> The Alicorn Problems
>  by TheTimeSword
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Problem 1: Twilight's Town Turmoil
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To be granted such a gift, only to squander it by fumbling in the darkness known as ignorance. Though the world had changed for the better, the worst can often shine brighter through the cracks of greatness. As the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle had thought it best to keep Ponyville safe and secure—yet the change had gone beyond the little town. It had spread throughout all of Equestria, beyond its borders, like the unease spreading throughout her friends. 

A letter, not a reply from Princess Celestia, but the Crystal Empire. A plea for help in this time of ignorance. "The Crystal Empire humbly requests the presence of the Princess of Friendship and the Hero of the Crystal Empire. Fear has run through the minds of the crystal ponies. Please assist in this trying time," Twilight had read to the group when the letter first arrived. But now she could see that it did not include her friends—and they did not want to be included. They didn't say it outright, not yet, but their faces told of inner turmoil.

“Does it say anything else about what happened?” Moondancer asked. It had detailed a bit of anarchy, right before Cadance's signature, but no reason given for the cause.

Of course, the what happened referenced the fact that everypony in Equestria now had their own set of wings and horn. Twilight had no doubts that the Crystal Empire dealt with an uproar caused by the event. She knew other cities would soon become similar. She knew it would've happened to Ponyville had she not addressed the town soon after their arrival from the Everfree Forest. Yet the Crystal Empire had dealt with so much adversity, now should be no different. For Ponyville, though, it helped to have Starlight Glimmer out in the town dealing with any panicking ponies. Which is why Twilight knew what she had to do.

"The letter asks for me and Spike, but we're all needed. I can't deal with two problems in two places at once—and I think there might be more than just two with all that's happened," Twilight stated to the group. The other bearers did pay attention, though some were more enthused by their new horn or wings. It felt odd to call them the bearers now—the Elements of Harmony were gone. "And your families might need you too, so you should go to them," she said, mostly for Applejack's benefit. The orange mare breathed a sigh of relief.

“It’s not that I don’t want to go with you, Twi. It’s just—Big Mac’s run off, and Sugar Belle showed up teary-eyed, and Apple Bloom is going crazy.” Applejack looked exhausted, they all did. “I've got a big family and I should check in on them, maybe they can help get other towns under control.” 

“My family must be going nuts! Maud’ll be bouncing off the walls!” Pinkie exclaimed. When she spoke, her wings expanded to full breadth, to which she noticed and gave an embarrassed smile.

“I'll check in with the Wonderbolts, they can help secure Cloudsdale if ponies start going nuts. Though I suppose I should see how my parents are doing too,” Rainbow Dash said, groaning over the last sentence.

“I am not unreasonable here, I get it!" Twilight said over the group, throwing her hooves up to stop the next pony. "I get that you all must focus on your homes. But I still need someone to deal with those three.” To emphasis the who, she pointed at the trio of culprits whose wings were tied down, each slumped in their seats at the round table. 

The trio were the cause of so much destruction over the past weeks—along with a forth, now gone—and needed to be punished. Lightning Dust, Svengallop, and Suri Polomare. Each had wings and horns, their wish granted at the cost of so much. “If I’m going to the Crystal Empire,” Twilight said, “I need someone to take them to Tartarus once Spike returns with—”

As if on time, the little dragon came bursting through the doorway into the meeting room, Zecora hot on his tracks. “Tada! One set of potions and the zebra who brews them!” Spike greeted in exaggerated movements. He held up the six packed bottles, a glowing blue liquid contained in the glass. 

“You are in luck that I have what you need, and that I could make them with such great speed,” Zecora added, her face filled with worry.

Twilight rushed to hug Zecora. “Thank goodness. I was so worried you might be off trying out your new wings or horn! You’re a life safer Zecora—” When Twilight broke the embrace, she stopped and stared. “You’re not—you don’t have—”

“Ponies fly and test their magic, but for me it is nothing tragic. Our shape and size is similar to be sure, but our species are as different as skin and fur,” Zecora replied, and Twilight thought her smile looked disheartened.

“Just different enough, I guess,” Twilight said with an understanding nod. “I find it odd. I hadn’t considered such a thing, and that I didn’t, it’s now got me wondering.” She then glanced around the room, scanning over the trio of culprits, the bearers, and the two friends who had helped them deal with the Society of Secret Sorcery. Sunset Shimmer had infiltrated the society at its core, though she had later described it to be a trap. It had been hard for Sunset to admit it, especially at the amusement of Moondancer, a turncoat of the society.

Twilight had already sent home all the members of the society—the organization that had ‘practiced’ their magical feats under the authority of the Grandmaster. Twilight saw no need to keep them as they had been fooled into believing what they were doing was right. Punishing those who fell for the beguiles of the righteous mighty would be against everything Twilight believed in. But the three Masters, Suri, Svengallop, and Lightning Dust, needed to be dealt with.

Twilight kept her eyes on Moondancer and Sunset Shimmer. “Alright. I’ve decided then. Moondancer and Sunset, I ask that you go with Zecora to study her and discover the differences between ponies and zebras.” She then stopped and turned to Zecora. “So long as you are alright with that, Zecora,” she added quickly, giving an embarrassed smile, but Zecora gave an approving nod nonetheless. “But I still need one of you five to take these three to Tartarus. With Zecora’s potions, you’ll have no trouble from them." Twilight turned her attention back to the bearers.

“Twilight.” It was Sunset Shimmer who interjected. “As much as I’d love to hang out with Moondancer.” Her words dripped with sarcasm, and Moondancer rolled her eyes. “I’ve got to get back home. I told the gang I’d only be gone for a week or two. I know dropping in to help and then leaving others with the mess is more your thing,” she said, and a slight grin cupped her cheeks. "But I really can't stay."

“Oh—I thought you’d be interested in trying out your wings.”

Sunset shrugged, and her wings flapped. “I was interested, a long time ago. But it’s kind of pointless when I go back to walking on two legs.” She then rose and walked to the door. “I’ll see myself out now, if you don’t mind. It’s been fun! Don’t hesitate to call if you need my help.” As she started closing the door, she added, “And if you find Faith, let me know. I owe her something.”

Faith, the unicorn who had been known as the Grandmaster, was the mastermind behind the creation of a seventh Element of Harmony. Though now only it remained. Those six were gone now, and so was Sunset. Twilight wanted to spend more time with all her friends now that the mystery of the society had ended, but it was a whole new world for some ponies. And more problems with it.

“Alright. Moondancer, if you would still be willing to help, I’d like you to go with Zecora,” Twilight said.

“Don’t worry, Twilight. Unlike some ponies, I’m more than willing to help!” Moondancer replied, which garnered glares from the bearers. When she noticed, she stammered to make an addendum to her statement. “I-I mean, more than those who just straight up leave—not those who are worried about—I’ll just, I’ll shut up now.”

Cutting into the silence brought on by Moondancer, Rarity stepped forward. “I am quite certain AJ, Pinkie, Dash, and Fluttershy all would like to return home and guarantee their families aren’t partaking in something similar to what’s going on in the Crystal Empire. Which means I will volunteer to take the three to Tartarus.” She gave a nod and a smile to the four. “My parents probably couldn’t care one way or the other if they’re alicorns. They’re more laid back than Sweetie Belle or I, and Sweetie is taking this—well, Sweetie is Sweetie. Nothing I can do about her."

Each of the other bearers thanked Rarity, sometimes rougher than she appeared to like. And each one left right after, their own problems to face, their own disasters to subvert. Twilight didn't envy them—all she had to do was disrupt the anarchy of an entire city.

“Oh, thank you Rarity, this is a huge burden off my hooves,” Twilight replied, embracing Rarity in a hug.

“Darling, it's what I do. Plus, I’ve given the girls at my stores days off to examine their newfound powers, and so my shops are closed. Though it might sound smug to say, I'm not in fear of any competition either. Other designers might be used to horns or wings, but I've been friends with a real princess for a while now. They'll be stumped trying to match something that fits both.” With a shrug, Rarity trotted across the room to Spike, levitating the potion package from his claws. She tousled his scales, and then her eyes fell on the set of six glass vials. “Six?” Rarity asked, both Twilight and Zecora.

Twilight answered for Zecora, however, knowing what the extra three were for. “Remedies once you get to Tartarus. We wouldn’t want them to be stuck down there while also under the effects.” Zecora nodded and then gestured for Rarity as to which was which. The labeling marked them as before and after.

“Excuse me,” one of the culprits called. Suri Polomare, specifically. “Princess Twilight—I do understand that we must be punished, but Tartarus? How long will we be down there? Perhaps house arrest or—”

“You three maliciously constructed plans to defile Equestria’s cities and plotted to get revenge on me and my friends,” Twilight interrupted, with a sternness in her voice. This had been coming. “Tartarus is a blessing for you three, and you should hope that you stay there long enough for me to feel guilty over keeping you there. Should I not, you three will be dealt a severe punishment for your transgressions. Since your Grandmaster is not here to shoulder a majority of the blame, you three will take her place. Instead of wallowing on your imprisonment in Tartarus, maybe you should come up with a good enough plea for mercy when I and the other princesses come for you.”

Suri Polomare slumped back further against her seat, taking on the appearance of a puddle of fur. Neither of the other culprits wanted any part of the conversation. As lustful for revenge as they were, they had not been unicorns prior to the great change. Their horns were practically useless without the knowledge to cast anything. At best, they may hurt themselves more than help. Tartarus suited them till she could figure out what to do.

“Now.” Twilight turned back to the four who remained. “Spike, come close. I wish you good luck Moondancer, Zecora. Rarity, if anything goes wrong, don't hesitate to find me in the Crystal Empire. I'd like to think these three are bigger problems that whatever is going on there." Rarity approved of the statement, and the three waved their goodbyes to Twilight and Spike.

In an instant, she put herself square in the middle of the Crystal Castle. Or she thought she had—yet the sun beat down on her, and rows of homes ran the stretch in both directions. "Twilight? You mean to put us here?" Spike asked. She had not, and so she tried again, but only got a few blocks closer.

That's when she saw the reason she could not teleport directly to the castle. A magical pink bubble surrounded it; protected it from the ponies outside. "Now I get why the letter was a bit more formal," Twilight said. "That's a lot of ponies."

Spike nodded. “Well, they weren’t kidding when they said they needed help. Doesn’t even look they could go for groceries." He then flexed his arms and gave a big grin. "Nothing a little visit from Spike the Brave and Glorious can't fix, though."

After he hopped onto her back, Twilight took off, galloping head first to the crowd. “Maybe everyone's gone crazy as a side effect to becoming alicorns? I mean, I didn't, but Celestia made me one. There might be a difference,” she thought aloud, more to herself than Spike.

But he answered with his own thought. “Celestia was there when you became one, but half these ponies must’ve been asleep. I’d wager they’re all thinking this is just a dream. I know I've done some crazy things in my dreams.”

Twilight did her best to acknowledge that idea, though as they came closer to the crowd, she found it harder to do. The crystal statue of Spike sat not too far off, vandalized with a fence post for a horn and cardboard wings. It remained in one piece thankfully—she did not believe Spike could take seeing it broken. Chants and singing bellowed around the ponies outside the shield. Twilight found it difficult to make out as there were so many different words stringing through the crowd.

"Fear not! ‘Tis I, Spike, your dragon hero!" Spike yelled at the crowd, standing proud on Twilight’s back. But nopony responded, not even a head turn.

"Spike, maybe we should try to get inside before garnering their attention—" Twilight had started to say, but one of the ponies did happen to look back.

A pink mare with grey hair, her wings and horn were still an unusual sight for Twilight. "There’s one!" the mare yelled at them.

Slowly, the crowd turned, growing at an alarming rate the more ponies who took note. All at once the dam broke, an onslaught of hollers and angry cries. This time, Twilight could make out some of the words. Things like: "You’re not better than us!" and "Down with the oligarchy!" and also "If you think I’ll still pay taxes!” There were also several ponies claiming to be princesses of various things—even the stallions were calling themselves princesses.

With no hesitation, Twilight took to the sky, trying her best to keep Spike on her back. “It doesn’t look like they’re going to have much interest in you, Spike!” But before he could try to call out and settle them, they were already up following Twilight. Now that all of Equestria could fly, it should have been no surprise, yet most of these ponies took better to it than she had her first week. Round and round she went, eventually running into the backs of some of the ponies she chased.

Then a voice called out through the angry mob, amplified by magic. "Down here, Twilight!" Cutting into a dash, Twilight led the chase up, around, and then returned to where she'd been called. The shield surrounding the castle gave a small opening just for her and Spike, to which she took without delay. It closed behind her—the new alicorns on the outside trying to beat their way in. Twilight landed with a sigh of relief, and Spike jumped from her back. He took a look at the chaos generating around the bubble, but Twilight pulled him away from it. "I'm so glad you came," Princess Cadance said in a rush. She hugged tight around Twilight's neck before parting and hugging Spike too. "I know my letter sounded desperate but I think you've got an idea of what's going on. Unfortunately, you don't know the half of it."

"What's there to get?" Spike asked, sounding annoyed. "Ponies upgraded to alicorns now thinking they're royalty when they only got it by mistake. Talk about letting it go to your horn."

Princess Cadance shook her head, and Twilight got a good look at the pink alicorn. She didn't have a haggard appearance, though her eyes were considerably dull from a lack of sleep. It almost mimicked the tiredness she had after giving birth to Flurry Heart. "It's not just us they're upset with," Cadance argued, and motioned to the steps into the castle. She continued as they trotted up the flights of stairs. "If you'll notice, most—if not all—of the crystal ponies are out there at our shielding. This isn't by mistake, Shining Armor drew them here. When we learned what had happened to you from Celestia, a war had already begun. They were fighting each other—not us. They didn't even seem to care about me being an original princess."

"Fighting each other? What sense does that make?" Twilight asked.

"Stallions, mares, fillies, and colts all hold something special to them. And it's not rare for that special thing to be shared," Cadance described. "When everyone began assuming they were a princess, they also chose what they were a princess of—which led to someponies being the same over one thing. That's when the fighting began, and Shining Armor and I had to stop them from destroying each other. It was better for them to focus on us, but I knew we couldn't end their unreasonable attacks." She threw a look over her shoulder, staring at Spike. "I hoped just seeing you, Spike, would stop their assault. But now it looks like it's back to the drawing board."

"We'll figure something out," he replied, a gentle claw resting on her side.

"Spike's right. All we have to do is put our heads together with a full proof approach. They have to remember Flurry Heart was born an alicorn. Nopony began losing their mind when that happened,” Twilight recounted. “Except Shining Armor.”

Cadance laughed at that just as they came to the closed doors of the castle throne. “Actually, Twilight, when he found wings on his back, he was more crazed than any of those ponies out there. You would've been crying your eyes out laughing at him. Flurry and I enjoyed the show—well, up until, you know.”

That's when it hit Twilight. It was easy to understand that everyone in Equestria was now an alicorn. That didn’t mean seeing Shining Armor with wings wasn't shocking. It must’ve been the same shock he had back when she became an alicorn. Yet there was a difference between her achievement and his accident—he loved it. 

Upon entering the throne room, Twilight saw how thrilled her brother was. He flew lightly, chasing after his daughter, bounding with fits of giggles. Twilight would've thought he'd been flying his whole life had he not stumbled on his landing in front of her. "Twilight!" he bellowed, enveloping her in a hug of both forelegs and wings. It practically crushed her spine. "It's so wonderful to see you!" Flurry Heart fell into the hug too, gurgling a laugh before Cadance took her. "Though I kind of hoped this would've been under more cheery circumstances. Not to say this isn't a wonderful gift—regardless of where it came from."

She found it odd to hear what had happened be called a gift, yet to the normal pony it must be just that. It wasn't a gift to Twilight—she earned it. She didn't expect it, she hadn't even known it was on the table, but she had earned it. Others hadn't, they received it by mistake, but she would not take it away. That thought crossed her mind and she threw it out immediately. The world would be this way, regardless of her feelings. But the cost—the loss of the Elements of Harmony—had been too great of a trade. Especially now, with outright turmoil. She wanted to curse the Grandmaster, but that was impossible. Gone with the Elements.

"I know you're happy, Shining, but don't you think it's time we focus on the city? Ponies might start reigniting their passion against each other if we don't," Twilight commented, and then noted something off. The entire trek through the castle had been barren. Only here in the throne room had the addition been noticeable. "Where are your guards?" she asked, motioning to the three soldiers in crystal armor. The first three she'd seen since arriving. 

Shining Armor shared a look with Cadance before the two answered. "Down with the rest of the city," Cadance said, pausing for a sigh.

"Everyone thinks they've become royalty, and that it breaks ties and oaths," Shining Armor added, with a twinge of distress in his voice. "Whether it does or doesn't, these three are loyal to us. They know what we've done for the Crystal Empire. I'm sure there are those down there that still remember the reason we're even ruling the city—not that they'd say they couldn't do better."

Twilight bit her lip looking at the three guards, then down at Spike. She remembered the reason. King Sombra—the stallion who made the empire vanish for a thousand years with a terrible power. Twilight had failed in defeating him, yet helped in his ultimate defeat at the claws and hooves of Spike and Cadance. The memory of that day sparked a sudden idea. "A reason to remember," she murmured, garnering a look from the others. "I may just have an idea on how to teach the crystal ponies a lesson they won't ever forget."
> Problem 2: Applejack's Affection Agony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack didn't fly. She stuck to the ground, her own four hooves kicking in the dirt. They'd been good for that all her life, and just because she had a pair of wings on her back now didn't change the past. Flying wasn't all that special, after all. A third of ponies could've done that before the change. Same went for magic. But ponies were getting obsessed with the idea of casting spells and levitating stuff around. A rope and her own grit could pull a wagon as good as any fancy magic. Though that horn above her vision could've helped with the last harvest, dragging the buckets of apples from the orchard. But she could never do a tenth of a tenth of what Twilight or Starlight could do. Yep. No sense in rushing head first into spell books and magical tomes, no reason to take to the skies and lay atop a cloud.

Not that she couldn't, or wouldn't eventually. Probably. Maybe. For now, her own four hooves worked just as well. Yet she was outnumbered on that front—her siblings found their new appendages to be the best present ever on Hearth's Warming Eve, and it was still spring. Apple Bloom being enraptured by the event made sense. She had spent many hours helping Sweetie Belle during their Twilight time, as they called it. There must've been something she picked up, or memorized accidentally. That, and she was younger. A lack of experience sometimes made trying new things less scary. Not that Applejack feared casting magic from the new appendage atop her field of vision. Certainly not.

And her brother felt no terror of flying or magic, it seemed. Big Mac flew and levitated objects as though he had always dreamed of doing so. It wasn't flawless or remarkable compared to what she had seen of real unicorns and pegasi, but the fact that he could do it poorly surprised Applejack. But of all ponies she would've thought wouldn't have cared about the change, Big Mac would've been right up there with Granny. 

Yet that stallion had turned a fool. All his grey matter must've been sucked up into that big red horn on his forehead. Applejack had returned home after the events in the Everfree Forest, only to find he had run off into the forest on the other side of the orchards. He had left Sugar Belle, his marefriend—now ex, according to the same mare—crying in their living room. It'd take all the efforts of Applejack, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom combined to get her calm.

As Applejack neared the front door to her family home, the wailing and bawling sounded through the screen door. "Aw, it ain't that bad now," she heard Granny say. "It could be worse."

"How could it be worse!?" Sugar Belle blustered. Applejack took a step in, cracking the door enough for her head to enter. Sugar Belle sat on the couch with a few dozen tissues littering the area around her. Granny sat in her rocking chair with a book that Applejack recognized as Big Mac's foal photo album. 

"He could've said he hated you and never wanted to see you again," Granny replied.

Of course, that only caused an eruption of tears from Sugar Belle, and the sound that accompanied her cry could've shattered glass at a closer range. While Applejack held her ears, Granny noticed her and rose up from her chair. Pushing outside, the two then stood a bit off from the door. "Granny," Applejack said the name as though she were the elder scolding the child for a misdeed. "I know you're trying to help, but maybe a little less of the ol' what if. Ain't like we know why Mac done did what he did. Unless she said while I was gone. Or did he return?"

"I ain't had time to check in on Mac if he returned to the barn," Granny said with a frown. "But I've tried all that I can to cheer her up. If she ain't gonna fight for him or find out the reason, I'm inclined to send her on her way. I've lost enough of my hearing as is without her making me completely deaf." Applejack thought she might see Granny scowl, but the mare's expression turned tired. "I'm heading to bed. I ain't even sure what the time is," she said, looking up and covering her eyes with a hoof. "If I start goin' to bed early I'll really be feeling my age, but I tried everything to settle the girl and I'm pooped. Your turn."

With that, they returned to the living room, and Applejack became alone with the mare. A very silent moment passed, aside from a few sniffles, before those bloodshot eyes turned on Applejack. Instinctively, Applejack cringed and shied away, but steadied herself quickly. "He-hey Sugar Belle," Applejack greeted, rounding the couch. The floor also contained even more tissues. "You, uh, ain't doin' too much better since I left, huh?" Sugar Belle silently shook her head. "And still no, y'know, explanation?"

"Nooo," Sugar Belle sobbed, the waterworks beginning anew. "It-it would have been so ni-ni-nice being sisters. Now I'll never—never get the—never get the ch—" A sudden but not surprising torrent of wailing and crying erupted from the mare.

Applejack pulled Sugar Belle in for a hug, and kept her there as a way of comfort. There were plenty of reasons to breakup. If two ponies did not like being together, then there shouldn't be any cause of staying. Even small decisions were between the two, and only the two. Yet Big Mac had not given such an answer, and that irked Applejack more than anything. If he had said he didn't love her, or that he wanted to try other options, that was between them.

But Big Mac sullied the Apple family name. Even something small, such as if Sugar Belle snored and Big Mac didn't like that, would be more valid than nothing at all. Nothing! Big Mac was a grown stallion, older than Applejack, and should know better! He'd have to be scolded, and she might just be the one to do it. With Sugar Belle still around, however, no matter how uncivil Big Mac was, Applejack couldn't do it in front of the ex. That would only cause more strife between the two, and perhaps the Apple family entirely. She didn't want to lose her big brother just because he had foolish notions. 

"Sugar Belle, I know you're upset and wantin' answers, but I don't think you're going to get 'em," Applejack eventually said. 

Sugar Belle stifled a set of sniffles, and almost broke into another sob. "I-I know," she answered, just before a hiccup.

"It's early to say you should move on, but there's no use crying over spilled milk. I'm not sure what's gotten into Big Mac, I always thought he had more sense, but I'll bet it has to do with the fancy wings and horn he's got." Applejack paused as Sugar Belle looked up at her, tears pouring down the purple cheeks. "It's a new world, what with everypony in Equestria gettin' a little upgrade. Maybe you should put all that pain and sadness into finding your way—maybe a new you."

Those big eyes swelled with tears before falling into Applejack's fur. "Big Mac was—he always wanted something new. F-for us!" Sugar Belle slammed her face into Applejack's neck, a wail and sob pouring out against her clavicle.

The pain of a sudden cry striking her ears wasn't what finally cracked Applejack's final straw. Unlike unicorns, other ponies hadn't ever had to worry about horns poking or stabbing another pony. Now, however, with everyone an alicorn, the horn prodding against Applejack's throat and chin made her regret her attempt to soothe the saddened mare.

"Alright!" Applejack whipped up in a flash, grabbing Sugar Belle by both shoulders. "You're an alicorn, Sugar Belle! You should be happy like everyone else. Instead of mopping around waiting for Big Mac to maybe change his mind, I want you out there becoming a, uh—a princess!" Applejack didn't really believe that anyone could just be a princess, but if it got Sugar Belle on her hooves then she'd say it. "You can do anything you want. As much as you and I don't understand it, Big Mac is out there right now showing off his gumption. You can't let him hold all the power over you. You're a good mare! Get out there and find your own path! Let him rue the day he let Princess Sugar Belle get away!"

It hurt talking down Big Mac, her own brother, but he deserved it. Sugar Belle had done nothing wrong. Not to mention the headache Applejack had growing from the mare's hollering. 

"Princess Sugar Belle?" Sugar Belle repeated, wiping a few tears from her cheeks. "I haven't tried flying yet. It might be nice." The look she had made Applejack think the mare would slip back into sobbing, but it stifled. "Princess," she muttered in a hoarse voice.

When Sugar Belle stood and trotted to the door, Applejack followed after her, out down the first steps. "You go, mare!" Applejack cheered as she stood behind Sugar Belle. "I know you probably won't want to come back around, considering, but if you ever need help you can count on me."

"Thank you, Applejack," Sugar Belle said, though her eyes stared in the direction Big Mac had gone. "I'll see you—" She didn't finish her sentence, as neither could know when next they'd meet again. Without another word from either, Sugar Belle trotted out of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack watched the mare go as far as she could see, though Sugar Belle remained with her head craned in the direction of Big Mac the entire way.

"Big Mac." Applejack gritted her teeth. Of all the ponies whose flanks Applejack wanted to kick, the Grandmaster of the secret society was top of the order. She had caused all this mess. But Big Mac held second place on that list. It would be difficult to scold her elder sibling, but it needed to be done. It had to be done. He had his business as to why he wanted to breakup with Sugar Belle, it was his right, and Applejack knew that. But if she had to be the one to help Sugar Belle get back on her hooves, to put up with the wailing, crying, and sobbing, then Applejack had the right to know why.

