The story of Equestria's self-proclaimed new hero, the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.
The story of Twilight Sparkle and friends has ended. But a new story is being written, starring Equestria's mysterious new heroine dubbed the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.
Who am I, you ask? Well, I'd tell you, but that would spoil the story.
Though let's just say, like all of us, I came from humble beginnings. I was just a normal pony, like all of you, and I pride myself in being your "friendly neighbor." Though admittedly, I don't stand out so much, because before Twilight Sparkle came to Ponyville, my social life was very dull. I was a nobody. Hardly anyone ever remembers my name, or even cared to know what it is. Only that I was a new pony in Ponyville, nothing more. Not even Ponyville's local party pony, Pinkie Pie even remembers my birthday or anything. But that all changed later, when Twilight came to town.
And speaking of Twilight Sparkle, I pretty much owed my whole life to the triumphs of her and her friends! All of Equestria does! They recovered the Elements of Harmony, defeated Nightmare Moon and restored Princess Luna back to the throne besides Princess Celestia, defeated and reformed Discord, thwarted the invasions of Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, the Storm King, and everything that threatened our lives. They're without a doubt, Equestria's greatest defenders and champions of harmony and friendship!
How do I know about all of this? Well you could say that I've been around, and I saw for myself how they've all helped the lives of ponies and creatures alike, in their endeavor to change the world and making it a better place, all the while fighting the bad guys who would want to tear it apart. I honestly can't tell you how lucky I was; you could say that I practically have had the front-row seats of all these main events.
From Rainbow Dash performing the legendary Sonic Rainboom, saving the Wonderbolts and Ponyville's local fashionista Rarity at the Cloudsdale's Young Flyer's competition all in one day, to Spike saving the Crystal Empire's Equestria Games, the Royal Canterlot Wedding with its bothersome infestations in the form of the changelings, and Applejack and Fluttershy's discovery of the long-lost Kirin Valley. Yeah, I've seen it all. That and I have a copy of the latest edition of their book The Friendship Journal of Princess Twilight and friends so I can get caught up on some of the events that I missed, or I can just learn it all at the School of Friendship, where I also attended as a student, with Sandbar, Yona, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, and Silverstream as my classmates.
Anyway, long story short, Princess Twilight and her friends are my biggest idols! The lessons they've learned, the knowledge they've gained which they would later pass down onto us, including you and me, about friendship, doing the right thing in the end to stand up against the injustice, all to make the world a better place. And so, I was inspired so badly to play my part in making the world a better place and to defend Equestria from dangers!
My time has finally come, the day when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would step down from their thrones for Princess Twilight Sparkle to take over as Equestria's ruler supreme. Though the sun has set on former Princess Celestia and former Princess Luna's reign, and now shines over Princess Twilight's Sparkle's rule of Equestria. And though her friends have gone their separate ways to lead their futures, this is the dawn of my time as Equestria's newest hero, Champion of Friendship, and the next Guardian of Harmony!
So swears I!
I am the Dark Knight of Equestria! I am the new hero of Generation 4.5! I am the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!
It was a clear blue night in the city of Manehattan. Though like Ponyville and Las Pegasus, this city too has its usual problems with the criminal elements. Well, it's not a problem that I the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well can't handle with the police.
I found a secluded spot – on the roof of a building – in the city where I can use as a stakeout to monitor crimes. Or to just wait for something to happen. And lo and behold, something did happen.
A group of three thugs had broken into a jewelry store – the same old desperate characters of the petty crimes. They're not much of a threat in my book, but still, crime's a crime. Plus, there's that old saying that "diamonds are a girl's best friend," but I'm not doing this for the jewels, or the flash glamours and everything. This is still the start for my career as the new hero of Equestria, and I had just spent all afternoon ironing my best cape. So I immediately jumped into action and took them by surprise.
I remember leaping down from the rooftops, using my cape to slow my fall, before standing in the broken window and declared, "HALT VILLAINS!" it was wrong the moment I said it. It's too cliche, and too...outdated. But hey, not all of us gets it right on our first day as heroes, right?
So these thugs, they stopped with what they were doing and they all turned to look at me. They took one good look at me, and they just started exchanging comments about how I look like a cosplayer for Bat–Mare. It's a good thing I was wearing a mask, because if any crooks were to see a hero like me blushing in embarrassment at their comments, then I would never live it down.
Anyway, I tried to go easy on these crooks, by asking them to put their hooves up in the air and to return every gemstone they were looting, and there won't be any trouble. Of course, as I expected, they refused and decided to give me troubles instead. Big mistake for them. They had no idea I have a black belt. I didn't study martial arts for nothing.
It was all a rush, but I remembered one of the thugs – an earth pony stallion – running towards me with a baseball bat in his mouth, and with a turn of his neck, he swung it at my head. Luckily I managed to duck down in time to dodge the attack, before I delivered an uppercut to his jaw. He's sure to feel that in the morning. Before the thug could recover, I landed a flying kick to his head, and he staggered back, right when his two friends decided to gang up on me. They were all stallions, though one of them is a unicorn and the other was another earth pony.
The earth pony thug tried to fight me with his bare hooves, but I blocked and deflected every one of them, while landing a few counters with every opening he left. Meanwhile, the unicorn tried to get me from behind, by carrying a large wooden chair with his magic. Or was trying to. I don't know unicorn magic, since I'm not even a unicorn to begin with, but I think their telekinesis, or psychic abilities all hangs depends how strong their mentalities are, kinda like how we earth ponies are known for our muscle powers in our hooves.
