> My Little Pony, Friendship is Out of This World
>  by Robobrony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Space Ponies Arrive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Wayward Traveler From The Stars

The Space Ponies Arrive


It was a peaceful night in Equestria, every pony was resting peacefully after a day of partying to celebrate the return of one of Equestira’s princesses, Princess Luna. After turning into a wicked and powerful mare bent on making an everlasting night, being banished to the moon for a thousand years, returning to Equestria, and being purified by powerful magical artifacts known as the elements of harmony wielded by six ponies, Luna had come back and returned to Canterlot with her big sister, princess Celestia. Luna was restored to her former self and was now happily reunited with her big sister.

Every pony rested soundly and dreamed. Unaware of a strange object that hovered above them in space. It was shaped like a triangle with fins at the back.  Inside, there were two creatures looking over the planet. One looked older than the other as it was bigger than the other. They both had green fur, fins instead of a mane and tail that was yellow at the bottom and faded to orange at the top. There were three spines that connected a membrane along the backs of their necks. Three other spines similar in appearance for the tail connected by a membrane, they walked on four legs and looked very much like ponies, their eyes were orange and bulging like an insect, yet a yellow orb could be seen from behind the orange, like it was the pupil of the eye. Finally, they both had a pair of antennae on their heads.

“Big brother, are we going to make our home here?” The younger one asked.

The older one had a mark on his flank, three gems, one red, one white, one blue, with a hammer next to them.  “I hope so little brother, we just need to land and make sure the natives don’t see us. Since its night, they should all be asleep and we can land quietly.” The older said as he looked at his younger brother.

“We’ve been traveling for so long, I hope we can live here, we never found a planet before that can support life like this one can, right Nova?”

“That’s right Starburst, I’m sorry that you never knew anything outside this ship, but hopefully that will all change here.” 

Starburst came up to his big brother’s side and looked up at him. “I can’t wait to see what it’s like, I really want to meet others.”

“I know you do Starburst, but remember, we have to keep our identities a secret, we don’t know how they’ll react if they knew we weren’t one of them.” Nova then turned his attention back to the console in front of him. His antennae began to glow yellow and the controls sprang to life. The ship engaged a kind of cloaking device that made it invisible, it began its quiet descent to the planet.

The ship quietly flew over the sleeping town of Ponyville. It hovered over a one story house for a moment and a blue light shone from the bottom of the ship briefly before disappearing. The ship continued and came to a rest just outside of the town. The ship dropped its cloaking and landed, then began to change shape. It made itself look like the house it scanned, inside stayed the same. The side of the ship on the outside looked like the front of the house that was scanned. 

“Ok Starburst, we better get some sleep. We’ll begin exploration of the town tomorrow.” Nova walked away from the console with his little brother following. He came to a stop at a door on the right side of the ship and entered, inside were beds with metal frames, they were completely enveloped by the metal except for the top.  Nova climbed into his bed while Starburst climbed into his own. “Goodnight little brother, hopefully tomorrow will be the start of our new lives here.”

“I hope so too big brother.” Starburst said with a smile. “Goodnight.”  The lights in the room shut off and the two went to sleep.


***


Morning arrived and the two aliens woke up feeling well rested. “Good morning Starburst.” Nova said tiredly as he rubbed his eyes with his right foreleg.

“Morning Nova, ready to start exploration?” Starburst said excitedly. The two crawled out of bed and made their way out to the main room of the ship. On the left side of the ship, next t to the door that led outside, was a table with a glass panel.  The two made their way over to it. 

“Morning meal first Starburst.” Nova said.  “Let’s see, what do you feel like having this morning?”

“Ooh ooh, can we have snorbler fruit this morning, that’s my favorite.” Starburst said excitedly.

Nova looked at his little brother with a smile. “All right, snorbler fruit it is.” Nova turned to the table as they sat in front of it. “Snorbler fruit and chizzle berries.” Nova announced. A beeping emitted from the panel and blue lights started to flash, two pear shaped objects appeared looking purple with green dots on it and red bumpy round things next to them. 

“YAY, chizzle berries too, thanks Nova!”

Nova chuckled. “You’re welcome, now eat up.” Starburst wasted no time and dug in.

Half way through his meal, Starburst had a thought. “Say, big brother, do you think the food here will be edible for us, I like our stuff just fine, but it would be interesting to try something different.”

Nova looked from his meal to his little brother. “I don’t know Starburst, but we can find out with that scanning spell I taught you. Just don’t go nuts with it out there, but before that, I need to go out on my own first and look around, see what the locals look like. You’re going to have to wait here first, then when I get back, we can go out together.”

“Awwe, no fair.” Starburst complained.

“Starburst.” Nova said warningly with a stern look.

“Ok, I’ll wait here.” Starburst said with disappointment. The two then finished up their meal.

“Ok, I’ll go out and look around for a bit, then I’ll come back and we can disguise ourselves.” Nova informed.

“Please hurry back Nova, I really want to look around.”

“I know, I’ll try to be quick.”  Nova’s antennae then lit up with its yellow aura and Nova shrunk down to the size of a bug and had a pair of insect like wings on his back, they buzzed as they flapped quickly. He turned around and the door to the ship slid open to the side. From the outside, it looked like the front door swung open.  Nova flew out and headed for the town, the door closed behind him.

The first structure nova came to was a large tree with windows, a red wooden balcony on the side of the tree, and a red wooden door on the front. Nova flew to one of the windows and landed on the sill. He simply stood there and observed the occupants inside. One of them was a bipedal creature with purple scales, green spines, and a lime green underbelly. The other was a creature similar in form to Nova. This one had a purple coat, a dark blue mane and tail with dark purple and pink streaks. It had one protrusion from its forehead and a pink star on its flank with five white sparkles surrounding it. “Interesting, I wonder which of them is the dominant species here, and what are they?” Nova asked himself.
“Spike, can you find me that book I was reading last night?” The purple creature asked. Nova deduced that from the sound of the creatures voice, she was female.

“Right away Twilight.”  Said the scaled creature. Nova deduced this one was male.

“Hmm, it seems the bipedal creature is the servant, they also speak the same language as us, this is good news and will make things easy, but further observation is needed.” Nova then turned around and flew off to the rest of the town.

As he made his way further, he saw no other creatures similar to the bipedal creature he saw in that tree. The whole town was made up of creatures like the female purple one he saw, he also noticed that some of them had that same single protrusion on their foreheads, while others had wings, and some had neither.  “Fascinating, these quadrupedal beings must be the dominant species then. A simple disguise spell will do just fine.” He continued his observation through the town and saw two of the winged creatures talking. Nova hid in a nearby potted plant to listen to them. They were sitting at a table with an umbrella on it. One had a sky blue colored coat with a rainbow colored mane and tail. This one had a white cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt.

The other had a soft yellow coat with a soft pink flowing mane and tail.  “I can’t believe it, how cool is it that we’re national heroes now?” the sky blue winged one said.

“I don’t know, I don’t like all the attention.” The yellow colored one said in a timid way.

“Hmm, not only do they share the same language, but they all also seem to have skill signs on their ends, I wonder if they are the same as mine. I’ll just have to wait and see. I’d better head back to the ship.” Nova decided he had seen enough and made his way back to his ship.

The door opened upon Nova’s approach and he flew in, the door closed behind him. Nova returned to his normal size and the wings disappeared. “Well, what are they like, are they weird, do they have extra eyes, extra heads, what did they-“ Starburst asked excitedly until he was interrupted by his big brother sticking a hoof in his mouth.

“Starburst calm down, you’ll see for yourself, they aren’t too different from us in shape. A simple disguise spell will be enough, now do as I do, ok?”

“Ok.”

Nova closed his eyes and concentrated on his magic. His fins soon sunk into his body and hair emerged, his bulging eyes flattened out, his two antennae merged together and formed a single horn. Nova opened his eyes and revealed normal pony eyes, they were orange with black pupils. His mane was yellow on the bottom and faded to orange up to the top. The same with his tail, from the base, it was yellow and faded to orange as it went out. “There we go, now you Starburst.”

“Ok.” Starburst said eagerly. He closed his eyes and focused his magic, his antennae started glowing yellow.  He started to change and soon matched his big brother in appearance. “I did it, wow, look at us. So is this what the natives look like big brother?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t have you look like this if they didn’t, now there’s one more thing before we go.”

“Oh come on, how much longer are you going to keep me cooped up in here?” Starburst complained.

“Relax Starburst, I just need to gather some things, perhaps I can sell the gems I have for the local currency.”  Nova then went to the bedroom, went to the closet next to his bed and levitated out a pair of white squared saddlebags with light blue trimming. Nova then placed the saddle bags on his back and went over to the table. He opened up a drawer and took out a whole mess of gems and placed them in his bag. 

“Big brother, this feels weird.” Starburst commented.

“Well, you’re going to have to get used to it, you’re going to look like that whenever we go out. Now remember, stay close to me, do exactly what I say, and don’t talk to any strangers unless I say so, ok?”

“I promise big brother, I’ll stay close to you.”

Nova turned to face the door and Starburst came up next to him. “All right, here we go, let’s go meet the natives.” The door opened and the pair exited their ship. “During my exploration, the first place I saw had a bunch of information storage units, but they looked different than what we have. We’ll head there first and see if we can get a location assistant.”

“OK, were one of the natives there?” 

“Of course, but there was another creature there, he spoke the same language as us, as did the local in the place.”  The two crossed over a bridge and headed into town. The whole time, Starburst looked around with wonder at the sky, the ground, the grass, at everything. 

“WOW, this place is amazing, it’s so pretty, much better than the darkness of space.” Starburst commented.

“I have to agree with you, this planet is very nice, just remember though, we have to be careful here, we can’t let the natives know who we really are.”

“I know, I know, I’ll be careful.” Starburst said as the two approached the tree with the red door. “Look Nova, their written language is the same as ours.” Starburst noticed as he pointed at a sign in front of the door. It read Golden Oaks Library.  

“So it IS an information storage facility.” Nova said. 

“But it says library.”

“Must be the native tongue for that.”  Nova then walked up to the door and knocked.

The door opened and revealed the purple pony on the other side. “Hello there, welcome to the Golden Oaks library, I’m Twilight Sparkle, how can I help you?” Twilight asked cheerfully.

Nova began. “Hello there, my name is Nova and this is-“ Before he could finish, Starburst rushed in right up to the bipedal creature as he was carrying a small stack of books. It was so sudden, it startled the purple scaled creature that he dropped his books.

“COOL, look at this big brother, what is it? I know.”  Starburst then focused his magic and a yellow beam fanned out from Starburst’s horn and went from the two legged creature’s head to his feet.  “WOW, you can eat gemstones, breath fire and have tough scales? That is so cool.”

“Umm, hello?” Spike said.

“STARBURST, what did I tell you, that’s rude!” Nova shouted.

Starburst cringed at his big brother’s shout. “Sorry big brother.”

“Get over here.” Nova commanded. Starburst obeyed and got next to his brother. “I’m terribly sorry about that miss Sparkle, you’ll have to excuse my little brother, he’s…….excited to…….be in a new town.”

“Oh, that’s quite all right, and you can just call me Twilight. But, what did your little brother do just now?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a simple scan spell I taught him, it lets one learn just about everything about the object it is used on.” Nova informed.

“Wow, that’s amazing, but how is he able to use magic at such a young age? I’ve never met a unicorn that can use magic at such a young age.”

Nova grew nervous at this statement. “I’ve been…..working hard with him to teach him how to use magic, he’s very good at it.”

“That’s amazing, he must be very gifted then.”

“So what is that anyway?” Starburst asked as he pointed a hoof at the little creature.

“Starburst, your being rude again.” Nova scolded.

“Sorry.” Starburst apologized.

“This is Spike, he’s my number one assistant here.” Twilight introduced as Spike walked up next to her. “He’s a baby dragon.”

“Fascinating.” Nova said quietly.

“Cool, I’ve never met a dragon before, hi there Spike, I’m Starburst.” Starburst said with a smile.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” Spike said with a smile.

“So what can I help you with today?” Twilight asked. 

“We are new in town and was wondering if you had a locator assistance device.”

Twilight looked at Nova with confusion. “I’m sorry, a what now?”

“A locator assistance device, you know, a device that can help one locate and identify places?”
Twilight still wore a look of confusion.

“You got a map we can borrow?” Starburst asked. Nova looked down at his brother disapprovingly. “What?” Spike giggled at this.

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle too. “Hm hm, sorry but we don’t have a map. However, since your new, I wouldn’t mind giving you a tour of the town myself.”

Nova looked back to Twilight. “Thank you but I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble at all, let me show you around and give you a tour of Ponyville.”

“Well, if you insist, thank you very much Twilight.” Nova said with a smile.

“Spike, would you mind watching things while I’m out?” Twilight said to Spike.

“No problem Twilight, I can watch things here.” Spike answered

“Thanks Spike, let’s go you two.” Twilight then began to lead the two into town to begin the tour. “So where are you two from anyway?”

The two brothers then stopped in their tracks. “Uh, where are we from? Uh.” Nova stuttered, not sure what to say. “Were from……um.”

“NOWHERE!” Starburst blurted out. “Were not from anywhere.” He said again with a nervous smile.

Nova looked at his brother nervously, then back to Twilight who was looking at them curiously. “What do you mean you’re not from anywhere?”

Nova thought fast for an answer. “What he means is….that…..we……traveled around a lot. We never had a town to call home.”

“You….never had a home, you mean that you’ve been on the road all your lives?” Twilight asked with sympathy.

“You could say that, yes.”

“That must have been hard, how did you get by?”

“We managed.”

“I can’t imagine life on the road like that. It sounds hard.”

“It was, but we got by.”

“And boring.” Said Starburst.

“Which is why I decided we’ve done enough traveling and figured we could settle down somewhere and make a home for us, it’s really more for Starburst’s sake, life on the road is no life for a young one.”

“I think I’ll have to agree with you.” Twilight said.

The first place Twilight took them by was a large building that looked like it was made of sweets, with candy canes, peppermints, and frosting lining gingerbread like walls. “Whoa, what is this place?” Starburst asked. 

“This is Sugarcube Corner, it’s Ponyville’s number one bakery, the best place to come for all your needs for anything sweet.” Twilight informed.

“Can we go in big brother, PLEASE?” Starburst gave a pleading look.

Before Nova could answer, Twilight answered for him. “I’m afraid it’s not open for the day yet. You’ll have to come back later to check it out.”

“Awwe.” Starburst was very disappointed at this.

“Heh heh, come on Starburst, lets continue on.” Nova said.

Twilight soon led the two brothers to the center of town where dozens of stands were set up, ponies from behind them were calling out to other ponies passing by to buy their stuff. It was mostly produce stands. “This is the town market, every day the local farmers come into town to sell their produce.”  Twilight informed.

“Brother, look at all those things, they sure do look funny.” Starburst whispered to Nova as he noticed all the different fruits and vegetables being sold.

“I know, I’ve never seen anything like them before.” Nova whispered back.

“Do you think they’re safe to eat?”

“I don’t know, but we can find out easily enough.”

Twilight led the two to one stand in particular being run by a mare with an orange coat, a blonde mane and tail, and wearing a western style hat. She also had three white freckles under her eyes. “Howdy Twilight, good ta see ya.” The mare greeted.

“Hello Applejack, how are you today?”

“I’m doin just fine, thanks fer askin. Who are yer friends?”

“She talks funny.” Starburst blurted out. 

“Starburst, that was rude, you really need to be more careful about what you say.” Nova scolded.

“Sorry big brother.” 

“Don’t apologize to me, apologize to her.”

Starburst then looked up to the mare and spoke. “I’m sorry miss, I didn’t mean to insult you.”

Applejack just smiled at Starburst. “Well shucks, that’s all right youngin, I realize I don’t talk like most other ponies, no hard feelins. Names Applejack by the way.”

“It’s nice to meet you Applejack, I’m Nova, and this is my little brother Starburst, sorry again for his comment.” Nova stated.

“That’s all right, like I said, no hard feelins. So what brings ya’ll by my stand?”

Twilight answered. “They’re new in town, I’m giving them a tour of Ponyville.”

“Well that’s mighty nice o ya Twilight.” A soft rumbling was soon heard. The group all looked at the source, it was Starburst’s stomach.

“Heh heh, guess I’m a little hungry.” Starburst said.

Applejack came around from behind her stand. It was then the mark on her flank was visible. It was of three apples.  “Why don’t ya help yerself to an apple pie youngin?”

Nova interjected. “That is very nice of you to offer, but we don’t have anything to pay you with.”

“Shoot, don’t worry none about that, think of it as a welcoming gift, besides, I can’t stand seein a youngin hungry.” She then picked up a pie from off her stand and lowered it to Starburst.

“Really, thank you Applejack.” Starburst said happily.

“Yer welcome Starburst.”

Starburst was then about to take a bite, but then the pie levitated out of Applejack’s hoof and in front of Nova. “Hold on there Starburst, let me check it first.”

“Awwe.” Starburst cried.

Twilight and Applejack looked at Nova in confusion. Nova cast his scanning spell on the pie. “Hmm, the chemical makeup seems safe, doesn’t seem to be anything wrong.” He said to himself. He then noticed the odd looks he was getting. “Oh, I…..uh….just wanted to make sure there wasn’t anything in it that Starburst would……be allergic to.” With that, he then levitated it back to Starburst. “Here you go Starburst, eat up.”

Starburst smiled, took hold of the pie in his hooves, then took his first bite of the pie. “Mmm, thish ish good, you got to try thish big brofer.” He said with a mouthful. He then separated a piece of the pie and held it in front of Nova.

Nova took hold of the piece in his magic grasp and took a bite. After savoring the piece and swallowing, he spoke. “Mmm, that is good, thank you very much Applejack. That…..what did you call it again?” 

Applejack looked at them curiously. “Apple pie, ain’t ya’ll ever had an apple pie before?”

“No, and I must say, this apple pie was very delicious.” Nova said.

Applejack’s smile returned. “Well thank ya kindly, I’m glad ya liked it.”

“We should probably continue on so you can get back to your sales, thank you again for the pie.”

“All right then, I’ll see ya’ll around.” 

“Bye Applejack, I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” Twilight said.

“You betcha.” Applejack said back.

As the three walked on, it was then that Nova remembered his gems. “Twilight, before we continue, is there a place I can sell some things for some money?”

“That depends, what do you have to sell?”

The three stopped in their tracks, Nova used his magic to open his saddle bag and levitated three small different gems from the bag.  “I have these special gemstones I want to sell.”

Twilight looked on in wonder at them. One gem stone was a red ruby and looked like the sun, at its center was an orange orb glowing brightly. The second was a white diamond with a small white glowing orb at the center. Finally, the third one was a green emerald with a pattern carved into the center that looked like a leaf. It too was letting off a faint glow. “Wow, Nova, these are amazing, where did you find these?”

“I made them myself. It’s my skill after all. I call that red one a red ruby sun. The diamond I call a white dwarf star diamond, and finally, the emerald, I call a leaf emerald.”

Twilight kept her look of wonder. “You made these? This is amazing.”

“Thank you, so do you know of a place I can go to sell them?”

Twilight smiled. “I know the perfect place, come on, I’ll show you.” Nova put the gems back in his bag and the two brothers followed Twilight.

They soon arrived at their destination. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, my friend Rarity runs this place, she’s a fashion designer, she used gemstones in her designs, so I’m sure she would love to use some of your gems in her work.” She then led the two up to the front door and walked in. A little bell sounded to announce the arrival of customers.

“I’ll be with you in a moment dear.” Came a feminine voice from another room in the back of the store.

Nova and Starburst took the opportunity to look around. They saw ponyquins with dresses on them, a small stage to the side and three mirrors on the other. “Great galaxies, look at all these dresses.” Nova commented to himself.

“So, these are clothes you told me about?” Starburst asked in a whisper.

“Well, yes but, they look different from what I recall, must be the fashion style on this planet.” Nova whispered back.

The owner finally emerged. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is sheik, unique, and magnifique. Twilight darling, how good of you to come by. What can I do for you?” The owner was a unicorn mare with a white coat, a violet mane and tail styled in curls, and had three white diamonds for a cutie mark.

“Hello Rarity, I brought some new friends by, I’m showing them around town. This is Nova and Starburst.” Twilight introduced.

“Hello.” Starburst simply greeted.

“It’s nice to meet you miss Rarity.” Nova said.

“Always a pleasure to make new acquaintances, what can I do for you?” Rarity asked.

Nova began. “I have some gemstones I want to sell, Twilight here says you might be interested in purchasing them.”

“Well normally I can find gemstones myself, I don’t really have need to have someone selling them to me.”

“But these stones are unlike anything you’ve ever seen Rarity, trust me, you won’t regret it.” Twilight said.
Rarity then became curious. “Well, all right, let’s see what you have.” She led Nova over to a counter near the front door and got behind it. 

Nova opened his bag and levitated his gemstones out of the bag and presented them to Rarity. She looked over them and levitated four to look at them carefully. “Good heavens, these gemstones are amazing, I’ve never seen anything like these before.” One of the gems Rarity was looking at was a long dark purple gemstone shaped like an octagon, there was a kind of sparkling from the inside of the stone. “This one looks like there are stars in it, this is most intriguing, wherever did you find these?”

“I made them myself, I just used a few enchantments I learned and shaped the gems like how you see them.” Nova informed. “That red one I call a red ruby sun, the white one I call a white dwarf star diamond, the green one I call a leaf emerald, and that purple one I call a stardust gem.”

“These are absolutely gorgeous, and you say you made them yourself?”

“Yep, so what do you say, are you interested?”

“Am I ever, I’ll take the whole lot, I could make such magnificent dresses with these. How does 300 bits sound for all of them?”

Nova was surprised by this. “WHOA…..is that a lot?” Starburst asked.

“Rarity, are you sure you can afford that?” Twilight asked.

“Of course I can, I wouldn’t have offered if I couldn’t.” Rarity answered.

“You got yourself a deal miss Rarity, and thank you very much.” Nova said with a smile.

“Your quite welcome, with a talent like yours, you could open up a wonderful business. And I would certainly be more than happy to purchase more of your merchandise once you have more. In fact, I don’t suppose you would be able to make a gem look like anything, could you?”

“Sure, no problem, why?”

“Splendid, I could start up a new line of dresses with personalized gemstones with your help, we could make a lot of bits with this. What do you say, care to start a business deal?”

“Wow, this is great big brother, you can already start earning the money here.” Starburst said.

“Again, you got yourself a deal miss Rarity, you let your clients know about me and how I can make a gem more personal for them and I’ll make it.” Nova said.

“Splendid, this is sure to make us a lot of bits, thank you so much for coming Nova, and I look forward to working with you.”

“Wow, this is quite the first day in town for you, already you got a deal to make some serious bits. Not a bad first day in Ponyville.” Twilight said.  

“And where will you be staying dear, I need to know how I can contact you after all.” Rarity asked.

“Oh, I have a house just outside of town, near Twilight’s library.” Nova informed. 

“Really, I don’t remember there being a house there.” Twilight said with curiosity.

“Really, well, it’s there heh heh, you know how it is with development right? Houses just seem to crop up overnight.” Nova said nervously. “We should probably get going, I’ll see you again soon Rarity.” Rarity levitated a small brown bag full of bits and levitated it over to Nova, Nova took Rarity’s bag of bits and placed them in his saddle bags.

“All right then, I’ll see you all later, and welcome to Ponyville.” Rarity said as she waved a hoof goodbye.
Once outside, Starburst was jumping for joy. “This is great big brother, we can already start making a living here, does this mean we can call this place home now?”

“I guess so Starburst, we have found a home.” Nova said.

“ALL RIGHT! WE HAVE A HOME!” Starburst cheered.

Twilight was smiling big at the display. “Gosh, he’s really excited about all this isn’t he?”

“You have no idea.” Nova said with a smile.

“By the way, I think Sugarcube Corner should be open now if you want to go take a look.” Twilight informed.

“Can we go Nova, please please please?” Starburst asked pleadingly.

“All right, we can go check out this bakery.” Nova said with a smile.

Twilight led the way to the place and they soon arrived. “Here we are. Come on in, another friend of mine works here.” Twilight was the first to walk in.

Nova and Starburst walked in and noticed the lights were out. “Twilight, are you sure this place is open? The lights are off.” Nova asked worriedly. 

Suddenly, the lights came on and a large crowd of ponies sprang out and shouted. “SURPRISE!”

Nova and starburst both cried out in fear. “AAAHHH!”  Starburst quickly took shelter behind his brother while Nova took a defensive stance. “Say back, I’m warning you, you better not hurt my brother!” Nova declared to the group.

“Nova, calm down, it’s just a surprise party.” Twilight informed.

Nova quickly looked to Twilight with confusion while Starburst continued to shiver in fear with his forelegs over his muzzle. “A WHAT?” 

“A surprise party silly, hi there, I’m Pinky Pie and I threw this party just for you cause your new in town and I just love to throw parties for new ponies what’s your names?” A pink coated mare with a dark pink puffy mane and tail and three balloons for a cutie mark said as she hopped up and down in front of them.

“Look you, I don’t know where you got the idea its ok to scare others like this but I don’t appreciate it, you scared my little brother.” Nova scolded.

Pinkie stopped hopping up and down and frowned. “Awwe, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I just thought you might like a big party to celebrate your arrival here.” Pinky said. 

“How did you even know we were here?” Nova asked.

Pinkie smiled again. “I always know when a new pony is in town.”

Nova was now confused. “But how?” he asked again.

Applejack stepped up next to Nova. “Sugar cube, it’s best not to question it, trust me.” Applejack then noticed Starburst. “Is he gonna be all right?” She asked concerned.

Nova turned to his little brother still cowering. “Starburst, it’s ok, you can look now, it was just a misunderstanding.”

Starburst slowly lifted a foreleg and peeked out from under and looked at his brother. “Nova, what happened?”

“I don’t know, but appearantly, it’s some sort of welcoming custom.” Nova whispered. “Come on Starburst, its ok, you can get up now.” He said a little louder.

Starburst slowly stood up and got next to Nova. “um, hello.” He said, still shaken up by the scare.

“Awwe, aren’t you a cutie, hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name.” Pinkie said excitedly.

Starburst backed up into nova. “Big brother?” He said with a bit of fear.

Nova just looked down at Starburst, then back up at Pinkie. “I think we’ve seen enough, we’ll be going now.” He declared.

Pinkie frowned. “Wait, please don’t go, I’m sorry for scaring you, I really didn’t mean to, please stay for the party. I threw it just for you to welcome you here.”

“I don’t know.” Nova looked down at Starburst. He spoke a little quietly. “What do you think Starburst?” 

Starburst took a good look around, as he saw all the colorful streamers and balloons, his eyes lit up in wonder. “Whoa, Nova, look at all this stuff, what is it?”

Pinkie gave a smile. Nova then spoke. “Starburst, are you sure you want to be here for this……party?”

“Nova, look at this, what’s that, hey look at these, these look real tasty.” Starburst said as he zipped around the room looking at all the decorations and sweets.

“I guess that answers that question.” Nova stated.

Pinkie smiled bigger. “YAY, I promise you’ll have a lot of fun.”

“Starburst, wait, don’t eat that yet!” Nova called as he saw Starburst about to eat a cupcake. He quickly rushed over just in time to snatch it away from him.

“Hey, I was gonna eat that.” Starburst complained. 

Nova leaned in and whispered to Starburst. “We don’t know what this stuff is made of yet, it could have an adverse effect on us, I need to scan this stuff first before we eat it.”

“But that apple pie was fine, why wouldn’t this stuff be safe to eat too?” Starburst asked in a whisper back.

“Just let me scan these first.” Nova then cast his scan spell across the table to check the contents of the sweets.  While he did this, Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and two other ponies walked up behind them. 

“Um, what are you doing?” One of the ponies asked. 

Nova turned around and saw the sky blue winged pony with the rainbow mane and the yellow winged pony with the pink mane standing before him, the rainbow one asked the question.

“I’m just making sure that there isn’t anything in these that Starburst here isn’t allergic to.” Nova informed. Starburst also noticed the two other new ponies, he cringed a little and got up against Nova.

Nova looked down at his brother. The pink maned winged pony saw this and cooed. “Awwe, it’s ok little one, we’re not going to hurt you, we just wanted to meet you. I’m Fluttershy, what’s your name?”

“I’m Starburst.” Starburst introduced himself, still a little shaken up from his scare earlier.

“That’s a nice name, it’s nice to meet you.”

Nova then introduced himself. “I’m Nova, it’s nice to meet you too.”

“Um, h-hello.” Fluttershy said timidly.

“I’m Rainbow Dash, best flyer in all of Equestria.” The rainbow pony introduced herself.

“Hello, so what do we do at this…..party?” Nova asked.

“Well DUH, you have fun silly, haven’t you ever been to a party before?” Said Pinkie.

“To be honest……no, we haven’t.”

Pinkie let out a huge gasp. “YOU HAVEN’T, I don’t believe it, I’ve never met a pony that’s never been to a party before. Don’t worry, I’ll show you how to have fun, just stick with me.”

Starburst was clinging to Nova’s right foreleg at this point as Nova looked down at him. Nova looked back up at Pinkie. “Look….Pinkie was it?” Pinkie nodded. “I think we’ll be fine on our own. Thanks anyway.”

Pinkie frowned. “What’s your problem?” Rainbow asked.

Nova gave a small glare at Rainbow. “In case you hadn’t noticed, Pinkie here didn’t exactly make a good impression on my little brother here.”

Rainbow dash glared back. “She said she was sorry, what more do you want?”

“Nova?” Starburst said, it seemed that Rainbow Dash was starting to scare him now.

“I want my little brother not to be scared.” Nova declared.

“All right you two, that’s enough, Rainbow, back off, you ain’t exactly helpin the situation, yer scarin the poor little guy.” Applejack intervened.

“Whatever.” Rainbow then walked off. 

“Sorry bout her, she can be a bit of a hot head sometimes.” Applejack said. She then looked down at Starburst with a smile. “You all right there sugar cube?” She asked softly.

Starburst just looked up at her and nodded. “I’m ok, I guess.”

“Why don’t ya’ll help yerselves to the sweets here and you can join in on the games whenever yer ready.” Applejack said to both of them.

“Thanks Applejack, I think we’ll do that.” Nova answered.

Pinkie then walked up with a small smile. “I’m sorry for scaring you’re little brother, I just get so excited when I meet new ponies, can you forgive me?”

“It’s really up to Starburst since you scared him the most.” Nova said. “Well little brother, what do you say?”

Starburst released his grip on his big brother and stepped forward to Pinkie. “Well, this place is real nice, and you said you set it up just for us?” Pinkie nodded. “Weeeellll……OK!” Starburst said with a big smile. “So what can we do at this…..party that’s fun?”

“Oh all kinds of things, I got a bunch of fun games set up we can play, like pin the tail on the pony, bobbing for apples, twister, we even got a piñata set up.”

Nova and Starburst looked a little confused. “You know what Pinkie, I think we’ll take you up on your offer to show us how to play these games.” Nova said. 

“You got it new friends.” Pinkie then hopped off with Nova and Starburst following. 

The others followed as well. Nova turned to Twilight and asked her something. “Say Twilight, how did you know Pinkie had a party set up for us to welcome us here?”

“I didn’t, It was really a surprise to me too that it was set up. Just good timing on our part I guess.” Twilight said.

The first game they came to was the bobbing for apples tub. “This game is real simple, you just dunk your head in the water and try to pick up an apple with your mouth, like this.” Pinkie instructed then demonstrated as she dunked her head in and brought it back up with an apple in her mouth. “Ta daa.” She the spit the apple out and back in the tub. “Now you try.”

“Can I go first Nova?” Starburst asked.

“Go ahead.” 

Starburst walked up to the tub and immediately encountered a problem, the tub was too tall for him. “How am I supposed to do this?”

“Hold on, I got a solution.” Pinkie announced. She zipped off and came back with a stool. She set it in front of the tub, then picked Starburst up and set him on it. “There ya go, now dunk your head in and get an apple.”

Starburst didn’t waste any time, he quickly dunked his head in the water and moved about as he tried to grab an apple. After a couple seconds, he pulled out and had an apple in his mouth. “Ook, I id it, I id It!” He cheered with the apple in his mouth. He then spit it out and spoke. “I did it big brother, did you see?”

Nova chuckled. “I saw Starburst.”

“Come on Nova, you try.”

After Nova’s successful attempt at bobbing for apples, they moved on to another game. Pin the tail on the pony, Rainbow Dash was in the middle of her turn when they came to it. Nova noticed she was wearing a blindfold and carrying a fake tail in her teeth, making her way to a picture of a pony. She managed to pin the tail close to the target location. She removed her blindfold and saw how she did, she was a little satisfied with her attempt. She then looked over and saw the two brothers.

She walked over to them. Starburst got closer to Nova upon her approach and looked a little fearful. “Hey.” She said softly. “Sorry for how I acted before, I tend to get a little tempermental, we cool?”

Nova looked down at Starburst, then back to Rainbow Dash. “Think you can apologize to Starburst?”

“Sure.”

Nova looked back down at Starburst. “Go on Starburst, it’s all right.” 

Starburst looked up at Nova, then back to Dash, he then took a few steps towards Rainbow Dash. “Sorry for scaring you Starburst, I didn’t mean to, we cool?” She said with a smile.

Starburst smiled back. “Ok, we’re…..cool.”

“Come on, I’ll show you how to play this game.” Rainbow offered to Starburst.

He looked back at Nova. Nova made a motion with his hoof to say ‘go on’. Starburst happily followed Rainbow Dash to the area. 

Nova just sat on his haunches and watched Starburst with a smile. “You really care about him, don’t you?” Came Twilight’s voice, she was sitting on his right when she asked. 

“Of course I do, he’s all I got, and I’m all he’s got.”

Twilight looked at Nova with concern. “What do you mean by that, what about your parents?”

“It’s…..not easy to talk about, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t ask.”

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer.”

“I had to be the one to take care of him, we’ve been on our own for so long and lived a sheltered life, I have to do what I can to keep him safe, but at the same time, I want him to be happy. It can be scary starting a new life, meeting new….ponies.”

Twilight became confused by Nova’s statement. “How could you live a sheltered life if you traveled around?”

Nova froze for a moment, not sure what to say.  “You see…..what I mean is….we just kept contact with others limited and never really settled in a town long enough to get to know others.”

“I see.” Twilight smiled. “You know, we have a school here you can enroll Starburst in, it would be a good chance for him to meet other ponies his own age and make some friends.”

“I don’t know Twilight, we just moved here, I don’t know if he’s ready for that yet, we still need to get settled in. Besides, how do I know this school is any good.”

“It’s a great school, the little ponies love the teacher, she’s real nice.”

“Well, I’ll have to think about it.”

“NOVA, LOOK, I DID IT, I WON!” Starburst cheered. 

Nova and Twilight looked over and saw Rainbow Dash holding him up in front of the picture, the tail was right on target.

“When does the school start?” Nova asked.

“In a few weeks.” Twilight answered with a smile. 

> The Ticket Masters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Ticket Masters



After the party Pinkie threw to welcome Nova and Starburst, Nova borrowed a few books from Twilight to learn more about the world the two aliens found themselves in. Twilight thought it odd Nova wanted to borrow books with common knowledge in them, and Nova thought it strange the information was printed on paper. It was this that made him realize this planet wasn’t as technologicaly advanced as he thought.

Nova had gone over the books and learned the basics of the world he and Starburst were on. The country they were in was Called Equestria, and it was ruled by two princesses, Celestia and Luna. He was surprised as well to learn that the princesses controlled the sun and moon. He went over all this information with his little brother so he would know all this as well. They were still in the dark about what the ponies called the marks on their flanks. Nova didn’t ask because he didn’t want to raise suspicion. The two went over these books in the same day as the party was held on. 

The next day came and they decided to explore the town more. They dropped their disguises inside the ship and put them on before heading out. The two brothers left the ship and headed into town. “So, where should we go first Starburst?” Nova asked as they crossed the bridge.

“Why don’t we go visit Twilight, she was nice.” Starburst suggested.

“That’s a good idea, let’s go see if she wouldn’t mind a friendly visit.”

As they approached Twilight’s house, they saw her and Spike leaving. “Hey Twilight, hey Spike!” Starburst called out. “Where you two headed?”

“Hey you two, good morning, me and Spike are headed over to Applejack’s, she asked us to help her with apple collecting.”

“Awwe, we were hoping to visit with you.” Starburst complained. 

“Why don’t you come with us, I’m sure Applejack would like the extra help?” Twilight said.

“That sounds like a good idea, it will give us a chance to get to know you all better.” Nova said.

“I want to help.” Starburst said cheerfully.”

“Great, follow me, I’ll lead the way.” Twilight said.

*****


The four had finished helping Applejack with the apple collection and were now carrying baskets of apples on their backs, except for Starburst, the baskets were too big for him and the load would be too heavy. Spike was on Twilight’s back sitting backwards. “Nope….no….no.” Spike said as he looked at each apple he took out and tossed it from Twilight’s basket.

Applejack gave her thanks for their help. “Thank ya’ll kindly fer helpin me out. I bet Big Macintosh I could get these golden delicious in the barn before lunch time, if I win, he’s gonna walk down stirrup street in one of granny’s girdles.”

“No problem at all Applejack. I’m glad the goal is lunch time, all this hard work has made me hungry.”

“Spike, what are you doing, would you PLEASE stop tossing those apples. You’re wasting good fruit.” Nova said to Spike. Nova was picking up the apples Spike was tossing and put them in the basket he was carrying

“Sorry, I’m just looking for a good apple, I worked up an appetite too.” Spike said as he threw another apple behind him and hit Twilight on the head. Twilight glared at him as he gave a sheepish smile.

“Puh-lease Spike, you’ve been lounging on my back all morning while WE worked.” Twilight said. 

“Exactly, you four were taking so long I missed snack time.”

“Weren’t you munching on a gemstone on the way over here?” Starburst asked.

Twilight’s stomach then rumbled. “Heh heh heh, guess we’d better get some food.” 

Spike continued going through the apples. “No….no….no….AHA!” Spike cheered as he pulled out a big red apple and was holing it in front of Twilight.

“Oh Spike, that looks delicious.” Twilight commented. Spike then just shoved the whole thing in his mouth and ate it in one bit. “SPIKE!” Twilight said in frustration.

“What?” Spike asked, clearly unaware of what he did wrong. Spike’s cheeks suddenly puffed up and he let out a belch, followed by a green flame that turned into a scroll. 

“It’s a letter from princess Celestia.” Twilight said.

Nova and Starburst looked at Twilight and Spike confusedly, they said nothing though as Spike unrolled it and proceeded to read it out loud. “Hear ye, hear ye, her grand royal highness, princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the grand galloping galla is to be held in the magnificent capitol city of Canterlot on the 21st day of….uh yadda yadda yadda….cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.”  

Twilight and Applejack grew surprised looks. “THE GRAND GALLOPING GALLA!”  They cheered together. 

Nova and Starburst looked at each other with confusion, then back at the two mares. “The grand galloping what now?” They asked in unison. 

Applejack and Twilight started jumping for joy. “THE GRAND GALLOPING GALLA!” They cheered again.

Nova levitated his baskets off and set them next to the fence that lined the dirt road. Spike looked displeased, he even expressed it by sticking one of his claws in his mouth and stuck out his tongue. He then let out another belch and two golden tickets appeared. “Look, two tickets.” He cheered.

“Wow, great, I’ve never been to the gala, have you Spike?” Twilight asked.

“No, and I plan to keep it that way, I don’t want anything to do with that girly frilly fru fru nonsense.” 

“Awe come on Spike, a dance would be nice.”

“Nice, it’s a heap good more than just nice.” Applejack said. “I’d love to go. Laaandsakes, if I had an apple stand set up, I could drum up business for the farm, ponies would be linin up just to get a taste of my tasty viddles. We could raise a lot of money to do a heap o fixin up around here. We could replace the barn’s saggy ol roof, Big Mac could replace that saggy ol plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy ol hip. I’d give my right hind leg to go.”

Twilight figured she could invite Applejack then. “Well in that case, would you like to-“ Her words were then cut off by a shout.

“WHOOOOA!” Rainbow Dash fell right on top of Twilight and Applejack. Nova and Starburst both winced at the sight. Rainbow Dash’s crash on them knocked the baskets of apples off of their backs.

“Are we talking about the grand GALLOPING galla?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow Dash, you said you were too busy to help me pick apples, what were you really doin, spyin?” Applejack asked. 

“Nope.” Rainbow answered. “I was busy….nappin.” The girls then looked up. Nova and Starburst followed their gaze and saw a pillow and a blanket on a branch overhead. “And I just HAPPEN to hear, that you have an extra ticket?” Rainbow asked as she fluttered in front of Twilight upside down.

“Yeah, but-“ Twilight was interrupted again.

“YES! This is so awesome, the wonderbolts perform at the gala every year, this could me my chance to show them my stuff. I can see it now, the wonderbolts would be going through their routine and in would fly….Rainbow Dash. I’d draw their attention with my super speed strut, then I’d wow them with my fantastic filly flash. And for my grand finale, the buccaneer blaze. The wonderbolts would insist they incorporate my moves in their routine and welcome me as their newest member. Don’t you see Twilight? This could be my one chance to show em’ my stuff. You gotta take ME!” 

Nova and Starburst were still clueless as to what this grand galloping galla was, and now they are hearing about some performing ponies they know nothing about.

Rainbow was then pulled back from Twilight by the tail by Applejack. “Now hold on one pony pickin minute here.” She said, her voice muffled by Rainbow’s tail. She then spit it out of her mouth and continued. “I asked fer that ticket first.” She said as she glared at Rainbow.

“So, that doesn’t mean you own it.” Rainbow said as she glared back.

“Oh yeah, well I challenge you to a hoof rassle contest, winner gets the ticket.” The two then took sides of a nearby stump, locked hooves and began their hoof wrestle.

Before a winner was decided, Twilight pushed them aside and spoke. “GIRLS, these are MY tickets, I’ll decide who gets to go, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket.

Applejack started. “Drummin up business for the farm?”

Rainbow then got in front of Applejack and gave her reason. “A chance to audition for the wonderbolts?”

“Money to fix granny’s hip.”

“Living the dream.”

“Oh my, those are all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” Twilight’s stomach then rumbled. Twilight then gave a sheepish laugh. “Hah ha ha, fancy that, I am starving. I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach.” She said as she started backing away. “So I’ll think about it over lunch and get back to you. Ok?” Spike then hopped on Twilight’s back and they left for town.

“Ok.” Applejack and Rainbow said together. Then glared at each other again and started their hoof wrestle again. 

“Twilight, wait up, maybe I can help you figure this out.” Nova said as he came up next to Twilight with Starburst next to him. 

“Wait, Nova, do you want to go to the galla?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t even know what this galla is.”

“It’s only one of the biggest parties held in canterlot, there’s dancing and fine dining and all the rich and sophisticated ponies go, it’s a chance to meet princess Celestia.”

“I think I’ll pass, it doesn’t really sound like a lot of fun, besides, who would watch Starburst for me? But I am curious, why would princess Celestia send you tickets to this big party?”

“Oh, well, you see, I’m her personal student, I’m being taught by her personally.” Twilight answered.

“I see, well I’m fine with not going, I’ll just help you in any way I can to help with your decision making.” Nova said.

Twilight smiled at Nova. “Thank you Nova, that’s one less pony I have to worry about disappointing.”

“So who ya gonna give the ticket to Twilight?” Starburst asked.

“I don’t know, but I really can’t think straight on an empty stomach. So where should we eat?” Twilight asked. 

“Um, Twilight, we’re new in town remember, we don’t know about what places there are to eat.” Nova informed.

“Oh right, sorry.” Twilight said. Right as she did, Pinkie came rushing out and knocked every pony to the ground. Nova and Starburst lay next to each other, Spike next to Twilight who had Pinkie on top of her. The force knocked the tickets out of Spikes claws.

“PINKIE, watch where you’re going!” Nova scolded. 

The two tickets floated down and landed on Pinkie’s nose. She opened her eyes and squealed. “AAAHH, BATS, BATS IN MY FACE, HELP!” She cried as she rushed around then stopped and danced on her tippy hooves. “Wait, these aren’t.” She then noticed it wasn’t bats in her face, but the tickets.  “Tickets to the grand galloping galla?!”

“It’s the most AMAZING wonderful super tremendous spectacular fun party in ALL of Equestria, I’ve always always ALWAYS wanted  to go.” Pinkie then broke out in song. “Oh the grand galloping galla is the best place for me, oh the grand galloping galla is the best plave for me, hip hip, hooray, it’s the best place for me, for Pinkiiiiieeeee.” She then just rambled on about it.

“With decorations and fairy light and streamers and pinwheels and piñatas and pin cushions! With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sasparillas. And I get to play my most favorite of favoritest games of all time of pin the tail on the pony.” Pinkie then continued on in song again. “Oh the grand galloping galla is the best place for me, oh the grand galloping galla is the best place for me, cause it’s the most suprelyterrific galla in the whole gallaxyyyyyyyy. WEEE!”

Pinkie then started hopping around Twilight. “Oh thank you Twilight, it’s the most wonderfulest gift ever.” Pinkie then stopped in front of Twilight and was looking her in the eyes.

Twilight backed up a little. “Uh, Actually……” Twilight wasn’t sure what to say to Pinkie.

Spike went to pick up the tickets, Nova figured he knew how to break it to Pinkie that Twilight hadn’t made up her mind yet. “Pinkie, I’m sorry but…” Before he could finish, Rarity interrupted when she saw Spike holding the tickets.

“*Gasp* Are these what I think they are?” She asked.

Pinkie answered. “Yes, yes, yes, Twilight’s taking me to the grand galloping galla in Canterlot.”

“The galla, I design dresses for the galla every year.” Rarity informed. “But I’ve never had the opportunity to attend. The society, the sophistication, the glamour. It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet HIM.”

“HIM!” Pinkie said, then her face became one of confusion. “Him who?”

Rarity continued. “Him.” She started off on a story that sounded like something from a fairy tale. “I would stroll through the galla, and everypony would wonder, ‘who is that mysterious mare?’ They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. I would cause such a sensation that I would be granted an audience with princess Celestia herself. The princess would be so taken with my style and elegance, that she would introduce me……to HIM, her nephew. The most handsome elegible unicorn in all of Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt, our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask me for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say YES!”

Starburst at this point was just expressing his disgust at this sappy story as he stuck his tongue out with one eye closed.  Nova chuckled at his display. Rarity failed to notice as she continued on with her fantasy. “We would have a royal wedding befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams. Twilight, I can’t believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can….party…and prevent me from meeting my true love, HOW COULD YOU?” Rarity cried.

Twilight was still clueless as to how to break the news to Rarity that she hasn’t made a decision yet. Nova tried again. “Rarity, Twilight hasn’t…” Once again, Nova was interrupted when Spike let out a call.

“HEY!” Every pony turned and saw a little white rabbit running to Fluttershy with the tickets in its mouth.

He ran up onto Fluttershy’s back and held the tickets out in front of her to see. “Oh Angel, these are perfect.” She said.

Twilight finally spoke up. “Uh listen guys, I haven’t decided on WHO I’m giving the extra ticket to.” 

“YOU HAVEN’T!” Pinkie and Rarity both cried out.

“Um….excuse me Twilight, I would just like to ask, if it’s all right, if you haven’t given it to someone else.” Fluttershy said.

Rarity interjected. “YOU, you want to go to the grand galloping galla?”

“Oh, no.” Angel then just gave her a few quick kicks in her foreleg to get her to speak up. “I mean, yes, well kind of. You see, it’s not the grand galloping galla, but the wonderous beautifulprivate gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers there are said to be the most fragrant flowers in all of Equestria. For that night of the galla, and that night alone, will they all be in bloom. And that’s just the flora, don’t get me started on the fauna. There’s tucans and bitterns and loons, oh my. And humming birds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. There’s blujays and green jays and red jays, pink jays and pink flamingos.”

“Gee fluttershy, it sounds…..wonderful?” Twilight said.

“Wait just a minuite!” Came Rainbow Dash’s voice. Every pony looked up and saw her standing on a roof. She then flew down to ground level.

“Rainbow Dash, were you following me?” Twilight asked.

“No, I mean yes, I mean, maybe…..LOOK, it doesn’t matter, I couldn’t risk a goody fourshoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody.”

“Wait just another minute.” Applejack declared as she strolled up.

Nova spoke up. “Applejack, were you following us too?”

“No, I was followin….THIS one, to make sure she didn’t try any funny business.” Applejack answered as she pointed to Rainbow Dash. “Still tryin ta take my ticket.”

“YOUR ticket!” Rainbow cried.

“But Twilight’s taking ME.” Pinkie said. Then they all started arguing about the ticket.

Twilight cringed and was down on the ground as the others argued. The arguing got so loud now, that Twilight, Nova, and Starburst were covering their ears. Nova saw his little brother trying to drown out the noise. He was getting tired of it too. “ENOUGH, ALL OF YOU JUST STOP!” He yelled as loud as he could. 

“And I said oatmeal, are you crazy?” Pinkie said, unaware that every pony had stopped arguing.

Once it was quiet, Twilight got up and looked at Nova. “Thank you Nova.”

“You’re welcome.” He said with a smile. “You ok Starburst?” He asked as he looked down at his brother. 

“Ow, my ears.” Starburst complained.

Twilight then addressed the others. “Girls, there no use in arguing.”

“But Twilight.” Rarity said.

Twilight cut her off before she could continue. “Ah, this is my decision, and I’m going to make it with Nova’s help. And I simply can’t think straight with all this noise.” Twilight’s stomach rumbled. “Not to mention hunger, now go on, shoo.” 

The girls all then parted ways. “AND DON’T WORRY, WE’LL FIGURE THIS OUT!” She called out to them. “somehow.” She said quietly to herself.

Nova and Starburst came up to her and Nova put a hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll help you in any way I can to help you make this decision. Together, we CAN solve this problem.” 

“I’ll help too.” Starburst cheered.

Twilight smiled. “Thanks you two, I really appreciate this.”

The four came to a café for lunch. Spike sitting on one side of the table while Twilight sat on the other. Nova and Starburst sitting next to each other between them.

“Oh Spike, Nova, what am I going to do, all my friends have a good reason to go to the galla. Rarity or Applejack, Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, oh who should go with me?”

The waiter then came up to the table. “Have you made your decision?”

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” Twilight called out.

“Uh, Twilight, he just wants your order.” Spike informed.

“Oh, I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwhich.”

“That sounds good, I’ll have that too please.” Nova said.

Spike then gave his order. “Do you have any rubys?....No, ok then, I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy.” 

“That sounds good, can I have that too?” Starburst asked.

“Very good.” Said the waiter, he then took their menus and left.

“What do you think Spike?” 

“I thinks we have to try another resturaunt. I like hay and grass just fine, but would it kill them to server gemstones here?”

“I mean about the galla and the ticket and who I should take.” Twilight informed.

“Oh, you’re still on that?” Spike said, clearly frustrated about the situation.

“Spike, LISTEN!” Twilight declared as she put her hooves on the table and stood up. “How do I choose, and when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies.”

“Oh oh, I know, you could….no, that won’t work, what if you…..no, oh oh I know, you could…..no, that won’t work either.” Starburst said, eager to help. 

“Having trouble with an idea there Starburst?” Nova asked.

“This IS a hard decision. They’re all your friends, and they all deserve to go, but you only have two tickets.” Starburst said.

“Thanks for trying anyway Starburst.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Your food.” Said the waiter as he presented everyone’s meal.

Twilight eyes her sandwhich hungrily. “Oh thank you this looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.”

Nova looked in thought as the others ate. “Hmm, six ponies, two tickets, the problem is not enough tickets.” Nova said to himself. 

“MMM, these hayfries are good.” Starburst said as he ate.

“I know right?” Spike agreed.

“Twilight, what if you….” Nova started but was interrupted when a group of ponies rushed past them and into the resturaunt.

The waiter, who held the door for them, looked at the group curiously. “Madame, are you going to eat your food in the rain?”

“It’s not raining.” Twilight said, then took a good look around and noticed that it was raining, just not over her and her friends. 

“What’s going on here?” Nova asked as he, Twilight, and Starburst looked up to see a whole in the clouds.

Rainbow Dash poked her head out of the hole and looked down at them. “Hi there best friends forever I ever ever had, enjoying the sunny weather?” She asked.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked suspiciously.

“What do you mean, I just saw the two most smartest cleverest most GENEROUS ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds so they could dine in peace. That’s all.”

“Yeah right, your just doing this to get the ticket, aren’t you?” Starburst asked.

“Who? Me? oh no no no, of course not.” 

“Uh huh.” Nova said, unconvinced.

“Seariously, I’d do it for any pony.” Rainbow said.

“Then why don’t you do it for them?” Nova asked as he waved a hoof at the other ponies running around to get to shelter from the storm.

Rainbow then laughed nervously. “Rainbow, I’m not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I’d appreciate it if you closed up that cloud right now.” Twilight said.

“Uh, fine.” Rainbow said, she then proceeded to close up the cloud.

“That’s better.” Twilight said smugly. She then levitated her sandwhich in front of her, ready to eat.

“Uh Twilight, I don’t think that was…” Nova said, but was again interrupted when the rain started falling on them, making Twilight’s sandwhich all soggy before she could get a bite. Her mane also became drenched, as well as Nova’s.  

Spike just sat there and giggled at the sight with Starburst.

Rarity then came walking up in a purple raincoat with an umbrella on her back. “Twilight, Nova, it’s raining.” She informed.

“No, really.” Twilight said with sarcasm.

“I hadn’t noticed.” Nova said with equal sarcasm.

“Come inside with me before you catch a cold.” Rarity said before grabbing the two and dragged them to her boutique.

Once there, Twilight shook herself dry, Nova found a towel and first dried off Starburst before he dried himself off. “There you go, better?” He asked Starburst. 

“Yep, thanks Nova.” Starburst said cheerfully.

“Oops, heh heh, sorry.” Twilight said when she realized she shook the water on her over onto Rarity who was now soaked.

“Oh, That’s quite all right, after all, we are…..the best of friends are we not?” Rarity said as she snuggled up to Twilight. She then looked over at Nova. “And you know what the best of friends do.”

Nova was growing nervous at Rarity’s words. “Uh…”

“MAKEOVERS!” Rarity Cheered. She then brought over a dresser blind over in front of her and Twilight. A lot of noises was heard as she was getting Twilight prettied up, while Twilight complained the whole time. “Rarity…..OW…..what are you….HEY….that’s…too tight.”  

The blind moved aside and revealed Twilight wearing a very fancy looking saddle. “There, oh you simply look darling.”

Twilight looked herself over and smiled. “Uuuuhh yeah, it is kinda pretty isn’t it. What do you think Nova.”

“It does look nice on you.”

Rarity then turned her attention to Nova. “And I have a wonderful handsome suit for the stallion.”

Nova grew a little fearful. “Uh oh.” Rarity then moved the blind in front of Nova and began her work. “HEY….Watch it….that…ow….what are you…..WHOA!”

Rarity moved the blind for all to see Nova. “There, oh don’t you look absolutely handsome.” Rarity cooed.

Nova was wearing a simple black suit with a black bowtie and a gold chain hanging out of the chest pocket. “Whoa, great galaxies, this is nice.” Nova complimented. 

“Great galaxies?” Twilight asked as she and Rarity looked at Nova in confusion.

Nova noticed this and grew nervous. “Uh, what I mean is……this is very nice rarity, thank you.”

“Oh your quite welcome dear.” Rarity then turned her gaze on Spike and Starburst. “And I have dandy little outfits for the dashing young gents.” Starburst and Spike both gained worried looks. Rarity then began her work. Afterwards, once she was finished, Spike was now wearing a blue suit with a blond wig and buckles on his legs, while Starburst was wearing a sailor looking outfit complete with hat. “There we go, now all you need is a hat.” Rarity said to Spike as she placed a blue hat on him.

Spike looked himself over and was not pleased. “Gah, look, I don’t want anything to do with this girly galla gunk.” Spike removed the outfit. “See you back at the house Twilight.” Spike then ran off.

“Ewe.” Starburst commented as he looked himself over. 

Nova couldn’t help but laugh. “Ha ha, nice.”

Starburst glared at his brother. “It is not, I look ridiculous.” Starburst then started taking it off.

“Awwe, but you look so cute in it.” Nova teased.

“Oh, who needs him.” Rarity said, referring to Spike. “This is all about you two.” Rarity said as she moved a mirror in front of them to admire themselves. “And how fabulous you’ll look at the grand galloping galla.” 

Nova then made a realization. “Wait, what?”

Twilight followed. “The grand…” But before she could finish her though, Rarity interrupted. 

“*Gasp* and oh my goodness, what a coincidence, I just happen to have an enseble that matches Twilight’s to a tea. We’ll be the belles of the ball you two and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention, all eyes would be on us.” This thought made Nova freeze up at that thought. “And everyone will finally know that the most glamorous, most talented, most sophisticated pony in Ponyville is Rarity the unicorn.” Twilight was now glaring at Rarity. Rarity noticed this and gave a sheepish laugh. “eh he heh, and Twilight and Nova of course.”

Nova managed to regain his composure as Twilight spoke. “I know what this is, your just trying to butter us up so we’ll give you the extra ticket. Well your just going to have to wait for our decision like everyone else.” Twilight then removed the saddle Rarity gave her. Nova removed the suit. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch.” She said as she reached the door with Nova and Starburst behind her.

“Did some pony say lunch?” Came Applejackes voice. She suddenly grabbed Nova and Twilight and dragged them outside in front of a large cart full of treats.

“Oh my stars.” Nova said as he looked at the cart.

“You’ve got to be kigging me!” Twilight shared in the surprise.

Applejack started listing off all the sweets in the cart. “I’ve got apple pie, apple crisp, apple dumblings, caramel apples, apple tarts, apple dumplings, aaaaaand……apple brown betty. The desert, not my auntie. What do ya say there, best friends?” Applejack finished as she held a plate with an apple sweet on it on her head in front of Twilight and Nova. 
Twilight was about to refuse, but her stomach growled.  As did Nova’s. “Is that a yes?”

Twilight was getting fed up with this, as was Nova. “NO, NO! I don’t know who I’m giving the ticket to, and all these extra favors aren’t making it any easier, in fact, I’m even less sure than I was this morning, UGGHH!” Twilight then ran off.

“You girls aren’t exactly being good friends with this!” Nova called as he and Starburst ran after Twilight. “great galaxies, that cart reminded me how hungry I was.” He said to himself.

“So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack said, really to herself.

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating.” Twilight commented.

“Tell me about it, this is ridiculous.” Nova said.

“Yeah, they aren’t being very good friends, they seem to just be acting greedy to me.” Starburst commented.

“Look Twilight, I think I know how to solve this problem.” Nova said as Twilight opened the door with her magic. But, again, before Nova could share his idea, a light humming was heard coming from inside. The three walked in and saw animals and Fluttershy going around the library cleaning everything.

“For the love of the cosmos.” Nova said, but tried to keep it low.

“Fluttershy, not you too.” Twilight whined.

Fluttershy then saw the three. “Oh, hello Twilight, Nova, Starburst. I hope you don’t mind Twilight, but me and my animal friends are doing a little spring cleaning for you.”

“It’s summer.” Twilight deadpanned.

“Oh, well, better late then never right? It was Angel’s idea.” Flutershy then looked over to angel who was tossing  a salad and gave a happy wave hello.

“You aren’t doing this for the ticket, are you?” Nova asked.

“Of course she is, why else would she?” Starburst commented.

“Oh no, I’m doing this because your my very best friend. Right angel?” Fluttershy asked. Angel just gave her a glare. “Oh, yes, we are just doing it for the ticket.”

“At least she’s being honest about it.” Nova commented.

Angel then ran up to Twilight and Nova with the salad and presented it to them with a smile. Nova and Twilight’s stomach rumbled. “NO NO NO!” Twilight cried.

“Fluttershy, you aren’t exactly making things any easier for us with this…….FAVOR. We would appreciate it if you would just leave now.” Nova said, he then went to the door for Twilight and opened it to let Fluttershy out. Once he did, a call rang out.

“SURPRISE!” Pinkie grabbed Nova and Twilight and a group of ponies started tossing them up in the air while Pinkie sang. “Twilight and Nova are my bestest friends whoopee, whoopee.”

“Pinkie.” Twilight said.

Pinkie continued. “The cutest smartest bestest ponies, ponies.”

“Pinkie.” Nova said this time. Both still being tossed up by ponies.

Pinkie continued. “I bet if I throw a super fun party, party.”

“Pinkie.” Twilight said again.


“Then they’ll give the extra ticket to the galla to meeeeee.” 

“PINKIE!” Nova and Twilight shouted together. This got every ponies attention as they stopped tossing the two and they fell to the ground.

“Nova!” Starburst called out as he rushed over to his brother in worry. “Nova, are you okay?”

Nova stood up and helped Twilight up as well. “I’m fine Starburst, you okay Twilight?”

“I’m fine, but this is getting ridiculous.” Twilight answered.

Pinkie then spoke up. “You wanted something Twilight, Nova?” She said with a smile.

“At least the other ponies TRIED to be subtle about the ticket.” Twilight said, very annoyed.”

“Wait, what ticket, what galla?” one of the ponies from the crowd asked.

Pinkie answered. “Oh, didn’t you hear, Twilight has an extra ticket to the grand galloping galla.”

“PINKIE!” Nova scolded. Too late now, the damage has been done.

“THE GRAND GALLOPING GALLA!” The crowd cheered out.

“Did I ever tell you how much I love your mane.” One pony said.

“I’ll wash your dishes.” Another said. Spike then came out and the four started to trot away but was stopped by another pony.

“Do you need any help with your gardening.”

“I have a cart full of extra carrots.”

“Nova.” Starburst said worriedly as he backed up to his brother.

“What are we gonna do.” Spike asked.

“One thought comes to mind.” Nova said as he scooped up Starburst and placed him on his back.

“And that would be?” Twilight asked.

“RUUUUUN!” Nova shouted, and they took off with the crowd of ponies hot on their tail.

Twilight, Nova, Starburst, and Spike ran through town, doing everything they could to lose the ponies chasing them. They tried disguising themselves in a window at shop, then a couple with a carriage, while Spike and Starburst rode in it dressed like babies. They even tried hanging from under a bridge. Eventually, the crowd had them cornered. “Nova, what are we gonna do?” Starburst asked with fear.

Nova did the only thing he could think of at the time. He focused his magic in his disguised horn and the four disappeared in a yellow flash. They all reappeared in Twilight’s library. “Warn me next time you’re gonna do that.” Spike said as he wobbled.

“Sorry Spike, but we had to get out of there.” Nova informed.

“Quick, lock the doors and turn off the lights.” Twilight said. Twilight and Spike began rushing through the house to do so.

“Nova, your antennae.” Starburst said worriedly.

Nova looked and saw his antennae were no longer disguised. In a panic, he quickly tried to hide them with his foreleg. Thankfully, Twilight and Spike didn’t notice. Once they went  upstairs, Nova lowered his foreleg and managed to disguise his antennae as a horn again. “That was close, guess I need to be more careful with my magic while disguised.”

“AAAAAHHHH!” Twilight screamed from upstairs.

“TWILIGHT!” Nova called out. The brothers then rushed up to Twilight’s room and saw her cringing on the floor with the other five ponies looking at her.

“I can’t decide, I just can’t decide, I know it’s important to all of you, and your all my friends, but I don’t want to disappoint you, but doing me favors and giving me gifts won’t make a difference.  I can’t decide, I just can’t.” Twilight dropped to the ground and covered her head with her hooves.

Applejack walked up to her and put a hoof on her head. “Twilight, sugar, I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on you. And if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad, I promise.”

Twilight looked up at Applejack with a smile. Fluttershy then fluttered over. “Me too, I feel aweful that I made you feel so aweful.”

“And me too, it’s no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie said.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to force you like I did.” Said Rarity.

“YES, that means the ticket is mine.” Rainbow cheered. “I got the ticket, I got the ticket.” The other ponies then glared at her. “Uh, you know what, I haven’t perfected my moves for the wonderbolts yet, I don’t need that ticket anyway.” 

“We were all so gung ho about going to the galla, we didn’t see how un-gung ho we were making you.” Applejack said.

“What about you Nova, don’t you want to go?” Pinkie asked.

“Like I said, I’m not sure I want to go, besides, I can’t leave my little brother on his own.” Nova stated.

“Hey, I can take care of myself, I’m a big……..pony……now after all.” Starburst said.

“Not yet you’re not, you still got a ways to go. Now Twilight, as I was TRYING to say before, I think I have a solution to this problem of yours.”

“Really, what?” Twilight asked.

“If this…..I mean, if princess Celestia is as nice as you say she is, then why not just ask her for more tickets so you can take all your friends?”

Twilight thought for a moment, then smiled big. “NOVA, you’re a genious. Spike, take a letter please.” Spike then rushed to her side with a quill and parchment in claw. “Dear princess Celestia, I learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but if there isn’t enough blessing to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel aweful, which is why I must ask that you send six more tickets so I can take all my friends. If you are unable to, I will understand and I will send back the two you sent me. Sincerely, your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike then rolled it up and sent the scroll on its way. “That is a great idea, good thinking Nova.” Pinkie complimented.

“Wait, six extra tickets?” Nova asked. 

“Of course.” Twilight answered.

“Hold on, but that means…”

Before Nova could finish his thought, Spike burped out a scroll. “That was fast.” Twilight commented. 

Spike picked it up and read it out loud. “Dear Twilight Sparkle, why didn’t you say so in the first place." Then six tickets emerged. Spike held them out and announced. “Six extra tickets.

“That means we can all go.” Fluttershy declared.

“Hold on, that means eight tickets, that’s six for each of you, one for Spike, but who is the eighth ticket for?” Nova asked confused.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Rarity said with a smile.

“It’s for you silly.” Pinkie cheered.

“But I can’t go, I have a little brother to take care of.”

“Well shoot, you could leave him with my big brother, Big Macintosh on the night of the galla, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind watchin Starburst fer ya.” Applejack informed.

Nova wasn’t sure about this. “I don’t know, I don’t even know your brother.”

“Oh come on Nova, if he’s Applejack’s big brother, how bad can he be?” Starburst said with a smile.

“Please say you’ll come, you’re the whole reason we all get to go.” Fluttershy said.

“Come on Nova, you deserve it.” Rainbow said.

Twilight then chimed in. “Please Nova, it won’t be any fun without you.”

“Well…….I…..uh…..*Sigh* you’re not gonna let me say no, are you?” He asked the girls, they all just smiled at him. “Fine, I’ll go with you to this…grand galloping galla. But I want all of you close by, I’m not exactly comfortable in a large crowd. Also, I want to meet this big brother of yours Applejack, I want to know who I’ll be trusting my little brother with.”

“You got a deal partner. Big Mac may be a large fella, but he’s a real softy.” 

Twilight and Nova’s stomach then rumbled. “Heh heh.” Twilight gave a sheepish laugh.

“Allow us to treat you to dinner.” Rarity said. The group then made their way out of the library to a place to eat.

*****


Nova and Starburst walked into their ship. Once safely inside, they dropped their disguises and had their true forms visible. “Boy, what a day, huh big brother?” Starburst asked.

“I’ll say, that was weird, I can’t believe how excited those ponies were to go to this galla.”

“Maybe it won’t be as bad as you thought?”

“I’m still wary about leaving you with this….Big Macintosh.”	 

“Don’t worry Nova, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Sure isn’t good enough, what if something happens that causes you to lose your disguise.”

“Nova, your worrying too much, this place is great, we’ve already made some friends here. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Oh I don’t know, how about this princess finding out what we are and having us imprisoned or something for invading her land. Or forcing us to leave and having to find a new planet to call home, who KNOWS how long that would take, we searched for years in space just to find a planet we could live on, and we come across this one. We have to be careful Starburst, I want you to have a good life here.”

“Ok, I’ll be careful.” Starburst said somberly.

Nova smiled at his little brother and took him in a hug. “Hey, come on, we can make this work, I know it sounds hard, and it is, but if we want to make a life for ourselves, we have to be careful, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, right?” He then proceeded to tickle Starburst in the gut, causing him to laugh.

“Hey, hah hah, quit it….that…that tickles….ha ha.”

“Come on Starburst, let’s get some sleep, we got another day tomorrow.”

“Ok.” The two then went to their room, climbed in to bed, and lay their heads on their pillows. “Nova?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I’ll find my special skill and earn my skill sign like you here?”

Nova smiled at Starburst. “I know you will, you just have to try, being stuck in a ship for years isn’t exactly the best place to try and find your special skill. You’re sure to find it here and earn your skill sign.”

Starburst smiled. “Ok, good night big brother.”

“Good night little brother.” They closed their eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

> The Stubborn Apple Farmer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Stubborn Apple Farmer


Nova arose first and greeted his little brother. “*YAWN* Good morning Starburst, sleep well?”

“*Yawn* Yep, not a bad night’s sleep.”

“That’s good, you ready to start a new day of our new lives here?”

Starburst got out from under his covers and started jumping on his bed. “You bet Nova, come on, let’s go.”

“Morning meal first, remember? Gotta get something to eat.” The two left the room and went over to the table for breakfast. “Gropple stalks.” The panel lit up and long stalks of grey looking leafy objects appeared. 

“Gropple stalks, awe.” Starburst complained. “Why can’t we have snorbler fruit again?”

“Come on Starburst, you need your nutrients. Snorbler fruit is nice, but it doesn’t have the important nutrients your body needs.”

“Ok.” Starburst then unhappily ate up. “It doesn’t taste very good though.” 

“I know, but it’s good for you.” They finished up their breakfast, dawned their pony disguises, and headed out for the day. 

“So where are we going today Nova?” Starburst asked happily, eager to look around more.

“I figure we’d stop by Rarity’s place, I want to discuss this arrangement I made with her more.”  

“But that’s boring, can’t we do anything fun, like maybe explore the place more, or see what there is to do around here, I saw a place that looks like it had some colorful edible things. I know, what about we go to Sugarcube Corner, we never really got to check it out before, and some of the things there looked good.”

Nova smiled at Starburst. “Starburst, you just ate, you can’t be hungry again.”

“I’m not, I just want something to get rid of the taste of those grapple stalks. PLEASE Nova?”

“Fine, we’ll….” Nova was interrupted when the ground began to shake. “What the galaxies?”

“Nova, what’s going on, why is everything shaking?” Starburst asked, getting scared.

“STAMPEDE!” Rainbow’s voice cried out.

“Stampede, what’s that?” Starburst asked. 

“I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s anything good, come on, let’s find one of our friends.” The  two headed in the direction of where Rainbow’s voice came from. 

“HeEeEyYyY, ThIiSssSs MmMaKkKeEeSsS MmYy VvoOIiiIcCeE SoUnNdDd SiLlLyYyY.” Pinkie said as she was bounced by the shaking. 

Twilight saw this. “Pinkie, are you crazy, RUN!”

Mayor Mare was trying to get everypony to calm down. “Every pony, please remain calm!”

Rarity then came up to the mayor and spoke rather dramatically. “But Mayor Mare, whatever shall we do.”

Nova and Starburst ran up to Twilight. “Twilight, what’s going on, why is everything shaking?”

“Nova, Starburst, we have to take cover, there’s a herd of cows heading right for town!” Twilight informed.

“LOOK THERE!” Rainbow cried again. The ponies, Mayor Mare, and the two aliens looked out from the edge of town and saw the herd of cattle with Applejack and a little dog running up next to them.

Applejack was attempting to get the cows to turn away from the town. “Come on you little doggies, TURN! Put em up Winona!” Winona, on the other side of the herd, gave a bark back as she jumped up on one of the cows back. Applejack did the same. She started twirling a lasso overhead and tossed it. She managed to get it around the neck of the lead cow, jumped back down, and started pulling on it, this got the lead cow to turn and the others followed.

The cows slowed down to a stop and Applejack got in front of them. “Now what in tarnation was THAT all about?” 

“MOO, oh, ahem hm, beggin your pardin Applejack, but MOOriella here, saw one of those nasty snakes.” The lead cow said, which got the other cows chattering, but quickly stopped. "And well it just gave us all the willies dontcha know."

“I completely understand, but next time, try ta steer clear of Ponyville.”

“You betcha Applejack, so long winona.” Winona barked back as the cows walked away.

Applejack ran up to a hill and reared up. “YEEHAW!” She then galloped off back to her farm.

“Yeehaw, ride em’ cow pony.” Pinkie cheered. 

Mayor Mare spoke up. “Applejack saved our town. She was just….just.” 

Pinkie interrupted. “Appletastic.”

“That was galactic. She just jumped on that cow and tossed that rope right around another’s neck.” Starburst cheered. “Come you cow, move it.” He mocked as he hopped up on Nova’s back. “YAAAAHEY! Did I say that right?”

Nova chuckled. “Easy there Starburst.”

“But Applejack was amazing, I wanna learn to do that.” 

“I’ll say she was.” Pinkie agreed as she picked up Starburst in her forelegs. She then tossed him up playfully and caught him. 

“Heh heh, whee!” Starburst cheered.

She then set Starburst down.

The mayor started again. “We simply must do something to thank her for single hoofedly saving the town.”

“I know what we can do.” Pinkie cheered.

“What?” Starburst asked.

“THROW A PARTY!”

Starburst smiled big. “OH BOY, I liked that party you threw for me and Nova to welcome us.”

“I’m glad you liked it, now you get to enjoy another one, this is going to be for Applejack and to thank her for her help.”

Nova came up to Pinkie with a smile. “We’ll be sure to be there too.” He then turned to locate Rarity. “Rarity, I wanted to talk to you about something if you don’t mind.”

Later that evening:

Nova and Starburst came back to the ship after the sun had set. Before entering, Nova stopped in his tracks after he took a look at the sky. Starburst didn’t notice and already went in. “Whoa, Starburst, come her, take a look.”

Starburst came back out. “What is it Nova?”

“Come here, take a look at the sky.”

Nova was sitting on his haunches, Starburst came up next to his brother and they both gazed up at the night sky. “Wow, look at that.” Starburst commented. It was a mostly clear night with a few clouds lazily drifting along. The moon was out and full.

“It’s a lot different looking at them from this point of view then being among them huh?” Nova asked his brother.

“It sure is, It actually looks pretty, and that big white thing is a moon right?”

“Yes Starburst, that’s a moon.” Nova’s voice dropped a little. “It sure is pretty isn’t it?”

“And you said that one of the rulers of this place can manipulate them?”

“Yes, but I find that hard to believe, stars are just massive balls of burning gasses light years away. It still looks nice though. Almost reminds me of home.” He said with a smile as a single tear ran down his face.

Starburst saw this and looked up to Nova with a frown. “Nova, are you ok?”

“Huh?” Nova looked down at his brother and wiped his face with a foreleg. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a little home sick I guess.”

“Brother, why won’t you tell me what happened to our home, don’t I deserve to know too, I know I was too young to remember, but I do sometimes get these flashes in my dreams of others like us screaming and running around, what happened?”

Nova picked Starburst up in a hug. “I’m sorry Starburst, I promise I’ll tell you one day, it’s just too painful right now, and I’m sorry you’ve been having nightmares, I wish there was something I could do.”

“Don’t worry Nova, it’s not too bad, I don’t have those dreams very often.”

Nova looked down at his little brother. “As long as we have each other though, that’s all that matters, right?” He asked with a smile. 

“That’s right, we just need each other……of course, having friends doesn’t hurt either, right?”

Nova’s smile grew a little. “Hm hm, right Starburst.” The two hugged again. “Now come on, let’s get inside and have night meal, then off to bed.”

“Ok, can we look at the stars some more like this again sometime?”

“Of course Starburst.” The two then headed inside for the night.

A week later:

Every pony had the party just about ready to go. Nova and starburst had been helping out as well. They were near town hall with Rarity as she set a red ribbon on a tree. Twilight came up to them. “Is everything ready?”

Rarity answered. “Just about, Nova, do be a dear and hang up that banner, would you?”

“Sure thing Rarity.” Nova focused his magic and levitated a large yellow banner with an apple on it. He hung it right on town hall. “There we go, how’s that?”

“Perfect, now we’re ready.”

“Is Applejack ready?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow answered as she flew up. “Actually, I haven’t seen her all week.”

Pinkie then trotted up. “Not since the stampede.”

Nova answered as well. “I haven’t seen her either, I wonder where she is.”

“She’ll be here for sure, Applejack is never late.” Rainbow said as she waved a hoof.

A large crowed of ponies had gathered in front of town hall, Nova and Starburst were at the front of the crowd with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Twilight walked onto the stage up to a podium, levitated a stack of cards and tapped them against the podium to straighten them out. She then began her speech. “Welcome every pony, today, we are here to honor a pony who is always willing to help with matters great and small.” She moved the top card to the bottom, levitated the next card up and continued. “A ponies contributions to…” 

Rainbow Dash suddenly flew up to the stage, knocked Twilight’s cards out of her grasp and started speaking. “Did you see Applejack’s slick moves out there? What an athlete, this week she’s gonna be helping me perfect a new trick I’ve been working on, and I know that it’s going to be SO AWSOME!” She said as she squished her cheeks together and squealed. 

“EXACTLY…” Twilight said as she pushed Rainbow away. “And..”

This time, Pinkie suddenly popped up in front of Twilight. “This week, I get to run Sugarcube corner for the first time.” 

Twilight looked at Pinkie over her shoulder. “What does that have to do with Applejack?”

Pinkie paused for a moment. “Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me. And everything Applejack makes is great, so free samples for everypony!” Pinkie cheered, the crowed followed in her enthusiasm.

Starburst liked the sound of this. “Oh boy, free samples, can we get some too……wait, samples of what?” He asked confused. Nova just chuckled.

Twilight then just pushed Pinkie off the podium. “Ok that’s great, now if I could just get through my speech without being inter….”

“Uhm, Twilight?” Fluttershy came shyly up to her.

“Rupted.”

“Twilight, I’m sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack is helping me this week with the annual bunny census where we count up all the new baby bunnys that have been born this season, she’s going to help me gather them with her amazing herding skills.” Fluttershy then looked to Twilight who was very unhappy.

“Anyone else….anyone?” Fluttershy slunk away. No pony said anything after that. “Well then, as I was trying to say……..” Twilight then noticed the mayor standing next to her with a big smile. “UUUGGHHH, never mind!” Twilight just tossed her cards up in the air and walked off.

“Poor Twilight, that wasn’t very nice of them to keep interrupting her like that.” Nova said.

The mayor then took the podium. “And now, without further ado, it is my great honor to present the prized pony of Ponyville award to our guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity, Ponyville’s own….APPLEJACK!”

The ponies all looked to where Applejack was supposed to be standing but she wasn’t there. An awkward silence filled the air. “Awkward.” Spike commented.

“I’m here, I’m here!” Applejack cried as she made her way through the crowd with baskets of apples on her back. “Sorry I’m late…WHOA…did I get your tail.” She made her way up to the stage and was looking very tired. She came up to the podium. “Miss Mayor, thank ya kindly fer this here award thingy. *Yawn* It’s so bright and shiny.” She commented as she looked at the big gold trophy.

“Is she all right, she doesn’t look so good.” Starburst observed.

Nova agreed. “I know, it looks like she hasn’t gotten any sleep in a long time.”

Applejack was looking at her reflection in the trophy. “He he, I sure do look funny. Woo Woo.” She started moving her head back and forth. “Woo Woo.”

Pinkie then joined in. “Woo Woo.” 

Twilight came up to the two. “Ok, well thank you Applejack for saving us all from that scary stampede and being a good friend to every pony.”

“*YAWN* I do like helpin the pony folk and all. *YAWN*” She then fell asleep standing up for a few seconds, she quickly woke back up and shook her head. “Uh yeah, thanks.” She then grabbed hold of the trophy with her teeth and started dragging it away.

Twilight made an observation. “Is it just me or did Applejack seem..”

Rainbow cut in. “Tired.”

Fluttershy. “Dizzy.”

Rarity. “Messy.” The others just looked at her. “Well, did you see her mane?”

Pinkie then hopped on the stage next to Twilight. “She seemed fine to me. WOO WOO!”

Nova spoke up. “Not to me, there was something definitely wrong with her.”

Twilight agreed. “I have to agree, I’m going to go talk to her and see what’s going on.”

“I’ll come with you, I want to know too. Come on Starburst.” 

“You got it brother.”

“Thanks Nova, Starburst.” Twilight said with a smile, the three then headed off to Applejack’s farm.

They arrived at the farm and found Applejack bucking trees, she was looking very exhausted. She tried to buck a tree but missed. She tried again and ended up knocking over a bucket of apples. “Whoops.”

Twilight called out. “Hey Applejack!” She didn’t seem to hear.

Nova called out. “Applejack!” She still didn’t hear, she started walking away but then fell asleep again standing up.

Starburst then tried. “APPLEJACK, OVERHERE!” Still no response. 

Twilight then focused her magic and teleported in front of her. “APPLEJACK!” Twilight called out louder. Nova and Starburst trotted over. 

Applejack woke up, shook her head and saw Twilight in front of her. She greeted with a smile. “Howdy Twilight. Howdy Nova, Starburst.” 

Nova started. “Applejack what is going on? Why are there more buckets around her than the last time we were here?”

“It’s apple bucking season.”

“Apple what now?” Starburst asked. 

Applejack bucked another tree. “It’s what the apple family calls harvestin time. It’s when we gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell em.” 

Twilight teleported in front of Applejack again. “But why are you doing it all alone?”

“Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself.” She explained as she started walking around again. Nova and Starburst just walked and followed.

“Is he going to be all right?” Nova asked. 

“He’ll be fine, he just needs time ta heal.”

“So you’re doing all this by yourself?” Starburst asked.

“Yep.” 

Twilight teleported again. “But what about all those relatives I met when I first came to Ponyville, can’t they help?”

“They were just here for the apple family reunion, they actually live all over Equestria, and are busy harvestin their own orchards. So I’m on my own.” Applejack just kept walking as she explained while Twilight kept teleporting to keep up. 

Nova heard enough, he galloped and got in front of Applejack. “Hold on there, let me get this straight, you really expect to take care of this job all on your own?”

“Well, Yeah.”

“Applejack, this is too much for one pony to handle.”

Applejack glared at Nova. “Is that a challenge?”

“What NO, I’m simply stating a fact.”

“Yeah, well I’m gonna prove to ya that I CAN do this. I’m gonna get every last one of these apples out of the trees by the end of apple bucking season all by myself.”

Starburst came trotting up to Applejack. “But Applejack ,there’s a lot of trees, how are you going to do it all?”

“I just will, that’s all.”

“Do you……..want some help?” Twilight asked.

“Help, no way no how, I can do this just fine on my own, now if you’ll excuse me, I got apples to buck.” 

Nova raised an eyebrow. “All right, but if you change your mind, I’m more than happy to help. Come on Starburst, let’s go.” Twilight followed as well.

Starburst looked at Applejack worriedly before leaving with Nova. 

The next day:

Nova and Starburst were in their ship, it was around ten in the morning, the two brothers didn’t have their disguises on. Nova was busy working with some gems Rarity gave him to work with for a client. “Nova, can we go do something today, I’m bored.” Starburst complained.

“I’m sorry Starburst, but I have work to do, Rarity got me a client and I have to focus on making the gem she asked for just right. This is my first real job and I can’t mess it up. Why don’t you play in the holo deck?” 

“It’s on the fritz again. It won’t load the games I want.”

Nova looked from his work station. He had another table set up on the other side of the room. “Again, by the galaxies, this ship has seen better cycles. It’s getting more difficult just to keep it running. I’ll have to take a look at it later.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do in the meantime?”

Nova thought for a moment. “Well, I suppose I could use a break, come on, let’s go into town and get a snack.” 

Starburst gave a big smile. “YAY!”

The two dawned their pony cover and headed out. “Now where shall we go?” Nova wondered. As they drew closer to the bridge into town, they saw a rainbow streak heading right for the library and for the balcony. They heard a cry.

“WHOOOOOOOOAAAAA!” *CRASH*. The two quickly rushed over to see if anyone was hurt.

“Twilight, are you ok?” Nova asked.

Twilight’s head popped out from over the balcony. “I’m fine, but Rainbow Dash here just crashed into my balcony after Applejack launched her.”

“Why would Applejack do that?” Starburst asked. 

Rainbow had managed to straighten herself out and flew down to ground level. “She was supposed to be helping me with a trick but it didn’t go so well.”

“I see.” Nova mused. “Are you ok Rainbow Dash?”

“I’ll be fine, but I think some pony else needs help.”

Twilight teleported down to ground level. “Nova, would you mind coming with me, I think between the two of us, we can talk some sense into her.” Twilight asked.

“If you think I could be of any help, sure. You ok with this Starburst?”

“As long as it’s something to do, sure.”

The three made their way to Applejack’s again and found her still bucking apples. She had leaned down to pick one up, but bumped her head on a low branch.  Twilight, Nova and Starburst walked up to her, Twilight started. “Applejack, can we talk?”

Applejack shook her ear with a hoof. “Can bees squawk, I don’t think so!”

Twilight tried again. “No, can we talk?”

“Twenty stalks, bean or celery?!”

Nova put a hoof to his face, closed his eyes and shook his head. “For the love of the cosmos.” He said quietly. “NO, WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU!” He shouted.

“Ya need ta walk to the zoo, well who’s stopping ya?!”

“Why is she shouting?” Starburst asked. 

Nova tried again. “WE….NEED…TO…..TALK….TO…YOU!”

“Oh, well why didn’t ya say so, whatcha want ta talk about?!”

Twilight began. “Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today!”

“Well that was quite neighborly of her!”

“Yes, except she crashed into my balcony after YOU launched her into the air!”

Applejack then talked normally. “Oh, yeah, I wasn’t feelin quite myself this morning.”

Nova spoke with sympathy. “Because you’re working yourself too hard Applejack, you need help.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow at him. “Kelp, I don’t need kelp, I don’t even like seaweed.”

Even Starburst was getting frustrated. “HE SAID YOU NEED HELP!”

“Nothin doin fellas, I’m gonna prove ta you, ta every pony, that I can do this on my own.” She then started walking away but bumped her head on another branch. “OW, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go help Pinkie Pie.” She then stumbled away.

Twilight commented. “That pony’s as stubborn as a mule.” A mule then sounded off next to her. “No offense.”

The mule just smiled. “None taken.” Nova and Starburst were confused at this but said nothing about it. 

“Ok then, well I don’t know what to do about this, I’m sorry Twilight. Me and Starburst are just gonna head into town and find a place to grab an early lunch.” Nova informed.

Twilight just looked at them with a sad face. “Ok, thanks for trying to help anyway.” The two then left for town.

After their lunch, Nova and Starburst were now heading back to their ship/home. Their route took them past Sugarcube Corner where there was a large group of ponies gathered around. The two grew curious about this so they stopped and Nova asked a pony from the crowd. “Excuse me, what’s going on?”

A pony with yellow crossed eyes answered. “SugarCube corner is giving away free muffin samples.”

Starburst lit up at this. “OOH OOH, can we get one big brother, PLEASE?”

Nova looked down at Starburst. “We just had lunch, you can’t be hungry again.”

“I’m not, but I would like to try this muffin thing. Please Nova.”

“*SIGH* fine, we’ll get you a muffin. I swear, you got an appetite bigger than a raging snarg beast.”

“YAY, thanks Nova.”  So the two waited in line to get a muffin. 

Once they got to the front of the line, they saw it was Pinkie and Applejack handing them out. Nova seemed to grow concerned about this. “Applejack, did you make these?”

“Sure did, go ahead, help yerself.”

Nova was hesitant. “I don’t know, did you follow the directions to make these?”

“Well course I did.” She answered with annoyance. “I’m one of Ponyville’s best bakers after all.”

Pinkie chimed in. “Don’t worry, their delicious, go ahead and have one.” 

“Think I’ll pass, I’m only here cause Starburst wanted to try one.” Nova then levitated a muffin off the counter and lowered it to Starburst. “Here ya go Starburst, hope you like it.”

“Aren’t you gonna try one?” Starburst asked. 

“Maybe some other time.”

Starburst took hold of it with his own magic and began to eat as they left. 

Later that afternoon, Nova was busy again making the personalized gem Rarity asked for for a customer. Starburst came up to him with a groan. “Ooohhh, Nova, I don’t feel so good.”

Nova stopped his work and looked to his brother. “What’s wrong Starburst?”

“My stomach hurts, I don’t know why.”

“Starburst?” Starburst then lost his balance and fell on his belly. “STARBURST!” Nova said in a panic, he rushed over to Starburst and held him. “Starburst, are you okay, where does it hurt?”

“OOoooohhh, I….I can’t move.”

“Hold on Starburst, I’ll get you to bed.” Nova carefully rushed Starburst to bed and gently placed him down. “Just hang in there little brother, I’ll make you better.”

“Oooohhh, please hurry, I don’t like this, my stomach.” Starburst whined.

Nova put a hoof to Starburst’s forehead. “Sweet supernovas, your burning up, just hold on, I’ll get a cooling band.” Nova quickly rushed over to the main room of the ship, he went to the side of his work table to the wall, he placed his hoof on a panel and the wall opened sideways. “Come on, where is it, AHA, there you are.” Nova picked up a silver metal band from off a shelf that was a half circle. He rushed back into the room and placed it on Starburst’s head. He used his magic on the device and a blue light was seen coming from the sides of the device on Starburst’s head. “Any better Starburst?”

“A little, but my stomach still hurts.”

“Ok, just hang on. I’ll be back.” Nova went back out to the closet in the main room. “Let’s see, scanner, scanner, there it is.” He picked up a square flat metal device with a screen and buttons on it. He went back to the room, used his magic to manipulate it, turned it on and began using it to scan Starburst. Nova levitated the device in front of him, the screen depicted Starburst’s body as a graph, two intersecting lines went across the graph of Starburst and came to a stop where his stomach was. 

The screen displayed ‘Hazardous materials detected’ in red letters. “Sweet black holes this is bad.” Nova said a little louder than he meant to.

“Nova, what is it, am I gonna die?”

“Of course not Starburst, the scan shows you just ingested something that wasn’t food or something. You should be fine soon, just stay here and rest, you’ll be fine.”

“I think it was that muffin I ate.” 

“I think so too, does your magic still work?”

“No, I’m in too much pain to focus.”

“I’m so sorry Starburst, you just take it easy and rest, I’ll be right here if you need anything, ok?”

“Ok.”

Nova walked out of the room to let his brother rest. He furrowed his brow. “Applejack, this is her fault, making my brother sick, I can’t believe how irresponsible a pony could be. I’m going to have a few choice words for her when I see her.”  

The next day:

The next day came and Nova was almost done with the order he was given. Starburst came out. “Nova?”

Nova dropped his work and looked to his brother. “Hey Starburst, you feeling any better?”

Starburst gave a light nod. “A little bit, at least well enough to walk around.”

Nova smiled. “That’s good, why don’t we head out, I’m sure some fresh air will help, can you put up your disguise?”

“No, I still don’t feel well enough to use my magic.”

“All right, I can put it on for you.” Starburst walked up to Nova, Nova used his magic and put up his brother’s pony disguise. Then he did the same for himself. “There we go, now come on, let’s head out for a while, there’s a certain pony I want to talk to.” Nova picked up Starburst gently with his magic and placed him on his back. The two then headed out.

After a bit of a walk through Ponyville, they got close to the other side of town when the ground started shaking. “Nova?” Starburst asked weakly from Nova’s back. 

“What now?” 

“STAMPEDE!” Came Rainbow’s cry.

“Again, really?” Nova asked, annoyed. He looked out and saw a whole mess of bunnies heading into town. Nova quickly hid in an alley way to get out of the way of the bunnies and watched them run past. Once clear, Nova stepped out and saw them just eating all the plants in sight. 

He saw Fluttershy going about trying to control them and not getting anywhere. “Oh, please stop now, ooh, that’s not, oh my, please….stop, come now..oh….let’s go home.” 

Nova saw Twilight walking away with a scowl on her face. Nova quickly caught up with her. “Twilight!”

“Hello Nova.” She greeted as nicely as she could with the mood she was in.

“Let me guess, Applejack?”

“Applejack.”

“I got something I need to talk to her about too, so I hope you don’t mind us tagging along.”

“Of course not, but why do you need to talk to her?” Twilight then noticed Starburst on Nova’s back. “Is something wrong With Starburst?”

“He’s not feeling 100% today, he ate a muffin that didn’t agree with him, I figured some fresh air might do him some good.”

“Please don’t mention muffins around me, it makes me sick all over again.” Starburst whined.

Twilight stopped in her tracks and looked at Starburst with sympathy. “Oh my, you poor thing.” She came up to Nova’s side and stroked Starburst’s mane. “Are you going to be all right?”

“Just don’t mention muffins around me please.”

Twilight gave Starburst a smile. “Ok, you just take it easy.”

Starburst gave a weak smile back. “Ok, thanks Twilight.”

Nova smiled too. “Thanks Twilight.”

Twilight gave Nova a confused look. “For what?” 

“For caring.”

She smiled again. “You’re welcome.” They continued on their way to Sweet Apple Acres. “Starburst wasn’t the only one who got sick off those mu……those things Applejack made.” Twilight stopped herself from saying muffins out of consideration for Starburst. “Every single pony that had one got sick.”

“They going to be okay?” Nova asked.

“Like Starburst, they’ll be fine after a while.”

They arrived at the apple orchard to find applejack tiredly kicking an apple tree. Twilight walked up to her to begin scolding. “All right Applejack, your harvesting has not only caused you problems, but they’ve over propelled pegasai , practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushel of brand new bouncing baby bunnies.”

Nova then came in. “Not to mention made my little brother sick, I can’t believe how irresponsible you’ve been acting. Do you have any idea how much I got worried for my brother when he came to me complaining about his stomach hurting, you’re lucky that’s all he got, and those other ponies who ate those muffins you made.” 

“Oooh, please don’t mention muffins.” Starburst whined.

Nova looked at his little brother on his back. “Oh, sorry Starburst.”

“Irresponsible. Now look here….” Applejack started, but Nova cut her off.

“No, YOU look here, you’ve been causing nothing but trouble all because you are being too STUBORN to accept help when you need it, can’t you see that there is just too much work here for you, you need help. After how you’ve been acting, how is any pony supposed to trust you.”

Applejack started looking regretful. “Well I….” Nova cut her off again. 

“You were awarded the prized pony of Ponyville award because ponies here considered you dependable and trustworthy, with how you’ve been acting, I find it VERY hard to believe that’s you.”

Applejack hung her head. “You…..your right, I have been acting a might foolish, I’m real sorry, can you ever forgive me?”

“Only if you let us help you finish harvesting so you can rest and not be killing yourself for the sake of pride.”

“All right Nova, you win, I’m real sorry for everythin, is Starburst gonna be ok?”

“Just don’t mention…..” Nova leaned in to Applejack and whispered in her ear. “Muffins around him.”

“ooohhhh.” Starburst groaned.

Twilight smiled. “So, does this mean your finally ready to accept help?”

Applejack smiled back. “Yep, and I will really appreciate it too.” 

Twilight gathered Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Rainbow Dash to help with the rest of the harvest. Starburst was resting on a hay bale while Nova and the girls worked. Applejack came out pushing a cart with bottles of apple juice on it. She stopped in front of Starburst. “Hey there sugar cube, how you hodin up?”

“I’m feeling much better now, thanks for asking.”

“Listen here darlin, I’m real sorry about what happened with the mu……I mean, them things I helped Pinkie make.”

“It’s ok, everything turned out all right in the end right?”

Applejack smiled. “You betcha.” She then called out to the others. “Why don’t ya’ll take a break, I got some nice refreshments fer ya.” The girls, Spike, and Nova gathered around a table Applejack set the drinks on. Starburst got off and came up to his brother. 

“Hey there Starburst, I’m glad to see you feeling better.” Nova said to him.

“I’m glad to be feeling better.”

Applejack then started a bit of a speech. “I know Ponyville gave me the prized pony award, but the real prize, is havin you six as friends. And I’m sorry it took a caring older brother to make me realize that I was actin a bit stubborn.” She said as she looked over to Nova.

“A BITSTUBBORN!” The group called out.

“Ok, a might stubborn. And I’m sorry for it. Now what do ya’ll say we get a snack.”

“I’ve got the perfect treat.” Spike announced, he held up a tray of muffins with bites in them and a worm sticking out of them. 

Pinkie raised a hoof in disgust. “Ewe Spike, I threw those away. Where did you get them?”

“From the trash.” He happily answered.

“AAAHHHH, MUFFINS!” Starburst cried when he saw them, then ran off. “AAAAAHHHH KEEP THEM AWAY FROM ME!”

“SPIKE!” Nova cried scoldingly. “STARBURST, WAIT, ITS ALL RIGHT!” Nova cried as he chased after his brother.

“Was it something I said?” Spike asked confused.
Later that evening, Twilight wrote a letter to Celestia about a lesson she learned in friendship.

Dear princess celestia,

Applejack is the best friend a pony could ask for, and she’s always there to help anypony. The problem is, when she needs help, she has trouble accepting it. It took my new friend Nova to help Applejack realize that being stubborn is no way to go. While friendship is about giving ourselves to others, it’s also about accepting what our friends have to offer. Nova was a big part in helping Applejack realize her mistake in being stubborn and I am grateful to him. Your fatithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

> Griffon Meets Alien
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Griffon Meets Alien



Another day dawns for the two aliens from space. Nova and Starburst rose from their beds and headed over to the food maker. “So what’s for breakfast this time Nova?” Starburst asked with a smile.

Nova just walked up to the table and spoke to the panel. “Chester nuts and Rubarb fruit.”

“Ooh yummy, I like those.” Starburst said eagerly.

The panel came to life, but not before flickering a bit with a few buzzing noises. “What the cosmos?” Nova looked at it confusedly. Black round looking fruits appeared with stems, they were shaped like Equestria apples. “Grogan berries, that’s not right. What the stars is going on?”

“Nova, what are Grogan berries? I’ve never heard of those?”

“That’s because you didn’t need to, they aren’t edible, they taste bad, are hard to chew, and are very sticky. Looks like the food synthesizer is on the fritz now.”

“So what now?” 

Nova levitated the black food up off the table and went to the side. A thick cylinder came up and a disk on the top swung open. “Into the de-constructor these go.” He said as he dropped them into the tube. “Looks like we’ll have to eat out for breakfast. I’m going to have to try and fix it when we get back. Quasars, and I have a big order from Rarity to take care of too.”

“Nova, do you need any help, maybe I could help fix the thing, or help you with work.”

Nova smiled at his brother. “Thanks for the offer Starburst, but you don’t know how to fix the food synthesizer, and the gem making I do is too difficult for you. Now come on, let’s put on our disguises and head out.” The two brothers then headed into town to get something to eat.

“Ok…..but, can we not get those…..m-u-f-f-i-n-s?” Starburst spelled out, he then shivered. “oooh, I’m still having nightmares about those things.”

Nova chuckled at Starburst, but at the same time felt sorry for him. “Don’t worry Starburst, we’ll get whatever you want.”

An hour and a half later:

Nova and Starburst were now heading back to their ship passing by town hall. The two noticed Pinkie positioning her hooves in front of her face in odd ways and calling out directions to Rainbow Dash as she moved a cloud around overhead. “Over to the left, now just a smidge to the right, now just a little to the leftish while staying rightly.” 

Out of sheer curiosity, the two went over to her to see what was going on. “Um, Pinkie Pie, what is going on?” Nova asked. 

“Oh hey Nova, hi Starburst, you two are just in time to see me and Dash pull a prank.”

“What’s a prank?” Starburst asked.

Pinkie continued. “Just a sec you two. Ok Rainbow Dash, maybe a few inches to the south.” Rainbow was looking very annoyed with Pinkie’s direction giving. “Now a few centimeters North. Maybe a little to the….”

“PINKIE PIE!” Rainbow called out of anger.

“Oh, um, perfect, now wait for my signal. Come on you two, over here.” Pinkie directed the two brothers to stand to the side of a doorway to the building.

“Pinkie Pie, what is going on?” Nova asked.

“Shhhh, you’ll see.” Pinkie shushed him. 

Nova and Starburst took a peek in the window to see Spike gathering scrolls from shelves, he started walking out with a big stack of them in his claws. Once he walked through the door and outside. Pinkie pointed a hoof at Rainbow. She then kicked the cloud with her hind hoof and caused a bolt of lightning to shoot out. 

“YAH!” Spike, Nova and Starburst all cried out. When Spike did, he dropped all his scrolls on the ground.

“Pinkie, what the Ga….I mean, what the hay, what was that for!” Nova asked in anger.

Pinkie didn’t answer. She and Rainbow Dash just got close to Spike and watched. He started hiccupping.
Pinkie fell over laughing. “Ha ha ha, oh Rainbow Dash, we scared Spike into getting the hiccups.”

“N…Nova…wh-what was that?” Starburst asked as he shook. 

“Pinkie!” Nova called out. 

“He ha ha, yes Nova ha ha!”

“What the hay was that for?”

“Oh ha ha, we were just playing a prank on Spike.”

“Good one *hiccup* Pinkie *hiccup* Pie, you’re always *hiccup* pulling a fast one on me.” Spike said. They looked at Spike as he picked up a scroll and hiccupped, green flames shot out of his mouth when he did. It set the scroll ablaze and sent it to Celestia.

Pinkie and Rainbow got worried. “Oh my gosh, are you ok? You’re not hurt are you?” Pinkie asked.

“Na *hiccup a, dragons are fire proof.” 

“Oh….good.” Pinkie said, then Rainbow and Pinkie started laughing again.

Spike managed to gather a large stack of scrolls in his claws. He then hiccupped again and sent the scrolls away. “I just wish the same thing could be said for scrolls.”

Nova started scolding. “Pinkie, that little PRANK of yours scared Starburst.”

“It did?” She stopped laughing and saw Starburst shaking a little as he hid under Nova. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” 

Rainbow then flew down and landed near them. “Yeah, we only meant to scare Spike, is he going to be ok?” She asked with genuine concern.

Nova looked down at his brother. “Starburst, you gonna be ok?”

Starburst came out from under Nova a little and looked up at him. “Yeah, but what was that loud bang?”

Nova explained. “It was just lighting Starburst, pure electricity discharging from a cloud. Whenever that happens, it makes a loud noise like what we just heard.

“Wow, and you can make that happen anytime Rainbow Dash?” Starburst said with interest.

“Well, yeah, all us pegasai can do that, didn’t you know?” Rainbow asked.

Nova answered. “I……never got around to explaining that to him.”

Rainbow then spoke to Pinkie. “I never took you for a prankster Pinkie Pie, we should definitely hang out more.”

“Really, great we can pull all kinds of pranks. Nova, Starburst, you wanna join us?”

Nova answered. “No thanks, I gotta…” 

Pinkie interrupted. “Oh please please please pleeeeeaaaaase, let me make it up to you and Starburst for scaring you, I totally promise it’ll be totally fun.” 

Nova could tell she wasn’t going to let up. Rainbow encouraged as well. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“*Sight* fine, we’ll pull some of these….pranks….with you.”

Pinkie cheered. “YAY!”

“Are we really going to get to have some fun today Nova?” Starburst asked.

“You be Starburst, trust me, you two are gonna have a great time.” Pinkie answered.

After a stop at a joke shop, Pinkie and Rainbow were happily hopping out of the store with baskets full of stuff for pulling pranks, Nova and Starburst were trotting up behind them.

“So how does this work again?” Nova asked. 

Rainbow explained. “Simple, we put sneezing powder in the flowers, we ring the doorbelle, then we hide in the bushes, once Rarity comes out, she’ll sniff the flowers and start sneezing, it’ll be great.”

“Seems kinda mean to me.” Starburst said.

Pinkie smiled at him. “Awe don’t worry, it’s all in good fun, trust us.”

Pinkie placed a bouquet of flowers in front of Rarity’s door and Rainbow Dash put the sneezing powder in it. Pinkie then rang the doorbell and the group went to hide behind a nearby bush.

The top half of the door opened and Rarity stuck her head out. She looked around to see if any pony was there, she then noticed the flowers and smiled. She leaned down and gave them a good sniff. She pulled her head back up and her nose was covered in a pink powder which caused her to start sneezing. 

Pinkie and Rainbow came out from behind the bush laughing while Pinkie held up the can of powder. Nova and Starburst couldn’t help but laugh too. They saw Rarity smile at them as well.  They all took off to pull another prank. “Did you see that Nova, she just smiled when she saw us.” Starburst said.

Nova responded. “I know, I guess this pranking stuff isn’t bad after all.”

The four were now up in Twilight’s tree. “Ok, Nova, this is where you get to get in on the fun.” Pinkie explained. 

“Ok, what do you need me to do?” 

Dash explained. “You’re going to levitate that bottle of ink out to us so we can fill it with this disappearing ink.” She held up a bottle of disappearing ink.

“Well, all right.” Nova focused his magic, levitated an inkwell inside Twilight’s room, floated it through the window and over to them, Pinkie poured the ink into the inkwell and Nova floated it back into position.  

The four waited and Twilight soon entered, she started fiddling with potions and wrote something down with the ink. She turned away to look at the potion, then back to the scroll, only to see what she wrote down was gone. She went back and forth from the potion to the scroll until the potion exploded. The four ponies in the tree just laughed. Nova saw Twilight smirking at them through the window. Starburst just waved at her.

Next, the four found themselves at Sweet Apple Acres. This time, Starburst got in on the prank as well, he was helping his brother and Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash paint the apples on the trees different colors. Once they finished, they just waited for Applejack to come around. She came walking out of the house and saw the apples. She picked up a few of the multi colored fruit and started tossing them at the four ponies laughing at her. 

Nova got worried about this though, but then saw her laughing too after she saw the colors wash off one apple that landed in a barrel full of water.

Later, the four were now at a lake. Rainbow dash was looking through a telescope while Pinkie had a sqeaker in her mouth with a long tube. “This has been a lot of fun actually, I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun before.” Nova commented.

Starburst agreed. “Me neither, this was fun, I especially liked the one we did when we colored all those apples.”

“I told you you’d have fun.” Pinkie said with the squeaker in her mouth. “So who’s over there Rainbow Dash, who we gonna squirt, who we gonna squirt?”

Rainbow Chuckled. “He heh, Fluttershy.” 

“WHAT!” Pinkie, Nova and Starburst all said together. Pinkie spat out the squirter. “No no no no no, we can’t prank her, I mean she’s SOOOOO sensitive, it would hurt her feelings.”

Nova sighed in relief, he knew Fluttershy was sensitive too. Rainbow reluctantly agreed. “Yeah your right.” She pulled her head away from the telescope. The three others saw a black ring around Dash’s eye and started snickering. “We need someone who’s made of tougher stuff.”

Pinkie started. “Oh, heh he, I can think of one pony.”

“Oh yeah, who, do I know them?”

“Oh, he heh, you’re very close.”

Starburst then pointed out. “TCH, Rainbow, you got a little something around your eye there, he he.”

Rainbow then went to look at her reflection in the lake and saw the ring, she too started laughing. “He ha, good one Pinkie Pie.” She held out her hoof for Pinkie to slap, she went for it but Rainbow pulled it away. She did it again with the same result, then the two shared a laugh. “Why don’t you all come by my place tomorrow and we can do this again.”

Pinkie smiled. “Sounds good to me, what about you two?” 

“Can we Nova, please please please.” Starburst asked with saucer sized eyes and a smile.

Nova was helpless before the look. “Starburst, don’t give me that look……..Ugh, all right, all right, we’ll meet up with you two tomorrow to do this again.” 

Pinkie and Starburst cheered. “YAY!” Nova rolled his eyes with a smile.

The next day:

Nova and Starburst met up with Pinkie to go to Rainbow Dash’s house. Upon seeing Pinkie, the two couldn’t contain themselves, she was weaing a pair of green rimmed glasses with black lenses and green swirls on the lenses, a fake arrow on a head band, a big red nose, a fake mustache, and a noise maker in her mouth. She just kept tooting it as they went along. “Pinkie, he he, you look so silly.” Starburst commented.

“That’s the idea silly.” Pinkie said happily. They came upon a large cloud with rainbow waterfalls and columns.

Starburst and Nova were in awe. Starburst was the first to comment. “Wow, Rainbow Dash lives in there? COOL!”
Nova then commented. “Wow, she has quite the place.”

Pinkie called out. “Rise and shine Rainbow Dash, it’s a brand new day and we got a lot of pranking to do.” 
Suddenly, an eagle head popped out and looked down at them with one eye. “Oooh.” Pinkie said. 

“Whoa, what is that?” Starburst asked.

“I have no idea.” Nova answered.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash poked her head out from another part of her house further up. “Mornin Pinks, hey fellas.” She then flew down to ground level with the new creature. She then started introductions. “Gilda, this is my gal pal Pinkie pie, my friend Nova, and his little brother Starburst.” 

At this point, Pinkie’s stuff had fallen off her head.

The creature greeted. “Hey, what’s up?”

Rainbow continued. “Guys, this is my griffon friend Gilda.”

“What’s a griffon?” Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Explained. “She’s half eagle, half lion.”

Gilda then flew up to Dash and got her in a playful headlock. “And all awesome. Rawr.”

“Gilda’s my best friend from my days at Junior Speedsters Flight Camp. HEY, remember the chant?” She asked Gilda.

“Are you kidding, they made us recite that dumb thing every morning, I’ll never get that lame thing out of my head.” 

Rainbow came up to here. “Sooooo.” She raised her eyebrows.

Gilda had a bored expression. “*Sigh* Only for you dash.” She said dryly.

The two then began the chant, Dash with enthusiasm, Gilda with none. “Junior speedsters are our life, sky bound soaring and sky bound dives, Junior speedsters, it’s our quest to someday be the very best.” They finished with raised foreleg and eagle claws.

“Well, that was……interesting.” Nova commented.

“I thought it was pretty stellar.” Starburst commented.

Pinkie just started laughing. “He ha ha ha  he ha ha, that was great, and it gave me a great idea for a prank.” Pinkie slapped her head on the ground and all the silly things she dropped were back on her face. “Gilda, you game?”

“Huh, well I can grove on a good prank as much as the next griffon. But Dash, you promised we’d get in a flying session this morning.” Gilda then flew up into the air.

Rainbow looked to Pinkie and the brothers with a disappointed look. “Yeah, well, uh, Pinkie Pie, guys, you don’t mind do you, Gilda just got here and we got a lot of catching up to do. I’ll catch up with you later ok.” Rainbow Dash then flew off.

“Yeah, ok, sure, later.” Pinkie’s face dropped.

Nova came up to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, we’re still here, what do you say we go do some of that pranking you wanted.”

Pinkie gave a sad smile. “Thanks Nova, but it won’t be the same without Dash.”  Pinkie then walked off.

“Poor Pinkie, she was really looking forward to doing this with Dash.” Starburst commented.

“I know, but there’s something about that griffon I don’t like. I can’t place my hoof on it, but something tells me she may be trouble. I’m going to keep an eye on her whenever we’re around her.

Later that day:

Nova and Starburst were on their way to Rarity’s to drop off another order for her. Nova was wearing his saddle bags. Starburst spoke up. “I hope Pinkie’s feeling better about not being with Dash.”

Nova agreed. “Me too, I hate to see her sad.” The two then heard a bouncing sound. “What is that?” They were traveling down a road in an open area, further down, they saw Pinkie Pie jumping up and down on a trampoline. She was jumping so high, she was poking her head through a cloud that Rainbow Dash and Gilda were sitting on.

“That looks like fun, I want to try.” Starburst then rushed off to Pinkie.

“Starburst, wait up!” Nova called as he ran after him.

As soon as the two reached Pinkie, they saw Gilda and Dash fly off. “Hey.” They heard Pinkie say. Pinkie stopped her bouncing and got off. “Oh hey guys, what’s up?”

Nova started. “Pinkie, what’s going on?”

“Oh, be back in a second.” Pinkie then rushed off and came back in seconds with a bunch of balloons, she blew them up, tied them to her waist and floated up to where Dash and Gilda were. 

“Nova, what is she doing?” Starburst asked.

“I have no idea. But if it has something to do with Gilda, I think we need to stick around.”

The two just watched from the ground as Pinkie was talking with the two. They couldn’t hear what was being said. After a moment, the two saw Dash and Gilda fly straight up and left a cloud behind, but when one of them cleared, Gilda was still there. The two brothers saw Gilda pop some of Pinkie’s balloons.

“Hey, did you see that Nova?”

“I sure did, that griffon just popped Pinkie’s balloons. Why would she do that?”

“It sure wasn’t very nice.”

Pinkie floated down back to the ground. Nova tried to talk to her. “Pinkie, what happened up there, why did Gilda pop your balloons?”

“I don’t know, she just said she thought the high altitude was making me dizzy, then she popped them. Be right back.” Pinkie then rushed off again and came back with a funny looking contraption.

The two looked at it curiously. Nova was the first to ask. “Um, Pinkie, what is that thing?”

“It’s my flying cycle. I’m going to try and talk to them again.” Pinkie answered. Her machine was a large candy cane, with bike pedals, handle bars, a flower on the front, and a propeller on top. She started pedaling and flew right up to where Dash and Gilda were, but they were much higher up now.

The two brothers stayed where they were as they watched what was going on. Rainbow Dash then flew off the cloud, Nova kept his eyes on Gilda and Pinkie. He saw Gilda suddenly grab Pinkie’s machine by the pole the propeller was on and seemed to be glaring at her as she pointed a claw at her. Gilda then released Pinkie’s machine, but then grabbed it by the propeller, causing it to spin out of control and plummet to the ground.

“PINKIE!” Nova cried out. “Starburst, wait here.” 

“But Nova..” Nova didn’t wait, he quickly zapped up his insect wings and took off like a shot, leaving behind his saddle bags. He quickly flew up to the out of control machine and snatched Pinkie out of it. He then quickly came back down and landed softly, then set Pinkie down.

“Pinkie, are you ok?” Nova asked.

“Nova, you just saved me, you can fly?! That is so cool, I didn’t know you could fly.” 

Nova dismissed his wings. “Yeah, well, it’s just a simple flying spell I managed to make up. It doesn’t last very long.” 

“And what’s up with your tail?” 

Nova’s eyes shot open. He spoke with nervousness evident. “My…my tail….wh-what do you mean?” He gave a nervous smile as he tried to hide his tail from view. His tail was no longer under the influence of his disguise spell.

“It seems different.” Pinkie looked at him curiously. 

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about, ha ha.”

Starburst then got an idea. “Hey Pinkie, um, I….want to show you a new trick I picked up.” He said as he got Pinkie to turn away from Nova. 

“Really, cool. What kind of trick?”

Nova took the opportunity to reinforce the disguise spell, his tail was back to looking like hair.

Starburst stuck out his tongue and touched it to his nose. “TA DA!”

Pinkie clapped her hooves together. “Nice trick.” Pinkie then turned back to Nova. When she noticed his tail, she looked confused again. “That’s odd, I could have sworn it looked different.”

“Maybe you were just seeing things, you know, from being spun around like that on your flying cycle? So anyway, what happened up there, I saw what Gilda did.”

“That grump, she told me to buzz off. That Gilda wasn’t being very nice.”

“I’ll say, you could have been seriously hurt there.”

Pinkie smiled at Nova. “Thanks for saving me like that.”

Nova smiled back. “Anytime.”

“Come on, let’s talk to Twilight, maybe she can give us an idea on what to do about her.”

Nova put his saddle bags back on his back and the two brothers followed Pinkie, they spoke to one another in a whisper with Starburst starting. “That was a close one Nova.”

“Too close, I’m just glad you haven’t had any close calls.”

They soon arrived at Twilight’s, after greetings and being let in, Twilight went back to her reading while Pinkie went over the events of the day. Twilight finally commented. “Pinkie Pie, are you sure this friend of Rainbow Dash’s is as mean as you say she is?”

“Uh, YEAH, she keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she popped my balloons, and she told me to buzz off. I’ve never met a griffon this mean, actually, I’ve never met a griffon at all. But if I did, I bet she wouldn’t be as mean as Gilda.”

“Well, you know what I think Pinkie Pie?”

“What?”

“I think….your jealous.”

“JEALOUS?!”

“Green with envy, or in your case, Pink with envy.” Spike commented from the stairs he was sitting on while holding a book.

Nova stepped in. “Twilight, you didn’t see what we saw, that griffon nearly caused Pinkie to crash into the ground when she grabbed the propellers of her flying cycle, I had to fly up and save her.”

“She what?.....wait, you FLEW!?” Twilight’s eyes widened. “But….how, you don’t have wings?”

“It’s a simple flying spell I made, it doesn’t last long. Look that doesn’t matter, Pinkie could’ve been seriously hurt here, she’s lucky I was around.”

“But….you flew!”

“Twilight, focus, what are we supposed to do about Gilda?”

“Well, what do you expect to do, she IS Rainbow’s friend. Just because Rainbow Dash has another friend doesn’t make Gilda a grump, perhaps it’s you Pinkie, who needs to improve her attitude.”

This set Pinkie off. “Improve MY attitude, but she….but I….she’s the one who…GRRR!” Pinkie then just stormed out.

“Twilight, you have to believe me when I say that Gilda may be what Pinkie says, I didn’t hear what was said between them, but I saw clear enough that Gilda nearly caused Pinkie to crash. Come on Starburst, let’s go after her.” The two then went after Pinkie.

The three were now sitting at a table with drinks near the center of town. “Maybe Twilight’s right, maybe Gilda isn’t a grump, maybe I’m just being a jealous jealousy judgemental pants.” Pinkie said sadly.

Nova tried to console her. “Come on Pinkie, don’t talk like that, I saw what happened. It wasn’t your jealousy that caused your cycle to crash was it?”

Starburst chimed in. “Yeah, it was that mean griffon that did it. Your right about Gilda.”

Pinkie was still unsure of herself. “I don’t know.” 

Suddenly, Dash and Gilda were heard laughing as they flew overhead. “Uh, I gotta take care of a few weather jobs around here, just hang out around town and I’ll come back for you, ok?” Rainbow said as she and Gilda landed. 

“That’s cool I guess, I’m gonna go chow down.”

“Later.” Dash then flew off again. They both failed to notice Pinkie, Nova, and Starburst.

Nova narrowed his eyes. “Gilda.” He said quietly.

“That mean griffon, I’d like to show her a thing or two.” Starburst said.

“Easy little brother, just ignore her.”

The three just watched her in silence. They saw her go around a fruit stand. Granny Smith was approaching it from the other side. She started sniffing some of the produce, Gilda’s tail then snaked out in front of Granny’s face. She saw it and screamed. “AAAHHH, A rattler, a rattler, head fer the hills!” She slowly walked away.

Gilda popped up from behind the stand and saw the mare running the stand looking at her, she tapped a tomato with her tail. “This stuff ain’t fresh dude.” 

“HEY! That wasn’t very nice.” Starburst said.

“Poor Granny Smith, she didn’t know it was a prank, how mean.” Pinkie stated. She then looked in thought. “No no, I can’t misjudge her, it was kind of a funny prank.”

Nova disagreed. “Kind of a funny prank, she scared that poor old mare. There is nothing funny about it, that was just plain mean.”

They then saw Gilda take an apple with her tail and ate it. Starburst was the first to comment. “HEY, did you see that, she stole that apple.”

Pinkie spoke up. “Oh come on, now, I’m sure she’ll give it back.”

Nova disagreed again. “Pinkie, she ATE IT, how is she supposed to give it back?”

“Well, uh.” Pinkie had no answer.

“Um, Nova?” Starburst said.

“What is it?” Nova asked. Starburst pointed a hoof in the direction of a little ways down the road. Pinkie and Nova looked in the direction.

“By the stars no.” Nova said to himself. Fluttershy was walking backwards, leading a family of ducks through town, Gilda was heading right for her. 

“Ok little ones, this way, this way, momma duck, you’re free and clear.” Fluttershy said as she led the ducks. 
The inevitable happened. Fluttershy bumped into Gilda. “HEY!”

Fluttershy shyly turned around to face her. “Oh, please excuse me.”

“I’m walkin here!” Gilda pressed her face to Fluttershy’s.

FLuttershy started backing away. “Oh, um, I’m sorry, I was just.”

Gilda started mocking her. “I’m sorry I’m sorry, why don’t you watch where you’re going.”

Nova narrowed his eyes. “That’s it, Starburst, stay here with Pinkie.” Nova ran off and placed himself between Fluttershy and Gilda. “Hey, bird brain, back off.”

“Well look who it is, what do you want pony boy?”

“I want you to leave Fluttershy alone, she didn’t mean to bump into you and she apologized for it, so just let it go and leave.”

“Oh yeah, and what if I don’t, you gonna make me?”

Fluttershy was cringing behind Nova. “If I have to, I will.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Gilda took in a deep breath. Nova saw what was coming, so he quickly erected a sound proof shield around Fluttershy, she looked at it confusedly. Gilda let out a large roar. Nova kept his stern look as he closed his eyes while Gilda roared. “RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” 

Nova just looked at her when she was done. “My turn.” Nova took in a deep breath of his own.
“Pinkie, you may want to cover your ears.” Starburst informed. They both did so.

Nova then let out an even louder roar, louder than Gilda’s. “RRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!” The mere force of it caused Gilda to start slipping backwards as she struggled to stay in place. Thanks to the shield around Fluttershy, she didn’t hear any of it. Nova ceased and lowered the shield. Gilda’s feathers were now all ruffled. Nova glared at her.

He walked  up to her and got in her face, he spoke low and menacingly. “Don’t you ever threaten my friends, if you do, I swear by the cosmos it will be  the last thing you do, do I make myself clear?”

Gilda gave an audible gulp. She tried to recompose herself as she straightened out her feathers. “Yeah, well…..you….you just better watch yourself, you don’t scare me. You’re all just a bunch of lame ponies, I’m outta here.” Gilda then just flew off.

Nova’s hard look softened as he turned to Fluttershy. “You okay fluttershy?” He offered a hoof to help her up.

“Um, I think so, thank you for standing up for me like that, but who was that?”

Nova looked to the side as he said her name. “Gilda, she’s a friend of Rainbow Dash.”

“Really, but, why would Rainbow Dash be friends with someone like that, she didn’t seem very nice.”

Starburst came running up to them with Pinkie behind. “Nova, that was stellar how you showed that griffon what for.”

“Stellar?” Fluttershy said confusedly.

Nova laughed nervously. “Uh, he he, you know kids, with their new phrases and all. Anyway, I think we need to do something about Gilda, Rainbow Dash needs to know what a jerk she is.”

Pinkie then got an idea. “I think I have an idea, we’ll throw her a party, a good party is a sure way to change her mood.”

Nova didn’t agree. “Uh, Pinkie, are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Trust me Nova, I got it all figured out.”

Later that afternoon:

Pinkie was greeting guests as they came in. “Welcome, welcome, hey there, welcome.” As usual, the party was being held at Sugarcube Corner.

Nova and starburst were at the back of the room talking. “Nova, do you really think this party Pinkie is throwing will help?”

“I doubt it, but I don’t think we would’ve been able to talk her out of it. I still say the best way to go would have been to tell Rainbow about what Gilda has been doing.”

It was then that Rainbow Dash came storming up to Nova and Starburst, glaring at Nova. “Nova, we need to talk.”

Nova looked at her with confusion. “Is something wrong?”

“Your darn right something is wrong, Gilda told me what you did to her today!”

“What I did to her, what are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, she told me all about it!”

“Rainbow, what are you talking about, I really have no idea.”

Rainbow took a step closer. “She told me about how you just roared at her and threatened her, and how your little brother insulted her.”

“WHAT?”

“Did you or did you not do that?” 

Starburst was now cringing under his big brother. Nova answered. “Well yeah, I did but Starburst….”

Rainbow interrupted. “SAVE IT, I don’t want to hear it, I can’t believe you two did that, I thought you were my friends, how could you do that to a friend of mine?”

“Look Dash, it’s not what you think…..”

“Keep your excuses to yourself, just get out of here, both of you, I never want to see you again.”

Nova narrowed his eyes. “Fine….if that’s how it is, then you win. Come on Starburst, we’re obviously not wanted here.” Nova then started walking out with Starburst behind, looking sad. 
“But Nova, shouldn’t we say something?” 

“Like what, you heard her, she doesn’t want anything to do with us.” He stopped in front of Pinkie. “Well Pinkie, you got that party you wanted to throw for Gilda, I hope you enjoy it.”

Pinkie looked at him sympathetically. “Nova, wait, you two can stay.”

“No we can’t, Rainbow Dash made it perfectly clear she doesn’t want us around. I told you a party might not have been a good idea. I’ll see you later Pinkie.” Nova and Starburst then walked out. 

“Nova, what now?”

“What do you mean what now? Dash isn’t our friend anymore now all because of that rotten glorb headed freak griffon. She chose to listen to her over me. guess we might as well head back home.”

“Nova, Starburst, wait up!” Came Twilight’s voice. The two stopped in their tracks and turned to see Twilight running up to them.  “Nova, is it true that you did what Rainbow said?”

“Why should I tell you, you didn’t believe Pinkie or me when we tried to tell you about Gilda before, you just chose to believe whatever you wanted. Just go on back to the party.” Nova and Starburst then continued on. Twilight looked at them solemnly as they left. She then turned and headed back to the party. 

Later that evening:

Nova and Starburst were in their ship now with their pony disguises gone. Nova had a few funny looking tools floating around him as he lay on his back under the food synthesizer. He had on a pair of goggles over his eyes. “Lets see here, circuit board checks out, processor seems to be functioning normally.” Nova levitated one of the tools to him and took hold of it with his hoof. “Lets see, maybe if I….OW!” A spark came from under the table. 

Starburst was nearby watching as his brother worked on the food synthesizer. “Nova, are you ok?”

He came out from under the table to look at his brother. “yeah, I’m ok, stupid thing zoted me though.”

“Can you fix it?”

“Yeah, no problem, it just looks like the voice print recognizer was a little worn out.” He then stood up. “Good thing we got a few spare parts I can use.” There was a knock at the door. “visitors, wonder who that could be…..wait, VISITORS, great galaxies, we can’t let them see the inside! Starburst, quick, put up your disguise.” Nova said in a panic.

“Uh right.” Starburst did just that, as did Nova. 

Nova removed his goggles and placed them on the table, came up to the door and opened it, doing his best to keep any pony from seeing the inside. “Yes, what is…..oh, it’s you, what do you want?” Nova’s mood dropped when he saw Rainbow Dash standing there with Twilight.

Rainbow started with a sheepish grin. “Hey Nova, he he, uh, I just wanted to come by and….well, apologize.” Nova raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, me too.” Twilight said. “Can we come in?”

Nova grew nervous at the request. “Uh, no, you can’t, it’s a real mess in there, very bad. We can….talk outside. Starburst.”

“Coming.” Starburst came up to his brother, they closed the door behind them once they were outside.

Rainbow started. “Look, about what happened at the party, I’m real sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain. Also, Gilda kinda fell for a few pranks I set up and she lost it, she thought Pinkie set them up and started insulting my friends there. It was then I saw what she was really like, then later, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy told me about what happened between you two.”

Nova raised an eyebrow at Dash. “Then you know that I did what I did because of how she was acting toward Fluttershy?”

“Yeah, Fluttershy told me how you stood up for her, and I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain that. Can you ever forgive me?” She asked with a smile.

Twilight then began. “And I’m sorry for not listening to you too, I already apologized to Pinkie for it and she forgave me, but I’m hoping to get the same thing from you. I should have listened to you.”

Nova smiled. “Well, I don’t know, do you promise to listen to me the next time I try to tell you something?”

“Of course. I promise.” Rainbow said with a big smile. 

“Me too. We’re real sorry Nova.” Twilight said.

“The next time a friend tries to tell you something, I suggest you hear them out before you make a decision on whether to believe them or not.”

Rainbow then looked down at Starburst. “Hey Starburst, I’m sorry to you too, I know now that you didn’t insult Gilda like she said you did.”

Starburst smiled up at her. “That’s ok, I forgive you too.”

“Glad to hear it squirt.” 

Twilight made an observation. “Nova, why are all the windows on your house blacked out?”

Nova practically froze up. “Uh, well, we just….had them boarded up….on the inside, yeah.”

Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow. “Why?”

“Well…..you see, the morning light is so bright and all for my eyes.”

Twilight made a suggestion with a smile. “Then why not get some curtains or blinds?” 

“That is a good idea, I will definitely look into it.” Nova said with a nervous smile.

“Ok, and maybe sometime we could come inside for a visit.”

“……sure, why not, but…but not now.”

Starburst agreed. “Yeah, it’s a real mess in there, you don’t want to see it.”

Rainbow then made an offer. “Maybe we could help you clean up?”

“NO!” Nova and Starburst cried out together. Nova then continued. “No, um, what I mean is that, this is our mess and we couldn’t possibly trouble you with it, besides, we can handle it.”

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other with confusion on their faces. Twilight then spoke. “Well, all right then, if you say so, we’ll see you later.” 

“Bye guys, see ya around.” Rainbow said as she started to fly off. Nova and Starburst just stood there with nervous smiles on their faces as they waved goodbye.

Once they were out of sight, Nova and Starburst let out a sigh of relief. “*WHEW*”

Nova spoke up. “I am getting REALLY tired of these close calls.”

“Nova, what are we gonna do, they want to come inside.”

“I know Starburst, but don’t worry, I’ll think of something. It won’t be easy, but I’m going to have to do some major rewiring for the whole ship.”

“What are you gonna do?”

“I’ll have to try and reroute the holo-deck’s image generators to transmit throught the whole ship, or possibly reprogram the matter materializer to make what we need to disguise the inside.”

“Or we could just redecorate it by buying furniture and stuff.” Starburst suggested.

Nova looked at his brother with a straight face, then smiled. “You are too smart for your own good little brother.” 

Starburst smiled. “I have a good teacher.”

“Come on, let’s head inside and start figuring out what we can do to make the inside look more like one of the local residences.” The two then made their way inside to begin their work.

> Nova And The Boaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nova And The Boaster



It took a few days of hard work, a lot of bits, and some technical knowhow, but Nova and Starburst managed to make the inside of their ship look like a house. “Well little brother, we did it. I’d say it looks just like a real home.”

“It sure does big brother, not bad.”

“Yep, and thanks to my techno know how, if need be, we can make the inside look like the ship again.” 

“I’d say we deserve a reward for our hard work, wouldn’t you say Nova?” Starburst looked up at his brother with hopeful eyes.

Nova just chuckled at him. “He he, yes Starburst, I think that’s appropriate, come on, lets head into town and get something nice to eat and some refreshing drinks.”

“YAY!” Starburst cheered as he hopped up and down. The two brothers then left their home and headed into town. 

As they walked along a path in town, two little unicorns suddenly ran past them with Spike hanging on to one of them, Twilight then ran past as well. “What the stars?” Nova commented. 

“What’s their hurry?” 

“I don’t know Starburst, but something is up, come on, let’s see what’s going on.” The two then ran and caught up with Twilight. “Twilight, what’s going on, why the rush?”

“Oh, hey Nova, hello Starburst, Snips and Snails says there’s a new unicorn in town and every pony seems to be making a big fuss about it.”

“Snips and Snails?” Starburst asked confusedly.

“The two little unicorns that ran by you with Spike.” Twilight informed.

They soon came to a large crowed of ponies gathered in front of a wooden carriage. Twilight, Starburst, and Nova made their way to the front of the crowd and met up with Spike and her friends. Starburst took this opportunity to introduce himself to the two unicorns. “Hey there, I’m Starburst.” He said happily.

“Oh, hey there, you’re one of the new ponies in town right? I’m snips, and this is my friend Snails.”

“Hello.” Snails said.

“Yeah, kinda, me and my brother got here a couple weeks ago.”

Before the conversation could continue, the carriage opened up into a stage and a voice rang out as fireworks and sparks shot off. “COME ONE, COME ALL, WITNESS THE AWESOME MAGIC OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRRRRRIXIE!” In a puff of smoke, a unicorn appeared on the stage wearing a blue pointed hat and cape with stars on them. Every pony in the crowd gasped except Twilight and the others. “Watch and be amazed as the great and powerful Trixie performs spectacular magical feats ever witnessed by pony eyes!” She then stood up on her hind legs and spread out her forelegs as more fireworks went off.

“My my my, what boasting.” Rarity said.

“I’ll say, she just seems like a bragger to me.” Nova commented.

Spike then continued. “Come on, no pony is as magical as Twi….” Spikes eyes went wide for a moment once he saw it was Rarity next to him. “Twi…uh…*ahem* oh uh, hey Rarity, I uh……MUSTACHE!” Spike then just bolted off.

“What was that about?” Starburst asked.

Twilight then came up to them. “There’s nothing wrong with being talented is there?” 

Applejack answered. “Nothin at all, cept when someone goes showin it off like some school filly with fancy new ribbons.”

Rarity agreed. “Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than others.”

“No argument here, the way I see it, if you go around bragging about what you can do, then you most likely can’t do much at all and are just trying to make yourself sound better than you really are.” Nova said.

“Well said Nova.” Applejack complimented.

Rainbow Dash then cut in. “Yeah, besides, you got me around to be better than the rest of you.” Applejack glared at her, Rainbow then changed her tune. “Uh, I mean, magic shmagic, BOO!”

Trixie seemed to hear their conversation. “Well, well, well, it seems we have some neigh sayers in the house. Who is so arrogant as to challenge the magical ability of the great and powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they are in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?”

Starburst whispered to Nova. “Psst, big brother, why don’t you show her up, I know you got more magic than her, you could totally beat her.”

Nova whispered back. “Forget it Starburst, what if I stress my magic too much and my disguise falls, we’d be exposed.”

“Oh, right, never mind then.”

“Pffft, just who does she think she is?” Rarity said aloud.

Spike then popped up. “Yeah, since we all know Twilight here is….”

Twilight interrupted him. “Spike, Shhh.” Twilight then pushed him away and out of the crowd to speak with him privately. 

Nova and Starburst got curious and followed. They just stood there and listened in. Spike started. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Did you see the way they reacted to Trixie, I don’t want them thinking I’m a show off.”

Nova then came in. “Twilight, they would never think that of you, they’re your friends.” 

More fireworks suddenly went off, interrupting the conversation. Rainbow Dash then flew up and got in Trixie’s face. “So great and powerful Trixie, what makes you think your so awesome anyway?”

Trixie began. “Why, only Trixie has the magical talent to defeat the dreaded URSA MAJOR!” More fireworks went off, and a glowing outline of a large bear appeared, followed by an outline of Trixie. 

“The dreaded what now?” Nova asked. 

Trixie continued with her story. “When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had nowhere to turn to, but the great and powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the dreaded ursa major and sent it fleeing back to it’s cave in the dreaded Everfree Forest.”

Snips and Snails came to the front of the stage. Snips started. “That settles it.”

Snails continued. “Trixie truly is the most talented, most magical, the most awesomest unicorn in Ponyville.”

Snips came in again. “NO, in all of Equestria.”

Spike disagreed. “How do you now, you weren’t there, and besides, Twi….” Before Spike could finish, Twilight used her magic to form a zipper and shut Spike’s mouth.

Trixie laughed. “Ha ha ha ha ha, it’s true my little enthusiastic admirers. Trixie is certainly the best in all of ponyville.” She said with a smug smile. No pony said anything as the area was filled with a silence. “Don’t believe the great and powerful Trixie, well then, I here-by challenge you Ponyvillians. Anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers, anyone, or is the great and powerful Trixie destined to be the greates equine who ever lived!” Still more fireworks shot off at her announcement.

Starburst was quietly pleading with Nova now. “Come on Nova, you just gotta do something, I can’t stand her bragging.”

“I’m sorry Starburst, but we can’t take the risk of being exposed. If they find out what we really are, we won’t be able to stay here, they’ll chase us off.”

“Hmm, how about……YOU!” Trixie pointed a hoof. 

“Uh oh.” Nova said quietly. He thought Trixie was pointing right at him. Nova looked around and saw Twilight looking worried as well. Nova began to think he was mistaken at who Trixie was pointing at.

“How about it, is there anything you can do that the great and powerful Trixie can’t.”

Nova was still not sure if Trixie was talking to him or Twilight. “Well, I um.”

“How about it, little hayseed?”

Applejack was glaring at Trixie. “That’s it, I can’t take no more!” Applejack got up on the stage with Trixie and got out a rope from under her hat. 

“You show her AJ!” Spike Cheered.

“Can yer fancy magic do this?” She started twirling a lasso around her legs with her tail, then moved it up to over her head, then to the side and jumped through it a couple times. She then whipped it out and lassoed an apple and brought right to her waiting mouth and ate it in one bit. The ponies cheered for Applejack. “Top that missy.” Applejack took a proud stance.

“Oh ye of little talent.” Trixie said as she levitated her hat off and revealed her horn. “Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie." She used her magic to manipulate Applejack’s rope, one end stated slowly wiggling in front of Applejack’s eyes. She was mesmerized by it’s movements and failed to notice the other end snake around her legs.

“Applejack, look out!”Starburst tried to warn, but it was too late. 

The rope quickly wrapped itself around her legs and tied her up, flipping her on her back, then the end that kept her gaze grabbed an apple and stuffed it in her mouth. Applejack managed to get up and hopped off the stage.
Nova came over to her and undid the rope and took out the apple. “Aj, are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks fer the help with the rope there.”

“That Trixie, that was a rotten move she pulled.” Starburst commented angrily.

Rainbow flew up to Trixie again. “There’s no need to go strutten around and showin off like that.”

Trixie just looked at her smugly. “Oh?”

“That’s my job.” Rainbow then shot off and flew right for a nearby windmill and flew around it, causing its blades to spin fast. She shot straight up into the air and burst through a few clouds, leaving holes behind. She struck a pose up in the air and flew back down the same path she did before, as she passed through the clouds, droplets of water followed her. She came to the windmill again and did the same as before with the water right behind her, she came to a sudden stop on the stage and let the water hit her in the back and spray around, this created a rainbow right over her head. “They don’t call me Rainbow and Dash for nothing.”

The crowd cheered. “When I get through with you, the only thing they’ll call you is loser.” Trixie then shot a stream of magic at the rainbow. It came to life and started spinning Rainbow around like a tornado. 

“WHOOOOAAAHH!”

“HEY, that was uncalled for!” Nova declared.

Once Dash finally stopped spinning, she was lying on the ground. “I…think I’m gonna be sick.”

Nova came up to her and helped her up.

Trixie then announced to the audience. “Seems like any pony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the great and powerful Trixie.” She then made a storm cloud appear and shoot off a bolt of lightning right behind her, scaring her.

“Ok, that was REALLY uncalled for.” Nova commented. Nova was glaring at Trixie now. 

“That jerk, just who does she think she is, come on Nova, isn’t there something you can do that won’t cause your disguise to fall to show her up?” Starburst asked quietly.

“Starburst, I can’t, we could be exposed.”

Starburst gave a defeated sigh. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her, someone with some magic of her own.” Spike said as he nudged Twilight.

Rainbow agreed. “Yeah, a unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss.”

Applejack also agreed. “A real unicorn to unicorn tussel.”

“Uh…” Twilight was about to say something, but then Rarity came in.

“Enough, enough all of you, I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Applejack and Rainbow Dash may act like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.”

Trixie taunted. “Ooh, what’s the matter, afraid to get a hair out of place in that rat’s nest you call a mane?”

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Oh it….is…ON.” Rarity came up on the stage. “You may think your tuff with all your so called powers, but there is more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle.” Rarity then used her magic and started manipulating one of the curtains from the stage. “A unicorn needs to have style.” The curtain started swirling around her. Rarity was now wearing a beautiful dress with her mane styled up. “A unicorn needs to have grace and beauty.” 

Trixie lit up her horn.

Spike started. “Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her, she’s strong, she beautiful, she’s…” His words were cut off from a flash.

Every pony gasped at what happened. Rarity started panicking. “QUICK, I NEED A MIRROR, what did she do to my hair, I know she did something to my hair!”

Twilight tried to assure her. “Nothing.”

Then Rainbow Dash. “It’s fine.”

Then Applejack. “It’s gorgeous.”

Spike and Starburst said together. “It’s green.” The girls and Nova glared at them. “What?” they said together again.

Rarity looked up at her mane with tears in her eyes. “Green hair! NOT GREEN HAIR!” She cried as she ran off stage and away. “Such an aweful, aweful color!”

“By the cosmos, I swear I’m tempted to just take the chance and show up that bragging unicorn and teach her not to mess with my friends.” Nova said quietly.

Spike started. “Well Twilight, I guess it’s up to you. Come on, show her what your made of.”

“What do you mean? I’m nothing special.”

“Yes you are, you’re better than her.”

“I’m not better than anyone.”

Trixie then interjected. “HAH, you think you’re better than the great and powerful Trixie, well come on then, show Trixie what you got, show us all.”

Nova had enough. “ALL RIGHT, THAT’S ENOUGH!” All pony eyes fell on him. “Look here miss I’m so great and powerful, you are nothing but a big blowhard!”

Trixie looked at him disgusted. “Excuse me, and just who are you to say such a thing?”

“My name is Nova, and I can’t stay quiet anymore, you are nothing more than a show off jerk.”

“How DARE you insult the great and powerful Trixie, if you think you’re so tough, then let’s see YOU best me.  Come on, let’s see what you got.”

Nova glared at her. “I don’t have to prove anything to you, all I need to know is I’m as good with my magic as I need to be. I don’t have to prove if I’m better than you or not. The only thing YOU’VE proven is that your good at making others look foolish with your magic, you couldn’t duplicate what my friends did, you just turned their tricks against them and acted like a big bully. You are nothing more than a big fat show offy talentless jerk.”

“HOW DARE YOU, I DEMAND YOU GET UP HERE AND FACE ME IN A DUEL!”

“No, as I said, I don’t have to prove anything, and I’m not about to lower myself to your level of showing off. Come on Starburst, I think we’ve seen enough.”

Starburst proudly followed. “You got it big brother.” Starburst then turned his head as he walked and gave Trixie a raspberry. 

“GET BACK HERE, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DEMANDS YOU FACE ME SO I CAN PROVE YOU WRONG!” As Trixie yelled, the crowed started to disperse.

The girls caught up to him. “Wow Nova, I think you beat her without using your magic.” Rainbow said.

“Yeah, did you see the look on her face when you called her talentless, ha ha, priceless.” Applejack said.

“Wow Nova, you just stood up for us didn’t you?” Twilight said. 

“Of course I did, you all are my friends. I’m not about to let some bragger make you all look foolish and not get away with it.” Nova said with a smile.

“But then, why didn’t you just show her up yourself, I’m sure you would have been able to really stick it to her with your magic, Pinkie told us about how you saved her from crashing on her flying cycle when Gilda showed up.” Rainbow said Gilda’s name with disgust.

Nova started nervously. “I….well….I never performed in front of a crowd before, I….could have gotten stage fright. Besides, I believe I just demonstrated that there is more than one way to stand up for your friends than trying to show a bragger up.”

“I’ll say.” Spike agreed. 

“Still, I would have liked to see how you or Twilight could show up that Trixie.” Rainbow commented.

Twilight grew curious about this. “You….would?”

Applejack answered. “Well sure, we all know you got a lot o talent in ya.”

“And…you don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” Rainbow said. “your our friend, we don’t care how much talent you have.”

Nova then started. “Twilight, I’m getting the feeling here that you were afraid to show a part of yourself here. What’s going on?”

Twilight began to explain. “Well, when you all were saying all those things about Trixie, I thought that if you knew how good with magic I was, you wouldn’t like me.”

Nova started. “Twilight, having great abilities isn’t going to chase away friends, it’s how you act that can make or break friendship.”

“Really, so you all don’t care how good with magic I am?”

They all answered together. “Nope.”

Twilight smiled. “Hm, thanks girls, and thank you Nova, I think you just helped me learn a valuable lesson in friendship.”

“Yeah, and thanks fer standin up to Trixie like that fer us too.” Applejack thanked.

Nova responded with a smile. “Your welcome.”

Later that evening:

Nova and Starburst were now getting ready for bed. Nova let out a yawn. “*Yawn* good night Starburst, sleep well.”

“Good night Nova.” But before they even got a chance to lay their heads down, their whole ship was suddenly shaken with a loud booming. 

“What the quasars was that?!” Nova asked as he sat up. Another shake occurred.

“Nova, what’s going on?” Starburst asked with fear.

Nova hopped out of bed as another shake occurred. “Ok, what in the name of the cosmos is going on here? Starburst, come on, we need to check this out.”

Starburst answered with nervousness. “Um…ok.” He then got out of bed and the two headed outside. As soon as they did, they saw a giant bear looking like it was made out of stars. 

Nova was stunned. “Great galaxies…..what is that thing?”

Starburst was shaking with fear as he looked at it. “Nova, wh-what is that, why is it attacking the town?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. Starburst, you stay here and wait inside the ship.”

Starburst looked at him worriedly. “But Nova, we…we’ve never been apart before, can’t I go with you, I promise to do whatever you say.”

“Starburst, this is dangerous, I’m not about to take you into a dangerous situation. I know this may be hard, but I have to try and do something to help, now just stay here, I promise I’ll come back. Don’t let anyone else inside, understand.”

Starburst gave a weak nod. “Ok, I’ll stay here, but please hurry back.”

Nova gave a nod and a smile. He then rushed into town. “Mighty cosmos, grant me strength.” Nova said to himself as he ran.

He rushed around town trying to get to the thing to do who knows what to try and get the bear thing gone. He managed to catch up to it just in time to see it had Trixie and the two little unicorns from earlier today cornered. It gave a roar after Trixie tried to shock it with a lightning bolt on it’s but.

It reared up and was about to slam it’s paws on them, but Nova quickly rushed over and put up a barrier in front of him. Trixie had her eyes closed when she saw the thing rear up. The bear came down and slammed against Nova’s shield, he grunted when it did. He looked at Trixie with one eye as she was now staring at him. “Wh-what are you waiting for, get those two out of here now!”

Trixie narrowed her eyes at him. “I-I don’t need your help,Trixie was doing just fine on her own.”

The bear slammed down again, causing Nova to grunt again. “Yeah, I could tell, this is no time for stubborn pride, now get those two out of here or you’re all bear chow!”

Snips started with fear. “Uh, miss Trixie, maybe we should….”

Trixie cut him off. “FINE, but don’t think I’ve forgotten what you said.” She then led the two away as Nova did his best to hold it off.

The bear slammed down again and caused Nova’s shield to break. He fell to the ground in exhaustion, because of his struggling, his disguise fell and his whole form was visible.


The bear loomed over Nova, it lowered its head and snarled. It opened its mouth to roar but stopped when a soft melody started floating in the air. The bear raised its head and started looking sleepy. Nova just looked on in confusion from the ground. He was unable to move from exhaustion. 

He couldn’t even put his disguise back up. “NOVA!” Starburst’s voice cried out. 

Nova looked behind the bear and saw Starburst standing there. “Starburst, what are you doing here!?” He called. 

Starburst rushed over to his brother. “Brother, your disguise, you have to get it up.”

“I can’t, I’m too weak from keeping that bear thing from squashing me.” The bear wobbled and started to fall, it was going to fall right on them. They winced and waited for the thing to fall on them, but it never came. They looked to see its form surrounded by a purple aura. 

Starburst took the opportunity to think fast. “I know, I can put your disguise on.”

“No Starburst, that won’t work, if you try, you’ll lose your disguise.”  

“Well….maybe we could….” Starburst looked around as the bear stated floating away. “I know, come on, we’ll hide behind those boxes.” Starburst pointed out a pile of boxes stacked up nearby. Nova slowly stood up on all fours and made his way to the pile of boxes. Starburst trying to push him along to hurry him. “Come on Nova, hurry.” The two finally got behind the boxes and waited there.

They heard cheering and peeked out to see what was going on. They saw Twilight looking exhausted as the ponies cheered for her. They then heard Rainbow speak up. “Oh man, that was awesome Twilight.”

Applejack agreed. “I’ll say, you sure showed that ursa major what fer. We knew you had ability, but not that much.”

“Thanks girls, I’m glad you don’t mind my magic.” Twilight said.

“Well of course not dear, why would we?” Rarity asked.

Applejack continued. “yer magic is a part of who ya are, and we like who ya are.”

“Wow Twilight, that was amazing, how did you know what to do with that ursa major?” 

Twilight answered. “That’s what I was doing when you came looking for me, I was so compelled by Trixie’s bragging, I decided to do a little research on them.”

“So it IS possible to defeat a rampaging ursa major all by yourself?” Spike asked.

“That wasn’t an ursa major, that was a baby, an ursa minor.”

“That was just a baby?” Trixie asked surprised.

“And it wasn’t rampaging, it was just cranky cause someone woke it up.” Twilight said as she and the other’s glared at Snips and Snails. The two gave nervous smiles as they cringed.

“THOSE two broght that thing to town, I can’t BELEIVE it, how dumb do you have to be to lead a dangerous creature like that right to town on purpose?” Nova said quietly.

Spike started to wonder. “Well, if that was an ursa minor, what’s an ursa major like?”

“You don’t want to know.” Twilight answered.

“I don’t think I want to know either.” Starburst said in a whisper.

Trixie then walked up to Twilight. “HUH, you may have stopped the ursa, but you will never have the amazing, show stopping ability of the great and powerful TRIXIE!” She then made a puff of smoke and galloped off.

Rainbow was about to go after her. “Why that little…..”

Twilight stopped her. “Just let her go, maybe one day she’ll learn her lesson.” Twilight caught Snips and Snails as they tried to sneak away. “Now, about you two.”

Snips laughed nervously. “Ah he he, we’re sorry we brought the ursa to town.”

Snails continued. “Yeah, we just wanted to see some awesome magic.”

“And we did, the way you defeated that ursa was awesome! And how that other unicorn protected us from it.”

The girls grew curious at that. Twilight started. “Other unicorn?”

“Yeah, that green one with the orange and yellow mane.” Snails informed.

Applejack then started. “That musta been Nova, where is he? Is he ok?”

Snips answered. “We don’t know, he just told Trixie to get us away and we left, last we saw, he was keeping up this big magical shield up to keep the ursa away.”

Nova decided now would be the perfect time to see if he could put his pony disguise back on. He focused his magic and managed to get it up.

Rainbow got worried too. “We gotta find him.”

Nova and Starburst came out from their hiding spot. “No need girls, I’m right here, I’m ok.”

“NOVA!” The girls cheered. 

Snips started. “Yeah, that’s him, he saved us and Trixie from the ursa.”

“Glad ta see yer still in one piece there partner.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Nova said.

“Now then, as for you two.” Twilight said as she looked at Snips and Snails. 

They crouched down, Snails spoke. “We deserve whatever punishment you give us.”

“For starters, you can clean up this mess.” Twilight motioned to Trixie’s smashed carriage. “And, what do you think Spike, should I give them number twenty five?” She said slyly.

Spike rubbed his claws together. “Oh yes, number twenty five, and I think I deserve it too.”

Snips and Snails looked at each other with confusion. As did Nova and Starburst. Twilight focused her magic and a purple aura appeared on Spike's, Snips’s, and Snails’s face. Mustaches appeared on each of their faces. “Sweeeeet!” all three said in unison.

The two brothers weren’t sure what to make of that, how was that supposed to be a punishment if they liked it? Nova just shrugged it off. “Well, now that this little mess has been resolved, me and Starburst are going back home now, we’ll see you all tomorrow." 

“Good night you two.” Twilight said with a smile.

Applejack said her goodbye as well. “See ya’ll in the morning.”

Then Rainbow Dash. “Later dudes.”

During their walk back, they had a conversation. Nova started. “I am REALLY getting sick and tired of these close calls.”

“What are you gonna do about it?”

“I don’t know Starburst, but I better think of something soon, if not, it may only be a matter of time before our cover is blown.”

“Don’t worry Nova, you’ll think of something, you’re the smartest, bestest, best big brother in the universe.”

Nova smiled at Starburst. “Thanks Starburst, but don’t think I forgot about how you went against my orders for you to stay in the ship.”

“Awwwee.”  

> Facing Fluttershy's Fears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Facing Fluttershy’s Fears



Another day has dawned, Nova and Starburst were out in Ponyville park enjoying the day as other ponies went about having fun or just relaxing.  The two were curiosly eyeing something Pinkie recommended they get for when they were at the park. “Nova, any idea what it is?” Starburst asked.

“Pinkie called it a kite….I think.” They just looked at it, they managed to assemble it using the directions it came with, but weren’t sure where to go from there.

“What does it do?”

“Well, from the design, it looks like it can fly, but I’m not sure how you’re supposed to get it up in the air.”

“What about the strings attached to it?”

“I think those are to hold onto it.” Nova levitated it up in front of him to look at it better. “Hmm, maybe…..aha, maybe if I hold it up and give it a toss into the air, then you have to try and run with it so it catches the wind while holding onto the plastic part at the end.”

“You think that will work?”

“I don’t see any other way to do it, let’s give it a try.”

“Ok, if you say so Nova.” Starburst picked up the plastic handle for the kite with his magic.

Nova kept the kite in his magic grasp while Starburst got a few paces away. “Ok, when I give the signal, you start running and keep going until the kite starts flying on its own!”

“Got it! Starburst answered.

“Ok, ready…..GO!” Nova called as he tossed the kite up with his magic.

Starburst started running at a good pace. The kite caught the wind and flew up and was now floating on its own power. “We did it Nova!” Starburst yelled to his brother.

“Way to go Starburst, you got it!” Nova cheered as he came up to Starburst.

“Hey, this is kinda neat, I like this Nova. You wanna try?”

“In a little bit Starburst, you enjoy it for now.” Nova just stayed by his brothers side as he flew the kite around. 

As the two enjoyed their moment, dark clouds started rolling in. the two saw this as they flew the kite, Starburst was the first to say something. “Nova, are those storm clouds?” Starburst asked with worry.

“I don’t think so, but we better bring the kite down.” Starburst did as he said and managed to roll the kite in. 

Starburst was holding the kite in his magic grasp as he looked to his brother. “Should we head back home for shelter?”

Before Nova could answer, they saw Fluttershy running around in a bit of a panic trying to get every ponies attention. “Help….help, there’s a horrible cloud of smoke.”

“Smoke?” Nova and starburst said together, they went up to Fluttershy to ask her what was going on, Nova started. “Fluttershy, did you say smoke?”

“Oh, yes, there’s a horrible cloud of smoke covering Ponyville and….GAH!”

“WHOA!” Fluttershy shrieked and Nova and Starburst jumped when Rainbow Dash zipped in out of nowhere bouncing a ball on her head.  

“Don’t be such scaredy ponies, it’s just me, future Equestria ball bouncing record holder. 226, 227…” 

Pinkie then came up and cheered. “This calls for a celebration!”

“No Pinkie Pie, this is no time for a celebration, this is a time for panic, for….” Fluttershy tried to tell her, but Pinkie wasn’t listening.

“Ooh, I’m gonna need balloons, one for every pony in Ponyville.” Pinkie started hopping off while Fluttershy followed to try and talk to her. Nova and Starburst followed.

“But there’s smoke, and where there’s smoke there’s fire and…”

Pinkie suddenly stopped and Fluttershy ran right into her. “Let’s see, 1 2 3 4 5 6.” Pinkie counted.

Nova decided to intercede. Fluttershy was obviously trying to warn them but no pony was listening. “Pinkie, Rainbow, listen up!”

Rainbow Dash dropped the ball. “Uh, Nova, you made me mess up, now I have to start all over.”

“Well in case you hadn’t noticed, Fluttershy was TRYING to point out that cloud of smoke overhead.” Nova said as he pointed to it.

The girls then looked up and saw it. “Whoa, how did we miss that?” Pinkie asked.

Suddenly, Twilight’s voice rang out. “LISTEN UP!” This got the other ponies attention in the park. Twilight was standing on the bridge to the park with Spike on her back. “Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria!” The ponies finally looked up and noticed it. Twilight continued. “But not to worry, I just received a letter from princess Celestia that it’s not coming from a fire.” 

The crowd sighed in relief.

“Oh, good.” Fluttershy said in relief.

“Whew, that’s good.” Nova agreed. 

“So then, what is it coming from?” Starburst asked out loud to Twilight.

Twilight continued. “It’s coming from a dragon.”

The ponies then panicked a bit more. “A…a d-d-dragon?” Fluttershy stuttered in fear. 

“That’s not good.” Nova said.

“Nova, what is it?” Starburst asked in fear.

“I remember reading about them in the books I borrowed from Twilight, the adult ones aren’t very friendly.” Nova trotted up to Twilight with Starburst close behind. Once in front of Twilight, Starburst set the kite down next to him. “So Twilight, what is the princess going to do about this?”

“She asked me and my friends specifically to handle it. We’re going to try to convince him to leave.”

“Well, good luck with that.”

“You’re coming too Nova.”

“WHAT!?” Nova was surprised by this. Starburst looked up to Nova with worry. “Twilight, I can’t go, I don’t know anything about dragons, besides, I can’t leave my little brother alone. And why do you want me to come anyway?”

Twilight gave a smile as she answered. “Because she asked for you too, you are one of my friends aren’t you?”

“Well, yes….but why would Celestia ask me to help with this? And there is still the issue of Starburst, I can’t leave him alone, but I’m not about to take him with us to face a dragon.”

“Spike can watch him.” Spike then hopped down off Twilight’s back. 

He came up next to them and put a claw on Starburst’s back. “Don’t worry Nova, I’ll take good care of Starburst.”

“Nova?” Starburst said worriedly. 

Nova looked down at Starburst. He then looked back at Twilight. “Twilight, are you sure Spike can take care of Starburst, their practically the same age.”

Twilight answered. “Of course he can, he’s actually a little more mature for his age, besides, he is a big help around the library.”

“And Celestia asked for each of your friends by name to help with this, me included?”

“Yes, she did. I have been telling her about the lessons I’ve learned about friendship and I mentioned you a few times, you were the one that taught me a lesson or two in friendship after all. So it’s only natural that Celestia would want you and my friends to help me with this.”

Nova sighed. “All right, I guess since this is an order from the princess, I don’t really have much of a choice. I’ll help.”

“Thank you Nova, meet me back at my library in one hour with supplies, I’ll get the others together as well.”

“Ok, come on Starburst.”

Starburst picked the kite back up and the two headed for home. All the while with a worried expression on his face.

Back at their home, Nova was packing some food and water for the trip in his saddlebags. Starburst spoke with worry in his voice. “Nova, are you sure about this, I mean….can’t I come with you, I promise to behave.”

“I’m sorry Starburst, but this could be dangerous, and as I said before, I’m not about to take you with me into a dangerous situation. You’ll just have to stay with Spike while I’m gone.”

“But….we’ve never been apart before, I don’t want you to go.”

Nova stopped his packing and looked at Starburst with sad eyes. He came up and picked up Starburst in a hug. “I know we’ve never been apart before, but now that we’ve found a place to call home, there’s going to be situations like this where we can’t be together all the time. I know this may be hard for you, but this is hard for me too. I don’t want to leave you alone either.”

Starburst pushed himself away from Nova’s chest and looked up at him. “Then just don’t go, why should you follow the orders of some princess we don’t know all that well?”

“Starburst, the girls could use my help, if I don’t go, I wouldn’t be a very good friend here, besides, this dragon is a problem for every pony. Now come on, let’s head over to Twilight’s.” Nova set his brother down, placed his saddle bags on his back and the two left for Twilight’s.

Once they arrived, they saw the girls lined up, waiting for him. Nova just took his place in line and Starburst got next to him. Twilight started pacing in front of them as she gave a speech. “All right girls, and Nova, listen up. I’m mapping out the fastest route up the mountain, so we need to keep a good pace if we expect to make it up the mountain by nightfall.”

Fluttershy was on the other side of Nova, he heard her shutter. “M-m-mountain?”

“The dragon is in that cave at the very top.” Twilight pointed at the mountain the smoke was coming from.

“Looks pretty cold up there.” Applejack commented.

Rainbow confirmed. “You bet it is, the higher you go, the chillier it gets.” 

“Good thing I brought my scarf.” Rarity then reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a pink and white scarf and wrapped it around her kneck.

“Ooh, pretty.” Pinkie complimented.

Rainbow Dash just snickered. “Oh yeah, that will keep you warm.” She said sarcastically.

Nova saw Fluttershy look at the mountain and cringe a little. “Fluttershy, are you okay?” Nova asked with sympathy.

“Um….I’m fine, excuse me.” Fluttershy then walked up to Twilight as she was going over a map.

Nova turned to Starburst. “Starburst, I want you to be good for Spike, listen to what he says and behave yourself while I’m gone.”

Starburst was looking like he was about to cry. “Nova, do you really have to go?”

Nova smiled at Starburst. He took him in a hug again. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can. Just stay here and be good ok?”

A small tear ran down Starburst’s cheek. “Ok, please hurry back.”

“Count on it.” They looked at each other with a sad smile. Nova set Starburst down and went to rejoin the others. He did so just in time to hear Fluttershy say something odd.

“Oh good, I’ll stay here and…”

Twilight cut her off. “Wait, you have to come, your way with wild animals will surely come in handy.” Twilight put the map back in her saddle bags.

“Oh, I don’t think I….”

Twilight cut her off again. “Oh, and don’t worry about your animal friends in the meadow, Spikes got it all covered while you’re gone.”

Spike stood proudly next to Fluttershy with some animals on him. “You can count on me.” Suddenly, Angel Bunny got on his head and pounded his foot on Spike’s head repeatedly, scaring off the animals. “Hey, come back here!”

This was not very reassuring to Nova. Fluttershy commented. “Oh, I don’t know if he’s up to the task.”

Nova then stepped in to agree. “Twilight, after what I just saw, are you absolutely sure Spike can watch a bunch of animals AND take care of Starburst?”

“Don’t worry Nova, Starburst will be fine, I promise.” Twilight assured with a smile.

“Ok, I’m trusting your word here, and Spike with the wellbeing of my little brother.”

Rainbow then flew up to Twilight. “Are you sure you want to bring Fluttershy along, I mean, that pony is afraid of her own shadow. She’s just going to slow us down.”

“Oh, she’s just a little nervous, I’m sure once we get going, she’ll be just fine.”

Fluttershy suddenly squeaked out “YAH!” Nova, Twilight, and Rainbow turned to see Fluttershy looking at her own shadow in fear, then jump into a bush, only her eyes were seen looking around.

Nova went over to her to check on her. “Fluttershy, are you sure you’re ok?”

Fluttershy came out of the bush. “Well, actually, I…”

Twilight’s voice called out again. “All right every pony, let’s move out!”

The girls then started galloping away in a cloud of dust and picked up Fluttershy, she screamed as she was carried off. Nova started galloping to catch up and called back to Starburst as he did. “Bye Starburst, remember what I said, I’ll be back soon!”

Starburst waved his hoof goodbye as he sat on his haunches and called back. “Bye Nova, please be careful!” His face was meloncoly the whole time.

Spike came up to him and placed a claw on his shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry Starburst, he’ll be fine, he’s a big stallion.”

“I kknow Spike, it’s just that….this is the first time we’ve been apart like this, I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

“Come on, let’s go inside and have some ice cream.”

Starburst gave a weak smile at this. “Sounds good I guess.” Starburst followed Spike into the library.

Back with Nova and the girls, they were now standing at the base of the mountain. A loud rumble sounded as a large puff of smoke joined the rest of the smog in the air. Fluttershy hid behind Applejack. “Whoa, what was that?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight informed. “That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores.”

Fluttershy peeked up at the mountain from behind Applejack. “It’s so…so….high.”

Rainbow flew into Fluttershy’s field of vision. “Well it IS a mountain. I’m gonna fly up there and check it out.”

Rainbow was about to take off, but Applejack grabbed her by the tail and pulled her back down. “Hold on now, I think we should stick together, safety in numbers and all that.”

Rainbow wasn’t pleased as she crossed her forelegs and narrowed her eyes. “Oh all right.”

The group then started their climb up with Rainbow just flying along with the same displeased look. “I hear the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon’s scales, are the jewels they use to build their nest.” Rarity commented. “Ooh, if I play my cards right, I might be able to convince him to part with a few.”

Nova couldn’t believe Rarity was thinking of jewels at a time like this. Pinkie decided to joke around. She spoke in her best dragon impression. “Welcome to my cave Rarity, care for a nice jewel, RAWR.” This set the others off laughing, except for Nova and Twilight.

Twilight started. “Girls, this is no laughing matter.”

Nova came in as well. “She’s right you know, in case you forgot, we’re supposed to deal with a DRAGON here.”

“Fluttershy, you’re the expert on wild creatures, what do you think the dragon will be like.” After no response was given, the girls looked around to see she wasn’t with them. “Fluttershy?”

They looked down to see her hiding in a bush at the base of the mountain. “Hey, what are ya waiting for, a written invitation!” Rainbow called out.

Pinkie got excited about this. “Ooh, I think I have one in my bag.” She then reached in and pulled it out, causing an explosion of confetti. It startled rainbow and she just glared at Pinkie.

Fluttershy was looking at the mountain with fear as she shook. “It’s so….so…..steep.”

Rainbow was looking annoyed at this point. “Well it IS a cliff, you could just, oh I don’t know, FLY up here.”

Nova could tell Fluttershy was scared about something and Rainbow was being insensitive about it. “Rainbow Dash, do you think you could be a little more sensitive, she’s obviously scared about something.”

Rainbow Dash just blew him off. “Whatever.”

Pinkie tried to encourage her. “Come on, you can do it. Just flap those wings.”

Fluttershy came out from behind the bush. “Oh….ok.” She closed her eyes and started to fly up. She smiled as she looked up when she accomplished this. But then, the dragon let out another loud snore and a puff of smoke. Fluttershy’s confident look turned to one of horror, her wings quickly folded back up and she fell onto he bush.

Rainvow face hoofed and grunted.

Fluttershy struggled to get her wings back out, but they wouldn’t budge.

Twilight was starting to seem annoyed too. “Ugh, we don’t have time for this.” Applejack grabbed Twilight’s map out of her saddlebag and looked it over. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll need this if’n I’m gonna take her around the mountain another way.”

Rainbow grunted in annoyance again. “Uuhhhh, around the mountain, that will take them forever.”    

Nova figured he could help. “I’ll go with them, maybe the two of us can make it a little easier.” The two slid back down to Fluttershy. 

“Thank ya kindly Nova, appreciate it.” The dragon let out another snore and Fluttershy fainted, her legs sticking straight up. “Looks like I’m gonna need it. Don’t worry Twi, we’ll be there lickity split.”

The two looked at Fluttershy as she was fainted. “I can just carry her on my back and you lead the way.” Nova levitated Fluttershy’s form up and placed her legs so they would be dangling off his sides.

“Ya sure you got her?” Applejack asked. 

“No sweat.” Applejack started walking and led the way.

“So Nova, how you likin Ponyville so far?”

“It’s a nice place, I’m glad we ended up here.”

“Where ya from anyway? If’n ya don’t mind me askin.”

“We’re not from anywhere really, we did a lot of traveling, never had a steady place to call home.”

“That musta been hard, and it’s just been you and yer brother for a long time?”

“Yeah, I’ve been taking care of him most of his life so far.”

“You know, I got a little sister too, bet she and Starburst would get along great, she’s about the same age as your brother.”

“That’s good, I don’t know if those other two little unicorns we met would be good friends for Starburst.” 

“You mean Snips and Snails?”

“Yeah, they don’t’ seem all that….umm.”

“Bright?”

“Yeah, I don’t mean to sound rude.”

“I understand, how ya holdin up there partner?”

“I’m doing fine, Fluttershy isn’t as heavy as I thought she’d be.” The two continued on with casual conversation as they walked.

After about an hour or two, they finally made it to where the others were waiting. Applejack was a little out of breath, but not as much as Nova. “We made it.” Applejack declared. 

“Huh….huh….by the stars that took longer than I thought.” Nova accidentally said out loud.

“Stars?” Applejack asked.

The girls were all now looking at him curiously. Nova was getting nervous. “Uh….um…..” 

Thankfully, Fluttershy provided a distraction as she woke up from her fainting spell. “Oh..oh my, Nova?” She quickly jumped off his back. “I’m sorry you had to carry me, I hope I wasn’t too heavy for you.”

Nova gave a smile. “Not at all. You were fine.”

“Oh…good.”

“So, shall we continue?” Nova asked in hopes the others would forget his comment. Fortunately for him, it worked.

“All right then, let’s move out.” Twilight said. The group continued on.

After a while, they came to a part in the route they were taking where they had to jump over a gap. Rainbow jumped across first, followed by Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, then Pinkie Pie. Nova stayed when he saw Fluttershy was cringing again. “Fluttershy, are you ok?”

“Your turn Fluttershy.” Twilight said. 

Fluttershy was now clutching on to a rock. “It’s so…so…wide.”

“Come on Fluttershy, we should be much further along by now.”

Nova just looked at the others. “Will you girls be a little more sensitive, can’t you see she’s scared?” Twilight recoiled a bit. Nova softened his look. “I realize this is important, but it isn’t very considerate of you to be rushing some pony when they’re having trouble with something.” Twilight seemed to cringe a little as she looked regretful.  He then looked to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, why don’t you get on my back again and I’ll jump us across.”

Fluttershy looked at Nova. “Really, are you sure?” Nova just gave a nod. “Well, ok then.” 

Nova kneeled down for Fluttershy to climb on. She did so and wrapped her forelegs around Nova’s kneck. “Just hold on, I’ll get us across no problem.” Nova walked up to the gap, and just jumped across. “There we go, nothing to it.” He said with a smile. Fluttershy smiled back.

She got off his. “Thank you for helping me across Nova.” 

“Your welcome.”

Twilight then came up to her. “Fluttershy, I’m sorry for not being sensitive to your feelings, I should have seen you were scared.”

“It’s fine Twilight.” The group continued on.

They soon reached another area of the mountain. “We need to be real quiet here, the slightest noise could cause an avalanche.”

Fluttershy cringed some more. “An av….ava…”

Twilight interrupted. “Shh.” The group then quietly made their way through. 

Rainbow was flying over the group, she flew through a low hanging branch and knocked some leaves loose, two of them landed right on Fluttershy’s flank as she walked under it. It startled her and she cried out. “AVALA…!”

Applejack stuck a hoof in her mouth before she could finish. The girls thought they were safe, but a rumbling started, a few rocks were seen starting to fall. Nova saw this and decided to act quickly. “EVERY PONY, GATHER AROUND ME NOW!” He called out. They complied and huddled around him.  Nova put up a shield around them.
The rocks came crasing down around them. The girls looked around them at the rocks in fear. Nova was struggling a bit to keep his shield up, he grunted a bit whenever a big rock landed on the shield. They were starting to get buried in the rocks as they continued to fall, but Nova didn’t let up. 

The avalanche finally ended, but they were buried by the rocks, Nova’s shield dome keeping the rocks at bay. “How are we supposed to get out?” Rainbow asked. 

Nova grunted and strained to expand his shield to force the rocks away, he succeeded and sent them flying off. He panted a bit, the girls cheered. Nova was panting heavily when he looked up and noticed his antennae were visible. “GAH!” He cried out. He quickly covered them with his foreleg. 

“Nova, you saved us, thank you so much!” Twilight said. She then noticed what he was doing. “Oh my gosh, are you ok, you didn’t get hit in the head did you?” She asked with worry.

Nova was sweating nervously. “Huh, Oh no no no, I’m fine, really, just…uh……” He thought fast, the only thing that came to mind was kind of a cheap trick, put it would have to do. “HEY, what’s that over there?” He pointed behind the girls with his other hoof.

“Where?” Pinkie asked as the girls looked away. 

Nova took this chance and focused his magic, he managed to re-disguise his antennae back into a horn. He then removed his foreleg from his forehead.  “I don’t see nothin.” Said Applejack as the others looked back. 

“Oh well must have just missed it. That was a close one though huh?”

“I’ll say, you really saved us there Nova.” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Yes, thank you so much Nova.” Rarity smiled.

Nova smiled back, feeling a little more relaxed the girls didn’t notice anything. “You’re welcome. Now that that’s over, let’s get going shall we.”

“Good idea.” Twilight agreed. They all turned to continue on, but then noticed the avalanche left a large pile of rocks in their way.

Fluttershy frowned “Sorry.”

Applejack gave a  sympathetic smile. “oh, no big whoop sugar cube.”

Twilight agreed. “Yeah, we’ll just have to…” Twilight then sounded less sure of herself. “Climb over it.” 

The goup then started climbing over while Rainbow just flew overhead. They made it over and started walking down. Nova was behind Fluttershy, she slipped and started sliding down and slammed into Rarity, then Applejack. Rainbow Dash came to try and help Rarity up. “My apologies.” Rarity said. 

Rainbow Dash glared at Fluttershy. “Not your fault.” Nova glared at Dash. Nova knew it was an accident and Dash was acting like she might have done it on purpose.

The group continued on. Nova was walking just behind Twilight now, Dash came up to Twilight and whispered in her ear, it was still loud enough he could hear it. “Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along.”

Twilight answered back. “We’re about to find out. We’re here.” The ponies were all now standing before the cave the dragon was in. Twilight started giving orders. “Rainbow Dash, you use your wings to clear the clouds.”

“Mhm.” Rainbow nodded.

“Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you’ll create a distraction in case things get a little hairy.”

Pinkie then took out a rubber chicken and started swinging it around. Rarity just looked at her confused.

“Applejack, you be ready with the apples in case the dragon decides to attack.”

Applejack smiled. She took out two apples from her bags, tossed them up and bucked them at a tree.

“Nova, since you were able to shield us from the rock slide, you can act as our defense.”

“I’ll do my best.” Nova said unassuredly. He had never gone up against a dragon before, so he didn’t know if he could hold off the fire it would breath out.

“But it shouldn’t come to that, because Fluttershy will do what she needs to do to wake him up, and between the two of us, we should be able to convince him why he needs to go. Is every pony ready?”

Nova and the girls, except for Fluttershy, nodded. 

“Ok then, we’re going in.” Twilight started walking, but Nova noticed Fluttershy wasn’t following.
He figured it was best to point it out. “Twilight wait, Fluttershy isn’t following you.” She and the girls all turned and saw that she was hiding her head in the dirt.

“Oh come on.” Twilight commented. She pulled Fluttershy’s head out by her wings, then got behind her and started pushing her to get her to move. “Come on, we have to do this….NG….now. every…gh…”  Rainbow then started helping Twilight push. “Every….gh…second longer that dragon..” Rarity then joined in. “Is another…” Applejack then joined. “Acre of Equestria covered in smoke…” Finally Pinkie just bumped into the whole group.

Nova stayed out of it though, he was just annoyed the girls couldn’t see that Fluttershy was afraid. “I….I…..I can’t go into the cave.”

The girls fell over from behind her. 

“Oh great, she’s scared of caves now too.” Rainbow commented.

“That’s it Dash, I’m getting real tired of this attitude of yours.”

Dash then got in Nova’s face. “MY attitude, Fluttershy’s been slowing us down the whole time!” 

“Because she’s scared of something, I haven’t asked her of what because I don’t want to press her.” He then looked over at all the girls. “And if you all were good friends like I thought you were, you’d see this too.” The girls, started looking rather guilty. 

Twilight started to try and defend herself. “But Nova, this is important.”

Nova glared at her. “And being a good friend isn’t? Aren’t you supposed to be learning about what makes a good friendship or something?”

“Well, yes.”

“Then here’s a lesson.” Nova softened his look. “A good friend should be able to tell when something is bothering your friend, you should ask them if something is wrong and help them with whatever problem their having, if they choose not to tell you, then let them tell you when they feel ready, and don’t’ ignore it if they do tell you for the sake of something else.”

Twilight started. “Nova….I…I’m sorry, you’re right, we should have noticed something was bothering Fluttershy.” Twilight then turned to Fluttershy. “I’m sorry for trying to rush you Fluttershy, and for not noticing when you were afraid.”

“Yeah, me too.” Dash apologized as well. The others then joined in. “Sorry.”

“Oh, it’s ok.” 

Nova turned to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, I’m sorry but you’re obviously afraid of something here, I don’t mean to force you, but I think it’s about time you came out and told us what’s going on, why are you acting so scared?”

“Well, um….I…..I….”

Nova came closer and put a hoof on her shoulder. “It’s ok Fluttershy, you can tell us. We won’t think any less of you.” He then looked to the girls. “Right?” His look was really more directed at Rainbow and Twilight.

The girls all sounded off in agreement. Fluttershy was hesitant. “Well, you see….I….I’m…..afraid of dragons.” The dragon let out another loud snore, Fluttershy cringed and hid behind Nova.

Twilight came around to Fluttershy to talk to her. “But Fluttershy, you have such a wonderful way with dealing with all kinds of animals.”

“Yes, because they’re not dragons.”

Rainbow Started. “Oh come on, we saw you walk right up to a horrible manticore like it was nothing.”

“Yes, because it wasn’t a dragon.”

Pinkie then chimed in. “Spikes a dragon, you’re not afraid of him.”

“Yes, because he’s not a huge gigantic enourmous sharp scale having teeth nashing fire breathing could totally eat a pony in one bite all grown up dragon.”

Twilight started and spoke nicely. “But if you’re so scared of dragons, why didn’t you say something before we came all the way up here?”

“I was afraid to.”

Applejack came up to her. “All of us are scared of that dragon.”

“I’m not.” Dash bragged.

Applejack corrected herself. “Almost all of us are scared of that dragon, but we got a job to do, so get in there with Twilight and show em what yer made of.”

Fluttershy looked over her friends. “I…I…” She looked like she was about to cry. “I just….can’t.” She then turned and started walking away.

“Oh Fluttershy.” Twilight said sadly.

Nova felt bad too. “Maybe I can talk to her, I’ll be back.” Nova then took off after her before the others could object.

“Fluttershy, wait up.” Nova caught up to her. “Fluttershy, I know it must be hard, but if you’re really as good with animals as Twilight says, then I believe you could get that dragon to leave.”

“But I’m afraid, I can’t face a dragon.”

“I know you’re afraid, but this is one of those times where you need to face your fears. I’m facing one right now my-self.”

Fluttershy looked at nova with a bit of surprise. “You are? What is it?”

“Leaving my little brother alone. This is the first time ever we’ve been apart, and I’m worrying about him the whole time. I’ve never left his side before.”

“Goodness, really?”

“Ever since I was little, I had to be the one to take care of him while he was still a baby. I watched out for him, bathed him, taught him what I could, I was always there for him. This is the first time I’ve left him alone and in the care of some pony else.”

“Goodness, but, what about your parents, what happened to them…if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Sorry fluttershy, but I do mind, it’s not an easy thing to talk about.”

“Oh, ok then….forget I asked.”

“Fluttershy, facing your fears is one thing, but facing them for the sake of your friends is a another, you’d be helping them out a bunch if you did this. Now I know your scared, but your friends are there to help you, and I’ll be right there with you the whole time too….promise.”

Fluttershy smiled at Nova. “Ok, I’ll do it.” 

“Great, now come on. We got a dragon to talk to.” Nova led Fluttershy back to the cave.

As they drew closer, they heard a ruckus, they picked up their pace and got to the cave just in time to see a large red and yellow dragon blow a cloud of smoke at the girls, knocking them up against a rock. Fluttershy narrowed her eyes at the dragon. “How dare you.”

The dragon turned his attention to Fluttershy. Nova cringed and looked in fear at it. Fluttershy fluttered up higher. “HOW DARE YOU!” To Nova’s surprise, she flew up to the dragons face and got on its nose. “Listen here mister, just because you’re big, doesn’t mean you get to act like a bully!” She was looking it right in the eyes. “You may have huge teeth and sharp scales and snore smoke and breath fire, but you do not, I repeat, you do NOT…HURT …MY…FRIENDS! You got that?” The dragon was now looking scared as he dropped his head. “Well?”

The dragon then spoke. “But that rainbow one kicked me.” He pointed to Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy’s voice softened. “And I’m very sorry about that, but your bigger than she is and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can be a health hazard to other creatures.”

“But I…”

“Don’t you but I me mister, now what do you have to say for yourself……..I said, what do you have to say for yourself.” To every ponies surprise, the dragon started crying.

“Great galaxies.” Nova said to himself.

Fluttershy then started comforting him. “There there, you’re not a bad dragon, you just made a bad decision, now go pack your things, you just need to find a new place to rest.” Fluttershy said as she flew back down to the ground. 
The dragon ceased his crying and went into the cave to get his stuff. He then came back out and flew off.

The girls all gathered around her and cheered for her. “You did it, I knew you could do it.” Twilight complimented.

Nova came up then. “Way to go Fluttershy, that was amazing.”

“Thanks Nova, but I couldn’t have done it without you, you helped me find the courage to stand up to the dragon and face my fears.”

“Glad I could help.”

Twilight then addressed Nova. “Nova, you talked Fluttershy into facing the dragon?”

“No, I helped her find the courage to face her fears. She chose to stand up to the dragon and talked it into leaving.”

Applejack called out. “Come on, ya’ll, lets head on back.”

Later on, back in Ponyville.

The girls and Nova made it back to Ponyville as a team of pegasai started clearing away the smoke. The girls went their separate ways while Nova came up to the library with Twilight who opened the door with her magic. As soon as she did, Nova was tackled to the ground by a green blur. “NOVA!”

“OOF….hey Starburst.” Nova said as Starburst wrapped his forelegs around Nova’s neck and nuzzled him.

“Nova, I missed you so much, please don’t leave me like that again.” Starburst looked like he was about to cry.

Twilight laughed at the scene. “HEY, get back here you little pest!” Spike cried as Angel ran out the door. He stopped when he saw Nova. “Oh, hey Nova.” He said happily.

Nova stood up with Starburst now on his back and continuing his hug with a smile. “Hey Spike, so how did things go, was Starburst any trouble?”

“Nah, we were fine, right little buddy?” He asked Starburst.

“Well, things were fine, but that bunny seemed to keep causing trouble for Spike.”

“But you and Spike got along ok?” Nova asked.

“Mmhmm.”

Twilight then came up to them. “You see Nova, I told you Spike could handle it.”

“Yes Twilight, you did, at least now I know if I need someone to watch him, I can count on Spike, but I also have the option of Big Macintosh.”

“Wait, you mean we might be separated again?” Starburst asked.

“Well you are going to be starting school here soon.”

“Really, so that means it’ll be every day that we won’t be together?”

“Almost every day. Let’s head home and I’ll tell you more about it. Thanks Spike, for keeping an eye on Starburst for me.”

“No problem, I’m glad I could help.” Spike said with a smile.

Nova then turned back to Twilight. “I’ll see you later Twilight.”

“Bye Nova, and thanks again for all your help today.”

Nova and Starburst then left and headed for home. “So starburst, did you learn anything interesting while staying with Spike?”

“Yep, Spike showed me why I shouldn’t eat too much ice cream at once, he got this thing he called a brain freeze, it looked painful, and I don’t think he meant to do it on purpose either.”

Nova chuckled. “He he, well I’m glad you didn’t have to learn about it the hard way.”

> Slumber Party Fiasco
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Slumber Party Fiasco



Nova and starburst were out in the park as the Pegasus weather team was making a storm ready. Nova had agreed to help Applejack with a task in the park of clearing loose branches out. Starburst was with him because Nova didn’t want to leave Starburst alone for this storm, since this would be his first time experiencing one and didn’t want him to be scared. “Nova, are you sure it’s ok for us to be out here with this storm coming?” Starburst asked.

Nova was using his magic to pull down a loose Branch. “Don’t worry Starburst, it’ll be fine, the storm isn’t supposed to start for a while, I just need to knock out a few more braches, then check in with Applejack and we can head home.”

“Ok, but I don’t know if I’m going to like this storm, you said there was going to be lightning, and it scared me when Rainbow made that lighting when she pulled that prank on Spike.”

Nova pulled down another branch then turned to Starburst. “Starburst, don’t worry, I’ll be with you the whole time, I’m not going to leave your side during this storm, nothing bad will happen, I promise. Now come on, that was the last branch so I can go to Applejack and we’ll head home where it will be safe.” Nova and Starburst then headed off to another part of the Park where Applejack was. 

They arrived and got to her just in time to see her pull down a branch where some of the leaves had been made to look like ponies. Applejack looked a little annoyed with Rarity who was next to her. “Just take the broken limbs down Rarity, Don’t ya’ll care about nothin other than prettyfyin.”

Rarity Replied. “Some pony has to, you’re making an absolute mess of the town square Applejack.” She looked around to see more branches just lying around her. 

Nova came up to her. “Excuse me Applejack.”

Applejack didn’t notice as she continued to speak to Rarity. “Yeah well the storm’s gonna make an even bigger mess if we don’t prune all these loos branches so they don’t tumble down on any pony.”

Nova tried again. “Um, Applejack.”

Rarity interrupted. “I simply cannot understand why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful down pour and ruin what could have been a simply marvelous day.”

Applejack retorted. “Think more practical like will ya.” She said as she bucked a tree and made more branches fall off. “They missed a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it is all.”

Nova tried again. “Excuse me Applejack.”

Applejack finally noticed him and greeted him. “Oh hey there Nova, hey starburst, you done with yer area?”

“Yes mam, all done on my end.” 

“Good work Nova.” Applejack said with a smile. The rain then started to fall.

Starburst huddled up to Nova “Nova, can we go now?”

“I just need to make sure if Applejack needs me for something else, then we’ll head home.” 

Rarity started panicking as the rain fell. “Oh no, my wonderfully styled mane shall be ruined!”

Nova spoke to get Applejack’s attention again. “Applejack, is there…”

Applejack just ignored him as she spoke to Rarity. “Ya should a hurried up and finished the job already.”

Nova tried again. “Applejack, do you….”

Rarity’s panicking interrupted him. “Oh…it’s coming down to fast….ah oh ah, help me!” She said as she ran around trying to avoid the rain. 

Nova tried again with a bit more volume. “Applejack, do you need me to…..”

Applejack interrupted him again. “There, hunker down to yer heart’s content while we finish things.” She said as she pointed a hoof at a nearby park table. “Sorry Nova, now what were you sayin?”

Nova sighed in relief. “Do you need me for anything else?”

Before Applejack could answer, Rarity cried out again. “Oh no no NO NO!”

Applejack came up to her. Nova was looking very annoyed as he hung his head. Starburst stuck close to Nova as he followed Applejack. Applejack started with annoyance. “What now?”

Rarity answered. “I prefer not to get my hooves muddy.” They all looked and noticed a mud puddle under the table.

Nova tried again with more force. “Applejack!”

Applejack was just glaring at Rarity. “Gah, there is just no pleasin ya is there? Everythin’s gotta be just so.”

Rarity just answered plainly. “How does muddying my hooves serve any purpose.”

Nova had given up at this point and was looking very annoyed, so he just let them argue it out until he could talk to Applejack without interuptions. Starburst just hid under his big brother from the storm.

Applejack retorted. “Ya’ll wouldn’t know useful if it came up and bit ya.”

Rarity just laughed. “That doesn’t even make any sense.”

Applejack then retorted. “Does so.”

Rarity countered. “Does not.”

“Does so.” 

“Does not.”

Nova just darted his eyes back and forth as they went on like this for a bit.

“Does so.”

“Does not.”

“Does so.”

Nova closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, he had enough, he finally exploded. “GIRLS, STOP ARGUING!”  This got their attention as they looked at him. “I can’t believe you two, your acting like a couple of foals.”

Applejack and Rarity then glared at each other. Rarity started. “He’s right, perhaps we should go our separate ways before one of us says something she’ll regret.”

Applejack responded. “I reckon ya’ll will say somethin you’ll regret first.”

Rarity countered. “On the contrary, I believe it shall be you who will most certainly say something you will regret first.”

Nova facehoofed at this.

Applejack countered again. “I’m not sayin anythin.”

“Nor am I!”

Nova tried again. “KNOCK IT OFF!” A loud clap of thunder sounded off scaring every pony. Rarity and Applejack clung to each other as they looked up in fear. 

“Nova, can we go home now…….pleeeease?” Starburst asked in fear

Rarity started. “Perhaps we should stick together and find some shelter?”

Applejack finally agreed with her. “Uh huh, perhaps we should, and fast.”

“Well at least they finally agreed on something.” Nova said to himself. “Come on Starburst, I don’t know if we can make it to the ship, lets…..”

Before Nova could finish his sentence, a voice called out to them. “Nova, Applejack, Rarity!” They all looked to the source of the voice, it was Twilight standing in her doorway waving to them. She called again. “Nova, Applejack, Rarity!”

Nova was pleased to see her beckoning to them. He wasted no time. “Come on Starburst, let’s get out of this storm. Come on you two, let’s go.” Nova said to his little brother and the two mares. He picked up his brother and placed him on his back and galloped off to Twilight, Applejack and Rarity followed.

Nova and Starburst were the first ones in, Rarity followed, Applejack stopped before she came in and made an observation. “Whoa nelly, is inside a tree really the best place to be during a lightning storm?”

Twilight informed with a smile. “It is when you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home like I do, come in in.”

Starburst spoke from Nova’s back, still a little shaken up from the lightning. “Thanks for letting us come in Twilight.”

Nova agreed. “Yes, thank you very much, we really appreciate it.”

Rarity followed up. “We are most grateful for your invitation.”

Applejack gave her thanks as well as she walked in. “Thank ya kindly fer yer hospitality.”

Rarity then stopped her and pointed to her muddy hooves. “Do be a polite houseguest and go wash up won’t you?”

Applejack was very displeased with this. She just angrily walked out muttering something under her breath. 

Starburst finally climbed down from Nova’s back and spoke to Twilight. “Twilight, we are safe in here right, I don’t like Lighting, it’s scary.”

Twilight looked at him with a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry Starburst, I promise we’re completely safe in here, you don’t have to worry.” 

Starburst smiled back at Twilight.

Twilight then continued. “Some storm huh, the Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you all don’t have any trouble getting home.”

Rarity confirmed. “Getting home may indeed be a problem.”

Starburst spoke up again. “Getting home, you mean we have to go back out there?”

Nova looked down at his little brother with sympathy, he then looked at Twilight. “Listen Twilight, I don’t mean to impose, but would it be all right if we stayed here for the night until the storm clears, starburst really doesn’t like storms.”

Rarity cooed as she looked at Starburst. “Oh, the poor dear, will he be all right?”

Nova answered. “He’s just scared of the loud noise the lightning makes.”

Twilight looked back down at Starburst as he seemed to tremble a little. “Well you’re all more than welcome to stay here if you like.”

Nova smiled at her. “Thank you Twilight, we really appreciate it.”

“Spike is away on Canterlot royal business anyway, so I’m all alone here tonight.” Her eyes then lit up with an idea. “You all should totally sleep over! We’ll have a slumber party. I’ve always wanted one of those.”

Nova and Starburst looked at her in confusion, Starburst got his brother to lower his head so he could whisper in it. “Nova, what’s a slumber party?”

Nova whispered back. “I don’t know, must be another pony thing, we better play along. It might be like a regular party but with different stuff.”

Rarity then began as she seemed to remember something. “Oh…I….do belive I have a prior engagement I need to get to that completely slipped my mind till just now ha ha ha. I can’t possibly stay here all night.” She then said something under her breath. 

Nova cocked an eyebrow, he could tell she was most likely making up an excuse.

Twilight then went over to one of her shelves and lit up her horn, she pulled down a book from it and levitated it in front of Nova and Rarity. Rarity read it out loud. “Slumber 101, all you needed to know about slumber parties but were afraid to ask.”

Twilight proudly announced. “My own personal copy, it’s a fantastic reference guide, you should see the table of contents. I’ve been waiting for a chance to use it, and today’s the day. This is going to be so great.” She said excitedly.

Rarity didn’t seem so sure. “Yes, great, ha ha ha.”

Nova wasn’t too sure about this either. “I’m not so sure about this.”

Twilight tried to encourage with a smile. “Oh come on Nova, it’ll be fun.” Nova said nothing. Twilight continued. “OK, first on the list is mud masks, I’ll go and make it.” 

Starburst was confused. “Mud mask?”

Nova looked down at him. “I’m as clueless as you here little brother.”

After a while, Twilight came back in with a bowl of lime green colored muck. “Here we go.”

Rarity perked up at the sight. “Wonderful, let’s get started.” The girls sat in front of it while Nova and Starburst approached cautiously.

Starburst came up to it and looked down into the bowl with a disgusted look. “Ewe, what is that stuff?”

Rarity answered. “This is the mud mask Twilight mentioned. You simply put it on your face and it refreshes and rejuvenates your complexion.”

Starburst raised an eyebrow at this. “I am NOT putting that stuff on my face.”

The girls chuckled. Rarity continued. “Don’t worry dear, you don’t need it, Nova on the other hoof looks like he could.”

Nova’s eyes shot open. “Excuse me?”

“Well you have seemed rather stressed lately, you just seem so worried all the time, think of what it’s doing to your complexion.” Rarity explained as Twilight started putting the gunk on her face.

“Thanks, but no thanks, I don’t really care about my……complexion.”

Twilight tried to encourage. “Oh come on Nova, it’ll be fun.” Rarity then started putting the stuff on Twilight’s face.
Applejack came in and provided a much needed distraction. She saw what the girls were doing and got confused. She then started looking upset. “Now wait just a gall darn minute, you made me wash the mud off my hooves, but it’s ok fer ya’ll ta have mud all over yer faces?”

Rarity explained again. “Silly, this is a mud mask, it’s to refresh and rejuvenate ones complexion.”

Twilight squealed with excitement. “We’re giving each other make overs! EH he, we have to, it says so in the book.”

Twilight then levitated the slumber party book over to Applejack, she started to read it herself. “Slumber 101, everythin ya….” She stopped and looked shocked. “Oh hey, would ya look at the time, I’m powerful late fer uh….somethin, goodnight.” She then started for the door. Before she reached it, a bolt of lightning went off.

“AH!” Starburst shrieked.

Applejack ran back too, looking a little afraid. “Or maybe I’ll sit here for a spell.”

Nova looked down at Starburst as he quivered. Nova picked him up in a hug to try and comfort him. “Shhh, it’s ok Starburst, it’s just noise.”

“I know, but it’s so loud and scary.”

Twilight then cheered, completely oblivious to Starburst’s distress. “Hooray slumber party!”

Rarity then tossed some of the green gunk onto Applejack’s face and started rubbing it in. Applejack was complaining a bit the whole time. Rarity then placed cucumber slices over her eyes. “What in the world is this for?”

Rarity explained as if Applejack should have already known. “To reduce the puffiness in one’s eyes of course.”

“Puffiness shmuffiness, that’s good eatin.” Applejack then licked them off her eyes and ate them.

Nova just looked at her a little disgusted.

Twilight went over to her book that was resting on a stand. “Isn’t this exciting? We’ll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun.” She clapped her front hooves together.

Nova tried to disagree. “Um, Twilight, I don’t think you have to go by a book’s directions to have fun.”

His comment went unnoticed as Rarity spoke. “Did you hear that Applejack, you certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?”

Applejack answered with hidden annoyance. “Of course not. And you wouldn’t either I reckon.”  

“So do we have an agreement?”

“You betcha.” Applejack then spit in her hoof and held it out to Rarity.

Rarity recoiled at the sight. “Ewe gross. You know, there’s messy, and there’s just plain rude.” She glared at Applejack.

Applejack lowered her hoof and glared back. “Ya know, there’s fussy, n just plain gettin on my nerves.” 

Nova rolled his eyes at this. “Oh yeah, this will be loads of fun.”

Rarity countered Applejack’s comment. “Fortunately I can get along with any pony, no matter how difficult SHE may be.”

Applejack retorted. “Oh yeah, well I’m the most getting alongest pony yer ever gonna meet.”

“That’s not even a word.”

Nova finally interjected as calmly as he could as he walked over to them with Starburst right next to him. “Will you two just stop already, your acting ridiculous.” 

The two looked at him. Rarity started. “Excuse me, I’m not the one with such rude behavior.”

Applejack retorted. “Well I’m not the one bein a real fuss budget.”

Twilight interjected as she gave them all a hug. “This is gonna be the best slumber party ever, YAY!”

Applejack, Rarity, and Nova parroted her with very little enthusiasm. “yay.”

Later in the night, the girls, AND Nova all had curlers in their mane and tail. Nova and Applejack looking very displeased. Nova was the first to say something. “How did I ever let you girls talk me into this?”

Starburst was laughing at his brother. “HA HA, you look so silly Nova, HA HA!” He was rolling on the ground in a fit of laughter.

Nova couldn’t help but smirk. He was glad to see Starburst wasn’t feeling afraid anymore. Twilight and Rarity smiled to see him happy now. Rarity then turned her attention back to Nova and Applejack. “So, how are you two getting along?”

Nova answered first. “I suppose it’s worth it to see Starburst smiling again.”

Applejack then answered. “Just Fine Rarity.”

Twilight was beaming. “This is so awesome, ha ha ha.” She levitated a check list in front of her and marked something on it. “Make overs, check.” Twilight then used her magic to make the curlers disappear.

“Awe, you looked so good in them.” Starburst said with mock disappointment.

Nova smiled at him. “Ha ha, very funny Starburst.”

Twilight started again. “Ooh, it says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first?”

Starburst picked up on this and looked scared again. “Ghost stories?”

Nova became worried. “Uh, Twilight, I don’t suppose we could skip that could we? You know, for Starburst’s sake.”

“Oh, but it’ll be fun, I promise, now who’s first.” Twilight practically ignored him, Nova wasn’t pleased about this.

Before he could say anything, Applejack quickly raised a hoof. “ME!” She called out right after Twilight asked. “I’d like ta tell ya’ll the tale of the prissy ghost, who drove every pony insane with her unnecessary neatness. Ooohhhhh.”  

Nova rolled his eyes at this. Starburst just giggled at Applejack’s lame impression of a ghost.

“I’m sure YA’LL are familiar with that one.” Applejack said as she looked at Rarity.

Rarity then answered. “Never heard of it. But I have a much better one. This is the story of the messy INconsiderate ghost who irritated every pony within a hundred miles….Oooohhhh.” 

Starburst just laughed some more. “He he ha, this ghost story thing isn’t so bad, it’s actually funny.”

Nova smiled as he wiped a foreleg across his forehead.

Applejack spoke up. “That’s not a real story, you made it up.”

Once again, Nova just face hoofed at them. “Don’t they ever quite?” He asked himself.

Rarity countered. “It is a ghost story, they are all made up.”

Suddenly lightning flashed again and knocked out the lights. “AAAAHHHH!” Applejack, Rarity, and Starburst all cried out in fear, Nova jumped a little himself.

Twilight got a lantern with fire flies in it and was in front of them. “I’ve got one, this story is called, the legend of the headless horse.”

Starburst was clutching tightly to Nova’s foreleg. “H-h-h-headless…..h-horse?”

Nova looked at his brother worriedly, he tried to stop Twilight again. “Twilight, could we please skip this, Starburst is scared enough as it is from the storm.”

Twilight looked at him with hopeful eyes. “But…..” She stopped when she saw Starburst holding his big brothers leg with his eyes closed and shaking. The girls couldn’t help but feel sorry for the little colt.

Applejack agreed. “Twi, I’m sure it won’t be a big deal if we skip this part of the slumber party would it?”

Rarity agreed with Applejack, she came up next to starburst and stroked his mane. “Just look at him, the poor dear is scared stiff.”

Nova spoke under his breath. “Glad to see you two agree on something for once.”

Twilight smiled. “I suppose so, let’s move on to the next activity.”  Twilight went and turned the lights back on.

Nova smiled. “Thank you Twilight.” Starburst looked up at his brother with a smile. “So what’s next then?”

“Smores, come on, we’ll head into my room for this.” Twilight informed. 

The girls and the two brothers followed Twilight to her room upstairs. Twilight started a fire in a fireplace she had in it. Starburst came up to Twilight. “So what are smores?”

“You’re gonna like this Starburst.” Twilight brought out gram crackers, marshmellows, bars of chocolate, and a few sticks. Twilight put a marshmellow on a stick and levitated it to Starburst. “Here you go.” 

He took it in his foreleg. “So what now?”

Applejack informed. “Come over here and I’ll show ya.” She guided Starburst over to the fire. “Ya just hold it over the fire till it’s nice and golden brown.” 

Starburst held the stick over the fire, he was soon joined by the others. Nova started. “So we just cook them over a fire, what about that other stuff?”

Rarity informed. “Once the marshmellows are ready, we put them together with the other stuff.”

Once the marshmellows were ready, the ponies brought them to the table with the other stuff. Rarity began her instructions on proper smore assembly as Twilight followed her directions. “Now you just place a piece of chocolate on top of one cracker, then you gently place the marshmellow on top of the chocolate at the center, that’s critical, then you place the square gram cracker on the top. Aaaaaaand, tada."

Twilight was a little impressed. Nova was making one as well while Rarity was giving her directions. Applejack seemed disinterested. “Nah, ya just eat em.” She then gobbled up the one Twilight assembled and chewed it noisily. She then let out a burp.

Rarity was disgusted. “You could at least say excuse me.”

“Oh I was about to but you interrupted me.” She then gave a straight look. “Pardon.”

Nova narrowed his eyes at the two. He then looked back at Starburst. “Here Starburst, try it, see what you think.” Nova slid the smore over to Starburst.

Starburst levitated it up in front of him and took a bite. “Mmmm, that is good, nice and chewy.” He ate the rest in one gulp. 

Nova chuckled. “He ha, so I guess you like it?”

“You bet, can I have another?”

They assembled a few more and Nova enjoyed his smores as well. Twilightthen went over to her book. “Smores, check. Now the next item for fun is….truth or dare.”

Before instructions were given, Rarity started the game off. “I dare Applejack to do something neatly and carefully for a change.”

Applejack cocked an eyebrow. “Oh yeah, well I dare Rarity to lighten up, and stop stressin over every….last….little….detail fer a change.”

“I think the truth of the matter is that some pony could stand to pay a little more attention to detail.”

“And I think some pony needs to quit fussin so the rest of us can get stuff done.”

Nova grunted. “Not this again.” He spoke up. “Can’t you two stop arguing for five minutes?”

Twilight went over to her book. “I don’t think that’s how the game is supposed to work, you have to give an honest answer to any question, or do whatever any pony dares you to do.”

Applejack gave the first dare to Rarity. “I dare you to step outside and let yer precious tidy mane get ruined.” She smirked.

Rarity glared at Applejack.

Twilight started. “You have to, it’s the rules.”

Applejack laughed. “HA!” 

“FINE!” Rarity went outside for a few seconds, then came back in soaking wet and shivering. Applejack laughed.

Nova spoke up. “Applejack, that wasn’t very nice.”

Applejack just smirked. “Oh, it’s all in good fun.” 

Nova snorted. Rarity then came up to Applejack with a dare of her own. “Ok, I dare Applejack to play dress up, in a fru fru glittery lacy outfit.” 

Applejack gasped, then glared at Rarity again. She walked off and put something on. She came back out wearing a dress like something from a fairy tale.  

Starburst snickered, Nova was REALLY getting tired of this.

Applejack came up to Rarity. “Happy?”

Rarity smiled. “Very.”

Twilight spoke up. “Um, do I ever get a turn?”

Nova came up to her. “I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

Applejack started again. “I dare you to enter the next rodeo that comes to town.”

Rarity countered. “I dare you not to enter the next rodeo that comes to town.”

Nova finally exploded. “ENOUGH ALREADY, BY THE COSMOS, JUST STOP FIGHTING!”

The ponies all looked at Nova “Cosmos?” The girls asked in unison.

“I can’t believe you two, your acting like foals here, you’re grown mares for galaxies sake!”

Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder to get his attention. “Nova, what is with this galaxies and cosmos talk?”

Nova ignored her. “Look, I get that you two have opposite personalities, but that’s no reason to be going at it like this, there is no reason why you two can’t get along! You’ve been doing nothing but argue this whole time, and to be honest, I’m SICK OF IT!” The room grew quiet for a moment.

Applejack stepped forward. “Now look here Nova, we….”

Before she could finish, a bolt of lightning struck just outside Twilight’s window. “AAAAHHHH!” Starburst shrieked and clutched on to Nova’s foreleg. 

The girls got worried and ran up to see what happened. Nova picked up his brother and placed him on his back and followed. They all looked out a window to see a nearby tree about to fall over on a house next door. 

Applejack turned to Rarity. “Ya see? That’s why we needed to take down all those branches in town, not pretty em up.”

“But I…” Rarity tried to defend herself.

Applejack cut her off. “Out of my way missy, times a wastin.” She then got out a rope, opened the window and started twirling it around over her head. 

Rarity tried to warn her. “Wait, stop, DON’T!” 

Nova saw what Rarity saw. “Applejack STOP, LISTEN TO HER!”

Applejack didn’t listen. “No waitin, no stopin, DOIN!” She tossed the lasso and roped the tree. “And that my friends, is what we call gettin it done.” She then pulled on the rope and the tree came crashing in.

The girls were buried under the tree, Nova was knocked back to the edge of the loft. “OW, APPLEJACK!” He then looked down and saw Starburst lying on the floor with his eyes closed. “STARBURST!” He cried out in a panic. He got up and rushed down to him. 

The girls heard the cry and went over to the edge to look over. They gasped when they saw Starburst had fallen down. 

Nova came up to Starburst. “Starburst, Starburst are you okay?”

Starburst groaned. “Ooohh, my leg.”

“Where does it hurt, which leg?”

Starburst opened his eyes. “I think it’s my front left leg.”

Nova gently took hold of it in his leg. “Does this hurt?” 

Starburst winced a little. “oh, a little.”

Nova looked sadly at his brother. “Just hold on, I’ll assess the damage.” Nova cast his scanning spell on Starburst’s leg. He sighed in relief. “*Sight* It’s not broken, but it looks like a small sprain, you’ll just have to take it easy on that leg for a while.”

Twilight asked from over the edge. “Is he going to be ok?”

Nova looked up at her. “He’ll be ok, it’s just a sprain.” He then glared at Applejack and Rarity who also looked worried. “Well, I hope you’re happy, because of YOU TWO, my little brother got hurt. Applejack, Rarity tried to warn you what would happen if you pulled on that rope, even I saw what would happen, but NO, you were being too stubborn to listen. If you two could learn to get along, this little accident could have been avoided! Until you two can learn to get along, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be around you. Twilight, I’m sorry I can’t help you with this mess, but I have to tend to my brother.”

Twilight gave a sympathetic smile. “It’s fine, there’s a first aid kit in my kitchen that might help. It’s just under the sink.”

“Thank you, and good luck with those two, you’re gonna need it.” Nova gently levitated Starburst on his back and headed out, he saw Twilight give Rarity and Applejack a glare as they just smiled nervously back.

Nova made his way to the kitchen while Starburst was sniffling a little from the pain. He found the kit, gently set his brother down on his haunches and went through the kit. He picked out some ointment to help relieve the pain and rubbed it on Starburst’s leg. “This should help with the pain, how you holdin up there bro?”

“*sniff* Ok I guess.”

Nova started wrapping Starburst’s leg with the bandages provided. “I just can’t believe those two, I never thought I’d see such animosity towards one another.”

“Nova, why do they seem to hate each other, they were nice to me?”

“I don’t know Starburst, but I don’t think we should be around them anymore. Something like this might happen again.” Nova finished wrapping his brother’s leg. “There, how’s that, any better?”

Starburst raised his leg a little. “It feels a little better, thanks Nova.”

Nova smiled at him. “Any time little bro. guess we’ll just stay down here for the night.”

Nova heard hoof steps coming down the stairs from Twilight’s room. Twilight came into the kitchen leading Applejack and Rarity who were hanging their heads. “Hey Nova, how’s Starburst doing?” 

Nova looked over to Twilight. “He’s doing a little better now, thanks for asking. I take it you found a way to get rid of that tree that fell in your room?”

“Mmhmm, Rarity and Applejack FINALLY stopped arguing and worked together to get rid of it.”

“Really, those two FINALLY stopped fighting?” Nova cocked an eyebrow.

Applejack came foreward. “Nova, we’re aweful sorry fer what happned ta Starburst, somethin like that shoulda never happened.”

Rarity continued. “You were right when you said we were acting like foals, and because of it, your little brother got hurt, can you ever forgive us?”

Nova thought for a moment. “Can you two promise me that you can get along from now on?”

The two smiled and answered together. “We promise.”

“I’m still mad at you two for what happened, but as long as you’ve learned your lesson, I suppose I can forgive you.” 

Applejack then came up to Starburst. “Starburst, I’m aweful sorry ya got hurt like this because of me, I hope ya’ll can forgive me too.”

Rarity came up. “Me too, it was partly my fault this happened.”

Starburst looked up to them. “It’s ok, it was just an accident, besides, I’ve got my big brother here to take care of me.” He said with a smile as he looked at Nova.

Applejack smiled back. “That ya do sugar cube, and yer aweful lucky ta have Nova as yer big brother.”

Starburst let out a yawn. “*YAWN* Can we get some sleep now, I’m tired.”

Twilight giggled. “Hm hm, I think that’s a good idea, let’s all get some sleep.”

They all headed up to Twilight’s room for the night, Nova carried Starburst again. Twilight asked. “So how did you boys enjoy the slumber party?”

Nova answered first. “It was all right, probably would have been better if a certain pair of mares didn’t argue all the time.”

Starburst then answered. “I liked the smores best, when can we make them again?”

Nova laughed. “Starburst, it’s time for bed, no snacking all right.”

“All right.” Starburst answered disappointedly. The girls just laughed at him. 

> Gossip Begets Fear
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gossip Begets Fear



It had been two days since the slumber party now and Starburst’s leg was all better. The two brothers were out and about to enjoy the beautiful day. Nova and Starburst were walking side by side as they made their way into town. “Wow, sure is a nice day, Rainbow Dash must have done this early.” Nova complimented.

“Yeah, but…..where is every pony?” Starburst pointed out.

Nova looked around as they walked and saw that no other pony was out. “That’s odd, I wonder why no pony is out today.”

They continued their walk and soon came upon Twilight with Spike riding on her back in front of Sugarcube corner. Nova greeted first. “Hey Twilight, good to see someone out and about.”

Twilight greeted back. “Good morning you two, any idea why no pony is out today?”

“I was hoping you’d know.” 

“PSst, Twilight, Spike, Nova, Starburtst, over here.” A voice whispered out to them.

“Did you hear that?” Starburst asked.

They looked and saw Pinkie beckoning them. “Come here, hurry, before she gets you.”

