//------------------------------// // The Happiness Returns // Story: Friendship's New Flight: Love and Changelings // by Masterob //------------------------------// The Canterlot Royal Guards arrived to fix up the mess the Changelings left behind in Ponyville. Chrysalis herself was captured and transportation to Canterlot was arranged so that she can be tried for her crimes in Ponyville. Twilight and her friends looked around to make sure there weren't any more Changelings to worry about, though they all seemed to be gone for the time being. After a few hours things were fixed up, The Elements, The Pegasus Quartet, Trixie, Lightning, Spike and The Cutie Mark Crusaders regrouped at Sugarcube corner for a celebratory snack. "We did it! We defeated Queen Chrysalis!" Rainbow said, holding a cup in the air. "And we did it with love!" Rumble said, causing a slight chuckle among the ponies. "Come on kid, don't start getting too sappy with me", Rainbow said jokingly. Rumble chuckled, "Sorry Dashie, just really happy, everyone's back together now". Twilight nodded, "Yes, it's so great to see this reunion, I was worried things would drift apart between us". "Imagine that", Applejack said, "Would have been a real waste". "We went through quite an adventure I would say", Rarity admitted. Applejack chuckled a bit, "Yeah, a big one", she turned to Thunderlane, "It all started with you Thunder, the day you became our friend." Thunderlane rubbed his head a little, "Yeah, I know I caused a little trouble, I'm really sorry about that". Applejack pulled Thunderlane in for a nice side hug, "What are you apologizing for? We love you Thunder, just because this old farm girl was stubborn at first doesn't mean you joining us was a mistake". Rarity nodded, "Of course, do you think we were perfect friends before you came along? We've had squabbles among us as well, like when Rainbow Dash and Applejack had that Iron Pony contest that spiraled out of control". "And the time Rarity was jealous of Fluttershy's fame with Photo Finish", Twilight said. "Myself and Lightning have also been a burden among these ponies, our trials were much worse", Trixie said. "Don't forget the time you tried warning everypony the first time Chrysalis attacked, and they sided with Cadance over Twilight", Spike pointed out rather matter-of-fact like, earning a glare from the other ponies, "Well you did". "So did you!" Applejack pointed out. "Hey I just wanted to give Twilight some time to think, truth be told I would take her side over yours", Spike admitted. Twilight awed at that, "You're the best Spike, that's why you're my Number One assistant". Spike did a cocky smile, "I know, but it's easy when it's with a mare as nice as you Twilight". Cloudchaser chuckled and muttered, "Maybe Twilight can hook up with Spike if she doesn't end up with Thunderlane". "I heard that CC", Spike said, "Me hooking up with Twilight would be like Rumble hooking up with you or Flitter". "Hey I've thought about that once or twice", Rumble admitted, earning a chuckle from the others. "Speaking of which Rumble, who are you gonna hook up with?" Rainbow asked. At that moment Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle huddled around him, just as curious. Rumble got a little nervous, "I still haven't decided". That earned a groan from the fillies, hoping Rumble would finally have an answer. "Seriously Rumble? You have three pretty fillies here, plus the option of Babs, Dinky, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon", Rainbow said. "Truth be told I'm mostly having trouble choosing between just these three, they each have unique qualities", he turned to Apple Bloom, "You're a strong filly Apple Bloom, and very smart, plus you're a great leader. Also I know you're gonna be successful in your Family's Business because you have that drive to be", he turned to Sweetie Belle, "You have such a cute personality Sweetie Belle, I love your voice and I like cuddling you. Also in a way you're the type of marefriend I would spoil with anything your heart desires because I like seeing your cute smile", he finally turned to Scootaloo, who still kept her distance, "You're a great athlete Scootaloo, you're also pretty tough and a total badass. One other thing I admire is you never letting your inability to fly stop you from being yourself, you're very brave". All three of the Crusaders were red in the face, though Scootaloo tried to hide hers. The other ponies were impressed by his words to the fillies. "Wow Rumble, you really mean this stuff", Cloudchaser said. "Ah can see why yer having trouble, glad to know yer taking this seriously", Applejack said. "Yes, it's not easy I suppose, but you have plenty of time to figure it out", Rarity added. "I say just nab all three of them", Lightning pointed out arrogantly, earning her a few glares, "What? They all like him, why