Marching out into the orchard, Applejack thought of what she'd say on her way to him. Starting out angry wasn't the best approach. She could be calm, simply ask why, but that might not get an answer. "It's not your business," he would answer. Applejack could see him pulling the older brother card—he was older, he knew better. She wanted to hogtie him and drag him by his hindquarters through the mud.

As Applejack reached the border of the orchard to the south, she found herself in a field that had not been there previously. Tall grass filtered around holes and flattened in some areas by uplifted dirt. Applejack could see the red stallion flying in the distance, working his levitation magic on a river birch. A few piles of logs sat against the treeline of the orchard, marking where he had started and would not cross. 

There were plenty of logs too—large green ash, bitternut hickory, and several broadleaf trees. It didn't seem to matter to Big Mac what he removed, it just needed to be a tree. "We ain't had to do something like this since we expanded the eastern orchard," Applejack said to herself, and realized the truth of it. "But why breakup with Sugar Belle just to expand the orchard? I don't get it."

She tried to piece it together, looking over the logs, standing in the field. As she went deeper into Big Mac's project, avoiding the leftover holes and roots, she tried to imagine his plan. The line of logs stood out to her—there weren't more than three or four logs in a pile before he started a new pile. Even if he only used them to mark the treeline so not to pull up apple trees, Big Mac was smart enough to tell the difference on sight alone. A batch of unmatched trees stood out compared to symmetrical rows and columns of apple trees.

"Big Mac!" Applejack bellowed at the top of her lungs, though she did not turn to face the flying stallion. "You will come down here and explain what you're doing right this instant!"

She waited a moment. If he had heard and ignored her, then she'd have a right to be angry. If he hadn't, she'd lasso him down. Either option worked, so long as it made him upset. When she turned, however, Applejack found herself unbalanced, surprised by the stallion hovering behind her. 

Big Mac was always two things: big and quiet. His newly acquired wings were no different. They were large enough to batter anyone with the wind they could create, yet silent enough for him to sneak up without notice. When he found her staring up at him, he landed and crinkled the tall grass beneath his hooves. 

He didn't say anything, he didn't even look upset. Sweat beat his brow and ran down his long cheeks, but he didn't even appear tired. Nonplussed, maybe. He had a bewildered look in his eye. As if he had no idea what would've upset his younger sister. The audacity! Sometimes stallions seemed like a different species altogether. 

"You have some nerve, Mac," Applejack growled, putting on her best scowl. "Granny and I have been dealing with Sugar Belle, and you're out here hiding from her!"

The confused look he held dissipated at the mention of Sugar Belle. He almost appeared relaxed, or bored, as though he knew what Applejack came to rant about. 

"I'll have you know I've already managed to get her back on her hooves and on her way, so you don't need to hide out here in the fields. Working." Applejack snorted at the thought. "We ain't ever even talked about expanding the orchard, so I know you're hiding out here. You can't fool me, Big Mac. Now I'm not expecting you to talk to Sugar Belle, or even an apology. But you are going to tell me why you did it—I don't care if it's even a poor excuse. After what I put up with, I have the right to know!"

Big Mac stared down at her—and then he rolled his eyes. The nerve! That sent Applejack into a blisteringly angry mood. But before she had a chance to box his ears, he answered, "I'm not."

That shocked her. He wasn't breaking up with her? "What d'ya mean you're not?" Applejack said, squinting up at him.

"I'm not expanding the orchard," he replied. "I'm building my own."

Applejack jumped so hard that she had to catch her hat before it fell to the ground. "Build your own!? But Mac—Sweet Apple Acres is family run, you're part of that family! Why would you want to leave that?"

"I am not leavin' it. I can help with the farm and work my own myself." He said it so matter of fact that Applejack knew he truly believed that. Big Mac must've seen the skepticism in her eyes as his brows furrowed in a face full of resentment. "I can," he continued. "I am a princess now, I can do it myself!" He nodded, and then his cheeks went pink with embarrassment. "I-I mean prince! Alicorn!" He quickly turned away. "Eeyup."

"But Mac—"

The stallion cut Applejack off. "I know you don't understand, Applejack. I'm just not worthy of Sugar Belle. She's always been my princess, regardless of wings. Now, I've got to do everythin' I can to prove I'm worthy. And that means doing the impossible. You'll see soon. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to attend to." He then trotted off with a haughty tilt of his nose, mimicking nobility, though too high compared to the rich ponies living in Canterlot. He definitely had let being an alicorn fill him with arrogance.

"He must have hay between the ears if he thinks—" Applejack remarked but stopped herself. "Build a new orchard, huh?" Tapping her chin, Applejack fell into thinking. He had already cleared a large space, and still more needed removal. It would've taken weeks to do the same before. "No!" she cursed herself. "I'm not gonna be like Mac and let myself fall prey to the ease of magic." She wasn't, was she? For some reason, the thought of using magic sounded terrifying. "No!" she cursed again. "Ain't nothing to fear." Her eyes shot to the horn on her forehead, then to Big Mac. "And ain't nothing changed about who I am. Whatever you can do Mac, I'll do the same—as a pony, like I've always been."
> Problem 3: Rainbow's Rising Rank
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It'd taken hours but Rainbow Dash finally departed from her loving and wonderful parents' home. She flew down the streets of Cloudsdale, dodging other pegasi who weren't pegasi anymore. It was nice to be around the more normal ponies of the city, rather than her parents. Those two couldn't understand that becoming an alicorn wasn't special if everyone also became an alicorn at the same time. At least they were taking the change well, neither cared about their new horns or learning spells. Some things never really changed—even if the world had overnight. 

And Cloudsdale had a surprisingly sparse amount of ponies. On her way up to the floating city, she'd passed many ponies who weren't accustomed to being such heights. More than once she heard the screams of somepony falling to their doom. She raced herself sore trying to catch them, only for the helpless fool to figure out how to hover all by themselves. It became an itch underneath her skin that she could not scratch.

Still, it beat trying to explain to her parents how she wasn't really a princess. They couldn't understand that becoming an alicorn did not mean also becoming a princess. Rainbow Dash didn't get it either since Twilight had become both, and Cadance too. Celestia and Luna? Well, it didn't matter anyway. If she were to name herself a princess though, she would definitely be the Princess of Speed. The fastest princess alive! 

Rainbow Dash quickly shook her head, loosening the thought. "They really got to me this time. If I keep thinking like that, I'll be the Princess of Ego—and the girls won't ever let me live that nickname down." She already had one nickname that she didn't much care for—Rainbow Crash. And if she needed an arrogance check, the ponies who called her that were the ones do it. She wondered if they'd already come together and brainstormed some new ideas utilizing alicorn magic.

It was a short trip to the Wonderbolt Academy. While passing over the landing zone trainees used, she saw no one was in flight today. That made sense, there must've been a few meetings about how to handle the change. Rainbow Dash regretted not being there, but she hurried, hoping to make the tail end.

Hurrying only led to surprise, however, as the entrance of the academy had a mess of bags, luggage, and ponies who were leaving. "Fleetfoot!" Rainbow Dash cried, landing in front of the mare. 

Fleetfoot had two saddlebags on her back, and wasn't in uniform. Her arctic-colored fur stained with sweat, as though she'd been working out for hours. Her mane was super slick too, almost flat against her skull, making her horn prominent. "Hey, look who it is, Rainbow Dash," Fleetfoot greeted, with no nickname added. "You're a little late, but we haven't touched your locker. I bet I look a mess, but wait till you see Soarin."

"Touched my locker? What's going on!?" Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes bulging. She grew anxious looking at all the stuff on the ground.

But Fleetfoot's mouth twisted in a perplexed frown. Sweat dripped down her furrowed brows. "Right, I guess you wouldn't know yet. Uh—maybe skip Soarin and go find Spitfire. She should still be in what's left of the captain's office."

"What's left!?" Rainbow blurted out, but didn't wait for another word from Fleetfoot. 

There weren't many ponies inside the academy as there were outside. Rainbow did find Soarin who looked like he was going to pass out from carrying six duffel bags at once. He tried to ask for help, but Rainbow Dash just went on past him. She had to find out what exactly was going on. Walls were barren. Banners had been removed and rolled up. Tables and chairs sat against walls, folded and stacked as though they'd never be used again. The trophy case sat empty. Paintings sat backwards facing the wall.

One table remained outside the barracks where ponies slept, however. The captain of the Wonderbolts used that table whenever they needed to address the entirety of the squads. Usually there would be papers, scheduling information or training duty operations. Today it remained empty. Another bad sign to Rainbow Dash, who hurried along to the captain's office.

With a swift knock, Rainbow didn't wait to be called in. "Captain Spitfire!" she cried out, surprised by the emptiness of the room. The walls were undecorated, the oaken table paperless, and even the seats had all been dragged out. Only a few plaques remained—which the captain proceeded to remove. "Captain! Reporting for duty!"

The yellow mare threw a look over her shoulder. "Rainbow Dash? Duty's finished. Pack up your things and leave. It's been nice working with you."

"Ma'am?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "What are you talking about? What is going on!?"

Spitfire blinked. "Right. Guess you weren't at the meeting—where have you been?" Spitfire shook her head. "Doesn't matter now that I think about it. You and your friends probably caused all this. Which means—" Setting her bag down first, Spitfire strode across the room to Rainbow Dash. With a grab of Dash's hoof, Spitfire shook it with all her might. "I've got to thank you! I wouldn't have thought I'd be waking up yesterday morning to the sight of a new horn, or that I'd consider myself a princess, but here I am!"

"Princess?" Rainbow Dash recoiled from the hoofshake. "Captain, what's going on? Why is everything being removed? Taken down!? What has happened to the Wonderbolts!?"

"We're finished, Dash," Spitfire stated flatly. "We've got new sights, and nopony wants to stay behind to continue the Wonderbolt legacy. Not that anyone needs to. It's a brand new world, and we're going to find out what's in store for us. Blaze and Misty already took off. Soarin and Fleetfoot volunteered to help dismantle some of this place before we leave it to whoever comes to claim it." She then threw a bag to Rainbow Dash. "You can help too, if you're so eager to do some work one last time."

Rainbow Dash threw down the bag in a fit of frustration. "No!" she cried, falling on Spitfire's hooves. "Please! You can't be serious! What about your cutie marks? You're really going to tell me the Wonderbolts aren't a place for you? That being an alicorn changes who you are!?"

With a look of revulsion, Spitfire snatched back her legs from Rainbow's pitiful grip. "Get a hold of yourself, Dash! Being a Wonderbolt isn't my cutie mark, and it's not yours either. You think I don't have other hobbies? That my whole purpose is just to do this one thing?" She paused and thought about her own words. "Don't answer that. My point is, you're an alicorn. There's so much more you and I can do. You don't have to follow my orders or anyone else's for that matter."

"But my whole life all I've ever wanted to be was a Wonderbolt!" Rainbow Dash crawled on her belly, trying to touch Spitfire's hooves again. "Now that I am, you're just going to take that away from me!?"

Spitfire narrowed her eyes, and Rainbow Dash realized how pathetic she must sound to her superior. She almost wanted to stop groveling, but this was worse than the worst thing imaginable. If this was karma for being annoyed by her parents, she'd rather live with them again and be a Wonderbolt than never be a Wonderbolt ever again.

"So, you love the Wonderbolts that much?" Spitfire asked, and Rainbow Dash nodded her head so hard that she almost bruised her chin on the floor. "Alright then." Spitfire dug into her bag and pulled out the golden pin of a lightning bolt. "Congratulations, Rainbow Dash." She dropped it into Rainbow's hooves. "Or should I say, Captain Rainbow Dash."

There was no way. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes, refusing to acknowledge what she heard. But here it was, the captain's pin! And her? Captain? Captain Rainbow Dash! "Me?" Rainbow said softly.

"I'll make sure to tell Soarin and Fleet that they can stop what they're doing," Spitfire said as she made her way to the door. "Oh, one more thing." Rainbow looked back just in time to catch a pair of sunglasses. "Captains always get the coolest shades," she added, before ducking out into the hall and leaving Dash alone.

Rainbow Dash could see herself in the reflection of the sunglasses, her smile beaming ear to ear. "Captain Rainbow Dash," she said in a rush. "Captain Rainbow Dash!" she said, louder and prouder. "Me. Captain of the Wonderbolts!" Or what was left of it.

Almost stunned, she moved autonomously to the seat behind the captain's desk. It was large, too big for her small frame, and probably the reason it remained. She set the pin down on the desk—she wasn't wearing anything to pin it to—and then put the sunglasses on. "Real captain shades!" The plastic pair she had would be thrown out as soon as she got home. These were the real deal. "I can't wait to try these out! I bet the air practically parts for them!"

With the fascination finished, she put the glasses away and found herself staring down at the pin. How long had she been staring at it? How long had she watched Spitfire wear it? Rainbow Dash almost didn't want to touch it for fear of tarnishing it. "Am I even ready for this?" she wondered aloud. "I guess I have to be." Kicking up her hooves onto the desk, Rainbow Dash then swung back, forelegs behind her head, relaxing in the seat. "Yeah, I've got this."

A sudden knock sent Rainbow Dash spinning in the seat, twirling in a moment of panic, before ultimately falling onto the floor with a thundering crash. She gripped the desk to pull herself up, only to meet the shy stare of a yellow mare. "Fluttershy? What're you doing here?"

Fluttershy only poked her head through the gap, but the mention of her name sent her skittering back till only the front of her nose remained. "Rainbow Dash? Is that you?" she asked, and only came in slowly at the call. "I wasn't sure if I was allowed back here."

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy!" Rainbow bounded to her like an excited fox in snow. "Look! It's me!" She held the golden pin so close to Fluttershy's face that the mare's eyes had to cross. "It's me! I am the captain now! Captain Rainbow Dash, leader of the Wonderbolts! Can you believe it!?"

"That's wonderful, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy congratulated, though she still said it in her usual quiet voice. "I always knew you could be!" Fluttershy looked around the room. "Does that mean this is your office now? What happened to the others? To Spitfire? I saw there some things outside—nopony stopped me from coming in. Where is everyone?"

Rainbow Dash flew back to her seat, kicking her back legs onto the desk. "Spitfire made me captain before she left. She said all the others were leaving too. Something about a whole new world or whatever. Everypony is going crazy over being alicorns, I guess." She waved a dismissive hoof.

Fluttershy hid half her face in her hair. "That kind of sounds like you're only captain because nobody else is left."

That certainly sucked the enthusiasm out of the air. Rainbow Dash sat forward, avoiding meeting Fluttershy's eyes. "Well, yeah, when you put it like that—but I would've been captain one day! This speeds it up!" She let out a hearty laugh, and hoped Fluttershy couldn't tell her heart wasn't in it. "You know how I like to go fast!" A cough and a pat of her forehead was all Rainbow added before quickly changing subjects. "What are you doing here? Done with your parents already?"

Fluttershy's meekness fell away at the mention of her parents. "Oh, yes! My parents have decided to move."

"Move? Where to?" Rainbow Dash gawked. She wouldn't have thought Fluttershy's traditional family would've been afflicted by becoming alicorns. "They got the princess bite, huh?"

But Fluttershy just blinked at that. "N-no, they planned their move before the change. Apparently, they had their eye on a bigger place in the quieter part of Cloudsdale, and that owner wanted to downsize and be closer to the inner city. So they're just house swapping."

"Oh." That was certainly on the level Rainbow Dash expected. "So, I guess they took the alicorn change well?" Fluttershy nodded. "That's good. Mine went nuts seeing me—you know how they are. Shucks, out of all your family I would've expected Zeph—"

As soon as the words left her mouth, the stallion she spoke of burst through the door. "Flutterbutter, you would not believe the things they have just lying around here." He wore an almost exact pair of sunglasses that Rainbow Dash now owned. "Oh, hey Dash," he said smoothly, looking over the rim of the shades. "You're looking nice behind that desk."

An unstoppable groan of disgust erupted from Rainbow's throat. "I'm assuming he's gotten a confidence boost?" she asked Fluttershy, who replied by darting her eyes between the two. "I'll take that as a yes. What are you doing here, Zephyr?" she dryly asked.

"Well." He removed the shades, but Rainbow Dash quickly snatched them out of his hoof. "I'm here to try out for the Wonderbolts. Now that I'm a princess—er," he stammered over the word. "Prince Zephyr," he tried to correct, though nopony fell for it.

"You? A Wonderbolt? Not a chance. You were a pegasus before the change, what makes you think you got the stuff for it now?"

"I've been practicing," he replied, bobbing his head. "With this horn, I'll bet you've got all sorts of aerodynamic issues. I'm used to having a bun in my hair, so it's nothing new to me. I got all the know how." He was serious, and his smug grin made Rainbow Dash want nothing more than to turn him into a frog. Not that she knew how—but Twilight could teach her that. Someday.

"Not a chance. I'm captain now, and there's no way I'd have you out on the field." She studied him for a moment before looking to Fluttershy. "Seriously, why'd you bring him here?"

Fluttershy's eyes darted between the two again before falling to the floor. Her head hung low as she said, "My parents don't want him to know where they're moving."
> Problem 4: Moondancer's Mystic Markings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moondancer felt the rush of embarrassment reach her cheeks. Zecora had repeated her question twice now and Moondancer still didn't understand. "I swear, I'm not this dense!" she told Zecora. "It must be the lack of sleep. Or the long hours I spent helping Twilight. Or the—" she rambled on for a bit before realizing it. Zecora sat across the cauldron, smiling politely. "Sorry," Moondancer halted her slew of words. "Your way of, um, speaking, it's going to take some getting used to." After her small upset at the castle, she added, "Not that it's weird or unnatural or anything, or—" She stopped herself. "Sorry." What was wrong with her? She usually didn't apologize this much, or talk this much for that matter.

Canterlot's libraries had a vast amount of books on the various pony and pony-like species, but less so on zebras. The only thing she remembered of zebras was that they were white with black stripes. Yet Zecora rhythmically denied it, stating the opposite.

"Your first reactions to a zebra are quite routine. Trust me when I say your questions are not obscene." Zecora was right. Most ponies had never met a zebra—let alone knew they existed. Only a few years ago, Moondancer had learned that Yakyakistan and the yaks were real. All thanks to an alliance between Equestria and the hairy nation. But she hadn't met a yak in person, so her assumption was justified. Twilight and her friends really could befriend even the most remote creatures it seemed. "You can release your fear so long as you visit here."

Moondancer nodded, intent on following along this time. Before she could think of something to follow it up with, she blurted out another question. "Why do you talk like that?" As soon as she said it, she slapped her hooves over her mouth. "Sorry."

Zecora let out a deep laugh. "Not often do ponies ask why straight out. Yet it's a common question, do not pout." Though everything remained a rhyme, Moondancer did her best to follow along. "I follow the old ways of my ancestors' days," she began. "My clan holds our rhythmic nature dear to our hearts, for myself, it is not the sum but the whole of my parts. But not every clan is the same for each play a different game. Zecora does come from zebras who rhyme while another zebra may be of the mime." Moondancer understood though the question remained as to why Zecora followed that tradition. Zecora gave a knowing smile, and then added, "But I am alone here—why do I not slack? It would be easy to speak plainly and not go back."

"Pride, I guess?" Moondancer replied, jotting down the notes on the clipboard she borrowed from Twilight's castle. "I assume it's the same reason you live—" she motioned to the interior of the home within a tree "—here?"

The innards of the tree were carved in such a way that Moondancer almost couldn't believe they'd been done with simple mixtures and hooves. All the potion work she'd done in school had fallen aside to the unicorn magic she later learned. Perhaps that's what made Zecora all the more interesting, having neither the magical talent nor the earth pony specialty to craft such a home. 

Zecora had certainly filled it with her little slice of home too. Wooden art pieces shaped like faces were painted in stripes or mixtures of different colors. Unique bottles hung from the ceiling, none similar to another, and some containing mysterious liquid. Vines grew down from planters carved into the walls. Moondancer wondered how Zecora managed to reach such high plants without magic or a ladder. She thought to call the place rustic, but that wasn't quite right. With all the decor, it wasn't simple either. By comparison, Moondancer's place felt more homely than Zecora's, despite the privilege of Canterlot. Thinking about that made her remember how she'd left her home. "I forgot to clean up after those fools wrecked it," she muttered to herself. Living in a tree, away from society, where ponies couldn't interrupt your study time. It sounded quite pleasant. "Though I'd be careful of lighting candles."

As they talked of zebras and ponies, Moondancer tried to determine the key difference. If she couldn't do that, she'd have to go back to Twilight empty-hooved. "Lets we take a tangent in your ancestral direction. Do you know where zebras came from? Like what's the furthest you could go back in lineage if you had to guess?"

"Do you know from where ponies come?" Zecora answered with her own question, to which Moondancer wasn't sure. "Perhaps my kind knows more than some."

Moondancer tapped on the clipboard with her pencil, creating little lead marks. "I know the stories that date back to the founding of Equestria—when the three pony clans came together. Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi. And I'm certain Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have more knowledge of the time before that. Oh, and Star Swirl the Bearded, along with the other Pillars. Keep forgetting they're around—I should visit them at some point." Her wings suddenly extended, pushing up her sweater and knocking the clipboard away. "Sorry! I seem to do that when I get... anxious. More anxious, I mean."

Zecora rose from her seat at the cauldron, pulling Moondancer away to a counter littered with potion ingredients. Bright blue flowers, small white stones, amber encased mosquitoes, and ordinary pinecones. Zecora pushed it all aside before pulling a stick from the opposite end. "A curious problem for a pony so strong, I will cure what ails you before long."

"You think I'm strong?" Moondancer asked, almost whispering it.

With a smile, Zecora used the long stick to reach up at the vine that wrapped around one of the potions. It contained a bright neon green liquid that looked like it would glow in the dark. Zecora needed only a swift pull for it to slide by vine down to her hoof. "With this potion, I do declare, you will be released from fear's snare."

Popping the cork, Moondancer held her nose to it, giving a good sniff. "What is this stuff?" she asked, pulling her head away from the tainted smell. "Please tell me it's an ointment." Zecora shook her head and pointed to her mouth. "Great. Cure for anxiety in a bottle? All without magic?" Moondancer examined Zecora. Twilight trusted this zebra for a potion to handle those three Masters. If Twilight trusted her, Moondancer could too. "Bottoms up," she said as she threw her head back, bottle to her mouth. It smelled awful, yet tasted like cold mint. She didn't like mint but didn't hate it either. 

It took a moment of staring before her wings settled, and she could push back her sweater. "Hey! It's working! Anxiety cure in a bottle? How long does this last?"

But Zecora just laughed at the inquiry. "Now that your fear is in your past, we can settle questions you've amassed." The zebra meandered to the opposite side of the room, keeping the stick to walk. She stopped in front of the small shelving of books and tapped a green one. Moondancer levitated it off the shelf for her—the book's cloth cover held an intricate design stitched on the front. "Open and see my little pony."

A feeling returned to Moondancer. The want—the need—to learn. It reminded her of her school days, side by side with Twilight, studying magic. She flipped open the book to the front page and found it to be in a language she did not understand. "Uhh, this definitely isn't old ponish." Zecora chuckled, but Moondancer hadn't made a joke. Flipping through the pages, Moondancer stopped on one that had a drawing. It was well detailed and yet still lacked the realistic likeness of a photograph. The image showed eleven zebras raising their hooves to the sun. Some sort of séance? Ritual? It wasn't quite clear.

Zecora tapped her hoof lightly on the mysterious words beneath the image. "Keep strong, keep heart, for the sun is our start. A change occurred, a debt incurred. For the world is a riddle and we are the question, and the answer is nothing more than progression." She stopped, frowned, and then pointed at the final line. "Day was created." It did not rhyme, though Zecora's expression looked pained. Perhaps Moondancer should've saved some of that disgusting-smelling potion.

"Day was created?" Moondancer blinked. "Day was created," she repeated a few times, faster each. There was a mystery here. A real mystery. She wished she had somepony to bounce her ideas off of—one that didn't require a rhyme or riddle to reply. That's when she remembered she hadn't been alone in Twilight's choice. That awful Sunset Shimmer had been asked to tag along—she left, thankfully, back to wherever she had come from. Why had Twilight put them together? Surely, Sunset Shimmer would not have cared about this mystery. The mare was too self-absorbed. Moondancer did notice how much the conversation had been about her instead of Zecora. And the thought made Moondancer disappointed in herself. 

"Sad? Why such a glum expression to your new obsession?" Zecora asked.

Moondancer diverted her eyes from Zecora's—it must've been all over her face. "Zecora, do you know anything about Sunset Shimmer? That one mare with the red and yellow hair that left?" Zecora tilted back with a brow raised, face of confusion. "Sorry," Moondancer cut in before she could answer. "Not on topic, thinking about other things." She then looked back to her clipboard, still avoiding Zecora's eyes, and noticed that she had broken the tip of her pencil. Had she felt such anger just from thinking of the rude mare? 

