ‘Won’t that be fun?’
‘Extraordinarily,’ Apple Bloom groans.
‘That’s the spirit!’ Twilight cheers. ‘I’ll get everypony a round of drinks, then we can be off.’
Twilight hops away to get everypony some coffee. Cadance bows and motions for the others to follow. The younger mares rise and trot after Twilight, chatting with Cadance.
Satsuma stares at the diary, his face a brighter red than usual. Starlight laughs and levitates the book away.
‘I finally kissed Pinkie! I can't believe it! I never kissed another mare before. It was not like kissing James at all. Not really my thing either, but it helped calm me down with all this blackout and shut down country crap going on. I couldn’t even use my authority to get into a single museum! Sigh. At least Pinkie is here to keep me calm.’
‘Mares can kiss other mares?’ Satsuma mumbles.
‘And stallion can kiss other stallions,’ Starlight replies, flipping through the diary. ‘It is all part of nature. Didn’t your mom teach you that?’
‘Obviously not! Where do you think I get my embarrassment of talking about sex from?’
‘Me and your aunt.’
Satsuma grimaces. ‘I think I am going to be sick.’
‘Ah!’ Starlight laughs as he reads head. ‘September 13. I hate Lyra so much. She is loud and annoying, and I have no idea why I even let her stay here! Just because she and Spike get along fine… Ugh! I have to find a way to get her wife to take her back. September 14. What is Bon Bon’s problem? Who in their right mind cuts their sandwich like that? Lyra was right. Her wife is strange.’
‘Sandwich? What was that about?’
Starlight sets down the book. ‘Mom’s friends Lyra and Bon Bon were having a big fight because Bon Bon has the silly notion that you cut sandwiches vertically, not diagonally.’
Satsuma stares at his brother. ‘You mean ponies actually cut their sandwiches diagonally? That is just wrong.’
The older brother laughs snidely. ‘I know you didn’t just say that. Sandwiches are cut diagonally. My mom said so, and she’s the law.’
‘My mom always cut mine vertically. That’s how I cut them when I make them for my lunches.’
‘I’d say we should agree to disagree, but you are totally wrong, little brother.’
‘Diagonal sandwiches and still thinking I’m the younger brother? You’re the one who is wrong.’
Starlight lifts his brother with his magic. Satsuma breaks free and headbutts his brother. They start wrestling across the library.
…
Nurse Redheart examines Starlight. The unicorn has a black eye and tissues stuffed up his nose. Satsuma sits off to the side fixing both brothers’ glasses. His nose is full of tissue too. Pearl Heart is at the table looking at a book.
‘You are lucky Pearl wanted to checkout that book on trains when he did,’ the nurse grumbles. ‘Unicorns are not made to wrestle earth ponies.’
‘I had him where I wanted him,’ Starlight snorts.
‘Yeah. Me sitting on your face,’ Satsuma shoots back.
Redheart rolls her eyes. ‘What were you two fighting about anyway?’
The brothers glance at each other then away.
‘How do you cut your sandwiches?’ Starlight asks.
The nurse facehoofs. ‘You mom already tried enacting that into law… I just cut them. I never pay attention how since I am usually rushing. Del just eats them whole. I think that is how she makes them for Pearl, too.’
‘So… Diagonally.’
Redheart taps Starlight in the ribs, making him yell and fall over. She looks at Satsuma. ‘Go easy on him next time, and don’t be so close-minded about what you eat. Both of you.’
‘Yes, Nurse Redheart,’ the brothers moan.
The princesses sit with their guests in their room. Twilight and Silver have several books on their beds.
‘I had a wonderful time at the faire,’ Silver thanks. ‘I’ll have to arrange a gift basket when I get back.’
‘It is no trouble,’ Cadance replies. ‘Any friends of Twilight’s are friends of mine.’
‘I insist. I always repay my friends’ -- she glances at Apple Bloom -- ‘even if they say otherwise.’
Cadance looks at the younger mares. ‘I am sensing a little bad blood between you.’
‘They are fighting over a colt,’ Twilight says casually.
‘Twilight!’ the younger mares snap.
‘Oh? Who?’
‘My son.’
‘Which one do we have to give the lecture about sharing to?’
‘Cadance!’ the younger mares snap.
Twilight sighs and looks at her guests. ‘If I am figuring the details correctly, Silver is trying to make amends to Apple Bloom, but Apple Bloom is being stubborn about it.’