not?" Twilight groaned, "Lightning, you're quite a pony...but we love you". The others nodded, Trixie then hugged Lighting, "And I love you the most". Lightning chuckled, "Thanks Trixie, you really shaped my life", she then kissed Trixie. Applejack put her arm around Rarity, "And you shaped mine", the two then engaged in a kiss of their own. Pinkie lit up, "Speaking of which, I need to go find Cheese, see ya!" Before she left, Rainbow Dash called out, "Wait! What was with that weird sword-like thing?" "Oh this?" Pinkie asked, grabbing the Monado. "I borrowed it from my friend before the wedding, in case something like this happened. Good thing it's modified to handle Changelings. Speaking of which, here he comes now." Suddenly a young man in a red shirt and shorts approached Pinkie, "Good to see ya Pinkie." "You too Shulk, here's your Monado back," Pinkie said, giving the weapon back to Shulk. "Thanks," he turned to the ponies. "Great to meet the lot of ya, hope to see you again soon." He left, leaving the others confused. "Pinkie..." Rainbow said. "Yes Dashie?" Pinkie asked. "You are really random," Rainbow said. Pinkie giggled, "I know, well see ya." She trotted off to find Cheese. Cloudchaser also got up, "I'm gonna look for Braeburn", she too left, that and she needs to clear her head. Not just the Changelings, but the random arrival of Shulk. Spike got up, "And I'm gonna check on Amethyst, she's probably worried", he went to find her as well. Rumble then sat up, "I'll go wait outside", he left the Bakery with the Crusaders following him. Rumble walked with The Crusaders when Apple Bloom spoke up, "So Rumble, about this choosing between is thing...ah think Lightning Dust actually has a point". Rumble stopped in his tracks and gave a worried glance to Apple Bloom, "How so?" "Maybe me, Sweetie and Scootaloo can share you?" Apple Bloom suggested. Scootaloo's eye twitched when Apple Bloom mentioned that idea, "What gives Apple Bloom!? You want us to form a herd with this kid?" Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah why not, ah mean the three of us do so much together, and we mentioned one day hoping to get married at the same time, maybe this could be our chance". Scootlaoo shook her head, "First off, a line needs to be drawn on how much we do together, second when I said married at the same time, I mean each of us with a different stallion, not the same one!" "Yeah but-" "Apple Bloom, this won't work, we can't share a coltfriend, it'll be too weird", Scootaloo said. Apple Bloom looked disappointed, then turned to Sweetie Belle, "What's your thought Sweetie Belle?" Sweetie looked to Rumble, then Scootaloo, then back to Apple Bloom, "Honestly, I would prefer Rumble all to myself...but maybe a harem could work, if he gave us an equal amount of attention". Scootaloo's jaw dropped, "You can't be serious Sweetie! Look I get it, Rumble's a handsome colt, but this is a little too far, are you that desperate?" "It's not desperation, Rumble loves each of us equally, and we love him...well me and Sweetie do, not sure about you, but mah point stands", Apple Bloom explained. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, "I'm not down with this, I mean how can it work?" Apple Bloom shrugged, "I'm not sure myself, but I'm willing to try". Sweetie spoke up, "Um, shouldn't we ask Rumble's opinion though?" Apple Bloom's ears perked, "That's right", she turned to Rumble, "Sorry, ah guess if yer gonna have a harem, you should have a say". Rumble tapped his chin, "Truth be told, I'd love to have you girls...but only if all three of you want it". Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo with hopeful eyes, though Scootaloo's face told the story. Apple Bloom then turned back to Rumble, "How about just me and Sweetie Belle?" Rumble shook his head, "I said from Day One, I'm not gonna do anything to jeopardize your friendship, I won't feel right doing this if Scootaloo won't be involved in some form. I love all three of you, so for me it's all or nothing...or one but that's about it". Apple Bloom groaned, "Why are the cute ones so noble about certain things?" "He's a total package, at least in my eyes", Sweetie said. Rumble blushed, then looked to Scootaloo, "For the record, if I dated all three of you, I would treat you just as well as them, you're a great filly Scootaloo and I would love to date you with the others, but I understand if you don't want to be part of this". Scootaloo started having second thoughts on this, she's unsure but she also realizes maybe it's her one chance in at Rumble. Despite what he did at the Crystal Empire, she held some feelings for him, especially knowing he would never intentionally hurt her. He seems really regretful, so she simply asked one question, "Just answer me this Rumble...if I agree to this, do you promise to treat me as well as the others? Not just