> Finding True Love
>  by Rakoon1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Date Between Wonderbolts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	This was a very important day to Rainbow Dash, since she would take the test to be a substitute to the Wonderbolts main team, after one of the members had got out of the team. The proof would be hold at the Wonderbolt Academy.

The competitors to the vacant spot would show their air skills before the captain, Spitfire, who would decide who was the fittest. Needless to say, Rainbow Dash, when it was her time, performed a proof so stunning that left everypony practically speechless. However, in the middle of them all, there was a pony who had been more dazzled, but not just by her performance, but rather for her beauty and grace. 

Soarin, Spitfire’s second-in-command, always had a crush on Rainbow Dash. It all started the Best Young Flyer competiton that she won, spending the day with the Wonderbolts, including him. He had to confess that he felt a certain attraction to her since then, but he did not give a lot of importance. The next encounter was when she saved his apple pie in the Great Galloping Gala. However, truth be told, he was too concerned about the pie, although she had made a great impression. But it was during Princess Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding that the two really got closed and it was where Soarin’s attraction by Rainbow Dash has intensified because, from that day on, he couldn't stop thinking about her. He decided to ask her to go on a date with him if she managed to get in the team.

The big moment came. Rainbow Dash aligned with the other alternates and Spitfire landed in front of them, saying:

"Very well, alternates, I reviewed each one of your performances and I must confess that few of you managed to impress me. However, I think we can all agree on who is worthy of the vacant spot in the main team."

She then approached Rainbow Dash that was trying to contain her immense enthusiasm, retaining her serious.

"Cadet Rainbow Dash, congratulations, from now on, you're one of us" Spitfire said.

And, having said that, she extended to Rainbow Dash the Wonderbolts official uniform and googles she got, doing a salute and saying:

"Thank you, ma'am. I promise I won't let you down."

Spitfire returned her salute and then she drifted away and after that she got away, Rainbow Dash finally let her enthusiasm go out:

"Ohmygoshmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! I'm a Wonderbolt!"

Finally she had realized the dream she had since she was a filly. Her other colleagues went to congratulate her, because they agreed with Spitfire as Rainbow Dash was the best choice among them to occupy the vacant spot in the main team.

While he saw Rainbow Dash, Soarin felt his enthusiasm to grow, but also fear. What if Rainbow Dash refused his request to go out with him? After all, he knew that Rainbow Dash was very focused on her style and her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt.

"Go and ask her" a voice said.

Soarin startled and saw that it was Spitfire.

"What?" he asked, retrieving his compound. "What do you mean? Invite who?"

"Do you think I'm blind, Soarin?" Spitfire asked. "I know that you have a certain crush for Rainbow Dash. You just didn’t go to go ask her to go out with you yet because of the conflict of interest that your relationship could bring. But now she's one of us, there's no problem. Since, of course, that it doesn't affect the dynamics of the team."

"What do you mean, Spitfire?" Soarin asked, trying to pretend that he didn't know what she was talking about. "I have no crush on Rainbow Dash."

But, while repairing Spitfire’s incisive look, he realized he couldn't hide and asked:

"Is it that obvious?"

"To who knows you as well as I, yes" she replied.

Soarin sighed and said:

"But what if she refuses?"

"You only know it after inviting her" Spitfire said.

So, breathing deep, Soarin advanced. After the alternates ended congratulating Rainbow Dash and backed off, Soarin approached Rainbow Dash and said:

"Well, Rainbow Dash... congratulations" Soarin congratulated.

"Thanks, Soarin" Rainbow Dash thanked. "I'm eager to fly with you."

"Seriously?" Soarin asked, naively thinking for a few seconds she was refering just to the two of them.

"Sure" Rainbow Dash asked. "After all, it's always been my dream to fly alongside the most spectaculars of all flying ponies in Equestria, if not in the Pony World."

"Oh, you were talking about the team" Soarin said, hiding his disappointment.

He looked then to Spitfire who gestured to him to encouraging him. Soarin returned to take a deep breath and said:

"Okay, here goes... Rainbow Dash, I wanted to ask you something."

"What?" she asked.

"Well, you know, now that you're a Wonderbolt and as there will be no more problems, I was wondering if... I was wondering if we could... go out together."

"Oh, you mean with the others" Rainbow Dash said.

"No, I mean... just the two of us" Soarin said. "Rainbow, I'm asking if you want to go out with me on a date."

Upon hearing that, Rainbow Dash was unresponsive. Soarin had her caught by surprise.

"Are you asking to go out with me on a date?" she asked.

"You know, the truth is that I've always had a crush on you and, well, given that I'm the second-captain of the Wonderbolts, I think the ponies would not see with good eyes the relationship between me and a rookie who is not in the main team, isn't it? So, Rainbow, what do you say? Do you accept?"

But Rainbow still had no reaction. The truth is that she was very fond of Soarin, but maybe that was because he was one of her great heroes. However, when she heard him asking her to go out with him made Rainbow Dash feel that spark that she felt for Soarin.

"Rainbow, please don't leave me waiting" Soarin asked.

It was then that Rainbow Dash replied:

"I think yes. Yes, I will go out with you."

"Really?" Soarin asked, getting full of joy. "I can't believe..."

But then, controlling his attitude, Soarin calmed down and said:

"Great, perfect. Can I pick you up at your house at seven in the evening?"

"Yes" Rainbow Dash answered, not resisting in sketching a smile.

"Great" Soarin said, retreating, flying backwards. "So... bye."

He was so distracted that he didn't notice a recruit who was going to pass by and shocked slightly against him, apologizing and then scratching his head:

"Sorry."

And he walked away, both to react differently. Soarin felt happy and relieved, while Rainbow Dash was starting to feel nervous, because she never had been on a date with a stallion before.

Back to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash told her friends that she have been promoted to the Wonderbolts main team. Although her friends knew she would manage (after all they knew quite well her friend’s capabilities), they were immensely happy, in such a way that they organized a party (or rather, Pinkie Pie organized) at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie even made a banner saying RAINBOW DASH ENTERED IN THE WONDERBOLTS MAIN TEAM PARTY.

"So, Rainbow Dash, what do you think?" Pinkie Pie asked with her energy. "Come on, don't hide anything. I want to know what you think of your party. Do you like the banner I made to you? It took all night to do it so carefully. I'm glad you were accepted in the main team, because otherwise all the work I had would be in vain. By the way, how is it like to be now a Wonderbot? How? How? How?"

"Calm down, Pinkie, let tha gal answer a question at a time" Applejack said.

"Honestly, Pinkie, how can you hold your breath for so long to say so many things at once?" Cherry Blossom asked.

"That is the great mystery, dear" Rarity said to Cherry.

"There is no mystery, silly" Pinkie said. "You just have to take a deep breath and say everything you want to say all at once. Everypony can do it."

"Yes, but I'm sure that you are the only one who does it all the time" Rarity replied.

"You know, girls, it’s been a while since we weren't together" Fluttershy said.

"Yes, no responsibilities, no stallions, no babies" Cherry agreed. "By the way, Fluttershy, how's life as a new-mommy?"

"Well, the truth is that it had not being easy" Fluttershy said. "Moonlight gives me a lot of work. Even when Thundy stay at home rather than go to work to take care of her while I rest, things are rather tiresome."

"Yes, I remember that phase with Jona" Cherry said. "He was always leaving me and Big Mac with terrible dark circles."

"Well, hearing you talking that way about raising foals makes me wish I don't have one in the near future" Rarity said. "I mean, this face was not done for dark circles."

"But Ah bet Shadow Claw is lookin’ forward tah be a father too, right?" Applejack asked.

"I think so, but he doesn't pressure me about it" Rarity said. "After all, we’re still not even married."

"But you're going to love the experience, Rarity" Cherry said. "After all, it always worth the effort."

"I agree with Cherry" Fluttershy said.

"An’ Ah'm sure Twilight would agree if she was here with us" Applejack said.

"Yeah" the others said sadly.

"But I bet it won't be long until she makes us a visit" Pinkie said, starting with his dreamy air. "And she's going to get on that train so cute..."

"Pinkie, don't drool" Applejack said.

And she then noticed Rainbow Dash had been fairly quiet, which was not her at all.

“Rainbow Dash, but what's wrong with ya? "Applejack asked, drawing the attention of the others.

Hearing her name, Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack and asked:

"What's going on?"

"What's goin’ on?" Applejack repeated. "We're here talkin’ and ya don't even bragged about how you became a Wonderbolt."

"Now that Applejack mentions it, I also think there's something wrong with you" Cherry said.

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked.

"You know that vent is quite relieving" Pinkie Pie said. "Except of course if you're keeping a secret so hard to keep to not spoil any surprise to somepony. Then, you have to keep the secret at all costs, but the pressure becomes so great that you will begin to have visions of your friends’ heads turning into talking balloons to try to make you tell the secret while going around you until you finally break."

That made everypony look at her who said:

"What? It can happen."

"Don't worry, Pinkie" Rainbow Dash said. "It's no secret. It's just that something happened after I was nominated, and it's making me nervous."

"Please, what can be so huge that it can leave tha bold and fearless Rainbow Dash so nervous?" Applejack asked.

"Don't tell us that it's the fact that you have to go back to Cloudsdale to train with the Wonderbolts" Rarity said. "Dear, we will always see each other whenever possible, as with Twilight."

"It's not that" Rainbow Dash said. "It's another thing. It happens... that a stallion asked me to go on a date with him."

"WHAT?!" Almost everypony asked at the same time, except Pinkie.

"Wait a second" she said, going to get a chocolate shake to start drinking and then spat. "I should have done this with water and not with chocolate shake. But what a waste."

"Pinkie Pie, I think we have more important matters than that" Rarity said. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Rainbow Dash, it’s your first date."

"Yes, Ah can't believe that a stallion had tha courage tah invite ya" Applejack said.

"And who is the lucky stallion?" Cherry Blossom asked.

"It’s... Soarin" Rainbow Dash answered.

"I knew it!" Rarity exclaimed. "I knew there was something between you two since Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding."

"Hey, nothing happened between us until today, okay?" Rainbow Dash said, showing her direct tone that she normally uses.

"But I thought you liked Soarin" Cherry Blossom said.

"Like him?" Applejack asked. "She's crazy about him."

A gruff look from Rainbow Dash made Applejack tell her:

"Sorry."

"There's nothing wrong with liking" Rainbow Dash said. "The problem is that I've never been on a date before. I mean, there was that time with Thunderlane in the Autumn Equinox Ball, but it wasn't a real date. It was more like two friends going to a party for fun. This with Soarin is serious."

"Fear not, dear friend" Rarity said. "Because I, Rarity, the specialist in romance, will advise you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Rarity, but I think..." Rainbow Dash started.

