The ponies you know and love now have KIDS. Read on to experience their adventures
Many years after FIM, the Mane 6/CMC settled down, got married, and had kids. Now follow their children on their adventures. Watch as they face dangers, help each other, and spread harmony and the magic of friendship just like their parents did. Basically my interpretation of the show using characters that are their children.
Ponyville. Home to many ponies of different species. Earth ponies working hard, Unicorns using there magic, and Pegasi flying through the skies. Ponyville is even home to a princess and her family. Ponyville is also known for its friendship. The Elements of Harmony live peacefully with their families. Those six ponies always brought, cheer, joy, and harmony to the land of Equestria. Though, that was several years ago. Those six ponies are still living in Ponyville, married, and raising their children. At the Castle of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle ruled in Ponyville. She was married to Flash Sentry, a pegasus guard from the Crystal Empire. Together they had three children. Their oldest was an alicorn mare named Midnight Sparkle. Their second child was a pegasus colt named Flashlight. Their youngest was a unicorn filly named Starlight Aurora. Life for the princess was peaceful.
“MOM!”
Well almost peaceful.
“What is it,” yelled Twilight to her three children.
“Flashlight took my Junior Spells Spell Book,” Midnight told her.
“Why do you need it? You’re already so good at magic,” yelled Flashlight.
“Why do you need it? You’re a pegasus,” yelled Midnight.
“Hey I asked you first.”
“I’m trying to teach Starlight spells.”
“Yeah,” Starlight yelled at her older brother. The three of them continued to bicker at each other.
“Oh Celestia these three,” Twilight said to herself. “Look! Flashlight, give your sisters the book.” Flashlight opened his wing and handed his sister the book. “Now, you three go back upstairs.” As they started going upstairs, Twilight received a letter.
“You love him don’t you,” Flashlight said teasing his sister.
“Shut up.”
“Um, can you three go get my friends,” said Twilight.
“Why?”
“Just go. I-I’ll tell you later,” said Twilight. “It’s just to important right now.”
“Okay mom.” The three ponies left their castle home to hang out with their friends. They do have many friends in Ponyville, but the friends Twilight was talking about was the ones they’ve known forever. They first went to meet up with friends at Sweet Apple Acres.
“Oh nothin really. Just arguing with Appleseed,” Apple Slice said chuckling.
“Hey! He said I can’t use mah magic to get the apples out of the trees,” said a unicorn colt. “I have to actually buck ‘em out.”
“I know how you feel,” said Midnight.
“Excuse me,” said Starlight. “But where is my best friend.”
“I think she’s in the barn doing-”
“Were you guy talking about me,” an 11 year old earth pony filly said.
“Hey Sweet Apple. What’s up.”
“Oh nothing much. Just looking through random pictures I found in the barn.”
“Really. Like what?”
“Like I found a picture with my dad and my uncle. They were standing in front of this weird looking machine.”
“Oh I know what you’re talkin about,” said Appleseed.
“Yeah Pa said that that there machine made cider. Ma said that Pa owned the machine when she first met him,” said Apple Slice. “That machine is known as the Flim Flam Brothers Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000,” said a grown unicorn walking to his children. This unicorn was known as Flim. “I here you were looking at old pictures in the barn Sweets.”
“Eeyup. I found tons of cool pictures.”
“What else did ya find,” asked Appleseed.
“Yeah. Was there any of this dude in diapers,” asked Flashlight playfully pointing at Appleseed.
“Shut up.”
“Well I found a huge family picture of a family reunion.”
“Really? Which one? I’ve heard you guys have had plenty,” said Midnight.
“It was one where all of the Apple Family attended. Mom and Uncle Macintosh were younger than what they are now, Aunt Apple Bloom was probably about my age, and Granny Smith was well, alive.”
“That’s mah favorite family reunion. That’s the one where we had to raise the barn,” said an orange mare. “That there is also the one where Aunt Apple Bloom and Aunt Babs Seed did that crazy race, fruit bats attacked ponies, over a hundred fritters were made, and the quilt was finished.”
“Hey mom,” said her kids.
“How did all that stuff happen,” asked Sweet Apple.
‘Well..”
“Because of your mother,” said Flim.
“Hi Flim,” said Applejack
“H-Hey Applejack. We were just talking about the past,” said Flim.
“Like how you were conning ponies by sayin that that there tonic actually worked.”
“Well-I-uh...” All the kids laughed together at Flim.
“Oh yeah I almost forgot. My mom wants you to see her at the castle,” said Midnight.
"Oh my. What's goin on?"
“I don’t know. She said it was too important.”
“Well if it’s too important I best be goin then.”
“Good. We best be goin too. We gotta go tell the others too,”
The three ponies walked off the farm to tell the next pony on their list.
They walked up to a house where they have been at on many occasions. Only this house wasn’t on the ground. It was a cloud in the sky with rainbows around it.
“Hey! Anybody home,” yelled Flashlight.
A pegasus colt saw the ponies and immediately flew down.
“Hey guys.”
“Hey Rainboom. What ya doin,” said Starlight.
“Oh nothin. Just being awesome,” said Rainboom.
“You really are your mother’s child,” Midnight thought to herself.
“Rainboom! Who are you talking to,” an pegasus mare said as she walked to the edge of the clouds. “Oh hey. What’s new,” she said as she flew to her friends. “Hey Misty. Nothing new. Can I talked to your mom really quick,” said Midnight.
Aura Mist, or Misty as many ponies call her, is Rainboom's older sister.
“Sure. MOM! SOMEPONY’S HERE, AND SHE WANTS TO TALK TO YOU,” Misty yelled.
“Coming,” said their mom. Soon a blue pegasus with rainbow mane came flying down. “Hey kids. Heard you wanted to talk to me,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Yes. My mom wants to see you at the castle.”
“Really? What for?”
“We don’t know,” said Starlight. “It’s too important I guess.”
Oh. Well I gotta dash then. Soarin! I’m leaving!”
“Okay! you takin the kids?”
“We’re not going daddy,” said Misty.
“Alright,” said Soarin.
“Bye kids. Be back soon,” Rainbow said as she dashed away.
“Hey you guys wanna hangout,” asked Rainboom.
“Sorry but we gotta tell the others,” said Flashlight.
“We are we going now? My hooves hurt from walking all over the place,” cried Starlight.
“Well lucky for you we’re here. You can go sit down and get a snack,” said Midnight.
“Sugarcube Corner!” The three ponies walked in the bakery. Starlight and Flashlight took a seat at one of the tables while Midnight went to the front. Nobody was there, so she rang the bell.
“Hello. Anypony there?”
“Hold on just a second,” called out an earth pony with high pitched voice. “Okay I’m here.” the yellow pony with a pink mane said as she walked out from the back. “Hello. My name is Cheesecake. How can I help you today. May I interest you in today’s special Lemon Muffin Surprise.”
“I’ll take two for my brother and sister,” said Midnight.
“Hey Nighty! Didn’t see you here,” said Cheesecake.
“Well maybe if you open your eyes before or while saying your little thing maybe you would have realized it was me.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” As they talked, a pink earth pony with brown mane walked out.
“Hey sis, what are you doing,” asked the pony.
“Hey Berry. Just talking to Miss Midnight Sparkle.”
“Hi Chocolate Strawberry. How’ve you been?”
“Pretty good. Is your brother here with you today?”
“Yep. He’s back there with my sister.”
“You know Strawberry,” Cheesecake started. “Midnight ordered Lemon Muffin Surprises for her siblings. You wanna get two from the back and bring them to them?”
“I’ll make it three,” said Strawberry walking to the back to get the muffins.
“My sister totally has a crush on your brother,” said Cheesecake.
“I’d ship it,” said Midnight.
“So what did you come here for. My Cheesy Sense tells me you didn’t just come here for a couple of muffins.”
“You are so much like your parents. Speaking of parents is your mom around?”
“I guess my Cheesy sense needs to be checked on cause I totally thought you were asking for my dad. Then I would have said that he is not around because he is in Vanhoover planning a super duper party.” The two ponies laughed at the incorrect Cheesy Sense.
“No but seriously is your mother around. It’s kind of important.”
“Really? How important?”
“Important to the point where my mom sent me and didn’t tell me why.”
“Oh that is important. Yes she is here today. Mom! Can you come down here please!”
“Be right there,” yelled a voice from upstairs. The pink mare walked downstairs to her daughter and her friend.
“Hey Nighty! Haven’t seen you in awhile,” Pinkie said hugging Midnight. Pinkie Pie may have matured and had to take on bigger responsibilities after getting married and having kids, but she never lost that personality that made her, well, Pinkie.
“It’s good to see you too. My mom kind of needs you. It’s kind of an emergency,” said Midnight.
“Oh I better get going then, but the shop-”
“Don’t worry mom. Strawberry and I got it,” said Cheesecake.
“You sure sweetie?”
“Totally. Now go face whatever dangers you may face and have to defeat it using the magic of friendship.”
“Thank you. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are visiting the twins in the Crystal Empire, so don’t blow the place up.”
“Don’t worry mom. We got it.”
“Okay. I’ll be back.... Oh who am I kidding I don’t know when I’ll be back. Just know that I’ll be back. Bye sweetie,” Pinkie yelled as she ran out the door.
“Well better get back to work,” said Cheesecake.
“We better go too. We still have a couple of ponies to bring news to,” said Midnight.
“Bye Nighty!”
“Come on Starlight and Flashlight, we gotta go.”
“Okay,” said Starlight.
“Excuse me but Strawberry and I are having a conversation,” said Flashlight.
“It’s fine Flashlight. I got to get back to work anyway. Bye.” said Strawberry.
The three ponies walked out the door.
“So who we seeing next,” asked Starlight.
“I’ll just say this. Out of all of mom’s friends families, we are the closest with this family,” said Midnight. It took Starlight awhile, but she soon realized where they were going.
The three ponies walked up to the small house in which the last of their friends lived. Midnight knocked on the door and a yellow-green pegasus with pink and yellow mane opened the door. “Hey Midnight. What brings you here?”
“Hi Lightning Rose. Is your mom home,” asked Midnight.
“She sure is. Mother! Midnight needs you.” Not to long after a yellow pegasus with pink mane flew down.
“Why hello Midnight. Okay let me guess, your mother sent you guys to get me because there’s some kind of emergency,” said Fluttershy.
“Wow,” said Flashlight.
“How’d you know that,” asked Starlight.
“Angel Bunny was being a bad boy and snuck into the castle and heard everything.”
“That’s makes sense,” said Midnight.
“I gotta go then. Bye.”
“Bye mom.”
“Hey where’s your dad,” asked Midnight, “Haven’t seen him in awhile.”
“He’s at the gym,” said Lightning.
“Again.”
“Well his name is Bulk Biceps.”
“Yeah. Hey wanna hang out. we are gonna gather everyone and just hang out.”
It was towards the end of the day when 12 ponies between the ages 10-20 returned to the castle.
“That was so much fun,” said Cheesecake.
“I know it’s been so long since the last time we hung out like that,” said Misty.
“Yeah. Well we’re here at the castle. I’m assuming our parents can tell us about the emergency,” said Midnight.
All 12 ponies walked into the castle. The castle was quiet, but a little too quiet. Midnight knew something was up. Usually when all of there parents were talking, they could at least here muffling from the door. Yet there were no sounds except for there own hoof steps. “I have a feeling something bad happened or is going to happen,” said Midnight.
“What makes you say that,” asked Strawberry.
“Well for one thing,” Midnight started, “Our parents are no where to be found.” The 12 ponies walked into the throne room which was empty.
“Okay that there is weird,” said Apple Slice.
They all walked around to find any clues on what could have happened. Starlight walked up to her mom’s throne. On the throne was a piece of paper. She read it.
“What do you got there,” asked Midnight.
After reading it, all Midnight could say was, “Oh no.”
Midnight has never been so shocked in her life before. She’s never seen a situation like this before. Midnight wasn’t sure what to do. All these thoughts were going through her head. What am I going to do? What if I fail? What if I let my friends down? What if I let my siblings down? What if I let my parents down? What if this situation shows that I’m not good enough to be princess?
“Midnight,” yelled Jade.
“What?!”
“Are you okay. What’s going on,” asked Lightning Rose.
“I’m fine. It’s just...I..”
“Well what’s going on sis,” asked Flashlight.
“I’ll handle this,” said Starlight, “Our parents have been kidnapped. And we have to go save them.”
“Okay. Who caused this? And how is your mom able to write so fast,” asked Sweet Apple.
“Well, it’s not from my mom,” said Starlight.
“Then who is it from,” asked Rainboom.
“It’s from *gulp* Lord Tirek.” Everybody gasped.
“Why would he want us to go save them,” asked Sweet Apple.
“Don’t you get it,” said Appleseed, “He’s the villain. It’s a trap. He wants us to come so he can trap us as well.”
“Well we gotta go,” said Flashlight.
“No way. I’m not gettin trapped like our moms,” said Appleseed.
“We gotta go,” said Midnight finally getting herself together, “We have to save our mothers.”
“Tirek is tryin to lure us in,” said Appleseed, “And you’re saying we have to go face danger to save our mothers who can defeat anything with the magic of friendship.”
“Well yeah,” said Midnight.
“They can defeat him with the magic of friendship can’t they?”
“I guess they could.”
“Actually no they can’t,” said Starlight.
“Huh?”
“Each time they’ve defeated something with the magic of friendship, they’ve learned something about friendship. When they defeated Nightmare Moon, they learned about how much they actually care about each other. When they defeated Discord, they found out that friendships have their ups and downs but they will always have each other’s back. Didn’t mom ever tell you that time she went through that portal and had to defeat those Sirens. They went to just use the magic of friendship and it didn’t work because they didn’t learn anything,” explained Starlight. Everypony just stared at her. “What?”
“You’re ten. You are the youngest of the twelve of us. You just stood up to your older sister who is the smartest pony out of all of us,” said Cheesecake.
“Yeah?”
“I think what she means is that we were not expecting that,” said Misty.
“Oh yeah. I get that a lot.”
“Anyway, Starlight is right. They can’t do it right now. We have to go and save them.”
“I guess your right,” said Appleseed.
“Alright. Let’s go save our parents,” said Midnight.
‘Well where are we going,” asked Strawberry.
“I have no idea,” replied Midnight.
“I know,” said Starlight, “We’re going to the Castle of the Two Sisters.”
“Okay how do you know that,” asked Midnight.
“It’s right there in the note.”
“Oh. Well everypony, let’s go to the Castle of the Two Sisters!” All the ponies ran out the door to the Everfree Forest.
“Mom says we’re not allowed to go in the Everfree Forest without permission,” stated Sweet Apple.
“Well Ma’s not here. We can’t really ask her for permission can we,” said Appleseed.
“Appleseed leave your sister alone. She’s just nervous that’s all,” said Strawberry.
“Nervous? Ha! I’m not nervous,” Sweet Apple said as she trotted into the forest. The wind started picking up, and the leaves on the trees made ruffling sounds as the wind went through them. This spooked Sweet Apple causing her to hide behind her big brother.
“It’s alright Sweet Apple,” said Apple Slice, “We’re going to go through the forest together, and nopony is going to separate from the group.”
“You sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“Well we better get going if we want to get to the castle before sun down,” said Midnight. The ponies walked for several minutes. Most of them were determined to get to the castle, and the others were just bored out of there minds.
“Are we there yet,” complained Starlight.
“My hooves hurt,” complained Sweet Apple.
“My wings hurt from flying all the way over here,” complained Rainboom.
“Y’know you have hooves right? You can just walk,” said Misty being annoyed by her younger brother.
“I don’t want to walk. My hooves will start hurting”
“Well I guess you’re going to have to deal with the pain in your wings,” said Sweet Apple.
“Wow. Since when did you get sassy Sweets,” said Starlight.
“I don’t know. When did Rainboom get so arrogant?”
“Excuse me miss, but I’ve always been arrogant. If you haven’t noticed, I’m the son of Rainbow Dash. What would you expect from a pony who is the son of that kind of pony.”
“Well yes, but you aren’t really loyal like your mom,” said Starlight.
“Well you’re one to talk,” Rainboom said to Starlight.
“What is that supposed to mean!?”
“I at least have my arrogance and my dream to be in the Wonderbolts in common with my mom. Sweet Apple has almost everything except for honesty in common with her mom. What do you have in common with your mom? What that your a unicorn and she used to be a unicorn. That you’re both female?”
“Well those are physical traits,” said Sweet Apple, “We’re talking about personality traits.”
“Okay well there’s my point.”
“What,” said Starlight.
“You have almost nothing in common with your mom. You’re not really book smart. Your not next in line after your mom, your sister is. You can’t even get your magic to work correctly,” explained Rainboom. Starlight was on the verge of tears.
“Why does the matter,” she yelled.
‘Well in order to save our moms, we must have the same traits as them.”
“No we don’t.”
“How else would you save them?”
“Well I-”
“Exactly. You’re basically the reject child”
‘WELL AT LEAST I HAVE FRIENDS! THAT’S SOMETHING MY MOM HAS THAT I HAVE!” Starlight at that point was balling her eyes out.
“RAINBOOM,” yelled Misty as she marched back to her brother. “Starlight, go with your sister. I’m sure she’ll make you feel better.” Starlight nodded and walked to her sister.
“Rainboom what were you thinking,” Misty said interrogating her brother.
“I don’t know,” said Rainboom.
“You realized you probably lost a friend. You’ve been best friends since forever. Why would you say stuff like that.”
“I don’t know. I’m kind of in distress. I mean our moms are missing. What if we never see them again. You know how I get when I’m in distressed.”
“I know. But you’re gonna have to make it up to Starlight. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Pinkie Promise?”
“*sigh* Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
“Good boy. Now I’m gonna go back to talking with Cheesecake.” Misty walked back to where she was before.”
“Sweet Apple, you think you could help me with this apology?”
“Rainboom, you may be my best friend, but I know when not to help a best friend when he should be the one to fix the problem he caused. I’m gonna go walk with my brother now,” Sweet Apple said as she walked away.
Midnight looked down at her sister who was really upset. “Hey sis, you alright?”
“Midnight,” Starlight started, “Do I seem like, the reject child?”
“Why would you ever think that?”
“Well it’s what Rainboom said. I have nothing in common with mom. You have so much in common with her. And Flashlight has so much in common with dad. Everyone has something in common, except me.”
“Oh Starlight. You’re not the reject child. Mom and Dad love you as much as they do Flashlight and me. I can also ensure you that Flashlight and I couldn’t have asked for a better little sister,” Midnight said as she hugged her sister with her wing.
“But what about my magic? I haven’t been able to do anything with my magic.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll get it one d-” The two of them fell down a cliff along with two other ponies. The each were able to grab on to rocks and shelves that were on the side of the cliff.
“Midnight! Starlight! Strawberry! Jade! You guys alright,” yelled Lightning.
“Yeah,” all four of them replied.
“You guys need help.”
“Don’t worry,” said Jade, “I can get myself back up.” Jade clawed herself back up. Jada enjoyed having claws at the end of her hooves. They’ve come in handy in many situations, mostly involving her talent.
“Wow. I always forget how well your claws come in handy,” said Lightning.
“The joys of being half dragon,” said Jade.
“Um hello! Three ponies still hanging on for our lives here,” yelled Strawberry.
“Sis. Grab my hoof,” Cheesecake said leaning over the edge. Strawberry grabbed her sister’s hoof and climbed up.
“Midnight,” Flashlight yelled, “You have wings, just fly up.”
“I can’t. My left wing is hurt,” said Midnight.
“Don’t worry. Grab my hoof.” It was one of these moments in which Flashlight was truly worried for his sisters. Midnight was just about to grab her brother’s hoof when she realized something.
“Wait! Starlight,” she yelled. She looked down and saw her little sister hanging on for dear life on a little shelf.
“Help,” Starlight yelled at the top of her lungs.
“Don’t worry sis. I’m coming,” Midnight said sliding down the cliff. Starlight was scared to death. She didn’t want to fall.
“I have to get back up,” Starlight said to herself. She looked up at her horn. “Come on. Just to help this one situation.” She tried to levitated herself, but all that came out of her horn was little blue sparks. “I can’t do anything.” The rock that she was hanging on to broke off.
“Starlight,” Midnight yelled. She jumped off the cliff the save her sister. She was able to grab her sister. She was expecting the two of them to fall to the ground, but the didn’t. Midnight opened her eyes. She looked at her sister who’s eyes were shut closed in fear. She looked up and saw ponies hanging on to each other. Cheesecake was hanging on to Midnight, who was being held by Lightning, who was held by Misty, who was held by Jade, who was held by Appleseed, who was held by Strawberry, who was held by Flashlight, who was held by Apple Slice who had Sweet Apple and Rainboom hanging on to his tail. They were able to get the two ponies up to the top of the cliff.
“You-You guys saved us,” said Starlight.
“Well of course we did,” said Jade.
“Yeah we wouldn’t let our friends fall to their deaths,” said Cheesecake.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” said Sweet Apple hugging Starlight.
“Me too,” said Rainboom. “To be honest, I wouldn’t have let you fall even if it was to save my own life.” Starlight smiled. “Y’know, I’m so sorry at what I said earlier. I didn’t mean ANY of it.”
“Apology accepted,” said Starlight.
“Hey guys,” said Lightning, “There’s a safer way to get down the cliff we can just take that path.” The 12 ponies took the safe way down and continued on their journey.
The ponies have been on their journey for a long time now.
“I can’t believe we got this far,” said Midnight, “And Lightning, how’d you know what to do with that manticore?”
“Well I am the daughter of Fluttershy. I may be a gardener, but I know what to do with a lot of animals.”
“Hey Sweet Apple,” said Cheesecake, “How did you know about our mom’s giggle at the ghosties theory.”
“My mom told me about all the adventures our moms had,” said Sweet Apple.
“I can’t believe that sea serpent knows our moms,” said Jade, “Especially my mom.”
“Guys,” said Misty.
“I know weird,” said Lightning.
“Guys.”
“I saw somethin that looked very much like your mother’s tail,” said Apple Slice.
“GUYS!”
“Um yeah Misty,” said Midnight.
“The castle’s right there,” she said pointing her hoof at the castle.
“Oh, well, let’s just go across the bridge.” The ponies crossed the bridge and got to the castle. They all looked through the windows before going inside. Inside the castle was Tirek. He looked as if he got almost all of Equestria’s magic, but he didn’t have all of Equestria’s magic. Beside Tirek was a cage that held six ponies. It was there moms. They all had their magic drained by Tirek. None of them wanted to face Tirek, and it looked like they were having some conversation.
“Why are none of you ponies are facing me,” Tirek asked.
“Why should we face you, you took all of our magic,” said Rarity.
“Yeah,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Um, I agree with Rarity and Pinkie,” said Fluttershy.
“What are you waiting for Tirek,” asked Rainbow.
“Yeah. We’ve been sittin here for ages,” said Applejack.
“I’m just waiting for more, guests,” said Tirek.
“Whatever do you mean,” asked Twilight.
“You’ll see,” replied Tirek.
Outside the ponies could see what was going on.
“We have to go in,” said Midnight.
“We can’t go in there,” said Appleseed, “We’ll get our magic drained.”
“We have to do something.”
“How’d he get so big like that anyway,” asked Strawberry, “He only drained the magic of six ponies.”
“Six ponies who possess the most powerful magic in Equestria,” said Midnight.
“Oh right.”
“We gotta go in there,” said Midnight, “It’s the only way.”
“I’m with Appleseed on this one,” said Flashlight, “I’m sorry sis, but if he drains our magic how are we supposed to save our moms?”
‘What would our moms do,” Midnight asked.
“Well-”
“They’d help anypony no matter the situation,” said Starlight.
“That’s right,” said Midnight, “So are we going to be like the ponies our moms are or are we going to forget about them and let Equestria fall.”
“We’re going to help our moms,” said Starlight.
“Okay. We all in?” Everypony else nodded and they ran inside the castle.
“Well well well. If it isn’t the rest of my guests. Hey ponies, why don’t you turn around and see who the rest of my guests.” The six ponies turned around to see their own children standing there before their very eyes.
“KIDS,” they all yelled.
“MOM,” the children yelled as they ran to their mothers. Unfortunately, Tirek had snapped his fingers and trapped the six kids in a cage.
“Great,” said Flashlight.
“Tirek let our kids go,” yelled Twilight.
“Okay. I’ll just do something first.”
“No,” Twilight whispered to herself. Tirek started levitating the ponies. He immediately drained their magic.
“Told you,” said Appleseed.
“Now I have all of your magic. There is no way you can defeat me now.”
“Actually we can defeat you still,” said Starlight standing up.
“Star? What are you doing,” asked Twilight.
“Don’t worry mommy. I go this.”
“Um hello? Giant monster about to destroy Equestria here,” said Tirek.
“What I’m saying is that you may have our magic physically, but you don’t have it mentally.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“No, it’s not. What you have on the outside isn’t the same as what you have on the inside. We have the magic of friendship, and you can’t take away friendship,” Starlight said as the other ponies stood up behind her. “Friendship is a special kind of magic that can’t be taken away or given to. You have to find it for yourself. I’ve learned that friendship can be hard, but your friends care about you so much that they’d do anything for you.” Starlight started glowing along with the others.
“Well even if that’s true, you don’t have a pony for each element,” said Tirek.
“True,” Starlight started, “But each of us could represent an element. Actually, we all represent all of the elements. There’s always that something in us the makes us represent all of the elements.” Colors stared appearing on each of the ponies manes. “You may have taken our magic, but you can never take the power of FRIENDSHIP!” The colors of each ponies’ coat started shooting towards Tirek. Tirek shrank back to the size he was before the magic and disappeared. The cages disappeared, the ponies got their magic, and the ponies returned normal.
“Starlight, I’m so proud of you,” said Twilight running to give her kids a hug. “how did you figure out all that.”
“You know mom, I thought I was nothing, but it was my friends who helped me realize that.”
“Starlight is right,” said Lightning.
“Yeah. We found out stuff about ourselves by trusting in our friends.”
“Why don’t we go home, and you guys can learn more about the magic of friendship,” said Twilight.
“I agree. I’m tired and want to go to sleep,” Starlight said as she yawned.
