> The Markless Wonderer: Origin
>  by OllerusTheFailure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue –Empty Reflection–
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Snow falling, albeit gently, could not have been more bothersome. Even though it is typical, we have never experienced heavy snowfall like in Yakyakistan up north. Due to nighttime, sunlight was absent, courtesy of Princess Twilight Sparkle, who faithfully completed her daily duties.

With countless shining stars and a nebula stretching across, the actual night sky is a grand opportunity not to be missed. I say ‘opportunity’ but never mean it as a rare occurrence. Nopony usually sees it because of what the nighttime signifies. You are awake and outside during the day. You are asleep and inside during the night, preparing for the next day. That is the natural order of things. Everypony is aware of it. At least, everypony here in Luna Bay.

Before attempting this short-lived escapade outside, I rechecked whether my parents were asleep because tomorrow morning was a school day, as parental figures ensure bedtimes are strictly followed.

So, in a light dusting of snow, I gazed at the starry sky overhead reflecting upon the bay surface. At the same time, the cottages in the distance radiated a warm glow from within. “Errrrrghhhh!” I stretched my legs, the sheer bliss compelling me to elicit an involuntary sound of pleasure. Because quietly stretching proves not to be as satisfying.

Other than that, the stillness of the air was almost eerie, with no sound or movement to break the silence. Except for the brisk air with snowflakes falling like spiritless whispers—the dark world evoked a sense of detachment and frostiness within me. Even with the atmosphere’s barren beauty of the atmosphere, I was not disheartened. No, this brought an overwhelming sense of contentment, apart from the snow permeating my hair and dampening it—a price worth paying. In hindsight, that was a lie. The dampness, too, gave me a faint sense of jubilant childlike wonder. And how…remarkable it was.

So, I stood up and strode forward, coming here to visit the bay. “Sss… Haah…” After a reverse hiss, a visible breath emitted into the crisp ultramarine.

In a small village near Luna Bay was a town with a winter night sky—a town inheriting no name. And deep down, though I was trying to ignore it, it was a life that felt...

🌠

Splash!

Wrong.

In an instant, countless ripples formed, each acting as a punch to the soul, and quickly dissipated. And as I witnessed the scene, something within my chest plummeted. “…” Disbelief narrowed my eyes, and I staggered backward toward the shore.

Swsshh! Swsshh! Swsshh!

Even though the bay surface mirrored the stars high above, I could not see the small figure gazing into it.





It’s a tale of a usual colt with an exceptional thought. One that doesn’t belong in the mind of a young pony. But that’s the dilemma. He’s a pony of Equestria, wistful of what lies beyond.

“Ugh, it’s not like I have anything better to do… Go ahead and tell me this harebrained story of yours.”

Okay… Sit back and relax. This will take a while.

“That’s not funny.”
> Chapter One: The Small Town of the Winter Night Sky ✨
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“A bubble? What is this? Is somepony there? Can you hear me?”

“Who… Who is that?”

“A young colt? Who are you? Where are you?”

Beep… Beep… Beep…

“Mm—That sound…”

“Wait—!”





Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

“Haah… Uugh… Aaah…” Cheeks nuzzled against a fluffy and soft fabric; my sight faded in and out. A hoof reached the side, knocking the alarm off the cabinet beside my bed.

Well, that means it is morning time.

The alarm continued going off on the floor, so there was no choice but to overcome my sleepiness, leave my bed, and turn the signaling device off. Sigh. Why did waking up early in the morning have to suck so much? Though, to be fair, I spent a decent thirty minutes by the bay outside of town last night. Nopony except myself to condemn—or the unbelievable beauty the world presented that night.

In any case, my room was shamefully basic. The first thing I witnessed as I woke up was a wooden door, and to the right was a closet full of clothes I had never worn. On the right-hoof side was a small pale brown storage cabinet with a lamp and a window even farther to the right. On my left is a wooden wall. That’s it.

After deactivating the alarm, I descended the stairs and headed to the dining room, the smell of breakfast clear. Hold on… I’m not the only beast in the house pursuing prey, allured by the hypnotic scent of sizzling pancake batter.

“Honey? Am I receiving a whiff of your fine cooking?” My father blurted. Forest Seed is his name, and flirting with my mom was his game. My fur coat resembled his, a brownish orange. However, I did not adopt his mud-brown hair. I have my mother to thank for that. Dad’s mane was shorter than mine, with bangs, more volume, colors, and length.

“Haha! Stop it, dear. What did I tell you about over-complimenting my average cooking?” Just like Mom, she meant the opposite of what she said. Under her emerald mane and fern-colored highlights, she was blushing beneath that yellowish-beige pelt. And her braided hair traveled down to her chest. “It’s not all that.”

“Au, contraire, contraire, my beautiful mare.” And just like my dad, he squirmed his eyebrows flirtatiously towards Mom.

“Dear!” she exclaimed, bringing a hoof to her cheek.

Air bursted out of my nose. I cannot handle any more of this. ”Stop! Stop! You’re going to make me throw up before I even get to eat.”

With my thoughts exposed, my rear eased into a familiar wooden chair by the family dinner table, savoring the inviting scent of breakfast. Dad was sitting on the side nearest to the living room. Mom sat across from him, near the lime green refrigerator, silver kitchen sink, black stove, and dark brown cabinets. I was seated between them but not in the middle, per se.

”You say that now, Thorn. But soon enough, you’ll do the same thing,” Dad commented.

Never will I ever act in such a manner. ”No way in Celestia.”

”Forest Seed, he’s just thirteen years old. It’ll still be quite a while before that happens.”

”Misty Fleurs, this colt right here will grow to be one of the most outstanding stallions in equestrian history!”

”You constantly extol that, even though I’m still a blank flank, Dad,” I remarked, not wanting such levels of praise to drill their way into my ears.

Mom quickly plunged into the conversation. ”Whittle Bramble! There is no self-doubt in this family! I’m sure you’ll get your cutie mark real soon. And when you do, we’ll celebrate all day—no, all week!”

”A grand idea, honey bug! His cutie mark will be marvelous, no doubt!” Dad exalted, banging on the square-shaped dinner table.

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with maple syrup and butter entered my mouth. Ah, the staple of pancakes, my favorite. Who needed all those unique flavored syrups, anyway?

White plate now empty; I finished eating breakfast through my parents’ non-stop adulation, so I sprung from my chair and cleaned the sticky maple syrup off my muzzle before leaving for school. ”Alright, I’m off. Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad.”

”Bye, my Whittle Bramble!”

”Knock ‘em DEAD, son!” Dad shouted as the door shut.





Misty Fleurs, mouth agape, widened her eyes. ”Forest Seed! Don’t say such things!”

”Sorry, sorry…” I rubbed the back of my head.

”You just get so worked up sometimes, you know that? What if somepony else heard and assumed the worst?”

She’s right. But if I compliment her, she’ll overlook things and move on. ”Well, thank Celestia, I have you to take me down a peg or two, eh?” I winked at the beautiful mare.

”Oh, how sweet.” Hooves covered her blushed cheeks.

”Speaking of sweet… How about those world-famous… hmm… desserts you be whipping up?” I licked my lips.

”…”

”…”

Upon that remark, her expression flatlined. After a few seconds of silence, Misty Fleurs stared into my eyes. ”Forest Seed.”

”Yes?” My cheeks pulled back as my eyes lit up, showing white teeth.

”…Were you buttering me up all week, hoping to get me to fix those desserts from the Ponyville Sugarcube Corner recipe book?”

Reluctantly, I closed one of my eyes halfway, still in a staring deadlock with my wife, afraid to utter the answer. ”Yes…?”

”Get inside,” Misty Fleurs stated with a stern hoof stomp.

”Yes, ma’am.”





Mom and Dad. Other ponies probably cannot tell initially, but I love them immensely. That is a guarantee, and it will always be. And so, on my way out, I was greeted by a snow-fallen grey sky as I continued marching to school.





A light layer of snow crunched and sunk beneath my hooves as I trotted – walking on a dirt trail that had to be cleared of snow periodically, depending on the weather. Today, the dull grey atmosphere was accompanied by the touch of snowflakes falling from above—the clean scent of our town’s wintry air entering my nose. Every breath hung in the frigid space, momentarily fogging my view, witnessing the heat dissipate into the cold.

Everypony was awake and going about their day, working, playing with pets, going on a date, reading a book, and eating at a local restaurant. In every sense of the word, this town is an ordinary one, doing nothing special. But it’s this familiarity that makes it home.

The pathway to each wooden cottage had a lamppost with a sun symbol head reminiscent of a certain princess’s cutie mark. But since it was morning time, they were not lit. After ambling through a narrow pathway lined with cottages, I left the residential district. I continued down that path through an open snowy expanse and some ice-glazed trees, accompanied by the distant sight of snow-covered mountains dominated by other mountains. Behind them was the kingdom of yaks, Yakyakistan.

Soon, I would be nearing the school building within the next ten minutes. Later, a young colt’s voice pierced through the air. “Hey! Nature Thorn! Over heeere!”

My friend Ice Whistle, a young icy blue colt with a horn protruding through his white mane, had magenta irises and wore both a black and grey striped scarf and beanie. He waited near the school entrance with the other students, spotting me from afar, with white specks clinging to his accessories’ dry fabric. The school building was painted green and white, with an unpainted brown fence surrounding it. ”Hey there, Ice Whistle. Another monotonous day at the Luna Bay Schoolhouse.”

Ice Whistle spoke with frustration, and as he did, small clouds of vapor billowed out of his mouth. ”There you go again… About our lives being dull.”

I rolled my eyes in a rainbow arc. ”Because they are. By the sheer definition, nothing ‘exciting’ ever happens here.”

”Ha! You’re not wrong. Equestria has never been better after Princess Twilight and her friends defeated the Legion of Doom. Listen, everyday life isn’t a bad thing, Thorn. Then again, who would Nature Thorn be if a typical day didn’t swelter him so?”

I’d be no one, Whis.

”Did you say something?”

”No…”

”Oh, how odd.” Ice Whistle appeared dazzled, but somepony would soon draw our attention.

“Okay, my little fillies and colts. Sorry, I’m late. My dog Hazel was quite the troublemaker back home.” My teacher, Miss Scarlet Petals, started with an excuse. An earth pony with colors resembling red velvet cake with purple icing on top used her mouth to grab a key from her green saddlebag and opened the door to the school building. ”Can everypony please enter and go to your assigned seats leisurely? The class will proceed shortly.”

A lot of chatter among the young ponies gathered as we tried walking inside. Sixteen students. The class’s width was around seven meters, while the length was nine. The inside is about what anypony would expect of a schoolhouse. Desks for students filled the room, and the teacher’s quarters were placed at the front by the chalkboard. At the back of the class was some extra stuff, a bookshelf full of books, bean bag chairs, and a wide cabinet neatly packed with extra essentials in case we did not have our own: pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, paper, glue, etc.

Thirty seconds passed before Ice Whistle and I arrived at our assigned seats. Luckily, we sat side by side, better than last year, when we were three seats away, making conversing difficult. We talked a bit more since we had a little time before class began. “Have you made any progress with your whistling?”

“Nope. Even though my name is ‘Ice Whistle,’ I’m still the absolute worst at whistling. It’s impossible!” He bitterly crossed his hooves.

“That’s too bad, Whis.”

Ice Whistle lifted an eyebrow. “Whis?”

I rested my chin on my hoof. “It’s short for Whistle, duh.”

“Ohhh… I like it. Whis and Thorn!” Ice Whistle thrusted his hooves in a repeated boxing motion.

“Thorn and Whis roll off the tongue more nicely,” I shot back matter-of-factly.

“Ehh…”

Before coming to a consensus, the class had officially started.

“Okay, enough chatter, little ones. Let’s start this exciting day of learning!” the crimson mare proclaimed enthusiastically, like the obscure weirdo she was.

It should be illegal to be that ecstatic about learning. To hear her say that in such a way physically hurt me. “Ugh! Please don’t torture me any further with such excruciating words, Miss Scarlet Petals.”

“Excruciating? …Nice to see some of our vocabulary lessons still hold up. Keep up the adequate work, Nature Thorn.”

“Pfft!” Ice Whistle snickered, covering bloated cheeks with two hooves.

Miss Scarlet Petals took notice. “Ice Whistle, you’ve just earned yourself the right to answer the day’s first question.”

“Dang it.”

Seeing that, I struggled to hold back my laughter, too. “Ha!”

“And you’ll answer the one right after, Nature Thorn.”

Frustrated, I sank further into my chair. “Crud.”

Everypony in the classroom giggled. Just another day it was being the clown duo of the school. Although, it left immutable memories we could laugh at.





—Memories have a tenacious hold like superglue. They aren’t physical, yet they can bind us to where they were perceived. Memories… are dangerous.





“Hmm…”

Vanhoover, a lively coastal city sitting atop the Luna Ocean coastline—Vanhoover, with its countless skylines and ponies of all races trotting to and fro, had Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns living their day-to-day life with the subtle scent of salt wafting through the air and the view of mountains in the distance.

Outside the train station, paper rustled, drowned out by the chitter-chatter of the passengers leaving and arriving. That rustling parchment was a map of Equestria, and my pair of pistachio-green eyes were locked onto it. I was standing outside the train station because this is where the train tracks stopped—in other words, the end of the railroad.

Not long after, as we walked through the city, we came across a bustling street lined with various stands and entrances to multiple large buildings. The area was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and the sound of vendors calling out their wares.

“Hey, Brave and Glorious, how long will you stare at that map?” Words spoken by a close friend of mine, Thorax. He’s a greenish-looking insect creature with orange horns and purple buggy eyes, and he happens to be the leader of the changeling hive. Despite his responsibilities, he had accompanied me on this journey to Vanhoover. I was grateful for his company.

Not peering away from the map, I responded. “I’m just trying to ensure we get through, Thorax. I don’t believe I’ve ever  been here or to our destination.” I was feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about our journey, and I hoped that Thorax’s calm, innocent demeanor would help ease my anxiety.

“You’re such a worrywart. It’ll be fine… If we get lost, we can fly.”

“True, but Luna Bay is a freezing environment, and I’m a dragon. A flying dragon in the cold doesn’t bode well.”

“Ohhh, I didn’t think of that. My apologies, Spike.”

I initially hid my face behind the parchment, but after examining it again, I rolled it up. “There’s no train to take to Luna Bay; Vanhoover is the closest stop. We’ll have to take a carriage ride or walk the rest.”

“You’ve grown up…” Thorax murmured.

“You sure it’s sufficient for the hive leader to be away from the hive?”

“Why not? My brother does a splendid job protecting the hive from harm. He also improved his leadership skills. One day, he’ll be a fine co-ruler—perhaps hive leader! Then you and I will be able to hang out more, and I’ll also be able to do my own thing.”

Then, suddenly, a curious stallion called out to us from a nearby lemonade stand. “Hello, visitors! Can I be of help to you?”

I shoved the map into a small dark purple bag hanging by my side. Slightly distracted by the twinkling baby blue jewel pin brooching on the front. “No, no. We’re just passing through.”

As I engaged with the nosy stallion, Thorax couldn’t help but voice his curiosity about my handbag. “I’ve been meaning to ask… What’s the story behind that purse?”

“Huh?! I-I-It’s not a purse, Thorax!” 

Thorax further examined the bag. “Did she make that? Hm? Hmm—”

“I dare say that is a mighty fine purse!” the nosy stallion exclaimed; his eyes opened wide, ready to pop out of his head.

“Urgg… You know what? Is there a carriage ride that’ll take us further northwest of here?” I asked and pinched the bridge of my scaly nose, agitated.

“Yesiree! Just go north up this path, and a carriage riding service will sit right before the Pear family farm.”

“Gee, thanks. Let’s get moving, Thorax.” 

“You got it,” Thorax chuckled, “Spi-key-wi-key~.”

My insides seemed to twist. “Urgg!”

As Thorax snorted, his eyes widened when he saw a front window display showcasing baked goods. “Wait, are those donuts?! I’ve always dreamt of sinking my teeth into one!”

“We should really get moving here, Thorax.”

Thorax knocked his face on the bakery store’s front window display and licked his lips and the glass. “How pretty… Some even have gems on them…”

I stopped in my tracks, no longer following the concrete sidewalk. I may not have completed my objective, but I say I deserve a treat.





Bagel Lox, a pegasus running a bakery in Vanhoover, was living his best life. He married the mare of his dreams and had two adorable fillies. His shop was nominated as the best bakery in Vanhoover. There’s nowhere else to go but down. He would only improve his baking to ensure nopony who laid eyes on his store would pass it up. A literal gold mine, the perfect bit-making machine.

He counted the bits in his register while listening to a song on the radio. ~🎶 We’ve got hearts… As strong as horses! 🎶 We’ve got hearts… As strong as horses! 🎶

He sang along to one of his favorite singers, Sweetie Belle. He thought the other two were fine. Bagel Lox considered listening to Countess Coloratura next. That’s when he heard a slam, followed by the notifying sound of the shopkeeper’s bell ringing aggressively. “What in tarnation!”

Two unusual figures stepped inside. With a hesitant voice, Bagel Lox mustered the courage to ask a question, struggling to swallow the lump in his throat. “Are you two customers?” One seemed to be a dragon, and the other…??? He wondered whether that creature was local to this side of Equestria.

The unusual and hungry-looking pairing yelled in unison. “DONUUUTS!!”

Bagel Lox will never forget that day. Neither will he forget the two monsters that rampaged through all his donuts and the awkward process of them standing by the register, paying for what they gobbled up.





After lunchtime and idling around during recess, we were finally almost there. The desire is not only mutual but also familiar. Not limited to school but extending beyond… to that bay.

“Ahem—” Miss Scarlet Petals discharged a coughing gesture to grab our attention before speaking. “Classes for the day are almost over, and I’m aware you’re all ready to march straight out that door!”

A hastened response escaped me like a reflex. “Yes!” 

“Ahem—” Miss Scarlet Petals glared at me and continued. “The last thing we’ll be doing today is learning about the geography of Equestria.”

“This is your favorite subject, right?” Ice Whistle whispered to me, his scarf swaying from his neck. It seems the specks of snow had already melted and been absorbed.

As a response, I slid and slumped further into my chair. “It’s better than the usual, I guess.”

Ice Whistle chuckled. “You’re such a slouch sometimes.”

“Mehh…” We are always so focused on Equestria. We know a lot about it now. It underwent noticeable changes after Princess Twilight and her friends left for the outskirts of Equestria and returned. So, what about the outside? What about it, Miss Scarlet Petals? The question popped up and rapidly enveloped my mind like a thick rubber balloon filled with an eternal incoming water supply. The tortuous ideation would not dissipate. Unable to contain myself any longer, I raised a foreleg at a sloth’s pace.

“Dear all Princesses, is Nature Thorn asking me a question related to the subject?!” It’s like Miss Scarlet Petals had seen a ghost pony. All the young students in the classroom, their eyes widening like full moons, gasped in surprise. From my peripheral vision, Ice Whistle, his mouth agape, stared at me with a soft expression—his profound eyes locked onto my lips.

My throat, parched and constricted, became dry. “What about—” And a thump, a pounding from within, audibly raced. There was no restraining it. The beat would not have stopped even if it was squeezed and crushed. “What about the outside?!”

My words reverberated throughout the room, through the ears of all… but not through someponie’s heart. All the faces in the classroom, like statues, remained still, devoid of interest. Truly, the room had become distant, and I detached.

“Hmm? We understand little about it.” My heart sank further as those words, brimming with indifference, escaped her scarlet muzzle. “As a matter of fact, we’ll never need to. Don’t worry. It’s not something you’ll ever have to concern yourself with. I mean, just think about how treacherous the lands outside Equestria might be…”

Might be? Do you hear yourself? Who cares? That’s precisely what makes it so incredibly captivating. Just how perilous can that journey be? The vastness of this mysterious world is so…

Gravity went beyond chaining me down, like wading through heavy water. How can we ignore something so vast and unknown? I don’t have claustrophobia, but it was as if I was at the core of the world when I proposed the question. And upon receiving the answer, the world had become infinitesimal with me trapped in it.

Coming to terms with the sincere remark shattered something. “…R-right,” The class restored the current subject and disregarded my question as if it had never existed. And just like the unknown, it stayed unknown.

Ice Whistle glimpsed my way with worry. He was accustomed to visioning me as lazy or slumped, but not this. He’s never seen me in a state where a dark cloud floating above my head wouldn’t be questionable.





I held my hoof up to my black and grey striped scarf and stroked it.

Everypony began packing their saddlebags because the day’s last class had ended. My best friend had a disparate ambiance toward him halfway through the earlier lesson. Not knowing how to amend the situation, I still wanted to help him. Which would also mean coming to an understanding, and this is Nature Thorn I’m talking about here. I gandered his way once more. There’s only one practical choice. I’ll have to speak to him, and it would start with me moving one hoof forward. “Thorn, let’s get out of here and hang out. Whaddya say?” 

“Sure.” Nothing about him or the surrounding atmosphere changed.

I’m decent at performing magic for a short duration, but only telekinesis. So, for my next move, I’ll use my birthright as a unicorn to move this immovable object. My horn glowed a magenta hue. The magic aura shrouded Nature Thorn, levitating him with telekinesis. I took him outside. Then, a filly from our class called out to me. “Um, I-I-Ice Whistle, I’ve been meaning to tell you something,” she stuttered and mumbled.

That filly’s name is Starry Vision. A unicorn with long, teal-colored hair covering one of her eyes and flowing down to her chest. She also had a turquoise coat. My interest was piqued, but that interest was soon dispelled. “Sorry, another time? There’s something I have to do.”

“O-oh, sure thing.”

I felt terrible, but I had plans. As a last resort, I had a specific destination in mind. An extraordinary place my friend might need.

At first, I dragged him to my house. I talked to him in my room for hours, trying to cheer him up, but no dice—just an occasional groan. 

Last resort it is, then.

I grew weary of relying on magic to transport Thorn, so I clamped onto his triple-striped tail with my teeth and pulled the fighting weight onward. We gathered a few suspecting looks from the other residents of this small town. Since the population isn’t that high, it took no effort to remember somepony. In other words, it’s easy for them to remember who you are, too, so yes, this is certainly embarrassing.

Later, a pool of water expanded before us. I had dragged him to that place.

Reaching our destination after I dragged Nature Thorn’s rear end through this unnamed town, we waited for about an hour until the sky gradually darkened. It was the staple of our icy-cold, petite home. Whenever you look at a map of Equestria, you will find that it doesn’t have a name—it is recognized solely as Luna Bay. We’re a side piece, and nopony here has a problem with that. There was no way of outshining the bay neighboring us—an inlet of self-reflection. We say our town isn’t unique, and that’s not wrong, but the bay itself is. The history of Luna Bay goes as follows.

During the origins of this town long ago, a unicorn was the first pony ever to lay eyes on this bay. Her name was Ocean White.

Sometime during the night, Ocean White gazed upon the body of water and saw something in the reflection. It reflected her; specifically, it showed you who she would be. It told her the future the universe had in store for her. Strangely enough, the reflection would show you all that, but not your cutie mark.

Ocean White was content with what she had seen. She would continue to live a fulfilling life. And since the bay showed her living her dream life, she named it after the pony who governed the literal ‘dreams’ throughout Equestria. Princess Luna.

“Remember that day? What I professed about this place?” Most ponies who were aware chose not to peer into it and would instead achieve their goals on their own. But Thorn needed this, even if I had to force him to stare at the water’s surface. “Do me a favor, Thorn. Walk out into the bay and find your reflection.”





