One Small Thing
It is dark and quiet in the throne room of Seaquestria. A number of orbs are held up by a jellyfish as the main source of light. Golden Lace swam up, entranced by the light of the orbs.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Is this really the source of their magic?”
Golden Lace slowly swam up to the bright orbs hanging underneath the jellyfish, reaching out, all before coming to a stop.
“Wait,” Lace said to herself. “This isn’t right. It’s their magic.”
Golden Lace looked at the orbs as they glowed brighter, completely mesmerizing the young filly again.
“But I must have them,” Golden Lace said. “If it means making mother and father jealous, so be it.”
Golden Lace swam up towards the orb as she reached out to them, completely entranced by the glow of these magical pearls.
“So much power,” Lace said to herself. “And it’s all mine.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING, YOUNG LADY?” Those loud words scared Golden Lace as she swam away, screaming in fear. Queen Novo appeared right out of nowhere as she looked at the young filly swimming behind the throne. Lace popped her head out and saw Queen Novo looking down at her.
“It’s….it’s not what you think it is,” Golden Lace said, completely terrified.
“I saw exactly what you did, young lady,” Queen Novo said in a stern tone. “And I am far more disappointed in you than I am with my own daughter. Do you know what would happen if those orbs disappeared?”
“I….” Golden Lace said as she stood behind the throne, shaking nervously. “I don’t know.”
“The magic of Mount Aris and Seaquestria would be gone,” Queen Novo said in a stern tone. “Many ponies from your land would blame you for your misdeeds. Even your own parents would label you an outcast.”
“What do you mean by my parents?” Golden Lace yelled as she swam up from the throne. “If they overheard what you said to me, they would be upset with you.”
“But I did overhear you say that your parents put you in this sheltered life,” Queen Novo said as her tone began to soften. “And you did mention that you did want to explore the outside world.”
“You overheard what I said?” Golden Lace said, completely flabbergasted.
“Not just that,” Queen Novo said. “I used to know you when you were a sweet little foal, Golden Lace.”
Golden Lace’s jaw dropped down. She was at a total loss for words as Queen Novo swam to her side.
“Back then, your parents used to stroll you around in Canterlot when I paid my visit there,” Queen Novo said. “You used to be completely innocent, much like the small fry Wanda. But over the years, you’ve changed into a selfish monster, no thanks to your parents Gold and Silver Banks.”
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Golden Lace yelled.
“I know your parents very well,” Queen Novo replied. “Though I questioned their attitudes, they are reliable trading partners. We tend to trade some of our fruits for the various vegetables grown in Equestria. The last time we met, you were nowhere by their side. They said that you had transferred to the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
Golden Lace swam down and sat on the armrest of the throne. She looked both shocked and worried as she looked up at Queen Novo.
“So,” Golden Lace said. “How exactly do you know what happened to me?”
“Princess Celestia told me about how spoiled you’ve been,” Queen Novo said. “How you’ve become the reflection of your own parents. From boasting about how great you are, to picking on your own kind. You once referred to Starlight Glimmer as nothing more than a Mary Sue, to lying to a young pegasi filly about Rainbow Dash. What happened to that sweet kid that I remembered?”
“Wait,” Golden Lace paused. “I thought you were upset at me for trying to take your orbs.”
“Well I was,” Queen Novo said as she looked at the magic orbs. “After all, they are the source of Hippogriff’s magic, and why you and the others have transformed into Sea Ponies, mermaids and other aquatic creatures. But what you didn’t realize was that I had to trick you into grabbing them.”
“You what?” Golden Lace yelled.
“It was to set you up for this intervention,” Queen Novo replied as she swam up to Golden Lace. “It was to save you from yourself.” Golden Lace just sat there, glowing beet red.
“When my parents find out about this,” Golden Lace yelled. “YOU WILL BE IN BIG TROUBLE!”
“Sounds more like a cowardly defense, young lady,” Queen Novo said. “But tell me. Do you really respect them? Or do you fear them?”
Golden Lace paused for a second before slowly looking up to Queen Novo, resting her hooves right next to her.
“Well,” Golden Lace said, hesitantly. “I do look up to them as an example...to...be superior and all.”
“That doesn’t sound reassuring, Miss Lace,” Queen Novo said. “By the tone of your voice, it seems you do have issues with your own parents.”
