Chapter 10
Party Time
Late afternoon at the Lock and Key Hotel, Helpful and Fluttershy walk inside several minutes before the party, and find Mr. Key running around the entire hotel in, what seemed to be, a bad case of the Sugar Rush. Mrs. Key stops in front of the couple out of breath. “Oh. Darlings, am I…glad you’re here.” Mrs. Key tried to catch her breath. “My husband’s got the worst case of Sugar Rush in the century.”
“What happened?” Helpful asked curious, and then Pinkie Pie ran over into his face; looking panicked.
“Helpful! Thank Celestia you’re here!” Pinkie shouted nervous.
“Uh…what’s the problem?”
“Mr. Key has gotten into the worst case of Sugar Rush ever!”
“Um, Pinkie… Mrs. Key already explained that.” Fluttershy explained carefully.
“I know! Isn’t it tragic??”
“Um, Pinkie Pie, I don’t know what a Sugar Rush is, but come on.” Helpful replied calmly. “It can’t be that bad.” Then the four hear a crash from the other room and they run inside to find out that Mr. Key had tipped over the shelf of fine vases that Mrs. Key and him collected over the years; shattering them into pieces.
“Oh no!” Mrs. Key dashed toward the tremendous mess shocked. “He’s destroyed our collection of old vases.”
“We’ll clean it up for you, Mrs. Key.” Helpful offered kindly.
“Thank you, Helpful, but, first, we need to put Locker Key out of his Sugar Rush of Terror.”
“’Sugar Rush of Terror.’” The pink mare giggled. Then Twilight, Spike, Sunny, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash came inside and were surprised to see Mr. Key running rampant through the hotel. Rarity drops her jaw in shock. “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Sunny reasoned with herself not to get into this mess.
“What in tarnation is goin’ on here?” Applejack exclaimed in confusion, and Pinkie Pie ran straight up to them.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s tragic! It’s the worst case of the Sugar Rush ever!” Pinkie explained in rapid panic, and then she breathed in deep. “Run for your lives!” The pink mare bolted out the window before anypony could speak.
“I-I’m not going to find out what’s got Pinkie so riled up!” Spike ate the last of his Fire Ruby and jumped out the window after Pinkie. Everypony else just stares out the window confused and shocked for so much uncalled for nonsense, and then Sunny broke the silence. “Well, if anypony needs me, I’ll be upstairs.” Sunny climbed up the stairs. Twilight looks over to her friends; who all look at her confused as much as she was, but then Helpful, Fluttershy, and Mrs. Key walks into the room.
“Hey everypony.” Helpful greeted. “You saw Mr. Key, didn’t you?”
“Uh…was that Mr. Key?” Rainbow Dash asked trying to clear the air.
“Yes and no.”
“What do you mean, Helpful?” Twilight urged to know.
“It’s the Sugar Rush.” Mrs. Key answered. “It’s turned my Sugar Bear to a rampaging lunatic and if he isn’t stopped soon-” Then Mr. Key runs through the room, but, before he could continue, he hits the floor unconscious. “Sugar Bear!” Mrs. Key gasped shocked. She lifted up his head softly, but the stallion didn’t respond. “Is he alright?” Twilight examined the stallion’s state and came to a conclusion.
“He’s fine. He’s just in a Sugar Coma.” Twilight assured.
“Oh, thank goodness.” Mrs. Key sighed of relief. “But will he wake up soon?”
“I’d say near a week or so.” Twilight answered thoughtfully. “That’s the usual time.”
After cleaning the mess Mr. Key accidently made and taking the red Earth Pony to bed, Captain Luckyshoes and his jolly crew arrive at the Lock and Key Hotel. Most of the stallion’s in his crew were big burly Unicorns and some were strong Earth Ponies while the rest were buff Pegasi; which they all made Rarity pinch herself. “We’re here for the get together, Locker Key and Chest Key!” The Captain announced. Mrs. Key came to greet them.
“Captain!” Mrs. Key greeted surprised. “You’re here earlier than expected.”