Everypony laughed as they enjoyed the moment together with all their friends.
It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. At Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Slice and Midnight Sparkle were walking down the path with baskets full of apples.
“Thanks for helpin me with apple bucking today,” said Apple Slice.
“No problem. Always happy to help out a friend,” said Midnight.
“Yeah there’s no way I could’ve done all of it on my own. My mom and Aunt Apple Bloom are visitin relatives. My Uncle Macintosh, Aunt Cheerilee, and my cousins Crimson Crisp and Cherry Blossom are on their own little family vacation. Appleseed and Sweet Apple can do it, but they always get distracted. And my dad and Uncle Tender Taps can’t apple buck for the life of them.”
“You forgot somepony,” said Midnight.
“Who?”
“Your little cousin Jazzy. You know, your Aunt Apple Bloom and Uncle Tender Taps's little filly.”
“Jazzy Jubilee? She’s not little for an eight year old. Sure she’s not as tall as Sweet Apple who’s eleven, but she’s taller than most fillies her age. Haven’t you seen her next to Sweetie Belle’s filly or Scootaloo’s filly.”
Midnight started giggling at Apple Slice. “I didn’t mean little as literally little. I meant little as in young. Last time I checked she’s the youngest in your family. Well, before the twins at least."
“Oh.”
“Well why couldn’t she help,” Midnight asked.
“Two reasons,” said Apple Slice, “One: a pony like her at that age would get tired after a few trees. Two: she’s scared to.”
“Scared? She’s all into adventure. How’s she scared?”
“She’s scared she might break her legs, or the apples will fall on her head.”
“Oh. Poor thing.”
"What about Rhythm Apple and Gala Medley? Jazzy's brother and sister?"
"Seriously Midnight? They're only a year old," Apple Slice said.
"I'm just kidding," Midnight said giggling.
“Okay my point of this whole conversation is that I’m glad you were able to help me out.”
“Like I said before, no problem.”
After walking for a couple more minutes, Apple Slice was reminded of something. “Hey-um Midnight?”
“Yeah,” Midnight replied.
“Could you do me another favor?”
“Sure thing.”
“I have a second cousin that lives in Applewood. Her name is Apple Cider.”
“Okay...”
“Her dream is to one day meet royalty. Since I’m friends with you she looks highly up to you.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“Because she said she looks up to any pony, especially a princess, who wants to be friends with a simple farm pony like me.”
“She does know that we’ve been friends since we were foals right? We probably wouldn’t have met if our moms weren’t best friends.”
“I know. My point is that she’s comin to visit on Monday, and I was wonderin if you could stop by and meet her.”
“I would lo-”
“INCOMING,” yelled a blue pegasus falling from the sky. “OUCH,” she yelled as it hit the ground.
“Misty! You alright,” asked Midnight.
“You hit that there ground pretty hard. Are you hurt,” asked Apple Slice.
“Nope. Just a couple scratches. This isn’t the first time this happened.”
“It isn’t,” Midnight asked.
“No. I always race my brother.”
“How does racin your brother result in you falling to the ground,” asked Apple Slice.
“I’m not as fast as my mom, dad, or brother. Whenever I race Rainboom, I always go faster than I’m used to. When I reach a certain speed, I loose control of my wings and end up falling.”
“Shouldn’t you go see a doctor or something about that,” asked Midnight.
“Nope. My mom and dad said it’s normal for pegasi to loose control if they go too fast.”
“Really? Never heard that before,” said Apple Slice.
“I never heard it before they told me either. Both my parents are Wonderbolts. I trust them when they tell me things about wings and flying.”
“Makes sense,” asked Midnight.
“By the way, Midnight I need you on Monday,” said Misty.
“For what?”
“So remember how I went to Flight Camp when I was younger?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I had a Flight Camp Reunion recently and my best friend wants to meet you. I mentioned to him that I’ve been friends with you since we were babies. His name is Comet Fire. He’s Spitfire and Fleetfoot's son.”
“Oh?”
“I know it may be sudden, but he’s visiting Ponyville and I really want him to think of it as an awesome place like Cloudsdale. Plus, if it wasn't for your mom, he wouldn't exist.”
“Wow. You’ve never acted this way towards anypony else.” Midnight started smiling, “Do you have a cru-”
“Don’t. Say. A word.”
“Okay, okay. I guess I could-”
“Wait. What about my second cousin,” said Apple Slice.
“Oh yeah. I guess I could-”
“Please Midnight. I need you,” said Misty.
“You know Misty, I asked first. First come first serve,” said Apple Slice.
“Guys.”
“Ever heard of ladies first,” said Misty.
“Guys.”
“Midnight and I were born in the same year. Sure I’m older by like ten months, but we’re still pretty close in age,” said Apple Slice.
“Guys.”
“Midnight and I were Cutie Mark Crusaders together. Remember we were best friends when we were little, ” said Misty.
"I was a crusader too with you guys. My aunt started the crusaders. We wouldn't have been crusaders if it weren't for her."
“GUYS!”
“Yeah Midnight,” they both said.
“Both of you have good reasons for me to meet your friends, but I just can’t choose on the spot. I need to think about this,” explained Midnight.
“That’s okay Midnight,” said Misty.
“Yeah. Take all the time you need,” said Apple Slice.
“Thank you. Now, I’m gonna go out to town and get lunch. See ya later.” Midnight started to walk away when Apple Slice and Skylar started glaring at each other. “And don’t you dare hoof wrestle you two.”
Midnight was walking into town to get food when all of sudden...
BAM!
“Cheesecake? What are you doing,” Midnight asked.
“Oh hi Nighty. I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” said Cheesecake.
“Why.”
“So you know Pumpkin Cake.”
“Yeah.”
“Well she has a friend from the Crystal Empire that totally adores Strawberry and I.”
“Yeah, and...”
“Pumpkin Cake mentioned that we’re friends with a princess.”
“Okay.”
“AND SHE WANTS TO MEET YOU!!”
“Wait. What even is this “friend’s” name?”
“Sugar Sprinkles, she lives in a bakery in the empire. That’s kind of how her and Pumpkin Cake got to know each other.”
“And when is Sugar Sprinkles coming over?”
“MONDAY!”
“Monday? Um.. I don’t know. I’ll have to se-”
“Oh there you are Midnight,” said a dragon/pony hybrid.
“Jade? You’re looking for me?”
“Yeah. You know how we’re so close. We’re practically cousins,” said Jade.
“We are kind of cousins I guess. I mean your dad is a dragon that was hatched and raised by my mom and is basically a brother to her.”
“Exactly! So can I ask a favor of you?”
“What is it,” Midnight asked a little annoyed.
“My friends from Canterlot are coming over this week. They meet royalty all the time, but they have yet to meet you. They’ve met Princess Celestia, Princess Corona, Princess Luna, Prince Stargaze, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor and their kids, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“They haven’t met me, but they’ve met my mom.”
“Yeah weird right. So my friends are the son of Hoity Toity and Photo Finish, Shining Star, and the daughter of Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, Noble Grace. They’re coming on Monday!”
“Monday!?”
“Yeah Monday!”
“I think I’m-”
“Um, Midnight,” asked a yellow-green pegasus, “Do you have a minute?”
“What do you need Lightning?”
“So, my mom has a friend named Tree Hugger.”
“Okay...”
"And she married my uncle Zephyr Breeze."
"Okay..."
"And they have a daughter who's my cousin."
"Yeah, that's usually what happens when your uncle marries someone. Their kid becomes your cousin. Who would've thought?"
"Anyway, my cousin's name is Tree Embrace."
“Tree Embrace? I’ve heard many odd names in Equestria, but that one is probably the weirdest.”
“That's not her actual name. It's a nickname my aunt Tree Hugger came up with and it kinda stuck. Uncle Zephyr isn't really fond of that name. My mom blames Discord. Not sure what that’s supposed to mean. Anyway, she’s coming to visit and she wants to meet you.”
“Why?”
“Because I mentioned to her that I’m friends with a princess.”
“Of course.”
“So can you meet with us on Monday.”
“Monday? Really? I-uh-”
“Sorry to be rude, but Midnight’s meeting my friends on Monday,” said Jade.
“NO! She’s coming to meet Pumpkin Cake’s friend on Monday,” said Cheesecake.
“What are you talking about,” said a voice, “She’s coming to meet my second cousin on Monday,” said Apple Slice.
“Apple Slice!? What are you doing here. Have you been following me?”
“No. I’ve been following her,” said Apple Slice pointing at Misty.
“What!? I just want to make sure Midnight’s meeting Comet Fire on Monday,” said Misty.
“But she has to meet Tree Embrace on Monday,” said Lightning. The five of them just continued to argue over who Midnight gets to meet on Monday until Midnight couldn’t take it anymore.
“ENOUGH! Look I know all of you have good reasons for me to come meet your friends.
“To have a second cousin’s dream to come true,” said Apple Slice.
“Two ponies getting to meet all of Equestria’s royalty,” said Jade.
“TRUE LOVE,” said Misty. Everypony just stared at her. “I-I mean for a fr-friend to meet a p-princess.”
“Look. I’m starving. I can’t think of anything on an empty stomach. I gonna go eat.”
“I don’t want to hurt any of their feelings. Which one am I gonna choose,” Midnight asked herself. “I should just eat. I shouldn’t worry about this right now-”
“HEY THERE MIDNIGHT,” yelled Apple Slice.
“Apple Slice? What are you doing here? What’s that behind you?”
“Just a cart full of delicious apple products. I’m ain't gonna tell you all the names of these meals, so why don’t ya dig into this here delicious pile of deliciousness.”
“You made all of this?”
“Nope,” said a voice from behind the cart, “He did not.”
“Hey Sweet Apple. Who made all these meals?”
“I did. If you remember correctly, this guy has no cooking talent what so ever,” said Sweet Apple.
“Now I remember,” said Midnight.
“Well what are you waitin for? Take a bite,” said Apple Slice.
“Well to does look deli-wait, why are you doing this? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday,” asked Midnight.
“No. I’m just trying to help out a very hungry friend,” said Apple Slice.
“What are you talking about,” said Sweet Apple, “You said that’s exactly why you’re doing this-,” she was cut of because Apple Slice had covered her mouth with his hoof.
“Look, I know you really want me to come meet your second cousin on Monday, but giving me food is not gonna work. Now if you excuse me, I’m gonna go eat,” Midnight said as she walked away.
Midnight sat at the outside dining part of a restaurant. She was still trying to decide which friend to help out. “Oh, they all have really good reasons. I could go with Misty because it’s to impress a stallion, but there would be four sad ponies.”
“Uh Miss,” said a waiter
“I CAN’T DECIDE!” Midnight had almost got the attention of everyone outside. “I mean, I’d like a Hayburger with Horse Shoe Fries please.”
“Sure thing,” said the waiter as he walked away.
“I wish I had someone to talk to about this. Like mom with the gala tickets. She had Uncle Spike to talk to,” Midnight said to herself.
“Here you go miss,” said the waiter.
“Thank you. I’m starving.”
Midnight was about to take a bite, but the waiter interrupted her. “Uh Miss? Are you going to eat in the rain?”
“What do you mean? It’s not raining.” She looked out to Ponyville and saw that it was raining, just not on her. She looked up and saw Misty. “Aura Mist, what are you doing? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday?”
“What? Of course not. I’m just trying to keep my best friend dry while she eats her food,” said Misty with the sun shining behind her.
“I’m not choosing you right now,” said Midnight.
“Fine,” said Misty as she zipped up the clouds.
“Thank you.” Midnight picked up her food with her magic. As soon as she picked up her food, rain started pouring down. “Just great”
“Midnight, it’s raining,” said Jade who was dressed in a raincoat with an umbrella.
“No. Really,” Midnight said sarcastically.
“Come one let’s go fix you up,” said Jade, “We’ll go to the spa. We can have a girls’ day out!”
“No no no! I’m not choosing right now,” Midnight said as she flew away.
Midnight flew all the way back to her home in the castle. She then flew all the way up to her room. When she got there, Lightning was cleaning her room.
“Lightning, not you too,” said Midnight.
“I remember you mentioning awhile back that your room needed cleaning, so I decided to help you out.”
“No no no!” Midnight flew out of her house and landed right in front of the doors of the castle. “Can’t they just leave me to decide who I’m gonna choose.” Midnight continued to think about it until she was swept off her feet
“Midnight is my bestest friend whoopee whoopee...” Cheesecake sang as random ponies threw Midnight in the air. “Cheesecake...”
“She’s the cutest, smartest. all-around best pony..”
“Cheesecake...”
“I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party party...”
“Cheesecake...”
“She’ll come to visit Pumpkin’s friend for me!”
“CHEESECAKE!” As soon as Midnight said that, she was dropped. “I don’t know if I’m gonna meet your friend on Monday.”
“Your meeting ponies on Monday,” asked one of the ponies. “I actually have a relative coming in on Monday and-”
“NO!” Midnight then flew off and had ponies chasing her. “Why are my friends just like their mothers.”
"You should be saying that about yourself too,” said Flashlight.
Midnight was chased all the way back to her house. She went up to her room which was dark. Suddenly the lights turned on, and her friends were standing right there. “No! I’m sorry guys. I just can’t choose. You all have really good reasons and I just can’t decide who to choose. I don’t want to hurt any of your feelings.” Midnight was now crying into her hooves.
“We’re sorry Midnight,” said Lightning.
“Huh?”
“She said we’re sorry,” said Misty.
“Instead of thinking about your feelings, we took advantage of your status as princess, and that we’re best friends with a princess,” said Jade.
“We should be grateful that we’re best friends with such an important pony like you,” said Cheesecake.
“We shouldn’t have taken advantage of this with us wanting you to meet ponies we know just to make ourselves look good in front of the other pony,” said Apple Slice.
“It’s okay everypony,” said Midnight, “I forgive you.”
“You don’t have to come meet my friends on Monday. You can choose somepony else,” said Jade.
‘But I want to meet your friends. I just don’t know who to choose.”
“Why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said a voice coming into the room.
‘Mom? What are you doing here,” asked Midnight.
“I heard noises so I decided to come up. Now why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said Twilight.
“That could work,” said Midnight.
‘It could,” said Misty, “But I still need Monday. Comet Fire will only be here on Monday.”
“I guess I could take Tuesday,” said Jade.
“I got Wednesday,” said Cheesecake.
“Tree Embrace is leaving Friday, so Thursday would be best for me,” said Lightning.
“And I’ve got Friday,” said Apple Slice.
"Hey that worked out perfectly,” said Midnight. Midnight’s stomach started making noises. “Looks like I’m still hungry.”
“That you are,” said Twilight, “Why don’t we go get Hayburgers for dinner?”
“Yeah,” they all said. They were now happy that it was able to work out for everypony in the end.
It was late in the evening, but not too late to the point where ponies were already going to bed. Though, one pony was off to bed preparing herself for the next day.
“Lightning Rose, why are you going to bed at this time,” Fluttershy had asked her daughter, “You usually are up for at least another hour or two.”
“I know it’s early, but tomorrow is the start of my Gardening Season,” said Lightning.
“Gardening Season?”
“Yeah. A whole ton of ponies asked me to do their gardens. Not to mention I got to work on my own garden.”
“Explain how much a “whole ton” is exactly,” Fluttershy wondering what her daughter got herself into.
“Oh, about a couple dozen,” said Lightning.
“What!? This is going to take you at least a minimum of a month right?”
“Nope. I’m doing it all in a week.”
“A week? But sweetie, that’s a lot to do. Can’t one of the other garden ponies such as Daisy or Roseluck do some of it?”
“I guess they could, but all these ponies asked for me specifically.”
“Well if they asked for you specifically I guess you got to do it,” said Fluttershy.
“Thanks for understanding mom,” said Lightning, “Now I got to go to bed now if I want to get an early start.”
“Why don’t you get one or two of your friends to help. You could get a couple dozen gardens done in a week faster,” suggested Fluttershy.
“No! I mean, I’m pretty sure I got this.”
“Okay. Goodnight sweetie.”
“Goodnight mom,” said Lightning.
“Wait Lightning. Just remember, don’t overwork yourself,” Fluttershy said remembering and incident that had happened with one of her friends.
The very next day Lightning got up bright and early. She got her supplies and headed out the door. She walked half way across town to her first stop. She knocked on the door. A greenish colored pony who had a greenish colored mane and golden yellow eyes opened the door.
“Hello there Miss Lyra Heartstrings. I’m here to tend to your garden,” Lightning said as she greeted Lyra.
“Why hello Miss Lightning Rose,” said Lyra, “I’m so glad you could come at this time of day. I’m having a get together with some of my friends, and I want the garden to look nice.”
“Cool. When are you having your get together so I have an idea of how long it should take me,” said Lightning.
“In a few hours,” said Lyra.
“In a few hours? Then why’d you want me to come so early,” asked Lightning.
“I’m gonna take it you haven’t seen my garden,” said Lyra. Lightning shook her head. Lyra directed Lightning to the backyard. Lightning’s jaw dropped at the sight of the poor yard. Most of grass was dying, weeds were popping up everywhere, flowers were all droopy, vegetables and fruits did not look appetizing, and the trees looked like they could fall at any moment. “This is why I wanted you to come early,” said Lyra. Sweat started coming down Lightnings face.
“Hehe, looks like I better get started,” said Lightning.
“Take all the time you need.” Lightning was left frozen. She had not seen a garden that bad before. She knew that this wouldn’t end well for her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hours past and Lightning was finally done. Everything looked like it was all brand new. “Wow,” said Lyra, “You really have a talent for gardening.”
“Well it is my talent,” Lightning said pointing at her cutie mark.
“I just can’t believe you did it. You’re a miracle worker,” said Lyra.
“By the way,” Lightning started, “What time is it?”
“It’s about 1:00,” said Lyra.
“WHAT!! I was supposed to be at Cranky and Matilda’s house like three hours ago!” Lightning quickly grabbed all her stuff and quickly burst out of Lyra’s yard and flew as quick as she could to Cranky and Matilda’s house.
“I can’t believe it,” said Cranky, “She said she could do it for cheap, and she’s not even here three hours past the time that she was supposed to be here! It’s the wedding invitations all over again.”
"Calm down Cranky. It’s not like it’s the end of the world. Lightning’s a nice young mare. I’m sure she has a reason for being late,” said Matilda. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. “See Cranky, what did I tell you?”
“So so so so SOOOOOO sorry I’m late. I’m doing a whole bunch of ponies’ gardens and my first one took way longer than I thought,” explained Lightning.
“It’s totally fine,” said Matilda, “Take all the time you need.”
“What? I can’t take time. I have to work extra hard now if I want to do all the other ponies that are scheduled for today.”
I’m sure you can get your friends to help. They’re always there to lend a ho-”
“No I’m fine. I can do this on my own.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m super sure.” Lightning then started working on the garden.
Celestia’s sun has set, and Luna’s moon had risen. Fluttershy was now awaiting the return home of her daughter.
“It’s getting pretty late,” said Bulk Biceps, Fluttershy’s husband and Lighting’s father, “Where’s Lightning.
“She’s out doing ponies’ gardens.”
“How long has she been out?”
“Probably since the sun came up this morning.”
“Does she at least have somepony helping her?”
“I don’t think so. I mentioned it last night. She kinda yelled no and then claimed she could do it all on her own.” The front door then opened and Lightning came in. “Oh hello Lightning. How was your day.”
“Great. Just great,” said Lightning. Lightning had bags under eyes, and she could hardly keep her balance.
“Lightning dear, are you alright,” asked Fluttershy.
“You don’t look so good,” said Bulk Biceps.
“I’m fine. I’m totally fine,” Lightning said trying to smile through her tiredness.
“How many gardens did you get done today,” asked Fluttershy.
“two,” mumbled Lightning.
“What was that,” asked Bulk Biceps.
“TWO,” yelled Lightning in the same way as her father. “Oops. Sorry I yelled. It’s just not fair. How am I supposed to get a couple dozen ponies’ gardens done by the end of the week when I only got two done on the first day.”
“You can always ask help from your friends,” said Fluttershy.
“Mom, I already said no.”
“I know what you said, but these are your best friends we’re talking about. They’d help anypony.”
“Mom. I already said no. I can do this.” Lightning then let out a large yawn. “I’m getting tired.”
“You’re just now getting tired,” asked Bulk Biceps. Fluttershy then glared at Bulk telling him to not speak.
“I’m off to bed,” said Lightning.
“Wait aren’t you going to have dinner,” asked Fluttershy.
“If I want to get an early start tomorrow, I have to go to bed now,” said Lightning.
“Well, I uh, okay. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Fluttershy then looked down at the food on the table.
“Don’t worry Shy. I’m sure she’ll realize it soon,” said Bulk Biceps.
The next morning, Lightning continued to work on ponies’ gardens. She had finished about 3 ponies gardens in just about six hours. The forth pony she was helping out was Twilight.
“Wow,” said Twilight, “Garden looks nice. I haven’t haven’t seen it this good since I asked you to fix it for me when you were twelve.”
“Well it says it right there in my cutie mark,” said Lightning.
“It sure does,” Twilight replied. She looked at Lightning concerned. Lightning looked like she was about to fall asleep and then having to wake herself up. “You alright sweetie?”
“Huh? Oh yeah. I’m fine,” said Lightning.
“Oh hi Lightning,” said Twilight’s daughter Midnight, “How are you doing-.” She was cut off by how tired she looked. “Are you alright Lightning?”
“Like I told your mother, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure. How long have you been working,” asked Midnight.
“I’m sure of it. I’ve only been working all day today and all day yesterday.”
“You sure you don’t need help?”
“Nope. I’m fine. Everything is fine. I can do this on my own.”
“If you say so.”
“Oh look at the time! I’ve gotta go. Still a lot more ponies to do this whole week.”
“Oh-well bye then,” said Midnight.
“Stay safe,” said Twilight. Lightning waved and then flew away. “I want you to follow her,” Twilight told Midnight.
“Follow her? You mean like stalk her,” asked Midnight.
“No not like that. Though I’ve seen you do that to other ponies including myself, and your pretty good at it.” Midnight giggled at what her mother just said. “I mean follow her as to make sure she’s okay.”
“Okay mom,” Midnight said. She then flew off to find Lightning.
Lightning continued on with her day fixing up other gardens. Like Twilight told Midnight, Midnight followed her. She always knew Lightning wasn’t the best when offered help, but she knew that Lightning couldn’t do this all on her own. Suddenly, Misty came to talk to Lightning.
“Hey Lightning,” said Misty.
“Huh!? Oh. Hello Misty. What brings you here,” asked Lightning.
“I have a couple rain clouds to get rid of. I was wondering if you could help me get rid of them. I know you’re busy, but I really need to get this done quickly.”
Lightning looked at the position of the sun to see what time it was. “I guess I could help you for a few minutes.”
“Great!” Misty then flew up towards the clouds and Lightning followed behind her.
“So what should I do,” asked Lightning.
“Just kick the clouds. But not too hard. You could send a cloud flying across Ponyville, and crash into somepony flying. I don’t want ponies getting mad at me. Again.”
“Okay,” Lightning replied. Lightning and Misty were busting clouds for about ten minutes before Lightning realized what time it was. “Oh my Celestia! I’ve been busting clouds for ten minutes. I need to get back to gardening.” She then kicked the last cloud as hard as she could.
“WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU ABOUT KICKING THE CLOUDS TO HARD,” Misty yelled as she chased the cloud.
“I know I saw her go this way,” said Midnight, “Maybe she over-OOF!” Midnight was knocked out of the sky by a cloud. “I think I know which way to go now.”
“Oh my goodness! Are you okay Midnight,” said Misty coming down to help her up.
“Yeah I’m fine. Let me guess, Lightning Rose?”
“Yeah. How’d you know that?”
“Lucky guess. I’m gonna go talk to her.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re not going to get anything out of her,” said Misty. “She won’t accept anypony’s help. Out of you, me, her, Jade, Apple Slice, and Cheesecake, who’s the oldest?”
“Lightning.”
“And you know why she won’t accept anypony’s help?”
I know, I know. Since she’s the oldest of all our moms’ kids, she feels she should be the one who can do everything herself. This is a huge issue for her.”
“I know. Now do you think you’ll be able to help her?”
“My mind is telling me no, but something else is telling me, there’s a way.”
“Where did she go,” Midnight asked herself when she saw that Lightning was no longer there. As she looked into the distance, she saw all different kinds of animals coming towards Ponyville.
“Stampede,” yelled a random pony. A ton of animals started running into Ponyville. Behind all the animals, Sweet Apple and Jazzy were seen running after them.
“Come back here,” yelled Jazzy.
“You guys are gonna get us grounded,” yelled Sweet Apple.
“Well, Winona Jr. started acting up. We decided to go get Fluttershy,” said Sweet Apple.
“Okay...”
“Fluttershy’s house is all the way across town, and I didn’t feel like walking that far. I saw Lightning working on somepony’s garden, and asked her instead. I thought since she’s Fluttershy’s daughter that she would be just as good as Fluttershy. Long story short, she sent all the animals at the farm on a rampage.”
“Like I said,” said Jazzy, “Her fault.”
“Okay, I’ll go talk to her,” said Midnight, “Don’t cause anymore trouble.”
“You got it,” they both said.
As Midnight flew away, the two fillies turned around. When they turned around, they didn’t expect to see who was standing behind them.
“H-Hey Aunt Apple Bloom,” said Sweet Apple.
“Hi mom. How is it going,” said Jazzy.
"Jazzy Jubilee and Sweet Apple! I had to leave the farm and crying twins to get you two. What do you have to say for yourself."
After helping with the animals, Midnight continued on her search for Lightning.
“Okay seriously, where is that mare.” Midnight then finally spotted Lightning. “Hi Lightning. Still doing those gardens I see.”
“Well what else what I be doing this week,” Lightning asked. Lightning couldn’t even stand still. Her body was swaying back and forth like she was on a boat. At certain moments she would quickly open her wings to catch her balance so she doesn’t fall.
“Lightning, you don’t look so good.”
“I assure you I’m perfectly fine.”
