The Adventures of the Elementals

by AutoKnight01

The Talks

I only own my OCs and the plot. Enjoy.

The stars were glistening in the deep blackness of the night sky Luna had created. It was topped off with the brilliant white of the gibbous moon. Most of the city had gone off to sleep while a remaining few stayed awake. Some of those ponies were awake because they had jobs at night, others because they were struck with fear because of the night's events, but there was one who was awake because of a spell.

The celestial body of the night was a brilliant site to look at as the stallion of fire sat perched on top of the roof one of the castle towers like a bird. There he sat thinking about every single event that had transpired in the past hours. He met Twilight's brother and he turned out to be a big jerk, he and every friend he's made in the past three years got into a battle with Nightmare Moon's henchponies and nearly lost, Typhoon and Fluttershy harnessed the power of the gods, and to put the cherry on top of the big sundae of revelations, the twelve ponies harnessing the power of harmony and nature are told that they are the reincarnations of the six elemental gods split in two. All of this led the fire hot unicorn to ask himself and the universe one simple question.

Why?

Why did all of this happen? Why was there a war? Why was HE chosen to be a god along with his friends? Why did this burden have to be in their hooves and not somepony else? Why did fate deal him this set of cards? It was all too much for him to think about at one time. He had hoped that looking at the night sky would help him. It didn't do as much good as he thought it would. Breathing deep through his nose, he closed his eyes and focused on his mentor.

"Master, why didn't you tell me? Did you not know? Is it something else? Please, master I beg of you. Answer me!"

He didn't receive any reply. It frustrated him to no end. For year he had been in search of his master and now he needed him more than ever before. He needed his guidance, his wisdom, his knowledge. But for now, he was going to get none of that.

What he got was the sound of flapping. He could tell what it was. Wings. The pyrokinetic unicorn remained perfectly still as the flaps vanished and were replaced with small hoofsteps. When they got close enough, he acted.

Pyro quickly spun around and grabbed whoever was behind him and forced whoever it was on their back and readied his free hoof to blast a ball of fire in the face.

When he saw the pony he "subdued" was Princess Cadence, he jumped back completely ashamed of himself.

“Oh my goodness! Princess Cadence! I-I am so sorry! It’s just that I didn’t know it was you and I just…oh sweet Agni fireballs.”

“Calm down, Pyro. I’m not hurt. It’s okay.”

Pyro was quick to offer her a hoof to help her up. She took it and stood up on for hooves again as the stallion examined her body to make sure she truly was unharmed.

"Take it easy. I'm fine. Really I am." she assured him one more time.

Taking her word for it, Pyro relaxed and turned back around to look at the moon again. Only this time, Cadence walked up beside him on the right.

"May I join you?"

He turned his head slightly to his right so his right-side eye could view her. A small nod is what he used to answer her with and it made the princess of love smile and look upwards to the moon and stars with her old friend. She figured now was as good a time as any to ask him a few questions. Before she could think of what to ask first however, she recalled the earlier conversation they had with Discord. There was one detail she called to mind. That led to her first question.

“I don’t mean to intrude. But…is what Discord said true? About your mother I mean.”

With a deep and sad sigh, Pyro nodded his head.

“Yes. It’s true. She died right before I left home.”

A heavy sigh escaped her lungs as she heard the news confirmed. One of her old dear friends from Alamante was gone.

"Pyro, I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine what pain like that must feel like."

"Do yourself a favor and don't try to imagine it." he replied. "It doesn't help any."

"I bet." she murmured. "She was a great mare. She didn't deserve to die."

"Correct on both counts."

It was obvious to read him and know he was uncomfortable talking about his late mother. So she decided to try another question.

“So…why are you up here all alone? You should be asleep.”

She had no idea that question was in a way tied with her previous one. And Pyro was hoping she wouldn't bring it up. Explaining was too difficult for him sometimes and he didn't like a lot of people knowing. The only ones he knew were aware of his condition at the time were Typhoon, Twilight, and Spike. The others were clueless. But seeing as how this princess was an old friend of his and his mother's, he felt alright with her knowing.

"You see, your highness, I-"

"Cadence." She interrupted him. "Pyro, you are one of my oldest friends. You can just call me Cadence."

He nodded and respected her wish.

“Cadence, I haven’t been to sleep in three years. Literally.”

She was told everything. How his mother died, his immunity to magic sickness, and finally with the spell he used.

“You cast a spell on yourself so you would never have to sleep?