The four didn’t waste time, they jumped in through the open top half of the door into the shop. Pinkie quickly closed the door behind them. Pinkie then turned on a flashlight and briefly blinded Nova and Twilight. 

“Who, the zombie pony?” Spike asked in fear as he wrapped his arms around Twilight’s neck.

“Zombie pony?” Starburst asked in fear. Nova looked down at his brother, then narrowed his eyes at Spike for scaring Starburst.

Pinkie repeated. “Zoooombie pony?”

Twilight countered. “Spike, Starburst, there are no zombie ponies.”

Starburst wanted to make sure. “Really, promise?”

Twilight looked to Starburst to assure him. “I promise Starburst, Spike is just letting his imagination get the better of him.”

Nova further assured. “You see, nothing to be afraid of Starburst.” Starburst smiled up at Nova.

Twilight then wondered out loud. “Pinkie, what are you doing here alone in the dark?”

Pinkie answered. “I’m not alone in the dark.” The lights came up a little as Pinkie opened a curtain revealing the other girls in the room, along with a little filly. 

Twilight tried again. “Ok then, what are you all doing here in the dark?”

Applejack answered. “We’re hidin from her.” Applejack pointed a hoof outside the window to a figure outside wearing a dark brown cloak with a few gold bracelets around one foreleg digging at the ground. The figure stopped digging and looked at them with yellow glowing eyes. The girls, except Twilight gasped. 

Nova grew nervous at this. He wasn’t afraid of this figure, but of how the ponies were reacting to it.

The little filly got on Spike’s head to talk to Twilight. “Did you see her Twilight, did ya see…Zecora?”

“Applebloom, I told you never to say that name!” Applejack scolded.

“Nova look, is that Applejack’s little sister, the one you told me she said she had?” Starburst asked with a bit of excitement.

“I think so.” Nova said, he then came up to Applejack. “Applejack, is this the little sister you mentioned before?”

Applejack didn’t smile as she spoke. “Yep, this is my little sister Applebloom, Applebloom, this here is Nova and his little brother Starburst.”

Applebloom seemed to perk up. “Howdy, nice to meet ya.” She came up to Starburst. “Hey, you don’t have a cutie mark yet.”

Starburst was thrown off by that statement. “My what……OH right my cutie mark, no I’m still trying to earn it he he.” He remembered the symbols on every pony were called cutie marks instead of skill signs.

“We’ll maybe we can work together to find em.”

“Really, I would like that.” 

Applebloom went back to Twilight. “So Twilight, did you see her?”

Twilight answered. “Well I saw here glance this way.”

Pinkie corrected. “You mean glance eeeevily this way.”

“And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason.”

Applejack countered as she got Applebloom next to her. “No good reason? Ya call protectin yer kin no good reason? Why when Applebloom saw Zecora ridin into town, she started shakin in her little horseshoes.” Applejack proceeded to shake Applebloom.

“DIiIiD NoOoOt.” Applebloom countered as she was shaken by her sister.

Applejack continued. “So I swepte her up and brought her here.” She picked up Applebloom and placed her on her back.

“Applejack, I walked here myself.”

“For safety.”

“Applejack, I’m not a baby, I can take care of myself.” Applebloom said as she climbed down off her sister’s back.

“Not from that creepy Zecora.”

Fluttershy started. “She’s mysterious.”

Rainbow continued as she hovered overhead. “Sinister.”

Pinkie continued. “And Spooookie.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. Nova was starting to ger real nervous. If these ponies reacted to this Zecora like this, how would they react if they saw what he and Starburst really looked like or found out what they really were. “Hey girls, I don’t suppose you all might just be overreacting to this maybe a little. I mean, how bad can she be? Right?”

Twilight agreed. “Exactly.”

They all looked back out the window to look at Zecora. She removed the hood she was wearing  to reveal a black and white striped mane, the ponies, except Twilight, Nova and Starburst gasped.  Twilight found it annoying. “Will you cut that out!”

Rarity commented with a scowl. “Will you look at those stripes, how garish.”

“She’s a zebra.” Twilight informed.

“A WHAT?!” The girls all asked in unison.

“A zebra, and her stripes aren’t a fashion choice Rarity, they’re what she was born with.”

Rarity fainted at the fact.

“Born where, I never seen a pony like that round these parts, cept her.” Applejack said with a shiver.

Nova tried to talk some sense in them. “Look girls, don’t you think maybe you should get to know here first before you start jumping to conclusions?”

Applejack countered. “Don’t ya’ll know wehre she lives, she lives in….The Everfree forest!”

As soon as she said it, there was a loud clattering. “AAAHHH!” Starburst shrieked and clung to Nova’s leg, thinking it was lightning.

“SPIKE!” Twilight called out. Apperantly, Spike had snuck into the kitchen and knocked over a few pots and pans. 

“Oops.” Was all he had to say for himself. 

Nova comforted Starburst. “It’s ok Starburst, it was just Spike knocking over some things.”

Starburst released his grip on his brother. 

Applejack continued. “The Everfree forest just aint natural, the plants grow…”

Fluttershy picked up from there. “The animals care for themselves……”

Rainbow then continued. “And the clouds move…”

Then all three of them spoke. “All on their own!”

Rarity fainted again.

Pinkie then picked up from there. “And that wicked enchantress lives there doing her evil….stuff. Oh, she’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her.”

Nova cocked an eyebrow. “A song?”

Rainbow commented. “Here we go.”

Pinkie started singing her song.

She’s an evil enchantress, and she does evil dances
And if you look deep in her eyes, she will put you in trances.

And what will she do, she’ll mix up an evil brew 
Then she’ll gobble you up in a big tasty stew soooooo
WATCH OUT!

Pinkie finished her song standing on a table on her hind hooves with her forelegs raised up above her head panting heavily.

Nova commented. “You have GOT to be kidding me.”

Twilight then commented. “Wow, catchy.”

“It’s a work in progress.” Pinkie said as she climbed off the table.

Twilight started to lecture. “This is all a lot of gossip and rumors. Now tell me, what have you seen Zecora actually do?”

Rainbow answered. “Well, once a month , she comes into Ponyville.”

“Oooh.” Twilight mocked. Nova was feeling some relief that Twilight wasn’t about to judge based on rumors or anything unless you got to know a pony better. 

Rarity continued. “Then, she lurks by the stores.”

Twilight mocked again. “Oh my.” Starburst giggled at her.

Fluttershy then came in. “Then, she digs at the ground.”

“Good gracious…..ok, I’m sorry, but how is any of this bad?” Applebloom came up next to Twilight. “Maybe she comes to town to visit.” 

“Yeah, maybe she’s just tryin to be neighborly.” Applebloom agreed. 

“Yeah, what she said.” Starburst said as well.

Twilight continued. “And maybe she’s not lurking by the stores, maybe she’s going to them…lurk free…to do some shopping.”

Applebloom agreed again. “Yeah, every pony likes to shop, you know what I think…”

Applejack interrupted her. “Applebloom, hush and let the big ponies talk.” 

Applebloom started walking away from the crowd. “I am a big pony.”

Starburst saw her walk away. Nova leaned down and spoke to him in a whisper. “Starburst, why don’t you go talk to her, get to know her…..just….be careful ok?”

Starburst smiled. “Ok.” He then went off to join Applebloom.

Nova tried to throw in his thought on the matter. “Don’t you all think your jumping to conclusions here, I mean, you don’t even know here, don’t you think you should at least get to know here before you start thinking the worst of her. For all you know, she could be one of the nicest ponies around.”

Pinkie disagreed. “Or she could be an evil enchantress, what about my song?”

“What about your song, just because you write a song about some pony being evil doesn’t make them evil.”

Rainbow then came in. “What about digging at the ground, you gotta admit, that’s weird.”

Fluttershy agreed. “What if she’s digging for innocent creatures?”

Twilight countered while Pinkie started her song again. “I’m sure there’s a logical explanation for everything Zecora does, and if anypony were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth.”

Applebloom looked to Starburst next to her. “Did ya hear that Starburst, I’m brave enough, what about you?”

Starburst was a little hesitant. “I don’t know Applebloom , maybe we should just stay here with the others.”

“Don’t be such a scaredy pony, come on, let’s go see what she’s like.” Applebloom grabbed Starburst by the hoof and dragged him out the door. 

“Applebloom, wait.” Starburst tried to object, but it was too late, they were out the door.

The two hid behind a building and watched as Zecora dug at the ground. Starburst tried to talk to her in a whisper. “Applebloom, I don’t know about this, why don’t we go get Twilight…Or my brother, he could definitely….”

Applebloom shushed him. “Shhh…..get down.” Applebloom pushed Starburst back behind the building as Zecora kept walking. She peeked again and saw Zecora continuing to walk. “Come on Starburst, lets go.” She grabbed his hoof again and dragged him as they snuck around quietly to follow Zecora. They quietly followed her out of town.

Back at the bakery, the argument continued. “You ponies are being ridiculous!” Twilight said aloud. 

“I have to agree with her, you’re all just listening to a bunch of rumors.” Nova said aloud.

Pinkie countered. “Well, I hear that Zecora eats hay.”

Twilight countered back. “Pinkie, I eat hay, you eat hay.”

“Yeah, but I hear it’s the evil way she eats hay.”

Applejack then cried out. “HEY, where’s applebloom.”

Nova then looked around in a panic. “Starburst? Where are you? Oh no, Starburst is gone too!”

Fluttershy pointed out. “The doors open.”

Rarity pointed out. “they went outside.”

Rainbow then spoke up. “And Zecora is still out there.”

Nova wasted no time, he took off out the door. Twilight called out to him. “Nova, wait up!” The girls all followed him out.

Nova was barreling through town in a panic. “STARBURST, WHERE ARE YOU?!”

Applebloom and Starburst followed Zecora to the edge of a forest. Starburst was feeling nervous and scared. “Applebloom, I’m not so sure this is a good idea, maybe we should head back.”

“Don’t be such a scaredy pony, come on, we can show them grownups were big ponies like them.” Starburst just followed Applebloom into the forest, they followed Zecora as she walked past some blue flowers growing along the path.

“STARBURST, there you are!” Nova ran up to Starburst and scooped him up in a hug. “Starburst, what were you thinking, don’t you ever run off like that again, you scared me half to death.”

Applejack called out too. “Applebloom, you get back here right now!” 

Nova placed Starburst on his back and rejoined the other mares with Applejack that were standing in the blue flowers. Zecora saw them and started speaking to them in rhyme. “Beware, beware you pony folk, those leaves of blue are not a joke.”

Applejack lifted Applebloom with her head and set her on her back. “You keep yer creepy mumbo jumbo to yerself ya hear!”

The others, but Twilight sounded off as well. Nova didn’t like this, he looked at them with worry, he then turned his neck to face Starburst. “Starburst, I can’t believe you would wander off like that, what were you thinking?”

Starburst defended himself. “It’s not my fault, Applebloom dragged me along with her, I tried to talk her into going back but she wouldn’t listen.”

“Well…..all right then, just try not to let that happen again ok?”

“I’m sorry Nova, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“As long as your safe, that’s all that matters.” 

Zecora’s voice rang out again. “Beware, beware!”

Rainbow Dash tried to counter. “Yeah, back at ya Zecora, you and your lame curses better beware!”

Applejack then started scolding Applebloom. “And you, why couldn’t you listen to yer big sister.”

“I…I….”

“Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora coulda put on you and Starburst.”

Pinkie started. “Just like in my song.” She started a revised version of it.

Twilight then started. “You guys, there’s no such thing as curses!”

Rainbow flew through the flowers up to Twilight. “Well that’s interesting to hear coming from miss magic pants herself.”  She pointed at Twilight’s horn.

“My magic, real magic comes from within, it’s a skill your born with. Curses are artificial, fake magic, all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. They’re just an old pony tale.”

Nova agreed. “Twilight is right, Curses aren’t real, your all just being ridiculous. What proof do you have that they are real?”

Applejack disagreed. “Just you wait you two, you’ll soon learn that some pony tales….really are true.”

Nova kept his worried look as Applejack walked off. “Twilight, you’re not one to judge some pony on appearances are you?”

Twilight looked at Nova. “Of course not, come on, let’s head back into town.” Nova followed Twilight out through the flowers and out of the forest, from there, Nova and Starburst headed on home.

That night:

“Starburst, where are you!?” Nova galloped through town looking for Starburst. “Starburst, answer me!”
He came to the center of town and found his little brother in a horrible state, he was out of his disguise and in a cage surrounded by other ponies yelling at him and throwing trash at him. Starburst was crying and sniffling. 

“Get the alien!”

“BOO, get that freak out of here!”

Nova called out. “STARBURST!”

The crowd of ponies turned to Nova. “There’s the other one, get him!” One pony called out.

Nova looked over himself and saw he was out of disguise. “What, NO, I’m not….I mean…Please!” The crowd closed in on Nova. He ran off  away from the crowd. “Starburst, I swear I’ll come back for you!”

Nova ran and ran, he managed to find Sugarcube Corner, he knocked on the door. “Pinkie, please I need your help!”

The door opened and Pinkie stepped out. “AAHHH, ALIEN!” She shrieked.

“Pinkie It’s me, Nova, please I need your help.”

“Get away from me you thing!” she then slammed the door on him. 

“Pinkie, please…”

The crowd that was chasing him was getting closer, Nova ran off in another direction.

He came upon Rarity’s shop. “Rarity, open up, it’s me Nova. Please, I need your help!”

The door opened and Rarity stepped out. “Can I….GAAAAAHHHH! What are you?!”

“Rarity, please, I need your help, Starburst is……”

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!” Rarity shrieked. 

Nova had to run again. “This can’t be happening!” He made his way back to the center of town just in time to see the ponies carrying Starburst’s cage away. 

“NOVA, HELP ME!”

Nova held out a hoof toward him. “STARBURST!”

“GET HIM!” Nova was soon swarmed by ponies and grabbed him as his brother was dragged away. 

“STARBURST!”

“NOVA! HELP!”

“STARBURST!” Nova sat up in his bed panting heavily.

“uhhh, Nova, what’s wrong?” Starburst asked tiredly from his bed. 

Nova looked over at Starburst. “Starburst.” He quickly got out of bed and hugged his little brother. “Thank the stars you’re ok.”

“Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be?”

“I just had a horrible nightmare that we had been found out and they were taking you way from me.”

“Nova, what are those blue spots on you?”

Nova pulled away from his brother and looked himself over. His whole body was covered in blue spots. “What the cosmos, what is this?”

“Are you feeling ok Nova?”

“I don’t feel any different, I’d better get the scanner.” Nova made his way out of the room and into their living room. He went to the same wall that was now next to an entrance to a kitchen. The wall opened up and revealed the shelves. Nova retrieved the scanner with his magic. Starburst had followed Nova out.

Nova turned the scanner part and used it on himself. He rotated it back around to look at the screen. “Unkown biological contaminant detected?”

“Nova, what does that mean?” 

“It means something that shouldn’t be in me is in me, whatever it is, it must be why I’m covered in these spots…..uh oh.”

“What?”

“What if it’s contagious, I hugged you…Starburst, come here and hold still.” Starburst did as he was told. Nova scanned his little brother. Nova looked at the screen. “Good, nothing detected, your fine Starburst. So whatever this is isn’t contagious.”

“Maybe Twilight will know what’s wrong?”

“Good thinking Starburst, let’s get our disguises up and go see her, maybe she can shed some light on this.” 

Nova focused his magic on his disguise spell, but nothing happened. “What the galaxies?” He tried again harder and grunted. “Grrr, come on, come on.”

Starburst looked at Nova with worry. “Nova, what’s wrong?”

Nova stopped as fear became evident. “I…..I can’t disguise myself, my spell won’t work…..it must be whatever caused these blue spots on me…………….I can’t disguise myself.”

“Nova?”

“No no no no NO NO! This can’t be happening, why is this happening, I can’t disguise myself!”

“Nova, what are we gonna do?”

“I….I don’t know.”

“Maybe I could go to Twilight and ask her for help for you.”

“Starburst, if you do that, she’ll have to see me, if she sees me she’ll expose us, we’ll have to leave, we can’t risk exposure! It took us years to find a planet that could support life, who knows how long it would take for us to find another! We were lucky to come across this one Starburst, we can’t let them know what we are, if we do, who knows what they’ll want to do to us, we’d have to leave!”

“well then….what are we going to do?”

“I….I don’t know……maybe…..maybe I can find a cure. I just have to look it up on the ships computer for known diseases.” Nova went over to the table that was next to the wall with the medical stuff where the scanner was. Nova tapped a button on the bottom of the table, a thin flat section of the table flipped up and revealed a screen and buttons. Nova started working on it, he typed in symptoms and waited for any result. “Come on, come on…..no results found! BLACK HOLES THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE!”

“Nova, maybe we could…”

Nova interrupted Starburst. “There has to be a cure here somewhere, there has to be.” He wasn’t about to give up on it.

Starburst got an idea. “Maybe Twilight can help, we just have to tell her what’s wrong.”

“I already told you Starburst, we can’t risk exposure. I’ll just have to find a cure myself.” Nova went back to the screen and became completely oblivious to the world around him.

Starburst remembered how Twilight was when the others were acting towards Zecora, he figured Twilight wouldn’t care what they looked like. Starburst resolved to speak to Twilight. He dawned his pony disguise and headed out without Nova’s knowledge. “Sorry big brother, but I have to do something.”

Starburst approached Twilight’s house and saw Twilight trotting out from a distance, followed by the others, except for Applejack. He ran up to catch up with them. “Twilight!”

Twilight turned to see Starburst approaching. “Starburst, what are you doing here?”

“Twilight I need your help Nova’s…….what’s with your horn?” Starburst noticed Twilight’s horn was covered in the same blue spots as Nova was and looking all floppy. “And what’s with every pony else?” He also noticed Pinkie’s tongue was bigger and had blue spots on it, Rainbow’s wings were lower on her body and upside down, Rarity’s hair was tangled and matted, and……Fluttershy seemed just fine.

Rarity answered. “Zecora cursed us.”

“Not to mention Applebloom went after Zecora.” Rainbow informed as she tried to keep her balance.

“It’s not a curse!” Twilight yelled. “Look Starburst, you better come with us, I don’t think Nova wants you to be alone. Speaking of, is HE ok, what happened to him? He doesn’t have anything wrong with him does he?”

“Well actually….” Starburst tried to say but Rainbow cut him off.

“Come on girls let’s go!” Rainbow then zipped off in a zig zag pattern unable to fly straight. 

“Sorry Starburst, you can tell me later, come on, just stick close to me ok?” Starburst didn’t have much of a choice now, he would have to go with them and wait for his chance to ask Twilight for help.

Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight made their way through the forest with Starburst sticking close to Twilight. They soon reached their destination. Zecora’s hut, it looked like a hollowed out tree like Twilight’s but a bit more natural and had masks and gourds hanging around it.

Rarity started to complain. “Uhh, I look horrible.”

“Thths plthse looks hrrible.” Pinkie said through her large tongue as she lifted some of Rarity’s mane out of her eyes so she could see the hut.

“Oh my, this place really does look horrible.” 

The girls and Starburst creeped up to the hut and looked in through a window. “Nice decorations, if you like creepy.” Rarity commented as she looked at more masks hanging on the walls inside. 

They saw Zecora walk in carrying a jar in her mouth, she poured its contents into a bubbling cauldron and started speaking in a strange language.

Pinkie jumped back and tried to speak. “Sh stle m sng, sh stls m sng!”

Rarity translated. “She stole your song?”

Twilight disagreed. “Oh Pinkie, it doesn’t sound anything like your song.”

Pinkie was about to try and sing her song, but realized she wouldn’t be able to. She then slid to Fluttershy and looked up at her pleadingly. 

Fluttershy knew what Pinkie wanted and gave a sigh. She started singing, and to Starburst’s surprise, Fluttershy’s voice was deep instead of meek and gentle like it was before.

She’s an evil enchantress and she does evil dances,
And if you look deep in her eyes, she will put you in trances, 

And what will she do, she’ll mix up an evil brew, 
Then she’ll gobble you up, in a big tasty stew
Soooooooo watch out.

Starburst did his best not to laugh at Fluttershy but his face betrayed him, he was smiling so big at her. 

“Now do you believe us Twilight?” Rarity asked.

Starburst looked at her worriedly. “Twilight, you can’t, remember, you said curses aren’t real.”

Twilight listed off the stuff she had seen. “Scary masks, confusing incantatons, and a great big bubbling cauldron, ho, everything is pointing to Zecora being an evil enchantress.”

That was it, Starburst’s last hope of getting his big brother help was starting to fade. “No….Twilight, you can’t believe it, you just can’t.”

Twilight looked at him worriedly. “I’m sorry Starburst, but it all points to that.”

“No….No you can’t….I…..Nova is….NO!” Starburst ran off with tears in his eyes.

He heard Twilight call after him. “Starburst, wait, come back!”

He didn’t turn around, he just ran as fast as he could back home, crying all the way.

He finally came to the ship and ran in. “Nova, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Nova looked from the screen to his brother. “Starburst, what is it?”

Starburst ran up and wrapped his legs around Nova. “You were right, I tried to get Twilight to help, but she started believing what the others said about zecora, if she believes all that stuff, then she may act the same way you think the others will too, I’m so sorry.”

Nova picked up Starburst in a hug. “Starburst, it’ll be ok, I just have to find a cure for this is all.”

“But what if you can’t, what if we have to leave?”

Nova looked Starburst in the eyes. “Starburst, I will not rest until I find a way to cure myself, I promise, I will find a cure.”

Nova wiped away Starbursts tears. “Ok Nova, I know you can do it.” Starburst didn’t really believe it, he just said that so Nova wouldn’t worry about him. 

The next day:

Starburst woke up the next morning and looked to his brother’s bed. Nova wasn’t in it. Starburst grew curious about this and went into the living room. He found his big brother asleep at the computer with his head on the key board. On the screen ‘no cure found’ was flasing. “Nova, I wish there was something I could do.” Starburst decided to head out on his own for once and see if he could think of something, he didn’t want to leave his brother, but Nova needed rest. So Starburst put up his disguise and headed out into town.

Starburst walked around on his own for a while and noticed something, he saw Pinkie happily skipping along, but her tongue wasn’t sticking out anymore. “Pinkie?” Starburst asked quietly to himself. “But….how is she back to normal?”

He kept walking and saw Fluttershy Rainbow and Rairty sitting with each other at a table enjoying drinks, they looked normal too, he could hear Fluttershy talking and she sounded normal as well. “What the cosmos is going on?” Starburst started to think, how did they get cured of what they had, how was he supposed to find out? He couldn’t go to one of them or they might ask about Nova or want to see him. Starburst wracked his little brain as hard as he could to think of some way to find out what happened. Then it hit him. Applebloom was the only other pony to think how Twilight was, it was a long shot, but it may be his last hope. “I have to get to Applebloom.” Starburst made a mad dash for Sweet Apple Acres.

He arrived at the front door of Applebloom’s home, he knocked on the door and waited. Applejack answered the door. “Well howdy Starburst, what brings you around these parts, does Nova know you’re out on your own?”

“Oh, uh, yeah, he knows, I was just wondering if Applebloom could come out and play for a bit.”

Applejack gave a smile. “Well sure thing, just a sec and I’ll go get her.” Applejack then went inside. 

Applebloom soon came out and greeted him. “Hey there Starburst, glad you could come over, so whatcha want to do?”

Starburst looked nervous. “Applebloom, I kind of need to ask you something in private, is there somewhere we can be alone?”

Applebloom raised an eyebrow at him. “I guess, we can go in the barn, but what’s this about?”

“Please Applebloom, I’ll explain when we’re alone.”

“Well, all right, follow me.” Applebloom led Starburst to the barn. They walked inside and Starburst looked around to make sure no pony was around to hear them. “So what’s all this about Starburst?”

“Well, you see…..it’s my brother, he’s sick.”

“Sick, really, is he gonna be ok?”

“I…..I don’t know, he has those same blue spots on him that Twilight and Pinkie had on them, but their all over his body.”

“Is that all, well shoot, that came from those blue flowers they got into in the forest.”

“Really, so then how did the others get cured?”

“Zecora made the cure.”

“Really, so what is it, you gotta tell me.”

“Well I don’t remember, we can go ask my sister fer it.”

“NO!” Starburst practically shouted. “I mean, they can’t know about it.”

Applebloom raised an eyebrow at him. “Why not, what’s wrong with him?”

“I…..I can’t say.” Starburst looked away from Applebloom.

“Why not?”

Starburst still wasn’t sure if he could tell Applebloom about him and his brother being aliens. “Please Applebloom, I just need to know what the cure is.”

“Well like I said, ya have ta talk ta my sister or the others that got sick with it.”

“But I can’t, don’t you understand!”

“What in tarnation is goin on in here?” Applejack asked from the barn door.

“Applejack.” Applebloom called. 

Starburst looked at her with fear. “Starburst, what is goin on, I just happen ta walk by and herd ya say somethin bout how ya need a cure fer somthin, but can’t say why or what fer. What’s goin on?”

Applebloom answered. “It’s his brother Applejack, Nova was affected by the poison joke like you and the others were.”

“Well if that’s all, why can’t ya say so?”

Starburst was afraid of this. “I….Applejack, just please tell me what the cure is.”

Applejack eyed Starburst. “Just what is wrong with Nova anyway, why doesn’t he come ask fer it himself?”

“He can’t, please Applejack, just tell me what it is so I can take it to him.” Starburst asked pleadingly.

“Well why not? Ever since you two showed up, you been actin all squrly and havin all this talk about stars and cosmos and galaxies, just what are you two hidin anyway?” Applejack narrowed her eyes at the little colt.

Starburst was sweating in fear now. He started backing up from Applejack. Applebloom just watched in worry. “Please Applejack, we’re not hiding anything, please just tell me what I need to make my brother better.”

“Starburst, I don’t like others keepin secrets from me, what are ya’ll hidin?” 

Starburst’s eyes darted around. “Applejack, don’t ya think yer bein hard on him, just tell him what he wants ta know.” Applebloom tried to defend Starburst.

“Not until he answers my questions.”

Starburst finally cracked. “WE’RE ALIENS ALL RIGHT!” He dropped to his haunches and started to cry. “We…..we’re aliens, me and my brother.”

Applejack recoiled a little. “What…aliens, what are ya’ll talkin about?”

Starburst looked up at Applejack sadly, he then closed his eyes and dropped his disguise before them. Their eyes went wide at what they saw. “Well I’ll be.” Was all Applejack could say.

Applebloom was speechless.

Starburst just looked at them with sad eyes as he cried. “*Sniff* we just wanted a home, that’s all, we just want a place to call home, please don’t’ chase us away, *sniff* please.”

Applejack’s eyes softened. “I….well I….that is….golly, you’re a real alien?”

Starburst just nodded sadly. “I….I just wanted…..to help my brother……please….we just want a home….we….we…” He couldn’t finish as he just cried more. 

The sight of this broke Applejack’s heart. She came up to Starburst and spoke as nicely as she could as she hugged him. “Awe, there there now sugar cube, I’m sorry fer pressin ya so hard, we aint gonna chase ya away, I was just wonderin why ya’ll have been actin all funny.”

Starburst looked up at Applejack. “*sniff* re-really…..so….so you’re not gonna chase us away?”

Applejack gave a sweet smile to Starburst. “I promise we aint gonna chase ya away, now I’ll admit ya’ll do look a might strange, but we aint gonna do nothin ta ya just cause yer different. Why would you think that?”

“Well *sniff* after how me and Nova saw you all act about Zecora, we thought if you knew what we really were, then you wouldn’t want us around anymore.”

Applejack blushed. “Oh, yeah, that. Well, we all learned a lesson about that, about how to not judge some pony based on appearances. So you don’t have ta worry about it.”

“Applejack, we can’t take any chances, this has to stay a secret, you can’t tell any pony about us, Nova can’t know I told you or I’d get in trouble. Please Applejack, Promise you won’t tell, please.”

“*sigh* All right, I promise, but I don’t like keeping secrets from my friends, ya’ll are gonna have ta tell them someday. Ya can’t keep hidin like this forever.”

Starburst smiled at Applejack. "Thanks Applejack, but I don’t know how to convince Nova to tell the others, he strongly believes that if we’re found out, we’d have to leave here and find a new planet to live on.”

“What happened ta yer old one anyway? Why did ya’ll need ta find a new planet to live on?”

“Nova won’t tell me what happened , at least not yet. I was too young at the time when we left it so I don’t know.”

Applebloom finally spoke up. “I can’t believe yer an alien, this is so cool!” She cheered. “What planet are ya from how far away is it, do ya’ll get cutie marks like we do, howdy a get here, what’s yer ship like…”

“APPLEBLOOM!” Applejack cried to stop her. “That’s enough now. Since you herd all this, you have ta promise not ta tell any pony either.”

“But Applejack….” Applejack gave her a stern look. “Um, I mean, ok, I promise not to tell a soul about Nova and Starburst bein aliens.”

Starburst smiled at Applebloom. “Thanks Applebloom.” She just smiled back.

Applejack started. “Now ya’ll best get yer disguise back up, and I’ll help ya get the cure fer yer brother.”

“Thanks Applejack….just curious, but what happened to you when you were affected by the flowers?”

“I shrank.”

“you shrank?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Applejack deadpanned. “What about yer brother, what’s goin on with him that caused all this?”

“The poison joke gave him blue spots all over his body and affected his ability to disguise himself, that’s why I came over here and tried to ask Applebloom for the cure.”

“Well come then, lets’ go get it fer him.” Starburst put his disguise back up and happily followed Applejack and Applebloom out to get the cure for Nova.

> Ponyville's Pest Problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ponyville’s Pest Problem



Nova was at his work table with a few tools levitating next to him with his goggles on as he looked down at two metal silver necklaces with a round center, one was smaller than the other. He was fiddling with a few wires in the bigger one when Starburst came up to him. “Nova, what are you doing?”

*ZAP* “GAH, Quasars!” Nova used his magic to lift his goggles off his eyes and looked over at 
Starburst. “Starburst, don’t sneak up on me like that.” The necklace sparked and startled Nova.

“Sorry Nova, I didn’t mean to, I was just curious what you were doing.”

Nova sighed then began to explain. “*Sigh*Starburst, that incident with the poison Joke was too close a call, we need some other way to disguise ourselves that doesn’t rely on our magic, so I’m making us a pair of portable holo-emitters to disguise us. As long as we have these on, we’ll look like regular ponies so we don’t have to worry about close calls with our magic anymore.”

Starburst smiled. “Really, great.”

“By the way, how did you get the cure for me again?”

Starburst grew a little nervous. “Oh, uh, I…..I just told Twilight that you were affected too and was too embarrassed to come out and let any pony see you, so she gave me the ingredients and wrote down how to use it. Remember?”

“Right, well, I’ll have to be sure and thank her for it the next time I see here, and good thinking on your part too Starburst, thank you for that.”

“Anything for my big brother.”

Nova put his goggles back down over his eyes and resumed his work. “Ok, just a few more adjustments here, and…..there we go, that should do it.” Nova removed his goggles completely. “Good thing I was able to find enough spare parts to make these, now we just need to test them.” Nova placed the tools down on the table and levitated the larger one up in front of him. He placed it around his neck and pressed the button on the center of the device. Once he did, his form flickered from alien to pony a bit until finally it stayed on pony with the necklace hidden as well. “Sweet celestial bodies it works, HA, perfect, now I don’t have to worry about stressing my magic anymore. Here Starburst, put yours on.”

Nova levitated the smaller one over to Starburst. He took it in his magical grasp and placed it around his neck, then pushed the button like his brother did. The same thing happened and now Starburst looked like a normal pony too. “It works, how do I look Nova?”

“Like a regular pony, this is perfect, come on, let’s head out, I need to drop off an order for Rarity, while were out, we’ll get something special to eat to celebrate.” Nova went to the bedroom to retrieve his saddle bags.

“All right, can we go to Sugarcube Corner?” Starburst cheered.

Nova came back out with his saddle bags on his back. “Sure thing little brother, let’s go there first, then we’ll head to Rarity’s place.” The two headed off for town.

As they headed in, they saw Twilight leaving the library in a brisk trot. Starburst pointed her out. “Look Nova, there’s Twilight.”

“I see her Starburst, let’s go say hi.” The two trotted up to catch up. “Hey Twilight, what’s up?”

“Oh, hey you two, I’m afraid I don’t really have much time to talk, I need to make sure everything is ready for Celestia’s arrival.”

Nova’s eyes went wide for a moment. “D-did you say Celestia’s arrival?”

“Yes, didn’t I tell you, she’s coming to Ponyville tomorrow for a visit?”

“Great galaxies I forgot about that.” Nova muttered under his breath.

This started a whispered conversation between the two brothers as they followed Twilight with Starburst starting. “Nova, what is it?”

“Didn’t you hear, the princess of this land is coming here.”

“So?”

“Don’t you get it, she’s one of the two most powerful beings here, she and her sister control the orbiting bodies of this planet for cosmos sake. What if she sees through our disguise, this could be bad.”

“Nova, don’t you think you’re over reacting.”

Nova went off keeping his voice low. “Starburst, how many times do I have to say it, if she finds us out, we’ll have to leave.”

“Well…..what if your wrong, I mean, the ponies here have gotten to know us, maybe if they did know, we wouldn’t have to leave. Twilight and the others accepted Zecora remember?”

“Because she’s just from another part of this world, we’re from a whole other world entirely, I’m not taking any risks here Starburst, end of discussion.”

“But….”

“AH, we are not telling any pony where we’re from, understand.”

Starburst hung his head in defeat. “Ok Nova.”

Nova then spoke to Twilight. “So Twilight, me and Starburst are heading to Sugarcube Corner, I don’t suppose you’d want to join us?”

“Actually, I’m heading over there now.”

“Perfect, we can sit a spell and chat.”

Before Twilight could answer, she stopped in front of two mares setting up a banner. Nova remembered meeting them before at one of Pinkie’s parties. One was Berry Punch, the other was Carrot Top.  The banner they were putting up had ‘Welcome princess Celest’ crudely painted on it. “What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked them.

Carrot Top answered. “We couldn’t fit it all in.”

“You can’t hang a banner that says welcome princess Celest, take it down and try again.” Twilight then started to trot off again.

Nova and Starburst stopped to greet them. “Hey girls, despite what Twilight says, I think it looks nice.”

Berry Punck responded. “Thanks Nova, how are you two doing today?”

“Fine thanks, but we should get going, we can talk later, maybe I could help you with the banner, I’ve got some free time later.”

Carrot Top smiled. “We’d appreciate it Nova, thanks.”

“Ok, I’ll come by a little later and help you with it, see ya then.”

Berry said her goodbye. “Bye Nova, see ya later Starburst.” The two mares waved.

Starburst waved as he trotted with Nova. “Bye, see you in a bit.”

They managed to catch up to Twilight after she had stopped to compliment another mare, Bon Bon, on how well she was taking care of some flowers. “that looks perfect, keep up the good work.”

“Hey Twilight, I wanted to thank you about giving Starburst the cure for that poison joke stuff for me, I can’t tell you how glad I am to be rid of it.” Nova said as he came up to Twilight.

“No problem, but you know you can come to me if you ever have any problems, I’m more than happy to help.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” 

The three soon arrived at Sugarcube Corner, they walked in and Twilight addressed the cakes as they seemed to look busy. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake, how’s the banquet coming?”

Mrs. Cake answered. “It would be coming along a lot better if a….” She pointed to a hoof to a table with all kinds of sweets set up on it, but they all looked like they had been eaten.

The only thing on the table that was still whole was a large chocolate cake with a little crown on it, it soon disappeared as Pinkie munched down on it and gained a frosting beard and now had the crown on her head. Pinkie then licked all the frosting off her face as Twilight came up to her looking very displeased and worried.

“Pinkie, what are you doing, those sweets are for the princess!”

Pinkie gave a sheepish smile. “I know, that’s why I’m tasting them.” She continued her explanation with a regular smile. “Some pony needs to taste them to make sure they’re tasty enough to touch..” Pinkie stuck out her tongue that still had a little frosting on it. “The royal tongue.” She pulled it back in and started speaking like a royal figure. “And I, Pinkie Pie, declare these treats are fit for a king, or a queen, or a princess.”

Nova came up to try and resolve the situation. “Pinkie, your just making more work for the cakes, just stop eating them already, I doubt the princess will care how sweet they are.”

Pinkie lowered her head with a small smile. “Oh, right, I didn’t want to burden the cakes, sorry.”

Fluttershy then came barging in excitedly. “Twilight, Pinkie, Nova, you won’t believe what I…..oh.” She then stopped herself and went back to her shy self as she tried to hide her face behind her mane. “I’m sorry, am I interrupting?”

Pinkie answered. “Not at all, come on in and make yourself at home. What’s going on Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy stated with a smile. “You won’t believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest.” She turned her head to face a part of her mane. “Come on out little guy, it’s ok.”

A small round insect with four black legs, two sets of wings, and big round eyes emerged from her mane and hovered next to her, it was soon joined by two more that came out of her mane. Fluttershy was surprised by this. “Three?” 

Twilight came up to her to get a better look at them. “They’re amazing. What are they?”

“I’m not sure, I’m also not sure where these other two came from.”

Starburst came up to Twilight. “Awe, they’re so cute.”

Nova came up to them as well. He just eyed them curiously.

Twilight couldn’t help herself. “I’ll take one off your hooves, I’ve never seen anything so…adorable.” She said as she held one in her front hooves and nuzzled it. She soon realized the others were looking at her and changed her tune when she released it. “Besides, it’ll be nice to have a companion for Spike so he won’t bother me so much while I’m studying.” 

Starbust started pleadingly. “Nova, can we take the other one, pleeeease?”

Nova shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea Starburst, we don’t know anything about these.” Nova then turned to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, if you don’t know anything about what these things are, you should probably take them back where you found them, who knows what kind of trouble they could cause.”

Fluttershy started. “Come on now, how could something so adorable be trouble, Pinkie, do you want the other one since Nova doesn’t?”

Pinkie stuck her tongue out. “Ugh, a parasprite? Are you kidding?” She then started for the door.

Fluttershy was confused at Pinkie’s reaction. “Ugh?”

Twilight was also confused. “A para what?”

From Pinkie’s reaction, Nova got the feeling Pinkie might know exactly what these bugs were. “Pinkie do you….” 

Before he could finish, Pinkie cut him off. “Now I have to go find a trombone.”

“A what?!” Twilight asked feeling more confused.

“A trombone, you know.” Pinkie then made like she was playing a trombone before leaving through the door.

Twilight just rolled her eyes and shook her head. “*Sigh* Typical Pinkie.”

Nova disagreed. “I don’t know Twilight, I think she knows what these are, as for the trombone thing…..I’m lost.”

“It’s just Pinkie being Pinkie, I need to head over to Rarity’s next.”

“Me too, I need to drop off an order for her.”

Starburst then came in. “But Nova, I thought we were gonna get something to eat here?”

“Sorry Starburst, but the cakes look like they’re very busy right now, we’ll have to skip getting something here.”

“Awwwee.”

The three headed off and Fluttershy went off for home. The little bug hid inside twilight’s mane. 

They soon arrived at Rarity’s and walked in to see Rarity fussing over Rainbow Dash wearing a kind of dress and a large wig with white curls and yellow shoes on her hooves. She was impatiently trotting in place. Starburst couldn’t help himself. “TCh, pfft, HA HA ha ha, Rainbow dash, what are you wearing  ha ha?” He started rolling on the floor.

Nova started to scold Starburst but was also holding back his laughter with a smile. “Pfft, now Starburst, let’s not tch, be rude here.”

Rainbow scowled at them. “Go ahead, laugh it up, like I care.”  

Rarity looked over to them. “Excuse me, but this happens to be one of the latest fashions.”

Nova tried to regain his composure. “Ahem, sorry Rarity, I’m just here to drop off an order.”

“Wonderful, let’s see it.” 

Nova used his magic to open his bag and levitated out a round orange gem with an orange glowing center. “Here you go, what do you think?”

Rarity swooned. “Why darling, it looks absolutely perfect, thank you so much, you money is on the counter over there.”

“Thank you.” Nova went over to the counter Rarity pointed out and set the jewel down, then levitated a bag of bits up and set it in his bag.

“Well Nova and starburst may not like them, but I think your outfits look gorgeous.” Twilight complimented.

Rarity cooed. “Thank you twilight, it’s nice to know some pony appreciates my talent.”

“Uh, sooooo boring.” Rainbow Dash said as she stretched out her bottom eyelids with her hooves. 

A chirping was herd from Twilight’s mane. Rarity came up to her looking curious. “Huh?”

Rainbow flew over to Twilight’s other side looking at her mane. “What’s that sound Twilight?”

The bug came out of her mane and stood on her back, it was soon joined by two more that jumped out from behind the first one. Rainbow was impressed. “WOW, what are they?”

Twilight began. “The better question is where did they come from, I only had one a minute ago.”

Nova didn’t like the looks of this. “Ok, what is going on here, there’s something odd about those things.”

Rainbow grabbed one off Twilight’s back. “I’ll take one.”

Rarity agreed. “Me too, they’re absolutely perfect.”

Nova tried to interject. “Now girls, I don’t think that’s such a good idea, the same thing happened with Fluttershy when she first showed up with them, she said she had one a minute ago too and then there was two more.”

Rarity disagreed. “Oh come now dear, how can something so cute be so dangerous?”

Before he could answer, Pinkie appeared in the door way. “Does any pony know where I can find an accordion?”

The girls were too busy admiring the bugs to answer. Nova answered. “Sorry Pinkie, looks like they’re not listening.”

Pinkie tried again. “Girls, HELLO, this is important! GAH, thanks a lot.”

“Pinkie wait!” Nova called out to her but it was too late. He ran to the door with Starburst behind him looking worried. “Pinkie, Pinkie!” She was gone, she was nowhere to be seen. 

“Nova, do you really think those things might be trouble?”

Nova looked down at his little brother to answer. “I don’t know for sure, but if we want to find out, we need to talk to Pinkie, I think she knows what they are and she seems worried about them. We’ll just have to try and find her tomorrow. Come on, let’s meet up with Carrot and Berry to help them with that banner.” 

Later that afternoon:

“Thanks for your help Nova and Starburst, we really appreciate it.” Berry Punch said to the two.

“Yeah, thank you so much, it went a lot faster with your help.” Carrot Top said with a smile.

Nova responded with a smile of his own. “You’re welcome, glad to be of help. Me and Starburst should get  going now, we’ll see you later.”

“Bye, I had fun with the painting.” Starburst waved as he and Nova walked off. The two mares waved back under the finished banner that now said ‘welcome princess Celestia’.

Before they got much further, a voice called out to them. “Hey you two, wait up!”

Nova and Starburst stopped in their tracks and saw a grey Pegasus float down in front of them. Nova gave a greeting. “Oh, hello…..Derpy, right?”

The blond maned Pegasus confirmed. “Yep, that’s me, nice to see you two again.” Derpy was another Pony Nova met during Pinkie’s party she threw to welcome the two brothers.

“Hi Derpy, nice to see you again.” Starburst said.

“Hey there Starburst.”

Nova started. “What's up Derpy, you need help with anything?”

“No, I just wanted to come over and say hi, I saw you two helping Berry and Carrot with the banner, that was nice of you.”

“Yeah, well, I just want to help out around here.”

Derpy smiled big. “And I think such things deserve a nice treat as a reward.”

Starburst perked up at this. “Really, what kind of treat?”

Derpy reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a muffin. “A muffin, its banana nut, my favorite.”

“AAAHHH, MUFFIN!” Starburst shrieked and jumped behind his brother. “KEEP THAT THING AWAY FROM ME!”

Nova became worried at this encounter, Derpy just looked at Starburst confused. “What’s wrong, why is he afraid?” She asked Nova.

“Uh, he had a bad experience with a muffin a while back, apparently, there was a bad batch of muffins that came out of Sugarcube Corner and Starburst had one of them. The muffins made a lot of ponies sick and Starburst was one of them.”

Derpy frowned at that. “Awwe, I remember that, I was one of the ponies that got sick too, but I didn’t let that deter me from my love of muffins, that was an accident, when made right, they’re really good. Just try one, I promise it won’t make you sick.” She held the muffin towards Starburst.

Starburst was shivering in fear behind his brother. “I….I don’t know, promise it won’t make me sick?”

Nova tried to encourage him. “Go on Starburst, just try it, It’ll be fine.”

Starburst looked up to Nova and cautiously stepped out from behind him. “Well….ok.”

Derpy was giving Starburst her best reassuring smile as she held the muffin out for him to take. Starburst took hold of it in his hoof, he gave it a sniff and recoiled a bit at first. He slowly opened his mouth and took a tentative bite. He rolled it around in his mouth and let the taste sink in. He swallowed and thought for a moment. “It’s……..better than the first one I tried, it’s actually good.”

Nova smiled at his little brother. “See, I told you.”

“I didn’t get sick right away from the first one I tried either, so if I don’t get sick, I may want to try this again.”

Derpy smiled. “I promise you won’t get sick, just you wait. I need to go now, enjoy the rest of the muffin.” She then took to the air and flew off.

“Come on Starburst, lets head home.”

“good idea, I want to be able to get right into bed if I get sick again.” The two brothers then headed for home.

The next day:

Morning came and the two brothers got out of bed. Nova greeted Starburst. “*Yawn* Good morning Starburst, feeling okay?”

Starburst looked over to his brother with a tired smile. “I sure am, I don’t feel bad at all.”

“That’s good, I told you it would be fine. So does this mean your finally over your fear of muffins?”

Starburst looked in thought. “I don’t know, I think the only way to know for sure is to have another one, can we go get a few?”

Nova chuckled. “He he, sure Starburst, come on, let’s get the holo-emitters and head out.”

Nova climbed out of bed while Starburst jumped out and ran for the living room to grab their necklaces. Nova couldn’t help but laugh at his little brother’s eagerness. They put on their disguises and left for town.

As they neared Twilight’s library, they heard a ruckus of things falling. “By the stars what was that?”

“That didn’t sound good.” Starburst commented. 

“Come on Starburst, Twilight might be in trouble.” Nova and Starburst then galloped up to Twilight’s door and burst in. “Twilight, are you ok……holy black holes!” Nova cried as he saw hundreds of those little bugs flying around all over the place and knocking books off shelves.

“Nova, thank Celestia you’re here, I need your help to round up these things!”

“Twilight, where did they all come from?”

“I don’t know? Please help!” Twilight asked in a panic. 

“Right, Starburst, you can help too.”

“Ok, what should I do?”

“Just try to round up as many as you can in a shield bubble. I know you can only produce a small one but that will help.”

“You can count on me big brother.” Starburst gave a salute with determined eyes.

“Twilight, I’m going to make a makeshift pen with my magic, you, Spike, and Starburst try to get them to it and I’ll keep them locked up until we can figure out how to get them out of here.”

Twilight smiled at that idea. “Good thinking Nova, let’s do it.”

Nova managed to create a bubble and trap a few of the bugs already. He held it in position while Starburst used his bit of magic to make small bubbles to trap a few of them, the bubbles he made were a little bigger than his head, but was able to move it around and get the bugs into Nova’s bubble. Twilight followed Starburst’s lead and did the same, she was able to make larger bubbles to trap a few of them as well. Spike just did his best to heard them to Nova’s bubble or try to grab them and toss them in. 

Once the bugs were finally gathered in Nova’s magic pen Twilight started. “We should try and get them to Fluttershy, I’m sure she’ll know what to do, she knows about all kinds of animals.”

Nova disagreed. “Twilight, don’t you remember, yesterday when Fluttershy first came to us with those things, she said she didn’t know what they were, but I think Pinkie does. We should find her and ask her about them.”

“How would Pinkie know, she said something about getting a tuba when she saw them, she…”

Nova cut her off. “Twilight listen to me, you promised to listen to me whenever I tried to tell you something rigt?”

“Well yes, but…..”

“Then listen to me now, Pinkie may be odd and eccentric, but that doesn’t mean she won’t know how to deal with this, now I say we find Pinkie and ask her.”

“Can we at least see Fluttershy first, she is an animal expert after all.”

Nova just gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* Fine, but if she doesn’t know, we find Pinkie, agreed?”

“Agreed. Now let me get my saddle bags and we can put those things in them.”  Twilight retrived her saddle bags and Nova funneled half of the bugs in one of Twilight’s saddle bags and the other half in the other bag. “Come on, let’s go to Fluttershy. Spike, you stay here and clean this up.”

“Oh come on, really?” Spike whined.

Twilight was already out the door before she heard him. Nova and Starburst followed.

Along the way, they came upon Rarity who also had a pair of saddle bags full of the bugs. “I see we’re having the same problems.” Rarity commented when she saw Twilight’s bags.

“Ditto!” Rainbow cried as she flew up with a few of the bugs hanging off her chin, she stopped and shook them off then sped on with the pests following her.

“Fluttershy knows everything about animals.” Twilight informed as she started to gallop with Rarity following. “I’m sure she can tell us how to stop them from multiplying.”

Nova wasn’t so sure. “I doubt it.”

Twilight approached Fluttershy’s door and reached to open it, before she touched it, the door flew open and a huge swarm of the bothersome pests came flying out.  “AH!” Starburst shouted as he was startled, he hid under his brother for protection. 

“Great cosmos.” Nova muttered under his breath. 

Rainbow soon came up to them in hopes of Fluttershy knowing what to do. The girls looked in and saw a bunch more flying around ruining Fluttershy’s place. “Do something Fluttershy, can’t you control them?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy explained as she ran around and tried to avoid getting hit with things the bugs were carrying. “I tried everything, I tried begging, and pleading, and beseeching, and asking nicely!”

Twilight seemed to zone out for a moment. Nova tried to snap her out of it. “Twilight….Twilight!”

She snapped out of her daze. “If we can’t get these things under control before the princess arrives, it’ll be a total disaster!”

One of the bugs flew up in front of Rarity’s face and spat out a glob that turned into another bug. “EEWWE, if you ask me, it’s already a total disaster.”

Nova tried to inform. “Which is why we need to find Pinkie Pie, I’m telling you she knows how to deal with this!”

Rainbow disagreed. “Pinkie Pie, are you kidding, she is so random.”

Before Nova could retort, Applejack came up with a cart full of apples. “Here’s all them apples you wanted Fluttershy, but I still don’t know why you wanted so many.” A bunch of the bugs then flew up and ate all the apples in a second. “HEY!”

Fluttershy asked. “Oh, what are we going to do?”

Nova tried again. “We’re going to find…”

Twilight cut him off. “I got it, no pony can heard like Applejack.”

Nova was starting to get irritated. “Twilight, you said that…..”

Nova was again interrupted by Rainbow. “Yeah, we can drive them back into the forest.”

Applejack agreed. “I’ll rastle em up, but I’ll need everyponies help to do it.”

Nova gritted his teeth and exploded. “GIRLS, FOR THE LOVE OF……” He stopped himself from finishing his sentence and started a new one. “Listen to me! I’m telling you PINkIE PIE KNOWS HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS, we need to find her and get her help!”

Twilight came forward. “But Nova, Pinkie is so…..”

Nova stopped her. “I know, she’s a little eccentric and random, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have anything to offer. If you all want to just ignore my advice, then go ahead, but me and Starburst are going to find Pinkie and get her help, come on Starburst, let’s let our friends deal with this themselves.”  Starburst just looked back at the girls with worry, he then started following his big brother away. 

“Nova, don’t you think that was a little harsh?”

“Are you kidding, it seems like every time I try to give them advice with this whole ordeal, they just blow me off, Pinkie knows something and I’m going to find out.”

“NOVA, wait!” Twilight’s voice called out.

Nova and Starburst stopped in their tracks and turned around. Nova just gave them a scrutinizing look. “Well, are you all FINALLY ready to listen?”

“Nova……we’re sorry for not listening.” Twilight apologized.

“You must understand with the way Pinkie is, it’s hard to take her seriously. But she was going on about having to gather instruments.” Rarity said.

“Yeah, I mean, when she saw these bugs, she just started wanting to collect some instruments for some reason, you gotta admit that’s random.” Rainbow informed.

Nova glared at them and they all seemed to cringe. “Did any of you bother to ask her WHY she was gathering them?” A simple headshake gave his answer. “Then let’s ask her. You all coming or what?”

Applejack answered for them. “You betcha.”

“Good, then let’s find…..Pinkie, there you are, we were about to come looking for you.” Nova had turned around and Pinkie was coming up to him with a pair of symbols around her neck.

“Hey Nova, what do you need?” Pinkie asked with a smile. 

Nova started. “Pinkie, we need you to tell us what these bugs are and how to get rid of them.”

“Don’t you know?”

Rainbow answered. “Of course not, that’s why we’re asking you, Nova seems to think you know how to deal 
with this.”

Pinkie kept her smile. “Well of course I do, they’re called Parasprites, and the only way to get rid of them is to lead them away with music.”

Starburst then came forward. “So is that why you were trying to gather instruments?”

“You betcha.”

Nova then came forward. “How many more do you need to lure these things away?”

“Let’s see, I still need a trombone, a tuba, a drum…..” Pinkie just listed off all the instruments. 

“All right, come on girls, let’s get Pinkie those instruments!” Nova declared.

The ponies all then spread out throughout town and gathered all the instruments.

About half an hour later, they all met back up at the center of town and Pinkie put all the instruments on. “Now Pinkie, are you sure this is going to work?” Twilight asked after making sure the drum on her back was secure.

“Of course I’m sure, just watch.” Pinkie answered with a smile. She started her march through town playing all the instruments at once. As the music filled the air, all the parasprites heard it and started bouncing in mid-air to the beat of the music. Needless to say, the girls were surprised by this. The parasprites were now following Pinkie out of town in a single file line as they bounced behind her. Nova Starburst and the girls all followed. 

As they neared the forest, Twilight saw Celestia’s carriage coming pulled by four Pegasai.  “Look!” She cried out.

“Oh boy, this isn’t good.” Nova said quietly to himself.

Twilight saw him freeze up, she grabbed his leg with a smile and dragged him to meet where Celestia would land, they had rushed past Pinkie as she played. “Come on Nova, this is your chance to meet the princess.”

“Uh, Twilight, I don’t know if I…..” He didn’t get to answer. They all stopped abruptly and bowed, Starburst followed suit. Nova was still afraid to confront the princess, fear of being found out welled up inside him. Starburst was worried too as he hid under his brother.

Celestia got off her carriage and stepped off to greet the ponies. “Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil.”

Twilight greeted back. “Hello princess.”

“So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends.” Pinkie’s symbols sounded off loudly, startling every pony. Pinkie was now marching past them with the parasprites following.

Twilight came up to Celestia nervously and spoke. “So, how was the trip, hit much traffic?”

Celestia became curious at what she was seeing. “What is this?” One of the parasprites flew up to her and landed on one of her folded wings. She held it up closer to get a better look at it and laughed. “Ho ho ho, these creatures are adorable.”

“They’re not that adorable.” Rainbow retorted under her breath.

“I’m very grateful that you and the citizens of Ponyville have organized a parade in honor of my visit.”

“Parade?” Twilight asked in confusion, she then decided to take this opportunity to use it as an excuse for the bugs. “Oh, yes, the parade.”

“Unfortunately, that visit will have to wait for another time. I’m afraid an emergency has come up in Phillydelphia. Apparently, there’s been some sort of infestation.”

Twilight asked to confirm. “An infestation.”

“Yes, it seems a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town. I’m sorry Twilight to have to put you through so much trouble.”

“Trouble, what trouble?”

Celestia started to get back on her carriage before she stopped to ask Twilight a question. “Before I go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person?”

“My report?” Twilight looked over at Pinkie as she continued to march in place as the parasprites passed her by and into the forest, then over at Nova who was still looking nervous. Twilight grew concerned about this. “Actually princess, I would like you to meet a couple of ponies you didn’t get the chance to, he’s been a big help to me and my friends with my lessons on friendship so far, he and his brother are the ones I told you about in my letters.”

“Really, very well, I suppose I have time for a short introduction.”

Twilight grabbed Nova’s hoof as Starburst came out from under him and pulled him in front of Celestia. Nova was sweating nervously while Starburst just hid behind his brother. Nova tried to speak. “Uh….g-g-goood day p-p-princess, it’s an honor to-to meet you. I’m….N-Nova and th-this is my little b-b-brother Starburst.” He said with a nervous smile. 

“Um, hello.” Starburst said meekly from behind his brother. 

Celestia smiled down at them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you two, I wish we had more time to talk, but I must be going, perhaps we can have time to chat later since I never got the chance to meet you like Twilight’s other friends.” 

“Um…sh-sure…no-no problem heh heh.” 

Twilight then intervened. “And as for the lesson, I’ve learned that the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect them, it’s a good idea to stop and listen to your friends ideas and perspectives, even if they don’t always make sense. Nova helped me learn this today, and I’m very grateful to him.”

Celestia gave a smile to the ponies before her. “I’m so proud of you Twilight Sparkle, and I’m very impressed with your friends as well, it sounds like you’re all learning so much from each other.” Celestia’s carriage then pulled away and took off.

Right after she left, the last of the parasprites finally entered the forest and were gone. The girls made their way over to Pinkie. Nova stayed where he was, still frozen. Starburst finally came out from behind him and looked up at him. “Nova, are you ok?” Starburst poked his brother’s foreleg, he got no response. “Nova, hello?” Nova then just fell over stiff and lay there on his side. “NOVA!” Starburst cried out.

The girls all looked over and saw what was going on, they all rushed over to him. Twilight was the first to ask. “Starburst, what’s wrong?”

“I…I don’t know, he won’t answer me and he just fell over.”

Twilight looked him over. “He….fainted.”

“Fainted?” Starburst asked.

“But, why did he faint?” Rainbow asked.

“He did seem rather nervous when Celestia came by.” Rarity pointed out.

“Oh my, I hope he’ll be all right.” Fluttershy said with worry. 

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, he just fainted after all.” Pinkie pointed out.

“But why would meeting the princess make him so nervous?” Twilight mused.

“Who knows, I’ll take him back home.” Applejack offered. She managed to lift Nova up on her back. “Come on Starburst, let’s get you two home.”

Starburst gave a weak but thankful smile. “Thanks Applejack.”

Once they were out of ear shot of the girls, Applejack spoke to Starburst. “So any luck in convincing Nova ta let the others know about ya’ll bein aliens yet?”

Starburst answered with a frown. “I’m afraid not, he just seems too scared of being found out, and I think the meeting with the princess pushed him over the edge, which is why he must have fainted.”

Applejack felt sorry for the two. “Poor feller, why is he so afraid of us knowin?”

“Well, if we’re found out and chased off, we may never find another planet that can sustain life, Nova said we were lucky to find this world so if we have to leave, we may never find another one again.”

“Wow, that is hard, I can’t imagine what that must be like, I’m aweful sorry, but ya gotta know that aint gonna happen.” 

“Applejack, I was terrified to let you know about us, you know that, how scared do you think Nova is? He fainted upon meeting the princess because he thought she would see through our disguise. Can you honestly tell me there won’t be at least one pony who would want us gone?”

“well I…..I guess not.”

“Exactly, and if there’s one, there’s bound to be others, no matter how much we want, we have to keep our origins a secret from others so we can make a life for ourselves here.”

“You sure are soundin aweful mature fer one so young.”

“Nova’s been my teacher my whole life, he’s really smart and he helped me with my magic too, which is why I can use it at such a young age.”

“You sure are lucky ta have him fer a big brother.”

“Didn’t you say that already?” Starburst said with a smile as he looked up at Applejack.

“Yep, and what you been sayin bout him just reinforces my statement, I do wish he would get over the fear of bein found out though.”

“Me too, and I am sorry for troubling you with this secret Applejack, but you kind of……well….” Starburst wasn’t sure how to finish his thought there.

“Yeah, I’m sorry bout that, I didn’t mean ta pressure you like that. But I don’t like it when others keep secrets from me, and I don’t like keepin secrets from my friends either.”

“Here we are, home sweet home.” Starburst announced as they approached the disguised ship. “Follow me inside.” 

Applejack did just that. “So where should I put him?”

“You can just lay him on the couch, if you put him in the bedroom, that might raise suspicion.”

“Why’s that?”

“We didn’t disguise that part of the house. If Nova wakes up there and sees where he is, he’ll know one of you came in and saw the place and freak out.”

“All right then.” Applejack managed to gently lay Nova’s fainted form on the couch. “I’d better get goin, ya’ll two take care now.” 

“Bye Applejack, and thanks again for everything.”

“Anytime sugar cube.” Applejack then turned to leave.

Starburst was now left with his fainted big brother to take care of. “Nova, I wish you weren’t so afraid.” He said somberly.

> Quest For The Cutie Mark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Quest For The Cutie Mark



A new day has dawned and it is Starburst’s first day of school at the Ponyville school house. “Nova, get up, get up, come on, it’s the first day of school!” Starburst cheered as he jumped up and down on Nova’s bed to get him up.

“Ugh, Starburst, knock it off for galaxies sake, it still a little early.”

“Come on Nova, get up, I don’t want to be late!”

Nova finally sat up and looked his little brother in the eyes. “Fine, I’m up, happy now?” He asked looking unhappy. It soon faded though as he realized how excited Starburst was about his first day of school.

“Yep, come on lets go sleepy head.”

Starburst jumped down off Nova’s bed and galloped into the living room. Nova yawned as he walked out of their bedroom. “*Yawn* by the stars your excited about this aren’t you?”

“Of course I am. Come on, let’s have breakfast and get going.”

“All right, all right, hold your comets.”

After a filling meal produced by their food synthesizer, they put on their holo-emitter necklaces and headed off for the shool house. As they walked the whole way, Starburst was beaming and practically skipping the whole way like Pinkie does most of the time. They got near the school house as Starburst finally couldn’t hold it in any longer.”Oooh, I can’t wait, we’re going to have so much fun and learn so much today Nova, I can’t wait.”

Nova looked down at his little brother curiously. “We?”

“Yeah, you and me, duh.”

Nova had to stop in his tracks and explain to Starburst that he would be going solo. “Starburst, I’m not going with you to school.”

Starburst stopped his skipping and his mood seemed to drop a little. “Wh-what do you mean, of course you are.”

“Starburst, this is a school for kids, I’m a grownup, I don’t need to go to school, I’m afraid you’ll be flying solo here for this.”

Starburst’s mood, then took a nose dive. “Solo….as in……alone? But….but we’ve never been apart before, at least not for a whole day. You have to come with me.”

Nova gave his brother a sympathetic look. “Starburst, I know this may not be easy for you, this isn’t easy for me either, but this is something we need to get used to. Like I told you before, there will be times where I can’t be there for you all the time, there will be times where we will have to be apart, and this school is one of them.”

Starburst looked like he was about to cry. “But….but…I…I don’t want to be alone.”

“I know you don’t, but you’ll have to, besides, I hear the teacher is real nice, she can look out for you while you’re there, plus Applebloom will be there too.”

“R-really?”

“Really, you’ll at least have a friend there for you, would that be ok?”

Starburst looked in thought for a moment. “I….I guess so.” 

“Good, come on, I think I hear the school bell sounding.” Nova then led a less enthusiastic Starburst up to the school where many other little foals were seen running in while the teacher greeted them. She was an earth pony with a mulberry coat and two shades of pink in her mane and tail, she had three sunflowers with smiling faces for a cutie mark.

The teacher saw them approach and greeted them. “Well hello there, what can I do for you?”

Nova started. “Hello, you're Cheerilee correct?”

“I am, and who might you be?”

“My name is Nova, and this is my little brother Starburst. He’s here for his first day of school.” Nova gestured to 
Starburst who was looking rather shy now. 

Cheerilee gave a bright smile as she greeted Starburst. “Well hello there, welcome to the Ponyville school house.”

“Um, h-hello.” Starburst greeted nervously.

Nova addressed Cheerilee again. “This is going to be our first day apart from each other so he’s a little nervous.”

Cheerilee looked to Nova. “Really?”

“It’s kind of a long story, you’ll look out for him won’t you?”

The teacher answered with a smile. “Of course, I look out for all my students.” She looked back to Starburst. “Don’t worry Starburst, we’re going to have a great time.”

Starburst answered again with nervousness. “I…I don’t know if I….”

“Starburst, there ya are, glad ya made it!” Applebloom called out as she came trotting up to the school house. “Yer just in time, we’re gonna have lots of fun.”

Starburst was still nervous. “I don’t know Applebloom.”

“He’s a little nervous about being on his own today for school.” Nova informed.

Applebloom kept her smile. “Well shoot, you don’t have to worry none about that, I’ll look after ya, you’ll be fine.”

Starburst perked up a little. “Really?”

“Sure, come on, let’s head inside, you can sit next to me.” Applebloom then grabbed Starburst’s hoof and started leading him in.

“Uh, bye Nova, I’ll.....see you later.” Starburst said as he was dragged into the school.

Nova just smiled as he responded. “Bye Starburst, and don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” He then spoke to Cheerilee in a low voice. “He will be fine won’t he?”

Cheerilee laughed. “Heh heh, don’t worry, like I said, I’ll look out for him, and he’ll have Applebloom too.”

“Ok, I’ll be bye after school to pick him up. Bye Cheerilee, and thanks.”

“You’re welcome,  bye Nova.” Cheerilee waved  hoof as Nova walked off. 

Nova left for home while Starburst started his first day of school.

Applebloom found a seat in the middle of a row of desks while Starburst took a seat on her right. Another filly took a seat next to him wearing a tiara on her head. She had a light pink coat and pink and white mane and tail with a diamond tiara as a cutie mark.  On Applebloom’s other side, was another filly with glasses on. She had a grey coat and a white mane and tail braided with a silver spoon for a cutie mark. 

The class was noisily chatting away when Cheerilee came in.  “Let’s quiet down please, we have a very important lesson to get to.” The class soon quieted down. “Thank you. Today, we are going to be talking about cutie marks.”

“Boring.” Said the little filly next to Starburst. He just eyed her curiously and Applebloom seemed to glare at her with a raised eyebrow. 

Applebloom quickly turned her attention back to Cheerilee with a smile. Starburst did the same minus the smile. “You can all see my cutie mark can’t you? Like all ponies, I wasn’t born with a cutie mark. My flank was blank.” Cheerilee presented a picture of her as a filly with no cutie mark on a stand.

“Awwwee, sheth tho prethious.” A filly sitting in front of Applebloom commented, she also wore glasses and spoke with a lisp. She had a cream colored coat and a red mane and tail.

Cheerilee continued. “Then one day, when I was about your age, I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared.” She then removed the first picture and revealed another of her at an older age with her hair in an 80’s style fashion, braces in her teeth, a checkerboard pattern bandana around her neck, different hair accessories, a bracelet on one of her front legs and a leg warmer on one of her back legs. 

“Look at her hair.” The filly next to Applebloom said.

The class erupted in laughter.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes. “Yes I know, but that’s how every pony was wearing their mane back then.”

“I think it looks nice.” Starburst commented. The class stopped laughing and eyed him. Starburst cringed in his seat and tried to make himself smaller. 

Cheerilee gave him a smile. “Thank you Starburst. Now then, I had decided to become a teacher, the flowers symbolize my hope to help my students bloom if I nurture them with knowledge. The smiles represent the cheer I hope to bring to my little ponies while they were learning.” Starburst noticed Applebloom was taking down notes while the filly next to her was just eyeing her hoof looking bored. “Now, can anyone tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark?”

The filly in front of Applebloom excitedly raised her hoof and waved it in the air. “Ooh, ooh, when she dithcoverths that thertain thomthing that makths her thpecial.”

“That’s right Twist. A cutie mark appears on a pony’s flank when he or she finds that certain something that makes them different from every other pony.” 

As Cheerilee went on with her lecture, the pony with the tiara hissed at Starburst to get his attention. “Psst.” Not wanting to get in trouble, Starburst kept his eyes forward on Cheerilee. He heard it again. “Pssssst.”

Starburst finally turned his attention to the filly that was trying to get his attention. “W-what is it?” The filly picked up a scrap of paper in her mouth and offered it to him, Applebloom saw this too. Starburst and Applebloom looked over to see the other filly next to Applebloom waving a hoof to let them know the note is meant for her. Starburst nervously took the note in his mouth and passed it to Applebloom.

Before she could take it. Cheerilee caught them. “Starburst, Applebloom, are you two passing notes?”

Starburst quickly dropped it and panicked a little. “AH, I...I didn’t mean to!”

Cheerilee came up to them. “Just what is so important that it couldn’t wait until after class?” Cheerilee looked down at the scrap of paper. “It’s blank.”

The filly next to Starburst whispered to him. “Remind you of anypony?” 

Applebloom glared at her while Starburst looked at her confused and scared, he then turned back to Cheerilee. “Please miss Cheerilee, I didn’t know it was wrong, I’m sorry.”

“Now Starburst, you shouldn’t be passing notes during class, it’s rude and disruptive, now I’ll let it go this time, but I want you to remember that for later, understand?”

“Yes mam, I’ll remember.” 

Later in the day, lunch time rolled around. Starburst found a place just under a tree and sat down by his lonesome looking sullen. Applebloom and the filly identified as Twist came up to him with sacks in their mouths. They set them down and Applebloom started. “Hey there Starburst, you doin ok?”

“I guess so, but I was so excited at first to come to school that me and Nova forgot to pack me a lunch, so I don’t have anything to eat.”

“Awwe, well me and Twist can share our lunches with you. This is my friend Twist, Twist, this is Starburst.”

Twist stepped a little closer. “Hello, itth nith to meet you.”

“Hello.” Starburst greeted. “So you two really don’t mind sharing your lunches with me?”

Applebloom answered. “Cours not, Applejack always packs me plenty to eat.”

Twist answered as well. “And I don’t mind tharing with a friend.”

Starburst smiled. “Thanks you two, it’s nice to meet you Twist.” The two fillys sat around Starburst and Applebloom gave half a sandwich she had to Starburst.  Twist gave him an apple. He took a bite of the sandwich and swallowed before asking a question. “So why did that one filly get me in trouble like that?”

Applebloom answered. “You mean Diamond Tiara, she’s always makin fun of us ponies that don’t have cutie marks.”

“That’s not very nice.” Starburst commented. 

“Tell me about it, sheth alwayth making fun of uth and calling uth blank flankth.” Twist informed.

“Why?”

“She just thinks she’s better than us cause she got her cutie mark, well her and her friend Silver Spoon, that other filly that was sittin next to me.” Applebloom informed.

“That’s not nice, we’ll get our ski….uh, I mean cutie marks eventually. Just because she has hers doesn’t mean we’re not special, we just need to find our talent.”

“Exactly! Say Starburst, you wanna hang out with me later after school?”

“Well, if Nova says it’s ok, sure.” Starburst answered with a smile. “Thanks for sharing your lunches with me Applebloom, Twist.”

“Your welcome.” They both said in unison.

The rest of the school day went on and, thanks to Applebloom and Twist, Starburst was less nervous and was enjoying himself.

School finally let out and Twist, Applebloom, and Starburst left together. Out in front of the school, Nova was waiting. “Nova!” Starburst cried happily as he ran up and hugged his brother.

Nova returned the hug. “Hey Starburst, so how’d your first day of school go?”

“It was alright, I even made a new friend.” Starburst motioned for Applebloom and Twist to come over. They did so and Starburst introduced. “Nova, this is Twist, she’s a friend of Applebloom’s. Twist, this is my big brother, Nova.”

Twist looked up at Nova with a smile. “Itth nice to meey you thir.”

Nova looked at her carefully, her speech threw him off a bit but then smiled and returned the greeting. “It’s nice to meet you too. I take it you two were looking out for Starburst for me?”

“We sure did, no trouble at all, though you two did forget to pack Starburst a lunch, but me and Twist shared ours with him.”

“Oh, hayseed. I’m sorry Starburst, but thank you two for sharing with him.”

Starburst then looked up at his brother. “Nova, is it all right if I hang out with Applebloom this afternoon?”

“You want to hang out with her? Well, I guess it’s ok, just be sure to come back to the house before it gets too late in the afternoon ok.”

“You got it big brother.”

“Ok then, you three be careful now, especially you Starburst.” Nova warned.

“I’ll be fine, thanks Nova.” Nova then left and the three little ponies started their walk. 

Once they started, Applebloom started looking sad as she hung her head. Twist was on her left and Starburst on her right. Twist started with a smile. “You want some thweeths I got thome peppermint thticks. I made them mythelf.”

Applebloom just shook her head. “Mm mm.”

Twist tried again. “They’ll make you thmile.”

“No.” Apple Bloom said again sadly.

Starburst finally spoke up. “Applebloom, what’s wrong, why are you sad?”

Before she could answer, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were walking up to them with Diamond talking. “I don’t see why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is so last week. You got yours.” Diamond said as Silver Spoon wiggled her flank. “I just got mine, we all have them already……well, almost all of us.” She sneered as she looked at the three little ponies with bare flanks. “Don’t worry you three, you’re still totally invited to my cutecinera this weekend.”

“It’s going to be amazing.” Silver Spoon commented.

“It’s going to be a party to celebrate me and my fantastic cutie mark. How can it not be?” The two then proceeded to do a kind of rhym with motions. “Bump, bump, surar lump rump.” 

“Give me a break.” Applebloom said under her breath. 

Silver Spoon than said her good bye to the three as she and Diamond walked off. “See you this weekend.” Then they both said in unison. “Blank flanks!” Then laughed and continued on.

Starburst leered at them as they walked away, he figured the reason Applebloom was sad was because of this whole cutie mark thing. He turned to Applebloom to try and cheer her up. “Come on Applebloom, don’t listen to them, they’re just trying to hurt your feelings, don’t let them get you down, we’ll get our cutie marks eventually.”

“Whatever, Starburst, I’m just gonna head on home, you wanna come along and hang out with me a bit, I could use the company.” 

Starburst answered with a smile. “Sure Applebloom. I’ll come with you.” Applebloom gave a small smile. “I’ll see you later Twist, ok?”

“Ok, bye you two, and don’t worry too much about the cutie mark Applebloom.” Twist waved as the two made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

The two came up to Applejack as she was bucking a tree. Applebloom went off. “It’s not fair, it’s just not fair!”

Applejack stopped her bucking. “Applebloom, what are ya goin on about?”

Starburst answered. “She’s upset about not having a cutie mark yet.”

“Applebloom, don’t get yer mane in a tangle, you’ll get yer cutie mark, every pony gets one eventually.”

Applebloom went off. “But I don’t want one eventually, I want one right now. I can’t go to Diamond Tiara’s cutecinera without one, and neither can Starburst.”

This got Starburst’s attention. “But why go at all, didn’t you say she’s always picking on you because of you not having a cutie mark?”

“We have to go, everypony is going to be there, we can’t be the only two ponies to not go.”

Applejack disagreed. “Course you can go without a cutie mark. You know, I was the last pony in my class to earn a cutie mark, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. I knew my future was to help run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny babies sealed the deal. Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class too, so was Big Macintosh.”

Applebloom just walked around and kicked an apple. “I really don’t see how that’s supposed to make me feel better.” She then laid her head on a bucket with apples. “It probably means that bein the last one in yer class to get a cutie mark runs in the family.” She then lifted her head and her eyes lit up with an idea. “Runs in the family? Runs in the family.” She got more excited with each time she said this. “Runs in the family!” She then ran up to her sister. “You got apples for your cutie mark, Granny Smith has an apple pie, Big Macintosh has an apple half, my unique talent must have something to do with apples.” She started hopping up and down in joy. “Apples, apples, apples.” She landed on a bucket full of apples and knocked it over. “He heh, apples.”

“Applebloom, I don’t think that’s how it works.” Starburst said as he looked unsure of this. 

“Oh come on Starburst, maybe your unique talent will have something to do with apples too.”

Starburst perked up at this. “You really think so?”

“Course I do. Applejack, can me and Starburst help you in the market today with selling apples?”

Applejack laughed and smiled. “He heh, all right, you two can help, come on, let’s get the cart and set up for the afternoon.”

The three ponies then headed off for town with Applejack pulling the stand for apple selling.
The stand was now set up in town with apples ready to sell. All three of them were wearing a white apron with a pocket on 
the front.  Applejack was calling out to get ponies to buy. “Get yer delicious nutritious apples here!”

Starburst followed up as loud as he could. “Nice and tasty apples for sale, get em while their red!” He did it with a smile.

Applebloom then followed up while balancing an apple on her head. “Delicious and nutritious, and SOOO many uses!” She tossed the apple up and ate it. “You can eat em.” 

Starburst then started. “Play with them.” He then tossed an apple and quickly grabbed a nearby racket and smacked the apple in mid-air. 

The remains hit a mare that called out in complaint. “HEY, watch it!”

“Creat fine art.” Applebloom then grabbed another apple, tossed it up and bucked it to a blank canvas a stallion was about to paint on. “You’d have to be crazy not to get a bushel of yer own.”

Applejack grabbed her and pulled her to her side. “She’s so creative.”

A brown coated stallion trotted by. Applebloom saw him and gave Starburst a nudge. “Starburst, you go try and get him to buy some apples.”

“Um, ok.” Starburst ran up to him and got in front of the stallion. “Excuse me sir, would you care to buy some apples? They’re nice and fresh.”

The stallion answered. “No thanks.”

Starburst looked to Applebloom, she just waved a hoof as if to say keep trying. He just went with it and tried again. “Well why not, they’re really good.”

“I have plenty at home thank you.”

Applebloom saw Starburst wasn’t having any luck so she came up to help. “Are ya sure?”

The stallion was starting to look nervous. “Yes I’m pretty sure.” He started walking off, but Applebloom popped up in front of him. 

“Yer pretty sure, but yer not absolutely positively super-duper sure are ya?”

The stallion was sweating now. “Dah, if I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?”

Applebloom gave a big smile. “All right!”

The stallion tossed few bits into Applejack’s apron, grabbed an apple and ran off. Applejack called after him. “You forgot yer change!”

Applebloom cheered. “Woowoo, that is how you sell some apples and get a cutie mark.” Applejack looked at the two displeased. Starburst gave a sheepish smile. Applebloom started spinning around trying to look at her cutie mark that wasn’t there, Starburst took a casual glance at his flank and saw it was bare. “So what do our cutie marks look like? A shopping bag full of apples, a satisfied customer eating an apple?” She stopped spinning when she saw no cutie mark. She then looked over at Starburst and saw his flank was bare too.  “Hmm, maybe we need to increase our sales figures first.” She came up to a pony that was looking in a bucket of apples, it was berry punch. Apple bloom got in her face and startled her. “You touch it you buy it! We take cash or credit.” 

Applejack came up to the mare. “I’m sorry mam.” She then zipped off. “MAM?”

While that was going on, Applebloom came up to Starburst. “Starburst, help me with this bucket of apples.”

“What for?”

“Just help me, come on.”

Starburst grabbed one side of the bucket and Applebloom grabbed the other, they took it over to another mare nearby, Bon Bon, and dumped all the apples in her saddle bags. Once they finished, the mare noticed and Starburst announced. “That’ll be four bits.”

Bon Bon looked at them angrily. “I didn’t put those in my bag.”

Applebloom gave her a suspicious look. “Likely story, four bits lady.”

Applejack stuffed her hoof in AppleBloom's mouth. “Applebloom.” She then turned her attention to Bon Bon. “I am really really sorry about that, they’re new. Here, take these, no charge.” Applejack poured a few more apples into Bon Bon’s bag. Bon Bon just looked at her. “And these.” Applejack poured more apples in her bag. Bon Bon kept her look on Applejack. “And these.” Applejack presented a bucket and tossed it on Bon Bon’s back. She just smirked and walked off under the weight of free apples she got. “Ya’ll come back now, ya hear!” Applejack turned her attention to her now empty stand of produce and the two little ponies. 

“What?” Applebloom asked clueless.

Starburst was not clueless, he just hung his head while keeping his eyes on Applejack. “Sorry Applejack.” He apologized. 

Applejack started scolding them “Sorry you two, but yer sellin days are over.” Applejack took the aprons off the two little ponies.

Applebloom tried to object. “WHAT? But how else are we gonna get our cutie marks?”

“Applebloom, home, now.” Applejack stomped a hoof for emphasis. Applebloom gave a huff. Applejack softened up. “Listen sugar cube, I know it’s hard to wait for yer very own cutie mark, but you just can’t force it. Besides, you’re not that grown up just yet. Ain’t there other fillies in yer class without one?”

Starburst answered. “Twist doesn’t have hers yet.”

“Do you two think you’d feel better if you went to the party with her?”

Applebloom answered with a small smile. “Uh huh.”

Starburst spoke up. “Actually, I’m not sure I want to go at all.

Applebloom turned to him. “Oh come on Starburst, you gotta come with me, please, I don’t want to be the only blank flank there.”

Starburst just gave a defeated sigh. “All right, I’ll go too.”

Applebloom smiled at him. “Thanks Starburst, come on, let’s go ask Twist to go with us.”

Before taking off, Starburst turned to Applejack. “Sorry about the apples Applejack.”

Applejack smiled at him. “No big whoop sugar cube. Now go on.” 

Before they left, another stallion called out. “HEY, who’s been using my racket!?”

“Come on Starburst, we’d better go.” Applebloom and Starburst then took off for Twist’s house.

The two soon arrived at Twist’s house. Applebloom knocked on the door and the top half of the door opened. Twist greeted them with a smile. “Oh, hey Thtarburst, hey Applebloom, whatth up?”

Applebloom answered. “So we were thinkin, maybe we could go to Diamond Tiara’s cutecinera together. We don’t have a cutie mark, you don’t have a cutie mark.”

Twist started looking nervous. “Well, um…..” She ducked down behind the bottom half of the door and opened it up. It was revealed that she had a cutie mark of two candy canes crossing on her flank. Applebloom gasped, Starburst was just surprised. “Ithnt my cutie mark thwell, I’ve alwaythd loved making my own thweetth, but it took me thome time to dithcover it was my thuper thpecial talent.” She said with a bright smile. “Pretty thweet huh?”

Applebloom’s mood really dropped then. “Yeah, pretty….sweet.”

Starburst gave a sad smile. “Congratulations Twist, it looks nice.”

Twist picked up on their mood drop. “Hey, this doesthn’t mean we can’t go to the cutcinera together, you’re still gonna come to the party aren’t you?”

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were walking bye when they heard this. Diamond started. “Of course they will.”

Silver Spoon then started. “It’s not like being the only two ponies without a cutie mark will be like, the most embarrassing thing ever.” 

Applebloom had the saddest look on her face. Starburst saw this as he looked at her with sympathy, he then turned his attention to the two fillies and started. “HEY, just because you have a cutie mark doesn’t make you any better than us, we’ll get our cutie marks too one day you know!”

“Whatever, see you at the party blank flank.” Diamond said as she and Silver Spoon walked off.

Starburst turned to Applebloom who was still looking sad. “Applebloom, just don’t listen to them, why should we care what they think, they’re just being mean.”

“I guess so.”

“Look, I need to get home, my big brother is waiting for me, I’ll see you tomorrow though, ok?”

“Ok.” 

“Bye Twist, I’ll see you later.” Starburst then took off for home.

Upon his arrival, Nova was at his work table working on another gem for Rarity. He heard Starburst enter and turned around to greet him. “Hey Starburst, did you have fun with Applebloom?”

“Kind of.” He answered sadly.

Nova picked up on this. “What’s wrong, did something happen?”

“Well, there’s these two ponies at the school that are making fun of me and Applebloom just because we don’t have our skill signs…….cutie marks…..you know what I mean.”

Nova came closer to Starburst. “We’ll have to start calling them cutie marks Starburst, now why are these ponies making fun of you two?”

“They think that just because they have a cutie mark, they’re better than us.”

“I see, haven’t you told anyone about this?”

“I told you just now.”

Nova was at a loss. “I’m sorry Starburst, but…..I don’t know what to do about it, I’ve never had to deal with something like this. I wish I could be more help.”

“Well, anyway, to top it all off, this pony, her name is Diamond Tiara, she’s having a party called a cutecinera, something to celebrate her getting her cutie mark, and for galaxies know whatever reason, Applebloom wants to go, but she also doesn’t want to be the only one there without a cutie mark, so she asked me to go with her to this party.”

“I see, well I’m sure it won’t be too bad.”

“Nova, do you think you could come too, for moral support?”

“I think I can make it, sure.”

“Great, also I’m going to be meeting up with Applebloom tomorrow until the party starts. I think she could really use a friend.”

Nova smiled at his little brother with a bit of pride. “That’s fine Starburst, I know you’ll find a way to cheer her up.”

The next day:

After breakfast, Starburst left to find Applebloom and see if he could try to cheer her up. It didn’t take him long to find her, she was lying on the ground next to a well looking as glum as ever. He came up to her and greeted her with a smile. “Hey Applebloom.”

She greeted with sorrow in her voice. “Hey Starburst.”

“You know, we still have time before the party, maybe we could find our cutie marks before then.”

“I doubt it.”

Rainbow Dash’s head suddenly popped down from above and noticed Applebloom’s state. “Whoa, looks like some pony’s got a dark cloud hanging over her head.” 

Starburst looked up and noticed a black cloud was indeed lingering over them. “How did I miss that?” He asked himself.

“Let me do something about that.” Rainbow then flew up and pushed the cloud away, she then came to a landing in front of the two ponies. “What’s the matter kids.”

Starburst was about to answer but Applebloom took in a deep breath and went off. “There’s-a-cutecinera-this-afternoon-and-everypony-in-my-class-will-be-there-and-they’ll-all-have-their-cutie-marks-and-I-want-to-get-my-cutie-mark-but-I’m-no-good-at-selling-apples-but-I-really-want-to-go-to-the-party-if-I-don’t-have-my-cutie-mark-and-my-big-sister-says-I’ll-get-it-eventually-but….I WANT IT NOW!” She said the whole thing in one breath.   

Rainbow Dash smiled. “Cutie mark, I can get you a cutie mark like that.” She said as she whipped her tail on the last word. 

Starburst came in. “But Applejack said that these things take time. We have to wait for it to happen.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes at his statement. “Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen.”

Applebloom then started. “But Applejack says that….”

Rainbow cut her off. “Hey, who you gonna listen to, Applejack,” She crossed her eyes and bobbed a hind leg in mock.  “Or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark. I always liked flying and all, but I was going nowhere in a hurry. It wasn’t until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed, and KAZAM, this baby appeared as fast as lightning.” She presented her cutie mark. 

"Can you really help us earn a cutie mark Rainbow Dash?” Starburst asked.

“No problem squirt, just do what I say and you’ll both have a cutie mark in no time.” Rainbow answered. “Come on, we need to get you two into shape first.” 

A little later, Rainbow Dash, Applebloom, and Starburst were wearing headbands, Dash had a whistle around her neck. She had the two doing pushups. “That’s it, stretch out those legs, gotta get nice and loose. The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of em is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready?”

Applebloom answered proudly. “I’m ready.”

Starburst answered the same way, eager to try and earn his cutie mark. “Me too, let’s do it.”

Rainbow asked again louder. “I said, ARE YOU READY!?”

The two answered together louder. “WE’RE READY!”

“Juggling, go!” Rainbow Dash blew her whistle. The two tried juggling a few balls in their hooves but just ended up dropping them all over the place. 

“Hang gliding, GO!” Rainbow blew on her whistle again. Starburst and Applebloom were strapped to a hang glider now and started galloping for the edge of a cliff they were on. Starburst tripped and caused them to flip over and end up upside down before they could take off. 

“Karate, GO!” The two were wearing white karate uniforms. They both jumped in the air with one hind leg forward headed for a hanging sand bag, they each had one as a target. 

“HIIIIEEEEE, YAH!” They both cried as they flew through the air, they both collided with their target, but fell to the ground with no success in their attempt.

“Kite Flying, GO!” Rainbow blew her whistle. The two each had a kite and ran to get it up in the air. Their kites were air born for a bit before they both crashed to the ground and fell apart.

“Ultra pony roller derby, GO!” She blew her whistle. The two were wearing skates in a roller derby arena with three other fillys who did not look very friendly. They skated as fast as they could around the track with the three other ponies on their tails. 

Applebloom tripped and crashed into Starburst causing him to fall, the two tumbled along, the three others saw this and tried to stop but crashed into them. In the mess, Applebloom and Starburst somehow managed to get out of it unscathed. Applebloom gave a sheepish smile while Starburst looked back at the three with a sheepish smile of his own. “Oops, um…..sorry.” He said to them as they rolled away.

The three were now under a tree next to Rarity’s boutique, Starburst and Applebloom lying down while Rainbow went down a list. “Tried that one, tried that one, tried that one…” 

As she did, Diamond and Silver’s laughter was heard approaching. Applebloom grabbed Starburst and dove behind a bush next to the tree. “Applebloom, what are you…”

“Shh.” Applebloom cut him off.

They looked out the bush to see the two ponies walking by with Diamond tiara carrying a box on her back. “Your new outfit is like, perfect for the party.” Silver Spoon commented.

Diamond Tiara agreed. “I know, it totally shows off my new cutie mark.”

“I love being special.” Silver added.

“Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to…..not be special.”

“Like, I don’t even want to think about it.

Starburst glared at them as they walked by. Rainbow was still going down her list. “Tried that one, tried that one..”

The two emerged from the bushes. Applebloom started complaining. “We’re doomed, doomed. We’ll never find something we’re good at.”

Starburst tried to cheer her up. “Come on Applebloom, it’s not like it’s the end of the universe.”

“You two look like you’d be good at eating cupcakes.” Pinkie’s said as she suddenly appeared out of nowhere. 

Applebloom smiled big at this. “Eatin cupcakes?”

Starburst was confused but delighted at the idea as well. “Eating cupcakes?”

Rainbow heard this too and was just confused. “Eating cupcakes?”

Pinkie said again to confirm. “Eating cupcakes!” She jumped up in the air as she spoke, then started hopping away. 

Applebloom started. “We really appreciate all your help Rainbow Dash.”

Starburst continued. “You’re a really great coach and we’ve really learned a lot from you.”

Applebloom continued. “And we’re sure we could learn a lot more from you, but…”

They both chimed in. “We’ve got cupcakes to eat!” They then sped off to follow Pinkie to Sugarcube corner.

They followed Pinkie through the back entrance of Sugarcube Corner right into the kitchen. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this.” Applebloom commented. “A cupcake eating cutie mark, it’s soooo obvious.”

Starburst cocked an eyebrow. “It is?” 

“Of course it is, now where are those cupcakes? I’m ready to chow down.” She asked Pinkie.

“I don’t have any cupcakes.” Pinkie answered with a smile. 

“Oh.” Was all Applebloom could say. 

Starburst then started. “But then, why did you suggest a cupcake eating cutie mark if you don’t have any cupcakes for us to eat?”

Pinkie made another suggestion with a loud gasp. “*GASP* I bet you two would be great at helping me make some cupcakes.”

Applebloom didn’t sound so sure. “I guess a cupcake making cutie mark would be good too.”

Pinkie then went off on a song to Starburst’s surprise.

All you have to do is take a cup of flour add it to the mix,
Then you take a little something sweet not sour, a bit of salt just a pinch.

Baking these treats is such a cinch add a teaspoon of vanilla,
Add a little more they you count to four and you never get your fill oooof

CUPCAKES , so sweet and tasty 
CUPCAKES, don’t be too hasty,
CUPCAKES…CUPCAKES, CUPCAKES, CUPCAKES!

After a while of baking, the kitchen was a mess, Applebloom and Starburst were in front of an oven waiting for another batch of cupcakes they made to come out. The oven buzzed to let them know the cupcakes were done, Applebloom  grabbed the oven handle and opened it, knocking over a bag of flower and causing some to float around. The two coughed a bit. Starburst used his magic to pull the tray out and set it on the floor in front of them and Pinkie. 

“Ooh, those look much better than the last batch.” Pinkie complimented. The cupcakes were burnt and brown, they didn’t look all that good at all. Pinkie just went ahead and ate one right out of the pan and happily munched on it.

Applebloom and Starburst, thinking they were actually good, did the same thing. Upon actually tasting them, Starburst’s eyes widened in shock and quickly spat them out. “EWE, they taste aweful.” 

Applebloom did the same thing. “GAH!”  She started looking sullen again. “Guess we’re not cut out to be bakers either.” She went off again. “I’ll just have to face it, I’m gonna be a blank flank forever.”

Starburst came up to her to try and comfort her. “Come on Applebloom, don’t talk like that, we’ll get our cutie mark someday, you’ll see, we can’t just give up.”

“Face it Starburst, we’ve tried eveyrthin, we’ll never get em.”

“Applebloom, there’s a whole world out there, we haven’t tried everything yet, there are so many other things to do to try and find our cutie marks, we just need to get out there and keep trying.”

Applebloom perked up with a sad smile. “You really think so?”

“Of course I do, I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”

“Thanks starburst, yer right. We just need to try something else to earn a cutie mark.”

“What about that?” Pinkie asked. 

Applebloom got really excited. “What about what, is there something on my flank, is there, is there?” Applebloom went over to a toppled over bowl on the floor and looked at her flanks reflection. “*GASP* A cutie mark! It’s a….a measuring cup? No, a mixing bowl? No, are those cupcakes, a tower of cupcakes maybe?”

Pinkie came over and blew off the splotch of flower that was on her flank. “Flower, it’s flower. YAY, I guessed it! What game do you want to play next, please say bingo, please say bingo.”

Twilight then came in and saw the mess. “Whoa, what’s been going on in here?”

Pinkie rushed up to Twilight with a plate of the burnt cupcakes on her head. “We’ve been making cupcakes, wanna try one?”

Twilight refused warily and politely. “No thank you, not that they don’t look, he heh, delicious.” 

Applebloom rushed up to Twilight. “Twilight, you have to help us!”

“What’s the matter?”

Applebloom took another long breath and went off on a long one winded explanation. 

“Diamond-Tiara’s-cutcinera-is-today-and-everypony-in-our-class-will-be-there-and-they’ll-all-have-thier-cutie-marks-and-I-wanna-get-my-cutie-mark-but-we’re-no-good-at-selling-apples-or-hang-gliding-or-making-cupcakes-and-I-want-to-go-to-the-party-but-how-can-we-go-to-the-party-if-we-don’t-have-our-cutie-marks-which-Pinkie-Pie-says-I-can’t-just-make-it-appear-but-I-need-it-to-appear…RIGHT NOW!”

Twilight was a little confused. “Uuuh, I don’t follow, how can I help you?”

“You can use your magic to make our cutie marks appear.”

Starburst came up to try and object. “Applebloom I don’t think that will work.”

Twilight agreed. “Starburst is right Applebloom, a cutie mark is something a pony has to discover for herself.”

Applebloom didn’t let up. “Please Twilight, just try.”

“I’m sorry but…”

Applebloom cut her off as she pleaded frantically and trotted in place. “Oh please, please, please, please, PLEASE!”

Twilight Caved. “All right, all right! *Sight* Come on over here Starburst.”

Starburst made his way up next to Applebloom, feeling unsure about this, he was willing to try it though if it got him a cutie mark. Twilight lowered her horn to Applebloom and Starburst and focused her magic. A cart of apples appeared on Applebloom’s flank while a telescope appeared on Starburst’s. Applebloom smiled big upon seeing hers. “YES, I knew you could do….it.” The marks faded.

“I’m sorry sweetie, but I told you…”

Applebloom cut her off again with excitement. “Try again, try again!”

Twilight sighed and lowered her horn and tried again. She managed to make a few cutie marks appear on Applebloom’s flank but they each disappeared. Twilight finally stopped and was exhausted. “Told you that not even magic can make a cutie mark appear before its time.”

“It’s hopeless, hopeless.” Applebloom started walking out of the kitchen with Starburst following her. “We just won’t go to the party, we can’t go. Everyone will just laugh at us.”

Starburst spoke up. “Applebloom, come on, you can’t let them get to you, I say let them say what they want, we will get our cutie marks, it’s just a matter of time.”

Applebloom just looked at him sadly. She then looked around and was shocked to see that they were at the party now. There were big ponies and little fillies and colts all over the main room of Sugarcube Corner. Applebloom grabbed Starburst by the hoof and the two quickly hid behind a large chocolate statue of a pony. “Oh, how could I have forgotten the time, how could I have forgotten Pinkie was hosting the party, how could I forget it was at Sugarcube Corner?”

Pinkie then came up to the two and put party hats on them. “Don’t forget your party hats forgetty forgeterson.” Pinkie then hopped off.

She turned to Starburst. “We have to get out of here before some pony sees us. Starburst, I don’t suppose you could use your magic to teleport us out of here?”

Starburst gave her a wary look. “Sorry Applebloom, but I’m not good enough with my magic to pull that off.”

“What about an invisibility spell?”

“Sorry, still not good enough, those are too complicated and powerful for me. Sorry Applebloom.”

“It’s all right, we’ll just have to try and sneak out of here. Follow me.” Applebloom led Starburst to hide behind a large cake sitting on a nearby table. Snails came up to it and nearly ate the whole thing in one bite.

Diamond Tiara saw this and angrily came up to him. “HEY, this is MY cutecinera, I’m supposed to get the first bite of the cake.” Snails just gave a sheepish smile. 

The two hopped onto another table and hid behind some balloons. Soon, they all started popping, a unicorn stallion was dancing and accidently popping them with his horn. The two just silently made their way through the party without being noticed till they came to a table that had a pink table cover with a punch bowl and a few glasses set up. They hid under it. Applebloom took a peek and saw the exit wide open. “Ok Starburst, we’re almost there. Come on, help me move the table over to the exit.”

The two moved the table a bit and stopped, then moved again. During the process while they were stopped, Berry Punch came up to the table and took a sip out of the punch bowl with no pony looking. The two carried on till they were just a few feet away from the door. Applebloom smiled when she saw how close they were to the door. “Come on Starburst, this is it, we can get out of here.”

“*Sigh* All right.” Starburst followed, but before they could get through the door, Applebloom ran into Applejack With Nova next to her.

“Applebloom, Starburst, you two made it. When I heard about Twist, I was afraid you two wouldn’t show up.” Applejack was completely oblivious to Applebloom’s distress as she pushed Applebloom back into the party.

While this was going on, Nova greeted his brother. “Hey there Starburst, how did things go today?”

Starburst frowned. “Not so good, me and Applebloom have been really trying to earn our cutie mark with no success, but Applebloom is more upset about it than I am, it means a lot to her.”

Nova frowned. “Gosh, that’s too bad, did you have any luck cheering her up?”

“No, she just keeps getting upset whenever something we try to earn a cutie mark fails. I tried cheering her up, but she just keeps getting sad when we don’t get a cutie mark.”

“Well, I’m sure she is at least glad to have you around so she’s not the only one without a cutie mark, I’ll bet that despite all this, she is at least glad to have you as a friend who keeps trying to cheer her up.” Nova said with a smile.

Starburst smiled back. “You really think so?”

“I know so, sounds like your doing your best to be a good friend, and I’m sure that means the world to her.”

Starburst smiled bigger, he then looked over at Applebloom and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looking at her with a mean smile. “Uh oh, I better go and be a friend now, there’s those two fillies I told you about.”

Nova looked and saw the two ponies Starburst was pointing at. Nova smiled down at Starburst. “Good luck Starburst, I know you can do something to help.”

Starburst then galloped up to Applebloom and took her side just as she grabbed a table cloth and wrapped it around her waist to cover her flank. “Applebloom, what are you doing?” Starburst whispered to her.

“Hiding my blank flank, here, put this on.” She grabbed another table cloth and wrapped it around Starburst like a cloak to hide his blank flank.

“Hey, Applebloom, what are you….”

Starburst didn’t get to finish as the two mean fillies came up to them, they didn’t seem to notice what Applebloom did as Diamond Tiara spoke. “Well, well, well, look who’s here.”

“Nice outfits.” Silver Spoon commented.

Applebloom answered. “Just somethin we, uh, put together last minute.”

“More like last second.” Starburst said under his breath.

“It really shows off your cutie marks.” Diamond commented, obviously not meaning a word of it. “Oh wait, that’s right, you don’t have cutie marks.”

“We have cutie marks.”

Silver Spoon cocked an eyebrow at this. “WHAT?! Since when?”

“Since um….”

Starburst helped Applebloom. “Earlier today.” He said quickly.

Diamond Tiara didn’t believe it. “Oh really, let’s see them.”

Applebloom grew nervous, not sure what to say. “Well uh, um……”

Starburst came to the rescue again. “We couldn’t, we shouldn’t, you see, our cutie marks are so unbelievably amazing, they would draw attention on us instead of you. Do you really want to be outshined at your own cutecinera, think of how embarrassing that would be.”

Diamond Tiara changed her tune. “Uh forget it, I didn’t really want to see them anyway.”

Applebloom smiled at Starburst. “Ok then, we’re going to go mingle now, enjoy your party.” As the two walked off, Applebloom spoke to Starburst in a whisper. “Thanks fer the help back there Starburst.”

Starburst smiled. “No problem.”

“No, really, I mean it, you’ve been doin yer best ta help me all day and cheer me up and I really appreciate it, I feel real lucky ta have you as a friend.”

“What are friends for, I don’t like seeing you sad.”

Applebloom suddenly stepped on a part of her makeshift dress and tripped, ripping it off completely and falling into the record player that was playing the music for the party, stopping it and getting every ponies attention. 

Starburst looked at her with worry, and like a pair of vultures, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon swooped in with wicked grins on their faces, seeing that she didn’t have a cutie mark. Silver Spoon started. “Wow, that is an amazing cutie mark.” The two laughed at her.

Diamond Tiara then came in. “Nice try.” Then they both said together. “Blank flank.”

Starburst glared at them and ripped off his makeshift cloak. The two saw this and stopped their lauging. 

Diamond went off on him too. “Well what do ya know, you’re a blank flank too.”

Starburst was about to say something but was cut off by another voice. “You got a problem with blank flanks.” 

The ponies all looked to the source of the voice. Two other little fillies were hiding under the table with the punch bowl. A little Pegasus filly with an orange coat and a hot purple mane and tail. “I said, you got a problem with blank flanks.”

The other was a white coated unicorn filly with a pink and purple curly mane and tail. Silver Spoon answered the question that came from the little Pegasus. “The problem is it means they’re like totally not special.”

The two fillies came up next to Starburst and Applebloom, the little unicorn started. “No, it means they’re full of potential.”

The Pegasus started again. “It means they could be great at anything. The possibilities are like endless.” She mocked Silver’s way of talking. 

Starburst smiled seeing these two come to their defense.

The unicorn continued. “She could be a great scientist, or he could be an amazing artist, or they could be an amazing writer. One of them could even be mayor of Ponyville someday.”

The Pegasus picked up from there. “And they’re not stuck being stuck up like you two.”

Diamond Tiara was mad at this. “Hey, this is my party, why are you two on their side?”

The Pegasus answered. “Because.” The two fillies turned their flanks to show they had no cutie marks.

Applebloom commented. “You don’t have your cutie marks either? I thought we were the only two.”

The Pegasus answered again. “We thought we were the only two too.”

Diamond went off again. “Whatever your still just a bunch of blank flanks.”

Starburst glared at her and finally spoke up. “You know what, so what if we’re blank flanks, just because we don’t have our cutie marks, doesn’t mean we aren’t special, it just means we haven’t found what makes us special, you think that just because you have your cutie marks that your better than us? Well you’re not, I don’t know what your good at that earned you a cutie mark, but I’ll bet it wasn’t for having a winning personality, all you do is rag on others that don’t have a cutie mark.” 

Starburst got up in Diamond’s face. “I can give you a reason why we’re better than you. We don’t pick on others like you do. I don’t care what you say about me, but you just better watch what you say to my friends, so back off.” 

Diamond and Silver cringed under Starburst’s hard glare.

Nova came in and interceded. “Whoa there Starburst, take it easy, I think she gets the message.” He said as he put a hoof to his brother’s barrel and pushed him back. Starburst looked up at his brother, then back to the three fillies smiling at him, he went back to join them as Nova directed his attention to the two fillies. He gave them a hard stare. “Now look, they may not have their cutie marks, but they are still lucky.”

Diamond looked up and tried not to seem intimidated by Nova. “And just how are they lucky.”

Twilight came in and smiled as he answered. “Because they get to experience the thrill of who they are, and what they’re meant to be.”

Applejack came up to the four little ponies. “And they got all the time in the world to figure it out, not just an afternoon.”

All the little ponies then started getting excited and started gathering around the four little ponies. Diamond started getting upset at this. “HEY, What’s every pony doing, this is MY party, everyone is supposed to be paying attention to me!”

The four ponies introduced one another to each other with the little Pegasus starting. “Names Scootaloo.”

The unicorn then gave her name. “And I’m Sweetie Belle.”

Starburst gave his name. “I’m Starburst.”

Applebloom proudly announced her name. “Applebloom.”

Later in the party, the four ponies were gathered around a table. Applebloom decided to share an idea. “So I was thinkin, now that we’re friends….uh, we are friends aren’t we?”

Scootaloo answered. “How could we not be, we’re totally alike. We don’t have our cutie marks, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon drive us crazy…”

Sweetie Belle agreed. “Totally crazy.” The four then shared a laugh. 

Applebloom continued with her thought. “Now that we’re friends, what if the four of us work together to find out who we are and what we’re supposed to be?”

Sweetie Belle raised her hoof in excitement. “Ooh, ooh, we could form our own secret society.”

Scootaloo gave her opinion. “I’m liking this idea.”

Starburst agreed. “Me too, but we need a name for it.”

The four began to think, Scootaloo was the first to share an idea. “The cutie mark four?”

Sweetie Belle shared her idea. “The cutetastically fantastic?”

Starburst then shared his thought. “The fillies four?”

Scootaloo pointed out a flaw with that as she cocked an eyebrow. “Aren’t you a boy?”  

Starburst gave a sheepish smile and a blush. “Oh, right, he heh, oops.”

Applebloom then shared her idea. “How about, the cuie mark crusaders?”

Scootaloo agreed. “That sounds perfect.” The table sounded off with approval. Scootallo then grabbed a cucake. “What do you say we celebrate with some of these delicious cupcakes.”

Applebloom and Starburst sounded off together. “Not the cupcakes!” Applebloom then spoke on her own. “Trust us.”

“Let’s see if there are any cookies?” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Good idea.” Starburst agreed. The four then went for the cookies.

As they enjoyed the cookies, Applebloom spoke up. “Starburst, thanks fe stickin up fer us against Diamond Tiara like ya did.”

Starburst just smiled at her. “Hey, no sweat.”

Scootaloo agreed. “Yeah, that was cool how you got in her face like that and let her have it.”

Sweetie Belle agreed too. “I’ll say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony stand up to her like you did.”

Starburst kept his smile. “What could I do, she was insulting my friend.”

“Thanks Starburst, you’re a real good friend.” Applebloom commented. The three shared a group hug and Starburst actually let out a squee as he smiled bigger. This was definitely the beginning of a great friendship.

> Winter's End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Winter’s End



Over the rest of the next few days of fall, Nova and Star burst noticed it was getting colder. Through the books he acquired around his and Starburst’s first few days, Nova learned of the seasons here. They were in awe at how the leaves changed color and fell during this time of the month. But one thing they didn’t see coming was the snow winter brought. It was the morning of the first day of winter. The two brothers got up just like every other morning, had breakfast, and got ready to head out for the day. Rarity was kind enough to make scarfs for the two to wrap around their necks and some jackets to keep them warm. 

The jackets were green to match their coat color and the scarfs were orange and yellow to match their manes and tails. As soon as the door opened, they were greeted with a field of white as the sky was completely covered by clouds and snow was falling. “Whooooooaaaaa, Nova, look at this, what is all this?!” Starburst smiled and cheered at the scene. “Everything is all white.” He looked to the ground at the edge of the door and looked at the snow before him. He took a tentative step and was pleased with the crunch sound he made as his hoof touched the snow. “Hey, it crunches, what is this Nova?”

Nova smiled as he explained. “Ha, by the galaxies, I never thought I’d see this again, it’s called snow Starburst, little frozen flakes of water. Go ahead, it’s safe.”

Starburst smiled at his brother, he faced forward and walked out into the snow. He was enjoying himself as he crunched around in a circle in front of Nova. “He he, this is so stellar, I’ve never seen anything so cosmic like this, it’s pretty too.”

Nova came up to Starburst. “He he, it sure is, I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I saw this.”

Starburst looked back at his brother. “So, does that mean we had snow on our planet too?”

“We did, but it was rare, I think I only saw it once in my lifetime.” He became sullen at this.

Starburst picked up on this. “Hey, don’t be sad, let’s check out the town and see what the rest of it looks like.”

Nova smiled again. “Good idea, lets….”

“HEY!” Starburst cut Nova off with a cry after he got hit in the back of the head with a snowball. He turned around and looked to see what happened. Nova looked around worried too. “What was that?” Starburst turned back to his brother when the culprit wasn’t seen. “Nova, did you see that, what was that?”

Nova was confused. “It looked like a ball of snow. But I didn’t see where it came from.” Another struck Nova. “HEY!” He wasn’t too pleased about this. “All right, who’s doing that?!” He called out. Giggling was heard a few feet away. “All right, whoever is behind that pile of snow better come out now.”

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came out with their heads hung. Applebloom was the first to speak up. “Hey there Nova, sorry bout that.”

Sweetie continued. “Yeah, we were just having fun, we didn’t mean any harm.”

Scootaloo then came in. “We just thought Starburst would like to have a snow ball fight with us.”

“Snowball fight?” They both asked in unison. 

Applebloom answered. “Yeah, a snowball fight, aint yall ever been in a snowball fight before?”

Starburst answered. “No, what is it?”

Scootaloo answered. “It’s where we throw snowballs at each other for fun.”

Sweetie Belle chimed in. “Come on, you can be on my team, you and me vs Applebloom and Scootaloo.”

“I don’t know, I didn’t really like it when you girls hit me with that snowball.” Starburst informed. 

Applebloom looked at him sympathetically. “Gosh, we’re sorry Starburst, it didn’t hurt did it?”

Starburst answered. “Well, no, it just surprised me is all.”

“Haven’t you ever had any kind of fun in the winter?” Scootaloo asked. 

Nova answered. “Well girls, because of how we traveled, we never really got to play in the snow, so this is pretty much new to Starburst…..and me.” Nova said the last part under his breath.

The three fillies gasped. “Really?” They asked in unison. 

“Well shoot, you can have all kinds of fun in the snow.” Applebloom informed. 

“Yeah, like snowboarding and ice skating…..” Sweetie started.

Scootaloo continued. “And making snow ponies and pony angels, we can show you all kinds of fun in  the snow.”

Applebloom came up to Starburst and put a hoof on Starburst’s back. “Just stick with us and we’ll show you a great time in the snow.”

Starburst smiled and looked to Nova. “Can I go Nova, can I, can I?”

Nova smiled big at his little brother. “Of course you can, you go have a good time with the girls and enjoy this winter day.”

“YAY, thanks Nova, but what about you, what are you going to do?”

“I’ll find something, you go have a good time with your friends.”

“Ok, bye big brother!” Starburst and the three fillies then galloped off into town for a fun day in the snow and Starburst’s first snow day.

A few months later:

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

There was a loud banging on the front door of Nova and Starburst’s home. “oooh, what the galaxies?” Nova groaned as he sat up. “It’s too early for visitors.” It was early in the morning.

“*YAWN* Nova, what is it?” Starburst asked sleepily as he sat up in his bed.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Nova crawled out of bed, walked to the main living room and was about to open the door when Starburst reminded him of something. “Nova wait, your disguise!”

“Oh, thanks Starburst, that was a close one.” Nova retrieved his holo-emitter from the work table and put it on, he gave Starburst his as well. Nova then made his way to the door and opened it to greet his visitor.

“Good morning Nova.” The visitor greeted cheerfully.

“Twilight, what are you doing here at this hour?” Twilight was smiling bright with a groggy looking Spike on her back.

The sun was just barely peeking over the horizon. “Sorry Nova, but I didn’t think you’d want to miss out on winter wrap up.”

Nova raised an eyebrow at her. “Winter what now?”

“Winter wrap up, it’s the one time of year where the ponies work together to clean up winter.”

Starburst came to the door. “You mean winter is over? Awwe, but I was having fun with it.”

Twilight smiled at Starburst. “Sorry Starburst, but winter had to end sometime. And today is the last day, every pony in Ponyville will be working on a way to clean up winter and get everything ready for spring.”

“Ugh, if you ask me, it’s too early for this.” Spike complained on Twilight’s back.

Twilight spoke up again. “Come on you two, I think they’re assigning teams already.” 

Nova just looked at her. “All right, we’ll come. Come on Starburst, let’s see what this winter wrap up thing is all about, we might even have fun.”

At the mention of the possibility of fun, Starburst perked up. “Ok.” The two followed Twilight into town as she galloped.

They were approaching the town hall and all the ponies were gathered around wearing different colored vests. Twilight commented. “Those must be the team vests Rarity designed, blue for the weather team, green for the plant team, and yellow for the animal team. I wonder which team vest I’ll be wearing. What about you Nova?”

“I don’t know, I’m new to this remember, I don’t even know how all this works.” Nova answered.

“Twilight, will I get a vest?” Starburst asked. 

“Sorry Starburst, but your too young, you can help Nova when he gets one.”

“I’ll take a blue vest, which is the same color as my blanky, which I think I hear calling my name. Spike, Spike, come to bed. Ugh, it’s too early.” Spike complained.

They took a place at the back of the crowd of ponies gathered to hear the mayor speak. “Thank you everypony, for being here bright and early. We need every single pony’s help to wrap up winter, and bring in spring.” The crowd cheered. Twilight started jumping up and down to try and get a better view. “Now all of you have your vests, and have been assigned your teams. So let’s do better than last year and have the quickest winter wrap up EVER!”  the crowd cheered again.

Twilight was really excited now. “Oooh, this is so exciting, isn’t it Nova?” 

“I guess so.” Nova simply answered. 

The mayor continued. “All right every pony, find your team leader and let’s get galloping.” The crowd cheered and dispersed leaving Twilight, Nova, and Starburst where they were. 

Twilight seemed a little frantic when this happened. “Oh gosh, where should I go, I’m not sure where I’d fit in. What exactly does every pony do?”

To Nova and Starburst’s surprise, music started playing and the ponies started singing.

Rainbow Dash: Three months of winter coolness, and awesome holidays.

Pinkie Pie: We’ve kept our hoovsies warm at home time off from work to play.

Applejack: But the food we’ve stored is runnin out, and we can’t grow in this cold.

Rarity: And even though I love my boots, this fashions getting old.

Twilight Sparkle: The time has come to welcome spring,
And all things warm and green.

But it’s also time to say goodbye,
It’s winter we must clean.

How can I help? I’m new you see
what does every pony do,

How do I fit in without magic?
I haven’t got a clue_

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Let’s finish our holiday cheer!

Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Applejack: Cause tomorrow spring-
Rainbow Dash: -is here

Everyone: Cause tomorrow spring is here.

Rainbow Dash: Bringing home the southern birds,
A Pegasus job begins.

And clearing all the gloomy skies,
to let the sunshine in.

We move the clouds,
and we melt the white snow.

Pinkie and Dash: When the sun comes up
it’s warmth and beauty will glow!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack: Let’s finish our holiday cheer!

Everyone: Winter wrap up winter wrap up!
Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack: Cause tomorrow spring is here,

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight, Rainbow, PInkie, Applejack: Cause tomorrow spring is here!
Everyone: Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Rarity: Little critters hibernate
under the snow and ice.

Fluttershy: We wake up all their sleepy heads,
so quietly and nice.

Rarity: We help them gather up their food,
fix their homes below!

Fluttershy: We welcome back the southern birds_
Fluttershy and Rarity: So their families can grow!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
(Rarity: Winter-winter)
Twilight, Applejack,Rainbow, Pinkie: Let’s finish our holiday cheer!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
(Rarity: Winter-Winter!)
Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie: ‘Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
(Rarity:Winter-Winter!)
Everyone: Cause tomorrow spring is here, 
cause tomorrow spring is here!

Applejack: No easy task to clear the ground,
Plant our tiny seeds.

With proper care and sunshine,
everyone it feeds.

Apples, carrots, celery stalks,
colorful flowers too.
We must work so very hard.

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy: It’s just so much to do!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie: Let’s finish our holiday cheer!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie: Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Pinkie: Cause tomorrow Spring is here!
Everyone: Cause tomorrow Spring is here!

Twilight: Now that I know what they all do,
I have to find my place.

And help with all of my heart,
tough task ahead I face.

How will I do without my magic,
Help the earth pony way?

I want to belong so I must
do my best today….
do my best today….

Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up! 
Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack: Let’s finish our holiday cheer!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack: Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Everyone: Winter wrap up, winter wrap up!
Twilight: Cause tomorrow spring is here…
Cause tomorrow spring is here…
Cause tomorrow spring is here-

Nova and Starburst just stared at Twilight for a moment. “Every pony belongs to a team, what should I do, where should I go?” Twilight then turned to Nova to ask him something. “What do you think Nova?”

“Um, Twilight, what just happened?” Nova asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that big production number you all just put on, with all the singing and dancing, what was all that, where was the music coming from?”

“It’s just something that happens around here sometimes, it’s no big deal.”

“I liked it.” Starburst chirped in with a big grin.

Nova looked down at him, then back to Twilight. “Well, that was certainly an entertaining way to learn about winter wrap up. Anyway, it seems this is a big deal for you, but I’m afraid I don’t know where I can go to help others, so I guess I can try to help you find something to do.”

Twilight smiled at him. “Thanks Nova.”

“I’ll help too.” Starburst called out.

Twilight smiled again as she looked at him. “Thank you too Starburst.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly flew by and caught the three ponies attention. She was hovering above their heads in front of a few Pegasus ponies. “All right team, your cleared for take-off.” The ponies then flew off.

The three came up to her after she landed. Twilight called to get her attention. “Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow turned to face her. “Oh, hey Twilight, what’s up?”

“What are you doing?”

“Sending off one of my flight crews to retrieve the birds for the winter.”

Starburst then called out. “Ooh, ooh, maybe Twilight can help with that.”

Twilight got excited too. “Yeah, maybe I could help clear out the clouds.”

Nova started to point out a flaw with that. “There’s a bit of a problem with that.”

“What?” Starburst asked.

“No wings.”

Twilight responded. “Oh, right.”

Rainbow saw the disappointment in Twilight’s face. “Sorry Twilight.” Rainbow Dash then flew off.

“Great, now what do we do?” She looked around and saw Spike lying in a bush.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna be napping.” Spike said as he readied himself for a nap.

Twilight pushed on Spike’s cheek to wake him. “Come on Spike, this is serious business. Winter needs to be wrapped up and I’m determined to do my part……somehow.”

Nova looked at her worriedly, he came up to her and put a hoof on her back. “Don’t worry Twilight, we’ll find something you can do to help.”

Starburst agreed. “Yeah, we just need to keep looking.”

She gave them a smile. “Thanks you two.” Twilight finally managed to get Spike up and they went on their way to find something for Twilight to help with. 

“Winter wrap up, winter wrap up! Let’s finish our holiday cheer! Winter wrap up, winter wrap up! Cause tomorrow spring is here.” Starburst sang happily as he hopped along with his big brother. 

“Starburst, will you please stop singing that.” Nova complained.

“Awe come on, you got to admit it’s catchy.” Starburst responded.

“Yes, it is a nice song and all, but it tends to get annoying after the fifth time.”

“Fine, I’ll stop.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight chuckled at their interaction. They soon came to Rarity’s place. She was wearing a yellow vest and making fancy looking bird nests with ribbons. The group came up to her and Twilight started. “Rarity, please tell me there’s something, anything I can help you with.”

“Well, how would you like to help create some of Ponyville’s finest bird’s nests?” Rarity responded.

“Bird’s nests?” Twilight asked in confusion.

“Why yes, when the weather team guides the birds back north for spring, they’ll need a place to live and lay their eggs.”

Twilight complimented Rarity on the nest she just made. “Wow Rarity, that one’s really beautiful.”

“Oh why thank you most sincerely.”

Starburst got a little excited at this. “ooh, ooh, can I help, that sounds like fun.”

Rarity shook her head at him. “Sorry darling, but this requires a delicate touch, I’m afraid your too young to help with this.”

“Awwe.”

Nova then spoke up. “Maybe Twilight can help?”

Rarity looked at Twilight with a smile. “Really, would you like to try your hoof at it?”

Twilight answered with a smile. “Would I? YES, where do I begin?”

Rarity levitated a basket of materials for Twilight to work with. “Ok now, take some of that straw and hey over there, and a little bit of branch.” Twilight proceeded to organize the items in an orderly fashion. Rarity began to instruct. “Now weave through there, yes, uh take some ribbon, oh, not not not there, uh….yes, tuck it in…..there, but be careful not to….oh, I guess that will do. Oh dear.” Rarity became less sure about this as Twilight assembled her nest.

Twilight finished. “There, it looks just like…..yours…..oh my.” She saddened when she saw what a bad job she did. The nest looked ugly.

Spike commented. “That nest needs to be condemned.”

Nova narrowed his eyes at Spike. Rarity did the same but softened as she responded. “Oh spike, it’s not so bad, maybe the birds could use it as a….”

“An out-house?” Spike deadpanned.

Nova spoke up. “You know Spike, you could be a little more supportive like Rarity.”

Rarity agreed. “Spike.” She came up to Twilight as she blushed. “It’s just fine, it’s just a little rough around the edges.” Rarity shooed Twilight away and began to try and salvage it. “Let me lend you a hoof. We just untie this ribbon, untie these sticks here…” Rarity just went on with the nest.

Twilight hung her head in disappointment and sighed. Nova came up to Twilight. “Come on Twilight, let’s find something else you can help with.”

She just quietly walked off to find something else with Nova and Starburst following.

Twilight had led them to a frozen pond that Pinkie was skating on, she was wearing a blue vest. “Helloooooo Twilight! WEEEEE!” Pinkie called as she skated around, then spun in place.

Twilight perked up. “Wow Pinkie Pie, you’re quite the skater.” The four made their way to the edge of the pond. “Probably the best skater I’ve ever seen.”

Pinkie skated up to them. “Thanks Twilight, I’ve been doing this since I was an itty-bitty little little twinkie pinkie. Just comes naturally.” She skated back onto the ice and did a few tricks. “Which is probably why they designated me the lake scorer, I cut lines in the ice with my skates. That way, when the rest of the weather team comes here to break the ice, it’ll be easy as pie.”

Nova commented. “That’s rather clever.”

Twilight summarized what Pinkie said. “When the thick ice melts, it will break along the lines. Well you sure have a lot of work ahead of you, there’s a lot of lakes in Ponyville.”

Pinkie came up to them again. “Tell me about it. Hey Twilight, Nova, you wanna help me out?”

Starburst then chimed in with a smile. “I wanna help.”

Pinkie gave him a bit of a sad smile. “Sorry Starburst, but you wouldn’t be heavy enough.”

Nova answered. “I’d like to help but I don’t know how to skate.”

Twilight then answered. “I would.”

Pinkie smiled bright again. “Come on, put on those skates over there. I bet you’ll be a natural too.”

“Ok.” Twilight then went to put the skates on. Once they were on her hoofs, she made her way onto the ice and looked rather wobbly. She was starting to have second thoughts about this.

Nova asked to make sure. “Twilight, are you sure about this, you don’t look very steady on those.”

Twilight tried to respond. “Uh, maybe on second thought….” Before she could finish, her face slammed into the ice. Nova and Starburst winced at the sight.

Spike spoke up. “What are you talking about, you said you wanted to be helpful, now get out there.” Spike started pushing Twilight further onto the ice.

Nova tried to stop him. “Spike hold on, I don’t think Twilight wants to do this anymore.” Spike didn’t listen.
Twilight started sliding across the ice, moving her legs frantically to try and get control. Spike just smiled cheekily at Twilight’s distress. She started spinning out of control. Pinkie tried to tell her what to do. “Twilight, steer, steer!”

It was no use, Twilight started heading for Pinkie, she tried to get out of the way but was too late. Twilight bumped right into her and the two crashed into Spike, then a tree, causing snow to fall on them and covered them completely with spike on top of the pile, Pinkie under him, and Twilight under her. Nova and Starburst winced again. they looked in worry at their friends.

They shook the snow off and Spike just started laughing at Twilight. “HA HA, you are a natural Twilight, a natural disaster.”

Nova came over to him. “Spike, that’s not very nice, she’s really trying here and all you can do is make fun of her, I can’t believe you!” Spike cringed a little under Nova’s glare. Pinkie climbed off and Nova went over to help Twilight up. “Are you ok Twilight?” Nova asked as he grabbed her hoof and helped her up. 

“I’m ok, thanks for helping me.”

“I’m always happy to help a friend.” For a moment, he just stood there looking into her eyes.

Twilight got his attention. “Um, Nova, you can let go of me now.”

“Huh, oh, uh, heh, sorry.” Nova quickly released his grasp on Twilight’s hoof and blushed a little as he gave a sheepish smile.

Pinkie came up to Twilight. “Twilight, you did a great job your first time around, I’m sure my first time was just as wobbly and bobbly and crasheriffic as yours.”

Twilight brightened up at this. “Really?”

“……No.” Twilight became sad again. “But did I make you feel better?”

Twilight put on a fake smile as she answered. “Heh, yeah, I guess.”

Pinkie tried to cheer her up more. “I’ll bet you’ll be super awesome at something that keeps your hooves on the ground. I know, Fluttershy could probably use your help with the critters.”

Twilight perked up more at this. “Well, I’m pretty good with little animals. Yeah, I’ll go help her.” Twilight then tried to skate off.

Pinkie pointed in the opposite direction she was going. “It’s ah, that a way.” Twilight managed to turn around and head in the right direction but was still wobbly on the skates.

Spike started to giggle at Twilight crashing but Nova gave him a glare that stopped him. The three went to help Twilight and made their way to Fluttershy.

They came to an area full of warrens and dens for animals, Fluttershy was busy waking up some animals in a den when they approached, she was wearing a yellow vest. “Wake up little sleepy heads. I hope you had some wonderful dreams and a restful hibernation, but it’s time to get up now, spring is coming.” She backed out of the hole she had her head poked in. A pair of hedgehogs came out with a yawn and a stretch. 

“Awwe, how cute.” Twilight cooed.

“I’ll say, look at em.” Starburst agreed.

Fluttershy responded. “Aren’t they? This is my favorite task of the whole season when I get to see all my little animal friends again.” 

“Uh, what’s hibernation?” Spike asked.

“It’s like, a long sleep.”

“Long sleep?”

“Yes.” Fluttershy went up to another hole and rang a bell. “wake up little porcupines.” She pulled back and began an explanation of hibernation. “Animals often hibernate through the winter to save their energy and eat less food.”

Spike smiled at the idea. “I definitely like the idea of hibernation, except for the eat less food part.” 

Starburst chimed in. “So some of the animals just sleep for three months straight? Wow.”

A pair of porcupines came out of the hole Fluttershy rang her bell in. They gave a yawn and stretch. They looked at each other and went to hug each other, but stuck one another with their own quills. Fluttershy frowned. “Oh, but just look at all these warrens and dens, I’m worried I won’t be able to wake up every animal before spring comes.”

Starburst chimed in with his usual enthusiasm. “Can I help Fluttershy, me and Twilight can do this no problem.”

Fluttershy smiled at this. “You will, oh, that would be wonderful.” She then gave Twilight her bell. Nova looked a little worried about this.

“Now remember Starburst, do this nicely, you don’t want to scare the animals.”

“I know big brother, don’t worry.” Starburst then took off for the nearest den, stuck his head in and yelled out. “WAKE UP LITTLE ANIMALS, SPRING IS COMING!” A pair of squirrels came running out.

“Starburst no!” Nova called out. 

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said with worry.

Starburst ran to another hole. “WAKEY WAKEY LITTLE ANIMALS!” This time, it was a pair of chipmunks that came running out looking terrified. 

“Starburst, that’s enough!” Nova quickly ran up to his little brother and picked him up in his magic grasp.

“Hey, Nova?” Starburst complained.

Nova glared at him. “Starburst, that is not how you do it, didn’t you see how Fluttershy did it?”

Starburst gave a sheepish smile. “Oh, he he, sorry.” Nova set him down and Starburst made his way up to Fluttershy. “Sorry Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy just smiled at him. “Oh, it’s ok, no real harm done.”

Nova apologized too. “I’m sorry about Starburst, Fluttershy. Twilight, why don’t you go ahead and try?”

“Oh, uh, ok. Let’s start there.” Twilight made her way up to a hole while Fluttershy went off to wake some more animals. Twilight rang the bell and nicely called out to the animals. “Hello, wake up little friends, spring is coming.” Twilight rang the bell again and pulled her head out. “I wonder which cute furry little animals I’ve awoken.” A few snakes slithered out and gave a yawn scaring Twilight. “AH, snakes, SNAKES!” She quickly started backing up from them in a hurry. 

Nova tried to stop her when he saw her heading for a cave. “Twilight stop!” He called in worry. 

Twilight was too gripped with fear as she backed into the cave, she soon came screaming back out with a swarm of bats following her. “YAAAAAHHHH!” She ran into a tree and caused a bee hive to fall on her head. She screamed and ran again. “AAAAAHHHHH!” She ran into another den and hit a wall inside, finally stopping her. However, the hole was home to a pair of skunks. They came walking out looking very unhappy and giving off their usual rotten smell.

Fluttershy greeted them happily. “Good morning friends.”

Spike, Starburst and nova held their noses in disgust. Starburst was the first to comment. “Ewe, what’s that smell?”

Fluttershy informed. “That would be the skunks. It’s a defense they have.” 

Twilight groaned from inside the hole. “Uuuuhhh.”

Later back at Twilight's house, Nova and Starburst were wearing nose plugs and helping to give Twilight a tomato juice bath to get rid of the skunk smell. They were using their magic to scrub Twilight with scrub brushes.  She was covered in bumps from the stings of the bees. “Thank you two for helping me get rid of this stench.” 

“Don’t mention it Twilight, I’m just sorry that ended so badly for you.” Nova said

Starburst agreed. “I’ll say, no pony should have to smell like this, it’s disgusting.”

Twilight gave a weak smile at them. It soon faded though as she started. “Oh, this winter wrap up stuff is harder than it looks.”

Spike was nearby and he too was wearing a nose plug. He agreed with Twilight. “Right, because there’s no magic. Why don’t you just use magic Twilight and get it done the right way?”

Nova seemed to agree with this. “I have to go with Spike on this Twilight, why not just use your magic to help out.”

Twilight began to explain. “Because, Ponyville was founded by earth ponies, they didn’t use magic to clean up winter so it’s a tradition.”

Spike tried again. “But think of how much faster they could wrap up winter with your magic.”

“No, no, NO! I’m going to help out without magic even if it kills me.”

Nova shook his head, but conceded. “All right Twilight, if you insist, I can tell this means a lot to you so me and Starburst will stick with you until you can find something you can help with.”

Twilight smiled at them. “Thanks you two, I know I said this before, but you two are great friends.”

Nova and Starburst smiled back, Nova responded. “Just happy to help a friend.”

Later on, they soon found themselves at Sweet Apple Acres where Applejack was coordinating a team of earth ponies pushing plows to try and clear the snow so crops could be planted, she was wearing a green vest. “Keep pushin Caramel! That’s it Bumpkin! I know it’s hard work, but you guys are doing great, YEEEHAWW!”

The four came up to her with Twilight greeting. “Hey Applejack, how are things going?”

“Oh, just dandy. A little slow startin but peachy all the same. There’s a lot of ground to cover here. We can’t even start the plantin and waterin till we get this heap o snow cleared out of here.”

Nova came up to Applejack. “Applejack, I don’t suppose Twilight would be able to help, it’s real important to her to help out in some way with winter wrap up.”

Applejack looked a little shocked about this. “Well, I…I don’t know Nova.”

Starburst came in. “Just give her a chance, she’s real eager.”

Twilight then came in. “Please Applejack, just give me a chance.”

Applejack seemed to cave. “Well, I never turn down a hard worker but….”

Before she could finish, Twilight already made her way to an available plow. She climbed in and started hard to push. She pushed and pushed but the plow wouldn’t budge.  She finally stopped. Nova and Starburst looked at her with worry while Applejack just hung her head and shook it.  Twilight looked around nervously for a moment. 

Nova was about to say something but then noticed that Twilight was actually successful now in moving it. Starburst smiled big. “Nova look, she’s doing it, looks like she finally found something she could help with.”

Nova was a little suspicious of this. “Yeah, looks like it, I hope so.” 

Twilight actually managed to pass a few of the other ponies out there as they pushed on. Applejack grew suspicious as well. “Hmm, she’s aweful strong fer such a little pony.”

As Twilight passed, Spike took an odd glance at her then spoke. “That’s my girl, followed my advice.”

Applejack turned to Spike. “And what in tarnation does that mean?”

Nova began to think what Spike might have meant. “Oh no…. she didn’t.” He said quietly to himself.

Starburst heard this and turned to his brother, he spoke quietly so Applejack wouldn’t hear. “What is it Nova?”

Nova responded in a whisper as he looked at his little brother. “I think Twilight is using some kind of spell on that thing so it will move.”

“So, at least she’s helping now like she wanted.” Starburst turned back to the field to watch.

“I guess so.” Nova did the same.

Soon, the plow started to pick up more speed. The pile of snow she was pushing started growing, she passed by another stallion and accidentally threw snow on him, she turned around, passed him again and made more snow fly onto him. She was getting faster and faster and the snow pile she was pushing was getting bigger and bigger. It was too late for anypony to do anything when they realized she was heading right for them.  She slammed right into Applejack, Spike, Nova, and Starburst, they were now caught in the snowball she had made. 

Applejack tried to speak as they rolled. “What’s goin on, what’d you do,  you used magic didn’t you?”  They slammed into a cliff and caused an avalanche, thus covering the field in snow again and burying every pony at the cliff. All their heads popped out of the snow, Applejack glared at twilight. “Nuts Twilight, you used magic.”

Spike then started in. “The nerve, can you believe her?” 

Nova didn’t let that slide, he glared at Spike. “Spike, it was your idea to do it, don’t put the blame all on her, you’re the one who suggested it in the first place.” Spike cringed at Nova’s glare. Nova then turned to Applejack, he also saw Twilight was practically in tears. “Applejack, try to understand, Twilight was just desperate to help out in some way with winter wrap up. She’s been trying real hard to help without her magic and everything she’s tried didn’t work out so well. This was just an accident, I can understand you being upset seeing as she pretty much ruined all the hard work here, but it was just that, an accident. You can forgive her can’t you?”

Applejack looked to the side for a moment, she looked back to Twilight. “All right Twilight, I forgive ya fer this, but perhaps you should find somethin else you can do.”

Twilight simply nodded. 

“Let’s do that again.” Starburst cheered. The others just looked at him. “What, it was fun.” This just made them roll their eyes, except for Twilight. 

The group got themselves out of the pile and headed back for town. Upon nearing town hall, Twilight hid behind a bush in defeat. Spike tried to get her to come out. “Come on Twilight, come on out.”

“I’m a winter mess up.” Twilight responded sadly.

Nova then tried. “Come on Twilight, it’s not that bad, maybe there’s something else you can do that you haven’t tried yet.”

Starburst agreed. “Yeah, what he said, you just need to keep looking.”

“Rainbow Dash.” Applejack’s voice was heard nearby. “Ya’ll on the weather team need to melt the rest of the snow here on the ground and on the trees pronto.”

Rainbow responded. “Got it.” 

She was about to take off when Fluttershy stopped her. “You can’t, my poor little animals homes will get flooded if you melt the snow too fast.”

“Got it.” She then went back in the other direction.

Applejack stopped her again. “I’m tellin ya Rainbow, ya gotta melt that snow now.”

She flew  up into the air and Fluttershy stopped her again. “No, you simply must wait.”

Rainbow was starting to get annoyed. “Okay.”

Applejack and Fluttershy started going back and forth with Applejack starting. “Go.”

“Stop.”

“Go.”

“Stop.”

“Go.” 

“Stop.”

Rainbow Dash finally had enough. “UGH, make up your minds!”

The mayor came walking up to them. “Oh, what, in all of Equestria, are all of you arguing about? This sort of silliness is why we were late last year. And the year before that, and the year before that.”

“Late?” Nova said to himself. He continued to listen in. 

The mayor continued. “I was hoping my amazing inspirational speech would urge everyone to do better than last year, but now it looks like we’re going to be later than ever, I mean, just look at this catastrophe. The ice scorers made the ice chunks too big to melt. The nest designer is horrendously behind, we need several hundred, and she’s only made one. And don’t get me started on the clouds still in the sky, the icicles on the trees, this isn’t good, Not ….at…all.”

Applejack then started. “And it’s all gonna be all to pieces disastrous if’n we can’t get our seeds planted.”

Rainbow Dash responded. “Chillax Applejack, we’re bustin our chops as fast as we can.”

Fluttershy then came in. “No, not fast, you have to wake animals slowly.”

Bic mac then came walking up with Caramel next to him. “Uuuhh, AJ?”

Applejack facehooved. “Oh good gravey, Caramel lost the grass seeds again didn’t he?”

“Eeyup.”

A pegasus mare then came flying in. “Derpy Hooves accidentally went north to get the southern birds.”

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. “Gah, that feather brain, didn’t she learn her lesson last year when she went west.” 

All the ponies started in and arguing. The mayor tried to get their attention. “Stop this at once, we don’t have time to argue! It’s almost sundown, spring is going to be late again. Another year of scandal and shame, if only we could be more organized.”

That’s when it finally hit Nova. “That’s it, twilight, I think I know how you can help with winter wrap up.”

Twilight poked her head out of the bush. “Really, how?”

“Isn’t it obvious, these ponies have trouble being organized, and who here is the most organized pony?” 

Starburst answered with a smile and a jump. “Twilight!”

“Of course, I am organized, Nova you’re a genious! Spike, get me my check list and clip board, stat.” Spike then ran off. Twilight then tried to get their attention. “Stop everypony!” They kept arguing. “Stop!”

Nova interceded. “Let me handle this, and you may want to cover your ears.” Twilight and Starburst did so. Nova took in a deep breath and shouted. “QUIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEET!” Every pony finally stopped arguing and turned to Nova and Twilight. “Thank you, now listen up everypony, the problem you seem to have here is organization. Well I happen to know just the pony for the job to help with that. Twilight Sparkle!” Nova announced as he stepped aside to present her just as Spike came back with Twilight’s requested items.

Twilight stepped forward. “All right everypony, is everyone ready to wrap up winter?!” The ponies cheered and Twilight began issuing orders.

With all their tasks given, they spread out to complete them. Big Mac delivered the required items for Rarity to make her nests and was finally making progress with them.

Twilight helped Pinkie organize the lake scorers so they would cut evenly sized square shapes in the ice so it would melt fast enough.

Thanks to Twilight’s organization, the snow plowers were able to remove the snow, plant the seeds, and water them at the same time. Nova was on the snow plow team to help out with this while Starburst stayed with Twilight.

Twilight helped Fluttershy string up a series of bells over her animal friends homes so one pull on a rope was enough to wake up a bunch of animals at once.

A bird on Fluttershy’s head chirped out, giving Rainbow Dash the signal for her team to start clearing the clouds. They flew in a line and managed to clear them out along with the snow on the trees.

Every pony worked through the night and managed to get everything done. When morning arrived, the Pegasus team that went to get the birds came back with all of them and the birds found a nice nest waiting for them. Nova was standing next to Twilight when every pony gathered around her as the mayor came up next to her. “I can’t believe it, spring is here, on time, and we have you to thank for it. If it weren’t for your organizing skills, we’d still be arguing.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed. 

Twilight smiled. “It was a team effort.”

Mayor Mare continued. “And since you helped every team, we have an official vest for you.” Rarity came walking up with a vest floating in her magic grasp. “We give you the title, all team organizer.” Rarity put the vest on Twilight as she smiled brightly.

“Gosh, I don’t know what to say, thank you every pony.” 

Nova put a hoof on her back. “You earned it Twilight, you deserve this.” 

Twilight smiled at Nova. “Thank you Nova, I don’t think this would have been possible without you, thank you so much.”

Nova responded back. “I didn’t do much.”

“Yes you did, you stuck with me through all of this, and you helped me find a way I could finally help with winter wrap up, I just can’t thank you enough.” Twilight then just gave Nova a quick peck on the cheek.

Nova was surprised by this and blushed a little. “uh….um, sure….no problem.”

Starburst, who was at the front of the crowd with the others, just gaged. “Ewe.” 

Mayor Mare then continued. “And I hereby declare that winter is officially wrapped up on time!” The ponies all cheered.

Applejack then pointed out something. “Spike’s sure in fer a hog sized surprise when that last piece of ice melts.”
Nova looked to see what she meant and saw that Spike was asleep on a chunk of ice that had yet to melt.

Later that afternoon, Nova and Starburst made their way inside their home. They removed their necklaces and placed them on the table. “She kissed me.” Nova thought quietly to himself.

“What was that Nova?” Starburst asked.

“She kissed me, Twilight kissed me, why did she kiss me?”

“How should I know?”

“Don’t you get it Starburst?”

Starburst raised an eyebrow. “No?” He answered warringly.

“Oh right, your too young to understand this. Look, If she has feelings for me, it would never work out, we’re from two different worlds, if she finds out what we are, it’s all over. I can’t let her close.”

“So does that mean you won’t be friends with Twilight anymore?”

“I can’t just call off a friendship, if she’s starting to like me as more than a friend…...I…….I don’t know.” Nova hung his head. “How do I let her down nicely?”

“Nova, do you like her back?”

“I don’t know, I mean……well, she is nice, and pretty, and smart and…..WHAT AM I SAYING, I CAN’T HAVE FEELINGS FOR HER! This is ridiculous, I can’t be liking her like this, we’re too different. Sure I don’t care what she looks like, but if she saw me…….oh sweet galaxies, what am I getting myself into?”

Starburst tried to console his older brother. “Nova calm down, I’m sure it’s just in your head, maybe you just need some rest, we didn’t really get any sleep last night.”

Nova turned to Starburst. “You’re probably right, I’m probably thinking too much into this. I just need some rest. Thanks little bro.”

Starburst smiled back. “Your welcome.” So the two turned in for the night.

“Am I really starting to develop feelings for her, and what was up with that kiss on the cheek she gave me? I hope I am just overthinking this.”
> Unfriendly Competition
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Unfriendly Competition



Another few months passed without anything major happening. Fall had come again and since that kiss Twilight gave Nova on the first day of spring after winter wrap up, nothing further came of it. He managed to just forget about it and just figured Twilight was just showing her appreciation. It was a Saturday so Starburst didn’t have school today. The two brothers went about their usual routine before heading out to enjoy the day. “So what’s up for today big brother?” Starburst asked.

“I was thinking we could pay a visit to Applejack today, maybe see if she could use some extra help around the farm or something.”

Starburst smiled at that. “Ok, I’ll get to spend time with Applebloom.” The two then headed out for Sweet Apple Acres. Upon entering the town, they saw Applejack coming up to Twilight and Spike just as they were heading out of the library.

The two went up to them with Nova greeting them. “Hey you three, what’s up?”

Applejack informed. “Hey there Nova, Starburst, I was just askin Twi here to be our judge fer a little competition me and Rainbow are gonna have.”

“What kind of competition?” Starburst asked with a smile.

“Just a little somethin ta see which of us is a better athlete.”

“Sounds interesting, mind if we come along?” Nova asked.

Applejack answered. “Course not, come on you two.” So the five made their way to Sweet Apple Acres to watch this contest.

Upon their arrival, they saw Rainbow Dash doing a few exercises and stretches. “So you two are doing what now?” Twilight asked.

Applejack started to answer. “An iron….”

“Iron pony competition.” Rainbow interrupted.

Applejack began to explain. “You see, we’ve set up a bunch of events to decide which one of us is….”

Rainbow interrupted again. “The most athletic pony ever.”

“And I’m here too?” Twilight asked again.

Rainbow tried to answer. “Um, I don’t know, why is she here?”

Applejack answered. “To be our judge and keep score.”

Rainbow smiled at this. “Right, heh, some ponies gotta record my awesomeness for the history books.”

Starburst chimed in with an idea, “Hey, can Nova be the referee?”

Nova looked at Starburst. “Referee, I don’t know about that.”

Applejack then thought about it. “Hmmm, I don’t see why not, I suppose we could use one, what do ya say there partner, ya wanna be our ref?” She asked with a smile to Nova.

Starburst encouraged him. “Come on Nova, do it, It’ll be great.”

Nova smiled as he answered. “Well, ok, sure, I guess I can be the referee.”

The group gathered to an area where the competition would be held, Spike started up like an announcer. “Hello every pony and welcome to the first annual iron pony competition!” He announced from Twilight’s back while holding a stick like a microphone.

“Uh, Spike, who are you talking to?” Twilight asked. 

Spike looked around for a moment. “Uh….um…..them.” Spike pointed to Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie as they 
came up. Spike then hopped onto Twilight’s head. “Let the games begin!” The girls all cheered. 

Before the competition started, Fluttershy was put in charge of the scoreboard and putting up the points. The first competition was a barrel run, Applejack was up first. Spike stood on Twilight’s back holding a stop watch. Rainbow found Nova a whistle he could use as ref. Starburst was sitting with Pinkie and Rarity in some nearby stands.

“All right Applejack, at the sound of the whistle, you take off.” Nova informed. He floated the whistle in front of him. “Ready?” Applejack got in the ready position. Nova blew the whistle and spike started the watch. Applejack weaved through the barrels as fast as she could. Nova watched her carefully to make sure she didn’t hit any barrels. Unfortunately, she nudged one before reaching the finish. Spike stopped the watch once she crossed.

“Time Spike?” Twilight asked as Applejack came up to them.

“Seventeen seconds.” Spike answered.

Applejack smiled at this. “Yer kidding, that breaks my record from last year’s rodeo.”

Nova then came in. “Sorry Applejack, but you got a five second penalty for nudging a barrel.”

Applejack frowned at this. “Nuts and shoes. Still that’s twenty two seconds, not too shabby.” Applejack saw Rainbow looking nervous. “Hey, don’t be nervous, remember it’s all in good fun. Now get on up there.”

Rainbow flew up to the start of the run. Nova spoke. “Ok Rainbow, you ready?” She got in the ready position. “And….” Nova blew the whistle to start. Rainbow took off and zipped through the barrels with ease, not hitting a single one. She zipped past the finish line leaving Applejack impressed.

“Hoo, that was some fancy hoof work there Rainbow.” Applejack complimented.

Rainbow came flying back to them panting a little. “Thanks, but I couldn’t have been as fast as you.”

“What was the time on that spike?” Twilight asked 

Spike answered with a bit of surprise. “Eighteen seconds!”

Applejack was real impressed now. “Eighteen seconds, Rainbow, you sure you’re not secretly a rodeo pony?”

Twilight proudly announced the winner. “Rainbow Dash wins the barrel weave!” Fluttershy flew up to the score board and put one point next to a picture of her. 

“I can’t believe I won.” Rainbow said as she hovered in place.

Applejack brought her back to the ground with a hoof. “Yeah, well, don’t you go getting used to it.”

The next contest was a bucking contest to see who could hit a bell at the top of a standing plank. A few ponies had gathered to see this. Applejack was lying under a tree while Rainbow took the first shot. She bucked the target and managed to ring the bell. She proudly flew up with a smile. She then went over to Applejack. “Mighty respectable, but let me show you how it’s really done.” Applejack trotted up to the bell, bucked the target, broke it, and sent the ringer flying up, it broke the bell off and the thing kept going.   

“Applejack wins.” Nova announced.

The ponies cheered as Applejack made her way to a stunned Rainbow Dash who was under the tree Applejack was lying under. “Years of apple bucking.” She simply said before giving a light buck to the tree and caused a few apples to hit Rainbow on the head. Fluttershy put a point on the score board for Applejack.

Granny Smith, Applebloom, and Big Mac were now watching the contest from some stands that were set up. Starburst went to join them on the stands to watch. They did a small wave. The next contest was bronco buck. Spike was set up to be the one the two competitors would try to buck him off. “Why me?” Spike asked nervously. 

“Ready?” Twilight asked.

Nova blew his whistle and Applejack started to buck, she bounced spike up and down trying to shake him, Spike was able to hold on for a while but Applejack managed to buck him off. He landed in a pile of hay where Rainbow Dash was. She shook all the hay to reveal herself. “Ready for another pony ride?” She asked with a smirk.

“No.” Spike answered. 

Nova blew his whistle to signal the start. Rainbow just bounced up and down fast and managed to knock Spike off in no time. 

“Rainbow Dash wins the bronco buck!” Nova announced.

More ponies had gathered as the contest went on, the next was a hog tying contest. Spike was once again the helpless victim in this as he stood between Applejack and Rainbow Dash wearing a helmet with horns on it. Applejack was twirling her lasso around like an expert while Rainbow was having trouble. Applejack snapped her lasso at Spike and had him tied up in no time. “How do I get ropped into these things?” Spike asked.

“Grr, gg, gah, Does this count?” Rianbow asked, she somehow got herself hogtied and hanging from a tree.

“Applejack wins.” Twilight announced.

The next was bouncing balls, Applejack had trouble with this one and Rainbow was doing great, she won that contest easily.

The next was a hay toss. Rainbow threw a bale of hay a good distance and flew over to it to give Applejack a raspberry, she was soon crushed by Applejacks hay bale and won.

Next was a hoof wrestle contest, Rainbow won that easy.

The next was a ball kicking contest. Applejack won that .

A few more contest just went back and forth with the two like that. “Fillies and gentle colts, at the half way point, our competitors are tied at five and five!” Spike proudly announced from Twilight’s back.

“Who are you talking too?” Twilight asked.

“Them.” Spike gestured to a huge crowd of ponies that have gathered.

Rainbow and Applejack were now going through a push up contest, first to 100 would win. Twilight counted off. “95…96…..97…….98……99…..” Rainbow used her wings to help her on the last one. “A hundered.”

Nova blew his whistle. “FOWL!” He called.

“WHAT?” Rainbow called out.

Twilight came up to him. “Nova what is it?”

Nova started. “Illegal use of wings!”

Rainbow got in his face. “What do you mean illegal use of wings?”

Nova kept a stern look. “I mean you used your wings to help you with that last part, that isn’t fair.”

“How is it not fair?”

“Because Applejack doesn’t have wings, this is going to be a fair competition, no wings allowed.”

“OH come on!”

“Applejack wins by default!” Nova called out.

Applejack snickered. “He he, nice try Rainbow.”

They moved on to the next contest, it was to see who could jump farthest. Applejack went first. She ran up to the line and leapt over the sand and came to a landing. Rainbow then took her turn. She ran up to the line and jumped, when she saw she was about to land short from Applejack, she used her wings and landed herself further from where Applejack landed with a smile. 

Applejack frowned at this.

Nova came in, he blew his whistle. “FOWL, illegal use of wings!”

“REALLY?” Rainbow called out angrily.

“Sorry Rainbow, but like I said, you have wings, Applejack doesn’t, it isn’t fair for you to use them to help you win. Applejack wins by default!” Rainbow grumbled angrily.

They moved on to the next competition. The two were to carry little baby chickens on their backs to their mothers through mud. Nova blew his whistle to sound the start. They trudged through and Applejack almost right away lost her chickens after they got upset of being covered in the mud. Rainbow was using her wings again to shield the baby chicks and made it across. Applejack got upset again.

Nova blew his whistle again. “FOWL, Illegal use of wings!”

“You have got to be kidding me!” Rainbow called out again.

Nova came up to her. “Rainbow, I’m warning you, if you keep this up, I’m going to disqualify you and declare Applejack the winner by default.”

Rainbow glared at him. “You can’t do that!”

“Hey, you two made me the referee, my job is to make sure this competition is fair, if you can’t play fair, then just quit now and I’ll make Applejack the winner.”

Rainbow Dash just grumbled.

It was now the final competition, a tug of war with a mud puddle between the two. Twilight stood between the two. “All right you two, this is the final event, give it all you got.”

Nova blew his whistle to begin the contest. Applejack and Rainbow started pulling with all their might, Applejack started winning. “Looks like the work horse might come out ahead on this one!” Spike announced. 

Rainbow was about to fall in the mud but once again used her wings to help her win. She flew up and dragged Applejack up in the air with her still holding onto the rope.

Nova blew his whistle again. “FOWL.” 

Rainbow released her hold and Applejack fell in the mud. She glared at him and flew down to him. “Look you, I’ve had enough of this.”

Applejack crawled out of the mud. “Rainbow, don’ you go gettin mad at him fer tryin ta keep this fair, yer the one that keeps cheating.”

Rainbow turned to Applejack. “Cheating, I am not a cheater.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “So are you sayin you didn’ t use your wings to try and help you win?”

“Well, no, but no one ever said I couldn’t use my wings.”

Nova spoke up. “I did when you first started using them remember? And because of this, Applejack is the winner of the Iron pony competition!” The ponies all cheered. Applejack sneered at Rainbow.

Rainbow glared at her. “Yeah, well, I could have won those without my wings anyway.”

Applejack responded. “Oh yeah, prove it.”

“Gladly, how?”

“Tomorrow is the annual running of the leaves, I challenge you to race me in it.”

Rainbow Dash smirked as she started flying off. “HAH, easy shmeezy.”

Applejack pulled her back down by the tail. “Hold on, there is one condition. The point is to run, so NO WINGS ALLOWED!”

“No wings, no problem.” The two spat in their hooves and shook on it. Once it was all done, the crowd dispersed. 

Nova shook his head at those two. “By the stars what is wrong with those two.” 

Starburst came up to him with Twilight. “Hey big brother, you did a great job as ref.”

Nova smiled at Starburst. “Thanks Starburst, I just don’t get why Rainbow kept trying to cheat like that.”

Twilight then came up. “Nice job as ref Nova, I don’t suppose you’d like to enter the running of the leaves with me, it’s a great opportunity to see the forest the trail goes through and it’s to help the leaves fall from the trees.”

“I suppose I could use a little outdoor exercise, sure, I’ll enter. But who will watch Starburst for me during the race?”

“Our friends will be there, Starburst can wait with them.”

Nova smiled. “Ok then, what do ya say Starburst, wanna see your big brother compete in a race?”

Starburst jumped up as he answered. “You bet, I just know you can win, no pony is faster than my big brother.”

“Uh, Starburst, don’t get your hopes up, this is going to be the first time I’ve ever been in a race.”

“I know, but I still say you’ll win.”

Nova laughed at this. “Well I’m glad you have such confidence in me. We’ll see you tomorrow Twilight.” The two went off for the rest of the day.

The next day came and the two brothers met up with Twilight and Spike. They gave their greetings and made their way to where the race was. “Twilight, hurry up, we’re gonna be late for the race.” Spike said with excitement.

Twilight looked to him with a smile. “Why are you so excited about the race? It’s only for ponies.”

“Yeah, but I’m hoping I can be the announcer again, just listen.” Spike then stood up on Twilight’s back and started talking into a stick. “Fillies and gentle colts, welcome to the….”

He was cut off upon hearing Pinkie announcing through a megaphone in a hot air balloon. “Welcome to the annual running of the leaves. This is Pinkie Pie, your official eye in the sky announcer.”

Twilight turned to Spike with a pitiful look. “Sorry Spike, looks like that job is taken.” 

Pinkie continued with her announcement. “As every pony knows, the running is a very important tradition, for without it, the autumn leaves of Equestria would never fall. So get ready ponies, the running of the leaves will begin in five minutes.”

Nova looked to his brother. “Come on Starburst let’s see who we can find to keep you company while I do this.” It didn’t take them long, to find someone, Big Mac and Applebloom were there, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Starburst went up to them and got next to Applebloom. 

“Hey there Starburst, glad ta see ya.” Applebloom greeted. 

“Hey you three, good to see you too. My brother is competing in the race.”

Scootaloo chimed in. “Cool, but no way he’ll beat Rainbow Dash.”

Applebloom disagreed. “My big sis is gonna win.” They all just shared a smile.

With some pony to watch Starburst, Nova and Twilight went to register for the race and were given numbers. Twilight got the number 42 while Starburst was given 15. They made their way up to the starting line where Applejack and Rainbow Dash were ready and waiting for the start. 

When they saw the two, they were surprised. Applejack was the first to express her shock. “Twilight, Nova, what in tarnation are you two doin here?”

Nova answered. “Were racing too of course.” 

Rainbow started laughing. “BA HA HA HA HA, YOU two, HA HA, that’s a good one.”

Twilight answered with a smile. “We’re not joking.”

This ceased Rainbow’s laughter. “What? You two aren’t athletes, Twilight, you’re an egghead, and Nova, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do anything athletic.”

Nova narrowed his eyes at her and responded. “Just because Twilight is smart, doesn’t mean she won’t do good, any pony can run, you might be surprised. And as for myself, I’m just doing this for the experience, I will try to win, but I won’t care if I don’t.”

Applejack was snickering. “Have you two ever run a race?”

Nova answered first. “No, but that doesn’t really matter.”

Twilight then answered. “I haven’t either, but I do know a lot about running.” 

Applejack and Rainbow were snickering the whole time. “And you know this from?” Rainbow left her statement unfinished for Twilight to answer.

“Books, I’ve read several on the subject.”

Rainbow finally lost it as she fell to the ground in a fit of laughter. “GA HA HA HA HA, what you read, the egghead’s guide to running?”

Nova narrowed his eyes again. “Now look here Rainbow Dash, just because she hasn’t run in a race before, doesn’t mean she won’t do good. I thought you were friends, but instead of being supportive like a good friend should be, you’re just making fun of her. If this is what it’s like to be friends with you, then I don’t think we should be friends.”

This got her to stop laughing and stood up. Applejack and Rainbow looked at each other with guilt. They then looked at Twilight and apologized with Rainbow first. “Sorry Twilight.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m sure you two will do great.” Applejack added.

Nova smiled at them. “Thank you.” He looked over to Twilight to see her smiling at him. He was a little confused at this. “What?”

“Thank you for standing up for me Nova.”

Nova was starting to blush a little. “Uh, sure, no problem.” He cleared his throat. “*AHEM* Anyway, let’s get ready for the race.”

Pinkie’s voice was heard from above. “All right ponies, are you ready?”

Spike’s voice was heard next. “Get set.”

A bell sounded and the race started. Nova kept with Twilight cause he was curious about something. The two kept a brisk trot together while the others just ran ahead. “So Twilight, I take it you have a strategy in mind? I’m just curious as to what it is.”

She smiled as she answered. “Simple, I’m going to pace myself while the others just wear themselves out, then at the home stretch, I’m going to give it all I got.”

“Nice, mind if I use that?”

“Not at all, it’ll give us a chance to talk.” So the two just trotted along through the forest. “So Nova, I wanted to ask you about that flight spell Pinkie said you used to save her when that gryphon came around.”

“What about it?”

“Well, how does it work? Is it really temporary, how did you come up with it, what do the wings look like?”

“Whoa whoa, slow down Twilight, I can understand your eagerness. All right, first of all, it’s just a spell I came up with in case I found the need to go air born. And no it’s not temporary, it lasts as long as I need it to, I don’t know why I said that before. The wings look like just a pair of ordinary insect wings, nothing special.”

“And what about that scanning spell you have?”

“That one I learned from my parents a long time ago before…..well…..you get the idea.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to bring them up.”

“It’s fine, you didn’t know.”

“So what happened to them anyway, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Like I said before, it’s not easy to talk about and I’d rather not, me and my brother just lost them a long time ago.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll leave it alone then.”

The two came up to Applejack as she picked herself up after tripping. “I don’t believe it!”

Twilight came up to her. “I know, it’s beautiful isn’t it?”

“Not the scenery Twilight, Rainbow Dash just tripped me.”

“She did not.” Twilight said with narrowed eyes.

“She did too.”

“She did not, and if you slowed down and looked where you were going like us, you’d see that you tripped over a rock.” The three looked back to see a rock sticking out of the ground.

“What, awe hayseed, now I got a lot of ground to cover to catch up to Rainbow.” Applejack then took off.

“Just be careful!” Twilight called out to her. 

The two then continued with their trot through the woods. 

Back with the CMC, Applebloom decided she wanted to have a talk with Starburst. “Um, girls, do you mind if me and Starburst go have a little chat on our own fer a bit?”

The three little ponies looked at her quizzically. “Why do you need to talk to him alone?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yeah, we’re a club remember, you can tell us anything.” Sweetie Belle chimed in.

“Applebloom, why do you want to talk with me alone?” Starburst asked.

“Look, I’m sorry girls, but this isn’t cmc business, it has to do with something else before we met you two. You don’t mind do you?”

Scootaloo answered. “Well, I guess I don’t mind.”

Sweetie Belle agreed. “Ok, fine.”

“Great, thanks girls, come on Starburst, follow me.” 

“Um, ok.” Starburst followed Applebloom away from the two and to a nearby bush out of ear shot of every pony. “so what’s this about Applebloom?” Starburst asked in a whisper.

Applebloom responded in a whisper. “Starburst, since Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are our friends, don’t you think we should let them in on your secret too, I don’t like keepin this a secret from them.”

Starburst got worried about this. “I….I don’t know Applebloom, I know you and Applejack are ok with it, but….what if they aren’t, what if they run screaming and warn every pony about what me and Nova are?”

Applebloom gave a comforting smile. “Come on Starburst, they wouldn’t do that, they’re our friends, I just know they won’t care what you look like, in fact, I bet they’ll think it’s cool like I do.”

“Well……I don’t know, what if Nova finds out I told you and Applejack?”

“Told them what?” 

“GAH!” Applebloom and Starburst shrieked. Applebloom went off. “Scootaloo, what are you doin, I thought I asked fer ya’ll ta let me talk with Starburst alone?”

Sweetie Belle responded. “Sorry, but we were just so curious as to what you two might be talking about.”

“So what is it that you told Applebloom and Applejack that you might want to tell us?” Scootaloo asked Starburst.

Applebloom looked at Starburst to see he was worried. “Come on Starburst, it’ll be all right, they won’t care.”
Sweetie cocked an eyebrow at this. “Care about what?”

Scootaloo responded. “Yeah, what’s this big secret you have Starburst?”

Starburst looked at them with worry and thought carefully about whether or not he should. After a moment, he closed his eyes, hung his head and let out a sigh. “*Sigh* All right, I’ll tell you, but first, you have to PROMISE that what I want to tell you stay’s among us, no other pony can know, you can’t even tell my big brother that I told you, OK?”

“Why?” Scootaloo asked.

“Please girls, please promise you won’t tell any pony about this.”

Sweetie Belle answered first. “Ok Starburst, I promise.”

Scootaloo did the same. “Yeah, me too, it must be important if you don’t want any pony to know, so me and Sweetie belle won’t say anything to any pony.”

“It will stay among the cutie mark crusaders.” Sweetie Belle affirmed.

Starburst smiled at them. “Thanks you two, I don’t really feel comfortable keeping secrets from my friends. But first, I have to ask, we are friends no matter what right?”

“Mhmm.” The two nodded together. 

“And no matter what, we will still be the cutie mark crusaders?”

“Of course.” Sweetie answered.

“All right then.” Starburst raised a hoof to his neck and pushed the button on his necklace through his pony disguise. It flickered for a moment then disappeared, revealing his true form with the insect like eyes, fins instead of a mane and tail, and a pair of antennae on his head instead of a horn. “Um………surprise.” Was all he could say.

Sweetie and Scootaloo were shocked at what they were looking at. Their jaws hung open wide, they stayed quiet for an uncomfortably long time. Applebloom tried to talk to them. “Now girls, you promised not to say anything.” She said worriedly.

Starburst started in. “Girls, please don’t freak out or scream, it’s still me, Starburst, you friend, right, we’re the cutie mark crusaders.” He said with a strained nervous smile. He was starting to sweat.

Scootaloo finally broke the silence. “Whoa, what are you?”

Starburst answered nervously. “Well, you see, me and my brother are……aliens…..from another planet.”

Sweetie Belle smiled. “Cool!” She cheered.

“Oh, AWESOME!” Scootaloo said with a smile.

Applebloom quickly shoved her hooves in their mouths to quiet them.

“SHHHH, remember you two, this has to stay a secret.” She said in a whisper.

She removed her hooves and Scootaloo responded. “Why?”

Starburst answered. “Isn’t it obvious? If me and Nova are found out, we could get in trouble, Nova said that the others would chase us off and we’d have to leave or the ponies might do terrible things to us, and it took Nova years to find a planet that could support life like this one, if we have to leave, we may never find another planet like this one. Please you two, you can’t tell any pony, please keep this a secret.” He pleaded.

Scootaloo smiled. “Hey, we promised didn’t we?”

Sweetie Belle then came in. “And besides, like we said, no matter what, we are the cutie mark crusaders.”

Starburst smiled at them. “Thanks girls, I really appreciate it.” 

“Girls, Starburst, where ya at?” Big Mac’s voice came calling. The girls and Starburst panicked, Starburst quickly pushed the button on his necklace putting up his pony disguise just in time for Big Mac to poke his head around the bush. “There ya are, what are ya’ll four doin back here?”

“Nothing.” They all answered together. Applebloom continued. “Just discussin cutie mark crusader business, that’s all.” The four gave a nervous smile.

“Well, all right, but ya’ll best stick close ta me, I don’t want ya’ll wanderin off, understand.”

“Yes sir Mr. Big Mac sir.” Starburst responded. 

Big Mac smiled at him. “Didn’t I tell ya you can just call me Big Mac, now come on ya’ll.” Big Mac then turned and headed back for the track.

The four gave out a sigh of relief. “Whew!”

“That was a close one.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“Come on, we’d better head back, and don’t worry Starburst, your secret is safe with us.” Sweetie Belle informed with a smile.

Back with Twilight and Nova, Twilight tried to start up another conversation with him. “So Nova, I was…..wondering something.”

Nova turned to face her as they continued their trot. “Yes Twilight?”

Twilight seemed to shy away before continuing with a smile and a small blush. “I….don’t suppose you and I could…..get together sometime for dinner. You know, just the two of us?”

Nova grew nervous at this. “Holy black holes, is she asking me out on a date? Oh quasars, this can’t be good.” Nova faced forward. “I…I don’t know Twilight, I mean, I tend to get rather busy with the work Rarity gives me, this whole personalized gems thing has really exploded.”

“Well I’m sure you can find some time to take an afternoon off to have dinner with me.”

“I don’t know, I’m just so busy lately.”

Twilight looked a little downcast. “Nova, what’s wrong, don’t you like me?”

Nova looked back to Twilight. “Of course I like you, I think your pretty, and smart, and kind…”

“Then what’s wrong, I mean, you’re always there for me, you’ve stood up for me and helped me so much.”

He faced forward again. “It’s……It’s complicated.”

“Does this have something to do with why you seem so nervous a lot?”

Nova faced her again. “Wh…..what are you talking about? I’m not nervous.”

“Yes you are, me and the others have noticed it since you and Starburst first arrived, it seems almost every day you seem nervous or scared about something. What’s wrong Nova, you can tell me, you’ve always been there for me, so let me be there for you. What’s wrong?”

“I…..I can’t tell you Twilight.”

“Why not? What are you afraid of Nova?”

“Look, like I said, it’s complicated, I…….I just can’t tell you!” Nova picked up his pace and got ahead of her.

Twilight called out to him. “Nova wait!” She picked up her pace too. In their running they failed to notice they passed right by Rainbow Dash lying on the ground. 

Twilight managed to catch up to him, she got ahead of him and stopped him. “Nova wait, just stop. Please Nova, what’s wrong, I can’t stand to see you like this.”

Nova wasn’t sure what to do, he didn’t want to lie to her, she’d been such a good friend, it could possibly lead to something more, but he couldn’t let her know what he was or he and his brother would have to leave. He looked to the side as he spoke. “Twilight….if you’re really my friend, you’ll let this go and forget about it.” He looked back at her with sad eyes. “Please Twilight, just let it go.” As they talked, Rainbow Dash passed right by them without a word.

Twilight was reluctant, but finally conceded . “All right Nova, I’ll let it go, but I just wish you trusted me enough to tell me.”


“I DO trust you Twilight, it’s just that…..I can’t let anyone know or things would go badly for me and Starburst. I’m thinking of his wellbeing here Twilight, this isn’t just for mine, but for his as well. Please try to understand.”

“Ok Nova, I understand.” Twilight was still saddened that Nova didn’t trust her enough to tell her what was wrong. The two continued on with their trot through the forest.

The rest of the time went on without much talk. They eventually came upon Rainbow who was leaning against a sign laughing. Twilight greeted her. “Hey Rianbow, shouldn’t you be up ahead?”

She just laughed. “He heh, I’m sure to win now.”

“Except that all the other racers passed you.” Nova informed.

Rainbow became alarmed at this. “Oh horse apples.” She dashed off. “See ya!”

Nova and Twilight just looked at each other and just shrugged, they continued on and picked up their pace. 

After a while, they managed to catch up to the rest of the ponies running a little but saw Dash and Applejack  just standing on a rock looking confused. Twilight started in on them as the two kept going. “Forgive me girls, I know I’m no athlete, but shouldn’t the running of the leaves involve actual running?”

Nova then commented. “If you two want to win, you’d better pick up the pace.”

After getting some distance, he turned to Twilight. “Well Twilight, this is the home stretch, I’d say it’s time we give it our all, agreed?”

“Agreed.” 

“See you at the finish line!” Nova called as he suddenly quickened his pace and ran, Twilight did the same. Twilight was behind him as Nova caught up to the other racers, he was now in the thick of it. He galloped as hard as he could. He came up to Carrot top near the front of the pack and Berry Punch on his other side. “Hey girls, having fun?” He asked as he panted.

“Sure….are….you?” Carrot Top asked as she panted.

“Great.” Nova answered.

“Me….too….good luck…..Nova.” Berry Punch said.

The three were vying for position, Nova had the lead for a bit, but Carrot top came in and got a little ahead. Berry punch picked up her pace a bit and got ahead of Nova and was behind Carrot. Nova wasn’t about to lose this, he pushed with all his energy and ran as fast as he could, the finish line was just ahead. Carrot top and Berry Punch came up next to him, they were fighting for position, it was going to be close. They almost reached the line, Carrot ahead by a nose.  Just a little more, Berry takes the lead a little. The finish line was just there, Nova went for it. But out of Nowhere, Derpy came running in and took the lead. 

They crossed the finish line. “And the winner is Derpy Hooves by 25 noses!” Pinkie cheered from her balloon. The crowd of spectators cheered. Nova managed to come in second, while Berry got third and Carrot came fourth.

Starburst came running up to him. “Awe, no fair, you almost won Nova.” He hugged his brother tightly.

Nova was panting heavily as he looked down at his little brother. “It’s……all right……Starburst……I wasn’t……..too sure I…….would have won.”

“But still, second place is good. You did great.”

“Thanks Starburst.” He went up to his three competitors. He first went to Derpy. “Way to go Derpy, you came out of nowhere, congratulations on getting first.”

Derpy smiled at him. “Thanks Nova, you did pretty good yourself.”

He then turned to Berry and Carrot. “Sheesh, you earth ponies sure know how to run, you really gave me a run for my bits.

They smiled at him. “Thanks, but you still beat us, nice running.” Carrot complimented.

Twilight came up to them. “Congratulations Derpy.” 

Derpy smiled at her. “Thanks Twilight, how did you do?”

“I came in just behind Carrot Top, so fifth place for me.” 

Mayor Mare came to the group and started passing out medals. “Congratulations to all of you, that was a fantastic race. The medal for first place goes to Derpy .” The mayor gave her a gold medal and placed it around her neck. “You earned it.” She then passed out other gold medals with numbers to Nova, Berry, Carrot, and Twilight.

A ruckus was heard at the finish line. They all looked and saw a dust cloud heading for it with Rainbow and Applejack in it fighting like crazy. Pinkie was calling out. “It’s Applejack, it’s Rainbow Dash, It’s Applejack, it’s Rainbow Dash!”

They crossed the finish line and stopped fighting, Rainbow was the first to get up. “I WON!” She cried.

“No, I won!” Applejack said with a glare.

“I WON!” Rainbow insisted angrily.

“You tied.” Spike announced through the megaphone.

“Tied? They said together. “For first?” Applejack asked.

“For last!” Spike informed.

“Last?” Applejack said with shock.

“Then, who won?” Rainbow asked. Nova, Twilight, and Derpy came up to the two.

“YOU?!” They said together upon seeing Derpy’s medal.
Derpy smiled at them. “Yep, I won, better luck next time you two.” She then happily flew off. “Bye Nova, bye Twilight, see you all later.”

Applejack then asked. “So then, what place did you two get?”

Nova informed. “I got second and Twilight came in fifth. Not too shabby for a couple of ponies that have never run a race before huh?”

Starburst agreed. “I’ll say, he was so close to getting first.”

“But, how is that even possible?” Applejack asked. 

“You two ran so slow, and looked at the scenery.” Rainbow said with confusion.

Twilight informed them of their strategy. “Exactly, we paced ourselves, just like my book said, and just when the other ponies were worn out, we sprinted to the finish.”

Nova then started. “So you see, thanks to Twilight’s eggheadedness as you called it, we beat both of you while you two were busy trying to see who was better than who.”

Rainbow continued in shock. “I don’t believe it, Twilight and Nova beat us.”

Nova started again. “Well like I said, because of you two trying to outdo the other, it was pretty easy.”

Applejack started as she shuffled a hoof. “Your right Nova, our behavior was just terrible.”

Rainbow then started. “We weren’t very good sports.” 

“Sounds to me like an important lesson was learned.” Princess Celestia said as she approached. The ponies bowed before her. Nova became scared and nearly froze up. Starburst hid under his brother.

“Princess Celestia.” Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow cried out together. They bowed too. 

“What are you doing here?” Applejack asked. 

“Fall is one of my favorite seasons, so I came to celebrate the running of the leaves.” 

“I’m sorry you had to see us being such poor sports princess.” Applejack apologized.

Celestia just smiled as she responded. “That’s all right Applejack, any pony can get swept up in the competition.”

Twilight then started in. “It’s important to remember that the friendship is more important than the competition.”

“Exactly Twilight.” Celestia agreed. “Now unfortunately, because you two were busy tricking each other instead of shaking down leaves, many of the lovely trees in Equestria are still covered.”

Applejack smiled. “Why princess, I’ll bet we can knock those leaves down lickety split.” She then turned to Rainbow Dash. “What do ya say friend, wanna go for another run?”

Rainbow responded with a smile. “I’d love to stretch my legs.” The two then took off down the path and ran.

Twilight and Celestia finally turned their attention to Nova and Starburst. Celestia looked at him worriedly as she saw fear in his eyes. She approached him with a smile and spoke. “Hello Nova, congratulations on getting second in the race.”

Nova gulped. “Um….thank you your ma-majesty, he heh.”

She then looked down at Starburst. “And hello to you, it’s always nice to see you as well….Starburst was it?”

Starburst poked his head out a little as he responded nervously. “Yes your majesty. It’s nice to…to see you too.”

Celestia frowned again. She turned to Twilight. “Twilight, might I have a word with you for a moment?”

Twilight looked worried at Nova and starburst. She looked back to Celestia. “Of course princess.” The two walked off a ways out of earshot of Nova and Starburst.

Celestia looked down at her pupil. “Twilight, do you know why Nova and Starburst seem so afraid of me?”

“I wish I knew, I think it has something to do with what he might be hiding.”

Celestia gave a quizzical look. “Hiding, is he hiding something?”

“Well, me and my friends have noticed that almost every day he seems so nervous or scared about something, and it seems even worse when your around like right now, it’s clear he seems terrified of you for some reason. I tried to 
ask him what was wrong during the race but he wouldn’t tell me. I’m really worried for him.”

“I see, well unless I know what is wrong, I’m afraid I can’t help. I wish you the best of luck in helping him Twilight, I’m afraid I must be going now, take care Twilight.”

“Farewell princess.” Celestia then flew off and disappeared in a flash. Twilight made her way back to Nova and Starburst. She saw Nova had calmed down a bit after Celestia left and Starburst came out from under his brother. “Nova, are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m ok, why?”

“Why are you so scared of Celestia?”

“Scared, I’m not scared, she’s the princess, I’m just……well….look, I gotta go, come on Starburst, lets head home.”

“Ok.” Starburst responded nervously.

Twilight just watched sadly as they left.

Later that evening with Nova and Starburst, Nova was very relieved to be inside and away from every pony for a moment after the day he had. “By the stars what a day. I just hope Twilight won’t try to get me to talk like that again.” The two deactivated their disguises.

Starburst came up to his brother nervously. “Um, Nova, do we really need to stay hidden like this, I mean, what if your wrong about how the ponies would react to us being aliens?”

Nova turned around to face his little brother. “Starburst, we’ve been through this, we can’t take any chances, if they find out what we are, we’ll have to leave, do you really want to go back out in space for another galaxies know how long?”

“Well, no……but what if we didn’t have to, what if the ponies did accept us?”

Nova hung his head and sighed. “*Sigh* Starburst, we can’t risk it.”

Starburst stated looking nervous. “Well…..what if…..hypothetically speaking……some of them already knew and have known for a while?”

Nova raised an eyebrow at him. “Starburst, what are you saying?”

“NOTHING, I mean, let’s just say that…..maybe….some of them might have known for a while, wouldn’t that say something about whether or not we can let them know?”

Nova narrowed his eyes. “Starburst, you didn’t tell any pony about us did you?”

Starburst started sweating nervously. “Wh-what….of-of course not…I was speaking hypothetically.”

“Starburst, you know I can tell when you lying. Did you or did you not tell somepony about us being aliens?”

“He heh, uh, funny story….you see….uh…”

“Starburst.”

“I…..may have let it slip about us being aliens…..to……Applejack and….Applebloom.”

Nova’s eye’s widened. “YOU WHAT!? Starburst, HOW COULD YOU!?”

“I’m sorry Nova, I didn’t mean to, it’s just…well….she was pressuring me so much and…I just let it out. Please don’t be mad.”

“Starburst, I can’t believe this, now we’re going to have to leave, we’ll have to go back out into space and start looking for a home all over again!” Nova said with worry.

“No we don’t Nova, don’t you see, Applejack and Applebloom haven’t said anything, don’t you think that says something, they didn’t care what I looked like when I showed them our true form. They promised not to tell any pony and they’ve kept their word.”

“They…..they have?”

“Of course they have, they’re our friends Nova, they promised me they wouldn’t say anything to any pony and they haven’t.”

Nova looked to the side. “How long have they known.”

“It was during that time when you were affected by those blue flowers from the Everfree forest.”

“That was almost a year ago, and they haven’t said anything?”

Starburst nodded his head. “Not a word, don’t you see Nova, they don’t care what we are.”

“I’m going to need to have a chat with Applejack later.”

> A Fashion Disaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Fashion Disaster



It was another casual morning for Nova and Starburst, the younger brother left for school and Nova was putting the finishing touches on an order for Rarity. “Ok, a little mark here, a bit of magic there aaaand…….there we go, perfect, the customer will love this, now to deliver it to Rarity, then afterwards, I need to go have a chat with Applejack.” Nova went to retrieve his saddlebags and placed them on his back. He placed the gem in his bag and left for Rarity’s place. 

Rarity’s shop came into view just in time for Nova to see Applejack and Twilight enter, Twilight had her own saddlebags on her. “Hm, wonder what they’re doing here, well, at least I’ll have a chance to let Applejack know that I want to talk with her.” Nova thought to himself. He made his way inside and followed the two upstairs to Rarity’s work room.

The two saw Nova approach before they got to Rarity’s door.  Twilight was the first to greet him. “Good morning Nova, what brings you by?” 

“I’m just here to drop off an order for Rarity, what about you two?” 

Twilight answered first. “I’m here to see if Rarity could help fix a loose button on a gown I was going to wear for the galla.”

Applejack then answered. “I’m just payin a friendly visit. Come on, let’s get in there.” Applejack then started knocking a few times, then just flung the door open. “Howdy Rairty.”

Twilight looked over to see Rarity busy with a dress. “Shhh, can’t you see Rarity’s trying to concentrate.” She pointed out as they all looked over to her. They made their way over to her.

“What do ya think she’s makin?” Applejack asked. 

“Um, a dress.” Nova pointed out.

“Well that makes sense, seein as this is a dress maker’s shop and all.” Applejack responded.

Rarity finally turned around with a strained smile and responded as nicely as she could. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Twilight answered. “Oh, so sorry to trouble you Rarity, but I need a quick favor.” Twilight then reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a red and yellow dress with a loose button. She set it on a table for Rarity to see. “Could you please fix a button for me, it’s my dress for the grand galloping galla.”

Rarity looked appalled by this. “*Gasp* Oh no, no, no, you simply can’t wear…..this old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the galla, and I’ll make it for you, it would be my pleasure, no problem at all.”

Twilight tried to turn her down nicely. “Oh, that’s very sweet of you to offer Rarity, but I can’t let you do that, it would be so much work. This dress is fine.”

Rarity wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Twilight Sparkle, I insist on making you a new dress.”

Twilight tried again. “But…”

Before she could say anything else, Rarity waved a hoof in her face. “Not another word, I won’t take no for an answer.”

Twilight finally conceded. “Well in that case, thank you for your generosity Rarity, knowing your handiwork, I’m sure it will be beautiful.”

Rarity then turned to Nova. “And what about you Nova, do you have anything to wear for the galla?”

Nova looked at her with confusion. “Do I need to wear something?”

Rarity seemed agast at this. “But of course you do, we’re talking about a very pristine event here, well then, since you don’t have anything, I can whip up a nice suit for you to wear to the galla.”

Nova’s eyes widened a little. “Really, um, thank you Rarity, but I just came by to drop off another gem for you.”

“Oh thank you dear, just set it on the table and give me a moment to collect your payment.” Rarity’s eyes then came to rest on Applejack. “Let me guess Applejack, you don’t want a new gown either?”

“Gown, shoot, I was just going to wear my old work duds.” Applejack answered casually.

Rarity was once again left a little disgusted by this. “You can’t possibly be serious Applejack, you simply must wear formal attire.”

Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin in thought for a moment. “Hmm…..nah.”

“What if I uh, spruce up your…..duds…for you a little bit?”

Applejack conceded. “Well….ok sure, why not, since yer offerin and all, just don’t make em’ too….fru fruy.”

“Deal.”

As soon as she said this, Rainbow’s voice was herd. “LOOK OUT BELOW!” She crashed in through the roof and ended up in a pile of pony quins and cloth around her shoulders with a bucket on her head. “Oops, sorry, new trick, didn’t quit work, he he.”

Rarity then looked at Dash quizzically. Her eyes widened as inspiration struck. “IDEA, I’ll make you an outfit for the galla too Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash looked around in confusion at first. “Outfit for the what now?” She asked.

Rarity continued. “I’ll make an outfit for you and you and all of you, OOH, and Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie too.” She jumped for joy in her enthusiasm. “And when I’m done, we can hold our very own fashion show.”

Nova cocked an eyebrow at this.

Twilight smiled at this. “What a great idea, if you’re sure you can handle it.”

Rarity began levitating materials to begin her work. “Oh it’ll be a little bit of work, but it will be great for my business. Plus, FUN!”

Even Rainbow Dash agreed with this. “Oh, I love fun things.

“Then it’s settled, we’ll have a fashion show starring us.” The girls cheered.

Nova finally spoke up. “Hold on, what is this fashion show thing?”

Twilight answered. “It’s when a dress maker like Rarity holds a show to show off her work in front of others, letting them see how good she is at making dresses and will sure to drum up business for her.”

Nova was hesitant. “I don’t know if I want to be a part of this, it sounds too……girly.”

Rarity turned from her work table and looked at him with sad pleading puppy dog eyes. “Oh please Nova, it would really help my business if the stallions knew I could make fabulous suits for them, pleeeease.” She actually managed to let out a puppy dog like whine.

“Well I….I don’t……” He couldn’t stop staring into those large sad eyes. “……*Sigh* Fine, I’ll take part in this fashion show.” He caved.

Rarity smiled. “Oh thank you Nova, this means so much to me.”

Nova just gave a strained smile. “Happy to help.”

Rarity went back to her table and began sewing. Applejack came up to her then. “So all you have to do is make an original, amazing, stunning outfit for one, two, three, four, five, six, plus yourself, SEVEN ponies, and lickety split?”

Rarity just laughed. “Oh ha ha happleja ha hack, you make it sound as if it’s going to be hard.”

Nova then came forward. “Rarity, this does sound hard, I may not know about sewing or fashion, but this sounds like a lot of work, I don’t suppose you’d let me help in some way to ease the work load?”

Rarity turned to Nova. “Really Nova, you want to help?”

“Well yeah, I would like to pay you back in some way for helping me with my business, this could be my chance.”

“Well, all right dear, if you insist, thank you darling. However, I want these to be a surprise, so once they’re nearly done, I would like to finish them up on my own, all right?”

Nova smiled as he responded. “Sure thing Rairity.” So Nova stayed with Rarity to help with her work. As Rarity began her work, music from nowhere started up and Rarity started singing.

Thread by thread, 
stitching it together
Twilight’s dress, 
cutting up the pattern snip by snip

Making sure the pattern folds nicely
It’s the perfect and so hip,
Always got to keep in mind my pacing,
Making sure the cloth’s correctly facing,
I’m stitching Twilight’s dress.

Yard by yard,
fussing all the details,
jewel neckline,
Don’t you know a stitch in time saves nine?

Make her something perfect to inspire,
Even though she hates formal attire,
gotta mind those intimate details,
Even though she’s more concerned with sales,
It’s Applejack’s new dress.

Dress making’s easy, 
for Pinkie Pie something pink,
For Fluttershy something breezy,
Blend color and form, 
Do you think it looks cheesy?

Something brash,
Perhaps quite fetching.
Hook and eye,
couldn’t you just simply die?

Making sure it fits forelock and crest,
don’t forget the magic in the dress.
Even though it rides high on the flank,
Rainbow won’t look like a tank.
I’m stitching Rainbow’s dress.

Piece by piece,
snip by snip,
croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip.
Thread by thread,
Primed and pressed,
yard by yard,
never stressed.
And that’s the art of the dress~

Nova gave up a long time ago on trying to figure out where the music was coming from, he just did what he could to help Rarity with her work, anything from retrieving clothes to holding items for her. Once the outfits were nearly done, Rarity turned to Nova. “All right dear, I can handle it from here, thank you so much for all your help, but now they're almost done, I would like it if you went and retrieved the others, I’ll have all the clothes ready when their together.”

Nova responded with a smile. “Sure thing Rarity, I’ll see you soon.” Nova made his way out of the shop. “Now to go talk to Applejack.” Nova’s cheerfulness dropped when he said this.

Nova made his way to Sweet Apple Acres and knocked on the door. Just as he hoped, the pony he came to see answered the door. “Well howdy Nova, what brings ya by?”

Nova still wore a straight face. “Applejack, we need to talk.”

“Um, ok, about what?”

“Not here, somewhere more private.”

Applejack cocked an eyebrow at this. “Well…..all right, we’ll head to the west field, that area aint scheduled fer harvestin today.”

“Fine, as long as it’s where no pony can hear us.” Applejack stepped out of her house and led Nova out to the middle of the western part of the orchard. 

“Well, won’t get more private than this, so what’s so important you want to talk to me about?”

Nova closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Applejack……I know you know.”

Applejack gave him another confused look. “Know what?”

“Starburst told me he told you and Applebloom about us being aliens.”

“Oh, that. Now look, before you go getting all upset, it was my fault fer pressurin yer little brother like I did when he let it slip out, so if you wanna get upset at someone, get upset with me. Believe me, I felt sorry fer pushin the little feller like I did.”

“Applejack, do you have any idea what this could mean for us?”

“Nova, I don’t care that ya’ll are aliens, I like ya’ll fer who ya are, and I wish you could see that.”

“Well, given the fact that you haven’t told any pony about us yet makes me believe that you don’t.”

“And neither will the others, ya can’t keep this a secret forever Nova, yer gonna have ta tell them sometime. 
They won’t care what ya are.”

“How do you know Applejack, knowing Twilight, if she finds out, she’ll write a letter to the princess right away and tell her all about us, and if she finds out, others will find out, we can’t take any risks here Applejack.”

“Nova, she wouldn’t do that, I promise ya the others won’t care either.”

“Maybe so, but what about the rest of the ponies, can you honestly promise me that there won’t be at least one pony who will freak out about me and my brother being aliens?”

Applejack hung her head for a moment, then looked back up at Nova. “Yer little brother asked me the same thing, and I’ll give ya the same answer. No I can’t.”

“And that’s the problem right there Applejack, if even one pony gets disturbed about us being aliens, others will too, and that could lead to panic, and fear, and they’ll want to do something bad to us just to get rid of us, we’d have to leave.”

“Nova, me and the others would defend ya, we won’t let no pony take away our friend.”

“I’m sorry Applejack, but I just can’t take that risk, I don’t know how many times I’ve had to say that and frankly I’m sick of it. I just want my brother to have a normal life for himself, if we’re found out, we’ll have to leave. He can’t have a normal life if we’re stuck floating aimlessly in space, and I don’t want to go back to that either, I can’t. You have no idea what it’s like out there Applejack.” Nova turned his head as he sat on his haunches. “It’s dark out there, and lonely. We only had each other to keep company. It was cold and dark and lonely, we can’t go back to that, I can’t, I……I…..” Nova closed his eyes to try and fight back the tears threatening to escape. “I……I’m scared Applejack, I’m scared that me and Starburst will have to go back to that with no hope of finding a home.”

Applejack came up to Nova and gave him a hug. “Shhh, It’s all right Nova, you don’t have ta go back, I may not know what it’s like ta be alone like that, but I do know no pony should have to go through it. I can tell yer terrified of it, so I promise you I won’t say anythin ta anypony.”

Nova hugged back as a few tears escaped. “Thank you Applejack, you have no idea how much it means to me to finally have some friends after being alone for so long. I just don’t want to give it up. And I’m sorry for burdening you like this.” Nova and Applejack finally released their hug.

Applejack looked into Nova’s eyes. “It’s all right sugar cube, that’s what friends are for.” She gave a warm smile 

Nova returned the smile as he wiped a few tears from his eyes. “Anyway, I had another reason for coming by.”

“And what’s that?”

“Rarity would like you and the others to come to her boutique, the dresses are just about done.”

“Well all right then, I’ll head on over.”

“I’ll go get the other’s together, I’ll see you at the boutique.” Nova started walking away before Applejack called out to him. 

“Nova.”

Nova stopped and turned his head to her. “Yeah?”

“I meant what I said about the other girls not carin about what ya would look like, I know them and they would still accept ya.”

Nova just looked at her, he turned his head forward again and walked off.

Later at the boutique, Rarity was leading the girls and Nova into her work room with their eyes closed to show off her finished product. “That’s it, keep them closed, don’t look.” She finally had them all stop. “Ok you can look now.” Every pony opened their eyes and gasped at the outfits before them. 

As Rarity presented each outfit, her cat Opal happily rolled around them or played with them to help with the presentation. “These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now Applejack? Pretty swanky are they not?” Applejack’s dress was definitely keeping to the western theme, it came with a pair of green boots with red and white trimming and a band around the base of the boot, a green collar with an apple at the center, a hat similar to hers with a pair of apples on it, a green dress with a white band separating the dress from brown tassels, a series of apples on the white band.

“And Twilight, I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony’s unique personality.” Twilight’s dress was a blue cape with a light blue saddle and stars all over it and a star earing. Another star at the center of the neck.

“Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one Rainbow Dash but I did it, and it turned out beautiful don’t you think?” Rainbow’s dress had a pair of gold sandals for her front hooves and wrapped around her legs, a pearl necklace with grapes at the center, a pair of olive branches that rested on the head, and a rainbow colored dress with white puffy lining like a cloud.

“Oh and I know you’re going to love yours Fluttershy, It just sings spring.” Fluttershy’s dress had a pair of green sandals like Rainbows with green vine looking ribbons wrapped around the legs, a green neck adornment with a large blue butterfly at the center and one for her ear, and a flowing green dress with flowers in it.

“And Pinkie Pie, look, PINKE! Your favorite.” Pinkie’s had a pair of pink shoes with white and light blue ribbons, a white hat with light blue lining it and a yellow button with pink frills on it, a pink bow tie holding a saddle striped white and light blue with white frills in front, on the back of it were light pink frills, dark pink frills, a white train with candy lining the base and a pink dress with a light blue ribbon following the base.

“And just look at yours nova, I made it to match your colors perfectly.” Nova’s was a green tuxedo with orange trimming, a yellow tie, tails at the back of the tuxedo, and a yellow top hat.

“Aren’t they all amazing?” Nova just quietly walked up to his suit as he gazed at it. Rarity watched him carefully, but soon turned back to the others who were rather quiet for a bit.

Twilight was the first to finally break the silence. “Wow, they’re….” She couldn’t finish her sentence.

Rainbow tried to pick up where she left off. “Yeah, they’re…..”

Applejack picked up from there. “They sure are……somethin.”

Twilight quickly responded. “YES, something.”

Pinkie agreed. “I love something, something is my favorite.”

Fluttershy answered as she flattened her ears to her head. “It’s….nice.”

Rarity started looking worried, she looked over to Nova who had yet to say anything about his suit. “Nova, what about you?”

“Wow Rarity, this looks amazing, I love it, thank you so much.” Nova said with a smile as he turned back around. 
This perked Rarity up a bit, but then turned back to the girls. “And what’s wrong with you all? Don’t you like them?”

Twilight was the first to answer. “They’re very nice.”

Applejack agreed with a fake smile, Nova could see it. “And we’re plum grateful cause you worked so hard on them.”

Rainbow came in with her usual subtlety. “Mine’s just not as cool as I imagined.” Twilight and Applejack narrowed their eyes at her. Nova couldn’t believe what he just heard.  “She asked.”

Twilight summed up everything for Rarity. “I guess what we’re all saying is that they’re just not what we had in mind.”

Nova stepped forward and came up next to Rarity as he looked over the five girls. “Excuse me, do you all have any idea how hard she worked on these, I was here helping her make them…….well……sort of, and it was a lot of work believe me, not to mention she’s giving these to you all for free. And you’re all just going to stand there and say that they’re no good……I can’t believe you girls, I may not know fashion, but I think these dresses are fantastic, and I really like the suit she made me.”

The girls started looking rather sheepish, Rarity put a hoof on Nova’s back. “Now Nova, no need to get upset, I made these for my friends, and if they don’t like them…..well then, I’ll just redo them.”

Nova turned to face her. “What, Rarity you can’t be serious, I saw how hard you worked on these, do you really want to go through that trouble again?”

Fluttershy tried to affirm Nova’s statement. “Rarity, you don’t have to do that, they’re fine.”

Rarity started taking the dresses off the ponyquins. “But I want them to be better than fine, I want you to think they’re absolutely perfect.”

Applejack tried too. “Are you sure, we wouldn’t want to impose.”

Rarity just laughed. “Oh it’s no imposition, really I insist.” She said the last one rather forceful with a fake smile. 

Twilight just smiled. “Well in that case, thank you again Rarity.” The girls all just left.

Nova tried again. “Rarity, come on now, they’re just  being ungrateful, you shouldn’t put yourself through so much trouble like this for them if they’re going to be like this.”

“But they’re my friends Nova, I want them to be happy with their dresses. I will just have to redo them so they’ll like their gowns.”

Nova let out a defeated sigh. “Fine, if you insist, I still say your dresses are amazing, and again, I really like the suit you made me.”

Rarity smiled at him. “Thank you Nova.”

“And because of that, I would like to help you again with this so you won’t be overloaded. Would you like that?”

“Thank you Nova, I didn’t want to admit it in front of the others, but I may have taken on more than I can handle.”

Nova smiled at her. “And that’s why I’m here, so where do we begin?”

Later in the day:

Rarity was busy at her sewing machine as Nova got a few materials read for her when Fluttershy walked in. “Hello, you wanted to see me Rarity?”

Rarity smiled upon seeing her. “Fluttershy, your new new gown is ready. I completely revised it and I know you’re going to love it.”

Fluttershy was soon standing in front of a mirror in her new dress, it didn’t look all that different from the previous one Rarity made for her. She frowned at first, but Nova could see past the fake smile she plastered on as she said what she thought. “I….love it.”

Rarity seemed to see through it too as she responded. “Oh your just saying that.”

“No no, I do, it’s….nice.”

“Nice?”

“Nice.”

“If you don’t like it, you should just tell me.”

“Oh, but I do like it.”

“Like it or love it?”

Fluttershy shyed away as her ears flattened out. “Um….both?”

Rarity started closing in on Fluttershy, forcing her to back up. “Which is it?”

“Um, please stop asking me this.”

Nova interjected, he stopped Rarity’s advance with a hoof. “Hold on Rarity.” He turned to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, just save us all the trouble and tell her what you really think about it please. You know she’s going to keep pushing you till she gets an honest answer.”

Fluttershy was hesitant at first. “Well, all right, since you really want to know.” She took a deep breath and went off. She listed so many things so fast, Nova couldn’t keep up with it all. After Fluttershy’s criticism was out of the way, she finished up with a simple sentence. “But um, you know, whatever you want to do is fine.” Rarity’s jaw was left agape while Nova just facehooved. 

Rarity was busy working on Twilight’s cape while Twilight was going off about specifics. “Now the stars on my belt need to be technically accurate. Orion has three stars on his belt, not four.”
Music started up again and Rarity started singing.

Rarity: Stitch by stitch, stitching it together.
Deadline looms, don’t you know the clients always right,
even though my fabric choice was perfect, 
gotta get them all done by tonight.

Pinkie Pie the color’s too obtruse,
wait until you see it in the light,
I’m sewing them together.

Pinkie Pie perked up. “Don’t you think my gown would be more me with some lollipops?”

Rarity tried to share her idea. “Well, I think…”

Pinkie interrupted. “Balloons?”

Nova tried to get her to listen. “Pinkie, would you...”

“DO IT!”

Rarity: Hour by hour, one more change,
I’m sewing them together, take great pains.
Fluttershy your putting me in a bind,
Rainbow Dash what is on your mind.
Oh my gosh, there’s simply not much time,
don’t forget, Applejack’s duds must shi-ne.

Dress making’s easy,every customer’s call,
brings a whole new revision,
Have to pick up the pace still hold to my vision.

Twilight was again pointing out specifics, Nova listened carefully to pass it on to Rarity while she was busy with another dress. “That constalation is canus major, not minor.”

A couple birds came flying up to him with a sketch in their little talons, it was a sketch of a dress. Fluttershy then came in front of Nova. “French haute couture, please.” She said with a sheepish smile. Rarity heard this and just gave a small disgusted grunt and levitated some materials around.

Applejack was giving some thought to her dress. “What if it rains? Goloshes!”

Nova was helping Pinkie with her dress as she seemed indecisive about what she wanted. “More ballons, oh no, that’s too many balloons. Ooh, more candy, oh less candy. Oh wait, I know, STREAMERS!”

Nova turned to her. “You can’t be serious?”

“Who’s dress is this?”

Nova just sighed. “*Sigh* Fine.”

Rainbow Dash was just leaning up against Rarity’s work table as Rarity was looking over Dash’s gown with Nova on standby between the two. Rarity kept looking back at Dash who looked away when she did, then looked back at Rarity again. This went on a couple times before Rainbow finally said something. “What?”

“Aren’t you going to tell me to change something too?”

“No, I just want my dress to be cool.”

“Do you not like the color?”

“The colors fine, just make it look cooler.”

“Do you not like the shape?”

“The shapes fine, just make the whole thing you know, cooler. It needs to be about 20% cooler.”

Rarity placed her head on the ponyquin and Nova just facehooved.

Pinkie: All we ever want is indecision.

Rainbow Dash: All we really like is what we know.

Twilight Sparkle: Gotta balance style with adherence.

Fluttershy: Making sure we make a good appearance.

Applejack: Even if you simply have to fudge it.

Everyone: Make sure it stays within our budget.

Rarity: Got to overcome intimidation,
Remember it’s all in the presentation.

Piece by piece, snip by snip,
croup, dock, haunch, shoulders hip.
Bolt by bolt, primmed and pressed,
yard by yard, always stressed.
And that’s the art of the dress!

At the end, Rarity just fainted. Nova ran over to her to make sure she was ok and helped her up. “Rartiy, are you all right?”

Rarity looked up at him and to her cat. “Oh Nova, Opal, these are the ugliest dresses I’ve ever made.” 

Nova gave the finished gowns a once over and was a little disgusted with them, the dresses were horrendous. He looked back to Rarity. “Rartiy, maybe you should call off this fashion show, if you show off these, it could ruin your business.”

“I can’t call it off now, it’s too late to do that, I’ll just have to hope for the best.”

“Well, maybe it won’t be so bad, the suit you made me is nice, maybe that will make up for these…….dresses.” He gave her a fake smile to try and cheer her up. 

Rarity didn’t smile back. “Thank you for helping me anyway Nova, I appreciate it.”

“No problem, I’ll get the girls together to show them the work.” Nova then left and got the girls together.

Once every pony was gathered, they all looked over their dresses. Opal was not too happy with them as she swiped at some and just gagged at others. “Ok, I did what each of you asked for, now don’t hold back, let me know what you really think.”

The girls each gave their approval, then all together exclaimed. “It’s exactly what I asked for!”

Rarity sighed in relief while Nova just shook his head in disapproval. Twilight came up to Rarity. “Thank you Rarity.”

Pinkie then hopped up to her and spoke. “Are you as happy with them as we are, huh huh huh!?”

Rarity responded with a fake smile. “Well, I’m happy that you are all happy. I’m just relieved to finally be done.”

Spike came in panting heavily. He took a moment to catch his breath before speaking. “You are never going to believe this! You’ve heard of Hoity Toity?”

Twilight responded. “The big wig fashion hot shot from Canterlot?”

“Uh huh, he heard about your fashion show. Well, I may happened to have mentioned it to him. He’s coming here, all the way from Canterlot to see your work Rarity.”

Applejack was impressed by this. “Whoa nelly, you could sell a ton of dresses to this guy, your business will be booming.”

Rarity was really looking nervous and Nova saw this, he couldn’t let this go on, if it did, it could ruin Rarity. He stepped forward and spoke up. “Now hold on a minute here girls, I’m sorry but this is ridiculous.”

Rainbow Responded. “What’s wrong Nova?”

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong, those dresses you all asked for, they look outrageous.”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow at this. “What do you mean?”

Nova narrowed his eyes. “What do I mean, just look at them, they look ridiculous. Fluttershy, a bird nest for a hat, really? I know you like nature and all but come on, that’s just silly.”

Fluttershy cringed a little. “I thought it was nice.”

Nova then turned to Applejack. “And Applejack, golashes, this is a gown for the grand galloping galla, not something to wear in the rain.”

“Well, I was just tryin ta think practical.”

Nova then turned on Pinkie. “Pinkie, ballons and streamers on a dress is just plain silly, I know you yourself are silly, but for this…..this is too much.”

Pinkie looked a little downcast. “I just thought it would be fun.”

He then turned on Rainbow Dash. “Dash, I understand your desire to be cool and all, but this outfit of yours is not cool, it looks like a racing suit than a dress.”

Rainbow gave a sheepish smile. “Heh heh, I guess it does doesn’t it?”

Finally, Nova turned to Twilight. “And Twilight, do you really need constellations on your dress, it doesn’t even look like a dress, it looks like a cape or something, and do you really need starts bouncing around above your head?”

Twilight gave a sheepish smile as well. “I guess we did kind of overdo it, didn’t we?”

“I want you all to take a good look at these dresses and think about it. I mean, they look so ridiculous. I cannot, in good conscience let you all go out there in those dresses for the fashion show, it’ll ruin Rarity’s business, did you even think about that?”

Silence was his answer. “I didn’t think so. Rarity went through a lot of work to make you all the first dresses and even more so to make you these. You all just snubbed her first works like nothing. I have to say, that comes off as rather ungrateful to me, she worked hard on them and for free.”

The five girls all hung their heads. Twilight was the first to speak up. “Your right Nova, we did act ungrateful, and…..looking at them now, I guess they do look rather…..um.” Twilight couldn’t find the right words.

Rainbow did. “Silly?”

Applejack agreed. “I’d say that’s about right.”

Fluttershy then spoke up. “We’re sorry Rarity, we should have trusted your judgement.”

Twilight continued. “Those first dresses you made for us were perfect, we’re sorry we didn’t see that.”

Pinkie agreed. “Yeah, me too, I’m sorry.”

Rarity smiled at them. “Oh girls, thank you.”

“Is there anything we can do to make it up to you?” Twilight asked.

Nova made a suggestion. “I think I know how you can. Because she was so busy with your dresses, she didn’t get the chance to make hers, I think it would be a good idea that you all help her with making it, does that sound fair?”

The girls smiled and nodded. Rarity turned to Nova. “Thank you Nova, you have been the biggest help to me today.” Rarity went to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Nova saw it coming and quickly pulled away with a worried expression. Rarity and the other’s gave him a quizzical look. He just looked back at them. “What?”

Rarity Started. “Nova, is something wrong?”

“What, no, of course not, why do you ask?”

“Why did you pull away?”

Nova started sweating nervously a little. “Well, you see…..uh…..I…..HEY look at the time, we’d better get to work on that dress for Rarity right? We got a fashion show to put on.” The girls just kept looking at him oddly. “Come on girls, let’s go, chop chop!” They all dispersed hesitantly and started doing what they could to get started on Rarity’s dress. “Oh quasars, I hope she’s not getting feelings for me too.”  Nova was starting to get nervous about this, first Twilight, and now possibly Rarity. 

Later that evening:

The stage was set and the girls were now wearing the first dresses Rarity made for them and Nova was in his suit and hat. Nova had gathered Starburst and was waiting in the back with them all. Starburst came up to his brother. “Wow Nova, you look nice.”

Nova smiled down at him. “Thanks Starburst, Rarity really did a great job.”

“Do you really have to go through with this, it seems kind of girly.” Starburst asked with a cocked eyebrow.

Nova chuckled. “I know, but this is to help Rarity with her business. She could really use the hype.”

A white coated unicorn with a two toned blue mane and tail with sunglasses on was set up to play the music for the show, Vinyl Scratch. Spike was going to be the announcer. Before it started, Rarity managed to pull Nova to the side to speak with him. “Nova dear, is there something troubling you?”

Nova looked at her in her new dress, a pink dress with dark pink trimming, a gold tiara and gold earrings, and glass shoes. “No, why do you ask?”

“Well, when I was going to…..well, give you a little peck on the cheek, you shyed away, is something wrong?”

“Uh, look Rairty, you’re a fine mare and all, but I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow at this. “Relationship, what are you-“ She cut herself off as realization hit her. She gave a little laugh. “Oh ho ho, you thought I……oh dear no, not that there’s anything wrong with you, I was just showing my gratitude is all. Besides, I have a stallion in mind for my special some pony, remember?”

Nova facehooved when he remembered how Rarity went off during the whole ticket for the galla thing. “Oh right, you mentioned wanting to meet this ‘him’ you mentioned, do I feel stupid.”

Rarity just smiled at him. “It’s quite all right dear, we all make mistakes.” Vinyl stated the music to signal the start of the show. “That’s our cue, places every pony, places.” Rarity cried. 

Spike’s voice was heard over the speakers as every pony and Hoity Toity who was sitting at the end of the runway listened. “Since the beginning of time, the elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly express the essence of their very soul. Pateintly waiting centuries, NO, decades, for the perfect pony gown. Today at long last Equestria, your wait is over. Let’s hear it for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville’s own….RARITY!” The curtain came up and revealed all but Rarity on stage in their outfits.

The crowd gasped as they beheld the ponies. As the girls made their way down the walk way, the ponies cheered, Nova was a little nervous about this, but he put on his brave face and walked along the cat walk right behind the girls. They all gathered at the end of the catwalk onto a rotating part of it . The ponies were all cheering and Hoity Toity finally gave his approval. “Oh simply magnificent, those dresses are gorgeous, and that stallion looks so handsome, I simply love that suit, who is responsible for these wonderful works, step forward and show yourself.”

Rarity proudly started walking on stage as Spike hung back with Starburst, the two were cheering for her as well. Rarity was smiling big as the ponies cheered for her. Each of the girls and Nova stood proudly in their outfits as Rarity looked over the crowd. “Thank you all so much, I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

After the success of the fashion show, the group was gathered back inside Rarity’s boutique still in their outfits. The girls were just chatting up a storm. Nova saw Twilight in another part of the room dictating something to Spike as he wrote down a letter to Celestia. 

Rarity came over to him to talk. “Nova, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your help today, I don’t think any of this would have been possible without you.”

Nova just smiled at her. “Hey, like I always say, I’m happy to help a friend.”

Rarity went to give him a peck on the cheek, and this time, he didn’t shy away, he did blush a little though and Rarity giggled. Hoity Toity then came up to her. “Rarity, my congratulations to you on a most impressive fashion debut. Would you do me the great honor of allowing me to feature your hout cotour in my best of the best boutique in canterlot?”  Rarity simply gasped in approval. “Now I’ll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday.”

Rarity’s happiness suddenly went to one of worry. An eye started to twitch. 

Later that evening with Nova and starburst:

Nova had taken his suit off and had it neatly folded in his saddle bags. Starburst followed him inside their home. Nova saw Starburst smiling. “Starburst, I hope you haven’t forgotten about how I know you told Applejack and Applebloom about us being aliens have you?”

Starburst’s joy faded and was replaced with worry. “Uh, you’re not still mad about that are you?”

Nova just kept a straight face as he responded. “While there’s nothing I can do about it, we’ll just have to hope Applejack and the others you told keep their promise, but I don’t want you telling any pony else, understand?”

Starburst hung his head. “Yes Nova.”

Nova looked at his brother sadly. He soon gave a smile and picked him up in a hug. “Hey, come on now, no sadness. Look, the reason for us having to stay hidden is because I don’t want us to have to leave this place, you remember what it was like drifting through space like we did don’t you?”

Starburst nodded his head. “mmhmm, it was boring with just you to talk to, not that I don’t like you as a big brother, I love you Nova.”

Nova nuzzled Starburst. “And I love you too, but it’s no fun having just you to talk with, and I bet you feel the same way don’t you, it’s okay, you can admit it.”

“Yeah, it was.”

“And isn’t it more fun to have other’s to talk to than just your boring big brother.” Nova said jokingly.

Starburst giggled at him for that. “Yeah, it is.”