“As always, Chest.” The handsome Sea Pony replied. “Where’s Locker?”
“Oh! Well, you don’t need to be worrying about him, Captain.” Rarity intervened between them; getting close to Luckyshoes. “He won’t be joining us. He just fell into a coma.”
“Oh, my.” The Captain exclaimed in surprise. “That’s a shame. I hope he gets better soon, and you sure he didn’t catch the Scurvy?”
“Uh…” Rarity thought for a minute before answering.
“We’re quite sure it isn’t that sort of illness, Sir.” Twilight answered before Rarity.
“Wow.” One of the crewmates exclaimed in surprise over Twilight’s answer. “The Bonnie Lass knows her, uh… What do they call it?”
“It’s called Grammar.” Twilight replied proudly.
“Ah, is that what they call it now, eh?” The Sea Pony continued; making Twilight giggle.
“Allow me to introduce my crew.” Luckyshoes offered and then he walked in front of his crew; who all orderly stood shoulder to shoulder facing him, and then he stopped at the end of the line and pointed to an Earth Pony beside him. “This is Calm Water,” Then he pointed to another Unicorn. “Lantern Light,” The Captain introduced his able-bodied crew to Twilight and her friends one at a time till he got to the last Unicorn. “And, finally, this is my First Mate: Slipknot.”
“Uh, First Mate?” Applejack asked curious.
“He controls the ship while the captain does his job in his cabin.” Twilight explained to her good friend.
“Oh, so he’s the captain replacement when he’s not around.”
“That and a few other responsibilities.” Slipknot replied. “I report the crew’s state to Luckyshoes. If there was a problem with the crew, it would be my responsibility to report it to him so he would either turn the ship around or keep going.”
“So, you’re like the guy who keeps up with everything?”
“I guess in a way.” Slipknot replied.
“Hey! He’s just like you, Twilight!” Applejack laughed teasing; making Twilight roll her eyes.
“So, shall we continue with the party?” Twilight asked curious.
“Aye, my wee lass.” Luckyshoes replied. “Let the party begin!”
“Wahoo! Finally!” Pinkie Pie dashed toward the record player and started up the music. As the party began, Rarity and Mrs. Key talked with the Captain about his voyages; some crewmates shared their knowledge about the sea with Twilight and Spike; a few crewmates held a conversation with Applejack, Sunny, and Pinkie Pie; Rainbow Dash learned some speed tactics from the crew Pegasi; while Fluttershy and Helpful spent some time at the punch bowl. Helpful offered a drink of punch to Fluttershy; who accepted it with a smile. “So, you’re looking lovely, Fluttershy.” Helpful complimented trying to start a conversation with her.
“Oh, why thank you, Helpful.” Fluttershy blushed. “You’re looking pretty good too.”
“Thanks.” Helpful chuckled. “So, are you ready for tomorrow?”
“I-I guess I am.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve been told by Twilight that we’ll be sailing through the ocean.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve been told too.” Fluttershy drank from her punch.
“Don’t you think it’ll be fun sailing?” Helpful asked her excited.
“I-I guess so…” Fluttershy replied looking down on the floor. Helpful notices her long face.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” The light tan Pegasus grabbed her attention concerned. Fluttershy just sighs sadly. “It’s okay, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured her comfortingly and laid his arm across her shoulders. “You can tell me your problem.”
“I…I-I wanna go home.” Fluttershy stuttered nervously covering face with her hair. “I miss Angel and the rest of my sweet animals I take care of. I asked Lyra and Bon Bon to take care of them while I’m gone, but now I’m worried sick.” Helpful watches as a tear falls from Fluttershy hitting the floor as she sniffed.
“F-Fluttershy.” Helpful started a little surprised. “I never knew you were that homesick.”
“I just want to go home.” Fluttershy sniffed again.
“It’s alright, Fluttershy. I’m sure your pets are fine.”
“You really…think so?” Fluttershy looked up to him with tear-filled eyes; which pained him to look at, but he continued.
“Yes, I do, Fluttershy,” Helpful wiped the tears off the shy Pegasus’ emerald eyes. “And there’s nothing for you to worry about. So, please, don’t cry.”
