A few hours passed by, more preparations were made for the big Festival, Twilight already making plans for Starlight's friends, giving Starlight a checklist for each of them.
Rumble was ready to continue watching over Flurry, though before that he had left her back with Shining Armor at the Prince's request. Shining Armor wanted to make sure Flurry was properly fed and wasn't too ready to trust Rumble with that, much to the young colt's annoyance. Sweetie Belle had gone home, rather abruptly to Rumble's surprise, things are just getting weird now, Rumble's not sure if this is a good thing.
Trixie spent most of her time setting up her stage and planning her performances, she intended to do a magic show for the event, hoping to have a few assistants for her tricks. She did have Tender Taps to do his dancing and Lightning Dust for a mini aerial show, she even hoped to get one of Starlight's friends involved, particularly Party Favor for his talents with balloons. Trixie hoped this show could prove to be as Great and Powerful as she is for a Festival Twilight feels will be big, she just hopes Twilight isn't exaggerating, it might hurt her show's credibility.
Before sending the ponies their way, she managed to speak with Starlight's friends before they did their tasks.
"First I'd like to say that I really appreciate you helping out, with any luck we can start the Festival tomorrow," Twilight said.
"We're happy to help Twilight, and ready for whatever you have planned," Double Diamond said.
"I'm sure everypony will appreciate your hard work, and I'm sorry you got lost in my castle, it was tricky for me too, as well as Spike and Starlight," Twilight said.
"We're just honored you're letting us stay here," Double Diamond said.
"Yeah, seems like a lot of ponies are gonna be staying over at this castle," Sugar Belle said.
"Speaking of which, I gotta to check on Flurry, and make double sure my brother is comfortable with her spending the day with Rumble," Twilight said. "Go see Starlight in a few minutes, she'll have your plans ready. Thanks again, good luck," Twilight said and trotted away.
As the four ponies waved, Party Favor was the first to speak up. "So...is anypony else still confused as to why she's doing this party thing?"
"I'm surprised you need a reason to party at all," Double Diamond said.
"Not saying I need one, I'm just kinda curious, seems nopony really knows," Party Favor said.
"Well Princess Twilight made it seem important, so we'll just take it as that," Night Glider said.
"Besides it's nice to get out of the town for a bit, make some new friends, even spend time with those cute little foals," Sugar Belle said.
"Right, you really seem to like that little dancing colt," Double Diamond said.
"You mean Tender Taps? Yeah he's really cute, and he's staying here too, so that makes it easier to go see him," Sugar Belle said.
"Speaking of cute colts, what about that Rumble kid, I heard he's an awesome flyer for his age," Night Glider said. "Plus his mane is so cool."
"Starlight does speak highly of him," Double Diamond said. "But I'm kinda curious about those Cutie Mark Crusader girls, I heard they like fun adventures."
"They're such adorable fillies, especially Apple Bloom, maybe it's her bow but she's such a beautiful little filly," Party Favor said.
"I like her as well," Sugar Belle said. "She's got really pretty eyes."
"Scootaloo's pretty cool as well, I bet she could be a top flier," Night Glider said.
"Sounds like all these foals would make great younger siblings, I envy their actual siblings," Double Diamond said.
"Now I see why Starlight wanted one," Sugar Belle said.
"Same, such nice kids, pretty brave too," Double Diamond said. "I mean being able to fend away Changelings is pretty impressive."
"They're probably braver than I am," Party Favor said. "I feel kinda silly about it though."
"I'm sure you're braver thank you think," Sugar Belle said. "I mean you did help us when Starlight was still...not that nice."
"Of course, you're my friends, and thankfully Starlight ended up our friend in the end as well," Party Favor said.
"And that's all you need to give you strength," Sugar Belle said. "Well lets get ready to help out Twilight, should be interesting."
The four friends moved to another part of the castle, hoping to find Starlight.
Meanwhile Rumble is seen talking with Cadance. He was expressing worry over watching over Flurry.
"I'm starting to doubt my abilities to watch over your daughter, I'm afraid I'll mess up," Rumble said.
"Is this because of what Shining Armor said to you?" Cadance asked.
"Sorta," Rumble said, kicking his hooves shyly. "I just want to make everypony proud, but I'm just not too sure."
"I know Shining Armor is a little...doubtful of you, but he's just a little protective. Once he starts to see how responsible you are then he'll relax about you watching over Flurry," Cadance reassured. "Besides you don't be all alone, you can always ask for help from one of Twilight's friends, this way you're not too burdened and myself along with Shining Armor will feel more at ease, just make sure her Wammy is nearby."
"Right, just keep her Wammy nearby, sounds easy, I think," Rumble said. "At the very least I can take her to Sweetie Belle's house right? Or rather it's Rarity's house and Sweetie Belle stays there from time to time."
"Have you ever actually been to her house?" Cadance asked.