“I uhhh, guess,” Golden Lace said reluctantly.
“I’ve raised Princess Skystar since she came into this world,” Queen Novo said as she said right next to Golden Lace. “When she gave me that kind of hesitant tone, I could tell she was hiding something from me. I tend to be harsh on Skystar, because I want to set her on the right path.”
“You actually do?” Golden Lace replied.
“Yes,” Queen Novo said as she put her hoof on Lace’s shoulder. “Tell me young lady. What does your mother expect you to be?”
Golden Lace thought about it for a moment. She looked up at Queen Novo and opened her mouth, but no words came out of it. She had no idea what to say.
“At a loss for words I take it,” Queen Novo said. “I also believe that you didn’t like how I tricked you into grabbing the orbs of magic that made us who we are. If you wish to object to everything I’ve done, you may speak your mind.”
As Queen Novo began to swim away, Golden Lace looked agitated, like she was about to blow up. She opened her mouth again, but no words came out. She tried again, struggling to speak a word. Queen Novo turned around and swam back towards Golden Lace.
“Are you alright?” Queen Novo asked. “I did say speak your mind, and you’re free to do so, little lady. I won’t hold any grudge against you.”
As Golden Lace scowled at Queen Novos, tears formed around her eyes. Her face shook violently as she could barely move a muscle.
“Is something the matter, young lady?” Queen Novo said.
Golden Lace’s face turned from a scowl to one of shame. She struggled to hold it in as the tears around her eyes grew larger and larger. Hints of crying came from her voice as she shook even more.
“WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Golden Lace cried as she put her hooves around her eyes. Queen Novo swam behind her Golden Lace and hugged her close.
“It’s okay,” Queen Novo said. “I didn’t mean to yell at you young lady, nor did I mean to trick you. I just wanted you to let it all out.”
“No, you’re right,” Golden Lace cried. “I’ve been wanting to be alot like my mother. I wanted to look down at other ponies because I saw myself as being superior to them. I am so sorry.”
“There there now,” Queen Novo said. “You have a lot of fences to mend, young lady. But to admit your problems is a great start for you.”
As Queen Novo comforted Golden Lace, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Wanda Young and Silverstream watched from the doorway of the throne room. While Celestia and Luna had a warm smile on their face, Wanda was rather surprised.
“So,” Wanda said. “All this time, Golden Lace was trying to be like her mother?”
“When you think about it,” Celestia said. “It makes a lot of sense, my darling Wanda. We tend to imitate our elders out of respect.”
“And I hate to tell this to you,” Luna said as she booped Wanda on the nose. “But sometime after the Banks chewed out your mother for scolding Golden Lace, they went and did the scolding themselves to her. Said that she wasn’t harsh enough on Ditzy Doo, that she did a poor job at it.”
“That’s horrible,” Wanda said as Silverstream hid behind the Man’s Cub-turned-Mermaid.
“And we found out about it from Chancellor Cinch,” Princess Celestia said. “After I cheered you up from the trauma you experienced.”
“I guess I owe her a thanks,” Wanda said.
Luna reached down to Wanda’s ear and whispered “Why not show Golden Lace what it means to be a true friend.”
Wanda nodded to Princess Luna before she swam away from the alicorns and towards Novo and Golden Lace. Queen Novo looked up and saw Wanda swam up to them.
“Young lady,” Queen Novo said as Golden Lace raised her head. “There is someone to see you.”
Golden Lace watched as Wanda swam up to her, with Silverstream right beside her. The Man’s Cub-turned-Mermaid reached out and extended her hand towards Golden Lace.
“Lace,” Wanda said. “As much as I didn’t appreciate the mean words you said, I would prefer if you could accept my friendship. After all, if we’re friends, then it means you don’t have to be a big meanie.”
“Are you really sure about that?” Golden Lace said as a tear fell from her right eye. “After all I’ve done?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “Besides, I’ve encountered worse meanies at the Ponyville Faire, and I’m not just talking about the Windigo’s Guild. They would make you look well behaved.”
Golden Lace smiled as she and Wanda gave each other a big hug, all while twirling around in the open water. Golden Lace tried on Wanda’s shoulder as the mermaid embraced her. Silverstream just looked at the duo and giggled.