Nighttime had just begun. The shoreline was a mix of clammy sand and occasional pebbles, creating an interesting texture. The water lapped the shore, and mellow swishes resounded as it retreated into the bay. Despite the snow’s determination, it faced a relentless battle against the water’s constant assault on its attempt to cover the sand, often breaking it down. A snowy beach. An unusual but mesmerizing sight. The opposite of a warm, sunny beach, with its night sky dancing on the surface. The scenery gave off what I call a ‘beautiful eeriness.’

To the right of the shoreline was a miniature peninsula extending out into the bay—where Ice Whistle and I settled.

Why did you bring me here?

I was already aware of the answer when he dragged me in this direction. I understood his endeavor. Ice Whistle, you’re not in the wrong for trying to help me, and you’re not an idiot for bringing me here. It was a good idea through and through. There was no better plan, but unfortunately for you and the pony you lugged, they had already given up on themselves quite a while ago. It’s not your fault for not knowing. I kept it a secret from you, my parents, and the entire town.

That’s right. A hammer struck a nail of curiosity deep into my heart one night long ago. I was fed up with myself. In response, I went to the bay for the first time, sneaking out under the cover of darkness. What I saw there, the ripples of the water waving the radiant stars above but not the pony gazing into it, shattered my spirit. It was at that moment, as I watched the world around me continue to move, that I gave up on myself.

I tried to repress myself. I couldn’t – shouldn’t – give up on the ponies close to me. Even though I’m thirteen years old and still have no cutie mark, my mom and dad still glorify me to an insane degree. They show me so much parental love, guidance, pride, and care. To betray them and put them in a depressing, heartbreakingly painful state wouldn’t leave a favorable taste in my mouth. Then there’s you, Ice Whistle, my classmate and the one who always seemed to have something to say. The other young ponies in this town aren’t jerks or bullies. There is no disdain here. They’re ordinary, and in my foolish eyes, in some ways, that’s worse. I didn’t converse with any of them, so in return, they didn’t converse with me. Yet, even when I hardly said anything to you… you continued mouthing off to me.

Ice Whistle, you broke my expectations. You broke out of that ‘everyday pony’ sphere. As for the residents of this town, I’m still deciding.

It doesn’t matter anymore. I gave up on myself but would not give up on those around me. That is why, to this day, I would sneak out every night, hoping to see my reflection. The second time I tried, it was a bust. The third was another failure, and the fourth ended up no differently.

The eighth.

The sixty-third.

The two hundred and eighty-eighth.

The seven hundred and sixty-ninth.

The one thousandth… After a while, the count became hazy. There was also yesterday, but it was a no-go. This scene will never change.

“Do me a favor, Thorn. Walk out into the bay and look at your reflection.” Ice Whistle told me that, but I already saw how this would play out. I ignored his request because I did not want to see this broken record replay again. So, I said nothing. “Then I’ll prove to you it’s not a superstition; it will show you what you seek. It’s never failed anypony that’s looked into it!”

Just one.

Without haste, Whis looked into the water’s reflection. He deliberately announced the occurring event. “Whoa… It’s trying to show me something!” Afterward, Ice Whistle stopped his narration. I didn’t hear another peep until a few minutes later. Then Ice Whistle strode back to me. He saw his reflection, future, and who he was meant to be. I had the opportunity to see it, but that would be rubbing salt into my wound. Who am I kidding? This entire situation is. “Nature Thorn... It worked! I know what kind of pony I’ll grow to be.”

“I’m happy for you, Whis.” Genuinely, I was thrilled for him. I only wished the best for Whis and nothing more, even if I cannot express it here and now. It reminded me of the day he got his cutie mark, a symbol of his unique talent and destiny, three years ago. Sadly, I could not describe the mark because I never examined it. Intentionally, my eyes averted from his flank. I do it to everypony, as foolish as it may be.

“Will you please look now?” Ice Whistle asked. The same answer as last time: complete silence. “Fine. I’ll have to resort to desperate measures.”

Wait, you wouldn’t—

It was too late. Even if I dashed off, I could not escape the range of this last resort of his. “It’s time to end this, Thorn!”

The next thing I knew, I was lifted into the cold air and hovered over Luna Bay. I stopped making excited facial expressions filled with anticipation around the fortieth time. It was the same this time, too. The only ponies’ reaction you wanted a glimpse of was not mine, but Ice Whistle’s.

Ice Whistle exhaled a visible puff of breath, his eyes widening as they fought the biting cold. “Where’s your… reflection?” He had trouble letting out the words as the scene took him aback, so much so that his rear end plopped down onto the snow-covered sand of the peninsula.

Continuing to look out at the bay, ears tucked back, not looking Ice Whistle in the eye, an icy-cold reply escaped. “I don’t have one.”

“Thorn… did you…?”

“Yeah… I knew.” That was the last wisp to linger in the air before trudging back home.

As mentioned, this scene was the same as always. The only difference this time was me getting forced into it. The irony. Of my volition, I always came here and recoiled. Sometimes, life is just weird like that.





After trudging through town, I finally reached the solace of home. The absence of anypony was a relief, as it meant I could let my guard down. Mom and Dad were probably out, which I welcomed. I didn’t want them to see the turmoil within me. So, I climbed the stairs to my room to confront these foolish emotions.





Later, the opening and shutting clack of the front door resounded.

“Thorrrnnn, we’re home with some hayburgers!” Dad hollered.

“If these hayburgers aren’t to your liking, I can whip up a proper dinner for you, Thorn,” Mom called out, her voice loaded with concern. I descended the stairs and assured them that the hayburgers were fine. Then, I joined them at the family table. Mom, always the conversation starter, asked, “How was school today, sweetie?”

“You know, same-old, same-old,” I replied, voice devoid of emotion and mouth full of food. Honestly, it should be a struggle to express anything more.

“Err, your old stallion here figured you’d say that. That’s why I got us our favorite hayburgers. A stallion needs their hayburgers. They make us BIG and STRONG. They’re what makes us, you know, STALLIONS!”

“No shouting while we eat, dear.”

“Apologies, love.” Dad readjusted his voice and continued in a normal tone. “Also, son, the ultra-tasty food in your belly might help improve your motivation to make it through school tomorrow. We know it can get boring at times. I tried telling your mother here, but she doesn’t believe me.”

“This is not dinner,” Mom stated tediously.

“By the way, Thorn, where have you been? We haven’t seen each other since this morning.”

“Hanging out with Ice Whistle,” I replied, my voice muffled by a mouthful of hayburger. As always, it was delicious.

“I figured. They have been friends since they were foals, dear,” Mom said.

From your perspective, it may seem like we’ve been friends since foalhood. But it wasn’t until a certain moment that I truly felt a connection with him, a moment that made me consider him a real friend.

“Mom, Dad.”

“Yes?” they both replied in unison. The only difference being Dad, who almost choked on his food.

“Thanks for dinner. I’m going to call it a night.”

Again, the first to open their mouth was my mother. “What? You usually sleep at ten, so you still have a few hours left.”

“I know, but I’m tired and want to hit the sack for the rest of the day,” I replied while causing the stairs to creak.

“Oh, okay. Goodniiight.”





“Dear, what was that?” I asked, touching a cheek of mine with a hoof, looking back at my husband. “You don’t think something is wrong, do you?”

“He’s a growing colt, Misty Fleurs. I told you those hayburgers would work wonders.”

Seriously?

Left eyebrow raised, Forest Seed’s eyes darted around as sweat dripped down his head. “I’m… going to watch the buckball game on the television.”

“Uh-huh. Go do that.”





Soft, muted lighting, that’s how I would describe it. It was a welcome sight, a signal for me to relax. I had no qualms about it. I was looking forward to sleeping until the alarm went off, undisturbed in this peaceful setting.

Upon entering, I turned my head left and right to ensure no arachnids were hiding because those eight-legged creatures tend to give me a case of jitters. After determining there were not any, I laid eyes on a mattress. There it is. My checkpoint for the day. I walked up to it and leaped into the air, landing on the surface back first, all four legs sprawled out, absorbing the fresh chill. The bed squeaked a few times, and then complete silence followed, as if somepony muted the small space with magic—or time had ceased. At that moment, I was enveloped in a haven of peace that was mine and mine alone.

Not bothering to cover myself under the blanket, my scarlet eyes stared at the shadowy ceiling, and then…my sight faded into complete darkness as I prepared for the next ordinary day to come and pass.





Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!

In the dead of night, placed atop a hill overlooking a coastal town nearby, flaunting its lighthouse, dock, and small bobbing boats in the water, a large glowing double-layered tent was adequately propped up. The vibrant orange and purple tent stuck out compared to the structures of the piling houses scattered throughout the harbor atop large mossy hills of rocks. The warm homes in the distance were lit up with artificial lighting. Some ponies slept, or maybe a young filly or colt or two secretly stayed awake. That is what one of the attentees (pun) believed as she stared at the coastal town of Silver Shoals from her tent.

“Luna, what’s troubling you? This morning, you awoke with a start, and now you’re out here. Is there something you’re not telling me?” Celestia, a white alicorn, asked, her voice tinged with concern. She struggled to step outside, her long white horn unable to fit through the tent’s opening. Inside, the sleeping quarters were in disarray, with two sleeping bags and a small lantern casting a warm orange glow.

As Celestia mentioned, her younger sister had jolted out of bed with heavy breathing. So tonight, Celestia kept an extra eye on her. However, instead of bouncing awake, her sister had exited the double-layered tent of her own accord.

“Everything is fine, sister,” another but smaller, dark blue alicorn responded.

Giving up on walking through or under the tent but mostly taking heed of her younger sister’s words, Princess Celestia returned to her sleeping bag, zipped up the second inner layer of the tent, and turned the lantern off with a distinct click.

“I’m certain it’s nothing,” Luna murmured, her voice barely audible over the crackling campfire. The warm orange bathed the right half of her body as she sat, her gaze fixed on the harbor town of Silver Shoals.

“What was that?” Celestia asked ardently, turning the lantern back on with a clack.

“I said I’m certain you could at least use magic… You know, to teleport out and eat some s’mores with me?” Luna said, smiling and breaking out in a sweat.

A gasp escaped the tent, and then the hiss of a zipper followed. Celestia still tried walking out. Still, after realizing what her younger sister had said, she took the advice and teleported. Right next to her sister. “Luna! You know I love s’mores! As if I’d ever pass up the opportunity to eat them alongside you!” Celestia exclaimed, her voice filled with delight, hugging her sibling tightly.

Luna’s forehead crinkled from furrowed brows. “How…sweet…”

“Oh, they will be!” Celestia said, turning her attention to the tent section spread out in front of the sleeping quarters, eager to grab the bags of soft marshmallows, bars of chocolate, and a box of graham crackers.

Phh!

Just as Celestia was about to enter the tent again, her long horn collided with the zipper tape and the area above, halting her progress. She could only sigh from embarrassment. “Haa…”

“Magic, sister… Magic,” Luna alluded, pointing at the dark blue horn on her head.

Hoooo! Hoo! Hoo!

Then, under the moon and the backdrop of lit piling houses, soon enough, the two retired alicorns dug their teeth into the crunchy, chocolaty gooeyness of a perfect s’more, the orange glow of the crackling flame complementing their crumb-covered smirks.




> Chapter Two: Their Perspectives
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After eating dinner and watching the buckball game, we ascended the stairs to check on our son, Nature Thorn. He was always different from how I pictured my child being. Not that that’s a bad thing; His mother and I love him to the moon and back. But I have never been able to express my feelings well because back in my day, I did not have somepony to call a father. I just hope he is aware of how much I care for him.

We arrived at his door. He said he would hit the sack a few hours ago, so we expected to find a small pony dozing off. My hoof froze mid-air, hesitant to turn the doorknob. I glanced at my wife and looked into her eyes for reassurance. She nodded. With Misty Fleurs by my side, I can do anything. This was nothing. He’s my son… He’s my son. Perhaps the weight of that fact is why I’m so anxious.

After sorting through some more thoughts, I was ready. It creaked a fair bit, but I opened the door. We walked in cautiously to ensure we did not wake the growing colt. We didn’t approach too closely but got close enough to see Thorn snoring in his disheveled bedsheets. The first to whisper, breaking the silence, was Misty Fleurs. “He’s as adorable as the day he was born.”

“Do you think we’re doing a good job?”

“There’s not a doubt in my mind.”

Seeing his tranquil face, I could not help but picture him as a foal. I reminisced about the memories we made together all these years. Something inside of me just kept saying that this colt would be extraordinary. Maybe it's a father’s bias?

I should have made a name for myself outside of our small town, but I failed. I came to accept that. I came to accept who I was. There was no better Woodspony around Luna Bay—perhaps even Vanhoover. As for Misty Fleurs, she has a natural talent for growing and nurturing flowers. Together, we helped provide Luna Bay with a wood supply and beautiful greenhouses. Because of this environment, things were more challenging for Misty Fleurs, but she could bring the most withered plants back to life with her expertise.

Currently, I am on a work break, having gathered more than enough wood to sustain the town for a while.

Whatever specialty Thorn adopted, we would support him through and through. Heck, I’ll even help push him further whenever he falters. I’ll help spread his name throughout Equestria. Then nopony will ever be able to escape the name, Nature Thorn! Our family is not one that gives up on fulfilling its roles and duties. No matter what, we make things work. I did it, and his mother did it. We would even assist each other if need be. So, we'll be there if he needs or wants our help.

But if he wants to do things independently, that’ll be okay, too. All that matters is how far he will go. That will come with time. The critical factor was my ability to be patient. “We should step out before we wake him up.”

“Agreed,” Misty Fleurs concurred. We left the room and closed the door, allowing it to creak that night for one last time.





Reality was cruel as I awoke, the daylight glinting on my face, which meant a five out of a seven chance of embracing another day of educating this town's young fillies and colts. All the parents, grandparents, other family members, and ancestors depended on me to teach their kin the dos and don’ts and academics. I tried to leave my bed, but exhaustion had other plans.

Thud!

“Mmhhh…” Falling off my bed face-first onto the floor and scarlet tush in the air, I stayed in that position, contemplating my life for sixty seconds. Afterward, I exerted strength into my sluggish legs and trotted to the bathroom sink to look at myself in the mirror. The reflection showed me a beautiful crimson mare. I noticed my messy purple bed hair and figured it needed an excellent combing. Still, I would need assistance, so I called out to my only helper. “Oh, Hazellll!”

“Woof!” Hazel was my charming not-so-little dog, a Borzoi, to be exact. She already understood the assignment, as this was a common occurrence. The products would have already been in the bathroom waiting for me, but I had to go shopping for fresh supplies, and when I did, I left them back in the living room. Hazel knew what to fetch. She grabbed and brought my hair products, a brush, and a decoration: the cutest green bow.

“Good girl! I forgot I had this bow. It’ll look so good in my ravishing purple mane.” I combed my hair out, using the hair products as intended in the proper order, and topped it all off with the adorable green bow. I witnessed the ultimate results in the mirror, and wowza! I looked good. “Scarlet Petals, you look fabulous in green ornaments. Truly, you should wear it more often.”

That was enough dilly-dallying about my appearance. Unfortunately, I wasn’t on a date with a dashing stallion today. No, today was a day of learning! Technically, every day is, but it doesn’t matter. 

Then it happened again today. Hazel had a random pair of brown slippers in her mouth... I don’t own a pair of slippers. “Hazel! Bad girl! You stole something from a neighbor again?!”

“Woo.”

“Ohhh, youuuu!” I attempted to pounce on the naughty Borzoi, catching only air and the hard, fibrous flooring beneath. I peeked up, and there she was, glaring straight into my soul with those derpy black orbs for eyes.

“Woo.” 

You’re mocking me. I can feel it down to the marrow of my bones!

“Why, you little—” I stood up and started chasing her around my house. After a few minutes of trying to capture her, Hazel took things a step further. She jumped onto my rose-dust-colored sofa and placed her forelegs on the thick window ledge behind. She turned, making sure we made direct eye contact. You bet your furry little dog ass I’m glaring back. Then I realized I made a simple mistake. I should have recognized the meaning of her actions instead of being so focused on our staring contest. One of her adorable paws raised like she was about to shake a hoof. Then, her movements halted in mid-air. I caught on to her plan. She aims to rush out the window and escape to the outside world. Something I cannot let happen.

That unruly Borzoi’s hind legs stood on the cushions while her forelegs were atop the thick window ledge. And there it was—a latch. She’s up to no good, no doubt! It was a simple mechanism; you only had to flip it upwards. “Don’t. You. Dare.”

“Woo.” With the simplest movements, her paw flipped the latch, causing the window to unfold outwards, and then she leaped out of it.

“Hazel!!!” I jumped out the window in hot pursuit, the chilly morning air biting all over.

It looks like I’ll be late for work again. Darn you, Hazel.





Bmm! Bmm! Bmm!

With its tiny cone-shaped beak, a snow-bunting bird pecked at my window.

It was early morning, and I had difficulty sleeping last night. Yesterday, my close friend Nature Thorn looked into the bay and didn’t see a mirror image of himself. But how was that even possible? The probability of it not showing his ‘reflection’ should have been... absolute zero. In the vast history of Equestria, there has never been a report about a pony without an eventual cutie mark, purpose, or talent. Nature Thorn should be no exception; he was, in fact, an average earth pony.

That’s just one of many problems. He knew. Nature Thorn already knew and never told anypony, which is understandable considering our initial agreement. But why did he never tell me? We have been friends since we were little foals—practically brothers. Nature Thorn didn’t tell me til I cornered him. Until the moment he was caught. “Does he not trust me?”

No, I don’t think that’s it. Was Thorn embarrassed? That might be more accurate, but the guy only gets sheepish if it concerns his parents. No, I’m sure Thorn is a little embarrassed, but that is not the feeling Thorn gave off when he admitted to already knowing. Nature Thorn was sad, but if he already knew that was just a result of being reminded... then telling me should not pose much of a problem. He knows I would do everything I can to help. If it’s not trust, sadness, or him being shamefaced...

Ice Whistle, you dunce. Why did you have to analyze this? The answer is so simple. “Thorn... you’re infuriated with yourself, aren’t you? So displeased, you’re trying to conceal it.” My sight locked onto the dark brown ceiling. An old wrinkled poster my elder sister got me was taped there, featuring some old blue stage magician named Jack Pot.

I left my bed's warm, soft confines and grabbed a momento off the hook rail attached to the door. “I could really use some of your advice, Freeze Breeze,” I whispered, then wrapped the momento around my neck, also putting on a matching beanie.

–A black and grey striped scarf was acquired.–

My sister moved to the great City of Baltimare to attend a university. Unfortunately, asking for advice was not an option. If I want to communicate, I can only do so by writing a letter, which is time-consuming. Even so, my letters have yet to be answered to this day. But now was not the time to dwell on it. No, I must stop fixating on what I can't do and emphasize what I can do.

“Ice Whistle, come down here and see what your father made us for breakfast,” Mother said, coming by my door.

With the scent of brunch, I stepped out the door leading to my room and prepped for school. I had a friend to see.





“Rise and Shine!” my older brother announced, rather than my alarm clock waking me.

“...Why didn’t you just let my alarm go off?”

“Silly filly, because I’m your big brother and llllove my adorable little sister! I must look after and be an exemplary role model to you, Starry Vision.” I’m sure he sapped all the potential enthusiasm that could have gone to me the day he was born. I really could have used it since I’m more of a shy pony than anything. Improving myself was a goal, starting with talking to Ice Whistle. “Alright, my Little Star, get ready for another super duper day at that fa-cil-i-tay of ed-u-ca–tion!”

“Okay...” 

My brother, Stargazer, was always like this. The super caring sibling I can’t escape or get rid of. He has a good heart, though. His curly mane shared the same color as mine, but his fur coat was more of a dark powdery blue.

My preparations for the day began, and Stargazer started preparing breakfast. But I couldn’t stop thinking about a particular pony in my class – Ice Whistle. I wanted to tell him yesterday, but he must have made plans with his friend Nature Thorn already because it seemed they were in a hurry. My timing could not have been worse—neither could my brother's. “Little Star! Breakfast is served!”

I went to the kitchen and sat at the family table decorated with a white and blue tablecloth. Our parents were on vacation, leaving Stargazer in charge. “I have a surprise breakfast treat for you.”

Oh, please, Celestia and Luna, help me.

“It’s a special recipe from Ponyville!” The oven dinged. Using his oven-mitt-covered hoof, he opened the range, retrieved what was inside, and presented it on the table. “Voila!”

The peculiar, peppery aroma assaulted my nose. I was seriously going to have this for breakfast on a school day. I spent considerable time figuring out what I was looking at until Stargazer revealed the answer. “It’s a jalapeno red velvet omelet cupcake. The thought of it intrigued me, so I just had to make us some.”

At first, my mouth formed an upside-down V. Still, after noticing my brother’s eyes and their growing anticipation, a forced smile crept up—roughly meeting at the halfway point. I grabbed the monstrosity he gave me and slowly closed the gap between it and my mouth. With every inch it came closer, the more excited Stargazer became. Whichever came first, I was afraid he would either explode or implode from elation.

I steadily sank my teeth into the breakfast dessert, chewed twice as slowly, altogether experiencing the cake’s fluffiness, the egg’s richness, and the jalapeno pepper’s tangy crunchiness, and combatively swallowed. 

Boom! 

It was like a bomb had detonated. It seems I’m going to school perplexed today. I wanted to tell Ice Whistle what I couldn’t say yesterday, but after seeing what Stargazer baked me, I was scared I might not live to tell the tale. My best friend, Mint Spring, would have been concerned about my sudden disappearance. However, I’m not sure what was more terrifying. Talking to Ice Whistle, or that this jalapeno red velvet omelet cupcake was delicious.





A beautiful morning here in this town by Luna Bay it was. I am currently reading the Equestria Daily outside, sitting in my white beach chair, and drinking a relaxing steamy cup of jasper tea. I adjusted my reading glasses and filled my mouth with the warm liquid. Then a dang oversized mutt leaped over me, knocking the mug out of my hooves and causing the tea to slosh and spill all around.

“Classic.” I paid no further attention and poured some more, trying to resume reading the newspaper. However, the paper was too wet and flimsy in certain areas. Screw it, I’ll enjoy the view and drink the rest of my te—

Ting! Splash!

“Sorry, Brisk Prize! I’m trying to retrieve your slippers from Hazel!” Scarlet Petals yelled as she galloped astray. Like the oversized rodent, the owner, who is also the teacher at the local schoolhouse, leaped over me and knocked the drink out of my hooves. Jasper tea spilled everywhere again.

“Noted.” I know she didn’t hear what I said, and I didn’t care. That part is irrelevant. I’m more focused on why the mutt had my slippers to begin with. It just had to be me today, you darn thieving rat. Correction, rats.





With the spattering of water from the faucet hitting the sink, I was in the kitchen, and the day was just starting. Last night, my husband and I checked on our son, Nature Thorn. He wasn’t lying when he said he would ‘hit the sack’ early. Forest Seed still had doubts about our parenting—apparent in his eyes. Still, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. Nature Thorn is a good kid. He has never done wrong or anything disobedient. Heck, I can’t remember the last time we had to dish out discipline for his sake. As Forest Seed always says, he’ll be quite the young stallion one day. But I’ll call it a mother’s intuition instead.