"Yeah, though I'd rather stay with Rarity, she's a little more...lenient when it comes to me kissing Sweetie Belle. One time her dad walked in on us kissing and he looked like he was going to faint. He can't stand seeing his youngest daughter with a coltfriend."
"Understandable," Cadance said. "Funny, but understandable, though you seem like a nice and charming colt." Cadance then affectionately rubbed his mane, "You're so charming in your own way. Easy to see why Sweetie Belle loves you the way she does."
Rumble blushed a bit, "You can tell huh? Makes sense, you're the Princess of Love."
"I'm no Changeling, but I can practically feel the love radiating from you two," Cadance said. “Speaking of Sweetie Belle, wasn’t she just here?”
“She went home, not sure why,” Rumble said. “Probably to help Rarity or something.”
"Well I’m sure she had her reasons,” Cadance said. “One day you two might even be married, with foals of your own, just like Flurry."
"That sounds nice, I hope I get to marry Sweetie Belle, I've thought about it at times," Rumble said. "Might be my being in love with her, but that's my goal for the future, aside from being a Wonderbolt."
"I wish you luck on both," Cadance said and kissed his head, causing a bigger blush.
"You're really kind," Rumble said, then remembered something else. "Also, Princess Cadance, about Changelings...are we gonna be protected if they come back? The ones that aren't with Thorax I mean." Rumble shook his head a bit. "It's not that I'm scared or anything, I was just a little curious and..."
"Don't worry Rumble, Shining Armor and the Royal Guard have been very alert regarding the Changelings, Cadance reassured.
"Oh good..." Rumble said with relief, though quickly changed his tone to sound tougher. "I mean for them, I'm sure they wouldn't wanna mess with Equestria's strongest warriors right?"
Cadance giggled, "You're so adorable, anyway come with me, I'll take you to Flurry."
"Sure thing Princess Cadance," Rumble said.
"Just Cadance is fine," Cadance insisted.
"Oh...alright Cadance," Rumble said, following the Princess closely.
Starlight trotted down the halls of the castle, wondering herself about the festival. Twilight hadn’t told her much and she’s getting even more curious about it. "I hope Twilight doesn't go too overboard with this festival, though I don't think anything will go wrong."
On the other end of the hallway, Twilight was also trotting, thinking about the plans for the festival. "Not much longer, I really hope I can make this work, I'll be able to reassure Celestia regarding the future of Equestria."
As the two walked they would eventually catch sight of each other, Starlight being the first to speak up. "Twilight!"
Twilight noticed her friend and pupil, "Starlight, glad to see you, I asked your friends to find you when they’re ready to do what I asked of them."
"Oh, alright, though I'm still wondering what this is supposed to be about, can you give any type of hint or am I just stuck in the dark like everypony else?" Starlight asked.
Twilight looked around a bit, making sure nopony else was nearby. "Let's just say that this is more of a way to show off Tender Taps and his friends."
Starlight seemed confused, "Huh? What does that mean?"
"I mean I think it's time me and my friends took in apprentices, new ponies to help keep Equestria safe," Twilight said.
"New ponies? Like the Elements of Harmony?" Starlight asked. "Wait, you want them to be the next Elements!?"
"Not too loud please," Twilight said, gesturing Starlight to lower her voice. "But yeah, maybe not exactly Elements but close enough, I mean me and my friends weren't called 'The Pillars' after all.."
"Whenever you mentioned something like that to me or Spike, I always thought you were joking, I never took that seriously," Starlight said.
"I was at first, then I realized the potential in that idea," Twilight said. "These are really talented foals, I want to nurture that talent within them into something great."
"Aren't you getting ahead of yourself? First off being one of the Elements could mean they'll be in danger," Starlight said. "Plus not all of them have their Cutie Marks yet, Rumble and Dinky are still missing theirs."
"I'm not worried about their Cutie Marks, besides preparing them to be Elements can probably get them their marks faster," Twilight said. "Or we can even see if they can use what The Pillars used, though that might be harder to figure out."
Starlight gave an unsure look, "Alright...if you say so. Make sure you don't place too much of a burden on them."
"Pfft, of course I won't, besides I'm sure they'll handle everything just fine, I've already gotten them started in a way such as placing Rumble in charge of Flurry Heart," Twilight said. "Soon I'll help them prove how worthy they are even more. For all I know, I could even help make a new Alicorn Princess, either Dinky or Sweetie Belle."
"...You're really planning ahead aren't you Twilight? You positive this is gonna work out?" Starlight asked, still looking unsure.
"Yes, you'll see for yourself soon Starlight, it's gonna be amazing," Twilight said, then gave Starlight a list and trotted off. "Your friends will be meeting you shortly, use this list to give them their tasks, I have other things to attend to."
"Sure thing Twilight," Starlight said, watching her friend trot off. She began to wonder about Twilight's ideas, and hopes the mare isn't gonna try anything to intense. Figuring it's best not to worry too much, Starlight decided to make her way to find her friends.