“You can’t keep going like this. You need some help. You know, I could-”
“No Midnight! I don’t need your help! I don’t need anypony’s help! I can do this on my own! Now if you excuse me, I need to finish up this garden. After this I get to head home, and then I get to continue tomorrow morning.”
“Are you sure it has to be tomorrow morning? Can’t it be tomorrow afternoon. At least give yourself a break.”
“I’m sorry Midnight, I just need to get everypony’s garden done by the end of the week. I got to go know. Bye.”
“Bye.” Walking back home to the castle, Midnight thought to herself, “Tomorrow is only Tuesday. There’s no way she’s going to make it to Saturday.”
“Welcome to the birthday bash of Shooting Star,” Cheesecake cheered proudly. “With me today is my assistant, Lightning Rose.” Lightning smiled at the crowd of little foals and waved. She did have the look of wanting to be somewhere else at the moment. “Okay everypony! Who wants to play Pin the Tail On the Pony!” “We do,” yelled all the children. “Alright, I’ll leave you with Miss Lightning.”
“Excuse me,” said Lightning, “You expect me to run the game for them.”
“It’s just for a little bit. Just until I get the snacks, foods, cake, cupcakes, ice cream, and punch out. Trust me. It’ll be okay.”
“Alright fine.”
As Cheesecake walked over to the kitchen area, Midnight walked in. “Hey Nighty! What brings you hear,” asked Cheesecake.
“Fluttershy told me Lightning was here,” said Midnight.
“Yep. She’s over there with those little kids helping with Pin the Tail On the Pony,” Cheesecake said pointing at her. Lightning was helping the children play the game, but she didn’t look to happy.
“You know what she rather be doing right,” Midnight asked.
“Of course I do,” said Cheesecake, “She told me that she’s heading to Sweet Apple Acres after this.” All of a sudden, they heard complaining.
“That’s not fair! I should have won,” said one of the little foals.
“Look. This little filly right here got the closest to the pony. Therefore, she’s the winner,” Lightning said.
“But I need to win at everything!”
“You can’t have everything you want kid. Trust me. I rather be some where else at the moment.”
“IT”S NOT FAIR!”
“Well guess what? Life’s not fair. Now would you just please SHUT UP!” The room was filled with silence after that.
“Doesn’t Lightning get angry when she hasn’t had enough sleep,” Cheesecake asked.
“Yep,” said Midnight, “Remember that camping trip we took four years ago.”
“Yeah. Not one of my favorite memories.”
Lightning started walking towards the door. “H-Hey where you going,” asked Cheesecake.
“I’m done here. I’m going back to my gardening. If anypony needs me, I’ll be at Sweet Apple Acres.” Lightning then walked out slamming the door.
“You’re gonna follow her aren’t you,” asked Cheesecake.
“I have to. Plus there’s somepony there who I think could put some sense into her.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks. I’ll need it.” Midnight then walked out the door and headed to Sweet Apple Acres.
———————————————————————————————
Midnight then arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. She spotted Lightning and started to walk up to her. That’s when Apple Slice saw her. “Hey Midni-“ He was cut of because Midnight had flew up to him and covered his mouth.
“Shhh,” said Midnight.
“Now what in tarnation was that for,” said Apple Slice. Midnight then whispered something in his ear. “Okay I think I could do that.”
“Do you understand,” asked Midnight.
“Eeyup.”
“Okay. Now don’t do it until I give you the signal.”
“Alright.”
Midnight trotted over to Lightning. “Hey Lightning.”
“Midnight. When are you going to see that I can do this on my own,” said Lightning.
“When I believe it. Right now, I don’t think you can do it.”
“Midnight! What a thing to say to a friend.”
‘I’m not trying to be mean. I’m trying to help you. I want to help you.”
“Midnight. Like I said before, I can handle this.”
“But look at you. It’s only Tuesday. How are you gonna last ’til the end of the week?”
“Some how I will. I don’t need help from ponies like you. No offense.”
That’s when Midnight looked back at Apple Slice. She winked at him. He then ran into the barn. “What makes you think that ponies like me can’t help.”
“Nothing. It’s just…”
“Does it have to do with the fact that I’m a princess?”
“No, no, no. It’s hard-It’s hard to explain. Let’s just say that there’s nothing to explain.”
“Oh sugar cube,” said a voice, “I don’t think that’s a valid reason for not gettin any help.” Midnight and Lightning both looked in the direction of the voice. They both saw an orange mare with blonde mane and three apples for a cutie mark.
“A-Applejack,” Lightning said kind of confused.
“Hey there.”
“What are you doing here?”
“These two said I should come.”
“Why?”
“Sugar cube, I went through somethin like what you are goin through. I didn’t want help from anypony. I even thought I was able to harvest all the apples during Apple Buck Season all by myself. I was wrong. It wasn’t until Midnight’s mom, Twilight, showed me that there will be times where a pony can’t do everythin on her own. With the help of my friends, includin your mom, I was able to finish harvestin in time. Now what’s the reason you don’t want anypony’s help?”
“I-I don’t really want to talk about it,” said Lightning.
“Well why not?”
“I-I just don’t feel comfortable about it.”
“Does your mom know what it’s about?”
“I don't actually know if she does.”
“Mind if I ask her?”
“Sure.”
“Okay. Now I understand you don’t really want help, but this is a time where you really need it. Now go ask for help,” Applejack said pointing at Midnight.
Lightning took a deep breathe and asked her. “Midnight Sparkle, would you like to help me with gardening? For the rest of the week?”
“I would loved to,” replied Midnight. The two ponies walked towards the garden to start there job.
“Hey Midnight,” said Lightning.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have survived the rest of the week if you hadn’t done what you did.”
“No problem. Besides, that’s what best friends are for.”
It was a wonderful day in Ponyville when Pinkie Pie, her husband Cheese Sandwich, and their children Cheesecake and Chocolate Strawberry were trotting through town together. “It is gorgeous, super, duper, fantabulous day,” said Pinkie Pie.
“You said it mom. Today is great,” said Cheesecake.
“It’s a super, duper, perfect-for-a-party day,” said Cheese Sandwich.
“It’s fine I guess,” said Strawberry.
“Strawberry. Is there something wrong my little cupcake,” said Pinkie Pie.
“No mommy. It’s just I-”
“OH MY CELESTIA,” yelled Cheesecake. “We should plan a party to celebrate what an amazing day today is!”
“That’s a good idea Cheesecake,” said Cheese Sandwich.
“Yeah we should do that. Cheesecake, you are so much like your father and I when we were younger.”
“Thanks mom. I’d have to say I agree with you. Don’t you agree Berry?”
“Well, sure. I mean you plan parties like them, you’re crazy like them, and you make everypony around you smile. You basically are them in eighteen year old mare form.”
“Strawberry sweetie,” started Pinkie “You were about to say something weren’t you?”
“Never mind mommy. It’s not important.”
“Are you sure,” asked Cheese Sandwich.
“Yes I’m sure.”
“It’s okay if it’s not okay sis. We’re your family. You can tell us anything. We’re here for you,” said Cheesecake.
“Strawberry, please tell us if there is something wrong ever,” said Pinkie, “You’re only fourteen years old. At this age I understand you can be a bit emotional. I mean once you start growing up your body will start changing and-”
“Okay mommy! I get the idea. Trust me on this one I’m fine. Now why don’t you three go ahead and gather party supplies. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Okay,” said Cheese Sandwich.
“Okie dokie lokie,” said Cheesecake.
“Are you sure Strawberry?”
“Mom! I said I’m fine!”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Don’t worry mom. I will.”
————————————————————————————————————————
Strawberry was walking back to her home with her head down. “I know I lied to them, but I don’t want them feeling bad for me. Why do I have to be so different.” As she was walking, she saw Misty panting over by the Ponyville fountain. “Hey Misty.”
“Hey. Straw. Berry. How. Are. You,” said Misty trying to catch her breathe.
“I’m fine, but what about you? Why are you so out of breathe?”
“I’m trying to increase my wing power,” explained Misty.
“Why exactly? For all the years that I’ve known you, which is basically all my life, I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of you living your life in the “fast lane”. It just doesn’t seem like you.”
“Oh. It’s nothing.”
“You sure. I mean I can imagine your mom, dad, and brother doing something like this. I mean your mom’s wing power is 25.7, your dad’s is 17.2, and your brother’s is 10.0.”
“Yeah…”
“By the way what’s your wing power?”
“6.3”
“What was that?”
“6.3”
“Wow that’s impressive.”
“No it’s not! It may seem like a lot to you, but your just an earth pony. No offense.”
“Non taken. I imagine wing power is a huge thing for pegasi like you.”
“Yeah. I know I have a greater wing power than some ponies, but I want my wing power to be stronger.”
“Why do you care about it so much?”
“Well-”
“Misty!”
“Oh, hi mom,” said Misty.
“Mist, what are you doing out here,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Nothing mom.”
“Okay. Oh hey there Strawberry. What are you doing?”
“I’m doing nothing at the moment,” Strawberry stated. “My parents and sister are getting party supplies for a party.”
“What is the party for,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“It’s for today being wonderful.”
“Of course they would,” said Rainbow Dash smiling.
“Um mom. What did you come here for,” asked Misty.
“Oh yeah. I need your help at the house.”
“What did Rainboom destroy this time?”
“Like half the house.”
Okay. Well I’ll see you later Strawberry. Bye!”
“Bye Mist!” Skyler then flew off with her mom as Strawberry continued walking by herself.
—————————————————————————————————————————
Rainbow Dash and Misty flew together to there cloud home.
“So what were you doing out in Town Square,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Excuse me,” asked Misty.
“When you left you never said where you were going.”
“Oh well, I wasn’t doing anything really.”
“Uh huh. Why are you wearing those goggles?”
Misty looked up at her mane. She had forgotten she was wearing a pair of goggles. “Um, I have no idea,” Misty said trying to act serious.
“Come on Aura Mist," she said using her daughter's full name. "I’m not that gullible.”
“I know, I know.”
“So would you like to tell me what you were doing.” Misty looked down shamefully. She didn’t want to tell Rainbow what she was doing. The most important thing she didn’t want Rainbow to know was why she was doing it. “Hey. Is something wrong sweetie?”
“No mom. I’m fine,” Misty said obviously trying to hide her feelings. Rainbow Dash then flew in front of Misty.
“Misty, I know that voice. I’ve used that voice when I was your age. I know you were doing something. I know you don’t want to tell me why you were doing it. Is there something going on?” Misty just looked away. “Mist, please. As your mother I want to know what’s going on, and I want to help with whatever you are going through.” Despite Rainbow's tough and tomboyish attitude, she had become very motherly ever since Misty was born.
“I really don’t want to talk about it mom. I just don’t,” said Misty. Rainbow Dash decided just to stop. She knew that Misty was easily emotional. Rainbow was the kind of mother who cared about her daughter’s feelings, but didn’t want to dig too deep due to Misty's emotional side. “So why did Rainboom destroy like half the house. You know other than the reason that he’s a twelve year old colt.”
“He’s training for the Best Young Flyer’s Competition.”
“Oh yeah that’s right. Why didn’t he go outside and practice.”
“Who knows.” After that they were back to awkward silence. A memory came into Rainbow’s mind that made her smile and feel warm inside. “Do you remember when you entered the Best Young Flyer’s Competition?”
“Yeah. How can I forget?”
“You know, that day was probably the most I’ve ever been proud of you. Not only were you a little filly who won the competition, but you also got your cutie mark in that competition. As your mother, you getting your cutie mark was one of the best moments in my life.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. How could I not be proud of my little girl.”
“I can think of a few reasons,” Misty muttered.
“What was that?”
“Nothing. Let’s just go home. I’m really tired.”
———————————————————————————————————————————
Chocolate Strawberry had just arrived home when the rest of her family were already home planning the party. “Hey everypony,” said Strawberry as she walked through the door.
“Hey sis. What took you so long to get home,” asked Cheesecake.
“Oh I just ran into Misty and Rainbow Dash. Nothing big and special.” Strawberry then headed up the stairs towards her room.
“Hey sweetie,” said Pinkie. “You wanna help with the party. I know there was the incident three years ago but-”
“Do you have to mention the incident mommy.”
“I’m sorry, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t help.”
“Mommy, I basically ruined that party. I just don’t want to ruin this party.”
“Sweetie you were only eleven at the time. You’re a teenager now, and you’ve grown up.”
“Still. I just don’t want to let everypony down. You guys make it so easy to make ponies smile. For me it’s just easy to let ponies down.”
“Sweetie I-”
“I’m just going to go upstairs now. You can go back to planning the party,” Strawberry said while trying to put a smile on her face.
“Oh-Okay.” Pinkie then headed back to plan the party with a solemn look on her face.
“I-I don’t know. I feel like you should be asking Strawberry that. I definitely feel like something’s wrong.”
“I know what you mean. She’s been down lately. I wish there was something we could do,” said Cheese Sandwich.
“Maybe I could talk to her,” said Cheesecake.
“You sure you can get through to her,” asked Cheese Sandwich.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I can try. She’s my little sister. If I’ve learned anything from having a sister is that sisters are the ponies who are always there for you.”
“Where did you learn that,” asked Pinkie.
“Well a few ponies taught me it. That would include Aunt Applejack, Aunt Rarity, and you mom.”
“I taught you that?”
“Well you all didn’t like talk to me about it, but I’ve seen you with your sisters. By the way which are the best aunts ever.”
“Well, I guess you can talk to her. I’d really appreciate it if somepony could at least talk to her,” Pinkie said smiling at her eldest child.
—————————————————————————————————————————
“Hey sis,” said Cheesecake poking her head in her sister’s room.
“Hey,” Strawberry said. Cheesecake then walked in and closed the door behind her. “What are you doing?”
“I came here to talk to you. I thought it would be best if mom and dad would not hear. I’m guessing you don’t want them to know”
“I guess your right.”
“Strawberry, you wanna tell me what’s going on. We’re all worried about you.”
“Cheesecake, I-I don’t know.”
“How long has it been going on?”
“As long as I could remember.”
“Wow. That’s a long time.”
“Yeah.”
“You wanna tell me now.” Strawberry just shrugged her shoulders. “Come one Strawberry. I’m your older sister. You can tell me anything.”
“Well-”
“YES!?!”
“Would you let me explain.”
“Sorry.”
“Ever since I could remember, your personality is just like mommy and daddy’s. You’re crazy. You’re funny. You’re a party planner like them, though you do center towards little fillies and colts. Most of all, you’re able to make everypony smile wherever you go. I can’t even do half the things I you, mommy, or daddy do.” Cheesecake was stunned by what she was hearing from her little sister. “I guess what I’m saying is, I feel like mommy and daddy are more proud of your accomplishments than mine. All I do is make sweet treats. It says it right there in my cutie mark,” Strawberry said pointing at her cutie mark, which is a chocolate covered strawberry. “Sure they do get excited for me sometimes, but it happens more often to you than me.”
“Oh Strawberry. I had no idea. If you would’ve told me I could-”
“It’s alright Cheesecake. It’s not your fault. You never meant to do it. It’s just destiny I guess.”
“You know mom and dad are worried about you. If you tell them-”
“Please don’t tell them how I feel! I don’t want them feeling bad. I didn’t want you to feel bad either. That’s why I never said anything.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell them, but they’re still going to worry.”
“They’ll get over it. They always do.” When Strawberry said that, Cheesecake’s heart nearly shattered into pieces.
“Well, I’m going to go back downstairs. Need anything?”
“Nope. I’m fine.”
“Well, okay. See you later I guess.”
“See ya later sis.”
———————————————————————————————————————
Back at Rainbow Dash’s family’s cloud home, Misty and her had just finished fixing up the house.
“Wow. I never thought that we would get it done in time,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Me neither. I guess that’s what happens when you have the best mother-daughter pair in Equestria,” said Misty.
“You are definitely my daughter.”
“Yeah.”
“Now do you wanna tell me what you were doing?”
“What?”
“You know what I mean.” Misty just looked at Rainbow with a confused look. “Come on now Aura Mist. You can tell me.”
“Mom, I know you mean well, but I just don’t want to talk about it. Okay? Can this be just one of those times where you let me fix my own problems?”
“Okay sweetie, but if anything happens ever I’m gonna come straight to you if you need me. Got it?”
“Got it.” Misty then flew upstairs and headed towards her room. That’s when her younger brother, Rainboom, noticed her.
“Hey Mist,” said Rainboom.
“Oh hey Rainboom. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just standing up here while you and mom clean up my mess.”
“Yeah what was that all about?”
“I was practicing.”
“Hey. You know there’s this wonderful thing known as outside. It’s way better place to practice than in A FREAKING CLOUD HOUSE!”
“Yeah I guess I should have thought about that first.”
“Yes you should have.”
“Hey Mist?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you all upset?”
Misty looked at her younger brother. Normally he could really care less about her, but there was something in him that told him that it was an obligation to make sure his sister was okay. It’s not that often when Rainboom wants to make sure Misty is fine. “Do you really want to know,” Misty asked knowing she couldn’t get out of it. Rainboom immediately nodded his head. Misty then looked to see where their mother was. She was still downstairs fixing up little things in the house. “Come with me.” Misty then brought Rainboom into her room and shut the door behind her.
“Why are we in here,” Rainboom asked.
“I don’t want mom to hear.”
“Okay. Now that she can’t hear us, spill.”
“Okay fine. You see I’ve never been a fan of living life in the fast lane like you, mom, or dad. Mom is Wonderbolt, dad is a Co-Captain of he Wonderbolts, and you strive to become a Wonderbolt. As for me, I still don’t really have a career in mind. I’m going to guess it has something to do with flying through the sky with rain making rainbows or something. That's what I got my cutie mark in doing,"
“So you’re confused about what your future is?”
“No. My point is ponies see you three as ‘important ponies’ and see me as just that one pony who’s related to them. You guys are like a big ball of shining light and I’m just a shadow. To be honest, I feel like mom and dad have most of their pride in you because you’re like their legacy child and here I am not being known all over Equestria. Yeah you guys are there to protect me and mom’s there if I need to talk to somepony, but I don’t feel like you guys are proud of me. I still remember in school when I was a filly; they would say mean this to me because I was different from my family.”
“Misty, I never knew. How come you never told mom this?”
“I don’t want her to find out. I don’t want her feeling bad for me. That’s why I haven’t told her.”
“Okay.”
“Now that you know this, promise me you won’t tell mom.”
“I promise.”
Misty scanned her brother up and down. She wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep it from their mother, so she took extreme measures. “Pinkie Promise?”
Rainboom got a little nervous after she said that. He realized then that he was going to get no where if he didn’t. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. There, I Pinkie Promise.”
—————————————————————————————————————
Later that day, Rainbow Dash and Rainboom went out to town and just flew around. They usually get some mother-son bonding through this.
“Oh how I love the outdoors and flying,” Rainboom said while doing flips in the air.
“If that’s so, then why were you practicing for the Best Young Flyers Competition in the house,” Rainbow replied.
“Details, details,” Rainboom said waving his hoof at his mother.
“I wonder what’s been going on with your sister.”
“What?”
“I mean your sister has been acting strange lately. Haven’t you noticed.”
“Um I uh-Nope. Haven’t noticed at all,” Rainboom said as he smiled trying to look like he didn’t know anything.
“Do you have any ideas to why your sister could be acting like that?”
“No!”
“Are you sure?”
Rainboom didn’t know what to say at this point. He was gonna have to tell her. Luckily, he noticed a couple of ponies on the ground. “Hey look! It’s Pinkie Pie and Cheesecake.” Both Rainbow Dash and Rainboom flew down to them.
“Hey Pinkie, hey Cheesecake,” said Rainbow.
“Hiya Rainbow Dash. And hello to you Mr. Rainboom,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Hi Mrs. Pinkie Pie. How are you,” said Rainboom.
“I’m just swell. Well, except for the fact that Chocolate Strawberry has been acting strange lately.”
Rainboom did a quick look at Cheesecake. She had the face of somepony wanting to say something, but couldn’t. “Maybe she’s in the same situation that I’m in,” Rainboom said to himself.
“Oh my Celestia. By acting strange do you mean looking depressed at all?”
“Yeah.”
“Wow. Our daughter’s must have the same thing wrong with them.”
“Probably do,” Cheesecake muttered to herself.
“Oh what was that Cheesecake,” Pinkie asked.
“Nothing.”
Rainbow and Pinkie continued to walk and talk about how their daughters have been acting.
“So you know what’s wrong with your sister,” Rainboom whispered at Cheesecake.
“Yeah. I’m gonna guess same goes for you,” Cheesecake whispered.
“Yeah.”
“So what’s making my best friend depressed’?”
“Basically, she’s living in the shadow of my parents and I.”
“Really?! Strawberry’s basically living in the shadow of my parents and myself.”
“I can’t believe our sisters are upset about the same thing,” Rainboom yelled.
“Me too. Isn’t this exciting,” Cheesecake yelled.
Pinkie and Rainbow looked at their respective child. “So you do know why Misty's been depressed,” said Rainbow.
“Same goes for you young lady,” said Pinkie.
“You two wanna spill the beans,” asked Rainbow.
“I really can't because I Pinkie Promised,” said Rainboom.
“Dang it,” said Pinkie. “Why do Pinkie Promises have to interfere?”
“Well I didn’t Pinkie Promise, and I can’t keep it in anymore so I’ll tell you guys,” said Cheesecake. Both mares payed very close attention the the younger mare. “Mom, Strawberry feels like you and dad aren’t proud of her and are more proud of me. I’m basically you and dad put together. I’m pretty sure everypony in Ponyville could see that.” Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “You see, we are so much alike. Strawberry is different from us. She’s not as crazy, not a party planner, and she has a harder time making ponies smile. She basically feels like the odd one out. Basically, she’s living in the shadow of you, dad, and me.”
“I had no idea,” said Pinkie.
“As for Misty,” Cheesecake said turning to Rainbow Dash, “I believe she’s upset about basically the same thing. She’s living in the shadow of you, Soarin, and Rainboom. She’s the odd one out. I do remember her saying that she was going to get her wing power up today.”
“So that’s why she was out earlier,” Rainbow said.
“Yeah. She feels embarrassed that she’s nothing like you guys. She used to get picked on for being different back in school.” Rainbow looked at Cheesecake in disbelief. “That is why she’s upset right,” Cheesecake asked Rainboom.
“Yep. That’s basically it.”
“How did you know all that,” Rainbow asked.
“I know everything about my best friends. What would you expect. I’m the daughter of the one and only Pinkie Pie,” said Cheesecake.
“Now what,” asked Rainboom.
“Well, why don’t you guys get you sisters, so we all can have a little talk,” said Pinkie Pie.
——————————————————————————————————————
Both Cheesecake and Rainboom came back with both of their sisters.
“So why did you bring us here,” asked Misty.
“Yeah. What’s going on,” asked Strawberry.
“Come here girls,” said Rainbow Dash.
“We’re gonna have a little talk,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Now we both know why you two have been depressed lately,” said Rainbow Dash.”
‘We know you guys have been living in our shadows respectively,” said Pinkie Pie.
Both Misty and Strawberry were shocked that their mothers have found out. “Cheesecake,” Strawberry yelled.
“Hey I never Pinkie Promised not to tell,” said Cheesecake.
“That’s true.”
“Rainboom! You Pinkie Promised not to tell,” yelled Misty.
“I didn’t tell. Cheesecake told,” said Rainboom.
“But how did she-Nevermind don’t answer that,” said Skylar.
“How come you didn’t say anything,” asked Pinkie Pie.
“I didn’t want you to feel bad for me,” said Strawberry.
“Yeah. I didn’t want you feeling bad for me either,” Misty said to her mother.
“Misty, I feel even worse about it now that somepony else told instead of yourself,” said Rainbow Dash. Misty looked ashamed.
“Look girls, sometimes it’s best to tell us how you are feeling. It’s better to tell now, so you can let it go later,” said Pinkie.
“That’s right. If you didn’t tell us, your thoughts would have taken over and turn it into a much bigger problem,” said Rainbow Dash.
“I’m sorry mom,” said Misty.
“I’m sorry too,” said Strawberry.
“It’s not your faults,” said Pinkie, “It could have happened to anypony.”
“Plus you girls learned a very important lesson in the end,” said Rainbow Dash.
“I guess you’re right,” said Misty.
“Hey. you know what this calls for,” Strawberry said looking up at her mother.
“That’s right. A party,” said Pinkie Pie.
‘Come on everypony. Let’s get to Sugarcane Corner so we can start decorating,” said Cheesecake.
“Yeah. It’ll be awesome,” said Rainboom.
Both sets of families headed towards Sugarcube Corner to celebrate not only a beautiful day, but also the girls learning a very important lesson.
It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. Midnight Sparkle was practicing her magic in her room. Just like her mother, Midnight had more magic in her than a normal pony. Well, also she’s an alicorn, so that might explain why she’s so powerful.
“Almost got it,” said Midnight trying to perform a spell.
“I don’t even know what you’re trying to do,” said Flashlight who was being used as Midnight’s test subject.
“Would you wait and see,” Midnight replied.
“Why have you been practicing magic so much lately?”
“Well I’m currently nineteen which means in two years I’ll be twenty one.”
“Yeah. I’m pretty sure all nineteen year old ponies turn twenty one after two years.”
“What I mean is that once I turn twenty one, I get to have my coronation.”
“Yeah, so?”
“Once I have my coronation, I become a ‘ruling’ princess. Meaning I get to have princess duties.”
“This is all important because?”
“Well you know that you and Starlight won’t be coronated because you’re not the oldest in the family right? I’m the heir to mom’s throne.”
“My Celestia, that’s not my point! Why are you practicing magic lately?!”
“Oh yeah. I’ve been practicing magic lately because I’m supposed to know a lot of magic by the time I’m coronated.”
“Midnight, you still have two years before that happens. Enjoy your life before you have a whole ton of duties thrown at you.”
“Oh Flashlight, I am enjoying life. I love practicing magic,” Midnight said with excitement.
“And that’s why Starlight and I call you ‘mom’ sometimes,” Flashlight said with a slight annoyed tone.
“Now hush up so I can do this spell correctly.” Flashlight stopped talking and stood still. A magenta colored magical aura from Midnight started to form around Flashlight’s muzzle. Soon, a mustache had appeared on Flashlight.