"Not on topic you say, but sunsets end the day. A common trend between us all is where we are when the sun does fall." Zecora turned, motioning to her rump. Her cutie mark? "Not a cutie mark, I know you must think, this is how my kin and ancestors link. Clan to clan, each is different. Each of eleven is significant." That's when Moondancer noticed the not cutie mark depicted a sun. Were it not for Princess Celestia's literal control over the sun, Moondancer would've thought Zecora suggested zebras had started moving the sun.

"Wait," she stopped Zecora. She needed to get the question out before she lost it. "Who moved the sun before Princess Celestia?" That had been unicorns—or so commonly believed. "Why were their names never written down? How did they know how to move the sun?" And that's when she noticed Zecora's seemingly knowing smile. "And who moved it before..." She followed the path of logic. "Was it zebras? Zecora, did zebras move the sun before ponies?" Zecora busted out laughing. When she stopped to wipe a tear from her eye, she tapped Moondancer's horn and then pointed to her empty forehead. "Oh, no. I guess—ohhh!" Moondancer levitated the clipboard over, struck with an overload of knowledge. "I think I've got something! Day created, moving the sun, our histories connect. I've got to go back, far back."

"For that, I could brew a potion to find the answers now in motion," Zecora replied, scratching her chin.

"No!" Moondancer didn't mean to yell, but the mint in her mouth made her stomach a little queasy. "I think I'll find my own path without, um—I mean, thank you, Zecora. I've gotten on the right track thanks to you. I might have to gain an audience with Princess Celestia or Luna, or find one of the Pillars, but I've got something. I've got to find where ponies began. When the sun first moved."

Zecora grinned and bowed her head with grace. "A tricky task, your next goal, of finding a diamond in coal."

"Thank you, Zecora. I understand why Twilight trusts you so much." Moondancer stuffed the clipboard and pencil into her sweater. She bowed her head to Zecora, then headed for the door. "Oh!" With a turn, she looked back at the zebra. "I do have one more question. That potion, what did it contain? Just in case I need another—y'know, for emergencies."

Zecora rose and put both forelegs on top of her cauldron, looking deep into the bubbling liquid. "What you drank is what is here, it is nothing you should fear. The anxiety is what we call our ego," Zecora replied, and a big, white smile split her face. "For it was nothing more than a placebo."
> Problem 5: Pinkie's Princess Problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A scream erupted from Pinkie's throat as she fell hundreds of meters out of the sky, only for it to turn to laughter as she neared the earth below. In an instant, she spread her wings wide and curved upward, avoiding the ground with ease. "Now I get why Rainbow Dash flies all the time!" she said with a giggle and a snort. Her pink hair jostled in the wind, playing with her curls. With a flap of her wings, she rose into the air again to repeat the process. It mimicked being shot out of a cannon, and she wondered if such a stunt had ever been done by the Wonderbolts. Surely they could spice up their shows with a little party action—she would have to ask Rainbow Dash to see if her captain would take ideas.

Of course, Rainbow Dash was pretty far away now. "I wonder how the others are doing." Pinkie stared down at the ground passing by. Everything in the world could be appreciated from this height. The trees, the rocks, the rivers, and the plains. She had already made her way over the mountains and through the woods to the rocky, almost barren fields she'd known as a foal. 

Past a small creek—smaller now by how tiny everything looked from so high up—and the outskirts of the rock farm weren't too far off. When she could see her family home, she performed another dive, relaxing her wings and letting herself free fall. With only a few meters between her and plunging straight through the thatched roof, Pinkie did a twirl, extending her wings, and blasting herself back up. With grace, she landed delicately atop the chimney, only for her to slip off a pebble and tumble onto the ground.

"Why's landing always the toughest part?" she asked aloud as she picked herself up. While dusting herself off, she could see Holder's Boulder, a giant rock standing proud in the distance. "What's up Holder!" Pinkie screamed, waving at the stoic boulder. "Didn't get any wings or horn? There's always next time!" As she turned to go inside her home, she found the door cracked open. "Anybody home?" she asked, before turning back to Holder's Boulder. "Some guard rock you are. Didn't even close the door for them!"

Upon entering, Pinkie discovered the home to be devoid of life. The table had been cleared from breaking their fast, though a few cloth napkins still remained near father's seat. "Hello? Anypony know where I can get a rock pie? Extra geodes?" she yelled, making her way to the bedrooms before returning to the entrance. "Oh, I get it! You all have taken up throwing surprise parties! Well, consider this Pie thoroughly surprised!" She waited a long moment before letting out a groan of frustration. "Where is everyone!?"

Outside, Pinkie trailed off to the only place she could think her family would've gone. "I thought becoming alicorns would've tempted them to go off somewhere but I know better." The quarry wasn't a far jog from the home, and nothing appeared out of the ordinary for the rock farm. "I wonder if they'll start using their horns to help with the work? Knowing Maud, she'd only use it to carry cute little Boulder around." 

The noise from the quarry cut Pinkie's musing short. Voices echoed up and turned to shouts the closer she came. As she reached the edge of the quarry, she saw her parents on a lower level, also looking down at the three dead center of the quarry. Maud and Limestone screamed at each other—or at least, Limestone yelled and Maud disagreed in her usual monotonous voice. But one thing rang true, from her parents to her sisters, they all were alicorns. The change had extended all across the world. That would've sent Pinkie blazing into the sky with delight—usually. But with a fight between siblings, there was little reason to be excited.

"Pie on Pie arguing? They should be happy, it's a merry time!" Pinkie exclaimed, simpering at the sight of the two. Before she could fly down and put an end to it, her parents turned their glares up at her. "Yuh oh."

"Pinkamena Diane Pie," her mother said in a calm, flat voice. To anyone else, the tone she used would've been nothing to strike fear, but Pinkie knew that voice. 

Pinkie gulped as she wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hoof. Gliding down, Pinkie reached her parents and then lowered her head. "Hey, mom, dad. You, uh, left the door open."

Their stares were like picks cutting into ice, cold as their tones. "You have some explaining to do," her father said as he pointed to the wings on his back. Her mother pointed to the horn on her head. "We know you're the one who did this. You and your friends."

"Me!? But it wasn't my fault!" Pinkie claimed, falling on her belly, groveling at their hooves. "Honest! I was there trying to stop this!" Why was she cowering? Why was she having to feel bad for this? Wasn't it a good thing that everyone could fly and cast magic? The happenings of the Crystal Empire would be solved by Twilight lickty-split. Everypony should be happy! "But flying is pretty cool, right? Have you tried it?" She tried to smile, but she knew it only came off fake.

Both her parents turned back to the quarry, looking down at the two sisters bitterly arguing. "Yes, dear, it's quite exhilarating," her mother replied. Most would've thought her sarcastic, but Pinkie could tell the difference. It was as close to happy as her mom would sound.

"Unfortunately," her father interceded, "it's caused an issue." Lifting a hoof, he pointed it to the three. "And you will deal with it." Her mother nodded in agreement.

"That's all?" Pinkie rose, then trotted to the edge. "I'm not in trouble?" They both turned their gaze to her, eyebrows raised questioningly. "So long as I stop their fighting—I get it. Don't worry mom and pop! Nopony gets to have a bad day when Pinkie's on her way." She leapt from the edge of the cliff and glided down with ease. Stopping became problematic. She tucked and rolled, landing between the mares on her back. "Hiya girls!"

"Pinkie," Maud and Limestone said in unison—Marble might have mumbled something too.

Pinkie looked up at the faces of her sisters, each one not holding a special smile. "Why are my three wonderful sisters not having the time of their lives flying and shooting super duper awesome laser beams from their skulls?"

"Because we don't know any laser spells?" Limestone uncritically answered.

"No, silly!" Pinkie rose to her hooves and pulled Maud and Limestone to her face using her wings. "It's because you're shouting at each other angrily."

"I'm not angry, I'm right," Maud replied first.

"I'm not angry, I'm furious!" Limestone shouted, blowing some of the feathers off Pinkie's wing. She struggled to remove her head from Pinkie's grip. Prior to the change, Pinkie wouldn't have had such a problem with holding onto both mares. Now, however, two horns were pressing against her temples, and Limestone's struggling would only end with a scar. "I'm the oldest, so I'm the one in charge!"

Without wanting injury, Pinkie reluctantly let them both go. "You two have gotten me in trouble with mom and dad, so you two are going to get me out of it." She eyed them both, sending the sharpest glare at each of them. "Now tell me why both my older, more experienced sisters are the two screaming at each other." Maud's eyes met Pinkie's with a subtle stare. "You know what I mean, Maud."

"Limestone says she is the Princess of Sedimentary," Maud answered, and then turned her gaze to the mare in question. Limestone gave a smug smile and a tight nod. "But she's not. I am." 

The smugness on Limestone's face flashed back into anger like water poured onto a grease fire. "Pinkie!" she growled, not bothering with Maud. "Marble refuses to be the deciding factor. That means it has to be you!" With a huff to match Rarity, she stomped her hoof. "Who is the rightful princess? Me, who knows all about the sedimentary, or Maud?"

"That's Doctor Maud Pie to you," Maud argued, her tone unchanged. "No," she interrupted Pinkie. "Princess of Sedimentary, Doctor Maud Pie." The slight curl of her lips could've counted as a smile.

Limestone let out a litany of disgruntled groans. "To think I missed you after you moved to Ponyville!" She glared down her nose back at Pinkie. "Well? You going to choose the snooty too-good-for-the-rock-farm doctor, or your lovable, cheerful eldest sister!?" Limestone described herself in a more angry voice than the one she'd used for Maud.

"Well, Limestone, I also moved to Pony—" Pinkie started to say, only to be stopped by the big, bulging eyes popping out of Limestone's skull. "I mean." She stopped herself from talking by faking a coughing fit. "Oh, golly. I need some water before I decide!" With haste, Pinkie darted into the air, flying as fast as she could away from the quarry. She looked back to see if they were following her, but none did. They all were staring at her. Limestone, Maud, and Marble. Her mother and father. Their eyes pierced her—she could almost read their minds.

"That society of big meanies really put me between a rock candy and a hard place," she commented to herself. "I can't believe they're fighting over a princess title! I mean, they can't think they're princesses. It's not that simple." She had gone so far that she no longer flew over the rock farm. "Am I a princess?" She hadn't thought about it until now—and cursed herself for not asking Twilight. "I mean, certainly not everypony is a princess. But I'm one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony." That thought curdled her stomach. "I mean, I was. Gosh. That big jerk Svengallop and his little group of nincompoops really got me in a tizzy! I hope Rarity already put them in Tartarus."

Pinkie continued flying away from the farm. She hated leaving, but they could handle a little while longer without her, especially if she had become a deciding factor. Solving fights between friends had become commonplace for Pinkie, thanks to the map in Twilight's castle. But a fight between siblings? The answer wasn't as clear. She needed a break to think, to go somewhere to have a little fun. Thankfully, the ability to fly made it a breeze to go somewhere quick, and there wasn't much distance from a place that always counted as fun.

Into the sky and through the clouds, it didn't take long for Pinkie to reach the city of lights. Las Pegasus glowed and sang as if the world had never changed at all. Lights beamed into the sky, which grew dim. A sunset struck the city, turning the building hues into orange and red. 

Landing instead of flying, Pinkie dropped onto the street. Ponies flew, sure, but even she wasn't used to the added effort it took. "I wonder if I can get good enough to beat Dashie," she wondered aloud, eyeing over the city. It lacked a significant amount of ponies than what she would've assumed normal for the flashy city. "If I'm a princess, then she is too. I'll bet she's like the Princess of Fast or something. No way would I beat her." Bells rang out from one of the game venues as the doors opened for two alicorns. It remained an odd sight, horns and wings on a pony.

As Pinkie marched through the city, not specifically looking for anything particular, she felt the guilt start settling in. Twilight, a real princess, needed help in the Crystal Empire, and Pinkie had run off to visit her family. And instead of actually solving her family's issue, she ran off again. "This isn't what a princess does." She needed to talk to Twilight, to get a better understanding of what they were now. "I should've gone with her." How could she determine if Maud and Limestone were princesses if she wasn't even sure about herself? Pinkie breathed deeply before turning back around to head back to her family.

She tried to imagine what the Crystal Empire dealt with. If something happened to its citizens, why wasn't Las Pegasus dealing with it too? "There's got to be some reason why it's staying strong. Even Maud and Limestone were going at it like abyssinians and diamond dogs." Ponies were moving all around her, and for the first time since arriving, Pinkie looked at where they were going.

Ponies who followed beside her were heading for exits, each with tightly pursed lips and sad eyes. Certainly not angry enough to throw chaos into the city. The ones in the direction she had been going were the exact opposite. Gleeful grins, cheery attitudes, and each loving life. "Hey, where's everypony going?" she stopped and asked the sadder side.

A brown stallion, not much taller than Pinkie, frowned at her. "They're going to get tested. The princess tests." Tears rolled down his face. "I'm no princess!" He broke off from her, running away with tears streaking behind him.

"Sheesh. A test for princesses? I wondered if that's why Twilight studies all the time," she wondered, allowing herself to giggle. "But who princesses the princess? Can't be Celestia or Luna, and Twilight is off with Cadance." Pinkie rushed past the sad sacks, getting through the crowd and into a plaza of brick and lights. Music filled the square with hollers and shouts from pony delight. Booths were leaves in a forest for the plaza with all sorts of different tents. At first, she assumed they were like carnival games—maybe a festival to celebrate alicornhood? But Las Pegasus was the party city! That'd be like putting a pool on a lake.

The booths weren't games, though. There were certainly crowds surrounding each, but they lacked the fun, luck-based games with plush prizes. No hoops on bottles, no squirt-into-a-dragon-mouth, no spin the wheels. Not even a single strength tester! "Maybe they're shows?" Pinkie trotted up to one. The booths weren't big, but they allowed for two ponies to stand on a raised platform. Performers wasn't the right word as the acts made no sense—unless Pinkie had missed out on avant-garde plays becoming popular. At one stall, two ponies painted. The works were beautiful, but sloppy too as they were done so quickly. Another stall had fiddle players squaring off against one another. Definitely unusual. Every stall had the same sort of act—two ponies facing off as though it were a competition. It reminded Pinkie that she had left two special ponies facing off without any resolution to their problems.

She clasped her throat with her hoof. "I suppose I should head back. But as to say I wasn't lying, I should get a glass of water. Or two." None of the booths around her were food stalls. In fact, none of the ones she had passed were serving food to the spectators. Pinkie had to manage her way through the crowd just to find an open canopy where smoke billowed. To her surprise, she found the culprits to the madness. Or at least, it made sense. "Flim and Flam! I should've known you were behind—" She paused, glancing back at the booths "—this? Actually, I'm not sure what's going on."

Flim and Flam hadn't paid her any mind at first. They weren't performing random acts like the booths of the plaza. Instead, Flam—the one with the mustache—managed a register, counting bits. Flim flipped hay burgers and placed fries on plates. "Pinkie Pie," Flam greeted her and stopped counting. "I can't believe I somehow remembered her name."

"That's a bit rude to say to a pony," Pinkie mocked him.

"No, I mean, Flim is usually the one who remembers your names," Flam answered.

Flim squished some hay with his spatula on a burner before looking over his shoulder. The hissing sound of grease almost overshadowed his words. "I know all of Twilight Sparkle's friends. Have to. Sometimes they show up out of the blue and threaten to ruin our business. It's good to avoid her, especially after last time."

Flam grimaced. "Yes. We almost made a terrible deal with her," he stated and returned to his counting. "Had we known everyone would become alicorns, we would've asked her for a tax write-off."

"You two pay taxes?" Pinkie blinked, and the twin stallions looked almost offended. "Not the point—kind of a point—I'll circle back to it later," she said rather quickly. "Did you two set this all up? Do I have to shut it down? Because I've saved the world a bunch of times now and I don't mind getting my party cannon out for you two. I know you're up to something."

"That's the thing about saving the world. You save it once or you save it a hundred times, it won't change a thing," Flam replied. "But you fail once?" His wings extended to full girth. With a small smirk, he added, "No. We weren't the ones to set this up. Not much money in seeing who is a better princess over little hobbies."

"We're providing snacks!" Flim interjected. "Here you go, ma'am." A pretzel on a stick covered in mustard passed between the two stallions. "That'll be five bits! You want fries with that?"

Pinkie's face crinkled in confusion. Flim and Flam had been late to the punch? "Then who?" she asked.

Flam threw a nod in a direction behind Pinkie, not looking up from the bits in front of him. "Three booths down, the one with a roof that looks like a block of cheese."

"Block of cheese?" Pinkie turned, squinting over the heads of other ponies. "Got it. Thanks you two!" As she trotted off, she yelled, "Don't forget, you still have to pay taxes! You're not princesses! I think." 

So the crowds gathering around the booths were watching to see who could be a better princess? Now it made more sense. One booth for the mathiest princess—Princess of Math, obviously. Another for the longest mane—Princess of Mane? One had ponies test their ability to pick up weights with their teeth. That one didn't make sense as everypony could use a levitate spell. Well, once they learned it. Pinkie pined to learn that, and then she saw a booth specifically for levitation princesses. She stood and watched, and the leading pony levitated about one hundred different objects at once, the booth included. "They had to be a unicorn before the change, that's not fair," one stallion said to another.

Pinkie continued and came to the cheesy roof. "Princess of Jokes?" she mouthed, staring up at the sign.

"Step right up, step right up! Who will be next to challenge the current Princess of Jokes?" a stallion Pinkie recognized bellowed from inside the booth. "And you might be asking yourselves—how can I, a stallion, be a princess? Trust me, the Princess of Surgery deserves the title. Wonderful work." Ponies roused in laughter around Pinke, but she couldn't believe her eyes. Cheese Sandwich stood on the small stage, waiting for the next to challenge him in a battle of comedy. His eyes locked with hers as Pinkie pushed to the front of the crowd. "Well, there's a pony that might give me a run for my title. The pink pony princess from Ponyville's pastry providers." He jumped from the stage. "What do you say, Pinkie Pie? Think you're good enough to become a princess?"
> Problem 6: Twilight's Twisted Treatment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is so humiliating, Twily." Shining Armor still refused to come out from the bathroom, and his constant complaining grew on Twilight's nerves. "I don't even look like him. My horn is too straight, and if you suggest curving it again, I swear, I will tell everyone about the time you—"

"Shining, come on now," Cadance echoed from down the hall. They were all working in separate rooms to complete Twilight's task. Cadance worked steel for a crown and ornaments, matching it to the measurements Twilight had taken of Shining's forehead and hooves.

Twilight needed focus. She ignored both of them, especially the threats from Shining Armor, as her duty required concentration. While Cadance hadn't voiced skepticism—not that she needed to, Shining Armor did it enough for three ponies—the plan needed to be perfect. She was no Rarity. Sewing a cape together came with its own difficulties, let alone copying one from memory. After borrowing the red of the cape from some bedding, Twilight continued stitching the white gilding from pillow feathers.

The main issue was getting the little black buttons correct on the white. She couldn't remember if they'd been squares or diamonds, but nothing in the castle mimicked either of those shapes. "Don't forget the bottom of your hooves on the underside. How's the hair dye? Did you get your dock? Do you need help?" she asked him. He hadn't opened the door since he'd gone in with the bucket of paint and cups of dye.

"I'm good, thanks mom," Shining Armor yelled from behind the door. "If only Thorax had stayed another week. He could've done this instead."

"I don't think he knows what Sombra looked like," Cadance also yelled back. "We burned those paintings of him—Flurry, honey, don't put that in your mouth. That's going on daddy's hooves."

When the door finally opened, Twilight pulled her eyes away from her sewing. He caught her off guard with how well the transformation went. The white fur took on the dark grey well, but the different shades of his mane turned the blackened hair lighter in certain parts. Leaving her sewing, Twilight rose and trotted over to examine every inch of him. When she got to his eyes, she found that annoyed look in his gaze. "You could probably use magic to do the green eye thing Sombra did. Nopony will look square into your eyes if they see that. And stop pouting. Actually, no, purse your lips more. Yeah, that does look more accurate."

"This is humiliating," Shining Armor replied with a mutter. "Why do I have to be the one he took down?"

"We need some excuse for why you're not fighting him," Cadance answered. "Flurry, no, play with your toys. Shining, come here and try on this crown."

As he walked away, Twilight examined his flank. "Shining, I can vaguely make out your cutie mark. If you're flying around, it's going to show beneath your cape."

"Then I'll make sure I don't fly over anyone," he replied, raising his gums at her in a mocking gesture.

"This has to be as perfect as we can make it, Shining." Twilight followed after him into the sitting area. The guards had been sent to make sure the crowd focused on the bubble instead of each other, leaving them alone to work. Looking over Cadance's steel armor, the time to put her plan into action neared. "Where's Spike?"

As if saying his name summoned him, he appeared at the doorway to the outer hall. "Here! I found the perfect agate. Nice and white. The closest thing to silver I could find." He ran to Cadance, handing it to her. 

"Then that's the last thing for the crown I needed." She levitated the steel circlet to Shining's head, placing the gemstone at the center. "Not bad if I say so, and the boots—Flurry, no!"

While Cadance gathered the metal shoes, Twilight took the time to settle the cape on Shining's back. "Alright, with that on, it's this—thing." Twilight levitated the big metal cylinder that Cadance had first worked on. Though just a big chunk of metal, they all remembered it covered Sombra's chest and neck. Whether a fashion piece or armor, Twilight didn't know, but she knew it'd be uncomfortable.

"This thing is uncomfortable," Shining complained. "And it kind of cuts into my throat. Why would he wear something like this? What an unbelievable—" He seemed to search for the right word for a moment before his eyes landed down on Flurry Heart. "Meanie."

Spike stared up at him. "Really, dude?"

With Flurry contained and Shining Armor in the armored boots, the group got a good look at their false king. "Not bad, Shining," Cadance said, holding Flurry in one leg against her. The baby alicorn made a laughing, gurgling noise, her hooves outstretching to Shining Armor. "Best to not let you stand around Flurry too long in front of the crowd. I wouldn't want to think of the gossip stirred up by her giggling for Sombra."

Shining Armor rolled his eyes. "You're all hilarious in your own ways." With a sigh, he added, "The things I do for duty."

"Let's get this show rolling." Twilight took charge. "Now, remember the way this is going to go. The shields come down, Sombra bursts out as the group charges, scares the crowd, and then I come out with Flurry Heart. I'll announce Sombra's return and how he's already defeated Shining Armor. You have to then terrorize the crowd as best you can. After it goes on for a few minutes and everypony is good and scared, Cadance and Spike will run out and take Sombra down. Then I'll take it from there."

They all nodded in agreement, but Shining Armor offered one oversight. "And what do we do if somepony decides not to cower? Maybe if they think they are all-powerful alicorns, they might band together."

"Do your best to scare them so hard they won't have the nerve," Twilight replied. "And if that doesn't work, lead them back to the castle and I'll make sure to keep them locked up and out of sight."

Spike tugged on her mane. "You've got your speech ready to go, right? We won't get a do-over."

"Well, it's kind of a rehash of what I had planned to say to them when we first arrived. You know, before they all tried to pull me out of the sky." Twilight knew she blushed with embarrassment. "We'll get through to them." Raising her hoof, Twilight put it out for them. "We've got this."

Flurry Heart put her hoof on top of Twilight's, giggling and suckling on her other one. Cadance and Spike followed after, and with some reluctance, Shining Armor's black hoof rose at last. He gritted his teeth in what could have been construed as a smile. "Let's get this over with," he said, deepening his voice.

They made their way to the bottom floor, where the entrance of the castle sat. Twilight peered outside, eyeing the Crystal Heart, the three guards, and the angry mob. "Alright. As soon as they're nearest the heart, make your grand entrance," she told him as Cadance handed her Flurry Heart. "I'll send Cadance and Spike after you once I'm certain the crowd is in complete fear." They just had to hope no one dared to be a hero. It was a possibility. The crowd had been brazen enough to go after a princess—but princesses were good ponies. An alicorn Sombra would be problematic.

Shining Armor stepped toward the door, and the shield went down. Twilight could hear the screams echo in now that the bubble disappeared, and the stomping of their hooves sounded like a thousand angry buzzing bees. She watched as Shining Armor peered through the gap, a face full of concentration and patience. In a moment his expression changed, replaced by a grin that she thought too cheesy to be a face of evil. She couldn't stop him though, he burst out the door into the crowd. He hovered over them, blowing them back with his mighty wings. A roar of laughter erupted from him, deep and powerful, and much more convincing than that grin.

"The wicked king has returned!" Twilight heard someone yell. Followed by, "Run! Flee! The king is now a princess!"

When Twilight walked out, she got a shock from the new crystal trail that led from the castle. She hadn't known Shining Armor could create pillars of crystal. He did so to block those who forgot they could escape by flying. For a long moment, she watched, half in surprise, half in awe. 

He grew too into the power, too into the demonstration. She could hear it in his voice when he howled the word 'crystals' at one group who had thought to fly. They fell out of the sky as though the word had been a magical blow. "He needs an outlet," she murmured, before glancing down at Flurry Heart. "Is it bad to hope you turn out more like Cadance?" Twilight then remembered she needed to be the one to send out the heroes. She hadn't even gotten the chance to yell to the crowd that Shining Armor had been defeated. He'd done so well in portraying the evil stallion that it didn't seem necessary. "Heroes! Aid the empire!" she hollered back at the entrance.

