//------------------------------// // Peace in Equestria // Story: Sweet Affection 2: Friends and Romance // by Masterob //------------------------------// After all the Changelings had finally been defeated, each of the ponies decided to return to Ponyville, though they were joined by Thorax, Ember and others to ensure it's safety and to check on Twilight's castle. The Elements were glad to be back home after so long, Starlight was relived to know her friends were safe and the foals were just glad the battle was over. Thorax had finally gotten each of his captured Changelings back to normal and to their Metamorphosed state. Celestia sent out some guards to make sure no Changelings were still around to cause trouble. Hopefully they can have this finished up by later on. They also knew that while Chrysalis was defeated, she'll be back soon. They were ready for that though, ready to fight more if they needed to. The foals stayed at the castle, joined by their older siblings, who wanted to make sure they were completely safe, including Starlight who was the most worried. "I'm sorry this happened, I should have done a better job of protecting all of you," Starlight said. "Don't worry about it, you tried your best," Rumble said. "Yeah, you didn't know this could happen, I think you fought pretty bravely despite that," Dinky said. "Still, I'm sure you were all so scared, and your siblings must have been really worried," Starlight said. "I'm just grateful that Sweetie Belle's alright," Rarity said, hugging her sister close. "Thank Rumble, he protected me from those Changelings," Sweetie Belle said. "That doesn't surprise me," Rarity said, turning to Rumble. "He's such a brave little colt." Rumble nervously chuckled, "I just wanted to keep Sweetie Belle safe." "You did a great job on that little bro," Thunderlane said, rubbing his little brother's mane. "You were really brave." "Much braver than me," Tender Taps said. "I was so scared! Those Changelings aren't really nice, well the ones that were with Chrysalis." "At least Thorax managed to help his Changelings," Dinky said. "I like those Changelings, they're much friendlier, sort of." "They're a bit immature, but they're nice at least," Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom turned to Tender Taps, "Anyway don't worry about being scared, it can happen." "Yeah, you're all pretty young still, nopony expects you to be that brave," Applejack said. Rumble sat back a bit, "It was still scary, at least it's over, thanks to Princess Twilight, oh and you too Starlight." Starlight blushed a bit, "I didn't do much, I just showed up after Twilight did most of the fighting." "You still helped, Twilight said you were so angry and it made you so much stronger," Rumble said. "Yes, I was a little...annoyed that Chrysalis would do what she did, but it still wasn't much honestly," Starlight said. "Come on, have some confidence in yourself," Rainbow Dash said. "You totally showed Chrysalis your awesome power. It's great having something like helping us." Starlight nodded, "Thanks, I'll keep doing my best to help all of you." Twilight then made her way over, joined by Luna, Celestia and Cadance. "I'm glad you're all safe. That was quite an adventure." "So does this mean we can learn magic that will help us fight?" Dinky asked. Twilight shrugged, "I'm not sure, I would rather you don't have to fight." "But if this happens again, we wanna be ready," Dinky said. "I need to get stronger Princess Twilight, we all do." Sweetie Belle turned to Rarity, "You think it's a good idea, don't you?" Rarity shrugged, "I'm not sure Sweetie Belle, I don't like the idea of you having to fight." "Rumble fights, and maybe it could help if I got stronger myself," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean I know I have Rumble, but it would be easier if I could fight on my own. Plus it was embarrassing that a pony as young as Flurry Heart had to save me." Dinky giggled, "That was something, looks like you finally realized you should increase your own power and not only rely on Rumble." Sweetie Belle had a smug glare, "Don't get overconfident Dinky." "Anyway," Twilight said. "Maybe you learning some fighting magic could help, just a little though." "Speaking of learning to fight," Scootaloo turned to Rainbow Dash. "I need you to train me a little on that too. I also really need to learn how to fly, I don't want to slow anypony down." Rainbow