> Eric Sparkle and the Crystal Caverns
>  by Skywalker215
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: A Day with Starlight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week passed since the Crystalling and Glacio’s failed attack on the Crystal Empire. Eric was gem hunting with Rarity and Spike. 

“The last time I was here, I woke them and ended up with a mane full of bats!” Rarity said in a hushed tone, then sighed, “Thanks for being my basket holder, Spike.”

“Basket holder? I thought I was your bodyguard,” Spike asked.

“What? Oh, heh, yes, yes, that of course, too. Oh, for once I wish unicorn magic wasn’t so... luminescent!” Rarity replied and complained.

“D-d-did y-you s-say, ‘b-b-b-bats? ‘Cause I-I’m scared of them,” Eric asked in a hushed, terrified tone.

Eric immediately rushed over to Rarity and held onto her, still trembling.

All of a sudden, Spike began glowing and the bats began opening their eyes.

“Spike, you’ll wake the bats! Turn that off!” Rarity said in a hushed tone.

“Ugh, I can’t!” Spike replied as he groaned and scratched.

Rarity gasped as she saw bats had woke up, this caused Eric to scream as the three of them ran out of the cave.

“We’re so glad you two could come!” Twilight said.

“It’s always good to see you both, preferably under pleasant situations like this,” Storm added.

“Of course. We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit,” Luna replied.

“There’s usually some crisis we have to deal with. Somepony always needs our help. But today—” Celestia tried to say as they heard Rarity and Eric scream, ‘Help!’

“Twilight! There’s something wrong with Spike!” Rarity said as she opened the door.

Rarity then levitated Spike onto the table, he was still scratching as his scales kept burning.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“You okay, little buddy?” Storm added.

“I don’t know! Nngh! All of a sudden, my scales just started glowing and... burning!” Spike replied as he grunted.

Eric got off of Rarity and quickly ran over to Twilight and Storm, still trembling.

Twilight noticed this and asked, “Eric, what’s wrong, sweetie?” 

“W-when we were i-in the g-gem c-cave, S-Spike started glowing a-and it woke the b-b-b-bats!” Eric replied whilst still scared.

“I’m here, sweetie. It’s okay, you’re home,” Twilight said. 

Eric calmed down in his mother’s embrace.

“Little is known about dragon culture, but this is a phenomenon we’ve seen before. It is the call of the Dragon Lord,” Luna said.

“Dragons glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands,” Celestia added.

“Great... H-How do I make it stop?!” Spike asked.

“The only way to end the summons is to answer it. You must journey to the Dragon Lands and see what is expected of you,” Luna replied. 

“B-B-But the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons! And they’re ghastly creatures! Oh, oh, not you, of course, Spikey-wikey. But remember that rotten Garble?” Rarity pointed out.

“How could I forget? He would have burnt us to a crisp if you weren’t there. If I have to go to the Dragon Lands, would you three come with me?” Spike asked.

“Ooh! Oh my goodness, I’d love to! We are sadly lacking any information on dragon culture and customs. I could research them – maybe even write an article! This could be my chance to make a great contribution to the knowledge of Equestria! And be there for Spike, heh, of course,” Twilight replied.

“Your mom just happens to get excited when it comes to knowledge,” Storm said to Eric.

“Be very careful. The Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies. It would be wise to be discreet,” said Celestia.

“Ooh! I’m sure I still have the dragon costume we used the last time we snuck into the Dragon Lands!” Rarity said, then giggled.

“I think we might want something a little more practical this time,” Twilight replied.

“As if disguising the four of us, including Rainbow Dash, as one dragon was not practical enough,” Storm added.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t ask me to come along to the Dragon Lands. ‘Cause I don’t wanna bump into that Garble dragon you told me about,” Eric said.

“That’s why we arranged to have Starlight watch you. As of today, she’ll be your foalsitter,” Twilight replied.

“Okay, mommy. See you later,” said Eric as Twilight, Storm, Rarity, and Spike gave him a group hug.

Soon, Starlight came down and went up to Eric.

“Hi, Starlight,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric,” Starlight replied as she hugged him.

There was a moment of silence between them as they were trying to think.

“So, what do you want to do today?” Starlight asked breaking the silence.

“I was thinking we could go to the park and meet my friends,” Eric replied.

“That sounds nice, sure beats staying here at the castle all day,” Starlight said.

Eric then climbed on Starlight’s back and soon enough, they reached the park. Once there, Eric climbed off of Starlight and met up with his friends from school: Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Pipsqueak, Rumble, Featherweight, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon.

“Hi, Eric!” his classmates greeted.

“Hi, guys,” Eric replied.

“Eric, over here!” five more voices called.

“Holly! Marina! Nightshade! Slapstick! Zuni! It’s so good to see you,” Eric said as he gave them a group hug.

As well as Eric’s four friends from Canterlot and Holly from Whitetail Woods, their parents and/or guardians were present. The stallion accompanying Nightshade had a light gray coat and a dark blue mane with gray streaks, along with a key and a pocket watch for a cutie mark. The buck watching Holly was her uncle Blackthorn, captain of the deer guard.

“Good to finally meet you personally, Eric Sparkle. I’m Clockwork, butler of Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis,” the stallion said.

“Let me guess, they and Nightshade told you about me?” Eric asked.

“Correct,” Clockwork replied.

Eric went up to Sweetie Belle and hugged her, and they shared a kiss. Starlight didn’t know how to react once she saw this.

“Am I missing something here?” Starlight asked.

“Starlight, Sweetie Belle and I are in love,” Eric replied.

“Howdy, Nightshade!” Apple Bloom said sweetly.

“Hello, Apple Bloom,” Nightshade replied as they shared a kiss.

Marina and Rumble also greeted each other in sharing a kiss, along with Zuni and Pip.

Eric played with all his friends and also did some catching up.

“You know, everyone? I think Starlight and Sunburst like each other,” Eric said in a quiet tone.

“How so? Tell us more,” Slapstick asked.

“I think they like each other in the same way that Sweetie Belle and I do, as with Nightshade and Apple Bloom, you and Scootaloo, Marina and Rumble, and Zuni and Pip. I could tell Sunburst was blushing,” Eric explained as his friends giggled.

Meanwhile, deep in the Crystal Mountains, Glacio and his minions were still reeling from their defeat in the Crystal Empire.

“What’s our next move, my lord?” Frostbite asked.

“We shall make an alliance with the changelings. Send Hot Shot, Thundercracker, and Skywarp, along with Hydia, Reeka, and Draggle to the Changeling Hive. I want to meet with Queen Chrysalis,” Glacio ordered.

“It will be done, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

Soon enough, Frostbite teleported Hot Shot and his partners to the Changeling Hive. Once there, the five colts were escorted to the throne room by some changeling guards. 

“Hot Shot and his partners are here to see you, my queen,” the guard said. 

The colts and gorgons bowed in respect and said, “We’re here because Glacio wants to meet with you at our fortress in the Crystal Mountains.”

“We’ll be right with you. Pharynx, Cornicle, and Spiracle, you’re with me. Tymbal, you’re in charge until we return,” Queen Chrysalis replied, then ordered.

Chrysalis then teleported herself, several of her drones, along with Hot Shot and his partners to the ice fortress. There, they escorted the changelings to the throne room to begin their meeting.

“Welcome, Queen Chrysalis. I have requested your presence on an important matter, we wish to form an alliance with you and your subjects,” Glacio said.

“May I ask why you intend to go through with this? And what do you have to offer us?” Chrysalis asked.

“In exchange for helping us freeze Equestria, you and your subjects can feed on all the love you want. With our combined forces, Equestria will be ours, then you and I shall rule together, my lustful queen,” Glacio explained.

“I love the sound of that. We accept your offer, my lustful prince,” Chrysalis replied as she and Glacio kissed.

As the two royals kissed, they got their tongues involved before separating.

“However, we have a new threat to our combined cause,” Frostbite said.

“Recently, a two legged creature named Eric Sparkle and his friends, along with Princess Twilight, Sir Storm and their friends have thwarted our attack on the Crystal Empire,” Hydia added.

“I pity your failure, we must destroy this Eric Sparkle, along with his friends if we are to succeed!” Chrysalis suggested hastily.

“Patience, Chrysalis. We’ll deal with them and all our enemies soon enough. In the meantime, my spy in Canterlot shall unleash my pet lurking in the Crystal Caverns,” Glacio replied, as he and Chrysalis both laughed evilly.

Back in Ponyville a few hours later, Eric and Starlight were still out and about.

“What do you want to do now, Eric?” Starlight asked.

“I was thinking we could go get some ice cream,” Eric said.

“Sounds good,” Starlight replied.

Eric got one scoop of chocolate and another of vanilla, while Starlight got two scoops of butter pecan. Soon, Twilight, Storm, Spike, and Rarity had returned finding Eric and Starlight walking back to the castle.

“Mommy! Storm! Spike!” Eric said.

“Hi, sweetie,” Twilight replied sweetly as she hugged him.

“Did you have fun with Starlight, sport?” Storm asked.

“I did, Storm. We hung out at the park with my friends, had lunch at the cafe, and lastly we had some ice cream,” Eric replied.

“You were right about him, Twilight. Eric is such a cute little sweetheart,” Starlight added.

A short time later, Rarity returned home, while Twilight, Storm, Spike, Starlight, and Eric went back to their castle. The five of them had dinner together, while eating, they told Eric and Starlight about their adventure in the Dragon Lands.
> Chapter 2: Eric meets Trixie/Jasper and Smokey's New Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three days went by since Spike’s visit to the Dragon Lands. Twilight and Storm were giving their respective students; Starlight, Jasper, and Smokey, their first lesson for the day. 

Twilight took a plate from the cart and placed it on the table and said, “First lesson of the day, we very carefully set the table without using magic, so that— Yikes!”

Twilight and Storm ducked down as plates and silverware were magically placed on the table. Starlight, Jasper, and Smokey each had a smile on their faces that said, ‘Ta-da!’

“Did you...?! How? When? What?!” Twilight asked frantically.

“What?” Starlight, Jasper, and Smokey asked in unison.

“We said no magic. You were supposed to do it by hoof so we could work in a friendship lesson,” Twilight said.

“I expected you to do the same, Smokey and Japser,” Storm added.

“Oh, we heard “set the table” and just kinda went for it,” Starlight replied as she gave Smokey and Jasper a hoofbump.

“Sorry about that. Honest mistake, professor,” Smokey and Jasper added.

“Well, if you three hadn’t used magic, you’d have heard us say, uh... this plate represents your head, this spoon is your heart, and the knives... are sharp! Always be careful with knives. The metaphors make more sense when you’re actually setting the table,” Twilight said and sighed.

“Is that the best you can come up with? Way to make up a metaphor, Twily,” Storm replied.

“Hey! I know what I’m saying...most of the time,” Twilight retorted.

“Should we... change it back?” Starlight asked.

“We just want to make sure you’re all ready for this dinner. Princess Celestia will be joining us tomorrow night to see how the friendship lessons are going!” Twilight replied.

“It’s fine, just please make sure to listen to us closely next time,” Storm added.

“If it’s just you, me, Eric, Storm, Jasper, Smokey, and Princess Celestia, why are there nine seats?” Starlight asked.