“Aaaahh.” Forest Seed yawned and stretched.

“Still tired?” I asked.

“Heck ye—” he must have recognized what I was alluding to in my tone. “N-no, heck no, of course not! Those hayburgers are going to keep me active all day!” 

I could see the sweat glistening on his forehead. He could never admit to being wrong. That’s just how he is. Even then, he didn’t want to accept his errors in life. But he has changed, and I will always be here to support him through thick and thin. I would shoot him a raised eyebrow, but we didn’t have time for our status quo.

I had to prepare breakfast for Nature Thorn so he wouldn’t be starving until lunchtime rolled around at school. If he was starving in class, what if some young pony saw and told their parents? What would they then think of me? I’m not trying to be seen as that mother in town who doesn’t feed her kids. On that note, what if, instead, Miss Scarlet Petals saw? If she noticed our Nature Thorn on the brink of collapse trying to make it through her lessons when lunch is still a few hours ahead? Would she call us and give us a stern talking to? In that case, I would offer my profound respects. Or, worst of all, would she tell the authorities? Again, I could not help but respect her for being such a caring and responsible young teacher looking after the well-being of our children.

“DARN, YOU HAZEL!” a mare’s voice shrilled.

The scream interrupted my thoughts. What exactly is going on out there? “Dear, did you hear who that was?” 

Forest Seed peeked out the window and answered, “Nope...”

“That’s odd. They didn’t sound very pleased, that’s for sure.”

“Certainly not...”

“Forest Seed dear, do you ever think the ponies of this town could use a little lightening up?”

“Yeah... things have dyed down here a little, and that one neighbor of ours, Brisk Prize, grows grumpier by the day.”

“If only we could get that one party pony... Cheese Sandwich, was it?” I asked, wracking my brain around trying to remember.

“That’s the name! I can recall that amusing night. Boy, I wish Nature Thorn could have seen it.”

“That’s true, but he wasn’t born then, so there’s nothing we could’ve done.”

“If I contacted Cheese Sandwich, you think he’d come and throw the town another huge party?”

I gave it an abrupt thought and put the sentiment to rest just as quickly. “I don’t think we should, dear. He has a filly of his own to take care of now.”

“Rust buckets, there goes that idea, a grand one too.”

Enough of that. I returned to prepping breakfast before Nature Thorn arrived. What would he do without us?





“Sorry, I can’t take you any further than this. I wish you both the best of luck!”

That was what the kind stallion said as we parted ways.

The snowy landscape seemed to extend without end, except for the silhouette of a town in the far distance and snowy mountains towering above others. The air made us shiver, particularly Spike. Luckily, the snow fell lightly, like faint kisses from Breezies.

Speaking of cute creatures in Equestria, a cute winterchilla slept in a nearby burrow. It appeared to be resting comfortably. Which made sense, considering they were built for such an environment. A few igloos were settled far off to the side. Whether anypony was using them was not of concern to us, though. In the end, I could not help but wonder. I notified Spike, and we took a brief detour to make sure. The dense snow domes were barren of life. Only dull brown knitted rugs and dolls blanketed in a white powder. 

Afterward, we continued traversing the white landscape, paying no further attention to any distractions, crunching the snow beneath while the frigid air burned our noses.




> Chapter Three: A Breakfast to Forget
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes were now open, and taking my first steps of the day, an enormous yawn escaped as my muscles were relieved from a stretch. As usual, I had to go to a place of learning with other budding minds. Which means it’s the first day of school with my best friend knowing my secret. Ice Whistle is a supportive type of friend. He will question my decisions – my situation – Luna Bay.

The school building being in sight from here and not wanting to face the trial ahead, a sigh released. Glistening ice crystals were surrounded by a clear fluid that dripped down the windowpane, indicating the sun had been melting it. Even in a freezing environment, the winter sun’s rays can be surprisingly strong and comforting. The strange sensation of the chilly air and the heat rays mixing fought for a position on my face—a truly graceful situation.

There’s no more time for this. I shut the window and cantered to the bathroom for a hot shower.

“DARN YOU HAZELLLLL!” 

While showering, I picked up my teacher's voice, Miss Scarlet Petals. Though, it might be a product of my imagination. Whatever. Ignoring the possible mental interruption, I focused on sudsing my green and yellow hair, wincing as an ounce of foam stung my eye. “Ah! Towel! Towel!” And as my foreleg reached for the usual spot... “I forgot the towel!”

After that fiasco, a recurrence of last night’s scene played out. At a dinner table, a family of three sat in their habitual spots. Instead of only pancakes, there was bacon and scrambled eggs, and for the beverage, orange juice.

“So, Thorn,” Dad started with a question. “How are those hayburgers holding up?”

“Pretty well.” Of course, I’m fibbing.

“Nature Thorn, don’t feed your father’s gluttonous pride.” She’s right. At times, Dad could get full of himself. I’d have to be more careful. “As for you, Forest Seed, that recipe book you’re so enthusiastic about might get tossed in the trash heap if you persist with these hayburgers.” 

Dad inhaled a dramatic breath and laid his forelegs across the table. “No! Misty Fleurs, I’ll never praise those hayburgers again.” Fixing his posture, he put his right hoof on the left side of his chest, gesturing a pledge.

“You promise?”

“I promise! Anything but the recipe book from Sugarcube Corner! We haven’t even gotten through a quarter of it…”

“Okay, okay, but you’ll have to help me find and prepare proper dinners from now on.”

“You, honey, got yourself a deal.”

Mom ousted a haughty breath. “Hmph, you won’t last a month.”

Appalled, Dad gasped and debated. “Are you challenging me?”

Like a film, the camera homed in on Mom’s face, and two thick horizontal lines gradually closed in on her stern, narrowed eyes. “Yes. I am.”

Ruining the action scene, I interrupted. “If you don’t chew more, your pancakes will be ruined.”

Dad eyed his pancakes after my brief remark. “Oh no, my pancakes absorbed the maple syrup entirely!”

Mom tilted the flapjack to see if any syrup would drip off. “How unfortunate, mine too.”

Having finished my syrupy pancakes, a burp escaped. “Excuse me.” Flapjacks are in their prime when the syrup stays on top. Everypony can agree with that. 

After considering the situation, my parents could only do one thing. “Pfft, Hahaha!” They guffawed. Mom and Dad were such goofballs. I can’t even recall a moment when they had to be serious. They found the best in any situation and laughed it off together. It was one of their best qualities, even if it wasn't obvious. They’re just like the maple syrup and the pancakes they were eating. They would take the syrup and come to terms with it.

“Hey, Mom, Dad?” 

“Yes?” they reacted in unison.

“How did the both of you meet?” I asked and began glugging down a glass of refreshing orange juice, receiving my fill of vitamin C.

“Oh, dearie me,” Mom said, trying to hide her flaring red cheeks in content embarrassment.

“I’m so glad you asked Thorn, but don’t expect some super elaborate romance story… It was quite the simple encounter,” Dad specified.

“Trust me, I wasn’t.”

“Years ago…”





Near Galloping Gorge, it was a typical workday cutting down some trees in the forest, hoping to collect some wood for Luna Bay. I thoroughly inspected every tree I brought down for critter nests or burrows.

“Timber!” I yelled as the tree tipped over and came crashing down. That was when I overheard ponies arguing in the distance. I investigated and found two figures walking along the nearby train tracks. It was your mother and her father.

—“My father and I got lost while hiking and followed the train tracks, hoping for a ride back to Vanhoover.”

No interruptions, honey.

—“Sorry.”

After finishing work, I asked them this while trotting over, “I’m finished with my task. Wood you like a lift? I’d be happy to help.” My gloriously ingenious joke amused Misty Fleurs, causing her to giggle, most likely after noticing the cut-down wood logs wrapped up in my carriage.

—“Ugh, Mom!”

—“What? Is it not understandable from my perspective? Who’d expect somepony to actually make that joke under such circumstances? It was so awkward for my father. The look on his face was priceless! Oh, Thorn, I wish you could’ve seen it.”





You had to be kidding me. “I can’t believe you started liking Dad over a sappy joke.”

Attempting to hold back a smile, Mom responded. “Is this a bad time to say you woodn’t believe it? Pfft—”

“No—I mean yes.”

Dad had a cartoonish spit-take with his orange juice. Never thought I’d see that. And, of course, again, they laughed like maniacs together. Dad held his gut with both front legs and kept hitting his back against the chair. I hoped for him to fall backward. “Ha! Good one, honey bug! Haha!”

“Hahaha, thank you, haha!” Mom laughed hysterically as she started banging her hoof on the table.

Yup, they deserved each other. You horrible, filthy comedians, please get off the stage. If I had some fresh and or rotten tomatoes, I would throw them. Lucky you, fortune seems to be on your side today.

“Ugh…” My cringing body couldn’t handle that unexpected blow to the gut. My stomach twisted in agony, and like my dad, I leaned back in my chair. Except, I went back so far that I fell backward and lay sprawled out on the plank floor, staring at the similarly made ceiling. Even here, escaping the thoughts of wood seemed impossible—darn wooden cottage.

Dad’s laughter calmed down a tad, and he wiped away a tear. “Alright, Thorn, we’ll stop. How about we call this even? You know, a spruce?” 

“Stop it, Forest Seed! Haha!” Mom lost control and kept her face down on the table, cackling.

I died. That was the killing blow. We set the bar for jokes in this household far too low, and I’m the shortest one here. If I’m in a book, and this conversation is on a page, please, dear reader, burn it. Burn it with fire.

“Wait, Misty Fleurs, did you pick up what Thorn said earlier?”

Mom wiped tears. “Uh… I can’t recall anything standing out. What did he say?”

Dad, struggling to hold back his laughter, stood on his hind legs and looked straight into Mom’s eyes. “The joke I made, he called it a sappy one!”

Mom gasped, her lips forming an o, bringing a hoof to her cheek. “Oh, dearie me, you’re right! Guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree!”

“HAHAhaaa!” They continued guffawing. Maybe they are maniacs. Even though their son’s dead body was lying on the cold floor next to them, they resumed cackling and losing their breaths at poorly made jokes. But despite everything, this is still our family—a family inept in the art of comedy. In a competition to figure out the funniest household in Luna Bay, we would find ourselves at the very bottom of the list. So, without a doubt, I can say this is a breakfast to forget.

And please, send help.




> Chapter Four: Another Dull Day Begins ⛅
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After enduring comedic abuse from my parents, instant relief washed over me after taking my hooves outside. A gentle chill wrapped around me as I ventured into the morning air. Thank you, Celestia and Luna, for protecting me from Mom and Dad. Though next time, could it hurt less?

Those thoughts cleared out upon realizing an imminent confrontation with my best friend, Ice Whistle. That family breakfast situation had distracted me from my troubles. Is appreciation called for? Should I just be honest with him? Truthfully, I had little to say. Perhaps I’m avoiding the central topic or being indirect, beating around the bush (not a tree/shrub-related joke).

That’s it, then. No more running. Whatever Whis asks me, he’ll only receive honesty in return. 

Bring it on. Come at me with all your questions, Ice Whistle.

You know what? Reciting that left a sense of satisfaction. More confidence. Thinking about it now, I’m looking forward to it. Did my mindset regarding this improve? Possibly tired of holding these feelings back? This experience was kept to myself for a long time, but I found somepony who wouldn’t judge me if I shared it with them. Yes, Ice Whistle was always there, that’s true, but I wasn’t ready before. My fear and bitterness blinded me from seeing him as that pony. And in the absence of carefulness, what kind of pony would be left? Something I didn’t mean could have been said—something that could have hurt others.

The typical procedure was adhered to as trots took place on the cleared dirt trail, leaving minimal hoofprints. As my destination closened, my classmates waited outside the school entrance. Miss Scarlet Petals being late is not a rare occurrence. It was something we knew her for. The question was, how did she do it this time? Did her dog cause her to be late? Directing too much attention on her appearance? Or is that attention being diverted to the handsome stallion she has a secret crush on? Whatever it may be, I hope it doesn’t take too long. It was awkward just standing here and doing nothing.

I glimpsed a pony wearing a black and grey-striped scarf and beanie. Silky white mane, a horn, icy blue fur, magenta irises – it all checked out. Target located, I strode past everypony and stood next to him, falling cold specks of snow kissing my coat. “Mornin’ Whis.”

“There he is, my old pal Thorn.” It’s early to say, but everything seems to be normal. However, that could be all in my head. Ice Whistle, in his usual thoughtful manner, will keep quiet about this in front of everypony. “Did you have an average and uneventful morning, as usual?” 

The air was as frigidly humid as always, and our breath turned into puffs of mist with every exhale. “Average? Yeah, but with slight variations.”

Ice Whistle furrowed his brow. “How so?”

Having to recall the reason, a grumpy expression resembling one of our middle-aged neighbors, Brisk Prize, broke out. “My parents acting like themselves is nothing new, but the awful jokes this morning were beyond traumatizing.”

In the distance, my eyes followed a small flock of white geese honking as they gracefully flew toward the nearest body of water, Luna Bay. “I guess you wouldn’t believe it if I said it, but your parents are quite enthralling.”

An ice-cold tear brimmed up. “Please don’t say that word…” 

“...?” Ice Whistle tilted his head. A snowflake landed right in his ear canal, causing it to twitch.

My perspective of ‘wouldn’t’ has changed. Hopefully, not for long. If ponies found my parents interesting, understanding why is easy. Around them, it’s like living with a circus of clowns. But I must admit, their ability to make dull days more bearable is something to be grateful for.

Soon after, a classmate of ours whispered to somepony. “U-um, Ice Whistle…” The timid voice belonged to a turquoise-coated filly named Starry Vision. A pony I had seen often but never conversed with. It was unclear to me what she wished to discuss with Ice Whistle. Plus, it’s hard to tell if she’s looking at Ice Whistle when her teal-colored mane always covers one of her eyes.

Ice Whistle greeted her with a friendly and apologetic tone. “Hey, Starry Vision, sorry about yesterday. I planned to talk to you about that sometime today or tomorrow.” 

Her front legs fidgeted, her eyes locked on the ground, and her voice tinged with uncertainty. “That’s okay… I’d rather talk about it when no other pony is around. Is that fine with you?”

“Of course, if you insist, I’ll gladly oblige.”

“Thanks…” Now, she started scratching away at the dirt surface.

Since it was none of my business, I didn’t care. Sort of. I figured it was a unicorn-related question because they were both unicorns. Then, without warning, a dog's barking invaded my ears. “Woof!”

Right on cue, that had to be Miss Scarlet Petals and her pet committing another crime—an inside joke our class made. One of our classmates – Splotch Wing – painted our teacher and her dog on a white canvas, wearing black ski masks and sweaters, breaking and entering a house, and ransacking the place clean. ‘The Scarlet Hazelnut Burglars.’ It still made me chuckle looking at it—we each have a copy.

“Hazel!” Scarlet Petals yelled. The dog stopped at the school door and sat, dropping a pair of brown slippers on the porch. With tired breaths, Miss Scarlet Petals made her way over. Her pursuit must have lasted a while. “Hazel… Bad dog… Bad… You’re so evil, Hazel.”

It didn’t look like Hazel cared, though. She lay there, scratching her ear with one of her hind paws. 

Cute, but we know your true nature, demon.

Miss Scarlet Petals walked up to Hazel and collapsed onto the side of the porch. The owner and pet were now lying together. Hazel went to lick the scarlet mare’s face, possibly savoring her sweat and tears. It would make for an adorable picture she could laugh at later. Although sweet to those unaware of the context, that picture is just another reminder of Scarlet Petals’ stressful life for us students.

Oh well. Click!

Somepony from our class snapped a picture. That shot had to be golden. I would have to ask for a copy.

Afterward, an older earth pony approached. He looked older than my parents, but not elderly either. His coat was white like snow, and his mane and mustache were the exact opposite, black like coal. It was one of our many neighbors, Brisk Prize. He also wore a grey fedora, and his white fur was stained with light brown splotch marks. What’s the story there?

Brisk Prize walked up to our instructor and picked up the slobbery pair of brown slippers beside Hazel with his mouth. “Keep that overgrown rat on a leash. I refuse to tolerate the thievery and filthy mouth of that creature on my belongings, Scarlet Petals,” he mumbled.

“Won’t happen… again, Brisk Prize,” Miss Scarlet Petals nervously smiled, her breaths labored and uneven.

“Hmph.” Did he not realize he was using his mouth to pick up those very slippers? Nopony had the gall to tell him.

Brisk Prize left the school grounds with sass and returned home. I wondered if he would like the art and the picture we had of our teacher, curious about how many bits he’d be willing to spit up. Ocular Vignette, the colt who took the photo, prepare yourself. Establishing a business is our next move.





Unfortunately, the class was now in session. The time for fun is over. Earlier, our teacher was on the doorstep praying for water, and as soon as we got inside, she dashed straight to the built-in water fountain near the back of the classroom and devoured it. “Water! Sweet, holy water!” 

Everypony was in their assigned seats. From my point of view, a dog cage held a prisoner captive to the left of the teacher's desk. The path of crime has consequences, and that’s the price you pay, demon king. My respect for Hazel knows no bounds. Maybe she was just trying to keep things interesting for Miss Scarlet Petals. After that, Ice Whistle posed a question, seeking my opinion while Hazel whined against the bars of her cell. “What’s your opinion about Hazel’s behavior?”

Contemplating it, I crossed my hooves and peered up at the ceiling. Earlier, I didn’t mean the idea that came to mind seriously. I couldn’t develop anything else, so I hastened my first thoughts. “It’s possible she’s trying to bring some excitement to this monotonous town for Miss Scarlet Petals. Or for herself.” 





Nature Thorn, will you ever relinquish these notions? Can you ever?

Time had frozen. 

His response was so profound that it left me with no other viewpoint. “Interesting answer,” I responded and continued. “As for what I believe—”





“She might be searching for something… specific.”

“What can Hazel be searching for in house slippers?”

Ice Whistle fixed his gaze on the blank chalkboard. “Not everything is how it seems… on the surface.”

“…”

Snap!

Splotch Wing, another student in our class, broke his pencil in half.

“Another one, Splotch Wing?” Ocular Vignette, a colt who often teased Splotch Wing, asked, astounded by the repeated mistake.

“Off my wings, Ocular Vignette!”

Until our teacher finished guzzling water and returned to her desk to start class, I remained silent. “Thanks for giving me time to recollect myself, students. Today has been tiresome, but hey, tomorrow is Saturday, so the weekend is almost here!” Miss Scarlet Petals fiercely glared at Hazel, then continued. “Which means a time of relaxation. Right, Hazel? There will be drastic measures if you ruin this much-needed weekend for me.”

“Arf?” Hazel whimpered.

“Anyway, let’s begin the day by exercising our minds. Who’s ready for some math problems? Should we begin with our favorite, the Pythagorean theorem?” 

In other words, torture. Sigh... It’s too early for math. To prove it, most of the class groaned at our teacher’s declaration. But that’s school for you, isn’t it? The smell of chalk and the sight of the dusty chalkboard were all too familiar. 

Such a life of familiarity...is irksome.

And so, another dull day of education began.





At the same time Nature Thorn was attending school, Forest Seed was sitting on the living room couch, and I, cleaning dishes, relished our time at home. “I wish this town had more local activities… We should plan a family vacation. What do you think, Forest Seed dear?”

“We haven’t had a vacation since Nature Thorn was born. I’d say when he’s older. We can participate in grown-up activities together, and it’ll make for a nice birthday gift when he becomes a grown stallion.” 

“Wonderful idea… If only it weren’t a few years down the road,” I said, then continued under my breath. “We’re not counting Vanhoover as a vacation.”

“The longer you resist, the slower and more enjoyable the journey will become.”

“I hate waiting, you know this. Remember when you arrived late to one of our first dates?”

“Nope.”

“Forest Seed!”

“Heheh…” 

A loud thumping on the door resounded through the room. Was it my Whittle Brimble, taken ill during class and forced to leave early? Or was it an unexpected visitor? We couldn’t afford to linger and wait, for it would be impolite. With a mix of curiosity and caution, we walked over, and Forest Seed cautiously peeked through the peephole.

“Heya Mr. Thorn and Mrs. Fleurs! I have additional breakfast provisions from earlier. I assumed that you both might be keen on tasting it. How’s about it?” No questions needed. It was one of our neighbors. The elder brother of a student that goes to the same school as Nature Thorn—Stargazer. His curly mane possessed the same shade of teal as his younger relative, while his fur boasted a dark powdery blue.

“Come on, Forest Seed, answer him,” I said, encouraging him with a gentle nudge to his rear end.

“Err, we had quite the fulfilling breakfast,” Forest Seed mumbled through the door.

“That’s unfortunate. I’m sure I overheard you favored recipes from the Sugarcube Corner recipe book. Well, I’ll be on my way then. Have a merry day, you two!” I could hear Stargazer’s steps as he clopped away from our porch.

Whew…

“Wait! You said you made something from the Sugarcube Corner recipe book?” Forest Seed exclaimed. If Stargazer had heard a muffled voice before, he could hear it clearly now.

Stargazer, sensing Forest Seed’s curiosity, turned back to face us. “Indeed, I did! I tried my hoof at some jalapeno red velvet omelet cupcakes,” he announced with a grin.

Forest Seed extended his cheek muscles to their limits and surveyed me for reassurance. I shook my head. He frowned at first, but then he cracked the door open. I hastened my head shake, and Forest Seed answered by quickening the door’s opening. In response, I continued emulating his behavior with my head shaking. The process continued until the door was open, baring all ponies on both sides.

“Please come on in Stargazer,” Forest Seed said.

“Don’t mind if I do.”

Are you kidding me right now? “Excuse me, Stargazer, but did you say jalapeno red velvet omelet cupcakes?”

“Yes, ma’am.” 

Tears verged. There was no way out of this situation. Our act of welcoming a guest with food left us with no alternative but to indulge. Unless… “Fun fact: I’m allergic to eggs.”

“Honey bug, you made us scrambled eggs earlier and ate them.”

My dunce of a husband thwarted my escape plan. I shot him a withering glare but had to stow it away because Stargazer was on the verge of making eye contact as we entered the kitchen. “Thus, you can sample some! Your husband’s memory served us well, didn’t it?”

I scowled. “Yup… very well.” 

“You reap what you sow, honey bug.”

Upon that remark, my right hind leg kicked Forest Seed’s left hind leg. “You’re right, dear.”

“Mr. Thorn, Mrs. Fleurs, I must say, your kitchen looks fantastic!”

“Thanks, it’s the same kitchen as every other here at Luna Bay…” I couldn’t help but let a hint of sarcasm slip out of my mouth. 

“That’s true, but I can feel your love for each other here.”

“Heh, you can say that again,” Forest Seed muttered.

Whap! I hit the back of Forest Seed’s head.

“Your son, Nature Thorn, too.”

“Don’t make it weird, Stargazer.” Whap! “Ow…” 

Stargazer must have thought he picked up on thumping, but we stood there with awkward smiles when he looked at us. “I’m going to put these on your family table, then we can sit and eat.”

Forest Seed cheered on. “Yes! No need to wait any further. Let’s just chow down.”

The visiting pony placed the horrid batch of omelet cupcakes onto the table, grabbed some plates from our kitchen cabinets, and put the Sugarcube Corner delicacies on them. After placing the desserts on the plates, Stargazer pushed the plates, causing them to slide to the other side of the family table—one for Forest Seed and one for me. Forest Seed relished the treat, savoring each bite with a lip-licking gesture. Pressured into doing this, I took a bite and chewed at a snail’s pace. Richness, fluffiness, and a crun—

Crunch!