Flashlight looked down at what had just appeared on his muzzle. He looked up at Midnight and said, “Are you kidding me?”
“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes,” Midnight chanted as she jumped around in a circle. Midnight then calmed down and looked at her brother right in the eye. “Yes,” she said one more time in excitement.
“Midnight, Flashlight, guess what,” asked a voice coming straight towards the room.
“What is it Starlight,” asked Midnight.
“Guess who’s co-whoa, what happened to you,” asked Starlight.
“This happened,” he said pointing at Midnight.
“Get rid of it,” said Starlight.
“Fine,” Midnight said as she magically took it away.
“Okay. Guess who’s coming to Ponyville,” asked Starlight.
“Who,” both Midnight and Flashlight asked.
“Aunt Trixie and Show Stop are coming,” Starlight said with excitement.
Over the years, Twilight and Trixie have become great friends. Trixie soon got married to Prince Blueblood. Together they had a unicorn daughter who they named Show Stop. Show Stop was born the same year as Flashlight, so Twilight and Trixie had a lot of ‘mommy and baby’ playdates. When Show Stop was a toddler, Trixie divorced with Blueblood because he only cared for himself and didn’t help out with his daughter at all. After the divorce, Trixie took her daughter and moved to Manehattan. Twilight and Trixie still remained friends, and Twilight said they would be able to come to Ponyville whenever they felt like it.
“They’re really coming,” asked Midnight?
“Yep,” said Starlight.
“Really,” asked Flashlight in disbelief.
“I just told you. Yes,” Starlight said getting a little annoyed.
“How did you find out,” asked Flashlight.
“I told her,” said a voice from the door.
“That’s right. Mom told me,” said Starlight.
“Trixie sent me a letter saying that she doesn’t have any shows this week, so she said she’ll stop by and take Show Stop with her,” explained Twilight. “Plus it wasn’t that hard to make the decision after hearing she didn’t have shows this week given that Show Stop is homeschooled.”
“OMC! I’m so excited,” Midnight said about to jump around.
“Are you going to jump around chanting ‘yes’ again,” asked Flashlight.
“Of course not. A future princess of Equestria does not jump around chanting ‘yes’,” Midnight said.
“Uh yeah they do,” said another voice coming in.
“Hi daddy,” said Starlight.
“Hello sweetie,” said Flash Sentry.
“Dad, what do you mean a future princesses of Equestria jump around chanting ‘yes’,” Midnight asked in confusion.
“Your mother did it many times. She did it when she got her cutie mark, when I asked her out, again when I asked her to marry me, she did it a lot,” Flash said.
“Well now we know where she gets it from,” said Flashlight.
“Oh ha ha ha ha,” said Twilight sarcastically.
“What it’s true,” said Flashlight.
“He’s not wrong,” said Flash.
“I have a bigger question,” started Starlight. “When are Aunt Trixie and Show Stop coming?”
“Oh yeah,” said Twilight. “They’re coming Monday.”
“Monday? That’s tomorrow. You mean you knew about this for how long, didn’t tell us about it, and just told us the day before it happened,” Midnight said in confusion.
“Oops.”
“Hey. This will be the first time our friends will ever meet Show Stop won’t it,” asked Starlight.
“She’s right,” said Flashlight. “They’ve never met Show Stop.”
“That’s true,” said Twilight. “They all were too young to remember when her and Trixie lived in Canterlot, and lately it has been us going to Manehattan. I’m sure it would be nice for Show Stop to make new friends considering Trixie had said that she’s been having trouble making new friends in Manehattan.”
“Well, I just can’t wait for them to come over.” said Starlight.
“Yeah. It’s going to be a blast,” said Midnight.
“I’m sure it will, but it’s getting late. You three should start getting ready for bed,” said Twilight.
“Okay mom,” said her children.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
—————————————————————————————————
The next morning was a bright and sunny day. Perfect for spending time with friends. Midnight, Flashlight, and Starlight all came out of their rooms yawning and had a look on their faces saying, “Can I go back to sleep now?”
“Good morning you guys,” said Flashlight.
“Morning,” said the girls.
“Wait. Do you hear that,” asked Starlight.
They all listened down the hall. They heard voices. Very familiar voices. They all looked at each other with excitement. They raced down the hall towards the source of the voices. The finally made it to the entrance of the castle. Standing there was there mother. Next to her was a blue unicorn mare with a lighter blue mane. Next to the unicorn was a shorter unicorn mare that had a light blue coat that almost appeared white. She also had a dark blue mane with a yellow streak in it.
“Hello children. Sleep well,” Twilight asked.
“Show Stop,” they all yelled running towards Show Stop.
“Midnight! Flashlight! Starlight! I’ve missed you guys so much,” Show Stop said as she hugged them.
“We’ve missed you too,” said Starlight.
“I’m just gonna take it they slept well,” Trixie said to Twilight.
“Yep. I finally told them that you two were coming yesterday, and they couldn’t be more excited.”
“That’s good. We haven’t been in Ponyville for so long. It would be nice for Show Stop to make some friends here.”
“Don’t worry. My kids got it covered. Right kids,” Twilight asked her children.
“What was that,” asked Flashlight.
“You three are going to help Show Stop make some new friends in Ponyville. Right?”
“That’s right,” said Starlight.
“Show Stop will have a ton of new friends. I can just see it,” said Midnight.
“Oh really? You guys do know that I haven’t been the best at making friends,” said Show Stop.
“That’s because you live in Manehattan. Everypony there thinks it’s practically everypony for herself in that town.”
“That’s true.”
“And don’t worry,” said Starlight. “It’s not like we plan on you making friends with all of Ponyville. We just plan on you making friends with some of our friends.”
“Yeah. Just the children of the other Elements of Harmony,” said Flashlight.
“Well, I don’t know.”
“Don’t worry Show Stop,” said Trixie. “You’ll be fine. I think you can make friends with nine other ponies can’t you? Just give it a try. Just because things don’t work out in Manehattan doesn’t mean it won’t here in Ponyville. Remember, this town is home to the princess of friendship,” she said while pointing at Twilight. “Listen, it’s my fault that we live in Manehattan. I chose a job there. Can’t you just make a few friends here in Ponyville?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“All right then let’s go,” Starlight said. She started heading towards the door when all of a sudden, her stomach started growling. “How about let’s go after we eat breakfast.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” replied Midnight.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
After they ate breakfast, the three ponies headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Them and all their friends had made plans to meet up there before they heard that Show Stop was coming.
“I’m gonna be honest with you guys, I’m actually kind of nervous,” said Show Stop.
“It’s fine to feel nervous. Making friends after not having any fora long time can be difficult. I mean, I wouldn’t know, but I can imagine it,” said Midnight.
“I just don’t understand what I’m so afraid of,” said Show Stop.
“Well have no fear cause making friends is easy,” said Flashlight.
“Yeah,” Starlight added. “Plus I think it’s good that you’re starting with our friends. I’m sure it’s going to be much easier with them instead of somepony else.”
“I guess you’re right. This could be good for me,” said Show Stop.
The ponies walked into the Apple Farm and finally reached their friends.
“Hey everypony,” yelled Starlight.
“Hey guys,”said Sweet Apple. “What took you guys so long?”
“We were a bit held up, but it was for a good reason,” said Starlight.
“And what is that reason,” asked Jada.
“We brought a friend,” said Flashlight. That’s when everypony realized that there was a fourth pony.
“Everypony, this is our old friend Show Stop. Show Stop, this is Lightning Rose, Jade Crystal, Apple Slice, Aura Mist, Cheesecake, Appleseed, Chocolate Strawberry, Rainboom, and Sweet Apple,” said Midnight.
Show Stop waved to everypony with a nervous smile on her face. The others were happy to have met her.
“Well hello there Miss Show Stop,” said Cheesecake excitedly. “Where are you from?”
“I’m from Manehattan.”
“Manehattan! That’s one of the best cities in Equestria,” yelled Jade. “Do you meet celebrities a lot?”
“Once in a while. Most of them live in Canterlot though. I did actually get to meet Colouratora a few years ago.”
“You mean Auntie Rara,” asked Sweet Apple.
“Auntie Rara,” Show Stop asked in confusion.
“My mom’s friends with her,” said Sweet Apple.
“Really? That’s cool.”
“So Show Stop, what’s yer family like? I know mine is one that I would never replace,” said Apple Slice.
“Well it’s kind of hard to explain,” said Show Stop. “My mom and dad got divorced when I was little. That’s why I live in Manehattan. If they hadn’t divorced, I would still be living in Canterlot.”
“Oh you poor thing,” said Lightning Rose. “Which parent do you live with?”
“My mom. I honestly think this was best for me. From what I remember, my dad didn’t really care for me. In fact, he didn’t care for anypony other than himself. That’s why my mom divorced him.”
“Wow,” said Misty.
“My mom works a lot, so I’m at home a lot doing school work. I’m homeschooled and don’t go out much which is why I don’t have a lot of friends.”
“Well we’ll be your friends,” said Rainboom.
“Yeah. You look like you need it,” said Sweet Apple.
“Oh yeah by the way, who are your parents exactly,” asked Jade.
“Um, my mom is Trixie and my dad is Blueblood.”
“Trixie? As in the Great and Powerful Trixie,” asked Misty.
“Yeah.”
“And Blueblood? As in Prince Blueblood,” asked Cheesecake.
“Um. Yeah.” A wave of an awkward silence filled the ponies. “Well, it sure was nice meeting all of you,” Show Stop said nervously.
“It was a pleasure,” said Jada.
“So Show Stop, do you wanna get something to eat at Sugarcube Corner,” asked Midnight knowing things were getting awkward.
“Sure.”
“Well, we hope you enjoy you’re stay in Ponyville,” said Apple Slice.
“Thank you.” Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop started heading to Sugarcube Corner.
“Well that was awkward,” said Strawberry.
“Sure was,” said Lightning.
“Did you guys hear that,” started Rainboom. “Her parents are Trixie and Blueblood.”
“Yeah. What does that have to do with anything,” said Misty.
“Remember all the stories our moms have told us,” said Rainboom. “My mom said that Trixie tried to take over Ponyville with the Alicorn Amulet. She is down right evil. What if Show Stop is evil too.”
“Rainboom,” Misty started. “Mom also said that she became good and apologized. Plus, the Alicorn Amulet corrupts the user. It wasn’t totally her fault.”
“Well she had the thought of going and finding the Amulet. That part’s evil,” added Rainboom.
“Aunt Limestone said that Trixie was plotting revenge against Aunt Twilight when she was working on our family’s rock farm,” added Cheesecake.
“Yeah. Aunt Maud has told me the stories of Trixie on the rock farm while we were making rock candy one time. Those stories aren’t the brightest to be honest,” said Strawberry.
“Well forget the Trixie thing,” said Sweet Apple. “Her father is Prince Blueblood. Now we can all agree that he is the worst royal ever.”
“True that. My mother has told me her experiences with him, and they aren’t good at all. I can’t believe she had intentions of wanting to marry him. I can’t imagine what it would be like if he was my father,” said Jade.
“But she doesn’t live with her father. She lives with her mother,” said Lightning. “Are you suggesting that she may have the personality of her dad?”
“Well duh. Don’t we all have our parents’ personalities,” asked Rainboom. Everypony looked around at each other. They all had personalities from both their mothers and fathers. Even Midnight, Flashlight, and Starlight had some of their parents personalities in them.
“I guess you’re right,” said Misty.
“Told you.”
“Well Show Stop may or may not have her parents’ personalities, but she could have different motives than them,” said Strawberry. Everypony looked at each other again. Though there were a few of them that had different motives than their parents, most of them have the same motives. “Okay never mind.”
“There is a very small chance of that. I know that not all, but most ponies in Equestria have the same motives of their parents,” said Apple Slice. “What do you think Appleseed? Appleseed?”
Appleseed was still staring in the direction in which Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop. His eyes were wide open and his cheeks were blushing red. “Wha-huh,” Appleseed said snapping himself out of his daydreams. “What did ya ask Apple Slice?”
“I asked what do you think about this new mare Show Stop. Daughter of the Great and Powerful Trixie and Prince Blueblood.”
“Wait, her parents are Trixie and Blueblood?”
“Were ya even payin any attention?”
‘Not really. I saw them walkin in, and everythin just went a blank.”
“What do ya remember last?”
“That cute mare Show Stop walking in with Flashlight and his siblings,” Appleseed said as he covered his mouth realizing what he just said.
“Did you say ‘cute mare’,” Sweet Apple asked her brother in a “teasing’ sort of voice.
“No. I have no idea what your talkin about.”
“You liar,” said Sweet Apple.
“How do you know I’m lyin,” asked Appleseed.
“Cause you’re a horrible liar. Just like mom,” said Sweet Apple with a smile on her face.
“Okay forget him,” said Rainboom. “This mare is bad news, and we’ve gotta do something about it.”
‘What should we do Rainboom,” asked Misty.
“Well, the royal children will be spending a lot of time with this Show Stop during her and her mother’s stay. What I say we should do is spy on them. See how she acts, what she wants to do, and how she treats our friends. If we see what we’re looking for, then we’ll know,” said Rainboom.
“I don’t know,” said Lightning. “Spying seems wrong.”
“Well how else are we supposed to get the information about her without asking Show Stop or our friends without making it totally obvious,” said Jada.
“What I’m hearing is that you’re all in,’ said Rainboom sticking is hoof out waiting for the others to join in.
“I’m in,” said Sweet Apple putting her hoof in.
“Me too,” said Misty. Soon everypony put there hooves in. The last one was Appleseed.
“Well Appleseed, you in,” asked Rainboom.
“I don’t know. Should we really be doing this,” asked Appleseed.
“How else are we gonna figure this out?”
“Don’t you want to spy on your marefriend,” asked Sweet Apple.
Appleseed was annoyed by his little sister, so he finally gave in. “Fine. I’m in.”
“Okay, now let’s go see what’s up with this mare,” said Rainboom.
After introducing Show Stop to their friends, Midnight and her siblings took her to Sugarcube Corner.
“This stuff is so delicious. This does not compare to the stuff made in Manehattan. This is by far better,” said Show Stop in amazement.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cake always put so much love into their foods. Their products do not go out for sale unless it is the best quality,” Midnight explained.
“You should try some of their smaller treats. Our friend Chocolate Strawberry makes them. She’s the best,” said Flashlight.
“Oh really,” said Show Stop. “I might just try some before I have to go back to Manehattan.”
“You know why he’s mentioning Strawberry’s treats right,” Starlight asked Show Stop. Show Stop shook her head not knowing what to say. “He’s mentioning it because he has a crush on Strawberry.”
“Wait what,” said Flashlight. “What are you talking about lil sis? You have no idea what’s going on in my love life.”
“Implying that you have a love life,” said Starlight.
“Just shut up already,” Flashlight said a little embarrassed.
“Anyways,” started Midnight. “What did you think of our friends?”
“They seemed nice,” said Show Stop. “Though it did get a little awkward when I told them who my parents are.”
“Yeah. I’m sure it will get better. I promise that once you leave Ponyville you will have friends,” said Midnight.
“I hope I do. This is the reason for this trip. My mom wanted me to make friends since I don’t really have any in Manehattan,” explained Show Stop.
“Don’t worry,” said Starlight. “Even if it doesn’t work out, we’re still you’re friends. We’ll always be there for you.”
Just a couple feet away, Rainboom was watching them from behind a plant. “They are enjoying a nice meal right now,” he said speaking into a walkie talkie. “Flashlight just complimented Strawberry’s treats.”
“He really complimented them,” Strawberry said in excitement hearing what he said out of her walkie talkie.
“Now now little sis, now’s not the time to be dreaming about your boyfriend,” said Cheesecake.
“He’s not my boyfriend!”
“These walkie talkies are amazing,” said Jada. “Where’d you get these?”
“My parents room,” said Rainboom. “They used them with the rest of the Wonderbolts.”
“Did you at least ask mom and dad if you could use them,” Misty asked.
“Um…”
“I knew it. Well, looks like two of us are going to be grounded after this.”
“Guys sshhh,” said Sweet Apple. “Something’s happening.” All of the ponies spying turned their attention to their friends and their guest.
“Flashlight, could you get me some water,” asked Show Stop.
“Sure,” replied Flashlight.
“Aha,” said Rainboom.
“Aha what,” asked Apple Slice.
“Aha, we have proof she is just like her parents.”
“What how?”
“She asked Flashlight to get her a glass of water instead of getting it for herself. The says Blueblood if you ask me.”
“Um, how is simply asking for water instead of getting it herself like Blueblood. This is her fist time here, she probably doesn’t even know where to get drinks,” said Misty.
“Well, um, she didn’t say please,” said Rainboom.
“Rainboom, you barely even say please when you want me, dad, or mom to get you something.”
“Okay, okay fine, but I’m still keeping that as evidence that she is like her parents.”
“Why are you always so difficult,” Misty thought to herself.
“Guys look,” said Cheesecake. All of the ponies directed their attention towards the ponies they were spying on. They were headed out the door and into town. “Let’s go.”
As they followed the ponies, Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop started a conversation.
“So Midnight,” started Show Stop. “Learned any new spells?”
“Oh yeah. I was practicing one last night.”
“Really. Which one. I bet it’s one that a powerful magic user can do.” Flashlight and Starlight laughed at Show Stop’s response. “What? What is it?”
“Yeah, cause you need to be a totally powerful magical being to pull of that kind of spell,” Starlight said.
“Yeah. I bet the only pony other pony to perform the spell Midnight did was Starswirl the Bearded,” Flashlight said even harder.
“Seriously, what kind of spell was it,” Show Stop asked Midnight.
“It was a spell to summon a mustache,” Midnight said kind of embarrassed.
“Really, you just learned that,” Show Stop teased.
“Well yeah. I never came across that spell when I was younger, so that is why I just learned it.”
“Oh that makes much more sense cause I learned that spell when I was about ten or eleven.”
“AH HA,” said a voice coming from a bush. this made the four ponies turn towards the bush.
“Rainboom, SSSHHHHH! They’re right there. They could probably here you,” said another voice.
“You know Misty,” said Midnight. “I can hear you too.”
“Oh, uh you can? Well how about that,” Misty said nervously getting out of the bush. Midnight stared at Misty wanting an explanation. Misty sighed and raised her walkie talkie to her mouth, “Game over guys, we’ve been caught.” Soon a couple more bushes shook and revealed ponies hiding inside them.
“Have you guys been spying on us,” asked Midnight.
“Not really all of you,” said Sweet Apple. “Mostly Show Stop.”
“Me? Why me?”
“Because you are exactly like your parents,” Rainboom said confidently.
“Rainboom! Stop it,” both Misty and Sweet Apple yelled.
“First she demanded a glass of water, like how Blueblood would. Then she bragged about learning spells, something that Trixie would do.”
“Rainboom stop it,” Starlight yelled at the top of her lungs. “I don’t know where you get the idea that Show Stop is like her parents. She is nothing like them. Well she is kind of like her mom she’s-”
“Narcissistic, not humble at all,” Rainboom said thinking of Show Stop.
“Actually, Trixie is very nice. In fact we call her Aunt Trixie. Besides, Show Stop wasn’t bragging, she was simply telling us how old she was when she first performed a simple spell that my sister probably should’ve known by now. And Trixie was bragging about doing skills that she didn’t even have the power to do.”
“Oh.”
‘And she’s been so nervous about coming here. She doesn’t have any friends in Manehattan, and we’re he only friends she’s got. Her mom brought her to Ponyville to make some friends!”
Rainboom looked up to Show Stop, and then walked over to her. “Hey um, Show Stop.”
“Yes,” Show Stop said.
“Listen, I’m sorry for accusing you of being a pony you aren’t. I know now that you’re just not comfortable being around other ponies. I should’ve fully met you first before making accusations about you. Sometimes I get things a little carried away.”
“A little,” all the ponies said.
“Okay a lot. I’m just a regular twelve year old colt, and I can’t control my actions sometimes. Can you ever forgive me?”
“I forgive you young pegasus. I too at your age got carried away with what I thought of other ponies. Maybe that’s why I don’t have a lot of friends back home.”
‘Well, we’d like to be your friends,” said Lightning.
“Yeah, you seem like a nice mare,” said Jade.
“And I’m sure we can have the bestest time together,” said Cheesecake.
“Eeyup,” said Apple Slice. “Hey Appleseed, what do think of Show Stop becoming our friend? Appleseed?” Appleseed was caught in a daze. He was staring at Show Stop with his cheeks blushing. “Appleseed!”
“Huh,” Appleseed said snapping out of his daze. “Oh yeah, I think she’d be a great friend.” Show Stop giggled at his reaction.
“So Show Stop, would you like to be our friend,” asked Rainboom.
“Mr..”
“Rainboom. It’s Rainboom.”
“Mr. Rainboom, I’d love to be your friend.” Soon all of the ponies gathered into a group hug, and enjoyed the presences of their new friend.
Celestia’s sun was shining bright this morning in Ponyville. Everypony was now up doing their daily chores. In a little shop, known as Carousel Boutique, Rarity was working on some of her latest designs.
“Okay Jade,” Rarity said to her daughter. “What do you think?”
“Wow mom,” said Jada admiring her mother’s work. “This dress looks amazing, but I think it needs a little more.” Jade looked at her mom with a sly look. “You get what I’m saying mother?”
“Oh I think I know exactly what you are getting at dear,” Rarity said making the same look her daughter is making.
“This dress needs…”
“GEMS,” both mares said together.
“That, my dear, is why you are the best daughter ever.” Rarity and Jade were known throughout Ponyville as practically having the best mother-daughter relationship. Shortly before Jade was born, Rarity wasn’t sure how good of a mother she was going to be. Having a little dragon-pony hybrid running around must have not been easy, but all that was worth it now that her little girl grew up to be a strong and independent young mare. Rarity could not have been prouder.
“Would you two keep it down,” yelled a voice from upstairs. “It’s too early to be making dresses.”
“It seems to be that we have waken up father,” Jade said trying to hold back her giggling.
“Oh Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity yelled. “It’s never too early to be making dresses, but there is a such thing as sleeping in too late.”
“Okay fine,” said Spike finally getting out of bed and walking downstairs. “What you my two beautiful ladies like for breakfast?”
“Pancakes,” yelled Jade.
“Pancakes it is.” Spike was no longer that little baby dragon everypony met him as. He has grown into a big and strong dragon; he even grew a pair of wings somehow. Of course, he wasn’t as big as a lot of dragons. Spike is just about taller than average tall pony height. Spike is still Twilight’s number one assistant, but now Twilight gives him more off days since he has a family of his own. All of a sudden, Spike smelled something. “Something doesn’t smell right.”
“Yeah I smell it too. Smells like smoke,” said Rarity. “Did you burn the pancakes? Is you’re cooking turning into Sweetie Belle’s,” she said half joking-half serious. All three ponies walked outside. What they saw shocked them all. “Oh my stars. Again.”
“We’ve got to get to Twilight’s,” said Spike. Rarity nodded in agreement. “Come on Jade, you can come too.” Jade also ran towards the castle alongside her parents.
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
Rarity, Spike, and Jade finally made it to Twilight’s castle. When they went inside, the rest of the Elements of Harmony were there; they all brought their children as well.
“Oh good, you guys are here,” Twilight said in relief. “Let’s go to the throne room so I can tell you all what’s going on.”
“Okay,” started Midnight. “Do any of you guys know what’s going on. Why smoke is spreading this way.” Everypony shook their head.
“Well it just so happens that we know what’s going on,” said Flashlight.
“Of course you know,” said Appleseed. “Your mom is a princess.”
“Well since you know, why don’t you tell us,” said Strawberry.
“The thing that is causing the smoke is,” Starlight started. “ A DRAGON!”
“A-A d-dragon,” Jade asked with concern.
“Yes a dragon,” said Starlight. “Isn’t this exciting?”
“It sure is,” said Sweet Apple. “I’ve never seen a dragon before other than Spike and Jade.”
“W-Well I’m only half-dragon,” Jade explained.
“Well you still kind of count as one I guess,” said Rainboom.
“Yeah. I mean you’ve got the claws, the spikes, the horns, the sharp teeth, and you have a couple of scales here and there,” Starlight explained.
“I-I guess you’re right.”
“What’s got you three so excited about this dragon anyway,” asked Lightning.
“Yeah. Why,” asked Cheesecake.
“I mean we are going to go see this dragon right,” asked Starlight.
“Absolutely not,” said Midnight. “Dragons are dangerous.”
“They sure are,” added Jade.
“But Jade and Spike aren’t dangerous,” said Sweet Apple.
“Come on,” Rainboom argued. “Can’t we take a peek?”
“Now that we keep on mentioning it, I wanna go see this dragon myself,” said Misty.
“What?! Are you crazy,” asked Jade. “Have you not been paying attention this whole conversation. They’re dangerous.”
“I know they’re dangerous, but it’s not like we’re gonna talk to them.”
“She’s right,” said Apple Slice. “We can just take a peek.” That’s when everypony decided that they wanted to go see the dragon; everypony but Midnight and Jade.
“Come on Midnight. I know you wanna go,” said Cheesecake.
“I do wanna go, but it’s too dangerous.”
“I got this,” Flashlight said confidently. “You know Midnight, ponies know next to nothing about dragons.” Midnight’s ears suddenly popped up, and she began listening contently to what her brother was saying. “If we go, you can get a peek and maybe learn some new facts about them. Maybe even put them in a book.” That’s when Midnight made up her mind.
“Okay, okay I’ll go. That just leaves one more of us to say yes.” Midnight looked at Jade who hadn’t said much. “Jade, would you like to go?”
“Well, I-um.”
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” said Lightning.
Jade thought to herself, “I guess it would be fine if I went, just stay calm.”
“Alright, I’ll go,” said Jade.
“Alright,” said Cheesecake. “Our parents left a few minutes ago, so I’m sure we can make it.”
“There’s are problem,” said Midnight. “We can’t let our parents see us. We would get in huge trouble if they did.”
“What if we went up the opposite side of the mountain,” said Misty.
“We do that,” said Strawberry. “And we can make it back down before they come home.”
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” said Midnight. “I know which mountain they’re going up, so let me grab a map. Then we we can head our way up.”