“Oh, Helpful!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she hugged him and cried in his caring, reliable arms. Helpful smiled at Sunny as she gave him a thumbs up. That night, after the party, in Helpful and friend’s room, everypony made ready their beds as it was getting close to mid-night. The room was filled with bunk beds that lined the walls of the room up to the other side; which held a window to see the town outside. As Rarity made her bottom bed, she was annoyed to find confetti falling onto her careful work. She turns her gaze to Pinkie Pie above her. “Out of all of this land, why did I have to bunk with you?” Rarity growled.
“Because everypony else was taken.” Pinkie replied with a big smile; irritating Rarity.
“Just, please, keep the commotion down tonight. I’m trying to have my beauty sleep.”
“Okay dokey wokey!” The pink mare assured; making Rarity roll her eyes. Twilight made her bed beside them with Sunny, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash bunked together, and Spike and Helpful bunked together in a bed as well; leaving Applejack sleeping alone in her bunk. Sometime after they hit the lights, Applejack notices a dim blinking light from her saddlebag hanging on her bunk. “What the hay is this?” Applejack whispered to herself; trying not to wake the others. She took her saddlebag into the hallway and checked to see if the coast was clear. When it was, the hard working mare pulled out whatever was blinking in her bag; it was the crystal ball she bought from the market. It was mysteriously acting up, but, before she went back into the bedroom to wake up Twilight, the ball shines bright, and then, once it stopped, a gas-like light flew slowly out from the sphere and formed a body of a dark blue Alicorn. He seemed young, but his steely gaze said otherwise. The Alicorn was also very tall, but what made him very interesting to Applejack was that his left eye was white like the full moon and the edge of his right ear was chipped off. He had an ebon mane and tail, and, finally, his Cutie Mark was a full moon, but it had four six-pointed stars around it; making Applejack very curious. “Ah, the Second Spirit of Harmony.” The Alicorn began. “It was pure luck that I’ve found you.”
“Uh, howdy? What’re you…?” Applejack replied confused.
“We do not have the time for explaining those things.” The Alicorn insisted. “I greatly require your assistance.”
“What fer’?”
“Do you have the Elements of Harmony?”
“Well, we only have one right now.” Applejack explained thoughtfully. “Why’re ya askin’?”
“Oh no.” The winged Unicorn thought out loud. “If the Spirits don’t find the Elements soon, the world is doomed.”
“What’re you talking about?”
“It is nothing. Where are you all heading now?”
“To Mount Joysong.” Applejack explained.
“Of coarse.” The blue Alicorn thought out loud again. “Magi. You sly sorcerer.”
“Uh…how’d you end up in that crystal ball I bought from the market, anyhow?” Applejack asked greatly confused over the speed of what was happening.
“Like I said, there’s not enough time for those types of questions.” Then the Alicorn began to start fading from view. “Time is running out. Listen closely; follow the caves in Mount Joysong. There you will find what you seek.”
“What? Follow the caves? But…” Before Applejack could ask further, the Alicorn disappeared into the crystal orb. “What in Great Equestria was that about?” Applejack questioned herself overwhelmed by what happened, and then Twilight came into the hallway curious about what Applejack was doing out of bed.
“Applejack,” Twilight yawned tired. “What are you doing out in the hallway?”
“Oh, uh…I was, uh, getting a drink of water.” Applejack answered with an awkward smile.
“Really? For a second, I thought you were talking to somepony.”
“Yes, really. I was talking to myself on the way back.” Applejack yawned. “It’s getting really late, Twilight. We should hit the hay.” Applejack walks back into the bedroom and goes to bed; making Twilight confused.
“Strange. Applejack’s acting a bit different.” Twilight whispered to herself. “I hope she’s not changing like what Discord did to her.” She then decides to put the thought aside and return to her peaceful sleep.