Anyway, the unicorn was struggling to hold the chair up in the air with his magic, so his groaning and straining pretty much alerted me of his so-called sneak attack. With that, I pulled out this fighting trick I've been working for the past months, or so. I called it my Mask Cape Strike. With a spin of my cape, I blinded both thugs as I got behind the unicorn thug, giving him a strong kick to the flank, causing him to stumble forward and crash into his comrade, while accidentally hitting him over the head with the chair in his magical hold. I had a laugh when I saw the look on the unicorn, when I told him, "Thank you," right before I punched him in the jaws, knocking a several of his teeth out, then I landed another kick to his horn and he was out cold.
Yep, I did a decent work for my first night on the job as Equestria's newest hero.
After the punks were dealt with, I went to work to tie them, with a rope trick I learned from Applejack, personally, when she was competing in the Equestria Rodeo Competition years ago.
See Season 2 episode "The Last Roundup."
Yeah, I know there were other competitors in the rodeo who've won a lot of blue ribbons than Applejack, but at least she was kind enough to show me the ropes, literally.
After I foiled the robbery, I quickly alerted the police, by tripping the store's alarm. But just before I left, I remembered to leave behind my personal calling card, to let the officials know that they're in the service of Equestria's new hero, me! The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.
After that, I spent all night patrolling Manehattan to check if there are other criminal activities going on in the dark streets and alleys, before I decided to call it a night and went back to my room, in the hotel I was staying at.
In all honesty, the hardest about being a hero, especially for a pony like me, is to find a steady job and a decent home to fully live my life as a protector of Equestria in one moment, while living the other as an average civilian of Equestria and a loyal follower of Princess Twilight Sparkle. And now that I think about it, it wouldn't hurt if my new home comes with an attic, or a basement, or even a barn, or storm cellar where I can set up a shop for my secret hero life. Maybe get to work on some nifty gadgets I have in mind for my career. That is, if I can find the right materials for them first.
Oh well. I'm sure I'll manage. In the meantime, I've got only two more days left in this hotel, before I have to pack up and leave again.
My second day in Manehattan and one more day left in this hotel. First thing on my agenda of the day is to find myself a job to make a living.
My other skills (aside from being Mare-Do-Well)
Baking, courtesy of Pinkie Pie's cooking class at the School of Friendship. I can make a mean chimicherry, or was it cherrychanga?
I'm quite athletic from Rainbow Dash's gym class.
I'm quite techno savvy, given to my past involvement in some of Dr. Whoove's experiment for pursuit in science and technology.
I have some skills of sewing, though not on par with Rarity's and Fluttershy's. I once had to patch together the old Mare-Do-Well suit that was originally worn by Princess Twilight Sparkle and friends, when their friend, Rainbow Dash, got a little too carried away with the whole "friendly neighbor" superhero reputation.
Watch Season 2 episode 8 The Mysterious Mare Do Well.
It took a long time for me to really grow into it though, and it still smells like apple cinnamon.
I'm sure my prowess goes beyond these main four I've just listed. But first, some breakfast.
"Stay sharp, stay fit, stay fed," that's what Rainbow Dash taught us in gym class at the School of Friendship.
Though this place is no Sugarcube Corner, or Donut Joe's Bakery, or even Ditzy Doo's Muffin Empori–Yum, the waffles they served here are DELICIOUS! Oh and the apple fritters they served here were just as good, but not as good as the authentic delectable baked goodness done by the Apple Families from Appleloosa, but you didn't hear that from me.
Anyway, I was just having breakfast, when I took a read at the latest issue of the Equestria Daily, with the front page reading:
Princess Twilight Sparkle's Star Pupil, Luster Dawn Shines Again
Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorn's newfound star pupil, Luster Dawn, bedazzled her magic exam before the Supreme Ruler Princess Twilight Sparkle with her mastery in the art of Substitutiary Locomotion, which she demonstrated by bringing a suit of armor to life. When asked for further comments, Princess Twilight Sparkle states:
"I see much of myself in Luster Dawn's magical prowess. Without a doubt, the future shines brightly with her and the friends she will soon make. I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, couldn't be more proud." – Twilight Sparkle
Page 1 More awesome stories the Equestria Daily has to say.
Canterlot's Royal Guards Welcomes Its First Griffon Cadet
Following his graduation, Ponyville's School of Friendship's griffin graduate, Gallus, enrolled in the ranks of Canterlot's Royal Guards as the first griffin cadet of Equestria.
Page 2
Newlyweds, Lyra Heartstrings and Sweetie Drops honeymoons
From conquering Mount Everhoof to parasailing in Luna Bay, there ain't no mountain too high these two lifetime friends can't overcome with the love they shared, prior and following their holy matrimony.
Page 2
Silver Lining opened up for homeless and business
Silver Lining homeless shelter founded by philanthropist and daughter of billionaire Filthy and Spoiled Rich, Diamond Tiara, and her closest business partner, Silver Spoon. Diamond Tiara pledged to ensure that no ponies or creatures would ever feel forgotten or abandoned.
Page 3
Upcoming Music Fest
Las Pegasus's Annual Music Fest this year will be hosted by Songbird Sensational, Songbird Serenade; the Pony of Pops, Sapphire Shores; and the Reigning Princess of Razzle Dazzle, Rara. Rara let loose that very special VIPs are certain to make an appearance at the music fest.
Page 4
Oh! Here's one about me!
Mysterious Mare-Do-Well foils Jewel Heist
Upon arriving at the scene of the crime, the police were baffled to find the three crooks – identified to be Brick, Bone, and Steve! – beaten and hogtied, ready for arrest. After investigation was conducted, the only piece of evidence the police have found that holds a possible lead on the identity Manehatten's new vigilante is a calling card, addressing to one "Mysterious Mare-Do-Well." Who is the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well? Is she truly Equestria's newest defender? Has the mantle been passed down from Princess Twilight Sparkle and friends onto a new generation of ponies? Only time will tell.
