One night walking home, Twilight Sparkle finds a 5-year old colt hiding in an ally and takes him home she finds out the colt is an orphan and his name is Skaterloo. Now she has to find where he came from but when the time comes will the unicorn be able so say goodbye.
It was a slightly cold night in Canterlot and a certain purple unicorn was making her way home, “Ugh, why did I stay at the library that long!” her name was Twilight Sparkle, the personal student of Princess Celestia.
“Hey, Twilight!” A blue unicorn waved
“Hi.” Twilight barely acknowledged the pony she rarely ever socialized even when she did she always had her nose in a book. “Why do ponies always want to be friends?” She mumbled under her breath. “Friendship is just silly as if trying to meet as many ponies as you can do as much for you as research.”
As Twilight walked past an ally stopping when she heard something that sounded like a sneeze “*achoo*”
“Huh?” Twilight turned towards the sound to see a small foal with an orange coat and a pinkish purple mane rubbing its nose, “Hello?” She said surprised.
“Ah, oh, Hi.” The foal replied trying to hide.
“It’s okay I’m not going to hurt you,” Twilight said with a soft tone.
The foal looked up looking a bit more relaxed.
“What are you doing here? Where are your parents?“ Twilight asked approaching the foal, being closer she could see the foal was pegasus colt probably about five years old.
“Well they-“ the colt tried before tears started welling up in his eyes, “Th-they, ah, ahh, WAAAAAAAA!” he wailed burying his face in his hooves.
The young mare’s eyes widened at the colt’s sudden outburst, “Why is he crying? Did his parents abandon him or are they-” she thought before realized she had to do something, but first, a question that had slipped her mind, “What’s your name?”
“S-s-skate-er-r-l-loo.” The colt managed to say between sobs.
“Skaterloo?” Twilight asked Skaterloo nodded shakily, “Ok then Skaterloo, It’s getting late and cold so do you want to come home with me?” Twilight asked in a comforting manner.
The colt suddenly embraced the older pony’s leg still crying a bit, “I-I’m sorry I just.” Skaterloo stuttered realizing he hugged a stranger.
“I-it’s okay. Let’s just get it going.” Twilight said levitating the colt on to her back.
“Thank you, Miss Unicorn.” The young colt said.
“My name is Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight turned her head to the colt.
While Twilight walked through the city the young colt on her back glanced around, it confused the unicorn a little bit the colt looked like he hadn’t seen Canterlot before.
Eventually, Skaterloo realized the unicorn was approaching the castle, “Why are you going to the castle?”
“I live in a castle tower,” Twilight said.
“Really?” Skaterloo asked amazed.
“Yep!” Twilight nodded.
The mare kept walking eventually finding her tower, “And here we are!” Twilight said.
As the purple unicorn opened the door and entered the darkened tower, Skaterloo was able to see shelves of books and a large hourglass in the middle of the room, “This is your home?”
“Yes it is, I’ve lived here since I was 16 so about two years now.” Twilight nodded. The purple mare walked up to a bed lighting her horn and levitating the colt on to the bed and covering him with the blanket. “Here you can sleep here tonight. I’ll sleep over there.” Twilight pointed to a couch, “If you need anything just come and get me.”
“Ok, Miss Twilight,” Skaterloo said lying down closing his eyes.
Twilight smiled and turned around walking towards her sleeping place for the night looking back to the colt, “I really hope he just got separated from his parents.” the young mare thought to try to reassure herself, although feeling sure that the colt didn’t have parents. Twilight sighed, “I’m kidding myself, tomorrow I’ll have to write to the Princess and find where Skaterloo came from.”
The purple mare lied down and began to drift off.
The Next Day
A purple baby dragon woke up stretching he got out of his small bed that was more of a dog bed he saw what looked like a pony lying down in Twilight’s bed, “Guess Twi’s still asleep, that just means I have some time for myseeelf-“ the dragon trailed off when he saw the purple unicorn lying down on the couch reading as usual .
Looking up from her book Twilight saw her assistant, “Morning Spike!” Spike just looked shocked, “Spike what’s wrong you look like you saw a ghost.”
“T-twilight I-I saw Somepony in your bed. It could be an intruder.” Spike whispered.
Twilight’s eyes widened at first before realizing who the young dragon saw, “Spike did you see the pony at all how big were they?”
“Well no I didn’t see them. But now that you ask I didn’t really notice until now but they did seem pretty small. Wait! How do you know it’s a pony?” Spike asked confused
Twilight was going to explain but was stopped by Skaterloo approaching, “Sleep well?” The unicorn asked.
“Yes, thank you Miss Twilight,” Skaterloo said rubbing his eyes.
“W-what! y-you know him!?” Spike asked
“Yes his name is Skaterloo, I found him hiding in an alley last night.” Twilight explained. Spike nodded in understanding.
“Well, we should find his family whoever or wherever they are they’re probably worried sick,” Spike said.
Hearing this Skaterloo started shaking obviously trying not to cry, he sniffled a few times, “They would be if I had any left.” He said quietly under his breath.
“Huh did you say something.” Spike turned around facing the orange colt.
Skaterloo looked up seeing Spike had had a look of curiosity. He was going to say he was just breathing but then he was Twilight’s face was written with concern.
“Y-you don’t have a family Skaterloo?” The unicorn asked small tears in her eyes.
“Wh-what you don’t?” Spike said looking from Twilight than back to the orange colt.
Skaterloo tried to say something but it came out as incoherent gurgled mumbles so he just shook his head.
“I thought he might be orphan.” Twilight sadly thought she couldn’t imagine what she would do if she didn’t have her mom, dad and older brother, “Well then I guess we have to get you back to the orphanage.”
“N-NO I don’t want to go back!” Skaterloo almost shouted.
“But-“ Twilight tried but the colt wasn’t done.
“All the fillies and colts do nothing but bully me they say I’ll never be adopted because no family will want me! and the caretakers don’t do anything about it!” Skaterloo said before breaking down.
Twilight felt some tears roll down her cheeks, she reached a hoof out and rubbed the younger pony’s cheek with it. It both soothed the colt but also brought up memories of the last of his family he knew his Aunt Holiday and Auntie Lofty the two of them passed when he was three and he ended up in the Ponyville orphanage he couldn’t tell Twilight that he came from there he couldn’t go back nopony even cared about him there.
“Shhh it’s ok, I know it’ll be hard but I should really get you home,” Twilight said pulling the colt a little closer.
“B-*sinff*but-“ Skaterloo sniffled.
“And I promise I’ll talk with the caretakers about the fillies and colts.” The unicorn reassured him.
After calming down the colt Twilight decided it was time, “Ok it’s time to get you back to the orphanage.” she said levitating the colt on to her back.
The colt sniffed, “Ok.”
Twilight with Skaterloo on her back made her way out of her tower, Spike stayed behind in the tower.
After walking for about seven minutes Twilight could see the orphanage, “I hope they find you a good home.” The unicorn turned to the colt.
Skaterloo nodded although smiling a little bit knowing this wasn’t the orphanage he ran away from.
After entering the building Twilight was greeted by a mare with a sapphire coat and ruby mane, “Welcome to Canterlot orphanage. I’m Shining Gemstone, How can I help you?” The mare asked.
“Well I think I found a foal from here last night,” Twilight said levitating the colt off of her back.
The older mare in front of her just got confused, “Well that can’t be the case all foals the were here last night.”
“Wh-what!?” Twilight stepped back, “Then where did he came from this is the only orphanage in Canterlot.”
“Maybe you can look into any missing foal reports.” Gemstone suggested.
“B-but that could take days!” Twilight stuttered.
“Well, you could adopt the dear, couldn’t you? You don’t necessarily have to know his orphanage.” Gemstone questioned.
“W-we’ll I’m 18 legally I could!” Twilight started. Skaterloo rose his head a bit at the unicorn’s statement but his hope fell once she finished, “B-but I don’t think I’m ready.”
Gemstone nodded, “Well then you should getting going to the police station they’ll help you find his home.”
Twilight closed her eyes and began to nod before opening them again realizing she knew somepony that might be better, “Actually I think I have a better idea.”
“Ok you seem trustworthy so I’ll leave the job of getting this colt home to you.” Gemstone nodded.
“Thank You, I promise I’ll get him home!” Twilight said turning around and leaving.
While she walked a bit quicker than before Twilight thought to herself, “So Skaterloo isn’t from Canterlot I guess that explains why he looked so curious last night. No matter I’ll just have Spike send a letter to the princess she’ll be able to help me find where Skaterloo came from.”
Skaterloo wondered who Twilight was talking about.
Twilight made her way back to her tower once entering she called for her assistant, “Spike!”
“Yeah Twi?” Spike responded before seeing Skaterloo was still on the unicorn’s back, “Why isn’t he back at the orphanage?” The dragon asked.
“Turns out he wasn’t from the Canterlot orphanage.” Twilight said, “So I need you to take a letter.”
“Got it!” Spike nodded before running over to a table and grabbing a piece of paper and a quill.
Twilight recited what she wanted Spike to write
“Dear Princess Celestia
Last night on my way home from the library I found a lost colt in an alley I brought him back to the tower for the night. Sadly earlier today I found out he was an orphan I tried taking him to the orphanage but found out no foals had gone missing from there last night. I wish to request to see all missing foal of foals around five years old of the closest towns surrounding Canterlot.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle“
Spike rolled up the letter putting a seal on it before blowing fire on to it the scroll burned up it to smoke before it disappeared, “Letters been sent!” The dragon confirmed.
“Good!” Twilight smiled before turning her head to Skaterloo who had a look of confusion and amazement.
“You know the Princess!?” The young pegasus asked.
“Yeah I do, I went to her school ‘Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns’ and I’m her personal student.” The unicorn said with a bit of pride.
“C-can you tell me more?” The colt asked very curiously.
Twilight smiled and chuckled, “I don’t see why not. Ok it started when I was just a little filly about nine years old, I went to the Summer Sun Celebration and I got to see her rise the sun from so close up I was so amazed once I saw that I wanted to study magic I started reading any book I could find on it at first I could barely even turn a page with my magic but the more I practiced and read the better I got. After a while my... parents-.” Twilight hesitated with that word in front of the orphan colt. She looked the colt’s expression did fall a bit but he still looked curious to hear more, “-Enrolled me in the school I was so happy. But then I found out I had to pass an entrance exam! When I got there I found out my exam was to hatch an egg during it I was being watched by three judges and my parents I was so nervous I could barely even get a spark from my horn I knew it was the most important day of my life, my entire future would be affected by the outcome of this day and I was about to blow it! But as soon I was giving up, something happened there was this rainbow explotion it startled me and I felt my magic start to surge through me I’d never felt anything like it I was able to hatch the dragon from the egg but I was out of control I turned my parents and the judges into plants the dragon grew gigantic I didn’t know what I was doing but then I felt a hoof touch me I turned my head to see Princess Celestia she was smiling when she started talking I got scared that I was in trouble I tried to apologize but what she said surprised me she said that I had a gift she said she had never seen a unicorn with as much raw power as mine but she said that I needed to learn to control them through focused study and then she asked me to be her personal protégé at the school I was so happy I shouted yes!” Twilight told the colt her story. “If you’re curious my parents and the judges were turned back to normal and the dragon shrunk back to his tiny baby size.” She added.
“Wow!” Was all the colt say.
“But after that, she pointed something out I hadn’t noticed yet.” Twilight continued.
“Wh-what was it?” The colt asked.
Twilight chuckled before turning slightly to reveal her Cutie Mark, “I had gotten my Cutie Mark.”
Skaterloo looked at the mares Cutie Mark it was a large purple star with five small white stars around it he looked the olde pony in the eyes and asked a few questions “What does it mean? and what happened to the dragon?” He asked
“Well, my cutie mark means my special talent is magic. And the dragon well look no farther than Spike here.” Twilight said motioning a hoof towards the purple dragon.
The colt looked towards the dragon before turning back to Twilight asking, “Do you have any more stories!”
Twilight couldn’t help but smile and feel a warmth in her heart at the young colt’s excitement, “I do but even with the Princess’s help you might still be here for a few more days so how about I tell you one or two every day.”
“Ok! Can one of them be a bedtime story?” Skaterloo asked.
“Sure!” Twilight nodded.
After that, the ponies heard Spike let out a burp he spat out flames and smoke. A letter quickly materialized out of it, “Well she wrote back. Heh, She usually writes back quicker.”
“She’s was probably meeting with some dignitaries,” Twilight responded defending her mentor.
Spike rolled his eyes before reading the letter
“Dear Twilight Sparkle
This is some unfortunate news I’ll be happy to help you find the colt’s home I’ll send out a message to all towns surrounding Canterlot if there have been any missing colts recently. I would like to see the little dear could you please introduce me?
Princess Celestia.”
Skaterloo’s eyes widened, “The princess wants to meet me?”
“Looks like it!” Spike nodded, “But Twilight why ask the Princess to help instead of the police?”
“Well, Spike it’s because the police could take even longer than asking the Princess to collect the missing foal reports.” Twilight explained.
Spike nodded, then Twilight asked if he wanted to join her and Skaterloo to see the Princess, Spike refused the offer saying he was staying behind to read some of his comics.
Twilight with Skaterloo walking beside her made her way to the main part of the castle. After getting into the castle and making their way to the throne room, the mare and colt eventually had reached their destination once entering the two saw a tall white pony with a long unicorn horn and large wings it was Princess Celestia her long rainbow mane was flowing like it was being blown by the wind.
“Twilight Sparkle my faithful student, I’m guessing this is the little colt you found?” The alicorn asked.
“Yes it is, his name is Skaterloo.” Twilight nodded.
Celestia smiled lowering her head down to the colt’s level, Skaterloo nervous and a little scared moved closer to Twilight the only pony in the room he was comfortable with even if only somewhat.
Celestia chuckled softly, “Aww, don’t worry I’m not going to hurt you.” The ruler said with a warm voice.
“H-hello.” Skaterloo waved.
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you little one.” Celestia smiled.
“N-nice to meet too. Your Highness.“ The colt said bowing.
Celestia’s changed her voice to more serious but still gentle tone, “Skaterloo, I’m sure you know I’m helping Twilight find your home orphanage I’ve sent out a message to all of the closest towns around Canterlot, but I have to ask you how did you get up here if you aren’t from the Canterlot orphanage?” The princess asked, making Twilight turn her head to the colt
Skaterloo turned away from the two older ponies.