Rumble and Cadance met Shining Armor in the room with The Cutie Map where the couple presented Flurry to him. Hopefully Shining Armor had more faith in him this time around and let Rumble actually watch over her more.
"Now remember Rumble, watching over Flurry is a huge responsibility," Shining Armor said. "Taking her out of the castle is an even BIGGER responsibility."
"I'm well aware of that Prince Shining Armor, I won't let you or Cadance down," Rumble reassured.
"I'm sure you won't," Cadance said.
"Yeah, it'd be a shame if your career as a Wonderbolt ended before it could really begin," Shining Armor threatened.
Rumble's pupils shrank at the coldness of Shining Armor's voice, the stallion also getting an angry glare from his wife. "Stop scaring him! That's the second time today!"
"I'm not scaring him, I'm motivating him," Shining Armor insisted.
"How is that motivating?" Cadance asked, raising her eyebrow.
"If he fails, he'll never realize his dream, so now he's more determined not to fail," Shining Armor said.
"Or you'll make him too nervous to do the job properly. Rumble's a nice caring colt, he just needs to give Flurry love and attention, I'm sure he's more than capable of doing that," Cadance turned to Rumble, rubbing his mane. "You're gonna do great honey, don't worry so much."
Rumble took a breath of relief and nodded to Cadance, "I appreciate your kindness, I'll make you proud."
Cadance giggled a bit, Rumble is such a cute colt. She and Shining Armor then presented Flurry Heart to Rumble, the young colt standing on his hind legs to grab and hold her with his forelegs.
Rumble looked into Flurry's eyes, he was amazed at how pretty they were. Rumble could tell that Flurry was gonna grow up to be such a beautiful filly, in fact she's already beautiful right now. Rumble held Flurry close to him, hugging her firmly, not tight enough to make her uncomfortable, but just enough to make her feel safe and secure, which Flurry did feel. She felt right in Rumble's hooves, he's an affectionate colt.
"That's so cute," Cadance said, then turned to Shining Armor. "Let's leave them be for now, let them get to know each other a little better."
Shining Armor reluctantly agreed and left the room with Cadance as Rumble sat down, still holding Flurry him his forelegs. He felt so happy hugging her, he doesn't know if it's just how cute she is or if she's radiating some love magic like her mother does.
"You're such a precious little filly Flurry Heart," Rumble said, keeping the filly close to him. The filly just giggled at that, bringing some joy to Rumble. That joy eventually turned to awkward when he noticed that a certain colt had entered the room.
"Wow...looks like you're already got your start with watching over Flurry," Tender Taps said while holding back a giggle.
Rumble scrunched his muzzle at the colt, "It's not funny."
"Sorry I'm not trying to laugh, I think it's really cute actually," Tender Taps said. He trotted to his friend and rubbed Flurry's mane. "She's so pretty."
"Pretty? She's very beautiful, and she's only a toddler, can you imagine her as a full grown mare?" Rumble stated.
"Careful, if Sweetie Belle heard this, she might get jealous," Tender Taps teased.
"Cute...anyway Sweetie Belle doesn't get jealous, she never complains when I spend time with Apple Bloom or Scootaloo, and one of them even has a crush on me," Rumble said.
"I know, she's a good filly to have as a marefriend, you two are really cute together," Tender Taps said.
"Yeah, I almost can't believe how long it's been since we started dating," Rumble said. He then thought of something, "What about you? You and Apple Bloom seemed so well together, yet it seems like something's off."
"I'm not sure," Tender Taps said. "I thought we could be together, but lately I've been so unsure, it's really frustrating."
"Maybe you just thought you had a crush on her?" Rumble said. "I've been there, before Sweetie Belle I had a small crush on Diamond Tiara."
"Huh? Wasn't she mean though? I mean she isn't mean now, mostly, but she was then," Tender Taps said.
"I just thought she looked cute, of course I saw how mean she was, especially to ponies with blank flanks. Personally I never understood how her having a Cutie Mark made her so much better, and I don't know why it bothered the other foals as much as it did, I mean it's just a mark on your flank, it shouldn't mean much," Rumble said.
"Cutie Marks just show others what you can do," Tender Taps said, then turned to his flank. "This mark shows ponies that I'm a performer, what I've always wanted."
"Does it matter though?" Rumble asked. "If you didn't have that mark, wouldn't you still want to be a performer?"
"Of course," Tender Taps said. "It's always been my dream to be a performing dancer, the only thing that held me back was my stage fright, which Apple Bloom helped me get over."
"So you didn't need a Cutie Mark, you just wanted to be a performer, I mean suppose you got a Cutie Mark for something different?" Rumble asked.
