> Adventures in Magic and Friendship: Season 1
>  by kurusagi16
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Episode 1-Magic is Hard: Harmony's Rigorous Training
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 1-Magic is Hard: Harmony's Rigorous Training



"Again." said Princess Celestia. 

She and Harmony were out on the castle grounds, not far from the Canterlot Archives and the castle observatory. The two of them were going through the special training exercises that Celestia herself had come up with, as a means of helping Harmony gain control over her newfound magic.

Harmony took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly, concentrating as hard as she could on her magic. There was a crack and a spark. Static shot from Harmony's body, wrapping around her as she began to levitate off the ground. 

Celestia nodded approvingly. "Remember, the key is to maintain concentration as you take control of the power inside you. Focus on the flow of magic, and direct it according to your will." 

Harmony did as she said, reaching for the magic inside her, it felt endless, flowing like a currant of water throughout her body, waiting to be wielded. But as she reached out to it, it became erratic. Harmony held on, focusing as much concentration as she had on keeping the magic steady. She had to be careful, for if she broke concentration, she would lose control and the magic would just burst out of her. Little by little, Harmony could feel her magic beginning to calm down, becoming more and more manageable. Harmony's heart ba-bumped with excitement. 

She opened her eyes and saw that the static had disappeared, and that she was now floating in midair. A grin sprang to her face. "I'm doing it. I'm doing it!"

"Don't lose concentration." warned Celestia.

But it was too late. The magical static returned, snaking up Harmony's body. A powerful blast shot out of Harmony and hit one of the walls on the castle, creating a medium-sized hole, wisps of smoke trailed around it. Harmony dropped back down to the ground with a thud. She laughed nervously as she looked from the hole to Celestia. "Oops." she said sheepishly. "Sorry about that, princess."

"That's quite alright." said Celestia, eyeing the hole. "You're improving, but you still need to build up your concentration and control.

"I know." sighed Harmony, looking down at the ground as she got up to her hooves. "I'm grateful for all your help and offering to teach me how to use my magic, but..."

"But?" pressed Celestia. 

"I don't know, I just wish there was somepony else who could teach me. Somepony who knows more about spirits and how their magic works." 

"I know, but unfortunately there are very few beings who could help you. Except..."

Harmony lifted her head. "What? Do you know somepony that could help teach me?"

Celestia hesitated for a moment and nodded. "As you know, there is but one other spirit in Equestria, and that is Discord. I already sent a letter to him, informing him of your return and how I'd like him to help guide you as you become more accustomed to being the Spirit of Harmony."

Harmony flapped her cream-colored wings in excitement. "Great! I can't wait to meet him. When do we start?"

Celestia's mouth fell into a frown and she turned her head away. "I'm afraid it's not quite as simple as that."

"What do you mean?" asked Harmony. 

"I have not heard word from Discord since I sent him my letter, possibly because it's a little late in delivery, or because he's refused to answer or acknowledge my message."

"You mean...he won't help?"

Celestia nodded.

"But...but why? I mean, he's reformed isn't he? Why wouldn't he want to help me?"

Celestia bit the inside f her cheek, choosing her words carefully. "I'm afraid I don't know. While Discord had changed from the being he once was, he still has some, habits that he's held onto. One of which is doing things only if they suit his needs or interest."

Harmony stared at Celestia incredulously. "So, that's it? He won't teach me just because he doesn't want to, or doesn't feel like it?"

Celestia held up a hoof to calm Harmony down. "I'll have a talk with Discord as soon as I can, in the meantime, we'll have to go on with the usual lessons as planned." 

Harmony frown in disappointment, but she sighed and said, "Alright."

Celestia smiled. "Good, now, let's--"

"Princess!" A voice interrupted. Both mares turned their heads to see one of the castle scribes running toward them. He stopped before them, a little out of breath. "Princess, I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's some urgent business the requires your immediate attention."

"I'll be right with you." said Celestia, turning back to face Harmony. "I'm afraid that concludes today's lesson, sorry to cut it so short."

Harmony waved a hoof. "That's okay, I understand. I'll see you tomorrow, princess." She turned, opening her wings and flew up into the air, heading on her way home.






Harmony threw open the door of her little cottage and trotted inside, accidentally waking her pet jackalope Tempo from his usual midday nap. He let out a long yawn and rubbed his eyes. He was surprised to see Harmony back home so early, so he rushed up to her and cocked his head to the side as if asking a question. 

"Hey, Tempo." greeted Harmony. "Lessons ended a little early than usual, which means I have the rest of the day off to myself."

Tempo grinned, delighted to hear the news. 

Harmony chuckled. "I thought you might be glad to hear that." She then tapped her chin thoughtfully with her hoof. "Now then, since it's just the two of us, what should we do first?" she mused.

Tempo pointed up at the nearby clock, which showed the time as a quarter after lunch. 

"Hmm, lunch sounds like a good idea, especially after all that practicing this morning." Harmony went into the kitchen and went to work making lunch. She hummed to herself as she got out slices of bread, some peanut butter, and heated up the frying pan over the stove. Soon, the delicious smells of food cooking filled the room. Tempo breathed it in, licking his lips in eager anticipation. 

"There, all done." said Harmony, brushing her long black mane out her face. 

She'd just finished making her food, a full platter of fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Harmony took one of the sandwiches and cut it into fourths before putting it on a plate and setting it down in front of Tempo, then she proceeded to sit herself down at the dining table and helped herself to the lunch she'd made. But, just as she was about to take the first bite of her sandwich, there was a knock on the door.

"Who could that be?" she wondered, getting up from the table. Another knock sounded. "Hold on, I'm coming!" Harmony opened the door to find three of her best friends, Razzaroo, Flurry Heart, and Morning Star, standing on her doorstep. 

"Girls! What are you doing here?" Harmony asked in surprise, not expecting to see them.

"We heard that Princess Celestia gave you the rest of the day off from your lessons." explained Morning Star. "Since you've been so busy with your training, we thought it would be nice for you if we stopped by to see how you were doing." 

Razzaroo nodded in agreement. "Yeah! We want to know how things are now that you're the Spirit of Peace and Harmony, and have all these new powers." The orchid pink Earth Pony then leaned in a added. "Kimono and Sparks wanted to come too, but they're both a little tied up, helping out their families."

Harmony grinned. "Well, it's good to see you guys, come on in, and make yourselves comfortable." She opened the door a little wider and welcomed them inside.

"Wow, you've got a lovely little home here." complemented Flurry Heart, her gaze drifting around the room. 

"Thanks." said Harmony, heading back toward the kitchen. "You guys want some tea?"

"No, we're good." said Morning Star.

"Alright then, more for me." 

Harmony brewed herself some tea, and took the plate of fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches with her into the living room, and sat down in a comfortable green armchair. 

"So," she said, taking a bite from the sandwich. "What do you want to talk about?" 

Razzaroo was the first to speak up as she excitedly asked, "What kind of magic can you do? Has Princess Celestia taught you any spells yet?"

"You might want to slow down a little, Razzaroo." said Flurry Heart. "Give Harmony a chance to answer one of your questions before asking her more."

"Oops! Sorry." Said Razzaroo.

"That's okay, Razz." said Harmony. "I haven't exactly moved onto spells yet. So far all I've been doing is trying to get used to my new magic and earning how to control it."

"Morning Star nodded. "That's understandable, considering you've never used magic before, it may take some getting used to."

Harmony rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. Just this morning, I accidentally blasted a hole into one of the castle walls. And I was getting close to maintaining control too."

Morning Star snickered a little. "That's nothing, you should hear what happened with Flurry Heart when she was just a baby." The amber Unicorn pointed a hoof in Flurry's direction. "She blasted dozens of gaping holes into the Crystal Castle, and one of those times was only by sneezing." 

"Morning!" cried Flurry Heart, her pale pink cheeks turning a darker shade as she blushed in embarrassment. "Don't tell her that!"

"What? I'm just trying to help." said Morning Star defensively. "Everypony makes their own share of accidents, and you're a good example of that."

"What's that supposed to mean?" questioned Flurry. 

"Ahem!" 

Morning Star and Flurry Heart turned their heads to Harmony.

"Sorry, Harmony." they said in unison, looking down in shame. 

"It's okay, thanks for trying to help." said Harmony with a small smile. "I appreciate it." She took a small bite from her sandwich, looking down at it as she chewed with a somewhat melancholy expression. "To tell you the truth, I've been a little unsure about this whole spirit business. I know that I have these powers and all, but what does that mean for me? What exactly am I supposed to do?"

"Don't worry, Harmony." said Razzaroo. "I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough." 

"Razzaroo's right." said Flurry. "All you need to do is be patient and get more used to your new role."

"Easier said than done. I've been going over Princess Celestia's lessons for the last few weeks, and I still can't seem to get the hang of my magic." She heaved a sigh. "Honestly, I don't think I ever will."

"You will." assured Morning Star. "It'll just take some more practice, then you'll be able to handle your powers in no time."

"Yeah, maybe." said Harmony doubtfully. 

"You know, you're not the only pony to ever wonder about her new title or what her role is." said Flurry Heart.

"What do you mean?" asked Razzaroo.

"When my Aunt Twilight first became a princess, she too had new powers and a new title thrust upon her. It was all so new and different for her, she wasn't sure what to do, or what her role would be." said Flurry, telling them the story. "But luckily, she managed to figure it all out."

"How'd she do that?" asked Harmony, her curiosity piqued. 

"Well, there were a couple of incidents that happened, but in the end, Aunt Twilight and her friends managed to set things right and she was able to discover her role as the Princess of Friendship." 

"I think you're forgetting that both of those incidents involved Discord and the fate of Equestria in jeopardy." said Morning Star bluntly.

Flurry waved a hoof at Morning as she continued. "The point is, you have nothing to worry about. You'll figure everything out eventually, just like Aunt Twilight did. Well, maybe not exactly the way she did, but, you know what I mean."

Harmony tapped her chin thoughtfully, the gears in her head were turning as an idea started to form. Her eyes lit up and she grinned at the girls. "That's it!" she exclaimed.

The girls looked at her in confusion.

"What's it?" asked Razzaroo.

"I'll tell you about it later, right now, I've gotta go see Princess Celestia." Harmony got up from the armchair and went toward the door. "I'll see you guys later. Bye!" With that, Harmony sped out the door and was gone.

"What was that all about?" asked Morning Star asked aloud.

Flurry shrugged.

"You think she'd mind if I finished off her sandwiches?" asked Razzaroo, who was staring at the plate of sandwiches that'd been left behind on the seat of the armchair. Morning and Flurry said nothing, merely rolling their eyes at Razzaroo. "What?" the Earth Pony asked innocently. 





Later at the castle...


Harmony had entered the throne room, where Princess Celestia was finishing up signing some important documents, and approached her to tell the princess about how she wanted to go to a certain little town. 

Celestia blinked in surprise. "You want to go to Ponyville?" she said, repeating what Harmony had said.

Harmony nodded.

"May I ask what for?"

"Well, I heard from Flurry about how Princess Twilight also had some trouble adjusting to the new role she was given, so I thought, maybe she might know best how to help me get used to be the Spirit of Harmony. She might even be able to help me get used to my magic!"

Celestia pondered over this, tapping her chin thoughtfully with her hoof. "Yes, I can see how that would be most helpful to you." She returned her gaze back to Harmony. "I'll send a letter to Twilight to inform her that you'll be arriving in Ponyville to see her."

"Thank you, Princess Celestia." said Harmony, bowing to the princess. 

"One more thing." added Celestia, just as Harmony turned to leave. "While I agree that Twilight may be able to help you, there will be some things that you'll need to figure out for yourself. Do you understand?" 

Harmony nodded. "Yes...at least, I think so." she said. 

"Then I wish you good luck, Harmony." said Celestia. 

Harmony thanked the princess and hurried out of the throne room to get ready to go to Ponyville.





The next day...


The Friendship Express pulled up into the Ponyville train station. Harmony stepped off the train and onto the platform, at her side was Tempo, who was trying to lug the suitcase she'd brought by himself. 

Harmony laughed. "Here, let me get that for you." she said, picking up the suitcase from Tempo. Tempo wiped his brow and gave Harmony a grateful smile. "You're welcome. Now then, let's head down to Princess Twilight's castle." The two walked of together from the station and headed into town.



* * *



Harmony rapped on the tall double doors of the Castle of Friendship, and waited on the top of the steps for somepony to answer. After a minute or two, Harmony was greeted by Spike, the teenage dragon and number one assistant of Twilight.

"Harmony, you're here!" he said.

"Hey, Spike." replied Harmony. "Is Princess Twilight home?"

"Yeah, she's right in the throne room." Spike jutted his thumbed over his shoulder, glancing in the direction of the throne room as he said this. "I've been helping her pick out what sorts of lessons she should teach for when you arrive."

"Great! I can't wait to get started." she said enthusiastically. 

Spike took Harmony's suitcase and led her down to the throne room. They stopped in front of another set of double doors, Spike opened to reveal a round crystal table surrounded by several tall thrones, six of which were each marked by a different cutie mark on the back. In the throne that bore Twilight's cutie mark, sat Twilight herself, going through the array of scrolls and books that littered the table. 

She looked up and smiled as she saw Spike and Harmony enter. "Harmony! It's good to see you again." said Twilight, getting up and going over to greet her. 

"Thanks, Princess Twilight." said Harmony, bowing her head to the Alicorn. 

Twilight batted a hoof. "Please, call me Twilight." she said. "I was glad when I got Celestia's letter yesterday, saying that you wanted my help in your lessons. I've already planned out some topics and subjects for us to cover."

Harmony could see that Twilight was just as excited about teaching as she was about learning. 

"I'm ready for whatever you've got planned." said Harmony readily. 

Twilight grinned. "Then let's get started." she said.

"Bring it!"

Two hours later...


"This isn't exactly what I had in mind." said Harmony, staring down at an open book till the words in it started to blur. Twilight had seated her down at a table in the library and had her read through a book titled A Beginner's Guide to Learning Magic, stopping every once in a while and writing down some notes.

Twilight, who was sitting across from Harmony, said, "In order for you to be able to wield your magic, you first need to understand it, and that means looking at the basics." 

As Harmony thought about it, it did make sense. She'd gotten so used to Celestia's control exercises that it hadn't even crossed her mind to read about magic and to try and figure out it actually worked. But even so, after two hours straight of reading and note taking, Harmony had grown bored and was in the mood for a short break. Even Tempo was bored, as he sat beneath the table, listlessly gazing around the library and trying to find some means of keeping himself entertained. 

Harmony sighed. "I guess I should've expected a lot of studying to be involved with learning magic." 

Twilight nodded. "Yes, learning magic is something that takes years to perfect and practice." Then she added, "Of course, since you're the Spirit of Harmony, your magic is different from Unicorn magic."

"It's all so complicated." said Harmony. She rested her head in her hooves and leaned her elbows onto the table, casting her eyes downward as she frowned at the book. "Maybe I'm just not cut out for being a spirit."

"Hey," said Twilight, resting a hoof on Harmony's shoulder. Harmony lifted her head and turned to Twilight. "Don't beat yourself up over it. I'm confident that you'll become a great spirit!" She gave a small smile as a reminiscent look appeared in her eyes. "I had similar doubts when I first became a princess."

Harmony nodded. "I know, Flurry told me. That's why I thought maybe you'd know how to help teach me." she said.

"Well, you came to the right pony." Twilight said with a little wink. "I'll do whatever I can to help you out."

"Thanks, Twilight." Harmony said smiling. She felt a little bit better now. 

"Now then, after we finish A Beginner's Guide to Learning Magic, we can go over some of the exercises you and Celestia do, and apply what you've studied to them."

"Sounds good to me." said Harmony.

Just as Twilight was about to agree, her cutie mark began to glow. Harmony arched an eyebrow in confusion. She'd never seen a cutie mark do anything like that before. Tempo peeked his head up from under the table to look at it himself. 

"Oh dear." Twilight muttered. She turned to Harmony and said, "Excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back." Harmony and Tempo watched as Twilight trotted out of the library, her cutie mark continuing to glow. 

"What do you think that was?" Harmony asked Tempo. 

Tempo stroked his chin in thought and then shrugged. After a few minutes, Twilight returned to the library.

"Something's come up," said Twilight. "I need to go to away to Vanhoover for a litte while."

Harmony's eyes widened. "V-vanhoover?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so."

"But, but what about our lessons?"

"I already wrote a detailed list of  our lesson plan. Spike can help you with your studying until I get back. Sorry." 

Harmony sighed. "Alright. When do you think you'll be back?" she asked.

"I can't say." said Twilight. "But I'll try to come back as soon as possible." 

Harmony lowered her head, but did her best not to show her disappointment. "Okay." she mumbled.





The next day, late in the afternoon...

Harmony let out a groan as she let her head fall on the library table. 

"Maybe we should take a break." said Spike. 

"Thank Celestia." mumbled Harmony. 

Since Twilight had left for Vanhoover the other day, Harmony hit the books, having Spike go through the lesson plan Twilight had left behind. She'd didn't mind hard work, but nonstop reading for hours on end had become a bit much for Harmony. Her head felt like it was going to explode from all the information she'd taken in. Tempo patted Harmony on the shoulder, for a job well done on her studying. Harmony lifted her head up slightly at Tempo and smiled at him.

"Thanks, Tempo." she said. Harmony sat herself up, surveying the pile of scrolls and books before her. 

Is all this studying really helping? she wondered. I know Twilight means well, but, even if I learn all there is to know about magic, who's to say that it'll even improve my control over my powers?

"Let's see." mused Spike, pulling out Twilight's list and scanning over it. "After this, Twilight wants you to do a reflection."

"A reflection?" Harmony looked at Spike in confusion.

He nodded and said, "Yeah, you know, to think back on something. In this case, she wants you to think back to when you first used your new powers and how you were able to summon them and use them." 

Harmony tapped her chin. The first time she'd used her powers was weeks ago, when she and her friends went out to rescue Flurry Heart when she'd been kidnapped by the changelings. How had she summoned her magic? And once she knew, how would it help her? Her thoughts turned away from this as she saw Spike's cheeks puff up.

"Spike, are you okay?" she asked. 

Spike let out a belch of green fire, and out of it materialized a little scroll. Spike took hold of it and read the outside. "It's for you." he said, handing the scroll to a surprised Harmony. 

She opened it up and found that it was a letter from her friends. 


Dear Harmony,

We hope everything's okay with Twilight, and that you do well with your lessons. Since you've begun your lessons, you've seemed a bit down on yourself. Know that whatever happens, whether you succeed or fail, we'll be there to support you, 100%. Until then, just be yourself and do your best. 

Your friends-

Flurry, Kimono, Razzaroo, Sparks, and Morning.

p.s. If you didn't notice yet, Aunt Twilight can get a little carried away when it comes to studying, so try not to get too stressed out. -Flurry.

Harmony smiled. "Thanks girls." she said softly. "I will do my best." 

There was then a loud growling sound. Harmony's head spun to face Tempo, who smiled in embarrassment as his stomach rumbled. Then, her own stomach growled. Harmony laughed. "I guess we're both pretty hungry." she said. "Now that I think about it, we did skip lunch today." She looked over at Spike and asked, "Do you mind if we go out and grab something to eat?"

"Not at all." replied Spike. "But hurry back, it'll be getting dark soon."

"Will do." said Harmony. She set Tempo on her back, and trotted out of the library, in search for something to eat. 





After deciding where to go for dinner, Harmony and Tempo finally settled on going to the Hayburger. They entered the fast food restaurant, and went up to the counter. A teenage Earth Pony stallion with braces, acne, and a curly mane wearing a Hayburger employee uniform spoke to her and said in a nasally voice,  "Welcome to the Haybruger, can I take your order?" 

Harmony looked at the menu and picked out what to get for her and Tempo. "I'll have two double hayburgers with extra ketchup, a medium side of fries, and a fresh garden salad, all to go, please."

The pony nodded. "Coming right up, ma'am." he said. 

After a few minutes, he gave Harmony her order in a large, white paper bag with the Hayburger logo on the front. Harmony took the bag, set the bits on the counter, and headed out of the restaurant and back toward the castle. It was already sunset, with the sky shining bright shades of gold as the sun began to sink lower and lower toward the horizon. As she walked, she began to think aloud, carrying both the bag and Tempo on her bag.

"Reflect on the time I first used my magic. Well, the first time was when Kimono got hurt after we were chased by vampire jackalopes, and I was able to heal her. After that, I used it again to defeat the changelings. But how was I able to do that in the first place?" 

While she mused over this, Tempo was sniffing for the salad through the bag, when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. His head shot up and he saw somepony galloping into the Everfree Forest nearby. His curiosity piqued, he hopped off of Harmony's back and scurried off, following the pony into the forest.

"Ugh! The girls are right, I've been so wrapped up in my lesson that I can't seem to think straight." said Harmony. She sighed. "Maybe if I clear my head I'll be able to think of something. What do you think Tempo?" 

Harmony looked over her shoulder. There was no sign of Tempo anywhere. "Tempo?!" Harmony froze, her eyes widening as she wildly looked around for any sign of her little jackalope. "Tempo!" she called. Harmony noticed a set of Tempo's tracks not far from her own, and saw that they led toward the dense Everfree forest. 

"Oh no." said Harmony. She rushed into the forest and called out, "Tempo!"






The sun had set not too long ago, and the last few rays of sunlight were starting to fade away. Harmony trotted her way through the forest, weaving around trees and bushes as she continued to call out for her dear pet. 

"Tempo! Where are you?! Tempo!" Harmony gazed around at the shadows around the foliage of the forest worriedly. "Oh, where is he? He should know better than to run off like this." she said. It would be getting dark pretty soon, and Harmony didn't like the thought of poor Tempo being out in the forest at night, lost and alone. So she continued her search. 



* * *



Meanwhile, Tempo had followed close behind the pony, deep into the forest. Once inside, the pony had slowed down and Tempo was able to get a better look at the figure he'd been chasing after. It was a little Pegasus filly, with a buttercream hide, a pale pink mane with honey colored streaks, and a cutie mark of three pink tulips with green leaves. She looked like such a delicate and helpless little thing, Tempo wondered why somepony like her would come here of all places. As it grew darker, strange sounds began to emanate from all around. The Pegasus filly squeaked in fear, her eyes darting left and right to see if there were any scary creatures around. When none could be seen, the filly continued on. Tempo did his best to stealthily follow her, but ended up accidentally stepping on a twig, causing it to snap loudly. The filly let out another squeak. She turned her head in the direction of where Tempo was hiding.

"W-who's there?" asked the filly, shivering slightly. 

Tempo sighed a little, and decided there was no point hiding anymore. He hopped out of the bushes and up to the filly. Upon seeing him, the filly broke into a huge smile and crouched down to his eye level. "Oh! Hello there, Mr Jackalope." cooed the filly. "What brings you here to this part of the forest?" 

Before Tempo could respond, the voice of his owner called out for him. "Tempo!" The filly also heard the voice. Harmony stepped through the bushes to where he and the filly were standing. Her eyes lit up when they fell on Tempo.

"Tempo! There you are!" she cried. Harmony scooped him up in her arms, hugging him close and nuzzling his cheek against hers. "Am I glad I found you." She then set Tempo back down and began to lightly scold him. "You should know better than to run off like that, just think of what could've happened if I didn't find you!" 

Tempo then pointed a paw toward the Pegasus filly, who stood there timidly. Harmony looked at the filly with surprise, not expecting to see anypony else out in the forest, especially somepony so young. "Hello there, who are you?" asked Harmony. 

The filly rubbed her arm anxiously and said nothing. 

Poor thing must be shy. Harmony thought. 

"My name is Harmony." she said, trying to not appear too intimidating for the filly. "And this is Tempo." she gestured her left hoof toward Tempo, who stood at her side. "Are you lost?" 

The filly only nodded. 

"Then come with me, and let's head back into town." She reached out to the filly, only to have her flinch away from her hoof. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go home?" The filly continued to say nothing, staring down at her hooves. Harmony sighed. "Look, it's late out, and it's dangerous to be out in the woods by yourself. So will you let me help you and take you back home?" 

The filly paused, thinking it over, and then nodded. 

"Then follow me." said Harmony. The threesome thus began their trek out of the woods, hoping to make it back to town as quickly as possible.





The moon hung high in the sky, it pale light lighting the way for Harmony, Tempo, and the little filly, as they traveled through the forest, with little success in finding their way back to Ponyville.

"Huh. I was sure the way back was around here somewhere." said Harmony, trying to figure this out. But she couldn't think well on an empty stomach. Luckily, she'd brought the beg with her dinner with her. She turned to the filly and asked, "Are you hungry?"

The filly nodded. 

Harmony reached into the bag and pulled out one of the hayburgers and handed it to the filly. "Here, I know it isn't much but, it's what I got."

The filly reluctantly took the hayburger and bit down into it. She appeared to enjoy it, as she took another, larger bite. Harmony wolfed down her own hayburger and gave Tempo his salad. 

"Ah! That hit the spot!" said Harmony, licking some ketchup off her lips. 

The filly nodded. "Yes." she said quietly. "Thank you, very much."

Harmony smiled at her. "So you can talk." she said. 

The filly lowered her head and said nothing. 

Well, at least she's opening up at her own pace. thought Harmony. 

"If you don't mind me asking." Harmony said to the filly, trying to establish some peaceful small talk. "Why did you come out here into the Everfree Forest?"

The filly pawed at the ground. "You wouldn't understand." she mumbled. 

"Try me." replied Harmony. 

"W-well, okay, I guess." the filly said nervously. She took a deep breath and began to explain. "There are these colts who pick on me back home. They make fun of how I'm weaker than the other Pegasi and call me a cry baby. I was so tired of their teasing that I wanted to do something to prove them wrong. Then I remembered a story my Auntie told me, about how she stood up against many creatures in the Everfree forest and tamed them. I thought, maybe if I could go into the forest and do the same thing, to show that I could be brave, and maybe then those colts would stop picking on me."

Harmony looked at the filly over her shoulder, feeling sorry for her. "What about your friends?" she asked. "Don't they help stand up to those bullies for you?"

The filly shook her head. "I don't really have friends. Papa and Auntie help me though, and try to make me feel better, but this time, I wanted to try and stand up for myself." Her face fell as she cast her eyes downward. "But it looks like it didn't turn out very well."

"You know," said Harmony. "There are other ways of standing up for yourself and showing that you're brave besides rushing into danger."

The filly's cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. "Sigh! You're right." she said. "Auntie must be worried sick about me right now, wondering where I went. What do I tell her?"

"Well, the truth is always best." said Harmony. "And if you'd like, I'll help talk to her and explain what happened."

The filly looked up at Harmony in surprise. "Y-you'd do that for me?" she asked. 

Harmony nodded. "Sure! That way, if we go to her together, it won't seem so bad." 

The filly managed to give Harmony a small, shy smile and softly say, "Thank you...Harmony."

Harmony smiled back. "You're welcome."

"Mariposa."

"Huh?" Harmony tilted her head to the side.

"My name, it's Mariposa. But everypony in my family calls me Posey for short." 

"I like it. It suits you well." 

Posey's cheeks blushed a light shade of pink as she looked away. 

Just then, Tempo froze. His ears twitched as he picked up faint sounds not to far from where they were. Harmony noticed this and stopped walking as well.

"Are you okay, Tempo?" she asked him with concern. 

Tempo concentrated on the sound, trying to determine what it was. He sniffed the air, and his eyes widened in fear. He hopped up to Harmony in a panic, making wild gestures, telling her they needed to run. 

"What is it? What's wrong?" Harmony got her answer soon enough, as a low growl sounded from the bushes. A horrible smell began to fill the air. "Ugh! What is that smell?"

Posey began to quiver in fear, recognizing what it was that was coming toward us. "Timber wolves." she whispered.