Twilight put a hoof on the young colt, “Skaterloo you can trust us I told you I’ll talk to the caretakers about the fillies and colts bullying you.”
“Bullying him?!” Celestia asked shocked.
Twilight nodded, “He told me that the fillies and colts keep telling him that no family will want to adopt him.”
“Don’t the caretakers do anything?” The alicorn asked.
Skaterloo just shook his head a few tears running down his cheeks.
Celestia walked closer and whispered a question in her student’s, “Twilight do you know the town he came from?”
Twilight shook her head and whispered back, “No, and I don’t think he’ll tell me with how upset he was at the idea of going back to the orphanage. I don’t blame him with the environment he’s in there.”
Celestia closed her eyes sighed if Twilight knew that she wouldn’t have asked for help if she knew Skaterloo’s hometown.
After a few minutes, the tears had stopped running from Skaterloo’s eyes, “Better?” Twilight smiled.
“Mhmm.” The colt nodded.
“But Skaterloo where are you going to stay while you’re here in Canterlot?” The alicorn asked.
Skaterloo looked down before looking towards Twilight, “C-can I stay with Miss Twilight?”
“Hmmm, well if she’s ok with it I don’t see why not,” Celestia said turning to her student.
“I’d be happy to let you stay. But you can just call me Twilight.” Twilight smiled at the orange pegasus.
Skaterloo smiled, “Ok Twilight! Thank you!” Without thinking the colt gave the unicorn a hug.
Twilight chuckled, “You’re welcome.” The unicorn returned the colt’s hug.
After the finishing, the hug Twilight asked, “Do you want to go for a walk we could go to Donut Joe’s shop? We did miss breakfast. Plus he does make great donuts.”
“Ok!” The colt responded cheerfully.
The princess watched the two younger ponies exit her throne room waving to her student.
The unicorn and pegasus walked through the city eventually arriving at a building with a sign that resembled a giant donut above the door, “Here it is!” Twilight exclaimed.
The two walked in the door and up to the counter and a light amber unicorn stallion came out of a back room, “Hey, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Hi, Joe.” Twilight greeted
The stallion approached the unicorn mare before seeing the young colt standing next to her, “And who’s this? I didn’t know you and Shining Armor had a little brother.”
Twilight shook her head, “Oh no, no, he isn’t my brother, this is Skaterloo I found him hiding in an alley last night he’s an orphan I’m trying to find where he came from because he isn’t from the Canterlot orphanage.” She said
“Well, I hope you find where he came from and I hope you a good home Skaterloo.” Joe smiled.
“Thank you.” Skaterloo returned the smile.
“Ok, so what will it be for you two?” Joe asked.
“I’ll have one Blueberry and one Strawberry please,” Twilight replied.
“Can I have a Vanilla and Chocolate?” Skaterloo asked.
“Do you want them for here or to go?” Joe asked.
Twilight shrugged, “For here I guess.”
Joe nodded before levitating two donuts on to two plates giving the plates to the ponies Twilight took them in her own magic she walked over to a table setting the plates down on it she sat down in on the chair in front of her plate and Skaterloo sat in front his.
Twilight levitated her Blueberry donut taking a bite out of it while chewing it she realized how quickly Skaterloo was devouring his Vanilla donut, Twilight chuckled a little while swallowing, “Well somepony is hungry.”
Skaterloo blushed a little before just chuckling.
Twilight smiled before taking a more serious tone, “Just know that this won’t happen every day I am taking care of you while you’re here and I need to make sure you eat healthily.”
Skaterloo’s ears drooped, “Awww!”
Twilight chuckled again remembering she didn’t quite like eating healthy when she was younger especially at the colt’s age.
“Twilight!” A blue unicorn mare said.
Twilight looked towards the mare, “Oh, hey uh, Minuette, Right?”
“Wow, you don’t have your nose in a book.” The mare said.
Twilight rubbed the back of her head and chuckled.
Minuette smiled before her expression turned to curiosity when she saw that an orange colt sitting at the same table as the purple unicorn, “Who’s this? You taking up foal sitting?” She asked.
“Well kind of, this is Skaterloo I found him hiding in an alley last night and I’m taking care of him until the princess gets the missing foal reports from the towns surrounding Canterlot.” Twilight informed.
“Oh, I see.” Minuette nodded, “Hey would you mind if I sat with you two or are you leaving soon?”
“I guess you can sit here,” Twilight said although hesitantly.
The blue unicorn sat down on a chair closer to the older pony at the table, “So Skaterloo you’re not from Canterlot?” Minuette asked.
The colt shook his head as his answer.
“Well, where you’re from I hope you get back to your fami-“ Minuette tried before being interrupted by a slight nudge from the pony next to her, “What? why did you-“ she turned before seeing Twilight gesturing with a hoof for her to come closer.
Minuette did so leaning towards the purple unicorn, “He’s an orphan.” Twilight whispered in the blue unicorn’s ear.
Minuette looked shocked then sympathetic apologizing to the colt, Skaterloo accepted the mare’s apology, after that, Minuette asked Twilight if she would introduce Skaterloo to Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Moondancer, while he was here, Twilight paused for a minute in truth she just wanted to go back to her tower, but she, Minuette and the others had been her friends since they were in Princess Celestia’s School so spending time with them won’t be so bad right? After their conversation and Minuette got her donuts to go, she, Twilight and Skaterloo left to find the former two’s friends.
After meeting at Joe’s, Minuette, Twilight and Skaterloo walked through Canterlot. Several ponies waved to them. Minuette always waved back and Twilight did occasionally. After about three minutes, the trio had arrived at their first stop, Twinkleshine’s house.
Minuette walked up and knocked on the door. “Hey, Twinkleshine you there!”, the blue unicorn said.
After a minute an ivory unicorn opened the door. “Hey, Minuette!”, Twinkleshine said giving Minuette a friendly hug. After looking up a bit Twinkleshine noticed a familiar purple unicorn, “And Twilight!?”
“Umm yeah it’s me,” Twilight said a bit awkwardly.
Minuette nodded and smiled, “Yep she’s here, in fact, she’s going to hang out with us today.”, she explained.
“Wow and she doesn’t have any books?” Twinkleshine asked a little shocked. She then took notice of a pegasus colt who looked about five years old standing next to Twilight, “And who are you?” Twinkleshine asked the younger pony.
“I’m Skaterloo.”, the orange pegasus replied.
“Skaterloo Huh?” Twinkleshine rubbed a hoof under her chin, “How do you know him anyway Twilight?”, she questioned.
“Well it’s like this-“ Twilight said before going on to explain how she found Skaterloo and was waiting for the princess to receive missing foal reports from the towns closest to Canterlot.
Upon hearing the story Twinkleshine did feel bad for the colt but said, “Well let’s not let that put too much of a damper on our mood. And make sure you enjoy your time in Canterlot, Skaterloo.”
Minuette nodded and so did Twilight and Skaterloo. The new group of four resumed walking through the city. During the walk, Minuette and Twinkleshine were talking. Skaterloo asked Twilight why she wasn’t talking to the two. Twilight thought about why she wasn’t. There had to be a reason. She called these ponies friends.
“Hey girls!”, a voice said.
The four looked towards the voice seeing a pale light yellow unicorn with glasses who had her mane styled the same as Twilight’s.
“Moondancer.” The three adults said.
Moondancer smiled. “So where are you three...-“, Moondancer began before seeing that an orange colt was standing next to Twilight, “Who is this? He with you Twilight?”
“Yeah I’m going to be taking care of him for a few days,” Twilight replied.
Moondancer nodded in understanding, “So when was it decided that you would look after him?”
Starting to walk again Twilight answered, “Just earlier today actually.”
“How do you know him?” Moondancer asked.
“How many times will I have to explain this today?” Twilight both thought and said under her breath.
Minuette realizing Twilight‘s frustration explained the story of how Twilight had found the orange colt in an alley and was currently waiting for the princess to receive the missing foal reports from the towns around Canterlot.
Moondancer nodded, “I see. That’s very kind of you Twilight.”
“So where are we going now?” Skaterloo asked, “Don’t you have another friend?”
“Yes, her name is Lemon Hearts. She works at the castle.”, Twinkleshine informed the colt.
“Are we going to meet her next?”, the youngest pony in the group asked.
“Well, I don’t know if we can today she’s probably busy today.”, Minuette said
Skaterloo looked up at Twilight and asked: “Can I meet her tomorrow Twilight?”
“I guess I can introduce you.”, Twilight said before looking to her three friends. “So what do you want to do.”
The three thought for second when Moondancer remembered something, “Hey aren’t The Wonderbolts holding a show today?”
Skaterloo’s ears twitched at the mention of the Wonderbolts, “Can we see it? Can we! Can we!” The colt jumped and buzzed his tiny wings.
The older ponies laughed, “I don’t see why we can’t but if we are we should hurry.” Twilight said, “The line will get pretty long.”
The group nodded and followed Twilight towards the stadium where flight shows where held.
The five ponies after ten minutes of walking arrived at the pegasus race track. There were already 10 ponies already there. The group ran to the back of the line which wasn’t that far back since most of the ponies in line where foals with older ponies, likely their parents.
“This is going to be great! I’ve heard of Wonderbolts shows but never seen one before!” Skaterloo said so excited he couldn’t sit still.
“I remember hearing they’re getting a new Captain soon,” Moondancer said.
Twilight nodded, “I remember hearing that too. I think her name is Spitfire. Captain Aluminum Cloud will probably officially announce his retirement after this show.”
While waiting in line for a while with several ponies behind them now they occasionally saw foals trying to cut in line and the older ponies with them scolding them for it.
Eventually, the line started moving and the group got to the front, “Five tickets please, four adults and one foal.” Twilight said
The stallion in the ticket booth nodded, “Ok and how old is the foal?”
“5 years,” Twilight answered simply.
The stallion nodded, “Very well, that will be 33 Bits total.”
Twilight nodded and opened up her Bit Bag. Before she could get out all the Bits the other adults said they would pay for their own tickets. After paying and entering the building, Skaterloo was getting more excited. He was going to see a Wonderbolts show for the first time in his life.
“This is the best day ever. I get to see the Wonderbolts!” the colt said jumping and buzzing his wings.
“Oh, he’s so cute. Don’t you think Twilight?!” Minuette cooed.
Twilight was caught a little off guard but chuckled looking back at the colt, “I guess he is.”
The ponies made their way to the seating area and waited for the show to start. Out of all the ponies in the group, Skaterloo was the most excited. Like all the foals in the stadium, he was almost jumping in his seat and looking to the sky eager for the show to start.
“So Skaterloo, why do you like the Wonderbolts so much? I thought you said you haven’t seen a show before?” Twilight asked.
“Well, I want to be a great flyer when I grow up and when I heard about how the Wonderbolts do all these amazing tricks I wanted to see them but no one would take me so when they came to my town I could only watch from far away if I could. So I’ve always wanted to see one up close.” Skaterloo explained.
Twilight nodded.
“Good day everypony and welcome to the Canterlot Wonderbolts show.” a stallion’s voice said over the speaker system, “I hope you enjoy. Now fillies and gentlecolts I present the Wonderbolts!”
With that six pegasi shot up leaving streams of smoke behind them.
“It’s starting,” Skaterloo said excitedly, stopping his jumping but was now shaking a little.
The older ponies in the group just smiled and looked to the sky watching the pegasi splitting up. Loopty looping, barrel rolling, and doing several other tricks.
“This is awesome!” Skaterloo said, “The speed, the colours, the sound!”
Twilight felt her smile grow and just looked back to the flying pegasi and enjoyed the show.
The pegasi eventually flew right over the crowd causing everypony’s mane to blow in the direction they flew. They finished by grouping together and spiralling before all landing.
The crowd all applauded cheering at the top of their lungs. A few let out a whistle.
“Thank you everypony you are all very kind and I’m glad we had a great turnout.” Aluminum Cloud announced. “Now as some of you may know I’m retiring as the captain of the Wonderbolts and a pony is taking my position. May I introduce you to the new captain, Spitfire!” The dark grey pegasus exclaimed.
After that, a yellow pegasus mare wearing a Wonderbolt uniform walked up next to the stallion, “Thank you, Captain, it’s an honour to be given your position.”
Spitfire gave a small speech about how she will attempt to make the Wonderbolts even greater than they already were. Everypony, both the Wonderbolts and in the audience all cheered.
After the speech, the Wonderbolts gave their old captain one final send-off, thanking him for all the great years he had given them.
The show was over and the audience was leaving. After getting out of his seat, Skaterloo said, “That was the best.”
“Yeah, that was pretty good,” Twilight said.
The others nodded in agreement.
As they left the building Minuette asked, “So what are we doing now?”
“Well it’s getting close to lunchtime so how be we do that,” Twinkleshine suggested.
Twilight nodded, “Sounds good. So where do you want to eat?”
“How about we just go to my place?” Twinkleshine asked.
“Sure then if she isn’t busy tomorrow we can get to together with Lemon and all go out for lunch,” Moondancer responded.
“Sounds like a plan!” Minuette smiled.
The others nodded and went back to Twinkleshine’s house.
Once they got there Twinkleshine unlocked her door letting everypony in closing the door behind herself once they were in.
Twilight looked around, “Hmm, this is a nice house.”
“Thank you Twilight.” Twinkleshine replied, “I did do a little cleaning earlier.”
Twilight turned seeing the young colt with her had slightly dirty hooves, “Skaterloo you should wipe your hooves before you walk around in here.”
“Hmm!” Skaterloo looked down at his hooves seeing there was a bit of dirt on them, “It isn’t that much.”
“It’s still the polite thing to do,” Twilight stated.
Skaterloo tried raising a hoof opening his mouth slightly. But Twilight gave him a serious look. Knowing he shouldn’t talk back to an older pony he walked back over to the mat and wiped his hooves across it getting the dirt off. “Is that better.”
Twilight just nodded smiling.
Everypony followed Twinkleshine to her kitchen table sitting down at the chairs surrounding it, “So what do you have Twinkle?” Moondancer asked.