Page 4
They can bet their apple fritters I will! Because even in the light of Princess Twilight Sparkle's reign, somewhere there's a villain's scheme, but make no mistake, their numbers are up! So swears I! Mysterious Mare-Do-Well! But first, I need a day job.
Job Offers:
Telemarketing Not really my field of expertise.
Bridleway dressmaker wanted Maybe.
Equestria Daily – Photographer Wanted (So long as I don't have to deal with an Alex Pwn type of pony, then I just might consider.)
Whooves Industries – Technic Engineer wanted
Papa Pizza – Delivery Pony wanted
Manehatten's Silver Lining – Friendship Counselor wanted Well, I do have a degree from the School of Friendship. This is right up my alley.
Page 5
10:00 AM
I've gone back to my room, where I put on my best business wear to look the part for applying a job. I'm not always going to wear my Mare-Do-Well suit. Though let's just say should the need arise, and in case of emergency, I always keep it close to me for a quick wardrobe change. And it doesn't involve the same tactic as Clark Kent to Superman, a superhero of the DC Comics from the other world, where Sunset Shimmer resides.
Now that I think about, if I can make it more like Tony Stark to Iron Man, then it would be both epic and convenient for my career.
I think I'm getting ahead of myself. I have to get this job, and I can not mess it up.
List of things I need to say for my interview: "I like to play my part in making the world a better place!" Mediocre "I'm one of Princess Twilight Sparkle's upstanding pupil!" Nah, too exaggerating "I believe in the Magic of Friendship!" Too cliche.
Sometimes, I could really use the expert opinion of some pony who has made a career in pre-reading and all. Oh well, here's hoping. With Princess Twilight Sparkle, or Celestia, or the great Fausticorn as my witness, here's hoping! Only time will tell if I get the job or not.
My second night in Manehattan. Luna's moon was shrouded behind the dark clouds, which spells a storm brewing. And not the kind that is the work of the Storm King. No, this was a different kind of storm. The kind that waits in silence, like a hungry lion hiding behind the grass, stalking its unsuspecting preys, ready to pounce for the kill. ⬅Is this too dark of a description? I kinda like it!
Well, that won't stop me! For I, the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well am on a really BIG case! There were breaking news about a blue rhino running loose in Manehattan, tearing up the streets and terrorizing the ponies, causing major blackouts, which was why I had to step out of my hotel room to write this latest entry log of my career with a flashlight.
Anyway, onto the topic about the blue rhino.
The Blue Rhino
The Blue Rhino
The blue rhino is an elemental storm creature that has the appearance of a rhino, but is ten times larger than a full-grown adult.
Legends say that it was a created by the Storm King's mystics, but it was proven to be too strong and too wild beyond their control, and so it destroyed them all before it escaped into the wild. And now, it has made itself home in Equestria.
Aside from having a piercing sapphire blue hide that gives its distinctive namesake, the blue rhino draws powers of the storms via its horn and is said to ride on clouds and electric currents for travels. The creature is relentlessly territorial and will chase off any intruders who have come trespassing into it's domain.
Well, Manehattan is not up for grabs, thus the blue rhino will know soon enough that it has made a grave mistake for intruding the kingdom of Princess Twilight Sparkle, because then it will have the misfortune to tangle with her highness's greatest champion, the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!
Because if there's one thing Professor Fluttershy had taught us in her class of Fantastic Beasts and How To Tame Them, it's that Blue Rhinos are just like any electric elemental beasts. They're all attracted to metals. All the more reason I was armed with a metal rod that is connected with a jumper cable at one end, while the other end was connected, somewhere underground. And as anyone would learn in class, and remember from all the tornado drills we've had to do, the best way to avoid ourselves getting electrocuted by a lightning bolt in a storm, would be to take cover under a structure that's no taller than a skyscraper, or an average tree. So I stalked the blue rhino simply by hiding in the sewers. It's a dirty work, but somebody's got to do it. Besides, I'm just glad I didn't run into any alligators in the sewers.
Manehattan Central 11:01 PM
I was watching from under the manhole, waiting for the blue rhino to come passing by. The street is awfully quiet, as well as it should be, since the police had ordered all the ponies of Manehattan to close up shop, to stay indoors, while they work on trying to recapture and contain the rhinoceros. Now I'm no police officer, nor did I knew anyone who works in the police force, and believe me, I know these ponies trained, they fight and they protect with their names on their badges every day, because that's their job, but sometimes, I'll be blunt, they need help. Say that they're dealing with a bigger threat that's bigger than Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, or even that pint-sized of a threat with a serious case of Naponyeon Complex named Cozy Glow, then they're kinda out of their league since, let's face it. They're no Rainbow Dash.
So I was watching from under the manhole, while most of the police forces were patrolling the streets, keeping a lookout for the blue rhino, and the sky turned dark, rumbling with thunders, telling us all to anticipate for what was to come next. Six minutes had passed and I was just on the verge of collapsing to the stench of the sewers, when we heard the bellowing roar of an angry beast, and low and behold, there it is. The blue rhino.
It was even more terrifying in pony than it was described in the stories we've been told about it. This thing is definitely ten times the size of an average rhinoceros, but it was far from blue. This thing is covered in a coat of thick dark smoky black clouds, with piercing yellow eyes that can stare into the soul of a pony, and it has two horns on the snout.
