> Our New Queen
>  by Miner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Our future is at stake.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been weeks since Queen Chrysalis was defeated at her hive. Now the changelings were ruled by Thorax and his brother Pharynx, and peace had been made between changelings and ponies. Relationships between ponies and changelings were improving, and the future was looking bright for them all. However, a meeting was called between the rulers of the lands on Thorax’s behalf to meet in Canterlot to discuss the future of the changelings in Equestria.

Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, was accompanied by her student and friend Starlight Glimmer and the two of them had already taken their seats as they waited for the rulers of Equestria to make their way into the room. Twilight could see Princess Celestia alongside her sister Princess Luna sitting on the side of the table opposite to her. Twilight had asked earlier if her friends could join her in this meeting, but she was told that only Starlight could accompany her, as the conference hall was already going to be full as it was. The rest of her friends would have to wait in one of the many guest rooms of the castle until the meeting was over. Twilight turned to face Starlight.

"What do you think this is all about?" She asked her as Starlight scratched her head trying to come up with an answer,

"I am not sure, but if Thorax wants an audience with all of the rulers of Equestria, then something is definitely wrong." As soon as Starlight was done talking, the doors to the room opened up, and the other rulers of Equestria began to take their seats.

Ember, the Dragon Lord, flew into the room and landed smoothly on her chair with a grumpy look on her face. Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan walked casually to his seat and moved it out of the way for being too small for him to use. Last but not least, Grampa Gruff from Griffinstone. Though he was not technically the ruler of the Griffins, he was the only one willing to represent them. Looking around, Twilight noticed that they were short a few leaders.

"Is there no word from Queen Novo?" Twilight addressed the two rulers of the ponies present besides herself.

"She did send us a letter." Princess Luna said, opening up a scroll in front of her with her magic. "She said that for some reason they have been finding ponies and other creatures throwing trash in their waters and that she has every available Hippogriff looking into it. And will not be able to send a representative to this meeting. She apologizes for the inconvenience, but her seaponies come first."

"Oh, I was just wondering," Twilight said.

Just then the leader who called for this meeting entered the conference room: Thorax, along with his brother Pharynx.

Not wanting to wait any longer Ember spoke up, "Okay, let's get this over with," she grumbled as she slid down in her seat, "What is this about?"

"Dragon ruler sounds hangry." Prince Rutherford said, looking in Ember’s direction.

"That’s because I am!" Ember shouted to the ceiling, "You all called this meeting in the middle of my lunchtime. Who does that!"

"My apologies Ember," Thorax said, lowering his head a little for costing someone their lunchtime, "I didn't mean to cause you any inconvenience, but I...," Thorax stopped mid-sentence when his brother glared at him, "Uh... we" Thorax corrected himself as Pharynx nodded "need your help."

"What troubles you, my friends?" Princess Celestia asked gently, prompting Thorax to continue.

"As you are all aware, I am the new leader of the changelings."

"And your point is?" Grampa Gruff said annoyedly before coughing, which caused the leaders sitting nearest to him to lean away from him a little.

"My point is that my hive has no future with me as its ruler."

"Oh Thorax," Ember spoke up while moving next to him, "You are being too hard on yourself. You will get the hang of it." she said as she gave him a slap on the back, which caused him almost to lose his balance.

"I agree with Dragon Ruler," Prince Rutherford added, "Changeling can't just become good ruler in first month. It takes time before you become a good ruler."

"You all don't understand. That is not what I mean," Thorax began to say before being interrupted by his brother.

"Let me have a go at this," Pharynx said to his brother before addressing everyone in front of him. "What my brother is trying to say is that in due time, the changelings of Equestria will become extinct."

This caused everypony to gasp in shock, and the other species had mixed reactions from dumbstruck stares to coughing fits.

"What is the reason for this?" Twilight asked.

"The reason is that we don't have a Queen anymore," Thorax replied, but no one in the room understood. They looked at each other, trying to understand what he was going on about.

"I do not follow," Ember said, confused.

Pharynx shook his head at their lack of knowledge then cleared his throat, "Every hive has one egg-laying queen. When she is unable to bear any more changelings or if she dies, a new queen is found to replace her."

"And Chrysalis was your egg-laying queen," Starlight said, understanding what they were getting at.

"We obviously can't become the new queen since we are boys. We don't have the parts to make new changelings."

"But then how was Chrysalis made the Queen?" Luna asked curiously.

"She did what the other princesses did before her. She mated with other members of the hive to make more changelings when her time came." Pharynx said causing some of the other rulers to turn green at the idea. Pharynx rolled his eyes that this before continuing to tell them how things worked for changelings, "That’s how it has always been. It’s perfectly natural for a Princess Changeling to mate with another member of the same hive to make a new hive. Don't ask me how that can work. I just know that it can."

Celestia first settled down on her stomach before asking them a question, "So what is the problem then?"

"We don't have a princess changeling to take on such a role," Thorax said.

"How is that possible?" Ember asked, knowing that Chrysalis must have borne at least one princess sometime in her life.

"I could go into the details of how Chrysalis made sure any of her princesses couldn't take on the role of queen," Pharynx said, "but let's just say that she made sure that they couldn't have any children."

"If that the case, then what can we do to help you?" Ember spoke up, "Do you want us to find Chrysalis and bring her back to make more changelings?"

"That won't work," Thorax said while shaking his head after already considering the idea earlier, "For she can no longer bare any more changelings. We were going to be the last."

"Now that is a problem," Twilight said before making a quill and scroll appear before her and writing down any ideas on how to help her new friends.

"But you wouldn't have called us here without a plan, would you?" Princess Celestia said as Thorax nodded his head.

"There is a way to make a new queen from another species by transforming them into a princess changeling. Then she can become the next queen of the hive. However, the procedure can't be reversed, and that is not the hard part."

"What is the hard part?" Luna asked.

"The hard part is finding a female willing to give up her life as her native species and become a changeling for the rest of her life. That is just part one."

"There is more?" Ember spoke up,

"Yes. The female's physical structure must also closely resemble that of a changeling to maximize the chances of success."

"So what you are saying is that you need a female whose body build is like that of a changeling," Celestia said.

"In other words, you are in need of a mare?" Luna said, finishing up for her sister.

"Yes, your highness," Thorax said.

"If that is the case then what are those whose species are shaped nothing like changelings doing here then!?" Ember asked with some smoke escaping her mouth.

"I am wondering that myself." Thorax then turned to his brother, "Pharynx, why did you invite Ember and Prince Rutherford here?"

"I thought that they would get mad if they were left out of a meeting that had most of the other rulers in it."

"That makes sense," Thorax said as Ember kept grousing to herself half-heartedly, "And that is why we are here your highness. We are in need of a mare for the future of the changelings."

"If I am not mistaken," Celestia said, "This mare will no doubt become your wife as well, Thorax?"

"Oh, yes," Thorax said, blushing a little, "that is correct."

"Then the mare we would be looking for would have to be somepony who is comfortable with changelings."

"Yes."

"She would also have to be somepony who you can trust," Luna continued.

"That would be preferred."

"She would also have to be smart enough to handle the responsibility of being queen," Ember said.

"That is true."

"She would also have to be single without many family obligations. That way there won’t be too many ponies worrying overmuch about her," Grampa Gruff said.

"I can see your point there."

"She would also need to have a good mind to remember every changeling's name," Prince Rutherford continued.

"Yes."

"And if she so happens to be of royal blood then that would be a plus," Celestia said with a smile.

"That's quite the standard there, Princess Celestia," Thorax replied, "and not to mention a royal as well. Where could you find a pony like that?"

Everyone in the room save for Thorax slowly looked over to Twilight, who was busy writing down the standards of the mare they needed to find. It took her a few seconds to notice that everyone had stopped talking. She looked up from her paper and saw the eyes of all the rulers of the lands looking at her. Twilight checked behind herself to see if something was behind her but saw nothing. That was when she noticed that Starlight had moved away from her at one point and was now next to Thorax. Twilight started to get nervous as to why they were all staring at her.

"Uh did I miss something?"
> All in favor...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Twilight, could you wait outside for a bit?" Celestia asked her student, making her confused.

"Why, did I do something wrong?"

"Not yet," Ember replied.

"Please, Twilight, just humor us for a little bit."

"Okay," Twilight said, confused as to what was going on.

Once the doors closed behind her, Celestia turned to one of the nearby guards.

"Do not let Twilight out of your sight understand?"

"Yes, your highness," the guard replied, stepping out of the room.

"Are you serious about this Princess Celestia?" Thorax asked, rubbing the back of his neck, "I mean she is one of your best friends and a fellow princess of Equestria."

"What’s the wrong Thorax?" Ember said, nudging him with an elbow, "Getting cold hooves all of a sudden?"

"Kind of," Thorax said, getting embarrassed at the thought of marrying Twilight. "I mean we are basically looking for my future wife for crying out loud, and Twilight, well, she’s..."

"Beautiful?" Luna asked,

"Smart?" Ember continued,

"Trustworthy?" Prince Rutherford pressed,

"A perfect match for you?" Celestia said before Thorax could answer,

"A stranger to me," He took in a deep breath before continuing, "I mean sure we are friends, but I never thought about her like that."

"How else do you think ponies or creatures fall in love in the first place?" Celestia said, "They find someone that interests them and try to woo them."

"Speaking of love," Luna spoke up, "Where is the Princess of Love herself?"

"She was supposed to be here. I wonder what is keeping her?"

Just then said pony came rushing into the room passing by Twilight and closing the door behind her.

"Sorry for being late everypony. It took longer than expected to get here. Flurry Heart hasn't been feeling well lately. What did I miss?"





Twilight had her ear pressed against the door, trying to hear what was going on inside.

'What are they all talking about? I can't hear a thing.' Twilight thought to herself, not noticing the guard behind her shaking his head until he spoke.

"Her Highness does realize that the doors to the conference room have magical enchantments to prevent those outside from hearing the conversation within does she not?"

Twilight blushed at that and moved away from the door. Now she just felt silly. Of course, they would have something like that on these doors. This was the conference room of Canterlot Castle, where the Princesses dealt with all meetings in Equestria, after all. 

"My mistake. I just what to know why they asked me to leave, then turned around and let Cadence inside, but still won’t let me back in?" Twilight then started pacing in front of the guard, "I mean we are talking about the future of the changelings here! I have to be in there to help them with such an important decision. I am a Princess of Equestria after all. And of Friendship no less. Why do they still treat me like a little filly?" Twilight said while she stomped the floor with her front hooves three times before resuming her pacing, "I have helped save Equestria more times than anypony ever has. I have the right to be part of this conversation!" Twilight then sat down on the floor.

"Are you done, your highness?" The guard asked her, to which she nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I am done."

"Then would you like to come back inside?" Celestia asked from the doorway.

Twilight jumped to her hooves to face her mentor. Twilight let out an embarrassed laugh as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Ah, how long were you standing there?"

"Long enough. Now then, would you come inside?"

"Yes, please."





In one of the guest rooms of Canterlot, the rest of the mane six along with Spike waited patiently for the return of their friends.

"What do you think they are talking about in there?" Pinkie Pie asked the others while jumping on the bed.

"Who knows?" Rainbow Dash answered while lying across on one of the couches in the room. "Most likely, what is going to happen is that they have a crazy dangerous mission to send us on so we can fix some world-threatening problem or something."

"Can we not think about something like that?" Fluttershy said from her seat next to Rarity where they were having a small tea party.

"Sorry Shy, but that is just all they ever call us to meetings like this for."

"That is true Rainbow Dash," Rarity said after pouring herself some tea and taking a small sip, "But this is the first time they’ve ever let us be nearby when such a meeting is being done."

"Rarity does have a point," Applejack said from nearby the window, "Normally they have Twilight come to Canterlot by her lonesome. I wonder what’s different this time?"

"Maybe they just wanted us here to save Twilight the trouble of going back to Ponyville to get us," Spike said from the nearby door.

"Maybe," Rainbow got up from the couch, "but then why was Starlight able to attend the meeting and not us?"

Just then a colossal scream was heard across the castle in the voice of a pony to familiar to them all.

"WHAT!"

This scream caused poor Fluttershy to duck under the bed, along with Spike and Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash flew up to cling to the ceiling and Applejack hid behind the couch while Rarity was instead trying to clean spilled tea from her coat.

"Goodness, what was that?" Rarity asked as she looked at each of her friends while they slowly came out of their hiding places.

"Did somepony die?" Pinkie asked.

"Naw, I reckon somepony just got the shock of their life," Applejack said as Rainbow landed back on the couch.

"Am I the only one who noticed that it was Twilight’s voice just now?" Spike asked worriedly, prompting everypony to nod, "Just checking."

"Okay if I wasn't worried about what they were doing before, I am now," Rainbow said as the others also showed signs of concern.

Before they could act, the doors to the room opened up, and Princess Cadence entered the room smiling, "Girls do I have something to tell you."
> ...Say Aye.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rulers of Equestria were still rubbing their ears at Twilight's earlier outburst when Celestia spoke up again. "Twilight please calm down."

"How can I!? You all want me to become the Queen of Changelings for the rest of my life!"

"And to marry Thorax," Luna added.

"Luna, you are not helping," Celestia hissed.

"I don't believe this!"

"Twilight we wouldn't be asking you to do this if we didn't feel like you couldn’t handle this."

"But... but... but..." Twilight was panicking and thought of the first thing in her mind to get her out of this situation, "Why not have Starlight do it then? She can handle it. I can testify to that."

"Don't drag me into this!" Starlight said, getting up from the floor, "I already have a love life."

Twilight looked back at her student who started to stutter, “I...I... I mean that I am not interested in marrying Thorax at all. Hehe.”

"Twilight, please. We are not forcing you to do this," Celestia clarified, moving next to her friend, "We are simply asking you if you would consider it. Remember, the mare we must find has to be a willing one."

"I know," Twilight said, looking down at the floor before looking back to her mentor, "It’s just that I have never failed any mission you have ever given me before. And I feel like this might be the first."

Celestia then hugged Twilight. "Twilight if you don't want to do this then you don't have to. I won't hold it against you if you don't. You were just our first choice in finding a mare to handle such a responsibility," she pulled away from Twilight to look into her eyes, "Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," Twilight said, going quiet for a few seconds before speaking up, "Can you give me a day to think it over?"

"Of course, Twilight. Take all the time you need,” Celestia gave Twilight a soft smile. “But don't take too long."

"Thank you. Can I be excused?"

"Yes, Twilight."

Twilight then left the room with Starlight following close behind her. Once they left, Ember then started up the conversation again.

"What was that, Celestia?" Ember said, standing up from her seat, "You gave her a way out. Why did you do that?"

Celestia then gave a stern look at Ember. "We cannot force her into loving somepony that she doesn't want to love. Our only hope is that she will want to give it a try. If not, we’ll start looking for another suitable mare."

"But the changelings can't wait forever." Grampa Gruff said.

"I know that, but if I know Twilight, she will come around. In the meantime. Thorax."

"Yes," Thorax replied.

"How capable are you at courting a lady?"

"We are doomed." Pharynx said.

"HAY! I resent that."

"Need I remind you of the time you tried to get a girlfriend only to end up in the trash?"

"You didn't have to bring that up!"

"I’m assuming then that you don't know how to woo a female properly?" Ember asked.

"No," Thorax said, sinking in his chair.

"Then we’ve got some work to do," Celestia said, "Even if Twilight accepts the offer, we need to make sure that you can woo any mare you set your mind to."

"But then why did Cadence leave?" Prince Rutherford asked.

"She went to get reinforcements to help motivate Twilight's decision."

"She just wants to see her sister in law get married, doesn't she?" Luna said.

"Does there need to be any other reason?"





"Are you okay, Twilight?" Starlight asked her mentor as she looked out of a window at the buildings down below the castle.

Twilight then let out a heavy sigh as she looked at her student. "No Starlight. No, I am not," They then begin walking down the hallway. "You see Starlight. Whenever something important happened in Equestria. I have away found a way to get through it with the help of my friends. Like when Nightmare Moon or Discord returned. It was hard, but together we pulled through. And then there are times when I had to do things on my own. Like when Tirek took my friends away. And I had to give up the magic of four Alicorns to get them back. But no matter what has happened, we always found a way to beat them. But this is not the case anymore. There is no villain to beat this time. For once in my life, I must make a life-changing decision, and the entire changeling race is relying on my decision for their future."

"But you heard Celestia. If you don't want to do it, then they will find somepony else to do it. You don't have to put this all on yourself."

"That’s just it, Starlight! What if the pony they find can't handle it? What if she turns out just as bad as Chrysalis, or worse? Or what if they can't find another mare that is willing to do it?"

"Then they will keep searching. Celestia is not going to sit around when an entire species needs her help."

"And that’s the thing. I know she wouldn't sit around. She would do it herself if she could. But the relationship with the changelings won't be the greatest if ponies start thinking that they only joined us in order to turn our leader into a changeling."

"I see what you are getting at, but what does that matter to you? After all, you’re going to decline their offer."

This caused Twilight to stop in the middle of the hall and look at her student. "What?"

Starlight looked back at Twilight, confused by her actions. "You are going to say no, right, Twilight?"

"Well," Twilight started, only to look away.

"What!? You’re considering it?! Why?"

"They are counting on me Starlight."

"Twilight! nopony is forcing you to do anything!" Starlight started shouting at her, "And alright, I should probably be the one they asked for help with this since I was a big part of getting rid of their Queen in the first place!" Starlight then calmed down and looked away, "But I’m not."

"Would you do it, Starlight?" Twilight asked her after a moment of silence.

"What?"

Twilight looked Starlight in the eyes. "If they asked you to become the new Queen of Changelings. Would you do it?"

"No," Starlight said, shaking her head, "No, I wouldn't. I care for the changelings very much. They are my friends. But I already have somepony in mind that I want to spend the rest of my life with. I just can't bring myself to tell him how I feel about him."

"I see. Then let's go see how the girls are doing. I need some more advice."

"That’s a good idea."
> I have made my decision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight had just entered the room where her friends were staying and was greeted with warm hugs. She was surprised to see that Cadence was also present. 

"Hello, Twilight."

"Cadence what are you doing here?"

"I came here for the conference of course," Cadence said, hugging Twilight.

"I know that," Twilight said laughing a little and broke the hug. "But what are you doing here with my friends?"

"I just wanted to save you the trouble of telling your friends what is going on."

"Oh," Twilight then looks at her friends. "So your girls already know." 

They all nodded, and Fluttershy was the first to speak up. "So what are you going to do Twilight?"

"I am not sure."

"I don't blame you," Rarity said, "I mean, that’s quite a request they are asking of you."

"Just so you know sugar cube," Applejack reassured Twilight gently, "We are with you with any decision you make."

"Really?"

"It’s your life, Twilight," Rainbow chimed in, "You should live it the way you want to. And nopony or creature can make you say otherwise."

"Thanks, girls."

"So let's find out what is making you have problems making a decision." Pinkie said,

"Well, I am not sure if I can handle saying no to the changelings. And I am not sure if I can become the Queen that they need."

"Alright then Twilight, let's get that sorted out right now," Rarity said, "We already know that they will respect whatever your decision will be. So chin up and stop feeling sad about it."

"Okay."

"Next off, we know for a fact that you can handle being a queen," Rainbow told Twilight like she was stating the obvious.

"What?" Everypony blurted together.

"Oh come on, girls. We all know that she’s already doing something like a queen's duty at the school. We just don't call her that."

"You think I already act like a Queen?" Twilight asked, blushing a little at the statement.

"More or less," Rainbow said, "The only difference is the number of lives you are in charge of."

"That’s not helping."

"Hey, I’m only stating what you’ve already been doing."

"Also let's not forget that we can help them find another mare if Twilight says no," Fluttershy added.

"Yeah, and who do you think they’re going to ask next?" Rainbow flew up into the air, "Us, that's who!"

"I can see your point there," Rarity said.

"Well then let's ask every mare here what they would say if given a chance to become Queen," Twilight said.

"I already said no," Starlight pointed out.

"No way," Rainbow all but shouted.

"Sorry, dear." Rarity said while failing to suppress a cringe.

"Enope," Applejack stated bluntly.

"I am married," Cadence supplied unhelpfully.

"I don't think so," Fluttershy whispered.

"Well..." Pinkie began to say.

"Yes, Pinkie?" Twilight asked her friend.