As soon as my brain registered what my mouth crunched on: a juicy pepper mixing with the fluffiness of the red velvet cake, I stopped chewing and kept my mouth open, eyes in disarray. The tangy juices of the pepper dripped down my lips and onto the plank floor. At this moment, I could only muster three specific words. “…What the fu—”





Chill winds swept through, causing a particular purple scaly nose to sniffle. “What motivated you to venture all the way out here?” A question posed while we approached an outlying village. The colony was ornamented with a delicate layer of snow that covered the roofs of all its timber buildings. It was silent, except for the gentle crunch of snow.

My close friend, Spike, sneezed and responded to my prior question. “Achoo! You’re asking me this now after we’ve finally arrived?”

“The idea’s been at the back of my mind, but I must admit, the journey’s been distracting.”

“In that case, I’ll answer your question, Thorax.” We passed the sign that read ‘Welcome to the town by Luna Bay.’ The wooden sign seemed to have aged because it appeared worn out but stood firm, like hardened changeling slime. “To that end, you can think of it as a brief vacation. My life has been rather disordered since taking up the position of Royal Advisor. Don’t misunderstand. I’m always happy to be by Twilight’s side and help, but sometimes it can become…overwhelming. I’d like to take this opportunity to lighten the load.”

“I can understand where you’re coming from. I thought the same way, now, and before we met.” We trekked forward, leaving prints along the lightly snow-covered dirt path, conversing with one another as we passed a resident’s cottage. “And the other end?” 

The winter sun flickered. Spike was blinded for a moment, struggling to adjust his eyesight. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision. “What?”

“You said ‘to that end.’ So, what about the other side?”

Moving along, an upcoming pine tree stood tall, its branches and thin needle leaves tipped with heavy frost, creating a barrier that prevented the winter sun from penetrating through completely, awarding Spike with the proper amount of time he needed to restore his sight. “Oh, yeah. To that end, Twilight aimed to ensure that the School of Friendship is accessible to the entirety of Equestria. To every pony and creature across the land. It’s always been, of course, but the more remote territories of Equestria might not have gotten the message. Or bothered to answer it.”

We strolled past an outdoor lamppost. I noticed a familiar sound and the familiar sun-shaped symbol of the flickering lamppost head as it buzzed on and off. Fly-ders swarmed around it, which may have prompted some thoughts about my place of birth. There was no point in having it on during the daytime. It was clearly malfunctioning. “What makes you think that?” 

“Starlight documented the hometowns of the students attending the school and realized there weren’t any students from this area,” Spike emphasized by pointing a claw down on his palm.

“Not acknowledging this town must have made them feel bad...”

“For sure. But it’s not their fault, though. The name of the town isn’t even shown on any map. Luna Bay is the only name displayed over here. What’s the deal with that?” Spike pondered, scratching his head.

We attracted curious looks from some townsfolk. A white stallion was bitterly reading a newspaper outside on a beach chair, wearing a grey fedora. “What are ya lookin’ at?” Although he was reading the newspaper, he gave off an unwelcoming vibe.

“Nothing! Heh… yeesh, tough crowd,” Spike mumbled.

“I’m sure we just caught him on a bad day.” I waved to the bitter pegasus just to earn another resentful stare.

The frigid temperature caused Spike to shudder, and a pallor washed over his face. “Okay, I’ve been doing my best to neglect this, but the cold makes me very uncomfortable. Mind if we ask somepony if we can come inside for a bit?”

I took on a proud voice since Spike depended on me for help. “Whatever aids my cherished buddy.”

By chance, a powdery blue pony with curly teal hair was heading in our direction, humming a jubilant tune. “Hm hm hm hm hmmm, hm hm hm hm hmmm…”

Recognizing Spike's need, I wasted no time in seizing the first chance that came our way. “I apologize for interrupting your lovely tune, but my friend is struggling with the cold. Do you know of any place where we can warm ourselves up?”

The pony stopped and stared at us like the unusual-looking visitors we were and whistled. “How about that? Our little town is getting visitors? Welcome, welcome! My name is Stargazer, and to answer your question, I know of the perfect abode that will warm the both of you right up.”

“Really?! That should be perfect then!” I exclaimed. That was easier than expected.

“Oh… so… cold…” Spike appeared paler and paler by the minute.

“I’ve never seen a dragon before, but this is no time to be amazed! Let’s get you that warmth you need!” 

“Just hang on, Spike, I’ll carry you there.” I shifted into a creature capable of turning this nameless town upside down, determined to provide the warmth Spike needed. As leader of the changelings, and like any other changeling, I’m grateful for my ability to change into any creature I desire. This transformation into a centaur was necessary now that Spike had grown, so I hauled him while trailing behind Stargazer.

“I just have to say, that is rrradical!” Stargazer exclaimed merrily, his voice filled with genuine excitement, and trotted toward our next stop.

With every step, I couldn’t help but worry about the potential disturbance my stomping might cause. I had to be careful for the sake of the town and our mission.





It was like any other day. Settled outside with my newspaper, having been subjected to the howls of that enormous rodent engaging in some form of misdemeanor while its owner gave chase. Then, two unwelcome visitors rudely gawked at me. Soon after that, one of them turned into a darn centaur.

No. Not dealing with whatever that is. I packed my things and headed inside. “That’s enough ‘outside’ for today.” 

I may need to consider moving.





Once again, there was a knock at the door. Who could that be this time?  Was Stargazer, my eccentric neighbor, coming back? I can’t handle eating another one of those abominations he made for breakfast. It might have scarred me for life. I could not look at the Sugarcube Corner recipe book the same. I might have to set the thing on fire when my partner, Forest Seed, isn't around. If it is Stargazer, I’ll inform him we’re preoccupied and to return later. If Forest Seed replies, he will allow entry. I refuse to let that happen.

Forest Seed was hitting the television to get it to work. Perfect. “If it’s Stargazer, let him in. I want to discuss arrangements for him to cook more recipes from that book.”

“Okay, dear,” I responded, but couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What’s the reason for Stargazer’s return?’ Although I was curious, I ignored his calls, my mind buzzing with questions.

“Yoo-hoo! Mr. Thorn and Mrs. Fleurs, I have some visitors here for you!”

Plural? Visitors? As in, more than just you? Were it solely him, I would have urged him to leave. However, given that he arrived with company, I felt a knot of apprehension in my stomach. How can I muster the nerve to ask that they all go? That’s an easy one, I couldn’t.

Click! Errrr….

Stargazer’s visit was merely a distraction from the hefty dragon behind him. The dragon was wrapping its appendage around what I presume to be a reformed changeling. Why would such an odd pairing be together all the way out here? The only solution is to discover for yourself. “Please, enter.”





Boy, Thorn, I wonder how your day is going because your father’s just got a little weird.

Odd figures occupied our living room, which contained a couch, a bean bag chair, a television, and a staircase leading to the second floor.  Behind the sofa, the kitchen served as our background. I, Stargazer, Misty Fleurs, a light mulberry purple-scaled dragon, and a lime green reformed changeling. At a place called ‘Ponyville,’ this was supposedly the norm, but this place was not Ponyville. Right beside Luna Bay settled our unnamed town. This is that place—a village mainly composed of earth ponies and unicorns. There were a few pegasi here, so you best believe seeing a dragon and a changeling is a sight that sparks curiosity and wonder.

The couch fits three figures—Misty Fleurs and me, who sat on the right side, and Stargazer to the left of us. Beside the sofa was the dragon, lying in the noisy bean bag chair by the electronic heater. On the other side of that heater was the changeling, standing proud with a relaxed expression.

“Sweet relief, this heater is greaaaat… I might have to take it with me,” the dragon expressed, his relief palpable and his face regaining its color. His dramatic reaction to the heater’s warmth brought a smile to our faces, lightening the mood in the room.

“You know, I just realized something. Why didn’t you just breathe fire to heat yourself earlier, Spike?”

“Dang it, Thorax! I wish you had asked me that earlier. You’re on a roll with these late questions.” Spike sighed and crossed his scaly arms, sagging deeper into the bean bag chair. “Ugh… How could I forget something like that?”

“Heh… well, just don’t do it here with all this wood…” I chuckled and suggested. That surely would not be in our favor. And did they refer to each other as Spike and Thorax? There’s a prime chance that these visitors are Spike, the Royal Advisor for Princess Twilight, and Thorax, the king of changelings.

“Yeah, this entire town’s agriculture seems to depend on it,” Spike mentioned.

“You bet. Wood is a versatile material suitable for both cold and warm seasons. It’s a superb building material,” I replied, sticking my chest out pridefully.

“I’ve noticed that! I’m glad it isn’t my imagination,” Thorax commented.

Hearing that, Spike jolted as if a distant memory had resurfaced. He turned his head toward Thorax and asked for confirmation. “Oh yeah, you mentioned once that you and the other changelings came from a tree, right?”

“That’s right. And if it wasn’t strange enough, we’re born ‘evil...’ My birth occurred a little later through an egg hatching, though.”

Spike’s face turned to one of disgust. His eyebrows stiffened, and his arms crossed. “I’m confident that the dastardly queen you followed is accountable for that. Not the rest of the changelings. Just being born, maybe you all adjusted to her passion because you were unaware of how to do things differently?”

Thorax brought a foreleg closer to his face to examine the odd green. “I’m not wholly certain, Spike. The recollections from that time are… hazy.”

“Maybe because I’m right? You’re not evil like her, Thorax.” 

“Ohhh, you mean that detestable black-hearted Queen Chrysalis, am I right?” Stargazer interrupted.

“Yeah… her.” Thorax emphasized his last word with disdain.

“Whatever, she’s had her chance, and she’s no longer a concern, as that abomination will be petrified for eternity,” Spike asserted, wiping the serious expression off his face.

“Pardon me, but may I ask what the two of you creatures are doing out here?” Misty Fleurs inquired, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

With remarkable speed, Thorax reacted. “Apologies, Mr. and Mrs.?”

“Oh, I’m Misty Fleurs.”

“And I’m Forest Seed.”

“Allow me to introduce myself as Thorax, the leader of the changeling hive. My friend here will explain. His reason, genuine.”

On the noisy bean bag chair, he fixed his posture. “My name is Spike—”

“The Brave and Glorious.” 

Spike continued his explanation after shooting Thorax a quick glare. “As the Royal Advisor for Princess Twilight and on behalf of her and Headmare Starlight Glimmer, I would like to offer the ponies in this town the opportunity to attend the School of Friendship.”

“Ta-daaa!” Thorax cheered. 

In a breathtaking moment, Stargazer, Misty Fleurs, and I were left speechless. Suddenly, there was a sharp popping sound—Stargazer had fired a petite confetti blaster, marking the astonishing declaration with a burst of color and joy.

“A confetti blaster? That sure brings back memories.”

“We’re being noticed by a princess?” I asked.

“The Princess Twilight Sparkle?! I never imagined I’d be near anything associated with her… With royalty,” Misty Fleurs beamed. As regular townsfolk who can be found anywhere, we can now say we encountered the Royal Advisor for the ruler of Equestria. Considering nothing extraordinary happened here, this moment will be ingrained in the town’s history.

“Anyway, where exactly is the school in this town?” Spike asked.

Keen on the idea, I answered. “Just head west of here, and you can’t miss it. It’s the only painted building over there.” 

“I’d like to thank you all, Stargazer, for bringing us here and both of you for providing me with warmth and directions. Thorax and I will take our leave to notify the school of the good news.”

“No need to be modest. We’re just happy to help,” Misty Fleurs clarified.

“Indeed, and besides, our son attends that school. This is a great opportunity. With his potential, he’ll become a remarkable stallion and hence would be an excellent addition to your school.”

“Such confidence,” Thorax commented, admiring me as a father.

“Can’t wait to meet him, now, if you’ll excuse us.” Getting up from his noisy bean bag chair, Spike turned off the heater, and Thorax joined him. The door creaked as they pushed it open and stepped into the winter air. The two creatures were on a quest, and they would see it through.

Upon departure, Thorax left his sentiments. “It’s been a pleasure to have met every one of you!” Then the door closed.

“Wish I could see his reaction,” Misty Fleurs said.

A light bulb lit up above my head. “Let’s go around the side and peek through the schoolhouse window.”

“My love for you grows in times like these, Forest Seed.”

Can’t forget Stargazer. He was on board with the plan primarily because it aligned with his routine. Sometimes, he talks about how he watches his sister attend class through the school building window. “You can count me in!”

And so, the three of us like-minded miscreants set off on our daring, improper mission.





At my desk in class, my head rested on my brownish-orange right hoof, utterly bored—a sense of numbness in the brain. Though not overly complicated, specific math problems necessitated unique problem-solving methods that made the problem-solving process seem even more time-consuming and wasteful. But what can you do? 

In any case, everypony in class was delighted to hear that we would be moving on to the next subject. I was content since we were informed that history would be the upcoming topic. Equestria’s history is pretty interesting, I suppose. I can go on a tangent about geography, but the suffocating bubble we create for ourselves irks me. Imagine if Equestria was in a jar, and that’s it. What about the outside? This should go without saying. No matter how large, a jar cannot hold even a fraction of the world’s magnitude.

“It’s time to get started without further ado,” Miss Scarlet Petals began and resumed. “And should I come across the little turd who took that photo earlier, your ass will be mine.” My ears picked up on the culprit’s fear as he gulped. You reap what you sow, Ocular Vignette. If you ask me, Miss Scarlet Petals is one of the most indifferent ponies in Luna Bay. “Now, let’s discuss a pony from the days of yore… The illustrious Star Swirl the Bearded! I’m sure you all at least heard the name before.”

With a raised hoof, Starry Vision posed a question. “Is it true he passed away a few years ago?”

“A body was never found to confirm. However, after Princess Twilight brought him back into the Equestria of today, it would only make sense that he would continue to age normally. He was already old then, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s deceased now. Some of the other pillars passed away as well. Regardless, he continued exploring Equestria and learning its hidden mysteries. And more about friendship. Who knows, maybe he’s still living, but in secret.”

“No way! There’d be no reason to live in secret! Especially when he’s so ancient!” Splotch Wing commented while covertly drawing on a sheet of paper with a wing.

“No reason? While it may not appear clear to us, it is probable that somepony as wise as Star Swirl would have impeccable reasoning,” Miss Scarlet Petals replied. 

Although implausible, Star Swirl came across as a pony I would be interested in meeting. We could have discussed if I had been born earlier.

Then, in the middle of our history lesson, something unusual happened. Our door was being knocked on. Only two scenarios popped into my head. Scenario one, the parents of somepony, were rewarding us with a visit for whatever reason. In scenario two, our village leader graces us with another unexpected check-in to ensure Miss Scarlet Petals fulfills her educational duties. Entertainment-wise, my hope was for the latter. Our village leader is a stickler for following the law to the letter—a veritable enforcer of rules. Her name is Page Martinet. Coincidence? I think not.

My encounters with her were few, but she was an aged mare whose grey and white mane was styled in a bun. Her bangs were on the brink of covering her eyes, almost hiding behind the stereotypical librarian glasses, and her fur was as pale as beach sand.

The silence in the room was only interrupted by the clock's ticking as everypony fixed their gaze on the door with curiosity. “Our class seems to have a visitor. Please act appropriately while I answer the door...” Then she glared back at us. “And after.”

“Arf!”

“Criminy.” It seems she had forgotten about the prisoner held captive in class. If Page Martinet is the one at the door, simply put, our teacher is royally screwed. If it was not the village leader… I would still be more surprised by the fact that Hazel had not already gotten her owner kicked out of town.

Then, with bated breath from herself and the students, Miss Scarlet Petals approached the door. “I’ll be right there!” Despite arriving there, she looked at the door with a nauseous expression, like she was about to throw up. She rested an ear on the brown exterior. “Page Martinet, is that you… bestie?”

The response came curtly and slightly muffled. “No.”

“Yeah, he’s mine!”

Bad news: it was not Page Martinet. Fans of ‘The Life of Scarlet Petals’ were left to anticipate a new episode at another date. Judging by the deep tone of the suppressed voice behind the door, it seemed like it was scenario one.

Except it was neither.

Miss Scarlet Petals released a breath of relief and opened the door. The world slowed down. We saw not ponies but something we’d never seen with our natural eyes. Other creatures. It was a light mulberry purple dragon and a light lime green reformed changeling with orange antlers, leaving me dumbfounded. My interest sparked, wanting to know more. I don't doubt that they had a reason, an explanation, for being here. I decided waiting and letting things play out was the best course of action.

All the ponies in the room voiced their surprise, including our teacher. “W-w-what brings you here? I wasn’t informed of any special visitors.”

The dragon scratched the back of his neck nervously. “My bad, I should’ve put in a word.”

“You mean you didn’t notify them ahead of time, Spike?”

“Heheh… Whoops.”

“Also, did we need to go through the trouble of taking a train and walking all the way here when we could’ve asked Discord to teleport us?”

Spike pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ugh, that’s the third one, Thorax! No, you know what? I’m not counting that last one. Don’t forget, this was mostly an excuse to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.”

“Hehe… Whoops. Apologies, Spike.”

Miss Scarlet Petals interrupted the odd duo. “Wait, d-did you just say D-D-Discord? As in the Lord of Chaos, Discord?”

“Yeah, he’s our pal, but everypony and creature knows he’s a good guy now,” Spike responded casually, trying to brush aside any worries.

“I’ve heard…” Miss Scarlet Petals said, slowly backpedaling to the prison cell, holding Hazel by her desk. With a commanding tone, she opened the dog cage and shouted an order. “Get ‘em, Hazel!”

“RooRooRoo!” Hazel leaped toward the most prominent figure around—the purple dragon.

I didn’t believe Hazel could do much, but to my astonishment, the Royal Advisor turned tail and fled. “Whoaaa!”

“Heel! Heel!” Thorax yelled as he tried to calm the dog down, chasing it from behind.

“Gooood girl! Good girl!” Crazed scientist Scarlet Petals cheered on her creation with delirious energy. The only observation to be made is that this scene was nonsensical. The winter sun beamed down on the Royal Advisor and the changeling darting and hollering around the dreary fences of the snow-covered front yard. Was the changeling unaware it could frighten Hazel away by taking on a much larger form? An ursa should do it. Then again, that could prove useless if Hazel was as fearless as she was diabolical. In that case, we might have to call the royal guard. Hazel might belong in Tartarus.

“RooRoo!” With the background being some of our homes in the residential district, the snowy expanse was filled with the echoes of Hazel’s barks and the frightened screams of her prey.

“Thorax, what are we doing?! We’ve dealt with the likes of Opal and Angel before. This dog should be nothing!”

“Other than Chrysalis, Opal is the only creature I fear turning into… You’re right, Spike, let’s end this tomfoolery!”

As much as I wanted to see that, it never came to pass because a particular mare showed up during the silly commotion. “What in Equestria is happening here?!”

The fan-favorite character of our favorite show appeared. Seems we might have a new episode of ‘The Life of Scarlet Petals’ airing after all. To whom do we owe the pleasure, Chieftain Page Martinet?

Spike, Thorax, Hazel, and Miss Scarlet Petals all froze in place. A distinct chill always lingered whenever Page Martinet was present as if she were a walking blizzard. “Scarlet Petals, attennntion!” Just as she proclaimed, the pony in question teleported right in front of her instantly. No magic involved. They’re both earth ponies.

“Long time no see… bestie!” Miss Scarlet Petals said with a nervous smile.

“Not your bestie,” Page Martinet responded bluntly.

Sweat dripped down her scarlet muzzle. “Right… So, what are you doing here, if I may ask?”

“There have been rumors about peculiar visitors strolling around the town, causing a minor disturbance. Know anything about that, Scarlet Petals?” Page Martinet asked, glancing at the unusual creatures.

“To be frank, no… but it must be the dragon and changeling over there, correct?”

Page Martinet slowly rolled her eyes back onto Miss Scarlet Petals. “Hmph. Precisely.”

Seated in the farthest row from the door, I could still observe the lively commotion and feel the crisp, wintry breeze that sneaked in from the entrance. Several ponies in the classroom stood together, shoulder to shoulder, peering out from the frost-kissed window. I wasn’t kidding when I said this was our favorite show.

“I have an additional question for you,” Page Martinet said, pushing her librarian glasses back up.

Our teacher bowed with her response. “Of course, Miss Page Martinet.”

“You can drop the miss… And why is there a dog here?”

Something glistened off Miss Scarlet Petal’s head, and it was not snow. “U-uh… well you see…”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Spike started out and continued. “I should have figured this place had a pony in charge and sought them out, but it slipped my mind.”

“Slipped your mind… Is that indeed the case? Mr. Dragon, might I ask what status you prefer me to use?” Page Martinet asked, scanning Spike head-to-toe.

“You can just call me by my name, Spike, and my changeling friend there is Thorax.”

Thorax waved. “Hiya, I’m that friend.”

“There’s a dragon named Spike in an influential position from Canterlot. If I am not mistaken, you’re the Royal Advisor for Princess Twilight, correct?”

“Bullseye.” 

The room fell into a stunned silence, everypony gasping in disbelief. The information we had just received was beyond anything we could have imagined, sparking a flurry of gossip and whispered conversations.

The Royal Advisor of Princess Twilight Sparkle—The Princess of Friendship. She had humble beginnings in Canterlot and, most significantly, in Ponyville. There wasn’t a pony in Equestria that did not know of Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Flurry Heart, and Twilight. While it was presumably not uncommon to find her in Canterlot and Ponyville, having somepony remotely resembling her was an exceptional occurrence for us. Even when the bay next to us bears the name of Princess Luna, the reason why remains elusive. It’s not like she had ever visited. 

Apparently, Celestia and Luna retired to a place called Silver Shoals. I'm unsure where that is, but it sounds like a peaceful place. Wouldn’t mind seeing it one day.

“Although I empathize with your situation, it does not justify you engaging in this reckless behavior and acting as you please. I kindly request that you accompany me to complete the essential paperwork and continue discussing your purpose of visit, sojourns.”

“Oh, come on, you old coot!” two distant male voices said in unison.

“Quiet, you two!” a removed female voice replied.

Faint talking drifted from an unknown origin. The exact spot remained a mystery, yet Page Martinet’s head turned instinctively, her eyes scanning for the source. “Did you catch that?” she asked.

Spike shrugged his shoulders. “Eh, probably just the wildlife or cracking snow.”

“Very well… Now, allow me to escort you to my office.” Snow scrunched beneath, and she started walking Northeast.

“Give me your worst. No paperwork is too difficult for this dragon. Let’s go, Thorax.”

“We’ll see about that,” Page Martinet commented.

“Do I have to fill out paperwork too?” Thorax asked.

Page Martinet, Spike, and Thorax strode Northeast into the town, unintentionally saving Miss Scarlet Petals’ life.

“Do I?” Thorax insisted further.

After that outside exchange, we continued class as usual. Before it did, Miss Scarlet Petals took a breather to recollect her thoughts. Some ponies kept to themselves, and others continued gossiping or had a normal conversation.

“The Royal Advisor for Princess Twilight. Isn’t that neat,” Ice Whistle said.

“The most intriguing thing to happen in this town.” I returned to my routine headrest position.

“It’s among the top contenders, no doubt about it. But whether it merits being titled ‘the most intriguing’ is debatable.” 