“Well, the whole point is for you three to bring a new friend. That way, the princess will see for herself just how far you’ve all come. And how good teachers you all have,” Twilight explained.

“Well, I can’t choose. I like all your friends,” Starlight said.

“Neither can we, and we happen to be dating two of them,” Jasper and Smokey added.

“That’s the best part! You three have to make a new friend!” Twilight pointed out.

“New friends? Hey, maybe I’ll just force friendships by magically enslaving the entire population of Ponyville!” Starlight jokingly said.

“Starlight!” Twilight shouted.

“Kidding!” Starlight laughed nervously.

“A better option would be to set up a friendship booth,” Jasper said.

“What do you think about that, Storm?” Smokey asked.

“Good thinking, Jasper and Smokey. You’ll want to take Eric with you,” Storm replied.

“Eric!” Twilight called out.

Eric came down as soon as he was called. 

“What is it, mommy?” he asked.

“We have a task for you. We want you to help Smokey and Jasper with their friendship booth and help them make a new friend,” Twilight replied.

Soon enough, Eric, Starlight, Jasper, and Smokey were out in town. 

“Now where would be a good place to set up a friendship booth?” Jasper wondered.

“How about near Sugarcube Corner?” Eric suggested.

“Great idea, Eric. I like your thinking,” Smokey replied.

“Let’s see. Make new friends in Ponyville, the friendliest place in Equestria. Shouldn’t be hard...” Starlight said before Pinkie popped up.

“Need to make a new friend, huh? I know just the pony for you!” Pinkie suggested as she took off with Starlight into Sugarcube Corner.

“Miss Starlight Glimmer, meet Mrs. Cake!” Pinkie said.

“How are you, dearie?” Mrs. Cake greeted.

“Are you baking? Can I help?” Starlight asked. She then used her magic to create a rather impressive three-layer cake. 

“Wow, Mrs. Cake! Look what your new friend made you!” Pinkie said.

“New friend. I like the sound of– Howza-wowza! A-Are you trying to put me out of business with your fancy magical-thingy-whatsit cake?!” Mrs. Cake gasped in shock.

Starlight accidentally dropped the cake right onto Mrs. Cake’s mane, then apologized, “Sorry...”

“In her defense, it is delicious!” Pinkie pointed out as she licked the frosting and took a bite.

A short time later, Jasper and Smokey set up their friendship booth. Eric pointed his wand at himself, activated an Amplifying Charm and said, “Attention, everypony! Looking to make two new friends? Step right up and come on over to Jasper and Smokey’s Friendship Booth!” 

Soon enough, a green-eyed, reddish brown griffon came to their booth and said, “I’m looking for a friend.”

“You’re in luck, because you’ve got two new friends right here,” Eric replied, “This is Jasper and Smokey.”

“Good to meet you, Jasper and Smokey. I’m Gale,” the griffon greeted.

“Good to meet you too, Gale,” Smokey and Jasper replied.

Eric, Jasper, Smokey, and Gale went back to the castle. En route, Jasper, Smokey, and Eric got to know Gale and told him about themselves.

Meanwhile, Starlight was having a tougher time finding a new friend.

“What is going on? This is Ponyville! If I can’t make a friend here, there’s gotta be something wrong with me! Okay, calm down. Nobody makes friends with a total stresscase,” Starlight said to herself, while standing near a fountain.

She looked around seeing many ponies with their friends, then she began to feel uneasy.

“Stop stressing... Stop stressing!” Starlight started shouting.

Starlight then dashed off realizing she drew too much attention to herself. Just then, she went to the spa. There, she got her hooves massaged.

“This is just what I needed,” she sighed in relaxation.

“Tell me about it,” a mare behind her replied.

“You ever have one of those days?” Starlight asked.

“For me, they’re all one of those days,” the other mare replied.

Starlight just giggled at this.

“I’m gonna start coming here every time I visit Ponyville,” the other mare said.

“I’m not from here either. I’ve been trying to make friends, but it’s not easy. They’re not saying it, but I think everypony knows about my past. I may have been a tiny bit... completely and utterly evil?” Starlight explained.

“Ponies judge me on my past too,” the other mare replied.

“Finally, a pony I can relate to,” Starlight said.

Back at the castle the next day, Twilight and Storm were resetting the table.

“Soup spoon, salad fork, pasta spoon, strawberry pick. I’m beginning to think that after friendship, the greatest magic of all is proper silverware placement!” Twilight said and giggled.

“Only you would ever think that way, Twily,” Storm replied.

“Twilight, guess what? I made a new friend!” Starlight said galloping into the dining room.

“So did we, Storm!” said Jasper and Smokey.

“That’s great!” Storm replied to his students.

“That’s fantastic news!” Twilight replied to Starlight.

“Our new friend is a griffon!” Jasper and Smokey said in unison.

“She’s great!” Starlight said.

“Great!” Twilight replied.

“She’s powerful!” Starlight said.

“Powerful?” Twilight asked.

“She’s—” Starlight tried to say as her new friend revealed herself.

“Hello... princess and sir knight!” the blue magician mare said.

“It’s been a while, Sir Storm,” Gale added.

“Trixie?! Gale?!” Twilight and Storm replied in unison.

“You know each other?” Starlight, Eric, Jasper, and Smokey asked in unison.

“You could say that,” Twilight replied somewhat bitterly.

“We’ve had our differences. What matters is Twilight and Storm gave me a second chance, and I appreciate it,” Trixie added.

“I’ve come to make amends with you, Storm. I was only a bully because my big sister, Gilda picked on me. Can you forgive me?” Gale explained.

“Very well. I forgive you, Gale,” Storm said.

“Thank you, Sir Storm,” Gale replied.

“Hi, Trixie. I’m Eric Sparkle,” Eric said.

“Let me guess, Princess Twilight is your mom?” Trixie asked.

“Yes, she adopted me nine months ago,” Eric replied. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Eric,” said Trixie.

“So, um, what brings you to Ponyville?” Twilight asked.

“The Grrrreat and Powerful Trrrrixiehas come to perform a new stage show of grand illusion! I am calling it ‘The Humble and Penitent Trixie’s Equestrian Apology Tour’!” Trixie replied.

“That’s kind of a mouthful,” Starlight pointed out in a hushed tone.

“It’s a working title,” Trixie replied in a hushed tone.

While Twilight, Storm, and Starlight went to talk in private, Eric stayed behind so he could talk to Trixie. She told him about herself, then Eric explained his story about arriving in Equestria, his adoption, and his accomplishments. Jasper and Smokey also got to know Trixie, they told her about their experiences.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Prince Blueblood was accompanied by Hot Shot and his partners, along with the changeling spy, Spiracle. They were out near the entrance of the Crystal Caverns. Once inside the caverns, they followed the sound of sinister hissing.

Hydia was carrying a bag full of chickens, he soon fed them to Glacio’s pet. It was a snake-like creature with talons, leathery wings like a dragon, yellow eyes, and mouth full of sharp teeth capable of inflicting a venomous bite. 

“The time has come to unleash you on Canterlot, Grimlock,” Hot Shot said to the creature as he, his partners, and Blueblood cackled.

Soon enough, the creature exited the caverns and snuck into the outskirts of Canterlot.

Back in Ponyville a few hours later, it was now nighttime and Trixie’s magic show was over.

“Storm, what was your problem with Gale?” Eric asked.

“Gale was my biggest bully, he picked on me since I was your age. He would pounce on me, divebomb me, pull pranks on me, such as the ‘there’s a spider on your rump’ trick, and whenever I ignored him, he would knock on my head with his claws saying ‘Hello! Hello! Anypony home?’ It got on my nerves. But I forgave him for all that, since he told my why he did what he did.” Storm explained.

Twilight and Storm suddenly realized that they still needed to get back to the castle and meet up with Princess Celestia. There, they went to resolve the little mishap with Cranky Doodle, Ditzy Doo, and DJ-Pon3.

“We’re sorry about this little mistake, Celestia. We should have had more faith in Starlight in finding a new friend on her own, but instead we nearly ended a friendship before it’s even begun,” Twilight explained.

“Yeah, Twilight and I are still new at being teachers,” Storm added.

“I understand, Twilight and Storm. What matters more is that your students were able to make new friends. You two have learned a big lesson in being in being teachers, and I can see that your students have made great progress,” Celestia replied pointing to Trixie and Gale.

After dinner was finished and Celestia left for Canterlot, Twilight, Storm, and Eric sat in the living room and did some nighttime reading before bed.
> Chapter 3: Eric's Birthday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was now July 4th. Eric was asleep, Twilight came in and woke him up by tickling him with her wings, making him stir, and he woke up right away.

“Morning, Eric. Happy birthday, sweetie,” Twilight said.

“Morning, mommy. Thank you,” Eric replied.

Eric told Twilight, Storm, and all his friends when his birthday was a few months back. He was now six years old.

They went into the dining room with Storm, Starlight, and Spike. Soon enough, the pancakes and scrambled eggs were ready. Eric got some chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, he then started eating, along with everyone else.

“Happy birthday, sport,” Storm said.

“Thanks, Storm,” Eric replied.

As soon as they were all finished eating, Twilight and Spike began writing party invitations. She then used a copying spell and mailed them across Ponyville, then to Canterlot and the Crystal Empire.

A short time later, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Jasper, and Smokey, along with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo came over to help get the castle ready for the party. Eric and Storm went out and tried to think of what to do until the party began.

“Storm, can we go to Cloudsdale?” Eric asked.

“Sure we can, sport. Just let me cast the cloud-walking spell,” Storm replied as his horn lit up.

As soon as the cloud-walking spell was in place, Storm teleported to Cloudsdale with Eric. There, Eric climbed on Storm’s back and they walked around the city, he then started shivering.

“It’s really cold up here. It’s also very hard to breathe,” Eric said.

“That’s because of the altitude. The higher up you go, the colder it gets, and the air is thin. Let’s go inside and get warm,” Storm replied.

Meanwhile, in the Crystal Mountains ice fortress, Glacio and Frostbite were anxiously waiting for a report. Just then, Hot Shot and his cohorts, along with Prince Blueblood came in.

“Anything to report?” Frostbite asked.

“We released Grimlock to cause trouble in Canterlot as ordered, my lord,” Blueblood replied.

“Good. We shall send you some assistance, Blueblood,” Glacio replied, then called, “Wind Rider! Descent!”

Just then, a pale cerulean pegasus stallion with a greenish gray mane, amber eyes, aviator jacket and a helmet with goggles and winglets for a cutie mark came in, along with a pale grayish blue pegasus stallion with a dark blue mane, yellow eyes, and a skull with wings for a cutie mark.

“You wanted to see us, my lord?” Descent asked.

“Correct, you two are to accompany Blueblood in his spying operations, disguised as guards,” Glacio ordered.

“As you wish, my lord,” Wind Rider replied.

Soon enough, Blueblood teleported himself, along with Wind Rider and Descent back to Canterlot. There, he released his personal guards from his service, then Wind Rider and Descent put on their disguises.

Back in Cloudsdale one and a half hours later, Eric and Storm were at the Wonderbolts Museum. Just as they went through all the exhibits, Eric heard his stomach rumbling then said, “I’m getting hungry, Storm.”