some girl but an equal? I want to make sure I'm not just a filly to kiss randomly, I don't want any of us to be like that, what can you do for us as the coltfriend?" "Whatever you want", Rumble asked, "I can't promise much, but I can try my best to love all three of you the best I can". Scootaloo thought this over a little, "What about the others? How are you going to explain to Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane your choice?" Rumble shrugged, "Not sure, maybe we can just try this out and see if it works at first." Scootaloo continued to ponder this, she also looked to her two friends, each with hopeful looks as if telepathically begging her to say yes, "I'll give this a shot, but if I don't like it, I'm breaking off". Apple Bloom and Sweetie belle grinned and turned to Rumble and simultaneously shouted, "He's finally mine!" they stopped and looked to each other a bit awkwardly, "I mean ours". They both ran to hug Rumble, to which he gave them both a nice affectionate kiss, first Apple Bloom, then Sweetie Belle. He then walked over to Scootaloo and gave her a nice kiss as well, "I love you girls". Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hugged him tightly, "We love you too!" Scootaloo sighed a bit then smiled, "Same here, now give me some room girls", she also hugged Rumble, making this seem whole. "I can't believe that you're all my marefriends, I feel so lucky, especially considering they're the best a colt can ask for", Rumble said. "Sappy huh? I have a way to deal with sappy," Scootaloo said, then pulled Rumble into a kiss. "Hey don't hog him!" Apple Bloom shouted. Sweetie Belle agreed, "Yeah! Give us some!" Rumble then found himself making out with the three fillies, taking turns with them, giving each their own special time. Tough work, but it's worth it to have three of the best marefriends he can ask for. The hard part was one day having to tell the others, and he's certain that Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Flitter and Cloudchaser might oppose to this. But he was sure that if he truly loved these girls, he would make it work. Later on Rainbow Dash had to go find Soarin and explain to him that it's over between them, she went by herself, figuring it'd be easier without the pressure of her friends around. She caught up to Soarin as he was chatting with his Wonderbolts friends, "Hey Soarin, quick word please?" Soarin nodded, "Sure thing Dash", he approached her alone as she let out a sigh, "What's wrong?" "Soarin..." she started, this won't be easy but it must be done, "I like you, you're a great guy but..." Soarin seemed to know where this was going, but let Rainbow Dash finish, "Soarin...I...I have to..." Soarin saw that she wasn't able to finish so he finished for her, "You're breaking up with me?" Rainbow nodded, "I'm so sorry, I like you but I just never felt that...connection. And...I'm sorry, I can't lie to you, you've been so nice to me", she collected her thoughts and spoke truthfully, "I never stopped loving Thunderlane, and I don't think I can love you like I love him." Soarin looked a bit disappointed but he nodded to show he understands the situation, "i get it, the way we hooked up wasn't exactly a good way to start a relationship. I never should have asked you to do what you did with me, I was out of line", he offered a smile, "I'm glad you gave me a chance at least, I enjoyed my time with you, but deep down I knew it probably wouldn't last". Rainbow pitied Soarin, he is a nice stallion, but she loved Thunderlane more, "Don't worry though, I know another mare who's interested, remember Fluttershy?" Soarin raised his eyebrows, "Yeah of course, the Hurricane Flyer herself". "She has a crush on you, maybe you can try dating her, she might be a better fit than I am", Rainbow said. Soarin though a moment, "She does have a cute smile, and her voice is heavenly...I can totally date a mare like her". "Best party is, she isn't into you because you're a Wonderbolt, she likes you for you, and that makes your relationship a bit more authentic", Rainbow said. "That's true, though I'm sure you liked me for me right?" Soarin asked. "Yeah, I do like you for you Soarin, not romantically but as a friend, seriously give this a shot, you won't regret it", Rainbow explained. Soarin nodded, "Yeah, sounds good...thanks Dash". The two engaged in a nice hug, showing they're still friends, and then Rainbow gestured for Soarin to follow her, "Let's go meet her". Soarin nodded and followed Rainbow Dash. It wasn't long before they saw Fluttershy at her cottage, having just gotten home, "There she is, hey Fluttershy!" Fluttershy looked up at the two incoming Pegusai, "Hi Rainbow Dash...oh my...hello Soarin", she said with a blush. Rainbow started getting the two aquainted, "I'm sure you two remember each other, so you don't need an introduction". Soarin