Queen Novo swam up beside Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who smiled as Wanda and Golden Lace cuddled each other.
“It’s really a shame that Golden Lace grew up into a mean-spirited pony,” Queen Novo said. “If only her parents were warm and loving.”
“Well that’s the Banks in a nutshell,” Princess Luna said.
“So what will the Banks say when they find out about the field trip?” Queen Novo asked.
“I’ll be ready this time,” Princess Celestia said. “Knowing the Banks, they’re willing to make my life miserable.”
“Compared to the Windigo’s Guild and the Storm King,” Princess Luna said. “The Banks are the most horrible creatures to ever exist in Equestria.”
Suddenly, Queen Novo felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Princess Skystar standing right behind her with a huge burst of excitement.
“Mama,” Princess Skystar said. “I need to speak with Wanda. She’s got to see what we’ve done for her and her friends.”
“Alright Skystar,” Queen Novo said as she moved to the side. “But you better not get in trouble again. You hear me?”
“Oh I won’t,” Princess Skystar replied. “Promise.”
As Queen Novo, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna swam to the side, Princess Skystar bolted towards Wanda and Golden Lace. The golden filly opened her eyes and saw Skystar moving towards her before she tapped Wanda on the shoulder.
“Hey Wanda,” Golden Lace said. “I think someone wants to speak to you.”
Wanda let go of Golden Lace as she turned to Princess Skystar. The young seapony looked completely anxious, like she had a big surprise.
“Wanda,” Princess Skystar said. “You’ve got to check this out. We’re having a dance-a-thon outside where everyone’s dancing. Come on, and bring your friend.”
“Dancing?” Wanda said. “How can I dance while I’m a mermaid?”
“It’s so easy,” Princess Skystar said. “Come on, both of you.”
As Princess Skystar swam off, Wanda and Golden Lace looked at each other and smiled.
“Come on,” Wanda said. “I’ll race ya.”
“Bring it on,” Golden Lace said with a smirk on her face.
With a push of their fish tails, Wanda and Golden Lace darted through the throne room and swam past Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Queen Novo, all while following Princess Skystar. Silverstream swam right behind the duo before coming to a stop right next to PRincess Luna. Queen Novo smiled as the two younglings swam towards the group in front of them.
“It appears my work here is done,” Queen Novo said.
“I got to hand it to you,” Princess Celestia said. “You sure know how to put troubled fillies on the right path.”
“But I’ll also admit,” Queen Novo said. “Had it not been for my daughter’s foolishness, we would have not seen each other today. And Golden Lace would have still been a spoiled brat.”
“Let’s just hope her new attitude will stick,” Princess Luna said.
“Relax Luna,” Princess Celestia said. “If anything happens between Lace and her parents, we’ll be there to help her up.”
As the adults laughed, Silverstream just stood there as Wanda and Golden Lace disappeared into the crowd. Queen Novo looked down and saw the sea pony youngling look like she was about to cry.
“Come on, Silverstream,” Queen Novo said. “I’ll take you to the small fry and her friends.”
Silverstream squealed with joy as she followed Queen Novo towards the group.
Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Abigail and Spike were dancing alongside the sea ponies of Seaquestria. The lights flashed in the undersea kingdom as the various sea ponies jammed to the aquatic musical instruments like clam drums, bells and a guitar shaped like the skeleton of a fish. Many aquatic creatures swam around the group in harmony.
“Now this is a dance that I can get behind,” Sunset said.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said. “When they know how to party, they know how to par-tay.”
“No kidding,” Rainbow Dash said as she did a groovy dance. “Now I wish that Trixie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Ditzy Doo joined us in Seaquestria. Imagine how they would have reacted if they saw all this.”
“Or if they became sea ponies like the rest of us,” Twilight said as she danced alongside Starlight.
“Yeah,” Starlight said. “Trixie would have enjoyed this festival.”
“It was a shame that her old wagon was trashed by the Windigo’s Guild,” Sunburst said. “It just goes to show how cruel and vicious the Windigo’s Guild really are.”
“At least she has a new stage wagon,” Starlight said. “She deserves a bit of happiness, considering what she went through with those three meanies.”
“Yeah,” Twilight said. “After what I saw, Golden Lace looked more like a sweet pony compared to those three jerks.”