"You don't have to find anything, Rainbow Dash" Rarity said, rising and starting to take Rainbow Dash to the exit of Sugarcube Corner. "We're going immediately to my boutique to find a dress for you to wear, while I give you some advice."

With no other option, Rainbow Dash left Rarity drag her.

"And what about the party?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Don't worry, Pinkie, this only takes a moment" Rarity said, leaving with Rainbow Dash.

They went then to Carousel Boutique, where Rarity chose a dress for Rainbow Dash that was very pretty, and she also offered herself to arrange Rainbow’s mane when the meeting time approached. After that, she began to give her some advice on how to behave on a date. In Rainbow Dash’s opinion, in general, they were not bad, with the unicorn telling to the pegasus to behave normally and relax, as things would simply unfold perfectly. Returning to Sugarcube Corner, Rarity said:

"Mission accomplished. Our friend Rainbow Dash is ready for her first date."

"Are ya sure?" Applejack asked.

"Look, Applejack, what matters in a meeting is calm and relaxation" Rainbow Dash said. "I just have to hope that everything will be fine."

“Rainbow Dash doesn't need to worry about the visual because I take care of it" Rarity said.

"But don't forget, I don't want anything too... girly" Rainbow Dash said to her friend.

"Don't worry" Rarity said. "You know you can trust me."

"I know" Rainbow Dash replied. "You know, I think there is nothing that will put me nervous about the date at this point."

But it was then that the door opened and a voice that Rainbow Dash acknowledged said:

"Who's my fast girl?"

Rainbow turned and faced with a pegasus stallion with a mane like Rainbow Dash’s, pale, light grayish persian blue coat with a plane with a rainbow trail as a Cutie Mark and moderate gamboge eyes. Seeing him, Rainbow Dash got very excited and said:

"Dad!"

And she went to hug him. The truth is that that was Rainbow Blitz, Rainbow Dash’s father, who was a known flight instructor and, when he was younger, was a professional racer. After the hug, Rainbow Dash asked:

"What are you doing here?"

"I heard my dear daughter had occupied the vacant spot in the main team of Wonderbolts and I decided to congratulate her personally” Rainbow Blitz answered.

"What about mom?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"She decided to stay at home” Rainbow Blitz said. "You know how she is. She doesn't like to leave her cloud."

"It's so good to see you, Mr. Blitz” Fluttershy said.

"Fluttershy, how are you?" Rainbow Blitz said. "I heard you now have a family of your own. That is fantastic. I bet your dad is overjoyed."

"Well, he loves being a grandfather" Fluttershy replied.

"Well, knowing him like I do, that is completely normal to him" Rainbow Blitz said. "So, tell me, what's new? Aside from the fact that my dear daughter is now a Wonderbolt.

"Nothing special" Pinkie Pie said. "Apart from the fact that Soarin invited Rainbow Dash on a date."

"What?" Rainbow Blitz asked, surprised, while Rainbow Dash made gestures to Pinkie Pie to not say anything while she revealed that, turning to her then. "Seriously?"

"Dad, just so you know, he just asked me today and he is also quite nice."

"I know he is" Rainbow Blitz said. "But, Dash, you're..."

"I know, for you I am too young and this is not quite my thing, but I think... Soarin worth it" Rainbow Dash said.

There was a pause and then Rainbow Blitz smiled and said:

"Very well, but I want to have a talk with him."

"Dad..." Rainbow Dash started, but seeing that she would not be able to persuade him, she said. "Whatever you say."

He gave a kiss on her cheek and then came out of Sugarcube Corner.

"What was that?" Rarity asked.

"My father is very protective" Rainbow Dash said. "He’s not overprotective, but he always makes sure I’m always right, even when I moved to Ponyville. He's the one who got me the job on the weather team."

"So I made a mistake in telling him about Soarin?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Don't worry, Pinkie" Rainbow Dash said. "He would eventually find out. I just hope Soarin don't get too scared when he meets my father."

The time has come where Soarin came to get Rainbow Dash. He flew to her home, wearing a tuxedo and carrying a bouquet of flowers. Landing on the porch, he knocked on the door and it was opened, revealing Rainbow Dash. Soarin was stunned to see Rainbow Dash. She looked stunning with a beautiful dress that matched her mane that was also well arranged.

"Wow" he said.

"I know it sounds exaggerated and nothing like me, but I left my friend Rarity arrange me" Rainbow Dash said.

"You're beautiful" Soarin said, keeping in mind he had a bouquet of flowers and he extended it to her. "These are for you."

"Thank you, Soarin" Rainbow Dash thanked, putting the bouquet on small table that was on the verge of the entrance. "Although I don't like a lot of these slushy things, thanks."

"So, shall we?" Soarin asked.

"Before we go, I have to tell you something" Rainbow Dash said. "You know, my dad's here."

"And he wants to meet me, doesn't he?" Soarin asked. "Well, looks like I got lucky."

Hoofsteps were heard and then Rainbow Blitz appeared, saying:

"You bet."

Seeing Rainbow Blitz, Soarin was a little surprised and asked:

"Coach Rainbow Blitz? You are Rainbow Dash’s father?"

"Wait, you know my father?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Of course" Soarin replied. "He was my coach before I go to the Wonderbolts. I owe him all the flying techniques I know."

"You trained a Wonderbolt?" Rainbow Dash asked to his father. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because, unlike you, my dear, I don't like to brag" Rainbow Blitz said. "But don't worry, that's one of the things I like about you, because you are quite similar to your mother in that respect. Now, as for you, Soarin..."

"I assure you, coach, my intentions to your daughter are pure" Soarin said.

"I don't doubt that, Soarin" Rainbow Blitz said. "I just wanted to know if I'd still be the same young stallion I've ever known."

"Of course" Soarin said. "It can be sure."

"So I don't have to worry about Rainbow Dash" Rainbow Blitz said. "Well, have fun."

And, having said that, he went back inside. Rainbow Dash and Soarin then came out and started flying, going to the place where it would be their date. While they flew, Rainbow Dash said to Soarin:

"I can't believe that my father trained you."

"There are a lot of things about me you don't know" Soarin said.

"So I can't wait to know them" Rainbow Dash said.

And the two continued to fly.
> Applejack Falls in Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was another day of work to Applejack. Another day she would buck apple trees and pick apples. That was the kind of life that Applejack enjoyed. The truth was this was the kind of life she knew. Except for the fact that sometimes she fights villains and saves Equestria and, sometimes, the Pony World, that was her life.

But, lately, Applejack began to feel somewhat alone. After all, in recent times, much had changed. For example, his older brother, Big McIntosh, was now married to her friend Cherry Blossom and the two had now a foal, Jonagold. In addition, Twilight and Rainbow Dash had left Ponyville to live their own lives, Twilight as Regent of the Light Kingdom and Rainbow Dash as a Wonderbolt. However, there was something else that made her feel alone: she didn't have a coltfriend.

Almost all of those Applejack knew had somepony: Twilight with Blue Sword, Big Mac with Cherry Blossom, Fluttershy with Thunder Night, Rarity with Shadow Claw and even Rainbow Dash was with Soarin. The only one of her friends who was single like her was Pinkie Pie, but she knew that she, due to her personality, shouldn't be feeling the same thing. The truth was that Applejack wanted to find somepony special to her. She also wanted to know how falling in love was like.

While Applejack was bucking apple trees and picking apples, Big Mac approached.

"It wuz ‘bout time, big brother" Applejack told. "Ah thought ya’d never come."

"In fact, Applejack, Ah came tah tell ya Ah can't work today" Big Mac said.

"What?" Applejack asked. "Why?"

"Jona is a li’l sick and Ah have tah stay at home with him, while Cherry's in tha hospital" Big Mac said.

"Why doesn't Cherry cure Jona with her magic?" Applejack asked.

"Applejack, ya know that her magic is only tah bruises an’ broken bones" Big Mac said. "Moreover, her magic is unstable and we can't risk."

"Yes, Ah understand" Applejack sighed. "Go on, Ah do tha work mahself."

"Thank you, sis" Big Mac thanked.

And he walked away.

Applejack sighed and turned to the apple trees. It's not that she didn’t mind in doing the job for two, but now she just felt even more alone. She continued to buck apple trees and harvesting apples. Then she came to a tree whose last apple didn't fall, remaining at the top of the tree. She then climbed to the top of that tree to get it. Once she got there, she prepared to get the apple when something suddenly hit her and made her fall to the ground, while what hit her fell on top of her.

"What the hay..." she started.

And it was then that she saw what had hit her. It wasn't a what, but a who. She was aghast when she came across with a pegasus stallion with a dark grey coat with a gray wing as Cutie Mark, light and very pale arctic blue mane and brilliant cerulean eyes. At the head, he had a light indigoish gray headband and hoofbands with a moderate violet stripe. Seeing him, Applejack felt light like a feather. It was as if somepony had her relieved a ton of top. Her stomach also gave a walk and her heart began to bump faster.

"I'm so sorry" the stallion said, rising up. "I was flying too fast and I didn't see where I was going."

"It's okay" Applejack said, doing a nervous smile. "I was also a little distracted."

"Well, now that the apologies were made, let's move on to the introductions" the stallion said. "My name is Cloud Chaser."

"I'm Applejack" Applejack introduced herself, making a slight nod. 

"Applejack?" Cloud Chaser asked. "You are one of Rainbow Dash’s best friends, right?"

"You know Rainbow Dash?" Applejack asked.

"Of course" Cloud Chaser replied. "We're cousins."

"Seriously?" Appejack asked. “Rainbow Dash never told me she had cousins, much less one that was so cut... I mean, fast."

"Well, our parents grew up competing with each other in races, so..." Cloud Chaser said. "Eventually, I and Rainbow Dash also gained the taste for racing, although she had always been better than me."

Applejack heard Cloud Chaser, but her attention was more fixed on him than on his words. The look in his eyes seemed to hypnotize her and made her heart flutter even faster.

"Anyway, I came to Ponyville because my cousin said I could take her place on the weather team" Cloud Chaser said. "She even let me take her old house."

"It's great" Applejack said. "It means that we will be able tah see each other more often."

"I hope so" Cloud Chaser said. "Well, I have to go. See you later."

And, having said that, Cloud Chaser took flight. Applejack stayed to see him walking away, smiling. When he walked away from her vision field, Applejack returned to her normal state and asked herself:

"What the hay just happen’d?"

After she have done a good piece of work, Applejack decided to go to the town to distract herself a bit. She ended up going to Sugarcube Corner, where she met with Pinkie Pie at the entrance. She was coming out jumping up and down gleefully.