“And that’s why we can’t let others know about us being aliens Starburst, or we’d have to go back to just having each other for company and be just floating aimlessly in that cold dark outer space. I know you don’t like hiding, but it’s for your own good. Ok?”

Starburst nodded again. “Ok Nova, I won’t tell any other pony about us, I promise.”

Nova gave one more light squeeze in the hug to his brother. “Thanks Starburst, and I’m not mad at you anymore, now come on, let’s get some sleep, I’m exhausted from helping Rarity with all that dress making.” The two brothers made their way to their bedroom and laid their heads down for the night.

> The Mystery of Pinkie
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Mystery of Pinkie



Another day dawned for Nova and Starburst, the two had their breakfast and Starburst took off for school. “Bye Nova, see you after school!” Starburst called as he headed out.

“Bye Starburst, have a good day!” Nova called after his little brother. He hadn’t had an order to take care of for Rarity so he had the day to himself. “I Might as well see what the others are up to.” He put on his disguise and headed out.

Nova made his way to a part of the town where he saw Twilight and Spike facing each other, Spike had a few leaves around his neck, a rock on his head, and he was holding a stick. Nova was curious about this so he made his way over to them. “Hey there Twilight, what’s going on?”

“Oh, hey Nova, me and Spike are practicing a spell that requires focus, your more than welcome to watch, just try to be quiet while we do this, it requires our full attention.” Twilight answered. 

“Um, sure ok.” Nova stood there and watched as Twilight focused her magic. The leaves around Spikes neck turned into a black tuxedo. Twilight took a quick glance with one eye then went right back to focus. The stick Spike was holding then turned into a cane. “Whoa.” Nova said quietly.

Spike looked himself over real quick before Twilight spoke up. “Eyes over here Spike.”

Spike looked back at Twilight. “Uh, sorry.” Spike closed his eyes in concentration.

“For this to work, It’s crucial we keep our concentration on the….” As she was talking, the rock lifted up in the air and turned into a top hat. 

“OOH.” 

The mysterious voice caught Spike’s attention and he looked away. The hat turned back into a rock and fell on Spike’s head, knocking him down and turning the tuxedo and cane back into leaves and a stick. “Spike, this magic needs our full attention to make it happen.”

Nova looked to Twilight. “Twilight, he just got hit in the head with a rock, he might be hurt.” He went up to Spike and helped him up. “You ok Spike?”

“Yeah, I’m okay, sorry Twilight, but you gotta see this.” Spike ushered for Twilight to come over and see what he was seeing. Nova looked too. Pinkie was seen dashing about wearing an umbrella hat as she hid behind and under things.

Twilight shook her head. “Uh, never mind her, she’s just being Pinkie Pie.”

“Super extra Pinkie Pie today.” Spike commented. 

Nova looked at Pinkie curiously. He noticed Pinkie’s tail started to twitch. “Hmmm, twitchy, twitchy, twitcha, twitch.” Nova heard her say. 

Nova decided to go see what was going on. “I’m gonna go ask her what’s going on.”

Twilight agreed. “I can’t help but wonder too.” Twilight followed Nova over to Pinkie.

“Pinkie, are you feeling ok, what’s going on with you?” Nova asked concerned.

Pinkie answered as she shoved her tail in his face. “Oh, it’s my tail, it’s my tail, it’s a twitcha twitchin, and you know what that means.” 

The three looked at her with confusion. Twilight cocked an eyebrow in response. “Actually Pinkie, we haven’t the slightest idea.”

Pinkie started to explain. “The twitching means that my Pinkie sense tells me that stuffs gonna start falling, you should duck for cover.”

Twilight smiled at her. “Oh Pinkie, it’s not going to rain, why there isn’t even a cloud in the….” *SMACK* Her sentence was cut off by a frog landing right on her face. It pushed back a little and looked at her as it gave a croak.

“Whoa, what the stars?” Nova said quietly to himself.

Pinkie came up to Twilight. “He just said, nice catch in frog.”

“Oh, I’m so, so sorry.” Fluttershy’s voice was heard from overhead. The group looked up to see Fluttershy carrying a basket and saddle bags with frogs and hauling a cart full of more frogs. “You okay Twilight Sparkle? I just couldn’t stand to see the pond getting so over populated, what with the frogs hopping into each other and all. So I decided to fly as many as I can over to Froggy Bottom bog.”

Twilight had her eyes slightly narrowed. “Of course you did.” By this time, the frog on her face was now on the side of her head.  She answered in an annoyed tone. 

Fluttershy then put the handle of the basket in her mouth. “Bye bye.” She said through the handle and flew on.

Pinkie then turned to Twilight. “Um, Twilight, you got a little something on your face there.”

“No, really? Did your pinkie sense tell you that too?” She responded sarcastically with a smile. Nova cocked an eyebrow at this.

Pinkie kept her jolly attitude as she responded. “Nah, I could just see it.” She then happily trotted away. “La la la la la la.” 

The frog finally jumped off Twilight’s head causing it to shake a little. “Come on Spike, lets continue our practice session where there’s a little less commotion.” Nova decided to follow, Twilight seemed like she was in a bit of a fowl mood and decided to see if he could cheer her up.

Spike excitedly jumped onto Twilight’s back. “WOWZA, that was amazing! Pinkie Pie predicted something would fall and it did.”

Twilight was not amused. “Oh come on, Pinkie said something was going to fall and a frog just happen to fall right around the same time, a coincidence, nothing else to it.”

Nova decided to share his thoughts. “I don’t know Twilight, what are the odds of something like that happening?”

Before she could answer, Pinkie came rushing back to them, she jumped up and exclaimed as her tail was twitching again. “My tail, my tail, twitcha twitch, twitcha twitch! Something else is gonna fall.”

Spike started looking around nervously above his head. Nova was looking up as well for anything. Twilight kept walking with a smug smile. “Oh Pinkie please, nothing else is gonna fallAAAAHHH!” Twilight was cut off as she fell in a ditch, Spike managed to land just on the edge of it.

“Oh no, Twilight fell.” Spike exclaimed. 

Nova rushed over and looked down. It was a small ditch. “Twilight, you okay?” 

Twilight was on her back with stars in her eyes.  She managed to pick herself up. “I’m ok.” She answered. 

Spike turned to Pinkie. “Is it….safe to go help her?”

“It’s ok, my tail stopped twitching.” Pinkie gave her head a toss and flung her umbrella hat off before hopping off again.

Nova was helping Twilight out of the ditch as Spike came up to her. “Ha ha, that was amazing!” he exclaimed happily.

Twilight was still un-amused. “Oh pu-lease.”

Applejack came up to the group. “Uh Twilight, why is nova helping you out of a ditch?”

Spike answered. “Because Pinkie Pie predicted she would fall.”

Twilight objected. “Honestly Spike she did not. Two coincedences in a row may be unlikely, but still easier to believe that twitchy tails that predict the future.”

Applejack became worried at this. “Twitchy tail, Pinkie sense?” Applejack then rushed to hide under a nearby stand.

Spike came up to Applejack to let her know it was clear. “Don’t worry, it’s safe. The prediction already came true.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow to Applejack's reaction. “Oh wait, don’t tell me you believe in this stuff too?”

Applejack came out from under the cart and stood up. “I know it don’t make much sense, but fer those of us that have been in Ponyville a while have learned overtime that if Pinkies a twitchin, you’d better listen.”

Pinkie rushed back over with her ears flopping up and down. “My ears are floppy, my ears are floppy!” She exclaimed.

Spike shielded himself with his arms in fear. “GAH, what does that mean?”

Pinkie looked over to Nova. “I’ll draw you a bath.”

Nova was confused by this. “Excuse me?”

Twilight laughed at this. “Huh, a bath, this thing keeps getting more ridiculous by the min….”

*SPLASH* Before Twilight could finish her sentence, an old stallion hauling a cart rushed by and splashed mud all over Nova. “Ugh, *PAH* what the hay?” Nova looked at himself covered in mud.

Twilight was surprised by this. “Nova?”

“Ugh, I’m fine, just a little muddy.” He then turned to Pinkie. “Pinkie, you saw this coming didn’t you?”

Pinkie smiled. “I sure did, come on, I’ll let you use my bathroom to get cleaned up.” 

Later on, Nova was in a bath tub with Pinkie and Twilight nearby, the tub was full of bubbles. “Good thing I had the forsight to make the holo-emitters water proof.” Nova thought to himself. “Thanks for letting me get cleaned up here Pinkie.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So how does this Pinkie sense thing work anyway?” Nova asked.

Twilight had the same un-amused look on her face as Pinkie explained. “So basically, it works like this. I get different little nickly feelings and they mean different things, like when my back is itchy, it means it’s my lucky day, and when my knee gets pinchy, it means something scary is about to happen.”

Twilight then interjected. “Is your knee pinchy now?”

“No, but my shoulders achy, that means there’s an alligator in the tub.”

Nova cocked an eyebrow at this. “A what now?” 

Pinkie came over to the tub, dunked her head in and pulled out a little green alligator. Nova quickly jumped out and stood on the edge of the tub. “AH, RAZOR BEAST, RUN!”

Twilight was freaking out too as she backed away. “Pinkie, why didn’t your knee get pinchy, that’s not only scary, that’s downright dangerous!” Pinkie set it down on the floor.

“KEEP THAT THING AWAY FROM ME!” Nova cried out.  

Pinkie just giggled. “Heh heh heh, no it’s not sillies, this is my pet alligator gummy, he’s got no teeth.” The gator opened its mouth to show it did indeed have no teeth at all. It then proceeded to chomp down on Pinkie playfully and repeatedly till it reached her tail.

Twilight relaxed a little. “So I see.” But then the two girls remembered what Nova cried out. “Nova, what’s a razor beast?”

Nova had gotten down to the floor and was starting to sweat nervously. “Oh great, way to go genious, you freaked out over a harmless creature thinking it was a monster from your old planet, and now they want to know what it is. Come on think think THINK…….AHA” “Well, you see, a…..razor beast is similar in appearance to that alligator there, but they’re much more fierce and dangerous, but thankfully rare creatures.”

“But we don’t have anything like that in Equestria, where in Equestria did you encounter such a thing?”

“It was…….somewhere outside of Equestria, very rare creatures, and very dangerous.”

“So you’re from another country?” Twilight widened her eyes in curiosity.

“No, I just did a lot of traveling and got to see other countries outside of Equestria.” “It’s probably best you let them think you’re from this country.”  The two accepted this answer and let it go to Nova’s relief. 

Once Nova was dried off, the three headed outside. Twilight was still skeptical about Pinkie’s Pinkie sense. “Well, I still don’t believe in this….special power stuff, it’s just a bunch of mumbo jumbo.”

Pinkie tried to defend. “What’s not to believe, you do magic, what’s the difference?”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Huge, for one thing….” Twilight paused when she saw a box with a few soap products on it, she pushed them aside and got on top of the box, then cleared her throat and began a little speech. “Magic is something you study and practice, it only happens when you decide to do it and it’s meant to make something specific that you choose to happen happen. With you……It makes no sense at all.”

Pinkie narrowed her eyes at Twilight. “That’s so not true Twilight.” She smiled again. “Sometimes it’s a bunch of random things happening to my body at random times that supposedly predict the future, I call em combos.”

Nova responded to this. “Combos?”

Pinkie responded. “Sure, you know, like ear flop, then knee twitch, then eye flutter. That means the sky is about to be graced by a beautiful rainbow.”

“Yeah, sure.” Twilight deadpanned.

“I believe.” Nova said aloud.

Twilight turned to him. “What, you believe this too? Nova, tell me you aren’t serious.”

Nova came up to her. “Twilight, in my travels, I have seen far stranger things in this uni….ah, I mean….world, that you wouldn’t believe. A pony that gets twitches that predict the future is nothing.”

Twilight just rolled her eyes as she made her way up to her library. Pinkie called out. “Uh oh, I feel a combo coming on. Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch.” Pinkie said as each one happened. 

Just as Twilight was about to open the door, it flew open and slammed her against the wall, Spike was just casually backing out carrying a stack of books in his arms, unaware of what he did. Nova winced at the sight as he closed one eye and raised a hoof. The door slowly moved back and Twilight fell to the ground. Nova rushed over to help her again. Twilight spoke with weariness. “I though you said that combo meant beautiful rainbows?”

“You okay Twilight, that looked painful.” Nova asked.

Twilight slowly got up. “I’m fine, just a headache now. Thanks Nova.” She gave him a smile.

Nova smiled back, they just looked at each other before Nova realized what was going on, he quickly lost his smile and turned to Pinkie. “*AHEM* So pinkie, what happened, you know, with the twitching. I thought that combo you just had you said would mean a beautiful rainbow.”

Twilight looked a little down but looked back to Pinkie for an explanation. Pinkie corrected. “Oh nonononono. Your thinking of an ear flop, then knee twitch, then eye flutter. This was an ear flop, then eye flutter, then knee twitch, that usually means look out for opening doors.”

“I don’t believe this.” Twilight commented.

Pinkie came up to her face. “You don’t believe because you don’t understand.” Twilight looked in thought for a moment.

A little later, Pinkie, Twilight, and Nova had gathered in Twilight’s basement of the library. Nova came along because, even though he believed Pinkie was capable of what she was doing, he was curious as to how. Twilight had Pinkie’s forelegs resting on a machine with shackles and wearing a funny looking metal helmet with lights. Twilight plugged a few wires into it and it lit up. Twilight then used her magic to close the shackles, securing Pinkie in the machine. The wires were connected to another machine that was spewing out paper with lines.

“Ok, now when you get another twitch, we’ll have all kinds of scientific information.” Twilight informed.

Pinkie just smiled as usual as she responded. “Okie, dokie, lokie.” She then took on a serious face as if in concentration. 

To help out, Nova took to monitoring the machine and the information it was giving while Twilight just kept her eyes on Pinkie. “Anything yet Pinkie?” Nova asked.

“Nopey, dopey.” Pinkie answered happily.

There were no changes in the data the machine was making. “Anything now?” Twilight asked after a few more seconds.

“Wait, hold on………uh, no.” 

Twilight was starting to get frustrated. “Are you kidding me, after a whole day of non-stop twitching, now that I got you hooked up you’re not getting a single one?” 

“I don’t control it, they just come and go.” Pinkie responded with a bit of worry.

Twilight came back with a glare. “That makes no sense!”

“Sometimes you just have to believe in things, even when you can’t figure them out.”

Twilight got in Pinkie’s face. “I will not believe in anything I cannot explain.”

Nova got a little worried at her statement. “Twilight, don’t you think that’s a little close minded of you?”

Twilight turned to him. She was about to say something in response but Pinkie interrupted. “Wait, hold on, I’m feeling something.” She looked in concentration. 

Twilight perked up. “Oh my gosh, what, what is it?”

A low grumbling was heard coming from Pinkie’s stomach. “It’s my tummy, that usually means I’m hungry, let’s eat.”

Twilight growled in aggravation. “GRRRR, you know what…” She grabbed the wires with her teeth and yanked them off, shutting down the machines. “Just forget it, I don’t need to know if this is real or not, I don’t need to understand it, I don’t even care.” Twilight just started walking off.

Pinkie slipped her forelegs out of the shackles and caused the metal helmet to fall off. “Okie dokie lokie.” She then hopped to the stairs past Nova and Twilight. They reached the top and Pinkie was about to reach the door before she started twitching again which caused her to back up while Twilight kept going. 

Nova recognized it as the twitching for opening doors. “Twilight wait!” *SLAM* The door flung open and Spike walked in.

“Pinkie, have you seen Twilight?”

Pinkie just hopped passed him happily as she answered. “Uh huh.”

Nova came up to him. “Spike you really need to start being more careful about how you open doors.” Nova used his magic to open the door to reveal a squished Twilight. 

Twilight looked at Spike with a bit of malice. “Oooh, did you two plan this?”

“Plan what?” Spike asked cluelessly. 

Nova helped Twilight off the door and onto her hooves. “Twilight, are you sure you’re not ready to believe yet, given Pinkie’s track record, I’d say it’s about time to.”

Twilight stood firm on her position. “Of course not, this can’t be happening, it makes no sense. I have to figure this out.”

“I don’t know Twilight, it seems whenever Pinkie gets a twitch and you don’t listen, it ends up in you getting hurt. I don’t think this is such a good idea.”

Twilight looked to him with determination. “I just have to figure this out Nova, it just doesn’t make any sense. I will figure this out.”

Nova gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* All right, but I’m coming along, there’s not telling what else may happen to you if Pinkie starts twitching again.”

Twilight gave a light smile. “Really?”

“Well, yes, I just can’t stand to see you hurt.”

Twilight gave a light blush. “Thank you Nova.” 

Nova smiled back, once again, they just looked at each other for a bit before Nova realized what was going on and cleared his throat. “*AHEM* So, um, lets….get to it shall we, where do we begin?”

Later in the day, Twilight and Nova were sneaking around in a bush following Pinkie as she happily hopped around the park. Twilight was wearing a pith helmet and had a pair of binoculars, Nova was taking notes for her as he held a notepad in his magical grasp. Twilight poked the binoculars out of the bush and was looking at Pinkie as she went about her business. 

“Twilight, Nova?” 

Spike’s sudden appearance caused Twilight to jump up in fright. “AH!”

Nova just gave a bit of a surprised shout. “WHOA!” Nova turned to him and spoke in a whisper. “Spike, don’t sneak up on us like that.”

Twilight pulled Spike behind the bush with them. She started scolding him too. “Honestly Spike, don’t you know better than to sneak up on ponies?”

Spike responded. “Oh, sorry, but…..um, isn’t that what you two are doing?”

Twilight was looking over the bush as Spike talked, Spike looked over the bush too and Twilight freaked a little as she jumped past Nova and tackled Spike to the ground. “No.” She looked through the bush again at Pinkie. “We’re doing scientific research, we’re observing Pinkie Pie, scientific name, Pinkious Piacous in its natural habitat.” 

Nova was confused with that. “Pinkeous what now? And since when is a park Pinkie’s natural habitat?”

Twilight ignored the question as she informed Spike. “There’s something going on with the whole twitchy tail prediction thing, and we’re getting to the bottom of it. So shhh.” Twilight looked out from behind the bush again to see Pinkie hopping away. “Come on, Pinkious Piecous is on the move.” The three moved and took the bush with them.

They followed Pinkie to the school playground and Twilight watched as Pinkie just rolled around. Twilight started watching her through the binoculars. She spoke as she saw Pinkie scratch at her nose. “Hmm, itchy nose.” Nova wrote that down. Nova then looked out and saw Pinkie begin to look worried, she rushed over and hid under a large standing horseshoe structure. 

Twilight lowered the binoculars with a smile. “Aha, that makes no sense, see,  she’s hiding like something’s about to fall from the sky, but a twitchy tail means something’s going to fall, not an itchy nose.”

“Maybe it means something else and we should hide like her.” Nova suggested.

Twilight was about to respond, but Spike ran off in fear. “YAHH!”

Nova got worried and looked where he was looking. Twilight called after him. “Spike where are you going?”

Nova answered. “ANGRY SWARM!” He called out in fear. Nova thought fast and quickly put up a barrier around Twilight so she’d be safe, he was thinking too quickly to think to encompass himself in the barrier. Twilight looked and saw the swarm begin to buzz around Nova and sting him mercilessly. He was able to keep the barrier up to protect Twilight, but it was still hurting. “Ow, OH, AH, OOOH, OW, OW, OW!”

Twilight just watched helplessly and with worry as Nova was being repeatedly stung on her behalf. “NOVA!”

Eventually, the swarm left and Nova finally dropped his shield around Twilight. He dropped to the ground in pain. “Oww.”

Twilight got to his side. “Nova, are you all right?” 

“Mental note, itchy nose means angry swarm of bugs.” Nova said as he lay there. His body was covered with bumps from the stings. 

Twilight helped him up. “Come on Nova, let’s get you some bandages. Thank you for protecting me from those bugs.” She gave him a warm smile.

“Oh, no problem Twilight, ow, oh, I think I’m gonna be sore for a week.”

Nova was now covered in bandages. Spike had rejoined the two as they watched Pinkie and had followed her to Applejack’s farm. They were hiding behind a stack of hay next to a barn. Twilight was watching Pinkie through her binoculars but looked back to Nova as he held a notepad in his magic grasp. “Nova, are you sure your ok?”

Nova just gave a smile. “I’ll be fine, no problem.”

Twilight smiled at him again. “Thanks again for protecting me.” She continued to watch Pinkie through the binoculars. 

“What’s she doing now?” Spike asked quietly. 

“Smelling a flower.”

“Holly guacamole, I wonder what that means.” Spike said a little more excited than neccasary.

“Probably that the flower smells good.” Twilight simply answered. “Hold on, I’m getting something. Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch.”

Spike got scared. “Hold on, you said that’s the combo that says look out for opening doors.” Spike started to walk away from the barn door they were close too. Nova got a little worried too.

Twilight just looked at Spike. “Ah ha, you really, really believe this stuff don’t you. Here let me show you that there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Nova tried to warn Twilight as she walked up to the barn door and leaned on it. “Twilight, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

After a second, nothing happened. “Ya see.” Twilight started trotting away. “I promise you there’s nothing to….” A lot of things happened as Twilight spoke.

First, Nova saw a door open up from the ground, he quickly moved and pushed Twilight away and back towards the hay bail with his front hooves, but he moved and did it so fast, he ended up standing on his hind legs and tried to regain his balance as his front legs waved around and one of his hind legs were raised up. He lost his balance and fell down a series of stairs. “OW, OW, OW, OW!” *CRASH*

“Why Nova, you came to visit my new apple cellar, how nice.” Applejack said to Nova who was lying on his back in pain and near unconsciousness.

Twilight rushed to the top of the stairs and called down to him. “Nova, are you all right?”

“APPLES!” He called out from the cellar.

Later on, Spike took over the note taking as Nova was now in a wheel chair with casts on his front legs. Twilight just looked at him worriedly as they followed Pinkie back to the park. “Oh Nova, I’m so sorry, this is all my fault.”

Nova looked to her with a light smile. “Hey now, don’t go blaming yourself, this was an accident, I’ll be fine.”

“But this happened to you because you were protecting me. I’m so sorry Nova.”

“Twilight, this was an accident, there was no way you could have known about that door being there, it’s best this happened to me than you.”

Twilight smiled at him and nuzzled him. “Thanks Nova.” 

Nova blushed a little at the contact. “What are you doing, you can’t get cozy with her, what if it leads to a relationship, you can’t risk her finding out. But……would it really be so bad, I mean……she is so nice and caring……great galaxies, I suppose it wouldn’t be too bad to see if this could lead to something, I’ll just have to be careful.” “*HE AHEM* So, what is Pinkie doing now?”

Twilight picked up her binoculars and looked through them at Pinkie. “Ok, take this down. Twitchy tail.”

Spike looked at the notes. “Twitchy tail?” He then got real panicked. “TWITCHY TAIL!”

Twilight turned to Spike as Nova looked up in the sky worriedly. “Hush Spike, we can’t let Pinkie know we’re here.”

“Something’s gonna fall, run for your life!”

Nova saw what was coming. “Oh quasars.” Nova quickly focused his magic and used it to toss Twilgiht to the side and out of harm’s way.

“Whoa!” Twilight called as she was suddenly tossed. “Nova, what are you….” She looked at him just in time to see him get hit in the head with a flower pot, then a large anvil, followed by a cart full of bails of hay, and finally a piano. “NOVA!” Twilight ran to the pile and started frantically using her magic to dig through it. “Nova, Nova, can you hear me?” She managed to get most of the stuff off him and saw him lying there on top of a ruined wheel chair. “Nova, come on, speak to me.”

Stars were all he could see as he lay there. “I’ll have my oats now mama.” He then passed out. 

“Nova, come on Nova wake up.” Twilight tried to slap him lightly on the cheek to wake him.

Spike came back and saw the situation. “Oh man, is he okay?”

Spike was answered with a groan from Nova as he stirred. “Ooohhh, my head, what hit me?”

Twilight smiled seeing him wake up. “Nova, oh thank Celestia your awake, is anything broken, where do you hurt?”

“Uh, relax Twilight, I’m ok, other than one killer headache.” He started to stand.

Twilight helped him up. “Nova, thank you again, you saved me from getting hurt again.”

“Hey, no problem, this is just turning into one of those days where I should have stayed in bed.” He said jokingly.

Twilight let out a little giggle. Pinkie’s voice was heard nearby. “Hey Applejack, whatcha doin?”

Applejack’s voice answered back. “Takin more apples to my new apple cellar, how bout you Pinkie, what are you doin?”

Twilight and Nova looked over to the sources and saw Applejack with a bucket of apples on her back. Pinkie answered. “Oh, letting Twilight and Nova secretly follow me around all day without me knowing.”

This got their attention. Nova narrowed his eyes and walked up to her. Twilight was the first to comment. “You mean you knew all along?”

Nova then started. “Why didn’t you say anything Pinkie?”

Pinkie giggled. “Oh silly, that would have ruined the surprise.”

Nova’s face started to take on different looks, he seemed like he was about to have a mental breakdown. 

Twilight looked at him worriedly and put a hoof on his back to try and calm him down. She probably would have had the same reaction if she had been through the pain Nova went through today.

Spike poked his head out from behind Twilight. “Tail still twitching?”

Pinkie answered cheerfully. “All done, clear skies from hear on in as far as I can tell.” Pinkie’s entire body started shuddering greatly. 

Spike immediately freaked out and hid behind Twilight again. “Oh no, what does that one mean?”

“Don’t know, I never got any like it before, but whatever that shudder is about, it’s a doozy. Something you never expect to happen is going to happen.” Pinkie shuddered again. “And it’s going to happen…..at froggy bottom bog!”

“*Gasp* That’s where Fluttershy’s headed.” Applejack informed.

“Oh no, is it about her?” Spike asked.

Pinkie wasn’t positive. “I…I’m not sure.”

“Well, what are we waiting for, let’s head there now and make sure she’s fine.” Nova said to the group.

Twilight was still reluctant to believe in Pinkie’s abilities. “Calm down every pony, all we know is that Pinkie got a case of the shivers, that’s all.” She looked around and saw the others had already taken off. She galloped to catch up to them. She ran up behind Spike and tossed him on her back. 

“Hey, I thought you didn’t believe in this stuff?” Spike asked after landing on Twilight’s back.

“I don’t, I just want to be there to see the look on Pinkie’s face when we find out there’s nothing wrong.” 

Nova just rolled his eyes at Twilight’s statement. 

Pinkie responded in her usual happy tune. “Okey dokey.” They made their way into the forest to reach froggy bottom bog.

After a while, they slowed their pace a bit. Pinkie shuddered again. “Cold, need a jacket or something?” Twilight asked Pinkie smugly.

Pinkie kept her smile as she responded. “No thanks, I’m fine.” She shuddered again.

Nova was walking just behind Applejack and Spike. “So, what do you think happened to Fluttershy?” Spike asked Applejack.

“I hope nothin.” She responded.

“I know but, what do you think happened?”

“I’m tryin not to think about it.”

Spike straightened his face. “Me too.” He looked worried again. “But, I’m thinking about it anyway, like, what if…..she exploded.”

Applejack and Nova raised an eyebrow to this. Nova was the one to respond. “Exploded, just like that?”

Spike answered back. “Yeah, like…boom.”

“Spike, what your talking about is spontaneous combustion, it’s a scientific impossibility, Fluttershy didn’t explode.”

“Whoa.” Pinkie said.

“I know.” Spike responded.

“What if, what if she exploded, and then exploded again!”

Nova interjected. “Pinkie, that is impossible, just exploding once is impossible as it is, there is no way she exploded twice, you two are being ridiculous.”

“Look, there’s froggy bottom bog.” Applejack pointed out. 

Once they found it, they all spread out to find it. Applejack tried calling out to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy!”

Pinkie called out too. “Fluttershy?!”

Nova gave a shout as well. “Fluttershy, where are you?!”

They looked around for a while, Pinkie even thought to look under a lily pad, a frog jumped on it, then Spike jumped on her head. “Fluttershy, your ok.” Spike said as he leapt out and gave Fluttershy a hug after spotting her just in front of Pinkie.

Fluttershy gave him a quizzical look as she responded. “Of course.”

“Whew, what a relief.” Applejack expressed.

“I’m so glad everything’s all right.” Pinkie expressed.

Twilight took on a smug smile. “Sorry, I know it’s not nice to gloat but…..AHA!” Her exclamation caused Spike to fall off Fluttershy’s back. “I told you there was nothing to worry about and I was right.” Nova was standing next to Twilight and Applejack. As Twilight started talking, a fowl odor and gas filled the air. “Pinkie Pie said that whatever she was shuddering about was a *Cough, cough* Doozy and *cough, cough* the only doozy here is how right I am.”

Nova was coughing too from the stench, he noticed applejack was making her way over to Fluttershy, Spike, and Pinkie.  “Um, Twilight?” Applejack and the others were looking scared, they seemed to be staring at something behind them. Nova got worried about this and slowly turned his head around. 

Twilight kept going with her speech. “Pinkie’s made a lot of predictions today but, *cough, cough* Uh, what is that smell?” 

Nova tried to get her attention as he spoke with fear. “Twilight?”

She kept going. “But what we’ve shown here is that there is no point in believing *cough, cough* in anything you can’t see for yourself.”

Nova tried again. “Twilight!”

Twilight finally turned to him. “What is it Nova?”

Nova grabbed her head and turned it back and upwards to look at what the others were, there were four long necks with heads towering over them. “Do you see that?” He asked.

“I see it, but I don’t believe it.” Twilight was scared now. Three of the heads gave a loud roar, the fourth was a little slow and joined in the others.

“Is that a hydra?!” Fluttershy asked.

“Who carres, RUN!” Applejack yelled, the ponies did just that. They all ran for their lives. Pinkie was frozen in terror.

Twilight saw this. “Pinkie, come on!” One of the heads lunged for Pinkie, Twilight managed to reach her in time and pulled her away by the tail.

Fluttershy looked to a frog hopping for his life next to her. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

The four heads rose out of the muck to reveal that the four necks connected to one body with a tail and two legs. The massive beast gave chase to the ponies. One lunged for Twilight but just missed, slamming into the ground. Another tried to get Applejack but only managed to get a branch in its mouth. A third lunged for Fluttershy as she climbed over a rock, she jumped off in time for the head to chomp down on the rock instead of her. The fourth head just laughed at the others.

The group ran as fast as they could, soon coming to a dead end, Twilight looked to the right and saw a hill. “Everypony up that hill.” 

As soon as she said that, Spike’s voice cried out. “HEEEEEELLLLP!” They looked back to see he was stuck in mud. 

“I got ya buddy, hang on!” Nova called as he rushed over to him. Nova pulled Spike out of the mud just in time before the hydra came. Nova put Spike on his back as he rejoined the others as they all ran up a hill.

Nova looked back to see one of the hydra’s foot got momentarily stuck in the mud too. “I think we’re going to make it.” Twilight said from the back of the group with Nova. 

“But Pinkie’s still shuddering.” Spike pointed out. Pinkie was indeed shuddering.

She then stopped shuddering. “Oh lookey there, it stopped.” It then started up again. “Oh, TtHhEeRrEe IiTt IiSs AAagGaaAiIiNNNnn.” Spike got off Nova’s back and started pushing Pinkie up the hill as her shuddering was causing her to slip down the hill.

The hill ended at a cliff with a series of rock pillars in front of them.  A loud stomp got their attention as they looked back to see the hydra making its way up the hill to them.

“Ah, he’ll be up here in no time, quick, one at a time, cross.” Twilight pointed out.

Spike came up to Twilight. “Uh, do you know any spells to turn a hydra into a mouse?”

“No.”

“How about a squirell?”

“No.”

“How about…”

“No small rodents of any kind!” Twilight cut him off.

“That’s too bad.”

Fluttershy took a deep breath. “A hop….skip….and a…..JUMP!” Fluttershy started jumping across.

Twilight then tossed Spike to the first rock pillar. Pinkie shuddered over the cliff side, Applejack managed to grab her by the tail and pull her back before she fell.

Nova noticed something. “He’s too close, you all get across, I’ll hold him off and buy you all some time.”

Twilight tried to object. “But Nova….”

Nova cut her off. “No buts Twilight, you and the others cross, there’s no time to argue.” Twilight reluctantly agreed and joined the others. “Ok Nova, here we go. CHAAAAAAAARRRRRRGE!” Nova galloped away and used his magic to zap in his wings. He flew up to the beast and between the two middle heads. He zipped around to the left and got in front of the hydra. “Come on you four headed freak, come and get me!” 

The far right head lunged for Nova, he managed to fly up to avoid it and flew straight for the middle right head, landing an uppercut on it. He flew back and buzzed around the beast a few times. During one pass, he flew and hit the far left head on the side. He flew straight up and came down on top of the middle left head. The middle right head lunged for Nova, but he managed to jump up in time to dodge it. The far left head tried too, but again, Nova was too fast.

Nova buzzed around the beast a few more times to try and make it dizzy. It seemed to work as the eyes seemed to spin in their heads. Nova took this opportunity to see if the girls had made it across the chasm. He smiled to see them all waiting for him, but he could also see they were scared for him too. “NOVA, LOOK OUT!” Twilight called.
Nova looked behind him in time to see the middle right head coming down on him. The head hit him and sent him flying back. Nova crashed into the ground and nearly went over the edge as he skidded to a hault. The beast closed in on him, 

Nova looked at it with fear as it licked its lips. Nova took to the air and tried to fly off. Unfortunately, he wasn’t fast enough this time. The girls and Spike watched in horror as the middle left head lunged forward with an open mouth and chomped down on Nova. “NOOOOOOO!” They all cried out.

The middle left head swallowed, a lump was seen traveling down its neck to the stomach. “NOVA!” Twilight cried out with tears in her eyes.

Applejack took her hat off as her eyes got teary too and held it to her barrel in respect. “Nova.”

“No, it can’t be, it just can’t.” Fluttershy expressed.

Even Pinkie was about to cry. “Nova, no. YOU BIG MEANIE, GIVE US BACK OUR FRIEND!” Pinkie called out to the hydra.

The beast just gave them a smug smile and one of them gave them a raspberry. Fluttershy was speechless as she wept. 

“Nova.” Twilight said quietly to herself. “I can’t believe that just happened. After everything he’s done for us, for me.” She sat on her haunches and lowered her head in remorse. Spike came up to her with teary eyes as well. He placed a claw on her side as they wept.

Suddenly, something caught Spike’s eye. He looked at the hydra and saw bulges erupting from it’s stomach. “Twilight, look, something’s happening.” Twilight looked at Spike, then back at the hydra. The girls came to her side as well and watched. Muffled explosions could be heard coming from inside the beast’s belly.

“What in tarnation is going on?” Applejack asked. The girls and dragon just kept their eyes on the scene, the hydra wasn’t looking too well as looks of pain were being plastered on all four heads. Soon, a single bulge was seen making its way slowly up the neck of the middle right head. The head of that one was looking teary eyed. The bulge reached the mouth and it slowly began to open.

“LOOK!” Pinkie pointed to the mouth and Nova was seen struggling to push it open. 

Their faces lit up upon seeing their friend still alive. “NOVA!” Twilight cried out in joy. 

Nova struggled to push the jaw open all the way. “YOU…..WON’T…..MAKE….A MEAL…….OUT OF…..ME!” The hydra head looked like it was struggling to close its mouth, not wanting to give up its prey. Nova was then sent flying across the chasm from the jaws of the beast trying to close. “YAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” Nova screamed as he flew across. He slammed right into the rock wall behind the girls and left an imprint.

The girls and Spike all winced when Nova hit the wall. They also soon saw that Nova was covered in light green clear hydra slobber. He fell from the rock wall on his back.

The girls all gathered around him and looked down at him. “Nova, are you ok?” Fluttershy asked.

Nova spoke with a goofy grin and a bit of a slur. “Oh hey Fluttershy, what are you doing here? I’m not feeling good so I’m just going to take a nap now, good night.” He just passed out.

Applejack tried to wake him. “Nova, come now, wake up.” She shook him, and slapped him lightly.

It worked as Nova woke up with a start. “HUH, WHAT, what happened, where’s the hydra, is every pony safe?” He asked hurriedly as he jumped to his hooves. 

Twilight came up to him. “We are thanks to you, you had us all worried, we thought you were a goner when that hydra ate you.”

Nova gave a smile. “Hey, I’m not about to let some hydra take me away from my friends and little broth…..eh, what is this stuff?” Nova finally noticed the slime covering his body, he gave it a sniff. “Ewe, great, now I’m going to be bathing for a week just to get this smell off me.”

Pinkie ignored the slime as she latched on to him in a big hug. “Oh Nova, we’re so glad you’re safe.” Pinkie then released him and had some of the slime hanging off her, she just shook herself and it was gone. 

“Uh, listen girls, can we keep what just happed between us, I really don’t want to have to relive that…..gross moment.” Nova said to them. 

Twilight answered with a smile. “Sure Nova, no problem.” Twilight then turned to Pinkie. “Pinkie, I don’t know how it happened, coincidence, dumb luck or what, but you said there’d be a doozy here and froggy bottom bog, and I’d say we just had ourselves a doozy. I mean that hydra…..” Twilight cut herself off when Pinkie started shuddering. “Pinkie?”

Pinkie stopped shuddering. “That wasn’t it.” She simply stated.

“Huh?”

Spike came up next to her. "What wasn’t what?”

Applejack expressed her confusion as well. “What are you talkin about Pink?”

Pinkie began to explain. “The hydra wasn’t the doozy.” The hydra was seen finally walking off after giving them another raspberry. “I’m still getting the shudders.” Pinkie shuddered again. “Ya see, there it is again. Whatever the doozy was at froggy bottom bog, my pinkie sense says it still hasn’t happened yet.”

Nova’s eyes just shrunk a bit after hearing this. “What?”

Twilight got real upset about this.  “Uh, but I, WHAT!? The hydra wasn’t the doozy, how could it not be the doozy, Nova was eaten and spit out by that thing, what could be doozier than that?!”

“Don’t know, but it just wasn’t it.”

Nova looked to Twilight and saw she looked like she was about to explode. Her eyes were narrowed, she jumped up and her coat became hot white while her mane and tail exploded into flames. The others just looked in fear before Twilight reverted back to herself. “Huh, I give up.” She just fell to the ground.

“Give what up Twilight?” Spike asked as he came up to her.

“The fight, I can’t fight it anymore. I don’t understand how or why or what, but Pinkie’s sense somehow…..makes sense.” Pinkie seemed to be shuddering a bit more violently. “I don’t see how it does but it just does. Just because I don’t understand doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

Pinkie was really shuddering now. “YyYOoOUuUu BBbbBEeElLlEiIVvvEeE?”

“Yep, I guess I do.” 

Pinkie then went nuts with the shuddering as she shook very violently and her body expanded and shrunk. Finally, she had settled down. She let out a little gasp of realization. “*gasp* That was it, that’s the doozy.”

Nova just shook his head. “Excuse me?”

Twilight walked up to Pinkie. “What, what is?”

Pinkie poked a hoof in Twilight’s barrel. “You believing. I never expected that to happen. THAT was the doozy,  Oh and what a doozy of a doozy it was.” Pinkie just happily trotted away.

Nova’s eyes rolled up and he just fell over on his side. The others that were still there looked at him with worry. He looked up at them. “Can we just go, I’d really like to put this day behind me.”

Twilight smiled. “After Everything you’ve been through today, sure, let’s go.” Nova got up and the group made their way back to town.

Once back in town, the girls went their separate ways while Twilight decided to walk Nova back to his house. “Nova, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me today, you went through so much just to make sure I wouldn’t get hurt.”

“Yeah, well, uh…….Twilight….um, about…….that date you asked me about a while back?”

Twilight looked to Nova. “Yes?”

“Um, I was thinking…….maybe…..I’d like to……..take you on one, if you still want to go.”

Twilight smiled big. “Really, you mean it? But, what about this secret you’ve been keeping, didn’t you say it might be a problem?”

“Well, I don’t think it would be too much of an issue, so, what do you say? You…..still want to?”

“Yes, I’d love to.” 

Nova smiled big. “Shall we say, Saturday night?”

“Sounds good, now why don’t you go get cleaned up, you kind of smell.”

Nova gave a light chuckle. “Heh, yeah, I kind of figured that. I’ll see you later Twilight.”

So the two parted ways and Nova went into his home to clean himself up. “Hey Nova, welcome home……what happened to you?” Starburst greeted happily until he saw his big brother covered in hydra slime and smelling bad. “Ewe, what’s that smell?”

Nova just rolled his eyes with a smile. “It’s a long story little brother, I’ll tell you later, right now, I need a bath and a very long nap, I had a rough day today.”

> Rarity The Flutterpony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rarity The Flutterpony



“Starburst! Where are you?!” Nova was running through Ponyville looking for his brother. “STARBURST!” He came to the center of town and saw his little brother in a cage with chains on him weeping. Nova ran up to him. “Starburst, are you-“ Before he could finish, a cry rang out.

“GET HIM!” A horde of ponies leapt at him and within seconds had him in chains. The ponies threw him in the cage with his little brother.

“NO, please don’t do this, we just wanted a home!” Nova cried through the bars as he gripped them. He looked around frantically for something or some pony to help. “GIRLS, please help me!” His eyes fell upon the six girls he had come to call friend standing just behind Princess Celestia as she glared at him. 

Applejack was looking at him and his brother with worry, Twilight had a sad frown on her face with a few tears coming out. “Twilight, please help us!” Nova cried desperately. Twilight simply closed her eyes and looked away while the others just glared at him. The princess raised a hoof and pointed away, the ponies that captured him picked the cage up and carried them away. “Twilight, Applejack, PLEASE HELP US!” They all just turned and left.

The ponies carried the cage to a swamp that seemed all too familiar to Nova. “Oh no, not froggy bottom bog.” The ponies set the cage down. 

“Nova, what are they going to do to us?” Starburst asked sadly.

The cage opened and the ponies yanked Starburst out. Nova tried to reach for him but some of the ponies had spears and kept him back. “NO, NOT MY BROTHER, PLEASE!”

“Nova, help me!” Starburst cried as he was yanked out. Nova watched helplessly as they tossed Starburst to the edge of the water. Four long necks with heads emerged from the water.

The ponies stood back and watched. “NO, PLEASE DON’T DO THIS, I BEG YOU!”

The four heads licked their lips. One lunged down and gobbled Starburst up. “STARBURST, NO!” Nova cried as tears fell.

“Your next alien.” One of the ponies said. They dragged him out next and tossed him in front of the hydra. 

Nova looked up at the beast in fear. “No, NO!” One of the heads reached down and grabbed Nova with their teeth, tossed him up, and swallowed him whole. “NOOOOOOOOOO!” Nova cried as he fell into darkness.

“NO!” Nova sat up in bed as his eyes shot open, he was panting heavily and sweating. “A nightmare, just a nightmare.” He looked down and closed his eyes as he placed his hooves over his face. He looked over to his brother’s bed and saw he was still asleep, Starburst was currently facing Nova, but turned over and now had his back facing him. 

Nova quietly got out of bed and left the room. He used his magic to put up his pony disguise and went outside. It was the middle of the night, a half-moon decorated the night sky as the stars shined. A light breeze was blowing as it rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. Nova just sat there and gazed up at the stars. “Mom, dad, I wish you were here with us, I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid if we’re discovered, we’ll have to leave and go back to the loneliness of space. But I don’t like lying to my new friends. What am I supposed to do?” 

“Nova?” Twilight’s voice called out to him. 

Nova turned to face the source and saw Twilight walking up to him. “Oh, hey Twilight.”

“What are you doing up so late?”

Nova looked back to the stars. “I could ask you the same thing.”

Twilight smiled a little. “I was doing some late night studying when I happen to look out my window and saw you out here.” Her smile faded. “Is something wrong?”

“I couldn’t sleep, I had a bad nightmare is all.”

Twilight came up next to him and sat down too. “Do you want to talk about it, Nightmares are a manifestation of fears, if you had a nightmare, then something you’re afraid of is coming out in nightmares. It helps to talk about it.”

Nova lowered his head. “It’s just a nightmare, nothing to be concerned about.”

Twilight put a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “Nova, I wish you would be more open with me, we are friends after all, if something is bothering you, you can tell me.” She gave a smile when she finished.

Nova looked back at her. “I wish I could Twilight, believe me, I really do, but……” He looked away and closed his eyes. Twilight saw a single tear run down his cheek. 

“Nova, why can’t you tell me, does it have to do with this secret your keeping? Why can’t you tell me what it is?”

“I……I’m scared Twilight, I don’t know what to do. I want to tell you, to tell all my friends, but…..I’m afraid if I do, I…..I won’t be able to stay.” Nova seemed like he was on the verge of tears.

Twilight embraced Nova in a hug. “Why Nova, we won’t care about your past if that’s what it is.”

Nova hugged back. “It’s not my past Twilight, it’s………something else…..something that if it got out, could ruin us, me and my brother, we might not be able to have a normal life if it got out.”

Twilight broke the embrace and looked Nova in the eyes. “Nova, whatever it is, me and the others will stick by you, you’re our friend. We won’t think any differently of you if you told us.” She gave another sweet smile.

Nova smiled back. It soon faded again. “Twilight, I……”

“Yes?”

“I…….I’m sorry but I just can’t tell you……at least not yet. Every day we grow closer as friends, and every day I do feel more confident that I can tell you, but I’m just not there yet. I promise, one day I will tell you, just not yet. So please try to be patient.”

Twilight gave a sigh. “*Sigh* All right, I can wait, you can tell me and the others when you’re ready, just know that no matter what, we’ll always be friends.”

Nova smiled again. “Thanks Twilight.”

“Now why don’t you go to bed and get some sleep, it’s pretty late.”

“Yeah, you too, I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow night.” Twilight then walked off back to her home. Nova made his way back inside, dropped his disguise, climbed in bed and went back to sleep.

The next morning:

Last night left a lot for Nova to think about, but for now, he had other things to focus on. It was a Saturday and Starburst had the day off from school so Nova had taken Starburst to a field for something special. “Ok Starburst, today is the day we pick up on your magic training. I’m sorry I was neglectful on it before, but things have been rather hectic.”

Starburst responded with a smile. “It’s ok Nova, I understand.”

“I’m glad, that’s why starting today, we’re going to start it up again, and to start it off, I’ll be teaching you a fun one that I know you’ll like.”

Starburst smiled even bigger if that was possible. “Really, what is it, what is it?” He asked as he hopped up and down. 

Nova gave a smirk. “Today, I’m going to teach you my flying spell.”

“YAHOO! ALL RIGHT!” Starburst cheered. “So that means I’ll be able to fly like you when you use it?”

“Yep, it’s simple enough and I think you can handle it with your level. Now, the spell is simple and will also come with the added effect of being able to walk on clouds.”

“Cool!”

“All right, now just close your eyes, focus your magic, and concentrate on what you want to happen, think insect wings, think flight.”

“Got it.” Starburst gave a nod. He closed his eyes and focused his magic. He grunted a little as he did and focused on the task at hoof. Within moments, a flash occurred on Starburst’s back.

“All right Starburst, you did it, way to go little bro!”

Starburst looked at his back and saw he managed to zap up a pair of insect like wings on his back. “STELLAR, I DID IT NOVA!”

“You sure did, now we need to cover flying with them. First, you need to get a feel for them, so I want you to-“

“LOUDER!”

“What the cosmos was that?” Nova asked after he was cut off by a shout.

“That sounded like Rainbow Dash.” Starburst pointed out. “Should we see what’s going on?”

“Good idea, go ahead and dismiss your wings Starburst, we’ll pick this up later.”

“Ok.” Starburst answered dissapointedly. He then focused his magic and managed to zap away his wings.

The two walked on to the source of the shout. It didn’t take them long to see Fluttershy in front of Rainbow Dash. They saw her take a deep breath like she was about to shout. “yay.” She just let out a quiet cheer. Rainbow Dash facehooved and fell over.

The two brothers walked over as Nova greeted. “Um, hey you two, what’s going on?”

Fluttershy greeted first. “Oh, hello Nova, hello Starburst, Rainbow Dash is teaching me how to cheer.”

“Why, it’s simple enough.” Starburst replied. “You just shout with all you’re might, like this. YAHHOOO, WOOOO, GO!” Starburst yelled out cheerfully. 

Rainbow Dash finally picked herself up. “Now that’s how you cheer. You really need to take notes Fluttershy, that little guy really knows how to cheer.” Rainbow said as she pointed to Starburst.

Starburst smiled and seemed to squee with delight from the praises. “So Rainbow Dash, why are you teaching Fluttershy how to cheer?” Nova asked.

“I need some pony to cheer me on at the Cloudsdale best young flyers competition.”

“The what now?”

Fluttershy informed. “It’s a competition Cloudsdale holds every year wear pegasai compete to try and win first place with their flying abilities.”

Starburst perked up at this. “That sounds cool, I’ll bet some of em’ are all…” Starburst quickly zapped up his little wings and started zipping around Nova’s head, causing his eyes to spin around in his head. “Zoom, zoom zoom zoom.” Starburst said as he flew. 

Nova managed to snatch Starburst by the tail during one of his passes. Starubrst just helplessy buzzed in place. “Starburst, knock it off, you’re gonna make me dizzy, but I gotta say, I’m impressed how quickly you were able to use your wings like that.”

The two let their jaws drop as they saw Starburst buzzing around. “Did…..did your little brother just zap up a pair of wings and fly?” Rainbow asked.

Nova gave a smile as he released Starburst who landed next to Nova and dismissed his wings. “Yep, I taught him my flying spell.”

“That….is……AWESOME! You two can use your magic to make wings to fly?” 

“Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy commented.

“Well, yes.” Nova simply answered.

“This is so cool, that means you two can be part of my cheering section, wait…..does this spell let you walk on clouds?”

“It does.”

“Great, so what do you say, will you come to Cloudsdale with me and cheer me on?”

“Can we go Nova, please please PLEASE, it sounds like it would be loads of fun.” Nova pleaded.

Nova rolled his eyes at his little brother. “All right, we’ll come with you to Cloudsdale and cheer you on Dash.”

To Nova’s surprise, Rainbow hugged him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She broke the embrace. “But before we get going, I want to get in some practice before we leave, you’ll get to get a sample of what I have planned for my routine. Just sit back and enjoy the show.” Rainbow Dash then took to the air to begin her routine, she first landed on a cloud to start from.

Fluttershy cheered quietly. “yay.”

Nova gave a louder one. “You can do it Dash!”

Starburst cheered too. “GO RAINBOW DASH!”

Rainbow dove off the cloud and allowed herself to fall a bit before pulling up and started weaving through a series of trees that were lined up. After she successfully weaved through them, Fluttershy gave another cheer as Dash flew by. “woo.”

“Nice moves Dash!” Nova called out.

“Go Dash, Go!” Starburst cheered.

The next thing Rainbow did, she flew up to a few clouds and started flying around one to make it spin, she did the same with two others. Fluttershy’s eyes were rolling around in her head trying to keep up but gave another cheer. “way to go.”

“All right Rainbow Dash!” Nova cheered again. 

Starburst followed. “Nice one Rainbow!”

Rainbow Dash then flew up higher into the sky, did a few loop de loops, then started barreling down at incredible speed. Nova was surprised by this. “No way, is she trying to break the sound barrier?”

Starburst looked up at Nova. “What’s a sound barrier?”

“It’s a term used for the limit of how fast sound can go, if you manage to go faster than that, you can make what is called a sonic boom. You may want to cover your ears Starburst.” The two did just that as they saw a cone form around Dash, she was picking up speed and the cone narrowed, she was almost there…..but then the unthinkable happened, Rainbow stopped in mid-air and was bounced back. “Oh no, DASH!” They watched her get flung back. “Come on, we better see if she’s ok.” Nova lead Starburst and Fluttershy to the direction Dash was heading.

They followed Dash’s trajectory to Twilight’s library. Fluttershy flew into the window while Nova and Starburst came in through the front door. The sight that greeted them was a mess of books all over the floor and the other girls lying on the ground. “Rainbow Dash, you rock, woo hoo.” Fluttershy cheered quietly. She then got a good look at the mess. “Did my cheering do that?”

Rainbow picked herself up and gave an apologetic smile to the girls. “heheh, sorry about that ladies.” Rainbow then narrowed her eyes. “that was a truly feeble performance.”

Fluttershy landed in front of Dash. “Actually, it wasn’t all bad, I particularly liked the part where you made the clouds spin.” 

“I’m not talking about my performance, I’m talking about yours, that feeble cheering.” Dash said as she pointed a hoof at Fluttershy. 

Nova came forward. “Now Dash, don’t you think you’re being a little hard there, you know how Fluttershy is, she was cheering her best.”

Twilight cut in. “What are you two arguing about?”

Fluttershy got a little worried. “Oh, were we arguing, I’m sorry.”

Dash then turned back to face the girls. “I wish you guys could come to Cloudsdale to see me compete in the best young flyers competition.”

“What’s that?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie got excited as she answered. “It’s where all the best Pegasus flyers get together and show off their different flying styles. Some are fast.” Pinkie started zipping around the room like it was a race track. “And some are graceful.” Pinkie tried to demonstrate it but was having trouble keeping her balance and fell over.

“Golly, I’d love to see you strut your stuff in that competition.” Applejack commented. 

Rainbow agreed. “Yeah, I wish you guys could be there, Fluttershy is a great support, but her cheering isn’t exactly inspirational. At least Nova and Starburst are coming.”

This got their attention. “WHAT?” They all asked in unison. Twilight then came in on her own. “How are you two going to Cloudsdale?”

Nova began to explain. “My flying spell, remember, I just taught it to Starburst and he picked up on it quick, he’s getting good with his magic.”

Starburst smiled. “Yeah, watch this.” Starburst then zapped in his wings and hovered up a bit. “Cool huh.” Then to demonstrate further, he started zipping around the room. “WOO HOO, this is fun!”

Nova managed to grab Starburst by the tail again. “Take it easy Starburst, I don’t want you running into anything.” The girls, exception being Dash and Fluttershy, had their jaws on the floor. 

Pinkie was the first to shake off her disbelief as she remembered how Nova had saved her that one time. “Wow, cool, now Starburst can fly just like you.”

Twilight soon recovered. “Nova, that’s incredible. I can’t believe Starburst is able to pull that off, he must be really strong with magic.”

“Like I said, I’ve been teaching him all his life.”

Pinkie then interrupted with a thought. “I wish I could go to the competition, I’d love to see Dash do a sonic rainboom. It’s like the most coolest thing ever, even though I’ve never seen it but I mean come on, it’s a sonic rainboom. How not cool could it possibly not be?”

This got Twilight’s attention and distracted her from the discussion of Nova and Starburst. “What’s a sonic rainboom?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Nova stated.

“You two really need to get out more.”  Pinkie then started to explain. “A sonic rainboom is legendary. When a Pegasus like Rainbow Dash gets going so fast.” Pinkie then jumped up and dove into the books. “BOOM, a sonic boom and a rainbow happen all at once.”

“And Rainbow Dash here is the only pony to pull it off.” Applejack pointed out.

Rainbow gave a smile. “It was a long time ago, I was just a filly.”

“I’ve never heard of something like that before, how can a sonic boom and a rainbow happen all at once from breaking the sound barrier?” Nova mused to himself.

“Yeah, but you’re going to do it again right?” Pinkie asked.

Nova could sense the nervousness in Dash as she answered. “Are you kidding, I’m the greatest flyer to ever come out of Cloudsdale. I could do sonic rainbooms in my sleep.”

Twilight came up to Dash. “Wow, if you pull that off, you’ll win the crown for sure.”

Rainbow perked up a bit. “The grand prize is an entire day with the wonderbolts. A whole day of flying with my lifelong heroes, it’ll be a dream come true.”

“yay.” Fluttershy cheered happily.

Dash just looked at her. “I’m gonna go rest up, don’t want to over prepare myself.” Dash then went over to Fluttershy. “You on the other hand, had better keep practicing. I need a cheering section to match my spectacular performance. Nova, Starburst, I’ll see you two later, we’ll meet up at my place in two hours so I can lead you to Cloudsdale.” Rainbow Dash then flew out the window.

Nova then said his goodbyes as well. “I’ll see you girls later, I still need to teach Starburst a few more things about his wings before we go with Dash to Cloudsdale. Come on Starburst.” Nova and Starburst then left for home.

A few hours later, Nova and Starburst were flying through the air with Dash and Fluttershy as their wings buzzed. Starburst was having fun as he did little loop de loops and barrel rolls. “WOO HOO, this is cosmic!” Starburst cheered. 

Nova was glad to see Starburst having fun, but was a little worried as well. “Starburst, take it easy, you’re still new to this and I don’t want you falling.”

“Oh lighten up Nova, if I do fall, you’ll catch me, or Dash will.” The two came up closer to Dash and Fluttershy. 

“Just remember Starburst, keep your wings on while we’re in Cloudsdale so we can walk on the clouds.”

Rainbow started on Fluttershy. “You’ve got to learn to be assertive Fluttershy. Don’t be afraid to speak up.” A few clouds parted as they got closer to Cloudsdale. 

“Whoa.” Starburst said as he lay his eyes on the city of clouds.

“Rainbow, is this Cloudsdale?” Nova asked.

“Yep, it’s home to most Pegasus ponies.” Dash said with pride.

“I’ve never seen a place like this before, it’s amazing.” 

“I’ll say.” Starburst agreed.

The four ponies soon came to a landing and were greeted by three other Pegasus ponies wearing white coats and helmets. “Well well well, what do we have here?” The one that greeted them had a dark brown almost black coat with an off white mane and tail and a silver dumbbell for a cutie mark.

The other had a yellow coat with a brown mane and tail with three basket balls for a cutie mark. “It’s our old friend, Rainbow Crash.”

The third one had a grey cot with a black mane and tail and three footballs for a cutie mark.
Nova was already getting a bad vibe from these three, and he didn’t like it.

“Get kicked out of any flight schools lately?” The first remarked which sent the others laughing.

“I didn’t get kicked out.” Rainbow retorted.

The first one then came up to her and continued taunting her. “Face it Rainbow Crash, flight school had too many rules, and not enough nap times for you.”

The second then got on her other side. “Huh, ask her about the sonic rainboom.”

“That’s nothing but an old mare’s tale. You don’t have the skills to try something like that.”

“Now wait just a minute.” All eyes fell on Fluttershy. She looked determined, but that quickly fell when she realized she was the center of attention. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m trying to be more assertive.” She regained her determination as she continued. “Anyhow, she IS going to do a sonic rainboom.”

The first one stood firm. “No she’s not cause there’s no such thing.”

Starburst decided to get in. “How do you now meat head?”

Nova looked down at Starburst worriedly and saw a glare on his face as he looked at the bullies. The bullies narrowed their eyes on Starburst and moved in. “What did you call me shrimp?” The first said.

“I called you a meat head, what’s the matter, you too stupid to know when someone is calling you stupid”

Nova was about to say something to his little brother, but the stallion he insulted gritted his teeth. “You’re going to regret that you little pest.” He raised a hoof like he was about to strike, but nova used his magic to stop the stallion. “HEY, what’s going on?”

Nova got in front of his little brother and looked at the stallion in the eye. “Back off now.” Nova released his hold on the stallion’s leg.

“One side buddy, this little punk needs to learn some manners.”

“I’d say you’re the one who needs to learn some manners, you’re acting like little foals picking on others like bullies, and the fact that you were about to strike a young pony? I cannot believe it.”

“Listen pal….”

“No, you listen, that little pony is my little brother, and Rainbow Dash is my friend, if you dare raise a hoof to my little brother again or continue to make fun of Dash, then I swear by the cosmos I will make you regret it, so I suggest you pack up your toys and run on home to mommy, or else.” Nova lit up his horn as a warning.

The stallions got the message and just flew off. Nova gave a snort once they were gone. “Wow Nova, that was cosmic, you sure showed them.” Starburst cheered as he came up to Nova.

“Thanks Starburst, but next time, please be careful what you say around others like that.” The two walked over to Dash.

Rainbow gave Nova a smile. “Thanks for standing up for me against those guys Nova, but.” She gave a sigh as her smile faded. “*Sigh* Those guys are right.” She said sadly. “I’ll never be able to do it.”

Fluttershy tried to cheer her up. “But Rainbow Dash, just because you failed the sonic rainboom a hundred thousand times before during practice doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do it in front of an entire stadium full of impatient, super critical sports fan ponies.”

“YAAAHHHHHH!” Rainbow Dash started freaking out.

“Fluttershy, I’m sorry, but that wasn’t very helpful.” Nova informed.

Rainbow went off on a rant. “What do I do, every pony is going to see me fail, the wonderbolts will never let a loser like me join, princess Celestia will probably banish me to the Everfree forest, MY LIFE IS RUINED!”

Nova came up to Rainbow Dash and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Rainbow Dash calm down, your letting yourself get worked up over nothing, you can do this.”

“Are you kidding, I’m going to fail and my whole life will be ruined!” 

Nova looked her in the eyes. “Rainbow Dash, listen to me, you....can….do this, you’re an amazing flyer, don’t let those jerks get in your head, you can do this.”

“Rare?” Fluttershy said as she seemed to stare at something with her jaw open.

Rainbow turned to her. “Rare, the sonic rainboom is way more than rare.”

Starburst pointed out what she was seeing. “Look, you guys, it’s Rarity.” 

Nova and Rainbow turned around and saw that Rarity was hovering before them with what looked like a pair of butterfly wings with prismatic colors. Rainbow was the first to comment. “Rarity, are you……flying?”

“I most certainly am.” She responded with a smile. “Aren’t my wings smashing? Twilight made them for me, I just adore them.”

Fluttershy and Rainbow were the only ones who were speechless. Nova was the one to speak. “Wow, I didn’t know Twilight had a flying spell too.”

Starburst then chimed in. “Wow Rarity, your wings are pretty.”

Rarity responded. “Well thank you dear, after all, we couldn’t leave our favorite flyer without a big cheering section.”

“We?” Rainbow asked.  Rarity motioned behind her and a large pink hot air balloon rose up from the clouds. The other girls were seen riding in it. Rainbow was stunned. “I….I can’t believe it.” She said with a smile.

“It’s incredible.” Flutterhshy commented.

Nova smiled. “Well I’ll be.”

Rainbow continued. “This is so cool, you guys made it.”

“Sure did.” Pinkie replied as she hopped out of thebasket. 

“WAIT!” Rainbow cried as Pinkie jumped out. Pinkie just landed on the cloud and was standing on it. Applejack and Twilight then hopped out too and were all standing on the cloud. “How did you do that, only Pegasus ponies can walk on clouds, except for Nova and Starburst with their wings.”

“Pretty cool huh?” Pinkie asked as she cartwheeled past the four.

Twilight started to explain. “I found a spell that makes temporary wings, but it was too difficult to do more than once, so I found an easier spell that lets the rest of us walk on clouds.”

“And we came to cheer you to victory.” Applejack chimed in.

Nova gave a sheepish smile as he rubbed the back of his head. “Oops, uh, heh heh, um, sorry I didn’t stick around longer when you thought this up girls, I could have given you all wings like me and Starburst.”

Twilight just smiled at him. “It’s fine Nova, no need to apologize.”

Starburst then cut in. “Yeah, what matters is that we’re all together now to cheer Rainbow Dash on in the contest, which she is going to win hoofs down.” He ran up to dash and hugged her foreleg.

Dash looked down at him with a smile and ruffled his mane playfully. “Thanks squirt.” She then looked back to the others. “To be honest, I was starting to get the teeniest tiniest bit nervous. But I feel a lot better now that you’re all here.” Rainbow then got an idea. “Hey, there’s still some time before the competition, why don’t Fluttershy and I show you all around Cloudsdale.”

The girls cheered at this, even Starburst like the idea.  “All right, I’d love to look around this place.” He decided to make use of his wings as he hovered up and stayed next to Nova as he walked with the others.

“I think that sounds like a good idea too.” Nova agreed.

The group walked up a cloud hill and got a great view of the area. “Here it is, the greatest city in the sky?” 
Rainbow Dash announced. The girls ooed at the view as Pegasus ponies flew by.

Starburst then had a thought. “So does that mean there are other cities in the sky like this one?”

Dash looked down at Starburst to answer. “There is one other city called Las Pegasus, but it’s nowhere near as great as this place.”

“Oooh, aaahhh.” Rarity cooed as she was admiring herself in a mirror.

Nova just rolled his eyes at her. He went over to her to get her attention. “Come on Rarity, let’s go.” 

Nova succeeded in getting her attention as the others walked by.

Rainbow Dash continued. “Some of the greatest pegasai in History came from Cloudsdale.”

Rarity was flying along and passed by three stallions working on a cloud structure, one of them had a jack hammer. They stopped their work when they saw Rarity fly by, the one with the jack hammer lost his grip and it bounced away and over the edge of the cloud. “Those wings are gorgeous.” One of them commented.

“Why thank you.” Rarity responded with a smile. She flew down and did a little loop de loop over the others heads.

“Be careful with those wings Rarity, they’re made from gossamer and morning dew, and they’re incredibly delicate.” Twilight informed.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I’m sure they can’t get worn out from too much attention.” Rarity responded.

“I don’t think I like where this is going.” Nova said to himself. He knew that Rarity can be a little vain sometimes, and now that she has these beautiful wings, she seemed to be acting a bit more vain than usual.

Applejack made a suggestion. “Since we’re up here, I’d sure like to see where the weather is made.”

“Great idea, come on guys, to the weather factory.” Rainbow agreed.

“This should be interesting.” Nova mused. “Don’t you think Starburst?”

“Yeah, I am curious about all that.” Starburst was smiling big.

Starbursts enthusiasm soon fell and he landed next to his brother once they neared it, there were a few thunder clouds nearby shooting off lightning. “Um, then again, maybe not.”

Nova looked down at Starburst and saw him shiver a little. “Hey Dash, hold up a sec.” He called to Dash, the girls all stopped and turned around.

“What’s up Nova?” Dash asked as she trotted up to him. 

“We’re not going to learn about the lighting and stuff from the storm clouds are we?” Nova gestured his head down to Starburst.

Rianbow looked down at the little guy. “Awe, don’t worry, we can skip that part, we’ll stick to the fun stuff, come on, it’ll be fine.” Dash gave Starburst a reassuring smile.

Starburst returned the smile and the group continued on.

Before entering a building, they all dawned white coats and helmets. Rainbow led them to a room and started whispering. “This is where they make the snowflakes, each one is hoof made, as you can see, it’s a delicate operation.”

Starburst perked up at this. “Wow, so this is where the snow comes from.” He said while keeping his voice low so as not to disturb the ponies working.

Rarity flew up to a few snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. “Ooh, the snowflakes look even better from up here.” Her wings started causing a gust of wind that blew the flakes all over the place. The ponies working there started rushing around to try and save the snow.

“We’d better move on before Rarity ruins winter and causes a drought.” Rainbow informed.

The next area they came too left Starburst in wonder. Rarity had fallen behind somewhere as she wasn’t with the group. “And here is where they make the rainbows.” Dash informed.

“Wow, this is cosmic, I didn’t know rainbow’s started as a liquid.” Starburst exclaimed.

The girls, except Applejack, looked at Starburst with a bit of confusion for his word choice.

Nova tried to fix the situation. “It’s just something he likes to say when he gets real excited about something.”

Applejack cut in to help. “You know youngins, they always like to come up with new words.” The girls just shrugged it off.

“I wonder what they taste like.” Pinkie mused. She dipped her hoof in the liquid rainbow and gave it a lick. Her face shifted through all the colors of the rainbow before settling back on her original color. “Spicyyyyyyy!” Pinkie said with a rasp and ran off. The girls and Starburst, except for Fluttershy, laughed.

Nova tried to hide a laugh and just smiled.

“Yeah, Rainbow’s aren’t really known for their flavor.” Rainbow informed. 

“Whoa, where’d you get those amazing wings, I want a pair.” The three bullies from before were following Rarity as she flew ahead of them. The stallion with the bumbell for a cutie mark was the one that spoke.

Rarity agreed with the statement. “Hmm, yeah, I guess I could see that.”

She eventually came up to the others. “Oh great, those three again.” Nova mused.

“What’s Rarity doing with those three jerks?” Starburst asked.

The first bully noticed Rainbow. “Oh look, it’s Rainbow Crash again.”

The second chimed in. “Yeah, Rainbow…um….Crash.”

Rainbow got upset. “Rarity, what are you doing talking to these guys?”

Rarity answered. “Oh, they were just admiring my wings Rainbow Dash.”

The first bully started up. “Yeah, you should just forge the sonic rainboom and get yourself some wings like these.”

Nova stepped forward. “HEY, didn’t I warn you three to leave Dash alone, or do you need another reminder?” Nova walked past the girls as they watched him. Nova walked up and stopped in front of them. “Like I said, I don’t appreciate others making fun of my friends, so you better keep your trap shut and get lost.” Nova glared at them with such intensity. 

The three knew that they had him outnumbered, but he was a unicorn, and the way he was glaring at them made them cringe. “Uh, you know what, never mind, we’ll just get going.” The three then flew off.

Nova then turned and looked up at Rarity. “Rarity, would you mind telling me WHY you were hanging out with those three knuckle heads, they were making fun of Dash before you all showed up.”

Rarity just brushed it aside. “Like I said, they were just admiring my wings.”

Nova just sighed in annoyance. He looked over and saw Dash look sullen. Fluttershy made a suggestion. “Come on girls, let’s go see how clouds are made.”

Nova had Applejack with him in the back of the group. “Applejack, thanks for helping me back there with Starburst’s talk, I really need to inform him to be more careful about that.”

Applejack smiled. “No problem partner, but what is with all this talk about stars and galaxies and cosmos and such?”

“My kind worship the stars and universe, it is the home for all life, it is all existence, so when we do so, we are praising existence and giving it our thanks for letting us exist, or sometimes, we use it to hope for the best when bad things happen. We believe in a higher power, an all-powerful being that is responsible for all creation that watches over us, much like your princess Celestia and Luna watches over you.”

“Golly, I never thought there could be a higher power than Celestia.”

“Everything came from somewhere Applejack, my kind just believe that it was a being with the power of creation that made the universe, so we worship it and give it our thanks for it. We know this being as the great goddess Galea.”

Fluttershy was heard trying to comfort Dash. “Don’t listen to them, you’re going to win that competition for sure.”

Rainbow Dash was still feeling down. “Are you kidding, I can’t do the sonic rainboom, and just look at these plain old boring feathered wings, I’m doomed.” 

Nova came up next to Rainbow with Starburst hovering along. “Dash, listen to me, you are not doomed, don’t let those three get to you, you’re an amazing flyer.”

“No I’m not, I’m totally going to blow it at the competition.”

Nova then got in front of Dash and stopped her. “Dash, look at me, don’t listen to what others say, listen to me. I’ve seen you flying and you are amazing, you have the talent, you just need to start believing in yourself and don’t listen to what others say if they’re trying to put you down. If you keep thinking like this, then you’re only going to psych yourself out and will blow it for sure. Just believe in yourself.”

Starburst chimed in. “Yeah, what he said, I know you can do it, your amazing.”

Dash let out a weak smile. “Thanks you two, your right, I do need to believe in myself, come on, let’s keep going.”

Dash and Fluttershy lead them to the cloud factory next. As soon as they entered, every worker there turned their attention to Rarity as she just soaked up the attention. Rainbow Dash was starting to look unnerved by this. “What, these old things?” Rarity said as she showed off her wings. “Go ahead everypony, photos are encouraged.”

Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight, Nova, and Starburst just glared at her. They then looked to Rainbow and saw her looking worried. Twilight walked over to Rarity. “Rarity, we’re supposed to be helping Rainbow Dash relax, remember? Put your wings away and stop showing off.”

Rarity just fluttered up a little higher. “Oh, how can you ask me to put away perfection?” She managed to fly up to a point where the sun was right behind her and her wings ended up changing the colors of the light that shone through her wings and beamed them down on the ponies. They all gawked in amazement. Rarity noticed this and laughed. “Wah HA HA!”

Rainbow Dash was now on the floor shivering with fear. Twilight and Nova saw this and came up to her. Twilight tried to talk to her. “Rainbow Dash, are you ok? You don’t look so good.”

Rainbow answered nervously. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be Ok, everybody is so in love with Rarity’s wings that they won’t even notice when I totally BLOW IT in the best young flyers competition.”

One of the mare workers spoke up. “Hey, there’s an idea, YOU should enter the competition.”

Another elderly mare worker then came in. “Yeah, I could watch you fly all day long.”

Rarity seemed to like this idea. “There really isn’t any pony who uses their wings quit like me, perhaps I should compete.”

“WHAT?” Rainbow shouted as she stood up. Nova narrowed his eyes at Rarity as she flew off. “What am I going to do, I’ll never win the competition now.”

Nova decided to talk with Rarity. “Girls, excuse me for a moment, I need to have a chat with Rarity, Starburst, you stay here with the others ok?”

Starburst answered with a sad smile, he was feeling bad for Dash. “Ok.”

Nova flew off after Rarity. “Rarity, we need to talk.” He called once they were away from others. 

Rarity turned to face him. “Yes Nova, what is it?”

“Rarity, what are you doing?”

“What do you mean dear, I simply decided to enter the competition so others can admire my beauty.”

“Have you forgotten the whole reason we all came here, we’re supposed to be here to support Dash and cheer her on, but instead you’re showing off like some prissy pony and making Dash even more nervous. You need to forget about entering the contest and start being a friend to Dash.”

“Pft, I am a friend to Dash, she’s just fine.”

“NO she isn’t!” Nova narrowed his eyes. “Because of you, she’s an even more nervous wreck than before with all this showing off your doing, if you go through with this, you’ll only prove what kind of friend you are, and it won’t be a good one. I suggest you consider what is more important here. Being a good friend, or showing off for a bunch of total strangers.” 

Rarity seemed to look a little regretful. “Well, I suppose I could just not try hard to win.”

“YOUR MISSING THE……Guh, forget it, if you want to go through with this, FINE, but you may end up losing a friend or two if you do.” Nova then flew off back to the others.

Upon his return, Twilight addressed him. “Any luck with Rarity?”

“I might as well have been talking to a brick wall, she’s still set on entering this thing.” Nova then turned to Dash and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Dash, come on, don’t let this rattle you, like I said, you just need to believe in yourself, do that and you can accomplish anything. Trust me, you are going to win this no sweat.”

“I…..I don’t know.” Dash looked to the side.

“Dash, look at me.” Rainbow turned back. “You. Can. DO. This. Just believe in yourself.” Dash gave a smile at Nova, Nova smiled back.

“Thanks Nova, you’re a great friend.” The group then left for the collosieum where the contest was to be held.

The ponies were now gathered at the collosieum and Pinkie had managed to find herself a giant foam finger with #1 on it. Starburst was next to Nova, who was next to Applejack, she was next to Pinkie, to fluttershy, finally Twilight. Pinkie was waving the finger around joyfully. Nova heard laughing under the cloud they were sitting on and saw the three bullies from before. He narrowed his eyes at them. “HEY!” He called to them, they turned and looked up to face him. “You three better not be laughing at who I think you’re laughing at.”

They cringed a little. “No, of course not.” The lead bully said.

Nova sat back on his seat and left it at that. The girls saw this, they weren’t sure what to make of it since they weren’t there when Dash was being teased by them. Applehack asked first. “Nova, what’s  your problem with them?”

“My problem is that those three are a bunch of immature bullies, they were picking on Dash before you all showed up, you heard what they called her in the factory where they made the rainbows. I just don’t like others picking on my friends.” 

This earned him a smile from them.

The announcer for the performance took center stage as he began his announcement. “Fillies and gentlecolts, please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved princess Celestia!” Celestia and two of her gaurds came floating down and took a seat in a large setting for her.

“Princess….Celestia.” Nova said quietly. “Oh no.” Nova started shaking nervously and sweating. Starburst slid up closer to his brothers side to try and hide himself from her view even though she wasn’t looking in their direction. 

Applejack noticed this and spoke. “Nova, you gonna be all right sugar cube?” She remembered how he got so scared whenever the princess was around.

Before he could answer, the announcer continued. “Please welcome our celebrity judges for the best young flyers competition, THE WONDERBOLTS!” Six pegasai in blue flight suits flew overhead with a trail of smoke and lighting, they lined up sideways, then single file, they spiraled together and closed in touching their hooves, they then broke apart, causing fireworks to go off. Three of them flew off while the other three took their place at the judges booth.

What could be seen of their coats was just their muzzle, wings and ears. One had a yellow coat with a two toned orange mane and tail. The other had a light blue coat with a very dark blue mane and tail. The third had a cream yellow coat with a two toned light blue mane and tail.

The announcer continued. “And now, let’s find out who will take the grand prize as this year’s best young flyer.” The crowd cheered. 

Nova was looking very scared then. Applejack whispered to him. “Nova, what’s wrong, why you so scared?”

Nova answered back in a whisper. “Princess Celestia is here, that’s why.”

“Why are you so concerned about her, why are you so afraid of her?”

Nova shout whispered to her so the others wouldn’t be alerted to his distress. “BECAUSE SHE’S THE PRINCESS, not to mention she can move a bucking STAR. That is something I have never seen before. Do you know what stars are made of?”

“Uh, no?”

“To put it simply, stars are nothing more than giant balls of burning gas, they are HUGE! And she can move the one near this planet every day! Not to mention her sister can move an entire MOON! She might see right through mine and Starburst’s disguise at any minute and do something horrible to us for invading her land.” Nova was practically hyperventilating at this point as the contest went on.

Applejack put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, calm down, the princess would never do anything bad to ya, if you told her, she would welcome you with a smile.”

Nova put both hooves on her shoulder. “Applejack, NO….RISKS…remember, I can’t take any chances.”

Twilight and the others finally noticed Applejack and Nova having a conversation. Twilight was the first to speak. “What’s going on, is everything all right?” Twilight then saw how nervous Nova was looking. “Nova, what’s wrong?” She then remembered how he acted whenever the princess was around. “It’s Celestia ins’t it?” She asked solemly.

Fluttershy then spoke up. “Why are you so afraid of her Nova?”

“Afraid, who’s afraid, I’m not afraid, no fear here nope, I’m just fine, really.” He spoke rapidly, almost Pinkie Pie level.

Twilight raised an eyebrow at him. “Nova, we can tell your afraid, why does the princess scare you so much?”

Nova took a moment to try and compose himself. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Twilight, I’m fine, really, let’s just get back to the competition shall we?”

Twilight turned her attention to Applejack. “Applejack, what were you two talking about?”

Applejack was now feeling a little nervous now that she was on the spot. Starburst peeked out from around his brother and looked at Applejack. Nova looked worried as well. “Nothin, honest.”

“Applejack, what were you two talking about, does it have something to do with why Nova is afraid of Celestia?” 

“Well I….I….” She looked to Nova who was sweating greatly now and Starburst was just looking worried. Nova clapped his hooves together as if he were begging her not to say anything. She turned back to the others. Fluttershy had a blank look, Pinkie was just smiling, and Twilight had a bit of a stern look. “Look, it’s nothin, really.”

Pinkie Pie chimed in. “Oh my GOSH, she knows Nova’s secret!” She cheered. 

“WHAT, no I don’t!” Applejack defended.

“You DO know, Applejack , I can’t believe it, you’re keeping secrets from us?” Twilight cried out.

Applejack gave out a sigh. She turned to Nova with a sorrow full look. “I’m sorry Nova.” Nova looked very panicked now. Applejack turned back to the others. “Yes, I know his secret, but it ain’t mine to tell, he made me promise not to tell ya’ll and I’m gonna keep it. So if’n ya’ll want to know what it is he’s hidin, ya’ll are just going to have ta wait fer him ta tell ya.” 

Twilight gave Nova a stern look. “NOVA, what gives, you trust her but not us with this, what’s going on?!”

“Well….I…..I…..you see….” Nova tried to speak.

“It’s my fault!” Starburst called out. The girls looked down at Starburst as he came out from behind Nova. “I……..I’m the one that told Applejack our secret. Please don’t be mad at him, he didn’t know I told Applejack for a while and I’m the first one that made her promise not to tell, so please don’t be mad at them, be mad at me, I’m the one that told Applejack.” Starburst hung his head.

Twilight couldn’t help but soften her look. She let out a sigh. “*Sigh* All right, I’ll let it go. Like I said before, I can wait.”

Nova looked sorrowful. “I’m sorry Twilight, I really am, it’s just….”

Twilight cut him off. “It’s fine Nova, I’m sorry for getting so upset before.”

“You had every right to be upset Twilight, I’m surprised you two aren’t though.” He directed at Fluttershy and Pinkie.  

“It’s not a big deal to me.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Me too, besides, secrets you want to tell a friend is like a present, the longer you wait, the more exciting it will be when you finally tell it.” Pinkie said. 

Nova smiled at them. “Thanks girls, you have no idea how much I appreciate that.”

The girls and the two aliens just sat there and watched the rest of the competition as the contestants showed off their stuff. 

The contest was just about over as the girls talked about what they had seen. Twilight was the first to comment. “I loved number seven, doing fifteen barrel rolls in a row can’t be easy.”

Fluttershy shared her thoughts too. “My favorite was number ten, she seemed like such a nice pony.”

“I wonder why we haven’t seen Rianbow Dash or Rarity yet, the competition is almost over.” Applejack pointed out.

“I just hope Rarity decided to drop out and Rainbow is feeling better about this.” Nova said. 

“Me too.” Starburst agreed, the competition had helped him and Nova settle their nerves from being in such close proximity to Celestia a bit.

The announcer spoke up. “And now, for our final competitor of the day, contestant number fifteen!” Rainbow Dash came flying out, but Nova could see she still looked nervous. “….And apparently contestant number four.” Rarity followed out too wearing a lot of mak-up and feathers.

Nova face hooved and groaned. “Ugh, I was hoping I might have gotten through to her, but I guess all she cares about is looking fabulous.” The other girls just cheered.

“Come on Nova, we just need to cheer for Dash and hope it will be enough to get her confidence up.” Starburst said.

Nova smiled down at his little brother. “Your right Starburst, lets cheer for Dash.” Nova then shouted out. “GO RAINBOW DASH, YOU CAN DO IT!”

Starburst followed. “JUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!”

Dash seemed to hear them as she looked over and gave a nervous smile. Rarity then came up to her and seemed to say something. Music started playing through the speakers of the stadium that sounded like something from a ballet. Rarity started dancing around with a few twirls and such. 

Rainbow Dash started her routine, she flew to a series of cloud pillars and started weaving through them, near the end of it, she crashed into the side of one and was sent flying against the side of the stadium in front of the three bullies just below where the girls and Nova and Starburst was sitting. 

The lead started saying something. “Nice work Rainbow-“

“AHEM!” Nova cleared his throat loudly to get their attention, the three looked up at Nova to see his horn glowing threateningly as he glared at them, they shut their mouths. “Rainbow, come on, just believe in yourself and you can do this!” Nova called out to her.

Rainbow pushed off and went back to her routine. She flew up to begin phase two, she flew up to a few clouds and started making one spin, then she moved to another, then another. “Look, phase two is working.” Fluttershy cheered.

On the third one, a small puff of cloud smacked Dash in the face and caused her to go flying back. The cloud was sent flying right at Celestia, she ducked and the cloud just dissipated on impact.

Rarity was still going about her routine, she paused for a moment, looking like she was talking, she then started flying upwards. Dash started doing the same. Dash was flying up as fast as she could while Rarity just fluttered up.
Rarity stopped at a point to where she was in perfect position to shine the light from the sun through her wings, her voice was heard as she prepared to do so. “Look upon me Equestria, for I AM RARITY!” The light shone brightly in the prismatic colors over the stadium, the ponies were in awe at the sight. After a moment, Rarity’s wings suddenly burst into flames and evaporated.

“Oh no, her wings evaporated into thin air!” Twilight cried. 

Rarity screamed as she fell. “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!” Every pony looked on in fear as she fell. She fell down through the stadium. The wonder bolts sprang into action and dove down after her. They drew closer but Rarity was flailing as she fell. She ended up knocking out her would be rescuers. 

“Nova, you have to do something.” Starburst said as he turned to Nova.

“What, I can’t fly fast enough to catch her!” Nova said worriedly.

Twilight pleaded. “Please Nova, you have to try!” She gave a pleading look.

Nova gained determination in his eyes, he quickly ran off and dove down after her, Rainbow Dash was passing by at the same time as he dove. They looked at each other, nodded, and continued to fly down after the victims. “Goddess Galea, give me strength.” Nova prayed to himself. Together, Dash and Nova were picking up speed, the ground was fast approaching. A cone started forming around the both of them. They went faster and faster. 

Their cones narrowed to a sharper cone, just a little more. Within moments, they both broke through the sound barrier and both made a loud sonic boom. Rainbow’s erupted with a circle of rainbow colors while she was leaving behind a trail of a vibrant rainbow, Nova made a white glittering circle that spread out as well and looked like a shooting star as he was glowing white and left a stardust like trail behind. They both managed to catch the falling ponies just before they hit the ground, they pulled up and flew over the stadium. Rainbow dash was holding Rarity and the wonderbolt with the firey mane and tail, while Nova had the other two.

They arched over the stadium then came back up through the bottom. A few Pegasus ponies came, a pair of them held Rarity up while a few others took the unconscious wonderbolts from them. The crowd was going wild with cheering, even fluttershy was jumping up and down and cheering. “SHE DID IT SHE DID IT WOOOOOOO!”

Rainbow looked to Rarity with tears in her eyes. “I did it, I did it.”

“You sure did, thank you Rainbow Dash.” Rarity thanked. “You saved my life.”

“Oh yeah, I did that too, HAH, best day EVER!” 

Nova put a hoof on her shoulder. “I told you you could do it, all you had to do was believe in yourself.”

Rainbow turned to Nova with a smile. “Thanks Nova, you were right, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Sure you could have, you’re the one that flew fast enough to catch Rarity and that other wonderbolt.”

“True, but the whole time I was trying, your words kept going through my head, I just had to believe in myself, and I did, thank you Nova.” Rainbow then took Nova in a hug.

Nova returned the hug. “You’re welcome Dash.”

Later, Rarity was sitting in the hot air balloon with the others gathered around her. Starburst ran up to Nova and Rainbow Dash. “WOW you two, that was AMAZING, that sonic rainboom you did Rainbow Dash was ga……I mean, it was incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it!”

Rainbow Dash smiled down at him. “Thanks Starburst.”

“And Nova, that thing you did was awesome too, what was that?”

Twilight chimed in. “I’m curious too, what and how did you do that thing with Dash?”

Nova seemed a little lost. “I don’t know, I’ve never flown that fast before, then again, I never had a reason too. I don’t know what it was.”

Dash spoke up with an idea. “Well we gotta call it something, Hmmmm, I GOT IT, how about a sonic starboom!”

“A sonic starboom?” Nova questioned.

Twilight mused aloud. “Well you did look like a shooting star as you flew.”

“Yeah, and you were leaving what looked like a trail of stardust behind as you went too.” Starburst said.

“I thought it looked pretty.” Fluttershy commented.

“Gotta say partner, that was one amazing stunt you pulled back there, just as amazing as Rainbow’s sonic rainboom, which was amazing by the way.” Applejack said as she looked at Dash. 

All eyes turned to Rarity as she began her apology. “I want to apologize to all of you for getting carried away with my beautiful wings.” Rarity almost cried at the loss. “I guess I just lost my head.” The girls sounded off with forgiveness. Rarity then turned to Nova. “Nova, you were right, I was being a terrible friend with my behavior, I hope you can forgive me.”

Nova smirked. “As long as you’ve learned your lesson here, I can forgive you.”

Rarity then turned to Dash. “And I’m especially sorry that I decided to jump into the contest at the last minute after you had worked so hard to win it. Can you ever EVER forgive me?”

“Awe it’s ok, everything turned out right, right? I just wish I could have met the wonderbolts when they were awake.”

Nova looked behind Dash and saw a few ponies approaching. “Dash, your wish is granted.” Rainbow turned to see what he was talking about and saw the three wonderbolts standing before her. Rainbow’s eyes went wide with surprise. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!” She exclaimed quickly.

The lead bolt, the one with the fiery mane, addressed Rainbow. “So you two are the little ponies who saved our lives, we really wanted to meet you, and say thanks.”

Nova just smiled. “No problem, glad I could help.” 

Dash was having trouble forming words. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!”

Pinkie piped up. "HEY, Dash made a wish and it came true, does that mean whenever you do that sonic starboom, ponies can make a wish on you and have it granted?!"

Nova smiled at her. "I think this was just a coincidence."

“Princess.” Twilight’s voice was heard.

Nova turned and saw Celestia land before them. Nova became panicked. “No, nononononono.” He grabbed Starburst and quickly hid behind the basket of the hot air balloon. 

Celestia cheerfully greeted them. “Hello Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends too.”

Rarity began to apologize to Celestia as well. “Princess Celestia, I’m sorry I ruined the competition, Rainbow Dash really is the best flyer in Equestria.” Dash looked to the side in embaressment with a smile.

“I know she is my dear, that’s why for her incredible act of bravery, and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I’m presenting the grand prize for best young flyer to this year’s winner, miss Rainbow Dash!” Celestia then placed a crown of a pair of wings and a lightning bolt in the middle on her head.

The crowd cheered. Rainbow went back to her excited vocabulary. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!”

Celestia then turned to Twilight. “So Twilight Sparkle, did you learn anything about friendship from this experience?”

“I did princess, but I think Rarity learned even more than me.” Twilight responded.

Rarity began telling of the lesson she learned. “I certainly did, I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground, and be there for your friends, Nova tried to teach me that but I didn’t listen, and I am sorry for it.”

“Speaking of which, I would also like to extend my gratitude to Nova for his bravery as well, where is he?” Celestia asked Twilight. 

“He was here a second ago.” Twilight said as she looked around.

Rarity gave away his hiding Spot. “Nova dear, why are you hiding behind the basket?”

“Quasars!” Nova thought to himself.

Celestia spoke as nice a tone as she could. “Nova, please come out, I only wish to thank you for your bravery earlier.”

Nova peeked out from behind the basket. Starburst stayed where he was. “Um, h-h-hello princes, it’s…..always a pleasure.” Nova gave a fake smile.

Celestia frowned as she saw the fear in him. “Nova, would you please step forward.”

Nova gulped, he slowly moved out from behind the basket, the girls looked on in worry as they too saw he was afraid. “y-yes p-princess?”

“Nova, why is it you seem so afraid of me, have I done something wrong?”

“What, n-no, of……of course not, it’s just that…….well…..your royalty and all and, well, I just don’t want to do any-anything to offend you, heh heh. *Gulp*”

“And what of your little brother, why does he hide from me?” Celestia said as she looked over to the basket just in time to see Starburst pull his head back behind it.

“Well, he’s just…….um…….intimidated by your size princess, what with you being so tall and all, and…..he doesn’t get to see you as often enough to get used to you is all. Not that you should take time from your royal duties to do so.”

“Nova, as princess, I care for the well-being of all my ponies, if something is troubling you, you may feel free to contact me and ask me for help, I am always willing to aid my little ponies.”

Nova’s fear seemed to die down a little. “You……..r-really?”

Celestia gave a warm smile. “Of course, I am a princess after all, and as such, it is my duty to do what is best for my subjects.”

“Um, thank you…….your majesty, I’ll……..keep that in mind.”

“Uh, hey Rainbow Crash.” The three bullies came up to the group, the leader was the one to speak.

“Dash!” The second corrected.

“Oh uh, sorry, Rainbow Dash, we just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition.”

“That sonic rainboom was AWESOME!”

Rainbow Dash walked up to them. “Heh, thanks guys.”

The first one started apologizing. “We’re real sorry we gave you a hard time before.”

“Awe, that’s ok, don’t worry about it.” Nova was actually smiling as he watched the scene, his fears of Celestia had been subsided for now.

“Hey, do you want to hang out with us, maybe you could show us how you did that incredible trick.”

Rainbow smiled. “Sorry boys.” She flew up and joined two of the wonderbolts. “But I’ve got plans.” Dash flew off with them.

With the scene over, Nova then remembered that he was still standing before Celestia. “OH, uh, my would you look at the time, sorry princess, but me and Starburst need to get going, I have an order for Rarity I need to get to work on.”

Rarity cocked an eyebrow at this. “You do, but I don’t remember….” 

Nova cut her off. “Ok gotta go bye!” Nova quickly grabbed Starburst and flew off as fast as he could without getting close to causing his new signature move, the sonic starboom.

Later that evening:

Nova was nervous for his date with Twilight. This was going to be his first date ever and wasn’t sure what to do, he wasn’t even sure what the dating customs were for these ponies. “By the stars, what have I gotten myself into.” He was pacing back and forth nervously in front of Starburst. Since this was a date, Starburst wouldn’t be coming along, so Twilight agreed to let Starburst stay at the library and have Spike watch him. 

“Nova, calm down, Twilight is really nice, you’ve got nothing to worry about for galaxies sake.”

“Are you kidding, I’ve a lot of things to worry about, what if something happens and I’m accidentaly exposed, what if something goes wrong, what if she doesn’t like me like I may like here, what if…..”

“Nova!” Starburst called out. 

Nova finally stopped and looked at Starburst. “What?”

“Just remember what you told Dash at that competition, just believe in yourself and you can do anything.”

“*Sigh* Your right Starburst, I need to heed my own advice here.” He smiled at Starburst. “Have I ever told you how thankful I am to have you as a brother?”

Starburst smirked. “Not recently.”

“Come on Starburst, lets head out, time for my date.”

A little later in the night, Nova and Twilight had come to a resturaunt and found a seat inside. It was a lovely night, the sky was clear and a crescent moon hung in the sky. The two sat across from each other as they went over their menus. Nova looked over his at Twilight. “By the stars she is beautiful, I can’t believe I’m on a date with her.” Nova thought to himself.

Twilight looked up from her menu as she noticed Nova looking at her. “Is something wrong?” She asked.

Nova snapped out of his little world. “Huh, oh uh, no, I was just thinking how your eyes seem to sparkle like the stars.” 

Twilight blushed at the compliment.  “Um, thank you Nova.”

“You know, I thought you might cancel this date after finding out that Applejack knows my secret and you still don’t.”

“I’ll admit, I am a little sad that she knows and you won’t tell me, but your little brother is the one at fault here.”

“I am sorry about that Twilight, but like I said, I’ll find the courage to tell you and the others one day.” “Would it really be so bad to tell her now, she’s so caring. She really is a good friend, maybe I could tell her……..oh, but what if she ends up telling Celestia, Galea knows what she would do to me and Starburst if she found out.”

“Nova?”

“Oh, sorry Twilight, I was just thinking.”

“Is it ok for me to ask what about?” Twilight asked carefully.

“Come on, maybe I could at least try something, maybe ask her if she would tell Celestia.” “Twilight……..um……If I told you something…….something big and important that could possibly have an impact on Equestria, would you be able to keep it between us?”

Twilight looked in thought for a moment. “Well……..I suppose it would all depend on what it is you tell me…..wait, is it about this secret you’re keeping?”

“Kind of.” “Kind of? Come on, just tell her.” “I mean……yes, it does, if I told you what it was, would you be able to keep it between us?”

Twilight looked confused. “What kind of secret do you have that could potentially have an impact on Equestria?”

“Please Twilight, just answer the question.”

“Well……like I said, it would depend on the nature of what it was, if it was as big as you seem to make it out to be, I might have to inform her.”

“I was afraid of that.” “Come on, just tell her already, you like her, so what if she tells Celestia, Twilight is just too good a friend to keep her in the dark like this.”

“Nova, does this mean you’re ready to tell me?” Twilight sounded very hopeful.

“I….” “Yes.” “I….” “YES!” “I………..I’m sorry, no, not yet.” “OH COME ON!” 

“Oh, all right then.” The disappointment was evident in her voice.

“I’m sorry twilight, I really am.”

Twilight shook her head and gave a smile. “It’s fine Nova, I can wait until you’re ready.”

The rest of the night went on without anything special, but they did enjoy the night together, they merely talked about other things and laughed.

Nova walked Twilight to her door, he came in to retrieve Starburst and found him asleep upstairs in Twilight’s spare bed. Nova gently levitated him up and placed him on his back. He turned to Twilight and whispered so as not to wake Starburst. “I had a wonderful time with you tonight, maybe we could do this again sometime.”

Twilight smiled. “I’d like that.”

“And…..maybe…..if you want, we could……go to the galla as a date?”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, I’d love to be your date.” Twilight leaned forward and gave Nova a peck on the cheek. Nova blushed a little.

“Uh, ahem, anyway, I should get Starburst to bed, I’ll see you tomorrow Twilight.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow Nova.” Nova silently made his way downstairs and out the door as Twilight closed it behind him.

“Why can’t you just tell her, Celestia doesn’t really seem all that bad, maybe you really are just overthinking things, these nightmares are just that, nightmares. These ponies have been such wonderful friends, so why should I worry about what would happen if they find out me and Starburst are aliens, Applejack, and those three fillies know and they don’t care. But then again……”

> When it's Not Rude to Stare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


When it’s Not Rude to Stare



It was the afternoon of another day and Nova was Walking Starburst through town as he hopped up and down in joy. “Oh, I can’t wait, I just can’t wait. I can’t believe I get to have my very first sleepover with my friends.”

Nova chuckled at Starburst’s enthusiasm. “I get it Starburst, you’re excited, calm down.”

“I can’t help it Nova, other than that slumber party we had with Twilight, this will be the first one I get to have with my friends.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re excited about it, just remember to behave yourself for Rarity ok?”

Starburst stopped hopping and smiled up at Nova. “Don’t worry big brother, I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Glad to hear it, and don’t let those girls talk you into doing anything dangerous either.”

“I won’t. Say Nova, can I ask you something?”

Nova smiled down at Starburst. “Of course Starburst, what’s up?”

“I’m just curious, how do you know how to be such a great friend?”

Nova took a moment to think before answering. “Well Starburst, before we…….well…..lost our home, before you were born, I had some friends of my own. Mom and dad taught me everything I know on how to be a good friend, and I passed that on to you.”

“I see.” Starburst’s mood dropped then as he looked straight ahead. “I wish I could have gotten to know them, they sound so nice.”

Nova noticed this. “They were Starburst, and I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to know them either.”

Starburst lifted his head and looked back up to Nova. “Will we ever see them again?”

Nova looked straight ahead as he answered. “I’m sorry Starburst, but the odds of seeing them again are…….astronomical, the universe is very vast, possibly infinite, the odds of seeing them are just too great, so I’m afraid we won’t.”

Starburst lowered his head as he walked and slowed his pace.

Nova noticed this. “Hey, come on now, let’s not talk about such depressing things, you got a sleepover coming up with friends remember, lets head over there, I’m sure you’re going to have lots of fun.” 

Starburst smiled a little back at his big brother. “Yeah, I am.”

The two were on the approach of Rarity’s shop when they saw Scootaloo and Apple Bloom coming up. The two fillies stopped when they saw Nova and Starburst approach. Apple Bloom greeted first. “Howdy Nova, hey Starburst, you ready fer the sleepover?”

“You bet, I can’t wait.” Starburst said excitedly.

“Me too, this going to be so much fun.” Scootaloo responded. 

The three little ponies then rushed in with Nova running in behind them. “Hey, slow down you three!”

Starburst, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom rushed past Fluttershy as they ran in. “Hi Fluttershy!” They then rushed past Rarity. “Hi Rarity!”

Nova came in and got next to Fluttershy.

Rarity greeted back nervously. “Hello…..you three.”  

They finally came up to Sweetie Belle who was looking gloomy at first but perked up immediately upon seeing her friends. “Hi Sweetie Belle!”

Sweetie Belle jumped for joy. “Apple Bloom, Scoootaloo, Starburst!”

“You ready for tonight?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle gave a little salute as she responded. “Yep, cutie mark planning session is a go!”

“Tonight’s the night we each find our own special talent!” Applebloom said happily.

Scootaloo followed up. “Even if it takes us all night.”

“I’m ready, you ready?” Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo.

“Very ready, are you ready Starburst?” Scootaloo asked Starburst.

“More than anything!” Starburst responded.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEEPOVER AT RARITY’S YAY!” All four cheered at once so loud the grown-ups folded their ears down to try and drown out the noise.

Sweetie Belle then presented something. “And, look what I made us.” Sweetie Belle put on a dark red cape with a blue patch and a yellow silhouette of a pony.

The other three approached with sounds of approval. Fluttershy came up to Sweetie Belle. “What does the patch on your cape mean?”

Her answer was the four little ponies shouting again. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!”

Nova spoke up. “Ok, OW, could you four please stop with the shouting, you’re going to make us all deaf.”

The four ignored the comment as Scootaloo started. “We’re on a crusade, a mission.”

Applebloom continued. “To find our cutie marks.”

Starburst then picked up. “And discover our special talent.”

Sweetie belle then started. “Yep, and look.” She lifted part of the cape to reveal a gold sparkling silk on the other side of the cape she was wearing. “I lined them with this special gold silk, it took so long to make, but I think it adds just the right touch, don’t you?”

Rarity seemed to become panicked at this, she quickly rushed over to her sewing machine and pulled out a sheet of the same gold silk that was lining Sweetie Belle’s cape, it had four square holes in it. “Sweetie Bell, what have you DONE?! That was the last of the gold silk, now I’ll have to make more, I hope I can make more. I’m going to have to work all night, which means….” Rarity turned to the four little ponies. “I’m sorry kids, but the crusader sleepover is cancelled.”

Sweetie Belle cried out. “WHAT?!”

“I just won’t have any time to watch you if I want to get these robes delivered on time.”

Sweetie Belle tried to argue. “But…”

Rarity cut her off. “No buts this time, I’m sorry Sweetie Belle, but that’s the way it has to be.”

The four hung their heads in disappointment. Starburst then perked up with an idea. “Hey, I know, what if we have it at my place, Nova could watch us.” 

The other three perked up at this and all of them rushed over in front of him. “Please!” All four asked.

“What, oh no, sorry you four, but I have a huge order I need to take care of myself tonight for Rarity. I’m afraid I won’t be able to watch you either.”

They hung their heads again. Rarity walked over to Nova. “I am sorry to burden you with such an order Nova, but your personal gems have really become popular lately and have been a big help to my business.”

Nova gave a smile. “It’s fine Rarity, I’m glad to know that not only are others enjoying my gems, but helping your business as well.”

Rarity smiled back. Fluttershy spoke up with a suggestion. “I Um…I suppose….I could watch them for the night.” 

The four raised their heads up again in hope. Rarity responded. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.” This started a back and forth between them. The crusaders moving their heads between Rarity and Fluttershy as each spoke. 

“Oh, it’s no problem at all.”

“Have you met my sister and her friends, a problem is all it would be.”

“Did I have a PROBLEM with Opal, you’ve seen how well I handle small creatures.”

Rarity seemed to start caving. “I suppose that’s true, and I do have a lot of work to do.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun.” Fluttershy assured with a warm smile.

“I assure you they are quite a handful.”

“These sweet little angesl?” The four ponies gave innocent smiles.

“Well………all right.”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEEP OVER AT FLUTTERSHY’S COTTAGE! YAY!” The four shouted. 

They were about to rush out, but Nova got in front of them to stop them. “Whoa there you four, hold on a minute.” 

Starburst looked up at Nova . “What is it Nova?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” Scootaloo asked.

Nova looked over to Fluttershy. “Would you excuse me a moment Fluttershy, I need to have a word with these four first.”

“Um, ok, sure.” Fluttershy responded.

“Come on you four, I need to talk to you about something.” Nova led the four out of the room and down to the first floor.

“So what’s up Nova?” Apple Bloom asked.

Nova looked down at the four little ponies before him. “Now as I’m sure you three are aware, Starburst told me he told you three about this secret we’re trying to keep, about us being aliens. I’m counting on you three to make sure to help Starburst cover in case something happens that might give us away, understand?”

The three fillies gave a salute as Scootaloo responded first. “You can count on us Nova.”

“Yeah, we won’t let anything happen.” Sweetie Belle followed up.

Nova gave them a smile. “I’m glad to hear it, just remember to behave yourselves for Fluttershy. And Starburst, I know you’re usually well behaved, but I’ve noticed when around these three.” He pointed at the three fillies. “Their…….energy…..seems rather infectious, so I’m hoping you can control yourself and be good for Fluttershy.”

Starburst gave a salute as well. “No problem Nova, I’ll be on my best behavior.” 

Nova turned to the stairs. “Fluttershy, I’m done with my talk!”

Fluttershy came walking down. “What did you need to talk to them about?” She asked curiously.

“I just wanted to make sure they know to behave themselves while you’re watching them tonight.”

Fluttershy gave a grateful smile. “Oh, thank you Nova, that was nice of you.”

“You’re welcome.” Nova returned the smile.

“Ok you four, let’s go.” The four little ponies zipped off out the door. “So cute……wait for me!” Fluttershy excitedly exclaimed and rushed off after them.

“Good luck Fluttershy!” Nova called after her. “You’re gonna need it.” He said to himself.

Fluttershy followed the four as she flew. “Oh, won’t this be ever so much fun? We can have a nice little tea party, and braid each other’s tails, and sit quietly and color, and tell each other fairy tales and….” She stopped when she noticed the four had gotten ahead of her.

The four zipped passed Twilight which caused her to spin a bit and become dizzy. They went over to a well and just played around it a bit. Fluttershy came up to Twilight as she greeted her. “Hello Fluttershy.”

“Oh, hello Twilight, where are you off to?”

“I’m going to the Everfree forest to Zecora’s to get some of my favorite tea.”

Fluttershy became worried about this bit of information. “The-the Everfree forest? Uh, you’ll be careful won’t you?”

“Of course, how about you, what are you doing with the girls and Starburst?”

Fluttershy came down to the ground. “Rarity has a big order to fill tonight, and Nova has a lot of gems to make for Rarity, so I volunteered to take the kids over to my cottage for a sleepover.”

“Wow, sounds like every pony has their hooves full today. Taking care of those four little ponies all by yourself.” 

The four poked their heads out from behind the well as she spoke. “You sure you can handle it?”

“What, these sweet little angels?” the four lined up behind her with sweet smiles on. “They’ll be no problem at all.”

The little ponies and Fluttershy finally arrived at her cottage. Right away, they all started running around all excited and looking around. “Wow, look at this place!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“No, problem at all.” Fluttershy said to herself. “Ok kids, what should we do?”

“I’m gonna get my cutie mark first.” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Kids…” Fluttershy tried to get their attention.

Sweetie Belle cut in. “Nuh uh!”

“Should we…”Fluttershy tried again. 

Applebloom cut her off. “I AM!”

“Maybe we could….”

Starburst then came in. “No, I will!”

“Kids, ok now settle.”

Scootaloo went to jump on a little bed Angel was sleeping on, he quickly jumped off in time as Scootaloo announced. “I’m staying up all night.”

Apple Bloom joined her. “Me too.”

Sweetie Bell. “Me three.”

Starburst. “Me four.”

Fluttershy was starting to look worried. “Kids, I know you’re excited but…” The four scampered off before she could finish her sentence. “Uh, kids.” She rushed over to Apple Bloom as she was precariously standing on a chair over a table. “Oh, careful with that.” 

She saw Sweetie bell get her head stuck in a birdhouse. “Kids.”  She managed to pull herself free. Fluttershy blew her mane out of her eyes, she finally managed to get their attention. “So, what do you want to do, play a game?”

Scootaloo came up to her. “We are the cutie mark Crusaders!”

Applebloom then ran up. “And we want to crusade for our cutie marks!”

Starburst then came up to her. “And find our special talent.”

Sweetie Belle then came in from on top of Fluttershy. “And….and we….um…..yeah, what they said.”

Fluttershy was starting to sweat nervously. Starburst noticed this and his brothers words echoed in his head. “I’m hoping you can control yourself and be good for Fluttershy.” “Oops.” Starburst started feeling a little guilty about how he was acting, but he just couldn’t help it. This was a sleepover with his friends, and this could be a chance where he and his friends could earn their cutie marks.

Before Starburst could say anything, Scootaloo spoke up. “Or, we could go adventuring in the Everfree forest.” She proclaimed as she stood on Fluttershy’s couch. 

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom joined in. “YEAH!”

Starburst became afraid at this, he remembered Nova telling him about how the forest was dangerous from the books he had read and how the others talked about it. “What? You can’t be serious!” He said as he got in front of them.

The three just hopped over him and ran for the door, Fluttershy stopped them just in time. “Oh no, the Everfree forest is much too dangerous, it’s filled with far too many strange creatures.”

Starburst then came up next to Fluttershy with a worried expression.

Sweetie Belle made a suggestion. “But you could go with us and we could catch those creatures. We could be….um…..Creature catchers.”

The three fillies then shouted out. “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CREATURE CATCHERS! YAY!” Fluttershy folded her ears down to drown out the sound, Starburst did the same and covered them with his hooves.

Scootaloo put a basket on her head and grabbed a rug, she climbed up on Apple Blooms back and covered herself with it, giving her an eerie look with white eyes. “Grrr, I am a dangerous creature from the Everfree forest, rawr.” She said as she came up to Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle looked confused at first, but soon got the idea. She smiled as she started playing along. “Halt dangerous creature from the Everfree forest, I am Sweetie Belle, the creature catcher, and I am here to catch you with my partner, Starburst the creature catcher.” Sweetie Belle then dragged Starburst over to her side.

Starburst was surprised by this. “Um, Sweetie Belle, I don’t know if….”

Scootaloo cut him off. “You can never catch me, I am far too powerful and dangerous, rawr.”

“You cannot run from us!” sweetie Belle declared. “Come on Starburst, lets catch her.”

“Um…” Starburst was unsure about this, he did promise his big brother he would behave for Fluttershy, and he did like her, the last thing he wanted to do was cause trouble for her.

Before he could say anything, Sweetie Belle started chasing Scootaloo and Apple Bloom around laughing. He decided to see if he could get them to stop. “Um, girls, maybe we shouldn’t be doing this.” They didn’t listen as they ran around. 

Fluttershy then tried. “Girls, maybe that’s not such a….now girls…..how about we do some nice coloring.”

Starburst tried to get the others to agree for Fluttershy’s sake. “Yeah, colorings fun, let’s do that.” 

Sweetie Belle jumped on Fluttershy’s back as they continued to run around. “Come back dangerous creature, so I can catch you!” She jumped on a table and nearly knocked over a vase sitting on it. Starburst saw this and quickly used his magic to steady it.

“No….don’t…” Fluttershy tried to stop them but they ended up crashing and breaking a table. “Break anything.” 

Starburst ran over to the girls. “Girls, I think you may have overdone it.”

The three looked at the broken table sadly. “Sorry fluttershy.” Sweetie Belle apologized.

“Yeah, sorry.” Scootaloo apologized.

The three then laid down on the floor. “I guess we aren’t creature catchers.” Apple Bloom commented.

Fluttershy started walking over to them. “Oh, girls, it’s ok….”

Apple Bloom then perked up. “I know, we could be cutie mark crusader carpenters.”

“Carpenters?” Fluttershy meekly said. 

Starburst saw how she looked and tried to stop them. “Girls, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Scootaloo started in on him. “Come on Starburst, we could get our cutie marks with this.”

Apple Bloom agreed. “Yeah, let’s do this.”

“Well, ok.” Starburst said uncertain, he figured they might be able to fix it to make it up to Fluttershy. 

The four ran out of the room for a second, then came back with stethoscopes around their necks and a doctors head band on their heads. Starburst was at the end of the line with Scootaloo, Sweetie belle, then Apple Bloom. “Hammer.” Apple Bloom sated.

Sweetie Belle said the same. “Hammer.”

Then Scootaloo. “Hammer.” 

Starburst grabbed a hammer and passed it to Scootaloo, it was passed down to Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle then asked for a hammer. “Hammer.”

Scootaloo passed along the message and Starburst did the same as before. Eventually, all for had a hammer and gave a nod. They all started work on the table, they made such a racket with it they scared some of Fluttershy’s animals in the house. Fluttershy dropped to the floor and covered her ears. 

The noise soon subsided and Fluttershy looked over at the four. “Um, that doesn’t look like a table.” Sweetie Belle commented. 

“We were making a table?” Scootaloo questioned.

“Some pony needs to put this thing out of its misery.” Apple Bloom stated. 

Starburst looked over to fluttershy with a sad expression. “Sorry Fluttershy.”

“We are definitely not cutie mark crusader carpenters.” Scootaloo declared as they walked away from the mess that was once a table.

“Who wants a picture of a hammer on their flank anyway.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

Fluttershy took this opportunity to make a suggestion. “Well, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, how about a game?”

“A game?” Apple Bloom questioned.

The four gathered on to Fluttershy’s couch. “It’s called shhh.”

The four looked at her with confusion, Scootaloo recoiled. “What’s that?”

“Well, it’s a game about who can be quiet the longest, sound fun?” She just received bored stares from the three fillies, Starburst just looked at them, then back to Fluttershy feeling unsure of what to do. “I’m the world champ you know, I bet you can’t beat me.” Fluttershy let out a squee as she smiled. She took in a deep breath and puffed out her cheeks.

The three didn’t like this game already.“I lose!”

“Me too!”

“Me three!”

Starburst just called out as he wasn’t sure what else to do. “Uh, me four!” He gave a sheepish smile.

The three fillies started running around crazy like again. “Ok, now what can we do?” Scootaloo asked as she jumped in place. Fluttershy released her breath.

Appel Bloom poked her head out of the fireplace hanging upside down and covered in soot. “How about cutie mark crusader coal miners?”

The other two joined her in the fireplace. “YEAH!”

“NO!” Fluttershy called out. 

“Awwwee.” The three expressed their disappointment.

“I mean, it’s time for bed, don’t you think?” the three started walking away from the fireplace, Starburst followed behind. “Aren’t you excited to get snuggly wuggly in your toasty warm beds?”

“Snuggly wuggly?” Apple Bloom questioned. “But we have more crusading to do.”

“We’ve got plans.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“And capes.” Sweetie Belle lifted up a cape for emphasis.

Fluttershy just started leading them upstairs to her room with Starburst behind the three fillies and Fluttershy right behind him. “Um, ok, maybe the crusading can wait until morning, when it’s light and not so….dark?” Once they reached Fluttershy’s bedroom, there was really only enough room for three of them to lay side by side under the covers. “Oh my.” Fluttershy expressed.

Starburst made a suggestion. “Fluttershy, I don’t mind sleeping at the foot of the bed. The others can have the covers.”

The three looked at Starburst, Apple Bloom was the first to address him. “Starburst, you sure you’re ok with that?”

“I don’t mind.” He answered.

Sweetie Belle gave him a smile. “Thanks Starburst, but are you sure you’ll be comfortable without a blanket?”

Fluttershy answered before he could. “Don’t worry, I have an extra blanket and a pillow you can have, that’s very nice of you to offer Starburst.” Fluttershy then went off and retrieved it as the three got comfortable under the main blanket. Starburst got on the bed and lay down at the foot. Fluttershy came back with a little blue blanket and a pillow for Starburst to use. She placed the pillow under his head and covered him with the blanket. “There you go, comfy?”

Starburst nodded. “mmhmm, and sorry about all the trouble Fluttershy.”

“It’s all right, I saw how you were trying to help and I appreciate it.” She said as she gave Starburst a comforting smile.

Applebloom started complaining. “How are we supposed to find our special talent in our sleep?”

Fluttershy flew up to a mantel and blew out a candle. “Maybe you’ll have a lovely little dream about your special talent.”

Scootaloo sat up from the bed. “But we’re not even tired.”

Fluttershy pulled the covers on the three fillies a bit more to make sure they were comfy. “How about I sing you a lullaby?” The four sounded off in agreement, Fluttershy began her song.

Hush now, quiet now.
It’s time to lay your sleepy head, 
Hush now quiet now, 
it’s time to go to bed.

Sweetie Belle perked up. “I know this one.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Oh, how wonderful, why don’t you sing it with me?”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other, then over to Starburst, they motioned for him to cover his ears as they did the same. Starburst covered his ears as well, not knowing why. It soon became evident as Sweetie Belle started singing loudly but very well. 

Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to lay your sleepy head,
Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to go to be~d

Fluttershy tried to stop her. “Ok Sweetie, that was….” Sweetie Belle kept singing.

Drifting…off to sleep,
the exciting day behind you,
drifting off to sleep,
let the joy of dreamland find you~

Fluttershy tried again as Sweetie’s singing caused things to fall off. “Thank you Sweetie, that was….” She didn’t stop there.

Hush now, quiet now, 
Lay your sleepy head,
Hush now, quiet now,
it’s time to go to be~d! OW!

Starburst was cringing the whole time Sweetie Belle sang, it was just so loud to him, he even resorted to trying to use his pillow. Once Sweetie stopped singing, Starburst uncovered himself and looked at the others. Chickens were heard clucking outside through the window of Fluttershy’s room. “What’s that?” Scootaloo asked. 

When Fluttershy wasn’t looking, the four made their way outside to Fluttershy’s back yard and saw a pen with chickens running around and clucking. “Kids!” Fluttershy called from the window with worry.

“Fluttershy, your chickens are on the loose.” Apple Bloom pointed out.

Sweetie Belle tapped a hoof to her chin in thought. “I wonder what could have caused that?” 

The other three just looked at her. Starburst wanted to do something to help and make it up to Fluttershy, Scootaloo gave him the idea. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, the cutie mark crusader’s will handle this.” She said as she gave a salute. 

“Cutie mark crusader chicken herders.” Sweetie Belle announced. “YAY!” The three announced before rushing into the coop.

“Hey, wait for me!” Starburst called as he rushed after them to help with the chickens.

“I don’t think that’s a….” Fluttershy tried to say something to stop them but it was too late.

Starburst just ran around like the other girls to try and catch them . “Here chick chick chick, come on now.” He called as he ran around. He noticed Fluttershy fly down looking worried as she landed in the center. He went back to focusing on his task of rounding up the panicked chickens as he heard Fluttershy try to stop them. “Come on chicky, I won’t hurt you.”

After a while, Fluttershy finally shouted out. “KIDS!” They all stopped running around, Starburst cringed at her shouting, thinking she was now mad at him. The three gathered together as a chicken landed on Fluttershy’s head. She looked up at it and made a few clicking noises to coax the chicken off. She gathered them up and herded them to the chicken coop to try and get them in. “Come on, in you go.” The chickens refused to budge.

Fluttershy narrowed her eyes at them, she widened her eyes and stared at them, causing the chickens to start backing up into the coop. Once they were inside, Fluttershy dropped her stare. “There’s some good chickens.” 
Starburst cringed a little after seeing her stare. Once the chickens were inside their coop, Fluttershy walked over to the four little ponies. “Ok, you four, isn’t it about time you got into bed?”

The three fillies tried to object. “But….”

“Please.”

Starburst looked over to them. “Come on girls, it is kind of late.”

Fluttershy smiled sweetly at them.

The four were finally back up in Fluttershy’s room lying in bed. Before Fluttershy left, Starburst spoke up. “Fluttershy, you’re not mad at us are you?”

Fluttershy gave a sweet smile to him. “Of course not, why do you think that?”

“Well, when we were trying to help you with your chickens, you kind of shouted, then that thing you did when you stared at them to get them to go in their coops, it kind of scared me.”

Fluttershy came up to him and ran a hoof along his back. “Oh, it’s ok sweaty, I’m not mad at you, I do appreciate you all trying to help, but you were just scaring the poor chickens.”

“Sorry about that, I just wanted to do something to make up for before.”

“It’s ok, now no more crusading for tonight, alright?”

The three fillies sounded off. “Yes Fluttershy.”

“We promise Fluttershy.”

“Goodnight Fluttershy.”

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom each closed their eyes. Starburst said his goodnight. “Goodnight Fluttershy, thanks for letting us stay over.” He said with a smile as he lay his head down.

“Goodnight.” Fluttershy quietly left the room and went downstairs for the night.

Starburst was the only who was really ready for bed. He heard the other three start to talk. “Ok, so what kind of crusading do we do next?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Starburst raised his head and looked over to them. “There’s not much we can do from this room, unless we become cutie mark crusader cottage cleaners.” Apple Bloom answered.

Sweetie Belle responded warily. “No thanks.”

Starburst spoke up. “Um, girls, don’t you think we should just call it a night, I mean, we’ve already caused a bit of trouble for Fluttershy.”

Applebloom responded. “Come on Starburst, we have to think of something to earn our cutie marks.” Applebloom went over to the window and looked up at the sky. “We can’t waste this opportunity to find out what our special talents are.”

Scootaloo then came in. “Yeah, don’t you want your cutie mark?”

“Of course, I want my cutie mark just as much as you three, but I just don’t think we should do it at the expense of troubling others, we did promise my big brother that we’d behave for Fluttershy didn’t we?”

Before an answer could be given, Apple Bloom called out. “Hey guys, look.” The others ran to the window with Apple Bloom and looked out. “Some of the chickens may have escaped.” There was a hole in the fence of the pen with tracks leading out of Fluttershy’s back yard. 

“Into the forest.” Sweetie Belle pointed out. 

The three clapped their hooves together. “Cutie mark crusader chicken rescuers are go.”

Starburst grew fearful of this. The three were about to head down the stairs when Starburst ran in front of them to stop them. “What, no, we can’t go out there, the forest is dangerous remember? We can’t just wander out there, who knows what could happen.”

Scootaloo spoke up. “Come on Starburst, don’t be a baby, we can do this.”

Sweetie Belle agreed. “Yeah, besides, this could be our special talent.”

Apple Bloom then came in. “We could earn our cutie marks for this.”

Starburst tried to disagree again. “Or we could get into serious trouble, please girls, don’t do this.”

Applebloom spoke again. “Come on Starburst, are you a cutie mark crusader or not.”

Starburst was surprised by this question. “Of course I am, but….”

Scootaloo interrupted. “Then what’s the problem, we can do this.”

Sweetie Belle agreed. “Yeah, let’s go rescue that chicken.” The three walked past him to the stairs. 

“Oh, I just know this is a bad idea.” Starburst said quietly to himself. He could probably tell fluttershy what they were planning, but he didn’t want to get them in trouble, he also didn’t want them to go into the forest alone, he figured that maybe he could talk them into forgetting this chicken rescue business and get them to come back, so he went along with them.

The four stopped at the top of the stairs where they saw Fluttershy laying down on her couch getting ready to sleep as she talked to herself. While she did, the four snuck past her. “*Sigh* It really wasn’t that hard, I mean, all I needed to do was show them who’s in charge. Nothing’s going to get past Fluttershy. Good with animals, good with kids.”

Before leaving, the four grabbed their capes and headed out to the forest. Scootaloo’s cape got caught on one of the fence posts and ripped a little. “Wait up.” She called as she ran to catch up.

Apple Bloom started calling for the chicken. “Here chick chick chick chick, bwak bwak bwak.”

“Um, girls, maybe we should just head back, we can just tell Fluttershy we noticed her chicken was missing.” Starburst said to them.

Sweetie Belle Disagreed. “How are we supposed to get a cutie mark for that?”

“We might not get a cutie mark, but at least it’s a safe thing to do instead of wandering around here like this.”

Scootaloo came up next to Starburst. “Come on Starburst, it’s just a forest, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“Well…..I don’t know, but it can’t be anything good.” 

“Just relax, this is no big deal, we’ll find that chicken and get our cutie marks.” Scootaloo spoke with confidence clear in her voice.

It was clear to Starburst he wouldn’t be able to talk them out of this. “By the stars, Nova is going to be mad at me if he finds out about this, I may not be strong like him, but I should at least try to be brave. I may not be as good with my magic as him either, but maybe I can use it somehow to protect them if something comes at us. I just have to be brave like my big brother.” Starburst tried to dig up courage within himself so he could act in case something comes along. 

Apple Bloom went back to calling for the chicken the same way as she did earlier. “What are you doing?” Scootaloo asked as she came up next to her, Starburst was behind the two as Sweetie Belle was in front.

“Callin fer the chicken.” Apple Bloom answered. 

“That is not how you call a chicken.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Oh and you know how to call a chicken?”

“I know that’s not the way.” Scootaloo responded as she closed her eyes and turned her head to the side.

The two stopped. “Then show me.” Apple Bloom responded back. Starburst stopped too, looking worried at them.

“I don’t have to show you.”

“Um, girls, could you please not argue.” Memories of the sleepover Twilight had with his brother, Rarity, and Applejack came rushing back to him, how those two argued so much the whole time upset him a little, and it was because of that arguing that he got hurt.

“You’re just chicken.” Apple Bloom retorted smugly.

“Am not!”

“Girls, please.”

“Oh wait, now I know how to call a chicken. Scootaloo! Scoot Scootaloo!”

“That’s so funny I forgot to laugh.”

“GIRLS!” Starburst shouted. The two looked at him and saw a sad look on his face. “Please, stop arguing, I don’t like it when you argue.”

Apple Bloom came up to him. Sweetie Belle stopped when she heard the shout too and came back. “Starburst, what’s wrong?” Apple Bloom asked with genuine concern.

“It’s just that…..Nova always told me that arguments are how friendships can break up, seeing you two argue makes me afraid that it could end the friendship, and I don’t want us to stop being friends.”

Scootaloo came up next to him and put a hoof on his back. “Hey, just because we’re arguing doesn’t mean we’re going to stop being friends. 

Apple Bloom affirmed this. “Sure friends tend to argue from time to time, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of a friendship.”

Sweetie Belle then came in. “We’ll always be friends, and we’ll always be the cutie mark crusaders, right?” She asked as she gave him a smile.

Starburst perked up at this as he smiled back. “Right.”

“That’s the spirit, now come on, we got a chicken to find.” Scootaloo declared. The four resumed their trek.

They soon came to a clearing and spotted fresh chicken foot prints. “Look, chicken tracks!” Sweetie Belle declared.”

“We must be close.” Scootaloo said.

“Over there!” Starburst called as he saw a chicken run into a bush. He ran up to it with the others behind him. “Here chicky chicky, we just want to take you home.”

An unsettling noise was heard followed by a rustling. “Did you just hear that?” Apple Bloom said. 

They looked at the bush again and saw two chicken heads poking out of it. “Two chickens?” Scootaloo asked. “I though Fluttershy only lost one?”

“Grab em both.” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle went for the first but it ducked down into the bush.

Applebloom went after the second and it too ducked down, it came back up slowly but revealed it was only the head that resembled a chicken. It had green scales and wings with a long tail. It gave out a loud cluck. “BUKAW!”  The beast landed with a thud in front of the chicken causing it to jump, the beast stared right at it and turned it to stone in mid-air.

The four let out a scream of terror. “AAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

“RUN!” Starburst called, they did just that. Scootaloo led the way as they ran as fast as they could, the beast was following right behind them. Scootaloo tirpped, causing the others to pile up on top of her. Starburst was the first to get up and saw the beast coming for them. He looked back at the girls as they cringed in fear. “Oh no, what do I do, I have to be brave like Nova. I hope this works, goddess Galea, grant me strength.” Starburst closed his eyes tight and stood firm, his horn was enveloped by his yellow aura as he struggled and managed to put up a shield around himself and the girls. 

The beast slammed into Starburst's shield. Starburst grunted. “UGH!” He stood his ground and kept his little shield up to protect his friends, but he was straining hard.

“Starburst, what are you doing?!” Scootaloo asked.

“Keeping you safe, what else.” Starburst grunted out. “I don’t know how long I can hold it, just run.” The beast slammed against his shield again. “UGH!” Starburst was sweating now as he struggled.

“But we can’t leave you!” Sweetie Belle declared.

“KIDS!” Fluttershy’s voice called out. “YOU!” Her voice sounded again. The beast had stopped it’s assault on Starburst’s shield. “Just who do you think you are going around turning others to stone?” Starburst peeked and saw Fluttershy standing in front of him as she stared down the monster. 

The beast let out another monstrous call. “BUKAWK!” Starburst didn’t let his shield drop yet, but he was feeling tired from the strain.

Fluttershy continued. “You should be ashamed of yourself, I have half a mind to find your mother and tell her what you’ve been up to young man!” Starburst still had his eyes closed. “Now you go over there and turn my friend Twilight and Elizabeak back to normal and don’t ever let me catch you doing this again….you got that.” The beast was heard clucking in fear and running off. 

Starburst chanced a look and saw the beast running off. He finally dropped his shield and fell down exhausted. “Starburst!” He heard multiple voices call out to him, he was just so tired though he couldn’t stay awake, darkness soon took over his vision as he passed out.

Starburst slowly regained consciousness as the world came back to him “ugh, my head.” He complained tiredly. He looked around and noticed he was on the couch with a blanket on him, the sun was up so he figured it was morning. Fluttershy walked in with Twilight and the other girls behind her.

“Starburst!” she exclaimed as she rushed over to him, Twilight followed. She took him up in a hug. “Oh Starburst, thank Celestia your all right, are you ok, do you hurt anywhere?”

“Can’t……breath.” He said through the death hug he was getting.

“OH, sorry.” Fluttershy released him and placed him back on the couch on his haunches. 

“Are you ok Starburst?” Twilight asked again with concern in her eyes.

“I think so, but I kind of have a headache, what are you doing here Twilight?”

Twilight and Fluttershy smiled at him. “I’m glad to see you ok Starburst, it was very brave of you to protect your friends like you did.”

“I’ll say.” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, you were so brave to stand up against the cockatrice for us like that.” Sweetie Belle chimed in.

Starburst cocked an eyebrow. “A what now?”

Fluttershy informed. “That thing that attacked you all, it’s stare can turn others to stone.”

“Which is why I’m here, on my way to Zecora’s, I kind of had a run in with it and it turned me to stone, but thanks to Fluttershy, she managed to get it to turn me back.”

“I’m glad to hear that Twilight.” Starburst said with a smile. 

“But Starburst, I am curious how you managed to put up a shield like you did to protect the girls, not even a young unicorn can do something like that, how did you do it?”

Starburst looked to the side and frowned. “I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t really tell you.”

“It’s part of this secret you and Nova are keeping isn’t it?” Twilight asked sadly.

Starburst simply nodded. “I’m sorry Twilight.”

She smiled at him. “It’s ok Starburst, you are a hero after all.”

“Yeah, you were real brave to protect us like you did.” Apple Bloom chimed in.

Starburst jumped down from the couch. “Thanks girls, I’m just glad you all are ok.”

“We’re sorry we didn’t listen to you or Fluttershy when you told us the forest was dangerous.” Scootaloo said as she and the others hung their heads.

Starburst wasn’t sure what to make of this. “It’s ok girls, just promise me we won’t do something like that again.”

The three smiled at him. “Deal!” They said in unison, then gave a group hug with Starburst at the center. 

Starburst couldn’t help but smile big at this, as did Fluttershy and Twilight. “And one more thing.” Starburst added as they broke the group hug. “Could we not tell my big brother about this, I don’t want to get in trouble, and I don’t think he’d like it if he found out we went into the forest.”

“Don’t worry Starburst, we won’t say a word.” Apple Bloom said happily, the other two gave a nod of agreement.

Starburst then looked up at Twilight and Fluttershy with hopeful eyes. They looked at each other first, then Twilight responded. “Don’t worry Starburst, we won’t say anything either.” She gave a smile.

“Thanks every pony.”

There was a knock at the door. “Come in!” Fluttershy called. 

Rarity and Nova walked in. “Hello every pony, how are you all doing this fine morning.” Rarity greeted first.

“Hey there, how you all doing?” Nova greeted as well.

“NOVA!” Starburst called happily as he ran over to his big brother and hugged his foreleg.

Nova smiled down at him. “Hey there Starburst, did you have a good time with your friends and Fluttershy?”

“I sure did.”

“That’s good to hear.” He then walked over to Fluttershy as the girls got ready to leave with Rarity. “Fluttershy, thanks for taking care of Starburst for me like this, I hope he wasn’t too much trouble with the others here.”

Fluttershy smiled at him. “Of course not, he and the others were no trouble at all.”

“That’s good, well come on starburst, let’s head out and get some breakfast.”

“Ok.” Starburst responded happily. “Bye girls, bye Fluttershy, thanks for letting us stay over.”

Later that night:

Nova woke up in the middle of the night in another cold sweat from another nightmare involving Celestia and he and his brother being found out. He sat up in his bed panting heavily. “By the cosmos, why do I keep having these nightmares……….because of what I’m afraid of, that’s why.” He spoke quietly so as not to wake his brother. He climbed out of bed and used his magic to put up his disguise, he then went outside and sat down just like before and stared up into the night sky. It was a full moon out, no clouds in the sky, no wind was blowing, and the stars shined brightly.

“Another beautiful night.” He commented quietly. He sat there for a few moments before a voice caught his attention.

“Nova?” Twilight’s voice was heard from the side. 

Nova looked over and saw her approach. “Hey Twilight, let me guess, another late night study session?”

She smiled as she answered. “Yep.” Her smile turned to a sad one. “Another nightmare Nova?”

He turned back to the sky as he responded. “Yep. It seems almost every other night I have them.”

Twilight looked up at the sky as well as she responded. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

“Come on, if you can’t tell her the whole truth, tell her something, anything.” “I guess, you can’t really help if……you don’t know what my nightmares are about can you?”

“No, I can’t.”

“Then………I guess I could……..tell you something about them.”

Twilight turned her head to face him. “Really?”

Nova lowered his head. “First, let me ask you something. What if…….what if me and Starburst……..aren’t originally from Equestria? What if we were…….from somewhere else, somewhere very far away, you wouldn’t care would you?”

Twilight smiled as she responded. “Of course not, I don’t care where you’re from, I like you for who you are, so do the others.” 

Nova faced her with a smile. He frowned again. “These nightmares I’ve been having, they’re part of the reason why I’m so afraid of the princess. These nightmares are about how you, her and every other pony find out this secret and try to hurt us because of it.”

Twilight frowned as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, princess Celestia would never harm a pony just because they’re from somewhere else, we have good relations with other countries, if you’re from another country, that doesn’t matter. So you and Starburst aren’t from Equestria?”

“I would like to tell you Twilight, but I’m just not there yet.” His face was very sullen now, he once again faced the sky. Twilight removed her hoof from his shoulder and did the same. “It sure is a beautiful night ins’t it?”

“It sure is.” Twilight replied happily.

“Gotta say, the view from this perspective is much better.” He put an emphasis on this.

“Yes, it is…..wait what?” Twilight turned her head to look at him with a quizzical look, only to see his flank disappear into his house. “Did he just give me a clue? What did he mean by this perspective?” Twilight thought to herself. She just turned around and headed back home, questions now plaguing her mind about what Nova just said.

> Cutie Mark Crusader Curtain Callers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cutie Mark Crusader Curtain Callers



Another Saturday came and Starburst was to meet his friends at Applejack’s farm. “So Starburst, why is it Applejack wanted you and your friends to meet with her at her farm?” Nova asked. They were in their house finishing up breakfast, a meal of snorbler fruit.

“I don’t know, she said something about having something to show us.”

“Well then, lets finish up breakfast and you can get going.”

“Ok……..wait, me get going, you’re not coming with me?”

“If you want me too, but I think you’ve shown lately that your mature enough to go around town by yourself, just be careful and don’t talk to any strange ponies.”

“Really, thanks Nova!” Starburst gave a big hug to Nova. “I promise I’ll be real careful.”

Nova smiled back. “I know you will. You run along now and have fun, just remember, don’t be using your magic in public, the unicorns around your age can’t normally use magic here so just remember that.”

“You bet Nova, I’ll be extra careful. Thanks again big brother, I’ll see you later!” Starburst then grabbed his holo-emitter and put it on, then ran out the door at such a speed.

Nova couldn’t help but smile. “That little brother of mine.”

A little later on, Starburst reached Sweet Apple Acres and greeted his three friends who were gathered in front of Apple Bloom’s house. “Hey girls.” 

“Hey Starburst.” They said together.

“So what’s this thing Applejack want’s to show us?”

“Beats me, I don’t have any idea.” Apple Bloom answered.

Applejack soon came around and greeted them. “Howdy ya’ll, you ready to see what I got in store fer ya.”

“I guess so.” Scootaloo responded with little enthusiasm.

“All right then, follow me.” Applejack started leading the four little ponies away. Starburst was the only one with a smile on his face as they started walking. Apple Bloom walked behind Applejack with Scootaloo behind, followed by Sweetie Belle, then Starburst bringing up the rear.

His enthusiasm soon died down as they walked, for they had been walking far too long to Starburst’s taste. “Where are you taking us?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We’re almost there youngins.” Applejack responded.

“I’ve never been here before.” Sweetie Belle commented. 

Applejack used her head to push a leaf up and out of the way. Apple Bloom just pushed it until she got by and it sprung back, hitting Scootaloo in the face. “OUCH!”

Apple Bloom came back and lifted the leaf out of the way. “Oh, sorry.”

Sweetie Belle and Starburst just ducked down under it. “Are we there yet?” Scootaloo asked as she was starting to get annoyed with how long they had been walking.

“There, where what? I don’t even know what we’re doing.” Sweetie Belle complained.

“Please tell me we’re close, my legs are getting tired.” Starburst complained.

“Here we are!” Applejack proudly proclaimed.

“What are we looking at?” Apple Bloom asked with a quizzical look.

“I have no idea.” Scootaloo responded.

“What is that thing?” Sweetie Belle added.

“The place that time forgot?” Starburst suggested.

“Cutie mark crusaders, welcome to your new clubhouse.” Applejack proudly proclaimed. Applejack had led the four to a tree house, but it was in very poor condition, the wood looked rotted, there were shutters just barely hanging on it, the windows were shattered, and the balcony surrounding it looked ready to fall. The four just stood there in silence staring at it. “Well don’t thank me all at once.” She started leading them up the ramp to the clubhouse. “This was my clubhouse when I was your age. Sure it hasn’t been used in a while, but it’s empty and on a secluded part of the farm. And it’s all yours.” 

A part of the roof suddenly collapsed. “It just needs a little…uh…TLC.”

“TLC as in tender loving care, or totally lost cause?” Scootaloo commented. 

“Not even the great goddess Galea would bother with this.” Starburst commented.

The three fillies looked at him with confusion. “Who?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“She a goddess me and my brother worship, we believe her to be the goddess of all creation.” Starburst explained.

“Oh.” Was all Apple Bloom could say. She then turned her attention to Applejack. “Applejack, we’re supposed to turn this place into our new clubhouse?”

Applejack went to lean on the side of the clubhouse. “Well, maybe ya’ll will get yer cutie marks when you discover yer talent fer WAH!” The wall gave way and she fell in. She poked her head up out of the rubble as the others looked in at her. “Housecleaning?” Applejack picked herself out of the rubble and walked out of the clubhouse. “Don’t worry, I’m sure ya’ll can fix it up real nice.”

“I say we at least give it a try, I think it would be neat to have a clubhouse.” Starburst said.

“Yeah, it would be wouldn’t it?” Scootaloo agreed.

Later in the day, after a bit of work, Sweetie Belle took a break, Scootaloo went off to make a map of the town, and Apple Bloom and Starburst stayed to work on the rest of the clubhouse. Apple Bloom took care of the wood work while Starburst took care of the painting. 

Later, Starburst was putting the finishing touches of paint on the plank with Apple Bloom sitting just behind him. A buzzing filled the air which caught the attention of the two. Starburst placed the brush he was levitating in the nearby paint bucket. “What’s that noise?”

Scootaloo came buzzing in through some bushes on a scooter, at first the two thought she was about to crash into them so they winced, but Scootaloo screeched to a halt. She stepped off and removed her helmet with a smile. “Whoa, hey Scootaloo, back already? Yer amazin on that scooter.” Apple Bloom commented.

“I’ll say, that was cosmic.” Starburst added. The two looked at him quizzically. “Sorry, I guess it’s the same as saying cool.”

Scootaloo smiled. “Thanks.” She then noticed the club house. It looked brand new, the paint fresh, the door and windows fixed, and the wood looked smooth. “Wow Apple Bloom, you did all this?”

“Just the wood work, Starburst did the painting. I fixed the broken shudders, sanded off the splinters, rebuilt the roof, Starburst was a big help and took care of the painting.”

“Wow, you two did a great job.” Scootaloo complimented.

“Thanks.” Apple Bloom smiled.

“Thanks Scootaloo, but I didn’t really do much.” Starburst gave a small smile.

Apple Bloom placed a hoof on his back. “Don’t be modest Starburst, you were a big help to me with this, and you did a great job with the painting.”

“Thanks Apple Bloom.”

Scootaloo cut in. “So what’s Sweetie Belle up to?”

“All we gotta do is follow her amazin singing voice, come on.” Apple Bloom started leading them away.

As they walked, they started hearing singing. “We are the cutie mark crusaders,*humming* never stop the journey.”

“There you are Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom shouted. “See, I told you we could find her by following her totally awesome voice.”

“Wow Sweetie Belle, you do have a beautiful singing voice.” Starburst commented.

“Gosh, thanks Starburst.” Sweetie Belle said with a little blush.

“What’s that sweet tune your singing?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle raised a hoof and answered with a little shyness. “Oh, I was just working on our cutie mark crusaders theme song.”

“COOL!” The three exclaimed. “Teach us?” Scootaloo asked.

Sweetie Belle looked unsure at first. “Well, I’ve only come up with one part, but ok.” She finished with a smile.

Shortly after they started their walk back to the club house, Scootaloo became curious about something. “So Starburst, I just gotta know, how is it you and Nova make yourselves look like other ponies, is it that necklace we saw you wearing when you first told us about how you two are aliens?”

They stopped so Starburst could answer. “My big brother made them, he calls them a holo-emitter.” Starburst looked around warily first, he then went ahead and pushed the button on his hidden necklace to reveal his alien form. “See this necklace?” He asked as he pointed at it. 

“Cool, that looks neat, so how does it work?” Apple Bloom asked.

Starburst stared to explain. “It’s a portable holographic image projector.”

His explanation was met with looks of confusion. “holo what pro who now?” Sweetie asked.

Starburst gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry….um…..how to explain it so you can understand?” He thought for a moment. “I know, it’s like a thing that makes 3-D pictures, images that you can look at at every angle and see it from different sides, does that make sense?”

“Kind of.”

“A little bit.”

“I guess so.”

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom sounded off. Starburst continued. “Anyway, this thing produces a 3-D image around my body and makes me look like a regular pony.”

“That’s mighty impressive Starburst, yer brother must be real smart to make somethin like that.” Apple Bloom stated.

“I’ll say, we don’t have anything like that around here.” Scootaloo followed up. 

“He sure is, he’s always making repairs around our ship whenever something is broken.” Starburst then brightened up with an idea. “HEY, I just had a great idea!”

“What?” The three fillies asked together. 

“Whenever we’re just hanging out, you know, not doing any crusading, you three can come to my place and I can show you the holo-deck on our ship.”

“The holo what now?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s this room we have that can make images like my holo-emitter but on a much larger scale, you could see what other planets look like or we could play some games and have loads of fun, I just know you girls are going to love it.”

“That’s a great idea Starburst.” 

“Yeah, that sounds awesome.”

“I’d like to see that.”

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle sounded off in agreement. “Great, but for now, let’s head back to the clubhouse and learn Sweetie Belle’s stellar song.”

The four continued on back to the clubhouse, but Starburst didn’t turn his holo-emitter back on. Apple Bloom noticed this first. “Starburst, aint ya gonna turn yer disguise back on?”

Starburst looked to the side for a moment. “Actually, I don’t like having to have it on all the time, I know it’s so no pony will see my like this, but I’m tired of having to hide. It’s actually nice not having to hide all the time outside my home, so I figured since this area is secluded, I could leave my disguise off while we’re here. You girls don’t mind do you, my look doesn’t bother you does it?” He asked a little worried.

“Of course not, we were just wondering is all.” Sweetie pointed out. 

“Yeah, besides, I think you look cool like this, much better than a regular pony.” Scootaloo said.

Starburst smiled at the compliment. “Gosh, thanks Scootaloo, thanks you two, I really appreciate it.”

“So what do ya’ll call yerselves anyway?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Nova said our race was known as Equinians.”

The three made it to their clubhouse and climbed up the ramp to the door. Once they entered, Starburst took his necklace off and placed it on a table near the door. Starburst, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom lined up and Sweetie Belle stood in front of them as she taught them her song.

“Ok, so you ready to try it together?” Sweetie asked. They all gave a nod. “They all say that you’ll get your mark.”

Starburst continued from there. “When the time is really right.”

Apple Bloom. “And you’ll figure out what yer supposed to do.”

Scootaloo sang a bit off key. “And your talent comes to light.”

“Well, I’ll be cutie mark crusaders, you’ve done one find job with this place.” Applejack stated from the window as she was looking in. “So what’s next?”

Apple Bloom trotted up to her. “Well, now that we have our own clubhouse.”

“And a map of Ponyville,” Scootaloo pointed out.

“And a cutie Mark crusader’s them song.” Sweetie finished.

“Theme song?” Applejack questioned.

“We’re going to go out into the world and discover our talents.” Starburst declared.

Scootaloo added. “A new adventure.”

“And earn our cutie marks.” Sweetie Added.

“We’ll leave no stone unturned.”

“No mountain unclimbed.”

“No meal uncooked.”

“No sock unworn.”

Applejack finally stopped them. “Well ok then! Sounds like you have a plan. I’ve gotta….leave no apple unpicked.” She was about to leave when she finally realized Starburst was out of his disguise. “Hold on, Starburst, how come ya’ll don’t have yer disguise up?”

Starburst began to explain. “Well, you see Applejack, I’m just really tired of having to hide myself every second of every day outside my house, so I figured that while I’m here, I won’t have to hide.”

“Now Starburst, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Please Applejack, this area is on YOUR farm isn’t it?”

“Well yes but….”

Starburst cut her off. “And you did say it was a secluded part didn’t you?”

“I did but…”

“PLEASE Applejack, I’m so tired of hiding, this could be a second place of refuge for me where I can relax and not have to worry about hiding.”

The other three came in to help. “Come on Applejack, what’s the worst that could happen?” Applebloom added in.

“We can always keep an eye out in case some pony does wander out here.” Sweetie added.

“And besides, he can always put his disguise back on quick.” Scootaloo added.

Applejack gave a sigh of defeat. “*Sigh* All right, you win, just be careful all right.”

“YAY!” All four cheered. “Thank you Applejack, I promise to be careful.” Starburst said. With that, Applejack left.

“Are we ready to get our cutie marks ponies?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ready!” They all exclaimed as they clapped their hooves together.

So the four began their quest for their cutie marks, the first thing they tried was feeding pigs at the farm. They each carried a bucket of slop on their heads. They walked into the barn and poured their buckets into a trough. Sweetie Belle rang a bell and Apple Bloom pulled on a rope that lifted a door to let the pigs in. The pigs charged in and practically trampled the CMC as they made their way to the trough. The four little ponies looked at their flanks and dropped their heads upon finding no cutie mark.

Their next stop was Sugarcube Corner. Sweetie Belle and Star burst each held stacks of blocks of taffy while Scootaloo sat on a stool in front of a taffy machine and Apple Bloom stood next to it to start the machine up. Scootaloo tossed the blocks in and Apple Bloom started the machine. It started stretching and pulling the taffy. Scootaloo Sweetie Belle and Starburst gave each other a high hoof. Some of the taffy caught Scootaloo by the tail, the three tried to pull her loose but they all got pulled into the machine and were mixed with the taffy. They managed to escape after a while but were covered in taffy and stuck together. Regardless, they looked at their flanks in hopes of seeing a cutie mark, but none was there.

Their next Destination was Carousel Boutique, Apple Bloom was out front ringing a bell to attract customers. Starburst put some things in a mare’s hair while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle mixed up some hair dye in a bowl. Later, the poor mare came running out crying like a baby with her mane looking like a rainbow colored afro. The four gathered and looked at their flank only to see that there was still no cutie mark.

They went back to Sweet Apple Acres and set up a table in a field, there was a stack of cards with shapes on them and a card selector. They were testing to see if Apple Bloom was psychic and could tell what card Sweetie belle flipped over. Scootaloo hopped up and down excitedly. Sweetie Belle flipped over a card revealing a heart. Apple Bloom pushed a button on her side, on the other side, a yellow circle appeared. The three just shook their heads. The next card had a blue star, Apple Bloom pushed a button and a square appeared. The three shook their heads again. The next card was a four leaf clover. Apple Bloom rubbed her head hard as she tried her best, eventually she just pushed all the buttons and sent all the cards flying out and hitting the three in the face. Once again, they were left without a cutie mark. 

Their next attempt at a cutie mark led them to climbing a small rocky hill that, strangely, had snow falling on it. The four were tied together by a rope and tried to climb to the top. They reached it, but fell back down again on the other side and were left without a cutie mark again.

Their next stop is where they encountered a problem. Scootaloo had gathered some flippers, a scuba mask and a snorkle. They were about to put them on to go scuba swimming in a lake, but Starburst had a problem. “Uh, girls, I don’t think I can do this one.” He said with a bit of fear as he looked at the water.

“What’s wrong Starburst?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Well, I….don’t know how to swim. Why don’t you three just go on ahead without me.”

“What do you mean you don’t know how to swim?” Scootaloo asked.

“Just what I said, I don’t know how to swim, I never had a chance to learn.”

“That is a problem.” Sweetie Belle said.

“You three should just do this without me, I’ll just wait up here.” Starburst offered.

Apple Bloom gave Starburst a determined smile. “Now Starburst, we’re the cutie mark crusaders, we stick together no matter what.”

“But, I don’t know how to swim, I can’t go in there.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to skip this and find something else.” Scootaloo offered.

“But what if this is your special talent, I don’t want to be responsible for you all missing out on finding your cutie marks.”

“Starburst, we’re a club, we either crusade together or not at all.” Sweetie Belle declared.

“Yeah, we’ll just skip this and find something else to do.” Scootaloo said with a smile.

Starburst smiled back. “Thanks girls, I hope you didn’t just miss an opportunity here.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Apple Bloom said. “Come on, let’s got to the library and see if we can get any ideas from the books there on how to earn a cutie mark.” The four left the lake and made their way to the library.

The four started their search through the books as Spike continued to try and stop them as they made a big mess. They had created a huge pile of books and scrolls on the floor now. “I had nothing to do with this.” Spike’s voice cried out.

“What is going on here?” Twilight’s voice cried out as well. Starburst looked over and saw Twilight with Cheerilee.

“Well we sure aren’t getting our cutie marks as librarians.” Apple Bloom commented. 

“I should think not.” Spike replied annoyed. Twilight glared at him. “What?”

Starburst brought himself out of the pile and went over to Twilight. “Sorry about the mess Twilight. We just thought we could get an idea on how to earn our cutie marks from the books here.”

“It’s ok Starburst, but I think you all are going about this the wrong way.” Twilight made her way over to the others. Starburst rejoined his friends as they climbed out of the pile. “Instead of trying to do things in areas you’re not familiar with, why not try doing things in areas you already like?” 

Cheerilee then walked up next to Twilight. “And I have the perfect place to start.” She reached into her saddle bag and placed a flyer down in front of the four. 

Apple Bloom started reading it. “Show case your talents.”

Scootaloo continued. “For all to see.”

Sweetie Belle. “Perform in the Ponyville school talent show.”

“Talent show?” Starburst asked. “What’s that?”

Cheerilee explained. “It’s where you can perform in front of others and show off your talents, there’s all sorts of awards. Best dramatic performance, best comedy act, best magic act, surely you can find your talent.”

“This would be the perfect place to discover our special talents.” Apple Bloom declared. “Juggling!”

“Acting!” 

“Magic tricks!”

“Square dancing!”

“Tight rope walking!”

“Tiger taming!”

“MY LITTLE PONIES!” Twilight cheerfully cut them off. “You’re missing the point, think about the things you already enjoy doing, think about what you’re already good at.”

“Sure, we can do that.” Scootaloo said.

Sweetie Belle added. “Yeah, sure we can.”

“No doubt.” Starburst joined. 

Apple Bloom started. “Well, whatever we do, we’ll do it as…” All four cheered out. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” They slapped their hooves together.

“We’ll meet back up at the clubhouse tomorrow to begin planning, agreed?” Sweetie asked.

“Agreed.” The three others said together.

Starburst made a suggestion. “Hey girls, if we’re done crusading for the day, you want to come over to my place like I suggested before so we can…..” He stopped himself as he didn’t want to say anything in front of Twilight about the holo-deck. “Um….play.”

“YEAH!” They all agreed eagerly.

“Come on, once we get there though, I want to tell Nova about the talent show. Come on, let’s go.”

Starburst led the four back to his house for a little play date in the afternoon. “NOVA, NOVA!” Starburst called as he and the others rushed in. 

Nova was at his work table working on some gems for Rarity. “Starburst? What’s up, why are you so excited?” He asked as he turned around. He didn’t have his disguise on at the time.

“You’ll never guess what we got today.”

“Starburst, calm down, what’s gotten into you?” Nova was smiling at Starburst’s energy.

“Applejack gave us a clubhouse, it’s on a secluded part of her farm. Now we can have our own meeting spot for CMC business.”

“Well that was nice of her.”

“Plus, there’s a school talent show coming up that we’re going to be a part of, this is the perfect opportunity for us to finally find our cutie marks!”

Nova cocked an eyebrow. “A what now?”

Starburst chuckled. “Heh heh, I had the same reaction when I heard it, it’s this show all the kids at the school put on to show off their talents, we’ll get to perform in front of others and wow them with a show.”

Nova smiled again. “Well that sounds like fun, I’ll be sure to be there and root for you four, do you know what you’re going to do for the talent show yet?”

Apple Bloom answered. “Not yet, but we’ll be doing it together.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it, so what brings you three by?” Nova asked.

“Starburst invited us over to play, he wanted to show us this holo room thingy.” Scootaloo answered.

Nova looked at Starburst. “Does she mean the holo-deck?”

Starburst nodded. “mmhmm, It’s ok isn’t it? I told them what it could do and I would really like to show them, please.”

“All right, you can show them the holo-deck, go ahead and have fun.”

“YAY!” All four cheered. Starburst removed his necklace and set it on the table with the food synthesizer. He led the four to a door past their bedroom and to another part of the ship.

This part wasn’t disguised yet so the hallway was metal with lights lining the floor and ceiling. “Whoa, look at all this.” Scootaloo said.

“How come the rest of your place doesn’t look like this?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Me and Nova disguised it like a regular house in case the others decided to come in.” Starburst led them to a metal door on the right side, it opened and they stepped into a large square empty room. 

“So is this that room that makes them 3-D pictures you were talking about Starburst?” Apple Bloom asked. 

“Yep, watch this.” Starburst looked up to the ceiling. “Computer, run program delta 5.” A beeping was heard and the room quickly changed to a new scenery.

“WOOOOOW!” The three fillies exclaimed. Before them was the scenery of a world they had never seen before. They seemed to be in a barren area but had a beautiful view of space. The terrain was rocky, they could see the stars clearly and there was a nebula within their view up and off to the left. To the right, they had a magnificent view of a large orange planet with rings, the stars shone brightly as a comet slowly moved on by overhead leaving a trail of icy dust behind. 

The three stared in awe at the sight. “Starburst………this is incredible, what is this?” Scootaloo asked in awe. 

“This is just a scenery from a planet in the ships computer data base.”

“It’s so beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Sweetie Belle commented. The three started asking all kinds of questions about the scenery and Starburst did his best to answer them.

After a while, Starburst figured it was now time to show them one of his favorite games. “Ok girls, you ready for a game, this is one of my favorites that me and Nova played a lot. Now that I can share it with you, I just know it’s going to be even more fun.”

“Ok, sure.” Apple Bloom agreed.

“Yeah, this is just so awesome, I can’t wait to see what else this can do.” Scootaloo commented.

“Me too, this gonna be great.” Sweetie Belle added.

“Computer, load program game 1, number of players are four.” The scenery changed to a wooded area with a few rocks and metal structures surrounding the area. The four soon found themselves each wearing metal suits with helmets and visors with metal tubes on their sides.

“Whoa, what’s all this?” Scootaloo asked.

Starburst began to explain. “This game is called shoot out, basically, we go around hunting targets and shoot at them, different targets gets you different points, there is a time limit to the game. Once the round is over, the one with the most points wins.”

“Shoot? How do we do that?” Sweetie asked.

“Simple, just say zap, or shoot, or pow, or blammo, something like that and the tubes there on your sides will shoot.”

“Ok, I think you’re gonna have ta explain how all this works.” Apple Bloom spoke up.

Starburst thought for a moment. “I know, computer, run practice session.”  Three pony like robots appeared, each was a different color. “Ok, the red one is worth 100 points, the blue one is worth 500 points, and the gold ones are worth 1,000.” Starburst began his explanation of how the whole game was played. Once he felt they had a good grasp on it, they began. 

Needless to say, the four little ponies had a blast with Starburst’s game. He managed to win of course since the others were new, but they still had fun. “That was awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed as the four walked out to the main room. 

“I’ll say, that was a lot of fun, even though I lost.” Sweetie chimed in.

“Yeah, I still had fun too, we definitely need to do this again.” Apple Bloom pointed out. 

Scootaloo cheered again. “HAH, I still can’t believe I came in second.”

“Why not, you did pretty good for your first time Scootaloo, Nova almost always beats me when we play. I’m so glad I can share this with you all and have someone else I can play this game with, and I have so many others we can do.”

Scootaloo looked to Starburst with a huge grin. “Oh we are DEFINITELY doing this again Starburst.”

Nova looked over at the four. “So I take it you all had a good time.

“We had a blast Nova, I’m so glad to have someone else I can play those games with.” Starburst was beaming.

“I’m glad to hear it, now you three better head on home, It’s getting late.” Nova informed.

“Ok, see ya later Starburst.” Apple Bloom said her goodbye.

“Bye Starburst, thanks for inviting us over.”

“See ya later buddy.” The three waved goodbye as they walked out.

Starburst turned to Nova. “Thanks for letting me show the girls the holo-deck Nova, now I have friends to play my games with.”

Nova smiled down at his little brother. “No problem Starburst.”

The next day:

After breakfast, Starburst grabbed his necklace and headed off to meet up with his friends. He was surprised to see Scootaloo pulling up to his place as he stepped out. She rode up on her scooter pulling a wagon with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in it. “Hey Starburst, you ready to start getting stuff together for the talent show?” Scootaloo asked.

Starburst smiled as he answered. “You bet.” 

“Climb in.” Apple Bloom called out.  Starburst went over to the wagon and got in.

The four then sped off and made their way into town. Their first stop was Rarity’s boutique, the four quickly ran in and grabbed a few rolls of fabric, Rarity saw this and ran out of her shop after them just in time to see the four speeding off. “Sweetie Belle, I told you not to touch my things! COME BACK WITH MY SUPPLIES!”

Sweetie called back. “We’re just borrowing them for the talent show! Don’t worry sis, I promise we’ll bring them back!”

Their next stop was a fan shop. A stallion placed a fan in the wagon for the four. “Thanks Mr. Breezy, I promise we’ll return your fan real soon.” Scootaloo then started buzzing off. 

Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle with a confused look. “What do we need this fan for?”

“I’m a little lost too myself.” Starburst added.

Sweetie Belle just smiled. “Trust me on this one.

Next, they stopped by a spot where some planks of wood were lying around. Scootaloo loaded them up in the wagon with the rest of the stuff.  Scootaloo started listing what they have collected so far. “Ok, so that’s six wooden planks, 4x8 plywood, a box of nails, four cans of paint, and four brushes. Anything else?”

Starburst answered. “How about directions on how to use six wooden planks, 4x8 plywood, a box of nails, four cans of paint, and four brushes.”

They all just looked at each other. Scootaloo got back on her scooter and started pulling them along.

They went to the library to pick up a book. Twilight and spike stood there looking at the book as Twilight read the title. “Ghosts, Goblins, and  ghoulish figures? Good heavens kids, what do you need a book like this for?”

“You’ll see, thanks twilight.” Scootaloo said before speeding off again.

“We’ll give it back as soon as we’re done with it.” Sweetie Belle called.

The four made it back to their clubhouse and Starburst took off his disguise. They all brought all their supplies up to the clubhouse. Starburst’s magic made it a little easier as he levitated a few things for the girls. Once they were all gathered, Apple Bloom spoke up. “I’m glad we’re doing this as a team.”

Sweetie Belle agreed. “Me two.”

“Me three.” Starburst added. “I can’t wait to get started.”

“So what are we doing again?” Sweetie asked.

Scootaloo answered as she set a bucket of paint down. “A super awesome song for the talent show of course.”

“Right, with super cool scenery.” Sweetie added as she grabbed a piece of fabric from a nearby roll and pulled it towards her. “And amazing costumes.”

Apple Bloom then added in. “And mind blowin dance moves.”

“This is going to be so super galactic!” Starburst exclaimed. “I can’t wait.”

“And amazing.” Scootaloo added.

Apple Bloom made a suggestion. “Sweetie Belle, I think you should be the singer.”

Sweetie Belle covered herself feeling a little embarrassed by the suggestion. “What, no way I’m singing in front of a crowd. Twilight said to do something we like to do, and I like to be my big sister, and she’s a designer.”

“That’s too bad, I really think you have a great singing voice Sweetie Belle.” Starburst complimented.

Sweetie looked to him with a bit of a blush. “You really think so?”

“Well yeah, it’s real pretty.” 

She looked to the side a little. “Well, thanks Starburst.”

“But if you really want to, go ahead and do the costumes and scenery. I’m sure you’ll do great at that too.” Starburst added.

Apple Bloom then jumped in front of Scootaloo. “And Scootaloo, yer great at maneuvers on yer scooter, so you should do the coriography, you know, all those dance moves.”

Scootaloo started nodding her head in agreement, but the switched to shaking it. “Nah, I’d rather sing a wicked rock ballad. Why don’t you come up with the dance routine Apple Bloom?”

She thought about it for a moment. “Hmmm, I’m not much of a dancer, but I do like kung fu, that’s kind of like dancing. HIYA, HO, HA!” She started kicking air.

“What about me, what can I do to help out?” Starburst asked.

Sweetie Belle made a suggestion. “How about you take care of the scenery?”

“I don’t know, I think I like this kung fu thing, can I help out with the dancing?”

Apple Bloom happily agreed. “Sure, I’ll show ya how ta do it.”

Sweetie Belle Smiled big. “Then it’s settled, let’s get started.” The four rushed off to start their preparations.

Apple Bloom set up a record player and started some music. “Now Starburst, it’s real simple…..I think, just try ta do what I do.” Apple Bloom then started a routine. “One, two, three.” She stood up on her hind hooves and started to try a spin but lost her balance and fell onto Scootaloo’s tail who was at a piano. “OOF!”

Starburst ran over to help her up. “You okay Apple Bloom?”

“Ow Apple Bloom, what are you doing?” Scootaloo scolded.

“Yeah, I’m ok. Sorry Scootaloo, I feel like I have four left feet, I can’t even spin right.”

Scootaloo smiled as she responded. “Don’t be silly, you just gotta keep your head forward to the very last minute, like this.” She did a little hop, then landed on her left foreleg and spun around expertly. “See, easy peasy. You just gotta practice a bunch, that’s all.”

Starburst and Apple Bloom were Impressed. “Very nice.” Starburst was the first to compliment.

“Wow, that does look easy, thanks. Ok, let’s try this again.” The two then tried to copy Scootaloo as they stood up on their hind hooves and tried to spin. Unfortunately, they lost their balance and fell down. “OUCH, OW, ooh!”

“Ow, that hurt.” Starburst complained.

“Keep practicing!” Scootaloo called out.

“Will do!” Apple Bloom called out.

“OK!” Starburst followed up.

Starburst had landed on top of Apple Bloom, he got up off her and helped her up. “Sorry Apple Bloom, are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m ok, we just need more practice, let’s try something else.”

“All right.” The two continued their practicing more for a bit. They just kept falling over or getting dizzy. 

After another fall, Starburst made a suggestion. “Apple Bloom, maybe we could take a break.” He said feeling a little dizzy as he lay on the ground.

“Good idea.” Apple Bloom agreed. The two picked themselves up and sat there a moment to catch their breath.

After a while, they went right back to it and tried again. Eventually, they stumbled over to where Sweetie Belle was working on the costumes. The two just fell over in front of her. “How’s the spin coming along?” she asked cheerfully.

“I think we should just stick to punches and kicks.” Apple bloom responded.

“Good idea.” Starburst agreed. 

Apple Bloom then noticed a piece of clothing Sweetie Belle was holding with five leg sleeves. “You know ponies only have four legs.”

Sweetie groaned at this. “Oh, I’ll never be a designer like my sister Rarity.”

Apple Bloom and Starburst finally got up. “Don’t give up hope Sweetie Belle, you just need to keep working at it, I know you can be a great designer.” Starburst commented.

Sweetie looked over to him. “You really think so?”

Starburst responded with a smile. “I know so, I’m sure some day you’ll be a great designer.” Sweetie Belle smiled as she looked to the side with a little blush.

Apple Bloom cut in with a suggestion. “Why don’t you use the dress form, it’ll help you with yer patterns and help you put all the pieces in the right places.” 

“Oh, is that what that’s for?” Sweetie asked.

The two then noticed the mess of the scenery Sweetie made. The colors were all brown and messy. Starburst made a suggestion on this. “You should try cleaning out the brushes between colors so they don’t mix together.” 

“Oh, I was wondering why all the colors looked like mud.”

Apple Bloom then cut in. “You’re not using power tools are ya?”

Starburst looked at Apple Bloom. “We have power tools?”

The four all continued on with their task in preparation for the talent show. They soon gathered back at the club house to rehears their show and try dancing. It wasn’t going so well, they kept bumping into each other or stepping on each other’s hooves. “Oh, sorry Scootaloo.”

“That’s ok Apple Bloom. Uh!” Scootaloo responded before being stepped on by Sweetie Belle.

“Oops, sorry Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle apologized.

“OUCH!”  Sweetie cried out after Scootaloo bumped into her.

“Oh my bad Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo apologized.

“HEY!” Starburst cried out.

Sweetie Belle apologized. “Sorry starburst.”

“Let’s sing the chorus again.” Scootaloo suggested.

After a bit of singing, they took a break and walked out on the balcony. “I think that sounded pretty good.” Apple Bloom commented.

Sweetie belle agreed. “Me too, you think we’re ready?”

“Ready as we’ll ever be.” Scootaloo answered.

“Hey Applejack, did you see us performing!” Starburst called out as he noticed Applejack nearby. The four rushed to the railing and looked down at Applejack.

She responded with nervousness in her voice. “Uh….yeah?”

“Well, how’d we do, how’d we do?!” Apple Bloom asked excitedly.

Applejack just looked to the side as she responded. “Uuuuuhhhh.”

Scootaloo picked up on it. “Speechless, you see, I told you that’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to leave them speechless.”

“YAY!” All four cheered.

Later that evening:

It was now time for the talent show. The cutie mark crusaders were back stage in their costumes with cloaks on standing behind a box. Starburst, of course, was wearing his necklace under his costume with his pony disguise up but seemed to be visibly shaking a little. “Starburst, are you ok?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I don’t know, I just feel a little afraid I guess, I’ve never been in front of a crowd before, what if I mess up the act, what if we do horrible, what if every pony laughs at us.”

Apple Bloom put a hoof on his shoulder to try and calm him down. “Calm down Starburst, you’ll do fine, we’re nervous about this too, we just need to stick together and do our best.”

“Yeah, we can do this.” Scootaloo affirmed.

Cheerilee’s voice was heard calling out. “How about a round of applause for the S&S magic act.” A round of hoof stomping was herd. “And now for our next act, we have Sunny Days and Peachy Pie reciting their favorite poem, on roller skates.” Two little fillies on roller skates skated by to the stage.

“Break a leg.” Sweetie Belle called out.

“What, why would you want them to break a leg, that’s not very nice.” Starburst said to Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom added in. “What a thing to say.”

Sweetie Belle began to explain. “No no no, see, in the theater, it’s bad luck to say good luck, so you say break a leg instead.”

Starburst was still a little confused. “I don’t get it.”

Twilight came up to them. “My little ponies, how are you doing?” 

“Nervouse.” All four answered.

“Don’t worry, you’re going to be amazing. Remember, just stick to what you know best. I can’t wait to hear you sing Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie rolled her eyes. “Why does every pony think I’m going to sing.”

Scootaloo cut in. “Actually Twilight Sparkle, I’m the main singer tonight.”

“Oh.” Twilight responded as she raised an eyebrow.

“And me and starburst are the main dancers, HIYA!” Apple Bloom cried out as she did a karate chop.

“Oh?” Twilight was sounding less sure about this.

Sweetie Belle then came in. “And I’m in charge of….”

Twilight answered for her. “Costumes?”

“And sets and props, how’d you know?”

“Really kids, are you sure?”

Before they could answer, Cheerilee came walking by them. “Cutie mark crusaders, you’re on, break a leg.” The four tossed off their cloaks.

“Break a leg….” Twilight cut herself off as Apple Bloom tripped. “Uh, good luck.”

The song started as they all took their place on Stage, Sweetie Belle would be making all the special effects as the song went on.

Look here, are four little ponies,
Ready to sing for this crowd,
Listen up, cause here’s our story
I’m gonna sing it very LOUD!

All four shouted the last one.

When you’re a younger pony
and your flank is very bare
feels like the sun will never come
when your cutie marks not there.

So the four of us fight the fight,
There is nothing that we fear,
we’ll have to figure out what we’ll do next

All Four: Till our cutie marks are here
We are the cutie mark crusaders, 
On a quest to find out who we are
And we will never stop the journey, 
Not until we have our cutie marks.

(Musical interlude)

Scootaloo: They all say that you’ll get your mark
When the time is really right,
And you know just what you’re supposed to do
When your talent comes to light

But it’s not as easy as it sounds,
And that waiting’s hard to do
so we’ll test our talents everywhere

All four: Until our face is blue
We are the cutie mark crusaders, 
On a quest to find out who we are
And we will never stop the journey
Not until we have our cutie marks

We are the cutie mark crusaders
On a quest to find out who we are,
And we will never stop the journey
not until we have our CUTIE MARKS!

The set crashed down around the four. They managed to get themselves out of the rubble and smiled at their accomplishment at the crowd. Nova was in the crowd with Applejack and they both looked worried at the sight. A moment passed before the crowd erupted into laughter. The four hung their heads and walked off stage.

Scootaloo was the first to comment. “Wow, that did not go as well as I expected.”

“I can’t believe their laughing at us.” Apple Bloom added.

“Was it that bad?” Sweetie asked.

Starburst just hung his head and sniffled. “They…..they hated it, they laughed at us.”

Cheerilee came up to them. “Back on stage you four, it’s time for the awards.”

“Back on stage, No.” Sweetie said angrily.

“They’ll just laugh some more.” Apple Bloom pointed out.

Starburst raised his head in fear at that. “More?”

“Yeah, what’s the point?” Scootaloo asked.

Cheerilee encouraged them again. “Now kids, let’s be good sports. You all put in a great effort, you should be proud. Now come on.”

Starburst was frozen. “No, I can’t go back out there, they laughed at us, I can’t go back out there, I……I CAN’T!” Starburst turned and ran away with tears in his eyes. 

Sweetie Belle tried to call after him. “Starburst wait!”

He didn’t stop, the laughing was haunting him now, he just wanted to get away from it as he ran for home.

Nova saw Starburst from off the side running away. “Starburst, where is he going?” Nova wasted no time and ran after him. 

Starburst cried all the way home as he entered the house. He took off his necklace and made his way to the bedroom, he got on his bed and cried there. “It’s not fair, we worked so hard, IT’S NOT FAIR!”

Nova finally came in, he peeked in from the door. “Starburst, you okay?” He asked nicely, he made his way up to Starburst’s bed after taking off his necklace. 

Starburst was sniffling. “We….we worked so hard on our show……and……and they…..just laughed at us. It’s not fair Nova, why did they laugh, and why does it hurt so much?”

Nova climbed onto the bed with Starburst and got right next to him. “Oh Starburst, I know how important this was to you and your friends, but sometimes, things just……don’t work out the way you want them to.”

“*Sniff* But they laughed at us, and it really hurts.”

Nova picked Starburst up in a hug. “I’m sorry little brother, I’ll admit it wasn’t very nice of them to laugh like that, but there isn’t really anything you can do about it. You all tried your best and that is all you can do, how others react is something you can’t control. I wish I could do something to make you feel better.”

“We worked so hard, it’s not fair.”

“I know Starburst, I know.” Nova just sat there and nuzzled Starburst. They just sat there in silence for a while. A knocking came at the door. “Starburst, I’d better go see who that is, you gonna be ok?” Starburst just nodded weakly.  

Nova left the room and used his magic to put up his disguise first. He went over to the door and opened it to reveal the rest of the cutie mark crusaders. “Hey girls, I don’t think now is a good time, Starburst is really upset about what happened.”

Apple Bloom shared a sad smile. “We kinda figured that, but we have something for him that might cheer him up, can we come see him?”

“All right, come on in.” The three walked in, Nova closed the door behind them and dropped his disguise. He led the three to the bedroom. “Starburst, you friends are here.”

The three walked into the bedroom and up to Starburst’s bed. He looked down at them from his bed. “Hey girls.” He simply said sadly.

“Hey Starburst, sorry about before.” Scootaloo apologized.

“Why are you apologizing, it was every other pony that laughed at us, and it really hurt my feelings, we worked soooo hard on our show and they just laughed at us.” He looked as if he was going to cry all over again.

“We got some good news though.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

“*Sniff* really, what?”

“Look.” The three showed off three awards around their necks of a golden jester hat. “We won best comedy act.” Scootaloo proudly proclaimed.

“Isn’t that great, you should have been there.” Apple Bloom said with a smile.

“Here Starburst, this one is yours.” Sweetie Belle held out another for Starburst.

He slowly took it and looked at it. “We….we won an award?”

“We sure did, can you believe it?” Scootaloo asked.

Starburst wiped away the remaining tears in his eyes as a small smile formed. “We actually won an award? I don’t believe it.” His smile only grew. “We won an award!” All his sadness was now gone. “NOVA look!” He hopped off his bed and ran up to Nova. “WE WON WE WON!”

Nova smiled brightly at his little brother. “I see that starburst, congratulations, I knew you all did a great job.”

“I can’t believe it, I actually won something, WE actually won something! This is great, WOO HOO!”

Later that night:

“Get him!”

“No, please don’t do this!”

“Princess, why are you doing this, he hasn’t done anything!”

“Stay out of this Twilight, I will not allow this…..THING in my country.”

“But yer majesty, he’s our friend!”

“Do you want to join him in that cage Applejack? Take them away!”

“PLEASE DON’T DO THIS!”

“Nova!”

“AH!” Nova awoke in another cold sweat after another nightmare. “By the stars when will they stop. But it was different this time, Twilight was actually trying to defend me with Applejack.” Nova looked over to his brother to make sure he was still asleep. “At least I didn’t wake up Starburst, I’m glad that first time was the only time so far.” Nova climbed out of bed. Instead of going outside like normal, he headed to the back of the ship. 

He went through the door that led to the rest of the ship and made his way into the holo-deck. “Computer, run program zeta-132.” A beeping was heard and the room changed to a scenery. It was an alien world, a vast green ocean lay before him on a sandy beach. The sky was black and the stars could be seen clearly, a few shooting stars passed by overhead. Nova turned around just in time to see a few pony like beings coming towards him.

He stepped to the side as they made their way onto the beach. There was four total, one was a male like him, with fins and antennae. The other was also an adult with no fins, and the tail was long and slender, not like a fin at all, it had a bulb at the end with a ring just behind it that seemed to be attached to nothing. The female was pushing a hovering carriage with her magic, in it was a little baby Equinian, the adult male was running up to the water with the young male Equinian. “Dad wait up.” The young one called happily.

“Come on son, come and catch me.” The male called back.

The female sat there and watched them as she looked after the baby. “You boys be careful, don’t be too ruff now.” She called out.

“Ok mom.” The young one responded. The two males were in the shallow water playing happily as Nova just watched. 

“How could I have forgotten about this program.” Nova said to himself. “Computer, freeze program.” The scene froze before him. The adult male was rearing up with water splashing around his hooves, the young male was in mid jump with water coming up, both had bright smiles on their faces. Nova walked up to the female and looked in the carriage and looked at the baby for a moment, then at the female. “Mom, I miss you so much.” He turned to the two males. “Dad, where could you be, I just hope you two are safe at least and managed to find a home like we have.”

“Nova?” A tired voice sounded from behind him. 

Nova turned around and saw Starburst there with a tired look in his eyes. The door to the holo-deck was open so it looked like there was a hole in space. “Hey Starburst, what are you doing up?” He asked softly.

“I had a nightmare again.”

Nova walked over to him. “I’m sorry, was it bad?”

“Not really.” Starburst then looked around. “Nova, what is this place?”

Nova smiled as he answered. “This is a beach from our home world Starburst, I had forgotten this program was in here for a while until recently.”

“Who are they?” Starburst asked as he noticed the others.

“Starburst, that’s our mom and dad.”

Starburst looked up at him with a blank stare, then back at the four Equinians. “Our parents?”

“Mmhmm, this is a recording of a day we spent at a beach on our home world.”

“We? So those two in the water is you and dad? And this is our mom?”

“It is Starburst, what do you think.”

Starburst smiled a little. “They look real nice. So if that’s mom, and those two are you and dad, where am I?”

Nova lifted him up to the carriage. “Look, see that little baby there, that’s you.”

“Gosh, I was small wasn’t I?” Starburst mused as he gazed upon his holographic baby self.

“This occurred about a month after you were born. We came to this beach for fun to celebrate you coming into our lives, I was so happy to have a baby brother.” Nova set him down.

“You were?” Starburst asked with a bright smile.

“Of course, I’m grateful to goddess Galea for every day I have you in my life, if it wasn’t for you when we were stuck in space for so long, I might have gone mad. Though, I do wish something like that didn’t happen.”

Starburst’s smile dropped. He looked up to Nova with a sad expression. “Nova, are you sure there’s no way we’ll ever see mom and dad again?” 

Nova frowned too. “Like I said Starburst, the odds of our parents finding us are astronomical, the universe is just too vast, they can’t have known where we ended up. I’m afraid we’ll never see them again.”

“Oh, ok.” Starburst hung his head.

Nova placed a hoof on his back. “Come on Starburst, let’s get to bed, computer, end program.” The scene disappeared and the room was back. The two brothers walked out and went back to their room.

Once they were in their beds, Nova looked over to Starburst. “Starburst, I know your sad about us not getting to see our parents, but look on the bright side, you’ve got yourself some great friends now, and we have a wonderful new life here.”

Starburst gave a weak smile. “Yeah, your right, I shouldn’t let this get me down. Goodnight Nova.” Starburst laid his head down and closed his eyes.

Nova did the same and let sleep take him.

> Diamonds Are A Dog's Best Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Diamonds Are a Dog’s Best Friend



Another day, another bit as the sun rose over the horizon. Nova and Starburst had breakfast as usual and Starburst went off for school. Nova had another delivery to make to Rarity, so he packed his saddle bags with the new gems he had made, placed them on his back, put on his necklace to hide his alien form and left for town. “Well, time to get some more bits.” He said to himself as he trotted out.

As he walked, he noticed the town seemed to be in a bit of an uproar, not like any pony was afraid or anything, in fact, they were all smiling and excited about something. He wasn’t sure what to make of it so he just kept going on to Rarity’s place.

Once he arrived he simply walked in and greeted Rarity who was placing a gem on a dress. “Good morning Rarity, how are you this fine day.”

Rarity closed a curtain to hide the dress before she turned to greet him. “Nova, darling, good morning, I’m doing just fine thank you for asking.”

“I finished another order and have a batch of gems for you.” Nova levitated them out of his bag to show Rarity. There were five in total, one of them was a replica of his white dwarf star diamond, which was quite popular. The other was a small hourglass. The part that was wood looked like brown crystal with clear diamond for the glass, there was a sparkling dust inside the glass that looked like sparkling sand. The next was a double musical note that looked to be made of onyx with sparkles in the ends of the notes that looked like small stars.

The fourth was a white five point star with a white glowing orb at the center. The fifth was of a treble note made of a purple gem crafted intricately to great detail to match a certain mare’s cutie mark. It had a line etched on the inside that traced the shaped and let off a glow. 

Before Rarity could say another word, the bell above Rarity’s door rang. The two turned to see who it was. There was a pony with a cream colored coat and a two toned blue mane and tail wearing a blue and white dress with a white top hat. Rarity perked up immediately upon seeing this pony. “Safire Shores!  The pony of pop!”

Nova was a little confused by her reaction, he kept his five gems floating around him and kept quiet for a moment, since Rarity knew her, this might be a business deal for her. “Good afternoon miss Rarity.” The pony greeted happily in a kind of sing song voice.

Rarity stuttered in response. “Y-y….you know my name?”

“Of course I do darling, I make an appoint to know all the up and coming fashion designers and clothes horse magazine simply raved about you.” She spoke as she examined some of Rarity’s dresses.

Rarity quickly came up next to Nova. “Oh my stars, if I’m dreaming do not wake me up.”

Nova finally let his curiosity get the better of him. “Rarity, who is she, why do you seem so excited?” He asked in a whisper.

“Nova, how could you not know who she is? Why she’s only one the biggest performers ever, she is a very popular pony.” Rarity responded in a whisper as well. She then turned her attention to Safire. “How may I help you miss Shores?”

“Oh please, call me Safire.”

Rarity let out a giggle before responding. “Heh heh heh, how may I help you Safire?”

“Well as you know, I’ll be touring all of equestrian with my latest concert.” She practically sang out the title. “Safire shores in filly folly and I need to look se~nsa-tion-al OW!”

“I have just what you need.” Rarity made her way over to the stage with the curtain where the dress she was working on was. “Safire Shores, prepare yourself for the piece de resistance de la route couture.” Rarity used her magic to pull back the curtain to reveal the dress. It was a white top with a short skirt and pants covered in gems all over. Safire’s eyes widened and sparkled as she beheld the dress as Rarity spoke of it. “I used every last diamond I found on this one garment.”

“And it is spectacular. I’ll take it.”

Rarity’s eye sparkled. “Really?”

“Oh yes, and five more, each done up in a different jewel.”

Rarity’s glee quickly disappeared hearing this. “Beg pardon?”

“Costume changes.” Safire simply put it.

Rarity’s eyes shrunk a bit and looked down at an empty chest. She then promptly fainted. Nova moved quick enough to catch her before she hit the floor. “Rarity, are you all right?” Nova still had his gems floating around him.

It was then that Safire noticed him and the gems. “Good heavens, my boy where did you get those magnificent gemstones?” She asked, eyeing them.

“I made them, but if you don’t mind, my friend needs help.”

Rarity quickly came around. “I’m all right dear, thank you for your concern.” Rarity managed to pick herself up.

Safire then proposed another question. “You made them? Wait…..you aren’t….is your name Nova?”

Nova was getting a little nervous at the fact this pony he had never met before knew his name. “Um…..yes, how do you know my name.”

“HA, are you kidding, so you’re the famous pony behind the personal and beautiful gemstones the elite of Equestria has been a buzz about. I’m surprised there aren’t any pictures of you in the papers.”

Nova was even more confused. “Um…..famous, me? Are you sure?”

“Your name is Nova isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Nova cocked an eyebrow.

“And you are the one that makes these personal gemstones for every pony, correct?”

“I do.”

“Then you, my dear stallion are a very lucky pony, do you have any idea how much ponies have been enjoying your gems, their very popular you know. And you yourself are popular as well, even though no pony has really gotten a chance to see you other than the ones here in Ponyville. I’m quite surprised there aren’t any photos of you in the fashion magazines, just your work.”

“I’m…..famous?”

Rarity cut in. “He doesn’t get out much I’m afraid, he seems to spend most of his time in his house.”

Safire kept up her smile. “Well, you really should get out more. Since I have the honor of meeting you, I’d like to put in an order for one of your gems myself if I may.”

“He’ll do it!” Rarity quickly interjected, surprising Nova.

“Wonderful. Here’s what I’d like….”

Later in the day:

Rarity talked Nova into coming with her and Spike to go gem hunting. She was going to need more gems to make the dress Safire asked for. Spike was pulling a red wagon along. “Now Nova, this will be a good opportunity for you to learn my gem finding spell so you won’t have to rely on me to get you the gems you need for the orders I give you. I was able to teach this to Twilight a while back, and with the big order Safire just gave you, you’re going to need a bunch yourself.”

“I sure am, I had no idea the gemstones I made had gotten so popular and actually made me famous.”

“That’s something else I wanted to talk to you about, why do you spend most of your time in your house, me and the girls hardly see you around town. It seems the only time you come out of your house is to get something to eat or to deliver an order for me. It’s hardly ever to just hang out with us. Why is that?”

Nova grew a little nervous at this. “Well….you see….um….I have gotten somewhat used to the ponies here, but…..I’m still a little wary. I guess you could say that I’m shy like fluttershy. I’m just more used to being around you and the others than the other ponies of the town.”

“But even Fluttershy comes out every now and then, but you just seem to stay in your house most of the time, I’m just worried is all.” 

Nova looked to the side. “It’s……complicated.”

“It has something to do with this secret you have doesn’t it.” She asked with such concern in her eyes.

Nova looked back at her. “It does, I’m sorry Rarity, but I do feel a little more confident each day I get to know all of you that I’ll be able to tell you what it is. I promise I’ll tell you all one day, but I’m still just not there yet.”

“Hey, what about me?” Spike complained. 

Nova looked back at Spike. “Sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to forget you, I’ll let you in on it too when I feel I’m ready.”

Spike just smiled back. “It’s cool, so did you bring me something?” he asked slyly.

Nova rolled his eyes as he knew perfectly well what Spike wanted. “Yes Spike, I have it.” Nova levitated a little brown sack out of his mane and sent it to Spike’s waiting claw.

“Thanks Nova, did I ever tell you how much I appreciate your business?”

“Only every time I bring you the leftovers from my work.” Nova responded with a smile. “Maybe I should start charging you or Twilight and make this a side business.” He said with a chuckle, Rarity joined in too. Ever since Nova started his business, after crafting gems, he was left with a few scraps from the gems he cut. Instead of throwing them away, he remembered that Spike loves eating gemstones, so he started packing up whatever leftovers from his work there was and gave them to Spike. “I also hope this will keep you from eating the gems we find so Rarity can use them.”

“All right, I think that’s enough joking around for now, let’s find some gemstones. Now Nova, pay close attention to how I do the spell.” Rarity lit up her horn and started scanning the ground. Nova watched as she walked, paying attention to the spell.

As she did, Spike’s excitement finally got the better of him after hearing that Rarity and Nova got to meet Safire Shores. “Oh my gosh, Safire Shores, the pony of pop! She is AWESOME! I mean she’s gorgeous and talented and….”

Rarity looked up from the ground and practically glared at Spike, silencing him.

“….and…not half the pony you are. I mean, you’re ten times more gorgeous and talented and…”

“Spike.” Rarity cut him off as she went back to using her spell. “A lady is never jealous.”

“Of course not, but were you two totally flipping out or what?”

“Ladies do not ‘flip out’ Spike, though I was quite in awe.”

Nova then answered. “I’ve never even heard of her until today to be honest. So no big deal to me, though I am grateful for her business, I can’t believe how many bits she’ll be paying me for my work.”

Rarity’s horn lit back up. “Oh, I need to find more jewels than ever to decorate her costumes.” She trotted around looking for gems. Nova was still paying close attention to the spell. Not only would he be able to learn the spell while out here with Rarity, he was also glad he would be able to help her out. Rarity stopped at a spot and exclaimed. “Oh, AHA!”

“Did you find some?” Spike asked excitedly.

“Yes Spike, right there!” Rarity responded with equal enthusiasm as she pointed a hoof to a spot. 

Without hesitation, Spike leapt into action and started digging with his claws. In no time at all, he uncovered a pile of jewels gleaming in the sunlight. Spike’s eyes widened as he beheld them. “Oooohhh.” He licked his lips at the sight. “You look…..so…..delicious.” He jumped in the hole and picked up the bunch.

He was about to eat them, but Rarity stopped him. “Spike, I promised I’d give you gems to snack on, but we need to find more first or I’ll never be able to make the outfits for Safire.” 

Spike just sadly walk over to the wagon and placed the gems in. “I will miss you my sweets.”

Rarity then turned to Nova. “Well Nova, did you get a good enough look at the spell, think you can replicate it?”

“I think I got it.” Nova then tried it himself, he focused his magic in his horn and it was enveloped in his yellow aura. He lowered his head to the ground and started scanning it for gems. It wasn’t long before he actually managed to find a pocket of gems. “I think I found something.” Rarity and Spike came up next to him as he pointed a hoof at the spot he stopped at.

Spike began digging in the spot and pulled out another pocket of gems. “Ta da!” He declared.

“Well done Nova, now you can find gems for yourself when you need them.”

Nova gave a smile. “Thanks Rarity. Now I can help you find more gems for Safire’s costume too.”

“Thank you Nova, I appreciate the help. And yours too Spike.” Rarity said with a smile.

Spike just gave a dreamy look at Rarity which seemed to be lost on her. Nova could probably tell what was going on, but he wasn’t sure, so he kept quiet and continued to help out with gem finding. He or Rarity would find a pocket of gems and Spike would dig them up.

After a while, they had collected a good sized pile of jewels in the wagon. Spike looked at them drooling. “Nova, I can’t thank you enough for your help today.” Rarity then patted Spike on the head. “And you have been very patient today Spike, and for that, you deserve the finest reward.” Rarity levitated a blue gemstone from the pile and lowered it into his waiting jaws. “This is from me to you.”

With those words, Spike closed his mouth and instead took it into his claws. He looked down at the gem, then back to Rarity. “Is something wrong Spike?” She asked with a smile.

“No.” Spike smiled. “It’s perfect.”

Rarity’s horn suddenly lit up again. “Ooh, bring the cart Spike, there are more over here.” She trotted away to another direction. 

Spike held the jewel with care. “To me….from Rarity.” He spoke fondly as he hugged the gem.

Nova smirked as he finally realized what was going on. “I see, so that’s why you were so eager to help Rarity, it wasn’t just for the gems.”

Spike looked at Nova as they started to walk off to where Rarity went. “What do you mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Spike defended.

“Oh come on, it’s as plain as the scales on your back, you have a crush on her don’t you?”

“I do not!” He sternly defended with a glare and a blush.

Nova couldn’t help himself but laugh a little. “I’m sorry Spike, I couldn’t help it. But don’t worry, I promise I won’t say anything if you don’t want me to.”

Spike’s glare disappeared. “Really, you promise?”

“I promise, I won’t say anything, though you may need to make your intentions to her clear soon, no telling when some handsome stallion will come along and sweep her off her hooves, and let’s not forget that she does have a special somepony in mind already.”

“I don’t know, what if she rejects me, I don’t know if I can take it.”

“Sometimes it’s better to just put yourself out there than wait, the longer you do, the harder it may be. And if you wait too long, like until the grand galloping galla, you’ll most likely be too late if things go the way Rarity wants with this nephew of the princess.”

“I’m going to have to think about it, but thanks for the advice Nova.” Spike gave a smile to Nova.

Nova smiled back. “You’re welcome.”

“Spike, Nova, where are you?” Rarity called out. “You know it’s terrible to keep a lady waiting.”

“Coming!” Spike called back. He began digging in another spot that Rarity pointed out as Nova scanned the area for another. 

“Sorry Rarity, me and Spike were just having a talk.” Nova stopped and marked the ground with his hoof. “Spike, there’s another pocket of gems here when you’re done there.”

“I think we’re really going to strike gold this time, so to speak.” Rarity said happily as Spike dug. 

“Jack pot!” Spike popped out of the hole with a big load of gems in his claws.

“Well done Spike.”

Spike then went over to the spot Nova marked and dug up another hole, he popped out with another big load of gems. “Wow, two in a row.” He declared.

“Well boys, I think that’s all we can do today, and these will certainly get me on my way with Safire’s outfits. Why don’t we start head-OOH!” Rarity was cut off as her horn started glowing brightly. “What’s this? Another jewel.” Rarity started following her horn to a tree. “How strange, it’s in the trees.” Rarity’s horn led her to an orange gem sticking out of the leaves of the trees. “OooohhhhEWE!” She was admiring it at first until a creature popped out of the leaves, the gem was attached to a collar the thing was wearing.

Nova quickly got in front of Rarity and Spike in a defensive way just in case this new creature was hostile. He gave a light glare at this new creature. It had canine like features and stood on its hind legs.

Rarity composed herself from the shock and tried to introduce herself. “Uh..Uh…good day gentle….fellow, I’m Rarity and these are my friends Spike and Nova.” 

Spike gave a nervous laugh as he waved. “Heh heh.”

“And you are?”

The creature jumped out of the tree. “A diamond dog.”

The creature started walking towards them. Nova stomped a hoof to get his attention. “That’s close enough Mr. I suggest you back up a bit.” Nova lit up his horn to try and threaten the dog.

The dog stopped, but Rarity continued with her manner as she spoke nervously. “Now Nova, let’s not be rude, It seems this gent is out hunting for gems, correct?” She asked the dog.

“Yes, we hunt, we hunt for gems. But you two are better hunters. So instead, we hunt……for you!”

“WAAHHH!” Rarity screamed.

Nova quickly turned around to see two other dogs appear and try to grab Rarity. Nova was about to do something but the first dog back handed him, sending him to the side. Nova skidded on his side and grunted a bit. He got back up and saw Spike use his tail like a jack hammer on a small dog’s tail, the big one chased after Rarity, Nova got back up and went after them.  He got himself in front of the big dog and stopped it in his tracks. Nova lit up his horn and lifted the big one up and tossed him to the side.

Spike used the spines on his head to push the little one away. “Run Rarity, run!”

Nova went over to Rarity. “Come on, let’s get out of here!”  He heard something behind him, he turned around and saw two big paws coming at his face. Darkness took him as he heard a call ring out. 

“Nova!” That was the last thing he heard.

Sometime later, Nova was slowly regaining consciousness as he heard Rarity’s voice. “Oh please diamond dogs, please let us go.”
A small raspy voice sounded off. “No!”

A gruffer voice spoke up. “your our precious little ponies.”

A third one that sounded familiar then spoke. “Forever.”

“Oooohhhh.” Nova groaned out as he began to slowly open his eyes.

“Nova!” Rarity cried out. “Nova, are you okay?”

Nova managed to open his eyes fully and saw Rarity had her hooves over him, practically hugging him. “Oh, my head.” Nova sat up. “I’m ok Rarity, just a bit of a head ache. Where are we?” He looked around and saw they were in a large cave. He saw the three diamond dogs that attacked them before standing in front of him.

Rarity quickly hugged him once he was up. “Oh Nova, thank Celestia your all right. I was so worried about you.”

Nova hugged her back as he stroked her mane. “It’s ok Rarity, I’m fine, I just got knocked out.”

Rarity then looked back at the diamond dogs. “What do you want with us?”

Nova looked around and saw many other dogs with dented metal armor and helmets on with spears. He could probably have taken on the first three if he wasn’t ambushed, but now there were too many for him to even try to fight so he and Rarity could escape. The middle sized dog answered Rarity’s question. “Gems.”

The little one followed up. “Yes, the gems, the jewels.”

The big one picked up from there. “Find them, find them all.”

Rarity whispered to Nova. “Nova, can you get us out of here?”

Nova whispered back. “Sorry Rarity, but there’s too many for me to fight, I don’t think I could take them all on, but I could do it and create a distraction so you can escape.”

“Absolutely not, I will not leave you behind to deal with these mongrels on your own.” She seemed to think for a minute. “I think I have a plan, try to play along as I go.” She then turned her attention to the dogs. “Oh, is that all.” She then lit up her horn and started scanning for gems, Nova just followed her. “There, a lovely pocket of jewels are right there.” She marked the spot and made an x with a stick. “Now if you could be so kind as to show us the exit.” One of the armored dogs pointed a spear at her. Nova quickly got in front of her and just glared at it, hoping to act as a shield for Rarity.

The lead dog got excited. “Good, now dig them up pony.”

“What? But you said you wanted me to find the gems.”

The little dog responded. “Yes, find, and then dig.”

“Dig?” Rarity asked flatly.

The big one answered. “Yes, dig.”

Rarity gave a quick wink to Nova, he cocked an eyebrow at this as Rarity started to simply tap at the dirt and chip at it a little bit at a time. “uh….uh….huh uh….uh.”

The big one got in her face. “What are you doing? We said dig.”

Rarity gave a fake laugh. “Forgive me, but prior to you so rudely dragging us down here, I had a pony petty and I am not about to chip a hoof simply because you dislike my style of digging.” She then went back to tapping at the dirt and moving little pebbles. 

Eventually, the dogs got tired of this as the lead dog made it clear. “Oh for goodness….stop stop.” He then looked to Nova. “Fine, if she won’t dig, then you dig.”

Rarity gave another wink. He got the message and started talking in his best impression of a high class pony. “You must be joking.” The three dogs blinked their eyes in surprise. “My friend Rarity here isn’t the only one who had a pony petty before coming here, I am not about to chip a hoof either just to satisfy your craving for gems buried in this filthy dirt.”

The lead dog groaned. “Oooohhhh, FINE!” He then looked up to see three dogs hanging from the ceiling. “Dig dogs, dig, and fast.” The dogs dove down and dug up the gems. Rarity and Nova snickered with each other. 

The big dot then held up a cart while the little one held up a harness connected to the cart and the lead dog brought a second cart over. The big dog started. “They won’t dig, they pull.”

Rarity and Nova narrowed their eyes as they started backing up. “I beg your pardon, but what, pray tell, do you think you’re doing?” Rarity asked.

“You keep those things away from us.” Nova said.

The big one answered. “Others will dig, you will haul the wagons.”

“Precious pony petty will be preserved.” The little one pointed out.

They backed up as far as they could until their flanks were up against a wall and the dogs started hooking them up to the carts. Rarity started complaining. “Well somebody needs proper nail care, when was the last time you two had a manicure.” 

Nova did the same as the lead dog hitched him up. “I say, just what do you think you’re doing, you’ll ruin my coat with that, when is the last time you cleaned those paws, you mess up my mane with that.”
Rarity was continuing. “Your scratching up my coat with those jagged things.”

“Please be QUIET!” The lead dog said. 

Nova took a sniff. “Good heavens, what is that awful smell.”

“Smeeeeeell?” The lead dog asked. 

Rarity answered casually. “Ah, mystery solved, it’s your breath.” 

The lead dog widened his eyes a bit, he turned around and breathed into his paw before taking a wiff himself. He flattened his ears in a bit of disgust. “ENOUGH!” He called out. “Search ponies.”

Rarity and Nova started hauling the wagons as they used sticks to mark places where gems were, all the while Rarity did the complaining. “Well, since you insist. But I must say the working conditions in here are simply dreadful.”

Nova agreed. “I have to agree, this place is absolutely disgusting and so drab, you could at least put up a few curtains or something.”

Rarity continued. “It’s so musty and drab, it’s going to wreak havoc on my mane.”

“And my tail, do you have any idea how hard it takes to look good.”

“And this air is stifling, and suffocating. And when I take a deep breath, the stench of all you dogs is simply nauseating.” Rarity marked a spot near a pillar, the dogs dug there, causing it to split in half and landing on their heads.

Nova continued. “You all look like you haven’t bathed in weeks.”

Rarity continued. “Have you never heard of soap.”

“I should think not.”

Two of the dogs sniffed each other and fell over from the stench.

“You could all do with a round of soap and water.” Rarity and Nova stopped. “Water, water, I’m terribly thirsty, could I have some water?”

“Oh me too, I’m positively parched.”

The little dog was steaming. “Good gracious I can’t take it anymore, BE QUIET PONIES!”

Rarity just started up again. “And that is another thing, I would appreciate it if you would stop calling us ponies, I am a lady and I wish to be addressed as such.”

“And I being a gentle colt should be addressed as well.”

“You may call me miss, or Rarity, or miss Rarity.”

“And me Sir, or Nova, or Sir Nova.”

The lead dog was holding his ears now. “ENOUGH! Your whining, it…it hurts.”

Nova responded. “Oh you haven’t heard whining yet. Rarity?”

“We are not whining, we are complaining, do you want to hear whining.” Rarity then started whining in a very annoying high pitched noise. “This is whining, Ooohh, this harness is too tight it’s going to chafe, can you loosen it. Ooooh, it hurts, and so heavy, why didn’t you clean it first, it’s going to leave a stain, the wagon is too heavy, why do I HAVE TO PULL IT!”

“You asked for it.” Nova said to the dogs. The big one had jumped into the car of gems, the little one was just covering his ears and the lead was covering his ears while pacing. 

“GAH, make it stop!” The little one cried.

“STOP WHINING!” The lead dog called.

“But I thought you wanted whining!” Rarity whined out.

“Even I’m getting a headache from this, I just hope this ends soon and we can get out of here.” Nova thought to himself.

The lead dog gave in. “We’ll do anything pony!” Rarity glared at him. “Uh, we’ll do anything miss Rarity.” He corrected himself.

“Anything?” She asked with a smile.

Later on, Rarity got the dogs to put up yellow ribbons up while she and Nova were at the center drinking water from gold goblets. This water is hardly sparkling, but it’ll have to do.” Rarity stated. 

Nova snickered to himself. “TCH, good work Rarity, I never would have thought of this, what a great plan.” He spoke quietly to her.

Rarity smiled. “Thank you Nova, and I must commend you on your acting, you almost had me convinced you are usually like that.”

“I’ve gotta say, that whining was real good too, even I was starting to get a headache.”

“I’m terribly sorry about that.”

“Don’t be, it worked didn’t it. But don’t you think we should take this opportunity to leave now? The others must be worried about us.”

“I suppose your right, we should take our leave.” 

Before they did, the dogs came back and started hooking the two up to carts. Nova quickly went back to his snooty act. “I say, just what do you think you’re doing.” He asked the big and little one as they hooked him up.

The lead dog was hooking Rarity up to a cart. “What are you doing, HEY, you spilled my drink, OH! NOT SO TIGHT!” She whined the last part.

The lead dog didn’t seem affected any more. “HAH, make the noises all you want, but move while you make them. HYA mule!” The dog then just slapped her on the flank.

Nova looked over to him. “Oh you did not just do what I think you did.”

The lead dog looked over a little nervous, then looked back to Rarity who was looking at him with tears in her eyes.

“Did you just….call me a mule?”

“Oh you really shouldn’t have done that.” Nova commented as he shook his head.

The diamond dog was at a loss. “Uhhh.”

“Mules are ugly, are you saying that I too am ugly?” Rarity said sadly before bawling her eyes out. “AH HA HA HA AAAAHHH!” 

Nova managed to get to her side as he held her and tried to comfort her. “There there now dear, don’t you listen to those mean old dogs, their just jealous of your beauty.”

“What are these noises?” The little one asked.

“HE CALLED ME UGLY!” Rarity cried out.

“No, mule, I said mule.” The leader tried to correct.

“An ugly old mule, and it’s true, just look at me! I used to be beautiful, but now….now…now….WAH HA HA HAAAAHHHH!” 

Nova tried to comfort her. “Come now darling, your still beautiful, don’t let what they say get to you, your gorgeous.” He then turned to the dog with a glare. “I hope you’re proud of yourself, insulting such a pretty mare like her by calling her a mule, now she’s been reduced to tears, you brutes should be ashamed of yourselves.”

The big one then came in to try and fix things. “No no, you’re still beautiful po…I mean, miss Rarity.”

“You’re just saying that!”

The little one came in. “No, you’re still pretty and….and….”

“Nice, yeah.” The leader finished.

“I don’t believe you, you never liked me! AAAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAHHH!” Rarity cried out more.

“Have you dogs no shame, I can’t believe you.” Nova scolded. 

The lead dog had finally had enough. “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE! You two are going into the dungeon until you can stop with the noises!”

This is not what Nova was hoping for. He quickly got up and stood before Rarity. “All right, no more mister nice pony!” He declared. He fired a warning shot of magic from his horn at the feet. The lead dog took a step back. “You better let us leave right now, or else.”

The lead dog glared at Nova. “So you do have fight in you.”

“That’s right, and I’m going to use all I got to get us out of here, and you don’t want that, so I suggest you step aside and let us leave…NOW!”

Rarity finally got up off the ground. “Nova, please be careful.”

“Do you really think you can take on all of us?” The leader asked.

“……” Nova knew it was too much. He had to think of something, anything. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“And what could you possibly have that we would want?” The lead dog asked.

“If you let Rarity go, I’ll stay here and find and dig up all the gems you want.” Nova offered.

Rarity tried to protest. “What, Nova you can’t be serious!”

Nova didn’t respond to her. “Do we have a deal?”

The leader thought about it. “Now why would we take that deal when we can easily keep you two here?” He sneered.

“I was afraid of that.” Nova noticed the door behind the dogs, he figured that was probably a way out. He whispered to Rarity. “Rarity, when I say so, you follow behind me, we’re going to make a break for the door.” She simply nodded. Nova charged up his horn. “GO!” He ran for the dogs before him and formed a cone of magic, he forced his way past the three and pushed them aside. “Keep going, I’ll hold them off!” Nova called as he stopped while Rarity ran.

Once she heard him say so, she stopped in her tracks. “Nova, come on!”

Nova was firing bolts at the oncoming dogs, landing shots on their chests and sending them flying backwards and knocking them out.  Nova turned his head and shouted at her. “GO!” That was all the time one dog needed to jump up and come down in front of him, the dog picked Nova up and tossed him to the side. “GAAAHHH!” He was thrown against a stone pillar which caused rocks to fall. Nova tried to get up and out of the way, but they fell too quickly. Nova was soon buried under the rocks.

“NOVA!” Rarity cried out. She quickly ran to the pile and used her magic franticly to dig Nova out. “Nova, Nova can you hear me!” She finally managed to uncover his head, but he wasn’t moving, he was covered in dirt and there were bruises on him all over. “NOVA!” Rarity screeched out. She then began crying AND whining. “YOU BRUTES, HE WAS MY FRIEND, HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS!” She cried and cried as she cradled Nova’s head.

“This is just too much!” The leader called out.

“NOVA, PLEASE STAY WITH ME!”

A crash was heard from the door, Rarity was too focused on Nova’s form to look away. “Lady Rarity, I’m here to save you!” Spike called out.

The three dogs ran over to the five mares crying out. “Excuse me?” Twilight asked.

The little one started. “They’re so picky.”

The big one continued. “And cirtical.”

The leader finished. “And now she won’t stop crying over that green unicorn.”

“Crying over the green unicorn?” Twilight asked. 

“Girls, over here quick, Nova is hurt!” Rarity cried out.

“NOVA!” The other mares and Spike exclaimed when they saw Nova in Rarity’s hooves. They all rushed over. “Rarity, is he all right?” Twilight asked.

“I….I don’t know, he’s not moving.” She cried.

“What did you do?!” Rainbow Dash asked as she glared at the dogs.

“Uuuhh.” The leader was at a loss for words.

“oooohhh.” A groaning was heard.

The girls turned back to see Nova moving. “Nova, you all right there partner?” Applejack asked with worry.

“I am getting really tired of getting knocked out.” Nova responded. 

“Oh Nova, thank Celestia your all right.” Rarity said as she hugged him.

“OW OW OW! A little sore here.” Nova said.

Rarity quickly released him. “I’m terribly sorry dear, I’m just so glad you ok.”

“Not completely, my whole body aches. Ugh.” Nova responded with a grunt.

“Can you stand?” Twilight asked.

Nova tried to get up and wobbled on his legs before falling back down. “OW! Guess not.”

“Just take the gems and those two and get out of here!” The lead dog said.

“You mean your letting us leave with all these gems?” Spike asked as he licked his lips upon seeing the many gems.

“Yes, and those two with them.” The lead diamond dog said.

“Please!” The little one begged. 

Without hesitation, Twilight levitated Nova onto one of the carts with the pile of gems and Applejack hooked herself up to it, the others hooked themselves up to the other carts and made their way out.

Along the way, Rarity told the others how she and Nova tricked the diamond dogs. Pinkie happily spoke up. “I can’t believe you found all these gems.”

Rainbow Dash followed up. “I can’t believe how you two tricked those dogs.”

“Just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I can’t handle myself in a sticky situation. Me and Nova had those dogs wrapped around our hooves the entire time……well….almost the entire time.”

“What do you mean Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“Well, the dogs got so frustrated with us that they were going to throw us in their dungeon, that’s when Nova took control and did his best to try and make sure I would get away. He was even willing to stay with those dogs just so they would let me go.”

“Really?” Twilight asked as she looked to Nova.

Nova looked down to Twilight. “I figured eventually you girls might find some way to get me out if that had happened, but those dogs didn’t take the deal, so I forced my way past them with Rarity and did my best to fight them off so she could escape. We all see how that turned out.”

“Still, it was very noble of you to be willing to sacrifice yourself like that.” Rarity pointed out. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.” She gave him a smile.

“I can’t wait to write a letter to princess Celestia to tell her what you taught me today.” Twilight informed.

“Me, what did I teach you?” Rarity asked.

“Just because some pony is lady like, doesn’t make her weak. In fact, by using her wits, a seemingly defenseless pony can be the one that outsmarts and outshines them all.”

“And if that fails, get Nova to kick their butts.” Rainbow Dash added with a laugh. The others laughed along too. Nova just smiled.

Applejack turned her head to face Nova. “How you holdin up there Nova?”

“Still sore and I have a headache, but I’ll be all right." Nova responded.

They all soon reached the boutique, Nova climbed down off the cart with Rainbow Dash’s help. “Thanks Dash." He said to her. 

“No problem.” She responded with a smile.

Nova was about to start helping unload the cart with his magic when Rarity stopped him. “And just what do you think you’re doing?”

Nova stopped his levitation spell as he lowered the gems he picked up back into the cart. “I was just going to help with the gems.”

“Oh no you don’t, you’ve done enough for one day, come along, I have just the thing for you.” Rarity ushered Nova away first then took the lead. 

Nova started to follow Rarity, but was still a little wobbly on his hooves. Rarity saw this and got next to him so he could lean on her for support. “Thank you Rarity, but this isn’t necessary.”

“On the contrary, I have to show my gratitude for all you’ve done for me today.” Rarity continued to let him lean on her as they walked. They eventually came to a building with a glass door and the word Spa displayed along the top. “Here we are, my favorite spot in all of Ponyville.”

Nova eyed the building curiously. “Um, what’s a spa?”