In the broad history of Equestria and Luna Bay, perhaps you, Nature Thorn, are the most interesting.




> Chapter Five: Luna Bay
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We stood at the welcoming desk in the empty lounge as faint wafts of air from the ceiling fans brushed our heads. The wooden interior was polished so much that it almost resembled glass, and showed my purple, hazy reflection. “The wood here might be the most beautiful I’ve seen in Equestria.”

Thorax pressed a hoof against the mirrored surface of his inverse hoof. “Right? I feel like I can just skate across the floor like ice.” 

A receptionist behind the welcoming desk greeted us with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you back, Page Martinet. May I be of any help to you?”

“I’ll be fine, but hold that thought.” A high-gloss door was visible to the left of the receptionist’s desk. Page Martinet gestured for our entry after opening it. “Allow me to welcome you to my office. Should I have Lila Styles over here prepare some coffee for you?”

“No thanks,” I answered, entering the room.

“I’ll take you up on that offer,” Thorax said as he followed.

“In what manner would you prefer it to be prepared?” Page Martinet asked.

“There are different ways to prepare it?”

“Yes. There’s black coffee—”

“That one! I’ll have my coffee black.”

“Are you sure?”

Thorax smiled and puffed his chest out in pride. “Eeyup—as a close friend of ours always says.” 

“Lila, can you please prepare a cup of black coffee for one of our guests?”

“I’ll get right on it, Chief.” Lila Styles stood up from behind the receptionist’s desk, and Page Martinet closed her office door without a sound. The cleanliness of her office rivaled, if not surpassed, that of the lounge. As a cleaning professional, I had to admit that I couldn’t even dream of making Twilight’s castle this spotless.

“Did it all have to be smooth, glossy wood?” I muttered, observing the space and detecting a hint of a wintergreen aroma.

Impressed by the aesthetic, Thorax spun around multiple times in a slow 360-degree rotation. “This is great! Like being in the most elegant tree.” 

“Please, take a seat.” 

I sat in one of the two available polished chairs. Because of my weight, it creaked, which made my heart drop to my stomach, perhaps even further. Imagine showing up to the town chief’s office and beginning a conversation by breaking their furniture. Not a good look. 

Thorax, noticing the chair was initially meant for a pony’s rear end, transformed into his pony persona, Crystal Hoof.

Expansive and orderly bookshelves decorated both sides of the office. At the same time, a seven-meter-tall bay window behind the Chieftain’s desk reached toward the sky. The window was ten meters wide, almost the width of the room. Martinet’s office reminded me of Twilight’s old dorm back in Canterlot. She even had a sliding library ladder for both sides! Well, I guess that should be expected.

Enough distractions. Behind the polished dark brown desk in a black office chair sat the town’s chieftain – Page Martinet. We were met with a stern gaze from the mare and her portrait displayed on the desk—a double whammy. Twilight’s advice resurfaced, and my back straightened to appear more presentable. 

Crystal Hoof, seeming a slight threatened by Page Martinet and her twin portrait’s expression, offered his condolences. “Good luck, Spike.”

Thanks, Thorax. Really.

“Allow me to repeat my earlier question. What is the motive behind your presence here, Royal Advisor?” Page Martinet reiterated, resting her chin on both forelegs, staring deep into my soul.

“To be blunt, I want to invite the young colts and fillies at your school and everypony in this town to enroll in the School of Friendship. If they want to come.”

“Hmm…” Page Martinet ruminated on my proposal, and closed her eyelids.

Then, somepony opened the door. Firm clops resounded and approached. Using her head to push a black service cart, Lila Styles brought the cart holding a steaming beverage on a coffee tray to Crystal Hoof and left it for him. “May this coffee bring your taste buds immense pleasure and satisfaction. Now, if you excuse me, I must take my leave. If there is anything else you need, please call for me.”

“Will do! Thanks a lot!” Crystal Hoof exclaimed before he blew on the black liquid, took his first sip, and smacked for all to hear. “Still hot… but not too shabby.”

Thorax, I am having a difficult time resisting the urge to smack my forehead.

As ‘Crystal Hoof’ took another slurp, Page Martinet still contemplated. Or maybe she was annoyed by the sipping. I couldn’t tell.

Upon her eventual response, it came swiftly. “No.”

“What?” Surely, I must have heard wrong.

Crystal Hoof slurping black coffee ensued.

Page Martinet’s glasses slid down her muzzle, causing her to readjust them by pushing them back up. “That’s my answer. No.”

My palms weighed down on my knees. “Can you tell me why? Learning about friendship should be accessible to all! Especially to those struggling and seeking guidance, we offer a space for finding answers and self-improvement! There’s no reason to decline this.”

Page Martinet laid back into vinyl cushions. “I understand your perspective. However, I assure you I have valid reasons.”

“I’d like to know these ‘reasons,’ if you don’t mind.” 

“As it is known, our town refrains from participating in the affairs of the rest of Equestria. Regrettably, we have not yet appointed an official name for our residence, either.”

I virtually stood up from my chair as I countered. “You can be involved! We can change that!”

“What you say is true, but have you thought about that not being within our wishes?”

That revelation took me aback. “Huh? ‘Not within…’ Why wouldn’t it be?”

“The nameless town we call home, with its winter night sky, is perfect the way it is. Our goal is to live in peace, with nothing unusual interfering with our daily routines. A location not acknowledged by the rest of Equestria. Although it is possible for anypony to enter this location without prior notice, I cannot offer a cordial welcome to such an occurrence. Besides...”

I had to be cautious not to topple my chair, as she had me on the edge of my seat. “Besides?”

Page Martinet pulled out a drawer and stared at a small brown picture frame stored within before returning to the conversation. “Do you know anything about Luna Bay, Royal Advisor?”

“That body of water outside?” 

“Precisely.”

“No, why? It’s just some body of water.”

For the first time, laughter echoed through the office. The source was the only authentic pony present. “Another factor to consider is that body of water.”

“Is… there something special about it?”

“Very special. Given that you and your friend are trustworthy figures across Equestria, I feel assured of confiding this information to you. A secret kept from most. The issue is confidential and should not be shared with everypony and creature in Equestria, as it may endanger Luna Bay and its neighboring community. Perhaps even the natural order of life in Equestria.”

“I’m listening.” If true, I was left wondering why she would tell.

“Me too,” Crystal Hoof chimed in, still sipping his black coffee, assaulting our ears.

Page Martinet removed her glasses, fogged them with her hot breath, and scrubbed them with a soft fabric from another drawer. “The founder of this village is one of my ancestors. Unlike myself, she was a unicorn. Just an ordinary pony like the others in this town. She liked to practice her magic in private and kept a journal to write about her progress. But one night, she strayed too far from her home and became lost in this area. The weather was a pierce frigid, and in due time, she found herself near a body of water known today as Luna Bay. And with no sensible explanation, she was drawn to it. Like I said before, it was severely cold. She should steer clear of thoughts about that ‘alluring’ body of water. Still, despite nearing the end of her life, she intentionally moved closer to death’s door. Why was that?”

“Beats me,” I replied, stumped. The closest thing to mind is when I hopped in to save the Equestria Games from that colossal mass of ice over a decade ago. But that decision was made on a whim to protect the crowd’s safety. From the information Page Martinet stated, the situations weren’t exactly the same.

Crystal Hoof plunged in. “I’m with Spike on this one.”

Spotless once again, Page Martinet put her glasses back on, then swung her office chair around to look out the bay window behind her, and stared at the three subtle reflections. Either that, the snowy expanse, occasional buildings, or the Frozen North Mountains. “Supposedly… it was the beautiful, true night sky reflecting off of it that attracted her. But in my honest opinion, that’s utter folly. She went to the bay, disregarding the need for warmth or direction of home, and when she did, the bay provided answers.”

“Provided answers? On how to survive?”

“Somewhat. That foolish unicorn, Ocean White, was shown her future, true self, and the means to reach it. In contrast, it also showed her what would happen if she didn’t. So, the choice is obvious… right? She lived happily ever after and even convinced the struggling ponies from her hometown to move there; thus, the origins of our town began. At least, that’s as far as the records go.”

What? That’s crazy... The bay is like a more elaborate version of the Crystal Heart in the Crystal Empire, except it’s openly available for anypony to use. And if everypony in Equestria depends on it, the need to find your purpose alone will be eliminated entirely! 

The mere thought of this town’s secret being revealed sent my heart into a frenzy one could hardly imagine. If I had told Twilight, surely, she would have felt the same. 

Actually… It frightens me to think about what she might do to keep this under wraps. For the natural order of Equestria, would Twilight use her power as an alicorn to destroy the bay? No, that’s ridiculous, Spike; she wouldn’t go that far… Right?

The fake pony in the room posed a question. “How did she convince those ponies to tag along?”

“The diary doesn’t disclose the method, however; I assume she informed them about the bay, but then, as you asked, the question that would follow is, ‘How did she get them to believe her?’ All we can do is speculate.”

Now, the weight of the situation is uncovered as comprehensible. “I understand. Luna Bay might fall prey to the exploitation of creatures and ponies, such as the Flim-Flam brothers. But the story prompts some questions.”

Turning her chair back toward us, she replied with an expressionless face. “Ask away.”

“Shouldn’t you close off the bay and assign ponies to guard it? Anypony can approach it with ease, as you pointed out earlier.”

Once again, Page Martinet, with her glasses sliding down, rested her hooves under her chin and scrutinized me before speaking. “What good would that do? The act of arousing suspicion around the bay will prove counterproductive, as it will attract more attention, possibly even mistrust. Our only option is to leave the bay as is. You could say we came full circle here. Why, in the name of Celestia and Luna, would a pony stare into the bay at night in this frigid atmosphere? For the view? In my opinion, only an idiot would. Or somepony who knows of the secret, but that isn’t likely.”

“Fair point, so I take it the bay only works at nighttime?”

“Correct. The town’s originators made many efforts to experiment with it.”

“What would happen if word got out?” Crystal Hoof asked.

“Then so be it. It is what it is,” Page Martinet touted, her glasses still sliding down her muzzle, revealing the solemn nature behind her exposed gaze. “There’s nothing else we could do about it except…”

Reluctant to do so, Crystal Hoof finished her sentence and gulped. “D-destroy the bay?”

Tension hung in the room like a thick fog, making it hard to breathe. Even so, we visitors could hear our concerned breaths filling the space—perhaps even our heartbeats.

Unfazed, Page Martinet glanced at Crystal Hoof and nodded. “Luna Bay is an impressive natural phenomenon, possibly even a manifestation of some divine force. The act of destroying it would pose a considerable challenge. After all, it is an immense body of water connected to the North Luna Ocean. One must question its ethical implications.”

Then, the most advisable approach would be to avoid mentioning or drawing attention to Luna Bay. I’m going to respect Page Martinet’s ways and keep my mouth shut, even to Twilight. “In that case, I have one more question. It might come off as rude.”

Page Martinet’s interest was piqued. “Let’s hear it.”

“Why do you care so much for Luna Bay? Why ‘protect’ it?” 

“I guess I do, but don’t get it wrong, dragon. First and foremost, I protect the town and its residents. The bay just so happens to be included in the package.”

“Would it not be wise to consider moving elsewhere in this situation?” Crystal Hoof advised.

“Although it would be ideal, as you can observe, we have already established a residence in this location. Our ancestors have lived in this land for generations, and it would prove challenging for the ponies who are aware of our confidential information to abandon it all. So challenging, they might threaten to reveal said confidential information.”

“Weird. Has my coffee always been this bitter?” 

The three of us, all noteworthy figures with our own unique accomplishments, remained quiet. I was the first to break the silence. “Still, how does this exactly surmise a rejection of my earlier proposal?”

“Oh? Would you be so kind as to further elaborate?”

“Gladly. I get that you lot enjoy your lives just the way they are, but what about the individual pony? Where’s the damage in letting them attend the School of Friendship if that’s what they want?”

Again, a hush fell over the room, only to be broken by the subdued chuckling of Page Martinet. “Hahaha!”

Grimaced, I could not believe she could laugh at a time like this. Unlike earlier, I didn’t balk at standing upright. “I fail to see the humor in this, Chieftain Martinet.”

After appeasing her expression from laughter, a smile remained. Then, she finally pushed her glasses back up. “I beg your pardon for squandering your time. Although what I stated isn’t false, I don’t object to you taking a few of our willing townsfolk to attend your educational institution. After all, nopony attending your school will know the bay’s secret anyway. So, the likelihood of the information being disclosed… is zero.”

“So then, by the off-chance somepony knew, you believe they wouldn’t risk endangering the bay?” Crystal Hoof hypothesized.

Page Martinet gave Crystal Hoof a side glance. “Fully.”

Annoyed, I could not help but query. “Seriously? What was the reason behind all of this, then?” 

Wait a minute…

“To put it bluntly—”

“You had nothing better to do, did you?” 

“...Caught with red hooves. I just wanted to have a fun chat with you, ‘O Brave and Glorious,’” Page Martinet affirmed, displaying the sole of two hooves. “I’m quite the fan of your achievements in the Crystal Empire. Forgive me, I was curious to see how you would fare in a serious discussion with yours truly. Since the chance presented itself, I took it.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. This reminded me of a stunt a certain draconequus would pull. “You know what? Forget it. I don’t care anymore… Let’s just get this paperwork over with.”

Seriously, do not throw a dragon in for a loop like that.

“By all means.” Chieftain Page Martinet grabbed the essential paperwork that needed filling and presented it to me. “You will be ready to go after filling out these forms. First, you can announce for all to hear at the school, and then have me gather everypony at the town square for a second announcement later tonight. We can print out some advertisement pamphlets or posters for the townsfolk to keep. With time, they might change their mind. Sound acceptable?”

“Yeah. Good grief,” I responded, grabbing the forms.

After drinking the last of his black coffee, Crystal Hoof spoke. “That was quite a show, but I’m out of coffee now. Think I could get some more, Chief?”

“Of course, I’ll get my assistant Lila Styles on it posthaste.” Page Martinet exited her cushion-filled office chair and walked out the door. “Lila! We’ll need more black coffee.”

Dutifully, the dismissive assistant happily endeavored. “You can count on me, boss!” 

I began working on the paperwork while Crystal Hoof reverted to his innate changeling shape. Thorax was back, even if he never indeed left. “The journey is almost over now. We can head back to Ponyville after these two announcements and ask Discord and Big Mac if they can hang out. Does that sound good to you, Spike?”

The scratching of the quill could be heard throughout the office. “Yeah, far down the line, I’m sure that will be our new ordinary.”




> Chapter Six: Cry of a Pegasi
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several more classes were held after Spike, that changeling, and Chieftain Page Martinet left the school premises. Until then, today passed as an unremarkable day. Though if I said that, I’d be lying to myself. This day was noteworthy, at least compared to our typical uneventful days. Why that is is simple. Ice Whistle seemed more than ready to talk about my revelation of Luna Bay—my truth. Today would be the day of our discussion, and to make matters more interesting, we had surprise visitors.

Anticipation began to build.

Nevertheless, lunchtime had offered us a short mental hiatus. Because of its small size, the school did not have a lunchroom, so students formed a circle with their desks and dined in the classroom. All the students could huddle together and converse with each other if they wished. Or they could continue their own private conversations. In the end, it made for a fun time—the lone period during school when the students are isolated.

Unlike everypony here who brought their own lunch, Miss Scarlet Petals always went out to eat. On the off chance our village leader returned, Miss Scarlet Petals had taken the dog cage and the prisoner it held within home. As cute as dogs could be, I found that as a win because Hazel’s intense puppy eyeing while I ate did not sit well with me. And during some of our earlier classes, she had already been doing that, begging to be set free.

In our uniformed circle, everypony in class started unpacking their lunch boxes, bags, ziplock bags, silicone bags, etc. Naturally, the aromas of our food intermixed, engulfing the room with a tantalizing smell, except for the hint of that one student who always ate some ghastly blend.

As is customary during lunch, my desk was situated beside Ice Whistle. I turned my head to the right and asked him the most cliche question for this instance. “What will you be eating today?”

“A sandwich comprising slices of tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, cucumbers, and my special twist, avocado. For the drink, plain o’ water. Nothing special.”

It really is a plain-jane sandwich. It’s not my style, but it’s a safe choice. Now, it was my turn. “My choice for lunch today is overnight apple and cinnamon oatmeal. I wish it could be hot, but there’s no microwave available here. Water… Oh, and an apple tart for a snack,” I said, taking the plastic container out and opening it with a popping sound.

Ice Whistle lifted his sandwich with telekinesis and examined it, pondering where to take the first bite. “If Royal Advisor Spike was here, you could’ve asked him to heat it.”

“Guess so, but his flame breath control might not be that great, right?” I asked, then dug my muzzle into the oatmeal, consuming it all in a few sloshy chomps.

After a meticulous pulling away of the crust, Ice Whistle indulged in his first bite, exposing the sandwich’s colorful, slim cross-section. “He’s had years to train and improve his control. I’m sure he’s a professional by now.”

“Like you and your whistling?” I specified, glugging down a refreshing amount of water.

“That’s a low blow, Thorn.” 

Despite Spike having years of more experience compared to me and Ice Whistle, I seized the opportunity for the burn.

Just as we ate, a fleeting shadow shot across the room, causing us to pause. That can only mean one thing: somepony was throwing food. The culprit was the only pegasus in our class roster, Splotch Wing. The colt’s white coat was as pure as snow, while his frizzy grey mane had a subtle bluish hue. “Food fight!”

Fwoo! Splat!

“Splotch Wing! Why would we have a food fight?!” Mint Spring argued. Pale yellow hair adorned her head, a filly with a mint green coat. She had no horn and no wings. Among the class characters, she’s somewhat more mature. Typically, you would see her talking with Starry Vision. They were a close pairing, like me and Ice Whistle. Best friends.

Splotch Wing spread his tiny white wings and flew up from his desk, his forelegs confidently resting on his hips and his chest puffed out in a boastful manner. “Because, Mint Spring, somepony stole one of my drawings. If I don’t get it back, I’ll start a food fight to get the entire class in trouble.”

Mint Spring furrowed her brow and scoffed. “That plan is irrational. Now that we’re all aware, how do you suppose it’ll work now?”

“Er… well, I’m not actually trying to get everypony here in trouble Mint Spring! I’m using a false show of confidence to reveal the culprit.”

“Even if that’s true, I’d like to believe the culprit isn’t stupid enough to fall for that. You know, since nopony in class would accompany that plan.”

That said, Splotch Wing slowly descended into his assigned seat. “Oh… because nopony wants to get into trouble in the first place. So, getting you all to start a food fight isn’t much of a threat… The idea falls flat on its face.”

“Bingo. Now you’re picking up what I’m putting down.”

Splotch Wing crossed his forelegs. “Darn…!”

As noisy slurps lessened from a straw, Mint Spring soon finished her juice box. “No worries though, I believe that ‘stolen paper’ fell off your desk and got misplaced.”

“For real?!” Splotch Wing shot back up, thrilled.

“For real. I noticed a paper slipping out of your desk and landing on the floor near the door as we moved our tables earlier,” Mint Spring said, pointing her hoof toward the entrance door.

“Oh.” Splotch Wing’s cheeks flamed up in embarrassment. Everypony looked at the floor near the door and saw a sheet of paper lying on the ground. Mint Spring told the truth. Splotch Wing flapped his wings, carrying him over to the sheet of paper he tried to start a food fight over.

At first, the words ‘food fight’ were words I had no appetite for hearing. What else is needed to fill up the rest of today? Telling Ice Whistle about my secret, special visitors, and now a food fight? Today turned out to be less mundane than I expected. Though if we had a food fight, I’d totally join in.

Arriving from his brief flight, as if in slow motion, Splotch Wing tried retrieving his desired item with his mouth. Then, the door abruptly flung open. 

Bad news for you, my one and only pegasus friend, but class is back in session. 

“I have re-entered the realm of education! I’m not generally with you munchkins for lunch, but I couldn’t resist trying the carrot dogs from the stand nearby.”

Splotch Wing resembled a frightened puppy trapped by a Timberwolf. His tail was tucked between his back legs while his white ears were laid back. Miss Scarlet Petals appeared like a dark entity with gleaming red eyes towering over our classmate. As Splotch Wing reached for the paper, he noticed the piercing gaze of the creature’s red eyes glaring at it. 

“What’s this, Splotch Wing?” 

“N-n-nothing… Just my homework from the other day, hehe.” Splotch Wing struggled to smirk.

“I didn’t assign any homework yesterday.”

O_O “Y-y-you… sure?”

“You didn’t, Miss Scarlet Petaaals,” Mint Spring shouted. 

“Poor Splotch Wing…” Starry Vision muttered.

Splotch Wing produced an audible swallow and fled. He made his way to a rear corner of the classroom. He should have dashed outside if he had planned to do that. Now, he was a trapped and helpless colt. Nopony was going to come to the rescue. Only a bystander—Mint Spring with a bowl of popcorn.

Miss Scarlet Petals flipped the paper over and saw familiar artistry. Something she has been longing to find since our first year here. “Ah, so you were the pony that painted that horrid piece of art. You know, the one depicting me and Hazel as a band of thieves. ‘The Scarlet Hazelnut Burglars’. Honestly, shame on me; I should have known. Isn’t that right, Splotchu Winguh?”  

“W-wait! Can we negotiate and settle on a deal, teach?”

“Ohh, no-no-no-no-no. You should’ve known about the deal a real long time ago.” 

Splotch Wing gulped again. He knew exactly what was coming. We all did. A statement our teacher often made.

“No… Not again!” Splotch Wing cried but to no avail.

“That tum is mine.” 

I offered my prayers and continued eating my apple tart, conversing with Ice Whistle. For the next half hour, uncontrollable laughter from Splotch Wing filled the background. 

Click!

And another memorable, golden photo. You beautiful photographer, you.





My name is Splotch Wing. Today, it was revealed to my teacher that I was the pony that made a painting of her and her dog in bandit attire. I was also caught throwing food. Soon after, I received my punishment. Thirty minutes of being tickled. I learned my lesson, and I won’t do it again.

“Miss Scarlet Petals, how many more times do I have to write this on the chalkboard?” The taste of the chalk in my mouth was punishment enough.

The teacher bit into a coleslaw, crunched potato chip-covered carrot dog. “Hmm... I’ll cut you some slack, write it five—”

“Six!” Mint Spring added, obnoxiously insisting on an increase like the evil witch she was.

“Six more times,” Miss Scarlet Petals concurred while winking at Mint Spring, “Then erase it all.”

O_o “Erase it?! Can’t we leave it up there for at least a day?!” 

Come on, you two can’t be—

“No.”

Evil Witches.

“...I didn’t tell you to write that.”

Oops.

“Stop that.”

I can’t!

“Splotch Wing!”

AHHHHHHHH!

“Corner, again!”




> Chapter Seven: Three Announcements —Complicated Grasp— (1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tick… Tock... Tick… Tock... Tick… Tock...

Two subjects remained after lunch before school ended. Constant ticking from a clock above the chalkboard persisted. 

Come on, tick faster! 

Pretending last night didn’t happen was becoming a hassle. And checking the time did not help. It only moved slower upon close examination. 

Then, a knock resounded from the door just before the second-to-last subject. Our instructor left her desk to approach said door and opened it. Goosebumps developed under my brownish-orange fur as a chill rushed in.

“You’re back?” Miss Scarlet Petals asked.

“I have a message for all the ponies in your class.” The individual who knocked on the door was the Royal Advisor. He had something to share earlier, but Chieftain Page Martinet prevented him from doing so and escorted him to her office.