A long howl rang out, sending chills down the girls' and Tempo's spines. They wasted not a second more and galloped for their lives. More howls sounded, growing closer and closer to them despite how much ground they were covering. 

"Ah!" Posey cried as she tripped and fell to the forest floor.

"Posey!" cried Harmony, swerving back to help her up. She quickly took Posey by the hoof and pulled her along as she continued to run. But the timber wolves had managed to catch up to them and were dangerously close. Harmony looked over her shoulder to see two of them snapping their jaws and growling. She could also see that Posey was starting to get tired and was slowing down. 

"Keep moving." Harmony urged her. "Our best chance is to try and out run them."

Posey let out a yelp as another, larger timber wolf appeared in front of them. Harmony came to a stop. They were surrounded, as the three timber wolves began to circle around them, foul slobber dripping from their teeth like tree sap as they began to close in on them, ready to pounce. Harmony looked down at Posey, who was shivering and sobbing as she hid behind her from the frightening beasts. Harmony then had a sudden flash back to something similar to this happening to her and her friends when they were in the changeling forest. Except were cornered by vampire jackalopes, whereas here they were facing against ferocious timber wolves. Yet, as she recalled the memory, an idea came to her. She wasn't entirely sure if it would work, but she had to try. 

Harmony stood up tall and looked at the circling timber wolves with narrowed eyes. "Listen up, you timber wolves, I'm only going to say this once. Go now and leave us alone, or else I'll have no choice but to teach you a lesson." she said. 

"What are you doing?" whispered Posey. 

"You'll see." Harmony whispered back. 

The timber wolves just growled in reply and arched their legs as the prepared to attack. 

"Have it your way then." said Harmony. 

As quickly as she could, Harmony summoned her power just before the timber wolves were about to pounce. For once, she needed her magic to work. It had to if she was going to save Posey and get her back home. Harmony floated into the air and hurled blasts of white magic at the timber wolves, blasting them to pieces. Posey, who'd been cowering in a little ball, cracked open an eye and watched Harmony in amazement, as she reduced the timber wolves to harmless piles of twigs and sticks. Tempo wildly applauded Harmony for a job well done. 

"H-how did you--" But Posey was quickly cut off as Harmony picked her and Tempo off the ground and into her arms. 

"We can talk later. The wolves won't be sticks for long." said Harmony. Sure enough, the sticks and twigs began to reassemble bit by bit. "Hold on tight." Harmony opened her wings and flew Posey and Tempo high into the air, above the tree tops of the Everfree Forest. 

Posey let out soft cheers while Tempo taunted the timber wolves down below. Harmony laughed. "Alright you two, that's enough. Let's get back to Ponyville and put this whole night behind us."

"Okay." said Posey.

Tempo nodded.

"I've never really carried anypony before, so you both might want to hold on tight for a little bit longer." And off she flew, with Posey and Tempo, leaving the timber wolves behind as they howled in defeat.






After flying a little ways from where they'd escaped the timber wolves, Posey pointed down to a little spot near the edge of the Everfree Forest. In that spot sat a cozy little cottage with all its lights turned on. 

"Down there!" said Posey. "That's my Auntie's house." 

"Going down." said Harmony. She swiftly and gently swooped down to the ground, landing on the dirt pathway that led up to the doorstep of the cottage. 

There was some movement inside the cottage, as the pony inside came out to see what the commotion was. Harmony recognized the pony who stepped out as Fluttershy, one of Twilight's friends she'd met at Flurry's birthday party. The Pegasus gave out a gasp as she rushed toward Posey and pulled her into a worried hug.

"Posey! Thank goodness you're alright!" she cried. Posey smiled as she hugged her aunt back."Where were you?" 

Posey looked down in shame and said, "I...went into the Everfree Forest." 

Fluttershy gasped. "The Everfree Forest? But why?" 

"Um, excuse me, Fluttershy?" piped up Harmony. Fluttershy looked up at Harmony, surprised to see her. "If I may, I think I might be able to help explain."

And so Harmony told Fluttershy the whole story about Posey going into the forest to try and prove those bullies wrong and how she happened to find her and helped to bring her back home. (She left out of course the part about the timber wolves, not wanting to worry the Pegasus even more.) When she finished, Fluttershy sighed and gave Posey a serious look.

"I'm very disappointed in you Posey. What were you thinking?" she said. "Your father would've had a fit if anything bad happened to you, and I was already worried sick." 

Posey hung her head. "I'm sorry, Auntie Fluttershy. I promise I won't do it again."

Fluttershy softened and she smiled a little at Posey. "Well, all that matter is that you're back. I'll have to tell your father about this and let him figure out a good punishment for you. In the meantime, there's still some food left over from dinner for you if you're still hungry. Once you finish it up, you can go to bed." 

"Okay, Auntie." Posey gave Fluttershy a peck on the cheek and went inside the cottage. 

Fluttershy turned to Harmony and smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you so much for bringing Posey home."

"You're welcome, Fluttershy. I'm happy I could help." replied Harmony. Tempo let out a yawn, as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Harmony also let out a yawn. "It's late, we should probably be heading back to the castle."

"Wait." said Fluttershy, stopping Harmony as she was about to leave. "Please, why don't you stay here for the night?"

"Are you sure?" asked Harmony.

Fluttershy nodded. "It's the least I could do after you helped Posey. I'll make you a spot on the couch to sleep on." 

Harmony accepted Fluttershy's offer, and followed her inside the cottage, where she peacefully slept the rest of the night away.






After spending the night, as well as breakfast at Fluttershy's cottage, Harmony headed back to the Castle of Friendship, where a frazzled Spike was waiting for her. He'd stayed up the entire night waiting for her to get back, and was in the mood for a good long nap. Harmony apologized to him and explained what happened on her way back from the Hayburger, only to have him fall asleep halfway through her story. She didn't blame him of course, and left Spike to catch some much needed rest, while she and Tempo went into the library and went over Twilight's lesson plan. There, she studied the rest of the books Twilight wanted her to look through. 

When Spike woke up and was well rested, he helped Harmony out as she practiced her control over her magic, and kept practicing until a couple days later when Twilight got back from Vanhoover. 

"Welcome back, Twilight!" said Spike as Twilight came into the throne room. "Did everything go well in Vanhoover?"

Twilight nodded. "Yep! It took a while, but I managed to work it all out." She turned to Harmony and asked, "How've you been doing with your studies?" 

Harmony beamed. "Great! Check this out." Harmony floated off the ground a snaked over Twilight's head with such ease. Then, she put her hooves together, and created a little ball of white magic, which grew in size and power as Harmony opened her arms out wide. Once it got to a tremendous size, Harmony shrunk it back to a tiny ball and let it fizzle back into her. 

"Wow! It looks like you've really improved on controlling your magic." Twilight remarked.

"I still need so more work on it." said Harmony. "But now, I'm starting to get a little bit used to it." She gave Twilight a smile. "And it's thanks to you."

"Really? How?" inquired Twilight. 

"Your lesson plan said to think about the first time I used my powers. I thought about it, but I wasn't sure exactly how I got them to work in the first place." Harmony rubbed the back of her head as she continued. "It wasn't until I ran into a little trouble that I realized what it was. The reason I was able to use my powers was because I wanted to help my friends when they were in trouble and there was nopony else but me who could help them. " She placed a hoof over her chest and looked down at it. "I'm not sure exactly, but I think maybe my magic is connected to my thoughts and feelings, and it's because of them that I was able to use my magic in the first place."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully. "It is an interesting theory." she said.

"I've been so worried about my powers and my role as a spirit, that I wasn't able to figure out until now how to control them. Once I did, I started to get better and better."

"I'm glad." Twilight said with a smile. "It seems that you're starting to get the hang of becoming a spirit much quicker than I expected. Pretty soon, you'll be ready to move onto the next level of your studies."

Harmony loop-de-looped in the air and shouted, "Whoo-hoo!" As she did so, she accidentally shot out a little blast of magic that left a little scorch mark on the throne room floor. 

"But first, I think you still need a little more practice." said Twilight, as Harmony smiled sheepishly and said, "Oops."
> Episode 2-Don't Give Up On Magic!: Abra-ca-dabra's Debut
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 2-Don't Give Up On Magic!: Abra-ca-dabra's Debut


There was excitement stirring for both the students and teachers alike at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Everypony was working together to put on a big magical talent show to showcase their skills and what they've learned to their parents and the public. Outside the main building of the school, a group of students were helping to build and set the stage they'd be using. Some of the Unicorns used their magic to build the sets, and others used them to work on the lighting and special effects. And it was all being supervised by one of the newer teachers and a former student of Princess Celestia's, Professor Sunset Shimmer. She directed the young Unicorns where to go and what to do, and checking things off on her clipboard once they were complete.

"Good work everybod--I mean, everypony!" called out Sunset. "You're all doing a great job. We'll have this show up and running in no time."

Also working outside, not too far from the stage (that was still partly under construction), were the Unicorns who'd be performing their magical feats. Some had partnered up, and others went solo, but all of them had their muzzles buried in spell books, trying to figure out which spell to use on opening night. Once they had one picked out, they immediately began practicing so that they could get it to perfection for the show. Morning Star, an amber Unicorn with a wavy crimson mane, had long picked out which spell she wanted to do and had it memorized, so she spent the rest of the free time she now had sitting on the ground and reading ahead in her textbook while the other Unicorns were working around her. Just as she was in the middle of a particularly interesting passage, Morning was called on by Sunset Shimmer.

"Morning Star, can I have a word with you?" 

"Hold on!" Morning Star called back. She closed her text book and trotted up to her teacher. "What is it, Professor Shimmer?"

"I noticed that you were reading ahead again, have you finished your act for the show?" Sunset asked.

Morning nodded. "Yep! I've got it all picked out and everything." she replied.

"Then in that case, there's something I want you to do for me."

"What is it?"

"You know Abra-ca-dabra, right?"

"Yeah, we're in the same class together, and our moms know each other, why?"

"She's been a little sad lately, ever since they announced about the show. I want you to go and see what's wrong, and if you can. maybe even help her with her problem."

Morning Star looked at Sunset Shimmer befuddled. "What? Why do you want me to do that?"

"Everypony else is busy with the show, and since you already know her, maybe she'll open up to you and tell you what's wrong."

Morning frowned. It wasn't that she didn't like Abra-ca-dabra, but she didn't really know or hang out with her, so she doubted that she'd get her to open up. And what made Professor Shimmer think that she'd be able to solve Abra-ca-dabra's problem anyway? Still, Professor Shimmer was a teacher, and asked her to help. 

Morning Star sighed. "Fine, where is she?" she asked.

"She's right over there, helping the pyrotechnics." said Sunset, pointing a hoof toward the stage. 

Morning Star turned her head and saw Abra-ca-dabra, she was a periwinkle Unicorn with a silvery white mane, and a cutie mark of a star wand with two ribbons wrapped around it.  She had a sad expression on her face as she mixed different powders that would be used to create dramatic sparks and flames. Heaving another sigh, Morning Star went over to Abra-ca-dabra, looking up at her as she stood on the stage.

"Hey, Abra." said Morning. Abra-ca-dabra stopped mixing the powers and looked down at Morning Star. 

"Oh, hey Morning. Is there something you need?" said Abra-ca-dabra. 

"Not really, no." said Morning Star. "I just came to check and see how things were coming along with the stage and such."

"It's going well." replied Abra-ca-dabra. Her lavender eyes fell downward and her sad frown seemed to deepen. 

"Are you alright?" asked Morning Star.

Abra-ca-dabra's pupils shrunk as she began to stammer, "O-of course I'm alright. I'm perfectly alright? Why wouldn't be alright?" she let out a nervous laugh.

Morning arched an eyebrow. She could definitely tell that something was up and it was starting to worry her a little. 

"Abra, what's going on?" she questioned.

"Nothing's going on." insisted Abra-ca-dabra. "Really."

"Come on Abra, you're not fooling anypony. Just tell me what's wrong."

Abra-ca-dabra looked left and right and then leaned down to whisper in Morning's ear. "Alright, but not here. It's too embarrassing to talk about with other ponies around. Meet me in my dorm room later and I'll tell you." 

Morning Star gave a nod and trotted away. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing Abra-ca-dabra's expression change from one of sadness to anxiousness.

What is t that has her acting like this? wondered Morning Star to herself. 





Later, outside Abra-ca-dabra's dorm...

Morning rapped her hoof against the door and waited for Abra-ca-dabra to answer. The door opened a crack before Abra-ca-dabra opened it all the way and pulled Morning Star inside. 

"Good, it looks like you weren't followed." said Abra-ca-darba in relief. 

"Alright Abra, now tell me what this is all about." said Morning. 

Abra-ca-dabra anxiously rubbed her arm as she began to explain. "Well, you see, it's...it's the show."

Morning Star tilted her head. "Huh?"

"Everypony has something special that they're doing for the show, but me, I've got nothing." Abra-ca-darba hung her head and frowned.

"That's it?" asked Morning. "You want to be in the show?"

Abra-ca-dabra nodded. 

"Then why didn't you say so? I'm sure Professor Shimmer will let you if you ask her."

"It's not as simple as that!" said Abra-ca-dabra, turning to face Morning Star. "I want to perform with everypony, but I can't."

"Why not?" questioned Morning. 

"Because I can't use magic like everypony else." Abra-ca-dabra hung her head. "You've seen me in class! I can only use low level magic, and every time I try to cast higher spells, I end goofing up and creating a big mess." She began to pace back and forth around her dorm room. "If I went up there onstage, I won't only make a fool of myself, but I'll probably ruin the show entirely."

"Don't exaggerate, Abra." said Morning Star. "Sure, you might not be very skilled in magic, but I'm sure you can still put on just as good a performance as everypony else." 

Abra-ca-dabra sniffed. "I don't know. It's always been a dream of mine to be like my mom, and to travel around Equestria, performing in front of everypony and entertaining them with my magic." For a moment, Abra-ca-dabra smiled as she thought about her dream, only for her face to fall once more as she let out a depressed sigh. "But now, I'm starting to wonder if I should just give up on magic entirely."

Morning Star's eyes widened in shock. "But, you love magic." she pointed out. And it was true. While Abra-ca-dabra wasn't very good with magic orally, she was good on written tests and exams, and always paid attention in class. 

"I do love magic." said Abra-ca-dabra sadly. "But what's the point in it if I'm not good at it?"

That did it. Morning Star knew she had to do something. "You don't have to give it up." she said. "Look, my dad wasn't all the good with magic either, and yet he knows more about it than any of the teachers at this school." She kept going, as Abra-ca-dabra listened. "Don't give up just yet, Abra. Let me help you out, and together, I know we can put on an amazing act that'll blow away the crowd."

"You really think so?" asked Abra-ca-dabra hopefully.

Morning Star nodded. "I know so."





Morning Star walked with Abra-ca-dabra as the two went to Sunset Shimmer's classroom, where Sunset Shimmer herself was double checking the lineup for the show. Morning knocked on the side of the open door and called out, "Professor Shimmer, can we come in?"

Sunset looked up at them and smiled. "Yes, of course, come right in." she said brightly. "What can I do for you girls?"

"Abra-ca-dabra here wants to be part of the talent show." said Morning, gesturing to Abra-ca-dabra with her hoof. Abra-ca-dabra smiled weakly at Sunset Shimmer.

"If that's alright." she said.

Sunset beamed. "That's great!" she exclaimed. "We've actually been looking for one more act to add to the show." Sunset levitated a slip of paper and showed it to the girls. It was a list of all the scheduled acts, with one empty spot left. "I can place you in near the middle of the show, if you'd like."

Morning glanced at Abra-ca-dabra, who was becoming more and more ecstatic. "Yes, please." she said.

"Very good." said Sunset, taking back the paper and scribbling Abra-ca-dabra's name on it. "Do you have an act picked out?"

Abra-ca-dabra's smile fell. She'd been so caught up in the thought of being in the show that she didn't even think of what she would be doing. She gulped as she tried to answer, "Uhhhh...."

"I'm helping her with the act." interjected Morning, she gave Abra-ca-dabra a little smile. 

"Alright then." said Sunset. "Just remember, the show is in three days, so you'll have to be ready by then. Got it?"

"Got it." the girls said in unison. They both turned and left the classroom, talking to one another as they walked. 

"I can't believe I'm going to be in the show!" said Abra-ca-dabra. Her pupils then shrunk. "I'm going to be in the show. What am I going to do? I haven't planned anything or--"

"Relax." said Morning Star, putting a hoof on Abra-ca-dabra's shoulder. "Just leave everything to me."

"But the show is in three days." Abra-ca-dabra said worriedly. "How're we going to come up with a good act in time?" 

Morning smiled. "You'll see." she said.






Outside on the school grounds, Morning Star had gotten a trunk filled with all the necessary supplies they'd need to prepare for Abra-ca-dabra's act. Abara-ca-dabra stood at attention as Morning paced in front of her, giving her a run down of what they were going to do. 

"Since this is a talent show as well as a magic show," said Morning. "I think the best way to figure out your act is by having it correspond to whatever special talent it is you have."

"But will that be good enough?" asked Abra-ca-dabra. 

"You're mom is in show business. right?" questioned Morning.

Abrab-ca-dabra nodded. 

"Then you should know that when it comes to any show, it's all about dazzling the crowds. Even the simplest of tricks can look amazing if you execute them right."

Abra-ca-dabra blinked and then gave Morning a baffled look. "How do you know that."

"Oh, I borrowed a book from the library about performances to help with my own act a while ago." she explained. "Now then, back to the matter at hoof, what sort of talent do you have?"

"Well, I'm pretty good with light spells." said Abra-ca-dabra as she began to demonstrate to Morning. Her horn lit up, and shapes made of shimmery light swirled and danced over their heads. 

Morning nodded thoughtfully. "That could work." She then turned to the trunk and opened it up. "Let's see if these will help to add a little more pizzazz." Abra-ca-dabra peeked inside the trunk, and recognized a lot of the objects inside from her dorm room. They were the things that she'd brought with her to magic school before leaving home. 

She turned to Morning Star and smiled. "Let's get to work!"



* * *



Abra-ca-dabra had been practicing really hard on a couple of new spells Morning Star had shown her, mustering as much strength as she could so that they looked spectacular. 

"Come on, you can do it." Morning encouraged her, as she attempted to strengthen her projection spell. But as she strained to project the light illusion farther out, the spell fizzled out, and aura around Abra-ca-dabra's  horn dimmed. 

Abra-ca-dabra let out a groan.

"Hey, you did a little bit better on it that time." said Morning reassuringly. 

Abra-ca-dabra sighed and smiled. "Thanks, Morning."

"Why don't we move onto the other parts of the act?" suggested Morning.

"Okay." 

The two Unicorns had come up with a great idea for the act, and had been going over the magical and technical sides they needed to perfect. Luckily, it seemed that Abra-ca-dabra had a real knack for the technical mechanics of putting on a show, having had some past experience from helping out her mom backstage. With Morning providing some assistance, she whipped up a batch of smoke pellets and picked out which types of fireworks they should use. They kept working on it until late in the afternoon, when it was almost time for the students to head back to their dorms for curfew. 

"We made a lot of progress today." said Abra-ca-dabra, grinning from ear to ear. "We might actually be able to pull this show off!" 

"I told you so." said Morning Star. "But I still think we should work on your big entrance and exit."

"Agreed. Same time after classes?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

"Great! See you tomorrow." Abra-ca-dabra was trotting for her room, when she stopped and turned to Morning Star.

"Um, Morning?"

"What is it?"

"Thanks again for all your help."

Morning smiled. "You're welcome." And with that, the two went back to their separate dorms to get a good night's sleep.





"Mares and gentlecolts! Witness as I, Abra-ca-dabra, shall dazzle you with my magnificent tricks!" declared Abra-ca-dabra in a grand voice. She and Morning Star were running through the routine they had planned out, after introducing herself, Abra-ca-dabra's horn glowed with an intense aura.

Morning nodded approvingly. "Keep it up! You're doing good!" she called. 

Abra-ca-dabra spun in a circles, causing the light to swirl around her. When she stopped, she shot out the light from her horn, projecting images of light out over where the crowds would be. But after a few minutes, the images began to flicker and then disappear. 

Abra-ca-dabra sighed. 

"Don't worry, you almost had it. We just need to keep working on making those illusions last longer." said Morning.

"Okay, I'll try." 

"Hey! What're you two doing?" The girls turned their heads to see one of their classmates, a Unicorn stallion named Poker Chip, approaching them.

"Hey, Poker!" Abra-ca-darba greeted cheerfully. "Morning and I are working on the routine for my act for the show." 

Poker Chip frowned, narrowing his eyes at Morning Star. "So, you've got one of the best students at school helping you out. Sounds like your performance is going to be a real winner." he said snarkily.

Morning frowned back at him. Everypony at school knew that Poker Chip was nothing but a jerk who liked to get under other ponies' skin, much to the annoyance of both the students and staff. But Abra-ca-dabra didn't seem to notice as she went on talking to him.

"You think so? We only came up with it last minute, but we've been putting a lot of effort into it." she said. 

"I'll bet." said Poker Chip with a sneer. 

"And what's that supposed to mean?" asked Morning Star sharply. 

"Oh, nothing. It's just that, since you're great at using magic, something like a magic show should be easy for somepony like you." He then turned to Abra-ca-dabra and added, "Looks like you'll be able to sit back and rest easy with Morning doing all the work."

"Morning isn't doing all the work." said Abra-ca-dabra defensively. "She's just been giving me a few pointers and helping me out with my own magic, that's all."

"Really? Then I guess your performance won't be so great after all." he said.

"Poker..." Morning began in a warning tone. 

"What do you mean?" Abra-ca-dabra asked worriedly. 

"You don't honestly think that your lame low level magic is going to impress anypony, do you?" 

"I....I--"

"That's enough, Poker, leave her alone!" said Morning Star.

"What? I'm just being honest." Said Poker. 

"Why you--"

"Ah! Morning, Abra, there you are." said Sunset Shimmer heading up to the girls. "How are things coming along with your act?" 

"It's coming along nicely, professor." said Abra-ca-dabra, trying not to let what Poker Chip said get to her. 

"Good. I also have some big news to tell you." 

"What is it?" Abra-ca-dabra asked. 

"I got a letter from your mother, and she says that she'll be here on opening night! She's really looking forward to seeing your performance." 

Abra-ca-dabra's eyes widened. "M-my mom's coming here? To see me?" she asked. 

Sunset nodded "Yes, isn't that great?" 

Abra'ca'dabra's throat tightened a little as she gulped. "Yeah, great." she said nervously. 

"Why don't you girls show me what you have done so far?" asked Sunset. 

"Sure, we can do that. Right, Abra?" Abra-ca-dabra said nothing, lost in her worried thoughts. "Abra?"

"Huh?! Oh! Yes, I can do that." Abra-ca-dabra bit her bottom lip as she got ready to begin the routine in front of Sunset Shimmer. She started with her big entrance, and introduced herself to the imaginary crowd, but as she said her name, her voice cracked. "Sorry." she said apologetically. 

Poker Chip snickered from the side lines, which made Abra-ca-dabra feel more self conscious. She tried to continue on with the act, but her thoughts began to drift to a worst case scenario of what would happen if she messed up on the night of the show. Everypony would laugh at her, and her mom would be ashamed of her embarrassing mistake. She was so consumed by this growing anxiety, that when she was doing the spinning part of the trick, her hoof slipped, and she tripped onto the stage. 

"Ow!" she cried. 

"Abra! Are you alright?" asked Morning Star worriedly. 

"I'm fine." said Abra-ca-dabra getting up. She glanced over at Poker Chip, who snickered once again, she heard him whisper, "Some Unicorn." Her eyes teared up as she trotted off the stage. 

"Do you want to try doing your trick again?" asked Sunset. 

Abra-ca-dabra shook her head. "No thanks, Professor Shimmer." 

"Alright then, you can show me again later if you want." 

"Actually professor, I changed my mind. I don't want to be in the show anymore."

"What?!" cried Sunset and Morning in surprise. 

"I'm sure it won't be hard to find somepony to replace me." she said with a sniff, and galloped off. 

"Abra, wait up!" called Morning Star, running after her. She caught up to her and put a hoof on Abra-ca-dabra's shoulder to stop her. "Abra, what's wrong? Just a few minutes ago you were really excited about being in the show, and now you want to quit?" 

Abra-ca-dabra sniffed. "I did, but now, I don't want to. I just can't, not if I end up making a fool of myself onstage."

"You're not letting what Poker said get to you, are you?" asked Morning.

"I don't know, maybe! But he's right. I thought maybe there was a chance I could do something amazing, but..." Abra-ca-dabra looked away, unable to finish her sentence. 

"Abra..."

"Please, just leave me alone." Abra-ca-dabra trotted away, back to her dorm room, leaving Morning Star alone and stranded. 





The next day...

On the day of the show, Morning Star was feeling stressed, and needed something to calm her nerves. So she went to the Rose Cafe, where one of her best friends, Harmony, was the owner. She entered the cafe and went up to the counter.

"Hey, Morning. What can I do for you?" asked Harmony. 

"I'd like a cup of coffee please, with plenty of cream and caramel." said Morning tiredly. 

"Rough day?" inquired Harmony, pouring Morning a cup of coffee and adding the cream and caramel to it. 

"You don't know the half of it." replied Morning. She took her coffee and told Harmony what had happened with Abra-ca-dabra and how Poker Chip had made things worse for her. "Now the show's tonight, and I don't know what else to do about Abra." 

Harmony propped her cheek on her hoof as she thought about it. "Maybe you should give Abra some space, so she can have some time to herself to think things over." she suggested.

Morning sipped her coffee and sighed. "Maybe you're right, but, I just don't know."

"It sounds like you're really worried about her." remarked Harmony. "Is she a friend of yours?"

Morning shrugged. "Not exactly, but she's close enough I guess. I met her a couple times as a filly when her mom came to visit my mom, and we share some classes together. And to be honest, I was a little skeptical at first about helping her."

"And why is that?" asked Harmony. 

"I didn't know what kind of problem she had or if I'd even be able to help her with it. But when she told me how she felt like giving up on magic and her dream just because she wasn't as good as everypony else, I started to feel sorry for her, and I wanted to try and help her." Morning took another sip of her coffee and continued. "Daddy talks about how hard it was for him in magic school, knowing all sorts of great spells but not being able to do them. Abra kinda reminded me of him, and I felt like she shouldn't have to give up something she loved even if she doesn't think she's able to do it." 

Harmony smiled. "If Abra loves magic as much as you say she does, and has somepony like you looking out for her, then I don't think you have anything to worry about." she said reassuringly. 

"Thanks, Harmony." Morning said smiling back. She finished the rest of her coffee and licked the cream and caramel from her lips. "This is really good coffee!" 

"It's my own special blend." said Harmony. "It helps relax ponies and lets them open up and talk about whatever is bothering them." 

Morning Star wasn't sure if Harmony was serious or not, but that didn't matter. Right now, she felt a whole lot better. She paid for the coffee and headed out of the cafe to get ready for the show. "I gotta go, I hope I see you later at the show tonight."

Harmony smiled to herself as Morning Star left. "I wouldn't miss it." 





That night...


A large crowd of ponies had gathered around the stage, all talking excitedly about the show and wondering what sort of tricks they'd be seeing the students performing. Meanwhile, backstage, the students and stagehooves were setting up the stage and adding the final touches in preparation for when the show would actually begin. Hiding off to the side amongst the props was Abra-ca-dabra. Though she was still a little anxious about going through with her act and performing in front of everypony, she at least wanted to wish Morning Star good luck, as further thanks for all her help. 

When she saw her pass by, Abra-ca-dabra hissed, "Psst! Morning! Over here!" 

Morning Star's head turned, surprised to see Abra-ca-dabra. "Abra! Did you change your mind?" 

Abra-ca-dabra shook her head. "No, I just wanted to wish you good luck, I hope you do well tonight."