In the entryway, Cadance jumped and landed with Spike on her back, though only Twilight remained to see her grand entrance. "Hark! My beloved has fallen to such an evil monster! I will not let this crime go unpunished!" Cadance said loudly. Twilight felt certain she could've hear it a few blocks away.

Without hesitation, Cadance flew into the air, catching Shining Armor's eye. Twilight trotted out from beneath the castle to watch the two battle. Shining Armor would throw a crystal block at them, and Cadance would smash through it with her magic. Spike caught some of the shards, throwing them back at Shining Armor if they were close, while Cadance attempted to tackle the fleeing stallion. "I will break you over my knee!" Cadance yelled as Shining Armor bellowed in laughter.

Twilight grimaced at the spectacle. "They're enjoying this way too much." She looked back down at Flurry Heart who was sucking in all the bad influence. "Maybe—maybe be more like your Aunt Twilight, okay? Calm, reserved, patient." She looked up and saw Spike saddling Shining Armor's head, pulling on his horn as Cadance yanked on Shining Armor's tail with her teeth. "For the love of Equestria, what are you three doing!?" Twilight screamed. This wan't going how she imagined it.

Even with improvisation and exaggerated acting, the show did its job. No surprise performers from the fearful crowd, no spectators helped Cadance and Spike. They cowered and cried, begging real princesses to come help.

And then the ending came. The three disappeared in a mass together behind a house, and things settled for a moment before a blinding light exploded. A moment later, Spike came forward with Cadance at his heels. "Fear not citizens! The wicked king has been vanquished once again by your hero Spike the Dragon and your Princess of Love, Cadance!"

The crowd that had all but fainted, ran, or hid fell on them at once with cheers and applause, raising the two up in their glory. Twilight didn't hesitate—now it was her turn. "Heroes? You hail them as heroes, yet only moments ago you banged on their door, anger in your hearts and eyes!" The crowd fell silent, mortified looks and ponies glanced at each other disapprovingly. "You all claim you want to be a prince or princess, yet when the time came to it, you cowered like lambs in a timberwolf's den! A real princess came to your rescue! A dragon too! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!"

"She's right," Cadance agreed. "Being a princess is not about titles or rights. It's about leadership, knowing when to face problems and deal with consequences. My failure today would've brought about the end of happiness in the Crystal Empire. I'd sacrifice myself to make sure that doesn't happen—yet you all did nothing to help. That's the difference, that's what it means to be a princess. Spike is a true princess, a dragon is more of a princess than any of you."

As Cadance spoke, Spike beamed with pride, and Twilight could see Shining Armor sneaking off back to the castle. He would need a nice cleaning before any more appearances to the public. "So, to be a princess, all we have to do is fight some big bad evil?" a voice in the crowd said, snapping Twilight's attention back. She was ready for this kind of response.

"Being a princess takes a toll. Defeating villains isn't our only task, it's not even a tenth, though it may be the only thing you see. There's more to it than that, it's why Celestia saw it in her eyes to turn Cadance and me into princesses. We had what it takes," Twilight stated, and prepared to go on before being interrupted.

"But Flurry Heart was born a princess!" a mare cried.

That was true, and an oversight for Twilight's argument. She had concentrated on how she had become an alicorn, and how the Society of Secret Sorcery had brought everypony to her level. All Twilight wanted was for them to stop their foolish notions of being above one another, not argue philosophy. "Well, you see," she stumbled over her words.

Cadance came near, taking Flurry Heart away from Twilight. "Flurry Heart, the first alicorn in recorded history to be born an alicorn, and as such, she would grow with the power she held. Life would've been harder on her, not knowing the struggles or differences that becoming one gave Twilight and myself. Now, she's like any other child, and perhaps she'll be better for it. This will leave her to focus on becoming a true leader." Cadance stared up, over the crowd. "If you want to be a princess, to claim that title for yourself, then prove to the world you have what it takes. Step up when it matters, like I did, like I know Flurry will one day. You all could've overrun Sombra, but fear overtook you. That's not what a leader does. Only you can earn that title, you cannot say you are and expect it to be so just because you have wings and a horn. I am Princess Cadance, ruler of the Crystal Empire because I chose to fight for the freedom of the crystal ponies. Who are any of you?"

Twilight had wanted to get a different meaning across. She thought to reinforce the idea that nopony could ever be a princess except those chosen by Celestia. Yet Cadance suggested the possibility if they simply fought to safeguard Equestria. But the crowd looked abashed, embarrassed in their pink cheeks and worried brows. They believed her, and their foolishness subsided. Was that enough? "Three cheers for Princess Cadance!" someone yelled, and Twilight realized it was Spike. The whole crowd cheered at once, throwing into the air whatever they had available. 

"Princess Cadance!" they hollered in unison. Some followed it up with, "The true ruler of the empire!" Others found that simply shouting, "A true princess," was enough. Twilight swiftly backed away from the crowd.





The sleepy city had been quiet for a while now, though it was no wonder at such a late hour. Twilight stood on a castle balcony, overlooking the crystal buildings. Her chin rested atop her forelegs which were folded on the railing. She had no reason to pout like she did, and she felt silly for doing so. But for a second time she had come to the Crystal Empire to save it. Once again, however, Spike and Cadance were the heroes. She should be happy that everything resolved well—but she still felt the wrong lesson had been taught. To become a princess, one had to work hard for it. Right?

It wasn't just that. Cadance had been a princess longer, and perhaps she knew more than Twilight did on the matter. Maybe it wasn't Twilight's call to claim others weren't princesses now. By what right did she have to say who was and wasn't one? Of course, Celestia would have that right, there was no doubt Celestia did not. But Twilight had become a princess too. Did she have the authority to make her own princesses? The whole idea left her conflicted. "Maybe I should get Spike to send a letter..."

At the end of the day, she knew one thing rang true. She had been there when the change occurred, and Equestria swept into a new age of wonder. It had been laid on her shoulders for her to bear, and these things would need solutions. She would step up in her role as princess, just as Cadance had done today. Even if it meant she'd bear all the weight for the problems caused by the society, Twilight wouldn't stop until all debts were settled. "I hope the others are doing all right with their families," she suddenly muttered, followed by a wish that they had been here.

"If they're all with their families, I'm glad you're here with yours." 

Twilight shot a look behind her, only to spot the stallion covered in towels. "You missed some black under your chin."

Shining Armor glowered, pulling off the towel that wrapped around his mane. With a scrub, he came and stood next to her. "Did I get it?" he asked, and she nodded. "I know I doubted you today, but if it had been anyone else's suggestion, I wouldn't have gone through with it at all."

"I know. You were never stubborn enough to refuse good ideas." She smiled up at him. "Maybe that's what Cadance sees in you too. For a moment there, though, I thought she was going to rip your tail off. Or Sombra's tail, at least."

"Not the first time she's tried," he replied. When she shot him a questioning look, she saw his cheeks turn a glowing red. "But I really must thank you," he hurried in saying, changing the subject.

"You don't need to thank me. You three did just as much work as I did. We should be proud of each other."

"Not that," he said as he set the towel on the balcony next to her. Crossing his forelegs atop the towel, he then set his head atop them similar to her. "I'm not sure if this is overstepping my bounds, but I am your brother. I can sense that you feel this is all your fault—the alicorns, the change of the world. But if you feel you've messed up, I want you to know you've made one stallion the happiest in the world."

Twilight blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I used to get worried. Cadance and Flurry Heart, they're both alicorns. For a long time, I would stay awake at night wondering how they'd manage once I'm gone. Now I don't even have to think those thoughts."

"What are you talking about? Gone?"

Shining Armor looked almost sullen. "Come on, Twilight. Celestia and Luna have been alicorns for over a thousand years—only they know how long. It's not without logic to think that all alicorns are going to last that long. Which means I would be old and grey while Cadance remained in the prime of her youth."

"I never thought of that!" Twilight shouted, shooting straight up from the railing. "And you—you married an alicorn! You went into that relationship knowing time wasn't on your side!? That's insane, Shining Armor!"

"Really? You never once questioned this?" He stared up at her with disbelief. "Just like when we were younger, you always knew the solutions to puzzles but missed the obvious things." He chuckled and threw the towel up at her. 

She caught it and landed back on the balcony next to him. "I guess you're right. I never even considered I'd be living that long. Now we'll have the whole of Equestria to deal with living that long. Maybe you're right—this alicorn problem isn't that: a problem." Now she felt a little guilty for being jealous.

"I get to see my little girl grow and share her growth with my beautiful wife until we're both old and grey," Shining Armor replied. "I'm the happiest stallion in the world, Twily. Thank you." He put a hoof around her and squeezed her tight. "Thank you."

The remorse she had been feeling all swept away. She had made her brother happy, and it was worth all the trouble, all the burden she would face. Nothing could take her from these feelings. Nothing—until Cadance appeared at the doorway.

"Am I interrupting?" Cadance asked, a small smile on her lips. "It's not often you two get to hang out anymore. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"We have all the time in the world," Twilight replied, brushing away a few tears. 

"Well, that's the thing—I don't want to intrude." Cadance came forward. She levitated a scroll in front of her, the seal already broken. "But I have to. It seems a princess's duty is never finished."

Twilight took the scroll with her magic, unraveled it, then read the contents. She couldn't believe it. "Now? In Canterlot?" she groaned.
> Problem 7: Rainbow's Rapid Ruin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash resisted her face's desire to grimace, though it got its way more often than not. Disappointment was the word of the day, and tomorrow's would most likely be failure. There had not been a single new arrival to the Wonderbolt Academy, and the Cloudsdale Flight School held even less promise of new students. The three foals she watched from the bleachers were only a few weeks into flying, prior to the change. There had been more, the instructor had told her, but they'd gone off with their new horns and resilience. The same case for all of Cloudsdale.

Rainbow Dash wore a full captain uniform. A dark blue jacket buttoned over a white undershirt, black tie, badge and medals on the left. It mimicked what she'd seen Spitfire wear back before her departure. The special sunglasses Rainbow had received on becoming captain sat covering her eyes. She didn't want anyone to see the daggers she shot at the world. It wasn't the school's fault, she knew that. The culprits had already been dealt with—the Society of Secret Sorcery. They had caused all this, they had ruined the Wonderbolts, and at this rate there was no saving it.

With haste, she wrapped up the little demonstration and thanked the instructor for their time. There would be no future for the Wonderbolts if she simply waited on these three foals. Rainbow Dash knew she didn't have the patience for that.

How had Spitfire dealt with problems? Rainbow wished the mare was still around to ask, but she had no idea where the old team went in their search for new passions. The question did give her a small idea, however, to search records and information at the academy. There had to be years where pegasi simply didn't desire to join the Wonderbolts, as impossible as it was for Rainbow Dash to imagine. A shortage of members couldn't be too uncommon, not every pegasus flew like she could. A few years of ponies like Fluttershy couldn't bet against the odds.

When she returned to the academy, Rainbow headed straight up to her office. Practically ripping off her uniform and leaving it strewn about, she went to work. Upon search of the desk, she found one drawer on the left side filled with folders of paperwork. Dragging a few of these folders out, Rainbow Dash dreaded what she might find. She thought it might be old files on the Wonderbolts or dangerous flying stunts too deadly for real practice. Instead, she found what she feared more than anything else. Accounting stats, business ledgers, performance reviews, and previous event details. Hours upon hours of paperwork. A shiver ran down her spine as she eyed one folder named 'Tax Brackets'.

"No," she told herself. "I can do this. Just gotta imagine it like a Daring Do before it's edited into one complete edition." 

She turned over the first folder and found some sort of report. It didn't have a title or category. It didn't even start off with an explanation about the contents. "Where's the chapter name?" she mumbled, and tossed the folder closed again. "Chapter fourteen, paper cuts." Laying her face in her hooves, Rainbow Dash gathered herself. There was so much more work to understand as captain. While learning a routine and practicing choreography proved difficult, this was on a whole other level. "Maybe it's time I give it up." 

Those last words sounded like they came from somepony else. Certainly not Rainbow Dash. Yet it was her mouth that moved, her vocal chords producing the sound. And worst of all, her heart felt the truth to it. There was nothing left.

A sudden knock to the door sent Rainbow straight up in her seat. "Come in!" she shouted, only to notice the stains on her hooves. She quickly wiped the few remaining tears from her eyes, hoping whoever wouldn't see. She stopped when she saw Fluttershy—she wouldn't tease Rainbow for crying. "Fluttershy, what's up? You going back to Ponyville?"

Fluttershy blinked as though surprised, yet her face remained unbroken of any emotion. "Rainbow Dash? Are you alright?" she asked in a voice of concern. 

"Ye-yeah, I'm good. Need something? I'm just working on some paperwork," Rainbow replied, taking the folder and tapping its end on the desk. "Real busy as captain, you know. Lots to do. Even went by the flight school this morning. You wouldn't believe how many flyers we'll be getting once they grow up. This place might not even be able to handle it."

All Fluttershy did was stare with a blank expression, not uttering a word.

"Oh, Fluttershy, it's awful!" Rainbow Dash broke, stretching her forelegs across the desk. "I've got no new prospects, no new trainees, and barely anypony at all!" Fluttershy glided over, wrapping her in a hug. "I think the only thing keeping me from closing this place down is that it's not just me. Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail remained behind, unlike everypony else."

"There, there. It'll be okay. If there's anypony that can handle it, it's you," Fluttershy cooed, and gently patted Rainbow's shoulders.

"I even had to send those two home, Fluttershy! Since no one else is here, they're breaking PDA rules whenever they think I'm not around!"

"Uhm, P-D-A?" Fluttershy asked with an arch of her brow.

Rainbow looked up at her with a flat stare. "Public displays of affection. I do not need to see that. I can't even tell them to keep their minds on their routines, because there isn't enough ponies to actually practice!"

Fluttershy's cheeks went red. "Oh my."

"I'm a failure, Fluttershy. The worst captain in history. By the end of the week, I'll be closing this place," Rainbow said as she slumped back in her chair. "I should've packed up too when Spitfire shut this place down."

"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy said sternly, earning a side eye from Rainbow. "You've never given up before! I know you can do this. I believe in you. You need to believe in yourself too! You've always stuck up for me, and I refuse to let you fall into such a pit of despair! If you need help, I'm here. I'll join the Wonderbolts."

Rainbow let her mouth fall agape as she stared at the yellow mare in disbelief. It only lasted a few seconds before a burst of laughter erupted from her throat. "F-Fluttershy? You?" she said through gasps. Pressing her hoof to her mouth, she tried to stifle the laughter. When she managed to settle herself, she continued, "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I know you're just trying to help, but I think the funniest thing is that I'm in such a place where I'd actually consider letting you join. Maybe that's just another sign to throw in the towel."

But Fluttershy pursed her lips as she floated above the desk. With hooves on her hips, she stared down with a frown and said, "Rainbow Dash you need to—"

Another knock on the door cut Fluttershy off, and the mare must've known who knocked by her sudden change of body language. "Hey, Shyfly, you done yet? The bakery'll stop selling the day old yogurt biscuits in half an hour if we don't hurry." Zephyr Breeze stopped entering once he saw the two mares. "Oh, Rainbow Dash's here?" he said, slicking his hair back, only to brush against the bun atop his mane. "The way this place is dead, I thought she'd be gone too."

Rainbow glared at him for a moment before looking up at Fluttershy. "Why is he still hanging around with you? Please don't tell me you've let him stay with you." Fluttershy darted looks between the two, her front hooves fidgeting against each other. "Fluttershy! He's a bum!"

"Yeesh, leaderships takin' its toll on you, eh, Rainbow?" Zephyr Breeze slowly trotted across the room, looking like a newborn trying to walk. Rainbow assumed he did that on purpose, probably thinking it made him look attractive. "It's okay. I'm here to help," he said as he placed a hoof atop hers. She instinctively shuddered and pulled it away. "Whatever you need—whenever you want it, I'll be there. That's just the kind of guy I am."

Fluttershy landed next to her brother, one eye covered by her mane. "Actually, Zephyr helped a few other ponies learn to dress hair. He's uh—well, since he's practiced on a bunch of different ponies, it's helped with everypony having a horn now."

"Yeah, I'm a pretty big success now," Zephyr agreed.

"That's not what I meant—" Fluttershy tried to argue.

"And if you want a new style, Dashie, it's on the house," he added, overriding Fluttershy's words. 

Rainbow Dash squinted at him. "Dashie?" she asked coldly. "Zephyr, the thing I need to do right now is get back out there and try to find new ponies to sign up." He looked like he would say more, but she knew what it would be. "Fluttershy has already volunteered to help, I don't need you and your hair tips."

This time she couldn't cut him off. "If you need help getting more ponies, look no further. I'll bet I could round up a few for you."

"Yeah, I don't need hairstylists, I need ponies who actually want to fly and perform!" Rainbow hopped up from her seat, glasses in hoof, and trotted to the door. "Come on, Fluttershy. Let's see if we can find you a uniform."

It took Fluttershy a minute to catch up in the locker room. Rainbow Dash knew why—Fluttershy always let Zephyr have an easy way out. She even expected Fluttershy to say something about how she had treated him. When Fluttershy didn't say anything on the matter, Dash asked, "You think I'm making the wrong choice?"

"Wrong choice? What do you mean, Dash?"

"Trying to do this. To refill what the Wonderbolts have lost. For a moment there I almost thought about putting Zephyr in a uniform and letting him strut his stuff. If I'm willing to debate both you and him joining, I'm really at a low point." She pressed her head against a metal locker for a moment before the position became awkward—this new horn really had become annoying.

"Rainbow Dash, I will do whatever I can to help you, but you must stop this destructive self-agonizing. You're better than that." Fluttershy tugged on Rainbow's shoulder, a strong grip for the shy mare. 

"Thanks for believing in me, Shy. I don't think any amount of training could make you a good enough flyer, though." She tapped the leg Fluttershy held on her shoulder. "But I won't turn away your help if you'll lend it for today. I can put you in a uniform and we can go a few places around Cloudsdale to try recruiting." She saw the panicked look in Fluttershy's eyes. "Don't worry—I'm the one doing the talking. I just need someone to model the uniform and sort of act like we're doing alright."

Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief, though the notion of being a focus made her wince. The costume, one of Fleetfoot's old leftovers, formed tight in the chest and sagged in the neck. Still, it would have to do. "And the goggles on top of your head. There you go. Now you look like a real Wonderbolt, Fluttershy."

"Oh my, I feel like I could move a thousand miles in an instant in this thing," she replied.

"If you feel that way, I'll race you to our first stop!" Rainbow shouted from the doorway, bursting out into the day's light.

There were plenty of places around Cloudsdale that hosted ponies who might be interested in joining the Wonderbolts. The first was the Flight Camp—which they found vacant. The Cloudsdale arena was second, but ponies only used it to test their new horns. Rainbow led Fluttershy to many places, all of which were empty, unused, or repurposed for something else. Cloudsdale seemed at a loss for ponies flying for sport or fun. 

Without Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash would've returned to the academy, given up for the day. But the yellow pony suggested one place Rainbow thought might have some real talent. "Cloudsdale's own weather factory. I'll bet somepony might want to give up creating clouds to become a great flyer! Great idea, Flutters!" Rainbow stared up at the clouds being produced from towering stacks. "Just make sure to point out the ones who might be a bit more like your dad. You get your soft side from him," Rainbow said, poking Fluttershy in the chest.

"I'll do my best." Fluttershy nodded with a slight grin.

Unfortunately, there was little difference from the rest of Cloudsdale. Ponies had left, gone off to try their hooves at being princesses or alicorns or whichever they named themselves. Aside from clouds, the factory had gone silent. Production had halted, and when the two came upon one worker, it became obvious they'd risen the corporate ranks by accident.

"You want to take more ponies!?" the short stallion said with a leap of dismay in his voice. "But it's just me and three others! You can't! Captain of the Wonderbolts? Oh, geez." He busily wiped the sweat from his brow with a dirty rag. "We still need clouds. You want to trade? I'll join the Wonderbolts if you can work the rain levers."

Rainbow stared down her nose at the twig of a pony. He stood shorter than most, probably not even taller than some colts, and looked to be near that age too. "Do you know how to work the rain levers?" Fluttershy asked before Rainbow Dash could.

"I—" He stopped and wiped his brow, then his cheeks, before his brow once more. "Listen, I need ponies. Someone big is going to come down here at some point and wonder why we're not meeting quota. I've been trying to get the guys I have back to work, so I can't go hire more ponies yet. Don't take them away!"

"If your fellow workers left, what makes you think the ponies who would come look at your quota haven't left also?" Rainbow Dash asked. She almost connected her situation to his—a sudden jump to power, a higher rank with a lot of responsibility. Of course, looking at how he took the new rank versus how she'd taken it, she saw less and less of herself in him. "The three aren't working? I'll talk to them. The Wonderbolts will need clouds for our aerial shows at some point, best to get them straightened out now." She didn't want to do this, but she made it her duty, and she didn't want the Wonderbolts to fail.

With the sweaty stallion on her tail and Fluttershy at her side, Rainbow Dash almost felt confident that she could rein in the fools. She lost that feeling when she saw the three bullies who'd always been a thorn in her side. Keeping her face stone, Rainbow refused to waver. "Of course it had to be you three I'd find," she said, spitting acid. 

The three were standing around some controls, chugging back bottles of soda, and smashing them against each other's head. They wore their protective helmets while they did it, but Rainbow Dash believed not having the hats wouldn't have stopped them. "Look who it is, Rainbow Crash," the tall bully said as he smashed a bottle on the littlest member. Hoops, light brown in fur and brunette mane, would've been an alright member of the Wonderbolts. Of course, Rainbow wasn't desperate enough to take on these three. Even Zephyr Breeze would've been more palatable. 

"That's Captain of the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Crash, to you," Rainbow replied. Rainbow Crash became an honored name now, thanks to the Wonderbolts, and one she no longer resented. "You're free to salute me, but I wouldn't want to interrupt you getting brain damage."

"Captain of the Wonderbolts?" the second tallest gawked. "There's no way. But look at that outfit."

"Looks like you jumped a few ranks," Hoops commented, and she assumed he eyed her up. Not that he could see past those long bangs of his. Even his new horn didn't push the hair from his eyes, it only made it worse. "What? Everyone else leave? No difference here."

Rainbow Dash could almost smell the uncertainty of the three. She had jumped rank to leader, proud and strong, whether or not she was the only one left. These three had bullied her and Fluttershy, and now it couldn't end in anything other than revenge. In their eyes, at least. "I'm not here to hang out. The Wonderbolts need clouds for our routines, and I come to find that you three slackers are playing spin the bottle instead of doing work. I don't care if everypony left, you three didn't and that means you three need to work. Understood?" She kept the firmness in her voice, and debated lessening it out of fear of pushing them further from their work.

Of course, these three featherbrains were too blind to see past her strong voice. "Understood," they murmured in unison, each straightening as best they could.

"What was that?" she shouted in response, a hoof to her ear.

"Understood, ma'am!" they shouted back, a salute going to their heads and knocking their helmets forward. 

"That's what I like to hear. Carry on." She didn't bother asking if they wanted to join the Wonderbolts. Even if they accepted, even if they managed to follow orders, there would still be that tingling feeling in the back of her mind. To punish them for the past. But that time had passed, and Rainbow could outrun those negative feelings. "Let me know if they start slacking again," she told the small, sweaty stallion. "And I'll see if I can find some ponies to fill in for your other departments."

"Thank you! Oh, thank you, captain!" He fell to the floor, almost kissing at her hooves. Sweat rolled from his nose, dripping from his cheeks. She officially wanted to leave, and did so at a quicker pace than when she had entered, Fluttershy at her tail.

Outside, the sun lowered with grace. "I don't think those three recognized me at all!" Fluttershy gushed as she wrapped herself in a hug. "This outfit is wonderful."

Rainbow stared at Fluttershy for a long moment. The fears she had being trying to put off were coming close. "You want it, Fluttershy?" she asked, and Fluttershy looked up at her with shock. "It's yours. Keep it." Rainbow then hovered, readying to take off. "It'll be a nice memento to look back upon, now that the Wonderbolts are finished." Without waiting to hear Fluttershy speak, Rainbow blasted off back to the academy. She didn't want to be seen crying again.
> Problem 8: Rarity's Redefining Rule
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why did they call it Tartarus? Who had made such a prison? Many similar questions were on Rarity's mind during the trip to Equestria's most dangerous location. At first, she thought of fashion designs depicting the veiled locale. That had turned into curiosity at the prison's origin. Zecora's prepared tonic slowed the miscreants Rarity led beyond their normal speed. Walking, talking, and even thinking had become lax for those three. After unlocking the door thanks to Twilight's information, every step inside Tartarus felt like a thousand years. She watched the three trot in incredibly slow fashion, like terrified runway models at their first showing. It gave Rarity time to question her surroundings in great detail. This dark cavern would be perfect for the introverted and socially awkward—the very opposite of Rarity.

Of course, a personal enemy would be staying here temporarily, so this place wasn't so bad. They'd gotten what they deserved. Suri Polomare, Svengallop, and Lightning Dust. None of them would be flying out of here—not after what they'd done. Equestria had been ripped apart just so that they could become alicorns. Rarity didn't mind the side effect of becoming an alicorn herself. Those gorgeous white feathers that spread across her back felt like a beautiful cloak that could never be wrinkled. And the endless possibilities of dyeing and styling the feathers to match her mane. Or matching up dress styles to the brilliant plumes. Most pegasi didn't do that—which left an open market on designs for such things. Ideas sprang forth in her mind, but she had to deal with these three first, and that was slow going.