“Plenty of stuff! What does everypony want? I’ll be having a daffodil and daisy sandwich.” Twinkleshine said.
Twilight looked towards the Ivory mare, “I’d like one too. I love them.” she exclaimed not knowing why she added the second bit.
“I do too.” Twinkleshine smiled.
“Do you have any salad?” Minuette asked.
Twinkleshine nodded.
Moondancer was going to have what Twilight and Twinkleshine were having a daffodil and daisy sandwich. Skaterloo asked for a carrot dog. Twinkleshine nodded, turning to her kitchen.
Minuette followed Twinkleshine, “Hey we’ll help with our meals.”
Moondancer nodded, “Yeah this isn’t a restaurant so it’s only fair we pitch in with our meals.”
“Thank you,” Twinkleshine said.
Twilight got up too, “I’ll help with my own and Skaterloo’s.”
Twinkleshine nodded.
Twilight turned to Skaterloo and asked, “So how do like your carrot dogs.”
“Boiled,” Skaterloo answered.
“Ok,” Twilight responded.
Everypony went to Twinkleshine’s kitchen to help with preparing their meals.
Twilight asked where the pots were which to answer the ivory unicorn pointed to a cabinet next to the stove saying, “In there.”
Twilight nodded in understanding before opening the cabinet and taking out a pot. After filling it with water and placing one carrot in it, she levitating the pot carefully on to the stove setting the element’s temperature to high.
“So girls what’re we going to do after lunch?” Twinkleshine asked
Moondancer placing the daisies over the daffodils and bread on her sandwich suggested, “How about the park. I’m sure Skaterloo would like it there.”
Skaterloo looked up to Twilight, “Can we, Twilight?”
Twilight turned to the colt. He had a look of absolute joyful innocence. The sight of which Twilight couldn’t stop a smile from coming across her face. “I guess we can as long as you eat all of your carrot dog!”
“Ok!” Skaterloo’s smile only grew.
Twilight felt a warmth grow in her heart, “So cute! Wait, did I just say that? I mean, yeah, he is a cute kid. He’s just so innocent and full of joy about everything... It reminds me of Spike when he was younger.”
“Uhhhh, Twilight I think you should pay attention to the pot,” Moondancer suggested.
Twilight’s eyes widened slightly, “Oh, right thanks Moondancer.” She turned to the stove seeing the water had started boil, eventually bubbling.
The mares waited for Skaterloo’s lunch to be finished before sitting down to eat their own.
The ponies ate their lunch all enjoying it. Skaterloo kept his promise eating his entire carrot dog.
Twinkleshine after swallowing the last bite of her sandwich asked, “So how was everypony’s lunch?”
“Great!” Skaterloo said before anypony else could answer. For their replies, the older ponies just nodded in agreement.
After taking their plates or bowl in Minuette’s case to the kitchen to be washed. The group left for the park. On the way, Skaterloo skipped excitedly, along the road beside the mares.
Twilight smiled as she walked beside the orange pegasus. She was really starting to like the little colt.
After a short time, they were approaching the park at which Skaterloo asked, “Is that it?”
Twilight smiled, “Yes that’s it.”
Skaterloo ran to the park with the mares not too far behind him.
“Ska-skaterloo wait up!” Twilight exclaimed.
The orange pegasus slowed down, “Sorry Twilight.”
Twilight and the others caught up, “It’s ok, just don’t run too far ahead of us anymore.”
The orange colt nodded.
The mares smiled and led him into the park.
After entering the park Skaterloo rushed over to a swing set and hopped on to one and tried to start swinging back and forth but to not much avail. The mares caught up to the colt.
Twilight walked behind the swing. “Want a little push?” the unicorn asked looking down at the colt.
“Yes please!” Skaterloo nodded.
So Twilight pushed the swing forward with a forehoof.
“Higher!” Skaterloo laughed as the swing swung back.
Twilight smiled and pushed the swing again, “Try kicking your hooves.”
“Like this?” the pegasus asked kicking his hooves forward.
Minuette smiled, “You got it.”
Twilight stopped pushing and the colt continued swinging and stepped back on to the grass, making sure Skaterloo was still completely in her sight still swinging away.
“Twilight, after you find where Skaterloo came from, are you just gonna go back to just reading at home? This is the first time since we all first met that we’ve hung out with you when you weren’t reading even or at all really.” Twinkleshine questioned.
Twilight thought for a second. So far this day had been really good. She’d enjoyed it all the Wonderbolt show, lunch, hanging out here. Even though she hadn’t done much this had made her feel just a little bit closer to her friends. She never really guessed she would enjoy their company so much.
“I don’t know but maybe not as much I do now,” Twilight responded.
The three mares smiled all hoping she would but before they could the mares heard a colt’s voice say, “Hey kid watch where you’re going.”
The unicorns turned. Twilight was already looking in the direction so she was the first to see three unicorn colts standing in front of Skaterloo.
“I-I’m Sorry I-I didn’t mean to! I just-“
“Just what? Thought you could just walk wherever you want!” one colt interrupted.
“B-but-“ Skaterloo tried.
“What!?” another of the older colts yelled.
I-I-.” Skaterloo stuttered, tears starting to well up in his eyes.
“What a crybaby! Am I right?” the first colt chuckled. The others started laughing as well.
“HEY, YOU!” Twilight yelled.
The three colts turned to see a group of mares sprinting over to them.
Once the mares reach the colts they all glared at the unicorn colts. “And just what do you three think you’re doing?” Moondancer asked.
“W-we weren’t doing anything!”
“Don’t even bother with lying. We heard and saw everything. You yell at a five-year-old until he cried and then mock him for it!” Twilight growled.
“We-well. M-mind you’re own business!” one of the colts snapped.
“It IS my business not only since I’m taking care of him right now but because you’re picking on a foal half your age. You’re what 10-11 and you’re picking on a five-year-old colt you should be ashamed!” Twilight continued.
“He should have watched where he was going!”
“Or you should’ve! The park has a path you can walk on! He was just trying to walk back to us! What were you doing to not see him!” Minuette joined in.
The colts just gave up and ran to the other side of the park.
Twilight smiled before looking down to Skaterloo who had buried his face in his hooves, “It’s ok. Those bullies are gone now.”
Skaterloo looked up his eyes still had some tears in them.
Twilight lifted a hoof and wiped the tears from the colt’s eyes.
“Thank you.” Skaterloo sniffed.
Twilight smiled, “You’re welcome. Are you ok now?”
Skaterloo wiped his eyes again, “A little. Can you push me on the swing again?”
Twilight chuckled, “Of course.”
After a while of Skaterloo playing around in the park, the group realized how long they’d been there.
Twilight looked up to the sky noticing how low the sun was getting, “What time is it?”
“5:16!” Minuette answered.
Twilight turned to the blue unicorn in confusion, “How do you know? You don’t have a watch or anything. How do you know the exact time?”
“My special talent! I’m really good at telling the time. It’s why I’m in charge of scheduling at my work.” Minuette stated, “It’s also why my Cutie Mark is an hourglass.”
Twilight thought for a minute, “Now that I think about it, you were never late for class. In fact, you were there before me sometimes.”
Minuette smiled, “Yep!”
“Maybe we should get going before it gets too late,” Twinkleshine suggested.
The others nodded in agreement.
After the mares had walked for a bit Minuette asked, “So girls, should we meet again tomorrow?”
“Yeah!” Twinkleshine and Moondancer said in unison.
Twilight closed her eyes, “Hmmm.”
“Twilight?” Moondancer turned to her lookalike.
Twilight lost in thought didn’t respond, “Should I? I still don’t fully see the point in making friends but I can’t help but feel a connection with these three! So I’ll-”
Confused at why the unicorn was silent Skaterloo tried shaking her, “Twilight?”
Twilight opening her eyes, “Hmm. Yes.”
“Pardon?” Moondancer asked.
“I said yes I’ll see you tomorrow,” Twilight exclaimed.
“Y-you’re actually going to come out of your spire and spend time with us, two days in a row?” Twinkleshine asked making sure.
Twilight nodded.
Minuette chuckled, “Well hasn’t today been unexpected Twilight’s left her spire and socialized.”
“Yeah! I was starting to think it would never happen!” Moondancer exclaimed
Twilight smiled awkwardly.
“So what time should we meet?” Twinkleshine asked.
Twilight asked, “How’s 11:30 AM work?”
“Works good for me!” Twinkleshine replied.
Minuette then added, “Same!”
Moondancer just replied with a happy nod.
“See you then!” Minuette waved to her friends, “Have a nice evening!”
“You too!” Moondancer returned.
Twinkleshine left in the direction of her house.
Twilight and Skaterloo left in the same direction as Moondancer since her spire was in the same direction as the other unicorn’s house.
“So you’re actually going to hang out again tomorrow?” Moondancer asked.
Twilight nodded.
The unicorn smiled, “Hey think you could take a look through the antique shop? I really enjoy it.”
“Yo-you like antiquing too?” Twilight asked.
Moondancer nodded, “Yeah, of course, it’s really fascinating to see what ponies used centuries ago! One time saw an original Equestrian Law Book in the original Olde Ponish!”
“Wow!” Twilight exclaimed
“Have you ever found anything interesting?” Moondancer questioned
“Actually one time I found a book on ancient remedies,” Twilight said.
Moondancer smiled, “That does sound really interesting.”
“We have a lot in common!” Twilight said.
Moondancer chuckled, “Yeah we do.”
The ponies reached Moondancer’s house and stopped there not going in.
“I wonder what I have in common with the other girls,” Twilight said.
“Well, only one way to find out come to hang out again and we’ll all do what we’re interested in,” Moondancer said.
Twilight nodded in agreement.
Skaterloo spoke up, “Uhh Twilight?”
Twilight turned her head back, “Yes Skaterloo is something wrong?”
Before the young colt could answer his stomach growled. The orange colt blushed.
Twilight giggled, “Sorry to cut this short Moondancer but I gotta get this little guy fed.”
“Ok see you tomorrow!” Moondancer exclaimed.
Twilight waved goodbye.
Skaterloo said, “Bye!” he waved.
Moondancer smiled and waved to the two.
After the two got back to the unicorn’s spire. Spike approached, “What took you so long!”
Twilight’s eyes widened, “Oh sorry Spike we were just with Moondancer, Twinkleshine and Minuette today.”
“Wait! You actually hung out and talked to them without a single book all day!?” Spike asked.
Twilight smiled sheepishly and nodded, “Yeah and I’m going to tomorrow.”
“Can I come?” the dragon asked a little annoyed he was left behind today.
“Of course!” Twilight exclaimed.
Skaterloo’s stomach suddenly growled again making him blush.
“So what do want for dinner?” Twilight questioned.
“What can I have?” Skaterloo asked.
Spike replied, “Well we have some leftover macaroni and cheese. Would you like that?”
“Yes please!” Skaterloo exclaimed licking his lips.
As she and Spike led Skaterloo to the kitchen Twilight thought to herself about the days she had ahead of her.
Skaterloo’s eyes slowly fluttered open to see the now-familiar sight of the spire’s high ceiling. Sitting up in the bed, the young colt stretched before hopping off the bed.
“Good morning!” Twilight smiled at the colt.
Skaterloo greeted, “Morning! Where are we going today?”
Twilight paused, “We can go to the park if you want.”
“Yes please!” the young colt exclaimed.
“Ok but let’s have breakfast first.” the unicorn mare said.
Before anyone could reply, Twilight heard a knock on her door, along with a familiar voice. “Twily honey please come let us in!”
“Mom?” Twilight asked under her breath.
The purple unicorn moved to her door to let her mother Twilight Velvet in. Opening the door, she saw a blue stallion, her father Night Light. “Mom, Dad! What are you doing here?”
“A friend of mine saw you with four other ponies your age! Were you really socializing?” Night asked.
“Uhhhh. Yeah, I was out with them,” Twilight confirmed for the older ponies.
Velvet smiled, “Oh wonderful! My baby has friends. You’ve got to introduce them to us. Let’s go!”
Twilight stopped her mother, “Uhhh I’m kind of in the middle of something important. Can we do introductions in half an hour?”
“What could be more important than showing us your friends?” Night asked.
Twilight informed, “I’m taking care of a little colt right now.”
The young mare’s mother tilted her head, “A little colt. Who're the little dear’s parents.”
Twilight’s eyes widened largely, “I-I don’t know... He’s from an orphanage somewhere. He wasn’t from Canterlot but the Princess helped me send notices asking for missing foal reports from the towns closest to Canterlot.”
Twilight Velvet and her husband stared at their daughter realizing she was serious; that she was taking care of an orphan colt.
“How old is the little guy?” Night asked with strong concern.
Twilight sighed, “H-he’s just five.”
Velvet gasped, “F-five! Five years old and he doesn’t have a family at all?” The mother felt tears coming on, thoughts of her own children being alone without her or their family flashing through her mind.
“Mom are you ok?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight are you coming back?” a little voice asked.
“Is that.... him?” Velvet tried to ask, choking up a little.
Twilight nodded, “Yeah I’m coming!” the unicorn returned answering the colt. The young mare motioned for her parents to follow her.
Velvet followed her daughter a bit faster than her husband. Once she saw the little pony her heart warmed, “Oooh! Hello little guy. What’s your name?”
Skaterloo felt a bit nervous around the two new ponies. Twilight comforted him by putting her larger hoof on his small one, “S-Skaterloo.” the pegasus exclaimed.
Velvet stepped a little closer, slowly to not scare the little dear. “Hello, Skaterloo.”
“Twilight who are they?” Skaterloo asked turning to the unicorn.
Feeling a bit of hesitation Twilight answered the colt’s question, “This my mother Twilight Velvet and my father Night Light.”
Skaterloo looked down at the table at the mention of the words mother and father.
Twilight moved her hoof to the colt’s back, “Somepony will adopt you. You’re a great boy. Whoever adopts you will be v.. very lucky.”
“Twily are you ok sweetheart?” Velvet, noticing her daughter’s slight hesitation, questioned.
Twilight snapped back to reality at the sound of her mother’s voice, “Ah! Y-yeah, mom, I’m fine.”
Velvet decided to move on from her daughter’s earlier statement, a statement that felt sad, like the younger mare was attached to the colt, “Ok. How about we just go and have breakfast?”
