Down in the city of the Crystal Empire, Nikolai was padding along the streets with Riley still trying to get the hang of walking on two legs. Nikolai would encourage his friend as he took one step in front of the other, but he also noticed some ponies giving them odd-looking stares. He shook his head in frustration at them It’s like they haven’t ever seen a human before. Well, besides the fact there is a wolf’s mind inside of a human. He shook away his thoughts as he continued to walk beside Riley.
Riley would soon lift up his head to sniff the air and a growl escaped through his lips, causing Nikolai to look up with concern. He quickly padded in front of Riley “Whoa boy, what is it you smell?” He looked around to see what his partner was sensing until he saw something that caused him to smack his forehead with a forepaw. It was a crystal mare trotting along the street with her pet cat on a leash “Oh no.” Nikolai exclaimed as Riley fell forward onto his hands, letting out a low growl.
“Hold up Riley. Don’t you go…” He couldn’t finish telling Riley to stop as he dashed up on his hands and feet after the mare and her cat. The mare turned and let out a shriek as she picked her cat up on her back and galloped off “Get away from me you foul creature!” she yelled as Nikolai ran after his friend.
This is going to be a long night.
Inside the palace, Kevin decided upon himself to take a tour through the castle to learn more about it. Being an adventurer and world traveler, he always had a curiosity to explore the many new places that he visited. As he trotted along the halls, he was in awe at the beautiful art the hung on the walls, and the stories of the stained glass windows told.
He sighed as he looked down at his now fully changed pony form Maybe I will get used to this form if nothing changes once the little guy is back. Also, I might ask Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor if they would be okay with me staying here in the Crystal Kingdom. It sure is beautiful and nice here. His thoughts were interrupted as he felt a force bump into him.
“Baa… Hey, watch out where you’re going!” Kevin looked down at the familiar sounding voice to see a normal white-coated goat. He gasped and blinked his eyes as he could decipher the owner’s voice. The goat looked up at Kevin “What are you looking at?! Haven’t you ever seen a talking goat before?!” The frustration in the goat’s voice was expressed with narrowed eyes.
Kevin sat down on his haunches and reached up his two fore hooves to rub at his eyes. He looked at the goat and asked with shock “Discord, is that you?!”
“Baa… yes it’s me Kevin. This whole thing with Toby being gone has caused so much chaos that I’m even tired of it.” He slumps down on his rump and snorted “I mean I love being the Master of Chaos, but c’mon this is ridiculous.” He waves a foreleg over his body showing his new change.
Kevin couldn’t help but chuckle as he trotted closer to Discord and patted him on the shoulder with a hoof “Don’t worry buddy, it’s not all that bad. Soon, the little fella will return, and you will go back to your normal whatever you are and I will go back to my normal satyr self.” He gave goat Discord a reassuring smile.
“Baa… I guess you’re right. And by the way, I’m a chimera, thank you very much.” He harrumphed and stood up on all four legs, and trotted off.
Kevin let out another soft chuckle as he turned to trot in the opposite direction toward the dining hall I wonder what is on for dinner tonight. I sure am hungry. He heard the light growl of his stomach as he sighed heavily.
In the dining hall Rarity was putting the final touches on setting the table for dinner with her friends and family. She prepared fresh mint tea to drink, a fresh garden salad of diced carrots, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and lettuce leaves for supper. For dessert she requested Pinkie’s assistance in making a double-layered yellow cake with rich chocolate icing and strawberries placed around on top of each layer, including the top.
She trotted back a few steps to look at the finished table and a smile of satisfaction crept across her muzzle. I got to admit, I sometimes amaze myself. She let out a giggle as she watched Twilight and Spike entering the dining “Good evening Twilight darling and Spikey-Wikey. Are you two hungry for something marvelous?” She beamed with joy and a pink blush rose on her cheeks.
Twilight and Spike both smiled warmly at the purple mare and licked at their lips as they saw the feast before their eyes. Twilight leaned down for her son to climb off her back “It looks delicious Rarity. You did a great job fixing dinner tonight, but I think we should wait until every pony arrives, don’t you?” Spike nodded in agreement.