Though their sluggishness aggravated her, the idea of where to stick them in Tartarus hadn't crossed her mind. The place was a massive cavern with most cells filled with occupants. Sticking them in Tirek's old cage wouldn't do. If he were caught—when he was caught—he'd be placed back in his cage. However, he could use the roommates. That brought a smile to her face, then a frown creased her forehead. If Tirek returned to Tartarus and absorbed the magic of the three, wouldn't that be alicorn magic? Wouldn't that make him incredibly powerful? A truly nasty thought.

Even Cerberus, the three-headed guard dog of Tartarus, might be incapable of dealing with Tirek. Twilight had packed a bone to alleviate the big dog's attitude towards Rarity, and he now happily munched away. Where Twilight had gotten such a big bone, Rarity would never question. 

She didn't want to be in Tartarus longer than necessary, otherwise she might be the next bone to be chewed upon. Yet as Rarity climbed the steep steps to Tirek's old home away from home, she found something that would keep her here longer than desired. Not just something, someone.

"You're here?" Rarity asked in a whisper, staring wide-eyed at the centaur. Had the Elements been so scattershot to snipe any evil miscreant and send them off to Tartarus? Would the terrible Grandmaster be somewhere nearby as well? She couldn't see anyone else in the cage, which dominated the skinny centaur. He looked too old and frail to be locked away like this—unless you knew what he could do. "We thought you escaped," she told him, though his eyes didn't wander from the ground. 

He did respond, however, by raising a hand. With a small shove, he pushed against the door of his metal cage and it swung wide, stopping once it opened halfway. Rarity gulped.

"I did escape," he finally spoke. "But what's the point?"

Rarity took a chance and glanced back at her three charges. They had just reached the first step of the long trek up to Tirek's cell. That was good, she'd have time to turn them around and find a new cell. First, however, she would need to deal with him. When she turned her eyes back on Tirek, she flinched to see they met his. "What's the point of what?" she stuttered her question. To close his cell she needed him distracted. Getting him talking would do the trick.

Tirek's wrinkled brow turned questioning, as though he hadn't expected her query. "You're one of Twilight Sparkle's underlings, aren't you? Not the smart one or the fast one." He tapped a bony finger against his chin. "Applejack is the orange one. Rrrr-avish?"

"Rarity," she corrected, her fear replaced with annoyance.

"Right." His lips turned into a flat line, and they stared at one another for an awkward pause. "Why are you here?"

"I planned to put a few prisoners in your cage, but you're here already, even though it's unlocked." Rarity scratched her head at that one. Why hadn't he escaped? "Did you return to Tartarus on your own? How did you get in?"

"Of course I returned on my own." Tirek folded his arms and rolled his eyes. "Why do you think the cage is unlocked?" He didn't give her a chance to respond. "What is the point of being free in a world filled with alicorns? It's a travesty."

Rarity started to feel like the dummy Tirek assumed her to be. Nevertheless, she had to ask. "Why would that be so bad? I figured you'd enjoy stealing the magic of alicorns. Wouldn't that make you powerful?"

Tirek took a step forward, craning his head down as he passed between the gap left by the open cage. Rarity had thought of slamming the door into him and knocking his behind to the ground, but the moment passed before she could try it. "Powerful? Yes. Ultimately so. One alicorn, all of its strength, would fill me with the power of a thousand drained ponies. But the problem is that there were four alicorns the last time I set hoof in Equestria. Four can easily be tricked, deceived, and beaten. Now, I steal one alicorn's magic and two pop up to fight back. I drain three alicorns, six appear. I drain nine—eighteen then. The odds are forever astronomically not in my favor. It's the entire reason I fought against that brain dead secret society."

"I see. So you'd be worried about an entire city raising up hooves against you. That would be a scary sight for you, I'd imagine," Rarity replied. She didn't have the heart to tell him most ponies with new horns couldn't even levitate a grain of sand, much less blast the centaur into oblivion. Though he might think her stupid, Rarity knew better than alleviating that fallacy.

"So I chose to return here, where at least I know I will be given a better deal."

"Why didn't you just remain at the Cave of Harmony instead of disappearing after the blast went off?" Rarity asked.

"Wait around? With a bloodthirsty mob of expertly trained unicorn-turned-alicorns?" An eyebrow raised on his wrinkled face.

"Right." Rarity leaned back on her hooves, as if moving away from his judging gaze. "Why not run off to some place else? Surely returning to Tartarus is the least pleasant of options for you. Even if stealing magic were now a pipe dream, why not return home?"

Tirek gripped the roof of the cage and the open door, leaning his body closer to Rarity without letting go of either. "Home?" he growled the word. "I've been gone for over a thousand years. What home?"

It seemed every turn Rarity took only brought her nearer to his rage. "I—well, it's just—you see, these three were supposed to be in your cage. And since you're here, you've well, uh, put me in a predicament, and I'm afraid you're just going to have to... leave?"

"Leave?" That stunned him momentarily, but then his eyes dragged to the slowly approaching trio behind Rarity. "You're going to put them in this cage? Why? Just so you can forget about them too?"

"They're being punished for what they did. After things settle down, we'll drag them out for a trial." Rarity wondered if the princesses would really have a trial for them. In that way, Tirek was right. The princesses rarely did things so bureaucratically. Celestia had left her own sister trapped in the moon for a thousand years, after all. "No, no," she mumbled to herself. "Best not question that. I'm just a fashion designer from a small town."

"Are you?" Tirek asked.

Rarity realized she had said that last bit too loudly. "What do you mean?" She narrowed her eyes at him, uncertain what his question meant.

"Are you just a fashion designer? From a small town? You've got wings and a horn. Don't they usually signify a royal change for your pathetic breed? Why not question everything now that you've got the power to do so?" He thumbed his lip and stuck it into his gums as though the conversation bored him. Perhaps it did. "Unless, of course, you're afraid of ending up like me. I think that might have led the Grandmaster down her path too. You ponies really are just a lot of fearful mice, aren't you? Well, were it not for that group in the cave that tried their best to tear me down, I might think myself right. Maybe they're the exception."

"I'm no coward," Rarity said, and meant it. She hadn't expected him to then leap toward her, jutting his gaunt face into hers, and that caused her to tense up. Yet the tensing of her muscles kept her from cowering away out of fear.

Tirek appeared disappointed by the showing. "Perhaps you're not. Though that would be why you six are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony—well, were the bearers." He let out a soft chuckle. "But neither are these three, or that Grandmaster. They knew their plan and executed it. Your world is better for it—yet they become imprisoned. Where's the justice in that?"

"They ruined homes and ponies' livelihoods," Rarity argued. "Arguably, the society caused more destruction than you ever did. Not to say they're worse—losing our magic is far more egregious. But they cannot remain unpunished. I have my duty to fulfill. I'll just find another cage and stick them in it. You can be cellmates."

Tirek grimaced at that statement. "So they damaged some homes. Places can be rebuilt. You only see what is lost, not what is gained."

His words were starting to irk Rarity. "We lost the Elements of Harmony. How is that not the worst possible outcome?"

"Lost the things that could defeat villains in a magical rainbow of good and love and whatever else makes me vomit. And gained a standing army of powerful alicorns ready to defend their homeland from the likes of me and other villains," he retorted.

"And if Sombra were somehow alive, he'd be an alicorn too. Because that's just what we need!" Rarity barked. "Twilight's already dealing with some sort of protest in the Crystal Empire. Who knows what Celestia and Luna are having to deal with in Canterlot? And Ponyville was a mess before we got things settled down. I have no idea how the other cities are handling their affairs. All because they wanted wings and a horn. That's selfish! That goes against the very nature of harmony!"

"The very nature of harmony is change!" Tirek acted like he wanted to reach out and strangle Rarity, but he kept his hands steady. "How is it I've been bested by complete morons who don't even understand their own core values!? I feel like a genius chess player losing to a rubber chicken!"

"You're just arguing about tradition," Rarity countered. "Yet you never even gave living amongst ponies a chance. Your first interaction was to steal magic, and what did you do when you escaped Tartarus? You stole more magic! You can't tell us what we're about when you don't even know us. You just think you do!"

Tirek folded his arms and loomed over Rarity. He barely towered over her, but his shadow covered her face. "And yet here you are. An enemy you've defeated is being locked away. A brand new world for you ponies and you still fall back on that tradition. Second chances are only given to those you know you can use, is that right? If you don't know that answer, ask Discord. For some reason, your kind still allow him to run loose."

"So I should just give these three a second chance?" Rarity asked, but didn't let him answer. "That's absurd. I'm on Twilight's orders. They go in a cage."

With a low, guttural groan, Tirek shook his head. "You can't even make a decision for yourself. A lackey, through and through. Isn't decision making part of being a princess?"

"I'm not a princess." She wasn't. At least, she believed she wasn't. But Twilight hadn't said anything about it. There was no statement that they weren't princesses. And since she had been a bearer of the Elements of Harmony, Rarity couldn't be certain she didn't deserve the princess title. Even if Celestia hadn't granted it, that didn't mean it untrue, could it?

"I'm a lord, yet you don't see me with a kingdom or a crown," Tirek replied, and she didn't know what to make of that.

"Well, if I am a princess, I believe they should be locked up. What do you have to say to that? What they did was wrong!"

"They don't see it that way. Villains never do."

"I—" Rarity paused. Why did she battle philosophy with such a smugly, arrogant creature? He put out some interesting points while floundered at others, but Rarity knew she was unequipped to deal with such unfamiliar concepts. This whole situation would've been better fit in Twilight's hooves. But, that wasn't quite right either. Everything had changed. Nothing familiar. From being in Tartarus to the wings on her back. "Villains never do?" That statement didn't sit right with Rarity. Not a bit. Why? Didn't Sombra see the damage he caused? Discord—in his own way—eventually came around. Luna suffered silently with the Tantabus long after her envy as Nightmare Moon ended. Chrysalis—

Her heart sank. The thought of Chrysalis reminded Rarity of another villain. Starlight Glimmer. Rarity quite liked Starlight, and having another unicorn in the group after Twilight's ascension was delightful. That all changed, much like Starlight. But Starlight didn't see what she did as wrong. She came back for revenge with a nasty spell, from what Twilight had said. "We gave her a second chance," Rarity mumbled to herself. "And she's a wonderful addition." That seemed to settle it in Rarity's mind. Maybe they could become like Starlight in their own ways.

"Right." She stared up at Tirek who looked slightly worried now. There had been quite the lull in conversation as she thought, and that seemed to trouble him. "Second chances." With a turn, she went to the three ponies who stood stunned in slow motion. Perhaps they were just seeing Tirek for the first time, or perhaps they were shocked by his lack of a seal. It didn't matter. Drawing out the three potions, she poured the contents of each onto the heads of the trio. 

"We were supposed to drink them you moro—" Lightning Dust had started to say in slow motion, speeding up the process as the ingredients soaked into her fur. She ceased her sentence when she realized the incorrectness of her statement. 

Removing the wet hair from her eyes, Suri Polomare stared daggers at Rarity. "What is this? Letting us go early to be fed to your pet centaur?" 

"All three of you, be silent," Rarity commanded. To her surprise, the three shut their mouths. Fear of Tirek might have been the main cause of that quick regression, not her authority. "Being that I am the previous bearer of the Element of Generosity, I feel that it is within my right to be generous with punishment." She waited a moment, looking into the faces of each of them. None of their eyes spoke regret. "And generous with mercy." Svengallop's and Lightning Dust's eyes laxed, though Suri's went sharp with hatred. "As such, I'm granting you all a second chance. Don't think of this as an escape of punishment. This is an opportunity for you to deal some good in the world rather than wasting your time in this deep dark hole. Don't make the same mistakes again."

With a nod, Rarity released a beam of magic, sending it screaming into the door of Tartarus and opening it to Equestria. Svengallop and Lightning Dust didn't even say a word before bolting for the exit. They must've thought her a sucker for such a foolish mistake. But Suri stayed. Her face filled with frothing anger, then pain, then confusion. "I don't understand you," Suri said through gritted teeth.

Rarity didn't know what to say to that, so she chose silence. Suri seemed to accept that as an answer as she turned away and galloped toward the exit.

After a moment passed, a sigh of relief came from Tirek. "Thank goodness. I did not want some crummy ponies being my cellmates." He had slunk back into his cage, though he hadn't yet closed the door.

"Oh, no you don't." Rarity pulled on his tail with her magic, dragging him out of the shadow of the cage. "I said I'm granting all of you a second chance."

"Even me? But I have no desire to—"

"You've been here long enough, Tirek. You're the one who made that painstakingly clear."

"B-bu-but—" he sputtered, his hands thrusting out to try and cling to something close to the cage. "You can't free me. A princess has to—"

"A princess is right here. You said it yourself. Even if I'm not, I've saved the world countless times. If you cause trouble, you'll be back in here. Unless of course, a few dozen alicorns strike you down first. It's a new chance you've been given, Tirek. Leave Equestria, go somewhere else. Or don't. Feel remorse for once in your life and try to help. It's up to you now." She dragged him kicking and screaming to the entrance of Tartarus and out onto the dirt path of Equestria. Cerberus had one of it's heads stare but the other two ignored them. "Isn't there somewhere that you'd like to go?"

"Aside from the comfortable security of my cage?" Tirek growled up at her. He got to his hooves as the door to Tartarus closed, and dusted himself off. "I have been thinking quite a lot recently—about a certain draconequus who knows too much without rhyme or reason," he debated. "Or maybe I could just steal your magic and hide like a snake in the grass waiting for more to come." A false grin held on his face that Rarity didn't fall for. He realized it didn't work immediately and then thought about it some more. "Although, the more appropriate thing would be to just leave. That way the jester can't use me again. Maybe I could head east—far east. I would rather not head back to where my father's kingdom once stood."

Rarity did the one thing she hadn't expected to do—she put a hoof on his leg to comfort him. "Try not to end up back in Tartarus. A thousand years is a long time." Nightmare Moon. Discord. Time lost for all three.

He frowned, nodded, and then trotted away at a leisurely pace.

Had she done the right thing with both the society's Masters and Tirek? Time would tell. They were her responsibility now. If they messed up and shattered their second chances, it would be on her to admit blame. In a way, Rarity believed that was part of what it meant to be a princess. But maybe, even with the Elements no longer existing, harmony could once again return to Equestria, with a few new additions.
> Problem 9: Applejack's Alicorn Anxiety
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alone. So alone.

Applejack had awoken to an empty home and at a later hour than her norm. That's just how things were becoming for Sweet Apple Acres. Everypony else had changed, but she remained the same. That had never been a problem before. Reliable wasn't a nasty word. Dependable and Applejack were synonymous. She didn't fight change, but adapted to it, like any member of the Apple family. Then why was she the one alone?

Big Mac was gone—out on the long strip of land he'd cleared. He hadn't come home since the day Sugar Belle left. Granny was getting on in years but a new set of wings changed all that. They didn't have that same stiffness her legs did; they didn't have a lifetime of use. That sense of mobility had opened her up to getting out to Ponyville more and meeting with some of the other older folks who felt young again. And Apple Bloom, who already acted like a ball of energy, had left every morning earlier than anypony else. All three were out off the farm, shirking responsibilities as if they hadn't ever had them in the first place. Did getting wings and a horn mean they were no longer Apples?

It curdled Applejack's stomach to think about it. The farm needed weeding, the orchard needed bucking, and the home needed cleaning. Of course, that last one really wasn't true. There wasn't much to clean when only Applejack stayed. Granny and Apple Bloom would be home to sleep, but neither really came home to eat. And when they did, they usually talked over each other about their days, neither caring if the other heard.

"It's weird," Applejack muttered to herself. She stared out the window this morning, watching the sky turn bright blue. A cloud passed over, alone, like Applejack. There were a distinct lack of clouds lately, Applejack noticed. Just one cloud today. It moved so slowly, like a tortoise passing through mud. "I get how you feel," she told the cloud. "Everyone else is in such a rush. But not you."

Rainbow Dash often slept on the clouds to take naps and shirk duties. Seeing the single cloud float on reminded Applejack of the blue mare. She wondered if Rainbow Dash was up there now, snoozing, without a care in the world. No, that couldn't be right. Dash had gone back to Cloudsdale. In fact, pretty much all her friends had left Ponyville. Starlight Glimmer was around, no doubt dealing with some mayhem of overactive ponies abusing their new magic. Nope. Applejack was alone.

But maybe that wasn't so bad.

Applejack moved with a nonchalant attitude out the door of her home, stepping into the bright light of the mid-morning sun. Nopony around to tell her she couldn't just fly up to that cloud and take a nap like Rainbow Dash. Everypony shirked duties—but not Applejack the reliable. Dependable! "No," she said in a hushed tone. For once, she desired to be the one to knock off from chores. All she had to do was take a few steps and push up with her wings. Her new wings. Those feathery things on her back. It wasn't hard to fly—she could do it if she wanted to. Rainbow Dash did it all the time. That gal rarely set hoof on solid earth, as a matter of fact.

Shaking, her wings stretched wide. A thumping echoed in her ears—a beaten drum. It droned on as she stared up at the cloud. Another step forward and she could launch herself into the air. That's all she had to do and she'd be flying. Even Fluttershy flew, and the mare was terrified of her own shadow. Not that Applejack feared flying. Heights were dangerous, sure, it's in a pony's nature to avoid them. But then, why did she desire to swing her body into the air, to fly into the sky and put herself in such a precarious position? Another step, the thumping grew louder.

"Applejack!" a voice screamed—it sounded like Apple Bloom. Applejack could tell in an instant. But where had it come from? "Applejack!" the scream came again, this time Applejack looked up. Cloaking her eyes with a hoof, she practically stared at the sun. A small shadow moved along the rim and broke into the blue of the sky. 

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack called to the shadow as it made a speedy descent to the ground. The filly came on way too fast. She was too new to flying, it was dangerous, how had she gotten up so high? Applejack acted on instinct. She rushed to where she thought Apple Bloom would crash down and realized she wouldn't make it. In an instant, Applejack leapt and skidded against the earth, front hooves outstretched, and kicking up a dust cloud around her form. 

"Applejack?" The filly looked down on her with confusion.

She had never landed. Apple Bloom seemed to have full control of her wings, hovering above Applejack with ease. There had been no need for alarm or panic. Applejack could feel her heart in her throat, a choking sensation that caused her to stumble with her words. "You, are you, uh, you're alright? Yah?"

Apple Bloom stayed in the air with a lime green book wrapped tightly in her forelegs. A look of confusion hung on her face, as though she had just tasted a new food and debated on whether she liked it or not. "Yeah..." Apple Bloom replied, her tone mimicking the bewildered expression.

Applejack quickly rose to her hooves, dusting herself off. "Good. Good. I'm just, y'know, feeling the soil on my hooves. You've really taken to flying like Granny and Mac, huh?"

"It's wonderful!" Apple Bloom said, elated. Her eyes got big with stars as she practically bumped noses with Applejack. "Me and Sweetie Belle—Sweetie's back from her parents by the way—were training on how to fly with Scoots. And Sweetie taught us how to do some magic! Thanks to our time spent with Twilight, we all got a real good handle on being alicorns. Scoots is annoyed that we've taken to flying so well, though, and she's got a knack for plants that Sweetie Belle hasn't even achieved with her magic! Can you believe it!?"

That was a lot to take in all at once. "Yeah, I can believe it when it comes to you three." Applejack grinned, chuckling to herself. "What's with the book? More magic?" She kept herself from glaring at the book, but her dismissive tone belied her thoughts on magic.

Apple Bloom didn't seem to notice, however. "Yeah! Mac is so busy with whatever he's doin', but I figured you and Granny might be interested in learning some spells. Sweetie lent us this nonvice-novance-nonvase?" She shook her head. "It's a beginner spell book! Since we ain't been castin' a bunch of spells all our lives, it's a good a place to start!"

That didn't seem like a bad idea to Applejack. Big Mac had a natural talent with levitation. It's not like she wanted to catch up to him or anything, but it would be a good start to get him to open up about what he planned. "Magic," Applejack slid the word from her mouth, testing it out on her tongue. "Alright, but try something easy first. I don't want you accidentally starting a fire or something."

But Apple Bloom titled her head at Applejack, one eyebrow raised higher. "Oh, I've already done some of the spells in the first part of the book." She dropped the book into Applejack's hooves and fluttered over to the closest barrel. Without missing a beat, Apple Bloom's horn lit up and a second later the large container—which doubled her size—moved a few inches off the ground. She struggled for a moment, then dropped it back down. "Tada!" she exclaimed, forelegs stretched wide and panting.

Applejack had seen Twilight lift all sorts of things that were a hundred times her own weight, but she never thought she'd see her little sister do something similar. "You really lifted it, huh?" Applejack gawked, stunned. Big Mac might've been a mystery with his magic, but Apple Bloom would be right up there with him with a little practice. Would Granny show up one day with ability to duplicate objects or manipulate gravity? The thought chilled her to the bone, even more so when Applejack considered she might never reach their level.

She was just an earth pony—was being the correct term—and plants remained her focus. That did give Applejack an idea, however. Leering down at the green book, Applejack twisted it open and it fell to the middle. "I'm not so certain magic might really be my thing, Apple Bloom, but maybe I know something I'm comfortable with."

"You don't want to try levitatin' somethin'?" Apple Bloom sounded disappointed.

Applejack ignored her little sister's comment—not because she wanted to be rude, but Applejack really didn't know how to respond to this situation. She always felt some tingling feeling in the back of her mind that yearned to impress her siblings, especially Apple Bloom. Sure, she got to be one of the mares who consistently saved Equestria, but that was almost autonomous. With the Element of Honesty around her neck, she debated sometimes that it didn't really matter what she thought. Twilight led them and they obeyed. It wasn't actually like that, Applejack knew she had a voice, no one forced her to do anything. Yet it never really felt like her own accomplishment—something she could bring home and say she did, and it was because of her.

The cutie map in Twilight's castle had made her feel special—needed, wanted—and let her bring home a tale of something inspiring. She'd be humble, of course, but bringing home the glory really did add a spice to her life. Never before had Applejack realized how much she enjoyed the feeling. There was nothing wrong with being a simple farmer all her life, she'd never resent the idea. It's what she was made to do. Yet, if she didn't have those little adventures, would she even be the same pony? Would bitterness settle in? Could she be upset now because everypony could go on their own little adventures and be special?

Was she jealous?

That question sent a shiver down her spine. She had absentmindedly flipped through pages, not really reading a single one, as she thought about herself. Everypony got jealous at some point in their lives. It was natural. But Applejack hated that feeling. What need could a pony have to be so worked up about others getting the show? Her friends all had their own spotlights, and she had never been jealous of them. 

She hid her eyes beneath her hat, out of Apple Bloom's view. Jealousy didn't make much sense to Applejack. That whole idea was shoved aside in an instant. She felt no animosity for anypony enjoying their new horn or wings, not even her very talented brother. No, it couldn't be jealousy. It was something else.

"Let me try this one," Applejack eventually said, raising the book and turning it to Apple Bloom. A simple spell on creating a ball of water. On a farm, water became essential. Plants and animals needed it to survive, and Applejack could admit it'd be nice to have a refreshing glass of water on hoof at any time of her working day.

She focused on her thoughts, imagining a ball of water being formed. "That's a good startin' spell, but be careful and don't point your horn too far up. Scootaloo tried it and all the water fell back on her face." Apple Bloom let out a giggle.

Applejack found her center in a moment, closing her eyes helped, and she felt the rushing water form. Like a river of her thoughts, channeling and breaking through a dam, flooding the world. When she opened her eyes, she had a big smile on her face that evaporated in an instant. "Uh, are you startin'?" Apple Bloom asked.

With a swift hoof, Applejack took back the book and looked at the spell. It wasn't difficult, most of the spells were so simplistic even a child could understand them. In fact, Apple Bloom had said Scootaloo performed the spell as well, but there had been actual water then. Where was Applejack's water? That rushing form of liquid had never perspired. "Maybe I don't get that one—let me try another." She flipped the pages backward towards the beginning of the book. A light spell came up. It would be one that held on her horn, not something like a ball of light that shot out.

After closing her eyes again, she focused. Imagining light proved difficult, especially during the day when the sun beat down on her. Applejack could feel the heat surging up her neck, flushing her cheeks, and stinging her new horn. When she thought she'd done it, she opened one eye to make sure. Only the sunlight shined. "I-uh, I just don't—" Applejack cut herself off. She grew embarrassed and it didn't help that Apple Bloom stared at her with those big, curious eyes. "I just need something I'm more accustomed to."

Flipping through page after page, Applejack did find something she liked more than anything else. "A plant growth spell? I don't know, Applejack. That one's not as easy," Apple Bloom stated. "Even Sweetie Belle had trouble with that for the longest time, and Twilight was helpin' her."

"Well, unicorns never had the innate ability to commune with plants and nature," Applejack stated as she lifted soil into her hooves, letting it blow away in the wind. "Earth ponies held that domain since the first days of our existence. Now that we're alicorns, maybe that just transfers over."