"Hum? Oh, I was thinking about what I should eat for dinner tonight. I don't think I would like to be a changeling. But then again, If I was, then I could always hide in plain sight and throw surprise parties for everypony! Whenever I wanted!"

"And that’s a big NO for Pinkie Pie," Rainbow Dash said.

"Agreed!" Everypony else said together, not wanting to imagine what life would be like if Pinkie became a changeling, let alone the Queen.

"Aw."

"But that means we are right back where we started!" Twilight whined in frustration.

"I think you girls are avoiding the biggest problem here," Cadence said as she waved out a hoof, getting the attention of everypony in the room.

"And what might that be Cadence?" Rarity asked.

"Can we find a mare that can love Thorax?"

"Oh, right."

"In case you girls have forgotten, the mare that we find must be willing. So for the most part what is going to happen is that mares are going to date Thorax first to see if they can love him. They will only become Queen if they do."

"That makes more sense." Applejack said.

"So this just means Twilight was the first mare they wanted Thorax to date?" Pinkie asked.

"In a nutshell, yes."

"So what’s the problem then?" Rainbow blurted, "Twilight’s just going to have to go on a date with him."

"What!?" Twilight asked, alarmed.

"It’s just a date Twilight. If you don't feel a connection on the date, then you don't love him, and that solves your whole problem."

"I will have to agree with Rainbow on this one dear," Rarity said, "If the two of you don't feel any love between each other then there is nothing in Equestria that can change that."

"You know what, you’re both right."

"So then what are you waiting for?" Cadence said, "Go give them your answer on what you want to do."

"I will, and thank you, girls."

Twilight then left the room as the others looked among each other.

"Who wants to bet that this won't work out?" Rainbow asked her friends.

"I’ll bet 40 bits that they kiss on the first date," Cadence said slyly.

"You’re on!" Rainbow shook Cadence’s hoof. After shaking on it, a thought just occurred to her on who she just made a bet with. "Wait."

"Too late."

"Dang it!"





The rulers of the Equestria were just about to leave for the day when Twilight re-entered the council room.

"I have come to a decision."

"Already?" Celestia said, "But Twilight you haven't used up your whole day yet. Are you sure you have made your final decision?"

"Yes. But I want to make one thing perfectly clear. First off I want to go on a date with Thorax, and If I don't feel anything between us, then I will not become his queen."

"That is a fair condition," Luna spoke up, "Thorax, what is your say on this?"

"I don't have any problem with it," Thorax said, "In fact, I would prefer it. This way, I can at least get the chance to fall in love with my future queen before we make it official."

"Then, it is settled. Twilight and Thorax will date for one week, and on the final day she will make her decision." Celestia then looked at Twilight. "Is this alright with you, Twilight?"

"That will be more than enough time. We will start with the first date at 10 am at Ponyville. Thorax, meet me at my castle to start the date then."

"I will see you then Twilight," Thorax said as everyone in the room started to leave for the day.

"Why was I here again?" Ember asked.
> The first date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rarity I know you want to help me get ready for my date today," Twilight said as Rarity applied more makeup to Twilight’s face, "but isn't this a bit much?"

"Nonsense Twilight," Rarity said as she moved to her workstation. "This is the first date you’ve gone on since becoming a princess. It has to be special. So you must look your best."

"Rarity, we’re not going to the Gala or even to a fancy restaurant. We’re just going for a casual date around Ponyville," Twilight said as she used her magic to remove the dress, jewelry, and makeup that Rarity had put on her.

"Twilight!"

"Look Rarity I appreciate your help, but I am not trying to impress Thorax or anything like that during this date. This is just an icebreaker to make us comfortable with each other, nothing more and nothing less. Okay?"

"Fine."

"Thank you."

"At least wear the dress," Rarity pleaded.

"I’ll think about it."

"You know Twilight, you are taking this a lot better than I thought you would," Rainbow added suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I thought that you would be all nervous and a mess, going on a date."

"That kind of stuff only happens when you are going to be spending some time with a pony you like. I only see Thorax as a friend right now, and as such, I will treat this date as no more than two friends catching up with one another."

"You know you’re taking all the fun out of this for me, right?"

"As I said, I don't see Thorax that way, so I’m calm."

"But isn't this still, like, your first date ever?"

"No, actually."

"You went on dates before?! Since when?"

"Ever since my brother married the Princess of Love."

"Oh, Cadence has been trying to ship you for a while, huh?"

"25 stallions and counting."

"What was wrong with them?"

"I can give you a list, but let’s go with the top five reasons as to why those dates didn't go well. *Ahem* Number five: "Oh I forgot where we were supposed to meet, Twilight. My bad." "

"Did he have short-term memory loss or something?"

"More or less. Number four: he didn't let me talk at all the whole time."

"A chatterbox, huh?"

"I’d rather forget about him. Number three: “Give me some personal space, please.” "

"Oh, I hate those kinds of stallions."

"Yeah but this one also forgot to bathe before the date."

"Eeww."

"Number two: “Are you going to blank that?” "

"What does blank mean?"

"You fill in the blank with whatever you think it means and that’s what most likely happened."

"What kind of stallions is Cadence setting you up with?"

"They all look nice at first glance, but when the date came around, it was like they were a completely different stallion. And finally the number one reason."

"What is it?"

"They do their impression of Fluttershy the whole time we’re together."

"How much of an impression are we talking here?"

"When Luna came to Ponyville on nightmare night, and I took her to Fluttershy’s house."

"That is bad."

"I know, right? That’s why I’m not overly concerned with how this date will turn out. In fact, I’m a little excited that I might have a date I might enjoy for once. So that’s why I’m going to be calling the shots the whole time."

"Are you sure about that Twilight?"

"Yes, I’m sure. Now if you would excuse me, I believe my date should be here by now."





"Hey, can't we talk about this?" Thorax said as his brother pushed him towards castle friendship.

"You were the one who agreed to date the princess in the first place," Pharynx growled, "So the least you can do is go through with it."

"I know. How about..."

"Don't even try getting out of this Thorax. I am going to be nearby to make sure you don't chicken out. You are going to take Princess Twilight on a date, and you are going to like it!"

"I know this was my idea, but that was before I realized that I have no idea what I’m doing!"

"It’s too late to back down now. We’re already here."

"It’s never too late!" Thorax said while trying to fly away, only to be squashed by his brother turning into a bear and sitting on him.

"It is too late!" Pharynx said before dropping his disguise and flying away just as Twilight opened the door.

"Hello, Thorax."

"OH!" Thorax said, getting to his hooves and standing straight, "Hello Princess Twilight, nice to see you today! How are you doing?"

"Fine thank you," Twilight said, there was a moment of silence before a small rock hit Thorax on the side of the head, making him snap out of it.

"I brought you some flowers!"

"Thank you," Twilight said as she took them with her magic, "and Thorax."

"Yes, your highness?"

"At ease."

"Thank you," Thorax said, relaxing his whole body.

"Don't be so nervous, Thorax, this is going to be fun!" Twilight giggled as she walked by Thorax and down the steps, "You coming?"

"Oh, right!"

They started the date by going to Sugar Cube Corner for some treats. Twilight ordered some donuts for them and some milk and took a seat in a corner table in the store. As Twilight eats her donut, she starts to notice something about Thorax. It looks like he wants to talk to her, but he could get it out. 

"Great." Twilight thought to herself. "Another shy stallion. I was kind of hoping that Thorax wasn't this bad around mares. Maybe he just needs a push."

"So Thorax, how is your donut?"

"Hun? Oh! Sorry Twilight I haven't tried them yet."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not with our date. It is just I am getting the feeling that we are being watched."

"Thorax. We are both considered royal ponies. So seeing two of them eating donuts in a place like this is unusual. Of course, we are going to get the attention of some ponies."

"I guess you are right. But that doesn't mean I am going to like it."

"That is true. It reminded me of the time when I was eating at a hayburger, and there was an entire hoard of fillies and colts were watching me from the outside of the window."

Thorax smiled at that. "That is nothing. I once caught a whole group of changelings sneaking around in my room one night."

Twilight was surprised at this. And thought it funny to find a group of changelings sneaking around Thorax room. "What were they doing in your room?"

"To this day. I still have no idea."

Twilight and Thorax laughed are their funny moments.

To avoid any unwanted attention from any ponies. They went for some quiet time at the lake. Thorax gave more shade from the tree to Twilight as they sat down to rest. There were about two feet of space between them as they lounged. There wasn't much happening today. In fact, as far as Twilight was concerned, this was one of the most peaceful days in Ponyville since she had come here, which was starting to worry her.





Meanwhile, not that far from Ponyville:

"Keep that Hydra away from the town!"

"Why is it even heading there anyway?"





No. No, she was probably just being paranoid.

"This is a nice date, Twilight."

"Hum? Oh, yes so far it has been very nice. I was beginning to think that you were going to be quiet and stiff the whole time since I saw you at the castle earlier."

"Well, to be honest, I haven't been on many dates before this one."

"Really?"

"Yeah, at least you want to be with me. The other girls I tried to court always looked like they wanted to be somewhere else."

"That wasn’t very nice of them."

"Well back then I was just another drone in the hive. And that is the thing. I was average. I had nothing that made me stand out from the rest. So no female ever gave me a second look after they didn't like what they saw."

"That sounds rough."

"Yeah, but now that I am the leader of the hive, I get about two letters a day from random females who want to be with me."

"You don't sound too happy about that."

"It’s because I know who is sending me those letters. They’re the same ones that turned me down so many years ago. They probably don't even remember that it was me back then. But I didn't forget — not a single one of them. I have no bad intentions for them. It’s just that I can't feel any romantic feelings for them whenever I think about them."

Thorax looked at Twilight. "What about you, Twilight? Surely you have your tales of broken hearts."

"Mostly just mine."

"What? Why?"

"It’s just that I never thought a lot about dating before I became a princess. Sure my sister in law set me up with some stallions, but let's just say that I couldn't stand them and there was never a second date and leave it at that."

"Ouch."

"Then, after I became a princess, the nobles of Canterlot wanted to court me! I couldn't stand any of those stallions!"

"Blue Blood tried to date you didn't he?"

"Yuck, yes. Wait. Do you know Blue Blood? When did that happen?"

"It was during one of the meetings I was having with Celestia on relationships between our races. Let's say that I didn't like his attitude when I meet him, and now he is afraid of bugs and leave it at that."

Twilight tried to speak and not laugh at the same time. "What did you do?"

"I made sure he wouldn't come near me or any other changeling ever again. Princess Celestia was looking the other way the whole time."

"Aw, you’re not going to tell me?"

"It’s not something you want to say on a date Twilight."

"Okay, I’ll drop it."

They laughed together after that. 

Meanwhile, not too far away, Pharynx was disguised as a bird, looking down at them.

"So far, so good. Maybe they are a good match for each other," He then noticed Rainbow Dash looking down at them from a cloud above. "Hold on, what is she doing here? I better make sure she’s not up to anything," Still in his disguise, Pharynx flew up to Rainbow and landed on her head.

"Hey, get off me!" Rainbow tried to get rid of the bird on her head, but no matter what she did, the bird refused to budge. "Alright fine stay up there! I will just have to stop by Fluttershy’s to get you off."

Pharynx didn't know why she was here, but he was not going to stand around and find out, so he started to peck her on the head.

"Ow! Hay! Knock it off!" Rainbow flew up off the cloud and noticed that the bird was now standing on her napping spot. "Oh, you want to play it that way, huh? Well, I saw that cloud-first!" Rainbow started swinging her hooves, hoping to smack the bird away, but the bird was turning out to be a formidable foe, as it avoided everything she threw at it.

"What are you, a ninja bird, or something?" Rainbow said as the bird stretched out its wings to the sides and lifted one of its legs and took the position of the crane. Rainbow’s eyes widened at this. "Oh, a karate bird, huh? Well, I am a black belt, and a bird will not beat me!"





"And then Starlight started to lift herself with her magic to fight me in the air and..." Twilight was interrupted by the sound of a big splash coming from the lake. "What was that?"

Thorax and Twilight looked at the lake and saw Rainbow Dash slowly swimming to the shore as a bird landed on her head.

"Rainbow Dash. What happened? Are you hurt?"

' Just my pride and whole body' Rainbow thought to herself. "No, I’m okay. There was this bird earlier that wouldn't leave me alone while I was cloudnapping and I thought it might leave me alone if I dove into the water. Did it work?"

"No, the bird is still there, Rainbow," Thorax said.

"It is? I must have hit the water too hard. Don't mind me; I’m just going to find Fluttershy and see what’s this bird’s problem. Have a good date, you two."

"Later, Rainbow."

"Bye," Rainbow said while limping away from the pair.

"That was unusual," Twilight said, looking after her friend.

"Indeed, I’ve never seen my brother get so attached to a pony before," Thorax added as Twilight turned to face him.

"Wait that was Pharynx!? How could you tell?"

"Well, changelings have a very distinct smell they give off which only other changelings can pick up. It’s how we can tell who we are talking to in the hive."

"That’s interesting. What does it smell like?"

"I don't even know where to begin."

"How about what you smell like?"

"Really? What kind?"

"I don't remember anymore. But my brother’s smell can be compared to that of a burning campfire."

"Really? I can't imagine why?" 

They laughed together at this. The sun was beginning to set when Thorax decided to take Twilight back to the castle. Along the way, Twilight started to think to herself.

'This wasn't such a bad date after all. I thought for sure I would have to entertain myself the whole time but no, I had a very good time with Thorax. I can't wait for the next time. Wait.' Twilight stopped walking in shock. 'Next time?! I want a second date?! But I’ve never been on one before. I’ve never liked a stallion enough to even consider having one before. Wait, like! As in LIKE like! I like Thorax?! But we are just friends!'

Twilight started to hyperventilate as Thorax took notice of her actions. "Twilight are you okay there?"

'I just like him that’s all. It’s not that I love him or anything. Why did I think about the word love now of all times!'

"Twilight, what's wrong?" Thorax said, snapping her out of it. "You feeling okay? Your face is turning red, are you getting sick or something?" Thorax put a hoof on her forehead. "Hey, you’re burning up!"

Twilight backed away from his hoof. "I’m fine!" She almost screamed, "I’m just tired, that’s all! Yes, I’m just tired of all this walking."

"Oh, well if that’s the case you should’ve said something earlier!" Thorax grabbed her and pulled her close.

"Eep!" Twilight cried in shock as Thorax lifted her and placed her on his back. "Ah, Thorax?"

"You’re my date, Twilight, and your wellbeing is my first priority."

"I could have just rested for a few minutes, you know."

"Well, this way you can rest and get closer to your castle all at the same time."

"I guess you’re right."

Thorax was no fool. The moment he put his hoof on Twilight’s head, he could feel the faint presence of love in her. This was not unusual for a pony, but what made this kind of love different from the rest was that it was love directed at him. It was small, but it was there. That and Twilight’s reaction earlier could only confirm that she was starting to love him. But this kind of love could be a fling. So he didn't say anything about it during the walk back to the castle, which was quiet between the two of them. Once there, Thorax lowered himself to the floor so Twilight could get off.

"I enjoyed our time together, Twilight."

"Yeah, I did too," Twilight said as she walked up the steps.

"Have a good night Twilight," Thorax said, but Twilight didn't say anything. She had stopped just a few steps up the stairs.

'I need to go back to my room.' Twilight thought to herself as she started flapping her wings to fly.

"Twilight."

"Ye-" Twilight started to say as she turned to around to answer Thorax, but misjudged how far she was from him. The first thing she noticed was the deep purple of his eyes, and the second thing was that he was very close to her. What stood out the most though was the feeling of something soft and warm pressed against her lips, stopping her from speaking. Thorax’s lips were covering hers. They stayed like that for a few seconds, just staring into each other’s eyes, before Twilight’s wings stopped flapping and sent her to the ground. 

They didn't say anything to each other. They only looked at one another in shock due to what had just happened.

"Twilight I-" Thorax started, but Twilight teleported away, cutting him off. Thorax could only assume that she went to her room. Not wanting to make it any more awkward, he looked at the castle hoping to see her but could see nothing.

"Have a good night Twilight," He said before taking flight and heading home.

"Goodnight Thorax," Twilight said from one of the upper castle windows as she watched him flying away before finally closing the window and going to bed.
> The next day.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day,

"Twilight," Spike called out to Twilight from outside her bedroom door. "Twilight, you there? Breakfast is ready."

"I don't want Breakfast," Twilight replied through the door.

"Twilight come on. You’ve never skipped out on breakfast before. It’s pancakes."

"I’m not hungry for pancakes, Spike."

"Okay, now I know something is wrong with you."

Spike tried to open the door but found it locked. "Twilight can I come in?" He called out to her.

The door glowed a bright pink before it opened up. Spike entered the room and found Twilight hiding under the covers of her bed. Spike moved to the side of her bed and nudged her gently.

"Twilight, you okay?"

"I don't know."

"Are you sick? Do you need to go to the doctor?"

"No, I don't need to go to the doctor, Spike. I am just feeling... I don't know... confused. I don't know what to do."

"Oh. Do you want to talk about it?"

Twilight didn't reply right away. She thought about her answer for a little bit, "Is Starlight here?" She asked him, looking in his direction.

"No, she left earlier to get some orange juice. Do you want me to get her?"

"No," Twilight used her magic to lock the door before moving her head out from under the covers, "I was just wondering."

*AH!* "Goodness Twilight!" Spike screamed before calming down, "You look like you haven't slept in hours! What happened?!"

Twilight rubbed her head with a hoof while answering, "I couldn't get a wink of sleep last night."

"Did you get a new book?"

"No," She answered softly.

"A new spell!"

"No, Spike."

"Huh, this is a tough one," Spike muttered, putting a claw to his chin, thinking on what could have caused Twilight to lose sleep. "Well then, did it have something to do with  yesterday?"

"Ah," Twilight blushed, remembering the problem.

"Oh, it does!" Spike exclaimed, finally getting somewhere with his questions, "Well, then the only thing you did yesterday was going on a date with Thorax. By the way, Twilight, how did that go? You just locked yourself in your room the moment you got back. Did something happen between you two?"

"AH!" Twilight started lifting her blanket to hide more of her face from Spike, too embarrassed to answer him.

"Did he do something to you, Twilight?" Spike asked, getting fired up, "Because if he hurt you in any way, I'll clobber him for you!"

"No Spike he didn't do anything to me!"

"What?" Spike replied, confused by her answer.

"He didn't hurt me, Spike," Twilight said while looking away from the dragon.

"So what’s the problem then?" Spike scratched his head, wondering what had happened between them, "Because I’m lost."

Twilight looked back at him, deciding to clear up the confusion. "It was during the last moments of our date. He had just dropped me off in front of the castle and..."

"Yes?"

"And..."

"Yes?"

"And..."

"Come on Twilight you’ve got to tell. What happened?"

"I kissed him."

"What?" Spike said, moving closer to the quiet mare.

"I kissed him."

"Come on, Twilight; you’ve got to speak up. I can't hear you."

"I kissed Him!" Twilight shouted into Spike's ears before covering her mouth with her hooves. Spike rubbed his ears at her outburst as Twilight calmed down. After a few seconds, Twilight spoke up again, looking sullen.

"I don't know what to do Spike."

Spike rubbed his chin, thinking carefully on how to approach this. He personally had never kissed anypony before, but he did have an idea what it meant for somepony to kiss somepony they might like. However, before he could help her, he had to know one thing: "Well, did you like it at least?" He asked.

"What?!" Twilight blushed at his question.

"I said, did you like it, Twilight?"

Twilight stammers in her response, "It...it... it... happened so suddenly. But I can't say that I didn't like it."

"Okay, that’s good at least. More importantly, do you still want to date him?"

"I don't know."

"Well then, if that’s how you feel about it then I’ll just tell him that you don't want to date him." Spike turned around to leave the room when Twilight spoke up.

"No, wait!"

"So you do want to date him?" Spike asked, looking back at her.

"Yes!... No!... I mean... I guess," Twilight started touching her hooves together over and over, "I’ve just never felt this way before, Spike."

"It’s alright, Twilight. If you don't feel comfortable with talking about him right now, how about we get something to eat and go to the spa. How does that sound?"

"You know what? That sounds like a good idea. Just give me some time to clean myself up a little."

"Alright."