Dash looked unsure, "You really want that kid? I mean the fighting, not the flying. That I'll teach you more of, but you really want to learn fighting?" "Yeah, that way I can protect my friends. Plus it'll look so cool," Scootaloo said. Twilight looked concerned, she really didn't wanna see these foals fight, at least not yet. But perhaps a little training couldn't be that much of a problem. "We'll talk more about this later." "Yes, we're still here to make sure all of you stay safe," Luna said. "And to make sure that there's little danger to Equestria," Cadance said. Apple Bloom nodded, "Still, ah really wanna get stronger mahself, it was kinda fun buck kicking some of those Changelings." "You even got a good attack on Chrysalis, that takes some courage," Rumble said. "Yeah, ah did," Apple Bloom boasted. Twilight looked a little unsure, she really didn't want these foals fighting. Though she knows they may have to someday, even Ember had told her sometime before this that the foals do have some potential when it comes to fighting. Celestia could tell Twilight seemed a bit troubled, knowing how much Twilight cares for those she knows, especially if she's their teacher. Celestia wonders if these foals can achieve greatness of their own however. During this, Shining Armor came by with Flurry Heart, "Everything is being taken care of, soon all the damage done by The Changelings will be fixed." "Thanks Big Brother," Twilight said, then focused attention on Flurry. "Hey Flurry, how are you feeling? Were the dragons nice?" "Why did you choose to leave your daughter with The Dragons anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We were both leaving The Crystal Empire and kinda nervous about Flurry being there alone," Cadance said. "Not to say that our guards can't handle the Changelings, we just felt it would be better if she was left with Ember," Shining Armor said. "Plus showing trust in The Dragons could be a good way of showing Friendship," Cadance said. "Especially one that Spike himself says is quite amazing," Shining Armor said. Rumble noticed Flurry Heart and waved to her, "Hi Princess Flurry." He flew to her a little, getting close to her and doing a funny face to get her to giggle. "Aw, how cute," Cadance said. "I hear you foals helped watch over my daughter." "Yeah, though instead of protecting her like I wanted to, she ended up protecting me at one point," Rumble said. Flurry seemed to hold her hooves out, wanting Rumble to pick her up. "Um, may I hold her?" "Sure, just be careful, she might fire some magic if she gets too happy," Shining Armor warned. Rumble nodded and picked up Flurry, sitting down as he held her. "Aren't you the cutest? Such a cute little Princess. Strong too, I bet you're gonna be the strongest Princess one day." Flurry Heart giggled a bit, even more as Rumble lightly tickled her tummy with his hoof. "He's such a kind boy, I can see why you like him Twilight," Cadance said. "I like all of them, I'm glad I can help mentor such great foals," Twilight said. Sweetie Belle sat next to Rumble as he continued to hold and play with Flurry Heart. She smiled down at the young Princess, kinda liking how sweet Rumble was with her. Sweetie Belle could almost imagine herself and Rumble as the parents to Flurry Heart, or a foal like her at least. "That's so cute," Twilight said. "It's like they're parents or something." "Kind of early to think about that," Starlight said. "But you may be right." Rainbow Dash turned to Thunderlane and Rarity, "So how long before you two decide you want something like that?" "Rainbow Dash!" Rarity shouted. "Thunderlane and I have only dated a few months! It's too early for us to consider that." "Right, so how far have you gotten in your romance?" Rainbow Dash asked, though one glare from Rarity caused her to back up. "Relax, I'm just messing around." "Yes well your messing around is quite annoying," Rarity said, then turned to Rumble, Sweetie Belle and Flurry. "But they do look cute together." Shining Armor turned to Twilight, "We should go speak with Thorax, see if there's a way to help him with his Hive." "Right," Twilight said and turned to the others. "Anyone who wants to come, feel free." Each of the ponies actually agreed to assist though, though the foals were asked to stay, the other ponies figuring that they had enough to go through. Besides Rumble couldn't really move from his spot, Flurry Heart was too