"Thanks Abra." said Morning. "You know, there's still if you do change your mind and want to perform."

"I don't know." said Abra-ca-dabra nervously. 

Then, Sunset Shimmer frantically ran backstage and called for everypony's attention. "I've got some bad news everypony." she said seriously. "I'm afraid our opening act has canceled, apparently they all got a bad case of the pony pox." Murmurs instantly rose among the students over this. "But don't worry, we'll simply have to continue the show without them." 

Morning then had an idea. She let out a groan as she talked to Abra-ca-dabra. "Oh no! Now what are we going to do?"

"What do you mean?" asked Abra-ca-dabra. 

"The opening act was going to be a big part of the show. Everypony is expecting to see it tonight, and now they're all going to be so disappointed." said Morning. "If only there was somepony who could take their place. But where could we find somepony like that?" 

Abra-ca-dabra tapped her chin and went down to the heavy red curtains, pushing the back just a hair to look out at the vast crowd. All of them appeared happy and eager to see the show. That's when she saw her mother, the Great and Powerful Trixie, arrive and stand right up front, so she could be as close to the stage as possible. A large smile was on her face. Abra-ca-dabra pushed away all the thoughts she'd had about what Poker Chip and said and making a fool of herself out of her head. She turned to face Morning Star and gave her her best determined smile. 

"I'll do it!" she said.

Morning Star smiled and called out to Sunset. "Professor Shimmer, Abra here has something to say!" 

Sunset Shimmer went over to them. "What is it?" she asked.

"I changed my mind...again. I want to be back in the show, only this time, I'm willing to help replace the opening act for you." said Abra-ca-dabra. 

"Are you sure?" asked Sunset Shimmer.

Abra-ca-dabra nodded. "Everypony is excited to see the opening act as well as the show, and it'd be a shame to disappoint them. Not to mention, mom looked pretty excited too. So for them, I'm willing to go on in the show."She said, speaking with as much confidence as she could muster. 

Sunset Shimmer looked to her and then to Morning Star before saying, "Very well, but Abra..."

"Yes?" asked Abra-ca-dabra. 

"Don't just do it for them, do it for yourself." she said smiling. "Go out there and have a good time."

Abra-ca-dabra smiled back. "I will, professor."

"Alright everypony, listen!" Sunset Shimmer called out, getting students' attention. "There's been another change in plans. ABra-ca-dabra will now be replacing the opening act." She gestured a hoof to the pony in question. The students looked at her doubtfully and began whispering to one another. 

Abra-ca-dabra began to feel her confidence slip away, but she shook her head. She would go on stage, and she wouldn't let any silly worries stop her from giving the crowd the show they were expecting. 

"We need to get into our positions." said Sunset Shimmer. "Morning, Abra, I leave it to you to get ready with the opening."

"You can count on us, professor." said Abra-ca-dabra. 

Morning laughed. "Hey, I was going to say that." 





The crowd had begun to settle down, as the show was about to begin. Starlight Glimmer and her husband Sunburst had just arrived, and were scooting up to the front of the crowd so they could get a good look at their daughter's performance. 

"Starlight! Over here!" called a voice. Starlight turned and smiled as she saw her friend, Trixie Lulamoon. 

"Trixie! How've you been?" asked Starlight, coming over to stand by her. 

"Oh, you know, the usual." answered Trixie. "But as soon as I heard Abra was going to be performing in tonight's show, I simply had to stop by to see it." 

"Abra-ca-dabra's performing? How wonderful!" said Sunburst. 

Starlight nodded in agreement. "Do you know what she'll be doing for the show?" she asked. 

Trixie shook her head. "No, but I'll bet it'll be nothing short of spectacular." She lifted her chin into the air and placed a hoof on her chest. "She is my daughter after all."

Starlight and Sunburst rolled their eyes at Trixie. Then, a cry rose up from somewhere in the crowd.

"Hey! Look at that!" they cried. 

Everyponys' head turned toward the sky. Colored lights were gathering around a star, wrapping around it as it shot down flying over the heads of the crowds and toward the stage. When the shooting star hit the floor of the stage, the light burst into a flash, and in the place of the star was Abra-ca-dabra. She smiled to the crowds and spoke out to them in a clear voice.

"Welcome to the show, everypony! Witness, as our school wows and bedazzles you with its awesome feats of magic!"  she declared. 

Abra-ca-dabra shot out a flare to the sidelines, signaling the stagehooves to use their magic to create silvery archways over the crowd. Everypony murmured as they gazed up at the arches. Her horn then glew brightly, she spun around a few times in a circle, the light from her horn wrapping around her, before she stopped and shot the magical beam out at the crowd. The crowd gasped in shock, not knowing what to expect. From her horn, she shot out a projection of little animals and breezies made of colored light. The ponies oohed and ahhed at the spectacle. Starlight held out her hoof as a little breezie landed upon it. 

The crowd then looked back up and saw a giant balloon of what looked like a winged serpent. Abra-ca-dabra levitated a broom up to her and hopped onto it, riding it to the top of the archway. Her horn lit up again, and Abra-ca-dabra blasted the balloon, till it burst into a spectacular display of colorful fireworks. The crowd cheered and clapped loudly. Abra-ca-dabra smiled and bowed to the crowd.

"Enjoy the show, everypony!" Abra-ca-dabra threw down a smoke pellet at her hooves, and with a little help from Morning Star, she disappeared in the puff of smoke.

Morning Star made Abra-ca-dabra appear next to her backstage. When she appeared, Abra-ca-dabra squealed excitedly. "Did you see me?" she asked.

Morning nodded. "You were amazing out there!"

"Do you think my mom liked it?"

Morning shrugged. "We'll have to wait and see."






After the final act of the show, Sunset Shimmer stepped onto the stage and addressed the crowd. "Thank you everypony for coming to our show." She gestured a hoof to the curtain as it began to rise back up. "Let's give a hand, er, hoof, to the students of Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns for their great efforts on tonight's performance!" 

The curtain rose, and the students all stepped out, giving a curtain call bow. Everypony cheered and stamped their hooves wildly in applause, tossing out flowers onto the stage. Abra-ca-dabra grinned. She felt amazing as she looked out at the crowd, feeling great after helping the others to put on an amazing show. 


* * *



The proud parents of the students immediately went backstage, and offered their children their praise and congratulations on a job well done. Morning Star was surrounded by her own parents who hugged her and gushed over how wonderful her act was.

"Your performance was amazing!" complimented Starlight. 

Sunburst nodded. "Where did you ever learn how to do a spell like that?" he asked curiously.  

Morning smirked at her father. "Oh, I think you know the answer to that, daddy." she answered.

"We're both proud of you." said Starlight. 

Abra-ca-dabra stepped up to Morning and he family and said, "Hello, Mrs. Glimmer, have you seen my mom?"

Starlight looked around. "She's around here somewhere. I just saw her not too long ago."

Suddenly, there was a tremendous puff of smoke, and from it appeared Trixie, declaring, "Behold! The Great and Powerful Trixie has arrived!"

The three Unicorns rolled their eyes, but Abra-ca-dabra just burst into a wide grin and went to her mom. "Mom!" she cried, wrapping her arms around her. "How was the show? Did you like it?"

Trixie tapped her chin, pretending to think about it. "Well, I wouldn't say I liked it..."

Abra-ca-dabra's smiled began to fall. "Oh." she said sadly. 

"...I loved it!" Trixie exclaimed, surprising Abra-ca-dabra. "My favorite part had to be with you and the opening act." She took her daughter's hooves in hers, bursting with pride. "You've got real potential, Abra."

"Really?" asked Abra-ca-dabra. "Even if it's not as impressive as everypony else's?"

Trixie nodded. "You'll always be impressive in my eyes." Trixie took a step back and then made a grand gesture with her arm. "I can see it now. 'The Amazing Abra-ca-dabra and her Fantastic Feats of Magic!'" 

Abra-ca-dabra smiled, liking the sound of that. 

"Of course." Trixie added. "You'll need this first if you're ever going to start out on stage." She pulled out a package wrapped in paper and handed it to Abra-ca-dabra. 

She wasted no time, and immediately tore off the paper to see what her mom had got her. She let out a delighted gasp as she lifted it up for all to see. It was a cloak similar to Trixie's, with a star clasp, colored a deep purple with a print of crescent moons and constellations.  

"My own magician's cloak!" she cried joyfully. She pressed it to her chest and smiled at Trixie. "Thanks mom, you're the best!"

Trixie laughed. "I know." 

"Hey, Morning!" Morning turned to see Harmony coming toward her. "That was a great show, you guys really killed it out there." 

"Just doing our best." said Morning Star modestly. 

"And you must be Abra-ca-dabra." said Harmony turning toward her. "Morning's told me all about you. I didn't expect to see you up for the opening act though."

"Yeah, well, a lot happened and I ended up filling in for the ponies who were originally going to go on." Abra-ca-dabra replied. 

"Well, it was great nonetheless." said Harmony. 

"And it was all thanks to my daughter." Trixie stated proudly. 

"Mom!" Abra-ca-dabra smiled, her facing turning red in embarrassment. 

Morning felt somepony tap her on the shoulder. She turned and saw Sunset Shimmer standing behind her. "Oh! Hello Professor Shimmer, do you need something?"

"Yes, I was wondering if I could have a word with you." said Sunset. 

"Oh, sure, just give me a sec." Morning told her mom and dad that she had to talk to Sunset real quick and that she wouldn't be too long. "So what is it?" Morning asked her teacher, once they were a good distance away. 

"Abra-ca-dabra said that she didn't want to let the audience down because they were expecting the opening act, when really it was no different than all the other acts the students would be putting on." said Sunset. 

"Oh?" asked Morning Star innocently.

"You tricked Abra into thinking the opening was more important than it actually was so you could get her to perform, didn't you?"

Morning smirked at Sunset. "It's possible I did. She needed something to help give her confidence, and it seemed like a good opportunity." 

Sunset arched an eyebrow. "And I trust that you'll tell her the truth?"

"I will." said Morning, turning her attention to Abra-ca-dabra, basking in the adoration of her mother as the two talked about her performance. "But for now, I think I'll just let her enjoy the attention for a while. She deserves it after all."
> Episode 3-Battle of Cakes: Pound vs. Pumpkin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 3-Battle of Cakes: Pound vs. Pumpkin


In the kitchen of Ponyville's one and only bakery, the Cake twins, Pound and Pumpkin, were busily baking all sorts of tasty goodies to sell to the townsponies. Pound Cake, a Pegasus Stallion with a light goldish gray coat, brown eyes, and a brown mane that stuck up in a stubborn cowlick, was kneading the bread dough on the long wooden table, pounding away at it and sending floor into the air. While his sister Pumpkin, a Unicorn mare with a light yellow coat, blue eyes, and an orange mane in a similar cowlick as her brother's, was mixing up the batter for a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Both had agreed that today was a perfect day for baking, and had gotten right to work.

Occasionally, when one twin needed help, the other twin would be there to help them out, like if Pound couldn't find the mixing bowl, Pumpkin would find it and give it to him, or if couldn't remember what was needed in a certain recipe, Pound would help remind her. The two made a good team, and got along well, that is, until this particular and fateful day.  When Pumpkin had got all the chips mixed into her batter, she eyed it carefully, feeling like it looked a bit dry and needed a little something. Using her magic, she levitated a carton of milk out of the fridge and added a skosh of it to the batter, stirring it into the mixture as well. 

"What are you doing?" asked Pound, noticing his sister adding the milk. 

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she replied. "I'm adding a little milk to the batter."

"I can see that, but why are you doing it? The recipe doesn't call for milk."

Pumpkin rolled her eyes. Her brother was always particular about following things by the recipe book, whereas she liked to mix things up a little and add her own special touches. "I know it's not in the recipe, but the cookies always taste a little dry afterward, A little milk will help soften them up and make them nice and airy." She then gave Pound a look and said, "And besides, it's not like a little milk will hurt anypony."

Pound frowned but just replied, "Have it your way then." And he went back to kneading out the dough. Pumpkin took the finished batter and began to put dollops of the cookie dough onto the baking tray, and was about to put them into the oven. But just as she opened the oven door with her magic, Pound cried out, "Hey! I was going to use the oven!"

"For what?" asked Pumpkin, starting to get a little annoyed by her brother interrupting her baking. 

Pound flapped over to the oven and pointed at a bread pan with some dough in it sitting on the counter beside the oven. "I was letting the dough rise, and now it's time to get in the oven." He picked up the bread pan and opened the oven door. Pumpkin took hold of the oven door with her magic, trying to keep it closed. 

"Well, I'm going to be using the oven, so your bread can wait." said Pumpkin.

"But you used the oven already earlier today! It's my turn to use it." said Pound. 

"Your turn? Since when were we taking turns?" she asked. 

"Since mom and dad left us the bakery and told us to take over for them." he said.

"I don't recall ever agreeing to taking turns with the oven." she said. 

"Well we did, and it's my turn. So my bread goes in the oven."

"No, I preheated the oven, so I should be the one to use it for my cookies."

"Bread!"

"Cookies!"

"Bread!"

"Cookies!"

The whole time the twins were arguing back and forth, each one was opening or closing the oven door, each one wanting to use the oven for their own baked good. 

"Bread!"

"Cookies!"

Then suddenly, the twins bumped each other, and accidentally made each other drop the baking pans they were holding, and causing the cookie and bread dough to fall to the floor.

The twins then cried in unison. "My cookies/bread!" They bent down to pick up the remains of what was going to be a delicious baked good, holding it in their hooves before looking up and glaring at each other.

"This is your fault!" the twins yelled in unison. "MY fault?! It's your fault!" The twins gritted their teeth and resuemed arguing with one another.

"You ruined my bread!"

"You ruined my cookies!"

"Only because you bumped into me!"

"You bumped into me first!"

"This wouldn't have happened if mom and dad left me in charge, I'm much more responsible and I'm a much better baker."

"Are you saying you're a better baker than me?!"

"What if I am?"

"Because I'm a better baker than you!"

"Prove it!"

"I will!"

"Hey guys!" chirped Pinkie Pie cheerfully as she bounced into the kitchen to check on the twins. "How's--

"NOT NOW!" The twins yelled at Pinkie Pie angrily. Pinkie stood there, completely baffled, as the twins continued to glare and argue at one another. 

"Ooh boy." said Pinkie worriedly.





Razzaroo was practically skipping down the road the road on her way to Sugarcube Corner, pulling the party cannon she'd borrowed from Pinkie Pie behind her. She'd had a great time using it at some of the parties and events she'd thrown, but now it was time to return it to its rightful owner. 

"That must be the place." Razzaroo said to herself, as the bakery came into view. She turned to the party cannon and gave it a little pat. "I'm gonna miss you buddy." 

She trotted to the bakery and stepped through its doors. But as she entered, she was met by the sounds of shouting and arguing coming from the kitchen. Razzaroo cringed as she then heard the sound of something breaking, and more yelling soon followed. From the kitchen door, stepped a frazzled Pinkie Pie. 

"Oh, hey Razzaroo, what's new with you?" said Pinkie Pie, giving her a tired smile. 

"I came to return your party cannon." said Razzaroo, wheeling it forward. 

"Thanks!" cried Pinkie Pie, gaining back a little bit of her cheeriness. 

A loud thud came from the kitchen. Razzaroo looked over Pinkie toward the kitchen door with curiosity. "What in Equestria is going on in there?" she asked.

Pinkie Pie sighed. "It's the twins. They got into a fight over something and now it seems to be getting worse and worse. They've even managed to scare off some of the ponies who tried to order something earlier with all their yelling and throwing things." she explained. "I've tried to get them to stop, but neither of them will listen to me."

"Maybe I can try something." offered Razzaroo. 

"Are you sure?" asked Pinkie Pie. 

"Yeah, besides, it looks like you could use the help." Pointing a hoof at Pinkie Pie and gesturing to her frazzled state. "Just leave it to me." Razzaroo turned on her hoof and went toward the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen, the twins' fighting had escalated into a food fight, with the two of them throwing spare cakes and pastries at each other and shouting. Just as Razzaroo was going through the kitchen doors, she accidently got caught in the middle, and was hit was hit with a barrage of frosted-covered goodies, covering her from her hooves to her pink, aquamarine, and white mane. They twins gasped in shock, and immediately ceased fire. They rushed toward Razzaroo to see if she was alright.

"Are you okay?" Pumpkin asked in concern.

"I'm so sorry." said Pound. "i didn't expect to see anypony come in."

"It's okay, I'm fine." said Razzaroo, licking away at the frosting on her face and hooves.

Pound turned to Pumpkin and glared at her. "This is all your fault!" he cried, pointing an accusing hoof at her.

"Don't start that with me, you threw food at me first!" shouted Pumpkin.

"Nu-uh, you did!"

"No you did!"

"You did!" 

"Enough!" Razzaroo shouted over them. She stepped between the twins, and held out her hooves to keep the two apart from each other. She gave each of them a look, telling them to be quiet and listen to her. "I don't know what this is all about, but you two have got to stop. Pinkie Pie says that your fighting is scaring off your customers."

Pumpkin pointed a hoof at her brother. "He said that he's a better baker than me!"

"Because it's true! Unlike you, I actually follow the recipe." Pound fired back.

"And unlike you, I'm not afraid to try new things and make mistakes!" she said. 

"I said, that's enough!" cried Razzaroo sternly. "You two are siblings, you need to learn to get along or else your fighting will end up ruining your business." 

"And how would you know that?" questioned Pound.

Razzaroo thought it over. "Um, well, I don't know, exactly. But--"

"Now that I think about it." interrupted Pumpkin. "Who are you anyway?"

"Oh, how rude of me. My name is Razzaroo, and I--"

"Well, Razzaroo." said Pound, interrupting this time. "This fight is really none of your business, so I suggest you go and leave us alone."

"Yeah." said Pumpkin. "This doesn't concern you."

"But--" began Razzaroo.

"OUT!!" Shouted the twins, pushing Razzaroo out of the kitchen. 

Razzaroo stumbled from the force of the push and fell to the floor with a loud oomph! She looked up at Pinkie Pie who had a small frown on her face. "See what I mean?" she said. "Their parents left me in charge to help them take over the business for them, but now, I don't now what to do."

Razzaroo got to her hooves, with a determined look on her face. "Don't worry Pinkie, I'm not giving up yet." she said to her. 

Pinkie Pie smiled brightly at Razzaroo. "Really?" 

Razzaroo nodded. "It's gonna take a lot more than a little frosting and squabbling to get rid of me."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Pinkie Pie cried, hugging Razzaroo and jumping up and down. Razzaroo couldn't help but laugh and jump with her. 

"You can count on me, Pinkie! I'll have the twins be friends again in no time." Little did Razzaroo know that those words would be easier said than done.






Razzaroo once again entered into the kitchen. The twins had stopped throwing things now, and had instead stood on separate sides of the room, both refusing to speak to the other. Their heads turned upon hearing somepony come in. 

"What are you doing back here?" asked Pound, his eyes narrowed on her. 

"I'm here to try and talk some sense into you two." answered Razzaroo. "And as your mediator, I want to know how this how fight began." 

The twins seemed to ease up a little, but not by much. Pumpkin was the first to speak and told Razzaroo, "Well, I was going to bake some chocolate chip cookies, but he wouldn't let me use the oven and made me drop my cookies onto the floor." she shot a venomous look at her brother.

"Well I was going to use the oven first to bake my bread, until she butted in and made me drop my bread onto the floor." spat Pound. 

"And then he insulted my baking and said he was a better baker than me!" cried Pumpkin, pointing a hoof at Pound. 

"Baking means following a recipe, which you hardly do! Instead, you just do whatever you feel like and add things all willy nilly." he said.

"I do not! It's a lot more than that. I think about what'll make something even better and even more tasty and then I add it." she said. 

Razzaroo gave a sharp whistle, silencing both the twins. "Alright now." she said. "It sounds to me like you're arguing over which is the better baker of the bunch, right?" 

The twins nodded begrudgingly. 

"Then there's only one way to settle this matter." said Razzaroo with a smile. "You two can whip up something delicious, and I'll taste it to see which is the best. So how about it?"

The twins gave each other a look.

"If it means showing Pumpkin here that I'm right, then I'll do it." said Pound, folding his arms over his chest.

"Same here." said Pumpkin.

"Then let's see what you've got." said Razzaroo. 

And so, the twins got right to work, pulling out ingredients, getting out cooking utensils, and got to work baking. Razzaroo watched them pouring, measuring and mixing, tossing the ingredients into their own mixing bowls and beating them until the mixture was nice and creamy. Soon enough, their creations were finished. Setting them onto plates, the twins placed the baked goods in front of Razzaroo. Razzaroo rubbed her hooves together, looking from one baked good to the other.

"Let's see, I think I'll start with this one." she said, picking up Pound Cake's rich butter roll and giving it a bite. Pound watched with a smug smile as Razzaroo made delighted noises through the food in her mouth. "It's so rich and buttery!" she complemented.

"Ha! I told you I was better." he boasted. 

"She's only tried one baked good genius!" snapped Pumpkin. Pound stuck his tongue out at her as Razzaroo moved onto Pumpkin's apple tart. 

Razzaroo moaned, savoring the sweet taste. "It's so sweet, and yet so spicy!" she praised. Pumpkin puffed out her chest proudly. 

"So, tell us, who's better?" asked Pumpkin. 

Razzaroo furrowed her brow as she tried to concentrate. "Hold on, I'll need to compare the two real quick first." She picked up the roll and tart and took alternating bites from them until they were all gone. The twins waited expectantly to hear Razzaroo's final verdict.

"Well?" they asked. 

"Hmm..." Razzaroo closed her eyes in thought and then answered, "I can't decide."

The twins couldn't believe what they were hearing and yelled out, "You can't decide?!"

Razzaroo laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her head. "What can I say? They're both equally delicious." she said. 

The twins frowned, and once again tossed her out of the kitchen, resuming their fighting. As she lay on the floor, Razzaroo frowned to herself. "Hmm, this is going to be a bit trickier than I thought." Then it hit her. A smile sprung to her face as she jumped back up to her hooves. "Aha! I've got it! There's only two ponies who could possibly help me to figure this out, and thankfully they're only a quick train ride away." Razzarro dashed out of Sugarcaube Corner, calling out to Pinkie Pie and telling her she'd be back. 





At the Rose Cafe...

"You want us to do what?" asked Kimono, trying to make sure she heard correctly. She and Harmony had been hanging out in the Rose Cafe when Razzaroo had suddenly rushed in all out of breath, asking them for their help.

"I want you and Harmony to help figure out which of the Cake twins is the better baker so it can put an end to their fight and they can be nice to each other again." Razzaroo repeated. 

"But why us?" asked Harmony. 

"Because." Razzaroo explained. "Kimono here knows what it's like to have a sibling, and both of you are good cooks. So surely you'll be able to tell which twin is better than the other."

Kimono and Harmony looked at her skeptically. "I don't think it'll work out as well as you think it will." said Harmony.

"I agree." said Kimono. "If you really want the twins to make up, you're going to need them to admit that their both at fault and apologize." 

Razzaroo groaned. "But how am I supposed to do that? Those two are so wrapped up in their fight over whose fault it was and who's the better baker that even if I tell them to apologize I doubt they'd listen." 

"You tried to judge their food on your own, right?" asked Harmony.

Razzaroo nodded at her. "Yeah, why?"

"If those two really want to settle this, then the best way is to leave it up to the professionals." answered Harmony.

"Does that mean you'll help?"

"Not exactly." Razzaroo looked at Harmony in confusion, as Harmony reached under the counter and pulled out a flier and handed it to her. "Here, this might be of some help." 

Razzaroo took the flier and scanned over it, she smiled as she finished it and looked up at her friends. "This is perfect!" she exclaimed. "Do you really think it'll help?"

Harmony shrugged. "Maybe, I don't know for sure. What I do know is that that." she said pointing a hoof at the flier. "Will help give them a little nudge." 

Kimono peered at the flier and gave a nod. "Yes, this might help get them to open their eyes." she said. 

Razzaroo beamed. "Thanks girls. I just hope this works." With the flier in hoof, Razzaroo rushed out of the cafe and headed back to Ponyville. 

"Do you think we should've told her?" Kimono asked. 

"She'll find out soon enough." replied Harmony. "Besides, I look forward to seeing how the twins do, it'll be sure to be interesting."

Kimono smiled in agreement. "Yes, very interesting indeed."





Back in Ponyville, at Sugarcube Corner...

The townsponies were steering clear of Sugarcube Corner, as the angry shouting and arguing that could be heard all the way outside made them scared and nervous to enter. Pinkie Pie sighed and flipped over the closed sign on the door. She turned and looked toward the kitchen door, wondering if and when Razzaroo would be coming back and how she'd stop the twins' fighting. Thankfully, Razzaroo rushed back into Sugarcube Corner, gasping for breath. 

"I'm--gasp!--back! Gasp!" she felt just about ready to pass out from all that galloping, but this wasn't the time for passing out. 

"Finally!" Pinkie said relieved. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, I had to go and take care of a few things real quick, but don't worry, I've found the perfect thing to help stop the twins' silly fight." said Razzaroo. 

She trotted toward the kitchen door and entered. Pound and Pumpkin were too busy yelling that they didn't notice her enter this time. So Razzaroo decided to come up with another way to get their attention. Taking up a nearby pot and spoon, Razzaroo banged them together. The twins covered their ears and turned to look at Razzaroo. 

"Good to see I've got your attention now." said Razzaroo.

"What do you want now?" asked Pound, getting tired of having her coming back again and again. 

"I've found a solution to your question, of which twin is the better baker." said Razzaroo.

"Oh yeah, and what's that?" asked Pumpkin. 

"This!" declared Razzaroo, pulling out the flier Harmony had given her. The twins read over it, and this is what it said:



The Big Bake Off!

This Friday in Canterlot, bakers and chefs from all over are invited to enter this esteemed contest, judged by our three celebrity chefs, Gustav le Grand, Doughnut Joe, and Mulia Mild. 

The winner will receive a grand prize.   


The twins' eyes widened. "A bake off?" they said in unison.

Razzaroo nodded. "That's right. Who better to decide whose cooking is better than having professional chefs judge it. Whichever twin wins will be declared the best, and the loser must accept defeat." 

Pumpkin looked at the flier unsure. "I don't know, it'll take time to fill out all the application and get it turned in." 

"No need to worry about that, I already did it for you." said Razzaroo.

"What? When?" asked Pound Cake. 

"Well, long story short, I called up a couple ponies and they helped me get everything in order. So what do you say, are you two up for the challenge?"

Pumpkin and Pound narrowed their eyes at each other and smiled, both determined to beat the other. "Bring it!"


* * *


"Phew! That takes care of that." said Razzaroo exiting the kitchen. 

Pinkie Pie popped up next to her. "I over heard everything." she said excitedly. "The twins are going ot be in a bake off in Canterlot?"

Razzaroo nodded.

Pinkie Pie let out a cheer. "Whoopie! That's great!" Then she remembered. "But wait, what if Pound and Pumpkin start fighting again? What'll happen if one of them loses and the other one wins?"

Razzaroo shrugged. "I honestly don't know. That's something the twins might need to work out for themselves. "She then added, "Of course, I am going to go and see the bake off. I'm curious to see what'll happen."

Pinkie Pie smiled. "I'll join you! Ooh, this is going to be good!" 





On the day of the contest...

The Canterlot auction house had been rented and set up for the bake off contest, with plenty of seats for spectators to watch the action, a judges table, and a few cooking stations for the competitors to work at, complete with cooking counters and ovens. Razzaroo was sitting next to Pinkie Pie as they watched Pound and Pumpkin go to their own separate stations.

"Are they still mad at each other?" Razzaroo asked Pinkie.

"They calmed down a little." replied Pinkie. "But I think maybe that's because they were focused on the contest this time."