“Yes let’s.” Before Twilight was about to leave she saw a certain baby dragon hadn’t woken up yet. “Spike! My parents are here. Skaterloo and I will leave you behind if you don’t hurry up.”
Not even two minutes later Spike ran down the stairs of the Spire and in a voice trying to sound awake said, “No don’t! Wait!”
“Oh, Spike!” Velvet gave a giggle, “Let’s get going.”
Twilight followed her parents, Spike, and Skaterloo out the door before locking it behind them.
“Ok, Mom. Where do you want to get breakfast?” Twilight asked.
“How do you feel about having it at our house?” Velvet replied to her daughter, “I’ll make waffles.”
Twilight smiled, “I’d like that.” The unicorn turned to the youngest of the group, “You’ll love my mom’s waffles.”
“Can I have syrup?” Skaterloo asked hopefully.
“I can see why you’re so attached to this little dear Twilight.” Velvet smiled, “Of course you can”
“Yay!” Skaterloo chirped.
Twilight smiled, rubbing the colt’s head.
Soon the group was walking to the older ponies’ house unaware that above them Princess Celestia was watching over them, while she was looking down at the scroll she’d received from the town right next to Canterlot; Ponyville earlier that day.
Missing Foal Report
Name: Skaterloo Sex: Male Age: 5 years Residence: Ponyville Orphanage Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s): Sweet Honey Description: Skaterloo is an orange pegasus with a pinkish or cerise mane.
“I’ve found his home. But will you be able to say goodbye, my faithful student?” Celestia asked herself as if Twilight was there. “I’ll give you a few more hours.”
Completely ignorant of the fact she’d be saying goodbye to her little friend that day, Twilight happily strolled through the city to her childhood home. Twilight smiled as Skaterloo started to skip as he walked. The older unicorn mare looked back to her daughter and saw an adorable sight, Skaterloo now riding on her daughter’s back, the younger mare smiling at the young colt. Velvet grinned, “You’re really attached to him Twilight, aren’t you?”
Twilight took a moment away from the pegasus and replied to her mother’s question, “You mean Skates-Uhhh Skaterloo?” The unicorn paused, “Where did that nickname come from?”
“Is that what you’re calling him?” Night turned back to his daughter smiling.
Twilight stuttered a bit, “W-well d-do you like it?” The unicorn turned to the pegasus on her back.
Skaterloo gave a huge smile, “Mhmm!”
The unicorn could only reply, “Then Skates it is!” as her smile began to grow larger.
After that little exchange Velvet said, “We’re here!”
Twilight turned her head back around to face forward and saw the familiar blue building. the place she called home for many years. As she looked up at the small tower attached to the house, memories started to flow through her mind from her younger self; building forts out of books and a foal’s usual building supplies, chairs, blankets and of course couch cushions. Other memories were of her older brother’s scavenger hunts, family dinners and many other things.
The stallion opened the door offering the others to go first, which they accepted. She looked around at the new surroundings.
“Ok, I’ll get started on breakfast.” Velvet exclaimed.
Twilight helping Skaterloo off her back asked, “Do you need any help?”
“I’m fine dear.” Velvet answered the younger mare, “How about you take ‘Skates’ and Spike to the reading room. We still have a few books you and your brother loved when you were his age.”
“Ok! I think I know the perfect one,” Twilight said motioning for the young colt to follow her.
The younger pony followed the unicorn to the room filled with several bookshelves. When the unicorn brought down a specific book down its title was; Tip and Top, a story about two friends, a hippo and an elephant.
Skaterloo smiled as the short story was read to him. He liked the elephant Top the most.
After the mare finished the story Twilight heard her mother call, “You three can come down now, everything’s ready!”
Twilight smiled putting the book back on the shelf. With the young pegasus following behind her she made her way downstairs. The smell of her mother’s waffles brought back more fond memories of her childhood.
After the two younger ponies entered the kitchen Velvet motioned for the two to sit down, “So which syrup do you want?”
“M-maple please,” Skaterloo replied.
Velvet smiled, “Do you like it with cinnamon.”
The colt smiled which was all the mare needed as an answer. Velvet levitated a bottle over to the table. Skaterloo tried to get the cap off. Twilight gave the colt a little help opening the bottle letting him pour the sweet sticky liquid on to his breakfast.
Skaterloo cut a piece of the waffle with his fork and bit it off the utensil. As he chewed, the taste of the syrup mixed well with the taste of the waffle, “Mmmm!”
Velvet smiled, glad he was enjoying it. The mother turned to her daughter to see that she was in deep thought. Velvet had a pretty good idea what Twilight was thinking about.
While Twilight stared at her own breakfast. Her parents turned to each other a few times both knowing what the other was thinking.
Skaterloo asked where the bathroom was. Velvet pointed and the colt left.
After the colt was out of earshot Night spoke up clearing his throat, “Twilight.”
Twilight looked up to her father’s voice, “Yes Dad?”
“You’re thinking about adopting him, aren’t you?” the father asked his daughter.
Twilight froze a moment. “What!? I-I just want him to have a good home. Could I even be a good mother?”
Velvet chuckled, “You raised Spike didn’t you?”
Twilight turned to the baby dragon sitting next to her, “I-I did do that.” She then saw Skaterloo returning to his seat at the table, “But should I? I’m still so young myself.”
Later after the group had eaten Twilight led her parents to where she was meeting her friends that day, Minuette’s house. The mare led her parents to the blue unicorn’s house. Upon arriving Skaterloo was the first to knock on the door.
Minuette came to the door seeing her friends Twilight and Skaterloo, “Hey Twilight. Hey Skaterloo and.....” The blue unicorn then noticed the pair of older ponies behind the two, “Hey, aren’t you Twi’s parents?”
Velvet smiled, “Yes, are you one of Twilight’s friends?”
Twilight nodded, “Yes, Mom, Dad, this is Minuette. Minuette this my mother Twilight Velvet and my father Night Light.”
Minuette smiled, “Nice to meet you two.”
“You as well. Are your other friends here?” Velvet asked.
Minuette nodded, “Yes come in.” The blue unicorn stepped aside stretching out a hoof. She led her guests into the living room where three other unicorns were sitting.
“Hey, Twilight.” Moondancer greeted. Stepping forward, the pale yellowish unicorn saw the two older unicorns behind the mare. “Why are your parents here? Is everything alright?”
“Yes. They just wanted to meet you four. Mom, Dad this is Moondancer, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts.” Twilight introduced her friends while motioning towards the mares. The older unicorns sat next to their daughter along with the young colt and dragon.
“Well, I’m guessing that Twilight told you. We all met at Princess Celestia’s school?”
Velvet thought back, “Well she didn’t go into much detail earlier. But I think I remember her telling us about meeting five young fillies when at the Princess’ school.”
Minuette smiling responded, “That’s us and Lyra but she moved down into Ponyville last year.”
Skaterloo looked down at the mention of his home town, “I don’t want to go back!”
“Ok let’s go!” Minuette exclaimed.
“Where are you going?” Night questioned.
“We’re just going to wander around Canterlot.” Twilight explained to her parents.
“We’ve decided on a few stops. The park, antique store and the library. You two can come along if you want.” Lemon offered.
Velvet smiled, “I think that’s for Twilight to decide. I don’t think an 18-year-old mare would want her parents following her and her friends around.”
Twilight blushed.
Night chuckled, “It’s fine Twilight. We just wanted to meet your friends, but we would like to get to know them sometime.”
“How about we plan a dinner sometime?” Twinkleshine offered.
“That sounds like a great idea!” Velvet answered the offer.
Skaterloo sat watching as the adults planned their dinner for two days from today, which was Friday. He knew if they brought him down to Ponyville they'd find out about the orphanage and that he lived there.
“Ok. Then it’s a plan!” Night exclaimed.
As the older unicorns left Velvet said, “Have fun today!”
“We will!” Minuette waved.
“Bye Mom, Bye Dad!” Twilight exclaimed.
The older unicorns waved to their daughter and her friends. Velvet caught a glance of Skaterloo looking up at her and waved to him.
“Ok girls. Where should we go first?” Moondancer asked.
Twilight glanced over and saw Skaterloo and Spike stepping down from the couch, “How about the Antique store. The library is right near the park so we can stop there after.”
“Sounds good to me!” Minuette smiled.
The other unicorns shrugged, “Sounds good.”
1 hour later
Celestia sighed, “It’s time I sent this to Twilight. In order for the orphanage to know he is safe he must go back home.” The royal levitated a second piece of parchment and a quill. “To my faithful student...” After writing the letter she used her magic to send it away in a cloud of smoke.
Meanwhile
Twilight giggled while talking to her friends, “I don’t know why I avoided this for so long!”
“That’s why we’ve always tried to get you to hang out.” Lemon turned to the purple unicorn.
Spike felt something in his throat before letting out an audible belch. Spitting a small burst of fire from the smoke, a roll of paper materialized and fell to the ground.
Spike picked up the letter, “Twilight, it’s from the Princess.”
Twilight turned towards the dragon knowing the most likely answer to what was written, “What did she write?”
Clearing his throat the baby dragon began reading off the letter, “To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle:
Earlier today I received the missing foal reports from all the towns around Canterlot and found the one I’ve attached to this letter. I’ve done my part, my faithful student, but we can’t keep him here much longer.
Princess Celestia.”
Twilight took the second paper and read it off, “Name Skaterloo... Residence Ponyville Orphanage.” The mare glanced up to the corner with a small photo of the orange pegasus.
“Hey, that’s great! You found where he came from!” Minuette said.
“Yeah,” Twilight said.
Skaterloo had stopped moving without most of the adults noticing. Twilight was lost in thought. Minuette and Lemon were staring at Twilight and Twinkleshine couldn’t see Skaterloo.
“Skaterloo is everything alright?” Moondancer spoke up.
Twilight snapped out of her trance and turned her head back.
Skaterloo looked down at the ground. He didn’t want to go back “N-no! I don’t want to go back! I want to stay here with, with-.“ The colt started to run.
Twilight quickly caught up, “Skaterloo!”
Skaterloo stopped in front of the mare, “S-Sorry Twilight.” He apologized for running away from the group.
Twilight sighed bending down to the colt’s eye level, “Just don’t try to run away again. I know you don’t want to go back, but I have to take you. You don’t want them to think something bad happened to you, do you?”
Skaterloo looked down. The head caretaker Sweet Honey was going to be worried about him. She was probably already worried about him.
Twilight saw her friends approach, “I promise somepony will adopt you before you know it.”
Skaterloo shakily stood up, “W-will you take me there?”
Twilight nodded, “I told you I would tell them about the bullying you told me about. They also would likely need to know who was taking care of you for the past few days.”
“Hey, Lyra lives in Ponyville. We can see her and invite her to the dinner this Friday while we find the orphanage.” Twinkleshine said.
Twilight nodded, “Are you ready Skates?”
“Y-Y-Yes.” Skaterloo stood up
“Skates? Where’d you come up with that name Twi?” Minuette asked.
Twilight turned slightly, “It kind of just came to me earlier with my parents.”
The other mares nodded and started walking towards the train station keeping an eye on the colt beside Twilight. The young pegasus did as he was told and stayed with the group and didn’t run again.
Twilight kept glancing back and forth between Spike and Skaterloo, “I raised Spike from when he was a baby. I-I could raise a foal from five years old. But raising a dragon and raising a pony are two different things and it’s another mouth to feed.”
Moondancer and Minuette glanced at each other, “Do you think she’s thinking about..” Moondancer started.
“Adopting him? I think so.” Minuette whispered.
The group had arrived at the train station and each ordered their tickets. Twilight paid for herself and the two youngest members of the group, while the rest paid for themselves. The seven stepped on to the first train heading to Ponyville.
Lemon sat next to Twilight with Skaterloo in between the two unicorns. The yellow unicorn whispered a question to her friend, “Twilight are you doing alright? We all saw you looking between Skaterloo and Spike.”
Twilight whispered back, “Y-you did?”
“Yes and we want you to know we’re behind you no matter your choice.” the yellow unicorn replied.
Twilight slowly felt a smile form on her face. She was still unsure about what her decision was going to be but with her friends and family being behind her whatever decision she made definitely made her feel more secure in her choice.
“I-I’ll choose after I bring him back to the orphanage.” Twilight thought, after spending a few days with the young colt, the unicorn was genuinely leaning towards adopting him.
While the train sped down to the rails towards the small town near the mountain base, Skaterloo looked out the window at the sky, with the trees blurring by as the older ponies talked with each other.
“So where does Lyra live in Ponyville?” Twilight asked.
“Don’t worry we’ll show you.” Minuette smiled.
The purple unicorn nodded. After about three minutes the train gave a screech as it came to stop.
“All off for Ponyville station!” the conductor soon announced.
“Ok, this is it,” Twilight said, stepping off her seat and making sure Skaterloo did as well. The friends stepped off the train along with a few other passengers.
Twinkleshine stepped off, the last of the group, “Ok Twilight we’ll show you where Lyra lives.”
As the group began to leave Twilight interrupted, “Wait! Shouldn’t I ask for directions to the orphanage.”
“You could just ask Lyra when we get there?” Moondancer offered, “Would probably be better to get them from where we’re going anyway,”
Twilight turned towards her friends, “That does make sense.”
The four unicorns started to walk with Twilight, Spike and Skaterloo not too far behind them.
While Twilight kept her eye on the young pegasus beside her, the colt suddenly asked a question, “W-will you ever visit me?”
“....I will. I promise.”
As Skaterloo smiled, the group stopped in front of a small house. “Here we are!” Minuette chirped.
Once the blue mare knocked on the door, a voice rang through the door, “Be right there.”
Barely audible hoofsteps approached the door before it was pushed open by a green unicorn who the older ponies of the group immediately recognized. “Oh hey, girls! This is a pleasant surprise.” Seeing Twilight the unicorn responded, “You’re here too Twilight? That’s an even bigger surprise.”
The purple unicorn chuckled sheepishly rubbing her forehoof, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it Lyra?”
“Well, What is everypony waiting for? Come in.” Lyra stepped aside, keeping her door open.
Twilight and the rest stepped into their friend’s house. After Skaterloo entered Lyra asked, “And who are you, little guy?”