“I had to. I did it so I could protect everyone from myself. When I fall asleep, people get hurt. Ask Typhoon. She knows all about it.”

"But don't you think that's a little extreme? Why not go see a therapist or just talk with your siblings?"

"I put this spell on myself before I met Cryo, Terra, Agua, and Gem. I asked Typhoon to keep it a secret because I've tried talking to her about it. Many times. Every time I fall asleep I just have the same nightmare. Reliving my mother's death. Sometimes it's even worse. One time she just looked at me right before she died, and told me I wasn't quick enough. That somehow it was my fault. Just like Discord said. It was at that point I just gave up and kept the spell on. I haven't slept since."

"Well if that's true...then what do you do every night?"

"Exactly what I'm doing right now." Pyro replied. "I just sit up on some random rooftop and think. Most of the time I meditate on Master Ma to try and find him. But so far, nothing."

Cadence was looking at Pyro in a whole new way than she remembered from long ago. She wasn't sure if she liked it.

“What happened to that happy-go-lucky kid who I loved to visit back in a small Ember Tribe village?

“His life was destroyed. And he was reborn into what you see now.” was the answer.

"I don't know. I still think he's in there somewhere. You're just having a hard time letting him out. Maybe it's because you need somepony to love."

"I have those thank you. Some of them are hard to understand at times but that doesn't matter to me."

It was obvious who he was talking about.

“You love them all, don’t you?”

He managed to make another nod from his head.

“Yeah. I love all of them. They’ve become such big parts of my life now. I can’t imagine myself without them. It's like...we were all born apart for the sole purpose of finding each other."

He had matured so much since their last encounter. That was what Cadence was thinking. This was the same kid she remembered from years ago. He was just grown up and had a new sense of life and emotions. He grew up. He was forced to after he left home.

"I just hope we're all up for this."

That got Cadence a bit confused. She witnessed with her own eyes what Pyro and his friends did a couple hours ago with his fellow elementals. HE had no reason to doubt himself in her opinion.

"Why in the world would you think you're not up for this?" she asked eager to know.

He answered her as honestly as he possibly could.

“Cadence, I have done a lot of things and I mean a LOT of things. Not only with fire but…with magic and martial arts and other things. But this…being a god…I don’t think I’m ready for that. I don’t think any of us are ready for that. Surely Agni had to have made some sort of mistake.”

“Hey!”

Pyro jumped a bit after hearing that little bit of sound go into his ear a bit louder than usual. Cadence looked dead into his eyes.

“Now you listen to me, Pyro. I don’t ever again want to hear you doubt yourself.” She eased up. “It's no coincidence that you and Twilight came from Agni's essence. Both of you have so much great things in common. You and her are two of the greatest ponies I have ever known. Master Ma and Princess Celestia raised you two up so well and taught you invaluable lessons. If there's anyone capable of saving us from Nightmare Moon, it's you and her. Along with the other elements. I know it's true.

"And even though right now it may seem hard to process, I'm sure in time the idea of being his reincarnation will be welcomed into your mind. Your friends included. Some of them I would really like to get to know better like Terra and maybe Agua too. My point is, Pyro, your friends, both new and old, WILL prevail because you fight for the right reasons. Nightmare only craves worship and enslavement. You fight for true harmony."

She spoke words that had never been more true. As honest as they were Pyro still felt a little unsure about himself. But it helped to know Cadence was backing him up.

"And if you ever need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. That's where Twilight has a problem." the alicorn said with a giggle.

"Yeah I've noticed." Pyro chuckled himself. "She really is a bookworm, isn't she?"

"Oh yeah. Whenever I foalsat for her years ago, I had to drag her away from her books a few times to make her go outside."

As much fun as it would have been for Pyro to ask Cadence about Twilight in her childhood years, his mind was diverted when he felt a strong vibration come from his lower body. HIs stomach was growling and Cadence chuckled again hearing it.

"You must be hungry." she giggled.

"I suppose I am. I haven't really eaten that much today being in a fight and all."

Quickly, Cadence thought of a solution. She knew Canterlot very well and she knew there were still a few establishments open at this late hour.

"Come on. Let's go get some late dinner. My treat."

Generous of her it definitely was. Pyro had to admit that. But he didn't feel right about it.

"I don't know. Are you sure Shining Armor would be okay with that?"

Cadence groaned hearing the name.