"Howdy, Pinkie Pie" Applejack greeted. "Goin’ somewhere?"

"You can bet your Cutie Mark” she replied. "There's a new pony in Ponyville and you know that I love, but I just love organizing parties for newcomers."

"A new pony?" Applejack asked, realizing that she was talking about Cloud Chaser. "Is he a pegasus?"

"Yes, he is, and he is also Rainbow Dash’s cousin, can you imagine?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Although it is a little hard to believe, due to the fact that Rainbow has a rainbow mane and he doesn't. It's moments like this that make me wonder if she dyes her mane or uses a wig."

"Pinkie, Rainbow’s father also has a rainbow mane, remember?" Applejack recalled.

"Don't tell me!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, shocked. "Does that mean he dyes his mane or wears a wig too? Well, of course it would be to imagine, since he is a mid-age pony and he can have a midlife crisis or something..."

"Pinkie, don't you have a party to organize?" Applejack asked, already knowing how Pinkie was when she inquired.

"It's true!" Pinkie exclaimed, looking at her unique watch. "I have to hurry before the time of Cloud Chaser arriving to his house."

"Wait, how do ya know when he..." Applejack started.

But before she could finish the question, Pinkie Pie said:

"I gotta go!"

And she just took off running and Applejack smiled at seeing her friend moving away. Anyway, Pinkie Pie was Pinkie Pie. Applejack then entered in Sugarcube Corner and started eating a nice slice of cake. The door opened and then Cherry entered.

"Applejack, you’re here?" she asked, approaching.

"Yes, Ah decided to take a break from work" Applejack replied.

"It seems that we thought the same thing" Cherry Blossom said, joining Applejack at her desk. "Be working and taking care of a sick child isn't a piece of cake."

"Mah brother told me ‘bout Jona" Applejack said.

"You don't have to worry, Applejack" Cherry said. "It's just a slight fever and some cramping. He's going to be fine. You must be quite exhausted. After all, you have twice of the work, since Big Mac didn't go to work at the farm today."

"It's nothin’" Applejack answered. "Believe me. If we were in Applebuck Season, Ah'd be more concern’d."

But then Cherry looked carefully to Applejack and noticed in something that caught her attention.

"It's like you have a certain twinkle in your eyes" she noted.

"What do ya mean, Cherry?" Applejack asked.

"I don't know, but it's something familiar" Cherry said. "I know, it seems exactly the look that your brother used to look at me when we started dating."

And it was then that she realized.

"It can't be!" Cherry exclaimed. "You fell in love with somepony."

"What?!" Applejack asked. "That's not true!"

But Applejack, being as honest as she was, couldn't tell a lie without being immensely uncomfortable. She then, seeing Cherry staring at her, eventually confessed:

"Okay, okay! Ah may have known somepony."

"I knew it!" Cherry exclaimed, excitedly. "Who is he?"

"Rainbow’s cousin, Cloud Chaser" Applejack replied.

"Oh, I've heard of him" Cherry Blossom said. "He replaced Rainbow on the weather team. He's quite cute."

"Yeah, he is..." Applejack said, somewhat dreamily, before realizing what she had said. "Ah mean..."

"Don't worry, Applejack, it's perfectly normal to think that way" Cherry said. "When we're in love, we can only think about our loved ones."

"Ah've never felt this in mah life" Applejack said. "Ah don't know what to feel or do."

"Just relax and let things happen" Cherry Blossom said.

"It's easy fer ya tah say" Applejack said. "Ya're marri’d and happy with mah brother."

Cherry gave a laugh and said:

"Yes, but you know how hard it was for us in the beginning" Cherry said. "Each one of us was afraid to make the first move. It is clear that our relationship had its own complications and because I still loved Sky. But, Applejack, what I mean is that if you like Cloud Chaser, you can't be afraid of what you feel."

"Ah don't know" Applejack said. "This is new tah me. The truth is Ah never thought Ah'd fall in love."

"But this is something that happens to everypony, Applejack" Cherry Blossom said. "But the secret to deal with this is to face it head on."

Applejack thought in Cherry Blossom told her and realized that she was right. She couldn't let fear stop her from being happy, even if it meant being rejected.

After leaving Sugarcube Corner, Applejack started heading to the farm to continue working. Then she went around the house that before belonged to Rainbow Dash and now belonged to Cloud Chaser. He then appeared flying nearby. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. Applejack called him:

"Cloud Chaser."

He heard it and then approached, landing in front of Applejack, and greeted her:

"Hello again, Applejack. Can I do anything for you?"

"Well, ya know..." Applejack stammered. "Ah wanted to... Ah wanted to..."

Despite having decided she was going to face that new challenge, Applejack was still hesitant. After all, she didn't know how Cloud Chaser would react and he was the cousin of one of her best friends.

"Ya know, Cloud Chaser, Ah wanted tah tell ya..." Applejack began. "Ah just want’d tah say Ah think you're pretty... cute."

Upon hearing that, Cloud Chaser blushed slightly and said, scratching his head:

"Seriously? Wow, thanks, Applejack."

"Ah'm sorry if this seem’d inappropriate, but Ah’m new in this and Ah was told tah be honest an’ say tha truth, but that is in mah nature an’ sometimes Ah don’t know how tah control tha things Ah say" Applejack.

"So you like me?" Cloud Chaser asked.

"You could say that" Applejack replied. "But Ah don't want tah force ya tah be mah coltfriend. Ah wuz just wonderin’ if we could spend some time together and see if it works."

The farm mare waited for Cloud Chaser’s answer with the heart in her throat. Every second that he wouldn't answer seemed like an eternity. That's when he said:

"Okay."

Upon hearing that, Applejack was surprised.

"Wait, did ya said okay?" she asked.

"Yes, I did" Cloud Chaser replied.

"Seriously?" Applejack asked smiling.

"Sure, why not?" Cloud Chaser said. "The truth is that you're a very pretty mare and I never had a date. It might be worth giving it a chance and see where it goes."

Applejack was immensely happy to hear that and said:

"Great! Then maybe we can go for a walk after dinner. Can we meet in the town hall after dinner?"

"It’s okay for me" Cloud Chaser replied.

"Okay" Applejack said. "See ya later then."

And, suddenly, Cloud Chaser gave a kiss on Applejack’s cheek, saying then:

"See you later."

And, having said that, he took flight. Applejack led a hoof to where Cloud Chaser kissed her, sketching then a smile.

And so, Applejack found a passion that eventually would turn into love.
> An Apple Falls for a Pie
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack and Big Mac were in Ponyville station, waiting for the arrival of the Friendship Express. They were very excited because their cousin, Apple Bushel, was coming from Appleloosa to come to take a hoof in the harvest.

With Big Mac busy helping Cherry Blossom taking care of Jonagold, the Apple family had to ask for help to one of its relatives to come to help and Bushel was the only one available.

The train arrived and stopped in front of Ponyville station. Once it stopped, the doors of the carriages opened and ponies began to get out. The two Apple siblings watched to see if they saw their cousin until Applejack saw him:

"Bushel, we're here!"

And Bushel approached their two cousins. He was a stallion with a size and built similar to Big Mac’s. His coat was brilliant amber with a bucket of apples in water as Cutie Mark, brilliant sap green and pistachio mane, oderate green eyes and very light yellow coatless hooves. He also had a cury hat and a scarf around the neck with dots. Once he got to them, Bushel gave a hug to Applejack, with her saying:

"It's so good tah have ya here."

"An’ it's good tah be here" Bushel answered, ending the hug. "It's always a pleasure tah help a family member who needs help."

He then turned to Big Mac and said to him, while the two bumped hooves:

"Big Mac, Ah don’t see ya since ya got marri’d. How are things with Cherry? Ah heard ya two have a son."

"Eyeup" Big Mac answered. "An’ he is a beautiful colt like his father."

Bushel giggled and then said:

"I'm sure he is."

"An’ what if we got back tah tha farm?" Applejack suggested. "After tha trip, ya must be tir’d, Bushel."

"Are ya kiddin’?" Bushel asked. "Tha last thin’ Ah want tah do is tah rest when Celestia barely rais’d tha sun. What Ah want tah do is tah exercise an’ Ah think Ah came ta help ya pickin’ apples, right? Come on!"

And he started heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack and Big Mac exchanged a look and then a laugh. Looks like their cousin hadn't changed anything.

They arrived at the farm and then they started to buck the trees to harvest apples. Bushel’s help facilitated things. After they stop to rest, Cherry Blossom appeared, bringing Jonagold.

"See who came to say hello" Cherry said, as they arrived.

Big Mac, with a big smile, received his son in his hooves and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"So this is tha little Big Mac” Bushel said, seeing Jonagold. "Ya weren't kiddin’, Big Mac. He's
really like ya."

"Bushel, long time no see" Cherry said. "Your trip to Ponyville went well?"

"Everythin’ went smoothly" Bushel answered. "Now, Ah think Ah'm goin’ tah drink a glass of water. Big Mac, are ya comin’?"

"Eeyup" he replied.

And the two stallions headed to the farm home with Big Mac taking Jonagold. After they have gone, Applejack overheard somepony calling:

"Hello, Applejack!"

Recognizing that voice, Applejack turned, saying:

"Howdy, Pinkie…"

But, when she turned around, she didn't see anypony.

"Pinkie Pie?" she called.

"I'm here, silly" she said.

But Applejack, turning, still didn't see her.

"Where?" Applejack asked.

"Here!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Applejack" Cherry said, pointing up.

Applejack looked and then she saw that Pinkie Pie was jumping on a pogo stick.

"Hello, Applejack, what are you doing?"

"That's what Ah should ask ya, Pinkie" Applejack said, while she saw Pinkie Pie jumping from up to down. "Where tha hay did ya get that?"

"My sister Maud gave it to me" Pinkie Pie said. "Isn't that amazing?!"

"Yeah" said Applejack, tired of watching Pinkie Pie jump. "But could ya stop jumpin’, Pinkie?"

"Why?" she asked, while jumping. "This... is… so… much… fun!"

"Because Ah don't have tah be movin’ mah head up and down fer me tah address tah ya" Applejack said.

"Oh..." Pinkie said, jumping. "Okie… dokie... lokie."

And, when she was in midair, Pinkie Pie released the pogo stick away and, inexplicably, landed on her feet.

"Better?" she asked to Applejack.

"A lot better" Applejack said. "Now, Pinkie, wha’cha doing here?"

"A friend told me that a friend told him that an acquaintance told her that one of your cousins arrived today and I came to meet him" Pinkie said.

"Pinkie, ya probably already know him, but it's likely that ya don't remember him" Applejack said.

"Nonsense, Applejack, I remember all the ponies of your family, although I don’t officially know all of them" Pinkie Pie said.