Rarity was surprised by Nova’s question, but then remembered that he had never settled in one place before and was always traveling. So she let it go and explained. “This is a spot where a pony can get pampered and cleaned. And after the day you had, you could use it.” The two walked in and were greeted by two earth ponies. “Good day Aloe, Lotus, I have a customer here for you, I’ll be paying for his treatment."

One had a pink mane and tail with a light blue coat, the other was a complete contrast to the other with a light blue mane and tail and a pink coat. They both had a white lily for a cutie mark and were wearing headbands. “Hello miss Rarity, always a pleasure.” The blue one spoke with a foreign accent.

“It is always a pleasure.” Said the other with the same accent. “And who is your friend here?”

“This is Nova, he needs a good massage and a soak in the tub if you please.” Rarity said with a smile. 

“Rarity, I don’t know about this.” Nova tried to object.

“Trust me dear, you’re going to love this.” Rarity assured with a smile.

“Come along dear, we’ll take good care of you.” The pink coated one said as they both started dragging him away.

After Nova’s nice relaxing massage that melted most of his soreness away, he was now soaking and relaxing in a large hot tub and leaning against the platform for the tub. Rarity soon walked in and came up the steps. “Hello Nova, I trust you’re feeling better?”

“Much, thanks for talking me into this, I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life.” Nova stated.

“I’m glad to hear it dear. I just want to thank you again for everything you did for me and what you were willing to do for me.”

“Like I say, I’m always glad to help out a friend, I wasn’t about to let you suffer with those dogs forever. I had to do something. We are friends after all, right?”

“Of course we are, and I’m very grateful to have a friend like you. If you should ever need anything from me, do be sure and let me know.”

Nova’s look softened. “Rarity….”

“Yes?”

“Um…..I…..” Nova was having trouble forming words. “Come on, just do it, you tried to save her from those dogs, there’s no way she’d freak out if you told her.” Nova’s hoof slowly moved towards his neck, he was so close to finally turning it off in front of one of his friends. 

“Is something wrong Nova?” Rarity asked with a cocked eyebrow.

His hoof was shaking, he was mere inches away. “…….No…..nothing’s wrong, never mind.” He pulled his hoof away and rested it back down in the warm water. “Thanks again for paying for this treatment.”

Rarity just smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“You were so close, why is this so hard, WHY?!”

> Fluttershy The Supermodel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fluttershy The Supermodel



Yet another school day for Starburst as Nova made his way to Rarity’s boutique to deliver an order for her. He did have another nightmare last night, but this time, Not only was Twilight and Applejack trying to defend him from Celestia, but Rarity too. Nova figured he could take these as a sign that he was growing closer to trusting the girls to tell his secret. But at the same time, was still fearful of how they would react should he tell them he and Starburst were from another planet. Yet he also did feel a little bit like he could tell them without worry, but his fear was outweighing his trust of the girls.

He soon approached the boutique with his saddle bags on and entered. He was surprised to see Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie there, as well as Fluttershy on Rarity’s display stage wearing a black and pink dress with feathers. He came up next to Twilight. “Hey Twilight, what’s going on here?”

Twilight greeted with a smile. “Hello Nova, Rarity is making a dress to present for a very famous pony in the fashion business named Photo Finish. She’s a little on edge right now.”

“We’re her to help her with the dress.” Pinkie pointed out.

“And I take it Fluttershy is modeling the dress?” Nova asked.

“Yep.” Pinkie answered.

Nova decided to wait to deliver the gems Rarity asked for, she was obviously very involved with what she was doing.

Rarity walked around Fluttershy. “Now, she’s going to want to see attitude and pizazz.”

“Attitude and….pizazz.” Fluttershy repeated timidly.

Rarity quickly came up next to her. “More light! It has to catch the sequence just right or the whole outfit is a disaster.”

Twilight lit up her horn and produced more light over the stage Fluttershy was on. 

“Oh, and the head dress needs more feathers. Pinkie Pie, more feathers!”

Pinkie hopped over with a basket in her mouth that held feathers. Rarity levitated a few out of the basket and added them to the head dress Fluttershy wore.

“And sequence, more sequence.” Spike then came over happily carrying a brown bowl with glittering powder in it. Rarity levitated a clump up and practically threw it in Fluttershy’s face.

“And more ribbon.” Spike promptly added two blue ribbons to the sides of the head dress. “Oh no, less ribbon.” Spike then removed them. “NO! More ribbon.” Spike placed them back on while Fluttershy was starting to get annoyed with the back and forth. Rarity came around to the back of the dress and eyed it.

“Oh, this hem is completely off. PIN CUSHION!” Rarity cried out. Spike sped off and came back to Rarity with pins sticking out of his back. Nova cringed at the sight. Rarity levitated a few off Spike’s back and placed them in the pink lining at the bottom of the dress, she then proceeded to shoo Spike away. He simply backed off with a smile. “Thank you all for helping me, I’m sorry to be short with you but I’m just so nervous.”

As Spike backed up, Twilight finally commented on the situation Spike was in with the pins. “Ooh, doesn’t that hurt?”

“It’s painful just to look at, you sure you’re ok Spike?” Nova asked with concern.

Spike stood up as he responded. “Thick scales, can’t feel a thing. And…even if I could, there is no pain that could keep me from assisting……the most beautiful creature in the world.” Spike said dreamily as he gazed at Rarity. 

Twilight rolled her eyes with a sigh.

Nova snickered a little.

Spike turned to face the three. “I’m gonna tell you three a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone.”

“I promise.” Twilight responded with a smile.

Pinkie then started rhyming with motions. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She made an x over her heart, fluttered her forelegs like wings, then covered one eye with a hoof.

Nova cocked an eyebrow at this. “Um, ok then. I promise too.”

Spike made a motion for them to come close with his claw, they moved in a little closer. Spike made the same motion again and they moved in closer.  Spike motioned again and they moved closer. Spike placed his claws on Pinkie and Twilight’s face. He pulled back and whispered. “I have a crush on Rarity.”

Twilight gave a flat look while Pinkie gasped and placed her hooves over her mouth. “We won’t say a word.”

“Spike, you do know I already figured that out right? And I did already promise not to say anything.” Nova informed.

“Oh, right.” Spike gave a sheepish smile.

Twilight then cut in. “Give me a break, every pony already knows how you….”

Pinkie cut her off. “Twilight! You promised Spike you wouldn’t say anything, he trusts you, and losing a friends trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever.”

“But…”

“FOREVER!” Pinkie emphasized greatly.

“Losing a friend’s trust? That is sound advice. Am I jepordizing my friendship with them by not trusting them with this secret I’m keeping? I sure hope not. But…….then again.” Nova thought to himself.

Twilight smiled. “My lips are sealed. Though I’m pretty sure Rarity is going to pick up on your feelings.”
Spike looked down at his shirt with Rarity’s face on a heart.

Nova cocked an eyebrow. “Ok, I know he wasn’t wearing that shirt a second ago, where did….”

Before he could finish his question, the bell above Rarity’s door rang, signaling a customer. The girls all turned to face the new comer. Three mares had entered. One of them was wearing a black dress with white stripes and a pair of sunglasses with purple lenses hiding her eyes. She had a white mane and tail and a sky blue coat. “I….Photo Finish……..have arrived.” She spoke with a German accent.

Rarity approached her. “Let me just say what an honor….”

Photo Finish walked past her and stopped in front of the stage. One of the other mares pushed a suit case in front of her. “We begin……NOW!” The case sprung open and turned into a camera.

Rarity quickly ran up next to Fluttershy. “Attitude and pizazz.” Rarity then rushed off just before a flash from the camera went off.

“Yes, show Photo Finish Something.” Photo then took another picture. Fluttershy stood up on her hind hooves. “NO!” Fluttershy recoiled at this and gave a little whimper. “Yes.” Rarity made a motion for Fluttershy to smile, Fluttershy did so. “NO!” Fluttershy recoiled again. “Yes.” Rarity then struck a pose for Fluttershy to make, she did so. “NO!” Fluttershy recoiled again. “Yes.” She took one more picture. “ENOUGH!” The camera folded back into a suitcase and one of the ponies that came with Photo retrieved it.

“She hardly took any pictures.” Twilight commented. 

Rarity went over to Fluttershy and removed the head dress. “I’m so sorry, I tried my best.”

“The head dress was too big for you and the cape had too much sparkle. I can’t believe I ever thought I could impress her.” Rarity was looking very down after what happened. 

Photo Finish suddenly zipped back. “It seems that I, Photo Finish, have found the next fashion star here in Ponyville.”

Rarity smiled at this. “Really?”

“Yes, really. And I, Photo Finish, am going to help her shine all over Eqvestria.” Rarity squeed with a smile. “Tomorrow, a photo shoot in ze park…….we go.” Photo Finish then rushed out with her entourage behind her.

Rarity ran to the door and watched her leave. “Did you hear that? I am going to…shine across Equestria.”

“Oh Rarity, I was so worried I had ruined everything.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Oh never, I knew you’d be perfect.” Rarity tried to hide her excitement, but her smile grew bigger to the point where she started hopping up and down in excitement, squealing. 

Spike’s tail was right under her at the time so she was jumping right on it. Spike looked on at her dreamily only wincing when she landed on his Tail. Twilight finally pulled him away.

Once Rarity had settled down, Nova was finally able to speak with her about the gems he brought and get his payment.

The next day rolled around and Nova figured he could at least try and take Rarity’s advice and get out more like she said. So he figured he could go to the park and offer moral support for her. He left the house and made his way to the park. Upon his approach, he saw Rarity and Fluttershy setting up. “Hello ladies, good day.”

“Oh, hello Nova.” Fluttershy greeted.

Rarity followed. “Hello Nova dear, what brings you by?”

“I just figured I’d be here for moral support, and take your advice about getting out more.”

“Splendid darling, thank you for coming to offer support. Let me just get Fluttershy ready.” Rarity then started pushing a rack with dresses behind a blind with Fluttershy behind it. “No, no, no, YES!” Rarity closed the blind to reveal Fluttershy in a white outfit. “That is definitely the one. Photo Finish is going to love it. Every pony is going to love it!”

Fluttershy was flapping her wings in excitement. “Oh, I’m so excited for you, just don’t forget us little ponies when you become the most famous designer in all of Equestria.”

“Never.”

“Best of luck to you Rarity, I just know you’ll make it big.” Nova said to her with a smile.

Rarity responded back. “Thank you Nova.”

“Put me down here.” Photo’s voice sounded out. The group turned to see Photo being carried on a platform by two stallions. They set the platform down and Photo Finish jumped off. She took one look at Fluttershy. “Oh no no no no no no, the model should be in somting simple, someting inspired by……ze nature.”

“That’s just what I was thinking.” Rarity rushed over to her rack and started scanning for something like what Photo asked for. She then kicked it away. “Uh, give me a minute and I’ll put a little something together.”

“Yes, that vill not be necessary.”

“But, but how are you going to ‘help me shine across Equestria’ if I don’t design something new for these pictures?” Rarity asked with worry.

“I’m not going to help you shine across Eqvestria, I’m going to help her shine.” Photo turned to Fluttershy. Two of the mare’s started Pushing Fluttershy. “She is my star.” She pointed to Rarity. “You, go!”

Rarity was looking very displeased with this, as was Nova. Later, Fluttershy was now wearing a light green dress with a head band. Nova came up to Rarity. “Gosh Rarity, I’m real sorry about this, I really thought you would finally get the chance you’ve been waiting for.”

“It’s…..all right Nova.”

Fluttershy then came in. “I can’t Rarity.”

“Oh but you must Fluttershy, Photo Finish wants to make you a star. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I know we we’re all hoping it would be my lifetime, but none the less, you can’t throw away this chance. You must do this for me. You must, you must, you must!”

Nova interjected. “Now hold on Rarity, what if Fluttershy doesn’t want to do this, you and I both know she’s not comfortable in the spotlight, you shouldn’t be asking her to do something she’s not comfortable with.”  

Fluttershy interjected. “No, it’s ok Nova, really, if Rarity really wants me to do this, then I will.”

Nova tried again. “But Fluttershy….”

“Fluttershy!” Photo Finish called out, interrupting Nova. “It is time to make………de magics!”

Fluttershy looked back at Rarity and Nova. Rarity gave a smile while Nova just looked worried. She then walked off to join Photo Finish. “Oh voundabar, you are like a delicate flower, so much more alluring witout all dose sparkles und feathers.”

Rarity hung her head as she turned around. Nova followed to try and talk to her. “Rarity, I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you, but you’ll get your break one day, you’ll see.” He tried to give a reassuring smile.

“Thank you dear, but I would just like to be alone for now.”

Nova stopped in his tracks as he watched Rarity walk away. “This is not going to go well for either of them, I can already tell.” Nova then walked back to his house.

The next day came around as the brothers did their usual morning routine before Starburst headed off to school again. Nova figured since he had time, he could spend some time with Twilight. So he left the house and headed over to the library. 

He came to the door and knocked. Twilight answered with a smile. “Good morning Nova, what brings you by.

Nova was a little nervous about this. “Hey Twilight, I was just wondering…….if you had the time…..maybe you and I could grab lunch together later today. Just the two of us.”

“Nova, are you asking me out on a date?” She asked slyly.

“Well, it’s been a while since our last date and….I kinda enjoyed our time together on that date so…..I guess so. So what do you say, you want to join me for lunch today?”

“I’d love to, come by around eleven thirty and we’ll head out.”

Nova had a big grin on his face. “Ok, sure, eleven thirty it is, I’ll see you then.”

“I can’t wait. See you then.” 

Nova then turned and left for home. He went inside and sat on his couch after taking off his necklace. “Well, what now? I don’t have any work to do, Starburst is at school, just sitting here is just so boring. I never had a problem with it before, so why now? Why is it I’m actually bored just sitting here like I usually do when I don’t have any work or Starburst isn’t around?” Nova just sat and thought for a while.

Rarity’s words soon echoed through his head. “You really should get out more Nova.” “Get out more, maybe now that I have friends, I should get out more and try to spend time with them instead of keeping myself locked up in here. But who, who should I go to? Rarity is probably still a little down about what happened with Photo Finish, and now Fluttershy is a model so she can’t hang out.”

“Applejack is probably too busy with her farm right now too. It would be weird to just go back to Twilight to hang out with her until the lunch date. I guess that just leaves Rainbow Dash. Why not, I’ll see if Rainbow Dash can hang out or something.” So Nova now had a goal in mind. He put his necklace back on and left to find Rainbow Dash.

As he made his way through town, he ran across one of the citizens, a unicorn with a blue coat and a blue and white mane and tail with an hour glass for a cutie mark. She came trotting up to him with a smile. “Hey there, Nova right?” She asked.

“Yes, that’s me.” Nova answered warily.

“I’m so glad I ran into you, I wanted to thank you for that hourglass gem you made for me, it is beautiful.” The mare said with a smile.

Nova smiled at the compliment. “Well, thank you, I’m glad you like it. You’re Colgate right?”

“That’s me, it’s nice to meet you. I gotta ask, how come I hardly see you around town?” Colgate asked with a curious look.

“I mostly stay in my house. I…..don’t get out much.”

“Well you need to change that, it can’t be healthy to stay cooped up inside all day. Thank you again for the hourglass gem, I only wear it with a dress I have for special occasions when I want to look my best.”

“That’s….very nice, I need to get going now.”

“Ok, I hope to see you around more often. Bye.” Colgate then trotted off.

Nova continued on his way. “Well that wasn’t so bad, meeting others. Then again, it wasn’t so bad when I met the six girls I’m now friends with. Maybe I really am overthinking things.”

As he trotted, another voice called out. “Yo, Nova, good to see you out of the house for once.”

Nova turned to see a white coated mare unicorn coming up to him wearing sunglasses. “Oh, hello, you’re Vinyl Scratch right? How did you know my name?”

“We met at that party Pinkie Pie threw to welcome you two, plus Rarity told me about you. When I saw you out and about, I just wanted to give my thanks for that awesome gem you made me, it is really cool.”

“I’m glad you like it. I take it you wear it for special occasions with a dress as well?”

“Do I look like the type to wear dresses.” She joked with a smile. “Nah, I wear it when I go out and play my music at the club I run, you should come by sometime and we can hang out.”

“Um, I don’t know, I’ve never been to a club before, I’m not exactly the…..um…..crowd type.” Nova said with a bit of nervousness.

Vinyl gave him a light punch in the shoulder. “Awe come on, it’ll be fun, you can even bring a date if you want. Just let the bouncer at the door know I invited you and you’ll get in no problem.”

“Well I….I don’t know.” Nova still looked unsure.

“Don’t make me beg dude, I promise you’ll have fun, it’s just down stirrup street. Follow the music and you can’t miss it, you can come by anytime when it opens at night around five.”

“It’s nice of you to offer but….”

Vinyl cut him off. “Come on man, pleeeease.” She lifted her sunglasses to reveal her red eyes looking sad with a mock pout, she even managed to make what sounded like a puppy dog whine.

Nova couldn’t fight it. “*Sigh* Fine, I’ll come by your club sometime.” 

Vinyl’s smile quickly returned. “Great, I can’t wait to see you there, when can I expect you?”

“I need to plan for it first, I have a little brother that I need some pony to watch for the night I come, so I don’t know yet.”

“Well, just remember, you’re welcome anytime, on me. And like I said, you can bring a date too if you have a special some pony in mind. See ya later dude.” Vinyl then trotted off.

“Ok, that was weird, why was she so insistent on me coming to this club of hers? It was nice of her to make that offer though. Well, I said I’d come by so I might as well make plans for it, question is when, and would Twilight like to go? She doesn’t seem like the type. But then again, neither am I, being around so many ponies at once, just thinking about it makes me shiver.” Nova continued on his way to find Rainbow to see if she could hang out. “Hold on, what would we do for fun once I found her? I’m sure she’ll come up with something.” 

Nova eventually found Dash around the center of Town flying overhead pushing clouds around. “Hey Dash, you got a minute!?” He called up to her.

“Hey Nova, just a sec.” Dash moved another cloud around and came in for a landing in front of Nova. “What’s up Nova?” She greeted with a smile.

“Hey Rainbow, I was just wondering if you had time to just hang out or something, I don’t have anything else going on, so I figured I’d try getting out of my house for once. So what do you say, you busy today or what?”

Rainbow gave a big smile to Nova. “Well, I’m glad to see you out and about for once, but I’m afraid I’m kinda busy with weather patrol today, sorry.” She gave an apologetic smile.

“Oh, that’s ok, I understand, maybe some other time then.”

“Definitely, I’d better get back to it, I’ll see you later Nova.” Rainbow then flew back up.

“Yeah, later.” He said to himself. “Well, so much for that idea, the one time I decide to not stay in my house, I don’t have anything to do. Guess I’ll just wait around till it’s time for my date with Twilight.” So Nova stuck around town and waited for the appointed time for his lunch date with Twilight.

Eleven thirty Soon rolled around as Nova approached Twilight’s place and knocked on the door. Twilight answered with her usual smile. “Hello Nova, ready for our date?”

“Sure, let’s go.”

The two soon found themselves at a little bistro sitting outside looking over the menu. Nova decided to be the first to break the silence. “So Twilight…..you looking rather pretty today……not that you don’t look pretty every day……of course you do, but…..what I mean is….ah, I can’t even speak right.” 

Twilight blushed at the compliment and laughed at Nova fumbling with his words. “Hm Hm, thank you for the compliment Nova, but I don’t think I’m all that pretty.”

Nova wasn’t about to let her put herself down. “Twilight, don’t say that, of course you are, I wouldn’t have asked you out if I didn’t think you were pretty…..not that looks are the most important thing to me… but…..I mean….uh, I’m just going to stop talking now.”

Twilight laughed some more. “Nova calm down, it’s all right, I know what you meant. Why are you so jittery?”

Nova looked to the side as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I….I don’t know, I guess it’s just being out in the open like this.”

“You’ve been outside before, why is this time so different?”

“Because I’m with you.” Nova simply stated. “That is…Uh….well…..*Sigh* Twilight, I do like you, a lot. And being with you just makes me nervous for some reason, I don’t know. It’s like I just can’t think straight and my mouth seems to move faster than my mind or vise versa. I do like spending time with you, and I think you’re a wonderful mare.”

Twilight blushed a little more as Nova said these things. “Nova, I had no idea you felt that way about me. I really like you too.”

Nova looked to Twilight with a bit of surprise. “Really?” She simply nodded. “So…..where do we go from there?” 

Twilight looked to the side with a small smile. “Well, I guess for now we just keep going on dates for a while and see how things go.”

“That works for me, I do like our time together.”

The waiter soon came and took their order for their food. They both ordered a daffodil and daisy sandwich. Once the food arrived, Nova brought up his encounter with Vinyl. “So Twilight, do you know Vinyl Scratch?”

“I do, we aren’t really friends, just good acquaintences, we get along fine. Why?”

“Well, I had a run in with her earlier today, she invited me to come to her club one night free of charge. I guess that’s her way of thanking me for a gem stone I made her.”

“Really, that was nice of her.”

“She even said I could…..bring a….date.” Nova blushed a little.

“So, are you wanting to know if I’ll go with you one night?” Twilight asked as she gave him a side glance.

“If you want to, sure, she was rather insistent I come, she just wouldn’t let me say no, but I don’t want to go alone. Being among so many I don’t know, ooohhh, I don’t know if I could do it. So if you want to come, you can, but I’ll understand if you say no, I’m not exactly the club type.” “I’m not even sure what this club is in the first place. But I guess it’s just a place where ponies hang out or something, and she did say something about music.” 

“Actually, that sounds like fun, I’d love to go with you.” Twilight said with a smile.

Nova perked up. “Really? Great, I just hope Spike won’t mind watching Starburst for me on the night we go.”

“He’ll be fine, he watched Starburst for you before.” Twilight said with a wave of her hoof.

The two continued with their date as they sat and talked. The date soon came to an end as Nova walked Twilight to her house. “I had a wonderful time Nova, thank you.” She then went and gave him a kiss on the cheek. They both blushed from it, Twilight had a smile and Nova was just a little surprised.

“Uh, yeah, me too, I’ll see you later. Maybe we can hangout like this again soon this week.”

“I’d like that, I’ll see you later Nova.” Twilight closed her door and Nova went on home.

A few days passed and Nova decided to try and get out more, maybe make some more friends and spend time with them, he hada run in with Derpy and gotten to know her a bit more, as well as Carrot Top and Berry Punch. He also had another run in with Vinyl one day and got to talk with her a bit. Nova was starting to feel a little more confident about being outside his house. As he did, he also started noticing pictures of Fluttershy popping up everywhere in town. Despite what others were saying, he could tell she didn’t look happy in them, most of them at least, but he knew in the ones she was smiling were fake smiles, he even saw Rainbow dash pulling a banner with a picture of her smiling and holding a bottle of juice. 

He spotted Rarity nearby and she did not look happy at all, in fact, she looked downright angry. Nova walked up to her to try and talk to her. “Rarity, are you all right? You seem upset.”

“Hello Nova, I’m just fine thank you for asking.” Nova could hear she was fighting back the anger in her voice as she spoke.

“Rarity, I can tell you’re mad about something, what’s wrong?”

“Why should I tell you when you can’t even tell me what this secret your keeping is?” Rarity shot back with a glare.

Nova recoiled at her glare. “Rarity, I….I’m sorry, but I…..”

Rarity seemed to calm down as she began to apologize. “I’m sorry Nova, I didn’t mean that, it’s just that……never mind, I do apologize for what I said.” 

Nova shook his head. “It’s fine Rarity, I just wanted to try and help.”

Rarity gave a small smile as she looked at Nova. “Thank you Nova. I need to get back to my shop now, I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah, ok, if you ever want to talk, just let me know.” Rarity didn’t answer back as she walked away. “I’ll bet it has something to do with Fluttershy being a model.” Nova thought to himself.

The next day came and Nova decided to see about spending more time with Twilight. Starburst went to hang out with his own friends and do some crusading for their cutie marks. Nova was on his approach when he saw Twilight exiting. He trotted up to her. “Hey Twilight, good day to you.”

“Hello Nova, how are you today?” She greeted cheerfully.

“Fine, thanks, where are you off to?”

“I’m going to the spa for a bit, I could use some time to relax. I’ve been studying a bit too much according to Spike and insisted I take a break.”

“I see, brings up the question of who’s taking care of who?”

Twilight smiled and giggled at his little joke. “Hm hm, yes it does. I don’t suppose you’d like to join me at the spa, I’m just going to relax in the tub.”

“Sure, I’d love to.”

“Great, let’s go.” Twilight and Nova walked together down to the spa.

They soon arrived at the spa and Twilight dawned a white robe. Nova went without one and they made their way to the tub. Upon arrival, they saw Rarity there in the tub looking rather down. She started whining. “My hooves are positively prunie I’ve been waiting here so long.” She lifted one of her hoofs to show and it looked a little wrinkly. “Obviously Fluttershy is too busy with her new career to spend time with her best friend.” She said bitterly.

Twilight tried to reason. “I’m sure she just got tied up.”

Rarity continued in her sour mood. “Of course she did, she’s a big bright shining star. I wish that star would burn out.”

Nova interjected. “Here now, that’s no way to talk about a friend. I’m surprised at you Rarity.”

Twilight agreed. “Fluttershy is your friend Rarity.”

Rarity started sounding guilty. “I know, I know, I should be happy for her but instead I’m just…..nnnggg jealous! Oh please don’t tell her I feel this way. please, please, please, please, please, PLEASE!”

Nova tried to reason with her. “Rarity, I think you should….”

“PLEASE!”

“*Sigh* Fine. I promise I won’t say anything to Fluttershy.” Nova caved.

Twilight followed up. “You have my word. Losing a friend’s trust is the fastest way to lose a friend.”

“FOREVER!” Pinkie popped out of a bowl of sponges.

“GAH! Pinkie, what the hay!?” Nova called out.

She just sunk back into the bowl and disappeared.

“How does she do that?” Nova asked.

“I have no idea.” Twilight answered.

Rarity had removed herself from the tub and got dressed in a white and red striped dress.

“Wow, you look great!” Twilight complimented.

“Nice.” Nova followed up.

“Fluttershy may be the one who’s famous, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop looking fabulous.” Rarity then left.

Nova and Twilight settled into the tub to relax a bit. Suddenly Fluttershy came in. “Rarity, I’m so sorry I’m…oh no, she’s already gone isn’t she?”

“Afraid so.” Nova answered.

“Oh, I can’t believe this, I am just so frustrated I could just scream.” Fluttershy then took in a deep breath and screamed as loud as she could. “aaaaaahhhhhh.” It wasn’t very loud.

“Feel better?” Twilight asked.

“No, can I tell you two something?” She asked as she fluttered up to eye level with them.

“Of course.” Twilight answered. 

“I’m all ears.” Nova followed.

“You promise not to tell Rarity?” Fluttershy asked.

“I swear.” Twilight answered.

“Same here, I promise.” Nova was a little reluctant as he kind of figured what this could be.

“Pinkie Pie swear?” Fluttershy asked.

Nova rolled his eyes, he and Twilight recited the Pinkie promise with the motions. “Cross my heart and hope to 
fly, stick a cupcake in my AH!” They both poked their eyes.

“Ow, geeze, that Pinkie promise is dangerous.” Nova commented.

Fluttershy took a moment. “I don’t like being a model, no, I HATE being a model! All this attention is awful, just awful, and I’m only doing it because Rarity told me I must, I must, *Sigh* I must.” Fluttershy hung her head.

“Oh, really?” Twilight asked. “Well.” Twilight looked around a bit, then motioned for Fluttershy to move closer. “If you want to know the truth, Rarity…”

Pinkie suddenly popped out from the bowl of sponges again, shook her head, then made a zipping motion across her lips, then disappeared again.

“Ok, I am really curious how she does that.” Nova commented.

“Oh, what were you about to say?” Fluttershy asked.

“Forever.” Pinkie said in a whisper as she appeared again and just like that was gone again.

“She is really starting to scare me now.” Nova commented again.

“Nothing.” Twilight said.

Nova figured now was the time to speak up and try to resolve this then. “Fluttershy, if you really don’t want to be a model, just quit. Rarity will understand.”

“Oh, but I can’t do that, she would be devastated.” Fluttershy stated.

“Fluttershy, if she’s your friend, she’d want you to be happy, if you just told her that being a model isn’t making you happy, I’m sure she’d be fine with you quitting.”

“You really think so? I don’t know.” Fluttersy said sounding unsure.

“Trust me, if she were really your friend, she won’t care, just go to her and tell her how you really feel about this. I promise you she will support your decision.”

“Well, I guess I could do that, do you think you could come with me though, I don’t know if I could face her alone if I do….if it’s not too much trouble.”

Nova looked over at Twilight, she just gave him a smile and a reassuring nod. Nova turned back to Fluttershy. “Sure Fluttershy, I’ll come along and be with you for when you tell her.”

Fluttershy gave Nova a smile. “Thank you Nova, I really appreciate it.”

Nova climbed out of the tub and looked at Twilight. “I’ll see you later Twilight, enjoy your soak.”

“Thanks Nova, I’ll see you later too.”

Nova escorted Fluttershy out of the spa and to Rarity’s.

They entered the boutique and found Rarity as she was mulling about around her store. Nova spoke to get her attention. “Excuse me Rarity, are you busy?”

Rarity turned to face Nova. “Oh, hello Nova……hello Fluttershy.” Rarity greeted as she hid her emotions.

“Rarity, Fluttershy here has something she needs to tell you, but first, I want to ask you something if I may.” Nova said. He gave a wink to Flutterhy.

“Of course dear, go ahead.” Rarity stated.

“Rarity, you care about Fluttershy right?”

“Well of course I do, she’s my best friend.” Rarity said with a bit of surprise that Nova would ask such a thing.

“And you want her to be happy right?”

“Of course I want her to be happy, why wouldn’t I?”

“I just wanted to make sure.” He then turned to Fluttershy. “You see, she does care about you and wants you to 
be happy, so go ahead and tell her how you feel about this whole thing.”

Fluttershy just looked worried as she looked at Rarity who just looked confused as to what might be going on. 

Fluttershy took a moment to collect her thoughts. “Rarity, I know me being a model was important to you, but I 
don’t like it, I don’t like it at all. I just don’t like having all those ponies looking at me and following me around, I hate being a model. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings but I just can’t do it anymore, please don’t be mad at me.”

Rarity was surprised to hear all this. She collected herself as she spoke. “Fluttershy, I had no idea you felt this way, why didn’t you say anything before?”

“Because you said I had to do this for you and I didn’t want to disappoint you, so I just kept doing it. But Nova convinced me I should tell you that I don’t like being a model, I just hope you don’t hate me for this.”

Rarity smiled. “Oh Fluttershy, I could never hate you, the truth is I was actually jealous of you being a model, you were getting all the attention while I wasn’t, I was actually hoping you would fail at it at some point, I hope you can forgive me for it.”

Fluttershy smiled. “Really? oh Rarity, of course I forgive you, I’m just sorry I didn’t tell you sooner how I felt.”

“And I’m sorry too, from now on, let’s never keep our feelings a secret from each other, agreed?”

“Agreed.” The two then moved in for a hug.

Nova smiled at the scene. “Well, I’m glad we got that all straightened out.”

The two then turned to Nova. “Thank you for talking me into doing this Nova, you were right, I should have trusted Rarity to understand my feelings.” Fluttershy said with a smile as she looked at him.

“Yes dear, thank you so much, this is all thanks to you, how can we ever repay you?”

Nova just waved a hoof. “All I want from you two is to just keep being good friends with each other, that will be reward enough.”

Fluttershy stepped closer to Nova. “Nova, I really appreciate you helping me do this, you’re such a wonderful friend, if there’s ever anything you want to talk about, you can always come to me and I’ll do what I can to help. No matter what, we are friends, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Fluttershy then hugged him.

“The same goes for me darling, I really can’t thank you enough.” Rarity then did the Pinkie promise.

Fluttershy’s hug surprised nova. “Well….thank you Fluttershy and Rarity. I’ll…..be sure to keep that in mind.” Fluttershy broke the embrace. “Friends no matter what, and they did the pinkie promise.” Nova had become familiar with the Pinkie promise, when you make a Pinkie promise, you keep it. “Friends no matter what…..friends no matter what…..maybe…..maybe I….” 

“Nova, is something wrong?” Rarity’s voice drew Nova out of his thoughts.

“Huh, what?”

“You seemed a little out of it, are you ok?” Fluttershy asked.

Nova noticed the two looking at him with concern. “Yeah, I’m fine, just thinking is all. I’ll see you two later, take care ok.”

“All right, see you later.”Rarity said.

“Bye Nova.” Fluttershy said with a hoof wave, both still looking at Nova with a bit of concern.

Nova walked to his home as he continued to think on what Fluttershy and Rarity said. “Friends no matter what…..friends no matter what….and they pinkie promised. Why can’t I just outright tell them what I want to tell them? Why does my fear have to be so strong of what they’ll think of me? Time and again, they all said I could come to them if I should need anything and they all are such wonderful friends. So why can’t I tell them?” “GAH! IT’S JUST NOT FAIR, WHY DO I HAVE TO BE SO AFRAID!?” Nova yelled out. Thankfully, by this time, he was just outside his home so no pony heard his outburst. 

Nova hung his head, walked inside, and shut the door behind him, he just stayed inside for the rest of the say with nothing to do.

> The Great Land Dispute
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Great Land Dispute



It was a Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Applejack had asked the girls and Nova to come with her to deliver an apple tree to her cousin Braeburn in Apploosa out west. Nova wanted to bring Starburst along so he could get the chance to see another town. Applejack was more than happy to let him come along and Starburst was very excited about the trip. They left their home to meet up with the girls at the train station. 

“Oh boy, I’ve never been on a train before, I’ve seen it before but never rode on it, and we get to see another town. This is going to be fun.” Starburst was jumping for joy as he bounced along next to his big brother. 

Nova smiled at his little brother. “Now Starburst, while we’re there, I want you to stick close to me, I don’t want you wandering off ok?”

Starburst looked up at his brother with a smile. “Don’t worry Nova, I’ll stay close. Promise.”

They soon arrived at the station where the girls were waiting for them. “Hey girls, where’s the tree?”

Applejack gave a smile as she answered. “Howdy Nova, Big Mac already loaded it up in the last car and went back home.” She then looked to Starburst. “You ready to see a new town little buddy.”

“You bet.” Starburst had a huge grin on his face.

“All right, lets load up and get ready, it’s a long train ride to Appleloosa, it won’t be until tomorrow morning when we reach it.” Twilight pointed out. The group then boarded the train and made right for the sleeper car, it was a few cars away from the caboose where the tree was.

The train got under way and Starburst just looked out the window from the bed he and Nova would be sharing to look at the scenery as it went passed. “Wow, look at all those mountains, and what are those green spikey things out there?” 

Nova was looking out the window with Starburst. “I believe those are called cactus, or cacti for plural. Their a type of plant with sharp points on them.”

“This is so cosmic, thanks for letting me come along Nova.”

“You’re welcome, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself so far.”

A while ago, Applejack had gone to the car where the tree was, Rarity soon went too. She came back a few minutes later in a huff. “I can’t believe her, she was reading a story to a tree.”

The sun had set and the moon was now out. Nova and Starburst had a bed next to Pinkie. The ponies just chatted a bit and laughed while Rarity and Spike seemed like they were trying to sleep. Spike finally had enough as he spoke out. “Do you guys mind, I was up early fire roasting those snacks you’re all eating and I’m pooped.”

Rainbow got his attention. “Uh, speaking of, some of these popcorn kernels didn’t get popped.” She nudged a bag of popcorn next to her.

“Ok fine.” Spike shot out a flame at the popcorn and completely burnt them, leaving one kernel to pop in Rainbow’s face. “Good night.” He said as he threw his blanket over himself.

“Uh, maybe it’s time we all got a little shut eye.” Twilight pointed out. “We got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” Twilight then turned out a candle next to her bed making it dark with the moon as the only source of light now.

“Come on Starburst, time to get some sleep. Sweet dreams little brother.” Nova smiled at Starburst.

Starburst gave a tired yawn and looked at Nova with tired eyes. “Good night big brother, see you in the morning.” Starburst was next to the window while Nova took the spot near the edge. The two lay down to sleep.

“Psst, Pinkie Pie, you asleep yet?” Rainbow’s voice whispered out.

“No, are you asleep yet?” Pinkie responded back.

Nova opened one eye and saw Dash come up in front of where Spike was sleeping with a lit candle. “If I was sleeping, how could I have asked you if you were asleep?”

Pinkie joined her. “Oh yeah, he he he.”

“When we get to Appleloosa, do you think we’ll have to carry that big heavy tree from the train station all the way to the orchard?” Nova rolled his eyes as he tried to ignore them and get to sleep.

“What tree? you mean Bloomberg?”

Rainbow deadpanned. “No, Fluttershy.”

“Fluttershys not a tree silly.”

Twilight then came in. “What’s going on?”

Pinkie answered. “Rainbow Dash thinks Fluttershy’s a tree.”

Rainbow defended. “I do not think she’s a tree I was just…”

Twilight cut her off. “Did you say she was a tree?”

“No….well yes, but..”

Twilight cut her off again. “You know she’s not a tree right?”

Pinkie then followed up. “She’s not a tree Dashie.”

Fluttershy then came in. “I’d like to be a tree.”

Nova finally came in feeling frustrated. “Girls, she was being sarcastic, she didn’t mean what she said about Fluttershy being a tree.”

Spike had finally had enough as he finally sat up and cried out. “Oh for Pete’s sake!” He picked up his pillow and went to the caboose. 

“Well that was kind of huffy.” Twilight commented.

Fluttershy followed up. “Huffy the magic dragon.” They all giggled.

Rarity finally interjected as she sat up in her bed. “Would you all be quiet NOW!” In the light of the candle, Nova saw she had some green goop and cucumbers over her eyes. This frightened the girls as they screamed and quickly blew out the candle.

Nova just laid his head back down and closed his eyes.

“Nova, where did spike go?” Starburst asked tiredly, apparently, all the talk kept him from falling asleep too.

“He went to the back of the train to get away from the noise. Go to sleep Starburst, we need our rest.”

“Ok, good night.” Starburst closed his eyes and went to sleep. Nova soon followed.

Morning arrived as the train continued on. The girls and the two brothers were soon awakened by a thunderous noise that outmatched the sound of the train. “Huh, what’s that?” Nova awoke with a start. 

“Nova, what’s that sound?” Starburst asked.

The girls gathered at one window while Nova and starburst looked out another to see a heard of buffalo stampeding alongside the train, they all had white feathers with black tips in their ears. “Whoa, what are they?” Starburst asked in awe.

Twilight answered. “A buffalo stampede.”

“I just love their accessories.” Rarity commented.

Twilight then pointed out something that seemed to trouble her. “They’re getting awfully close to the train.” 

The buffalo suddenly rammed the side of the train, causing the girls and two brothers to fall from their positions. “WHOA!” They all called out as they were bounced around. The train was rammed again, Nova did his best to hold onto Starburst and tried to protect him as best he could from getting hurt.

Once the train settled, the girls managed to get back up. Nova was still on the floor holding Starburst. Starburst was shaking with fear. “Nova, what’s going on, why are they doing this?”

“I don’t know.”

Pinkie called out. “Ooh, lookie, now their doing tricks.” Nova joined the others to look out the window. 
Starburst thought Spike might be in trouble and needed to be warned. “Oh no, Spike.” Starburst left for the caboose to try and warn him as to what’s going on.

The girls and Nova watched as three buffalo stacked up on top of one another, then a little one came and jumped up on top of the stack. “Ooh, Ooh, now do a back flip.” Pinkie called out. Instead, the little one just jumped up onto the roof. “Or just…jump.”

“I don’t like this.” Nova commented. 

Rainbow shared in his thought. “Me neither, something tells me this isn’t a circus act.” Dash then flew off and outside the train.

It was then that Nova realized Starburst was missing. “Hey, where’s Starburst?” The girls all looked around but couldn’t find him. “STARBURST, STARBURST WHERE ARE YOU?!” Nova was starting to panic. He ran to the back of the train with the others behind. They reached the back just in time to see the buffalo pushing the caboose away.

“They got Bloomberg!” Applejack pointed out.

“And Spike!” Twilight pointed out as he was seen with Starburst banging on the window.

“And Starburst!” Nova could see the fear in both their faces as they were dragged off. “STARBURST!” Nova called out as he held a hoof towards him. 

The train finally reached the train station for Appleloosa, the girls and Nova quickly rushed out and were greeted by a yellow coated stallion with an orange mane and tail wearing a hat similar to Applejacks and a vest. Mysteriously, Pinkie was no longer with them. The stallion had a big grin on his face as he welcomed them. “Hey there, welcome to AAAAAppleloosa!” He reared up as he pronounced the town name.

Applejack tried to talk to him. “Braeburn, listen….”

This pony cut her off. “Cousin Applejack, mind your manners, you have yet to introduce me to your compadre’s, shame on you.” 

Applejack tried again. “Braeburn listen, somethin terrible has happened.”

Braeburn just cut her off. “Terrible is right, your train is a full seven minutes late. That’s seven minutes less to delight in the pleasures and wonders of AAAAAAppleloosa!”

Nova was starting to get annoyed, this stallion just wouldn’t let Applejack get a word in edgewise and his brother had been kidnapped. “QUIET, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT FOR ONE MINUTE!” Nova shouted. It was at such volume, every pony nearby winced. Nova got in his face. “Listen you, we don’t have time for this, some buffalo attacked our train on the way here and they took that tree we were bringing you and Spike and MY LITTLE BROTHER, we don’t’ have time for a tour!”

Braeburn had a look of pure shock on his face when Nova mentioned the buffalo. “I….I uh….” He couldn’t form words as Nova glared fiercely at him. Nova was snorting out his nose.

Twilight quickly got next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova calm down.”

Nova then turned his glare on Twilight. “Calme down? how am I supposed to calm down?! My little brother just got kidnapped! Who knows what those buffalo will do to him?! I’ve gotta go after him!” 

He then started making for the desert before Applejack got in front of him. “Whoa there partner, you can’t just go out there like that.”

“Get out of my way Applejack, I have to find him!” Nova declared.

Rarity interjected. “Nova dear, you don’t know where to look, you could get lost out there.”

Fluttershy then tried. “You can’t just go into the desert without supplies, it’s dangerous.”

Nova turned to Fluttershy. “Then what do you suggest I do, just stand here and hope he’ll be fine? I’m not about to just sit by and wait, I have to save him!”

Twilight came in again. “Nova, you don’t know where to look, the desert is dangerous without supplies, and you could easily get lost, you need to calm down and think about this.”

Nova turned his glare on Twilight now. “Don’t you tell me to calm down, I have a brother who was just kidnapped by a bunch of hairy muscle bound meatheads and is most likely scared out of his mind with nothing but a baby dragon for protection, you have NO IDEA what I am going through right now, so don’t you try and tell me what to do!” He said angrily.

Twilight suddenly glared back at him. “You think I don’t know how you feel? Spike is like a little brother to me, I love him just as much as you love Starburst, but charging into the desert in anger won’t help any pony! You need to stop and think!” Nova’s look softened. Twilight took a deep breath and started again in a calmer tone. “Spike has been in my family since I hatched him from an egg when I was just a little filly, he’s like a little brother to me and I love him. I’m worried about him too.”

Nova seemed to finally calm down. “I…..I’m sorry Twilight, I just….I….”

Twilight cut him off as she gently placed a hoof over his lips. “It’s all right Nova, I understand, you’re worried about him, I am too, just as I am Spike. But we need to prepare before we go out there and find them, along with Pinkie and Dash.” 

Nova hung his head. “No Twilight, you don’t understand, Spike is your little brother, but Starburst is so much more to me than just my brother.” Twilight was about to ask what he meant by that but Nova just turned and headed into town for the inn they would be staying at.

Back with Spike and Starburst, they were hugging each other in fear, Starburst was shaking the most as the car soon came to a stop. “Spike, I’m scared, what are they gonna do to us?” Starburst was on the verge of tears.

“I don’t know Starburst.” The train car started rocking, tossing them about. Starburst eventually fell out through the door and onto the ground.

Starburst picked himself up on his haunches. “Pony!” One of the buffalo called out. 

“AH!” Starburst screamed, he dropped to the ground and coved himself with his hooves, shaking greatly. 

The buffalo started moving in on him. Spike jumped from the car and got in front of Starburst. “Leave him alone!” 
The buffalo stopped in their tracks. “A dragon.” One of them called. They all bowed before him.

Spike looked bewildered. “Uh, yeah, you just leave him alone you hear.”

“Of course mighty one.” One of them said.

“Ok what is going on here?” Spike finally asked.

“We greatly respect dragons sir.” Another buffalo stated.

“Really? Well then, I am Spike, you are not to harm this little pony with me, understand.” Starburst was still trembling as this went on.

“Of course great one.”

“AND THE MORE OF US THERE ARE OUT HERE, THE MORE THE CHANCES ARE OF US GETTING….!” Rainbow Dash’s voice was heard yelling. 

The buffalo quickly rushed over to the source of the voice. Starburst perked up upon hearing it, he recognized it as Rainbow’s. He saw it was Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. The buffalo started charging at them until Spike stopped them. “STOP!” the buffalo stopped in their tracks. Spike led Starburst through the buffalo to Rainbow and Pinkie. 
“Dash, Pinkie, sup?” Spike said casually. “Hey no worries, I know those guys, they’re cool.”

“If you say so Spike, catch you later bro.” The buffalo then ran off.

Starburst quickly ran up to Dash and clutched her foreleg in fear. “Rainbow Dash!” 

“Starburst, what are you doing here?” Dash asked as she looked down at him. 

“When….when the buffalo started attacking the tr-train…I got worried for Spike, so I…I went to warn him and I *Sniff* I got taken with the car and Spike.” Starburst was crying now as he sniffled.

Dash tried to comfort him as she stroked along his back. Pinkie came up to him. “Hey now, don’t worry, we’re here for you.”

Starburst looked up at her, he promptly let go of Dash’s leg and clutched on to Pinkie. “I want my big brother, I miss Nova.” Pinkie gave him a sad smile.

“Hey, don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.” Dash said with a reassuring smile. Starburst just looked up at her.

Back at the town, Night had fallen. Nova was sitting in a bed in his hotel room looking out the window as the moon hung in the sky. Twilight came in to talk with him. “Nova, are you ok?” Twilight asked.

Nova kept his eyes out the window. “No I’m not, my little brother is out there somewhere and I’m just sitting here.”

Twilight came up to him. “Nova, it’s ok, he’ll be all right.”

Nova looked back at Twilight. “How do you know Twilight, can you really promise me that, I doubt it.”

Twilight got on the bed with him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, we will find him, I promise.”

“We have to find him, I can’t lose him.” Nova turned back to the sky.

“Nova, what did you mean when you said Starburst was more to you than just a brother?”

Nova gave a sigh. “*Sigh* He’s everything to me Twilight, he’s the only family I have left, I can’t lose him, I can’t go through it again, that pain is just too much. Starburst is all I have left. If I lose him, I lose everything.”

“What about friends?” Twilight offered. Nova looked at her as she gave him a small smile. “You didn’t even think about that did you?”

Nova looked to the side as he answered. “No, I didn’t. I just got so upset when he was taken I couldn’t think straight.”

Twilight used a hoof to make Nova look her in the eyes. “Nova, a good friend can be just as good as having a family. No matter what happens, we’ll all be here for you if you should need anything.”

“Twilight…….I’m sorry for what I said earlier, about you not understanding. I was out of line.”

“It’s fine Nova, in a way, you are right, Spike isn’t the only family I have, I still have my mother and father, and an older brother, buy you just have Starburst. So I don’t know how painful it must be to lose family.” She gave another smile.

Nova gave a small smile back as a single tear rolled down his face. “Thank you Twilight, I’m really grateful to you and the others for your friendship.” 

Twilight initiated a hug. Nova gladly accepted it as he let a few more tears escape.

Twilight broke the hug. Nova then had a thought. “Twilight, I gotta ask, why would those buffalo do this? Why did they attack the train and kidnap Spike and Starburst?”

“Braeburn said that the buffalo want the settler ponies to get rid of the apple orchard. They were probably after the tree and took Spike and Starburst by mistake.”

Nova furrowed his brow as he turned back to the window. “Mistake or not, if they hurt him in any way, I’m gonna make them sorry.” His look softened again. “I just hope he will be ok, he must be so scared right now.”

The other girls soon came in. “Nova darling, are you feeling any better?” Rarity asked.

Nova turned to face them. He wiped away a tear. “Yeah, a little, I’m just scared for what might happen to Starburst.”

“Don’t worry Partner, if Rainbow Dash is out there, she most likely found him and is keeping him safe.” Applejack offered.

“Pinkie too, she may not be as strong as Dash, but she won’t let Starburst be afraid or sad.” Fluttershy pointed out.

Nova gave a sad smile at the girls. “Thank girls, I really appreciate you all.”

Back with Starburst. He stuck to Rainbow Dash like glue, he had calmed down a bit but was still scared of the buffalo despite the fact they were offering food and shelter for the night. Starburst was sitting between Dash and Pinkie as they sat across from Spike with a fire in between them. Dash kept a hoof around his shoulder to comfort him as he sniffled a bit. 

Spike started explaining what was going on. “Seems they took me and Starburst by mistake, and they feel awful about it too, poor guys. Fortunately, they totally respect dragons.” Spike snapped his claws. Three buffalo brought over a bowl of some kind of mush to eat in front of Pinkie, Dash, and Starburst. “So they treat me like an honored guest, still don’t like ponies much though but your with me so your cool.”

Starburst cringed when the buffalo came close. He leaned more into Dash in fear. Dash wrapped a wing around him to try and comfort him. Pinkie was just happily munching away at the mush. Dash stood up as she spoke. “Well I still don’t trust them, I say we turn tail and bail while we still…” 

She was interupted by Pinkie’s munching. Pinkie finally pulled her head out of the bowl and looked up. “Before we finish eating? Are you loco in the coco?”

“Please Pinkie, I want my big brother, I miss Nova, I want to go home.” Starburst sad sadly.

Pinkie looked at him sadly, then smiled as she picked him up in a hug. “Awe, it’s ok Starburst, we’ll be fine, me and Dash won’t let anything happen to you.” Starburst just hugged back as he buried his muzzle in Pinkie’s chest. The little buffalo girl from the train came by. “Can I please have some more of that  mushy stuff, whatever it was.” Pinkie asked.

The buffalo girl answered. “Certainly, and mister Spike, you like gemstones correct?” She presented a bowl of turquoise stones.

“Mmm, turquoise.” Spike poured the whole bowl in his mouth and gobbled them up. Spike then began introductions. “This is little strongheart, and these are my friends, Pinkie Pie, Starburst,” Starburst saw the little buffalo girl and zipped over to Dash for protection. Spike looked worried at this but continued. “And Rainbow Dash.” 

Starburst grabbed Dashes foreleg and held tight as he shook. Dash looked down at him, then over to the buffalo Spike was introducing. “YOU!” She said angrily.

“YOU!” Little Strong Heart said fearfully.

Dash picked Starburst up and placed him on her back. “That’s it, we….are…outta here! Come on Starburst, we’re taking you back to Nova.” Starburst wrapped his hooves around Dash’s neck as she began to walk away.

Pinkie gave a sheepish smile. When Rainbow saw she wasn’t coming, she grabbed Pinkie by the tail and started dragging her. Little Strong Heart jumped and got in her way to stop her. “Wait! Please accept my apologies for what happened on the train, we didn’t mean for anyone to be hurt.”

“Yeah right.” Dash then turned around and tried heading in another direction.

Little Strong Heart got in her way again. This startled Starburst as his grip tightened a little more and cringed. “We only wanted the tree, the settler ponies have taken over the land and have planted an orchard all over it. Because of their thoughtlessness, we can no longer stampede across our traditional stampeding grounds.” She moved closer and Starburst cringed more.

Dash felt this and stomped a hoof. “That’s close enough, can’t you see you scared the poor little guy enough?”

Little Strong Heart took notice of Starburst on Dash’s back shaking. “Gosh, I am sorry, we never meant to scare him.”

Starburst found the courage to speak. “Please just let us go, I just want my big brother.”

“I think it’s time they met chief Thunder Hooves.” Spike suggested.

The three ponies soon found themselves standing before the chief of the buffalo tribe. Dash kept Starburst with her as she had a wing around him. The chief began his story. “We have a long and winding stampeding trail that we have run upon for many generations. My father stampeded upon these grounds, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him, and….”

Little Strong Heart cut in. “I think they get the idea chief.”

Chief Thunder Hooves continued. “It is a sacred tradition to run the path every year. But this year, these settler ponies, these….Appleloosians.” The chief started snorting in anger. Starburst cringed a little and Dash kept a stern look.

Little Strong Heart put a hoof to the chief’s nose to try and calm him down. “They planted apple trees all over it without asking our permission.”

Starburst looked up at the buffalo a little. “Really?” He asked.

Pinkie then came in. “Well that’s not very nice. Right Rainbow Dash?”

Dash just sat on her haunches and crossed her forelegs. She no longer had a wing over Starburst, but after hearing what he had, Starburst wasn’t as afraid of them as before, so he just sat there next to her.

Little Strong Heart continued. “The ponies refuse to move their trees so we are stuck here and it is not fair!”

Starburst found the courage to speak up as he took a small step forward. “Excuse me….um….Little Strong Heart?”

Strong Heart looked at Starburst. “Yes?”

“So, you really didn’t mean to take me or Spike, you were just after the tree?”

She gave Starburst a smile. “Of course little one, we didn’t know you and Spike were in the car when we took it. Like I said before, we never meant to hurt anyone, and we certainly didn’t mean to scare you. What is your name?”

“I’m starburst, I came here with my big brother and some friends, we didn’t know any of this was going on when we got here. I’m sorry you’re all stuck here.”

“It’s all right, it’s not your fault.”

Starburst gave a small smile. Spike then tried to speak to Dash. “You see Rainbow Dash, they had a good reason to…”

Dash suddenly sprang up and landed on all four hooves looking mad. Starburst was startled by this and ran to Pinkie. Dash Stomped a hoof. “I’ll say they had a good reason! Come on, we have some apple pickin Appleloosians to talk to.”

Starburst let out a yawn. “*Yawn* Dash, can we do it in the morning, I’m tired.”

Rainbow Dash then came up next to Starburst. “You sure you’re ok with being here?”

“I do miss Nova, but these buffalo did say they were sorry, and Spike did say they felt bad about taking me and Spike by mistake, plus, I’m really tired.” Starburst said with droopy eyes.

“All right kid.” Dash then turned to the chief. “Excuse me chief, is it all right if we stay the night here.”

Thunder Hooves gave a nod. “Of course, you are more than welcome to stay the night.”

Little Strong Heart offered to show them to a place to sleep. “Come, I have plenty of room in my tent, you can stay with me for the night.” She led Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Starburst to her tent.

The four were soon inside a tent and had a nice place to lay down. Dash kept close to Starburst so he’d feel secure. “You doing all right there kid?” She asked as they lay next to each other, Dash keeping a wing over him.

“Mmhmm, thanks for protecting me Dash.” Starburst said with a nod.

Rainbow Dash gave a smile. “Hey, no worries kid, I’m not about to let anything happen to you.”

“I just wish Nova was here, I miss my big brother already.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll see him tomorrow, now get some sleep all right.” Dash laid her head down and closed her eyes.

Starburst could see the night sky where he was, he gazed up at the starry sky and moon for a while. “Good night Nova.” Starburst laid his head down and closed his eyes.

Morning came as the ponies and dragon woke up with yawns and stretches. They exited the tenet and started getting ready for their trek back to Appleloosa. Before they left, Little Strong Heart had something for Starburst. “Starburst, before we go, I have something for you as an apology for yesterday.”

“Really, what is it?” He asked with a small smile. Strong Heart took out a head band like hers with feathers in it and placed it on his head. 

“Here you go, what do you think?” Strong Heart asked with a smile.

Starburst’s smile grew bigger. “Wow, cool, thanks Little Strong Heart, I like it.” He then gave her a hug. 

“You’re welcome, now come on, let’s get you all back to your friends.”

Back at Appleloosa, the girls, Nova, and Braeburn were getting ready for their own trek into the dessert to find their friends. Nova took this opportunity to speak with Braeburn. “Excuse me Braeburn.”

Braeburnt turned to face Nova. “Yes?”

“I’m sorry for shouting at you like I did yesterday, I was just worried for my brother.”

“It’s fine, Applejack explained the situation, so I can understand why you were upset, no need to apologize.” He said with a smile.

Nova returned the smile.

Applejack then called out. “Let’s go!” They all started galloping off, but didn’t get far before spotting Spike, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash.

“Hi guys.” Pinkie greeted.

Fluttershy jumped at her and knocked her to the ground in a hug. “Pinkie! We’re so glad you’re safe.” 

The girls trotted up to Dash and Spike and nuzzled them. Nova looked around and didn’t see Starburst anywhere. He was about to ask where he was but Twilight cut in. “How did you escape from the buffalo?”

Pinkie answered. “We didn’t.” Little Strong Heart jumped out from behind a rock.

Nova narrowed his eyes at her. “You!” Nova glared daggers at her as he approached her. “All right, where is he, what did you do with my little brother!? I swear if one hair is out of place….” As he closed in, Little Strong Heart was backing up in fear. “WHERE IS HE!?”

“Nova, I’m right here.” Starburst answered as he came out from behind the rock.

Nova looked over to Starburst. “Starburst!” Nova rushed over and picked him up in a tight hug. “Thank the cosmos your all right.” Nova sat him down and started examing him from every angle, asking questions that Starburst answered plainly with a bored expression. “Where does it hurt?”

“Nowhere.”

“Anything out of place?”

“No.”

“They didn’t do anything to you did they?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Nova I’m fine, really, look, see me, here, fine?”

Nova picked him up again. “I was so worried about you, I thought I might have lost you.” 

Starburst returned the hug. “I missed you too Nova.”

Nova turned his gaze back to Little Strong Heart. He set Starbust down and started walking towards her. Dash got in front of him to stop him. “Whoa, hold on there Nova, I know your upset about the buffalo taking your little brother, but he wasn’t in any danger, they took him and Spike by mistake, it was an accident.”

Starbust cut in as he came up next to Nova. “Yeah Nova, they were actually nice, and look what Little Strong heart gave me.” He motioned to his new head band.

Nova looked down at Starburst and noticed it. “She gave you that?”

“Uh huh, isn’t it cool. Please don’t be mad at her, the buffalo are actually really nice. And besides, Dash and Pinkie were there and looked out for me.”

“They did huh?” Nova looked at dash and Pinkie standing next to each other in front of Strong Heart. “Dash, Pinkie, thank you for looking after him when I couldn’t, I really appreciate it.”

Pinkie responded with a smile. “Don’t worry about it, it no big deal.”

Nova walked past the two to the buffalo girl. “So you took my little brother and Spike by accident?”

“Yes, we did, and I’m really sorry about it.”

Starburst cut in again. “They kind of took care of us also, they gave us food and shelter from the dessert night.”

“I see.” Nova bowed his head. “Thank you for looking out for him, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“Your welcome.” Little Strong Heart responded.

Rainbow then came in. “We promised the buffalo a chance to talk.”

Applejack wasn’t looking too happy as she responded. “Oh yeah, bout what?”

“We brought our new friend Little Strong Heart here to explain to the Appleloosians why they should move the apple trees off buffalo land.” Rainbow pushed Strong Heart closer to Breaburn.

Braeburn started. “That information would be quite…”

Applejack cut in. “That’s weird, cause my cousin Braeburn here, wants to explain to the buffalo why they should let the apple trees stay.”

Nova could already see where this was going.

“That would be a useful thing to…” Little Strong Heart started up but Dash cut her off.

“The land is theirs. You planted the trees not knowing that, honest mistake. Now you just gotta move them, that’s all.”

Braeburn tried again. “Well uh….”

Applejack cut in again. “They busted their rumps here, and now they’re supposed to bust their rumps again just cause some buffalo won’t stampede someplace else?”

“Plant the trees somewhere else!”

“Where, it’s the only flat land around these parts!”

Nova decided to interject to stop the arguing. “ENOUGH! Both of you stop arguing!” This got their attention. All eyes were now on Nova. “Now look, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, arguing isn’t going to help anything, so please stop. You know I hate it when you argue.”

“But.” They both tried.

“No buts! Just stop.” They hung their heads. “Thank you, now let’s take a moment to think about this. Twilight, any thoughts?”

Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Both the buffalo and the settlers have a good reason to use this land. There must be something we can do.”

Nova was about to say something. “It’s obvious we need some kind of compromise, maybe if we…”

Pinkie cut in. “HEY, I have an idea. Bring the buffalo and all the settler ponies to the edge of town.”

Later on, all the buffalo and settler ponies had gathered around a stage, Spike was on the side ready to play a piano. “Nova, what do you think Pinkie is doing?” Starburst asked, he was still wearing the head band Little Strong Heart gave him.

“I don’t know, but I hope it helps this situation.”

Spike started playing a few notes to get everyone’s attention. Pinkie poked her head out from behind a curtain and gave Spike a wave, he returned a thumbs up. She disappeared back behind the curtain as Spike continued to play. The curtains opened to reveal a giant clam, it opened up to reveal Pinkie laying in it wearing a black and purple dress with stockings. She started singing.

We may be divided, 
but all of you I beg,
To remember  we’re hooved
at the end of each leg.

No matter what the issue,
come from wherever you please,
All this fighting gets you nothing,
but hoof and mouth disease

Arguings not the way,
Hey come out and play,
It’s a shiny new day,
so what do ya say?

You gotta share,
you gotta care,
It’s the right thing to do
You gotta share,
You gotta care,
And there will always be a way through.

Both our diets,
I should mention
Are completely vegetarian.	
We all eat hay and oats
Why we at each other’s throat?

You gotta share, 
You gotta care,
It’s the right thing to do
And there will always be a way through~

Once the song was done, Spike and Starburst were the only ones applauding. Nova just made a comment. “I thought the message of the song was nice at least."

“Oh come on Nova, that was great.” Starburst cheered.

Nova looked over to chief Thunder Hooves and the sheriff of the town. Sheriff Silver Star and the chief looked at each other and nodded their heads. Chief Thunder Hooves announced. “It seems that sheriff Silver Star and I have come to an agreement.”

“We have.” The sheriff agreed.

All the ponies and buffalo waited anxiously for what the agreement was. “That was the worst performance we’ve ever seen.”

“Positively.”

Thunder Hooves then started angrily. “The time for action is upon us. Our stampede will start at high noon tomorrow, and if the orchard is still there, then we’ll flatten it AND the whole town.”

“But Chief.” Little Strong Heart tried to reason, but was cut off by sheriff Silver star.

“And we Appleloosians say you better bring your best cause we’ll be ready and waiting!”

Braeburn tried to reason with the sheriff. “But sheriff…” The two just walked off in their separate directions.

“Nova, what are we gonna?” Starburst asked. 

“I don’t know, but we have to think of something.” Nova responded.

All the settlers started work on collecting apples and making a whole mess of pies. Nova tried to talk to them like the girls were to get them to stop. Starburst stuck by Nova. Nova came up to one pony pulling a cart of apples in the orchard. “Excuse me, can’t we just talk about this?”

“Beat it, if you’re not going to help, then get lost.”

Starburst tried to defend. “Hey, we are trying to help, if you’d just…”

The pony kept walking.

Nova came up to a mare bucking a tree. “Miss, please, if we could just….”

She gave him a fierce glare that caused him to shut up.

“Maybe we should try in town.” Starburst suggested.

“Come on.” Nova and Starburst then made their way back in to town and saw many ponies boarding up their windows and locking their doors while others set up carts and hay bails as a kind of barricade. “This doesn’t look good.”

“Can’t you think of something Nova, you’re so smart, I know you can think of something.” Starburst encouraged.

“Thanks Starburst, but this is a tough one, I don’t know how this can be resolved.” The two continued around town to try and fail at getting the ponies to talk. 

Eventually, the town’s flag was raised and all the settlers cheered, they were ready for the buffalo. Rainbow and Spike went with the buffalo to try and talk with them as well. 

The next day arrived as the ponies got themselves ready with pies. Starburst still wore his new headband with feathers. Nova couldn’t help but comment on it. “You really like that thing huh?”

“It was a gift from a new friend, Little Strong Heart gave it to me as an apology for accidentally taking me when the buffalo did.”

“So you’re friends with the buffalo now huh? Then I guess I’m going to have to really rack my brain to try and come up with a solution.” Nova was with the girls behind a barricade and a crowd of ponies all looking at a cliff the buffalo were lined up on. It was almost high noon. 

Dash started tapping her hoof to try and think of something herself. “Come on, think, think think think think think.” Nothing came as the clock struck noon.

The clock struck the final chime to mark high noon. “Come on brain, you never let me down before, think……I GOT IT!” Nova declared. “Twilight, watch Starburst for me, I have an idea.”

“Really, great. I’ll keep an eye on him.” Twilight responded. 

Nova zapped up his wings and flew high above every pony, he got in the middle between the town and the buffalo. “LISTEN, I HAVE A SOLUTION, WILL BOTH LEADERS PLEASE MEET WITH ME IN THE CENTER HERE! WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT!” Nova waited for a response. He was glad to see chief Thunder Hooves and Silver Star start making their way to the center. Nova came to a landing to wait for them.

You gotta share, 
you gotta care,
It’s the right thing to do.

Pinkie started singing. “PINKIE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Nova asked angrily.

“CHAAAAAAAARRGE!” Chief Thunder hooves called out. The buffalo started stampeding, Pinkie was in the line of their charge. 

Nova quickly zipped down and picked her up just in time before the buffalo got her. “Pinkie, I was about to offer a solution! Why did you do that?”

“I just thought I’d help.” Pinkie responded sadly. 

Nova flew her back to the other girls who were off to the side out of the town and out of harm’s way. “What do we do now?” Applejack asked.

“I wish I knew.” Twilight responded with worry.

“I’ll think of something. I’m going to get a bird’s eye view of the place and see if I can come up with something.”

“I want to help, Little Strong Heart is my friend, I want to help too. Please Nova, let me come with you.” Starburst pleaded.

“All right, but stay close to me. Girls, you wait here where it’s safe.”

“Nova dear, are you sure you can come up with something?” Rarity asked.

“I have too.” Nova then flew back up. Starburst zapped in his own wings and followed Nova into the air. They took a position on a roof top to oversee the area.

They were just in time to see a volley of apple pies go flying through the air at the buffalo. Some of them hitting some of the buffalo in the face, causing them to stumble. Once caused a buffalo to flip over.

A mare jumped out of her window on a buffalo and started riding on him. Some of the ponies went hoof to hoof while others on roofs threw more pies. One buffalo charged at a hay stack and knocked a mare down. Another buffalo charged at a haystack and fell to the ground upon impact, the haystack hid an anvil. “Nova, this is awful, we have to do something.” Starburst said worriedly.

“I know Starburst, but I don’t know what.”

Another buffalo got hit in the face and crashed into the clock tower. It caused the clock to fall and crash. Nova finally spotted the buffalo chief amongst the chaos. He looked to see what the chief was looking at and saw Silver Star throwing pies. The chief charged forth at the sheriff.

Pies flew all over the place but the chief dodged and weaved, he would not be denied what he was after. Sheriff Silver Star put his hat on his chest in resignation of his fate. 

Nova saw a pie heading right for the chief and got an idea. “I’m probably going to regret this.” Nova then took off as fast as he could right for the chief.  Just in time, Nova managed to get himself in front of chief Thunder Hooves before the pie hit, taking the pie to the face himself. Nova fell to the ground and skidded a bit. The chief stopped in his tracks and looked at the pony who just sacrificed himself for him. 

The fighting stopped and all the ponies and buffalo looked on in concern. “NOVA!” Starburst called out as he flew up to his brother. “Nova, Nova are you all right?” He asked worriedly. 

Spike shed a few tears as he clutched to Twilight, the girls all looked on in worry. 

“Nova, Nova please get up.” Starburst continued.

Nova popped an eye open. He sat up and looked down at Starburst. “Starburst, I’m fine, it’s just a pie.”

“NOVA!” The girls called happily as they gathered around him. They all started off but Nova couldn’t understand what they were saying. “Girls please, I’m fine, it was just a pie to the face.”

Chief Thunder Hooves then came forward. “You….saved me, why did you do that?”

Nova stood up and wiped the pie off his face. “Because I think this fighting is useless, all it does is hurt, it doesn’t solve anything. If you’re willing to listen, I have an idea that can solve this problem.”

“After what you did for me, I will hear you out.” The chief responded with a smile. 

Nova then turned to the sheriff. “And Sheriff, what about you? Are you willing to listen?” Nova smacked his lips. “Mmm, not bad.” Some of the pie he was hit with got in his mouth.

“Well, I suppose, what’s this idea of yours?” The sheriff asked.

Nova began. He found a pie that had not been thrown and levitated it over to him. “First of all, chief Thunder Hooves, might I offer you a piece of pie as a peace offering?” Nova used his magic to take out a slice of pie and levitated it over to the chief.

The chief took a bite and smiled. “Mmm, this pie is delicious. Thank you. What was your name?”

“It’s Nova sir, now onto my idea. I was thinking that the Appleloosians just remove a few of the apple trees and make a clear path for your tribe to stampede through, in exchange, they will give you pies for letting them keep the orchard. Does that sound fair?”

The chief thought for a moment. “That does sound fair, sheriff, what do you say?”

“That sounds fair to me, we don’t mind sharing our pies with you if we can keep the orchard.”

Thunder Hooves smiled. “Then it is settled, we will allow the orchard to stay in exchange for these delicious apple pies.”

“And we’ll make a path through the orchard so your tribe can get through.” The two shook hooves to seal the deal. The buffalo and settler ponies cheered loudly upon the agreement.

“Way to go Nova, I knew you’d come up with something!” Starburst cheered.

“All right Nova, way to go!” Rainbow cheered too.

“That was some mighty fine thinking there partner.” Applejack complimented.

“Well done Nova, that was a brilliant idea.” Rarity followed up.

“I’m so glad this was settled.” Fluttershy added.

Twilight came up to Nova. “Nova, you were brilliant, I can’t believe you took a pie for the chief like that.”

Nova smiled. “Yeah well, it was the only thing I could think of to get their attention. I hope I didn’t worry you all too much.”

“No, not really.” Twilight then gave Nova a kiss on the cheek. They both let out a blush.

“Wow, um……thanks Twilight.”

“Your……….welcome.”

Once things got settled with the agreement it was time to say goodbye. Starburst went to Little Strong Heart to say goodbye. “Bye Little Strong Heart, thanks again for the head band. I hope to see you again.”

“You’re welcome Starburst, I hope to see you again too. Farewell.”

The group boarded the train bound for Ponyville and made their way to the sleeper car. Nova and Starburst had the same bed as before. While  the train was under way, Starburst had already fallen asleep before the others. Nova smiled at Starburst's sleeping form. He then looked up and Saw dash’s tail hanging down from her bed, from his angle, he couldn’t see her at all. “Dash, you awake.” He whispered, not wanting to wake up Starburst. The others were still awake as well. 

Rainbow dash stuck her head out so Nova could see her. “Yeah, what’s up?”

“Could I speak with you in private for a minute?”

“Sure, no problem.” Dash hovered down to the floor as Nova climbed out of his bed. He led Dash to the back car. “So what’s up Nova?”

Nova looked Dash in the eyes. “Rainbow, I just wanted to thank you again for looking out for Starburst for me, he told me of how protective you were being of him while you and the others were with the buffalo. I really appreciate it.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, he’s pretty cool for a little guy. It’s no big deal.”

“It is a big deal Dash!” Nova insisted. “Starburst is the only family I have left, if anything were to happen to him, I….I don’t….” Nova looked to the side as a tear was threatening to escape. “I’m sorry, but just thinking about what could have happened is too much.” He looked back at Dash and saw a look of sympathy. “I know you’re not the emotional type, but I do appreciate what you did for him. Starburst is the world to me.” Nova felt more tears begging to escape as he closed his eyes.

To his surprise, Rainbow Dash took him in a hug and wrapped her hooves around him. After a moment, Nova hugged back. “It’s fine Nova, like I said, it’s no big deal, I don’t know what it’s like to lose family, but I wouldn’t wish it on any pony.” Dash broke the hug and looked Nova in the eyes. “If you ever need anything from me, just let me know and I’ll be there no matter what.” She gave a smile. 

Nova returned it and held it for a moment. It soon faded. “Dash…..Um….I….I think I…..”

Dash’s smile faded too. “What is it Nova, is something wrong?”

Nova’s hoof was slowly making its way up to his neck where his necklace was. “Come on, just do it, like a quick heal stick pad, just rip it off and get it over with.” His hoof drew closer. “I…..that is…um….” Closer. 

“Yes, go on, spit it out.”

Closer, just inches away. “I…….*SIGH*” his hoof fell back to his side. “Never mind, it’s nothing, sorry. Any way, we should get some shut eye.” Nova walked past Dash with a solemn look. “IDIOT! You were so close, why can’t you just tell them?” 

“Nova?” Rainbow asked herself as she looked worried.

Nova just made his way back to his bed and lay down next to his little brother, sound asleep. “Fine, I can’t tell them yet, but someday I will, I have to, I want to, I want to so bad, I’m so tired of hiding this. I just wish I could get over my fears.” Nova closed his eyes and let sleep take him as the sound of the clacking of the train sounded.

> The Royal Bird Napper
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Royal Bird Napper



Today was a nerve wracking day for Nova, Twilight had asked him to come to a party Celestia would be attending and he was scared of confronting her, but he wanted to try and get over his fear of princess Celestia as he has seen how his fear of her seemed to hurt her feelings and she seems so nice to him. He also wanted to do this for Twilight’s and Starburst’s sake. If he could get over his fear of Celestia, then Starburst might not be as afraid of her anymore either.

Nova and Starburst left their house and made their way into town. “Nova, are you sure this is a good idea, what about what you think will happen with the princess finding out what we are?” Starburst asked.

Nova looked down at Starburst as he answered. “It’s all right Starburst, Twilight says that the princess wouldn’t harm any pony just because they’re not from this country, and I trust her, so we’ll go to this party, meet her, and everything will be just fine, you’ll see.” Nova faced forward again.

Starburst did the same. “I hope your right big brother.”

“Hey, have I ever let you down before?” Nova asked with a smile.

Starburst smiled back. “No, I guess not.”

“Then you should believe me when I say everything will be just fine.”

Sugarcube Corner soon came into view, there were two of Celestia’s Pegasus guards standing on either side of the door. As they approached, they saw Rainbow Dash trying to speak with them. They stopped short and listened in. 
“So, what do I have to do to get to be one of the princesses royal guards anyway?” The guards just stood there and said nothing. “Is the pay good?” Still no response. She put a hoof to her mouth and came up to one of the guards ear. “Hello!” She flew to the front of the guard. “Anybody home?”

She just hovered in front of one of the guards. She then tried to make funny faces as the guards just stood still and did nothing. Starburst saw the faces she made and laughed. “HA ha ha ha ha, that is so funny, ha ha ha!”

This got Dash’s attention. “Hey you two, you’re right on time, glad some pony thinks I’m funny, these guards are such stiffs.”

“I loved that last one you made, ha ha ha, it was so funny.” Starburst just giggled out.

Rainbow smiled at Starburst. “Thanks kid, come on in you two.”

Before they entered, Fluttershy came galloping up panting. “Huh, huh, made it. Oh, hello Nova, Starburst, Dash.”

Nova greeted. “Hello Fluttershy.”

“Hey Fluttershy, you’re just in time, come on in.” Dash led the three in to Sugarcube Corner.

“Ok Nova, this is it, just stay cool and relax, she won’t do anything to you. You’ll be just fine.” Nova thought to himself as he walked in.

Once inside, Dash went off on her own while Fluttershy, Nova, and Starburst were greeted by Twilight. “Hey you three, I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Hey Twilight, good to see you.” Nova was looking a little nervous.

Twilight picked up on this. Her face went from a smile to a frown. “Nova, are you sure you’ll be ok, you don’t have to be here if you don’t want to, I know how much you’re afraid of the princess.”

Fluttershy was also worried for him. 

“No Twilight, I’ll be ok. I need to get over this fear and meet with her. You say she won’t do anything to us if she should find out that we aren’t originally from Equestria, and I believe you.”

Twilight’s smile returned. “I’m glad to hear it. Come on, let’s go and meet her.”

“Sorry I’m late, I was busy taking care of a patient first.” Fluttershy explained.

“Oh, you and your tender loving care of animals, I just know princess Celestia is going to love that about you. I mean I hope she will,” Twilight was starting to sweat nervously. “I mean of course she will.”

Her nervousness was starting to rub off on Nova as he followed behind. Starburst seemed to be getting nervous about this as well.

“Wow Twilight, I thought I was the only one who got nervous at social gatherings.” Fluttershy commented.

“Oh it’s not that, I just want the princess to approve of my friends.” Twilight held a hoof to her chest with a nervous smile.

“But she’s met us all before.” Fluttershy commented.

“And read about you in my letters, but this is the first time she’s spent any real time with you. I just want every pony to make a good impression.”

Fluttershy gave a reassuring smile. “Well, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. Besides, it’s just a casual get together right?”

“Don’t touch me!” Rarity’s voice called out. The four looked over to see Rarity in a dress freaking out over ponies getting too close to her. “Watch the dress. Careful, you’re going to spill that on me.” Mrs. Cake came over with a tray of cupcakes. “Oh, ooh, that looks delicious, what is it? Oh, does it stain, keep it away from me!” Rarity cringed and shook in fear.

Nova just shook his head. “Or perhaps, not that casual.” Fluttershy stated.

They then looked over to the other side and saw Applejack at a table having trouble deciding what to eat first. “Uh, which is the salad and which is the appetizer again? And which am I supposed to eat first?”

Nova, having forgotten his fear momentarily, went over to help Applejack. “Applejack, I don’t think it matters, just pick something and eat it, it’ll be fine.”

Applejack looked to Nova. “You sure it’ll be all right? I don’t want ta offend the princess none.”

Starburst then chimed in. “Just pick something, this is supposed to be casual right?”

Applejack smiled at Starburst. “Yeah, I guess you’re right, thanks you two.” She grabbed the first thing she laid eyes on and ate up.

Nova went back to join Twilight and Fluttershy with Starburst right behind him. Pinkie suddenly hopped passed them. “Woo HOO, cupcakes candies pies oh my!” She picked up a pie and slammed it in her face. She then went up to a chocolate fountain. “Oooh, chocolate fountany goodness.” Pinkie stuck her head in it, letting it coat her entire head. She pulled out and the chocolate hardened. Pinkie managed to eat it right off her head.

“That was a neat trick.” Starburst commented.

Pinkie then hopped on the table Celestia was sitting at. “You gonna eat that?” Pinkie asked and quickly ate a cupcake the princess had in her magic grasp without giving her a chance to answer. Pinkie just happily munched away on it before Mrs. Cake rushed over and pulled her off the table.

Mr. Cake then rushed over with a tray with another cupcake and a cup of tea. “A thousand apologies your majesty.”

The four soon reached the table they would be sitting at which was right next to Celestia’s. Upon seeing the princess, Nova and Starburst grew a little frightful, Nova more than Starburst.

Celestia merely smiled as she responded to Mr. Cake. “That’s quite all right, thank you.” She levitated the cupcake up and took a small bite, set it back down, levitated the cup up and drank its contents.

“Empy teacup at four o’ clock!” Mrs. Cake exclaimed.

“I see it honey bun!” Mr. Cake answered back. He quckly rushed over with a tea kettle and refilled Celestia’s cup.

The princess was a little surprised. “Oh, uh, thank you.”

“Not at all your highness.”

The princess took another sip and emptied the cup again. This time, Mrs. Cake refilled it. “Thank you again.”

“Oh but of course your majesty.” Mrs. Cake said with a bow.

Celestia took another sip and it was refilled, another sip and again refilled. She looked side to side and faked a sip. Mr. Cake poured more tea in it causing it to overflow. “Gotcha.” She said with a smile.

Starburst couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. “Heh heh, did you see that Nova? She just played a little joke on them.”

Nova just laughed nervously. “Heh heh, yeah, she did.” “Come on, that was a little funny, if she has a sense of humor, then surely she isn’t as bad as your think.”

“Hello Nova, I’m glad you could come.” Celestia greeted Nova. She had a sad smile as she could tell he was still afraid of her.

Nova was sweating a little, he gulped, closed his eyes, gathered his courage and spoke. “Greetings princess, it is a pleasure to see you too.”

Celestia’s smile brightened at Nova’s greeting. “Well, does this mean you have gotten over your fear of me?”

“Not quite your highness, I’m still nervous about being around you, but I’m trying to get over it as I can tell it hurts your feelings to see me as such, and the last thing I want to do is hurt some pony’s feelings. I had the option to not show up but I came anyway. I want to get over this fear I have of you and I am sorry for it.”

Twilight was smiling at Nova’s interaction with the princess. Celestia continued. “I can see you have made some progress, I just wish you could tell me why you seem so afraid so I could help you get over it and assure you I am nothing to be afraid of.”

“You can’t be all bad, you managed to make my little brother laugh with that little joke you pulled with the tea.” Nova stated with a smile.

Celestia returned the smile as she gazed at starburst who wore a small smile of his own. “I’m glad I could make him laugh.” She turned her attention to Fluttershy. “And what about you….Fluttershy was it?”

Fluttershy responded. “Me? oh yes your highness.”

“I understand from Twilight Sparkle’s letters that you enjoy tending to the needs of the little woodland creatures.”

“Yes, I love to take care of animals.”

“As do I, as princess, I care about all creatures, great and small.” A cough was heard, Nova leaned over to one side and saw a cage next to the princess, a few feathers went flying out of the cage. He cocked an eyebrow at the sight. “Nothing means more to me then the well-being of all my subjects.” More coughing was heard as more feathers sprang out. An odd bird suddenly flew up and landed on the perch in the cage. “Ah, Philomena my pet, you’re awake. Do say hello to our gracious hosts.” The bird just coughed again and more feathers fell out.

Starburst whispered to Nova. “Nova, what kind of bird is that?”

“I have no idea, but it doesn’t look too good.”

“Oh, my.” Fluttershy let out.

“My sentiments exactly Fluttershy.” Nova whispered to her.

“She is quite the site isn’t she?” Celestia asked.

Fluttershy stuttred a moment. “I….I…..I…I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The bird just coughed and hacked some more. 

Starburst felt a little bold and decided to ask a question. “Um, excuse me your majesty.”

Celestia looked over to Starburst with a smile. “Yes young one?”

“What kind of bird…..is that?”

“A good question Starburst. You see Philomena here is…..” A guard came up to her and cut her off as he began to whisper in her ear. “Really, well if I must, I’m terribly sorry little one, and to the rest of you, but I’m afraid I have to cut the party short.”

Twilight, who was drinking from a cup of tea, nearly spat it out in surprise before putting a hoof to her mouth to prevent it. Starburst chuckled at the scene when he saw it.

Celestia began to explain why she had to leave early. “The mayor has requested an audience with me. Royal duty calls, thank you for a wonderful time. It’s been a joy getting to know you all better.” Celestia then made her way for the exit with her guards behind her.

Twilight had left the table. Nova saw Fluttershy look over to the cage. She made her way over and was about to open it until Nova stopped her in a whisper. “Fluttershy, what are you doing?”

Fluttershy answered back in a whisper. “Can’t you see how sick the bird is, I just have to help it.”

“But she isn’t your responsibility Fluttershy, I agree the bird looks sickly, but you can’t just take it.”

“Please Nova, just look at her, she looks aweful, I can’t just do nothing, maybe if you help me we can help her get better faster and get her back to the princess before she notices she’s gone.”

“Fluttershy, this is a big mistake, you can’t just…”

“Please Nova, I just have to help the poor dear.” Fluttershy gave him such a pout.

Nova favcehooved. “Ugh, fine, I’ll help, I just know this is going to bite me in the flank later on. Come on Starburst, you can help too.” 

“Ok.” 

Fluttershy then removed the bird from the cage and the three left through the back way so no pony would see them.

Fluttersh opened the door to her house and walked in with the bird on her back. “Oh you poor thing, how did you ever get in such bad condition?” Fluttershy set the bird on her couch. “Don’t you worry Philomena, we’ll nurse you back to health, as a favor to the princess who is far too busy to care for you properly.” The bird coughed. 

“I still say this was a bad idea.” Nova commented.

Fluttershy turned to Nova. “Don’t worry Nova, I’m sure the princess will appreciate the help.”

“I hope your right.” Starburst commented.

The bird coughed as her head wobbled, then fell over. “Oh my, we’d better get you to bed.” Fluttershy picked Philomena up and took her over to a bed. Once she laid Philomena down and put a blanket over her, she placed a thermometer in the bird’s beak. Philomena quickly grew hot as indicated by the thermometer.  “ Oh my, Nova, would you please go and get me a hot water bottle for Philomena and fill it with cold water please?”

“Where do you keep them?”

“In the kitchen, just under the sink.” 

Nova went and got the hot water bottle and filled it up with cold water, then quickly came back and placed it on Philomena’s head as Fluttershy removed the blanket.

Philomena was no longer hot, but the liquid in the thermometer dropped down rapidly and Philomena started shaking from the cold. Nova removed the water bottle and Fluttershy placed the blanket back on. This went on a couple times with the liquid in the thermometer rising and falling as Philomena went between hot and cold until finally the thermometer broke.

“Well, that was pointless.” Starburst pointed out. Nova gave a little glare at Starburst. “What?” he asked clueless.

“This is far worse than I thought.” Fluttershy pointed out. “What you need is some medicine, stat!” The bird let out a cough in her face. “Starburst, I have some bird medicine in my closet near the kitchen entrance, could you go and get it for me, it’s clearly marked bird medicine.”

“You got it.” Starburst gave a little salute and scampered off to get it.

“Nova, could you get me a plate too please.” 

Nova gave a smile. “Sure thing.”

The two brothers soon returned with the requested items. Fluttershy had Philomena sitting on the edge of the couch when they came back and Fluttershy was sitting on a chair with a table between them. “Nova, just set the plate on the table, Starburst, put the pill on the plate please.”

The two did as asked. Fluttershy pushed the plate closer to Philomena. “Here you go Philomena, this will fix you right up.” Philomena just sniffed it and gave a disgusted look. “Dr. Fluttershy expected that.” Fluttershy grabbed a bag of birdseed and dumped a bunch over the pill. Philomena took one lick at the pile, then started eating it all up fast. 

“Wow, look at her go.” Starburst commented.

Fluttershy gave a proud smile as she looked over to Starburst and Nova. “Always works.” Philomena quickly finished off the bird seed but the pill was still there. “Almost always.”

“At least you tried.” Starburst commented.

“So what next?” Nova asked. 

“I know, Nova, do you think you could use that scan spell of yours to tell us what’s wrong with her?”

Nova shook his head. “Sorry Fluttershy, but I don’t know anything about this bird, I have no idea what species it is or anything. I’d need to know that and what it’s like if it were healthy so I could compare it to Philomena here. I’m sorry but I can’t help there.”

Fluttershy was a little disappointed. “Oh, ok then, that’s all right, we’ll just have to keep at it the old fashion way and try what we can to make her better.” The bird let out another hacking cough. “Maybe some nice hot soup will help.” Fluttershy wen for her kitchen. “Could you two keep an eye on Philomena while I make the soup?”

Nova gave a smile as he answered. “Sure, no problem.”

“Thank you.”

Philomena sat on the floor while Nova and Starburst just watched her. “What are you staring at?” Starburst asked in a fake tough guy voice. “What, you want some of this, huh, huh?” Starburst just hopped from side to side while Philomena sat there with a blank stare.

Nova chuckled at his little brother’s antics. “Starburst, what are you doing?”

“This bird gave me the stink eye, I think she wants to rumble. Is that it birdy, you wanna go, do ya, do ya, you can’t handle none of this.” He gave a smirk. Starburst stood up on his hind legs and threw a few fake punches at the bird. “Come on, put em up, come on. You can’t beat me.” 

Nova just shook his head with a smile. “Starbust, what am I going to do with you?” 

Starburst got back on all fours and got up in the birds face. “Grrrr.” He let out a fake growl.

Philomena hacked in his face.

“Ewwe!” Starburst backed up.

Nova just laughed.

Fluttershy finally came back with a bowl of soup. She set it down in front of Philomena and blew on it to cool it down a bit. “Nothing like a bowl of homemade soup to cure what ails you. Philomena eyed the bowl, she crossed her wings and turned her head away. “Come on now, you’re not going to get better if you don’t cooperate.” Fluttershy took a fake sip. “Mmm, see, it’s delicious. Good and good for you.” Philomena just kept her wings crossed and her head turned.

“That is one stubborn bird.” Starburst commented.

Fluttershy picked up the bowl. “Don’t worry, I think I know what will work.” She held the bowl in front of Philomena. “Here comes the choo choo train, chugga chugga chugga chugga woo woo!” Philomena turned her head away from the bowl, Fluttershy moved the bowl to Philomena’s head again and she turned it away again, twisting her neck. 

This went on for a bit before Nova finally stopped her. “Whoa there Fluttershy, Philomena’s neck is getting twisted.”

“Oh my.” Fluttershy stopped and set the bowl down. Philomena’s head spun around finally. She was very dizzy from it as she tried to stand up only to fall over with her head landing in the soup.

Nova picked Philomena up out of the soup and set her back down, she coughed out again with more feathers falling out. “Don’t worry Philomena, I know what will make you feel better, wait right here, I have just the thing.” Fluttershy trotted off, leaving Nova and Starburst alone with the bird.

Starburst cocked an eyebrow at the bird. “Nova, any idea what kind of bird this might be?”

“Not a clue, like I said, I’ve never seen a bird like this before, so I have no idea.”

Fluttershy soon returned with a humming bird with her. “Boys, this is Hummingway, I’ll bet he can become Philomena’s friend and help her get better.”

“Well good luck with that Fluttershy.” Nova said.

Fluttershy walked over to Philomena. “Look Philomena, I brought a feathered friend by to cheer you up. Hummningway was sick once too, but he let me help him, and he got better in no time, didn’t you boy?”

The bird hummed out in agreement. He flew off of Fluttershy’s hoof and over to Philomena. “Say hello to your new friend Philomena.” Hummingway flew onto Philomena’s back and the two started nuzzling each other. “Awe look, I think he likes you.” Hummingway then flew up in the air where Fluttershy joined him. Fluttershy sung out a few notes, Hummingway hummed out a few as well in response.

“Your turn now Philomena.” Fluttershy landed in front of Philomena. “Go ahead now, you can do it.” She sung out the same set of notes. Philomena just puked on Fluttershy’s face.

“EWE!” Starburst let out a disgusted look.

“Um, good try?” Fluttershy managed to wipe off most of the stuff.

“Fluttershy, are you ok?” Nova asked as he came over to her.

“Yes, I’m fine.” 

“Here, let me help you get cleaned up.” Nova went to the kitchen and found a wash rag, he got it wet and levitated it over to Fluttershy and cleaned off the rest of what was on her face. “There you go, better?”

Fluttershy gave a smile. “Yes, thank you for your help Nova.”

“So what next Fluttershy?” Starburst asked.

Nova proceeded to clean up the rest of the bird puke off the floor and disposed of the rag properly.
Fluttershy thought for a moment. “I think I know what will help. Come on, let’s get her into my bathroom.”

Nova used his magic to pick up Philomena and placed her on his back as he followed Fluttershy to her bathroom. Starburst followed close behind.

Once inside, Fluttershy took Philomena off Nova’s back and set her on a table, then wrapped a towel around her head and waist. “I know what will clear up that tickle in your throat, a humidifier.” Fluttershy went over to a water heater and turned it on. Soon the whole room filled with steam. Fluttershy took in a deep breath. “How’s that feeling for you Philomena? Refreshing right?”

Philomena started taking in a deep breath. Fluttershy started smiling bigger. 

“I think it’s working.” Starburst suggested. Philomena just coughed again and more feathers fell out. “Or not.” Starburst said disappointedly.

Fluttershy shared in his disappointment. “Oh. Don’t worry, I know lots of other ways to take care of you. Don’t worry, you’re gonna get better.”

Nova came up to Fluttershy and put a hoof on her back. “Fluttershy, maybe we should just take her back now and ask the princess what might be wrong, let her take care of Philomena.”

“But we can’t, the princess must be too busy to care for her, which is why she’s in such a bad state, we just have to help her, please Nova.”

Nova tried to reason with her. “Fluttershy, I understand your love of animals, but….”

“Please Nova, I can’t just turn my back on poor little Philomena.”

Nova could tell she wasn’t going to budge. “*Sigh* Fine, We’ll help you try to make Philomena better.”

Fluttershy gave Nova a smile. “Thank you Nova, we just have to help her get better. I think I know what else we can try.”

Fluttershy, Nova, and Starburst set up scented candles around the living room. “I’m sure aroma therapy will help.”

Starburst didn’t like the smell in the room so he just held his nose. The scent in the air was too strong for his taste. 

Philomena sniffed in the scent from the candles and sneezed, again causing more feathers to fall out.

“Warm Bath.” Fluttershy suggested as she put Philomena in a tub of warm water. Somehow, Philomena just absorbed all the water in the tub and grew in size. A few more feathers sprang out.

“WHOA, ok, that is weird. That shouldn’t even be possible.” Nova commented. 

“Ointment.” Fluttershy tried putting some ointment on Philomena, it just made her break out in pimples. Still more feathers fell out.

“Scalpel.” Fluttershy asked for a scalpel, Nova passed one onto her. “Surgical tape.” Starburst gave Fluttershy a roll of the tape she asked for. “Feathers.” Angel Bunny passed on a basket of Philomena’s discarded feathers. Fluttershy was sweating as she worked. Angel bunny used a towel to wipe the sweat off of her head. Fluttershy had taped the feathers back on to Philomena.

Philomena gave a cough as she looked herself over, then her head just flopped over. “That…..doesn’t look good.” Starburst commented.

“Oh Philomena, I thought it would be easy to nurse you back to health, but I’ve tried everything I know, and look at you, you’re worse than ever.” Fluttershy picked Philomena up and let her perch on her foreleg. 

There was a knocking at the door. Fluttershy placed Philomena down on a stool and rushed over to the door. She was about to open it when it flew open to reveal Twilight. “Hi Fluttershy.” She greeted as she walked in. “I just wanted to drop by and thank you so very much for making such a good impression on the princess today….*GASP*” Twilight let out a huge gasp once she saw Philomena sitting there.

“Hi Twilight.” Starburst greeted happily as he waved a hoof, totally clueless to Twilight’s distress.

Nova gave a nervous smile. “Hey Twilight, fancy meeting you here.”

Twilight rushed over to the bird. “What is Celestia’s pet doing here?!”

Fluttershy trotted up as she answered. “I couldn’t leave the poor thing there, she needed our help.”

Twilight started getting a little panicked. “oh no, nononononono. This…is bad.”

“How could I walk away and just do nothing?”

“But but, she doesn’t belong to you.” At this point, Philomena wobbled around and fell off the stool.

“I had to do something.”

“Without telling anypony?! Without asking permission?!” 

Nova decided to interject. “Twilight, calm down, if you think about it, this was pretty much unavoidable.”

Twilight looked over to Nova. “Nova, I can’t believe you took part in this. I thought you were smarter than this!”

“Twilight, just hear me out, think about it for a second, think about how Fluttershy is with animals. If you were her and saw a sickly animal like Philomena here, what would you have done?”

Twilight thought for a moment. “*Sigh* I suppose your right, but we still need to return the princesses pet.”

“And I agree with you, Fluttershy tried everything she could to try and help the poor bird but nothing worked.” 
Philomena finally popped her head up and started taking in a deep breath. After a moment of nothing happening, the conversation continued. Nova turned to Fluttershy. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, but Twilight is right, it’s time we take her back to Celestia.”

“Oh, you’re right, ok, let’s…”

Philomena let out another cough.

“Go.”

Fluttershy got a basket strapped to her back. Twilight placed Philomena in the basket and put the lid on. “If we hurry, we can get her back before any pony realizes she’s missing.” Twilight used her magic to open Fluttershy’s door. She was about to head out but let out a gasp as she saw two guards standing there.

Nova and Starburst grew worried at this. The two guards walked in as one of them began to speak. “We were told we could find Twilight Sparkle here.”

The other continued. “We regret to inform you miss, that the royal pet has gone missing.”

Twilight had a fake smile on as she responded. “Really, you don’t say, ha ha.” She let out a nervous fake laugh. 
Philomena let out a cough from inside the basket. Twilght quickly rushed over next to Fluttershy and let out a fake cough of her own. The bird coughed again, Twilight continued with a few fake coughs and nudged Fluttershy to do the same. She also gave Nova a look suggesting that he play along. Starburst saw this too and figured he’d play along to help out. All four of them just started fake coughing to cover Philomena’s cough.

The two guards just looked at each other curiously.

Twilight started talking in a raspy voice. “It’s that dry night air.”

“But it’s daytime.” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Well……day air is even dryer.” She then started pushing the guards out the door. “You guards better be on your way if you’re going to find the princesses missing pet, Philomena was it? Thank you ever so much for keeping me in the loop, BYE!” Twilight used her magic to slam the door shut. She turned around and panted heavily. Once she caught her breath, she looked out the window to make sure the guards were gone.

Nova wiped his forehead with his foreleg. “Whew, that was a close one. Come on, we’d better get this bird back to Celestia.” 

Twilight rushed over and got in front of Nova. “WHAT? We can’t now!”

“Why not?” Fluttershy asked.

“You have no idea what the princess will do if she finds out you’re the one who took her pet do you?" 

Fluttershy responded with a cocked eyebrow. “Do you?”

“Well……no. But it can’t be anything good. She might banish you from Equestria.”

Nova widened his eyes in fear. “Banish?”

“Or throw you in a dungeon.”

“D-d-dungeon?”  Nova was starting to shake.

“Or banish you and throw you in a dungeon in the place she banishes you to.”

“WHAT? Would she really do that to someone just for taking her pet? Oh no, maybe I do have good reason to fear her. What am I going to do if she finds us out?” Nova was stock still with fear except for the visibly shaking part. 
Starburst was faring no better, he was sweating in fear as he hid under his brother at Twilight’s words.

“Do you really think she would do that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Ok, granted that probably won’t happen, but do you really want to take that chance?”

“T-T-Twilight?” Starburst called out to her in a stutter.

Twilight looked over to Starburst and saw the condition the two were in. “Oh no, Nova, are you ok?” she walked over to him. He didn’t respond.

“Twilight, would the princess really do all that horrible stuff just for some pony taking her pet?” Starburst asked.

Upon hearing Starburst’s question, she realized she may have just traumatized her friends. “Oh no, Nova, it’s all right, Celestia wouldn’t do that. Nova, say something.”

Nova snapped out of it. “Twilight?” He asked in fear.

“I’m right here Nova, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you like that.”

Fluttershy looked on in worry.

Nova asked the same question Starburst did. “Would Celestia…..really do all that?”

“Of course not Nova, I just got so worried I let my imagination get the better of me, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you two like that. I know how much you’re afraid of the princess, but she wouldn’t banish some pony for taking her pet.”

Nova and Starburst relaxed a bit. “Really?” Starburst asked.

Twilight gave a reassuring smile as she looked down at Starburst. “Really. I’m so sorry.”

Nova took a moment to collect himself. “It’s fine Twilight, I’m ok. So since we can’t return Philomena now, what should we do?”

Fluttershy made a suggestion. “Couldn’t we try to make Philomena better again? I just can’t stand to see her like this.” Philomena poked her head out of the basket with a cough. Her eyes were blood shot.

“Did you give her any kind of medicine?” Twilight asked.

“I tried to but she wouldn’t take it.”

Twilight let out a grunt. “UGH! Then you have to make her take it, you can’t be such a pushover Fluttershy! You need to show this patient who’s boss, make her straighten up and fly right.”

“She can’t fly.”

“No excusses!” Twilight held the pill Fluttershy tried to give Philomena in her hoof. Philomena was on the floor now, Twilight walked up to the bird that lay on her back and pushed her hoof down on Philomena’s feet, causing her beak to open. Twilight dropped the pill down the bird’s throat. “Done, ok, what else?”

“Well, she keeps pulling out her feathers as well as losing a few whenever she coughs.” Starburst pointed out.

Twilight just put a cone on Philomena’s neck to keep her from pulling out her feathers. “There you go.”

Philomena started trying to push it off. “I don’t think she likes it.” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Tough love baby, you want her to get well don’t you?” Twilight asked.

“Of course but…” 

Twilight cut Fluttershy off. “NEXT!”

“Well, she desperately needs bed rest, but we can’t get her to stay put.”

“That bird just won’t sit still.” Nova added.

“One step ahead of you.” Twilight said with a smirk towards the bird. She picked up Philomena, placed her in a bird cage, locked the door and placed a sheet over it.

Philomena continued to squawk out in complaint at her confinement. Fluttershy walked up to the cage. “Oh, it’s for your own good Philomena, I promise. Please just try to relax and get some sleep.”

Twilight noticed the bowl of soup. “What’s this soup over here? It smells delicious.”

“Fluttershy made that soup for Philomena, but that bird refused to even touch it.” Nova explained.

Twilight grew an evil smile. “Oh she’ll eat it all right.” She levitated the bowl of soup up and made her way to the cage.

“Twilight, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Nova tried to discourage her but it was too late. 

Twilight lifted the sheet from the cage and opened the door. Philomena took this chance to make her escape from her tormentors. She jumped out of the cage and ran out the door. “Hey, where are you going?”

“After that bird!” Starburst cried out as he took off first after Philomena.

“Here we go.” Nova commented as he ran after Starburst. Fluttershy and Twilight followed close behind.

Philomena started running around a tree, the four ponies followed. They soon started running around it at a dizzying pace. Nova stopped and got back from the tree a bit and looked up to see the bird sitting on a branch. Nova put the tip of his hoof in his mouth and gave a whistle to get the others attention. They stopped and looked to where he was pointing. Philomena jumped down from the tree and ran off. The four continued the chase.

Somehow, they lost sight of their prey and ran about town. They came across a stranger sitting at a park bench reading a newspaper with a large mustache. Fluttershy and Twilight started asking if the stranger had seen Philomena. He just shook his head and went back to reading the paper. Nova lowered the paper and took off the mustache, revealing that it was Philomena. The bird gave out a squawk and took off.

They followed her as she went past a few guards on the lookout. The four did their best to sneak past them so as not to get their attention.

They found Philomena hiding in a house. A chase sequence too ridiculous for this author to get into went on through a series of four doors where the ponies and bird went in and out each one in a silly pattern. It eventually ended when all four came out of one door each and ran into each other. Philomena ran past them and they continued on after her.

The group was just running along trying desperately to find Philomena when Rainbow Dash flew  up to them. “What are you four doing, are you having a race? Oh, can I play, one-two-three GO!” She spoke so excitedly and fast she didn’t give them a chance to answer. 

The four came to a fountain where Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack were gathered. Fluttershy lifted Pinkie up on her back trying to find Philomena. “Excuse me.”

“Hi.” Pinkie happily greeted.

“Beg your pardon.” Twilight said as she lifted Rarity up.

“Put me down!” Rarity cried out in response.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack asked.

Nova and Starburst just scoured the area with their eyes for any sign of the bird.

“Sorry but we gotta find…” fluttershy started before she was cut off by one of the guards.

“The princesses pet bird!” They all looked up to see Philomena sitting on top of the fountain with her feathers nearly all gone.

“Philomena, come down from there, you’ll hurt yourself!” Fluttershy called up.

Philomena looked to her backside to see her last feather fall out. In an overly dramatic way, she started clutching her neck and gave out fake coughs and gags. She flopped down onto the head of the statue dead……..or so every pony thought before she got up and started doing her act all over again. Then finally falling off the statue and plummeted to the ground.

“I’ll catch you!” Fluttershy was quick to act as she tried to place herself where Philomena would land. However, to every pony’s surprise, she burst into flames as she fell, turning into ashes, they fell into Fluttershy’s hoofs. Every pony let out a gasp.  As Fluttershy gazed at the remains of the bird, her hooves started shaking and her eyes started tearing up. 

Nova walked up to Fluttershy with a sad look. He placed a hoof on her back. “Fluttershy, I’m so sorry.”

“Poor Philomena.” Starburst added sadly as he started sniffling next to his big brother.

“What is going on here?” The princess’s voice sounded out as she approached the scene.

Nova quickly got up and turned around to see her approach. He started feeling that same bit of fear rise up in him. Starburst just hid a little behind Nova. “Oh no, Celestia, what will she do when she finds out her pet just died? This can’t be good, but poor Fluttershy, since she was the one to take the bird, she might receive the full force of Celestia’s wrath. No matter how scared I am of her, I can’t let anything happen to Fluttershy.”

“Twilight.” Celestia called for Twilight to come forward.

Twilight stepped forward with her head hung low. “Yes your majesty, there’s been a terrible accident.”

“It’s all my fault.” Fluttershy offered. 

Twilight stepped in front of Fluttershy. “No princess, Fluttershy didn’t know any better, it was my fault.”

“What, I can’t let Twilight get punished too.” Nova thought to himself.

“I’m the one who did it.”

“But you were only trying to help.”

Nova finally stepped forward in front of them both. “Your majesty, if any punishment is to be given out, I should be the one to receive it. Fluttershy may have been the one to take your pet, but I could have stopped her, instead I helped. She was just trying to help your bird get better, me and Starburst helped. But we did it without your permission. If any punishment is to be given, then I will be the one to receive it.”

Twilight came up next to Nova. “Nova, what are you doing?”

“Sparing you and Fluttershy from having to face punishment, I’m not about to let you two get in trouble for this, so I’ll take the blame.”

“But you can’t, you…”

Nova cut her off. “It’s fine Twilight, I couldn’t bare the thought of anything bad happening to you. So I will accept full responsibility, no buts about it. I’m not budging on this.”

“Nova.” Twilight said sadly.

Fluttershy came up next to him as well. “Nova, are you sure about this?”

Nova gave a reassuring smile. “I am.”

Starburst then came up. “No princess, this is all my fautlt.”

They all looked down at Starburst as he stood in front of Nova bravely and looked up at Celestia. “Starburst, how are you at fault?” Nova asked.

“Well…….I…..uh…..I just am, that’s all.”

“Nice try Starburst, but you are not about to get punished for this.”

Starburst turned to face his brother with sad eyes. “But…”

“No buts, I’m taking responsibility for this and that’s final.”

Starburst ran up to Nova and hugged his foreleg in tears.

Nova looked over to Twilight. “Twilight, if I get banished, do me a favor and look after Starburst for me, he has a great life going for him here I don’t want him to lose it.”

“But Nova…” Twilight tried to say before Nova embraced her in a hug. 

“Please look after him for me.” He released his hug and stood before Celestia. Starburst cried as Nova walked up to the princess. “Your majesty, I await my punishment.” He stood proud and closed his eyes.

After a moment, Nova craked one eye open and looked around, only to see Celestia wasn’t in front of him. He opened both his eyes and looked behind him to see her lower her head to the pile of ashes that was Philomena. “Oh stop fooling around Philomena, your scaring every pony.” Celestia said with a smile.

The ashes shook, then rose up into the air, in a brilliant flash, a large bird appeared with red and yellow feathers. Nova and Starbursts jaw dropped as every other pony oo’ed and awe’d at the bird as it flew overhead. “I don’t understand, what is that thing, what happened to Philomena?” Fluttershy asked.

The bird perched on Celestia’s foreleg. “This is Philomena, she’s quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix, isn’t that right Philomena.” The new Philomena gave out a call in confirmation. 

“A…a phoenix?” Fluttershy asked again.

“A phoenix is a majestic and magical bird. While it appears healthy and happy most of the time, every so often it must renew itself by shedding all its feathers and bursting into flames.” Philomena started flying around overhead. Celestia leaned down and whispered something to Fluttershy that Nova couldn’t hear as he and Starburst were still too awe struck at what just happened.

“It then rises from the ashes, fresh as a daisy. All just a normal life cycle for a phoenix. I’m afraid mishevious little Philomena here, took the occasion to have a little fun with you.” Philomena was shyly covering her face with a wing. “Say you’re sorry young lady.” Philomena gave a few squawks in apology.

Nova finally found his voice. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let me get this straight. You’re saying that your bird looked all sickly because it was nearing the end of one life cycle and was about to start another? And all that me, Starburst, and Fluttershy did to try and heal it was all for nothing?”

“I’m afraid so.” Celestia answered. “I hope she wasn’t too much trouble for you.”

“So does this mean you’re not going to banish me and throw me in a dungeon in the place you banish me to for what we did?”

Celestia gave a smile. “Of course not my little pony, where would you get such an idea like that?”

“Overactive imagination I guess.”

“Nova, I must say, it was very noble of you to be willing to take full responsibility like that for your friends. You really care about them don’t you?”

Nova gave a smile as he looked back at Fluttershy and Twilight who were looking at him with smiles. “I sure do.” He faced forward again and bowed. “Princess, we are very sorry for taking your bird without permission, but as you know, Fluttershy had only good intentions. I should have tried harder to talk her out of taking Philomena from you and I am sorry for that.”

“It’s all right. I see you have gotten over your fear of me quite a bit.” Celestia pointed out.

Nova raised his head again. “Not quite your majesty. I am still afraid of you, Just not as much as I used to be, but what scared me most was the thought of what would happen to Twilight or Fluttershy should they be the ones to receive the blame for Philomena being stolen, I couldn’t let anything happen to them, so I pushed my fear aside and did what I did.” 
“You are very brave Nova, and I can tell you have a strong heart as well.”

“Thank you princess.”

With that mess out of the way, every pony went back to their own business after Celestia left for Canterlot to return to the castle.

Later that evening, tonight was the night Nova was to take Twilight to Vinyl’s club. He and Starburst walked over to Twilight’s after the sun had set and the moon rose. A half-moon was out tonight. Nova knocked on the door and Spike answered. “Hey Spike, is Twilight ready?”

“Yep, come on in.” Spike stepped aside to let the two in. “Twilight, Nova is here!” Spike called up to Twilight’s room.

Nova looked to Starburst. “Ok Starburst, same rules apply, you be good for Spike and do what he says.”

“Don’t worry Nova, I’ll behave.” Starburst responded with a smile.

Nova returned the smile. “Glad to hear it. Try not to stay up too late.” Nova and Starburst shared a hug.

Twilight soon came down. “Hello Nova, ready to go?”

“Sure am.”

“We’ll be back later Spike, you two behave yourselfs.” Twilight said to the two.

Twilight and Nova then made their way through the town towards the club Vinyl owned. As they drew closer, they could hear music coming from a black building with neon letters that read ‘Club DJ PON3’ (I’m not good with coming up for names for places, sue me.)

As they approached the door, there was a large muscular earth pony stallion guarding the door. “Name?” He asked the two. 

Nova started. “Um, Vinyl Scratch invited me, my name is Nova, and this is my date Twilight.”

The bouncer took out a clipboard and scanned it. “Hmm, here we are, Nova plus one guest, VIP. All right, you may enter.” The bouncer held the door open for the two.

“Thank you.” Twilight said to the stallion. They walked in as their ears were filled with the sound of music and their eyes filled with flashing colorful lights. The place was packed with ponies dancing or sitting at the bar drinking. Nova started getting worried with so many ponies around. Twilight saw him growing nervous and placed a hoof on his shoulder with a smile. “Don’t worry Nova, I’m right here with you. If you want, we can go somewhere else.”

Nova shook his head. “No, it’s fine, I had to come here sometime or Vinyl will probably come looking for me. As long as your with me, I’ll be fine.” He gave a smile.

Twilight returned the smile. 

Nova easily spotted Vinyl as she was on a raised platform in front of a table with two large speakers responsible for the music filling the club.

“Wow, this is some place.” Nova commented.

“I’ll say, so what should we do first, dance some or get a drink?”

“Why don’t we get a drink first.” Nova led Twilight to the bar where they found two empty stools. The bartender was a Pegasus stallion with a green coat and a white mane and tail. He had a drink shaker as a cutie mark. 

“Hey there, welcome to the club, don’t think I’ve seen you two before, first time here?” He greeted cheerfully. 

Nova answered. “Yes it is, I’ve never been to a club before, but Vinyl there was rather insistent I come when I met her.”

“Really? Say, you wouldn’t happen to be Nova would you?”

“I am, why?” Nova cocked an eyebrow. 

“Boss said the drinks are on the house for you and your date.” 

“That’s really nice of her.” Twilight commented. “So what do you have to drink here?”

“We got all kinds of juices and drinks. Milkshakes, fruit juices, vegetable juices, milk, chocolate milk, whatever you want.”

“Do you have any fruit punch?” Twilight asked. 

“Sure thing, one fruit punch coming up, what about you?” The bartender asked as he looked at Nova. 

“Um, I guess I’ll try the vegetable juice.”

“You got it, fruit punch and vegetable juice coming up.” The barkeep then left to fetch their drinks.

Twilight turned to face Nova. “Nova, I wanted to thank you for what you did today.”

Nova turned to meet Twilight’s eyes. “What do you mean?”

“When you were willing to take on full responsibility for what Fluttershy did, and for trying to protect her and me. I really appreciate it.”

Nova smiled. “You’re welcome, like I said, I couldn’t bare the thought of something bad happening to you, and Fluttershy is a good friend. Too bad it was all for nothing, I got off scot free.”

Twilight returned the smile. “Still, it was very brave of you to do so.” She leaned forward and kissed Nova on the cheek. 

Nova’s smile grew as he started to blush a little. “Um, thanks Twilight.”

The bartender soon came back with their drinks. “Here you go, hope you like them, if you need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you, we will.” Nova responded.

“So Nova, have you really gotten less afraid of Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“Kind of, I don’t feel as afraid of her as I did before, especially after that little joke she pulled on the cakes with the tea during that little party. Starburst really liked that.”

Twilight laughed a little herself. “Hm hm, yeah, I guess it was kinda funny. I didn’t think Celestia would do something like that.”

“What, a princess isn’t allowed to have a sense of humor?” Nova asked with a smile.

“I didn’t say that, I just never knew she had it in her.”

“Well I think, and I believe Pinkie Pie would agree with this, every pony has the potential to be funny.”

“I think she would.” Twilight laughed a little again.

Nova took a sip of his drink. “Mm, not bad.” 

Twilight took a sip of her own. “Mmm, this is good.”

Nova kept his eyes on his drink as he spoke. “Twilight, I know I keep saying this and I know you keep saying the same thing in response, but I am sorry to keep you all waiting for me to tell you all this secret I have. Believe me I want to tell, but my fears of what might happen should I tell you are just too great.”

Twilight gave a reassuring smile as she spoke. “I know Nova, and your right, I will say the same thing in response, I can wait, we can all wait, just take your time. You can tell us when you’re ready, and when you do, I promise nothing will change between us. We’ll always be your friend.” Nova looked up from his drink over to Twilight with a smile.

“But what if I want to be more than a friend to her, she’s so nice, and understanding, and beautiful. I am afraid of what would happen should I tell them, but maybe I could at least see what it would be like to have a…..mare friend I believe the term is here. If  I ask her now though, would it be too soon, what if she says no? Come on Nova, you’ll never know if you don’t at least try, you two have been through so much so far.”

“Nova, is something wrong?” Twilight’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.

“Huh, oh, no, I’m fine, I was just…..thinking about something.”

“Like what?”

“Come on, just ask her, the worst she can do is say no.” “Eh, Twilight…..I don’t suppose…..you would…”

“YO, Nova, what’s up, glad you made it.” A new voice called out from behind.

Twilight and Nova turned around in their seats and saw Vinyl walking up to them wearing her signature shades. “Oh, hey Vinyl.” Twilight greeted.

“Twilight, HAH, never thought I’d see you in here. Good to see you though.” Nova started drinking his juice as Vinyl then turned to him. “So this is your date huh, I thought you had a mare friend.”

Nova did a spit take upon hearing this. “Mare friend, oh no, she’s not…..I mean..we…we’re just….”

Vinyl laughed while Twilight blushed. “HA HA, relax dude, I’m just messing with you. But seriously, are you two a couple or what?”

Nova tried to answer a gain. “Well…..I’d like us to be.”

Twilight turned to Nova in surprise. “Really?”

Nova turned to face her. “Yeah, I mean, why not? I really like you Twilight, a lot, and we’ve been through so much together. You’re kind, and smart, and caring, and so many other wonderful things about you I can’t list them all.”

“Uh oh, looks like I helped start something.” Vinyl said teasingly with a smile.

Twilight was blushing more. “You…..really think so?”

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think it. So what do you say Twilight, want to make it official and be my marefriend?” “Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.”

“Nova…..I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes, please say yes!”

“I….ok, sure, I’d love to be your marefriend.” Twilight was blushing and smiling so big.

“YES, Oh SWEET CELSTIAL BODIES SHE SAID YES!” “Really, that’s great. You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that Twilight.”

“Ah yeah, congrats you two.” Vinyl cheered. “I’m gonna go put on some awesome music to celebrate, you two need toget on the dance floor to celebrate.”

“That’s ok, there’s no need for that, I don’t know how to dance.” Nova said with nervousness.

“Oh come on Nova, it’ll be fine, I don’t really know how to dance either, but it’s still fun. Come on.” Twilight grabbed Nova by the hoof and left their drinks at the bar. Twilight guided Nova onto the dance floor as Vinyl started up some dance music.

“What up every pony?!” Vinyl’s voice was heard over the speakers. “I got great news, a new friend of mine just got himself a marefriend, so let’s crank it up to celebrate!” The crowd of ponies cheered. The speakers started booming out music to dance to as every pony started dancing. 

Nova and Twilight did their best to dance to the music. For a couple of ponies that didn’t know how to dance, they were doing all right and had fun doing it, even Nova forgot his fear of the crowd as he danced with Twilight. Nova couldn’t be happier that he had himself a mare friend.

> How I Got My Cutie Mark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


How I Got My Cutie Mark



Nova was out enjoying the day while Starburst had gone off to go crusading with his friends. He had come to a wooded area near town and strolled through with a big smile on his face. “Sweet celestial bodies, I actually have a marefriend, this is great. Only problem now is will she accept me for what I am once tell her………what am I thinking, of course she will, the others will too….but……there is still that doubt. What am I….”

He was brought out of his thoughts by a screaming overhead. “AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

He quickly looked up and saw his little brother and his friends falling out of the sky. He quickly zapped in his wings and flew up to catch them. Sweetie Belle and Starburst landed on his back while he caught Scootaloo and Apple Bloom with his hooves. Once he had the four safely on the ground, he saw they were wearing helmets and harnesses. “What in the name of the cosmos were you four doing up there?!” He scolded.

The four hung their heads as Starburst answered. “We were just trying to earn our cutie marks in zip lining.”

Nova closed his eyes and hung his head with a sigh. “*Sigh* You four need to be more careful, you could have gotten seriously hurt up there.”

“It was all my idea Nova, sorry.” Scootallo admitted.

“Just try to be more careful ok, but to make sure you are, it seems I may need to keep an eye on you for the day.”

“All right.” Apple Bloom responded. And just like that, their enthusiasm returned. “So what should we try next to earn our cutie marks.”

Sweetie Belle made a suggestion. “Plan B?”

Scootaloo thought for a moment. “Yeah, know where we can find a cannon at this hour?”

“Cannon, that wasn’t plan B?” Starburst threw in.

“Cannon, and just what did you have planned with a cannon?” Nova asked with a disapproving glare.

Scootaloo gave a sheepish laugh and a nervous smile. “Uh, heh heh, nothing, never mind.”  She then hung her head in disappointment. “It’s no use, no matter what we try we always end up with no cutie marks.”

“Maybe we should do something less dangerous like pillow testing, or flower sniffing.” Sweetie offered.

“I like the sound of that, that sounds nice and safe.” Starburst added in.

Apple Bloom then started up. “This town is full of ponies who have their cutie marks, maybe we could ask one of them how they got theirs.”

“That could work too.” Starburst responded.

“That’s a great safe idea.” Sweetie Belle agreed.

“Yeah, and we can start with the coolest pony in Ponyville.” Scootaloo added.

The other three then put up their siblings for an option. “Applejack.”

“Rarity.”

“Nova.”

Nova couldn’t help but feel a little pride that his little brother thought so highly of him. “That’s nice of you to say Starburst, but I don’t think I’m who she was talking about.”

Scootaloo confirmed. “Sorry Nova, no offense, you’re all right, but I said cool.”

“It’s fine Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo started buzzing her wings and hovered around as she started to try and describe who she was talking about. “She’s fast, she’s tough.” She stopped after having circled around them. “She’s not afraid of anything.”

“Pinkie Pie?” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom guessed.

“What about Twilight, I don’t think she’s afraid of anything.” Starburst threw in.

Scootaloo continued in vain. “No, the greatest flyer to ever come out of Cloudsdale.”

“Fluttershy?” The three guessed in unison again.

Scootaloo finally gave up and just straight out told them. “No, Rainbow Dash!”

“Oh yeah, that makes much more sense.” Apple Bloom said as realization finally dawned on her.

“Of course.” Sweetie Belle added in.

“Guess I should have figured that out with the Cloudsdale part.” Starburst said.

“Let’s do it, let’s go find out how Rainbow Dash earned her cutie mark!” Scootaloo cheered. 

“YEAH!” All four cheered as they clapped their hooves together. They went for their mode of transportation. Scootaloo’s scooter hooked up to a wagon. The four put on their helmets, Scootaloo got on her scooter while the other three climbed into the wagon.

“Hold up you four, I’m coming with you to make sure you don’t get into any more trouble.” Nova called after them.
Scootaloo started buzzing her wings and took off while Nova decided it would be easier to follow them with his flying, so he zapped up his wings and flew along the ground right behind the four little ponies. 

Along the way, three little bunnies holding apples suddenly hopped onto the road in Scootaloo’s path. She quickly hit reverse on her wings and managed to stop in time. Nova came up next to them as he came to a stop.

“Get back here you thieven varmints!” The recognizable southern voice of Applejack was heard calling after the bunnies. The bunnies hopped away from the voice.

“Theivin what now?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Whats a varmint?” Starburst asked.

Applejack pounced out of the bushes on a collision course with the four little ponies. Nova was quick to act as he used his levitation to stop Applejack in mid-air. “Whoa!” She called out. “Nova, what in tarnation?”

“Whoa there Applejack, easy, it’s just me.” Nova said to her as he gently set her back on the ground.

“What was all that about?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You were about to crash into the kids here.” Nova pointed to the four little ponies between him and Applejack.

“Oops, sorry there kids. Good reflexes there Nova.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey sis, how did you earn your cutie mark?” Apple Bloom suddenly asked.

“I never told you that story?” Applejack asked back.

Scootaloo cut in. “Hey, I thought we were going to ask Rainbow Dash?”

“We need all the help we can get.” Apple Bloom shot back. The four little ponies got out of the cart and gathered around Applejack.

“I’d like to hear this, I’m curious now.” Starburst said as he looked to Applejack. Nova just took a seat behind the four.

“Uh, fine.” Scootaloo responded in defeat.

Applejack began her tale. “Well shoot, I was just a little filly, even littler than ya’ll. I didn’t want to spend my life in a muddy old farm, I wanted to live the sophisticated life like my aunt and uncle orange. So I set out to try my luck in the big city, Mane Hatten, the most cosmopolitan city in all of Equestria. I knew I would find out who I was meant to be in Mane Hatten. My Aunt and Uncle Orange said they’d take me in and let me stay with them. Once I got there, they took notice of how I talked and they didn’t seem to like it, but I just wanted to fit in and make it big here, so I let them teach me how they spoke and prettied me up a bit.”

“During a party my aunt and uncle were hosting, I felt I might have embarrassed myself when I mentioned that we had roosters wake you up in the morning. Thankfully, that moment was interrupted when dinner came around. But I was real disappointed when I saw the portion size, it was practically just a speck on the plate. I went to bed that night hungry. I woke up before the sun rose and looked out my window to watch the sunrise. When it came, I just started thinking about home back on the farm. I never felt so homesick in all my days as I did right then. But suddenly, out of nowhere, there was this loud boom that got my attention. I looked out and it was amazing, a rainbow pointing me straight to home.”

“In that moment, it all became clear. I knew right then just who I was supposed to be. So I high tailed it back home, and that’s when this here appeared.” Applejack indicated her cutie mark of three apples. “I’ve been happily working the farm ever since.”

Hearing Applejack’s tale of home brought up a few memories of his old home. “Home, I do miss it sometimes, and mom and dad. I really wish they were here with us.”

His thoughts were interrupted by three bunnies giving Applejack a raspberry. Applejack glared over at them. “There they are, get back here ya theivin varmints!” And just like that, she took off after them.

“Awe, that was such a sweet story.” Sweetie Belle commented.

“I liked it.” Starburst pointed out.

“Sweet, try sappy, come on, we gotta find Rainbow Dash and hear the cool way to earn a cutie mark.” The little ponies gathered up at the cart and sped off. 

“Hey, wait up!” Nova called as he flew after them.

A little while later, as they sped on, Fluttershy suddenly appeared in front of them. Scootaloo tried to stop but hit a rock and sent the four flying into the air. “Aaaaahhh!” They all screeched.

Nova was able to catch them with his magic and set them down gently on the ground.

“All right little ones, this way, this way.” Fluttershy directed a few little baby ducks across the road. Once the ducks were gone, Fluttershy turned her attention to the four little ponies with a smile. “You should really be more careful, some pony could get hurt. It’s a good thing Nova was here to catch you.”

Starburst turned to Nova. “Thanks for the save big brother.”

“You’re welcome.” Nova then turned his attention to Fluttershy. “Hello Fluttershy, how are you this day?”

“I’m doing fine thank you, what are you up to?”

“Keeping an eye on these four to make sure they don’t get into trouble today. They want to find out how Rainbow Dash earned her cutie mark.”

“Oh, that would be interesting, I wouldn’t have gotten my cutie mark if it wasn’t for her.”

“Really?” The four little ponies asked.

Fluttershy began her tale of how she got her cutie mark. “It all started at summer flight camp. You’d never guess, but when I was little, I was very shy, and a very weak flyer. After a little tumble I took, two little colts started laughing at me and making fun of me calling me clutchershy. They just laughed and laughed at me, it was the most humiliating moment of my life. But then, out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash came in and stood up to them for me. She ended up challenging them to a race.”

“I was made the flag waver to start the race. Once I waved the flag, they flew off, but it was so fast, it caused me to spin around and fall off the cloud. I fell and fell towards the ground. Luckily, a flock of butterflies were flying by and they caught me. I had never seen such beautiful creatures. Butterflies don’t fly as high as my cloud home, and I had never been near the ground before. I was so entranced, I just had to let out a song.” And sing she did.

What is this place filled with so many wonders,
Casting it’s spell, that I am now under,
Squirells in the trees and the cute little bunnies.
Birds flying free and bees with their honey,
Hooooneeeeeeeeey!

Ooooh, what a magical place,
And I owe it all to the Pegasus race,
If I knew the ground had so much up its sleeve,
I’d have come here sooner and never leave.
Yes, I. Love. Ev~ery~thing~

“After I finished my song, there was a huge explosion and a ring of a flaming rainbow spread out across the sky frightening every animal. They all ran off and hid wherever they could. Afterwards, I went around to try and comfort the poor dears and talked them into coming back out. Somehow, I had the ability to communicate with them on a different level. And that’s when my cutie mark appeared.”

Nova had cocked an eyebrow. “A flaming ring of a rainbow, why does that sound familiar?”

Scootaloo interrupted his thoughts. “Wait, wait, wait, what happened to Rainbow Dash? What about the race?”

“Oh, well I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what happened.”

“Come on crusaders, we gotta find her! Besides, I can’t take anymore singing.” Scootaloo declared. The others hopped into the wagon.

“Maybe my sister knows where she is.” Sweetie Belle offered.

“Thanks for sharing your story with us Fluttershy, I liked it.” Starburst commented.

Fluttershy gave a smile. “You’re welcome.”

Nova wanted to ask Fluttershy more  about this explosion of colors she saw. “Fluttershy, could you tell me more about this rainbow you saw?”

Fluttershy gave him a curious look. “There isn’t really much to tell, I just heard this loud explosion and saw a ring of a rainbow that looked like fire spread out across the sky. I don’t know what caused it or where it came from. I’m sorry, but why do you ask?”

“It just sounds familiar somehow, but I can’t quite place my hoof on it.”

“I’m sorry,  I wish I could be more help.” Fluttershy was looking melancholy.

Nova gave a reassuring smile. “It’s fine Fluttershy, but I better catch up to the kids, I’ll see you later ok?” Nova then took off after the four crusaders.

He eventually came to Rarity’s boutique and found the four upstairs with pieces of cloth on them while Rarity took measurements. “How did we get roped into this?” Scootaloo asked.

“Why am I even taking part in this, I’m a boy, not a girl.” Starburst complained.

“We’ll never hear Rainbow Dash’s story.” Scootaloo whined. 

Rarity came up to the four with a smile. “Are you four still obessing over your cutie marks?”

“Of course!” Sweetie Belle answered. “Most of the fillies at school have theirs.”

“I know how you feel, for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t have mine.” Rarity then started on her cutie mark story. “My school was putting on a play about food and I was in charge of making costumes. I worked really hard on them but they just never seemed quite right to me. I tried every trick I could think of, but nothing seemed to work, the costumes just weren’t right, and the play opened that night.”

“I was about to give up, when all of a sudden, my horn lit up and started dragging me away. I had no idea where it was taking me, but unicorn magic doesn’t happen without a reason. I knew this had to do with my love of fashion, and maybe even my cutie mark. I knew that this was…..my DESTINY! My horn had led me to a giant rock. I was very upset, for my horn had dragged me away to nothing but a giant rock in the middle of nowhere. But then, out of nowhere, there was this loud boom and a ring of a flaming rainbow spread out over the sky. This caused the rock to split open, revealing it to be a geode full of gems.”

“I gathered up what gems I could and went back to the school to begin work, incorporating the gems into the costumes. They looked fabulous and every pony who saw them thought so too. And that’s how I earned my cutie mark.”

“She saw that rainbow too, incredible. Then again, something like that is hard to miss, but also, it seems it was because of this same rainbow and explosion that she, Fluttershy, and Applejack earned their cutie marks. But why does it sound so familiar?” Nova thought to himself.

“Aaahhh, these namby pamby stories aren’t getting us any closer to our cutie marks! They’re about finding out who you are and boring stuff like that!” Scootaloo proclaimed.

“Why yes Scootaloo, that’s exactly….” 

Rarity tried to say before Scootaloo cut her off by pushing her friends out the door.  “Come on guys, we need action, we need Rainbow Dash.”

Nova apologized to Rarity. “Sorry about them Rarity, but you know kids, I’ll see you later ok?”

“All right dear, if you like, we are all meeting up at Sugar cube corner later, you can join us later on if you like.” Rarity offered with a smile.

“If I’m not still watching those four later on, sure. I hope to see you later.” Nova then headed off to try and catch up to the girls.

He soon found them sitting at a table with Twilight who was about to tell her story of how she earned her cutie mark. She greeted him with a smile. “Hello Nova, your just in time to hear me tell the kids how I earned my cutie mark.”

“Great, I’d love to hear it.” Nova responded with a smile as he took a seat next to her.

Twilight began her tale. “As a young filly in Canterlot, I always wanted to go to the summer sun celebration where princess Celestia raises the sun. And I saw the most amazing and wonderful thing I’ve ever seen. I was in the crowd when Celestia came forth. She lit up her horn and slowly flew upwards, bringing the sun with her. It was an incredible sight. I poured myself into learning everything I could about magic. I read through so many books about magic, I just couldn’t stop. Because of my dedication, my parents decided to enroll me into Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns. It was a dream come true, except for one thing. I had to pass an entrance exam!”

“I had to use my magic to hatch a dragon egg. I knew that it was the most important day of my life, that my entire future would depend on the outcome of this day, and I was about to blow it. I tried and tried, but nothing worked. Just when I had given up and it seemed I was about to fail, I heard this loud boom out of nowhere. The explosion startled me so much, my magic activated on its own. I shot a spell at the egg and managed to hatch it, but after that, it went completely out of control. My eyes turned pure white. I ended up making the dragon huge, lifted up the ponies giving the test, and turned my parents into plants.”

“I was so scared I didn’t know what to do. But then, I felt a hoof on my shoulder, I looked to my side and saw princess Celestia there. It was enough to calm me down and stop my magic. The dragon shrank back down to a baby, the ponies dropped to the floor, and my parents turned back to normal. Celestia started going on about how she had never met a unicorn with such raw ability. What followed next really surprised me, she offered to tutor me personally at her school. I was so thrilled I couldn’t believe it. And then, she pointed out that I had earned my cutie mark as well.” 

Twilight had gotten so excited reliving her moment of getting a cutie mark, she started jumping around. “Yes yesyesyesyesyesyes.”

Nova interjected. “Twilight calm down, your attracting attention!” Twilight stopped hopping and looked around to see that many ponies were indeed staring at her.

She grew a sheepish smile. “Oops.”

Nova then got her attention. “Twilight, I need to ask you something, did you by chance see a flaming rainbow ring at the time?”

Twilight gave him a quizzical look as she thought about it. “Well, now that I think about it, I think I saw something like that out of the corner of my eye at the time. Why do you ask?”

“I’ll have to explain later.” Nova had noticed that during Twilight’s celebrating, the kids slipped away. “I need to find the kids and make sure they stay out of trouble. I’ll see you later.” Nova gave her a peck on the cheek and took off flying.

He managed to catch up to them and was now flying next to them low to the ground. “I wish you four would stop taking off without me like this.”

“Sorry Nova, but we just really want to find Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“Your looking for Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie asked from the wagon.

All eyes looked at her in confusion. “Pinkie Pie, how did you get in the wagon?” Starburst asked.

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Nova added.

Pinkie ignored the question. “If I was her, I’d be at Sugarcube Corner. Of course if I was anyone, I’d be at sugar cube corner. Hey, I have an idea, you wanna go to Sugarcube Corner?” Pinkie said as she flailed her forelegs in excitement. It caused her to almost fall out but the three little ponies in the wagon held on to her and kept her in. 

“Well, we’re sort of looking for Rainbow Dash so we can hear how she got her cutie mark.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

Pinkie grew a big smile. “Cutie mark, come with me and I’ll tell you how I got mine!”

Scootaloo just grunted in annoyance. “Ugh, why not.”

“All right!” Pinkie then started on her story. “My sisters and I were raised on a rock farm outside of Ponyville. We spent our days working the fields. There was no talking, there was no smiling, there were only rocks. My dad called for us to come into the house, but I stayed outside. We were in the south field preparing to rotate the rocks to the east field, when all of a sudden, there was this huge BOOM and a flaming rainbow ring spread out across the sky. It kicked up so much wind, it made my mane and tail all poofy, it was followed by a bright beautiful vibrant rainbow. I had never felt joy like that before. It felt so good, I just wanted to keep smiling forever. And I wanted everyone I knew to smile too, but Rainbows don’t come around that often.”

“I wondered, how else could I create some smiles? It was then I had an idea. I got to work straight away decorating the silo with all kinds of streamers and ballons and confetti. I worked all night. By morning, it was all ready. I called for my parents and sisters to come in and see it. Once they entered, I yelled out SURPRISE and told them it was called a party. I asked if they liked it, but they didn’t seem to at first. They looked around as their lips quivered. I figured they didn’t like it until they burst into big bright smiles. After that, we all danced and had a wonderful time. And that’s how Equestria was made.”

“What?” Nova asked as he looked at Pinkie.

“Wait, huh?” Scootaloo also asked as she came to a stop in front of Sugarcube Corner.

“Look we’re here!” Apple Bloom pointed out to the bakery.

“Maybe on the way home, I can tell you how I got my cutie mark, it’s a gem.” Pinkie said as she walked in.

“But didn’t she just tell us that?” Starburst questioned.

“Oh come on, she’s just being Pinkie Pie.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

Nova started thinking to himself. “Ok, I am definitely seeing a pattern here. So far, each of the girls have heard this loud boom and seen this flaming rainbow ring spread out over the sky, and it was thanks to that that they each got their cutie marks. But why does it sound so familiar to me, have I seen it before…..no…..no I couldn’t have, This had to have happened when I was on my home planet. There’s no way I could have seen it…..could I?”

Nova stopped his thinking and followed the four little ones into the bakery.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re here!” Scootaloo cried out.

Nova looked and saw all the girls were together. Rainbow stepped forward up to the four little ponies. “I hear your looking for my cutie mark story.”

“You have no idea what I’ve been through today to hear that story.” Scootaloo sat down and readied herself to hear the story.

Nova took a seat behind the four. “Ok, if she had seen this rainbow thing too…..I don’t know, it will be one cosmic coincidence if it helped her earn her cutie mark as well.”

Rainbow began her tale. “It all happened during the race at flight camp where I stood alone against all odds to defend Fluttershy’s honor. It was me against two other young colts who were picking on Fluttershy before. Fluttershy raised the flag to signal the race was about to begin. My heart raced with anticipation. We readied our wings for takeoff. Fluttershy waved the flag and we were off. I was in the lead as I flew through the first cloud ring. I made a sharp turn and made it through the next. One of the boys I was racing didn’t make the turn and ran into a cloud pillar. It was just me and the other colt now.”

“I had never flown like that before, the freedom was unlike anything I had ever felt before. The speed, the adrenaline, the wind in my mane! I liked it….aLOT. But then, the colt pulled a dirty trick and rammed into me, forcing me to the side. I quickly recovered and dove down to get ahead as fast as I could. Turns out the only thing I liked more than flying fast was winning. As I dove for the cloud ring, A cone of air started forming around me. Just when I reached it, I pulled up and BOOM, a sonic rainboom occurred.”

“Most people thought the sonic rainboom was just an old mares tale. But that day, the day I discovered racing, I proved that the legends were true. I made the impossible happen. And that, little ones, is how you earn a cutie mark.”

As all the girls started connecting the dots that Rainbow Dash was the one responsible for making that sonic rainboom that helped them earn their cutie marks, Nova went into thought. “So she didn’t see the rainbow, she caused it. But why does it sound so familiar, where have I seen it before. Come on, think……wait…..cloudsale during that competiion? YES…..wait…..no….I did see it then….but….I can’t help but think……did I see it before….I…..no….no it can’t be…can it.”

“We’ve been BFF’s forever and we didn’t even know it.” Rarity said.

“Come here ya’ll.” Applejack said as she initiated a group hug. 

“Hold on, what about Nova?” Fluttershy asked.

“Hey yeah, we didn’t hear how he got his cutie mark.” Pinkie stated.

They all turned to him to see him pacing back and forth looking deep in thought. “Nova?” Twilight tried to get his attention.

He just kept pacing. “Nova dear, are you all right?” Rarity asked.

“THAT’S IT!” Nova finally shouted out, startling the girls. “But that’s impossible, how could it be?!”

“Nova, is something wrong?” Applejack asked.

“Does it have something to do with how you got your cutie mark?” Pinkie asked.

Nova finally looked at them with wide eyes. “I….I……that is…..”

“Nova, what is it, why do you seem so agitated?” Twilight asked as she approached.

“I…..I have to go.” Nova then took off out the door without another word.

“Nova wait!” Twilight called out, but Nova just kept going.

“Big brother, wait up.” Starburst followed.

“This is impossible, this is just impossible. How could this even be?!” Nova continued to think all the way home.

He finally reached home and went inside, he was so deep in thought, he didn’t bother to take off his necklace. “How…..HOW? The odds are just astronomical! HOW?”

Starburst came in soon. “Nova, what’s wrong, why are you so upset?” Starburst asked as he eyed his brother with worry.

Nova looked at his little brother. “Starburst, how I earned my cutie mark…..how they earned theirs….the fact we are here….it doesn’t make any sense, how is it possible?”

“Nova, what are you talking about? Are you saying that….” Before Starburst could finish his question, there was a knock at the door.

Nova went to the door and answered. He was a little surprised to see the rest of the cmc and his six friends all standing there looking at him with worry. “Nova, what’s wrong, talk to us.” Twilight pleaded.

“Nova, please tell us what is bothering you. Does it have to do with how you earned your cutie mark?” Fluttershy asked.

“By the cosmos, what do I say, I can’t tell them the full story. But I don’t want them to worry. I guess I can tell them a little bit.”  Nova took a deep breath to calm himself down and relax. “I’m sorry to worry you all, its just….this cutie mark business got me riled up.”

“Why? Why did you seem to freak out over it?” Rainbow asked.

“I can’t give you all the details, but I will tell you what I can.” He took a moment before continuing. “I did see the sonic rainboom, and it did help me earn my cutie mark.”

The girls smiled at this. “You did, that’s wonderful, then we all DO have a special connection!” Pinkie cheered.

“But then, why were you so upset about it before?” Rarity inquired.

“As I said, I can’t give you all the details, but I’ll tell you what I can. At the time, if I hadn’t been doing what I was, then I never would have seen it. This happened shortly before my little brother was born. When I saw it, I was the only one in my family to have seen it. I was so amazed by what I saw, I wanted to share it with my parents. I wasn’t sure how I could, until I got an idea, some way to capture the image I saw forever so every pony could see it and I could share it with my family. I poured myself into learning what I could about enchantments and gems.”

“I learned that gemstones can hold enchantments well , so I worked hard on that area and worked with whatever gemstones I could. Eventually, I managed to recreate what I saw in a crystal. I had managed to make a vibrant flaming rainbow ring in a crystal. My parents were so impressed with it. That was how I earned my mark.”

“Wow, that’s a great story.” Pinkie said.

“In fact.” Nova put a hoof to his chin. “Oh, hold on, I have something I want to show you.” Nova quickly retreated back into his house and went to his room. “Where is it, come on. Aha, here it is.” Nova pulled out a steel box with a pad on it. “Rainbow fire.” Nova said to the pad. The box beeped and opened up. Nova took out its contents, a single gem. He smiled as he looked at it.

He came back to the girls all waiting expectantly for his return. “Girls, this is the first gem I ever made.” Nova held up a roughly cut crystal with a flaming rainbow ring at its center in a slant.

They all ooed at the sight. “Wow Nova, this is incredible, it looks amazing.” Twilight stated.

“My word, I’ve never seen anything like it, this is absolutely gorgeous. Nova, why have you not made anything like this before?” Rarity asked.

“I had completely forgotten about it until now, this gem is the one that earned me my mark. And it was without a doubt the most difficult to make. I just wanted to share the sight with my family so much. Though the size doesn’t do it justice.”

“It looks wonderful Nova.” Fluttershy offered. 

“Thank you. This gem means so much to me.”

“I don’t suppose you could make others like it could you?” Rarity asked again.

“Well, I guess I could. Since I’ve gotten better at making gems, I could probably make a better looking one, but it won’t be easy, the enchantments I used to make this was difficult enough.”

“Splendid, I just know it will be the most popular selection.”

Later that evening, after Nova and Starburst were finally alone as they sat in their living room to just hang out, Starburst took the opportunity to ask his big brother something. “Nova, I’m curious, how did you see that sonic rainboom if it happened on this planet so many years ago?”

“You see Starburst, as I said, it happened shortly before you were born. Mom and dad worked for a company that was in charge of space exploration. While we did have ships that could travel through space, we wanted to find life on other planets. Dad was much smarter than I am. He was working in the planetary observation branch. He managed to develop a telescope that combined science and magic.”

“It was amazing, the telescope could let one see a planet no matter how far away it was. I was with him at the time when he put the finishing touches on the telescope. He let me take the first look through it. He lifted me up so my eyes could look through it. As I did, I saw a green planet, with water and clouds. I could see the surface of the world I was looking at. As I looked through, I saw this colorful fiery ring appear and spread out over the surface of the planet.”

“I was so impressed with what I saw, I quickly pulled back and told dad to look into the telescope to see it. However, by the time he did, the circle was gone. I felt sorry dad didn’t get to see such an amazing sight that I decided to do what I could to replicate that amazing sight. That was how I got into making gemstones like I do now.”

“Gosh, but wait……are you saying that this is the planet you saw that day?” Starburst looked at Nova with a mix of confusion and surprise.

“It is. Don’t you see, the odds of me seeing that sonic rainboom at the time and us ending up on this planet where I saw the sonic rainboom originate from…..the odds of such a thing are just infinitecimal. It’s like we were meant to be here. But for what? Why? When I made this realization, I just couldn’t believe it. Which is why I freaked out before at Sugarcube corner.”

“Wow, that is amazing, I can’t believe it myself. Maybe we we’re meant to be here.”

“This is going to be bugging me for a long time little brother. I just can’t believe the odds. The six girls we call friends and me all saw that same sonic rainboom and it was responsible for all of us getting our cutie marks. Well five since Rainbow Dash was the one who made it.”

“But don’t you see, this is further proof that it will be all right for you to tell them that we’re aliens. Since Applejack already knows, you should tell her and see what she thinks.”

“I don’t know Starburst, if I tell, I want all of them to know, not just one. When I finally reveal to our friends that we’re aliens, I’ll tell them everything. For now, I’m just not ready, but this is a big step towards me feeling more confident about letting our secret out.” Nova gave a smile to Starburst. The two headed to their room and went to bed.
> Runaway Dragon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Runaway Dragon



It was evening as Nova and Starburst were getting ready to join their friends for a kind of picnic tonight. There was going to be a meteor shower tonight and Starburst was very excited to see it despite the fact he’s never seen one before, but Nova explained it to him and that was enough. “Come on Nova let’s go, I don’t want to miss this!”

“All right Starburst, calm down, I’m coming.” The two dawned their pony disguises and headed out. The sun had set and the moon and stars were out. 

“Nova, are you sure we’ll be safe from this meteor shower, it sounds kind of dangerous too.”

“Don’t worry Starburst, we’ll be fine, it’s just a bunch of space rocks falling through the planet’s atmosphere and burning up. It’s a real sight to see.”

“Have you ever seen one big brother?”

“I did once, before we lost our home. But never mind that, lets meet up with the others.”

After crossing the bridge and nearing Twilight’s place, they saw her and Spike coming out with Spike pulling a wagon full of stuff for the picnic. 

Nova broke into the conversation. “Hello Twilight. Hello Spike.”

“Hello Nova, Starburst, you ready for the picnic?” Twilight asked happily.

“You bet, I can’t wait to see this!” Starburst cheered with a hop.

Nova cut in. “So you said that this event occurs only once every 100 years?”

“Yep, it’s really amazing.”

“I’ll bet.”

The four soon reached the hill where their friends were waiting. Twilight started wondering about the disappearance of a book. “I was sure I put the astronomers guide back, the book would have helped me identify different planets and stars tonight.”

Spike offered an answer. “Well, maybe someone borrowed it,  you don’t need that book. Besides, you can already name all the stars because you’re super smart and astronomically awesome.”

“Thanks Spike, you’re such a flatterer.” Twilight gave a smile.

“Nah, he’s just telling the truth. But he did leave out the part about how pretty you are.” Nova offered.

Twilight blushed a little. “Thank you Nova.” 

Starburst gaged a little. “Too….much….mushiness.” He faked gagging and fell over on his back with his tongue hanging out and his eyes closed.

Nova smirked at his fake dead brother. “Very funny Starburst, get up and let’s go.”

Spike snickered. Starburst got back up on all fours. 

They finally reached the top of the hill and were greeted by the other girls and the CMC. Spike started setting up the picnic as Starburst greeted his friends. “Hey girls, what’s up?”

“Hey there Starburst, glad you could make it.” Apple Bloom greeted.

“Are you kidding, I wouldn’t miss this for the universe.”

After spike got the picnic set up and set out a bowl of fruit, Rainbow Dash immediately picked up an apple and started eating it. “Wow Twilight, you’re so lucky to have such a rad assistant. I wish I had someone to do whatever I told them.”

Scootaloo zipped over to Rainbow Dash. “Ooh ooh, me, me, me, me, I’ll do whatever you want Rainbow Dash.”
Starburst rolled his eyes. “Oh brother.”

Rainbow Dash smirked. “Oh yeah pipsqueak, how about taking out the trash?” Rainbow tossed Scootaloo the remains of the apple she was eating.

“Yes mam.” Scootaloo gave a hop, picked up the apple core and ran off.

Rarity walked up next to Dash. “Do we have Spike to thank again for this amazing spread, isn’t he just amazing.” Rarity commented as the others all gathered around. The girls attention was all focused on Spike. 

“Awe come on.” Spike said looking bashful. When no other praises were thrown at him, he asked for them. “I said come on.”  

Pinkie moved in and gave him a noogie. “Ho little Spikey wikey, who knew dragons started off so cutsey wootsie.”

Starburst gagged a little at the affection. Sweetie Belle giggled at his reaction.

“Spike you are such a little star that I just had to make this little bow tie for you.” Rarity levitated up a red bow tie encrusted with gems and placed it around his neck.

Spike gave a smile. “Awe gosh, you guys are embarrassing me, stop it.” He waved a claw. “Nova, Twilight, your turn.”

Nova started. “Nice try Spike, but I think that’s enough praising.”

Twilight agreed. “Yes Spike, we don’t want you getting a swelled head.”

“Oh, all right.” Spike responded.

“Hey every pony, the show is starting!” Sweetie Belle Exclaimed.

The group all lined up to watch the show. Sweetie belle and Apple Bloom climbed onto their sisters backs to get a good view. At the end of the line was Nova and Twilight. The sky was soon filled with shooting stars, their faces aglow from the light show before their eyes. To Nova’s surprise, Twilight leaned in on him as she watched. Nova first looked at her with surprise, but soon turned into a smile. He wrapped a foreleg around her and pulled her closer.

Starburst was at the other end of the group with Scootaloo. He saw her close her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, Starburst asked her a question. “Scootaloo, what were you doing just now?”

“Making a wish, if you make a wish on a falling star, it’s supposed to come true.”

“Really? What did you wish for?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t come true. Don’t you know how to make wishes?” She asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“I’ve never made a wish before, how do you do it?”

“Simple, just close your eyes and think ‘I wish’ then think what you want. It’s easy, try it.”

Starburst looked up at the sky filled with the shooting stars. “I don’t see how wishing on falling rocks will grant a wish, but I suppose it’s worth a try.” Starburst closed his eyes and lowered his head. “I wish me and Nova could see our mother and father again.” Starburst opened his eyes again. “So how long does it take for the wish to come true?” 

“I don’t know, I think it depends on the wish.”

“Oh, well I guess I’ll just have to be patient then.” So Starburst watched the show in silence and wonder as the others did.

As the show went on, Nova couldn’t help but remember something from his past.

“Dad, come on hurry, you’re going to miss it!” Nova called to his dad from their balcony.

“I’m coming Nova, I’m coming. Starla, are you coming?” Nova’s father asked his wife. His skill sign was of a large telescope.

“I’m coming Cosmos, hold on, it’s not easy for me to walk with a baby growing in me.” She responded with a smile as she got up from her seat on the couch. Her skill sign was of a shining star. 

Cosmos went to aid his wife to the balcony. “Hold on, let me help you.” He took to her side and held her foreleg in his as they walked to join their son on the balcony. 

“I can’t believe I get to see a meteor shower, I’ve never seen one before.” Nova stated with a smile. "I just wish my baby brother could have gotten here sooner so he could see it.”

“Me too son.” Cosmos stated. “Don’t worry, there’ll will be another at some point in his life, he’ll get to see one someday.”

The family of three were gathered on the balcony with two moons in view one white, one red. The town before them was of all metal domed houses, some with metal balconies much like the one the family now stood on. In a matter of moments, the night sky lit up with streaks of light as the shower started. They glittered and sped through at great speed. “WHOA, look at that, this is so cosmic!” Nova cheered.

“Nova, why don’t you make a wish?” Starla suggested.

Nova looked to his mother in confusion. “Make a wish?”

“They say if you make a wish on a falling star, it will come true.”

Nova gave a smile as he turned back to the night show. “I don’t need to wish for anything, I have everything I need, I’ve got great friends, wonderful parents, and a baby brother on the way. I don’t need to wish for anything. I’m happy with what I have.”

“I’m glad to hear it son.” Cosmos responded. The three continued to watch the stars in the sky.

“Oh! Oh my.” Starla called out.

“What’s wrong Starla, are you ok?” Cosmos asked with concern in his eyes.

Starla gave a smile. “I’m fine, the baby just kicked.”

“Really, can I feel?” Nova asked.

“Of course, come here Nova.” 

Nova made his way next to his mother and placed a hoof on her side. He felt the little baby inside give a kick. “OH!” Starla called out again. “There he goes again, did you feel it Nova?”

“Yeah I did, I can’t wait to meet him.”

Nova was brought out of his thoughts by Twilight. “Nova, are you all right?”

“Huh, yeah, I’m ok, why?”

“You look sad, is something wrong?”

Nova gave her a smile as he responded. “Just remembering something is all. I’m ok really.”

Twilight returned the smile and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “That’s good, you had me worried there.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.” They resumed their gazing at the show in the sky. “Make a wish huh, might as well give it a try.” Nova closed his eyes and thought to himself. “I wish mom and dad could be here with us.” He opened his eyes again. “I just hope their at least ok and safe. I really miss them.” 

Once the show was over, the group just talked amongst themselves and enjoyed the food provided. “That was some show Twilight, I’m glad I got to see it with you.” Nova stated.

“I’ll say, that was an amazing sight. I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Starburst cheered.

“I’m glad you two enjoyed it.” Twilight responded with a smile.

Pinkie ate the last of the cookies at the picnic by flipping them into the air and eating them up. “Mmm wow, these cookies are DE LISH!”

“Spike Made them.” Twilight pointed out. “Speaking of. Spike, can you bring us some punch?” No reply came. “Spike?” Twilight tried again. 

Spike was then spotted asleep with his head in the punch bowl. Rarity started cooing. “Oh, poor little thing.”
Twilight continued. “Oh, he’s worked himself to the bone.”

Pinkie then made an observation. “And now the punch has been…..SPIKED!” This got every pony to laugh at her little joke.

Once the laughter died down, Nova made an offer. “Twilight, would you like some help cleaning up all this?”

“Thank you Nova, I would.” So Nova, Twilight, and Starburst worked together to get everything packed up. 

Nova walked Twilight back to her house and said their goodnight with a kiss. “Good night Nova, see you tomorrow.”

“Good night Twilight. Sweet dreams.” With that done, Nova and Starburst made their way back home and went to bed for the night.

Morning arrived and the two went about their morning routine before Starburst left for school and Nova got to work on a gem for a pony. “Well, time to get to work I guess.” He said to himself as he made his way to the wall closet next to his work table. It opened up and Nova took out a large clear crystal. “Maybe I should try and recreate my first work, see how it turns out.” Nova set the rough looking spherical gem onto his table and took out his tools to begin work. 

After a while, he managed to recreate his first work and made it look better than before, the gem was smooth and perfectly round with the sonic rainboom looking like flames moving about in a slanted circle within the gem. “Wow, I really outdid myself with this, I can’t wait to show the others, and I just know this is going to become popular as well. I’m just glad it was easier to make this time compared to last time, though back then, I was still little and not as good with my magic as I am now.”

Nova went to retrieve his saddle bag and headed out with his new creation in one of his bags. As he drew closer to Twilight’s place, he noticed the girls were all gathered around Twilight for some reason. Once he got close enough, he heard Pinkie Pie speak up. “Oh, what a fantastic flufflicious friend. I’m hooked.” Pinkie joked.

Nova finally noticed the owl on Twilight’s back. “Hey girls, what’s going on?” He asked on his approached.

Rainbow Dash was the first to greet. “Hey there Nova, Twilight got herself a new owl friend.” 

“Isn’t he so cute?” Fluttershy asked.

“When did you get an owl friend Twilight?” Nova asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Last night, while I was doing some late night studying, a scroll I was working on got blown out the window. This owl here got it for me and returned it. I offered him a place to stay for the night and we just clicked.”

“Well that’s real nice.”

“He’s just wonderful.” Fluttershy commented.

“He’s just wonderful.” Spike mocked from a window sill above holding a book. Spike noticed the ponies looking at him and he quickly changed his tune. “Uh, yes, wonderful. He is quite…….the charmer.” He said the last part through clenched teeth.

Rarity started in then. “And Owlowicious is such a star, I just had to make this little bow tie for you.” Rarity levitated up a bow tie similar to the one she gave Spike before and placed it around the owl’s neck.

The owl just looked at it seemingly uninterested. Spike then started to steam with anger a bit then stormed into the library, slamming the window shut behind him.

Nova seemed to pick up on his actions as he raised an eyebrow. “Uh oh, looks like Spike might be jealous.”

“What’s he so saddle sore about?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow seemed to share the same thoughts as she pointed out what Nova was thinking. “He’s probably just jealous of Owlowicious.”

Fluttershy then came in. “Maybe Spike feels threatened or worried Owlowicious will replace him.”

Twilight didn’t share in their thoughts. “Replace him, HAH, that’s crazy. Spike knows he can’t be replaced.”

Nova interjected. “I don’t know Twilight, he seemed pretty upset there, maybe you should go ahead and reassure him about that anyway.”

“Nova, relax, he’ll be fine.”

Nova gave a sigh. “All right, if you’re sure. Anyway, I wanted to show you all something.”

“Really? What is it, what is it?” Pinkie asked excitedly.

“Take a look.” Nova used his magic to open his saddle bag and levitate out the gem he made. “What do you think? I managed to recreate my first work and improve on it.”

“Oh my heavens darling, it looks better than the first one you made.” Rarity complimented.

“Wow Nova, it looks just like the real thing only smaller.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Oh my, it’s so pretty, you did a great job Nova.” Fluttershy added.

“Thanks girls, I thought you might like it.” Nova then turned to Rarity. “Rarity, I’m counting on you to advertise this one for me so others will know what they can expect if you don’t mind.”

Rarity gave a smile. “Of course not darling. I’d be more than happy to help.” Rarity took the gem in her own magical grasp and started for home. “I’ll see you all later then, I need to get to work on a few designs.”

The girls all said their goodbyes and went their separate ways to take care of their own things, Twilight just walked into her own house after saying good bye to Nova.

With nothing else to do, Nova decided to go ahead and grab lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Good thing he remembered to pack a few bits with him as well before heading out. 

Once inside, he was greeted by Mr. Cake, the co-owner of the place. “Hello there Nova, welcome to our bakery.”

“Hello Mr. Cake, how are you today?”

“Just fine thank you. How about you?”

“I’m fine, I just came by for lunch.”

Mr. Cake gave a smile. “Well then, what would you like?”

“I’ll take a milkshake and…..four doughnuts with sprinkles please.”

“Sure thing, Cupcake, one milkshake and four sprinkled doughnuts please.” Mr. Cake called to the back.

“Coming right up.” Mrs. Cake called back.

Nova paid the required amount and took a seat at a table to wait. As he waited, Derpy came in and was on her way to the counter when she noticed Nova. “Nova, hey there.”

Nova looked to Derpy with a smile. “Oh, hey Derpy, how are you today?”

“I’m fine thanks, what are you up to?”

“I’m just here to grab lunch, I’m guessing you’re here for the same reason?”

“Yep, just give me a sec and place an order and I’ll join you.” Derpy then went to the counter and placed an order for food. After, she joined Nova at the table he was sitting at. “So anything new going on with you?”

“Kind of, me and Twilight are a couple now.” Nova said with a smile.

“Really, that’s great, I hope you two are happy together. You make a nice couple.”

“You really think so?” Nova asked with a bit of surprise.

“Sure do.”

Nova’s smile returned. “Thanks Derpy.” He then seemed to frown a little again as he turned his head to the side.

Derpy saw this and frowned a little herself. “Nova, what’s wrong?”

Nova looked back to Derpy. “It’s nothing, I’m ok.”

“Come on Nova, you can tell me, we are friends aren’t we?” Derpy asked with a smile.

Nova found it hard to say no to those cute crossed eyes. “Well, I don’t know if you would be able to help with this problem I have.”

Derpy gave a smile. “You never know unless you try, go ahead.”

“…..its…..its just that……well…..*sigh* I kind of have this secret I’ve been keeping from every pony and I want to let it out eventually, but I’m afraid that if I do, then no pony will want to be around me anymore. Especially Twilight.”

“Why would a secret you keep do that?”

“It’s a big secret Derpy, one I can’t tell any pony. At least not until I feel more confident I can let it out, but even then, I just know I’ll still be afraid to tell. The girls I hang out with most already know this so I guess I can tell you this as well. I’m not from Equestria originally. And I’m afraid if I tell them where I’m from, then me and my little brother will have to leave.”

Derpy just kept smiling. “Nova, your being silly, no pony here will care about where you’re from, we only care about who you are. And from what I’ve seen about you, you’re a wonderful pony. You’re a good friend who’s smart and caring. If you told me where you were from, I wouldn’t care either, promise.”

Nova smiled at Derpy. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do. We may not get to see each other very much, but I have seen enough of you to know that is how you are.”

“Thanks Derpy, it helps to hear you say that, we really should hang out more often.”

“I’d like that.” Their food soon came out and the two continued to eat and chat some more.

Once their meal was done, they left together and said their goodbyes. As Nova walked passed a corner of the bakery, he saw Spike standing at a side door with Pinkie sticking her head out. Spike was trying to ask for a quill but Pinkie kept tossing other things that weren’t what Spike was looking for. After confessing she didn’t have a quill, Spike started to leave until he spotted Nova. “Nova, I need your help.”

Nova raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong Spike?”

“I need a quill, I don’t suppose you have one do you?”

“What do you need a quill for?”

“For Twilight, she broke her last one and I’m trying to get a replacement. Please tell me you have one.” Spike was sounding desperate.

“Spike calm down, why is this so important?”

“I have to show Twilight I’m her number one assistant, if I don’t , she’s going to replace me with that new owl.”

Nova closed his eyes and gave a sigh. “*sigh* I was afraid of this.” He opened them again and looked at Spike. “Spike, listen to me, Twilight isn’t going to replace you, she cares about you too much. I don’t know much about what’s going on between you, her, and that new owl, but I know for certainty that the owl isn’t going to replace you. Trust me, you’ll be fine.”

Spike still seemed unsure. “You really think so?”

Nova gave a smile. “I know so, maybe you should go tell Twilight about how you feel so she can tell you herself that you aren’t going to be replaced.”

Spike still seemed unsure. “Still, I just have to find her a quill, thanks any way Nova, see you around.” Spike then raced off in his quest to find a quill.

Nova watched with worry as Spike ran off. “Oh Spike, maybe I should try to talk to Twilight about this before things get worse. But then again, it may have to wait until tomorrow, I do have a lot of work to catch up on. I just hope things don’t get worse than they are until I can try to settle this.” Nova then went on home to continue with his work.

Things were uneventful until the next day when Starburst went to school again and Nova made a few last touches on one of the gems he was working on. Once finished, they were finally ready to deliver to Rarity. He packed them up, put on his necklace, and headed out.

Upon his arrival, he was just in time to catch Rarity on her way out with her cat. “Hello Rarity.”

“Oh, hello Nova, what brings you by?” She asked with a smile.

“I have some gems ready for you.”

“Splendid, but I’m afraid your timing is bad, I’m on my way to Fluttershy’s for a tea party, I don’t want to be late. However, I do have a few more orders for you.” Rarity produced a scroll with a list of orders for him. “I do realize it’s a lot and I am sorry, but you know how it is.”

“It’s fine, I’ll drop off these gems later and get to work on some of these. I’ll see you later then.” Nova took hold of the scroll with his magic and held it in front of him as Rarity went on her way.

As Nova was looking over the scroll he heard a bang behind him, he looked to Rarity’s door but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He just shrugged and continued to look over it a bit more. After he got to the bottom of the list, he rolled it up in his magic and placed it in his bag. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw something.

Nova quickly looked in the direction and saw Spike wearing a top hat, a black cape, and a fake mustache looking rather shifty. “Spike, what are you doing?” Nova called out to him.

Nova’s voice seemed to startle Spike. “YAH, OH, uh, hey Nova, nothing really.”

“Spike, what is with this get up, why are you wearing all that?” Nova asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, you see, I thought Rarity would like it, but she isn’t home so I’ll just be on my way.” Spike was obviously nervous about something.

“Spike hold on.” Spike stopped in his tracks. “Spike, I can tell something is bothering you, it’s this whole owlowicious thing isn’t it. You can come to me about anything you know.”

“Thanks for the offer, but you don’t have to worry, I got everything under control.” Spike gave a wicked smile.

“So you told Twilight how you’re feeling about Owlowicious?”

“No, but I don’t need to. Trust me, everything is fine.”

Nova wanted to press further but he needed to get to work on the orders he just got. “Spike, please promise me you’ll at least talk to Twilight about this before you do anything rash.”

“Nova, I can handle this, you have nothing to worry about, now if you’ll excuse me, I have something to do.” Spike then ran off.

Nova just shook his head and went on home. There just wasn’t anything he could do at the moment.
Nova just worked on through the day and night soon fell, Starburst had gone on to bed as he worked a bit more. After a while, Nova decided to finally stop working and head to bed for sleep. Before he could though, there was a knock at the door. “Now who could that be?” Nova put on his necklace and answered the door. A very worried Twilight stood before him. 

“Nova, I need your help!”

“Whoa, Twilight calm down, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Spike, he ran away and I don’t know where to find him, please help me look for him.” Twilight pleaded. 

“Ran away?! By the stars I was afraid of this, I should have said something sooner. I’m such an idiot.” “All right, just give me a minute to leave a note for Starburst in case he wakes up while I’m gone.” Nova went inside and found a scroll to make use of. Once he wrote out the message, he went off with Twilight to her place to look for any idea where he might have gone.

Upon approach, Nova spotted red splotches on the ground that looked like foot prints. “Twilight, look, I think these are footprints, but why are they red.”

“That must be ketchup from when Spike tried to set up Owlowicious.”

“Come on, lest follow them, they’re sure to lead us to Spike.” Nova lead the way with Owlowicious flying overhead.

“I just don’t understand why Spike would try to make Owlowicious look guilty and run away like this.” Twilight thought out loud.

“I think I do.” Nova stated.

“Really, why?”

“Because he felt threatened, he thought your new pet here was going to replace him. I saw how he was reacting and I could have said something sooner, but I didn’t. I’m such an idiot.”

Twilight became saddened. “No, I’m the idiot, I should have been more sensitive to Spike’s feelings. Now because of me, he ran away.”

“Don’t say that Twilight, it’s partly my fault to. When I realized what was going on, it should have been my responsibility to say something but I didn’t. Don’t worry, we’ll find him.” Nova gave Twilight a reassuring smile. Twilight returned the smile. The trail soon led them to the Everfree forest.

They continued to follow the trail and it led them to a cave. “Spike must be in there.” Twilight stated. After which, a loud roar was heard coming from within. “Oh no, SPIKE!” Twilight was about to run in when Nova stopped her.

“No Twilight, it sounds like there’s a dragon in there, it’s too dangerous. You wait out here, I’ll go get Spike.”

“But Nova…” Twilight tried to object. 

“No buts, I’m not about to let you risk yourself, just wait out here and I’ll get Spike. I promise we’ll be fine.” Nova then rushed in to find Spike. He came in just in time to see Spike get cornered by a large green dragon. Thinking his wings would come in handy, he zapped them in and called out to get the dragon’s attention. “HEY SCALE FACE, OVER HERE!” It worked as the dragon turned to him.

“Another trespasser!”

“You leave him alone you brute, he’s just a baby dragon!”

“He was eating MYGEMS!” The dragon roared out before shooting fire at Nova. Nova managed to jump up in the air to dodge the flames. Nova then started zipping around the dragon as it helplessly swatted at him. 

“Spike, get out of here now!” Nova called to Spike. Nova shot a beam of magic at the side of the dragon’s neck. It didn’t leave any marks but it did cause the dragon to call out in pain. 

“YAAAAAHHHH!” Spike took the opportunity to head for the exit where he saw Twilight waving at him frantically.
“Spike, over here!”

Spike wasted no time. Nova took a chance to look and see if Spike was safe. Once he saw Spike reach Twilight, he headed for the exit as well with the dragon on his tail.

Spike had jumped onto Twilight’s back and she started galloping off. Nova caught up with them as he continued to fly just in time to avoid a blast of fire, but the dragon was not about to give up. 

Nova continued to fly just behind Twilight as the dragon chased. “It’s too dark, I can’t see!” Twilight cried out. Owlowicious took the lead and showed Twilight and Nova around fallen branches and trees as he weaved. Eventually, the dragon ran into some trees it could not get passed on the ground. It reared up in anger and breathed fire into the air. Eventually, the group got out of the forest and had a moment to catch their breath. 

Nova dismissed his wings as he and Twilight were panting while Owlowicious perched on a nearby tree and Spike climbed off Twilight’s back. “Spike, we were so worried about you, I was so worried about you.” Twilight started. “I’m so sorry Spike, I know why you ran away and I’m really sorry. I should have been more sensitive to your feelings.”

“You do?” Spike asked looking at Twilight sadly. 

“I do, you felt jealous of Owlowicious and was afraid he was taking your job, but that isn’t the case Spike, he’s just here to help out a little at night. You’re a baby dragon and you need your sleep. I can’t expect you to stay up all night. He isn’t your replacement Spike, no one could replace you, even when you are being a jealous numbskull.” Twilight finished with a smile.

Spike returned the smile. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do. You’re my number one assistant after all.”

Spike then hugged Twilight, which she gladly returned. “And I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have been jealous.”

“It’s fine Spike, I should have been more sensitive to your feelings.”

Spike then turned to Owlowicious. “And Owlowicious, I know now that you weren’t out to take my job, forgive me?”

“Hoo.” Was the owl’s only response.

“Me, forgive me, Spike.”

“Hoo.” Was all Spike got in response.

Spike turned to twilight with his shoulders raised as he shook his head in confusion.

Twilight laughed. “Hm hm, he forgives you Spike.”

Nova finally cut in. “Well, I’m glad this had been resolved, can we head home now, I’m exhausted.”

Twilight came up to Nova. “Nova, thank you so much for helping me find Spike and rescuing him, how can I ever repay you?” Before he could answer, Twilight started moving her head in for a kiss. 

Nova was just more than happy to oblige.

Spike just turned his head around in disgust. “Ewe.” Once they were done. Spike walked up to Nova. “Nova, thank you for saving me from that dragon, I really owe you one.”

Nova waved a hoof. “Forget it buddy, just remember, if you’re having any problems, feel free to come to me for help.”

“Will do. So how did you guys know where I was?”

Twilight answered. “It was your ketchup covered feet. Nova spotted them when I went to him for help and we followed them all the way to the cave.”

Spike smiled. “Oh yeah, the ketchup, it looked pretty real though didn’t it?” Twilght just shot him a look. Spike just gave a nervous laugh in response. “Uh, heh heh heh.”

“Come on guys, lets head on home.” Nova stated. The group headed on back to Ponyville. Once there, they went their separate ways after saying their goodnights, Twilight giving Nova another kiss as a thank you which he was more than happy to receive. Finally, Nova went on home feeling tired and went on to bed for a good night’s sleep.

> Pinkie's Crazy Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pinkie’s Crazy Party



“So Nova, can I help with Pinkie’s Surprise party preparations tomorrow?” Starburst asked happily.

Nova gave a smile as he answered. “Sorry Starburst, but you have school tomorrow, remember? Don’t worry though, the party will start after you get out so you can take part in it.”

Starburst was a little downtrodden at not being able to help, but at least he could be there for the party. Nova and the girls, excluding Pinkie, made plans to get a surprise party ready for Pinkie pie since it was her birthday tomorrow. “Ok Nova, I’d better get  going now.” 

Before Starburst could take off however, there was a knock at the door. “I wonder who that could be this early?” Nova asked himself. He went over to open the door and was greeted with a singing Pinkie Pie dressed up like a giant present.

This is your singing telegram we hope it finds you well.
Your invited to a party cause we think you’re really swell.
Gummies turning one year old so help us celebrate,
The cake will be delicious the festivities first rate.

There will be games and dancing,
bob for apples cut a rug,
And when the parties over we’ll gather round for a group hug.

No need to bring a gift being there will be enough, 
Birthdays mean having fun with friends not getting lots of stuff.
It won’t be the same without you so we hope that you say yes,
So please oh please RSVP and come and be our guest.

“Um….” Nova was a little speechless at Pinkie suddenly showing up and singing.

Starburst, on the other hoof, had no problem. “Nice song Pinkie, so are you inviting us to a party this afternoon?”

Pinkie smiled brightly. “Well DUH, weren’t you paying attention to my song? It’s this afternoon at around five, hope you can make it.” 

Before Nova could even answer, Pinkie sped off heading into town. “Well, that was interesting, I guess we get to go to a party this afternoon.”

Starburst grew excited. “Neat, two parties in a row. This is going to be fun.” Starburst then galloped off for school. “See you later Nova!” He called out as he waved a hoof.

Nova called back after him. “See you later Starburst.” With that, Nova went back inside to get to work on a few gems.

Later that evening, Nova and Starburst were at Pinkie’s party having fun. The two brothers hung around the snack table for now. Starburst was enjoying the treats while Nova just chatted with Rarity. After a moment, Rarity excused herself to get some punch and came back with a cup. She just finished drinking it through a straw when Pinkie came over and refilled her cup. “This punch is simply devine, is this the same recipe you used for your spring has sprung celebration?”

Rarity started drinking more as Pinkie Pie informed her. “Nope something new, it’s Gummy’s favorite.” Nova, Starburst, and Rarity looked over to the punch and saw Pinkie’s little pet gator in the punch with his eyes staring blankly. 

Rarity promptly spat out the punch she drank back out into Pinkie’s face. Pinkie just kept her bright smile when it happened. “I am not touching that punch.” Starburst said quietly to his older brother. Twilight, who had been walking by at the time, looked nervously at Rarity. 

Rarity just gave a fake smile and sipped some more punch up keeping it in her cheeks. Music started up. “Ooh, this is my jam!” Pinkie cheered then ran off. Rarity spat out the punch into a nearby plant.

Twilight trotted over to Nova. “Nova, care to dance?” Twilight asked happily.

Nova smiled at Twilight. “Sure, let’s go.” The two made their way onto the dance floor where Fluttershy was already dancing. 

As they danced, Pinkie zipped over to them and asked. “Having fun?”

“The best.” Twilight replied.

“Sure am Pinkie.” Nova said with a smile.

“You always throw the best parties Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy complimented.

Pinkie smiled big as she responded. “Their always the best because my best friends are there.” Pinkie got a little over excited with her dancing and knocked the three back and into a wall.

Nova got up first and helped Twilight. “You okay Twilight?” He asked with concern.

Twilight gave a smile. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

“Let’s keep our distance from Pinkie while she dances.” Nova suggested.

“Good idea.” Twilight agreed. 

“Come on every pony, Gummy wants to dance!” Pinkie called. Soon every pony was now on the dance floor in a circle with gummy at the center. He just stood there wagging his tail back and forth.

The sun set and evening was soon upon them. Starburst had partied a little too hard as Nova had to now carry his sleeping form on his back out. Nova was escorting Twilight back to her house when they heard Pinkie call out before they got too far away. “You sure you don’t want to stay? There’s still some cake left.”

Twilight was the first to respond. “I think I’m going to pass.”

Nova then answered. “Me too, I need to get this one to bed.” Nova gestured to his sleeping little brother.

“Great party though, we should do this again soon.” Twilight followed up. Nova and Twilight then continued on their way.

Nova turned his attention to Twilight. “I really had a fun time with you Twilight.”

Twilight looked to Nova with a smile. “Me too.”

“So we’re set for getting Pinkie’s party together tomorrow?” He asked.

“Yep, we just have to be careful Pinkie doesn’t find out.” 

They soon reached Twilight’s house. They said their goodbyes and shared a kiss. Nova went on his way back home with Starburst still asleep on his back.

“Mmmm, more cupcakes please.” Starburst mumbled in his sleep.

Nova chuckled at his little brother. “Hm hm, oh Starburst.” He soon reached home, walked inside, dropped his disguise, and removed Starburst’s necklace. Then made his way to their room and tucked Starburst in. “Good night little brother, sleep well.” Nova whispered to Starburst. He then climbed into bed and went to sleep.

Morning soon arrived, Nova and Starburst were sitting down for breakfast when there was a knock at the door. “Who could that be at this hour?” Nova wondered out loud. He put on his necklace and activated it to disguise himself, then levitated over Starburst’s necklace to him to put on, then went over to answer and found Pinkie standing before him with a basket on her head.

“Hi Nova!” Pinkie cheered happily.

“Pinkie Pie?” Nova raised an eyebrow curiously. “What are you doing here so early?”

“It’s soon, so I thought since we all had fun at Gummy’s party yesterday, we could have even more fun at an after party.” Pinkie informed happily. Nova levitated an invitation out from the basked on Pinkie’s head.

Nova opened the envelope and read it. The party Pinky wanted to throw was to be this afternoon at three, the same time as Pinkie’s surprise birthday party. Nova had to think of a way to avoid it. He didn’t want to hurt Pinkie’s feelings, but he was sure she would get over it once she saw the reason behind his avoiding her. “Sorry Pinkie, but I don’t think we can make it. Starburst still has a lot of homework from school this afternoon, plus I need to catch up on some gem orders. I’m afraid we can’t make it.”

“We can’t?” Starburst asked curiously which was met with a simple nudge from Nova. “Oh, uh,right….we can’t.” 

Nova gave Pinkie an apologetic look. “Sorry Pinkie.”

Pinkie looked sad at first. “Oh, that’s ok. A party is still a party, even with only four guests, I’ll see you later then.” Pinkie then hopped off.

“Bye Pinkie, see you later.” Nova called after her. Once she was gone, Nova could relax. “Whew, that was close.”

“She wanted to throw another party already?” Starburst asked.

Nova retorted with a question of his own as he looked at his little brother. “Think about it Starburst, she’s a party pony, I’m not really surprised she wants to throw another party so soon. But we got her surprise party to throw for her this afternoon. You’d better get going, you don’t want to be late for school do you?”

“No, I’ll see you later after school Nova.” Starburst then galloped off for school.

Once Starburst was gone, he made his way to Twilight’s. He was going to help her get things ready for the party. He came to her door and knocked. Twilight greeted Nova with a smile. “Good morning Nova.”

Nova returned the smile. “Good morning Twilight. I’m ready to help with the preperations.”

“Great, our first stop is Sugarcube Corner to get a cake.”

Nova made an observation. “Where’s Spike, isn’t he here?” Nova noticed the absence of a certain purple and green dragon.

“He’s over at Rarity’s helping her out.” Twilight informed.

“Well then, shall we?” Nova raised a foreleg for Twilight to take with a warm smile.

Twilight giggled at his antics. “Hm hm, of course.” She took his foreleg and they went on their way, but they had to be careful and make sure a certain pink party pony didn’t see them.

As they drew closer to Sugarcube Corner, they took to ducking and hiding behind stalls, carts, crates, and ally ways so as not to be spotted by Pinkie. Once the bakery was in sight, the slunk slowly and stopped in front of a vegetable stand, then snuck over to behind a tree. They hid in the bushes a moment while Nova scoped out the area. “Hmm, no sign of her, looks like it’s clear Twilight.” He said as he looked back at her.

“Right then, let’s move.” She said with a nod. The two made their way to the bakery and inside. Nova still kept a watchful eye while Twilight rung the belle to let the cakes know there was a customer. 

Mrs. Cake came out to greet them. “Oh, you must be here for-“

“Shh!” Twilight cut her off. She then whispered to Mrs. Cake. “Is Pinkie Pie around?”

Cup Cake whispered back. “I don’t think so.”

Twilight gave a smile. “Good, I don’t want her to know anything about this.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll be right back.” Mrs. Cake said before turning to go to the back to retrieve the cake for the party.

Once gone, Twilight’s mouth was covered by a green hoof. She looked down at it in surprise at first, then turned to its source. Nova gave a gesture with his other hoof for her to be silent. He pointed it to a tin can dangling just above their heads. Twilight nodded in understanding. Nova made a solid mass of magic in a small crescent shape and sent it at the string the can hung from.

Nova managed to catch the can before it fell. Twilight then whispered to Nova. “Nova, what is that?”

Nova eyed the can first, then looked at the string and saw it came from the ceiling above them. Nova whispered back to inform Twilight of his theory. “I think Pinkie is here. She may have just heard us.”

Twilight grew a little worried. “Uh oh, you don’t think she’s onto us already do you?”

“I don’t think so, we didn’t say anything to give too much away. We should be careful though and get the cake out of here just in case.” Nova said in a hush tone.

Cup Cake soon returned with the cake box hanging in her teeth by the strings and set it on the counter. “There you go.”

Twilight gave a smile. “Thanks, and remember, not a word to Pinkie Pie.”

Nova said his goodbye as well. “Bye Mrs. Cake, thanks for the cake.”

Nova and Twilight continued on, still trying to hide and sneak around town. Twilight was carrying the cake on her back as they snuck around. Their destination was Rarity’s place.

Nova followed Twilight as she rang the door belle. Nova kept looking around for anything suspicious. Rarity came out and sidled up to Twilight. “She didn’t see you at the sweet shop did she?” Rarity asked.

“She may have, Nova saw a tin can that Pinkie may have been using to listen in on us while we spoke with Mrs. Cake.” Twilight explained.

Rarity looked worried. “Oh dear, did you say anything to spoil the surprise?”

Nova answered. “No, I don’t think so. I doubt she could have figured it out with what we said. Anyway, here’s the cake.”

Twilight slyly dropped the cake. “Nova, go with Rarity and keep an eye out, you’ve been doing good so far.” 

“Sure thing Twilight.” Nova responded.

Rarity slyly picked up the cake with her tail and carried it in her tails curls. Twilight went on her way and Nova followed Rarity.

As they walked, Nova stopped after having possibly seen something large out of the corner of his eye. “What is it Nova, did you see something?” Rarity asked worriedly.

“Hmm, I don’t know, we better keep moving.” Nova responded.

They soon came across Fluttershy who was hiding in an ally. Rarity gave her a wink. “Have you seen her?” She asked.

“Not since this morning.” Fluttershy responded. 

“Me neither, can you believe she was going to throw an after birthday party today?” Rarity asked sounding aghast.

“I’m just glad I could come up with an excuse for why I couldn’t be there.”

“Me too, this is obviously going to be so much better.”

“As long as we keep her from finding out about it, it will.” Fluttershy responded.

Nova cut in. “I know were doing this to keep it a surprise, but I still feel bad lying to her like this.” Nova whispered quietly.

Rarity put a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “Don’t worry dear, she’ll get over it once she sees what we did for her.” She gave a reassuring smile.

Nova smiled back. “All right then.”

Rarity set the cake down in front of Fluttershy. “See you later.” 

Fluttershy picked up the box by the string with her teeth. She was about to walk off when Nova stopped her. “Hold on Fluttershy.”

She stopped and looked at Nova worriedly. “What is it?”

Nova eyed a corner where he saw something move fast and duck behind a building. “I think we better go a different way, come on.”

“Oh, ok.” Fluttershy simply followed Nova’s directions.

A little while later, they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and met Applejack and the others in her barn where the party was. “Hey Applejack, we got the cake.” Nova informed.

“Great, just set it there and you two can help us get started setting things up, we just need to wait fer Rainbow Dash ta get here.” Applejack said.

Nova took the cake from Fluttershy with his magic and floated it over to a table at the center. Later, Twilight then came up to him with a question. “Nova, I wanted to ask you about that thing you did when you cut that string. I never saw a spell like that, how did you do that?”

Nova informed while they got a few decorations up. “It’s a spell that can let me make solid objects. I concentrate the magic and focus it to the point of compressing till it’s solid. It’s kind of an advanced spell.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Wow, that’s incredible. Can you teach me that spell?” She asked excitedly.

Before Nova could answer, Rainbow Dash suddenly zipped in and Applejack closed the barn door behind her. “Rainbow Dash, what is going on?” Rarity asked.

Before Rainbow could answer, there was a knocking at the door. “I know YOU’RE IN THERE!” Pinkie’s voice yelled out from the other side.

Applejack motioned for all the ponies to be quiet before she opened the top half of the door and looked out.  “Oh uh, howdy partner.” She greeted with a nervous smile.

“Mind if I….take a look inside the barn?” Pinkie asked forcefully.

“No, I mean yes, I mean…..you can’t come in here.” Applejack stuttered with her words.

“Rainbow Dash just went in.” Pinkie pointed out harshly.

Applejack gave a nervous smile. “She was just bringing in some uh….supplies. Yep, supplies fer the….renovation. Fixin up the whole thing, top to bottom.” Applejack looked over her shoulder. “Lots of construction going on in there right now!”

Rainbow whispered to the others. “You heard her, construction.” The ponies then stated making sounds like construction equipment.

Pinkie just eyed, Applejack while she smiled nervously back. Pinkie kept trying to look in but Applejack kept blocking her view.

Pinkie then tried to push her head in, but Applejack pushed back with her head. The two went back and forth until finally, Applejack closed the door on Pinkie’s head, forcing her to pull back. “Yep, construction. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Pinkie just glared at her for a moment. Applejack gulped nervously and was sweating with a nervous smile. 

Pinkie finally said something after a tense moment. “Okie dokie lokie.” She said slowly.

When it seemed she was leaving, Applejack was about to let out a sigh when Pinkie suddenly popped back in her face. She eyed Applejack again then left for real. Applejack was finally free to let out her sigh she had been holding, as did the other ponies.

After some time of work, the party was now set and Starburst showed up. “Hey Nova, wow, the place looks great, you all did a wonderful job.” Starburst complimented.

“Thanks partner.” Applejack thanked. “So how was yer day at school?”

“It was all right, I do like learning all this stuff.”

“That’s good to hear.” Rarity responded.

Twilight then cut in. “All right every pony, looks like we’re ready for Pinkie.”

“Great, I’ll go get her.” Nova volunteered.

“All right then. Just bring her on by so we can get this party started.” Rainbow Dash cheered.

Nova left the barn and made his way to town and to Sugarcube corner.

Nova soon arrived at Sugarcube corner and was greeted by Mrs. Cake again. “Hello again Mrs. Cake, is Pinkie Pie here?”

“She is, but I think she has company over?” She said with a bit of confusion.

Nova raised an eyebrow. “Really, who?”

“Well I don’t know, I didn’t see any pony come in, but I am hearing other voices up there.”

Nova thought for a moment. “Well, I’ll just go on up and get her for the party.”

“All right then, have fun.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile.

Nova went upstairs and went to Pinkie’s room. He did indeed hear other voices in there before he opened the door. He knocked on the door first then walked in. “Pinkie, hello?” The sight that greeted him was an odd one. There was a bucket of turnips, a stack of rocks, a ball of lint, and a bag of flower all sitting on stools around a table with a big cake. The worst sight to Nova was Pinkie, she looked grey and her mane and Tail was all straight. “Pinkie, are you okay?” Nova asked worriedly.

“Oh, hello Nova. What are you doing here?” Pinkie asked angrily.

“Uh, I came by to see if you wanted to go somewhere with me, I’m sorry I couldn’t make the party you were throwing so I want to do something to make it up to you. I got something for you at Applejack’s barn.”

Pinkie suddenly pushed the stack of rocks in front of Nova’s face and made it talk in a kind of tough guy act. “She ain’t goin no where with you punk.”

Pinkie then talked as herself. “That’s right, I’m staying right here with my real friends. Right madam le flour?”

She then manipulated the bag of flour to make it look like it was talking with a french accent. “We, zat is correct madam.”

Nova got a little more worried at this point. “Um, Pinkie, are you feeling ok?”

Pinkie made the lint talk in a kind of bored sounding voice. “She’s just fine, she don’t need you around.”

Pinkie then talked for herself. “That’s right, I don’t, so why don’t you just go be somewhere else.”

Nova was REALLY worried now. “Pinkie, you are starting to worry me here, what is going on?”

“Hmph, like I should tell you.” Pinkie crossed her forelegs. “Just go away and leave me alone. I know you don’t want to be my friend anymore, I’ve got better friends now.”

Nova raised an eyebrow at this. “Not be your friend anymore? Pinkie that’s ridiculous, of course I’m your friend. Why do you think I don’t want to be your friend?”

Pinkie glared at Nova and pointed a hoof at him. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know you and the others have been lying to me as to why you can’t come to gummies party.”

“You know? Then why do you seem upset about it, and what’s with this not being friends anymore?” Nova asked again.

Pinkie made the bucket of turnips speak. “She doesn’t need to explain anything to you, so get lost.”

Nova looked at Pinkie sadly. “Pinkie, please tell me what this is about. I’m really worried about you.”

Pinkie glared at Nova again. “FINE, you really want me to spell it out. I know you all have been lying to me and avoiding me because you all don’t want ot be my friends anymore.”

Nova’s eyes widened in surprise. “WHAT? Pinkie, that’s ridiculous, where did you get such an idea?”

“Spike told me all about it, that’s how.”

“Spike, but why would he…” Nova stopped and thought, he couldn’t come up with anything so just let it go for now. “It seems I need to have a word with Spike.” Nova turned his attention to Pinkie. “Pinkie, I swear to you that is not true. Yes we lied to you, but it was for a good reason, it wasn’t because we don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

“Yeah right, don’t lie to me.” Pinkie continued to be stubborn.

Nova closed his eyes and shook his head. “Pinkie.” He went around to the table to face Pinkie eye to eye. She just turned herself around and closed her eyes to avoid eye contact. “Pinkie, please look at me.”

“Hmpf.” Was his only answer.

Nova put a hoof on her shoulder. “Pinkie, please look at me, I swear I’m not lying.”

Pinkie looked at Nova over her shoulder with one eye. “…..”

“Please Pinkie, just look at me.” Nova pleaded.

Pinkie finally turned around, but still looked angry.

“Pinkie, look me in the eyes. I SWEAR to you, I am not lying. Me and the others are still your friends. Yes we lied and came up with excuses as to why we couldn’t come to Gummy’s party, but it was for a good reason. Not because we don’t want to be your friends. Please just come with me to Applejack’s barn and everything will be made clear.”

Pinkie’s anger seemed to vanish and was replaced with a frown. “You really promise?” She asked.

Nova gave a smile and performed the Pinkie promise. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Pinkie gave a small smile at that, but was still looking sad. “Well, all right, I’ll come with you.”

Nova gave a smile. “You won’t regret it.” 

Nova led a still melancholy Pinkie with gummy on her back, back to the barn. Upon opening the door for her, the others popped out and yelled. “SURPRISE!”

Pinkie just stood there looking at them. “Come on in Pinkie.” Nova urged her.

She didn’t budge. “I thought she’d be more surprised.” Fluttershy commented quietly.

Nova grabbed her by the hoof. “Come on Pinkie, this party is for you.”

Pinkie sneered. “This party is for me, YOU LIED TO ME!”

“What, what are you talking about?” Nova asked surprised. 

“You promised I wouldn’t be disappointed but here I find this farewell party instead!” Pinkie shouted.

“Farewell party?” Twilight asked.

“YES, you don’t like me anymore so you decided to kick me out of the group and throw a great big party to celebrate. A farewell to Pinkie Pie party.”

Applejack came trotting up to Pinkie. “Why in the hay do ya think we don’t like ya anymore sugar cube?”

“Why?....why!?....WHY!?” She said loudly. “Because you’ve been lying to me and avoiding me all day, THAT’S WHY!” She said as she flailed her hooves in the air. She then turned to Nova. “And you! You broke a pinkie promise! You promised there was a good reason for all the lies and avoiding but there isn’t, I can’t believe you Nova.”

Nova began to explain. “Pinkie, you got it all wrong, this isn’t a farewell party. This is a surprise BIRTHDAY party.”

Rarity then came in. “We’ve been planning this party for such a long time, we had to come up with reasons why we couldn’t attend Gummy’s party so we could get everything ready for yours.”

“If this is a farewell party, why does the cake me and Nova picked up from Sugarcube Corner say ‘Happy Birthday Pinkie Pie’?” Twilight pointed out.

Pinkie then just looked around and saw all the streamers and balloons. She seemed to think a moment, then suddenly, her mane and tail poofed up and her color came back. “because it’s my birthday! Oh how could I have forgotten my own birthday?” She asked as she grabbed the ponies into a group hug. 

“Uh, Pinkie, you squishing us.” Starburst pointed out in a strained voice.

Pinkie then dropped them and continued. “And you all like me so much you decided to throw me a surprise party.”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you darling.” Rarity pointed out.

Pinkie hopped excitedly. “You all are the best friends evere!” She then stopped hopping and looked regretful. “How could I have ever doubted you?”

Twilight trotted up to her. “It’s all right Pinkie Pie, it could have happened to any of us.”

Pinkie then turned to Nova. “And Nova, I’m sorry for accusing you of breaking a pinkie promise. You really did keep it. I’m sorry.”

Nova gave a smile. “It’s all right Pinkie, but I think the distress you were feeling was because of Spike. He’s the one that told you we didn’t want to be your friends.”

“WHAT?” the girls all asked then turned to Spike who was looking confused. 

“What?” He asked as he shrugged his shoulders. 

Nova approached him. “Spike, why did you tell Pinkie we didn’t want to be her friends anymore?” He asked as he gave Spike a wary unpleasant look.


“Well, she told me to. She had me under a light and was getting all upset about something. She said something about wanting me to confess so I did. But then she flipped out so I just asked her what she wanted me to say. Then she just said she wanted me to tell her that her friends and lying to her because they don’t like her parties and don’t want to be her friends anymore.”

Nova thought for a moment, then facehoofed. “Spike, I think she wanted you to tell her WHY we were lying to her and avoiding her. Apparently she caught on to us lying as to why we couldn’t come to the party she wanted to throw.”

Spike gave a sheepish smile. “Am I in trouble?”

Twilight laughed. “Hm hm, no Spike, you’re not.”

Starburst then cheered out. “So what are we waiting for, lets party!”

With that, the party started and every pony started having a good time.

During the celebration, Pinkie came up to Nova. “Nova, I want to thank you for earlier.”

Nova looked at her with confusion. “What do you mean Pinkie?”

“Well, with the way I was acting before, I thought you might just leave. But you didn’t, you kept trying to get me to come with you to this party. I’m sorry for doubting you and thank you for getting me here.” She gave a big smile.

Nova returned the smile. “You’re welcome Pinkie.” To Nova’s surprise, Pinkie suddenly hugged him. Nova just smiled and hugged back.

“You’re an amazing friend Nova.” Pinkie pointed out.

“Thanks, just promise next time you think me or the others don’t want to be your friend, you’ll come talk to us BEFORE you replace us with inanimate objects.”

Pinkie blushed with a squee. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I will.” 

> One Lonely Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


One Lonely Night



The time had finally come, it was the day of the galla that was to be held tonight in Canterlot. Despite himself, Nova was actually looking forward to it. Sure he would be nervous going to a new town with ponies he had never met, but he would have his friends there with him to keep him company, they promised they would stick with him. While at the galla tonight, his little brother Starburst was going to stay at Applejack’s where Big Macintosh and Granny Smith would watch him, plus, he would have Applebloom to play with until tomorrow when he came to pick him up.

Nova knew he wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise. When he first came to this world, and to Ponyville, he was really nervous and scared about it, but his little brother’s enthusiasm and company helped him through it. And when he came to Appleloosa, he did have his friends there, but he was too distraught over his little brother being kidnapped to feel afraid. Concern, worry, and fear for his little brother dominated his fear of meeting other ponies. Tonight was going to be different, Nova had six wonderful friends that would be going with him and he knew they wouldn’t abandon him. Not to mention Twilight, his marefriend as well. 

It was just after noon when Nova and Starburst left to meet the others at Rarity’s boutique to start getting ready for the galla. When they arrived, they saw Twilight lying on the ground trying to read a book while Pinkie was jumping up and down excitedly on a trampoline. She spoke between bounces. “AH…I…can’t…believe….the grand…galloping….galla…is….tonight!”

Twilight was getting frustrated with Pinkie Pie. She furrowed her brow as she looked at Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie, please stop shouting, I’m trying to concentrate!”

Nova and Starburst approached her as Nova said hello. “Hey there Twilight, what are you doing?”

Twilight still looked upset but she spoke nicely to Nova. “Hello Nova, I’m trying to get this spell down.” 

Nova was about to ask what the spell was but then Rarity came out and saw Pinkie jumping. She rushed over and scolded Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie, stop that right now, it’s time to prepare for the gala and I refuse to let you put on your dress when you’re all sweaty.” 

Pinkie stopped, but she didn’t look too happy. She jumped down off the trampoline and looked towards Twilight while standing next to Spike. Pinkie asked the question that was on Nova’s mind to Spike. “What’s Twilight doing?”

“She’s got an awesome magic spell she’s been working on for the gala.” Spike answered. 

“Where are the others, it’s getting late.” Rarity questioned as she joined them.

“Hold yer horses girl, we’re here.” Applejack called as she, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy approached. 

“Hi girls.” Starburst happily greeted.

“Hey there squirt, good to see ya.” Rainbow Dash greeted back. 

“Hello Starburst.” Fluttershy also greeted.

“Good ta see you two partner.” Applejack responded. 

Twilight cut into the greeting. “Perfect, I’m ready.” She stated proudly as she closed the book with her magic. 

“For what?” Rainbow questioned.

“All right Spike.” Twilight said as Spike walked up to her with an apple and placed it on the ground in front of her.

Pinkie’s mood was happy again as she saw the red fruit. “An apple, are we having pie?”

“Shh, watch.” Spike hushed the ponies so Twilight could concentrate.

Twilight lit up her horn and it began to glow with her purple aura. The apple began to glow the same color as it was enveloped in Twilight’s magic. The apple began to bulge and recede in some spots, then move about and shutter. Eventually the apple exploded in size, gaining yellow wheels, windows, a door and a seat at the front. The apple had turned into an apple carriage. The girls all sounded off in approval.

Even Nova threw in his compliment. “Wow Twilight, that’s amazing. That carriage looks great.”

Twilight gave a smile to Nova. “Thanks Nova. And thank you girls, but that’s just the start.” Twilight walked over to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?”

Four white mice popped out of the top of Fluttershy’s mane. “Yes, will they be safe Twilight?” She questioned as she lowered her head to let them down onto the ground. They just stood there with each other.

“You have my word.” Twilight stated confidently. She lit her horn up again and the four mice were enveloped in her magic aura as well. Just like that, they changed size and shape like the apple. The four mice had turned into horses but still kept their whiskers, mouse like ears, nose, and buck teeth. “Ta da!” The group did not seem as impressed as before as they all sounded unsure. “Neat huh? And don’t worry, they’ll be mice again at midnight.”

Little to anypony’s knowledge, Opal Essence was lurking about in a nearby bush and saw the horse mice. Her eyes gleamed with predatory intent. She leapt from the bushes and latched onto the flank of the nearest horse mouse. “Opal Essence no.” Fluttershy tried to stop the cat but it was too late. This panicked the mouse horse and the others, causing them to gallop away in fear.

“Wait, come back!” Twilight called to them, hoping to stop them. It didn’t work of course and they were long gone. “Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage, how will we get to the galla?” 

Nova made a suggestion in hopes of helping. “I suppose I could pull it.” He offered. 

Rarity interjected. “Perish the thought dear, you coming to the galla with us, it wouldn’t be right. Besides, I have another idea.” Rarity walked over to a pair of stallions talking. Rarity put on her charm as she spoke. “Uh, ahem, excuse me, would you boys mind pulling our carriage to the galla?” She asked as she fluttered her eyes at them.  They quickly agreed and hitched themselves to the carriage.

Twilight gave a sheepish smile. “Oh,….yeah…right.” With that issue solved, it was now time to start getting ready.

Nova turned to his little brother. “All right Starburst, I think it’s about time you head on over to Applejack’s place now. You behave for Big Mac and Granny Smith all right?”

They shared a hug as Starburst responded. “Don’t worry big brother, I promise to behave. I hope you have fun at the galla tonight.”

“Thanks little brother, take care now.” The two broke their embrace and Starburst headed off for Sweet Apple Acres. Once Starburst was gone, Nova headed inside to join the others, Only to find that the girls were all already in one room with the door closed leaving Spike outside.

He just leaned against the wall opposite the door and waited for them to finish so he could get ready. Eventually, Spike grew impatient and started banging on the door. “Come on guys, let us in.”

Nova tried to scold. “Spike, let them have their privacy.” He didn’t listen. 

Rainbow Dash’s voice was heard on the other side. “Sure thing Spike.”

Rarity’s voice was then heard. “Heavens no, we’re getting dressed.”

“Dressed? Uh, beggin yer pardon Rarity, but we don’t normally wear clothes.” Applejack retorted.

Rarity was heard giving a defeated sigh and the door opened. “Sorry boys, some of us DO have standards.” She said as Spike walked in. Nova went ahead and followed. 

As Spike walked in, he started talking excitedly. “I still can’t believe we’re going to be in Canterlot tonight, our hometown Twilight! And the best part is we get to hang out together all night long!”

Nova smiled at the thought. “I have to agree with you there Spike.” He said aloud.

“Uh, I don’t know Spike.” Dash said carefully. 

This didn’t go unnoticed by Nova. “What did she mean by that?” He asked himself mentally

Rarity was levitating a false eyelash and placed it on her left eye. She blinked it a few times before speaking. “We’ll just have to see.”

“Just have to see, what did SHE mean by that?” Nova asked himself again. He was starting to get worried.

Applejack was sitting in front of Fluttershy who had her hoof on a stool. Applejack was scrubbing it for her. She spit on Fluttershy’s hoof to her discomfort and spoke. “We’re gonna be a might busy.”

“Busy, busy doing what, don’t tell me they forgot about their promise to stay with me during the party so I won’t be afraid.” Nova was really starting to worry now.

“Busy having fun!” Pinkie pointed out after the hair dryer she was under came up leaving her hair hanging straight. It instantly poofed back up. 

Nova ignored that as he was more concerned with what he was hearing. 

Spike was now sitting in a cushioned chair as he responded sadly. “Oh, okay.”

“Don’t worry Spike, we’ll all get to spend some time together.” Twilight said as she was applying some makeup with her magic.

This perked Spike right up. “Great!” He exclaimed.  

Nova was perked up by this too. Maybe he thought wrong then. He was still unsure and wanted to make sure the girls didn’t forget their promise. He was about to ask when Rarity suddenly spoke up and interrupted his thoughts. “Come along Nova, we still need to get you in your suit.” 

“Huh, oh, uh, ok…..sure.” He said unsuredly. Rarity didn’t pick up on it as she led Nova to another room to help him get dressed.

Rarity helped Nova get a little cleaned up before putting on his suit. Nova dawned his green tuxedo with orange lapels and trimming, the tails of his tux resting on his back and draped down with his tail between them. Rarity then helped Nova put on his yellow tie and used her magic to place his yellow top hat on his head. “There, oh you look simply smashing darling.” She complimented. 

“Thanks Rarity. I really like this suit you made me.” He said with a small smile. Nova was still a little worried about what he heard the girls say. He was hoping what he was thinking that meant was wrong and was just a misunderstanding.

Once the others were ready and all wearing their galla dresses, Spike was wearing a black tuxedo with a red bow tie of his own as he waited for every pony to board. Once they were all inside, Spike climbed up onto the driver seat and asked the stallions pulling the carriage to start moving.

Nova just sat in silence as the girls went about talking excitedly about the galla. Nova wasn’t really listening, he just couldn’t stop himself from worrying that the girls had forgotten their promise to him that they would stick with him. He had a window seat in the carriage next to Twilight. He just gazed out the window and looked up at the fresh night sky with a full moon providing light. The stars twinkled as he looked at them. “Come on Nova, stop thinking like that. These girls are your friends, they won’t forget a promise. Especially not Pinkie Pie. Just wait, everything will be fine. This is supposed to be a date as well with yourself and Twilight.” Nova tried to tell himself. 

After a long carriage ride, they finally arrived. The carriage came to a stop and the girls filed out. Nova got out last. He saw Spike stand up on his tail as he gazed at the girls and complimented them. “Whoa, you all look….amazing.”

Now that he got a good look at them, Nova had to agree, but none of them compared to Twilight in his opinion, she looked the best. He couldn’t help but smile a little as his fears seemed to just disappear as if they weren’t there in the first place. He started to walk up to her and was about to say something, but Twilight started before he could.

“I can’t believe we’re finally here. With all that we’ve imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this the best night ever.”

It was then that Nova noticed all the other ponies around and made him a little nervous. If he weren’t in such close proximity to his friends, he would be terrified right now. Then without warning, every pony broke out into song.

Twilight: At the galla

Eeveryone: At the galla

Fluttershy: At the galla, in the garden
I’m going to see them all. 
All the creatures, I’ll befriend them at the galla.

All the birdies, and the critters,
They will love me big and small
we’ll become good friends forever
right here at the galla

Everyone: All our dreams will come true,
Right here at the galla, at the galla

Applejack: At the galla, I will sell them
All my appletastic treats.
Hungry ponies, they will buy them
caramel apples, apple sweets
And I’ll earn a lot of money, for the apple Family~ 

Everyone: All our dreams and our hopes, 
From now until hereafter,
all that we’ve been wishing for,
will happen at the galla, at the galla

Rarity: At the galla, all the royals,
they will meet fair Rarity,
They will see I’m just as regal at the galla

Everyone: At the galla

Rarity: I will find him, my prince charming,
and how gallant he will be, He will treat me like a lady,
Tonight at the galla

Everyone: This is what we waited for, to have the best night ever
each of us will live our dreams tonight at the galla, at the galla.

Rainbow Dash: Been dreamin, I’ve  been waiting,
To fly with those brave ponies,
the wonderbolts, they’re daring tricks
Spinning round and having kicks.

Perform for crowds of thousands
They’ll shower us with diamonds
The wonderbolts will see me right here at the galla

Everyone: All we’ve longed, for  all we’ve dreamed
our happy ever after, finally we’ve all come to,
right here at the grand galla, at the galla.

Pinkie Pie: I am here at the grand galla, for it is the best party, 
but the one thing it was missing was a pony named Pinkie.
For I am the best at parties every pony will agree.

Ponies playing, ponies dancing,
With me at the grand galla.

Everyone: Happiness and laughter at the galla, at the galla.

Twilight Sparkle: At the galla, with the princess,
Is where I’m going to be.
We will talk all about magic,
And what I’ve learned and seen.
It is going to be so special,
as she takes time just for me~

Everyone: This will be the best night ever!
Into the galla we must go, we’re ready and we’re all aglow.
Into the galla lets go in and have the best night ever.
Into the galla now’s the time, we’re ready and we look devine.

Fluttershy/Twilight: Into the galla

Fluttershy: Meet new friends.

Fluttershy/Twilight: Into the galla.

Applejack: Sell some apples.

Applejack/Fluttershy/Twilight/ Rarity: Into the galla.

Rarity: Find my prince.

Everyone: Prove I’m brave.

Rainbow Dash: As a wonderbolt.

Fluttershy: To see

Applejack: To sell

Rarity: To find

Rainbow Dash: To prove

Pinkie Pie: To woop

Twilight: To tell

Everyone: Into the galla, into the galla,
And we’ll have the best night ever~
At the galla!

As the song went on, Nova’s heart started to sink. It seemed they had forgotten their promise. They seemed more interested in doing they’re own thing and making this night perfect for themselves.  Spike slid in front of the girls at the finish and cheered. “YEAH, this is going to be the best night ever. You know why? Cause we’re all gonna spend time at the galla to-“ Spike didn’t get to finish his thought, the girls suddenly rushed off and left Spike and Nova in a cloud of dust. “Gether.” Spike finished sadly.

That was the cleancher, it was all Nova needed to confirm his fears. The girls just rushed off without a single word to him. He was so depressed by this revelation, he didn’t even notice Spike take his leave as well. “They…..they just…..left. They just dashed off and left me behind like that. I can’t believe it. How could they do that?” Nova thought to himself. He stared up at the entrance of the castle and gulped. Never has a doorway seemed so threatening. The metal gate that hung overhead looked more like teeth ready to chomp down on him should he try to enter.  He grew even more nervous at the fact he was now alone and surrounded by a few other ponies just hanging around outside.

Nova decided to just head in and see if he could salvage this night. He did so with caution though, he was feeling very afraid and nervous. He walked through the gate and made his way to the main stair case where he saw the princess herself greeting each pony that was lined up to see her. What really got him even more, was when he saw Twilight standing next to her with a bright smile. It was like she had totally forgotten all about him. “Twilight.” He said softly to himself.

Nova wanted to just go up to her, but with so many ponies around, he was afraid it would cause a scene. He tried to wave a hoof to get her attention but it didn’t work. Nova just gave a defeated sigh, hung his head and walked off. 
Nova just made his way through the castle doing his best to avoid others. He didn’t want to meet others, he was too afraid. Nova just let his thoughts wander as he walked in his depression. “Why, why did they do that? I thought we were friends. I can’t believe they just ditched me like that.” Eventually, Nova had wandered to a part of the castle where no pony was around. He then found his way to a stone balcony. He just walked out up to the railing and gazed up at the night sky. His thoughts of being ditched continued to haunt him to the point where a tear eventually formed in his right eye and fell to the ground. 

“Just when I thought I finally have friends on this strange world.” He sat on his haunches and placed his left hoof on the railing, then just let his head fall down and placed his forehead on the railing as well with his eyes closed. He stayed like that silently with his head down for a while.

“Um, excuse me, are you all right?” A feminine cultered sounding voice asked.

Nova’s eyes shot open, he slowly lifted his head and turned it to face the source of the voice, fear a bit evident in his eyes. When he finally had the source in full view, he saw a mare earth pony with a grey coat and a black mane and tail with a purple musical note for a cutie mark. She had a white collar and was wearing something familiar to Nova’s eyes. It was a gem shaped like the mare’s cutie mark like a necklace. The gem had a glowing line tracing the inside of it. “Uh…..um…..hello.” Nova said nervously.

“Are you all right?” She asked with genuine concern.

“Uh……I….I’m fine, really.” Nova answered, hoping the mare would leave him alone. 

“Sorry for saying, but you seem a little upset. Is there anything I can do to help?” She asked again.

Nova was still a little nervous, but at the same time, was surprised by this total stranger’s concern for him. Nova wasn’t sure where to begin. “Well…..you see….I don’t really see how you could help with my problem. But…..thank you….for your concern.” He said nervously. “Please just go away, I’m not exactly in the mood for company right now and I REALLY don’t want to have to deal with a stranger on my own.” Nova thought to himself. 

