//------------------------------//
// 1. A Pony's Glint 
// Story: Lives Throughout Equestria 
// by OllerusTheFailure 
//------------------------------//

“A pony’s glint!”

Inside, a stallion wearing thick black shades commanded attention as he confidently professed his findings on the ‘stage.’ It was a dark room with the only light source coming from the projector screen. That stallion, a unicorn researcher, remained on the floor, tapping a pointing stick against the bright display. Two groups of chairs were arranged in three rows, and the researcher stood at an equal ground level as the first rows. Despite not all the seats being taken, the black room had been prepared to hold around fifty guests.

The audience had well-known ponies among them, each with their unique achievements. Featherweight, a scrawny stallion photographer in search of a captivating story to capture through his lens. Gizmo Poindexter, a nerdy stallion pursuing a fun, informative presentation. Bill Neigh, a stallion of science. Dr. Hooves, also a stallion of science, but also technology. Next, there was a light cerise pink mare named Luster Dawn. Rather than engaging in friendships, she dedicated herself to undertaking more education. All of these ponies listened in on the researcher known as Whirly Assayer.

Whirly once again tapped the words in bold on the projector screen with a pointing stick. “This is the major topic I wanted to discuss in this presentation. Here we are, all grown up with our unique cutie marks, but what about that pre-marked sensation we used to develop before? That initial explosive feeling of infatuation! The memorable experience when we encounter something even remotely linked to our talents or life's calling. I thought it was about time we gave that sensation a name… Yes, a pony’s glint!”

Featherweight snapped pictures of the slide, which showed a flowchart of the five progressive states ponies went through. In short, markless, glinting, engaging, unlocking, and last, continual subsisting.

Dr. Hooves could no longer contain his excitement and shouted. “Goodness me! How fascinating! How is it possible that this idea never crossed my mind?!”

“I’d like to look into that more myself,” Whirly responded, booping Dr. Hooves’ muzzle with the levitating pointing stick. Luster Dawn raised a foreleg while the stick spun back to the originator, who imbued it with magic. Whirly took notice. “Yes, young mistress?”

It was easy for Luster Dawn to pose her question. “So, this ‘glint’ is the prime reason some ponies receive their cutie marks before others?”

Whirly grinned. “Correct. It’s the utmost essential stage of the cutie mark process. It also depends on the pony, their purpose, talent, location, timing, and chance.”

Luster Dawn brought a hoof up to her chin and darted her eyes to the side in thought. “In that case, I have another question.”

“Please, be my guest,” Whirly responded, staring at her lips as she uttered each word.

“Do you believe a pony can forever miss their glint?”

As Whirly Assayer contemplated, the audience murmured amongst themselves. “Hmm... That sounds like quite a predicament. There’s still so much we don’t know about cutie marks. For research, I’d like to think there is a possibility. But for the pony… I wonder...” While he ruminated, a beat in his chest raced in excitement.

Within the brief pause, Dr. Hooves offered his analysis of the situation. “Since cutie marks are connected to our mentality—our feelings—if the pony in question never experienced their glint…”

Euphoric, the presenter picked up on what Dr. Hooves was alluding to. “Yes. That pony could be stuck... in limbo. That is an excellent question, indeed. However, the question that would follow is…” The audience held their breath, feeling the tension weighing down the air as Whirly Assayer paused again for dramatic effect. “Who could such a pony be?”