"Like I said, I would still wanna be a performer, I mean look at Rarity's Cutie Mark. She said it's because she's good at finding diamonds and gems with her magic, but she prefers being a seamstress. Her special talent just helped with that," Tender Taps said.
Rumble shrugged, "I guess, still seems like more trouble than it's worth," Rumble said. "But if having one makes you happy then I guess that's alright."
Tender Taps shrugged it off. Truthfully this isn't the first time he's heard Rumble's opinions about Cutie Marks, he occasionally mentioned it in the past. This time is no different, Rumble doesn't care about having his Cutie Mark, which he finds weird since his marefriend is all about helping ponies find their Cutie Marks.
"I see you got Flurry," The two colts heard. They turned to see Twilight standing at the doorway.
"Hi Twilight, yeah your brother and Cadance gave her to me to take care off," Rumble said, then held her up a bit. "She's such a beautiful filly, takes after her mother."
"Yeah, she is," Twilight said, trotting over to her niece. "Hey Flurry, are you gonna spend time with Rumble?"
Flurry nodded her head, giggling a bit as she hugged onto the colt.
"When will she start talking?" Tender Taps wondered.
"She can say a few words, she's still learning proper sentences," Twilight said. "Anyway I'm gonna go check on the preparations, would you boys like to join me?"
"I would love that!" Tender Taps said, eagerly trotting next to Twilight.
Rumble giggled at Tender Taps’s reaction. "Same, I do like spending time with you as well Twilight."
"Aw, you're both so sweet, sometimes I envy the fact that Sweetie Belle has a well mannered coltfriend like you Rumble," Twilight said.
Rumble blushed at hearing that, a Princess considers him a good coltfriend, "It's no big deal, really."
"You look so cute when you're blushing," Twilight teased.
"Yeah well," Rumble attempted to make a more serious face, though his blush was still there. "Let's just go see what you have planned."
Rumble adjusted himself so that he could get Flurry on his back, with Tender Taps helping. "Same, I'm kind of eager to see."
"Come with me then," Twilight said, gesturing the two colts to follow.
The two walked through the center of the castle where several ponies were putting up some designs, mostly coordinated by Pinkie.
"So is the festival mostly gonna be in the castle?" Tender Taps asked.
"Actually this is towards the end of the festival, it's still mostly gonna be all around Ponyville," Twilight said.
"What are you saving for the end?" Rumble asked.
"It's a surprise," Twilight said. "One I'll need your help with."
"Our help?" Tender Taps asked. "How?"
"Sorry, can't tell you right now," Twilight said, bopping his nose. "But you'll find out soon Tappy."
Tender Taps sighed in mild annoyance at the lack of information, then realized something. "Um...did you just call me 'Tappy'?"
"Yeah, it's my new nickname for you," Twilight said.
Rumble snickered, "Tappy? That's kinda cute actually."
Flurry Heart giggled, as if agreeing with Rumble.
"But still, Tappy?" Tender Taps said.
Twilight turned her head in confusion, "What's wrong? Don't you like my nickname?"
Her eyes were too much for Tender Taps, such pretty and sad eyes, a pair he couldn't resist. Tender Taps let out a deep sigh, "Yeah, I like it, mainly because it sounds so nice coming from you."
"You can give me a nickname if you want to," Twilight said. "My brother calls me 'Twiley', so feel free to use that, or any other nickname you'd like."
"I might stick to Twiley, I'm not good with nicknames," Tender Taps said.
Rumble turned to Flurry, "Should I think of a nickname for you?" Flurry shrugged in response, which Rumble giggled at. "Well your name's pretty enough as it is, but I'll probably think of something."
"Well let's keep moving then," Twilight said, gesturing the foals out of the castle.
Also in the castle, Starlight is escorting her friends outside, ready to give them their tasks, "Alright first we'll bring Party Favor to Pinkie Pie, they can both plan the party together. She should be in the main hall of the castle."
"Sounds good, I hear a lot of talk about Pinkie Pie's parties, I hope I can live up to expectations," Party Favor said.
"You will, Pinkie's happy to be working with you, she'll be more than happy to give you tips if you need any," Starlight said. "You might see a friend of hers come by, I think his name is Cheese Sandwich, he's a Super Duper Party Pony, at least that's what Pinkie Pie says."
"Wow, sounds fun," Party Favor said.
"What will I be doing?" Night Glider asked.
"You will be assisting Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust in decorations and weather," Starlight said.
"Cool, I get to work alongside Rainbow Dash," Night Glider said.
"How will I be helping?" Sugar Belle asked.
"You'll be assisting Applejack with the baking," Starlight said. "You're going to meet her at the Apple farm before the two of you go to Sugarcube Corner."
"Sounds fun, can't wait to work at that bakery," Sugar Belle said.
"Where does that leave me?" Double Diamond asked.
"As my personal assistant," Starlight said. "You'll be helping me monitor the castle and the rest of Ponyville. That also means you'll be present when the more higher up guests show up."