Applejack went to the barn, returning a moment later with an apple seed in hoof. Once she dug a spot in the soil outside the family home, she dropped the seed in the new hole and covered it up. The spell tasked her with concentrating, which Applejack had been doing for the last two, but she knew how plants grew. In her mind, she remembered all the times as a young filly—about Apple Bloom's age—that she looked up and marveled at how big the orchard's trees were. There was one in particular that she and Granny had cultivated that still sat out there today. She had grown with it into a full mare—that's what she used to focus. Not the idea of a tree growing, but herself.

She didn't say a word to Apple Bloom as she closed her eyes. She had no reason to jinx herself like Rainbow Dash would've. Applejack simply resigned herself to concentrating.

With the strain of the spell coursing through her, she felt it surge at the tip of her horn. It hadn't felt quite like that before. It grew and grew, becoming as hot as an iron. All at once she released the power, opening her eyes to see the effects. First, she looked at her horn, which didn't spark, and then she looked at the soil in front of her. The dirt slightly moved, but that might have been the wind. Finally, she looked at Apple Bloom who had a bored expression. "Are you even trying?" the filly asked, which stun Applejack more than she would let on.

"Maybe this book is broken." Applejack slammed it shut and kicked it over to Apple Bloom. "I did everything it said. Shoot, Big Mac didn't even need a book."

"Why don't you try levitatin'? It's the one spell they say you should try first."

"Who's this they?" Applejack squinted at the filly.

"Them ol' unicorns? They've been practicing it since the first days of their existence," Apple Bloom replied in a half-mocking tone. "C'mon!" She flipped open the book to a page about levitation and pointed at it. "Try it!"

"Apple Bloom, those unicorns didn't have books to teach them. They did it themselves! That's what I'm going to do." Applejack gave her a curt nod and turned back to the soil. "Now, quit distracting me. Better yet, there's a whole list of chores you can do since you've been slacking off with your friends."

The filly let out a disgruntled groan and slammed the book close. "I'm going, I'm going," Apple Bloom muttered. Applejack could hear a few words like 'stubborn' and 'ornery' being whispered, but she let it slide. Her mind returned to the seed, and everything inside told her she could do this.

A single cognitive thought in the back of her mind knew what her problem had been all along. Originally, jealousy was thought to be the cause. Now, however, Applejack knew it to be untrue. Everypony else was learning at the same rate, yet she dwindled behind. All because she was afraid to start—the fear of trying something new, and failing, kept her immobilized. Nopony said you had to be good at something right away, yet she bore one of the Element of Harmony. She'd been a major authority figure for the Apple family. She did have to be good. It was, in a way, her duty.

Applejack understood how Twilight must've felt when she'd been given wings and crowned a princess. A sudden surge of having to be something, to change the way she had always been, would've been overwhelming. Twilight had even had a rocky start on flying, quite often falling into the dirt. But Twilight had something Applejack didn't at this moment—her friends.

She thought of waiting for the others to return to Ponyville after things settled down. Then they might all take each other's lessons and notes. A few tricks from Twilight and Rarity on magic, some aerial stunts from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. But what if they didn't need help? What if they were already starting to master their new traits? That sparked a panic in Applejack's mind. What if she remained the only one incapable of flying and spells? They wouldn't look at her as some sort of runt, would they?

Applejack breathed hard. With Apple Bloom gone inside, she thanked her lucky stars to have her moment of hysteria alone. "I've got to do this," she told herself, and tried the plant growth spell again.

Repeatedly, she tried. Hours passed. From morning to noon to evening, she tried—and failed.

When Granny Smith returned home that night, she stopped at Applejack's side. "Applejack? What are you doing out here? Ya weren't waitin' on me, were yah?" Granny looked at her with one eye, studying Applejack's expression—which by then had become a mixture of sorrow and exhaustion.

She had no reason to lie to Granny—but Applejack knew she didn't have to tell the whole truth. "Nah, Granny. I'm glad you're back. I'm just out here practicing some magic. Apple Bloom brought a book home and we've been trying out a few. You hungry?"

Granny shook her head. "Are you? You look like you've bucked the entire orchard."

"I guess I'm not used to castin' spells," Applejack replied with a nervous chuckle. "I can get dinner started."

"Aw, that's alright. I've brought some home for y'all. Me and the girls were out in Manehattan and went by some of them fast eateries." Granny pulled out a big paper bag from her saddlebags, a hayburger marked the side.

Applejack practically flipped her hat. "You went to Manehattan!? How'd you get over there so fast?"

Granny looked up at the sky. "Well, dear, I was gone pretty much all day. These wings don't get sore as my hooves do, y'know." Letting out a hoarse laugh, Granny handed off the bag. "But that don't mean I ain't missing my bed. Tell Apple Bloom goodnight for me." And with that, Applejack stood alone in the yard again.

With a sigh, and no progress on the seed, Applejack went inside. Setting the meal on the table, she called up to Apple Bloom who rushed down. "Oh boy, I'm starving!" she said, far more cheery than Applejack's mood.

The bag opened on it's own, and to Applejack's surprise, Apple Bloom levitated out a wrapped hayburger. Without even lifting her hooves, Apple Bloom had it unwrapped and was munching on it in an instant. Ketchup spread across her cheeks with each bite, and she downed it in less than a minute. "Do you mind if I finish the fries in my room, Sis? I wanna get some more practicing before bed." Apple Bloom already levitated the package of fries out of the bag.

"Y-yeah." Applejack nodded, and Apple Bloom ran off up the stairs to her room. Applejack ate alone. She wasn't fast or slow about it. It was just something she did as thoughts crowded her mind. Those thoughts kicked and screamed like cats trapped in a sack. All that she could do was be alone.
> Problem 10: Moondancer's Magical Mystery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moondancer felt her nervousness subside once she stood inside the Crystal Empire. Since the city had been one of the Society of Secret Sorcery's targets—a terrible flood—she expected to see remnants of the disaster. On her way in by train, she saw nothing of the sort. The city's unrest also appeared contained thanks to Twilight Sparkle, and Moondancer wondered if her friend remained in the city. Regardless, she felt at ease knowing ponies would not be going crazy during her time here. 

Of course, her nervousness stemmed from failing Twilight. The normalcy of the city proved that Twilight could do anything she put her mind to. Had Moondancer not given up on the society, she might have been part of something as equally terrible as the flood. That one change gave her a new start and a better outlook on life. Never before had she been to the Crystal Empire, and now here she was, solving mysteries of complex lineages and species. The change, for Moondancer, had been more than just new wings.

The trains still ran, thankfully, and that allowed her time to construct a plan. The crystal ponies had been lost for over a thousand years, and it only made sense that they'd have literature from long ago. 

The library would've been the first place she'd visit, yet that was the second place to stop on her list. The first being the castle—something not hard to miss by how it towered over the crystalline homes. Moondancer looked on, impressed by the architecture of the homes. They were all low buildings and quaint designs. She knew the history of the empire—lost a thousand years to an evil king. She found it interesting to see homes built so long ago. Canterlot's homes were the opposite, and Ponyville couldn't really be counted in the same vein. Even Twilight's castle looked incredibly different to these crystal buildings.

As she made her way to the castle, Moondancer saw quite a few ponies out and about. They weren't shopping or testing their new powers, but they all chatted in groups of two, three, and sometimes more. Several times Moondancer heard the name of the evil king who stole the empire, yet the reason behind the talk remained a mystery. She wondered if he would've become an alicorn too—and that made her curious as to how many ponies who lusted for power believed they deserved their alicornhood. A confirmation of their egos. 

But that thought became one of many that rummaged through Moondancer's brain on her walk. She had many unanswered questions about differing species, but with no resources to study on the matter, she could only make assumptions. That left her time to think of other things that Twilight and her friends might face in the future—that she might face. She was Twilight's friend, after all—that had to mean she would be included. Right?

Of course, saying she and Twilight were friends to the guards standing outside the castle made little difference. When she asked if she could see her they promptly told her Princess Twilight Sparkle had gone to Canterlot. Very important princess business. They didn't give her more than that, even refusing questions on why Twilight had come to the Crystal Empire in the first place. But as chance had it, somepony came out of the castle just at that time. A pony Moondancer recognized, though his name slipped her mind.

She had met the stallion on the day she'd gone with Minuette to Ponyville. A round table of seemingly random choices by Moondancer's account, yet this stallion had come with Twilight's brother. An orange stallion with white around his mouth, glasses on the bridge of his nose, and a short beard recognized her as well. "Ah, Twilight's friend—" he greeted, nodding his head to her. "What brings you to the Crystal Empire this fine day?" He held a book in one of his hooves, a cloth bookmark sat limply in the middle.

"I came to see how Twilight handled things here. Princess Cadance's letter sounded quite distressing. I heard she's gone to Canterlot, though. Is everything back to normal?"

He blinked, and his head tilted back so quickly his tiny glasses skirted down his nose. As he pushed them back up, he asked, "Is what back to normal?"

Moondancer stared at him for a long moment, bewildered. She then shot a look to the two guards who rolled their eyes and waved hoof signals to one another. "From my little understanding, the city fell into chaos," she told the orange stallion. "She brought Spike with her to make sure things would settle. We assumed the change had been the cause, though I'm sure Twilight solved whatever had happened."

"Spike's here?" the orange stallion gawked, and then looked back at the two guards. "What chaos?" When neither of them answered him, he turned back to Moondancer. "Well, I suppose that's what I get for all my studying. Not that I wish to share too much, but I'm a bit of a recluse, you see. I've been buried in books ever since the—what did you call it? The change?" He flexed his wings, and the starry cape on his back fluttered up to reveal the glorious white wings on his back. He was orange except for the white on top of his snout, his hooves, and his wings—and Moondancer found it quite cute. On top of that, he studied all the time. The book in his hoof looked thoroughly read, though she wondered what it could be.

"I'm actually here because of it—I'm looking for a book or two on the origins of ponies, specifically crystal ponies. Though any ancient text regarding old races might aid in what I'm looking for," she said. "On behalf of Twilight Sparkle, that is. She's appointed me to research the change and why it only affected our species."

"You'll definitely want the best library in the Crystal Empire then. I'm heading there now, if you'd like to join me."

Moondancer wouldn't refuse such an escort, though his name eluded her. As they strolled through the crystal city, she interjected into a lull of conversation to ask his name. "It's a bit bothersome to admit, I've forgotten your name. Not that we officially met more than through Twilight—and that day was rather unpleasant," she stated, remembering Minuette, who had thrown her eggs into the society's basket. She had not seen Minuette since the day the change occurred and the Elements of Harmony were lost. Those members who weren't the Masters were sent home after Twilight concluded they had been mislead, and punishment wouldn't be given to the unaware.

"Oh, that's a relief," the stallion replied. "Your name slips my memory too." He stopped and reached his free hoof out. "I'm Sunburst."

"Moondancer." She took his hoof and stared up into his eyes, which had their own little lines of smiles at the edges. Where had Twilight hid this stallion, and why had he come with Shining Armor to the meeting? Somepony so pleasant shouldn't be so far north and out of the way from the rest of the world. He did call himself reclusive, however—and out of the way was perfect for ponies like that. "Tell me, Sunburst. Are you a crystal pony?" she asked as they continued walking. The library couldn't be far, but maybe she could convince him to stay, if only to learn about crystal ponies.

But he wasn't a crystal pony. "No, I came here after the return. Only a hoofful of crystal ponies had been in the city when the evil king Sombra made it disappear for a thousand years. It left lots of empty homes and plenty of space for ponies to take up residence. I just wanted somewhere secluded, though."

"I might want to talk to the crystal ponies while I'm here. I'm sure they are a wealth of information," Moondancer remarked, though she would've preferred to stick with books.

"Actually, the crystal ponies don't remember much prior to Sombra's rule. A casualty of being wrung out like time's wet towel and his terrible brainwashing. Tradition stuck with them, but you'll only find information about their past in their library. I say, it's a good thing you bumped into me. I've read every book in the grand library multiple times, so I should know exactly what you might want. Is it just the crystal ponies you're interested in?"

She shook her head gingerly. "No. My research began with Zecora, a zebra, who has no horn nor wings. The change didn't affect zebras. Through her, however, I learned that I need to search the past. Specifically, I'm curious about one answer. Who had been the first to raise the sun?"

"That is quite the, uh—well, I'm not sure of an answer," Sunburst stated with a nod of his head. "I do know three books that might aid in your research off the top of my head. They all entail the origin's of the empire and the crystal ponies, but there's little difference between them and regular ponies like us. Though now I wonder how Saddle Arabia is dealing with the change—though would it have even reached that far?"

"It reached the Crystal Empire, so I don't see why not," Moondancer stated. "I've tried categorizing all the various species of pony I could deduce, as my original goal was to find why the zebras and ponies are different. I've read all of Canterlot's collections, but original texts and old copies are rare there. The only other ponies I could ask about such things are Princess Luna and Princess Celestia—and I'm not ready for that. No matter how chummy I am with Twilight."

"Did you try the restricted section of Canterlot's library?" Sunburst asked.

"The what?" Moondancer squinted through her glasses at him.

Sunburst tilted his head from side to side, as though debating on his words. "It's not really important, I suppose. But I've witnessed first hoof that the Crystal Heart, the Crystal Empire's prized relic, affects all ponies. If a thing from a thousand years prior does it for regular ol' me, why would the change be any different?" He started to say more, but stopped himself upon arrival to the library. "Here it is." He pointed to the building they stood in front of, two griffon statues on either side of the entrance.

That lit a curious flame in the middle of Moondancer's brain. Why were griffon statues outside a pony library in a thousand year old city? They certainly didn't look new. "Do you think the change brought anything to the griffons?" she asked Sunburst as they entered the library, and Moondancer immediately forgot the question.

The library's large size rivaled Canterlot's Library of Magic, yet the design outdid Canterlot's structure in almost every way. Sleek reflective floors and crystal glass guardrails were certainly fancy. The shelves were a bit ordinary, but there were three—no, four—six floors? It troubled Moondancer that she couldn't tell how far the library climbed. It didn't circle around on every floor, it couldn't. But how many floors held how many books—that was the ultimate question, and helped her understand why Sunburst had chosen the empire for his home. "Amazing," she said under her breath.

"Quite pleasant, isn't it? Though I should not say it so proudly as if it were my own," Sunburst said, taking the lead into the library. "Still. I have spent many days in here, snooping through all the knowledge I could. There's quite a remarkable amount of history here, from days long since forgotten by some of our records. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have their own section of works, though there is a distinct lack of the days Sombra took over, and the war that followed."

"Shame. I'll bet a bunch of history was lost when that stallion took the empire." She could only imagine what books the evil king would've burned to hide such details about any ruler other than himself. "What were those three books you had in mind? I might be able to find a few more here that I might want to read—and not just on pony species."

Sunburst made his way up to the second floor. "First one is technically four. The first four volumes of the Equestrian Cultures and Camaraderie," he replied.

"Actually, I've already read those, and five through eight as well," Moondancer said. 

"Really?" He stopped and turned back to her. "I hadn't thought they were available outside the empire—perhaps I'm more of a recluse than I assumed." Pushing back his glasses, he gathered himself. "Well, no matter. The second one on my list is actually incredibly uncommon, I know that for certain. I'm sure you've heard of the Understanding Medieval Equestria series, yes?" He waited for her to nod. "Well, the Crystal Empire has the original basis for those books. Understanding Equestrian Pre-History. All about life of the three tribes."

Moondancer raised her hoof and waggled it at him. "Additional copies were made last year and sent to Canterlot. I actually own two copies—one with the original mistakes spelling Star Swirl's name." She saw his surprise, his mouth agape. "Mint condition," she added, and his eyes bulged too.

"Well," he said and his feathers ruffled, perhaps in annoyance or pleasure. "I'm unsure how much help the last one will be, but it's the only one with pony species in mind. Have you heard of Marking Cutie Mark Mysteries? It's written by Spring Song and her husband, though her name is only associated with that book."

She blinked. That name and author didn't sound familiar. "No. Cutie marks? Does it have much to do with the three tribes?"

Sunburst's face broke apart in a wide smile. "It might be worth the read even if it doesn't! Come, let's visit the librarian. She'll known where to find it." They returned to the front desk where an older mare waited, and didn't appear to be doing anything other than just that. She did occasionally pick at her wings—they must've been new to her—until the mare saw Moondancer and Sunburst coming toward her. "Good day, Amethyst. I'm in need of your assistance!"

"And good day to you, Sunburst," Amethyst replied most courteously with an incline of her head. "Come to check out something else without returning it?" she asked in a mostly jovial voice. She slightly tilted her eyebrows to imply he couldn't wiggle out of such a question.

"I—" Sunburst started before snapping his mouth closed. Moondancer saw his face flash with a pink hue of embarrassment before he continued. "Not check out, per se. Simply examine within the confines of the library." He forced a smile, showing too much teeth to be anything other than anxious. "Marking Cutie Mark Mysteries—might you know where we can find it?"

Amethyst stared at him for a moment, and Moondancer knew the old mare wanted him to stew in his shame. Finally, she dug a book out from behind the counter and opened it to the middle. "Spring Song?" she asked, and Sunburst gave a nod, though Moondancer assumed the question rhetoric. Amethyst made a disgruntled noise deep in her throat, then pulled out a second book. After some time of peering through it, she stopped and her eyes turned up to Sunburst. This time, she forced a smile, though it could've been more of a self-satisfied grin. "It seems that one has been checked out already—by you, Sunburst—and is overdue. Enlightening Shadows and Burdens is also overdue."

Sunburst gulped, and Moondancer saw him pull the book he'd carried here closer to him. She could barely make out the binding's title, something Shadows and Burdens, and did her best to try to contain her laughter. "Very good," Sunburst said in a rush. "Moondancer." He turned to her, almost to the point of keeping Amethyst completely from his view. "I do believe the book would be quite useful to you, in fact I have no doubts. Would you care to join me for another walk?" He then roughly said over his shoulder to the older mare, "Once it serves its purpose I suppose I'll have it ready to be returned to the library."

"Don't forget to bring bits to pay the fine," Amethyst said in response, and went to return her two catalog books to the underside of her counter. "The royal castle will eventually grow tired of picking up your tab, after all."

That made Sunburst shudder, then stiffen. Moondancer had never seen a pony jump without actually jumping, but Sunburst had done it, and a look of horror crossed his face. He quickly regained composure, though he did hasten out of the library as fast as he could without actually running. Moondancer jogged to keep up until they were in the street, past the griffon statues. 

"So, a recluse and a thief," Moondancer said with a slight mocking tone and a face to match it. 

"Thief!?" he shouted, and looked abashed. "I return every book—eventually."

"I'm sure you do." Moondancer liked the way he became defensive. "Just don't tell Twilight. She's got a high record back in Canterlot for always returning books on time. I think she might just berate you over the course of a few days just to make sure you learn your lesson."

"Oh, dear." He sounded concerned by that, and the worry quickened his step more so than before. "You won't tell her, will you?"

"Of course not," she replied, trying her best to sound innocent. "A secret between friends." Moondancer would get to know Sunburst more later. Twilight did often come to the forefront of her mind, and she had a duty first, before fawning over a fellow book lover. That wasn't to say she couldn't do both—though perhaps that was the young filly in her speaking. There had been too few colts at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

Thinking about school day colts wasn't on the agenda, and the handsome stallion next to her made it more difficult. Out of necessity, Moondancer pushed it to the back of her mind and concentrated on her task. She would not fail Twilight. Not that failing Twilight would end of the world—this certainly wasn't as desperate as dealing with the secret society's mysteries. Time wasn't a constraint, and perhaps Sunburst would prove a wonderful study partner. Of course, that notion along with the colts of her school days came into one brief thought. She realized where Sunburst brought her. "Here we are. Let me get my key," he said, and his cape blew as if the wind had ruffled it. A key levitated out.

The quaint blue-green home had a roof in the shape of a wizard hat. The door held a symbol of the sun, its rays being lowered. Moondancer had grown quite annoyed with doors that held strange markings on their front. "Your home?" she asked, though she knew the answer.

"Yes, I hope you will not hold my mess against me," he said, shying away from her eyes. "I try my best to keep things tidy. Time tends to run away from me."

Entering the home, Moondancer would've said she'd entered her own home. Books were scattered everywhere in piles. Scrolls and writing material were strewn about atop the piles and in their own little holes. Some scrolls were open and written, though incomplete. Research notes, magical ingredients, historic work, and a few grocery lists. "This is your best? Is your bedroom littered with similar capes about the floor? If it's not, you've already got me beat."

"Then I guess that puts us on even ground. Rare to meet someone my equal in being a hermit. Starlight may surpass my skill in magic, but she is also caring of her environment, so I assume the two go hoof in hoof," he remarked with a grin that went from ear to ear. 

"You know Starlight Glimmer? Twilight's—" Moondancer couldn't be certain what Starlight was to Twilight, other than the simple truth of being friends.

"Of course. Her and I are foalhood friends! She never told you? It's quite a funny story. We lost our friendship for several years as I went to Canterlot after obtaining my cutie mark. She went on to have a string of unfortunate events—unfortunate for others, I should say. But things have a way of working out it seems, and she popped up out of the blue one day to reignite our friendship. You'll have to hear her side of things, it's quite amusing."

"Sounds like a familiar story for Twilight and I," Moondancer noted, but she made sure to keep her eyes on anything other than Sunburst. A stack of books, a mess of papers, a quill with ink dried on the end. "You two are friends? Close friends? Starlight hadn't mentioned you at all while I stayed in Ponyville. I hope that isn't something rude of me to say, I'm simply out of the loop, is all."

"Oh, close friends, yes," he nodded in agreement, though it wasn't clear if he implied what she didn't want him to imply. "You see, she really didn't get friendship. Her tale, you need to hear it from her. Suffice it to say, she almost broke the world because of it. To think—my friendship with her could have been the cause of the end of the world. Sounds a little ridiculous when I say it out loud." His muzzle scrunched in a show of perplexed embarrassment. "Right. Anyway. The book? I believe I have it in my study. Yes, here it is. I knew I needed to return it, though it's out of view from the entryway. I try to put things in my line of sight as I leave to know they may be necessary." He rambled, though not rushed or forced. To Moondancer, it certainly didn't sound like Starlight and him had rekindled more than a foalhood friendship. 

"Sunburst," she said, trying to soften her voice as best she could. "Do you know what's in this book? I'd love to hear you talk about it as I read. I do hope you can keep up." She smiled at him, and stared deep into his eyes. "I'm a fast reader," she stumbled to add, not wanting to sound as though she implied anything. Why did she continuously focus on silly foal crushes? Stallions were tiresome in that sort of way. She needed to stay on track.

The stallion practically whinnied in delight at the prospect of sharing knowledge. He levitated a stool and brought her to his study. Unlike most of his home, the table looked pristine, though the shelves around it remained unkempt. Moondancer gathered that, even though things seemed disheveled, he knew exactly where everything was. She sat at the table with the book, opening it to the first few pages. Sunburst sat on the stool, his chin pushed up with dignity, and his eyes closed. He said he stayed in Canterlot before. That certainly reminded her of some noble she once had the displeasure of speaking to.

"Cutie marks are often the source of talent within the world," he began with a voice of confidence. As he spoke, she tried to focus on what he said, but got lost in the inked words of the book. He couldn't keep up with her reading speed as it turned out. Unfortunate, but his voice soothed her as she read, and he did push ahead to keep up as best he could.

There was a ton of useful and useless information pertaining pony species. Especially considering the idea that unicorn and earth pony cutie marks could never be one that a pegasus might obtain. Nor could an earth pony or pegasus have something that relates to unicorn magic. The book lacked history, as Sunburst explained, but it tried its best to go into where cutie marks started. Whether or not ponies had always had them. Philosophical questions like that interested Moondancer, but were unrelated to her main query. Or so she thought. 

As the book went into mysteries related to the history of cutie marks, it referenced a book that Moondancer did not recognize. The source book was named The Champion of Forethought. She furrowed her brows at that. It wasn't impossible to conceive that she had not read every book in the world, yet two in one day annoyed her. And Sunburst simply skipped over it without pause. "Sunburst. What is this book? The Champion of Forethought? Do you have that?" Apparently, the book contained information about the past meant to be pushed forward to future generations.

He had been cut off mid-sentence, and stumbled to answer. "Forethought? No—what?" The stallion rose from his stool to come to Moondancer's side, examining the reference. As he did, Moondancer found that he stood practically cheek to cheek with her. She could nuzzle against him and claim it accident. "I don't have that one," he said and pulled back, much to Moondancer's displeasure. "If it had been in the library, I would've. I do know of another who might have it—there's a bookstore here in the empire that sells antiques of the sort. I often try to obtain such works for the library, mostly as payment toward my—uh, fines."

Moondancer rose too. "I'm willing to bet that book might have a clue that'll lead me to discovering why only ponies can become alicorns! Can you take me there, Sunburst?" She wanted his company more than anything. His voice had been so soothing.

But he blinked at her request. "It's a little late, they'll be closed," he said, glancing to the window. Moondancer followed his eyes, surprised by the orange hue growing outside. "It seems we spent all day searching and reading. Quite a normal day for me, I suppose!" He chuckled, stifling it with his hoof. "Do you need a place to stay?" Moondancer could feel herself grow hot, her face must've been a flush of red. It only grew worse when Sunburst saw the redness, as his face also became a vibrant color, though his orange fur diminished the sight ever so slightly. "I mean, to say, I can get you a place in the castle! I'm the royal crystaller, I can ask for you. Since you're Twilight's friend I'm sure Cadance and Shining Armor would be happy to oblige."

