//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten – Make your Mark // Story: Marking the Generations – Part Four // by Glimbursts //------------------------------// Alphabittle and Queen Haven returned to the party just as Pipp was part way through her first song. Zoom and Thunder took up positions ahead of the pair as they guided them through the crowds of happily dancing ponies. I’m feelin’ fresh Like my mane is on fleek Happiness is all I need Spreadin’ love from you to me I’m feelin’ fresh Magic all around my friends Celebration never ends Oh, ‘cause we always attend “Oh, I do hate missing any of Pipp’s performances,” Queen Haven sighed. “I’m sorry,” Alphabittle groaned. “That’s my fault.” “Oh no Alphie,” Queen Haven gasped. “It’s okay, I had to come and find you. I’d much rather you were here with me.” Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh I’m my best self, everypony can tell Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh I’m my best self, everypony can tell As Alphabittle and Queen Haven arrived in the VIP area, Queen Haven looked around with surprise. She had expected to see Zipp and the other Guardians there but they weren’t. Then, she noticed Starlight and Sunset were sat on the balcony and led Alphabittle towards them. When did this mirror get so gorgeous? (Gorgeous) Who’s that? Is that me? (Me) “Starlight, Sunset,” Queen Haven smiled as she approached. “How are you both doing?” “Better now,” Sunset admitted. “I think public opinion has swayed now the misinformation bubble has been busted.” “I’m doing fine,” Starlight replied. “Going to take me a bit to get back on all four hoofs though.” “I want you both to meet Alphabittle,” Queen Haven smiled. “He’s one of the Elders of Bridlewood and owner of the Crystal Tea Room.” “I’ll just point out I’m one of the younger elders,” Alphabittle chuckled. “It’s just the term we use for our towns leaders. I presume you are our visitors from the past.” I got my make-up on Got that glitter and glam On this my favorite song Yeah, they’re playin’ my jam I feel beautiful, I feel powerful I feel me “We are, I’m Starlight Glimmer,” Starlight smiled. “It’s great to meet you Alphabittle. Izzy has been desperate for us to visit your Tea Room and meet you.” “Sunset Shimmer, we’re sorry events kind of stopped us from coming,” Sunset added. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Hopefully there will still be time for us to visit your Tea Room before we go.” “There is no need to apologise. I know you’ve been busy with the whole Opaline situation. I’m glad to meet you both too,” Alphabittle replied. “It’s an honour to meet two experts in magic like yourselves.” “Speaking of, hopefully we can provide you with a bit of knowledge before we go,” Starlight grinned. “Like what to watch out for,” Sunset added. “Magic can be wonderful but also dangerous in the wrong hoofs.” I’m feelin’ fresh Like my mane is on fleek Happiness is all I need Spreadin’ love from you to me I’m feelin’ fresh Magic all around my friends Celebration never ends Oh, ‘cause we always attend “Any guidance you can give us is more than welcome,” Alphabittle smiled. “Obviously I know where Pipp is,” Queen Haven ventured. “But, do you know where Zipp and the others are?” “Backstage,” Starlight replied. “Pipp wanted them for something.” “Exactly what, we don’t know,” Sunset added. “Oh that is unfortunate,” Queen Haven sighed. “I wanted to speak with Misty and introduce her to Alphabittle.” “Oooh, of course,” Starlight gasped. “Alphabittle. Misty was taken from Bridlewood when she was very young. Did you know of any fillies who went missing? It would be brilliant to reunite her with her family.” “W...Well,” Alphabittle replied uncomfortably. “There might of been.” Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh I’m my best self, everypony can tell Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh I’m my best self, everypony can tell Alphabittle sighed with relief as Starlight’s attention was taken by the song ending. Queen Haven rested a reassuring hoof on his shoulder as the whole crowd erupted into a loud applause. Pipp stood panting, still holding the final dance pose. She had a huge smile on her face as she finally gave a bow. “Thank you everypony,” she beamed. “It sounds like you enjoyed that and I hope you enjoy this next new song as well. However before I start, I want to invite my friends out here to join me.” There was another applause as Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Zipp and Misty walked out onto stage. Pipp introduced each of them in turn, giving their full names as the crowd applauded loudly. “Now, I admit I’m being a little mean here,” Pipp announced. “I’m kind of throwing the five of them in at the deep end. They’re going to be my backing dancers despite not having any practice and having not heard the song before.” A ripple of comments went through the crowd. None really intelligible from the stage but Pipp took them in her stride. “I know, I know. You could say I’m being mean or unreasonable. However, hear me out,” Pipp smiled. “I want to show you all how good friends we are. That we will follow each other anywhere and trust each other completely. They will be following my lead as we Make our Mark.” The lights dimmed and the six ponies were illuminated by spotlights as the intro played. Hey, you gotta let it glow Hey, you gotta let it shine Hey, show me how you sparkle, everypony unite Hey, you gotta let it glow Hey, you gotta let it shine Hey, show me how you sparkle, everypony unite Alphabittle gasped as he watched. His eyes were trained on Misty as she danced between Zipp and Hitch at the back of the group. After an unsure start, she was soon starting to look happier as she kept up with what those around her were doing. Hoof to heart, let's make our mark Our cutie marks help find our spark Glowin' bright with inner light, we make mighty friends alright Oh, let's make our mark together Just riding on forever Just keeps on getting better, better, better Pipp was undoubtedly being kind, keeping the dance moves simple and easy to follow. Izzy and Sunny were directly behind her and it was them which Zipp, Misty and Hitch were following. It made for a ripple effect and the crowd were undoubtedly loving it. Hey, everypony everywhere You can feel it in the air Find your spark and just glow and shine Make a mark that you can share Hoof to heart, you know we care Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite Misty giggled and laughed as she continued dancing. She