"Higher up?" Double Diamond asked.
"Royalty like Ember, Thorax and the Princesses of Equestria," Starlight said.
"Wow, lucky you Double Diamond, you get to see Princess Celestia," Night Glider said.
"I doubt I'll be talking to her that much though," Double Diamond said.
"You'll be surprised how friendly she is and how chatty she can be," Starlight said.
"She does seem easily approachable," Party Favor said. "Besides you'll have Starlight with you, so it shouldn't be that hard."
"Guess you're right," Double Diamond said, the group approaching the main hall.
Starlight noticed Twilight in the distance with Rumble, Flurry Heart and Tender Taps. "Looks like Twilight's here, and Rumble's starting his big duty of watching over Flurry Heart."
"Wow, he's really watching over Princess Cadance's daughter?" Night Glider asked.
"Looks like it," Double Diamond said.
Twilight noticed Starlight and her friends approaching, "Good, you’re here, that means you’re ready."
"Yes, I even told them what they would each be doing," Starlight said.
"Great! One step closer to the greatest Festival that Ponyville's had!" Twilight said.
Starlight and her four friends blinked once in surprise.
"Wow, you're really looking forward to this thing," Night Glider said.
"You bet, so I'll be counting on the four of you to help make sure things go right," Twilight said, then started to fly up. "This is gonna be great, we just need to continue on our roll."
Nearby, Tender Taps is chuckling a bit. "Twilight's cute when she's excited."
Rumble eyed Tender Taps a moment, "Did you just call her cute?"
"Yeah, why?" Tender Taps asked.
"Oh nothing," Rumble said, getting a weird look from Tender Taps.
Twilight flew back down to the ponies, "I'll let you get back to what you were doing Starlight, I gotta keep showing my two favorite colts and my sweet little niece around a bit more."
"Alright, have fun," Starlight said as Twilight went back to the foals. "Wow, she's really perky now."
"It's kind of adorable," Double Diamond said.
Starlight nervously chuckled, "It's a good thing you find it adorable then since you're gonna be spending a lot of time around her."
"Makes it easier, I almost forgot how really friendly she is," Double Diamond said.
"Well, she is the Princess of Friendship, though it's amazing how many ponies forget that as a possibility," Starlight said. "Anyway Party Favor, you can go meet with Pinkie Pie. I'll take the others to where they need to go."
"Sure thing," Party Favor said and trotted toward Pinkie Pie.
"After we're done, think I can spend a little time with those foals myself? Especially Tender Taps?" Sugar Belle asked.
"Sure, I don't think that would be a problem," Starlight said. "First thing though, I gotta get you to Sweet Apple Acres, and Night Glider to the other Pegasus ponies."
"Sweet Apple Acres, such a lovely sounding place," Sugar Belle said. "Let's get a move on then."
Back with Twilight and the foals, they were trotting through Ponyville, Twilight looking around to make sure everything's alright. "So far everything's going well, the decorations are almost done, the tables are all out, they just need the food, that I'll leave to the Apples as well as The Cakes."
"I'd eat just about anything from either of them," Rumble said. "They both make yummy desserts."
"Funny that it was Applejack's mom that helped Mrs. Cake realize she wanted to be a baker," Tender Taps said.
Rumble looked surprised, "I never knew about that."
"Apple Bloom mentioned it to me once, I thought it was really sweet," Tender Taps said.
"I remember Applejack telling me that as well, amazing how much the Apples have done for Ponyville, maybe they should get a festival all to themselves," Twilight said, then stopped a moment, "I think I know what I wanna do next time."
Tender Taps and Rumble snickered a bit, Flurry Heart also giggling at how ambitious Twilight is, but they love her dedication and the fact that she wanted to do something nice for her friend's family.
"Well focus on right now Twilight, not that we even know what this is about anyway," Rumble said. "I really want this thing to start already."
"If things move quickly enough, it could start as soon as tomorrow," Twilight said. "I think you kids will be in for a big surprise."
"I'm sure it'll be great," Tender Taps said.
Twilight looked up and noticed a misplaced decoration, "That doesn't look right." She turned to the foals, "Stay here a moment please, I gotta fix that."
As she flew off, Rumble began to rub his chin. "A surprise huh? Now I really wanna know." Rumble turned to Tender Taps. "Alright Tappy, time for you to do your thing."
"What thing?" Tender Taps asked. "Also don't call me 'Tappy'."
"But it's cute," Rumble said. "Nothing wrong with cute nickname."
"Suppose I call you Rumbly-Wumbly then?" Tender Taps asked with a smug look.
Rumble glared slightly at the other colt, "Only Sweetie Belle can call me that, but fine, I'll ease up on 'Tapppy', I'm sure that nickname means a lot coming from your dream marefriend."
"H-hey!" Tender Taps shouted.