Rarity chuckled “Oh Twilight, what kind of lady would I be if I would to eat before my friends do?” She placed a hoof on her chest and shook her head softly. She looked at the baby dragon “Now Spikey, I took it upon myself to add a few small bits of sapphire to your cake and salad, because I know how much you love them.” She gave him a blushing smile.
Spike beamed as he walked up to Rarity and gave her a hug around her neck “Gee, thanks milady, but you didn’t have to do that you know.” He turned his head to see the sparking sapphire chips, licking at his lips again.
Rarity giggled as she patted at his back “Oh Spikey, of course I had to. I mean of all the hard work you do for all of us, especially helping me collect gems for designs, and all the other tasks I ask of you, you deserve it my sweet little gentledrake.” She gave him a tender kiss on the cheek, causing the baby dragon to blush a deep red.
Twilight giggled as she watched the two and trotted over to one of the chairs placed under the table as Spike release his hug and walked over to sit beside her. She nudged at him playfully “It’s looks too good to wait for, doesn’t it son?” She giggled and nuzzled at his cheek.
Spike giggled and nodded “It sure does mom! Maybe I can try and take a little…” He reached his claw to sneak a bite, but Twilight lightly swatted at it with a hoof and shook it back and forth at him.
“Nah… uh Spike, you’ve got to wait until every pony else shows up, okay?” She gave him very gentle yet scolding look as Spike sighed and nodded. Twilight giggled and looked over at Rarity who was looking at them curiously “I’ll talk with you and the others about it later.” Rarity nodded in understanding.
“Woo Doggy, that looks like mighty tasty grub there Rare!” The drawl of Applejack surprised the three as the country pony came trotting in. She lifted her muzzle and breathed in the air “Mm… mm… smells darn good too!” She smiled as she trotted toward the table.
Rarity gave a bow of her head “Well, thank you Applejack dear. I put a hint of rosemary on each of the salads to give them that refreshing aroma.” She gave a giggle as she heard even more clopping of hooves.
The four turned to see Daring Do, the fillies, and their new ally trot in the dining hall. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle ran up to their sisters, giving them each a big hug. Firebolt and Daring Do smiled at the sight as they took their seats at the table.
Applejack released her hug on Applebloom “So sugarcube, what have yall been doing today? Ah hope ya behaved for Miss Do.” She gave her sister a stern yet soft look.
“Don’t worry Applejack, we had a great time with Daring Do and we were on our good behavior, right girls?” Applebloom looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who just hovered in the air, as the others nodded in unison.
“It was so awesome! We… hey, where’s Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked as she looked around for the cyan Pegasus but couldn’t see her.
“Don’t worry darling, she just went out flying for a while. She should be back soon for dinner.” Rarity smiled at the orange filly and at her sister. She glanced up to see Daring Do joined by the new stallion “Oh, and who might our new guest be?” She looked at him curiously.
Firebolt tipped his hat “Hello madam, my name is Firebolt and I am just a traveler, trotting my way across Equestria. I was just taking a stroll through the forest of Neighagra Falls when I saw that this fine group of ponies was in trouble and… “ He cut himself off when he saw the CMC frantically signaled for him to not continue.
It was too late as Applejack and Rarity glared disappointedly at their siblings “Sugarcube, what is he talking about and don’t ya dare lie to me!” She sat on her haunches and crossed her forelegs waiting for Applebloom’s answer.
“Well sis… I… we…” “There is no need young one, I shall explain.” Applebloom was cut off by Daring Do as she cleared her throat “You see my friends, I was teaching them on how to be explorers, when of a sudden my nemesis Ahuizotl showed up somehow.” She shook her head at the thought.
“And that big blue mutt tried to kidnap me!” Silver Spoon shrieked as she recalled the traumatic ordeal “But Mister Firebolt saved me.” She gave a warm smile to the red stallion.
Rarity and Applejack looked at Firebolt with surprise etched on their brows, but a thankful smile on their muzzles. Rarity spoke up first “Well, thank you darling for saving my dear little sister from danger. My name is Rarity Belle, and it is a pleasure to meet you Mister Firebolt.” She gave him a bow of her head.