nodded, "Yeah, hard to forget such a pretty face". Fluttershy blushed, "Thanks, you're handsome too". Rainbow grinned, "I'll leave you lovebirds here to chat, see ya", she sped away, leaving Soarin and Fluttershy to talk a bit. Soon things started shaping up a bit, the mess was cleared from Ponyville and Chrysalis was going to be charged for her misdeeds. Cheese Sandwich decided to stay in Ponyville for a while with Pinkie, figuring it's best if she stayed with her friends for now. He stayed because he loved her and wanted to stay near her for now. The rest of The Apple Family went back to their homes, with Braeburn promising to come by to visit Cloudchaser. Though Babs had to go back to Manehatten, her Ponyville ambitions weren't gonna go to waste, especially since Applejack is really pulling to bring Babs over, offering to help cover expenses. There's also the fact that Fluttershy missed having Babs around. Trixie and Lightning Dust also decided to stick around for a bit in Ponyville, they were in no hurry, plus they liked being among friends. They may buy a house there and stay there when they're not travels, beats living on the road, they can be with friends. Meanwhile with Twilight, she had met with Thunderlane near his house, ready to put everything behind them. "Thanks for giving me this chance Twilight, though I'm a bit surprised, thinking about letting me go? Did you stop loving me or what?" Thunderlane asked. Twilight shook her head, "No, I never stopped loving you, I just knew when to let go, you're much better with Rainbow Dash and it just didn't seem right to pry you away from her...no matter how handsome I thought you were". Thunderlane chuckled nervously, "Thanks, you're a pretty mare though, you'll have no problem finding Somepony special for you". "Just know that I'm happy for you, and you're still my friend", Twilight reassured. "Same", Thunderlane replied, and gave Twilight a nice friendly hug. A moment later, Rumble had approached Twilight and Thunderlane, then cleared his throat to get their attention. Twilight noticed him, "Rumble, hello there, what brings you here?" "Can we talk, just us? I want to clear the air", Rumble said. Twilight nodded and turned to Thunderlane, "We'll just be a moment". Thunderlane nodded and backed away from the door so Twilight and Rumble could have their moment. Twilight focused her attention on Rumble, "So what did you want to say?" Rumble looked up at her with his big eyes, "That I'm so very sorry for what I said, and that I don't hate you, I was just mad at things". Twilight rubbed his mane, "That's ok Rumble, maybe I made things worse by being so hard on you. I just wanted to make sure you stayed out of trouble, I didn't mean to cause you so much stress." "In a way, I'm glad you were, it showed you did care about me...even if I was being too selfish to show it", Rumble admitted while looking down. Twilight held his face up by his chin, "Don't fault yourself, you were just in a bad situation, but I'm glad we can finally compromise". Rumble nodded, "Thanks Twilight...I do love you." "I love you too Rumble", Twilight said and pulled him into a hug, "I hope we can maintain our bond". Rumble had returned the hug to Twilight, "I want to, if you'd like I can still be like your little brother, I'll listen to you more this time". Twilight let go and offered a friendly smile, "I'd like that, I can be a mentor to you somewhat, like I am to The Cutie Mark Crusaders". Rumble made a concerned from face, "Speaking of which, can I trust you with a question? Please don't tell anypony else right now". Twilight nodded, "Sure dear, what is it?" "...What are your thoughts about herds?" Rumble asked, very hesitant. Twilight's eyes widened, then she took a breath similar to how Cadance taught her, "We'll have to talk more about that, I suggest you bring the girls with you but I'll do what I can to help make sense of this". Rumble smiled, "Thanks Twilight, you're the best", he flew up a little and kissed her cheek, "Love you, bye!" Rumble flew off while Twilight sighed. "That colt sometimes...but I love him the way he is". In Canterlot, Chrysalis had been escorted to her dungeon, awaiting judgment from Celestia. While there Discord had paid her a visit, "Ah, Chrissy, nice to see you, how was the Invasion?" "It almost worked, once again I have foolishly underestimated my enemies, but soon enough I will defeat those who stand in my way", Chrysalis said. Discord slowly clapped his hands, "That's nice to know, have any other plans?" Chrysalis grinned, "Plenty, the fight's not over yet". Later in Twilight's place she is looking through some document she had obtained and noticed something of interest. It was a Marriage Certificate, stating her marriage to Thunderlane was legitimate. "That's odd, I'm actually married to Thunderlane?" she scratched her head a little before putting