"Hey Razz." said Harmony as she trotted up to her.

Razzaroo blinked in surprise. "Harmony, I didn't expect to see you here." she said.

"Are you here to watch the bake off and help support the twins?" asked Pinkie Pie.

Harmony shook her head. "Nope, I'm one of the contestants." she said.

"Wait, you're in the contest?" asked Razzaroo.

"Why do you think I had that flier in the first place?" Harmony asked back. "Since I had to close the cafe while I was learning to control my powers, I thought this contest might help me to promote the Rose Cafe to try and pick up business."

"I came to offer my support." said Kimono, as she too approached them. 

A little bell began to ding, calling for all the contestants to come and take their places.

"That's my cue, I'll talk to you guys later." said Harmony, trotting up to one of the cooking stations. 

Kimono sat down next to Razzaroo and called out, "Good luck!" 

The audience grew quiet, as the host of the contest, an Earth Pony stallion named Coco Nut, with curly thinning mane, glasses, and a tie, stepped out holding a microphone. 

"Hello and welcome everypony, to the Canterlot bake off! I am your host, Coco nut." The audience lightly applauded him before he continued. "Now, let's get a look at our contestants." He trotted up to each cooking station and introduced the contestants. "All the way from Mare-is, Prance, our first contestant is Miss Suzette of Cafe de la Crepe."

Suzette smiled and waved to the audience. The rose pink Unicorn was dressed in a stylish apron and chef hat, looking impeccable. 

"Next, we have a family team up, Ginger and Banana Bread from the Candy House bakery." continued Coco, gesturing to the two Earth Pony siblings. 

They two smiled at the audience, wearing matching aprons and looking very excited.

"The next contestant runs the local cafe, the Rose Cafe, Miss Harmony." Harmony grinned, as her friends whistled and cheered for her.

"And finally, our last two contestants are twins who both work in the Ponyville bakery, Sugarcube Corner, though it appears as thought they're competing against each other. Let's give a hoof to the twins, Pound and Pumpkin Cake."

Pinkie Pie cheered the loudest out of all the audience for the Cake twins. Razzaroo bit back a smile as she saw the twins' expressions soften as they saw Pinkie Pie and they each gave her a friendly wave. 

"Before we begin, let's meet our panel of celebrity judges, and see what they have to say." Coco Nut went over to the judges' table, where Gustav, Joe, and Mulia were all sitting. Coco Nut handed his microphone to Gustav, who spoke first for the judges.

"Bonjour, everypony." he said with a thick Prench accent. "I speak for my fellow judges and bakers when I say that it is an honor for us to be here today." 

Mulia the took the mike from hm and said, "Yes, we look forward to seeing all the delicious things today's contestant will be making."

Doughnut Joe then took the mike and added, "Enjoy the show, and don't forget to stop by the Doughnut Shop, located right here in Canterlot."

The audience applauded. Coco Nut got back his microphone and spoke once more to the rest of the ponies gathered. "Yes, thank you judges. The bake off shall now begin. Contestants, check your stoves!" The contestants did as they were told, inspecting them to make sure that they were of working order, which they were. "The first category will be petit fours, contestants will be judged on presentation, as well as taste. Are you ready?" The contestants nodded. "Then ready, set, bake!"

The contestants immediately turned on their ovens, almost at exactly the same time, preheating them as they got to work making their confections. The audience watched with rapped attention, they could see how serious the competitors were as they mixed and poured and measured. Once the petit fours were in the ovens and the timers were set, the contestants moved on to making the glaze.

Pumpkin was grinning as she whipped up her batch of glaze, there was a sort of thrill running through her as she raced to try and finish her dessert before the others (especially her brother). She fantasized what would happen after she won the contest and had beaten her brother. He'd finally admit that she was better, and then she'd get control over the kitchen. She could make any kind of baked good she wanted and she'd make it her way, without her brother pestering her over whether or not it was according to the recipe. 

"Oh no!" cried Pound. Pumpkin turned her head, wondering what was wrong with her brother. She looked over at her brother's cooking station, which was only a few feet away from hers. Though she was still mad at him, Pumpkin felt her sisterly instincts kick in as she went over to check on Pound to see what was wrong.

"What's wrong?" she asked. 

Pound pointed at his mixture for the glaze and said, "I don't have any vanilla extract! Without it, I can't finish the glaze."

"Here, let me see." said Pumpkin, taking a quick look at the little inventory that had been set up at each of the station. She smiled when her eyes landed on what she was looking for. She levitated a little bottle labeled almond extract and set it on the little counter. "There, this should help. It may not be vanilla, but it works as a great substitute, plus, it gives the frosting or glaze a good aroma as well as a good taste, almost like marzipan."

Pound nodded. "That could work." he said. The twins gave each other small smiles, then, remembering that this was a competition, they turned their heads away and went hmph! "Don't think this means I'm not still upset, because I am." added Pound.

"Yes, well, I just didn't want you to lose so easily over something a little as vanilla extract." said Pumpkin. 

They went back to their seperate stations and resumed cooking.

"Darn!" whispered Pinkie Pie. "It looked like they were close to making up." 

Razzaroo nodded. "Those two are so stubborn." she huffed. 

"Don't worry." assured Kimono. "They may be acting like their mad, but the truth is they both really do love each other, they just need to let out all their negative feelings and talk to each other."

"If only we had some way of reminding them of how much they love each other and how they got along." said Pinkie. 

Razzaroo had an idea, she leaned over and whispered it to Pinkie. "Ooh, sounds like fun!" she said. "What can I do?" Razzaroo whispered to her again. Pinkie nodded and gave a salute. "You can count on me! Operation: Make the twins make up so that they can be friends again by reminding them how they love each other, is go." She said with with such a ridiculous amount of speed. She slipped into a spy costume that she got from nowhere and zoomed out of the auction house to complete her mission.

"What did you tell her to do?" asked Kimono. 

Razzaroo leaned back in her seat and grinned. "You'll see."


* * *



The contestants placed their finished petit fours onto platters and served them to the judges. Suzette's were rose pink and had a design of the Bridle Tower on top. Gustav smiled pleasingly as he looked at the petit fours and took a bite of them.

"Magnifique!" he cried. "It tastes as if it was right out of Prance!" The other judges agreed, and congratulated Suzette on a job well done. The rest of the contestants did just as well, except Ginger and Banana Bread, whose petit fours had been over cooked and ended up a little lopsided. The judges looked at them distastefully, and gave the Breads a low score.

"Ginger and Banana Bread are now eliminated from the competition." announced Coco Nut. "We'll now be moving onto the next round, where the contestants will be making a soufflé! Begin, now!" 

Pound Cake smiled to himself, as he pulled out the ingredients. He'd memorized the recipe for making a soufflé the other day in preparation for the contest, and was ready to make it. While selecting the measuring cups, he began to imagine how thing would be after the contest, after being declared the best. He'd run Sugarcube Corner efficiently, making desserts exactly as the recipe called for, making ponies happy for giving them exactly what they wanted. But just before Pound could add the first ingredient to the bowl, he noticed how Pumpkin hadn't even begun getting ingredients. She just stood there, her pupils dilated as she stood there nervously. He felt his brotherly worry take over as he went over to check on his sister. 

"Are you okay?" he asked concerned. 

Pumpkin's head whipped toward him. "I don't know how to make a soufflé." she said, her voice tightening out of anxiousness. "I have no clue what to do." 

Pound felt sorry for Pumpkin and decided to lend her a hoof. He'd brought the soufflé recipe with him just in case, taking it from the counter, he handed it to Pumpkin and said, "Here, you can use my recipe." 

Pumpkin blinked in surprise. "Really?" she asked.

Pound tried to look indifferent and replied, "Only because I want to go against you in the final round. And I want that recipe back when you're done with it."

"Fine." said Pumpkin, also trying to sound indifferent. 

The audience watched ever so quietly so as not to disturb the contestants as they concentrated on preparing their soufflés, and putting them carefully in the oven. When they were done, the soufflés were set out before the judges. They all seemed quite pleased by the creations.

"And now fillies and gentlecolts!" announced Coco Nut. "It's time to move onto the final round, where the contestants will create the baked good of their choosing!"

Pound and Pumpkin grinned. This round would be perfect for them! A chance to at last see which twin was better.

Meanwhile, in the audience, Pinkie Pie had zipped back to her seat, carrying a box of photos, and a messily decorated art box, which she handed to Razzaroo. "Mission accomplished!" she declared.

Razzaroo smiled. "Thanks, Pinkie. You did very well." she said. 

Kimono peered over at the boxes curiously. "What are those for?" she asked. 

"Wait and see." answered Razzaroo, as she got to work. From the messy bag, she pulled out art supplies, scraps of paper, and an empty book. "Time to get to work." 

Harmony glanced into the audience and smiled when she saw what Razzaroo was trying to do. 

I suppose it's time I add my contribution. she thought, coming up with a way to further help Razzaroo. 






"Time's up!" declared Coco Nut. "Let's see what our contestants have made." 

Suzette was up first, presenting the judges with some cherry and raspberry crepes. "They're my specialty." Suzette stated proudly to the judges as they took a bite from the crepes.

"The taste of the cherries intermingling with the raspberries, tres magnifique." said Gustav. 

"Pretty tasty." said Doughnut Joe.

"I agree, I wouldn't mind serving these at one of my tea parties." said Mulia. 

Suzette smiled and curtsied to them. "Merci." 

Next was Pound Cake's dessert, which was a perfect-looking upside down cake. "This cake was made from an old recipe passed down from my Great Grandpa Bundt Cake." he said. 

The judges each took a slice and appeared quite pleased with it.

Then, it was Pumpkin Cake's turn, her dessert was a carrot cake made with raisins and a few nuts, with a delicious homemade sour cream frosting with a touch of almond extract. "I added a few of my own personal touches." she said to the judges. 

Once again, the judges appeared quite pleased as they ate their slices of cake. 

Finally, there was only one contestant left, Harmony, who made a batch of fluffy cinnamon rolls. The judges took one cinnamon roll each, not sure of what to expect. But as they bit down, their eyes widened in surprise. 

"This is the best cinnamon roll I've ever tasted!" cried Doughnut Joe. 

"The glaze is so sweet." gushed Mulia.

"And the roll itself, it's perfectly soft and perfectly spiced." said Gustav. They all looked up to Harmony and asked, "What's your secret?"

Harmony shrugged. "There's no secret really." she said. She gave Pound and Pumpkin a little glance. "It's one of my mom's old recipes with my own special glaze, I really love making them and seeing how they turn out." 

The judges nodded approvingly. "We shall now have a moment to decide the winner." said Gustav. 

Excitement and anticipation hung heavy in the air. Pound and Pumpkin were nervous to hear the judges' decision. As they waited with everypony else, they noticed each others cakes and were curious to see what they tasted like. Pound took a bite from Pumpkin's cake. It was not only tasty...but it was creative and different. He took another bite, and thought about the fight the two of them had had. His sister had always been creative, and put a lot of thought into what she was making, and he'd yelled at her for it. He felt a pang of guilt as he looked down at the cake.

At the same time, Pumpkin took a bite of Pound's cake, it was also tasty, and it reminded her of the times her parents would pull out old recipes and showed them how to make them, how they always turned out perfect. Her thoughts drifted to the fight she'd had with Pound. Her brother, though he could get a little annoying at times, knew all sorts of recipes from memory, and wanted to bake just like their parents used to for them. She frowned sadly as she took another bite. 

The Cake twins turned to face each other, neither of them knowing what to say. Their fight seemed so silly in that moment, and both felt ashamed at how they'd acted, knowing they couldn't take back what they did. 

"Pound/Pumpkin, I..." Both started to say in unison, but they were quickly cut off as Coco Nut called for everypony's attention. 

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!' he said. "The winner of the Canterlot bake off is..."

A drumroll sounded and everypony looked around, wondering where it was coming from, until they all saw that it was Pinkie Pie with a drum. All eyes looked to her. "What?" she asked innocently. "I'm just trying to build the suspense."

Coco Nut cleared his throat. "Yes, well, as I was saying, the winner is..."

Pound and Pumpkin gripped each others hooves, neither one realizing it as they braced for the verdict. 

"...Miss Suzette!"

The audience applauded. Suzette beamed and blew kisses to the crowd. "Merci!" she cried.

"Second place goes to Miss Harmony, and tied for third, we ave the Cake twins!" concluded Coco Nut. 

The twins' eyes widened. "Third?!" 

"Hey, you two still did pretty good for what it's worth." said Harmony, going toward them. 

"And now, Miss Suzette, here is your prize!" said Coconut, pulling back a nearby curtain to reveal what it was. "An autographed copy of Gustav le Grand's cook book, Taste of Prance, a gift certificate to the Canterlot Doughnut Shop, and an assortment of various pastier utensils."

Suzette cheered as she accepted the prize. Harmony shook her hoof and congratulated her on a job well done. The Cake twins turned back to each other, both awkwardly shifting from hoof to hoof.

"I guess we're both good bakers." said Pound.

"Yeah." said Pumpkin, pawing her hoof a little at the floor.

"Pumpkin, I'm...I'm sorry." said Pound. "I shouldn't have yelled at you before. You're great at baking, regardless if you follow the recipes."

"I'm sorry too." said Pumpkin. "You were going to use the oven first, and I should've taken your feelings into consideration."

The twins smiled a little, and that's when Pinkie Pie sprang up between them and pulled them into a hug. "Finally! It's about time you two apologized." she said. Pound and Pumpkin laughed before turning their attention to Razzaroo as she approached them. 

"We're sorry Razzaroo, for how we treated you earlier." said Pound. "You were just trying to help, and we pushed you away."

"Can you forgive us?" asked Pumpkin.

Razzaroo smiled. "Of course I forgive you, so long as you also forgive each other." she said.

"We do." said the twins. 

"Good, and to commemorate you two on a job well done, here's a consolation prize." Razzaroo held up the book she'd been working on thanks to Pinkie bring what she'd asked for. 

"What is it?" asked the twins, looking at the book curiously.

"Open it and find out." said Razzaroo.

The twins opened it, to find that it was a photo album scrapbook of all the fun times they'd had together. Like the time they made their first cake, to the time they had their first customer. 

"Where'd you get these?" asked Pound. 

"The same place I got the info for the contest papers, your parents." answered Razzaroo. 

The twins blinked. "Our parents?"

Pinkie nodded. "When Razzaroo told them about how she was trying to help you two get along, they were happy to help in anyway they could." 

Razzaroo pointed at the book and said, "The next time you guys get into a fight, you can flip through that and remember what's important." 

"Thanks, Pinkie, Razzaroo." said the twins in unison. 

Kimono and Harmony also smiled. "Good job, Razz." they whispered. 

"There's only one thing left to do now to properly end this fight for good." said Pinkie Pie. She handed Razzaroo an accordion and cried out, "A random musical number!"

Everypony laughed as Pinkie Pie belted out her song, with Razzaroo playing the accordion. "Pound and Pumpkin Cake are together again, not just siblings but also best friends. Now they're not fighting, let's give a hip-hooray! Pound and Pumpkin their friendship's here to stay. Yay!" 

Pound and Pumpkin grinned, willing to put their stupid fight behind them, and once again being friends.

Hey! That's what I said!

Not now Pinkie, the episode's over.
> Episode 4- Search For the Dragonstone: Enter Sparks the Dragon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 4-Search For the Dragonstone: Enter Sparks the Dragon


It was a nice, peaceful day that weekend, as Harmony stopped by the Castle of Friendship to do a bit of studying in the library (something that Twilight had told her would be essential in her training). She'd been sitting in a chair comfortably reading Good Magic Vols 1-3, having finished the first one, she was now on How to Cast Mini Spells for Good and Enchanting Tricks for Avoiding Catastrophes, when all of a sudden, one of her friends, a red-violet Unicorn named Sparks, burst into the library. She looked a little anxious and excited.

"Harmony, I need you to stop whatever boring thing you're doing so you can help me." said Sparks. 

"Boring?" said Harmony, placing a bookmark in her spot so she wouldn't lose her place.

But Sparks didn't appear to be paying attention to the offense in Harmony's tone as she said, "Great. I need you to teleport me to the Dragon lands real quick."

Harmony held up both her hooves as she flew up from her seat. "Hold on, back up. What is this all about?" she asked.

Sparks rolled her eyes and groaned, but she began to explain to Harmony why she needed her help. "Alright, it's like this, have you ever heard of the dragonstone?" 

"No." said Harmony shaking her head. 

"Well, it's a super rare gem, like one of the rarest in the world! They can only be found in the Dragon lands and are said to give dragons strength if digested." said Sparks. She became more and more excited as she continued talking about it. "I'm a bit of what you might call a 'rock and gem enthusiast', collecting stones of all kinds, some of them I even turn into jewelry. But that's not the point, the point is, that after doing some research, I found out that right around now is when a dragonstone has completed its aging and formation, meaning it's the perfect time to go out and find one."

"But, why do you need my help?" asked Harmony.

"Duh, you have magic now don't you? I mean, I can't just walk all the way into the Dragon lands, so it'd be easier to just teleport there. I had tried asking Flurry and Morning, but they both said no." said Sparks.

"And with good reason." replied Harmony. "The Dragon lands are dangerous. Even if relations between ponies and dragons has improved a little over the years, it still isn't a safe place to be." 

"That's why I've got a plan." Sparks pulled out a piece of parchment that looked like it had been torn out of a book. "I got this spell from one of Twilight's old books, it'll help me get into the Dragon lands without attracting too much attention, and it'll help me get the dragonstone even faster."

Harmony took the spell and scanned over it. "I don't know, it says here that only Unicorns or mages skilled in the magical arts should try to perform this spell." 

Sparks waved a hoof. "I'm sure it's just a minor detail." she said. 

"Why do you want the dragonstone?" asked Harmony, handing the spell back to Sparks. "Is it really that important?" 

Sparks took the spell and sighed. "Like I said, I'm a bit of a gem and rock enthusiast. Do you know how cool it would be if I actually managed to bring back a dragonstone? Not only would it be the prize of my collection, but think of all the possibilities for what I could do with it! To be able to find it and bring it back, it's a once in a lifetime thing!" She then put on a straight and serious face and asked Harmony, "So will you help me?" 

Harmony frowned, knowing full well it wasn't a good idea to send her friend into a perilous situation in the Dragon lands. "I don't know." she said. 

"Please?" asked Sparks pleadingly. "It'll just be a quick trip, in and out, I'll be back before you know it."

"There's all sorts of dangers in the Dragon land." Harmony warned. 

"Danger's my middle name." said Sparks confidently. "Besides, you saw the way I took down all those changelings when we were rescuing Flurry, I can take care of myself!" 

"Well--"

"How about this?" interrupted Sparks. "You give me until say, sunset today, and you can come and bring me back yourself."

Harmony tapped her chin as she thought it over. She glanced at Sparks, who was expectantly waiting for her answer. Harmony sighed in defeat. "Fine, but I have another condition as well." she said. 

"What's that?" asked Sparks.

"Do you have anything on you, a necklace or maybe a hair clip?" Sparks handed her a small bracelet she had. "It'll have to do." Harmony opened back up the book she'd been reading and looked over one of the pages. After reading it, she placed a spell on the bracelet before handing it back to Sparks. "There, I put a small charm on it, that way if you're ever in any danger, you can simply call my name and the bracelet will bring you straight back here."

"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be needing it." said Sparks, slipping the bracelet on.

"Consider it a safety measure then." said Harmony. "Just in case." 

"Got it, now, send me to the Dragon lands, Harmony." Sparks was ready and fired up to go. 

Harmony was still getting the hang of teleportation and using other spells, but she felt pretty confident about this one. She shot a white aura at Sparks and in a flash, she disappeared. "Be safe." said Harmony, hoping that everything would be fine, and that she was making the right decision.





In the Dragon lands...

Sparks had been transported to just outside the Dragon lands, just as she'd hoped for. She grinned as she looked out over the rocky and barren realm of the dragons. Now was the time to use her spell and get to work finding the dragonstone. But first, she needed a dragon. Sparks carefully snuck around, using large boulders as cover, until she spotted a sleeping dragon. She grinned to herself and began to cast the spell. In a whirl of glittering magic, Sparks began to transform, her hooves became claws, her flaming orange mane became spines, and her hide became scaly, by the time the spell was complete, Sparks had managed to turn herself into a dragon.

"This is so cool!" exclaimed Sparks excitedly, as she flexed her right claw. It felt so strange, but she figured she'd soon get used to it. "Now, if I remember this right, dragonstones are said to form up in the caves of the highest peak in the Dragon lands. Her eyes, which now had slit pupils, searched around until she spotted the tallest peak, way off in the distance. "Perfect." she grinned.

Sparks began to walk toward the direction of the peak, occasionally stumbling as she tried to get used to her new body quickly. As she did, she looked around, noticing how empty the Dragon lands seemed to be. 

"You know, for a land of dragons there sure seems to be a distinct lack of dragons." Sparks said to herself. "Not that I'm complaining, but, where could they've gone?" 

She glanced up at the sky, wondering if any were flying around, and saw only one teenaged dragon flying high above her. The dragon had whitish gold scales, a red underbelly and spines, and two black horns on its head. "Wow!" Sparks breathed. Seeing the dragon soaring through the air high above looked awesome, but then she noticed, something didn't look right. The dragon seemed to be staggering in its flight, then, without any warning, it suddenly crash landed onto the ground. Sparks gasped and rushed over to it to see if it was okay.

"Hey! Are you alright?" she asked it, giving the dragon a little nudge on the shoulder. The dragon recoiled a little at Sparks' touch. As the dragon got up, she looked at Sparks with narrowed her blue slit eyes at her. 

"I'm fine." said the dragon, who appeared to be a female judging by her gruff yet feminine voice. "Not that it's any of your business." The dragon tried to open one of her wings, only to wince and let out a cry of pain.

"What's wrong?" asked Sparks in concern.

"Nothing's wrong." the dragon snapped. Though it was clear that something was wrong, as it appeared that the dragon's wing was obviously sprained.

Sparks frowned. "Well excuse me for being concerned, after all, you did just crash down after plummeting from out of the sky." she said. 

The dragon huffed, blowing light trails of smoke from her nostrils as she did so. "Whatever, if you're done being concerned, I have someplace I've gotta be." said the dragon, getting up onto her legs. She then stalked off, her arms folded over her chest in a moody sort of fashion.

"Yeash! Somepony's a little moody." Sparks muttered under her breath. She then continued heading toward the distant peak, but after walking a few feet, she noticed that the dragon was also heading in the same direction. The dragon looked over her shoulder and noticed this. 

She stopped and turned to Sparks. "Quit following me!" shouted the dragon.

"I'm not following you." said Sparks defensively. "We just happen to be going in the same direction. You're heading to that peak over there, right?" She pointed a claw to the top of the peak. 

The dragon looked mildly surprised but nodded begrudgingly. "Yeah, so what?"

"Well, that's where I'm going." said Sparks. "I'm looking for the dragonstone, and I hear that it forms all the way up there."

"Wait, you're looking for the dragonstone?" questioned the dragon.

"Uh, yes?" said Sparks, nodding slowly.

"You can't!" cried the dragon.

Sparks frowned. It was bad enough when her friends told her that she couldn't go looking for the dragonstone, but now she had to hear it from a dragon she didn't even know? "Why not?" she asked the dragon. 

"Because I'm looking for it." said the dragon.

Sparks blinked in surprise. "You're looking for it too?" she asked. 

The dragon nodded. 

"What for?" 

The dragon said nothing at first, but then replied, "None of your business. The point is, since I'm looking for it, you don't need to go around poking your snout where it belongs. So go and find some other mountain peak to trek up and don't bother me." 

Sparks just stood there, her frown deepening and her brow furrowed angrily. If there were two things she hated, it was being told she couldn't do something even though she knew and felt she could, and getting talked down to like she was a filly or a pest. There was no way she was going to let the dragon get away with what she was saying, and so she shot back,"I don't think so!" She raced ahead of the dragon and stopped in front of the dragon, her new claws tightened into fists at her sides. "If you're going up there, then I'm coming too!"

The dragon arched a scaly eyebrow at Sparks. "And why should I let you?" she asked. 

"Look, we both want the same thing, right? So why don't we both go up to find the dragonstone, and whoever finds it first gets to keep it." Sparks grinned and added, "That is, if you think you can handle a little competition."  

She could tell that the dragon was hooked on the idea. At first, she had wanted to just go and grab the stone without causing any trouble for the local dragons, but with Sparks, she just couldn't resist making things more challenging and more adventurous for herself.

"Alright." the dragon replied finally. "You're on." Both Sparks and the dragon shook claws, sealing the agreement. "But just so we're clear, I'm only going along with this until we get to the top, then that stone is mine."

"Or mine." Sparks fired back. "We'll have to see who gets it first." The two retracted their claws and began to walk side by side. "My name's Sparks by the way, what's yours?"

"You can call me Burn." said the dragon. "And don't you forget it."





At the base of the mountain...

The two dragons had walked the rest of the way in disgruntled silence till they arrived at the mountain's base, at which point, it was a little after noon. Sparks glanced down at the little bracelet she still had from Harmony. All she had to do was find the stone, get it, and be back before somepony (like her parents or Flurry) found out and threw a fit. She imagined that Harmony would also be a little upset over being talked into letting her go into the Dragon lands, but she was confident that she'd get over it (eventually).

"Hey, are you climbing or what?!" called Burn. She'd already begun climbing up part of the base while Sparks was lost in thought.

"I am, I just wanted to give you a head start." replied Sparks. 

Burn rolled her eyes. "Sure." she said sarcastically. 

Are all dragons like this? Sparks couldn't help but wonder as she started climbing. It's a good thing Spike isn't as gruff or moody as this one, otherwise I don't think Twilight or anypony else would be able to put up with him.

Sparks and Burn climbed up, steadily grabbing onto craggy surfaces and crevices to pull themselves higher. During which, Sparks couldn't help but try to stir up a little small talk between her and Burn. After all, it's not everyday somepony meets a dragon other than Spike.

"I not to pry or anything," she began. "But where are all the other dragons?"

Burn gave her a look. "You don't know?" she questioned back.

Sparks laughed nervously. "I'm what you might call, "an out of towner"." 

Burn rolled her eyes. "They're all out doing the same thing we're doing, out looking for the dragonstone. But unlike those morons, it seems you and I are the only two who actually know where to look." she replied.

Sparks tilted her head. "Wait, all the dragons are looking for the dragonstone?"

"That's what I said."

"But why? I mean, I know it's said to strengthen dragons and everything, but what could they all want with it?"

"If you don't know, than it's none of your concern, especially since you're an out of towner." Burn said with a nit of a smirk.

Sparks sighed. She could see that it was no use trying to push the any further, but it still seemed a little weird. On the same day she decided to go out looking  for the dragonstone, it turns out that all the other dragons were doing the same. Then again, the only reason she chose today was because it was right around the time where the dragonstone would be perfectly aged and perfectly formed. Maybe the rest of the dragons knew about this too and that's why they all went searching today.

But what could they want with it? she couldn't help but ask herself. 

At some point during the climb, Sparks and Burn came to a little ledge where they both agreed to stop and rest for a while. 

"Do you think we're getting close?" asked Sparks. 

Burn shook her head as she looked upward toward the rest of the mountain. "Nu-uh, we barely even made it halfway up."

Sparks let out a groan. "Dang it! If only I had a pair of wings or something, then this trek would be a breeze." She glanced at Burn's sprained wing and then added. "Sorry."

Burn shrugged. "Eh, it's nothing." She winced again as she accidentally moved her wing. 

"Does it still hurt?" asked Sparks. 

"Hardly." replied Burn, wincing again. 

Even though she'd been rude to her, Sparks didn't like seeing Burn being bothered by her own sprained wing, and wanted to try and help.

"Here, let me see if I can--" But as Sparks reached out a claw to try and help, it was quickly swatted away by Burn's own claw. 