Meanwhile, at the kitchen of the changeling hive:

Thorax was standing in front of a stove the changelings had made a few days ago, making breakfast for the colony. However, Thorax wasn't moving for some reason. He was just standing there, wide-eyed, staring at nothing in particular. Smoke started to fill the air from the pot in front of him. Pharynx entered the kitchen coughing from the smoke, trying to find out what was wrong. He saw his brother and tried to get his attention.

"Thorax. Thorax. Thorax. Thorax!"

"Huh?" Thorax snapped out of it and looked at his brother.

"Wake up, boy! You are burning the grub!"

"What!?" Thorax looked in front of him and jumped back as the pot caught on fire, "Oh, shoot!"

Pharynx grabbed another pot and put it over the burning pot upside down, stopping the flames. Both of them were coughing from the smoke that had filled the air before Pharynx opened up a window. Once the air cleared out, Pharynx turned to his brother.

"What’s wrong with you today? You never burn food," Pharynx uncovered the pot to have a look and see if anything survived.

"Sorry Pharynx. I was just lost in thought about what happened yesterday."

"What do you mean?" Pharynx asked as he lifted a nearby spoon and took a sample from the pot, giving it a close inspection. "I thought you said that you had a good time with Princess Twilight when you got back," He tasted it, trying to see if it was still good. Not bad, but he needed to make sure.

"Yes, I did say that," Thorax said as his brother started taking another taste of the grub, "but what I forgot to mention was at the end, Twilight kissed me."

Pharynx spat out the food and started coughing trying to speak to his brother. "You... *cough*... You... *Gah*... You kissed Princess Twilight on the first date?!"

"It was an accident! She was just trying to answer me and got too close! And I just realized that it might have been her first kiss ever."

"So that’s why you were spacing out like that," Pharynx said as he wiped his mouth, "Did you at least ask if she was alright?"

"She teleported away before I could."

"Well, she hates you."

"What!?"

"She teleported away from you because you filled her with shame by taking away her first kiss."

"It was an accident!"

"A first kiss is still a first kiss Thorax. You better find a way to make it up to her if you want another chance at wooing her."

"How? She probably doesn't want to see me right now."

"Then head back tomorrow after you’ve gone to the Crystal Empire."

"Why would I go to the Crystal Empire?"

"Because you need help big time. And you have the Princess of Love in your corner, Thorax. You need to ask her for help."

"That’s what I’m afraid of."
> Some Assistants Please
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax had taken his brother’s advice and was headed to the Crystal Empire for some help.

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor and Cadence had just put their little angel to sleep after she had kept them up all night. Shining Armor told his wife to get some sleep while he tried to keep the empire from falling apart. Oh who was he kidding, he was making sure nothing in the realm woke up his ladies. Especially the little one.

Shining Armor had his best guards lined up in front of him, the ones that could stand up anyway. The other guards used the ones who were still awake as support to stay up. Shining Armor knew that he was pushing the guards and himself more than he needed to, but they had a duty to fulfill. He slowly paced in front of them while giving them their orders.

"I want everything in the Empire to be so quiet that you can hear a pin drop, understand!?"

"Yes, sir!" The guards said together as one of them started a yawning cycle.

"Remember, this is not just for Flurry Heart and Cadence's sake, but for everypony in the kingdom. No pony has gotten a good night sleep in a while."

"Yes, sir," The guards said together as one of them tipped over.

"So for the rest of the day, if you hear anypony, and I mean anypony, speaking louder than a whisper in the empire. He or she is to be shot with magic and put to sleep until the Princesses wake up from their sleep, understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Dismissed," They saluted each other, almost losing their balance at the end of it.





Thorax had no idea why the train to the Crystal Empire stopped a mile away from the station, but he didn't overthink about it. He needed help, and he was going to get it. He flew to the Empire and landed near the castle, but then he noticed that it was quiet. Too quiet. He looked to his left and right and saw he was alone. Where was everypony?

"Hello?" He called out to anypony nearby. His voice echoed throughout the Empire like a ghost town.

"Anypony here?" He tried again.

"It's me, Thorax. I’m here to speak with Princess Cadence." Nopony answered him. Thorax was starting to believe that something awful had happened to the Empire. He had to find help, who knows what may have happened. But first….

"Yodel-aye-he-hoo!" He’d always wanted to do this!

"Yodel-aye-he-hoo!" This was too much fun! 

"Yoyoyoyododod woohoo-" Exactly 25 magic beams hit Thorax from all directions, and he fell to the ground.

After an undetermined amount of time, feeling started returning to Thorax's body, and he began to wake up, 'Everything hurts.' He thought to himself, as he sat up, before noticing something around his mouth and neck. Whatever the device was, it was stopping him from speaking and from using his magic. Thorax then tried his best to get the device off of himself, not noticing that he had a visitor outside of his cell. Thorax spent around five minutes with the muzzle before Shining Armor spoke up.

"It's not going to come off Thorax," Shining Armor said while yawning.

Thorax noticed him and tried to speak up, but only managed to mumble. Shining Armor just shook his head before explaining to his Changeling friend what was going on.

"Look Thorax everypony in the Empire is very tired, and we all want to sleep. And then here you come Yodeling in the middle of the Empire and almost waking up my family. So until they wake up. You are just going to have to sit tight. And then maybe I can get some sleep."





Twilight had finished her trip to the Spa and was feeling refreshed. Spike was right; it was exactly what she'd needed. She then remembered that Rainbow had some problems with a "bird" yesterday and wanted to see if she was okay. She told Spike where she was going and headed out. Flying to Rainbow's house, she knocked on the door.

"Rainbow Dash are you in here?"

The door then opened. "Not so loud, Twilight. My head still hurts," Rainbow said with an ice pack tied to her head.

"I see the bird got you good. Did you find out what it wanted?"

"No, right before I got to Fluttershy's it took off," Rainbow started shaking her hoof in rage. "If ever see that flying rodent ever again, I will show it no mercy- OW," She swore as she put a hoof to her head,

Twilight knew that the bird was actually Thorax's brother, Pharynx, but she has no idea why he was beating up her friends. She was going to have to have a talk with him later, but for now, she let Rainbow continue to think it was just a bird, "Maybe you just had some seeds in your mane?"

"I doubt it. I think it that it had some grudge against me. Maybe I knocked it out of the air one too many times or something."

"Better not let Fluttershy hear you say that."

"Yeah. Speaking of which, how did your date with Thorax go anyways?"

Twilight blushed, remembering the date. "Ah, good, I think."

"What's that supposed to mean? Was it a good date or a bad date?"

"I'm not sure. Ah. . . good?"

"Okay Twilight, what happened?"

"You too?"

"I am one of your best friends. It's my job to make sure that nothing bad happens to you," Rainbow said, "So what happened?"

"Okay, promise that you won't make a big deal about it?"

"Of course."





Some crystal guards were trying to remove the muzzle on Thorax as he stood in front of Cadence in the throne room.

"You must forgive my Crystal Ponies, Thorax," Cadence said, just waking up from her nap, "They are sweet, but you must understand that nopony around here has been able to get any sleep ever since Flurry Heart got the sniffles two days ago."

"It's understandable Princess Cadence," Thorax said, stretching his jaw as the guards finally got the muzzle off, "Although if something like this does happen again. I would like to know ahead of time before such a thing does happen."

"That is odd," Cadence looks confused at this and then turned to her husband, "Shining Armor, didn't you send out the letters informing the other lands about what was happening here?"

"I just found out that the pony I assigned to do that fell asleep right before he could finish his work."

"Well, that explains that. So Thorax, what brings you here today?"

"Well," Thorax said, brushing one hoof against the other, "I need some advice to help me apologize to Twilight."

"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Shining Armor shouted, at him making Thorax jump back in fright.

Cadence shook her head at this and then addressed her husband, "Honey, please. You need to get some sleep. I'll handle this."

Shining Armor looked back between the two, trying to find a good reason to be mad, "But he did something to Twilight!"

"And you have been awake for over 32 hours. Go get some needed sleep, dear."

"Okay, Cadence," Shining Armor said, leaving the room. Once he was gone Cadence then spoke up in a stern voice.

"So what happened Thorax?" Cadence asked with a smile, "Do I need to banish you somewhere?"

"No, it was nothing like that!"





"The date started off very well," Twilight said, "We went to get some sweets from Sugar Cube Corner, and from there we had a nice conversation near the lake. That's where we met you, Rainbow."





"I had no idea why my brother attacked her," Thorax said, "But Rainbow Dash seemed fine. She didn't ask for our help and just went on her way."





"And then after it started to get dark, Thorax started taking me back to the castle. He carried me back on his back halfway there."





"She said that she was getting tired and it was getting late, so I thought it was the best course of action."

"YOU COULD HAVE LOOKED FOR A PLACE FOR HER TO REST!" Shining Armor shouted from the doorway.

"Shining Armor! Go to sleep!" Cadence scold.

"Yes dear," as Shining Armor left again, Cadence turned to her guards.

"Guards, make sure he goes to sleep. If he comes back here within the next five hours, you will all be taking care of Flurry Heart for us for the next week 24/7!"

More than half of the guards left the room heading down the hall where Shining Armor had gone. Thorax could hear Shining Armor arguing with the guards, but it started growing faint.

"NOW then Thorax," Cadence said, getting his attention again, "As you were saying."





"How romantic of him Twilight," Rainbow said, rubbing her head, "Please tell me that you aren't all flustered just because he did something out of a fairytale?"

"No of course not it was the kiss," Twilight covered her mouth trying to stop herself but it was too late. "It wasn't what you think!"

Rainbow just smiled back at her friend, "What? That you like him?"

"Ah, yes. I guess. I thought you were going to say something else."

"Something like 'you are too easy to embarrass'?"

"Yeah, something like that."

"Or that you are starting to become a mare."

"I'm not sure how that ties in with our current conversation."

"Or that you are starting to falling in love with Thorax."

"Okay Rainbow that's enough. I get the idea."

"Or that you can't wait for-"

"ALRIGHT I GET IT RAINBOW!" Twilight cut her off, "The problem now is that I'm not sure I can face Thorax again."

"Relax Twilight. That's what friends are for."

"What are you planning?"

"Okay, Twilight, listen. It's a plain a day that you now have the hots for Thorax because right now you're acting like Fluttershy hiding backstage at a singing contest."

"Really? Am I acting like Fluttershy?"

"You will be soon. After we get you in front of Thorax again."

"I'm not sure that is a good idea, Rainbow."

"Twilight you are never going to get anywhere if you don't get some help, and you have five best friends in Ponyville ready to help you."

"You're going to tell the girls?!"

"We need reinforcements."





"That's so cute!"

"It was an accident."

"So, what happened next?"

"Twilight teleported away before I could say anything, and that was the end of the date. I think she hates me for stealing a kiss from her."

"No, she doesn't Thorax. If she did, she'd have magic blasted you ten feet into the ground. Remember, she's an Alicorn and the Element of Magic, I pretty sure you wouldn't be standing here if she didn't like the kiss. Like you said Thorax, it was an accident, so I am sure she will forgive you if you ask her."

"Any advice on where to start?"

"Oh, don't worry Thorax. We got this."

"We?"
> Begin the Operation A.K.A. The Second Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight was sitting at one of the tables in the cafe of Ponyville. She was told to meet Thorax there, but she was a bit uneasy. She looked to her castle where her friends were at. Inside the castle, an operation center had been set up around the map and a zoomed-in version of Ponyville could be seen on it. Rarity and Starlight were next to the map wearing some unique clothing. According to Rarity, they were green military uniforms that she had made for this occasion. Starlight didn't understand the need for such things, but she was in one before she could blink

The rest of Twilight's friends could be seen on the map around Ponyville. Rainbow Dash was on a cloud overlooking Ponyville. Pinkie Pie was hiding inside a barrel looking through a hole in its side. Applejack was at her stand selling apples nearby. Fluttershy was on standby just in case. They all had a blue crystal hairpin in their manes so that Rarity could talk to each of them. Rarity had her horn glowing, and her magic was surrounding the small Twilight on the map.

"Twilight can you hear me?" Rarity asked.

Twilight put a small purple hairpin next to her ear to hear her friend. "Yes, I can hear you Rarity," Twilight whispered to herself, "And I still can't get over the fact that this is working."

"It’s similar to the time I teleported us to my village, Twilight, " Starlight spoke up, "However instead of teleporting ourselves there, we’re just sending our voices to the hairpin."

"This could come in handy for future friendship missions," Twilight said.

"Focus, Twilight!" Rarity said, "We’re trying to help you with Thorax."

"And how is talking in my ear going to help? We could have used walkie-talkies instead of this."

"Twilight we can't just have you constantly finding a reason to talk into a walkie-talkie during your conversation with Thorax! This is the best way of making sure that you can hear our advice and not look strange while doing it. Besides, this was Starlight’s idea, not mine."

"It’s working, isn't it?" Starlight growled.

"Hey, girls!" Pinkie said,

"Yes, Sergeant Pie?" Rarity asked.

"The target is on the move. E.T.A. two minutes."

"Pinkie can't you just talk like a normal pony?" Rainbow asked from her cloud post, "Wait! Is Thorax here already? Where!?"

"He’s coming up from behind Twilight," Fluttershy said.

"Alright places everypony, and Twilight, you got this!" Starlight said.

"I’ve got what?" Twilight started to panic, not being able to hear her friends talking to each other, "What’s happening?"

"Twilight, Thorax is here," Starlight said, "Act natural, and sorry about that. I forgot that you could only hear Rarity and me."

"Why can I only hear you two?"

"Because we ran out of matching blue crystal and we were in a hurry."

"Alright, then."





"I can't do this," Thorax thought to himself.

"Yes, you can Thorax," Cadence said inside his head.

"How are you even doing this?"

"I cast a spell on each of us so that we can send our thoughts to each other. This way, I can help you without Twilight noticing. It only lasts for a few hours, but that is long enough for our needs." 

"Are you sure you can help me get on good terms with her? Even if this the end of our dates with each other, I would still like to be friends with her."

"Trust me, Thorax, just do everything I tell you, and you will have Twilight at the altar with you before you know it."

"Why did I go to you for help again?"

"Because you stink at wooing mares, that's why."





Meanwhile, near the edge of Ponyville.

"And that should do it," Trixie said as she put the last of her props in place for her show later on that day. It had been a while since she had performed in Ponyville, and with the magic lessons she had been getting from Starlight, she felt more confident than ever to start a show here.

Especially with this giant purple crystal with a circle cut into it. She could use it to send her voice across the whole town without tiring early in the show. It was genius, and not to mention the fact that it blended in so well with the background. Nopony would notice how her voice was so loud without her even trying.

"All that’s left is to adjust the crystal to the center of the stage," Trixie said while moving the crystal to the left with her magic.

"Wait, he is here? where?!" Twilight's voice came from the crystal before disappearing once Trixie had moved it to center stage.

"What?" Trixie said, "Was that Twilight?" Trixie moved the crystal back to the right.

"I don't know if I can do this girls!" Twilight's voice came from the crystal once again before fading away.

"Well, would you look at that. Twilight must be near some kind of crystal similar to this one, and they are somehow sending her voice here. I wonder if it works both ways?"

Trixie then moved the crystal back to where she heard Twilight and cleared her throat before speaking in a low voice, "Twilight, you have something in your teeth."

"What, where?!" Twilight asked in a panic.

Trixie then moved the crystal away before laughing her head off. "This is the best thing ever! I wonder what she’s up to?"

Trixie moved the crystal back to Twilight.

"But I heard somepony say that I had something in my teeth," Twilight said as Trixie chuckled to herself, "Well then can we focus on making sure that the words I hear from now on are useful?" There was a moment of silence before Twilight spoke up again, "Hello, Thorax, how are you today?"

"Thorax? What is he doing here, and with HER!?" Trixie thought to herself.

"Don't worry about last night. I can't say that I didn't enjoy it along with our date."

"WHAT! Twilight is dating Thorax!? When did THAT happen? Well, it would be a shame if somepony gave Twilight some useless ideas that would embarrass her in front of him." *heheehee* "But first some adjustments to my crystal to increase the signal," Trixie thought to herself as she concentrated her magic on the crystal.





"Well that is good to hear," Thorax said,

"See Thorax, what did I tell you?" Cadence said, "We got this in the bag. Now then, ask if she is hungry."

"Would you like something to eat Twilight?"

"Well?" Twilight whispered to her friends.

Rarity tried to talk to her friend, but somepony else's voice covered hers. "Your heart Thorax."

"Your heart Thorax," Twilight said without thinking about it. There was a moment of silence before anypony spoke up.

"WHAT!" every backup pony shouted.

"What kind of a response is that Twilight?!" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, that sounds creepy Twilight!" Starlight said.

"But isn't that what you told me to say?!" Twilight whispered to her friend all the while Thorax was confused by her answer.

"Cadence?" Thorax thought to her.

"I didn't know Twilight was into those kinds of things," Cadence said.

"What am I supposed to say to her?"

"Calm down, and we can work with this. Maybe it was a slip of the tongue or something. So for now, laugh and play along."

"*Heehe* I still need that Twilight," Thorax said rubbing the back of his head smiling at Twilight.

"Oh great, now look what you've done, Twilight!" Rarity cried.

"But you all told me to say that!" Twilight whispered back to her.

"I did no such thing!"

"Well, somepony did. Please don't say something like that again," Twilight cleared her throat, "I'm kidding Thorax that was a joke. I think I'm in the mood for a sandwich, though."

"Okay, then," Thorax said before getting the attention of a waiter to get their order.

"Twilight. Are you trying to scare Thorax away?" Rarity asked.

"NO! I swear I heard somepony tell me to say that!"

"Don't worry about it Twilight, it was just me," Trixie said while doing her best Pinkie impersonation.

"Who is this?"

"It's me, Pinkie Pie," Trixie said, "I thought you should have opened up your conversation with him with a joke that's all."

"Don't scare me like that Pinkie, also what happened to Rarity and Starlight?"

"I thought they deserved a cupcake break before helping you out."

"Pinkie, you are so weird sometimes."





"Twilight, can you hear me!? Twilight?" Rarity tried talking to her friend but got no response. Rarity hit the map to see if it would fix the problem, but it didn't, "What could be the reason for this Starlight?" Rarity said.

"The only thing I can think of is that somepony or something is interfering with our communications with Twilight."

"How is that possible?"

"There could be many reasons for this, but the most likely is that somepony is casting a spell nearby or is near a giant crystal similar to Twilight's hairpin.”

"Whatever the reason is, we must take action. Rainbow Dash! This is Rarity."

"What's up?"

"Somepony is interfering with our advice to Twilight. Look around Ponyville for somepony casting some magic or next to a big purple crystal and get them to stop it."

"On it!"

"Pinkie and Applejack, do the same thing but instead look around the area where you two are."

"Okay."

"Fluttershy you get close to Twilight and find out how much damage is done."

"Okay," Fluttershy made her way to the cafe where Twilight and Thorax were. Just from where she was, she could tell that things weren’t going very well. Twilight was panicking and trying to say something to Thorax, but he was looking back at Twilight as if she said something bizarre. Fluttershy sat at a nearby table which was close enough to hear them.

"And you remind me of my Dad," Twilight said, "What!?"

"Oh, my," Fluttershy said before touching her hairpin, "Did you get that Rarity?"

"This is bad, Fluttershy," Rarity said, "You need to do something."

"Like what?"

"Something! Anything! Just do it NOW!"

"Okay," Fluttershy moved to Twilight’s table, "Oh hello there."

"Hello Fluttershy," Thorax said as Twilight had her hooves covering her head on the table.

"Are you okay, Twilight?" Fluttershy asks Twilight.

"Yes, I couldn't be better!" Twilight said, sitting up straight blushing and then throwing away her hairpin, "My mind was elsewhere, and I don't ever want to go back there again."

"Okay. If you say so," Fluttershy said, "So have you two tried the grilled cheese they serve here?"

"What is the matter with Twilight today?!" Cadence said to Thorax, "I never thought she would say anything like that!"

"Yeah, and to be honest, I'm not sure I like her anymore Cadence,"

"Come on, Thorax. Give her another chance. She is just nervous and is not thinking straight. And she is saying random things. I am sure things will calm down soon, and Twilight will be back to her old self in no time at all."

"True, but I'm not feeling the same way about her as I did yesterday. I'm not sure if this is going to work out."

"Thorax please don't do this,"

"It's my decision on who I want to marry, Cadence. Maybe later we can make up, but for right now I need some space from her."