How did the police plan on capturing a monstrous beast this big? I decided to just wait and see how it's done. First, the pegasi ponies, being the experts of the weathers, attempted to drive the beast off by using some thunderclouds to draw the rhinoceros's electricities away and into the clouds. Big mistake, because I watched as the thunderclouds were overloaded with the vast amount of the rhinoceros's electric currents and they exploded, turning Manehattan's flying finest into Manehattan's frying finest. Next, some of the unicorns in the police forces tried to repel the beast with their magic. That did little good, because all it did was aggravate the beast and made it even angrier.
The blue rhino let out a bloodcurdling roar, and I watched it arching its head up to the sky and I saw the first long curved horn glowing in a fiery blue aura, as it draws all the electrical powers from the clouds above and into its horn, which then travels into the beast's entire body, giving off an intensive blue light, which was how it got its name.
I knew what the beast was going to do, and I also knew the police won't stand a change from this attack. So I knew right then and there that I had to act fast! Just before the blue rhino was about to stomp its hooves down into the ground, to unleash its wrath on the city, I leapt out from under the manhole and threw my metal rod in the air. I watched as the metal rod connected with one of the rhino's lightning bolts, and next thing I knew, there was a great big flash of light and everything went all white. Before I went completely blind, I took it as my cue to duck and hide myself behind my cape.
It was no easy task. My life just flashed before my eyes. And I have singed cape to show for it. If I can just find the right pony AND the perfect cover for it, I can fix my suit.
When I finally looked up from behind my cape, I realized my plan worked a little too well. I didn't realize it then, but I later found out, there were electric junction boxes that were aligned in the sewers, which runs throughout Manehattan, powering up all the electronic home appliances, buildings, not to mention the street lights. Thus, the major blackout I mentioned earlier.... it was all on me. But at least no one got hurt, right?
Of course, there were panics in the city and chaos – I just hoped Discord didn't take any inspirations from this mishap of my heroic attempt. But as for the blue rhino, it clearly didn't liked me for intervening, so the best thing I could do was run!
For my second night on the job as Equestria's newest defender, it was the most scariest and the most intensive moment I've ever had to experience. And that's says a lot compared to the time when Twilight Sparkle saved Ponyville from an angry Ursa Minor (still wouldn't want to know what an Ursa Major is like), or that changling invasion during the Royal Canterlot Wedding a few years back, or when Tirek first escaped from Tartarus, or when said demon centaur joined forces with former changling queen, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow and it requires the entire kingdom of Equestria and beyond to take them all down.
*See Boast Buster (Trixie Lulamoon's official debut), A Canterlot Wedding Part 1-2, Twilight's Kingdom Part 1-2, and The Ending of the End Part 1-2 in that respective order.
Reminiscent aside, the blue rhinoceros was too dangerous to be kept loose in Manehattan. So the least I could do was lure it out of the city, or at least somewhere else so it would do less damage than it already did. But it was no picnic, because with the entire city's lights out, I can barely see where I'm going. I'm pretty much blind as a bat, which is saying something since Mare-Do-Well is modeled after Batman. Note to self: Find needed techs to equip my lenses with night vision.
I was tripping over my own cape, as well as bumping headfirst into most of the police officers who were still walking and breathing.
"Get out of the way! Out of the way!" I shouted, which was pretty much a blind and futile command, now that I think about it. "On your right! Or left! MARE DO WELL COMING THROUGH!"
I thought for sure my goose was cooked tonight. I didn't know where I was in the big city, but I soon found out where I was when the smell of salty air of the sea, which means I somehow made my way to the dock, and the blue rhino was still behind me. I looked around, trying to find something I can use to fend this creature off with. The dock was packed with crates, all loaded with foods, fabrics, and medicines, hardly anything I could use to fight the rhinoceros off with. The blue rhino soon realized I'm cornered, because I saw it paving the street with one of its hooves, before it kicked itself off the ground, charging towards me at full throttle. I thought I was done for that time, when suddenly, there was a whoosh and the air just roared to life.
I looked up, and there, flying in the sky are the Wonderbolts! And leading the charge is Rainbow Dash herself! The blue rhinoceros was even more furious at the sight of more ponies to contend with. I decided to sit back and watch Rainbow Dash and her flying colleagues work their magics against this storm ungulate. Needless to say, I was impressed with the flying formations the Wonderbolts were putting on to distract and confuse the rhino, before Rainbow Dash took to the sky and pierced through the sound barrier, resulting in another of her breathtaking, awe-inspiring Sonic Rainboom! But that's not all. When I took a closer look, I saw the Sonic Rainboom had pierced through dark clouds, banishing them, and the rhino was frightened away by the bright, luminescent colors of the rainbow. We all watched as the rhino became nothing more but a puff of smokes, disappearing into the sky.
Manehattan was safe from the terror of the Blue Rhino, courtesy of Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts. Kinda ironic, really. Before, it was the Mare-Do-Well who outshined Rainbow Dash and saved the day. But tonight, it was Rainbow Dash's turn to save Mare-Do-Well and the city. If I had known Rainbow Dash would be here tonight, then I swear, I would've put a lot of time and effort to really amp up my suit, upgrade myself with some fancy gadgets, to impress her and every pony. But I'm afraid the least I can do to make a good first impression on Rainbow Dash is when I'm in my civilian suit.
12:00 AM
After the commotions had died down, Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts have stayed behind to help with the repairs. I made a quick change out of my burned up suit and slipped into my more decent outwear, passing myself off as a regular citizen of Manehattan who is a big fan of Rainbow Dash.
While I was on my way to meet Rainbow Dash in pony, I couldn't help but overhearing some of the police talking to each other about filing a report, to be on the look out of a "masked mad pony" vigilante. Another was accusing me of pulling a sneak attack on him during the blackout. I wasn't attacking that pony! I couldn't see him! I was blind!
"Vigilantes, crooks. Two sides of the same coin, as long as they hide behind masks," one of the police officers commented.
