The day was winding down as Cory and friends ended their trek in Twilight's glorious tree castle. They were treated to a cup of hot cocoa and a few graham crackers to complement their intimate reading time, which they were provided for by the castle's resident, Twilight Sparkle. It was a pleasant way to conclude a tiresome yet exciting afternoon.
"So, Cory!" Said Twilight as she approached her son. "How was the tour?"
"Let's just say it was surprising mom." Replied who was lounging and reading on one of the easy chairs.
"It's like there's a pony version for everybody...I mean, everypony in our world." Camden added.
"Yep!" Said Spike as he entered the scene with a tray of cupcakes "There's a counterpart for just about everyone here."
"A TALKING DRAGON!!!??" Shouted Tony as he leaped into Katie's arms while the other humans backed into a corner.
"Hey, hey. Easy guys." Cory reassured them "It's alright. He's friendly."
"Yeah." added Spike. "You're not alone. Cory here flipped out the last time he saw me."
"Ha Ha." Twilight chuckled "Where are my manners? This here is Spike. He's a baby dragon, and my personal assistant. And don't worry. He's completely harmless."
"Wait did you just say Spike?" Katie asked as he dropped Tony. "You mean the pet dog Spike Twilight carried around at school?"
"Yep." Answered a rather prideful Spike as he carried the tray around. "I was pretty instrumental in turning turning your high school around. Cupcakes?"
"So, let me get this straight." Said Jolene as she grabbed one of the pastries. "Not only is our fall formal princess really a pony, but her pet is a...talking...dragon?!!"
Cory shrugged with a yes while.
"That, is, undeniably amazing." replied Tony as he stuffed himself with a mouthful of cupcake.
It was at that moment, Spike burped out another letter from the Princess.
"I thought you said Spike was harmless." Said Katie.
"He is." Cory explained. "This is just how we get letters from the Princess."
"But, isn't your mom a Princess?" Asked Rachel.
"I am." Twilight explained as she levitated the letter off the ground. "But I am the Princess of Friendship. These letters are from Princess Celestia, the ruler of all Equestria."
"So there's more than one?" Tony asked.
"Yep." Twilight nodded. "In fact, there are four. Me, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence."
"A monarchy of talking ponies and dragons that puke letters." Katie said to herself as she sipped her hot chocolate. "What'll they think of next?"
"Mom, can I show my friends my room?" Asked Cory.
"Of course you can sweetie." Twilight responded.
"So, how do you simultaneously live at both Applejack and Twilight's place exactly?" Asked Katie.
"Simple." Cory responded "I take turns and alternate on certain days of the week."
"Does that ever become a tiresome?" Camden asked.
"Nah. They only live about a few blocks from each other. Plus it's good exercise."
As Twilight opened the letter and examined it with her customary intrigue, Cory escorted his friends upstairs to his sleeping quarters. The light from the setting sun gleamed through a large window and into a rather warmly colored area of tapestry and furniture. There was a wooden dresser to the left and a chest of knick knacks on the right, either for personal reasons or for decoration. In the center was a king size bed with a color scheme of deep purple and bright magenta, perfectly matching Twilight mane and coat. It coordinately sat on top of a large, soft rug complete with tassels, thus truly tying the floor together. Surrounding this centerpiece, were some sketches, doodles and marquees of past works and upcoming projects carefully drawn by it's creator.
But what caught Cory's friends eyes the most was a large portrait adorning the fireplace. It stood about four or five feet up between two bookshelves and was directly facing Cory's bed. It was the same picture as before from Cory's room at Sweet Apple Acres, only this time, it was much larger, and was adorned by a golden frame with an insignia at the bottom that read: "My Family"
"Amazing." Said Camden. "It's like this place has been waiting for you all your life."
"I thought so too when I first came here." Cory added as he sat on his bed in deep thought.
"You alright hon?" Asked Jolene as she sat next to him.
"It's just..." Cory thought "It just seems too easy for you all to have found me. I always thought I had to go on some triumphant quest of some kind if I ever wanted to see you all again. But I shouldn't be this way. I have everything I ever want and need: a safe home, a loving family, a rewarding talent, an increase in my skills, and most of all, my friends have finally found me. And yet, I feel as though I need to put my skills to test. Somehow I need to prove to everyone that I got what it takes to be more than what once was thought of me."
"I'm pretty sure something'll turn up." Tony assured him.
At that moment Twilight entered the room.
"Cory, honey." she said "This letter's for you."
"From the Princess?" Cory asked as he took the paper.
Dear Cory, my faithful subject. It read
I believe it is long overdue for me to exchange letter to you. First off, I would like to congratulate you for your recent adoption to both the Twilight and Apple family. I know in my heart you couldn't have been chosen by two of the best ponies out there. Your past may have been heartbreaking and filled with bumps in the road, but I am confident your new family will be there to help you and love you always, just as much they have with each other. Now onto business.
Cory. Your work has become known far and wide across all of Equestria, obviously reaching the highest of royalty. I believe there is not a single pony out there that knows your name or your rather exemplary of masterpieces. In celebration of this monumental achievement, and your dedication to your craft, you are hereby cordially invited to present selected pieces your work at a very special solo exhibition in the Crystal Empire. I am looking forward to meeting you next week, and hope all is well.
Best wishes.
Princess Celestia.
P.S. Congratulations on reuniting with your friends. I know they mean a great deal to you and I'm eager to meet them as well.
Cory gently folded the letter up and tucked it in his front pocket as a look of pride fell across his face.
"WOW, CONGRATULATIONS CORY!" Said Spike as he entered the room upon hearing the letter. "I always knew you'd get a whole event dedicated to you. Not counting your welcome party and birthadoption of course."
"The Crystal Empire." Cory said to himself "Of all the major cites I've been to in this world, that's still one I need to discover."
"Well that's nothing some old pals can't explore together." Tony replied as he latched his arm around Cory.
"Are you sure?" Cory asked. "I mean, you guys just got here, and frankly, the crystal empire popped up only a few years ago."
"Hey, c'mon Cory." Camden added. "We've all been through so much together. Look. From the day we all first met, we made a vow that no matter what obstacles come in front us, we'll be able to conquer it together."
"So whadaya say pal?" asked Jolene.
Cory looked at Twilight, Spike and all his friends smiling faces. He knew now he had everything he needed. So he took a moment to think and nodded with a yes.
"Okay." he replied. "I'm confident you all are up for the challenge."
"That's wonderful." Twilight replied with enthusiasm. "And perfect timing. Spike and I have to check on a certain somepony there."
"Ugh." Spike replied in frustration "I can hardly imagine having to deal with fleas again."
"Fleas?" Cory asked.
"I'll explain to you when we get back." Twilight chuckled. "In the meantime, the five of you are all welcome to read any book in the castle library. Cory, you should head over to Sweet Apple Acres and pick which unseen works you want to bring to your exhibition."
"Yes mom." Cory replied as he ran downstairs.
"I'm really proud of you son." Twilight replied.
"So am I"
And with those words, he rushed over to his sister Applejack's barn.