//------------------------------// // A Call from Canterlot // Story: Love Struck // by PonyPixel //------------------------------// It was another typical day at the school of Friendship. Sandbar and Yona were just sitting at the couch in the lounge trying to do their homework. Yona was deep in thought until she could see Sandbar looking at some mares walking by. “What Sandbar doing?” Yona asked. “Uhh...nothing,” the colt replied. “I’m just……losing my train of thought.” “So Sandbar just stare at mares, huh?” “What? Yona, it’s not like that. I’m just…bored, that's it.” He looked over to see Garry practicing some loop de loops. He was helping Grace with some tricks. Sandbar looked back towards Yona, who had an angry brow. “Yona. I’m not dating any creature other than you.” “What’s going on here?” Silverstream interrupted. She, Smolder, Gallus, and Ocellus walked over to them carrying their own school bags. “Sandbar likes looking at mares more than homework and yak,” Yona explained. Ocellus shivered and gagged. “Ack……The bitterness,” she quivered. “You’re tasting their love?” Gallus asked. “Yeah. Yona’s love tasted like a burnt slice of pie.” “Guys, I’m not doing what Yona thinks I’m doing,” Sandbar stated. “I only have love for her and only her.” “Then why Sandbar look towards mares?” Yona asked. “I can’t focus on our homework, that’s all.” “I know that feeling,” Gallus said. “So you both push it off to the last second?” Smolder asked. She promptly got an angry look from her griffon friend. “What?” “Yona, we know that Sandbar wouldn’t do something like that,” Silverstream said. They just stared at her colt friend with a low brow. Sandbar started feeling uncomfortable. “Some creature just please, get me out of this,” he begged under his breath. Someone might’ve been listening as Yona’s horn suddenly started to glow. Many of the students stared not just at her, but also at Ocellus. The changeling looked at her wings and could see they were glowing too. “The map,” the yak and changeling gasped. The holographic images started flying outside towards Twilight’s former castle. “Follow them, quick!” Silverstream shouted. Quickly, they ran out of the school with their friends following behind. When they got to the room where the magic map is, images of Ocellus and Yona’s head were circling around Canterlot. “Canterlot? Of all places, why would there be a friendship problem there at Canterlot?” Smolder asked. “Maybe there’s something that Princess Twilight needs help with,” Silverstream guessed. “If she did,” Gallus spoke, “I think she would’ve sent a letter, not this.” “Still, I’m curious what problem we’ll be solving there,” Ocellus said. “Yona proudly accepts mission,” Yona spoke. “So do I, but I think we should do our homework on the ride to Canterlot.” Yona groaned as she had to be reminded of that. “Riiight,” Yona groaned. After gathering their supplies, winter clothing, and Pinkie Pie to help guide them around, Ocellus and Yona made their way to the station to catch a train. “I’m glad you’re taking me,” Pinkie said. “I’ve been looking for an excuse to see Twilight again.” “Same with Spike,” Smolder grumbled, walking with her friends. “We’ll be sure to say hi for you,” Ocellus said. Sandbar wanted to walk beside Yona, but the yak didn’t even want to look at him. When they got to the station, they didn’t have to wait long for their train to arrive. “What kind of problem do you think you’re going to have to deal with?” Silverstream asked. “It could go either way,” Sandbar commented. “The mission Smolder and I went on is involved Dragon Lord Ember and King Thorax.” “Maybe ours could involve Princess Twilight,” Ocellus said. Soon, they could see their train pull up to the platform. “Wish us luck.” The changeling, yak, and pink pony boarded on the train which shortly left to Canterlot. Their friends waved behind as Yona looked towards Sandbar. She started to feel something she didn’t like. “So... What Yona and friend do now?” the yak asked. “We’ll just wait for time to pass,” Ocellus replied. “Good thing I brought our homework.” She and her friend, who wasn’t looking forward to this, started working on their homework while waiting for their arrival at their destination. They heard the whistle blowing with the captain speaking that they’re almost there at Canterlot. It was only an-hour-and-25-minute ride from Ponyville to Canterlot, so it wasn't really that long. With Ocellus and Yona finishing their homework, they started packing up their supplies in their bags. Pinkie Pie, who’s seated in the opposite row, also prepared her stuff as well. The train finally arrived at the Canterlot Station. The passengers, including Professor Pinkie, Ocellus, and Yona, were now at the door waiting for it to be open. As the train hits the brakes, the train whistle once again blows and the doors are now open, and the passengers leave the car. After leaving the station, the two students looked around to see if there’s a friendship problem to be solved. “Where problem at?” Yona questioned. “Hard to say, Yona,” Pinkie said. “The best thing I did before is to look around.” Pinkie bounced through the streets as a couple of ponies recognized her. “Hey, are you one of Princess Twilight’s friends?” a unicorn asked. “Yuppers.” The