It was then that Big Mac and Bushel appeared, with the latter saying:

"We let li’l Jonagold with aunt Granny Smith, so…"

But he isn't finished, since he noticed Pinkie Pie. Seeing her, he felt her heart bumping faster. He had never seen such beautiful mare. All that pink just made the light that radiated from her even more beautiful.

"Pinkie Pie, this is..." Applejack started saying, ready to introduce his cousin, but Pinkie was faster.

She, using her unnatural speed, reached the edge of Bushel, while she shacked vigorously his hoof:

"Hello, Bushel, my name is Pinkie Pie. Probably you remember me at all times that Apple's family gathered. I'm a good friend of Applejack. By the way, how long will you stay? It will probably be until Big Mac managed to reconcile the work on the farm with his duties as a father. You know what, I'm going to prepare a welcome party for you. What is your favorite cake flavor: strawberry or chocolate? It's probably apples, just like whole your family. But don't worry about a thing, I take care of everything. By the way, the clock is ticking. I have to get everything ready for your party tonight, because tomorrow won’t be your first day in Ponyville, but the second. I better get going. Bye, bye."

And, having said that, she just walked away with the speed of a Pegasus flying. The way she had greeted Bushel left everypony stunned. Applejack said:

"Wow... She really knew who Bushel was."

"I wonder how she can memorize so much information" Cherry said. "And you, Big Mac?"

"Eeyup" he replied.

But Bushel was still standing in the same place, looking in the direction that Pinkie took, and then his eyes went to the hoof that she shook. A slight pinkish hue appeared on his face, something that has not been ignored by the other three.

"Bushel, are ya okay?" Applejack asked.

"Yes, I am..." he said. "Ah think Ah'm goin’ tah take care of the south orchard."

And he walked away and, after he was at a considerable distance, Cherry asked to Big Mac and Applejack:

"Did you just see how he was looking to Pinkie Pie?"

"Eeyup" Big Mac answered.

"It looks like our cousin has a little crush on our friend Pinkie Pie" Applejack said. "Poor fella. Little he does know that he’s not goin’ tah get anywhere with her. "

"Don't say that, Applejack" said Cherry. "So you're going to portend it."

"It's not like ya don't know Pinkie Pie, Cherry" Applejack said. "She'd rather go on a date with her party cannon than a stallion."

"I think everypony has a soul mate" Cherry said. "Even ponies like Pinkie Pie. And if her better half is Bushel, so we just have to help and support them."

"Of course Ah would support Bushel and Pinkie, but Ah know that nothin’ is goin’ tah happen between them, so let’s not give ourselves false expectations" Applejack said.

"You should be more romantic, Applejack" Cherry said, turning to her husband. "Don't ya agree, Big Mac?"

The red stallion stood when he heard his wife asking him that question, however, he tried to remain silent, since he knew by experience to not be between Cherry and Applejack when they had differing opinions.

"Ah think ya're follin’ yerself, Cherry" Applejack opined.

"And I thought Cloud Chaser had changed your perspective about the unlikely love" Cherry said.

That made Applejack blush and say:

"Ah'm not sayin’ that an unlikely relationship cannot exist. Ah'm just saying that Pinkie Pie jest see ponies as friends and will never raise her relationship with a stallion tah somethin’ more."

"Well, what if we made a bet" Cherry suggested.

Upon hearing that, Big Mac had a bad feeling.

"A bet?" Applejack asked.

"I bet Pinkie Pie and Bushel will end up together as a couple and you’ll bet the other way around" Cherry said.

"Very well" Applejack accepted. "But, if I win, you have to clean the stable for a week."

"Okay" Cherry said. "If you want to do things like this, I'm in. If I win, you will have to... kiss Cloud Chaser in the mouth in front of everypony."

Applejack didn't seem to have been very pleased to hear that. Although his relationship with Cloud Chaser was official, she didn't like to show affection in public. However, not wanting to show weakness, she said:

"It’s on."

And the two bumped their hooves.

Bushel was working in the south orchard, but his mind kept focus on Pinkie Pie. He just couldn't help it. He just couldn't forget her beauty and her contagious smile. He wondered what would happen if he asked her out. Would she accept it?

When started to get dark, Bushel returned to the farmhouse and, when he just entered, he encountered a lot of ponies, including his family, and with party decorations everywhere.

"SURPRISE!" everypony shouted.

"What tha..." Bushel started.

And Pinkie Pie appeared in front of him, saying:

"Hello, I hope you enjoyed. I told you I'd make you a welcome party. Since I didn't know what was the type of cake you'd like more, I decided to bring various kinds."

"Oh..." Bushel said, blushing, not knowing what to say next. "Thank you, Pinkie."

In the distance, Applejack and Cherry observed Bushel and Pinkie. Cherry said, with a smile:

"It looks like those two are getting on rather well, Applejack."

"That's ‘cause Pinkie Pie gets along with almost everypony, Cherry" Applejack reminded.

"Maybe, but I think that the relationship between them will be the ending that I predict" Cherry said.

The party continued, with everypony talking joyously. Bushel ate a slice of apple cake and then his eyes fell on Pinkie, who talked to Rarity and Shadow Claw. He felt an overwhelming desire to go up there and tell her what I felt. But, as any stallion who was in love, she was afraid of rejection. However, he knew he would win anything if he didn't risk and confess to Pinkie Pie that he felt. Then, he decided what he had to do.

He approached Pinkie after she finished speaking with Rarity and Shadow Claw. She greeted him:

"Hello, Bushel. Are you enjoying the party?"

"Yeah, it's very nice" Bushel said. "Ya're really good at this."

"Well, that's what I do best," said Pinkie Pie. "There's nothing I love more than put a smile on my friends’ faces."

It was now. Bushel had to do it before he lost courage. He took a deep breath and said:

"Pinkie Pie, Ah have somethin’ tah ask ya."

"Let me guess" Pinkie Pie said. "You fell in love with me as soon as you saw me, you started to think about how you should react to all that and now you want to ask me to go out with you on a date."

"Yes..." Bushel said, realizing then what Pinkie Pie had said. "Wait, how do ya know? Was Ah so obvious?"

"No, it was my Pinkie sense" she replied. "I'm very good at predicting things. If I wasn't a party planner, I bet I would be a great seer. Wait, and I am a seer. I forgot about the Madame Pinkie’s place."

"So, what's yer answer, Pinkie?" Bushel asked. "Do ya want tah go on a date with me."

"Sure" she replied.

"Great!" Bushel exclaimed. "What? Seriously? "

"Yes, why not?" asked Pinkie. "You're cute, sweet and funny. Besides, you're Applejack’s cousin. You know, I have to tell you something. The ponies here think I just have friends, but there's a lot about me that they don't know. "

"Well, Ah'm dyin’ tah know what they don’t know" Bushel said.

“Well, I hope not, otherwise we couldn’t date” Pinkie Pie answered.

And they laughed.

Applejack and Cherry saw Pinkie Pie and Bushel talking excitedly and the last said:

"It looks like they are doing very well."

"Ah jest want tah know what they're talkin’ about" Applejack said.

"Then let's find out" Cherry said.

The two approached and Cherry asked:

"So it's all good here."

"Sure" Pinkie replied. "Girls, you won't believe. Bushel just asked me to go out with him."

Pretending to look surprised, Cherry and Applejack said:

"Seriously?"

"Yes, you know, I really liked Pinkie when I saw her" Bushel said.

"And what did ya say, Pinkie?" Applejack asked, while she and Cherry were waiting eagerly for Pinkie Pie’s answer to know who had won the bet.

"Of course I said yes!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily.

That left Cherry immensely happy.

"What?!" Applejack asked, not wanting to believe.

"I know, I know, I'm not the type to accept these kind of requests, but seeing all of you falling in love, it made me curious about" Pinkie Pie said.

Applejack couldn't believe it. Pinkie Pie had agreed to go on a date with Bushel, so that meant...

"You know what that means, don't you, Applejack?" Cherry asked. "It means you lost the bet."

"What bet?" Bushel asked.

"They are talking about the bet they made about whether I would go on a date with you or not" Pinkie said. "Cherry thought I'd accept, but Applejack, who believed that I only accept a pony as a friend, said that I would’t."

"Wow, Pinky, you're right" Cherry said. "Let me guess. Pinkie sense?"

"How else could I know of things that a normal pony would never know unless she had heard from another pony or had heard herself?" Pinkie asked. "So, what do you have to do, Applejack?"

"You'll see" Cherry said, repairing in Cloud Chaser. "Look, Applejack. Cloud Chaser is there. Don't you have something important to tell him? You know, with your lips."

Applejack made her a surly look and then sighed. After all, a bet is a bet and Applejack had to comply with Cherry’s terms. So, she advanced to her coltfriend and, upon arriving on his edge, she kissed him. The ponies who were near were surprised to see Applejack demonstrating affections with a stallion in front of everypony.

"I don't know why, but she'll go to thank me later" Cherry said.

"Yeah…” Pinkie Pie said. “You wanna bet?”

And so the party continued.
> Spike... the Pony?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the Light Kingdom, Twilight was taking care of the last royal issues it had to be dealt with, sitting on her throne, while Spike was at her side with a quill and a scroll.

"Check, check, check and check" Spike said, scratching from the list what they had already taken care of. "It seems we just did everything we had for today, Twilight."

"Good" Twilight said. "I can't wait to go see Star. I miss him so much when I'm not with him."

"Twilight, you saw him at breakfast" Spike recalled.

"I know, it's been a long time" Twilight said.

But seeing Spike looking at her with a serious look, Twilight told him:

"You don't understand, Spike. After all, you don't have children."

"Hey, but one day I'm going to have" Spike said, then a dreamy look. "And I just wish their mother was the mare of my dreams."

"Spike, I know you like Rarity and you've always wanted that she liked you in the same way that you” Twilight said. "But don't you think you should forget her? After all, she is dating Shadow Claw."

"It's just a little romance without importance" Spike said. "I'm sure it won’t last until she breaks up with him."

Twilight looked worried to Spike. He truly believed he still had a chance with Rarity. She just hoped that he didn't suffer when he finally found the truth.

The doors of the throne room opened and Blue Sword entered. As he approached the throne, Twilight asked:

"How'd it go?"

"It's everything fine" Blue said, climbing the stairs that led to the throne. "The Diamond Domain is doing its job perfectly and the Diamond Heart is in perfect condition."

Upon reaching the edge of his wife, Blue gave her a kiss and said:

"This work of General of Balance is quite demanding."

"Wait, why did you go there?" Spike asked.

"Heartbeat had a nightmare last night" Twilight told. "All the kingdom trembled because of the energy released by her."