"Hey it's no big deal really, Twilight's really pretty. Besides maybe you should hide that big blush you have on your face whenever she walks near you," Rumble said. "Anyway back to what I was saying, use your cuteness to get Twilight to tell you."
"I don't think it's gonna work like that, if I try to use cuteness with Twilight, she'll just use it back ten times stronger," Tender Taps said.
Rumble pouted, "Guess I'll have to wait, still what could she be planning?"
"Maybe you shouldn't worry about it so much, your main focus should be Princess Flurry Heart," Tender Taps said.
Rumble turned to the alicorn filly, "True, can't forget about this cutie." Rumble nuzzled Flurry briefly. "Guess I'll wait then, but hearing about surprises makes me excited."
"That might be the point, I'm sure it's worth waiting for," Tender Taps said. "But it might be fun to guess, for me the greatest surprise is if I were able to perform my dance moves on a big stage."
"My greatest surprise would be becoming a Wonderbolt just like my older brother," Rumble said.
"Not sure what surprises the other fillies would get, though I can imagine Scootaloo would have one similar to yours," Tender Taps said. "If she could fly a bit better, unless Twilight knows magic that can help."
"Not sure, somehow I feel anything Twilight would do could only be temporary, powerful as she is, there are things that can't be done with magic, even something simple like flying," Rumble said.
"True, I really wish she could fly, I know it would mean a lot to her," Tender Taps said.
"She'll get there, I've been giving her some suggestions, personally I think she's improved a bit," Rumble said. "In fact since Night Glider's here, maybe she can offer some tips of her own, she might be a really talented flyer."
"Good idea," Tender Taps said. "Let's try that later."
Moments later, Twilight landed in front of the foals, looking satisfied after getting something fixed. "Glad I got that taken care of." She focused on the colts, "Alright, let's just stop by Sweet Apple Acres, then I'll leave you boys to your own little adventure."
"Hey I don't mind spending time with you, I love your company," Tender Taps said.
"Such a sweetheart," Twilight said and kissed Tender Taps's head, getting a blush from the colt. "I love your company as well Tappy."
Tender Taps blushed more at the nickname, "Um, thanks...Twiley."
Twilight giggled, "It sounds so adorable coming from you. Let's get going then."
Twilight led the foals towards Sweet Apple Acres, though Rumble wouldn't stop snickering.
"It's not funny," Tender Taps said in a hushed tone.
"Hey I did suggest that you stop with that goofy blush of yours," Rumble replied. "Then again I guess I’m no better myself at times. In all honesty, I don’t think less of you for how Twilight shows affection for you. Flitter's like that with me, even moreso because of the jealousy she has towards Sweetie Belle so if anything I can relate to you. It's nothing to be ashamed of, you're lucky that mares like Twilight and Starlight find you so cute."
Tender Taps felt less annoyed and more flattered, "I see your point I guess, thanks."
Rumble patted Tender Taps's shoulder, "You know despite my jokes that I would never do anything intentionally mean to you right? I do care about you Tender Taps, you're one of my best friends after all."
Tender Taps nodded, flashing a genuine smile, "Same to you Rumble."
Rumble held his hoof out, "Hoof bump?"
"Sure," Tender Taps said, hoof bumping his buddy. Tender Taps then noticed Flurry's hoof out. "Want one too? Here you go." Tender Taps then hoof bumped Flurry, getting a giggle from Rumble.
Twilight continued to lead them to Sweet Apple Acres, just as Starlight at another part of Ponyville had just given Night Glider instructions.
"Just go around and help with the clouds, if you need any more help, just ask Rainbow Dash," Starlight said.
"Got it Starlight," Night Glider said and flew into the sky, with Starlight mentally checking off another task.
"Good, that just leaves Sweet Apple Acres," Starlight said, then turned to Sugar Belle. "Think you're up to that?"
"Sure am, it'd be nice to work alongside The Apples," Sugar Belle said.
"I'm sure they'll be happy to have you there," Starlight said. "They might also ask you to help the Cakes, they're own the nearby bakery that Pinkie Pie lives at, they're close with the Apples."
"If Pinkie Pie lives there, it must be an excellent bakery, that mare loves her sweets," Sugar Belle said.
"Right, let's get going," Starlight said, leading her two friends.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight is leading the foals around, both amazed at all the supplies the farm had, plus all the extra ponies.
"These ponies are new, I don't think I've seem them around Ponyville," Rumble said.
"Well lot's of ponies are gonna be coming from different parts of Equestria," Twilight said. "These ponies however are members of Applejack's family."
"Oh yeah, she's got a really big family," Rumble said.
"Apple Bloom mentioned having a lot of cousins," Tender Taps said.
"They're all here to help and participate, I managed to convince Applejack into letting it happen," Twilight said. "Fortunately most of them were free, and I'm sure they'd love to enjoy themselves afterwards."