“How ‘bout we go to the Sky High Café, and then go meet the Wonderbolts afterwards?” Storm suggested.

“I’d like that,” Eric replied as they exited the museum.

Once at the café, they happened to see a bluish purple pegasus stallion with a rainbow mane and tail, amber eyes, with a rainbow and horseshoe for a cutie mark, and a light grayish cornflower blue pegasus mare with cerise eyes, an orange mane and tail with lighter orange streaks, a cloud with whistling wind waves for a cutie mark, and a blue sweater.

There was also a pale, light malachite green pegasus stallion with a light amaranthish gray mane, grayish turquoise eyes, along with a three clouds cutie mark. Beside him was a pale amber pegasus mare with a raspberry colored mane and tail, cerise eyes with glasses on, and three flowers as a cutie mark, along with golden earrings and pearl necklace.

“Hi, Storm,” The light green stallion greeted.

“How’ve you been?” the amber mare asked.

“Hi, Posey. Hi, Gentle Breeze. I’ve never been better, especially since I moved in with my girlfriend, Twilight,” Storm replied.

“I’m Eric Sparkle, and it’s my birthday,” Eric introduced himself.

“Good to meet you, Eric. Happy birthday,” said Posey.

“Hi, Windy. Hi, Hothoof. These are Fluttershy’s and Rainbow’s friends, Sir Storm Blade and Eric Sparkle,” Gentle Breeze greeted.

“Pleasure to finally meet you two. Our daughters speak very highly of you,” Windy said to Storm.

“Mind if we join you?” Storm asked.

“Don’t mind at all,” said Bow Hothoof.

Soon enough, Eric and Storm each ordered a salad topped with almonds and shredded cheese, along with breadsticks. While eating, Eric told Fluttershy’s and Rainbow’s parents about his arrival in Equestria, adoption, and everything else he did since.

After they finished eating, Eric and Storm went to the Wonderbolt Academy. There, they noticed a golden pegasus mare with a bright orange mane and tail with amber stripes, brownish orange eyes and wore a blue suit with a yellow stripe on the underside and a yellow lightning bolt on the hip. There was also a pale cornflower blue pegasus stallion with a dark blue mane and tail, green eyes and wore the same outfit only his had a winged lightning bolt on the hip, along with two additional pegasus mares: the first was light arctic blue with a light gray mane and tail and had cerise eyes, the second was pale light olive with mane and tail colored in two shades of light arctic blue, had sea green eyes and both wore he same uniform as the others.

“Hi, Spitfire. Hi, Soarin,” Storm greeted.

“Good to see you, Sir Storm,” Soarin replied.

“You’re Eric Sparkle, good to finally meet you,” Spitfire greeted.

“Good to meet you too, Captain Spitfire,” Eric said.

“What brings you two here?” Soarin asked.

“I’m just showing Eric around Cloudsdale, it’s his birthday today,” Storm replied.

“Happy birthday, Eric. I’m Fleetfoot, and this here’s Misty Fly,” the arctic blue mare said pointing to her wing-mare.

“Hi, Eric. Happy birthday,” Misty Fly added.

“How do you all know my name?” Eric asked.

“Rainbow Dash told us about you,” Soarin replied.

Soon enough, Eric and Storm left the Wonderbolt Academy, with Eric waving to Spitfire and Soarin. Storm then teleported himself and Eric back to Ponyville. Once back at the castle, they went inside finding out the lights were off.

Just then the lights were turned on, confetti cannons fired off, then Pinkie tooted a party favor and shouted, “SURPRISE! Happy birthday!”

Everypony else revealed themselves and unfurled a banner which read ‘Happy Birthday Eric’ on it.

Eric was in his happy place, surrounded by family and friends, he then noticed a huge stack of presents.

“Are those for me?” Eric asked.

“You bet they are, birthday boy. Happy birthday,” Applejack replied.

“Happy birthday, Eric,” Fluttershy added.

“Happy birthday, little buddy,” Rainbow said.

“Happy birthday, darling,” Rarity added.

Just then, Eric heard his grandparents say, “Hi, Eric!”

“Grandpa! Grandma!” Eric said as he hugged them.

“Happy birthday, dearie,” Velvet replied.

“Happy birthday, little dude,” Night Light added.

“Hi, Uncle Shining! Hi, Aunt Cadance!” Eric greeted as he hugged his aunt and uncle, “Good to see you again, Sunburst.”

“Hi, Eric. Happy birthday,” Sunburst greeted.

“Happy birthday, buddy,” Shining said.

“Happy birthday, Eric, you sweet little nephew,” Cadance added, “There’s somepony else who wants to say, ‘happy birthday’”

“Hi, Flurry,” said Eric to his baby cousin.

Flurry babbled and reached her hooves out, making contact with Eric’s face.

Eric was soon greeted by his friends.

“Hi Eric! Happy birthday,” Nightshade said.

“Hi Nightshade!” Eric replied.

Eric also received a hug and ‘Happy Birthday’ from Holly, Marina, Zuni, Slapstick, Marina, Jasper and Smokey, along with his cousins, Stardust and Moonshadow, his great-uncle and great-aunt, Valiant Knight and Starshine, and all his classmates.

“Happy birthday, Eric,” said Cheerilee as she hugged him.

“I’m glad we invited you, Miss Cheerilee. It’s nice to see you outside school,” Eric replied.

Just then, Lancer, Kimono, Misty Sky, Flash Sentry, Scarlet Dusk, and Stargazer came up to Eric, along with a pale green pegasus stallion with a yellow-green mane and tail, pear green eyes, and two lightning bolts and a pine tree for a cutie mark. They each hugged him and wished him a ‘happy birthday’.

“Hi, Eric. I’m Forest Thunder, Storm’s cousin,” the pale green pegasus stallion said, “Happy birthday.”

“Good to meet you, Forest,” Eric replied.

“Sorry I didn’t come for Thanksgiving, I was sick with the flu,” Forest apologized.

“Eric, I’d like you to meet my cousin, Gloriosa Daisy.” Cheerilee said. She was a pale amaranth pink earth pony mare with a mane and tail colored in two shades of raspberry, light green eyes, a single daisy for a cutie mark, and she wore a headdress made of daisies.

“Good to meet you, Gloriosa,” Eric said.

“Same here. My cousin, Cheerilee told me about you. I’m a maid in the Crystal Castle.” Gloriosa replied, “My brother, Timber Spruce also wants to meet you.”

Just then, there came a light tangelo orange earth pony stallion with grayish green eyes, a mane and tail colored in two shades of aquamarine, and a gold four-point star with spruce branches on both sides for a cutie mark.

Even Princesses Celestia and Luna were present, Eric came up and eagerly greeted them, “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! You came!”

“Hi, Eric. Happy birthday,” Celestia replied.

“We wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything,” Luna added.

Soon enough it was time for cake. The cake had one layer vanilla and the other one chocolate with chocolate frosting and vanilla filling, as well as six lit candles atop. After Eric blew out the candles, the cake was sliced and everyone got their share of it, as well as indulging in cookies, ice cream, chips, crackers, and veggie platters.

Eric began opening his gifts. He got new clothes from Rarity, pet toys for Ron and a book on magical creatures from Fluttershy, a wooden pet bed and a blanket from Applejack, Wonderbolt posters from Rainbow Dash, a rock candy kit from Pinkie Pie, some magic and history books, along with new quills from his mom, Twilight, and some new toys, including a frisbee from Storm. Eric also got gifts and cards from the rest of his family and friends.

“Nightshade, anything to report from Canterlot?” Eric asked.

“We spotted Blueblood and the rest of Glacio’s minions near the entrance of the Crystal Caverns, then they released a dangerous creature. It was snake-like with talons, leathery wings like a dragon, yellow eyes, and had a mouth full of sharp teeth. Afterwards, some ponies were mysteriously paralyzed,” Nightshade explained.

“This can’t be a coincidence, that creature must be responsible for all the paralyzed ponies. As far as we’ve seen, they haven’t been bitten,” Zuni added.

“Yeah, how could anypony be paralyzed just like that?” Marina pointed out.

“The monster you’re talking about is a basilisk,” Eric said.

“How do you know that?” Slapstick asked.

“Jasper and Smokey told me about them. In my birth world, they are giant snakes roughly 60 feet long, and mainly kill their victims by looking them in the eye,” Eric explained.

“I’ve heard about them too. Here in Equestria, basilisks are very similar to cockatrices, only bigger and their eyes will instantly paralyze anything that looks directly into them. Only phoenixes, dragons, and changelings are immune to the basilisk’s gaze,” Holly added.

“We need to tell Princesses Celestia and Luna immediately,” Nightshade said. 

“Not yet, first we need to go to Storm and then tell the princesses about Prince Blueblood,” Eric replied.

Meanwhile, everypony else was mingling. Forest Thunder was talking with Rainbow Dash and Twilight’s cousin, Stardust was talking with Timber Spruce, and Flash was with Trixie. Both Rainbow and Stardust blushed at Forest’s and Timber’s words and found the two stallions attractive, Timber seemed mesmerized by Stardust’s pretty looks. Flash also seemed to be smitten with Trixie, and vice versa.

“Storm, we need to talk to Princesses Celestia and Luna. It’s about Prince Blueblood,” Eric said.

“Perhaps it is time. Finally we’ll be rid of that highly polished jerk,” Storm replied.

Eric and his friends, along with Storm came up to the royal sisters and said, “Princesses Celestia and Luna, Prince Blueblood is a spy working for Glacio. There’s also a basilisk on the loose.” 

“It’s true, Eric and his friends overheard it all during the Grand Galloping Gala last year,” Storm added.

“We always knew he was a snob and a jerk to many, but I never thought he would ever be a traitor,” Luna replied.

“We’ll deal with him when we return to Canterlot. We must inform Captain Blitzwing about this right away, and we must place Canterlot and Ponyville on high alert,” Celestia added.

After making an announcement, Celestia and Luna left for Canterlot, seeing off everypony else, including Eric.

Eric and his friends went back to mingling, among the guests were three earth pony mares, Eric immediately recognized Maud, since he met her at the Grand Galloping Gala. The second mare had stern brows and a smile, and she had a bluish gray coat, a straight opalish gray mane and tail, light apple green eyes, and had two gray rocks underneath a sliced lime for a cutie mark. The third one had a shy smile similar to Fluttershy, she had a turquoise gray coat, a long and straight dark grayish cyan mane and tail, grayish violet eyes, and had three purple marble pebbles for a cutie mark.

“Hi, Maud,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric. Happy birthday,” Maud replied, “These are mine and Pinkie’s sisters, Limestone and Marble Pie.”

“Hi, Limestone! Hi, Marble!” Eric greeted.

“Gaze into the eyes of Limestone Pie,” Limestone said, causing Eric to feel scared.

“Limestone, you’re scaring him,” Maud said, before turning to Eric, “That’s just Limestone’s way of saying ‘hi’.”