"You know, I've never felt these earthquakes caused by Heartbeat" Spike said. "I sleep like a rock."

"Yes, we know, Spike" Twilight said rolling her eyes, making a slight smile.

"Anyway, I had to check if the Diamond Heart managed to absorb the energy caused by her nightmares" Blue continued. "After all, with Oogie Boogie free again, he can invade her dreams again."

"Yes, and it's thanks to me..." Spike said in a sad way.

Hearing him telling that, Twilight and Blue locked to him and the last said:

"I’m sorry, Spike, I didn't mean..."

"It's okay" Spike said. "I know you two think it's not my fault that the Dragon King have controlled me to steal the prison-book and when I tried to recover it from Fire Punch, opening it unintentionally. But the truth is that it was because of me that those villains escaped."

"Spike, listen, I know you feel guilty for what happened" Twilight said. "But you shouldn't. You were forced to steal the prison-book and accidents happen. In addition, you're forgetting a detail."

"What?" Spike asked.

"If you hadn't closed the book when the life cells were being taken, probably all the villains would be free, including those of the solitary" Twilight said, smiling. "And it took a lot of courage to face Fire Punch."

"Do you really think that?" Spike asked.

Twilight and Blue waved and Spike smiled and thanked:

"Thank you, guys. You are great."

But it was then that Spike felt something in his stomach that left him nauseated, forcing him to contort his face.

"I know you're not a fan of fruity stuff, Spike, but you should be more grateful for having us showing concern for you, don't you think?" Twilight asked.

"It’s not that" Spike said.

He then burped and the fire that he released turned into a letter that Twilight took with her magic and then opened it.

"It's from Rarity" Twilight said.

"From Rarity?" Spike asked, starting to get excited. "What did it say?! What did it say?!"

"Whoa, Spike, I'm reading" Twilight said, turning to the content of the letter. "It seems to be an invitation. To..."

But she didn’t finished, because Twilight got a little surprised and then downed the letter and said:

"For nothing special. Probably we will not be able to make it."

"Why not?" Spike asked. "Come on, Twilight. Since we came to the Light Kingdom that I have spent very little time with Rarity. This would be an opportunity to be with her."

"I know, but..." Twilight said, trying to think of some excuse. “But ... Blue and I have a very important meeting that day."

"We have?" Blue asked, carrying an eyebrow.

Twilight didn't say anything, simply putting the letter in front of him. Blue read it and then got the same air as Twilight and hastened to say:

"It's true! We have a... very important meeting."

"Seriously?" Spike asked, confused. "This is weird. I don't recall having scheduled anything so important."

"That's because I took care of everything" Twilight said, continuing to make her fake smile. "After all, I can't overload my number one assistant."

"But can't you postpone it?" Spike asked to Twilight and Blue.

The two exchanged nervous looks and then they realized they couldn't hide it from Spike, so Twilight said:

"Okay, Spike, there is no meeting. I just said that in order to be able to refuse Rarity’s invitation."

"But why?" Spike asked, don't understanding why Twilight and Blue would do that.

Twilight extended the letter to him and Spike took it, beginning to read:

"Dear Twilight, it is with great pleasure that I invite you, Spike, Blue, Star and the Generals of Order to my wedding with Shadow Claw. Yes, he asked me to marry him and I would like to share this special day with all my friends. Please, answer me to confirm that you accepted the invitation. Your dear friend, Rarity."

After reading it, Spike was petrified. He couldn't believe in what he had just read. The great love of his life was... getting married.

"Spike..." Twilight called, worried about his dragon friend. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I am..." Spike replied, getting a little discouraged again, this time due to the broken heart. "I just have go to."

And, having said that, Spike walked to the exit and left.

"Poor little guy, I don't even want to imagine what he must be feeling" Blue said.

"He loved Rarity that now her marriage is a very hard blow to him" Twilight said. "I already knew that this would happen sooner or later."

"Do you think we should go talk to him?" Blue asked.

"Better not" Twilight replied. "We're going to let him be alone for a while. Until he accepts the situation."

But Spike was not accepting the situation. He had gone to the library in the castle, where he began looking for a way to stop Rarity’s wedding. Watching him, perched on a shelf, was Owlowicious, which now also radiated light.

“There's gotta be something in here somewhere” Spike said, while watching some books.

Owlowicious hooted and Spike replied:

“It's not who, it's what!” Spike said. “Like, what can allow me to separate Rarity from that good-looking stallion with wolf face she thinks she loves.”

Owlowicious hooted to Spike in a disapproving way and the dragon said:

"I know I shouldn't do this, but I can't waste my great love in this way" Spike replied, continuing to be observe books. "I know she likes me in the way I like her. I just have to show her that. There's gotta be some kind of spell that'll do the trick.”

Owlowicious hooted again to Spike and he asked him:

“Come on, help a dragon out!”

He took a book from the shelf and behind it was Owlowicious who hooted to him again, making him a penetrating gaze. Not liking the way the owl was looking, Spike returned to put the book in its place. He moved the ladder where he was and, when he stopped, faced with Owlowicious that was perched on top of two books lying on the shelf, hooting again to Spike in a disapproval way. He rolled his eyes and said, coming down the ladder:

"It's not just for me, it’s also for Rarity. The one who made you that bow tie you like so much?”

Owlowicious hooted again with the same tone and Spike said, while advancing to the shelf on the opposite side and picked up one of the books:

"Ok, I understand. You don't think I should use magic, but..."

Spike then watched the book he had picked up and finally found something that he could use.

"I found it! The spell of the enchanted transformation. It will allow me to turn me into the kind of pony that Rarity desires. As soon as she sees me, she will leave Shadow Claw for me."

But Owlowicious, who was not enjoying that one bit, and knowing by its owner that magic was not hundred per cent safe when not handled with care, hooted in a tone of warning.

"Don't worry" Spike said, ignoring the warning tone of the owl. "Everything will be fine. But you can't say anything to anypony. I want it to be a surprise. In fact, I think I want you to help me. Don't forget that, after all, you're the assistant to the assistant of the princess of the Light Kingdom."

And Spike walked out of the library. Owlowicious rolled his eyes and followed him, wanting to ensure that he wouldn't do any more stupid beyond that he was going to do.

Later, Spike was in his room, with Owlowicious landed on the bed of the young dragon. He was watching all the ingredients he got and that he needed.

"Okay, let's see" Spike said. "Petals of a poison joke, powder from the scales of a cocktrice, a branch from a Timberwolf. Wow, this spell requires some fairly dangerous ingredients. I'm glad Mirror Coat’s lab has everything what it takes."

Spike then put all ingredients in a mortar (taking care to get her talons protected when handling with the poison joke) and then he check the most important ingredients. He took a mane thread and said:

"Now, I have to add a piece of the pony I want to enchant."

Owlowicious hooted with a who and Spike said to him:

"Rarity, of course. Who else? But don't ask where I got her mane thread. This is a secret that I will never tell."

Spike put the mane thread in the mortar and then said, picking up a small bottle where there was smoke purple.

"And all I need now is something from a shapeshifter" Spike said. "As Purple Smoke is always changing shape, it wasn't hard to get some of his smoke."

And he opened the bottle and threw the smoke mortar, rushing to mix everything with the pistil before the smoke dissipated. In the end, he had a bright orange powder.

"Looks like I got the right color" Spike said, checking out the book. "Well, looks like it's time to become a pony to conquer the mare that I love."

Owlowicious, trying to make Spike to give up from that idea, hooted to warn him.

"Don't worry, Owlowicious, I know what I'm doing" Spike said.

He took a handful of dust and released it on himself. When this happened, orange smoke emerged, hiding Spike’s body. Owlocious observed carefully and a pony silhouette came up with Spike’s voice saying:

"I think it worked! Finally, I'll be able to conquer Rarity."

When the smoke dispersed, Owlowicious could see Spike’s new look and, seeing him, began to hoot so much in laughter.

"What?" asked Spike. "Do I look bad?"

He went to the mirror and was stunned by what he saw.

"But what is this?!"

He had become an earth pony with a coat with the color of his scales and mane with the color of his spikes. Spike was looking good, but there was one little problem...

"A colt?" he asked, while he saw a colt as his reflection. "I became a colt? But how can this be? I followed all the instructions..."

He consulted the book and finally found the problem. He read:

"The spell of the enchanted transformation, although changing the appearance, is unable to change the age of the user."

Owlowicious hooted to Spike and he said to him:

"I hope you haven't said: I warned you. Well, I better find a book to tell me how to remove the effect of this."

Spike then started heading to the library with Owlowicious landed on his back. The young dragon said:

"I don't understand. Why things are going bad? First, the mare of my dreams is getting married and now, my attempt to conquer her failed. But I'm not giving up. You got that right, Owlowicious."

It was then that he heard a humming and saw Heartbeat was approaching from the opposite direction, hopping around all happy.

"Oh no, it's Heartbeat!" he said. "Fast, act naturally. It may be that she won't notice. "

And so Spike learned against the wall, getting quiet and hoping that Heartbeat just go through him. But when she passed him, the General of Affection told him:

"Hello, Spike."

And she continued her way. Spike was stunned when he heard that. Heartbeat knew who he was? But it seemed she haven’t noticed that he was a pony. Not wondering if this was true, Spike hastened to follow his path, but when he tried to advance, he encountered Heartbeat right in front of him, watch him closely.

"Hello, Heartbeat..." he said, nervously. "How are you?"

Heartbeat did not respond, keeping looking to Spike from top to bottom. She then said:

"You look different."

Spike got quite nervous when she said that. He then remembered that Heartbeat saw things through the spirit and that the body for her was indifferent. Not wanting her to know what he did, Spike asked, acting normally:

"Do I? I don't think so. I'm still the same Spike."

"No, there is something strange" Heartbeat said, continuing watching Spike. "Let me guess. You brushed the coat. No, no, that's not it. I know, you've got a new manestyle. No, that's not it either."

It took a few seconds, but Heartbeat finally realized and exclaimed:

"Wait a minute, dragons do not have coat or mane! I don't believe it, Spike, you're a colt!"

Spike hastened to cover Heartbeat’s mouth with one of his hooves and told her:

"Shut up, you want everyone to hear you?"

And he led Heartbeat quickly to his room. When they got there, Owlowicious returned to Spike’s bed and Heartbeat said:

"I didn't know dragons could turn into ponies. But I think we learn something new every day."

"I didn't become a foal by myself" Spike said, who saw that he had no choice but to confess to Heartbeat. "I used a spell called enchanted transformation."

"Oh, I remember that spell" Heartbeat said. "I created it."

"You did?" Spike asked, surprised.