“Well, if you’re sure. I was just walking by to the hall when I saw you. Sorry for bothering you.” She was about to leave when she stopped and spoke again. “Hold on, do I know you?” She asked.

“Oh no, don’t tell me she knows me.” “I……doubt it, I don’t recall meeting a pony like you.” Nova said nervously.

The mare’s eyes then lit up in recognition. “Hold on, I do know you…..well, not personally, but your that pony who makes the gems every pony has been talking about aren’t you?”

“I…..uh….y-yes, I am.”

She gave him a genuine smile. “So you’re the pony I have to thank for my necklace. I simply adore it, thank you so much for it. Some of my friends are very jealous of it.” She gave a light chuckle. “Your name is Nova, right?”

“Y-y-yes, it is. Uh….do you….need something?” Nova asked carefully.

“I’m just glad I get to meet you is all. My name is Octavia. My band and I are here to perform for the party. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She stepped closer to Nova. Nova took a step back. Octavia saw this and cocked her head. “What is it? Are you all right?” She asked again.

“It’s just….I’m not exactly comfortable around strangers. I’m just…..nervous around others I don’t know.” That was only half the truth. The other half was he was afraid something would happen that would reveal his secret and blow his cover of being an alien.

“I see, sorry if I startled you. It’s just your kind of a celebrity among the upper class. I never thought I would get the chance to meet you. This night has turned out splendidly for me. Not only do I get to perform at this prestigious even, but I also get to meet the famous Nova, gem maker extrordinair.”

Nova couldn’t help but blush a little, he felt some of his nervousness melt away, but not much. “Um….thanks.” He said glumly as he turned his head away.

“Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t seem like it. If I may be so bold, you seem upset about something. If you like, I don’t mind lending an ear.” Octavia offered.

Nova looked back at her. “R-really? I….I don’t know. I guess I appreciate the offer, but we only just met.”

Octavia gave a smile. “Come now, I’m more than happy to help some pony in need. Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind.”

Nova thought for a moment. He couldn’t believe this high class pony was actually offering her help to make him feel better. And the fact that they were total strangers. Nova figured that if he just let it all out, maybe it would help him feel better. He gave a sigh before beginning. “*Sigh* you see, I came here with some friends…..at least…..I thought they were my friends. As I said, I’m not exactly comfortable around ponies I don’t know. Coming here, I’m surrounded by them, so you can imagine my discomfort.”

“I believe so. So where are your friends?” Octavia asked.

“Well, they promised me a long time ago when we first found out we’d be coming here that they would stay with me so I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable or scared. But as soon as we got here, they just zipped off and ditched me. Some friends they turned out to be.” Nova said as he turned his head to the side again.

Octavia gave him a sympathetic look. “Oh dear, sounds like they aren’t being very good friends.”

Nova looked back at her. “Tell me about it, and we’ve been through so much together too. But what really hurts the most, is that one of them was my marefriend. And instead of spending time with me, she’d rather spend her time doing something else.” Nova figured he shouldn’t bother with saying that Twilight was princess Celestia’s protégé and wanted to hang with her instead of him.

“Even your marefriend ditched you? Oh you poor dear. You must feel terrible.”

“You have no idea. They were more concerned with making this night perfect for themselves rather than spend time with me. And they practically begged me to come here with them. Then they go and leave me behind.” With all this talk, Nova had forgotten his fear. But he did feel like crying again after retelling what he went through.

Octavia started with a bit of a firm tone. “Well, it sounds to me like they aren’t your real friends after all if they forget a promise on a whim like that and just leave you. I think you need to find some real friends. And I would be more than happy to fill that roll if you like.”

Nova looked curiously at her. “R-really, you want to be my friend?”

“Well, you seem like a nice enough pony, why not. Though, if we live in different towns, keeping up a friendship would be difficult. Where is it you live again?”

“Ponyville.”

“OF COURSE!” Octavia explained. “Oh how stupid of me, I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you right away.” 

Nova was even more confused now. “What is she talking about? Recognize me right away? But she just said earlier that she knew me from the newspapers. How do those news ponies get photos of me anyway without me knowing?” Nova let that last question go.

Octavia began to clarify. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I live in Ponyville too and I recognize seeing you around town. I never had the nerve to speak to you because of your fame. But I am very glad to get this opportunity.” She gave a smile.

“So….you live in Ponyville too?” he asked.

“Yes, and I am a big fan of your work as you already know.”

“Yeah, anyway, I guess I would like to have some pony for a friend who won’t ditch me for something personal. It’s nice to meet you Octavia.” Nova gave a genuine smile. His fears started melting away the more he talked with this mare.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Nova. And thank you again for this lovely gem you made.” She said, indicating to her necklace.

“You’re welcome, I’m glad to know your enjoying it.”

“I am sorry to cut this short, but I have to go now. My band will be waiting for me in the ball room. We’re going to be performing there, why don’t you come along?”

Nova wasn’t too sure about this offer. He may have made a new friend, but it was still too new. “Thanks but…I still need some time alone. I just don’t feel up for anything right now.” He said sadly.

“I understand. Like I said, those friends you came with don’t sound like real friends. You should probably just leave them and find new friends.”

Nova smiled again. “Thanks for the advice Octavia. I have made other friends in Ponyville, maybe I should hang out with them more then I have with the ones I’ve spent most of my time with.”

“Glad to hear it, I’ll see you back at Ponyville, take care Nova.” Octavia said with a smile.

“You too.” Nova responded. With Octavia now gone, Nova was left with a lot to think about. “Not my real friends huh? Maybe she’s right. Real friends wouldn’t ditch a friend like how I was. Maybe I should just forget about them. Then again, we have been through a lot so far, and Applejack knows mine and Starburst’s secret. She kept her promise of not telling any pony so far. Could I really just leave them behind and try to find new friends.” The more Nova thought about it, the more it confused and irritated him. 

He was just starting to get mad at his six so called friends. He just sat on the balcony looking up at the stars and thought about it all for a long time. “AGH! WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!” He yelled out loud. “Maybe a walk around this town will help. I just need to stick to the less populated areas so I can be alone with my thoughts.” Nova decided to just walk around a bit. He figured the girls wouldn’t care after what happened.

Nova found his way out of the castle and into the Canterlot city streets. The streets were practically deserted by this time and only a few buisnesses were still open at this time. It had gotten later in the evening, just after ten at night by now.  Nova continued to walk around with his head low as he continued to think. His thoughts of everything he had been through and how close he had grown with the girls and Spike were at war with that one moment when they just ditched him. The fact they just left him after everything and how close they were really struck him hard. 

Nova found himself approaching a small café looking place. The sign at the top read Doughnut Joe’s. “A doughnut shop, guess I could use something to eat, maybe some food will help me figure this out.” Before entering, he looked inside through a window on the right side of the door. There, he saw seven familiar figures and one royal one sitting around a table with smiles. His six ‘so called friends’ and the princess were all sitting around chatting with smiles. The girls dresses were a mess, they were dirty and some of them were torn up a bit. His brow furrowed, as he looked at them. “I don’t believe it. Not only did they ditch me, but their having fun in a doughnut shop without me? Did they even realize I was gone? HOW COULD THEY?!”

Nova felt his blood boil with anger as he glared at them. “So that’s it then. After everything we’ve been through, I’m just forgotten, tossed aside like nothing?” Then his thoughts turned to Twilight, the mare he fell in love with. “So that’s it then? We’re together for a while, have fun, talk, share our time together, and you just dump me without warning. Fine, if that’s how it is, so be it.”

“The best night ever!” The six mares exclaimed together around the table, then shared a laugh. 

Celestia then pointed out something. “Excuse me girls, but isn’t some pony missing?” She questioned.

Fluttershy picked up quickly. “Oh my gosh, we are. Where’s Nova, I hope he’s all right.”

“There he is.” Pinkie said happily. She pointed a hoof to the window Nova was looking at them from. They all smiled upon seeing him.

Twilight waved a hoof at him, inviting him to join them. 

Nova just glared at them. He turned his head and started walking away. “Nova?” Twilight questioned. Without warning, she ran out after him with the others, including the princess, behind her. “Nova, wait up!” She called as she ran up behind him.

Nova stopped in his tracks. He lifted his head and turned it around. “Oh I’m sorry, were you talking to me?” He asked with disdain in his voice.

“Of course we were silly, there isn’t another pony around here named Nova is there?” Pinkie asked, clueless to Nova’s anger.

“What ya doin out here sugar cube, why don’t ya come join us fer some doughnuts?” Applejack invited happily.

“No thanks, I don’t want to waste my time with ponies who would just forget me on a whim.” He said angrily.

Celestia looked on worriedly.

“Nova dear, what are you talking about?” Rarity asked.

“Don’t give me that, you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Hey, take it easy Nova, what’s gotten into you?” Rainbow asked.

“You want me to spell it out for you, FINE! I’ll spell it out for you.” Nova said angrily. “Do you all remember when we first got the tickets to come to this galla?”

They all were silent for a moment. 

Nova continued. “You all practically begged me to come with you all. You promised that you would stick with me so I wouldn’t be so afraid. But despite that, as soon as we get here, you all just rush off and ditch me to have your own perfect night.” At this point, each of the girls had a guilty expression, not wanting to look Nova in the eye. “Thanks to the advice of a pony I met while I was here, I realized that you all aren’t my friends after all.”

Celestia spoke up. “Nova, don’t you think you might be over reacting.” She spoke as nicely as she could to try and calm him down.

It didn’t work. Instead, it seemed to have the opposite effect and flared him up more. “DON’T YOU START WITH ME PRINCESS!” He yelled. Celestia cringed a little at his shout. “I don’t exactly have the patience right now for your high and mighty wisdom. This is between me and them.”

Twilight was very upset by Nova shouting at the princess. “Nova, she’s the princess.” She tried to scold. 

“Save it Twilight, you’re the worst offender here!” Nova felt his eyes starting to sting as he went off. “Do you know what it feels like to just be pushed aside? I can’t believe you all. After everything we’ve been through, the times we shared, the adventures we had, the secrets I told.” He directed that at Applejack. “…..the love we had.” The last one was directed to Twilight. Tears started falling from his eyes. “After all that, you all just leave me behind on a whim for your own selfish desires. I can’t believe you.” His voice dropped more. “Some friends you are.”

Twilight spoke softly to try and make amends. She looked at him with concern and sorrow. “Nova, please, we’re really sorry, we never should have done that. It was wrong of us to do that, please forgive us.”

Nova glared at Twilight as more tears fell. “Don’t even start with me Twilight. This was supposed to be our date, but instead, you rush on over  to Celestia’s side like some loyal….PET! Instead of spending time with me, you wanted to spend time with her more.” His look softened. "I thought you loved me.”

“I….I…” Twilight was speechless. He was right, she had just left him behind when this was supposed to be their date. “I…..I’m so sorry Nova, I just….I.” she didn’t know what to say.

“Just forget it.” Nova said as he turned his head away. 

“Nova, sugar cube, ya gotta understand that we were all lookin forward to this night. We just got so caught up in the excitement, we fergot somethin important.” Applejack said with sympathy.

“We let our own excitement let us forget to keep a promise we made to a very good friend.” Rarity pointed out.

“And because of that, we hurt some pony’s feelings.” Pinkie followed up.

“We should have been more considerate and never let that happen.” Rainbow said.

“Nova, please forgive us, we’re super-duper sorry.” Pinkie added sadly.

“Nova?” Twilight started softly. “Nova, I’m really sorry I forgot you. I know it may take some time, but please try to forgive us, me especially. It was just aweful of us to just forget you like that.”

Nova looked up at them, or more specifically, Twilight. “Do you really mean that?”

Twilight gave a hopeful smile. “I do, I do care about you Nova, we all do. But I do still….well…care about you.” Twilight said with a light blush.

Nova gave a sigh. “I don’t know, I want to forgive you, but after what happened, it just really hurt me. I guess, it will take some time for me to forgive you. I really don’t want to lose friends.”

“We’ll wait for as long as it takes dear.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Does this mean we’re still friends?” Pinkie asked hopefully.

Nova kept his frown as he answered. “I guess so. Like I said, I don’t want to lose friends, but it will take time for me to forgive you. Just try not to let this happen again.” He then gave them a small smile.

The girls and Spike smiled back. Even Celestia gave a smile upon seeing the friends make up.

“Nova?” Twilight said again getting Nova’s attention. “I hope we can still be….we…you know, a couple. I really am sorry.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Twilight walked up to him and gave him a peck on the cheek with a smile. 

“I’m glad. You’re a real gentle colt Nova.” Twilight said.

Nova couldn’t help but smile bigger. “Well then, guess what girls.”

They all looked at Nova with smiles, wondering what he had to say.

“I forgive you.”

> Chaos Reigns: Part One: Discord Rises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chaos Reigns
Part one: The Rise of Chaos



Nova awoke the next morning feeling amazing. The gala was yesterday night. After the girls apologized repeatedly, Nova forgave them. They still apologized again and again almost all night for the rest of the night. After their first apology, Nova turned to princess Celestia and apologized to her for shouting at her. She gave him a warm smile and accepted his apology. Nova smiled when he did. He wasn’t even afraid anymore to be in her presence. He was still a little wary, but not afraid.

Last night, the dream he had confirmed it. This time, in his dream, he was enjoying the day with his little brother and friends….without their pony disguise on. The girls and Spike were all smiling at him as they looked at him and his brother. In his dream, they accepted him and Celestia, who wasn’t trying to have him carted away, but was giving him wary looks, letting them be. Nova decided today was the day. He would finally tell them all his secret and let them in on his full story. He knew they wouldn’t care and he was glad.

But that would have to wait till later. He wanted Starburst there with him when he told. Starburst had school today and he was going on a field trip to Canterlot. Because of this, Starburst would have a half day. So Nova decided to wait for Starburst to get home before getting the girls together. Nov was just so happy now knowing he finally felt ready to tell them.

“Bye Nova, see you after school!” Starburst called as he galloped off to school.

“Bye Starburst, have fun in Canterlot!” Nova called after him.

Starburst wasn’t told of his big brother’s decision yet so he didn’t know that Nova felt ready to tell them. He did notice his big brother seemed happier than usual this morning, but it didn’t matter. As long as he was happy, that was good. Starburst made it to school where all the other kids were gathered in front with Cheerilee waiting for all her students to gather. 

Starburst quickly found his three friends and fellow Cutie mark crusaders and stuck with them. “Hey there Starburst.” Applebloom greeted.

“Hi girls, I can’t believe Cheerilee is taking us on a field trip today. I’m really excited about this.” Starburst exclaimed.

“Me too. This is going to be fun.” Sweetie Belle squeaked out.

“All right class, settle down. Now let’s all start heading for the train station and stay together please.” Cheerilee announced.

The students all followed behind Cheerilee and talked amongst themselves.

It was a bit of a long train ride, but they all arrived at Canterlot and Cheerilee led them through the town and to the Canterlot gardens where there were many statues and a hedge maze. Cheerilee began informing her students of some of the statues there. “I want to start our field trip here, in the world famous Canterlot sculpture garden. That one over there represents friendship.” Cheerilee indicated to a statue of three ponies smiling stacked on top of one another. 

Applebloom stopped to look at it causing Scootaloo to bump into her and Sweetie Belle into Scootaloo. Their heads spun a little then glared at each other. Starbust was a little concerned with that, but didn’t say anything. The four continued on.

“All right my little ponies!” Cheerilee cheered. “This one represents victory.” She said as she stood in front of a statue of a pony on her hind legs holding a flag with three stars. 

“How cool would it be to have that for a cutie mark?” Scootaloo commented.

“Cool.” Applebloom said with a roll of her eyes. “If you were actually victoryfull at somethin.” She said with a smirk.

“That’s not a word.” Sweetie pointed out angrily.

Starburst was getting concered. Why were they acting like this. “Uh, girls, are you ok?”

They just ignored him as Scootaloo retorted. “What are you a dictionary?”

“Girls!” Cheerilee shouted to get their attention. The four rushed over to rejoin their class. “Now this is a really interesting statue.” She said as she pointed to an odd statue of a strange creature that seemed to be made up of different animal parts and looked like it was singing as one of its hands….or paws…were over his chest with his head held high. “What do you notice about it?” She questioned.

“It’s got an eagle claw.” Applebloom pointed out.

“And a lion paw.” Scootaloo then pointed out.

“And a snake tail.” Sweetie Belle said as she jumped up waving her forelegs about.

Cheerilee began to explain. “This creature is called a draconaques. He has the head of a pony, and a body made up of all sorts of things. What do you suppose that represents?”

“Confusion!” Applebloom stated.

Sweetie Belle then pushed her aside and said her opinion. “Evil!”

Scootaloo then pushed her aside. “Chaos!”

“Girls, why are you fighting like this?” Starburst asked.

Once again, he was ignored as Sweetie Belle started in. “It’s not chaos you dodo.”

“Don’t call me things I don’t know the meaning of. And it is too chaos.” Scootaloo retorted.

“Is not.” Sweetie Belle shot back.

“Girls.” Starburst tried again.

Applebloom jumped on their heads. “Your both wrong.” She declared. The three fell in a heap and started fighting.

Starburst shouted. “GIRLS, KNOCK IT OFF!” He shouted louder than he thought he could. The three stopped their arguing and all eyes were on Starburst now. “What’s gotten into you three, why are you fighting like this?” He asked with concern. “Please just stop.”

“Then tell these two that I’m right.” Applebloom said.

“No, I’m right.” Sweetie Belle said again.

Starburst backed off, he just hung his head sadly as his friends were just inexplicably arguing over something. 

Cheerilee finely stepped forward and broke them up. “Actually, in a way, your all right. This statue represents Discord which means a lack of harmony between ponies. In fact, you three have demonstrated discord so well, that you’re each going to write me an essay explaining it.” The three hung their heads in disappointment.

The other students around just laughed at them. Starburst just looked at them worried. “I don’t understand, why are they fighting like this? What’s gotten into them.” Starburst asked himself.

“Now let’s go, and I don’t want any more fighting.” Cheerilee announced as she led the class away.

Starburst hung back a second and looked at the statue again. His eyes widened when he saw cracks begin to form up the statue, then he heard laughing coming from it. This frightened Starburst. “Uh….. miss Cheerilee!” Starburst called as he ran to catch up to the rest of the class.

Back in Ponyville, it was around Noon when Starburst finally got home. He walked in with his head low and greeted his big brother who was working on a gem for a customer. “Hey big brother.” Starburst said sadly.

Nova turned from his table and looked to his little brother as he removed his necklace. “Hey there Starburst, what’s wrong, why do you seem so sad?”

Starburst began to explain. “Well, something happened with the girls today during our field trip. I don’t know why but they just started arguing with each other.”

“Really, that’s odd. Do you know why?” Nova asked.

“No, I didn’t ask cause I was afraid they might turn on me.”

“I see, well perhaps we should go and talk with one of them. Now that your home, I can do something I think has needed to be done for a long time.” Nova said with a smile.

Starburst looked at him curiously. “Really, what?”

“You’ll see, come on, put your necklace back on and we’ll get the others together, first though, lets try and help you make amends with your friends. We’ll head to Sweet Apple Acres first.” 

Starburst smiled a little. “Ok.” He put his necklace back on and Nova got his on.

The two headed out and were making their way across the bridge when they saw Twilight rush out with Spike on her back. Nova cocked an eyebrow at this. “What’s her hurry?” He asked. “Come on Starburst, if she’s in a hurry, something might be wrong.” The two galloped after her. They soon realized she was heading where they were going. He also noticed something odd in the sky above the apple farm. 


There were pink clouds raining some kind of brown liquid from the sky. It quickly spread to over their heads and covered the rest of Ponyville. Twilight had come to a stop near a corn field where the corn on the cops started popping, and the apples on the trees grew to enormous size, causing the trees to bend down. And he noticed a few bunnies running around with unusually long legs and hoofs.

Nova caught up to Twilight as she was going through a book with Spike next to her. He and Starburst came up next to them and was very confused by all he saw. Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow dash were all there. “Twilight, what’s going on here, why is everything so…..odd?” He asked.

“I don’t know Nova.” Twilight answered. “But don’t worry everyone, I’ve learned a new spell that will fix everything.” She declared to her friends. She focused her magic and lit up her horn. She sent a wave of magic out and encompassed everything. Once the magic faded, everything was still messed up. Twilight was left in shock and disbelief. “My fail safe spell……failed. What do we do?” She asked Nova.

This was a surprise to him. “You’re asking me?”

“Your usually so smart Nova, maybe you can come up with a solution to all this.”

“Twilight, I have no idea what is going on. I don’t know how to fix this. If we want to figure this out, we need to first find out what is causing all this. Then we can start thinking of a solution.”

Spike made a suggestion. “How about we give up.”

Rarity came over wearing a purple rain coat, hat and a saddle umbrella. “Spike, Nova and Twilight will come up with something.” Rarity said as she levitated her umbrella off her back and placed it on Twilight.

Twilight thought for a moment. “Time for plan B. Rainbow, can you coral these clouds to one corner of the sky?”

Rainbow Dash was stuck in one of the pink clouds with a bunch of animals eating it. She shook it off and saluted. “I’m on it. Come on Nova, you help too.” She called.

“Me?” He asked.

“Sure, you’re a great flyer too, with the two of us, we can do this easy.”

“Well….ok.” Nova used his magic to summon his wings and flew up into the sky to help Dash. 

Rainbow Dash and Nova started zipping around and gathered all the clouds they could. Pinkie was lying under one with her mouth open and a goofy smile on her face. Whatever that brown liquid stuff was, it was edible, as were the clouds since the animals were eating it.

“Applejack, I need you to bring those high strung clouds down to earth.”

Applejack wasted no time. Nova and Rainbow had managed to get the clouds to one area of the sky and Applejack used her lasso to rope them and bring them down. Dash and Nova pulled away from the clouds just before Applejack roped them. Applejack pulled them down and tied one end of her rope to a stake so the clouds wouldn’t fly away again.

Pinkie was under the cloud again with her mouth open. Once Applejack lassoed them, the brown water stopped. “Hey! What happened?” Pinkie complained.

Twilight started whispering something to Fluttershy. Fluttershy smiled for a moment, then started talking in a fake worried tone. “Oh dear, I hope none of the animals see these delicious chocolate cotton candy clouds! I’d hate to have to share them.”

Pinkie was happily munching away at the cotton candy clouds. “You and me both sister.” The animals suddenly rushed over and pushed pinkie aside to begin eating at them. “HEY!”

The girls and Nova gathered around Twilight. Upon his landing, Nova dismissed his wings. “And when ya’ll are done with that, feel free to have some popcorn for dessert!” Applejack called out to the animals. 

“Wow, you guys, that was nice work.” Starburst commented.

“Thanks little brother, that’s what team work can do for you.” Nova said with a smile.

Twilight then started. “You see Spike, you should never give up, there is nothing we can’t overcome when we all work together.” Spike suddenly let out a belch and a scroll appeared. Twilight picked it up and went over it. Once done, she seemed a little worried. “Come on every pony, princess Celestia wants to see us all in Canterlot immediately.”

Nova was a little disappointed at this, he was about to tell them what he wanted too, guess it will have to wait until they get back. “All right then, when you girls get back, I have something I want to tell you all. I hope it isn’t anything bad.” Nova said.

“You’re coming too Nova.” Twilight pointed out.

This caught him by surprise. “What? But….why? why does she want me to come?”

Twilight gave a smile. “Because your our friend, and Celestia asked for all of us, you included.”

Nova wasn’t sure what to make of this. Why would Celestia want him to come along? “All right, if she wants to see me too.” Nova turned to Starburst. “Starburst, you stay with Spike at the library, I’ll be back as soon as I can all right?”

“Ok, see you later big brother.” The two shared a brief hug and went their separate ways.

The seven arrived at the castle with Twilight in the lead, they came through a pair of doors as Twilight called out. “Princess Celestia! We came as fast as we could..” They all galloped up to the base of a stair case she was standing at the top of.

“Thank you Twilight, thank you all.”

Twilight started shooting off questions. “Is this about the weather, and the animals weird behavior? What’s happening out there? Why isn’t my magic working? Is there-“ 

Celestia raised a hoof to silence her. Twilight quickly stopped to let the princess speak. “Follow me.” was all she said.

Celestia lead them down a hall with stain glass windows with depictions on them. “I’ve called you all here for a matter of great importance. It seems an old foe of mine, someone I thought I had defeated long ago has returned.”

Fluttershy stopped and looked at a stain glass window with a depiction of the strange statue from the gardens that frightened Starburst. 

Celestia continued. “His name….is Discord.” 

Fluttershy yelped and fled back to the others. 

“Discord is the mischevious spirit of disharmony. Before my sister and I stood up to him, he ruled Equestria in an eternal state of unhappiness and unrest.” Nova was growing very concerned. Why was Celstia telling them all this? Did she expect them to stop him? “Luna and I saw how miserable life was for earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasai alike.” Nova took notice of one of the windows where the creature of chaos was smiling with puppeteer handles and strings coming down on an earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. “So after discovering the elements of harmony, we combined our powers and rose up against him, turning him to stone.”

Rainbow Dash flew up in excitement. “All right princess.” 

This is when Nova started figuring out what Celstia wanted. He remembered the girls telling him of the elements of harmony and how they used them to stop Nightmare Moon and free Luna from the curse, reuniting the two sisters. 

“I thought the spell we cast would keep him contained forever, but since Luna and I are no longer connected to the elements, the spell has been broken.”

“No longer connected?” Twilight questioned.

Celestia continued. “This is Canterlot tower, where the elements are kept inside, ever since you all recovered them.” She had lead them to a door with jewels on it and the symbol of the sun at the center. “I need you to wield the elements of harmony once again and stop Discord before he thrusts Equestria into eternal chaos.”

“But why us? Why don’t you-“ Twilight tried to question but Pinkie cut her off.

“Hey look, we’re famous.” Pinkie Pie was standing in front of a stain glass window with a depiction of the six ponies using the elements of harmony against Nightmare Moon.

“You six showed the full potential of the elements by harnessing the magic of your friendship to beat a mighty foe.” The more this went on, the more Nova began to question why HE was here in the first place. He wasn’t a bearer of an element of harmony, and he certainly wasn’t there when the six ponies defeated Nightmare Moon. Celestia went on. “Although Luna and I once wielded the elements, it is you who now control their power, and it is you who must defeat Discord.”

Nova finally decided to speak up. “Excuse me your highness.” He called from the back of the group. The girls all stepped aside and looked at him. Celestia looked at him as well. “I’m sorry but…..why exactly am I here? I’m not a bearer of an element of harmony, how can I help in this?”

Celestia stepped forward and came up to him. “While you may not be a bearer of an element of harmony, you have shown great potential. You have helped the girls in lessons in friendship. You have proven yourself to represent each the traits of the elements of harmony. You are kind, generous, loyal, you bring joy to those around you, you are stong in magic, and your honest.”

The last one stung a bit. “I….wouldn’t go so far as to say honest, I…have kind of been keeping a secret from every pony.”

“Regardless, you have shown yourself to be a wonderful friend. I have no doubt you will be important to the girls in this task. Discord is known for being tricky. You are clever as well, I believe it will be up to you to see through his tricks and help the girls complete their task.”

“You…..really think so?” He was in disbelief, the princess was showing a lot of faith in him with this. He gazed up at Celestia who was giving him a warm smile. He looked at the others who also were smiling at him. Nova couldn’t help but smile back as well. “Don’t worry your majesty, I’ll do my best to help in any way I can. I won’t let you down.”

“Thank you Nova.”

Twilight then started. “Princess Celestia, you can count on-“ 

Before she could finish, Pinkie cut her off again. “Hold on a second! Eternal chaos comes with chocolate rain you guys….chocolate RAIN!”

Nova could not believe what he just heard from Pinkie. “Pinkie, are you nuts?” He paused. “Never mind, is chocolate rain really more important to you than every ponies happiness?”

“What do you mean Nova?” Pinkie asked.

“Which is more important to you? Every pony being happy, or every pony being miserable for all eternity just so you can have chocolate rain?” Nova scolded.

Pinkie hung her head. “Oh, I guess I didn’t think about that. Never mind then.”

Twilight then spoke. “Princess, we’d be honored to wield the elements of harmony again.”

Celestia walked up to the door and stuck her horn in a hole on the door. She poured her magic into it and the door lit up. It slid open to reveal a jeweled box. Rarity’s eyes went wide in wonder. “Ooh, you can keep the elements, I’ll take that case.”

Celestia floated the box off its pedestal and in front of her. “Have no fear ponies, I have total confidence that you will be able to defeat Discord….with these.” Celestia opened the box and……every ponies jaw hung open. The box was empty. Celestia dropped the box in shock. They all just stared blanky at it. 

Nova spoke up. “Um, I may be mistaken, but isn’t something supposed to be in there?”

“The elements, they’re gone!” Twilight exclaimed.

Celestia started pacing back and forth nervously. “That chamber is protected by a spell only I can break. This doesn’t make sense.”

The room was soon filled with an ominous laughter from nowhere. “Make sense, oh what fun is there in making sense.” A voice filled the room. 

“Discord, SHOW YOURSELF!” Celestia demanded.

The voice belonging to the god of chaos just laughed. “Oh ho ho ho. Did you miss me Celestia?” The picture of Discord on the window with the three ponies came to life. “I missed you.” He slithered over to another window where the elements of harmony were on a stone pedestal with the six ponies around it. “Its been awful being stone, but you wouldn’t know would you, because I don’t turn ponies to stone.” Discord said with a bit of anger. 

“ENOUGH, what have you done with the elements of harmony?!” Celestia asked.

“Oh, I just borrowed them for a tinsy little while.” He snapped his eagle claw and the elements on the window disappeared. 

“You’ll never get away with this Discord.” Celestia said with authority. 

Nova was growing nervous as this being did all this. He could tell this Discord was very powerful with magic. How could he possibly hope to match this thing. Discord was a GOD for galaxies sake!

“Oh, I’ve forgotten how grave you can be Celestia. It’s really quite boring.”

“HEY, no pony insults the princess.” Dash declared before zipping up to try and tackle Discord.

Discord disappeared from the window and Dash slammed right into it. She pulled herself free and Discord reappeared again. “Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, famed for her loyalty, the element of harmony you represent.”

“That’s right, I’ll always be loyal to the princess.” Rainbow proudly proclaimed. 

Discord disappeared again. “We’ll see about that.”

Rarity started in. “I can’t believe we’re wasting our time talking to a tacky window.”

Discord appeared in a window next to Rarity. “The lovely Rarity, representing the element of generosity if I’m not mistaken.”

Applejack came walking up to Rarity and Discord. “So you know who we are, big deal.”

Discord’s form grew to the size of the window. “Oh I know much more than that honest Applejack.”

“You seem to know our strengths too.” Twilight pointed out. 

Discord disappeared from that window and appeared in the previous one. “Yes Twilight Sparkle, and yours is the most powerful and elusive element……magic. Fluttershy’s is kindness and Pinkie Pie’s is a personal favorite of mine….laughter.”

Pinkie started laughing. “Pinkie!” Twilight scolded.

Pinkie just broke out into laughter. “HA ha, he’s dancing on your head.” Discord was shuffling on the head of Twilight in the window.

“If Discord knows about  all of them, could he know about me?” Nova asked himself. 

Discord then appeared near a window next to Nova. “And who do we have here? Nova  I believe.”

Nova jumped back in surprise. “Yah!” He recomposed himself. “How….how do you know all this?”

“I’m a god of chaos of course, I know plenty. Especially….the story behind your origins.” Discord said slyly.

“You….know my secret then?” He asked worriedly. 

“Oh I do, don’t you think it would be interesting for your friends to find out about your secret from me rather than you yourself, their friend?”

Nova grew nervous at this. Discord knew he was an alien?

Before more could be said, Celestia interrupted. “Stop stalling Discord! What have you done with the elements of harmony?”

“Oh, so boring Celestia, really. Fine, I’ll tell you, but I’ll only tell you my way.” Discord moved to another window. He spoke in rhyme as he moved about the windows. “To retrieve your missing elements, just make sense of this change of events. Twists and turns are my master plan, then find the elements back where you bagan.” Discord disappeared for good from the windows.

“Can we go home now?” Fluttershy asked. 

“What do you reckon he meant, twists and turns and endin back where we started?” Applejack questioned. 

Both Nova and Twilight started thinking about the solution. Twilight repeated a phrase from Discord’s riddle. “Twists and turns, twists and turns.” She spoke as she walked up to a regular window that had a view of the hedge maze. “Twists and turns that’s it!” Twilight exclaimed. “I bet Discord hid the elements in the palace labrynth.”

Nova interjected. “Hold on Twilight, I don’t think that’s right.”

Twilgiht turned to him. “Why now Nova? It has to be.”

“Think about it Twilight, what about that last part of the riddle, back where you bagan. With a maze, your trying to find your way either to the center, or to the other side. Not back to the beginning. I think the answer is something else.”

Twilight tried to object nicely. “Nova, this has to be it, I’m sure of it. Trust me, I know what I’m saying.”

Nova wanted to object further, but he could tell she was very sure about this. “All right then, lets go.”

Celestia wished them luck before heading off. “Good luck my little ponies. The fate of Equestria is in your hooves.” 

“Thanks princess, we won’t let you down.” Twilight said before they all headed out and to the maze.

They all came to the entrance of the maze and approached cautiously. “We-we have to go in….there?” Fluttershy questioned carefully.

Dash walked up to her. “Nope, dopey Discord forgot about these babies.” Dash said proudly displaying her wings. She took off and was about to fly over the maze. “I’ll just do a quick fly over and we’ll have the elements in no time.” Just after Rainbow finished her sentence, her wings suddenly disappeared. She looked at her back. “Huh?” She said before falling to the ground. “My wings!” She cried out.

Fluttershy’s wings then disappeared. “AH!” She screamed.

Twilight’s and Rarity’s horn then disappeared. They looked at each other and spoke in unison. “Your horn! My horn! AAHH!”

Nova’s horn then vanished. “Great galaxies, what happened?!” He exclaimed as he looked up in worry and fear.

Discord appeared in the flesh before them in a brilliant flash and laughed at them. “HA HA HA, you should see the looks on your faces, priceless! Ha ha ha ha.” He chuckled.

“Give us our wings and horns back!” Twilight demanded.

“You’ll get them back in good time.” He disappeared and reappeared next to Applejack. “I simply took them to ensure there’s no cheating. You see, this is the first rule of our game.” He slithered to Rainbow and Fluttershy when he mentioned the rules. He then went to Twilight. “No flying, and no magic.”

God or not, this monster took away his friends appendages and dared to lay a claw on Twilight. He rushed over and pushed Discord’s face away from Twilight with his own. “HEY, keep your grubby claws of her you freak!” Nova demanded.

“Oh, you’re calling me a freak? How amusing.” Discord said with a smirk. 

“The first rule?” Rainbow questioned.

Discord zipped over and lay on top of one of the walls of the hedge maze. “The second rule is every pony has to play or the game is over and I win.” He finished with glee. “Good luck every pony!” Discord vanished.

Twilight began. “Never fear every pony, we have each other.”

Nova stood next to her with a smile. “That’s right, we just need to stick together.”

Rainbow Dash agreed. “Yeah, like Twilight said, there’s nothing we can’t overcome if we stick together.”

Nova then interjected. “Hold on now, before we go in, I should point something out.”

The girls all turned to Nova. “What is it Nova?” Twilight asked.

“The elements of harmony may be in there, but we shouldn’t rule out that this could be a trap. With Discord’s power, we could be walking right into one. We need to be careful and keep on our hooves. Don’t let him get to you no matter what.”

“That’s some good thinkin there Nova.” Applejack agreed.

“Right then, lets get to it.” Rarity stated. 

They all lined up at the entrance with Nova next to Twilight, then Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, then Fluttershy at the end. “All right every pony, lets do this.” Twilight said with determination.

All ponies exclaimed with one hoof stepping forward. “Together!”

On that note, walls started sprouting up separating the group from one another. They all cried out as it happened. “Stay calm girls, every pony head for the middle as fast as you can and we’ll regroup there!” Twilight called out. 

Nova called out something too. “Remember, keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.”

Rainbow Dash responded. “Moving out!”

Then Rarity responded. “See you at the center.”

Then Applejack. “Yeehaw!”

Finally Pinkie Pie. “see you guys there.”

“Twilight!” Nova called before she left.

“Nova? What is it?”

“……Just be careful ok, there’s something I want to tell you all when this mess is over with.”

“Really, all right, we’ll see each other soon.”

“Take care Twilight.” Nova said before finally heading out. He trotted off down the path of the maze he was now stuck in, trying to figure out which way to go.

He walked and walked for who knows how long, making turns left and right when he thought he might be going the right way. “By the stars this maze is confusing. That discord may be a god, but I’m not going to let him get to me, he’s going to pay for threatening my friends.” Nova said to himself.

As he continued walking, something odd caught his eye. He saw three gemstones and a hammer jumping up and down at the center of a path.  One gem was red, another was blue, and the third was white. What was even odder was the fact they were the same as the gems he had for his cutie mark. “By the cosmos, what is this….wait, this must be Discord’s work.” He figured. Something about the gems and hammer  though compelled him to follow. “If this is a trick, I better be careful.” He said to himself as he walked towards the gems and hammer. They began to hop away, Nova had to break into a gallop to follow them.

Eventually, they led him to a field of gems coming out of the ground as they sparkled like stardust. “What in the name of the universe is all this?” he asked as he walked along a path through the field. The three gems and hammer had slowed down so Nova just had to walk. At the end of the path, he saw one giant gemstone with a flat smooth surface. The three gems led Nova right to it.  

He stopped in front of it, eyeing it curiously. The hammer and gems stacked on top of one another and, in a brilliant flash, turned into Discord. “Hello Nova, good to see you.” He greeted like one would greet an old friend. 

Nova scowled at him. “Discord, I figured this was you’re doing.”

“Guilty as charged.” He said with a smile.

“What do want? In case you didn’t know, I’m in the middle of something here.”

“Oh yes, the whole helping your friends thing. Tell me, do you really think their your friends?” Discord questioned slyly. 

“I don’t think, I know, they care about me and I care about them.” Nova stated firmly, resolute in his belief.

“Then tell me, why haven’t you told them you come from another planet yet?” 

“I was about to today until you showed up and messed with everything.” Nova said as he looked at Discord with angry eyes.

“Nova, you and I aren’t so different. We’re one of a kind you and I….well…I’m one of a kind, your just two of a kind, what with your little brother being here as well.” Discord gave a sly smile.

Nova glared fiercely at Discord and spoke through gritted teeth. “You leave my little brother out of this. I’m nothing like you.”

“But you and your brother are the only ones of your kind on this world. I’m the only one of my kind. Surely you must know what it’s like to be lonely? I’m not such a bad guy like Celestia says.”

“If you expect me to believe anything you say, you’re wasting your time, and mine.”

“Let me ask you something, do you really believe those ponies will still be your friends after you tell them what you really are?”

“I know they will, I know what you’re trying to do, it won’t work.” Nova stood his ground.

“I’m trying to spare your feelings. What I want to show you is the absolute truth, I swear on my honor as a god.” Discord said as he placed his eagle claw on his chest and held up his lion paw with two fingers next to each other. Discord also made a boy scout uniform appear on him with a pair of sunglasses.

“Nice try, but I’m not buying it. Applejack already knows my secret and she’s kept her promise of not telling any pony. She doesn’t care that I’m an alien.”

“I just wish he’d hurry up and tell us, I’m so afraid of tellin the others myself, I don’t know how much longer I can take this. I’m so afraid of what would happen to us.” Applejack’s voice was heard.

“Applejack?” Nova questioned. The voice came from behind Discord, he was hovering in front of the gemstone. Discord moved aside as Nova approached it. He looked at the surface and saw Applejack walking along through the maze.

“If Nova tells the others about him bein an alien, then maybe we can finally do somethin about it. He really scares me, all that magic, who knows what he’d do ta me should I tell the others without his permission.”

Nova stuttered for a moment. “This…this isn’t real, this is just one of your tricks.” Nova insisted.

Discord gave him a sad frown. “I can assure you this isn’t a trick, this is the present. This is Applejack actually speaking.”

“You…..your wrong, I know you are, I won’t be fooled.”

“Let’s jump ahead and see what will happen when you finally let your friends in on your little secret shall we?” the image wavered and rippled like water. It changed and showed Nova standing with all seven of his main friends and his little brother next to him inside Twilight’s library.

“So you see girls, the truth is….me and starburst are aliens. We came here from another planet to try and find a home. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.” Nova saw himself say to the ponies and dragon.

“Your…an alien?” Twilight questioned.

At that, Nova and Starburst deactivated their necklaces and their alien forms were there for all to see. Rarity let out a shriek. “AAAAAAHHHHH!”

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said.

Twilight then turned to Applejack. “This is his secret you were in on wasn’t it Applejack?”

Applejack was worried. “I’m sorry girls, but we all seen how strong he is with that weird alien magic o his, I was afraid if’n I told ya’ll without his permission, he might do something horrible ta me.”

Nova looked surprised. “WHAT? Applejack, I would never-“ Nova was cut off by Rainbow Dash who tackled him to the ground.

“NOVA!” Starburst cried out in worry. 

Rainbow started in on him. “You little punk, you think you can just trick us and get away with it?”

“Rainbow Dash, please, we were just wanting to find a home, I swear, please get off me. Twilight help.” Nova called to her.

Twilight had tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe it, you lied to me all this time? How could you, I thought you loved me.”

“Twilight, I do love you, please just let me-“

“NO!” Twilight cried out. “I’m sorry Nova, but we can’t have something like you here, you…you and your little brother have to go.” Twilght turned her head around, refusing to look at Nova in his bug like eyes.

“Twilight…please.”

“Rainbow Dash, please let him go.” Starburst begged.

“Stay back you little pest!” Rainbow shot.

Spike tried to comfort Twilight. “Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll send a letter to the princess, she’ll know what to do with them.”

“I hope your right Spike.” Twilight sad with sadness.

“Girls please, I thought we were friends, remember?”

Rarity spoke up. “How can we possibly be friends with the likes of you, you’re not even a real pony.” She pointed out.

Nova turned to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, please, you gotta believe me, me and Starburst just wanted a home. I thought we were friends!”

Pinkie just stuck her tongue out. “Egh, why would I want to be friends with something like you. Sorry Nova, yer on your own.”

Nova turned to Fluttershy from his position on the floor with Rainbow on him. “Fluttershy?” 

“I…I’m sorry Nova, but I….I don’t think I can help. The others are right. I’m sorry.”

“I…I…..but….” Nova was stunned. He couldn’t form words. “NOOOOOOOO!” Nova cried out.

“NO!” The real nova shouted. “This can’t be true, it just can’t be, they like me for who I am, they….they wouldn’t turn on me like that…..would they?” Nova spoke with worry and fear. The seed of doubt had been planted. “This…..this can’t be true, it just can’t!”

Discord gave Nova a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry Nova, but the truth hurts, it’s probably best you go back to your ship and leave….or, you could stay with me and not have to worry about going back to the dark, cold, lonliness of space. What do you say, friends?” Discord extended his eagle claw to Nova.

Nova just sat there staring at the crystal in shock. “No….no it just can’t be….they wouldn’t…they….they…” Nova looked down at himself. Something strange was happening to him, he did notice, but after what he just saw, he didn’t care. His coat’s green color was dulling, as was his mane and tail. “They were my friends, they were my friends.” Nova repeated.

“I see, you need time to think about it. Very well, I’ll leave you alone then. Do take care Nova, I’ll see you around.” With that, the giant crystal and all the gems around sunk into the ground.

“They….they would care about me being an alien….I….I can’t let them know…I was wrong.” Nova said to himself. 

In his state, he failed to notice that as the giant gem sunk down, Twilight and the others were there minus Rainbow Dash. “Nova!” Twilight happily cried. “Thank Celestia your all right, something is wrong with the others.”

She went to give him a hug, but upon feeling her touch, Nova pushed her back and backed away in fear. “AH! St-stay away!” 

Twilight looked at Nova with worry. “Nova, it’s me Twilight.”

“T-T-Twilight, oh, uh….hey Twilight, um….sorry. I just……..um…l-let’s get going shall we?” He asked nervously.

Twilight cocked her head. “Nova?”

Nova noticed the others, Rarity was carrying a big rock on her back, Pinkie looked mad, Fluttershy had a wicked smirk on her face, and Applejack’s eyes just kept shifting from side to side. Nova also took notice that they were all grey. “Wh-what happened to them?” He asked Twilight.

“I…I don’t know, but it seems to have happened to you too.” Twilight said worriedly.

Upon noticing his close proximity to Twilght, he quickly moved away. “GAH! Uh….sorry Twilight….I uh……come on, we still…..need to find the elements right?” Nova gave a nervous smile.

As they walked on, Twilight had taken on the task of carrying Rarity’s rock which for some reason she thought was a diamond. Nova wanted to help, but he was afraid that she might accidently get too close to his necklace and deactivate his disguise. He was afraid to get too close to any of the ponies now. He walked just behind Twilight and the others, bringing up the rear. Twilight was struggling with the rock on her back. 

“Um…..Twilight…..I could…carry the rock for you.” Nova suggested. His love for Twilight was still there, but his fear of her finding out his secret was greater, he was too afraid to get close to her.

“Oh thank you….Nova.” Twilight said between grunts. “Just come over and take it from me.”

“Actually……just set it down and…..I’ll get it.” Nova said.

Twilight was concerned why Nova didn’t want to get close to her. She sadly set it down and stepped away. 

Nova came up and picked it up on his back. It was very heavy to him but he trudged on.

Twilight was still trying to catch her breath as she spoke between gasps. “Must….find….Rainbow Dash. As a team….we’re unstoppable. Rainbow Dash won’t let us down.”

Applejack then sounded off. “Well looky there, Rainbow Dash is flyin away, she’s abandonin us.” She pointed out.

“Now I know that’s a lie.” Twilight said.

Nova stopped and set the rock down to rest. As soon as he did, Rarity rushed over to it. Nova quickly backed away in fear. He then looked up and saw Dash flying away, just like Applejack said. “She is leaving us. I can’t believe it, I thought she was loyal.” Nova thought to himself.

All of a sudden, the walls of the hedge maze quickly sunk into the ground. The maze was gone and the ponies found themselves standing in a barren dirt field. “Well, well, well, looks like some pony broke the no wings no magic rule.” Discord said as he emerged from the dust that was kicked up from the maze disappearing. He snapped his eagle claw and every pony’s wings and horns were returned. “Games over my little ponies. You didn’t find your precious elements.” Discord made an umbrella appear and it opened up the wrong way. “Looks like we might be in for a big ol storm of Chaos. Mwa ha ha AH HA HA HA HA!” Discord laughed as his cotton candy clouds formed over-head and started raining the chocolate milk.


To be continued


> Chaos Reigns: Part Two: Nova's Secret
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chaos Reigns
Part Two: Nova’s Secret



Discord was rolling on the ground in laughter at his victory. “And what are you laughing at?” Pinkie Pie asked angrily.

Discord wiped away a tear as he explained. “Ho ho, you ponies are just the most fun I’ve had in eons.”

Pinkie then got in his face. “Well quit it! You’d better think before you laugh at the Pink….ie Pie!”

Fluttershy then cut in. “Oh yeah, well hah hah.” She mocked with a laugh and a mean spirited look.

Pinkie rushed over to her. “Quit it.”

“No, ha ha ha ha ha.” Fluttershy continued laughing at Pinkie.

“QUIT IT!” Pinkie was just getting madder.

They just went back and forth. This was frightening Nova a little. He wanted to be brave to try and think of why the others were acting like this but he was too afraid of them now finding out about his secret.

Applejack had walked over to the big rock. “Uh Rarity, this here diamond of yours, Twilight said we should split it six ways since we found it together.”

Rarity suddenly kicked Applejack away. “HiYAH, try it punk, he’s mine, all mine.”

“Why are they acting like this, they aren’t acting like themselves, then again, I don’t think I’m acting like myself. Should I really be here to try and help? If they can’t accept me for what I am, maybe they aren’t really my friends after all.” Nova thought sadly. He backed away from them all as much as he could. He noticed Twilight looking at him with worry as well after looking at her friends. Nova couldn’t bare to look her in the eye thinking that if he told her the truth about him, she’d turn him away.

“Girls, why are you all acting like this?” Twilight questioned. “We need to stick together. Nova, please help!” Twilight called to him for help.

“I…I…uh…I don’t think I can. I don’t know what to do.” Nova said to her. Twilight stepped closer to him. In response, Nova stepped back. 

“Nova?” Twilight asked sadly.

Nova looked away. “I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t help.”

Discord was sitting on a row of seats as he watched the display. “Oh ho ho ho. It’s just too entertaining.”

Twilight walked up to him. “Stop it Discord, you’re not playing fair.”

“I’m not playing fair? Perhaps we haven’t met. I’m Discord, Spirit of chaos and disharmony, hello.”

“How are we supposed to find the elements of harmony if you took away the labyrinth before we could get to the end?” Twilight questioned.

“oh, wait, did you…AH HA HA HA HA!” Discord laughed. “How funny, you thought the elements were in the labyrinth?” In a flash, Twilight and Discord were gone before Nova’s eyes.

He just stood there looking at the other ponies as they continued to argue and fight. “Why are they acting this way…..then again, why should I care, they won’t want to be my friend if they find out what I am…..what’s worse, I’ll….me and Starburst will have to leave. We’ll have to go back to that lonelyness. Why? Why is this happening? ITS NOT FAIR!” Nova screamed in his head.

Twilight and Discord reappeared. “I never said they were in the labyrinth.” Discord pointed out.

“But….but…” Twilight stuttered.

“Keep trying Twilight Sparkle. Maybe the magic of friendship can help you.” Discord mocked. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some chaos to wreak.” With a snap, Discord vanished.

Twilight looked down sadly. “Nova was right, it wasn’t the maze.” She turned to face him to see him off in a bit of a distance away from her and the others. “Nova!” Twilight called as she rushed over to him. She stopped short. “Nova, I’m sorry for not listening to you before, you were right about the elements not being in the maze. Please, you have to help me figure this out. We have to find them.”

Nova looked side to side nervously. “I….I’m sorry Twilgiht, but….I…I don’t know what to tell you.”

“But you seemed to have an idea before didn’t you? You have to tell me something.” Twilight asked desperately. She took a step toward him. 

Nova took a step back. “Please stay back Twilight.” 

“Nova, what’s wrong, why won’t you let me get close?” Twilight asked sadly.

“I……I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t say.”

Twilight backed off sadly. “All right then.”  She started thinking on her own. “Think Twilight think, find the elements back where you began, back where you began."

Rarity was carrying her rock when Applejack jumped on it. “Don’t touch my gem.” Rarity said.

Fluttershy then flew up to it and placed a hoof on it. “I’m touching your gem Rarity. Ha ha.”

“What you laughing at?!” Pinkie shouted.

“Ugh, I just want to go home.” Twilight said exhausted. It was then she got an idea. “Wait a minute…..home! Back where you began, the elements must be in….Ponyville. Come on every pony, we need to get back to Ponyille."
They all followed Twilight begruddingly. Nova stayed at the back doing his best not to draw attention to himself.

“Come one everyone, I’m certain this is what Discord’s riddle really meant. If we get back to the library, I have a book that I just know can give us a clue.” She declared upon nearing the town. She was suddenly trampled by giraffe legged bunnies after finishing her sentence.

“Good boy Angel, mommas so proud.” Fluttershy said.

“You okay Twilight?!” Nova called from the back.

“I’m fine thanks.” She answered in irritation.

“Ok, good.”

The sun suddenly went down and it was dark. A crescent moom suddenly popped up in the night sky. “Wow, I can see so much better now.” Applejack said with much sarcasm. She started to walk, but started slipping on the road. She slid and knocked the others on the ground and came to a stop in front of Twilight, Nova didn’t get hit by Applejack. “I meant to do that.” She said.

Nova was having a little trouble himself keeping his balance as he stumbled and slipped on the road. “Whoa, what the….yah.” He managed to stay on his hooves but was a little wobbly.

The sun came back up and every pony could see again. “Discords turned our dirt roads into soap!” Twilight pointed out.

Discord came sliding up to her. “Beautiful isn’t it? This is the new and improved Ponyville. And these are only my first changes.”

Pinkie went sliding by on her hind hooves with the same angry look. When she saw Twilight was looking at her, she went back to all fours. “This may look like fun, but it’s not.” She insisted.

Twilight grunted in irritation. “Ugh.”

Discord picked her up. “Picture it, the chaos capitol of the world.” He held her out to see it. As soon as he did, the sun went down again.

“I can’t picture anything, it’s too dark.” Twilight pointed out.

Discord then just dropped her. “Well wait a few minutes, then you’ll see it in the beautiful light of day. Or not.” Discord leapt into the air like a ballerina and vanished.

Twilight managed to get on her hooves. “Ponyville the chaos capitol of the world? Not if I have anything to say about it.” She proudly declared.

Fluttershy came sliding by on the soapy road. “Don’t worry, you won’t. Heh heh heh heh.”

They all soon approached Twilight’s library just as the sun returned again. “Okay we’re here, can everyone please please please go inside please.” Twilight begged. 

Before they did, Starburst suddenly came running out and went straight for Nova. “NOVA! There you are, I was worried about you.” He rushed up to his big brother and gave him a hug.

“Starburst?” Nova asked surprised. “Oh, hey little brother.”

“Nova, what’s going on, what happened here? Why is everything all….wierd?” As he talked, the other ponies went on inside, Starburst then noticed his brother’s condition. “Nova….what happened to you, why are your colors all….dull?”

“I….well I…I don’t really know Starburst.”

Starburst took notice of his brother, he seemed less confident, he seemed….afraid. “Nova? Are you ok, you seem different.”

Before Nova could answer there was a loud crash. They looked to the library and saw a huge gaping hole in it now. Twilight came up to them then. Nova backed up a bit upon Twilight’s approach. Starburst grew more worried at this. “Nova?” Starburst questioned. He then turned to Twilight for answers. “Twilight, what’s wrong with Nova, why does he look like that, and why does he seem so afraid?” 

Twilight looked to Starburst with sorrow. “I don’t know Starburst, but we’re going to figure this out. We need to find the elements of harmony and I think there’s a book in my library that can help us find them.”

“Will they be able to help Nova?” Starburst asked hopefully.

Twilight wasn’t sure. “I don’t know, could you talk to Nova and get him to come inside, he just seems afraid of every other pony now.”

“Ok, I’ll talk to him.” Starburst went up to Nova. “Come on Nova, let’s go inside. Twilight might need our help.”

“I…I don’t know Starburst, I mean…..these elements of harmony are their thing, they don’t need us.” Nova’s colors grew darker, he was now just a dull grey.

“Nova, your colors!” Starburst said worriedly.“Please Nova.” Starburst asked. “Something is wrong with you, maybe these elements of harmony can make you better.”

Nova couldn’t say no to his little brother’s eyes. “Ok. We’ll go in.” Nova followed Twilight and his little brother into the library.

Upon entering, Spike greeted Twilight. “Twilght, what’s going on, why does every pony look so…..grey?” 

“Don’t ask.” Twilight responded. “I need your help to find something.

“Hey Twilgiht, what’s soaking wet and clueless?” Fluttershy asked as she was holding a bucket.

“Fluttershy I’ve had just about enough-“

Twilight was interrupted when Fluttershy dumped water on her head. “Your face.” Fluttershy then slammed the bucket on Twilight’s head.

“Hey, that wasn’t very nice.” Starburst pointed out with a glare. “Why did you do that Fluttershy?”

“Cause I felt like it.” She simply answered.

“Uh, Starburst, let’s not get involved.” Nova warned carefully.

“What’s happened to every pony?” Spike questioned.

“I guess you just bring out the worst in us Spike.” Applejack answered.

“Ugh, no time to explain, we’ve got to find the reference guide to the elements of harmony before SOME pony does something she’ll regret.” Twilight spoke the last bit through gritted teeth.

Nova cringed at the sight, he knew it wasn’t directed at him, but if she found out what he and Starburst really were, it was a scary thought.

Starburst looked at his big brother worriedly. “Nova, don’t worry, you’ll be good as new in no time with Twilight’s help. Right Twilight?” He asked.

“I hope so Starburst.” Twilight responded. 

“The elements of harmony? OH, I know exactly where that book is.” Spike declared. He quickly climbed up a latter and grabbed a book off the shelf. “Found it.” He declared just before his face was struck with a scroll. Fluttershy, being the culprit, grabbed the book in mid-air with a smirk. 

Twilight spoke threateningly. “Fluttershy, you better give me that book.”

“KEEP AWAY!” Fluttershy called out. She then tossed it to Applejack who caught it on her nose.

“Hey, Applejack, give me that book.”

“I don’t have any book.” Applejack said as she tossed it up and over to Pinkie who bounced it away.

“Pinkie!” Twilight cried.

“HEY, Twilight needs that to fix Nova!” Starburst called out. He then proceeded to try and help Twilight get it back.

“Uh, Starburst, I don’t think we should get involved.” Nova tried to tell Starburst, but Starburst didn’t hear.

Flutershy had the book again. Twilight jumped to try and get it again, but Fluttershy pulled it just out of her reach. 

Fluttershy tossed it back to Applejack and Starburst went after it, only for Applejack to toss it again back to Pinkie. “Knock it off you guys!” Starburst called.

“Stop it right now!” Twilight called.

Starburst then had an idea. He zapped in his wings and zipped up in the air to grab the book. He managed to get it just before it got to Fluttershy. “Twilight, I got it!” He said as he came to a landing next to her. 

“Thank you Starburst.” Twilight said to him. She would have given him an appreciative smile, but she was just too annoyed with what had happened. Spike and Starburst took up a defensive stance to  keep the others away. Twilight opened the book and her eyes lit up. “The elements!” There they were inside the book. “They were here all along.”

Spike came up next to Twilight with Starburst. “This is great. Now you guys can defeat Discord and put everything back to normal.”

“See girls, we did it, we found the elements of harmony, together!” Twilight happily cheered.

“Um….congratulations Twilight.” Nova said from a far corner of the library.

The other girls just looked bored and uncaring.

Twilight’s happy mood dropped again. “You don’t even care do you?”

“Nope.” They all answered together.

Twilight hung her head in sadness. “*Sigh* I never thought it would happen. My friends…..have turned into complete jerkes!” She stated angrily. She then floated each of the elements over to their respective owner, except for rainbow dash who was not presen. “Necklace, necklace, necklace, necklace…and…..big crown thingy.” Twilight placed her tiara on her head.

“Twilight, what about Nova?” Starburst asked. 

Nova looked away when Twilight looked in his direction. She looked back to Starburst sadly. “Don’t worry Starburst, I don’t think he’s a jerk, but…..I don’t know, he just doesn’t seem to want to get close to me anymore.”

“Maybe it was that Discord guy that did this to every pony.” Starburst suggested.

“Maybe, which is why we need to stop Discord and fix this.” She spoke angrily again to her…..friends. “Come on every pony lets go.” She was trotting off angrily with the others following and Nova at the back. 

Spike came up to her with a thought. “But Twilight, aren’t you missing somepony?”

“Nope, we got the liar, the grump, the hoarder, and the brute. That just about covers it.”

“But what about Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Congratulations Spike, you’re the new Rainbow Dash now let’s go.” She stated as she put Dash’s element on Spike.

“ME? But, what if she finds out I’ve been impersonating her? That won’t end well.” Spike grew worried at that thought.

“Too bad, your Rainbow Dash, now let’s all defeat Discord so we don’t ever have to talk to each other again.”

The other ponies cheered as they rushed out. Starburst stuck by his brother’s side in worry. Nova rushed out as well with a worried look. “Never speak to each other again, but….if they defeat Discord, won’t that reverse what happened to them, and me? Why am I even still here? I’ve got no part in this. Maybe me and Starburst should just head on home. The longer I’m here, the more likely they’ll find out about us being aliens. I can’t let anything happen to Starburst.” Nova thought to himself.

Just as they got outside, after Twilight used her magic to throw the rock out, Discord was there waiting for them. “Well, well, well, I see you found the elements of harmony, how terrifying.”

“Discord, I’ve figured out your lame riddle. You’re in for it now.” Twilight declared.

“I certainly am. You’ve clearly outdueled me, and now it’s time to meet my fate.” Discord popped in another pair of sunglasses and put them on. “I’m prepared to be defeated now ladies, fire when ready.” Discord made a target appear on his midsection.

“Formation! Now!” Twilight ordered. The girls all lazily took up formation behind Twilight. “Rainbow Dash, get over here!” Spike quickly ran out from behind his hiding spot and stood with the others. Nova just watched the whole thing.

“This is it Nova, once Discord is history, you’ll be back to normal.” Starburst happily cheered.

“Should I really care, I feel like I should, but I just don’t. I feel like I should just run away too , but at the same time, I…..I should be here. Why? If they find out we’re aliens, it’s all over for us here.”

“All right, let’s get this over with.” Twilight stated. She focused her magic and her crown and the other elements, except for Dash’s, lit up, the ponies lifted up off the ground as they started to glow. For a moment, it looked like it was going to work, but suddenly, the glow just stopped and the ponies all fell to the ground. “What’s going on?” Twilight questioned.

“Mines workin, there must be somthin wrong with yours.” Applejack said.

“I hate the elements of harmony!” Pinkie stated.

“Garbage.” Fluttershy said as she tossed her necklace to the side.

“MINE!” Rarity declared, quickly snatching it up.

“What, why didn’t it work?” Starburst wondered.

“Sorry Twilgiht.” Spike started as he set Dash’s necklace down next to Twilight. “Guess I better head inside and clean up the library. Good luck with all this…WHOA” Spike was rushing in but was then tripped by Fluttershy’s tail.

“Oops, sorry Rainbow Crash.” Fluttershy said mockingly.

“Bravo ponies, bravo.” Discord said as he clapped and walked up to Twilight. “Harmony in Equestria is officially dead. Discord rules Celestia drools.” 

Starburst got angry. “HEY, you big meanie!” Starburst called. “You better fix my brother right now or else!” He threatened.

“Starburst what are you doing? Don’t get him mad.” Nova held Starburst back with a foreleg.

“So sorry little one, but I have better things to do. Ta ta.” Discord slid off on a trail of soap.

“It’s your fault it didn’t work.” Pinkie declared.

“Who are you talking to?” Twilight asked. 

“Any of you, all of you, I’m out of here.” Pinkie hopped away.

“I’d better go too, I got new better friends waiting for me at the farm.” Applejack said as she walked away.

“Yeah, I’m sick of you losers.” Fluttershy then flew away as Rarity was pushing her rock on home.

“Fine, leave, see if I care, with friends like you…who needs….enemies.” Twilgiht hung her head.

Something inside Nova told him to do something. All he could do was try to talk. “T-T-Twilight? You….your not giving up are you?”

He watched as her color faded and became grey as well. A single tear fell down her face.

“Twilight, not you too!” Starburst called out. He quickly rushed over to her. Nova followed.

“Twilight, no, you…..you can’t just give up. There must be some way to fix this.” Nova said to try and cheer her up.

“It’s no use, there’s nothing we can do, its over.” 

“But…but..” Starburst tried to come up with something.

“So that’s it….you just…give up on your friends then?” Nova asked.

Twilight stayed silent.

“Fine then, come on Starburst, there’s nothing we can do.” Nova said sadly. The two walked back to their house.

“But Nova, there must be something, what about you, you’re not yourself anymore.” Starburst pointed out.

“I’m sorry Starburst, but we’ll just have to give up on having friends.”

“GIVE UP?! But what about my friends? I’m not going to give up on them. This is our home Nova, we have to do something to help.”

Nova turned to Starburst with a bit of a glare. “And what do you think we should do Starburst? That Discord is a GOD. How am I supposed to stand up against that. Besides, he knows about us being aliens, with him ruling, he said he wouldn’t care if we were here.”

Starburst was practically in tears now. “So that’s it, you just going to give up too, just like that? What about Twilight, I know you care about her, what about her?”

Nova softened his voice. “What about her?”

“You love her Nova, but you’re going to just leave her like this? Your friends…..our friends? This is our home Nova, I don’t want to lose another one. Please Nova, you have to fight whatever that monster did to you….please.” Starburst pleaded as tears fell from his eyes.

Seeing his little brother cry and plead shifted something in Nova’s heart. He just couldn’t bear to see him cry like this.

“Please Nova, don’t you remember all the fun we had together, all the adventures you went on with them? You must know how much they care about us.”

Memories came flooding into Nova’s mind. He was right, they did have good times. The laughs they shared, the adventures they went on.

“What about the times you and the others were in danger and you always swooped in to save the day, like that time with the hydra, the time when we went to see Rainbow Dash perform at the best young flyers competition, you did so much for every pony. Please don’t just throw it away big brother.”

The more Starburst went on, the more Nova realized he was right. They had been through too much to just forget it. It was like that night at the gala when he felt they all just forgot him on a whim, was he about to do the same thing? How could he, they were his friends. They cared about him, they showed concern when he was upset or hurt, just as he did for them. He was still afraid about them finding out the fact that he and his brother were aliens, but he wasn’t about to just abandon them after everything that happened between them.  

“Nova!” Starburst happily cried out. “Your color is back.

Nova looked himself over and saw he was back to normal. 

“Does this mean……”

Nova gave a smile to his little brother. “It does Starburst, I’m fine now, but you still need to head back to the ship and stay there, I’m going to try something to help every pony. I want you somewhere safe, stay at home and don’t leave. All right?”

“But, what are you going to do?” Starburst asked worriedly.

Nova kept his smile. “Don’t worry about it, just head home and stay safe all right?”

“All right, please come back safe Nova.” Starburst gave Nova a hug. 

Nova returned it and sent him on his way. He turned back to face the town and galloped on in. “Don’t worry everypony, even if you don’t like me for what I am, I’m not about to abandon you to this monster, I’ll find some way to defeat him myself.” Nova thought as he galloped through the streets.

Nova soon came upon his target, Discord. He saw the chaos god sitting on a tall chair. “DISCORD!” Nova called out.

DIscored greeted Nova with a smile. “Why hello Nova, have you decided on us being friends?”

“I’m here to stop you Discord.” Nova declared as he glared at Discord.

Discord just laughed. “AH HA HA HA HA HA, oh you must be joking, do you really think you stand a chance agains me?”

“Maybe not, but I’m not going to let you torment these ponies for your own amusment!”

“And tell me Nova, why help these ponies if they would rather not have you around because of where you come from. Do you really think they want to be friends with you when they see you like this.” Discord said as he snapped his eagle claw and made Nova’s necklace disappear from his neck and into Discord’s claws.

Nova’s alien form was now clear before Discord. “HEY! GIVE THAT BACK!”

“If you’re so sure the others won’t care, then let me keep it.”

“It’s not about whether or not they’ll care about what I look like, it’s about doing what’s right. They may not like the fact that I’m an alien, but we’ve been through too much for me to just abandon them. I don’t know what I can do against you, but I have to try something. So give me back my necklace and face me!”

“Hmpf, your really set on this aren’t you? Fine, have it your way.” Discord said with a dangerous tone. In a flash, Nova’s necklace was back on him and he was in his pony disguise again with his necklace hiding itself.

Nova quickly zapped in his wings, figuring they would come in handy. “All right you sorry excuse of a pony. Let’s see what you got.”

“Go ahead then, I’m in a good mood, so I’ll let you make the first move.” 

Nova focused a large amount of magic in his disguised horn and fired a yellow bolt right at Discord. 

Discord yawned as it came sailing at him. The bolt struck and caused an explosion that kicked up dust. “HAH, take that you creep!” Nova called, feeling triumphant.

The dust soon settled and Discord was still standing there, but he was wearing Egyptian like clothing. “Ooh, you can make a sandstorm, I’m so scared.” Discord said mockingly. “Did you really think it would be that easy?”

“I did hope so yes.”

“My turn.” Discord formed a ball of pure chaotic magic in his lion paw. He threw it at Nova.

Nova quickly jumped up into the air and avoided it just as it hit the ground and kicked up dust in an explosion that threw Nova for a loop. He was spinning in mid-air for a bit before he regained his balance. “Whoa, that was close.”

“Not close enough.” Discord said happily from behind Nova.

Nova turned just in time to see an eagle claw swipe at him. He managed to duck in time and took off flying.

“Fly as fast as you like, you can’t hide from me little alien!” Discord called after Nova.

Nova ducked and weaved behind buildings, trying to lose Discord so he could hope to gain the element of surprise. “Come on, think, there has to be some way to lose this god.” Nova quickly veered into an ally way and quickly teleported away to another spot on the roof of one of the buildings that made up the ally.

Discord veered into the ally a little too late. “Where are you little green martian, I know you’re here somewhere.” Discord sang out.

“UP HERE!” Nova called as he dove down, landed on Discord’s back, and wrapped his hooves around his neck. “I got you now.”

“Oh really?” Discord questioned as he disappeared in a flash. Nova was left to fall to the floor. “You really aren’t that bright are you?”

Nova smirked. “Brighter than you think, look up.” 

Discord cocked an eyebrow and saw a large orb of magic above him coming down at high speed. Nova had managed to quickly conjure a sphere of pure magic just above where he was hiding. The orb came crashing down on Discord with an even bigger explosion then the last one Nova caused. Nova covered his eyes from the rushing dust that whisked past him.

Once the dust settled, Nova looked up at where Discord was and saw he was gone. “No way, Did I do it? HAH, I can’t believe it.”

“Wrong again my friend.” Discord’s voice sounded from behind.

Nova turned and saw a lion paw swipe at him, knocking him back hard, so hard he went right through the wall of a nearby house. Nova groaned in pain. “Ugh, ow.”

“You really are a fool, you actually thought you could take me on, how funny. Maybe I’ll keep you as a pet.”

“DISCORD!” Twilight’s voice sounded out.

Discord turned from Nova to face the caller. “Well, well, look who’s back.”

Nova managed to pick himself up and carefully walked over to the hole he had made. He saw all six of the mares he had come to know standing before Discord with their elements of harmony, and they didn’t look grey. They were in their full color. Nova smiled weakly when he saw this, he knew what that meant when he went through the same thing. The girls were themselves again.

“It’s over for you Discord, for real this time.” Twilight called out.

“HAH, as if, you ponies just don’t….wait…something’s different.” Discord paused. He took notice that they were colorful. “No, it can’t be. How did you….”

He was interrupted as the six girls activated their elements. They each started shooting off shapes from their necklaces. 

“NO! I won’t let this happen again!” Discord cried in anger. He fired a powerful orb of his chaotic magic at the ground just in front of them. The blast was enough to throw them back and cancel their attack. Discord laughed. “AH HA HA HA, YOU FOOLS! Even if you can use the elements, you still need time to charge it up. I’m not about to give you that time.”

Nova looked on worried. The girls groaned as they picked themselves up. Nova may not be able to fight this god of chaos, but he felt there was something he could do though…..give them the time they needed. He quickly sprang from the hole and rushed over to them. “GIRLS, are you all right?” He asked.

“Nova, you’re here.” Twilight said happily but weakly. 

“Of course I am, I may not be an element bearer, but I have to do something to help.”

“Glad ta see ya ok partner.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Nova, we were worried about you.” Fluttershy stated.

“We tried to come find you at your place to help you the way Twilight helped us.” Rarity pointed out.

“But we found Starburst there and he told us you were fine.” Rainbow followed up.

“So we figured since you were ok, we could defeat Discord first and then look for you, but your brother said you were going to try and stop him yourself.” Pinkie Pie chirped in.

Twilight finished up. “What were you thinking trying to take on Discord on your own?”

“Hey, I had to do something, I thought you all had given up. So after my little brother helped me come to my senses, I figured I had to do something.” Nova finished with a smile. “I’m glad to see you all ok.”

“Same here.” Twilight gave a smile.

“Oh gag, puh-lease, give me a break.” Discord interrupted. “Do you really think you can make adifference? Your all just a bunch of ponies.”  

Nova glared at Discord as he spoke to the girls. “How long do you need to charge up the elements of harmony?” He asked them.

“Just a few seconds, why?” Twilight asked.

He looked back at them with a smile. “Because I’m going to give you that few seconds.”

“OH no you’re not.” Discord disagreed. He started charging up his magic.

Nova stood his ground. He quickly erected a large barrier around them. “NOW, start charging them!”

“But Nova, what about…” Twilight tried to say.

Nova cut her off. “I’ll be fine, just do it…NOW!”

The girls all stood up and started charging their elements.

Discord fired his magic as a bean at Nova’s shield. “Godess galea, grant me strength.” Nova prayed internally.

Discord’s beam made contact. Nova grunted at the impact, but held strong. Right away, though, his shield had a few cracks in it. 

The girls elements were charging up and getting ready to fire.

Nova was sweating as he tried hard to keep his shield up so the girls could do their thing. With each passing moment, more and more cracks formed in Nova’s shield. He gritted his teeth as he struggled to keep it up as long as possible.

As all this was happening, Nova felt a tingle as well inside, something appeared around his neck, he could feel magical energy flow through him and join with the girls, he stayed focused on his task though, keeping up his shield.

Finally, it was ready. Time seemed to slow down for Nova. The girls finally fired off the elements of harmony. A double helix rainbow shot from all the ponies. Nova’s shield shattered at that exact moment and flung him backwards, sending him skidding along the ground under where the girls were floating. Discord saw the single giant rainbow come at him. He cried in defeat. “NOOOOOOOOOO!”

Nova slid with his eyes closed and in pain. He was exhausted after his feat. He managed to open his eyes and smiled as he saw the elements strike Discord and turn him to stone again. After that, the world went white. Nova had to close his eyes again.

After a moment, Nova felt he could open them again. He weakly got up from his side and sat up on his haunches. “Oh, wow, those elements really pack a punch.” He commented to himself. He then heard some sparking coming from under him. He looked down and saw a few familiar things on the ground in front of him. High tech small mechanical parts. “What…what are…” A few more pieces fell on the ground in his view. “Oh no.” He quickly lifted his necklace and saw what he was afraid of. 

His holo emitter was broken. The center of the device was busted open and wires were hanging out as it sparked. He also noticed another necklace around his neck. It was gold like the other necklaces the girls had, but the gem at the center was shaped like one of the gems of his cutie mark and was colored green, the same shade as his coat. He ignored that for now because of the more pressing matter that his holo emitter was busted. “No, no no no NO! I can’t let them see me like this. If I do……”

“Nova?” An all too familiar shy voice spoke up. “Is that….you?”

Nova looked up from his broken metal necklace and saw all the girls looking at him curiously, except for 

Applejack. “Nova…..is that….I mean….what?” Twilight tried to say.

“Whoa, Nova, what….what happened to you?” Dash questioned.

“I…..I….” Nova started feeling very afraid now. “Well…um…you see….”

“NOVA!” Another familiar voice called out. 

Nova looked to his left and saw Starburst running up to him. “Starburst, what are you doing here, I thought I told you to stay in the ship.”

“I’m sorry Nova, but there was this bright flash of light and I got scared so I had to come find you and…..Nova, you’re not wearing your disguise.” Starburst finally noticed.

“Ship, disguise, what in Equestria is going on here?” Rarity questioned.

Nova quickly turned his attention back to the girls. This was it, they had seen his true form, they were going to do who knows what to him and his brother, his worst fear was coming to life.

“Nova, is that really you? What….what are you?” Twilight questioned.

Nova felt tears form in his eyes. He closed them, then quickly used his magic to lift Starburst on his back, ripped both necklaces off, and took off galloping. He galloped past the girls as he ran. “Nova wait!” Twilight called after him, but he didn’t’ stop.

“Nova, what are you doing?” Starburst questioned. 

“I’m sorry Starburst, but they saw me like this, it’s over, we….we have to leave now.”

“But….I thought….what about our friends?” Starburst said worriedly.

“I’m sorry Starburst, but we have to leave.”

Starburst grew sadder at this news. “But….but….no….Nova, I thought that.....weren’t you….” Starburst couldn’t finish his sentence. He looked back at the mares chasing him and Nova sadly. He took off his own necklace to show his own form and tossed it. “Good bye Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, I’ll never forget you.” He said sadly and quietly to himself.

Rainbow Dash zoomed ahead of Nova and landed in front of him. “Nova, stop, we just want….”
She didn’t get to finish her sentence as Nova just side stepped her and kept going.

She tried again. “Nova, just stop and….” Again she didn’t get to finish.

This time, Nova just teleported past her.

Rainbow gave up trying to stop him herself. She flew just above the others as they all chased after him. “NOVA, Please just stop, what’s wrong?!” Twilight called after him.

“Nova, get back here, it’ll be all right, I swear!” Applejack called.

Nova kept running. He finally reached his house. The door flew open and Nova and Starburst went inside, the door slamming shut behind them. “Computer, deactivate all cloaking and prepare for departure.” All the comforts of home that made the inside of the ship look like a normal house faded out. Nova went up to the console at the front of the ship and started up the engines. Starburst just sat at the center of the ship in sadness as he hung his head and cried.

Outside, the girls just got to Nova’s house when the door shut closed. They were about to approach it when the façade of the house faded out and revealed a large metal craft the likes of which no pony had ever seen. The girls stood there in awe. “What in the name of Equestria is that!?” Rarity asked.

Just after she asked that, the ship roared to life. The two fins at the back letting off a light blue glow. The air was being kicked up as the grass was blown about, the ponies had their manes blowing about as well from the ship starting up. Before their eyes, the ship lifted up into the air, off the ground and continued to move up to the atmosphere of their world. This was happening, Nova was leaving them, never to be seen again.











One of the engines suddenly started flickering and sputtering, the ship started moving clumsily and rocked a bit. Then both engines suddenly shut off. The whole ship crashed onto the ground with a loud thud that shook the ground under the mares hooves. “QUASARS!” Nova’s voice was heard outside shouting from the inside.

Inside the ship, Nova was frantically working the controls, trying to get the ship to fly. “Come on, come on, don’t fizzle out on me now….ugh COME ON YOU HUNK OF PLATUM!” 

“Nova, what’s wrong? Why won’t it fly?” Starburst questioned.

“Great, there must be something wrong with the engine.” Nova guessed. He quickly made for the back of the ship, walking past his bedroom, past the holo-deck, all the way to the back of the ship where the engine was. Starburst followed. Upon opening the door to the small engine room, smoke emerged, causing the two to cough. “*Cough, cough* By the galaxies, that is not a good sign.” In the room were two large cylindrical metal objects with buttons and readouts on one end. Nova made his way to the side of the right one and looked at it carefully.

He used his magic to open a panel on the side and looked inside. “QUASARS this is bad.” Nova said in a bit of a panic.

“What is it Nova? What’s wrong?”

“The energy converter is fried, it’s useless for flight now, we’re……we’re stuck here.” 

“So, maybe that’s a good thing. Nova, don’t you remember, the girls won’t….” Starbursts sentence was cut off by a metallic banging. 

“Hello? Nova?  Please come out, let’s talk about this.” Twilight’s voice once again was calling out to him.

“Come on Nova, what’s wrong, what happened?” Rainbow Dash’s voice called.

“Nova dear, please just tell us what’s wrong, we can help you.” Rarity was heard.

“Nova, just talk to them everything will be fine, you’ll see.” Starburst tried to reason.

Nova gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* So this is it then, time to face the music. Starburst, just stay behind me ok. Stay low and quiet and let me do the talking.”

“But….” Nova gave Starburst a look that shut him up.

“Come on Nova, we know you’re in there, please come out!” Pinkie called out.

Nova made his way back to the main part of the ship and went to the door. He took in a deep breath and gave a stony expression before opening it. The door slid to the side, when it did, he saw all the girls, but Applejack, gasp in surprise. Twilight stepped forward first. “Nova, what’s going on, what happened to you?”

“All right, if you’re going to do anything to us, then let it be me that receives whatever is going to happen, just leave my little brother alone. Please, he deserves a good life here.”

“What are you talking about, and what’s going on Nova?” Dash questioned.

“Nova, your kind of scaring us.” Fluttershy voiced.

“Nova, just tell them already, don’t ya think it’s a little late ta be keeping secrets now?” Applejack questioned.

“Fine, you all might as well come inside and hear the full story.” Nova invited them all in. The ponies all looked on in wonder at what they saw, the ship seemed so high tech and amazing.

“Wow, look at this, so….is this some kind of ship?” Dash asked.

“I think that much is clear RD.” Applejack pointed out.

“OOH, what’s this thing do?” Pinkie questioned as she eyed the controls for the ship.

Before she could push any buttons, nova used his magic to pull her back from the controls. “DON’T….touch anything. Just sit there and let me tell you all what I have to say.” The six girls gathered around Nova. “Computer, activate external cloak.” There was a beeping. The outside of the ship went back to looking like a house again.

“What just happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“I reactivated the ship’s cloak so no pony else will see the ship. Now can I please just get on with my story?” Nova asked feeling a little irritated. Silence fell. “Computer, deactivate lights.” The lights shut off and the room became dark. Nova lit up his antennae and the room was soon filled with tiny white points of light, and pink, blue and red gasses. The room had some illumination thanks to the star like points.

“Ooohhh.” They all expressed. “What is all this?” Twilight questioned.

“Space.” Nova simply stated. Comets and shooting stars were seen zipping by them with a whoosh and plantes were seen floating around. One planet in particular took center stage and grew in size for all of them to see. “This is your world, Equis.” Nova stated as he used his magic to tell his story. “This is where we are now. And this…” Nova trailed off as the planet shrunk down a bit  and zoomed out of view, stars and planets zipped by to one side at high speed. They soon started to slow down and came to a stop until another planet was at the center. “This is where me and my little brother came from, Equinia. We came from this world to find a new home.”

“So, you two are aliens?” Rarity questioned. 

“Yes, we are. Let me finish. Now then. My kind were a peaceful race, we had made great strides in magic and technology, managing to find a way to combine the two. This lead to great prosperity for us. A long time ago, our world was met with a terrible disaster. The space exploration division of our science research center made a breakthrough in warp travel. That is when you can travel through space a great distance in a very short amount of time, almost instantaneously. My kind, Equinians we called ourselves, had built a warp gate to test. It was made floating a good distance away from our world. A ship was going to travel through it with the supplies to build another one on the other side to connect two.”

“It took years to build. By the time it was done, I was still young and my little brother had just been born. It was an exciting day for all of us, the places we could go to and explore, the things we could learn. Everyone was excited about it. They opened the gate, but as soon as it did, something came through. A large asteroid emerged from the gate. Panic ensued, it was just so large there was no stopping it, it was headed right for our planet. At the time, I was at home watching my little brother while my parents were helping at the center. When I saw the asteroid on the viewer, I was frightened. I soon got a call from mom and dad, they told me to head to the nearest escape ship and leave.”

“I asked them to hurry back home, but they said there wasn’t enough time. I begged and pleaded for them to come, but they just told me to take Starburst and leave. I finally caved. I grabbed Starburst up as he was crying, I think the screaming we heard outside scared him. I ran to the teleportar and  had it send me to the nearest emergency evacuation center. I quickly ran into the first ship I could find and started it up as best I could. We were taught at a young age how to work the emergency ships in case of situations like this. The ship hummed to life, and I left.”

“After we had gotten a good distance away from the planet, I chanced a look back at my home just in time to see the asteroid strike it and totally decimate the planet. I had also managed to see a great number of escape ships leaving the planet before it hit. My home was lost, our race scattered to the stars, my parents gone, and me and my brother were all alone, drifting through space trying to find a home for ourselves. I searched for years while taking care of my little brother, teaching him what I could with the help of the ships computer. Life on the ship was all he knew……until we found this world.” Nova dismissed his magic and the lights came on.

“So here we are, homeless wanderers of the stars looking for a home. I didn’t tell you about all this because I was afraid if you found out, you all might panic, that you would do something bad to us so we would have to leave this world and go back to the loneliness of space. All we want is a home, nothing more.” As Nova told his story, Starburst just sat quietly and close to his big brother. “So…..what now, we’re stuck here so we can’t just leave. If you’re going to do something, do it to me, but leave Starburst alone…..please.”

The girls were silent for a while. Nova had hung his head and closed his eyes at this point. Twilight walked up to him, used her hoof to gently lift Nova’s head to look at her. Nova opened his eyes and looked into hers. “Nova, we won’t say anything to anypony, I promise.”

Nova’s eyes went wide with a bit of surprise. “You….so, that means…….Oh I’m such a BLARG HEAD, HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID!?” Nova cursed himself. “IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT!” He banged his head with a hoof.

“Nova calm down, you’re hurting yourself.” Fluttershy said with worry.

“Nova, please calm down, what’s wrong?” Rarity asked.

“I let that snake Discord get in my head, that’s what! After the warning I gave you all, I didn’t listen to my own advice. I’m so STUPID! I was finally ready to tell you all today too until HE showed up. I let that worg slither get to me and let myself believe that stupid lie he showed me.”

“Blarg head?” Dash questioned.

“Worg slither?” Applejack also questioned.

Nova looked at them. “Sorry, words from my world. I’m really sorry for worrying you all. It’s just……I just didn’t want to have to go back to the cold dark of space again. I want Starburst to have a good life here. And………..I’m….I’m sorry for not telling you all this sooner. You can understand can’t you?”

They all gave him a smile. Twilight gave Nova the brightest. “Of course we do, you were afraid, it’s all right.”

Nova gained a hopeful smile. “And you all really don’t care that we’re aliens, or that I look like this?”

Twilight just smirked. She moved in close and gave Nova a good long kiss on the lips. “Ewe.” Starburst expressed as he stuck out his tongue. 

Twilight pulled back leaving a goofy grin on Nova’s face. “Well, guess that answers that question.” Nova stated.

“If anything, I think your eyes are cute.” Twilight stated.

Nova turned to Applejack. “Applejack, thanks for keeping my secret for so long, and again, I’m sorry for burdening you with it.”

Applejack gave Nova a smile. “Shoot, like I said, ain’t no big deal. I’m just glad you finally let it out.”

“Although…” Rarity interrupted. “It’s a real shame, the circumstances that brought you here. Losing your home and family like that. It must have been dreadful.”

The girls then looked to Nova with a bit of sadness. “So that’s how we lost our home Nova?” Starburst asked.

“I’m sorry for not telling you Starburst, I was hoping to wait till you were older, but given the circumstances…….well, now you know.”

“well don’t worry Nova, I think it’s cool, you must have all kinds of cool sciency stuff.” Dash pointed out.

“We do, you should see the holo deck.” Starburst said excitedly.

“The what now?” Pinkie questioned.

Nova chuckled. “Come on, I’ll show you.” Nova felt such relief upon realizing his fears of rejection were unfounded. They accepted him, and to top it off, Twilight still liked him….no, he felt love in that kiss. But then thoughts of that necklace came to mind.

“Oh Nova, I almost forgot.” Twilight said to him. “You left this behind.” Twilight levitated the necklace Nova had mysteriously gained in front of him.

“Oh yeah, where did it come from?”

“I don’t know, perhaps……..OH MY GOSH, Celestia, she’s probably wondering where we are, she’ll want to thank us for stopping Discord. Maybe she can tell you more about your element of harmony too and what it represents.”

“So…..it is an element of harmony?” Nova asked.

“I know it is, as we were using them, I felt another power join with ours to turn Discord to stone, you gained an element and it added its power to defeat him.”

“This….is so…..GREAT!” Pinkie cheered. “Nova, you’re an element bearer now!”

“Oh, congratulations Nova.” Rarity said.

“Way to go dude.” Rainbow added in.

“oh my, I’m so happy for you Nova.” Fluttershy said.

Nova took the necklace in his own hooves and looked at it. “So…I’m part of the elements of harmony now? Wow…I….I don’t know what to say…..except, what element is it? What do I represent?”

“Reason.” Twilight simply stated. 

> Bonus: An Unexpected Gift
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


BONUS: An Unexpected Gift



After Nova finally let the girls in on his and Starbursts secret, they later told Spike as well. Nova and Starburst used their magic to put up their pony disguises to find their holo emitters again. Starburst was able to find his quickly, Nova soon found his and took it back to his ship for a quick repair. He would still need it for when he went to see the princess. 

Celestia did eventually show up after Discord’s defeat wondering why the group didn’t come back to the castle right away after Discord was trapped in stone again. She was also in awe to learn that Nova now held an element of harmony. She was clueless as to how such a thing could happen, but was glad none the less. There was a big celebration in honor of their victory and Celestia had a new window put into the castle, one that depicted the seven ponies defeating the god of chaos. 

After the party, Nova said he still felt nervous about letting others in on his secret, especially Celestia. He wasn’t afraid of her anymore, but he still didn’t want to take any chances.  He still felt it would be nice to tell others and just hope for the best, so he decided he would try it, but not right away. 

Once all was said and done after the party, the group of eight plus one dragon headed back to Ponyville, the sun was setting and it would be time for bed when they got back home. They arrived at the station and Nova was carrying a tired Starburst on his back while Twilight was carrying a tired Spike on hers. They both shared a brief laugh at this and said their goodnights to each other with a kiss. Nova walked to his house/ship and made his way inside. 

He removed their necklaces that hid their alien forms and placed them on the food synthesizer table, then went to their room where Nova tucked Starburst in. “Good night little brother, sweet dreams.” He said softly to Starburst. Nova climbed into his bed and drifted off to sleep.

Nova found himself floating in a dark starry field with planets slowly moving about. “What the galaxies….hello!” He called out, only for his voice to echo. “Hello!” He tried again. One planet slowly moved in front of him, blocking his view of the area in front of him. The planet continued on and revealed an awe inspiring sight. “By the galaxies, it can’t be.” Nova said to himself.

“Greetings my little equinian.” A soft comforting feminine voice spoke.

Before Nova’s eyes was a giant creature he never thought he’d see. “The great goddess Galea, I don’t believe it.” The goddess Galea was before him. She had large purple eyes that sparkled like the stars, a grey coat and a pale grey mane, some of it was braided and had gold trinkets set in them to hold the braids. She wore a black robe with gold swirls and trimming over a blue robe that had gold lining it as well. Her mane came down and covered her right eye. She also wore a helmet made of gold an steel with fancy designs etched into it. The helmet was topped with a fan set in a gold and metal thing that went across the top of the helmet. There was a groove in the black fibers of the fan where a planet just hovered there. Other planets hovered around her as well.

Upon realizing who he was in the presence of, Nova quickly sat on his haunches and placed the bottom of his front hooves together, bowed his head and closed his eyes. “I am not worthy, I am a worshiper, I do not deserve such honor.”

The goddess smiled down at him. “Look upon me young Nova, you are worthy, please, lift your head so we may speak.” 

Nova slowly lifted his head and opened his eyes, keeping his hooves together. “My goddess, wh-what is going on, why have you graced me with your presence? And how do you know my name?”

The goddess Galea kept her smile as she began. “I know the names of all my faithful followers my dear Nova. I have come before you to let you know you have not been abandoned by your goddess.”

Nova bowed his head again. “My lady, I never thought that. Sure me and my brother have lost our home and have been wandering through space, but I never thought you had abandoned me.” Nova raised his head again and looked up at her.

“I am glad to hear that, just know that I feel terrible for what happened to you and yours. If I could undo the damage, I would, but sadly, I cannot turn back time. Even with all my power, I cannot help. Nor was I able to stop the meteor from destroying your world. As a goddess, I am forbidden from directly interfering with your worlds events. Your home may be lost, but I see you have found a new one. You are showing great courage in your endeavors. I have been watching you for some time and I am pleased at what I have seen.”

Nova bowed again. “I thank you for your praises mistress Galea. I am not worthy.”

“Nova, you need not bow, please keep your head up so we may talk.” Nova did as he was told, he lifted his head and stood up on all fours. 

“My goddess, why have you come before me like this? If I may ask.” Nova asked nervously.

The mighty goddess smiled at him. “Even though I am forbidden from directly interfering with events that affect your world, it is now gone, I am free to interfere to help you and yours. I helped guid your ship to the world you now find yourself on.”

“You…..you did? You helped us find this world?”

“I did, you have a great destiny ahead of you, it was intertwined with the fate of the six creatures you now call friends. You are important to them, you have been since the day you saw the sonic rainboom the one known as Rainbow Dash created. This world will need you as much as it will need the other six. Many challenges still lie ahead of you. I know you have the courage to face them and triumph. As a reward for such courage and an apology on my part, I have a gift for you.”

“My goddess, you need not give me anything, nor do you have anything to apologize for. I am honored to merely be in your presence.” Nova smiled.

“Regardless, I do wish to give you something, you will find it on the day you awaken after our talk, you will know it when you see it. Take care Nova, as I said, there are still many challenges that lie ahead of you. I know you can handle it. I have faith in you, just as you have faith in me. Farewell my little Equinian, until we meet again.” With that, the planets around her started to swirl about her form. She closed her eyes and the stars and planets moved back with her away from Nova, leaving him in total blackness.

“My lady, wait!” Nova tried to call out to her, but she was gone. Nova soon saw a light appear before him, it grew larger and so bright, Nova had to shield his eyes. “What the….”

Nova’s eyes fluttered open as he lay in his bed. He sat up and yawned as he stretched his forelegs. “By the stars, what happned last night….wait…..*Gasp* Goddess Galea, she came to me last night.” Nova remembered. “I can’t believe it.”

“*Yawn* what’s going on big brother?” Starburst asked sleepily as he just woke up.

Nova looked to his brother. “Starburst, you’re not going to believe this, the great goddess Galea came to me in a dream. She spoke to me Starburst!”

Starburst cocked an eyebrow. “She did? Are you sure?”

“Starburst, why would I lie about something like that? I’m telling you it was her. She spoke to me last night and said she had a gift for me.”

“Nova, are you feeling all right?”

Nova went into the full explanation of what he witnessed to Starburst. Once he was done, Starburst was in shock. “Really, she actually came to you and said all that? Wow, Nova, this is amazing, she really is looking out for us.” He said with a smile.

“I know. But I’m still wondering what this gift is she mentioned.” Nova mused.

“Well, we’ll just have to wait won’t we, you said she told you you’ll know it when you see it right?”

Nova smiled. “Right, come on, let’s have some breakfast and head out for the day.”

Starburst jumped out of bed. “You bet big brother.” The two headed out to their living room and had their breakfast. Tummies full, they were now ready to meet the day. “So what are we going to do first Nova?” Starburst asked happily.

“Let’s head to the park for a bit. We can fly that kite again.” 

“All right, I like flying it.” Starburst happily retrieved the kite from their bedroom closet and came back carrying it in his magic. “Ready to go.” 

Nova placed his and Starburst’s necklaces on and headed out.

Out in Ponyville, two unicorns, a mare and a stallion, were looking around town with a bit of confusion and a bit of worry. “I don’t know about this dear, what if we get caught?” The mare asked. She had a red coat and a pink mane and tail with a shining star for a cutie mark said.

“Don’t worry dear, we’ll be fine, we just have to be careful not to let on we’re not from around here. Trust me.” The stallion responded. He had a dark blue coat and a light blue mane and tail with a large telescope for a cutie marke.

“Cosmos, are you sure they’re here? I don’t want to get my hopes up only for them to be dashed.” The mare said with worry.

“Starla, I’m telling you, I have a good feeling about this, something is telling me we’ll find them here.” The stallion said. “I don’t know how, but I just know it, we just have to look.”

“I hope your right Cosmos. I really hope we find them, it’s been so long  though, how will we recognize them, what if they’re disguised as one of these ponies like us and we can’t find them?” Starla started to worry.

“Starla,calm down. We’ll find them, they may be wearing a disguise like us, but I bet Nova hasn’t hidden his skill sign. We’ll know him from that. Besides, even if he were hiding it, do you mean to say you won’t recognize your own son.” Cosmos said with a smirk.

Starla couldn’t help but smile back. “Hm hm, I suppose your right.” The two continued on through the town searching for the two ponies they came to find.

Nova and Starburst were smiling as they walked with Starburst carrying the kite in his right foreleg. They walked through town past the two new unicorns.

The two unicorns, Starla and Cosmos, took notice of the two. Starla pointed them out to her husband. “Cosmos, LOOK, that sign on his flank.”

“No, it can’t be…..can it?” Cosmos asked.

“Cosmos, it’s been years since we last saw our sons. Surely they’ll have grown up a bit, I know that sign anywhere, and those eyes. They may not look like it, but I’m positive that’s them.” Starla started tearing up. We….we found them, didn’t we Cosmos.”

Cosmos was still a little skeptical. “Starla, calm down, it may be them, but it could just be a coincidence that that stallion has the same mark as our son. We’ll talk to those two but lets not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Cosmos, I’m telling you that’s them!” Starla insisted. “You said I would know my own sons when I saw them? Well I saw them, I’m telling you that’s them.”

“Starla, please, let’s at least make sure before we start celebrating.” Cosmos said gently.

Starla caved. “Fine, but I’m telling you that’s them.” The couple went off in the direction Nova and Starburst walked off in.

The two brothers eventually arrived at the park, ready to fly their kite. “All right, you ready Starburst?”

“You bet Nova.” Starburst said with a big smile.

“Excuse me, sorry to bother you.” Cosmos called out.

Nova turned to face the couple approaching from behind them. “Yes, can I help you?” Nova asked nicely.

Cosmos started calmly, Starla was doing her best to keep calm and not burst out into a crying hugging fit. “Sorry to bother you, but I’m just curious about your mark there.”

Nova cocked an eyebrow at the question. “Why would you be curious about my mark?”

“It’s just….an interesting one and I was wondering what your talent is that earned you that mark.”

Nova kept his confused look. Starburst was a little concerned as well as he moved closer to Nova. “Well, I have a talent for shaping gems and placing enchantments on them for certain effects. Why do you ask?”

“Did you earn it after……..making a gem with a flaming rainbow ring at the center?”

Nova got even more suspicious. “How did you know that?” He asked carefully.

Starla couldn’t stay silent anymore. “Is your name Nova and the little one Starburst?”

“All right, who are you two, what is this about?” Nova asked almost angrily.

“It….it is you isn’t it.” Starla said with a smile and tears in her eyes. “NOVA!” She cried. “MY BABY BOY!” She lept at him and hugged him feircly.

“What the….what’s going on here?” Nova asked as he struggled to free himself from the grip of this strange mare. “Let go of me!” Nova managed to push her off him. “Who are you two?!”

“Nova, what’s going on?” Starburst asked scared.

Starla started again. “Nova, it’s me, your mother. I know I don’t look like it right now but I’m telling the truth. Look at this.” She said as she turned to show Nova her flank and skill sign.

Nova looked carfully at it. “No……it can’t be…..I’d know that sign anywhere, but….you…..mom? Is it really you?” Nova said in disbelief. He started at her with a slack jaw.

“It is son, it’s me, your mom, and this is your dad.” She said as she indicated to the stallion now showing his mark.

“Dad? Is it really you?” 

“It is son, it’s really good to see you again after so long.” Cosmos said.

“NOVA!” Starla called again as she hugged him again. 

Nova was still in shock to do anything. “Mom, it….it is you….I don’t believe it.” Tears started forming in his eyes as he hugged back. A smile started forming on his face. “Mom….you’re really here.”

She broke their hug and turned her attention to Starburst who was looking confused and afraid. “Starburst, my little baby, I missed you so much.” She said as she approached him.

Starburst just backed off. “Nova, what’s going on? Who are they?”

“Starburst, it’s your mom.” Starla said.

Nova walked over to Starburst. “Starburst, it’s our mom and dad, they found us!”

Starburst first looked up at Nova, then turned to the two of them. “Our parents?” He asked.

“Yes Starburst, I missed you so much. WE missed you.”

Something deep within Starbursts mind recognized the sweet sound of the mare’s voice. It sounded so familiar, like a dream from long ago, a wonderful dream that one didn’t want to wake up from. Starburst carefully walked up to the mare and looked her in the eyes. Starla looked backed with tears and a smile. “……mom, is it really you.”

“It is Starburst, after all these years, I finally found you, my precious baby boy.” Starla said.

“Mom?” Starburst said as tears started forming in his eyes. Starburst suddenly leapt up at her and wrapped his hooves around her neck. “MOM!” Starburst cried.

“My baby!” Starla said as she hugged back crying.

Nova walked up to Cosmos. “Dad, I don’t believe it, you found us.” He said as they shared a hug with tears in Nova’s eyes. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

Before Nova knew it, Starla had made her way over to them with Starburst and gripped him in a hug as well. “My boys, I’m so happy to finally see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too sons.” Cosmos stated.

“DAD!” Starburst cried out. “You’re really here!”

The four just held their family hug for a good long while with tears of happiness.

After holding their embrace for what seemed like hours, they finally broke it and Nova started. “Mom, dad, I still can’t believe it. How did you find us?”

Starla smiled as she responded. “Ask your father, he’s the one that did the driving and led us here.”

Cosmos then answered. “I’m not really sure myself, it’s like I just…..knew, like something was guiding me here. I can’t explain it really.”

Nova then remembered his dream and his encounter with the goddess. “The goddess Galea, this must be the gift she said she would give us.” 

“The goddess Galea, she must have done this.” Starburst suddenly pointed out with a hop. “She’s the one that guided you here to find us.”

“Goddess Galea, what do you mean son?” Starla asked.

Nova went into an explanation of his encounter with their goddess again. “……So there you have it, me and Starburst think that our goddess guided you all here. You two being here just has to be that gift she mentioned.”

Cosmos smiled. “Well if that’s the case, this is a gift for us too, to be reunited with our sons again.”

“I just can’t get over how big you two have gotten, I missed so many years of your lives.” Starla said sadly but with a smile.

Starburst smiled up at Starla. “Don’t worry mom, Nova took real good care of me and taught me all kinds of things, he did everything to make sure I turned out ok.” 

“And it seems he did a fine job too. I’m so proud of you Nova.” Cosmos said to Nova. “Looks like you did do a fine job raising Starburst.”

“I did what I could.” Nova said proudly.

“Nova, there you are, we’ve been looking for you.” A familiar raspy voice said. Nova turned to see a sky blue coated Pegasus flying his way with five other ponies, three fillies, and a dragon coming up to him with smiles.

“Girls, perfect timing, there’s a couple ponies here I am proud to introduce you to.” Nova stated.

“You….know these ponies son?” Cosmos questioned. 

“Who are they Nova?” Fluttershy asked shyly.

Nova began introductons. “Starla, Cosmos, these are some of my friends. That’s Twilight sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Spike.”

Starburst introduced his friends. “And those three there are my friends. Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo.”

Nova continued from there. “Girls, and dragon, I am proud to present Starla and Cosmos, our parents.”

Rarity started. “It’s a pleasure to……..hold on, did you say….parents?”

“Yep, its our mom and dad.” Staburst said happily.

“No way, your parents?” SCootaloo cheered.

“We’ll I’ll be, aint this a surprise.” Applejack said happily.

“Oh my GOSH! THIS IS INCREDIBLE! We can have a huge party to celebrate! It’ll be congratulations on reuniting with your family, welcome to our planet PARTY!” Pinkie cheered.

“Pinkie Pie, calm down.” Nova scolded happily. “Remember what we talked about, that secret you said you would keep.”

Pinkie gave a sheepish smile. “Oops, sorry.”

“Welcome to our planet? Um…wh-what do you mean?” Cosmos asked nervously.

Nova walked up to his parents and began. “Mom, dad, it’s ok, they already know about me and Starburst being…..not of this planet.”

Starla’s eyes widened a bit in shock. “Really, they already know?”

“It’s a long story, I’ll tell you later. In fact, I have so much to tell you, and now that you’re here, we have all the time in the universe.”

“OOH OOH, mom, guess what!” Starburst suddenly shouted.

Starla looked to her youngest son. “What is it Starburst?”

Starburst suddenly rushed over to his three friends and wrapped his hooves around them in a kind of group huddle. “Me and my friends here started a club together.” He let them go and continued. “We started a club to work on earning our cutie marks…..uh….skill signs.” He corrected himself.

“Cutie marks.” Cosmos questioned.

Nova explained. “The cutie marks here are the same as our skill signs, they’re earned the same way as a skill sign.

“I see.” Starla said.

“Yeah.” Starburst continued. “We call ourselves…..” Starburst trailed off. Every pony there covered their ears, except for the two new arrivals, in expectations of the ear assault. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” All for little ponies shouted.

Starla and Cosmos winced at the shout. “By the stars you kids have quit the set of lungs on you.” Cosmos commented.

Nova chuckled. “Yeah, they do.”

“Oh, it’s so super-duper nice to meet you two, I’m glad we finally get to meet Nova’s parents, I’m Pinkie Pie, but you already knew that, I love meeting new ponies, or in this case, new aliens, welcome to our world.” 

Before Pinkie could go off on one of her rants, Nova shoved a hoof in her mouth. “Yes Pinkie, they’re happy to be here and meet you all.” Once Nova felt Pinkie wasn’t going to continue, he removed his hoof. “Mom, dad, before anything else happens, let me give you a bit of advice that will save you a lot of headaches when dealing with Pinkie Pie. No offense Pinkie.” Nova said to Pinkie.

“None taken.” She said with a smile.

Nova turned back to his parents. “Just remember this, when you see Pinkie Pie do something impossible, remember this phrase. It’s Pinkie Pie, don’t question it. It saved me a lot of headaches and Pinkie is known for doing the impossible.”

“Um….ok….sure.” Cosmos stated.

“I’m so proud that you’ve been doing so well for yourself here.” Starla stated.

Starburst then walked up to his parents with his three friends. “It’s real nice ta meet ya mam.” Applebloom said.

“Yeah, we’re glad we get to meet our friends parents.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

“We’re real glad you all are back together now.” Scootaloo added.

“Well, aren’t you all nice, thank you.” Starla said as she smiled at the three.

“So son, I take it this is like a new home for you then?” Cosmos asked.

Nova smiled as he looked at his parents. “It sure is dad, this world is great. It’s almost like our old planet, only it has one moon, they aren’t as technologicaly advanced as we were, and the princesses that rule this country we’re in raise the sun and moon.”

Starla and Cosmos stared at their son for a bit after his last statement. “I’m sorry…..did you say princesses that raise the sun and moon?” Cosmos finally asked.

“I know it’s hard to believe, but trust me, it’s very true.”

“OH OH, MOM, DAD!” Starburst suddenly cried out excitedly again.

Starla and Cosmos looked back to thier younger son again. “Yes Starburst, what is it?” Starla asked. 

“Nova has also been my magic instructor, he taught me a neat trick, watch this.” Starburst then used his magic to summon up his little wings and started buzzing around the crowd.  

Nova just  rolled his eyes. During Starburst’s third pass, Nova managed to catch Starburst by the tail and let him buzz a bit. “Starburst, what did I tell you about using your magic in public?”

At first, Starburst didn’t realize he wasn’t going anywhere until he heard Nova’s voice. He was still hovering when he looked back. “Oops, sorry Nova.” Starburst floated down and dismissed his wings.

“Well I’ll be, HA HA, that’s a neat spell there son.” Cosmos said with a smile.

“Great galaxies, you can summon up wings?” Starla asked surprised.

“Yep, Nova taught me, he does it sometimes when he needs to hurry somewhere or if he’s hanging out with Rainbow Dash to fly around for fun. You should see him mom, he’s amazing.” Starburst chirped happily.

“I’ll say he is. You should have seen this wicked move he pulled off this one time during a competition I was in. It was just as cool as my sonic rainboom.” Rainbow Dash bragged.

“A sonic what now?” Cosmos questioned.

“Guys, maybe they should learn the ins and outs of this world before we start going off on things like that.” Nova suggested. “And Twilight, could you step up next to me?”

“Sure.” Twilight did as she was asked.

“Mom, dad, another bit of good news you might like to hear. While me and Starburst were trying to make a new life for ourselves here, these six ponies were a big help, they were the first friends I made here. But none is more special to me than Twilight here, she and I are a couple.” Nova stated happily.

“You….found love?” Starla questioned. “Oh, my baby boy is all grown up.” She said as tears stated to form in her eyes again with a smile.

“Mom, it’s not that big a deal.”

“Yes it is, I missed so much of your life and now here you are with another girl to love.” She said on the verge of sobbing. 

Nova went up to her and spoke softly. “Hey, it’s okay, everything turned out all right, right? You didn’t really miss much. Me and Starburst just floated around space in a ship with nothing to do but talk, learn from the ships computer and play games on the holo deck. You didn’t miss too much.”

Starla suddenly wrapped Nova in a hug. “I’m so sorry Nova, me and your father should have come for you when that horrible thing happened. Please forgive us.”

Nova hugged back. “Mom, it’s ok, I don’t blame you. It’ll be fine. All that matters now is that we’re back together.”

Starla pulled back from Nova with a sniffle. “I’m sorry, *Sniff* I’m just so happy to be back with my babies again. And to see you all grown up like this and I couldn’t be there for you…I….I just….”

“Mom, I understand, its fine, really. Come on, why don’t the four of us just take some time alone to talk and catch up huh? Would you like that?” Nova asked. Starla simply nodded.

“I think that sounds like a great idea.” Cosmos agreed.

Nova turned to the girls and Spike. “Guys, you don’t mind do you?”

“Of course not.” Fluttershy answered.

“You go and enjoy time with your family, we’ll see you later okay dear.” Rarity added.

“Yeah, I imagine you all have a lot to catch up on.” Twilight then said.

“We’ll see ya’ll later, we can get ta know each other better later on. Ya’ll take care now.” Applejack added.

“We’ll see you later Starburst.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah, we’re real happy fer ya bein back with yer parents, see ya at the next crusaders meetin.” Applebloom then added.

“See you later Starburst.” Scootaloo said with a smile.

“Bye girls, see you later.” Starburst called after them.

The girls all left so the family could have some time together. “Come on Mom, let me show you guys where me and Starburst have  been staying, We’ll talk there and I can tell you everything I’ve been through, then tomorrow, I can help you two get situated with the way things work around here. It’s not that different, but there are some things you should be aware of.” Nova started leading his parents away from the park with Starburst next to him. They both couldn’t be happier to be reunited with their parents.

> Bonus: A New Learning Experience
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bonus: A New Learning Experience



It was the day after Nova and Starburst’s parents showed up yesterday and had a tearful reunion. Starla and Cosmos stayed in their ship overnight which was also disguised as a regular Ponyville home on the outside near the north side of town. They came back the next morning to Nova’s place after having a good talk yesterday about a few things, it wasn’t long enough to learn everything they needed to know about Equestria.

The two used their magic to disguise themselves as regular ponies out of their ship like how Nova and Starburst did when they first arrived. Starla knocked on Nova’s door and was greeted by her sons in their pony disguise. “Hey mom, good to see you again.” Nova said to her. 

“Hello baby, it’s so good to see you, I missed you so much.” Starla said with a grin.

“But it’s only been a day.” Starburst pointed out.

Cosmos interjected. “We’re both still glad to just see you after being separated for so long.”

Nova smiled at his father. “Come on in you two.” Nova and Starburst stepped aside to let the two in. Once Nova closed the door behind them, they all dropped their disguises. Starla and Cosmos dismissed their magic disguise while Nova and Starburst removed their necklaces. Cosmos’s alien form was just like Nova’s, he too had green fur, orange and yellow fins for a mane and tail, a pair of antennae, and orange buggy eyes with yellow pupils. Starla was different, while her eyes were the same and she too had a pair of antennae, she had no fins, her tail was slender and had a yellow ring at the end. 

Cosmos then took notice of the necklaces Nova and Starburst had. “Say son, what are those necklaces you have there?”

“Oh these? They’re something of my own invention, they’re portable holographic emitters. They produce an image around our bodies giving us the look and feel of regular ponies here. I had to make them because I kept having close calls whenever I was using my magic to disguise me. At the time, I was trying not to let on that me and Starburst were from another planet. I was afraid if the locals found out, they would do horrible things to us. Thankfully, so far, those fears are quelled a little because of those friends me and Starburst have that you met.” Nova explained.

“Well, that is some impressive work son, you’ve become clever haven’t you?” Cosmos said with pride and a smile.

“Thanks dad.”

“Yeah, Nova’s real smart, and brave, those close calls he had were all mostly when he had to protect our friends from danger and such.” Starburst pointed out.

“Starburst, I don’t think our parents are interested in hearing about that.” Nova said with a smile.

“Danger? What kind of danger?” Starla asked with worry.

“It’s no big deal mom, really.” Nova tried to reassure her.

“Now hold on son, I think we should know what this danger is you got into.” Cosmos stated firmly.

“Oh it was stellar dad, the first time, Nova used his magic to defend three ponies from this huge creature that looked like it was made from stars by putting up a shield in front of it and keeping it from crushing them and eating them.” Starburst said, trying to make it sound more daring than it really was. 

“Starburst, don’t you think you’re making too big a deal out of it?” Nova scolded.

“Great galaxies, what was this creature?” Starla asked in worry.

“Twilight called it an Ursa minor I think.” Nova tried to recall. “But it was no big deal, I held it off long enough for the ponies it was after to get away and Twilight was the one in the end to deal with it before the thing could do anymore damage to Ponyville.”

Within an instant, Nova found himself wrapped in his mother’s embrace. “My poor baby, you must have been so scared, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.” She was practically crying.

“Starla calm down, obviously things turned out all right or he wouldn’t be standing here.” Cosmos reasoned. “I’m proud of you for helping out like that son, I’m also impressed. How big was this thing again?”

“As big as one of the houses in Ponyville.” Starburst said happily.

“Mom, you can let go now.” Nova strained out. 

“Sorry dear.” Starla finally released her grip. “So what about the other times?” She then questioned.

Starburst was the one to inform them again. “Then there was the time Nova saved every pony from an avalanche. I wasn’t there, but Nova told me about it. He used his magic to make a shield and protect every pony from the rocks.”

“An avalanche? By the stars!” Starla exclaimed.

“Wow Nova, sounds like you’ve been having quite the adventure while you were here. What else happened?” Cosmos asked.

“There was also the time Nova even fought off a hydra, that one was even closer than before, not with the disguise though.” Starburst informed.

“What’s a hydra?” Cosmos asked.

“Starburst, I thought I said that incident was not to be mentioned again.” Nova scolded.

“But it sounded so cool Nova, the way you fought it off to buy the others time to get away so they wouldn’t get eaten.” Starburst went on.

“Eaten, you were almost eaten!?” Starla asked with fear and worry.

“Not almost eaten, WAS eaten.” Starburst emphasized.

“STARBURST, that’s enough!” Nova scolded again, feeling a little embarrassed and disgusted at remembering the incident.

“Now hold on, how is it that if you were eaten by this thing, your standing right here, and what is this hydra anyway?” Cosmos questioned. 

Starla looked like she was ready to faint with all this information.

Nova facehooved. “I really hoped to put this behind me.”

Starburst went on. “There he was, just him and the four headed monstrosity, all four heads hungry for pony meat. At the time, four of our friends were at the swamp through a certain series of events. The beast licked his lips in hunger as he eyed the four mares and dragon with their backs to a cliff. Then in comes NOVA!”

Nova had given up trying to reign in his little brother.

“Nova used his magic to zap in some wings and flew around the beast to get its attention. Nova flies left, the beast lunges right, he dodges, weaves, and fly’s around that thing so fast, none of its heads can keep up, all while the mares and dragon hop across a series of rocks to get across the vast chasm before them to get away. Nova chanced a look to make sure they all got across safely, that was when the beast took his chance and managed to knock Nova to the ground with one of his heads. Nova tried to fly away, but the monster was too quick. In one quick strike, he ate Nova whole.”

At this point, Starla and Cosmos were silent. Starla looking more like she was about to faint.

“Just when all hope seemed lost. Nova fought his way out of the beasts gut and climbed up one of its throats and flew out, out of reach of all of its heads. Nova saved the day.” Starburst finished his overly dramatized retelling of Nova’s heroics.

Starla finally fainted. “Mom!” Nova cried out.

“Starla, are you okay?” Cosmos asked as he held her head up.

Nova and Cosmos got on either side of her. “MOM! Oh no, I killed her!” Starburst worried.

Nova looked over to Starburst. “No Starburst, you didn’t kill her, she just fainted.”

Starla’s eyes fluttered open. “Oh my, wha-what happened?” She asked feeling a little confused.

Cosmos informed, “You fainted dear.”

“I did? Sorry if I worried you.” Starla said.

“It’s fine mom, I’m just glad you’re ok.” Nova turned back to his little brother. “Starburst, I think from now on I should be the one to tell mom and dad about the adventures I’ve had, deal?”

“Deal.” Starburst agreed sadly. He then walked up to his mother’s side after Nova stepped away to let him by. “I’m sorry mom, I didn’t mean to make you faint. I just thought it was so cosmic how Nova acted so bravely and fought off that thing.”

Starla finally sat up on her haunches and took her little son in her forelegs for a hug with a smile and a nuzzle. “Its fine Starburst, just try not to embellish these stories so much.”

Starburst smiled at his mother’s nuzzling. “I promise.”

“Well, now that that’s settled, I believe you two still need to explain a few things about this world.” Cosmos stated.

“Right you are dad.” Nova stated with a smile. “Why don’t we head out for some fresh air, I’ll explain things as we walk, we can go to the park or something.”

“That sounds nice.” Starla commented.

The four aliens dawned their pony disguises and headed out. They crossed over the bridge into town and past Twilight’s library. They made their way through town when Nova was met with two familiar faces. “Octavia, Vinyl, hello.” Nova greeted with a smile. 

“Nova, dude, what’s up? How you been?” Vinyl greeted.

“Oh hello Nova, good to see you again.” Octavia greeted as well.

“Hey, good to see you too.” Nova responded. “What are you two up to?”

“Nothing really, have you done anything about those friends you told me about when we met in Canterlot?” Octavia questioned.

Nova smiled as he responded. “I did, we made up. Everything is fine between us.”

“Hold on, you two know each other?” Vinyl questioned.

“You know him too?” Octavia questioned Vinyl.

“I sure do. I met him a while back when he first got here. Didn’t I tell you?”

Nova had a confused look on his face. “Hold on, you two know each other?” He questioned.

“Of course we do, we’re roommates after all.” Vinyl pointed out. “How do you know Octavia?” She then questioned.

“I met her in Canterlot during the grand galloping galla. There was an…..incident, I wanted to be alone from the ponies I went there with and we just happened to cross paths with one another.” Nova explained.

“*AHEM*” Nova’s dad cleared his throat to get every pony’s attention. “Nova, who are these two?” He asked.

“Oh right, sorry dad.” Nova gave a sheepish smile. “Vinyl, Octavia, these are my parents, Starla my mother, and Cosmos my dad. Mom, dad, this is Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. They’re two other friends along with a few others I’ve made here.”

“It’s very nice to meet you.” Starla started as she extended a hoof to Octavia for a shake.

“A pleasure.” Octavia returned with a smile and shook.

“It’s always good to meet friends of my son.” Cosmos stated as he shook hooves with Octavia.

“Nice to meet you too sir.” Octavia greeted back

Starla then greeted Octavia. “It’s nice to meet you.” She said as she then extended her hoof for a shake with Vinyl.

“What’s up?” Vinyl said and instead of a hoof shake, Starla was greeted with a series of hoof slaps and other odd gestures as a greeting. 

Starla was confused by this. Nova smiled as he explained. “That’s how she likes to greet others instead of just a hoof shake.”

“I see.” Starla said cautiously, not sure what to make of what she was just a part of.

“Hey Octavei, hi Vinyl.” Starburst greeted with a smile. 

“Hey there half pint.” Viny greeted playfully as she ruffled Starburst’s mane. Starburst just giggled in response.

“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met.” Octavia said politely to Starburst.

Nova gave introductions. “Starburst, this is Octavia, the pony I told you about that I met while at the grand galloping galla.”

“Oh, so she’s that nice pony with the band you told me about.” Starburst said as he remembered.

“Octavia, this is my little brother Starburst.” Nova said as he continued introductions.

“It’s nice to meet you Starburst.” Octavia stated with a smile.

Starburst greeted with a smile. “Hello.”

Nova then addressed Octavia and Vinyl. “So what are you two up to today?”

“Not much, just hangin out really.” Vinyl answered. “What about you, what are you up to?”

“I’m just showing my folks around town, we were headed to the park for a bit.”

“I see, it is a lovely day for that.” Octavia stated with a smile. “We’ll let you go then, I hope to see you around again.”

“Yeah, you and your folks should come by the club sometime, I’ll let you in free again like when you came by on your date with your marefriend.” Vinyl informed.

“Mare…..friend?” Starla questioned.

“I….don’t think my parents would enjoy the kind of music you play at the club Vinyl, but I’ll keep your offer in mind, thanks anyway.” Nova responded.

Vinyl lifted her sunglasses up with her magic and rested them on her horn. “Really? All right then, see you later bro.”

“See you later Nova, take care. And welcome to Ponyville to you two.” Octavia directed her last words to Nova’s parents.

“Thank you Octavia.” Cosmos responded.

“See you two later.” Starburst said with a smile.

Once the two ponies were gone, Starla approached her elder son. “Nova, what is a……marefriend?”

Nova began to explain. “It’s the term used here for when a stallion….a male pony…..has a mare, a female pony, to love. Twilight is my marefriend, and the term used for a stallion is a colt friend.”

“I see. Interesting terms there.” Cosmos mused.

The four continued their walk as Nova spoke more of the world they were in. “Another interesting fact is that the pegasus ponies here can manipulate the weather and make it do what they want. They can actually control the weather.”

“They can?” Starla questioned.

“I’ve even seen the weather factory they use to do it.”

“Yeah, Rainbow Dash took us on a tour of the place when we went to watch her compete in a competition the Pegasus ponies hold every year in Cloudsdale.” Starburst said excitedly. “It’s also where Nova and Rainbow Dash managed to pull off some amazing moves! You should have seen it. Rarity was falling to her…..”

“Starburst, don’t even start.” Nova gave Starburst a glare. “Remember, we don’t want you frightening mom with your over dramatics again.”

Starburst gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry.”

“Son, what was Starburst talking about?” Cosmos asked.

Nova then went into full detail of what happened in Cloudsdale and informed the two of the city made of clouds, the weather factory, the competition, and all that transpired there without making it sound so dramatic. When he got to the part about the sonic rainboom and his sonic starboom, his parents were left in a bit of awe. They were even more stunned to learn that the sonic rainboom Nova saw so many years ago from their home planet was the same thing Rainbow Dash performed. It lead to more explanations as to how that sonic rainboom connected him and his new friends.

They soon reached the park and Nova was now informing them of his latest adventure in dealing with the god of chaos Discord, and how Nova was now a bearer of an element of harmony which required more explanation as to what those were.

Nova finally reached the end of his tale and Starla and Cosmos were surprised by all this. “I can’t believe it, my son is the wielder of a magical artifact responsible for protecting an entire country.” Starla commented.

“Wow, that’s amazing son.” Cosmos said.

“I’ll say it is, my big brother is a hero.” Starburst said with pride. The family had gathered under a tree to talk.

“Can we see this element of harmony?” Starla asked.

“Sorry mom, but the elements are kept in a special vault in Canterlot castle. I can’t really show you.” Nova informed.

“That’s all right, I can understand. These things sound very important, so it’s only natural to keep them somewhere safe.”

“Still, you tried to take on a powerful creature like that? What were you thinking Nova?” Comos scolded Nova.

Nova looked to his father as he began. “I was thinking I had to do something to help my friends, despite what they may have done to me upon finding out what I was. I couldn’t just abandon them like that, not after everything we had been through. I know it was pretty stupid to challenge him, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

Starla turned to her husband. “Now Cosmos, it may have been reckless, but he has a point. Besides, he came out of it just fine. And it sounds like these friends are very important to him if he was willing to go so far for them.”

Cosmos looked to his wife as he responded. “I suppose your right.” He then turned back to Nova. “Just don’t do anything stupid like that again, ok?”

Nova gave a smile as he responded. “I got it dad, no unnecessary risks.” So the family sat and talked a bit more as Nova informed his parents a bit more on the world they were in and enjoyed each other’s company. Lunch time soon rolled around so Nova decided the perfect place to take them would be Sugarcube Corner.

Along the way, Nova then had a thought. “You know, now that you guys are here, you’re going to need a job to earn some money. Which reminds me, the money here is called bits.”

“But what kind of job could we get?” Cosmos asked. 

“My talent is with mapping stars and your father’s is making telescopes and examining space.” Starla pointed out. “This world doesn’t seem very technologically advanced for us to make use of our talents to get a job.”

Nova thought for a moment. As he thought, they soon reached their destination. He pulled himself from his thoughts and looked up at the bakery. “Here we are, Sugarcube Corner. Ponyville’s number one bakery. This is where Pinkie Pie lives and works with the owners of this place. Their names are Mr. Carrot Cake and Mrs. Cupcake.”

“It’s my favorite place to eat.” Starburst pointed out. “They got all kinds of great sweets and stuff.” 

Nova and Starburst led the way inside. Upon entering, their noses were greeted with the smell of freshly baked bread and other goods. “Great galaxies, something smells amazing.” Cosmos stated.

“Hello Nova, hello starburst.” Mrs. Cake greeted cheerfully from behind the counter. “Welcome back.”

“Good day Mrs. Cake, nice to see you again, I’d like you to meet my mom and dad. This is Starla, my mother, and Cosmos, my dad.”

Starla and Cosmos exchanged greetings with Cupcake before finally getting to placing an order. “Nova, why don’t you order for us since you know what’s good here.” Cosmos suggested.

“Are you kidding? Everything is good here.” Starburst pointed out.

Nova laughed at Starburst’s enthusiasm. “Heh heh, he’s right about that. Don’t worry, I think I know the perfect thing to start us off with.” Nova turned to Mrs. Cake. “We’ll have four chocolate milkshakes and a side of blue berry muffins.”

“Nova, Starburst! I thought I heard familiar voices.” Pinkie said as she poked her head out from the kitchen. She quickly rushed over and wrapped Nova and Starburst in a hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”

Nova had a strained smile on. “It’s…..good to see…..you too Pinkie. Could you let go now please.”

“Can’t…..breath.” Starburst strained out.

Pinkie quickly released her grip. “Sorry. Oh hi there, Starla and Cosmos right?” Pinkie questioned as she turned her attention to Nova and Starburst’s parents.

“Yes, that’s right.” Starla said with a smile. “And you are Pinkie Pie, correct?”

“That’s me, it’s nice to see you again. What brings you by here?” Pinkie asked happily.

“I figured it would be nice for my folks to get a taste of some of the local food here. What better place than Ponyville’s number one bakery right?” Nova said with a smile.

“Right you are Nova, so what can I get you?” 

Mrs. Cake answered for Nova. “They want four milkshakes and bluberry muffins dear.” 

“You got it, just find a seat and I’ll be right out with your order.” Pinkie zipped back into the kitchen to make the requested items.

“Is she always so….” Starla trailed off.

“Energetic, yes she is.” Nova answered. “She’s got a lot of energy, but she’s a great friend.” The family of four soon found an empty table to sit at. “Now what kind of job could you guys get here?” Nova thought out loud.

They all went into thought to try and think of something. “I know!” Starburst exclaimed. “You could…..no never mind. Oh, I know, you could……no, that won’t work either. Maybe you….no. Come on, there must be something.”

The adults couldn’t help but smile and laugh a little at Starburst’s attempt. “Keep trying little brother, we’ll think of something.” Nova said with a smile. 

As they continued to think, Pinkie Pie soon came out with their order, balancing it on a tray on her head. She came up and placed the tray on the table before them. “Here you go, four milkshakes and blue berry muffins. Need anything else?” 

“Yeah, an idea for a job for mom and dad.” Starburst said.

“Maybe Twilight can help, she’s smart, maybe she could help you come up with something.” Pinkie suggested. 

“That’s not a bad idea Pinkie, thanks.” Nova said to Pinkie with a smile.

“You’re welcome, enjoy your food.” Pinkie bounced back to the kitchen. 

“Dig in guys.” Nova said to his family. The first thing they each took a taste of were the muffins. 

“Mmm, these things are delicious.” Cosmos commented after taking a bite. “We didn’t have anything like this back on our old planet.”

“I know right?” Nova said with a smile. “What do you think mom?”

“This is very tasty, I’ve never had anything like this before.” Starla stated as she enjoyed her muffin.

“Try the milkshake next, it’s great.” Starburst pointed out. 

Starla and Cosmos did so and simply loved it as well. “These milkshakes are amazing.” Starla commented. 

“I’ll say.” Cosmos agreed. “Is all the food here just as good?”

“While there are plenty of good things to eat, not all of it is sweet like what you can get at this bakery.” Nova informed.

“And just wait till you try a cake, a cupcake, cookies, ice cream, all kinds of sweets here.” Starburst informed. “But what you should really try is Applejacks apple pies, they are out of this world.”

“And Applejack is one of your friends, right?” Cosmos asked.

“Yes, she and her family run an apple orchard just outside of Ponyville called Sweet Apple Acres.” Nova informed. Nova noticed a familiar pony walk into the bakery and called out to her. “Derpy! Hey there.”

Derpy looked over to her caller and saw Nova with his family. “Hey there Nova, Starburst, what’s up?” She asked happily as she made her way over to them.

“Just enjoying some time with my mom and dad.” Nova informed. “Mom, dad, this is Derpy Hooves, another friend I made here. She’s the town’s mail pony.” 

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you, I’m Starla, Nova and Starburst’s mother.” Starla greeted.

“And I’m Cosmos, their father, a pleasure to meet you.” Cosmos greeted.

“Nice to meet you. I see you’re enjoying some tasty muffins. I love muffins.” Derpy said with a smile. “So what brings you to Ponyville, where did you two come from if you don’t mind me asking.”

“We’re from…..uh.” Starla tried to come up with something.

Nova provided a much needed answer. “They’re from Phillydelphia, they decided to move here to be close to us.”

“Awe, that’s nice. So you two are originally from there then?” Derpy asked Nova and Starburst. 

“Yeah, you could say that.” Nova stated. “And there I go, lying to a friend again. I hate lying to a friend. Could I really let her in on the fact that me and my family are aliens? Twilight and the others accepted me and Starburst despite the fact we’re aliens. Maybe I should try being more trusting. Why not, I’ll tell her, but not right now.” Nova thought to himself. 

After a bit of catching up and chatting amongst themselves with Derpy, the family finished their meal and took their leave of the bakery. “See you around Derpy.” Nova said to her as they left.

“See you later Nova.” Derpy said with a wave of her hoof.

The family soon arrived at the library and entered. Nova spotted Twilight at a desk going through a book with her back facing them while Spike was up on a ladder shelving a few books. “Looks like Twilight is off in her own little world right now.” Nova thought to himself. He had an idea to play a little joke to get her attention. He motioned for every pony to stay quiet. They were curious as to what Nova was up to, but did as he asked.

“Book out of place!” Nova shouted. 

Twilight yelped and Spike started stumbling on the ladder as the stack of books in his arms started wobbling. “Book out of place? Where, where?!” Twilight asked as she looked around frantically. 

Nova snickered, but then got a little worried as he saw Spike about to fall. He quickly used his magic to help steady Spike and floated him and the books back down. 

Nova finally started laughing at his joke that surprised Twilight. “HA HA, oh man, you should see the look on your face Twilight, HA HA HA.”

Starburst laughed a little as well. Twilight smirked at Nova. “Very funny Nova.” Her smirk turned to a genuine smile. She walked over to him and the two shared a quick kiss. 

“Nova, what’s the big deal? You scared me and nearly made me fall.” Spike complained.

“Maybe, but I did keep that from happening didn’t I?” Nova pointed out.

“So what brings you by Nova?” Twilight questioned.

“I was wondering if you might be able to help us figure out what kind of job my folks can get here in Ponyville.”

“We’d really appreciate any ideas you may have.” Starla said with a smile.

“Ideas for a job? Hmm, well, what are your special talents?” Twilight asked.

Cosmos answered first. “Mine is spotting stars and planets.”

Starla then mentioned hers. “Mine is mapping them out.”

“Wow, really?” Twilight asked sounding a little impressed. “Well, I suppose you could have a job as star mappers to help us learn more about the stars that we can see. We could always use some pony with talents like that. You can move up to Canterlot and join the star exploration team there.”

“Couldn’t we just work from Ponyville, I really don’t want to move away from my sons now that we just got reunited.” Starla asked.

“Oh right, I guess you wouldn’t want to be separated would you? I don’t see why you can’t work from here then. I’ll send word to the princess and see about setting you up with that.” Twilight offered with a smile.

“So….we’ll be working for this princess herself?” Cosmos asked.

“No, but she can help get you two set up with the job and a system to pay you for your work and any stars or planets you may discover, of course you’ll also have a regular salary as well.” 

“Thank you miss Sparkle, we really appreciate any help you can give.” Cosmos said with a grateful smile. 

Twilight returned the smile. “You’re welcome, and you can just call me Twilight.”

“All right, looks like you two are all set then.” Nova pointed out. “You two will get a job that utilizes your talents. Congratulations mom and dad.” 

“Yeah, congratulations.” Starburst cheered.

So Cosmos and Starla were on the way to getting a job in Ponyville to start earning a living for themselves.  The family of aliens were very pleased about the way today had turned out, with a plan set, they headed back out to enjoy the rest of the day together. 

> Losing Sanity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Losing Sanity



It was another gorgeous sunny day in Ponyville. Nova and Starburst were still feeling happy that their parents had found them and were reunited. Starla and Cosmos were now set up to help with star gazing and planet mapping from Ponyville. Nova and his friends had plans for a picnic later in the afternoon and Starburst had plans to hang out with his friends and fellow cutie mark crusaders. First, Starburst wanted to hang out with his big brother for a bit before he had to meet up with his friends.

The two brothers left their home and headed into town and came across Twilight who was just now coming out of her home with Spike dragging a long list. “Lets see, we already dropped off your cape at the cleaners, returned the blackboard to miss Cheerilee, ordered new quills and parchment from the stationary shop.” Spike listed as he went through the checklist.

“Hmm, it seems like we just placed an order for them a few days ago.” Twilight pointed out.

“I can’t imagine why we go through so many.” Spike said sarcastically.

Nova finally spoke up to make his presence known. “Hey you two, what’s up?”

“Hi Twilight, hi Spike.” Starburst said happily.

“Oh, hello Nova, hello Starburst, what are you two up too?” Twilight asked happily.

“Nothing really, just out enjoying the day, you?” Nova answered with a smile.

“We’re just taking care of a few things for the day.” Spike informed. “We got quit a list here as you can see.”

“I do see.” Nova chuckled. “Mind if we tag along, I always enjoy spending time with you Twilight.” Nova asked.

“I don’t mind, I enjoy our time too.” Twilight said with a longing look she directed to Nova.

Starburst winced. “Yeck, on second thought, I think I’ll go see mom and dad instead before I go see my friends, see you later Nova.” Starburst could not get out of there fast enough.

Nova chuckled as he said bye to his little brother. “OK, see you later Starburst.” Nova turned his attention back to Twilight. “So Twilight, perhaps I can be of help to you two while you take care of these things.”

Twilight smiled upon Nova’s offer. “Thank you Nova, I appreciate it.” She turned to Spike. “So Spike, what’s next on the list?”

Spike glanced at the checklist and proudly proclaimed, “Cupcakes!”

“Cupcakes?” Nova asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“For the picnic this afternoon.” Twilight informed.

“Oh right, ok then. Lead the way.” The three went on their way to Sugarcube Corner.

They arrived at the bakery and were greeted by Mrs. Cake. “Hello dearies, I take it you’re here for the cupcakes?” She asked cheerily.

“We are.” Twilight answered.

“Just a moment and I’ll get them for you.” Mrs. Cake then trotted off and returned shortly with the box of cupcakes. “Here you go.”

Spike started drooling at the sight of them already. Twilight looked at them with a scrutinizing look. “Uh, I only ordered twelve.” Twilight pointed out.

“Oh I know dear, but I had an extra, so I thought I’d make it a baker’s dozen.” Mrs. Cake informed as she went about with her work.

Twilight pulled her head back from the box. “Well that was very thoughtful of you, it’s just some of the icing from the extra cupcake is getting all over the one next to it, see?” She pointed out as she pushed the box back a bit for Mrs. Cake to see.

Mrs. Cake just gave a fake smile as she responded. “Oh, sure.”

Nova took a look for himself. “Um, what are you talking about Twilight, I don’t see that.”

Twilight continued. “It’s just that I’m sharing these with my friends at a picnic and I don’t want any pony to feel like some pony is getting more icing.”

“Oh no….of course not.” Mrs. Cake responded nervously.

Nova then stopped Twilight. “Twilight, relax, don’t you think your overthinking this?”

Twilight turned her head to Nova. “What do you mean Nova?” 

“I mean that you seem to be making a cosmic deal over a little thing. I don’t see any icing getting on another cupcake, if it is, it’s not very noticeable. And even if it were, the others wouldn’t care. Trust me Twilight, the cupcakes are fine.” Nova stated as he put a hoof on Twilight’s back.

Twilight smiled at Nova. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She then turned to Mrs. Cake. “Thank you for the cupcakes Mrs. Cake. We’ll be going now.” Twilight picked up the box with her magic and the three headed out after exchanging goodbyes with Mrs. Cake.

On the way back, Spike went over Twilight’s checklist to make sure they got everything done. Nova accompanied Twilight back to her house and followed her in. They walked up the stair case just as Spike got to the end of the list. “Looks like that’s everything.” Spike said from Twilight’s back.

“Almost everything.” Twilight pointed out.

Spike took a look at the list and said the last item. “Triple check the check list to make sure we didn’t miss anything when we double checked the checklist.”

“Great galaxies.” Nova mused to himself.

“Uh, check.” Spike marked the item off the list. He then dropped the checklist and quill. “Oh, I’ve been holding that quill so long, I got a claw cramp.” Spike’s wrist looked red and swollen. 

“Hang on Spike, I’ll get you some bandages.” Nova offered as he quickly retrieved them and wrapped Spike’s wrist with his magic. “There you go, better?” He asked with a smile.

Spike smiled back. “A little, thanks Nova.”

“You’re welcome.” Nova responded back.

“Good thing we don’t have anything to report to princess Celestia this week. I don’t think I could write another word.” Spike pointed out.

Twilight seemed to get a little panicked at this. “We haven’t sent a letter to princess Celestia this week?”

Nova noticed this and got a little worried. Spike answered before he could say anything. “Why? Is that bad?”

Twilight was suddenly in Spike’s face. “Bad? Bad?! Of course it’s bad! I’m supposed to send a letter to her every week telling her about a lesson I’ve learned about friendship. Not every other week, not every ten days, EVERY…SINGLE….WEEK.”

Nova came up to her to try and calm her down. “Twilight relax, it’s no big deal, just tell her you haven’t learned anything this week.”

Twilight didn’t listen as she started frantically looking for something. “Oh, where’s my calendar, where’s my calendar?”

Spike pulled out a drawer and took the calendar out. “Where it always is.” 

Twilight took hold of it with her magic and pulled it over to her with Spike still hanging on. He ended up smacking on the side of the podium Twilight was standing in front of. She started frantically turning the pages. “When did we send the last one?” She asked.

Spike answered from the floor. “Last Tuesday.” 

“And today is…” Twilight trailed off.

Spike finished. “Tuesday.”

“AH!” Twilight quickly ran up the stairs and looked out her window in a panic. “No no no no no no no!” Twilight was now on her bed as she looked out the window. “If I don’t send her a letter by sundown I’ll be….*gasp* TARDYYYYYY!”

“What’ that now?” Spike asked.

Nova was curious about that word too. “Tardy?” He asked as he and Spike stood in front of Twilight.

“Tar-dy Spike and Nova, late, I’ll be late.” Twilight informed as she now lay down on her bed. “Oh, how could I have let this happen, I’m usually so organized, I’ve never been late for an assignment.” Twilight pulled the sheets of her bed over her.

Spike tried to calm her down. “Oh please, you’re the most studious student ever. I’m sure the princess will forgive you if you miss one little deadline.” He stated as he pulled the covers off of Twilight and jumped down from her loft.

Nova then spoke to agree with him while next to him. “Spike’s right Twilight, you’re getting yourself worked up over nothing here.”

“I’m afraid to take that chance you two.” Twilight stated to them. “We’re talking about the ruler of all of Equestria here, the pony who holds my fate in her hooves.” A terrifying thought entered her mind. “What if she doesn’t forgive me?”

“Yeah, I don’t think she’ll…” Spike was cut off when Twilight teleported down to him and looked him in the eyes.

“What if instead she thinks I’m not taking my studies on friendship seriously?”

Nova tried to get her attention. “Twilight, you’re…”

Twilight cut him off as she continued with her worrying and trotted around. “What if she makes me come back to Canterlot and puts me back in school and makes me prove I’m taking them seriously by giving me a test? What if I don’t pass?”

Nova was starting to get worried for Twilight, she was stressing so much about this whole letter thing and she kept going. “Twilight, please, calm down. I’m telling you your over thinking this.”

Spike then came in. “Why wouldn’t you pass….”

Twilight cut him off. “Because she’s my teacher. Do you know what teachers do to students who don’t pass?”

Nova just sighed in defeat and figured he could let her get through her panicking until he could speak to her. 

A moment of silence passed after Twilight’s question. “They send them back a grade! But she won’t just send me back a grade, she’ll send me back to…..magic…kindergarten.” Twilight then went into thought and seemed to start shaking.

Nova walked up to her and took hold of her shoulders. “TWILIGHT!” He called out to get her attention. Her eyes shot open and looked at Nova. “Twilight, listen to me, PLEASE. You’re letting yourself worry too much, your just coming up with the worst case scenario for such a small thing. You need to calm down, think clearly and stop worrying. I’m telling you you’ll be fine.”

Twilight seemed to relax a bit. “Your right, I have no reason to worry.” She said with a smile.

Nova gave a sigh. “Thank the stars, I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Twilight then continued. “Because I’m going to solve a friend’s problem and get that letter to Celestia before sundown.”

Nova facehooved while Spike hung his head in defeat. 

Twilight looked to the two with a smile. “Sooooo….got any problems, troubles, or conundrums, major or minor issues that I as a good friend can help you solve?”

Spike started to try and think of something. “Hmm….uhhh….huh….ah……..I got nothin.” 

Twilight’s face fell at his answer, then looked to Nova. “What about you Nova?”

Nova just shook his head. “Sorry Twilight, but I don’t have any problems right now.”

Twilight gave a defeated sigh. “Then it looks like I’ll have to find some pony who does.” She was about to head out until Nova stopped her.

“Twilight, hold up.” Twilight stopped in her tracks and looked at Nova. “Since this is very important to you and won’t let up until this issue is solved, I’ll just come along and do what I can to help you out.”

Twilight smiled big. “You will? Thank you Nova.” Twilight gave Nova a kiss on the cheek in gratitude.

“You’re welcome Twilight.” Nova stated with a smile.

“This won’t end well.” Spike commented as the two headed out.

As the couple trotted through town, Twilight started talking out loud to herself. “You got this Twilight, you still have plenty of time to get that letter to princess Celestia, plus the help of a handsome stallion.” She said as she winked at Nova. He just smiled in return. “There has to be some pony around here who needs the help of a good friend.”

The two suddenly heard a loud scream. “AAAAAAHHHHHH!”

“That sounded like Rarity!” Nova pointed out. “Come on, sounds like she’s in trouble.” 

They heard her scream again as they ran over to her boutique. “AAAAAAHHHHH!!”

Twilight bucked the door open and stood with a smile at the entryway. “Don’t worry Rarity, we’re here.” 

Rarity was on her stage crying into her hooves. “Why me he he he, why why why? Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE….WORST….POSSIBLE….THING!”

Nova came up to her with Twilight close behind smiling. “Rarity, what’s wrong, what has you so upset?”  

“What’s happened, are you all right?” Twilight asked looking concerned now.

Rarity lifted her head, turned it to the side and put a hoof up. “I’ve lost my diamond encrusted purple ribbon! I have searched high, and I have searched low, low and high, high and low.” She finished with a cute little pout. She jumped down from her stage and onto the floor. “But I can’t find it anywhere.” She swooned as she used her magic to pull a red couch over to her before laying down on it. “Anywhere!”

Nova facehooved at that. “For the love of the cosmos, that’s what has her so upset? She just lost a ribbon? By the stars that mare likes to be dramatic.” 

Twilight clapped her front hooves together as her eyes sparkled and she smiled as Rarity continued with her dramatics. “How can I possibly finish my latest creation if I can’t find it.” She stated as she cried tears. 

Twilight took a proud stance and gave a smile. “Never fear Rarity, as your friend, I’ll do my best…”

Twilight’s theatrics were then cut off by Rarity. “Oh there it is.” She casually stated no longer looking sad. She trotted up to it lying on the floor. “Isn’t it just the last place you look?” She levitated it up and began snipping pieces off it.

Nova just had to ask. “Rarity, was all that really necessary over a lost ribbon?”

“But of course dear, I need it to complete my work after all.” Rarity answered.

Nova gave up on the subject. 

“So, you just lost your ribbon?” Twilight asked.

“Mmhmm.” Rarity answered.

“But now you found it?” Twilight asked again.

“Yeah huh.” 

“And nothing else is bothering you? Nothing that I as a good friend could help you with?” Twilight asked with a smile and one eye open.

“Hmmm.” Rarity turned her head to face Twilight. “There is one thing.”

“YES?” Twilight quickly asked.

“I think I left my measuring tape under that fabric over there, could you be a dear and get it for me?” Rarity asked as she went back to her work.

Twilight’s head hung and spoke sadly. “Measuring tape, sure.” She used her magic and levitated it over to Rarity and set it on the floor next to her before heading off. Nova followed close behind.

The two were once again trotting through town as Nova spoke to Twilight. “Ok, so Rarity didn’t really need any help. We’ll just find some pony else with a problem.”

“No need to panic, Rarity is just one pony, I’m sure one of my other friends will need me.” Twilight stated. 

Nova made a suggestion. “What about Applejack, maybe she could use some help with something.”

“Great idea Nova, let’s head over to Applejack’s.” Twilight stated with a smile.

The two headed to Applejack’s place and soon came to her farm. “LOOK OUT!” Nova called as he saw a piece of wood fly at them, he stopped it with a shield and it bounced off harmlessly. They looked over and saw Rainbow Dash attacking and destroying a barn. “What in the name of the galaxy is going on here?” Nova asked.

Twilight provided an answer. “Rainbow must be angry with Applejack, she must hate her guts, how wonderful.” Twilight proclaimed happily. 

This worried Nova. “Twilight, your kind of scaring me with that.”

“Come on Nova, let’s fix a friendship.” Twilight said as she made her way over to the barn. “Rainbow Dash, STOP!” Twilight used her magic to grab Dash by the tail and kept her from damaging the barn any further. “Listen Rainbow, I know your upset with Applejack, but don’t worry.” She stated with a wink and a smile. “Whatever it is that has come between you two, I, as a good friend, can help you resolve your problems.” She released Rainbow from her magic grasp.

Rainbow fell to the ground and looked up at Twilight. “Uh, what are you talking about?” She asked with confusion. 

Twilight put a hoof on Rainbow’s back. “Oh rainbow Dash, you don’t have to hide your feelings from me, I can tell that you two must have had a terrible fight.”

Rainbow Dash turned to Nova. “Nova, what is she talking about?”

Nova answered. “Well, it sure seems like you’re mad at Applejack for something, why else would you be destroying her barn?”

“Because she asked me too.” She turned to a ditch that Applejack popped out of with a helmet on. “Right Applejack!?”

“Yes mam, I wanted to put up a new barn, but this one needs to come down first. Now get back to it RD.” Applejack stated.
“You got it boss.” Rainbow said happily as she shot up into the air.

“I’d take cover if I were you.” Applejack said to the two before ducking back down into the ditch.

The two looked up and saw Dash charging down at high speed. “INCOMING!” Nova shouted before grabbing Twilight’s hoof and diving into the ditch with Applejack. He used his magic to cover all three of them just in case and a loud explosion was heard, followed by a rainbow colored mushroom cloud erupting from the scene of where the barn was. Debris rained down on them, thanks to Nova’s shield, they weren’t buried in it. Applejack happily hopped out of the ditch.

“Well, so much for that.” Nova said as the two walked on back through Ponyille. “So Applejack was a bust, doesn’t mean we won’t find some other friend who needs help, right?” Nova said to Twilight to try and cheer her up.

Twilight’s mane and tail were looking a little frazzled, she didn’t let the event with Applejack and Rainbow Dash get her down. “I can’t believe we wasted all that time, we should have come here first. Fluttershy always has some fear she’s trying to get over. As a good friend, we’ll be able to help her.”

“I hope so.” Nova said out loud. “For your sake anyway, you’re really starting to worry me Twilight.” Nova thought to himself. 

They approached Fluttershy’s cottage and came around to the side. They stopped there when they saw Fluttershy standing in front of a bear that roared out loudly.

“FLUTTERSHY!” Nova called out, fearing for his friend. Before he could act though, Fluttershy ran under the bear and came flying at it with a hoof, knocking it to the ground on its belly. Nova’s jaw dropped like a ton of bricks at this. “What the stars?” In mid fall, Fluttershy gripped one of the bear’s legs and was pulling on it. Both Nova and Twilight’s jaw hung open at the sight of Fluttershy actually attacking a bear. She then gave a hop and pounded all four legs into the bears back as it lay there crying and biting it’s finger in pain while pounding a fist with the other. Fluttershy then twisted the bears head and it fell to the ground limply.

Nova was stunned, he pulled his head around and started talking to himself. “What did I just see? Tell me I didn’t just see Fluttershy attack a bear.” He looked back around and saw her with a sweet smile as she was rubbing her front hooves along the bears back that now wore a contented smile. 

“You really should have come to me sooner, you were carrying so much tension in those shoulders.” He heard Fluttershy say.

It took a moment before a light bulb went off in his head. “Oh thank the galaxies, she’s just giving it a massage.” Nova turned to speak to Twilight but saw she was gone. He looked ahead and saw her walking off. “Twilight, wait up!” Nova called as he galloped after her.

Later, Twilight was lying on a bench on her side in the park stroking her tail. There was a puddle of water next to the bench. Nova just sat by her looking at her with worry as Twilight spoke to herself. “It’s fine, it’ll all be fine, the day isn’t over yet.” She quickly sat up and looked at the sky. “But it will be over soon.” She noticed the sun jerk to the side in the sky. “Ugh!” She groaned out as she lay back on the bench.

“Twilight, you’re really worrying me here, why not just tell the princess that you didn’t learn anything this week, I’m sure she’ll understand. I know she will.” Nova tried to reason.

Twilight’s head was hanging upside down as she cried into the puddle. “It’ll all be over, my time in Ponyville, my advanced studies.” She quickly sat up and looked at her reflection in the water. “No no, you’re a good student, you can do this.” “But what if I can’t?” “You can, you just have to keep it together, KEEP….IT…..TOGETHER!” Twilight said with a glare to her reflection.

Nova was REALLY worried now. “Twilight, get a hold of yourself.” Nova tried to say but Twilight didn’t seem to notice him. 

Spike had unnoticeably approached them with the box of cupcakes and saw Twilight’s state. “Twilight, were you talking to……yourself.” Twilight was still unresponsive. He waved a claw in front of her face. “Twilight?” She looked up and over to three fillies happily giggling as they played with a jump rope. Twilight was visibly cringing. 

Nova turned to Spike. “Spike, I am really starting to worry here, she’s getting so worked up over this whole letter thing. I don’t know what to do.”

Spike approached Twilight. “SNAP OUT OF IT!” He yelled. She seemed to snap out of her state and sat there on her haunches looking dazed. “Are you ok?” He asked. “Twilight, I’m really worried, we both are. This letter thing is really getting to you.” He held the box to Twilight. “Here, you’ve been so anxious all day you forgot about the picnic. Why don’t you just relax and forget about…”

Twilight suddenly looked at Spike with a big creepy grin. “The picnic!” Both Spike and Nova cringed. “I should go see my friends.” She levitated the box out of Spike’s claws and galloped off.

“Glad you came to your senses.” Spike stated with a smile. 

Nova disagreed. “I really don’t think so Spike, I’m still worried. But I’ll stick with her and do what I can to help her.” Nova took off after Twilight.

The two soon came to the area where they were to have the picnic, Rainbow Dash had on a pair of sunglasses as she lay on the picnic blanket. Twilight dropped the box just behind Dash’s head and had a big creepy grin on. By this point, her mane and tail were a total mess. The girls all looked at her with worry. Nova managed to catch up and took her side looking at her with worry. Applejack started. “You all right hun?”

“NO!” Twilight stated, no longer wearing her grin. “I’m not all right.”

“At least she admitted it.” Nova thought to himself. 

“It’s just terrible.” Twilight said.

“Yes?” All the girls asked.

“Simply aweful.”

“Yes?” They all asked again.

“It’s the most horrific trouble I’ve been in and I really, really, REALLY need your help.”

“Yes?”

“My letter to princess Celestia is almost overdue, and I haven’t learned anything about friendship.”

The girls all sighed out in relief. Nova didn’t like that as he looked at them with a bit of a surprise. “Oh thank goodness, I thought something awful has happened.” Fluttershy stated.

Twilight raised her right foreleg and left hind leg and wore a shocked expression. She teleported in front of Dash, causing her sunglasses to fly off her face. “Something terrible HAS happened.” She teleported over to Rarity on a couch as she was sipping tea, Twilight’s sudden appearance caused her to spit some out. “If I don’t turn the letter in on time, I’ll be tardy!” She then teleported over to Applejack and held her with her forelegs. “TARDY!”

The girls all just snickered at her. Nova glared at them. Applejack removed Twilight’s hooves from her. “No offense sugar cube, but it looks like some pony’s getting themselves all worked up over nothing.”

Twilight slapped Applejack’s hooves away. “This is not nothing, this is everything. I need you to help me find some pony with a problem I can fix before sundown, MY WHOLE LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!” She said as she looked at Pinkie.

Pinkie just laughed. “Oh Twilight, your such a crack up. HA HA HA HA!”

Applejack spoke to her again. “Come on now, have a seat and stop sweatin the small stuff.”

Twilight gave a groan, she groaned again and teleported away.

Nova finally addressed them. “What is wrong with you girls, can’t you see how upset she is over this?” He asked them all.

“Relax Nova, it’s just a letter.” Rainbow pointed out.

Nova glared at her. “It may be just a letter to you or me, but it’s important to her. Didn’t you all see how upset she is? She’s practically losing it over this. You should be more sensitive about this. Just because it seems small to you doesn’t mean it’s something big to her. You should be more sensitive to her feelings and do something to help! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find her and try to stop her before she does something drastic.” Nova then galloped off leaving behind five guilt ridden ponies.

Nova galloped through the town to try and find Twilight. He figured he’d check the library first. He was on approach and was in luck as he saw Twilight making her way out with a doll in her grasp. He called out to her before she ran past him. “Twilight, wait up. Let’s talk for a minute!”

“No time Nova, don’t worry, I got a plan to fix everything.” Twilight stated as she ran passed him.

Nova noticed the manic smile and shrunken pupils on Twilight’s face. “Twilight, what are you up to?” Nova asked himself sadly. “That’s it, time to ask for help from the only pony I can think of that CAN help.” Nova went inside the library. “Please be here, please be here.” He took a quick glance around first. “Spike, you in here?!” Nova called.

Spike emerged from the kitchen cautiously. “Nova? Thank Celestia it’s you.” He ran up to Nova looking worried.

“What’s wrong Spike?” Nova asked upon seeing the worried expression on the little dragon.

“I think Twilight is really upset now, she had this crazed look in her eye, I’m afraid she’s about to do something bad. I was about to send a letter to Celestia asking for her help.”

“Good thinking Spike, I was hoping to do the same, she may be the only one now that can set Twilight’s mind at ease.” The two headed upstairs and Spike retrieved a parchment and quill. “Do you mind if I dictate this Spike?” Nova asked.

“Go ahead.” Spike said as he readied to write down what Nova had to say.

“Dear princess Celestia, this is Nova and Spike, we are writing to you because we are worried about Twilight. This week, she hasn’t learned anything new about friendship and she is very worried about being late with a report. So worried that we are afraid she is about to do something reckless. Please get here as soon as you can to talk to her. We are afraid at this point, you are the only one who can. Your faithful subjects, Spike and Nova.”

Spike rolled up the scroll and sent it on its way. A few moments later, the two heard a ruckus off in the distance as the sun was getting ready to set. They went to the balcony and saw clouds of dust being kicked up by ponies fighting one another in the park. “What the galaxies is going on over there?” Nova asked.

“Oh man, you don’t think Twilight might be responsible do you?” Spike asked with worry.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Nova stated. “I’d better see if I can go help.” Nova was about to summon his wings and fly over there, but a bright white light was seen appearing over the area. Nova stopped and saw it was Celestia. She unleashed a spell that enveloped the area and all the ponies stopped fighting. A moment later, the two saw Celestia flying in their direction. They went back inside and waited for her.

Celestia landed on the balcony and entered the library. Nova and Spike bowed to her. “Hello Spike, Nova, I got your letter and came as fast as I could. It seems you were right.” She said.

“It is good to see you princess, thank you for coming.” Nova said to her.

Celestia smiled at Nova as she noticed he didn’t seem as nervous to see her as he usually does. “Nova, are you actually not afraid of me?”

Nova rose from his bow. “No your majesty, I’m not.” He said with a smile. “I believe that with a bit of help from my friends and getting to know you a little better, I have gotten over my fear of you.”

Celestia smiled more. “I am glad to hear it.”

Twilight soon entered the room with her head hung low, Starburst had followed her in. She stood before the princess. “Princess, I’m so sorry for what happened out there.”

“Nova.” Starburst said quietly as he approached his big brother.

Nova smiled upon seeing his little brother. “Hey there Starburst, what are you doing here?”

“I was at the park with my friends when Twilight showed up and popped a ball we were playing with by appearing inside it. She had this creepy smile on and her mane and tail were a mess. She tried to get me and the others to play with this raggedy doll she had with her. I don’t remember much of what happened, but I think she used some kind of spell on it, because the next thing I knew, it was all I wanted. Then me and the others started fighting over it.”

Nova cocked an eyebrow at this. “Really? What then?”

“The princess showed up and must have cast a spell to counter whatever happened to us. She said she would take me home after a talk with Celestia so I followed her here.” Starburst finished. “What’s going on Nova, why did she look like that? And why is the princess here?”

“I’ll explain later Starburst.” Nova stated.

The two turned their attention to Twilight and Celestia. “But-but…I’m supposed to send you a letter about friendship every week. I missed the deadline, I’m a bad student, I’m….tardy.” Twilight said as she lay on the ground sadly.

Celestia spoke to try and comfort her. “You are a wonderful student Twilight, I don’t need to get a letter every week to know that.”

Twilight lifted her head up and looked at Celestia. “Really?”

Suddenly, the door to the room flew open. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie fell in a heap, Rarity trotted in, and Rainbow Dash flew in, rolled on the floor and landed between Twilight and Celestia. “WAIT!” She called out.

“You can’t punish her!” Pinkie cried out.

“It wasn’t her fault.” Applejack added.

Nova was surprised by this. “NOW they decide to be good friends. Nice timing girls.” Nova thought to himself.

“I’m listening.” Celestia stated.

Fluttershy started as she sat in front of the princess. “Please your highness, we all saw that Twilight was upset.”

Rainbow continued from there. “But we thought the thing she was worrying about wasn’t worth worrying about.” Pinkie came up to Twilight looking sad as she rubbed her head against Twilight’s neck.

Applejack continued from there. “So when she ran off all worked up, not one of us tried to stop her, except fer Nova. He gave us a good talkin too when we just laughed at Twilight fer worrying about what she was worrying about.”

Rarity then picked up. “As Twilight’s good friends, we should have taken her feelings seriously like Nova said and been there for her.”

Fluttershy finished. “Please don’t take her away from us just because we were too insensitive to help her.”

Celestia took a moment before speaking. “Looks like you all learned a valuable lesson today.” They all sounded off in agreement. Celestia approached Twilight. “Very well, I’ll forget Twilight’s punishment on one condition.” She said as she jumped over the group and stood behind them. They all sounded off in agreement. “From this day forth, I would like you all to report to me your findings on the magic of friendship.” She leaned down to Twilight. “When, and only when you happen to discover them.” Every pony cheered in joy.

Celestia perched on the railing of the balcony and was about to take off when Twilight ran up to her. “Princess Celestia wait.” She galloped out to the balcony and stood before Celestia. “How did you know I was in trouble?”

Celestia smiled as she answered. “Your friends Spike and Nova made me aware that you were letting your fears get the best of you. I commend them for taking your feelings seriously.”

Twilight smiled as she looked back just in time to see Spike duck behind the wall and Nova just stood there with his little brother smiling. Twilight smiled back. “I’m grateful to them as well.” She trotted up to Nova and gave him a kiss. “Thank you for trying to help me today Nova, I should have listened to you when you were trying to tell me I had nothing to worry about.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I’m just glad you came back to your senses.” Nova stated with a smile. “Just promise me you won’t lose it like that again, okay? It was kinda scary seeing that look in your eye.”

Celestia then spoke to get their attention. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must return to Canterlot, I’m expecting some mail.” She flew into the air and disappeared in a flash back to Canterlot.

“Ya’ll heard the princess. Spike, take a letter.” Applejack stated. 

Spike pulled out a quill and parchment. Twilight gave Spike a grateful hug.

Before they got started though, Rarity spoke up. “Nova, you were right about what you said, we should have taken Twilight’s feelings seriously.”

Rainbow Dash then came in. “Yeah, we should have listened to you. And sorry again Twilight, for not helping.”

“It’s all right girls, I forgive you.” Twilight stated.

“Same here, just try to be more sensitive to others feelings next time.” Nova said.

Starburst gave out a yawn. “*Yawn*, This is all interesting, but can we go home now, I’m tired.”

Nova looked to his little brother with a smile. “Sure thing Starburst.” He turned back to the girls. “You all don’t mind do you?”

Applejack answered. “Course not, yer the one that helped us learn our lesson today, so you got nothing to add.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow Nova, sweet dreams Starburst.” Fluttershy said sweetly to Starburst.

“Good night girls. See you tomorrow.” Nova said as he and Starburst made their way out and towards home.

> Nightmare Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nightmare Night



It was currently a Saturday so Nova and Starburst took the opportunity of their free time to spend some time with their mother and father in the park. They had gathered near a tree in the park and sat under the shade to talk a bit. Cosmos and Starla were pleased to know their youngest son was getting an education from the local school in town, just as they were happy to learn Starburst had friends around his own age to hang out with. They talked and Nova informed his parents of a few more things about this world they would need to know to try and fit in.

Twilight had come looking for them and approached them with a smile. “Hello every pony, how are you all today?” 

“Oh, hello Twilight, we’re doing fine thanks.” Cosmos answered.

“Nova here was just telling us a few other things about this world we’d need to know.” Starla informed.

“That’s nice, but there is something coming up you all don’t know about, I figured I should come and tell you.” Twilight stated as she drew closer and sat on her haunches next to Nova. 

“Really, what’s that?” Starburst asked.

Twilight began to tell of a holiday that was on the way. “There is a holiday coming up you should know about.”

Starburst’s eyes lit up. “Really, a holiday? Like winter wrap up or the running of the leaves?”

Twilight giggled at Starburst’s enthusiasm. “No Starburst, this holiday is all about fun.”

Nova spoke up. “So what is it already? Don’t keep us in suspense.” He asked with a smile.

“It’s called Nightmare Night.” Twilight finally stated.

Just like that, Starburst’s enthusiasm disappeared. “Did….did you say……n-n-nightmare night. Uh, I’m not sure I want to take part in this. Thanks anyway Twilight.”

“Now hold on Starburst, don’t let the name fool you, it’s a lot of fun.” Twilight stated before Starburst could take off. 

“Twilight, what is this Nightmare Night, it doesn’t sound very fun.” Cosmos said.

Twilight began to inform them. “It’s a holiday where we set up all kinds of spooky decorations and have booths with all kinds of fun games to play. There will also be a band to play music for dancing and hay rides and all sorts of fun thing. Plus, every pony wears a costume for Nightmare Night. You can pretend to be whatever you want. Aaaaannnd, there’s free candy.” Twilight practically sang out the last part.

Starburst’s ears perked up at the mention of candy. “Did you say….free candy?”

Nova rolled his eyes with a smile. “Oh boy, here we go.”

“I did Starburst. Every little pony dresses up in costumes, goes door to door and says the Nightmare Night rhyme to get free candy.” Twilight informed as she looked at him.

“Wow, that does sound fun, I can’t wait.” He then turned to his parents. “I can take part can’t I mom, dad? PLEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSSE!”

The two aliens smiled at their little son. “All right Starburst, I don’t see any reason not to.” Starla answered. 

“ALL RIGHT!” Starburst cheered as he jumped into the air. “You two will take part too won’t you, it sounds like a perfect opportunity for us to have some fun together as a family.” Starburst stated as he looked at his parents and big brother.

Nova answered. “Sure, it does sound like fun. I’m in.”

“So are we, this does sound interesting.” Cosmos said with a smile.

Twilight smiled as she got Starburst’s attention. “Now then, what would you like to dress up for it?”

Nightmare Night:

Nightmare Night had arrived. Before that, Twilight let the family go through some books on other creatures of Equestria to find something they would want to dress up as, real or mythical. Nova had managed to make some adjustments to his and Starburst’s holo-emitters so as to create a costume for themselves. Starburst chose to disguise himself as one of the creatures he had heard about that live in the Everfree forest, a manticore. His head was the only thing that didn’t look different, but he did look like he had fangs in his mouth. For the rest of his costume, he had a lion mane around his neck, fake bat like wings on his back, and a scorpion tail, as well as orange fur. “GRR, beware, I am a manticore and I’ll eat you up.” Starburst growled at his big brother.

“Ha ha, very funny Starburst.” Nova said with a smirk. He had chosen to disguise himself as a zombie. He kept his green color but it was a darker shade. He had dark circles under his eyes, stiches all over his body, and his mane was a mess. It was a darker shade of green then the rest of him and had fake spiders in it. “So how do I look Starburst?”

“Not bad Nova, pretty scary. Now come on, I want to get that free candy.” Starburst was ready to bolt out the door to begin the holiday with his empty white bag around his neck just waiting to be filled with candy.

Nova chuckled. “All right, let’s go meet up with Twilight.”

“YAY!” So the two brothers headed out to Twilight’s.

They soon arrived and saw Twilight and Spike walking out. Spike was wearing a dragon costume while carrying a pile of candy in his claws and Twilight had on a cape and hat with crescent moons, stars, and bells lining them with a fake white beard hanging down from her chin. Nova greeted them first. “Hey there you two.” 

“Hello Nova.” Twilight responded looking a little unhappy.

Starburst took notice of Spike’s costume. “Spike, are you dressed as a….dragon?”

Spike answered happily. “Yep.”

“Not very imaginative if you ask me.” Starburst commented.

“Twilight, who are you supposed to be?” Nova asked curiously. 

“Well, I don’t expect you to know, but I’m dressed as Starwirl the bearded. He’s one of the most famous unicorns in history.” Twilight informed.

“And why do you seem so upset right now?” Nova asked concerned.

“Because so far, no pony seems to know who I’m dressed up as.” Twilight responded.

“Sorry Twilight, guess a lot of ponies don’t brush up on their history as much as they should. Sorry if I didn’t know right away.” Nova said with a frown.

Twilight’s frown was replaced with a straight look. “It’s fine Nova, I don’t expect you to know any famous ponies from Equestria history, let’s just go enjoy this night.”

Nova offered a smile to try and cheer her up. “Good idea, and if I may say so…..I think I like you better without a beard.” He joked to try and make her smile.

It worked as she cracked a smile. “I still think you should have come out as yourself. No pony would know the difference. I think it would be a great look for Nightmare Night too.”

“I appreciate the thought, but I just don’t think I want to take the chance just yet.

Before making it to the center of town, the group ran into Starla and Cosmos, both were dressed up as timberwolves. “Hey mom, hi dad!” Starburst happily cheered upon seeing his parents. “Nice costumes.” He commented.

“Thanks son, don’t you look adorable.” Starla commented.

Starburst frowned. “I’m not adorable, I’m a manticore, a horrible beast that will eat you. Rawr!” He roared, trying to look intimidating. It only served to get a giggle out of his mother.

“So you two are dressed up as timberwolves right?” Nova asked.

“I think that’s what they’re called, yes.” Cosmos answered.

“That’s right, you got the costumes down good by the way.” Twilight informed.

As the group talked, Nova happen to notice a dark cloud moving over head. He noticed a rainbow tail hanging out the back of it. Figuring what was about to happen, he quickly shot a warning bolt of magic just in front of it. “YAH!” A cry rang out from the cloud.

The group ceased their talk and looked to Nova. Twilight was the first to ask, “Nova, what was that?”

“What’s the big idea Nova?” Rainbow asked from atop the cloud. She was wearing a full body costume of black and purple with yellow zig zagging lines and yellow goggles giving her a fierce look. 

Nova looked up to Dash as he responded. “Nice try Dash, but I’m not about to let you fire off a lightning bolt to scare us.”

Dash waved his comment off. “Awe lighten up Nova, tonight’s the perfect night for pranks.”

“Not when those pranks involve scaring my little brother. If you want to pull pranks like that, do it to some other pony, NOT my little brother.”

“Fine……OH, there’s a group over there.” Rainbow Dash quickly said as she pushed the cloud away.

“What was that about Nova?” Cosmos asked.

Nova was still looking up as he responded. “Appearantly, Rainbow Dash thought it would be funny to scare us with a lightning bolt from that cloud she had.” Nova turned back to face the group. "Starburst is scared enough of lightning, the last thing I want is some pony scaring him with it as a prank.”

“Thanks Nova.” Starburst said as he smiled up at his big brother. 

Nova smiled back. “Any time little bro. Why don’t you and our parents go ahead and join the fun? I want to hang out with Twilight a bit.”

Before Starburst could respond, his three friends ran up to him. Scootaloo was dressed up like a wolf, Sweetie Belle was wearing a black cape, had a pair of fake fangs in her mouth, and her mane was combed back and looking slick, and Apple Bloom had her mane up and was colored black and white, had dark circles under her eyes, and had fake stiches all over her. 

“Hey Starburst, neat costume.” Scootaloo complimented. 

“Thanks, what’s up girls?” Starburst asked.

“Come on Starburst, were goin candy huntin together, we’re gonna meet up with Pinkie and some others ta go get candy and have fun.” Apple Bloom informed.

Starburst was a little hesitant. “I don’t know girls, I was kinda wanting to celebrate this holiday with my parents.”

“Come on Starburst, please.” Sweetie Belle begged.

Starburst was about to argue more but Cosmos came forward. “Go ahead son, it looks like your friends really want you to join them.”

Starburst looked up at his dad. “You sure dad?” He asked.

Starla came to his other side to respond. “Go ahead son, we can always spend time together, you go have fun with your friends.” She offered a smile.

Starburst smiled back. “Ok, I’ll see you later. Hope you two have fun.” Starburst was then off with his three friends to enjoy Nightmare Night.

Cosmos then turned to Twilight and Nova. “I think we’ll just wander around a bit on our own as well.”

“We’ll leave you two love birds alone.” Starla said with a smile.

“You sure mom?” Nova asked.

“Go on, we’ll be fine, we are grown ponies after all.” Cosmos said.

“All right, you two enjoy yourselves then.” Nova responded with a smile.

So with Starla and Cosmos gone, Twilight, Nova, and Spike went on their way and found Applejack hosting a bobbing for apples game. She was dressed up like a scare crow. “Happy Nightmare Night Applejack.” Twilight greeted.

Applejack greeted back with a smile. “Howdy Spike, hey Twilight, Nova. Nice costume.” Applejack directed to Twilight.

“Thanks, I’m a dragon.” Spike responded.

“I think she meant Twilight, Spike.” Nova responded.

Applejack walked up to Twilight and started fiddling with her fake beard. “With that beard, I reckon yer some kinda country music singer.”

Twilight was not pleased with that response. She grunted inwardly as Spike chuckled.

“While ya’ll are here, ya feel like bobbin fer an apple?” Applejack pointed to the bucket where Golden Harvest, who was wearing fake red horns, a red tail and a black cape, was about to dunk her head in to try and grab an apple.

Derpy suddenly popped out of the water with a plug in her mouth. All the water in the bucket drained out as Derpy frowned. She just had a bunch of brown paper bags on her head and hooves.

Nova couldn’t help but smile and rolled his eyes. He walked over to her as he spoke. “Derpy, what are you doing?”

“Sorry, I just don’t know what went wrong.” Derpy stated as Nova helped her out.

“Well for starts, you’re supposed to stand outside of the bucket and just dunk your muzzle in, not your whole body.”

“Oh, that does make more sense.”Derpy said with a smile.

Applejack and Twilight talked while Nova spoke with Derpy. “Derpy…..there’s……something I want to tell you. But it will have to wait for later. Do you think you can meet up with me later on tonight?”

Derpy looked a bit more confused with her crossed eyes. “I guess so, what’s this about Nova?”

“There’s…..a secret I want to let you in on, but it has to be someplace private where no pony can overhear us when I tell you.”

“Really? What kind of secret?” Derpy asked with a smile.

“I’ll tell you later if you’ll meet with me.”

“Ok, sure, no problem. I’ll promise not to tell anypony now if you want.”

Nova smiled. “You don’t have to now, but thanks anyway, I’ll see you later tonight.” 

Nova went back to join Twilight just in time to hear the mayor begin a speech on a stage set up nearby. She was dressed up like a clown with a rainbow afro wig, a big red nose, a big polka dotted bow tie, and floppy red shoes. “Thank you every pony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night festival.” The crowd that had gathered cheered. “Every pony that has been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the tale of….Nightmare Mooooon. Mwa ha ha ha ha.” She tried to sound spooky as she laughed.

Nova had gotten to meet Zecora in the past and got along with her just fine with the others. He had found it strange though that she always rhymed, but he didn’t want to be rude so he never said anything about it. Zecora was the zebra he met in the past shortly after that incident with the poison joke flowers that disabled his ability to use his magic to disguise himself.

Spike leaned closer to Twilight. “The spooky voice would have been better if she weren’t dressed like that.” Twilight and Nova couldn’t help but laugh a little at Spike’s comment.

A green mist suddenly appeared on the stage next to the mayor and Zecora emerged. She was wearing a flowing black dress, her mane was down and had spiders in it. “Follow me and very soon, you’ll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon.” Twilight, Nova, and Spike followed behind a group of young ponies with Pinkie Pie leading them who was dressed like a chicken. Starburst was among them with his three friends with a bag full of candy.

The group soon came to a statue of an alicorn that was rearing up and had sharp teeth as she smiled wickedly. Zecora began her tale. “Listen close my little dears. I’ll tell you where you got your fears. Of Nightmare Night so dark and scary.” Zecora reached into her dress and pulled out some green powder. She blew it off her hoof and it flew up into the air just above every ponies heads. 

It took on the form of Nightmare Moon. “Of Nightmare Moon who makes you wary.” The image swooped down and crashed into the crowed, creating that same green mist Zecora made earlier. “Every year, we put on a disguise, to save ourselves from her searching eyes.” Two little ponies cried out in fear from a pair of eyes and a grinning mouth of sharp teeth, only for it to be Zecora emerging from the mist. 

One of the little ponies, who was dressed like a pirate, and had a white coat with brown spots, ran into the statue. “Nightmare Moon just wants one thing. To gobble up ponies in one quick swing.” The little one had backed up from the statue and bumped into Pinkie who had her head in the dirt like an ostrich. The two screamed.

Starburst quickly ran over to Nova and hid behind him. Nova was not happy with this, since it was scaring his little brother.
Zecora continued with her tale as she threw out more of her green powder that formed into Nightmare Moon again. “Hungrily she soars the skies. If she sees no pony, she passes by. So if she comes and all is clear, then Equestria is safe another year.” The image flew up and faded out.

The little pony dressed as a pirate approached Zecora. “Um, miss Zecora, if we were cautioned to hide from her on Nightmare Night, how come we still need to give her some of our candy?”

“A perfect question my little friend, for Nightmare Moon you must not offend.” Zecora answered in her rhyming. She then took out more of her powder and blew on it, forming Nightmare Moon again. “Fill up her belly with a treat or two, so she won’t return to come eat you!” The form lept forth and crashed into the crowd.

“Nova, I don’t like this holiday anymore.” Starburst said from behind his brother.

Twilight came up next to him to try and comfort him. “Starburst, it’s ok, Nightmare Moon is gone now. She isn’t real anymore.”

Starburst looked up at Twilight. “Really?”

Nova turned around and placed a hoof on his little brother’s shoulder. “Listen Starburst, Twilight told me all about this Nightmare Moon. She was princess Celestia’s younger sister who let her emotions get the better of her a long time ago, turning into Nightmare Moon. She was banished to the moon for a thousand years and then made a comeback. But Twilight and her friends found the elements of harmony and used them to make her good again. This happened shortly before we showed up here.”

“So, no Nightmare Moon?” Starburst asked.

“No Nightmare Moon.” Nova simply answered with a small smile.

Starburst gave one back.

Suddenly, the wind picked up and the clouds overhead began to swirl about. A dark carriage being pulled by a pair of ponies with bat like wings and slitted eyes and dark armor appeared. A cloaked figure riding the carriage. “It’s Nightmare Moon, RUN!” Pinkie shrieked. She, Zecora, and all the other little ponies ran off. Starburst stayed with his big brother, but began shaking in fear.

Twilight, Nova, Spike, and Starburst rushed to the center of town where the carriage was headed. It stopped in mid-air and the cloaked figure hovered down to the ground. All the ponies around cringed in fear of the sight. “Whoa, who’s that?” Nova asked.

The figure flung it’s head up and the hood flew back, revealing the face of a mare. She had blue eyes, a dark blue coat, a flowing mane and tail that looked to be made of stardust, was wearing an onyx crown, black necklace with a crescent moon on it and silver shoes on her hooves. She started taking a few steps forward and her cloak turned to bats that flew away. She had a horn and wings. On her flank was a black splotch with a crescent moon on it.

Every pony but Twilight, Nova, Spike, and Starburst got low to the ground. Twilight and Nova were the only ones not showing any sign of fear. “Princess Luna.” Twilight happily said. She started walking towards her but Spike quickly pulled her down and shushed her with a claw.

The alicorn Twilight identified as Luna approached a Pegasus mare dressed as a witch on the ground and gave a smile. The mare just cringed more. Luna raised a hoof and began to speak very loudly. “Citizens of Ponyville, we have graced your village with our presence so that you might behold the real PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!”

“Great galaxies, does she really need to shout so much?” Nova commented. 

Luna continued. “A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead, a pony who desires your love and admiration. Tonight, we shall change this dreadful celebration into a BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS FEAST!” She declared as she reared up and raised a hoof just as a bolt of lightning went off.

“Did you hear that every pony, Nightmare Moon says she’s going to feast on us all.” Pinkie said, which was then followed by her and the other little ponies she was with to run screaming.

“But…..that’s not what she said.” Starburst said, showing less fear.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?” Nova asked to himself.

Luna then started speaking normally. “What? No children no. You no longer have reason to fear us. Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror.” She declared with the stomp of a hoof, frightening another pony nearby. Luna then turned to the mayor and approached her. “Madam Mayor, thigh princess of the night hath arrived.” Luna pointed a hoof at her, causing her to cringe. Luna frowned at this and looked to a pony next to her. She then pointed her hoof at her and she cringed too. “What is the matter with you?” She asked confused as she pointed her hoof at other ponies that just cringed.

“Very well then, be that way. We won’t even bother with the royal traditional farewell.” Luna said in a huff as she walked off.

Twilight finally stood up. “I’m going to go talk to her.”

“I’ll go with you, she doesn’t seem so bad.” Nova offered.

Spike then got in front of them to stop them. “You can’t talk to her, she’s Nightmare Moon.”

“She doesn’t look like it.” Starburst pointed out. 

“She’s not Nightmare moon. I saw the elements change her back to good. But it seems she’s having trouble adjusting after being gone for a thousand years.”

“I can’t imagine what that must have been like.” Nova said.

Twilight turned to him. “Are you sure you want to come with me, aren’t you afraid Luna will see through your disguise?”

“Maybe a little, but if she’s anything like her sister, I don’t think I’ll have much to worry about.” Nova responded.

“I want to come too.” Starburst said. “She doesn’t seem as scary as I thought.”

Nova smiled at his little brother. “That’s because you were afraid of Nightmare Moon, not princess Luna.” 

Spike stayed behind as the three went to find Luna. They soon found her in front of the statue of Nightmare Moon lying on the ground looking down. “Princess Luna.” Twilight called to get her attention. Luna stood up and faced Twilight. “My name is…”

“Starswirl the bearded.” Luna cut her off. “Commendable costume. Thow even got the belles right.”

Twilight smiled big at this. “Thank you, finally, some pony who gets my costume.” Twilight soon remembered why she came here in the first place. “Uh, we just came to welcome you to our celebration. My actual name is….”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Luna cut her off again. A wind picked up and clouds formed overhead as Luna began to hover and speak in her loud voice. “It was thow who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!” 

Nova cringed a bit and folded his ears back while Starburst just hid behind him and covered his ears. “By the stars she can yell.” Nova commented.

Twilight continued. “And that was a good thing, right?” She asked.

Luna landed in front of her and just yelled normally. “But if course, we could not be happier! Is that not clear?!”

“Well you kind of sound like you’re yelling at me.” Twilight pointed out.

“But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice. It is tradition to speak using the royal we, and to use this much volume when addressing our subjects!” She shouted again.

Her shout left Twilight’s had askew and beard stiff in the air. She just calmly placed her hat straight and readjusted her fake beard. “Well that might explain why your appearance was met with mixed results. I think if you just change your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception.” 

“Change our approach!” Luna shouted again.

“Lower the volume.” Twilight simply stated.

“A lot.” Starburst commented from behind Nova.

Twilight then realized she hadn’t introduced Nova yet. “Oh, right, sorry princess, these are friends of mine. This is….”

Luna cut her off again. “Nova, one of the newer bearers of the elements of harmony. My sister has told me of the.”

Nova stepped forward. “A pleasure to meet you your majesty. And this is my little brother Starburst.”

Starburst came out from behind Nova and approached her shyly. “Hello princess Luna, it is nice to meet you.”

“You do not seem afraid of me like the others. We are pleased by this.” Luna said with a smile.

“Yeah well, we can see clearly that you’re not this Nightmare Moon every pony is afraid of.” Nova said.

Starburst gave a small smile. “You seem nice, like your sister.”

“I thank thee little one, for thine comment.”

Nova then came in. “Now as Twilight was saying, you might want to think about not yelling like you have been. It’s not exactly the best way to make a good impression.” 

“We have been locked away for a thousand years, we are not sure we can.” Luna stated with a frown.

“I have an idea that might help.” Twilight stated. “Follow me princess, I’ll take you to some pony that might be able to help.”

“Very well, lead the way.” Luna stated. 

The group of four soon arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage with Twilight leading the way. “Don’t worry princess, Fluttershy can give you some great pointers. She delicate and demur with the sweetest little voice.” Twilight knocked on the door.

“GO AWAY, NO CANDY HERE, NO VISITORS WELCOME ON NIGHTMARE NIGHT!” Fluttershy shouted out.

“Wow, so much for delicate and demur.” Starburst mused.

“What was that about?” Nova questioned.

Twilight gave a sheepish smile. “I forgot that she doesn’t like Nightmare Night.” Twilight then called out to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, it’s us, your friends.”

Fluttershy opened the door and peeked out. “It is you.” She opened it wider and saw Luna standing there. “Oh, and Nigtmare Moon.” She immediately freaked out. “Nightmare Moon! AH!” She slammed the door shut.

Twilight laughed nervously. “Wait right here.”

Nova looked to his little brother. “Starburst, you don’t mind waiting out here with the princess do you?” 

Starburst smiled. “No, I don’t mind.”

“Good, we’ll be right back.” Nova and Twilight went in to Fluttershy’s house.

There was a racket heard from inside and Fluttershy was then pushed out by Twilight and Nova. “Fluttershy, you remember princess Luna.”  Twilight said.

Luna raised a hoof in greeting. “Charmed!”

Fluttershy rushed back into her house, only to be pulled back out by Twilight’s magic and floated back in front of her. She plastered on a nervous smile. “Likewise.”

“Twilight Sparkle has spoken of the sweetness of thy voice! We ask that thow teaches us to speak as thow speakest!”

Fluttershy was on the ground cringing. “Okay.” She answered meekly.

“Shall our lesson begin?!”

“Okay.”

“Shall we mimic thy voice?!”

“Okay.”

“How is this?!”

“Perfect lesson over.” Fluttershy quickly answered and bolted for her house, only to have Nova close it before she could get in and slammed into it.

“Try being a little softer princess.” Nova said.

“How is this?!” Luna asked as she lowered the volume of her voice.

“Better, right Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as she looked to Fluttershy, still plastered to the door.

Fluttershy managed to free her head and looked back. “Yes.” She then fell from the door to the ground.

“How….about….now!” Luna said, seemingly struggling.

“You almost got it princess.” Starburst encouraged.

“And, how about now?” Luna asked speaking normally.

“Yes, well done.” Twilight congratulated. 

Luna then used her magic to grab Fluttershy and pulled her into a hug, switching her from shoulder to shoulder, speaking loudly again. “I thank thee dear Fluttershy, for a normal sounding voice will surely win the hearts of thine fellow villagers.” Poor Fluttershy just had a scared look on her face.

Pinkie then came trotting up with the little ponies following her. “Fluttershy, you have to hide us. Nightmare Moon is here and….” She stopped when she saw the goofy look on Fluttershy’s face in Luna’s grasp. “She’s stolen Fluttershy’s voice so she can’t scream when she GOBBLES HER UP!” This sent the little ponies in a panic and they all ran.

Nova glared at her as they ran. “PINKIE!” Nova shouted.

Luna became worried at this as she reached out a hoof to the panicking and fleeing ponies. “Nay children, wait!” She quickly ceased her shouting. “I mean, nay children wait.” 

“What was that all about?” Starburst questioned.

Nova hung his head and shook it with a sigh. “I don’t know. But I have a feeling Pinkie is going to be a problem for us later on.”

Twilight just put on a smile. “Come on princess, time for plan B.”

They soon came back into town and the ponies quickly dropped to the ground cringing in fear. “It is of no use Twilight Sparkle, Nova, they have never liked us, and they never shall.”

Nova spoke to try and cheer her up. “Don’t worry your majesty, just give them time. We won’t quit until every pony here sees what a good pony you are.”

“Our friend Applejack is one of the most likeable ponies around.” Twilight pointed out. “I’m sure she’ll have some ideas.”

They soon came to the apple bobbing game Applejack was at where the little pirate pony, Pipsqueak, was about to fall in. Applejack grabbed him just in time. “Whoa, careful there partner.” She set him down on the ground and he happily trotted away. She turned and saw Luna before her. She yelped and dropped to the ground. 

“Uh, Applejack, the princess is looking for a little advice on fitting in around here.” Twilight said to her. 

Applejack looked up from her position. “Fittin in, really?”

Nova came in. “Yes, fitting in. She is princess LUNA after all.” He emphasized with a glare.

Applejack got back up. “I mean, that’s easy. All you gotta do is have the right attitude. Loosen up, be positive, play a few games, have fun.”

“Fun? What is this….fun thow speakest of?” Luna asked.

“You really don’t know what fun is?” Starburst asked.

“Starburst, don’t be rude now.” Nova lightly scolded.

“Right, come on princess, I’ll show you.” Starburst quickly volunteered. He led Luna with Twilight, Applejack, and Nova following over to a game set up with fake spiders and a web. 

“Wow Starburst, you’re eager to help.” Nova stated with a smile.

“Hey, who better to show the princess how to have fun than me?” Starburst pointed out.

At the stand, there was a pony dressed as a bee cringing and shivering. Starburst approached the stand and took hold of a fake spider. Luna noticed this and asked, “What purpose do these serve?”

Starburst answered. “Simple, you toss the spiders and try to land them on the web there. Watch this.” Starburst took careful aim with his spider and gave it a toss. He managed to land it near the bottom of the web. “Awe quasars. Oh well, you try princess, just try to land the spider on the center and you’ll win.” Starburst took another spider and gave it to Luna.

Luna took aim and tossed, the spider landed on the ground just in front of the web. “You can do it princess!” Applejack cheered.

“Try again.” Nova also cheered. 

Starburst gave her another spider. Luna took careful aim and tossed it. This time she managed to land it dead center on the web. “Nice shot princess.” Starburst cheered.

Luna smiled. “Hah, your princess enjoys this fun.” Other ponies had started to gather around. “In what other ways may we experience it?”

The group soon led Luna to a pumpkin launching game. Luna placed a pumpkin in a small catapult. “Fire away princess!” Twilight cheered.

Luna pressed down on the catapult and released it, launching the pumpkin into the air. It hit the target dead on. “Ha ha, the fun has been doubled!” Luna cheered. The crowed of ponies cheered for Luna. 

“Why don’t you try bobbin fer apples, we got the best apples here in Equestria princess.” Applejack said with a smile.

“I ask that thow call us…me….Luna, dear Applejack.” Luna stated, correcting her speech. She then called out to all the ponies. “Hear me villagers, all of you, call me Luna!” The crowd started sounding off in approval. “Show me to these bobbing apples.”

“It’s a lot of fun princess.” Starburst stated.

“And trust me, Starburst knows fun.” Nova stated jokingly. 

Twilight and Applejack laughed at his comment.

They soon approached the apple bobbing station just in time for Luna to see Pipsqueak fall in. Luna quickly rushed over and pulled him out. Unfortunately, Pinkie Pie and the kids came by just in time to see Luna holding Pipsqueak in her mouth. “Hey gals, any pony seen Pip, we lost him when we last had to run from….BUKAWK! Nightmare Moon is gobbling Pipsqueak! EVERY PONY RUN!”

“Not this again.” Nova complained. 

Pipsqueak started screaming. “Aaahhh, my backside has been gobbled!” Just as Luna set him down on the ground.

“Tis a lie, thy backside is whole and ungobbled ungrateful welp.” Luna declared with a hoof stomp, causing a bolt of lightning to go off. The other ponies started backing away from her in fear. Luna started getting fearful now that the others would start being afraid of her again. “Fair villagers, do not back away. Let us join together in….fun!” She looked around desperately and found one of the fake spiders from the spider toss game on the ground. She tossed it towards the crowd and it just landed on the ground with no results. Luna frowned. “Not enough fun for you? What say you to….this?!” She fired off a magic spell at the spider, bringing it to life and making it real. The ponies panicked and ran off.

Luna fired the spell again at the other fake spiders at the spider toss. They started swarming and some of them crawled onto the poor mare that was hosting the game while the others crawled over to the web and got on the center of it. Luna smiled and spread out her wings. “Hazah, how many points do I receive?”

“Nova, this doesn’t look good.” Starburst pointed out.

“Tell me about it.” Nova agreed.

The whole square was now in a panic as ponies ran about in fear. “Do not run away.” Luna tried to say, but no pony listened. One ran into a barrel of apples and knocked it over. “As your princess, we command you.” Luna tried again. Two ponies ran into each other, one ran into a cart and knocked off a giant fake piece of candy, causing it to roll off. The mayor tried to climb up a poll but only caused it to fall over. Luna had enough. “BE STIIIIILLLLLL!” She shouted as lighting went off.

Every pony stopped where they were and fell silent. Twilight came forward to try and reason with her. “Princess remember, watch the screaming.”

Luna turned to Twilight with her eyes glowing pure white. “No Twilight Sparkle. We must use the traditional royal Canterlot voice for what we are about to say!” Luna started flying up as she spoke. “Since you choose to fear your princess rather than love her, you dishonor her with this insulting celebration. We decree that Nightmare Night shall be cancelled…..FOREVER!” Luna then flew off. 

“Forever? But this is our first one, that’s not fair.” Starburst complained.

“Shoot, we had everythin goin our way. Luna was happy, every pony in town was happy, now look at em.” Applejack said sadly.

Starla and Cosmos soon arrived and approached them. “Nova, what in the galaxies was all that about?” Cosmos asked.

“Is every pony all right, why was every pony panicking just now?” Starla asked.

“It’s a long story mom.” Nova stated sadly.

“I can’t believe it, my first Nightmare Night and it’s all over.” Starburst stated sadly as he sat on his haunches and eyed his bag of goodies.
Twilight came up next to Starburst and placed a hoof on his little shoulder. “It’s not over yet Starburst. Nova, I need your help.”

“What for?” Nova asked curiously. “What can we do?”

“I’m going to do what I do best, lecture her. Come on.” Twilight declared as she started galloping off.

Nova put a hoof on Starburst. “Starburst, why don’t you stay with mom and dad for a bit while we try to sort this out?” Starburst nodded sadly. Nova then took off after Twilight.

Nova and Twilight ran about the town looking for Luna, they soon spotted her crossing a bridge hanging her head. The two trotted over with Twilight speaking to get her attention. “Princess?”

“Leave me be Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said sadly with a sob.

“Princess, please, this is all just one big misunderstanding.” Nova stated.

Twilight continued. “He’s right, I’m sorry things haven’t worked out the way we wanted for us, but you have to believe that Nightmare Night is one of the most popular celebrations we have.”

Luna began sarcastically. “Yes, I can tell by all the adoring shrieks of the children as they run away.” She continued to walk away.

Nova spoke out. “This is all Pinkie’s fault you know. If she hadn’t been shouting all that ridiculous stuff and screaming, things would have gone better.”

“Your right Nova, we need to have a word with her. Princess, wait up, I think I have another plan!” Twilight called as she and Nova trotted to catch up to her.

A little later in the night, Pinkie was going around and happen to see a piece of candy lying on the ground. She quickly went over to it and pecked the wrapper off then ate the candy inside. She saw another a little further away and did the same. She found a trail that eventually led her into an alley. She was about to do the same thing when Twilight tackled her to the ground and held a hoof over her mouth. “NO, no shrieking, no squealing or screaming either, okay?” Twilight asked.

“Okay.” Pinkie responded, her voice muffled by Twilight’s hoof.

Nova came up to her next. “Pinkie, we have something to show you and we promise it’s not scary, but you have to promise not to scream or yell or shout or anything, do you promise not to scream?” Pinkie nodded.

Twilight got off Pinkie and the two stepped aside to reveal Luna looking none too happy. Pinkie was about to freak out but she quickly covered her mouth with her hooves. Twilight began. “Pinkie Pie, you remember princess Luna right?”

Luna approached Pinkie. “Ah, the ring leader of the frightened children.” Luna crossed one leg over the other looking shy. “Has thow come to make peace?” She asked with a smile. She reached out a hoof for a shake.

Pinkie started reaching out a hoof to take Luna’s, but that was when Rainbow Dash thought it a good time to pull her prank. She shot a bolt of lightning out and made it look like Luna’s eyes flashed, scaring Pinkie. “Nightmare Moon!” Pinkie shrieked as she started running away.

“Rainbow Dash!” Nova scolded as Rainbow rolled around on the cloud in laughter.

Twilight quickly teleported into Pinkie’s path and managed to get her back to the ground before she could get away. “She’s changed Pinkie, she’s not evil or scary anymore, and she definitely doesn’t want to gobble you up!”

Pinkie looked shocked for a moment. “Well duh.” She stated.

Twilight looked confused at her statement, as did Nova. “Huh?” Twilight asked. 

“I know that, sheesh Twilight, I’m almost as big as her, how is she going to gobble me up?” Pinkie asked as if it were obvious.

Nova then came to Twilight’s side and looked down at her. “But then, why did you keep screaming when you saw her and yelled all those things?”

“Sometimes it’s just really fun to be scared.” Pinkie explained with a smile.

“WHAT?” Nova practically shouted. He lifted Twilight off Pinkie with his magic and set her back down just behind him. He then stood over pinkie with a glare. “Let me get this straight, you’ve been screaming your head off, yelling all these ridiculous things because it was FUN?!”

Pinkie was looking less sure of herself as she answered. “Uh, yes?”

“Pinkie Pie! Don’t you realize we’ve been trying to help Luna fit in? Because of all your screaming and shouting, it’s been making it impossible to do that! You think it’s fun? Look at Luna, does she look like she’s having fun?” Nova asked as he pointed a hoof to Luna.

Pinkie frowned, she looked to Luna, then back to Nova. “Well…..no.”

“I didn’t think so. Now because of you, we may end up losing this holiday. I’m sorry Pinkie, I know this was unintentional, but you have really messed up. Luna wants to be loved, not feared!”

Pinkie stuttered. “I…I…”

Nova sighed. “Just forget it.” He turned around and walked away a bit.

Twilight was a little shocked at Nova’s reaction. She came up behind him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, don’t you think that was a little harsh?”

Nova looked up and back at her. “Twilight, Pinkie was making every pony afraid of Luna. I think I said what was needed to be said, she really needs to think before she acts.”

Luna then approached. “Nova, you seem to have a much stronger reaction to this than I. I am the one that wishes to be loved, yet you act as if this is very important to you. Why is that?”

Nova turned fully around to face Luna. “If it is important to you and Twilight to help you be loved like you want, then it’s important to me too.” He simply answered.

Pinkie cautiously stepped up to the group looking sullen. “I….I’m sorry Nova, I was just trying to have fun.”

Nova looked at Pinkie. “I’m not the one you should apologize too.” He pointed a hoof to Luna who was now looking at her.

Pinkie approached Luna with a small smile. “Princess Luna, I’m sorry I was messing up your chances to get along with every pony, I hope you can forgive me.”

Luna returned the smile. “As long as thow are sorry for thine actions, we…..I can find it in my heart to forgive you.”

Pinkie’s smile grew wider.

Twilight smiled at the scene as well. She then got an idea. “Say, princess, I think I have an idea that can fix everything.”

After explaining her idea, Luna went with Nova back to the statue of Nightmare Moon and hid in some nearby bushes. After some time, a group of kids arrived and started dumping their candy at the base of the statue. After the last one did so, Nova gave Luna the signal. “All right princess, you’re up.”

Luna used her magic to kick up the wind and began speaking in her royal Canterlot voice. “Citeizens of Ponyville, you were wise to bring your candy to me.” As every pony there was looking around, Luna used her magic to make the statue disappear, make herself look like Nightmare Moon and took its place. “I am pleased with your offering, so pleased in fact, that I may eat IT, instead of EATING YOU!” She declared as Pipsqueak looked back and saw her with sharp fangs. 

The kids screamed and ran off to hide in a nearby bush. Once gone, Luna changed back to her normal self and spat out the fake fangs she had in her mouth. Nova emerged from the bushes he was hiding in and joined Twilight and Luna. “HAH, that was brilliant princess, perfect.” Nova cheered.

“I am not certain that did what you meant it to do Twilight Sparkle.” Luna directed to Twilight.

“Just wait.” Twilight stated with a smile.

“For what? For them to scream some more?” Luna asked. 

Just then, she felt a tug on her mane. “Um, princess Luna, I know there isn’t going to be any more Nightmare Night, but do you think you could come back and scare us again next year anyway?” Pip asked. 

Luna was surprised by this. She saw the kids looking at her from the bush, then looked back to Pipsqueak. “Child, are’t thow saying that thow…..likest me to scare you?”

“It’s really fun, scary, but fun.” Pip answered.

“It tis?”

“Yeah, Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year.”

Luna smiled big at his response. “Well then, we shall have to bring......Nightmare Night BACK!” Luna shouted, blowing the little colt back.

“Whoa! You’re my favorite princess ever.” Pip declared. He then hugged one of her forelegs before running off to join the other kids. “She said yes guys.” The children cheered.

Twilight smiled as she came to Luna’s side. “See, they really do like you princess.”

Nova came up to Twilight’s side. “I knew her plan would work.”

“Can it be true?” She smiled. “Oh most wonderful of……I mean, oh most wonderful of nights.” Luna said softly. She turned to face Nova and Twilight. “I wish to thank you both for all your help this night. I cannot thank you enough.”

Nova gave a smile. “No need for thanks princess, I’m just glad I could be of help. But Twilight here is the genius. She came up with most of the plans to help you out.”

“Awe, thank you Nova.” Twilight said as she planted a kiss on Nova’s cheek.

With that out of the way, Nova, Twilight, and princess Luna headed back into town where Luna got a better reception this time. Nova got back with his little brother who was happy to hear that Nightmare Night wasn’t going to be cancelled, he was looking forward to celebrating this holiday again next year. Luna got to have fun with the ponies of Ponyville and every pony had a good time that night.

Sometime later in the night, things started to wind down and the celebration was coming to an end. Nova and Starburst said their goodnights to their parents and went on to their homes. Starburst was looking very sleepy but had a smile on his face. Eventually, Nova had to carry Starburst on his back. As he was making his way home, he ran into Derpy. “Hey Derpy, glad I ran into you, I know it’s late, but I figured now would be a good time to tell you that thing I wanted. Is that all right?”

“Sure, I don’t mind staying up late.” Derpy answered with a smile. “I take it Starburst had a good time?” She asked as she noticed Starburst’s sleeping form.

“You could say that.” The two walked to Nova’s house and he invited her in. “Just let me get him to bed, make yourself comfortable.”

“Ok.” Derpy took a seat on Nova’s couch and waited paitently.

Nova soon came back out after removing Starburst’s bag of candy and necklace. He walked over to Derpy and took a seat next to her. “Derpy, if I were to tell you that me and my family weren’t originally from Equestria, what would you say?”

Derpy looked at Nova curiously for a moment before responding. “Well, it’s not a big deal to me, I don’t care where you’re from. So you and your family are from another country?”

“Well…..if I were to say……we’re from much further away, what would you think?”

Derpy still looked confused. “Much further, what like….from half way around the world or something?”

Nova sighed. “Much further than that.”

Derpy thought a moment longer. “How can you get much further than that? What are you trying to say Nova?”

Nova looked Derpy in the eyes. “Look, you like me for who I am right?”

“Yes?” Derpy answered.

“And we are good friends, right?”

“Of course we are. Nova, what’s going on, what is all this about?” Derpy asked, sounding a little worried.

“What I’m trying to say is……well….me and my family…..we’re…..aliens.” Nova finally relented.

Derpy paused a moment. This information buzzing in her head a good while. After a moment of silence, she spoke. “Aliens, as in…..ponies from another planet?”

“Well….yes. Me, my brother, and my mom and dad are all aliens from another world out in space.”

Derpy paused another moment, then burst out laughing. “HA HA HA, oh man, HA HA, aliens huh? That’s a good one Nova.”

Nova frowned. “Derpy, I’m not joking, I’m serious here.”

“Uh huh, sure, and I’m a princess.” Derpy stated sarcastically.

Nova gave a sigh. “I see, then I’ll just have to prove it to you.” Nova got off the couch and stood before Derpy, he slowly reached up to where his necklace was hidden. Derpy stopped her laughing and watched Nova. He pushed the button on his necklace, deactivating his disguise and revealed his alien form.

Derpy’s crossed eyes went wide as she stared at him. “Whoa,you….you’re…..then……what?” Derpy was speechless.

“Derpy, please, PLEASE promise you won’t tell anypony about this unless I say so.” Nova said.

“Nova…..you’re really an alien?” Derpy asked.

“Yes Derpy, I am. Me and my brother came here looking for a home after we lost our planet. We just want a place to live out our lives. Please don’t tell any pony.”

“You, you lost your planet? But how?”

Nova went into his tale and explained everything to her. By the time he was done, Derpy looked sad. “Gosh, you lost your home and were separated from your parents just to float around space with no pony around? That’s aweful.”

“It was, but then we found this place and made friends. I know this is a lot to take in, but I would like to let others in on me being from another planet, but slowly. The six ponies I usually hang around and Spike already know, but you’re the first pony I’m telling willingly about me and my family being aliens. So what do you say, will you keep this a secret unless I say so? I’m putting a lot of trust in you here Derpy Hooves.”

Derpy gave Nova a smile. “Nova, I promise I won’t say a word to anypony without your say so.”

Nova smiled back. “Thank you Derpy, I really appreciate it. I’m glad I could tell some pony else about this, I don’t want to keep hiding like this forever, but I don’t know how other ponies will react to me and my family being aliens.”

“Well, you can count on me, I won’t say a word.” Derpy stated again with a smile.

> Sibling Rivalry
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sibling Rivalry



Nightmare Night had come and gone and Nova informed Derpy Hooves of the fact that he and his family were aliens from another planet. She was skeptical at first since Nova had his pony disguise on at the time, but when he revealed his true self, she believed. How can you not when you have an alien standing right in front of you? She was accepting, to Nova’s relief and she promised to keep it a secret as well. Nova felt a bit more confident then at letting others know of his secret, but only those he was friends with. He let His other friends know that he told Derpy about it as well.

Today was just another Saturday with nothing major going on, so feeling confident about letting others in on his secret, he figured he might as well let the rest of Applejack’s family know too. He and Starburst headed on over with Starburst feeling glad about what they were about to do. They arrived at the apple house and Nova knocked on the door. Applejack answered shortly after and greeted them happily. “Howdy Nova, hey Starburst, what brings you two by?”

“Hey Applejack, is your family around?” Nova asked.

“Well, Big Mac is around the side taken care of the pigs with Apple Bloom and Granny Smith is nappin right now. Why?”

“Applejack, I….I would like to…..um….well…..” Nova was having trouble forming the words, he still felt a little uneasy about this.

Starburst, on the other hoof, did not. “We want to let the rest of your family in on our secret.” He blurted out.

Nova looked at his little brother first, then hung his head and sighed out. “Yes Applejack, as my little brother pointed out, I think the rest of your family deserves to know as well since you and your sister know.”

Applejack smiled at Nova. “Well shoot, aint that nice o’ ya. All right then, come on in and I’ll gather them up.” She stepped aside to let them in. “You two just make yerselves comfortable and I’ll fetch Big Mac and Apple Bloom.”

“Ok, thanks Applejack.” Nova said with a smile. The two brothers walked in and took a seat on the couch in the living room. Granny Smith was snoozing away in a rocking chair off to the side.

Applejack soon came back with Apple Bloom and Big Mac in tow. Upon seeing Starburst, Apple Bloom lit up. “Hey Starburst, glad you came by.” She said as she ran up to him. 

Starburst got off the couch and greeted her. “Hey Apple Bloom.”

“So what brings ya by?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We’ll get to that in a sec Apple Bloom.” Nova said.

Applejack walked over to Granny Smith and gently prodded at her to wake her up. “Granny Smith, wake up, we got guests.”

“Huh, whuzzat, what? Oh, well howdy Nova, what brings ya by?” Granny Smith asked with a smile.

“Well Applejack, what’s all this about?” Big Mac asked.

“Nova here has somethin he wants ta tell ya’ll.” Applejack informed.

“Whatcha got on yer mind sonny?” Granny asked.

Nova and Starburst stood before the apple family and Nova took a deep breath. “All right, I have something very important to tell you all and I want you to promise not to tell any pony else about it. This is very important to me so I would like you all to promise that what I have to say will not go beyond these walls without my permission. Ok?” 

“Gosh, this sounds serious, what’s goin on Nova?” Granny asked with concern.

“Please every pony, promise you won’t repeat what we’re about to say to any pony else.” Starburst begged.

Big Mac looked uncertain. “Well, all right, but I don’t like the way this is goin. What is it ya’ll want ta tell us that is so important?”

Nova began. “Every pony, me and my family are aliens from another world.”

Applejack and Apple Bloom smiled. “Ya mean yer letting ma family in on it now?” Apple Bloom asked happily.

“Now hold on, did you just say aliens from another world?” Granny asked.

“We sure did.” Starburst informed. He was the first to happily reach his left hoof up and pressed the button on his invisible necklace to deactivate his disguise. “Ta da!” He cheered as he threw his forelegs out. 

Nova snickered at his little brother’s enthusiasm. He just shook his head. Granny and Big Mac went slack jawed at what they were seeing. Nova finally turned off his disguise as well. “Yes, as you can see, me and Starburst are aliens. We came here looking for a new home.”

“Well landsakes, I’m seein it, and I don’t believe it.” Granny said.

Apple Bloom took to Starburst’s side. “Come ya’ll, you promised not ta say anythin ta anypony now.” She stated.

“Apple Bloom, you knew about this?” Big Mac asked.

“Yep. But we didn’t say anything cause Starburst here made me and Applejack promise not to say nothin.”

Big Mac then turned to Applejack. “You knew too?”

Applejack took to Nova’s side as she answered. “I did, and I made a promise not ta say anything, which is why I didn’t tell ya’ll myself. Besides, so what if these two are aliens, they’re good ponies who just wanted a home to live their lives. Big Mac, you know what a good foal Starburst is. You watched him a few times didn’t you?”

Big Mac smiled. “Yeah, you got a point there.”

“Well hog tie me and roast me over an open fire. Ain’t this a hoot?” Granny expressed with a smile.

Things were going so well as Nova explained to the rest of the apple family about himself and his family. He was starting to feel glad he did this. Once the talk was over, Applejack got a chance to talk with Nova alone a minute while Apple Bloom went off to play with Starburst a bit, Big Mac went back to work, and Granny went back to her chair to catch up on some snoozing.

They sat on the couch and spoke. “Nova, we got a bit of an event coming up.” Applejack informed.

“Oh, what kind of event?” Nova asked. 

“It’s called the sibling hooves social. It’s this competition where teams of siblings, brothers and sisters, team up and compete against each other. I’d like it if you and yer little brother could come to it. What do ya say?” She smiled at him in hopes he’d accept.

“A….competition? Well…..it does sound interesting.” Nova mused.

Applejack nudged him with a hoof. “Come on Nova, I just know Starburst will have fun with it. The little feller will have a blast.”

Nova smiled back. “All right, sure, when is it going on?”

“We’re hosting it here at Sweet Apple Acres in two days. Trust me, you two are gonna have a lot of fun.”

“Great, say Applejack, I don’t have anything going on tomorrow, would you like some help with any farm work?” Nova asked.

“You want ta help me with ma farm?” Applejack asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I did want to spend some time with Twilight tomorrow, but she said she has a lot of studying to do, so I figured why not help out a friend instead.”

“Well aint that nice o ya ta offer. Sure thing Nova, thanks.” Applejack said as she gave an appreciative smile.

The next day, Nova and Starburst made their way to Sweet Apple Acres to help out Applejack on her farm. Applejack wasted no time in giving the youngens a task. “All right Apple Bloom, Starburst, I would like ya’ll to take this here stack of flyers tellin every pony about the sibling hooves social goin on and put em up around town.”

“Sure thing sis, you can count on us.” Apple Bloom stated.