comfortable. "Watch over my daughter, if you don't mind," Cadance said. "Not at all Princess Candace," Rumble said. Cadance giggled a bit and left with the others. Dinky took this time to go to Rumble. "Hey, thanks again for helping me before," Dinky said. "It's no trouble Dinky, you know that," Rumble said. "Yeah, I know. Sometimes I forget how nice you are to me, and how much you always have been there for me. I'm glad we're friends Rumble, even if we're not as close as we used to be," Dinky said. Rumble looked confused, "Not as close? How so Dinky?" "Since dating Sweetie Belle, it feels like you've had less time to spend with me. I expected it, but I didn't think it would be this bad," Dinky said. "Is that why you get jealous when I'm kissing Rumble?" Sweetie Belle asked. "It's not that I'm jealous..." Dinky tried to insist, then sighed. "Ok maybe I'm a little jealous, I just miss being with my best friend. You can't imagine how much Rumble means to me too Sweetie Belle." "You mean a lot to me Dinky, even if we're not always spending time together, I'll never forget you as my best friend. You helped me get Sweetie Belle after all, I owe my happiness to you," Rumble said. "Yeah, thanks to your help I have an awesome coltfriend," Sweetie Belle said. "I was close to potentially dating somepony else like Button Mash, who while is nice, isn't as sweet as Rumble is." Dinky nodded, "Thanks, I keep forgetting that. It did kinda affect my mood lately I'll admit." "Is that why you were so upset before?" Rumble asked. "A little, I'm sorry Rumble," Dinky said. Rumble pitied his friend, "I get how you're feeling. Maybe you and I can make time to spend together. If Sweetie Belle's ok with that." "I don't mind," Sweetie Belle said. "Besides I kinda miss spending time with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, maybe I should before one of them get a coltfriend." Dinky smiled a bit, "I'd love that, thanks." "You're always gonna be special to me Dinky, don't forget that. We helped each other, and no matter what happens, even if Sweetie Belle and I ever get married, I'll always care a lot for you. I just hope when I have kids of my own one day, you'll be to them like what Derpy is to you," Rumble said. Dinky suddenly felt some tears coming to her eyes, it wasn't a lot but they were still there. "Rumble...I promise that I will. I mean this, only as your best friend when I say, I love you." Rumble nodded, "Yeah, as your best friend, I love you too." Sweetie Belle wasn't sure what to make of that. Though from the way they made it sound, it wasn't the same love she would have with Rumble, more like the same love Twilight has for her friends, or at least a sibling type love. She's alright with that, she does know that Dinky's always been around for Rumble first. Then she pulled Rumble in for a kiss, just to remind him that he's her coltfriend. Dinky didn't seem to mind as much as before though. Apple Bloom noticed that cute moment herself, then turned walk towards Tender Taps. "Hey, so about our date, is tomorrow good?" Tender Taps nodded, "Yeah, I'd like that." He then scratched his head, "So does this mean you're my marefriend?" "Ah guess so," Apple Bloom said, "Though we'll see as we're dating." Tender Taps nodded, then turned to Scootaloo. "I do feel bad for Scootaloo though, think she'll find somepony to be with?" Apple Bloom shrugged, "Ah don't know. Hopefully soon." "Yeah, I think she will," Tender Taps said. With Twilight again, as she was about to leave to find Thorax, Lightning Dust flew over to her. "Hey, Princess!" Twilight turned to her, "Yes? What is it Lightning Dust?" Lightning rubbed her head, feeling a little awkward. "Um, about before. While I'm sure I could have totally handled Queen Chrysalis, I still wanna thank you for helping me out...even if it was just a little bit." Twilight rolled her eyes a little, but smiled it off. "It was no trouble." Lightning Dust groaned, "I really wanted to show off what I can do though, I need another chance at being in The Wonderbolts!" She looked over to Night Glider talking to Spitfire. "But they seem to have somepony else in mind. I bet she didn't even do anything that special." "She helped with The Changelings, and I'm sure she listened to others and didn't act reckless," Twilight said. "Well what do you suggest I do then?" Lightning Dust asked. "First you need to adjust a few things about yourself. If you'd like I can teach