Spike, come and kindle a flame that will never die out.

Miss Scarlet Petals let Spike enter and returned to her office chair. “Please, come inside and tell us this message you’ve been meaning to share.”

Eager to hear what he had to say, patience manifested. His changeling friend wasn’t accompanying him this time. Maybe he’s still at Page Martinet’s office.

“Okay, children, shush your smutty little traps and listen to what our special visitor has to say,” Miss Scarlet Petals said right before drinking out of a water bottle. Most likely from her hidden stash resting in the snow out back.

“On behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Principal Starlight Glimmer, I, Royal Advisor Spike, invite all fillies and colts to the School of Friendship.” 

Miss Scarlet Petals spurted water out of her mouth. Another spit-take, nice. 

Everypony in class gasped at Spike’s revelation.

Mint Spring sprung from her seat, clopping two hooves onto her desk. “Really?!”

Splotch Wing flapped his wings and ascended in joy. “No way… I’ll be able to express my art outside Luna Bay!”

Bringing a hoof to his scarf, Ice Whistle murmured. “I can use this to move closer to my sister.” 

“The School of Friendship…” I mumbled. How intriguing. Life can be more attractive in Ponyville, but I had to ask myself, am I prepared to leave this town behind? Mom and Dad? That accursed bay? A corner of my lip twitched upward. What am I thinking? Heck yeah, I’m ready.

“Um… When will we be able to attend?” Starry Vision asked, a foreleg wavering in the air.

“When? That’s right, I should’ve disclosed that already. You’re all around twelve to fourteen years old, right? Since there’s a lot of paperwork left to complete before we get to yours, it will likely be three years.”

“Three years?!” Everypony cried out in unison, their voices brimming with a deep sense of disappointment.

Spike scratched near the green scales protruding out the back of his head. “Yeah...student slots will be occupied for a while. You wouldn’t believe the number of creatures that need friendship guidance across Equestria. Our teacher count isn’t high either.”

Since that’s the case, there was nothing we could do. I would have to bide my time for a few more years and continue to suffer through these mundane days a little longer. My thoughts and feelings were a jumbled mess, and I couldn’t make sense of them. I’m stuck figuring out exactly why I’m ‘suffering.’ With loving parents and a good friend, what more could I ask for? Why does this news feel like a hammer smashed into my glass heart? I didn’t care about the school itself, and my markless flank wasn’t relevant. Lost, confused, and trapped in my own emotions, I was unable to understand why I was feeling this way despite having everything I needed.

I don’t get myself. Who are you, Nature Thorn?

“Sorry about the delay, but if you decide to attend, I’ll await the news of your friendship achievements in Canterlot. I’ll come by to visit Ponyville now and then, too.”

“Oh, so you little ponies will leave after graduation,” Miss Scarlet Petals pointed out.

“Although I wanted to keep it brief, more details will be shared at the town square later today. The first announcement is this one, and the other is the second. If you want to hear more, come drop by,” Spike said, waving a claw as he left.

In high spirits, Mint Spring eagerly initiated a conversation with Starry Vision. “Can you even begin to imagine us at the School of Friendship? It’s going to be incredible!”

Starry Vision’s eyes became swirls. “The idea of moving away and being able to attend is not sinking in so well…” 

“Let’s open that drain, Star. We’re so going!” 

“I’ll give it my all,” Starry Vision replied, trying to muster some excitement in her hesitant voice.

Then Splotch Wing joined with bold commentary. “Unlike all you weirdos, I don’t mind the wait. I’ll use this time to improve thy art.” Nopony paid him any heed.

“I’m certain I’ll be going,” Ice Whistle said, glancing my way. “What about you, Nature Thorn?”

“For sure, there’s not a doubt in my mind.” Yet, disappointment lingered. Perhaps it stemmed from the delay because I yearned for a novel experience.





I wonder… Have you realized it yet, Thorn? That you can use this as an opportunity to—

“Okay, that’s enough side chatter, class. Let’s get these last subjects out of the way so we can all go home,” said Miss Scarlet Petals.

With the end of all side conversations, classes continued as usual.





As another school day drew to a close, my peers dispersed, heading home, and Nature Thorn, like the rest, was on his way. We had plans to discuss Luna Bay later today, a topic that had been on my mind all day. I didn’t want to dwell on it during school, but Nature Thorn and I had an unspoken understanding. He knew I was eager to talk, and he knew I would come knocking on his door.

He knew.

“Thorn, did you...?”

“Yeah... I knew.”

While I believe Nature Thorn is considering my thoughts, I can’t help but wonder if I’m overthinking the situation. 

Just as I was lost in my head, a filly’s voice broke through, jolting me back to reality.

“Ice Whistle, could we have a conversation before the town square announcement?” The request came from Starry Vision, a fellow unicorn with a turquoise coat and a teal mane that often obscured one of her eyes. Perhaps her difficulty with direct eye contact was the reason she found it easier to communicate with others.

“No need to wait. We can go now. Does chatting at that one restaurant, Hayday, sound good?” I suggested, considering the sensitivity of the subject. Starry Vision proposed finding a place with no adults or other ponies, which only added to the intrigue. The anticipation to listen to her message grew stronger She wished for this to be kept exclusively between us. I questioned what a bashful pony like her had to discuss with me. “That’s fine, but where should we go?”

“Since an announcement is scheduled at the town square later today, the ice skating rink should be empty… Everypony is staying home or going out to eat.”

Word truly got out fast. She was right. On this occasion, nopony should give the ice skating rink much thought. Few ponies other than Serene Snowfall visited it often, anyway. “Let’s get going then.”

The distance between the school and our destination was roughly half a mile: a short walk, fifteen minutes tops. No roof occupied the space above, which left it exposed to the weather. A one-meter high wall of hay bales—from the Pear family farm outside of Vanhoover—surrounded the rink, helping ensure nopony went flying out of bounds. The setting winter sun beamed through the frosted pine tree branches, rewarding the ice rink with a shimmering melancholic orange. If it were nighttime, the rink would have been breathtaking with its glistening icy surface characterized by the nearby sun-symbol lampposts.

As if trying to blend in with the surrounding calm rather than addressing Starry Vision directly, I spoke under my breath. “That’s right, I almost forgot. Today marks the earliest sunset of the year.” I wondered why Princess Twilight bothered doing so. Variety? Schedule conflict? Just because?

Anyway, Starry Vision and I miscalculated occupancy. One pony already occupied the rink, leaving Starry Vision and me to view from the sidelines. Every leap and spin was executed with such precision and finesse that it was hard to tear my eyes away. Upon closer inspection, the pony skating was Serene Snowfall, a close friend of my sister. A mare determined to showcase the grace and elegance that is ice skating to the entirety of Equestria. Not wanting Starry Vision to feel overlooked, I held back from greeting her. Still, as my eyes followed Serene Snowfall from the side bleachers, I couldn’t help but be utterly awestruck by her balletic skill.

“She’s fantastic…” Starry Vision commended.

After nodding in agreement, I adjusted my scarf and asked Starry Vision what she wanted to discuss. “What have you been meaning to tell me?”

“I’m unsure of how I can begin this topic.”

“Tell me this then. Is it good or bad news?”

“To categorize it as ‘good’ or ‘bad’… I can’t. It’s more complicated than that.”

“?” With my beanie somewhat misplaced, I tilted my head to the side like a confused dog, trying to understand what she meant. In every sense of the word, this town is ordinary. It couldn’t have been fantastical from an ignorant villager’s point of view. So, only one thought cropped up as I pleaded. “Please, tell me.”

“You see…my room has the best view of the pathway leading to the shoreline.” Did she see us there that night? No, that wouldn’t make sense. From the residential district, the view of the shore is blocked. She wanted to tell me this before then. Does that mean—? “I’ve noticed Nature Thorn going out there repeatedly, too many times to count.”

“You saw that and didn’t tell anypony?” I asked, eyesight captivated by the winter sun’s orange filtering through the hazy clouds.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to react or what to do. Believing it’s not my place to interfere and that it wasn’t significant.”

“No need to apologize. I’m glad you didn’t tell anypony. This is my fault. I take responsibility for not acknowledging anything about him. The real him. I should have done more at the first realization.”

From my peripheral vision, her horn pointed toward me. “No way… Your effort is commendable, Ice Whistle. Your level of compassion as a friend is second to none.”

Caressing my scarf, I responded. “Thanks… You know, this is the most assertive you’ve ever been.” The embarrassment was obvious on Starry Vision’s face as her cheeks flared red. It reminded me of heat emerging and simmering from beneath the surface of ice or water—coloring the surface a bright red-orange.

“But there’s still the actual question…” Starry Vision specified so we wouldn’t get off track.

With ease, Serene Snowfall performed yet another trick. I followed suit, her skates carving a trail on the pristine ice.

‘The real question,’ she says. It was only a matter of time before she questioned it. The primary concern that should’ve been considered first and foremost. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“What reason would Nature Thorn have to go there? For a nightly reoccurrence in particular, it’s odd…”

For those kept in the dark, it would seem odd. I understood Thorn’s reasoning. That part was simple. And I acknowledged I was the one to blame. I’m at fault. But I can’t keep dwelling on it and punishing myself, so today marked the start of truly helping Nature Thorn.

Lost in thought, a moment of silence broke out. Then Starry Vision questioned again. “Ice Whistle, there must be a reason, right?”

Yeah. I’m the reason this is happening, and Nature Thorn’s path is set because of my decision back then. Since Starry Vision witnessed the results, I felt obligated to tell her. “There is a reason,” I verified weakly. However, this was not the opportune moment to do so. Nature Thorn should be the one to tell her.

Serene Snowfall glided off the ice and removed the skates on her hooves, showing she finished ice skating for the day. A heart with a message inside was etched into the ice rink. The etched-in message read ‘The Small Town of the Winter Night Sky 4 Eva.’ It’s not a town name, but it had a nice ring.

Afterward, I stepped down from the bleachers and ended our conversation with a few closing words. “But I can’t tell you, Starry Vision. It’s up to Thorn to share this information with you. We’ll both reveal it to you when he’s ready.”

“Oh…okay.”

With a nod of her head, I left and headed home to prepare. The second announcement starts shortly after twilight—the perfect time to talk privately with Nature Thorn.





“Wait, Ice Whistle, I—” I stood up and tried calling out to him, but my feeble voice didn’t reach his ears. I accomplished conversing at a regular level earlier but now struggled to speak in a standard tone. My quiet voice cursed me with its return.

My conversation had officially ended with Ice Whistle. With the absence of the ice skating pony, my eyes were drawn to the ice rink as my tush returned to the numbing bleachers—the only pony here now being me. Although I started with a more important topic, there was something else I wished to tell Ice Whistle.

Sitting there in silence, sighing, I couldn’t help but notice the chill in the air brushing against my cheeks—which remained warm. “…”





The door closed with a clasped lock—home sweet home. I walked inside and sat down at the family dinner table. I wasn’t planning on eating, but my parents stood in the kitchen talking to each other. It would have been not polite of me otherwise.

“There’s our Whittle Bramble,” Mom said, noticing me.

“Mom, I’ve told you I don’t like that nickname before.”

“Forgive me, I just miss calling you by that adorable little moniker.”

My brow tensed. “Adorable? It’s hardly any different from my actual name.”

“Then it shouldn’t bother you!”

“Alright, I agree it’s cute, but that’s why it’s humiliating.” Back home after another tedious day of school, Mom and Dad were here, and I told them about what Royal Advisor Spike had to discuss. They lacked the expected reaction, leading me to believe they already knew. Connecting the dots, they must have been the anonymous voices from earlier. A hoof thumped my head with undeniable belief. “Of course, it was you two.”

“I’m disappointed we didn’t see your expression, Thorn, but that old town leader of ours ruined everything,” Dad mentioned.

“Dear, you’re one to talk. Both you and Stargazer almost exposed our snooping with your sudden outburst! Are you just going to forget that happened? We panicked and returned home, calling the mission off!”

“You were just hearing things,” Dad replied, puckering his lips and looking off.

Mom scoffed. “Unbelievable. Don’t end up like your father, Thorn.”

“Sure thing.” Not wanting to die today, I agreed with my mother. She wanted to talk about ‘unbelievable’ when she, my dad, and a neighbor tried spying on our class session. Now, that’s odd behavior.

“Everypony has a talent and purpose. This includes Thorn, and if it’s like mine, there’ll be no helping it,” Dad countered.

“‘If,’” Mom gestured with her hooves, showing quotation marks. “Emphasis on the if, and if it is similar, then so be it.”

Dad squinted his eyes. “Sounds like we got ourselves a bet, Snuffaluffagus.”

Only to cause another pair of eyes to squint back. “Seems so, schumpkin’ pumpkin’ wumpkin’.”

“Please quit it with those dreadful weaponized nicknames! Now I’m in genuine pain! That is the worst activity you two have ever created and started!” I exclaimed with a twist in my stomach. To test who would give in first, they referred to each other by terrible couple’s names with pinched lips. If they did that in their own time, fine, but the weapons being used are far more disastrous than any alicorn, and I’m stuck in the crossfire. How did they even come up with this game?

“Guess we’ll have to continue this later, girl pony.”

“Until then, brown...fur thing.”

“You’re both the worst.” They both realized I wasn’t serious, of course. That level of understanding is just how we roll. They tried to reduce the intensity by calling each other the most simplified names. Still, it was a painful experience to endure. “Heh.” They have the same routine as always, but that’s just who they are.

“Hey, before we get ready for that announcement near the town square, we should watch a movie or two. As a family,” Dad suggested.

“That’s an excellent idea,” Mom concurred.

We all sat on the couch, ready to start the family film. There were three cushions: Dad on the far right, Mom on the far left, and me in the middle.

I’m not against the idea. Ice Whistle might have wanted to hang out when the second announcement began or finished. Since everypony would be focused on the event, I had nothing but time to spare.

Dad slammed a button on the remote, and the sound of the television program suffused the lifeful room. Before then, glimpsing at the black screen, the radiant faces of a hugging family trio stared back, which gave me a tender warmth.

We were smiling.





The time for the second announcement had arrived.

My parents and I had left home and joined everypony gathered near the town center. Because of our delay, we found ourselves at the back of the crowd. The chieftain’s building stood alone in the open expanse, surrounded by only snow-layered grass. Sun-symbol lampposts shone lightly, one occupying each corner of the department. Despite being only half the size of a typical office building (according to Miss Scarlet Petals), the structure had a charming residential vibe. 

Here, referring to the ‘town square’ as the center of town was inaccurate—since it’s in the upper-middle part of town. The school sat in the bottom left corner, residential houses primarily nestled in the bottom right, and the ice rink was in the upper left area on the outskirts. Luna Bay is a small community with a population of around 100-150. By definition, we’re a small village. And around half of the townsfolk were elderly.

It occurred to me we’ve been here for a considerable time. Is it not reasonable to expect the population to be more significant? Did the chieftains manage the population? Or did some past residents move? I wonder if the village leader, Chieftain Page Martinet, is keeping a secret or if I’m just overthinking. Her role in our small community has always intrigued me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she might be hiding.

Regardless of the lack of sun, the sky was a beautiful shade of dark blue, with a red horizon giving birth to a hint of orange as the evening deepened. We joined the crowd in standing because there were no seats. The gathering appeared to include everypony in town. We were looking toward the fancy wooden building that held the chieftain’s office—specifically, the porch-like entrance where four figures could be seen. At a small table sat an assistant pony, Lila Styles, known for her elegance and efficiency. Sitting across her was a changeling, a rare sight in our village, drinking from a steaming white mug. Said mug had a pink heart with the words ‘Luna Bay’ in the middle.

At the center of the veranda stood a glossy wooden podium, ready to amplify the voices of Chieftain Page Martinet and the Royal Advisor. They were about to make an announcement but to be honest, my presence here felt unnecessary. We had already heard the brief first announcement in school, and while there were more details to be shared, I had already made up my mind. Knowing more seemed pointless.

Nevertheless, Mom and Dad had their eyes glued to the podium, but I was here for something else—for somepony. Ice Whistle might have been around.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts, I would like to convey my gratitude to all of you for assembling here today to listen to our distinguished guest, Royal Advisor Spike.”

She stopped briefly, taking in the cheering crowd and occasional neighs. Amidst the assembly, my parents were celebrating with raised voices. They were probably the loudest here.

“Your patience is appreciated. We’ll require a few more minutes of your time before we can begin the announcement.”

Starting with that would have been better. Did Chieftain Martinet find pleasure in toying with the emotions of the crowd?

Then, out of nowhere, something tapped my flank from close behind. I turned to see Ice Whistle, his familiar black and grey striped beanie and matching scarf accompanying him. As predicted, he had come looking for me.

Everypony talked over each other, and my parents weren’t paying attention to me—most likely for my benefit. They were too focused on the veranda. They wanted to study everything about this presentation—everything about the school they wanted me to attend. I backpedaled, careful not to be noticed. Letting them know I’m hanging out with Whis wouldn’t be wrong, and eventually, they’ll notice my absence. But I wished to leave with Ice Whistle, with no disturbance. They might ask me to wait after the announcement or ask where we were going. I opted out of risking it. So, we left.

“Let’s discuss this in the most secluded spot possible,” Whis said.

“Fine with me.” To the southwest trotted the two colts. We were no longer a part of the crowd.





“Now, I would like to introduce you to our new friend, Spike, the Royal Advisor of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

The crowd’s cheers packed the air before fading into silence. All equine ears were perked up, ready to hear the voice of Spike.

Page Martinet stepped away and sat at the table on the left of the veranda with her assistant, Lila Styles, and Thorax, leaving the podium to Spike. Spike’s response was swift; he took the mantle of the podium, adjusted the microphone to his height, and tapped it to announce his presence.

“That wasn’t necessary,” Page Martinet commented from the sidelines.

“Oh, right…” Page Martinet’s remark was lost in the air, leaving the audience momentarily puzzled when Spike responded to her. He quickly recovered, cleared his throat, and resumed his speech.

“I’m here in Luna Bay to offer you all an opportunity.”

Question marks assaulted the gathering. Spike’s words had individual relevance to each of them. Judging from the sound of it, that ‘opportunity’ seemed to be positive. In the end, it all depended on the individual.

“An opportunity Princess Twilight, Principal Starlight Glimmer, and I would like to lend you—the opportunity to enroll in the School of  Friendship. Here, interact with ponies and creatures from all over Equestria to make new friends and discover yourself. You can also view it as a school to help make amends for past mistakes you want to fix—a space where you can show off your personality or talent and display your true self to others. Ponies and creatures of all ages are welcome,  except those under twelve without parental permission. Well, what do you  say to that, ponies of Luna Bay?!”

The crowd was ecstatic. They cheered and cheered to the point that an avalanche could happen soon. Spike gestured with his palms, trying to calm the frenzied bunch. As a result, the noise dialed back.

“I can’t believe he used to be a baby dragon,” Thorax said and continued. “Time sure flies.” The changeling hive leader was sitting at a table drinking black coffee for the third time. Despite having many cups, his uncertainty about liking it persisted. Across from him sat two ponies, Page Martinet and Lila Styles. One was responsible for looking after the town, and the other was an assistant of that pony. 

“It’s hard to believe that the Royal Advisor was once so teensy weensy. It sounded like he would have ridden on my back or fit perfectly in a saddlebag. How cute it would have been to witness,” Lila Styles commented, hugging herself. The action was even more charming, considering the lit-up sun-symbol lamppost shone closely behind her.

“Well… maybe not small enough for a saddlebag, but you got the idea,” Thorax replied, sipping his black coffee and taking in the view of the attentive crowd, the snowy expanse, and occasional shadowy trees and buildings.

By turning around, Spike reached out and grabbed a string from above. The small white rope had a black circular bit-sized handle hanging on the end. What came down was a screen projector. “Hey, Page Martinet, could you set up the projector?” Spike asked, moving his mouth away from the microphone and covering it with his claws.

“Certainly. Lila Styles.”

Page Martinet and Lila shared a look, and the assistant identified her task. “I’m on it, Chief.”

Spike shifted the podium rightward from the audience’s perspective. If he left it in the original spot, he’d be in the middle of the screen, blocking the view. The device was placed on a projector stand and could be maneuvered vertically at a 180-degree angle. Lila Styles successfully placed the projector despite the awkward position.

“Let’s carry on with the presentation and get into the specifics. There’s no need to worry about missing anything because we’ve produced more than enough pamphlets for everypony. They’ll provide all the information this presentation will show off. Copies will be available at the office if you change your mind later. Or you can come and get them right after the presentation ends.”

Everypony, a handsome stallion, Scarlet Petals, Brisk Prize, Serene Snowfall, Forest Seed, Misty Fleurs, Stargazer, Starry Vision, Mint Spring, Splotch Wing, Ocular Vignette, Ice Whistle’s parents, Lila Styles, Page Martinet, and Thorax—weren’t all present together shoulder to shoulder. They were either spread out on their lonesome or were with a family member or friend, waiting for the presentation to start.

Gladly, Spike turned on the projector, and everypony watched as its light hit the screen. The crowd was full of smiles and warm embraces like Stargazer hugging his younger sibling. 

All was right in the world.

This village was adjacent to the body of water known as Luna Bay—the small town of the winter night sky. A home leading humble lives. Everypony in town was present, beaming with joy—but two.





In a particular bedroom, there was a star spider. It was so still that it almost seemed like a decoration, especially considering the arctic blue star symbol on its abdomen. The room was plain and unadorned. The sheets on the bed were a chaotic, jumbled mess, with the edge of the cover hanging off the side and brushing the cool, bare floor. It was a dull and uninviting place. Other than the arachnid, there was no life in sight.

But, 

Movement occurred in the quiet room as the spider descended its web, soon stopping in the middle of the windowpane, where it remained motionless. It appeared to be soaking up the last remnants of the evening winter sun disappearing on the horizon. Twilight had deepened, its colors darkening to a dark blue.

Two shadows moved through the light snow far from the window’s view. The spider hung there with complete indifference and observed the ‘shooting star’ as it passed.





There was a small log. There was no telling how long it’d been there. Despite being engulfed by the rushing water, that small, unremarkable timber log remained trapped in the sand.

Seemingly for eternity.





They both left the plaza for privacy. Only one place fit the bill: Luna Bay, a water expanse linked to the North Luna Ocean. 

Shards of ice floated atop here and there. Nature Thorn gazed out at the never-ending body of water, with two specks of land silhouetted in the distance. Traces of light cautiously peeked around the corner of those dark masses, which must have been the neighboring coastal city known as Vanhoover.

They were no longer parading on grass filtered with light or heavy layers of snow. The two colts were now standing on damp sand. Any snow repeatedly melted away because of the incoming water. However, snow still covered most of the backshore because the water only went so far. Nature Thorn concluded it was a scenery nopony ever thought about—a snowy beach. A hint of salt filled the dead air as Nature Thorn and Ice Whistle stood on the winter beach, staring at the vast expanse before them. Moistened sand and pebbles lay strewn about the terrain beneath their hooves. And the absence of crashing waves made the gentle lapping of the water against the shore even more tranquil.

Ice Whistle was the first to speak. Nature Thorn’s once tranquil silence was disturbed by the weight behind his words. “This is a scene you’re used to, isn’t it?”

Ice is a weak material. It melted, and it broke.