That night, Helpful dreamt himself inside what seemed to be a great castle. The walls were made of a pure white marble, and the windows were covered by long red drapes. The carpet under him was green with a design of a rainbow hued gemstone in the center. The ceiling above him was painted as a cloudy sky with several Pegasi flying and playing around. It was obvious that he was in a hallway of some sort. As he continues to observe the walkway, the Light Tan Pegasus felt strangely at home; like always knew this place, but he can’t remember anything. How could he know this inquiry? He soon saw a servant running through the hallway with a bowl filled with water. “The baby’s coming! The baby’s coming!” The servant shouted grabbing other servants’ attention. More servants walk out of rooms; some were curious, others were excited, but they all quickly followed the other servant; who seemed to be in quite the hurry. Confused and curious, Helpful follows the group of maids to the end of the hallway and into a large room. The entrance was guarded by two burly knights in silver armor. Both of them were equipped with a shield and sword. Once inside, Helpful walks around the group of servants to find what all the commotion was about.
He saw a handsome tall light tan Alicorn stallion stand beside a bed, holding a beautiful white Alicorn mare’s hoof. The Alicorn stallion’s mane was dark blue and it wasn’t very long in length. His eyes were a silver-like color, and his Cutie Mark was a platinum crown that shone light. His wings’ feathers had a different color faded onto each one; like a rainbow. The chest plate he wore was golden and had an octagon shaped Fire Ruby embedded into the metal. He also wore a gold gem encrusted crown on his head; which told Helpful that he was Royalty. The Alicorn mare’s mane was golden and it always swayed in the air; like Celestia’s and Luna’s. Her eyes were a mixture of different colors. It was like they were made from gem stones. Her wings were like his; only that they weren’t falcon-like. The golden chest plate she wore had a sphere shaped amethyst gemstone embedded into it. She wore a gem encrusted crown on her head. Helpful notices that she was breathing very hard and looked like she was in pain, and then he realized she in labor.
The Alicorn King held on to his beloved wife’s hoof to make it easier on her to pull through the agony. “We are going to receive another foal to rule this land.” The Alicorn remarked with tears of joy. “I will help thou pull through this like we always have been, Faithol.”
“It is grand to know…that you are joyous…to have another foal…to teach leadership…to.” Faithol breathed hard and slow, but then she felt her new foal wanting to be released into the world. “Oh, Razeil! It’s time!” Faithol shouted in agony as she began to push. Helpful watched beside the Alicorn mare as she gave birth to her newborn foal. A servant held up the baby as it cried its first few breaths in the world. The servants gathered around to where Helpful couldn’t see the newborn. “It is a colt, Your Majesties!” One of the servants told the two Alicorns, but then Helpful woke up from his dream. The light tan Pegasus gasps as he sat up swiftly. He then realized that he was back in Shores-a-lot. “What was that all about?” Helpful thought. “I know it was a dream, but what if it had real meaning?” Tired, Helpful returns to sleep.
The next morning, the smell of breakfast lingers into Helpful and friend’s bedroom; awakening Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Applejack immediately. Pinkie sits straight up hitting her head on the ceiling and breathes in the smell through her nose. She could always recognize that one and only aroma in the air. “Is that what I think it is?” Spike exclaimed in excitement.
“Oh, yes, Spike!” Pinkie replied gleefully.
“Mmm-mmm!” Applejack smelt the air. “It’s just like what Granny Smith used to make every day when I was a filly. Grass Pancakes!!!” The three hungry friends dash out of bed into the dining room downstairs and find Mrs. Key setting up the table with several plates; each had a stack of Grass Pancakes. Mrs. Key notices them enter the room.
“Oh, Good Morning, Dears,” Mrs. Key greeted kindly. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Mornin’, Mrs. Key.” Applejack greeted back. “Yes, we did. Thank ya kindly.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve made these pancakes for all of you to show our appreciation on fixing the town.”
“How’s Mr. Key feeling?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.
“He’s still asleep, unfortunately, but besides that, he’s fine.” Mrs. Key replied. “Are the rest of you awake yet?”
“Not really.” Spike answered. “They’re still asleep, but they’ll be here soon.”