After Eric was done mingling with the Pie sisters, Sweetie Belle came up to him and said, “Happy birthday, cutie-boo.” She then kissed him on his cheek, he blushed then said as they hugged and nuzzled, “Thanks, Sweetie Belle. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

A few hours later, the party was over and everypony left. After a nice dinner, Eric then went to sleep feeling relaxed after his special day.
> Chapter 4: A Hot Day in Ponyville/A Special Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks passed since Eric’s birthday. Prince Blueblood has been stripped of his title, and arrested for treason and conspiracy, but Wind Rider and Descent escaped. With Glacio’s pet basilisk, Grimlock on the loose, Canterlot was now in a state of emergency and Ponyville was on high alert. It was noon and the temperature was exactly 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Eric tried fanning himself with his hands but it did no good, “I’m hot,” he said.

Twilight took notice and said, “Here,” as she started fanning him with her wing.

“Thanks, mommy,” Eric said.

“Storm and I are meeting our friends at the lake, care to join us?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, please. Ron could use a swim and so could Storm’s geese, Chris and Martin,” Eric replied.

As soon as Storm and Starlight came out, he asked, “Eric, did you put some sunblock on like I asked you to?”

“I did, Storm. I asked Starlight to help me with my back,” Eric replied.

The five of them, including Eric and Spike teleported to the lake. There, they met up with the others, including Jasper and Smokey, and even Forest Thunder was present, since he and Rainbow Dash started dating a week prior.

Just then, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came up and greeted, “Hi, Eric!” 

“Hi, girls,” Eric replied as he hugged them.

Pinkie immediately jumped into the lake, followed by Rainbow and Forest, then Applejack and Smokey. 

“Shall we, Rare-bear?” Jasper asked.

“All that lake water could ruin my mane and coat,” Rarity complained.

“It’s no big deal, Rarity. You can take a nice refreshing shower when we get home,” Jasper said reassuringly before whispering in her ear, “I’ll join you if you like.”

“You’re right, Jasper. How sweet of you to offer,” Rarity replied, then giggled.

Rarity and Jasper soon went into the lake, followed by Twilight and Storm, and even Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo jumped in.

“Eric, want to come in and swim with us?” Apple Bloom asked.

“No, girls. I can’t swim,” Eric replied.

“I can teach you,” Applejack said.

“A swim would be nice and refreshing for you, sweetie,” Twilight added.

“The thing is, two years ago when Ted tried to teach me how to swim, some mean kids pulled me under into the deep end, and I nearly drowned. That’s why I am uneasy about it,” Eric explained.

“You’re safe with us, sport. Your mom and I are right beside you,” Storm said reassuringly.

“Besides, why else would we recommend you wear waterproof shorts today?” Starlight asked rhetorically.

Eric slowly walked into the lake, with the others giving him some words of encouragement. Soon enough, Applejack began teaching Eric the pony paddle.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Nightshade and the rest of the Magical Six (minus Holly) we’re keeping tabs on the basilisk. Soon enough, Nightshade heard his parents call him. He ran up to them and asked, “You called for me, daddy?” 

“Your mother and I have great news,” Fancy Pants said.

“What is it, mummy?” Nightshade asked.

“We’re having a foal, you’re going to be a big brother soon,” Fleur de Lis replied.

Pretty soon, Nightshade’s excitement turned to concern as he thought about the basilisk. 

“Somepony needs to get rid of that basilisk and soon,” he said.

“I’m sure Princess Celestia will summon Princess Twilight, Sir Storm, and their friends here to defeat it soon enough,” Fancy Pants replied.

“I hope you’re right, ‘cause I fear this basilisk emergency might hinder my career as a model,” Fleur said.

Back at the lake a short time later, Eric managed to get over his nervousness and kept practicing his swimming. He immediately blushed at the sight of Sweetie Belle’s wet mane, his thoughts were soon cut off by Twilight calling him, “Eric, it’s time for lunch!”

Eric went to the towel where there was a spread of apples, carrot dogs, oat burgers, and some cheesy tofu. Everyone just started eating, including Eric, he immediately ate an apple and then some cheese tofu. 

“What are these?” Eric asked pointing to some of the food items.

“Those are carrot dogs and oat burgers. Twilight and I were wondering if you wanted one,” Storm replied.

“I’ve never eaten those things before, and I’m not sure they fit my tastes,” Eric said.

“Sweetie, I think you should try some and find out,” Twilight replied.

Eric then took a bite of carrot dog and then an oat burger.

“Very crunchy. Interesting flavor,” Eric said as he gave a thumbs up.

“Glad you like them, sweetie. We remembered not to use any mustard since you told us you were allergic to it,” Twilight replied.

It was now 6:00 in the evening. Twilight and Storm were dressed in the attire they wore at the Grand Galloping Gala last year.

“Where are you off to, mommy and Storm?” Eric asked.

“We’re going on a date to Appletini’s Café in Canterlot,” Twilight replied as she hugged him.

“Be good for Starlight, okay sport? We’ll be back around 7:50,” Storm added before secretly eyeing his uniform pocket.

“Yes, mommy and Storm. Watch out for the basilisk,” Eric said.

“We’ll be on our guard, sweetie,” Twilight replied as she and Storm left.

Once Spike was finished making dinner, he, Eric, and Starlight started eating their spaghetti and veggie and cheese salads, they also had glasses of milk. Shortly after eating, Eric fed Ron some fish that he caught with a summoning charm while at the lake, he also got out the goose feed for Chris and Martin. 

Soon after the pets were fed, Eric sat in Starlight’s lap while she read to him, they read a science fiction story called ‘Space Ponies: The Shadow Warrior’.

“I bet Jasper and Smokey would like to the Space Ponies series,” Eric said.

“You really think so?” Starlight asked.

“Yes, they’re really into science fiction and fantasy stories,” Eric replied.

“Interesting,” said Starlight before she resumed reading to Eric.

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Twilight and Storm had just finished eating at Appletini’s and were strolling to the train station.

“That was a great dinner we had. Thank you, Storm,” Twilight said.

“You’re welcome, Twily. Before we head home, there’s one last thing I want to ask,” Storm replied.

“What is it you have to say?” Twilight asked.

Storm got down, took a little box out of his pocket and boldly said, “Will you marry me?” He then opened it revealing an amethyst ring.

Twilight smiled lovingly and shouted “YES!!!” 

She excitedly tackled him and they engaged in a three-minute make out session. They broke it and many onlookers said, “Congratulations, Princess Twilight and Sir Storm!” They soon boarded the train headed for Ponyville.

Back at the Castle of Friendship, Eric and Starlight had finished reading and also got their teeth brushed. Eric put on his pjs and eagerly went to the front door. Soon enough, Twilight and Storm came in and gave him a group hug.

“Mommy!” Eric called out.

“Hi, sweetie,” Twilight greeted.

“We’ve got some good news for you, sport,” Storm said.

“What is it?” Eric asked.

“Sweetie, Storm and I are gonna get married!” Twilight replied.

Eric jumped up and down excitedly saying, “I was hoping for this!”

“Settle down now, sweetie. It’s almost time for bed,” Twilight said.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

“Eric, ever since I got to know you, you’ve always been like a son to me. Now that your mom and I are getting married, I’m proud to call you my son. I love you, sport,” Storm explained then hugged him.

“I love you too......daddy,” Eric replied.
> Chapter 5: The Second Royal Canterlot Wedding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another two weeks went by and the second biggest wedding in Equestria was underway. Extra guards were stationed throughout Canterlot, at the castle, as well as the train station and the city limits, at every possible entrance. There was also a force field in place, preparations were being made for the wedding as well.

Inside the castle, Eric was mingling with his friends, they were wearing the same attire as they wore at the Grand Galloping Gala. Pipsqueak, Featherweight, and Rumble wore traditional suits. Jasper was also dressed in the same dress robe he wore at the Grand Galloping Gala, while Smokey was in a western style dress robe, even Jasper and Smokey’s griffon friend, Gale wore a suit.

Just then, Lancer, Kimono, Valiant Knight, Starshine, Scarlet Dusk, Stargazer, Night Light, and Twilight Velvet came in holding Flurry Heart.

“Hi, Great-Aunt Starshine! Hi, Great-Uncle Valiant! Hi to you too, Great-Uncle Stargazer and Great-Aunt Scarlet!” Eric greeted.

“Hi, Eric!” Starshine and Valiant said in unison.

“Good to see you too, Eric!” Stargazer and Scarlet added in unison as they all gave him a group hug.

“Hi, Grandpa Night Light! Hi Grandma Velvet!” Eric greeted.

“Hi, Eric,” Night Light replied.

“Eric, it’s so good to see you,” Velvet added as they hugged him.

“Hi, Flurry,” Eric said. Flurry just happily babbled and reached out to his face.

“Hi, Eric!” Lancer greeted.

“こんにちは (Hello), Eric,” Kimono added in Imperial.

“Good to see you too, Grandpa Lancer and Grandma Kimono!” Eric replied as he hugged them.

After mingling with his friends and grandparents, Eric went to go check on his parents. He reached the room Twilight was in first, then entered.

Twilight was wearing her old coronation dress, along with her crown and a wedding veil. Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were wearing the same bridesmaid dresses they wore at Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding. Starlight wore a  lavender bridesmaid dress with star patterns and shoes with cresent moons on them, Trixie wore a dark blue bridesmaid dress with star patterns and a cresent moon on the front, along with the same crescent moon-pattered shoes, Cadance wore her coronation attendance dress from Twilight’s coronation, and Stardust wore an indigo bridesmaid dress with sapphires on it. Even Sunset was present, she wore a crimson red dress, a collar with a sun pattern on it, and a double phoenix feather headpiece in her mane.

“Eric! Hi, sweetie,” Twilight greeted surprised to see him.

“You look beautiful, mommy. I like your dress,” Eric said as he kissed her cheek.

“Thank you, sweetie,” Twilight replied sweetly as she hugged and kissed him on his face.

Twilight gave Eric her ring and said, “Eric, sweetie, I want you to be our ring bearer.”

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

Twilight sighed and said, “I hope Queen Chrysalis and the changelings don’t attack Canterlot a second time.”

“Hi, Eric!” Sunset greeted.

“Sunset, is that you?” Eric asked.

“Of course it’s me, Eric. It’s so good to see you,” Sunset replied as she hugged him.

After mingling his mom, aunt, foal-sitter, and their friends, Eric went to the room where his dad was, with Sunset in tow. Storm wore his father’s old wedding uniform, Misty Sky wore a traditional Neighgasaki flower-patterned dress that formerly belonged to Kimono, since she was picked to be Storm’s best mare. Flash wore a blue guard uniform, Shining Armor wore his old uniform, Iron Cross wore a traditional Hayburg Imperial Guard uniform passed down throughout his family, Forest Thunder wore a blue suit, Big Mac wore a formal western jacket and Stetson hat, and Discord wore a standard black suit.

“Hey there, sport,” Storm said as he hugged Eric.

“Hi, daddy,” Eric replied.

Storm gave Eric his ring, who put it in his suit pocket alongside his mom’s ring.

“Aunt Misty! Uncle Iron Cross! Uncle Flash!” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric!” The three of them replied in unison as they hugged him.

“There’s something else, we need to tell you,” Iron Cross said.

“What is it?” Eric asked.

“I’m with foal. You’re gonna have another cousin,” Misty replied.

“I’m hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself, with another changeling attack, an attack from Glacio and his army, or both their forces at once,” Storm said with concern.