He tipped his hat “The honor is all mine Madam Rarity, and please just call me Firebolt, No need to be formal, and it was no problem at all. Helping others in need is what I do.” He gave a warm smile.
“Well, thank ya sugarcube, we truly appreciate your bravery.” Applejack tipped her own hat toward Firebolt “My name is Applejack, and ya may just call me Applejack. No need for any formality with me neither.” She then looked at Applebloom “And as for ya sis, we’ll discuss the right punishment when we return home.” She gave her sister a nod.
“You too Sweetie Belle darling, this escapade of yours will not go unpunished.” She nodded as well as she looked at Scootaloo “And as for you Scootaloo dear, I guess we ought to let Rainbow Dash decide what to do with you.” She sighed heavily.
“Aw… man!” The CMC all exclaimed.
Twilight looked at her son “Spike… son, we will discuss your punishment as well, but for now let us all enjoy a good dinner.” She looked at Firebolt “Welcome Firebolt, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is good to make your acquaintance.”
Firebolt tipped his hat one last time before taking a seat at the table “Thank you, your highness and it is my honor. This is a beautiful palace you have here and the spread looks amazing.” He chuckled as he licked at his lips some, gazing at the food.
Twilight nodded “Well, thank you Firebolt, but this isn’t my castle. It belongs to my brother and sister-in-law, but they are not here right now. They are up in their room arguing.” She sighed and shook her head softly.
“What in tarnation? Are they still arguing about what Shining said to her about Toby going through the portal?” Applejack asked with shock as Twilight nodded.
Rarity cleared her throat “Well, let us not let this wonderful salad and delicious looking cake go to was…” “SURPRISE!” out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie mysteriously popped her upper torso out of the top of the cake, causing frosting to fly all over the dining hall and landing on every pony.
In unison they all gasped and gave Pinkie a look of frustration and they all yelled “PINKIE!!!”
On the outskirts of the Crystal Kingdom, Fluttershy and Big Mac sat on top of a hill underneath a weeping willow, and were looking up at the evening sky. Illuminated by Luna’s moon and several twinkling stars, the view was a beautiful sight for the two ponies. As they laid there, enjoying such a peaceful moment, Big Mac gently placed his hoof on top of hers.
Fluttershy let out a shy squeak as she felt his hoof on hers and looked at him “Um… yes Big Mac… um… what is it?”
A swallow of nervousness traveled down the stallion’s throat “Well Miss Fluttershy, Ah have been thinking about something for a while and it involves ya and my brave little big boy.” He smiled proudly that he could call Toby his son.
Fluttershy gave a look of surprise “Oh?” She looked into his eyes “Um… what have you been thinking Big Mac… um… if you don’t mind me asking?” She gave him a soft smile.
Big Mac felt a shiver run up and down his back as he took in a deep breath. He exhaled deeply and looked deeply into her eyes “Well, ever since Toby came to Equestria and have become a part of our family, it feels like that we aren’t officially a family yet. Ah mean he calls me his Papa and ya of course is his mother, but Ah believe it’s high time that we make us an official family.” A surge of confidence swept through his veins as he slowly stood up.
Fluttershy looked up at him curiously and a bit worried “Um… Big Mac… what are you…” Big Mac very gently help Fluttershy to stand up on all fours.
“Miss Fluttershy, Ah might not have one with me at the moment, but what Ah am about to ask comes from the heart and Ah would be touched if you would accept.” He carefully sat down on his haunches, taking her hoof and holding it delicately in his.
Fluttershy looked at him shocked and felt tears threaten to escape “Um… B-Big Mac… What are you doing?” She started to shake some.
Big Mac sighed heavily “Ah know this might not be a good time to do this Miss Fluttershy, but Ah want our boy’s return home to be a happy one for him.” He lowered his head and gave her hoof a tender kiss.
Fluttershy began shaking a bit more, blushing a deep red. She swallowed heavily “Um… Big Mac… Are you…” She was gently cut off as he placed his free hoof softly against her lips.
When he felt she was quiet enough, he placed his free hoof back on the ground. He continued to hold her hoof in his as he looked deeply in her eyes “Miss Fluttershy, will ya marry me?”