“Don’t worry Applejack, we got this.” Starburst said. Starburst picked up one half of the stack while Apple Bloom took the other and the two headed out into town to put up flyers.

After a while, Apple Bloom had one flyer left. Before she could put it up, they saw Sweetie Bell approaching, hanging her head. Starburst picked up on this and looked a little worried for her. Apple Bloom just smiled and walked up to her with a flyer in her mouth. She set the flyer down to talk. “How’s the sleepover at Rarity’s goin?” She asked happily.

At first, Sweetie Belle gave a flat look with a roll of her eyes, then put on a fake smile and spoke. “Why it’s smashing.” She frowned again and walked past Apple Bloom.

“Sweetie Belle, what’s wrong? Why are you upset?” Starburst asked.

Sweetie Belle walked up to a fountain nearby and sat on the edge. “I just want to do something with my sister that doesn’t include me goofing things up.” 

Apple Bloom quickly picked up one of the flyers she and Starburst were putting around and rushed over to her. “OH, the sibling hooves social! Applejack and I do it every year. You and Rarity can compete against other sibling teams in all these neat events.”
Sweetie Belle lit up at the idea. “That sounds like the perfect way for us to hang out. Rarity will think it’s excellent.”

Starburst smiled, glad to see Sweetie Belle happy. “Glad to hear you like it, me and Nova will be competing too.” His smiled softened. “Though, I don’t think Rarity will like it. Knowing how she is, she might not like the idea. But good luck getting her to come anyway.”

“Thanks Starburst, I’ll see you two later, I’m gonna go tell Rarity about this.” Sweetie Belle then ran off back to Rarity’s.

Apple Bloom turned to Starburst. “Come on Starburst, let’s head back to the farm, we got all the flyers up now.”

“Right, let’s help out Applejack and Nova.” The two then took off for the farm to help their older siblings with the chores.

Once the two returned, they went right to work helping Nova and Applejack with apple collecting, putting apples in to the buckets that didn’t make it in. Despite Nova letting the apple family in on his secret, Nova felt it best to keep his and his brother’s disguise up just in case some pony came around.  Later on, Big Mac came to join them and help out as well. Sweetie Belle ended up showing up at the farm again and flopped herself right on a hay bale.

Nova was the first to approach her. “Sweetie Belle, what’s wrong?” He asked with concern.

“It’s Rarity, she doesn’t want to take part in the sibling social hooves, she says it’s uncouth.” Sweetie informed.

Applejack seemed to take offense to this. “Uncouth? She said the sibling hooves social is uncouth?”

Apple Bloom popped out of a nearby bucket of apples eating an apple. “Yeah, uncouth?” She ate the rest of it in one bite then belched out.

“Um, what does uncouth mean?” Starburst asked as he took to his brother’s side.

“It’s not just the social, she thinks I’m uncouth.” Sweetie Belle said sadly.

Nova frowned at this. “Well that isn’t very sisterly of her.”

Applejack joined Nova. “Honey, Rarity thinks everything is uncouth.”

Apple Bloom came up to her sister with a mouth full and wiped away some drool from her mouth. “What’s uncouth?” She asked.

“It’s another word for having bad manners.” Nova informed.

Apple Bloom then let out a louder belch. “Exactly.” Applejack exclaimed with a smile.

Starburst snickered at Apple Bloom’s display. Nova approached Sweetie Belle and put a comforting hoof on her back. “Sweetie Belle, Rarity may not be the best sister, but all siblings care about their brothers and sisters. It may not be obvious all the time, and they do have their arguments every now and then, but one thing is absolute. Siblings care for one another. Trust me Sweetie, Rarity may not seem like it, but she does care about you, she just doesn’t know how to show it.”

“Yeah, what Nova said. I’m sure Rarity is probably starting to feel guilty about any arguments you had before.” Starburst informed.

Sweetie Belle looked up to Nova who was giving her a smile. “You really think so?”

“She’ll come around Sweetie Belle, sisters always do.” Applejack added.

“Now how about you give us a hoof with these chores? Maybe it’ll help take your mind off things.” Nova stated.

“You sure you want me to help? I just mess everything up.” Sweetie Belle stated.

“Oh that’s just stinkin thinkin, watch.” Applejack said as she trotted to a group of apples on the ground with Apple Bloom. Nova and Starburst did the same. 

Apple Bloom and Starburst both grabbed a bucket and brought it to the field. Applejack picked up a rotten looking apple and tossed it to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom quickly picked up the bucket with her head and caught the apple with it. “Good catch there Apple Bloom.” Applejack stated.

Starburst zapped up his wings and flew up. Nova picked up another rotten apple with his magic and gave it a toss in the air. “Starburst, incoming!” Nova called. Starburst zipped in and caught it with his hooves, then dropped it in the bucket. All the while, the siblings giggled away.

Sweetie Belle watched as they did this. “This is a chore?” She asked.

“Can’t tell can ya?” Starburst asked as he caught another apple.

Applejack explained. “Since we can’t sell the bruised apples, we gotta collect em for the pigs to eat.”

Apple Bloom set the bucket down and bounced another apple off her hip and into the bucket. “It’s a lot of work, so we made a game out of it. We taught it to Nova and Starburst  a while ago when they offered ta help us out here yesterday. You wanna try?”

Sweetie Belle looked unsure as she stood next to a bucket. “Um, ok.” Applejack bucked an apple at her, it slammed into Sweetie Belle’s forehead and got stuck on her horn. “Ow. You’re right, it is hard work.”

“That’s why we do it…” Apple Bloom started, then Applejack spoke with her. “Together.”

Sweetie Belle looked to the side with a frown. “Humpf, Rarity never wants to do chores together.”

Later in the day, Applejack and Nova had gathered a bunch of grapes and placed them in a large bucket with a faucet on the side. Applejack threw in one more bunch of grapes. “Apple Bloom, Starburst, you two are up!” She called out. Apple Bloom ran up to her sister and jumped on her back. Applejack boosted her sister into the bucket while Starburst flew in to join her. Together, they happily squashed around on the grapes and stomped them into juice. 

Applejack placed a jar under the faucet and turned the handle. The juice filled the jar before Applejack turned it off. “Your making grape juice?” Sweetie Belle squeaked out. “Rarity would call the fashion police if I got grape juice anywhere near one of her outfits.” Sweetie Belle stated.

Starburst and Apple Bloom hung their forelegs over the edge of the container as they listened. “The fashion police?” Starburst questioned.

“Well that’s just silly.” Apple Bloom said with a hoof wave. She then grabbed Starburst’s hoof and pulled him with her as she fell back into the bucket and splashed some grape juice all over Applejack and Nova.

Applejack looked angry at first. “Apple Bloom.”

As did Nova. “Oh, you two are so going to get it.” He said with a smirk.

Sweetie Belle feared for her friends. “Please you two, they didn’t mean…” Sweetie Belle didn’t get to finish her sentence as Applejack and Nova dove into the bucket and on top of their younger siblings.

Every pony’s ears were filled with laughter as Applejack gave her little sister a playful noogie and Apple Bloom just laughed. “How do you like them grapes you little whipper snapper?” Applejack said.

“Get grape juice all over me will you, you little woozle fly.” Nova said with a smile as he tickled his little brother on the belly. 
“Heh HA, stop it, heh heh, that…that tickles!” Starburst tried to say through fits of laughter.

Sweetie Belle smiled at the scene as she watched the four play.

They all moved on to the next chore, which was to heard a group of sheep from a pasture to a fenced area. Nova and Starburst worked together in the back to keep the sheep moving while Applejack and Apple Bloom were in the thick of the heard. “Apple Bloom!” Applejack called out.

“Got it sis!” Apple Bloom called back. She bumped her side into another sheep that was getting out of line and pushed it back with the heard.

“Starburst, on your left!” Nova called out.

A sheep was falling behind. “On it bro!” Starburst called out. Starburst got behind the sheep and butted it’s rear to get it to move faster and keep up with the others.

The sheep all ran into a pen. “Wow, it’s as if they’re just one pony.” Sweetie Belle commented as she watched. 
“YEEHAW!” Applejack and Apple Bloom cheered as they high hoofed each other. “Way to coral some critters sis.” Applejack complimented. 

“You could have just asked.” One of the sheep said. Applejack just bucked the gate closed.

Nova and Starburst were surprised by this. “WHOA, um, Applejack, if they can talk, why didn’t we just ask them to get into the pen?” Nova asked.

“It’s more fun that way.” Applejack simply stated.

“Rarity never high hooves me.” Sweetie Belle said in a huff.

Nova heard this and frowned.  He approached her in hopes of trying to cheer her up. “Sweetie Belle, you need to stop thinking about whatever argument you two had. It’ll just make you feel worse and worse. What exactly happened between you two anyway?” 

Sweetie Belle looked at him with sad eyes. “I just wanted to do something nice for her and all I seem to do is mess everything up. She got mad at me when I tried to wash some clothes for her, but apparently, I ended up washing this important wool sweater of hers and it shrank in the sun. Then I tried to make a nice picture of us together for her. I used these gem stones and glued them onto the picture in the shape of a heart around it, but she got mad at me for that too. Then I tried cleaning up her work room for her and she got mad at me for that too. No matter what I try to do for her, I always get in trouble for it.” Sweetie Belle hung her head. “Then, finally, when I went to ask her to go to the sibling hooves social, we had a big argument and we both said we’d be better off without a sister. That’s when I came here.”

“Oh Sweetie Belle. It sounds like you really care about Rarity if you tried to do so many things for her, but perhaps you should have asked permission to mess with the things you did that got Rarity mad at you. It was nice of you to try and do those things for her. I’m sure if you give her time, she’ll come around and realize the mistake she made for saying she would be better off without a sister. Siblings are an important thing in life.” Nova explained. He took her in a hug to try and comfort her.

“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Of course they are. Hay, if it wasn’t for me having a little brother while we were wandering around in space, I probably would have gone mad with loneliness. Trust me Sweetie Belle, you are lucky to have a big sister, and I think Rarity is even luckier to have you for a little sister.”

They broke their hug as Sweetie Belle looked up at Nova with a smile. “Thanks Nova.” She said.

Applejack approached them. “Come on ya’ll, to thank ya fer yer help today, why don’t ya’ll join us fer a camp out in the orchard?” Applejack offered.

“Camp out?” Starburst asked. “What’s a camp out?”

Apple Bloom explained. “It’s when we sleep outside in tents and roast marshmallows in front of a camp fire.” 

“That sounds like fun.” Starburst said.

“Thanks Applejack, we’ll take you up on your offer.” Nova stated.

“Come on Sweetie Belle, you can join us too.” Applejack said to Sweetie Belle.

Later that evening, they were all gathered around the campfire with tents set up. They were each holding a stick with a marshmallow on it, roasting it over the fire. “Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said as she appeared and trotted up to Sweetie Belle. “Oh, I have been galloping all over looking for you, I…” Rarity was cut off by Sweetie Belle turning her head away and turning her nose up.

The four siblings watched with worry at this. “Oh, hello UN-sister, what are you doing here? Better be careful or you might get some dust on you.” Sweetie snarked.

“Oh Sweetie Belle, I wanted to apologize. I am not better off without a sister.” Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle turned to face Rarity. “I’m not better off without a sister either, spending the day with Applejack, Apple Bloom, Nova, and Starburst made me realize that.”

Rarity smiled at this news and reached a hoof over to her. “Oh Sweetie, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say…” She was cut off as Sweetie Belle whacked Rarity’s hoof away.

“And that’s why I’m adopting Applejack and Nova as my big sister and big brother!” Sweetie Belle declared. She rushed over and hugged the two. 

“WHAT?!” Rarity exclaimed.

“WHAT?” All four siblings exclaimed as well.

“A sibling is someone who loves and takes care of another sibling. Applejack and Nova are real siblings.” Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity glared at the two. They just gave a sheepish smile. Applejack looked down at Sweetie Belle. “Hold on Sweetie Belle, don’t get ahead of yerself here.” She pushed Sweetie back a bit.

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom said angrily. “Besides, she’s MY big sister.” She said as she held Applejacks back leg.

“Hold on, does that mean Sweetie Belle will be my sister too?” Starburst asked.

Nova just looked at his brother, then over to Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle, don’t you think your over reacting. Rarity did say she came here to apologize.”

Sweetie Belle didn’t listen. “OR, maybe they could be your brother and sister, so they can teach you what a good sibling is supposed to be.”

“Uh, actually….” Applejack tried to say something, but was drawing a blank.

Rarity came up to Sweetie Belle low to the ground. “Oh, I don’t need lessons on being a good sister, I promise.” She got up and placed a hoof on Sweetie’s shoulder. “Listen, I’ll show you how to cook my favorite kiesh. Or, I’ll show you the proper way to beautify your mane. Won’t that be fun?” She asked desperately.

Sweetie Belle just glared at her as she approached Rarity, causing her to back up a bit. “Let me get this straight. You want me to go home with you so WE can do what YOU want to do?”

“Uh, yes.” Rarity answered.

Sweetie Belle groaned and walked off in a huff. “Ugh, just forget it.”

Starburst watched in worry as she stormed off. “Big brother, do you think I should talk to her? I don’t like seeing her upset like this.”

“You can try Starburst.” Nova stated. “She could probably use a good friend right now.”

Starburst then trotted off after Sweetie Belle.

“We’re still sisters right?” Apple Bloom asked. Applejack nodded. Apple Bloom then just went into the tent she and her sister were going to use.

Rarity walked up to Nova and Applejack. “Well that apology went swimmingly. Applejack, Nova, why do you two have to be so good and make me look so bad.”

Applejack chuckled. “Oh Rarity, once again, yer thinkin about yourself. Bein sisters is a give and take. You’ve been doin a whole lot of takin, but you haven’t been doin a whole lot of giving.”

“Well of course I give. I give lessons, reasonable demands.” Rarity said.

Nova then added his voice. “Rarity, if you want to be a good sister for Sweetie Belle, you have to be willing to make compromises. You need to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and do things SHE wants to do. You can’t just be all about you, you need to think about her, and what she wants.”

Applejack continued with Nova’s thought. “Bein siblings is like…..apple pie. You can have amazing apples, and you can have a wonderfully crispy crust. But only together can you have a perfect apple pie.”

Rarity began to reflect on their words. “But apart, all we are is a pile of mush and some crumbly dry mess. I know what I need to do, I just hope it isn’t too late.” 

While the adults talked, Starburst found Sweetie Belle sitting alone, looking up at the stars. “Sweetie Belle? Are you ok?” Starburst asked as he approached.

Sweetie Belle kept her eyes on the stars as she responded. “Why did I have to get Rarity as a sister?”

Starburst came up next to her and sat up on his haunches. “Come on, it can’t be all bad. I mean, she did come here to apologize didn’t she?” Starburst pointed out with a smile.

Sweetie Belle looked down. “I guess, but she is just so infuriating.”

Starburst frowned as he looked away. He looked up again and placed a comforting hoof on her back. “Hey, she may not be the best sister, but I think she is trying. Sure she can seem stuck up or something, but she is a good pony at heart. And I just know she’ll realize what a great little sister you are and try hard to be a better big sister.”

Sweetie Belle looked at Starburst with a frown. “You really think so?”

Starburst gave a smile. “Hey, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were asking Nova or Applejack for advice on how to be a better big sister for you right now.”

Sweetie Belle smiled. “Thanks Starburst, I doubt what you said is true, but it does make me feel a little better.”

“Hey, what are friends for? We are a club after all. Cutie mark crusaders forever right?” He asked with a  smile.

Sweetie Belle looked away with a smile and a blush. “Right.” Her eyes darted a bit as if in thought. “Um, Starburst?” She said as she slowly looked his way.

“Yeah?” He answered back.

“Um, well…..thank you for talking with me and trying to cheer me up.” She then gave him a quick peck on the cheek and ran back to the camp sight.

The sudden action left starburst a little dumbfounded. He just sat there with a shocked look on his muzzle. “Um, wh….what just happened?” He asked himself. He watched Sweetie Belle gallop back until she was out of sight. He placed a hoof on the cheek she kissed. “Does she….does she LIKE like me?” He asked. Starburst regained his senses and made his way back to the camp.

The next day, the sibling hooves social was underway and every pony was having a great time so far, except for Sweetie Belle who was still upset about Rarity. Applejack, Nova, Apple Bloom, and Starburst were wandering around with Sweetie Belle, trying to help her feel better. Starburst was still a little out of it though after that kiss Sweetie Belle gave him. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing Rarity isn’t here. Do I see uncouth written all over this contest?” Sweetie Belle mocked her sister.

“Look at the size of that pig.” Apple Bloom stated as she saw some large pigs in a mud pit. She quickly galloped over to get a better look. There were siblings in the pit with the pigs and a pony handing out ribbons for the largest pig. The others followed as well and came up to the fence.

“He sure is a cutie.” Applejack agreed.

“Sure is.” Nova also agreed. “Look Starburst, ever see a pig that big before?” He asked. Nova noticed Starburst looking down and seemed as if he were deep in thought. He was about to say something when Sweetie Belle said something.

“That’s the last word Rarity would use.” Sweetie then proceeded to mock her sister some more. “Oh my, what a repulsive monstrosity. This thing needs a head to toe makeover.” 

Nova then looked back at his brother who still looked in thought. “Starburst, are you ok? You’ve been rather quiet this whole time. I’d think you’d be zipping all over the place trying to do all the fun things around here.”

Starburst seemed to finally snap out of it. “Huh, oh, uh, it’s nothing.” He said.

Nova cocked an eyebrow. “Starburst, come on now, you know I know when something is wrong. You can tell me, what has you so quiet?”

Starburst looked up at his brother first, then at the girls who were looking at him. “You have been rather quiet Starburst.” Applejack said.

“Nova, can we talk in private?” Starburst asked. 

Nova cocked an eyebrow at his request. “Um, ok, sure.” He then turned to the girls. “Will you girls excuse us for a moment?”

“Sure thing Nova, you go talk with Starburst.” Applejack said with a smile.

Nova smiled back. He and Starburst then walked off to an area with benches where there weren’t a lot of ponies around. They sat down next to each other to talk. “Ok Starburst, what’s wrong?”

Starburst looked down at first in thought. “Well…..something happened last night and I don’t know what to make of it.”

“Really? What happened?” Nova asked with concern. “Was it something bad? Did you have a nightmare?”

Starburst looked up to his brother. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “No, nothing like that. It was….well….” He was having a little trouble trying to put it into words.

“Go on, I’m listening.” Nova said, trying to egg his little brother along.

“Last night, after my talk with Sweetie belle, she….well….she….she kissed me.” Starburst finally relented.

“Kissed you?” Nova asked.

“Mmhmm, on the cheek.” Starburst said as he pointed to the cheek Sweetie kissed.

Nova smiled. “Awe, my little brother has a very special someponey.” He teased.

“I do not!” Starburst exclaimed as his cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

“Whoa, easy there little brother. I’m just messing with you.” Nova stated as he held his front hooves in front of him. “Still, she kissed you on the cheek huh? Did she say she likes you as more than a friend? Or was it just a thank you kiss?”

Starburst seemed to calm down. “That’s just it, I don’t know.”

“All right, let’s think about it. It could have been just a thank you kiss, OR she likes you as more than a friend.” Nova stated.

“You mean….she might LIKE like me?” Starburst asked.

“It’s possible, though I wouldn’t be surprised with how good a friend you are with her. You seem to always be there for her when she needs you, you stand up for her, you hang out with her, you do all kinds of things with her.”

“Well yeah, but I do that with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo too.”

“True, but I think Sweetie Belle is more grateful for all that then the others are. And she may just be getting a crush on you.” Nova said with a smirk.

“So, what do I do about it?” Starburst asked.

“First, you need to find out what that kiss meant, if it was just a thank you kiss, or if it meant more than that. If it meant more, then you need to figure out if you feel the same way about her.” Nova informed.

“The same way, as in, if I like her as more than a friend too?” Starburst looked down in thought.

“Yep. So do you?”

“Well, she is nice, and I do think she’s pretty. Plus, I do think she has a great singing voice. She’s nice, and fun, and polite.”

“And you don’t like to see her upset, do you?” Nova asked.

Starburst looked back up at his brother. “Of course not. No friend likes to see their friend upset.”  

“And you seem to work harder on making sure she’s happy then the others. Which says to me, that you like her as more than a friend too.”

“Really?”

“So, do you?”

“Well…..I…..I guess so. But, how do I tell her?” 

“You should find out what that kiss meant first before you go about that. Then you tell her how you feel. You need to talk to her about that kiss and ask her what it meant, then go from there.”

“And, what if she doesn’t feel the same way about me like I might about her?”

“Then….well….it just wasn’t meant to be. If she rejects you, then it may hurt your feelings. But I will be there for you to help how I can. However, this is something you have to do on your own first. If she rejects you, then come to me and I’ll help you feel better, ok?”

Starburst didn’t smile. He had a lot to think about now, but at least he got advice he needed. “Ok, thanks Nova.”

Nova took his brother into a hug. “Anytime little brother.” Starburst smiled as he hugged back. A horn sounded, signaling the start of the main event. An obstacle course for every pony there. “Uh oh, the race is about to star. Come on Starburst, let’s go.”

“You got it, we’ll win this thing for sure.” Starburst said cheerily, his mood high once again. “Guess I’ll talk to Sweetie Belle afterwards.”

They met up with Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle on their way to the start of the track. Sweetie Belle was still looking sad as she spoke. “Well, you four have fun. I just wish I had a sister to run the race with.” Applejack suddenly placed a white and green bandana around her neck and a stetson hat like hers on Sweetie Belle. “Huh?” She asked.

“You do now.” Apple Bloom said.

Applejack began to explain. “AB and I figured since we do this every year….”

Apple Bloom continued. “I’d let you borrow my sis so you can give it a try.”

“Sister for a day.” Applejack finished.

Sweetie Belle was beaming. “NO WAY!”

Apple Bloom pointed a hoof at her. “One day.” She emphasized. Sweetie Belle ran up to Applejack and hugged her. “One day.” Apple Bloom said again.

Granny Smith started an announcement using a megaphone from a stand with Big Mac next to her. “Is this thing on?” She touched it and accidently turned it around. “I don’t think this thing is on. Hello!” Big Mac leaned over and whispered into her ear. “Whuzzat? Well if you say so. Confangled modern doohickey.” She glared at it before whacking it and spinning it before it faced the right way again. “Now is the even ya’ll been waitin fer. The sibling social……the social sibling…..oh, dag nabbit, you know, the big race! We have five teams this year for the event. Now ya’ll head on out to the finish line ya hear?” Big Mac whispered in her ear again. “Whazzat? The startin line! Is what I said.” 

Starburst couldn’t help but laugh a little at Granny Smith for getting things wrong. Nova and Starburst got a place next to Applejack and Sweetie Belle at the starting line. “Best of luck girls.” Nova said with a smile.

“You two Nova.” Applejack responded. 

“This is so exciting.” Sweetie Belle expressed.

Apple Bloom zipped up to her again. “One day…good luck.” She said before backing off.

“May the best siblings win.” Granny said as she rocked in her chair, speaking in the megaphone. “On yer mark……get set….” On her rock back to the megaphone, her eye hit it and she cried out. “Gooooooooo!”

All the sibling teams of big and little brothers and big and little sisters took off. The first obstacle was a mud pit they had to jump over. Nova and Starburst jumped it just fine. They heard Sweetie Belle behind them. “You ok Applejack?” She asked with concern.
“All according to plan.” Nova thought to himself. They reached the next obstacle where they had to step in small buckets, they made it past that easy but Applejack and Sweetie Belle were catching up to them. One little filly tripped on the buckets before.
The next obstacle was climbing over a tower of boxes. Nova and starburst climbed it easily

Enough and went on to the next one with Applejack, who was completely covered in mud, and Sweetie Belle right next to them.

Next was pie eating. Nova and Starburst managed to gobble down their pies in just two bites, but Applejack and Sweetie Belle managed to eat theirs in one gulp and moved on. Nova and Starburst were starting to fall behind. “Come on Nova, we can beat them.” Starburst cried as they ran to catch up.

The next part was hay bale pushing. Nova and Starburst managed to catch up to their friends and pushed their bale of hay to the finish to move on. They were even now with Applejack and Sweetie Belle.

They rounded a bend and got to the next course where they had to stomp grapes into grape juice. Nova and Starburst quickly flung the grapes into the large bucket and Nova boosted Starburst into the bucket to start squishing. In one fluid motion, Applejack flung a pile of grapes into her large bucket and boosted Sweetie Belle into it. One pair of siblings was having trouble, the older was throwing grapes in one at a time, while the younger was having trouble getting into the bucket in the first place.

Applejack and Sweetie Belle finished at the same time as Nova and Starburst and moved on to the next part of the course. “You can do it sister!” Sweetie Cheered as Applejack carried a jar of the grape juice to a stool.

The next part was flinging apples to your partner while they tried to catch them in a bucket. Applejack and Nova did the same thing and jumped on the bench the apples were on, sending the whole bunch in the air. Both Sweetie Belle and Starburst managed to pick up their bucket and catch the all the apples. Yet another sibling team was having trouble, the older threw the apples one at a time while the other got distracted and an apple hit the little one in the head.

The next part, the siblings had to carry an egg without their hooves from a chicken coop to a basket. The two teams had the same idea and picked up one egg between their noses and walked it out slowly. Berry Punch and her sister little sister were trying to carry one egg each on their noses but the younger sibling stopped and caused them both to drop their egg. 

It was down to the final leg of the race. The two teams looked at each other happily as they went on. Applejack and Sweetie Belle skipped more than ran. Nova gave a wink to Applejack who winked back. Suddenly, Berry punch and her sister zipped past them. Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Nova, and Starburst poured on the speed, not wanting to be outdone. “Come on Starburst, we can win this.” Nova cheered.

“We can do it.” Starburst agreed.

The finish line was getting closer and the two teams caught up with Berry Punch and her sister. They were practically neck and neck. They all dove for the finish line and landed, kicking up a cloud of dust. The dust cleared and the crowd cheered for the winner. Berry punch and her sister won the race in first place. Applejack and Sweetie Belle came in second and Nova and Starburst in third.

“Awe, we almost had it.” Starburst whined. 

Nova raised Starburst’s chin. “Yeah, but we had fun didn’t we?” He asked.

Starburst smiled. “Yeah, we did, it was a lot of fun. I’m glad we did this.”

Apple Bloom approached them. “Oh, so close, you almost won.”

Sweetie Belle looked to Applejack. “Thank you Applejack, you were amazing. I don’t care that we didn’t win, it was so much fun.” She squeaked as she jumped up and hugged Applejack, knocking off her hat and revealing a white horn. “Huh?” Sweetie said as she noticed the horn. She then wiped the mud off the mysterious pony’s flank and revealed three light blue diamonds. “Rarity?” Sweetie asked in confusion. The pony shook herself and got rid of the mud, revealing that it was indeed Rarity. She had a silver chain necklace around her neck with a small white diamond on it. “Wait, where’s Applejack?” They looked over to the mud pit and Applejack popped out. 

She walked over to join the others. “I don’t get it.” Sweetie said, still in confusion.

Applejack’s front half was now free of mud and was also wearing a silver chain necklace with a small white gemstone around her neck. “We switched places at the very first mud hole.”

Sweetie Belle looked to Rarity. “So we did the whole competition together?”

Rarity smiled. “That we did little sister. Well, except for the start line.”

Apple Bloom popped up between them. “But you finished together.”

“You mean, you were all in on it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yep, it was Nova’s idea.” Applejack said.

Flash back: Night of the camp out:

“I know what I must do, I just hope it’s not too late.” Rarity said.

Nova came up to her. “So does that mean you’ll take part in the sibling hooves social event?”

“Yes, but how can I get Sweetie Belle to agree to let me go with her, she’s so mad at me she’ll never agree.” Rarity said sadly.

Applejack raised a hoof in thought. “That is a problem, we need ta either convince her you want ta take part, or find some way ta get you with her without her knowing.”

Nova was thinking too. “Applejack, are there any mud pits or something in the race?”

“There is a mud pit at the start you have ta jump over.” Applejack informed.

“Hmm.” Nova thought. “AHA! I think I have an idea, though it will require Rarity to get in mud. Are you okay with this?” Nova asked Rarity.

“If it will get me to be with my little sister, I’ll do it.” Rarity stated confidently. 

“Ok then, here is my idea. Applejack, you let Sweetie Belle run in the race with you. Rarity, you’ll need to get into the mud when no pony is looking. At the first mud pit, Applejack will fall in and stay there, then Rarity will come out completely covered in mud wearing Applejack’s hat to hide her horn. Then from there, you two can run the race. At the end, that is when you can reveal it was you running with her.” Nova explained.

“That’s a great idea Nova.” Applejack said.

“And I can make a pair of small crystals to create an air tight bubble around you so you can breath while hiding in the mud. Now we’ll have to get Apple Bloom in on this as well.” Nova stated.

End Flashback:

Sweetie Belle smiled. “You all did this for me?”

Rarity came up to Sweetie Bell. “Us, I did it for us.” Sweetie Belle nuzzled up to Rarity. “You see, we are apple pie.”

“Huh?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Uh, never mind, I’ll explain later. For now, I think this deserves a celebration.” Every pony cheered. 

“Where?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“The spa of course.” Rarity answered. Nova rolled his eyes with a smirk while every other pony laughed. “No I’m serious.” 

Once every pony settled down, Starburst figured now was the time to talk to Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle, can we talk?”

Sweetie Belle looked at Starburst. “Sure, what’s up Starburst?”

“Um, can we talk in private?” He asked again.

Sweetie Belle cocked an eyebrow, but Nova picked up on it. He knew what was going on. “Come on every pony, let’s grab a snack while these two talk about whatever they want to talk about.”

“What’s goin on Nova?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Something for them to know and us to not know.” Nova answered. “We’ll bring you two something good when you’re done.” He said to the two. “Come on ladies, let’s let them have a moment alone.” Nova led the others away.

“So what did you want to talk about?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Starburst looked away at first. He gave a side glance as he began. “I…I wanted to ask you…..um.” He rubbed the back of his head as he tried to form the right words. “Well, I wanted to ask you about….that….kiss you gave me last night.”

Sweetie Belle blushed. “Oh, that.”

Starburst faced forward again. “What….what did it mean?” 

“What?” Sweetie asked in confusion. 

“That kiss, the one you gave me last night. What did it mean? Was it just a thank you kiss, or did it mean…………something more?”

Sweetie smiled as her blush seemed to intensify. “Well Starburst, I….I really do like how you always seem to be there for me, and you always try to cheer me up when I’m sad. Do you….like me like me?” She asked.

“I’m trying to figure out if that’s how you feel about me.” Starburst stated.

“Oh, well….I really appreciate everything you do for me. No colt is as nice to me as you are. So, I guess I do.” Sweetie Belle finally relented. “Do you like me like that too?”

Starburst was a little stunned at Sweetie Belle’s answer. “Well….that is….I mean…” He couldn’t speak. Sweetie Belle’s blush disappeared and was starting to look worried as Starburst stuttered. “I….I do think your pretty Sweetie Belle, and I think you have a great singing voice. You’re so nice and polite and kind.” Sweetie Belle’s blush returned.

“Thank you Starburst.” She said with a smile.

“I guess, I guess I do like you the same way.” Starburst said as he smiled.

Sweetie Belle smiled bigger. She walked up to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before skipping off in the direction the others went.

Starburst was once again left dumbfounded, but with a smile on his face. “Wow, wait till Nova hears about this.”

> Cutie Mark Breakout
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cutie Mark Breakout



Starburst was eager this morning as he woke up with a jump and a smile. “Come on big brother, get up, it’s morning.” He happily cheered.

Nova woke up with a groan. “Ugh, Starburst, what is up with you this morning.” He asked as he looked over to his little brother who was jumping up and down on his bed.

“Today is the day for another Cutie Mark Crusader meeting and Apple Bloom said she has a great idea on how we can finally earn our cutie marks.” 

Nova smirked and rolled his eyes. He removed himself from bed and went to get breakfast. Since his ship was no longer able to fly, not that he would want to go anywhere now, he made a few adjustments to it and made it more like a real house. It had a genuine kitchen with working stove, fridge, and running water. The water was extracted from particles and concentrated into water. The stove and fridge ran on the same power source as the rest of his ship home. After a hardy breakfast, Starburst rushed out of the house.  “Bye Nova, see ya later!” 

Nova smiled and shook his head. “That starburst.” He went back inside and began work on a new gemstone.

After meeting up with his friends, the cutie mark crusaders made their way to a bowling alley in town, each with a bowling ball of their own, Scootaloo , Sweetie Belle, and Starburst had one in a bag. Apple Bloom had hers resting on the ground next to her. Apple Bloom was the one to somehow procure everyone a bowling ball. “Today’s the day cutie mark crusaders, I can just feel it.” She proclaimed. “Today’s the day we all get our cutie marks in….bowling!”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo cheered.

“Mmmmm!” Sweetie Belle cheered through her bag that she held in her mouth. She spat it out and tried again. “I mean, YAY!”

“Cool!” Starburst cheered. He stopped then after realizing something. “What’s bowling?”

The three looked at him curiously. “Didn’t you have bowling on your world?” Scootaloo asked.

Starburst hung his head and folded his ears back. “I…I don’t know, I was just a baby when I left, remember?”

The girls flinched upon realizing the mistake. “Oops, um, sorry Starburst, guess I kinda forgot.” Scootaloo said.

Starburst looked back up and to Scootaloo. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” He then gave a smile and changed the subject to move on. “So what is bowling?”

Sweetie Belle took it upon herself to explain. “Bowling is a game where you roll these balls down an aisle and try to knock down as many of the pins as you can.”

“We’ll explain the rules to ya as we go.” Apple Bloom offered.  “After today , we won’t even be the cutie mark crusaders anymore, we’ll be….the three strikes!” 

Scootaloo walked up to her. “But that makes it sound like we struck out, plus there’s four of us.”

Apple Bloom went into thought again. “How about….the pin twins.” 

Sweetie Belle walked up to her. “But again, there are four of us.”

Apple Bloom thought again. “I know, how about….the bowling dolls.” 

“The bowling dolls, that’s perfect.” Sweetie agreed.

“That’s perfect.” Scootaloo said as she hovered up off the ground.

“That does sound good. Okay then, the bowling dolls it is.” Starburst said with a smile.

“All right then, let’s bowl em over.” The four made their way into the ally and found an empty aisle to begin their attempt at earning a cutie mark.

Sweetie Belle went first. She placed her ball at the center of the lane and held it steady with her hoof. She took aim and nudged it with her nose. The ball rolled down the aisle and ended up going into the shoot and got a gutter ball. She just smiled and stepped aside to let the next pony try.

Scootaloo took a different approach. Once her ball was lined up, she turned around and lined up her hind hooves. She bucked the ball as hard as she could, it ended up bouncing all over the place and nearly hit a few ponies. The ball ended up in an aisle at the other end of the place and went into the gutter. A few ponies glared at her, she gave a sheepish smile and zoomed back to the others.

Starburst got his ball ready and lined up his shot. His horn lit up and was about to use his magic to try and lift the ball to get it rolling, but the girls saw his horn light up and quickly stopped him. “Starburst no.” Sweetie said in a hushed tone.

Starburst cancelled his magic and looked to the three. “What?”

“Remember? Unicorn foals around our age can’t use magic yet.” Apple Bloom informed.

“If you use you’re magic to lift the ball, it might raise suspicion.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“Oh, right, thanks girls.” Starburst gave a smile. 

“No problem.” Sweetie said as the three smiled back. They then stepped back to let Starburst try. “Come on Starburst, you can do it.” Sweetie cheered.

Starburst blushed a little at Sweetie’s cheer. He faced forward and eyed his ball. He opted to try and give it a push. He placed his forelegs against the ball and pushed as hard as he could. The ball rolled down the aisle, halfway down it started to slow down and curved into the gutter shoot. “Quasars.” Starburst said in disappointment. He walked back to join the others and Apple Bloom walked forward with her ball to take her turn.

Apple Bloom opened her mouth to try and pick up her ball. She stopped, opened her mouth wider, and grabbed onto it. She lifted her head and was a bit wobbly as she stepped forward, she spat the ball out and it rolled down the aisle. The sound of a strike was heard throughout the building and the ponies cheered. “Cool, a bowling cutie mark.” One mare said. 

“I did it, I did it!” Apple Bloom cheered. She looked to her flank but saw nothing there. “Blank?” She looked to the next aisle over to see another pony looking at his flank with a new cutie mark on it. He happily walked away as the ponies continued to cheer. “But, what about my ball?” She looked to the aisle to see her ball was still rolling and just tapped the front pin. Apple Bloom hung her head in disappointment.

After a while, the group left the bowling ally together. Scootaloo was riding on her scooter on Apple Bloom’s left and Sweetie Belle on her right with Starburst next to Sweetie Belle. “That bowling sure was fun, even if all I got was gutter balls.” Sweetie commented.

“I may not have gotten any strikes,  or knocked down any pins, but it was fun learning a new game.” Starburst stated. 

“Yeah, at least you two were able to keep your ball in your lane, I don’t think Mr. King Pin is ever going to let me play again.” Scootaloo said as she buzzed forward a bit and did a jump. “Hey, maybe I could get my cutie mark in demolition.” She offered as a joke. Scootaloo, Sweetie and Starburst laughed. Apple Bloom continued on with her head hung low and a frown on her face.

“Apple Bloom?” Starburst asked with concern upon seeing her state.

The two took notice of Apple Bloom’s state as well. “Awe come on Apple Bloom, cheer up.” Scootaloo said with a smile.

“I know just what you need to put the bloom back on your apple.” Sweetie offered. She lead the group to sugar cube corner and got a cupcake, then placed it in front of Apple Bloom. “A treat from sugar cube corner will cheer you up.” She said as the three of them smiled at Apple Bloom.

“No it won’t.” Apple Bloom said as she pushed the cupcake away. 

Pinkie Pie took notice of Apple Bloom’s state and quickly threw a party together. “A party will cheer you up.” She said with a bounce. Sweetie, Scootaloo, and Starburst blew into noisemakers with smiles.

“No it won’t.” Apple Bloom said as she bumped her flank against Pinkie.

Sweetie Belle then got an idea. “I know, let’s see if Rarity can help.” The group left Pinkie and Sugarcube Corner and made their way to Rarity’s boutique. 

“Rarity, we could use some help.” Sweetie Belle said as she and the others entered.

“Hello dears, what seems to be the problem?” Rarity asked with a smile.

“Apple Bloom is sad because we tried to earn our cutie marks in bowling but it didn’t go so well. Do you know what might cheer her up?” Starburst explained.

“But of course dear, I think I have just the thing.” Rarity sat Apple Bloom in front of some mirrors, and placed a hat on her head. “A lovely new chapeu will cheer you up.” 

“No it won’t.” Apple Bloom said again.

Starburst went into thought. “I know, come on girls, to my place.” He took the lead and brought them to his house where he went straight to the back and to the holo deck. He activated the game they played with the shooting and the armor. “A round of shoot em’ up will cheer you up. He said as he hovered around the field blasting targets with the other two.

“No it won’t.” Apple Bloom stated again. She walked out looking just as sullen as ever. The three looked on at her worried. 

Starburst turned the game off and the three followed her out. Starburst came up to her side. “Apple Bloom, I know you’re upset about this, but….you just gotta be patient. We’ll get our cutie marks eventually.” 

Apple Bloom didn’t respond. She continued to walk on with the other’s following. Eventually, they came to the edge of the Everfree forest. “Come on Apple Bloom, it’s just a cutie mark.” Scootaloo stated. 

“Or lack of a cutie mark.” Sweetie followed up.

“Um, Sweetie Belle, that doesn’t really help.” Starburst said.

“Apple Bloom, where are you going?” Scootaloo asked as she saw Apple Bloom continue on. 

“I’d better follow her, maybe I can just talk to her to help.” Starburst said.

“You sure Starburst?” Sweetie asked.

“She’s sad, she needs a friend, you two go on ahead, I’ll catch up later.” Starburst offered with a smile.

Sweetie Belle smiled back and gave a light peck on Starbursts cheek. “You are such a good friend Starburst.”

“Bleah, oh please.” Scootaloo said with a gag.

Starburst then galloped off after Apple Bloom into the forest. “Apple Bloom, wait up.” He caught up with her just in time to see her take a tumble down a hill and land hard on the ground. “Apple Bloom!” Starburst cried out. He slid down the hill, came up next to her and placed a hoof on her back. “Apple Bloom, are you okay?” 

She held her mouth closed and her hooves up to the sides of it. She moaned out in pain. “Well, who is it that we have here?” A familiar voice asked in rhyme. Starburst and Apple Bloom looked up to see Zecora standing before them in her cloak. “Why it’s little Starburst and Apple Bloom my dear.”

“Hello Zecora, I think Apple Bloom is hurt, she just took a tumble down this hill.” Starburst greeted and explained.

“What has happened to you, youth?” Apple Bloom stood up and opened her mouth wide. One of her front teeth had been chipped. “Ah, you’ve gone and chipped a tooth.”

“Can you help her?” Starburst asked.

Zecora gave a smile. “Come with me, I have just the trick that will fix you up quit quick.”

Starburst and Apple Bloom followed Zecora to her hut. As soon as they entered, Apple Bloom went off. “I’ve tried everything Zecora, and still no cutie mark. Why I’m gonna be as old as granny Smith and still be a blank flank.”

“Don’t say that Apple Bloom, you’ll get your cutie mark. You just need to keep trying.” Starburst offered.

“Your frustration is well understood.” Zecora replied. “But one must be patient for all things good.” She started working on a potion and mixed in different ingredients into a pot.

“Ugh, I’ve heard that from everypony I know, and now from every zebra I know, I’m just too impatient to be patient. I want my cutie mark and I want it now!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

Starburst came up next to Apple Bloom and placed a hoof on her back. “Apple Bloom, I know your anxious for your cutie mark, but being impatient and rushing things isn’t going to help. We just gotta keep trying everything we can until we earn it and just wait and see what our special talent will be. Patience is the key to just about anything. My big brother told me that.” He finished with a smile.

“Your brother’s words are most wise, patience is the key for such a prize.” Zecora said as she gave Starburst a smile. “For your  cutie mark, you will have to wait. For now we must fix that tooth before it’s too late.” She stirred up the mixture then used a spoon to pour some of it into a bowl in front of Apple Bloom. “Now drink down every little drop, and this mixture will mend that chip on top.” 

Apple Bloom took hold of the bowl with her mouth and chugged the potion down. She went over to a yellow vase to look at her teeth. Starburst followed. Apple Bloom’s chipped tooth suddenly expanded and grew a bit larger, then shrank back down and her teeth were good as new.  Apple Bloom licked her teeth and gave a wide grin. “Wow, that’s amazing Zecora.” Starburst said. 

“Oh my stars apple you did it Zecora!” Apple Bloom exclaimed with a hop in front of Zecora. She then took a look around. “Golly, you got all sorts of tonics here don’t ya?” 

“I’ll say, look at em all.” Starburst agreed.

“Bad bones, bad back, bad breath.” Apple Bloom listed off the potions she saw.

“Yes little one, it is true. I have many a healing brew."

“Not just stuff that fixes the bad, but stuff that makes good things too.” Starburst pointed out. “Good health, good hair, great galaxies.” Starburst expressed. He then recoiled upon realizing what he just said. “Oops.” He placed both his front hooves over his mouth. 

Zecora cocked an eyebrow at him. “Great galaxies? Such an expression I have not heard. Why do you use such a word?” She asked.

“Uh, well….” Starburst was starting to worry a little. He wasn’t sure if it was okay for him to tell Zecora about him and his brother being aliens yet. 

Apple Bloom saw the worry and spoke in hopes of changing the subject. “You know, I bet you could fix up a potion for just about anything.” She proceeded to waggle her flank as an indication of what she meant.

Thankfully, the subject change worked. “There are many mixtures in this room. But none for what you want dear Apple Bloom.” Zecora said with a stern look. She turned and started heading for a small pot hanging from a rope. “A magic potion does not hold the key. For your cutie mark, time is the only remedy.”

“Fine.” Apple Bloom responded.

Starburst came up next to Apple Bloom and whispered to her. “Thanks for the save Apple Bloom.”

She gave a small smile in return.

Zecora grabbed the small pot from its harness and pulled it down, then poured its contents, some green seeds, into a bowl. She then used her tail to knock down three purple berries into the same bowl. Starburst and Apple Bloom both eyed the bowl curiously. “Whatcha got goin on there?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah, what are you making Zecora?” Starburst then asked.

Zecora walked over to a larger pot. “I am brewing up another mix, for a rooster and his chicks.” She reached into the pot as she continued, her voice seemed to echo a bit. “The rooster has lost his crow, making mornings very slow.” She pulled out a flower that seemed to be shaped like a heart colored pink with smaller similar shaped leaves. 

“Hey, I’ve seen that flower growing in Ponyville.” Apple Bloom pointed out. “What is it?”

“It sure is pretty.” Starburst commented.

“It is one we call heart’s desire. A dash will ignite the rooster’s fire.” Zecora shook the flower over the bowl and a few of the leaves fell loose and into the bowl. “With heart’s desire, his talent shines through, giving him a mighty cockadoodledoo.” Zecora said out of tune.  

“Zowie.” Apple Bloom said. 

“Gosh, it can do that?” Starburst asked. “I wonder if Sweetie Belle would like it.” Starburst thought. 

“Heart’s desire huh?” Apple Bloom asked as she eyed the bowl. 

“Aye me, but what is this? I have run out of amethyst.” Zecora said with disappointment. 

“What’s wrong zecora?” Starburst asked.

“I must go to get this flower for my brew to have full power.” Zecora explained. 

“Yeah, you go, you go.” Apple Bloom said with a wave of her hoof. Zecora left to find the flower. Once she was gone, Apple Bloom started mixing up the potion herself. 

“Apple Bloom, what are you doing?” Starburst asked.

“Don’t you see Starburst? With this potion, we could finally get our cutie marks.” She said excitedly.

“But, Zecora said it’s not finished yet, and you don’t know how to make it. What if something goes wrong?” Starburst argued.

Apple Bloom didn’t listen as she continued. “It’ll be fine Starburst, come on, don’t you want your cutie mark?”

“Well, yeah, but…I don’t think this is a good way to get it.” 

“Fine, you don’t want to take this potion and earn a cutie mark, I won’t make you. That just means I’ll be the first in our group to get it.” Apple Bloom soon finished the potion and got ready to chug her creation.

“Apple Bloom, wait!” Starburst exclaimed. “I still don’t think this is a good idea.  We should just leave it and go.”

“It’ll be fine.” Apple Bloom said with a wave of her hoof. She proceeded to drink up her concoction. After a moment of nothing, there was a small flash on Apple Bloom’s flank and a silver ring appeared there. “IT WORKED! IT WORKED! I GOT MY CUTIE MARK!” She exclaimed happily.

“Wow, it did work.” Starburst said.

“I told you it would, come on, let’s show the others my new cutie mark.” Apple Bloom took off from Zecora’s hut and headed for town with Starburst close behind. 

They soon reached town when Starburst pointed something out. “Apple Bloom, wait! Hold on a second!” 

Apple Bloom came to a halt and turned to Starburst. “What?”

“Apple Bloom, what does that cutie mark even mean? What kind of special talent do you have?” He asked.

“Oh yeah. Hmm….OH, I know!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “I need to go to Sweet Apple Acres first. I know just what ma talent is. You go on to the school, I’ll meet you there later.” She then galloped off for home.

“But….” Starburst tried to stop her with a hoof raised but she was long gone. He lowered his hoof and went on to school.

He soon arrived to find all the students playing around in the playground. He spotted Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and made his way over to them. “Hey girls.” He greeted.

“Hey Starburst.” Sweetie Greeted back. “How’s Apple Bloom, is she okay?”

“She’s fine, in fact, something great happened.” Starburst informed.

“Oh yeah, what?” Scootaloo asked.

He was about to answer when Apple Bloom showed up with a barrel ring around her midsection. She strolled past them and flashed her new cutie mark before every pony. 

“Apple Bloom, you got you’re cutie mark.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle expressed.

The other’s started to gather around to look at it and Apple Bloom. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle started looking curiously at it though. “Um, Apple Bloom, what is it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah, is it an O’? Is your talent spelling?” Scootaloo asked.

“Or is it a ring? Are you a jewelry maker?” Sweetie asked.

Twist then pushed in between the two. “Or is it a powdered doughnut? Cause that sounth delithious.”

“No, it’s a loopdyhoop!” Apple Bloom exclaimed as she started twirling the ring around her waist.

“*gasp*” Scootaloo gasped in joy, but then paused. “A what now?”

“A loopdyhoop, least that’s what I always called it.” Apple Bloom informed. “Applejack made it for me when I was little out of an old rain barrel. Who knew loopdyhooping would be my special talent?”

“Wow Apple Bloom, that’s amazing.” Sweetie Belle said.

“That’s it, that’s your talent?” Diamond Tiara asked. 

“Spinning a hoop around your waist? Puh-lease.” Silver Spoon added.

“Oh great, not those two again.” Starburst commented.

“Oh, you aint seen nothin’ yet.” Apple Bloom stated. She stood up on her hind legs, brought her forelegs close and managed to move the hoop up to her neck. She looked behind herself and spotted the school’s flag pole. Apple Bloom quickly dropped to her front legs and whipped the hoop up and onto the pole. Just before the hoop landed on the ground, she caught it with her nose and sent it flying back up. As it came back down, Apple Bloom lept into the air and caught it with her teeth and did a few flips before landing on all fours. She gave a smile as the hoop rested around her neck.

“Way to go Apple Bloom, that was amazing.” Starburst cheered.

The other ponies cheered as well, Diamond and Silver were left with their jaws hanging open.

“Way to go Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle cheered.

“You’re a super duper loopdy hooper!” Scootaloo also cheered.

Apple Bloom went back to spinning her hoop around her neck. “Thanks everypony.”

The school bell rang and Cheerilee came out. “All right my little ponies, time for class.” None of them heard as they were too fixated on Apple Bloom as she did a few more small tricks. Cheerilee walked over with a stern look. “Apple Bloom?”

“Yes miss Cheerilee?” Apple Bloom responded.

“I want you to take your loopdy hoop into the yard.” She then smiled. “And give us all a lesson in your amazing loopdy hooping!” All the little ponies cheered again.

Every pony had lined up in two separate rows with a hoop of their own. Apple Bloom proudly walked between them as she bounced her hoop on her tail. One hoop bounced past her that caused her to pause. She watched it bounce and fall over, then looked over to where it came from. Snips gave a sheepish smile. Apple Bloom picked up the hoop and tossed it back over to Snips and getting it around his neck. Snips blushed.

“Oh, OH!” Diamond Tiara called out as she and Silver Spoon tried to spin their hoops like Apple Bloom but were doing terrible. Diamond was standing on her hind legs while Silver tried to spin hers on one of her hind legs. They both fell over in their attempts.

“Don’t worry girls, keep at it and you might get to be half as good as me.” Apple Bloom said. The two growled.

Sweetie Belle was bouncing with her hoop around her waist, Scootaloo was moving her waist side to side, and Starburst was trying to spin his hoop around his neck by moving his head in a circle. All he managed to succeed at is make himself dizzy. “Great job you three.” Apple Bloom said with a smile.

“You’re too kind Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah ,we stink.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“How do you even do it? You make it look so easy.” Starburst pointed out.

“You just need a little practice. Soon you’ll be able to….” Apple Bloom began to do a few tricks as she named them. “Hoop and bop.” She dropped her hoop onto the ground and put her right hind leg, she jumped and twirled the hoop at the same time. “Hoop and hop.” She threw her hoop up and jumped through it in mid-air. “Hoop and skip.” She said as she held her hoop in her teeth and used it like a jumping rope. “And hoop and flip.” She started jumping on top of her hoop and did a flip. She finished with a dismount and got the hoop around her waist again. Everypony cheered for her again. 

“Heh heh, show us some more Apple Bloom.” Cheerilee asked.

“Well all right, but just remember, these are advanced moves. They’re not for beginners, got that Diamond Tiara?” Apple Bloom said to Diamond. Diamond growled in annoyance. Apple Bloom was now twirling her hoop on her tail. “I call this one the HOOPLA!” She started spinning her hoop much faster and causing wind to pick up. She started lifting up off the ground and into the air. 

“Whoa, cool, she can fly.” Starburst said. Everypony watched in awe. After a moment, there was a small flash on Apple Bloom’s flank. “What was that?” Starburst asked. 

Apple Bloom fell to the ground. She looked at her flank in confusion. There was another cutie mark on her flank of two plates on sticks. “Another cutie mark?” Diamond said. “Hah, I guess that last trick was a lot of hoopla, those cutie marks are fake!” She pointed out.

Everypony gasped. “Oh no.” Starburst said. 

“What? No they’re not.” Apple Bloom argued.

“Miss Cheerilee, have you ever heard of a pony with two cutie marks?” Diamond asked.

“I must say I never have. But maybe Apple Bloom has two special talents.” Cheerilee said.

Silver Spoon walked up to Apple Bloom. “Oh yeah? Then let’s see you do that.”

“Spin plates.” Snips said. 

“Yeah.” Snails agreed as the two tossed two sticks and plates at Apple Bloom.

The sticks and plates landed on Apple Bloom’s nose perfectly as the plates spun perfectly balanced on the sticks. 

Everypony gasped in surprise. “Whew, that was close.” Starburst said. “But wait, something isn’t right. Two cutie marks? Shouldn’t the potion only given her one?” He asked himself. “I don’t like this. I got a bad feeling.” Starburst grew worried for his friend.

“Two cutie marks?” Sweetie Belle stated. 

“Two talents?” Scootaloo said.

“Awe dang!” Apple Bloom cheered.

“Our friend is the most special pony ever!” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo cheered.

“All right everypony, you ready for a real show?” Apple Bloom asked. She led everypony into town to show off her talents to all. 

Once in town, Apple Bloom began performing some tricks. She started by flinging the hoop and sticks and plates into the air. The sticks and plates went through the hoop and Apple Bloom caught them on her nose, then the hoop with a hind leg and spun it. Next, she was now balancing the plates on her head and the hoop on her tail. She performed a few more impressive tricks by balancing on the hoop as it rolled while keeping the plates in motion in different positions. Apple Bloom soon spotted Rainbow Dash asleep on a cloud overhead. She flung the hoop up with her tail through the cloud without disturbing Rainbow Dash and made the cloud perfectly round too. 

Sweetie Belle had brought Rarity, Nova, Twilight and Spike over to see the show Apple Bloom was putting on. Apple Bloom flung the hoop at Twilight’s forehead and made it spin fast. The hoop bounced back revealing it had curled Twilight’s hair like Rarity’s. Spike looked lovingly at it with heart’s in his eyes.

Apple Bloom continued with a few more tricks before Applejack gave a whistle. She bucked a nearby table with pies and plates on it, sending them flying into the air. Apple Bloom caught them and flung them back up with her hoop. It managed to slice up the pie in mid-air into multiple pieces and landed perfectly on the plates which landed on some benches.

That was the grand finale. Apple Bloom, looking tired, headed home with her family. Starburst came up to her big brother. “Hey Nova.” He was looking a little worried. 

“Hey Starburst, I see Apple Bloom finally got her cutie mark huh?” Nova said with a smile.

“Yeah, she did.” Starburst said nervously.

Nova picked up on it. “Starburst, what’s wrong?” He asked with concern.

Starburst wasn’t sure if he should tell Nova about Apple Bloom making a potion to earn her cutie mark. He decided against it and gave a smile. “It’s nothing, nevermind.”

“Are you sure?” Nova asked with a cocked eyebrow. 

“Yeah, I’m sure, I guess I’m just a little jealous Apple Bloom got her cutie mark.” Starburst offered. 

“Oh, well, okay then. Are you ready to head home now, the sun is starting to set.” Nova asked having accepted Starbursts excuse. Starburst nodded.  The two soon headed home and went to bed.

It wasn’t until very early in the morning, before the sun was even up, that the two brothers got an early wake up call of somepony knocking on their door. Nova turned over and sat up with a groggy look in his eyes. “*Yawn* by the stars, who could that be at this hour?” He asked. He slowly removed himself from his bed and made his way to the door. 

“Nova *Yawn* What is it?” starburst asked as he sat up.

“There’s someone at the door Starbutst, go back to sleep.” Nova said.

Starburst didn’t go back to sleep, he was curious who was at the door. Nova used his magic to disguise himself in his pony guise just in case. He opened the door to see Twilight, Spike, and Applejack looking worried with Apple Bloom behind them looking scared yet dancing like crazy, plus, she had two new cutie marks. On her flank with the hoop and spinning plates was a tap dancing shoe and a funny looking symbol. “Nova, I’m sorry to bother you so early, but I figured you might be able to help us with whatever technology or knowhow you have. Apple Bloom is sick and has the cutie pox.” Twilight informed.

Nova snapped himself out of his drowsiness upon hearing Apple Bloom may be sick. “Cutie Pox?” he asked curiously. “Bring her in.” He stepped aside to let the three in. Apple Bloom danced in. All the while, Starburst was watching from the bedroom and was peeking out.

“Thank ya kindly Nova, we figured you might be able ta help us first.” Applejack said. 

“I don’t know what I could do, but I’ll try. So what are the symptoms?” He asked seriously.

“She’s got four cutie marks and can’t stop doing the talents that come with them. It’s a strange illness that came along a long time ago. It just mysteriously showed up for a while then strangely went away. No cure was found.” Twilight informed.

“Give me a minute.” Nova dropped his disguise and went over to his work table that turned into his ships computer. Once the screen was up, he typed in the symptoms of Apple Bloom and looked to see if there might be something similar in his computer’s database. “Let’s see, funnel flu, phlanx disease, killer coax hedache, come on. Give me something.” He said as he went through the known diseases from his planet. After a minute of looking, he gave up. “I’m sorry girls, but I don’t see anything here even close to what Apple Bloom is going through. I’m sorry I couldn’t help. There may be one thing I can do to help temporarily for her to relieve her.” 

Apple Bloom said something in a strange language Nova was not familiar with but it sounded like she was begging. 

“The best I can do is try to use my magic to hold her in place.” Nova stated.

“Just please help her.” Applejack said with worry.

Nova focused his magic and his antennae began to glow yellow. His aura enveloped Apple Bloom and she stopped moving. “There, I can hold her still so she can relax until we get this resolved.”

“I think I know somepony else that can help then, or I guess I should say zebra.” Twilight said. “Come on.” Twilight started to lead the way out as Nova lifted Apple Bloom up in his grasp. 

“Wait, I’m coming with you.” Starburst declared as he came out of the bedroom.

“Starburst?” Nova asked curiously.

“Please Nova, I’m worried about her.” Starburst said as he looked up at Apple Bloom who looked a little relieved that she wasn’t constantly dancing anymore.

“All right, come on little brother.” Nova said with a smile.

Nova and Starburst put on their holo-emitters before heading out and headed for the other side of town to Zecora just as the sun was rising.

Along the way, just as they reached the middle of town, a flash emitted from Apple Bloom and a new cutie mark appeared. It was of a stone chizle and hammer. Somehow, the new cutie mark appearing was enough for Nova to lose control of his magic for Apple Bloom to break free. “Ah, wh-what the….” He paused as he was about to say something relating to space. 

“Oh no, Nova, are you alright?” Twilight asked as she took Nova’s side.

“I’m fine Twilight, I’m more worried about…” He stopped again when he, Twilight, Applejack, Spike, and Starburst saw Apple Bloom making a stone sculpture of a pony on a half shell. Another cutie mark of a hat and a chimney sweep appeared on her. She rushed up to the top of a house and used a chimney sweep to get it clean. Another cutie mark of an accordion appeared on her. Apple Bloom started jumping around with an accordion and was playing it. Poor Apple Bloom had more cutie marks appear on her and was forced to perform the talents they came with.

“Nova, what are we going to do?” Starburst asked.

“Can’t you stop her like before?” Twilight asked.

“I-I don’t know, when that fifth one appeared, it…it somehow gave off a magic burst that disrupted my magic. I can’t hold her in place.” Nova said with worry.

“She’s cursed.” One mare said.

“Hexed.” Another said.

“Enchanted.” Said a third.

“No she’s not.” Spike informed. This was met with relieved sighs from the three mares. “She just has some mysterious illness with no known cure called cutie pox.”

That statement sent the town in a panic. “CUTIE POX!” Every pony around said. Most of them ducked into their houses and closed their doors while others ran off in a cloud of dust, leaving the town looking like a ghost town.

“Way to go Spike.” Nova said with annoyance.

“I thought I had removed their fear the last time I visited here.” Zecora said as she seemed to come out of nowhere. She had with her a basket on her side. “But, doors are barred and shutters shut, guess I should have stayed inside my hut.” She said as she stood next to Applejack. 

“Zecora, Apple Bloom has cutie pox.” Twilight pointed out.

“You got to help her Zecora.” Starburst pleaded. 

“We were just on our way to see if you had a cure.” Twilight said.

“But magically, you’re here. Was your zebra sense a tinglin?” Applejack asked.

Zecora walked forward a bit. “My zebra sense did not bring me round. It was a special flower I needed found. I thought I picked enough potions I needed to mix, but after my visit from Apple Bloom, some had mysteriously left my room.” Zecora had made her way over to Apple Bloom who was now doing pushups while lifting a dumbbell with her tail. “Apple Bloom, what do you say? Did this flower just walk away?” Apple Bloom looked nervous. 

Before she could answer, another cutie mark appeared and Apple Bloom went right to washing a window. 

“A cutie pox cure I have forsooth, for healing power is within the seeds of truth.” Zecora reached into her basket and pulled out three yellow seeds with her tail.

“W-well then, give them to her, quick.” Applejack said.

“These seeds must be planted in the ground. With the truth, they’ll grow and the cure is found.” 

“Come again?” Apple jack asked.

Nova knew what she was saying. “She….she said that somepony needs to….to tell the truth so the seeds will grow.” He had his eyes closed and his head turned to the side. Applejack and Twilight heard what he said but didn’t seem to notice his expression.

“Well then, let’s get to it.” Applejack knocked the seeds from Zecora’s tail and quickly planted them in the ground. “All right, they’re planted. Now somepony tell the truth!” She called out.

No response came. Soon, a tornado appeared on Apple Bloom and she started spinning wildly. 

“Somepony, anypony!” Applejack called out again.

Pinkie was looking nervous as she sat at the doorway of Sugarcube Corner watching the whole thing. “Yesterday I told Mrs. Cake I ate two corn cakes, but I really ate three.” Pinkie said. Nova sighed a little in relief that he wouldn’t have to reveal himself like this.
Twilight and Applejack looked to the buried seeds to see the flower grow, but nothing happened. They looked back to Pinkie and Nova grew worried again. “Okay six, I ate six corncakes!” Pinkie blurted out. The two looked again and still nothing. “Oh make it stop, make it stop!” Pinkie cried out.

Applejack turned to Nova and spoke in a whisper. “Nova, please, maybe if you tell everypony about you and Starburst really bein aliens, that’ll make the plant grow.”

“What….but Applejack…” Nova started.

Twilight cut him off. “Applejack, we can’t ask him to do that. It isn’t right.”

“What about Apple Bloom? She needs help.” Applejack argued.

“But what if he isn’t ready for this?” Twilight argued.

“Girls, stop….I…I’ll do it. For Apple Bloom’s sake.” Nova said reluctantly.

Twilight looked over to him. “Are you sure Nova?” She asked.

“Apple Bloom needs help, I seem to be the only one hiding anything here. If me telling the truth about what me and Starburst are will help Apple Bloom….I’ll do it.”

“Thank you Nova.” Applejack said.

“Wait, Nova, let me try something first.” Starburst offered. 

“Starburst?” Nova said as he cocked his head.

“Please just wait, don’t say anything yet.” Before the others could respond, Starburst ran over to Apple Bloom who stopped spinning and was just dancing in place. “Apple Bloom, please, you have to tell everypony the truth about your cutie marks. If you don’t, Nova is going to tell everypony about us, and he’s not ready for it. Please Apple Bloom, just tell the truth.” He said with a sad look.

“All right, I can’t stand it anymore, it’s me, I admit it! I didn’t earn my cutie marks, they’re all fake!” Apple Bloom finally admitted. “I figured the heart’s desire would help me get what I wanted most, so when Zecora left her hut, I mixed up a potion and put the rest of the heart’s desire in it!” The ponies started coming out of hiding as Apple Bloom admitted her guilt. 

Once she finished, a flower bloomed from the seeds and every pony was left in awe of its beauty. Apple Bloom lunged forth and gobbled up the flower. As soon as she did, she sighed in relief and dropped to the ground. All the cutie marks on her body started to disappear one by one.

“Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle cried out as she and Scootaloo galloped up to her.

“Are you okay?” Scootaloo asked. Starburst had joined them with Apple Bloom.

“I’m great, and I’ve never been happier to be a blank flank.” Apple Bloom stated with a smile. Her face dropped. “But I’m awful sorry I lied, especially to you gals. I was just so desperate for my cutie mark, I got carried away.” She made her way over to Zecora. “And I’m real sorry I snuck those flowers from you Zecora. Why, I wouldn’t blame ya if ya never wanted me to come by again.” She hung her head in shame.

Zecora lifted her head with a hoof. “Now Apple Bloom, don’t be silly, you are always welcome little filly. With each mistake, you learn something new, growing into a better you.” When no pony was looking, Zecora vanished. 

“How did she do that?” Nova asked.

“Apple Bloom, would you mind writing to princess Celestia telling her what you learned?” Twilight asked.

“I’d be happy to Twilight. Spike!” Spike rushed over with a quill and parchment ready to go. 

“Ready.” Spike said.

“Dear princess Celestia, waiting for what your heart desires can be hard, so you may take a shortcut. But this dishonesty never works because you didn’t earn what your heart desires. The only cure is being honest with yerself and others. And that is something every heart desires. Also, a good friend Starburst tried to tell me that as well. Starburst tried to tell me that I needed to be patient for what I want as well, and I should have listened to him.” Starburst looked surprised by this. 

Spike blew fire on the letter and sent it on its way.

“I sure am proud of you sis.” Applejack said as she walked over to Apple Bloom. “Seems like you finally learned the importance of patience.” 

“Yep, all good things come to those who wait.” The three little ponies were silent for a few seconds. “Well, I’ve waited long enough.” Apple Bloom suddenly stated. The adults, and Starburst, looked at her surprised. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo started walking away.

“Actually, that was way too long.” Scootaloo added.

“What?” Applejack asked.

“But girls, what about that lesson you just learned.” Nova said to them.

They seemed to ignore them as they called out to Starburst. “Hey Starburst, come on, if Apple Bloom was able to do that with a potion, maybe her talent will lie in potion making.” Sweetie Belle said.

“You go on ahead girls, I need to do something in town.” Starburst said.

“You sure, this could be our special talent that earns us our cutie marks.” Apple Bloom said.

“I think I want to take a break from cutie marks for today.”

“Suit yourself, see ya later then.” Sweetie said as the three ran off.

Applejack shook her head with a smirk and walked off.

“I’m sure those three will learn someday.” Twilight said.

“Let’s hope so.” Nova agreed.

Starburst came up to Nova. “Nova, I was wondering if you could help me with something.”

Nova turned to Starburst. “Sure little brother, what’s up?”

“There’s a flower I want to find for…..somepony.” He said with a bit of a blush.

Nova smirked. “Starburst, do you want to find a flower for your special somepony Sweetie Belle?”

Starburst looked down a little in embarrassment. “Yes.”

“Awe, how sweet.” Twilight complimented. “Are you looking for something specific?”

“I was thinking about getting that heart’s desire flower for her.” Starburst informed.

“Well, I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Nova said. “What does this flower look like?”

“I know what it looks like, I’ll help you find it. In fact, you can probably get it at Daisy’s flower shop.” Twilight informed.

“Great, thanks Twilight.” Nova said with a smile.

“You’re welcome. I need to get home and get started on some work. I’ll see you later.” Twilight started to make her way home.

“Bye Twilight, how about we go out tonight?” Nova asked.

“Sure, I’d love too.” Twilight smiled.

Later that afternoon, Starburst stood before Rarity’s shop with a flower in hoof in a flower pot. Just like Twilight said, Daisy had a heart’s desire plant. “Okay Starburst, you can do this.” He knocked on the door first.

Rarity soon opened the door and saw Starburst standing there. “Hello Starburst, what brings you by?” She asked cheerfully.

“Hello Rarity, is Sweetie Belle here?”

“Oh, you got her a flower didn’t you, how sweet.” She cooed as she saw the flower. “Oh, and it’s quit a pretty one too. She’s going to love it.” 

Starburst blushed a little.

“Come on in, She’s upstairs in her room. I’ll send her down in a moment.” Rarity led Starburst into her house. “Just wait right here and she’ll be down in a moment.” Rarity made her way upstairs to Sweetie Belle’s room.

Starburst sat on his haunches feeling a little nervous about this. Sweetie Belle Soon descended the staircase and met with Starburst. “Hello Starburst, what did you want?”

“Hello Sweetie Belle, I…..well….I got you something, here.” He held out the flower. “It’s the heart’s desire flower. I thought it looked nice and figured you might like it, so, I asked my big brother to help me get it for you. Do you like it?”

Sweetie Belle took the potted flower in her hooves. “Starburst, this is beautiful, thank you.” She said with a big smile. She set the flower aside and planted a second long kiss on his cheek.

Starburst blushed more. “Y…you’re welcome.”

Rarity was watching the whole thing from around the corner of the stair case and was smiling so big at the exchange.

“This was very sweet of you.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Sure….no problem. Um, d….do you….want to just…I don’t know, hang out for a bit, just the two of us?” Starburst asked.

“I’d love to, where should we go?” Sweetie asked.

“Well, my brother gave me some bits in case I wanted to stop by sugar cube corner…..though I think he gave me more than what I would need for just myself on purpose.”

“That sounds perfect. I’d love to go.”

“Great, then let’s go…if you’re ready that is.”

Sweetie smiled and started for the door. 

> The New Pet in Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The New Pet in Town



It was another beautiful Saturday as Nova and Starburst made their way through the park to enjoy the day. “Beautiful day isn’t it big brother?” Starburst asked.

“It sure is, the sky is clear, the sun is shining bright, it’s nice and warm out, I can’t think of a more perfect day.” Nova said.

“So what are we gonna do? Hide and seek? Skip rocks? Feed some animals?” Starburst asked.

“Well we didn’t exactly bring anything to play a game with, but I’m sure we can find something.”

The two walked up over a hill when they spotted some animals around a tree Rainbow Dash was in with a cat.  Nova recognized the animals as the pets his friends had.

“What’s going on over there?” Starburst asked.

It was then the girls came over from another hill and approached the tree to gather their pets. Once the other animals were away from the tree, Rarity came over to get Opal. The cat climbed down and jumped onto Rarity’s back. Rainbow flew down and landed in front of Rarity. “Sincerest apologies, Rainbow Dash, if our pets were bothering you. Say you’re sorry Opal.” Opal turned and hissed angrily. Rarity gave a smile. “She’s sorry.”

“What are you all doing out here?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I was about to ask the same thing.” Nova said on approach. “Hey girls, what’s going on?”

“Hey Nova.” Rainbow greeted.

“Hello dear, so good to see you.” Rarity greeted.

“Howdy Nova, Starburst.” Applejack greeted.

“Hello you two.” Fluttershy greeted.

“Hi Nova and Starburst.” Pinkie Pie said as she waved a hoof.

“Hello Nova, hello Starburst, how are you two today?” Twilight said as she trotted over to him, Starburst, and Rainbow Dash.

“We’re fine thanks.” Starburst answered.

“So like Rainbow was asking, what have you all got going on that you have your pets here together?” Nova asked.

“We always round up our critters fer a pony pet playdate in this park.” Applejack informed as she tossed a stick with her tail for Winona.

“Uh, you do?” Rainbow asked.

“Same time every week.” Applejack said.

“I thought you knew, you didn’t know? They didn’t know?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight looked to the three with a nervous smile. “Well we had initially planned on inviting you three of course except….”

Pinkie Pie cut her off. “We were totally going to invite you three, but then Twilight remembered that you don’t even have pets, then Rarity remembered that Rainbow dash liked to take naps in the afternoon, Applejack figured you wouldn’t be missing out on anything anyway, then Fluttershy and I nodded our heads in agreement.” Pinkie nodded her head and Fluttershy’s at the same time. 

Pinkie soon let go but Fluttershy’s head was still going. “Oh, please don’t be mad at us.”

“Pet?” Nova said with a curious expression. He put a hoof to his chin in thought. 

“I’m not mad, you all are right, no point in a pony pet play date if I’m a pony without a pet.” Rainbow said.

“Pet….pet…..*GASP*” Nova gasped. He had a shocked look on his face, as did Starburst. Both kept their eyes forward. “Um, Starburst, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“I think so.” Starburst responded. They both looked to each other and cried out. “WE FORGOT ABOUT ZIPPY!” 

This got the girls attention and looked at them curiously. “Zippy? Who’s Zippy?” Twilight asked.

The two brothers instead took off for home without answering. “Boys, wait, what’s wrong?” Applejack asked with worry.

“Come on girls, something’s wrong.” Twilight declared. She led the others to follow Nova and Starburst with their pets.

“Oh, how could I forget about Zippy?” Nova asked.

“Don’t blame yourself big brother, I forgot too.” Starburst said as the two galloped for home.

They soon reached home and nearly burst through the door. The girls followed the two into their home. Nova and starburst went to their bedroom and Nova came up to his bed. He placed his hoof on the foot of the bed where a blue light scanned Nova’s hoof. A capsule slid out from the foot of the bed with a glass covering and white lights inside lining the sides. Inside the capsule was a creature with long pink fur, pointed ears, bat like wings, an elongated snout, and four legs, each also covered in fur down to the feet that were rounded at the toes. Each foot had three toes. It also had a pair of antennae with pink puff balls at the end. The antennae themselves were long black and thin. It also had a long tail covered in the pink fluffy fur that rounded out at the end.

Nova and Starburst sighed in relief upon seeing the creature. “Oh good, he’s okay.” Starburst said.

“I think it’s about time we wake him up.” Nova said. “He’s going to be pretty surprised at our new home.” 

“Nova, what’s going on?” Twilight asked from the bedroom door. The other’s stood behind her.

Nova looked back. “Sorry for the scare girls, we just realized we forgot about something. Hang on.” Nova turned back to the capsule and pressed a few buttons on the side. The Capsule hissed as it sprang open a little, then opened fully. The creature slowly opened its eyes and looked up at Nova and Starburst. It gave a yawn as it stretched out its front legs. Its eyes were green and had slit irises. After its yawn, it seemed to smile and got out of the capsule, then flew up and hovered in front of Nova. “Hey there Zippy, good morning.”

Zippy made a few small roars to Nova. 

“Zippy!” Starburst called out. Zippy flew down to him and wrapped its front legs in a hug. “Hey there buddy, sorry we didn’t wake you sooner.” 

Zippy made a few more little roars out.

“Um, Nova, what is that thing?” Rainbow asked. 

Nova looked back at the girls. “Everypony, in the living room please so I can introduce you all.” The girls looked at each other curiously and made their way to the living room. 

“Come on Zippy, let’s introduce you to our new friends.” Starburst said. Nova and Starburst made their way to the living room with the creature they called Zippy.

“Okay girls, sorry again about the scare, it’s just all the talk about pets made me remember this little guy.” Nova motioned to Zippy as he hovered over-head. 

“What is it, I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Twilight asked.

“That’s because he’s from the same planet me and Starburst are from. His name is Zippy, he’s called a fluffle sprite.” Nova informed.

“Ooohh, he’s so cute.” Fluttershy cooed. She flew up to meet Zippy. “Hello there little guy, I’m fluttershy.”

Zippy squeaked out and started flying quickly around Fluttershy’s head. 

Starburst giggled. “Heh heh, he likes you already.”

“Wow, he sure is fluffy.” Pinkie said happily. Zippy flew down in front of her and eyed her. “Hi there, I’m Pinkie pie. It’s nice to meet you.” Zippy looked surprised first, then suddenly dove into Pinkie’s fluffy mane. He poked his head out.  Pinkie giggled with snorts. “He ha hah *Snort*”

“Look at that, he likes you already too.” Nova pointed out. 

“Hey Zippy, let’s show them your neat trick.” Starburst said. Zippy flew out of Pinkie’s mane and landed in front of Starburst. “Watch this everypony. Okay Zippy, ready?” Zippy nodded, looking determined. “Aaaaand, purple!” Starburst called out. Zippy suddenly changed color to what Starburst called out. “Green!” He changed color again to green. “Now blue!” Zippy changed to blue. “Good boy Zippy.” Zippy changed back to pink and came up to Starburst for a well-deserved petting.

“Good heavens.” Rarity said. “That is certainly an interesting trick.”

“I’ll say, that was neat.” Pinkie added.

“It’s an ability fluffle sprites have that was added in they’re creation. Zippy can change his color to anything to blend in with his surroundings to hide. He is a genetically engineered pet. Zippy was one of many of his kind.” The girls gave him a confused look, except Pinkie who still wore a smile. Nova noticed this. “Sorry, let’s see. Genetically engineered means he, and others like him, were made by the scientists of our race, they aren’t natural like the animals on this world that have been here all along. The fluffle Sprite was made to be like the perfect pet. Smart so it’s easy to train, you can feed him just about anything so you don’t have to worry too much about him going hungry, the look was made to be cute and appealing, and loyal to their owner.”

“Plus, the color change thing makes him great at hide and seek, he can pretty much disappear from sight when blending in with something. Watch this. Zippy, get on me and change color to hide.” Zippy flew up and landed on Starburst’s back. He then changed his color to green to match Starburst’s coat and, just like that, he seemed to vanish. It just looked like Starburst had a lump on his back instead of a green furry creature. “Pretty stellar huh?”

“That’s amazing.” Twilight said. “But, what are you going to tell other ponies if they see Zippy? There’s nothing like him on our world.” She pointed out.

“Ooooh, good point.” Nova seemed to get a little worried.

“Um, perhaps you could say he’s a new species you found. When you were trying to hide the fact you were an alien from us, you said you did some traveling. You could say you found him during that.” Fluttershy offered. “If you want to that is.”

Nova smiled. “Fluttershy, you are a genius. That’s perfect, thanks.”

Fluttershy smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Introductions continued as they introduced Zippy to the other animals. When it came to Gummy, Zippy stood in front of Gummy and copied his spaced out look with the eyes facing opposite directions. Gummy let out a small growl. Zippy did the same. 

Pinkie giggled. “Heh heh ha, I think they like each other.”

“Okay, so girls, let’s get back to the park and have that pony pet play date thing. I’m sure Zippy wants to get a good look at our new home.” Nova said. 

“Okay, let’s head back to the park.” Twilight agreed. They all headed back to the park and Rainbow retook her position in the tree as she tried to get some sleep.  “Well Zippy, what do ya think of our new home?” Starburst asked. Zippy had a smile and gave a small roar of approval. “I thought you’d like it.” They all continued to play around the field for a bit when Rainbow suddenly came back down from the tree.

“Hey, now wait a minute, just because I don’t have a pet now, doesn’t mean I never want a pet.” Rainbow declared.

Fluttershy suddenly turned around with a big smile. “Oh, really, you really want a pet?” She asked as she hovered around Dash with Angel sitting on her tail. “Because I have so many wonderful choices at my house.” She picked Dash up by wrapping her forelegs under Dash’s and started dragging her away. “And I just know you’ll love them, and they’ll love you.” Rainbow noticed her back legs dragging so she started flapping her wings to help lift herself up more with an unamused look.

“Come on Nova, I want to see what kind of pet Dash gets.” Starburst said.

“Really? Okay, if you want. Come on Zippy, let’s go.” Nova called. Zippy flew over and hovered around Nova. “We’ll see you girls later.” Nova and Starburst left the area and followed Dash and Fluttershy to Fluttershy’s place. They soon arrived and the two brothers were treated to a song.

Fluttershy: Now Rainbow my dear I cannot express my delight.
It's abundantly clear
That somewhere out here
is a pet that will suit you just right.

Rainbow Dash: I can't wait to get started, but first let me set a few rules
It's of utmost importance
The pet that I get
Is something that's awesome and cool

Fluttershy: Awesome and cool, got it!
I have so many wonderful choices, just wait, you will see

Rainbow Dash: I need something real fast like a bullet to keep up with me

Fluttershy: Sure! How 'bout a bunny?
They're cutesy and wootsie and quick as can be

Rainbow Dash: Cutesy, wootsie? Have you even met me?

Fluttershy: Rainbow, have faith
You see, I will bet you
Somewhere in here is the pet that will get you
Come on, the sky's the limit!

Rainbow Dash: Sky is good. I'd like it to fly.

Fluttershy: Really? Because I think this widdle puddy tat has your name written all over it. Yes, he does. Aww, look, he likes you!

Rainbow Dash: Pass.

Fluttershy: I have so many wonderful choices for you to decide
There are otters and seals
With massive appeal

Rainbow Dash: Otters and seals do not fly.

Fluttershy: Maybe not, but I've seen this particular seal catch ten feet of air when he breaches the water!

Rainbow Dash: That's it. I'm outta here.

Fluttershy: Wait! There must be a pet here
That will fit the ticket
How 'bout a ladybug, or a cute cricket?

Rainbow Dash: Bigger. And cooler.

Fluttershy: Bigger, cooler. Right.
I've got just the thing in that tree, Dash
Meet your new fabulous pet, Squirrely

Rainbow Dash: It's just a squirrel.

Fluttershy: Not just any squirrel. A flying squirrel!

Rainbow Dash: ...Yeah. So, like I was saying...
Fluttershy, pal, this won't cut it
I need a pet to keep up with me
Something awesome, something flying
With coolness that defies gravity!

Fluttershy: I'm sensing you want an animal that can fly.

Rainbow Dash: Ya think?

Starburst couldn’t help but giggle at dash’s comment.

Fluttershy: I have plenty of wonderful creatures who soar in the sky
Like a sweet hummingbird or a giant monarch butterfly

Rainbow Dash: Better, but cooler.

Fluttershy: I see. How 'bout an owl, or a wasp, or a toucan?
There's so many wonderful creatures the likes of that
There are falcons and eagles
They are both quite regal
Or perhaps what you need is a dark and mysterious bat?

Rainbow Dash: Now you're talking. But instead of just one standout, now that's too many.
So many choices, and such riches aplenty

Fluttershy: Not a bad problem to have, if you ask me.

Rainbow Dash: The bat would be awesome, but the wasp I'm digging too
Do you have something in a yellow striped bat?

Fluttershy: No.
I've got a hot pink flamingo, just dying to meet you

Rainbow Dash: What to do, what to do? *gasp*
A prize! That's it! There's really just one way
To find out which animal's best
Hold a contest of speed, agility, and guts
That will put each pet to the test

Fluttershy: Don't forget style, that should be considered

Rainbow Dash: Then we'll know for sure who's best of the litter

Fluttershy: The one who is awesome as cool

Rainbow Dash: Just like me
Can't settle for less, 'cause I'm the best

Both: So a contest we will see

Rainbow Dash: Who's the number one, greatest, perfectest pet

Both: In the world for me!

Fluttershy: May the games

Both: Begin~!

Rainbow Dash: And may the best pet win!

Starburst was clapping his hooves. “Wow, that was great, do it again.”

Nova chuckled. “I’ll admit, that song was pretty good.” He then walked up to the two. “But Dash, a contest to see which animal is best? That’s not what having a pet is about.”

“Hey, if I’m going to get a pet, it has to be as cool as I am, and a contest is the only way to find out which one fits me.” Dash retorted.

Nova could tell she wasn’t about to let this go. He dropped the subject. It was then he noticed Derpy coming out of Fluttershy’s chicken coop. “Derpy?” He asked. The others looked over and saw Derpy. Nova walked over to her. “Derpy, what are you doing in Fluttershy’s chicken coop?”

“Hey Nova.” Derpy greeted with a smile. “Fluttershy lets me get eggs fresh from her coop. I really like it when their fresh from the chicken coop.”

“I see.” Nova stated.

“She really does like eggs.”Fluttershy stated as she walked over. “Did you find any good ones Derpy?” Fluttershy asked.

Derpy presented a basket she was holding with a wing that was full of eggs. “Sure did.”

“Hey Derpy, check out our pet.” Starburst said as he ran over with Zippy.

“Hey there Starburst. Wow, what is that?” Derpy asked with a smile.

“His names Zippy, he’s called a fluffle sprite.” Starburst explained.

“A what now?” Derpy asked. 

Nova explained. “He’s a creature that came from my old planet. He’s a…..pony created pet.” 

“Created?” Derpy asked again, still confused.

“It’s kinda hard to explain in a way you’d understand.” Nova said.

“If you say so.” Derpy said with a shrug.

“Hey Nova, we should go tell mom and dad we still have Zippy.” Starburst suggested.

“Good idea Starburst.” Nova said. “Well Dash, good luck with your pet selection. Me and Starburst are going to see our folks for a bit.”

“All right then, but you’ll be missing out on a great competition.” Dash retorted.

“Nova, can I come too? I’d like to see your parents again.” Derpy asked.

“Sure, you can come along.” Nova said as he waved a hoof for her to follow. “Bye Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, see ya later.”

“Bye you two.” Fluttershy waved back.

“See ya.” Rainbow said as she waved a hoof too.

“So Nova, can your pet do anything interesting?” Derpy asked.

“He sure can.” Starburst answered. “Watch this. Zippy, hide.”

Zippy quickly flew over to a tree and clung to it. He changed his color to match the bark of the tree and seemed to dissapear.
“Whoa, neat trick.” Derpy stated with a smile.

“Good job Zippy, come on back.” Starburst called. Zippy reappeared and flew along with Nova and Starburst.

Along the way, they came across Vinyl and Octavia who were sitting at a table with some drinks. “Yo Nova, what’s up dude.” Vinyl called upon seeing them.

The three stopped in their tracks. “Oh, hey Vinyl, hello Octavia.” Nova greeted.

“Hi you two.” Derpy greeted the two with a smile.

“Hello Derpy, Nova.” Octavia greeted.

“What’s up?” Vinyl asked. 

“Not much, me, Derpy and Starburst were on our way to my folk’s house.” Nova informed.

It was then Zippy flew up to the two with a smile. He flew around their heads and back to Nova. “Whoa, what is that?” Vinyl asked with a smile.

“Oh my, what a charming creature.” Octavia commented.

“This is Zippy, he’s a fluffle Sprite.” Nova informed. 

“Never heard of a fluffle sprite before.” Vinyl said.

It was then Nova had a thought. “Say, I don’t suppose you two would want to come along to see my folks would you? 

There’s….something I want to share with you.”

Starburst smiled up at Nova as if he knew what Nova was planning on doing.

“I suppose so, we don’t really have anything else going on.” Octavia informed.

“Sure, why not?” Vinyl added.

“Great, let’s get going then.” Nova said.

As they walked, Derpy came up to Nova and spoke in a whisper. “Nova, are you going to tell them your secret?”

“They have been just as good a friend as you have Derpy, so I think it will be all right.” Nova whispered back.

“If you’re sure.” Derpy stated.

They soon reached the home of Cosmos and Starla. Nova knocked on the door and was greeted by his parents in their pony disguises. “Nova dear, hello, what a pleasant surprise.” Starla greeted with a smile.

“Hey mom, hi dad, I brought some friends over. Hope you don’t mind.” Nova said.

“Of course not son, you all come on in.” Cosmos said as the two stepped aside to let every pony in. They had managed to make the inside of their home look like the inside of a normal home as well. Greetings were exchange before Starla and Cosmos finally took notice of Zippy. “Zippy? I don’t believe it.” Starla said. Zippy flew over to her, landed in front of her and looked at her curiously.
Before things went further with that, Nova got his parents attention. “Mom, dad, I need to speak with you for a moment.

“Dear, why didn’t you tell us you had Zippy?” Starla asked.

“I’ll explain that later, please.” Nova said. “You girls don’t mind waiting here do you?” Nova asked the three mares that came with him.

They all sounded off in agreement. 

Starburst stayed with them while Starla and Cosmos lead Nova to their bedroom. “All right then son, what is going on?” Cosmos asked once they were in the bedroom. 

“Dad, mom, I never told you this, but Derpy also knows that we’re aliens, and I was wanting to let Octavia and Vinyl in on it as well.” Nova informed.

“Really?” Starla asked. “Are you sure?” 

Nova gave a reassuring smile. “Trust me mom, it’ll be fine. My friends accepted me when they found out we were aliens, Derpy did too. I feel confident the same will be with them.”

“All right Nova, if you’re sure about this.” Cosmos said.

Nova started to head back to the living room with his parents in tow. He came out to see Starburst having fun with Zippy and Vinyl. He smiled at the scene. “Excuse me every pony.” All eyes turned to Nova. “Okay, Vinyl, Octavia, there’s something I want to tell you two, but you have to promise not to tell anypony about it.”

“Ooh, does Nova have a secret?” Vinyl asked jokingly. “No worries dude, I can keep a secret. What’s up?”

“Well, this is rather odd, but if you wish to share a secret with us, I see why we can’t make a promise like that. I promise not to tell anypony.” Octavia said.

“Hold on, what about Derpy?” Vinyl asked.

“Derpy already knows what I’m about to share with you two.” Nova stated. He took a moment before beginning. “You see, me and my family are….not of this planet.” 

Octavia cocked an eyebrow and Vinyl lifted her sunglasses up over her horn. “Excuse me?” Vinyl asked. “What do you mean not of this planet?”

“We’re aliens Vinyl.” Starburst said with a smile. It was then he deactivated his disguise first. “See, aliens. Pretty cool huh?” He asked.

Octavia and Vinyl had their mouths hanging open as they gazed at Starburst. They both then slowly turned their heads to Nova. He and his parents then deactivated their disguises to reveal their alien forms. “Whoa.” Vinyl finally let out. 

“Oh my.” Octavia said with shock.

“Now girls, you promised not to say anything, remember?” Derpy said.

Vinyl gave a big grin. “No way! For real? This is so cool.” She stated.

“Good heavens, you really are aliens.” Octavia said.

“That’s right, and I’m trusting you two not to tell anypony without my permission, understood?” Nova said.

“Dude, this is incredible, you just gotta let every pony know.” Vinyl said with a flair of a hoof.

“Viny, no! I don’t know how everypony will react if I let it out in front of everypony. I’m taking this slow and only letting those I trust in on this secret.” Nova said firmly. “I’m just afraid that everypony will freak out and chase us away. Please Vinyl, you promised not to say anything.”

Vinyl’s grin dissapeared. “All right Nova, I won’t say anything.” She finally relented. The alien family gave out a sigh of relief, except for Starburst.

“Nova, you said you’re only telling those you trust. So you really feel we’re close enough friends to tell us this?” Octavia asked.

“I do.” Nova stated. 

“To be honest, we don’t really like this hiding we have to do.” Starla said. 

“It really would be so much easier if others did know of the fact we aren’t from the same planet, but we don’t want to take any chances of having to be chased away.” Cosmos said.

“Don’t worry sir, you can count on us.” Derpy said with a salute.

Starburst chuckled at Derpy’s display. “Thank you girls, I really appreciate this.” Nova said with a smile.

After all was said and done, the group stuck together in the house to get to know each other better and got re-acquainted with Zippy.

Later on, Starburst spoke up with an idea. “Oh, mom, dad, I just had a great idea.”

“Yes Starburst, what is it?” Starla asked.

“Zippy may be mine and Nova’s pet, but you guys can get a pet of your own if you want. Fluttershy has all kinds of animals to choose from.” Starburst said with a hop.

“Really? Well, that does sound like a good idea.” Cosmos said with a smile.

“Well then, sounds like you guys have a plan.” Vinyl said. “I need to get going now, but I’ll see you all around. Later little green dude.” Vinyl ruffled Starburst’s fin playfully before leaving. Starburst gave a little laugh.

“I’m afraid I must go as well, it was nice spending time with you all.” Octavia said. “And don’t worry, I will keep my promise.”

“Same here.” Vinyl added.

“Me too, and I need to go too. It was nice hanging out with you all.” Derpy said as she got ready to leave. “Bye Nova, bye Starburst, bye Cosmos and Starla.”

“Bye girls, don’t be shy now and feel free to visit whenever you want.” Starla said with a wave of her hoof.

Once the three mares were gone, Nova and Starburst decided to lead his family out to find Fluttershy and help set them up with a pet as well. “So mom, dad, you ready to get a pet?”

“Sure thing Nova, lead the way.” Cosmos said. He then put up his pony disguise along with the rest of the family.

They walked about town with Zippy and soon found the girls gathered in front of town hall watching Rainbow Dash and some animals putting on a show of some kind. Each animal was doing something different for Rainbow Dash. They reached the group just after a tortoise tried to perform what looked like would have been an amazing stunt that would start with a mump. Unfortunatly, when he tried to jump, he landed on his back and struggled to stand back up as the curtain came down. 

Nova was the first to greet them. “Hey girls, what’s going on?”

“Hello Nova, Rainbow Dash’s contest to find the perfect pet is still going on.” Twilight informed. Once she and the others realized Nova’s family was with him, more greetings were exchanged.

Nova noticed Fluttershy wasn’t with them. “So where’s Fluttershy?”

“She’s helpin a turtle….”

“Tortoise.” Pinkie corrected, interupting Applejack.

“Tortoise convince Dash to give him a chance.” Applejack finished.

Nova looked over to see Rainbow Dash standing in front of a tortoise on its back. “Look turtle.”

Fluttershy poked her head out from behind the curtain of the stage. “Tortoise.” She corrected.

Rainbow continued. “Whatever, you’ve had your fun, but I think we both know who made the cut, and who didn’t.” The tortoise stared at her from his position. “You didn’t.” She pointed up to the sky at four animals, an owl, a bat, a falcon, and an eagle. The girls cheered for the animals. “I mean, A for effort for everything, you gave it your best shot. Maybe I got a gold star or something I can give you. But seriously, go home, your starting to creep me out.”

“Awe, poor tortoise.” Starburst said. “I’d take him if we didn’t have a pet already.”

“I see Dash is still on the whole ‘finding an awesome pet’ thing.” Nova commented.

“What do you mean Nova?” Starla asked.

Nova then explained how Dash was holding some contest to find a pet that matches her ‘awesomness’.

“Sounds like she doesn’t know the point of having a pet in the first place.” Cosmos stated.

“Anyway.” Dash said which brought attention back to her. She was now standing in front of the birds and bat now. “Your all outstanding competitors. But there can only be one of you that’s number one. So the final tie breaking contest is going to be…” She paused a moment. “A race against me! Through Gastly Gorge.”

“Gastly Gorge?” Starburst asked.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Gastly Gorge that really dangerous ravine I’ve heard about?” Nova asked the girls with him.

“Your right, it is.” Pinkie stated.

“Don’t worry Nova, it’s not that dangerous.” Twilight said.

“Excuse me, but what’s Gastly Gorge?” Starla asked.

Nova began to explain. “It’s this ravine nearby with a bunch of hazards from what I hear. Not exactly the ideal place for a casual flight. Come on, let’s see Fluttershy about getting you two a pet.” Nova led his parents and Starburst up to Fluttershy. “Excuse me Fluttershy.”

“Hello Nova, hello Nova’s parents.” Fluttershy greeted.

“Fluttershy, mom and dad want a pet of their own.” Starburst informed. “We figured you could help.”

“Really? That’s nice, but….it may have to wait until after the race, I want to make sure my animal friends will be okay.” Fluttershy said as she started to flutter off with Dash and the animals to Gastly Gorge. The others soon followed as well.

“Well, guess we got a race to watch.” Nova said as he and his family started to follow as well.

They soon reached their destination and the animals Dash had competing stood before her. Even the tortoise was there. Fluttershy wanted to let him try again.

“Actually, Gastly Gorge isn’t scary, it’s fun. I’ve flown through it a million times myself so I’ll obviously be at the front of the pack.” Dash said, she then started doing some stretches and exercises. “Whichever one of you crosses the finish line with me will have proven you can keep up with me, and have earned the honor and glory of being my pet.”

Nova rolled his eyes at Dash’s statement. 

She got up to the starting point with the birds. “Ready….set go!” She said the last two lines fast and took off quickly, leaving the others behind. The tortoise did his best as he slowly walked along.

“This doesn’t seem like a good idea.” Starla said. 

“I can’t believe Rainbow Dash seems so full of herself.” Cosmos said.

Nova looked over to his mom and dad. Zippy had taken to sitting with the other pets. “Trust me mom and dad, this is just like her. She may be arrogant and brash, but she is a good friend, she does represent the element of loyalty after all. Remember those magical things I told you about?”

“Yeah, Dash is a great friend. This one time when me and Nova went to a town called Appleloosa, the train we were on got attacked by Buffalo.” Starburst went into detail of his experience in Appleloosa and how Dash was acting protective of him. “So see, she is a good friend.” Starburst finished with a smile.

While the race went on, the girls, Nova, Starburst, and their parents talked amongst themselves. Zippy was sitting with the other pets to get to know them. Zippy gave a smile to the group. Angel bunny cocked an eyebrow. Owlowicious was the first to step forward and offer a wing in friendship. Zippy smiled and took hold of his wing with his paw and shook. Opalessence sauntered over with a bored look. She held out her paw for Zippy to take. Zippy took hold and shook as well.  

Owlowicious gave out a hoot. He then pointed to the others and hooted as if introducing each of them. Zippy gave out little roars and held his paw to his chest as if introducing himself. Gummy walked up to Zippy with the same blank expression he always has. He stared at Zippy, Zippy stared back. Gummy let out a little growl. Zippy did the same. Angel hopped over to Zippy and put a paw to his chin in thought as he lowered his ears. After a moment, he smiled and held out a paw in greeting. Zippy happily accepted it as well.

“Would you look at that.” Twilight said with a smile. “Looks like our pets are getting along nicely with yours Nova.”

Nova looked over and saw the other animals. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Zippy is pretty friendly.” He stated.

“Awe, that’s so nice.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Isn’t that sweet, Gummy made a friend.” Pinkie said with a big smile of her own.

Pretty soon, the birds and bat that were racing were coming up to the finish line. The ponies all cheered as the falcon was the first to cross, followed by the eagle, then the owl, and finally the bat. As they each crossed, the girls cheering became less enthusiastic.

“Something’s not right here.” Twilight said. She took out some binoculars and held them in front of her eyes with her magic. 

Fluttershy suddenly pushed herself in front of Twilight to look through them. “Where’s Rainbow Dash?” She asked.

Applejack then pushed in front of Fluttershy to look through the binoculars. “Great galloping golloshes, there’s been an avalanche in there!” Applejack pointed out.

“Rainbow.” Spike said with worry.

“Oh no, I hope she’s okay.” Starburst said with worry.

“Don’t worry everypony, I’ll fly in there and find her.” Nova said.

He was about to summon his wings when Pinkie cried out. “Wait, it’s the turtle.”

“Tortoise!” Every pony exclaimed.

“Whatever.” Pinkie said.

“And he’s carrying something on his back.” Twilight pointed out.

“It’s Rainbow Dash, look, it’s Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie exclaimed. 

The tortoise was slowly making its way to the group with Rainbow Dash on his back. She had bandages wrapped around her waist. Everypony cheered.

“Oh thank the cosmos she’s okay.” Nova said.

“Great galaxies, I wonder what happened.” Starla asked.

The cheering soon died down again as they realized the tortoise wasn’t going to reach them any time soon. “Maybe we should meet him halfway.” Fluttershy suggested. 

Twilight used her magic to move the finish line over to the tortoise. Once his foot crossed, everypony cheered. Spike walked up and petted the tortoise. “Way to go little guy.”

“Thank goodness you’re not hurt Rainbow.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Just my pride.” Rainbow said. 

“I certainly hope all this dreadful dust was worth it.” Rarity said before she let out a sneeze.

“It certainly was if it means Rainbow gets to have a little critter of her own just like the rest of us from now on.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash looked down at the tortoise. “Uh, thanks.” She climbed down and got low to talk to him. “For what you did, I owe you.” She held out a hoof for a bump, the tortoise bumped his foot with her hoof.

“Rainbow.” Fluttershy called. “Your new pet is over here waiting for you.” The falcon flew up and over every pony before coming to a landing on Dash’s back.

“Oh, right, yeah, that.” Dash said looking unsure.

Spike walked up to Dash. “What’s the matter?”

Pinkie leaned on Spike’s head. “You got your perfect pet right?”

“The best of the best like you wanted. It can fly and it’s not a squirrel.” Fluttershy added. “Should we sing about it again?”

“Yes please!” Starburst called out.

Nova chuckled a little.

“A falcon sure looks good on you Rainbow.” Applejack said.

Rarity brought out a camera and took Dash’s picture. The tortoise was startled by the flash from the camera and hid in its shell. Dash got low and tried to comfort him. “Easy fella, nothing to be afraid of.” She took a look at the falcon. “The falcon sure looks cool. He’s absolutely everything I wanted in a pet.”

“Yay?” Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow then smiled. “But I said whoever crosses the finish line WITH me gets to be my pet.”

Pinkie suddenly rushed over. “You did, you did say that. She did say that, that was the rule!” She cheered out.

“And the only one who crossed the finish line with me, was the one who stopped to save me when I needed help. The tortoise!” She picked him up and nuzzled him happily.

“Hah, what do ya know.” Nova said. “Looks like Dash may have learned something.”

“YAY, she picked the tortoise!” Starburst cheered.

“But, what about the…” Twilight started but stopped when she saw the falcon shake the tortoise’s foot and walked away.

The tortoise then started to slowly smile. “Awe, would you look at that, he even smiles slow.” Applejack pointed out. Everypony laughed then.

Rainbow Dash then called over to Spike. “Spike, take a letter.” Spike pulled out a quill and parchment, ready to take down Dash’s letter.  “Dear princess Celestia, I used to think the most important thing to look for in a pet, or any best friend, were all physical competitiveness and abilities. But now I see how shortsighted and shallow that was of me. Today, I learned what the most important quality is. A certain kind of spirit, a stick to it-ness. A never give up, can do attitude that’s the mark of a real winner, and this tortoise has it.”

“Tenacity.” Twilight said.

“Gazunteight.” Rainbow said. “You just can’t stop this guy, he’s like a….like a…tank.”

Fluttershy then walked up to her. “But Rainbow, you wanted an animal that could fly so it wouldn’t keep you grounded.”

“Awe.” Starburst said in dissapointment. “Does this mean you won’t keep the tortoise?”

“I think I have an idea for a solution.” Twilight said. “Rainbow, bring your new pet by my place and I can help with this issue.”

Rainbow smiled. “Great.”  

“Everypony, before we all go off, there’s something I should inform you all of.” Nova said.
“What is it Nova?” Rarity asked. 

Nova gave a smile. “I just thought I should let you all know that I ran into Vinyl and Octavia today and I let them in on our secret.”

Twilight smiled back. “That’s great Nova, I’m glad you’re starting to feel all right about letting others in on the fact you and your family aren’t from around here.”

“How’d they take it?” Pinkie asked.

“Pretty well actually.” Starla informed. “We got to talking a bit and we got along rather well after telling them we were aliens.”

“Well that’s just swell you four, I’m might happy fer ya.” Applejack said.

“Right, now that that’s out of the way, Fluttershy, would you mind if we went to your house so my folks can get a pet of their own?” Nova asked.

Fluttershy gave a big grin. “Of course, follow me.” Fluttershy led the way. 

They soon reached Fluttershy’s house and she led them around the back where her animal friends were. “Here we are, and these are all my animal friends. So what kind of pet do you want?”

“Well, we don’t know really.” Cosmos said. 

“Why don’t you just show us what you have and we’ll go from there.” Starla said.

“Okay then. Let’s see.” Fluttershy led them around and introduced them to the animals there. In the end, it was a small white kitten that got their attention.

“Oh, look at it, it’s so adorable.” Starla cooed.

“I’ll admit, it is pretty cute.” Cosmos said.

“I’ll say, why don’t you get that one?” Starburst said.

“Pretty cute? He’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Starla said with a smile.

“Do you really like him?” Fluttershy asked. “He seems to like you.” The little kitten purred as Starla held him..

“He’s perfect, we’ll take him.” Starla said.

“Wonderful, I just know you three will get along nicely.” Fluttershy said with a  warm smile.

“So how much do we owe you?” Cosmos asked.

“Oh no, I couldn’t take your money, I’m just glad one of my animal friends has a home.” Fluttershy said as she waved a dismissive hoof.

“Thank you Fluttershy, I promise we’ll take real good care of him.” Starla said with a smile.

With their new pet kitten in tow, the four aliens made their way back to their own homes for the afternoon.
“Some day, huh Nova? What do you think this solution is Twilight will have for Tank?” Starburst asked.

“WOO HOO, this is perfect Twilight, thanks!” Dash’s cheer was heard as the two walked past Twilight’s house. They stopped and saw Dash flutter out, the tortoise flew out too.

“Well, guess that answers your question Starburst.” Nova said with a smile. The tortoise had on a pair of goggles and a propeller now strapped to his back that was allowing him to fly.

“Hey Dash, over here!” Starburst called over.

Rainbow Dash looked over and flew to them. “Hey guys, check it out, the world’s first flying tortoise.”

“Neat, and Twilight made that?” Nova asked.

“She sure did. Also, I’ve decided to name him Tank.” Dash said happily.

“Neat, congratulations Dash, I hope you two will be happy together.” Nova said. “We’d better get home now, see ya later.” Nova waved a hoof.

“Bye Dash.” Starburst said as he waved a hoof as well.

“Bye guys, see ya tomorrow.” Dash said back as she waved a hoof.

“I’m happy for Tank.” Starburst said.

> The Mysterious Masked Marvel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Mysterious Masked Marvel



Nova and Starburst were walking about town on their way to visit some friends. “Starburst, are you sure you don’t want to go hang out with your friends today?” Nova asked with a smile. “Don’t you have a crusaders meeting going on?” 

“Nah, Scootaloo started up a Rainbow Dash fan club and she’s using the clubhouse for it at the moment.” Starburst said.

“A Rainbow Dash fan club?” Nova asked.

“Yeah, I think Rainbow Dash is great and all, but I still say no pony is as awesome as you are big brother.”

Nova gave a chuckle. “Heh heh, nice to know I have at least one fan.” He said with a smile. 

“Don’t be silly, you’ve got plenty of fans, remember? You’re famous because of those stellar gems you make.” Starburst informed.

“Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that.” The two were on their way to visit Applejack to hang out for a friendly visit. 

Suddenly, a cry for help reached their ears. “Help! Help, help!”

“Did you hear that?” Starburst asked.

“It came from over there.” Nova looked over to a well. “Hang on! I’m…” Nova was about to rush over there and offer what help he could when suddenly Rainbow Dash dove down into the well.

“I’m Rainbow Dash, and I’m here to save you!” Her voice was heard coming from the well. A group of ponies had gathered around the well, including Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack and Fluttershy, just in time for Dash to fly up and out with a little filly on her back looking a mess. She came to a landing and let the little filly down. The other ponies cheered for Dash and her heroics. She looked around with a bit of surprise. “Wow, what’s with this crowd? Uh, thanks everypony, it was really no big deal.”

The little filly walked up to her with a smile. “To me it was, you’re my hero Rainbow Dash.” 

The crowd cheered again, making Dash blush a little from the attention. She then flew off after the cheering ended. Scootaloo, Snips, and Snails were in the crowd as well. “She sure is something.” Scootaloo commented.

“Something special.” Snips and Snails said together.

Starburst ran up to Scootaloo while Nova walked over to the girls. “Hey Scootaloo.” Starburst greeted. 

“Hey there Starburst, wasn’t it great how Rainbow Dash saved that pony from the well?” Scootaloo asked.

“I guess, but my big brother was about to do something himself if Dash hadn’t dove in there when she did.” Starburst retorted. 

Nova left his little brother to talk with his friend while he made his way over to the girls. “Hey you four, what’s up?”

They each gave a greeting of their own. Twilight walked up to Nova and nuzzled him. “Hello handsome.”

Nova nuzzled back. “Hello beautiful.”

“Oh my gosh! Wasn’t that amazing how Dash zoomed down the well and saved that pony?” Pinky Pie asked excitedly.

“That was a might nice o’ her to do that.” Applejack agreed.

“Nova, I saw you were about to do something to help weren’t you.” Twilight pointed out.

“Of course, I wasn’t about to let somepony be stuck in a well.” Nova answered.

“Hey Nova, Scootaloo says the Rainbow Dash fan club meeting is done for the day.” Starburst said as he galloped up to him. “We’re gonna go hang out a bit, okay?”

Nova gave a smile to Starburst. “Sure thing Starburst, you have fun now.”

“Okay, bye Nova.” Starburst then trotted off with Scootaloo.

Nova then turned to Twilight. “Well, since he has a friend to hang out with now, what do you say you and I spend some time together on our own?” He asked with a sly smile.

Twilight smiled back. “Sounds good to me.” They said their goodbyes to the others and went on their way through town. The two walked about and talked as they went along. “So Nova, are you feeling more confident about letting others in on your secret? Do you think you’ll be ready to let everypony know that you’re from another planet?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know Twilight. Sure I’ve let a few others in on my secret, but they’ve had the chance to really know me. I just don’t think I could do that and let every pony know at once. I’m just so afraid of what that could mean. Not to mention what Celestia might do.”

Twilight looked at Nova with concern and worry. “What do you mean?”

“Remember how I used to be afraid of Celestia?” Nova asked. Twilight gave a nod. “Well…I kind of still am. Just not as much as before really.”

“Why? Why were you so afraid of the princess?” Twilight asked.

Nova looked down a bit. “I was afrais that she’d see through mine and Starburst’s disguise and see what we really are. I’m afraid that if she finds out we are from another planet, she might not approve and have us leave or something.”

Twilight Nuzzled Nova to try and comfort him. “Nova, Celestia wouldn’t do that. I promise she won’t care about that just like I don’t care, and neither do your friends.”

“Twilight….I…” Nova was cut off by some screams. He and Twilight looked up and saw a baby carriage careening down a steep hill for a cliff just above them. “What the galaxies?” Nova cried in worry. He quickly summoned his wings and was about to fly up there to catch the carriage when Rainbow Dash was spotted flying at it. She managed to grab the handle of it with her teeth and stopped it just before it went over the cliff.

Nova and Twilight both gave out a sigh of relief. Nova dismissed his wings. “That was a close one.” Nova said. 

Rainbow pulled the carriage back away from the edge a bit and the crowd of ponies that gathered cheered. Applejack was a part of the crowd and was in the back with Twilight and Nova. Rainbow gave a smile and a blush, then a bow. She then looked to the carriage and gained a look of shock. “Oh no, there’s something wrong with the baby!” She declared which earned a gasp from the crowd. Rainbow reached into the carriage and picked the baby pony up. “She’s not cheering for everypony’s favorite hero, Rainbow Dash!” The crowd cheered again.

Nova rolled his eyes at this. Dash went to return the baby to her mother, she was about to give the baby back when she noticed a couple photographers taking her picture. She gave the baby a toss and turned to the ponies taking her picture. Scootaloo appeared from the crowd with Starburst and made a comment. “There just aren’t enough words to describe Rainbow Dash’s awesomeness.”

“I can think of a few new words.” Twilight said to Nova and Applejack.

“And I bet modest is not one of them.” Applejack retorted.

“Conceded might be one.” Nova said. He also noticed the other girls were standing around him watching the scene that unfolded.

Rainbow flew up into the sky and made a trail of clouds to form a lightning bolt. “True, but she is kind of awesome.” Twilight said.

“I’ll give her that too.” Nova said.

After all had settled, the crowd dispersed and Nova and Twilight continued with their impromptu date as they walked about town. “Nova, about what we were talking about. Celestia wouldn’t do anything bad to you if she found out.”

“Twilight, I do feel I can trust you, but with this….I just…I don’t want to take any chances. I do miss my home planet sometimes, but it’s not as bad as it used to be since I was reunited with my mother and father, plus, I have so many wonderful friends here….and a beautiful mare I can call my marefriend. I don’t want to take any risks that might cause me to lose all I have now. Maybe someday I can tell her about it, but I just don’t know when that might be.”

Twilight gave a smile. “I understand Nova, just take your time then. Just know that no matter what, you’ll have the full support of myself and your friends.”

Nova gave a smile back. The moment was soon interrupted as the sound of wood cracking was heard. “What the….” Nova and Twilight looked around and saw a wooden balcony with elder ponies on it. The balcony was giving way and was about to fall. “What now?” Nova asked. He was about to take action again when he was stopped by a voice.

“Never fear, your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here!” Rainbow declared as she hovered in the air. The balcony gave way and Dash flew into action. She flew over and got herself under the balcony to slow its decent. She managed to get the balcony and the elders safely on the ground.

Another crowd gathered around her and started cheering for her and her heroics. She smiled bigger at the attention. They then started chanting her name. “Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow flew up and over the crowd. “I can’t hear you!”

The crowd cheered louder. “Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!” They chanted many times as Dash performed a few tricks. Once again the girls had gathered around as well.

“Call me silly, but I think this hero thing is going to Rainbow Dash’s head.” Twilight commented.

“You may be right…silly.” Pinkie said next to Twilight. 

Twilight gave Pinkie a flat look. 

Rainbow suddenly flew over to them. “Girls! Guess what? I’m holding an interview at Sugarcube Corner so the newspapers can document my awesomness. Come on by and see.” Before they could respond, she took off.

“Great, here comes the inflated ego.” Nova said under his breath. 

“Might as well see what all the fuss is about.” Applejack stated.

The girls and Nova then started making their way to Sugarcube Corner. Twilight and Nova stayed at the back so they could talk. “So Nova, have you had any more nightmares lately?” Twilight asked.

“Actually….no. Not since I let you all in on the fact I’m not of this planet.” Nova said with a smile. “That’s kind of what my nightmares were about. That if you all found out what I was, you wouldn’t accept me and force me to leave or do something horrible to me and Starburst. But ever since I’ve been growing closer with you all, the nightmares were getting less and less frightening. Finally, on the day Discord escaped, I was about to tell you all the truth about me, but then he appeared and everything went nuts. And when I let him get in my head and mess with it like he did to our friends, I…I became afraid again, afraid you wouldn’t accept me and me and Starburst would be cast back out into space and isolated from others.” His look had become melancholy as he talked about his experience. His head hung a little.

Twilight lifted his head with her hoof and made him look her in the eyes. “Nova, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You have friends now, and no matter what, we’ll always be there for you.”

Nova gave a smile. “She’s right sugar cube, it’s like I tried ta tell ya when me and Applebloom first found out. Ya got nothin ta fear.” Applejack stated.

Nova cocked an eyebrow with a smirk. “How long were you all listening in?”

“The whole time.” Pinkie said.

“It was kind of hard not too at the level you were talking at.” Rarity pointed out.

“I hope you’re not mad at us.” Fluttershy said.

Nova gave a reassuring smile. “No, it’s okay. I’m glad you all heard that, I suppose I should have told you all this after you found out my secret.”

They soon arrived at Sugarcube Corner and entered the building to see a gathering of ponies young and old while Dash was retelling her heroic rescue of the little filly that was trapped in a well. “And then, I zoomed into the well. I knew it would be dark and dangerous, but  I didn’t let that stop me. Danger is my middle name, Rainbow Danger Dash.”

Spike was nearby wearing a hat and a trench coat writing down what Rainbow was saying on a notepad. 

“Thinking back on it, I acted pretty awesomely heroic that day.” Dash finished her story.

“Awesomely heroic that day and awesomely arrogant ever since.” Applejack commented.

“Mmhmm.” Pinkie and Twilight said in agreement.

Rainbow suddenly appeared and grabbed Applejack with a foreleg. “Hey Applejack, how would you like to be immortalized as my friend?”

“Immorta-what now?” Applejack asked. She didn’t get a response, but instead, cameras flashing in her face as pictures of her and Dash were taken.

Twilight finally noticed Spike writing on a notepad. “Are you taking notes?” She asked him.

Spike gave a smile as he responded. “Yep, I’ve been hoof picked by Rainbow Dash to write her autobiography.”

“Um, isn’t an autobiography supposed to be written by the pony they are about?” Twilight questioned.

Rainbow finally released Applejack and she walked away with a disgusted look. Rainbow failed to notice as she heard Twilight’s comment. “Maybe for your run of the mill ordinary pony, but I’m far to busy saving lives to stop and write. That’s why I hired Spike as my ghost writer.”

Pinkie suddenly shrieked out. “AAAHHHH! Spikes a ghost!” She then ran out.

Rainbow continued regardless. “Anyway, Spike here writes down everything I say, don’t you Spike?”

“Don’t you Spike…got it.” Spike said after repeating what Dash said.

Dash made her way to the center of the room. “This way, I can stay focused on my acts of bravery that nopony else has the guts to perform.” One by one, ponies stood next to her to have their picture taken with her. “Yeah, it takes guts, but it also takes brains, and sometimes a nap and a big lunch.” The girls and Nova wore unamused looks as Dash went on. “Being a hero isn’t for everypony, but I’m up to the challenge.”

Nova couldn’t take anymore. “Rainbow Dash, don’t you think your letting yourself get carried away with this? You’re letting yourself get an even bigger ego than usual.”

Rainbow waved a dismissive hoof. “Pfft, ego shmego, I can’t help it if I’m awesome.”

Nova grunted in annoyance. “There is no getting through to you is there?”

After a while, things settled down and Sugarcube corner was clear of all the ponies except for Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Nova, and Pinkie soon came back. “Is Spike gone?” She asked.

Nova looked to Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie, Spike isn’t a ghost. Ghostwriter is just an expression, that doesn’t mean he’s an actual ghost.” He explained.

“Oh good.” Pinkie expressed with a smile.

“Can you believe Rainbow Dash, she has really let that ego of hers get out of control.” Rarity pointed out.

“Tell me about it, I just can’t stand her like this.” Applejack said.

“What if she lets this ego of hers keep her from getting to a pony that needs help in time?” Fluttershy pointed out.

“That’st a good point Fluttershy, we need to do something about this, but what?” Twilight asked. The girls thought for a moment.

“I know, what if we make a superhero of our own. One that will be there to help everypony in case Dash doesn’t.” Pinkie said.

“That’s not a bad idea Pinkie Pie.” Nova said. “It might even help Rainbow deflate that ego of hers a bit. Question is, who will be the hero?” As Nova thought, he failed to notice five pairs of eyes on him. He soon looked up and noticed the girls looking at him with a smirk on each one. “Uh, why are you all looking at me like that?” He asked feeling a little nervous. 

“Nova, we all saw how ready you were to help whenever trouble showed up.” Twilight pointed out.

“Indeed, you were ready to spring into action to save those ponies when they needed help, I’ve no doubt you would have too had Rainbow Dash not come in when she did.” Rarity pointed out.

“It was nice you were ready to help out.” Fluttershy said.

“I think you’d be the perfect hero fer this.” Applejack commented.

“Totally, Nova would make a great super hero.” Pinkie said with a hop.

“Whoa whoa whoa, hold on there, girls.” Nova tried to object. “Me? A hero? I don’t know. Sure I was willing to help, but…wouldn’t this just complicate things further for me in trying to keep my secret? If I get all this attention for being a hero, something could happen that would reveal the fact I’m not exactly from around here.”

“Which is why you’ll be wearing a disguise.” Rarity said. “I could design you a wonderful superhero outfit to hide your face so no pony will know who you are.”

“I…I don’t know about this.” Nova said.

“Oh come on Nova, this is the perfect idea.” Twilight said with a smile. “I just know you can do it, please.” She begged, giving him sad eyes.

Nova was powerless before Twilight’s pleading eyes. He gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* All right, you win, I’ll be this superhero.” The girls cheered.

The next day, Rainbow Dash was out near the edge of town signing autographs for her adoring fans. One little filly waked up to her. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you Rainbow Dash.”

“Aim high kid, but don’t aim for the impossible.” Rainbow said to the filly.

Suddenly, a scream rang out through the town. The ponies all looked to the sky and saw a hot air balloon plummeting to the ground with a pony in it, screaming for dear life.

“Uh, don’t you think you should go and help?” Snips asked.

Rainbow was still busy signing an autograph. “Yeah yeah, I got a good ten seconds to spare.” She said through the pencil in her mouth. She then spat it out and flew lazily to the balloonist in peril. 

But then, out of nowhere, a pony emerged on a rooftop. From the build, it was a stallion, but he was wearing a peculiar outfit with a mask that hid his facial featurs with just a hole for his muzzle and a pair of goggles that covered his eyes. His outfit was white with yellow zig zag lines at the center of his legs that turned grey beneath them, another yellow zig zag line around his waist and a brown belt with a star on a gold belt buckle, all accompanied by a yellow cape. He quickly jumped from roof to roof and finally leapt into the air. He jumped to the balloon and grabbed the frightened mare out of the balloon and landed safely on the ground.

Dash was left to crash into the falling air balloon as it hit a tree and crashed to the ground.

The ponies all cheered for this mysterious new hero. He didn’t stick around for long though as he galloped off and stopped at a nearby hill to look over the ponies, he gave a salute and disappeared. 

“Holy turnips, that pony came out of nowhere.” One mare said.

“I’ve never seen such bravery in all my life.” Another mare said.

The mayor took center stage and began a speech. “That’s right, Ponyville has a new hero. A mysterious masked stallion that had done well for our fair town. I hereby dubbed this new hero, the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” The crowd cheered in approval.

“The Mysterious Masked Marvel huh?” Rainbow asked angrily. “Well that Masked Marvel would be smart to stay out of my way. Ponyville only has room for one hero, and that hero is me!” She tried to walk away but tripped on a rope that was wrapped around her foreleg.

The Mysterious Masked Marvel silently and secretly made his way back into Ponyville and to Rarity’s shop where the other girls were waiting. “So how’d it go?” Twilight asked.

The Masked marvel removed his goggles and mask to reveal his face. “It actually went pretty good. I managed to save a pony just in time that was falling in a hot air balloon. If I hadn’t stepped in when I did, Dash might not have gotten to her in time.”

“Wonderful darling. And no pony knows who you are?” Rarity asked.

“Nope, the mayor went and gave me a superhero name.” Nova said.

“Really? What is it, what is it?” Pinkie asked excitedly. 

“She dubbed me, the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Nova said as he took a proud pose.

“Oooh, nice.” Pinkie said.

“Heh, just wait till Starburst hears about this, he is so going to flip.” Nova said with a smile.

“Whoa whoa whoa, hold yer horses there partner.” Applejack said. “You can’t tell yer brother about this.”

“What? Why not?” Nova asked with concern.

The girls looked at him sympathetically. “You see Nova, we have to make this believable. Everypony has to think you’re a superhero and can’t know who you are or that will end up defeating the whole purpose behind this.” Twilight informed. She looked rather downcast as she said it.

Nova’s ears drooped. “Oh, right. I see what you mean. It’s just…I don’t like keeping secrets from my little brother.”

“But darling, knowing Starburst, he could end up spilling the beans about this.” Rarity said.

“Beans? Where? I like beans. Are they baked? Barbecued? Boiled?” Pinkie rambled on before Applejack put a hoof to her mouth.

Nova gave a sigh. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Okay then, I won’t tell him.”

Twilight walked up to him and nuzzled him in an attempt to comfort him. “Sorry Nova.”

Nova nuzzled back with a light smile. “It’s fine Twilight, really.”

The next day, Nova was wandering around on his own to keep an eye out for anything the Mysterious Masked Marvel may be needed for. Starburst had gone off again to spend time with his friends so Nova didn’t have to worry about needing to send him off quickly in case he needed to dawn his super hero disguise. He had his white saddlebags on with his costume inside. 

As he was walking, a scream rang out. He saw a multi seated carriage with a group of tourist ponies rolling out of control. He ducked into an ally out of sight and used his magic to zap on his disguise. He galloped out and ran as fast as he could. He saw Dash trying to stop the carriage but failed. He used his magic to teleport to a spot the carriage was about to pass. No pony saw him teleport. He put himself in front of the carriage and held his back legs out. His forelegs dug into the dirt and the carriage started to slow down. Eventually, it stopped just short of the cliff. Once the Mysterious Masked Marvel made sure the ponies were safe, he heard cheers and quickly made an exit.

He found a secluded spot and used his magic to remove his disguise and put it back in his saddlebags. “Nova, there you are!” A familiar young voice called out.

Nova quickly turned around and saw Starburst there looking at him. “Starburst? Hey little bro, what’s up?” He asked nervously.

“By the stars you missed it. This pony wearing this stellar disguise just appeared out of nowhere and saved a bunch of ponies from crashing off a cliff. Great galaxies it was amazing.”

“I’ll bet it was Starburst.” Nova said after managing to calm himself as Starburst went on. “What are you doing here? I thought you were hanging out with your friends.” 

“I was, we were on our way to the clubhouse and saw what just happened. After that, I just had to find you to tell you about it. You totally missed it big brother.”

“Well, it does sound stellar. Too bad I didn’t see it. Anyway, why don’t you go find your friends and stay with them a while.” Nova suggested.

“Okay, I’ll see you back at home this afternoon. Bye big brother!” Starburst waved a hoof and galloped off.
Nova gave a sigh of relief. “Nova.” Another voice called that made him jump. He quickly turned around again and saw Twilight there. 

He hung his head and let out another sigh after seeing who it was. “Galaxies Twilight, you scared me.”

“Sorry.” Twilight said as she walked up to him. “I saw what you did, that was a great save back there.”

“Thanks, though I had a run in with Starburst after.”

Twilight looked a little worried. “He didn’t see you take off your disguise did he?” 

“No, but he was impressed by the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Nova said with a smirk as he raised his left foreleg.

Twilight gave a smile with half lidded eyes. “Hm hm, he’s not the only one that was impressed.” She sidled up to him and gave him a kiss on the lips.

Nova closed his eyes and kissed back. “If this is my reward for saving lives, I can definitely get used to this.”

Twilight gave a chuckle at Nova’s words.

“Guess I should continue my patrol of town to make sure everypony stays safe.” Nova said.

“Sure thing, mind if I join you?” Twilight asked.

“My dear, I would be delighted.” Nova said with a bow. 

The two walked along side by side while keeping an ear out for trouble. Their walk took them near a construction site where ponies were working on building a new structure. Nova noticed one of the cranes on the site was acting funny and started swinging out of control. It banged into the metal frame of the building and everything started falling. “Uh oh, looks like it’s time for me to play the hero again.” Nova said.

Twilight gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck Nova, and be careful.” 

Nova gave a smile and nod. They were alone so Nova zapped his costume on, his saddle bags on the ground next to Twilight, and teleported on the top of another crane to get a quick survey of the area and see how many needed saving. He saw Dash nearby and began to try and weave through the falling debris. The Mysterious Masked Marvel wasted no time. He jumped down and began to initiate his rescue. He used his magic to enhance his sense a bit so he could better react and avoid any falling debris. He first picked up a mare on the site and got her on his back. He galloped through the site and dropped her off at the edge where it was safe. He went back and saved another, then another. 

The Mysterious Masked Marvel rescued four ponies just in time as the structure finally collapsed. “Well Mr. Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Dash said as she walked up to him. “Or should I say Mysterious Masked slowpoke. You’re going to have to pick up the pace if you want to keep up with me.”

“Actually, he saved all of us.” One of the stallions said. Rainbow’s face fell. The construction workers cheered as the Mysterious Masked Marvel made his exit.

Once the Masked Marvel made it to an alley where Twilight was waiting, he lifted his goggles up to look at Twilight. “Another successful rescue.” He stated. “So, do I get another reward?” He asked slyly.

Twilight smiled with a giggle. “Of course my hero.” She walked up to him and gave him his reward. 

After, Nova recollected his saddlebag and zapped his costume off and into his bag. “I can’t wait for the next disaster so I can get another reward.” He said jokingly.

This elicited another giggle from Twilight. “Why wait?” She asked.

The pair continued on with their walk through town next to each other. Twilight was practically leaning on Nova as they did, and Nova couldn’t be happier.

They had come to the park where they sat on a bench next to each other to rest a bit. “This has been quit a day so far. I wonder what other dangers I’ll have to save the day from.” Nova wondered out loud.

“I hope one doesn’t come too soon. I am liking our time together today.” Twilight said. “Although, I have to admit, you do look rather handsome in your super hero costume.”

“Oh really?” Nova asked slyly. “Would you say that if you didn’t know it was me, you’d end up falling for a mysterious super hero you know nothing about?”

“I might.” Twilight answered simply. “There’s just something about a pony you know nothing about that’s so intriguing.” She said a bit dramatically.

“Well, perhaps the Mysterious Masked Marvel should just go away then. I’m not about to lose the mare of my dreams to some mysterious pony.” Nova said jokingly. The two then shared a good laugh at the conversation. A rumble was heard off in the distance. “What the cosmos is that?” Nova asked.

The two looked off to the distance and saw the dam getting ready to break. “Oh no, the dam is about to burst!” Twilight exclaimed. 

Nova did a quick look around to make sure nopony was around. There wasn’t so he was free to quickly put on his disguise. “Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll stop it.” He galloped off towards the dam.

“Good luck Nova!” Twilight called.

He made it to the scene just in time to see a large amount of water surging forth. He also spotted Dash struggling in the water trying to stay afloat. “Dash, oh no.” He panicked in his head. The Masked Marvel quickly looked around for something to save her. He spotted a dead tree lying down. The Masked Marvel managed to move the tree so Dash would float to it. She grabbed on and the Masked Marvel pulled her out. 

“You!?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “I suppose you want me to thank….” Dash trailed off as the Masked Marvel lit up his horn.

He managed to levitate some rocks and other things to begin reconstructing the dam. The dam was soon restored and the water died down before it could reach Ponyville. Ponies nearby cheered and a few mare’s swooned at his presence. Once he got Dash safely on land, he galloped off and out of sight. “Hold on, why not at least give them a bit of a show.” Nova thought to himself. He zapped in his wings through his costume and flew overhead. He had zipped past Dash and left her spinning in midair. Finally, he headed back for town and to Twilight where she was waiting with a smile.

“Way to go hero.” Twilight said.

The Masked Marvel took a quick look around to see nopony was around. He zapped away his costume back into his saddle bags. “That was a bit more exciting. I ended up having to rescue Rainbow Dash.”

“Really?” Twilight asked. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine, I pulled her out of the water. Bet that was a blow to her ego.” Nova said.

“I hope so.” Twilight responded. “Come on, were supposed to meet up with everypony at Sugarcube Corner.”

“Right behind you.” Nova stated as he took Twilight’s side.

They soon reached Sugarcube Corner where the others, minus Rainbow Dash, were waiting. “There you are. Nova, my dear, I must say you have been doing a smashing job as the hero of Ponyville.” Rarity greeted. Nova and Twilight joined Fluttershy at a table.

“I’ll say, we all saw all the heroics you been doin today.” Applejack pointed out. 

“The town is all abuzz about the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Pinkie said.

Nova gave a smile. “Thanks girls, but I’m just happy to help.”

Rainbow Dash soon entered looking upset with Spike behind her. She soon laid down on a step without a word. The girls and Nova all exchanged looks with a wink. “Gotta hand it to the stallion.” Applejack started as she grabbed a few treats for herself. “That pony can pull off some pretty heroic feats.”

“I must say, I was pretty impressed with that spell he used to fix the dam.” Twilight added. “Seems like something like that would take quite a bit of power.” Rainbow was heard groaning in frustration.

“He really cares about everypony’s safety.” Fluttershy said. 

Rarity walked over to join the three with a cup of tea. “And have you seen his costume, it is to die for. I must say, he looks so handsome. If you ask me, he’s a hero in fashion.”

Nova then stepped in. “He doesn’t even bother to stick around and listen to the praises for his acts. He just does what needs to be done and moves on.”

“And he’s modest and humble. He lets his actions speak fer themselves.” Applejack said. “You got to admire that.”

Rainbow finally exploded. “I don’t have to admire that! I don’t think he’s all that great!”

“He’s great.” Spike said as he wrote it down.

Rainbow quickly went over to Spike and pressed her nose to his. “I didn’t say that.”

Twilight smirked. “Sounds like somepony’s jealous.”

“Who, me?” Dash asked.

Spike repeated and wrote down. “Rainbow Dash is jealous.”

Rainbow quickly glared at Spike. “Don’t write that , Spike.”

The others erupted into laughter.

“Correction, Rainbow Dash is very jealous.” Spike said as he wrote down the words.

“Fine! Laugh all you want, but I’ll prove once and for all that I’m just as good…no, that I’m a better hero than the Masked Marvel.” Dash said angrily as she hovered over everypony. She then flew out of the shop.

Rarity shrugged it off while Fluttershy, Applejack, and Twilight gave confused looks.

“I hope she isn’t going to do anything drastic.” Nova said.

Pinkie Pie hopped up and down as she suddenly remembered something. “Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell you all. I heard the mayor is putting together a celebration to thank the Mysterious Masked Marvel for all his heroics. It’s happening in a few hours later this afternoon.”

“Wow, really?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yep, isn’t it great?” Pinkie said.

“Heh heh, well I’ll be, guess we shouldn’t be too surprised.” Applejack said with a chuckle.

“Wow, what an honor. Congratulations Nova.” Twilight expressed.

“Yeah, great.” Nova said, less enthusiastic about it.

“Is something wrong?” Rarity asked.

Nova looked to the door Rainbow left. “I’m worried about Rainbow Dash, I don’t think this lesson we’re trying to teach her is getting through.”

“Aw don’t worry sugar cube. It’ll get to her at some point.” Applejack said.

Nova looked back to her. “Still, I think I should try to talk to her. Maybe see if I can help this along or something.”

Twilight nuzzled Nova. “You really are a caring friend.”

Nova nuzzled back. “Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t?” The other’s watched with smiles on their faces.

“Just make sure to show up at the celebration as the Mysterious Masked Marvel on time.” Fluttershy said.

“We’ll all be in the crowd cheering for you.” Pinkie said.

Nova gave a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there.” He galloped out of the sweets shop and zapped up his wings in order to try and find Dash faster. He still had his saddle bags with his super hero costume just in case. He flew through Ponyville and soon spotted his target. Nova cocked an eyebrow as he sad Rainbow trying to push Granny Smith across the road. “What in the name of the galaxies is she doing?”

“Don’t worry, you’re in extremely capable hooves.” Dash grunted out. Nova perched on the roof of a house and watched. Granny planted her flank on the ground as Dash continued to try and push her across the street. “Here we are, safe and sound. A heroic citizen deserves a little recognition, don’t you think!” Rainbow emphasized the last words.

Granny slapped Dash with her purse. “I didn’t want to cross the street in the first place!” She said angrily as she made her way back to the other side.

Nova was about to go down and talk to her when he heard the sounds of struggling. He looked around and saw a unicorn mare and a young filly on a picnic blanket. The mare was trying to use her magic to open a jar of peanut butter. Dash quickly flew over to take control of the situation. “You’d better let me handle this mam. For your own safety, I must ask you to stand back.”

Nova couldn’t help but facehoof. “Oh brother.” 

Dash took hold of the jar and bit down on the lid to try and pry it open. After a couple seconds of trying and failing, she saw the mare giving her an unamused look. The mare took the jar in her magic aura and pulled it out of Dash’s mouth. She moved the jar over to the fountain and tapped the lid on it a couple times. She then moved it back over to Dash who popped it open.  “Ta da!” Dash cheered.

“Uh, thanks.” The mare said as she began spreading the peanut butter on the slices of bread she and her daughter had.

At this point, Nova had flown down off the roof and dismissed his wings. He drew closer as Dash continued. “How would you describe what I just did? Would you say amazing?”

The mare gave Dash a quizzical look. “Aren’t you milking this just a bit?”

“Please just answer the question.” Dash said seriously. “Was I, or was I not amazing?”

“Oh you were amazing all right, an amazingly…”

“Oh look!” Dash declared, cutting the mare off from her words. Rainbow Dash flew over to a lawn mower and started running it across the grass of the area. Once rainbow finished mowing the grass, she took a proud pose as she hovered in the air. “Another harrowing feat, I have just saved this grass.”

A stallion approached her along with a few other ponies. “From what?” The stallion asked.

“From weeds, weeds that were trying to eat this grass.” Rainbow explained. The ponies dispersed, leaving Dash looking sad.

Nova finally approached her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Rainbow, are you okay?” He asked with concern.

“No, I’m not okay, everypony loves that new hero that showed up and is completely ignoring me.” Rainbow said.

“Dash, don’t you think that maybe your trying to be a hero for the wrong reasons?” Nova asked.

Rainbow Dash looked at Nova curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Rainbow Dash, being a hero isn’t about the admiration or the attention. It’s about doing the right thing, it’s about helping those in need when they need it.” Nova said.

Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything as she turned her head away.

“Just think about what I said, okay?” Nova said. He turned and started walking away. It was getting close to time for that celebration for Ponyvilles newest hero. He soon reached where the celebration was and met up with the girls at the back of the crowd.

“Nova, there you are, you better get ready. The mayor is about to announce the Mysterious Masked Marvel.” Twilight said. 

“Right, see you girls in a bit.” Nova said. He galloped around the crowd to a secluded spot out of the way. Before changing into his super hero persona, he looked around and saw ponies wearing yellow capes similar to his and goggles as well as shirts with his face on them and flags waving about. He couldn’t help but smile a little at it. He went to a secluded area out of sight and put on his costume. 

The stage was set up with a big banner with the face of the Mysterious Masked Marvel on it. The Mayor took center stage to begin a speech. “Welcome to Ponyvilles first, but surly not last, thank you parade in honor of our city’s greatest hero, the Mysterious Masked Marvel!”

With that, the Masked Marvel burst through the banner and stood proudly on the stage. The crowd cheered up a storm. The girls in the back stomped their hooves furiously for the hero. The Masked Marvel let a smile spread across his muzzle. The celebration was soon cut short when Dash appeared and flew up in front of the hero everypony loved. “The Mysterious Masked  Marvel huh?” Dash asked. This caused the crowd to gasp. “So what are you hiding?”

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Nova asked himself.

“Let’s see how mysterious you really are without that mask.” Dash went to try and snatch his mask off, but he pulled back in time and quickly ran off with Dash on his tail. 

He ran away from the crowd and into town to try and lose Dash in the alleyways. Nova ran left around a corner only to find a dead end. He quickly turned around and ran back the other way. He came to an intersection and turned right.  He galloped on and made a quick left down another ally. In hopes of confusing Dash, he teleported himself back to where he turned and ran straight in the opposite direction he went before. Then teleported again to the very end of the alley he was at and galloped on.

Nova teleported back again and flew past the entrance of the alley. He teleported again back to the end of the alley and saw Dash looking for him. He gave a whistle to get her attention and galloped on. “Might as well have a bit of fun while I’m at it.” Nova thought to himself. He figured this might help to confuse her more and make it easier to lose her.

Nova came to a dead end and teleported up to the top of the wall. He jumped down and went down a stone staircase. Rainbow Dash was getting close to catching him. Nova used his magic to throw his voice and gave a whistle behind Dash. It was enough for her to stop so he could find a way to turn left and disappear from sight. Nova stopped for a moment to catch his breath. He was exhausted with all the running and using his magic like he had. “Geeze,…..she just…won’t quit…..” Nova panted out. He looked around outside the alley he hid in and saw no sign of Dash. “Where’d she go?” He asked himself quietly.

Nova started walking around slowly as he kept an eye out for any sign of Rainbow Dash. Before he knew it, he was suddenly tackled to the ground and was being held down by an angry sky blue Pegasus. “I got ya now!” She declared. “All right Mr. Mysterious. Mystery…” She grabbed his mask with her teeth and pulled it off. “Solved….WHA!”

“Hey Rainbow Dash, looks like you finally caught me.” Nova said with a smile.

Rainbow stuttered. “Nova, but…but…HUH?” Rainbow Dash was left speechless.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight’s voice called out. 

Nova looked past Dash from his position and saw the girls and Spike running up to them.

“Rainbow Dash, get off him.” Applejack said.

Rainbow slowly complied. “Were you all in on this?” She asked.

Nova stood up. “We were. We all came up with this idea and Rarity made the costume. I just did the heroics to save the ponies.”

“I don’t understand, why?” Rainbow asked. She looked to Nova. “Don’t you want me to be a hero?”

“Of course we want you to be a hero.” Twilight answered.

“But a real hero doesn’t brag.” Applejack pointed out with a wink.

Rainbow Dash gave a sheepish smile. “Uh, I guess I did start to brag a little.” 

“A little!” Everypony cried out.

“Okay a lot.” Dash corrected.

Nova came up to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Rainbow, there’s nothing wrong with being a hero, but it’s like I tried to tell you earlier, being a hero is about doing what’s right and what needs to be done. It’s about helping those in need, not the fame or the hero worshiping.”

Twilight then walked up to her. “Celebrating your accomplishments is wonderful, but…” She trailed off.

Applejack picked up. “Rubbing them in everypony’s face is not.”

Pinkie Pie joined in. “Yeah, the only thing that should be rubbed in any pony’s face is chocolate cake.” She started to slobber at the thought.

Nova spoke to get everypony back on track. “Anyway, do you get it now Dash, what we are trying to tell you?” 

“What we’re trying to say is that it’s great to be good at something, but it’s important to act with grace and humility.” Twilight informed.

Rainbow Dash thought a moment. “oooh, that makes loads more sense.” She flew up and hovered overhead. “Yeah, you’re right. And I guess I should also act with grace and humility when others outshine me….like…the masked marvel.” She motioned to Nova.

Twilight gave a wink. “Sounds like you got a letter to write to princess Celestia.”

“Already got it covered.” Spike spoke up. “As your ghost writer, I’ve already penned a letter to the princess.”

Rainbow gave a smile. “That’s nice of you Spike, but I really want to write this letter myself.”

Spike nearly whined out. “Awe come on, I wrote the whole thing already.”

Rainbow Dash landed in front of him. “All right, let’s hear it.”

Spike smiled and began to read it. “Dear princess Celestia…”

Dash suddenly interrupted. “Look out, it’s a real ghost!” 

Both Spike and Pinkie Pie started to freak out and ran off. Everypony laughed at the scene. Twilight soon levitated a parchment and quill over to Dash to write her letter.

Later that evening, the sun had just set, Spike was already asleep in his bed and Twilight was at her desk in her room going over a book. She heard a knock at the door to her balcony and looked over. She could make out the silhouette of a pony standing there on her balcony. She walked over and used her magic to open it. Once she did, she got a clear look at the pony before her. “Nova? What are you doing? And why are you in that costume?”

“I’m afraid you have me mistaken with another pony mam.” The Mysterious Masked Marvel said in a deep voice. “I am the Mysterious Masked Marvel.”

Twilight smirked and started to play along. “Oh, apologies sir, what are you doing here?”

“I’m just making sure everypony remembers to lock their windows at night so no burglars can get in.” The masked hero stated.

“I see. That is very kind of you oh hero of Ponyville.” Twilight said.

“Tell me miss, is there anything else you may need help with?” The Masked Marvel asked.

“I’m just ever so lonely tonight, and I’m afraid some stranger may burst into my home. Would you mind keeping me company for a while?” Twilight asked a bit overdramatically.

“I’d be happy to.” The hero walked further into the room. From there, ‘Nova’ and Twilight simply sat together to enjoy each other’s company and had a good laugh at the little role play they did.  

> Not So Sweet of The Elite
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Not So Sweet of The Elite



A couple days ago, Rarity asked Nova if he would be interested in paying a visit to Canterlot with her. He had been there once but didn’t have the opportunity to appreciate it due to the events of the night of the grand galloping galla that passed. Nova was hesitant at first to accept as he would be around ponies he was unfamiliar with, but Rarity promised to be by his side the whole time and said it would also be good for him to get out more and be seen in public. 

He was also nervous of the fact the ponies of Canterlot knew about him and thought him famous due to the major success of his custom enchanted gemstones. Nova reluctantly accepted and got ready to leave for Canterlot with Rarity. Starburst was going to stay with their mother and father while he was gone. “Bye Nova, have a good time.” Starla said as she gave her elder son a hug.

Nova hugged back. “I will mom.”

After they broke their hug, Starburst immediately lunged at Nova. “I’m gonna miss you big brother.” He said a bit sadly.

Nova gave a smile as he hugged back. “I’ll only be gone for a few days Starburst. We’ll be back in time for Twilight’s birthday party.”

As Nova said his goodbyes to his family, Rarity exchanged farewells with the others. Nova gave Twilight a kiss goodbye and the two finally boarded the train bound for Canterlot. Nova had packed one green suitcase with the bare essentials and, upon Rarity’s advice, the suit she made him for the galla. Canterlot was home to the elite of ponies, which was just a nice way of saying rich snobs, which meant they would make an attempt to look fancy like them.

Upon entering the train, Nova finally made a comment about Rarity’s multitude of bags. “Rarity, did you really need to pack so many bags?” He asked.

Rarity had a huge pile of suitcases and small bags in the storage car. “But of course dear, you never know what may come up. I just want to make sure I’m ready for anything that may come up to make myself look fabulous.” She was also bringing her pet cat Opal along with her.

Nova smirked with an eye roll. “If you say so.”

The train soon arrived at Canterlot and Nova took it upon himself to move the cart with Rarity’s luggage off the train with his magic. He placed his own bag at the top of the pile. Upon exiting, they were surprised to see a pair of royal guards there to greet them. “Miss Rarity, sir Nova.” One said in greeting. “Princess Celstia sent us to greet you, please follow us to the castle.”

The other guard approached Nova. “Would you like assistance with the bags?”

Nova gave a shake of his head. “Um, no thank you, I can handle them.” 

As the two made their way through town, Nova had a chance to get a good look at the city itself. He saw ponies all over the place dressed fancy like, like how Rarity sometimes does for a special occasion….or when she just feels like it. He did feel a little nervous being in such a place as he seemed to shift his eyes from side to side quickly.

Rarity caught on to Nova’s distress and took to his side. “Nova dear, calm down, it will be all right. I’ll be right here with you, I promise you have nothing to worry about.” She gave a reassuring smile.

Nova gave a small smile back. “Thanks Rarity, I’m just nervous about being away from home like this, especially with so many other ponies around I don’t know. I’m starting to miss my family and friends already.” Nova had a small feeling in the pit of his stomach, and it wasn’t a pleasant one.

“It’s all right dear, it’s natural to feel nervous when visiting a new place and being away from so many you know. We’ll have a splendid time, I promise.” Rarity assured.

They soon reached the castle and were greeted by Princess Celestia herself. “Hello Rarity, Nova, how nice of you to visit. Come, I have a room all ready for you two.”

Nova and Rarity gave a bow. “Thank you your majesty.” Rarity said.

A young unicorn stallion approached them. “May I take your bags?” He asked.

“Thank you for offering.” Nova said. 

The unicorn moved over to the cart and somehow managed to get the full stack of bags onto his back. His legs were wobbling under the weight of them and he was starting to sweat already. Nova decided to help out and used his magic to take a little more than half the stack to ease the unicorn’s burden. “I can carry this much thank you.”

“Thank you for the assistants sir.” The young pony said.

Celestia led the group through the castle and up a flight of stairs to a tower. She opened the door and revealed a spacious room with two beds. “Here?” Rarity asked with an impressed tone. “We get to stay here?”

Nova looked about the room in awe. “Wow, nice place.” As soon as he entered, he levitated the bags he was holding over near the center of the room and let Opal Essence out of her carrier. She made her way over to the first bed and made herself comfortable.

The young stallion unicorn placed the bags in the same spot and left.

“Twilight Sparkle said you were coming to Canterlot for a visit and asked if I would accommodate you.” Celestia informed.

“Wow princess, that’s very nice of you, thank you.” Nova said with a smile.

“Thank you so much princess.” Rarity said. 

“Your quit welcome.” Celestia responded.

Rarity suddenly rushed over to her. “No really, this is so nice of you.”

“It’s nothing really.” Celestia argued politly.

“Oh but it isn’t nothing, it’s everything.” Rarity continued. “I just don’t know what to say but thank you, THANK YOU!” She suddenly dropped down to the floor and started kissing Celetia’s hooves. “Thank you, thank you.” She said between kisses. Nova and Celestia looked at each other with looks of concern. 

Nova made his way over to Rarity and placed a hoof on her. “Rarity, I think she gets it, you can stop that now.”
Rarity rose and gave a sheepish smile with a squee. “Of course.” She quickly composed herself.

“Well then, I’ll leave you two to get comfortable.” Celestia made her way out and started down the staircase.

Rarity quickly rushed out and called out, “Thank you!” One more time before Celestia was gone. She trotted back in and went through her luggage. “Isn’t this great, we get to stay at the castle.” Rarity nearly squealed.

“Twilight didn’t have to do this, and neither did the princess.” Nova said with a smile. “It’s certainly nice of her to put us up like this.”

Rarity soon found what she was looking for in her pile of bags, a pink hat with a white band and a purple jewel on it. “Let’s not waste any time, I know of a fabulous spot in Canterlot that serves delicious cocoa. Come along then, let’s go enjoy the town.” She collected Opal and placed her on her back, then trotted out. 

Nova followed and came up next to her.

The trio soon found themselves at a café sitting at a table outside with cups of cocoa. “Nova, do you know what I love about Canterlot?” Rarity asked.

Nova was silent as he thought. “The fact it’s close to the castle?” He guessed.

Rarity took a sip of her drink before answering. “Everything!” She expressed. “I may have been born in Ponyville, but I’m a Canterlot pony at heart.” 

“If you say so.” Nova stated. He took a sip of his drink while looking around. He saw so many ponies dressed up in fancy clothing wandering around.

“Now I know we came here to pick up some fabrics from a shop, but Twilight was such a dear to get us that suite at the castle.” Rarity said. “I simply must make her something to express my gratitude.”

Nova looked to Rarity after another sip of his drink. “Rarity, you don’t have to do that, I’m sure she won’t care. Though knowing you, you’re not going to listen to me on that and go ahead with your plan aren’t you?” He said with a smirk.

“I simply must do something to thank her for this.” Rarity expressed. She looked around a moment before an idea came to her. “Ooh, a dress for her party this weekend, perfect.” 

Nova looked to the side in thought a moment. “Rarity, I don’t suppose you could help me with something while we’re here could you?”

Rarity looked to Nova with a smile. “Of course dear, what is it?”

“Is there….well….I want to get something special for Twilight for her birthday but….I don’t know what to get her.” Nova explained. “I know she likes books and all, but I want to get her something great, something special, something absolutely cosmic to show her how much I care about her. I don’t suppose you could help me find a shop around here to find something special for her could you?”

Rarity’s smile seemed to grow. “Oh Nova, you really do love Twilight don’t you?”

“Of course I do. She makes me feel so….I don’t know…special I guess. When I’m with her…” Nova’s eyes wandered to the sky. “I feel like I could move the stars themselves for her.”

“Oooohhh.” Rarity cooed. “Well not to worry, I’m sure we’ll find something special for you to get her.”

Rarity took another sip of her drink. As she did, she failed to notice a pair of ponies approach their table. Both were unicorns, one a stallion and one a mare. Rarity quickly lowered her drink and noticed some whip cream was on her nose. She quickly wiped it away with a grin.

Nova shrank a little at the two new pony’s appearance. 

The stallion addressed Rarity. “Please excuse our interruption, my name is Jet Set and this is my wife Upper Crust.” He introduced. “We saw you from across the street at the café and just had to find out…” He left off for his wife to continue.

“Where did you get that marvelous chapeu?” Upper Crust asked.

Rarity gave a dignified look. “Oh this old thing?” Before she could answer, a call rang out above their heads.

“Rarity.” A stallion’s voice called out. Nova and Rarity looked up and saw a goofy looking earth pony with buck teeth wearing a green ball cap and a dirty white shirt. He had three turnips for a cutie mark. He was hanging from some rope with a window wiper. “Hey Rarity!” He suddenly fell loos from the harness he was being suspended by only for it to catch him by a hind leg. He now hung upside down between Nova and Rarity. “It’s me, Hayseed Turnip Truck. We met at the hoe down in Ponyville last fall?”

“Oh, yes, of course, how are you?” Rarity asked hesitantly.

“Good, real good.” He answered. Turnip then fell completely free of his harness and crashed to the ground. 

Nova stayed silent, not sure what to make of this new pony. 

Turnip sprang back up and looked at Nova. “Well howdy there partner, don’t reckon I ever met you before?” He extended a hoof for a hoof shake.

“Uh, hi there, I’m Nova.” Nova introduced nervously as he shook hooves. 

The two rich ponies gave slight looks of disgust. “You’re from….Ponyville?” Jet Set asked the two.

Rarity answered hesitantly. “Well…y-yes but…”

Turnip jumped in before Rarity could finish. “She sure is. She’s a real big time fancy pants dress maker there. Probably made that real pretty hat she’s wearing too.” He gave a kind of noogie to Rarity and wrinkled her hat a bit.

Upper Crust looked to her husband. “I thought it looked a little country.”

Jet Set responded. “I told you it wasn’t something you could get in Canterlot dear.”

Nova gave a light glare at the two, they were practically insulting Rarity, and he didn’t like it.

Upper Crust then seemed to realize something as she looked at Nova. “Hold on, did you say your name was Nova?” Upper Crust looked to her husband again. “You don’t suppose it’s the same Nova that makes those enchanting gemstones everypony is wearing do you?”

“Him? Please, why would some pony like that be living in a backwater filthy town like Ponyville?” Jet Set responded.

That set Nova off. Not only did they insult Rarity, but now they were putting down his home. He got up and stood firm in front of the two. “Listen her you two, I don’t know who you think you are, but you better apologize for what you said to Rarity. It just so happens I AM that same Nova that makes those gems you high class ponies like so much. Also, just because Rarity lives in Ponyville doesn’t make her designs any less amazing. She’s a great fashion designer and there is nothing wrong with Ponyville! You two are going to apologize and be on your way, do I make myself clear?” He said with a fierce glare.

The two snobs were cringing and gave a nervous gulp. “Of-of course, terribly sorry sir.” Jet set said.

“Yes, very, we’ll just be going now.” Upper Crust added. The two ponies galloped off. 

Once they were gone, Nova  gave a snort. “Lousy snobs, I hate ponies like that.” He turned around to face Rarity just in time to see her walk off with Opal on her back. “Rarity?” Nova asked. He galloped after her. He came up next to her and saw her looking rather unhappy. “Rarity, are you all right?”

“I’m fine Nova.” Was the only answer she gave. 

“Are you sure, you look upset. Don’t tell me it’s what those two back there said. Don’t let them get to you Rarity, they’re just a couple of snobs.” Nova said to try and cheer her up.

They soon came to their room and Rarity immediately took out a paper and pencil and set it on a desk. “Looked a little country?” She said. “Something you can’t get in Canterlot.” She had a look of determination as she started sketching. “I’ll show them something worthy of Canterlot!” She declared.

“Oh quasars.” Nova said to himself. He came up next to her once the sketch was finished. 

Rarity had sketched a rather elaborate and fancy looking dress. “Perfect, I’ll show those ponies what this pony can do. Come along Nova, we have a lot of things to collect.” Rarity collected her cat and headed out.

“Hey, wait up!” Nova called as he ran to catch up to her. 

After a lot of shopping, Rarity had bought a lot of fabrics and things to make dresses. She and Nova were levitating a few bags as they went on. “I have to get started right away, this new design is very ambitious and I’ve already written to Twilight she’ll have something beyond fabulous to wear to her party.” Rarity failed to notice where she was going when she bumped into somepony. She dropped her bags and one of them landed on the pony’s head.

“Rarity, are you all right?” Nova asked as he helped her up. Nova then looked over to see two ponies, a mare that had a very slender build and the other was obviously a stallion by his build and had one of Rarity’s bags on his head. The unicorn mare got the bag off his head to reveal his face.

Rarity seemed to recognize him right away as she said his name. “Fancy Pants.” She gasped out.

The unicorn stallion identified as Fancy Pants stood up and dusted himself off. “I say, that’s one way to make an introduction.”

“Fancy Pants, I am so sorry.” Rarity apologized. “I didn’t see you there, I just have so many bags and we were trying to get back to our suite at the castle and…” Rarity explained as she started gathering up her bags.

Fancy gave Rarity a curious look. “You’re…staying at the castle?” 

“The princess invited us to stay at one of the suites.” Rarity answered. 

Nova stayed silent as he helped Rarity collect the bags she dropped. 

“You know the princess?” He asked.

The mare levitated one of the bags over to Rairty. “Hmm, a pony with expensive taste I see.”

“Oh, it’s for an ensemble I’m making for a friend, her birthday is in a few days.” Rarity explained. She and Nova started trotting off. “Again I’m really sorry for bumping into you.”

Fancy’s next words stopped the two in their tracks. “Well I’m not.” They paused and looked back at him. “You are obviously some pony worth bumping into.” Rarity gave a smile. “Listen, I have a VIP box reserved for the Wonderbolts derpy this afternoon, would you…would you care to join me and a few of my companions there?”

Nova gave a nervous look to Rarity.

Rarity was stunned. “Me?”

“Well of course dear, and your friend is welcome to join us as well.” Fancy looked to Nova.

Rarity Stuttered. “Well…I…that is…..sure.” 

Fancy gave a smile. “We’d love to see you there…” He trailed off to let Rarity give her name.

“Rarity.” 

“Rarity, and who is your friend?” Fancy asked. He was looking at Nova to see if he would say his name.

After a moment of silence from Nova, Rarity stepped in. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous gem maker that creates those fabulous gemstones with the elaborate designs in them?” Rarity asked.

“But of course.” Fancy said.

“Allow me to introduce the gem maker himself…Nova.” Rarity said as she pointed a hoof at Nova.
Nova gave a small nervous smile. “Um, hello there, nice to meet you.”

“Nova, the nova?” The mare asked. “Well isn’t this a pleasure, how wonderful to meet the gem maker himself.”

“A pleasure to meet you good sir.” Fancy said with a smile.

“L-likewise.” Nova said. 

“Well it’s been a pleasure, but we really should be going.” Rarity interjected. “See you at the derby.” To Nova’s relief, they trotted off back to the castle.

Once they got back to the room, Rarity started pacing back and forth as she thought about going to the derby or not. “Pro, seeing the derby is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

“But Rarity, wouldn’t going to the derby cuts into the time you have to finish Twilight’s dress?” Nova argued. “I know this may seem like a big deal, but you want to make something amazing for Twilight.”

“That is true Nova, but Fancy Pants is the most important pony in Canterlot. His stamp of approval could mean big things for me here.” Rarity said back.

“What do you mean big things for you here? You live in Ponyville.” Nova pointed out. “I guess I could understand if it meant you would get some business here but still.”

“You do have a point Nova, and even though Twilight’s party won’t be as sophisticated as the parties in Canterlot, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t put all my effort into making Twilight’s dress.” Rarity reasoned. “My ponyville friends will appreciate my work more than anypony.”

“Exactly.” Nova said with a smile. He felt he was getting through to Rarity.

“I’d hate to let them down.” Rarity looked in thought. She gave a determined look, then trotted out the room a moment. “And I won’t.” 

“Glad to hear it.” Nova’s celebration was cut short as Rarity sprang back out with a pink hat on. “Nova, we’re going to the wonderbolts derby as a guest of Fancy Pants.” She started squealing in delight as she danced in place.

“What? But….I thought you…didn’t you say….ugh….” Nova’s ears drooped and his face fell.

“Oh come now Nova, it’s just an afternoon.” Rarity reasoned. “We’ll have a splendid time. Please say you’ll come with.”

Nova gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* Fine, it’s not like I have anything better to do. Besides, I don’t really want to be alone here.”

“Wonderful, now get your suit on and let’s go.” Rarity cheered.

Nova rolled his eyes and went to put on his suit minus the hat. The two made their way to the stadium where the derby was to be held. They made their way through the stadium and soon stood before a guard at the entrance of the box. Rarity gave the guard a smile while he just looked at her. Fancy Pants soon walked up to them and greeted them. “Rarity, Nova, jolly good to see you, so glad you could make it.” The guard removed the velvet rope to let them pass.

Upon entering, a group of ponies suddenly approached them. Nova and Rarity quickly moved away as they surrounded Fancy Pants talking up a storm. It ceased once Fancy Pants introduced the two. “Everypony, this is Rarity and Nova, they are staying at the Canterlot castle.” At this, the ponies gave the two curious looks.

To Nova’s relief, the stares were cut off by the announcer. “Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to the wonderbolts derby. The competitors are taking their place at the starting line and the race will begin momentarily.”

“I’ll be rooting for Rapid Fire of course, he’s sure to take home the grand prize.” Fancy said to his friends. They nodded in agreement.

“I don’t think he stands a chance against Fleet Foot.” Rarity pointed out. This caused the others to look at her. She gave a nervous smile.

The horn sounded to start the race and the ponies gathered at the edge of the box to watch. Nova took a place next to Rarity. The flag was waved and the race began. The wonderbolts raced around a few times until the last lap. “And it’s Fleet Foot by a nose!” The announcer called. 

Rarity started cheering. Fancy walked up to her with a smile. “Bravo Rarity, I say, how did you know Fleet Foot would be victorious?”

Rarity gave a smile as she explained. “My friend Rainbow Dash talks about her all the time. She says what she lacks in size, she makes up for in speed.”

Fancy and the others look at Rarity curiously. “And who is this Rainbow Dash?” Fancy asked.

Rartiy began to look nervous. Nova began to answer for her. “She’s a…”

Rarity quickly interrupted. “She’s the wonderbolts…trainer.” She answered.

Nova cocked an eyebrow at her.

Fancy gave another smile. “Staying at Canterlot Castle, and she knows the Pegasus training the Wonderbolts. Not to mention friends with the pony behind the fabulous gems every pony is wearing. I told you all this was an important pony.” With that, the group gathered around Rarity and Nova. Nova grew nervous at this. “Three cheers for my new favorite party guests.”

“Rarity, can we go now please.” Nova asked in a whisper. 

“I suppose so, the derby is over after all.” Rarity answered. The two started to leave but soon noticed they were being followed by the three ponies they met at the derby with Fancy Pants. 

Nova tapped Rarity on the shoulder. “Uh, Rarity, I think we have company.” Rarity looked back and noticed them. She slowed her pace so they could catch up.

“Hello again.” Rarity started up a conversation with them. “Nova dear, do come and join us.”

Nova gave a gulp and did as Rarity asked. “Hello again.” Nova greeted nervously.

As their conversations went on, Nova figured these ponies weren’t too bad. At least they didn’t seem like total snobs like that couple they met at the café their first day. Rarity ended up telling a joke. “…And then I said,pu-lease, that’s not a hat darling, that’s a natural disaster that somehow landed atop your head.” 

The others gave hearty laughs at Rarity’s joke. One of the mares finished her laughter to speak. “Oh you are a delight Rarity, as is your friend. You two simply must attend my art gallery opening this evening.” The grey coated mare said.

Nova tried to object. “I’m sorry but…”

Nova was cut off by the stallion of the group. “And let’s not forget my charity auction tomorrow morning.”

Rarity then tried to object. “Well that sounds wonderful but I…”

The second Mare of the group then came in. “And of course there’s a seat for you two at my dinner party tomorrow night.”

Rarity finally had a chance to speak. “We’re both flattered, really, it’s just I have a project I really need to get started on.”

“And I’m not going anywhere without Rarity.” Nova said. “She’s my friend and I’m not about to leave her alone.”

The first mare suddenly zipped over to them. “Oh but Nova, Rarity, I might as well cancel the whole gallery if you can’t attend.” She whined out.

The stallion then cut in. “My auction is for charity dear, for charity.” He practically sang out.

Finally, the other mare came in as she rested on top of the other two. “And my dinner party would be a disaster if you two don’t come.”

Rarity looked over to Nova and saw him give her a worried looked and shook his head. She looked back at the three as they pouted. She though a moment before answering. “Of course we’ll be there.” Nova facehooved.

The two returned to their suite and Rarity was the first to walk in. Once inside and the door closed, Nova deactivated his necklace to reveal his alien form. “Rarity….what have you gotten me into?”

Rarity ignored the question for now. “Looks like we’ll be staying a few more days here Opal, Nova.” She had placed a pink ribbon on a ponyquin. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” She said as she turned to Nova.

Nova hung his head. “If you say so, I just want to be there with Twilight for her birthday party.” Nova looked to Rarity. “So what now?”

“I must say, bumping into Fancy pants was the best thing to ever happen to me. Of course finishing Twilight’s dress is my top priorty. But we can’t dissapoint the Canterlot ponies by rejecting their invitations now can we?”

“But, what about helping me find something to get Twilight?” Nova asked concerned.

“Don’t worry Nova, I promise we’ll find you something special to get her.” Rarity pulled out a tiara and placed it on her head. And cue the musical montage of her and Nova hanging with the rich ponies. 

I'll be the toast of the town, the girl on the go 
I'm the type of pony everypony, everypony should know 
I'll be the one to watch, the girl in the flow 
I'm the type of pony everypony, everypony should know 

Becoming as popular as popular can be 
Making my mark, making my mark in high society 
I'm the belle of the ball, the star of the show, yeah 
I'm the type of pony everypony, everypony should know 

See how they hang on every word that I speak 
My approving glance is what they all seek 
I'm the crème de la crème, not just another Jane Doe 
I'm the type of pony everypony should know 

At home, at the opera, on a fancy yacht 
Becoming the talk, the talk of all of Canterlot 
I'm the crème de la crème, not just another Jane Doe, yeah 
I'm the type of pony everypony, everypony should know 

Because I'm the type of pony 
Yes, I'm the type of pony 
Yes, I'm the type of pony everypony should know

Nova and Rarity made it back to their suite after hanging out with a few other Canterlot Ponies. It was a nervous blur for Nova as he and Rarity spent most of their time with the rich the past couple days. Nova was also getting worried that Rarity might not finish Twilight’s dress or that he would be able to find something special to give Twilight for her birthday. Opal seemed to agree as she sat on the stand with Rarity’s sketch of the dress Rarity wanted to make and was tapping it. 

Nova was too tired to say anything so he removed his suit, took off his necklace and climbed into bed to sleep. The next morning, Nova woke to find Rarity packing her stuff. “Rarity, what’s going on?”

“Nova, so glad your awake, we need to start packing, we are heading back today after all.” Rarity explained. 

Nova was fully awake now at Rarity’s words. “What?! But, what about the dress you were going to make?” He looked over and saw a simple yellow dress with a pink ribbon around it. “And helping me find a present for Twilight.”

“I’m terribly sorry Nova, but with everything that happened, I’m afraid we didn’t have time.”

Nova gave a sigh. “*Sigh* Great, so what am I supposed to get Twilight for her birthday?” He got out of bed and put on his necklace. He began packing and soon, there was a knock at the door. 

The young colt that helped with their bags before showed up and began stacking Rarity’s bags on his back. Once again, Nova did what he could to lighten the pony’s load. Rarity looked at her stack with worry. “Oh, I hope I haven’t forgotten anything.” 
“Me…too.” The bag pony said. 

Rarity levitated Opal off her bed and placed her in her cat carrier strapped to Rarity’s back. “We’d better hurry, we must get back to Ponyville so I’ll have time to finish Twilight’s dress.” Rarity started trotting for the door with Nova behind when an envelope was pushed through the mail slot. “For me?” She levitated the letter up and opened it as she placed Opal on top of the pile of bags the young bag pony had. She began reading it out loud. “Dearest Rarity and Nova, your pressence is requested at the Canterlot garden Party tomorrow afternoon. Yours, Jet Set and Upper Crust.”

“Oh no.” Nova said in worry. “Rarity, please no, we need to go back to Ponyville for Twilight’s party.” Nova begged.

Rarity was practically gushing with joy. “Oh but Nova, next to the grand galloping galla, that is the premier event in Canterlot!”

“But…..but….Twilight’s party.” Nova tried to argue. 

Rarity’s glee seemed to die. “You’re right, if we go, we’ll miss Twilight’s birthday party. But if we don’t go, my new reputation in Canterlot as a very important pony will be ruined.”

Nova looked to Rarity with worry. “Rarity, I can’t believe you even have to think about this, we’re talking about our friends here.”

“But Nova, I might never be invited to a high society event again.” Rarity whined. She started turning red as she thought about it. She finally relented. “It’s just too important.”

Nova smiled as he thought Rarity chose to go back to Ponyville. “Glad to see you making the….”

Rarity cut him off. “Nova, we’re going to the garden party.”

Nova’s face fell. “WHAT?! Rarity….” Nova gave a defeated sigh. He could tell Rarity wasn’t about to let up. “*Sigh* Fine, we’ll go to the garden party.” He said sadly. He looked out the window as he sat on his haunches. “Sorry Twilight, guess I’ll miss out on your birthday party.” He set the bags he was levitating down. 

Rarity sat down and began writing a letter. “My dear Twilight, I’m afraid me and Nova won’t be able to make it to your party tomorrow because….poor Opal is quit ill!” Rarity said dramatically. “And she is in no condition to make the long journey back to Ponyville!  I do hope you understand. Your friend, Rarity.”

“Don’t forget to put in how sorry I am to Twilight I won’t be there.” Nova said. 

Rarity wrote down Nova’s words and sealed it up, then sent it on its way. “I suppose this means you don’t need me to bring down your bags?” The young unicorn asked.

“No.” Rarity answered. Nova went ahead and removed the bags from the ponies back and set them aside.  

Nova and Rarity didn’t do much until the afternoon of the next day. Rarity had put on a yellow dress with flowers in her tail as she got ready for the party. Nova was wearing his suit again with the hat. “What do you think, too much?” She asked Nova and Opal. Opal liked herself in response while Nova just gave her a look that said he wasn’t happy with her. “Your right, too little.” She levitated a yellow hat onto her head. “Garden party, here we come.” Nova rolled his eyes as he trotted up to Rarity. She opened the door and received a surprise.

“SURPRISE!” The girls shouted. Rarity was so shocked, she fainted. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were all there. 

Nova grew a huge smile. “Girls, you’re here!” He cheered. He ran out and initiated a group hug. “Great galaxies I really missed you girls, especially you Twilight.”

“We missed you too Nova.” Fluttershy said.

“I feel the same way.” Twilight said. Once the group hug broke, Twilight and Nova shared a hug and kiss. Finally, they all looked to Rarity and saw her just now waking up from her fainting spell. 

“Hi again.” Pinkie said as Rarity got up.

Rarity stuttered. “What did…how did…where did…”

Applejack interrupted her stuttering. “Listen to her, she’s so excited to see us she can hardly talk.”

“That would be a surpise.” Nova muttered under his breath.

Rarity managed to form a full sentence after collecting her thoughts. “What I mean to say is, what are you all doing here?” 

“I’m wondering that myself, but I’m just glad to see you all again.” Nova stated as he nuzzled Twilight. Twilight smiled and nuzzled back.

“When I got your letter saying you were stuck in Canterlot, I asked Pinkie Pie if it wouldn’t be too much trouble to move the party here so you two wouldn’t have to miss it.” Twilight informed.

Pinkie poked her head in front of Rarity. “Balloons are super ease to pack.” She pulled back and opened a suitcase to let a few balloons fly out. One flew into Rarity’s chest and deflated before finally falling to the ground. 

Nova smiled more, happy to see Pinkie’s antics again.

Rarity gave a smile as well. “Wow, first you get us a suite at Canterlot castle, and now this? I don’t know what to say, Twilight…” Rarity trailed off.

Rainbow suddenly flew up to Rarity and looked her in the eye. “How about you start by saying what you two are doing in that fancy get up.” She asked accusingly.

“These…well I…you see….I always put on a little something when Opal is feeling under the weather…cheers her right up. Nova was helping by looking his best as well.” Rarity said with a nervous smile. She gave Nova a look as if asking him to help.

The girls were looking at him now. Nova rolled his eyes first, then played along with Rarity’s lie. “She’s right, she said being around her cat in fancy clothes helps her feel better.”

Fluttershy approached Rarity. “Oh poor Opal, where is the sick darling?” 

“Oh, uh…she’s….hold on a minute.” Rarity closed the door behind her as she went back into the room. She came back a few seconds later. “She’s resting on the bed.” 

Fluttershy quickly flew in and found Opal. Nova followed in and saw Opal looking drenched in Fluttershy’s grasp. “Poor baby, she looks aweful.” Opal gave a wail as Fluttershy hugged her. The other girls started coming in and got a good look at the place. Nova could swear Opal gave Rarity a look that said ‘I’ll claw your face in your sleep.’

Twilight noticed the unfinished dress Rarity was making. “Is that my dress?” She asked.

“Yes?” Rarity answered with uncertainty.

Twilight looked it over carefully. “It’s so simple, so practical, so ME!” She cheered with a smile. “It’s the perfect dress for my birthday party. I love it!” Twilight gave Rarity a hug.

“You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that.” Rarity said with a smile. She flicked her tail and sent her original sketch into a trash bin.  

Once the two released their hug, Twilight went to put on the dress. Nova walked up to Rarity. “Lucky save there I’d say.”

“I suppose so.” Rarity responded.

Later on, the group was making their way through the castle. Nova took the time to talk with Twilight. “Twilight, I’m really glad to see you all again. It was a bit nerve wracking being here in Canterlot.”

Twilight gave him a curious look. “Didn’t you have a good time?”

“No, I was nervous the whole time being around unfamiliar rich ponies. It did help to have Rarity with me the whole time but still….” Nova trailed off. He looked ahead and down. “Twilight, I’m afraid I wasn’t really able to get you anything for your birthday. I’m sorry about that. I wanted to get you something really special to show you how much you mean to me.”

Twilight used a hoof to make Nova look her in the eyes. “Nova, it’s all right, I don’t need a present from you. You don’t have to get me anything. I consider my present from you is you being with me on my birhtday.” She gave Nova a kiss on the lips.
Nova returned the favor happily. 

Twilight walked up to Rarity’s side. “When I told the princess we were moving the party to Canterlot, she was kind enough to offer us use of the Canterlot Ballroom.” Twilight used her magic to open the doors to a large room with tables set up with treats. The room was also decorated with streamers, confetti and balloons. 

Pinkie invaded Rarity’s vision. “Isn’t it fancy pants?” She asked.

Rarity seemed to panic as she quickly hid behind Rainbow Dash. “Fancy Pants, where?” She noticed the odd looks the girls were giving her. “I mean…where did you find the time to put up all these decorations?”

“Oh I never leave home without my party cannon.” Pinkie pulled out a blue cannon and set it off, causing it to shoot out confetti and streamers that left a cover on a table with a noise maker. “TA DAA!” Pinkie cheered as it rained confetti.

Twilight Sparkle started approaching one of the windows of the ball room. “I thought about having my party outside, but their having another party on the castle grounds today.” 

Rarity got next to Twilight and saw the party. She quickly rushed to hide behind a pillar as she looked out. Pinkie slowly rose up next to Rarity with a smile. “Let’s PARTY!” Pinkie cheered out.

Nova smiled as the music started and the party began. He was really glad to be back with his closest friends. Throughout the party, he noticed Rarity kept making excuses to leave for some reason and come back a few seconds later. He figured she was trying to take part in the garden party outside while taking part in Twilight’s party. Nova just wanted to enjoy his time with his friends so he ignored her for now. If she was more concerned with being with the rich then spending time with her friends, that was her choice.

They started off with eating cake which soon turned into a cake fight Rainbow started. After a good laugh from the cake fight, they started a conga line and went around the ball room. That was when Nova started noticing Rarity making herself scarce to take part in the party outside. The next activity they moved onto was every pony got a pinata to swing at. Afterwards, they enjoyed some nice treats they dipped in chocolate. Rarity had returned and gave a disgusted look after eating something. 

Next, they enjoyed more dancing as Nova danced about with Twilight. The party soon came to a pause when Rainbow Dash made an observation. “What’s with the croquet mallet?” She asked Rarity.

Rarity was holding a croquet mallet in her mouth. “What croquet mallet?” She asked through the mallet.

“Duh, the one in your mouth?” Rainbow pointed out. 

Rarity quickly spat it out and gave a nervous laugh. “Ha ha ha ha, oh, that croquet mallet. Well I….the truth is…the truth is….”

Nova came up to Rarity and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Rarity, don’t you think it’s about time you came clean and told the truth?” Nova asked. 

Rarity closed her eyes and hung her head. “Very well. You see, I was at the other party outside. I didn’t want to dissapoint you Twilight, but….” Rarity trailed off.

Twilight looked offended at first. “Rarity, I’m surprised at you.”

Rarity quickly dove for Twilight’s hooves. “Twilight, let me explain.”

Twilight continued. “I had no idea you were such a savy buisness pony.” 

Nova’s eyes widened a little. “You must understand, I…” Rarity cried before realizing what Twilight said. 

“All those ponies look so posh.” Twilight continued. “And with the grand galloping galla coming up, I’ll bet you could totally get them to buy some of your dresses. Very smart.”

“Wh….whyyyyy yes.” Rarity droned out. “I didn’t want you to think I was being rude so that’s exactly the reason I didn’t tell you, the one and only reason.” She noticed Nova giving her a cocked eyebrow and a frown. Nova then proceeded to shake his head.
He would have said something but he didn’t want to ruin Twilight’s party. As long as she was ok with the explanation she came up with as to why Rarity was doing what she was, that was enough for him.

“Oh well, you didn’t have to do that, you should totally go over there and mingle.” Twilight suggested.

Rarity gave a smile. “Twilight, you really are the best friend a pony could ask for.” She gave Twilight a hug. “I don’t know why I thought you wouldn’t understand.”

“Understand what?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing.” Rarity quickly answered. She then broke the embrace. “See you girls later.” She started to quickly rush for the party when Rainbow Dash called out.

“Hey wait up, we’re your friends, I’m sure they won’t mind if we check out the party too.” Rainbow suggested. Nova had to admit, he thought that would be amusing to see the looks on the fancy ponies faces when him and his friends showed up and started partying the way they do. “Come on you guys, let’s show em’ how to party Ponyville style!” 

With that, the group started for the outside with Pinkie firing off her party cannon. Nova happily joined his friends. He was too into having fun with his friends then worrying about being nervous around those stuck ups. Things quickly got out of hoof. Rainbow went over to try the game of croquet and swung the mallet too hard, causing it to go flying and knocked off a mare’s mane.

Fluttershy started feeding a few birds some seeds that rained down on a few ponies under her. Pinkie helped herself to the dessert table and buried her face in the cake. Applejack took it upon herself to do some weeding and got all muddy. “How come non o’ ya’ll are doin any gardenin, this is a garden party, isn’t it?”

Nova was with twilight as the two danced. Thought Twilight was dancing rather sparatically, Nova danced along with her. He didn’t care, he was just happy to be with his friends again, and with Twilight again. The dancing was soon interrupted when Fancy Pants approached them. “Excuse me, might I ask where you got your…ensemble?” He asked with interest.

Nova stood next to Twilight as she answered. Now Fancy Pants, Nova thought was okay, he didn’t seem like the other ponies he’s met in Canterlot so far. “Why yes, yes you may. A very very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me.”

“Ponyville, you don’t say?” Fancy asked.

“I do say,  her name is…” Twilight was cut off as Rarity quickly trotted over. 

“Fancy Pants, there’s this thing, over there I need to show you….on the other side of the room.” Rarity said quickly in a bit of a panic. 

“In a moment miss Rarity, this lovely filly from Ponyville was about to tell me who made her charming dress.” Fancy said with a smile.

“I’m starting to like this stallion more.” Nova thought to himself.

“That dress? Oh come now, who cares, it’s just a plain old…” Rarity tried to say before Twilight cut her off.

“Oh don’t be so modest, this dress you made is beautiful.” As soon as Twilight said that, the room went silent as all the ponies were now looking at them. Nova suddenly remembered his nervousness as he looked around. “We all think so.” The other girls gathered behind Twilight. Nova slowly backed up to join them.

Fancy turned to Rarity. “You know these ponies?” He then looked to Nova. “Nova, do you know them too?”

Nova shifted his eyes back and forth at first. He took a deep breath and walked up to Rarity. “It’s time to tell the truth. He whispered to her. He then spoke so every pony could hear. “Yes, I do, they are my friends, and they are very dear to me. I can’t imagine my life without them.” He said confidently.

Rarity walked up to Nova and stood by his side. She looked over the ponies looking at her first. “It’s true, I know them too. They may not be as sophisticated as you Canterlot ponies, but they are my best friends, and they are without a doubt the most important ponies I know.” Rarity smiled at the girls as they smiled back. 

“Important ponies?” Jet Set jumped in. “These ruffians?”

“Don’t make me laugh.” Upper Crust added.

Nova gritted his teeth and was about to say something when Fancy Pants beat him to it. “I find them charmingly rustic.” That ceased the laughing. “And I think the dress you made for your friend is lovely. I dare say, every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one.”

And just like that, Jet Set and Upper Crust changed their tune. Upper Crust pressed the side of her face to Rarity’s. “Oh I’d like to place my order now.”

Jet Set did the same on Rarity’s other side. “I think you should get two.”

“Florg sheep.” Nova thought to himself.

Rarity removed herself from them and went up to Fancy Pants. “Yes, well, how about you introduce me to your friends.”

“With pleasure.” Rarity said.

Once the party was over, Nova went on back with the others while Rarity wanted to stay a while longer. As soon as he got off the train from Canterlot, he was greeted by his family with a group hug. He happily accepted as he smiled widely. The sun was starting to set so Nova said his goodnights to the girls and wished Twilight one more happy birthday before heading home with his little brother.

Late that night, Nova found himself waking up. He didn’t have another nightmare, he just couldn’t sleep. He quietly got out of bed and made his way outside. He sat just outside his house with his disguise up just in case. The stars twinkled as they shone and the half-moon gave a bright glow. “Not a bad night.” He said to himself.

“It sure is lovely.” Twilight said as she approached.

Nova looked to Twilight with a smile. “Hey there, late night studying again?” He asked.

“Yeah.” Twilight’s look turned to one of concern. “Another Nightmare?”

“No, I just couldn’t sleep. There’s just….something on my mind….something that has to do with a small thing I said during that garden party.”

“Really? What is it?” Twilight asked.

Nova looked to the sky again as he answered. “That I couldn’t imagine my life without you or the friends I’ve made.”

Twilight smiled, she turned her gaze back to the sky. “I like having our talks like this. It’s so peaceful tonight.”

“It is.” Nova lowered his head. “I think….I think I’ve come to a decision.”

Twilight looked back to Nova. “A decision, what kind of decision?”

Nova looked back to Twilight with a smile. “Wait here a moment.” He rushed into his house leaving behind a confused purple unicorn. He came back out moments later with his disguise off.

“Nova, your disguise, what if somepony sees you?” Twilight asked with worry.

“It’s practically the middle of the night, and we’re outside of town, I don’t think anypony will see.” Nova floated an object in front of him. “Twilight, there’s….something I want to ask you.”

“Nova, is that….is that your first gem?” Twilight asked.

“It is.” Nova held his first gem creation in his magic grasp in front of him. “This gem not only is the one I first made that earned me my skill sign, but also, I like to think of it as a symbol of the connection we have. Not just the connection between me and you, but the other girls too. This is the sonic rainboom Rainbow Dash made that helped us all earn our cutie marks.”

Twilight stayed silent but smiled as Nova talked.

“Before I ask what I want to ask, I should tell you something about the culture I come from. When an equinian loves another, that equinian gives something special to the one they love, something that is important to them as a sign of affection. By accepting that gift, they are agreeing to be with the equinian for the rest of their lives. It’s like…a proposal you ponies have.”

Twilight let out a gasp as she seemed to start getting an idea of what Nova might be getting at.

“Twilight Sparkle, this gem is the most precious thing I have, it is the most important thing to me I own. Will you accept this gem as a token of my affection for you?”

Twilight raised both hooves to her muzzle. “Nova…are….are you….” Twilight stuttered, failing to form words.

“Well….?” Nova asked as he anxiously awaited her answer.

Twilight was silent a moment as what she was hearing sunk in. After a minute that seemed like an eternity for Nova, she finally answered. “Yes….I will…I do…thank you Nova.” Twilight took hold of the gem in her magic and held it with her hoof. She gazed at it a moment as a tear fell from her eye. She looked back up to Nova with a smile.

Nova was smiling himself. Twilight leaned in with her eyes closed. Nova followed suit and the two soon shared a long loving kiss. The soon to be married couple held their kiss a good long while. A few stars twinkled in the night sky as they did so.

> Beware The Green Eyed Dragon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Beware The Green Eyed Dragon



Nova was very nervous today as he sat with Twilight next to him and all his friends nearby in Sugarcube Corner. Not just his six original friends, but Derpy, Octavia, and Vinyl. His parents and little brother were present as well. This was big news he was about to deliver and he felt like he had jewel bugs in his gut. That would be the equivalent of butterflies.

Twilight sat next to him practically nuzzling him to try and comfort him as well as encourage him. Everypony there waited in anticipation for this important announcement Nova had. “Well dear, what is so important you had all of us come here?” Rarity asked. 

“Yes son, what is going on?” Starla asked.

“Go ahead Nova, tell them.” Twilight encouraged.

Nova gulped first. “Well….you see……last night….me and Twilight were just sitting and talking outside my house and….I….kinda…sorta….offered her an item as a sign of my affection.”

Both Starla and Cosmos smiled widely. Starburst had a confused look on his face, as did the rest of the ponies there.

“You did what now?” Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash asked at the same time.

“Dude, what does that mean?” Vinyl asked.

“Yeah Nova, I’m kinda lost here.” Starburst pointed out.

“I think we all are.” Derpy said.

Pinkie suddenly let out a loud gasp and a big smile before going off. “OH MY GOSH! You gave Twilight an item as a sign of your affection which is the same as proposing to her like what we do and now you two are going to get married!” Pinkie expressed in one breath.

Nova’s jaw dropped at Pinkie knowing all that. “How…how did you know that?”

“Just a hunch.” Pinkie simply answered with a grin and a squee.

“Whoa whoa whoa, you two are getting married?” Dash asked.

“Oh honey that’s wonderful, congratulations.” Starla said.

Cosmos walked up to Nova and gave him a slap on the back. “HAH, way to go son, I always thought you two made a cute couple.”

“Oof, thanks….dad.” Nova strained after the slap on the back.

“So wait, Nova and Twilight are getting married?” Starburst soon smiled. “That means I’m getting a big sister in law!” He cheered. After a round of congratulations, Pinkie Pie threw a huge party for everypony there to celebrate.

A couple days went by after Nova made the announcement and everypony was getting ready for another party. Spike’s Birthday was coming up and Nova thought of a gift he thought for sure Spike would love. While he wasn’t like those rich fancy ponies who liked his fancy gems, he hoped Spike would like the one he had made for him. It was a green gem shaped like a small flame with a light green orb of magic at its center that moved like a small flame. He had the gem in a gold setting with a gold chain necklace.

“I hope Spike likes it. I know he likes to eat gems, but I hope he doesn’t eat this one.” Nova said to Starburst. The two were in their home getting ready to leave for Twilight’s. 

“Don’t worry Nova, I’m sure he has some self-control right?” Starburst reasoned.

Nova turned to his little brother with a smile as he levitated the necklace into a box colored green with blue ribbons around it. “I’m sure he does. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me to the party?” Nova asked.

“Nah, that’s okay, I’ve got some crusading to do today with the rest of my club.” Starburst was eager to hang out with his friends today. “Besides, after the last party Pinkie threw, I think I’d prefer to hang out with my friends.”

Nova chuckled at Starburst’s comment. “Hm hm, all right then Starburst, you have a good time with your friends.” Starburst galloped out of the house after turning on his pony disguise. Nova did the same as he carried his present for Spike. “Oh, almost forgot something.” Nova then levitated a small green bag filled with pieces of gemstones from his other works for Spike to munch on.

Nova made his way to Twilight’s house and let himself in only to see an odd sight. Spike was running from Twilight and Twilight kept teleporting him right to her. Neither of them were looking pleased. “What the galaxies?” Nova asked himself.

“It’s over Spike, I’m cleaning that cheek!” Twilight declared.

“Twi….stop it.” Spike said after being teleported again.

“Never!” Twilight declared again.

“What is going on here?” Nova asked out loud.

After a couple more times of Twilight trying to teleport Spike over to her, one attempt ended with Pinkie Pie appearing instead with a noise maker in her mouth. She gave it a blow and zipped off. Spike reappeared and Pinkie cheered. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” She tossed confetti over spike.

Twilight took the opportunity to make her way over to Spike with the wash cloth she was levitating and rubbed it on Spikes cheek then gave a victorious smile. 

Pinkie Pie cheered out again as the others showed up with presents of their own. “Party time, WOO HOO!” She tossed more confetti. Rainbow’s present was a barbell with a ribbon while the other presents were wrapped up in a box like Novas.

“Are those, for me?” Spike asked.

Applejack tossed her present to Spike as she walked past him. “They sure are birthday boy.”

Fluttershy placed her gift on top of Applejack’s. “Happy birthday Spike.”

The other’s stacked their presents on top of one another with Rainbow Dash placing hers on top.  Nova saw the stack looked like it was about to topple over and Spike was about to fall. He quickly rushed over and used his magic to take the stack from Spike. He set them down in a row and placed his at one end. “There you go buddy.” He then placed the bag of gem bits on top of his present.

Spike gave a grateful smile.

During this time, Twilight had rushed upstairs before Nova could greet her.

Spike looked at the line of gifts with confusion.

The girls looked at Spike as they wondered why he looked confused. “Spike, what is it?” Nova asked.

Rainbow hovered down. “Don’t you know you get presents on your birthday?”

Spike stood up as he began to explain. “Well actually, this is my first birthday in Ponyville. I usually just get one present….from Twilight….a book.” His voice fell with each part.

Nova noticed Twilight coming down the stairs with a rectangular object wrapped up. She apparently heard Spike and gave a blush and smile as she tried to hid the gift behind her and backed up.

Nova walked over to her with a smirk. “AHEM.” He said to get her attention.

When she finally noticed him, her face lit up. “Nova.” The two shared a kiss to greet one another. “I’m glad you’re here.” She nuzzled Nova.

Nova wrapped a hoof around her and nuzzled back. “Glad to be here.” Once they were done, Nove felt it would be safe for him to drop his disguise since they were inside and Twilight had closed the library for the party. He deactivated his metal necklace holo-emitter so his true alien form was revealed. He then asked the question that arose when he first stepped in. “Twilight, what was all that about earlier when you were teleporting Spike and he was running from you?”

“You see, Spike gave Rarity a fire ruby gem and Rarity gave him a kiss on the cheek in return. So Spike decided he didn’t want to wash that cheek again. However…” She trailed off.

Nova figured it out from there. “Spike kept to his word and it just started looking gross so you tried to wash it which is what I walked into. Is that right?”

“Yes.” Twilight said with a smile and nod.

Rarity then stepped in. It was also then that Nova noticed Rarity wearing a gold necklace with a red heart shaped ruby. “Speaking of gifts.” She suddenly brought out a purple cape. “This is from my new line of tafada capes. I’m going to be making one for each of you.” The girls sounded off in approval. Nova simply smiled at it. “I’ve been inspired by the generosity of my little Spikey Wikey who gave me this beautiful fire ruby. One of the kindest acts I’ve ever experienced.” Rarity nuzzled Spike in gratitude.
Nova smiled at the scene. “Looks like he’s almost there.” He thought to himself.

The party soon went underway and Spike opened Nova’s gift first, setting the bag aside for now. He opened the box and lifted the necklace out for all to see. “Wow, this looks great Nova, thank you.”

Nova walked over to Spike. “I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t too sure since you’re not the type into jewelry so I did my best to make it look more like something you’d like.”

He got up and gave a grateful hug to Nova. “It’s great, I like it.” Spike put his new necklace on. 

Rarity trotted up to admire it. “Ooh Nova, that looks lovely, why haven’t you made gems like this for your clients?” She asked as she looked over to Nova.

“I really just came up with the idea when I decided to get something for Spike, the idea just came to me.” Nova stated casually.

“It looks fabulous.” Rarity complimented. “You really should add it to your line.”

The party continued on as Spike went through the rest of his presents and had quit the load of gifts. About half way through, he poked his head out of a box that was open at both ends with a blanket with apples on it. “Applejack, I can’t thank you enough for this blanket.” He removed himself from the box and walked over to Applejack to give her a hug. “I really needed a new one.”

Applejack gave an embarrassed smile. “That’s enough Spike, you already thanked me fifteen times.” She pushed him back with a hoof. “I’m startin ta get a little embarrassed.”

Spike smiled as he looked over the group. “I know I keep thanking you guys, but I’m just so grateful. I wish this party could last forever.” 

Pinkie was hopping on a balloon as Spike was talking. When he finished, the balloon popped. “DUH!” She expressed. She went over to Spike, knocking Twilight and Applejack over. Nova ran over to her and helped her up. Pinkie went off on a one winded speech. “The party can’t last forever because you have to go to Sugarcube Corner cause the cakes said they have a special surprise for you because IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY!”

“NO WAY!” Spike exclaimed happily before rushing out the door to the bakery.

“HEY, I said the party couldn’t last forever but it doesn’t have to end right now!” Pinkie called out after him.

Nova walked over to Pinkie and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Sorry Pinkie, guess the party is over. Can’t have a birthday party without the birthday dragon, it was fun though.”

Pinkie gave a small smile in return. “Yeah, it was.”

The girls and Nova worked together to clean up the library after the preemptive ending to the party.  Twilight gave her thanks to her friends for the help as they left. Once gone, Twilight decided to go look for Spike. “I’m gonna go find Spike, he’s been gone for quite a while.”

“I’ll come with you.” Nova offered. He reactivated his disguise before heading out with Twilight.

Twilight simply smiled at the offer. The two walked side by side through the town as they looked for Spike.  It was then Nova thought it a good idea to ask a certain question. “So Twilight, about the whole…..marriage I’ll say, do you want to have the kind of ceremony Your race usually has, or are you interested in the ceremony my race does when joining two loves as one?”

Twilight thought a moment. “Well…I am curious about what kind of ceremony the culture you come from has.”

“I see, you want to know what it’s like before deciding?” Nova asked.

“That would be nice.” Twilight stated.

“Okay then, later today, you can come by my house and I’ll explain it.”

“I’d love to.” Twilight stated as she nuzzled Nova.

The two soon found Spike near the town fountain with a mare. Nova had met her before but not enough to remember her name, let alone say they were friends. She had a yellow coat with a two toned, yellow and orange mane and tail. She had a pair of baskets with flowers hanging off her back.

Spike also had on a white hat with a red band and feather and a ball with him. Spike seemed to be asking the mare for a gift. “I don’t have anything.” The mare said.

Spike started eyeing the flowers. “Well what about those flowers, I’ll take those.”

Twilight then stepped in. “Spike!” She called. She used her magic to pull Spike by his ear fin. She stepped in front of Spike and faced the mare. “Sorry June Bug. I think Spike might have gotten a little carried away.”

“June Bug, that’s her name.” Nova thought to himself.

June Bug just gave a smile. “No problem, happy birthday Spike.” She said before walking off.

Both Twilight and Nova looked down at Spike disapprovingly. “Spike, what were you thinking?” Nova asked.

“What are you doing? You’re out here demanding presents now?” Twilight asked.

Spike dropped the ball he was holding and shook his head. “Wow, your right Twilight, I don’t know what got into me. Thanks for snapping me out of it. I’d better go give Cheerilee her hat back.” He removed his hat from his head.

Nova and Twilight gave Spike a smile. “Sounds good, see you at home later?” Twilight said.

“Sounds good.” Spike responded. 

“Be sure to keep yourself in check little buddy.” Nova added as he and Twilight walked away.

The two went on to Nova’s house so Nova could tell and show Twilight the ceremony his race used when it came to marriage. Once inside, Nova dropped his disguise and went over to his computer. “Okay, let’s see here.”

Twilight looked on in wonder. Even after finding out about Nova being from another planet, the thought never crossed her mind to ask him about more of his technology. “Wow, so what is that?”

“It’s my ships computer, it has all the data about the world I came from. Animals, plants, diseases, history, spells.”

Twilight interrupted there. “Spells? Like what kind of spells?” She asked with a smile as she stood next to Nova.
Nova smiled, he had forgotten for a moment that Twilight loved learning about magic. “Some of the spells we have are the same as the spells available to the magic users here. Though the magic between our species is different, by that I mean that the magic my race utilizes comes from the universe itself. We evolved to the point where we can tap into the magical energies of the universe while your kind taps into the planets own magical energy. The magic of the universe is greater than that of magic from a planet that has it. Hence why Starburst is as strong in magic as he is.”

Twilight listened intently as Nova explained all this. “I see, very fascinating. So does that mean that your magic is stronger than the average unicorn of our world?”

“Yes, though your magical strength seems stronger than that of the average unicorn as well.” Nova pointed out. “I’m guessing it’s because you worked hard at it didn’t you, hence your special talent being magic. Am I right?”

“You are. I am loving this discussion, it’s so fascinating.” Twilight said. “So are all Equinians who use magic as strong as you?”

“First, all Equinians are magic users, we aren’t as diverse in species as you ponies are.” Nova brought up a picture on his computer that showed a male Equinaian and a female Equinian. “There is only a physical difference between the male and female of my race as you can see. The males have fins while the females do not. The females tail is more sleek and has a ring at the end. The females magic comes from the tail ring while the males source is internal.”

Twilight was smiling more as she was learning more about another race. Nova figured she would enjoy it which is why he started on this in the first place.

As Nova continued his lecture, he used his computer to bring up different pictures to help with his presentation. “As you are aware, the magic your race utilizes is all internal. I find it fascinating that even though the pegasai and earth ponies have magic but can’t utilize it like you unicorns, it still manifests in different ways like how the pegasai control the weather and fly, and how earth ponies use theirs to tend to the land and help plants grow and take care of the animals.”

“This is all so fascinating Nova, so did you all use just magic to manipulate the weather and help grow plants then?” Twilight asked.

“We didn’t use our magic to control our world. We let the weather and animals do as they pleased. Though it was hard sometimes, we still managed to live in harmony with our world. We did use magic to help crops grow some, but that was as far as we went with our magic in controlling our world. We just used it for other things like entertainment, scientific pursuits, and exploration.”

“Gosh Nova, I wish I could have seen your world, it all sounds beautiful.”

Nova’s smile faded a little. “Yeah….it was.”

Twilight noticed his mood drop and realized what she said. “Oh, I’m sorry Nova….I…I didn’t mean to…”

Nova cut her off. “It’s fine Twilight. I think we forgot the whole reason you came by here. You wanted to know about how my culture gets married as you would say.”

Twilight nodded.

Nova turned back to his computer and began the explanation. “Firstly, we call it the bonding. It’s the bonding of two souls who find happiness with each other. The ceremony starts with us standing before an altar of our goddess Galea. I say my true feelings for you in my own words and why I feel the way I do about you. Then you do the same. After that, we both ask the goddess Galea for her blessing. If she grants it, the eyes of the statue will light up. That will mean the goddess approves and will be watching over us. If not, we will not receive her blessing but can still get married if we believe it will work.”

“It all sounds so interesting Nova. I think….I’d like to do it your way.” Twilight said with a smile.

Nova smiled back. “Really? That would mean a lot to me, but I have no problem in doing it the way your culture does.”

Twilight nuzzled Nova. “It’s fine Nova, I really would like to do it your way.”

Nova smiled bigger as he nuzzled Twilight back. “All right then. When should we do it?”

“I think we should wait a while. I still would like to introduce you to my family before we decide on that.” Twilight informed.

“Fine by me. I imagine I’ll have to tell them what I am won’t I?”

The next day arrived and Nova was in high spirits. He and his little brother were sitting at a table eating a breakfast of Starburst’s favorite fruit from their old world, snorbler fruit when a knock at their door came. “I’ll get it.” Nova said. He got up from his chair, grabbed his holo-emitter and put it on, then answered the door. “Whoa, Spike?” The first thing Nova noticed was Spike was standing before him, but he was taller. Twilight was next to him. 

“Nova, I need your help. There’s something wrong with Spike.” Twilight said.

“Uh, but….”

Twilight cut him off again. “Do you think there might be something you can do? Maybe use something from your computer, information…something?”

“Well, I guess I could try. Come on in.” Nova stepped aside to let the two in. 

Starburst immediately noticed Spike and ran over. “Whoa, Spike, what happened to you?”

Spike’s voice was a little deeper than usual. “I don’t know, I just woke up and was like this.”

Nova had deactivated his necklace. “Do you remember what you were doing yesterday after me and Twilight left you?”

“Not really.” Spike responded.

Nova thought a moment. “Hmm, I suppose I could use a scan spell on him to try and figure it out, but I’m not familiar with his physiology so I don’t have anything to compare it too…..” He thought more when he had an idea. “But Starburst does.” 

“Huh?” All three said in unison.

Nova turned to his little brother. “Starburst, remember the first day we came here? When you saw Spike, you ran right up to him and used a scan spell on him.”

“Oh yeah, I did.” Starburst said with a smile. It soon faded as a question arose. “But how’s that going to help? I don’t know how to do a comparison.”

“You don’t have to, I can scan your mind and get the knowledge you have that way.” Nova pointed out.

“It won’t hurt will it?” Starburst asked nervously.

“Of course not, you won’t feel a thing. Now just relax and open your mind.” Nova instructed.

Starburst did as he was told and closed his eyes.

Nova shot a small beam of magic from his antennae to Starburst’s head. He scanned Starburst’s memory for what he was looking for, once he found it, he was able to copy it to his memory and cancelled the spell. “There we go, see, no sweat.” Nova then turned to Spike who seemed to be eyeing the rest of breakfast that was left. “Are you hungry?” He asked carefully.

Spike seemed to snap out of a trance. “Huh, uh, no, I’m okay.” He walked back over to Nova.

“Okay then, hold still.” Nova instructed. He performed his scan spell as a fan of magic went from his antennae and went down Spike’s body. When Nova finished, he raised a hoof to his chin. 

Twilight came up next to him. “Well? What did you find?”

“I….I’m sorry Twilight, but I don’t know what’s wrong. Other than him being bigger, I just don’t know. I wish I could be more help.” Nova said.

Twilight gave a sigh. “That’s okay, thanks anyway. Maybe a doctor can help.” 

“I’ll come with you.” Nova offered. “Starburst, you want to come?”

Starburst looked up to his brother. “Nah, I’m going to go spend more time with my friends, we have a crusader meeting today.” Starburst then galloped off after goodbyes were said.

“Guess it’s just us then. Don’t worry Twilight, I’m sure whatever it is we’ll figure out what’s wrong with Spike.” Nova tried to reassure Twilight.

He was rewarded with a grateful smile. “Come on Spike, let’s go.”

The three made their way to the doctor’s office and waited in the room for him to show. Spike was sitting on a kind of bed near a counter that had a bowl of lollipops. Spike tried to reach for it but Twilight slapped his claw away. The doctor finally came in. “Well now, what seems to be the problem?”

As Twilight explained, Spike kept reaching for a cup that had tongue depressors in them. “This is Spike. *Slap*. And something’s wrong with him. *Slap*. He used to be half this size, and he keeps trying to take things that aren’t his! *SLAP!*”

Nova watched Spike curiously. Once Twilight finished her explanation, he spoke up. “Think you can help him doc?”

“All right then, let’s just have a look see shall we.” The doctor positioned himself in front of Spike and started talking to him like he was a little foal. “Wittle guy not feewing too good?” He proceeded to hold Spike’s arm up and Spike was not looking too happy as the doc spoke to him like a baby. “Who’s a bwave wittle boy?” Spike tried to snap at him but the doc pulled back slightly un-phased. He continued with the baby talk. “Who’s the bwave one?” The doc then poked Spike in the knee.

The knee poke caused Spike to shoot out a large blast of fire that singed the top of the doctor’s mane.

“Can you find out what’s wrong?” Nova asked.

“Well, I think I know what the problem is.” The doc said. This got Twilight and Nova to smile, but Twilight’s was bigger. “He’s…a dragon!” The doc exclaimed.

Twilight now looked annoyed. “That’s not the problem, he’s always been a dragon.”

“Oh, well that explains it.” The doc walked over to a sink to clean himself. “Listen, I don’t know anything about dragons, I know about baby ponies. Why don’t you try a vet?” He suggested. 

Nova noticed Spike collecting the lollipops from the bowl. He figured it was a waste to just try and stop him, he would just keep trying for them for some reason.

Twilight gave a disappointed sigh. “*Sigh* Okay, thank you doctor.” 

On the way to the vet, Nova saw how sad Twilight was looking. She was so worried for Spike. He decided to try and comfort her. “Sorry the doctor couldn’t help Twilight, I wish I could have done something. It’s just, we didn’t have dragons on our world and I know next to nothing about them. I wish I could have been more help.”

Twilight looked up to Nova with a small smile. “It’s okay Nova, we’ll just try the vet.”

So the three made their way to the vet and Spike now had himself a bowl of lollipops. Spike was now standing on all fours on a table as the veterinarian looked him over. “Well, I’m flummoxed. Bring me a dog, I got it diagnosed in seconds, snake even faster. But to be honest, I’ve never seen a real live dragon before.” She stated. Spike gave a snort with smoke coming out his nose. The vet started petting him on the head like he was a pet. “Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?” She brought out a jar of dog biscuits and held one up in front of Spike. “Sit.” She commanded. 

Spike sat up like a dog and was rewarded with the dog biscuit. He didn’t eat it though, instead, put it in the bowl of lollipops he had.

Twilight hung her head in dissapointment. “Thanks anyway. Come on Spike.” The trio left the vet. “What do we do now, how do we find out what’s wrong with Spike?” Twilight asked.

Nova began to think. “Hmm, maybe Zecora can help, she’s pretty smart.”

Twilight’s mood perked up. “Of course, Zecora, great thinking Nova.” Twilight nuzzled Nova gratefully. They rushed off straight for Zecora’s next.

Zpike was sitting on a stool in Zecora’s hut. Zecora gave Spike’s head a squeeze and tapped it. Then, she hung a watched in front of him and let it swing. Spike tried to grab it, but Zecora pulled it away before he could get it. She took hold of one of Spike’s claws with her mouth and waved it up then down. Spike’s other arm followed suit and flung upwards. It ended up slapping Nova in the face as he was closest. “OW!”

“Nova, are you okay?” Twilight asked with worry. 

Nova rubbed his muzzle as he responded. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Uh, sorry.” Spike said.

Zecora gave her analysis. “He is starting to mature, of this fact I am quit sure.”

“Mature? So he’s just…growing up?” Twilight asked.

“Really, is that all? But why does he keep trying to take things?” Nova asked.

Zecora walked over to her cauldron with Twilight and Nova. “A dragon’s heart is prone to greed, a steady diet to make growth speed.” She threw in some green powder. “Then the resulting size only makes their hunger rise. If this trait should go unchecked,  if Spike continues to collect more growth will occur, he is going to turn into a monster.”

“That does not sound good.” Nova commented.

Twilight looked to Zecora with worry. “You mean the more stuff he collects the bigger and greedier he gets?”

“How do we stop this from happening?” Nova asked. He was really not liking the sound of this situation. 

Zecora informed them of a solution. “If his monstrous ways you wish to impede, you must prevent him from practicing greed.” After she gave her advice, they noticed all of Zecora’s stuff was gone.

Twilight gave a nervous smile and laughed.

“Uh, don’t worry Zecora, we’ll get your stuff back. Come on Twilight, we’d better find Spike.” Nova said. The two exited Zecora’s house and made their way back to Ponyville. 

“Come on Spike where are you?” Nova asked as he and Twilight were frantically running around town to try and find Spike.
As they were searching, they heard a familiar voice cry out. It was Sweetie Belle. “Get away from her you brute!”

Nova and Twilight looked over to see Spike trying to take Scootaloo’s scooter while the girls and Starburst were trying to keep him from taking it. “Spike want.” Spike said as he tried to take the scooter.

“Spike NO!” Nova cried out.

“You’re not getting my scooter.” Scootaloo said.

“Stop it Spike, let go!” Starburst strained out.

“Spike want.” Spike said again.

Both Twilight and Nova looked around for something to get his attention and draw him away from the kids. Twilight spotted a broom nearby and levitated it up. She started swinging it in front of Spike as she called out to him. “Hey Spike, check out this amazing broom.”

Spike finally released the scooter and eyed the broom. “Spike want!” He said more demanding and grew more in size.

“Come and get it big guy!” Nova called out. He and Twilight led Spike back to the library where Twilight tricked Spike into another room by pulling the broom out of his reach at the last second. Twilight leaned on the door with her back while Nova braced it with his forelegs. 

Spike seemed to be knocking at the door to try and get out but the two were able to hold the door. “Fight all you want, we’re not letting you out.” Twilight said.

“Spike, please try to come to your senses!” Nova pleaded. The struggling stopped. “Did that work?” Nova asked.

“I doubt it, but why did he stop?” Twilight asked. They stepped away from the door so Twilight could open it. When they stepped in the room, Spike had gathered all the books in the room into one pile and he was on top of it, holding on to it greedily. “Spike, I just re-shelved this room!” Twilight complained.

Nova helped Twilight get the books away from Spike and out of the room. Nova closed the door behind them once out. However, there was a loud bang in the room. “By the galaxies, what now?” Nova asked. They went back in and saw a Spike sized hole in the wall. “Great, he got out.”

“We need to find him and find some way to stop him. Maybe Applejack can help tie him up.” Twilight suggested.

“Then what are we waiting for, let’s go.” Nova said. They galloped out of the house and headed for Applejack’s.

They soon made it to Applejack’s orchard and found all the apples and leaves were gone. They spotted Applejack looking confused at the condition of her orchard. Twilight was the first to reach her. “Applejack help, Spikes running wild and we need you to lasso him!”

“Please Applejack, this is an emergency!” Nova added.

Applejack was silent a moment, then she started laughing. “Hoo, that’s a good one you two, heh heh, sweet little Spike running amuck.” Spike suddenly ran past them carrying a pile of apples and leaves. “Twilight, Nova, get my rope.” Applejack said seriously. 

Nova and Applejack were each holding an end of the rope in their mouths as they galloped after Spike. Twilight was galloping along behind them. Nova and Applejack dove for Spike to rope him. Unfortunately, Spike stopped and ducked down to pick up an apple. Applejack and Nova ended up hitting a tree and got tied up to it themselves. Spike looked up and saw them, he roared out at them and went on.

“Nova, Applejack, you two okay?” Twilight asked as she came up to them.

“Yeah, were okay.” Nova answered.