"Don't touch me, and stop doing that thing!" said Burn.

Sparks tilted her head. "What thing?" she asked.

"You know, that thing where you act all concerned about me."

"I'm not acting, I really am concerned."

Burn scoffed. "Yeah, I'm sure you are."

"I'm serious." 

Burn looked into Sparks' face and could see that she was serious. Which made her ask, "Why? Why would you be concerned about me? You barely even know me."

"I don't." said Sparks with a shrug. "Maybe because it looks like your wing's bothering you, and I want to try to help you."

"Help me?" 

Sparks nodded.

"Pfft! Give me a break, helping is for those weak little ponies. The Dragon Lord says they're okay, but I don't really buy it. You wouldn't catch me being nice or helping out a pony." said Burn. She then remembered who she was talking to and turned her back on Sparks. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm done resting, time to get back to climbing."

"Hey, wait up." said Sparks, also resuming her climb.



* * *


Later...

Sparks and Burn had continued their climb for what felt like hours (which it might've been), occasionally slowing down or gaining speed depending on how tired they became or what little bursts of energy came to them, but all the while, the two managed to keep pace with each other. But even with her new dragon body, which could endure the heavy work out all this climbing was giving her, Sparks felt like they should stop and rest again, so as not to completely exhaust their muscles. She looked over at Burn, though she was trying to hide it, Sparks could see that she was also getting tired, with light perspiration covering her scales.

"You wanna stop and rest?" Sparks asked Burn.

Burn scoffed. "I don't need to rest, I can keep going all the way to the top."

Sparks didn't buy what she said one bit. "Come on, we both know that if you keep this up, you'll eventually pass out or something before we even get there." she said in an attempt to coax Burn into resting. She didn't know why, but Sparks didn't want to see the dragon get hurt even more than she already was with that sprained wing. Was it because she felt pity toward her? Maybe. 

But once again, Burn just scoffed at Sparks. "I won't pass out, I'm fine! I don't need rest, or anybody else, so just--" Burn cut herself off. Her claw had grabbed onto a piece of rock to pull herself off, but the rock had broken off of the mountain, causing Burn to fall back from shock and lack of balance. 

"Burn!" cried Sparks. She reached out and grabbed Burn's claw just in the nick of time. 

Burn was now dangling from the mountainside, with Sparks holding tightly onto her to keep her from falling to her doom. Burn looked down at the ground below and how far away it seemed. Being a winged dragon, she wasn't usually afraid of heights, but at that moment, she felt a teeny tiny bit worried, and tightened her grip on Sparks' claw.

"Don't worry, I've got you!" Sparks reassured, doing her best to pull Burn up while also holding onto the side of the mountain. 

Burn looked up from the ground to Sparks' face, watching in confusion as she lifted Burn up and placed her onto her back. "I can climb myself." said Burn, wondering why this dragon was being so nice and helping her. 

Sparks rolled her eyes in an almost playful way. "Yeah, I'm sure you can. Now hold on until I find a place for us to rest." she said. 

Burn wanted to argue, but then again, her limbs suddenly felt tired, and she begrudgingly gave in. Sparks used as much of her dragon strength to reach a good resting spot she'd spotted just up ahead of them, which was close by to the halfway point of the mountain. As she was being carried on Sparks' back, Burn felt confusion and curiosity toward this strange dragon. 

She could've let me fall. Burn thought to herself. But she didn't. Why? Why did she help me? 

The truth was, that despite all her rudeness toward Sparks, Burn was a little glad that she wasn't searching for the dragonstone alone, and was a little bit grateful for the dragon's help. Of course, she'd deny this to both herself and anyone else who would've found out. She was a dragon for goodness sake! Dragons were strong, independent, and didn't need the help (or friendship) of others. And yet there was this dragon, Sparks, who was different from the others. It was so strange for her. She tried to wrap her head around what this dragon could possibly hope to gain from helping her, if anything, it would hinder her chances of getting the dragonstone for herself. So why? 

Burn didn't have time to think of it any further, as the two of them finally reached the resting spot. Both collapsed onto the ledge, lying on their backs and breathing in as much air as they could to refill their tired lungs. 

"Not much farther now." said Sparks confidently. "Pretty soon, we'll be up to the peak in no time!" 

Burn said nothing, only staring at Sparks, and starting to feel a pang in her chest. It was a pang of a strange feeling, a feeling she couldn't place a name for, and that she'd felt only a few other times around one other person. To feel it now around this dragon, made Burn even more confused than before. 

She's just doing it to get to the dragonstone. she reasoned. We both want it after all. Well, I she can act as nice as she wants, but I'm not letting it get in the way of me completing my mission.

Sparks looked over at Burn. noticing how quiet the dragon had been and asked, "Are you okay?"

Burn flinched at the question and just looked away, not meeting her gaze. "Fine." she mumbled. 

Sparks wondered what could be wrong now. Just as she was about to drop the subject and leave Burn be to rest, Burn spoke up and said, "Do you...mind if I ask you something?"

Sparks was momentarily surprised. "Sure, what do you want to ask?" she replied.

"...Why are you being so nice?"

Sparks sat herself up and just shrugged. "That's just how I roll I guess." 

Burn stared at her for a bit and then said, "You're a weird dragon, you know that?"

Sparks laughed a little and replied. "Yeah, I'm pretty weird I guess." 

"And that doesn't bother you?" Burn questioned.

"Why should it?" Sparks questioned back. "I'm just being me after all, and what's wrong with that?" 

Burn sat up, looking down at her claws in her lap. She didn't know what to make of Sparks, or the strange feeling that steadily began to grow, it almost felt...nice.

"So, now that you've asked me a bunch of questions, I think it's only fair that I ask you one now." said Sparks with a smirk.

"Is it about the dragonstone again?" 

"Maybe."

Burn sighed. "If I tell you already, will you stop pestering me about it?" 

Sparks nodded. 

"I'm looking for it, because I was told to. It's kind of a mission I guess."

"A mission?"

"The Dragon Lord's son, Prince Blaze, is sick with an illness that's left him very weak. He's still only a baby, so the Dragon Lord is very worried about him, she asked all the dragons, including me, to find a dragonstone and bring it back to help cure him."

Sparks blinked in surprise. That was why all the dragons were looking for the stone? She'd heard about the Dragon Lord from Spike a couple of times, but didn't know that she had a son. She wondered if Burn was just lying to her and trying to trick her. But after looking into Burn's face for a couple of minutes, she could see a glimpse of genuine worry in her expression that she tried to hide. 

"Do you care about Prince Blaze?" Sparks asked. 

Burn's head shot up and she said, "What?! Of course not! Don't be ridiculous! He's just a baby dragon I know and sometimes see and who sometimes tries to play with me even when I don't want to." Burn's fierce denial confirmed Sparks' suspicions. She cared about Blaze, which was why she seemed so determined and had even tried to fly despite her sprained wing. 

Sparks gave Burn a playful smile. "You're sure Blaze isn't your friend?" she pressed teasingly.

Burn shook her head. "Dragons don't have friends." she said.

"That's too bad." replied Sparks. "Cause right now, I wouldn't mind considering you a friend. Even if you do have a bit of an attitude."

Burn felt her face grow warm in embarrassment. She got up onto her feet and went toward the side of the mountain. "We're wasting time." she said hurriedly. "Let's get back to climbing before it gets dark."

"Right behind you." said Sparks, getting up and dusting herself off.  As she did so, her eyes drifted down to her own wrist, to look at the bracelet from Harmony, only to find out it was gone. Where did it go?! Sparks glanced over the ledge. It must've slipped off and now rested somewhere down there. Sparks mentally groaned. There was nothing much she could do about it now. She'd have to keep going, and she'd have to wait until sunset before she could get back home. Harmony and Flurry aren't going to be too happy about this if they find out.





Back in the Castle of Friendship...

Harmony was still sitting in the castle library reading, of course, she'd taken a break from the previous books she was reading and was instead flipping through one of the books she'd brought from home. Just as she was getting to the good part of her book, Flurry Heart burst into the library in a panic. 

"Where's Sparks?!" she cried. "I heard she was coming here to talk to you, have you seen her?"

Harmony blinked and slowly closed the book she was reading, as she nervously replied, "Um...yes?"

"When?!" demanded Flurry Heart. 

"A few hours ago." 

Flurry's eyes widened. "You didn't listen to her and let her go to the Dragon lands, did you?" 

Harmony anxiously rubbed the back of her head. "Um, about that..."

Flurry Heart let out an exasperated groan and rubbed her hoof against her temple. "Why did you let her go?! Didn't you warn her how dangerous it was?!"

"Of course I did." said Harmony. "But she was really persistent, so I gave her a bracelet with a spell on it so that if she needs my help she'll be able to call me."

"But what if she loses it or worse?!" Flurry was completely frazzled. "We have to go after her." she said. 

"Alright, but I don't really know where she is, she could be in the Dragon lands." warned Harmony as she got ready to teleport the two of them there. 

"I don't care." said Flurry. "I'm willing to search the whole territory so long as we get Sparks back before anything bad happens to her." 

And in a flash of light, the two were gone. 





In the Dragon lands, on the mountainside...

At long last, after all that climbing, Burn and Sparks had finally made it to the top of the peak, and were now standing at the mouth of the cave. 

"We made it." said Sparks triumphantly. 

Burn gave a slight smile, also glad to have finally made it. But that smile quickly disappeared as she said, "Guess this is where we part ways."

"Huh?" said Sparks, looking at her in confusion. 

"Remember? We both agreed to go up the mountain together, but at the top, whoever gets the stone first gets to keep it."

"Oh, right." Sparks had almost completely forgotten about that. She then thought about what Burn had said about Prince Blaze. A baby dragon who needed the stone to cure his sickness, whereas she had planed to add it to her collection. She felt a twinge of guilt and looked toward Burn, who was just about to enter the cave. "Actually." she said, stopping Burn before she go any further. "I changed my mind. I want to help you find the stone, for Prince Blaze."

Burn's eyes widened in surprise. "You...what?" 

"You heard me." replied Sparks. 

"But, you sounded like you really wanted to find it earlier, so why change your mind?" 

"Because of two things." answered Sparks. "One, there's someone who needs it much more than I do, and two, friends help friends, and I want to help you help your friend." 

Burn's face once again went red. "We're not friends." she mumbled. 

Sparks smirked. "Say what you will, but I can tell that Blaze is your friend, considering what you're doing for him."

Burn's face softened ever so slightly for a moment, then it hardened as she narrowed her eyes at Sparks. "How do I know this isn't some trick? That you're just leading me on so you can get the stone for yourself when my guard is down."

"You don't know." said Sparks. "Looks like you're gonna have to trust me."

Burn didn't argue any further. "Alright then, let's go." she said. And the two ventured inside the cave.



* * *



Sparks had ventured into all sorts of caves before, having searched them for new stones to add to her collection, so she knew what sort of things to look out for as she and Burn explored the cave, looking for the dragonstone. She carefully moved in and around the stalagmites, while at the same time, gazing warily up at the stalactites on the cave ceiling. They looked as though they could fall on top of them if there was too much vibrations to shake them loose. 

It has to be somewhere. thought Sparks. If I were a dragonstone, were would I form?

As she wondered this, Sparks began to feel strange. She looked down at her body, and noticed how it blurred a little, almost as if it were a mirage. Oh no. The spell Sparks had cast hadn't been strong enough, and now it was starting to wear off. 

"Find anything yet?" asked Burn, interrupting Sparks' thoughts. 

"No." said Sparks, shaking her head. "Not yet." 

"It's gotta be somewhere around here." 

Sparks watched Burn walk off to the other side of the cave, while she continued to anxiously search. The spell was wearing off, and soon she'd be her normal Unicorn self. She had to find the stone before then, otherwise, there'd be no telling how Burn would react to discovering the truth. As Sparks began to silently panic, her attention was soon drawn by something coming from high up in a corner of the cave ceiling. She saw a faint glimmer of red and gold, and went toward it. She looked up and saw it, the dragonstone.

"Found it." she declared, pointing a claw at the stone. It was rough and somewhat misshapen, and looked like a fusion between a ruby and amber.

Burn went to her side, grinning as she looked up at the dragonstone. "Great, but how are we supposed to get up there to get it?"

Sparks tapped her chin and said, "I have an idea. But I'll need to use your shoulders." 

After positioning Burn underneath the dragonstone, Sparks got on top of Burn's shoulders, and reached up to grab it. "Got it." she said as she got a good grip. But she could feel her claw starting to shift, soon it'd be a hoof again, so she had to work fast. She pulled and twisted the dragonstone, attempting to uproot it from its spot, but it seemed to be stubborn, as it didn't seem to budge very much. But little by little, the dragonstone became loose, soon enough, Sparks had managed to pull it free, and held it up in triumph. "Yes!" 

"Now we can give the stone to Prince Blaze." said Burn. 

As Sparks climbed off of Burn's shoulder's, she could feel the spell rapidly dissipating. "We should probably go now." she said hurriedly. "If he's as sick as you say, we can't waste anymore time." 

Burn nodded. "Good point, let's go."

They headed for the mouth of the cave, but before either of them could get through it, Sparks fell to the cave floor. Her back feet were starting to become hooves. 

"What is it?" asked Burn, stopping and noticing that Sparks wasn't following her. She went toward her, feeling a little compelled to help her, but Sparks cried out, "Stay back!" 

Then, right before Burn's eyes, the spell melted away, and Sparks reverted back to her Unicorn form, cutie mark and all. Burn's eyes widened in shock.

"You're a...Pony..." Burn uttered. Her eyes the narrowed as she glared at Sparks. "YOU'RE A PONY!?" Her voice echoed through the cave. 

Sparks brushed the edgy bangs of her flaming orange mane out of her eyes, as she looked up at Burn. "Burn, I can explain--"

Burn cut her off. "Explain?! Explain what?! How this was all some kind of trick?! How you pretended to be a dragon and were using me to help you find the dragonstone?! I'll bet you weren't even going to give it Blaze, were you?! You were just going to keep it for yourself!!"

Her yelling caused the stalagmites to shudder. Sparks could see that they were close to falling if they were disturbed any further. She slowly got to her hooves and tried to explain herself to calm Burn down.

"No, Burn, it isn't like that. I did lie about being a dragon, but--"

"I don't want to hear it!" shouted Burn angrily. "I should've known better than to trust you! Heck, I should've known that you were even a real dragon! The way you acted, the way you talked, now I see you're nothing but a lame, weak pony who lied and used me!" 

"Burn..."

"And to think, for a minute I almost bought what you were saying earlier, about considering me as a friend!"

"Burn."

"But you know something? I don't need friends! I don't need anybody!! You know why?! Because unlike you, I'm not--"

"Burn!" cried Sparks, finally able to interrupt Burn's rambling.

"What?!" Burn yelled back. 

Then, a bit of rock from the ceiling fell, plopping off of her snout and onto the floor. She looked up, her eyes widening as the stalagmites trembled and were coming loose from the ceiling. Both looked at each other and knew what they had to do. They had to run. Burn and Sparks dodged out of the way of the falling stalagmites, hurrying to make it out of the cave as quickly as possible. Some of the stalagmites had already fallen in front of the entrance, any more, and soon it'd be sealed up.

"No!!" shouted Burn. 

She tightened her grip on the dragonstone in her claw, as she leaped to make it out before the debris could block her off. However, Sparks, who was a little ways behind her, saw that some of the debris was about to hit Burn and possibly crush her. Acting quickly, Sparks used her magic to pull Burn back just as the debris fell, saving her, but also leaving the two of them trapped together in the cave. Burn stared at the sealed off entrance with disbelief. She got up and went to it, trying to claw and move the debris away so she could get out. But no matter how much strength or effort she put into it, the rocks wouldn't budge even an inch. 

Burn let out a frustrated groan and turned to Sparks. "This is all your fault!" she screamed, pointing an accusing claw at her. "If you hadn't come here or followed me here, none of this would've happened! And now we're trapped!" Burn then turned her head away, her eyes a little wet. "And Blaze won't get better." she added, her voice edged with sadness as well as frustration. 

Sparks felt looked down at the ground as she slowly moved next to Burn. "Burn, I'm sorry." she said softly. She reached out and rested a hoof on Burn's arm. 

Burn flinched at the touch, but didn't back away. She felt too tired and frustrated to do that. "I'm sorry I lied to you about being a dragon, I thought that, if I came to the Dragon lands as a dragon, then none of the others would pay much attention to me while I searched for the stone."

Hot steam and smoke blew out of Burn's nostrils as she exhaled, choosing to hear Sparks out, seeing as there wasn't much of anything for her to do. "I may have lied about who I was." Sparks went on. "But when I said that I considered you a kind of friend, I meant every word." She retracted her hoof from Burn and faced the closed entrance with determination. "And as a friend, it's up to me to help you out." Sparks charged toward the rocks, and tried to use her hind legs to move the debris out of the way, but it didn't do much good.

Burn stood there and watched, a whirl of emotions running through her all at once. Anger, frustration, confusion, sadness, and then that other feeling, the one that up until now she wasn't sure what to call. But now, she felt she knew what it was called. She walked over to the rocks, and assisted Sparks in trying to move the debris away. Sparks looked surprised at first to see Burn helping, but then she smiled and the two worked together to try and escape. After much effort, they managed to clear away some of the rocks, but there were still many of them that tightly blocked off the entrance. 

"Dang it!" cursed Sparks, stomping her hoof on the ground. "At this rate, it'll take us forever before we can dig ourselves out." 

Burn punched a fist at the rocks, wishing that she was just a bit stronger, then maybe she'd be able to move the rocks. "We don't have forever. Blaze needs that stone now. If we don't get it to him, he'll...he'll..." Burn couldn't finish saying it.

"Hey." said Sparks comfortingly. "We'll get out of here, somehow."

:But how?" asked Burn. "I mean, it's not like the rocks are just gonna blast themselves out of the way so we can get out."

Just as she said this, the rocks blasted away, leaving a cloud of smoke where they had once been. Burn and Sparks coughed on the smoke and looked at where the rocks had been with wide eyes, the entrance was open again. 

"Wait, how did that happen?" said Burn.

"Sparks!" The two soon got their answer, as Harmony and Flurry came rushing into the cave. Flurry Tackled Sparks in hug. "You're alright!" she then pulled away and gave Sparks a stern look. "Don't ever scare me like that again! And next time, to go to dangerous lands when I tell you not to." 

Sparks grinned. "It's good to see you too, Flurry." she said.

Burn looked at the two new ponies in confusion. "Friends of yours?" she asked. 

"Yep, this is Flurry and Harmony." said Sparks, introducing them to Burn. "What are you doing here?"

"We came looking for you." said Harmony. "Flurry got worried about you and wanted to come and haul you back before you got hurt. When we got here, she used a tracking spell to try and find you through the bracelet I gave you, which we found at the bottom of the mountain, by the way."

"I thought it might've fallen down there." said Sparks. 

"We noticed there was a cave up here, so we flew to see if you were in it." said Flurry. "And lucky for us, you were." 

Burn cleared her throat. "I'm sure this is nice and all, but there's a prince who needs to get this stone, like right now." she said impatiently. 

"Don't worry, I can help with that." said Flurry. She used her Alicorn magic to levitate Sparks and Burn. Together with Harmony, they all flew out of the cave, now heading off to deliver the dragonstone.





"Any word yet?" asked Dragon Lord Ember. She'd been pacing nervously as she waited for news of one of the dragons finding the dragonstone. 

A stout dragon shook his head. "No your Lordship, there hasn't been so much as peep from any of the dragons you sent out." 

Ember worriedly turned her eyes to a nearby stone cradle, where her infant son was resting. Prince Blaze was an icy blue dragon, with navy blue spines and a pale underbelly, in truth, he was quite adorable. But the sickness he had made him shiver uncontrollably, as his scales began to feel unnaturally cold. He was suffering, and there was nothing that his poor mother could do. All seemed hopeless. Until that is, when she heard a cry ring from the sky. 

"Dragon Lord Ember!" Ember looked up to see who was calling her, and saw one of the dragons she sent, Burn, along with some ponies, flying toward her. "We've got the dragonstone!" shouted Burn, holding it up in her claw.

Ember grinned, hope filing her chest. Her son would be saved! The foursome touched down onto the ground. Burn rushed toward the Dragon Lord and gave her the stone. Ember took it and went to Prince Blaze. Gently lifting him up and opening his mouth, Ember crushed the stone and let the broken pieces fall into Blaze's jaws. After he swallowed them, he began to get better. He stopped shivering, and he opened his eyes to look at his mom. He gurgled and reached out to her. Ember held her son tightly and smiled. 

She turned to look at Burn and the girls and said gratefully. "Thank you so much." she said. "Especially you, Burnadette." 

Sparks couldn't help but snicker. "Burnadette?" she questioned.

Burn frowned, folding her arms over her chest. "It's...my full name. But as far as you or anyone else is concerned, it's Burn."

"Sorry." said Sparks, still grinning. "Its just, not exactly the sort of name I picture a dragon having."

"Like you're one to talk, Sparkle Shine." said Flurry pointedly. 

"Hey!" cried Sparks defensively.

The girls laughed together and Burn also joined in with them. Seeing that Burn was there, he reached out toward her and babbled, "Bur! Bur!" 

Ember held him up. "I think he wants you to hold him." 

Burn's face went red, but she took him in her arms, and smiled a little as Blaze hugged her. 

The girls cooed at how adorable it was. Ember then turned to the ponies. "So, what brings you three here to the Dragon lands?" she asked.

"They were the ones who helped me." explained Burn. 

Sparks smiled at her. "We only helped a little." she said modestly. 

"Well, you all have my gratitude. If you hadn't found the stone, I don't know what I would've done." said Ember. 

"Ah, it's nothing." said Sparks. "So long as the little guy's all right, that's all that matters." 

Harmony and Flurry nodded in agreement, though they both felt that they should hear the whole story of what happened from Sparks once they got back home.


* * * 


Harmony and Flurry were preparing to teleport themselves and Sparks back home, but first of course, Sparks wanted to say her goodbyes.

"It was nice meeting you." she said to Burn. "I hope we get to see each other again."

"I hope so too." said Burn in embarrassment. "Maybe I can visit too?"

"Sure! Come by the Crystal Empire and look me up." Sparks gave her a wink. "See you around, Burn." She turned and went to her friends.

"Um, Sparks?" said Burn. Sparks looked at her from over her shoulder. "I was, wrong. I guess, dragons can have friends, and I'm glad you're mine." 

Sparks smiled. "Same here." 

The girls waved goodbye to Burn and Ember, as they teleported back home. And even though Sparks didn't get what she was looking for, she got something even better.
> Episode 5- The Shy Posey and the Rambunctious Apple Dumpling
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Episode 5- The Shy Posey and the Rambunctious Apple Dumpling



The Friendship Express chugged into the Ponyville train station, letting out a huff and a puff of smoke as it came to a stop. Inside the train, one of the passengers, an Earth Pony filly with a light golden-brown coat, and a yellow-orange mane pulled into two stubby ponytails atop her head, smiled when she saw she'd finally arrived in Ponyville. She hopped off of her seat, and tried to reach the suitcase the porter had put on the luggage rail, high out of her reach. Luckily, the conductor happened to be passing by and helped her out.

"Here you go, little miss." he said kindly as he handed her her suitcase. 

"Thank you kindly mister." replied the filly. "Hope you have a good day!" And with that, the filly exited the train and stepped onto the platform, searching around for any sign of her relatives. 

"Well howdy there." said a voice. The filly turned to see an orange Earth Pony with a blonde mane and wearing a cowpony hat, approaching her. "You wouldn't happen to be Apple Dumpling, would ya?" the mare asked.

The filly gave a proud nod. "That's my name!" she said. 

The Pony smiled. "I'm Applejack, your cousin once removed, I'm glad to finally meet ya Apple Dumpling." 

"Thanks, Applejack!" replied Apple Dumpling with a large grin. "I'm really looking forward to staying here with you and the other Apples in Ponyville." 

"In that case, why don't we head on down to the farm right now so you can get to know everypony better. How does that sound?" said Applejack, as the two walked side by side down the train platform. 

"I'd like that very much, cuz." said Apple Dumpling. "Lead the way!"

Applejack laughed at Dumpling's enthusiasim and walked with her toward the farm.



* * *


At Sweet Apple Acres...

Apple Dumpling looked around with wide eyes at everything she saw. From the schoolhouse, to the apple trees, to the great big barn that resided on the other side of the white fence that surrounded Sweet Apple Acres. It reminded her bit of home, but of course, it wasn't quite so big as this. Still, it was good to see surroundings that were somewhat familiar. And waiting for her just outside the fence, were three members of the Apple family, plus two new ponies that had joined the farm not too long ago. 

"Let introduce you to everypony." said Applejack, first stepping up to the tall, strong stallion with a red hide and an orange mane. "This here is my big brother, Big Macintosh, course, we all just call him Big Mac."

"Eeyup!" replied Big Mac. 

Applejack then moved onto a mare with a light yellow coat and a red mane, wearing a pink bow in her mane. "This is my little sister Apple Bloom, I'm sure you two will get along like two peas from the same pod." 

"Howdy there!" said Apple Bloom, shaking Apple Dumpling's hoof. "We're mighty glad to have you here."

Apple Dumpling smiled widely at her. She seemed really nice. 

"This here is Granny Smith." said Applejack, gesturing to an old pony mare nodding off in an old rocking chair. Applejack lightly shook Granny's shoulder. "Wake up, Granny Smith! Apple Dumpling's here." 

But Granny Smith just mumbled something her sleep and continued to snore. 

"It's probably for the best, sis." said Apple Bloom. "We'll introduce her later, when Granny's not too tired." 

Applejack sighed. "Alright then. That leaves the two newest ponies here on the farm." She gestured to an Earth Pony stallion with a tan coat and a brown mane, there was a colt standing next to him with the same color coat, except his mane was messier, and was the color of blueberries. "These are our new farmhooves, Buckwheat and his little brother, Huckleberry. But around here, we just call em Buck and Huck."

Buck gave a friendly wave and smile at Apple Dumpling, while Huck walked up to her, eyeing her up and down.

"Pleasure to meet you, miss Dumpling." Buck said politely. Dumpling nodded at him. She could tell he was a nice guy just by looking at him. Call it, intuition, or whatever you like. 

She turned to Buck's younger brother. "Hi there!" said Apple Dumpling, extending her hoof out to Huck. "I'm Apple Dumpling!" 

After a minute of hesitation, Huck took Apple Dumpling's hoof and the two gave an equally strong shake. 

"Wow, you're pretty strong." remarked Huck. He moved his hoof from Dumpling's strong grip.

Apple Dumpling laughed. "You bet I am! I may be small, but I've got quite a bit of muscle on me." She flexed her left bicep for emphasis. 

Huck smirked. "Are you any good at arm wrestling?" he asked.

"Sure! I've done it loads of times, and I haven't lost yet." she said confidently.

"In that case, wanna have a go with me later? I bet I can beat you in no time flat."

"You're on!"

"Now that everypony's been acquainted." said Buck, cutting in. "Why don't we all head inside for some lunch. And Apple Dumpling can tell us all about the train ride over here."

Apple Dumpling rubbed her belly. "Mmm! Lunch sounds good." she said.

"Bet I can eat more than you." said Huck.

"I'd like to see you try." shot back Apple Dumpling. 

"Alright then, race you there!" And like that, the two young ponies dashed off toward the farmhouse, while the adults laughed as they watched them. 

"Looks like those two are going to become good friends real quick." said Applejack. "Right Big Mac?"

"Eeyup!" replied Big Mac. 