‘Apple Bloom, if your friend is truly sorry and wishes to make it up to you, you should let her,’ Cadance advises.
‘But she tried stealin’ mah coltfriend,’ Apple Bloom whines.
‘It was one kiss,’ Silver argues. ‘I was weak and stupid. I regret every moment of it, even if it was the best kiss I ever had.’
‘See! It’s stuff like that! Ah know it was great since Starlight’s a great kisser!’
‘Apple Bloom, Starlight is hardly his father,’ Twilight sighs. ‘He won’t ever leave you for another mare unless you give him a reason.’
‘Ah know...’ She looks at Silver. ‘Ah’m sorry Ah’ve been a pain in the rear these last few weeks.’ She taps some buttons on her mobile. ‘There. Yer unbanned from the library.’
Silver smiles. ‘Thank you. I truly mean it when I say that I will do anything to make it up to you.’
There is a purple flash, and Twilight towers over Apple Bloom. ‘You banned somepony from MY library.’
Apple Bloom stares up at the princess in horror.
‘Twilight, no banishing ponies to the moon without my aunt’s approval first,’ Cadance groans.
Twilight teleports back to her bed. ‘Fine. No more banning ponies from getting books. Ever!’
‘Yes, Twilight,’ Apple Bloom replies.
‘And with two crises averted, I believe it is time for some royal snacks,’ Cadance declares. ‘I’ll call room service and have them bring anything you like.’
‘Some o’ my sister’s apple pie,’ Apple Bloom says.
‘Neighponese green tea for me,’ Silver requests.
‘Belgian waffles.’ Twilight licks her lips.
Cadance stares at the guests. ‘How about I pick something they might actually have?’
The guests groan as Cadance orders.
Starlight throws out an old pizza box as he looks for a snack. Satsuma flips through Twilight’s diary.
‘Hey. What does this mean?’ the younger brother asks. ‘At the end of Trixie’s illusion, I caught a glimpse of something. I think I know what it is. Did Trixie..? No. James was still in control. Does that mean he is going to..? OH MY GOSH!’ He looks up. ‘Did she know dad was going to marry her soon?’
‘Keep reading.’
Satsuma scans the diary. ‘Oh. Okay. Did he really tell her he was going to propose and put it off on Hearts and Hooves Day? Geez. I thought dad would have been more romantic than that.’
‘Trust me. It is worth it.’
The colt turns the page and laughs. ‘March 10. See. I told everypony I could do it. While Celestia and Luna are away at the League meeting, I have been running Equestria perfectly fine. March 11. Not good. Not good. Not good! How do you lose an Element of Harmony! Spike is really the new Rainbow Dash if we ever find that damn thing! Fluttershy and Pinkie doing a great job rounding up all the… Did I just see a gibbon in the courtroom? Never mind. And why can’t Discord just switch them back already? It is simply solved using the Keeler Theorem. … I hope he doesn’t want my help with that. March 11 - part 2. I quit being a princess. I’m going to go hide in the TARDIS for the rest of my life now. Bye!’
Satsuma howls with laughter as Starlight takes the diary from him. He flips a few pages.
‘Not really her most shining moment,’ the older brother comments. ‘March 20. This is the happiest moment of my life! I am happier than when I became Celestia’s apprentice. I am happier than when I moved to Ponyville. I am happier than when I became a princess. I am happier than all my moments with James to this point combined! I’ve never loved him as much as I do right now!’
‘Aww! That is sweet. I wish he married my mom instead, but he must really love your mom.’
Starlight smiles. ‘That’s an understatement.’ He flips through the diary. ‘Most of the rest is wedding preparations. Want to hear that or skip to the end?’
‘Skip it.’ Satsuma hops up. ‘Hey, I’m going to set up a game system. Gotta do something for the rest of the night, right?’
‘You go ahead.’ Starlight looks through the last few pages. ‘Hmm.’ He joins Satsuma in the game room. ‘Listen to this: Marrying a time traveller has certain benefits and risks. One benefit is knowing the future before it happens. The downside is that you know what is going to happen before it does. I can’t believe I am saying this, but I agree that Applejack would be a wonderful mother. I just wish it didn’t have to happen this way. No, not who the father is. I mean, look how well Star… light… will turn out...’ He shakes his head. ‘I must have missed that part. Anyway! I mean that it will cause Applejack so much pain. I know Fluttershy can keep a secret. We have been going to her and prepping her to help Applejack when the need arises. I just have to find a way to help them break their promise now...’