As usual, the life of a vigilante is never done. But harsh criticism aside, I got to meet Rainbow Dash, asking for her autograph and her advice on making the world a better place and all.
"How to make the world a better place?" she asked. "Well, am I awesome? Yes. Yes I am. But aside from the obvious, just keep doing what you do best and help your friends along the way. And next time a blue rhino comes charging through town, then just find a safe place and leave the fighting to the pros. Okay?"
"Okay," I said. "But say that we're under attack from something bigger than Tirek, and you're not around. Then what do we do?"
"Well, ya can't just go charging in, headfirst into a fight," she said. "I mean, don't get me wrong... I have done that, and it's a habit of mine. But when I do, I–"
"Like that time you battled against the changelings and lead the charge during the Canterlot Wedding? That was an awesome fight you did back then!" I felt like an idiot for geeking out in front of one of my greatest idols back there. But I just couldn't help myself. I'm such a big fan of her that I almost wanted to tell her who I am.
"Perfect example," Rainbow Dash nodded. "But the trick is, I didn't go in alone. I have friends at my side for full support. As much as I like to show off, this isn't a one-mare show kind fo a deal. The key to my success is teamwork. Once you start making friends, then your friends become your family, and your family is your team. And your team will support you one step of the way. Ok?"
And I said, "Ok, but that's easy for you to say. I'm sorry, it's just I'm not so outgoing, and I never made a lot of friends like you have."
Rainbow Dash looked at me, and I could see it in her eyes that it was the look of pity, "Alright. Start talking about yourself," she instructed. "Let's hear your awesomeness and your flaws. What're your favorite kind of hobbies? What do you like to do aside from the whole 'trying to make the world a better place' kind of a deal?" so I started talking to Rainbow Dash about the things I like to do, while keeping out the details that I'm the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. "Huh, you're an interesting kind of a pony," whether that was a compliment, or she was trying to be nice to avoid hurting my feelings, I don't care. "You kinda remind me of this pony I once knew in Ponyville. I think you and her will get along great."
I almost burst out laughing. She has no idea that I'm that pony.
"But seriously, you just need to go out more, meet some new ponies, find some common grounds, you get me?" I nodded. "And before you know it, you're already friends, and you're on your way to experiencing the magic of friendship. Alright? Good. See ya around."
"Wait! I–thank you." I said.
"Anytime." and that was the last word from Rainbow Dash that night.
It was moving, and inspiring for Rainbow Dash to give me such an insightful advice. A team, huh? Hmmm. Yeah, I guess I could put together a team, though it ain't gonna be easy. It's going to be hard for me to make friends, without saying, "Hey there! I'm the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well! I fight crimes! I'm the new defender of Equestria! Will you be friends with me?"
Oh well, I'll figure it out eventually. Besides, another good thing came out for me from my recent meeting with Rainbow Dash. Tomorrow is the day when I'm moving out of the hotel, and she showed me a place where I can actually find a place to live.
Hope Hollow
Rating:
Hope Hollow is the "end of the rainbow" where ponies and creatures of all kinds are treated and welcomed with equal respect.
This little town is also the main settings for the annual Rainbow Festival which brings neighbors and visitors closer than ever before, not to mention the irresistible apricot pies they serve.
"They're GREEEEEAT!" – Pinkie Pie and Tony Tiger.
The Rainbow Generator
As the highlight of the festival's festivity, Hope Hollow is also home to the magnificent machine – the Rainbow Generator.
House For Sale
Hope Hollow is always open to welcome new neighbors. Come to Mayor Sunny Skies's office.
Mare-Do-Well Log 5: Welcome to Hope Hollow (A Welcome to Ponyville Parody)
This morning, I got up early at around 7 AM in Manehattan. I took the next train, heading straight for Hope Hollow, as suggested by Rainbow Dash in my previous entry log. Seeing how it's still a little early and it will be a two hour trip on the train until I arrive, I might as well get some shut eyes.
Dream Log: Welcome to Ponyville
It was scary. I don't know how else to put it, but it was disturbing. I've had this nightmare for quite some time now. I haven't had it since my first days in Ponyville, and now it's back. Maybe it's a warning, or a premonition. And for some reason, Princess Luna wasn't there to help.
From what I remember, it always begins with the haunting tole of a bell. I would find myself in total darkness, before I would later find myself in a large ghost town. And by ghost town, I mean it looks completely run down and deserted, like there hasn't been any sign of inhabitance for more than a decade.
Instead of ponies, there were spiders, timberwolves, and this...this shadow with this wide, menacing smile and horrible laugh that haunts me, even when I'm wide awake...it's nothing like Pinkie Pie. Some reason, it just makes me lose my appetite for cupcakes.
Hope Hollow 9:10 AM
The train has come to a stop at the end of its trip. I glanced outside and I could hardly believe my eyes as I gazed to see the beautiful town that is Hope Hollow. I gotta say, it's like as if Ponyville has had a long lost brother-sister town, which is Hope Hollow! It's beautiful!
In some way, it felt almost like my first day in Ponyville all over again. I wish former Ponvyille me could see me now!
Now first thing's first, I gotta secure myself a new house in Hope Hollow. To town hall.
Hope Hollow – Town Hall 9:20 AM
After asking some directions and hoof pointing, I arrived in Town Hall, where I met Mayor Sunny Skies and his wife, Petunia Petals, in their office...as a civilian of course.
"Well hello there!" the mayor greeted me with what sounded like a Minnesota accent in his voice. "How may I help you?"
"I came here looking for a house," I told the mayor. "I just arrived in town."
"Oh! Then let me have the pleasure to welcome you to our little town!" the mayor smiled. "And you're in luck, because we happened to have only one house left for sale, don'tcha know?"