"That'd be great," she blurted out as quick as she could. Her face remained hot, but she knew it wouldn't get any worse. Especially not when she had been disappointed that he had not meant staying here. The Society of Secret Sorcery had one thing right—nice hoods and long cloaks to hide in. Moondancer averted her eyes anywhere else but at the stallion before her blushing would stop, and that took the entire walk back to the castle.

She found no problem gaining entrance to the castle this time with Sunburst at her side. Moondancer got a room, though she didn't get much time to speak with Shining Armor. Nothing less than a pleasant night's stay, and a remarkably uneventful slumber. Both Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor busily dealt with the city's resolved turmoil. That left little room for an audience, but she got to meet baby Princess Flurry Heart, and that more than made up for it.

The next morning, Moondancer made a hasty trot to the bookstore using Sunburst's directions. She debated on knocking on his door to ask if he wanted to join her, but she ignored that feeling until it went away. By then she reached the store. A lot of her thoughts in the night had been on the stallion rather than on her goal. She needed to keep her head away from such distractions, no matter how enchanting they were.

Upon entry to the antique bookstore, the bell overhead rang. A rather young colt sitting at the register behind the counter greeted her immediately. "Greetings and salutations!" he bellowed, his voice cracking as he spoke. "Anything I can help you with, ma'am?"

"Maybe," Moondancer replied, blinking at him with curiosity. "I'm looking for a book—" she began, but the colt cut her off.

"Well you've come to the right place!"

"Uh, right." She kept silent for a moment, and he stared back with a slack-jawed, expectant expression. "Do you have a copy of The Champion of Forethought?"

The colt looked to search his thoughts for a moment. He then slammed both hooves on the counter in front of him and screamed at the top of his lungs. "Mom!" His yell surprised Moondancer, startling her into taking a step back.

"Dear? What is it, dear?" A mare came out from somewhere further into the store. A green apron around her torso and a red bandana pulled her mane back. A few splotches of ink sat on the bridge of her nose. "Oh, a customer. Sorry about the wait. Can I help you?" She stepped behind the counter, shooing her son off the stool. 

Getting to deal with somepony older and wiser left Moondancer feeling relieved. "Hi there, I'm looking for a copy of The Champion of Forethought."

The mare reached down behind the counter and hefted out a very large black book. For a moment, Moondancer thought that might be it, but when the mare opened the cover it turned out to be the store's general ledger. "I know that particular book. If it's the one I'm thinking of—" the mare trailed off. Her face turned into a grimace as she read through some of the pages. "Yes. That's the one, I'm afraid."

"What is it?" Moondancer asked, growing slightly worried.

"We have a special customer, he makes it his prerogative to purchase specific books. It's only a few selections, but The Champion of Forethought is a major one on his list. I have a copy he hasn't come by to pick up, but he pays for them all in advanced. I can't sell it to you, unfortunately," the mare said, closing the ledger.

Moondancer debated this for a moment, then asked, "Do you think I can pay double what he did and get it from you?"

That prospect intrigued her, but she shook her head. "I'm afraid that would look bad for business. I can't allow that."

"I'm working under orders from Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I'm certain I could get authority from Princess Cadance or Prince Shining Armor. Would the addition of a written request from them be enough for the purchase?"

That got the store owner to blink, her mouth fell agape. "Well, I'd be inclined to help out the princesses. Unfortunately, I don't think that would satisfy my client either. He's very aggressive when it comes to getting his hooves on these antiques. I believe he wants to collect them all, though I'm not certain why. However, I can give you his name and address so you might be able to wrangle a copy out from him." The mare took a pen and notepad and began to write. As she did, the bell over the door rang. "Mister Starsong is his name," the mare told Moondancer.

"Really? That's my name too," a stallion chuckled, and Moondancer glanced back at the pony who had entered. She turned to face him, repulsed by what she saw. He had a matted blonde mane, pale pink fur that didn't appear washed, and dirty, thick-framed glasses. On top of that, he stood at least a quarter taller than Moondancer. Then she noticed he kept a light blonde mustache that didn't connect in the middle of his upper lip.

"Ah, what luck! Mister Starsong, we have somepony requesting a copy of one of the books you collect."

The stallion named Starsong made a dismissive grunt that could've been a laugh. "A collector is never beaten. Which one?"

"The Champion of Forethought," Moondancer replied for the store owner.

His eyes went wide for an incredibly brief moment that Moondancer wasn't even sure it had happened. Starsong then gave an appraising look over Moondancer, and he seemed to like what he saw. His grin disgusted Moondancer, but she needed to read that book, so she forced a smile back at him. "Well," he began, "I'm an avid collector, so I wouldn't part with it for anything. But perhaps you'd like some company and we can read it together."

Moondancer wondered if her time would be wasted. Would the book have anything she needed, or would it be another dead end? The thought of spending it around this stallion made her uncomfortable, but she found her resolve. It was for Twilight, and for solving a great mystery. If anything, however, Moondancer felt she made a great sacrifice agreeing to this. "That would be—" she gritted her teeth "—wonderful."
> Problem 11: Pinkie's Phoney Philosophy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sorry folks. We'll be back in fifteen!" Cheese Sandwich told the crowd that gathered. He brought Pinkie through a slit in the curtains to a back area of the small tent. A table kept a set of chairs, and trunks of props used in his comedy sat against the wall. A single lantern hung in the middle of the ceiling where the tent created a cone shape. "I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to see you here, Pinkie Pie. I'm not so certain who would actually win in a contest of jokes if you and I dueled," he said before taking seat at one end of the table. "Though I can't imagine why you'd be here—just that I'm not surprised."

"Well, I'm surprised!" Pinkie Pie yelled, and slammed both hooves on the table. "I would've thought you of all ponies wouldn't buy into this whole princess business."

He hesitated only a moment. "We've got horns and wings, Pinkie. Are we not? I mean, it's quite a funny joke. Stallions being princesses. But I don't believe it was meant to be a joke, it's serious. Not that I like to take things seriously, but this certainly is. If we're not told what exactly it's all for, how are we to know that we're not princes or princesses?"

That question mimicked what Pinkie Pie had been asking herself. Her sisters came to the same conclusion, and more often than not, she found that to be the answer too. "If everyone is a princess, that means things overlap, Cheese. Do you really think you can be the only pony to have jokes as their royal role? It's not like someone else can just come up to Twilight and out friendship them to take her crown." She sat down across from him, though she kept her forelegs firm on the table in case she needed another slam to illustrate her point.

"That's because no pony with wings and a horn has ever challenged her. It's a brand new world! What I wouldn't give to challenge her to a duel—like you and I had. Except the stakes are so much higher!" Cheese looked as though he was daydreaming. What had gotten into the stallion? 

"You've gone loco in the coco! Everypony has!" Pinkie threw her hooves up in frustration. "My sisters are fighting over who is the princess of a classification of rock. Meanwhile, they could've just chosen a specific rock or gem, or even rocks as a whole!" She settled back down, fuming in her seat. "It's like harmony was wrapped in a rug and thrown out the window. Twilight Sparkle, a real princess, is out there trying to help a city stop tearing itself apart. You're here just making jokes and claiming you're better at it than everypony else. How is that being a princess?" For a moment, she thought she was onto a solution with her sisters.

But Cheese countered with a really good argument. "If my jokes lighten the mood of ponies and bring them away from biting each other's tails, isn't that the same thing? Am I not helping?"

Pinkie tried to think of what blocked her from answering. She knew she had something there that was the perfect answer, and the perfect take down against her sisters. But what? She wished Twilight were here. "I-I don't know," she replied, slumping back in her seat.

"I'd like to try my jokes against you, Pinkie, but I think if you win it might just bring up more problems." Cheese sat back, kicking his legs up on the table. "I'm trying my best to keep everyone at peace. It's difficult. Other ponies set up their own booths after mine, and I have to admit, they've done a good job keeping them."

She shrugged her shoulders. "We could, y'know, become the prince and princess of jokes," she said, averting her eyes from his. "Like a sort of Shining Armor and Cadance thing." This time she looked him square in the eyes, hoping to see something of interest. A sparkle, a gleam. 

"You and me?" Cheese couldn't contain his laughter. He hit the table a few times, and Pinkie could tell he wasn't exaggerating his laugh. Her face grew hot, and she could almost feel steam pouring from her ears. "Maybe if you were Rainbow Dash," he said between fits of chuckling and guffawing. 

Pinkie went to raise her voice and stand against the statement, but she sat back down. "That's fair." Rainbow Dash was super duper awesome. There was no doubting that. It kind of made sense now as to why he showed up specifically for her party. Still, Pinkie had just implied something and he laughed in her face. "But now I must challenge you!" With a burst from her wings, she hovered up just below the lantern. She could see her shadow cast down on the table, wings spanning a great distance. "Princess of Jokes? Don't make me laugh—because it doesn't. All comedy will bow before me! I am the Princess of Laughter itself! Kneel, or be knelt upon!" she roared.

Cheese practically fell from his chair—his face told her he hadn't expected such a serious reaction. It would do her quite well to quash all of this nonsense at once. It hadn't been the same answer from before, but she could feel it on the tip of her tongue. "All things that make you feel happy fall beneath my hooves! Rocks that make my sisters happy provide laughter, and that is within my bounds! Jokes are yours? Then it is mine to hold!" she told him, power in her voice. He could not deny her.

"So, can you go out there and make ponies laugh?" He had found a way to deny her! His cleverness knew no bounds. 

"I can make the whole world laugh! Just like Twilight bringing friendship, and Cadance bringing—" She paused. Cadance was love, right? That's why her cutie mark was a heart. "Uh," she continued, "Celestia is the sun, and Luna the moon! They hold the two where no others could!" Well, that certainly wasn't true anymore. The Society of Secret Sorcery had proven that. A group of unicorns could move either or both, and they had caused all these crazy aftershocks.

"Make me laugh, then," Cheese demanded. He truly tried to get on her nerves. First her sisters drove her from her home, now Cheese would send her reeling back to Ponyville. Though that wasn't a terrible idea—maybe Twilight had returned and would have answers. 

She crossed her forelegs and turned her back to him, still hovering in the air above the table. "I don't want to."

"And I don't want to make you, but if you claim to be the Princess of Laughter, then you're going to have to stop me from going out there and claiming I control the jokes." He took a few steps toward the curtain flaps, though his head didn't turn from her direction. "You wouldn't want me to impose on your rule, would you?"

It was there, on the tip of her tongue! If she could just outstretch her tongue to get a taste, she would have the answer she needed to return to her sisters. "No!" she said instead, rushing to the flaps before he could leave. "I won't let you!"

His face held no smugness, but his voice boomed with a coyness that couldn't deny it. "If you don't want me to, you'll have to take on my challenge. I know we've battled out who the party master is—but a song of laughter is due this time. A duet of music, lyrics for the ages! Whoever the audience claims as winner will be the winner no matter what!"

Pinkie shriveled away from the curtain flap to a corner of the tent. "A song?" she said, and grimaced with a thoughtful expression. She turned away, looking at something, or someone, that wasn't truly there. "A song? Here? Now? I mean, it's possible. That one stallion who did the books about a group and their silly ring could do it. But a two-bit hobbyist writer? That certainly won't end well." Cheese listened, though the bemused look on his face meant he didn't truly understand what she was saying. "But if this moves the plot along till I get the answer I'm looking for, I suppose there's no harm." She directed a look as though she was staring deep into the eyes of somepony, gave a wink, and then turned back to Cheese.

"Are you alright, Pinkie?" Cheese asked, sweat trickled down his brow. Was he nervous? Did he expect her to reject his request like he had just rejected her?

"You should be nervous!" Pinkie wanted to say, but held it in. Instead, she said, "I accept! If I win—when I win—I will be crowned eternally as Princess of Laughter!" With an eerie laugh, she tried her best to portray all those menacing times she'd heard over the years of battling villains.

Cheese's grin barely touched his lips as his eyes narrowed. "Deal," he answered. "A duet. I will make sure to sing like this!"

Pinkie was surprised for a moment as his voice boomed, then nodded. "And I will sing like this!"

"And when we come together, it'll sound like this!" they sang together, combining their voices as one.

Somehow, Pinkie knew that it was silly to have to say it aloud. The ponies outside would know they were singing, she hadn't needed to rehearse any time before this. But she let it slide—breaking walls was as common to her as lint in a bellybutton. 

Cheese opened the curtain flap and let Pinkie go first. The crowd had somewhat dispersed, but there were still plenty of ponies patiently waiting for Cheese's return. Pinkie climbed up onto the stage, and ponies came running back, increasing the crowd's size. They even drew in other owners of the booths that had set up shop around Cheese's tent. "Ladies and gentlecolts!" Cheese yelled at the crowd, his hooves cupping his mouth. "It's time to go beyond the simple tests and move onto the big leagues! Princess Pinkie Pie hasn't challenged to be the Princess of Jokes—she claims to be the Princess of Laughter, of all things that make ponies giddy and smile! To take on this feat, we have declared a song off! A one time deal between her and I. The winner will be crowned Princess of Laughter forever!"

Pinkie gulped at that. She hadn't realized the stakes were so high now that everypony watched. If she failed, she wouldn't be much of anything anymore. The Elements of Harmony were gone. It wasn't just a title, but her very purpose on the line. And the answer that had been on her tongue now shrank to the back of her throat, meeting her heart, which pounded like a tap dancer dancing on drums.

"Are you ready!?" Cheese yelled to the crowd, and the scream back was so long that Pinkie could feel the heat of their breath. "Are you ready, Princess of Laughter?" Cheese asked, and his adorable, big eyes looked at her. Why did Rainbow Dash have to be so awesome? 

Pinkie nodded. "Let the song begin!" Suddenly, drums sounded off with horns kicking up. She even thought somepony played the tambourine and xylophone, but that might've been her imagination.


Sometimes laughter's the best medicine,
when your body's moving on adrenaline,
are you sure your words are genuine,
when there's no answer to my call?

But with me you have no choice,
let us stand up and rejoice,
I want to hear it in your voice,
whose the princess of you all?

My sisters fight as royalty, a problem with my family,
I try my best to avoid conflict, only for this trouble to constrict.
Why is there no clear answer?

You're starting to make everyone real sad, and now look the crowd feels bad.
But even if the laughs are gone, we can still finish this song.

How do you have the audacity,
to say my words so casually,
and make me call you majesty,
of my own element?

Now please stop your fantasizing,
only when you start realizing, 
that we should just start synchronizing, 
and live in harmony.

How do you have the audacity,
to say my words so casually,
when you lack the capacity,
to understand my life?

Now please stop your fantasizing,
only when you start realizing, 
that we should just stop synchronizing, 
and live in harmony.



The two stood facing each other on stage, sweat soaked Pinkie's vision. She couldn't stop her heavy panting, but the song was over. She wiped her brow with the back of her hoof, and only then did she hear the cheering from the crowd. A true uproar of happiness from every single pony. The small square had grown so full that even the airspace above the onlookers became crowded. Pinkie could only barely make out the striped shirts Flim and Flam wore, and they cheered in fervor too.

When she looked back at Cheese, he smiled wider than she had ever seen anyone. And then the answer was on her lips. The answer she needed to face her sisters. Not waiting for shouts of encore to be had, Pinkie Pie burst into flight, darting across the sky as quickly as she could. She wasn't sure how fast she was going, but she needed to be faster. Faster than Rainbow Dash even. Maybe she even created her own sonic partyboom—Pinkie didn't bother looking back to find out.

Wind whipped around her, clouds screamed to get out of her way. She tore across the sky.

As she hit the rock farm's boundary, she swooped low, reaching the quarry without having to break her speed. She dived into the pit, narrowly missing her mother and father, before slamming to the ground in front of her sisters. The ground beneath her shifted, a circle of broken stone beneath her hooves. Her whole body shivered with the vibration while she kept a heroic pose, and her teeth clacked when she opened her mouth. When the feeling subsided, she realized she'd almost forgotten the answer. "If I had been any slower, I would've," she mumbled to herself before shaking a few clouds from her mane.

Maud and Limestone still stared each other down, neither acknowledged Pinkie's return. Marble did, though her frown told Pinkie they hadn't ceased their foolishness. But Pinkie ignored the two and got between them, facing Marble with the biggest smile she could muster. "Marble!" she screamed, and the grey mare fell on her rump in shock. "Do you like rocks?" she asked in a more level tone. Marble picked at her ears before returning a nod for an answer. "Cool! I like rocks too!" Pinkie replied, and then added, "Could you show me some cool rocks?"

That too shocked Marble. Maud and Limestone remained focused on each other over Pinkie's back, though Limestone lifted a curious brow. Marble was the one Pinkie wanted to move, however, and the youngest sister did, eventually. Marble didn't walk far, just over a few yards to a pile of rocks that might be useful for specialized tools. Not the most special of rocks to anypony else, in fact, they weren't even special to Marble. But the young, grey mare picked one up from deeper in the pile and handed it to Pinkie.

A small, brown stone with a little bit of mud and clay still gripping its side. Though shaped like a ball, there was a jagged point in one spot that would have to be smoothed down. But the stone itself was cool. It hadn't been in the sun, trapped beneath the pile, and so a good portion of it was cold. "This is cool!" Pinkie said, pressing it against her chest. It was nice to feel against the sweat that still dripped in her fur. "Can I keep it?" Marble's brows raised at the question, but she nodded again. "Marble, you know rocks! You're the Princess of Rocks!"

Marble blinked—then her eyes went wide—then she closed them, covered them with her hooves, and her whole body shook.

"What!?" Limestone bellowed, and Maud repeated the word, though much quieter and in her usual monotone voice. The two crossed the space between them and Pinkie in an instant. "Princess of Rocks? All rocks!?" Limestone growled. "You can't do that Pinkie!"

"Why can't I?" Pinkie asked with a smile. "She showed me a cool rock and it is cool! So, she is the Princess of Rocks!"

"Marble cannot be Princess of Rocks," Maud stated with no change in her voice. It was just matter of fact to her.

"Well, a princess is someone who gives themselves to others. Whatever they can. It kind of hit me—I was singing, and I was like, it's all about me! But by the end I saw this big crowd and realized it's not all about me." Pinkie scratched her chin. "Eh—guess you had to be there."

Limestone practically snarled at Pinkie. "I am the oldest, so I should be the Princess of Rocks!"

But Pinkie tapped Limestone on the front of her nose. "Oldest? By that logic, wouldn't you be the Princess of Old?"

When Limestone looked at Maud, they both kept each other's stare for a short time before turning back to Pinkie. "Pinkie, that's ridiculous," they said in unison. 

"Well, that's going by your logic, silly." Pinkie tried her best to stare into both sets of eyes at once, but her neck hurt after a moment. "Look you two. I should've known better than to run away, but I wasn't certain you two were wrong in trying to be princesses. I thought I might be a princess too. I'm not. Or maybe I am after today, though I don't think I want that responsibility. But I understand what it takes to be a princess now." She sat on the ground, still holding the cold rock in a hoof, and patted the earth beside her. The three all sat down around her, forming a circle.

"Think about it like this: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna give us the sun and moon. They don't do it for themselves, they try to brighten our lives. Literally! When Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, it was because she was selfish with her responsibility. No harmony at all. She wanted others to do it her way—that's not right. But I've known Twilight for a while now, and all of her time as the Princess of Friendship. She's tried her best to share friendship across Equestria. She isn't trying to make others be friends with her, or to take all the friendship for herself. She spreads it. She spreads it so others will spread it too. I tried to demonstrate that with Marble. She might not have the desire to be a princess, and I don't blame her, but she's willing to spread the joy of rocks. Get it?"

Limestone hung her head, her eyes averting Pinkie's to stare at the ground. Maud was the first to speak. "You've made your point, Pinkie." She then stood without ever changing expressions. "I'm returning to Ponyville. I will spread the rocks message, whether or not I will ever be Princess of Rocks. They are a joy, and so are you, Princess Pinkie Pie." 

Standing up, Pinkie embraced Maud at the same time, holding her for support. "I'm glad to have sisters like you, because I think I needed the answer just as much." Limestone and Marble also stood, each wrapping the other two in a group hug. "Aww, you guys are the best sisters a Pie could ask for!"

"Does that mean we can be the Princess of Sisters?" Limestone asked, and the other three glared. Shriveling away, Limestone turned her back to them. "What!? Can't you all take a joke? Blame Pinkie! She's the one who spreads it around."

Pinkie tackled Limestone, wrapping her tight in her forelegs, almost strangling the mare in what could be considered a hug. "You've got the right idea, Limestone!" she said, smiling and nuzzling the top of Limestone's head. "But if any of you dare call me Princess of Jokes, I will excommunicate you without hesitation." And they shared a laugh. Except for Maud, who—despite her usual monotone demeanor—cracked a smile. Pinkie knew everything would be alright after that.
> Problem 12: Rainbow's Radical Revival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The underside of the desk felt like a perfectly fine place for wallowing in misery to Rainbow Dash. Her back legs kicked up against one side, the back of her head and neck resting on the opposite end. The plywood above her held a few scratches, and she could see where past captains had kicked the backboard a few times. She had done it too, though it remained unclear which were the newest addition. Of course, she'd have to find a home for the desk. All the furniture would need to be removed. If she'd just allowed Spitfire to dissolve the Wonderbolts, she wouldn't have to do it alone.

But she was alone. Not a single soul had joined the Wonderbolts after all her attempts. She had stopped trying after the weather factory. There wouldn't be any new recruits.

In a way, she wasn't just hiding from the responsibilities of shutting down the Wonderbolts. She also hid from her own pain. Fruitless, she knew, as the pain sunk deep in her heart. No amount of shaming herself underneath the captain's desk changed that. But the sunglasses were up there, the pin, and even the hat she'd found collecting dust. Nice mementos, but she wanted nothing to do with them. After all, she was the last Wonderbolt.

Everypony else had left, that was true, so how was it her fault that the Wonderbolts failed? Aside from being captain at the time of closing, she had no reason to blame herself. She tried! More than any of those who left, Rainbow Dash had stayed and ensured the Wonderbolt's continuation—if only for a few short days. 

There it was. That's why it hurt so much more. She had tried to stay loyal to the bitter end, but the boat already sank, and here she drowned when everyone else had been smart enough to abandon ship. She kicked the desk, leaving a scuff mark, then batted a hoof against the plywood. The humiliation and frustration worked together to sit as anchors on her chest. Some tears started to form in her eyes, again, and she blinked them away. She refused to cry for the second, or perhaps it the fifth time today.

As she continued wallowing, a knock came to the door. "Go away," she yelled, hearing the echo from the small space ring louder in her ears. There wasn't a second knock, but she could hear the sound of the door opening. The hinges hadn't been oiled, and doubtless they would be any time soon. "I said, go away," she yelled again, but didn't bother getting up to see who it was.

Whoever entered took a step into the room. Rainbow Dash almost got up to scream at the pony playing deaf to her words, but the voice that spoke could only be Fluttershy. "Rainbow Dash, you need to come out here," she said, and Rainbow peeked her head up from behind the desk. The mare held a big smile on her face that stretched from ear to ear. Rainbow Dash bet whatever Fluttershy wanted could only be bad news—no one smiled that big aside from Pinkie Pie. She would give anything to hear a good joke from that pink mare right now.

For a moment, Rainbow Dash debated throwing the captain's pin at Fluttershy. Though it wouldn't scare the yellow mare into leaving, and she didn't deserve Rainbow's wrath. But before she could do anything, Rainbow Dash heard the sounds of clattering hooves and voices coming from beyond the door. "Did you bring someone with you?" she asked, knowing it had to be that annoying stallion Zephyr Breeze. Yet the sounds were too numerous for just him.

"I didn't bring anyone. But I think you should come out and see," Fluttershy replied, that grin still on her face.

Rainbow Dash tried her best to keep a serene face, though she imagined the sort of things out that door. Perhaps the others had come to Fluttershy's call. The six bearers of the Elements of Harmony, now Wonderbolts. That was an idea Rainbow Dash had mused at one point—but that wasn't the Wonderbolts. That was the Harmonybolts. Wonderelements. Rainbow Dash wasn't sure. But there were too many voices for just those four.

With a heavy sigh, Rainbow lifted the sunglasses off the table and placed them squarely on her face. "Can't let them see my red eyes," she softly said to herself. "Lead the way," she told Fluttershy.

Fluttershy did so without breaking her cheery attitude. Every trot lifted an exaggerated raise of her legs, every movement held a tilt of her head side to side. All of it felt too cheery for Rainbow Dash, especially when nothing warranted cheering. 

And then they came to the main hall. As soon as Rainbow Dash rounded the corner, her jaw sagged, then she went completely slack-jawed. Lines of ponies, dozen upon dozens and then double that, stretched out to the outside. From where she stood, Rainbow could see where the lines led to—the far wall of the hall where a few makeshift tables sat with a pony behind each. One happened to be Zephyr Breeze, and she could only see another mare behind a different table before the lines blocked the others.