The group walked through the farm, greeting and waving at each pony they passed. During this they heard a familiar filly call out. "Twilight! Rumble! Tender Taps!"
"Here comes Apple Bloom," Rumble said, gesturing to the farmer filly.
Apple Bloom approached the group, alongside another filly not too familiar with the foals.
"Howdy Twilight, here to see Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Sure am," Twilight said, then glanced to the filly next to her. "Oh, you have a cousin with you."
"Yeah, you probably remember Babs right?" Apple Bloom said, then turned to the colts. "Not sure if either of you know her, but this is mah cousin, Babs Seed."
"Sup?" Babs greeted.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Rumble, and this little filly on my back is Flurry Heart," Rumble said.
Babs looked surprised, "A baby Alicorn? Wait is this the baby that Princess Twilight's brother had?"
"Yes, that's my niece," Twilight said. "And you don't need to call me 'Princess' by the way."
"I'm watching over her for the next couple of days," Rumble explained. "It's gonna be fun."
"I'll bet," Babs said, then turned to Tender Taps. "Nice to meet ya, mind introducing yourself?"
Tender Taps nervously nodded, "Yeah, I'm Tender Taps...you probably haven't heard of me but-"
"Wait, Tender Taps?" Babs said, then turned to Apple Bloom. "He's the one your dating?"
"Sort of," Apple Bloom said. "It's complicated though."
Babs took a good look at Tender Taps, "Not sure what's so complicated, he's not a bad looking kid, I'd date him."
Tender Taps blushed a lot, rubbing his head shyly. "Um, thanks..."
Babs turned her attention to Rumble, "You ain't a bad looking kid either, so far liking the colts of this town."
Rumble blushed at well, rubbing his head in a similar manner, "It's nothing special really."
"Modest too, both of ya's, I like it," Babs said. "Anyway Rumble, your name does sound familiar, I think Apple Bloom's mentioned you."
"That's the colt dating Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom said.
"You mean the one you tried setting up with Scootaloo?" Babs asked.
Apple Bloom furrowed her brow in annoyance. "Yes, that one."
Babs turned her attention back to Rumble, "Yeah, I can see why there was a big fuss over him." She turned back to Tender Taps, "You girls got some cute colts to be friends with."
The two colts continued to blush and chuckle nervously, which Twilight found adorable. "Rumble and Tender Taps are very handsome, so it doesn't surprise me that Babs seems so interested."
"You two do look cute when yer shy," Apple Bloom teased.
Rumble looked a little nervous, "Maybe we shouldn't talk too much about this, I'm worried Sweetie Belle's gonna find out and get jealous."
"You might be right, Sweetie Belle can get a little clingy to yah," Apple Bloom said. "Soon ya'll gonna celebrate a whole year together, you made her so happy as her coltfriend Rumble."
"It's my pleasure, she makes me happy as well," Rumble said. "I would like to do something special for her."
"Ah can help with that, if there's one thing I'm good at is coming up with lots of ideas," Apple Bloom said.
"Could have gotten your Cutie Mark on that," Babs said, then turned to Rumble. "Speaking of marks, did they try helping you get your mark?"
"My mark?" Rumble asked, then turned to his flank. "Oh, I'm not worried about that right now."
"Wow really?" Babs asked. "Your one of the first foals that didn't seem so worried about not having a mark yet."
"I have other things to think about than what's on my flank, if I get a mark then I get it, no big deal," Rumble said.
"Wow, wish I had your mindset, though when your surrounded by ponies who give you a hard time about stuff like that, then it's hard not to think about it," Babs said.
Rumble looked concerned, "Ponies gave you a hard time about it?"
"Yeah, but that was so long ago, I'm past it," Babs said. "Besides it led me to making a few mistakes, and almost causing me to miss out on a great friendship."
"What matters is that we're friends now," Apple Bloom said. "Besides, what you did was nothing compared to what Starlight did, and now she's one of Twilight's closest friends."
"And a good big sister," Tender Taps added. "Everything worked out in the end."
"That's all that matters too," Twilight said, then noticed some approaching ponies. "Oh, here comes Starlight now actually."
The ponies turned to see Starlight Glimmer making her way over with Sugar Belle and Double Diamond in the distance.
"Hey Starlight!" Rumble shouted.
Starlight quickly trotted over with her two village friends, "Looks like you're already here."
"Yes, I was on my way to see Applejack, then we ran into Apple Bloom and her cousin Babs," Twilight said. "Looks like that list I gave you is working out well."
"Sure has, Party Favor and Night Glider are already doing their part," Starlight said.
"That's great, it's nice having so much help, even Apple Bloom's cousin came by," Twilight said, gesturing to Babs.
Starlight greeted Babs, "Nice to see you."
"You too, I hear your a hero, you saved Equestria from Queen Chrysalis right?" Babs asked.
"It was nothing," Starlight said, rubbing her head shyly. "I did what anypony else would do."