"No, I haven't Fluttershy," Thorax said, "Maybe I will try it another time. I'm thankful that I'm still friends with you, Princess Twilight."

"Friends?" Twilight said quietly.

"Now if you excuse me, I believe that I am needed elsewhere."

"Thorax, wait!" Twilight cried, reaching out to him, but he had already moved away from her and was getting ready to take flight. "Thorax I didn't mean it!" 

"Have a good day, Princess," Thorax said before flying away.

"Thorax!"





Trixie watched from her stage as Thorax flew away from Ponyville and smiled. "That is what you get Twilight, for trying to get another mare's stallion," Trixie said to herself as she was closing up her stage, not noticing as a rainbow blur flew away.
> What is going on?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I can only imagine what Twilight must be going through after that horrible date with my lovely Thorax," Trixie said while lying on her bed inside her wagon.

Trixie used her magic to pull out a small box in the corner of the wagon and pulled out a small plushy. It looked just like Thorax and Trixie hugged it. "If only he would realize my feelings for him. I have been sending him love letters ever since his transformation. But for some reason, he has never replied to any of them."

Trixie let out a sigh as she lifted the plushie up above her head, "I guess as a royal changeling he must not have time to read letters, but I know that he will find his way to me and we can be together forever. So long as Twilight stays out of the way."

She then put the plushie away back in the box and made her way outside. "Thorax is Trixie's and Trixie's alone!"





"Twilight!" Rarity shouted.

"Go away, Rarity, and let me die in peace!" Twilight replied from behind the door to her room.

"Twilight you open this door at once!"

"You are not my mom, Rarity. I can lock myself in my room whenever I feel like it."

"Oh come on Twilight. You can't stay in there forever," Pinkie Pie said.

"Oh, yes, I can. I have a year's supply of food in here along with a working restroom."

"Ah, Twilight, why do you have a year's supply worth of food in your room?" Applejack asked.

"You can thank Rainbow for that."

The ponies outside of the room looked to Rainbow for an explanation. "What?" Rainbow said defensively, "So I thought that preparing for the worst-case scenario after reading the latest 'Daring Do' book and told Twilight to do something about it is my fault?"

"We will get back to you on that Rainbow," Starlight said.

"Twilight dear, we're your best friends. We can help you," Rarity tried to reason with her.

"I don't want help from my best friends right now."

Everypony was at a loss of words after Twilight said that, but then somepony else spoke up, "Then how about from an old friend?"

Everypony looked in the direction of the new voice to see a familiar mare walking towards them. "Cadence!"

"I got this girls," Cadence motioned for them to back up as she stood in front of the door, "Twilight, do you want to talk to me?"





Meanwhile, at the Changeling Hive, a group of changelings had gathered in a forbidden place. Their reason was unknown to the rest of the hive as they moved to a pile of letters never opened before. Today would be the day that their secrets would be revealed. One by one, each changeling opened the letter and read the unknown knowledge it contained. Once they had read one letter, they moved on to the next, and as they did this, laughter started to fill the room.

"Hey girls, listen to this," One female changeling spoke up, "*Ahem* Oh, Thorax how I love thee. Let me count the ways," The group of female changelings bursts into laughter.

"Talk about cheesy," Another one said.

"Yeah, she could have tried something more original."

"Hey what about this one?" another changeling spoke up, *Ahem* "Dear Thorax, I am feeling very lonely lately. Can you come to my room later on tonight? I will be..."

However, their laughter was cut short when the door to the room opened up wide, and Thorax entered his room and saw them. "Hey what are you all doing here?!"

All the changelings scattered from the pile of letters. They all escaped except for one small changeling. She got flattened by the older changelings while they were making a break for it. Ocellus Cameo was her name, and she needed to get out of there. However, when she got up to leave, Thorax stood in front of her, stopping her.

Ocellus looked up at her ruler shaking in fear, wondering what was going to happen to her.

"Ocellus?" Thorax said.

"Yes, Thorax?" She said in a small voice.

"What were you and those other changelings doing in my room?"

"Well, we... we... we got curious as to why you have a huge pile of letters in your room and wanted to see what they were. I’m sorry."

Thorax let out a sigh and rubbed Ocellus on her head. "It’s alright, Ocellus. You’re young and don't know any better. I can say that I had my fair share of daring moment in my day," Thorax said smiling at her, which made her smile as well, "But please restrain yourself from doing something like this again."

"I will, Thorax," Ocellus looked around for a little bit before she spoke up again, "I should get going," She began to make her way out of the room.

"Wait, Ocellus," Thorax called out to her, making her freeze in half step, "Could you stay for a little while?"

She turned around to face Thorax, confused, "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself about. I would just like a friend to keep me company. That’s all."

"Oh, okay," They both sat on the couch in the room and got comfortable. Ocellus, not sure what to do in a situation like this, but having some questions to ask Thorax, spoke, "So are all those really are love letters, Thorax?"

He rubbed the back of his head, "Believe it or not, they are. They started showing up shortly after I became the leader of the Changelings, but I don't read them anymore. They just pile up there until I find time to get rid of them." Thorax said while looking at the pile, before looking back at Ocellus, "You read some of them, didn't you?"

"Well yes, I did," She said, looking away from him, "I am surprised that she feels that way to you."

"Who, Ocellus?" he asked curiously.

"I believe her name was the Great and Powerful Trixy?"

"I think you mean 'Trixie' Ocellus," Thorax said. It took a second for what she said to click in his head, "Wait, Trixie! As in Trixie, the blue unicorn friend of Starlight’s?"

"I believe so." Ocellus said, putting a hoof under her chin, thinking, "She was a teacher at the school for a little while. I found a lot of letters from her."

"Where!?" Thorax said, getting up and moving to the pile of letters with Ocellus following him.

Ocellus entered the pile of letters and started to give Thorax the letters she had read that were from Trixie, "Here, and here, and here's another one."

"I didn't see this coming," Thorax said as he looked over the letters from Trixie.

"And here's another one, and another..."

"I never realized that of all ponies, Trixie liked me."

"And another one, and another one..."

"Okay, Ocellus you can stop now. I get the message."

"Okay," She said, leaving the pile, "So are you going to reply to her?"

"It would only be fair, after so many letters," Thorax put Trixie’s letters on the table before sitting back on the couch, "But I think I might just be adding more wood to the fire she already has with me."

"Is that a bad thing Thorax?" Ocellus asked, joining him.

"At the moment very bad, Ocellus. I am already seeing somepony else. It wouldn't be fair to stop dating her now, not when we’ve already agreed to date each other for the whole week."

"I never did ask, but who are you seeing Thorax?"

"Princess Twilight. I think."

"What do you mean, you think? What happened?"

"I am not sure anymore, Ocellus. Not after our last date."





Back in the Castle of Friendship,

"And then he says ‘have a good day Princess’ and flies away. I’ll never be able to show my face in front of him again!" Twilight cried before hiding her face under her pillows.

Cadence was sitting nearby, listening to everything Twilight had to say. Just as she thought, Twilight wasn't saying things that she would typically say during that date. If she didn’t hear the conversation from both sides, she would never find out what happened during that date. It was up to her as Twilight’s sister in law and the Princess of love to fix this.

"Twilight I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I already knew everything that you said to Thorax earlier today before I even got here."

Twilight lifted her face off the pillow to face Cadence, "What! How?"

"I was using a thought transfer spell with Thorax to help him get back on your good side after your first date. Everything was going fine until you started saying those strange things."

"But that’s what I heard my friends tell me to say!"

"Twilight!" Cadence grabbed Twilight’s face and pulled her in close, "You and I both know that your friends would never do something like that to you. Got it?!"

"Got it," Twilight said as Cadence let go of her,

"This was somepony else’s work. Whatever the reason, the damage is already done. Our only hope is to find whoever did this and stop them from doing it again during your next date with Thorax."

"But what if he doesn't want another date?"

"Oh trust me, Twilight, he will if I have anything to say about it."
> Help,
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pharynx had just returned to the hive from his patrol and found Princess Cadence at the entrance wanting to see Thorax. He took her to Thorax, guessing that he must have dropped the ball somewhere during his last date with Twilight. After all, he did come back home earlier than expected. He just hoped that he didn't get dragged into this mess and forced to take over for his brother. He was happy with his position as second in command of the hive.

Passing by a window, he noticed that the two changelings in charge of patrolling the area around the hive were sleeping on the job. Wanting to scare the life out of them, He snuck up next to them and nudged one of their hooves until they were awake and smiled as he did. They woke up to see him smiling at them and straightened themselves up, shaking a little as they did.

Now usually having someone smiling at you would be a good thing, but this was Pharynx, A.K.A. Captain Bone Crusher, smiling at them, and after he’d just caught them taking a small nap while on duty. They could only imagine what he was going to do to them.

"Did our little changelings get a good nap?" Pharynx asked, not breaking his smile, "We wouldn't want our soldiers to get cranky, now would we?"

"Ah yes and no sir."

"Well, then I’m going to close my eyes and count to three. If you three are still here, I will not be held responsible for what I might do to you," Pharynx threatened as he closed his eyes.

Typically any creature would have started running by now, but one of the changelings was confused by Pharynx’s statement, and had to ask, "But sir, there are only two of us."

"Two," Pharynx continued.

"Yes, there are only two of us."

"One.”

"RUN!" the other changeling said to his partner before they both ran for the hills.

When Pharynx opened his eyes, the only trace of the two guards was a smoke cloud and a dirt trail in the direction they went. Pharynx called out to them. "I will see you two later," He then laughed to himself. 'Thorax was right. Being nicer to the changelings is fun. Hold on.'

It was then Pharynx noticed something different about the forest nearby. When he went to investigate, he found a blue wagon he had never seen before.





"I am glad you understand Thorax," Cadence said to Thorax as they walked down the halls of the Changeling Hive.

"Indeed, it was a bizarre thing to happen," Thorax said to her, "How is Twilight doing?"

"She is doing fine. Embarrassed out of her life, but fine."

"I can only imagine. So, any idea who would do something like this?"

"No idea. The road to love can have so many twists and turns, ups, and downs. It can get very hard sometimes. But don't you worry, I’ll find out who would ruin Twilight's date and make them pay," Cadence said with a fire in her eyes.

Thorax noticed this and moved away from her a little, "I thought you ponies were all into the idea of forgiving and making friends, not the destroy my enemies business."

Cadence gave Thorax a strange look. "Thorax have you read our history? Whenever we are threatened, we attack. It was Twilight who started making enemies into friends business. These actions taken against Twilight are unacceptable, and as the Princess of Love, I will not stand for THEM!"

"Okay, calm down, I was only asking," Thorax said, calming Cadence down for now, "So when is the next date?"

"Tomorrow, Thorax," Cadence said as she turned to face him, "This time you two will be meeting in Canterlot Castle."

"I thought we were going to keep this dating thing on the down-low. You know so that the newsponies don't catch wind of it and make it into a big deal."

"Don't worry Thorax, as far as everypony will be concerned. You were just going to Canterlot to discuss politics with the Princesses or whatever. Twilight just happened to come by to catch up with Celestia at the same time."

"I sure hope you know what you’re doing."

As they walked down the hall, they did not realize they were being watched from the shadows. Trixie waited until they weren't looking and left the hive. She went there originally to see Thorax and try to get on his good side after his terrible date with Twilight. She wasn't expecting to find Cadence there helping Thorax get back together with Twilight.

It's amazing how easy it was to enter the hive without any changelings noticing her with that invisibility spell she learned from Starlight. In any case, she needed to get to Canterlot before Thorax and stop his date with Twilight. She made it back to her wagon and entered it, preparing to start up the engine. It cost her a pretty bit to buy from those two sales ponies, but now she could travel across the land without walking. The wagon did all the work for her.

"All Trixie needs to do is to supply it with magic and away she goes," Trixie then started supplying the wagon with magic, but it didn't do anything. She looked around and wondered what was wrong and then tried again. "Trixie said ‘and away she goes," Still nothing. "I said away, I GO!" Nothing.

"What is wrong now!?" Trixie lifted the bottom panel of her wagon, leading to the engine, but could only see the ground. "WHAT!?" She stuck her head through the hole and looked around for the metal parts that made the wagon move. And found out that nothing was there.

"Trixie has been SABOTAGED!"

A voice got her attention. "Oh, was this stuff supposed to be down there, Miss?" Pharynx said a few feet away from the wagon. Trixie looked outside to see him next to a pile of metal and tubes.

Pharynx was disguised as another changeling guard. He didn't want to scare off her to quickly. "That’s my bad. I found this wagon all alone out here and found that these things were hot under it and thought it was a potential fire hazard and removed them."

Trixie moved next to the pile of metal and was having a mental break down. "But... but... WHY?"

"Well I can't have a fire breaking out near the hive, now can I? I’m just doing my job miss. But might I ask what are you doing so close to the changeling hive in the first place?"

"Personal reason, sir!" Trixie levitated a book from the wagon and opened it up in front of her, "Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do."

Pharynx looked at the cover of the book to see the title 'How to fix any problems with your magic engine ' on the front. Whatever that meant, but for now his job was done.

"Right then. I will be on my way." Pharynx said, leaving Trixie to figure out which piece goes where.

Once back inside the hive, Pharynx turned back to normal and smiled back in Trixie's direction. And once he turned around, he found himself in front of his brother.

"Pharynx, where were you?" Thorax asked.

"I was investigating a lone wagon near the hive."

"Were the owners nearby?"

"She returned shortly after I got there. I even saved her the trouble of having it catch on fire."

"It was going to catch on fire?"

"Yes, it was. So you could say I saved her wagon."

"She must be happy."

"You could say that. In fact, she is working on improvements to her wagon as we speak."

"Does she need any help?"

"No, she has declined any help from our part."

"She must be a proud pony, then."

"You could say that."

Just then, an explosion was heard nearby. Both of them turned to the sound and saw a smoke cloud in the shape of a star rise into the sky before disappearing.

"What was that?" Thorax asked.

"I’ll look into it."
> The third date part one
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot, the capital city of Equestria. Its beauty demanded the utmost respect from everypony that visited, and nopony dares to disagree.

"YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!" a voice shouted from the train station. 

Twilight was holding onto the train doors for dear life as her friends worked together to pull her away from them. 

After Cadence returned to tell them the news of the next date, Twilight, fearing of another repeat of her last date with Thorax, refused to leave her room. Not wanting Twilight to miss her date, Cadence tricked her into wearing a headband which prevented her from using her magic and then used a rope to tie her wings to her sides. And had her friends help bring her to Canterlot. 

To prevent anypony from noticing such odd things, they had Twilight wear her Tiara and the dress she wore during her coronation. Anypony that saw them would only think that the princess just wasn't used to wearing her royal attire and would wave hello or stare for a little while.

"Twilight be reasonable," Rarity said while using her magic to make sure that Twilight's outfit didn't get ruined, "You agreed to date Thorax for one week. And we are barely on day four. You must finish what you started."

"I changed my mind! I can't handle this anymore!"

"Twilight come on," Rainbow said, pulling at Twilight from the midsection, "You don't want everypony to think that you don't keep your promises, do you?"

"It wasn't a Pinkie Promise!"

Pinkie then let go and thought about that for a second, "She has a point, girls." 

"Pinkie Pie," Applejack said, pulling Twilight by her hind leg with a rope. "You're not helping!"

"But, Twilight," Fluttershy said as she moved in front of Twilight, "If you can't bring yourself to see Thorax for another date, then how will you ever find the courage to talk to another stallion that you may like later?"

"I... I... I'll..."

"Yes?"

"Fine, you win," Twilight said as she let go of the train, forgetting that the rest of her friends were still pulling her. "WAIT!" Too late.

Twilight and her friends then flew backward in a straight line for a few seconds before ending up landing right on their hooves. They also noticed that there were no traces of dirt on themselves.

"How did we do that?" Twilight asked before noticing that Rarity’s horn had just stopped glowing.

"I was planning to use that when Sweetie Belle and her friends cause another mess in the Boutique. I thought that this was the best time to test it out. You are welcome."






Inside the castle, a gathering of pillows was put in front of a large blank wall. Princess Celestia had just entered the room with her sister not too far from behind her. 

"Relax Luna. We are early. Nothing has happened yet."

"How can you expect me to miss today's edition of Twilight's courting of Thorax?" Luna said to her sister while taking her seat.

"Sister, please. Twilight is a dear friend of ours," Celestia said, joining her sister, as Luna gave her a strange look.

"And might I remind you of whose idea it was to ask Discord to help us view Twilight's actions without her knowing?"

"I was just worried about her, that's all."

"I don't recall you saying anything like that yesterday. Especially after Twilight told Thorax, he reminds her of her father."

"Alright, I see where this is going, Luna. But you must admit that it was rather a houmous."

Discord then popped into the room, filling it with popcorn and candy. He also then set up a projector behind them and started it up. "Are you ready ladies?"

"Yes, Discord. Please show us Twilight Sparkles."

"Your will is my command, Celestia."

"Please stop saying that."





Meanwhile, 

Thorax had just arrived at Canterlot castle and was looking for one of the Princesses. After an hour of searching, a guard then found him roaming the halls and relayed a message to him from the Princesses.

"And you are sure that Princess Celestia said that?"

"Yes, your date with the Princess of Friendship will be in the garden today."

"Alright then,"

Thorax then made his way to the garden. On his way there He then noticed a bird nearby looking at him. Now usually no pony would see such a thing, but this case was different. This bird smelled familiar to him. Walking up to the bird Thorax then addressed it.

"Pharynx what are you doing here?"

"I am here as a lookout."

"Why?" 

"Because the last time I wasn't here you blew it with your date with the Princess."

"The fault doesn't belong to either of us Pharynx."

"And that is why I am here. So that nothing like that happens again."

"Couldn't you have just sent some changelings instead?"

"I did ask some to join me, but they ran away from me before I could even finish my sentence. I don't know what I did wrong. I was talking politely and everything."

"Really. Then let's hear it."





'You can do this; you can do this, you can do this.' Twilight chanted to herself. 

She was waiting in the gardens for Thorax. Her friends had untied her wings, but they left the headband on. They said something about not wanting her to teleport away again. They had even set up a picnic for her date. Just by looking through the basket, she could tell that her friends made sure that there was no way they could mix up the food. The sandwiches they prepared for them were color-coded with the green wrapping for Thorax’s food and purple wrappings for her food. And so on.

To be honest, Twilight had no idea how this date was going to turn out, but it was for her future in the dating world. She had to do it, even if she wanted to hide forever.

"My what do we have here?" A voice said behind Twilight that turn her trouble mood into a sour one.

'No! Of all the ponies I could see right now.' Twilight turned to face the pony, forcing herself not to leave the picnic area. "Hello, Blueblood. What are you doing here?"

"I was just going for a walk in the garden and so happen to see you here all by yourself."

"I not going to be here alone for long Blueblood. I am expecting company soon."

"Then may I join you two then? It would be a shame to waste such a lovely day."

'NO! I want you to leave. I can't stand this stallion. I thought I made it clear with him the last time he tried to court me. He must believe that this is just going to be a meet up with one of my friends or one of the Princesses. He must have no idea what I'm going to... wait.'

Twilight then smiled, "But of course you can join me,"

"Really?" Blueblood said, surprised that she did wanted him to stay.

"Why yes, I'm sure my guest would just be thrilled to see you."

"Why thank you, your highness," Blueblood said, sitting in front of Twilight, "I hope I won't be a bother for you two."

"I am sure you won't be." 'Not for long at least.' Twilight thought to herself.





Back with the brothers.

Pharynx had just finished telling Thorax how he asked for help. Thorax was rubbing his head at his brothers' statement. He had tried to give him tips on how to be kind to the changelings around him, However...

"Pharynx you sound like a friendly serial killer."

"Ah, but you said friendly."

"We'll get back to you on how to talk to others after my date with the Princess," Thorax and his brother then made their way to the garden. Once there, Pharynx was the first to notice that Twilight wasn't alone.

"Hey who is that with the Princess?"

Thorax looked ahead to see what his brother was talking about and his face darkened, "He's a dead pony, that's who."

Pharynx noticed the change in his brother's voice, "Hay, I thought I was the one with the problem with talking to others here."

"Just make sure I don't actually kill him by accident," Thorax said, spooking his brother for a moment.

"Thorax what are you going to do?"

"Nothing illegal," Thorax said, walking to the ponies as his brother watched from a tree.





"By the way, Princess, who is the guest you are expecting?"