———————————————————————————————————————————
The twelve ponies were already on their way up the mountain.
“Are we there yet,” complained Starlight.
“For the last thousand times, no,” Midnight said.
“How much longer until we’re there,” Sweet Apple asked.
“Just a little longer. We don’t have that much left.” While the others were talking, Jada was in the back walking alone. Lightning had noticed that Jade was a little on edge. Jade is usually confident, but right now she was acting differently. Lightning slowed down her walking so that she would be next to Jade.
“Hey Jade,” said Lightning.
“Hey.”
“Is there something bothering you?”
“N-No.”
“You stumbled over your words. You hardly ever stumble over your words unless you’re unsure of something.”
“Well I-”
“Everypony be quiet,” Misty said interrupting their conversation.
“Misty, what in Equestria are you-” Midnight was cut off by Misty's hoof.
“Shh.” Misty's ears twitched. Everypony stayed quiet because they all knew that Misty has probably the best hearing in Equestria. If Misty hears something, everypony better shut up. All of a sudden, the sound became louder and louder. “Run,” Misty yelled at the top of her lungs. As they all ran, rocks started falling down the hill.
“Avalanche,” yelled Cheesecake.
“Grab the little ones,” Apple Slice yelled grabbing his younger sister. Misty dove in and grabbed her younger brother. Midnight ran back to get her little sister, but she couldn’t find her.
“Midnight! Jade! You guys need to get out of there,” called Apple Slice.
“I can’t find Starlight.”
“Midnight,” called Starlight who was dodging falling rocks frantically.
“Starlight I’m coming!”
“No Midnight,” Jade yelled. “I’m closer to her, I’ll get her.” Jade ran until she was right next to Starlight. She grabbed her, and bolted towards the area where rocks weren’t falling. Before she got out of there, a rocks fell right by her and knocked Jade off her hooves, throwing Starlight through the air. Thankfully, both of them were safe. “S-Starlight, are you okay?”
“I-I’m fine,” said Starlight a little in pain.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Are you super-duper sure?”
“Jade, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me,” Starlight said smiling.
“I really hope our parents didn’t hear the avalanche, and If they did I hope they don’t come here to check it out,” said Strawberry.
“We better get a move on if we wanna see the dragon. I’m pretty sure when our parents get there, they’re gonna have it leave,” said Midnight.
After walking up the mountain a little longer, they soon reached the cave where the dragon was. They tried to stay hidden since their parents were also there.
“Look at the thing,” said Rainboom.
“It’s so huge,” said Starlight.
“I love its gold scales,” said Sweet Apple.
“All those jewels in there,” said Cheesecake. “You must be impressed by those piles Jade.”
“Oh y-yeah. They’re pretty cool,” Jade said.
“Cool? Just cool,” Misty said in disbelief. “The Jade I know gets excited about all kinds of gems and jewels. What’s going on with her,” Misty said now concerned.
“She’s right,” Midnight said. “You haven’t been acting like yourself through this whole thing. Is something going on Jade?”
“I-I’m fine.”
“It sure doesn’t look like it,” said Apple Slice.
“T-Trust me. I’m fine.”
“Jade, we’re here for you. You’re the one who is always there for us,” said Midnight. “You’re always so confident and brave. What’s going on with that Jade.”
“N-Nothing.”
“Come one Jade,” Midnight said placing her hoof on Jade shoulder. “We’re here for you. You can tell us what’s going on.”
Jade's cheeks began to turn a bright red color, and tears started forming in her eyes. Both anger and sadness were building up inside her. “I SAID I’M FINE,” Jade said as she raised her claw in the air. Unknowingly, she swipes her claw across Midnight’s face, knocking her down on the ground. Jade opened her eyes and gasped at what she had done. “Oh no.” Jade looked down into her claws.
“Midnight, are you okay,” Flashlight said assisting his sister up. Midnight looked up at Jade. She wasn’t angry at her, she still knew something was wrong.
“Midnight I-” Midnight looked into Jade's eyes. In her eyes, she saw fear.
“Jade, it’s fine-ouch,” Midnight felt pain in her face. She placed her hoof on where the pain was coming from and felt some sort of warm liquid. She lifted her hoof off and noticed that she had started bleeding. Midnight had a pretty bad cut on her face, but it could be easily healed.
“I’m a monster,” Jade said.
“What?! No! Jade you’re not a monster,” Midnight said walking towards Jade.
“No stay back,” Jade said backing away.
“Jade, I’m fine. It was an accident,” Midnight assured her.
“No! I don’t want to hurt you or anypony again,” Jade said backing up once more.
“Jade, please calm down.”
“No. I don’t want to-AAAHH!” Jade had backed up too much, and she started to fall down the mountain.
“JADE,” they all cried. All of a sudden, a figure had caught her. The figure landed right next to the other ponies with Jada on his back.
“Jade, you can open your eyes now,” said the figure.
“D-Daddy?” Spike had come in and saved his one and only daughter.
“Jade,” yelled a very worried Rarity. “Are you okay my little gem.”
“Yeah mom. I-I’m fine.”
“Midnight,” Twilight yelled noticing her daughter’s face. “What happen.”
Midnight glanced at Jade who still had fear in her eyes. “I’m fine mom, it was a complete accident.”
“Wait a minute,” said Applejack. “Why are y'all here in the first place?”
That’s when everypony shut up. They all knew they were in trouble now. Rainbow Dash was the one to figure it out. “It was these three who somehow convinced all of you wasn’t it,” Rainbow said pointing at Rainboom, Sweet Apple, and Starlight. Everypony nodded, and the three little ones laughed knowing they were in trouble now.
“WHO'S ON MY MOUNTAIN,” yelled a deep voice.
“Oh boy,” said Twilight.
“He’s awake now,” said Fluttershy.
“Let’s go deal with him,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Right behind you,” said Applejack.
“You kids stay back here. It can get a little dangerous now,” said Rainbow Dash.
“You think you’ll be fine now,” Spike asked Jade.
“I think so,” said Jade.
“Stay safe my little gem,” Rarity said kissing her forehead.
“I will.” Rarity and Spike soon joined the others to have a talk with this dragon. “Midnight,” started Jade.
“Yeah?”
“I-I’m sorry for scratching you with my claws.”
“Jade, I already told you I’m fine, but I accept your apology,” Midnight said summoning a band-aid with her magic and placing it on her face. “I just want to know why you were so on edge this whole time.
Jade took a breathe. She knew she had no choice but to tell them what has been going on. “I never wanted to come here in the first place. The reason being that on this trip we would have to face my worst fear.”
“Which is what,” asked Apple Slice.
“My worst fear is…”
“Come on, you can tell us,” Cheesecake said.
“Dragons,” Jade said.
“Dragons? How can you be afraid of dragons? I mean I’m afraid of dragons, but that’s because I’m just a normal pony. Your dad is a dragon and you’re half dragon” said Sweet Apple.
‘I’m not afraid of my father, but I am afraid of myself.”
“Why is that,” asked Misty.
“I’m mostly terrified of what dragons can do to other ponies. My father is super nice and wouldn’t hurt a hair on anypony’s head. As for me, I still don’t know what I am capable of,” Jade said looking at her claws. “I’m just so scared I’m going to hurt somepony.”
“Jade, why didn’t you say something in the first place. We could’ve avoided the whole situation,” said Midnight.
“I don’t really know why I didn’t say anything. I felt like if you all wanted to go then I should go too.”
“You know what Jade,” Starlight said. “I’m actually glad you came with us. I mean you saved my life. if you hadn’t come, I would’ve probably died since there was no way Midnight was gonna make it on time.”
“Hey,” Midnight said slightly offended.
“Also letting others know about your fears is a great way to letting them go,” said Misty. “I bet as time goes on, you’re gonna find out what you are capable of and know how to control yourself.”
“Thanks guys. That helped a lot. I never knew how much I needed to hear that.”
“Okay,” said Twilight. “Who’s ready to go home?” Everypony raised their hoof.
“Alright,” said Applejack. “Let’s move ‘em out.” Everypony walked back home to enjoy the rest of their day.
“Hey whatever happened to the dragon,” asked Rainboom.
“You don’t need to know since you’re part of the reason you all are up here.” said Rainbow.
“Oh yeah.” Everypony then laughed, and enjoyed the walk down the mountain knowing that they are now safe.
Inside the Castle of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle was getting ready for a very special trip.
“Quills, check. Paper, check.”
“Hey mommy,” said Starlight walking in. “What are you doing?”
“Just packing for my trip to the Crystal Empire.”
“Cool. How long are you going to be up there?”
“For two nights.”
“So Midnight, Flashlight, and I get to stay here with dad,” Starlight asked excitedly.
“Actually, you’re father is coming too.
“What? Then who is going to take care of me?”
“Your sister and brother of course. They’re old enough to take care of you.”
“Really! You mean I get to spend quality time with my brother and sister!”
“Um yes. Why? Are you excited about that?”
“Duh. I’ve been trying to get quality time with them, but they never had time for me. Now that they have to watch me, I can finally get to spend time with my BSBFF and BBBFF! This is going to be so much fun,” Starlight yelled as she exited the room. Twilight rolled her eyes at her daughter. She never knew this would mean so much to her youngest child.
————————————————————————————————— Both Midnight and Flashlight were sitting in the library. “Why am I here again,” Flashlight asked.
“You’re here to help me find a book,” Midnight replied.
“Okay. A book on what?”
“A book on-”
“Guys, guess what,” Starlight said running in.
“What is it Star,” asked Flashlight.
“While mom and dad are away-”
“Wait, mom and dad? I thought only mom was leaving,” Midnight said confused.
“That’s what I thought too, but they’re both going to the Crystal Empire. Anyway, While they’re away, you two get to take care of me,” Starlight said all excited.
“Wait, we both have to take care of you,” Flashlight asked.
“Yeah. Isn’t it exciting! We get to spend quality time together like good siblings!” Midnight and Flashlight both looked at each other. Both of them were kind of concerned. “What is it,” Starlight asked getting a little nervous.
“I-It’s nothing sis. Why don’t you run along. Why don’t you find stuff to do tonight,” Midnight said.
“Okay!” Starlight then ran off.
“Look Flashlight,” Midnight started. “Now I know you and I must be thinking the same thing. When both Mom and Dad are gone, we usually don’t talk to each other cause we usually get into arguments.”
“That’s right,” Flashlight replied. “And Starlight usually stays with the Apples, but since they’re on a trip to Manehattan, they can’t look after her.”
“Yes. This time is different though. She will be staying here tonight, and she seems to be excited about it. So what we have to do is try to get along.”
“Right.”
“And we can’t put this off because I see it in her eyes that she wants to spend time with us. She would be devastated if we didn’t get along.”
“Alright, so plan is to spend time together without getting into any arguments,” Flashlight said.
“Right,” said Midnight. “Once we put her to bed, then we can go do our own thing. Until then, no arguing.” Both nodded and headed out off the library. “Wait, I still need that book.”
“Ugh, Are you serious,” said Flashlight. “Why can’t you get it your-yeah this night isn’t going to be easy.”
“You said it.”
—————————————————————————————————
“Okay so we will be back tomorrow,” Twilight told her children. “Try not to cause any trouble while we’re gone.”
“Don’t worry mom, we won’t do anything horrible,” said Midnight.
“We’ll be absolutely perfect children while you two are in the Crystal Empire,” said Flashlight.
“You three better be, or there will be consequences involved,” Flash Sentry said.
“Calm down daddy,” said Starlight. “Nothing will happen to castle. I promise.”
“I’m sorry Star,” said Flash. “I’m not worried about the castle. I just don’t want anything to happen to you guys.”
“Don’t worry daddy. Nothing will happen,” Starlight assured.
“She’s right Flash. Nothing will happen. The kids will be fine on their own,” Twilight assured. She then walked towards Midnight and Flashlight. “You two better be on your best behavior for Star. She’s really looking forward to tonight.”
“Don’t worry mom, we already talked to each other. We’re gonna be the best older siblings for our little sister,” Midnight said happily.
“Yeah, we totally got this hanging out with little sister thing down,” Flashlight said.
“I’m counting on you two. Don’t let me down,” Twilight said. Twilight and Flash then headed to the train station, and their children walked back into the castle.
“Okay,” Starlight started. “What are we gonna do first?”
“Well what do you want to go,” asked Midnight.
Starlight thought for a moment. “Let’s play a board game,” Starlight said excitedly. Midnight and Flashlight looked at each other.
Flashlight whispered to Midnight, “Wasn’t there a reason why we haven’t played board games in awhile.”
Midnight didn’t know what Flashlight was referring to, but then it hit her like a pile of bricks. “We stopped playing board games because we used to fight over it.” Both of them looked at their sister.
“Aren’t we gonna play a board game,” Starlight said making puppy dog eyes.
“Are don’t think we have a choice,” Flashlight told Midnight.
“I think you’re right,” Midnight told him.
—————————————————————————————————
After about an hour, they had played about four or five board games. Midnight and Flashlight were trying their hardest to keep their calm. Even after all those years, they were still competitive at board games. Well Flashlight was competitive, and Midnight wanted to make sure the game was fair.
“Okay Starlight,” Flashlight started.
“Yes big brother?”
“You now owe me 500 bits since you landed on the space with a hotel i own.”
Midnight felt bothered by this. “Um, not to be rude, but she only owes you 250 bits. You’ve only own that hotel for two times around the board, not three.”
“I have been around the board three times while owning that hotel,” explained Flashlight.
“No you haven’t.”
“Yes I have.”
“No you haven’t.”
“Yes I have.”
“NO YOU HAVEN’T!”
“YES I HAVE!”
Starlight watched as her older siblings bickered.
“Even if I didn’t go around three times, I would get around three times eventually. I’m basically getting to the chase,” Flashlight explained.
“You can’t do that,” Midnight yelled. “That’s against the rules!”
“So what if it’s breaking the rules,” Flashlight yelled. “It’s not like the royal guard is going to come and get me and put me in the dungeon.”
Starlight kept on watching her siblings fight. “Maybe we should stop playing board games.”
Midnight and Flashlight looked at their little sister. They realized that they just started fighting when they just said that they weren’t going to.
“What would you like to do now,” asked Midnight.
Starlight thought about it. A lightbulb went off in her head when she decided what she wanted to do. “S’mores!”
—————————————————————————————————
The siblings sat by the fireplace. The fire was going and marshmallows were roasting. Starlight sat beside her older brother as he taught her how to properly roast a marshmallow.
“Now you see Star,” Flashlight started. “There’s no particular way to roast a marshmallow. You just stick it in and watch it burn.”
“You mean like that,” Starlight asked pointing the marshmallow.
Flashlight turned his head to face the fireplace. The marshmallow was on fire. Not just a part of it, the whole thing. Flashlight quickly pulled the marshmallow out and blew on it quickly. Once the flames were gone, it revealed a black, burning hot marshmallow. “Okay maybe not like that.”
“Nice job,” Midnight said sarcastically.
“Like you could do better,” Flashlight said annoyed.
Midnight looked at her brother. She then trotted over to roast her own marshmallow. “No you see Starlight Aurora-”
“Why did you just call me by my full name?”
“Because it’s the proper way to address somepony.”
“Proper way my flank,” Flashlight murmured.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“You’ve been princess training lately haven’t you,” Starlight said now a little uncomfortable.
“Yes. Yes I have. Now Starlight, there’s an art to roasting a marshmallow. You don’t want the marshmallow on the point of the stick. That could lead the marshmallow falling into the fire. You don’t want it too far down either. You’d be burning a perfectly good stick. You want it perfectly set an inch away from the end. Now when you stick it in, you want to let it catch a flame, but not a lot. You just want it to turn a nice golden brown color in some spots.” Midnight demonstrated the ‘perfect’ marshmallow roasting technique.
“And then you put it with the chocolate and graham crackers,” Starlight added.
“Well yes,” Midnight said “But-”
“But what,” said Flashlight. “That’s basically all you do to make s’mores.”
“There’s a little more to that little brother,” Midnight said. Midnight walked over to the coffee table in which she neatly place plates with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. “Now Star, you place one graham cracker down first. Then you put the piece of chocolate on the the graham cracker. After that, you place the marshmallow. Then you press another graham cracker on top. That’s the way to make a perfect s’more.”
“Nice,” Starlight said.
“Who said that’s the ‘perfect’ way to make a s’more,” Flashlight said.
“What other way would there be?”
“What if I put the marshmallow before the chocolate?”
“You can’t do that!”
“Oh yeah watch me.” Flashlight grabbed the stuff he needed. He watched as his sister panicked. He place the second graham cracker on top.
“Flashlight, things aren’t supposed to be this way,” Midnight said angrily.
“You know what little Miss OCD, I don’t really care,” Flashlight said as he took a big bite out of the s’more.
“That’s it,” Midnight said as she knocked Flashlight down. The ingredients for s’mores flew everywhere after that.
“How about we do something else now,” Starlight said nervously.
—————————————————————————————————
“What are we doing in the library,” asked Flashlight.
“Cause we’re looking for a book,” Starlight said.
“What book,” asked Midnight.
“We’re looking for that book,” Starlight said pointing to a high shelf. Her brother and sister starred at her. “What? I don’t have wings so one of you has to go get it.”
Midnight flew up and grabbed the book. “101 Ghost Stories? Why?”
“Because we’re going to be telling ghost stories. Duh,” Starlight said as she ran to turn off the lights. “I’m going to tell you the tale of the Headless Horse,” she said turning to the page.
“Please. Everypony’s heard that-” Flashlight was interrupted by Midnight who pushed him with her wing. He decided to not continue knowing and just listen his sister.
—————————————————————————————————
“And just when everypony though she was safe,” Starlight said reading the story. “There, standing right behind her was, The Headless Horse!” Midnight and Flashlight both freaked out and hugged each other. Starlight tapped on them, and both of them opened their eyes. “Are you two scared of a little scary story,” Starlight asked as if she was talking to a baby. Midnight and Flashlight looked at each other. They soon let go and jumped away from each other.
“Okay my turn,” Midnight said getting up. “I’m going to tell you the tale of the scary ghost you doesn’t take anything into consideration and drives everypony insane.”
“That sounds like a stupid story,” Flashlight said. “Besides, I got a better one. Ever heard the one about the scary ghost the freaks everypony out by their need to always be organized and have everything go her way.”
“That’s not a real story,” Midnight said interrupting him. “You made that up.”
“It’s a ghost story, they’re all made up.”
“I know they are, but you based your story heavily off of me,” Midnight yelled.
“Yeah so? You heavily based yours of of me!”
“You’re the worst brother ever!”
“You’re the worst sister ever!”
“You’re both the worst siblings ever!”
Midnight and Flashlight turned their heads only to see Starlight running out of the library. “Uh oh,” said Midnight.
—————————————————————————————————
Midnight and Flashlight looked all over the castle for Starlight only to find her in her bedroom.
“Starlight, you okay,” asked Midnight.
“What happened. This isn’t like you-”
“I was so happy when mommy told me that I would be staying here while she and dad are away! I just thought it was the perfect chance for me to spend some time with my big brother and sister,” Starlight said as she cried. “We’ve had some one-on-one times, but I thought It would be nice if we spent time together as a family. Mom and dad are away a lot, or they’re training you two! I’m just here doing nothing because I’m not next in line or training to be a royal guard. I thought I feel better about myself if we spent time together. I guess I was wrong since you two kept fighting. I mean, is it me?”
“No no Starlight, it’s my fault,” Midnight said making eye contact with her sister.
“Our sister’s only half right,” Flashlight said.
“Excuse me,” said Midnight.
“It’s not just her fault. It’s also my fault. It’s both of our fault. We should’ve seen what’s been going on. I can’t believe we’ve been this blind.”
“Why were you so passionate about us spending time together,” asked Midnight.
“The last time when mom and dad went somewhere and I had to stay with the Apples,” Starlight started. “Sweet Apple and I hung out with her older brothers a lot. We played games, made s’mores, and told each other scary stories. Sweet Apple had such an amazing relationship with her brothers. There was no tension, just love. I realized that that was what I wanted.”
“Hey,” Flashlight started. “It’s not that late. How about we start everything over. Instead of fighting and worrying about hurting your feelings again, let’s just have fun as siblings.”
“I like that idea,” said Midnight.
“Me too,” said Starlight.
—————————————————————————————————
The next day quickly came. Midnight, Flashlight, and Starlight were sitting in the library telling jokes. At that time, their parents came home.
“Anypony home,” asked Twilight.
“Mommy! Daddy,” Starlight yelled running to give her parents a hug.
“How was it,” asked Twilight.
“Amazing,” replied Starlight.
“Really,” Flash asked. “Seems like those two would just keep getting into fights.”
“You know dad,” started Flashlight. “Somepony’s can change.”
“Or we can just keep some stuff in because we love our little sister,” Midnight added.
“Really? Then what did you guys make your sister for dinner. Part of the basics of babysitting is making the foal dinner,” Twilight said knowing her son and daughter. Flashlight and Midnight looked at each other. They couldn’t believe they forgot about dinner.
“There’s always next time,” Midnight said trying to cover up.
“Yeah, let’s just forget anything ever happened,” Flashlight said.
Twilight laughed. “Starlight, the next time we have to go somewhere, you’re in charge.”
“What!?”
Starlight laughed at her siblings. “You know mom, they may hate each other once in a while, but they’re great siblings and I wouldn’t mind being taken care of by them again.”
It was another wonderful day in the town of Ponyville. Today, was another festival that Ponyville seems to always have. The smell of fair foods covered every inch of Ponyville. Ponies of all ages were trotting along the roads seeing what games to play and what rides to ride. Three little ponies walked along the road trying to find something to do.
“So what do you say Jazzy,” asked one of the little fillies.
“Okay, Sound Wave what do you want to do,” the little filly asked.
“Well Harmony,” said Sound Wave. “I wanna watch the Wonderbolts’ show, but that was three hours ago. What do you wanna do Harmony?”
“I don’t know,” Harmony said. “Why do you think I’m asking you two?”
“Good point,” Jazzy replied.
The three fillies kept on walking until they heard hoof steps running towards them. They turned their heads around to see who was coming.
“There you three are,” Misty yelled turning the corner. Apple Slice and Jade followed closely behind.
“You know,” Sound Wave started. “There was something I knew we were forgetting when we left that magic show.”
“Harmony, why did you three run off like that,” Jade asked.
“Sorry cousin,” Harmony said. “I guess we just wanted to get out of there before the crowd. I honestly thought you guys were right behind us.”
“Yeah,” Jazzy said.
“And you little miss Jazzy Jubilee,” Apple Slice said. “Your mom is counting on me to keep an eye on you. Since the twins are sick and she couldn’t come to the festival, it is up to me to keep you out of trouble.”
“Couldn’t my dad watch me? I mean mom did say she could handle the twins on her own, so dad should be here.”
“Tender Taps is performing in Manehattan. Did you forget that Jazzy?”
Jazzy’s smile went down to a frown. She had forgotten that her father wasn’t going to be present. She put her head down as her ears flopped down.
“Hey, what’s wrong,” asked Misty.
“It’s just, daddy is always away performing all over Equestria. When he is home, he always spends it with mom more than me. It’s like he’s too busy for me. It’s not just daddy who seems to be too busy for me. Ever since my brother and sister were born last year, mom has always been busy taking care of the twins. When she does have free time, somepony always ends up having a cutie mark problem.”
“Wow, seems like you have a lot to deal with,” Jade said.
“Hey,” Harmony said. “At least both your parents don’t travel. My dad is away a lot too since he creates video games all over Equestria. My mom travels too sometimes since she’s a singer. When mom is home, she seems to take care of my little brother more than myself. Sometimes, both my parents are gone, and Joystick and I have to stay with Aunt Rarity, Uncle Spike, and Jade.”
“Well your parents aren’t gone as much as mine. They come home often, and they spend a lot of time with you. Trust me, I’ve seen you and your family hang out a lot. And your brother isn’t that much younger than you. Your eight and he’s four. Joystick is at the point where he doesn’t need his mom taking care of him every minute of his life. My brother and sister are only a year old,” Jazzy said trying to hold back tears. “Listen, I don’t want to start a fight, so forget I said anything.”
“Why don’t you add something Sound Wave,” Misty said.
“I’m not saying a word. One: Both my parents don’t leave home very often. Two: I’m an only child,” Sound Wave said holding back.
Things were silent for awhile. Two ponies walked from behind to greet the six. “Hey there everypony,” said the white mare.
“Mom! Dad,” Harmony said running to her parents.
“Did you have fun,” Sweetie Belle asked her daughter.
“Yep,” Harmony replied. “Did you two have fun with Joystick in the kiddy areas?”
“I had fun. Did you have fun Joystick,” Sweetie asked.
“I did mama,” he replied.
“Dad, did you have fun,” Harmony asked her father.
“I never want to hear that song again,” Button Mash said as he looked traumatized.
“Well anyway,” Sweetie said. “It’s time to go. Sound Wave we’re going to be taking you home. Aura Mist, we ran into your mother, and she wants you to be home before the moon rises.”
“Okay. Thanks for letting me know,” Misty replied.
“Is your mom home,” Sweetie asked Jada. “I’d really love to have a talk with her. I can’t believe my own sister and I haven’t talked in so long.”
Jade giggled. “Yeah she’s home. You can bring the rest of the family too. I’m sure father will enjoy having some guy time with Uncle Button. I can hang out with the kids while you guys do your bonding.”
“Thank you.”
“Well we best be goin too,” said Apple Slice. “My cousins and siblings are probably already home. Bye y’all!”
Apple Slice and Jazzy started making their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Slice noticed that Jazzy hadn’t said a word since the conversation.
“What’s got you down,” Apple Slice asked.
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” Jazzy said with an unhappy tone.
—————————————————————————————————
The two cousins made it back to their home on the farm. Since the family has gotten bigger, the Apple Family added some extensions to the barn to make it bigger to fit the family. Some ponies may want to have time away from their family, but the Apple Family is one tight family and could not be separated.
As Apple Slice and Jazzy entered the house, the aura of dinner being cooked filled the room. Applejack, Flim, and Cheerilee were in the kitchen making their family a nice meal. Big Mac was out in the fields, and Apple Bloom was in the living room caring for her twin son and daughter.