Satsuma stares at the television. ‘Dad knew I was going to be born before he made me?’
‘Seems that way. For both of us.’ Starlight reads another passage. He laughs. ‘That’s a spoiler we’re not telling Pinkie.’
‘He and your mom… They helped Fluttershy help my mom. They helped my mom stay happy when her family turned against her.’
Starlight hugs his brother. ‘That’s what family does. We stick together through the good and the bad, even if half of the rest of the family turns against us.’
‘Thanks, big bro.’ Satsuma looks at the diary. ‘One page left.’ He looks up. ‘She is your mom.’
The unicorn nods. ‘June 18. Last entry. This is the greatest day of my life. James and I are finally married. We’re leaving to see the universe now. We’ll probably be gone for five hundred years or more. I’m just going to leave this here in hopes somepony will find it. Starlight, be nice to your brother. Satsuma, I hope your family has healed itself by now. Apple Bloom, forgive your sister if you haven’t already. Spike, just propose to her already! Rarity is waiting for you! I think that is everypony who might find this. Goodbye for now. I’ll be home soon. Signed, Princess Twilight Sparkle.’
Satsuma smiles. ‘Your mom was awesome.’
Starlight laughs, ‘Duh. I could have told you that.’
‘Still, my mom is better. I mean, she was able to have her son first.’
‘With my mom’s help!’
‘And you can say the same thing to Pinkie too.’
Both brothers freeze then shudder.
‘Let’s agree to never argue about that again,’ Starlight says.
‘Definitely.’ Satsuma picks up a controller. ‘... So, what did it say about Pinkie?’
Starlight smirks. ‘How many siblings do you think we have?’
Silver Spoon trots with Twilight and Apple Bloom back to the library.
‘Thank you again for inviting me, Twilight,’ Silver says.
‘It is always a pleasure getting to know my son’s friends. I am glad you enjoyed yourself.’
The group stops at the library. Twilight heads straight in.
Apple Bloom pulls Silver aside. ‘Listen, Ah fergive ya, and we can be friends again, but if ya try kissin’ Starlight ever again...’
‘I know. I know,’ Silver sighs. She backs away. ‘I hope to see you around more. Bye!’
Silver waves as she heads home. Apple Bloom waves back then goes inside. Twilight finishes loading her books and turns back.
‘This was great,’ Twilight says. ‘Too bad it only happens once every ten years.’
‘Yeah… It was a thin’.’
The princess frowns. ‘Come on, Apple Bloom. Don’t make me stick around and have to teach you a thing or two about being a good librarian.’
‘Sorry. Ah jus’ have mah way o’ doin’ thin’s. Seein’ everypony else… Mus’ be the family’s stubborn pride.’
Twilight laughs. ‘Well, at least we patched up you and Silver Spoon. I consider that a mission accomplished for the Princess of Friendship.’
Apple Bloom smiles. ‘Yeah. That is a good thin’.’
‘Darn right!’ Twilight goes to the TARDIS door. ‘Want to keep my son’s potential love triangles down to about six.’
The other mare half nods. ‘Wait! What!’
The TARDIS dematerializes. Twilight snickers as she carries her books away.
‘ “About six”?’ James says. ‘A bit of an underestimate.’
Twilight bats a hoof. ‘Oh, I didn’t want to scare her with the real number.’
James laughs and shakes his head. ‘By the way, my boys found your diary while you were out. You had a lot of interesting things to say from what I heard.’ He sneaks up on his wife. ‘Did you have to go into anatomical detail about our first time?’
Twilight tenses up and blushes bright read. ‘Well, I, uh...’
‘Sorry, I mean, do you want to go into detail with me again?’
‘Oh, James.’
Twilight turns back and kisses her husband. She abandons her books as she pulls James down with her.
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Silver Spoon has a very interesting character.
Scootaloo reminds me of Rainbow Dash Presents' Scootaloo. But with fewer dirty jokes.
3889206
Thank you? I actually really like being compared to creators that I don't follow. It just shows that ideas created in a vacuum can be similar. I just makes me sad that I don't read as much as I used to so I can't recommend other fics (all of which I consider superior, but that is just my lack of ego talking).
If you see any other similarities, I would like to hear about them
I just find it fun that you refer to the brothers as older and younger when they both see themselves as the older and the other one as the younger.
If Satsuma ever get to read this fanfic...