Nature Thorn bit down on his lip with such force that he tasted a hint of iron. Even so, he did not let go. He could not let go. Nature Thorn had prepared himself earlier and figured he had the tenacity to speak up. Except now that he was here, a lump formed in his throat, rendering him speechless.

Wood, a material well known for its versatility and durability, was commonly used. Unlike ice, wood is easy to work with and can be shaped into various forms and reliable structures. Unlike ice, wood was a practical and dependable choice that did not melt.

But here, ice shattered the tree.





We found ourselves back in the familiar scenery of Luna Bay.

“This is a scene you’re used to, isn’t it?”

That was enough. They were essential words. Ice Whistle said nothing but simple words, forming a simple question. In his characteristic manner, he posed a question he already knew the answer to. It was his way of broaching a delicate subject, a testament to his mercy. But despite his intentions, his words hit me like a boulder from the highest peak, leaving me breathless.

“U… t…” I tried to conjure the words, but they would not come out. Tears welled, and my voice shook and convulsed as I formed direct eye contact. Ice Whistle watched and waited for several more attempts. And soon enough, I could spill. “Used to? That’s an understatement, Ice Whistle… I’m too familiar with it! Ever since I learned about that bay—the truth—I couldn’t resist the urge to go there and see for myself! Why wouldn’t I want to see how my life ends up? Why wouldn’t I want to see who I become?! Why wouldn’t I want to see if I’m on the right path?! You saw yours... It’s not fair. This bay is a curse I’m forever bound to! I’m at a loss; I don’t know what to do. What did I do wrong? Why doesn’t my reflection show? What does it mean? How can I live normally when Luna Bay has no clue? How can I grow up when I still don’t have my cutie mark?! I’m supposed to be an ordinary earth pony, aren’t I? Dad expects me to have some grand talent or purpose, but I have nothing to show for it! And Mom expects no less. Heck, everypony expects anypony to have one of those; am I wrong? You know I’m not. What pony is there in history that doesn’t have a cutie mark? Other than newborn foals, I’m the only one. Everypony in class has theirs, and you have yours. Without fail, I struggle to ignore the incessant mocking of your cutie marks – a constant reminder of what I don’t have. I’m not sure if I can keep it up… And like a fool, I kept coming out here hoping things would change... Earlier today in math class, I did the calculations. We learned about this bay’s secret when we were seven, right? There are around three hundred sixty-five days a year, just as many nights. By using multiplication, I’ve come here over two thousand times. That many nights – and each one is as pointless as the previous, if not more so. Everypony has a special mark awaiting them, and if Luna Bay doesn’t show my reflection, then am I – is Nature Thorn meant to exist? Even though I’m home, I’m still lost. Why? How can that be?!”

My voice was intermittent—raising and dropping, but I let it all out.  My mouth opened, and words tumbled out without restraint. Throughout it all, I couldn’t maintain eye contact with Ice Whistle. When I couldn’t, I would seek refuge from the distant view of the bay. Now I stood there, hollow, awaiting to absorb his response.

Will he be angry? Or will he show sympathy?

I watched as more stars appeared from the darkness, dotting the sky, patiently waiting for Ice Whistle’s wisp to break into the moonlit air. The shore was met with another wave, its touch cold, polite, and soothing. Then, after a while, a sharp inhale emerged. “Of course you’re meant to exist! What are you saying?! You’re the child of your parents, and you’re my best friend! Those are good reasons right there! Luna Bay didn’t show your path? Forget about this place! Carve your own, Nature Thorn! Perhaps you have the freedom to become whoever you desire! Cutie marks? Forget about cutie marks! If you ask me, they’re nothing special, especially compared to you! I’m sure, to some degree, your parents see it. Deep down, they see something special within you. And they might look at it from an adoring perspective—not intending to overpraise negatively. So, don’t let this lifeless body of water get to you! It’s my fault you know about it in the first place! My fault you had to experience those countless nights!” 

Only vivid huffs and puffs remained. 

Then, Ice Whistle continued. “Hey, Thorn, have you realized it yet? Checking out the School of Friendship or Ponyville might lead you to an answer. That place could help ease this sense of entrapment you have, too. If you ever need help, I’ll be there for support. Don’t forget that you’re not alone in this anymore. Your days don’t have to be mundane! So, let’s do this, step by step, shoulder to shoulder. Let’s go to the School of Friendship, Nature Thorn! No question about it. There, you will ultimately find out who you are!”

No. It was a nice in-between. 

His words left me speechless but fulfilled. Ice Whistle reached out and offered me a hoof. What would my life look like if he wasn’t in it? I’m glad I have somepony like Ice Whistle to call my friend. My best friend—like a pillar or bridge of ice. How could I ever refuse such unwavering support? 

Thank you. Thank you from the depths of my heart, Ice Whistle.

A cloud of warmth puffed out of my nose. And with cold bitten cheeks, my right hoof met Ice Whistle’s left, coming together in a firm clop. A solemn promise, not just to each other but to ourselves, was sealed. We would live our lives and embark on the journey to the School of Friendship. That place, that moment, would mark the beginning of a new, extraordinary chapter.

Our new ordinary.




> Chapter Eight: Night of the Third Announcement —Promise for Tomorrow and Forever— (2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a small log. That small, unremarkable wood log was again engulfed by the rushing water – and this time, for the first time, it swiftly disappeared into the vastness of the ocean.

Despite the sand’s best efforts, it could not hold on to it forever. 





Under that same true night, a crescent smile and stars provided a natural light show, making the town’s nights anything but pitch black. Lampposts were scattered throughout the town. They aided with their amber glows, creating an enchanting impression through clear glass shaped like a sun symbol. In tandem, the wings of the Fly-ders flapped with a faint whirring as they moved about in the background. 

Outside the embrace of those luminous heads, my secret had been announced to Ice Whistle—a secret my parents weren’t aware of. I had no plans to tell them either. The last thing I wanted was for them to worry about me. 

After catching our breaths, Whis and I stayed at Luna Bay a while longer. All could admire the scene it provided. But nopony other than me visited. As we breathed out, the cold air caused our breaths to fog up in front of our faces while we stared out into the bay. A silhouette of a city was hidden from view, but a weak blush hinted at its presence.

“If I was Ocean White, I’d be allured to this place too,” said Ice Whistle.

“Ocean White? Who’s that?”

“The unicorn that discovered this bay.”

“Is she the founder of our town, too?”

“That’s right, an ancestor of Chieftain Page Martinet. The mystery of Ocean White and her connection to this place remains a puzzle that even the chief can’t solve. Only that something about this place appealed to Ocean White... Hey, initially, you were led here by curiosity. Were there any other notable sensations when you first arrived?”

“Let me think for a second,” I remembered my first visit with ease, but was there anything noteworthy? There isn’t. No matter how much I considered it, nothing was extraordinary. “No… I’ll tell you this with certainty, Ice Whistle. Only curiosity led me here.”





If Ocean White was brought here by destiny, then that means we were brought here by pure coincidence—a chance. Back then, Thorn’s curiosity had undoubtedly been sparked by a statement of mine.





“I see. Will waiting these next three years prove problematic?” Ice Whistle asked.

“No, I’ll manage. I have you by my side now,” I said, looking down at Ice Whistle’s shadow displayed on the sand.

In response, the head of his shadow turned toward mine. “Ha! I was always by your side, you goofball.” Then he bumped my flank with his. “I asked that question because, after today, our lives will resume their normal course. There will hardly be any changes. We will have to be the ones to create that change. Our starting point is Ponyville.”

The shadow puppet play carried on, our silhouettes moving against the cool, damp sand, which was washed over by the water’s gentle arrival. Of course, our shadows remained undisturbed. “Ice Whistle.”

“Hm?”

“Do you regret looking into the bay? Seeing your future?”

The head of his shadow, once at an angle, now straightened out, peering downward. “Nah, no regrets. What I saw… put a smile on my face.” A hesitant smirk crept up. “But I planned to walk down that path, whether I looked at it or not. Like this village, nothing would have been different.”

We spent quite some time there, most likely an hour. We conversed and appreciated the view for most of the time. However, the night had to conclude. At some point, we would need to wrap things up and return to the town square. “It’s time we head back, Ice Whistle.”

“You’re right. It benefits us if your parents still haven’t noticed your absence. Heh, I bet your thoughts were centered on that before and after I picked you up.”

“Okay, enough reading my mind, creep. That announcement could end any second. Worse comes to worse, it already did. So, let’s leave this bay and never look back.”

Ice Whistle looked me in the eye. “Lets.”

Every word of my statement rang true. I will never return to this spot. My days of stomping and causing ripples in that reflectionless bay are over.

“Hey, Nature Thorn, let’s go to your house instead.”

“But my parents—”

“Just trust me.”

When he insisted, his expression clarified there was no room for argument. Plus, this is Ice Whistle. He always had his reasons, carefully weighing the pros and cons before deciding. “...I’ll trust you.”

As we sauntered away from the shore and stood back onto the muffled, crunching snow, I felt it. Me striding toward a new future, carving an alternative path.

But right before we left, far off in the distance, I thought I saw a chunk of wood in the water. Then, the sound of scattered sand being kicked into the air soon clumped back onto the ground. After that, a sploosh followed. The peaceful surface of the water was disrupted as a pebble skipped across, creating brief ripples in its wake. The culprit was Ice Whistle. “What’d you do that for?” 

Ice Whistle stood there, astray. “It’s hard to say.”

The ripples calmed down, quickly disappearing. After that, we left Luna Bay behind. Never to return.





The two visiting colts were gone. Now, all that remains is the natural beauty of Mother Nature. Except there was a winterchilla scurrying across the sandy shores. The small furry grey rodent with its large ears looked out into the distance of the bay. Three stars whizzed by. 





“And that marks the end of the presentation. I would like to express my gratitude for your attendance today and for lending me your ears.”

Spike had finished his last announcement and bowed to his audience. As Page Martinet took the microphone back, Thorax, Lila Styles, and the crowd applauded. Spike started gathering up the things that didn’t need to be on the porch any longer. With a few simple steps, the projector and screen were removed. Spike sauntered to the table and sat beside his friend and Lila Styles.

“I hope that my gratitude towards all of you is self-evident. Please take note that registration is open at any time. Those pamphlets will always be readily available in our office building. Now, I request you enjoy the rest of the night, return to your affectionate families, and sleep tight, my little ponies of Luna Bay.”

With a bow from the chief herself, the ponies in the crowd spread out and headed home. An average couple faced no difference. One is a stallion. His coat was a brownish-orange, and his short mane was the same shade of brown as the dirt beneath the snow. The other pony was a stunning yellowish-beige mare with a braided mane reaching down to her chest, flaunting fern and emerald green colors. That couple had a son named Nature Thorn; he was thirteen years old. The projector screen had their undivided attention until this moment. With nothing to hold their gaze, they snapped back to reality. The snowy expanse of the plaza and ponies leaving filled their view.

“That was interesting,” Misty Fleurs said.

“It sure was! What did you think about it, Thorn?” Forest Seed asked, looking at where he had last seen his son.

The parent’s eyes darted to the side, expecting to see the brownish-orange colt with hair striped in yellow and two shades of green. However, that pony was nowhere to be seen.

“Thorn?” Forest Seed repeated, his voice trembling with worry. The stallion’s anxiety was palpable, his urgent calls for his son growing more desperate with each passing second. But there was no response, only a haunting silence.

Naturally, Misty Fleurs’ anxiety kicked in, too. “Where could our Whittle Bramble have gone?!”

“I’m not sure! We were too focused on that darn presentation!” Forest Seed exclaimed as his eyes broadened.

Desiring to release anxiety, Misty Fleurs paced and stomped her four hooves on the snow, creating a sporadic rhythm. “Think he’s back home? I’m sure that’s what it is!”

“Misty Fleurs, you head home and check if he’s there. I’ll go look around the town.”

The mare nodded in agreement. “Right!”

As soon as the two ponies were about to run off in different directions, a female voice interrupted them. “What happens to be wrong?” The voice came from Chieftain Page Martinet, a pony with a weathered face and a scholarly air. Librarian glasses perched on her pale sand-colored muzzle, and her grey mane was styled into a bun with streaks of white.

Three other individuals trailed behind her as she led the way. Lila Styles, her assistant, a light yellow cream pony with a magenta-purple mane that flowed with elegance and stretched down as far as her neck. A reformed changeling, now lime green, was also present. His insect-like features made him seem almost alien, and the orange antlers added a regal yet strange look. Last was a light mulberry purple dragon with vertical green scales protruding outward from his head to his tail.

Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs approached Page Martinet and informed them about the situation.

“Oh! I can use my wings to help search from above,” Thorax offered.

“Because of this weather, I won’t be much help, but I can assist with the search from the ground,” Spike commented.

“Yes, Lila Styles and I can put on a search party. We can finally get some use out of that slothful patrol pony.”

“My thanks go out to every one of you!” Misty Fleurs exclaimed. But just as they were about to leave, the search party was interrupted again by another voice, this time masculine.

“That won’t be necessary.” The group, comprising Forest Seed, Misty Fleurs, Page Martinet, Lila Styles, Spike, and Thorax, shifted their focus to the enigmatic voice. Another fully grown stallion and mare, both around the age of Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs, if not older.

“Before the second announcement, Ice Whistle told us they’d go hang out at your cottage,” the grown mare said. The mare was a unicorn with indigo blue-colored fur and curly white hair hanging down her neck. The stallion accompanying her was a stone blue unicorn wearing glasses with a pale blue mane no longer than Forest Seed’s. 

Forest Seed was the first to respond. “Hey, you’re—”

Page Martinet cut in. “Monolith Kernel and Hailstone Rime. Parents of Ice Whistle and Freeze Breeze.” 

“Nature Thorn is home then?” Misty Fleurs asked, seeking confirmation.

Monolith Kernel answered with an assured, flat tone. “Yes, that’s correct. There’s no need for further concern.” 

“Thank goodness.” 

Both anxious parents’ worries were quelled by the other. Exhales of relief from Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs were visible in the chilly night. Hailstone Rime shared a smile with the other couple. As a parent herself, she knew all too well the worry and fear that came with the territory.

“All matters seem to have been settled. Since this is the case, I forbid adieu and wish everypony a good night,” Page Martinet said, shifting her focus. She beckoned for her assistant, Lila Styles, and led the way back to the office building, leaving the scene with parting words. “Royal Advisor Spike and King Thorax.”

“Yeah?” Spike and Thorax reacted in perfect harmony, standing beside each other and straightening themselves out stiffly.

“As your announcements have ended, the time has come for us to say our farewells. Meeting the two of you was a pleasant experience. I look forward to the day we cross paths again. And if that day comes, perhaps engaging in another discussion akin to our previous one would be worthwhile.”

“Like the last one? No way!” Spike answered back, forming an X with his broad arms.

With a visible scoff and a quick glare toward Monolith Kernel, Page Martinet moseyed off toward the office with Lila Styles in pursuit. Prior to that, Lila Styles also bid her farewell with a bow. “Spike, Thorax, thank you for visiting Luna Bay. Until we meet again. Oh, Thorax, did you figure out whether you like black coffee yet?”

“Oh yeah! I’ve concluded...that I dislike black coffee.”

Spike, feeling a mix of surprise and disbelief, felt as if his tail had been pulled and exclaimed. “What?! Thorax, you had like three cups of it!” 

Thorax retorted, rubbing his left foreleg with his right. “I know… But I started feeling sick after that third cup.”

Lila Styles noted. “I understand. From this day on, I’ll work to improve my coffee making.”

Page Martinet called out from the office building door beyond the veranda. The palladian and bow window panels glowed warmly from the artificial lighting within, which shadowed her appearance. “Lila Styles, before midnight!”

In response, Lila Styles’ ears laid back. “Oops. Farewell! Let’s hang out again sometime, Thorax. And Spike, I hope to see you there, too.”

Spike waved goodbye. “Sure thing.” 

“Hang out again? I’d be happy, too! I’ll bring Spike, Discord, Big Mac, and perhaps my brother Pharynx!” Thorax’s cry pierced through the empty night, his leg outstretched as if desperately trying to hold on to a vanishing friend in a swarming crowd.

“Then who’ll watch the hive?” Spike murmured from the sidelines.

And with that, Page Martinet, the stern but fair leader, retreated into the doors of the office building. Lila Styles, the cordial assistant, waved goodbye and responded to Thorax by saying, “Can’t wait!” and finally closed the doors, leaving the veranda empty and quiet.

Spike noticed Thorax’s eyes glistening as if he struggled to hold back tears. “When did the two of you get so close?”

Thorax sniffled. “When you left and went to the school to give your first announcement. We talked over hot cups of coffee.”

Spike gave it some thought, realizing what that entailed. “Wait, then that would mean you at least had four cups!”

“Sorry… I admit it, Spike. I lied and had four, not three! I don’t actually dislike black coffee; I’m an addict! I can’t get enough of those roasted coffee beans!” Thorax confessed, his voice trembling as he fell into the dragon’s arms.

“Okay, let’s get you home.”

“Need a place to spend the night? We have a vacant room that’s not in use,” Hailstone Rime implied.

Until this moment, Spike had been relying on his flame breath to stave off the biting cold. Although the distance is rarely mentioned, the journey from Luna Bay to Vanhoover at night would be a challenging endeavor.

“That would be great! Good thing you said something before I left. Looks like we’ll be staying here for one night, Thorax.” In Spike’s arms, Thorax had already fallen asleep. “Guess this is goodbye for us too, Forest Seed, Misty Fleurs. It was nice meeting you, but before I go, what’s the name of your son?”

“Nature Thorn.” 

“And he’ll be the most talented pony at your school. It’s in your best interest to remember the name.” 

Spike’s grin grew genuine as he studied the couple. “I can’t wait to meet the child from such caring parents. See ya later, you two, and thanks for earlier today.” 

Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs smiled and nodded in unison as they responded. “Anytime!”

“Alright, where’s your place? This Brave and Glorious dragon needs a cozy bed,” Spike asked while Thorax’s body lay limp, hunched over his shoulder.

“If you would follow me.” Hailstone Rime left, leading the high-status pair to her warm abode. 

Forest Seed noticed a particular figure was not following behind. “Are you not going with them, Monolith Kernel?”

“One may take their time without haste. There’s also the possibility that my son, Ice Whistle, is still at your cottage. If he is, I’d like to take him back home. I hope you don’t mind if I tag along.”

“Oh, of course! As fellow parents, we should have figured that was the case,” Misty Fleurs said.

“No need to wait here at the town square any longer. Let’s go home, honey bug, and help Monolith Kernel here find his boy.” 

As Spike, Thorax, and Hailstone Rime left one way. Forest Seed, Misty Fleurs, and Monolith Kernel went the other. The nearby and distant sun-symbol lamppost emitted a soft amber, providing comfort to all in the ultramarine night. Since the announcement had ended a while ago, the town square was as still as a painting, with no movement or sound. 

With Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs ahead, Monolith Kernel’s attention diverted from the office building to the southwest, where a moderate breeze carried the scent of saltwater. His nose exhaled a wisp abruptly, and a scornful expression made home on his face.





Five ponies were now inside the residency of Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs. The three of us and our sons. The two young boys were in the living room watching the television. Worries wiped from the faces of the odd couple. I watched their foolish circus act unfold.

“Nature Thorn, you scared me half to death. You disappeared. It was as if you vanished into thin air,” Misty Fleurs explained.

“I’m just glad you’re fine,” Forest Seed commented.

“Sorry about that. Won’t happen again,” Nature Thorn replied.

Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs both jumped on their son and hugged him. “Our Whittle Bramble!”

“Agh! Mom! Dad! Get off of me, you goobers!” Nature Thorn cried out. Despite the colt’s small size, the parents held him tightly, tears streaming down their faces. With a struggling breath, Nature Thorn met his end through suffocation and fainted. “Bleh.”

While there’s a circus performance going on by the couch, Ice Whistle and I engaged in conversation. At the same time, we watched the loving parents commit a felony. 

What buffoons. You’re making fools out of yourselves for what? You have each other. Is that not enough? “Did he neglect to inform his parents beforehand?”

“That’s my fault. I rushed Thorn into it. Sorry, Father.”

“Hmm…” I approached the crime scene. Nature Thorn was sprawled out, the centerpiece of the trio lounging on the carpet by the couch, with Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs cozied up to him on each side. Crk! Brief crunches broke out beneath my hooves. This is… I should take some responsibility for this. “Forest Seed and Misty Fleurs, I apologize for my son’s failure to notify you of their get-together. Nature Thorn, please notify me and your parents whenever you plan to spend time with my son.”

“Yes, sir,” Nature Thorn replied. Even then, he beamed. 

Could I still—

“No need for an apology, Monolith Kernel; we should’ve been paying more attention to Thorn anyway,” Forest Seed confessed.

Misty Fleurs nodded with approval, agreeing with her husband’s sentiment. Upon that response, I left the house with Ice Whistle in tow. “Come, boy.”





Goosebumps formed beneath my icy blue coat. Our hooves scrunched, echoing throughout the night sky-tinged snowy terrain as we embarked on a stroll through town. The dirt path was stringed with lampposts, each casting a soft, sun-shaped amber light, leading to each passing house.

“It’s not like you to forget something like that,” Father pointed out.

“I just let my excitement get the best of me, Father. That’s all,” I explained.

“Hmm…”

My eyes rolled in his direction. “Are you angry?”

“No. It just seems strange that neither of you informed Forest Seed or Misty Fleurs. While you have grown to a point where you can be responsible for yourselves, it’s important to remember that there are boundaries to this. No matter what, just in case, remember to tell us. If a situation were to arise, clues would be necessary.”

“Understood.”

“I couldn’t help but notice crunching beneath my hooves when I walked inside—like I stepped on sand. Know anything about that?”

The noise of crushed snow came to a stop. Under a lit lamppost, the shadow of my mane obscured my eyes. “Father—”

Father stopped moving and turned toward me, his gaze lancing through the darkness. “Do refrain from making any excuses or explanations. I’m not naïve, boy. The region beneath the knee of Nature Thorn had a considerable dampness, and there it was, some sand grains beneath his hooves. Sand is only found in one particular spot here. Am I wrong?”

Never in my life had I felt so cornered. “No.”

”Why in blazes were you there?” Father thundered, booming with anger. “Wait, you have your cutie mark; you hardly have a reason... But that friend of yours has always been a blank flank. How did the both of you know…? Did he—?”

“Father, listen. There’s no reason to hold a grudge against Thorn.”

Father was marginally dazed. “Your friend…? I couldn’t give a flying hoot about him. If he looked, then whatever; that just goes to show the flippancy of Page Martinet. I’m only concerned about how it affects you.”

“W-What? What do you mean by ‘affect’?” As in, negatively? How so?

Father placed his hoof on my muzzle. “Quiet, boy, we said enough out here. Let’s take this home.” We kept our voices low as we walked, choosing not to disturb the neighborhood's peace. Only Stargazer was out, chatting with Brisk Prize on a porch. Later, Father sighed with relief upon arriving home to the familiar silence and sights. Due to a changeling sleeping on the couch, we couldn’t talk in the living room. “We’ll continue this conversation upstairs in your room.”

Our house wasn’t built any differently than the neighbors’. Upstairs were three bedrooms; mine was the one to the left. The one in the middle was Mother’s and Father’s, and the one on the right was my sister’s. But right now, my sister’s room must have been occupied by Royal Advisor Spike.

Upon entering my room, Father gestured for me to sit on the bed. “Once we finish talking, go straight to sleep.” I took off my scarf and beanie before hopping into bed. Afterward, I waited for Father to speak. “Why were you there?” 