"Not many ponies are that brave," Babs said. "Aside from Twilight, my cousin Applejack and their other friends. It takes real skill to do what you all did."
"Or luck, like with Trixie," Apple Bloom said.
"Trixie was helpful," Starlight said. "She complained a lot, but she was helpful."
"It's good to know that there are ponies aside from Twilight and her friends that can help, I mean they shouldn't have to save the world all the time," Rumble said.
"We don't mind saving the world," Twilight said. "But having friends does help big time."
Starlight looked around, "I should get to Applejack, is she around?"
"I'm gonna go see her myself, if you kids want you can stay together, I won't drag you with me everywhere," Twilight said.
"I really don't mind," Tender Taps said. "Especially if Starlight's joining you."
"So adorable," Starlight said, rubbing Tender Taps's mane. "We can all walk together."
"Actually I would like to go see Sweetie Belle, she can help me take care of Flurry, like if we're parents," Rumble said.
"That's fine, in fact that's adorable," Twilight said.
Rumble started trotting off, "I'll see all of you later, and I hope to speak to you more Babs!"
"I'll be here the rest of the week!" Babs called as Rumble trotted away. "I so wish I were Sweetie Belle, really cute kid."
"He is, kinda sensitive too, but totally different than he was a year ago. He could barely talk to us, now he speaks so confidently," Apple Bloom said.
"Having friends does that, it worked for Fluttershy," Twilight said.
"Well speaking of cute colts," Babs turned to Tender Taps. "Looks like I'll be seeing you around quite a bit as well."
Tender Taps laughed nervously, "Yeah, guess you will."
Apple Bloom huffed, "Come on, no more flirting, kinda mah job."
"Sorry, can't help it," Babs said.
Apple Bloom turned her attention to the now even more nervous colt, "See you later then."
"Right, see you two later," Tender Taps said.
The two Apple cousins made their way elsewhere as Tender Taps took a breath of relief. "Nice girls, but being near them makes me feel a bit...weird."
"Well they do have a good point," Sugar Belle said, then turned Tender Taps to face her. "You are handsome, you have such a kissable face."
Tender Taps looked down, he could swear his whole body was turning red now, "That's...nice of you to say."
Twilight rubbed his mane, "I think he feels awkward enough, let's get Sugar Belle to Applejack, I need to ask her about the catering."
"Sure thing," Starlight said, leading the two combined groups toward Applejack.
Far off in a cave, Chrysalis was making preparations of her own, with Sonata and Aria sitting around, both looking bored.
"So how is this King suppose to help again?" Aria asked.
"Sombra's magic is power beyond comprehension, he should be strong enough to handle Twilight, her friends, and that pesky Starlight, and with our help we will more than accomplish those goals," Chrysalis said.
"Will he work with us though?" Aria asked.
"I'm sure he'll feel somewhat grateful to the ones who have brought him back, but just in case, I do have a plan to seal him off if he became too independent from us," Chrysalis said.
"So like a secret back up plan?" Sonata asked.
"Yes, emphasis on the secret part," Chrysalis said. "I want to make sure he feels that he can trust us, it's the best way to make this plan work."
"And how do you plan on using us exactly?" Aria asked.
"Simple, use your abilities to control the ponies. Of course I have similar methods, but from what I gather, you can even alter their emotions to feel negativity, which you feed on correct?" Chrysalis asked.
"Yeah, it's really tasty," Sonata said.
"Then help yourself to a grand buffet," Chrysalis said. "I'm sure you've more than earned it."
"At least something good will come of this," Aria said, then turned onto her back. "Anyway I'm tired, I'm gonna get some sleep."
"It's only the middle of the day," Chrysalis said.
"Don't care, besides you expect the three of us to arrive in Ponyville late at night right? Gotta get some rest if we're gonna do that," Aria said.
"Yeah, me too," Sonata said. "Wanna cuddle together Aria!?"
"No," Aria said, much to Sonata's disappointment.
"Aw, oh well..." Sonata turned to Chrysalis, freaking the Queen out a moment.
"Don't even ask if you want to do so with me," Chrysalis said.
"What? No, ew, why would I do that, you're kinda gross looking," Sonata said.
"Excuse me!?" Chrysalis shouted. "I happen to be a very beautiful queen you impudent filly!"
"Someone's in denial," Sonata whispered, then spoke out loud. "I was kinda hoping I could borrow one of your Changelings and make them morph into Aria...so I can cuddle with that Changeling."
"If I find that any Changeling went around looking like me, I'm gonna beat the crap out of it!" Aria warned.
Chrysalis groaned, "Just go rest up for tonight!"
"Fine, pushy," Sonata said and went to lay down.
Chrysalis shook her head in frustration, "Such a child, it pains me that I must rely on them. Soon it shall be worth it however."
Chrysalis continued to plan, feeling even more confident about defeating Twilight and her allies.