"He's sound asleep and snoring like a lumberjack's chainsaw. He won't even know." She assured him. "Now come on, big guy. You need to eat and after going a few years without seeing each other, we have a lot to catch up on."

Her offer was accepted with a nod and a smile.

"If you insist. I think I'm strong enough to fly. Just lead the way."

"Follow me then."

Cadence spread her wings and leaped off the roof and into the air. Pyro's hooves lit up in flames and he rocketed himself up and after Cadence as she led him into Canterlot for a good meal. As they flew off, a pair of eyes coming from Cadence's window followed them until they were out of sight. Those eyes belonged to Shining Armor. With an angry look, he shut the curtains to the window and walked off.

Now while Cadence and Pyro were talking with each other, there was another conversation taking place all the way on the other side of the castle and inside it. Princess Celestia was preparing herself to sleep for the night and was nearly ready to do so. All that remained was for her to do one last task of the day. Talk to Luna.

"Your sister is outside, your highness." A pegasus guard informed her.

"Let her in."

The guard bowed and left the room. Not long after, Luna came in and closed the door behind her. Celestia stared at her sister with a flat expression finally ready to hear an explanation.

"Where to begin?" she asked.

"Sister, I know you must be confused about me right now."

"Confused is an understatement. Let's start at the beginning. How is it you were born with elemental powers?"

Luna took a breath and began to explain.

"Well to begin...I wasn't born with this power. It was given to me later in life." she started. "By Poseidon."

"Poseidon? He gave you his power over the water?"

"Yes. He made it possible for me to do what he can with the water. There was a season long ago where the seas got out of control."

Back then, the storms the natural weather created were what Poseidon had to keep track over. It was his duty to make sure the waters of the ocean remained calm.

"But Poseidon, even though powerful, was not strong enough to deal with it alone. So he bestowed upon me the power of hydrokinesis and gave me...um...I believe ponies these days call it, a 'crash course' on the matter."

Celestia nodded signaling her younger sister that she was following.

"After we calmed the seas together, he taught me all he knew in great detail on how to use my new power. And in time, it became my job to raise and lower the tides whenever I did the same with the moon."

"Okay. I understand that. What I don't understand is why you never told me about it." That was the part that bugged Celestia the most.

"Because I was afraid of what you might say." Luna spoke honestly. "You and I are sun and moon goddesses. I took on another role as a fellow elemental lord of water. Plus Poseidon and I were involved so I was-"

"You...and Poseidon...were involved...romantically?"

"Yes. In fact I told you about it long ago."

"I think I would remember something as important as my sister taking a romantic interest in somepony."

"Oh really? Well then allow me to remind you."

Luna had a lot to say.

“Tia, I DID tell you about it.” Luna again corrected her older sibling. “You may not remember it but I will never forget it. Poseidon and I came forth and told you everything about our relationship hoping to get your approval. We got no such thing from you though. Instead, all we received were glares from the other five elemental gods, and then I myself got a lecture about how stupid you thought I was to choose Poseidon over Aeolus.”

Celestia gasped not at her sister’s accusations but at herself. The memory of the moment Luna described started to piece itself back together in her head.

“You called me a naïve filly and forbade me from seeing Poseidon. But we didn’t stop meeting. We met under the water where we knew no one else would ever find us. Being able to breathe underneath the ocean does have its upsides.”

Celestia had to give Luna that one. Meeting in their own element made them undetectable. Clever plan.

"Was he...your lover?"

Now this was a big deal for Celestia. In all her years of living she had had a few romantic partners. But she hadn't ever done the deed before. There were a few private moments she had with herself but beyond that, she never had the chance to pursue a romantic interest and take it all the way to that level. Seeing as how she was a bit protective of her younger sister, she was hoping that her virginity was still intact. That hope was shattered when the answer came from Luna's mouth.

"Yes. He and I were indeed lovers."

Celestia found herself breathing more rapidly and her heart began to pump faster.

"I knew it. You're ashamed of me." Luna assumed.

"What? No! No, Luna I'm not ashamed of you at all. I'm just...surprised is all. How could you not tell me this?"

"After the way you reacted when you found out he and I were only seeing each other, how do you think you would have taken the news of me taking on a lover?"

The older alicorn fell silent.

"Tia, you have to understand. It wasn't just the physical part of the relationship we cherished. We also cherished each other. We were deeply in love with each other and we still are. After I raise the moon and tides every night I go by that chamber and speak with him. Even though we are separated by different a dimensional plane, our feelings for each other still burn. And I truly am sorry I never told you. I just hope you one day understand why I did what I did."