I looked through my window and answered. “We wanted to see the view of Vanhoover.”

Father must have thought there was some truth to that. There were two possibilities here. Either I was telling the truth or lying. I assured him that I would spend time with Nature Thorn, a plan that would allow us to venture where we pleased. Up until this point, Father believed this to be the truth. But what was our true purpose in going there? Was it merely to admire the view? Or were we seeking the hidden secrets the bay held? 

“What did you mean by ‘holding a grudge against Thorn?’”

A make-or-break situation. If answered wrongly, Father would realize we traveled to the bay, and at least one of us saw our future. If answered correctly, it would seem that Father made the wrong assumption. “You know, because we were both involved in going out there. I don’t want you to hold a grudge against him. I deserve just as much responsibility.”

“Is that so…?” Father was standing beside me, ruminating on the idea. I stared into his eyes with determination, catching glimpses of the night sky out of my window from behind his head, a silent witness to our conversation.

“I realize what you meant by ‘affect’. The decision we made won’t alter who I become. So don’t hold it against Thorn. And don’t assume he’s a bad influence just because he’s a blank flank.”

Father’s expression seemed to relax. “Fine, I was never going to.”

“Thank you, Father.” I smiled and continued. “Hey, what did you mean by ‘How did the both of you know?’ and ‘Showing the flippancy of Page Martinet’?”

“Nothing. Now get some sleep.” 

I tucked myself further into the comfort of my bed sheets. “Don’t have to tell me twice.” Instant sleepiness slammed into my eyes.

“It wasn’t long ago, but you pay expert attention to detail. Maybe your mother and I will send you to that friendship school after all.”

“I’d like that,” I replied, voice half muffled from the pillow.

“One more thing before I take my leave. In case you’re lying, Ice Whistle, know this. His decisions in life can ‘affect’ you. If he walks down a different path with you around, that path can merge…with yours.”

With those parting words, Father left my bedroom and closed the door. Now alone, the stillness enveloped me, allowing my thoughts to roam freely. “Good night.”

My words didn’t reach his ears. He believed my fib. I was prepared to tell him how we learned about the secret of the bay, but we both realized something by the time we entered my room. He realized it before me but had no grounds to state that we were definitively aware of the bays’ secret. As soon as he said, ‘What do you mean by holding a grudge against Thorn?’ I saw an opportunity and seized it. I would have confessed if Father hadn’t cut me off earlier outside. But now, I have learned something from this false confrontation. Father explicitly said, ‘I couldn’t give a flying hoot about him.’ He didn’t care about Nature Thorn looking into the bay. He was worried about me, and his parting words lingered.

”In case you’re lying, Ice Whistle, know this. His decisions in life can ‘affect’ you. If he walks down a different path with you around, that path can merge…with yours.”

Since I knew about Luna Bay, it wasn’t hard to get what he meant by that. However, there was something Father didn’t know about Nature Thorn. If the bay doesn’t show his reflection, does that render the warning meaningless? “Dang it...” slipped out of my mouth in a whisper. I bit into the only fluffy witness of my annoyance. I really could use her advice right now. However, all the letters I’ve sent have gone unanswered.

Looking through my window into the clear night, the constant barrage of thoughts wore me out. I had fallen asleep searching for an answer.





Out at the shore of Luna Bay, I observed the calm waters wash up to shore and investigated the damp sand.

“Hmm… With the water rushing up to shore like this, I guess it couldn’t dampen that Thorn boy’s legs. Before we arrived, they most likely used the tap water from the kitchen sink to get the sand out. Then, they used towels to dry themselves. Of course, the towels wouldn’t have been enough to dry their legs completely. There was a slight contrast in fur color between dry and damp. Either way, there’s no proof they engaged in a thorough self-examination by this bay. Not that I expected to find much searching the water. My only task is to monitor them and this bay more carefully. Be wary, Ice Whistle. And you too, daughter.”

Having concluded my brief investigation, I left the bay and returned home to call it a night.





After wrapping up my office work and sending my assistant, Lila Styles, home, I encountered a familiar face on my way. In the night’s quiet, he strode through town, the lamppost casting a soothing amber on his body. Either he was on a nightly stroll or on his way home. He was not the type to enjoy the scenery; neither was I, so it had to be the ladder. I called out to that stern goat. “Heading home?”

“Page Martinet. You don’t stay cooped up in that office of yours?” Monolith Kernel retorted, his voice laced with a hint of disdain, as always.

How long do you plan to persist with this? “Hilarious. Going to ship off another child?”

Monolith Kernel scoffed and resumed down the snow-covered path. “Like those other delegates, you haven’t changed one bit.”

His feelings toward me are understandable. Still, as individuals, we both have our own array of problems. “And you have?”

“There’s nothing that needs changing,” Monolith Kernel blandly insisted.

“Are you serious? Your behavior concerns. Have you no remorse for what you’ve done?”

He continued his trek, his voice lowering with each word. “I only did what was necessary.”

Necessary? Unbelievable. Who do you think you’re addressing with such a callous remark? I, too, did what was required. “Hah! For whom? The pony who can no longer see her brother? No, wait, the pony who can no longer see his sister? Hailstone Rime? Or was it just for you?”

Monolith Kernel stopped plodding down the trail. He stood beside a lamppost that flickered, struggling to light up the pathway. Then he directed his gaze at me and glared. “You know nothing.”

The lamppost continued to flicker, taking over the conversation. 

My whispered response drifted into the stillness of the night. “Then why don’t you tell me? We can’t discuss our feelings if you continue to disregard my presence.” I watched him walk away, feeling a familiar melancholy wash over me, his steps hardly audible. He left. He was always like this toward me. It was understandable, considering our internal issues weren’t so different.

“Ha...” Since it was overdue, I wearied down my path home, longing for much-needed rest.





“Did you want something to eat before bed, Whittle Bramble?” Mom asked, her loving voice almost sending me to a slumber.

“Nah, I can fall asleep any minute now.”

Tucked into my bed, Dad’s shadow stood by the door, watching Mom mother me. “Come on honey, we should head to bed too. Leave the poor boy alone. He’s not a foal anymore. He’s a colt that could find his purpose any second now,” Dad said, his deep voice a comfort for my ears.

“Please listen to Dad.”

“Fine, but you owe me another hug in the morning for what happened today. And a hundred kisses on your cheek.”

“Get outta here! Before this ‘bramble’ pricks you.”

“Good night, Thorn,” Mom and Dad said, shutting the door.

My acknowledgment went unheard. “Night…” And like that, I was alone again. Today was quite eventful, and I treasured it. If only my days could always be like this. And then there were moments like these with my parents that I wish could last evermore. But for now, it was enough. I could confidently endure these average days for the next three years, eagerly anticipating the day I could finally attend the School of Friendship. All thanks to my best friend, Ice Whistle.

So, what kind of ordinary day will Saturday bring?





A mare and I lay comfortably under the covers of our queen-sized bed.

“Another three years, then he’ll be off to Ponyville. Forest Seed, I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold back tears when the time comes.”

“It’ll be okay, honey bug, even after he leaves. We’ll visit now and then. This is just…a part of life,” I whispered, a hint of sadness and acceptance in my voice.

Misty Fleurs embraced me from behind, probably feeling a sense of relief washing over her as if everything would go smoothly. “You’re right, dear. I’ll do my best to be happy for Whittle—I mean, for Nature Thorn.”

“Of course… Think of it like this.” I pointed a hoof toward the plank ceiling, swaying it horizontally. “It’ll be our new ordinary.” 

My response only made things worse. As we lay in bed, one’s tears flowed while one tried to hide theirs until we fell asleep wrapped in each other’s muzzle-soaked embrace. 





Glinting through everypony’s bedroom window, one last star streaked across the sky that night.

🌠




> Chapter Nine: Slice of Nightlife
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After that announcement, I made my way home. Thanks to a particular memory of an oversized rodent and its owner spilling tea all over me, I was no longer in the mood. Staying home and going to bed sounded like a plan. But despite my better judgment, I checked what the dragon had to say out of curiosity. Luckily, those criminals didn’t ruin my fedora. I was only there because they didn’t.

Anyway, I trekked home. Then somepony called out to me jauntingly. “Hey, Brisk Prize!”

I groaned, fantasizing about the luxurious softness of my new mattress. “…What is it, Stargazer?”

Exulting with joy, his eyes crinkled as he flashed a wide grin. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you smile like that!” 

One of the most bothersome neighbors in Luna Bay. Stargazer. A young adult stallion who is always… ecstatic. Always. The mere thought of it triggered a powerful urge to vomit. “I’m not smiling at anything in particular. The end of the presentation was near. That’s what I was thinking about. That’s all.”

“Oh no, don’t wriggle out of this one, Brisky!” 

Great. I knew I wouldn’t attend that school, so I should have left early. Now, the boy is holding me verbally hostage. How to avoid this situation? My eyes wanted to rest so severely… and that new mattress I bought… Dear Celestia, let me go to bed! Get this verbal demon off me! Why couldn’t he be more like the quiet filly standing beside him? I know. Maybe I can get her to help me. 

“I know what made that frown… go upside down,” Stargazer said, twisting his head. 

“No.” The filly’s long, teal mane covered one of her eyes. I rolled my eyes from her to him. Seeing that, she must have noticed what I was alluding to.

“It’s the smile of everypony else, especially the little ones, like my lovely little sister Starry Vision here!” Stargazer announced. He wrapped his left foreleg around the filly, embracing her.

“Um… Stargazer, I’m exhausted—” Starry Vision murmured. Yes! She heard my prayers and answered. My old bones can be introduced to that new state-of-the-art mattress. What position should I try to rest in first? Sideways? Face down? On my back? Right now, the ladder sounds best. It makes sense; I’ve been standing throughout that entire presentation.

“Oh! Sorry about that, Little Star. How about you head home and give that teensy head of yours a rest? Don’t let somepony like me and Brisk Prize stop you from a good night’s sleep,” Stargazer said, rubbing the filly’s head.

“What?” 

“B-but—”

“Shh… It’s okay, Little Star. I’ll stay here and keep our friend company. No worries.” Stargazer placed his hoof on her yapping mouth and winked.

I… I can’t believe it. My jaw hit the floor. You couldn’t be serious right now.

“Allllll night!” Stargazer proclaimed.

“##############################—” My scapegoat had left. Please come back… You’re my last hope! I foresaw what was coming after the quiet filly left. Sweet Celestia, an endless night I will never forget.





That second announcement by the Royal Advisor had ended, so my parents and I returned home. Now I was chilling in my bedroom, writing in my private journal. Nopony, but I can see it. Not Mom. Not Dad.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 

Title: Mint Spring’s Journal

About me: For her eyes only!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

— Miss Scarlet Petals? | My teacher. She is beautiful, and that green bow ornament she’s been wearing suits her well. Maybe she’ll give me mare tips within the next three years.

She thinks it’s a secret, but she has a ‘secret’ crush on a stallion she lives next door to. If I were that pony, I’d rudely tell her to move things along. Good thing I’m not. And her dog is constantly impeding things. The last time I saw her try to talk to the stallion, Hazel, her borzoi, chased him off! Miss Scarlet Petals ran around town, trying to get Hazel to stop. She attempts to talk to the stallion but retreats at the last minute. Poor thing. It’s a tough situation for her. So, I’ll help her; in return, she’ll help me. Heheheheh…

— Mint Spring? | This is me we’re talking about. I don’t want to sound egotistical (nopony likes a pony with a monumental ego). But I’m one of the most mature ponies in our class, if not the most. My behavior probably appears bratty, so I’ll need to refine myself. A journey I’m willing to take. Something a certain pony isn’t, that’s for sure. What else? Let’s see… I ensure my coat and mane are always in top shape by carefully grooming them. I shall continue to do so, always.

— Starry Vision? | She’s bashful… but my best friend till the end. When you get to know her, she’s a gentle, kind, and considerate pony. She can teach that pony a thing or two. Speaking of ponies in class, she has a thing for Ice Whistle, which is adorable. I’m always there to support her and help boost her confidence. Perhaps someday she’ll be able to convey her affections to him. Maybe he’ll understand first? If he already didn’t.

— Ice Whistle? | One of the most mature colts in our classroom. You would’ve assumed I’d be the pony interested in him, but nay. He seems bright, unlike a certain pony. But nothing really stands out about him, if you ask me. I’ll give him style. He always wears a black and grey striped beanie and scarf (which goes well with his white mane). Not my color palette, but it fits him well. That’s all that matters. It doesn’t seem like he’s interested in anypony… Perhaps I’ll strategically influence him into liking Starry Vision if the need calls for it.

— Nature Thorn? | Not bad in the looks department… It could be worth considering in the future. But I’ll keep my options open until after Ponyville. Apart from that, there’s nothing significant to say about him. Unlike a particular pony, he has an excellent mane, and I adore his color patterns. Great mane. And ah, those gorgeous dark red eyes.

Enough about appearances. He has little personality, but he might be like Starry Vision in that regard. It’s possible that better understanding him is vital. Let’s see. He doesn’t seem interested in anypony. I’m pretty sure I have an excellent shot. He’s best friends with Ice Whistle, and if Starry Vision ever captures Ice Whistle’s heart, I can ask her to put in a good word about me. I seem to have a knack for future planning. It scares me.

— Splotch Wing? | Ew.

— Ocular Vignette? | Splendid photographer. He certainly has a future in the field. If I ever go down the path of fashion or modeling, I should consider setting up close connections with him. Other than that, I don’t know much about him. Unlike that pony.

— Everypony else? | The rest of the class has nothing to note. We’re all so average, like below background character status. They’re all better than a certain pony, though. It might be beneficial for me to get to know them better. I guess that’ll be another goal I set for myself for these next three years.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

That’s enough writing for today. Yup, the start of my journal. Bought from the local store after school today. Well, my mom bought it. She decided that providing me with something to write my thoughts into was a fantastic idea. I’m genuinely grateful for her thoughtfulness. Love you, Mom. Make sure Dad doesn’t read it. He’s always so protective and in my business. That’s likely why she bought me the journal in the first place. Now that I said that… Maybe I’ll write about them next. Nothing terrible, of course.

After that, I decided to call it a day. Tomorrow, I will hang out with my bestie – Starry Vision. I’m really looking forward to it. Tomorrow also marked the day we planned to start her confidence training. The end date is three years. How much will you improve, Star?





Arriving home, I nearly tripped over my many pairs of ice skates. 

I should stop leaving things to lie around. 

While lying on my couch, I noticed the intricate, detailed patterns on the plank ceiling above. Well, they aren’t that complicated. Any piece of wood had a complex design hidden inside. All that mattered was how you interpreted it—like the ponies and creatures inhabiting Equestria.

I ought to have been sleeping right now from spending another day honing my skills. Or maintaining. How much more could I improve? But after checking out the announcement, I found myself considering something else. Did I – Serene Snowfall, the best ice skater in Equestria, want to attend the School of Friendship? Or did I want to stay home? My best friend’s little brother, Ice Whistle, will be going. He’s capable, but Freeze Breeze is one to constantly worry. Even in Baltimare, I know she’s thinking about him. I could support him and reside closer to Baltimare if I attended the school. Luna Bay is on the west coast of Equestria, while Baltimare is on the east coast. Ponyville’s central location would prove more convenient than Luna Bay’s. It would split the travel time in half. Then I can visit the address she gave Ice Whistle before leaving.

The question crossed my mind numerous times. Ponyville? or Luna Bay? As I did, I looked out my window from the couch. An ultramarine ambiance with specks of snow sticking to the glass pane. My living room was lit up by a kindle of flame from the fireplace. The warm and welcoming red-orange light from the inside contrasted with the darkness of the night outside, bringing me an odd sense of relaxation. Alone, they’re beautiful, but together, they’re breathtaking – despite being complete opposites. I can’t help but wonder, does the radiance of the fireplace secretly crave to escape and mingle with the boundless dark cerulean over yonder? It was so close, however, the pane stood as an impenetrable barrier.

Enough distractions. What was my primary aim from the beginning? I had plenty of time to consider. After much contemplation, for now...

I knew my answer.





Sitting at the reception desk of an office building, I ensured everything was tidy and organized and all the archives were in order. Page Martinet and I usually aren’t around at this time of night. So, what’s different? Not sure. The chief was in the reception area behind me. From there, she appeared to be heading back to her office. “Lila, you can call it a night. I’ll close the building before I leave.”

With a tinge of worry, I responded. “You sure, chief?”

“I’m always sure,” she flatly asserted.

True, what am I thinking? Page Martinet is a pony that doesn’t go back on her word. She has zero regrets in life. A perfect mare I aspire to be one day. Then I’ll be commemorated in Luna Bay history like her. As one of the many esteemed chieftains. “Have a good night then, boss.”

“I intend to.”

Later, on my way out, I remembered the coffee machine needed cleaning.

I tried teaching Thorax how to function it properly, and…it didn’t turn out well. He made a mess. Just him. “Oh, my.” Coffee liquid and black coffee powder were all over the table. How did Thorax and I forget to clean such a mess? How could we even make one like this?

The aroma of coffee filled the air as we playfully shot the black liquid out of the water guns – shooting them into our mouths. We cooled the coffee down before drinking it, of course. Water squirters weren’t made for this, but nopony was using them. Why not take advantage of them? What harm could it do?

“Haha! I hope this can last forever!” Thorax said with a mouth full of coffee.

“Bet you I can drink all the coffee you shoot from across the room.”

“Oh, you’re on!” 

True to my word, I did. In hindsight, it was a dumb idea. We kept the mess within the break room’s lounge. We confined the chaos to the break room’s lounge. Page Martinet, a light coffee drinker, didn’t deserve to witness this upon her comings and goings. The disappointment in her eyes had she discovered, would have pierced me like a guilty foal caught in the act. I refuse to let that happen. If she finishes her business before me, I’ll remain, making sure this mess is rectified. I shall not rest until it’s done! 





The School of Friendship… Get ready to see the splendid art of Splotch Wing! The lone pegasus—besides dad and maybe another few—of Luna Bay! I don’t mean to brag, but my skills in the art of… Uh, art is exceptional. Whoever Principal Startfight Grimmer is, I’ll have them kneel before me. She will beg for me to draw her likeness. And I will do it… But not for cheap! No, sir, Splotch Wing’s artistry deserves all the bits in Equestria! Even Mint Spring will have to grovel and apologize to apologize to me! That’s right, that sounds perfect. Not one. Two apologies! HAHAHAHAHA! –Brush brush brush– I’ll be the admired colt of the class among the ponies and fillies. Not Ice Whistle. I’ll take him off his frozen throne with that stupid grey and black striped beanie and scarf. Then Nature Thorn will be my best friend! Then he’ll introduce me to his terrific mom! Everything will change with Ponyville life. My art will be known to all! Miss Scarlet Petals will see it, and then I’ll dish out my revenge tickles for thirty minutes—no, one hour! Sweet revenge will be mine! All mine! –*Smack *Smack– Revenge tastes like toothpaste.

An open door on my left, I peeked over. It was Dad. “Splotch Wing… you’ve been yelling to yourself in the mirror for the past 20 minutes… Please finish brushing your teeth and just go to bed…”

“Sorry, Dad.” I stared back at the mirror, brushed my teeth some more, then spit out the remaining toothpaste.

Ptooey!

After turning off the bathroom light, I proceeded to bed. Just three more years until I can make a name for myself.





Checking out an announcement at the town square, I came back home. Time to concentrate on work. I’m not just a teacher. In secret, at this very moment, I’m holding the most notorious villain in Luna Bay captive. The prisoner could not escape from the cell I had them in. Hazel, the Borzoi. I unwrapped a chocolate bar and waved it before the black doggy cage. She beat against the enclosure and whimpered. “Oh, you want it? Well, too bad it’s toxic for you! Enough of it, and it’ll prove fatal.”

Her nose twitched, picking up the scent of food nearby, and like a dog, she couldn’t resist the temptation to eat it. This is revenge for her continuous behavior since adoption. “You’re getting your just desserts… with no actual dessert! HAHAHA! How innovative is that?!”

“Woo,” Hazel barked.

“Don’t give me that, you demon of Tartarus.” That’s it! The evil within her may need to be exorcised. I grabbed a blue blanket and covered the doggy cage with it. Then, a chair from the kitchen. The doggy cage was in the corner of my living room, so I placed the chair by the said cage and sat in it. Now it’s time for me to chant some random conundrum. The enigma sounded very vexing and persuading. “Hoo, Haa, Hee! Get out of thee! I command theeeee!”

“Woo.”

With one eye half-open, I directed my gaze toward the enclosure. “Did that work? Are you feeling less evil now?”

“Idiot.”

“Why you!” Frustratedly, I kicked the cage with my right hind leg multiple times. “Get out! Get out!” The cage was sturdy and didn’t budge an inch. It differed from the one I brought to work earlier today. It’s thicker and more prison-like. The cage had a single opening at the front and included three thick, sturdy bars. In which Hazel could only fit her muzzle and paws through.

“Woo.”

Frustrated and overwhelmed, my breaking point had been reached. “I passed up the chance to spend the night with that attractive stallion. But no, instead, you want me here spending the night like a baffling quack!”

“Woo.”

I pushed my muzzle through the sturdy bars, causing Hazel’s snout to recoil. “Keep that up, and I’ll put Splotch Wing in there.”

“Woo…”

“Didn’t like the sound of that, did you? Well, guess what? Since it’s clear this is what you want, for you, I can keep going all night...” Hazel gulped as my shadow loomed over the cage. Tonight was the night for vengeance. “Hahaaaaa... This is going to be fun.”





“This is our humble abode. The vacant bedroom is upstairs on the right,” I said. I entered my home with two guests. The sleeping guest was tenderly propped up on the shoulder of the other, their body finding solace in the comforting embrace. Carrying the king of changelings is the Royal Advisor for The Princess Twilight Sparkle. Spike the Brave and Glorious. My husband said the title came from the Crystal Empire, which I have always wanted to visit.

“Thanks. Hey, you think I could let Thorax sleep on the couch?” Spike asked with a snicker, claw directed at the family couch.

No reason to decline. “Sure, why not?”

“Oh yeah… Spike gets the bed to himself.” He placed the sleeping changeling on our family couch, then proceeded upstairs. That bedroom used to belong to my eldest child, Freeze Breeze. Because of reasons, she’s not here. It was unlikely that I would see her again soon. As a mother, her absence gnawed at me, leaving a bitter void inside. Not nearly as much as him, though.

Just in case, I searched for Ice Whistle at home. It seemed he was not here, so he had to be at his friend’s. His name is Nature Thorn, and they have been friends for a long time. I remember setting up their first play date when they were foals. They wouldn’t remember the details of that, naturally, probably. And his mother, Misty Fleurs, was a kind, beautiful mare. It was a fulfilling experience to meet her and receive motherly advice. Although I had a child before her, she taught me things I never could have perceived on my own. They truly are an excellent, complete family. Something I envied. That doesn’t mean I don’t love Ice Whistle and Monolith Kernel – in truth, I do. But playing a board game with a missing puzzle piece isn’t…ideal.

I retreated to my bedroom, shared by my husband and me, and snuggled under the covers of our queen-size mattress. The last step was to close my eyes. My son isn’t home, so I can leave finding Ice Whistle to Monolith Kernel. Either he wakes me up, or he finds Ice Whistle. No need to worry about the former, because there’s nopony I trust more than him for the job.