As Moondancer turned her head, she saw Princess Skystar swimming up to the group. Right next to the sea pony was Wanda Young and Golden Lace swimming right next to them, with Queen Novo and Silverstream swimming right behind them.
“Hey guys,” Moondancer said. “Speaking of which, guess who’s coming, and it’s not just Golden Lace.” All of the younglings turned their heads as Wanda, Golden Lace and Skystar swam up to them.
“Sorry I’m late,” Wanda said. “Did I miss anything?”
“Nope,” Pinkie Pie said. “In fact, we were hoping you both would join us in this par-tay.”
“Both?” Golden Lace asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said. “Compared to a trio of bullies who've been making life hard for everyone in La Maresa, you’re not so bad yourself.”
“Wow,” Golden Lace said, surprised by Pinkie Pie’s comment. “I never really thought about that.”
“That being said,” Rainbow Dash said. “You do owe Ditzy Doo a major apology for that harsh comment you made to her.”
“Point taken,” Golden Lace replied. “In fact, I owe you all an apology for all the horrible things I’ve said to you.” Nearly every colt and filly’s jaws dropped down hanging from Lace’s apology.
“Say what?” Danged Spell said, completely dumbfounded.
“I’ve said some horrible things to you all,” Golden Lace said as she swam to the center of the group. “And I did that because I wanted to make myself look superior to you all. Because I wanted to be the most important pony ever. I don’t know if the new me will stick around because I still have to deal with my parents. But I will try to change.”
“And if you’re willing to change,” Sunset said as she swam up to Golden Lace. “Then I’m willing to give you a chance.”
“Thanks,” Golden Lace said. “But that being said, my parents are going to be really angry at me the moment they find out about this.”
“And if that happens,” Twilight said. “Then we’ll be here for you.”
Golden Lace smiled as she allowed Twilight to give her a big hug. Sunset gave Golden Lace a rub on the head, causing the rich filly to giggle. Everyone paused to gather around the three fillies, watching as the trio chortled at their playful romp. Starlight had a warm smile on her face as she unintentionally grabbed Sunburst and squeezed him tight.
“Ain’t friendship grand?” Starlight said.
“Yeah,” Sunburst said as he could barely breathe. “Too grand if you ask me.”
Skystar, Wanda and Pinkie Pie watched on as Silverstream perched herself on Wanda’s head. Queen Novo swam up to the trio with a sense of satisfaction on her face.
“You know, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said. “We came this close to not being able to visit you.”
“Of course, small fry,” Queen Novo said. “Regardless if we have the Storm King or this Windigo’s Guild that you told me about, we have to be weary of the danger of the world. But at the same time, I do believe we have to have some time for fun and relaxation. Without it, we would be distrusting of the outside world.”
“That sounds horrible,” Wanda said.
“And that’s the last thing we need the hippogriffs, I mean the sea ponies to be,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Actually, even if we are sea ponies,” Skystar said. “We’re still hippogriffs deep on the inside.”
“My daughter has a point here,” Queen Novo said. “And no doubt we will be back in Canterlot. Besides, you and your sister Sunset are part of the reasons why.”
“Really?” Wanda said as she swam up in excitement.
“That means we have to have a huge hippogriff party when you return,” Pinkie Pie said. “That would be a great thing.”
“No need to get over excited,” Queen Novo said. But there is one small thing you can do.”
“Ooooh,” Pinkie Pie said. “What’s that?”
“I think I know what you mean, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said. “Even in spite of what happened, Skystar and I started something great. And there is a lot we can create. And when I look around, I am amazed by the sights and sounds.”
“That’s right, small fry,” Queen Novo said as she pulled Wanda close to her. “It may have been a small thing, but it was big and that’s true. You helped unite all of us, after what we’ve been through. In fact, I think there was an extra small thing that I did for you.”
Queen Novo, Wanda, Skystar and Pinkie Pie giggled as Spike and Abigail watched from afar. The two looked at each other and held hands together as they respectively let out a gentle coo and purr.
Later that day, back outside and above water on the grassy plains of Mount Aris, Rainbow Dash, Abigail, Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Golden Lace, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell were already inside the carriage, looking outside as Wanda and Pinkie Pie shook Skystar’s talons. Everyone had returned to being on four legs, especially Wanda who was back on two legs and was once again wearing her one-piece swimsuit.