you a little on how to be a bit more friendlier, what do you say?" Twilight asked. Lightning Dust shrugged, "I guess." "Great, we'll start in five days, I'll have some Friendship Lessons for you," Twilight said. Lightning sighed, "Alright, thanks I guess." She then flew off, leaving Twilight a little satisfied that she might have finally reasoned with her. Then something else occurred to her. "Hey wait! You can at least help Thorax with...Oh forget it," Twilight said and trotted off. A few days later, the foals met up again at the castle, but now with Twilight back, she can be the one to tutor the foals. "Alright, now that everything is fixed and we're rested from Pinkie Pie's wild celebration party, it's time to see what you learned from Starlight," Twilight said. Before anything, Trixie had arrived in the room, "Did you miss me?" The foals groaned a bit, forgetting that Trixie was still around. "Um, hi there Trixie, what brings you here?" Twilight asked. "Didn't Starlight tell you? I've been helping her mentor these adorable little foals," Trixie said. "Barely," Dinky replied. Trixie glared a bit, "Don't be bratty." Twilight looked a little unsure, "Ok then? If you're here to help that's fine. Besides I'm only here for a bit, I have to meet with somepony later today." "That works out well for me," Trixie said and sat in the room next to Starlight. As Twilight observed the magic that Sweetie Belle and Dinky have been learning, Spike came into the room to talk to Twilight. "Hey, Twilight, you have somepony who wants to see you." Twilight turned to see Lightning Dust enter the room, "Good to see you again." "Hey Princess," Lightning said, and noticed the foals. "They're here too?" "Yes, I'm resuming their lessons, or rather I'm seeing what they've learned. Afterwards I'll let Starlight mentor them while you and I discuss Friendship," Twilight said. "I will be helping as well," Trixie said. Twilight sighed, "Yes, Trixie as well." Lightning shrugged, "Fine by me. So should I just wait here?" "You can sit with Starlight and Trixie for now," Twilight said, gesturing to the two mares. Lightning Dust nodded and trotted over, sitting near them and waving. "Hi." "Hello, it's nice to see you," Starlight said. "Yes, nice to meet you," Trixie said. Starlight watched the foals a bit, then turned to Lightning Dust. "So, Friendship Lessons huh? She gives me lessons too. I'm her pupil." "That's nice," Lightning said, almost not caring. Starlight felt a bit awkward, "Um...so those kids, they're cute right?" "Kinda bratty to me," Lightning said. "Finally, somepony who agrees with me," Trixie said. Starlight groaned, "They're not bratty, they just don't care for being...annoyed." "Still, kind of annoying," Lightning said. "Well one of them is nice, like Tender Taps there," Trixie said, pointing to the young colt, who was seen really close to Apple Bloom than normal. "He even got himself a little marefriend, even if she's kind of arrogant herself." Starlight looked to Tender Taps, feeling a proud smile. "I'm so glad he's has somepony to love and cherish, he's a great colt and a sweet little brother." "He does seem ok compared to the others," Lightning said. "He's at least not as annoying." "Yes, I'm glad we can agree on that," Trixie said. "Good, now to get you both to agree that they're not all that bratty," Starlight said. Both mares shrugged it off, leaving Starlight somewhat annoyed. "They'll soon appreciate them like I do." Twilight continued to watch their progress, amazed at how well the fillies have been doing. Starlight is a great teacher, even if she doesn't know it. Perhaps in a few years these foals can be something even more special. Soon it may be time for her to take more pupils, but she also feels that Starlight should have a pupil of her own. It looks like Sweetie Belle and Dinky will soon have more advanced training from the two older mares. She also needs to make sure Rumble is properly trained, she'll need to find a talented Pegasus to train him aside from his brother. Perhaps Spitfire, Rainbow Dash if she's not busy with Scootaloo. Even Lightning Dust could be a good teacher, if she can put aside her reckless attitude. She's confident these foals can really become something special, they care for each other and they understand what it means to love one another. She'll make sure they become something amazing, and really understand more about Friendship and it's magic.