'Wow, I think that's too close for comfort than just dumb luck,' I thought. "Sounds good to me," I said. "How much is it?"
"Well, the usual price for a house like this costs about 2100 bits," Petunia Petals read the price list, much to my horror. "However, considering how remote we are currently, and the decline in our housing market, we'll sell it to you for 1500 bits, don'tcha know."
"Great! I can afford that. Just barely," I muttered the last part as I paid the rent.
"Very good then!" the mayor smiled as he took the bits and handed me the key to my new home. "Great to have you in our town as our newest earth pony resident! And please enjoy your stay. If you're ever looking for work, there is a board in the lobby that has the jobs posted."
"Enjoy your new home!" Petunia Petals followed. "And don't be afraid to stop by if you need anything."
"Thank you!" with that, I took my leave out of Town Hall, wheeling away all my bags to my new home.
My house just speaks to me! In appearance, it looks like a typical one story house, with a large purple roof, and two chimneys sprouting on both the left and right side of the house.
The inside of the house is wide and spacious. Overall, it's definitely welcoming and cozy enough for my taste, compared to the apartment back in Manehatten. And it's worth every bits. And best thing is, it comes with a basement! Now I definitely have a super secret lair that every superhero needs to make a quick costume changes to go out and perform their daring, noble, and heroic crusades for justice, harmony, and friendship! So swears I, the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!
With Celestia's sun (or does Twilight control the sun now?) shining down on Hope Hollow, I, the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well – also known as the new pony of Hope Hollow – in my civilian appearance was walking down the streets, looking for a job to apply to make a living in this town, and to hopefully fund my secret superhero career.
Everywhere I go, I find myself enchanted by the colorful atmosphere of the townsfolk. It's almost like being back in Ponyville again. Every neighbors greeting each other a good day. Every ponies welcoming one another, despite their differences, be it a unicorn, a pegasus, or an earth pony. Makes me wonder how, or why some equines are quick to forget the Hearths Warming Eve on how we defeated the Windigoes, because of a little filly, like Cozy Glow. I still don't know how we could ever be that deceivable.
Anyway, onto the task at hoof. I was checking out some of the businesses they've got going on in this small town. First stop was a fashion store that is owned by a mare named Kerfuffle. Something about her reminds me of Rarity. Maybe it's the fact that they're both fashion designers.
I saw her store has a sign that reads, "Help Wanted." So, naturally, I walked in to see what kind of job I could be applying for.
Upon stepping in, the door rang the bell, alerting the mare of my arrival.
"Well hello there!" A voice greeted, revealing herself to be the pegasus mare. "Welcome to my shop! I'm Kerfuffle. Spelled like it sounds, with a double "ffff" for the "fuff"!" She gave a chuckle, and sighed, "I should really stop talking now."
"Uh...yeah," I said hesitantly. Not wanting to sound rude, I introduced myself to the mare. "I just moved here in Hope Hollow and I'm–"
"Oh! Stacks on a pancake, you're a new pony?!" Kerfuffle exclaimed happily, before she grabbed my hoof and eagerly shook it. Very strongly, I might add, "Oh! It's so great to meet new ponies! I'm always so happy to welcome a new neighbor in our town of Hope Hollow! How can I help you?"
"Actually, I came here to help you," I said. "I saw your sign reads, help wanted. So I'm looking to apply for a job here."
"Oh! That's fantastic news!" Kerfuffle smiled happily. "It's been awhile since any pony's applied for a job here, don't you know? And it's great to finally get some helping hooves around the store, what with this prosthetic leg of mine. The darn thing just keeps getting rustier and rustier everyday."
At the mention of a prosthetic leg, I immediately took notice that Kerfuffle's left hind leg was replaced by a prosthetic where a hoof used to be.
"Oh! I...Pardon me for asking, but what exactly happened to your leg there?" I felt kinda bad for asking, but I was just curious and I wanted to know.
"Oh! This?" Kerfuffle asked, taking a look at her leg. "I lost it in an accident, couple years ago. Got it replaced, thanks to my friend, Torque Wrench. It's not pretty to look at. I know."
"Oh no! It's fine," I said, feeling even more bad with myself for asking. 'Way to go, moron!' I berated myself. 'You came to interview for a job, and you're already making your potential employer feel uncomfortable with you!'
"Any who," Kerfuffle began, regaining her cheery demeanor. "Tell me what you can do? How can you apply for a job here at my store?"
"Oh, well, uh," I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, before I began. "First off, I am a graduate from Princess Twilight's School of Friendship. And Professor Rarity happens to be one of my teachers." Kerfuffle nodded, at least knowing I have a reference. "I've learned a thing or two about sewing and fashion designing, which I believe are some of the skill–er, expertise you're looking for in a pony."
"Yep! No one knows better than Rarity!" Kerfuffle agreed.
"I'm also very organized with colors and I like to keep places neat and tidy," I added, feeling that would be a bonus for my application. "So, if it helps to make the work in fashion designing any easier, then I could help with cleaning up the store and getting the workplaces ready for a new fashion design, if you'd like, Miss Kerfuffle."
"Hmmm, do you now?" Kerfuffle asked, looking intrigued.
"Yes, I do," I answered. "And I figured you might have some use of me and my expertise."
"Well, things have been backing up around here," Kerfuffle answered. "So, yeah, I could always use an extra helping hoof with the supplies and the orders and all, don't you know? Think you can handle keeping track of a hundred orders a day, and organizing a storage of 7 shades of colors, each with 100 shades?"