“We’re home,” Apple Slice called out.
“Welcome back sugar cube,” Applejack said greeting her oldest child.
“How was the festival,” Cheerilee asked. “My kids decided not to go this year, but I do know that Pinkie Pie went all out this year.”
“It was a pretty good one. It wasn’t anything we haven’t seen before given just how many celebrations Ponyville has.”
“Well at least it wasn’t terrible,” Flim added. Flim looked down at Jazzy and noticed she was unhappy. “Hey Jazzy Jubilee,” he said bending down to her height. “What’s got you down?”
Jazzy looked at Flim, then at her two aunts who watched from behind.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Jazzy said as she gave a fake smile.
“Hey,” Applejack said interrupting. “Why don’t you two wash up. Dinner’s almost ready.”
Apple Slice and Jazzy left the room. Applejack turned around to the stove where Cheerilee was.
“She’s lying isn’t she,” Cheerilee asked knowing Applejack could practically see through anypony.
“Eeyup.”
—————————————————————————————————
As Jazzy walked out of the kitchen, she passed by the living room. Apple Bloom had noticed as her daughter walked passed.
“Jazzy,” she called out.
Jazzy walked back towards the living room.
“Oh hi mom,” she said trying to seem happy.
“Are you alright? I overheard the conversation in the kitchen. Is something going on that I need to know about?”
Silence filled the living room with awkwardness. Jazzy looked down at her brother and sister playing on the ground and decided to break the ice.
“Did Rhythm and Gala get any better,” She asked.
“Oh yes. They are actually doing better. Both their runny noses and fevers went away. All they have now is a slight cough,” Apple Bloom said with a smile.
“Well that’s good to hear,” Jazzy said.
Jazzy’s eyes started tearing up as she realized how much she was missing her dad. She wiped a tear, and that’s when Apple Bloom noticed.
“Jazzy Jubilee,” she said reaching out for her daughter.
Jazzy walked over to her mom for a hug. Even though she didn’t really spend a lot of time with her anymore these days, she still loved the comfort of getting a hug from her mother.
“I know you were really looking forward to going to the festival with daddy, but these things just happen. You’re father had to perform a couple more nights. I do know that he was looking forward to coming home to be with you. I’m sure he just cannot wait to come home to me, you, your brother and your sister.”
Jazzy didn’t reply. It didn’t bother Apple Bloom that she didn’t. She knows her daughter doesn’t like talking about her feelings, and she didn’t want to aggravate anything.
“Dinner’s ready,” Applejack called out.
“Come on,” Apple Bloom said getting up and picking up the twins. “Let’s go enjoy a meal with our family.”
—————————————————————————————————
A couple days after the festival, Jazzy was joined again by Harmony and Sound Wave. They just got done with school and were heading over to Sweet Apple Acres.
“I can’t believe how many classes your Aunt Cheerilee has to teach in one day,” Harmony said. “I mean you have my brother’s age group first thing in the morning, then us around mid-morning, then you have the kids like Rainboom, Sweet Apple, and Starlight Aurora in the early afternoon.”
“You would think Ponyville would add another school building and get more teachers,” Sound Wave added.
“Yeah I wonder why they don’t do that,” Harmony said. “I should get my mom to talk to Princess Twilight or Mayor Mare about it.”
“You guys don’t have to worry about her,” Jazzy said. “Aunt Cheerilee loves to teach. You should really see her during dinner discussing how she’s gonna go about teaching a certain lesson. Plus, she has her daughter Cherry Blossom to help her out.”
“Is that really what you guys have to talk about at the dinner table,” Sound Wave asked. “At least my family talks about how our day has been.”
“Well we do that too. That’s usually how it starts.”
“Well that certainly is interesting,” Harmony replied.
“You know, it’s hard to believe that our teacher went to school with my aunt and your aunt,” Jazzy said to Harmony.
“It’s even weirder to believe that she was our moms’ teacher too,” Sound Wave added.
“Totally. Hey I wonder if in the future the she will teach our own-”
Jazzy was cut off as she opened the door to the barn. Inside she spotted an orange stallion with a purple mane and a spotlight and top hat as a cutie mark.
“Daddy,” Jazzy yelled running up to give her father a big hug.
“Hey Jazzy! I missed you so much while I was away, and I’m so sorry I missed the festival,” Tender Taps said to his daughter.
“I missed you too daddy,” Jazzy said.
Tender Taps looked up to see Harmony and Sound Wave.
“Well it’s nice to see you two lovely fillies too,” she said.
“It’s nice to see you too Mr. Tender Taps,” they both said simultaneously.
After a couple hours, it was already late afternoon, almost evening, and ponies were deciding on what they were going to be doing for dinner.
“Hey daddy,” Jazzy said. “Are we doing anything special for dinner since you’re back?”
“We’re actually going out for dinner,” Tender Taps replied as he fixed put on his suit.
“Really,” Jazzy asked excitedly.
“Oh um,” Tender Taps said. “You’re not. Your mother and I are just the two of us. We just wanted to spend time together as husband and wife since I’ve been gone for awhile.”
“Oh,” Jazzy said as her smile went away.
“I hope that’s okay with you,” he asked.
“No, no. It’s fine,” Jazzy said.
“Good. So you’ll be staying here enjoying a nice home cooked meal while your mother and I go out with the twins.”
“Wait, the twins,” Jazzy asked confused. “I may only be eight, but I know a date doesn’t involve two kids.”
“Well you know, they’re babies,” Tender Taps said as he smiled.
“Of course,” Jazzy mumbled.
“What was that?”
“Nothing. Just go enjoy your evening in with mom. And Rhythm and Gala.”
“Well okay. Apple Bloom,” Tender Taps called out. “Are you ready to go?”
“Just a minute,” she called back.
Apple Bloom came out of the bedroom. Her mane was done nicely and she wore her favorite necklace. On her back sat the twins.
“Jazzy, I hope you don’t mind your father and I going out to eat without you,” Apple Bloom said.
“It’s fine mom. Just go have fun with dad,” Jazzy replied.
“Okay then,” Tender Taps said as he headed towards the door.
Apple Bloom kissed Jazzy on the head as she said goodbye.
“Be good for your aunts, uncles, and cousins.”
“I will don’t worry.”
Apple Bloom and Tender Taps left just before jazzy had tears streaming down her face.
—————————————————————————————————
The Apple Family was gathered at the table for another home cooked meal. Everypony was enjoying their food except for Jazzy. Sweet Apple had noticed that Jazzy wasn’t a her usual perky self during dinner.
“Ma,” Sweet Apple said tapping on her mother.
“What is it Sweet Apple,” Applejack asked.
Sweet Apple pointed at Jazzy who was just in a daze and not even looking at her food. Cheerilee also looked over at Jazzy.
“Is there something wrong Jazzy,” Cheerilee asked getting her attention.
“You’ve barely touched your food,” Applejack added.
Jazzy looked down at her food. She grabbed the fork and took a bite of food.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Jazzy replied obviously not fooling anyone.
Crimson Crisp (Big Mac and Cheerilee’s son), Cherry Blossom, Big Mac, Flim, Apple Slice, Appleseed, and Sweet Apple had stopped eating to hear what was going on.
“Something’s definitely going on,” Cheerilee whispered into Applejack’s ear.
Applejack replied, “Well no duh.”
“Um Jazzy,” Cherry Blossom said. “We can kind of tell something’s wrong. Can you just tell us what’s going on?”
Tears started streaming down Jazzy’s face once more. Anger began building up inside her.
Jazzy yelled, “THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE AND LEAVE IT AT THAT!”
Everypony was shocked at her outburst. In the eight years she’s been apart of the family, she’s never yelled like that ever.
Jazzy looked around the table at her family. She was officially done with everypony for the night.
“I’m done eating,” Jazzy said pushing her plate and leaving the table. “I’m going to start getting ready for bed.”
Jazzy left the room, and everypony was still in shock. Once they all collected in their minds what just happened, they all glared at Cherry Blossom.
“What,” Cherry Blossom asked.
A few hours later, Applejack went up to Jazzy’s room to check on her. She opened the door and saw that Jazzy was fast asleep in her bed.
“Oh Jazzy,” Applejack said. “You’ve always been so happy. Just tell us what’s wrong. We want to help.”
Applejack gave one more look before shutting the door and leaving Jazzy to herself for the rest of the night.
—————————————————————————————————
A few days had passed, and things weren’t getting any better. Jazzy seemed to shut everypony out. The only ponies she talked to were Harmony and Sound Wave.
“Aren’t you ever going to tell your family how you feel,” asked Harmony.
“Nope.”
“Jazzy, they want to know,” Sound Wave said.
“I know they want to know, but I can’t let them know,” Jazzy replied.
“What the hay is that supposed to mean?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just forget about it. Can we talk about something else?”
Sound Wave and Harmony looked at each other. They knew they weren’t gonna get anything out of her.
For the past few days, Apple Bloom and Tender Taps have been spending a lot of time with each other or with the twins. Jazzy was hardly ever included. Jazzy’s depression had turned more into an ignorant attitude. She didn’t care about anything anymore. Actually, she couldn’t keep it in anymore.
“Hey Jazzy,” Apple Bloom said.
“What,” Jazzy said as if she was annoyed.
Apple Bloom was shocked she had replied that way. She never replied to her that way. It’s like Jazzy’s attitude took a total 360.
“Um, your father and I were wondering if you would like to join us for lunch at Sugar Cube Corner.”
“Oh so now I’m included,” Jazzy replied.
Cheerilee looked over at the scene. She thought to herself, “She can’t keep it in anymore.”
Apple Bloom started to get nervous. Tender Taps walked over to join in.
“We’re just going to go over there to get a bite. That’s all. Just you, me, your mother, and the twins,” Tender Taps explained.
Jazzy’s ears twitched at the mention of her brother and sister. Anger and tears began to build up. By this point, everypony in the house was paying attention to what was going on.
“Why do they have to go? Can’t we just go alone for some quality time. You guys have been places with the twins and without me.”
Applejack thought to herself, “That’s it.”
“Well you know,” Apple Bloom said. “They’re babies.”
“That’s your excuse for everything! It’s always about the twins! No matter what we do the twins always come first! Ever since they were born, daddy had to leave home more often, and you never pay attention to me anymore! You guys even go out and do things with the twins and not me.”
By this point Tender Taps was shocked and Apple Bloom was on the verge of tears.
“I thought when a new baby is born, the older sibling was still loved. I guess that’s not the case.”
“What are you talking about Jazzy,” Apple Bloom said her voice a little shaky. “We still lo-”
“NO YOU DON’T. I WISH THE TWINS WERE NEVER BORN!”
Everypony went into shock once more. Jazzy had just realized what she had been saying. She seemed to be losing air as she thought about it even more. She ran out of the house and out towards the orchard.
Everypony was too shocked to go after. Everypony except Cherry Blossom and Appleseed. The nodded as if they could read each others’ minds.
—————————————————————————————————
Jazzy ran all the way to the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse. It was in great shape given how old it was. That’s probably because it was given a slight fix up since Apple Slice, Midnight Sparkle, and Misty were crusaders when they were younger. It still was a little run down given it hadn’t been used for at least since Jazzy was first born.
Jazzy sobbed into her little hooves, and her tears fell on to the couple decades old wood. She had wished she never said what she said. She really does love her brother and sister. In fact, she was the most excited about their arrival. Apple Bloom and Tender Taps deserved Rhythm and Gala as children and not Jazzy. Jazzy now wished she hadn’t been born. How could she have been so selfish?
She cried once more until she heard voices in the orchard.
“Jazzy,” they both called out.
The hoof steps could now be heard on the stairs of the clubhouse. Jazzy looked back to see Appleseed and Cherry Blossom.
“Hey there,” said Cherry.
Jazzy didn’t reply.
“Listen,” Appleseed said. “We know what you’re going through.”
“Really,” Jazzy asked.
“You wanna go first,” asked Cherry.
“Sure.”
The two ponies sat next to their cousin.
“Part of how you feel has to do with that you’re not the baby of the Apple Family anymore. Am I correct?”
Jazzy nodded. “Such a silly thing to get upset about.”
“Actually not at all,” Appleseed said. “You know how you had the longest time of being the baby of the family? You were the youngest for seven years. That’s a pretty long time.”
Jazzy nodded.
“You know who had the longest time being the youngest before you were born?”
Jazzy shook her head.
“I did,” Appleseed said. “I was the youngest for five years. Those were a happy five years for me. Ma and Pa always did so much for me then. Uncle Big Mac, Aunt Cheerilee, your parents, even Great Granny Smith did a lot for me. Then one day when I was five, my parents told me and my brother that they were going to have another foal. That of course ended up being a baby sister named Sweet Apple. I was excited to be a big brother, but I never anticipated for all the baby praise to go to her. I became mad kind of like you.”
“What did you do about it,” asked Jazzy.
“I told my mom about it. She told me that she honestly was jealous about all the attention her parents were giving Apple Bloom when she was first born.”
“Oh. What about you Cherry Blossom. You have a story don’t you?”
“Yep I do.”
Jazzy turned her attention to her other cousin.
“When I was little, your mom and I were very close. She was my favorite aunt. Don’t tell Aunt Applejack I said that.”
Jazzy giggled at her remark.
“At the time, Apple Bloom didn’t have any kids or even was married for that matter. She was just a single mare taking on the world. Hanging out with her was always my favorite. Despite me never becoming a crusader, she still took me up to this very clubhouse for fun. I never wanted those days to end. Then when I was about six or seven, she reconnected with this stallion who she knew from when she was in school. They started going out. She spent less time with me. I didn’t like it, but I let it pass since she still hung out with me a lot. I also believed it wouldn’t last long. Well, I was wrong because when I was ten they got married. You better believe I was furious about it. I didn’t care that I got to be a flower filly. I just wanted Apple Bloom back to myself, but that wasn’t the end. When I was fourteen, they had a little foal of their very own. Things have changed a lot ever since I was little. I’ll be honest, I didn’t care for that baby at first.”
“Hey,” Jazzy said knowing that the baby was herself.
“Don’t worry. I love you now,” Cherry Blossom said.
“Please,” Appleseed said. “She started to care about you like three hours after you were born. The reason is because you turned out to be a filly instead of a colt like we thought.”
“Hey,” Cherry Blossom. “I was the only filly up until Sweet Apple was born. I spent eleven years of my life living with colts. Jazzy, be lucky you didn’t have to experience what I did. I don’t know what I’d do if you or Sweet Apple turned out to be colts.”
Jazzy laughed.
“Back on topic. The whole point of my story is that I had a hard time adjusting to changes in my life, especially with a pony I was very close to. Before the twins, you were extremely close with Apple Bloom and Tender Taps.”
Jazzy nodded.
“What I did to get over the change was I talked to my mom and Apple Bloom directly. They helped me see that things change and things won’t be the same, but ponies love towards each other won’t change. Ever.”
“That’s right,” said another voice coming from the door. Apple Bloom and Tender Taps were standing there.
“Thanks for talking to her you two,” Tender Taps said.
“Now it’s our time for talking to our little girl,” Apple Bloom said.
Cherry and Appleseed left as Apple Bloom and Tender Taps sat next to Jazzy.
“Why didn’t you say anything about how you felt,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Because I thought you two would be mad.”
“Why would we be mad,” asked Tender Taps.
“Because I was being selfish and only wanting attention for myself. I know now that I was wrong. What did you two ever do to deserve me as a daughter?”
“Oh Jazzy Jubilee,” Apple Bloom said pulling her in for a hug. “I’m asking myself the same thing. How did such an awful mother as myself deserve such a wonderful daughter like you.”
“You’re not a bad mom. You were just trying to do your job.”
“But like you said, I barley paid attention to you. If you had just said something maybe I-”
“Your mother’s right,” Tender Taps said. “If you had just said something, this whole problem could’ve been adverted.”
“I’m sorry,” Jazzy said.
“No, I’m sorry,” Apple Bloom said.
“How about let’s just say it was nopony’s fault,” Tender Taps suggested.
Apple Bloom and Jazzy looked at each other and smiled. They hugged and tender Taps joined in.
“But you promise to start telling us how you are feeling because in any perfect relationship, communication is key.”
“Come on guys! We’re going to be late,” Rainboom called out.
“Calm down there little guy,” Rainbow said to her son. “We’re not going to be late.
“In fact,” Twilight added. “We’re just about early if anything.”
Today was a very special day for all the young ponies of Ponyville. Today was the Schoolyard Games. All the children compete against each other in different events. These games don’t just include one age group of ponies. It includes all ages who attend school at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. Behind Rainboom, Starlight and Sweet Apple followed. Their mothers and older siblings were close behind them.
“If we aren’t late, how come Aunt Apple Bloom and Jazzy Jubilee left earlier,” Sweet Apple asked.
“Because they are helping set up. Your Aunt Cheerilee can’t do that all on her own even if she tried. Plus, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo always help out at school events. It just seems to be in their nature,” Applejack replied.
“Makes sense,” Twilight added. “They were students of Cheerilee’s, and they were one of the first classes to compete in the Schoolyard Games.”
Not long after, the ponies arrived at the school. Ponies were running around all excited. Food stands were set up the sent a delicious aroma around the site. The young ponies were getting ready with their classes.
“Why don’t you three go ahead and play over by the playground equipment,” a voice called. The ponies looked behind them to see Apple Bloom who was followed by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
“I can’t believe our playground equipment has been around since you guys were our age,” Sweet Apple said.
“Well the equipment wasn’t always like that. We had older ones before this one, but somepony decided she needed to fight an evil magic-sucking monster from Tartarus,” Apple Bloom said her eyes pointing at Twilight.
“What,” Twilight said. “He blew up my library I had to do something.”
“Don’t worry Twilight. I’m just kidding.”
“Well the new equipment wouldn’t be here without Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo,” another voiced said.
The ponies turned around to see Diamond Tiara and her husband, Pipsqueak, coming over. Over the years, Diamond Tiara has become an amazing leader to all the ponies. She was able to gain the trust of all the ponies she went to school with. She soon became Mayor of Ponyville.
“Mayor Tiara,” The three children called out.
“You three should really get with your class. The games will be starting soon. And please, call me Diamond Tiara. No need to be formal, we’re all friends here.”
The three ran off to find there class.
“Honestly,” Sweetie Belle said. “You two are the reason the school has the new equipment. The money came from your father, and Pip was Student Pony President.”
“We couldn’t have done all that without your help,” Pipsqueak replied.
“Well you did help us in a way,” Scootaloo added.
“And what’s that,” asked Diamond Tiara.
“You helped us earn out cutie marks,” Scootaloo said.
“Enough chit chat about our past now. So Tiara, I hear Diamond Heart and Chip are competing this year. Which classes are they in again,” asked Applejack.
“Oh yes, they are competing. Diamond Heart is in Class 3 with your children, and Chip is in Class 2 with the Crusaders’ kids.”
“Let’s cut to the chase here” Rainbow said. “Class 3 is gonna win.”
“Not a chance,” Scootaloo replied. “Class 2 is going to win.” Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. “Uh Sweetie Belle? Representing Class 2 of here.”
“Yeah, I will be rooting for Harmony and Class 2, but my son is also in Class 1 so…”
“Right, can’t be bias towards one child.”
“Sounds like there’s going to be some competition this year,” Twilight added. “Let’s go take our seats. The games are about to start”
The ponies started walking towards the seats when Midnight said something to her mom.
“Do you think Star will be okay today? You know with how she’s been acting lately.”
“She’ll be fine,” Twilight replied.
————————————————————————————————————————————
“Welcome fillies and gentlecolts,” Cheerilee called out. “Welcome to the annual Schoolyard Games!”
Everypony cheered.
“This year we have all three classes competing. They will be competing in 12 different events with certain ones being made specifically for earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns!”
Starlight’s heart started beating at the sound of that. She was hoping she’d wouldn’t be chosen to compete in the events for unicorns given she’s not good with magic. Beads of sweat fell from her face.
“You okay Star,” Sweet Apple asked. “It’s not that hot, we haven’t even started the games, and you’re already sweating.”
“Y-Yeah I’m fine.”
“We’d like to thank Pinkie Pie for volunteering to be our official commentator since I’m just in charge of watching over the games” Cheerilee said.
“Good morning everypony,” Pinkie Pie called out from a hot air balloon. “I will be giving you all live coverage of this year’s Schoolyard Games. I’d like to give a shout out to my two daughters who competed in these games when they were little fillies.”
Cheesecake and Chocolate Strawberry cheered.
“Our first event is a simple 3 lap race. All competitors in all classes will be running. The rules are simple, all fillies and colts will run as fast as they can. They have to run around the track three times. There will be individual prizes for the first, second, and third place runners. After the race, all the times of each racer will be averaged to find the class time. The class with the fastest time wins. Remember, unicorns are not allowed to use magic, and pegasi may not use their wings. Everypony to the start line!”
All the fillies and colts lined up at the line.
“This is going to be a piece of cake,” Rainboom said.
“Ha,” Sound Wave said who was next to Rainboom. “You may be fast, but can you make Class 3 win? Coming from Class 2, I know that pretty much everypony is a fast runner in my class.”
“You’re on.”
“Little ponies, on your marks!”
All the ponies readied themselves to run.
“Get set, GO!”
The ponies ran off at the speed of light. Starlight looked around. There were many ponies in front of her, but there were also ponies behind her. Her pace was pretty good in the first lap, but she started to fall behind once the second lap came around. Ponies were able to out run her. Her heart started pounding once more. She was now on her third lap. She looked around and realized she was last. She saw the finished line and tried to pick up the pace.
“And Starlight Aurora from Class 3 finishes off the race.”
Starlight was totally out of breath. She tried to regain her stamina before walking forward.
“Hey,” Sweet Apple said also out of breath. “You did great.”
“Thanks,” Starlight said trying to look happy.
“And the scores are in,” Pinkie Pie called out. “In first place we have Sound Wave from Class 2. In second place we have Rainboom from Class 3. And in third place we have Chip from Class 2.”
Everypony cheered.
“Now for class scores. In first place is Class 2. In second place is Class 1. In third place we have Class 3. On our score board, we have Class 2 with two points, Class 1 with one point, and Class 3 with zero points. We’ll see everypony at the next event.”
“Ugh nice going Starlight,” Diamond Heart said. “You made us loose the whole first event.”
“It’s not her fault,” Sweet Apple said. “There are about twenty of us in Class 3. She’s just a single pony. Her time couldn’t have made a that big of a difference in the overall average time. It’s not like you were up with the fast ponies!”
“Ugh whatever. Let’s just get to the next event.”
————————————————————————————————————————————
“Welcome back everypony,” Pinkie called out. “the next event is specifically for our earth pony competitors. Thank you Sweet Apple Acres for sponsoring this event. They have built apple bucking simulators. The ponies who buck the most trees in the time given will win their prizes. Like the last event, the scores will be averaged to find the overall class score.”
“Come on Sweet Apple! You can do it! You are raised on an apple farm,” Rainboom called out.
“Ha,” Diamond Heart said. “Who says she’s any good at apple bucking.”
“Like you can do better,” Sweet Apple said.
“Well I know Starlight wouldn’t be able to do it. She’s weak. I mean look at her,” Diamond Heart said pointing Starlight. “Can you even believe she’s the daughter of a princess and a royal guard. I mean, what an embarrassment for a unicorn, or a pony for that matter. She wouldn’t even be able to pass for an earth pony.”
Diamond Heart walked away to take her spot in the competition.
“Are you okay,” Sweet Apple asked.
“Y-Yeah I’m fine. Just go take your spot for the competition. Good luck.”
“Thanks,” Sweet Apple said running towards her spot.
“And first place goes to Sweet Apple from Class 3, second goes to Jazzy Jubilee from Class 2, and third goes to Chip from Class 2! Apple Family representing for first and second place. Class 1 receives zero points, Class 2 receives two, and Class 3 receives one. This puts Class 2 in first with a total of four points, and Class 3 and 1 are tied for second with one point. Great job everypony!”
“You did great Sweet Apple. Congratulations,” Starlight said.
“Thanks Star.”
“Attention Everypony,” yelled Pinkie. “Event 3 will be starting very soon. Stay tuned for the grand finale where one unicorn from each class will be chosen to compete in the Magical Showdown!”
Starlight gulped with fright. She did not want to be chosen. She has no magical abilities. She couldn’t be chosen for that event.
Several events passed. Starlight’s mind was still on the last event, and she couldn’t focus on any of the events.
“Time for event number seven,” called Pinkie. “This one’s for the pegasi. Just like the first event, it’s a simple three lap race. Except, the ponies are flying in the air. That’s why it’s for pegasi. Pegasi, take your places!”
“Good luck Rainboom,” Starlight called out.
“Don’t worry,” he replied. “I got this in the bag.”
Rainboom flew up towards the race.
“At least your not a pegasus,” Diamond Heart told Starlight. “I wouldn’t want to be the cause of another loss. Even one that’s just a simple race.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Sweet Apple said taking Starlight away from her.
“Why does she have to be so mean,” Starlight asked.
“Who knows. It’s a shame really. Both her parents and her brother are so nice. Must be one of those things that skip generations given that Spoiled Rich is a witch herself.”
——————————————————————————————————————————
The games continued on with Rainboom winning first place for Class 3, and Sound Wave winning second for Class 2. As the games continued, the last event and everything Diamond Heart has told Starlight took over her mind. Her focus on competing was gone.
“Ladies and gentlecolts, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, event 12, the Magical Showdown!”
Everypony cheered in response.
“This event is one of the most looked forward to every year. In fact, we have an old competitor of this event in the crowd. Midnight Sparkle won this event and brought her class to victory. Those alicorn genes probably really helped her out there.”
Starlight sat with her hooves over her face. She didn’t want to be chosen.
“Right now, Class 2 is in first with eight points. Class 3 is in second with five points, and Class 1 is close behind with four. Now time to select one unicorn from each class. From Class 1-”
Starlight couldn’t hear who was chosen from Class 1 because she was freaking out over the event.
“From Class 2, Harmony!”
Harmony trotted over to her spot. Everypony in her class cheered. Of course they were all happy, they were ahead.