"Oh, I’m sure you two have already met. I recently heard that the last time you two met it wasn't the greatest of greetings, so I thought you two could get along this time while I’m here."

"Well, that is very kind of you. So tell me, who is this pony?" Blueblood asked, not noticing a growing shadow behind him.





Meanwhile, at Rarity’s shop in Canterlot, Starlight and Rarity were going over the inventory and making notes about future orders. Starlight was holding the scroll and writing down what Rarity was saying. But Starlight kept looking up at the castle, wondering how Twilight was doing.

"Are you sure she’s going to be alright?"

"Yes, but just in case we are still in the city," Rarity said, moving to the next set of dresses in her shop. "You can never be too careful."

"But if that’s the case. Shouldn't we be with them... nearby or something?"

"After what happened the last time we tried to help Twilight I don't think she would feel very comfortable with us looking over her shoulder. We need to give Twilight some space to earn her trust back."

"But we didn't do anything wrong."

"That’s true, but Twilight still might not see it that way in her mind. So that’s why I sent Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie as scouts to watch them."

"And if something goes wrong?"

"They will come and get us."

Just then a scream from an unknown origin was heard across Canterlot.

*IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKK!*

Starlight looked outside to see ponies in a panic over to the scream but noticed that Rarity didn't seem fazed by it. "Rarity?"

"I don't see Rainbow dash coming for us, do you?"

"No."

"Then it has no concern to us," Rarity said while putting a dress on display.

Starlight then noticed something unusual on Rarity face. Not that she hadn't done it before, it just that this time it looked strange. "Then, why are you smiling?"

"I have no idea, dear. I just feel very happy for some reason."
> The third date part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie sat in a tree in the Canterlot garden. They watched as two guards escorted a pale white unicorn with a white mane out of the garden as Twilight and Thorax laughed their butts off.

"I was asleep for two minutes," Rainbow asked Pinkie, "What did I miss?"

"Blueblood screamed like a little filly after Thorax said hello to him."

"What! And I missed that!?"

"I liked the part where he fainted, and his mane turned white. I didn't think a pony's mane could change to a different color."

"Pinkie you need to wake me up for stuff like that."

"Na ah ah. You told me to not to disturb your nap for any reason."

"I know but... but... darn it!"

Meanwhile, in another tree, Pharynx sighed in relief that his brother wasn't going to kill somepony and ruin everything that they had spent a long time making.

"I hope that his actions don't come back to haunt us later. Nah. That stallion deserved it. Hehe... hold on!"

Pharynx then noticed a familiar mare trying to hide in a tree, but let’s face it, having a blue coat is the worst camouflage in a GREEN leafed tree.

"Isn't that the rainbow mare again? I bet she had something to do with the date going wrong the last time. I stopped her the first time, but I didn't think she would try something again. Not after the last time she got near them. I better get rid of her."





"So tell me Twilight. How are you feeling?"

"How am I feeling?"

"Yes. You see, I thought after the last time we met, you would never want to see me again."

"Well, I didn't feel like it at first, actually," Twilight said as Pharynx flew to Rainbow's tree, "I wanted to stay in my room and maybe even stop this dating thing altogether." Twilight continued as Pharynx landed on Rainbow’s head, "But my friends convinced me that I should at least finish what I started before giving up," Pinkie Pie got Rainbow’s attention and pointed at the bird on her friend’s head, "I’m not sure how this is going to turn out though, Thorax. I do have feelings for you, but I’m still having trouble deciding if they are romantic or not." Rainbow's eye started twitching before she attacked Pharynx again. Thorax then noticed them and tried to keep Twilight's attention only on him. "What was that?"

"Just nature’s flying little creatures fighting over territory."

"Really?"

"Yes. But it will be over as quickly as it started, so there is not much to see," Thorax said as Pinkie Pie was kicked out of the tree only to charge back inside.

Twilight looked at the tree only to see a bird flying outside of the raging tree and then flying back inside. "I have never seen birds act like that before," she said, looking back at Thorax just as Rainbow got kicked out, only to let out a battle cry and chargeback in.

"Perhaps we should move our picnic away from the chaos."

"Good idea."





"That is one fast, strong little bird," Pinkie said.

"I know, right?!"

"I wonder what species it is?"

"I have no idea, but every time we meet, it always causes problems for me."

"Did you attack it first?"

"Not the last time. I was just trying to find a place to sleep on a cloud, and then it attacked me for no reason at all."

"Maybe you took its spot?"

"Birds don't rest on clouds, Pinkie. They just fall through."

"Hay Twilight and Thorax are leaving!"

"What! After them," Rainbow and Pinkie left the tree, but Pharynx stood between them and Twilight's date.

Rainbow ground her teeth and got close to the bird, "Listen here you little pest! I need to keep an eye on them to make sure that nothing goes wrong. And no karate bird is going to stop me!"

"I can't let you do that, Rainbow," Pharynx replied to her.

"And why’s that?" Rainbow replied, not noticing that she was talking to a bird.

"Because that is my job," Pharynx said, causing Rainbow to realize something,

"Wait, how can I understand you?"

"I am surprised you haven't figured it out yet. I mean really, how can a small bird kick a pegasus’ rear so easily?"

"Oh, you're a changeling," Pinkie said.

"Your pink friend hit it right on the nose."

"But then why did you attack me that last time?" Rainbow wanted to know.

"I thought you were going to ruin Thorax's date with the princess."

"NO! I didn't even know that they were underneath the cloud I was going to nap on!"

"My apologize then, but you can rest assured that I will take care of them. You two are unnecessary and may become a problem later. Please leave this to me."

"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Pinkie asked.

"I am sure. Oh, and Rainbow?"

"Yes?"

"Your form is sloppy, and your punches are weak. You couldn't even defeat a green belt as you are right now," Pharynx said to her before flying away.

"GET BACK HERE!" Rainbow yelled before going after him.




“You okay Twilight?” Thorax asked Twilight as he finished setting up the picnic. 

“Yes, I am alright. But I could have sworn I just heard Rainbow Dash.”

“Isn’t she one of your friends from Ponyville. What is she doing in Canterlot?”

“Well… she… never mind. I must be hearing things.” Twilight sat down to eat her sandwich. ‘I can’t let Thorax know that my friends are nearby to make sure that I don’t chicken out from this date. Not that is necessary anymore.’ 

“If you say so Twilight.” Thorax sat down in front of Twilight to enjoy his meal. ‘That was a close call. I am not sure what was going to happen if Twilight saw one of her friends fighting with my brother again. And it was Rainbow again; does he have it out for her or something?’

“Thorax.”

“Yes, Twilight.”

“You said during our first date that changelings have a unique smell to them right.”

“Yes,”

“Do ponies have a unique smell as well?”

“Well, I am not sure.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well back when changeling hunted for love. We could only sense the love and nothing else. Not to mention that Ponies like to cover themselves with so many kinds of smells that we just stop trying to smell them.”

“Oh. So, you can tell what a pony smells like because of all the perfumes and cologne they use.”

“Right. I would have to get very close to a pony and sniff them for a bit before I could find their unique smell.” Thorax then looks at Twilight. “Did you want me to find out what you smell like?”

“What!” A blush comes to Twilight face as she never thought about letting Thorax smelling her. The thought excited and scared Twilight at the same time, causing her to panic. “I am sure that I don’t smell like anything! I don’t even use perfume!”

“But that means finding your smell will be easier Twilight. But I can tell that you are uncomfortable with the idea. So, I will drop it.”

“NO!” Twilight shouted before composing herself. “I mean. It wouldn’t hurt to try, right?”

Thorax then moves next to Twilight but makes sure that he is not touching her. He looks down at the blushing mare. “Are you sure about this Twilight? You look like a nervous wreck.”

“You are just smelling my mane. What do I have to worry about.” Twilight said not looking up at Thorax. ‘And why is my heart pounding?!’ 

Thorax then smells Twilight as she does her best not to run away. Once Thorax was done, he moves away from Twilight and sits in front of her again. Twilight looks shyly at Thorax. “Well?”

“Your smell. It reminds me of a flower.”

“What kind?”

“A Lisianthus, it’s a white bellflower with purple edges.”

“There is a flower-like that? I always thought they were just one color only.” 

“Well this flower is rare, so I doubt many ponies have heard about it.”

“Just what else do you know Thorax?”

“Well. I know-”

“Hey Twilight, Hay Thorax.” A voice said next to them. Looking at the sound, they can see a familiar pony.

“Pinkie,” Twilight said. “What are you doing here?”

“I am looking for a dogfight. You haven’t seen one around here?”

“No,” Thorax said. “No dogs are fighting around here.”

“Not real dogfighting another dog silly. I mean ponies fighting in the air.”

“No, Pinkie,” Twilight said. “I haven’t seen anypony fighting.” Just then they heard somepony screaming nearby followed by another pony screaming ‘no’.

“Nevermind. I found them. Enjoy your date, you two. Pinkie on the case.” She said, hopping away from them.

“You have exciting friends, Twilight.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Perhaps the gardens aren’t a safe place to have our date today. Might I recommend continuing this inside the castle?”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Thorax and Twilight's date continue throughout the day without anything unusual happening to them. They spend most of the time roaming the halls of the castle talking with each other and occasionally making each other laugh. Thorax never did see his brother for the rest of the time with Twilight.  

To his surprise, he did see Trixie in the castle looking for somepony. Thorax was going to see if she needed help, but Twilight wanted to go to the castle library at the same time. Thorax knows there was no way Twilight couldn't have miss seeing Trixie. It seemed more like she wanted to avoid her for some reason. Thorax wanted to understand why she didn't want to see if Trixie needed help, but he didn't push for answers and spent the of the date with Twilight in the Library. Thorax never did find out what Trixie was there for.

Night has fallen across Canterlot as Thorax escorted Twilight to her room in the castle. Thorax kept some distance between each of them, not wanting a repeat of their first date.

Once there. Thorax bid Twilight a good night. However, before He left her, Twilight had an odd request for him. She asked him if he could remove a headband under her crown. She said that it got stuck in her mane and she couldn't get it off before their date.

Not seeing anything wrong with it, Thorax agreed to help remove the headband. Twilight had a small blush on her face as Thorax removed the headband with his hooves.

"Thank you for such a lovely evening, Thorax. I hope to see you later." Twilight said before closing the door to her room and leaving Thorax for the night.

Meanwhile, not too far away, a mare was holding back a stallion from going after Thorax.

"I’m going to kill him!"

"Honey calm down. I’m sure Twilight has a good reason for keeping this from us."

"Okay, while you are talking to her, I’m going to kill him."

"Night Light, I love you. But stop it."
> The Hard Questions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Dad calm down!"

"How can I?!"

Soon after Thorax left Twilight for the night, Nightlight and Twilight Velvet went to see their daughter about her secret special somepony. Twilight sat patiently as her dad went on a rant about dating, kissing, and stuff. Her Mom looked like she was in a state of being both very happy and very angry. But one thing still bothered Twilight about the whole thing.k

"Hold on," Twilight interrupted her dad, "I thought you two were okay with this. After all, I explained everything to you in the letter I sent."

"Letter?" Nightlight asked, confused.

"Yes, the letter I sent to you four days ago. It explained what’s going on between Thorax and me."

"Twilight," Her mom said, "We didn't get a letter."

"What? But I’m sure I sent it to you."





Four days ago.

In front of Twilight's parents’ mailbox, a mailmare lifted a letter to insert it into the slot. She had to be careful. This mailbox had a few other mailboxes all around it.

"And in you...you ah... you ah...ACHOO!" Derpy sneezed and inserted the letter into the mailbox above the one she was aiming for.

It happened so quickly that she didn't realize that the letter meant for Twilight's parents was given to a mailbox whose owners were on vacation. Thinking that she’d done her job, she left.





"I’m sorry, Twilight, but we didn't get a letter from you."

"Well, that explains why dad didn't show up at Ponyville the same day I sent it."

"So what DID that letter have to say then?" Nightlight asked.

"Okay. The letter was going to tell you two that I was going to date Thorax for one week."

Nightlight was going to talk, but Twilight Velvet stopped him. "Twilight is there more? It sounds like you are keeping something from us."

"Wh... wh...what makes you say that?"

"I may not be your father, but even I know that you’ve never had a special somepony that you wanted to date before. So what makes this case different?"

"Well, he's not officially my special somepony yet."

"YET!?"

"We made a deal that at the end of the week, I will decide whether or not to marry Thorax and become a changeling like him."

It took her parents a few seconds to get what their daughter just said, "WHAT!?"

"I can always say no at any time."

"THEN SAY NO NOW!" Her Dad shouted.

"But."

"NIghtlight, I got this," Twilight's mom said.

Nightlight was going to say more, but then he got a look from his wife that meant she was serious. Nightlight noticed it and quickly hushed up. Twilight Velvet usually didn’t use the look on him, but she couldn't have her husband interrupting the conversation right now. There was a question that must be answered. She turned to face her daughter and asked:

"Twilight, do you love Thorax?"

Twilight’s face started turning red at the question. "What?"

"Do you love this changeling enough to marry him?"

"I...I...I"





Meanwhile, at Twilight's old room in Canterlot castle, Starlight woke up from her sleep and walked to answer her door as somepony was continually knocking on it.

"Who could be up at this hour?" Once she was awake enough, she answered the pony behind the door. "Who is it?"

"Starlight open up, please. It's me," Trixie said through the door.

Opening the door, Starlight let Trixie in. "Hello, Trixie. Did you need a place to sleep?"

"Oh, Starlight, I need your help."

Starlight looked out the window to see the moon still up in the sky. "Now?"

"Yes."

Starlight then made herself a cup of coffee to keep awake. As much as she wanted to sleep, her best friend needed her help, and she would answer the call. "Okay, Trixie. What is it?"

"I need your help in wooing a stallion."

"What?"

"You see, I’ve had my eye on a stallion for a while, but when I finally dared to tell him how I feel about him, I found out that he was seeing another mare."

"Okay. So why are you asking for help from me? Isn't this Cadence’s job?"

"I don't know the Princess of Love personally enough to request an audience like you can Starlight. And I want your help because you have a special somepony."

Starlight spits out her coffee. "What NO, I don't!"

"Don't even try to hide it Starlight. I’m your best friend. I know these kinds of things.”

Starlight cleaned up her mess before talking to Trixie. "Alright fine. But what do you want me to do about it? From what you have already told me, this stallion is already taken."

"I want to know how do I make him notice me and not her!"

"Well, I don't know much about this stallion, but I think nothing short of a break up could fix this."

Trixie smiled. "So they just have to break up. That’s all."

"Don't even think about it, Trixie! Friends don't ruin other friend's love lives just to get what they want."

"But he will never notice me if I don't."

"It cannot be helped, Trixie. If you want this stallion to love you, then you have to wait until he is not seeing this other mare. But you must have no part in that if it does happen. Indirectly or directly."

"Starlight, you are not very helpful right now."

"I’m trying to stop you from doing something you’ll regret later. Think about it, Trixie. If he finds out that you had something to do with his break up with his last lover, what do you think he will think about you then?"

Trixie tried to say something, but she couldn't think of a good reply. She just curled her tail to her side. "But I don't want to lose him."

Starlight hugged Trixie. "Trixie he was never yours, to begin with."

"What do I do then?"

"Does this stallion have a brother?"
> Chapter special Rainbow Dash vs. Pharynx
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ever wonder what happened between Rainbow and Pharynx after they disappeared that one chapter?



"GET BACK HERE!" Rainbow Dash shouted to Pharynx as she flew after him. Pharynx noticed her and tried to lose her by flying between some trees, but that didn’t stop her. For every turn he would take Rainbow Dash would match him, not losing ground.

"I will admit that you have speed while you are flying. But you will only get in their way Rainbow Dash. Go home."

"Not until you apologize for what you said about me!"

Pharynx then landed on the ground and Rainbow landed in front of him. "I guess you can't handle the truth then."

"You just got lucky that is all! I want a rematch!"

"I don't have time for this. Leave me be.," Pharynx was about to take off, but Rainbow then used an ace in the hole that has worked to start so many fights in the past.

"Chicken."

Pharynx stopped in mid-flap and slowly turned to face Rainbow. "What did you just say to me!?"

"Chicken."

"Are you trying to make me kill you?"

"Bakaw!"

"I will make this quick," Pharynx said, returning to his original form as he did a few stretches, "I’m going to enjoy this."

Rainbow Dash knew that she was picking a fight with a changeling, but she thought it was just a regular drone. "Wait aren't you Thorax’s brother?"

"Prepare yourself pony."

"Wait we haven't said the rules yet."

"Survive by any means necessary," Pharynx said before transforming into a dragon, "Now die."

"Hold on a second!"





"Fluttershy what are you doing?" Applejack asked her friend as she was setting up a bird feeder.

"Oh, I am trying to get the little animals here to come out of hiding," Fluttershy said as she moved next to Applejack a few feet away from the feeder, "The last time I was here none of them wanted even to come close to me. So I thought that if I could show them that I am friendly, they wouldn't be so scared of ponies."

"But I thought we weren't supposed to be anywhere near the gardens, let along inside of them."

"Oh, it’s alright. So long as we don't interrupt Twilight's date. We could be anywhere as far as she knows."

"I don't know about this Fluttershy. I’m sure Twilight will still be mad at us if she finds us here. By the way, why are the little critters so scared of us ponies anyway?"

"I’m not sure, but I have a feeling it has to do with... Shh!" Fluttershy said as she saw a bird flying next to the feeder. "He’s going for it."

The little bird started feeding for a little bit before a loud scream nearby scared it away along with any other small animal in the area.

Fluttershy eye twitch, seeing that her plan has failed, "NNOOOO!"





Rainbow Dash flew behind a tree and patted out a small fire on her tail. She looked around for Pharynx and saw him in his changeling form on the other side of the tree. They started circling the tree to the left and then to the right. Pharynx knew she was nearby, but he couldn't find her for some reason. He walked backwards around the tree as Rainbow flew above him. Pharynx looked around the tree for a little bit before he looked up and saw her.

Rainbow smiled, looking down at Pharynx. "Hi."

"Hi now die."

"No, thank you," Rainbow said before flying away with Pharynx right on her tail.

Rainbow Dash knew she had to find a way to lose Pharynx, but he always seemed to be able to find her. She needed to change tactics. Flying up in the air she turned around and flew right under Pharynx, hoping to buy some time to think, but what happened next surprised the both of them as Rainbow Dash’s wingtips brushed against Pharynx’s belly.

"Haahaa," Pharynx covered his mouth. Rainbow Dash stopped flying away and looked back at him.

"Are you ticklish?"

"Nnnoo..."

Rainbow Dash smiled evilly as she moved closer to Pharynx, who started looking for an escape route.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Stay away from me, MARE!"

The table had turned in Rainbow’s favor. All she had to do now was to pin him down and tickle him. Thanks to all the Wonderbolts training Rainbow had been through there was no way Pharynx could lose her in the air, but Pharynx didn't know that. They continued to fly in the air for hours until Rainbow finally grabbed him in mid-air and attacked him with her feathers.

"STop..haha... Please.."

Rainbow didn't think this though as they fell to the ground. Their fall was softened by them landing on some bushes. However, even after they had fallen, Rainbow didn't let up and also pinned Pharynx’s forelegs above him.

"Say it."

"Please."

"No, that’s not it. Come on say it."

"Uncle."

"Nope, try again."

"I am sorry."

"That’s better," Rainbow then stopped tickling Pharynx and let him breathe, "You better not say something like that again."

"Fine."

"Hi guys," Pinkie said.

Rainbow looked to her left to see Pinkie Pie, "Hi, Pinkie."

"So are you going to kiss him or something Dashie?"

"What! Why would I do something like that?"

"Well isn't that what ponies do when they are in the same position you two are in?"

"What?!" Rainbow Dash then noticed that she was sitting on a stallion in the bushes with his forelegs pinned by hers. A heavy blush came over the both of them, and Rainbow jumped off of Pharynx.

"I wasn't going to do anything like that!"

"Riiiiight."
> Problems
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax had just returned to the changeling hive and noticed that the door to his room was open. Walking inside, he found a familiar face looking through his stuff again.

"Ocellus didn't we talk about this?"

"Sorry, Thorax but I just couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to read more of the letters that Trixie sent you."

H gave her a knowing smile, "Wanting some ideas on how to tell somepony at school how you feel about them?"