"Yes" Heartbeat replied. "You know, the physical aspect disturbs some relationships, so I created this spell to minimize that problem. The spell was not bad, but I'm not very good at transformations like Purple Smoke and I could not cause the spell to change the age."

"Yeah, I think I noticed it" Spike said, cynically, making gestures to himself. "Would you..."

Understanding what Spike wanted to say, Heartbeat charged her horn with magic and Spike flashed and after a burst of orange powder left him while he went back to his dragon form.

"Thank you, Heartbeat" he thanked.

"Can you explain to me why you used my spell of enchanted transformation?" Heartbeat asked.

Knowing he couldn't hide anything from Heartbeat, Spike sighed and said:

"I wanted Rarity to get enchanted by me and left Shadow Claw to be with me."

"I understand" Heartbeat said. "I can feel the love you feel for Rarity. But you have to know something, Spike. Even if the spell worked the way you wanted, I think Rarity would never let Shadow Claw."

"Why?" Spike asked.

"Spike, the physical aspect, although it has a certain influence, is not a decisive factor in a relationship" Heartbeat said. "It's the love, affection, the complicity and the passion the main ingredients."

"And let me guess" Spike said, sadly. "You see all that in Rarity and Shadow Claw."

"I do" Heartbeat answered.

Spike, sad, went to sit on his bed, saying then:

"It seems that I have no luck in love. I mean, I loved Rarity since the first day I saw her, but it appears to have been in vain. "

"I wouldn't say that" Heartbeat said, sitting next to Spike. "Spike, although you can't love Rarity as more than a friend, doesn't mean you can't continue to be the loyal friend you have been. I think Rarity also wouldn't want that."

Spike wondered what Heartbeat said and realized she was right. Rarity, though, was his friend and he wouldn’t let to be hers because he would never have her love. And, being a friend of hers, he had to support and celebrate what that will surely be one of the happiest days of her life.

"Thank you, Heartbeat" Spike thanked. "Your words have brought me much comfort."

"I know" she said. "I'm pretty good at what I do."

Heartbeat jumped up and started heading to the door, but before she left, she turned to Spike and told him:

"One more thing, Spike. For the next time you want to do a spell, make sure you read the instructions right."

That made Spike to give a nervous laugh and blush slightly and Heartbeat came out.

Several days passed until the marriage between Rarity and Shadow Claw arrived. By her friend’s request, Twilight allowed the marriage to happen in the Light Kingdom. Everything was prepared in the Great Hall, with the decoration with star seeds and all the guests wearing their best outfits. 

Rarity was beautiful with the dress she had made for herself. Shadow Claw was also stunning with his tuxedo. All Rarity's friends were all present, accompanied by their husbands or coltfriends and, for those who had, foals, in addition to her parents and sister, who was with her other friends from the Crusaders. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Ingrid, Freeze Burn (accompanying Ingrid), Shining Armor and Gleaming Shield were also present. Twilight would preside over the ceremony, while Blue was with Star that was on top of his back wearing a beautiful tuxedo. Rarity’s best mare was Fluttershy and Shadow Claw’s colt of honor was Thunder Night, with whom he had forged a good friendship after being released from the Lord of Chaos’ control. The ceremony happened smoothly and soon Twilight proclaimed that Rarity and Shadow Claw were husband and wife. The two gave a big kiss while everyone cheered the newlyweds.

Spike watched them from a distance, sitting, while the reception began and the couple started the dance floor. Now there was no hope for the love between him and Rarity. Heartbeat approached him and asked:

"Are you okay, Spike?"

"Yes" Spike replied. "I'm just thinking that maybe I'm never going to find someone to love as I loved Rarity."

"Don't say that" Heartbeat said. "I assure you that love is found where you least expect it."

"Thank you for your words, Heartbeat, but I don't think I’ll gonna find somepony so easily" Spike said.

He then moved to serve himself of some food. While going, he saw Rarity and Shadow dancing together, while other couples also headed to the dance floor. He was so distracted that he bumped with somepony, falling on the floor.

"I'm sorry" he said. "I didn't..."

He then saw that he bumped with Sweetie Belle and, seeing her, he noticed a certain beauty that he had never seen on her. It seemed that it took her to be adorned for her sister's wedding for him to see it.

"It's okay, Spike" she said as she raised up. "I was distracted."

Spike kept staring at Sweetie Belle. He could feel his heart pounding. He was feeling the same thing he felt when he saw Rarity for the first time. Noticing he was staring at Sweetie Belle without saying anything, Spike decided to say something:

"Sweetie Belle, long time no see. You look nice."

He couldn't believe he had said that, but it seemed like he had no control over the words he said.

"Oh, thank you, Spike" Sweetie Belle thanked, blushing a little. "But my sister is the most beautiful mare tonight. You know, sometimes I just wish to find true love as she found hers."

"Yeah..." Spike said, unable to take his eyes off Sweetie Belle, deciding then to say. "Sweetie Belle, why don't we go dance? After all, this party is to have fun."

"Sure" Sweetie Belle said. "I like to dance with you, Spike. Do you remember Princess Cadance and Shining’s wedding?"

"Yes, and I only hope today is as or funnier than that day" Spike said.

And the two went to the dance floor. Heartbeat watched them and then she said:

"And he still doubts what I say."
> Cold Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the castle of Canterlot, Ingrid was in her room getting ready in front of the mirror quite cheerfully. The bedroom door opened and Celestia entered and, seeing his sister getting ready, commented:

"What is all this? It seems you're going to someplace special."

"King Freeze Burn invited me to lunch with him at his castle" Ingrid replied. "I have to be at my best."

"I see" Celestia said, with a smile. "Things between you and Freeze Burn are going quite well."

"We're good friends and that's all" Ingrid said, realizing what his sister was thinking. "We share common interests and we like to talk with each other."

"Ingrid, I know you" Celestia said. "You like him and that is good. So, you can forget Day Glow and…"

"Celestia, please!" Ingrid exclaimed, getting nervous when Celestia mentioned the stallion that was the cause of their separation. "I have nothing with Freeze Burn, and I will never have, he is just my friend and nothing more. Understood?"

Celestia didn’t respond, only watching Ingrid. She was closing herself to love for what had happened in the past and that was not good.

Calming and realizing what she had said, Ingrid said:

"Sorry, Celestia, I didn't mean those things."

"To me, it looked like you wanted" Celestia said. "And I understand your motives."

"It's just..." Ingrid started. "You've been for centuries surrounded by ponies that you loved and so you could get over his death. But me? I treated ponies with cruelty because of my bitterness and I spent centuries closed in an urn planning my revenge. I think that it is impossible for me to deal with a broken heart."

Celestia couldn't help feeling sorry for his dear older sister. Despite both having loved and lost the same stallion, she could see that she was the most affected. 

Ingrid composed herself and said:

"But now I can't mourn me. I have to go to Oldenmark. Freeze Burn is waiting."

And she left.

Despite knowing that her sister was still suffering for Day Glow, Celestia couldn't help but sense that the relationship between her and Freeze Burn still had a lot to talk about.

In Oldenmark, Freeze Burn was overseeing the preparation of the lunch table that was being prepared on the terrace of the castle, where there was a beautiful view to the kingdom.

"Do your best in the preparation of this lunch" he said to the servant. "After all, we will receive Princess Ingrid."

But he wanted perfection in the preparing of the lunch for another reason. During the time he was with Ingrid, he began to feel something more than mere admiration. It was a growing feeling and that made him even more fascinated by her. It wasn't just her beauty, but also her kindness and generosity. All that made Freeze Burn to fall in love with Ingrid.

"Everything is ready, Your Highness" the servant said, after finishing.

"What about the lunch?" Freeze Burn asked.

"The royal chef is preparing his best recipe" the servant said. "It's not going to delay until it is ready."

"Perfect" Freeze Burn said. "Now I just have to hope that Princess Ingrid arrives. You can go."

The servant then made him a bow and left.

Freeze Burn turned to the outside on the terrace and watched his Kingdom. He didn't know why, but at that time his kingdom was even more beautiful than ever. Maybe it was because it was shaped by Ingrid.

It was then that he saw something approaching by air and saw that it was Ingrid. He began to feel his heart beat faster at the sight of the mare he was fallen in love with getting close. Ingrid arrived to the castle and landed on the terrace and saw the table prepared.

"I see that I'm late" Ingrid said.

"No, you're not" Freeze Burn said, trying to avoid to blush. "I was the one who decided to have everything prepared before your arrival."

“Freeze Burn, you really like to surprise me" Ingrid said with a smile.

Seeing Ingrid smiling at him, Freeze Burn giggled nervous while turned his face so she couldn't see him blushing. After this, Freeze Burn turned to Ingrid and said to her:

"We'd better get our lunch."

The two sat at the table and, after the lunch arrived, they began to indulge in the delicious lunch that included traditional recipes from Oldenmark. While they ate, the two would talking about what happened during the time they didn’t see each other. 

When the lunch ended, Ingrid said:

"It was delicious, as always. You have a chef who knows what he's doing."

"He is always very happy when he knows you liked his food."

"Well, there's no need for so much" Ingrid said. "I'm just telling the truth."

"Maybe, but a compliment coming from you is quite important for the ponies of Oldenmark" Freeze Burn said. "After all, you are our greatest hero."

“Freeze Burn, when you say that, I become quite embarrassed" Ingrid said, blushing, while smiling.

"But it's true" Freeze Burn said. "We owe it to you everything Oldenmark is today. It was your magic that made this kingdom one of the most beautiful in the Pony World."

Ingrid didn't even know what to say. Of course she already knew that the inhabitants of Oldenmark were quite grateful for the winter that she created for them, but she was still getting used to the idea that something she did as Snow Queen was very favoring to somepony.

Freeze Burn's heart raced more and more feeling the big time he was reserve for that lunch to arrive. He would finally confess his passion towards Ingrid. The king just expected her to accept it.

"Ingrid, I have something to tell you" he said, making Ingrid turning to him. "The truth is that I had another reason for inviting you to lunch in addition to spending quality time with a good friend."

"And what is that?" Ingrid asked.

"Well, you know ..." started Freeze Burn.

He then put his hoof over Ingrid’s and she, seeing this, began to understand his motive.

"For some time, I have begun to feel something for you, Ingrid" he said. "Something that has just been growing in such a way that I can't hide it anymore. Ingrid... I'm in love with you."

She was petrified to hear those words. It was then that his mind began to stray from reality, while the sound of his own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear.

"I know this confession of mine is quite bold, but I can't hide my feelings anymore" Freeze Burn said. "I just wish you to give me a chance, so you can also feel for me what I feel for you."

And, having said that, he took her hoof and kissed it gently.