“Okay. Well, since you’re up, help yourselves to these fresh off the stove Grass Pancakes I’ve made. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to clean the kitchen.” The indigo Earth Pony mare walked out the room as her guests thanked her for her generosity. Spike’s stomach growled loudly. The small dragon smiled and chuckled uncomfortably.
“Enough gawkin’. Let’s eat!” Applejack insisted as she found herself a spot in the table and began to eat her meal. Pinkie and Spike do the same. Soon, Spike fills up on his meal before Applejack and Pinkie Pie and steps off of his stack of cushions. “I’m full, girls.” Spike explained as he rubbed his stomach satisfied. “I’ll be checking the others to see if they’ve got up yet.” The two mares nod their heads; understanding Spike. The purple dragon leaves his friends into the bedroom and he finds Helpful, wide awake, gazing from the top bunk he laid on toward the ceiling above him. It was obvious to Spike that he was in either deep thought or he was imagining Fluttershy. The young dragon walks over to Helpful’s bunk. “H-hey, Helpful?” Spike grabbed the Tan Pegasus’ attention. Helpful turns over on his bed down toward Spike with a glad smile.
“Oh, Good Morning, Spike.” Helpful greeted comfortingly. “How are you?”
“I’m feeling pretty good right now, Helpful. Thanks. I see you’re awake.”
“Oh, yeah. I had the strangest dream last night.” Helpful replied thoughtfully; making Spike curious.
“What happened?” Spike asked his friend interested. Helpful explains his dream to the young dragon. “Uh…that is strange, but do you know what gender the baby was in your dream?”
“Uh…” Helpful took the time to think about that question, but then Fluttershy walked over to them curious.
“Good Morning, Helpful and Spike.” Fluttershy greeted favorably. “What are you talking about?”
“Helpful had a strange dream last night.” Spike explained, but then was surprised when Fluttershy gasped shocked and flew up to Helpful worried.
“Oh, Helpful! Did you have a nightmare? Was it scary?” Fluttershy began her questionnaire on Helpful holding his head up to hers so she could examine him again.
“Uh, Fluttershy.” Helpful tried to protest, but Fluttershy interrupted him.
“It’s okay, Helpful. Fluttershy’s here. You can tell me all about your bad dream.” Fluttershy insisted as she snuggled up beside him. Helpful could feel her soft fluffy hair against him as he tried to cope with this new experience.
“Uh, I-I, um…” Helpful stuttered flabbergasted; making Fluttershy even more worried.
“Oh my! Was it that bad?” The Shy Pegasus wondered worried.
“It wasn’t really a bad dream, Fluttershy.” Spike sighed, embarrassed to watch Helpful accidently embarrass himself. The baby dragon explains to Fluttershy Helpful’s dream. As he explained, the rest of their friends awaken and become curious themselves. “And that’s when Helpful woke up.” Spike finished.
“Interesting.” Twilight spoke up; surprising Spike. “Your dream, Helpful, isn’t what I’d expect from you.”
“I know, right?” Helpful agreed with his friend. “Do you know what it may mean?”
“I’m not…sure.” Twilight thought carefully for a brief moment. “It may have been a late memory from some time ago, but I’m not sure.”
“Well, I think we should get to Captain Luckyshoes’ ship.” Rainbow Dash changed the subject. “We really need to get a move on.”
“Good call, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight agreed gladly. “The bay isn’t very far from here.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” Rarity giggled excitedly as she remembered all the burly stallions she met last night.
“So are you two Lovebirds done up there, or do you need a few minutes alone?” Sunny teased Helpful and Fluttershy chuckling.
“Oh! Uh…we were just about to come down.” Helpful smiled awkwardly as he climbed down from his bed. As Fluttershy followed him she accidently slips and falls onto Helpful’s back; breaking her fall. The Shy Pegasus smiles blushing as she climbs off of Helpful. “S-sorry, Helpful.” Fluttershy apologized.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy. Are you okay?” Helpful asked curious and concerned.
“I’m okay, Helpful.”
“Mm-hmm.” Sunny teased putting her claws on her hips with a smart smile.