“It’s too bad you have to go back to Canterlot,” Skystar said.
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “Maybe being kidnapped by you was a better feeling compared to what the Banks put me through.”
“And I still dread what they will do to me,” Golden Lace said.
“Don’t worry,” Twilight said. “Like I said, if anything happens, I’m here for you.”
“All of us will be here for you, Lace,” Moondancer said. “As long as you don’t go back to being a bully, we’ll be there to back you up.”
Golden Lace let out a small sigh and said “Thanks. I’ll do what I can to make up for what I did, even at the wrath of my own folks.”
“Sounds a lot like these Banks are terrible ponies,” Skystar said as she let go of Wanda’s hand.
“I thought Chancellor Cinch was a big meanie,” Wanda said. “But I think she’s alright, which is saying a lot compared to the Banks.”
“Now I’m really nervous about going up to Canterlot in the future,” Skystar said. “What if the Banks pick on me and call me...ugly?”
“Maybe we can kidnap you and whisk you away to a party together?” Pinkie Pie said.
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “And we can all have fun together.”
“That sounds great,” Skystar said. “Sign me up. Maybe you can have Rainbow Dash do the honors.”
“Well I wish I could,” Rainbow Dash said. “But I’ve got to head back to La Maresa to tell everyone about my adventures. But if anything, I think we’ll be seeing each other again soon.”
“Really?” Skystar said.
Rainbow Dash extended her hoof outside the wagon and said “A promise is a promise.”
Princess Skystar made her claw into a fist and proceeded to bump it on Rainbow Dash’s hoof. The pegasi filly gave a wink and a salute to the young hippogriff.
“You stay way past cool, you hear?” Rainbow Dash said.
“And don’t let any sour puss like this Storm King get the best of you,” Danged Spell said.
As the younglings laughed, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were talking with Queen Novo. The three looked calm, but excited as the sound of laughter filled the air.
“So you’re up for the Grand Galloping Gala,” Princess Celestia said.
“We had intended to stay underwater and remain safe,” Queen Novo said. “But after what your daughters and your students brought to me, and what I brought to one of yours that needed it, I think it wouldn’t hurt to come back to Canterlot for that event.”
“And are you sure you don’t need any help in defending your land,” Princess Luna asked. “I could send the Wonderbolts to help out.”
“We’re tough warriors,” Queen Novo said. “Besides, we foresaw the Storm King invading our land, and took drastic action to ensure that no hippogriff would be lost to that monster.”
“That’s good enough to hear,” Princess Celestia said. “But if you need any help, let me know and I’ll come by.”
But as Celestia and Luna were about to turn around to take off, Queen Novo walked on by and shouted “WAIT!” Celestia and Luna stopped and turned back towards Queen Novo.
“Is there anything else we forgot?” Princess Luna asked.
“That spell you got so you could become a sea pony,” Queen Novo said. “Come here, I wish to tell you both something.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up and put their ears facing out as Queen Novo reached over with her claw cupped next to her beak.
“From here on out,” Queen Novo whispered. “All of your students can now transform into sea ponies, mermaids or any other aquatic creature when they like. It is, but a small thing for all of you.”
“I’ll let them know when we return to Canterlot,” Princess Celestia said with a giggle.
“And to think,” Princess Luna said with glee. “I actually planned on having a bubble bath tonight. Never thought I would be able to enjoy this moment as a sea pony.
And in a short while, Princess Luna hooked herself up to the carriage with Wanda and Pinkie Pie having gone inside with the rest of the classmates. Princess Celestia waved good-bye as she, Princess Luna and the carriage full of younglings took off from Mount Aris. Queen Novo and Princess Skystar waved goodbye as baby Silverstream, now transformed into a hippogriff, looked like she was about to cry. Skystar grabbed Silverstream and cuddled the baby next to her.
“It’s too bad they’re gone,” Skystar said. “I really liked all of them. Even Golden Lace. It’s going to be awhile before we see them again.”
“Not quite, my darling,” Queen Novo said with a smile on her beak. “Have you ever heard of the Grand Galloping Gala?”
To Be Continued in…
Arc 13: A Cutie Mark for Starlight
A Burden too hard to bear