the document away, "I'll deal with that later, I don't want to bug him about this now". She sad down and thought a moment, "I can't believe I gave Thunderlane up like that, I feel so foolish", she sighed, "But he loves Rainbow Dash, I have to respect that, but still", she looked out the window, "I still love him...I hope Rainbow Dash takes good care of him, he's a special pony". Spike had passed by and noticed Twilight in a slump. Being the caring friend he was, he approached her and gave her a nice hug, "I'll always love you Twilight, I loved you before I loved anypony else after all". Twilight smiled and returned the hug, "What would I do without you Spike?" "You'd have no one to write your letters to Celestia for one", Spike said, causing a chuckle from Twilight. "Believe me Spike, you mean much more to me than that", Twilight said and kissed his head, causing a blush from Spike. He doesn't mind, he does love Twilight, she has been by his side his whole life after all. Elsewhere Thunderlane had caught up to Rainbow Dash, the two meeting at the same park they met each other. "So, you and I are back together?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I thought about it, and I really didn't like how our relationship ended. Besides I think Twilight herself feels this is the right thing," Thunderlane said. Rainbow Dash nodded, "I'm glad that was worked out, I promise I'll be better this time. I'll be the best marefriend you could ask for." Thunderlane smiled and pulled Rainbow Dash into a loving kiss. "You're already the best, I love you." Rainbow Dash hugged Thunderlane, "I love you too." The two again resumed their kiss, maintaining it deeply. They were so happy to be back together after all. The next day everypony went to the Park for a picnic, the same park where they all met Thunderlane the first time, or at least befriended him. They had been joined by Derpy, Dinky, Amethyst Star, Trixie, Lightning Dust and Coco Pommel. Rumble was playing with The Crusaders and Dinky, Lightning was sitting against a tree with Trixie cuddled next to her. Not too far off Applejack was sitting with the same situation, against a tree with Rarity cuddled next to her. Pinkie and Cheese were eating various desserts, essentially stuffing their faces with every piece of cake they could get their hooves on. Spike was next to Amethyst, they had been getting very friendly with each other lately, starting rumors that they had formed a couple. Though Spike insists she's just a friend of his, nothing more. Soarin had also been there, sitting on the ground next to Fluttershy, nuzzling against her. Rainbow Dash watched from nearby, she was happy for Soarin and Fluttershy. She was even happier having Thunderlane next to her and she wrapped her hoof around his back. Twilight had watched all the couples and felt a little down, wishing she had somepony for herself. Coco noticed her saddened state and approached her, "Are you ok Princess Twilight?" "I'm fine Coco, though truth be told this whole situation was very stressful, between Chrysalis attacking and me giving my fiancé back to his ex, not to sound bitter but I wish he was still mine", Twilight admitted. Coco pitied her, "Is there anything I can do to help?" Twilight shook her head, "No, no, it's not necessary, I'll be fine". Coco nodded, "Ok...but if you need me, I'm here for you Princess". Twilight smiled, "Thanks Coco...I could use a little company, Spike's currently with Amethyst Star, I'd like somepony to chat with". Coco nodded, "Sure thing, I'd be happy to". Twilight and Coco went to find a place to sit and chatted a bit. All the ponies continued to chat and talk, though one of the bigger shockers of a question is Flitter approaching Applejack and asking one question, "Is your brother single?" Applejack's eyes bulged out and turned to Flitter, "First yer sister wants to date mah cousin, and now you want mah brother!? What is yer family going apple picking or something?" Rarity giggled, "They can't help it Applejack, who wouldn't want a nice and fresh apple", she had nuzzled against Applejack while saying that, causing her to blush a little. "Come on Rarity, yer making me blush", Applejack said. The other ponies nearby chuckled at that. "Never a dull moment", Rainbow Dash said. "Yeah, I love your friend", he then nuzzled Rainbow Dash, "And I really love you Rainbow Dash". Rainbow nuzzled, "Same here Thunder". The two kissed when Rainbow Dash grinned, "So when do you wanna get hitched?" Thunderlane looked a bit weirded out, "Uh Rainbow, I love you and all but we just got back together, let's wait on that". Rainbow chuckled, "I'm cool with that". they shared another kiss, hoping to have a nice future together soon. What else could happen in their lives, will they be prepared for it? though as they've shown before, they can handle a lot, very little can deter them.