“Sunny!” Helpful exclaimed in embarrassment.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Sunny giggled. “You two just make such a cute couple.” Everypony rolls their eyes as they leave the room.
Meanwhile in Celestia’s bedroom, Celestia activates her crystal ball with her magic. The light from the magical orb formed an illusion of an Alicorn stallion named Gemini. His mane was translucent and it was short and smooth enough to give the impression that the strands were melted together as they often swayed in the air. His eyes had the ability to change color prior to his emotions. They were green; which meant he was calm or glad. His coat had a light purple aura glowing eerily; but the being had no Cutie Mark. Two stars floated and circled around him; one was red, the other: blue, and on his forehead was the Zodiac of Gemini. “Good Morning, Celestia.” Gemini greeted. “Since you’re calling me again, you must want me to show you how your ‘heroes’ are faring in their journey.”
“You are correct, Gemini.” Celestia replied. “Like you always are.”
“Well, I am the reflection in your mirror. What would I not know?” Gemini laughed.
“Where is Twilight Sparkle, Helpful the Selfless, and their friends?”
“They’re in a town named Shores-a-lot.” Gemini answered as he began to float in the air backwards; as if he was trying to get comfortable.
“Show me, Gemini.” Celestia urged the unique being. Gemini stopped floating around the room, and concentrated his powers to summon an illusion of the mane six and Helpful trotting through Shores-a-lot. Spike rode on Twilight’s back, while Rainbow Dash and Rarity followed beside her. Applejack and Pinkie Pie weren’t far behind, and Sunny rode on Helpful’s back as he trotted along with Fluttershy. “Your Loyal Subjects are about to sail into the sea.” Gemini explained the scene. “They have only found one Element of Harmony. A Sea Captain, named Luckyshoes, is expecting them soon. He was generous enough to help them cross the ocean to Mount Joysong. Oh! There’s one more thing. Envious has transformed your Royal Guard into his Minions of Darkness, so don’t be surprised if he’s not alone next time.” Shocked by Gemini’s explanation of the current status of her Guards, Celestia was silent for some time, but then she put the subject aside.
“How long is their trip going to take?” Celestia continued.
“Oh, measuring the length of the trip and predictable speed of the wind…” Gemini calculated the possible situations and math to a conclusion. “I’d say four days at least.”
“Four days?” Celestia asked surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Hey! I’m just the Zodiac who can only tell you what happened and what’s happening now. I can’t see the future--just guess the most possible situation. I’m sorry.” Gemini explained to the princess bitterly; turning his eyes to a red color; which meant he was annoyed or angry
“Of coarse, Gemini. My apologies.” Celestia apologized. “That is all I needed to know. Inform me if something goes wrong.” As his eyes turned back to green, Gemini returns to his crystal sanctuary, but before he went inside, he turns back to Celestia with blue eyes.
“I’m sorry for being harsh with you, Celestia.” Gemini explained comfortingly. “I’m just as mad as you are about what Envious is doing to the lives of innocent ponies everywhere. My omnipresence is like torture now that he runs free.”
“What do you mean, Gemini?” Celestia asked curious. Gemini didn’t answer. “Show me.” The Alicorn used his powers to create an illusion of other lands being decimated by Envious’ Reign of Darkness. The sight of what Envious’ Minions wrought was incredibly shocking to Celestia. She saw kingdoms crumble and cities demolished within moments as Envious’ Minions took the innocent lives of many a pony and zebra alike. The prophecy was coming true. “’In the future, Envious would return, but with more hatred and anger against ponies.’” Celestia recited Magi’s Prophecy. “’He will bring the six Elements of Chaos, and will rule the world in darkness and destruction, but Prince Joyful, the Prince of Harmony, will also return and fight his brother with his unique abilities.’”
“’They will be evenly matched, but the Light of Harmony will win against the Darkness of Chaos. Six brave ponies will help double the Prince’s powers by using the Elements of Harmony.’” Gemini continued the Prophecy. “’Envious will be defeated, and Prince Joyful will then rule the land in peace as it was intended to be.’”