Rainbow Dash had been flying by overhead and saw the situation. She flew down and fell to the ground laughing at Nova and Applejack. “Ah ha ha ha, don’t tell me, you tied yourselves up?”

“This isn’t funny Rainbow, help me get them untied!” Twilight scolded.

Rainbow Dash ceased her laughing and helped Twilight free Nova and Applejack. As soon as they did, they heard a scream. “What was that?” Applejack asked.

“Sounded like Fluttershy to me.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Come on, we gotta make sure she’s okay.” Nova declared as he took off with the others close behind. The group soon arrived at Fluttershy’s place.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy!” Twilight called out.

“Fluttershy, where are you!” Nova added his voice.

Fluttershy’s voice answered back. “I’m up here!” The group looked up and saw her in a tree with a few squirrels.

“What happened Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Nova asked.

Fluttershy began to explain. “I was helping my squirrel friends with a dance step when all of a sudden, a giant rampaging d-d-d-dragon stormed through!”

“That was Spike!” Twilight informed.

“Spike? But why would Spike steal my chicken coop? He just pulled it out of the ground and filled it with a bunch of apples and stuff.”

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” Another scream rang out.

“That sounded like Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow informed.

“Come on everypony.” Twilight declared.

“This is nuts.” Nova said. “How did this even start?”

The group arrived at Sugarcube Corner to see Pinkie sitting on top of a shelf throwing cakes at Spike. He was holding Fluttershy’s chicken coop with a bunch of things in it. “Pinkie Pie, stop giving him cake.” Twilight said.

“We’re trying to stop him from collecting things.” Nova informed.

“I’m not giving him cake, I’m assaulting him with cake.” Pinkie she tossed two more cakes at Spike and went for more, but Spike reached over and grabbed all the cakes on the shelves. Pinkie had fallen off and glared at Spike. “How dare you take the cake!”
Spike suddenly started to shudder a bit and grew bigger, so big that he bused the roof of the bakery. He then walked off to find more things. “Quasars, he’s gotten even bigger!” Nova said. “This is iimpossible, how are we going to stop him now?” Pinkie Pie was left stunned as her jaw hung open. Nova went to her side and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Pinkie, I’ll help fix it, but we need to stop Spike first.” 

Pinkie snapped out of her stupor and followed the others. Spike had grown to an enormous size and let out a roar as ponies started panicking and running around. To make things worse, he now had Rarity in his tail. Spike went and grabbed the water tower off its stand which caused the water to fall out and flood the area. He used the tank to store more things he had.

Nova zapped up his wings and flew up to Spike with Dash. “Don’t worry Rarity, we’ll get you out of this somehow!” Nova took one side of Spike’s ear while Dash took the other. 

“Put her down right now!” Dash said angrily.

Nova tried another way. “Spike, please snap out of it, look what you’re doing!”

“I mean it dragon boy!”

“Come on Spike, your better than this, think about Twilight, think about your friends!”

“Drop her scaly!”

Their efforts were fruitless as Spike started swinging his tail about to shoo them way. Rarity was not pleased. “Hey….I’m not just…some sort of…….common fly swatter!”

Nova went to try and grab her and pull her free from Spike’s tail with Dash. The cape Rarity was wearing stopped them and wrapped them up. They fell into the river with the ripped piece of cloth around them. The others had gathered at the bridge. Spike gave out another loud roar. Three pegasi wearing the wonderbolts uniform flew in overhead. “Look, the wonderbolts!” Dash declared.

They flew around Spike and came up behind him, they managed to knock off a couple of his spines up the back of his neck. They flew around him some more. Spike climbed up the side of a mountain. “Oh galaxies, I hope they don’t hurt Spike too bad.” Nova commented.

Spike had emptied out the tank he had into a hole in the side of the wall as the wonderbolts continued to try and attack him. The swooped in on him but were tricked into the tank Spike had. He slammed the open end of it into the side of the mountain and trapped the wonderbolts. “Oh no, what do we do now?” Twilight asked with worry.

Nova looked to Twilight with equal worry. “I don’t know Twilight, I don’t know.” They watched helplessy as Spike was looking at Rarity. She seemed to be saying something to him but Nova couldn’t hear. But then, somehow out of nowhere, Spike just shrank down and back to his normal self. “What? He’s back!” Nova declared. It was then he noticed another problem. Rarity and Spike were falling.

“Somepony do something!” Pinkie cried out.

“We’re on it, come on Nova!” Rainbow Dash declared. 

Nova flew up and followed Rainbow, she and Nova grabbed the cloth they got caught in before and flew as fast as they could to catch Spike and Rarity. They were successful and caught the two before they met the ground. They brought them back to the bridge where the others cheered in delight at the rescue and to see their friends safe.

The tank on the side of the mountain fell off and freed the wonderbolts. They flew off back to cloudsdale. “All in a days work.” Dash said.

Twilight walked up to Nova and nuzzled him. “Thank you for saving them Nova.”

“Hey, don’t thank just me, Dash was the other half of the rescue.” Nova said with a smile.

“Thank you both so much for rescuing us like that.” Rarity said.

“Awe, it was nothing.” Dash said with a hoof wave. 

Both Rarity and Nova noticed Spike sitting on the edge of the bridge looking sad. They both went over and Rarity started. “Spike I just have to tell you how proud I am of you.” 

“Proud of me?” Spike asked.

“Yes, it was you who stopped you from destroying Ponyville. Your my hero Spikey wikey.” Rarity then gave Spike a kiss on the cheek. 

Spike smiled at first, but it soon faded. “But, I caused so much damage. I’m no hero. I let myself become a monster and nearly destroyed the town.” Rarity frowned at his words.

Nova stepped up to Spike and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Spike, this was an accident. None of us knew how you getting so much stuff for your birthday would affect you. If anything, we’re all to blame for this. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Even though you went a little crazy there, in the end, you were able to stop yourself. That is something to be proud of.” Nova gave a smile. 
Spike smiled back. “Thanks Nova, your right.” He gave Nova a grateful hug. 

Nova hugged back. “No problem.”

Once they broke their hug, Twilight walked over and gave Spike a hug of her own. “It’s good to have you back Spike. I was really worried about you.”

Spike hugged back. “I’m really sorry Twilight.”

“It’s okay Spike, like Nova said, this was just an accident.” Twilight assured.

After all was said and done, Rarity had every pony meet her back at her boutique to give every pony a cape. Nova’s was green with a yellow collar and orange lining. With everything now settled, it was time to begin the arduous task of fixing the damage done to the town, but with everypony working together, it wasn’t too bad.

At the end of the day after all the work, Nova returned home feeling exhausted. He was greeted by his little brother. “Hey Nova, welcome home.” He was playing with Zippy when Nova came in.

Nova gave a tired smile. “Hey Starburst, you and your friends okay after what happened?”

“Yeah, we were okay, but what happened to Spike, how did he get so big and why was he acting so greedy?” Starburst asked.

“I’ll tell you later Starburst, right now, I just need some rest.” Nova made his way to his room to turn in for the night, Starburst decided to follow as well. They said their goodnights and rested their heads to sleep so they could greet the next day.
> Nova The Sage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nova The Sage



Winter had rolled around and Starburst spent most of his free time with his friends again having fun in the snow. However, Starburst was also spending some time helping nova use what materials they could get to decorate their home and their parents home for a holiday that was coming up. Nova and Starburst had made paper stars with silver glitter to hang outside their homes. Cosmos and Starla were helping their sons as well in the house as they worked together. “This is great, I can’t believe Galea day is almost here.” Starburst cheered.

Starla smiled at her little boy. “I know son, this is the first time we’ll get to celebrate it together like this.”

Cosmos agreed. “Indeed, this will be the best Galea day ever.” After he said that, there was a knock at the door. 

“I’ll get it.” Nova said as he stood up and walked away from the table. Once he reached the door, he opened it to see Twilight there before him wearing a scarf and purple jacket. “Hello Twilight, may the stars grant you happiness.”

Twilight smiled as she greeted back. “Hello Nova, what was with the greeting?”

“Oh right, you see, Galea day is approaching. That is what we say during the holiday.” Nova explained.

Twilight cocked an eyebrow in confusion. “Galea day?”

“Yes, come inside and I’ll tell you all about it.” Nova stepped aside to let Twilight in. Nova closed the door behind her and removed her coat and scarf for her. “Would you like something to drink?”

Before she could answer, Starburst ran up to her with a smile. “Hello Twilight, may the stars grant you happiness.”

“Hello to you too Starburst.” Twilight greeted back. She decided to try the greeting as well. “May the….stars grant you….happiness?”

“You got it.” Starburst cheered.

Cosmos and Starla soon entered the room and greeted her as well. Once the greetings were out of the way, Nova went back to his previous question. “So, you want anything to drink?”

“We recently got some great cocoa. Would you like some.” Starla offered.

“Ooh, ooh, I want some!” Starburst cheered.

Twilight smiled. “That sounds nice, thank you.”

Starla made her way to the kitchen to brew some hot cocoa. 

Nova and Twilight took a seat on the couch next to each other as Cosmos joined them and sat in a separate chair. “So Twilight, what brings you by?”

It was then that zippy flew in as well. Starburst took a seat in front of Nova and Twilight while Zippy landed next to him. The two started to play while the other adults talked. “I just wanted to wish you all a happy heart’s warming day.”

Nova and Cosmos cocked a brow. “Heart’s what now?” Starburst asked.

Nova responded first. “Let me guess, another holiday you celebrate?”
Twilight nodded.

“Looks like we both have holidays to explain. Why don’t you go first.” Nova invited.

“I won’t have to, there was another reason I came by. I wanted to tell you Celestia has invited us to take part in the annual heart’s warming day play. It’s the story of heart’s warming and how it got started.” Twilight explained. 

“What? You mean…she wants….us, as in….all of us….as in, you…our friends….and me?” Nova asked with a bit of nervousness.

“Of course silly.” Twilight giggled. It stopped though when she picked up on Nova’s nervousness. “Are you okay?”

After she asked this, Starla entered the room using her magic to carry a few cups of cocoa for everyone. She passed them out and took a seat on the couch next to Nova. “Twilight, do you really think that’s such a good idea?” She asked.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but there is no way I can do that.” Nova stated.

Twilight placed a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “Why not?”

“I’m supposed to be keeping a low profile, remember? What if something were to happen during this play that caused my holographic necklace to fail and expose me? I can’t take that chance.”

“Nova, son, don’t you think you might be overthinking this?” Cosmos asked.

Starla seemed to agree with Nova. “I don’t know Cosmos, he may have a point.”

Twilight began pleading. “Come on Nova, this is a big thing, this play is very important to Equestria. This is an honor to be asked to do this by the princess.”

“What if my necklace fails?” Nova asked again.

“Nova, you’ll be wearing a costume, it will cover up your alien features should that happen. Please.” Twilight argued.

Nova just couldn’t say no to Twilight as he gazed into her beautiful pleading eyes. He gave a defeated sigh. “*Sigh* Fine, I’ll do it. Do you have a copy of the play I can see?”

“I sure do, I brought it with me, just a sec.” Twilight went over to her coat where she retrieved a stack of papers. “Here it is.” She floated it over to Nova.

Nova took hold of it with his own magic and began reading it over. “Twilight, I don’t really get why I need to be in this play, the part I was given seems like it might have been added in or something. In fact, I’d say this play was written with the fact that just six ponies would be playing the major roles.”

Twilight smiled as she began to explain. “Well, princess Celestia decided to change it up a bit and added an extra part so you could be in it.”

“Oh my, she did that just so our son could have a part?” Starla asked.

“She sure did.” Twilight responded. 

Nova was surprised to say the least. “I…can’t believe she went through the trouble just so I’d have a part.”

“All the more reason for you to take part in this play.” Twilight pointed out.

“This play sounds really important Nova.” Starburst said. He stood up and had Zippy resting on his head. “I’d sure like to see it too.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll be in a play.” Nova said with a smile.

“And we’ll be there to support you.” Starla stated with a warm smile of her own.

“So Nova, you were going to tell me about this holiday you and your family were about to celebrate.” Twilight suddenly pointed out.

“Right, guess we got sidetracked there.” Nova said with a sheepish smile. “Okay, the story of Galea day goes back thousands and thousands of years ago when our race was still young. This was before we had the technology we do today, before our magic was strong as it is today. Long before we had built cities, and vehicles, and anything considered civilized. Ages ago, it is believed there was a terrible darkness threatening the universe. A god like monster that was consuming stars and planets, devouring those that would not submit to its will. It is believed this was the one time Galea intervened on our behalf. She used her godly powers to move our planet and carry it with her while keeping our young race alive.”

“She raced through the stars as the beast gave chase, doing whatever she could to fight it off. At one point, she had managed to lose the monster and set a trap for it. Once the trap was ready, she lured the monster to the very center of the galaxy where many stars were close together. In this part of the galaxy, a stars gravity is much stronger than it normally would be. She used her powers to intensify the gravity force of the stars there. There, she had our planet tucked safely in another part of the area where we would be safe. She battled the beast long and hard to a standstill. She then launched her trap and utilized the stars powerful gravitational forces as a way to bind the monster. She had managed to trap the beast once and for all. She was too weak at the time to destroy it fully, so she left it there where it is believed to still be trapped.”

“Because of her acts, we have a holiday to thank her for what she did. We hold Galea day to give thanks to her and all she has done and created. We celebrate by first having a get together at night and sit outside to admire the stars. Then we throw a party.”

“We decorate our house with star like objects.” Starburst pointed out. “We were making some but then you came along.”

Twilight listened intently as Nova told the story. “Wow, that sounds amazing, but is it true?”

“HAH, yeah right, as if something like that could be true.” Starburst said with a laugh.

“Whether it’s true or not, that is the story behind Galea day.” Cosmos explained. “Even if the story isn’t true, the origins of this holiday go back further than any equinian can tell. It’s true origins were lost to history.”

“It’s a fun holiday in my opinion.” Starla pointed out. “It’s a great time for families to get together and spend time with one another. This holiday isn’t just about giving our thanks to Galea, but also a celebration of life.”

“Wow, this is so fascinating, thank you for sharing the tale with me.” Twilight said with a smile.

Nova smiled back. “Sure thing, so when is this play going on?”

“We hold it on heart’s warming day in five days.”

“What? But that’s when Galea day is.” Nova pointed out. “And this is the first time we’ve gotten to celebrate it as a family in ages.”

Twilight’s face fell. “Oh, I guess that would be a problem.”

Starburst whined out in disappointment. “Awe, so does that mean we won’t go to the play?”

Cosmos stepped in with an answer. “Now hold on, let’s not start thinking the worst here. Galea day is mostly celebrated at night anyway, right? So the way I see it, we can still celebrate and enjoy this heart’s warming holiday and see the play, then come back home in time to get started with our holiday.”

Starla smiled. “Of course, Cosmos you are so smart, Galea bless you and that big brain of yours.” Starla went and gave Cosmos a kiss.

Cosmos happily returned it. “I know, I’m a genius.”

Nova’s smile returned. “Well, looks like we’ll be celebrating two holidays then.”

“All right!” Starburst cheered.

Five fun filled days of playing in the snow for Starburst and his family passed before it was now Heart’s warming day and Nova, his family and friends were all on the train ride to Canterlot to perform the heart’s warming pageant. Nova was still a little nervous about it, but thanks to the support of his family and friends, he felt he could face this. Besides, he wouldn’t be on stage alone. As the train drew closer, the girls grew more excited. Twilight poked her head out of one window to get a good view. “We’re getting closer.” 
Rainbow Dash followed suit. “I can hardly wait.”

Fluttershy then stuck her head out. “I’m so excited, I…I feel like shouting. Woo hoo.” It was more of a quiet shout.
Applejack was next as she cheered. “Woo hoo! Canterlot, here we come!”

Rarity then stuck her head out as she was wearing a small colorfully decorated pine tree looking hat. “Oh I do hope I look festive enough.” 

Finally, by Pinkie logic, Pinkie Pie popped up out of Rarity’s hat. “There it is, Canterlot.”

Nova decided to join his friends and poked his head out a window. “Wow, the place looks kind of pretty in this snowy weather.”

Once the train pulled into the station, the group disembarked and began walking among the city. “Wow, look at this place, it’s so colorful.” Starburst commented. The lamp posts had green wreaths with red bows on them and many colorful lights decorated the buildings. Little ponies were seen going about playing in the snow. Starburst spotted his friends and started to join in on the fun they were having.

“I’ll say.” Starla commented.

Twilight walked next to Nova as she admired the scenery. “Oh, isn’t Canterlot wonderful this time of year?”

Rainbow Dash was walking just behind them as she looked about. “Yeah, I wish it was heart’s warming eve every day.”

There were also pine trees set up with colorful decorations and ornaments around the place, and many other things decorating the city. “There’s just so many things to look at, I feel like my eyes are gonna pop right out of their sockets.” Applejack commented.

This gave Twilight an idea. “I know, let’s play I spy as we walk. I’ll go first. I spy….an eight foot candy cane.” Every pony looked over and saw a large candy cane with two little ponies stuck to it by their tongues, Scootaloo being one of them.

“Oh dear.” Starla expressed. She rushed over to help the two little ponies get unstuck.

“Wait up dear!” Cosmos called. “You all go on ahead, we’ll meet you at where the play will be.” He galloped off to follow Starla.

Nova rolled his eyes.

“I spy a snow pony!” Rainbow called out.

Pinkie Pie hopped along as she pointed out what she spotted. “I spy somepony eating a gingerbread house.” She rushed into a shop and popped back out with a gingerbread house. Pinkie managed to eat the whole thing in one bite. “And it’s me.” She stated with a giggle. This got every pony laughing along.

“Interesting game you have.” Nova commented once he finished laughing.

Eventually, they all reached the castle where the play was being held in the throne room. Many ponies were waiting patiently for the play to start. Starburst, Starla, Cosmos, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom all had front row seats for the show. 
Everypony working on the play was back stage getting ready. “I can’t believe princess Celestia chose us to take part in the most important play of the season.” Twilight commented.

Rarity was the only one at the moment in full costume. She was wearing a silver crown with purple jewels and a purple cape with white and silver trimmings. Applejack was wearing a brown pointy hat with an orange band and a white feather. 

As Twilight went on about her and her friends being selected to play important parts in the play, Nova found his costume which was a simple grey cloak and a wooden staff that curled at the top. He was about to put it on when he spotted Derpy nearby. “Hey Derpy, I didn’t know you were helping with the play.”

Derpy smiled upon seeing Nova. “Hello Nova, I sure am. I may not have a part in it, but I’m just glad to help get it going.”
“So what are you helping with? Lights, sets, props?”

“Costumes.” 

“That’s simple enough.”

“So Nova, how does it feel to be given a special part in the play by the princess?” Derpy asked with interest, her crossed eyes fixated on Nova waiting for his answer.

“To be honest, I was pretty surprised when I heard about it.” Nova stated. “Now….I don’t know, nervous I guess. I’m actually a little afraid to get out there in front of all those eyes.”

Derpy waved a hoof. “You’ll be fine, I just know you’ll do great out there.”
Nova smiled at Derpy’s words. “Thanks Derpy. It’s nice to have the support of good friends like you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

After Derpy said that, a blast of cold wind suddenly filled the room. “What the galaxies? What’s going on?” Nova looked over to see the room suddenly in chaos. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were arguing about something near an open window where the cold air and snow were coming from, Twilight was using her magic to try and pull Fluttershy out of a box with Pinkie trying to help, and Rarity was just standing there whining about her hair. “ENOUGH!” Nova shouted. This got everyponies attention. He took to the center of the room and used his magic to first close the window. “There, now that that is settled, just what is going on here? We’re about to put on a play about friendship and harmony aren’t we? So what’s with all the fighting?”

Fluttershy was still hiding in a box while the others looked a little guilty and apologetic. “Sorry Nova, we didn’t mean to.” Applejack said. “It’s just, Rainbow Dash here was thinkin this show should be all about her.”

“Well I am awesome, so why not?” Rainbow retorted.

Nova approached her and explained. “Because Dash, this play is about how Equestria was FOUNDED, not about you. This play is the story of how three tribes found peace with one another and founded a country with friendship and harmony in mind. Get it now?”

Rainbow frowned slightly. “Yeah, I get it, sorry.”

Nova then went over to Fluttershy and took on a more soothing tone. “Fluttershy, why are you hiding in that box?”

Fluttershy kept her head buried as she responded. “I’m afraid to go out there with so many ponies watching us.”

“I see, I understand.” Nova said.

Fluttershy raised her head out of the box and looked at Nova. “You do?”

“Sure I do, I’m a little nervous to be doing this myself, I’ve never been in a play before. But let me tell you a trick that might help. Just forget all those ponies out there and focus only on those on the stage with you. There’s nopony here but you and your friends. Ignore everything else.”

“Really? Do you think it will work?” Fluttershy asked.

“It couldn’t hurt to try. Besides, we can’t do this play without you.”

“Okay, I’ll try. Thank you Nova, I do feel a little better.” Fluttershy gave a smile.

Spike poked his head behind the stage and called out. “Come on guys, get ready, the play is ready to start now.” 

The girls and Nova rushed to get into costume and took their places. The lights dimmed down and a spot light shown on the stage. The curtains pulled back to reveal a fake fireplace with Spike standing before it. He began his narration of the play. “Once upon a time, before the peaceful rule of Celestia, and before ponies discovered our beautiful land of Equestria, ponies did not know harmony.”
Spike started walking closer to the edge of the stage. “It was a strange and dark time, a time when ponies where torn apart….by hatred.” The audience let out a gasp. Spike leaned towards the cmc. “I know, can you believe it?” He pulled back and continued with his narration. “During this frightful age, the three tribes, the pegasai, the unicorns, and the earth ponies, cared not for what befell the other tribes, but only of their own welfare. In those troubled times as now, the pegasai were the stuarts of the weather.” A pair of pegasai were flying above the stage and one shook a fake cloud. 

“But, they demanded something in return, food that could only be grown by the earth ponies.” A pair of earth ponies gave the pegasai some food. “The unicorns demanded the same, in return for magically bringing the day and night.” The earth ponies then reluctantly gave a pair of unicorns some food. “And so, mistrust between the tribes festered until one fateful day, it came to a boil. And what prompted the ponies to clash? Twas a mysterious blizzard that overtook the land and toppled the tribes precarious peace.” 

“The normally industrious earth ponies were unable to farm their land. The earth ponies were freezing.” One earth pony was nearly in tears as a plant he held crumbled and blew away. The pony too then blew away followed by a house in the background. “The home of the pegasai fared no better. The pegasai were hungry.” One of the pegasai tried to eat the fan on his helmet. “And the unicorns were freezing and hungry. Even the unicorn’s magic was powerless against the storm.” The unicorns tried to use their magic to hold a door closed, but the wind was too much and blew it down. “Each tribe blamed the others for their suffering, and the angrier every pony grew, the worse the blizzard became.” Snow piled up around three ponies from each tribe fighting over a bag of food.

A number of ponies started filing into a stone building. “And so it was decided that a summit would be held to figure out a way to cope with the blizzard. Each tribe sent their leaders, daughter of the unicorn king, princess Platinum.” Princess platinum walked in as trumpets sounded. “Ruler of the Pegasai, commander Hurricane.” Commander Hurricane made her way in as more trumpets sounded. “And lastly, leader of the earth ponies, chancellor Pudding head.” Kazoos sounded as the chancellor entered. They each took a spot at a long table. “Perhaps the three tribes could finally settle their differences and find a way to get through this disaster.” Instead, they all started arguing right away and yelling at each other.

Eventually, commander Hurricane’s voice was heard. “All I want to know is why the earth ponies are hogging all the food.” The pegasai cried out in agreement.

The chancellor argued they weren’t. “Us? Were not hogging all the food, you are!” Her voice dropped to normal speaking levels. “Oh wait, you’re right, it’s us. Well, it’s only because you mean old pegasususus are making it snow like crazy!”

“For the hundredth time, it’s not us!” Hurricane argued back. “We’re not making it snow. It must be the unicorns, they’re doing it with their freaky magic.”

Princess Platinum took offense to this. “*Gasp* How dare you! Unlike you pegasai ruffians, we unicorns would never stoop to such a thing, HUMPF!” The other unicorns followed Platinum with a humpf of their own. 

Chancellor Pudding Head followed up. “Well if you non-earths aren’t going to stop making it snow, then I’m plum out of ideas.”

Before more arguing could ensue, the doors to the building flung open and a gust of wind and snow accompanied it. A pony walked in wearing a grey cloak and carrying a wooden staff curled at the top. Only his muzzle and hooves could be seen, his features were completely covered by his hood. But he had a green coat of fur. Once he walked in, he closed the door behind him.

“Who are you?” Hurricane asked.

“How dare you interrupt our meeting!” Princess Platinum shot.

The new pony spoke pleadingly. “Please, you must listen to me, this arguing must stop or the storm that plauges these lands will only get worse.”

Pudding Head gave a distrusting look. “Just who are you anyway? And why should we trust you?”

The new pony walked closer to the three. “Who I am does not matter, I am but a traveler of these lands. Please believe me when I say that this arguing must stop, it is pointless.”

“What race are you?” Hurricane asked. “No way you’re a Pegasus, no Pegasus would hide their wings.”

“Hah, maybe he’s ashamed of being a Pegasus.” Platinum argued.

“Yeah? Or maybe he’s a dirty earth pony.” Hurricane shot back.

“HEY!! We are not dirty…oh wait, yes we are. Still, he could just as easily be a unicorn.” Pudding Head argued.

“No unicorn would hide their horn.” Platinum retorted.

“ENOUGH!” The stallion yelled out. “What race I am does not matter! Please believe me, this storm is only going to get worse if peace is not found!”

“Why should we listen to you?” Hurricane argued. “You won’t even tell us what race you are.”

“Yeah, and besides, how would our arguing be the cause of this storm?” Pudding Head asked.

“Because, there are….” The cloaked stallion was interrupted by Platinum.

“Silence, you are wasting our time pony.” The princess said with a wave of her hoof. 

“This meeting is going nowhere, I’m out of here.” Hurricane stated as she made for the door.

“Not before me, I am a princess and I should go first.” Platinum argued as she tried to exit the building first.

“No way, I’M first.” Pudding Head cried out. 

Each tribe leader fought to leave the place first. Soon, the rest of the tribes left, leaving the stallion on his own. “Foolish ponies, if only I could get them to listen to reason. That seems very unlikely though. They appear very stubborn. Perhaps I’ll have better luck with their followers.” He made his way out and to his first destination in hopes of finding allies to help in his quest to bring peace to the land.

“And the blizzard raged on.” Spike said as he continued his narration. “So the summit of the tribes did not turn out as well as hoped, and the three leaders returned home to lick their wounds and basically complain.” 

Commander Hurricane swooped in back to the Pegasus realm and stood proud at the steps of her home. “ATTEEEEENTION!” She called out, alerting a pegasus nearby of her presence. 

The Pegasus, private Pansy, was resting on a cloud when she heard the call and stood up at attention. She ended up falling through the cloud and into some snow. 

“Well, aren’t you curious of how it went?” Commander Hurricane asked Pansy.

“Oh, commander Hurricane, sir, how did it go sir?” Pansy asked.

“Horribly!” Hurricane declared sternly. “Those other tribes are so disrespectful. Don’t they realize that we are a tribe of mighty warriors and should not be crossed?” During Hurricane’s rant, the guard was trying to make her way up the steps but slipped on some snow and fell down again. “We have got to break rank with those weak foals.”

Hurricane went into her home to think more on the matter. It was then that the cloaked pony from before appeared and made his way up to private Pansy and helped her out of the snow. “Oh, thank you for the help.”

The mysterious stallion gave a small smile. “You are welcome.” His smile faded. “Miss, I must ask for your help.”

Private Pansy gained a look of shock. “Me, with what? Who are you anyway? If you’re not a Pegasus, I probably shouldn’t be talking to you. Commander Hurricane wouldn’t like it.”

“Who I am does not matter, and Hurricane is part of the problem. I’m hoping, since your closest to her, you might be able to talk sense into that thick stubborn head of hers. Please hear me out. This blizzard will only continue to grow and get worse if the three tribes can’t get along.” The pony said seriously. 

Pansy cocked a brow at the stallion’s words. “Really? I don’t know, I don’t think I can get her to listen. But how is the arguing what’s causing the storm?”

“It’s not the storm alone, but what the arguing is affecting. There are….

“HEY! What are you doing here?!” Commander Hurricane called out once she saw the pony there. “Get lost, we don’t want to listen to more of your crazy talk, beat it!”

The stallion frowned. “Fine, but I tried to warn you, if peace is not found, this land is doomed.” The stallion then walked off and decided to go to the unicorns next.

Princess Platinum had just entered her castle. “Clover the Clever, I need you!”

A mare in a brown cloak and hood, Clover the Clever, walked over to Platinum and wrapped a blanket on her. “Yes your majesty, did the other pony tribes see reason as I predicted?”

Princess Platinum stood up and made her way over to a cushion as she gave her answer. “Those other tribes are impossible. I for one can no longer bare to be anywhere near those creatures.” Clover levitated a small wooden tub of water over to Platinum. “The unicorns are noble and majestic, we will no longer consort with the likes of them.” Platinum then splashed her hooves into the water, getting Clover’s face wet. There was a knock at the door. “Now who could that be? Clover, go see who it is.”

“Yes your majesty.” Clover walked back to the door and used her magic to open it. Standing before her was a stallion in a grey cloak holding a staff. “Yes, can I help you?”

“It is not I that needs help, but you and the other tribes, I’m hoping you might be able to help me convince your princess to listen to reason. This land is doomed lest the three tribes find peace amongst themselves, or this land will freeze over.”

“Really? How is peace amongst our tribes going to affect our land? Who are you anyway?”

“My name is of no importance, please listen to me.”

“I do think we need to find peace, but the princess can be rather….stubborn.” Clover said low so Platinum could not hear.

“I understand, but this land is doomed, if peace cannot be found, every pony will freeze and…”

“Clove the Clever, who is it?” Princess Platinum called out interrupting the stallion.

Clover looked back to Platinum as she responded. “There is a stallion in a cloak here your majesty, I think he knows how to stop this blizzard.”

Platinum got up from her seat and made her way over to the door. “YOU! I thought we made it perfectly clear we have no interest in listening to your ridiculous ideas, be gone with you at once. Clover, get rid of him.” She turned and headed back to her seat.
Clover sighed out in disappointment. “As you wish princess.” She faced the pony. “I’m sorry, but you have to go.”

“I understand.” The stallion bowed his head slightly.

“I do believe you, really, but I have to do what she says.” Clover responded with an apologetic look.

The pony placed a hoof on her shoulder. “It’s all right, just try to do what you can to get her to listen won’t you?”

“I’ll try, farewell sir.” Clover then closed the door on the pony.

The mysterious pony sighed in defeat. “*Sigh* Well, that just leaves the earth ponies. So far two of the other ones I’ve met were willing to listen, maybe I’ll have the same luck with the earth ponies.”

Back at the earth pony tribe, Chancellor Pudding Head entered her home through the chimney. The chancellor’s advisor, Smart Cookie, was expecting her to come in through the door and was a little surprised to see the chancellor come in the way she did. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to use the door chancellor?”

“Maybe for you, Smart Cookie, but I am a chancellor. I was elected because I know how to think outside the box, which means…” Pudding Head stepped back into the chimney and raised her head into it. “I can also think inside a chimney. Can you think inside a chimney?”

Smart Cookie tried to say something but was at a loss for words. “I…”

“I didn’t think so.” Pudding Head stated as she walked past Cookie. She paused in her tracks and looked back. “Oh my gosh, hold on to your hooves, I am just about to be brilliant!”

“That’d be a first.” Smart Cookie muttered under her breath.

“I have decided that the earth ponies are gonna go it alone.”

Smart Cookie was disappointed at this. “Awe, so the other tribes didn’t come around? Shoot, I really thought we could get through to them if we…”

Pudding Head cut her off. “Don’t worry about them. We’re the ones with all the food right?”

Smart Cookie gave a flat look. “Uh, actually, we’re all out.”

Pudding Head wasn’t affected by this news. “Fine, then we’ll just go somewhere else where we can grow new food. And with me as our fearless leader, what could go wrong?” As she said this, she opened the door and a pile of snow fell in on her.

“Where should I start?” Smart Cookie responded.

The cloaked stallion made an appearance again as he approached the two from the top of the snow. “Excuse me, may I have a word?”

Smart Cookie cocked a brow. “Who are you?”

The stallion responded in the same manner as before. “Who I am is of no importance. However, I do know the cause behind this storm and why it is imperative the three tribes find peace amongst themselves. Please, you must…”

The chancellor poked her head out of the snow. “You again, didn’t we tell you to beat it? We don’t have time for your silly mumbo jumbo words.”

The cloaked pony spoke pleadingly. “Please listen to me, this land is doomed if the arguing continues.”

“How do you figure that?” Smart Cookie asked.

“Because, there are…”

“Save it for some other pony, get lost already.” Pudding Head declared.

“But Chancelor, I think he might know a way ta stop this blizzard, he sounds like he might know something.” Smart Cookie ordered. 

Pudding Head shoved her face into Cookie’s. “Are you forgetting who’s in charge here? I say he has to go, so go he must.”

“But….” Smart Cookie tried to argue.

“No buts, I say go!” 

The cloaked stallion sighed in defeat. “Very well, I tried to warn you, but none of you would listen. This storm will only get worse, there is no escaping it.” With that, the pony turned and left.

“Wait, sir, please!” Smart Cookie called out to stop him, but it was too late. “What do you think he meant by us not bein able to escape the storm?” She asked Pudding Head.

“Nonsense, that’s all he was speaking. Anyway, what I was trying to say before being interrupted is this.” Though separate, the three tribe leaders declared the same thing. “We must find a new land!”

Commander Hurricane flew on in search of a new place to settle on. She paused and looked back when she noticed Private Pansy was flying slowly. She flew back to Pansy. “Come on private Pansy, let’s go. Hut one hut two!” A bolt of lightning went off and startled Pansy, causing her to latch onto Hurricane. “Get a hold of yourself private.” Hurricane declared as she dropped Pansy. “We cannot let anything distract us from the mission at hand; to find, and if necessary, to conquer a new land.” She flew behind Pansy and started pushing her along.

“Conquer sir?” Pansy asked in concern.

“You never know where enemies might be lurking.”

Pansy looked around nervously. “I don’t see any enemies commander, just snow.”

Hurricane pointed a hoof as she declared, “Aha! What’s that?” She pointed at, then attacked a cloud that she thought was some kind of monster. 

Pansy looked to her side and saw a small puff of cloud next to her. She freaked out and flew into Hurricane’s hoofs again. 

Hurricane gave a flat look. “Okay, this is getting old.” She then released her hold on Pansy.

Pansy flew back up and hovered in front of Hurricane. “Um, commander, don’t you think maybe we should have heard what that pony in the cloak had to say…..maybe listen to just a little bit of what he was trying to say?”

“No way!” Hurricane declared. “There’s no way that pony was a Pegasus, if he had wings, he was keeping them hidden, no Pegasus hides what they are. Besides, it could have been some stupid earth pony or unicorn trick.” She insisted.

Back with the unicorns, princess Platinum and Clover the Clever were making their way in search of a new land themselves. “Oh, this is simply taking forever.” Platinum whined out. “My hooves are killing me, how long have we been walking for?”

Clover used her hoof to lower a branch to give a clear view of the castle. “About five minutes your highness.”

Platinum started walking again. “Huh, I never imagined finding a new land would be so hard. But it will all be worth it, don’t you agree?”

“I actually think the three tribes could have tried harder.”

“STOOOOOOOOOP!” Princess Platinum suddenly cried out.

Clover rushed over to her side. “What’s wrong?”

Platinum pointed a hoof to a river. “That is what’s wrong.” It was more of a small stream with a few rocks in it that could be used to cross it.

“Your highness, it’s just a stream, we can cross it easy.” To demonstrate, Clover walked over two rocks in the stream to get to the other side.

“I refuse to get my gown wet. I have no intention of arriving at my new land looking like a bedraggled earth pony.” Platinum stated as she turned her muzzle up. “Or worse yet a ruff and tumble Pegasus.” She said with disgust. “I have no intention of stooping to their level.” Platinum gave a sly smile and side glance to Clover. “On the other hand, I have no trouble letting you stoop down.”

Clover gave a disgruntled sigh and a roll of her eyes. Within a few moments, Clover now had a harness on her muzzle with the princess riding on her back. “And do watch the gown darling, it’s worth more than the books in your library.”

Clover just walked on over the stream. “Princess, I still say we should have listened to what that cloaked stallion was trying to tell us, he seemed like he knew what was going on.”

“Nonsense, he was probably trying to trick us with some earth pony or Pegasus trick. No way he was a unicorn. No unicorn would dare hide their horn, we are not ashamed of what we are.” Platinum retorted.

Chancellor Pudding Head and Smart Cookie were on their way to find a new land to call their own, or would be if Pudding Head would stop going around in circles. She had a map hanging in front of her face with holes in it for her eyes and muzzle, plus…it was upside down. “Yes yes….this is definitely the right direction.”

Smart Cookie looked down to the ground. “It feels like we’re going in circles.” Their hoof prints were indeed going around in a circle in the snow. 

Pudding Head disagreed. “But that’s impossible. Are you suggesting I’m reading the map wrong?”

Smart Cookie looked to the side as she responded. “Absolutely not your chancellorness. It’s just that there are holes in the map and…”

Pudding Head cut her off there. “Of course. How else could I see where I was going?” She started walking close to a cliff.

“Yeah, uh…” Smart was at a loss for words.

“Or talk? I need to be able to talk. I mean, how would we survive if I suddenly shut up?”

Smart Cookie responded in almost a flat tone. “Heaven forbid that should ever happen your chancellorship. It’s just that the map is also upside down.”

“I got a newsflash for you Cookie.” Pudding Head spoke in a whisper. “The earth is round, there is no up or down.” Pudding Head started walking forward.

“You’re right.” Cookie responded in a sarcastic tone that was luckily lost on the chancellor. “It’s such a relief to me that you’re in charge of the map.”

Chancellor Pudding Head paused in her tracks and looked back. “Relief?” She quickly walked backwards and looked Cookie in the eyes. “You don’t need relief, if any pony needs relief around here, it’s me. I’m a chancellor, a big shot, your just my….my er…”

“Secretary.” Cookie replied flatly.

“Whatever.” Pudding Head then started chewing on the map and brought the whole thing into her mouth, then spat it back out into Cookie’s face. “You take the map while I enjoy some relief.” She continued walking on and walked right off the cliff.

Smart Cookie started looking over the map, oblivious that the chancellor just walked off a cliff. “Yes Chancellor Pudding Head.” The chancellor’s head popped back up with a smile. “Chancellor, I do think maybe we should have given that there pony in the cloak a chance to talk. I think he might have known something that could have helped us.”

Pudding Head climbed back up and walked past Cookie. “Nonsense, he’s not the leader here, why should we listen to him? Besides, he might have been part of some unicorn or Pegasus trick. He was clearly hiding his…..earth ponyness with that cloak.” 

“His…earth ponyness?” Cookie questioned. “How do you hide that? We couldn’t tell what he was.”

“Exactly, all the more reason not to trust him. Now no more talk about him, we must forge on.” 

Spike continued with his narration. “And so, each leader encountered obstacles along the way. But eventually, the all arrived in a new and wonderous land. No pony had seen this paradise before.”

Commander Hurricane jumped from one cloud to another. “This is the land we’ve been searching for.”

Pansy hovered in place. “What a view, I can see my future house from here.”

“I declare this new land to be…” Commander Hurricane took out a flag and planted it in a cloud. “Pegasopolis!”

Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever were on a raised trail close to the ground next to a mountain. Platinum was staring at a small pile of jewels. “I’ve never seen such jewels. This ruby is dazzling, this whole land is dazzling. I’m double dazzled!” She squealed in delight. “In the name of the unicorns, I hereby dub this land Unicornia.” Clover planted a flag into the ground.

Chancellor Pudding Head was relishing in the green area she and Cookie found themselves in. “The air, the trees.” She planted herself onto a small mound of dirt. “The dirt, this dirt is the dirtiest dirt in the whole dirt world!”

“And fertile too, perfect for growing new food.” Smart Cookie added.

“In the name of the earth ponies, I’m going to call this place…..dirtville!”

Smart Cookie offered an alternative. “How about….Earth?”

Pudding Head liked it. “Earth!” She bowed her head and let her hat drop. “Congratulations to me for thinking of it.” A flag sprouted from the hat.

“We found our new home!” The three leaders declared. It was then they noticed one another.

“I planted my flag first.” Hurricane called out.

“Did not.” Platinum argued.

“Did too.” Hurricane shot back.

“I planted mine earlier than first.” Pudding Head stated plainly.

Platinum stood firm. “You ruffians are trespassing in Unicornia.” 

Hurricane argued back. “The names Pegasopolis.”

“Earth.” Pudding Head insisted.

“Pegasopolis!”

“Unicornia!”

Hurricane hovered in front of Platinum. “I say we fight for the land.”

“How barbaric. Clover the Clever, throw that brute in the dungeon.” Platinum used her magic to bring Clover in front of her.

“What dungeon? Look, let’s all just calm down.” Clover said.

Smart Cookie raised a hoof in agreement. “I agree, let’s all calm down.”

Pansy threw her voice in as well. “I vote calm.”

“As you all should.” The stallion’s voice stated. Everypony looked to see the mysterious cloaked pony before them.

“You again!” The three tribe leaders called out.

“Please hear me out, if you start arguing again, the blizzard will come here too. I beg you not to fight.” The pony pleaded.

“What do you mean?” Clover asked.

“Yeah, how can a storm follow us?” Smart Cookie asked.

The pony in the grey cloak began to inform. “Because it is no ordinary storm. It is created by these…”

He was interrupted by Hurricane. “Save it you. You and the other ponies here are trespassing on Pegasopolis.” Snow started to fall and wind started to blow.

“Wrong, you are trespassing on Unicornia.” Platinum insisted.

“I say we settle things on the battle field!” Hurricane insisted before being pelted by a snow ball. Platinum laughed at it. 
Platinum was then pelted with a snow ball. She was steaming mad as Hurricane laughed at her. “Who dares throw a snowball at royalty?!”

Pudding Head was standing next to a pile of snowballs. “Wait a minute, where did all this snow come from?”

“No, it’s too late, they’re here!” The stallion declared.

“Who’s here?” Pansy asked.

The stallion looked up into the sky to see three ghostly horses galloping around in a circle. None of the others bothered to look where he was.

Spike continued with his narration. “And so, the paradise the ponies found was lost, buried beneath a thick blanket of snow and hard feelings. Instead of beautiful, it was blizzard. Instead of wonderful, it was wintery. Instead of spectacular, it was snowtacular. Instead of…”

A pony from the crowd called out. “We get it, move on!”

Spike did just that. “Everypony was forced to seek shelter. They searched high and low, but the only shelter was a cold and desolate cave. And, of course, the three tribes and the strange pony had to share it. And no pony was happy about that.”

The three leaders glared at each other. Platinum glanced down and noticed Hurricane’s hoof close to her. “Please commander hot head.”

“It’s commander Hurricane.” Hurricane declared in annoyance.

Platinum cleared her throat a bit before continuing. “Please commander, could you step back and give me my royal space?”

“You mean like this your highness?” Hurricane moved her hoof closer instead.

“Indeed not. You see this invisible line?” Platinum pointed to a spot on the ground.

“Private, mark out our territory for every pony to see.” Hurricane ordered Pansy. She started to draw the line, but then Hurricane took hold of her and dragged her along with her hoof dragging in the dirt, leaving a line. “You see this real non invisible line? No unicorns or earth ponies are allowed to cross it. This is the sovereign territory of Pegasopolis.”

Platinum called out. “Clover the clever!”

Pudding Head did the same. “Smart Cookie!”

“I know, I know.” Smart replied flatly.

The stallion shook his head in disappointment. The two ponies that were called started drawing lines in the dirt to mark their leader’s territory. All three of the subordinates of the leaders were now drawing lines in the dirt. At one point, Clover and Smart ran their hooves against each other by accident and gave worried looks. It was clear they weren’t happy about this.

Pansy had drawn a line up to a rock and was about to go around it when Hurricane stopped her. “What are you doing?! Don’t go around the rock, go over it. We’re not giving up an inch of territory to the enemy.” 

Platinum ran up to the two. “That rock is clearly on the Unicornia side and therefore it belongs to us.” Clover had walked up to Platinum when she whispered into her ear. “Who knows, there might be jewels inside.”

Hurricane started knocking the rock into her territory. “I claim this rock for Pegasopolis.”
“Unhand that rock this instant you scoundrel!” Platinum cried out.

Pudding Head rushed over to the rock then. “Oh look, you found my rock. I’ve been looking for it everywhere.” She picked it up and rushed off with it. 

“Hey, you invaded our territory!” Hurricane said angrily.

Pudding Head just mocked Hurricane. “Finders keepers losers weepers.” She sang out.

“That’s the last straw.” Hurricane took a step past the line she stood before and started making for Pudding Head, as did Platinum. Then they all started running around and yelling at each other over the rock.

The stallion in the cloak had enough. “QUIIIIIIIEEEEEEET!” He yelled out as loud as he could. The three leaders stopped running around. “All of you, just stop! Look at yourselves, you’re fighting over a rock for goodness sake! Do you all really despise one another to fight over possession of a rock?!”

“Hey, that rock was taken from us!” Hurricane argued.

“IT’S JUST A ROCK!” The stallion argued back. “All of you WILL listen to me. This arguing has to stop or the storm will get worse! Don’t you find it odd that a blizzard started up so suddenly when you three started fighting again?”

“It did seem rather odd.” Clover stated.

“Yeah, that was strange, it was all sunny and warm before that.” Smart cookie added.

“Um, it did seem odd.” Pansy added as well.

“Are you siding with the enemy private Pansy?” Hurricane asked with a stern look.

The stallion cut in. “All of you need to stop this arguing. This storm is being….”

“I’m not the one arguing.” Platinum argued. “It’s not my fault they can’t get along with us unicorns. They’re just brutes.”

“You’re the one that does most of the arguing your highness.” Hurricane said in a mocking tone.” As the arguing picked up again, ice started to form in the cave and covered the only entrance, sealing them all inside. “Great, now there’s no way out, we’re trapped.”

“You two deserve this terrible fate, not us. All you two have done is argue and fight with one another.” Platinum stated.

“You’ve been fighting too your highness.” Hurricane stated. The ice continued to creep along the walls and floor of the cave.
“Yeah, I haven’t been fighting as much as you.” Pudding Head stated as ice formed around her hooves. The ice began forming around the other leaders as well as they continued to argue.

“How ridiculous, a unicorn never stoops to fighting.” Platinum shot back as half their bodies were now covered.

“That’s cause you wimpy unicorns now you’ll never win.” Hurricane said. Her last words were a final insult before the ice covered her completely. “Earth ponies are numbskulls!”

Pudding Head gave one final insult as well. “Unicorns are snobs!”

Finally, Platinum. “Pegasai are brutes!” With that, all three leaders were now fully encased in ice and frozen solid. The three subordinates had gathered near the center. 

Clover saw that the stallion was close to them but was also trapped in the ice, not completely I frozen yet, but the ice was creeping up his body. “Oh no!”

The stallion hung his head. “Fear not young one, I am resigned to my fate. I tried to warn them but failed. This land is doomed to ice and snow. I tried to make them see reason, but there was just too much hatred in their hearts. I’m just sorry I could not save you three. At least you were willing to hear me out.”

“There must be something we can do?” Smart Cookie asked.

“I’m afraid it’s too late. Farewell….my friends.” With that, the stallion was now completely frozen solid like the others.

The three remaining ponies backed away from the encroaching ice and met in the middle. They heard a strange sound that caused them to look up and gave a yelp. “YAH!” Three ghostly horses circled over their heads emitting a cold icy wind that was freezing the cave.

“W-w-what is that thing?” Pansy asked.

Clover the Clever provided an answer. “They must be…windigos.”

“Windigos?” Smart Cookie and Pansy asked.

Clover continued with her explanation. “My mentor Starswirl taught me about them. They’re winter spirits that feed off fighting and hatred. The more hate the spirit feels, the colder things become.”

Smart Cookie gave a worried look. “Then, this is our fault, us three tribes. We brought this on ourselves with our fightin’ and fuedin’ and not trustin each other. Now it’s destroyin this land too.” 

“That must have been what the stallion was trying to warn us about.” Clover said as she looked over to his frozen form. She faced forward again to the two before her. “And now our bodies will become as cold as our hearts, all because we were foolish enough to hate.”

“Well, I don’t hate you.” Pansy suddenly said. “I actually hate commander Hurricane a lot more than I hate you guys.” This caused the other two to laugh. “Actually, I don’t really hate her. I just really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really dislike her.” The three shared a laugh at that.

“Well I don’t hate you guys neither.” Smart Cookie said with a smile. The ice was starting to form around them and climbing up their bodies. 

“Nor do I.” Clover responded. This seemed to agitate the windigos as they gave a whinney and seemed to try and freeze them faster.

“No matter our differences, we’re all ponies.” Smart Cookie said before the ice completely froze them in their huddle. 
Just as the ice reached Clover’s horn, it started to glow and a burst of magic erupted forth that freed the three from their icy prison. Pink flames shot forth from Clover’s horn with her eyes glowing pure white. The pink flames seemed to cause the windigos pain as they whinnied and were driven away. The flames then formed into a flaming pink heart that hovered over them in the cave.

Clover placed a hoof to her head. Pansy approached Clover. “What was that?”

Smart Cookie also made her way to Clover. “I didn’t know unicorns could do that.”

Clover was just as confused by what just happened. “I didn’t either. Nothing like this has ever happened before. But I know it couldn’t have been just me.”

“Right you are Clover.” The stallion’s voice sounded. 

The three looked over to the source to see the cloaked stallion now free from the ice. “You, you’re okay.” Clover stated. She and the other two rushed over and gave him a hug.

“Well, this is a surprise.” The stallion said with a smile.

“We’re so glad you’re okay.” Pansy said.

“I’m glad to see you three all right as well.” The cloaked stallion said. “The three of you joined together in friendship chased the windigos away and freed us from our icy prison. You did it, you saved the land from eternal ice.”

Spike continued on with his narration. “All through the night, the ponies kept the fire of friendship alive by telling stories to one another, and singing songs, which, of course, became the winter carols we sing today. Eventually, the warmth of the fire and the singing and laughing reached the leaders, and their bodies began to thaw. And, it even melted their hearts. The three leaders agreed to share the land and live in harmony forever after. And together, they named their new land…” The ponies all cried out the name. “Equestria!”

With that, the crowd cheered and applauded. As a finale, every pony all sang out.

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns we cannot drift apart
Though quarrels arise their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through (Will see us through)

We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends we’ll be till the very end~!

With the play now done, the group of friends gathered backstage to talk. “Well Nova, you did pretty good out there.” Twilight complimented.

“Thanks, I was pretty nervous to be in front of all those ponies like that, but I just followed the advice I gave Fluttershy and really got into it.” Nova said with a smile as he removed his cloak.

“You did great.” Twilight said before giving Nova a kiss on the cheek.

“So, now that that’s over, let’s head back home and I can treat you all to the holiday me and my family were about to celebrate.”

“Great, I can’t wait to throw a party.” Pinkie said with a hop. “I love learning about new parties.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack followed up. “Yeah, let’s head on back and get to it.” The group left the stage, met up with Nova’s family and the other CMC and went to the train station to head back to Ponyville.

They soon arrived and got right to the celebration of Galea day. A few long tables were set up outside with treats and decorations as the sun set. The stars twinkled in the night with a full moon in the sky. They all had a great time as Nova taught his friends some of the games they played. Every pony stayed up about half the night celebrating and having fun. Nova and Starburst couldn’t be happier.
> What Family Means To Me
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What Family Means To Me



A few days ago, Starburst had told Nova that his class was having this thing called family appreciation day where once a week, one of the students would bring in a family member to the school and stand before the class talking about what it is they do for a living. Nova found himself standing before his little brother’s class about to tell them what his job is. “How exactly did I let Starburst talk me into this again?” Nova asked himself.

Flash back to a week ago. Nova and Starburst were sitting down with their parents for a family dinner when Starburst suddenly brought up the subject. “Oh, hey guys, guess what, my school is having a family appreciation thing where we can bring in a member of our family and let them talk about their jobs in front of the class. This week is my turn and I want to bring Nova. I hope that’s okay with you mom and dad.”

Cosmos smiled at Starburst. “It’s fine son, I’m sure the ponies would find a lecture on star mapping boring anyway.”

Nova cut in. “I don’t know Starburst, I’m not exactly comfortable around large crowds.”

Starburst gave Nova such a pleading look. “Please big brother, your job is so much more interesting and I’d really like it if you came, pleeeeeease!”

Starla cut in. “You might as well do it Nova, you know how he is when he sets his mind to something.”

Nova looked back to Starburst. “Starburst, I just….”

“Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please!”

“All right, all right, I’ll go for cosmos sake!” 

“YAY!” Starburst cheered.

Back to the present. “Oh, right.” 

Starburst sat in his seat with a big smile as he and his friends and classmates were ready to listen closely to Nova. 

Nova began. “Okay, first, I would like to thank you all for inviting me here today. I think this family appreciation day thing is a great idea.” He looked to Cheerilee with a smile. She returned it with one of her own. “Now, on to what it is I do. As I’m sure some of you are aware, I make specially made gemstones with enchantments in them for added effect.” He levitated a long pointer up and pointed it at a picture of a gemstone with a few tools around it. They weren’t of the same tools he uses as he couldn’t let on about him and Starburst being aliens to the kids. 

“What I do is I make use of my tools to shape the gems to specified designs as requested by my customers.” He removed the picture to reveal another one of a shaped gemstone. “Then, I begin the process of enchanting the gemstone to have certain magical images inside the gemstones.” He removed another picture of a finished gemstone. “The enchanting process isn’t easy but it doesn’t take very long either. Some of the enchantments requested tends to be more difficult than others so I charge a little more for them.”
“Today, I brought along one of my more popular gems to show you all.” Nova levitated a clear white perfectly round gemstone out of his bag that had a rainbow colored flaming circle at its center.

Most of the class ooed at the sight. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon weren’t amused. “Go ahead and pass it around so you all can get a good look.” He floated it over to the foal in the front row to the left to start. “This gemstone I modeled after the legendary sonic rainboom. I was lucky enough to see one when I was young performed by Rainbow Dash. It was thanks to that that inspired me to take on the job I have now. I’m very lucky to have her as a friend too.”

Once the class finished passing it around, Nova floated it back to him and placed it in his saddle bag. “And that is my job. I thank you all for your time and hope you enjoyed my presentation.”

“Thank you Nova, that was very nice.” Cheerilee said as she took the center.

Nova turned his attention to Cheerilee. “Oh, Miss Cheerilee, I was wondering if I could speak with you after school. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”

“Of course Nova.”

“Thank you, I’ll let you address your class now.” Nova stepped aside to let Cheerilee take the floor.

“Way to go bro!” Starburst cheered.

Nova rolled his eyes with a smile.

Cheerilee picked up a scroll with a list of the students. “Now let’s see who’ll be bringing in a student for next Monday’s family appreciation day. Umm…..Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom raised a hoof. “But Miss Cheerilee, Monday is zap apple harvest day, and Applejack and Big Macintosh will be too busy to speak.”

“Well is there anypony else in your family that could….” Cheerilee was cut off with Apple Bloom shaking her head no.

Starburst picked up on it and looked at her with a curious expression.

Diamond Tiara waved a hoof in the air. “Miss Cheerilee,  Apple Bloom’s Granny Smith isn’t working the harvest, she could come.” She finished her sentence with an evil smirk as she looked at Apple Bloom.

Starburst practically glared at Diamond, then turned his gaze back to Apple Bloom with a worried look. Something was up and he didn’t like it.

Apple Bloom struggled to try and come up with an excuse. “Oh, no…um…..that wouldn’t….”

Cheerilee cut her off before she could come up with an excuse. “That’s a splendid idea Diamond Tiara. Apple Bloom, you shall bring in Granny Smith on Monday.” The school bell rang to signal the end of the class. Cheerilee walked out with the other students. “Have a great weekend every pony.”

Starburst came up to Apple Bloom with worry. Before he could say anything, she went off. “Granny Smith? Come Monday, I’ll be the laughing stock of Ponyville.” She planted her face on her desk.

“Apple Bloom, what’s wrong, why do you think that?” Starburst asked.

Apple Bloom raised her head and looked at Starburst. “Hoh, Starburst, you didn’t see how silly Granny Smith was acting before, it was so embarrassing.” 

“Embarrasing? Really?” Starburst asked.

“You should have seen it, she was dressed up like a bunny jumping over water pales singing a song, was talking to a bunch of bees, she even bit down on a pan. It was ridiculous.”

“Come on Apple Bloom, it couldn’t have been that bad. I’m sure once Granny Smith gets in front of every pony, things will be just fine.”

Before she could respond, Nova and Cheerilee walked in. “Apple Bloom, Starburst, what are you still doing here?”
“Oh, uh, me and her were just talking about family appreciation day.” Starburst answered.

“Well, Apple Bloom should get going then. Starburst, your brother said he wanted you here to talk to me about something.”
Apple Bloom got up and made her way out. “Bye Starburst.”

“Bye Apple Bloom.” He didn’t want to say anything about her troubles in front of Cheerilee, it might just make things worse. “So what’s going on, I’m not in trouble am I?”

Nova chuckled. “No Starburst, you’re not in trouble.” He turned to Cheerilee as Starburst took his side. “Miss Cheerilee, there is something I feel we can let you in on, but to be safe, we kind of need to close things up here so no pony accidently wanders in. Would that be okay?”

“I guess so.” Cheerilee was a little unsure as it was evident in the sound of her voice.

Nova used his magic to close the door. “Cheerilee, I would like to consider us friends as we have gotten along pretty well in the past, and Starburst just loves being in your class.”

Cheerilee gave a smile. “Well I’m glad to hear it.”

Starburst cut in. “Wait, bib brother, does this mean you’re going to tell her what I think you’re going to tell her?”
Nova looked to his brother and only gave a smile and a wink. He then turned back to Cheerilee. “Which is why I feel that you can be trusted with a little secret me and my family have.”

Cheerilee raised a brow. “A secret?”

Nova nodded. “I know it will seem like a lot, but please try not to freak out. I promise you aren’t in any danger.” Nova moved a hoof up to his neck and pressed the small button on his holo-emitter. Starburst did the same and they both now stood before cheerilee in their true forms.

“Ta daa!” Starburst cheered with a hoof wave. “We’re aliens!” He said again in a cheery tone.

Cheerilee looked on and just stared at them in shock with her jaw hanging open. A dead silence filled the room.

After almost a minute, Nova broke the silence. “Cheerilee, I know this is a lot to take in, but it’s still us, I’m still Nova and this is still Starburst. Are you…okay with this?”

Cheerilee shook her head and regained her sense. “Well…this is….interesting…you two are..aliens?”

“And my mom and dad.” Starburst added happily, unfased by his pony teacher’s reaction.

“My goodness, I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Cheerilee, please….PLEASE don’t say anything to anypony.” Nova begged. “We aren’t here to cause trouble, we just want a home, that’s all.”

“Uh…um….Nova, I…this is very strange. This is a lot to take in. You mean to say that you’re from another planet?” Cheerilee finally asked.

“We are.” Nova answered. “A planet that is no more.” Nova then went into detail about what happened to his race and how he and his family came to be here. Retelling this story got a little easier but was still a little painful. At the end, Nova and Starburst hung their heads slightly. “So…that’s our story.”

“Oh my, you poor dears.” Cheerilee said with a sorrowful look. “I can’t imagine what that must be like. I’m so sorry.” She then gave a warm smile. “Well, you don’t have to worry about a thing, I won’t say a word.”

The two brothers smiled upon hearing that. “Thank you Cheerilee.” Starburst said.

“We really appreciate it.” Nova added. He then told Cheerilee of the other ponies that were aware of this information. “So it’s okay to talk to them about it. Just no pony else, deal?”

“Deal.” Cheerilee and Nova shook hooves. 

The brothers reactivated their disguises and left. “Thanks again Cheerilee.” Starburst said as they left.

As they made their way out and into town, a fierce wind picked up and dark clouds and a murder of crows filled the sky heading for Sweet Apple Acres. “What in the cosmos is going on?” Nova asked.

“Oh, I know, Apple Bloom told me about this. This is the third sign for the zap apples.” Starburst informed. 

“The third what for the what now?” Nova asked with a curious expression.

“Apple Bloom told me they have these magic trees that bloom only once a year. There are five signs you need to look out for that signal when they’re going to produce these fruits called zap apples. This is the third sign.”

Nova looked up to the sky curiously. “Really? Fascinating, I’m going to have to see if Applejack will let me study them.”

“OH, that reminds me, I have a crusaders meeting to get to, I better go. See you later Nova!” Starburst galloped off to Sweet Apple Acres.

Nova chuckled as he shook his head.

Starburst soon arrived at the club house and dropped his disguise. Whenever he was on the apple farm, he was free to lose his pony look and be himself without worry. He was just in time to hear Apple Bloom fretting over family appreciation day. “I’ll be embarrassed, shamed, disgraced, mortified, humiliate….” Sweetie Belle cut her off by sticking a hoof over her mouth.

“What are you, a dictionary?” Scootaloo asked.

Starburst walked up to Apple Bloom after Sweetie Belle removed her hoof. “Apple Bloom, are you still going on about your Granny Smith embarrassing you?”

“I can’t help it, she just so odd.”

Sweetie Belle chimed in. “Snap out of it, we’re here to help you.”

“Yeah, after all, we are the cutie mark crusaders.” Scootaloo added. “We’ll figure out a way to postpone your presentation.
Starburst tried to offer some words of wisdom. “Apple Bloom, you shouldn’t be ashamed of your family, you should be proud of them, no matter how odd they are.”

Apple Bloom looked to Starburst with a pleading look. “But you didn’t see how embarrassing she was yesterday, it was horrible. Please Starburst, you just gotta help me.”

Starburst sighed. “All right, I’ll help postpone your presentation too.”

“But how? Oh, all this worrying is making me sick.” Apple Bloom held her stomach.

“Sick?” Sweetie questioned.

The three of them began to think when Scootaloo jumped up with an idea and struck a lantern hanging over her head which caused it to light up. “That’s it!” She grabbed Apple Bloom’s hoof and started to drag her away. “Come on.”

The four went into Apple Bloom’s house. “Sweetie Belle, go grab a bowl of peas and come up stairs.”

“Right.” Sweetie Belle gave a salute and did as she was told. They all met back up in Apple Bloom’s room where Scootaloo put Apple Bloom in her bed. “Stay still Apple Bloom, you have to look sick.” Sweetie Belle smooshed some of the peas and rubbed them on Apple Bloom’s face. “Here Starburst, make this thermometer hot.” 

Starburst took the thermometer Scootaloo offered and took it to a kettle with hot tea in it. He let it sit there a while before using his magic to bring it out and brought it over to Apple Bloom. He stuck in her mouth and she cried out. “AH! This ish hot!”

Granny Smith’s voice was heard coming up the stairs. “What in the hayseed is goin on in there silly billies?”

Sweetie Belle quickly covered Apple Bloom’s face with green mush before hiding the bowl away. Granny Smith entered the room and looked the kids over.

“Hi Granny smith.” Starburst greeted.

Scootaloo spoke with slight nervousness. “We were just about to come get you.”

Sweetie Belle picked up from there. “Apple Blooms sick, looks like she might have to stay home all week.”

Granny Smith checked the thermometer that was in Apple Bloom’s mouth, then felt her forehead. “Mmhmm, perfect as a pickadilly pear.” She then left the room after that.

“Oh, now what?” Apple Bloom whined.

“So much for that plan.” Starburst commented. 

The four went back to their clubhouse as the sun was setting. Apple Bloom was pacing back and forth with worry. “It’s almost sundown. Tommorow is Sunday and I only have one more day to figure something out.”

Sweetie Belle suddenly called out from the telescope they had set up in the club house. “Hey, look.”

Apple Bloom put her eye up to the telescope to look through it. “That’s the fourth sign.”

Starburst looked out the window and saw what looked like a meteor shower up in the sky. “Whoa, stellar.”

Scootaloo jumped up and knocked Apple Bloom off the stool to look for herself. She seemed to focus the telescope at a certain location.

Even from Starburst’s view he could see little blue leaves on the zap apple trees fall off and grey colored apples appear in their place. Apple Bloom jumped back on the stool with Scootaloo and looked through the telescope again. “The zap apples have appeared.”

“Those are the zap apples?” Starburst questioned. “They don’t look too good.”

“They aren’t don yet Starburst, there’s still a few more signs to go before they’re complete.” Apple Bloom explained. 

“And that gives me an idea.” Sweetie Belle pointed out. Without a word, she motioned for the others to follow her out. They did so and made their way out into the zap apple orchard where the hid in a bush near one of the trees. “We can’t move family appreciation day, so let’s move harvest day instead.”

“They don’t look….quit ripe.” Apple Bloom stated.

“Harvesting apples early never hurt an apple.” Scootaloo argued. 

Apple Bloom continued to object. “I don’t know, zap apple trees aren’t like regular apple trees, they’re magic.”

Starburst threw in his voice as well. “Maybe we should listen to Apple Bloom on this and forget about it.”

Sweetie Belle raised her muzzle and walked toward the tree. “How different can they be?” She turned around, raised her back legs, and tried to buck the tree. It sent what looked like a magic electric wave up the tree to the leaves, then it came back down and shocked Sweetie Belle, sending her flying back.

“Sweetie Belle!” Starburst cried out in worry. He ran over to her to help her up. “Are you okay?”

Sweetie Belle rubbed her head with a hoof as she stood up. “I think so. Guess we should have listened to Apple Bloom.”

“You sure you’re okay? You had me worried there.” Starburst pointed out.

Sweetie Belle gave a smile and small blush at Starburst’s words. “You were? Thank you.”

Starburst blushed a little himself. “S-sure, we are….well…uh…” Starburst failed to finish his sentence.

Sweetie Belle giggled and planted a small kiss on his cheek.

Starburst's blush grew more intense.

Scootaloo cut in on the sappiness. “Ugh, save that sappy stuff for when I’m not around would ya?”

“R-right…um…sorry Scootaloo.” Starburst said. “So what now? We’ve seen that we can’t buck them out of the tree.”

Apple Bloom offered a suggestion. “Well if we can’t buck em’, let’s just pick em’.” She managed to jump up and grab one with her mouth. Then Scootallo jumped up and grabbed Apple Bloom by the tail with her teeth, Sweetie Belle was next with Starburst last. Sweetie Belle and Starburst pulled as hard as they could to get the apple out. The apple held steadfast as the tree bent with the pulling. Sweetie Belle’s hoof slipped in a puddle of water and caused the whole group to be flung into the air by the tree.

They landed in a pig pen full of mud. “Any other bright ideas?” Apple Bloom asked. 

After a bit more thinking, Starburst perked up with an idea. “I think I know.” He then explained his idea and they all agreed. It would have to be done tomorrow though as it was starting to get late. So the group parted ways and headed home.

The next day, the CMC met back up and began to enact the plan Starburst came up with. Now they just had to wait. Cheerilee came knocking on the door. “Granny Smith, it’s miss Cheerilee! Apple Bloom said you wanted to speak with me!” She called out happily. She waited a moment for a response, but none came. “Helloo? Granny Smith…uh.” She peeked into the window to see Granny Smith sitting on a rocking chair wearing red glasses. They were fake and had fake eyes on them. Granny Smith was actually asleep and had some ropes tied to her forelegs. Apple Bloom and Starburst stood behind Granny Smith.

Apple Blooom spoke for Granny Smith while Starburst used his magic to manipulate Granny Smith’s mouth to make it look like she was talking. Sweetie Belle was manipulating the rope for her right hoof from the top of the stairs while Scootaloo worked the left from the kitchen. “Well hello there, howdy do.”

“Uh, hi…Granny Smith. Is uh, everything okay?” Cheerilee questioned.

“Of course it is, why wouldn’t it be?” The sleeping Granny Smith responded. She then gave a quick snore and turned her head to the side, causing her glasses to fall off. Apple Bloom quickly put them back on and turned Granny’s head back forward. “Oh uh, excuse me. Pickles always give me the hiccups. I just needed to tell ya that I can’t make it to the presentation tomorrow after all.”

Cheerilee responded with disappointment. “Oh no, is that so?”

“No doubts about it, I gotta sheer the flowers and water the sheep…I mean, water the flowers and sheer the sheep.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. We can reschedule.” Cheerilee then started to walk off.

Scootaloo jumped up in victory with a, “Yes!” which caused her to pull her rope more, causing Granny Smith to bump her head against the ceiling and wake up.

The glasses fell off and Granny noticed Cheerilee walking away. She made her way to the door  and poked her head out the top half. “Well howdy there miss Cheerilee, you window shopping?”

Cheerilee responded in confusion. “Uh no, you said you wanted to see me to tell me you wouldn’t be able to make it to family appreciation day?” As she did, Granny kept touching Cheerilee and rubbed her cheek with the ropes still attached to her forelegs.

“Fiddlesticks, I wouldn’t miss it for all the tea in Canterlot.”

“But didn’t you just say…”

Granny Smith cut her off as she somehow started to float upwards into the air as if pulled by the ropes. “See ya Monday.”

Cheerilee had no idea what to make of what she just witnessed. She just let it go and walked off.

A little later, Granny Smith was in the kitchen painting pink polka dots on the walls.

Apple Bloom lay sprayed out in the living room with her face flat against the floor, her voice was muffled by this position. “I can’t believe she woke up from her nap.” She lifted her head up. “She never wakes up from her nap.” She planted her face back down again. “I wish I could just run off and hide.

Starburst hated seeing his friends like this. He had to think of someway to help. It was then Sweetie Belle made a suggestion. “Well you can’t run off, but maybe somepony else can.”

The next day, the four had gathered together again to try their new plan. As they waited to enact it, the sky suddenly filled with clouds again and the zap apple trees came alive with magical energy. The clouds parted and the sky filled with rainbow colors. The zap apples soon gained rainbow colors as rainbows shot between them and the apples became more square shaped. Granny Smith jumped high in the air with a cheer. “Yee haw!”  

Applejack cheered out as well. “The zap apples have appeared!”

After Granny Smith recovered from her fall, she stood back up and started walking off. “And tomorrow, we’ll be making zap apple jam.”

Scootaloo popped up in front of Granny Smith dressed like a mail pony and tried to make her voice sound lower when she presented Granny with a letter. “Miss Granny Smith, telegram.”

Granny Smith took the telegram in her mouth and Scootaloo zipped off. Granny read the note before dropping it. “Well bust my buttons. Uncle Apple Strudel wants me to pay him a visit.”

Starburst, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were hiding just around the corner of the barn when Apple Bloom came up to her. “And you can just make the eight A.M. train. I already packed you a bag.”

“Well that was considerate.” Apple Bloom smacked Granny Smith across her flank. “But doooon’t you worry flippidy jibet, I’ll be back in time to make that jam.” Granny Smith walked off and made her way to the train station.

The four ponies gathered together as Apple Bloom sighed in relief. “That train ride takes all day. I’m safe.”

It was now time for school and the four foals made their way to the school house. They took their seats and class began. “For today’s family appreciation day, we are pleased to welcome Granny Smith.” Cheerilee gestured toward the door as she expected Granny Smith to walk in. When Granny didn’t walk in, she turned to Apple Bloom. “Um, Apple Bloom, is Granny Smith here?”

Apple Bloom was smiling as she leaned back in her seat at first. When Cheerilee addressed her, she spoke with a fake sorrowful tone. “Oh, I’m sorry Miss Cheerilee, but she got called out of town on the count of a family emergency.”

Granny Smith suddenly appeared in the doorway of the school and greeted everypony with a smile. “Well howdy there my little ponies.”

Apple Bloom grew worried and Diamond Tiara just smirked evilly. “Awe quasars.” Starburst said to himself in disappointment.
Granny Smith made her way to the center of the class. “Howdy ya’ll, I’m as happy as a pig in fresh mud to be here.”

Apple Bloom went up to Granny Smith. “Wh-what are you doing here? Did you miss the train?”

“No, it came, and uncle Apple Strudel was on it.” Granny smith looked behind her as an elderly looking stallion in leiderhosen walked in.

“Oooohiiiiii noogie, noogie, noogie.” Apple Strudel gave Apple Bloom a noogie on the head. 

“I can’t wait to hear Granny Smith’s presentation.” Diamond Tiara said scarcastically as Apple Bloom made her way back to her seat.

Starburst just glared at Diamond. “Lousy prissy pony.” Starburst thought to himself. He just faced forward and got ready to hear what Granny Smith would have to say.

Apple Strudel put a chair behind Granny for her to sit in. She raised her flank and brought it down on the chair, causing it to fly backwards. Granny Smith then began telling a story. “Long ago, when I was a little pony…” She produced a map of Equestria. “Things were very different here in Ponyville, because there was….no Ponyville! That’s right my little ponies. Me and my family were pilgrim folk back when I was a little filly. Oh we traveled far and wide, collecting new seeds and selling old ones, but my pa was the finest seed collector in all of Equestria.”

“Then one day, the Smith family found themselves in the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities. A place called…Canterlot. I’ll bet ya hoofs to hindquarters I ain’t never seen anything like it before nor since. And as if the beauty of that city wasn’t enough, suddenly…she appeared, Princess Celestia. The most regal of all ponies. When low and behold, she stopped and saw my pa’s seed collection. Then she saw that we were plum tuckered and hankerin to find a home. Bein a princess and all, she knew exactly where we could lay down our stakes.”

“My pa gave the princess a mighty thanks. We soon found that land near the Everfree Forest and we built our first home. Next, we planted our first orchards, but an orchard don’t grow overnight and we were mighty short on food. Now mind you we were warned about the forest and it was not fit to enter, but I knew if there were critters living in there, then there must be something to eat. It was dark and musty, and I won’t lie, it was scary. But every inch was covered in plant life, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of the most outstanding, incredible, zapple trees! I had never seen anything that bore this kind of colorful fruit.”

“I started pickin them apples quick as a whip. But then, there before me stood….the timberwolves. Why I never ran so fast in all my life. I did the only thing I could think of. I started bangin pots together and it managed to scare off them timberwolves. The next day, my pa and I planted them seeds, and before our eyes grew like a wildfire. Why we had full grown trees faster than you could say lickity split. Each year, I paid special close attention to the zap apples harvestin time, like how the weather affects the Everfree Forest, and how the timberwolves start howlin when the zap apples start growin, and how they zapped away if you didn’t pick em all in one day.”

“And the fruits of our labor were the best fruits we ever tasted. Soon enough I was mixing up batches of zap apple jam. Just like harvestin' the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin' zap apple jam. I learned that you gotta be extra friendly with the bees, otherwise their honey won't taste rightly sweet to mix in with the zap apples. Who'd'a thought that glass jars needed talkin' to? Or that zap apples like pink polka dots? But magic is as magic does. Just funny that way. Then ponies started comin' to our farm from far and wide just to get a taste of my zap apple jam. Some of them decided to stay, like Stinkin' Rich, Diamond Tiara's great grandfather. Matter of fact, the first thing he ever sold was my zap apple jam. And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies. And that is how Ponyville was founded.”

Starburst was left in awe at Granny Smith’s story. He just couldn’t believe Granny Smith and her family were the ones that founded Ponyville so long ago. As he thought this, the clapping of hooves was heard. He looked over and saw Silver Spoon was clapping. Soon, the whole class started to applaud except for Diamond Tiara. “Oh, thank you kindly, little ponies. Oh, now, now, settle down little ponies.”

Once the clapping died down, Scootaloo chimed in with a question. “So if it wasn’t for you and the zap apples, Ponyville wouldn’t even exist?!” 

“Darn tootin’ little filly.” Granny Smith said with a smile.

Apple Bloom wore a smug smile as she spoke to Diamond Tiara. “If it weren’t fer ma’ Granny Smith, your daddy wouldn’t have barnyard bargains.” The other children sounded off in agreement.

Diamond tiara tried to argue. “But…” Granny Smith licked a number off the chalk board. “But…she’s just a cooky old lady!”

“HEY, you take that back!” Starburst practically shouted at Diamond Tiara.

Apple Bloom rushed over to Granny. “Yeah, she is NOT a cooky old lady. She is the most amazing pony in Ponyville.” She then gave Granny a hug. 

Once school was let out, Granny Smith and the four friends went to Sweet Apple Acres to help out with the zap apples. Apple Bloom was learning how to make zap apple jam with Granny Smith. While the zap apple sale was going on, Starburst had to wear his pony disguise as many ponies were coming by for zap apples and zap apple jam. 

At a smaller table, the four friends and a few other ponies from the school were gathered around to try some of the zap apple jam. Starburst took his first taste of it on a slice of bread and smiled big. “Oh WOW, this stuff is galactic!”

Scootaloo took a bite for herself. “I think this is the best zap apple jam yet.”

“Must be because you had something to do with it Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle stated.

Granny Smith walked up to Apple Bloom and nudged her in the cheek. “You betcha’, Apple Bloom is one hum dinger of a zap apple jammer.”

“I am?” Apple Bloom hugged Granny Smith.

Applejack joined in then. “So I take it family appreciation day went well?”

“Did it? My Granny Smith is super special.” Apple Bloom pointed out. She then hung her head and looked a little sad. “I just forgot that for a while.”

“Awe, don’t fret, I forget things all the time.” Granny Smith said as she tried to cheer Apple Bloom up. “Now, I’ll get to…uh…mm…somethin.” 

Starburst walked up to Apple Bloom. “I’m real happy for you Apple Bloom. Granny Smith really is something special.”

“Thanks Starburst.” Apple Bloom said to Starburst.

“I’d better get on home. I just gotta tell my big brother about what I learned today.” Starburst started to trot off, but not before grabbing a jar of zap apple jam to take home. “Bye apple family, thanks for the jam!”

“See ya later Starburst, take care now!” Applejack called back.

Later that evening, Starburst had met up with his big brother at their parents place and were enjoying the zap apple jam. “Great cosmos this stuff is good.” Nova stated.

“I’ll say.” Starla said.

Starburst began telling of how Granny Smith was pretty much responsible for the founding of Ponyville. “…And that’s how Ponyville was made. Isn’t that great?”

“That is quit a story there son.” Cosmos said. 

“Yeah, she is something special.” Nova agreed. The family sat around and talked a bit before Nova and Starburst left for their home.

“Hey Nova, do you think you might ever do something great like that one day?” Starburst asked.

“Well I kind of am a bearer of an element of harmony and helped stop an evil god of chaos from taking over Equestria, so….no, I don’t think I will.” Nova said jokingly.

Starburst giggled. “Oh yeah, heh heh, I forgot about that. But still, do you think something else amazing will come around?”
“I doubt that little brother, I doubt that.”

Later that night, Nova stirred in his sleep. He found himself in a dark void. “Hello?! Is anyone there?!” His voice echoed out. “What is going on?” The scenery changed and Nova found himself surrounded by stars. “What the…what in the cosmos is going on?”

A deep rumbling voice was heard. “Noooovaaaaaa.”

The sound of this voice sent a bone chilling tingle down Nova’s spine and filled him with fear. He slowly turned around and saw a pair of big white glowing eyes staring at him. Soon, a set of sharp white teeth appeared and opened up with a hiss. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” Nova screamed.

Nova shot up out of bed and panted heavily in a cold sweat. “Wh…wh…what…what was that?” He asked himself quietly. He looked over to make sure he didn’t wake his little brother. Thankfully, he was still asleep. Nova sighed in relief. “Phew.” He placed a hoof on his head for a moment. Nova climbed out of bed and headed outside for some fresh air. It was another cool night with a slight breeze in the air. The moon was full tonight and a few clouds drifted along lazily.

“Nova, what are you doing up so late? Don’t tell me you had a nightmare.” Twilight asked as she approached Nova with a concerned look. “You don’t look so good. Are you okay?”

Nova greeted Twilight with a weak smile. “Hey Twilight, yeah, I’ll be fine.” His smile faded as he looked away and up to the stars.

Twilight sat next to him and kept her eyes on him. “What is it?”

“This nightmare I just had, it wasn’t like the others I had before, it felt….more real. I…I don’t know how else to explain it.”

“What was it about?” Twilight asked looking more concerned.

Nova looked to Twilight as he explained. “It was….weird. At first I found myself in this dark void of nothing. Next thing I know I’m surrounded by these massive stars all around me and I hear this booming voice that just chilled me to the bone. When I turned around, I was confronted by these white eyes that looked…evil. Then it was joined by a set of sharp teeth. It looked like it was going to eat me. I don’t know what it was, but it was then I woke up.”

“That is strange.” 

“Do you think it could mean something?”

“I…I don’t think so, it was just a dream after all….right?” Twilight tried to reason to ease Nova’s mind.

“Yeah, maybe your right. Perhaps it was that zap apple jam we had before bed.” Nova allowed himself a smile. “Guess that’ll teach me to eat sweets before bed.”

Twilight managed a smile and giggle at Nova’s joke. “Hm hm, yeah, guess so.” She gave him a nuzzle as she leaned into him. “It sure is a lovely night tonight.”

Nova looked back up at the stars. “Yeah, it sure is.”
> Babysitting Blues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Babysitting Blues



Nova was busy with working on a gem for a client while his little brother was out crusading with his friends. He heard a knock at the door that seemed rather frantic. “Just a sec!” He called out. He placed his tools down and used a monitor he set up to see who was at the door. It was Twilight standing there practically dancing in place as she seemed frantic. Without putting on his pony disguise, he opened the door. “Twilight? What is it, is something wrong?”

“Nova, you gotta come to the hospital, Carrot Cake and Cupcake are about to have their babies!” Twilight explained in a rushed manner but wore a smile. 
Nova found himself smiling at the news. “Really? That’s great, let’s go.” Nova rushed out of his home and was about to head for the hospital.

“Nova wait!” Twilight stopped him. “Your disguise.” 

Nova screeched to a halt. “Oh right.” He ran back in, picked up his necklace and activated it. Then he ran back out and galloped off to the hospital with Twilight.

Nova and Twilight soon arrived at the hospital to see the others waiting for the chance to see the new born foals. It took a while but they were finally allowed to go to the baby viewing room. The group chattered excitedly as they waited and looked at the babies in the room that was separated from them by a glass window. Rainbow Dash was hovering above the group. Carrot Cake was standing in the room between two cribs.

“Can you believe the new baby is finally here?” Rarity asked.

Twilight was smiling from ear to ear. “Carrot Cake and Cupcake must be so proud.”

“I wonder if it’s a filly or a colt.” Rarity wondered out loud.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure Carrot Cake and Cup Cake will be excellent parents.” Nova pointed out.

Pinkie Pie was on pins and needles as she seemed fit to burst with excitement. “I wanna see the new baby pony! I wanna see! Which one is it?”

Carrot Cake looked to the girls and Nova that were waiting. “Meet our son, Pound cake.” He pulled back a small blanket that revealed a little baby colt with a light beige coat and brown mane and tail. The baby let out a small yawn and revealed a small pair of wings. 

Everypony awed at the sight of the little one. 

Carrot Cake moved to a crib on his other side. “And our daughter, Pumpkin Cake.” He pulled back another blanket in the crib to reveal a baby unicorn filly with a yellow coat and orange mane. She also gave a small yawn.

The group gave a collective, “Huh?” to see twins.

Pinkie Pie seemed to get more excited about this news. “Two new foals for me to play with? *GASP* That's two, two, two times the fun! This is the greatest day ever!” She somehow popped into the room with the babies. “We need to celebrate your birthday, babies, 'cause you were just born today! Woo-hoo!”

Nurse Redheart entered the room and shushed Pinkie. “Shh, the babies are trying to sleep.” She spoke in a hushed tone.

Pinkie tried to argue. “But I was just-“ 

The nurse cut her off again. “Shh.”

“But-“

“Shh.” Redheart walked off after that.

Pinkie snuck over to between the cribs and practically nudging Carrot out of the way. She looked to make sure the nurse was gone and started to sing in a whispered tone. “Happy happy birthday to you and you today.”

Nurse Redheart came back and glared at Pinkie. She then tossed Pinkie out of the room.

Nova just shook his head and rolled his eyes at Pinkie’s antics.

Applejack suddenly brought up an interesting question. “Now how in thunderation is one of them twins a unicorn and the other one a Pegasus?”

“Hey, that is a good question.” Nova added.

Carrot Cake provided an explanation. “Easy. My great-great-great-great grandfather was a unicorn, and Cup Cake's great aunt's second cousin twice removed was a Pegasus. That makes sense, right?” He asked his question with shifting eyes and nervous sweating.

Rainbow Dash gave a small cheer. “Ah yeah, heh, just you wait. Once little Pound Cake gets his wings going, he’ll be all over the place.” She zipped around the room a bit to emphasize her point.

“And be careful around Pumpkin Cake.” Twilight warned.

Rarity continued for her. “Baby unicorns get strange magic surges that come and go.”

Pinkie Pie popped back into the room between the babies with a chocolate cake. “Quick, make a wish and blow out the candles, which is easy since there are zero candles. You are zero years old after all.”

“SHH!” Nurse Redheart popped in again. Her shush caused Pinkie to push the cake up against her face, leaving her with an icing beard.

After Pinkie was forced out of the baby room again, Nova offered his congratulations. “Congratulations on the babies Mr. Cake, I just know you and your wife will make great parents.”

Carrot offered a smile. “Thanks Nova, I appreciate it.”

“We should probably get going now and let you two settle.” Twilight said. The others started to leave so Carrot and Cup Cake could have some time to relax and be with their newborns.

A month had passed since Carrot Cake and Cupcake had their new babies. Just as Nova said, they were proving to be great parents. They did seem to worry too much over some little things, but it was to be expected. Nova was busy simply cleaning up his house this time with some dusting and various other things when there was a knock on his door. He ceased his cleaning and looked at the monitor to see the cakes at his doorstep. Mrs. Cake was carrying the twins in a harness on her sides. He used his magic to disguise himself and opened the door. “Hello there Mr. and Mrs. Cake, what can I do for you?”

Carrot Cake answered first. “Hello there Nova, we were wondering if you might be free to baby sit for us today.”

Cup Cake continued. “You see, we have this big order to fill and we need to deliver it but we need somepony to watch our babies for us.”

Nova looked past them and saw a somewhat depressed looking Pinkie Pie.

“We’ve already asked the girls if any of them could do it but they all have other things going on.” Carrot informed.

“Please Nova, won’t you do it?” Cup Cake asked. “You seem like such a responsible pony, and we’ve seen how you and your brother get along and how you care for him. We just know you could do it.”

“What about Pinkie Pie?” Nova said pointing a hoof to said party pony. “Did you ask her?”

They looked to each other hesitantly before Carrot answered. “Well, we just don’t think Pinkie Pie could handle it. You know how she is.”

Nova looked to Pinkie again, she seemed sadden by those words. He looked back to the cakes. “How about me and Pinkie baby sit for you. I did pretty much raise my little brother for the most part so I know how to deal with babies. And Pinkie Pie knows how to have fun which is something babies need. So you’ll have my responsibility and Pinkie’s joy,how about that?”

“Well….” Cup Cake trailed off. “Oh…all right, she can help baby sit. Thank you for agreeing Nova.” Cup Cake said.

“We really appreciate it.” Carrot added.

Pinkie Pie cheered out. “All right! Thank you for giving me a chance, you won’t regret it Mr. and Mrs. Cake.”

Before it came time for Nova to go help Pinkie Pie baby sit, he needed to let Starburst know he wouldn’t be home and to stay with their parents. After, he soon arrived at the bakery and saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake going back and forth between the front of the bakery and the kitchen with Pinkie sitting with the twins. “Hey Carrot, hello Cup, I’m here.”

Cup Cake approached Nova looking worried as she was in a rush. “Nova, thank you for coming, we really appreciate you doing this for us.”

“Yes, we can’t thank you enough. Now do be sure to take real good care of our babies.” Carrot added.

“Don’t worry Mr. Cake, It’s not the first time I had to take care of a baby. Plus, I’ll have Pinkie to help.” Carrot and Cup gave worried looks to each other at that comment. “Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

Carrot looked to Nova. “All right, take care while we’re gone.”

“Be good to our little gingersnaps.” Cup Cake added before the two headed out the door.

Pinkie approached Nova. “Hey Nova, thanks for letting me help. I Know I can watch them on my own, but I guess we’ll be working together. That’s okay though, we’ll have a super time. But look at this list the cakes left behind.” Pinkie Pie produced a long list of things for taking care of the babies. 

“Great galaxies that’s a long list.” Nova commented as he read through it. “Well, we better get started.” No sooner had he said that, the bakery was filled with the crying of the twins. Pinkie and Nova looked over to them to see tears coming from their eyes as they wailed out in sadness their parents were gone.

“Uh oh.” Pinkie said with worry. “Uh, don’t cry little friends, look.” She pointed a hoof behind the babies where she rushed over to the swinging double doors and hid behind them. “Where’s Pinkie Pie? Where’s Pinkie Pie?” She asked. The twins just looked at each other and started crying again.  Pinkie came out from behind it. “Oh no, I’m right here, see?” 

Nova decided to take action. Since the bakery was going to be closed and no pony would be entering, Nova felt it safe to drop his disguise, he figured it might grab their attention. “Hey Pound, Pumbkin, watch this.” The twins looked to Nova. He deactivated his disguise and showed his true form to the two toddlers. “Ta da!” No reaction from the twins for a moment before they started crying again. “Yesh, I thought that would work for sure. Oh, I hope I didn’t just scare them.” He decided to keep his disguise off while babysitting, he felt comfortable enough.

“Ooh, I know what to do.” Pinkie Pie said. She started making funny faces at the twins to try and make them laugh. They just cried some more.  “Oh, think, think, think…..ah ha, I know what to do. Nova, come help me with something.”

Nova decided to help Pinkie and see what she might have in store. Soon, the lights were off, a lamp was set up over a red curtain in the room and a small table for the twins sat in front of the makeshift stage with Nova between the two. 

“Hey guys, watch this.” Pinkie said as she walked onto the makeshift stage. Nova manipulated the lamp with his magic like it was a spotlight. Pinkie held a broom in her right foreleg and used it like a microphone. “Hey, you’re a wonderful crowd out here tonight, where ya’ll from?” Pinkie held out the end of the broom to Pumpkin for her to answer. She just opened her mouth as was about to try and bite on it but Pinkie pulled it away before she could. Pinkie continued with her act. “Wow, that’s great. You know, I once had an ant farm, but I had to get rid of it because I couldn’t find tractors that small.” Out of nowhere, there was a rim shot. 
Nova rolled his eyes at the joke. He looked between the twins to see their reaction. Nothing. 

“Get it? Tractors that small.” After realizing no reaction, Pinkie continued. “The other day, I spilled spot remover on my dog, and now I can’t find him.” Pinkie rushed over to a small drum and a pair of symbols to make the rim shot.

Nova facehooved at the bad joke. The twins started crying again. “Pinkie, I don’t think your jokes are working!” Nova had to raise his voice over the twin’s crying. “Let me try something.”

“WAIT!” Pinkie declared. “Let me try one more thing.” She got back on the stage. “Fine, I was saving my show stopper but you’re a lovely audience and I think you deserve it.” Pinkie ducked down behind the curtain a moment and music started up. Pinkie poked her head back out from behind the curtain and had a pig snout over her nose. She started singing.

First you wiggle your tail (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your snout (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your rump (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then shout it out(Oink, oink, oink!) 

First you wiggle your tail (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your snout (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your rump (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then shout it out (Oink, oink, oink!)

First you wiggle your tail (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your snout (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then you wiggle your rump (Oink, oink, oink!)
Then shout it out (Oink, oink, oink!)

Pinkie sang a little faster with each verse. The twins just kept crying during the song until Pinkie lost control with her bouncing around as she sang and bumped into a cabinet with a bag of flower on top. It fell off and hit Pinkie Pie over the head, covering her from head to hoof in flower. The twins stopped crying and started laughing. 

“There, See? Nothing to this baby sitting service.” Pinkie said before fainting.

“Good try there Pinkie.” Nova said. “But next time, let me see if I can stop them from crying.” After helping Pinkie get cleaned up, she took to watching the twins while Nova went to the list Pinkie posted on the fridge. “Looks like it’s snack time Pinkie.”

“No problem, I can handle this.” Pinkie said. She got the twins in their high chairs as Nova got the food for them out and floated it over to them. At first, they just eyed their bowls silently and looked up at Pinkie and Nova. “It’s good.” Pinkie said in a sing song voice. “See? Num num, num num num.” She picked up Pumpkin’s bowl and made like she was eating it. Still nothing.

“Let me try.” Nova said. “This usually works.” He used his magic to lift up Pound’s spoon from his bowl and had it float around with some of the baby mush in it. “Here comes the freight ship looking for a docking bay, vroom vroom.”

“Freight ship?” Pinkie asked.

Nova took a moment to explain. “It’s a space ship mainly used for delivering goods like food and stuff.”

“Oh, okay.” Pinkie smiled as she accepted the explanation. “Say Nova, do you think maybe sometime you could take me and the girls up into space to see what It’s like?”

Nova smiled at the idea. “You know, that’s not such a bad idea. I’m afraid my ship is no good though. But maybe we could use my parent’s ship.” Nova resumed his act to try and get Pound Cake to eat. “Come on little one, open up the docking bay.” Pumpkin opened her mouth like she was about to eat. 

Pinkie’s eyes widened in anticipation. She was disappointed when Pumpkin reached past her bowl and knocked it over in favor of the table cloth which she happily drooled on. Pinkie knocked it out of her mouth. “No Pumpkin Cake, we eat food, not table clothes.” Pumpkin Cake didn’t take too kindly to being told no and started crying.

This upset Pound Cake as well, he slammed his hooves onto his bowl and sent it flying up. It came back down on his head and covered him with the food. Now both twins were crying again.  “Uh oh.” Nova said. “Okay, let’s see if this will work.” Nova closed his eyes and concentrated his magic. He made the lights flip off in the room and made a magical projection of space around them. Planets and stars swirled around himself, Pinkie Pie and the babies. The sound of whooshing was heard as comets and shooting stars passed by. It seemed to work as the twins calmed down and stared in wonder at the sight. They even started laughing a little. “There we go, isn’t that better than wasting flower?” Nova asked Pinkie Pie.

“Ooh, pretty. Nice one Nova.” Pinkie praised. “Now that you calmed them down, we better give them a bath now. Pound Cake could certainly use one.”

“Good idea.” Nova slowly cancelled his spell and turned the lights back on.

Later, Pinkie and Nova had carried the twins up to the bathroom and started a bath for them. Nova had removed their diapers so they could go right in the tub when it was ready. Once the tub was full, Pinkie turned the water off. Before Nova and Pinkie could get the twins into the tub, they suddenly giggled out and took off like a shot. “Hey, get back here you!” Nova called out. He and Pinkie started chasing them around the bathroom.

Nova managed to catch up to Pumpkin when she stopped to start eating on a towel. “Pumpkin, that’s not food, take that out of your mouth little filly.” Nova said as he slowly approached her to try and catch her. Before he could get any closer, she took off like a shot and started running. The twins ran side by side with Pinkie and Nova chasing after them. 

“Drop it!” Pinkie said to Pumpkin who still had the towel in her mouth. “Drop it!....drop it!” Somehow, they lost sight of the twins and looked around for them. “Over there.” Pinkie whispered as she pointed to the medicine cabinet where a small brown tail was seen wagging back and forth. Nova nodded and the two slowly approached the cabinet. 

Nova used his magic to open it to reveal Pound and Pumpkin inside. They giggled and dashed off before they could be caught. “Oh for galaxies sake!” Nova expressed.

The twins had managed to hide again. Pinkie and Nova looked around. Nova spotted two sets of hooves behind the shower curtain around the tub. He nudged Pinkie and pointed at them. The two went up to the curtain and pulled it back. The twins giggled again and took off running.  Pinkie managed to grab them this time by the scruff of their necks with her mouth and set them in the tub. Nova sighed in relief the chase was over, however the babies were upset their game was over and started crying.

Pinkie took the initiative and tried to distract them with the bubbles. “Oh look guys, bubbles.” Pinkie gathered a few up in her hoof and blew on them, making them float around. Pound and Pumpkin stopped crying and started giggling at the bubbles. 
Nova sighed in relief again as Pinkie handled the situation. 

Pinkie gathered a few more bubbles and made a bubble beard on her chin. This sent a few more bubbles floating about. One particular big one floated near Pumpkin. The twins watched it with fascination till it popped on Pumpkin’s horn. They started crying all over again.

Pinkie seemed to panic a bit. “Don’t cry, uh, uh….look, floaty things.” Pinkie produced a rubber ducky and set it in the tub. Pound and Pumpkin watched it float as they stopped. Pinkie smiled and took this as a sign to get more stuff. She started rushing back and forth filling the tub with more stuff.

Nova stopped her before she managed to throw in a raft. “Pinkie wait! That’s too much, you don’t want to put too much stuff in there or they’ll feel cramped.” Nova used his magic to remove most of the toys that were in there and left just the rubber ducky, a small boat and a ball. 

“Really?” Pinkie asked. She noticed Pound and Pumpkin were laughing now as they played with the toys. “Oh, oops.” She gave a sheepish smile.

Nova gave a smile. “It’s fine Pinkie, now you know.” He looked back at the two babies as they played. “I gotta say though, they already seem to be more of a hoof full than I thought.”

“But don’t you have experience babysitting, like when you were taking care of your little brother?” Pinkie asked.

“Well yeah, but he wasn’t this much trouble. He was pretty much well behaved.” Nova informed.

Once bath time ended and the babies were all clean, Nova and Pinkie took them to their room to play some before it was time for bed. In the meantime, they were going over the list to make sure they didn’t miss anything. Their noses were soon assaulted with a fowl odor that permeated the air. Nova scrunched up his nose and placed a hoof over it with Pinkie doing the same. They followed the smell to Pound and Pumpkin who were playing with a set of blocks.

“Smells like some pony needs me to changy wangy their diaper wiper right nowowow.” Pinkie said nervously. She and Nova went to get diapers and cautiously approached the twins in fear they would take off again and begin another game of chase. 
Pinkie and Nova each took a diaper. “Easy, easy does it now.” Nova whispered to himself and Pinkie. Sadly, the twins saw them coming and cheered out as they took off. “Hey! Ugh, here we go again.” Nova said.

“Great, they’re hiding again.” Pinkie said tiredly.

“By the cosmos those too sure like to hide.” Nova commented. He and Pinkie began looking for the twins.

Pinkie managed to find them hiding behind a small dresser with diapers on it. “Nova, over here!” Pinkie called.

Nova rushed over and the two began fighting with the babies to get their diapers on. It was a struggle, but they managed to get the dirty ones off. More struggling and fighting and it soon came to an end. Nova groaned out as the twins didn’t have clean diapers on, instead, one was on Pinkie pie and the other hung from Nova’s left antenna. The twins laughed and bolted again. The small bell that hung over the front door of the bakery rang. “Oh good, their home.”

“You go greet them Pinkie, I’ll watch the twins and try to get the diapers on them.” Nova said.

“Thanks Nova.” Pinkie rushed down stairs to greet the cakes.

Nova looked to the twins who had gone back to the blocks. “All right you two, just relax, uncle Nova just wants to put some clean diapers on you.” He said carefully as he snuck up on them with a pair of clean diapers in his magic grasp. Pound and Pumpkin saw him coming and dashed off again. “Ugh!” Another chase, and another struggle later, Nova managed to get the diapers on. “Phew, finally.” He sighed out. “This baby stuff is harder than I thought, Starburst was nowhere near as active as these two.”

Pinkie Pie soon came back upstairs. “Pinkie, where are the cakes?” Nova asked.

Pinkie Pie gave a huff. “It wasn’t them, it was Twilight. She actually thinks we can’t do this on our own.”

Nova gave a flat look. “Uh, Pinkie Pie, we haven’t really been handling this babysitting very well on our own.” He stated flatly. “So that’s good though, she’s here to help….where is she?”

“We don’t need her help, we can handle this on our own.” Pinkie stated.

Nova facehooved. “You didn’t accept her offer to help did you?” He asked, knowing full well what the answer was. “Pinkie Pie, these twins are proving to be a lot of trouble, we could’ve really used her help.”

Pinkie Pie seemed hesitant with her next words. “Well, too late now, guess it’s still just you and me then.”
Nova sighed in annoyance. “Whatever.”

“Just watch, we’ll do just fine from here on out.” Pinkie insisted. In the time they were talking, Pound Cake started jumping on his crib and Pound Cake was chewing on a rubber chicken nomming on it.

Pinkie marched up to Pound and spoke sternly. “Pound Cake, this is a crib. It is to be used for napping, sleeping, and on occasion with permission as an old timey western fort. It is not a trampoline, so stop your jumping right now mister.” Pound Cake gave a small smile in response. Pinkie Pie then went over to Pumpkin Cake. “And you young filly, we do not put anything in our mouth that we cannot properly digest. So stop slobbering on that toy this instant.” A moment of silence passed before Pumpkin dropped the toy to the ground. 

Nova just watched speechlessly as Pinkie took charge like a drill sergeant. 

Pinkie picked up Pumpkin Cake by her mane with her teeth and set her on Pound’s crib next to her brother. “Now we have all had an exhausting afternoon, so it is time for all good foals to take their nap so….FALL ASLEEP!” Pinkie commanded.
Just like that, the twins fell onto their backs and fell asleep.

“Well….that worked.” Nova stated.

Pinkie gave a tired sigh with a smile, then placed a pink blanket over the two and kissed them each on the forehead. “Sleep tight.” Finally, Pinkie pulled up the side of the crib so they wouldn’t fall out accidently. 

“Well Pinkie, I gotta hoof it to ya, that was pretty good. A little harsh, but I guess it was necessary considering.” Nova said.

“Thanks Nova, help me clean up?” Pinkie asked.

Nova smiled and helped Pinkie clean up the room a bit. He threw away a dirty diaper while Pinkie tossed the rubber chicken into the closet. On their way out of the room, Pinkie turned the lights off. “Now that’s what I call handling things.”

Nova was the last one out so he turned to close the door. He took one last look to the crib and gasped. “Uh, Pinkie Pie, the twins are missing.” 

Pinkie quickly turned and looked over Nova’s head to the now empty crib. “What? But….where did they go? Oh nonononono, not good not good not good.” Pinkie rushed over to the crib and looked inside, thinking they might somehow still be there. “Pound, Pumpkin, where are you?”

Nova followed Pinkie back into the room and started looking around to try and spot any sign of them. Pinkie dove for a pile of toys. “Come out, come out wherever you are.” 

Nova was searching nervously too everywhere he could. No sign of the twins anywhere. “Oh, by the cosmos where could they be?”

There was a squeak that filled the room. “Nova, did you hear that?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah, I think it came from the closet.” Nova said. The headed over to the closet and Pinkie opened it up.

Happily biting into the rubber chicken was Pumpkin Cake, slobbering all over the squeaky toy and making it squeak with each bit. “Whoa.” Pinkie said. She just picked her up and set Pumpkin into her crib, letting her keep the toy. “You be a good little girl now and stay in your crib for your old pal Pinkie winkie okay?”

“That’s one down, now where’s Pound?” Nova asked. They began looking around the room again first. Pinkie kept looking back at Pumpkin suspiciously as if she were going to inexplicably disappear again. She continually made the rubber chicken squeak. 
Pinkie and Nova began searching for Pound outside the room. “Pound Cake, here boy.” Pinkie made some clicking sounds. 

“Come on out little colt.” Nova said. For some reason, the hall seemed rather eerie all of a sudden. Laughter was heard and a shadow passed overhead. “What was that?” Nova asked as he looked up and saw nothing.

“I didn’t see anything.” Pinkie answered. They continued their search as another creepy child-like laugh filled the halls. “Okay, I did hear that.” Pinkie said, starting to sound scared.

They wandered a bit trying to find the source of the laughter and went back into the baby’s room. Pumpkin continued munching on the toy chicken, making it squeak. More laughter echoed through the room. Nova and Pinkie slowly turned their head up and saw Pound walking on the ceiling with his little wings flapping.  He looked down at the two and giggled.

“What in the galaxies?!” Nova exclaimed.

“Wah, you can fly?” Pinkie shrieked.

Nova sighed and spoke in a flat tone. “I’ll get him.” He used his magic to zap in his wings and buzzed up to Pound. “All right you little zug fly on the wall, come on.” Nova took hold of Pound in his hooves and came to a landing in front of Pumpkin’s crib. Before Nova could put Pound in with Pumpkin, he noticed Pumpkin was reaching for the toy box where the other toys were.

Pumpkin Cake was able to use magic to open it and bring three stuffed toys over to her, a turtle, a butterfly and a monkey. In surprise, Nova released his hold on Pound, allowing him to hover next to him while Nova and Pinkie let their jaws hang open.  
Pinkie collected herself and went over to Pumpkin who was munching on the head of the butterfly. “Nom, nom, nom.”

Pinkie shook her head dissaprovingly. “No, no, no pumpkin.” Pinkie pulled the butterfly out of Pumpkin’s mouth. As soon as she did, Pumpkin was quick to replace it with the monkey.

“Nom, nom.”

“No, no.”

Finally, the turtle. “Nom.”

“No.” With all three animals, Pinkie tossed them back into the toy box. “I am the responsible one and I said no.” She quickly placed chains and a lock on it. 

Nova didn’t question where Pinkie got the chains and lock from. He finally noticed Pound giggling as he flew around. “Sorry young colt, but that goes for you too.” Nova went after him with Pinkie. For a young colt, he proved to be agile as Pinkie tried jumping for him and Nova chasing after him with his wings. In the chase, they both failed to notice the wall and slammed into it when Pound made a quick turn. They both dropped to the ground and groaned. “Ugh, for such a young pony, he sure is quick with those wings.” Nova stated.

Pinkie quickly got up and made a jump grab for Pound. “Gotcha! I think.” Pinkie exclaimed as she managed to get a hold of him. Pound started flapping his wing furiously and somehow managed to drag Pinkie along. “WHOA!” 

“Pinkie!” Nova flew after them and chased Pound out of the room, through the hall, and down the stairs into the kitchen. Pinkie was dragged across a long table that had food on it that got flung about. Some of it smacked both Pinkie and Nova in the face. Nova did his best to keep the young colt dragging Pinkie in his sights. 

Pound started flying back and forth from the kitchen to the main room of the bakery through the fee swinging doors. “I’m…not…letting…go…we’re…re…spon…si…ble!” Pinkie said with each pass, Nova following close behind.

Pound finally started flying back up the stairs and back into the room. Pinkie’s tail caught on the door and closed it behind her. Nova slammed into the door hard and fell on his back. “Oof! Ooohhh.” He groaned out. Darkness started taking his vision and passed out. 

Nova couldn’t tell how long he was passed out, but he started hearing a faint voice call out to him. He couldn’t make out the words at first, but they slowly grew in volume and started to sound like a familiar pink pony. “Nova…Nova, can you hear me, hello?”

“Ugh…Pinkie Pie?” Nova questioned as he slowly opened his eyes. “What…what happened?”

Pinkie smiled and gripped Nova in a hug. “Oh thank goodness, you had me worried there.”

“Pinkie, what’s….” Nova let out a gasp as he remembered what was going on. “*Gasp* The twins!”

Pinkie gave a stern look as she shushed him. It turned to a smile right at the end. She slowly opened the door to show the twins were sound asleep and the room was clean. 

“Pinkie, how…how did you…” Nova trailed off.

“Let’s just say after a hectic moment, the babies decided to be more cooperative.” Pinkie said with a smile.

Nova returned the smile with a shake of his head. 

“Come on, we still have some cleaning to do.” Pinkie said as she lead Nova downstairs. There was indeed quite a bit of cleaning to do. Before they got started, Pinkie felt the need to share something. “Nova, I want to thank you for helping me today, I really appreciate it.”

Nova gave a smile. “Don’t mention it. I was glad to help, even though it was rather difficult.”

“Well I certainly learned something today.” Pinkie stated.

“Oh yeah, what?” Nova asked with genuine curiosity.

“I learned today, that being a caregiver is hard work, and sometimes our desire for responsibility can out way our ability to handle it.”

“That sounds like a great lesson Pinkie, you should totally write that to the princess.” Nova said. They worked together to get the place spotless before the cakes would arrive. It was hard work, but they succeeded in their task.

The little bell above the door rang and Mr. Cake’s voice was heard. “We’re back!”

Mrs. Cake’s voice followed. “How did everything go?” 

Nova and Pinkie watched from the stair case as the cakes looked the bakery over and gasped. “Are we in the right place?” Mr. Cake asked in disbelief.

Pinkie shushed them and gestured with her head to follow them upstairs to the babies room. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cake smiled when they saw their sleeping babies. Mrs. Cake was the first to share her gratitude. “Nova, we can’t thank you enough, it looks like you did a wonderful job.”

Nova shook his head. “Hey, don’t give me all the credit. Pinkie Pie was a big help too.”

The cakes looked to Pinkie with a bit of surprise. “Really?” Mr. Cake asked.

“Really.” Nova answered. “It was a team effort and Pinkie was a real great babysitter. I was more of an assistant to her.”

“Well Pinkie, it looks like we owe you an apology for doubting you.” Mrs. Cake said.

“Awe, don’t mention it.” Pinkie said with a wave of her hoof.

The cakes looked at each other a moment, then back to Nova and Pinkie. “Pinkie, Nova, how would you two like to be our go to babysitters from now on?” Mr. Cake asked.

Both Nova and Pinkie’s eyes widened in shock. “Gee, I don’t know, let me check my schedule.” Pinkie said as she brought out a notepad. “I could fit you in a week from…NEVER!”

Nova then gave his excuse. “You know, I’d love too but I’m gonna be really busy for a while so I don’t think…” Nova was cut off by a yawn from the twins.

Everypony looked in to see Pound and Pumpkin stretch. “Pinkie.” Pumpkin said.

“Pie.” Pound finished.

“Nova.” They said together.

“Ooh, right in the heart.” Nova said to himself. “No fair kids, no fair.”

Pinkie’s eyes teared up with a smile. “I have some free time next tuseday.”

“Yeah, I think I can free up some time on Friday.” Nova added.

Nova said his good night to the cakes and Pinkie and headed for his parents house.

Nova tiredly walked in and was greeted by his mom who was sitting on a chair near the couch. “Nova, hello, so how’d the baby sitting go?” She asked.

“Hey mom, hi dad, hello Starburst.” Nova greeted first before plopping down muzzle first onto the couch.

“Hey there son, you okay?” Cosmos asked.

He said something but it was muffled by the couch.

“What was that?” Starburst asked.

Nova lifted his muzzle and spoke again. “Mom, was I ever any trouble as a baby?”

Starla looked at Nova in confusion. “Any trouble as a baby? Why do you ask?”

“No reason really?” Nova simply answered.

“Well, I’ll admit you did tend to get into trouble, but we still loved you.” Starla answered.

“I’m really sorry for any trouble I was mom.” 

Cosmos came up to the back of the couch and looked down at Nova. “What brought this on son?”

“Let’s just say I got a second dose of what it would be like to be a parent.” Nova simply said and left it at that.

Starburst gave a smug smile. “Trouble with the twins?”

“Eeyup.” 

> Tale of The Runaway Applejack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tale of The Runaway Applejack



Every pony in Ponyville had gathered around Town Hall to give a big send off for Applejack. She was to compete in the Equestria rodeo tournament in hopes of winning some money to help fix up town hall after it….accidently got ruined.  Nova was helping Rainbow Dash set up a banner on the building when a bolt of lighting shot down and singed the tip of Rainbow’s tail. “YOW!” She yelped. 

“Rainbow Dash, are you all right?” Nova asked. 

“Yeah, I’m okay, my tail got singed though.” Rainbow responded. She looked up to see Derpy jumping on a cloud making small bolts of lightning shoot out. “Now careful Derpy, you don’t want to do anymore damage then you’ve already done.” She gestured to the top of Town hall in time for the whole roof to collapse. It was already full of holes with metal beams sticking out.

Derpy paused when Rainbow flew up to her, then went back to jumping after Rainbow said what she did. “I just don’t know what went wrong.” The jump she made after her sentence caused the lightning to shock her and singed her all over. She wobbled in place with a smile.

“Yeah, it’s a mystery.” Rainbow said as she pounded a nail with a hoof into the building side to hold the banner.

“Derpy, you okay?” Nova asked.

“A okay.” Derpy responded. “No worries.” She took notice of the banner and flew backwards towards her. “Nice work Rainbow Dash.” Her flank bumped into a support beam and knocked it loose. 

Both Nova and Dash rushed to stop it from falling. They struggled to hold it up but fell through the wooden floor that surrounded town hall. “Ow.” Nova said.

Derpy flew down and landed at the edge of the hole, then poked her head into it and called down. “You okay Nova, Rainbow Dash? Anything I can do to help.”

“We’re fine Derpy.” Nova called up.

Rainbow quickly flew up out of the hole and held Derpy by the shoulders. “No! Nothing! In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing.” 

Nova sighed as he buzzed up out of the hole. 

Derpy plopped her flank down to the floor. Where she did, cracks formed around her and created another hole. She grabbed Dash just before falling in and took Rainbow with her. “Oops, my bad.”

Nova facehooved with a groan. “Wow, she seems really clumsy today.” He flew over to the hole to begin helping the two mares out.

The crowd of ponies that gathered started cheering Applejack’s name. “Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!”

Mayor Mare stood before a podium and called out to get their attention. “Can I have everypony’s attention? Attention everyone!” Once the crowd stopped, mayor Mare continued. “Yes, we are all here to send Applejack off to compete in this year’s Equestria rodeo competition in Canterlot.” The crowd cheered again as the mayor gestured to Applejack standing next to her. Applejack wore a smile and waved to the crowd. “And, I’d also like to thank Applejack for generously offering up her prize money to help fix town hall.”

“Yay Applejack, WOO HOO!” Derpy cheered from the hole. She ended up falling back into it.
Rainbow Dash stood by and just rolled her eyes.

Nova couldn’t help but snicker.

The crowd cheered again. “Speech, speech!” Pinkie Pie cheered from the middle of the crowd.

Applejack smiled as she put a hoof to her chest. “Awe shucks, I’m not much fer speeches.”

“All right then, no speech.” Pinkie dashed off.

“But…” Applejack said, causing Pinkie to rush back to her spot. “This is the nicest send off any pony could ask for. Ya’ll have been cheerin me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony.” She looked to the mayor who wore a smile. “So, it seems only fittin, I use my winnins ta help fix town hall. I promise to make Ponyville proude.”

Everypony cheered again, along with Nova.

Nova, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack’s family, and the mayor all met up with Applejack at the train station to send her off. “Now I want ya’ll ta show them ponies what a real rodeo pony is like.” Granny Smith said.

“You betcha granny Smith.” Applejack said.

Mayor Mare pushed granny back to stand before Applejack. “And bring back all that money.” She said in a sing song tone.

“You bet ya mayor.” Applejack turned to head onto the train when Pinkie stopped her.

“And don’t forget to have fun. And don’t be nervous. Or if you are, then use that nervous energy to do even better than you already are. And be sure to eat lots of peanuts and popcorn and taffy, because taffy gives you lots of nervous energy.” Pinkie Pie held up a bag full of candy and started eating the sweets inside.

“Just do your best Applejack.” Twilight said.

“We’ll all be waiting for you to bring home the gold, or blue in this case.” Nova added with a chuckle.

“I’ll do better than my best.” Applejack said.

“The train for Canterlot is about to leave, all aboard that’s coming aboard!” The conductor called out.

“Guess that means me.” Applejack said. She turned and boarded the train.

“See ya in a week.” Rainbow said.

“With lots of new blue ribbons.” Apple Bloom said.

“And lots of money.” Mayor Mare added in a sing song tone.

“Darn tootin.” Applejack replied. The train started to pull away from the station. She found her seat and poked her head out the window. “See ya’ll in a week with a big bag of blue ribbons.”

Every pony ran with the train till the end of the platform saying their goodbyes. “And drink sassparilla!” Pinkie cried out. Everypony looked to her in confusion. “What, it gives you extra sass.” She explained.

One Week Later:

All of Applejack’s friends and family had gathered at the barn on Sweet Apple Acres to set up a party to welcome Applejack back and congratulate her on her winnings even though they don’t know for sure she won anything. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were setting up a banner together. “Oh, I hope Applejack will be surprised by this surprise party.” Fluttershy said. 

“Well that is the point.” Rainbow pointed out as she got a ribbon from a box and flew back up.

“I know, but I hope she isn’t so surprised she’s startled.” Fluttershy said as Rainbow Dash tossed one end of the ribbon to her. “Because while being surprised can be nice, being startled can be startling.” She came down to the ground once the ribbon was in place.

“SURPRISE!” Pinkie suddenly yelled as she appeared in front of Fluttershy causing her to fall backwards and onto her back.

“Oh Pinkie, you startled me.” Fluttershy said. 

Pinkie Pie helped Fluttershy back up. “Sorry, I was just practicing my surprise for when we surprise Applejack with this surprise party to celebrate Applejack becoming Equestria rodeo champine. SURPRISE!” All while she was talking, Pinkie hopped past Fluttershy and suddenly appeared in front of her again from above when she yelled surprise, causing her to fall back again.

“Pinkie, be careful, you might give Fluttershy a heart attack.” Nova said as he was helping with a few decorations. He and his family were there helping everypony set up the party as well.

Twilight was at the barn door looking out. “Quiet Pinkie, I think Applejack is coming.”

Pinkie Pie jumped behind a stall with Apple Bloom. “Don’t worry Twilight, got my lips all limbered up.” She started stretching out her lips in goofy ways. Apple Bloom just looked at Pinkie Pie with an annoyed glare.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hid in a pile of hay up in the loft while every other pony scrambled to hide. Starburst giggled in anticipation. “This is gonna be great.” He said in a whisper. 

Once everypony was hidden, the lights flicked off. Soft hoof steps were herd approaching and the door opened. The lights flicked on and everypony yelled out. “SURPRISE!” 

“Surprise! Shoot.” Pinkie was late.

A unicorn stallion wearing a mail pony uniform stood at the door. “Wow, this is the best surprise ever. how’d you know it was my birthday?” He asked. He opened his saddle bag with his magic and produced a small letter.

Twilight looked at him angrily and took it in her grasp before ducking back into the barn and slamming the door on him. Pinkie quickly opened it back up and dropped a slice of cake for him.

Twilight walked to the center of the room as she opened the letter. “Who’s it from Twilight, what’s it say?” Apple Bloom asked.

Twilight began reading the letter. “It’s from Applejack. Dear family and friends. Not coming back to Ponyville. Don’t worry, will send money soon.” She turned it around for others to see. “That’s all there is.” Every pony gasped.

“Why would Applejack not come back to Ponyville?” Nova asked.

“Applejacks…not comin back?” Apple Bloom asked sadly.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were hovering overhead. “What do ya mean Applejack’s not coming back?” Rainbow asked. “She loves Ponyville.”

“And she loves sweet Apple acres.” Granny Smith added.

“And she loves her family!” Apple Bloom declared.

“Something dreadful must have happened to Applejack to not let her return.” Rarity said. 

“What if she’s hurt, or sad, or scared.” Fluttershy said in worry.

“So what are we waiting for, let’s go find her.” Rainbow said.

“WAY AHEAD OF YOU!” Nova yelled as he was already out the door and almost half way down the road. He stopped and looked back. “HURRY UP EVERY PONY!” 

“Don’t worry, we’ll search all of Equestria if we have to.” Twilight said to everypony.

The girls soon left and joined Nova as they headed for the train station. After a lengthy ride to Canterlot, the group made their way to where the rodeo was held.  As soon as they arrived, they spread out, each with a picture of Applejack, and asked every pony they could find there if they had seen her. With each no, things were starting to look hopeless and they all gathered at a table with a picture of Applejack lying on it. Finally, one pony approached them and said yes and told them where to find her. They were directed to a place out in the barren part of Equestria.

They boarded the train to the town they were directed to and headed straight there. “I hope this lead doesn’t turn out to be another dead end. I don’t want to go home empty-hooved after promising we’d find Applejack.” Rainbow said. 

“You and me both Rainbow.” Nova said. 

Pinkie Pie was groaning about something and had her hind hooves crossed as she sat in her seat, looking like she was straining with something.

“I don’t know how we’ll break it to the apple family.” Fluttershy said.

“I don’t know how we’ll break it to Ponyville.” Twilight added.

“I don’t know how I’ll make it to the next stop.” Pinkie said.

“I asked if you needed to go before and you said no.” Nova said.

“Because I didn’t need to go before, but now I really do.” Pinkie said. 

The train soon arrived at the station and everypony started to disembark. “This is Dodge Junction, everypony. Applejack is supposed to have come here after the rodeo ended, let’s fan out and find her.”

Pinkie Pie rushed past the group and rounded a building to a bathroom.

Nova rolled his eyes with a smile. “I told her so.”

“Come on, let’s get to looking.” Twilight said. 

They started walking when Pinkie suddenly rushed back bouncing and cheering.  “I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!” The group followed her to the corner she had rounded before and she pointed a hoof to a pony.

Applejack was walking along and looked up at the group in surprise.

“Applejack!” Everypony cried and rushed over to her, swarming her with questions. “Oh Applejack, thank heavens.” Rarity started.

“We’re so glad you’re safe.” Fluttershy said.

Pinkie continued bouncing and cheering. “I found her, I found her, I found her!” On the third one, mid-bounce, she froze in mid-air and crossed her back legs. “Be right back.” She zipped off again right for the bathroom.

Applejack looked her friends over in a bit of confusion. “Uh, hey everypony, what’s up?”

“Applejack, we were so worried about you, what happened?” Nova asked.

“Why didn’t you come back to Ponyville?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, why are you here?” Rarity asked.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy added.

Pinkie returned to the group. “Do you have any snacks?”

“Tell us what happened.” Twilight said.

Applejack’s eyes shifted side to side with her mouth open as she tried to think of what to say.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a new pony appeared and called out to her. She was an earth pony mare with a two tone red mane done up and red tail with an off white coat and cherries for a cutie mark, green eyes, and a small dot on her right cheek appeared. She was wearing a kind of yellow hair band with cherries on it and a pink ribbon tied like a bow around her neck.   “Applejack, are these some of your Ponyville friends?” The mare asked from the top of a few steps in front of a building.

Applejack responded with a smile. “Yes mam.”

Rarity looked to the mare with curiosity. “And you are?”

The mare responded with a smile as she came down the steps. “Why, I’m Cherri Jubilee, boss of Cherry Hill Ranch. Hasn’t Applejack told ya? I saw her compete in the Equestria rodeo. Never seen so many ribbons in all my life.” Cherry bragged.

Applejack gave a small blush. “Awe shucks miss Jubilee. You don’t have to go into all that.”

Jubilee waved a dismissive hoof. “Aw, she’s so modest. Anyway, I could always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back. So when I heard she was lookin for a change of scenery, I snapped her up as quick as I could and brought her here to Dodge Junction. Well, I’ll let you catch up with your friends. See you back at the ranch.” Cherri walked away to let the group have a talk.

Rainbow hovered in front of Applejack and eyed her suspiciously. “change of scenery? What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked.

“Yeah Applejack, what’s up?” Nova added.

Applejack started walking. “No big deal guys. I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples. So I took the job and came here. That’s it, end of story.”

“That’s it?” Pinkie said. “That’s a terrible story.

“I don’t think so Applejack.” Nova said as he got in front of her. “There’s something you’re not telling us. What is it? If something is wrong, you can tell us.”

Applejack circled around Nova and continued on. “Sorry, but that’s all there is to tell. Thanks fer checkin up on me, but ya’ll can go home now. Tell my family “hi” And that I’m doin A-OK.” 

Rainbow Dash flew in and blocked Applejack off again. “Excuse me, AJ, but we didn’t travel all over Equestria searching for you just to come home without you.”

Applejack walked around Dash and continued. “Well I didn’t ask you ta come lookin’ fer me! There is nothing to tell, and I am not going back to Ponyville!” She said forcefully, making it clear she wasn’t about to budge on the issue. 

The six friends let her walk off to talk amongst themselves to try and make sense of what might be going on. “I don’t care what she says, Applejack is not telling us something.” Twilight pointed out.

“I agree, she is definitely hiding something.” Nova said. “But what? What could be going on that would make her not want to come back home? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Twilight and Nova are right.” Rainbow declared. “We need to find some way to get her to spill the beans.” 

“What? She has beans?” Pinkie asked. “I told her I was snacky!” She said in frustration.

“Come on everypony, let’s go find out what’s going on.” Twilight said. They rushed off towards Jubilee’s cherry ranch.

Applejack stood before a big wheel she could step into that would power a nearby conveyer belt with Cherri Jubilee standing before her. “You ready to put yer back into it Applejack?” Cherri asked.

“Yes mam.” Applejack responded with confidence.

Cherri smiled at the response. “Terrific, come on in girls and fella.”

Twilight, Nova, Pinkie, rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash walked in after Cherri called for them, all wearing white aprons and hats.

Applejack whinnied in surprise. “What are you all doin here?”

They took their places at the conveyer belt as Twilight answered. “We’re your cherry sorters. Shall we get started?”

“Fine.” Applejack replied sourly.

Cherri Jubilee pointed out two bins on the other side of the conveyer belt. Both were white, but one had a picture of a red cherry on it while the other had yellow cherries. “Red Cherries go in one bin, and yellow cherries go in the other. Simple as cherry pie. Just remember one teensy little thing, have fun!” Cherri cheered before leaving. 

“What are you six up to?” Applejack asked suspiciously.

“Nothing, honest.” Nova answered.

“You just made working on a cherry orchard sound…so delightful.” Rarity added.

Applejack didn’t seem to believe them very much as she replied with a simple, “Uh-huh…..well just remember, no talkin about Ponyville.”

“Fine, why don’t you quit talkin and start walkin.” Rainbow said as she tapped her hoof on the conveyer belt.

Applejack began walking to move the conveyer belt. It started bringing in red and yellow cheeries and each pony pushed the cherries from the conveyer belt to the appropriate bin. After a moment, some of the girls and Nova exchange glances with one another as a kind of signal to start talking. 

Twilight was the first to speak. “So, AJ, how was Canterlot?” She received a harsh glare from Applejack in response. “Not talking about Ponyville, talking about Canterlot, totally different town.” Twilight quickly responded.

“Canterlot was fine.” Applejack replied in a short curt response.

“Was the rodeo fun?” Twilight asked again.

“Yes.” Applejack responded shortly again. It was clear she didn’t want to talk at all.

Twilight moved from the conveyor belt over to Applejack. “Did you meet some nice ponies there?”

“Some.” 

Rainbow suddenly flew over in excitement and hovered in the air. “Reall?! Did you see Wild Bull Hickock? What about Calamity Mane?”

“Yes, saw em both.” Applejack responded in the same tone, keeping her sentences short.

Rainbow continued looking at Applejack with a smile expecting more information. Applejack just looked at her in a way saying she wouldn’t say anything else on the matter which made Rainbow glare. 

Rarity soon joined the two with a question of her own. “And how did you meet miss Jubilee?” Nova walked over with Rarity.

“Um, well, miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the rodeo, real good treats.” Applejack’s pace quickened after her answer, causing the conveyer belt to move faster.

“Um, excuse me.” Fluttershy said. She and pinkie were starting to have a little trouble keeping up with the cherries as they came faster.

Applejack started listing off the different cherry treats at Jubilee’s stand. “Cherry winks, cherry cheese cake, cherry tarts, we struck up a conversation bein orchard folk and all.”

“So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight asked.

“Yes.” Applejack responded, her pace picking up more.

“Did you tell her why you weren’t going back?” Rainbow asked.

“No, cause it was none of her business.” Applejack replied angrily, clearly getting more irritated with the questions which only made her go faster and making it more difficult for Pinkie and Fluttershy to keep up as tons of cherries started coming through.

“Can you please slow down?” Fluttershy asked. Sadly, her please went unheard.

“Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?” Rainbow asked.

“No.” At this point, Applejack was now running on the wheel.

“Help!” Fluttershy cried. Pinkie Pie started scooping up the cherries and placed some on Fluttershy’s hat. She also tried eating them and went to the end of the conveyer to catch them in her mouth.

“Was it because I accidentally burned down one of your apple trees when I tried that apple picking invention to help with your harvest?” Nova asked.

“No!” Applejack replied.

“Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards?” Twilight asked.

“No!” Applejack replied again harshly.

“Is it because you were insulted when I insulted your hair?” Rarity asked.

“No, no, NO! I’m not tellin ya’ll why so just-“ Applejack started when Fluttershy suddenly called out.

“Stop!”

Applejack screeched to a halt stopping the wheel and conveyor belt so suddenly, it sent the large number of cherries flying at her. Nova acted quickly and jumped in front of Applejack, he quickly put a square shield up and managed to stop the barrage of cherries from hitting Applejack. She winced at first in preparation when she saw them coming. The cherries struck the shield and everywhere else. The girls were lucky they didn’t get any on them, but there was now a big mess to clean up.

Applejack stepped off the wheel after Nova dismissed his shield. Nova looked back to Applejack. Applejack in turn averts her gaze to avoid eye contact. “Uh, thanks Nova.” She then leaves the room.

Everypony in the room gives a sigh before beginning to clean up the mess. Nova was next to Twilight mopping up some cherry goo. “So much for that tactic.” He said as he looked to Twilight.

“We seem to be striking out.” Twilight added.

Rainbow hovered over to the two. “That’s cause we’re playing too nice.”

“Yes, desperate times do call for desperate measures.” Rarity said.

Rainbow Dash rubbed her front hooves together with an evil grin. “It’s time to bring out the big guns.”

“Hold on girls.” Nova interjected. “I know we all want to find out what’s going on here, but before we resort to drastic measures, just let me try to talk to her alone.”

“Do you really think you can get her to open up, Nova?” Twilight asked.

Nova looked down a moment as he responded. “I don’t know, but I would like to at least try. Just give me a chance, then we’ll use that method if I fail, okay?”

Twilight gave a smile. “Okay, good luck Nova.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Nova smiled in response. “Thanks Twilight, I’ll be back soon to let you know how it goes.” He then left to find Applejack and try to talk to her.

Nova soon found Applejack in the cherry orchard bucking the cherry trees and knocking the cherries into the baskets set up under them. “Hey Applejack, can we talk?”

“We’ve done enough talkin, I ain’t tellin ya why I’m not coming back so just ferget it!” Applejack responded angrily as she started walking off.

Nova galloped after her and got in front of her to stop her. “Applejack wait, please, just give me a few moments and hear me out. Listen to what I have to say and if you still won’t talk after, then I’ll leave, promise.” His eyes were pleading for Applejack to just listen.

Applejack took a moment to think before giving a sigh. “Fine, what do ya want to say?”

“Applejack, we’re your friends, and we’re all worried about you. If there’s something wrong, we want to help. I know you tend to be stubborn, but your stubbornness is causing a lot of hurt here. Your family misses you terribly and we all want you back home. If you can’t tell the others why, then tell me. I once trusted you with the biggest secret I had. When I found out Starburst told you about me and him being aliens and I confronted you, I trusted you to keep my secret till I was ready to tell the others. I trusted you, so can’t you trust me? whatever it is, I won’t say a word unless you want me too, and I won’t think any less of you. Please Applejack, we’re all worried about you and want to help.”

Applejack’s scowl slowly faded into a frown. She looked to the side after Nova’s speech. She gave a heavy sigh. “All right Nova, I’ll tell ya, but you can’t tell the others about this and ya can’t make me come back, deal? I want ya ta pinkie promise ya won’t say a word about this.”

“All right Applejack, if it will finally get you to talk. I cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, I promise not to say a word to the others about what you are going to tell me.” Nova went through the motions of a Pinkie promise.

Applejack hesitated a moment before talking, still unsure if she wanted to or not. “I…I…I didn’t win any blue ribbons at the rodeo.” She said quickly. 

“What?” Nova asked with a cocked brow.

“I tried my hardest there, I came in fourth, third, even second, but I didn’t win a single blue ribbon, let alone any prize money. I was so ashamed I couldn’t come back home, I just couldn’t.”

Nova gave a smile. “Applejack, so what if you didn’t win a blue ribbon or prize money? We don’t care about that, we care about you.” Nova emphasized by pointing at Applejack and poking her in the barrel. “You are Applejack, the apple bucking pony of Ponyville. We don’t care if you’re the strongest or the fastest. We care about you. You don’t need some blue ribbon to make us proud of you. And we can always find another way to fix town hall. In fact, I’ll bet it could be done for free if everypony pitched in.”

Applejack was getting a little misty eyed during Nova’s speech. She gave a sniffle and rubbed her nose with her right foreleg. “You…you really mean that?”

“Of course I do. We just want you back home in Ponyville, with or without a blue ribbon. So, what do ya say, will you come home back to Ponyille?”

Applejack’s smile grew. She took Nova in a hug with a few tears in her eyes. “Of course, thanks Nova. I’m real sorry fer worryin everypony.”

Nova hugged back with a smile. “Don’t worry about it.

“Darn it! Now you’re getting me all sappy.” Rainbow’s voice sounded from some nearby bushes.

Applejack quickly broke the hug and looked around. “What the hay?”

Nova gave a chuckle. “Cover’s blown girls, come on out!”

Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie emerged from the bushes. Rainbow Dash was the only one not smiling and Pinkie Pie had tears in her eyes holding a handkerchief. She blew her nose in it. “That was so sweet.”

“What in tarnation are ya’ll doin here?” She looked to Nova with a small scowl.

Nova raised his front hooves in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me, I didn’t know they were there.”

Applejack dropped her scowl and replaced it with a frown and hung her head. “Gals, I’m real sorry fer worryin ya like I did. But now you know why. Can ya ever forgive me?”

“Oh Applejack, we already have.” Fluttershy said. She then initiated a group hug with Applejack that everypony got into. “Now, let’s all go back home.”

“Hold on girls.” Nova said after the group hug was broken. “We do still have some work to do here for Cherri Jubille. I don’t think it would be right for us to just up and leave when we promised to help her with her work.”

“Oh, that’s right, good point Nova.” Twilight said. “All right everypony, you heard him, let’s get to work.” 

“Aye aye!” The girls responded before splitting off into groups.

Nova went off on his own at first, but soon found himself joined by Twilight and Applejack. “Nova, thanks fer getting me ta talk back there.” Applejack said.  “I should have known ya’ll wouldn’t care about all that stuff with the ribbons and such.”

“Of course we wouldn’t care.” Twilight said.

“Yeah.” Nova said. “It’s like I said earlier, we care about you, not your accomplishments.”

“I’ll be sure ta keep that in mind.” Applejack said.

“Applejack, could you give us a moment alone please?” Twilight asked.

“Want some alone time with yer fiancé huh?” Applejack asked with a smirk. “All right, I’ll go get ta buckin a few cherry trees.” She walked off to leave Nova and Twilight alone.

“So….what’s up?” Nova asked as he looked to Twilight.

“I think it was very nice how you talked to Applejack like that. You really have a way with words.” Twilight said.

“What can I say? I just said what I felt in my heart.” Nova said with a smile.

“Well I think it was brilliant.” She leaned in and kissed Nova on the lips. They both closed their eyes and enjoyed the loving moment for a few seconds before breaking the kiss. 

“That never gets old.” Nova said with a small chuckle. 

Twilight joined in the mirth with a chuckle of her own. “Come on, the sooner we get done, the sooner we can go home.” They went off to begin work. 

It was a long hard day of working in the orchard, but thankfully, the ponies got their jobs done just as the sun was setting in the distance, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple with a few clouds drifting by lazily. Cherry was nice enough to let the ponies stay the night at her ranch until they had to leave in the morning.

The next morning, everypony was gathered around a large table enjoying a nice fulfilling breakfast of pancakes. “It’s a real shame ta be loosin ya so soon, Applejack.” Cherri said.

“I know mam, but I got family back home waitin fer me.” Applejack replied.

“I know, I know, family is important. But ya’ll are welcome back here anytime ya want ta just visit.”

“We appreciate the offer miss Jubilee.” Nova said.

“We’ll be sure to take you up on it and throw a big coming back to visit Cherri Jubilee party!” Pinkie cheered.

“I’ll be lookin forward to it.” Cherri responded.

After breakfast, every pony pitched in to help clean up. They bid farewell to Cherri and headed for the train station. They boarded the train bound for Ponyville and were on their way home. Along the way, Applejack gave her thanks to Nova again. “Nova, I gotta thank ya again fer talkin to me earlier, I think you helped me learn a lesson here.”

“I’m glad to hear it Applejack.” Nova responded.

“I’m definitely gonna write to the princess about it.” Applejack said in return. 

The train soon pulled into the station and Applejack’s family was the first to greet her when she stepped out. Apple Bloom jumped up and landed on her back, followed by Granny smith, then Big Mac, and finally Winona. They all laughed together, happy to be reunited again.

Once things settled, Applejack went on home with her family and every pony went their separate ways, except for Twilight and Nova who decided to spend some time together. “That was a nice little trip.” Nova commented. “See the sights, work on an orchard, convince a runaway friend to come home.” He added jokingly.

Twilight giggled at the comment. “Heh heh, yeah, it was a nice trip. I hope next time, it won’t be to find a friend that decided to run away for whatever reason.”

“You and me both.” Nova said. “They took a seat at a table outside a café and ordered a couple drinks. 

“Nova, do you think you’ll ever be ready to tell Celestia about where you really came from? I don’t really like keeping secrets from her, and I just know she won’t care.” Twilight said in a soothing tone.

Nova looked to the side a moment. “I’m sorry Twilight, I don’t know when I’ll be ready. I have been able to tell a few other ponies about my secret so far, but Celestia….she’s the princess of this country. She wields incredible power along with her sister. You may say she won’t care, but I don’t know if I can take that chance.”

Twilight placed her left hoof on his and gave a smile. “I understand Nova, I guess it will just take a bit more time.”

“Sorry Twilight.” Nova said sadly with a small smile.

Twilight shook her head. “It’s fine Nova, don’t worry about it.”

Later that night, as Nova slept, he had another odd dream. “Huh….wh…where am I?” He looked around and saw blackness with small white points off in the distance like stars. Something else in the distance caught his attention. Two massive figures were flying at great speeds towards him. One was the goddess Galea. “Goddess Galea?” She was being chased by a large black figure with white eyes and had massive black wings like a demon. Galea held a small planet hovering between her hooves while trying to launch created planets at it to slow it down. Once in a while, one or two would hit while others missed.

Without even trying, he was following the two as they flew through space. “Whoa! What is going on here!?” Nova asked.
He followed the two for a long time as the black monster tried firing black energy blasts at Galea while she did her best to dodge and block while keeping the planet safe. Nova managed to get a good look at it and gasped in surprise. “No….it can’t be…is that….Equinia?” Realization dawned on him as he came to the conclusion Galea was trying to protect his home world from a giant evil space monster.

“You will not take this world Nexus!” Galea cried out.

“The last free world will be mine Galea, give it up!” The beast roared out. As the chase went on, the stars seemed like they were growing closer and closer together. 

Eventually, the stars were very close to one another but there was still a lot of room to move around for the goddess and demon. Galea stopped and glared at the black demon. “You will never bring darkness to the universe!” She declared.

“You cannot hope to stop me, I am more powerful than you.” Nexus retorted.

“If I cannot destroy you, I can at least imprison you.” Galea said before the stars began moving and got even closer. They began surrounding Nexus. 

“What? What are you doing!?” Nexus cried out. He tried to slip by some of them but received shocks of powerful energy that forced him back. “NO! I WILL NOT LET YOU WIN!” 

“You don’t have a choice Nexus! It is over! From now on, these stars will be your prison and you will remain here for all eternity, never to harm another world ever again.” Galea said.

Nexus chuckled. “You think you’ve won? You think the power to move stars is yours alone? I will break free one day, and I will bring darkness to the galaxy and rule all.”

“If you should break free, I will stop you again just like before. You will remain here at the center of the galaxy for all eternity. Farewell Nexus.” Galea said before vanishing away to leave Nexus alone.

“I will break free, and I will rule the galaxy. Wouldn’t you agree Nova?” Nexus asked as he looked right at where Nova was.

Nova gasped in surprise. At the same moment, he woke up and shot up in bed panting heavily with sweat running down his face. He looked around frantically to see he was still in his room next to his little brother who slept soundly. Nova buried his face in his hooves and gave a sigh. “What was that? Why do I keep having these nightmares?”

> Flim Flam Fiasco
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Flim Flam Fiasco



Nova and Starburst were sleeping  soundly early in the morning when there was a knock at the door that woke them from their slumber. “Huh, what?” Starburst shot up first from the knocking.

Nova slowly sat up with a yawn and a stretch. “What the galaxies is going on?” He asked tiredly. “Who could that be so early?” He climbed out of bed and made his way out of the bedroom as Starburst plopped back down on his pillow. Nova used his magic to disguise him just in case. He opened the door to see Twilight and Spike there. “Twilight, Spike? What’s going on? It’s still early isn’t it?”

Twilight had a smile. “I know,  but don’t you remember, today is the first day of cider season.”

At the mention of cider season, Starburst immediately shot up and bolted for the door next to Nova, not bothering to disguise himself. “Did you say cider season?” He had a grin on his face.

Twilight giggled in response. “Yes, I did. There’s going to be lots of ponies lining up so we need to get there early to make sure we can get some.”

Starburst immediately used his magic to disguise himself. “Come on Nova, let’s go!” He cheered.

Nova chuckled at Starburst’s enthusiasm. “All right Starburst, hang on, we need to get our holo emitters first.” Nova went back to his room where he found the gizmos and put his on. Then cancelled his disguise spell and activated the device. Nova came back out, gave Starburst his who did the same thing and were now ready to go. 

“All right come on let’s go!” Starburst cheered.

Twilight had told Nova and Starburst about Cider season a couple days ago and mentioned how good the apple family cider was. This got Starburst excited and wanted to get a sample. Sadly, he would have to wait for this day. Thankfully, it finally came.

After a bit of a walk, they reached the road that led to the gate of Sweet Apple Acres, but there was a massive line already. “Sweet celestial bodies, look at this line?” Nova commented. “The cider is really good enough to get such a long line going?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Sadly yes, so there’s always a very long line. Most of the time, the apple family is unable to make enough cider for every pony that wants some.”  More ponies started to file in behind them.

“I hope we can get some.” Starburst said. 

“Me too.” Spike parroted.

A  few moments later, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy hovered by with Rainbow looking none too pleased.

“Rainbow Dash, what’s wrong?” Nova asked.

Rainbow stopped and looked to Nova. “Pinkie’s at the front of the line and now there’s this huge line I have to get in to wait for the cider!” Rainbow exclaimed angrily. “That pony always buys so much of it each year, by the time my turn comes up…if at all…they run out of cider!”

“Really?” Nova asked. “That doesn’t seem very considerate of Pinky. How much do they distribute the cider?”

“One cup for two bits.” Fluttershy said. “And Pinky tends to buy quite a few.”

“Well that’s not very considerate of her considering how many ponies there are wanting a taste.” Starburst pointed out.

“We’d better get to the back before it gets any longer and hope we can get some.” Rainbow said and zipped off with Fluttershy before Nova could say anything else.

“Well, that must suck atoms.” Nova commented. “I may have to talk to Pinkie about limiting herself on the cider.”

“I hope you can get through to her Nova.” Twilight said as she nuzzled Nova. 

Nova smiled and nuzzled back. 

Both Spike and Starburst stuck out their tongues. “Ewe, kissy face.” Spike teased.

Nova gave a warning look to the two with a smirk. They laughed in return.

Applejack’s voice sounded out amplified by a megaphone. “Attention everypony! Cider season is officially open!” The line of ponies cheered.

Time went on as they waited and Nova noticed Pinkie walk by with a large number of cups of cider she was carrying in her front hooves as she walked on her back legs. Nova shook his head in disappointment and made a mental note to talk to her later about that.  Soon, Twilight, Spike, Nova, and Starburst made it to the front of the line where Granny Smith was managing the bits and Apple Bloom was working the tap and managed to get themselves some Cider. Nova paid for Starburst’s cup and they went off in another area to talk while they enjoyed the cider. 

Nova and Starburst took their first sip of the cider and hummed in delight. “Mmmm….that is good.” Nova said.

“I’ll say, that is one great drink. I love cider.” Starburst cheered.

Nova noticed Rainbow managed to make it to the front of the line. “Hope she gets some.” He said to himself. Sadly, the tap rattled and fizzled signaling the barrel was empty. What’s worse, it was the last barrel of cider for the day too. 

“Oh dear, there goes the last of it.” Twilight commented.

“Heh, sorry every pony, that’s it fer today!” Applejack announced.

Some of the ponies groaned out in disappointment. “Surprise surprise, you ran out of cider again.” Rainbow said angrily.

“Yeah, you always run out!” Caramel said with equal anger and annoyance.

“For the record, I don’t mind…” Fluttershy tried to say before she was cut off.

Rainbow hovered off the ground. “Why can’t you make enough cider for all of us? Or at least for me.”

The group of ponies that didn’t get cider started joining in.

“This doesn’t look good.” Starburst said.

Applejack jumped onto the stand to speak. “Hold on every pony. We’ve done our best to improve supply this year.”

“You always say that!” Caramel announced.

Applejack continued. “And it’s always true. But Apple family cider is made with love and integrity, and only the highest quality apples in Equestria. Sorry, but that recipe takes time.”

The group started complaining silently as they dispersed.

“If ya’ll just be patient, we’ll have plenty more tomorrow.” Applejack called.

Rainbow made her way to Nova, Twilight, Spike, and Starburst with Fluttershy. Pinkie suddenly popped up next to Dash. “She’s right you know, you can’t rush perfection. And this year’s batch was perfection.”

Rainbow seemed a little irritated at Pinkie’s words. “Um…Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy tried to get Pinkie’s attention.

“I’ll never forget the cider I drank. It was a moment…”

“Pinkie!” Nova shouted to get Pinkie’s attention before she annoyed Rainbow anymore.

“Yes Nova?” Pinkie fluttered her eyes at Nova. 

“Could I speak to you alone for a moment please?” Nova asked.

“Sure.” Pinkie followed Nova away from the group where they could talk. “What’s up?”

Nova began. “Pinkie, I understand that you like cider and all, but don’t you think you buy too much when you get some?”

“Are you kidding? I can’t get enough!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“I’m afraid that’s a problem then.” Nova said. “Think of it this way Pinkie, you buying so many cups of the cider at once leaves less cider for other ponies to get.”

Pinkie fell silent a moment and thought. “Oh my gosh, you’re right! Oh how could I have been so selfish and not even know it!” She seemed genuinely sorry.  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize what I was doing.”

Nova gave a smile. “It’s fine Pinkie, from now on, just buy one cup like every pony else.”

Pinkie gave a salute and performed her pinkie promise. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I promise to only buy one cup each day from now on.”

“Glad to hear it Pinkie.” Nova said with a smile.

It was then a strange honk filled the air and some odd vehicle pulled up and knocked the fence running along the apple family property. The ponies started gathering around it in curiosity. “What in the galaxies is that?” Starburst asked as he, Twilight, Nova, and Spike went to see for themselves. 

Two unicorns, one with a mustache, both with yellow coats, red and white manes and tails and the one without a mustache had an apple slice while the one with a mustache had an apple with a slice missing for a cutie mark appeared from the thing on a kind of stand at the front of the strange thing. They both wore white and blue vests and hats.

The one with the apple slice cutie mark started rhyming while music seemed to start playing.

Flim: Well, lookie what we got here, brother of mine, it's the same in every town
Ponies with thirsty throats, dry tongues, and not a drop of cider to be found
Maybe they're not aware that there's really no need for this teary despair

Flam: That the key that they need to solve this sad cider shortage you and I will share
The ponies started chatting away excitedly.

Flim and Flam: Well you've got opportunity
In this very community

Flam:He's Flim

Flim: He's Flam

Flim and Flam: We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil

Pinkie Pie: Non-pa what?

Flim: Nonpareil, and that's exactly the reason why, you see
No pony else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be
And that's a new world, with tons of cider
Fresh squeezed and ready for drinking

Flam: More cider than you can drink in all your days of thinking.

Rainbow Dash: I doubt that.

Flim and Flam: So take this opportunity

The crowd started joining in on the song at this point other than Twilight, Nova, Starburst or Spike.

In this very community

Flam: He's Flim

Flim: He's Flam

Flim and Flam: We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil

Flim: I suppose by now you're wondering 'bout our peculiar mode of transport

Flam: I say, our mode of locomotion

Flim: And I suppose by now you're wondering, where is this promised cider?

Flam: Any horse can make a claim and any pony can do the same

Flim: But my brother and I have something most unique and superb
Unseen at any time in this big new world

Flim and Flam: And that's opportunity

Flim: Folks, it's the one and only, the biggest and the best

Flam: The unbelievable

Flim: Unimpeachable

Flam: Indispensable

Flim: I can't believe-able

Flim and Flame: Flim Flam brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

Flam: What d'you say, sister?

Crowd: Oh, we got opportunity
In this very community
Please Flim, please Flam, help us out of this jam
With your Flim Flam brothers' Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

Flim: Young filly, I would be ever so honored if you might see fit to let my brother and I borrow some of your delicious, and might I add spell-bindingly fragrant apples for our little demonstration here?

Applejack: Uh, sure, I guess.

Crowd: Opportunity, in our community

Flam: Ready Flim?

Flim: Ready Flam?

Flim and Flam: Let's bing-bang zam!

Flim: And show these thirsty ponies a world of delectable cider!

Sadly at this point, even Twilight and Spike were getting into the song and sales pitch these unicorns were giving. Starburst was too. Nova had a bad feeling about these two though and wasn’t joining in.

Crowd: Cider, cider, cider, cider..

Flim: Watch closely my friends!

Flam: The fun begins!

Flim: Now, here's where the magic happens, right here in this heaving roiling cider press boiling guts of the very machine, those apples plucked fresh are right now as we speak being turned into grade-A top-notch five-star blow-your-horseshoes-off one-of-a-kind cider!

Flam: Feel free to take a sneak peek!

Granny Smith: Now wait, you fellers, hold it!
You went and over-sold it!
I guarantee that what you have there won't compare
For the very most important ingredient
Can't be added or done expedient
And it's quality, friends, Apple Acre's quality and care!

Flim: Well Granny, I'm glad you brought that up, my dear, I say I'm glad you brought that up
You see that we are very picky when it comes to cider if you'll kindly try a cup

Flam: Yes, sir, yes ma'am this great machine, it's just the very best
So whaddaya say then, Apples
Care to step into the modern world
And put the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 to the test?

Crowd: Cider, cider, cider, cider... [continues until Flim and Flam begin singing]

Flim: What do you think, folks? Do you see what the Apples can't? I see it clear as day! I know she does! So does he! C'mon Ponyville, you know what I'm talking about!

Flim and Flam: We're saying you've got

Flim, Flam, and Crowd: Opportunity
In this very community
He's Flim, he's Flam
We're the world famous Flim Flam brothers
Traveling salesponies nonpareil

Flim and Flam: Yeah!

Apple Bloom rushed up to the two and held out a hoof. “You got a deal!” The crowd started chatting excitedly.

Granny Smith called in protest. “Not so fast!” The apple family gathered into a huddle. “No way no how that machine can match up to the care we put in our cider!”

“But if it really does work, we could make every pony in town happy.” Apple Bloom argued.

Applejack was very unsure about it. “I just don’t know ya’ll. We’ve always made cider the same way.”

Big Mac sounded in agreement. “Eeyup. Huh?”

Somehow the Flim Flam brothers worked their way into the huddle with Flim speaking first. “We’ll sweeten the deal. You supply the apples…” He left it off for his brother to pick up.

“We’ll supply the super speedy cider squeezy 6,000.”

They then spoke together. “Then split those sweet sweet profits.”

Flim again. “Seventy five.”

Then Flam. “Twenty five.”

Apple Bloom cheered. “Deal.”

Applejack cut in. “Hold it. Who gets the seventy five?”

“Why us, naturally.” Flim said smugly.

Flam chimed in. “And we’ll throw in the magic that powers it for free.

Nova stood by long enough. “I got a better idea. If you two are going to go into buisness with the apples, why not split the profits fifty fifty?” He had his eyes narrowed.

The flim Flam brothers looked to Nova with a raised brow and Flam followed up with a question. “And just who are you?”

“My name is Nova. Applejack is a very dear friend of mine. So if you think I’m going to just stand by and let you swindle her and her family out of their money and farm, then you’ve got another think coming.” Nova shot a fierce glare at the brothers.

“Sorry sunny, but if you’re not part of the apple family, this doesn’t really concern you now does it?” Flim asked.

“It does when you’re trying to rob my friends of their bits.” Nova said angrily and lit up his horn threateningly.

“Easy Nova, we’ll handle this.” Applejack said. “Thanks fer wantin ta help though.” She turned back to her family. “We rely on cider sales to keep Sweet Apple Acres afloat during the winter. If we take this deal, we’ll lose the farm.”

“No deal.” Big Mac said with a stomp of his hoof.

Nova smiled at that, then smirked at the brothers.

Flim gave a humph. “Very well. If you refuse our generous offer to be partners, then we’ll just have to be competitors.”

Applejack glared at the brothers. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Flim gave a smirk. “Oh no?”

Flame followed up as the brothers hopped back onto their contraption. “Don’t worry everypony, there’ll be plenty of cider for all of you!” He then whispered something to Applejack that made her look worried.

Nova kept his glare on the brothers as they rode off in their machine and gave a snort. “Lousy unicorns. I bet I could come up with something that makes cider much faster than them.” He said to himself, but others heard.

Twilight came up to him. “You really think so?”

“Nova, that’s mighty nice o’ yah, but the way we do it just can’t be replicated. We put a lot of love and care in our recipe fer cider.” Applejack said.

“Sorry, I just couldn’t stand those two or the thought of them running you out of your home.” Nova said. “I’m willing to do what I can to help you out do those two though.”

“Thanks  partner, but I don’t think I’m too worried about them.” Applejack said.

The next day:

Cider season was still on the next day and Nova got his mother and father to join them in the line with Twilight and spike for some cider. They managed to get some after a long wait. “Mmm, this cider is delicious, you weren’t kidding son.” Cosmos said.

“I’ll say, this is so good.” Starla added.

“We told you it was good.” Starburst said.

Twilight was close to Applejack who looked a bit worried. “Still worried about Flim and Flam?” Twilight asked.

“Granny Smith said they were just blowin hot air.” Spike said.

“I’m not so sure. They sounded mighty serious when they threatened to run us out of buisness.” Applejack replied.

“Don’t worry Applejack. If they even try, I’ll be sure to let them know this is apple family cider country.” Nova said.

“Flime and Flam?” Starla questioned.

“They’re a pair of unicorns that came here yesterday and tried to cut a deal with Applejack and her family to work with them in making cider. But the deal they offered made it so they would get most of the money while Applejack and her family barely got any.” Nova informed.

“Well that doesn’t sound nice?” Cosmos said.

Apple Bloom’s voice called out over the crowd. “That’s it! Last cup!” The ponies sighed in dissapointment.

“Oh for Pete’s sake!” Rainbow yelled from near the back of the very long line.

“Poor Rainbow Dash.” Starburst said.

“Come on back tomorrow every pony!” Apple Bloom called again.

The group of ponies started complaining again and were about to leave when the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy six thousand pulled up and bumped into the fence again just after Granny Smith finished fixing it. “That’s Flim and Flam.” Nova said with a light glare at the two as they approached to his mom and dad.

Flim jumped down and came up to Applejack. “What seems to be the problem here?”

Flam gave a fake dramatic look with a hoof to his forehead. “Oh my, out of cider again?” 

Flim went to the back of their machine that ejected a barrel of cider. “What have we here? Who’d like a cup?”

Flam then made his little announcement. “Don’t worry every pony, we’ve got the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy six thousand to make more in an instant.

The crowd started gathering around in excitement. Rainbow was the first to go up to them and get a cup. Applejack took out her lasso and roped the barrel to pull it away. When she did, the barrel knocked the cup of cider out of Rainbow’s hooves and soaked into the ground. “You can’t sell that cider! It’s made with Apple family apples!”

Rainbow had dropped down to the ground and tried to eat the dirt the cider soaked into before sitting back up with tears in her eyes. “Is this some kind of cruel joke?”

Flim made another announcement. “Don’t worry every pony, there are plenty of apples in Equestria. We’ll find some more and make more cider than all of Ponyville can drink!”

The crowd gasped in surprise.

“We’ll make more cider than you can imagine!” Apple Bloom announced.

The crowd gasped again.

Granny came over to stop Apple Bloom. “Now it aint about the speed youngin, it’s about the quality.”

“Who cares how good the cider is if I never get to drink any!” Rainbow declared angrily.

“Rainbow Dash, are you really so selfish? Think about what these two want to do to Applejack and her family!” Nova said.

“Oh, look at these poor dissatisfied ponies.” Flim said as he squished Dash’s cheeks together.

“Ponyville is Sweet Apple cider country.” Apple Bloom said with a stomp of her hoof.

“Our cider speaks for itself.” Applejack insisted.

Flim gave a challenging smirk. “Let’s put it to the test.”

“Anytime, anywhere.” Apple Bloom said.

The crowd gasped as Nova and his family grew concerned.

Granny tried to calm the situation. “Well, that’s enough now.”

“With our machine, we can make enough cider to satisfy this entire town in one hour.” Flam said smugly.

“We’ll do it in fourty five minutes.” Apple Bloom insisted.

“Easy, Apple Bloom, easy.” Granny said as she tried to calm Apple Bloom.

Flim continued with a smug look. “What’s the matter Granny Smith, chicken?”

Granny narrowed her eyes at Flim and Flam. “What did you call me?”

Flam continued to egg Granny Smith on. “If you’re so confident in your cider, then what’s the problem.”

Granny rushed to Flam with a glare. “Tomorrow mornin, right here!”

Flim picked up an apple with his magic. “But I’m afraid we haven’t any,” He spat on an apple and rubbed it against his vest. “Apples.”

“You can use our south field!” Granny said. “It’ll be worth it ta teach you a thing or two abut cider makin.” Granny said angrily.

Nova facehooved. “This will not end well.”

Flim shook Granny’s hoof. “Excellent, we have a bet. Whoever produces the most barrels in one hour wins the exclusive rights to sell cider in Ponyville.”

Granny shook a hoof at them angrily. “And after we beat ya, I never want ta see you bambahoozlers around here again!” The crowd started chattering away.

“Until tomorrow.” Flam said as he and his brother gave a bow and rode off in their machine again.

Twilight came up to Applejack and placed a hoof over her shoulder. “Don’t worry Applejack, I know you and your family will win tomorrow.”

Applejack was still looking worried. “We’d better, cause if we don’t, we’re gonna lose our farm.

Nova came up with a few words of his own. “Hey, I’m not going to let you lose your farm. I don’t care about some stupid bet. If you do lose, I’ll chase those two off myself if I have to.”

Applejack shook her head. “No Nova, it wouldn’t be right. We made an agreement.”

“What wouldn’t be right is you and your family losing your farm after having lived here for so many years.” Nova insisted.

“Nova, please, don’t make this any harder than it has to. If we lose, we’ll leave.” Applejack insisted.

Nova sighed and hung his head. “Fine Applejack. Just know that if you do lose, your family can stay with us. May not be much room, but I think we can figure something out.”

Applejack smiled. “Thanks partner.”

Later that evening after Starburst had gone to bed, Nova was sitting outside his house looking up at the stars again. Twilight had seen Nova from her balcony and went to join him. “Hey Nova, can’t sleep?” She sat next to him and leaned in on his side.

Nova smiled at the action as he responded. “I’m just worried about tomorrow. If Applejack and her family lose the contest, they could lose everything. It wouldn’t be fair for that to happen to them.”

“I know, but Applejack isn’t one to back out of a deal no matter the outcome or consequences.” Twilight said.

Nova nuzzled Twilight’s mane. “Applejack and her family are good ponies. If it weren’t for them, there wouldn’t be a Ponyville would there?”

“No, there probably wouldn’t.” Twilight responded as she nuzzled Nova back. “We just have to have faith they’ll win and cheer them on.”

“I guess so.” Nova wrapped a foreleg around Twilight and held her close. “I know what it’s like better than anyone to lose a home.”

“I can’t imagine what that must have been like, but it’s in the past. You have a new home now, and plenty of friends who care about you.” Twilight smiled and kissed Nova on the cheek.

“I know, and let’s not forget I have my mom and dad back, and a beautiful mare I’m going to marry.” Nova smiled down at Twilight.

Twilight blushed at that. “Looking forward to it.” They shared a loving kiss on the lips. “See you in the morning Nova.”

“Yeah, see you in the morning.” Nova said back as Twilight walked back to her house. After a while, Nova eventually went inside and went to bed.

The next day arrived and every pony had gathered at Sweet Apple Acres to watch the contest between the Apple family and the Flim Flam brothers. Granny Smith was sniffing apples to get ready for her part while Big Mac was stretching his legs and Applejack was bucking a bucking back (Punching bag) with Apple Bloom hanging off of it.

Mayor Mare was going to be the judge of the contest and an earth pony stallion, Time Turner, stood by an hourglass to act as the timer.
Twilight and Nova approached Applejack together. “Applejack, are you sure this is such a good idea?”

“Me and the family…” Applejack bucked the back. “…are one hundred percent…” She bucked it again. “…confident in our cider making capabilites.”

Apple Bloom added her thoughts. “And besides, no pony calls granny a chicken.”

“I Just wish it hadn’t come down to this.” Nova said.

“I know Nova, me too.” Applejack said.

Mayor Mare sounded off through a megaphone. “Attention everypony!”

“Well, good luck Applejack.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, we’ll be rooting for you.” Nova added.

“Thanks, we’ll need it.” Applejack said.

Twilight and Nova headed back to join the crowd where their other friends were waiting along with Nova’s family and other friends he made. Berry Punch, Golden Harvest, Derpy Hooves, Cheerilee, Vinyl Scratch, and Octavia were there as well.

Mayor Mare continued with her announcement. “The teams have one hour to produce as much cider as they can, after which the barrels will be counted up and the winner will be named the sole cider provider for all of Ponyville!”

The crowd gasped.

“Man, I sure hope the apple family wins this.” Vinyl said with a worried look.

“You and me both.” Octavia agreed.

“They have to win, they’re the best cider makers we know.” Derpy said.

“We just have to have faith they’ll win and cheer them on.” Golden Harvest added.

Nova smiled at his other friends. “I’m glad you all are here to support the Apple family.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t we?” Cheerilee asked with a smile.

Mayor Mare looked to the Apple family and Flim and Flam. “Are both teams ready?”

Granny gave a snort as Applejack answered. “Ready.”

Flim and Flam answered together as they simply lay on the seat of their machine in confidence. “Ready.”

Mayor Mare raised a hoof. “Then lets….GO!” Both teams began.

Applejack and Apple Bloom were collecting apples, Granny Smith was inspecting them and Big Mac was running on a treadmill connected to a giant stone wheel to turn the apples to cider and put them in barrels.

Flim and Flam’s machine had a giant hose that sucked up apples from the trees and into the part that inspects them, then to the juicer and finally into a barrel that was quickly ejected.

“Great job ya’ll!” Applejack cheered. “We’ve already filled an entire barrel.”

Apple Bloom cheered. “Yeah, I’ll bet them brothers don’t even have-“ She stopped herself when she noticed how many barrels the Flim Flam brothers had. The Apple family gasped when they noticed too.

Flim and Flam had already six barrels full stacked up.

Applejack looked very worried then and gulped.

“Come on Apple family, you can do it!” Starla cheered.

“Don’t give up yet!” Cosmos cheered.

Apple Bloom was mesmerized by the machine.

Applejack bucked a tree. “Come on Apple Bloom, focus. We gotta stay focused if we wanna beat these guys!”

Apple Bloom snapped out of her stupor. “Sorry sis.” She quickly collected the apples that fell and brought them to Granny Smith. “Better hurry up Granny, we gotta work harder or we’ll fall behind.” 

Granny wiped some sweat off her brow and continued on working as fast as she could. “Badder, gooder, badder, gooder.”

Big Mac was hanging his head and panting and sweating tiredly. “Rest when it’s over Big Mac, ride!” Applejack cheered. Big Mac lifted his head and picked up his speed again.

“This is just dreadful. Even at top speed the apples are only making one barrel for the brothers every three.” Rarity pointed out.

“Oh no, they’re gonna lose!” Starburst cried out.

Twilight had a thought and led her friends and Nova and Starburst over to Mayor Mare. “Um, miss mayor. Are honorary family members allowed to help in the competition?”

Mayor Mare brought a hoof to her chin. “Well I don’t know. Flim, Flam, would you object to honorary family members helping?”

Flim just waved a hoof. “Are you kidding?”

Flam followed up. “We don’t care if the entire kingdom of Canterlot helps. It’s a lost cause.”

Mayor Mare looked back to Twilight. “I guess it’s okay.” She then looked over to Applejack. “Applejack, what do you say?”

Applejack just bucked another tree before answering. “I think I’d love to have the rest of my family helpin out.”

“All right!” The group cheered.

Everypony lined up in front of Twilight as she gave orders of who would go where. “All right every pony, we’re not going to let those smooth talkers take our friends farm.”

“Yeah!” The group cheered again.

“Fluttershy, help Applejack with the trees.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Got it.”

“Pinkie Pie, Starburst, you two are on apple catching detail.”

Pinkie saluted. “Yes sir mam sir.” 

Starburst saluted too. “You can count on me Twilight.”

“Rarity, you have a discerning eye, and Nova, with your scanning spell, you two can help Granny with quality control.”

“Of course.” Rarity responded.

“No sweat.” Nova said.

Twilight finally moved down to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, do you think you can help Big Macintosh with the press?”

“In my sleep.” Rainbow responded with a smirk.

“All right every pony, let’s save Sweet Apple Acers.” Twilight declared.

“All right!” Every pony cheered. They all went off to their stations to begin work.

While Applejack bucked the trees, Fluttershy flew into them to shake the apples loose. Starburst helped Apple Bloom and Pinkie with catching them. Pinkie caught a few and called out to Apple Bloom. “Over there Apple Bloom, don’t miss them.” 

Apple Bloom dove and caught a bunch of apples. “Right behind ya Pinkie Pie!” She called out.

Pinkie flipped behind her with her bucket and caught a few. “Starburst, over there!” Pinkie cheered. 

“I got em!” Starburst leapt to the side and caught some apples himself. They brought the buckets to Granny, Rarity, and Nova for inspection.

Granny was going faster than she had before. “Badder, gooder, badder, badder.” She tossed the bad apples away while the good ones went to the press.

Rarity used her magic to lift the apples to inspect and did the same with the good and bad ones. “Lovely, horrid, horrid, lovely.”

Nova had a kind of line going for him while he kept his scanning spell active and had the apples pass through it one by one. “Good, bad, good, good, bad.” He tossed the bad ones aside while tossing the good ones to the press.

Rainbow Dash was on the treadmill next to Big Mac to help him keep up the pace. Twilight took over placing empty barrels under the spigot for the press then capping the barrel once it was full and stacking them off to the side.

In the middle of it, Twilight did some calculations. “According to these figures, we’re making five barrels for every three of theirs.”

“All right! GO APPLES!” Vinyl cheered loudly from the side along with the rest of the crowd.

“Keep it up every pony, we’re back in this!” Applejack cheered. 

It was then the brothers seemed worried. Flim spat some of the cider he was drinking in Flam’s face and grabbed his brother by the shoulder. “Come on brother, we need to pick up the pace.”

“Right, uh, double the power!” Flam suggested and the two shot a magic beam from their horns to the machine. It started sucking up entire trees instead of just apples that greatly impeded their progress as the machine rejected every apple as there was a mix of leaves and twigs.

“We’ve got to try something else.” Flim said.

Flam just smiled. “I’ve got it brother of mine.” He pushed a button that turned off the quality control function and the machine was now producing more barrels.

“Well done Flam, we’re at top productivity!” Flim cheered.

Rainbow noticed the change in productivity and flew off the press.

“Come on Rainbow Dash, keep running.” Twilight said.

“We don’t have time for quality control if we want to win this thing!” Rainbow declared and flew over to try and start tossing apples in.

Granny got in her way. “Wah! Back off you. One bad apple spoils the bunch!”

“Rainbow Dash, this is no way to win.” Nova said as he kept going.

“Applejack, help me!” Rainbow said.

Applejack wiped some sweat off her forehead. “There’s no point in winnin if we cheat!”

“We’ll just have to work harder. Come on every pony!” Twilight cheered.

Rainbow Dash grew determined. “All right then, double time!” She went back to the press to help Big Mac.

Spike was keeping a close eye on the time as Applejack and her family and friends worked hard as they could to catch up to the Flim Flam brothers. Flim and Flam just sat on their seat comfortably as they kept their confidence of winning the contest. 

Time was slowly running out and drew close to the end as tension grew for every pony. “Times up!” Mayor Mare declared as the hour glass ran out.

After the announcement was made, the group of friends collapsed in exhaustion and the crowd cheered.

“Oh, I hope they won.” Golden Harvest said.

Twilight and Applejack lay next to each other. “I’m proud of you Applejack.”

“Thanks.” Applejack said as she panted.

“Integrity like that…will always be…rewarded.” Twilight panted out.

“Flim and Flam win!” Mayor Mare declared. 

The crowd seemed saddened by this.

“We…lost?” Applejack asked.

“No…and we worked so hard too.” Nova said.

Flim walked up to the family with his brother. “Aw, too bad Apples.”

“Guess you’ll have to find a new line of work that doesn’t match your names quit so perfectly.” Flam said.

Flim looked the farm over. “Now should we tear down all these tacky buildings and put up new ones brother?”

Flam agreed. “I don’t see why not brother. After all, this isn’t Sweet Apple Acres anymore.” He made a new banner appear over the cider stand with a picture of them and a cup of cider. “How about Flim Flam Fields?”

Nova glared at the two.

Rainbow flew up. “I oughta press you into jerk cider.” She tried to fly at them but Applejack stopped her.

“No Rainbow Dash, a deals a deal.” Applejack said. The two brothers just started laughing. “Congratulations ya’ll. The cider business…” She hung her head. “Is yours. Come on Apples, let’s go pack our things.”

“Oh dear.” Cheerilee said from the crowd.

"Well this blows.” Vinyl said in annoyance.

Nova stomped a hoof. “That’s it, I can’t stand by and let this happen!”

“Nova, don’t. We had a deal.” Applejack said.

“So what!? You really think I’m going to just let you lose your home even though you made this deal?” Nova declared. He then jumped up on the stand to address the crowd. “Come on ponies, are we really going to just stand by and let this happen? The apple family is the whole reason there’s a Ponyville in the first place!”

“He’s right! It was the Apple family that founded Ponyville.” Cheerilee pointed out.

Nova continued. “Hasn’t the Apple Family been helpful to you all in some way or another?!” Nova cried out.

“Yeah, they have.” Golden Harvest said. “Big Macintosh has helped me with my cart when it broke down that one time, and Applejack gave me great farming advice with my carrots.”

“And they’re very good friends to every pony!” Derpy declared.

“Yeah, we can’t let these two clowns force our friends out of their home!” Vinyl declared.

“Applejack and her family don’t deserve this.” Octavia said.

“So what do you say Ponyville, are we going to let the Apple family lose their home like this?!” Nova called out.

“NO!” Every pony cheered. “Apple family, Apple Family, Apple Family!” They started chanting.

Applejack and her family watched in aw and grew smiles on their faces with a few tears forming.

Nova jumped down from the stand and the crowd closed in on Flim and Flam. “Guess your little scheme failed. No pony is going to buy any of your cider if you’re going to treat a friend of ours like this. So I suggest you take your cider making contraption and beat it, or I’ll take great pleasure in turning it into scrap metal.” Nova lit up his horn threateningly.

The Flim Flam brothers were sweating nervously and gulped. “What now brother? No pony will buy our cider.” Flim said.

“Next town?” Flam suggested.

“Next town.” They hopped on their cider making machine and drove off.

“And don’t come back!” Nova shouted.

“They’re gone, I can’t believe it.” Applejack said and looked over the crowd of ponies with a smile. “Thank you every pony, I can’t tell ya how much this means ta me.”

“We’re just glad you still have your home.” Octavia said.

“You deserve it.” Derpy said.

Applejack then turned to Nova. “And Nova, thank ya fer not givin up on me. I guess I shoulda known you wouldn’t let this go.”

“You bet your backside I wouldn’t. You’re my friend Applejack.” Nova said. “I’m not going to just sit by and let you lose your home over some stupid wager.”

“And guess what?” Apple Bloom announced. “Thanks ta this here contest, we got enough cider fer all of Ponyville!”

Every pony cheered at this. Nova removed Flim and Flam’s banner and got rid of it as every pony lined up to start paying for apple family cider. The barrels the Flim Flam brothers made were discovered to be no good at the end as it was full of leaves and twigs. So the whole lot was dumped. 

Applejack came up to the mares that gave their voices to the crowd. “Girls, I just want ta thank ya’ll again fer standin up fer me like that.”

“Think nothing of it Applejack.” Octavia said.

“Yeah, we’re cool.” Vinyl said. “Every pony thinks you and your family is awesome. No way were we going to let you lose your home.”

“Besides, it’s what any good friend would do.” Golden Harvest said.

“And this cider your family made is very good.” Berry said happily as she took a swig from her cup.

After all the cider was sold off and every pony had some, Nova caught up with Applejack once every pony was gone and offered to help take care of the empty barrels to store for next time. “Applejack, there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Wha’ts up Nova?” Applejack said.

“So….every year, you and your family have been unable to make cider for every pony in Ponyville?” Nova asked.

“Well yeah, we try ta make enough every year but we just can’t do it.” Applejack said.

“What if…I made something that could help with that?” Nova suggested.

“What do ya mean?” Applejack gave Nova a curious look.

“I mean what if I made a machine similar to what Flim and Flam had but a smaller version and you could use only if you feel you and your family hadn’t made enough cider for every pony.”

“You could do that?”

“Well sure. I mean, I imagine it would be a big help to you and your family, wouldn’t it?”

“It sure would, that would mean more money fer us.”

“So what do you say? I won’t expect anything in return, and you would have to keep it hidden for now as it will be looking rather high tech but I’ll keep the design and operation simple.” Nova said.

Applejack thought a moment, then gave a smile. “Nova, I would really appreciate that. But again, I would feel more comfortable usin it if’n we fail again at makin enough cider fer every pony in Ponyville.”

“That’s fine Applejack, you can use it whenever you want. It might take a while for me to make it though, but it will definitely be ready before your next cider season.” Nova gave a determined look.

“Thanks partner, I’d really appreciate it.” Applejack said.

> Changes Abound
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Changes Abound


Nova and Twilight Sparkle were walking along together side by side on one of their dates when they spotted Rarity and Pinkie Pie watching the skies. “Hi girls, what are you looking at?” Twilight asked.

“What’s so fascinating?” Nova parroted. He and Twilight looked to the skies to see Rainbow Dash flying around performing aerial acrobatics.

“Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie chirped as her eyes stayed glued to the multicolored pegasus. “Isn’t she the most daring devil? I mean, the most devilish darer? I mean…”

“She’s dazzling.” Rarity cut Pinkie off.

“Oh yeah, that’s a good word. She’s dazzling.” Pinkie parroted.

“Wow, she is good.” Nova said.

They stood there watching Rainbow perform trick after trick. Pinkie kept her eyes and her head turned and twisted as if her head were Rainbow Dash. Eventually, her neck got so twisted up, she had to stop and let her body twirl around so she wouldn’t be so twisted.

Soon, it started to look like Rainbow was having trouble as her moves seemed to become frantic as she struggled to correct herself. 

Twilight seemed to panic. “Oh no, oh no, oh no.”

Pinkie gave her own worried cry. “Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi!”

“Oh quasars!” Nova exclaimed.

Rainbow crashed into the ground hard. “Oooh.” The four spectaters said together.

Pinkie felt the need to throw in another comment. “So much for dazzling.”

They rushed over to her with Nova reaching her first. “Rainbow Dash, are you all right?”

Rainbow grunted in response. “Ugh, my wing…it hurts.”

“Just hang on, I’ll get you to the hospital.” Nova gently lifted Rainbow off the ground and onto his back before galloping off with the other behind. Along the way through town, Applejack and Fluttershy were in town and saw Rainbow looking hurt. They started galloping with the group and Twilight told them what happened.

They soon reached the hospital, got her checked in, and were now gathered around her as she lay in a bed with her right wing bandaged up. “Ya think she’s gonna be okay?” Applejack asked. Rainbow’s eyes started to flutter open.

Fluttershy followed up. “Oh, I’m so worried.”

“Is her face gonna stay that way?” Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Dash did have a goofy look on her face as she soon came too. She rubbed her head with a hoof, then touched her bandaged wing looking worried. Upon realizing her condition, she let out a groan. “Ooooooh.”

The doctor was in the room as well looking over Dash’s X-rays. Twilight looked back to the doctor. “How is she doctor?”

The unicorn Medic kept his eyes on the X-rays as he answered. “She’s going to be fine.” He turned and gave a smile. “Luckily, she has friends like you that got her here quickly.”

“How long do I have to lie here? I’ve got things I need to do.” Rainbow said. The way she said it made it clear she didn’t want to stay in the hospital for very long.

“Well that all depends on your recover, but I’d say a few days minimum.” Answered the doctor.

“You guys have got to get me out of here, I’m going to climb the walls!” Dash said desperately.

Pinkie rushed up to Dash. “Ooh, just like a spider.” She then went over to the doctor. “Did the crash somehow give her super-duper spider powers?”

“I highly doubt that.” Nova answered.

“No, neither did it give her amazing healing powers.” The doctor answered. “She needs to stay in bed for a few days.” He started making his way to the door.

Rainbow Dash didn’t like the answer to this. “A few days? It might as well be a few months, or a few years.”

“Rainbow, don’t exaggerate. I’m sure those few days will pass by rather quickly.” Nova said.

“I highly doubt that.” Rainbow remarked.

“Don’t worry Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy comforted.

“I’m sure the chow here is hoof lickin good.” Applejack added.

Rarity then tried to add something as she levitated a hospital gown up. “And the hospital gown, they match the curtains.”

Pinkie popped in again. “And look, you have a roommate.” She pulled the curtain on the side back to reveal a pony in a near full body cast with a worried look on his face.

“Ooh, poor pony. Wonder what happened to him.” Nova commented.

Rainbow Dash simply turned over and pulled her cover more over her. Applejack shrugged and looked to the others. They looked to each other as well, unsure what to do or say.

Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, and Nova looked to Twilight who rubbed a hoof on her chin in thought. She looked out the door of the room just in time to see a nurse pushing a cart full of books by. She rushed out with her horn glowing after the cart and came back a moment later floating a book to Rainbow Dash. She used it to tap her shoulder and set it on the bed next to her.

Rainbow looked over her shoulder and sat up. “What’s…this?” She picked the book up and read the title out loud. “Daring Do and the quest for the sapphire stone.”

Twilight tapped the top of the book with a hoof. “This is the first story in the series. I own all of them.” She grinned with a squee. 

Nova couldn’t help but smile. “Geeze Twilight, do you have to look so cute doing that?”

Twilight blushed in response to Nova’s compliment.

Rainbow promptly tossed the book aside. “No thanks. I sooooo don’t read. Reading is for eggheads like you Twilight and Nova. I’m a world class athlete.” She rested her front hooves behind her head. “No offense, but I am not reading. It’s undeniably, unquestionably, uncool.”

Every pony in the room laughed in response. “Is she serious? Who doesn’t like to read a bang up tail from time to time?” Applejack asked.

“Why am I not surprised?” Nova said with an eye roll.

“Why a good book is just as good as silk pajamas on a Sunday morning.” Rarity said with a smile.

Twilight then came in. “Reading is for every pony Rainbow Dash.” She floated the book back onto her bed.

Pinkie chimed in next. “Yeah, I love reading. And my head doesn’t even come close to the shape of an egg.” She hopped as she spoke. “More the shape of an apple, or maybe an orange. But a big orange. Or more like a grapefruit really.”

“We get it Pinkie.” Nova cut her off.

The light pink earth pony nurse that was pushing the book cart came in. “All right my little ponies, Rainbow Dash needs her rest. You can all come back tomorrow.”

Most of the girls left, but Nova and Twilight lingered. “I think you’ll like Daring Do. She’s a lot like you. Adventurous, fierce, and undeniably, unquestionably, unstoppable.”

“Sure sounds like you.” Nova added as he and Twilight left. “See you later Dash, take care.”

Once out of the hospital, Nova and Twilight continued with their date. “So Twilight, do you really think what you said back there will get Dash to read that book?”

“I hope so, it will at least give her something to do.” Twilight said.

“So is this Daring Do series really all that good?” 

Twilight turned her head to face Nova. “Oh that’s right, you haven’t read it either have you?”

“No, can’t say I’ve had the pleasure. Wouldn’t mind giving it a try sometime.”

Twilight smiled. “You won’t be disappointed.” The two continued their walk through town in silence till they came to the park where Twilight broke the silence. “So Nova…since….we’re engaged. I don’t suppose you’d consider…moving in with me?” She blushed with a smile at the question.

Nova looked to Twilight with a bit of a surprised look. “Move in with you? I…um…” Nova blushed. “Well…okay, sure. I mean, we are going to be getting married sometime. My little brother can always live with our mom and dad. I’ll still need to go to my ship though to take care of my job. And I guess I could bring in a few of my tools with me.”

Twilight smiled more and nuzzled Nova’s neck, resting the top of her head under his chin. “Thank you, I would really like it if we could start living together.”

Nova smiled sweetly in return. “I’d love it too. Guess once our date is done, we should go find my family and tell them so they can start making preperations for Starburst to live with them.”

Twilight removed herself from under Nova’s head. “How do you think he’ll take the news?”

Nova thought a moment before answering. “Well, we have been together for years, never being apart. But ever since we came here, being apart hasn’t really been an issue.” He gave a chuckle as he thought of his next reason. “Especially since he joined that little club the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

Twilight giggled with him. “Heh heh, yeah, he’s really energetic about it.”

“And let’s not forget that little budding relationship he has with Rarity’s sister Sweetie Belle. They make such a cute couple.”

“I think so too.”

The rest of their time was spent in relative silence. Just being with each other was enough. “I wish there was something more I could do for Twilight. Something special to show how much I care, or show her something amazing.” Nova began to think until an idea came to him. “I know, I could….no…that wouldn’t work. Unless….maybe dad could help. Yeah, he could. Then I could do that.” Nova smiled at his idea.

Twilight looked to Nova noticing his smile. “What are you smiling about?”

“Oh, nothing really. Just thinking about us.” Nova answered casually.

Twilight smiled in return and kissed Nova on the cheek.

Later in the day, the couple found Starburst with his three friends trying to sell home made cookies that looked a bit burnt. They had a stand set up and everything. “Hey there Twilight, Nova, wanna buy some cookies?” Scootaloo asked happily.

“We’re trying to get our cutie marks in cookie baking.” Sweetie Belle informed.

“They may look a little burnt, but I’m sure they’re good.” Starburst said. “Try some.”

Twilight and Nova looked at each other nervously before turning back to the fillies and colt. “Uh, heh heh, uh no thanks, that’s okay.” Twilight said.

“I’m sure they’re tasty and all but…we came to talk to Starburst. Would it be all right if we had a word with him alone?” Nova asked.

“I guess so.” Apple Bloom said.

Starburst shrank. “Am I in trouble?”

Nova chuckled as he and Twilight led Starburst away. “No little brother, there’s just something we need to tell you. First, we need you to come with us to see mom and dad. This is something mom and dad need to hear as well. It won’t take long, promise.”

Starburst’s attitude lifted back up hearing this. “Oh, well…okay.”

With Starburst in tow, Twilight and Nova headed for his parent’s house. 

They arrived within minutes and entered the domicile. “Hey mom, hi dad.” Nova greeted.

Cosmos was sitting at the computer of their ship looking over current star maps when he heard his son’s voice. He looked back over his shoulder. “Nova my boy, what a surprise.”

Starla came in from their kitchen. “Hello boys, and hello to you Twilight Sparkle. What brings you all by?”

Starburst ran up to Starla and hugged her with a smile. “Hi mom.” She happily hugged back and nuzzled him. They were currently out of their pony disguises to show their true Equinian forms. 

“Hello Starla, Cosmos.” Twilight greeted. “We came by because we have something to tell you.”

Cosmos came up next to his wife. “Oh, and what would that be?”

Nova explained. “Well, since we’re going to be getting married at some point. Twilight decided it would be a good idea for me to go ahead and move in with her. Which means Starburst would have to start living with you two. Would that be all right?”

“What? I…won’t be living with my big brother any more?” Starburst asked sounding disappointed.

“Well Twilight doesn’t exactly have a spare room for you. Besides, don’t you think you’ll like living with mom and dad? And it won’t be like I’m going anywhere. We’ll still see each other every day.” Nova explained.

Starburst slowly smiled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Well, that would be a delight. I think it would be great to have our little youngling living with us.” Starla said with a smile as she hugged Starburst again.

Starburst giggled in response.

“Great, I can help move his things over here if you’d like.” Twilight offered.

Starla stopped hugging and looked to Twilight with a kind smile. “That’s nice of you to offer dear, but you don’t need to. He doesn’t have that much stuff anyway.”

Starburst chimed in. “Yeah, just a few souviners and a couple toys. Like that kite Pinkie gave us a while back when that dragon was sleeping in that cave on the mountain. And the costume Sweetie Belle made me for the talent competition a while back along with the award we won. And there’s that headband I got from the buffalo back in Appleloosa. Speaking of, big brother, do you think sometime we could go visit them again? I kind of miss Little Strong Heart.”

“I guess so, but it might be a while before we can go visit her and her tribe.” Nova said.

Starburst jumped up for joy. “Yay!”

“All right then, since you don’t have all that much, might as well get started.” Cosmos said. Me and Nova can take care of this.”

“Okay then. Starburst, you can go back to your friends now.” Twilight said.

“Okay, by guys.” Starburst took off like a shot out of the house.

Nova turned his head to Twilight. “Twilight, why don’t you stay here with mom while me and dad do this?”

“Good idea, I can make us some fuban tea.” Starla said.

“What kind of tea is that?” Twilight asked.

“It’s an equinian tea. It’s very good. You might like it.” Cosmos said. He went to grab his holo emitter and put on his pony disguise. “All right, let’s go.”

“Right.” Nova began following his dad as Starla went to the kitchen.

Once out of the house and on the way to Nova’s, Nova, spoke up. “Hey dad, I had this idea to do something special for Twilight Sparkle, but I need your help.”

“Sure, what’s up son.” 

“Do you think you could help me fix my ship’s engines? The energy converter is shot so the engines can’t run.”

Cosmos gave a curious look. “Sure, I could help you fix it up in no time. But why?”

Nova whispered what he had planned in his father’s ear.

Cosmos smiled and chuckled in response. “Heh heh, by the stars that is a good idea. Knowing her, she’s going to love it. We can get started once we get your little brother’s stuff over to my place.” 

“Great, thanks dad.” Nova smiled brightly.

After moving Starburst’s stuff over and telling Twilight he had some things to take care of, she headed home while Nova and Cosmos started gathering the tools for the small job ahead. It took a couple hours but the engine to Nova’s ship was soon repaired.

Cosmos wiped a bit of sweat off his brow with a foreleg. “And there we go, done.”

“All right, this is perfect. I can’t thank you enough dad.” Nova said.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m just glad I could help my boy.”

Nova took his dad in a hug. “Really dad, thank you. I’m sure Twilight will like this. But I’m also glad I could work on something with you.”

Cosmos gave a small smile as he hugged back. “Me too son. Me and your mother are just so happy to have you boys back in our lives.” He pulled back from the hug. “So, when do you plan on springing your little present on your wife to be?”

“Tomorrow night. But first, we’ll be visiting Dash tomorrow. She got into a bit of an accident and hurt her wing so she’s in the hospital for a while.”

Cosmos winced upon hearing this. “Ooh, hope she gets better soon.” 

“It’s just for a couple days, she’ll be flying again in no time.” Nova stated confidently. “But now that this is done, I think I want to make one more adjustment to my ship.”

Cosmos gave a curious smile. “Oh, and what sort of adjustment?”

“A viewing window of course. With a bit of magic and technical know how, I can have one set up in a jiffy as well.”

“All right then, I need to get home and go back to work. The probe we sent up to send information on the stars won’t monitor itself.” Cosmos gave a wave as he trotted off.

Nova watched as his father left and went back inside to make the addition he mentioned.

The next day, Nova met up with Twilight and Fluttershy just outside the hospital. “Good day Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy.”

Twilight had a board game floating next to her in her magic. “Hello Nova.”

Fluttershy greeted with her usual sweet smile. “Good day Nova.”

“So, let’s see how Dash is doing today shall we?” Nova said with a smile.

Twilight nodded. “Of course, I even brought a board game along for us to play. She must be really board on her own.”

The trio trotted in to the hospital and made their way to Dash’s room. Twilight knocked first and slowly pushed the door open. “Hi Rainbow Dash.” The three of them greeted in unison. Rainbow was sitting up on her bed leaning against the pillow with what looked to Nova like a strained smile.

“Uh, hey…guys.” Rainbow greeted in return.

Fluttershy chirped. “We thought we’d come and cheer you up.”

Twilight floated the game up for Dash to see. “We brought your favorite board game.”

“We know how much you like to win.” Fluttershy added.

“So how are you holding up Rainbow?” Nova asked as Twilight set up the game.

“Uh, fine, thanks.” Dash said cautiously. She had a hoof behind her back as she sat up.

Twilight pointed a hoof at Dash. “You go first Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow shook her head. “No no, you first.” 

Nova cocked a brow at this curiously. Fluttershy and Twilight stood at the foot of the bed while Nova watched them play the game. He had never played this board game before so he didn’t know how it worked. “Going to have to ask Twilight about that one, and a few others, so we’ll have more stuff to do. Why didn’t I ask about them sooner?” Nova thought to himself.

“All right.” Twilight placed a hoof to her chin a moment before calling out an item and number. “Uh, cloud three.”

“Aw shucks you…rained on my cumulus.” Rainbow leaned back with her left foreleg over her eyes dramatically. She then leaned back with a smile. “Go again.”

Fluttershy went next. “Um…Sky Five?”

“Whoa, you found my seagull.” Rainbow declared as she held up a small plastic red seagull and tossed it aside. 

Twilight looked closely at her side of the board. “Cloud two?”

“You zapped my weather pony!” Rainbow declared.

Nova cocked a brow at this. “What in the galaxies? This doesn’t seem like Rainbow Dash. Why isn’t she even making a move?”

The girls took turns calling out moves and Dash just kept saying what they hit. “You stung my bumble bee.” Another move. “Aw, my thunderbolt. And that’s my last cloud. Too bad, you guys win I lose.” She gave a very sad pout with her lip jutting out and her left hoof resting on the side of her face.

“Uh, Rainbow, you didn’t even get a turn.” Nova pointed out.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the game up and frantically tried to pack it up. She looked back with another obviously strained smile. “You win some you lose some.”

“But you don’t lose some.” Twilight pointed out. “I don’t think you’ve ever lost a game.”

Rainbow suddenly yawned and stretched her forelegs, cutting Twilight off. “Thanks for coming.”

“But yesterday you were desperate for things to do.” Twilight pointed out as Dash practically shoved the game at her.

“Do? Who said anything about Daring Do? I told you I’m not interested in reading.” She turned the lights off.

“Dash, no pony said anything about Daring Do.” Nova pointed out.

She gave an exaggerated yawn with another stretch of her hooves. “Nap time for me.” She laid down with the covers over her lower half and started snoring in a painfully obvious fake manner. 

“Glad we could…cheer you up?” Fluttershy said in a curious way as she left. Twilight and Nova just stared at Rainbow a moment.

Dash opened one eye while trying to keep up the act and gave another even more exaggerated yawn. 

“All right then.” Twilight said as she began walking out.

“Well, it was nice seeing you again Dash. Hope you get better soon.” Nova said before following Twilight out of the room. Once out of the hospital, Nova pointed out his observation. “Is it just me or did Dash seem to be acting a bit odd?”

“She did seem to be acting weird.” Twilight said in agreement with a thoughtful look.

“She never even made one move during our game.” Fluttershy pointed out.

Nova continued. “She did seem rather adamant about getting us out of her room. I wonder why.”

Twilight shook her head slowly. “I don’t think we’ll be able to figure this out today. Maybe we can ask her the next time we see her.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Nova said.

“Well, I’ll just be going then, I’ll see you two later.” Fluttershy hovered up off the ground, waved, and flew off towards her home.

Nova waved at Fluttershy with Twilight as she left. Once gone, Nova turned to Twilight with a smile. “So Twilight, I have a little something I’d like to show you.”

Twilight smile as her curiosity shone through. “Really, what is it?”

“Ah ah ah, not now. It will have to wait until night fall when every pony is asleep.”

Twilight cocked her head to the side in confusion. “Why? Can’t you show me during the day?”

Nova kept his smile. “Trust me, it will be all the better at night.” 

“If you say so.” Twilight’s face fell slightly in dissapointement. However, the prospect of something from Nova kept her attitude up. Whatever it was, she knew it had to be something great.

“Come to my ship tonight after the sun sets.” Nova instructed. “You’ll get it then.”

“All right, I’ll see you later tonight then.” With that, they parted ways.

Once night fell and the sun set, Twilight made her way to Nova’s home and knocked on the door. “Nova, I’m here!” She called.

The door swung open to reveal Nova standing there out of his pony guise with his fins in plain view. “Great, come on in.” Nova stepped aside to let Twilight in. His buggy eyes watching her movement.

The lavender unicorn trotted in with a smile. “So what’s this surprise of yours?”

“Just a sec.” Nova moved to the center of the living room. “Computer, revert to ship mode.” There was a beeping before all the furniture, sink, the cabinets, the fridge, everything that made it look like a home dematerialized and was replaced with the metallic hull of the inside of an alien craft. The ships main controls were back at the front of the ship and Nova moved to them. 

Twilight watched in a bit of awe as the home changed to an alien space craft. “Wow, that was amazing.”

Nova gave a smirk. “You haven’t seen anything yet.” He took a seat at a chair in front of the controls. “Come here and have a seat next to me.”

“Wait, are…are you going to…fly it?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“Well how else am I going to show you my surprise?” Nova asked with his smile.

Twilight’s eyes widened and sparkled with joy. She squeed in delight. “Eeeeh!” She galloped up and took the other seat available next to Nova. She looked over the control panel that held many readings, buttons, switches, and levers. “Wow, look at all this. This is the first time I’ve seen this.”

“Just wait. This is the reason why we had to wait till nightfall. Didn’t want any pony seeing the ship take off.”

Twilight turned her head to Nova with an inquisitive look. “Hold on, I thought your ship couldn’t fly anymore.”

“My dad helped me fix it so it could.” Nova started pressing a few buttons and placed his hoof on a slider. The engines hummed to life and the ship began to slowly rise up off the ground. “We’re going into outer space for a closer look at the stars.”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! This is so exciting!” Twilight squeeled. A pair of straps suddenly appeared over Twilight’s head and came down to her chest where they met another pair of straps. They secured Twilight in the seat comfortably. Nova had the same.

“And here we go.” Nova took hold of a steering wheel and the ship moved forward, then angled up. The ship rose higher and higher into the sky. Twilight keeping her eyes forward as they flew up. In a matter of seconds, they passed by the clouds, then rose more and more. Slowly, the ground behind and the town of Ponyville began to shrink in size until it couldn’t be seen anymore. 

The ship soon came to a stop and turned around. “There it is Twilight, your home planet.” Nova said with a smile. 

Twilight gasped and looked on in awe. “Wow, I can see everything from here.” The planet of Equis lay before her. The green lands and the blue oceans were plain to see. “This is so beautiful.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet my love.” Nova said. “The universe is full of wonder and majesty to see. During mine and Starburst’s long isolation traveling through space, we’ve seen some incredible things. I wanted to share a few of those with you. According to my dad’s star charts and calculations, there’s a small comet set to pass by the system.” He turned the ship around and took off. 

“Really? And we get to see it up close?” Twilight asked.

“Sure do.” Nova responded. He directed the ship forward and made to head away from the planet.

Twilight’s eyes stayed focused to what was in front of her as she looked out the window of the front of the ship, her eyes wide in wonder. Hundreds upon hundreds of white dots painted the blackness before them. Off to the side, the moon hovered over the planet. While Twilight was distracted with the view, he pushed a few buttons and the engines roared more. The ship sped up and Twilight was nearly flung back into her seat by the force. Streaks of lights zoomed past. “What’s going on?!”

“Warp speed!” Nova answered back. It lasted a few minutes before coming to a stop. 

“Nova, wh…what just happened?” Twilight asked.

“I put the ship in warp drive.” Nova answered.

“Warp drive, what is that?”

“The ship has a warp drive engine that allows it to travel faster than the speed of light.” Nova answered casually.

Twilight’s jaw hung open at this for a while. She soon shook her head and came back to her sense. “Faster than light? That’s amazing.”

“Look ahead of us.” Nova pointed a hoof at the window.

Twilight turned her head and looked where Nova was pointing. “What is this?” There was a large red cloud with a few blurry light spots scattered about it.

“It’s a nebula.” Nova answered again with a smile. “Isn’t it pretty?”

“Nova, it…it looks incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s so beautiful. What is a nebula?”

“It’s an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionized gases.”

“This is so fascinating.” 

“There’s more to see that I want to show you. You’d be surprised how many wonders there are in this part of the galaxy so close to your world.”

“What about the comet you mentioned?” Twilight asked.

“We’ll go see it next.” Nova directed the ship in a different direction and took off. Twilight’s eyes continuously scanned the stars before her in wonder. Almost an hour of travel and they soon spotted the comet Nova mentioned. It was a sight to behold. A white comet with a long tail and particles of ice trailed behind it. 

Once again, Twilight stared in wonder as she admired the beauty. Nova pulled the ship to follow next to it where they could have a good view of it. “It’s so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m seeing a comet up close like this.”

“So I take it you’re enjoying yourself so far?” Nova asked.

Twilight looked back to Nova with a sweet smile. “I am, I’ve never seen such amazing sights up close. Thank you for this.” She brought him in for a loving hug.

Nova happily hugged back. “Think of this as your own personal observatory. Now that my ship can fly, I can take you up like this every night whenever you want.”

Twilight pulled back from the hug. “But wait, how do you find your way back to Equis?”

“Don’t worry, I worked on that too. There’s a homing signal coming from my mother and father’s ship I can lock on to and find. We can travel around for hours in space looking at everything without having to worry about getting lost.”

Twilight’s smile returned. “Thank you.” Shortly after she said this, a red light on Nova’s control panel started flashing and a beeping started up. “Nova, what is that?”

Nova smiled wider. “Something even more incredible. This is our lucky night indeed.” Nova took the controls and steered the ship away from the comet and off in a different direction. They continued flying for a few more minutes before nearing something else. 

Twilight gasped and seemed like she would faint at what she saw. “Nova….”

Nova chuckled. “I never thought I’d see one of those again.” They were looking at a large creature floating through space with ridges extending outward from a round long body. The top half smooth while the bottom had ridges. There were three long tentacles trailing behind it. There was no sign of eyes or a mouth. “That is a space whale.” Nova informed.

Twilight turned to face Nova. “You’ve seen these before?”

“They were a common sight in the solar system my planet was in. They soar through space unhindered and free to roam as they please from one solar system to the next.”

Twilight’s eyes turned back to the space whale. “It’s amazing. How does it survive in space like that?”

“Not sure. Equinians have tried studying them but couldn’t really make much progress. Don’t ask me why. They’re still a mystery to us.”

Twilight fell silent, content with simply watching the creature as it swam through the open vastness of space.  “It’s so…peaceful.” She finally said.

“Come on, we’d better head back home now.” Nova said.

“Right, okay.” Twilight responded, keeping her eyes glued to the creature. “Will we be able to see it again?”

“Possibly. If there’s one living around here, there’s bound to be more. I think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing more of them when we do this again.” Nova began steering the ship and turned it away. Nova activated his ships warp drive and sped off back to Equis. 

They arrived within minutes and Nova started bringing his ship in. Instead of setting it down in it’s original position, he set it down next to Twilight’s home. Once it settled, the harnesses released. “I’ll come up with an excuse how my house got next to yours later.” Nova said. “Though…I guess it’s really more my old house, now that I’ll be living with you.” He smiled.

Twilight smiled in return. “How about you make your ship look like something else.” Twilight suggested.

Nova thought about it a moment and smiled as he came up with something. “Perfect, I know just the thing.” He focused his magic on the controls of the ship and began manipulating them. “There we go.” He started leading Twilight out of his ship and turned to look at the results. Now, instead of a large spaceship sitting next to Twilight’s tree house was a metal shed with a single door near the far right side. It sat on the left side of the tree house.

“Well, I guess that will do.” Twilight said. “Come on Nova, let’s go inside and get some sleep.”

“Right behind you.” Nova responded.

Before he took a step though, Twilight suddenly shoved her lips to his for a loving passionate kiss. Twilight held it for nearly a minute before breaking it and trotted in. She lingered at the door waiting for Nova whom she had left a bit stunned at the sudden kiss.

Nova smiled and followed Twilight in and up to her bedroom for a good night’s rest.

The next morning, Nova awoke in Twilight’s bed…or rather his bed as well now, to a beautiful sight to him. Twilight Sparkle was still resting with a smile on her face as her head rested on his neck. He smiled in return and gently stroked at Twilight’s mane. Upon his touch, Twilight’s eyes slowly opened and met his. “Good morning.” Nova greeted.

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” Twilight asked.

“Very, but I forgot to ask, how does spike feel about me living here? I wouldn’t want this to be awkward or anything.”

Twilight sat up a bit more still smiling. “Don’t worry, I asked him how he would feel about you living here before I asked you. He said he was fine with it.”

Speaking of Spike, a snore from his basket interrupted their conversation. He was still snoozing away after the sun had come up. 

Twilight giggled at her assistant. “Come on, let’s get breakfast going, that will wake him up.” Twilight said.

“How about you let me take care of breakfast. There’s a little recipe I want to try for Spike I think he might like.” Nova climbed out of bed.

Twilight cocked a brow. “Oh? What kind of recipe?” 

“Gemstone pancakes.”

“Mmm, sounds good.” Twilight giggled. “I think he’ll love it.” She got out of bed next and headed for her bathroom.

Nova went to the kitchen to begin making breakfast. A few minutes later, the smell did rouse Spike from his sleep as his nose sniffed the air. “Mmm…something smells good.” He climbed out of bed with a yawn and made his way to the kitchten to find Twilight sitting at the table reading the newspaper and Nova at the stove cooking. “Nova? Twilight, why is…..” He paused in his sentence as he remembered something. “Oh right, you wanted him to start living with us.”

“Did you forget already Spike?” Twilight said with a giggle.

“Morning Spike, hope you don’t mind I decided to make breakfast this morning.” Nova asked as he looked over his shoulder to the little drake.

Spike smiled as he took a seat next to Twilight at the table. “Not at all, I appreciate it. Welcome to our home by the way.”

Nova gave a small chuckle. “Thanks, anyway, I’m making your pancakes special.”

Spike perked up at this and stood up in his seat. “Really? How so?”

Nova levitated a plate of three pancakes already prepared with butter and syrup on them and a glass of orange juice. He floated the stack to Spike and set it in front of him with a fork and knife. In the pancakes was a few gems evenly spaced in a circle near the edge of them with one big one at the center. Spike’s eyes widened and his mouth began to drool. “Oooh, those look…so good.”

“Eat up.” Nova encouraged.

Spike grabbed his knife and fork and hungrily dug in. You’d think he was starved with how he went after them.

As Nova came to the table with two more plates of regular pancakes for himself and Twilight, both were watching Spike with raised brows. It didn’t take long for Spike to finish off his meal and patted his belly in satisfaction. “Wow Spike, did you even taste them?” Twilight asked.

Spike simply answered with a belch.

“I think that’s a yes.” Nova responded with a laugh. The rest of breakfast was spent with the trio talking while enjoying the meal. Nova had brought up the subject that while living in the library now with Twilight and Spike, he’d be more than happy to lend a hoof whenever he wasn’t busy with his own job. Spike was more than happy to have an extra hoof around as it would probably lighten his load of work which wasn’t really that much to begin with but no pony commented on it.

Once things had been settled, Nova had to go to his ship and start work. He had a few orders to take care of and gave Twilight a simple kiss on the cheek good bye even though he was going to be right next door now. The rest of the day went without incident and was rather peaceful.

The day waned on and the sun was starting to set as night began to descend on the town of Ponyville. Nova returned to the library he would now call home and helped straighten things up to close for the night. He helped with sweeping the floor and placing any stray books back in their rightful place. After, it was now time to turn in for the night and the trio went upstairs to the bedroom. 

Spike made himself comfortable in his little basket while Nova and Twilight snuggled up to each other in bed and shared a quick kiss goodnight before Twilight used her magic to turn off the lights and resting their heads on the pillows.

Not long after, a ruckus suddenly sounded of a dog barking and hooves clopping against the ground as if they were running. “Oh for galaxies sake, what is that?” 

Twilight used her magic to turn the lights back on and peeked out the window of the bedroom. “There’s a group of ponies running around coming up to the library.” Twilight said.

“What? What for?” Nova asked.

“One of them has a rainbow tail. I think it’s Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. “We’d better go see what’s going on.”

Nova gave a sigh and climbed out of bed. Spike was sound asleep at the time so they decided to let him sleep. 	

They quickly headed downstairs as Nova cast his disguise spell instead of using his necklace and to the front door as Twilight flung it open to see Rainbow crouching down wearing a black outfit that covered her entire body save for her face wings and tail. There were four ponies coming up to her with flashlights. One was dressed as a security guard, one was one of the nurses from the hospital and the third was the doctor. “Rainbow Dash, what in the world is going on? Why are you stealing slippers?” The doctor asked. 

Before she could answer, the barking was heard again. There was a mare with a light blue coat and white mane and tail in a mess with a crazed look on her face as she barked like a dog.

Nova gave a concerned look at the mare and frowned. “What in the cosmos is wrong with her?” He pushed that aside for now.

“Hey, get back to the hospital.” The doctor ordered the crazed mare. She was chased away towards the hospital by the security stallion.

Rarity and Fluttershy had approached wearing their robes. Applejack soon strolled up next to Fluttershy. “What’s all the ruckus?”

Pinkie popped up in front of them suddenly seemingly out of nowhere. “Oh, I’d say it was more of a fracas than a ruckus.”

Rainbow was looking nervous as she had her forehooves crossed in front of her.

“What’s going on Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked suspiciously.

“Seriously, what is going on that you would wake up everypony like this?” Nova added.

Rainbow took a moment before she answered and hung her head. “I’m an egg head.” She said dejectedly.

“Pardon?” Rarity asked with a raised brow.

Rainbow began explainging. “See, I was trying to get back into the hospital to finish the last chapter of…”

Twilight cut her off and named the book she had recommended before. “Daring Do and the quest for the sapphire statue.”

Rainbow hung her head more. “You got me.”

Twilight came up to Rainbow with a smile. “Wow, I knew it was good, but I never thought it would drive a pony to petty theft.”

“Good? Try awesomely amazing. That book is unquestionably, undeniably, un-putdownable.” Rainbow pointed out. “But I had to put it down. I was sent home before I could finish it.”

Nova gave a flat look. “Really? That’s what this is about? You know Rainbow, you could have asked Twilight for a copy, she has the whole series.” 

“Well I’m glad that’s what this is all about.” Twilight stated with a smile. Nova simply rolled his eyes with a smirk.

Pinkie hopped over while the others trotted over. Applejack started a little speech. “There’s no reason to go around causin a ruckus…”

“Fracas!” Pinkie suddenly corrected.

Applejack continued. “Causin a fracas just because you like to read.”

Rainbow gave an appologetic look. “Sorry every pony. I didn’t mean to wake you all.”

“Oh, it’s all right, no real harm done.” Fluttershy said.

“Speak for yourself, you interupted my beauty sleep.” Rarity whined and started back for home.

Applejack and Rainbow snickered at Rarity. “Well, I reckon we might as well get back home then and get some sleep. See ya’ll in the mornin.” Applejack started off back for home.

“Good night every pony.” Fluttershy said before going off herself.

“Rainbow, just come back in the morning and you can get the book yourself from here.” Nova said. “It’s too late at night right now to be worrying about this.”

“Great, I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” Rainbow zoomed off for home quickly.

Nova shook his head. “By the stars that mare sure is something.”

Twilight giggled in response. “I’ll say.”

The next morning, Rainbow showed up just like she said and came in. Spike was busy sweeping the floor at the time as Twilight showed Dash the shelf where she keeps her Daring Do series. “Like I said, I own every book in the series, and you can borrow them anytime you like.” She levitated the first book off the shelf and in front of Rainbow.

Rainbow gave an appologetic smile. “Thanks Twilight, I’m sorry I made such a big deal about this. I thought reading was for smart ponies like you and Nova.”

Twilight kept her smile but shook her head. “Rainbow Dash, just because you’re athletic doesn’t mean you aren’t smart.”

Spike chimed in. “Yeah, just look at me.” He stopped his sweeping and flexed his arms. After a moment of them just staring at him oddly, he narrowed his eyes and went back to sweeping.

Twilight continued. “Reading is something every pony can enjoy if they just give it a try.”

“Yeah, I get it. I shouldn’t knock something till I try it.” Rainbow said.

“Sounds like you just learned a lesson.” Nova said.

“One that I think would make a great letter to the princess.” Twilight added.

Rainbow went over to Spike. “Did you get all that?”

Spike paused in his sweeping and answered carefully. “Yeah?”

Rainbow smiled. “Great, you write the letter, I gotta finish this book.” Rainbow suddenly lurched her head forward, causing Twilight to duck as Rainbow grabbed the book in her teeth and disappeared out the door.

Nova chuckled again. “By the cosmos, looks like she found a new interest.”

Twilight giggled with him. “Very.” With that out of the way, they went about their buisness and tended to the library.