A few hours later, everypony took their places, the music began playing, and the three flower fillies, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo came down leaving the trail of flowers. Twilight came down the aisle, with Night Light walking her down, before giving her a ‘good luck’ hug.

Princess Celestia began her announcement, “Welcome, mares, gentlecolts, and other creatures. Today we are gathered here to witness the marriage of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Sir Storm Blade, my two former star pupils, now they will recite the vows.”

Twilight and Storm recited their vows, then Celestia went on with the ceremony and said, “Twilight Sparkle, do you take Storm Blade to be your husband?”

“I do,” Twilight said.

“And Storm Blade, do you take Twilight Sparkle to be your wife?” Celestia continued.

“I do,” Storm said.

Eric gave Twilight and Storm their rings, they placed them on each other’s horns.

“By the powers vested in me, I declare you two husband and wife. You may kiss,” Celestia finished.

Twilight and Storm leaned forward and kissed. Their friends and family cheered, along with everyone else who was present. The newlyweds gave their son a group hug.

“We love you, Eric,” Twilight and Storm said in unison.

“I love you too, mommy and daddy,” Eric replied.

Soon enough, the reception began in the castle garden, lovely, romantic music was played by the orchestra. Twilight and Storm had the first dance, before she danced with her father and Storm danced with his mother. Eric had an idea, he and Sweetie Belle went up on the pedestal where the orchestra was and said into the microphone, “Everypony, we have something to perform for you.” He went up to Octavia and whispered in her ear, she and the rest of the orchestra started playing, then Eric and Sweetie Belle started singing.


(All credit for this song goes to Disney and Elton John)

As Eric and Sweetie Belle sang, they shared a dance. As well as the newlyweds, most everyone else in attendance danced with their special some-ponies, while some, like Pinkie, her sisters, Celestia, and Luna just mingled, and even Starlight and Sunburst danced together, along with Fluttershy and Discord. Spike felt down, for he had no one to dance with, until Sunset came up to him and asked, “Hey Spike, you want to dance?”

“Might as well, Sunset,” Spike replied as he took her hoof.

As Spike and Sunset danced, she felt something spark within her, and Spike blushed at how pretty she looked in the evening light.

Once Eric and Sweetie Belle finished their performance, they shared a kiss. Twilight and Storm also shared a kiss. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash each shared a kiss with their respective boyfriends as well, even Trixie and Flash shared a kiss.

“Thanks for dancing with me, Sunset,” Spike said.

“Thank you as well, Spike. I really liked the way you held me, you were smooth,” Sunset replied.

All of a sudden, Sunset pulled Spike towards her and kissed him fully on the cheek, his eyes widened. Spike blushed and smiled goofily at Sunset’s bold move, but he was conflicted.

“That was beautiful, sweetie,” Twilight said as she and Storm hugged Eric.

Shining had shed tears of joy, or ‘liquid pride’ as he called it, and said, “I’m proud of you little sis. You as well, little bro in-law. Cadance and I had a feeling about you two.”

Everypony soon began eating, there was an assortment of fruit, veggie salads, pasta, yogurt, cheese platters, and tofu, as well as a double-layer chocolate cake with vanilla icing, and various apple flavored desserts. Once finished with dinner, Twilight and Storm took the first two slices of the cake, then everyone else got their share, including Eric.

Soon, Twilight and Storm went into a carriage that read ‘Just Married’ on the back.

“Where are you and mommy off to, daddy?” Eric asked.

“We’re going to Las Pegasus for a week-long honeymoon. I love you, sport,” Storm replied as he hugged him.

“We’ll see you next week. I love you, sweetie,” Twilight added as she hugged and kissed him goodbye.

“I love you too, mommy and daddy,” Eric said as he waved goodbye to his parents.

Once the carriage left, Twilight threw the bouquet and Stardust caught it. 

“Eric, would you like to spend a few days with us?” Cadance asked.

“I’d like that, Aunt Cadance and Uncle Shining. See you tomorrow,” Eric replied then yawned.

Starlight teleported them, along with Spike back home to the castle in Ponyville. There, Eric brushed his teeth, then he and Starlight read the second ‘Space Ponies’ story, and she brought him to his room and tucked him in his bed, then kissed him good night.

A short time later, at their honeymoon suite in Las Pegasus, Twilight and Storm went onto their bed and began engaging in a heated make-out session. They cast a soundproofing spell and Twilight said, “Now we won’t be disturbed, shall we carry on?”

“Take me, babe. You’re mine tonight,” Storm replied as they continued to make-out.

The room soon became filled with the sounds of pleasure.

An hour later, Twilight and Storm were panting heavily under the covers.

“You never cease to amaze me, Stormy,” Twilight said.

“You’re telling me, Twily. We’ve done this over a hundred times since last year before we met Eric. Good night,” Storm replied.

The newlyweds shared one last kiss before falling asleep in each other’s embrace.
> Chapter 6: Questions and Answers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Eric was sound asleep in his bedroom. Ron woke up from his pet bed, climbed up on to Eric’s bed, then nuzzled and licked his face, leading Eric to wake up immediately.

“Morning, Ron,” Eric said, Ron chittered and squeaked in response.

Eric got dressed, folded his pajamas on his bed, then he and Ron went to the dining room, where Spike and Starlight were.

“Morning, Spike. Morning, Starlight,” Eric said.

“Morning, Eric,” Starlight replied.

“Morning. Your breakfast is served,” Spike added as he passed a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hash browns to Eric.

“Thanks, Spike,” said Eric.

After he, Spike, and Starlight finished eating, Eric wrote a letter to his friends in Canterlot. Once finished, he gave it to Spike and he sent it to the princesses. 

Eric then went into the library and asked, “Starlight, before I go to the Crystal Empire, is it okay if I go hang out with my friends?”

“Sure, just be back here by 11:30 and don’t go into the Everfree Forest. Remember what your parents told you,” Starlight replied.

“Never go into the Everfree Forest without adult supervision,” Eric said.

“Very good. Carry on,” Starlight replied. 

Eric exited the castle, got on his broom and went to the CMCs clubhouse. 

“Hi, Eric!” The three fillies greeted in unison.

“Hi, girls,” Eric said, “You want to go to Whitetail Woods and meet up with Holly?”

“Sounds good,” Apple Bloom replied.

Eric then got back on his broom with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo in tow headed for Whitetail Woods.

In Canterlot, Princess Celestia received Eric’s letter and ordered, “Captain Blitzwing, can you please summon Nightshade and the others here right away?”

“As you wish, your highness,” Blitzwing replied as he went out.

Soon enough, Blitzwing escorted Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick to the castle.

“You summoned us, princess?” Nightshade asked.

“Yes. Eric sent me a letter regarding the basilisk. Apparently, he has some questions that need your help in answering, and I’ll answer any questions you have on the matter,” Celestia said.

“Why is there a basilisk here in Canterlot in the first place?” Zuni asked.

“Is this monster responsible for all the disappearances that happened in the Crystal Caverns over the course of a thousand years?” Nightshade added.

“Before I used the Elements of Harmony to imprison Glacio in the ice, he bred a basilisk, whom he called Grimlock and placed him in the Crystal Caverns shortly after our old castle was destroyed. Since then, the basilisk has devoured all ponies who dared to venture into the caverns, except for my niece, Princess Cadance and my former star students, Princess Twilight and Prince Storm when they were trapped down there by Queen Chrysalis,” Celestia explained.

“Grimlock?” Slapstick wondered.

“That monster has a name?” Marina asked.

“According to the princess, he does have a name. Since basilisks can live for centuries, it’s possible that he has descendants who’re also loyal to Glacio lurking in the Everfree Forest. Eric also wants us to meet him, Holly, and the CMCs at the Crystal Empire,” Nightshade replied.

“With Grimlock on the loose, you four need a guard escort to the train station,” Celestia said.

“Windcharger!” Blitzwing called.

The pegasus guard called Windcharger then came into the throne room and asked in unison, “Yes, Captain?” 

“I’m sending you to escort Nightshade and his friends to the train station, and when you return, please inform their families about their whereabouts,” Blitzwing ordered.

“Yes, sir,” Windcharger said while saluting the captain.

Windcharger escorted Nightshade, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick to the station waiting for the next train to the Crystal Empire.

Back in Ponyville, Eric finished packing his backpack. He was able to fit a large amount of items in his backpack since he placed an undetectable extension charm on it.

“See you in four days, Eric. Be good for your uncle and aunt, ok?” Starlight said.

“OK. Bye, Starlight,” Eric replied as he hugged her.

Eric and his friends went to the station, got tickets for the Crystal Empire and boarded the train.

Once at Canterlot Station, Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick boarded the train. 

“Hello, Eric,” Nightshade greeted.

“Hi, Nightshade,” Eric said, “What are you so excited about?”

“I’m gonna be a big brother soon!” Nightshade replied.

“I’m happy for ya, Shady,” Apple Bloom said as she gave him a kiss.

Soon enough, the train reached the Crystal Empire station. They got off and found Captain Brawn waiting for Eric.

“Hi, Captain Brawn,” Eric greeted.

“Hello, Eric. Your uncle and aunt sent me to escort you to the palace,” Brawn replied. “I see you’ve brought your friends.”

Soon enough, Eric and his friends, escorted by Captain Brawn reached the palace.

“Hi Uncle Shining! Hi Aunt Cadence!” Eric greeted.

“Hi, little buddy,” Shining replied as he hugged him.

“Hi, Eric. How’s our sweet little nephew today?” Cadence added as she hugged him.

I’m doing good, Aunt Cadence. While I’m here, my friends and I have some questions that need answering,” Eric replied.

“Did you, Princess Twilight, and Prince Storm see the basilisk when you were trapped inside the Crystal Caverns?” Nightshade asked.

“We might have heard the beast but we didn’t stick around for it to see us,” Cadence replied.

Nightshade and the others told Eric and the other CMCs everything they found out about the basilisk from Princess Celestia.

A few hours later, Nightshade and the others had to return to their homes.

Eric gave hugs to all his friends, including Sweetie Belle, who kissed him and said, “See you later, cutie boo.”

Cadence looked on and giggled at this, then Shining said, “Way to go, little nephew.”

After seeing off his friends, Eric kept pacing thinking about what to do.

Soon enough, Flash Sentry and Gloriosa came into the lounge room with Flurry Heart, then have her to Cadence and Shining Armor.

“Hi, Uncle Flash. Hi, Gloriosa,” Eric greeted.

“Hi, Eric,” Flash replied.

“Hi, Flurry,” Eric said.

As always, Flurry reaches her hooves out on to Eric’s face.

“Aunt Cadence, is it ok if I play with Flurry?” Eric asked.

“Sure you can, honey. Just be careful with her,” Cadence replied.

“Be mindful of her magic,” Shining added.

As the two cousins played together, Eric recalled something that Ted, Lacey, Jasper, and Smokey used to do with him when he was a baby. He hid his face behind his hands and asked, “Where’s Flurry?” After waiting a few seconds, Eric pulled his hands away from his face quickly and said, “There she is!” Flurry giggled at this as Eric kept up his little game and a bond between cousins formed.

After dinner, Eric put his pjs on, got his teeth brushed, then read his copy of ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ before he went into a guest bedroom, where, Shining and Cadence tucked him in.