That was a heavy blow to Celestia. Sure it was hard to hear that Luna was involved that deeply with Poseidon. Hearing that they were in love with each other and still are was the big one. Love was a huge thing to experience. But she was sure of one thing. She owed her sister an apology.

"Luna, I may not have been the most supportive of your relationship back then and I'm still trying to process it right now as we speak. But I want you to know that I'm not like that anymore. That was a long time ago and we both have grown and learned in so many ways. Who you love now doesn't matter as long as you are happy. I'm so sorry I reacted that way towards you and I only hope you can forgive me."

The smile that spread across Luna's face was enough to signal Celestia that she was indeed forgiven. If that wasn't clarity enough, the hug she received from her sister two seconds later sure was.

"Thank you, sister."

"Thank you as well, Luna. And since you are more experienced in the field of dating than myself, if there ever comes a time, I shall ask you for a few pointers." Celestia said back with a wink.

Luna giggled at her sister's words. Love was one of the few subjects Luna knew more about than her wise older sister. She would take joy in relishing in that little fact. Now was not the time though. There was something else on Luna's mind that she needed to address to her sister.

"Tia, if it's alright with you, there is something that I would like to suggest."

Celestia was all ears.

"Go on."

With a nod, Luna resumed speaking.

"I was watching the elements of harmony fight alongside their new Alamantian companions tonight and I took notice of one of them in particular."

"Really? Who?" the eldest grew curious.

"The water mover, Agua. His power of the water is great. Definitely worthy to be called Poseidon's reincarnation. But I took notice of the way he moved the water. He was using only his muscle to do so. I believe I can help him with that. I want to take him on."

That last part wasn't understood by her older sister.

"What do you mean by...take him on?"

Luna realized what she said and wished she had worded it better.

"What I meant was, I want to take Agua on as a student in hydrokinesis."

Now that was easier to understand. Being a master of the water meant teaching it should be no problem. That was comprehendible. But it made Celestia wonder if Luna had another motive. It was because of who she was willing to teach.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Luna frowned.

"What? Why not?"

"Well...don't get me wrong, Luna. I think you would be a great teacher. It's just that...like you said. He is Poseidon's reincarnation. I just hope you are wanting to do this for the right reasons."

"And what reasons would I possibly have that would be considered wrong?"

"Well...I understand that you and Poseidon still see each other in that chamber. But he is still bound to the spiritual realm. You can't have any more physical relations with him."

Luna was taken aback by that statement and realized what Celestia was getting at.

"You believe the only reason I want to be his teacher is because I want to have sex again?!"

"Well...it crossed my mind yes."

"How dare you." the night goddess had never felt more insulted. "How DARE you! I'll have you know the only reason I am willing to do this is because I believe there is potential in him that can be reached with my guidance! I would never THINK about that kind of thing with him!"

"I know you wouldn't think about it, Luna. And your heart is in the right place. But sometimes things can happen when you don't even expect them to. I just hope you don't start to get those urges with him."

"Well you don't have to worry about me, sister. I handled myself fine with Poseidon without you knowing for centuries. And I can handle myself with Agua. Now if you don't mind, I have some other business to attend to. Goodnight, Celestia."

Nothing was left to be said and Luna exited her sister's chambers with a harder closing of the doors than usual. Celestia was left there a bit ashamed of herself for assuming Luna would try something like that with Agua, but she was still worried about her.

"Oh little sister, I do hope you know what you are doing. But regardless of my feelings, I wish you luck with your new student."

The white alicorn climbed into her bed and used one last bit of magic to turn out the lights. Her eyes grew heavy as her head rested on a pillow and soon enough, she was no longer conscious.

Out in the city, some of the restaurants still remained open. And out of one of them came Pyro and Cadence laughing like the old friends they were. It was just dinner they had together, but it was a fun dinner. They were sharing stories with each other and Cadence was telling one of a certain Grand Galloping Gala.

"So after Rarity gets covered in the cake, she just blows up in front of Blueblood and shakes herself clean getting him covered in the stuff. "

Pyro laughed imagining the scene in his head. After hearing what a pompous jerk Prince Blueblood was from Cadence's explanation, he found it easy to laugh at him getting humiliated at the biggest party in Equestria. As they continued to talk, they began to walk down the streets of Canterlot back to the castle.