She blushed a little. "Ah... maybe."

He shakes his head before escorting her out, "Ocellus, it’s late. Go to sleep; you’ve got classes tomorrow."

"Okay."

"You can take some of those letters if you want. Just don't show them to anypony, okay?" he said as Ocellus rushes back inside and takes a stack of letters, before leaving.

"Thanks."

Ocellus left the room as Thorax shook his head. Looking back at the pile of letters Thorax then divided them by who sent them. Once done, he found that two-thirds of the collection was from Trixie. He opened a few random letters from Trixie and found that she had been in love with him since the day of his transformation, and had been sending him one message each day.

Thorax let out a heavy sigh. Had he known that Trixie liked him for so long he would have gone to her first? It didn't seem fair to this mare, not to at least reply after so many letters, but he was with Twilight right now. However, she had said that she was not sure about her feelings about him. He had felt the love inside Twilight for him grow stronger these last few encounters; however, it was nothing like the love Cadance felt for Shining Armor. Twilight's love for him was more like a high school crush than anything else. The week was almost up. What if Twilight said that no? What then?

Thorax brought out a blank sheet of paper and began to write.

Dear Trixie,





The next day,

Cadence had just arrived at Canterlot and was hoping to meet up with Twilight before she headed back to Ponyville. She found Twilight's friends at the train station. However, she noticed that Twilight wasn't with them. They said that Twilight's Mom told them Twilight still had some business to take care of in Canterlot and asked them to leave without her.

Curious, Cadence headed out to find Twilight. As far as she knew, Twilight's only reason for being in Canterlot was to date Thorax. Did something happen? She had to find out. If something did happen to Twilight, her mother in law Twilight Velvet was going to be the mare to know what that was especially since she was the one to tell Twilight's friends to head on back without her.

Going to Twilight's parents’ house was a short walk for Cadence. It had been a while since she had been there. She hoped that whatever was happening to Twilight was nothing too serious. She knocked on the door. Twilight Velvet opened the door and greeted her daughter in law with a hug.

"Cadence! What are you doing here?"

Cadence brakes the hugs and wakes inside, "I heard that Twilight was going to be staying in Canterlot for a little while longer. And I was wondering if you might know why?"

"Well, it is better if you look for yourself," Twilight Velvet led Cadence further inside the house until they found Twilight sleeping on her bed with her dad trying to wake her up.

"What happened?" Cadence asked.

"I’m not sure," Twilight Velvet said with a concerned look, "All I did was ask her if she loved Thorax, and then she fainted right then and there. She has been like this ever since," Cadence gives Twilight a look over, "Was it something I said?"

Cadence uses a quick spell on Twilight to see that she is just sleeping. Satisfied with her results, she came to the only conclusion for this, "I think that the whole idea of dating has finally sunk into Twilight's head." She looks back at the mother, "She never dated somepony she liked before,"

"Will she be alright?" The father asked,

"I think so," Cadence looks back at Twilight sleeping form, "But what I am more concerned about is if she can stand thinking about Thorax without fainting?"

"What?!" Nightlight said, "You're the Princess of Love, and you don't even know?"

She shrugs at this, "This is a new one to me, but I guess that she’s not used to the idea of having deep feelings for Thorax. I could do some training to strengthen her, but first, we need to wake her up."

"Well, we tried everything we could think of."

Cadence then remembers back to a time when Twilight refused to get out of bed and an evil grin comes to her face, "I think I know of something."

"Go right ahead then Cadance."




Meanwhile not too far away at Canterlot throne room,

"Go away, Discord," Celestia said as she reads a scroll in front of her,

Discord float next to her with a cut out paper pony doing tricks on his claw, "Why? I’m not doing anything to intrude on your royal duties, Celestia." He then moves next to her to see what she is reading, "Does this have something to do with yesterday and not having that belly laugh you were hoping for during Twilight's date?"

Celestia pushes him away with a hoof, not taking eyes off her scroll, "No. You are just bothering me."

"Now Celestia we both know what it would be like if I was bothering you, and this is nothing like it."

She gives him a sideways glance, "That is what worries me. Why are you still here? I thought that you had a tea party to attend with Fluttershy?"

"That would be the six o clock tea time, and it will be exactly 5:15 at the sound of the scream," Discord said while looking at a pocket watch in his claw.

"What scream?"

Just then a loud scream was heard outside of the castle, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"That one," Discord said, putting the watch away. Celestia and guard ponies look at the direction of the sound before looking back at Discord,

"Discord what did you do?"

"I had nothing to do with that one," He lay down on top of Celestia's throne back support, "I just had a feeling that a little chaos was going to be made at that time."

She shakes her head as she rolls up the paper and moves onto another one, "Why did I let you out again?"

"Because you are a nice pony, that’s why."

"True. But I thought that you would spend most of your time with Fluttershy and not around the castle."

"Oh come on Celestia. Even you have to admit that this old castle would be boring without me here." he pats her head to switch she replied with swatting him on the nose with a scroll,





"CADENCE!" Twilight said as she calmed down her breathing while rubbing the side of book in her hooves, "For the love of Celestia! Don't ever do that again!"

Cadence blows out a match, "So long as you don't faint again."

"I fainted?"

"Yes, you did. But enough of that Twilight. We’ve got some work to do."

This confuses Twilight as she puts the book back on her shelf, "What do you mean?"

"Do to a new development with your feelings for Thorax. I must help you get used to the idea of being his lover."

Nervous at to what she is implying Twilight start to back away from her, "I don't believe that’s necessary."

"Twilight this is for your own good," Cadence said as her horn started to glow. "Now hold still."

"No, thank you!" Twilight ran outside the room with Cadance right behind her.
> Day 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight was able to get away from her sister in law and get back to Ponyville somehow. Not that she didn't look over her shoulder every now and then. She loved her sister in law, but the mare could get carried away sometimes. But enough of that! She had a school to run and a lot of work to catch up on. Oh, paperwork, her old friend, how she missed it! At least she could understand it better than her own feelings.

Twilight had just finished the first pile of paperwork when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

The door opens to review Spike, "Hay Twilight." Spike said as he makes his way to hug Twilight.

"Hi, Spike," Twilight said, returning the hug before getting back to her work, "how are you doing?"

"I should be asking you that. After all, you stayed behind in Canterlot and somehow got back to Ponyville before we even got here. Did something happen?"

Twilight stopped her pen for a moment thinking of a good answer. "You could say that I had excellent motivation to get back here."

"Is it anything that I should be worried about?"

"Not really," Twilight said as she moved on with her work, "Just if you see Cadence tell her I am not here."

"Did you two get into a fight?"

"Kind of. But enough of that, how are you doing?"

"I’m doing great!" Spike waited for a little bit to hear what Twilight would say, but after a minute had passed in silence, Spike restarted the conversation. "So how did your date with Thorax go?" Twilight froze and didn't move. Even the paper in her magic stayed still in mid-air. "Twilight?" Spike moved to get closer to her, "Twilight?" He poked Twilight on the side of her face, and she snapped out of it.

Twilight then puts the paper on top of the pile with the rest. "I am fine, Spike."

"But then why did your face turn red then?" 

Twilight was going to make an excuse as to why she was blushing while thinking about Thorax, but she couldn’t take it anymore. She had to let it out. Twilight used her magic to lock the door and soundproof the room before grabbing Spike and squeezing him tight. "I don't know what to do anymore, Spike!"

Unknown to Twilight, her grip on Spike grew stronger every second she held him. Not wanting to die early, Spike did his best to get Twilight’s attention. "Twilight... can't breathe!"

"I’ve never felt this way about a stallion before! Every time I think about Thorax, I feel like my heart is going to explode!"

Spike's face was starting to turn blue. "That’s not the only thing that’s going to explode."

"I don't know if I can handle this level of stress anymore! I was still able to stay calm around him during our last date, but I have no idea how much longer I can keep it up!"

Spike's face was starting to lose all color as it turned white. "Same here," Spike replied weakly.

"What was that, Spike?" Twilight asked him before she finally noticed how he was looking. "OH! Spike, I am sorry!" She said as she loosened her grip on Spike so that he could breathe again, "I didn't think I was squeezing you that hard."

"It's fine," He gasped "I’ll live," Spike put some distance between himself and Twilight as she smiled apologetically at him, "So I guess it’s safe to say that you love Thorax?"

A small blush covered her face as she looked away from the little dragon. "Yes, Spike, I do," She looked back at Spike, "But I have no idea how to tell him!"

He scratches the side of his head, "Well, from what I’ve heard from everypony, you’ve been doing a good job so far."

Twilight slams her head onto the table with a low groan, "That’s not helping, because I have no idea what I was doing during those dates!"

Spike rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I’m not sure how much help I can be since I have never been on a date before. However, I have been in love with somepony before. And it was with somepony who was not a dragon."

Twilight looked at Spike, unsure. "I’m not sure how your crush on Rarity is going to help me."

"Actually I’m pretty sure it can. Because I’ve gone through the one thing that you’re afraid of."

Twilight sank into her chair as she wondered in fear what it was that Spike knew that she didn't. "What is that?"

"Being turned down by the pony you love."

"We don't have to talk about that Spike," Twilight spoke quickly, knowing how sensitive Spike was about that one subject, "I know how much you were in love with Rarity when that happened."

"No, it’s fine," Spike said waving his claw dismissively, "Besides it’s what you need to hear Twilight," Spike sat on the table next to Twilight and told her about his love life. "When I confessed to Rarity about my feelings for her, I thought for sure that she would feel the same way about me, but she didn't. She told me that I should be looking for somepony closer to my age. I didn't get why she said that, but I learned to live with her decision and moved on."

"Did you find somepony else?"

"Not yet, but I am still looking. And if I can handle rejection from my crush with Rarity, then you can tell Thorax that you love him. If he feels the same way for you then good, but if he doesn't, then I will be here to help you through the depression."

Twilight smiled weakly at her friend and hugged him. "Thank you, Spike. You’re always there when I need you."

"You can always count on me, Twilight."





Meanwhile,

Pharynx had just returned to the changeling hive and had no idea where his brother was. "Thorax! Where are you?" He called out.

"My room," Thorax answered him.

Once there he let himself in without knocking and saw his brother at a table writing a letter. "You know, even though you are the ruler of the Changelings, would it kill you to let me know when you come back home?" Then again he just got here too, but Thorax didn't need to know that.

"Sorry, Pharynx. I just have a lot on my mind. That’s all." he said not looking up from his work,

Pharynx moved next to his brother and looked over his shoulder, trying to find out what he was up to. "What are you writing there?"

"A letter to Trixie."

He gave him an unsure look, "Why?"

"Because I thought it would only be fair after so many letters she has sent me."

He nods at this, "And just out of curiosity, what kind of letters has she been sending you?"

"Love letters."

"Okay, that’s enough of that," Pharynx said as he grabbed the letter and ripped it to shreds.

Thorax’s eye twitched as he watched an hour of hard work being thrown in the trash can. He looks at his brother irritated, "What’s the big idea?"

Pharynx ignore the question completely and gave him one of his own, "Are you in love with Princess Twilight?"

This gives Thorax a moment of pause as he looks away, "Well, I wouldn't say love just yet, but it’s close."

His brother pushes him out of his chair, "Then why are you cheating on her?"

Thorax looks his brother from the floor, "What are you talking about?"

"You are already dating Princess Twilight and possibly marrying her by the end of this week," he gets in close to his brother so that they are face to face, "Why are you looking at others mares?"

Thorax blinks in confusion for a moment before he gives his brother a flat stare, "I wasn't going to send her a love letter Pharynx," He pushes him away and gets up from the floor, "I’m not dumb. I was going to send her a letter telling her that I don't feel the same way about her."

Pharynx shakes his head, "And break what is left of her fragile little heart when you haven't even replied to her before?"

Thorax let out a frustrated grunt as he knew his brother was right. "Well, what am I supposed to do then?"

"Get rid of her letters and plan for your next date with Princess Twilight."

He rolled his eyes at this, "I’ve already got that handled Pharynx," He looks back at the trach can, "It just doesn't seem fair to not reply to Trixie, is all."

His brother huffs and he uses his magic to burn the shredded paper in the trash, "What’s done is done. There is no more room in your heart for another mare, Thorax. She will move on, and so will you. I know it is not how you would do things, but it is out of your hooves. Remember who your mare is and stick with it. Understand?"

Thorax looks at the ashes of the letter and sighs, "Yes, sir."

They both move to the couch as Pharynx remembers why he was here, "So where are you going to go with Twilight tomorrow anyway?"

Thorax puts a hoof to his face in thought, "I was thinking about something like a family dinner."

His brother doesn't look certain, "Are you sure that is a good idea?"

Thorax smiles at his brother, "It’s just dinner with the ones who love Twilight. What’s the worst that can happen?"

"You don't read romance novels, do you?"

"No, why?"

He gets up and starts pulling out a scroll, "I will have some changelings on stand by then."

Thorax gets up and stops his brother, "Pharynx, don't worry. I’ve got this." He then leaves the room as Pharynx shakes his head as he watches his brother leave the room for possibly the last time,

"I seriously doubt that."
> The fourth date. Dinner and the Parents
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Velvet was in the kitchen preparing a meal for Night Light, Twilight, and Thorax. She was told earlier that anything she prepared for the meal would be fine for Thorax to eat. She was just excited that Twilight was dating somepony that made her daughter faint at the thought of him. She could see wedding bells in their future. Her husband on the other hoof... He had assumed the role of the overprotective father as he stared out the window. "Night Light I want you to behave yourself."

"What, don't you trust me?"

"I might trust you more if you would stop looking out the window holding a frying pan like some crazy pony."

Night Light looked at his wife as she took his frying pan away. "We don't know anything about this changeling!"

"And I believe that is why he asked for a family dinner with us. To break the ice if you will," Twilight Velvet then searched around Nightlight to makes sure he didn't have any more weapons.

"Why are you so calm about this?!"

"Because with our luck, both of our children are going to marry royalty." 

"What are you talking about? Only Shining Armor is married to..." Nightlight’s eyes widened, "NEVER!"

"Honey, you are getting that crazy eye again."

"I refuse to let Twilight be married to a stallion that’s not even a pony!"

"So you would let her marry a regular pony stallion?”

"No!"

"Honey. Twilight is going to get married eventually. It’s only a matter of time." Twilight Velvet stopped her search and looked at the clock.

"There’s no Stallion in Equestria WORTHY enough to marry My Little Princess!"

"Perhaps if you give him a chance, you may say otherwise."

"I doubt it!"








Shortly after Twilight's heartwarming moment with Spike, Cadence found her in the office. Before Twilight could teleport away, Cadence waved a little white flag in front of her. She told her that Twilight needed to go back to Canterlot for her next date with Thorax. Cadence told her that she didn't mean to scare Twilight back to Ponyville and helped her to get back to Canterlot before nightfall. They met up with Thorax at the train station, and Cadence bid them goodnight and left them be. Twilight was still nervous being next to Thorax, but it was not as bad as it was yesterday. Taking a deep breath, Twilight asked Thorax about their dinner plans.

"Thorax why did you want to have dinner with my parents?"

"I just thought that it was about time they know who is courting their daughter."

"I guess that makes sense," Twilight said as they made their way to her parent's house, "Be careful around my dad. The last time I told him about you, it didn't go well."

"He doesn't like me?"

"He doesn't like the idea of me alone with a stallion."

"Very protective, is he?"

"Yes, he is. After all, I'll always be his little filly. He only wants the best for me. And ever since I became a princess, his standards have only gotten higher."

"I’m sure that I can handle anything that your father has to throw at me."

"You sound very confident Thorax. I thought that you would be at least a little nervous."

"Don't worry Twilight. I’m perfectly fine." Thorax said on shaky legs.

Twilight noticed this but didn't say anything about it. "If you say so."

They both now stood in front of the door of doom as Twilight knocked. The door slowly opened and revealed the beast that lived within. Twilight was the first to greet him. "Hi, dad."

"Hello, my little star," Night Light said, greeting his daughter. He welcomed her in and closed the door on Thorax’s nose.

"Ow, my poor nose!"

"Dad!" Twilight cried as she opened the door for Thorax and saw him rubbing his nose, "Sorry about that, Thorax."

"It’s alright. It’s my fault for not seeing that coming."

"Please come in," Twilight closed the door behind Thorax and met everypony in the living room. Gulping, Twilight moved next to Thorax and began the introductions.

"Thorax these are my parents. Mom, Dad, this is Thorax."

"Hello there. I am Twilight Velvet."

"Hello," Thorax greeted Twilight's mom. But soon everypony noticed that somepony didn't introduce himself. They looked at Night Light and saw him trying to stare holes through Thorax.

"Honey?!"

"Is dinner ready?" Nightlight asked.

"Oh, dear, I almost forgot about it. Be right back."

Dinner was served in silence. No pony said anything mostly because of Twilight's mom’s cooking. However, anypony could see that Night Light didn't like Thorax in the slightest. Thorax ate quietly next to Twilight as her dad kept sending Thorax death glares. Not wanting the meal to be ruined by ego, Twilight Velvet started up a conversation.

"I didn't know changelings ate food like ponies."

"Sometimes we do. We’re still researching what we can and can't eat."

Before Velvet could comment about that Night Light spoke up, "Do you still eat love?"

The mares in the room were shocked by Nightlight’s blunt, not to mention rude, question. "Nightlight!"

"It’s okay Ma’am," Thorax said to Velvet before addressing Nightlight, "No, sir. That’s in the past, thanks to Twilight and her friends."

"What do you plan to do with my daughter?"

Twilight couldn’t believe her Father right now. He had never acted this way before. She tried to get his attention, "Dad," however, it was as if she wasn't there. Her father's full attention was on Thorax.

"I thought that she already told you."

"I want to hear it from you."

"Okay. Nothing at the moment. We are having dinner after all," Thorax’s statement caused the mares at the table to put their hooves to their faces.

"Funny."

"I try to be. But I guess you want to know about something else. Okay then here is the deal. I plan on taking Twilight on a romantic walk under the stars of the canterlot gardens after dinner. Once I bring her back here, I will bid her goodnight and head back to my hive. I’ll return for her the next day to take her to the 'running of the leaves' in Ponyville for a friendly race with her friends. After that, I will take her out for a dinner date at a new restaurant in Ponyville. After we have enjoyed ourselves, I will take Twilight back to her castle, then bid her goodnight once again and return to my hive. Then on the final day of the week, everypony in this room will meet Princess Celestia in Castle Friendship to hear Twilight’s final decision on becoming my wife. If she will have me, then we will be wed, but if she says no, then I will respect her wishes and leave her in peace. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Thorax’s words had left everypony at the table speechless. Velvet was the first to regain her train of thought.

"Did you practice this speech Thorax?"

"No, Ma’am. Princess Cadence and Princess Luna helped me develop a schedule for courting Twilight shortly after she agreed to date me and had me memorize it."

"How thoughtful of them."

"Maybe," Nightlight spoked up. He wasn't done with Thorax by a long shot, "But from everything I have heard, you’re just courting my daughter because you need a wife. Not because you are in love with her," Nightlight then stood up from his seat. "I will not let Twilight marry some stallion that doesn't love my daughter more than I DO!"

Things were starting to escalate more than Velvet saw coming. She looked at Twilight and could see that she was staring at Thorax. Her only guess was that Twilight was hoping that Thorax would tell her dad that he was wrong about him. Velvet then looked at Thorax and was surprised to see that he was calm. Nervous, but calm.

Thorax took a deep breath and looked Nightlight in the eye, "I am in love with your daughter," Twilight started to blush. Velvet looked happy; however, Nightlight wasn't convinced.

"IS that so? Then why are you so willing to give up on her if she says no to you at the end of the week?"

"Because if you truly love somepony, you do what makes them happy. Even if it means never seeing them again."

Nightlight slumped down in his chair and let out a heavy sigh. "I got nothing. Finish your dinner and go on your walk, you two. But be back before midnight."

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't think this is over Thorax."

"I look forward to your next trial of my love for Twilight."
> The fifth date. part 1 The Running of the leaves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day at Ponyville. Twilight and her friends have gathered together for the Running of the leaves. Rainbow Dash and AppleJack only concern, is how they are going to beat each other while her other friends are fishing Twilight on how her dinner date with Thorax went.

Pinkie has been more persistent than the others, "Come on, Twilight. What happen?" She said hopping from side to side.