> Starburst's Hearts and Hooves Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Starburst’s Hearts And Hooves Day



Starburst had come to enjoy school very much and liked his teacher Cheerilee just as much as his friends. When he learned much about a holiday that was on approach called Hearts and Hooves day, he wanted to do something special not just for Cheerilee, but for Sweetie Belle too to show how much he cared about her. Their relationship had grown quit a bit. It was a couple of days to Hearts and Hooves day when Starburst came to Nova with a request. “Nova, I was wondering if you might be able to help me with something.” 

They were in their ship when Starburst came up to him. Neither had their pony disguise up so their alien forms were visible with their fins and eyes. “Sure little bro, what’s up?”

Starburst looked down shyly at first. “Well…I was wondering if you could…teach me how you make those special gems. Hearts and Hooves day is coming up and I want to make something special for Sweetie Belle. So could you show me how to do it?”

Nova smiled. “Aw, my little brother wants to make something for his special somepony. Sure Starburst, I’d be happy to help. It isn’t too hard so I think you can do it.”

Starburst looked up with a wide smile. “Really? Great, thanks Nova.”

“So what did you have in mind for Sweetie Belle?” Nova stepped aside from his workbench so Starburst could join him.

Starburst trotted up to the bench and placed his forehooves on it. “Well, I was thinking something like a light pink heart or something. But I’m not really sure.”

Nova tapped a hoof to his chin in thought. “Hmm….a heart would be nice, but it’s kind of common. I think you should try to make something that reflects her and her personality. Something kind of like a cutie mark. She may not have one yet, but she will get one someday.”

“I GOT IT!” Starburst suddenly cheered, causing Nova to scrunch his nose in surprise. “A bell with a heart. She’s sweet and caring so a heart to show that, and a bell because she’s really good at singing.”

Nova chuckled. “I think that’s a great idea. Now, what colors to use?” 

“How about light pink for the heart and light purple for the belle. The same colors as in her mane and tail.”

“All right then, let’s get to work.” Nova used his magic to open up a large drawer under his large metal table to reveal a multitude of gems of varying colors, shapes, and sizes. Off to the side on the bench was a paper bag that held a few gem shavings from Nova’s previous work.

“Nova, what are those for?” Starburst questioned. 

“That’s for Spike. They’re leftovers from my work. Spike does eat gemstones after all. I just give him what ever is left over from me working on a gem instead of just throwing them away.”

“Oh, okay. So how do we get started?” Starburst was very eager to get to work.

Nova found two gems in his drawer that fit the colors perfectly Starburst wanted to use. “Okay, first, we need to shape the gems.” Nova levitated a cylindrical metal object with a pointed end and a small hole in the end of the point. “You need to be careful cutting the gem and take your time or you’ll end up making it look bad and ugly. You can use my cutting laser, but be careful with it.”

“Okay.” Starburst took the small laser in his aura as his antennae lit up. He stuck his tongue out of the side of his mouth in concentration and turned it on as he slowly began to try and shape the light pink gem first. It was perfectly round and flat with narrowed edges so it wouldn’t be too difficult. Carefully, Starburst began cutting and shaping the gem with a bit of coaching from Nova. 

“You’re doing good Starburst, just take it nice and slow.” 

After about a minute or two, Starburst finished and the gem was a bit crudely shaped like a heart but one could tell it was just that. “I did it.” Starburst said with a smile.

“Not bad for your first try. Keep this up and you could be my assistant.” Nova joked. “Now for the bell.” Nova levitated the newly carved gem to the side and brought the other light purple gem over. “All right, just like with the heart, take it nice and slow. First get an image of how you want it to look and go from there.”

Starburst nodded and began cutting the gem with the small laser. It took a bit longer with this one, but he managed to cut the gem just fine in the shape of a bell with the small striker poking out of the bottom. “This isn’t too hard.” Starburst said.

“True, but what comes after is. Enchanting the gem with the magical glow I always give them. Sorry Starburst, but this part I have to do.”

“That’s okay, I’m glad I was able to just cut them.” Starburst stepped back to let Nova work. “I was thinking maybe somehow connect the two also.” 

“Of course.” Nova said and brought the heart gem over with the bell gem. He lit his antennae up and began casting his enchantment spell. In the heart, he placed an orb of magic and colored it a slightly darker shade of pink and shaped it to look like rose petals and crystalized them. For the belle, he added a musical note shaped similar to Octavia’s cutie mark and shaded that a slightly darker shade then the gem itself. Both had a faint glow to them and sparkled. 

“Wow, that looks amazing Nova.” Starburst said.

“Now to fuse them.” Nova placed the two together and cast another spell that fused the two together. “And there we go, your hearts and hooves day gift for Sweetie Belle is done.”

Starburst hugged Nova as he held the gems in his aura. “Thanks big brother, they look amazing.”

“We did a fine job. You did very well.” Nova said as he hugged Starburst back. “Now, I suggest you keep this hidden away for now so you can give it to her when the day comes.”

“You bet.” Starburst took the gem in his aura and trotted off.

Hearts and Hooves day was drawing nearer. Starburst was trotting up to the CMC club house with a pair of his saddle bags. In one were a few art supplies to make a gift he and the others were making for Cheerilee. In the other was his gift for Sweetie Belle. As soon as he walked in, he dropped his pony disguise and set his bags to the side. He took out the art supplies first and the group of little ponies shared greetings before getting to work. Starburst didn’t give his gift just yet to Sweetie Belle. He planned on presenting it to her after school.

Apple Bloom was carrying a bottle of glue as she trotted through some glitter. “Hmm, I just don’t think it’s big enough.”

Sweetie Belle seemed to agree. “I know what you mean. If it’s for Cheerilee, it needs to be perfect. Heart’s and Hooves day is just around the corner after all.”

Scootaloo held up a roll of red ribbon. “I say we add some more ribbon.”

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. “Mm hmm, yeah, and maybe a bit more lace.” She tossed a roll of lace over the decoration. 

Apple Bloom went over to a paint can and dipped her hooves in it. “And a few more hoof prints.” 

Starburst made a suggestion. “Perhaps a bit more bows too.” He placed a couple on the giant paper heart with his magic. 

“And glitter, it could definitely use just a little more glitter.” Scootaloo dumped a bucket of glitter over the heart.

The group looked over their finished product with Apple Bloom commenting. “Now that’ll show miss Cheerilee how much we care about her. Now we just need ta get it to the Heart’s and Hooves party at School.”

Sweetie Belle placed a small envelope at the bottom of the heart. Scootaloo started scratching the back of her head as she realized a problem. “I think we’re going to need a bigger envelope.”

Starburst gasped as an idea struck him. “I know, maybe I could help. I can shrink it down so we can get it to the school with my magic, then just before we go in, make it big again.”

“You can do that?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Starburst nodded. “Yeah, it’s one of the spells my big brother taught me recently. It’s not that difficult, watch.” Starburst stuck his tongue out and closed his eyes in concentration as he lit up his antennae. The giant paper heart was soon enveloped in his yellow spotted aura and shrank down to where it could fit in his hoof. “There we go.”

“Whoa, cool!” The fillies said together. “That’s great Starburst.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah, now we can get it to the school no problem.” Scootaloo added.

“Come on ya’ll, let’s go.” Apple Bloom cheered.

The group gathered their things and headed off to school. Once they reached it and before entering, Starburst made the heart big again and managed to get it inside. The school was well decorated for the Hearts and Hooves party as the foals were passing out valentine cards to one another. Meanwhile, the girls and Starburst presented their valentine to Cheerilee as they stood before it.

Cheerilee looked it over with a smile. Though she was a bit taken back by the size of it. “It’s lovely, and so….big.”

Apple Bloom began a bit of a rant. “We just wanted to let you know we think yer the best teacher in the world.” As she did, the heart started to fall over, but Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Starburst tried to hold it up. “And we think yer super and that we love you so so much.” 

The heart finally fell over on the group of fillies and colt but Apple Bloom continued. “And we want you ta have the best hearts and hooves day EVER!” The four said the last word together as Cheerilee lifted the heart up off of the group.

“Thank you so much kids. I love it, I really do.” Said Cheerilee with a smile.

Sweetie Belle came up next to Cheerilee with a grin of her own. “I’m sure it’s nothing compared to the gifts you’ve gotten from your very special somepony.”

The group moved away from the heart and to Cheerilee as she responded. “Oh, I don’t have a very special somepony at the moment.”

This very idea that the teacher they loved didn’t have a special somepony came as a big shock as their eyes widened in near horror. “You…don’t?” Asked Starburst.

“Really?” Added Apple Bloom.

Cheerilee went to pick up a stray streamer as Sweetie Belle asked the next question. “How could some pony as amazing as you not have a special some pony on hearts and hooves day?”

Cheerilee grunted internally at first, but quickly smiled again as she turned to the four foals. “It’s all right Sweetie Belle.” As she talked, a rather chunky grey colt came up to her and gave her a valentine. “I have lots of good friends and wonderful students who care about me very much. I’m going to have an absolutely terrific hearts and hooves day.” She turned her attention to the rest of the class to make an announcement. “All right, who’s ready to play pin the heart on the pony?!” The class sounded off in joy.

The CMC were left to ponder the odd situation their beloved teacher was in. “If any pony deserves a special somepony, it’s her?” Said Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Belle suddenly smiled with a gasp.

Apple Bloom looked at her curiously. “You all right?”

Starburst followed up. “Yeah, what’s with the smile?”

Sweetie Belle revealed her reason for her sudden joy. “I’m more than all right, I just had the greatest idea ever! We’re going to find miss Cheerilee a very special somepony.”

Apple Bloom was the first to sound her agreement. “That is the best idea ever.”

Starburst was next. “You sure are smart Sweetie Belle.” 

Sweetie Belle blushed at the compliment. “Thanks Starburst.”

Apple Bloom spoke next. “Then what are we waiting for? Hearts and hooves day is almost over. Let’s get out there and find somepony special for miss Cheerilee already.”

Sweetie Belle cheered in agreement. “Yeah!”

Scootaloo followed suit. “Let’s do it!”

Starburst next. “For Cheerilee!” With that, they all high hooved each other.

Once school let out, the four friends made their exit. Just when they got outside, Starburst thought it was a good time to present his gift to Sweetie Belle. “Hey Sweetie Belle, could I…talk to you alone for a minute?”

The girls paused and looked curiously at Starburst, but Sweetie Belle agreed. “Um…okay.”

“Whatever this is, don’t take too long.” Warned Scootaloo. “We don’t have a whole lot of time to find a special somepony for Cheerilee.”

“This won’t take long.” Said Starburst. He led Sweetie Belle to the side of the school where they could be alone.

“So what’s up Starburst?” Sweetie asked.

Starburst shuffled his left front hoof in the dirt shyly. “I…um…well…that is….” He had trouble forming the words. “I…wanted to give you something to show I like you so….I had a little help from my brother to make this.” He used his magic to open his saddle bags and brought out the gem he made for Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up as she gasped at the sight. “Oh wow, Starburst, that looks so nice. You made this for me?”

Starburst nodded silently. “I wanted to give you something special. Do you like it?”

Sweetie Belle took it in her hooves with a smile. “I love it Starburst, thank you.” She went up to him and wrapped her forelegs around him in a hug. Starburst returned the favor. “You are so sweet.” She followed up with a kiss to his cheek then placed the item in her own saddle bags.

Starburst blushed at the kiss and smiled. “I’m glad you like it.” With that out of the way, the group went their separate ways first to drop off their saddle bags at home and met back up in town.

As they walked through town, Sweetie Belle began spelling out the criteria for the special somepony for Cheerilee. “Now it can’t be just any pony. Miss Cheerilee is one of the best mares in Ponyville. She deserves the best stallion for her special somepony.” It was then music started up as was the norm for Equestria and Sweetie Belle started a song that the others would join ilater.

Cheerilee is sweet and kind, 
She's the best teacher we could hope for. 
The perfect stallion you and I must find 
One to really make her heart so-o-oar. 
But... 
This one's too young, (She went up to a young colt playing an arcade game.)
This one's too old. (She went up to an old stallion reading a book on a stand.)
He clearly has a terrible cold. (A stallion near an ambulance sneezed.)

Apple Bloom: This guys too silly, (She pointed at a clown.)
He’s way too up tight. (A stallion dressed fancily.)

Sweetie Belle: Well nothing’s wrong with this one, he seems all right. (She gestured to a stallion who seemed to be alone.)

Scootaloo: His girlfriend sure thinks so. (The stallion had started nuzzling a mare.)

Sweetie Belle: How bout this one. (A stallion dressed like he was from the disco ages with a flashy shirt.)

Apple Bloom: He’s much too flashy.

Scootaloo: He might do! (She galloped along with another stallion that ran through a puddle of mud and splashed her friends.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Starburst: If he weren’t so splashy.

Apple Bloom: Too short.

Sweetie Belle: Too tall.

Scootaloo: Too clean.

Starburst: Too smelly.

Sweetie Belle: He’s strangely obsessed with tubs of jelly. (A stallion rose up out of a large jar of jelly.)

The four friends sighed in exasperation starting to feel hopeless.

Apple Bloom: I don’t think that we’re mistaken,
It seems all the good ones are taken.

They started hopping up a stack of hay bales.
Sweetie Belle: I really feel that at this rate,
We’ll never find the perfect date.

All four: Don’t want to quit and give up hope.

On the other side of the stack was Big Macintosh.
Scootaloo looked down at him. “Doing anything special for hearts and hooves day?”

Sweetie Belle: Oh please, oh please, oh please say-

“Nope.” Big Mac replied.
With that, the group smiled.

Sweetie Belle: We did it gang,
We found the one,
Who will send our teacher’s heart aflutter.
They skipped along in joy.

The song suddenly ended as Apple Bloom gave a curious look. “Wait a sec here, let me get this straight, are you talkin about my brother?”

The group followed Big Mac back to the farm and watched him in secret from the barn. Scootaloo started up first. “Sweetie Belle is right. He’s the perfect match for Miss Cheerilee. He’s really nice, super hard working.” As she said this Big Mac bucked an apple tree and carried three baskets full of apples on his back.

Apple Bloom came in next. “Hmm…but he’s also really shy. He’ll never ask Miss Cheerilee ta be his special somepony.”

“Maybe we could ask her for him?” Starburst offered.

“Nah, that won’t work.” Scootaloo said. “He has to ask her himself.”

“Or maybe he doesn’t.” Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Starburst cocked a brow. “Huh?”

Sweetie Belle continued. “If we can get Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee in a really romantic setting, she’ll ask him to be her special somepony.”

“Sweetie Belle, you’re a genious.” Starburst cheered.

Sweetie blushed at the compliment. “Thanks Starburst.

“So what are we waitin for? Let’s get out there and create the perfect date!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. The group cheered as they gave each other a high hoof. “YAY!”

Some time later, the CMC had set up a picnic under a gazebo with a red and white checkered blanket, a nearby record player and some tarts. “Flowers, don’t forget the flowers.” Sweetie said as she pointed at an empty vase in the middle. 

“Oops, I’m on it.” Apple Bloom zipped off and came back with a few flowers for the vase.

Scootaloo gasped. “*Gasp* They’re coming! This is gonna be perfect. Miss Cheerilee is going to have the best hearts and hooves day ever.”

“With her new very special somepony.” Sweetie Belle added. The group giggled in delight.

They stopped themselves just as Cheerilee approached and greeted them. “Hello children.”

The four greeted back in unison. “Hi miss Cheerilee.”

“So you four said you needed help identifying a tree you found here near the gazebo?” Cheerilee questioned.

The four ponies pointed to a nearby tree with some red fruit in it.

Cheerilee gave a flat look as she pressed her ears against her head. “That’s an apple tree.”

“Is it?” Apple Bloom questioned which got the group giggling again. Big Mac soon approached with a tool box in his mouth. He set it down and pulled out a hammer. Big Mac was about to start working on it when he realized there was nothing wrong with it. Apple Bloom approached and explained. “Oh, sorry big brother, we went and fixed up the gazebo all on our own, see?” She gave her brother a nudge from behind.

Scootaloo gave Cheerilee a little nudge closer to the set up as well. “But since you’re already here, why not have a bit to eat at this romantic looking picnic. Oh gosh, seems there’s only room for two.”

“I guess we’ll just be goin then.” Said Apple Bloom before the four of them bolted. Sweetie Belle quickly came back and started the record player to begin the romantic music. She then joined her friends as they ducked into a nearby bush.

Once they were hidden, Scootaloo voiced her concerns. “You think this will work?”

“I hope so.” Replied Starburst. “Miss Cheerilee deserves a special somepony.”

“Of course it will work.” Sweetie Belle replied. “They’re perfect for each other.”

For a moment, the two ponies looked everywhere but each other’s eyes in awkward silence. Cheerilee finally decided to break the silence with an observation. “Beautiful day we’re having.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied.

“Any big plans for tonight?”

“Nnnope.”

The awkward silence continued from there as Cheerilee seemed to run out of topics.

From the bushes, Sweetie Belle was practically begging Cheerilee to ask the question. “Oh come on miss Cheerilee, ask him to be your special somepony.”

Starburst pointed a hoof at the two. “Hey look, I think she’s about to do it.”

Cheerilee had moved her head slightly closer to Big Mac who seemed to do the same. The group watched with open mouths and smiles as they inched closer and closer together. Finally, Cheerilee spoke. “Big Mac?”

“Eeyup?”

After a second, she pulled back and shared her thought. “You got something stuck in your teeth.”

Big Mac flinched and put a hoof to his mouth.

Sweetie Belle popped out of the bush and cried out in frustration. “OH COME ON!” Scootaloo popped up as well and pushed her back down.

“Well, this has been…strange.” Cheerilee commented.

“Eeyup.”

“I have to go, but it’s always nice to run into a good friend.”

“Eeyup.” With that, the two went their separate ways.

With the taste of failure in their mouths, the four foals headed back into town to try and think of what might have gone wrong.  “Do ya think it just wasn’t romantic enough?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Maybe it was too romantic.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“Perhaps we should have chosen different music.” Starburst suggested.

“Either way we failed.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Hoh, there’s gotta be somethin else we couldUGH!” Apple Bloom started but was cut off as she bumped into somepony and the group fell to the ground. 

Twilight was walking along reading a book when she accidently bumped into the CMC. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t even see you there, I’m so so sorry.” 

“Oh it’s okay Twilight, it was an accident.” Apple Bloom dismissed the run in.

Twilight levitated the book in front of her again and started walking. “I was just reading a fascinating book about Hearts and Hooves day. Did you know this holiday got started because of a love potion?”

This got the attention of the four foals as they perked up after hearing this bit of information. They rushed over and slid under here causing her to pause and look down at them. “Did you say a love potion?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“That’s right, it even has the recipe.” Twilight opened the book and turned to the page of the recipe for the love potion.

“I don’t suppose we could borrow that book for a little while, do ya?” Sweetie Belle asked with a cute smile.

“Of course you can.” Twilight levitated the book down to Sweetie Belle’s hooves. She then looked to her bag. “I have another book here that I think you’ll…” As soon as she looked down, she saw the four foals had taken off already. She looked around for a bit then grew annoyed as was evident on her face.

The CMC had bolted as soon as they got the book and headed back to the clubhouse. Sweetie Belle started reading the recipe for the love potion. “Take a tuft of cloud….” The group rushed out and went to find the lowest cloud they could to grab a piece of it. Scootaloo grabbed a chunk off a cloud with her teeth and the group brought it back to the club house where the placed it in a jug.

“A bright rainbow’s glow.” They then headed out with a vacuum and found a rainbow, then used the vacuum to suck the color out of it and brought it back to add to the recipe.

“Stir with a pegasus feather….” Sweetie Belle plucked one of Scootaloo’s feathers when she wasn’t looking. 

“Ow, hey!”

“That’s not slow.” She stirred the potion up with the feather and it was now ready. It had turned to a pink liquid.

“Serve to two ponies that aren’t in the know.” Apple Bloom added as Scootaloo poured the potion into two glasses.

“This is sure to work now.” Starburst stated. “Now let’s try this again.”

The group was back at the gazeebo setting up another picnic for Big Mac and Cheerilee again. Apple Bloom seemed to feel a bit guilty about this as she voiced her concerns. “I feel kinda bad trickin my big brother and miss Cheerilee like this.”

Starburst seemed to have the same feeling. “I know what you mean. It doesn’t feel…right.”

Sweetie Belle didn’t seem to have any qualms about it. “What’s the problem? We all agree they’re perfect for each other.” She said as she adjusted a flower sitting in the vase at the center of the picnic blanket.

“Yeah, they just need a little nudge.” Scootaloo said.

“This seems more like a big nudge to me.” Starburst said.

“And what could make them happier than being together, right?” Sweetie Belle asked.

This seemed to eliminate Apple Bloom’s worries. “Right.”

“If you say so.” Starburst was still unsure but went with it anyway.
Scootaloo grew excited as the two intended love birds approached. “Ooh, ooh, here they come. The four foals lined up before the picnic with smiles.

“Hi miss Cheerilee.” Apple Bloom greeted.

Cheerilee returned the gesture. “Hello again children.” She then turned her attention to the red stallion that was Apple Bloom’s big brother. “Hello again Big Mac.” She then asked a question that was well merited. “Would you four mind telling us why it was so important that we meet you….”

“Punch!” Sweetie Belle suddenly cut miss Cheerilee off. 

Cheerilee raised a brow with a questioning look. “Excuse me?”

Sweetie Belle continued. “Punch, we made punch. “We were going to set up a stand to sell some but we needed some pony to test it first.” The others nodded in agreement.

“Yep.” Apple Bloom said coppying her big brother’s usual form of speech. 

Sweetie Belle continued. “We thought you two would be perfect together….to test it….together.”

The two adults shared a curious gaze with one another. 

The four foals started backing away. “So we’ll just leave you two alone.” They then zipped off. Sweetie Belle came back to add to her statement. “To test it together.” She then rejoined her friends that hid in the same bush and giggled.

Cheerilee turned her attention back to Big Mac. “I’m very sorry about this. I mentioned to the kids I don’t have a special somepony, and I believe they’re putting us in these awkward situations because they believe it should be you.” There was a moment of silence between them before they both shared a brief laugh. “I suppose we should just humor them for a moment. This punch does look delicious.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac responded in his usual way.

“I think they’re going to drink it.” Sweetie whispered. The group watched with baited breath.

The two ponies picked up a glass. “To good friends.” Cheerilee gave an impromptu toast and they clinked their cups together before downing the unknown love potion. 

“They’re drinking it, they’re drinking it.” Scootaloo pointed out excitedly.

Once they finished, they both hiccupped and let out half a heart bubble that became a whole one between them. Suddenly, their eyes shot forward as spirals appeared in their eyes.

“They’re looking into each other’s eyes.” Scootaloo pointed out which made them giggle.

“They’re about to be in for a big surprise.” The four said together.

Cheerilee leaned her head slightly closer towards Big Mac. The four friends leaned their heads slightly closer with a smile. Cheerilee repeated this action as did the CMC with her two more times.

Cheerilee’s eyes fell half lidded as she gazed into Big Mac’s eyes. “Big Mac?”

“Eeyup?”

“Will you be my special somepony?”

“Eeyup.”

Sweetie Belle popped out from inside the bush to cheer. “Yes!” 

Scootaloo popped up to only to push Sweetie Belle back down. All four of them popped their heads out though after to watch the scene better. They decided instead then to skip around the two new lovebirds in singing celebration. “She’s his special somepony, he’s her special somepony!”

“He’s my special somepony.” Cheerilee repeated in a dreamy voice.

“Eeyup.”

The four stopped behind Big Mac and cooed. “Aaaaawwww.”

It was then Cheerilee said something that made the four worry. “He’s my shmoopy doopy sweetie pony pie.”

The four friends gave concerned or questioning looks.

“You’re my shmoopy doopy sweetie weetie pony pie.” Big Mac said.

“Um…what?” Starburst questioned.

“Did he just say….” Apple Bloom questioned as well. They took a closer look at the two and saw the swirls in their eyes for a moment as they stared at each other.

Cheerilee continued with the gross cute talk. “You’re my cutie patootie lovey dovey honey pie.” She gave a little hop during the name calling.

Big Mac followed suit with the air drawing of a heart with his hoof and two little hops. “You’re my smarty warmy smoochy woochy baby waby.”

This is when the four friends grew very concerned and Apple Bloom was the first to act as she got between the two looking at her brother. “Big Mac, hey, hello!” Her efforts were unsuccessful as she waved her hoof in front of Big Mac’s face. “What’s goin on?”
“Oh quasars, I thought I had a bad feeling about this.” Starburst said with a worried look.

Sweetie Belle looked to her teacher. “Miss Cheerilee, are you all right?”

“I have a special somepony.” She continued with the love pet names in a lovey dovey voice. “A kissy wissy snuggy wuggy sugar bear.” The now love potion induced lovers nuzzled their noses together before the four friends.

Sweetie Belle looked to Starburst. “I think you were right about this being too big of a nudge Starburst.” Big Mac said some more pet names to Cheerilee.

Scootaloo’s left eye went lower than her right with her eyelid and she gagged at the sight.

“There are no words in the equinian language for how disturbed I am.” Starburst pointed out.

The group went back to the club house to try and figure out what went wrong. Once they entered, Starburst dropped his pony disguise by deactivating his holo emitter necklace. Once off, he flexed his neck fin a bit and stretched his legs. 

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Starburst were going through the book with the love potion recipe while Apple Bloom paced back and forth. “What’ve we done?! My brother is actin like a grade A goofball.”

“Maybe we added too much rainbow.” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Or maybe not enough cloud.” Scootaloo added.

“Or maybe we should’ve tried to get a feather from a fast pegasus.” Starburst also added. “No offense Scootaloo.”

“None taken.” Scootaloo replied.

“Or maybe….uh oh.” Sweetie Belle started.

“What do you mean uh oh?” Apple Bloom asked and rushed over.

Sweetie Belle began to reveal what she found. “We may not have given Big Mac and Cheerilee a love potion. We may have given them a love poison.”

“A love poison?” Starburst asked. “Wait…does that mean they’re going to die!?” He asked near panic.

“Whoa whoa, calm down.” Sweetie Belle said. “That’s not it. It says here that a long time ago, a prince whipped up this recipe and gave it to this princess he liked. He meant it to be a love potion. But…things didn’t turn out so well.”

“How…not so well did things turn out?” Apple Bloom asked.

Sweetie Belle went over the book some more. “Well, there’s something here about a dragon, kingdom falling, chaos raining. Okay, it says here that the prince and princess were so lost in each other’s eyes that they couldn’t perform their royal duties.” Sweetie Belle looked up from the book with a worried expression.

Apple Bloom started ranting as she walked over to the table. “Great, not only have we turned Big Mac and Cheerilee into a couple of nonsense spouting nincompoops, we may have put all of Ponyville in jeopardy.” She then slammed her face on the table.

The other three friends seemed a bit shocked by this. Starburst was the first to speak up as he approached Apple Bloom to try and comfort her. “Apple Bloom, I fail to see how Ponyville will be in any danger just from them acting all goofy and love sick.”

Scootaloo came in next. “Yeah, they don’t have royal duties. 

“But they still got responsibilities.” Apple Bloom countered. “If we don’t fix this….oh no. Miss Cheerilee won’t be able to teach. Big Mac won’t be able to harvest apples.” As Apple Bloom started thinking of the worst possible things to happen, Sweetie Belle continued to go through the book some more. “And before you know it, Ponyville will be overrun with uneducated little ponies starving for apples. Chaos, it’ll be chaos!” She was waving her hooves in the air in front of Scootaloo and Starburst.

“There’s an antidote.” Sweetie Belle suddenly informed.

Apple Bloom turned to her quickly. “Why didn’t you say so? Didn’t you see me freakin out back there?”

Sweetie Belle continued. “If we can keep them from looking into each other’s eyes for one full hour, the love curse will be broken.”

Scootaloo scoffed. “A full hour? We can pull that off in a second.”

Starburst corrected her. “You do realize that makes no sense right? The goal is to keep them separated for an hour. One second would do nothing. It’s impossible to make one hour pass in one second.”

Scootaloo gave a confused look. “I meant we could do that easy.”

“Oh, well why didn’t you just say that?” Starburst asked.

Sweetie Belle giggled at the interaction.

“Come on Cutie Mark Crusaders, let’s go break a love curse.” Apple Bloom declared. 

Before leaving, Starburst reactivated his pony disguise and the four friends headed into town to find Big Mac and Cheerilee. They managed to locate the love sick duo at Sugar Cube Corner sharing a shake as Mrs. Cup Cake looked on in confusion. 

“You take the first sip shnooky wookums.” Cheerilee said using her love talk.

“No, you take it sugar plum.” Big Mac said back as he pushed the shake closer to Cheerilee.

“No, you shnooky lumps.”

“No, you pooky pie.”

Cup Cake walked over to the four foals. “I’m all for romance but this has been going on for hours.” The couple had a cherry held up a cherry with their snouts and started nibbling on it with their teeth without taking a bite. “What’s happened to these two?”

“Heh heh, who knows?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously. 

“Well, these lovebirds will probably be planning a wedding soon.” Cup Cake said before she walked off. “We can always use the catering business.”

Sweetie Belle suddenly spoke up as if an idea struck her. “That’s it! A wedding. Miss Cheerilee and Big Macintosh should get married.”

“How is getting hitched gonna keep them apart?” Apple Bloom asked.

“That seems to drastically go in the opposite direction we’re trying to do here.” Starburst pointed out.

“They aren’t really going to get married, they’re just going to get ‘ready’ to get married.” Sweetie Belle said and walked over to the love poisoned couple as they continued to argue over who would take the first sip of the shake till Big Mac finally accidently knocked it off the table. “Hi miss Cheerilee, how are you?” Sweetie asked casually.

“I have a very special somepony.” She answered quickly as she held up a picture of Big Macintosh.

Big Mac accidently bumped a picture of Cheerilee he had against Sweetie Belle’s chin. “I have a very special somepony.”

“We kind of got that.” Starburst said as he popped up next to Sweetie for a moment.

Big Mac and Cheerilee got up on the table and started nuzzling each other’s snouts. 

Sweetie Belle pushed them aside as she presented an idea. While she did, they were reaching out to each other to try and simply touch one another. “Gosh, you two are so much in love, the next thing you know, you’ll be getting married.” She then let them go and dropped down.

The couple had klunked together and now sat on the table. “Married?” They both asked together. 

“That’s right, ‘married’.” Sweetie emphasized as she rejoined her friends.

The love sick ponies sat back down in their chairs as they sighed out. “Married.” And went back to gazing into each other’s eyes.

Apple Bloom looked like she was ready to throw up as she gagged and placed a hoof over her mouth a moment then stuck her tongue out. Sweetie Belle nudged her with an elbow as a sign and got her moving to the two. She started pushing Big Mac away as he sat on the chair with his eyes closed. “Course if yer gonna get married, you’ll want to pick out a diamond fer yer…Blach…shmoopy doopy….pooky pie?”

“Diamond!” Big Mac suddenly exclaimed and took off.

Cheerilee grew concerned as she started reaching out for him but was being held back by Scootaloo and Starburst. “Pooky!”

“Don’t you think you should start looking for your wedding dress?” Scootaloo suggested. “You’ll want to look your best for your…honey bunny snuggle baby.” Scootaloo said as she tried not to gag herself. 

Cheerilee seemed excited by this idea. “Dress!” She took off herself then and busted through the door of the bakery leaving a hole.

The four friends galloped out of the bakery then and through town. “Now we just need to keep them apart.” Sweetie Belle said. “Me and Starburst will head to Rarity’s to keep Cheerilee occupied. You two do the same for Big Mac.” 

“You got it.” Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle looked up towards a clock tower to see the time read five o’ clock. “We’ll meet back at the clubhouse in an hour when this whole mess is over.” They split up then and went their separate ways.

They arrived at Rarity’s boutique to see Cheerilee frantically searching through the wedding dresses. Sweetie Belle came up to her. “That dress looks nice. Better try it on.” She had pointed to a random dress and plucked it from the rack, giving it to Cheerilee and pushed her into a changing room. Then the whole rack with her. As Cheerilee looked over the door, Sweetie Belle and Starburst started piling up things to keep her in there. 

“Whew, that should hold her.” Starburst said.

“Let’s hope so.” Sweetie added.

As the two sat in front of the pile they just made, Starburst looked around at first at everything but Sweetie. “Um, Sweetie Belle?”

“What is it Starburst?” Sweetie asked as she looked to Starburst.

“Even though this day didn’t turn out like we thought, I do like the fact I at least get to spend some time with you.” He blushed with a side glance at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle had a small blush of her own. “Yeah, me too. And I want to thank you again for that gem you gave me. It’s very nice.”

“I’m glad you like it. I worked hard on it with my big brother.” Starburst turned his head fully to face Sweetie.

Sweetie Belle smiled more. She quickly leaned over and gave Starburst a peck on the cheek.

Starburst’s whole face turned red after.

Sweetie Belle giggled a bit at that. “So Starburst, is there anything you could tell me about where you came from? You know, like what your brother said you’re world was like?”

“Sure, my big brother said our planet had two moons. Thanks to the orbital pattern they had and position of distances, there was no chance of them crashing together by accident. He showed me some holo images of what the night sky looked like whenever they were both out in full. It was a beautiful sight. Also, my brother said our planet had a perfect circular orbit around our son so extreme hot or cold weather was a rare occurrence.”

“Wow, that sounds fascinating. And what about your prince or princess. Who was in charge?” Sweetie asked.

“My big brother said we had a council that voted and decided on things. They always decided what was best for all of us in every matter. They did their best to keep everyone happy and make sure we had what we needed.”

“A council?” Sweetie questioned.

“A group of equinians that were in charge of everything so the burden of ruling didn’t fall to just one pony. We believe no pony should be burdened with tasks alone so the council was formed. Not only that, but this belief carried out throughout the planet. In every buisness, there’s at least two ponies or so in charge of running companies or businesses. Nova said we all worked together and helped each other.”

“It sounds so nice. I wish I could’ve seen it.” Sweetie said.

“Yeah, me too.” Starburst said as he seemed to start feeling a bit down.

Sweetie frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

Starburst shook his head. “It’s fine, I don’t mind talking about it. I’m just sharing what my big brother told me. I am glad I get to have such wonderful friends though.” He perked up a bit and gave a small smile.

Sweetie smiled in return. She suddenly turned to look to the door as she heard somepony coming. She poked her head through the cat door flap and saw Scootaloo. “Scootaloo? Where’s Big Mac, where’s Apple Bloom?”

Scootaloo was panting as she tried to speak. “On….his way…..gotta….keep him…..out of….boutique.”

Sweetie Belle looked around as she tried to think of something. She spotted three shovels nearby leaning against a house. “I got it.” She opened the door so she could speak to both Starburst and Scootaloo. “Starburst, see if you can find an old matress somewhere. Then bring it back here and help us dig up a hole.”

“I’m on it.” Starburst saluted and took off. He ran through the town as fast as he could as he looked for a mattress. Starburst soon came across one that looked abandoned leaning against another house. “By the stars, do these ponies not have a way to dispose of such old things? Whatever, works to my advantage for now.” Starburst grabbed the matress with his magic and started dragging it back to his two friends.

He arrived and found Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had already started digging a hole and joined in to help using his magic on the third shovel. It took a while but they managed to make the hole meant to hold Big Mac and Starburst used his magic to lift the mattress and set it in the hole. 

It was just in time too as they soon saw Big Mac hopping right towards them with Apple Bloom hanging on to him. The three started waving for Apple Bloom to get away. “Move away!” Scootaloo cried out.

“He’ll get to her!” Apple Bloom yelled back.

“Let him go!” Sweetie Belle said again.

Apple Bloom jumped from Big Mac and curled into a ball.

Shmoopy doo! WHOA!” Big Mac yelled before falling into the hole and landing face first onto the mattress. 

“Good thinking on the mattress.” Scootaloo said.

“Shmoopy doo!” Big Mac cried again as he waved a hoof up trying to get out.

Suddenly, behind the four friends, there was a pounding at the boutique. Cheerilee busted through the door with a wedding veil on her head. “Sweetums!?”

“Shmoopy doo!” Big Mac cried again.

The four ponies tried their best to keep them from seeing each other but Cheerilee started charging at them. The CMC looked to the clock and saw they only had a few seconds left before the love curse would be broken. They just had to keep the two cursed ponies from looking into each other’s eyes. Cheerilee charged at them like a mad mare in desperation while Big Mac kept trying to jump out and the four friends kept trying to keep the two from looking into their eyes. 

Cheerilee grew nearer, the four little ponies braced for impact as Cheerilee charged into them and sent them flying and the teacher dove for the hole to her would be beloved. Finally, the clock chimed six and the hour was up. However, the question remained, did they succeed? 

The four friends gathered at the edge of the hole. “Please be normal, please be normal.” Apple Bloom begged. They looked into the hole to see Cheerilee and Big Mac looking up at them with blank expressions. 

Cheerilee began looking around then and took notice of the situation she was in. “Am I wearing a wedding veil?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied.

“Are you sitting on a feather bed in a hole in the ground?”

“Eeyup.”

Cheerilee looked up to the kids next. “Kids, would you mind explaining why I look like I’m getting married at the bottom of a pit?”

Sweetie Belle began explaining as all four of them gave faces of regret and remorse. “We may have given you the teeniest tiniest bit of love potion that may have actually been a love poison, and you may have gone just a teeny tiny bit nutty.”

Apple Bloom picked up from there. “We just thought that you and Big Macintosh would be happy if you could be each other’s very special somepony for Hearts and Hooves day.”

“Our hearts and hooves were in the right place.” Scootaloo said.

Cheerilee gave a smile at first as she spoke. “We appreciate that you care about us and want us to be happy but…” She trailed off as the four CMC seemed to catch on to a lesson they just learned.

Apple Bloom started. “But no matter how much we care, we never should have meddled in your relationship.”

Scootaloo continued from there. “No pony should force two ponies to be together.”

Then Sweetie Belle. “It’s up to every pony to choose their special somepony for themselves.”

Then Starburst. “We should just not interfere and let things happen naturally instead of trying to force it no matter how much we want something to be.”

They all then spoke in unison. “We’re sorry.”

Cheerilee still felt it necessary to punish the four friends. “And you can think about how sorry you are while doing all of Big Mac’s chores at Sweet Apple Acres. Does that sound fair to you Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.”

And so the four friends were stuck doing hard time at the apple farm collecting and hauling apples. Apple Bloom just dumped a bucket of apples into a crate as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo carried another up to her with Starburst carrying one in his magic. Though he seemed to be struggling a bit with it. They all groaned out in exhaustion. “Oooh.”

Cheeirlee approached the group with Big Mac and Apple Bloom greeted her with a smile. “Hey miss Cheerilee, what are you doing here?”

“Since you four are doing all of Big Mac’s chores, we figured we’d have a picnic at the gazeebo.” Cheerilee said. “Right, sugar bear?”

“Eeyup, pooky pie.” Big Mac responded as they seemed to be looking at each other lovingly.

The CMC turned away in disgust and shock. They turned back to see the two walking away and screamed out. “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The CMC managed to finish their chores and left for home. Starburst entered his new place with his mom and dad and dropped his pony disguise. “Hi mom, dad.” He said tiredly.

“There you are, what took you so long getting home?” Starla asked.

“My friends and I just undid a love curse we accidentaly put on Big Macintosh and miss Cheerilee. As punishment for what we did, we had to work at Sweet Apple Acres.” Starburst plopped onto the couch. “I’m so tired.”

Starla came up to Starburst and brought him into a hug. “Oh, my poor little baby. Sounds like you had quit the day.”

“You have no idea.”

“But did you learn anything?” Cosmos asked.

“Yep, never mess with love. It’s a killer.” Starburst replied as he nuzzled into his mother’s chest and practically fell asleep.

> One Cranky Doodle Donkey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



One Cranky Doodle Donkey



Nova found himself floating through space again, watching as his goddess sped through space trying to fight off a monster of darkness again. “Why...why am I seeing this?” The scene continued on till the part where Galea tricked the demon into the center of a galaxy and created stars to act as a cell for the creature.


The scene soon started to zoom out and away from him till he was in complete darkness. “Nova.” A very deep rumbling voice spoke.


Nova turned and saw a pair of large white sinister eyes looking at him with sharp white teeth grinning at him. It was the demon, his arms spread out as they were held at the wrists by stardust clusters acting as chains and at his legs. “Who are you? What do you want from me!” Nova yelled.


“You’re world will burn and fall to darkness.” The demon spoke.


Nova simply glared at the beast. “My world died long ago already!”


The demon simply cackled in response for a bit before opening its jaws and sucked Nova in. “NOOOOOOOOO!” Nova cried in fear.


Nova shot up in bed panting heavily and sweating. “What...what was that? Why am I having these nightmares?”


Twilight Sparkle, who was laying next to him, awoke with a yawn and sat up. “Nova, what’s wrong?”


Nova looked to Twilight. “Nothing. I...just had a bad dream is all.”


Twilight gave a concerned look. “Again? It’s not...the one about us is it? Or Celestia?” She placed a hoof on his.


Nova shook his head. “No, this was...different. I can’t really explain it. I don’t know what it is.”


“Tell me about it?”  Twilight asked with a small smile.


Nova gave a sigh and started telling her his nightmare.


As he did, Twilight frowned. “I’m sorry Nova, I wish I could help but...I have no idea what to say about it. I don’t know anything really about your goddess that you haven’t told me already, or what this monster could be. It’s probably just some weird nightmare then.”


“I hope you’re right.”


“Come on now, let’s get back to sleep. It’s the middle of the night after all.” Twilight gave another smile.


Nova smiled in return. “Yeah, okay.” He laid back down as Twilight rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. “I really hope it was just a nightmare, but why did it feel so real?”


After having a restful sleep after the nightmare, Nova awoke the next morning with Twilight and had breakfast before heading out to enjoy the day while Spike stayed to take care of the library. As they were walking, Nova couldn’t stop thinking about his nightmare and had his head down as he thought about it.


Twilight noticed Nova wasn’t in the best of moods and spoke up. “Nova, are you okay? Are you still thinking about that nightmare?”


Nova lifted his head and looked to Twilight. “Sorry, I can’t help it. It just felt different from a regular dream. I don’t know what to make of it.”


Twilight tried to give a smile. “Just don’t think about it. If you keep dwelling on it, you won’t have a good time.”


Nova managed to return the smile. “I guess you’re right.”


It was then music started to fill the air and singing was heard. Pinkie Pie was singing a song and got the whole town involved.


My name is Pinkie Pie (Hello!)

And I am here to say (How ya doin'?)

I'm gonna make you smile and I will brighten up your day

It doesn't matter now (What's up?)

If you are sad or blue (Howdy!)


'Cause cheering up my friends is just what Pinkie's here to do

'Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile

Yes I do

It fills my heart with sunshine all the while

Yes it does

'Cause all I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine


I like to see you grin (Awesome!)

I love to see you beam (Rock on!)

The corners of your mouth turned up is always Pinkie's dream (Hoof bump!)


But if you're kind of worried

And your face has made a frown

I'll work real hard and do my best to turn that sad frown upside down


'Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin

Yes I do

Bust it out from ear to ear let it begin

Just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin

And you fill me with good cheer


It's true some days are dark and lonely

And maybe you feel sad

But Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn't that bad

There's one thing that makes me happy and makes my whole life worthwhile

And that's when I talk to my friends and get them to smile


I really am so happy

Your smile fills me with glee

I give a smile I get a smile

And that's so special to me


'Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam

Yes I do

Tell me what more can I say

To make you see

That I do

It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam

Yes it always makes my day


Come on every pony smile, smile, smile

Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine

All I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine


[Choir and Pinkie Pie]

Come on every pony smile, smile, smile

Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine

All I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of mine






[Pinkie Pie]

Yes the perfect gift for me

Is a smile as wide as a mile

To make me happy as can be

[Choir]

Come on every pony smile, smile, smile

Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine

All I really need's a smile, smile, smile

From these happy friends of


[Choir and Pinkie Pie]

Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile


[Pinkie Pie]

Come on and smile

Come on and smile



When Pinkie got the whole town singing along with her, Applejack suddenly appeared and lifted her up. Twilight galloped over and joined her along with the other girls as they marched down the street. Nova was left on the sidelines as he didn’t feel like singing or joining in on the random musical number. He was too weighed down from his nightmare. That was the second time he had it and he wondered why. 


At the end of the song though, he noticed Pinkie had stopped in front of a donkey hauling a cart full of stuff. “I’ve never seen you before.” Pinkie said with a grin.


The donkey walked past her as he replied. “Kid, you’re smarter than you look.”


“Thanks.” Pinkie said as she followed him. “I’m Pinkie Pie, what’s your name?” The donkey didn’t respond so Pinkie moved to the back of the cart where she saw initials on it. “Property of C.D.D. I’m guessing that last D is for Donkey.”


“Quick as a whip kid.” The donkey replied again. It seemed clear he didn’t really want to be bothered with how he was acting. Nova followed along just in case Pinkie went too far to the point of annoying the donkey. 


“Now how about that C. Hmm…” Pinkie started listing off names while popping out at different angles. “Calvin? Calhoun? Caleb? Carl? Carmine? Carlo? Charlie? Chester? Chico? Claudio? Cletus? Clifford? Coraline? Cornelius? Cortez? Crank? Christopher–?”


The Donkey yelled out, cutting Pinkie off. “Cranky! It’s Cranky all right?”


pinkie now stood in front of the donkey now known as Cranky. “And your middle name?”


Cranky merely mumbled something.


“What was that?”


He mumbled again.


“Didn’t quit catch that.”


Cranky sighed. “It’s Doodle.”


Pinkie took a moment before gasping. “So you’re a Cranky Doodle Donkey?”


Nova could see what was about to come and didn’t think Cranky would like it so he quickly stepped in and put a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth. “Whoa there Pinkie, I don’t think he’s in the mood for a song right now.” Nova then looked to Cranky. “Hi there. I’m Nova. You’ll have to excuse Pinkie, she gets excitable when meeting new faces. She loves throwing parties and such.” He removed his hoof From Pinkie.


“Whatever.” Cranky said and continued on.


“Nova, why’d you do that?” Pinkie asked.


“Pinkie, I don’t think this donkey is the sociable type and certainly doesn’t seem like the kind that likes songs.”


“Nonsense, everypony likes songs.” Pinkie zipped off to catch up to Cranky.


Nova groaned as he followed Pinkie quickly. 


She then started singing the song she was going to before Nova cut her off. 


You’re a Cranky Doodle guy,

A Cranky Doodle Donkey,

I never met you but your my new friend

And I’m you’re best friend Pinkie Pie.


“Come on Doodle, give us a smile.” Pinkie turned his lips upwards into a large smile that held only for a moment before they fell back down into a frown.


“No pony calls me DOODLE!” Cranky yelled angrily and continued on.


Nova came up to Pinkie. “I told you so. He just doesn’t seem the social type.”


“What just happened?” Pinkie asked as she went over a list of things she usually does. “Meet some pony new, check. Introduce myself, check. Sing random song out of nowhere, check. Become instant best friends….uncheck.” She started to look confused. “How can some pony not become instant best friends with me? What it something I did, something I sang?”


Nova cut in. “Pinkie, he just wants to be left alone. You can’t be friends with every pony or donkey that comes here.”


“But he seems so unhappy. I just know I can make him smile if I make him my friend.”


“You’re not going to let this go are you?” Nova asked with a flat look. 


“Nope.” Pinkie chirped.


Nova gave another heavy sigh. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He was about to walk off and find Twilight but figured he should stick with Pinkie to make sure she didn’t annoy the donkey too much.


At this time, out in space a ways from the planet, a lone space ship with a single pilot was flying through space. It was another Equinian. She had a green coat like all equinians and a long slender tail with no fins like Nova’s mother along with a yellow ring at the end. Her skill sign was of a full moon with a ring of stars around it and appeared to be around the same age as Nova as well. “Oh sweet Galea, please tell me this planet can sustain life, I’m so tired of floating around in this darkness all alone.” She said to herself. As she was making her approach to the planet, a rogue asteroid hit her ship’s engines and she lost control. “AH! NO NO NO NO! NOT NOW!” She started frantically working the console of the ship to try and regain control of her ship. 


Sadly, her ship started for a collision course for the planet of ponies. Coincidentally, her ship came down over the Everfree forest where it crashed and left a mile long trench behind it. The crash scattered many birds as they chirped and flew off out of fear. The female equinian had been bounced around and was splayed out on her belly on the metal floor. She groaned as she slowly placed a hoof on the console to help herself up. “Ooohhh...quasars, that really hurt. Where am I?” She managed to activate her ships monitors and saw she was in a forest. “Well, at least it’s not open space any more.”


The equinian mare made her way to the door of her ship. As she approached, it slid open with a hiss. She looked around cautiously at first before carefully lowering a hoof to the ground. After patting it around a bit, she commented on it. “Wow, first time feeling solid ground in years. I guess it’s okay to walk on.” She then stepped out a moment before hearing a growl. “What was that?” She looked around again fearfully. “Maybe I should stay inside.” She then ducked back into her ship and closed the door. “By the stars, where am I? Maybe if I send out a probe, I could at least see if there’s any sentient life forms out there.” The mare equinian went back to her console and started a systems check first.


“Okay, so far my systems seem in tact other than my engines. Two things then. One, hopefully I just crash landed on what could be my home. Two, I’m stuck on a planet that could turn me into some beast’s lunch.” With luck, she managed to launch a few small probes with cloaking capabilities and sent them off. “Now let’s see what we can find here.”


One of the probes made it’s way to Ponyville and gave the mare equinian, Asterix, a look at the locals. “Wow, look at that. They look kind of like us.” 


“Sort of, They come in so many colors and they don’t have antennae or slender tails like us.” She spoke again as if someone else was talking.


“So, they’re still similar to us in form that they have four legs. A simple disguise spell can help with….wait...that one...who is that?” She narrowed her eyes as she looked at the screen that held an image of Nova with Pinkie who was currently running up to Cranky with a wagon. “That green one, he, like the others has a mark on their flanks yet….it looks so familiar.”


Pinkie was practically begging Cranky to let her sing another song. “You gotta let me sing the song that goes with it.”


“Pinkie, seriously, I really don’t think…” Nova started but had to stop when Pinkie gave a puppy dog pout. “Oh quasars.”


Cranky sighed heavily. “Fine.”


Pinkie suddenly grabbed Cranky and pulled him away from his wagon. “That’s the spirit.” She set him down and went over to her wagon where she pushed a button and horns, flags, and an oven suddenly popped out and music started playing, prompting Pinkie to start dancing around. 


Welcome, welcome, welcome,

A fine welcome to you.

Welcome, welcome, welcome,

I say how do you do?


She proceeded to blow a horn in Cranky’s ear before going back to her song and dance.


Welcome, welcome, welcome,

I say hip hip hooray!

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Ponyville todaaaaaaaaaay!


There was a pause. “Wait for it.” Then the ove burst open and shot out confettie, knocking off Cranky’s black wig.


“NO!” Cranky exclaimed. 


Just then, the horns shot out cake batter and coated the three.


“Pinkie, what is this?!” Nova asked.



As Asterix watched, she couldn’t help but wonder what was going on, at the same time finding it rather amusing. “Hm hm, I don’t know who these creatures are, but they sure are funny.”


“I’ll say.” She said again like she was talking to someone else. A habit she developed in her isolation as she floated through space after her homeworld was destroyed.


“Oops, looks like I put the confetti in the oven and the cake on the confetti cannons...again.” Pinkie said with a grin before somehow removing herself from the batter that coated her and managed to eat it in one bite.


Nova used his magic to clean himself. “How did you make that mistake?” Nova asked.


“Sorry Nova.” Pinkie said.


Cranky started feeling around for something. “Oh, where is it, where is it?”


Asterix’s eyes widened upon hearing Nova’s name. “Nova?! It can’t be!” She zoomed in on his skill sign. “That mark...it is his. But...wait...a disguise spell?”


“Could be, what other explanation is there?” She asked herself.


“Where’s what?” Pinkie asked. 


“Um, Pinkie, I think he might be looking for that.” Nova said as he pointed to the wig that was now on Pinkie’s flank.


“Huh?” Pinkie looked and jumped up in surprise, causing it to fall of. “AH! Spider, big hairy spider!”


“Pinkie, no! I think that’s…” Nova tried to say but Pinkie was already hopping up and down on it.


Cranky managed to wipe off the cake batter from his eyes and looked to see Pinkie stomping on his wig. “Stop, stop stop!” 


Pinkie finally stopped and got off it. “Oh, oops.”


Cranky growled angrily.


“I can fix this, I can fix this.” Pinkie said quickly before climbing up a nearby pole with a megaphone she took out of her mane and called out. “Hey everypony! Does anypony have a toupe?!”


The ponies nearby looked around confused.


Pinkie managed to make the pole bend down near Cranky. “This donkey is really really bald!”


“Pinkie Pie, that’s not helping.” Nova tried to point out.


The ponies just started laughing at poor Cranky. 


Cranky was clearly getting angrier. “I have had ENOUGH!” In a fit of anger, he scooped up some dirt with a bit of grass on it and placed it on his head.


“Yeesh, what is with this creature?” Asterix asked reffering to Cranky.


“Yeah, he’s so...cranky.” She said to herself again. “Right, anyway, if that is Nova, we should get in contact with him. See if he can help us.”


“But how?”


“With the probes of course.”


“But if it isn’t the Nova we know, we could end up in trouble with the locals. They don’t seem to have the same level of technology as us.”


“This character has the same name and the same skill sign. What are the chances of it being someone else?”


“....Good point I guess.” After Asterix’s conversation with...herself...she made the choice to try and get in touch with Nova using the probe’s holo transmitting capabilities. “First, we should try to make ourselves look like one of the natives.”


“I think we should study them more to make sure if they have magic here or not.” So she did look around more and saw what Ponyville was like. She saw that the ponies who use magic had a single horn instead of antennae like she does. “All right, so we should make ourselves look like one of those one horned creatures.”


“Agreed, that way, we can use our magic without drawing too much suspicion. Now the question is how should we look?” After a debate with...herself...Asterix decided on a look. She closed her eyes and focused her magic. Her antennae lit up with a yellow aura. Her form and color started to change. Soon, she looked like another unicorn of Equestria. Her coat was like a beige color and her new mane and tail were silver. “There we go. Now to try and get Nova to talk to me.”


“Cranky, I’m so so sorry. Please, let me make it up to you.” Pinkie begged.


“No!” Cranky exclaimed angrily. 


“Please, please please please.” Pinkie continued as she started pushing him away.


Nova was about to follow when he heard a ‘psst’. “Hm?” He looked over to an ally where it looked like a mare was standing there and waving him over. 


“Over here.” She whispered harshly. “I need to talk to you.”


Nova cocked a brow but went over. “Can...I help you?”


“Um...by any chance...are you...an equinian?” Asterix asked. What Nova didn’t see or notice was that what he was seeing was a holographic projection of Asterix being transmitted by the invisible probe that was watching the scene.


Upon hearing the question, Nova froze up and grew nervous. “An...equinian? Wh...what’s that? Never heard of it, ha ha.” He laughed nervously with an equally nervous smile.


Asterix smiled. “You are an equinian, just like me. Then you must be Nova!” She preactically exclaimed.


Nova cocked a brow again in curiosity. “Wait, like you? Hold on, who are you?”


“Nova, it’s me, Asterix. I know I don’t look it, but that’s because I used a disguise spell on myself to look like the native inhabitants.” She turned her flank to his to show her skill sign. “You gotta remember this.”


Nova squinted his eyes at the mark, then pulled back and gasped. “Asterix? I...I don’t beleive it. Is it really you?”


“In the flesh.” Asterix responded. “Well...sort of. I’m projecting a hologram of myself through a probe I sent out. Oh galaxies, what are the chances of us meeting like this?” She asked joyfully. 


“Wait, so you’re here, on this planet?” Nova asked.


“Yeah, my ship crashed and ended up in some forest just outside of this town.”


“Oh wow, that’s the Everfree forest. Listen, the forest your in is called the Everfree forest. It’s home to some very dangerous creatures. Just stay in your ship and I’ll come get you, okay?”


“Really? Oh thank you Nova. It’s great to see you again too.” Asterix said with a smile.


“You too.” Nova said with a smile. “I’ll get some of my friends together and we’ll come get you.”


“Freinds? What friends? You mean that pink creature you were with?”


“The inhabitants here are called ponies. What you’re making yourself look like and what I look like are called Unicorns. The ones with wings are pegasi and the ones with neither are earth ponies. And the pink one I was with is named Pinkie Pie. She’s rather...excentric, but she’s really nice. There are five others too.”


“You got five friends alreadyt? How long have you been on this planet?”


“Seems like a couple years now.”


“Years?”


“Look, I’ll tell you all about it later, I’ll gather my friends and we’ll all come get you. They know about me and my family being aliens and they’re fine with it.”


“Then how come you still have your disguise?”


“Because not everyone knows. I’m afraid to reveal that to them but I’m doing it little by little, telling others who I really am. I’ll be by soon, just hang in there.” He then took off and left the hologram of Asterix.


“By the galaxies, what has he been up too?”


“I don’t know, but we’ll find out soon enough.” Asterix said to herself before cutting off the feed and flicked out.


Nova had managed to gather his family and five of the six mares he’s come to call friend. Pinkie was too busy trying to get Cranky to like her. The group was making a trek through the forest to Asterix’s ship. “Big brother, who’s Asterix again?” Starburst asked.


“She’s a very good friend of mine. We were practically growing up together. Mom and dad were good friends with her parents.”


“I can’t believe it, what are the chances?” Cosmos asked.


“You don’t think your goddess guided her here do you?” Twilight asked.


“I don’t know. But the chances of her ending up here are pretty slim. I suppose it’s possible.” Nova replied.


“So what is she like?” Fluttershy asked. 


“It’s been so long, I don’t really remember.” Nova said with a frown.


“Don’t worry dear, I’m sure you’ll still be good friends. I just hope she and her parents have been doing okay.” Starla said. 


“And...how do you know where she is?” Rainbow asked as she hovered over the group.


Cosmos replied. “Nova came to us first and told us about Asterix, so we used our ships technology to scan and locate for any equinian technology.”


“Oh.” Was all Rainbow said in reply. Then she hovered down to Applejack and whispered. “Did you understand that?”


“Not really.” Applejack whispered back.


They soon arrived at the crash site just in time to see Zecora standing on the side of the ship poking it with a staff. 


“Zecora? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked.


“Ah, how good to see you all. I was about to come get you when I saw this thing fall. It made quite the noise, and I could swear I heard from inside a voice.” Zecora said upon seeing the group.


Nova stepped forward. “It’s an equinian ship. An old friend of mine is in there.” 


“A freind you say? What a day.” Zecora replied.


Nova went to the door of the ship, turned off his holo disguise, and knocked. “Asterix! Hello! It’s me, Nova, I brought my friends and family!” When he did, so did the rest of his family.


The door slowly opened with a hiss and Asterix poked her head out without her pony disguise up. “Nova! I’m so glad to see you. You have no idea what I’ve been through all alone in space.”


“I think I have a pretty good idea.” Nova replied with a half smile. 


Asterix looked past Nova and to his family and the six mares. “Um...Nova, who are they?”


“Asterix, allow me to introduce to you my new friends. This is Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Zecora.”


“Howdy.” Applejack greeted.


“Hello darling.” Rarity said with a smile.


“Hey.” Rainbow said with a hoof salute.


“Um...h...hello.” Fluttershy stuttered.


“A pleasure to meet a new face, I hope your landing wasn’t too rough in coming to this place.” Zecora said.


“Um...why is she rhyming?” Asterix asked.


Nova chuckled. “She always speaks like that.”


“Asterix!” Starla called with joy.


Asterix then looked to Starla. “Starla! Oh thank the stars! I’m so glad to see you.” She jumped down from her ship and went over to her. The two shared a hug. “And Cosmos, you look the same as the last time I saw you.”


“You’ve certainly grown.” Cosmos said with a smile and took her in a hug. 


After the hug, Asterix broke it and looked to Starburst. “And I remember you, you’re Starburst right? By the galaxies you’ve grown.”


“Um…” Starburst said.


“Of course you wouldn’t remember her, you were still a baby.” Nova pointed out.


“So if you all are here, then so must my parents. Where are they, are they all right?” Asterix asked with a smile.


The other smiles from the equinians quickly faded as they looked away.


Asterix caught on quickly. “Oh...they aren’t here...are they?” She frowned as she splayed her ears against her head.


“Sorry dear. I’m afraid not. We’re the only equinians on this planet.” Starla pointed out.


“But hay, don’t worry. Maybe they’ll find their way here too one day.” Cosmos said in hopes of cheering up Asterix.


“Maybe.” Asterix said. “So...where’s that pink one I saw Nova with?”


“That was Pinkie Pie, she’s...a little busy right now.” Nova said.


“Busy doing what?”


“She’s trying to get this donkey that just moved into town to be her friend.” Twilight said.


“Why? And...what’s a donkey?” Asterix asked.


“There’s a lot to learn Asterix. And I’m going to help you get adjusted to living here.” Nova said. “But first, I have something else to tell you. Twilight Sparkle here and I….are engaged.” Nova placed a hoof around Twilight as he said this.


“Engaged!? To her?! But...she’s not equinian.” Asterix said.


“So? She’s a wonderful mare.” Nova said with a smile, causing Twilight to blush. “She’s kind and smart and likes to learn new things. Kind of like me. Besides, why should race matter? Love is love.”


“Well...when you put it that way.” Asterix started, then smiled and took the two in a tight hug. “Congratulations you two.”


Rainbow Dash and Applejack giggled at the scene.


“Can’t...breath.” Twilight strained.


Asterix broke the hug. 


Nova then gave a quick explanation of a few things Asterix needed to know, like the name of the forest, the town they’ll be living in, and that for now she needed to keep the fact their aliens a secret but there were a few other ponies that knew about it and were okay with it.


After which, they made plans to help Asterix fix her ship so she could move it closer to town at night. For the time being, she could stay in Nova’s ship for the time being so she wouldn’t be alone in the middle of a dangerous forest. 


The group made their way back to town through the forest with Zecora’s help. “So why does she live in this forest if it’s so dangerous?” Asterix asked.


“There are many plants that can be used in the potions I brew, some are plentiful while some are very few.” Zecora replied.


“What about these dangerous creatures I heard about?”


“It helps to know when they are awake or asleep. I learn their patterns and know when not to make a peep.” 


“Do you always have to talk in rhyme?”


“I like it.” Starburst said.


They got closer to town and the equinians returned to their pony disguises before heading further in. “Well, thanks for the guidance Zecora, I’ll be sure to come by sometime for a freindly visit.” Nova said.


“You and your family are welcome anytime, to stop on by and hear me rhyme.” Zecora said jokingly as she gave a wink to Starburst.


“Heh heh, I’d like that.” Starburst giggled.


Upon reaching the edge of town, they saw Pinkie skipping along happily. “Pinkie Pie, darling, there you are.” Rarity said.


Pinkie stopped and looked in their direction. “Oh, hey guys, what’s up?”


“Ya missed meetin a friend of Nova’s.” Applejack pointed out.


“Pinkie Pie, this is Asterix.” Nova said as he gestured to Asterix.


The others seemed confused by Pinkie actually calming down. “Pinkie, are you...feeling all right?” Rainbow asked.


“Of course, why?” Pinkie asked.


“Well...it’s just when a new face comes to town, you usually get all excited.” Fluttershy said.


“When did you learn this?” Twilight asked.


“Well, I finally got Cranky to agree to be my friend. It turns out he had been searching all over Equestria to find a special friend he met a long time ago but never found her. It was Matilda! I managed to figure it out after I saw his book of memories and accidentally ruined it. So I went to get Matilda and brought her to Cranky.” Pinkie explained practically in one breath.


Asterix didn’t know what was going on or what Pinkie was talking about.


“So now I have a letter to write to princess Celestia.” Pinkie then added.


Twilight giggled with a smile. “That’s good.”


“So Asterix, what kind of party do you like?” Pinkie asked.


“Um...party?” Asterix questioned.


“Just go with it, trust me. One way or another, she’s throwing you a party to welcome you here.” Nova said with a smile.


“Welcome to Ponyville Asterix.” Starburst added.
	
	
> How To Properly Be Assertive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


How To Properly Be Assertive



A few days have passed since Cranky move into Ponyville. Pinkie did eventually throw a party to make him feel more welcome but it was a small party with just her her, Matilda, Cranky’s new marefriend, and the rest of Pinkie’s friends.  Nova and Twilight still had yet to really decide on a date when they would hold their wedding. Twilight also had yet to tell her family about it who lived in Canterlot, or Celestia about it. 

Nova was still a bit nervous about Celestia finding out but it wasn’t as bad as when he first learned of the princesses. He was out and about in the market to take care of some shopping when he spotted three of his closest friends. Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. With a smile, he trotted over to them and greeted them. “Hey girls, what’s going on?”

“Nova dear, good day.” Rarity greeted first.

“Hi Nova.” Pinkie greeted in her usual high energy self with a frantic wave.

“Oh, hello Nova, good day.” Fluttershy greeted with a smile.

“So what are you three up to?” Nova asked.

“We’re trying to show Fluttershy how to be assertive.” Rarity explained. “We saw the poor dear get pushed back more and more when she was trying to buy some brusssel sprouts.”

“Really?” Nova raised a brow. 

Rarity looked to Fluttershy again. “Now watch this dear.” She looked to the last pony that took the last brussel sprout from the stand which was a lanky nerdy looking stallion wearing glasses and a bow tie. “Excuse me dear.”

The stallion looked around in confusion. “Who...me?”

Rarity went up to the pony and smiled sweetly. “I really hate to be a bother, but my friend really needs some brussel sprouts. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to part with the last ones you bought would you?” She batted her lashes.

The stallion smiled and started to stutter. “Well...I...um...of course.” Rarity used her magic to take the sprouts and placed a bit on his nose then walked away and floated the sprouts into Fluttershy’s bag.  “You see? Sometimes it take a little pony charm to get things.”

“Um...I guess so.” Fluttershy replied. 

“Interesting approach I suppose.” Nova replied.

Fluttershy then went over to a stand selling tomatoes. She used her wing to brush them into her bag and placed one bit on the counter. “Here you go.”

She was about to walk off when the mare vendor stopped her. “*Ahem* That’ll be two bits, no one.”

“Oh, but yesterday it was only one bit.” Fluttershy try to argue.

“That was then, this is now.” The mare replied.

“Oh, okay then, I don’t want to argue.” Fluttershy placed a second bit on the counter.

Pinkie suddenly zipped in practically pressing her face to the mare’s. “What do you think your doing?”

“Minding my own buisness, as you should.” The mare replied.

“Two bits is too much, it should be one bit.” Pinkie argued, moving a bit back.

“Well it’s my shop and I say it’s two bits.” The mare argued moving the bit back.

“One bit.” Pinkie said again. They started going back and forth.

“Two bits.”

“One bit.” 

“Two bits.”

“One bit!” 

“Two bits!”

“It should be two bits!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“It’s one bit and that’s my final offer!” The mare exclaimed.

Pinkie smiled and took one bit back. “Have it your way. One bit it is.” She then walked away with the others giggling.

“That was kind of funny.” Fluttershy replied.

“I don’t know. Vendors do have the right to charge what they want.” Nova stated. “But I guess she was being a bit unreasonable.” 

“Exactly.” Pinkie replied.

“Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy practically gasped. She spotted a cherry on a stand where a gruff looking stallion stood. Fluttershy zipped over. “Thank goodness, you have the last cherry. I really need one for my pet angel bunny so I can make him this special meal but he won’t eat it unless I make it exactly the way he wants.” She placed a bit on the counter. “Here you go.”

“So uh, let me get this straight, you really need this cherry?” The stallion asked.

“Oh quazars.” Nova commented quietly.

“Then in that case, it’ll be ten bits.” The stallion stated.

“Ten bits!?” Nova exclaimed looking a bit peeved at the stallion taking advantage of his friend.

“Ten? Oh my.” Fluttershy looked back to her friends for a moment and both Rarity and Pinkie Pie encouraged her to try being assertive like they showed. Fluttershy smiled and fluttered her lashes. “Hey mister big strong and handsome. I know you want to do the right thing because you’re so handsome right? And big strong handsome ponies are always nice to everypony.” She fluttered her wings.

“Ten bits for the cherry.” the stallion stated again.

Pinkie gave Fluttershy the go ahead to try her method.

Fluttershy then narrowed her eyes. “Ten bits is too much. I insist on paying you...eleven bits.”

Rarity’s jaw hung open, Pinkie slammed her face to the ground and Nova face hooved.

“Eleven?”

“Oh ho, I mean nine bits.” Fluttershy tried to correct herself.

“I think your confused.” The stallion replied.

“Eleven bits, my final offer, take it or leave it.” Fluttershy said firmly.

“Okay I’ll take it.”

Fluttershy was about to give the stallion the bits when Pinkie dragged her back by the tail away from the stand.

“It was a fine effort Fluttershy, but you should just refuse to give him your business and move on.” Rarity informed.

“I have to agree with Rarity on this.” Nova replied.

“But I absolutely must have that cherry. Angel won’t eat unless I get it for him. I’m desperate for it.” Fluttershy broke from Pinkie’s hold and dashed for the stand.

The stallion smirked. “In that case...twenty bits.”

Fluttershy screeched to a halt. “Twenty? Oh my.”

That’s when Nova stepped in. “Hold it!” He got between Fluttershy and the vendor. “Excuse me sir, I get that vendors usually have the right to charge what they want for what they’re selling, but really only as long as the price is fair. I don’t like how you’re taking advantage of my friend here so I suggest you change that price to something more reasonable.”

“Oh yeah? What are you gonna do if I don’t?” The stallion asked with a grin.

“I’m normally not one for threats, but when it comes to my friends….I’ll do what I can to help. So here’s the deal. You sell my friend that cherry for at least one bit, or I can report you to the better business bureau of Equestria. I happen to be good friends with the personal student of princess Celestia. And Fluttershy here is a close personal friend of said pony. Now you don’t want to get the princess on your back for trying to take advantage of such a pony would you?”

The stallion gulped. “Uh, sure, you got it pal. One bit for the cherry.”

“Thank you.” Nova said with a grin and took the cherry for Fluttershy, placed a bit on the counter with his magic, and walked off with her.

“Wow, um...thank you Nova.” Fluttershy said.

“Don’t mention it. I didn’t exactly enjoy that and I guess I could have handled that better, but I don’t think that was a good way to be assertive. Sometimes you just gotta say no.” Nova stated. 

“Well I think you handled that well.” Rarity replied.

“Yeah, you really had that pony shaking.” Pinkie stated.

“Probably would have been better to move on.” Nova said.

Later in the day, Nova had stepped out of Twilight’s library and noticed a goat placing a flyer in the mail box. “What’s this about?” He went over to the mail box and took it out. It was for a self help seminar about being assertive. There was a minotaur on the cover. “Hmm….well I...guess I could learn a thing or two on how to be properly assertive.” With that, he decided to try and attend this seminar.

The directions on the flyer said it would be taking place in a small hedge maze. He arrived to find other ponies filing in with goats ushering them in. There were a lot there already so he decided to take a spot in the back. There was a large stage set up with red curtains and spotlights. Just then, Fluttershy suddenly fell onto the ground next to him after being flung from the front of the crowd.

“Fluttershy?” Nova asked and helped her up. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, hello Nova, I um...thought maybe I could stand to learn to be more assertive. I saw a flyer for this seminar and decided to come.” Fluttershy replied. “What are you doing here? I don’t think you need any lessons on being assertive.”

Nova looked to the side. “Well, I think I could stand to learn a few things on being properly assertive maybe.” 

Fluttershy gave Nova a confused look. “Really? I think you did fine with that pony from before with the cherry.”

“But I made a threat when I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t use whatever high connections I have to get what I want. It isn’t right.”

“Oh, well….okay then.” 

It was then music started up on the stage. Smoke rolled in and a large horned figure rose up from the floor of the stage. It raised it’s arms up in time with the music. The smoke cleared to reveal a minotaur with blue fur. He started punching to the side in time with the music as fireworks went off from the stage. It was clear he was trying to get the crowd pumped up. He then flexed his muscles and started kissing his biceps.

“By the stars.” Nova sighed at this.

The minotaur folded his arms behind him after the music stopped and started pacing back and forth as he introduced himself. “My friends, my name is iron will. And today is the first day of your new life! I want to hear you stomp if you’re tired of being a pushover!” The ponies cheered and stomped their hooves. “Stomp if you’re tired of being a doormat!” The crowd started stomping again. Nova and Fluttershy were the only ones not stomping their hooves. “Stomp if you want to pay nothing for this seminar!” The crowd was about to stomp before they realized what he said. At first they seemed confused but started laughing when they thought he was joking.

Iron Will gave them a serious stare that silenced them. “That’s no joke friends. Iron Will is so confident you will be one hundred percent satisfied with Iron Will’s assertiveness technique, that if you are NOT one hundred percent satisfied, YOU...PAY...NOTHING!” The crowd cheered again.

“Great, he’s one of those.” Nova commented.

Fluttershy looked to Nova in confusion. “One of what?”

“One of those individuals that refer to themselves in the third person.” Nova replied. “Still, he doesn’t seem too bad.”

Iron Will leaned down over the stage stretching his arms towards the ground making some veins visible. “I pity the fool that doubts Iron Will’s methods!” He got face to face with one stallion in the front. “You don’t doubt me do you?”

The stallion and the other ponies around were quick to say no.

Iron Will was standing on the heads of two goats off stage as he was addressing the crowd. “That’s the first lesson. Don’t be shy, look em in the eye.” He got back on the stage as the ponies seemed to agree with this lesson.

“Huh, not a bad one I guess.” Nova said more to himself.

“Now, in order to show how effective Iron Will’s techniques can be, Iron Will needs a volunteer from the audience.” Immediatly, everyone raised a hoof except for Fluttershy and Nova. 

Fluttershy shrank down below the crowd and onto the ground.

“Don’t want to get picked huh?” Nova asked noticing this.

Fluttershy simply nodded.

A few of the goats started going around the crowd to pick out a volunteer. One of them was in the back and came up to Nova and Fluttershy.

Nova gave a small nervous smile. 

The goat then looked to Fluttershy, then baa’ed out. Another goat on the stage whispered something to Iron Will. He then pointed to the back. “You two, in the back row!” The crowd immediatly stepped aside forming a path for them.

“Us?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes you two. Iron Will want’s you on stage.”

“Oh boy.” Nova said.

“NOW!” Iron Will demanded.

“Okay.” Fluttershy said meekly.

Nova placed a reassuring hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder and smiled letting her know he was going to be with her. 

Fluttershy smiled back and the two went to the stage. 

As soon as they got onto the stage, a goat came out from behind the curtains to block them at first. Fluttershy merely smiled while Nova raised a brow in confusion. They merely walked around the goat but he got in front of them again. 

“Oh, he’s blocking your path, what are you going to do about it?” Iron will asked.

“Ask him to move?” Both Fluttershy and Nova said together surprisingly.

“No.” Iron Will responded.

Nova waited for Fluttershy to respond. 

“Quietly walk around him?” Fluttershy asked.

“No.” Iron Will responded.

Nova provided an answer. “Well, being a unicorn, I could simply teleport past him.”

“No.” Iron Will said again.

“Gingerly tip toe around him?” Fluttershy asked.

“No.” Iron Will said again.

Nova couldn’t think of anything at the moment so Fluttershy made another suggestion then. “Go home and try again tomorrow?”

“NO!” Iron Will Exclaimed and zipped behind Fluttershy. “When some pony tries to block, show them that you rock!” He then flicked Fluttershy’s flank and forced her forward bumping into the goat and knocking it down.

“Hey!” Nova exclaimed at Iron Will. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Fluttershy said.

“Don’t be sorry, be assertive! Don’t apologize, when you can criticize. Like this.” Iron Will then bent down to the goat and started yelling. “Why don’t you watch where you’re going!? Now you try.”

Nova wasn’t too sure about this assertiveness Iron Will was teaching.

Fluttershy looked to Nova as if asking him if she should go through with it. 

All Nova could do is shrug.

Fluttershy took a moment before trying it Iron Will’s way. “Next time, get out of the way before I bump into you. Because...I totally won’t be sorry when I do.”

Seeing this really made Nova think this wasn’t a good way to be assertive, especially for Fluttershy. He was about to say something when Iron Will suddenly lifted Fluttershy up by the hoof. “You see my friends!? If my techniques can work for this shy little pony, they can work for you!” The crowd cheered. As they did, Fluttershy seemed to smile.

After the seminar was over, Nova spoke to Fluttershy about his thoughts. “Fluttershy, I’m not so sure this is a good idea. This assertiveness from Iron Will doesn’t seem right. Especially not for you.”

“But I really want to learn to be assertive. I don’t really like being pushed around and taken advantage of.”

“Even so, there’s got to be a better way of being assertive for you than this.” Nova stated.

“And what is the right way for me to be assertive? There isn’t exactly any other way presenting itself. So this is really the only option I have.” 

Nova sighed. “I guess, just try not to go overboard with it all right?”

“I’ll try.” Fluttershy said.

It was the next day when Nova decided to pay a visit to Sugar Cube Corner. He was a bit surprised to see such a long line. After a few minutes, he was finally at the front and surprised to see Rarity with Pinkie behind the counter. “Hey Rarity, what are you doing here?”

“I’m helping Pinkie mind the bakery today.” Rarity replied.

“So what can we get you?” Pinkie asked.

Before Nova could answer, they heard something going on near the back of the line. They looked back to see Fluttershy giving some mare the stink eye. “Maybe’s are for babies. Now go to the back of the line where you belong!” She said fiercely. This made the mare zip out. It was also enough to make the other ponies in the line go out behind Fluttershy.

Nova couldn’t believe what he just saw as he stared in shock.

Pinkie and Rarity just smiled at this. “Hey, look at you.” Pinkie commented.

“You’re absolutely fiesty, it’s fabulous.” Rarity commented as Fluttershy hovered to the counter.

Nova looked to the two. “You’re actually okay with this?”

“And why not?” Rarity asked. “It’s about time Fluttershy learned to be assertive.”

“But like this? She just made all those other ponies get behind her.” Nova stated.

“It’s fine Nova, that monster’s workshop is really paying off.” Pinkie retorted.

“Iron Will’s not a monster, he’s a minotaur.” Fluttershy pointed out. “And a real inspiration, his techniques really work.”

“Maybe too well.” Nova commented.

“Well they’ve certainly made a difference in the way you carry yourself.” Rarity commented. “You’re like a whole new Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy smiled proudly. “I am, and new Fluttershy is pretty stoked about new Fluttershy.”

Pinkie then chimed in. “And I feel real proud of new Fluttershy. Proud as pink punch.” She pulled out a bowl of punch and set it on the counter. “Want some?” She asked followed by a giggle and started laughing.

Fluttershy furrowed her brows at Pinkie’s laughing. “You laugh at me, I wrath at you.” She then shoved the punch off the counter, spilling it over Pinkie.

Rarity seemed surprised at this.

“Hey, Fluttershy, she wasn’t laughing at you, she was laughing at her joke.” Nova pointed out.

Pinkie got back up with the bowl on her head.

Fluttershy didn’t seem to hear Nova as she turned for the door. “Bye girls and Nova.” Upon exiting, the other ponies that were there scattered and she was back to smiling. “What a day. Taxi!” She flagged down a taxi carriage. Before she could get in it however, another pony was quick to hop in. 

Fluttershy narrowed her eyes again. “Oh no you don’t. Cut in line, I take what’s mine.” She then leapt at the pony and started roughing him up before kicking him out of the carriage and onto the road. “No pony pushes new fluttershy around, NO PONY!” She exclaimed loudly, spurring the pony pulling the carriage to take off.

“This does not bode well.” Nova commented.

Pinkie commented in agreement. “Yeah, I’m not so sure new Fluttershy is not such a good idea after all.”

“I quit agree.” Rarity added.

This whole event made Nova forget about getting what he had come for and headed back home to the library.

The next day, Nova went off to try and find Fluttershy to see if he could talk some sense into her. During his search, he ran into Pinkie and Rarity who seemed to be doing the same thing. They headed off together to her home to try and talk to her. Upon arrival though, they spotted Fluttershy growling at some pony.

“You make me lose, I blow my fuse!” Fluttershy exclaimed before grabbing the pony by the camera around his neck and flung him off to the side into a pile of hay and his camera went further, striking the bell of a nearby clock tower.

The three approached with Rarity starting. “Fluttershy, what are you doing. That’s no way to behave.”

“That was completely unnecessary what you did just now Fluttershy.” Nova stated.

“Didn’t you see what he did to new Fluttershy?” Fluttershy asked. “And he thought new Fluttershy was a pushover.

“No he didn’t. He was just asking you for directions. It’s your own fault the letter you were holding fell in the puddle.” Nova pointed out. “That stallion did nothing wrong.”

“We all feel that you’re taking this assertiveness training too far.” Rarity stated as Fluttershy began hovering over them.

“What? You just want new Fluttershy to be a doormat like old Fluttershy. But old Fluttershy is GONE!” Fluttershy yelled out angrily. 

Pinkie seemed to be getting confused with Fluttershy’s talk. “Old Fluttershy, new Fluttershy?”

“What about nice Fluttershy? We want that Fluttershy back.” Rarity said in hopes to get through to Fluttershy.

Nova gave a concerned look. “Please Fluttershy, just listen to us. You’re not acting like yourself. And that’s the Fluttershy we want.”

Fluttershy started circling them as she started a rant. “No, you want wimp Fluttershy, you want pushover Fluttershy, you want ‘do anything you want to her and she won’t complain’ Fluttershy.”

Pinkie was following Fluttershy as she circled with her head and got her neck twisted up. After the end of that sentence, her head spun around back to normal. “Ah, too many Fluttershy’s to keep track of. Make it stop.” 

“Things getting too complicated for your simple little brain Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy asked as she pressed a hoof to Pinkie’s forehead and flicked her back.

Nova was quick to catch her and gave a light glare at Fluttershy. 

Rarity cut in next. “Now stop right there. Let’s not let things descend into petty insults.”

“Why, I thought petty is what you are all about Rarity, with your petty concerns about fashion?”

This made tears form in Rarity’s eyes. 

Pinkie quickly jumped between them. “Hey, leave her alone. Fashion is her passion.” She swung her hips as she said this.

“Oh, and what are you passionate about? Birthday cakes? Party hats?”

“Fluttershy, stop it! Just listen to yourself!” Nova exclaimed. “We’re your friends and here you are insulting them. We’re just concerned about you. We’re trying to help you.”

“And what about you Nova, with your silly little stone carving buisness? Ooh, I can make stones glow, so fancy.” Fluttershy said in a mock tone.

Nova was proud of what his profession was. It wasn’t easy to shape the gems and put those enchantments on them to give them a unique glow. Fluttershy was attacking what their special talents involved. When Fluttershy said those things, it actually hurt his feelings. 

“I can’t believe that the three most frivolous ponies in Ponyville are trying to tell new Fluttershy how to live her life, when their throwing their own lives on pointless pursuits that no pony gives a flying feather about!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

All three of them were practically in tears. “Looks like nasty Fluttershy is here to stay.” Pinkie Commented.

“I cannot believe what that monster Iron Will has done to you.” Rarity added before the two galloped off.

Nova stayed where he was though. Hurt as he was, he was determined to try and get through to Fluttershy.

“Iron Will’s not a monster, HE’S A MINOTAUR!” Fluttershy roared out panting heavily. She finally came to a landing and looked down at the puddle to see herself. This finally seemed to snap her out of whatever had gotten into her as she frowned. “I’m...the monster.”

“Yes...you are.” Nova said. “Fluttershy, you have to see what you’ve become. What you’ve said, and how you just hurt three of your closest friends. I get you want to be assertive, but this isn’t being assertive. This is being rude and bossy and….basicly a big bully.”

“Oh Nova, I’m so sorry. I...I don’t know what got into me. I...I didn’t mean...oh…” Fluttershy turned and flew off crying.

“Fluttershy, wait!” Nova called after her. It was clear Fluttershy finally realized her errors and Nova was glad, but was also sorry for Fluttershy and sorry he didn’t get a chance to tell her he accepted that apology. However, he figured she probably needed some time alone to think about things. So he headed back home for now.

Three days passed and not a single sign of Fluttershy had been seen. Once again, he had met up with Rarity and Pinkie on his way to Fluttershy’s home to see how she was and if she was okay. But upon arriving, her home was a mess. Most of the plants around her cottage were pretty much dead, the windows were boarded up with planks along with her front door and the holes in the bird houses and hovels. 

“By the stars. What happened here?” Nova asked as they approached.

Rarity knocked on the door. “Fluttershy, are you in there?”

Pinkie moved to place her ear to the door. “It’s Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Nova!”

Fluttershy’s voice responded from inside. “Go away, go away before nasty Fluttershy strikes again.”

“Oh sweetie, we all said things we regret.”

“We did?” 

Nova nudged Pinkie from her question.

“You’re right, I’m the only one to blame.” Fluttershy replied. “But don’t worry, I’m never coming out of my house again. Ponyville will be a lot better with me and my mean mouth locked away.”

“Fluttershy, you can’t be serious.” Nova said. “You don’t have to go to such extremes. As long as you realize what you were doing was wrong, you can keep it from happening again without locking yourself up like this.”

“That’s right dear, none of us blame you. You just received some bad advice from that Iron Will character.” Rarity added. 

“Yeah, he’s the one that made you act super duper nasty.” Pinkie said before Rarity nudged her to correct her. “What I mean is there are other ways to assert yourself without yelling at every pony.”

“Yes, you can stand up for yourself without being unpleasant about it.”

“So please come out Fluttershy. You can’t stay in there forever.” Nova added.

“But I can’t. I’m too far gone. Every time I try to assert myself, I become a monster.” Fluttershy replied.

“You’re not a monster Fluttershy, you’re a kind sweet pony who just doesn’t really know how to say no.” Nova said.

“He does.” Pinkie said as she pointed down the path. Iron will was on approach standing on one of two goats with him with a basket in his arm. 

The trio went to meet Iron Will just as he got over the bridge and stepped off the goat he was on. “Iron Will’s the name and training ponies is my game.” He gave a thumbs up looking off in the distance oddly.

Rarity, Nova, and Pinkie looked in the same direction in curiosity who he was talking to yet saw nothing. After realizing this, they turned their attention back to the minotaur. “What a darling little catch phrase.” Rarity commented.

“Fluttershy loves Iron Will’s catch phrases. Word on the street is she doesn’t take no guff from no pony.” Iron Will said as he nearly squeezed Pinkie and Rarity in a hug for a moment and headed for Fluttershy’s door. “So Iron Will is here to collect Iron Will’s fee.”

“Fluttershy’s in no condition to deal with that guy.” Pinkie pointed out.

Rarity dashed after Iron Will. “I’m sure a brave, strong, rich, handsome monster...minotaur...like you, doesn’t need that money right away. You can afford to come back later.”

Iron Will raised a brow. “Are you kidding? Fluttershy is overdue as it is. Iron Will collects now.” He said this as he picked Rarity up by her horn and dropped her over the edge into a bush.

“Do something.” Rarity pleaded.

“Hey!” Nova exclaimed and ran up to Iron Will. “I get you want to collect your money, but that’s no reason to drop a mare into a bush.” He got in front of Iron Will. “Look, Fluttershy...isn’t available. You’ll just have to come back another time.”

“Iron Will is going to collect.” Iron Will replied with a light glare and grabbed one of the boards on the front door, ripping it off..

Pinkie then popped up between Nova and Iron Will. “We’re not even sure if she’s home right now.” Iron Will picked her up and held her up and to the side. “She could be out frolicking with woodland creatures. Why don’t you give us some time to track her down for you.”

Iron Will paused at this and dropped Pinkie. Nova was able to act quick enough to catch Pinkie with his magic and set her down gently. “Iron Will does have some shopping to do.” He took out a list and the basket and started walking off. “Iron Will will be back later this after noon.”

“But that’s only half a day.” Pinkie pointed out. “We need a full day at least.” 

“Iron Will will delay for half a day and no longer.” Iron Will replied.

“Hope this method works.” Nova commented to himself knowing Pinkie was about to pull the same trick she did with the tomato vendor.

“A full day.” Pinkie said.

“Half day.”

“Full day!”

“Half day!”

“Half day!” Pinkie switched it up.

“Full day!” 

“We need half a day and no more!” Pinkie stretched her neck up to Iron Will’s level a moment before her body snapped up with her hooves wiggling in the air.

Iron Will grabbed Pinkie by the tail. “Well you’ll get a full day and no less!”

Pinkie smiled at her victory. “Okie dokie, see you tomorrow.” She was somehow able to move her legs like she was walking on solid ground and moving away from Iron Will.

It stopped though as Iron Will lowered her back to the ground and placed a finger to his chin. “Wait, what?”

Just when it seemed it was going to work, a cut little sneeze went off from inside, Fluttershy’s sneeze.

Nova face hooved hard.

“Huh, sounds like the search won’t be necessary. Iron Will collects now.” Iron Will went up to the door.

Pinkie tried to stop him. “But we had an agreement. You gotta come back tomorrow.”

“When some pony tries to block, show them that you rock.” Iron Will tossed Pinkie aside sending her into a mud puddle. 

“Pinkie!” Nova cried out in concern. He looked back to Iron Will with a glare as he ripped off the rest of the planks.

“Your payment is overdue Fluttershy.” Iron made like he was about to punch the door but instead knocked.

Nova used his magic and managed to force Iron Will back. “Enough! I’m not going to just stand by and let you toss my friends around like this anymore!” He stood in front of Iron Will. “You need to leave now and come back another day!”

Iron Will simply glared down at Nova. “You want to get in Iron Will’s way?”

Nova was about to respond before Fluttershy’s door opened and the timid mare stepped out herself. “Fluttershy?” Nova asked.

“Nova, I appreciate you, Rarity, and Pinkie trying to help, but I think I can handle this.” Fluttershy replied.

“You sure?” Nova asked.

Fluttershy merely nodded and stepped forward more. 

Iron Will pointed at Fluttershy. “You were nothing but a doormat until Iron Will turned you into a lean, mean, assertive machine! Now pay Iron Will what you owe Iron Will.”

“Um, no.” Fluttershy simply replied.

This left Nova, Rarity, and Pinkie stunned as Pinkie practically fainted and fell over.

“What did you say?” Iron asked harshly. 

“No.” Fluttershy said again.

Iron Will flexed his muscles and started using the fence to do a few stretches like a wrestler getting ready for a match. “Oh, I’d hate to be you right now. Because Iron Will is going to rain down a world of hurt unless Iron Will get’s his money PRONTO!” He shouted at Fluttershy. The three ponies looked worried.

Despite all this, Fluttershy managed to remain calm and looked just fine. “During your workshop, you said one hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed or you pay nothing.” She calmly explained. “Well, I’m not satisfied.”

Iron Will exclaimed in shock. “What do you mean you’re not satisfied?! Everypony has always been satisfied!”

“Well I guess I’m the first. And since I’m not satisfied, I refuse to pay. It’s as simple as that.”

Nova gave a half smile. “Wow, way to go Fluttershy.”

Pinkie’s jaw was hanging open and Rarity was kind enough to close her mouth for her.

Both of Will’s goats poked up from behind his shoulders. He quickly turned and they started whispering while huddled together. After a moment, Iron stood before Fluttershy again. “Are you sure you’re not just a little bit satisfied? I mean, maybe we could cut a deal. We’re both reasonable creatures aren’t we?”

“I’m sorry, but no means no.” Fluttershy said firmly.

Iron hung his arms in defeat. “No means no huh?” He stepped back onto the back of one of his goats. “No pony’s ever said that to me before. That’s a good catch phrase. I should remember that for my next workshop.”

The girls and Nova took Fluttershy in a group hug. “That was amazing Fluttershy!” Pinkie exclaimed. “You totally stood up to that monster.”

“And you didn’t change at all. You were the same old Fluttershy we all love.” Rarity stated.

“You were very impressive Fluttershy. That was amazing.” Nova added.

“Don’t worry, the old Fluttershy is back for good. I’m sorry I took the whole assertiveness thing too far. Friends?”

Pinkie and Rarity had tears of joy in their eyes. All three replied together. “Friends.”
	
> Time Travel Equals Headache
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Time Travel Equals Headache



Nova was sound asleep dreaming peacefully sharing the same bed with Twilight. He was dreaming about being on a picnic with her in a meadow on a clear sunny day. As he was about to move in for a kiss with her, his dream was interrupted by the sound of hooves pacing. His eyes fluttered open and could hear hoof steps coming from down stairs. He looked up just in time to see Spike just waking up as well. No doubt from the sound of the hoof steps. “Ugh, Spike? You too?”

Spike simply got out of his bed and headed for the door. Nova followed downstairs and saw Twilight pacing in circles. “Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Twilight, what are you doing?” Nova asked.

“Oh, hi Spike, Nova.” Twilight merely replied looking a bit agitated.

Nova rubbed his eye. “You do know it’s the middle of the night right?”

“Frankly, I don’t know how YOU can sleep at a time like this.” Twilight replied.

“Three a.m.?” Spike questioned with a flat yet tired look.

Twilight suddenly teleported in front of them. “It’s terrible, it’s horrible, it’s tragic!”

“Okay, I’ll bite, what’s wrong?” Nova asked.

Twilight tossed a calendar to them that Spike caught. “Now do you see what’s wrong?” It was on the fourth of the month.

“We forgot to celebrate arbor day?” Spike asked.

Twilight was at her desk using her magic to flip through some books. “No, I scheduled plans for this month, but forgot to leave time to schedule for next month.” She rushed over and brought over some papers with dates and such. “Don’t you see, there’s no time in my schedule to make another schedule.” She started looking more worried. “I could reschedule my meeting with the Ponyville hay board, but then I’d need to reschedule my lunchen with Pinkie Pie, and you know what a nightmare with scheduling she is. This is a total disaster! My whole year could be thrown off!”

Spike gave up and headed up to bed again but Nova stayed. “Twilight, calm down. You’re over reacting. It’s not like this is the end of the world or anything. Is there anything in your schedule involving just the two of us?”

“I...hold on.” Twilight went back to her schedule and started looking through it. “We do have a date scheduled for this saturday afternoon.”

“Then tell you what. We put that off so you can have time to try and work this out so you can schedule things for next month.” Nova suggested.

Twilight looked to Nova. “Are you sure?”

“Twilight, we live together now. It’s not going to hurt to skip one date. But, I think you’re taking this whole schedule thing too seriously and it’s kind of worrying me.”

“Nova, I could really use that time though to just relax with all the other stuff I have going on. I really need our time of freedom together. I just have to keep it on there.”

Nova sighed. “All right, I’ll stay up with you then and try to help you solve this.”

Twilight hugged Nova. “Oh thank you!”

Nova hugged back with a roll of his eyes yet still smiled. “No problem.”

The two began working through the rest of the night until morning came. Nova’s eyes were droopy and gave a heavy yawn. He heard Twilight saying something and sounded excited. He looked back. “You…*yawn*...found a solution?”

“I did!” Twilight exclaimed.

“That’s great Twilight.” He stood up and made his way over to her. “So what did you say you…” He started but was interrupted as wind started blowing around the room. “What in the name of the galaxies?”

A small light appeared at the center and started to grow, glowing brighter and bright and the air blowing stronger and stronger, blowing papers all over the place. It finally reached a point where the light was so bright, it was blinding and erupted. When it finally died down, at the center of the library was…Twilight Sparkle. She was wearing a black slightly torn up body suit with a bandage on her forehead, an eye patch over her right eye, and a scar on her left cheek. Her mane and tail were a complete mess as well.

Nova’s jaw dropped seeing this.

Twilight cried out. “AH!” The Twilight next to Nova that is.

The other Twilight stood up and shook her head before rushing over to the two. “Twilight, you have to listen to me.”

“Who are you? I mean you’re me, but I’m me too.” The original Twilight started. “How can there be two me’s? It’s not scientifically possible.” She then poked her counter self in the chest making her scrunch her nose. “You are not scientifically possible.”

The second Twilight moved the first Twilight’s hoof away. “Twilight, listen to me. I have a very important message for you from the future.”

The original Twilight smiled. “You’re from the future?!”

“That’s right, now listen.”

Nova was still confused about what he was seeing.

The original Twilight cut off the second as she started circling around her speaking. “What happened to you? The future must be awful.”

“Please, I don’t have time.”

“Is there some kind of epic pony war in the future or something?”

“Actually, I’m from next tuesday morning. But that’s not important right now.”

“I can’t believe time travel is possible.”

Nova finally spoke up. “Excuse me! Is this some sort of dream I’m having from being so tired? Or is this for real?”

“Believe it Nova, it’s real.” The second Twilight said. “Now please listen.”

“How did you...I mean I...figure it out?” Twilight asked.

“The time spells are in the Canterlot archives. But that’s not…”

“Really? Where? I’ve never seen them.”

“They’re in the Starswirl the Bearded wing. Now you have to listen…”

“Is time travel fun or does it hurt? I have so many…”

The second Twilight finally shoved a hoof in the first Twilight’s mouth to quiet her and started speaking. “I have a very important message to tell you from the future and I only have a few seconds. Whatever you do don’t…” Before she could finish, the second Twilight started glowing and disappeared in a flash.

“Um...okay, what just happened here?” Nova asked. “I’m still a little confused at the fact there were two of you here just now and one of them was claiming they were from the future?”

“Oh no, what was she trying to warn me about?” Twilight said. “Her clothes, her mane, that scar, uh. What a mess she is, I mean...I am...or I...will be. She must want me to prevent whatever horrible thing happens in the future.”

“But how are we supposed to do that if we don’t know what it is?” Nova asked. “And for the record, you didn’t look that bad. You look beautiful to me no matter what.” He said with a smile.

Twilight smiled back. “Thank you Nova. I appreciate that, but we need to focus on this. We have to figure out what this disaster is that future me was trying to warn me about and warn everypony.”

“Twilight, I’m not so sure it would be a good idea to get everyone worked up over something if we don’t know what it is that might be coming.” Nova stated.

“We can’t tell them nothing.” Twilight retorted. “Come on!” With that, she galloped for the door.

“By the stars.” Nova sighed before galloping after her.

Near the park, Pinkie Pie had a few balloons tied to her mid section that had her floating just above the ground. She was moving her legs like she was walking and slowly moving along. “Come on Fluttershy, this party isn’t going to make itself.” She said looking back to Fluttershy who was following her.

“Maybe...next time...I could carry the balloons?” Fluttershy asked. She had a number of heavy bags that were forcing her to crawl on the ground.

Twilight accidentally bumped into Fluttershy and knocked over everything. She looked up, now wearing a fake pair of glasses with a rubber nose and a fake mustache over her face. She didn’t seem to notice as she dashed on.

Nova stopped to help Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, you okay?”

“I think so, what happened?” Fluttershy asked as she stood up.

Nova was already using his magic to gather what was knocked off. “Sorry, Twilight’s in a bit of a hurry.”

Twilight stood up on a square post and addressed every pony. “Everyone I have an important announcement.”

Those that heard Twilight stopped and looked to her, then started laughing seeing her with the novelty item on her face.

Twilight noticed this and shook her head to get them off then continued. “Please listen everypony! I was just visited by myself from the future.”

This just made them laugh more.

Nova soon came by her side. “Everyone listen up! This is serious! All of Equestria could be in danger!” He exclaimed.

This got everyone’s attention.

“Now I know this may not sound good, but we have no idea what kind of disaster may be coming. But we do know it will happen some time on tuesday next week.” Nova informed.

Twilight continued from there. “That’s right, so we should work together and disaster proof all of Equestria. Rainbow Dash.” Twilight turned to Rainbow who happened to be flying close by and heard everything. “I would like you to check Pegasopolis to make sure everything is fine there.”

Rainbow gave a salute. “You got it.” She then zipped off to do so.

“The rest of you-”

Twilight was cut off by Pinkie screaming. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!” She was moving her legs like she was running but was moving slowly thanks to the balloons still tied to her. She paused just to look at the crowd. “Anypony else want to panic with me?” She paused and waited for a response. “No? Okay. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” She went back to screaming and trying to run.

Twilight continued from there. “Everypony else, let’s disasterproof Equestria.” Twilight declared. Thus began a montage of everyone working together to clean up and fix any and all problems. From a crack in the dam, to an uneven bit of hair in Pinkie’s mane, to a bit of garbage on the street. Soon, every problem big and small was taken care of in an event to disasterproof Equestria.

Twilight was checking off every little thing on her checklist. “Done, and done, and done.” She turned to Applejack as she walked up. “Applejack, what about the Everfree forest?”

“Perimiter’s all clear.” Applejack replied as Rarity was using her magic to pick out leaves from Applejack’s mane and tail.


“Great.”

Rainbow then flew up. “And my team gave the all clear from Fillydelphia to Las Pegasus.”


Nova came up to Twilight. “My parents have been scanning the skies with these probes they built. They say there’s no sign of any astroid within the solar system that could pose a threat.”

“That’s a relief.” Twilight replied. “Well, that’s everything on the list, and one item off the list. Still….Future Twilight looked like she had been through an ordeal. I just have this nagging feeling we should be looking for something bigger than loose bolts and leaky pipes.”

It was then a large three headed black rottweiler dog jumped out and gave a loud roar.

This sent every pony into a panic.

“AH! W-what is that?!” Nova exclaimed in fear. Spike coward behind him.

“Cerberus! He’s supposed to be guarding the gates of Tartarus.” Twilight informed.

“What’s he doing here?!” Nova asked.

“He must have gotten loose, this is perfect!” Twilight said looking happy.

“Perfect how?” Nova asked.

“This must be the disaster we were warned about. It’s time for some obedience training, magic obedience training that is.” Twilight said as she readied her horn.

However, before she could do anything, Fluttershy was already on Cerberus scratching his belly, the three headed dog panting happily as he lay on his back. “Oh, who’s a good boy? Yes you are, yes you are.” Fluttershy cooed.

“Wow Fluttershy, I knew you were good with animals but this?” Twilight said in surprise.

“Aw, he’s just a big ol dog who got out of his yard is all.” Fluttershy said.

“Well….that’s a relief I guess.” Nova stated.

“This gives me an idea, Pinkie!” Twilight called out.

Pinkie zipped up to Twilight. “Yes?”

“Do you have a ball I can borrow?”

“Of course, I keep balls stashed around Ponyville in case of a ball emergency.” Pinkie went over to a tree with a hole in it and reached in to pull out a ball.

“Of course you do.” Nova commented with a roll of his eyes.

“Perfect.” Twilight said and took the offered ball in her magic and held it up. “Hey Cerberus! Look what I got!”

The dog looked to Twilight and saw the ball. He then got real happy as Twilight waved the ball around, all three heads following it.

Twilight started galloping, keeping the ball in front of Cerberus. “I’ll get Cerberus back to the gates, I’ll be back soon!”

It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that Twilight came back looking a bit of a mess.

“There you are. So you got Cerberus back?” Nova asked as Twilight walked back into her home.

“Yep, everything is all fine now.” Twilight replied.

Just then, Spike let out a belch and a letter formed that flew through the air and smacked Twilight in the side of the face, leaving a small scar on her cheek.

“Ouch, you okay Twilight?” Nova asked.

Twilight gasped. “Oh no.” She zipped over to the mirror.

“What? It’s just a lost dog flyer.” Spike pointed out. “The princesses probably didn’t hear that you got Cerberus back already.”

“Not that, this.” Twilight pointed to her cheek.

“A papercut?” Spike asked unamusedly.

“Don’t you see, it’s the same scar future Twilight had. This means the disaster is still coming.”

“I don’t know Twilight, maybe you’re just over reacting.” Nova suggested.

“Over reacting?” Twilight said looking to Nova. “We’re talking about a possible cataclysmic disaster approaching Equestria!”

“Okay, okay! Sorry.” Nova said raising a hoof in defense. “Look, whatever happens, I’m behind you.”

“Thanks. Now we just need to figure out what to do.” Twilight said as she started pacing. “Doing something didn’t seem to help...so maybe if I don’t do anything, the disaster won’t come.” Twilight then teleported to another spot in the library. “If I just stand here and do nothing until tuesday morning, the disaster won’t come.” She then stiffened up.

“What? Twilight, you can’t just stand there and do nothing. What about sleep, what about eating?” Nova asked in concern.

Twilight didn’t respond.

Nova sighed.

“So...you’re going to just stand there the whole time not moving until Tuesday morning?” Spike asked. He then started to think.

“Spike, what are you thinking?” Nova asked in a suspicious tone, one eye half lidded.

Spike zipped off to the kitchen and came back with a carton of ice cream and a spoon. “So you won’t mind if I eat all this ice cream then.” He then started eating it up.

“Ng, Spike, you’ll get a tummy ache.” Twilight said through gritted teeth.

“No worries, that’s future Spike’s problem.” Spike replied.

“Spike.” Nova said. “Don’t make this any more difficult than it has to be.” He took the ice cream from Spike with his magic.

“Hey, I was eating that.” Spike protested.

“You heard Twilight.” Nova replied. He put the ice cream back.

It was then Rainbow came flying in. “Hey Twilight, I just wanted to….” She paused seeing Twilight standing stiff. “Uh, what’s going on?”

“Twilight thinks if she doesn’t move, the disaster won’t come.” Nova explained.

“Really?” Rainbow asked. “Hey Twilight, there’s a spider behind you!” She exclaimed with a look of fear.

Twilight’s tail stiffened as she seemed to visibly flinch.

Rainbow then started chuckling.

“Not funny Rainbow.” Nova said. “There’s no Spider Twilight.”

Twilight gave a growl.

Rainbow started whispering to Spike as they got an idea.

“All right you two, whatever it is, forget it.” Nova said in a warning tone with a light glare.

“Too late.” Spike and Rainbow Dash said together before zipping off and came back with feathers and started tickling Twilight.

“You guys!” Nova called out as Twilight seemed to try fighting the laughter. Nova took hold of them and flung them back a bit harder than he meant to. When Spike’s back hit the wall, he belched out a green flame that struck Twilight.

“AH!” Spike called out. “I’m so sorry!”

“Me too.” Nova said. “You okay?”

“Whoa! You’re mane.” Rainbow said.

“What about it, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked in worry.

“Nothing.” Spike quickly answered.

“It’s fine.” Rainbow answered right after Spike.

“Show me.” Twilight said forcefully.

Nova sighed and used his magic to pull a mirror over in front of Twilight. “It’s not….too bad.”

Twilight gasped seeing herself. Her mane was standing upright and frayed on the edges. “Oh no, I have the same mane cut as future Twilight. The disaster is still coming. What are we going to do? It seems the only way to know what’s going to happen would be if we could somehow see into the future.”

“Actually, I think I know a pony for that.” Spike pointed out.

“You do?” Nova asked curiously.

“Follow me.” Spike waved a hand. Nova and Twilight began to follow Spike who led them to a tent in town.

Pinkie Pie was inside dressed like a gypsy fortune teller and spoke in a way to try and sound spooky. “Welcome to madam Pinkie’s.” She sat behind a round table with a crystal ball on a gold stand. “Come and look into my mystical orb of fate’s destiny.” She then spoke normally. “What do you think? Pretty neat mystical orb of destiny right? I just got it.”

“Pinkie Pie?” Nova and Twilight questioned.

“It’s madam Pinkie.” Pinkie said in the same spooky like voice.

“Pinkie, um...madam Pinkie, we were wondering if you could tell us what the future holds.” Spike said.

Pinkie started waving her hooves around the crystal ball. “Of course, have a seat and I shall tell you your future.”

The trio took a seat on some pillows as Pinkie began doing...whatever it was she was doing.

“Look into the crystal ball, for soon it shall reveal all.” Pinkie said in her spooky voice. “Ah yes, I see it, I see the future.”

“What, what is it?” Twilight asked.

“I see...I see….that you  Twilight.”

“What, what?!” Twilight asked.

“You...you will get a really great birthday gift next year on your birthday.” Pinkie pointed to Twilight.

“Pinkie, we need your Pinkie sense to help us tell you what kind of disaster is on the way.” Twilight pointed out.

Pinkie started speaking normally. “Sorry, my pinkie sense is only good for predicting vague and sudden occurrences.” Just as she said that, her tail twitched and a flower pot suddenly fell down on top of Twilight. “LIke that. Where did that come from anyway?”

“Twilight, are you okay?” Nova asked.

Twilight merely groaned as she rubbed her head.

Three days passed after that. Nova got rather concerned when Twilight seemed to snap and started making all kinds of charts and graphs and setting up telescopes. She had gone on about how the only way to try and predict what was going to happen was to monitor everything. Nova ended up helping as best he could despite his concern for Twilight if only to help give her some peace of mind. This left Spike free to gorge himself on ice cream.

Pinkie came in soon. “Hey Twilight, haven’t seen you or Nova in three days, what’s….whoa.” She paused seeing the mess in the room.

“Oh, hey Pinkie. *Yawn*.” Nova greeted tiredly as he sat over a table looking over some graphs.

Twilight was zipping around the room looking through telescopes and monitoring some other charts and graphs while Spike sat on the stairs eating ice cream. She was now sporting a bandage on her head where the flower pot hit her. “Hey Pinkie.”

“What’s going on here?” Pinkie asked.

“We’ve barely gotten any sleep.” Nova stated.

Twilight then grabbed Pinkie and placed her in front of one of the telescopes. “Can you help me re-calibrate the apertures on the nine and quarter catadioptric telescope?”

“Sure.” Pinkie agreed happily.

“After coming to see madam pinkie and getting hit by that flower pot and getting this bandage. See the bandage? Like the bandage from the future?”

“Neat.” Pinkie merely replied.

“After getting hit in the head by the flower pot, I had an epiphany. Doing things didn’t work, not doing things didn’t work. So that left me with one other option.” She then got in Pinkie’s face to reveal her bloodshot eyes. “Monitor EVERYTHING.”

“Makes sense to me.” Pinkie replied.

“It’s exhausting is what it is.” Nova stated.

“That way, no matter what happens in the future, we’ll be ready for it. I thought I saw something last night in the horsehead nebula but after staring at it for three straight hours, I was wrong.”

“But when did you sleep?” Pinkie asked.

“She hasn’t.” Nova answered giving another yawn. “And neither have I.”

“I haven’t slept since future Twilight came to visit me and Tuesday isn’t for three more days. Once it comes, then I can sleep all I want.”

“You’ve been awake too long Twilight.” Spike stated.

“Yeah, Tuseday isn’t for three more days, it’s tomorrow.” Pinkie pointed out.

“WHAT?!” Twilight exclaimed. She then rushed over to the telescope Pinkie was in front of. “Did you finish re-calibrating the apertures of the nine and quarter catadioptric telescope?”

“I have no idea.” Pinkie replied.

Twilight turned the telescope upwards and ended up pointing it right at the sun. “AH!” She pulled back covering her eye. “My eye!”

“Don’t worry Twilight, I got you covered.” Pinkie said and rushed over to a chimney and pulled out an eye patch. “I have eye patches stashed all over Ponyville, in case of eye patch emergencies.

Nova tiredly walked over to Twilight to see if she was fine. “Are you…*yawn* Okay?”

“Oh no.” Twilight said as Pinkie held a mirror in front of her. “Another sign nothing has changed, The disaster is still coming.” Twilight zipped over to a chalk board and began looking over some calculations. “I guess there’s only one solution left, I’m just going to have to...STOP...TIME.”

Nova gasped. “Twilight, you can’t! Messing with time is a BAD idea. You have no idea what the repercussions could be!”

“If I don’t, then all of Equestria could be doomed.” Twilight stated.

“How are you even going to pull that off though?” Nova asked.

“The time spells in the Canterlot Library in the Starswirl the Bearded wing.” Twilight replied. “It’ll just be until we can figure out what the disaster is and how to stop it.”

Nova sighed. “All right. I still think this is a bad idea but...I’ll help.”

“Thank you Nova.” Twilight gave a smile.

“Ooh, I’ll help too! It could be fun.” Pinkie cheered.

Later that night, Nova, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Spike had dawned black body suits and had made their way to Canterlot sneaking through the castle grounds to the library. Nova had his pony guise on during this.

“I still don’t get why we have to wear these.” Spike commented carrying an ice cream cone.

“To blend in of course.” Twilight replied in a whisper.

“We aren’t wearing them for fun?” Pinkie asked.

“There’s nothing fun about sneaking around, now try to blend in.” Twilight stated. They continued walking about until Twilight stopped in her tracks. “Guard! Hide!”

“Why? It’s not illegal to walk around the grounds at night.” Spike pointed out.

Twilight quickly hopped next to a statue and posed to try and blend in. “Come on you guys.”

Nova stood across from her in a similar pose.

Spike spread out his legs and threw his head back with his mouth open and arms out like he was singing. Pinkie got up on her hind hooves in a similar pose and one of her forelegs took hold of Spike’s hand.

A unicorn guard using a lighting spell walked past them and didn’t notice them.

“That was close.” Twilight said. “Come on.” She and the others continued on. Twilight continued ducking behind every bush, bench, and statue she came across while Spike, Nova, and Pinkie just walked. As they did, Twilight’s bodysuit gained a few holes and rips.

They soon reached the castle’s library walls and Climbed in through an open window. Once inside, they began making their way through the halls avoiding the guards as best they could, one method being used was hanging from the tapestries that decorated them. Spike ended up falling after a guard passed by. “Okay, the Starswirl section should be right...here?” Twilight looked around a bit and realized they were back at where they started.

“Can we climb in through the window again? That part was fun.” Pinkie said popping up from outside the window.

“Um, Twilight, is that what you’re looking for?” Nova said pointing to a gate that was marked ‘Starswirl the Bearded Wing’.

“Huh, how did I miss that?” Twilight questioned before going up to the entrance to the section only to find it locked. “Locked.” It was then they heard the sound of a guard approaching as his hooves echoed on the stone floor. “Oh no!” Twilight lightly exclaimed. She looked around desperately for a place to hide before realizing there was nowhere to hide. “We’re doomed.” She dropped to the floor and covered her head.

Nova rolled his eyes. He figured they weren’t really doing anything illegal, especially since Twilight used to live here and was allowed access to this section before.

A unicorn guard approached them and looked at Twilight a moment. “Oh hey Twilight, good to see you again. Let me get that for you.” And just like that, the guard opened the gate for them.

Twilight gave an embarrassed smile. “Wow, thank you so much.”

“No problem.” He then continued on his way.

“Come on.” Twilight rushed in with the others following.

Upon entering, they would see how big the section was. “How are we supposed to find anything in this place?” Nova asked. At the center of the room that was filled with old books and scrolls stood a large hourglass.

“Look at all these books. There are more here than I ever imagined.” Twilight said looking on in a bit of wonder. “OH NO!” She then exclaimed and rushed in front of a mirror. “Now I look just like future Twilight. The last sign has come true.”

Pinkie popped in in front of her. “And that’s bad...right?”

“Come on, let’s start looking.” Nova said.

“It’s almost tuesday morning. The disaster could happen any moment!” Twilight said.

“But there are so many scrolls here, how are we supposed to find a time stopping spell?” Spike asked.

“I...don’t...know.” Twilight replied.

“Just start looking.” Nova said and went off to begin as the others did.

Book after book and scroll after scroll, morning crept closer and closer and still no sign of a spell to stop time was found. The sun slowly crept and rose up over the horizon. Spike saw the sunlight shine in through a nearby window. “Twilight, it’s over. It’s officially tuesday morning.”

Twilight was panicking as she ran about looking through scrolls. When she heard Spike, she rushed over to the window to see the sun coming up. “NO! It’s tuesday morning! The disaster! INCOMING!” Twilight ducked and covered herself.. Nova jumped to Twilight’s side and put up a shield around them and Spike just in case.

A moment passed and nothing happened. Spike poked Twilight to get her attention. “I don’t know Twilight, I don’t see any disaster. It seems like a pretty nice day.” He said removing the hood from his suit.

Nova dropped the shield hearing this. “I had a feeling.”

It was then Celestia walked by and noticed them. “Good morning Twilight. Love the new hair style. Well, happy tuesday.” She said before continuing on.

Twilight stood up. “Why is anypony not surprised to see me sneaking around here?!”

“Maybe because this was your home once? If I recall, you were princess Celestia’s personal student and got to live in the castle didn’t you?” Nova pointed out.

Twilight pushed that aside for now and stood up to look out the window. “Is it possible there never was a disaster? That I’ve just been making myself frantic over nothing?”

“Well considering we’re all still in one piece and everything is fine, I’d say so.” Nova replied.

“What I’d like to know, is that if future Twilight wasn’t trying to warn us about a disaster, then what was she trying to tell you?” Spike asked.

Twilight looked herself over and managed a smile. “I don’t know. But I do know one thing. I look ridiculous.”

“I don’t know, you seem kind of cute to me.” Nova said giving a smile.

Twilight giggled in response. “And all because I couldn’t stop worrying and let the future handle itself. Well, not anymore. From now on, I’m just going to solve problems as they come.”

“Thank the stars I’m so glad to hear you say that.” Nova said. “I was always worrying about you with how frantic you got over every little thing that didn’t go according to a schedule you set.”

“So does that mean there won’t be anymore late night pacing?” Spike asked.

“No more late night pacing.” Twilight said. “If only I had learned this lesson a week ago, we wouldn’t have gone through all this.”

Pinkie suddenly popped out from an aisle. “Twilight! I found something!” Pinkie held up a scroll. Twilight took it in her magic and floated it over. “It doesn’t stop time but it lets you go back in time. It can send you back in time but only for a few moments.” Pinkie informed trotting over to Spike who was still eating ice cream and had been this whole time. “Does that help?”

“Uh…..” Nova was about to say something but stopped. Being smart as he was, he seemed to figure out what was about to happen. This was where Twilight traveled back in time to try and talk to herself but it didn’t go well and she ended up worrying herself over nothing. If it hadn’t happened, she most likely never would have learned her lesson. So he said nothing and let things play out as they did.

“Pinkie, you’re a genius.” Twilight said.

Pinkie cheered at the compliment.

“I can go back in time and warn my past self not to go berserk with worry.” She said and started casting the spell. She soon vanished in a brilliant flash of light.

“Well, there goes that.” Nova merely stated.

It was few moments before Twilight reappeared. “Worry….about...the….ugh, I can’t believe I did that!” Twilight said placing a hoof to her face.

“Hey, if you hadn’t, you most likely wouldn’t have learned the lesson you just did.” Nova stated placing a foreleg over her and gave a smile.

Twilight gave a small smile.

“And besides, it’s past Twilight’s problem now.” Pinkie added.

“You’re right. Thanks you two.” Twilight gave a smile.

Spike started groaning as he laid on the floor with a distended belly. “It must be all that ice cream. I thought it would be future Spike’s problem. But now I am future Spike.”

Nova lifted Spike up with his magic and placed him on his back. “Please no more talk of time traveling. It’s confusing enough as it is. Let’s go home.” Nova gave a yawn. “...and get some sleep. I’m exhausted.”

Twilight nuzzled Nova and the group headed back home.
> Spike Finds Himself
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Spike Finds Himself



Applejack and Pinkie Pie were digging a rather large trench just outside of town. Meanwhile, Nova; who was in his pony disguise at the moment, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash were at Fluttershy’s trying to convince her to join them to see what was known as the great dragon migration. A large number of dragons were going to be flying overhead soon. Fluttershy was being rather resistant as Rainbow Dash dragged her to the door. “Come on Fluttershy, it’ll be fun.” Twilight encouraged as Rainbow was dragging Fluttershy by the tail with her teeth.

“There’s nothing fun about dragons.” Fluttershy retorted. “Scary, yes. Fun...no!” She managed to get free of Rainbow and ran to the other side of the room as Twilight continued only for Rainboow to try and push her back.

“But Fluttershy, the dragon migration happens only once in a generation.”

“It does seem fascinating. It’s a chance to get to see one of the most fearsome creatures in the world up close.” Nova added.

“Do you really want to pass up a chance like this?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy was holding onto the door frame with all four of her legs as Rainbow was trying to push her out. “Since you put it that way...YES!”

Twilight teleported outside and in front of Fluttershy. “Come on Fluttershy, we just don’t want you to miss out.”

Nova teleported too after Twilight next to her. “This is a rare opportunity, like a once in a lifetime thing.”

“Miss out on what? Dragons? Big...scaly...fire breathing dragons?!” Fluttershy asked as Rainbow continued to struggle in trying to get Fluttershy out.

“Well...yeah.” Twilight replied.

“Thanks, but...no thanks.”  Fluttershy replied.

Rainbow stopped pushing for a moment. “Look Fluttershy, I watched that boring butterfly migration with you.” She said pulling out a photo of her and Fluttershy, Fluttershy watching a swarm of butterflies with binoculars while Rainbow was laying on the ground looking board from behind some bushes. “Now you have to watch the dragon migration with me. You owe me.”

Fluttershy gave a stern look. “I...said...NO!” Fluttershy managed to knock Rainbow down, practically stomped on her and ran to the window, looking ready to throw it open, but instead delicatly opened it and jumped out before taking off.

“Well, she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t want to go. Wouldn’t be fair to force her.” Nova said.

“Let’s just get to the trench.” Twilight said before heading off to join the others.

At the trench, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Nova were wearing camouflage clothing.Twilight was watching the skies with binoculars. “I don’t see any dragons.”

“Me niether.” Applejack said also looking with binoculars.

Pinkie then popped up also looking through binoculars...but backwards. “Me neither neither.”

“Pinkie, you’re looking through them backwards.” Nova pointed out with a smirk.

“You don’t think we missed it do you?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight replied walking up to Rainbow. “No, I don’t think so. We’re just a little early.”

Nova pulled out a small square device and tossed it up in the air where it formed and grew in size into an orb with a lense.

“Wow, what is that?” Twilight asked.

“A hover camera to put it simply. It’s going to record the event as it happens so we can see it again at our leisure.” Nova pointed out.

“That’s awesome.” Rainbow said.

“YOO HOO!” Rarity’s voice called out. Everyone looked back to see Rarity approaching with a red carpet unrolling as she walked up to the ditch. Her outfit was a colorful camouflage complete with a hat. Once the carpet finished unrolling up to the steps leading down into the trench, confetti exploded. “So what do you think?”

“I think you’re too colorful Rarity.” Nova said. “The objective here is to blend in so we aren’t noticed by the dragons.”

Twilight used her magic to make the carpet and confetti vanish. “You’re outfit looks nice Rarity, but Nova is right. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”

“Nice is an understatement. I look fabulous.” Rarity said proudly.

“Ahoy ladies. Dragons ho!” Pinkie said getting everyone’s attention. The shadow of a dragon passed over them and they looked up to see hundreds of dragons just starting to fly overhead. All of them looking at them with binoculars ooing and awing.

One dragon momentarily seperated from the group and did a flip right over the ponies. “Thats amazing.” Twilight commented.

Rainbow just waved a hoof. “Pretty lame move. That all they got?”

Another dragon bumped into a third making it angry and breathed fire. The fire ended up rather close to their trench and practically singed the end of Rainbow’s hat.

“What do ya think of that move Rainbow Dash?” Applejack asked smugly. “Still think their lame?”

“Uh, no. The word fierce comes to mind.” Rainbow replied.

“And formidable.” Rarity added.

“Impressive is what I say.” Nova added. “I’m getting everything.”

“And, super duper scary.” Pinkie added as she coward on the ground covering her head with her forelegs.

It was then Spike gave Pinkie a cup cake. “Yeah, us dragons are definitely a force to be wreckoned with.” He was wearing a pink and white apron pushing a cart around with some snacks on them. He then passed a cookie to Applejack.

Rainbow laid on her back holding her belly with her forelegs laughing. “Yeah right Spike. That’s one of the scariest aprons I’ve ever seen.” She started laughing again along with Applejack and Pinkie.

Spike looked offended as he tried to defend himself. “What’s wrong with wearing an apron. You won’t be laughing when you spill blue berry juice all over your scales….feathers.” He quickly corrected himself. “That’s one tough stain.”

“One tough stain against one...lame dragon.” Rainbow said before laughing again.

Spike frowned at this.

“All right Rainbow that’s enough.” Nova said. “Let’s not go picking on him. He’s not like other dragons. It’s not fair to be comparing him to them.”

“Exactly Nova.” Rarity said walking up to Spike. “Our Spike doesn’t look a thing like those other dragons.”

“Or act like them.” Twilight added.

“My little Spiky Wiky is perfect just the way he is.” Rarity said giving Spike’s top spine a couple of flicks.

“I don’t...act like other dragons?” Spike asked.

“Of course not. But why would you want to?” Nova said. “Spike, those dragons are mean and nasty, but you’re nice. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He gave a smile.

“Yes, you have something those aweful dragons can only dream of.” Rarity said.

“What’s that?” Spike asked.

“The cutest little chubby cheeks.” Rarity said in a kind of baby tone squeezing Spike’s cheeks.

“Oh boy.” Nova sighed. “Not really helping here Rarity.”

“Oh pish Nova, you have to admit he’s cute too.” Rarity said looking to him.

“I don’t think Spike want’s to be called cute.” Nova replied.

Spike started looking concerned. “Cute? Dragons aren’t supposed to be cute. Right?” He asked blushing.

“Oh, you are just turning a delightful shade of red, it is most becoming.” Rarity pointed out.

The girls all looked to Spike with a smile.

“Okay, time out! Spike, can I talk to you alone please.” Nova said cutting in. He turned off his hover camera and put it away before leading Spike out of the trench and away from the girls. “Okay Spike, look. You may not like being called cute, but that’s just how Rarity sees you. So what if you aren’t like other dragons. I say that’s a good thing or you wouldn’t have the life you do now. You are happy here with Twilight and the others aren’t you?”

“Well...yeah but….” Spike started.

“But...this is making you curious about your own kind?” Nova asked with a solemn look.

“You can tell?”

“I felt the same way kind of when I was younger after I lost my home and was floating in my ship with just my baby brother with me. It took me a while to learn how to even work the ship. And the whole time I wondered about my own race. I didn’t get to learn much about them. Holidays, celebrations, rituals. I did eventually get to learn through the ship’s computer, but still...it’s not the same as having those like you showing you that kind of thing.” Nova paused. “Just...try not to let the comments like cute and such get to you.”

“Yeah...I’ll try.” Spike replied.

Later that night, Spike was laying awake in his bed asking himself question after question. “What am I? Where am I from? What am I supposed to be?”

Twilight said up with a groan in annoyance. “For the last time Spike I don’t know! You were given to me as an egg. I don’t know who found you or where you were found.”

“That’s it? That’s all you know?” Spike asked rolling on his side.

Nova, who was not in his pony guise at the time, cut in. “Spike, I’m sorry but this is one of those times an answer can’t exactly be found. You just have to accept that no pony really knows where you came from.”

“But it doesn’t tell me about who I am.” Spike got out of bed and walked up to a mirror. “I need answers. I feel like I’m looking at a….a complete stranger.” Spike then curled up on the floor crying.

Nova and Twilight got out of bed looking concerned and went up to him. “Oh Spike. Why don’t we do some late night research?” Twilight suggested. “See what we can find out.”

“I’m sure we’ll find something on dragons.” Nova added.

Spike looked up with a smile. They then headed down stairs to begin.

It took all night to look through every book Twilight had and nothing in them about dragons. Twilight and Nova were at the basse of a mountain of books going through each one to try and find something. “Nothing, nothing here either.” Twilight said as she flipped through the last of her books.

“Nothing at all about dragons?” Spike asked as he was sitting at the top of the pile of books..

“Sorry Spike, I’m afraid not.” Nova stated frowning.

“Apparently dragons are too scary and mean to study up close.” Twilight pointed out.

“Great, now what am I going to do?” Spike asked sliding down.

“I’m sorry Spike, I wish we could help.” Nova said.

“That settles it then. The only thing left to do is join the dragon migration.” Spike said as he stood proudly.

“WHAT!?” Twilight exclaimed.

“Spike, you can’t be serious!” Nova added.

“I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind. This could be my only chance to find out who I am or anything about where I came from.” Spike said.

It was then Rarity and Rainbow burst in. “Hey guys!” Rainbow greeted.

“Good Morning!” Rarity cheered at the same time.

“WHA!” Spike shrieked before jumping into the pile out of fright.

“We just wanted to see if we could treat you to breakfast.” Rarity offered.

“Now may not be a good time.” Nova said as he then looked to Spike who had recovered and was packing up a few things in a red polkadotted cloth.

“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m leaving. I’m going to join the great dragon migration.” Spike said.

“WHAT!?” Rarity and Rainbow exclaimed.

Rainbow walked up to Spike. “Spike, that’s crazy. I know your a dragon, but those dragons are big, mean and scary.”

Spike set some food in the bag. “And I’m small and weak...and I like to wear aprons.” He said tossing an apron aside that he had set on the cloth. “See, this is why I need to spend time with other dragons.”

“All I’m saying is you could get hurt.” Rainbow stated.

Rarity walked up joining Rainbow. “Darling, this time I REALLY must agree with Rainbow Dash. I wouldn’t want any of those dragons to hurt one little scale on your cutsy wutsy head.”

“Spike, please, think about this. Those dragons are vicious. They might roast you or something if they don’t see you as one of them.” Nova pointed out.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve made up my mind.” Spike said as he tied the cloth to a stick with the items he packed and headed for the door.

Rarity started to panic. “Do something! Stop him before it’s too late!” She said to Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash quickly rushed to Spike and grabbed his bag with her teeth to try and pull him back. “Hey! Give it back!” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight teleported between them, then teleported them to stop them. “Hold it!” Spike and Rainbow fell on their backs in grunts. She then lifted the stick and bag with her magic then floated it over to Spike.

“Really?” Spike asked.

“Twilight?” Nova asked.

“Don’t tell me you think he should go!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Yes Spike. I couldn’t answer your questions. My books couldn’t either. I understand why you want to look else where. I truly believe you need to go on this quest.” Twilight said. “And we have no right to stop you.” She looked to Rainbow and Rarity.

“She has a point Spike. It seems the only way you’re going to get answers is by going to where your own kind is. Just try to be careful and stay safe, all right?” Nova said.

Spike smiled. “I will. Thanks Twilight. Nova.”

“Well then, I guess this is good bye Spike.” Twilight gave Spike a hug.

“We’ll be looking forward to when you come back.” Nova added joining in the hug.

“Yeah, we hope your trip…” Rainbow started.

“Quest.” Twilight corrected.

“Quest answers some of your pesky ‘who am I?’ questions.” Rainbow said.

“Thanks Rainbow, I know it will.” Spike said before he turned and started off.

The group stood outside waving as Spike walked off. “Good bye Spikey Wikey!” Rarity called.

“Go get em big guy!” Rainbow added.

“Take care!” Nova also added.

“We believe in you!” Twilight also called.

While keeping rather oddly big grins on their faces, Rarity whispered to Twilight. “We’re following him right?”

“Of course.” Twilight answered.

“Definitely.” Nova added.

And so Spike began his long journey to follow the great dragon migration. By river, sheep and by foot, Spike carried on through snow and rain. Finally, he arrived at the destination all dragons went to. A dead area of mountains and volcanoes and lava. Spike panted as he climbed up the hill and peeked over to see a number of fully grown dragons either flying about or laying on the ground. One of them seemed to notice him and breathed fire at him. Spike ducked just in time, letting the flames burn a rock and nearly melted it. Spike looked around and down where he saw a group of smaller younger dragons. Older than him still. “All right, teen dragons. Now that’s more my speed.” Spike said as he slid down.

It was then another dragon started coming up over the same ridge. Only this one was a bit odd looking with spaced out eyes and a few gems embedded in it’s scales. It also had a pair of small blue wings. “I’m telling you we’ll never pass for a real dragon.” Rainbow’s voice whispered from inside.

“Oh, pish posh, this costume is fabulous. One of my best works yet.” Rarity’s voice replied.

Twilight’s voice then hushed them. “We’ll never pass for a real dragon if they hear three voices coming from one dragon.”

There was only room for three ponies in the costume. Nova was following them and using an invisibility spell to hide himself, though the girls knew he came along too. “Just try to keep your voices down and blend in. If things get hairy, I’ll teleport us all out.” Nova whispered. “Let’s just try to keep an eye on Spike.”

“There he is, let’s go!” Twilight said. They started to walk but practically tumbled down the slope. Twilight was practically standing on Rainbow’s head in the costume as she was at the head of the fake dragon, Rainbow making up the wings for the dragon and Rarity at the back with the tail.

Nova slid down after them.

Spike came up to the group of teen dragons as two of them were wrestling and the others were cheering. One was mostly red with an orange underbelly and fins. The other was rather robust and short with blue horns and brown scales. The red one got the brown one in a headlock. Spike went up to them and cut in. “Um, scuse me?” The two stopped and looked to Spike. “Hi, I’m spike.” The dragons all just stared at him for a moment.

Another male dragon with dark purple scales and blond hair that covered his eyes stepped up. “You sure your name is Spike and not shrimp?” He laughed which got the others laughing.

“No, it’s Spike!” Spike replied almost in a panic. “I-I mean I’m sure about that.”

The brown dragon poked Spike. “You look more like a pee wee to me.” This made them laugh again.

The red dragon seemed to come to Spike’s defense. “Come on guys, seriously. Leave him alone. He might fly away.” He then picked Spike up by his tail. “That is, if he had any wings.” The then dropped Spike as they all laughed again.

The brown chubby dragon looked to Spike. “Did you have to ride on your mommy’s back during the migration?”

“Well...no actually.” Spike replied.

“He looks like he just hatched.” Said the dark blue blond haired dragon. “I bet he still sucks his thumb at night.”

“No, I haven’t sucked my claw in months.” Spike said trying to defend himself.

They laughed again. The red one leaned down closer to Spike. “If you weren’t just hatched, then how come we’ve never seen you around before?”

As the taunting went on while Spike communed with the other dragons, Nova was feeling a bit angry at the dragons for making fun of Spike. But he wasn’t sure what he could do against them. “Twilight, are you sure we can’t help him out somehow?” Nova asked.

“I don’t see how. If we jump in, we could blow our cover.” Twilight replied.

Nova thought carefully about what to do when an idea struck him. He was about to try something he had never done before. “I’ll be right back.” Nova went off and ducked behind a rock where he dropped his cloaking magic. “Okay, focus...concentrate. Dragon...be a dragon.” Nova closed his eyes and lit up his antennae. Then, in a flash of yellow magic, Nova had changed himself into a dragon. A teen looking one too with green scales, an orange underbelly and spines and yellow eyes with a pair of horns on his head and wings. “It worked.” He looked himself over and tested out his new bipedal form. “All right, let’s see if I can help him out this way at least.”

Nova stepped out from behind the rock. “Yo Spike, there you are little bro!”

“Bro?!” Spike asked looking in the direction of the new dragon.

“What the...who are you?” The red dragon asked.

“Spike, man I was worried about you.”

“Uh...do I know you?” Spike asked.

Nova leaned down and whispered to Spike. “It’s me, Nova.”

“Nova?” Spike asked. “What...what are you doing here?”

“Relax. I’m not going to take you back. Just...think of me as your big brother to help you out some. Don’t worry, I won’t get in the way much. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Nova stated. He then looked to the dragons. “So yeah, me and Spike are from Ponyville and live with ponies, you got a problem with that?”

“Only that ponies are sissy lame little things.” The red dragon replied.

“Say what you want, but we’re happy with the home we got living with the ponies. At least we aren’t constantly being made fun of by some jerk like you.” Nova said.

The red dragon snarled. “What did you say?”

“You heard me.” Nova said back glaring.

“Whoa, whoa, come on now guys. Can’t we be civil about this?” Spike asked nervously.

“Tell you what, you want to prove you’re real dragons and not prissy like some pony, how about a little test then?” The red one asked.

“Gladly. Me and my little brother will pass your tests easy.” Nova said. He then leaned down and whispered to Spike. “I believe in you Spike. I know whatever these tests are you’ll pass. I’ll be right by your side.”

“Um, well thanks Nova.” Spike said giving a small smile.

“To prove you’re real dragons, we’re going to start off with a belching contest.” The red dragon stated. “It’ll start in a few minutes so get ready.”

“I’ll be right back Spike, there’s...something I need to take care of.” Nova said before he took off to give Spike a chance to reply. He went behind a rock and teleported next to the three mares in the dragon costume making himself invisible. “Twilight.” He whispered.

“Nova, that was brilliant. I didn’t know you could do that.” Twilight replied.

“Neither did I. Good thing it worked.” Nova replied.

“That was awesome.” Rainbow exclaimed in a whisper.

“At least one of us can be by Spike’s side to look out for him.” Rarity said.

“Don’t worry, I got his back. But I’ll try not to get in the way too much. He still should get to learn about his own kind. I better get back.” Nova went off again and came back to Spike in his dragon transformation.

“Where’d you go?”

“Bathroom.” Nova quickly responded. “Um...I think it’s about time for that belching contest. All you Spike. You can do this.”

The dragons began their belching contest. One by one, they went and the flaming belches got bigger and bigger. Then it was Spike’s turn. Spike let out a small belching coughing up a letter. The red dragon picked it up and started reading it a little before stopping. “Hah! Get this guys! Spike is pen pals with a namby pamby pony princess!” He then crumbled it up and tossed the letter into a pool of lava.

Twilight gasped at this. “How could he throw that letter away? It could have been something important!”

“Excuse me, that princess happens to be the one that’s responsible for raising the sun and setting it every day. You really want to make fun of an alicorn with that much power?” Nova said with a light glare.

The red dragon just waved it off. “Maybe tail wrestling is more your speed.” He said to Spike.

The next event had dragons grabbing each other’s tails with their own and pulling with all their might to knock the other down. One pair started and ended rather quickly with a victor.

“No sweat. We can do this.” Nova said stepping up with Spike. “Me and Spike tail wrestle all the time. Don’t let his small size fool you. He may be small, but he’s actually pretty good. Beats me all the time.”

“I do?” Spike asked.

“Sure. I give it my all each time and he always wins.” Nova said.

“Nice try, but I don’t think so.” The red dragon said.

“I’ll take him on.” Twilight said in a deep voice in the costume.

“Who’s that?” The red dragon asked.

“I think he’s related to Kragle.” The blond haired dragon responded. They looked off to the side to see another dragon that looked just like the costume the mares were in. It scratched itself with two of it’s legs almost like a dog before letting out a small roar that was more like a bird’s caw.

Rarity tried using her back hoof to lift the tail to meet Spikes. Once they did, Spike began pulling once they got the signal to begin. The girls waited a moment before dropping to the ground to give Spike the win.

The red dragon held Spike up by the tail. “Spike’s the winner!” He cheered as the other dragons cheered. Spike was then dropped roughly. “Not bad Spike, maybe you are a dragon after all.”

“Maybe I am.” Spike said with a smile.

“Nice one little brother. I knew you could do it.” Nova said helping Spike up.

“Now for you.” The red one said looking to Nova. “Let’s see what you got.”

“No problem.” Nova replied. He was paired with the brown dragon. Their tails entwined and the signal was given. Nova managed to win and pulled his opponent down. The dragons cheered again.

“Huh, guess you’re not too bad after all.” Said the red dragon. “But now let’s see how you do with another game.” He said looking to both Nova and Spike. “KING OF THE HOARD!” He exclaimed climbing to the top of a pile of gems. The other dragons began climbing and trying to knock each other down. The red one kept beating them back.

“Come on Spike, you got this.” Nova encouraged.

“Okay...here goes.” Spike said.

“I got your back.” Nova then added as he started climbing with spike. Nova was managing to puch back other dragons who tried to go for him or Spike.

Spike managed to reach the top and, without noticing, his head spike poked the red dragon in the bottom and made him fall. “WHOA!” He cried as he fell down the pile.

“I won?” Spike asked as Nova joined him. “I won! I’m king of the hoowhoa!” Spike exclaimed as he slipped but Nova managed to catch him and helped him back up.

“Whoa, watch your step now.” Nova said. Spike gave a smile to Nova.

They then slid back down as the red dragon had his arms crossed. “Not bad you two. Now for the final test. Lava diving.”

“What?” Nova asked silently growing a bit fearful. He wasn’t sure if his dragon disguise made him immune to lava as this was the first time he tried it.

“Whoever can make the biggest splash wins.” The red pointed out as he led everyone to a cliff that overlooked a pool of lava. Most of the dragons jumped in. The fat brown one made the biggest splash.

“Oh quasars.” Nova said to himself.

“Nova, you okay?” Spike asked.

“I don’t think I can do this. I don’t know if my dragon disguise can help me survive this.” Nova stated.

“Come on you wimps! What’s the matter? Scared!?” The red dragon called up.

“Nova, can’t you just cast some kind of protective spell around yourself?” Spike asked.

“Well...yeah. All right.” Nova did so producing a subtle shield around himself. “Here goes.” He then jumped and fell, making a sizeable splash in the pool. He popped up just fine. He sighed in relief looking himself over. Then analyzed the lava and his disguise to find he would indeed be fine without the shield so he dropped it without being noticed.

Spike gulped but puffed out his chest. “Here goes.” He then jumped and fell, landing belly first in the lava. The dragons cringed at this. “Spike!” Nova exclaimed in concern and went over to him just as he popped up and spat out lava from his mouth. “You okay?”

“Uh, I think so.” Spike replied.

“Spike, dude, that was…” The red dragon started.

“I know, aweful.” Spike replied frowning.

“No dude, that was awesome. It takes a lot of guts to do a belly flop like that.”

“Really?” Spike asked.

“I name Spike the winner!” Garble exclaimed and held Spike up by the arm.

After that, the dragons held an impromptu ceremony to welcome Spike and Nova as official dragons. But mainly Spike. “Spike, for you belly flopping so hard, and your victory in king of the hoard and tail wrestling, you have proven to be a true dragon. I hereby name you junior dragon.” The red dragon teen said as he tapped spike on the shoulder with his tail. Spike smiled big. “Now, let’s party dragon style!” He exclaimed and they all started dancing and scarfing down jewels. Nova of course didn’t eat the jewels.

Nova pulled Spike aside. “Well Spike, you seen enough yet? These dragons may have accepted you but they were such jerks. Do you really want to hang out with these guys?”

“Aw, they were just messin with me. Hazing the new guy.” Spike said waving it off.

“Spike, what about Twilight, and your home in Ponyville. Don’t tell me you’re considering staying here.” Nova asked in concern.

Spike hesitated. “Well….”

“Hey Spike, you and Nova ready for some real dragon fun now?” Garble asked.

“Real dragon fun?” Nova asked.

“It’ll be great, we’re going to raid a pheonix nest.” Said the brown chubby dragon.

“It’ll be great.” The blond haired dragon said.

“Um...I don’t know.” Spike said.

“Then let’s go!” The red one exclaimed as the trio took to the air.

Spike looked to his back. “Uh, I guess I’ll have to miss out since I can’t fly and all. So I’ll see you guys later!”

“Dude, get your brother to carry you!” The red dragon yelled back.

“We should at least see what this is about….right?” Spike asked.

Nova rolled his eyes and picked up Spike before flapping his wings to follow the trio.

The group eventually entered the nearby woods just as night fell and hid behind some bushes near where a phoenix nest could be seen. “All right Spike, you create a diversion while we go after the nest.” The red dragon stated.

“You want...me to distract them?” Spike asked.

“Go on Spike.” The brown fat one encouraged.

“Hold on, what exactly is the plan here?” Nova asked.

“Heh, you’ll see soon enough.” The red one said.

Nova didn’t like the sound of this.

“Go on!” The red one pushed Spike out towards the Nest.

Spike approached it and called up. “Um...excuse me, mister and misses phoenix!? I was wondering if I could talk to you! I had a couple of questions!” He called up to the two phoenix’s. They merely glanced down at Spike.

“We haven’t got all day Spike.” The red one said in a bit of irritation as he gave Spike a rock.

Nova face palmed at this.

“Hey, bird brains! Come and get me!” He tossed the rock and hit the male phoenix on the head. It and the female looked up angrily and started chasing Spike. “YAAHAHA!”

“Spike!” Nova went after him to make sure he would be okay. “Hold on! I’m coming!” Nova managed to get ahead of them and pulled Spike to the side and teleported them out of sight. He had them hidden in a nearby bush. “Still think this was a good idea? I know you wanted to find out about your own kind but come on.”

“Yeah...maybe you’re right.” Spike said frowning. It was then panicked chirping was heard and the phoenix parents flew back to the nest.

“Now what?” Nova asked. He and Spike went back following the parents to see the dragons about to grab some baby phoenix’s. The parents swooped in just in time and flew their babies off. The dragons gave chase but the father created a blinding light that caused them to crash into a tree so hard, their heads poked out the other side.

Spike noticed an egg was left behind on the ground and picked it up. “Whoa.”

“Serves them right.” Nova said. “But it looks like one was left behind.”

The trio made it back to Spike and Nova. “Ugh, they got away. Hey…” The red one said then smiled seeing the egg. “You got an egg?”

“Uh…” Spike started.

“Way to go Spike. This raid wasn’t a total loss after all.” The red one said. “Now smash it.”

“WHAT?!” Nova exclaimed.

“Smash the egg?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, throw it on the ground as hard as you can.” The blond dragon said. They then started chanting. “Smash it, smash it, smash it!”

“Spike, don’t! You know this is wrong!” Nova said.

Spike raised the egg like he was about to smash it, but stopped. “NO!” He then held it to the side protectively. “It’s just a defenseless little egg...just like I was. I”m not going to smash it.”

“What did you say?” The red dragon said as they started snarling at Spike.

“He said no.” Nova said standing firmly.

The red dragon looked up at Nova with a snarl. He then raised his brow and looked past Nova.

Nova raised a brow at this and looked behind him to see Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow in the dragon costume behind them. They then tossed it to reveal themselves.

“Don’t you even THINK about hurting our little Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said.

“You hurt him and you’ll have to deal with me!” Rainbow said trying to look tough as she threw her front hooves around like she was boxing.

“That’s right.” Twilight said.

“Yeah!” Spike cheered. “You guys better back off or you’ll see just what us ponies can do.” Spike said confidently.

“Oh yeah? What?” The red one said threateningly with a growl. This made the girls nervous.

Nova glared. “Or else...this.” He then changed and made himself into a full sized adult dragon dwarfing the other three. The girls and Spike gasped while the trio of teen dragons stared in a mix of awe and fear. Nova snarled at them with a guteral growl. “This is your ONLY warning.” Nova started. “Leave and go back to your mommas or I will roast you if you try and hurt my friends.”

The trio gulped and took off like a shot back home.

Nova waited till they were out of sight and finally changed back to his own alien Equinian form. He gave a heavy sigh. “Phew, so glad to be my own self again.”

The girls and Spike tackled Nova in a group hug. He smiled and hugged them back.

Once they settled, Spike began with saying what he learned. “I’m sorry if I worried you all. I know now that where you came from isn’t what determines who you are. It’s the family you grow up with and the friends you have that make you who you are. I’ll be sure to remember that from now on.”

“We’re glad to hear it Spike.” Twilight said.

“And Nova, thanks for sticking by me and helping me out back there.” Spike said looking to Nova.

“Hey, what are big brother’s for?” Nova said with a wink. They shared a small chuckle after that and they all began heading home.
> Fluttershy's Fearful Flight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fluttershy’s Fearful Flight


 After helping Asterix get her ship moved closer to town, he took the time to help her understand the world she was on now. Explaining how pegasi controlled the weather, their skill signs were the same as the cutie marks as the ponies, the creatures she needed to be wary of, as well as some of the vocabulary the ponies used and that the princesses Celestia and Luna moved the sun and moon. It was a lot to take in for her but she was just happy to finally be on solid ground and with others. Nova and Asterix were walking through town with Nova giving her a tour in their pony guises. “So you’re afraid these princesses might be smart enough to somehow see through our disguises?” Asterix asked.

Nova nodded. “I do. It hasn’t happened yet though and they are rather nice. I’ve had a few interactions with Celestia myself since Twilight is her personal student. And I met Luna once during one of the holidays on this world they call Nightmare Night. Don’t let the name fool you though. It’s actually a lot of fun. Everyone dresses in costumes and has one big party with games and music and lots of candy. The younglings run around going house to house saying the Nightmare Night rhyme and get free candy. Starburst had a blast.”

Asterix smiled. “It does sound fun.”

Nova continued. “And it’s origins are rather interesting as well. It’s based on when princess Luna let her feelings of jealousy for her sister get the better of her and became Nightmare Moon who wanted to create an eternal ever lasting night.”

“Oooh, that does sound scary.”

“But it all worked out in the end.” Nova said. “Then there’s….” Nova started but was cut off when slips of paper started falling down.

“Oooh, you didn’t tell me the pegasi could make it rain paper too.” Asterix said almost in wonder.

Nova looked up curiously. “What the galaxies?” He saw Rainbow flying over head dropping flyers.

Rainbow called as she spread out the flyers she was dropping over the town. “Town meeting at the library for all Ponyville Pegasi! Be cool or be mule.” She quickly flew down to a mule that was covered in the flyers. “No offense.”

The mule merely smiled as he responded. “None taken.”

Asterix gave a curious look. “Where did he come from?”

Nova simply looked to Asterix. “It’s best not to question it. Sometimes it isn’t just Pinkie Pie that can defy logic and the physics of science.”

“Pinkie can do that?” Asterix asked Nova in surprise.

Nova thought to give a couple examples. “She’s shown sometimes she can defy gravity without aid, pop out of random places out of nowhere and disappear back into them, somehow sometimes gains knowledge of events she wasn’t present for or no pony told her about, and she has this thing she calls her Pinkie sense where she gets these little twitches and tingles that let her know that something is about to happen. For example, When her tail starts twitching, it means something is about to fall. And if she gets a knee twitch, then ear flop, then eye flutter, look out for opening doors.”

“Wow, sounds like one strange mare.” Asterix stated. “So what do you think this meeting is about for the pegasi?”

Nova picked up a flyer and looked it over. “Hmm….seems Ponyville’s water reservoir was chosen to provide Cloudsdale with the water they need to make rain clouds.”

Asterix looked the flyer over herself then. “Oh, neat.”

Rainbow suddenly flew down and invaded their vision. “Nova! Just the pony I wanted to see, I was hoping you’d come to the meeting tonight too.”

Nova raised a brow. “Why? This is pegasus business. I’m not a pegasus.” He then whispered. “For hiding purposes, I’m a unicorn.”

Rainbow continued. “I know, but with how you can zap up wings and fly, I figured you could help us out with this thing.”

“I don’t know Rainbow. I feel like I shouldn’t get involved in something for Pegasi only.”

Rainbow started to beg. “Please Nova!?” She gave such a pleading pout.

“Oh, how can you say no to that face.” Asterix cooed.

Nova sighed. “Ugh, fine, I’ll come.”

Rainbow did a flip in joy. “YES! Thanks Nova! See you there tonight!” She then took off to continue spreading the word.

“Quasars, what have I gotten myself into?” Nova sighed.

Later that evening, the pegasi and Nova gathered at the tree house library. Rainbow counted as each pegasus entered. She looked a little frustrated after the last pegasus entered. Rainbow then flew over to a tree. “Come on Fluttershy, you too.”

The tree gained eyes, then half of it lifted up to reveal Fluttershy disguised as a tree. “Do I have to? I really don’t think I’ll be much help.”

“Come on.” Rainbow proceeded to push Fluttershy in.

Once they were all gathered, Rainbow Dash had Spike play an old black and white film that explained what they were doing. It talked about how each pegasus has wing power when they fly and can use that to fly to form a tornado and funnel water from a reservoir to Cloudsdale to be used as rain. Just before it ended though, the film warped and seemed to burn. The light flicked on to show Spike was covered in the film.

Rainbow took center stage. “All right everypony. As you saw, we need to produce enough wing power to funnel water from Ponyville’s reservoir to Cloudsdale. We need at least eight hundred wing power to do it. But I believe we can do better. I believe if we all work hard and pull together, we can gather one thousand wing power and smash the current record of nine hundred. Spitfire, the leader of the Wonderbolts will be supervising, so I think we can really impress her and show her our stuff. Who’s with me!”

A large heavily muscled pegasus with tiny wings exclaimed. “YEAH!”

“I can’t hear you!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“YEAH!” Everyone shouted then except for Fluttershy and Nova.

“I still don’t think I should be helping with this.” Nova stated more to himself. “But I think I see now why Rainbow asked me. She just wants all the extra wing power she can get for breaking this record.”

The next day, the pegasi were all gathered at a track working out and practicing to get fit as can be. Twilight and Spike were present with Twilight setting up a device. It was small with a fan and a meter on it. Nova offered to help Twilight keep track of how much wing power each pegasus produces once they raced by the meter.

Two pegasus mares came by curious about the device. They both had the same greyish blue coat and white manes. Only one’s mane was a bit more wild while the other was well groomed. “So what does this device do?” The wild maned mare asked.

Twilight smiled, happy to explain. “This is an anemometer. It measures your accelerative velocity and translates it into wing power, thus gauging your cumulative H2O anti-gravitational potential. Any other questions?”

The other then turned to Spike. “Yeah, what exactly does this thing do?”

“It measures how fast you're flying and how much wing power you produce.” Spike responded plainly.

“Oh.” The two mares responded.

Nova was looking about at all the pegasi seeing them working out when he spotted Fluttershy who was looking nervous. He went over to talk to her. “Fluttershy? You okay?”

“Oh, hello Nova. No I’m not okay. I’m so nervous. I really don’t want to be here.” Fluttershy said.

“How come?” Nova asked.

“Well, like I told Rainbow Dash, this whole thing feels more like a performance, and I hate performances. It’s like back when I was in flight school.” Fluttershy told how when she was a filly, she couldn’t fly very well and the other foals made fun of her for it.

“If you feel so strongly about it, why are you here then? Didn’t you tell Rainbow Dash you were too nervous?”

“I did, but...she said she REALLY needed my help. And I don’t want to let her down.” Fluttershy stated.

“Fluttershy, I can already tell you I’m pretty sure all she’s concerned about is breaking that record. And with all the pegasi present, I’m pretty sure that’s covered even if we’re down one pegasus.” Nova said.

“I don’t know. I really don’t want to disappoint her.” Fluttershy replied looking away.

Before Nova could continue, Rainbow called out. “All right everyone, let’s see where you all are at. Line up and get ready to test your wing power!”

“Fluttershy, just try to imagine you’re the only pony present then when your turn comes up.” Nova said before using his magic to summon his wings and lined up. One by one, each pegasus raced by the anemometer showing their wing power and Twilight taking notes of each one. Nova managed to produce a wing power of eleven. Rainbow Dash decided to take a turn after him and zoomed by producing wing power of eleven point five wing power.

“Nice!” Rainbow cheered. “All right Fluttershy, you’re up.”

Fluttershy nervously stepped up to the starting line. Her legs trembled. She closed her eyes and started flying but was slow going. She opened her eyes and smiled as she felt she was doing good. Just then, the two mares from before giggled. Fluttershy grew nervous again and slowed down just as she passed the anemometer.

Twilight and Spike read the reading and whispered between each other a moment before Twilight spoke. “Not bad Fluttershy. You had a wing power of...point five.”

“Point five, but isn’t that less than one?” Spike pointed out before getting a smack to the back of the head by Twilight.

A few ponies giggled at her. Fluttershy then seemed to grow more agitated and hyperventilating before she ran off crying.

“Fluttershy wait!” Rainbow called after her and caught up to her. Concerned, Nova came too. “Come on Fluttershy, you can’t wimp out on me. Are you really going to chicken out just cause some ponies poked fun at you in Flight School?”

“YEHEHEHHES!” Fluttershy sobbed.

“But I need you.” Rainbow expressed.

“I’m sorry Rainbow, but I just don’t have the courage.”

Nova stepped in then with a light glare at Rainbow. “Seriously Rainbow, you two are supposed to be friends. Her feelings should matter more to you than breaking some stupid record. Maybe you should take a moment and think about what's more important. Friends, or fame.” He said before escorting Fluttershy away.

Fluttershy and Nova were seated under a weeping willow with many of Fluttershy’s animal friends surrounding them. “It’s okay Fluttershy. You don’t have to help with that tornado. Rainbow Dash has more than enough pegasi to pull it off.”

“I know, I just wish I could help.” Fluttershy said. “But I’m just too scared.”

“It’s okay to be scared. You shouldn’t waste your tears. Rainbow was being a jerk thinking only about herself back there.”

“You think so?” Fluttershy asked.

“I do. But if it helps you feel better, we can work on that anxiety of yours of being in front of other ponies and help build up your wing power.”

“You would do that?” Fluttershy asked lifting her head.

“Only if you want to.”

Some of her animal friends chittered in support. One even told of how good she can really be in a crises and not to give up. “You’re right my friend, I shouldn’t give up. I’ll show those ponies I”m a good flyer.” Fluttershy rose up. “No...a great flyer!” She then said after flying up and over the tree.

“All right then, let’s get to work and get you into shape.” Nova said. With that, a training montage began.

The first training was Fluttershy flying over a crowd of her animal friends holding pony masks. She ended up crashing into a tree. Wing ups were next with Nova and Angel encouraging her but she could barely do one. Then tug of war with some butterflies and she failed at that. Each attempt at the exercises helped her grow and do better. Soon she was exceeding at the exercises, she even pulled back in a tear while doing wing ups.

“All right Fluttershy, I think you’re ready.” Nova said with a smile.

“I feel ready. Thank you everyone.” Fluttershy said to Nova and her animal friends.

Back at the track where everyone was training, Everyone was testing their wing power again. “Well, that’s about everyone. Except..” Spike said before Fluttershy came fluttering on the scene looking confident. Nova just behind her along with some animals. Fluttershy landed at the starting line. Nova gave her a quick shoulder rub while one animal gave her a drink of water. She then flexed her legs and stretched her wings.

“You go this Fluttershy.” Nova said.

With that, Fluttershy leaned down, revved up her wings and took off, zooming past the wing power meter. “Two…point…five?” Fluttershy asked seeing the results.

“Wow Fluttershy, that’s amazing. You improved so much.” Twilight said.

“But it’s still no good. I failed!” Fluttershy began to cry.

“You should still be proud of yourself Fluttershy, you did improve alot from last time.” Nova said.

“But it’s nothing compared to everyone else, I’m a failure!” Fluttershy cried before galloping off.

Rainbow chased after her. “Fluttershy wait!” She managed to catch up and stop her. “FLuttershy, listen. Nova was right. I shouldn’t be caring about that dumb record. I should be caring about getting the water where it needs to. Low wing power or not, I could still really use your help. You really shouldn’t let what anyone else thinks get to you. I promise no one is going to laugh. All you have to do is focus on flying.”

“You….you really mean that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Of course I do. You’re my friend.” Rainbow said. “And if anyone does start laughing, I’ll punch em good.”

Fluttershy lightly giggled at this.

Nova and Twilight smiled at the scene. “Now that’s more like it.” Nova commented.

“Well….all right, I’ll do it.” Fluttershy said.

“YES! Thank you Fluttershy.” Rainbow said before hugging Fluttershy.

Finally, the day came. Spitfire, the leader of the wonderbolts had arrived to witness the event. The pegasi were all gathered and ready to go…well…almost all of them. “Rainbow, we got a problem.” Spike said holding up a list of the pegasi that were to participate. Most of them were marked as missing due to being sick with the feather flu. “We might not have enough ponies to get the water to Cloudsdale.”

“What?! This is horrible!” Rainbow exclaimed before narrowing her eyes. “It doesn’t matter, we have to try anyway. Cloudsdale needs that water. She flew up and got everyone’s attention. “All right every pony! You ready!? Spike is going to blow that horn to signal the start!”

Twilight was on the scene as well with a larger version of her wing power meter.

Everyone had a pair of goggles. Fluttershy was next to Nova. She was still looking rather nervous. Spike blew the horn and the pegasi began flying in a circle making a tornado. Everyone was pushing as hard as they could. The water began rising up some. Just then, a pegasus accidentally bumped into another, causing a chain reaction and the whole thing fell apart. “WHOA”! Nova was flung like the others but manage to recover and caught Fluttershy with his magic before she hit the ground. “You okay?”

“Thanks for the save.” Fluttershy said.

“No worries.” Nova replied.

Spitfire shook her head in disappointment.

“It’s no good Rainbow, your team isn’t putting out enough wing power.” Twilight said.

“We’re not giving up. We can’t. Not until I know we gave it our all!” Rainbow said before rallying everyone. “Come on guys! We can do this! We have to try again!” the pegasi all rallied and started flying again, forming the tornado.

As Fluttershy flew, memories of being teased started going through her head again. “NO!” She fought through it and pushed harder, managing to fly faster than before. She even passed a couple pegasi. The water began rising again. After a bit more, the water shot up and out right to Cloudsdale. Once all the water was gone, Spike blew the horn again and everyone stopped and landed, cheering.

Rainbow noticed Fluttershy was still flying in a circle with her eyes closed. “Whoa, easy girl.” She caught Fluttershy with a cloud.

“What happened? Did we do it?” Fluttershy asked.

“We did it, you did it. You were amazing in there.” Rainbow said.

“Fluttershy pushed way passed her original wing power number.” Twilight pointed out.

Spitfire came up to Rainbow. “Gotta say. You may not have broken the record, but you showed a lot of guts getting that water up there. Nice work Rainbow.”

Rainbow smiled. “Thanks, but you gotta give it up for my real number one flyer, Fluttershy. THREE CHEERS FOR FLUTTERSHY!” Rainbow shouted.

Fluttershy was suddenly lifted up and everyone started cheering. “Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Fluttershy can really fly!” She smiled proudly as she was carried off.

Nova sat next to Twilight. “Whew. Well that was an ordeal. Never thought I’d know what it’s like to be sore where the wings are.”

“How bout we head home and rest then for now.” Twilight offered.

“Good idea, I really worked up an appetite.”
> Nova and Twilight, Super Sleuth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nova and Twilight, Super Sleuth


 Big Mac was about to lift a large multilayered cake Pinkie just baked when Nova offered instead and managed to lift it with his magic. “I got this.” 

“Are you sure?” Pinkie asked. “It’s very delicate.” 

“I promise I’ll get the cake to the train unharmed.” Nova said. “And as an extra precaution.” He then shrank the cake down to a size where it could fit in a hoof. 

“Good thinking Nova.” Twilight commented.

Nova started following Pinkie to the train with Twilight close behind. “Careful…easy now.” Pinkie continued with worry.

“Pinkie, relax, I promise you nothing is going to happen.” Nova stated. As expected, they managed to get the cake onto the train. Nova set it on a table and enlarged it back to its original size, they were joined by their other friends as well. 

“Thank you all for accompanying me to the Canterlot bake off. I really appreciate it.” Pinkie said.

“Of course darling, we’re happy to help.” Rarity replied with a smile.

“Besides, I can’t wait ta try out all them tasty treats.” Applejack added before looking to the cake and slowly reached a hoof out.

Pinkie quickly slapped her hoof away. “The tastiest treat is sure to be the Marzapan Mascarone Marang madness.” She went into a sort of long winded description of the cake making nearly everyone’s mouths water. Particularly Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack. “It’s the most delectable delicious cake in all of Equestria and is sure to win first prize.”

“Zis is not so!” A new voice with a french accent announced. Looking to the source, it was a grey griffon with white feathers with a black mustache and wearing a chef’s hat. He was standing on his hind legs with his right wing hiding something he was holding in his right claw. “For I..Goustauve Le Grande will take first prize and win against your pathetic pastry with my…” he removed his wing and held up what he was holding which was a pile of eclairs covered in chocolate and filled with cream. “Exceptionally exquisit ECLARES!” He held up a lamp to make them shine a moment before tossing it aside and set his eclairs on a table. “Zey will ensure my victory, winning me first prize and granting me ze title of best chef in all of Equestria.”

“Not a chance Le grand.” A new male voice spoke up. The girls and Nova looked to see Doughnut Joe.

“Doughnut Joe!” Twilight announced. “What are you doing here in Ponyville?”

Said stallion had a cart attached to him and pulled it onto the train. “Picking up the final ingredient for my contest entry….DOUGHNUTOPIA!” He announced pointing to a scale model of a city made out of doughnuts of various flavors. “My super sprinkles are gonna make my doughnuts number one at the contest, steal first prize, and make my doughnut shop famous…FOREVER! HA HA HA HA HA!” He laughed sounding like a villain.

“Oh Joe, your dippy doughnuts could never outrun me.” A female voice spoke as what looked like a big chocolate moose appear and entered the train. 

Pinkie approached said chocolate moose. “Hello, what’s your name?”

A female donkey came out from behind the moose wearing a blue pearl necklace. “I am Muleia Mile. Mmm. Behold, my chocolate mouse moose!” She declared proudly. “It will trample all your treats, win me first prize and make me the greatest chef in all of Equestria.”

Goustave cut in. “Madame Miles, you and your moose are mistaken.

Doughnut Joe then cut in. “Your frou frou eclairs will never defeat my doughnuts.

Then Pinkie had to get a word in. “The Cakes Marscapone Marzipan Meringue Madness is going to win.”

Then Mulia spoke up. “Your silly cake could never take on my moose.”

The train’s whistle cut the argument short signaling it was taking off and began to move.

“Finally.” Nova sighed, fearing the argument would get worse.

“Well it seems we’re all in for a delicious competition tomorrow. Let’s all settle in for a good night’s sleep.” Twilight suggested.

Joe, Mulia, and Gustave begrudgingly made their ways to their sleeping cars.

Rainbow hovered in next to Pinkie. “I gotta admit, I am pretty beat.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna hit the hay maself.” Applejack chimed in. 

The ponies started heading for their own beds when Pinkie blocked the door the sleeper cars. “WAIT! Didn’t you hear those other chefs? We have to protect mmmmm.” Pinkie said pointing to the cake.

“Mmmm?” Rarity questioned.

“Mmhmm.” Pinkie replied. “I’m super sure mmm is the best desert in all of Equestria. And I know that they know it too.”

“So…” Rainbow asked with a raised brow.

“So one of them is going to sabotage the Cakes’s cake tonight!” Pinkie stated. “You have to help me stand guard.

Twilight merely smiled. “Pinkie, you’re over reacting.”

Applejack came closer to Pinkie. “Yeah, those chefs aren’t going to do your cake any harm.”

Pinkie squeezed Applejack’s cheeks. “But they are! I just know it.”

Nova stepped forward. “Tell you what Pinkie, if it’ll make you feel better, I’LL stay up and watch over the cake with you.”

“You will!?” Pinkie asked zipping to Nova.

“Nova, are you sure?” Twilight asked.

“Of course. I don’t think any of the chefs are going to do anything either, but if it’ll help give Pinkie some ease of mind, I don’t mind missing out on some sleep.” Nova replied.

“Oh thank you thank you thank you!” Pinkie said hugging Nova tightly. 

“No…problem.” Nova strained before Pinkie then released him.

“Well, if you’re sure.” Twilight said. “Take care okay?” She and the others then went to their beds. 

“Pinkie, I’ll take first watch, you try and get some rest okay?”

“Thank you Nova, I really appreciate this.” Pinkie replied as they took their spots in front of the cake.

The sun went down soon and the night watch began. At first all was quiet as Nova stood guard over the cake while Pinkie slept on the floor next to him. For the longest time nothing happened. Nova gave a yawn as he was starting to get sleepy. It was soon time for them to change shifts. “Pinkie, wake up, it’s your turn.” He nudged the sleeping mare. 

Pinkie slowly opened her eyes and got up with a yawn. “Anything happen?”

“All’s quiet. The cake is still safe and sound.” Nova said. 

“Oh good.” Pinkie sighed. Just then, a figure zipped past behind them. “What the!?” Pinkie exclaimed before giving chase. 

“Pinkie wait!” Nova followed after her. They chaste the shadowy figure to the back of the train and came out at the back of the last car only to find nothing. “What the…where did they go?”

“Strange.” Pinkie said before they made their way back to the cake. Just as they entered the car, they saw another silhouette through the window of the door into the next car and chased it again. “STOP YOU!” This time, the chase went all the way to the front of the train where all they saw was the engineer shoveling coal.

“How are they doing this?” Nova asked. “Guess you were right Pinkie. Someone may very well be after your cake.” They made their way back to the cake.

“I knew it!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We’re going to have to be on high alert now.” 

“I think I can stay up the rest of the night to help.” Nova said.

“Are you sure about that? It is rather late.” Pinkie asked.

“I’ll be fine. Not the first time I had to stay up so late. When my little brother was still a baby, he kept me up all hours of our sleep cycle crying.” Nova informed. Just then, the blinds to the windows all closed at once. “Quasars!” Nova exclaimed. He and Pinkie began stumbling in the dark trying to get the blinds back up. A moment later, they came back up on their own. The two looked to the cake and saw it still seemed okay. Though Nova gave a scrutinizing look. “Okay, so what was that about?”

“No idea, but we REALLY need to be on the lookout.” Pinkie stated.

So for the rest of the night, the two stood guard over the cake. Nothing else happened for the rest of the night. Morning came and both were looking rather tired. Nova gave a yawn just before everyone came out to the car from the sleeper car. “Morning everyone.” Twilight greeted. “Oh my.” But then gasped seeing Nova and Pinkie looking so tired. “Are you two all right?”

“Pinkie was right, someone was trying to get at the cake.” Nova said. “We were up all night guarding it.”

“Oh, you poor dears.” Twilight cooed.

“But luckily, the cake is fine. No one got past us.” Pinkie stated.

Twilight came up to the cake to look it over. She then went around to the back. “Um…I’m not so sure about that.” She then turned it to reveal three large bites had been taken out of the cake.

“THE CAKE! It’s ruined!” Pinkie cried. “Who would do such a thing!” She then looked to the other competing bakers. “It was one of you wasn’t it!?”

“Prepostterous.” Gustauve grunted.

“I would never.” Mulia huffed.

“Now hold on Pinkie, before you start going around throwing accusations, we need proof first as to who the guilty party is.” Nova said. 

“Good thinking Nova. I was about to say the same thing.” Twilight said. “We need clues. So tell me everything that happened last night while you were watching the cake.”

Pinkie started. “Well first, I was sleeping while Nova took the first watch. He then woke me up saying he saw something.”

“A shadow passed by, I couldn’t tell who it was, but they headed toward the back of the train. Me and Pinkie gave chase.” Nova explained.

Twilight pulled out an old fashioned detective’s hat and placed it on Nova’s head. “Lead the way.”

Nova and Pinkie led Twilight to the back of the train. “We followed the shadow here, but they mysteriously vanished.” Nova said.

“I see.” Twilight began looking around and then up at the ceiling. “What is that?” Twilight seemed to spot something and floated it down. 

“What is it?” Nova asked.

“Not just yet, we need more clues.” Twilight said. “So what happened next?”

“We went back to the cake and saw that shadow again. This time it was heading for the front of the train.” Pinkie said. They went to the front of the train then where they saw the conductor at the controls. “But we only found the conductor shoveling coal.”

“Really?” Twilight replied before floating the conductor’s hat off and looked inside. “Aha!” She then exclaimed finding something else and put the hat back on the conductor.

“You found something else?” Nova asked.

“We still need more clues.” Twilight said.

“Well, after that, we went back to the cake to keep an eye on it. Then suddenly everything went dark for a moment. The blinds closed all at once. But then came back up a moment later.”

They went back to the car with the cake and Twilight looked around. She seemed to notice something about a painting that was hanging next to the door to the sleeper car that was of a stallion in a blue uniform. “That doesn’t seem right.” She said as she seemed to find something else. “All right, I think we have all we need.”

“We do?” Nova and Pinkie asked.

“I know who the culprit is. Nova, Pinkie, have a look at these clues I found and I think you’ll understand.” Twilight said as she revealed her clues. The first was a blue feather. The second was a strand of mane colored a light pink. Then the third was a fake eyelash.

“Oh, now it makes sense.” Nova said.

“It sure does. It was the bakers!” Pinkie said.

Nova cut in. “Pinkie, before you start going off on some random silly stories about how they might have done it, it wasn’t them.” 

“But….” Pinkie tried to argue.

“Nope! For one, none of them have blue feathers, pink manes, or fake eyelashes.” Nova said. The real culprits are Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity.”

“What?! I would never!” Rarity argued.

“I didn’t do it!” Rainbow said.

“I swear I didn’t!” Fluttershy said.

“Sorry girls, but the jig is up.” Nova said. 

The three mares hung their heads in defeat. “Yeah, it was us.” Rainbow said. 

“Pinkie, that first shadow we were chasing was Rainbow. That’s how she seemed to vanish. She didn’t disappear, she hid on the ceiling of the last car before we got to it. The conductor we thought we saw shoveling coal was Fluttershy, and it was Rarity who used her magic to close the blinds so she could get a quick bite. She’s trying to hide it by wearing her mane as it is now.” 

Rarity’s mane was different, but only slightly. She made it so it covered one eye. Said eye missing an eyelash.

“We’re sorry.” The three said together.

“But you just made Mmmmm…sound so good it was hard to resist.” Rainbow said.

“Aw, you guys.” Pinkie cooed. “It’s all right. But with the cake ruined, I guess we can’t enter the contest now. Too bad, it would have been fun to go up against those other delectable treats you guys brought.” Pinkie said looking to the other bakers and began describing each of their culinary masterpieces in mouth watering detail. 

Just then, the train went through a tunnel and everything went dark. When the train exited, the baker’s delights had been gobbled as well leaving little to them. Everyone gasped at this. “Don’t worry, I’m on the case.” Pinkie said taking the detective hat. She began going over the bakers and their treats. “The culprit was the bakers themselves. Gustauve has chocolate moose in his moostache. Mulia has sprinkles in her wrinkles, and Doughnut Joe has eclair in his hair!”

“Aw, I’m sorry, the way Pinkie described your eclairs Gustauve was just so hard to resist, and they were amazing.” Doughnut Joe said

“And the way she described your chocolate moose miss Mulia was superb. I just had to try, and once I did, I couldn’t stop.” Gustauve said.

“And how she described your doughnuts was just so delectable. I am sorry.” Mulia said.

“But now with ALL our deserts devoured, we won’t be able to enter the contest now.” Doughnut Joe said.

“Actually, I think I have an idea for that.” Pinkie said. 

The train finally came to a stop as they reached Canterlot. The cake was partially restored with a few added ingredients. A little of what was left of the other deserts were added to the cake. A few eclairs along the cake, doughnuts along the sides, and the head of Mulia’s chocolate Mouse moose was on top. Princess Celestia gave it first place and the four bakers shared in the glory, with Nova keeping a bit of distance of course.

“Well, this has been quit the mystery filled journey. Never got to play a detective before.” Nova said.

“You did pretty good.” Twilight said.

“You’re the one that found the clues though.” Nova said.

“True, but you were able to tell right away what they were weren’t you?”

“Deductive reasoning my good mare.” Nova said in a fake english accent making her laugh. They enjoyed the rest of the contest getting to sample a few other trets before going home.
> Wedding Crasher
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Wedding Crasher


It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. So much so that Twilight, Nova and friends had gathered for a picnic. They were merely chatting away enjoying the food when Spike came running up and nearly fell over with a letter. “Twi….light…have….message….from….Celestia…important…”

“Whoa, whoa, easy Spike. Relax, just calm down and take a deep breath.” Nova said to try and help the little dragon.

Twilight took one of the letters and began reading it. “Dear Twilight, I hope you are excited as I am about the wedding.” She paused a moment. “Wedding?” She questioned before continuing. “I would like Applejack to provide the catering.”

“Well hot dang. I’d love ta.” Applejack said.

“Rarity, I would like you to be in charge of the gowns.”

“Oh how marvelous.” Rarity cheered.

“Pinkie Pie will be in charge of putting together the party.”

“Of course.” Pinkie said proudly.

“And Fluttershy, we would love it if your bird choir provided music for the ceremony.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so honored.”

“And Twilight, you and Nova will have the most important job of all, overseeing all preparations. Looking forward to seeing you in Canterlot.” She then looked the letter over more, then on the back. “I don’t understand, who’s getting married?”

“Oh, I uh…probably should have given you this first.” Spike said presenting the other letter.

Twilight took it and began reading. “Dear Twilight Sparkle. You and your friends are cordially invited to the wedding of princess Mi Amore Cadenza and…’Gasp’...MY BROTHER!?” 

“Your brother!?” The girls exclaimed.

“Hold on, you have a brother?” Rarity asked.

“How come you never told us about him?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight frowned. “It’s never really come up. The thing is, ever since I left Canterlot to live here, I felt we’ve grown apart.”

Twilight broke into song.

When I was just a filly I found it rather silly 
To see how many other ponies I could meet 
I had my books to read, didn't know that I would ever need 
Other ponies to make my life complete 

But there was one colt that I cared for 
I knew he would be there for me 

My big brother, best friend forever 
Like two peas in a pod, we did everything together 

He taught me how to fly a kite 
(Best friend forever) 
We never had a single fight 
(We did everything together) 
We shared our hopes, we shared our dreams 
I miss him more than I realized, it seems 

[Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity]

Your big brother, best friend forever 
Like two peas in a pod, you did everything together 

[Twilight Sparkle]

And though he's oh so far away 
I hoped that he would stay 
My big brother best friend 
Forever 
Forever 

“Come on Twilight, that can’t be true. Family is family. I’m certain he’s been thinking about you every day.”

“Oh? Then why hasn’t he told me about this Mi Amore Cadenza he’s marrying?” Twilight countered.

“Well…I”m…sure he has his reasons.” Nova tried to reason. “Maybe he couldn’t because he’s been too busy.”

“Too busy to tell his own sister he’s about to get married?” Twilight countered.

Nova placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Okay, calm down. Look, I’m certain there’s a logical explanation. You just need to ask him outright once you see him.”

“Oh, I’m going to ask him all right, and give him a piece of my mind.” Twilight said firmly.

Nova sighed and headed off to see his family.

“OH MY GOSH! I can’t believe we’ve been invited to a wedding!” Nova’s mother cheered. “And to think, our little Starburst has been asked to be one of the ring bearers.” She said proudly as she hugged Starburst.

“Mom…can’t…breath…” Starburst strained before Cosma let go.

“This is rather exciting.” Cosmos said. “We’ll get to see one of this world’s ceremonies. It’ll certainly be an informative event.” 

Nova smiled. “I’m glad you all are excited about this.”

“And to think you’re helping with the wedding preparations. You just have to tell us everything before the wedding.” Starla said.

“I don’t know if I’ll have the time. But I’ll see what I can do.” Nova replied.

“What does a ring bearer do anyway?” Starburst asked.

“From what Twilight told me, the ring bearer carries the rings down the aisle on a pillow to the couple to be wed and presents them. Then the two take the rings and give them to one another.” Nova stated.

“Sounds important.” Starla commented.

“It kind of is.” Nova replied.

It wasn’t much longer before Nova and the girls were on their way to Canterlot by train. As they approached, they saw the city had a large magic force field around it. This made Nova nervous. 

“What’s with the magic barrier?” Rainbow questioned.

“It’s a royal wedding darling. Of course their going to take precautions.” Rarity said.

“You don’t think it might be a bit overboard?” Applejack asked.

“I’m worried it doesn’t undo my unicorn disguise.” Nova said.

“Don’t worry Nova, It’s to keep unwanted visitors out. It’ll simply let the train through. Nothing is going to happen.” Twilight assured Nova.

Nova managed a small smile. Just as Twilight said, the train passed through without his disguise being removed. The train pulled into the station and the group got out. “Let’s go Nova, We’ve got an older brother to meet.” Twilight said.

“Actually, I was thinking I’d…okay I’m coming.” Nova was about to argue but then was pulled by Twilight’s magic. He began walking on his own just behind Twilight. 

They soon managed to find Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor. He was directing a few guards before dismissing them, then turned to greet Twilight. He was a white unicorn with a blue mane and tail wearing blue armor. “Twily! I am so glad to see you.” He came up to Twilight and was about to hug her but she stopped him.

“All right mister, you got some explaining to do.” Twilight said firmly causing said stallion to recoil a bit. “How could you not tell me you’re getting married?”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but things have been so busy here preparing for the wedding, mainly with the security.” He then took notice of Nova. “Oh, and who is this?”

Nova gave a nervous smile as Twilight smiled a bit mischeviously. She took Nova in a side hug. “This is my future husband Nova.”

“Future husband?” Shining asked. “When did this happen?”

“When did this thing with you and this Cadenza pony happen?” Twilight countered.

“Okay, fine, you made your point. I’m sorry. Like I said, I’ve just been so busy with everything. Come on, can’t I get a hug from my favorite little sister?” Shining asked holding out his forelegs.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile and gave in, hugging her brother. “I’m still mad you’re marrying some mare I don’t even know. Who is this Cadenza anyway?”

“Twilight, princess Mi Amore Cadenza is Cadence, your old foal sitter.”

Twilight gasped. “Cadence!? As in THE Cadence!? As in the greatest foal sitters of all foal sitters!?” 

Shining laughed. “Well you tell me, she was your foal sitter.”

Twilight pressed her front hooves on Nova’s chest. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! Cadence is one of the nicest, sweetest most caring ponies ever! She was like my best friend when I was a filly.”

“Oh, so then this is a good thing.” Nova said.

“This is a great thing!” Twilight said as the conversation took them to an overpass.

“So Twilight, Nova?” Shining said.

“Oh! Right. An official introduction. Shining Armor, this is Nova. Nova, my older brother Shining Armor.”

“Nice to meet you.” Nova said feeling a little more relaxed as he offered a hoof for a shake.

“Same.” Shining said shaking Nova’s hoof. “So how did you two meet?”

“Nova and his little brother were….um…travelers who decided to finally settle down and came to Ponyville.” Twilight said remembering Nova’s old cover story.

“Traveling merchants.” Nova said. “My family decided to settle down and we chose Ponyville. After that, I met Twilight and things just kind of went from there.”

“Well you better take good care of her.” Shining said with a smile.

“Am I interrupting anything?” A new female voice spoke. 

Twilight gasped and smiled. “CADENCE!” She cheered before galloping over to the mare. Said mare was an alicorn of light pink with a long mane and tail of light yellow, dark pink, and purple coloring. Her cutie mark was of a crystal heart and wore a gold necklace and gold shoes on her hooves. Her eyes were a light purple and had a very slender figure.

Twilight began a little song and dance. “Sun shine sun shine lady bugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” She finished shaking her flank at Cadence.

Nova held back a chuckle.

The mare raised a brow. “Do I know you?”

Twilight stood up with a bit of surprise on her face. “Cadence, it’s me, Twilight.”

“Uh huh.” Cadence said dissmissively before going up to Shining. Twilight gave a curious look.

“So Shining, if I may ask, why the shield around the city?” Nova chimed in.

Shining’s smile faded. “There’s been a threat made on the city. We don’t know from who or when they might strike, so we had to increase security.” He then fired a beam from his horn to the top of the shield showing he was the one behind it.

“Whoa, this shield surrounding the city is yours? Amazing.” Nova commented.

“Thanks, but it’s not easy.” Shining said rubbing his head.

“Come along dear, I’ll help you deal with that nasty headache.” Cadence said as she began walking Shining off.

“Something doesn’t seem right. She didn’t seem to remember me.” Twilight said.

“That is weird.” Nova said. “Nothing we can do about it now though. We do have preparations to supervise.”

“Right. I’ll look into this more later.” Twilight said. The two then went to start looking over preparations.

First on the list was food. They stopped by the kitchen to find Applejack overlooking food preparations with Cadence coming with them. “Hey Applejack, how are things coming along?” Twilight asked.

“Great so far. What do ya think of the cake yer highness?” Applejack then asked Cadence as she presented the large white wedding cake.

Cadence gave it a scrutinizing look. “I suppose  it will do.”

“And here, have a muffin ta snack on. Ah’m sure yer hungry with everythin goin on.” Applejack offered a muffin. 

With a fake smile, Cadence took it. “Yummy.” She then ate it feeling disgusted but swallowed it anyway.

“Here, made ya a few more fer later.” Applejack then presented a paper bag with more muffins in them.”

Cadence took the bag in her magic. “Thank you.” When Applejack wasn’t looking, she tossed the bag in the nearest trash can.

“What the?” Nova said to himself.

“Applejack, did you see that?!” Twilight said.

“See what?” Applejack questioned.

“Cadence just tossed your muffins away.” Nova pointed out.

“Awe, nothin ta worry bout, must be one o’ them fussy eaters. You know them royal types like ta watch their figure.” Applejack replied, brushing it off.

“I really don’t think that’s what this was.” Nova said. But the two moved on.

They went to Rarity to check on the dresses to find Cadence complaining the dresses needed to be a different color. “Are they too long? Too bright?” Rarity asked.

“I think they’re lovely.” Lyra, one of the three maids of honor said only to get a mean look from Cadence.

“Just make them a different color.” Cadence said before walking out.

“Well that was rude.” Twilight said coming up to Rarity. 

“Oh, she just wants everything to be perfect. It is her wedding day after all.” Rarity said.

“That’s no excuse for how she looked at Lyra though for her comment. And I agree. I think your dresses are just fine.” Nova said.

“It’s fine darlings, really.” Rarity said.

Nova sighed and they moved on. Next was checking on Pinkie’s party decorations. “As you can see we got streamers and balloons and lots of fun games like pin the tail on the pony! Isn’t it perfect!?”

“Oh yes, perfect…if we were having a childrens ‘party. Take it all down and start over. And this time, make sure it’s for a wedding party?” Cadence said before walking off.

“Okay, that was just downright mean.” Nova commented. “Are you sure this is the same Cadence that foal sat you?”

“Something is definitely off.” Twilight commented.

A little later, they were sitting at a table after the sun had gown down with everyone, each having a glass of some kind of drink. “I’m telling you something is off.” Twilight started. “Cadence has been nothing but rude to all of you. Pinkie Pie, she insulted your party decorations.”

“Oh it was no big deal, she just wants everything to be perfect.” PInkie said.

“And Rarity, she seemed to hate the dresses you made even though they were beautiful.” Twilight then said looking to Rarity.

“She just wants things to be perfect. Nothing wrong with that.”

“And Applejack, she threw away those muffins you made her.” Twilight then looked to Applejack.

“And like ah said before, no big deal. She’s just tryin ta keep her figure is all.”

Nova then cut in. “Girls, listen. Twilight knows Cadence better than any of us. She knew Cadence when she foal sat her. I think it’s safe to say that if Twilight thinks something is off, then something is off. From how she described Cadence from back then, I don’t think a little wedding jitters or stress of having to deal with all the wedding plans herself would cause her to act like this. I believe Twilight, and as her friends, you should too.”

“Thank you Nova.” Twilight said with a smile before kissing him on the cheek.

“Well…ah suppose ya do have a point there.” Applejack said. 

“Think about it. We’re talking about the princess of love right? Isn’t that Cadence’s role? Yet she hasn’t been acting like that at all. She’s been nothing but rude and mean this whole time.” Nova added.

“Well even if that is the case, what can we do about it?” Rarity asked.

“We need to find some way to expose her. To show she may not even be who she says she is.” Nova then stated.

“Wait! You think she might be an imposter?” Twilight asked.

“It only makes sense. Unless something turned Cadence evil since the last time you saw her.” Nova stated.

“So an imposter or evil huh?” Pinkie questioned.

“We’ll go talk to Shining about this. You all just go on about your business. And one thing. This conversation doesn’t leave this table. Understand? No telling what this Cadence will do if she finds out we may be on to her.” Nova stated.

“Right.” The girls replied.

Nova and Twilight then headed off to find Shining. They went to his house and knocked. Shining smiled opening the door to see her and Nova. “Twily.” He was wearing a red uniform with a silver shield badge that had his cutie mark on it. “Come on in.” 

“We need to talk.” Twilight said as they entered.

“Is something wrong?” Shining asked.

“Shining, it’s about Cadence, we think she’s…” Nova started but was cut off.

“Ahem! Am I interrupting anything?” Cadence said standing at the top of a set of stairs. She came down and approached Shining. “Could I have a moment of your time dear?” She headed for another room.

“Better go see what she wants.” Shining followed and entered the room. 

Twilight couldn’t help but wonder what they might be talking about so she and Nova peeked in through a crack in the door. 

“I thought I made it perfectly clear I didn’t want you wearing that.” Cadence said pointing to Shining’s badge. 

“This was my fathers.” Shining said.

“And?” Cadence asked in response.

“And I think I should wear it.”

“Are you disagreeing with me?”

“I guess I am.” Shining then winced as his headache acted up and dropped to the ground.

“Oh, is your headache bothering you again?” Cadence cooed before shooting a green beam of magic from her horn to Shining’s head that made his eyes glow green and swirl in his head a moment. “Better?”

Shining stood up and nodded.

“Good.”

Twilight gasped. “She’s not just rude, she’s downright evil! Come on Nova!” The two quickly ran out of the building.

“Twilight, I don’t know but I don’t think that magic Cadence used was for headaches, nor did the color of the aura seem right.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Think about it. Usually the color of a unicorn or alicorn’s magic aura matches up with their own coloring, eyes or personality. Yours is purple, mine is yellow to match my eye color I’d say. Celestia’s is a sun yellow to match her warm personality and so on. Cadence’s aura…it was green. She’s the alicorn of love and is light pink. I would think the color of her magic aura would match up but it didn’t. So she’s not just evil, but I think an imposter as well.”

“We have to warn everyone.” Twilight said.

“We need real evidence though. Without any real proof, no one will believe us.” Nova stated as he came to a stop.

Twilight then stopped and turned to Nova. “Celestia would, she has to.” She insisted.

“Twilight, remember the promise you made about listening to what I have to say?” Nova asked.

Twilight turned her head to the side. “I do.”

“I know it may seem hard to believe Celestia may not believe you on your word alone, but think about it. She’s a princess. She can’t just go on hearsay.”

“I’m sorry Nova, but for the sake of my brother, I have to stop her.” Twilight said before taking off.

“Twilight wait!” Nova called after her and gave chase. 

Everyone was gathered in a large hall practicing the wedding ceremony. Celestia was directing Shining and Cadence where to stand as the other girls watched. “And Cadence, you’ll stand there. Perfect. Then you’ll say your vows and Spike and Starburst will present the rings.”

“STOP!” Twilight’s voice called out as she burst through the doors. Nova came in behind her.

“Twilight?” Shining questioned.

“This has to stop!” Twilight said again. “That’s not the real Cadence!”

Shining stood defensively before Cadence.

“She’s been mean to my friends, rude to everyone, and I saw her use magic on him that made his eyes go all…” She made her eyes swirl. “She’s NOT the real cadence!”

“Princess…” Nova cut in. “Shining, please, hear us out. Twilight has known Cadence since she was a filly. And Shining, You’ve known her a long time too right? You have to know the real Cadence wouldn’t let something like pressure over a wedding cause her to act the way she has been right?”

“Why would you say such things!?” Cadence cried before running off.

Shining didn’t buy it and glared at Twilight. “I would think having to oversee wedding preparations on their own WOULD make anyone cranky. And that magic she’s been using on me was to heal me from my headaches!” Shining insisted. “I can’t believe my own sister would do something like this.” He began walking past her. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a wife to console. And consider yourself uninvited to the wedding.”

“But…Shining!” Twilight said sadly.

Princess Celestia started walking past as well. “You two have a lot to think about.” She said harshly which really cut Twilight deep as she started to shed tears.

“Twilight.” Nova said as he hugged her.

The other girls gathered around. “Don’t worry Twi, we’ll have a word with them, see if we can’t change their minds er something.” Applejack stated.

“We believe you.” Rarity said before they left.

“Oh Nova, what have I done? I may have lost my big brother.”

“Don’t worry Twilight. He’s your brother. No matter what I’m certain he’ll forgive you eventually. Once he see’s your right, he’ll have to.”

“But…what if we WERE wrong?” Twilight said. She sang out another small song in remorse.

He was my big brother best friend
But now we’ll never do anything…
Together….

Nova hugged Twilight as she cried.

Just then, Cadence approached the two with a smile.

“Cadence…I’m sorry.” Twilight said.

Nova just gave a light glare.

Cadence’s eyes flashed green. “You will be.” With that, the two were engulfed in green flames and sank into the floor.

“Twilight!” Nova called out as he held her close. 

“Nova!” They blacked out for a moment.

As the couple slowly came to, they found themselves in a cave. “Oh, what the cosmos, where are we?” He asked as he looked around. “Twilight!?”

“Over here.” Twilight was just a few feet away from him. 

Nova rushed over to her. “Are you all right?” 

“I’m all right, but what happened?”

“Seems we WERE right, that Cadence is a fake.” 

“Very clever.” Cadence’s voice spoke seemingly from everywhere. Her image then appeared in a series of crystals jutting from the walls.

“YOU! What did you do? Where are we?” Nova asked.

“In some hidden caves beneath Canterlot. You’ll never find your way out.”

“What are you going to do with my brother?!” Twilight asked.

“Once I marry him, I’ll take over as Equestria’s new queen and harvest it for all the love it has. Starting with your precious big brother.” The false Cadence proclaimed.

“Don’t you DARE hurt him!” Twilight threatened as she lit her horn up.

“Try and stop me if you can.” The fake said with a smug smile.

“Twilight wait! It’s not the real her. She’s talking to us through a magic projection. Your magic will just start bouncing all over the place.” Nova said.

“Well what else are we supposed to do!?” Twilight asked.

“I’ll think of something.” Nova said.

“Good luck, ha ha ha ha ha ha!” The imposter laughed before her visage vanished.

Nova began thinking and racking his brain on what to do. “I got it! A sonic wave.”

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Echo location. It’s a method bats use to navigate in the dark. I can use a spell to emit a sound wave to map out the surrounding caves. From there, we should be able to find a way out.”

“Nova you’re a genius!” Twilight said hugging Nova.

“Takes one to know one.” Nova replied back with a smile.

Twilight giggled. But then frowned. “But there is still the question. If that isn’t the real Cadence, where is she?”

“I don’t know. Maybe she’s down here somewhere too?” Nova said. “We’ll have to try and keep an eye out for her.” Nova then focused his magic in his horn and let out a sonic wave. The echo came back and Nova had an image of the immediate surrounding. “Something’s off. There’s a wall that’s weaker than the others close by.” Nova led the way to a wall nearby. “Here. I think.” He let out another sonic wave. “There is definitely a weakness to this wall.”

“How can you tell?” Twilight asked.

“Another part of the spell let’s me determine the strength or weakness of walls so we can try to find a faster way out.” He then focused his magic again and blasted the wall, turning it to rubble. Behind it, a mare appeared. Not just any mare.

“YOU!” Twilight tackled the supposed Cadence imposter. 

“NO wait! Please don’t hurt me!” The mare pleaded. She looked a mess. Her mane was ragged and her coat unkempt.

“Twilight wait!” Nova quickly stopped Twilight. “I..I think this is the real Cadence.”

“Twilight?” Cadence asked.

Twilight kept her suspicions as she gave a wary look.

“It’s me, Cadence, the REAL cadence.” Cadence said.

“Prove it.” Twilight said.

Cadence then did the same song and dance Twilight did for the fake Cadence. “Sunshine sunshine lady bugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

Twilight soon smiled. “It is you!” She cheered before hugging Cadence.

“Oh Twilight, am I glad to see you.” Cadence said.

“But what are you doing down here?” Twilight asked breaking the hug.

“That imposter put me down here and trapped me.” Cadence said.

“Well don’t worry, we’ll figure out a way back, we have to.” Twilight said. “Oh, by the way, this is Nova, my fiance.”

“Fiance?” Cadence questioned with a smile. “So nice to meet you. I can’t believe Twilight actually found a stallion of her own.”

Nova blushed. “Well…things just kind of matched up between us. So I figured why not go for it. Anyway, I’m working on a way to get us out. I promise I’ll get you to your wedding.” Nova said.

“Thank you.” Cadence replied. The group began making their way through the caves.


Queen Chrysalis

This day is going to be perfect

The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small

Everypony will gather 'round

Say I look lovely in my gown

What they don't know is that I have fooled them all!

Princess Cadance

This day was going to be perfect

The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small

But instead of having cake

With all my friends to celebrate

My wedding bells, they may not ring for me at all…

Queen Chrysalis

I could care less about the dress

I won't partake in any cake

Vows, well I'll be lying when I say

That through any kind of weather

I'll want us to be together

The truth is I don't care for him at all

No I do not love the groom

In my heart there is no room

But I still want him to be all mine

Princess Cadance

We must escape before it's too late

Find a way to save the day

Hope, I'll be lying if I say

"I don't fear that I may lose him

To one who wants to use him

Not care for, love, and cherish him each day"

For I oh so love the groom

All my thoughts he does consume

Oh, Shining Armor, I'll be there very soon

Queen Chrysalis

Finally the moment has arrived

For me to be one lucky bride

Princess Cadance

Oh, the wedding we won't make

He'll end up marrying a fake

Shining Armor will be...

Queen Chrysalis: ...mine, all mine. Ha ha ha ha ha! 



The trio finally made it out of the caves and rushed to the wedding. “STOP!” Cadence called out. Everyone gasped seeing the other cadence. “That Cadence is a fake!”

“A fake?” Celestia questioned.

“It’s just like Twilight was saying.” Rarity said. 

“She’s a changeling! A shapeshifter that take the form of the one you love and drains them of their love!” Cadence informed.

“How clever of you to find me out.” The fake Cadence said before she encircled herself in green fire and soon began changing. Her wings shed their feathers revealing insect like wings, her legs grew longer and gained some holes, her horn grew longer and sharper and curved. Her coat was replaced with black chitin. Her eyes turned to a light green with slit irises, her mane more web like and a pair of fangs protruded from her mouth. “That’s right my little ponies. I am Chrysalis, queen of the changelings. And I intend to take over this land and turn it into a love buffet for all my children. And there’s nothing you can do to stop it!” Her voice had a double tone to it like there were two voices speaking at once.



“Shining Armor will stop you!” Cadence declared.

“Him?” Chrysalis said looking to Shining who looked to be in a trance with his eyes green. “I’m afraid not.”



“Then I will stop you.” Celestia said. “I will not let you hurt my subjects.” She flew up and fired a beam of magic. Chrysalis fired one back and the two collided. Chrysalis seemed to be struggling but was soon pushing Celestia’s magic back. It soon hit her and knocked her out of the sky. Celestia fell to the ground with her horn burnt and smoking.



“CELESTIA!” Everyone cried out as the girls surrounded her. 

Chrysalis laughed. “Ha ha ha ha ha ha! It seems Shining’s love for you has made me stronger than Celestia! Soon my children will break through the barrier and all of Equestria will be MINE! HA HA HA HA HA!” 

“The elements, they’re…our only hope.” Celestia struggled.

“Come on everyone! To the elements of harmony!” Twilight exclaimed.

The group left the room and got outside in time to see a swarm of changelings banging against Shining’s shield that looked ready to crack…which it soon did and the changelings descended like a meteor shower. “RUN!” Twilight shouted.

They continued on until they ran into a large number of changelings blocking their path. “We can do this everyone! Ready!?” Nova said looking to everyone before looking back and saw himself staring at him. “What the…”



All the changelings then began turning into duplicates of one of the girls or Nova.”Don’t let them distract you!” Twilight said.



“Don’t let them distract you!” A group of Twilight’s mocked.

“We can do this. We have to!” Twilight said. They then went on the attack. A large brawl broke out between them. Rainbow Dash fighting Rainbow Dash, Pinkie fighting Pinkie, and so on. Some were tricked at first by a changeling looking like their friend but the real one came in and helped. Nova was blasting and kicking away doubles of himself and others. Soon, the group was managing to start winning and knocked out all the changelings before them. But then another swarm was heading for them. “RUN!” Twilight called again. “We’re almost there!” 



They rounded a corner to the building that held the elements only to find even more changelings swarming the place. Outnumbered, they were captured and brought back to Chrysalis. 
“Nice try little ponies, but it’s hopeless. Equestria is mine and there’s nothing you can do. Ha ha ha ha ha.” She turned to a window and looked out over Canterlot. 

This day has been just perfect

The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small

Everypony I'll soon control

Every stallion, mare, and foal

Who says a girl can't really have it all?

Nova whispered to Twilight. “Twilight, listen. While she’s not looking, I want you to get Cadence and Shining, and get everyone out of here.”

“What? What are you going to do?” Twilight asked in concern.

“I’m going to distract her.”

“You can’t. She’s too strong.” Twilight said.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t do anything too risky. Just get everyone to safety. Please.” Nova said.



Twilight hugged Nova. “You better come back safe.”

“I promise.” Nova said. 

Twilight then snuck over to Cadence who’s hooves were being held in place by a green slime. Twilight used her magic to blast it away. “Come on. Go to Shining and come with us.”

Cadence went to Shining and was saddened seeing him in such a state as he was still under Chrysalis’s spell. “Oh Shining.” She hugged him tight and managed to use a bit of magic to free him from her control. 

“Wh…what’s going on? Oh, my head.”

“No time to explain, come on.” Twilight said. The group began sneaking for the exit.

Nova stood firm. “Godess Galea give me strength.” He said silently to himself first in a prayer. “HEY, Cheese legs!” He called out.

Chrysalis furrowed her brow and turned to Nova. “What did you just call me you insolent little pony?”



“I called you cheese legs. What? That webbing you call a mane is interfering with your hearing or what?” Nova shot back with a grin.

“Oh you are going to pay for that you pest.” Chrysalis began walking towards him.

“Your gonna have to catch me first.” Nova summoned his wings and took off like a shot out a window to the side.

“What the…GET BACK HERE YOU PEST!” Chrysalis cried before giving chase.

Nova led Chrysalis on a chase around the castle, around roof tops, under bridges, and through towers as she took shots at him but missed. “Can’t hit me! Can’t hit me!” Nova mocked. He zoomed behind a tower getting out of her sight for a moment. Chrysalis followed but then stopped mid air when she couldn’t see him.

“Where did you go!”

“Up here.” Nova said standing on the roof of the tower and shot a blast of Magic at Chrysalis, causing her to fall down some. She regained her flight and resumed the chase.

“I’m going to destroy you!” Chrysalis roared. She began firing beams again. They were getting closer to hitting their mark. Then, one hit one of Nova’s wings, causing it to disappear. 

“No no no!” Nova cried as he soon came for a crash landing back where they started. He skid along the floor on his side. Chrysalis flew in then glaring at Nova. Nova slowly got back up and stood firm. “I won’t let you take over this land. These ponies are my friends!”

“Like I care what they are to you. YOu and everyone else are food for me and my children. But I think I’ll enjoy draining you of your love in particular.” Chrysalis said before firing a beam of magic.

Nova managed to erect a shield just in time to block it but it pushed him back. “NO! I…won’t….let you win!” Chrysalis’s beam stopped. Nova glared at the bug queen and fired a beam back. Chrysalis met his with her own. For a moment they were at a stalemate. But soon, Nova could feel power beginning to build inside him as his beam was pushing Chrysalis’s back. 

“Nova, I hear your prayers and they shall be answered.” A voice spoke in his head. 

“Galea?” Nova questioned. His power grew and his beam intensified.

“No…imposible!” Chrysalis cried as Nova’s magic was now rushing towards her. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” The blast hit her and sent her flying out of Canterlot and beyond. Seeing their queen defeated, the changelings fled as well. 

Nova smiled at this but fell to the ground, exhausted.

“NOVA!” Twilight cried as she rushed back into the room. Soon, everyone else began pouring in.

“Hey Twilight, told you I’d be okay.” Nova stated. However, his unicorn disguise started to give way. The fight had taken it’s toll on Nova’s holo necklace as it fell apart. 

“Oh no.” Twilight gasped.

“Nova! Yer disguise!” Applejack said in concern as she and the others had gathered around Nova.along with his parents and little brother.

“He’s….a changeling?” Shining questioned before glaring. “GUARDS!”

A number of guards rushed in and surrounded Nova and the girls, pointing spears at him.

“SHining NO! It’s not what you think!” Twilight cried out.

“Get away from him Twilight! He’s dangerous!” Shining shouted.

Nova and his family hugged each other close out of fear.

“He is NOT! He’s our friend!” Pinkie countered.

“Don’t you dare hurt them!” Rarity shouted.

“ENOUGH!” Celestia cried out. “Shining, have the guards stand down.” 

“But your majesty…” Shining tried to argue.

“Stand down.” Celestia said again.

Reluctantly, Shining gave the order and the guards raised their spears.

Celestia began walking towards them as the guards stepped aside to make way.

“Princess, please, it’s not what you think.” Fluttershy said.

“He’s not a changeling!” Rainbow said.

“Girls, step aside please.” Celestia said.

“Princess…Nova…he…he’s not…” Twilight stuttered in fear.

“Twilight, please, step aside.” Celestia said with a straight face.

Twilight bowed her head and moved aside.

Novas family had their eyes closed as they all hugged each other closely.

The day Nova feared had finally come. He gulped before standing up. “Guys, let go.”

“But Nova…” Starburst whimpered sadly.

Nova gave a smile. “Don’t worry.”

“Please dear…be careful.” Starla said.

“Don’t worry Mom, I got this.” Nova said before gaining a straight face and stood before Celestia. “Princess Celestia. As you see I am not what you thought I was. My name is indeed Nova. And yes, I do seem similar to those changelings that attacked, but I swear, me and my family are NOT one of them.” He looked to them and nodded. They each removed their holo disguises, revealing their true alien forms. Nova looked back. “We are….from another world. A planet that was met with tragedy and destroyed many years ago. My race was scattered to the stars. It was by fortune of the goddess we believe in that I found my way here, then my parents. We are Equians. And I swear to you all we want is a place to call home. We mean no harm. So please, I beg you, do not cast us out.” Nova lowered his head.

Celestia kept a straight face before speaking. “Nova, you and your family are more than welcome to call Equestria your home.”

The equians looked up in surprise.

Twilight and the girls smiled and sighed in relief.

“I take it this is why you were so afraid of me then?” Celestia asked.

“It is. I thought that with all your wisdom and magic, you’d see through my disguise and cast us out.” Nova stated.

“I’m surprised you thought I would be so cold hearted. Especially with how big a help you have been with Twilight and her friends in their friendship lessons.” Celestia said. 

“Thank you, your majesty. I can’t tell you how much this means to us.” Nova said bowing his head.

“He’s…not a changeling?” Shining asked.

“No, he’s an alien.” Twilight said. “And he’s my future husband.” She added as she snuggled up to him.

“As well as a hero.” Celestia said. “Nova, you have saved Canterlot and all of Equestria from an invasion. You are truly a hero. We are honored to have you among us.” Celestia said bowing.

Everyone cheered in celebration.

“So Twilight, husband to be huh? When’s the wedding?” Cadence asked.

“We still haven’t figured that out yet. I wanted to wait till Shining and Nova met. Not that they have…” Twilight trailed off.


“Well….how about we make this a double wedding. Me and Shining and you and Nova.” Cadence asked.

“A double wedding?” Twilight and Nova questioned together.

“That is, if it’s okay with you Shining.” Cadence said.

“I think we can manage.” Shining replied with a smile.

“Um…I…well uh…” Nova stuttered as he blushed.

“Hear that? Sounds like we’re getting a wedding now.” Twilight said. “This is so amazing.”

Nova’s entire face turned red. He knew this day would come but he was still nervous about it. “Right….great.”

Twilight giggled seeing how nervous he was and kissed him on the cheek.

Soon, Canterlot was under repair and was quickly fixed. Then it was back to getting the wedding ready, only for two couples. And the REAL cadence was happy and much nicer about all the preparations for her part. She even liked Pinkie’s games ideas for the reception party. Twilight and Nova were fine with everything as well. Rarity soon had a nice tuxedo ready for Nova to wear for the wedding. And a gorgeous gown for Twilight. 

Now that everyone knew of Nova and his family being aliens, he no longer had to hide his true form as everyone was accepting of him. So there he stood at the alter next to Shining as Cadence and Twilight made their way down the aisle, with the cutie mark crusaders spreading flower petals along the way before them.

Celestia smiled as she started. “Mares and gentlecolts, today we gather here to celebrate the joining of not just one, but two couples who love each other very much. And to welcome our new friend Nova and his family who have come from beyond the stars into our home. May your new lives together with the one you love be full of joy.”

Spike and Starburst presented the rings for Shining and Cadence while Nova’s first ever gem with the sonic Rainboom was brought out. “Twilight, my most treasured possession I present to you as a sign that you now are my most treasured. I promise to love and protect you for as long as I live and beyond.” 

“I accept your gift and promise to do the same. You too are now my most treasured.” Twilight said in return. This was part of the Equian marriage ceremony that Twilight was happy to incorporate for their part of the wedding. Cadence found it romantic.

“You may now kiss your bride.” Celesta said.

Cadence and Shining kissed first.

Twilight blushed lightly while Nova blushed heavily. It may not be the first time they kissed, but it was the first time they kissed as a true couple. They pressed their lips together as husband and wife for the first time. Everyone cheered and confetti rained down as Fluttershy’s bird choir sang out.

The sun had set as the reception party began and soft music was playing while Shining and Cadence danced with each other along with Nova and Twilight. “Wow…..I….can’t believe it finally happened.” Nova said.

“What?” Twilight questioned.

“You…and me….us….married now. I….” Nova stuttered.

“Aren’t you happy?” Twilight asked.

“Of course I am. Just….nervous. I mean…this is all so new to me. I never really thought such a day would come.” Nova stated. 

“Well it has. So you better get used to it mister.” Twilight stated with a smile.

“I’ll do my best.” Nova replied. “By the way. I also understand that after an occasion like this, the couple are supposed to go on a honeymoon. A place to be alone and spend time with each other to celebrate their union. We never made plans for that, did we?”

“True, but Cadence was nice enough to help us out with that.” Twilight said.

“She was? What did she do?” Nova questioned.

“Cadence really is amazing. You and I are going to spend our honeymoon in Las Pegasus.” Twilight informed.

“Really? Wow. How did she arrange that?” Nova asked in surprise.

“She is a princess of love. She has her ways.” Twilight replied.

Nova just shook his head.

The music kicked up suddenly and A microphone was tossed to Twilight. She and Nova both broke out in song.

Love is in bloom


A beautiful bride, a handsome groom

Two hearts becoming one

A bond that cannot be undone because

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us

Your special day
We celebrate now, the pony way
Your friends are all right here
Won't let these moments disappear because

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us

At the end, Nova and Twilight shared a kiss.

The two couples shared their goodbyes to everyone as they got ready to leave on their honeymoons. Another adventure down with a wonderful happy outcome.