High in the sky, in a little cloud house in Cloudsdale, a young Pegasus filly, Posey, was busy taking care of the plants in her bedroom. Gardening was her special talent, her passion, and anypony who saw Posey's could see that right away. From the floor to the ceiling, large varieties of plants were flourishing, making it look like a garden or a forest instead of a bedroom. Posey was doing what she did best, making sure her plants were well-fed and well-watered, when all of a sudden, her father, Zephyr Breeze, entered her bedroom, taking her completely by surprise.

"Hey, Posey!" he cried enthusiastically. 

Posey jumped back in surprise, letting out a squee as she accidentally dropped her watering can onto the floor.

"Whoops! Sorry about that." said Zephyr, walking over to her, picking the can up and handing it to her. 

"It's okay, daddy." said Posey softly, taking the watering can from him.

"That's good. Anyway, I wanted to check and see if you were ready for your first day at your new school tomorrow." he said. 

"Hmm? Oh. Yes, I'm ready." said Posey. She'd been trying not to think too much about tomorrow. On one hoof, she was eager to be going to school in Ponyville, but on the other, she felt a little anxious and intimidated to meet all those new ponies.

"I told your aunt how you were going to start going to school in Ponyville, and she said that she was glad, and that she wanted to help walk you over to the schoolhouse for your first day." 

"Auntie Fluttershy's going to be there?" asked Posey, her spirits picking up.

"You betcha." he replied. 

"Yay!" she cheered softly.

Posey felt herself grinning. How could she not? Fluttershy was her favorite and only aunt after all. Because her mom passed away when Posey was born, Fluttershy help her brother out from time to time in raising her, and so at times, Fluttershy felt more like a mother to Posey, always knowing what to do and how to make her feel better. And she'd need her there on her first day in a new and unfamiliar place. 

Zephyr smiled at Posey. "I thought you'd be excited to hear that." he said. 

Posey went up to her dad and hugged him. "Thank you, daddy." she said. Zephyr returned the hug. 

"Any time, Posey. I was a little surprised at first when you said you wanted to go to school in Ponyville, but if it makes you happy, then I don't mind." said Zephyr. 

"I am happy daddy, very happy." Posey replied. And she meant it.

The reason Posey wanted to go to school in Ponyville, was to get away from those mean colts who would always pick on her. To have a chance of fitting in and actually gain the courage to make some new friends. And even though she was a little nervous about it, Posey couldn't wait to have a fresh start in Ponyville, and to try to be more bold like her aunt, one little step at a time of course.





Early the next day...


Posey was happily skipping down the dirt path, with her dad and her aunt, Fluttershy. 

"Do you think schoolponies here will be nice?" Posey asked.

Fluttershy giggled. "Of course they will be. You have nothing to worry about." she said.

"Right you are sis." said Zephyr. "Just go in there, and show them what you've got."

Posey was smiling from ear to ear. With her dad and her aunt by her side, Posey felt like she could face everypony head on. It wasn't long before the schoolhouse came into sight. 

"Well, here we are." said Fluttershy. "Your new school." 

"Wow." said Posey, watching as some other fillies and colts around her age filed into the building. "There are a lot more ponies than I thought there would be." 

"Hey, don't you worry about that." said Zephyr, ruffling up his daughter's pale pink and honey streaked mane. "You just go in there and do your best. Okay?"

Posey smiled at her dad. "Okay daddy." she said.

"That's my girl." Zephyr gave Posey a quick hug, before turning her over to Fluttershy. "I gotta get going, I have a lot of ponies lined up for some scheduled mane therapy. I'll be back to pick you up from your aunt's later." 

"Have a good day." said Posey, as her dad began to fly off. 

"I will, have fun!"

"I will!"

Posey waved goodbye, as she and Fluttershy walked up to the schoolhouse steps. "Wait here Posey, while I go talk to the teacher real quick." 

"Okay, auntie." said Posey, sitting herself down on the steps to wait patiently. 

Posey had expected to just quietly sit there and tell herself to not be intimidated, but instead, ended up getting startled by an Earth Pony filly. 

"Howdy there!" she said suddenly. 

"Eep!" cried Posey in surprise. 

The filly took Posey's hoof and began to shake it with a lot of strength and enthusiasm. "My name's Apple Dumpling, course, you can just call me Dumpling if you'd like. Anyway, I'm new here to Ponyville, and it's certainly nice to meet you. What's your name?" 

Posey just stared at Apple Dumpling, not sure what to say. She opened her mouth to try and speak, but no words came out.

What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" asked Dumpling. Posey said nothing. "Not much of a talker are you? That's alright, I understand. My cousin Big Mac is the same. But I think his actions speak louder than his words, don't you think?"

Posey just looked down in silence, not sure how to reply. She wasn't really social around other ponies, and didn't really know how to talk or act in front of others. She felt more comfortable with her own family (and that nice Pegasus she met a while ago in the forest). Luckily, Posey was saved by the arrival of both her aunt and the teacher. 

"Posey, this is Miss Merrilee, she's going to be your teacher." said Fluttershy, introducing her to the Earth Pony mare. 

"So, you're Mariposa." said Merrilee gently. "Aren't you just a sweet little thing, I'm glad that you'll be joining our class starting today."

Posey turned to the teacher and smiled nervously. "T-thank you." she mumbled. 

"Hey there, Miss Merrilee!" interrupted Dumpling, stepping up to the teacher. "I'm Apple Dumpling, I heard you were expecting me?" 

"Ah yes, it's good to meet you too, Apple Dumpling. If you and Mariposa would please follow me inside, I'd like to introduce you to the rest of the class." 

"Alrighty!" said Apple Dumpling, following her inside. 

Fluttershy turned to Posey and gave her a hug goodbye. "I'll come back soon, have a good day." she said, and headed off down the dirt path. Posey felt tempted to follow after her instead of facing all those ponies, but she took a deep, calming breath, and went inside the schoolhouse. 

Posey and Dumpling stood next to each other in front of the class, the students all talking and playing at their desks in a rowdy manner. Miss Merrilee called for their attention.

"Alright class, settle down now. We have some new students who will be joining us today." she said, gesturing toward the two fillies. "This is Mariposa and Apple Dumpling, please make them feel welcome here on their first day."

The colts and fillies gave them friendly smiles, making Posey feel a little less nervous. "Alright now, Apple Dumpling, you can sit up front with Huckleberry, and Mariposa, you can sit behind them next to Neighthan." said Merrilee, ushering them to their seats. 

Dumpling gave Huckleberry a hoof bump, while Posey shyly introduced herself to the Earth Pony colt next to her desk. He had a yellow green coat, and a tousled honey-brown mane.

"H-hello, my name's Mariposa." she said. 

The colt gave her a small smile. "My name's Neighthan, Neighthan Trotter." he replied. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Neighthan." Neighthan's smile grew and his cheeks turned a light shade of pink in embarrassment. 

"Same to you." he said. 

Miss Merrilee clapped her hooves, calling for the class's attention again. "Alright now, it's time to begin today's lesson." Everypony listened to her, as she turned to write down the lesson on the black board and began to instruct the class.



* * *



Fifteen minutes. It had only been roughly fifteen minutes and already Dumping felt bored. She let out a yawn as she willed herself to keep her eyes open. She and Huck had stayed up late last night, having a few arm wrestling matches and talking about what kind of things they liked to do for fun. And now, as a result, Dumpling was starting to doze off in class. Her attention zoned in and out as she stared straight ahead at the black board, the teacher's voice becoming muffled as she felt herself tempted to lay her head on her desk and fall asleep.

"Apple Dumpling." said Merrilee. Dumpling didn't answer. "Apple Dumpling." She repeated, speaking a little louder. 

"Huh?! Wha?!" Dumpling snapped back to attention. "Yes, Miss Merrilee?"

"Do you know the answer to this problem?" Merrilee asked, pointing to a math equation written on the board. 

Dumpling hung her head in embarrassment. "Um...no." she answered.

Merrilee sighed. "Then I think it'd be best Apple Dumpling, if you try to pay more attention during class." she said.

"Right, sorry." 

A few of the schoolponies giggled, but quickly quieted down as Miss Merrilee addressed them and explained how to follow the equation. Dumpling's gaze drifted all around the classroom, until it landed on Posey, who appeared to be writing something down. Overcome with curiosity, she tried to get a good look at what it was, but ended up accidentally falling out of her chair and onto the floor, causing a ruckus.

"Apple Dumpling, if you continue to disrupt this class I'll have no choice but to give you detention. Do you understand?" said Merrilee. 

"Yes." sighed Dumpling.

"Good. Now then, where were we?" 

Dumpling looked over her shoulder at Posey, and continued to watch whatever it was she was writing on that paper. 

"Hey." Huck hissed at her in a whisper. "What are you doing? Do you want to get in trouble again?"

"I'm just wondering what she's up to is all." she whispered back at him. "It's not like I'm doing anything wrong." 

"Huckleberry, Apple Dumpling, are you two whispering?" asked the teacher, giving them a serious look.

"No, Miss Merrilee." The two said hurriedly in unison. 

This seemed to satisfy the teacher and she went back to teaching the class.

Guess I'll have to wait until later to ask her. Dumpling thought to herself.





Later, at recess...

At lunch recess, the schoolponies all went outside to eat and play on the little playground. Posey and Neighthan sat down at one of the picnic tables and chatted while they ate. 

"So, Mariposa, what kind of things do you like?" asked Neighthan.

"Well, I like a lot of things." Posey replied simply. "Flowers, gardening, cute little animals, things like that."

"Really? Are you any good? At gardening I mean."

Posey nodded. "Uh-huh. It's one of my favorite pastimes. I love growing so many wonderful and beautiful plants, and it's always fun to watch a plant grow as you take care of it."

"It does sound like fun. You'll have to show me sometime."

Posey blushed a little. "Oh, I don't know if I'd be a good teacher." she said modestly. "Besides, it's pretty easy. I'm sure if you wanted to, you could probably grow something on your own."

"You think?" 

Posey nodded. 

Then, as the two of them were about to continue with their conversation, they were interrupted by the appearance of Apple Dumpling, who plopped down between them right on the bench.

"Hey, mind if I sit here?" Dumpling asked.

"Um..." Posey said meekly.

"Great!" said Dumpling cutting her off. "So, your name's Mariposa, is it? You must be new here to Ponyville too!"

"Uh, yes. I guess you could say that." she said timidly.

"This is my first time in town, but I've heard all about it from my cousin Applejack, and so far, it looks like an awfully nice place. I think I'm gonna like it here." Dumpling's eyes then widened as she remembered something, and then she got up close to Posey, not realizing that she was in her personal space. "Oh, I almost forgot! I wanted  to ask you what you were doodling on that piece of paper during class."

"I...was just taking some notes." 

"Really? Let me see!" Before Posey had a chance to say anything, Apple Dumpling took the paper and looked over it. "Wow! You sure are good at taking notes. It looks like you wrote down almost every word Miss Merrilee said and wrote."

Posey tentatively took the paper back, looking down at her hooves. "Y-yes. Now, um, if you don't mind--"

But Dumpling once again interrupted her. "I've never really been all too good at note taking myself. Hey! Maybe you could help me sometime, or maybe even you could loan me your notes!" 

"I-I don't..."

"Alright, I've decided!"

"Huh?"

"Mariposa, I'd like you to be my new friend!"

"Wait, what?"

"Why not? You're nice, you seem pretty smart, and we're both new here! Why, when I came to Ponyville, I told myself that as soon as I got here, I'll make as many new friends as possible. I already made Huck my first new friend, so why not you too?"

Posey stumbled with her words. This was all happening too fast for her, and Dumpling was coming on a little strong for her. "Well, I don't--" She let out another squee as Dumpling pulled her into a sudden, tight hug. 

"Oh, we're gonna have so much fun together! We can run races, arm wrestle, and--" This time, Dumpling was cut off by Huck, who was calling her over from the other end of the schoolyard. 

"Hey Dumpling! Come on over here, I want you to meet the rest of the guys!" he shouted to her.

"Be right there!" she called back. Dumpling looked back at Posey and said, "Well, I gotta go, but I'll talk to you later. See you around." Dumpling got up from the table and raced over to Huck.

"Uh, what just happened?" asked Neighthan, a little confused as to all that happened in those last few moments. 

Posey let out a sigh. 

"Are you alright?" Neighthan asked, concerned.

"Yes, I'm fine." said Posey. 

"You sure?" 

"Uh-huh." she said, nodding. "I was just a little...overwhelmed, that's all."

"I'd say more than a little." Neighthan said. 

"Why don't we talk about something else?" Suggested Posey, wanting to change the subject.

"Well, okay then. If you want." Though Neighthan still seemed a little unsure. He could see that Apple Dumpling had meant well, but she seemed that she had unintentionally frazzled Posey. He decided to leave it be for now and to change the subject like she said, in order to calm down her nerves.





After school...

As soon as school ended for the day, a throng of schoolponies galloped out of the building, each hoping to enjoy the rest of the day and to play with their friends. Posey said goodbye to Miss Merrilee and Neighthan, as she waited on the steps once more, waiting for her aunt to come and pick her up. She'd been minding her own business, when once again, she was startled by the sudden appearance of Apple Dumpling.

"Hey Mariposa!" she exclaimed eagerly. "What are you doing sitting here? Are you gonna go home?"

"I'm waiting for my auntie to come and pick me up." Posey answered quietly. 

"Hmm, sounds like you've got quite a bit of free time then while you wait." said Dumpling. "I know! Why don't I stay and wait with you?"

"Um, won't your family be wondering what's keeping you?" 

"Ah they won't mind. Besides, you don't wanna sit out here all by yourself, do ya?"

"I guess not."

"Then it's settled." Apple Dumpling sat down and scooted next to Posey. "So, where are ya from Mariposa?"

"Um, Cloudsdale." answered Posey.

"Cloudsdale, huh? You must be a really great flier then!" 

"Oh, well, not exactly. I don't really like flying, unless I have to."

"A Pegasus who doesn't like flying? That's pretty strange."

Posey shifted uncomfortably and looked away from Apple Dumpling. 

"Hey, ya wanna play a game?" Apple Dumpling asked.

"A...game?"

Dumpling nodded. "Yeah, we could arm wrestle, like I talked about earlier, or we could play this one game I know on the swings."

"The swings." Posey said quickly. "If, that's alright." She didn't like the thought of arm wrestling against Apple Dumpling, who proved to be a strong pony, but the swings sounded like a much safer thing to do.

"Alright then, come on!" Dumpling took Posey by the hoof and dragged her over to the swing set. Each of them sat on the swing and began to move back and forth. "Try to get as high as you can." said Dumpling. 

Posey did as she said, swinging higher and higher into the air. She looked up into the sky as she went up, and actually fond herself enjoying it, deciding that it wasn't so bad. 

"Okay, now, on my mark..." said Dumpling, gripping onto the chains tightly. 

Posey arched an eyebrow in confusion, but did as she said, wondering what Dumpling was planning to do. 

"And....JUMP!" 

"What?!" 

Dumpling let go of the chains when she was up in the air and landed a good distance away from the swing set and firmly on her hooves. "That was great!" she cried. She turned to her side, expecting to see Posey next to her, only to find she wasn't there. She looked over her shoulder at the swing set and saw Posey slowly swinging to a stop, remaining firmly in place. "Hey, what's wrong? You're supposed to jump off the swing and land on the ground."

"I didn't want to." Posey said shyly. 

"Why not?" asked Dumpling.

"Because, I just didn't want to, okay?" Posey got off the swing and trotted away. 

"Well, okay, I'll see you tomorrow I guess!" Dumpling called out, watching as Posey went back to the schoolhouse, where her aunt finally arrived and picked her up. 





At Fluttershy's cottage...


"So, how was school?" Fluttershy asked Posey, as she prepared to make some tea for the both of them.

"It was okay." answered Posey simply.

Fluttershy frowned. Something about her niece's tone and the way she shifted on the sofa didn't seem right. She trotted over and sat down next to Posey. "Alright, what's wrong?" she asked.

Posey's pupils shrunk, she looked away from her aunt's face. "N-nothing's wrong. I had a good day at school, and everything was fine." she said quickly.

Unfortunately for her, Fluttershy didn't buy it for a single minute. She placed an arm around Posey and spoke calmly and sweetly. "Posey, you know if something's bothering you, you can always tell me or your dad about it."

"I know." Posey sighed.

"So, what's wrong?"

Posey hesitated for a moment, before coming clean. "Well, you see, there's this filly at school, Apple Dumpling. She's nice, I guess, but she's also a little rowdy and a little intimidating for me. Like earlier, before you came to pick me up, she wanted me to jump off the swing while I was in the air."

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh goodness!" she exclaimed.

Posey nodded. "I didn't jump, of course, I was too scared to. Apple Dumpling says she wants me to be her new friend, but I don't know if I really even want to, especially if it means I'll be doing anymore scary stuff like that in the future."

"I understand." Fluttershy said, patting Posey's back to comfort her. "When I was your age, there were times where I wondered if I'd end up getting hurt too, because of how Rainbow Dash was so much stronger and faster than me. I thought that our friendship wouldn't last very long." 

"What happened?"

"Well, I told Rainbow Dash about my fears. She scoffed at some of them, saying that those things were too silly for me to be afraid of them. But, she understood how I liked things not so rough, and what sort of things made me uncomfortable. By telling her those things, Rainbow Dash respected my space and comfort zone, even though she tried to pull me out of both on a few occasions, and the two of us have remained friends to this day."

Posey had been listening carefully to her aunt's story, taking in all she had to say. "So...I should tell her about what makes me uncomfortable?"

Fluttershy nodded. "Exactly. Just tell her, and once she knows about your comfort zone, I'm sure the two of you will become good friends."

"I do want to make friends." Posey admitted. She thought about Neighthan as she said this. "Okay, auntie, I'll give it a try tomorrow."

Fluttershy smiled. "Good. Now, how about some tea?"

"Yes, please!" said Posey. 

Fluttershy fixed Posey up a couple of tea, made the way she liked it. She drank the warm concoction and smiled, immediately feeling much better. And so, the two Pegasi sat there, with Posey telling Fluttershy about the rest of her school day, and waiting for her dad to come by to take her home.





The next day...

Posey was once again sitting with Neighthan, telling him about all the plants she had growing in her room back in Cloudsdale. 

"One of my favorites is this Plundervine plant that Uncle Discord gave me." said Posey, appearing quite cheerful as she described her dear plants

Neighthan's eyes widened. "A Plundervine? Aren't those supposed to be dangerous and...well, chaotic?" he asked.

"Normally yes, but not this one. Uncle Discord used some of his magic to keep it from growing anymore. It has these little stems with blue spikes, and it has a mouth, kind of like a Venus Flytrap's. It took a while to get him to behave, but now he's awfully sweet and I like to talk to him from time to time."

"Him?"

Posey nodded. "Uh-huh! I call him Chewie, because he has a large appetite. But don't worry, he doesn't bite strangers as much as he did before."

"Sounds kind of dangerous." said Neighthan.

"Daddy said the same thing, but my auntie and I managed to convince him otherwise. Besides, Uncle Discord took most of the dangerous stuff away from it, so it's almost completely harmless."

"If you say so." 

It was then that Apple Dumpling went up to the two of them again, just like she did the other day.

"Hey guys! What're you two talking about?" she asked. 

"Nothing much." answered Neighthan. "Mariposa here was talking about some of her plants." 

"Plants huh? Are you a gardener?"

"Um, yes. It's kind of my special talent." said Posey, cracking an awkward smile and attempting to be friendly. 

"Really? I do a bit of digging myself, what with working on the farm and all." Dumpling replied proudly. "Anyhoo, you guys wanna play?" 

"Play what?" asked Posey, a little warily.

"Huck, Sugar, Spice, and I are all gonna play tag. You wanna join?" 

Posey looked over Dumpling's shoulder to see Huck and two Unicorn fillies waiting near the slide. 

"You're not gonna be too rough, are you?" Posey asked cautiously. 

"I don't think so, why do you ask?"

"Well..." Posey looked up at Apple Dumpling, calling upon the advice her aunt had given her. "It's just that, I don't usually play a lot, and I don't like doing anything that's scary or that could get me hurt." she said.

"You don't have to worry about that." Dumpling assured her. "All we're doing is running around and tagging one another. Nothing scary or harmful at all."

"You're sure?"

"I promise." said Dumpling.

"Well, okay then, if you're sure." Posey got up from the bench and looked over at Neighthan. 

"You go on." said Neighthan, waving a hoof. "I'll just sit here and watch."

"You can be the judge or the referee, or whatever it is they call it." said Apple Dumpling. "You know, to see if a pony is playing fair or not."

"Sure." Neighthan replied. 

Posey smiled a little. It was nice of Apple Dumpling trying to make Neighthan feel included. Maybe she would be a good friend to her.



* * *



Apple Dumpling walked Posey over to the group that was waiting for them. "Mariposa says she's in." she said.

"Great!" said Huck.

"Wonderful!" Sugar said sweetly. She had a pale turquoise hide and a curly apricot-colored mane, and a cutie mark of three sugar cubes.

"Good to have you in the game." said Spice in a good sportsmanlike manner. She was a little taller than Sugar by a couple inches, and had a tan coat, a chocolate brown mane that was straight, and a cutie mark of a bottle of cinnamon being sprinkled out. 

"Thank you." Posey said shyly. 

"Enough talk, let's get on with starting the game." said Apple Dumpling. "Who's going to be it?" 

"Not me, if you don't mind." said Posey. 

The rest of them said not it as well, leaving Apple Dumpling left as the only pony who didn't say it quick enough. "Alright, I'll be it. I needed a good work out anyway." she said. "All of you get a good distance away, and on the count of three, we start the game. Got it?"

"Got it!" Everypony said in unison.

"Good. Let's get started." They did as Dumpling had told them and all spread out around the playground, waiting for her to give the word to start the chase. "Everypony ready?" she called out.

"Ready!" they answered back. 

"1...2..3! Here I come!" shouted Dumpling, running toward them. Everypony scattered, galloping at great speed to avoid getting tagged by Apple Dumpling. Dumpling reached out a hoof and tagged Sugar. "Tag! You're it!"

Sugar laughed and ran after the other players. She managed to catch up to Spice and tag her. "Tag!" 

Spice looked around for who she should tag, and decided to go with Huck, since he was the closest. She snuck up behind him and tapped him on the back. "You're it!" cried Spice, and off she galloped like the wind.

"Hey!" Huck cried out in protest. But then he heard the giggling of Apple Dumpling and went after her. Dumpling managed to dodge his first few attempts, but he still managed to make her it once again. 

"Barn it!" said Apple Dumpling she, like Spice, looked around for a good target to go after. 

She spotted Posey and decided to give chase. Posey immediately noticed and dashed off before Dumpling had a chance to get the jump on her. Dumpling grinned to herself. Posey wasn't the best flier, but she was a fast runner, which gave Apple Dumpling a kind of thrill as she went after the Pegasus, weaving in and out of playground equipment, and slowing down only to throw Dumpling off her guard before speeding up ahead of her. Pretty soon, Dumpling got caught up in the game, and was thinking of a way of trying to tag Posey and beat her. She got an idea as she saw Posey beginning to slow down a little. She prepared her legs for the maneuver, wasting no time, once Posey was in close vicinity. In a swift move, Dumpling jumped, and pounced onto Posey, like a predator would its prey, tumbling a little on the ground. 

"Tag! You're it!" Dumpling proclaimed, feeling proud of herself. But that pride quickly vanished as she heard Posey sniffling and crying a little in pain. Dumpling got off her and stood there, watching as Posey slowly got up. Neighthan ran over to her looking worried. 

"Mariposa! Are you all right?" he asked her. 

Posey sniffed and shook her head. "I think I hurt my wings." she said, wincing as they moved slightly. 

"I'll get Miss Merrilee." said Spice running toward the schoolhouse. 

"Sorry about that." said Dumpling. 

Posey looked at Dumpling with watery eyes. "You promised." she mumbled. "You promised I wouldn't get hurt, but you lied!" 

Dumpling's eyes widened at those words. "I didn't lie!" she said defensively. "It's not like I meant to hurt your wings. I was just playing, that's all. Friends do it all the time."

"Then I don't think I want to be your friend." said Posey with a sniff. Neighthan walked with her toward the schoolhouse, leaving Apple Dumpling rooted to the spot. 

"Fine then." said Dumpling, attempting to be indifferent about it. "See if I care, I did nothing wrong." But in truth, Dumpling felt a bit of sadness inside her chest.





At Sweet Apple Acres...

Apple Dumpling was in a sour mood as she sat at the kitchen table with her head in her hooves, and her elbows planted firmly on the table. She'd tried to talk to Posey again after school got out, but she had to stay behind and get a scolding from Miss Merrilee for hurting Posey, but got off with a warning since it was an accident. By the time Dumpling was finished with her scolding, Posey was already leaving with her aunt, and appeared to have been avoiding eye contact with her. 

"Is everything okay, Dumpling?" Applejack asked, as she entered the kitchen.

"Not really." answered Apple Dumpling.

Applejack nodded. "I heard from Huck how there was an incident at school with one of your classmates." she said.

"It was just an accident." Dumpling said defensively. 

Applejack pulled up a chair and sat across Apple Dumpling at the table. "Tell me all about it." she said.

And so Apple Dumpling told Applejack the whole story, all the while Applejack listened carefully, nodding here and there at certain parts of the story.

"And that's what happened." concluded Apple Dumpling. "Now it seems like Mariposa doesn't wanna talk to me at all." 

Applejack sighed. "Well, can't say I don't blame her." 

"You mean you're siding with her?!" asked Apple Dumpling. 

"Look, all I'm saying is that Mariposa has every right to be upset with you." 

"But I didn't do anything wrong!"

"That may seem like it to you, but not to Mariposa. She told you how she doesn't like rough housing, and you promised not to during the game, only to end up breaking that promise and end up hurting her." Explained Applejack. "I know you probably didn't mean to, but Mariposa comes from a family of soft-spoken, reserved Pegasi." Then she added under her breath, "Except for her dad of course."

Apple Dumpling looked down at her hooves guiltily. Posey had told her that, and she had promised that she wouldn't get hurt. There was nopony else to blame but herself. She hung her head as her cousin continued on.

"Look, the point is, Mariposa gave you her trust, and you broke it, and if you want to make it up to her, then you're gonna have to earn back that trust and show how sorry you are." said Applejack. "Then, I'm sure she'll forgive you."

"But how do I do that?" asked Apple Dumpling. 

"That's something you're gonna have to figure out yourself." answered Applejack. She got up from the table and left Dumpling alone in the kitchen to think things over. 

"I already told her that I was sorry." Dumpling said to herself. "So what else can I do?" She thought about it, and remembered something from earlier that day, about Posey and gardening. "That's it!" she cried. She'd come up with a way to make it up to Posey, and possibly gain back her trust.




The next day, a little after school...

Apple Dumpling had wasted no time in putting her plan into action. She had went over to Miss Merrilee and asked her if she and a couple of the students could work on the old garden out behind the schoolhouse. Miss Merrilee agreed, and Dumpling moved on to gathering the needed supplies. Before the bell had run to signal the end of school, Apple Dumpling left Posey a note on her desk, telling her to meet her out behind the school. After waiting a moment or two, Posey finally showed up, much to Apple Dumpling's relief. 

"You actually made it." Apple Dumpling said with a grin.

Posey stood her ground, looking at Apple Dumpling warily. "Don't get excited just yet, I just want to know what this is all about."

Dumpling nodded seriously. "It's...about what happened the other day. I'm sorry that I got you hurt and I'm sorry that I broke my promise." she said sincerely. "I just get really excited sometimes, and I can get a little carried away. I guess I was just so happy you wanted to join us."

"But...we've only just met a couple days ago." pointed out Posey.

"I know, but, I was still glad, because it meant that I had a chance to make another new friend."

Posey stared at her in silence.

"Guess I kinda messed up on that, didn't I?" asked Dumpling.laughing nervously and rubbing the back of her head. "But that's why I asked you to come here, to make it up to you."

"How?" 