Before that, Ingrid began to remember what triggered her fall and her transformation in the Snow Queen. She could still see the look of the stallion she once loved losing the light, while his body froze and broke into a million pieces.

"No!" she exclaimed, pulling away her hoof from Freeze Burn and rising up suddenly.

"Ingrid, what's wrong?" Freeze Burn asked, not understanding what was going on.

"Sorry, Freeze Burn, but this can't happen!" Ingrid exclaimed. "It just... can't!"

And, having said that, she flew away from the castle.

"No, Ingrid, wait!" Freeze Burn exclaimed, as they drove to the edge of the terrace.

But he couldn't convince her to stop, only to see her getting away with a sad look.

Ingrid flew through snow-covered mountains, stopping only at the top of the highest mountain she could find. After landing, she turned to where she came from and contemplated Oldenmark by far. Freeze Burn's words were still echoing in her head and the image of Day Glow dying because of her didn't seem to want to fade.

"I spy with my little eye somepony with love issues" a voice said.

Ingrid turned and faced with Heartbeat.

"Go away, Heartbeat" Ingrid said. "I don't feel like talking to anypony."

"It's understandable given your situation" Heartbeat said. "But allows me to give my opinion and say that venting will help you."

"Help me?" Ingrid asked. "With what? I don't have a problem. Well, maybe the fact that the great love of my life was killed by me in an act of rage against Celestia and this led me to seek revenge against her, although my sister didn't have any fault for what happened, instead of trying to heal my broken heart, which only caused me even more suffering that was only increased when you locked me in an urn!"

Once she had vented everything, Ingrid stopped to catch her breath and Heartbeat said:

"Wow, that's what I call venting. And by the way, in my defense about the urn thing, I had orders to do so. It was nothing personal."

After she caught her breath and was now calmer, Ingrid said:

"I know, sorry, Heartbeat."

"You don't have to apologize" she said. "After all, you were just saying what you feel. But now that you've vented everything, what about talking? How are things with Freeze Burn?"

"I think you know what happened between us right now, right?" Ingrid said.

"If you're talking about that beautiful love confession he made you, yes, I did" the General of Affection answered.

"It shouldn't have happened" Ingrid said. "We are friends, nothing more."

"Are you sure?" Heartbeat asked approaching. "Are you sure you don’t feel the same about him?"

"Of course I do" Ingrid replied. "Who else should I feel for him?"

"You tell me, after all it’s your feelings we are talking about."

"Yes, but you can feel what I feel."

"But I like to give chances to ponies find themselves" Heartbeat said. "Now tell me, what you should feel for him?"

Ingrid tried to answer that she should just feel friendship for him again, but it seemed that Heartbeat was compelling her to tell what she really felt, something that the alicorn princess tried to resist.

"Will you stop that?" Ingrid asked sharply to Heartbeat. "I know what you're trying to do and it's not going to work."

And, having said that, Ingrid turned her back to Heartbeat who said:

"If you don't want to admit, so I say what you’re really feeling. The truth is you feel yourself attracted to Freeze Burn in the same way that he is attracted to you. A great love can be born between the two of you. But you repress your feelings because you're afraid that he ended just like Day Glow."

Hearing the unvarnished truth, tears began to flow through Ingrid's face.

"You're right" she admitted. "I don’t want to love again because I'm afraid of hurting Freeze Burn as I did with Day Glow. I'm afraid that makes me to be the Snow Queen again and to hurt innocent ponies again."

Heartbeat approached Ingrid and placed a hoof over her shoulder, saying then:

"It's okay, princess."

"No, it's not" Ingrid said. "How will I ever look at Freeze Burn after what happened?"

"I'm sure he will understand" Heartbeat said. "Princess, your powers are quite dependent on your emotions. But you can control them by using the most powerful weapon... love. And you've got the love of your sisters and the ponies of Oldenmark. But of course you can also have the love of the stallion who loves you... You just have to believe it's possible. Come on, princess, melt this heart of ice of yours and let love guide you."

Ingrid heard Heartbeat’s words, weighing in each of them.

In the castle of Oldenmark, Freeze Burn looked sadly to the table with the rest of the lunch that he was sharing with Ingrid. It seemed that he had striven to please her and win her love in vain. He could feel that something was bothering her, which prevented her from accepting his love. The king wanted to help her to overcome this problem, not only to win her heart, but also because he truly worried with Ingrid.

Freeze Burn prepared to leave the terrace when he heard the sound of wings beating. He turned and saw, to his great joy, Ingrid.

"Ingrid!" exclaimed he, while she landed.

The alicorn princess approached Freeze Burn and then gave him a kiss on the lips, catching him by surprise. When their lips parted, Freeze Burn was perplexed.

"What the..." he started saying, taking one of his hooves to the lips.

"Sorry for my reaction, Freeze Burn" Ingrid said. "I didn't mean to hurt you. But I wasn't able to overcome my feelings that I'd bring with me from the past. The truth is that I feel the same as you since a long time."

That made Freeze Burn smile and he said:

"I'm glad, because I'd be embarrassed if you didn't."

That made Ingrid drop a laugh and then the two kissed.

After the love confession that held them together, it took a few months to Freeze Burn and Ingrid to marry. Now that they were the King and Queen of Oldenmark, the two made vows of never to resist love, no matter how painful it was.
> Each Star With Its Own Light
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Formerly in Canterlot, when Celestia still ruled Equestria alone, a young royal guard was guarding the entrance to the castle. His name was Star Shield. He was a young prodigy who had taken the highest scores at the Royal Guard Academy in his class, being ranked as one of the best students it ever had.

From an early age that he wanted to be a royal guard, because he wanted to serve Equestria in everything he could. He struggled to achieve his dream and he did it. However, he was disappointed when he came across the watch task the guards always had.

"This is really boring" he complained to his colleague, who was a more experienced guard. "We don't do nothing but sit here?"

"You are really impatient" the guard said. "I understand your anxiety. All the guards are like that when they start the job. But believe me when I say it's better to start a career as a royal guard in a peaceful way."

"Peaceful maybe, but very boring" Star Shield said.

"Don't worry, you're going to see that action will be here soon" the guard said.

After a few moments, a unicorn mare approached the entrance of the castle, carrying with magic a huge pile of files. She was trying to maintain the pile balanced with her magic, but soon the files dropped on the ground. Being a gentlecolt, Star Shield moved forward and began to help her get the files with his magic.

"Let me help" he said.

"Thank you" the mare thanked.

It was then that the looks of the two met and they became fascinated with each other. Star Shield never seen more beautiful mare who had a strong pink mane and blue eyes that mesmerized him.

"Hello..." he said, smiling.

"Hi…" she replied, returning the smile.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before they realize the situation.

"Well... here you go" Star Shield said, extending the files to the mare.

Thank you” she thanked, getting them with her magic and placing them on the pile that she had taken. "I just hope they don't come back to fall."

"Let me help you" Star Shield said, going to open the door of the castle.

“Thank you” she thanked him.

She then entered the castle, smiling to Star Shield when she passed by him. The young stallion couldn't resist returning the smile. After closing the door, he said:

"Wow, what a beautiful mare!"

"It seems that the work is no longer boring" the guard commented, smiling mockingly.

"But who was she?" Star Shield asked.

"I think this Princess Celestia’s new secretary, though I hadn't decorated her name yet" the guard answered.

It was a pity that he didn't know the name of that beautiful mare. But that hasn't discouraged Star Shield. After all, if she was Princess Celestia’s secretary, opportunities of seeing her again would not miss.

A few days later, Star Shield was patrolling the corridors of the castle when he heard a noise coming from a nearby room. He hastened to the source of the sound and entered the room. He found the same mare that he had found at the entrance of the castle next to a cabinet that had fallen.

"But what happened here?" Star Shield asked.

The mare turned to him and, recognizing him, said:

"It's you. I remember you."

"You do?" Star Shield asked, unable to avoid smiling.

"Yes, you were the guard who helped me when I dropped those files" the mare said. "Maybe now you can help me with this cabinet. I was looking for some files to the princess, but I'm such a klutz."

"Of course I don't mind helping you" Star Shield said. "It will be a pleasure."

And, using his magic, Star Shield straightened the cabinet and put in place the files that were on the ground. The mare took the opportunity to catch those she needed.

"I don't know what I'd do without you" she said to Star Shield.

"You're welcome" Star Shield said, scratching the back of the head, while he blushed slightly. "I was just doing my duty as a royal guard."

"Well, you were my savior twice and I still don't know your name" the mare said.

"My name is Star Shield" the young guard answered. "And I would also like to know the name of the beautiful maiden that enjoys my saves."

"My name is Starlight Sparkle" she said. "Thank you so much again, Star Shield. Now I have to get these files to the princess before she asks me why I'm taking too long."

She headed to the exit of the room with Star Shield watching her. Starlight then turned to Star Shield and said to him:

"And if I buy you a dinner to thank you? Who knows maybe we can take a walk later."

That invitation was as a gift for Star Shield who replied:

"All right, as long as I can pay my meal."

"Deal" Starlight said. "I know a perfect place for dinner. Are you ready at eight?"

"Of course I am" Star Shield replied. "Meet me at the entrance to the castle?"

"Okay" Starlight said. "See you soon."

And she left.

Star Shield couldn't avoid a roar of joy, because he arranged a date with the most beautiful mare he has ever seen. If all went well, things might not be just for that date.

Night fell and, as they had agreed, the two met at the entrance of the Castle. Then, they went to dinner at a nice restaurant and, after that, they went for a walk at the park of Canterlot.

"I've always liked to take walks at night in the park" Starlight said. "It's always so relaxing. With such a beautiful night."

"Yes, it's a beautiful night" Star Shield agreed. "But it's not as beautiful as you."

That compliment made Starlight blush.

"Do you really think I’m that beautiful?" she asked.

"Are you kidding?" Star Shield asked, stopping and turning to Starlight. "I don't think I've ever seen a mare as beautiful as you."

But then Star Shield, realizing his growing enthusiasm complimenting Starlight, became quiet and looked away, while he blushed and scratched the back of his head. Starlight then smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Feeling her sweet lips touching his face, Star Shield became perplexed, taking his hoof to where Starlight had kissed. He turned to her who said:

"You are such a sweetie. I've never met a stallion like you, Star Shield."

Star Shield smiled slightly before that compliment coming from Starlight. The two looked at each other and, as if they were the opposite poles of two magnets, they approached each other and sealed the passion they had for each other with a kiss.

From that moment, the love they felt for each other only increased. Soon they got married and started a family of their own. Shortly after getting married, they got their first son who was called Night Light and, about nine years later, their second son, Shooting Star, born.