“From Class 3, Starlight Aurora!”
Starlight’s heart sank. Why did she have to be chosen. Starlight knew she had no choice but to walk out there. Ponies would start to wonder if she didn’t step out there.
“For those who don’t know,” Pinkie started. “Starlight is the younger sister of Midnight Sparkle. Midnight beat everypony out on this event and won the whole event for her class when she was a filly. Will she be able to continue her sister’s legacy?”
“Each pony will be given five spells to perform. There a little advanced but nothing a pony that age can’t do. Alright unicorns! Take your places! GO!”
The pony from Class 1 and Harmony got started right away. Starlight looked at her five spells. She tried to calm herself down to see if she could cast it if she was relaxed.
“Look at that, Harmony from Class 2 has already performed her first spell!”
“Let’s go Harmony,” Sweetie Belle called out form the audience.
Starlight’s anxiety became higher.
“Okay, I can do this,” she told herself looking at the spell.
In the audience, Twilight and Midnight were watching Starlight. “Come on, you can do this,” Twilight whispered.
Starlight’s horn lit with little blue sparks. Though Starlight was focused, nothing was happening. She tried again. Nothing but sparks. She felt the pressure rush over her. Starlight felt like she was in a spinning room.
“What an embarrassment,” Diamond Heart called out.
“Look at that! Harmony has already performed her third spell and is on her fourth already!”
“I can’t do this,” Starlight said tears now coming out of her eyes. “I never can do it.” Her legs became weak. Starlight looked up to see everypony looking right at her. Soon, everything went dark.
————————————————————————————————————————————
“Starlight, Star, Starlight Aurora,” a voice called out.
Starlight opened her eyes. She looked up to see Miss Cheerilee, Midnight, and her mother. She looked around. She was inside the schoolhouse, a pillow under her head, and a blanket over her.
“Are you okay,” Cheerilee asked.
“W-What happened?”
“You passed out,” Midnight replied.
“Oh,” Starlight said.
“I got some water,” Sweetie Belle said using her magic to give the cup to Twilight.
“Thank you,” Twilight said giving it to Starlight. “Now tell me, what was going on out there?”
Starlight remembered what she was doing while sipping the water. She realized what was happening just before she passed out. “I’m a disappointment aren’t I?”
Everypony was shocked at what Starlight said.
“Can I talk to Starlight alone please,” Twilight asked. Soon the schoolhouse was empty, and Twilight and Starlight were by themselves. “Please tell me what has been going on.”
“I’m just a disappointment. An embarrassment.”
“No your not. You’re so much more.”
“Stop lying to me mom!”
Twilight was shocked by Starlight’s reaction.
“You were one of the most powerful unicorns to come out of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, a school I could never get into. Dad is one of the top guards in the Crystal Empire. He’s part of the Crystal Empire guard for that matter. They’re better than the Canterlot guard, and the Crystal Empire’s not even the capitol city. Then there’s Midnight. She’s the heir to your throne. She is also an alicorn and very powerful. Everypony thinks she’s going to be an amazing princess like you. She even won the Magical Showdown when she was my age and made her whole class win. Then there’s Flashlight. He’s training to be a royal guard for the Crystal Empire, and they already say he’s really good. Then look at me. I’m just a regular old unicorn who can’t even get her magic to work. I’m nothing but a burden, a disappointment, and an embarrassment to this family.”
“Is that what has been bothering you,” Twilight asked.
Starlight nodded. Twilight then pulled her in for a hug.
“I’m sorry,” Twilight said.
“For what?”
“For not realizing this.”
“It’s okay. It’s not like I wanted anypony to know.”
“But you should tell me how you feel. I could help you.”
“You don’t know what it’s like though. To feel not special, and not live up to who your supposed to be.”
“There is nothing in this world that tells you what you’re supposed to be. I don’t even think a cutie mark could tell you that. It’s up to you to decide what you want to do. And I totally know what you’re going through. I wasn’t always the powerful being I am now. I wasn’t even interested in magic until I saw Celestia raise the sun for the Summer Sun Celebration back when I was your age. Even then, I wasn’t even good at magic. I could barely turn a page of book with magic. My parents enrolled me into the school because I was was smart and had read many books on magic. You’re smart too you know. I barely even passed my entrance exam. Thankfully, Rainbow Dash’s sonic rainboom helped me out there.”
“And Uncle Spike was born.”
“That’s right.”
“If your magic were to, you know, not work at the time, Uncle Spike wouldn’t have been born.”
“And he wouldn’t have met Rarity, and Jade wouldn’t have been born.”
“See, even though you started out bad, you affected others’ lives later on. I would never be able to do that,” Starlight said.
“Not the way I see it,” Twilight replied. “I believe you have some raw magical ability in you. It just hasn’t come out yet, and I’m almost positive you’re going to affect the lives of others when you’re older too.”
“You really think so?”
“Yep. Now let’s get out there for the final prizes.”
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
“Congratulations Class 2. You are the Schoolyard Games winners!”
Class 2 celebrated with delight. Even the parents of the children were excited.
“See, I told you Class 2 would win,” Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash.
“Well yeah, they were good.”
Diamond Tiara walked over to where Twilight and Starlight were standing.
“Hey Twilight.”
“Hey Diamond Tiara, what’s up?”
‘Listen, I’m sorry for any trouble my daughter has caused with Starlight. She’s kind of in a mood right now which is why she’s not over here apologizing for herself. I just don’t know what to do with her right now.”
“It’s fine,” Twilight replied. “I understand. I’m sure it’s just a phase.”
“I hope so.”
“Hey,” Pinkie called out now out of the balloon. “Who wants to celebrate at Sugar Cube Corner. All on me.”
“Yeah,” everypony cheered ending another year of the Schoolyard Games.
It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. Starlight, Sweet Apple, and Rainboom were walking to school. When they got to school, they noticed that students started to crowd in a certain area.
“What’s all the fuss about,” Sweet Apple asked.
“I don’t know,” Starlight replied. “Why don’t we go check it out?”
The three of them ran closer to the crowd.
“What’s going on,” Rainboom asked a student.
“Didn’t you hear? Diamond Heart got her cutie mark!”
“Did she now,” Sweet Apple asked a little annoyed.
“Yes, yes,” Diamond Heart said from the center of the crowd. “My cutie mark is fabulous. I got it yesterday when my mom and I were walking through Ponyville.”
Diamond Heart walked through the playground showing off her new cutie mark. Her cutie mark was two bits with blue hearts in them.
“You all should come to her cutecenera. It’s gonna be a blast,” said a colt with a light gray coat and turquoise mane.
“Ballroom Blitz, too much,” Diamond Heart motioning to her friend.
Everypony was excited. Everypony except Starlight, Sweet Apple, and Rainboom.
“How is it that Diamond Heart is the daughter of Mayor Diamond Tiara and Pipsqueak,” Starlight asked.
“And Ballroom Blitz is the son of Silver Spoon and Snails. Both of their parents are so nice. Even their younger siblings are nice. What happened to those two,” Rainboom asked.
“Honestly, who cares. We don’t need to worry about it. We don’t need to go to her stupid party,” Sweet Apple said.
“Hey Starlight, Sweet Apple, and Rainboom,” Diamond Heart said walking towards them with Ballroom Blitz walking behind her. “So are you three going to come to my cutecenera? Mrs. Pinkie Pie is planning it, so you know it’s gonna be good.”
“Why should we come,” Sweet Apple asked. “You haven’t been the nicest to us ever since we met back in Class 1.”
“Well, all of Class 3 is coming. It would be pretty embarrassing if you three were the only ones not to show up,” Diamond Heart said with manipulation in her voice. “Though I guess it would be pretty embarrassing showing up too,” she said circling the three.
“Why would we be embarrassed by showing up,” Rainboom asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe because you three don’t have your cutie marks,” she said pointing to their flanks.
All three of them looked down at their flanks. Starlight, Rainboom, and Sweet Apple haven’t really cared about getting their cutie marks. They looked up to realize everybody in their class already has their cutie marks.
“H-How is that possible? How are we the last one’s to get our cutie marks,” asked Sweet Apple.
“Why do you care,” Rainboom asked. “You haven’t before.”
“Because I didn’t think we would be last,” she said now panicking.
“Haha. BLANK FLANKS,” Ballroom Blitz pointing at them.
“Blank flanks! Blank flanks! Blank flanks,” the class chanted.
Finally, Mrs. Cheerilee came out to let the students in.
“How did this even happen,” Sweet Apple asked while pacing back and forth out in the orchard. “How did we end up being the last one’s in our class to get our cutie marks?”
“Well sugarcube,” Applejack said while bucking apples. “I don’t know what to tell ya. I’ve told ya that Apples are destined to be the last ones to get their cutie marks. I don’t know what it is, but it seems like it runs in the family. Me, Uncle Big Mac, Aunt Apple Bloom, your cousins, Crimson Crisp and Cherry Blossom, and your brothers. We’ve all gotten our cutie marks last. Seems fitting if you were last too.”
“Does Aunt Apple Bloom really count as being last? I mean her, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all got their cutie marks at the same time.”
“I’m pretty sure it does count since all three of them were last.”
“Dang.”
“What’s got you so desperate over a cutie mark all of a sudden? you haven’t shown any desire to get one.”
“Diamond Heart got her cutie mark.”
“Oh I’ve heard. Lemme guess, she gloated about it at school today?”
“Yeah, and she’s having a cutecenera.”
‘Well are you going?”
“No! I mean yes. I mean-I don’t know. She said it would be embarrassing for Rainboom, Starlight, and I if we didn’t show up since everybody in our class is going, but she also said it would be embarrassing for us to show up being the only ones without cutie marks.”
Applejack giggled throughout Sweet Apple’s story.
“Ma, why you laughing? This isn’t funny. It’s serious.”
“I’m sorry sugarcube. This just reminds me of when your Aunt Apple Bloom was just a filly when Diamond Tiara got her cutie mark.”
“Hm, and then she went out to try different things to get a cutie mark right?”
“Well, we went to go sell apples, but that didn’t go over well. After that, she went out to get a cutie mark.”
“Well that’s what I’m going to do,” Sweet Apple said as she ran off.
“Wait! You should know that’s not how cutie marks work! It didn’t work out for Apple Bloom y’know,” Applejack yelled. Unfortunately, Sweet Apple was already off. Applejack put her hoof up to her forehead. “Just like Apple Bloom.”
“What about me,” Apple Bloom said as she walked through the orchard.
“Okay, what to do first,” Sweet Apple said to herself.
“Hey Sweet Apple! There you are,” Starlight called out with Rainboom with her. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Yeah. Where have you been,” Rainboom asked.
“I was at home, and now I’m here. Guess what I’m going to do.”
“What?”
“I’m going to get my cutie mark,” Sweet Apple said confidently.
Starlight and Rainboom looked at each other in shock. “What Diamond Heart said really has really gotten to you,” said Starlight.
“Maybe it has, but she has a point. As much as we don’t like her, it would be embarrassing if we were the only ones in the class who didn’t show up. Right?”
“I mean I guess,” said Rainboom.
“And showing up, being the only ones without cutie marks would be mighty embarrassing too.”
“You have a point there,” said Starlight.
“So let’s go out and get our cutie marks.”
“Okay, but how are we going to do this?”
“I don’t know honestly, but I know it’s going to happen.”
“Why don’t we try helping other ponies. Let’s try one of our moms’ friends” Starlight mentioned.
“That could work,” Sweet Apple said. “But let’s not do apple harvesting. My mom’s doing that right now, and I’m not good at that at all despite me being part of the Apple Family.”
“Who should we help first,” Rainboom asked.
“How about Pinkie Pie,” Starlight said. “I hear she’s got a busy day at SugarCube Corner.”
“Then let’s go,” Sweet Apple said running in the direction of SugarCube Corner.
The three of them walked into SugarCube Corner. At the counter, they saw Cheesecake and Chocolate Strawberry.
“Look who just showed up,” Strawberry said tapping on her older sister.
“Well why isn’t it the littles,” Cheesecake said using the nickname she has for the youngest of the elements of harmony children.
“Hi Strawberry and Cheesecake. Is your mom here? Or even Mr. or Mrs. Cake,” Sweet Apple asked.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cake are in Canterlot making a very important delivery,” Strawberry said.
“But yeah, or mom’s here. I’ll go get her,” Cheesecake said.
Cheesecake then returned with Pinkie Pie. “Why hello there Sweet Apple, Rainboom, and Starlight Aurora.”
“Why do you always call me by my full name when we greet each other,” Starlight asked.
“Because your name has a nice ring to it. I always loved it since the day you were born. In which we were all there. Why don’t you go by your full name most of the time,” Pinkie asked.
“Because I like it short and simple. Not that I’m ashamed of my name. I just like using my nickname.”
“Anyway,” Sweet Apple said trying to get to her point. “Do you guys need any help here at SugarCube Corner?”
Pinkie, Strawberry, and Cheesecake kind of eyed each other not knowing what to say.
“W-well, you see,” Strawberry said trying to put words together.
“We could use the help,” Pinkie said.
“Um mom,” Cheesecake whispered into Pinkie’s ear. “You know how those three are. I know I’m usually all optimistic about things, but I’m not so sure about this.”
“I just can’t say no to those faces,” she said pointing at the three who were smiling. “Plus we are a little busy today. We could use a little more help. I’ll give them something easy to do. No need to worry.”
Pinkie brought Starlight, Sweet Apple, and Rainboom back to the kitchen. “Do you three remember when you guys were younger when your parents were either busy or had a cutie map friendship mission?”
“Yeah,” Rainboom said.
“You would babysit us. It was only a few times that it was all three of us were being babysat at once. Most of the time it was only two of us or even one of us,” Starlight added.
“Do you remember what we did most of the time I babysat you guys?”
“Oh yeah,” Sweet Apple said. “We made cupcakes!”
“That right,” Pinkie said excitedly. “We need a few dozen cupcakes for an event later. I know you three can work together to get it done. I’m sure you guys remember the recipe. I gotta go get something done now. If you three need anything, Cheesecake is at the counter, and Strawberry and I are in the other room making the candies.”
“Okay,” Sweet Apple said. “Let’s get down to business.”
“To defeat, the-” Rainboom was cut off by Sweet Apple.
“No time for any songs.”
“Speaking of songs,” Starlight started. “Do you guys remember how it goes because part of the recipe is part of that song.”
“Oh yeah,” said Rainboom. “How did it go again?”
“All you have to do is take a cup of flour and add to the mix,” Starlight said half speaking and half singing.
“Then take a little 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, and you count to four, and you’ll never get you fill-a!”
“Looks like we don’t have that up here,” Cheesecake said helping out a customer. “I’ll go check in the back if we have any left.”
Cheesecake went to the back. She passed by the kitchen when she saw the giant mess.
“What is going on in here?!”
“What happened,” Pinkie yelled running towards Cheesecake with Strawberry behind her.
“I told you! you added too much flour,” Starlight yelled at Sweet Apple.
“Well I had to do something to even it out somehow! You put way too much vanilla!”
The oven alarm went off.
“Rainboom! You burned the cupcakes again,” both the girls yelled.
“I’m sorry,” Rainboom said as he opened the oven. The oven was filled with smoke. He coughed as he went in to grab the burnt cupcakes. “Ah, hot hot!”
“Well,” Sweet Apple “Those don’t look as bad as the last couple batches.”
“They’re all horrible,” Starlight said.
“Okay,” Pinkie said interrupting them. “How about I handle the rest. You three should go take a break.”
The three left Sugarcube Corner. Their heads looked down as they failed to discover their special talent. Sweet Apple walked faster than the other two.
“Why are you so upset Sweet Apple,” asked Starlight. “This isn’t like you. What’s got you so mad?”
“Do you guys even care about getting your cutie marks,” Sweet Apple asked with anger.
“Of course we do,” Rainboom said. “We’ll get them eventually. It’s just now’s not the time. Once we discover our destinies, then they will appear.”
“Well it’s not like you two were getting any close to getting your cutie marks back there. At least I have more experience baking.”
“Excuse me?”
“W-Were you only doing this to help yourself and not us too,” asked Starlight.
“W-Well you see-”
“You did didn’t you,” Rainboom said now getting offended.
“All of my family got their cutie marks last. I just thought I could-”
“All you were doing was looking out for yourself. I thought we were in this together? I guess not,” Starlight said.
“Well I don’t want to be ostracized at the party.”
“Who cares,” Starlight yelled. “Yes, it would be embarrassing, but is it worth losing friends to?”
“C’mon Star,” Rainboom said. “We don’t need her. She can figure out her cutie mark issue herself.”
The two of them walked away leaving Sweet Apple by herself in the middle of town.
Sweet Apple laid on the ground while her mother bucked apples.
“What’s got you down sugarcube,” asked Applejack.
“I did something bad, and I don’t know how to fix it,” Sweet Apple replied.
“What did you do?”
“I put my feelings before my friends to make me feel better. I thought I could get my cutie mark before them. I purposely chose something I knew they weren’t great at that I could do fairly well, so I could get my cutie mark before them. I did it because I wanted to be the first Apple who wasn’t the last in her class to get her cutie mark.”
“Well,” Applejack started. “How do you think Rainboom or Starlight would feel if they were last in the class.”
“They would be quite upset probably.”
“You’re pretty upset about it too.”
“Yeah, I am. How would I make this up to them.”
“Why don’t you go to the party with them.”
“They’re not gonna want to go. Not with me at least.”
“Why don’t you just show up at the party. If they show up or not, you’ll know how they feel. Plus, you’ll get passed the making fun of for not being at the party.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ll give it a try. I’ll be back when the party’s over,” Sweet Apple said as she ran towards Sugarcube Corner.
Applejack walked towards the barn. There, she spotted Apple Bloom. “Hey Apple Bloom,” she called out.
“Yeah sis?”
“You and Jazzy are going to that cutecenera today right? Your friends and their kids are going too right?”
Sweet Apple walked into Sugarcube Corner. Everywhere she looked she saw ponies having fun and mingling. She spotted Diamond Heart showing off her new outfit. Sweet Apple could already tell it was designed by Rarity. All around her, colts and fillies ran around with their cutie marks. She felt a little heat rise up as she started to get nervous. She looked at her flank. “How bad could it be,” she asked herself.
“Well hello blank flank,” Diamond Heart said as she walked towards Sweet Apple with Ballroom Blitz walking behind her.
“Well at least you showed up,” Ballroom Blitz said. “I wouldn’t want to be the only pony in the class who didn’t show up, but at the same time, I wouldn’t want to be the pony without a cutie mark.”
“You are not special at all,” Diamond Heart said. “You’re just a boring, stupid, little blank flank. Of all the ponies in Equestria, I wouldn’t want to be you.”
“Hey,” a voice called out. “You got a problem with blank flanks?” Scootaloo was standing there looking Diamond Heart in the eye. “I said, you got a probelm with blank flanks?”
“Not having a cutie mark means you are not special at all.”
“That’s not how it looks like to me. Everypony is special in their own way.”
“You know Diamond Heart,” Diamond Tiara said walking up. “I used to think the same way as you when I was your age. I soon realized I was wrong.”
“I don’t care,” Diamond Heart yelled. “Let’s just get this party over with,” she said as she stormed away.
“Why did she have to end up like this,” Diamond Tiara said to herself. “I-I’m so sorry Sweet Apple.”
“Mrs. Diamond Tiara,” a voice called. “We got it from here.”
It was Starlight and Rainboom.
“You two came,” Sweet Apple said.
“Well, Applejack told our moms that you were coming,” Starlight said.
“We didn’t want our best friend to be ostracized alone,” Rainboom said.
“B-But I treated you guys unfairly.”
“Yeah you did,” Starlight said. “We know the reason you did it, and we couldn’t stay mad at you. We forgive you Sweet Apple. To be honest, Rainboom and I don’t enjoy being the last in our class to be last to get our cutie marks. We just didn’t say anything because we knew it would come someday.”
“I have an idea,” Sweet Apple said. “Why don’t we look for our cutie marks together?”
“I like this idea,” Rainboom said.
“I’ve waited several years for this day,” Apple Bloom said excitedly.
“No way,” Sweet Apple said happily. “We get to be Crusaders?”
Sweet Apple, Starlight, Rainboom, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were in the old Cutie Mark Crusaders Club House. They looked at two pictures hung up on the wall. One of them was of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, The other was of Midnight, Apple Slice and Aura Mist when they were their age.
“Our older siblings were crusaders,” Rainboom asked.
“Yep,” Scootaloo said. “You three were too young to remember that, but they were.”
“And since you guys are crusaders now,” Sweetie Belle said. “You three need these.” She gave them each capes that were made with red velvet fabric and lined with gold silk. These were the very same capes Sweetie made when she was a filly. “You can tell which one is Scootaloo’s because you can see the stitched from where she ripped it on Fluttershy’s fence.”
“Hey.”
“Can’t believe we’re crusaders now,” Sweet Apple said. “And together we will discover our destinies.”
“Yeah,” they all jumped up giving each other a high five. This was going to be an adventure they were looking forward to.
“What made you think that was a good idea,” Starlight yelled as she threw off her helmet. “What made you think ziplining was a good idea?”
“Well Aunt Scootaloo told me she did and her friends did it when they were our age,” Rainboom explained.
“Well my Aunt Apple Bloom had told me that it didn’t end well for them. Didn’t Scootaloo tell you that,” Sweet Apple asked.
“W-Well yes, but just because it didn’t work out for them doesn’t mean it couldn’t work out for us.”
“Does it look like it worked out,” Starlight asked. “I know you mentioned it to get our cutie marks, but it’s just not working out. Got any other ideas?” Rainboom was about to say something until Starlight interrupted. “And nothing that involves cannons.”
“Well do you have any ideas,” Rainboom asked.
“I got it,” Sweet Apple yelled excitedly.
“What?”
“Follow me.”
The three young ponies galloped their way towards Sweet Apple Acres.
“Apple Slice! Apple Slice!”
“Why are you calling your brother,” Rainboom asked.
“You’ll see. Apple Slice, where are ya,” Sweet Apple asked.
“What do you want sis,” Apple Slice said as he walked towards her.
“How did you get your cutie mark?”
“We came all the way to ask him that,” Starlight asked. “How is this going to help us get our cutie marks?”
“Yes. If we hear enough cutie mark stories then maybe we can get inspired to find new ways to get ours.”
“That’s a good idea and all, but why didn’t you explain this to us back there?”
“Heh,” Apple Slice laughed. “My sister has a habit of not explaining things.”
“Wow Starlight,” Rainboom laughed. “And I thought you were her best friend. How come you didn’t know that about her. Come to think of it, I’ve known Sweet Apple all eleven years of her life while you’ve only known her for ten.”
“That’s because I am ten, and you’re a year older than her!”
“Anyway,” Sweet Apple said breaking up their argument. “How did you get your cutie mark?”
I was around your age when it happened. If y’all didn’t know, I was a crusader just like you three. Midnight and Misty already got there marks, so I was the only one left of us three. Ponyville wasn’t that different back then. Aunt Apple Bloom was expecting Jazzy, who was going to be born any day at that point.
“So,” a younger Apple Slice said. “Do you think it’s going to be colt or a filly.” There was no answer. “Well, what do you think.” A toddler aged Sweet Apple just stared at her older brother.
“Apple Slice,” Applejack said. “Your sister doesn’t fully understand what’s going on. She’s still not fully aware that her days of being the youngest Apple are numbered. Why don’t you answer me this? What do you think it is?”
“I think it’s gonna be a filly. You know, just to even out the number of colts to fillies.”
Big Macintosh came downstairs to greet the family. “Good mornin y’all.”
“Mornin Mac,” Applejack replied. Big Mac then whispered something into Applejack’s ear. Apple Slice watched intnently. “I know,” Applejack whispered to reply. “Granny Smith hasn’t been too well. I think she might actually-”
“Is somethin wrong,” Apple Slice asked.
“N-No sweetie. Nothin’s wrong.”
“Why don’t you come apple bucking with Crimson Crisp and I. You’re mother is very busy, so she doesn’t have time to apple buck.”
“Really,” Apple Slice asked excitedly.
“I’m busy,” Applejack asked.
“We all know Apple Slice is very close to Granny Smith. If we let him know Granny Smith is, well, you know, he’ll be crushed,” Big Mac whispered to his younger sister. “I know eventually we’ll have to tell him, but for now, let’s just keep him happy for awhile.”
“Okay, but what am I gonna do?”
“Apple Bloom has been more stressed than ever. Between Granny being sick, her husband being in Canterlot performing, and her foal being due any day now, she has a lot to stress over. I don’t think Cheerilee and Cherry Blossom got it all under control like they said. You’re her sister, at least help her stay calm and take care of her.”
“Well I guess, but are you sure he’s ready to apple buck?”
“I’m sure. He’s better than your husband that’s for sure.”
“You’re right, but make sure he doesn’t hurt himself. If my baby gets hurt under your watch, so help me Mac I’ll-”
“Okay, okay, I get it. I’m dead if he gets hurt. So Apple Slice, you ready?”
“Eeyup!”
“That’s my nephew.”
“And don’t worry ma, I’ll be fine.”
I began bucking apples everyday since then, and ma helped out Apple Bloom more. Of course I was told about Granny’s condition, and I was not happy about it at all. Ma had told me that this would most likely be Granny’s end. I was determined to not let that happen.
The colt walked upstairs to Granny Smith’s room. She has been practically living in there for the past few months. It seemed like the family was seeing less and less of her everyday. Apple SLice had overheard something coming from the bedroom. It was voices. Apple Bloom was in the room with Granny Smith.
“B-But G-Granny. You can’t,” she said with her voice trembling.
“Don’t worry my dear. Everything will be fine,” she said weakly.
“B-But, you need to stay alive. Y-You need to meet great grandchild number six,” Apple Bloom said as she rubbed her belly.
“A-Apple Bloom darlin, look at me,” Granny said taking her hoof to her granddaughter’s face.
“I’ll still love the little thing. Filly or colt. Whether I’m gone or not. This foal is still a part of this family as much as I am. I know it’s hard to see me go, but this time comes for everypony eventually.”
“Came to ma and pa too early.”