"Rainbow Crash!" a voice called, and Rainbow almost sunk to her knees. She couldn't believe her eyes. Rubbing them, she first looked at Fluttershy to make sure she saw clearly, but the yellow mare already meandered toward her brother. When she turned back to the voice, Spitfire had reached her. "I never would've thought you'd keep this place together. I thought making you captain would've just ended with you doing all the moving out by yourself."

"Spitfire! You're back? To be a Wonderbolt?" Rainbow spoke in short bursts. She had been so surprised by the ponies, Spitfire, and Zephyr Breeze that she accidentally held her breath. "I thought you wanted to go out and be something else?"

Spitfire sat her bag down on the ground as the other ex-Wonderbolts settled in behind her. There was Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Blaze—and everyone that left. "We did, but we found it all really—slow. Magic is kind of cool. We just came back to see if you wanted to join us before we tried something else. But seeing all these potential recruits? I don't know. Maybe, well—it just feels right, being back here." Spitfire threw a look over her shoulder, and the others nodded. "I believe you were right, Dash. Being a Wonderbolt isn't our cutie marks, but it is who we are."

"So you'll come back and lead?" Rainbow Dash asked, almost wanting to plead.

"Lead?" Spitfire scratched her chin. "I remember quitting. Can't be a captain if I haven't signed on yet." She then took a look at the rest of the room. "Seems like there will be competition. Maybe I'll lead the Wonderbolts again one day, but for now, I hope to serve with you—Captain Rainbow Dash." She held up her hoof, and Rainbow Dash quickly bumped it with her own. "Let's get in line. I don't want to be the bottom of the basket when it comes to pickings," she told the others as they trailed to the end of the line.

The pain Rainbow Dash had felt only a short while ago evaporated—replaced by another, more unwelcome feeling. She knew what it was, and what she had to do, but it might have been the hardest thing she'd ever do. As she glanced over at Fluttershy who stood next to her brother, Rainbow knew what must be done. With head hung low, Rainbow marched to the gallows. 

Zephyr spoke with one potential recruit, Fluttershy at his back, when Rainbow Dash stepped to his table. "Hey, Rainbow Dash, you like what you see?" He then grinned up at Fluttershy as he rose. She took his seat to help fill in the information from the ponies while Rainbow took him aside. "And I was talking about yours truly." He made a motion with his hoof, the smug look on his face churned her stomach.

"How'd you do it? How'd you get so many ponies here? Did you lie to them?" Rainbow Dash asked her questions in a firm voice, but kept it low enough. She moved him far enough away from other ponies so that she could speak a little louder. "Tell me. Am I going to have to tell all these ponies you promised something that I can't commit?" She made sure to meet his stare, refusing to let him look away.

But the stallion chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't promise these ponies anything. Well—" He paused, and then he did look away. "I did promise the girls something, but it's not extreme. The ladies at the tables are all from the mane dresser shop I work. I asked them to help spread the word and got them to sit in and help me—in return I told them you'd let them advertise the business here." He then gulped, and Rainbow knew there was more. "Also, that you'd let them sponsor any events the Wonderbolts were at. I figured that was fair and you wouldn't mind."

Rainbow Dash studied the stallion a moment. "But where did you advertise? I searched every place in Cloudsdale for ponies to join. How did your little barbershop get such a crowd?"

"Cloudsdale?" he repeated with a start. "Dashie-poo." She wanted to bop him on the snout for such a nickname, but she let him continue. "I went everywhere except Cloudsdale. All these ponies used to be earth ponies and unicorns. Why would anyone who could already fly want to join the Wonderbolts?" He shook his head as though the answer were obvious. "Albeit, I went to places that specialized in more—" he waved his hoof in a dismissive manner "—athletic groups."

"So anywhere you generally avoid?" Rainbow asked in a flat voice.

"Yes! Exactly," he replied with a nod.

"You did all that for me?" Rainbow Dash often ground her teeth in Zephyr's presence, and found him revolting on more that one occasion. But she never would've expected him to go so far out of his way to improve her life, when all she ever did was ignore him. "Even when I didn't ask you to? Why?"

Zephyr shrugged. "It was pretty obvious. The girls needed customers, you needed recruits. I kinda expected a bigger thank you instead of all these questions." He put a hoof on his cheek. "Even the girls were more appreciative, and they had less to lose."

"I—" Rainbow chewed her bottom lip. "Zephyr. I am appreciative. It's just, I mean, I didn't expect—well, that is to say—it's just that you're you and—" She paused, staring at him and growing more frustrated every second. "I just thought you were a lazy, good for nothing, annoying, intrusive, braggart, with no real talent for anything other than procrastinating." 

With a smile, Zephyr nodded along and waited. When it became clear Rainbow Dash wasn't going to continue, he furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to speak. He shut it again as though he expected her to say more. When she didn't, he said, "And now you know that's not true, right?"

Rainbow raised a questioning brow. "No? I'm pretty sure you're still a majority of those things. But you're also a really great friend. And I'm not sure I can ever thank you enough for everything you've done. I thought my dream of being a Wonderbolt was over, but you changed that. Thank you, Zephyr." Ignoring her repulsion, Rainbow gave in. Wrapping her hooves around his shoulder, she embraced Zephyr in a tight hug that lasted for a lot longer than she wanted, but less than he deserved. He had saved the Wonderbolts, when even she couldn't.

"So is it too late to say the deal also included a date?" Zephyr asked.

Pushing away from him, Rainbow kept her hooves on his shoulders. "It so did not. Why would your barbershop friends want to date me?"

"No—me," he started to say with a shake of his head. He must've seen the grin on her face, because he then said, "Very clever, Dash."

"If you're so interested in being near me, I think I've got something else in mind." Rainbow Dash couldn't believe what she was about to suggest. Zephyr being near meant she'd have to put up with the stallion more often than she wanted to—which was never. But maybe she had been wrong about the stallion. Not entirely, he was lazy. "I know it doesn't have much to do with hair, but how about you become my assistant? You'd actually be a valuable member to the Wonderbolts. Without having to fly—wouldn't want to interrupt your siestas."

That sent him slack-jawed. "Assistant? Me? With you? Are you sure you wouldn't rather just go on a date and then let me down easy?"

She chuckled at that, and caught herself. Maybe this was a bad idea. If he got her laughing too often, she might enjoy his company. But it was too late now. "I know it sounds crazy, Zeph, but I think you can do it. Things are changing, and I think you already have. I'd be honored if you came aboard."

Zephyr gave a shrug, and then a nod. "You've got me for as long as you need me." He then raised a leg, motioning for another hug. Rainbow Dash obliged with little hesitation. As they embraced, he said, "So. I did talk to Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail. Apparently there's no code of conduct for dating your fellow Wonderbolt?" She already regretted this.
> Problem 13: Applejack's Amazing Accident
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack tried and tried, over and over, repeatedly failing. While everypony slept, she stood outside, planting her hooves firmly in front of the seedling. She just couldn't do it. Nothing grew, nothing moved. What did she do wrong? Why couldn't it be so simple? Sweat drenched every part of her. She'd lost her hat somewhere, she couldn't remember when. Her whole mind focused on growing the seedling, even just a sprout an inch long. Anything!

From what that idiotic book said, imagining a plant growing was the correct way. Applejack did that—it didn't work. She pictured herself growing to no results. Herself in a tree costume getting bigger? An apple in all its bright, shiny redness? Nothing worked. But she refused to give up.

For a moment, she debated on seeing Starlight Glimmer. If she sought Starlight out, Applejack believed the mare would keep her secret. But even so—that meant Applejack would need to explain her current predicament. She could simply not tell Starlight about her trying any magic at all, but what if she still failed after Starlight's teachings? There'd be no way out of it. She'd be a failure of the great magnitude. 

"Why can't I just let it go? Why am I like this?" she whisper-yelled to herself. It wasn't like she didn't know it was okay to fail, but for some reason that just made her more upset. "Just grow!" This time she did yell, barking the words at the ground. In the moonlight, she could see the dirt had moved from her furious stomping. Stopping, she looked to see if the seedling did anything. Not a thing.

In the silence she heard trotting coming from inside. Down the stairs and into the living room, a candle glided across the room like a ghost. Applejack saw the hoof around it, so it had to be Granny, which made her even more uneasy. "Granny?" she called out in a hushed voice. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

"You did," Granny replied as she slowly creaked open the screen door. "Why are you still awake youngin'? What are you yelling about?"

Applejack didn't want to admit it. She tied her tongue in a knot, refusing to answer. But Granny looked deep into her eyes with that stare only the old, experienced ponies could pull off. She'd have to lie to Granny, and Applejack knew then she was in too deep. With a sigh, she hung her head. "I'm a failure, Granny. I can't do it. I ain't flown, I ain't cast no spells, I've done nothing but stand here and be mad that everyone else is doing more than me. I'm afraid that if I try anything, I'll be the same as this little seed here—sitting in dirt and not doing a darn thing."

Granny came closer and placed a hoof on Applejack's chin, raising her grandchild's head. When they both looked deep into each other's eyes, Granny smiled. "Oh, Applejack. You'll always be nothing but a failure."

"Wh-what?" Applejack spluttered, taking a step away.

"Everypony agrees!" Granny cheered, raising her hooves into the air and sending the candle sailing. "In fact, everypony is here to see you fail!" All of a sudden, the home had ponies popping out of the woodwork. Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie kicked open the screen door, laughing at her with malicious faces. Big Mac and Apple Bloom threw back their heads with laughter as they hovered over her, displaying their flying prowess. 

The flames from the candle kicked up, practically setting the house aflame in an instant. Starlight Glimmer waved from one of the windows, howling with laughter. "You'll never be as good as me even when I was a foal!"

Fluttershy even pointed and snickered at her from the kitchen window. "Even I'm better than you! Even me!" Then there were two Fluttershys in the window, a duplication spell. "Even me!" the other repeated. "Even me!"

When the house had been engulfed in fire, an explosion of flame rose in a ball and formed the head of a pony. The colors of the flame turned from red to light blue. "You'll never be anything but a runt," the voice of Rainbow Dash echoed from the face. "Can't fly, can't cast spells, you can't even grow a plant." Dash boomed with laughter, each word sending flames in every direction.

"Nooo!" Applejack screamed, kicking herself awake. She found dirt stuck to her chin thanks to drool, to which she quickly wiped away. Night hadn't yet passed on, even though she'd fallen asleep outside. It just happened to be right on the spot where the seedling sat, and the dirt on her chin had been what covered it. "What in tarnation just happened?" She scratched the side of her head, realizing now it must've been a dream. The family home looked fine, all lights were out except for one coming down the stairs.

Granny opened the screen door, her face glowing against the moonlight and the candle's glow. Applejack cringed away at the sight of her, still feeling the effects of the dream. "Applejack? What are you doing out here screamin'?" Granny held the candle close, getting a good look at her with those old eyes. "You look like something Winona threw up."

With a sigh, Applejack fell on her rump. Her body ached in places that hadn't hurt since the last time she'd bucked every apple tree in the orchard. That's what she got for falling asleep like she had. "Granny, you ain't got anypony else in there, do ya?"

There was a glint of suspicion in Granny's eyes, as though she wondered if Applejack had gone plum crazy. "Apple Bloom should be in bed?" she said slowly, feeling the words. "Why?"

"I just—Granny, I'm no good." Applejack pulled her hat up off the ground, tucking it on her head and hiding her eyes with it. "I ain't done no flying, no spell castin', and I'm afraid of being the laughing stock of my family and friends." When she finished, she looked up at the windows, hoping there wouldn't be ponies pointing at her. "I'm afraid, Granny. Afraid that I can't keep up."

"Applejack." Granny lifted a hoof and placed in on Applejack's shoulder, and for a moment she thought things might turn out like the dream. Instead, Granny shook her head. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say."

That kind of stung, but Applejack nodded in agreement, then wondered why she agreed at all. "Uh?"

Granny's chest heaved in laughter. "You're the most loved pony I know. From your family to your friends, I don't think a single pony would belittle you for fallin' behind. Every single one of those girls who care about you would do anything in their power to help you, if you asked for their help. They might even do so without you asking, considerin' you're more stubborn than an evergreen come winter. And seeing as how you're still out here, I know that's the truth."

"But the girls could already be better at flying or spells—and they might not even want help with the soil and dirt!" Applejack argued.

"All the more reason to go to them. Yeah, you might be last, but is that really a bad thing? Think of all the experiences you'll have to learn from. You think I got so good at flying by myself?"

Applejack raised an eyebrow at that. "Yeah, kinda."

But Granny chuckled. "Me and the girls been cheerin' each other on. Pushing ourselves to the limits of our new capabilities. Going to Manehattan and back alone? Not a chance. Goldie Delicious would've kicked my tail feathers if I had chickened out, though. We did it together."

"You think I did my work alone?" Apple Bloom asked, surprising both Granny and Applejack. The little filly had been listening from the door, keeping herself shadowed against the candlelight. "I had my friends, Applejack."

"Apple Bloom—" Applejack wanted to chastise the filly for being awake, but more importantly, she didn't want Apple Bloom to look down on her.

"Nuh uh," Apple Bloom opened the screen door and let it slam close behind her. "Let us help you, Applejack. You ain't got to do this alone. Remember those old unicorn ponies you were talkin' about? They did that stuff together!"

Applejack turned away from the two mares, staring down at the seed caked in dirt. "I know you two are right, but I just feel pathetic for not keeping up."

Granny and Apple Bloom sidled up beside her, each one grabbing onto her and hugging tight. "You ain't gotta feel shame, hun," Granny cooed. "Everything takes time. An apple orchard ain't built over night, and it don't complain that the other fruits grow faster. 'Cause once the apple tree's done growin', it produces the finest fruit there is—just like the Apple family."

"Aww, you two," Applejack wrapped a hoof around both, squeezing them tight. "I guess that means I should put this lil' fella up." The seed hovered in the air in front of her. "Shucks, I was really hoping to have a tree here."

"Applejack!" Apple Bloom cried out. "You're doing it!"

Applejack blinked, glancing down at Apple Bloom who'd became wide eyed. She then looked back at the seed, still hovering in front of her, no strings attached. "I am? Does this mean—" Before she could finish her sentence, she saw a root grow from the bottom of the seedling. "Y'all think my own thoughts were keeping me from growing—both the seed and myself?" she asked the two who nodded in agreement. "Hoo boy, I'm never gonna live this one down, am I?" 

"Oh, no," Apple Bloom protested with a grin. "After you've mastered flying and all sorts of magical spells, I am so making fun of you." They all laughed at that, and Applejack couldn't deny her little sister's plan. This would definitely be something Applejack would look back upon and laugh at. Hadn't she just told Sugar Belle a few days ago to lift off her downtrodden spirit and be the alicorn she wanted to see? Applejack hadn't taken her own advice, she now saw, and that made her laugh harder.

The laughing stopped when the seed expanded, shot its roots to the ground, and exploded to life. Granny and Apple Bloom flew to get out of the way as Applejack galloped from the expanding bark. "What in Equestria did I do!?" she hollered as the tree grew and grew. The ground shook underneath her and she tripped onto her chin, flipped, and landed with her rump in the air. Her hat landed gracefully atop her tail. When the rumbling ceased, she got to her hooves and looked back. "Our home!" she gawked, seeing part of the roof torn off. 

More importantly, however, the tree towered over the house. "Applejack! You alright?" Apple Bloom asked as she floated down with Granny. "How in Equestria did you pull off something like that?" The tree wasn't like those in the orchard. This tree looked like a redwood—one of those really big trees. It reminded her of Zecora's home that was a tree itself.

"I, uh, don't know. Did I do that?"

They all took a look around at the tree and the damage. The fence and road to the home no longer existed, a long with part of the vegetable field. Roots dug in the front of the yard like steps up to the doorway, though nothing truly blocked the entrance. In fact, after inspecting the inside and the roof, only Applejack and Big Mac's rooms appeared damaged. The roof nearly torn off from Mac's, and Applejack's had a few shingles and beams on her floor. The wall below remained intact, along with the rest of the home. Though it did have an incredibly large tree next to it—which would provide a lot of shade during summer, and that'd be nice.

Applejack's second fear held no weight. She thought the apples produced by the tree would be large things that might fall and crush their home. Instead, however, the large tree produced normal apples—and in fact already had. Branches splayed out from all directions, almost wild in nature. There would be thousands of apples produced just from this one tree. "This is amazing Applejack!" Granny told her when all was said and done. "I know damages to the home might seem bad now, but it can be fixed. This, however, is grand."

"And we'll do it together," Apple Bloom interjected.

"It's a mighty fine thing, I'll admit, but I don't know how I did it. I think I can do it again, though, with you two by my side. And there's a third who might benefit from it more than we can—if you catch my drift." Applejack grinned at the two who caught on quickly. "C'mon, before he wakes up."

The two flew ahead of Applejack and she raced to keep up. With a little kick off the ground, she flapped her wings and glided, but didn't do more than that. There would be time to learn with others who knew more. Maybe even Mac could teach her, especially since gliding up to the tops of the trees she planned to create would be too difficult to climb.

When Applejack reached the long strip, Apple Bloom pointed out a cart and a log cabin. While most of the trees had been removed and set on the edges of the empty land, the cabin sat inside the limits. A blue tarp made the door, which looked tied up for the night. The cart stood a bit of ways away—though they only needed a few of the contents inside. Surprising all three, however, the seeds Mac had purchased weren't for producing apples. Now, the Apple family had never been shy about producing all sorts of vegetables, but apples were their lifeblood. "Should we do this? This is what he wants, right?" Apple Bloom asked, she held a bunch of pear seeds.

Their mother had been a pear. Big Mac wanted all sorts of fruit trees to grow on his land, though the reason behind it remained a mystery. He wanted it, and he wanted to do it himself. Applejack understood that better than anyone now, but she couldn't leave it be. Peaches, pears, bananas. Whatever he wanted, they'd plant. Applejack gave the nod and they went to work. Only a few seeds of each fruit were needed, the trees would be massive, only allowing for a few sets of each. 

As the sun began its rise, they finished their planting. Now came the difficult part. The feeling of insecurity crushed her like a weighted blanket, but looking at her family ripped it away like a bandage. "Alright," she said, and felt the love in her heart. She wondered if the horn on her forehead was a second heart, as it lit with sparks as soon as she thought of her sister and grandmother. 

Her horn burned white hot, exploding with the spell and sending the ground quaking. Roots shot up from the ground around one seed as the trunk expanded high into the sky. There was only one cloud in the forming light of dawn, and the tree's canopy mashed it into nothing against its growing leaves. As she worked the spell on the second seed, she found she didn't need to do anything. 

To her surprise, and most likely Granny and Apple Bloom's too, the roots shot across and touched another seed. Each one touching another, growing the trunks and bark, sending the new forms high into the sky. A chain reaction, connecting them all like she connected to her family.

Of course, Big Mac had awoken at the first tree's rumbling, and shot out of his cozy cabin by the time the second tree sprung roots. He marched up to Applejack, a slack-jawed expression aiding the drool streaming down his chin. Granny and Apple Bloom fell in behind him, coming up on either side. They all stood in the shadows of the giants, everyone remaining silent until the long rows of trees ended their growth. The wind shook the newly formed leaves as the rumbling ceased.

"What did you do?" he whispered, when he eventually spoke.

"We thought you could use some help," Applejack answered him, she couldn't stop herself from sounding slightly embarrassed. "You've been out here all alone, but you should've known better, and we should've known it too. Apples don't let Apples do all the hard work alone. We're family."

Now it was his turn to be embarrassed. "Eeyup." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking down with shame in his eyes. "I just wanted to do it myself. To prove I could."

"I thought that was the case." Applejack frowned for a moment, knowing what she was about to say. "While you've been working hard to prove yourself, I've been wallowing in my own self pity. The truth is Mac, I can't do much of the things you can do. You're a real natural at this alicorn business. Growing these gargantuan behemoths is about all I can do so far—and that's a surprise to me more than anypony here."

"It's amazing," he interjected, his eyes turning back to the treetops.

"I thought I could keep up with you, and Granny, and Apple Bloom. That I could do it all by myself. I couldn't. I can't. I need to tell myself that. I don't know why you broke it off with Sugar Belle, but I realize now I was less mad about that and more upset that you acted like you were practically born an alicorn. I'm not sure if it was jealousy or flat out insecurity, but I know it was wrong. I'm sorry, Mac."

"Applejack—" Mac started to say, but he stopped himself. With a shake of his head and a stern expression, he stared down at her like an angry parent. "If this is all to get me to talk about Sugar Belle, you can forget it."

In response, Applejack smiled up at him. "It's not. You'll always have your family, even if we don't understand exactly why you do the things you do. We'll be there no matter what. Whether it's breakups or bananas, you're not alone."

His head hung sorrowful at that. "Thank you." He nodded to Apple Bloom and Granny, repeating the words. "I think I needed to hear that too. I wanted to show that I could this, and to prove I'm worthy of Sugar Belle. She's a true princess, she's always been my princess, wings or horn didn't matter. But the family orchard never really felt like it was my accomplishment. I needed to show her that I was worthy."

"Aww," both Granny and Apple Bloom cooed in unison.

"Then why even breakup with her?" Applejack asked, more confused than ever.

"I needed to prove myself. I figured, if I couldn't provide something truly worth her, I wasn't worth marrying her or taking on the title of royalty."

"Well, technically you and her aren't princesses—err, royalty," Applejack replied. "I'm not sure any of us are. I think character is what makes you that, Twilight would know more." She then waved her own words away as though they smelled bad. "Not the point."

Big Mac frowned at her with his big cheeks. "My point is that I wanted to do this by myself." His voice started to rise, and Applejack began feeling the heat of his words. Yet he simmered before he became too hot. Finally, he said, "Thank you, Applejack. I do think you're right. My family is important to me, y'all are part of me, and what you do is part of what I do. Sugar Belle gets all of us!"

"Yeah!" Granny and Apple Bloom yelled, cheering on Big Mac, and even Applejack let out a little holler.

"Did somepony say my name?" a voice called out. They all looked around, but were surprised to see Sugar Belle floating down with small flaps of her wings. "I certainly hope it wasn't some stallion looking to reconnect," she said with a huff as she landed.

Mac strode forward, bowing his head to her. "Sugar Belle, I'm sorr—"

"Nope," Sugar Belle cut him off, walking around him to Applejack. "I came back to thank you, Applejack." Sugar Belle had a set of saddlebags on her back, and she had an air of nobility. No tears, no sadness. She reached into one bag and lifted out a wrapped up box, bringing it to Applejack's face. "You were completely right."

"I was?" Applejack asked, dumbfounded. She unwrapped the box, only out of habit, just to find inside was a pastry. A muffin with a chocolate chip horn and frosting wings. "Well this is lovely lookin', though a little early for something so sweet."

"I took your advice and decide to try and find out what this world had to offer. Turns out, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Sugar Belle glanced around at the ponies around her, all except for Big Mac, of course. "I said that correct, right? Anyway. Pastries are my passion—but now everyone is an alicorn. So I decided to make pastries based entirely around alicorn designs. Don't you think it's neat? They're selling like hotcakes—well, actually the hotcakes are the only ones not selling compared to everything else." She let out a giggle and came close to Applejack. "Thank you so much. Without your advice, I would've been still here crying over Big Mac."

Applejack let Sugar Belle hug her, but her eyes drifted to Mac who looked both angry and defeated. "Uh, I mean, maybe he had a good reason—"

Sugar Belle cut her off too. "Sorry, Applejack. Had to come early this morning. I've got a new business deal for an opening of a shop in Canterlot. Princess Pastries! Look for it next time you're in the city." With a turn she trotted past Mac with her eyes closed before taking a few big steps for a flight up into the sky.

"Bye Sugar Belle!" Apple Bloom waved, but Granny quickly pushed her hoof down.

Reflexively, Applejack took a big, nervous gulp of air. "N-now, Mac, I know what you're thinking."

Instead of being furious though, Big Mac looked positively tickled. "Ain't she somethin'?" he asked, his eyes drifting over his shoulder to glance in Sugar Belle's diminishing direction.

"Beg yer pardon," Granny asked before Applejack could.

"Well, she's gonna need a lot of fruits to make some special pastries, ain't she?" Big Mac said with a wide smile. "And guess who just happens to have an incredibly large supply of different fruits?"

Applejack got it, and started laughing. "Big Mac, you crazy stallion." Granny started laughing too at the same time as Mac, leaving Apple Bloom to be the only one silent.

"I don't get it," Apple Bloom said loudly, cutting through the group's laughter. "He broke up with Sugar Belle to prove he was worthy of her love, and wants to get back together? But he already had her love and didn't need to prove anything? Am I missing somethin'?"

They all stopped laughing at that. "Uhh," Mac murmured.

Then Granny added, "Kinda sounds stupid when you explain it all out loud."

"Yeah," Applejack exaggerated the word for a few seconds, leaving it hanging like a bad cloud. "About as dumb as refusing to ask for help and feeling like a failure because of your own pride?"

They all went silent for a moment until Granny clapped her hooves together. "How about we just take the events of the last few days and wrap them all up into another one of the famous Apple family secrets, eh kids?"

"Yep," Applejack agreed instantly, Mac nodded, and Apple Bloom made a motion of zipping over her lips. None of the four mentioned the previous days for the rest of their lives.