"No, problem!" I nodded. 'Actually, if I have to be honest, that last part about a 100 shades of colors, is scary. That's like asking if I can work with 700 colors per day! Getting a front row seat and watching a Sonic Rainboom, full blast, is one thing, but this...this is a different story!'
"So, when can I start working?" I asked.
In response, Kerfuffle simply handed me a sheet of paper.
"Just fill out this sheet of paper," She said. "And then you can start working tomorrow, first thing in the morning!"
"You got it!" I answered, as I took my leave out the door, with the sheet of paper in my mouth. 'I think I really hit it off with her.'
Just as I walked out the door, however, a gust of wind blew the sheet of paper out of my mouth.
"Hey!" I immediately galloped after the paper, flying away from me.
The paper was flying to the left and right through the streets of Hope Hollow as I chased after it. I kicked my legs and ran as fast as I could in pursuit of the flying paper. If I had a horn and could do magic, this would never have happened.
I kept on chasing the paper, until it flew into a bakery, through an open window. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath, from the adrenaline that wind just put me through. I'm not as fast as Applejack, but I'm quite the runner in my track and field class. Just...nowhere near as her level of stamina, or endurance.
I was just about to walk into the bakery, when I stopped and saw the sign, which reads:
Ditzy Doo's Muffin Empori–Yum
"Ditzy Doo?" I asked. 'As in, Derpy? The mailpony from Ponyville?' I thought. 'What's she doing here?'
"Oh, hi there!" Speaking of whom, I could hardly believe it. Before my eyes is the same wall-eyed pegasus I knew, all the way back in Ponyville. "How may I help you?
I shook my head, to get myself back into reality. And sure enough, it was no dream. Derpy really is standing before me.
"Uh, hi," I greeted. "I was wondering if–"
"If you would like to have some of my finest muffins? Of course!" Derpy smiled as she presented her muffins of the day, on display. "What will it be? Today, we have the cranberry muffin, the blueberry muffin, the cinnamon muffin, and the cherry bomb muffin!"
"Sorry, but I'm not here for muffins," I politely declined. "I'm just here to get an important paperwork of mine that just flew into your store."
"Oh! That was yours?" Derpy asked me. "I thought it was meant for Kerfuffle. So I had Pickle and Barley Barrel deliver it to her house."
"You what?!" I shouted, looking to the right, to a couple of pegasus foals, who were already flying away, with the paper in hooves. "Hey! Come back! That's mine!" I immediately galloped after the two foals.
From behind, I could hear Derpy calling out to me, "Hey! Haven't I seen you from somewhere before? Were you in Ponyville by any chance?"
But I didn't stop to answer her. I just got to get my sheet of paper back from the two pegasus foals.
"Hey! Excuse me! Kids?" I called out to them. "That sheet of paper is mine!"
But it was no use. They were too far out of earshot to hear me. So I kept on galloping after them, throughout Hope Hollow with the intent to get my job application back from them. And sweet Celestia, did they gave me a workout. I nearly ran into a few ponies, along the way. I had to make a few sharp turns to avoid crashing into some ponies, or something. I jumped over a wagon of apricot pies, and I got yelled at by a grumpy stallion.
"Hey! Slow down there, Rainbow Crash!" He called out to me.
Just when I thought I was going to collapse from all the running, the two foals arrived at a house, where Kerfuffle herself was arriving.
"Oh! Hello Pickle and Barley!" Kerfuffle greeted the two ponies, before she noticed me. "Oh, hey! You're the new pony! What'cha doin' here?"
I was out of breath, but I managed to explain the whole misunderstanding between me, Derpy, the paperwork, and the race the two foals had gave me. After everything was cleared up, I got my paper back and I was on my home. On the way, I was followed by the two foals, Pickle and Barley. They felt kinda bad for giving me a lot of troubles.
"We're sorry for taking your job application from you," Pickle apologized. "We thought Kerfuffle lost it and we only meant to return it to her."
"Yeah," Barley added. "Sorry."
"It's okay," I accepted their apology.
"So, you're the new pony?" Barley asked. "So you're like our new neighbor then?"
"That's right," I answered.
"Where did you moved from?" Pickle asked. "Kerfuffle said you knew Rarity, and she's from Ponyville. Were you from Ponyville?"
"I lived there once," I answered.
"Oh! Then, do you know Rainbow Dash?" Barley asked excitedly, flapping her wings and hovered in front of me. "We know her! We're huge fans of hers! In fact, I'm the official president of her fan club, here in Hope Hollow!"
"And I'm the assistant president!" Pickle added.
"Wow, that's great you two," I answered.
"And we're not just big fans of her," Barley added. "We actually had the honor of meeting her in pony!"
"And she helped us perfect some of her flying moves we've been practicing forever!" Pickle added.
As a quick demo, the two foals immediately zipped through the airs, performing several arial dynamic stunts that I recognized from Rainbow Dash's performance in all of the Wonderbolt shows she flew in. Without a doubt, these two foals have definitely learned from the best flyer there ever was.
"Wow! That's awesome you two!" I commented, applauding my hooves at their performances. "Those are definitely Rainbow Dash's best moves, and I can tell you've learned well."
"Right, right, RIGHT?!" Barley asked, maybe a little too excited in my face. "And she said if we are good enough, she'll consider us as future Wonderbolts!"
"And we'll be heroes, like her!" Pickle added excitedly.
I couldn't help but shake my head in amusement at their excitements. In a way, I can kinda see myself in these two foals. They remind me of me, when I was first amazed by Rainbow Dash's feat of speed, agility, and bravery, and how inspired I was by her performance at the Young Flyer's Competition, with her Sonic Rainboom literally blowing away the competition. And not to mention how fast and clever she was in the face of danger, like during the Changeling invasion in Canterlot, when she tricked several changelings into thinking she was one of them to save Fluttershy. And how quick she was to saving her friends from the tornado at the Wonderbolt Academy.