all but forgot that there was a huge crowd made up of thousands of ponies in front of her. She couldn’t see them for the lights anyway. Memories of the Manesquade Ball came flooding back to her. She had enjoyed that night so much and she’d only agreed to this due to that memory. Tail shaking, hoof stompin' on the floor Yeah, gonna make our marks some more Shinin' cutie marks galore And let's hoof stomp right out the door Let's make our mark together Just riding on forever Just keeps on getting better, better, better As they continued to dance, their cutie marks began glowing brightly. Magical energy began to radiate from them, wisping away into the stage. To anypony watching it would have just looked like a smoke effect. However, back in Maretime Bay, the energy was having an effect on the final Together Flower orb. It suddenly flashed, transitioning from its dormant state. A continual orange glow began radiating from it. Back on stage, Sunny felt one of her ears twitch. However, she dismissed it immediately and concentrated on keeping up with Pipp. Everypony everywhere You can feel it in the air Find your spark and just glow and shine Make a mark that you can share Hoof to heart, you know we care Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite Yeah, ponies, come on, let's all unite Queen Haven sighed as she put a reassuring hoof on Alphabittles as he watched. He looked at her gratefully. “T...This is tearing me up,” he said softly. “She’s so happy right now. Do I really want to bring up the past tonight? Maybe another time would be better.” “How do you know meeting you will upset her?” Queen Haven reassured. “It could easily be the icing on the cake.” “What would?” The pair turned to look at Sunset who had clearly heard the last part of their conversation as she held two glasses of drinks out towards them. Ponies unite Everypony, make your mark and find your glowin' spark You can do it, hoof to heart Our bright inner light Gonna let it glow, gonna let it shine Gonna show you how I sparkle Bring it in, now let's unite, let's unite, let's unite “Y...You’re...” Sunset gasped. “Yes, I’m certain of it. Misty is my lost daughter,” Alphabittle sighed. “This....this is brilliant,” Sunset beamed. “She’ll be so happy to meet you, to reunite with you. I’m sure of it.” “You’re certain?” Alphabittle asked. “She could hate me for loosing her.” “No, she doesn’t,” Starlight responded. “She’s been talking about wanting to find you. She’ll be elated that you’ve found her.” “It wasn’t your fault that she went missing,” Sunset reassured. “It was Opaline who took her. Misty has been through so much, she’ll be elated. Reuniting with you will hopefully put all that has happened to her to rest.” Everypony everywhere You can feel it in the air Find your spark and just glow and shine Make a mark that you can share Hoof to heart, you know we care Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite (let's all unite) As the song started to reach its climax, Pipp couldn’t help adding in a few more advanced moves. Fortunately, her friends were almost expecting this as they laughed and giggled. However, it was a spin that was the biggest challenge. Pipp reared up onto her hind legs and spun around. Sunny and Izzy took this in their strides, executing perfect spins that were almost in unison. Behind them, Zipp also preformed a perfect spin. Her agility in the air clearly coming into play. Hitch meanwhile wasn’t as graceful but he still managed a full rotation. It was Misty who didn’t fair as well. She got half way around and then got her hoofs crossed. She didn’t fall but had to stop half way around, ending up looking the wrong way. However, whilst a previously nervous Misty would have been mortified. Misty laughed and her horn lit up. There were two successive flashes as she first disappeared and then reappeared looking the right way again. Immediately getting back into step with her friends. Needless to say, the crowd loved it. Everypony everywhere You can feel it in the air (oh yeah, yeah) Find your spark and just glow and shine (just glow and shine) Make a mark that you can share Hoof to heart, you know we care (let us shine) Oh ponies, come on, let's all unite (let's all unite) Once again there was a huge round of applause as the song ended. Pipp and her friends had gathered together into a friendship pose. Hoofs around each other as they grinned and laughed with each other. There were flashes in the front row as their photos were taken. “Thank you everypony,” Pipp beamed. “We all enjoyed that, did you?” There was another huge round of applause and cheers of approval. However, before Pipp could say anymore. Runcord walked out onto stage. “Thank you Pipp Pony and Unity Guardians,” he said. “On behalf of Night Market I have special surprise for you.” They all watched as Whisper walked out carrying a large ornate chest in her arms. She placed it down between Runcord and the ponies before moving to open it. “This special enchanted chest,” Runcord explained. “Keeping elements safe important. This will help.” They looked in astonishment as Whisper opened the chest, sure enough it had a shaped interior. Spaces that were clearly designed to fit each of their elements perfectly. “Can’t be going around wearing them all time,” Runcord chuckled. “Instructions inside, am sure Misty Pony will be able to follow.” “Thank you Runcord,” Sunny beamed. “Don’t worry everypony. We promise to take good care of not only the Elements but the Unity Crystals too. Together we’ll be ready for any threats that come our way in the future.” There was another round of approving applause as Pipp and her friends started heading offstage whilst Runcord moved to the middle. “Sorry say live music over but glad say party not. Ponykind and Dragonkind welcome to stay or start leaving. Remember, use same portal or have long walk home.” Laughter rippled through the crowd as ponies and dragons alike spread out again. Some headed to the refreshment stands whilst some indeed started heading back to their homes. Especially those with young foals. Meanwhile, in the VIP section, Alphabittle steeled himself as he watched the ramp nearest the stage. He could hear Sunny’s voice along with some of the others as they made their way up. Then he heard Misty’s voice and his eyes widened, his breath getting caught in his throat. Queen Haven again put a reassuring hoof on Alphabittle’s shoulder. He gasped and gave her a thankful smile before he looked back at the ramp just as Sunny’s head appeared. To be continued...