"With this." Apple Dumpling stepped away from the small patch of dirt she'd been obscuring. Next to the dirt were some gardening supplies, seeds, flowers bulbs, and fertilizer. 

Posey's eyes widened and she gasped. "Wha, what is this?"

"I remembered how that one colt mentioned you liked gardening, so I thought maybe you and I could work on the school's garden, together." 

Posey was speechless, as she looked down at the dirt, and then at the seeds and bulbs that were waiting to be planted. A Smile slowly sprung onto her face. "I'd like that, very much." she said. 


* * *


Posey and Apple Dumpling got right to work on tending to the patch of dirt, making little furrows, adding the seeds and bulbs, and adding water and fertilizer to help them grow. 

"Phew!" Dumpling exclaimed as she wiped some sweat off her brow. Both she and Posey had some dirt on their hooves and faces from their work. "I think we did a pretty good job." she said.

"I think so too." agreed Posey. "It won't be long before these little ones blossom and become fully grown."

"Yeah. Hey, if you'd like maybe we can work on the garden some more. You know, if you want to."

"Sure!" 

It was right then that both the fillies heard somepony softly calling out for Posey. "That must be Auntie Fluttershy." said Posey. "I have to get going."

"Alright then." said Apple Dumpling. "It was nice hanging out with ya, I hope we do it again sometime." 

Posey nodded. "Yes, I hope we can do it again as well." She then turned to leave. "Goodbye, Dumpling."

"Bye, Mariposa." said Dumpling, waving goodbye. 

Posey stopped. "Um, Dumpling?"

"Yeah?"

"If you like, you can just call me Posey for short." She looked at her from over her shoulder and smiled.

Apple Dumpling returned the smile. "Bye, Posey."

And thus, began the start of what would become a memorable friendship for the two of them.
> Episode 6-Magical Mayhem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 6-Magical Mayhem


Harmony paced in front of the throne room doors of Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia had summoned Harmony, informing her that she'd like to speak to her about her progress in her magical training. This, understandably, made Harmony a little nervous. What did the princess want to talk about? Was she in trouble? Did she not do well in the numerous tests Twilight gave her? Harmony shook her head at the last one. Twilight had given her a crash course, as well as dozens of reviews and exams on the basics of magic. Harmony had gotten a headache afterward from taking in so much information. But now, she had a much better understanding of how magic worked, and basic spells (which wasn't too bad given that Twilight had been teaching her for several weeks or so).  Point being, she felt she was doing well in passing Twilight's tests and better understanding magic. As the doors opened, Harmony stopped her pacing, and took a deep breath before entering inside to meet with the princess.

"Ah, Harmony! I'm glad you could make it." said Princess Celestia as she saw Harmony enter.

"You wanted to talk to me about something?" inquired Harmony. 

Celestia nodded. "Yes, in regards to your studies." she said. Harmony held her breath. 

Here it comes. she thought.

"You've been progressing nicely with your training, Twilight has told me all about how you've been passing your tests with flying colors." Harmony let out a small sigh of relief and felt her shoulders relax. It looked like she had nothing to worry about after all. "However..." And just as quickly that relief was now gone. "...while you are doing well on your tests, and while you are steadily learning more and more about magic, you still need to work on exercising your powers."

"Huh?"

The princess then went on to explain. "You've managed to gain some control over your powers, but you haven't been practicing actually using your powers."

"That's not true." said Harmony. "Well, not completely anyway." Harmony then told Celestia about the few instances in which she used her magic, like when she helped Posey escape the Timber wolves and teleported to the Dragon lands.  

"Still, while you have been able to do those things, you still have a long way to go before you can use your magic to its full potential." said Celestia.

"I understand princess." said Harmony. "It's just that, I've never really needed to use magic before, I'm more used to doing things by hoof."

"Be that as it may, as the Spirit of Harmony, you will be given many responsibilities in the future, witch will require you using your magic."

Harmony lifted her gaze to meet Celestia's. She seemed to have a good point. She still didn't know all the details of being a Spirit of Harmony, but if it meant having these powers, it probably meant she had to learn to use them. For what, she still had yet to find out.

"So, what do you want me to do, your highness?" asked Harmony.

Celestia smiled kindly at her. "The reason I called you here Harmony, was to tell you to keep up with your training, and to practice using your magic. Other than that, you've been doing quite well." she said. 

Harmony nodded in agreement, finally getting at what Celestia was saying. 'You're doing good, but you could be better,' that was basically what it boiled down to. "Once I raise my magical skills, then what do I do next?" she asked.

"Next, you will be moving onto the next phase of your training. You shall be given tests that are a bit different, and are more practical than the ones you are used to. Once you've demonstrated that you are able to take on the responsibility of a spirit and have mastered your newfound powers, you will have completed your training." answered Celestia. "I know all of this is still fairly new and strange to you, but I know that you'll be able to do it in no time."

Easier said than done. Harmony thought grimly. Celestia seemed so sure of her, even though Harmony still had a few doubts that lingered in her. Could she really master her powers as easily as Celestia made it sound and meet her expectations? She stole a quick glance at the princess' warm smile as she waited for Harmony's reply.

"You can count on me, princess." Harmony finally replied back. "I'll work hard to complete my training."

"I look forward to hearing about it." said Princess Celestia. 

Harmony smiled and waved goodbye to the princess as she headed out of the throne room, but as soon as she left and the door closed behind her, Harmony's smile dropped and she let out a sigh. "Yeah, I look forward to it too." Harmony muttered to herself in a slightly sarcastic tone. And off she went, heading on home.





In Harmony's house...


Harmony had cleared away some space in her living room so she could start practicing her levitation, and from there, she could move onto other kinds of spells. 

"It should be too hard, right?" Harmony asked her jackalope Tempo. "I mean, I can levitate myself off the ground, so it shouldn't be a problem to lift a few little objects." 

Tempo nodded in agreement, yet he kept a safe distance away, just to be on the safe side. In the middle of the room, Harmony set down a small paperweight, and looked at it with determination. "Alright, here it goes." she said. She focused her magic on the paperweight, willing it to levitate. After five minutes...nothing happened. Harmony narrowed her eyes as she tried once again to levitate the paperweight, and still nothing happened. Harmony let out a groan of frustration. "Ugh! Why isn't this working?" 

Seeing that it was safe, Tempo stepped further into the living room and tapped the paperweight with a furry paw. Meanwhile, Harmony picked up on of the spell books Twilight had given her to look over and scanned over the page that had the levitation spell. "I don't get it, I should be able to do it." Harmony muttered to herself. She closed the book with a loud slam. "It looks like this won't be as easy as I thought. 

Knock! Knock!

Harmony's head turned toward the door, and her ears perked up as they heard the voices of her friends calling out, "Hey, Harmony! Are you home?" 

"Hold on!" Harmony called back, trotting to the door. She opened it and was greeted by all her friends, Flurry, Morning Star, Sparks, Kimono, and Razzaroo. "Hey girls, what brings you here?" 

"We heard from Flurry who heard from Princess Twilight who heard from Princess Celestia that you're practicing using your magic." answered Razzaroo giddily. "So we came to see for ourselves how you're doing."

Harmony cracked a nervous smile. "I'm doing just fine." replied Harmony. "In fact, I was just in the middle of practicing before you guys showed up." 

"Oh, sorry, we didn't mean to intrude." said Flurry Heart. "We can leave if you want, and talk to you later."

"No, no, it's fine." said Harmony. "I was about to take a quick break anyway, why don't you all come inside?" 

The girls accepted Harmony's invitation and entered into the house. 

"All the furniture's moved around." remarked Sparks, taking immediate note of the living room that now had more space. "Have you been doing some cleaning or something."

"No, I was just doing a little levitation, that's all." said Harmony. 

"So you levitated all the furniture?" asked Razzaroo, now looking at the furniture with wide eyes. 

"Not ex--"

"That's so cool!" said Razzaroo, cutting her off. 

"Is it difficult?" Kimono asked. 

Once again, before Harmony could answer, Morning Star spoke up and said, "Are you kidding? Levitation is one of the easiest, most basic of spells. Even a foal could do it blindfolded." 

Harmony cringed a little and tried to cover it with a nervous smile. 

A foal huh? she thought grimly. Then it looks like I need even more work than I thought. 

"Well, I thought I might as well brush up on the basics and move on from there." said Harmony.

"I think that's a great idea." chimed in Razzaroo, popping up next to Harmony. "You know what they say, once you master the basics, you can accomplish anything." 

"Who said that?" asked Sparks. 

Razzaroo shrugged. "I dunno, but it sounds like good advice, right?" 

"it is, very good advice." said Flurry Heart. She then turned to Harmony and said, "And if you want, I can always give you a few pointers and help you out with your studying."

"Me too." added Morning Star. "In fact, I think I still have my old textbooks from magic kindergarten back home in the empire."

"No, no, you girls don't have to do that." said Harmony. "I appreciate the offer, really, but if you don't mind, I kinda wanna learn it on my own. You know, so I can be able to do it myself." 

"Okay then, but remember, if you ever need any help, just feel free to ask." said Flurry.

"I'll keep that in mind." replied Harmony. 

"Hey, since it's around lunchtime, do you wanna come and have lunch with us?" asked Sparks. "Razzaroo and Kimono said that they wanted to show us The Tasty Treat."

Harmony shook her head. "No thank you, I think I'll just stay here and do a little more practicing."

"Are you sure?" asked Razzaroo.

"Yes, you girls just go on and have fun." 

"Alright, if you're sure." said Razzaroo. 

The girls turned and began to file out of the house. Flurry lingered and said to Harmony, "If you change your mind, you know where to find us." she said. She then used her magic to close the door behind her, and she and the girls were gone. 

Harmony heaved another sigh and looked down at Tempo, who was giving her a look as he had his arms folded over his chest.

"What?" she asked him. 

Tempo pointed a little paw at the paperweight, and then at the door where her friends had just left through.

"I know, I know, I should've told them I needed a little help." she said with an eye roll. "But like I told them, I want to be able to do it myself, and in order to do that, I can't have them helping. I need to do it all on my own." 

Tempo frowned and shook his head. 

"You'll see Tempy, I'll get this magic thing down in no time. All it'll take is a bit of practicing and a little extra studying. Just you wait."


* * *


A few hours later...


"Alright, I think I've got it now." said Harmony. She focused her magic on the paperweight once more and managed to surrounded with a silvery magical aura. She grinned to herself as the weight lifted an inch off the ground. "That's it, just a little more..." Harmony willed the paperweight to lift higher into the air, but after about 30 seconds, the weight fell back down to the floor with a plunk. Harmony groaned. "Darn it!" She stamped her hoof down onto the floor in frustration.

Nearby, was sitting on the sofa with a little blackboard and a piece of chalk, keeping track of how many times Harmony practiced on the paperweight, which was already filled up with tally marks. He lifted it up for Harmony to see.

"I've got it all under control Tempo. I just need to keep at it." she said.

Tempo erased the blackboard, putting the total tally number in the upper corner and leaving space for more tallies to be added.

Harmony pulled out her spell books and opened them up so that she could look at them all at once."With a little work, I'll get the hang of this. I'll show Princess Celestia and my friends that I can do this, and I can do it by myself." It was then, at that moment, that Harmony broke out into a little song.

"Magic for me is something entirely new,
to get it right here's what I will do,
I'll give it all I've got and won't stop till I'm through."

She turned to face the paperweight, narrowing her eyes in determined concentration. She once again focused her magical aura around it and concentrated on lifting it.

"Even if takes a million or billion or trillion more tries,
I'll master my magic and all will be surprise,
and even the princess won't believe her own eyes."

The paperweight seemed to struggle a little, but slowly yet surely, it rose higher and higher into the air. Harmony smiled with pride. 

"Just wait and see, I can do it alone.
I'll use my own powers, I'll do it all on my own.
Everyone will just how much they've grown.
I'll do it all, do it all, all on my own."

Harmony then moved onto more harder objects, concentrating on her power to move the furniture just a few feet off the ground. She then flipped through one of the spell books and decided to try one of the other simple spells from them.

"Got to give it all I've got so they all can see,
that come what may they can depend upon me."

She pulled out a little lantern, and prepared to cast a spell that would help ignite it. She sent a spark of magic, and managed to get the wick to ignite for a little bit before it fizzled out. 

"Hour after hour I swear I won't rest,
I'll keep up my training till I pass the test."

After a few more tries, Harmony finally managed to get the lantern to light up with a brilliant light. Harmony pored over each book, going over each spell, and practicing each one until she got it just right.

"Magic is strange and also brand new,
but I shall show them, just what I can do."

Harmony fired up the levitation spell, this time, it was much more effective, as she managed to lift up her books and have them flying through the air. She also lifted the paperweight with ease and felt pride rising in her. 

"Just wait and see, I can do it alone.
 I'll use my own powers, I'll do it all on my own."

She placed the books into a tall stack with her magic with the paperweight on top.

"I'll work myself out, right down to the bone. 
Don't need any help, I can do it all on my, all on, all on my...!" 

Harmony carried out the last note as she caused all the light in her house to be sucked out, hovering in a single little ball flying around her head before sending the light back to where it came from.

"All on my own!"





The next morning...


Harmony had stayed up so late last night, studying spells from the basics and up, and had fallen asleep on a pile of books. Tempo was the first to wake up, he rubbed his little eyes and looked up at the clock to see that it was five to 8. He hopped over to Harmony and tried to shake her awake, but she merely shrugged it off and mumbled something under her breath. The jackalope looked around for something he could use to try and wake up Harmony, his gaze landed on the kitchen and he grinned to himself, coming up with an idea. A moment or so later, he went back up to Harmony, now holding a pot and a metal spoon. He banged the two together as loud as he could, luckily, that managed to help wake Harmony up no problem.

"I'm up! I'm up!" she cried, rubbing her temple and getting up from the stack of books she'd been laying on. Harmony looked over at Tempo who was pointing at the clock frantically. Harmony's eyes widened. "It's almost time for work!" she cried, springing to her hooves. Harmony grabbed her saddle bag and bolted out the door. When she was a few feet away from her house, a thought struck her."This would be the perfect opportunity to use that teleportation spell I learned."

Harmony activated the spell, and in a flash she was right in front of the Rose Cafe. "Yes! Got it right on the first try!" she said proudly. She headed inside and turned over the sign to show that the cafe was now open for business. 


* * *


A little later...


Harmony had slipped into the usual routine of serving the customers, occasionally using her magic to aid in little tasks here and there, so she could keep on practicing. After she finished the order of a customer and sent him on his way, her friend Morning Star, and Morning's classmate Abra-ca-dabra, entered through the door. 

"Wow, so this is the Rose Cafe." said Abra, looking all around at the interior.  

"Hey girls." Harmony said. "What brings you two here?" 

"One of the teachers sent our class on a field assignment, we're supposed to go out and bring back something in nature that's tied to magic." explained Morning Star.

"But Morning here suggested that we stop by here and pick up some food to go, since it might be a while before we find anything." interjected Abra. "We were talking about getting a lot of muffins and rolls."

"Anything specific?" asked Harmony.

Morning Star shook her head. "No, just give us ten of each, that should be enough."

"Coming right up." replied Harmony. She cast a levitation spell on one of the white paper bags and used her magic to fill it with an assortment of rolls and muffins. 

Abra-ca-dabra's eyes widened with surprise. "Wow! You can use magic? How is that possible?!" 

"It's a long story." Harmony said, a little embarrassed. A few of the previous customers also gawked and made surprised comments about seeing her use magic. But, Harmony figured it was something she'd have to get used to. "Anyway, here's your order." She handed the bag to Abra while Morning Star helped pay for it all.

"Thanks, Harmony." Morning then turned to Abra and said, "We better hurry up and get going if we're ever gonna finish today's assignment." 

"You're right!" Abra looked over her shoulder and smiled gratefully at Harmony. "Thanks for the food!"

"You're welcome, and good luck with your assignment." Harmony waved goodbye and watched as the two Unicorns exited from the cafe and headed out to begin their school work. She then went back to work on the cafe, casting a few spells to help do a little extra cleaning around the cafe. "It's starting to get a little easier." she said to herself. "Just like I told Tempo, all I needed was a little extra practice, and I'd be able to do it on my own."





That afternoon, back at Harmony's house...


"I'm home!" Harmony called out as she teleported into the living room of her house. 

Tempo welcomed her home with his usual friendly smile, rubbing his head against her legs as she walked toward the table she'd set up that held the many spell books that were still left open. She closed some of them and took a look at the list of spells Princess Twilight had written out for her and told her she had to learn. While Harmony had managed to get quite a bit down last night, and improve on some of the basics, she still had a long list left that she still had to learn. 

"Let's see." she mused to herself. "If I do a little studying before dinner and then practice some of the spells afterward, then I should be able to reach the halfway mark."

Tempo chattered something and made a series of mimes to Harmony. 

"Don't worry Tempo, I won't forget to make you dinner, and I will make sure to get a good night's sleep this time." she replied.

This seemed to appease Tempo, who hopped off to return to whatever it was he'd been doing before Harmony came home. Harmony sat down in front of the books, ready to continue.

"Alright, time to study."


* * *


Later...

Harmony let out a loud yawn, her eye lids drooping a little as she tried to keep reading one of the spells. It was already 3 in the morning, and Harmony hadn't gotten a wink of sleep yet. She'd gotten so wrapped up in her studying and magical training that she hadn't paid attention to how late it had gotten. 

"Yawn! Just one more, and then I'll go to bed." she told herself. The spell in question involved conjuring. Harmony sleepily gathered her magic together to prepare to cast it, but she was unable to properly execute it, and instead ended up having a blast of smoke poof right in her face. Harmony let out a tired sigh. "I think that's enough for now." And with that said, Harmony collapsed into her chair and slept on the book-filled table. 

Tempo opened his eyes from his sleeping spot on the sofa and saw that Harmony had passed out. Taking a nearby blanket, he hopped over to Harmony and draped the blanket over her. He smiled to himself and went back to the sofa to return to his nap, hoping that Harmony would also have a peaceful and restful sleep.





A couple days later...

At the Tasty Treat, Kimono, Razzaroo, and Morning Star were all sitting around a table, waiting for Flurry and Sparks to arrive. While they waited, the girls were helping themselves to some fresh bread that was given to them as an appetizer. Flurry and Sparks soon rushed in through the door and went up to the girls' table.

"Sorry we're late." apologized Flurry. "There was a bit of trouble with the train so we got held up." 

"Don't worry, we haven't been waiting that long." assured Kimono kindly.

"Although." added Morning Star slyly. "If you really want to make it up to us, you could help pay for our lunch."

"Morning!" Kimono scolded.

"Nah, it's alright, we'd be happy to pay for lunch." said Sparks.

"Good, because I happen to be quite hungry today and there's a lot of things on the menu that I want to try out." said Morning.

"Hey wait, where's Harmony?" asked Flurry, looking around and noticing that the Pegasus was nowhere to be seen.

"She couldn't come today." said Razzaroo, sounding a little disappointed. "Said she was too busy."

"Busy?"

Kimono nodded. "Harmony's been working really hard with her training. When Razzaroo and I stopped by her house earlier she looked completely worn out."

"Sounds like Aunt Twilight when she ends up getting carried away with teaching or studying." said Flurry. "Uncle Spike used to tell me about how she'd end up sleep deprived and looking crazy."

Kimono gasped worriedly.

"But I'm sure she's fine." said Sparks, trying to ease Kimono's worry. "Right now, she's probably just taking a break or something from her training."

"I don't know." said Kimono. "Harmony can be very stubborn sometimes, and when she sets out to do something, she pushes herself until she completes it."

Flurry Heart could easily picture it, after all, Harmony had done a similar action when she intended to make a thousand or so cupcakes all by herself. "Maybe we should check on Harmony later, just to see how she's been lately." she said.

This seemed to help Kimono, as her shoulders noticeably began to relax. "Thanks, Flurry."

"But first, let's have some lunch first." said Razzaroo, who called over to the host and told him what they all wanted to order.


* * *



The girls stood outside on the doorstep of Harmony's house knocking on the door, but nopony seemed to be there.

"Harmony? Are you there?!" called Flurry.

Nopony answered. 

"Guess she's not at home." said Sparks.

"Maybe we should wait and come back later." said Morning Star.

But as the rest of the girls turned to leave, Kimono trotted up to the door and turned the knob, finding it to be unlocked, and stepping inside. 

"Kimono!" cried Razzaroo, chasing after her, with the rest of the girls following close behind. 

"Harmony!" Kimono called out. Kimono walked through the living room, calling for Harmony and passed through into the dining room, where she found Harmony knocked out on the table surrounded by a few scrolls and books. "Harmony, there you are!" Kimono went over to her and gave her shoulder a little nudge. 

Harmony moved a little and mumbled, "Five more minutes." 

It wasn't too long before the rest of the girls came into the dining room to find Kimono and Harmony by the table.

"Hey, you found her." said Razzaroo.

Kimono nodded. "Yes, but she doesn't seem like she wants to wake up."

"I don't blame her." said Morning Star, who had been shifting through the books and scrolls. "Just look at all this! It looks like she tried to learn all of these spells at once."

"What? Why would she do that?" asked Flurry Heart.

"We'll have to wait until she wakes up before we can ask her that." said Kimono, her eyes still lingering on her sleeping friend. "In the meantime, let's get these books cleaned up." 






Harmony let out a loud, long yawn, and stretched out her arms as she woke up from that well-needed nap. As her eyes adjusted to the room around her, they quickly widened in surprise upon seeing all her friends gathered around her and the dining room table. 

"Huh? Girls? What are you all doing here?" she asked, confused.

"We stopped by to check on you." answered Sparks.

"We knocked on the door a few times, you didn't answer, so we came in to see if everything was alright or not." said Kimono.

"Technically, Kimono was the one who--" Morning Star covered Razzaroo's mouth to keep her from talking.

"The point is, when we came in, we found you passed out here with all those spells and stuff. It looked like you were trying to learn them all at once." said Morning.

Harmony shrank in her seat, her eyes cast down onto the floor. "I...kinda was. Though, I was trying to go for overnight."

"But why?" asked Flurry.

"You, wouldn't understand." said Harmony.

"Try us." said Sparks.

Harmony lifted her gaze to her friends, who were all awaiting for her explanation. Tempo also hopped out and gave her a firm, pointed look. She let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll tell you." she said. "Before I became the Spirit of Harmony, I didn't need to know magic, and I didn't have Princess Celestia expecting great things from me or giving me advice. But now, I've got all these new responsibilities and expectations that come with my new role and powers. So I thought, if I can show everyone that I've got what it takes to be a spirit by advancing in my training, then maybe I'd be able to meet the princess' expectations."

"While I applaud how you want to learn more about magic," said Morning Star. "I think you're going about it the wrong way. I mean, it takes years of studying and training for even the greatest Unicorns to be able to wield powerful magic and use high level spells."

"Yeah, and, if it makes you feel any better Harmony, I can't use a lot of magic even though I'm a Unicorn." said Sparks. 

"Um, thanks? I guess?" said Harmony unsure. 

"I think what Sparks is trying to say, is that it's okay if you're not too good with magic yet." said Flurry Heart, cutting in."

"Uh, yeah! That's exactly what I meant!"

"It's best if you just wait and take your time." 

Harmony placed her hooves in her lap and looked down at them. "But, Princess Celestia--"

"Is not the one learning magic." interrupted Razzaroo. "You do what makes you feel more comfortable Harmony. Do what you want for your own sake."

"And don't be too hard on yourself." added Kimono. "If you work yourself too hard you'll only end up doing more harm than good."

Flurry Heart nodded in agreement. "Next time, if you need or want a little extra help with your training, you can always ask us." she said.

Harmony glanced over at Tempo, who was giving her an expression that said, 'I told you so.' She frowned at him a little, not needing to be told that, and returned her gaze toward her friends. All of them were smiling at her, ready and willing to support her if she needed or wanted them. A slow smile ended up appearing on her face. 

"Thanks, girls! You're all the best!" she said, happily.





A few days later, at the castle...

"So, I was thinking about taking a break from my studies, just for a little while of course." Harmony said, as she talked to Princess Celestia once again in the throne room. 

"Of course." said Princess Celestia smiling kindly. "I was actually starting to worry a little. When you left the last time I talked to you, I thought maybe I was putting too much pressure on you, and that you might try to push yourself."

"What? Me, push myself? Whatever gave you that idea?" said Harmony, laughing and smiling nervously. 

"Well, I hope you enjoy your break." 

"Thanks, I will." she said, leaving the throne room.

Princess Celestia watched as she left, and a few minutes later, she spotted her heading outside the castle gates with her friends. She grinned as she saw how happy they were as they headed for town. Her expression then became serious as she turned away from the window and sat down upon her throne. "Now then..." she mused to herself, opening an old dusty tome. She flipped to a section about different spirit summoning spells. "I think it's time that another certain someone to come out and finally face the return of the Spirit of Harmony."
(To be continued...)
> Discordant Reunion: Harmony and Discord's Day Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discordant Reunion: Harmony and Discord's Day Out


It was a typical sort of day in Equestria, or at least, it had been, until shortly around midday when Princess Celestia cleared the throne room of guards and told them not to disturb her unless it was a dire emergency. She'd been patient over these past few weeks, waiting for a reply to her countless letters, and upon not receiving any, that left only one action left to resort to. With the throne room now empty except for herself, Celestia began to use the special summoning spell she had, filling the room with a whirlwind of magic. As the wind and lights down, she looked to the spot a few feet away from her in front of her throne, where there now stood the being she'd intended to summon. And that being, was none other than the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony himself, Discord. 

His eyes widened with momentary surprise at his sudden change of location, but he quickly recovered as soon as his gaze fell upon Princess Celestia as she sat before him on her throne. "Ah, Princess Celestia." he said with his usual smirk and silky tone of voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this abrupt little summoning?" 

"I think you know very well what the reason is, Discord." said Celestia seriously.

"Really? And what might that be, dear princess?" he asked nonchalantly.

"In case you are not already aware, I've been sending you countless letters to your home in Chaosville, and you have not replied to a single one." she said.

"Oh, yes, I'm truly sorry about that." said Discord, not meaning it. "But you know how unreliable the mail is these days, especially in regards to my quaint little abode. Why, I can't tell you how many times I've had to lodge a complaint to the postal service every time their letters end up arriving late." 

"I sent the letter directly to you with my magic, Discord." said Celestia, her tone becoming hard yet she remained somewhat composed. "It did not go through the postal service. There should be no reason for you not to have received it."

Discord swallowed, his smirk faltering for just a moment. The truth was, he had in fact received Celestia's letters. He'd hoped to avoid both them and Celestia for a little while longer, until he could come up with a plan, but it seemed like he wouldn't be able to dodge either for much longer.

"N-now that I think about it, I might have some recollection about receiving one of your letters some time ago." Discord managed to reply, thinking back to the moment in question.

It had been the first letter Celestia had sent to him, with regards to Harmony, how her powers had awakened, and how she wanted to teach her how to use her powers and become a spirit. After reading the letter, Discord tore the letter into tiny little pieces, thrown them into a trashcan, burned them inside the can, and kicked the trashcan out the door of his cottage, where it was taken away by a flying badger that was passing by. Ever since then, Discord had been lying low in Chaosville, tossing out Celestia's letters into the bottomless pit and waiting/hoping that the princess would give up and move on. However, that was sadly not the case, as he now found himself before her.

"Have you given thought to what I've asked in my letter?" asked Celestia.

Discord nervously began to fidget. "Well, I didn't necessarily read your letter, more like, skimmed over it. But whatever it is, I'm sure you don't need me. There are plenty of other ponies out there more qualified and more willing to take you up on your little teaching offer." he said.

Celestia smirked a little at Discord. "If you only skimmed over it, then how did you know my letter was asking you to help teach?" she said.