“Yes I know, but things change. Things are always changing. I’ve lived a long healthy life. My time is up.” Granny Smith looked towards the door where Apple Slice was standing. “And it looks like your time is up too.”
“Excuse me?” Granny pointed at the door.
“O-Oh, am I interrupting anything,” Apple Slice said backing up.
“No no not at all Apple Slice,” Apple Bloom said sweetly. “Would you like to talk to Granny.” Apple Slice nodded. “Same time tomorrow?”
“I’ll be here.”
Apple Bloom trotted out the room and into the hallway. She gave a smile to Apple Slice before wobbling her way downstairs. Apple Slice slowly walked into Granny’s room.
“How are you feeling Granny?”
“You want the honest answer,” she asked. Apple Slice nodded. “Honestly, not that great.”
“W-Well don’t worry,” he said as he climbed onto the bed. “Everypony gets better when they are sick.”
“A-Apple Slice sweetie, you know I’m gonna-”
“No you’re not,” he said crossing his hooves.
“You’re in denial.”
“Am not.”
“You are your mother’s child. Just as stubborn as she is.”
I didn’t want to believe that Granny would be gone soon. It broke my heart just to think about it. Big Mac took me out apple bucking more often just to get my mind off of things. I didn’t go on cutie mark searching adventures anymore since Midnight and Misty both got their marks.. It kept me happy until…
Big Mac and Apple Slice came in from a hard day’s work out in the fields. They were happy. That was until they saw everypony in tears. Cheerilee told Big Mac to get upstairs immediately in which he did. Apple Slice looked at Cherry Blossom, who was sobbing. She whispered something into her brother’s ear, and tears started forming in his eyes. Apple Slice quietly walked upstairs. He knew why they were crying, but he didn’t want it to be true. He looked into Granny’s room where Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom were crying together. Tears started forming in his eyes, and he bolted to his room.
That moment was probably the saddest moment of my life. My heart shattered like the Crystal Heart. I refused to leave my room or do anything really. I vowed that I would never apple buck again. It was a dark time for the Apple family and all of Ponyville. Of course Ponyville recovered, but it took a bit longer for us to recover. It became happier when Jazzy was born. Everypony was happy except for me. Well I was happy when she was born, but I still avoided things. That was until things got worse.
A sickness broke out in Ponyville, in which Crimson Crisp caught. Uncle Big Mac had hurt himself badly and was unable to apple buck for awhile. Ma finally got back into it, but there was no possible way she was gonna do it by herself. Apple Bloom, of course, just had a foal and was in no condition to do any hard work. My dad and uncle Tender Taps tried to help, but they aren’t good at it. Cheerilee wanted to help, but she was too busy at the school house.
Winter was coming up, and we were low on money. With ma buckin all by herself, we couldn’t harvest enough apples to make up the bits. It didn’t look like we were going to have cider season that year, which Rainbow Dash was upset about. I didn’t want to let anypony down. For several nights, I would go out and buck apples. It was hard, but I didn’t want to see my family suffer because I refused to help out. My ma soon found out. She told me I she was proud of me.
“I’ve never seen such amazing work in a long time Apple Slice. I am truly proud of you,” Applejack said as she nuzzled her son.
“I just can’t seem to find out how y’all moved on. I still think about Granny a lot.”
“Apple Slice, think of this family as, well, an apple. Every member is the slices. Granny is a single slice of apple. She left the apple, but the rest of the apple is still there like this family. We still love and miss Granny, but we are still here together. That’s all that really matters. We can’t dwell on the past for too long. Now we look ahead towards the future. With little Jazzy apart of our family, I bet we can look forward to a ton of fun things. You understand Apple Slice. Even though she’s gone, Granny’s still here in our hearts.”
Applejack hugged her son. He hugged her back. At that moment, his flank started shining. A green apple slice had appeared on his flank.
“W-wow,” Sweet Apple said. “I wish I could’ve known Granny longer than from what I got. I was just a toddler. I don’t even remember her.”
“It’s alright sis.”
At that moment, Appleseed walked out.
“Hey Appleseed.”
“Yeah?”
“How did you get your mark?”
“It’s not really a big story. I just went to sell stuff with dad one day. I really liked it and felt like it was something I could do with my life. And boom, apple seedling with a dollar mark appeared right on my flank.”
“Wow,” Rainboom said. “So these extravagant events don’t need to happen to get a mark.”
“Nope,” Appleseed said. “It’s just finding something that feels good when you do it, and you know you can do that for the rest of your life.”
“Okay,” Starlight said. “Who should we asked now?”
“Hmm, how about Lightning Rose,” Sweet Apple said. “I mean, my brother does have a crush on her after all.”
“What?”
“What? Let’s just go.”
The three ran off. Apple Slice was left frozen and his face blushing red.
Appleseed chuckled. ‘She got you good.”
The three ponies ran to the home of Fluttershy’s family. Outside, Lightning Rose was watering the plants.
“Hey Lightning,” Sweet Apple called out.
“Hi crusaders. What brings you to my home?”
“How did you get your cutie mark,” asked Starlight.
I was just a young filly. In case you three didn’t know, I was the first of our friends to get my mark. When I was younger, my family would always visit my uncle Zephyr Breeze and Aunt Tree Hugger. It gave me time to spend time with my cousins who I rarely see. The one thing I was always interested was Tree Hugger’s garden. I’m used to all the animals given that my mom has a ton of animal, but the beautiful garden was new to me.
“Wow,” a little Lightning said. “Your garden is amazing Auntie.”
“I know. The energy of the flora just flows right through you. Do you feel it little Lightning Rose,” Tree Hugger said taking in the breeze.
Lightning breathed in. “Yup. I feel it.”
“I see you take more interest in my flora than the fauna.”
“Well yeah, I already have many animals at my home in Ponyville. I guess I’m just used to it. Plants however, they are just amazing.”
“Would you like to learn the ways of the flora,” Tree Hugger asked.
“Of course I would,” Lightning said excitedly.
That day, my aunt taught me everything I needed to know about tending to a garden. Some techniques were a little weird for my taste, but overall, I had the knowledge to make my own garden at home.
“Wow,” Fluttershy said walking into the backyard. “Your garden, even at the small size it is at now, is just beautiful. What do you think Bulk dear?”
“YEAH! I-I mean it’s great Lightning. You really got a talent for gardening,” Bulk Biceps replied.
“Thanks daddy. I wish it was my special talent. If it was, my cutie mark would be here already.”
“Don’t worry sweetie. Your cutie mark will come when you find that certain something. Go pack your things. We’ll be leaving to go to your aunt and uncle’s house this weekend.”
“YAY,” Lightning said as loud as her father. “I-I mean, yay.”
The family took the train to reach their destination. Lightning looked out the window. She couldn’t wait to see how much her aunt’s garden has changed. She thought to herself just how beautiful and pretty it’s going to look.
They were greeted by Zephyr at the train station. Of course he made some remarks to Fluttershy like he always does. Fluttershy returned with a light punch. They still had the brother-sister love-hate relationship.
“I wanna see your garden,” Lightning told Tree Hugger.
“W-Well, you see-”
Lightning bolted towards the door. She froze at the sight she saw. She had to be dreaming. How could the garden look like that? “What happened Auntie? What happened to the beautiful garden that I saw last time?”
“I guess the energy was just sucked right out of it. I haven’t had the time to tend to the flora these days,” Tree Hugger said. The plants were dull in their color. There were even some wilting plants.
“Why don’t you ask my mom to help,” Fluttershy suggested.
“We did,” Zephyr added. “She’s too busy as well.”
“Oh well,” Fluttershy said. “Some things just change I guess. It really is a shame though.”
The day passed quickly. Lightning could not get over the state of her aunt’s garden. “Why does it have to look like that. It can look just as pretty as it was,” Lightning told her mom as she tucked her in for bed.
“There are somethings that are hard to keep the same,” Fluttershy explained. “You can’t keep everything the same forever. Tree Hugger just hasn’t had the time to. All we can do is see what time will tell. Goodnight sweetheart.” Fluttershy kissed her daughter’s forehead.
“Goodnight mommy,” Lightning said as Fluttershy closed the door.
And I at that moment I knew I couldn’t just not do something. Once everypony was asleep, I got out of bed and started working on the garden. I put everything I was taught about plants to the test. I stayed up all night working and working.
The next morning was quite a scare to Fluttershy when her little girl was not found in the house.
“Hey maybe she’s out-woah,” Tree Hugger said as she went outside. The rest of the family joined her. The plants were all back to their normal state.
“W-Who did this,” Fluttershy said in shock.
“I think I know,” Zephyr said pointing at the ground.
Lightning was asleep after being awake all night.
“Aw, poor thing,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Must be very tired after staying up all night.” She was about to pick her daughter up when she noticed something.
A pink flower with a green leaf on Lightning’s flank. Her cutie mark had arrived.
“Told you it would come when you realize that certain something special,” Fluttershy whispered.
My parents always took me gem hunting with them. I loved it. They started letting me help once I was seven. Since I’m both pony and dragon, I can do both parts to finding the gems. My mom taught me the spell to find the gems, and my dad taught me how to properly use my claws to dig.
“I love gem hunting,” the little dragon/pony hybrid said.
“As do we,” Rarity said. “Even though it’s for my job, I love that we can bond as a family over something like gem hunting.”
“I agree,” Spike added.
“I-I actually have a question.”
“What is it my little Jade Crystal?”
“Well you see, I’m practically almost a teenager-”
“Not for a couple more years,” Spike interrupted.
“Anyway, I’m getting older, and I’m able to do more things on my own.”
“That is very true,” Rarity said. “Where are you going with this now?”
“W-Well, I was wondering, what if I went off to hunt gems on my own. I mean, you two need to stay together since one of you have the spell and the other does the digging. I’m the full package. I can both. Plus, if we split up, it can be more efficient in finding more gems.”
“She does have a point there,” Rarity old Spike.
“I know, I know. I’m just not sure.”
“She is getting older. I have faith that our daughter will be just fine.”
“Okay fine,” Spike said. “Okay Jade, we’ll let you go on your own.” Spike grabbed Jade’s wagon and placed it in front of her. “Just be careful. Be back in about an hour or so. If you get into any trouble, just scream, and your mother and I will be right over.”
“Yes sir. Don’t worry daddy I’ll be fine.” Jade used her magic to grab the handle of the wagon. “Bye mommy! Bye daddy! I won’t let you down! I promise!”
It was at that moment I actually felt a little grown up. I was against the idea of growing up, but I loved the feeling of doing something on my own. I felt confident. I found many gems that day. I was so proud of myself, and I knew my mom and dad would be proud too.
“Mommy and daddy will be amazed on how many gems I was able to find on my own,” Jade said to herself. “They’ll be even more happy that I-” Jade was interrupted by the bushes by her moving. “Um, hello?” There was no answer. “Is anypony there. I-I’m part dragon you know! I can breathe fire! I mean a little, but I still breathe fire! I don’t want to hurt you whoever you are!”
“I want the gems,” the voice in the bushes said.
“Excuse me?”
“Give me your gems,” it replied.
“Um, no. These are for my mom’s shop. She’s gonna put them on dresses. She’s a dressmaker by the way. She has a boutique in Ponyville, Canterlot, and Manehatten. You should go to one.”
“Just give me the gems!” The figure came out of the bushes.
“A d-diamond dog,” Jade said.
“That is right, and I want your gems. You’re just a little filly. What are you gonna do about it?”
“Um, I-uh.” Jade then remembered what her father told her to do if she ran into trouble. She screamed as loud as she could.
“D-Did you hear that,” Rarity said.
“Yeah I did.” The sound happened again. “It sounded like Jade.”
“Oh no.”
My parents came quickly. They were pretty shocked when they saw the diamond dog. They were even more shocked that I was sitting on him.
“Jade, sweetheart, how did you do that,” Spike asked.
“I just talked a lot. He got annoyed, and I sat on him,” Jade said happily.
“That’s my girl,” Rarity said.
“It’s that whinny pony,” The diamond dog yelled as he pulled himself out from under Jade and ran away.
“Um, what,” Jade questioned as the dogs ran away.
“Your father and I came across these very same dogs when we were a little younger.
“W-What’s that on your flank,” Spike asked.
“Oh my new cutie mark. My talent is finding gems,” Jade said proudly.
“H-How are not surprised or super excited about it?”
“I guess I’ve always known that my talent was finding gems. I asked you guys if I could go on my own just to be sure it was my very special talent.”
“Oh Jade Crystal,” Rarity said happily. “I’m so proud of you.”
My family was taking a trip to Canterlot. I’ve always been impressed by Celestia and Luna when they raise and lower the sun and moon. One night, I spotted Princess Luna.
“Hi there Princess Luna,” a young Midnight said happily.
“Midnight, darling, no need for formalities. Just Luna is fine,” Luna replied.
“Sorry, my mom says that I need to use formalities when addressing ponies. She’s been preparing me for princesshood ever since I started school.”
“I can see that.”
“What are you doing,” Midnight asked.
“Well my sister is lowering the sun at the moment, so it’s time for me to raise the moon.”
“Can I watch,” Midnight asked excitedly.
“Really? You want to watch me raise the moon? Don’t you have something better to do,” Luna asked surprised. “What are your parents doing right now?”
“Daddy is teaching Flashlight some guard skills. Mommy is dealing with Starlight because she was having a tiny tantrum.”
“Little Aurora, she just turned two didn’t she?”
“Yep.”
“I remember when Stargaze went through that phase. Anyway, why do you want to watch me raise the moon?”
“Well, I always see Celestia raise the sun every Summer Sun Celebration. You only lower the moon at those. I’ve always wanted to see you raise the moon.”
Luna looked down at the little alicorn filly. She has never seen a pony so excited to see the moon in over a thousand years. Something felt good about it. It made Luna feel warm.
Luna flew up towards the sky. As soon as the sun was completely gone, Luna flared her horn up. A light blue aura surrounded her horn. Luna seemed to glow as she raised the moon.
Midnight looked towards the horizon. Not only was she amazed by the rising of the moon, she was amazed over the stars appearing right before her eyes. Once the night sky was filled with stars, Luna returned to the balcony.
“Wow,” Midnight said in awe.
“The night really is a sight,” Luna said. “How long have you been fascinated by my night little Midnight Sparkle?”
“As long as I can remember. My mom used to read children’s books about space and stuff to me all the time when I was little. I remember loving to read about the constellations.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that one,” Luna asked pointing to one.
“That one’s Orion. His belt has three stars not four.”
“Wow.”
“Did you know that some stars we see in the sky have already died off. Since it takes a long time for their light to get here, it takes a long time for us to not be able to see their light. This is because the stars are millions and millions of miles away.”
“Wow, you know a lot,” Luna said.
“Yeah.”
“I think you would make an amazing astronomer one day alongside being a princess.”
“You really think so?”
“Yeah. Even your cutie mark says so.”
“What are you talking about,” Midnight said confused. “I don’t have a-” She looked down at her flank to see a picture of a night sky with stars and a crescent moon. “Oh my gosh! I got my cutie mark!” Midnight ran inside the castle. “Mommy! Daddy! Guess what!”
As Midnight ran in, she passed a gray alicorn colt. “What’s she all excited about,” he asked.
“She just got her cutie mark,” Luna replied.
“Really?”
“Don’t worry Stargaze,” Luna said nuzzling her son. “You’ll get yours eventually.”
“Wow that simple,” Sweet Apple said. “You’ve always liked the night and space, and it just appeared when you told somepony about it.”
“Sometimes you have to express what you love to other ponies to find that it is special to you,” Midnight replied.
“What’s going on in here,” Flashlight asked as he realized the little ponies.
“Hey big bro,” Starlight said. “How did you get your cutie mark.”
“You really don’t remember?” Starlight shook her head.
“We were in the Crystal Empire when these bad guys attacked. Our parents told us to run into the castle, but one of them followed us in. We were cornered when I built up the courage to face him myself and protect the ones I love.”
“Oh yeah now I remember. I guess you’ve always been destined to be guard.”
“Don’t worry Star,” Flashlight said. “You’ll get your mark eventually.”
“Awe. That was sweet. Thanks Flashy.”
“Call me that one more time and I’ll-”
“Okay,” Midnight said interrupting. “That’s enough story time for right now. It’s getting kind of late. I think you three only have time for one more pony.”
“You’re right,” Sweet Apple said. “Come on guys, let’s see how Cheesecake got her cutie mark.
The three ponies raced to Sugar Cube Corner where they knew Pinkie Pie’s family was working at the moment. Since nopony was at the front counter, Rainboom rang the bell letting them know somepony was there.
“Well hello there Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Cheesecake said. “What can I do for ya?”
I was a little younger than the average pony is when they get their cutie mark. Of course you three have to know my parents are the premier party ponies in not just Ponyville, but in all of Equestria. But of course, Ponyville is where most of their parties are held. They were in the midst of planning one for a very special colt.
“Hey mommy, hey daddy,” a little Cheesecake said excitedly. “Who are you planning a party for?”
“Little Pumpkin Spice from across the street from us,” Pinkie replied.
“He’ll be excited to hear you two are planning his party. Can I help?”
“Though we would love it, and I’m sure you would love it too,” Cheese started. “We’re just really busy with this one. Plus, you’re still a little too young.”
“Oh we don’t mean that,” Pinkie said. “Maybe a little young for this big of a party. Maybe a smaller one, okay sweetie?”
“Okay,” Cheesecake grumbled.
“That’s my girl. Why don’t you go upstairs and play with your sister.”
Cheesecake walked upstairs to find her little sister, Chocolate Strawberry, playing with a few toys.
“Hey Cocoa,” Cheesecake said.
“What wong big sister?”
“I want to help mommy and daddy with their parties, but they keep saying no. They keep saying maybe when I’m older.”
“Wow. That some tough stuff,” Strawberry said.
“Yeah it is.” Cheesecake frowned.
Strawberry then walked over to her older sister and booped her nose. “Turn that fwown upside down big sis,” Strawberry giggled.
“That’s why I love you Cocoa.”
I decided to ignore the fact that my parents weren’t going to let me help them with the party. I knew I would be able to one day, but that day was not that day. Everything was going smoothly, that was until both mom and dad got sick. Pumpkin Spice and his parents stopped by Sugar Cube Corner to check on the party.
“Hello,” Pumpkin Spice’s mother said. “Is Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich around.”
“Our son is so happy to have them as his party planners,” Pumpkin Spice’s father said.
“Oh I’m sorry,” Mrs. Cupcake replied. “We were just informed that they are sick.”
“I don’t think they’ll be able to do the party,” Mr. Carrot Cake said.
“Oh no. Well that’s too bad. Seems like you won’t have the big party you wanted little guy.”
The family began to walk out with there heads down. “Poor kid,” Pound Cake said. “He was probably really looking forward to it.”
“Wait,” Cheesecake cried. The family turned around to face the little filly. “I will put together Pumpkin Spice’s party.”
“Are you sure,” Cupcake asked. “It’s a pretty big party, and you’re still pretty young.”
“Age is nothing but a number. I believe in myself. Mommy and daddy already did most of the planning. All I have to do is follow their plans.”
“Do you really think you can do it,” asked Pumpkin Spice.
“I don’t think so. I know so.”
“Well, are you ready for immense party planning because your parents’ parties are always grand,” Pumpkin Cake added.
“I was ready before I was born.”
I knew what I was getting into. I knew my parents take their party planning seriously. These kinds of things aren’t just a walk in the park. They take time. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of time. I only had about two days. Lucky for me, my parents already did all the hard work. I just had to follow their plans. I have never worked so hard in my life. I actually kind of liked it. I was able to get all the plans ready for the party. Within just a few days, my parents started to get a little better.
“What’s all this,” Pinkie Pie asked as her and her husband walked outside.
“Yeah what’s going on,” asked Cheese Sandwich.
“Hi mommy and daddy! Are you guys feeling better,” Cheesecake asked happily.
“Y-Yes dear. Very much. We were just wondering what’s going on?”
“Oh. Because you guys were sick, you couldn’t do Pumpkin Spice’s party. He was very disappointed when he found you two could not do his party, so I decided to take over on the planning. I think I did a very good job. Don’t you think?”
“Sweetheart,” Pinkie said proudly. “I’m so proud of you. I always thought you were too young to help out, but I see now that I was wrong. It really looks like you have a nag for planning parties.”
Cheesecake smiled brightly. Suddenly, her flank began to glow. She looked down and saw a light pink cake with blue frosting and red candles on top. “My cutie mark! I got my cutie mark!”
“So everypony in your family’s cutie marks have to do with parties.” Sweet Apple asked.
“Well, all but one,” Cheesecake said looking over at her sister.
“How did you get your cutie mark Strawberry,” asked Starlight.
“Huh? Oh my cutie mark? It’s not really that amazing of a story,” Strawberry said. “One day I was helping Mrs. Cupcake and Pumpkin Cake in the kitchen. I just happen to be dipping strawberries in chocolate and enjoyed it. I wanted to make more sweets, so they let me help out with. Within a few hours, I got my cutie mark.”
“The sun’s beginning to set,” Cheesecake said. “You three should really get home.”
“You’re right. C’mon guys!”
Rainboom flew home to his cloud house. He was happy to be back home after a long day of running around. “Did you have a nice day son,” asked Soarin.”
“It was a pretty good day,” he replied.
“You didn’t get into any trouble did you,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“No.”
Aura Mist walked into the room. “I’m home,” she called out.
Something came to Rainboom’s mind. “Hey Misty, how did you get your cutie mark?”
Misty looked to her parents. “He’s never heard the story?”
“Why don’t you tell him. I myself am very fond of your cutie mark story,” Rainbow Dash said.
Growing up, I was made fun of a lot in school. I wasn’t that great of a flier.
“What a whimp,” one colt yelled at a little Misty.
“Yeah. She can’t even get her measly body off the ground!”
“I can too!”
“You’re pretty much useless. You’re parents are Wonderbolts. You’ll never be like them. Even your brother, who’s just a toddler, is a great flier for his age. Face it; you’re a burden to your family!”
“Hey leave her alone,” Midnight Sparkle yelled to defend her friend.
“Why do we have to listen to you!”
“Because I’m a princess!”
“What’s with you and always pulling the princess card?”
“Just leave my friend alone.”
“FIne, but she knows everything we say is true,” the colt said as he and his friend left.”
“Are you okay Misty,” Midnight asked caring for her friend.
“I-I guess.”
“You know you don’t have to be like your parents. You can be anything you want to be. You don’t have to be a Wonderbolt. Who cares if you don’t fly as great as a Wonderbolt.”
Even though Midnight tried her best to comfort me, what those colts said to me really got to me. I wanted to show everypony that I could do something. It finally hit me when Midnight and I were walking home from school.
“I heard your mom started princess training for you,” Misty said.
“Yep. Since I’m my mother’s heir, she wants me to be ready by the time I’m coronated. Luckily, I have a long time before that happens. I’m confident I’ll be ready though. My mom says I’m already so much like her.”
“At least you’re similar to your mom,” Misty said.
“Hey, like I said, you don’t have to be like your parents.”
“I just want to show everypony and my parents I can do something. I want to make my parents, especially my mom, proud of me.”
“Well what do you want to do when you’re older?”
“I don’t know at the moment. I like to fly and all, but I’m not the best at it. I just want to make ponies happy.” Suddenly, a flyer flowing through the wind hit Misty in the face. “That’s it!”
“What?”
Misty lifted the flyer off her face. “We’re going to Cloudsdale for the Best Young Fliers Competition since the Wonderbolts are there every year, and I’m gonna enter the competition!”
“What? Are you even old enough to enter?"
"Not the normal league, but I am old enough for the newly founded junior league. Maybe now my parents can be proud of me.”
I practiced my routine time and time again. I started to become frustrated every now and again. Mom used to watch me all the time.
“Hey Misty. You’re routine is really coming along.”
“No it’s not,” Misty yelled out in anger.
“What do you mean?”
“I keep on messing up. I’m never going to be ready for the competition. This was a big mistake. Just like me.”
“Aura Mist you are not a mistake.”
“Didn’t you say that I wasn’t planned.”
“W-Well yes, but that doesn’t mean anything. You are a wonderful filly, and you will do just fine. I’m just nervous for you.”
“Don’t worry mom,” Misty said with a sudden gain of confidence. “I’ll make you proud to call me your daughter!”
“Wait Misty-”
The day of the competition finally came. I was very nervous. All of the young ponies competing were amazing. Lightning, Midnight, and their families came to cheer me on.
“I can’t do this,” Misty said.
“What,” Lightning said. “Just yesterday you were saying how you were going to win.”
“I know, but my routine is nothing compared to what the other fillies and colts are doing.”
“Hey, what did you tell me you wanted to do when you’re older,” Midnight.
“To make other ponies happy.”
“That’s exactly what you are gonna do. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. As long as you make the ponies happy out there, you’re gonna do just fine.”
“Number 15 let’s go,” the mare backstage yelled.
“That’s me.”
“Go get them Misty!”
Misty went out into the stadium. She saw the one pony she wanted to impress immediately: her mother. Her nerves started to get the best of her. “Okay Misty,” she told herself. “Just breathe. Listen to what Midnight said. All that matters is that you make other ponies happy.”
Misty looked over to her mother. Rainbow Dash could tell her daughter was starting to get nervous. “You got this Misty,” she yelled cheering on her daughter.
Misty started to feel a sense of pride for herself. “Let’s do this.”
Misty began her routine. Everypony cheered. Even though she’s not the best flier, she perfectly pulled off the maneuvers she knew. Just like her mother, she was able to create a rainbow when she flew.
Misty looked out to the crowd. Everypony was cheering; Rainbow Dash was cheering louder than anypony. Misty felt happy. She did it. She made ponies happy. That is all she ever wanted. Misty hit her ending pose, and everypony cheered for her. Everypony was happy. Suddenly, her flank began to glow. She had finally gotten her cutie mark. It was a couple of clouds with a rainbow and a heart.
“And the winner of the Best Young Fliers Junior League is,” the announcer began. “Aura Mist!”
Everypony cheered for her. Rainbow Dash flew out of her seat and embraced her daughter in a hug. “I can’t believe it. You won the competition and got your cutie mark at the same time.”