“Aunt Cadance, can you read to me please?” Eric asked.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Cadence said before picking out a story titled, ‘Leapfrog the Jungle Colt’

Soon enough, Eric fell asleep, then Cadence kissed him on his forehead and said, “Good night, Eric. I love you,”

“Night, Aunt Cadance. I love you too,” Eric replied drowsily.
> Chapter 7: The Whitetail Woods Fire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Six days passed since Eric’s four-day visit to the Crystal Empire. Eric was in the living room, sitting on the sofa, the only thing that he thought about was his parents. He began to cry, then he buried his face in a couch cushion. Outside the lounge, Starlight could barely hear him until she entered.

“Eric, what’s wrong?” Starlight asked.

“I *sniffs* miss my parents, they’ve never been away from me for *sniffs* more than a day,” Eric replied while still crying.

“I know it takes some getting used to, and I think they should be back later today,” Starlight said as she hugged him, “Besides, I brought Ron for you.”

Ron came up, then nuzzled and licked Eric on his face.

“Hi, Ron. You always know how to cheer me up,” Eric said as he stroked the otter.

Soon enough, they heard some voices call out, “Eric, we’re home!” “Spike? Starlight? Where are you?”

Eric ran down to the door with Ron on his shoulder and greeted his parents, “Mommy!”

“Hi, sweetie!” Twilight greeted as she hugged him.

“I missed you so much,” Eric said.

“Shh... There there, I’m here. No need to cry anymore,” Twilight replied.

“Don’t leave me out, sport!” Storm joked.

“I missed you too, Daddy,” Eric said as he hugged him.

“It’s good to be back, son,” Storm replied.

The three of them got into a group hug and stayed like this for three minutes.

“Twilight, how was your honeymoon in Las Pegasus?” Starlight asked.

“It was a fun place to be, somewhere you ought to visit sometime,” Twilight replied.

“Hey Storm, did you go gambling?” Spike asked.

“A prince does not gamble with his money, Spike,” Storm replied.

Meanwhile, in the Crystal Mountains ice fortress, Glacio had a sinister plan in mind.

“Frostbite, summon Skywarp, Thunderckracker, Wind Rider and Descent here immediately,” he ordered.

“As you wish, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

Soon enough, Frostbite escorted Skywarp, Thundercracker, Wind Rider, and Descent to the throne room.

“You wanted to see us, my lord?” Wind Rider asked rhetorically.

Yes, Wind Rider. I want you, Descent, Skywarp, and Thundercracker to set Whitetail Woods on fire with a lightning storm. I want King Aspen and his deer herd wiped out,” Glacio replied.

“How do we do that, my lord?” Descent asked.

“You four are to infiltrate the weather factory in Cloudsdale and steal some storm clouds. Hot Shot! Hydia! Reeka! Draggle!” Glacio ordered.

“Yes, my lord?” Hydia and Hot Shot asked as he and his partners entered the throne room.

“You four are to meet Skywarp, Thundercracker, Wind Rider, and Descent at Whitetail Woods and kill any deer who try to escape the fire,” Glacio said.

“It will be done, my lord,” Hydia replied darkly.

“After your burning Whitetail Woods, all seven of you will go to the Everfree Forest and wrangle some more basilisks, then release them in Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Baltimare, Vanhoover, Silver Shoals, Appleoosa, Dodge Junction, and Las Pegasus,” Frostbite ordered.

“Yes, general,” Wind Rider replied.

Hot Shot, Hydia, Reeka, and Draggle quickly teleported themselves, along with Skywarp, Thundercracker, Descent, and Wind Rider, to the outskirts of Ponyville. The three unicorns kept hidden on the edge of Whitetail Woods, while the four pegasi went to Cloudsdale. Once there, they entered the weather factory.

“Wind Rider, I want you to distract the workers by giving out autographs while the three of us steal the storm clouds we need,” Descent said.

“Good thinking, Captain Descent,” Wind Rider replied.

Descent, Skywarp, and Thundercracker managed to sneak into the area where the clouds were produced. The three of them managed to steal a few storm clouds, then went back to meet up with Wind Rider. Just then, two factory workers were blocking their way, but Skywarp and Thundercracker bucked them into the wall. Descent smashed their faces with his front hooves, strangled them and broke their necks.

Soon enough, all four of them fled Cloudsdale before anypony could get wind of their break-in. Once over Whitetail Woods, they kicked the clouds, causing a series of lightning bolts to strike. Within minutes, the lightning strikes triggered a forest fire, and the flames gave off smoke that could be seen for miles.

In the village of Thicket deep in Whitetail Woods, Holly and her family saw the fire coming their way.

“We need to evacuate immediately!” King Aspen said, “Willow, I need you to alert the rest of the herd.”

While Holly and Bramble followed their father, Queen Willow soon had the whole herd behind her as they made for the edge of the forest.

All of a sudden, their escape was all but cut off by Glacio’s minions.

“Prepare to die!” Hot Shot said.

Back in Ponyville, Twilight, Storm, Eric, Spike, and Starlight were in the park when they noticed the smoke. Starlight took a whiff and then came up and asked, “What’s up with the smoke?” 

“I’m not sure, but it’s not a good sign,” Spike replied.

Last time Ponyville was under a blanket of smoke, it came from a snoring dragon napping in a mountain cave,” Storm added.

“We need to warn the others,” Twilight said.

Pretty soon, Twilight and Storm gathered their friends and stopped just outside town hall.

“Rainbow! Forest! You go find the source of the fire and report back,” Storm said.

“We’re on it, Storm,” Rainbow replied as she and Forest took off.

Once they were in the air, Rainbow and Forest looked in every direction until they found were the smoke was coming from.

“It’s coming from the west,” Forest said.

Rainbow and Forest followed the smoke until they came up on Whitetail Woods.

“Forest, look!” Rainbow said, “Whitetail Woods is on fire!”

“What do you think caused it, Dashie?” Forest asked.

“I did notice some storm clouds, then a lightning strike in this direction earlier, but we weren’t scheduled for a lightning storm today,” Rainbow explained.

“Somepony must have broke into the weather factory and stole some storm clouds,” Forest replied, “I think we need to head closer to the woods and find out who’s behind this.”

Once within better visual range, Rainbow and Forest noticed King Aspen and his herd surrounded by the fire and Glacio’s minions.

“We need to get our friends over here,” Rainbow said.

“Right behind you, Dashie!” Forest replied.

Once they returned to Ponyville, Rainbow and Forest went to alert Twilight and the others.

“Twilight! Storm! There’s a fire in Whitetail Woods!” Rainbow said.

“We think Glacio’s minions are behind it, since they broke into the weather factory and stole some storm clouds,” Forest added.

“And now King Aspen and his herd are in trouble!” they both finished in unison.

“Let’s get going right away,” Twilight said.

“Spike, take Eric home,” Storm ordered.

“Aww… Daddy, please, can’t I come?” Eric asked.

“No, son. It’s too dangerous,” Storm replied.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. The weather team will put out the fire and we’ll get Holly out of there,” Twilight added as she kissed him on the face.

Rainbow Dash and Forest Thunder gathered the weather team, then Twilight, Storm, and the others went off to Whitetail Woods. Just then, Glacio’s minions noticed Twilight, Storm, and their friends, plus the weather team coming towards them.

“Commander Hot Shot, we’ve got company,” Thundercracker said.

“They’ve got the weather team with them,” Skywarp added.

“Stop them!” Hot Shot ordered.

Soon enough, a clash of the Mane 7 and company (including Starlight, Forest, Jasper, and Smokey) versus Glacio’s minions broke out. Rainbow and Forest kept Wind Rider’s and Descent’s attention away from the weather team.

“You’re a traitor, Wind Rider!” Rainbow said.

“Joining Glacio seemed the best way for me to get back at you and Rarity for having me discharged!” Wind Rider retorted.

Skywarp and Thundercracker went to stop the weather team, but Jasper and Smokey saw this and incanted in unison, “Stupefy!”

With Skywarp and Thundercracker knocked out of the sky, the weather team managed to bring rain and put out the fire. For the deer herd, it was a bittersweet moment because they lost their village and half of them were killed by Glacio’s minions.

The Mane 7 and company accompanied King Aspen and his herd to the old Castle of the Two Sisters, where they would stay until Whitetail Woods recovered from the fire.

As evening fell, Twilight, Storm, and their friends returned to their homes.
> Chapter 8: The Everfree Forest Adventure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Eric was playing with his friends in the park (including Pip, Featherweight, Rumble, Snips, Snails, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Twist). All of a sudden, Eric’s attention was focused elsewhere, the others went over to him to find out the cause of the disturbance. They overheard Glacio’s minions contacting headquarters for support via crystal orb in wrangling basilisks from the Everfree Forest. The three henchponies cast an eye-protection spell on themselves, then they and the three gorgons went towards the forest. 

“Glacio’s henchponies are about to capture more basilisks and set them loose on other cities in Equestria. We need to go into the forest and stop them,” Eric said.

“The forest? We can’t go in there, we’ll get into trouble with our families,” Nightshade replied.

“I don’t want to be disobedient any more than you do, but this is important. Please, I need all of you and besides, I’m sure those basilisks deserve to be living free and in the wild,” Eric explained.

“I know this sounds insane, but freedom is a right for all and no one deserves to be serving evil, even a creature so dangerous as a basilisk,” Holly added.

“Nightshade, do you know an eye-protection spell we can use?” Eric asked.

“Yes, just let me cast it on all of us,” Nightshade replied.

Once the spell was cast, Eric and all his friends went into the forest. As they went in deeper, Eric and his friends witnessed Glacio’s minions attempting to bind the basilisks, then put them in cages whilst staying hidden.

“I’m glad you’re involving the three of us on your missions, Eric,” Sweetie Belle said on behalf of herself, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

“I’ve been meaning to involve you girls more for some time. I’m sorry that I haven’t been it slipped my mind,” Eric replied, “Besides, Cutie Mark Crusaders stick together.”

“It’s okay, Eric,” Apple Bloom said.

“Well said,” Scootaloo added.

“Rumble, this is your chance for you and the rest of our classmates to be heroes and make a difference,” said Eric.

“We’re right with you, Eric. So what part do we play in this mission?” Rumble asked.

“Nightshade, Zuni, the other CMCs, and I will keep Glacio’s minions busy, while you and the others will free the basilisks, and once they’re freed, move away immediately,” Eric explained.

Eric’s group rushed out of hiding and took Hydia and the others by surprise, while the other half led by Holly snuck by and proceeded to set the basilisks free. A duel soon broke out; Eric vs. Hot Shot, Nightshade vs. Hydia, Zuni vs. Reeka, Holly vs. Draggle, Slapstick vs. Skywarp, and Marina vs. Thundercracker.

Zuni, Marina, and Holly managed to pin down their opponents. During the brawl, Rumble and the others managed to free the basilisks. Hot Shot and his partners were soon overpowered and then he called a retreat. Eric and his friends destroyed the cages, then went back to Ponyville.

“If anypony asks where we were all day, tell them we were at Canter Plains, happened across Glacio’s minions and stopped them before they could enter the forest,” Eric explained.