“M-my name’s Skaterloo.” The colt returned
Twinkleshine smiled, “Twilight has been taking care of him for a few days. B-but with some help from Princess Celestia she found... he lives in Ponyville.”
“Oh. I-I think I remember his face from a missing pony poster from the orphanage. But that means he’s-“
“An orphan.” The ivory unicorn sadly nodded.
Lyra watched as Skaterloo walked away oblivious to their conversation, “Poor kid.”
Skaterloo stepped towards Twilight standing at her side. Before speaking the colt softly kicked a hoof across the floor, “Um Tw-Twilight.”
“Y-yes?” Twilight turned concerned about the colt’s sad tone, “What’s wrong?”
“I-I’m scared to go back.” Skaterloo admitted, “I hate it.”
“I know. I’ll talk to the caretakers about your bullying issues. I’ll stay for a little bit if you want.” Twilight offered.
“O-ok.” Skaterloo smiled in a more glum than happy manner.
Lyra and Twinkleshine caught up with the rest of the group. Twilight looked around the room and noticed a few pictures of the green unicorn with a tan earth pony, “Who is that?”
Lyra smiled while replying, “That’s my friend Bon Bon. I met her when I visited Ponyville for the first time.”
“They’re also roommates.” Minuette added, “annnd she’s Lyra’s huge crush! Where is she anyway?”
Lyra blushed intensely at Minuette’s crush comment responding, “S-She’s out of town for a little while.”
Twilight nodded, “I-I’d like to meet her sometime.”
Lyra smiled, “I’ll introduce you. So what does everypony want to do?” the green unicorn asked the group.
“How about we just, you know, hang out?” Minuette offered
“What does everypony else think?” Twinkleshine glanced around the room.
The rest of the group agreed to the plan given. Twilight, although smiling, felt a tug at her heart when remembering the inevitable question for directions to the orphanage. “I’ll ask Lyra later. I just hope everything will be ok for Skaterloo after I leave.”
Lyra smiled, “Oh I have lots of stories for you girls.”
During the many conversations the adults had, Skaterloo was at the centre of almost all their recent stories. Twilight found herself laughing during Minuette’s story from their school years which was actually more of an embarrassing story for her than anyone else.
Twilight with a small yet noticeable sadness in her voice asked Lyra, “Can I have.... directions to the orphanage?”
Lyra paused for a moment concerned about Twilight’s slight sadness, “Of course. I’ll actually lead you there if you want.”
Twilight nodded. “Thank you.” But after looking towards Skaterloo, she had one thought. She had to take him back before the worst was assumed but she wanted him to enjoy the last little bit of time they had together.
Twilight walked over to Skaterloo and bent down to his eye level. “Skaterloo are you ready?” the mare asked.
Skaterloo shakily turned his head looking away from the unicorn’s eyes. Eventually with much hesitation he replied, “Y-yes.”
The unicorn mare bent down slightly more helping the colt onto her back. Twilight smiled looking back at the colt. “Hang on!”
“Huh?” Skaterloo tilted his head.
But before the young colt could even ask why, Twilight reared up on to her hind hooves kicking her hooves playfully while jumping on and off her front and hind hooves.
Skaterloo gripped the mare tightly. While the unicorn moved around the colt giggled.
Twilight stopped her playful jumping and looked back at the smiling colt on her back. The mare smiled back at the colt, “That’s better.”
Skaterloo kept his smile while Twilight and her friends prepared to leave.
“Wow, Twilight where’d you get that idea?” Lyra asked the purple unicorn, “You’re pretty good with foals.”
Twilight softly chuckled and responded, “I-It was just something my dad and brother did with me as a filly. I thought he’d like it too.”
Lyra smiled softly poking the other mare, “Well then, I guess your whole family is good with foals.”
Twilight looked at the green mare keeping eye contact, “I suppose we are.”
The green mare poked her friend’s side, “Oh and now that you’ve come out once, you can never go back to sitting in the castle reading all the time.”
“Ok... Can’t I just have one day?”
Wearing a devious smirk Lyra continued, “Sure..... every two months.” she quipped.
Twilight could barely stop herself from giggling, “Make it a month and a half and it’s a deal.”
Lyra’s amused smirk grew, “Deal!”
Twilight with the young colt on her back stepped into the sunlight, out onto the streets of Ponyville with her friends not far behind. Leaning in close Minuette whispered, “Are you ready for this Twilight?”
“W-why are you asking me?” Twilight questioned, “Sh-shouldn’t you-“
“I’m not asking Skaterloo if he’s ready. I’m asking you if you're ready to say goodbye?” the blue mare asked.
Twilight glanced back to the colt who was completely unaware of their extremely hushed conversation, “I don’t know Minuette, I don’t know.” Twilight thought to herself. She knew she had to, but something deep in her heart was telling her she didn’t want to.
The walk to the orphanage was largely silent. In a few all too short minutes, the sign with the name ‘Ponyville Orphanage’ came into view. “Ok girls. Here it is.”
Twilight walked up the steps up and opened the doors with her friends following right behind her. Inside an older earth pony, mare was pacing back and forth seemingly waiting for something or somepony.
“The princess said that the mare would be here soon.” The mare spoke to herself in a worried tone.
Twilight approached after getting Skaterloo down off her back who immediately wrapped his hoof around the mare’s. Twilight smiled and addressed the pacing mare, “Ummm hello? Is Sweet Honey here at the moment.”
“Oh!” The mare turned around. The mare looked down seeing Skaterloo his hoof tightening around the mare’s. “Yes, that’s me.”
“From what I understand this little one is from here.” Twilight explained.
“Yes, he is. I’m guessing you're the one who found him?” Sweet asked, remembering the princess’s report to the orphanage.
The younger mare nodded before replying, “He somehow made his way to Canterlot. He must have snuck onto a late-night train.”
Sweet approached the younger ponies, “Is that what you did?” she asked the colt.
Skaterloo looked down in shame being only able to nod in confirmation. He didn’t move from his place next to the unicorn. Looking up he was Sweet’s expression, even as a foal he knew she was mad and disappointed with him.
“I promise I’ve been taking care of him. He likely wasn’t in Canterlot alone for any more than an hour or two.” Twilight said, knowing it was still very bad though not as bad as it could have been had he been wandering around alone longer,
Looking over the colt, seeing he was clean, he looked healthy, his coat and feathers were well kept. No physical signs of malnutrition or sleep deprivation were visible. “Thank you. Ms.....” Sweet began the unicorn’s name having slipped her mind.
“Sparkle. Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight confirmed.
“Oh, of course. Thank you, Ms. Sparkle. The other caretakers and I have been very worried. Looking all over town for him.”
Twilight smiled sadly looking back up with a serious tone, “Speaking of that there’s something he’s told me that I feel you should be aware of.”
“What is it? Please if any caretakers under me are mistreating any foals in our care I must know.”
“It isn’t anything like that. It’s just that he’s told me other foals have been bullying him. He has told caretakers, but nothing has been done against it.”
“Hmmm, I will see what I can do. Ok, Skaterloo let’s get you back to your room.”
Skaterloo looked up to Twilight. The unicorn bent down to the younger pony’s eye level. “Don’t worry Skates. I promise you’ll be fine. Like I said I’ll visit.”
The young colt blinked trying to smile, “Thank you Twilight.” The pegasus wrapped his short hooves around the unicorn leaning onto her chest.
“You’re welcome,” Twilight replied, wrapping a hoof around the colt. “Behave yourself. Don’t go running away again.”
Skaterloo nodded keeping hold of the mare, “Ok.”
The older pony separated the embrace, “Goodbye.”
“B-bye.” Skaterloo returned the parting.
Twilight smiled and turned to leave after a short moment, keeping eye contact with her young friend.
“Bye.” Skaterloo repeated just barely whispering under his breath.
Twilight and her friends turned to leave. As they walked out the door Skaterloo was turned around as Sweet led him back to his room so they could talk about what had happened and caused him to run away.
After the mares had stepped away from the orphanage, Minuette asked, “So what should we do now?”
Twilight turned her head away from the building, “Maybe we should just go home.”
“Come on Twilight, let's at least stay here a little bit.” Twinkleshine exclaimed, “There’s an antique store and book store. You could get some new things. Well with the antiques it’s relatively speaking.”
Twilight sighed, “I should do something to take my mind off this,”
Later
Twilight walked down the aisles of shelved books. She found one that she immediately picked up upon seeing, “Adoption Law.” The unicorn glanced around before opening it skimming through looking for one specific part, “Process of adoption.”
Moondancer snuck around the corner seeing Twilight holding two books in her magic. When she got closer she read the side of the two books, “Adoption Law and Parenting Young Foals. Huh?”
Twilight jumped and just about dropped her books, “Oh, Moondancer. I was just reading some-“
“You miss him, don’t you?” Moondancer asked, “I won’t say if you should or shouldn’t. But I will say it will be much harder than just taking care of him temporarily.”
Twilight froze realizing her friend knew exactly what was on her mind, “A-am I really that transparent?”
“If it were any more obvious, you’d be just saying it out loud,” Moondancer replied bluntly yet in a joking manner.
The purple unicorn sighed picking the books up, “I want him to find a home.... but something keeps telling me that I should be the one to give it to him.”
“Have you been listening to it?” Moondancer asked.
“.....I have.” Twilight replied. The mare stepped away, her thoughts straying from Skaterloo to Spike and how she raised the latter.
Stepping over to the counter Twilight placed the two books down and after hearing the price took out the necessary bits needed for the purchase.
After leaving the store, the mare stopped in her steps as a group of foals, followed by an orange earth pony mare, ran right past her. The unicorn paused, all the foals were around 4 or 5. “Spike?”
“Yes.” the dragon responded
“I need you to send a letter to the princess.”
Spike nodded pulling out a blank parchment, “Ok for what.”
“I need a reliable reference for the Equestrian Adoption Agency,” Twilight replied to the dragon’s slight surprise.
“Ok got it!” Spike began the letter with Twilight’s usual greeting ‘Dear Princess Celestia’
“I’m writing to inform you that Skaterloo has been safely returned to the orphanage. But I would like to ask for a favour.” Twilight added her request, “I want to be able to use you as a reference for an...... adoption process. I know I’m young, I’m just 18. But I want Skaterloo to have a loving home and I want to be the one to give him it. I hope you will consider my request.
Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight smiled as she saw her friends surround her. None of them said a word, they just had expressions of encouragement.
Spike rolled up the scroll and blew a breath of fire burning the parchment and watched the smoke flow up towards Canterlot.
“It shouldn’t take her too long to respond.” Twilight turned her head following the smoke.
The purple mare then felt a hoof drape around her and turned to see Minuette beside her. “So guess you’re going to be the first of us to be a mother.” the blue unicorn joked.
Twinkleshine giggled, “B-but in all seriousness Twilight. We’ll all be behind you. If you ever need help or a foalsitter just come to us.”
“Thanks.” Twilight replied, “But given my age, I don’t know what the odds of me being deemed as a fit parent. Even with Princess Celestia herself as a reference.”
Spike burped and with a small breath of fire a new scroll appeared, “Here’s her response Twi.”
Twilight turned hoping that the princess would act as her reference but excepting her to refuse.
“To Twilight Sparkle my most faithful student,
I would be more than happy to give my word for you. You have proven to me that you are capable of raising a young life. You have done a good job raising Spike. I have no doubt you would be a fit and capable mother.
Princess Celestia.” Spike read the letter aloud. After reading it the dragon bleached again, another scroll appearing, “I guess that’s what this is.”
Twilight took the two parchments reading both of them. The second scroll was indeed a letter for Twilight to give as a reference. The unicorn looked up to see her friends, all with supportive expressions.
[Back at the Orphanage
Skaterloo looked down. He hadn’t moved much after Twilight dropped him off. He’d already assumed Twilight was back in Canterlot by now.
“Skaterloo, why don’t you come out and play with the other foals?” Sweet tried to encourage the colt.
The colt continued to look down not saying a word or making eye contact for much longer than a second.
An assistant caretaker peaked into the room, “Ms. Honey, a young unicorn mare wishes to speak with you.”
The head caretaker turned around, “Has she given her name?”
“Yes. Her name is Twilight Sparkle.”
Sweet paused, “She’s come back? Did she forget anything?”
The mare walked back up to the front and saw the mare standing in the room, “Ms. Sparkle, what brings you back? Is there something else important you wish to discuss.”
“Yes, there is. It’s about Skaterloo and the process of adoption.”
Sweet had to pause making sure she understood the younger mare correctly, “I must ask, are you really telling me that you wish to begin the process of adopting Skaterloo?”
Twilight smiled as she pulled out a scroll, “I believe this should answer your question.”
Sweet unrolled the scroll as it was given to her and instantly realized what it was, “.....I assure you that Twilight Sparkle is a responsible and mature mare and is fully capable of being a parent...” as she continued reading she then realized just who had signed it, “Princess Celestia.”
Twilight stayed silent as the older mare looked up from the letter. Sweet looked back down at the letter and rolled the scroll up again.
“If Princess Celestia herself is your reference I doubt you won’t be seen as a fit parent. I certainly would find you as one, especially because Skaterloo came back in good health and hygiene.” Sweet smiled. “I will help you with the process.”
Later
Skaterloo sat, a plate with a few scattered crumbs next to him. When he hadn’t moved due to his deflated mood, a caretaker had brought him a little snack trying to cheer him up.
“Skaterloo.” a mare’s voice greeted him.
The young colt almost gasped when he realized who the voice belonged to. The pegasus looked up to see Twilight smiling at him, “T-Twilight?”
Twilight walked over to the colt, “My friends and I are going to be going back to Canterlot soon.”
“O-oh. Y-you said you’d visit right?” Skaterloo said in a questioning but hopeful tone.
Twilight smiled, “About that, those plans have changed.”
The colt looked up with a heartbroken expression.
Before the colt could get more upset Twilight continued, “I won’t be visiting because you won’t be here much longer.”
Skaterloo’s expression changed from upset to confused. He was completely unable to respond.
Twilight pulled out a stack of papers. “And I won’t need to visit you because... I won’t have to.” the unicorn said, revealing the front of the sheets.
Skaterloo felt his heart jump as he read two things that jumped off the page for him, “Equestria Adoption Agency and Twilight Sparkle.” They were adoption papers.
