//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: A Royal Visit/A Day with Rarity // Story: Eric Sparkle and the Locket of Prophecies // by Skywalker215 //------------------------------// Just three days after his first day of school, Eric, along with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders were now celebrating the success from the day before, especially making peace with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom and the others noticed Eric was just all by himself feeling unsure about his purpose. “Eric, are you doing ok?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Yes, it’s great that you got your cutie marks, but I’m unsure what I am meant to to, and it’s also a shame that I can’t get a cutie mark,” Eric said. “You may not have a cutie mark, but you’re our friend, and you’ll find your purpose,” Scootaloo replied. Just then, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came up to make an apology. “Eric, we’re really sorry for being mean to you,” Diamond Tiara said. “Do you forgive us?” Silver Spoon asked. “I forgive you both,” Eric replied. “Eric, we almost forgot somethin’,” Apple Bloom said. “What is it?” Eric asked. “A cutie mark on a bandana, we made it for you,” Sweetie Belle replied. “Thanks girls,” Eric said. The cutie mark on Eric’s bandana was the CMC shield with four-point stars centered on it. The four Cutie Mark Crusaders, along with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got into a group hug. Once he got home, he was greeted by his mom, whom he gave a big hug. “How was school?” Twilight asked. “A lot better, since Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are my newest friends, and I got a bandana with a cutie mark on it,” Eric said. “I’m glad to hear that,” Twilight replied. “Hi, Eric,” Cadance and Shining Armor said in unison. “Hi, Uncle Shining, hi, Aunt Cadance, it’s so good to see you,” Eric replied. “We have great news,” said Shining Armor. “What is it about?” Eric asked. “We’re having a baby,” Cadance replied. “You’re gonna have a cousin,” Twilight added. Out of excitement, Eric gave his mom, along with his aunt and uncle a big hug. “We also have a crown for you, made of pure crystal,” Cadance said. “Thank you, Aunt Cadance,” Eric replied. Soon it was night, and the five of them, including Shining Armor and Cadance, were having dinner. The next morning after breakfast, there was a knock on the castle door. “I’ll get it, Twilight,” Spike said. “Hello, Spike,” said Rarity. “Hi, Rarity,” Spike replied while blushing. “Rarity, what a pleasant surprise,” said Twilight. “I have come because I want to invite Eric with me to the spa,” Rarity replied. “Eric! Rarity is here if you want to go with her,” Twilight called. “Sure! I’m on my way, mommy,” Eric replied as soon he had finished his teeth brushing. “Good morning, Eric,” Rarity greeted. “Hi, Rarity,” Eric replied as he went up and hugged her. “Have a good outing, sweetie, be sure you stay with Rarity or the others at all times,” Twilight said. “Yes, mommy,” Eric replied. Rarity and Eric were on their way to the spa. “I’m kinda nervous, I’ve never been to a spa before,” Eric said. “It’ll be fine, darling, the spa ponies know what they’re doing, and they do a fabulous job,” said Rarity reassuringly. Once there, they met the Lotus twins, “Welcome, Rarity,” they said in their obvious accent. “This is Twilight's son, Eric, and we’re here for a massage,” Rarity said. “Right this way, little prince,” Lotus Blossom replied. Soon all of Eric’s nervousness had gone as he was enjoying his first massage. Beside him, Rarity was also getting her massage. An hour later, Rarity and Eric walked to the Carousel Boutique. “This is my cat, Opalescence, or Opal for short,” Rarity said. She began to purr as she went up to Eric, then he started petting her. “Your cat is really sweet, Rarity,” he said. As soon as he was finished with Opal, Eric went to help Rarity with her designs, then she began teaching him how to sew. The hours passed and Eric was ready to eat, he and Rarity went to find somewhere to have lunch. Soon, Rarity and Eric reached her parent's residence. "I'm getting hungry, Rarity," Eric said. "We'll have lunch with my parents," Rarity replied. Once they were entering the house, Eric instinctively got behind Rarity. “Ah, Rarity, you’re just in time for lunch,” Magnum said. “Who’s that behind you?” Cookie Crumble asked. “Mother, Father, this is my friend Twilight’s son, Eric,” Rarity replied. Just then, Sweetie Belle entered the room, “Hi, Eric,” she said as she gave him a big hug. “Hi, Sweetie Belle,” Eric replied. The two friends gently broke their embrace and took their seats. Eric sat between Sweetie Belle and Rarity, and they all started eating. Rarity gave a detailed explanation to her parents about how Eric ended up in Equestria and being found by Twilight. It was already afternoon, Eric and Sweetie Belle finished their salads and then gave each other a goodbye hug. Soon, Rarity and Eric were headed out. “I’m awfully tired from walking,” Eric said. “Here, climb on, darling,” Rarity replied as she lowered herself. She carried him all the way back to the castle. Once there, Eric climbed down and gave her a hug, which she returned. “Rarity, when you’re not busy, can I come over for more sewing lessons?” he asked. “Sure you can, darling,” Rarity replied. As soon as Eric and Rarity saw each other off, he went back inside the castle. “Eric, how was your outing with Rarity?” Twilight asked. “After that massage, I feel great, and she’s teaching me how to sew,” said Eric. “That’s great, sweetie,” Twilight replied. Eric made his way to the castle library, he grabbed a book from the shelf, it was titled Daring Do and The Quest for the Sapphire Stone. “This is kinda like Indiana Jones, I ought to read this,” he said to himself. He went to the room he and his mom shared and started reading. Near the end of the book, he was soon interrupted when Twilight came in. “Hey, mommy, I didn’t see you enter,” Eric said while trying to read. “I notice you are reading the first Daring Do book,” Twilight replied. “It seems very interesting,” said Eric. “Storm and I are going out for a date tonight, just to give you a heads up,” Twilight said. “Ok, mommy,” Eric replied. Shortly after the moon rose, Storm was at the door, wearing a gray suit and Twilight was wearing the dress she wore at Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding a year ago. “We’re off now, I’ll be home in two hours, Spike is making spaghetti alongside tomato soup, your favorite,” Twilight said. “Ok, mommy, that’s a nice dress,” Eric replied. “Thanks, sweetie,” Twilight cooed as she hugged him. As soon as dinner was ready, Eric went to join Spike, Cadance and Shining Armor. “Wow, Spike, you’re a great cook,” Cadance said. “Yeah, this is really good,” Shining Armor added. “Aunt Cadance, why does Mommy like Storm Blade?” Eric asked. “To be honest, I am not sure, you’ll have to ask her,” Cadance replied. Shortly after dinner was finished, Cadance and Shining Armor were getting their teeth brushed then retired to the guest room. Eric was also getting his teeth brushed and then he put his pajamas on. “Good night, Uncle Shining, good night, Aunt Cadance,” Eric said. “Good night, Eric,” Cadance replied.