His friends nodded in response and they all went their separate ways. Holly then went back to her herd. Nightshade gave a goodbye kiss to Apple Bloom. Zuni and Marina gave their boyfriends Pip and Rumble a goodbye kiss as well then they and Slapstick went to the train station. The CMCs and the others also went to their own homes. After Eric saw off his friends, he returned home to the Castle of Friendship.

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Mountains ice fortress, Hot Shot and his partners, along with some ice pony soldiers went into the throne room.

“My lord, we failed to capture all the basilisks in the Everfree Forest and kill King Aspen and his fawns, but we managed to burn most of Whitetail Woods to the ground and kill half the deer herd,” Hot Shot explained.

“Your mission was not a complete failure. You’re lucky that I need you all to aid in my bid to conquer Equestria and when that happens, your failures won’t matter,” Glacio replied.

“You’re all off of active duty until we make our move,” Frostbite ordered.

“Very good, General,” Hot Shot replied before he and his partners left for their quarters.

“General Frostbite, retrieve my crystal orb and inform Queen Chrysalis that I request her presence,” Glacio said.

“Right away, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

Soon enough, Queen Chrysalis came in with Pharynx, Cornicle, and Spiracle accompanying her.

“You wanted to see me, Prince Glacio?” the changeling queen asked.

“Yes. I want to discuss with you a secret contingency plan,” Glacio replied.

“Of course. You three, leave us,” Chrysalis said before motioning to her escort.

Pharynx and Cornicle nodded in response, while Spiracle had a hidden look of bitterness on his face and said to himself, “I’ve had enough of her.”

“I’m listening,” Chrysalis said.

“As a means of strengthening our alliance, I propose that our soldiers should interbreed, so that we can have new ones to add to the ranks, and should either of our soldiers be decimated, you and I shall breed a new army of pony/changeling hybrids loyal only to us from the start,” Glacio explained.

“I like this plan. We should begin as soon as we can,” Chrysalis replied.

“Let’s discuss this more in my chambers, my lustful lovebug,” Glacio said.

“Take me. I’m yours tonight, my power lustful future king,” Chrysalis replied.

The ice prince’s quarters was soon filled with the sounds of lust-filled intimacy.

Hours later at the Castle of Friendship, as evening was falling, Eric was pondering on what to do in the remaining days of summer.

“Mommy, can we go on a trip?” he asked.

“Where do want to visit?” Twilight wondered.

“I want to go to Fillydelphia,” Eric replied.

“Sure, sweetie. It’ll be good for you to see some more of Equestria,” Twilight said.

“Thanks, mommy. You too, daddy,” said Eric to his parents as he hugged them.

“You’re welcome, son. Now go get ready to sleep,” Storm replied.

Once Eric was in bed, Twilight tucked him in and began humming a soothing tune to him.

“Good night, sweetie,” Twilight said as she kissed his face.

“Night, mommy,” Eric replied whilst falling asleep.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Smokey were just about to turn in after a hard day’s harvest.

“Hey, Smokey?” Applejack started.

Yes, AJ?” Smokey asked.

“I reckon it’s time we take our relationship to the next level,” Applejack said in a flirtatious tone.

“I second that. You’re mine tonight, sugarcube,” Smokey replied in a suave tone as he activated a safe spell on himself.

After casting a soundproofing spell, Smokey and Applejack began a steamy makeout session which soon escalated as the room was filled with the sounds of intimacy.

At the Carousel Boutique, Smokey entered the bedroom with Rarity in a sensual sideways pose on their bed.

“Ready for a pleasurable night of passion, darling?” Rarity asked seductively while batting her eyes.

“It’s about time we did this, Rarity,” Jasper replied as he got up on the bed and joined her.

“Take me, I’m yours tonight,” Rarity said before casting a safe spell.

“Your wish is my command, darling,” Jasper replied flirtatiously as he cast a soundproofing spell.

Rarity and Jasper engaged in a heated makeout session which quickly became more intimate as the room was filled with the sounds of passion.
> Chapter 9: Fillydelphia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following morning after breakfast, Eric was in his room packing his clothes, books, plushie dolls, and some of Ron’s pet toys. Afterwards, he played with Ron for a little bit before he went downstairs. 

“Ron, here boy,” Eric said as he gave a hand signal.

Ron came as he was called, then Eric put his harness and leash on him. Once downstairs, Eric rejoined his parents, Spike, and Starlight as they left the castle and went to catch the 9:00 train. At the station, they met up with the rest of their friends, then boarded the train.

“Daddy? How long is it to Fillydelphia from here?” Eric asked.

“Roughly five hours, that’s why I suggested you pack some books to read,” Storm replied.

Eric began reading the ninth and final Space Ponies book. Soon enough after reading, he fell asleep leaning on Twilight, who then blanketed him with her wing.

Two hours later, the train reached the Fillydelphia train station.

“Eric, wake up. We’re here,” Twilight said gently nudging him.

Eric immediately woke up from his nap and walked off in between his parents, then held Twilight’s wing and put his hand on Storm’s back. He lifted himself off the ground for a few seconds.

“What are you doing, sweetie?” Twilight asked.

“It’s just something that human families do with their kids when they’re strolling,” Eric replied as he kept lifting himself up.

Twilight and Storm gave a playful smirk and lifted him up with a wing and magic.

“I’m awful hungry, mommy,” Eric said.

“Let’s go find something to eat,” Twilight replied.

“There’s some food stands in the park,” Storm suggested.

Twilight, Storm, and Eric, along with the others got some carrot dogs, tofu strips, and strawberry banana smoothies.

“This was a good idea to come here, Eric. Just in time for the Fillydelphia Days Festival tomorrow,” Apple Bloom said.

“This is the most patriotic city in all of Equestria,” Scootaloo added.

“Mommy, what does ‘patriotic’ mean?” Eric asked.

“Patriotic means a deep respect and love for one’s country,” Twilight replied.

Rarity and Jasper took a romantic stroll in the park, as did Applejack and Smokey, along with Twilight and Storm, while Rainbow and Forest went on a flight. Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were in the playground with Spike, Starlight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy watching.

Just then, Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, with Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick in tow came strolling. Captain Blackthorn and Holly also came to the park.

“Hello, Eric,” Nightshade greeted.

“Hi, Eric. Hi, girls,” Zuni, Marina, Slapstick, and Holly said in unison.

“Nightshade, are you and the others here for the Fillydelphia Days Festival too?” Eric asked. 

“That’s right, my parents are always making appearances at these events,” Nightshade replied. 

Fancy Pants and Fleur went off for a romantic stroll, leaving Captain Blackthorn with the mares watching Eric and his friends.

Soon enough, Twilight, Storm, Spike, and Starlight checked into a room at the Ye Olde Patriot Inn, as did Rarity and Jasper, Rainbow Dash and Forest Thunder, and Fluttershy and Pinkie. Captain Blackthorn, Holly, Marina, Slapstick, and Zuni got a room as well, with help from Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, who also checked in.

“I’m getting hungry, mommy,” Eric said as he heard his stomach talking to him.

“Now that we’re checked in, let’s say we go out for dinner,” Twilight replied. 

“How about the Colonial Cafe?” Storm suggested.

Twilight, Storm, Spike, and Eric soon met up with Applejack and the others at the Colonial Cafe.

“How many?” a hostess asked.

“A table for sixteen, please,” Storm said.

“We have a large booth just to your right,” the hostess replied.

Once seated, they happened to see Blackthorn and Holly, along with Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis in a booth across from them and looked at the sixteen menus. Eric was looking to see if they had anything he would eat.

The waiter came to take their orders and said, “I’m Golden Knife, and I’ll be serving you tonight. What can I get you all to drink?”

“We’ll have a sparkling apple cider.” Applejack said on behalf of her and Apple Bloom, ordering first.

“I’ll have the same,” Smokey added.

“Same for me also,” said Nightshade.

“We’ll have the same, too,” Rainbow and Forest said in unison.

Next to order was Rarity and Jasper.

“I’ll have an iced tea,” Rarity said. 

“Same for me,” Jasper added.

“I’ll also have an iced tea,” said Fluttershy.

Next was Pinkie, Starlight, Scootaloo, and Spike.

“I’ll have a root beer,” Pinkie said.

“Same for me and Spike,” Starlight added and Spike nodded.

“I’ll also have a root beer,” Scootaloo said.

After them was Eric and Sweetie Belle, along with Twilight and Storm.

“I’ll have a glass of whole milk,” Eric said.

“Same for me,” Sweetie Belle added.

“We’ll just stick with an ice water,” Twilight said.

“Ready to order your food or do you need a few more minutes?” Golden Knife asked.

“We’re ready. I’ll have the roasted dandelion sandwich,” said Applejack.

“I’ll have the same,” Jasper added.

“Mac’n cheese for us,” Apple Bloom said on behalf of her and Nightshade.

“We’ll have a lily salad,” said Rainbow Dash on behalf of herself and Forest Thunder.

“I’ll have the same,” Scootaloo added.

“I’ll have a fruit salad with walnuts and pecans,” Pinkie said.

“I’ll just have a regular veggie salad,” said Starlight.

“Same here,” Fluttershy said.

“Hay fries, extra crispy and with cheese,” Spike added.

“We’ll have spaghetti with Parmesan cheese,” Rarity said on behalf of herself and Jasper.

“We’ll have buttered spaghetti and mozzarella cheese sticks with tomato soup,” Eric and Sweetie Belle said in unison, then giggled afterwards.

“I’ll have a clover and daisy sandwich with dressing and a large cheese omelet with extra ketchup,” Twilight said.

“I’ll have what my wife is having, hold the dressing and have my omelet a small one, please,” Storm added.

Marina, Slapstick, and Zuni also ordered a veggie salad. Half an hour went by and Golden Knife came to the booth with everyone’s food and drinks. As everyone ate, Rarity and Jasper did some romantic feeding, same with Apple Bloom and Nightshade, Scootaloo and Slapstick, as well as Eric and Sweetie Belle. Twilight giggled at this, with Storm saying, “Way to go, son.”

After everyone finished eating, it was now 8:00 pm, and Eric was getting tired. 

“We’re gonna stay with our relatives’ place, so we’ll see you tomorrow for the festival,” Applejack said.

“See you tomorrow, mummy. You too, daddy,” Nightshade said to his parents before leaving with Applejack, Smokey, and Apple Bloom.

“I’m too tired to walk anymore,” said Eric. 

“Here, climb on,” Twilight said as she lowered herself.

Eric got on his mom’s back and Spike did the same with Storm.

Once back in their room, Rainbow Dash and Forest Thunder were about to turn in when something crossed her mind.

“Hey, Forest,” Rainbow said in a flirty tone.

“Yes, Rainbow?” Forest replied.

“You ready for an awesome night of pleasure?” Rainbow asked with a flirty grin and bedroom eyes.

“I was hoping you’d ask, of course I am,” Forest said as they got on the bed.

Rainbow and Forest began making out, then it soon escalated as the room was filled with the sounds of pleasure.

In Twilight and Storm’s room, they had finished tucking in Eric, but he heard some noises coming from his right.

“I heard something, think it’s coming from the room to the right of ours,” Eric said, “What is that noise anyway?”