"Then to finish it off, Fluttershy comes barging in chasing after all the castle animals screaming at them telling them to love her. That was when everypony finally just finally ran out of the castle thus ending the party. But oh boy what a party."

"Hehe. I bet. Shame I couldn't be there to see it myself."

"Yeah I wanted to ask you about that." Cadence said. "If you have been here for three years now, where have you been living before you met the harmony bearers?"

"When we first came to Equestria we passed through a few cities like Manehattan and Fillydelphia trying to find a cheap place to rent and settle down. But it was either the places were too small or we were unable to afford. So we ventured on until we found the Whitetail Woods right outside Ponyville. That was finally when we decided to make our own home. So we found this giant boulder and Gem, Cryo, and I placed some enchantments on it to make it bigger on the inside. Plus Typhoon, being an architecture enthusiast, drew us up a blueprint for it. That really helped. We each wanted our own rooms."

"Interesting." Cadenced commented on Typhoon's interest in architecture. "Is she interested at all in pursuing the subject as a career?"

"She's talked about it a few times but beyond that, I'm not sure." He shrugged.

All through dinner, Cadence had finally found the guy she remembered talking with back in Alamante. She didn't have to dig that deep to get to him. All it took were a few funny stories and a good meal. Suddenly they found themselves laughing at the past like nothing else even mattered anymore. It felt nice for Pyro to just let go of all of his worries like that. He would have to remind himself to do it more often.

As they got halfway back to the castle, the fire powered unicorn was taking in the sights of the city not ever seeing them before. He was too busy looking for his friends earlier to view them. Even when he was airborne. Cadence pointed out a few like the library Twilight and Spike used to live at before they moved to Ponyville. Luckily that part wasn't destroyed by the Shadowmares.

Then he took in one more sight when he stopped abruptly due to him bumping into something. He saw that it was a grey earth pony wearing a pink bowtie and pink music note cutie mark.

"Oh I'm sorry." Pyro spoke first. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

"It's alright. Have a nice night." she bid him and began to walk past him.

"You too."

Before she completely passed him, she looked at his flank and noticed his mark. It was a black symbol similar to another one she saw earlier tonight.

“Wait."

That one word made Cadence and Pyro turn around to view the mare again

"You’re an Alamantian. Aren’t you?” she asked.

Pyro looked at the grey mare with a bit of nervousness for what would follow after his answer.

“Yeah.” He muttered. “What of it?”

“Would you by any chance happen to know of another one?” she began. “A stallion ice mover. Unicorn. White coat and light blue spikey mane?”

Both Pyro and Cadence were able to tell who she was talking about.

“You mean Cryo?”

“Yes! That’s his name.” they grey mare nearly shouted. “The next time you see him, would you be so kind to give him this?”

She reached into her saddle bags and took out a small envelope clenched in her teeth. Pyro got hold of it with his magic and looked at it. Clearly it was meant for Cryo only so he didn't open it out of respect.

“Uh…sure. May I ask why?”

"Let's just say I owe him." she answered.

He shrugged and kept a hold on the envelope.

"I'll make sure he gets it. Good night, miss."

Pyro and Cadence then began to walk off.

“One more thing.” She called. “Tell your friend, Octavia says thank you.”

That was obviously her own name.

"I'll give him the message." he assured her.

"Thank you so much. Goodnight sir. Your highness."

After she bowed, Octavia turned around and began to head home. Pyro and Cadence continued their trek back to the castle staring at the envelope the interesting mare just gave them.

"What do you think it is?" Pyro wondered.

"I dunno." Cadence replied. "But I think that's for Cryo to find out and for you to be there for."

He nodded in agreement and looked up to find that he and Cadence were already back at the castle.

"Well, thank you for dinner, Cadence. It was really cool catching up."

Cadence fully agreed feeling the same way.

"Let's not wait till the next time danger strikes to do it again. Agreed?"

"Agreed." he chuckled. "Sweet dreams, Cadence."

Pyro stood bipedal and leaped into the air allowing his flames to rocket him into the sky and back to the same place on the roof he was before. As he flew off, Cadence watching him until the fire was no longer seen.

"Till next time, my old friend."

The guards posted outside the front gate allowed her inside and a few minutes later, she was back in her wing of the castle and her husband was once again asleep on the couch. Walking past him and to the bedroom, she chuckled remembering her conversations with Pyro while eating dinner.

"So cute that he used to have a stalker. Hee hee!"