Long story short, like these little foals, I too was inspired to do my part in making the world a better place, by Rainbow Dash and friends.
"Well, if you kids are really this good, then I have faith in you two," I complimented them, as I walked into my house. "You're gonna go far kids. See ya tomorrow."
"See ya!" Pickle and Barley said, as I closed the door to end this chapter of my story to begin another.
Night had fallen, by the time I finished unpacking my belongings and setting up my new bed, in the bedroom. I was definitely not looking forward to sleeping on the floor, on my first night, at Hope Hollow.
Sweet Celestia was I tired. Initially, I had planned on doing a nightly patrol, around town, as part of my heroic duties as the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.
However, I still have a lot to do on my list.
Finish setting up my new house. (In progress)
Finish setting up my new secret lair. (In progress)
Uphold my secret identity as the new pony of Hope Hollow.
Make some repairs to my MMDW hero suit.
Work on some gadgets.
Yep. I have a lot on my list, and a good hero needs her beauty sleep. Like Applejack and Rainbow Dash once taught me, in class, at the Friendship School: “A healthy mind is a healthy body. And a healthy mind needs lots of sleep!”
And tomorrow will be another new day of fighting crimes for me — the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!
After I finished brushing my teeth and getting cleaned up, I was ready to hit the sack.
I got into bed, pulled the cover up, and looked to my autograph pictures of Princess Twilight and her friends.
“Good night, friends,” I smiled to the pictures, before I drifted off to sleep.
It may seem rather silly of me to call Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends, my friends. But in truth, there have been times when they’re more than just my heroes, or even my biggest idols. In some way, I feel like they’re my friends.
Because we all have one thing in common. The Sonic Rainboom.
I remember like it was yesterday, when I was in Sugarcube Corner, back in Ponyville.
I was just drinking a smoothie, when three little fillies, who called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders, came galloping into the store, asking Rainbow Dash how she got her cutie mark.
It was unbelievable, but it was fun to hear how Rainbow Dash recounted her story about how she raced against a couple of bullies, to defend her friend, Fluttershy’s honor. And that was when it got 20% cooler.
During the race, the bullies had Rainbow Dash beat. But the loyal pegasus refused to give up. She was so determined and dead set on winning, that she pushed herself, beyond her limit, had broke the sound barrier, creating the legendary Sonic Rainboom!
That’s right, the Sonic Rainboom had earned her cutie mark. But it didn’t end there.
Apparently, the Sonic Rainboom played crucial part in the growth of all the other Mane Six’s livelihoods!
Without the Sonic Rainboom, Applejack would’ve never found her way back to Ponyville from Manehatten, Rarity would never be inspired to use gemstones for her fashion designs, Fluttershy wouldn’t have discovered her love and talents for animals, Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be the Pinkie Pie we know and love today, and Princess Twilight would’ve never hatched Spike, passed her entrance exam, unlocked her potential, and begin her journey to becoming the Supreme Ruler of Equestria she is today!
Hearing the story, and learning how you and your friends may already have had a connection, long before you even met, by means of destiny, or fate, is truly awe inspiring.
And hearing that story, it made me feel like I’m a friend to Princess Twilight and her friends. Because, like them, when I was in my darkest moment, I saw a rainbow that relit my hopes.
Ah, the memories. When I was a little kid, I remember listening to my mother’s stories about a rainbow, where a great treasure lies at the very end.
Back then, my parents and I lived in a very rural area. The businesses was bad and I don’t have a lot of friends.
Still, I did whatever I could to help both my family and neighbors. I would mow the lawns, take out the trash, rake the leaves, stand up to bullies who take candies from babies, and get into a lot fight with the same bullies.
One day, it was getting too much, and I was just about to quit, when the most breathtaking and spectacular thing happened to me.
I was at school, when the ground shook, and there was a strong gust of wind. My first thought was an earthquake.
So I did what every foals, about my age, was taught to do, in case of earthquake emergency. I hid under a desk, held my hoof over my head.
I remember being so scared, that I closed my eyes tight shut. After a few seconds had passed, I opened my eyes and looked up, from under my desk, to see a beautiful rainbow, painting across the sky.
It was so beautiful, that I could cry. Like Pinkie Pie, when we were both young foals, I smiled the biggest smile I could smile. And like Applejack, the first thing I did was follow to the end of the rainbow, hoping to find a pot of gold.
Sadly, like all rainbows, this one didn’t stay for long, and I ended up getting lost in the woods.
I was lost and terrified. I had never felt so alone and hopeless in all my life. I was worried that I might be lost and alone, forever.
That is, until I heard a call for help.
“Help! Some creature, help!” A voice brayed.
I followed the voice, until I came across a on old donkey, with a toupee, and a wagon, with a wheel, stuck in the mud.
The donkey was old and scrawny, so he’s definitely not strong enough to pull the wagon on his own. I knew right then and there he needed help. So I did what anypony would do. I went in, grabbed a stick, and helped him get his wagon, unstuck from the mud.
After that, the donkey thanked me for my assistance, and I told him I about my predicament. So I took my back home. I got into trouble with my parents for getting lost and staying out, pass my curfew, but it was worth it, since I actually got to help some creature.
All thanks to that rainbow, that lead me to my first mission as a hero.
And growing up, after learning the story about Rainbow Dash and her Sonic Rainboom, I now realized that her Sonic Rainboom didn’t just affect the lives of her friends.
It has dramatic effects on every other lives, be it ponies or creatures. So in our own way, we are all friends of Rainbow Dash’s, and we are all heroes of our own stories.