Twilight put a hoof around the little pony, “I won’t visit you here because... I want to be your mom.”
“My m-m-mom?” Skaterloo stuttered hearing that last word.
The unicorn nodded with a soft smile. Before she could say anything the colt just about dove into her. Twilight wrapped her hooves around him. She soon felt something lightly soak her coat. The older pony looked down, “A-are you crying?” The unicorn pulled the colt away and saw the tears welled up in his eyes and a smile on his face. The unicorn only smiled wiping the colt’s face to dry his tears
2 months later
Skaterloo smiled as he packed the last of his things. He was finally leaving the orphanage for good. He was going to miss Ponyville but he was overjoyed to have a mother.
Sweet came in to see the young colt, “Skaterloo are you ready to go.”
“Yes!” Skaterloo said without a second thought or hesitating a smile.
In the front entrance Twilight stood waiting, and soon saw the mare and colt appear out of a room. Skaterloo almost immediately ran towards the mare. The older pony bent down to let the colt hug her.
Skaterloo smiled as Twilight pulled away. “Let’s get going.” The mare helped the colt up onto her back.
The new mother and son immediately walked to the train station and got on the next train to Canterlot. The young pegasus watched out the window as his old home began to get further away before disappearing from his sight. After he slid back, away from the window and over to Twilight leaning against her for the rest of the way.
Twilight passed several ponies coming on and off the train while Skaterloo sat on her back. The pair were going to go to the castle spire for the colt to begin his new life in Canterlot. Once the pair reached the spire, Twilight opened the door and said, “Welcome home Skaterloo.”
As he looked around the pegasus just said, “Home.” After having been an orphanage for 2 years he finally had a family and a real home again.
The unicorn walked the colt to a small once unused room now with a bed and nightstand, “Here’s your new room.”
The colt stepped off the mare’s back after she knelt down. The room was small but it was his and only his something he never had in the orphanage. Skaterloo continued to look around. Twilight chuckled, “I guess you like it?”
“Yes, Yes!” Skaterloo cheerfully exclaimed.
Twilight smiled, “I’m glad.” she said walking over to the colt. “It’s going to get some getting used to for the both of us. I promise I’ll be the best mom, I can.”
After settling the colt into his new home, the two took the first steps for their new life as mother and son.
Twilight stood beside Skaterloo’s bed pulling the covers over the colt, “Goodnight, Skates.”
“Night, Mom.” The colt smiled.
The mare quietly left after giving her son a kiss on the cheek. “Sweet dreams,” she said, tenderly closing the door.
The unicorn walked into her bedroom, looking through bookcases for a particular book. Keeping her voice to a minimum, she quietly shuffled through several books. “Hmmmm. Oh! Here it is!” the mare exclaimed after finding an old book.
She then began to read its pages. “Many centuries ago, Equestria had two ruling princesses. Two sisters who kept the land in peace and harmony. The eldest rose and lowered the sun and the second, her younger sister brought the moon and night stars to the land. For many years the two maintained a harmony they sought for their land.” Twilight yawned and rubbed her eyes before continuing. “But as the years went on, the younger sister grew resentful. Ponies cheered and played during her sister’s day while all slept through her night. One day she refused to lower the moon, so her sister could rise the sun. Although her sister tried to reason with her, the bitterness in the younger sister’s heart transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness. Nightmare Moon. She vowed she would make the night last for all eternity, never to let the sun rise again.” The unicorn recited the tale as her exhaustion ebbed away at her consciousness. “The elder sister reluctantly drew on the power of the most powerful artifacts known to the Ponydom: The Elements of Harmony. Using the power of all six elements she defeated her siblings and banished her to the moon for all eternity. After which the older sister took over the responsibility of the sun and moon and harmony has been maintained all over Equestria for hundreds of years.”
The unicorn placed the book beside her bed and after one last yawn, she said, “Elements of Harmony. I know I heard of them before but where.” The unicorn pondered, lying down on her bed. She wondered where she’d heard of the Elements.
The next day
Twilight levitated around several books trying to find the one she’d read about the Elements of Harmony in. “Hmmm. No, No, No, No,” she said, skimming from book to book. She didn’t notice the approaching sound of little hoofsteps.
“Morning Mom,” Skaterloo greeted. His mother did not respond, invested in her search. “Mom?”
She did not respond. Twilight continued looking through her collection for the book, ‘Predictions and Prophecies’.
“Mom!” Skaterloo exclaimed.
“Ah!” Her trance broke and dropped all the books she held in her magic. “Oh, you’re up early Honey.”
Skaterloo smiled with his head tilted to the side. “Don’t you remember that Moondancer’s party is today?”
The mare’s eyes widened. “Wait that was today? I could have sworn it was tomorrow!” Twilight frantically scavenged her room for her gift for Moondancer. She remembered putting it under her bed. She went to retrieve it only to find the book she was looking for, ‘Predictions and Prophecies’, with it, “Wait I did tell Minuette she could borrow it. I must have put the two together and forgot.”
Twilight levitated the present and book out finding she’d bookmarked a page. After opening it she found herself staring at the legend of the mare in the moon. So, she began to read it again.
Meanwhile
In her private quarters, Celestia recited a tale she knew too well, “On the longest day of the 1000th year of the younger sister’s banishment, the stars would aid in her escape and she would return to bring an eternal night.” After closing the book she walked over to the window looking up to the sky in thought. “It is almost time, my sister. I just hope we can be a family again.”
“To get you back, I’ll need the Elements of Harmony. But with them sealed I can’t use them, and I alone can’t produce the spark needed to reawaken them.” Glancing down, the monarch saw her student seemingly walking towards the west castle courtyard. “But if my instinct about her is correct, she might be able to. But one question remains: who will wield the other five elements.”
Down on the street of Canterlot, Twilight finished her reading. “The longest day would be the Summer Sun Celebration," she pondered. "And the thousandth year from then would be.....t-tonight!”
Spike looked up to the unicorn from her side. “What was that Twi?”
Skaterloo perked at the question and glanced at his mother.
Twilight paused, glancing towards Skaterloo slightly. “What would happen if she did return? What would happen to Skaterloo?“ the unicorn paused, “I I couldn’t do anything. Nopony could face Nightmare Moon. Except for the Princess, she would definitely be strong enough!”
After her thought, Twilight realized they’d reached Moondancer’s party. Moondancer, Minuette, Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine had already arrived.
The host came up quickly as soon as she saw them. “Hey, Twilight!” Moondancer said.
Twilight smiled as Skaterloo greeted first, “Hi Moondancer.”
The pale yellow unicorn responded with a chuckle. “Hi Skates!” she said ruffling his mane.
“Sorry if we’re a little late," Twilight apologized, a sheepish smile on her face "I could have sworn you said it was the day of the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“It’s fine.”
After the colt left, Twilight paused, glancing at the book.
Minuette waved her hoof in front of Twilight’s face. “Helloooooo! Anypony home?”
Twilight snapped out of her trance. “Oh!” She then chuckled, “Hi Minuette. I brought the book you wanted to borrow.”
“Oh, thanks. I loved reading this! Imagine if some of these actually came true?” Minuette joked.
“If that one comes true. If the Princess can’t stop it. I won’t be able to protect Skaterloo.“ The unicorn realized she had to have Spike write a letter to the Princess. Before she could so much as say his name, she saw the drake’s cheeks puffing up.
Twinkleshine arched her brow at the little dragon. “Umm Spike?”
Spike let out a belch of fire, which Lemon dove aside, avoiding the small blaze. “Whoa!” She yelped.
A scroll materialized from the dragon’s breath. Twilight froze, she wasn’t expecting the Princess to write to her.
“Sent a message to the Princess before you came, Twi?” Moondancer questioned.
Twilight shook her head. “No. What could she be writing about?”
Spike picked up the scroll pulling the parchment open. “To Twilight Sparkle
My faithful student,
I’m writing to you because I because an imper-imperative task for you to perform. As you are no doubt aware the Summer Sun Celebration begins tonight. I need you my most trusted pupil to oversee the preparations of the celebration in Ponyville. I’ve attached a list of the parts I need to be checked along with the locations and names of the ponies in charge of them.
Princess Celestia.” he finished the regal message.
“The princess wants me to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration? Me?” Twilight questioned in surprise.
Moondancer lightly poked her friend’s side, “What did you do to get that honour?”
“I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve even heard of this even being a possibility!” Twilight exclaimed.
“Mom?” Skaterloo asked.
The unicorn turned towards her son. “Yes, Skates?”
“Aren’t we going to stay at the party?” The colt asked.
Twilight smiled. “Of course! Moondancer’s party is more important.” She glanced at Spike. “Spike I need to write a response.”
Spike nodded and pulled out a parchment and quill from his bag. “Ok ready!”
Twilight began reciting the message for the dragon to scribe, “Dear Princess Celestia,
I understand that this is an important task and an even greater honour for me. However, I have an important arrangement today. A party my friend Moondancer is having. I want to keep my plans with my friends and must humbly refuse your offer.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”
Spike finished scribbling the mare’s name. “OK, all done,” he confirmed before sending the letter off.
“Well, that should take care of that.” Twilight watched the smoke flow up to the castle. The purple unicorn smiled. “So what’s the plan for the party?”
“Weeeell,” Moondancer said, pulling a scroll off the table.
Twinkleshine giggled, “You two are so similar you know, it’s scary. Are you sure you aren’t related?”
Twilight and Moondancer blushed as the rest of their friends joined in on Twinkleshine’s laughter.
“OK,” Moondancer said. “We’ll mostly be here but I thought it would be great to watch the sunset from outside of Canterlot before having dinner together. I’ll make sure they have a kid menu for Skates.”
Twilight heard Spike burp again. She noted the dragon had already unrolled the scroll. “The Princess responded. Let’s see.” The drake read through its contents and then frowned. “Oh, I don’t know if you’ll like this.”
Twilight narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Dear Twilight Sparkle
My faithful student, I respect your desire to spend time with your friends. But this is a task I cannot allow you to deny. I do not trust anypony else for this. You must also know that there’s more to a young pony’s life than just Canterlot, I have another important task for you to make more friends of the group you know.
Princess Celestia.”
Twilight’s confusion turned to shock, “Wh-what!?”
“Is she sure Twi can’t stay here?”
Twilight sighed, “If she didn’t need me, she wouldn’t be so insistent. So I guess I don’t have much choice.”
The four mares gave disappointed sighs. “Wait!” Moondancer suddenly exclaimed
“What is it?” Twilight asked.
“Well, this is upsetting news, the fact you get to oversee the preparations for one of the most important events of this exciting. You may never have a chance like this again.”
Minuette exclaimed, “Oh I have an idea! How about we go down to Ponyville for the sunset! Then we can still have the party together and Twilight can do her job.”
The other guests looked around at the party that was already set up. They couldn’t just leave without them cleaning it up. Twilight walked over, “You don’t have to do that.”
“The Princess said this is important. Many different ponies work in the castle to oversee the celebration so why me? Wait, the ‘Mare in the Moon’ would return tonight. Is she trusting me to stop her?“
“Well, Lyra’s down in Ponyville,” Twinkleshine added. “You could see her.” Twinkleshine rubbed her chin. “Hmmm. I remember hearing something about some magical artifacts being last seen in the forest near there. Ah! Yes, the Elements of Harmony!”
Twilight paused at the mention of the elements. Could that be the reason Celestia wanted her to go to Ponyville? The mare glanced towards Skaterloo. If that was what the princess wanted then it was up to her to protect her son and Equestria.
The young pegasus approached his adoptive mother, confused by her silent stare. Whenever she revived a letter from the Princess she always replied immediately but seeing her this unresponsive was confusing.
Twilight was soon broken out of her trance from a small hoof nudging against her. “Oh! Skates what is it?”
Skaterloo pointed to Spike. “Are we going to Ponyville?”
Twilight smiled and rubbed the colt’s face. “I’ll go, but you don’t have to. You can just stay here.”
Skaterloo looked down. “But we always spend the Summer Sun Celebration together.”
Twilight thought it had become a tradition for her to spend the day together. However, this was more important. Before the unicorn could make a decision, Moondancer spoke up, “Well as the host of this party, I think it’s my choice what happens with it.”
“So what’s the verdict?” Minuette questioned
“I did have my heart set on this place but if Twilight is the only one the Princess wants we can’t have this without her.” Moondancer explained, “So let’s go to Ponyville!”
“You don’t have to—“ Twilight began before being cut off.
Moondancer spoke, “I know. But like I said, we can’t have this party without you. It was meant for all of us to celebrate.”
Twilight paused, taking in what her friend has said. She realized there wasn’t any chance of her changing Moondancer’s mind. The purple mare sighed, “Alright, I give up. I can tell nothing will change your mind.”
Moondancer shook her head, acknowledging she indeed wouldn’t.
The purple unicorn chuckled, “Well if that’s the case, you at least have to let me help you clean up.”
Moondancer tried to say something but was pressed by her friend’s assurance. The pale yellow unicorn sighed, “Fine, let’s get to cleaning.”
[Later]
Twilight stepped on to a chariot. “Sorry we’re late,” Twilight apologized. “We needed to help a friend with something.”
“That’s perfectly fine, Ms. Sparkle,” one of the guards assured.
“Yeah it’s not like the fate of Equestria rests on this,” The other slightly joked.
Twilight chuckled along with the two guards as they took off. “But it could if Nightmare Moon is returning.”
Skaterloo held onto the side of the chariot, looking down at the ground far below.
As they awaited their arrival to Ponyville, the unicorn saw the little town get closer and closer. The mare made plans to do her tasks needed for her overseeing the celebration. Then, she would focus on stopping Nightmare Moon.
Soon enough the pegasi landed, allowing the three passengers to step off the chariot.
“Thank you, sirs.” Twilight addressed the guards.
As the two guards took off Twilight turned to Spike. “Ok, what’s first?”
“It’s food.,” Spike answered. “The preparations are at Sweet Apple Acres it’s just on the side of town. Do you remember anything about Ponyville, Skaterloo?” The drake glanced at the colt.
The colt shook his head. “Not really. I’m used to Canterlot now. All I remember is something about a party.”
Spike shrugged. “Well, that’s not helpful. It was probably just some local festival.”
“Probably,” Skaterloo responded.