Discord's pupil's shrunk. "Er, well, I..." His mind fumbled through what to say, searching for an excuse to get himself out of this conversation. "You know what? I'd love to stay and chat with you some more, Celestia. Really, I would. But I have other things that I need to attend to, so if you'll just excuse me--" He had planned to quickly teleport out of the throne room and back to his cottage, when Celestia cast her magical aura around him and froze him in place. Discord squirmed and struggled to break free, but Celestia was using every bit of her strength and concentration to keep him from leaving. "Really now, Celestia. This seems a like a bit much, don't you think?"

"Hardly." replied Celestia sternly. "You've been putting this off long enough Discord. It's time that you stop and actually listen to what I have to say."

Discord let out a long, dramatic groan and rolled his eyes. "Oh, fine! Just get it over with and make it quick."

Celestia eased up the spell she had on Discord gradually as she spoke what she had to say to him. "As I've been trying to say to you countless times over the past few weeks, I want you to help Harmony in her training to become the new Spirit of Peace and Harmony." she said.

Discord cringed at her words and frowned deeply. "And you want me to do that, why?" he asked. "Honestly Celestia, if you're seriously considering me, the Master of Chaos to teach the incarnate of everything that goes against what I stand for some magic tricks, then you're an even bigger fool than I thought."

"Discord, I'm serious about this!" argued Celestia. "Harmony needs a guide, somepony to show and teach her what to do during her training to become a spirit. And you are the one she needs."

Once again, those words made him wince. "I doubt she really needs me that badly." Discord countered. "She's gotten on just fine without me so far, surely somepony else could--"

"Don't think you can weasel your way out of this, Discord." Celestia was starting to lose her patience. "I understand how you may be a little...apprehensive about teaching Harmony, what with being her counterpart, but as a fellow spirit, there are things that only you could show her, and provide her with answers to the questions she may have. And who knows, maybe, after you two get to know one another, you may actually become friends." 

"Friends?" Discord scoffed. "Don't make me laugh, princess. The Spirits of Chaos and Harmony, becoming friends? Ha!"

"You were able to become friends with Fluttershy, and eventually the rest of the bearers." Celestia pointed out.

"That was different!"

"Oh?"

"And besides...even if I did want to teach that Harmony pony, which I don't, what makes you think we'd get along, or that she'd even like me? Who's to say she even wants me to teach her?! It'd be a complete and utter disaster, and not in a good way." He folded his arms and turned his head to the side in a superior sort of way.

For a moment, Princess Celestia was silent. She looked past Discord's high and mighty act, and could see that he was slightly shivering. Shivering with what looked unquestionably like nervousness and fear. "Discord...are you, afraid?"

Discord stiffened. "Afraid?" he laughed nervously. "Me?! She's just a pony, what could I possibly be afraid of?"

"But you are." said Celestia. "You're afraid about meeting Harmony, aren't you?"

Discord stammered, and then let out a groan of frustration. "I'm not afraid of her! I just, really really really really really really really don't ever want to see her or have anything to do with her for the rest of my life." 

"Discord--"

"I mean, in case you've forgotten, Harmonia and I weren't exactly on the best of terms with each other in the past. Not to mention the other, more recent escapades I've had, especially the one involving that old tree of hers. After everything I've done to her and Equestria, there's no way Harmonia would ever forgive me! She'd do everything in her power to see that I paid for what I'd done for the rest of my life, maybe even beyond that! I wouldn't put it past her to do it."

"Harmony is not Harmonia, Discord. True, she is Harmonia's reincarnation, but other than that, Harmony is her own pony and has no memory of Harmonia's past or the history the two of you once had."

Discord let out a loud harrumph, blowing out some air through his nostril, still not entirely convinced my the princess. "Sure she isn't. Let's say she doesn't have any memories of me, that still doesn't mean that we'll get along. We're two opposing forces! Chaos and Order. Disharmony and Harmony. Disarray and peace. The list goes on!"

"You don't know that for sure." said Celestia.

"Neither do you." Discord shot back. "So I suggest that you give up what little ideas you've got about me and Harmony and let me get back to my own business."

Celestia thought carefully to herself what she could do or say that could change the stubborn Draconequus' mind. Then, she had an idea. "You're right, I don't know whether or not things will go well between you and Harmony."

"Hmph! Of course I'm right!"

"But that doesn't mean that you can't at least give her a chance."

Discord arched a bushy eyebrow at Celestia. "What are you saying exactly?"

"Spend a whole day with Harmony, get to know her. Then, if you've changed your mind and are willing to teach her, then both she and I will be most grateful. But, if you still refuse, then I shall respect your wishes and will leave the matter alone."

Discord was very much intrigued by this offer. He stroked his chin and smirked to himself. While he would have to spend an entire day with Harmony, it would be worth it to get through this easy challenge and prove to Celestia once again how he was right.

"Alright." he said at last. "I accept your little challenge, princess."

"I'd hardly call it a challenge." said Celestia. "But thank you Discord, I shall tell Harmony as soon as possible that you've agreed to meet her and spend some time with her."

"Yes, yes, I'm sure she'll be jumping for joy over hearing the news." he said sarcastically. "Now, when exactly is this little get together taking place?"

"Tomorrow." Celestia answered simply.

Discord's eyes widened and his pupils shrunk. "T-tomorrow?!" 

Celestia nodded. "While you have agreed to meet her, there's no doubt in my mind that you'd try to find some way of getting out of it. So, the sooner you two get acquainted with one another, the better." she said.

Discord clenched his teeth and his fists, but let out a heavy sigh and said, "Oh, fine! Tomorrow it is."

"And you have to be at the Ponyville train station by 8:00 AM sharp." she added. 

Discord looked like he wanted to argue, but he didn't. "Very well, if you're finished with me, I must be off. If you need me, you know where to find me." 

And in a flash of bright light, Discord was gone. 

Celestia let out a relieved sigh. "Well, I'd say that went out much better than I had expected." she said to herself. 




At the Rose Cafe...

"No way, you're actually going to meet Discord?" asked Razzaroo.

Harmony nodded. She'd just received a letter which had appeared out of thin air from Princess Celestia, talking about how she managed to arrange a little get together for her and Discord, and had just finished reading it aloud to her friend.

"It says right here that I have to meet him at the Ponyville train station tomorrow at 8 AM sharp." said Harmony, setting down the paper onto the nearby counter.

"Ohoo! How exciting!" Razzaroo exclaimed excitedly. "What do you think the two of you will be doing tomorrow? Do you think he'll be nice? Is he exactly like how they describe him from the past? Can he really make yummy chocolate milk rain down if he wanted?"

"Easy there, Razz." said Harmony, stopping her friend so she could get a word out. "I've never even met Discord yet, so I don't know what he's like or what's going to happen."

"Oh, right." 

"But, I will admit, I am a little excited....as well as nervous, and a little bit annoyed."

"Annoyed? Why be annoyed?" asked Razzaroo.

"Princess Celestia has been trying to send letters to Discord, asking for his help in my training to become a spirit." she explained. "But he hasn't even replied once! And now, after all these weeks have flown by, he finally decides to meet me on a little outing? It just...irks me!"

Razzaroo tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Maybe he just wants to get to know you first." suggested Razzaroo. "After all, I'd feel all kinds of awkward trying to teach a stranger I don't know. Especially seeing as how I've never really taught anypony before. But, that's just me." 

Harmony looked over at Razzaroo and then back down at the letter. She did make a fair point. Harmony took in a deep breath. "I guess you might be right, Razz." she said. "I shouldn't be so hard on somepony I don't know."

"So, what are you going to do?" asked Razzaroo. 

Harmony grinned at her confidently. "I'm just gonna go out there and see what happens." she said. "It'll be my chance to make a good impression and to finally get to know him."

Razzaroo nodded in agreement. "Yeah! It'll probably end up being a blast for you two, I mean, what could possibly go wrong?"





At Fluttershy's cottage...

After his little audience with Princess Celestia, Discord needed someplace to unwind and somepony to share his woes with. And there just so happened to be such a place and such a pony just a hop, skip, and a jump away. He knocked his lion paw three times upon the door of the rustic little cottage and waited as it began to open. His dear friend, Fluttershy, stood in the doorway, and looked up at him with a beaming smile and bright teal eyes. 

"Discord! How good to see you!" she gushed happily. "Please, come in." 

Discord returned her smile as he sauntered in. "With pleasure, my dear." he said. Discord sat himself in his usual spot on the couch, making himself nice and comfortable. "I'm terribly sorry for not writing to you and not appearing to our usual Tuesday Teas, but I had some...things that needed to be taken care of."

"Oh, it's okay, I don't mind." said Fluttershy understandingly. "Though, I was a little worried." she admitted. "I was beginning to wonder if maybe something awful happened to you while you were home in Chaosville, like maybe you caught that tatzlwurm flu again."

Discord waved a paw at her words. "Oh no, it was nothing like that, Fluttershy. But, you don't have to worry any longer, from this point on, everything will go back to normal...well, for the most part." 

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked.

Discord then recounted to Fluttershy what had happened with Princess Celestia, leaving out a few things here and there and changing it oh so slightly in some parts (like how Celestia had actually sent letters to him over the last few weeks). "And now I have to spend a whole entire day with her tomorrow." he concluded. 

"Oh my." said Fluttershy. "That seems a bit sudden."

"I know! I couldn't believe it myself." said Discord. He fell back on the sofa, dramatically resting his eagle claw over his head. "And now I have no other choice but to do as she says and meet up with the little pony." 

"Well, even if it is on short notice, I'm sure the two of you will have a wonderful time tomorrow." said Fluttershy positively. 

Discord smiled weakly at his friend. "Yes, I'm sure we will." he said, not convinced by his own words.

Fluttershy frowned with concern. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Well, let's just say, Harmonia and I didn't get along too well in the past." 

Fluttershy got up from the armchair she'd been sitting in and placed a hoof on Discord's talon and looked up into his face with an encouraging smile. "You don't have to be afraid, Discord, you can tell me about it if you want to."

"I-I'm not afraid!" he said defensively. "It's just..."

"Just what?"

Discord gulped as he began to explain. "A long, long time ago, before my glorious if not brief reign over Equestria, I'd tried to...get rid of Harmonia so I could gain control and rule over the land."

"Get rid of her?" Fluttershy asked, looking a little worried.

Discord held up both his arms. "Nothing serious, mind you. I just wanted to weaken her, imprison her, maybe even make her my servant. After all, she was Equestria's protector at the time, and in order for me to do as I pleased without her interfering, I had to...dethrone her, as it were." he said.

"And did you?" asked Fluttershy.

Discord shook his head. "I'm afraid not, as much as I'd love to take credit for it. I tried many attempts to get rid of Harmonia, and she managed to always best me one way or the other. But when she went and got herself turned into a tree, well, that was the end of it. There was nopony else who could stop me, and I took control. It was fun, until dear Celestia and Luna rose up to stop me, but, you get the idea." Discord looked at Fluttershy with an unsure expression, wondering what her reaction would be.

"I see." she said. After a moment had passed she continued, "I forget sometimes about how you weren't always the dear friend I've come to know and love." Fluttershy looked Discord in the eye and smiled warmly at him, that same warmth touched his heart and made him relax. "While you may have done some bad things in the past, you're not the same Draconequus you were all those years ago. You're better than that." Fluttershy then let out a little chuckle as she added, "I've met with Harmony, and she seems like such a sweet pony. I'm certain that she won't care about what you've done, and that the two of you will get along just fine."

"How can you be so certain?" asked Discord.

"Because." answered Fluttershy with a smile. "I know you, and I'm sure once Harmony knows you too, she'll grow to care for you as much as I do." She thought for a second and then said, "Well, maybe not exactly like I do, but still. You have absolutely nothing to worry about."

As much as Discord wanted to believe in what his dearest, bestest friend was telling him, there were still some doubts and worries that gnawed away at him. He looked over at Fluttershy, who was doing her best to try and relieve him of said worries. He put on a sweet smile for her and said, "I suppose you are quite right, my dear. I should just wait and give her the benefit of the doubt." 

This caused Fluttershy to beam at him proudly before pulling him into a warm hug. "I'm glad!" she said.

Discord returned the hug, appearing confident and consoled by what Fluttershy had said, when deep down, he wished and hoped that Harmony would change her mind tomorrow, and not come to the train station at all. If only he could be so lucky.





The next day at Ponyville train station...

Discord had arrived, much to his displeasure, exactly as he was supposed to, at 8 sharp. He tapped his foot in an impatient manner, waiting for Harmony to show up and hoping that there was a chance that she wouldn't show up and he could go home. However, that was not meant to be, as the Friendship Express promptly pulled into the station. A small handful of ponies stepped off of the train. Since Discord was so tall, he could easily see each pony that boarded the station, so when Harmony stepped out and into view, he immediately spotted her. As his eyes fell on her, he froze, his pupils shrinking slightly with nervousness. She looked exactly like Harmonia, of course there were a few minor differences. Like how she wasn't quite as tall, she didn't look like an Alicorn, and she didn't look quite so serious as Harmonia always had been, but other than that, there was a very strong resemblance to the old Spirit of Peace and Harmony. 

Harmony saw Discord and trotted up to him with a friendly smile. "Hello there! You must be Discord. I'm Harmony, a pleasure to meet you." She said, extending out a hoof to the Draconequus to shake. 

Discord stared at the hoof for a moment before tentatively taking it in his hoof and lightly shaking it. "L-likewise." he replied. 

"I'm glad that you actually came." Harmony said. "I was worried that you might not show up at all." 

"What? Don't be ridiculous!" said Discord, laughing nervously. What she'd just said was kinda true, in that he almost left to ditch Harmony and this little outing altogether. "Why would I ever do something like that?" 

Harmony scuffed the ground a little with her hoof and replied, "Well, I just thought, since you didn't seem to be too interested in meeting me before, that you wouldn't be interested in meeting me today." she then added, "But you came! So I'm glad, now we can start off getting to know one another."

"R-right." Discord thought back to what Fluttershy said to him the other day. About giving Harmony the benefit of the doubt and all that other stuff. He exhaled a little and said, "So then, now that introductions are out of the way, what should we do next?"

Harmony tapped her chin. "Well, I haven't really thought about it too much, I was thinking we could just wing it." 

"Well in that case, I know exactly where we should stop first." said Discord.

"Really? Where?"

"Someplace with food, I'm famished." 

"Hmm, I wouldn't mind going out to eat, I didn't have breakfast either."

"Then we're both agreed." Discord then teleported a few feet away, floating off the ground. "Let's get moving."

Harmony chuckled. "Lead the way."


* * *


At an open air restaurant...

So far so good, Harmony had thought to herself after they left the train station. 

She'd been worried about starting things off on the wrong hoof with Discord, but Harmony started to relax a little, after seeing how the Draconequus didn't seem so bad. In fact, he seemed quite nice from what she could tell. Things had gone well when she and Discord arrived at an open air restaurant and placed in their orders, but after that, an awkward silence began to hang over the table, with both spirits not sure what to do or what to say. 

"So, um..." said Harmony, trying to think of something to say to start up a conversation. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" 

"I don't see why not." said Discord. "What is it?"

"Well..." Harmony searched around her mind, coming up with a good question to ask. Then, she remembered that book Princess Celestia had let her look at, and how she'd read about her past self. "What was Harmonia like?"

Discord seemed to stiffen at the question, but then asked back in reply, "Why do you ask?" 

"Er, no reason really. It's just that...I can't help but wonder, you know? Princess Celestia told me about how I'm her reincarnation or whatever, but I wonder just what kind of pony she was." 

Indeed, she had been wondering about this question for a while now, ever since she'd come to grips with being the new spirit, she'd tried to ask Celestia what her past self was like, but the princess had answered regretfully that she'd never met Harmonia before, and only had limited knowledge about her. 

Discord had given her a studying gaze before answering back, "From what I recall, Harmonia was rather dull, at least from my perspective. Always talking about peace and the value of friendship, and all that other sappy nonsense, and she acted very serious most of the time, it made me wonder if she even had a sense of humor at all." Discord then muttered under his breath. "Not to mention how she would always get in the way of my plans."

"Huh?"

"Nothing! I mean, I'm sure the two of you would've got along just fine."

"Really?" asked Harmony.

"Of course, she's your past self right? So you're practically the same pony." 

Harmony glanced down at the table. "I don't really know about that." she mumbled. 

She'd seen and read about Harmonia, how she was powerful (and beautiful), and known for protecting the land against all sorts of evils. The only evil she'd faced so far were the changeling swarm. So when she thought about herself compared to Harmonia, Harmony felt as though she and her past self were on two entirely different levels, with Harmonia being somepony she could only hope to be like.

The waiter soon arrived with their food, placing them onto the table before turning to leave to let them enjoy their meal. Harmony looked at her food, which was a stack of waffles with syrup, cream, and strawberries on top, and took a bite from it. 

"Mmm! This is pretty good!" she complimented, taking another bite from the waffles. "How about you?" 

"Hmm? Oh yes, it's alright as well." said Discord, spearing his food and eating it whole without swallowing.

"So...um, Discord." began Harmony. "I was hoping that I could also talk to you about..." 

Discord held up a talon to her lips and interrupted her. "Before you finish, I know what you're going to ask." he said. "The same thing that Celestia's been pestering me nonstop about, regarding me being your teacher, right?"

Harmony's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. "Well, yes." she answered. 

"Sorry to disappoint you, but as I've already told Celestia I'm afraid that I'm not interested in taking up a teaching position."

"Oh." said Harmony, looking a little disappointed. "Sorry."

Discord waved a paw dismissively. "Ah well, no matter, it's best that you know now after all." he said.

"Yeah."

Discord then resumed eating his meal, while Harmony poked at her stack, suddenly not really feeling up to eating it.


* * *


After their little "brunch", Discord and Harmony went around to different parts of Ponyville, making the occasional small talk. Time seemed to drag on, up until it was noon, and there was still more hours left in the day that the two had to go through. Harmony began to feel more and more awkward, like she was doing nothing but boring Discord and making the day turn out badly. She wasn't completely sure why she was feeling or thinking like this, but the most likely explanation was probably because she wanted to have this day be fun. She really and truly wanted to make a good impression on Discord, and maybe even befriend him. He was a spirit after all, and while he might not be interested in teaching her, it would be nice to have someone to talk to who knew what it was like to be a spirit and all that. But for some reason, she just seemed to be nothing but a ball of nervousness, and imagined that she was acting like a total fool. However, Discord wasn't really paying any mind to Harmony's nervousness, in truth, he was more preoccupied in getting through the day quickly so he could go home. If things were to keep going at this rate, then the relationship between the two of them would definitely end before it even began. Luckily however, there was somepony who was secretly following close behind them, taking note of how their date out was progressing every step of the way.

Razzaroo had decided to come to Ponyville without telling Harmony, to be there for her and to help support her, so that she could make sure all went well for Harmony that day. She'd also asked Kimono if she wanted to come along, but Kimono had declined, saying it was better not to interfere and to let things progress naturally. And Razzaroo agreed, but that didn't mean she couldn't be there just in case her best friend needed a little push. And judging by how super awkward things had gotten, Razzaroo knew she had to do something to help break the ice between the two, and get them to start warming up to each other. Thus, Razzaroo put into action, her plan to fix up this get together and get rid of all this awkwardness that loomed over her friend.






"Alright, time to put my plan into action." said Razzaroo to herself, hiding in some bushes. A filly nearby noticed her slinking out and sneak toward Discord and Harmony, and ducking behind houses. 

"Mommy, what's that pony doing?" she asked, pointing a hoof at Razzaroo. 

"Let's just move along dear, and don't make eye contact." said the mother, pulling the filly along with her. 

Razzaroo ducked behind another bush and donned on her disguise. 

"So, what should we do next?" asked Harmony.

Discord shrugged. "I can't really say, there's nothing that interests me at the moment."

"I see." said Harmony, looking down at her hooves. 

"Excuse me you two!" A voice cried out, startling the two of them. A strange pony wearing heavy clothing, wearing glasses, and a hat went up to them, pulling an ice cream cart. "Yes, hello there strangers!" Spoke the pony in a deep voice. "Would you two be interested in some free ice cream?" 

Discord and Harmony looked at each other before returning their gaze to the suspicious character with skeptic looks. 

"Free ice cream?" asked Harmony warily.

The pony nodded. "Yes, it's part of a campaign to promote the start of my new business. So, what do you say?"

"No thanks." the two replied in unison, fast walking away from the pony and cart. Razzaroo tore off the disguise and frowned. 

"Drat! I thought that ice cream was sure to help smooth things over." she said. "Onto Plan B!" 



* * *


Meanwhile...

"Man, that pony sure was shady, huh?" said Harmony to Discord. 

Discord nodded. "Tell me about it, I mean, it was so obvious!" 

"What do you suppose  he wanted?" 

"Who can say? But I do suddenly find myself in the mood for ice cream." he snapped his talons, and in an instant, a hot fudge sundae appeared. He looked over at Harmony and asked, "What about you?"

"M-me?" 

"Yes, aren't you going to conjure yourself something, or are you not hungry?"

"Oh, well, I'm not really good at conjuring things yet." 

"Really? It's really quite easy. Just visualize what you want, and use your will and powers to make it appear. Go on, try." said Discord.

Harmony was hesitant at first, but she did as he suggested, and made a bowl of chocolate ice cream with chocolate shavings and chocolate syrup appear before her. She widely grinned and her eyes lit up. "I did it!" she cried triumphantly. She turned to smile up brightly at Discord, "Thanks!"

Discord gave a slight smile, "Please, it's a simple enough spell." he said. 

Not too far away, Razzaroo watched them eating their frozen treats as they strolled. "Huh, the ice cream really did work." she said. "But still, those two still have a little ways to go. Onto the next plan!" 

Razzaroo had went up to a gray Pegasus Pony with odd eyes and asked her to do a little favor, which she agreed to after Razzaroo explained the situation. In this new plan of Razzaroo's she would have a sudden rain shower start up, making it so that Harmony and Discord would have to duck for cover together, that way they could pass the time by talking and opening up until the rain passes. And so, on Razzaroo's signal, the Pegasus Pony started up the rain clouds. 

A few scattered raindrops fell onto Discord and Harmony, and were gradually beginning to increase. "Weird, I didn't think it'd be raining today." said Harmony, gazing up at the sky quizzically.

"As did I." said Discord. He snapped his paw and conjured up a giant umbrella that opened up the wrong way. "There, that should help."

"Uh, are you sure?" asked Harmony, tilting her head as she looked at the umbrella. 

"Of course it will! Just watch." after a while, the raindrops began to collect in the umbrella, but somehow managed to keep the two of them dry.

"Hey, it actually does work!" she said.

Discord smirked. "Told you so."

From up above, the Pegasus Pony was letting out the last bit of the cloud's water, when Rainbow Dash flew up to her. 

"Derpy, what are you doing?" she asked. "We're not supposed to be letting out any rain today." As Rainbow Dash told Derpy to put the cloud back, the rain fall stopped. 

"Well, that was quick." remarked Harmony.

"Indeed, guess we won't be needing this anymore." said Discord, as he closed the umbrella. But as he did so, he ended up dumping a ton of water on himself and on Harmony, leaving them sopping wet. Discord looked down at his form and frowned. "Drat!" His ears then lifted up as he heard the sound of a snicker. He turned to the source, and saw Harmony burst out into laughter. Discord stared at her confused and asked, "What's so funny?"

Harmony cleared her throat, to keep herself from laughing any further, but she still retained a large smile. "Sorry, it's just that, that umbrella of yours kept us dry when I didn't think it would, only to end up getting both of us wet now that it's stopped raining." She let out another little laugh escape from her and added, "I just find it a little funny, is all." 

Discord began to chuckle. "It is a little funny, isn't it." he said. "But it's nothing when you compare it to some o the things I've done." 

"Really, like what?" 

"Glad you asked. This one time, I--"

Razzaroo smiled proudly to herself. "Ha! It went exactly as planned!" she declared. "But I should still follow them, just in case. 





"Orange you glad jokes? Really?" questioned Harmony. She and Discord had been chatting about some of the antics he'd pulled off in long life, and got to talking about a couple of the jokes he used on the Mane 5 a while back. But for the most part, Harmony didn't find them very funny. "I haven't laughed at any of those since I was in kindergarten." 

"Hey, at the time they were very funny, especially considering the circumstances they were told in." Discord said defensively.

Harmony rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure they were. But honestly, you'd think the so called Master of Chaos would be able to come up with some better material than that."

"Oh yeah? Well, I'd like to see you try." 

"Okay, I will." Harmony flew up to Discord's ear and whispered the joke. 

Discord snorted and then burst out laughing. "Alright, that was a good one." he admitted. 

Harmony shrugged. "I guess. It's just a little something my mom told me once." 

Discord then went a little silent and then said, "Harmony..."

"Yes?" she asked.

"When I said that you were practically like Harmonia, I was wrong." he said.

"Huh?" she said, cocking her head to the side. 

He looked into her face and smirked. "You're even better." he said.

Harmony blinked in surprise. "R-really?" she asked.

"In a way, yes. You're certainly a lot more lively than she was, and you actually show a sense of humor as well." 

"Thanks...I think." said Harmony, still a little unsure. 

"To tell the truth, I wasn't sure about you at first." Discord admitted. "I thought perhaps you might have some kind of grudge or disliking of me after all I did in the past."

"That's ridiculous." said Harmony "How could I not like someone I don't even know yet." 

"Yes, I suppose it was a little foolish of me to think that."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I was a little worried too. I wanted to make a good impression, because I thought maybe we could at least be friends, but I felt like I was only making things more awkward and spoiling a good day."

"Really? I didn't notice." 

Harmony laughed. "I guess we both got a little nervous for no reason, huh?"

"I guess so." Discord said, starting to chuckle. 

"So, do you think you could? Be my friend that is." said Harmony.

Discord, while he might've hesitated before, replied, "Of course." 

Harmony smiled, and the two of them resumed their chat.




Before either of them knew it, the day was coming to an end, and it was time for Harmony and Discord to head off on their separate ways. Both of them stood on the train platform, saying their goodbyes. 

"You're welcome to visit me any time if you want." said Discord. 

Harmony smiled. "Thanks! But I think I might want to get a map first before going to Chaosville."

"Yes, I suppose it can be rather difficult to navigate for some." 

"And if you want, you're more than welcome to drop on over to the Rose Cafe whenever you're in Canterlot." 

"Sounds lovely, perhaps I'll even bring Fluttershy along." 

The conductor yelled out, "All aboard!"

"Looks like I'm off." said Harmony. "It was good to meet you Discord, I had a lot of fun today." 

"As did I, Harmony." he said. "And," he added. "While I'm not one for teaching, I think it wouldn't hurt to show you a few magical pointers now and then."

"Really? I'd like that a lot!" said Harmony. She turned and headed for the train, waving goodbye to the Draconequus. "Bye, Discord! See you again soon!" 

Discord also waved goodbye, before disappearing in a flash of bright light. 

Harmony sat herself on the train, as it pulled out, she said loudly, "Alright Razz, you can come out now." 

Razzaroo fell out from her hiding place. "Huh? How did you know I was here?" she asked.

Harmony rolled her eyes. "It wasn't that hard. I could easily see the way you were lurking around in town, trying not to get caught. And I could tell you were up to those little quirks earlier as well."

Razzaroo laughed nervously and said, "Sorry, I just wanted to help you out, that's all." 

"Next time though, you should ask before you act." said Harmony.

"Right." said Razzaroo, lowering her head.

Harmony sighed and said, "Even so, you did help me out a little, so thanks."

Razzaroo beamed and hugged Harmony. "You're welcome!" she cheered. 

Harmony wanted to clarify that this didn't mean that Razzaroo was completely off the hook, but instead, Harmony returned the smile, and hugged her best friend back. After all, it was thanks to her that she was able to make a new friend, who could be just a unusual and odd, maybe even more so.