After that, she crawled into bed, put the covers over herself, and drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Tomorrow was but a dream away.

The next morning came around like any other would. The first thing that happened, the elements and their dragon companion all helped themselves to a breakfast buffet courtesy of the castle chefs and the personal request of Princess Celestia. Every single one of them was able to find something they could enjoy to chow down on. And the good news was, those who were wounded were feeling a lot better. Pyro and Cryo had full motion regained, Terra wasn't limping as much, Applejack's coat was still crawling from the feeling of Terra putting that salve on her. She was beginning to think the geokinetic may have liked doing it a bit too much.

While they were eating, Luna came down from her chambers and asked Agua to speak with her alone. Curious, Agua agreed and followed Luna into another room where nopony could hear them. Fifteen minutes later, Agua returned and resumed eating his meal all the while ignoring everyone's requests to tell him what Luna wanted. He only replied to each of them with the word, "Later" and left it at that.

After breakfast, all of them headed off to catch the 9 AM train back to Ponyville. They were joined by Celestia and Luna who wished to see them off. The train was about to leave and the elements all had a car reserved for just them.

"Well again, I can't even begin to express my thanks for your heroism yesterday." Celestia said to them with a smile.

"Eh it was just all in a day's work for us, your highness." Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"If ya ever need us to do it again, just give us a holler." Terra added.

That earned her a giggle from the princess of the sun.

"I'll be sure to do that, Terra." she assured her. "Just don't be too hard on that hoof and let it heal."

"Will do." The yellow mare promised.

The train conductor called all aboard and the ponies all gave their bows. The harmony bearers in their traditional way and the Alamantians in their bipedal fashion. Celestia and Luna both bowed back to them in the Alamantian way and wished them good-bye as they boarded the train. The doors sealed shut and the train began to move out of the station and gain speed as it headed back to Ponyville.

With the front business class car all to themselves, the group of thirteen were free to converse about whatever they so desired without anypony interrupting them.

"Well that was one of the more interesting visits home I've ever experienced." Spike said as he took a bit out of a complimentary apple. "Wouldn't you say, Twilight?"

"That and more." the unicorn replied. "A fight along with figuring out that all of us are reincarnated from the six elemental gods. Quite the visit home. Oh boy. What are my mother and father going to think when they find out I'm a god, let alone living with a boy?"

"I thought you told me last night your parents would probably be a bit more understanding than Shining Armor." Pyro spoke to his partner.

"No no no. You don't understand. My parents have always pounded me with questions about my love life whenever I come to visit them. When they find out I have you living in my house with me, I'll never hear the end of their questions? Are you dating? Do you love him? Are you a real mare now?"

That last one was the one that got to Pyro.

"They wouldn't actually assume that. Would they?"

"Have you ever met the parents of a teenage girl who has a boyfriend, let alone a friend who happens to be a boy?" Twilight looked at the fire lover strangely.

Pyro had indeed not been in that sort of situation. Some customs of Equestria still puzzled him, including how parents interact with their children and how protective they are.

"Okay I'll take your word for it."

"Thank you." She then looked over to her partner's elemental opposite. "Alright you. Spill. What did Luna want to talk to you about?"

Agua looked at her with a deadpan look like he didn't really care. Then he found that everyone was looking at him wanting to know the answer. Seeing as how he had stringed them along for long enough, he told them.

"She wants to be my teacher."

That was the last thing any of them expected to hear.

"Princess Luna pulled me aside and told me she wants to teach me more about hydrokinesis. She says there's untold power I could unlock if I take her guidance."

They were still having trouble registering it.

"You? A personal student? To Princess Luna?" Rarity repeated it.

"Congratulations. You can hear me when I'm right next to you." Agua said with obvious sarcasm. "Yes. She does. And for the life of me I don't know why."

"I don't think any of us do." Terra had to say something. "I mean, you're an asshole. Who would want to WILLINGLY spend time with you...by themselves?!"

"Well to this day I wonder why you guys still hang around me." Agua came back.

Terra fell silent as did the rest of them seeing he had a point.

"The sad part is girls always swoon when he walks by." Rarity told them all. "I've noticed that and I've found it to be a bit ridiculous."

"Oh I'm hot and you know it." Agua said to her.

"Oh you wish."

“Oh! That reminds me.”

That third "oh" came from Pyro who used his magic to make an envelope appear out of nowhere. Then he turned to his frosty brother.