Twilight motioned. “Ok boys, let’s get going.”
After beginning to follow the mare, Spike added, “Twilight, remember the princess also wanted you to make some friends here.”
The unicorn sighed. “Guess I’ll have to add making Ponyville friends to my plan,” she thought before realizing she was almost going to bump into a pink earth pony. She stopped herself in time. “Oh sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
The pink mare just paused, staring at the unicorn seeming to be in trance.
“Uhhhh Hello?” Twilight said. “Well the princess said to make friends, ” she thought before attempting to introduce herself, “My name i—“
Before she could even say her name the pink earth pony jumped higher than Twilight thought possible, letting out an exaggerated gasp before running the opposite direction almost in a second.
“What was that about?” Skaterloo asked in utter confusion.
Twilight shrugged at her son’s question. “Who knows. Let’s just see how the food is.”
After that unusual encounter, the three continued their journey to ‘Sweet Apple Acres’. The trio soon found themselves slowly being surrounded by Apple trees.
“I guess we know we’re heading in the right direction,” Spike said in a slightly joking tone.
“Ok,” Twilight said. “Now let’s find who we need to talk to.”
After finding a path towards a barn the three heard a voice exclaim, “Yeehaw.”
Twilight shot her head towards the source of the sudden noise. She found an orange earth pony galloping to one of the fruit trees and kicked it with her hind hooves. Her strike shook it, which sent the apples into two buckets on either side of the tree’s trunk.
“I guess we should talk to her?” Twilight supposed.
The unicorn approached the earth pony, greeting her, “Hello I’m Twilight Sparkle I’m here to-” her introduction was cut off by the other mare grabbing her hoof, shaking it hard.
“Nice make your acquaintance,” the orange mare said. “Miss Twilight. Mah name’s Applejack. What brings ya here?”
“I’m here to oversee the banquet preparations,” Twilight explained.
Applejack nodded, glancing at the dragon and colt next to her. “Who are these two? Is this here your little brother?” The mare asked, pointing to the orange pegasus.
Twilight shook her head, “No he’s—“
“Must be her nephew or cousin.” Applejack internally anticipated.
“—my son.” Twilight finished.
After the unicorn finished, Applejack gawked at her in complete shock. “Y-yer son?! O-oh Sorry, Ah didn’t mean to sound rude.”
Twilight assured, “It’s fine. I know it’s out of the ordinary for someone my age to have a foal.”
Applejack chuckled, “Ah was pretty surprised. So what’s yer name little guy?”
“I’m Skaterloo, Ms. Applejack.”
Applejack waved her hoof off. “There’s no need fer the Ms. part. Ya can just call me Applejack.” The orange mare glanced at Twilight. “So yer to see the food?”
Twilight nodded.
“Well, everythin’s prepared. Want to sample some?” The earth pony asked.
Twilight paused, looking down at her son. “Well, I guess we haven’t had lunch. But this just a small quick stop.”
“Then right this way!” Applejack exclaimed and pulled the unicorn over to a large table. “We here at Sweet Apple Acres love makin’ some new friends.”
Twilight paused. “F-friends? Actually, I-“
Skaterloo and Spike quickly followed the earth pony as she pulled Twilight along. They stopped in front of a large table. “Soups for everypony!” Applejack called out.
“Everypony?” Twilight asked.
Just before the earth pony could respond, a large group of ponies all surrounded the table. “Meet the Apple Family. Let me introduce ya to Everypony.” The earth pony exclaimed.
Twilight tried to say that they were in a hurry, Applejack’s charisma was unwavering and began introducing each of her family members.
“This here's some of mah cousins, Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp.” She paused taking a deep breath. “Mah older brother Big Macintosh, little sister Apple Bloom and grandma, Granny Smith. Up'n'attem, Granny, we got guests.”
The older mare woke up in slight confusion. “Eh! Guests?”
“This here’s Miss Twilight and her son, Skaterloo," Applejack introduced. "And, uhhhhhh, Ah didn’t catch yer name, little fella.” Applejack turned to the purple dragon, awkwardness lacing her voice.
“Spike.” The dragon simply replied.
The elder mare approached them getting a good look at the purple unicorn, “Well you don’t look like a mare who’d have a son. Especially one that looks to be around ten years old at the oldest.”
“He’s 8,” Twilight confirmed.
“Hey, that’s how old Ah am!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Well, you must have been a very active filly.” The older mare said with a slightly sly smirk.
Twilight felt her entire face heat up turning from its usual purple to bright hot pink.
Applejack in a mortified tone responded, “G-Granny ya can’t just say that!”
Skaterloo asked, “Mom what does she by ‘active’?”
Twilight blushed and patted his head. “I-I’ll tell you when you’re older.” She took and breath and faced the elder mare. “I adopted him when he was 5. I was 18.”
Applejack rubbed the back of her head. “Why did ya decide that, bein’ so young?”
Twilight sighed, “It’s a bit of a long story. Too long to explain here.”
“Are ya gonna stay fer brunch?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Yeah, Mom?” Skaterloo pleaded along with the filly.
Applejack adjusted her stetson. “Ya did say you haven’t had lunch yet.”
Twilight looked around, seeing the anticipated looks from the ponies around her. Their faces pleaded like the two foals. The unicorn sighed, “Ok. We’ll stay for a little while. But just for lunch.”
Hearing her answer, the large family cheered. Twilight walked back over to the table. “So what is there to eat exactly?”
Applejack ran down the samples her family had brought. Twilight noted that just about everything was apple-related. It’s was easy to see what the family’s main crop was on the farm giving it a very apt name.
Twilight attempting to make small talk, “Just out of curiosity, do you know somepony named Lyra Heartstrings?”
Applejack nodded. “Yep. She and Bon Bon come by now and then. Why do you ask? "Do you know her?”
“Yes. We‘ve been friends since we were fillies. We attended the Princess’ school together, although I was more focused on my studies at the time so we weren’t all that close at the time.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” a female voice chuckled.
Twilight straightened up slightly. Speak of the devil.
Just as the purple unicorn thought, her old friend was here.
“Hey Applejack,” Lyra greeted the earth pony.
Applejack waved. “Guess ya heard us talkin’ about you?”
The mint unicorn nodded before addressing Twilight, “So Twi, I wasn’t expecting you to come down to Ponyville. What brings you here?”
“Oh! The Princess assigned me to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration preparations and the food was here.” Twilight explained.
Looking around, the mint unicorn soon took notice of Skaterloo and Apple Bloom beside each other. “Looks like Skaterloo and Apple Bloom are becoming fast friends. Funny how easily he makes friends with who his mother is.” Lyra joked softly poking Twilight’s side.
“Yeah, I know.” Twilight deadpanned in response. “Besides that was me three years ago.”
Lyra nodded. “Yeah going from reading alone 7 days a week to 1 is definitely a lot better. Now, I’m gonna try and surprise Skates!”
Twilight slightly giggled watching the mint unicorn sneak behind her son, who was distracted by his conversation with Apple Bloom. With a comically exaggerated expression swung her head in front of the colt’s face.
Although he jumped in surprise at first, it was soon replaced with laughter when he realized it was his mother’s friend. The mint mare soon was overcome with laughter as well.
Twilight rolled her eyes in amusement.
[Later]
"Oooh," Twilight groggily groaned. “ I ate too much pie.”
Skaterloo jumped about with lots of energy.
“And you had too much sugar,” Twilight said, a mixture of amusement and scolding in her tone. “So, what's next Spike.”
Spike read a scroll and said, “It says here that a pegasus mare named Rainbow Dash is in charge of clearing the sky.”
Twilight looked up, seeing the sky still had plenty of clouds. “Well from the looks of things it wouldn’t surprise me if she hadn’t even started.”
Suddenly a loud voice called out, “INCOMING!”
Twilight tried to trace the voice, but by the time she saw the mare it came from, it was already too late to react. She was pushed along with the mare in her crash landing.
“Twilight!” Spike cried.
“Mom!” Skaterloo cried.
Twilight got up after she was knocked over, realizing she was covered in mud. She discovered a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane at her side.
“Heh heh. Sorry,” The cyan pegasus awkwardly apologized.
Twilight tried to shake the mud off herself, but it hung to her coat.
“Here, let me help,” The mare said, quickly grabbing a cloud and stomping on it, sending a powerful downpour onto the unicorn. It did wash off the mud, but now Twilight was completely drenched. She looked underneath the cloud. “Oh! Heh heh! Sorry went a little overboard,” she said.
Twilight softly growled only to hear Spike and Skaterloo quietly snickering to themselves.
“Just let me dry you off with my patented, Rainblow Dry!” The mare exclaimed flying around the unicorn fast.
The mare finished, realizing what her attempt to dry the unicorn had done. Rainbow managed to dry her, but also ended up frizzing her mane.
The pegasus chuckled before falling over, laughing. Soon, Spike and Skaterloo joined her laughter.
Twilight sighed very Annoyed, she responded, “Let me guess, you’re Rainbow Dash?”
The pegasus stood up and with a proud stance and tone replied, “The one and only! Why you heard of me?”
“No, I heard you were in charge of the weather for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight responded. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. I was assigned by Princess Celestia personally to oversee the preparations and form what I see, there’s still plenty of clouds in the sky.”
“Oh yeah! I’ll start that soon, first I‘m gonna finish practicing!”
“Practicing for what?” Skaterloo asked.
Rainbow turned seeing the orange pegasus, “Oh, who are you.”
“I’m Skaterloo Sparkle,” Skaterloo answered.
“Guess he's her brother.” Rainbow thought before she replied, “Well Skaterloo if you like to know, I'm practicing for the Wonderbolts.”
Twilight smirked. “The Wonderbolts, the greatest stunt flyers in Equestria?”
“Yep!” Rainbow confidently replied.
“And you think they’d let a mare who can’t even keep the sky clear for one simple, measly day in?” Twilight snidely remarked, “Sounds like the exact opposite of who they’d want.”
Her competitive nature took control of Rainbow and turned around in a flash. “Hey, I could get it cleared in ten seconds flat!”
“Ten seconds? Prove it!” Twilight replied, still in her snide tone.
“Fine. Just watch.” Rainbow said shooting up fast. “Loop de loop, Here, there annnnd WHAM!” the cyan pegasus exclaimed multiple times, swooping everywhere, not missing a single cloud, and returned to a very shocked unicorn. “What did I say Ten. Seconds. Flat! I’d never leave Ponyville hanging!”
Twilight just stared gobsmacked at what she’d just seen.
Rainbow laughed again, “Hahaha! You should see your face! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I hope we can hang out more. See ya around!”
Skaterloo with the same expression as his mother but more amazed than shocked exclaimed, “That. was. AMAZING!”
Twilight still stared shocked only to be snapped out of it by a voice, “Twilight?”
The purple unicorn turned to see her friends Minuette and Moondancer.
The two’s faces contorted, holding back laughter but the two eventually broke, “Hahahahaha! What happened to your mane!?” Minuette nearly fell over.
Moondancer had to let herself breathe before she said, “I’ve never seen a pony’s mane puff up that much.”
Twilight growled softly, “The pony in charge of clearing the sky happened. First, we both fell in the mud, then drenched me in rain and then spun all around me to create wind to dry me off and this is the result.”
“Wow! Talk about overzealous,” Moondancer said.
“So was that her just flying all over kicking every cloud?” Minuette asked.
Skaterloo smiled, “Yeah, wasn’t she amazing!”
“That’s putting it lightly. She did all of that in-“
Twilight interrupted, “Let me guess, ten seconds?”
Minuette nodded. “Exactly on the dot.”
Twilight internally shouted, “Of course it was.“
Moondancer changed the subject, “So what are you going to see next?”
“Well, we’ve seen food and weather. So next is decorations at Town Hall.” Spike read down the list, “Then the last is music.”
Twilight sighed, “Let’s continue, Town Hall should be close by.”
“So you’re staying in the library, right?” Moondancer asked.
Twilight nodded, “Yes, apparently the old librarian retired and moved out of town. Luckily, some pony has been taking care of it.”
“Good thing you won’t be staying in a dusty, run-down mess,” Minuette joked.
Moondancer adjusted her glasses. “So see you then?”
“We’ll all watch the sunrise together,” Twilight said. “After Nightmare Moon is defeated.”
The two groups parted. Moondancer and Minuette to explore the town like Twilight, Spike and Skaterloo to continued the unicorn’s tasks as the overseer of the Celebration.
The rest of the trip to the Town Hall was uneventful. Once they entered, they noticed the decorations were very elaborate and far along.
“Beautiful,” Spike said in a daydreaming tone.
Twilight smiled. “Looks like this will be easy.“
Skaterloo smiled. “Yeah, it is beautiful. The pony in charge must be a great artist.”
“Not the decor. Her!” the dragon pointed towards a white unicorn standing on the alter who seemed to be talking to herself.
The white mare kept levitating several pieces of fabric up to herself. “No, no, no! Dreadfully no!” she refused several different shades before picking one. “Hmmm! Perfect!”
“How are my spines?" Spike asked. "Are they straight? Are my scales shined good enough? Are my claws-“
Twilight rolled her eyes and approached the other unicorn. “Excuse me I’m-“
The white mare interrupted the purple unicorn, “Shhh Shhh! Just one moment please, I’m ‘in the zone’ as you could say.”
Twilight looked around her as Spike and Skaterloo walked to her sides. The mare made another attempt. “I’m Twilight Sparkle I-“
In her concentration, the unicorn heard the mare’s last name and got an idea, “Oh yes! Sparkles always works doesn’t it? Rarity you are a talent! Now what was it you-“ the unicorn seemingly named Rarity began before turning around and seeing the mare behind her but most of all her mane. “Oh! Darling what in Equestria happened to your coiffure?“
Twilight paused for a second from the unicorn’s unusual choice of vocabulary. “Oh, you mean my mane? It’s a long story, we're just here to check the decorations and we’ll be out of your hair.”
“Your mane? But what about YOUR mane!” Rarity exclaimed running up to the purple mare, practically pushing her.
“H-hey, wait where are you taking me?!” Twilight replied, “Help!”
Skaterloo quickly followed after the mare, taking his mother to Celestia knows where. He was soon followed by Spike who he almost had to drag out.