But of course these weren't the only big events. Shortly after marrying Starlight, Star Shield was promoted to captain of Canterlot Royal Guard, something that it had always been his biggest dream to professional level. Years after this promotion, he took under his wing an apprentice who eventually would succeed him as captain, a young unicorn called White Light. However, the position of captain brought to him more responsibility than to ensure the security of the castle.

Responding to a summoning coming from Princess Celestia, Star Shield entered the throne room, approaching Celestia who was on the throne. He made a bow and asked:

"You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia?"

"Yes, Star Shield, unfortunately I received some disturbing news from our scouts stationed in the Desolate Zone that require our full attention" she replied.

"What this is about?" Star Shield asked.

"Our scouts have noted a strong movement by the Changelings" Celestia explained. "It could be a possible preparation for an invasion."

"So you want me to prepare our defenses for when this invasion happen?" Star Shield asked.

"No, I want you to go to the Desolate Zone with a squadron and stop this invasion that will happen" Celestia said. "From what I know, Queen Chrysalis is preparing something big for the invasion, something that will ensure her victory. She is very smart and knows her Changelings have no chance against us, since we know very well their kind. Star Shield, find out what this trump card is and prevent the Changelings from using it."

Star Shield nodded with his head and replied, making a bow:

"As you wish, Your Highness."

After Star Shield have prepared all the preparations for the trip to the Desolate Zone, he tried to say goodbye to his family and his protégé on the station platform.

"Are you really sure you have to go?" Starlight asked to Star Shield. "Is there no other pony who can go?”

"Princess Celestia asked me to go, dear" Star Shield answered, gently resting his hoof on her cheek. "I'm the only one qualified enough to handle such a task. But why are you so worried? Don't you know the pony you married."

"Is not that" Starlight said. "You know I know you keep coming back safe and sound... but, this time is different. You'll go to the Desolate Zone, Changeling's home. I have reasons to be worried."

"Starlight, I understand your concern and you know that if it were any other mission, I would suggest one of my lieutenants to go in my place" Star Shield said, stroking her mane. "But this mission is too important. The Changelings are planning to attack Equestria in full force and we must prevent them from doing so."

After all, she waved and then the two exchanged a passionate kiss. He then turned to Shooting Star and said:

"Grow up long before my arrival, my little colt."

"Ba!" said the baby unicorn.

Star Shield laughed and then kissed his forehead. Then he turned to Night Light, which was immensely sad for his father be leaving. When he see his son about to cry, he said, lifting his chin:

"Come on, Nighty, don't be like that. Look at daddy. Now you are the stallion of the home. I need you take care of mommy and Shooting while I'm gone. Are you able to do this for me?" 

Night Light nodded and then the two embraced themselves.

"I love you, Daddy" he said.

"I love you too, champ" replied Star Shield.

When they stopped the hug, Star Shield lifted up and then approached White Light and told him:

"Take care of them, okay?"

"Yes, sir" he replied, doing a salute.

"And about what we talked before" Star Shield said. "Did you understand everything?"

"Yes, sir" White Light replied. "Don't worry about that."

Star Shield waved. 

"Goodbye, kid" he said. "Continue with your good work."

"Yes, sir" he answered. "And good luck. I hope you return safely."

"Me too, my dear student" Star Shield answered. "Me too."

Then he used his magic to grab his bag and head to the train. But before entering, he blew a kiss to his family and Starlight returned his kiss on her behalf and their children. After making the gesture to catch the kiss and then take it to the chest, he got on the train and, shortly after, it took off.

Arriving at the Desolate Zone, Star Shield led a squadron to the Changelings' nest, taking advantage of the fact that they were sleeping. After examining carefully the nest, Star Shield found what he wanted to find, being horrified by what he saw. It had never crossed in his mind that Queen Chrysalis could be preparing something like that. Saving what he found in a chest, Star Shield and his squad prepared to escape, but it was then that the Changelings, feeling intruders in their home, woke up and surrounded the invaders.

"Well, well, well" the voice that belonged to Chrysalis said while approaching the squad. "What a great surprise. What brings... delicious ponies to my nest?"

"We have come to halt your evil plan to invade Equestria" Star Shield said, without showing any sign of fear.

That made Chrysalis look to the chest and, as if she could sensing what was in there, she exclaimed:

"Your insignificant ponies! How dare you to steal from me?! You're going to pay, serving as appetizers."

"That was if I allowed such a thing" Star Shield said.

And he loaded his horn with magic and fired a beam against Chrysalis, hitting her at her sight, what made her go blind for a few moments. Taking advantage of that moment when the queen was weakened, Star Shield and his officers tried to get past the other Changelings, and, when they did that, they left the nest running as fast as they could.

They ran until they were sure they were at a safe distance from the nest. After that, they set up their camp to rest before returning to Equestria. In his tent, Star Shield took his armor off, to rub his muscles. After that, he turned to the chest that contained Chrysalis’ secret weapon and then opened it. 

Inside, there were three Changeling eggs, but they were different. They were larger and through them it could see the Changelings in development, but they didn't have the form of a common Changeling. It seemed they were new types of Changelings, mutant species, which surely would be stronger than the normal one. If those Changelings were born, Chrysalis’ army would be immensely powerful, enough to invade and conquer Equestria. 

However, Changeling eggs were immensely resistant to brute force and magic and could stay in suspended state for several decades. Fortunately, to hatch, they had to be fed with love. That meant that if they kept them sealed and away from the Changelings, they would not do any harm. But, for that, they would have to return to Equestria.

It was then that a guard entered in Star Shield’s tent and said:

"Captain, there are Changelings approaching quickly!"

"What?!" Star Shield asked, rising up. "How many?"

"A large number of them, sir" the guard answered. "I don't know if we will be able to escape."

Star Shield couldn't believe their bad luck. Just when they were about to leave the Desolate Zone, they were being attacked by Changelings. If what that guard was saying were true, the more likely they would recover the eggs and then invade Equestria. The image of Starlight and his sons being attacked by those nefarious creatures appeared in his mind. He couldn't let the Changelings put in jeopardy innocent lives, mainly his loved ones’.

"Grab everything you can" he told to the guard. "We will leave immediately. We cannot venture in another fight with Changelings and we can’t let them approach."

"Yes, sir" the guard said.

He prepared to leave when Star Shield called:

"I have something for you."

Using his magic, he extended to him the chest with the eggs, saying:

"Ensure that this chest reaches Princess Celestia safely. She will know what to do with it.”

"Yes, sir" the guard said, getting the chest. "Anything else?"

"Yes, hand it to my wife" Star Shield said, handing him the box where he kept his armor. "And tell her I love her and our sons."

"But, sir..." the guard said, also receiving the box. "You're not thinking in…"

"Someone has to stall them long enough for all of you to escape" Star Shield said. "Between us, only I have that ability."

"But..." the guard started.

"This is an order, soldier!" Star Shield exclaimed. "It's good that you obey it without question."

With the sudden startling authoritarian tone of his captain, the guard replied:

"Yes, sir."

And he left, taking with him the chest and the box. 

Star Shield sighed. He hated talking to one of his officers like that, but he couldn't waste time. The Changelings were approaching and they had to act quickly. Although he knew the chances of getting away from the confrontation with love-eating creatures were reduced, and that assuming that he escaped, he had to do this not only for the sake of Equestria, but also for the safety of the mare that he loved and their children.

His officers, following his orders, took everything they could and they walked away as soon as possible. Star Shield remained in the camp, waiting for his guests. It wasn't long before Chrysalis and her Changelings to arrive. The queen landed, followed by her soldiers, and said, sketching a wicked smile:

"Well, look who is here, the pony who tried to blind me."

"It was a shame that the effect was not permanent" Star Shield replied.

Listening him insulting their Queen, the Changelings started hissing ominously to Star Shield, but the queen said:

"Take it easy, my children, can't you see he's alone? I think that his soldiers must have been so scared that got away with their tail between their legs."

"They were so frightened that they fled with your precious eggs" Star Shield said cynically.

"Yes, about that, you're going to pay for your nerve to steal what belongs to me" Chrysalis said. "Get ready for your end."

She advanced to attack Star Shield, but he used his magic to create a shield around the Changelings, trapping them. The queen and his soldiers tried everything to break that barrier, but it was tough enough to handle them. Although he knew it would not hold them for long, he knew that would give to his soldiers enough time to get out of the Desolate Zone. 

It was then that Chrysalis, using her power, launched a beam that struck the shield and eventually undid it. With this, she and his soldiers were able to capture Star Shield. But he didn't care, since his soldiers were already safe with Chrysalis’ mutant eggs.

The Changelings brought Star Shield back to their nest and placed him in front of Chrysalis’ throne, where she sat on and said:

"I have to admit that you impressed me, pony. None of your kind, not counting with your obnoxious princess, was able to hack into my nest, steal me and escape unscathed."

"I don't need your praise" Star Shield said.

"And I was giving it" she replied. "But you know, despite losing my eggs and the chance to conquer Equestria, at least I got a consolation prize. I can feel the love you have inside of you. And it's so great... and delicious. You're going to be a good meal for me and my children."

And, having said this, she began to absorb Star Shield’s love. He moaned, as he felt the pain that came with the process. But the thought of Starlight and his sons gave him the strength to resist. However, this only created more love than Chrysalis could devour. Finally, she stopped and said:

"That was delicious! I never tasted anything like this. The love that you feel must be pure to continue regenerating this way. There is no doubt that you will be an excellent food source."

"In fact, Chrysalis, I have other plans for him" a voice said.

They turned and saw the Lord of Chaos appearing. Seeing him, Chrysalis and the Changeling made him a bow.

"My lord, what a great honor" she said, while the Lord of Chaos landed. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I noticed how this pony stole the eggs that I allowed you to have" he replied. "But what a disappointment, Chrysalis. You let him steal them."

"I apologize, your lordship" she said, bowing her head. "It was a mistake that won't happen again. But I promise I will find another way to conquer Equestria for you."

"I hope so" the Lord of Chaos said. "After all, I've put a lot of my efforts on you and your kind. But not everything went wrong. After all, you captured for me a nice present."

He observed Star Shield carefully and then said:

"Yes, he will become a great soldier of Chaos."

"I would never serve someone like you!" Star Shield exclaimed with disdain.

But the Lord of Chaos laughed and said:

"That's what everyone says before being touched by my darkness."

And he turned the tip of his spear to Star Shield and darkness began to cover it. The captain of Canterlot Royal Guard could feel the immense power that darkness emanated. It seemed that would be his end. But he was not terrified. Taking a deep breath, he accepted his fate, and he closed his eyes, while visualized the image of his family, mainly Starlight, the mare who made very happy.

It was then that the Lord of Chaos launched against Star Shield the darkness of his spear that involved the captain of the Royal Guard.

The End