pink pony and unicorn quickly started chatting as Ocellus and Yona looked around. “Yona don’t remember much of Canterlot,” the yak admitted. “Yeah, we’ve only been here once before when Silverstream was possessed by that spirit of Storm King,” Ocellus said. “Now then, we should ask around if any creature’s having trouble.” And so they did. Though, they were just going around in circles. Finding the problem was usually the hardest part on friendship missions, because you can’t tell if somepony has a problem from the looks. Pinkie bounced over to them after talking to the unicorn. “Hey girls, any luck?” she asked them. “Nope,” Yona stated, “Friends come up dry,” “I know how you feel. Don’t worry, you’ll find it eventually.” They carried on wandering around hoping to find something. Soon, they came across a unicorn who almost bumped into them. "Oh, excuse... Hang on, I know you!" "You do?" Ocellus and Yona questioned. "Moon Dancer," Pinkie cheered, then hugged her. "How are you doing?" "Hi Pinkie, I’m doing good," the unicorn replied. "My friends are doing great as well." She then turned back to Ocellus and Yona. “Anyways,” Moon Dancer said, “you’re the two students there at that Friendship School, right?” “We sure are,” Ocellus said to her, in a confident tone. “Yona too.” “And you must be one of Twilight’s old friends, right?” “Yep, my name’s Moon Dancer. Nice to meet you.” "Nice to meet you too.” Ocellus said, “Headmare Twilight did mention about you and the others in our lessons last time. Can we see them?" "Of course. It's been a while since I've seen them all together. Follow me." They then followed Moon Dancer to a restaurant called “The Tasty Treat”. “Good choice,” Pinkie commented. “Yes, when my friends told me about this, I told myself, ‘Sure, I’ll give this a try’ and I like it. I can visit this place anytime.” They walked inside which was nice and warm. “Welcome back, Pinkie,” Saffron Masala said. “Saffy! It’s been a while,” Pinkie said, giving her a hoof bump. “Yeah, long time no see.” “She sure does know a lot of ponies,” Ocellus whispered. Yona nodded in response. They went onto their seats, and they were given some menus as a blue unicorn walked in. “Minuette, you made it,” Moon Dancer said. “Hi Moon Dancer,” Minuette replied, then turned to Pinkie Pie, “Pinkie, you’re here too?” “Yep,” Pinkie replied, “I’m helping Ocellus and Yona here with a friendship mission.” “I see. So, basically they help with relationship problems?” “That’s basically the idea,” Ocellus said. “This is our first time.” “Then I wish you good luck, you two.” Just then, three ponies walked in. Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and a silver stallion. This stallion was as tall as Big Mac, had golden blonde hair, blue eyes, and had a silver coin as a cutie mark. “Who’s that?” Yona asked. “That’s Silver Coin,” Moon Dancer explained, “he’s been around us for a while.” The stallion and mares sat down just as Saffron Masala walked over to them. “Good day, are you ready to start ordering?” she asked. “Just give us a few more minutes,” Moon Dancer said. Saffron nodded. Saffron Masala walked off to the other tables to take orders. As Ocellus and Yona read the menu, they both looked at Twilight's old friend and they all seemed to be a little upset. They all appeared to not want to be sitting next to each other but they all seemed to be interested in Silver. “Ocellus,” the yak whispered to the light blue changeling, “Yona think friends found problem.” “Probably,” Ocellus replied. She shivered as she tasted something bittersweet. “What kind of love is this?” she questioned herself. After a few minutes, their food has been served. “So, Silver. Can you tell us about yourself?” Moon Dancer asked him. “Of course,” the earth pony replied. “I’ve been living in Canterlot about my whole life. My family is pretty rich.” “Mhmm,” Moondancer said. “So, Pinkie didn’t you say you’ve been to Yakyakistan before?” “Oh yeah,” the pink pony replied. “Being so high in the mountains near the Crystal Empire, there is a lot of snow. Like, up to my ears. High snow.” “How do they live?” “Yaks very strong,” Yona spoke. “She would like to show you,” Ocellus spoke, “But probably not here.” “Yaks can cause mini earthquakes,” Pinkie said. “How is that possible?” Silver questioned. “Knowing Pinkie, I’m pretty sure she’s right,” Moondancer said. “Twinkleshine, what do you think?” Her friend didn’t reply and just used her magic to stir her spoon in her food. “Uhh………Twinkleshine?” “You sure you don’t want that food?” Minuette asked. “She doesn’t have to worry about cavities so much,” Lemon Hearts said in an ungentle tone. “Here we go again,” Moondancer groaned. “You really think I just raise my prices?” Minuette questioned in that same tone as hers. “If you don’t have that many ponies come in with any cavities,” Lemon Hearts said. “I took care of more than just cavities. Have you ever heard of gum disease?” “Yep, we found the problem,” Ocellus confirmed quietly. Minuette and Lemon Hearts continued arguing with each other while Silver and Twinkleshine stayed quiet. “Check please,” Moondancer called. “Hey, we were just getting warm here,” Silver stated. “If there’s one thing I hate more than the cold, it’s my friends arguing for no reason.” Moon