[Later]
Rarity had brought Twilight to a boutique she owned, named Carousel Boutique to straighten out Twilight’s frizzled mane. But now she was trying to find Twilight a new outfit for to which the purple unicorn wasn’t exactly thrilled about.
“No, too close to your coat, not close enough, too green, too..... shiny.” Rarity judged several outfits before continuing to tighten a gem stubbed saddled onto Twilight, “Now my dear, you were telling me where you’re from.”
“I’ve.... been sent.... from... egg!....” Twilight choked before she could finish her sentence.
Skaterloo came up to the mare. “Ummm We came from Canterlot.”
Rarity suddenly let go of the saddle’s strap which nearly sent Twilight flying across the room like she was thrown.
“Oh, Canterlot! I'm so jealous! You’re from the most glamorous, sophisticated city in all Equestria?! I’ve always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it, every detail. We’re going to be the best of friends you and I... I’m guessing this young gentlecolt is your brother.”
“Why do ponies always think he’s my brother.” Twilight thought, shaking her head. “He’s my adopted son,” the unicorn clarified.
Rarity’s eyes widened bigger than she thought they could, “Son? He doesn’t look much older than 8 like my younger sister.”
Twilight slightly nodded. “He’s 8.”
“Now there are two new friendships: yours and mine and my sister and your son. It’s perfect!”
Twilight was a little taken aback by the mare’s overeagerness.
Rarity smiled until she looked down at the gems embedded in the saddle, “Hm Emeralds. What I was thinking!? Rubies would be much better with your coat.” The white unicorn turned away.
Twilight turned, grabbing Spike and Skaterloo, “Quick before she decides to die my coat a new colour!”
Just as fast as they were brought in, the trio made their exit, leaving the white unicorn to rummage through her supplies to find the red gemstones she mentioned.
After her ‘retreat’, Twilight returned to her tasks. There was only one more preparation left to check. Which seemed to take place in a park.
Spike sighed, still distracted by his newly developed crush. “She’s perfect,” the dragon thought aloud.
Twilight was impatient but said in a sarcastic tone, “Focus, Casanova.”
Skaterloo paced faster to meet his mother’s stride. “She was interesting.”
“That’s putting it lightly. I wore more gowns in our time there than I’ve worn in my entire life.”
Their discussion halted when they heard a song growing louder in their ears. It was the sound of birds singing in unison. It definitely seemed rehearsed, not just some flock tweeting after another.
As the mother and son followed the song, Spike slipped off Twilight’s back. The unicorn and pegasus found what they were looking for: a bare tree with many different birds perched on its branches with a yellow pegasus conducting them. Twilight smiled stepped up to the yellow mare, “Hello-“
The pegasus let out a surprised squeak from the voice suddenly greeting her from behind. After the pegasus’ squeak, the birds flew away in surprise.
Twilight realizing she had scared both the birds and the pegasus, apologized, “Oh! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you or your birds. I was just here to check on the music preparations and from what I heard it’s coming along beautifully.” She received only silence from the pegasus, looking away shyly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’m here to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. What’s your name?”
“I’m F-Fluttershy.” the pegasus spoke but only managed a mumbling response.
Twilight turned to Skaterloo after he’d stepped up beside her he only shook his head knowing she was going to ask if he heard the pegasus.
“Umm. Could you repeat that?” Twilight asked a little awkwardly.
“M-My name is Fluttershy.”
“Didn’t quite catch that,” Twilight replied
The pegasus tried again but only managed an unintelligible squeaking sound.
Soon the birds that had flown away returned to their branches on the tree.
Twilight, feeling awkward attempted to finish the interaction. “Oooook! Looks like your birds came back. Just keep up the good work with the music.”
The unicorn slid away her son following behind her.
Spike caught up after coming back to reality from his daydreaming. “Hey Twilight, Skaterloo-“
“Oh! A baby dragon!” The pegasus exclaimed. The pegasus flew right past Twilight and Skaterloo. The two fully fell over from the mare, practically blowing them down from flying past them. “I’ve never seen a real baby dragon before!”
With a sly tone, Spike responded, “Well, well, well!”
The yellow pegasus continued her excitement, “He can talk too? I want to know everything about you!”
Twilight sighed as Skaterloo helped her to her hooves. “Ok if the music is done. Let’s get going,” she said, levitating the dragon onto her back.
“W-wait! What’s his name?”
“My name is Spike.” The drake said simply.
“Hi, Spike! I’m Fluttershy!” The mare introduced herself, “Tell me everything about you!”
“Well, I started as a purple egg-“ Spike began.
[Later]
While the drake literally told his life story, Twilight walked to the address of where she would stay for the night. The walk took a fair enough time that the sun was close to setting.
”And that's the story of my entire life." Spike concluded. "Well except today. “
“Oh! Can you tell me about today?” Fluttershy asked.
Twilight stopped when they reached the entrance of the place she’d be staying, The Golden Oak Library. A building built inside an oak tree. “Ooooooh! We’re here this where the three of us will be staying here in Ponyville. I’m sure Spike is really tired.”
“Wait, I’m not-“ Spike tried but found himself falling off the unicorn’s back.
In a slight motherly tone, Twilight continued, “Aww! Look he’s so tired he can even keep his wittle bawance!”
His mother’s overly cutesy inflection made Skaterloo chuckle, having to hold back a fit of laughter.
Spike glared at Skaterloo after hearing his chuckle.
Fluttershy on the other hand didn’t hear a thing. “Oooh! Poor thing, you need to get him to bed before it gets too late!”
Twilight smiled. “Be right on that!”
Skaterloo waved. “See you!”
The three entered the library and found themselves in darkness.
“Rude much?” Spike asked.
Twilight sighed, “Sorry, but right now I need to know how to defeat Nightmare Moon and it will be easier without a bunch of crazy ponies tackling me trying to make friends. Now I’ll just light my horn so we can find-“
Before Twilight could find the lights, she nearly screamed when the light suddenly lit up she found herself surrounded by ponies.
“SURPRISE!” Suddenly, the pink mare from earlier appeared.
Twilight was shocked and slightly angry her albeit temporary home was filled with ponies when she just wanted to have some quiet time.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie," the pink mare introduced herself. "I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised!? Were you, were you!?” The pink earth pony said seemingly without taking a single breath.
Twilight, trying not to cause a scene, responded, “Very, I was expecting this place to be quiet.” She moved away from Pinkie, hoping the pink mare would understand her discomfort.
Pinkie followed her. “Well, that’s silly! What kind of welcome party would it be if it were quiet. I mean duh! Boooooring! I always throw a big exciting party for everypony in Ponyville. So I saw you earlier you know when you said ‘Hello’ then I realized I’d never seen you before and I was like-“ the mare stopped and mimicked her exaggerated gasp. “If I didn’t know you, then that meant you were new because I know everypony here and if you were new that means you don’t know anypony and that means you didn’t have any friends! Then I saw four other new ponies and wanted to throw a party for all of them too. So I invited EVERYPONY in Ponyville so now you and they have lots and lots of new friends!” The mare explained as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy surrounded her.
Twilight sighed, looking around and found a table with a few cups and bottles of drinks while the mare behind her went on. The mare grabbed a red bottle. But as she began to slurp it down, she found it wasn’t a beverage, it was hot sauce!
The unicorn felt her head heat up like it was on fire, causing tears to nearly steam out of her eyes. The stress of the situation became too much and she ran up the stairs into the living area of the library.
Pinkie being oblivious to the unicorn’s frustration said, “Aww! She’s so happy she’s crying!”
Skaterloo was confused why his mother responded to the drink like that. She wasn’t allergic to anything. The colt turned the bottle around, “Hot sauce?” he read, “But there are only sweets here why-” his thought was interrupted by Pinkie pushing the bottle and covered a cupcake in the spicy liquid.
“Ooooh!” The mare smiled before cramping the whole treat into her mouth.
After getting confused and some disgusted looks from the others around her, she replied, “What? It’s good.”
Skaterloo was still confused, especially when the other four mares from earlier just brushed it off.
“Hey Skates!” two voices shouted to get the colt’s attention.
The orange pegasus turned to see Lemon Hearts and Minuette squeaking through the crowd of ponies. With a smile, he ran to his mother’s friends.
Rainbow turned to Applejack, “So that little guy is her little brother, right?”
Applejack shook her head, “No, apparently he’s her adopted son.”
“Wait what!?” Rainbow nearly screamed, “Just how old is she? She didn’t seem any older than us!”
“She said she adopted him when she was 18 and he was 5. He’s 8 now so she’s 21.”
“Heh!” was all Rainbow could say.
The party went on and on much to Twilight’s annoyance. At least the door was muffling the overly loud music.
The door opened with Spike coming in. “Hey Twilight! Pinkie’s starting a game of ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’. You should join us.”
Twilight turned. “No! All these ponies are CRAZY! Tell them I’ll come down when it’s QUIET! Do you even know what time it is!”
Spike simply replied, “It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up or they’ll miss Princess Celestia raise the sun. Come on, lighten up Twilight. It’s a party and everyone celebrates loud today!”
Twilight still frustrated internally, repeated the ‘lighten up’ part a bit mockingly.
Not hearing the unicorn’s response, the dragon left muffling the music again.
Twilight sighed looking up at the moon the silhouette of mare clearly visible. “And here I thought I could learn all about the Elements of Harmony and how to help the Princess stop Nightmare Moon. Silly me all this ridiculous having to make friends stuff has to be more important than the potential fate of the entire country!” the mare ranted to no one in particular be. The legend of Nightmare Moon repeated in her head, “On the longest day of the 1000th year of the younger sister’s banishment the stars would aid in her escape and she would return to bring a nightmare eternal.” with that thought her mine drifted to Skaterloo how it affects him if Nightmare Moon returned. “I hope I’m wrong. I hope it is just an old mare’s tale.”
Skaterloo came into the room happily informing his mother, “Hey Mom! It’s almost time for the sunrise!”
Twilight perked from her bed. “Ok.”
The sunrise would be viewed from the town hall. The Princess would be there with her and a good number of Royal Guards, it should be the safest place in Equestria for that time. Hopefully.
Twilight managed to find her Canterlot friends standing amongst the crowd at the town hall. “So girls how did your day go?”
Moondancer smiled. “It went good.”
Minuette nodded. “Yeah, you should have come out of that room. That was a great party.”
Twilight internally sighed
“Hey!” Pinkie suddenly jumped beside Twilight. “I’m so excited for the sunrise! I’ve never been so excited except when I first saw you five but who could top meeting five new friends!”
“Yeah, that is hard to top,” Minuette responded.
At that moment, Fluttershy’s birds sang their fanfare for the ceremony to begin.
A light brown mane with grey mane stood in front of the crowd. “Fillies and Gentlecolts as Mayor of Ponyville, I, Mayor Mare, am greatly honoured to announce that Summer Sun Celebration is about to begin! In just a few moments we will all witness the magic of Princess Celestia raising the sun! Then we will celebrate the longest day of the year! Now may we all have the honour of welcoming our beloved ruler, the mare who brings us both the night and day, the wise, bringer of harmony throughout the land.....”
No one even took a breath to break the silent anticipation.
“Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare exclaimed at last.
Fluttershy motioned her birds to sing again, as Rarity pulled open the currents to reveal... nothing.
In a near reversal of the room’s previous state, confused murmurs got louder and louder. Before anyone could get too wild, Mayor Mare assured, “Now, Now Everypony, I'm sure there’s a reasonable explanation for this.”
Pinkie smiled. “Oh! Oh! Maybe she’s hiding!”
Rarity checked the room the Princess was supposed to be in. It was more a formality so it was just a room with one staircase so no one can hide in. “Sh-she's GONE!”
Twilight panicked and looked at the moon the silhouette that had been ingrained on the surface for years had disappeared. The moon was almost bare except for some visible craters.
“It’s real,” Twilight thought aloud, “Skaterloo stay close to me.”
Skaterloo was a little taken aback; his mother was usually a serious pony but this was different somehow. She was a lot more stern than she ever had before and almost fearful. The colt nodded and stepped closer to the unicorn clutching her forehoof in his.
At that moment, a dark blue cloud began to swirl around the altar where the Princess would have stood. In mere seconds, the cloud rose revealing an alicorn her mane was the cloud that had appeared and her coat was black as night.
“N-Nightmare Moon!” Twilight exclaimed to herself.
Spike fainted from shock.
Nightmare Moon chuckled, looking down on the ponies below. “Oh, my beloved subjects, it's been too long since I’ve seen your pitiful sun-loving faces!”
Rainbow shouted drawing everyone’s attention, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO OUR PRINCESS!?”
Applejack grabbed the pegasus’ tail holding her back. “Whoa there nelly!”
Nightmare glared at them. “Your ‘Princess? Am I not royal enough for you? Do you know who I am?”
Pinkie raised her hoof. “Oh! More guessing games! I know you’re Hokey Smokes? No! Queen Meanie? No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty-“ the mare guessed before she was stopped by Applejack covering her mouth with a hoof.
With a growl, the black alicorn responded, “Does my crown mean nothing? Do I not count as a Princess after 1000 years!” After getting some confused looks and murmurs from the ponies below, Nightmare Moon continued moving from Fluttershy to Rarity, her flowing mane flicking their faces, “Did you not hear the legend given to you? Did you not see the signs of my return?”
Twilight pulled Skaterloo close to keep him as safe as she possibly could. “I did! I know who you are! You’re the Mare in the Moon! Nightmare Moon!”
The entire crowd gasped.
“Y-you mean that old tale is true?” Mayor Mare asked, “The silhouette was a mare?”
“Just look at the moon!” Twilight said simply,
Most of the crowd did so only to gasp and some even a scream to see the silhouette they’d always seen had disappeared completely. No trace even visible.
Nightmare Moon laughed, “Wonderful. Somepony knows of me? So you must also know what my goal for Equestria is!
Twilight gulped, “You’re here to-to-“
Nightmare Moon smiled evilly. “Remember the sun today ponies because you will never see it again. You thought you were celebrating the longest day but that is not the case. The day will never come again! From now on the night will last FOREVER!”
The mare’s magic created thunder while her laugh echoed through the hall. Foals hid behind their parents. Skaterloo had tears peeking out of his eyes while he hid behind Twilight. Despite them trying to comfort the younger ponies the adults were just as terrified.