Twilight is trying to keep an eye on her friend while answering her. "Pinkie calm down. I don't have to tell you girls everything that has happened in my love life."

"But Twilight You must!" She said, stopped in front of her friend. "Your love is my love life!"

"Pinkie it can't be that hard for somepony like you to get a special somepony."

"Have you meet me, Twilight? You don't think I haven't tried yet?!"

"Ah?"

"I scare every Stallion that I come across. Apparently, no stallion around here wants to date a pony who can pull out a cannon out from a bush."

Twilight taps her chin and looks down, "I never thought of it that way." She then looks up at her friend, "What about that stallion who is a party pony like you? What was his name again?" Twilight turns to her friends for help in remembering his name. Fluttershy was the first one to remember.

"You mean Cheese Sandwich?"

"That the one. What about him Pinkie?"

"Fat chance. I have no idea where that stallion has run off too. And he doesn't seem to be the type to settle down if you get what I mean."

"True," Rarity says, "He doesn't strike me as the settling down type."

Pinkie then makes a pout face as Twilight tries to comforts her, "Don't worry Pinkie I am sure you will find somepony soon. Come on we better get ready for the race." Twilight then lead her friends to the starting line while Pinkie stays behind and mumbles to herself.

"Not in this story."

"What was that, Pinkie?" Twilight asks her,

"Nothing," Pinkie replies and joins them,




Meanwhile, not too far away from them. Thorax is trying to convince his brother to do something that he is refusing to do.

"No!"

"Come on, Pharynx. It will be fun."

"I don't see how you can find enjoyment in a race where you can't use your wings or your magic."

Thorax rows his eyes at his statement. "Because this is an Earth Pony type of race. Not to mention using magic would be cheating. And it would beat the purpose of the whole event."

"It is called using everything at your disposal to win. Besides, I have more important matters to deal with them running across Ponyville making leaves fall."

Thorax is disappointed in his Brother. This event was to be supposed to be a friendly race where everypony can have a good time before his date with Twilight later. And he wanted Pharynx to be part of it. Well, there is an ace up his sleeve to get him to join, but he was hoping that he didn't have to use it. Here goes nothing.

"Oh yeah? Well, I bet you are just scared that you know that you can't beat me in a race where you can't use your magic." It took Thorax a moment to realize what he just said, "Did I say that?" He looks at his brother, who is doing his famous death glare. Oh boy. "Hay I di-" Thorax was cut off when Pharynx forced his mouth closed with a hoof. 

"Shut your yap and get on the starting line." Pharynx then pushes Thorax away and makes his way to the starting line.

Thorax is moving his jaw to check if anything was broken. "He took that better than I thought."





"Hay Twilight your Stallion friend is here," Rainbow told her and then flying to her spot in the race.

Twilight greets Thorax with a hug. "Hay Thorax!"

"Hello, Twilight." Thorax then breaks the hug, 

"Are you ready to start?"

"As soon as they wave the flag."

Twilight then notice that Thorax wasn't alone here for the race. "How did you get your brother to join in on this?"Twilight then something else that is odd. "And why he is having a glaring match with Rainbow?"

Thorax turned around to see that his brother is indeed having a staring contest with Rainbow Dash. If you look closely, you can see sparks flying between them. "I have no idea."

"Maybe they like each other," Pinkie says out loud with causes both Rainbow and Pharynx to look away from each other,

"I don't think that is the case Pinkie," Twilight said not sure what to make of their behavior.

"Are you sure? I saw them both getting all cuddly in-" Pinkie was cut off when Rainbow cover her mouth puts her in a headlock.

"Rainbow?"

"Don't mind me, Twilight. I am just checking Pinkie's abilities to get out of a headlock that is all." 

Thorax stares at these ponies odd behavior as one of them is struggling to get out of the hold before speaking. "You two remind me of the relationship between my brother and me."

"Well it must be a fun life then," Rainbow then whispers into Pinkies ear. "If you know what is good for you. You will never tell anypony about that ever again."

"Got it." Rainbow then lets go of Pinkie and leave her. Pinkie then looks at us. "But I didn't Pinkie promise."

Everypony then took they places at...-

"Where is the script?"

"I have it."

"Pinkie. Give that back."

"No! I want to know why is it that I don't have a love interest in this story!"

"Because this story is about Twilight and Thorax."

"Really. Then why have you then have Rainbow Dash and Pharynx having a thing together? And you even mention Starlight romance life at the begin of the story. Why am I the only Pony in this story who you pointed out that has no love interest? What up with that?!"

"I am just the narrator Pinkie. If you have a problem. Take it up with the author. Now if you please. You are ruining the story."

"Fine! But don't think that this is over."

"Sorry about that. Now, where was I?"





"Ready? Set. Go!"

And so begin the Running of the leaves. Everypony has taken off like a rocket from the starting line. The leaders of the race are no surprise as Applejack and Rainbow are neck and neck. However, they are not alone as Pharynx is right next to them. 

"Go away, Pharynx!" Rainbow said to him.

"As you wish." Pharynx then speeds up and leave them alone. Rainbow face begins to turn red in anger.

"Get back here!"

"Make up your mind."

Meanwhile Twilight and Thorax are at last place as they take their time. Thorax was the first one to strike up a conversation. "How do you think everypony is doing?"

"I think they are doing fine. Why do you ask?"

"Well, my brother isn't one to willing to lose at anything. I am just worried about those fighting for first place."

"You mean Rainbow and Applejack?"

"How do you know that they are in the front?"

"Because they always fight for first place at anything. And now that your brother is doing the same thing. I think that they have a new competition this time."

"Well, I guess that is one way to makes new friends."

"Indeed. So Thorax I was wondering about something."

"What is it?"

"We have been dating for a while now. So how come you never tried to kiss me again?"

"No comment."

"Oh, really?"

They continue the race, and for some reason, they would pass by Rainbow, Applejack, and or Pharynx now and then. Only for them to pass by Twilight and Thorax. Thorax asked Twilight about it. And all she said was that history was repeating itself. In the end, Twilight had won the contest with the three hotheads being the last ones to the finish line. Thorax asked them what happen, which caused a fight of words to be broken out between Applejack, Rainbow, and Pharynx. It got worse until a real battle broke out between them. 

Twilight wanted to end the fight, but Thorax said that if they don't finish this fight on their own, then they are going to keep on at it. The best thing they can do is minimize the damage to the surrounding area until they tire themselves out. In the end, all three ponies limp away. But they all told each other that it wasn't over. In any case, once all three of them were seen fit to go home. Twilight and Thorax got ready for their dinner date.
> The fifth date. part 2 Dinner & a talk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earlier that same day.

"Are you sure about this Twilight?"

"I am sure, Applejack."

"You do know that after this date there is no hiding this from the media. They might not have caught on to your courting with Thorax before. But after tonight they will have proof that you two are dating. So I want to be absolutely sure that you know what you are getting yourself into."

"I am aware of what will happen Applejack. And don't forget. That tomorrow my week is up."

"And that is what I am worried about Twilight. Your answer to Thorax tomorrow is going to be Equestria news for weeks, whatever your answer is. I just don't want you to deal with a headache those newsponies will bring ya if your answer to Thorax is no. Not to mention what will happen to you if your answer is yes."

"Applejack. It is alright. I know what I am doing."

"Are you sure, Twilight?"

"I am sure."

"Are you one hundred perc-" Applejack was cut off when Twilight put a hoof to her mouth.

"Applejack calm down." Once Applejack show signs of relaxing Twilight, let go of her mouth. "I have never been more sure about something in my whole life before. I know what my answer to Thorax will be. However, there is something I want him to tell me first."

"And that would be Twilight? Twilight? Twilight?"





"Twilight are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh. I am fine, Thorax. I was just lost in thought that is all."

"If you say so."

Twilight and Thorax have just arrived at the restaurant to begin their final date together. Thorax was talking for the most of the date until he notices that Twilight wasn't paying him any attention. He didn't know why Twilight was lost in thought but at least what he was talking about earlier wasn't important. 

"So much for starting this date up with a casual conversation." Thorax thought to himself. "Perhaps a different approach is needed."

"I have enjoyed our time together, Twilight."

"So have I Thorax. But tell me. What will you do tomorrow if my answer is no?"

Thorax was taken off guard with Twilight Question. "Is she serious? Was it something that I said? No that not it. Twilight has shown no signs of dislike of me for these for the past couple of days. Not to mention that I can feel that her love for me has grown stronger. She truly does have strong feelings for me. This must be coming from what her dad said."



"But from everything I have heard. You are just courting my daughter because you are need of a wife. Not because you are in love with her. I will not let Twilight marry some Stallion that doesn't love my daughter more than ME!"



"No matter who you look at it. Her father does have a point. Am I dating Twilight just because I need a wife or rather it is because I love her? I have told him that it was because of love. However, Twilight might have seen it as a spur in the moment. And because of that, there is a small amount of doubt inside her heart. Since she can't feel love like I can. There is no way for her to be sure that I truly love her as she loves me. Wow, those classes with Princess Candance really paid off. Okay, get it together Thorax. She is waiting for your answer."

"Twilight. That isn't a topic suitable for a date now is it?"

"I suppose you are right. Just call me curious that is all."

The meal arrives, and they eat in silence. Throughout the rest of their date, Thorax and Twilight would trade off more stories about their lives. However, Thorax notice that Twilight never did ask her question of earlier again. In the end, they paid their check and were on their way. Night has fallen across Ponyville as the two walks to Twilight's castle.

However, Thorax knew that the date couldn't end with a simple dinner. Not with Twilight in doubt about his feelings for her.

"Twilight."

"Yes, Thorax?"

"Can we go to Ponyville lake?"

"Now?" 

"I know it is out of the blue Twilight. But I would like for us to go there. Please."

Twilight wasn't sure what to make of Thorax request. Not to mention that this is the first time that he has ever beg her to follow him. Twilight thought that they were going to follow the schedule that he said over dinner with her parents. And then wait for tomorrow for her answer. But something in Thorax eyes made Twilight say, "Okay."

They soon arrived at the lake. Thorax has taken a seat under the tree and Twilight join him. Twilight sat close to Thorax. She watches Thorax as he stares out at the lake. Twilight waited for Thorax to talk to her again for she has no idea why he wanted to come here.

"Twilight."

"Yes?"

"Did you ever wonder why on our first date. We came to Ponyville lake without ever going in for a swim?"

"Not really. I have other thinking on my mind. So tell me, Thorax. What makes this lake special to you?"

"When I was younger. I was given my first mission of getting love from a pony. I waited until Sunset before I went out. I disguise myself as a young stallion. I found a mare alone swimming in the lake. I look around I saw no pony nearby and got closer to her. However, once I did get closer than did I notice that the pony was making a lot more splashes than she needs to for a swim. I then realize that she couldn't get to the shore." 

"Before I knew it, I was in the water with her. She struggled for a bit until I was able to get her to the shore. She collapsed on the shore as I caught my breath. Looking around, I couldn't see anypony, and I had a mare all to myself. So I lend down closer to her and begin the process of taking her love. But that was when she looked up at me and spoke up "Thank you." and then she kissed me. Her kiss was so out of nowhere that I drop my disguise. Once she realizes that I wasn't a pony, she screamed, and I ran."

"What happened to the mare?"

"I do not know. I never got her name. I don't even remember what she looked likes anymore."  

"So that is why this lake is special to you. Because it was the first time, you save a pony."

"That. And it also reminds me of the time I first fell in love."

"Oh." Twilight then looks away from Thorax.

"With you Twilight."

Twilight quickly looks back at Thorax. "What?"

"I had to admit, though. When I came to Celestia about a need for a queen. I did so because it was something that my hive needs. However, what I wasn't prepared for was that I would fall in love with the mare that agrees to give me a chance."

"Thorax?"

Thorax then brushes the side of Twilight's face with his hoof gently while looking into her eyes. "I love Twilight and nothing in Equestria can change that. And even if you leave me tomorrow. I will still go on loving you."

"Don't go all cheesy on me Thorax."

"Cheesy or not. My words are true. I am in love with you, Twilight. On our second date, when I left you there at the cafe. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever done."

"I didn't want you to go when you did that."

"I am sorry that I hurt you."

"What do you have to be sorry for? I was the one who drove you away."

"But I decided to leave. Cadence was pleading with me to stay and work things out. I should have listened to her."

"Well. She is the Princess of Love, after all."

"That she is."

Twilight then leans on to Thorax. Thorax then looks down at her, and she smiles at him. He smiles back. Then Twilight start moving closer to Thorax face. However, Thorax stops her from kissing him with a hoof on her lips. Confused Twilight has to ask him.

"Why won't you let me kiss you? We kissed before."

"But that was on accident. I want our first kiss as lovers to be special."

"And this isn't?"

"Twilight, please. I want the next time that our lips touch. I want them to be yours forever. Can you wait just a little bit longer for me?"

"Yes, Thorax. I think I can manage." Twilight then leans on to Thorax and enjoy the night sky.


Meanwhile in Twilight mind,

"IT IS NOT FAIR! Can't I kiss my special somepony when I want to! Why does he have to go all romantic on me and torture me like this!"


Inside Thorax head.

"Why did Princess Cadence tell me to do this? It sounds so much better on paper then it does right now. I want to kiss her so bad right now."


Meanwhile in Canterlot

"WHY!" Celestia said, throwing her chair across the room. "Didn't Cadence teach him to be more romantic than that! What a waste of a perfectly good midnight stroll!"

Luna watches her sister and finishes the last of the popcorn. "I thought it was sweet."
> Twilight's Answer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was early in the morning in Ponyville. Ponies had gathered at the entrance of the Castle of Friendship, for newsponies had written in their papers about Twilight’s new love interest. Not to mention that there had been sightings of Ember the Dragonlord, Prince Rutherford, Grampa Gruff, and Queen Novo entering the castle for a meeting. The castle was surrounded by guards to prevent ponies from getting too close.

No pony knew what this was about, except the for the rulers of the lands and Equestria’s heroes. As ponies continued to find a way inside, more rulers of Equestria had started to arrive. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor along with little Flurry Heart, and two ponies that weren't as well known Twilight Velvet and Night Light. The Elements of Harmony each made their way inside. Some were creative, and others not so flashy. Finally, the last to arrive was Thorax and Pharynx.

As the ponies outside the castle tried to figure out what was going on inside, the ponies within the said castle were trying to calm down Twilight.

"It’s not that bad Twilight," Luna said.

"That’s easy for you to say. You don't have hundreds of ponies outside your doorstep wanting to know why all the rulers of Equestria enter your home. I thought there was only going to be a small group of ponies coming to this."

Princess Celestia looked around the room before looking back at Twilight. "Is this not a small group?"

"Princess Celestia with all due respect, you have invited everypony that I know here. Except for the Pillars of Equestria and Discord."

Discord then appeared behind her. "You called?"

"NO!"

"I do remembering asking the heroes of old to join us here,” Celestia mused, “I guess they’ll be joining us later." 

"You all didn't have to make such a big deal about this."

"Nonsense Twilight Sparkle," Luna spoke up, "This could be Equestrian history we are talking about here. And I speak for everypony here when I say that nopony wants to miss it."

"Then can you give me a minute to myself, please? And DON’T TIME ME!" Twilight yelled as she left the room. Discord threw a stopwatch he had just made out the window.

Twilight's mom followed her out of the room. Velvet saw her daughter bury her face under some pillows and let out a groan. "Twilight, honey, are you okay?" She asked as she moved next to Twilight.

"I will be. I just wasn't expecting so many ponies to show up today. That’s all."

"So are you still going to go through with this or do I have to cancel my order for your dress?"

"Yes, I’m still going to..." Twilight peaked out from the pillow. "What dress?"

"Your wedding dress, of course."

"MOM! I don't want to think about that right now."

"Do I have to cancel the cake too?"

"Mom. Please stop talking."

"But then what am I going to do with all the wedding invitations? It would be a shame to cancel everything."

"Nothing is getting canceled!"

"That’s good to hear."

"I just didn't think that my answer to Thorax would bring so many of my closest friends and family members together. You’re all acting like it’s my wedding day."

"I guess we all just got a little excited," Twilight Velvet left the bed and slowly walked to the door. "I mean what you’re about to say to Thorax in the next room will change your whole life," Once next to the door she smacked it with her back hoof and caused a collection of yelps to be heard on the other side. "Nosy ponies."

Twilight laughed at that. "Thanks, Mom I needed that."

Velvet smiled at her daughter. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be."





"I told you, sister. Don't get too close," Luna told her sister as she rubbed her cheek.

Twilight entered the room with her mom right behind her. 

"So?"

"I would like for Thorax to start."

"Start what?"

"You didn't get my letter?"

"No."

"I thought that I gave it to you last night- wait. I forgot to bring it with me. So you don't have it."

"Do you want to get it?"

"No, we can do without it. Thorax, this week past has one-" Twilight cleared her throat. "This has been one of the best weeks of my life Thorax," Twilight said with a smile. 

"I will say," Everypony gave Thorax a strange look before he spoke up, "I mean. Yes, Twilight this has been one of the greatest weeks I’ve ever had as well."

There was an awkward moment of silence in the room since Twilight and Thorax don't know what to say next. They just kept smiling at each other. 

Pharynx worked his way through the others to Rainbow and whispered something to her. Rainbow looked at him in confusion until Pharynx poked her with something sharp.

"YEOW!" Rainbow shot up into the air before charging at Pharynx. Everypony looked at the two in confusion. Once Pharynx had pinned Rainbow to the floor, he looked back at his brother. "Nothing's going to happen unless one of you two grows a backbone. So Thorax, don't give me a reason to come after you if you don't say something. Okay?"

"Sure Bro."

"Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a mare to deal with," Pharynx then leads Rainbow into another room while she was shouting at him.

Everypony in the room had no idea what just happened. Pinkie looked around at them. "I think he likes her."

Cadence just shrugged at Pinkie's comment. Thorax finally got his bearings. "As I was saying. Twilight, with your permission-" 

*AHEM!* 

Thorax looked at Twilight's dad. "And your father's," Nightlight nodded. "I would like to spend the rest of my life with you," Thorax got into a kneeling position in front of Twilight. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, will you marry me?"

Twilight looked at her friends. She could see their reaction to this question, some of them filled with joy, ready to burst, and others were waiting for her answer. Then she noticed that her father was holding a 'Say no' sign which her mom quickly got rid of. 

"Yes, King Thorax. I will be your bride."

"She said YES!"

The whole room burst with cheers of joy and some clapping from others that didn't want to look weak in front of others. Pharynx and Rainbow had just returned to see Twilight hugging Thorax as everypony cheered for them. Rainbow's eye twitched before she attacked Pharynx for making her miss Twilight's answer, and they disappeared into the background.

Twilight broke the hug and looked at Thorax. "Do I still have to wait for you to kiss me?"

"YES!" Her father shouted.

"Nightlight!"





"Is it going to hurt?" Twilight asked a changeling who was taking her food tray away. She and Thorax had gone back to the changeling's hive later that day to begin her transformation. She lay next to Thorax on a large bed as he and the other changelings had been preparing her for what was to come.

"No, the process should be painless. You might feel some aches and soreness at the end of it, but you will be asleep for the most part."

"So how is this going to work?"

"Princess Twilight, how much do you know about changelings?"

"Is that a trick question?"

"Maybe I should just tell you, then.  As you know, changelings’ magic is different from every other creature in Equestria. It allows us the ability to change our form at will into anything and back without any drawback to ourselves. The spell to transform is not as complicated as it sounds; however, even if a unicorn were to try the same spell, it would not work. And even if they did somehow transform, their body wouldn't be able to handle the strain the spell would put on it. Also, their body isn't made to transform and still have the ability to use magic." 

"So what is going to happen to me?"

"Don't worry your highness; those problems would only exist if a pony tried to transform using their magic. We have found a way to use our changeling magic on another nonchangeling, which will allow a successful transformation. The only drawback is that this is permanent, but there are no other risks. We know what we are doing." Another changeling came into the room carrying a bowl of something that smelled of lavender. "Inhale this, and sleep, your highness."

Twilight looked at Thorax. He smiled at her reassuringly. "I will be here the whole time."