“I was out last night and I ran into somepony who said she knew you, Cryo. She wanted me to give you this. And she wanted me to say…uh…oh yeah. Octavia says thank you.”

He moved the envelope closer to Cryo so he could take hold of it which he did.

"What were you doin' out last night?" Applejack asked.

Pyro lied when he answered.

"Just couldn't sleep. Needed to clear my head."

Applejack shrugged accepting the answer. Then she looked over to Cryo who had just opened up the envelope and pulled a small paper with a note written on it out of said envelope.

“Oooooohhhhhh! What's it say what's it say what’s it say?” Pinkie Pie bounced.

Three years was plenty of time for Cryo to learn how to read and speak the language Equestrian's spoke. He learned it in a few months. Using those skills, he read aloud the note.

“You saved my life last night and I am forever grateful. Now I feel I must return the favor somehow. So I was wondering if you would like to get together with me the specified date below at The Rose Petal restaurant. I’d like to treat you to dinner."

A loud gasp escaped from Rarity's mouth. Then it was followed by some heavy breathing.

"Are...you having an orgasm?" Agua asked her.

Rarity shoved Agua out of the way and knocked him on the floor as he walked over to Cryo.

"The Rose Petal restaurant? Are you serious? Like really are you serious? That's what is says?"

"Uh...yeah. It's right here." Cryo showed Rarity the note.

Rarity read the note and squealed in sheer delight.

“What is the Rose Petal restaurant?” Gem wondered.

“Why it's only the most fancy restaurant in all of Canterlot. Maybe even in all of Equestria. It's nearly impossible to get a reservation for that place.” Rarity said with sparkles in her eyes.

“Even Shining Armor hasn’t been able to get a reservation there. And he’s Captain of the Royal Guard.” Twilight added.

“A fact that STILL astounds me.” Agua mumbled.

“Not now, Agua.” Pyro waved him off.

"Hey I want to know how he got there too." Terra shared Agua's feelings. "No offense, Twilight, but your brother really gave off a crappy first impression."

Twilight herself groaned still unhappy with her older sibling.

"I know and I am so sorry about that. I never in my life thought my brother would be prejudice towards you guys."

"Wait. Your brother hates Alamantians?"

Typhoon wasn't awake to hear what Shining Armor had to say nor was she in the same room. Cryo and Gem also were unaware of this fact.

"For what reason could your brother have to hate us? Did we do something to heem?" the pink pegasus asked.

"No. You didn't do anything to him, Typhoon. None of you did. It's just...well I don't know what it is."

"Alright everypony shut up!" Applejack shouted. "Cryo, please finish the note."

"Thank you." Cryo went on with his note. "When you get to the door, simply mention my name to the clerk and he or she will take care of the rest. Meet me there at 5:30 PM at the specified date. Hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Octavia.”

“Octavia?” Rarity repeated the name. “Well that explains how you got the reservation. Octavia’s ensemble plays at that restaurant nearly all the time.”

“Ensemble?” Cryo asked.

“She plays the cello for the most famous classical music band in all of Equestria.” Rarity explained.

“Really?” Cryo smiled at that.

He liked learning this mare was another music lover like he was. Although from the explanation Rarity just gave him it was now highly unlikely she would even be interested in his type of tunes. But nonetheless he was willing to give it a shot.

"Well I'll be a phoenix laying an egg.” Pyro said impressed. “Cryo here has a date!”

“Oh come on, hothead.” Cryo denied it. “She’s just returning the favor. It’s not a date.”

“Really?” Agua began to speak. “I think it’s time we went over the date requirement checklist.”

“Oh come on, Agua. Not the DRC.” Cryo stressed.

“Oh give me this one, dude!” Agua nearly shouted. "This is the first time we actually get to use it!"

Cry groaned knowing Agua wasn't going to let up.

"Fine. Get on with it."

Smiling, the blue stallion asked a question to his brother.

“Point number one: Is the pony offering the date a member of the opposite gender?”

“Yes.”

“Point number two: Will the date be after 5:00 PM/during or after the sunset?” Terra took her turn.

“Yes.”

“Point number three: Do you intend to pay for any part of this date?” Even Gem knew of the list.

“Well…I hadn’t really thought about that. But seeing as how I like to be polite, yes I do. I did a few favors for the Cakes and they gave me a small bit of money.”

“Alright. Point number four: Do you see yourself having a friendship or something more with this girl?” Agua asked.