Dancer paid for their meal and they walked back outside. Her friends and Silver didn’t stick around for too long and they headed their own ways. “What just happened back there?” Ocellus asked. “Something that my friends probably aren’t understanding.” Moon Dancer replied. “Yona and Ocellus help out,” Yona said. “Can you give us some detail?” Ocellus asked. “I’ll explain on the way to my place.” The changeling and yak followed the unicorn down the street with Pinkie following behind. “You know, how about I explain on the way?” A few months ago, when the School of Friendship was starting its third year, Moon Dancer, Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts were hanging out at the donut shop. “So, you heard the news about Twilight’s school?” Twinkleshine asked. “Oh yeah,” Lemon Hearts said. “They said that some creatures fought each other for no reason. So weird, right?” “Uh huh, maybe some magic was involved, I think,” Minuette suggested. “It wouldn’t surprise me,” Moon Dancer admitted. They heard the wind chimes ring, signaling that somepony walked into the store. The mares looked over to see Silver Coin walking over to the counter. After placing his order, he walked over to the four mares. “Afternoon,” he said with a smirk. Three of the four mares found themselves blushing at this. “Can we help you, sir?” Moon Dancer asked. “Oh, I thought I’d talk to somepony while I wait. Mind telling me about yourselves?” “I’m... Minuette,” the blue unicorn replied. “I work as a dentist.” “I’m Lemon Hearts,” the yellow one replied. “I…uhh…like baking.” “Good to know,” the stallion replied, “my name’s Silver Coin. Do you work here?” “N-no.” The mares kept blushing as Moon Dancer raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’ve noticed you around here. I thought I’d try and introduce myself.” A little while later, Silver and the mares walked out of the shop with Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts going off to do their own thing. “Shame they couldn’t stick around,” Minuette said. “At least we’re still together,” Moon Dancer said. “I know a good place we can hang out, come with me,” Silver said. They made their way over to the theater which they paid their tickets for. “Wait, you can’t bring outside snacks in here.” “Don’t worry, my father owns this place.” “Really!?” Silver nodded. They walked inside and got their seats. The film hasn’t even started for a while so Moondancer left to get a few drinks. “Donut?” Minuette smiled as she ate the donut she was offered. “Thanks.” Silver looked towards the mare’s cutie mark on her flank and looked confused. “Minuette, I thought you said you were a dentist.” “I am.” “So then why is your cutie mark an hourglass?” Minuette looked at her cutie mark and chuckled. “Oh, well, I manage to complete tasks in mere seconds.” “Like getting your mane ready?” This comment made the mare blushed. “Yeah, something like that.” Moon Dancer just came back with the drinks as she listened to their conversation. “You know, I don’t see a lot of ponies pull off the color blue. You seem to be an exception.” Minuette giggled as Moon Dancer sat down next to them. “So, what film are we watching?” Moon Dancer asked. She wasn’t given an answer as Minuette was too busy talking with Silver. She just rolled her eyes and sipped her soda. The next day, Moon Dancer was running errands when she saw Silver Coin again. This wouldn’t be anything she wouldn’t pay attention to if Twinkleshine wasn’t with him. “You know, I really like your white fur and pink mane,” the stallion commented. Twinkleshine giggled. “Thank you,” she replied back. They both walked down the street away from Moondancer. The unicorn tried to catch up, but she was blocked by the large crowd swarming the street. By the time she got through the crowd, Twinkleshine and Silver were gone. Later, Moondancer was eating her meal at a local cafe when she could see Lemon Hearts leaving with Silver Coin. “What is this guy doing?” she questioned. She left a couple of bits on the table and tried to follow the two. “Oh, look at the time,” Silver said. “We better hurry.” The two picked up the pace and left Moondancer behind. The mare was confused and frustrated. Moondancer finished her story once they got back to her place. “I wish I could tell you more,” she said, “But that stallion keeps getting away from me. When I meet up with my friends, I’m very lucky to even get two with each other. I have no idea what he has done to them.” “Why stallion need three mare friends?” Yona asked. “Because he’s a disgusting creature, that’s all.” “I can only think of a changeling doing something like that,” Ocellus commented. “Though we’ve changed our ways and if they wanted love, they would’ve at least tried different forms.” “I’d be lying if I wasn’t thinking Silver was a changeling,” Moondancer admitted. “I keep trying to tell the girls that Silver is going out with all of them, but they just say I’m jealous.” “Did you try getting proof?” “Well……multiple times. He’s always one step ahead of me.” “Friends help out,” Yona said. “Yona show gross stallion why yaks best.” “So, you can help me?” Moondancer questioned. “Honestly, I think it might be your friends who need help,” Ocellus remarked. “Okay, we’ll see what we can do.”