Twilight trusted Thorax, so she inhaled the fumes, and was soon fast asleep. Once she was out, Thorax nodded to the gathered changelings, and soon the whole hive had surrounded them and began concentrating their magic on their sleeping queen. The colony was filled with a bright green light that shone to the outside of the hive. Shortly after the light came, it was gone.
> Waking up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Is she alright!?" Nightlight yelled at a passing changeling guard. Twilight's family had followed after her and Thorax the day after the pair had left for the hive, and were now waiting in another room near the chamber where she was resting after her transformation. As the hours passed, Nightlight grew worried and wanted to see his daughter. 

"Please, sir," The guard said, trying to calm him down, "The transformation has just finished. We must give her highness time to recover."

Nightlight got into the changeling’s face, making him cringe before him. "But I am her Father!" Nightlight was pulled away from the guard by his wife and son.

"Honey," Velvet said, "You need to calm down."

"Mom is right, Dad," Shining Armor said. "I’m worried about Twily too, but we must trust that the changelings know what they’re doing."

Nightlight’s body relaxed after he took a deep breath, and his family let him go. "Well, how much longer will it take?"

"We must let Twilight wake up on her own," Pharynx said as he entered the room. "Not to mention that she will be famished once she wakes up, and you don't want to be there for that."

"What are you talking about! What’s going to happen to my little princess?!"





Twilight let out a low groan as she woke up. Thorax took notice and signaled a changeling to get ready. Thorax moved his head behind Twilight's and nudged her gently. "Twilight."

She let out a groan of annoyance. Thorax called out to her again. "Twilight."

"Let me sleep," Twilight said weakly as a changeling brought in a large cart filled with bowls of pasta. Slowly the changeling moved one of the dishes next to Twilight’s face. Twilight’s nose then started sniffing. Her eyes opened, and she almost ate the whole bowl along with the pasta but kept it to just the tasty noodles instead. Once she finished the first bowl, she set her sights on the cart and pounced, just missing the changeling that brought them in. Many pasta bowls lost their lives in the eating frenzy that followed. In the end, Twilight was defeated by their sheer numbers, and two bowls remained untouched at the bottom of the cart. 

Twilight laid on her side as she stared at the last two bowls. "You win this round," Twilight then rubbed her belly as she laid there before Thorax picked her up. He brought her back to the bed and laid her down gently. Twilight smiled at Thorax but noticed that he looked different. 

"Thorax did you get smaller?"

"No, my dear. You just gained a foot in height is all."

"Oh, right, the transformation. Is there a mirror here?" Twilight tried to get up from the bed only to fall back down.

"Why don't you rest for a bit before you try to get up?" Thorax moved some of Twilight’s hair away from her eyes. "You’ve been through a lot."

Twilight looked up at Thorax. "You know. You never said anything about the hunger at the end of the process."

"I didn't think it was worth mentioning."

"What in the world did I eat anyway?"

"Something that I’ve been working on these past few weeks. You see we changeling are omnivores, so I’ve been working on something that we can eat without having to hunt for meat."

"MEAT!?"

"Calm down, Twilight! The pasta had no meat; it was just high in protein! No animals were killed!"

"Oh thank Celestia," Twilight calmed down and laid her head back on the bed. Thorax joined her and laid next to her as he gently stroked her mane. Twilight lost track of time as she lay there before she had to know what she looked like. She looked up at Thorax. "Now about that mirror."

"Of course," Thorax pointed to a full-length mirror hanging against the wall. 

Slowly Twilight made her way to the mirror. The first thing she noticed was her eyes. They looked like Thorax’s, but with a brighter shade of purple. Looking down, she could see that wrapped around her neck was a line of white gems like a necklace; a large one in the middle with smaller ones on the sides. She still had her purple coat color except for her middle body, that had a dark purple thorax. She had long sleek legs. Her mane and tail were the same, but now had a glossy look to them. As for her horn, it had curved backward and lost its spiral. When she stretched out her wings, she saw two pink insect wings coming from her back. There was no doubt in Twilight's mind. She was now indeed a Changeling Queen.

"Wow," Twilight said, touching her reflection, "Is that really me?"

"Indeed it is," Thorax said coming up behind Twilight and joining her in front of the mirror. Twilight noticed that she was only a few inches shorter than Thorax, not including the antlers. "You’re very beautiful Twilight."

"Thorax stop that you’re going to make me blush."

"Twilight you have nothing to be ashamed about. You are beautiful," Thorax leaned close to kiss Twilight, but just then the door to the room was busted open.

"Where is my Princess?!" Nightlight said searching the room as the rest of the family entered behind him.

Twilight rolled her eyes before she called out to her dad. "I’m over here," Everypony stared in awe at Twilight’s new look. Her mom was the first to speak up.

"Twilight?"

"That's me."

"Wow, Twily," Shining said, "You really stand out now, don't you?"

"I’ve just got to get used to it."

"Can you transform?" Cadence asked.

"I haven't tried it yet," Twilight turned to Thorax. "Can I transform?"

"Now wouldn't be the best time, dear," Thorax said. "You are still recovering from your first transformation. Besides, it takes changelings months before they can transform. Right now, you are no different from a newborn changeling. Not to mention that your legs are shaking."

"Huh," Twilight then noticed that her legs were indeed shaking, and gave out as Thorax caught her. "I didn't even notice."

"It’s some numbness from the transformation," Thorax brought Twilight back to the bed. "It should go away in a couple of days."

"I do have a question Thorax," Nightlight asked.

"Yes, sir?" Thorax said as Twilight got comfortable.

"Why didn't you wait until after you two were married to change Twilight into a changeling?"

"Don't look at me. It was your daughter-in-law’s idea, not mine," Everypony looked at Cadance as she was now the center of attention.

"Cadence?" Shining Armor asked.

"I just didn't want Twilight's recovery to interfere with their honeymoon, that’s all."

"They could have waited," Nightlight said.

"What’s done is done," Twilight said. "A better question is where is the wedding going to be held. And am I going to go as my pony self or my new form?"

"You go as what you want to go as sweetie," Velvet said. "It’s your wedding and nopony in Equestria is going to judge you for your decisions in this."

"Thanks, mom. But I’m sure there will still be ponies out there who will not like the idea of me marrying Thorax."

"Don't worry Twilight. You’re a princess of Equestria and future co-ruler of the changelings. Nopony would dare interfere with your wedding."

"Why do I get the feeling that you have something in mind for anypony that tries something funny during my wedding."

"Why Twilight. I am just a single Unicorn mare. What could I do?" Velvet said with a smile.

No pony in the room believed that this mare was as innocent as she looked.
> Our New Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One week later.

"Extra! Extra! Princess Twilight to wed King Thorax! Read all about it!" A newspony said as the ponies of Canterlot gather around to read the article. 

"So, the rumors about the princess seeing the changeling were true." One stallion said.

"Yes," A mare said. "But to think that she would marry him."

"It just shows you what love can do." Another mare said next to them.

The stallion turned to face her. "What are you talking about?"

The mare folds her newspaper and turned to face the ponies. "That love isn't bound to one's appearance or species. So long as they are willing to stay committed to each other, then anything is possible. And if that is not an example of love than I don't know what is." The mare leaves them and heads to the ticket both of Canterlot Train station.

"I would like a ticket to Las Pegasus." She said.

"That will be ten bits." The ticket pony said. "But don't you want to head to Ponyville Miss. I mean history in the making this being made there."

"There is nothing in Ponyville that I want to see right now," she said, shaking her head.

"If you say so. Here you go."

"Thank you." The mare then made her way to the train station and came face to face with Starlight Glimmer. Starlight looks at her with worry before she speaks up.

"Are you sure about this Trixie?"

"I don't think I can contain myself if I go to his wedding. If only I acted sooner or even told him how I felt for him in pony, then things may have ended differently between us. It is not going to be easy, but I need to move on."

"But why go to Las Pegasus?"

"I need time to find myself again, and who knows what I might find there."

Starlight hugs her friend. "I am going to miss you, Trixie."

"I am going to miss you too Starlight," Trixie said, breaking the hug and going on her train. But she stopped at the doors and turned to face her friend. "Hey, Starlight."

"Yes?"

Trixie used her magic to lift a small present from her saddlebags and gives it to Starlight. "Can you give this to Thorax?"

"Sure." Starlight holds the box next to her ear and shakes it a little. She couldn't tell what it was. "What is it?"

"Something I want him to have."

"Take care of yourself, Trixie."





Meanwhile at Ponyville. Correction the Castle of the Two Sisters.

"What a wonderful idea." Rarity said working on Twilight's Wedding dress. "A wedding in front of the Tree of Harmony. Where did you get such an idea?"

Twilight, in her new form, moves next to her friend. "You can say a little birdy told me."

"You will look stunning with the lights coming from the tree reflecting off your dress. I can barely contain myself."

"Calm down Rarity. If you pass out now, then who is going to finish my dress?"

"NO PONY IS QUALIFIED TO FINISH YOUR DRESS BESIDES ME!"

"Noted."

"Also Twilight I been meaning to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Why is there a battalion of guards from Canterlot and the changeling hive around the castle?"

"That would be my mom's insurance policy of making sure that we won't have a disaster of a wedding. As we did with my brother's wedding."

"I can understand her concern, but doesn't she think that this is a bit much? Also, I thought for sure I saw Discord doing something to the Castle grounds earlier. "

Twilight is confused by this and turned to her faithful assistant for an answer. "Spike?"

"Mom's idea," Spike said.

"Enough said."





In another room of the castle.

"Alright, Thorax," Pharynx said, pacing in front of his brother. "This is the big day. You are going to marry Princess Twilight, and I better not have to drag you to the altar ... understood?"

"Yes, brother."

"There are a lot of things that can go wrong today. But you only need to focus on your marriage. Got it?"

"Got it," Thorax said before his brother transformed into a dragon and blew fire on Thorax's hooves. "HOT!" Thorax shot up into the air before looking at Pharynx. "What was that for!"

"Just in case you had cold hooves." Pharynx said, changing back to normal as his brother landed.

A changeling enters the room. "We are ready for you, your highnesses."

"We are on our way," Pharynx said to the changeling before he looked to Thorax. "Remember what I said."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Thorax then leaves the room only for Pharynx to stop him.

"Thorax! Where are you going!"

Thorax looks back at him with confusion. "Ah... to my wedding?"

"Without your suit?!" Thorax looked down and noticed that he is not wearing his suit and runs back into the room to get his suit. "Honestly. What will he do without me?" Pharynx said, shaking his head.

Thorax exits the room wearing a black tuxedo and green bowtie. "We better get going then."

"And Thorax."

"Yes?"

"You got this."

"Thanks."





The Tree of Harmony. The resting place for the six Elements of Harmony, and now the centerpiece for Princess Twilight's wedding. The entrance of the cave has a white curtain blocking it. Ponies move back and forth to make sure everything is perfect for the wedding. There is no room for error. However...

"But I want to be the flower filly!" Applebloom said, trying to pull a basket of flowers from Ocellus.

"You were the flower filly from the last wedding." Ocellus said, pulling back. "It is my turn!"

A debate over who the flower filly for the wedding is underway. The Cutie Mark Crusaders mainly Applebloom is trying to take the one basket of flowers away from Ocellus. The Crusaders are wearing the same dresses as the last wedding while Ocellus is wearing a similar dress but is light green.

"That just means I have more experience than you have."

"But Thorax wanted me to be the flower filly."

Meanwhile Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle as watching the two fight over the basket. "Why is there only one basket?" Sweetie Belle asked Scootaloo.

"Because I-err somepony eat the rest of the flowers because they thought they were a snack and not part of the wedding. Hehee."

Fluttershy hears the ruckus and moves in to see the fillies fight each other. "Girls, what is going on here?"

"They both what to be the flower filly," Sweetiebelle said. "but there is only one basket."

"Oh, I see. That is odd I thought for sure we had more than one basket." 

"Yeah. I wonder why we only have one basket." Sweetie Belle said while looking at Scootaloo, who is whistling and looking away.

"Well since Ocellus never been the Flower Filly before. I say she should do it." 

before Apple Bloom could say anything, Ocellus takes the basket and leaves with a smile on her face.

Applebloom the looked at Fluttershy. "But what about us?"

"Well if you can get flowers before the wedding starts. Then I don't think anything would be wrong-" Fluttershy noticed that everypony in moving behind the curtain. "OH no never mind. It is starting now. Places everypony."





In front of the Tree of Harmony,

A red carpet was placed across the floor with Princess Luna at the altar. To her left Pharynx and Thorax stand and the rest of the Changeling hive behind them. To her right, stands Princess Cadence along with the rest of the main six and behind them; Twilight's family and every friend that Twilight has made over the years. And at the end of the aisle, a curtain of white was placed to hide Twilight behind.

Luna signals Fluttershy to began the music. Once her birds started singing, and the curtain was pulled back to reveal Ocellus, Twilight Sparkle, and her Father. Twilight's dress is a traditional white wedding dress with fading purple lining the trim around the edges. She also has a white veil covering her face. 

Ocellus moves down the aisle, leaving a trail of flowers behind her. Nightlight looks at his daughter and smiles. She smiles back before the walk down the aisle together. As they walk, Twilight can see all of her friends looking back at her and notice that Princess Celestia is in the audience and not at the altar. 

"I thought Princess Celestia was going to wed Thorax and me," Twilight whispered to her father.

"I believe they had a disagreement earlier about who would wed you two and it would appear that Princess Luna is going to do it," Nightlight whispered back. "Is that a problem?"

"No. I am just surprised that is all." Twilight said right before they stop at the altar. Nightlight gives Thorax a stare before leaving Twilight at the altar and joining his family and not getting wet by his son's tears.

"Mares and gentlecolts," Luna started. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two royal ponies. Princess Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship. And King Thorax, the Ruler of the Changelings. Pharynx the crowns please."

Pharynx then brings purple pillow holding two identical crowns one silver and one gold. The crowns are one whole piece with the middle section higher than the ends and wrapping around half of the pony's head. The gold crown has one sizeable blue stone in the middle. The silver one has six different colored stone, each one matching the colors of the Elements of harmony. 

Luna then uses her magic to bring the pillow with the crown in front of her. "Princess Twilight," Luna said. "Please recite your vows as you place the crown on King Thorax head.

"I Twilight Sparkle," She said, lifting the gold crown with her magic. "The Princess of Friendship, vow to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, King Thorax till death do us part." she finished with placing the crown on his head.

"And King Thorax," Luna said. "Please recite your vows as you place the crown on Princess Twilight head."

"I King Thorax," he said, lifting the silver crown with his magic. "The Ruler of the Changelings, vow to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, Twilight Sparkle till death do us part." He finished with placing the crown on her head.

"Now if anypony sees that these two should not be together," Luna said. "Let them speak up now." No pony spoke up. "Then, by the power invested in me. I Luna, the Princess of the Night, now pronounce you Queen and King. You may now kiss the bride."

Thorax then lifts Twilight's veil and kisses his bride. Everypony in the room exploded with the sounds of cheers. The two lovers break the kiss and make their way down the aisle. 

Pinkie then shouts loud for everypony to hear her. "Alright, everypony. The Wedding Party is going to be at Castle Of Friendship, and it is going to be a blast! See you all there." Everypony then starts making their way to the castle...

"Hold it!"

"What now Pinkie?"

"What about the part where Twilight throws her flowers?!" 

"In this case. It is going to happen at the party. Now please stop doing this you are ruining the story."

"But the story is almost over, and I still don't have a love interest! I have to get those flowers!"

"Then what are you wasting time talking with me? Go to the party already."

"Okay. But I am warning you."

"TALK TO THE AUTHOR. I AM JUST THE NARRATOR!"

"Sheesh you don't have to shout."

"That is it. I am out of here. See you in the finale."
> Wedding Gifts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Castle Friendship.

The Wedding party had what you would find at one: a dance floor, a big cake, and lots of presents. The party started with a dance. And I am not mean a slow dance two ponies were dancing together. I am talking about a freestyle dance floor with everypony just dancing together. Although Everypony had to stay away from Twilight, do to the fact that she's not used to having longer legs and keep on hitting everypony.

Everypony was having a great time. Then came the part where Twilight throws her flowers to her friends. Right before Twilight throws it. Pharynx just so happened to cause another scene with Rainbow, not his fault this time. He was moving out of the way for a Derpy landing. What Derpy was doing to crash near Pharynx we will never know. In any case, Pharynx bump into a mare causing her the spill her drink on Rainbow's dress. Pharynx was trying to explain what happened, but Rainbow didn't care. She was looking for a reason to attack him anyway. And thus, their chase began. Meanwhile, Twilight was getting into position.

"Are you ready girls?" Twilight said as her friends gather into a group behind her.

"JUST THROW IT ALREADY!" Pinkie screamed,

"Okay... Here it goes." and up went the flowers.

The girls closed in on the flowers. And it looks like anypony can get them, but then Pharynx flew right above them.

"It wasn't my fault!" Pharynx said to the mare chasing him.

"You can talk after I kill you!" Rainbow yelled back.

The wind current they made caused the flowers to change direction, and it landed in Ember's claw will she was talking with Spike. She looked at the flowers and then Spike and then to rest of the ponies around her before she throws the flowers over her shoulder. The group of mares that wanted the flowers in the first place followed the flowers. This cycle of following the flowers continue moving from Ember to Limestone, to Rainbow Dash, to Starlight before it landed in the hooves of Celestia. She didn't know what was going on at first until she saw the group of mares staring at her — not wanting to disappoint her ponies since she wasn't part of the catching group of mares. Celestia throws the flowers back at the mares, and Pinkie was the one who finally caught the flowers to keep and was jumping with joy.

The rest of the party continue until it was getting late. Twilight and Thorax bid everypony a good night and went to their room to open their wedding gifts. From Twilight's friends, the Mane Six, they got a barrel of apple cider, a new friend for Owlowiscious a female owl, his and her items, a baby crib, and a large blanket with purple with green patterns.

From Starlight, they got a box chocolates. From Twilight's Parents, they got two items, one was a letter to Thorax from Twilight's dad, and the other was a letter to Twilight from her mom with the reservation for their Honeymoon. From Celestia and Luna, they got a stain glass window of Twilight and Thorax's wedding. From Cadence and Shining Armor, they got a large box of diapers. There were more presents then Twilight and Thorax could count. Some of the other gifts that were still left were from Discord, Ember, Starswirl and the pillars of Equestria, the Yacks, the Hippogriffs, and even presents from the Students of Twilight's school.

But there was one present that stood out of place from the rest of them. A small gift addressed to Thorax but had no other name on it. Twilight and Thorax were confused by this. Twilight wasn't so sure if the present was safe and was going to check for traps when Thorax had already opened it. When nothing happened, Twilight let out a sigh of relief.

"You know it could have been a trap Thorax," Twilight said.

"Twilight," Thorax said, "who could possibly put a trap in such a small box that is not an ally."

Twilight thinks about this as Thorax looks inside the box. Inside was a small plushie doll that looks just like Thorax. Thorax was confused as to why would somepony would send a plushie of himself. He noticed a letter on the doll and took it to read it while giving the doll to Twilight to hold.



Dear Thorax,

You may not remember me, but I never forgot you. I thought that one day, when I found you again, we could be together. But now I see that it was not meant to be. I wanted to be there, at your Wedding, to see you again, but I couldn't. I knew that if I saw you put your ring on her... I would ruin your wedding. I could never live with myself if I did something like that. You mean so much to me.

Maybe if I acted sooner and told you in pony how I felt about you instead of sending those letters, perhaps it would be me with you at the altar instead of Twilight. But what done is done. Twilight has won your heart, and I MUST move on. Maybe we will meet again, but for now, I must disappear. I wish you a long and loving life with your Bride.

Your First Love,

Trixie Lulamoon




"What does it say Thorax?" Twilight asked,

"It is a Goodbye letter from Somepony that I knew."

"Who was it?"

"Somepony that..." Thorax thinks about it for a minute before he shakes his head. "Nevermind. I will tell you later." Thorax lifts Twilight face to look into her eyes. "Right now, it is time for some alone time with My New Queen."

Twilight lets out a small laugh as she shies away from him. "I am never going to get used to that."

"Give it time. But for now." Thorax then touches Twilight cheek as he looks into her eyes. "I have been wanting to do this ever since our first date." Thorax starts moving closer to Twilight as she smiles at him.



Authors Note:

We exit the scene with the newly wedding kissing as the moon rises over the skies of Ponyville. What the Future has in store for these two is a mystery. But whatever happens, they will face it together with their families, and friends. Thank you for reading my story and have a good day.





Here is a  side story which will be necessary for the sequel.