“What? Dude, I don't even know her. If it comes around to that, I’ll let you know. Right now I just wanna have dinner with her.”

It was an acceptable answer in Agua's eyes. Then came the final question.

“Okay. Last but not least. Point number five: Is she hot?”

Cryo groaned.

"Yes she is very cute. Grey coat, even darker mane, and she wears a little bowtie around her neck. Kinda classy."

"She wears a bowtie? Huh. Well that's kinda weird." Terra noted.

Cryo ignored his sister's comment as he realized how he answered all those questions and found out his brother was telling the truth. This wasn't just returning the favor.

"Oh by Skaldi's snowy mane." Cryo sounded a bit excited. "I have a date."

And less than a second later, he became horrified.

"And I have absolutely nothing to wear. If this is the nicest joint in Equestria, I gotta get me some clothes!"

He suddenly found a silvery white hoof wrapped around his back and belonging to a certain fashionista.

"Cryo, don't you worry about a thing! I am going to make sure you have the best getup for this date that I have ever put together!"

"Um...Rarity...I've been in your shop." Cryo said. "And not to question your expertise or anything. But have you ever designed clothes for guys?"

"Why whatever do you mean? I've designed plenty of outfits for Spike and I am quite proud of them." Rarity said back.

"Okay let me rephrase that. Have you ever designed clothes for stallions?"

That was when Rarity fell silent as she realized Cryo had a point. Spike was a baby dragon with a crush on her. He would have accepted any type of outfit she made for him even it was humiliating for him to wear in public. This was a whole new level for her. She had only made outfits for mares. But she was determined to not let that stop her.

"No, Cryo. I have not. But either way, it would be my honor to design you an outfit to wear for your very first date."

A smile came to the icy pony's face and he graciously accepted the offer. Gem got up and excused herself to use the bathroom as Rarity began going over the basics for her newest project.

"Alright, Cryo. Don't you worry about a thing. This will be totally free of charge. But I'll need you to come by my house soon so I can take your measurements."

"Sure thing." Cryo nodded.

"Oh this is so exciting!" Pinkie was bouncing up and down. "Cryo has his first date, I'm gonna start planning Gem's first birthday party, it's all gonna be so awesome!"

"What day do you plan to have the party?" Fluttershy asked.

"On her actual birthday of course!" Pinkie answered. "And I think it's safe to say you're ALL invited!"

"Sweet! Party on excellent!" Terra was stoked for the party.

Pyro chuckled as he looked down at the note to view it himself. Then he frowned when he noticed something at the bottom that Cryo overlooked.

"Uh...Cryo?" he got his brother's attention. "THIS is the day she wants to get together with you?"

"Well yeah. It's right there isn't it? What's up?" Cryo wondered why Pyro sounded a bit nervous.

"Well buddy...it looks like there might be one small problem."

"Yeah? What?"

"The day she put for you to go on the date...that's Gem's birthday."

Glass shattered around him and everyone frowned realizing this. Cryo took the note back and looked at it again to make sure it was correct. Unfortunately it was and now he was in a pickle. If Cryo chose to go on the date with Octavia, it would mean missing Gem's birthday party.

"What are you going to do?" Fluttershy asked.

"I...I don't know." Cryo responded.

"Cryo, I don't intend to sound mean, but you have to go on the date. This could be romance." Rarity supported this mainly because of her want to design Cryo's getup.

"Yeah but Gem is family." was what Cryo came back with. "I just don't want to hurt her by missing this."

"It's alright, Cryo."

That came from Gem herself who just got back from the restroom.

"My birthday has passed twice with all of us together and we never celebrated it. I won't mind if you go on your date."

"Gem...are you sure? Because if it means just the tiniest shred to you, I won't go." Cryo was firm on his word.

"It doesn't." Gem insisted. "Go on your date and have fun with this girl. Do that for me okay?"

Cryo knew Gem very well. And he could easily tell by her tone and face that it did mean something to her. But she kept pushing him to go with Octavia.

"Well...alright, Gem. If that's really what you want."

"It is."

"Great! Let me draw up some designs!" Rarity went off to find some paper and something to write with.

Gem took her seat once more and looked out the window as the train sped along the ground. Rainbow Dash floated down next to her.

"You sure you're okay with Cryo not coming to your party?" she asked.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" Gem responded.

Rainbow made the mistake of not asking anything beyond that. And she also failed to notice that on the side of Gem's face that she couldn't see, a single tear slipped out of her eye.