“It’s not something you want to hear, and you don’t wanna know for ten years,” Storm replied.

“You’re too young to know about it right now,” Twilight added as she cast a soundproofing spell on their room, “There, now you can sleep. Good night, sweetie.” 

“Night, mommy,” Eric replied drowsily.

The next morning after breakfast at the Colonial Cafe, everyone spilt up as they walked around the city. Forest Thunder, Spike, Jasper, and Smoky went with Eric and Storm. Blackthorn, Holly, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick accompanied Nightshade and his parents. Twilight and the other mares went to have some much-needed girl time.

“Seriously, Rainbow Dash, you and Forest Thunder just had to have your way with each other like dogs in heat!” Applejack said.

“Rainbow, darling, I know you two were eager take each other’s virginity, but couldn’t it wait until after we got back to Ponyville?” Rarity wondered.

“Eric could hear you two from next door, the noise nearly kept him awake! I had to cast a soundproofing spell just to help him sleep! What were you thinking?!” Twilight added.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. We were just so caught up in the moment that we didn’t think about anything else,” Rainbow replied, “Now the only ones left of us are Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Starlight.”

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy and Starlight yelled in unison as they blushed in embarrassment.

Three hours went by, it was noon and the Fillydelphia Days Festival had begun. Eric was sitting on Storm’s back as they met up with the others.

“What did you think of the Museum of Equestrian History?” Storm asked.

“It was really great, daddy. Thanks for taking me there,” Eric said.

“Most welcome, sport,” Storm replied.

Four hours later, the festival was in full swing. Eric and his parents, along with the others were attending a duet concert from Countess Coloratura and Sapphire Shores.

After their last performance, Rara and Sapphire met up with Applejack, Rarity, and the others. 

“That was a most beautiful performance, Sapphire,” Rarity said.

“You were great too, Rara,” Applejack added.

“Thank you, Rarity, dear,” Sapphire replied.

“Yeah. Thanks, AJ,” Rara added.

“Ow, Sweet Celestia! You’re Eric Sparkle!” Sapphire beamed.

“Eric! I haven’t seen you since my concert in Ponyville,” Rara added.

“Good to finally meet you, Sapphire Shores,” Eric replied, “It’s good to see you too, Rara.”

Soon enough, a light gray unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail, along with light blue eyes, a blue rock and roll jacket, and a microphone with two crossed drumsticks for a cutie mark came up on stage and started his performance.

“Ladies and gentle-colts, give it up for Dazzleflash!” an announcer said.

One and a half hours later, Dazzleflash went back onstage from a quick break after performing several songs and then he said over the microphone, “This last one’s for you, Ivy.”

(All credit for this song goes to Phil Collins)

Once Dazzleflash finished performing, everypony cheered, including his wife, who was a dark red earth pony with a brown mane and tail and wore a purple dress with a frill, along with pearl bracelets and gold slippers, and their foals, Starsong, Lovey Note, Woodwind.

After the concert was over, Eric got to meet Dazzleflash and his family.

“Hi, Ms. Trinket. Can I please have your autograph on all my copies of the ‘Ponies in Space’ series?” Eric asked.

“Good to meet you, Eric Sparkle. You can call me Ivy, and I am always happy to help out a fan of my stories,” Ivy replied.

Eric got out all his copies of the ‘Ponies in Space’ series and got them signed.

“Thanks, Ivy,” Eric said.

“My pleasure,” Ivy replied.

“Mommy! Daddy! I got an autograph from Ivy Trinket!” Eric shouted.

“That’s great, sport,” Storm said.

“How wonderful, sweetie,” Twilight added before wincing in pain.

“Mommy, are you okay?” Eric asked.

“I’m fine, sweetie. Just having some stomach cramps again,” Twilight replied.

“Let’s just have dinner at the Colonial Cafe and get back to the hotel room,” Storm suggested.

After having dinner, Twilight and Storm tucked Eric in bed.

“Can we please go to Baltimare tomorrow?” Eric asked.

“Sure sweetie, then we can go to Manehattan the next two days,” Twilight replied.

“After Manehattan, we’re going home. You start school in two weeks, and our friends need to get back to their duties,” Storm added.

“Good night, mommy. Night, daddy,” Eric said.

“Good night, sweetie,” Twilight replied as she kissed him.

“Sweet dreams, son,” Storm added.
> Chapter 10: A Hearth's Warming Tale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months passed and it was now Hearth’s Warming Eve. Snow covered the rooftops of houses and decorations were being set up for the holiday season.


(Hearth’s Warming Eve is here Once Again)

The Cutie Mark Crusaders sang as they rode the back of a wagon being pulled by Hondo Flanks with Cookie Crumbles walking alongside of her. In the foreground, some mistletoe had been set up in the foreground as the wagon went by. Lemon Hearts gave her boyfriend (Autumn Leaf) under the mistletoe a kiss. It was then the Castle of Friendship appeared in the distance and was being decorated by some local Pegasi. Some other ponies watched while another pony wrapped a cloth around a pole to make it look like a candy cane. Octavia was directing some carolers as Rainbow and Forest soared into the fore-ground.

Fluttershy was helping Rainbow and Forest set up some clouds. Rainbow Dash and Forest Thunder frog-leaped from one cloud to the next. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Forest Thunder sang together from a cloud.

As everypony finished singing, a red and green ribbon flowed across the foreground and into the background to bring the scene inside of the castle.

Inside the castle, several ponies were decorating the interior. Cranky was looking rather grumpy until Pinkie put a hat on his head, bounced around with bells around her stomach.

The earth ponies wearing bell belts trotted past Cranky, who was now smiling. Applejack and Smokey stood next to a cart beside the Cake Family and showed off their delicious treats.

As the ponies began to sing, a Pegasus flew above wrapping a string of lights over some bells hanging on the ceiling. Then one pony gave another pony some cider to drink. As they sang, the tree was brought in for decorating and a few others brought in some wrapped presents.

As Rarity sang, she was sewing some fabric together. Three Pegasi hung up some other garland against a wall. As Jasper sang, he used his magic to give some large red ribbons and streamers for the other ponies to hang up. The unicorns were also hanging and adjusting some more ribbons in various holiday colors on some other columns. Rarity put a hat on a stallion’s head.

Everypony stood before another decorated tree. Ditzy then hovered over with a string of lights around her body and wearing the tree topper on her head. She also carrying a large ornament.

Rarity and Jasper sang as she pressured Ditzy to place the ornament properly, but Ditzy ended up dropping it and the ornament shattered. Rarity face-hooved herself as Ditzy just shrugged apologetically.

At the entrance, Big Mac came charging with a wagon loaded with presents. Granny Smith started tossing gifts to some ponies and a few landed on top of them. Ditzy then sat on top of the tree she had tried to decorate as Rarity, Fluttershy, Forest, Rainbow, and Jasper gathered around the tree. Everypony cheered.

“Great job, everypony!” Storm said to the others, “Nice work!” Everypony smiled back in return as Storm looked up and found Starlight just watching the decorating from the upper balcony. Storm teleported to the balcony next to Starlight.

“You alright, Starlight?” Storm asked. Starlight just gave him a sheepishly smile.

“Hey, Starlight! Ready to celebrate your first Hearth’s Warming Eve here in Ponyville?” Twilight asked she appeared with Spike and Eric at her sides holding a wrapped present.

“I was thinking I might just skip it,” Starlight said.

Twilight, Spike, and Eric gasped in shock as the dragon dropped his candy cane. Storm was also taken aback hearing Starlight say that.

Spike and Eric were still in shock, even after recovering.

“Skip Hearth’s Warming Eve?!” Spike exclaimed as he found his voice.

“Why would you wanna do that?” Storm asked in a calmer tone.

“I just find it all a little silly,” Starlight said as she walked off feeling bored, “It’s mostly a day dedicated to presents and candy, isn’t it?”

“And why would you deny yourself presents and candy?” Spike asked, “That’s crazy talk!”

“I even have a present for you and it even says ‘World’s Best Foalsitter’,” Eric added.

“Thank you, Eric, but I don’t feel in the right mood,” Starlight replied.

“I think what Spike means to say is Hearth’s Warming is about more than presents and candy,” Twilight said as she pushed Spike away, “It’s a time to spend with friends and family when we celebrate a very important day in Equestria’s history.”

“And it’s about unity between ponies,” Eric added.

“Very good, Eric,” said Storm.

“I think to most ponies, it’s just an excuse for silly songs and fun, not a day to remember some old story,” Starlight replied.

“I could lecture you the fact that the “old story” is a true part of our history,” said Storm, “But I think I can understand why you feel this way. After all, you grew up feeling alone and excluded from all the fun, ever since Sunburst left for Canterlot. If I had been left out of all the holiday’s fun, I’d think the same way you do.”

Twilight teleported in front of Starlight and said, “Maybe you just haven’t heard the right Hearth’s Warming Eve story yet!”

“Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns sing songs around a hearth to fight back an eternal winter caused by the mythical windigos? Ha! Every foal and filly knows that story,” Starlight guessed.

“Not that one. Our favorite holiday story, ‘A Hearth’s Warming Tale’!” Twilight replied.

“Twilight and I grew up with that story, it’s a classic,” Storm added.

“Oh, I love that one!” said Spike excitedly as he stood between Starlight and Twilight.

“Do you want to hear the story too, Eric?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

A few minutes later, Twilight grabbed a book from the shelf and headed back toward a sofa where Spike was sitting along the edges holding a cup of cocoa. Starlight was sitting on a single side chair opposite a low table. Twilight and Storm had barely taken a seat when Eric leaned against her side. Twilight just smiled and held him close with one of her wings.

“This is the story of a powerful unicorn named Snowfall Frost, who hated Hearth’s Warming Eve. It all began many moons ago in Canterlot...” Twilight began narrating.

It was then the scene was transported to the setting of the story, which was in Canterlot two centuries ago.

“Every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit. Every home... except one.” Snowfall Frost was a lot like Starlight, but she wore a dark purplish magenta tuxedo tailcoat with a white truffle collar shirt and blackish purple neck band underneath, a pair of gold spherical glasses, and white hoof covers over her hind hooves. “It was said of Snowfall that she was almost as studied as Star Swirl the Bearded. Almost, since everypony knows that Star Swirl was an expert at everything from transfiguration, dimensional calibration, teleportation...” 

“We get it. Star Swirl’s awesome,” Spike interrupted.

“Right. The point is, Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect. Anything that got in the way of that was a waste of time,” Twilight resumed narrating.

Snowfall tried to turn a rock into gold, but then she heard the sound of some bells ringing that made her cancel the spell and drop the rock. Snowfall glared as she looked out the window to see that some stallions wearing some bells were responsible for the interruption.

Snowfall gasped before saying, “Well, that batch is ruined. Snowdash!”

Snowdash looked similar to Rainbow Dash, but she wore a reddish white long sleeve shirt with a grayish purple vest, a orange bow tie, and holed gloves on her hooves.

“Snowdash was Snowfall’s loyal assistant.” Twilight narrated.

“What do you need?” Snowdash asked.

“Get this mess cleaned up. Those foolish ponies were ringing those blasted bells outside the window and I lost my concentration!” Snowfall ordered as she gave Snowdash a broom with her magic and pointed at the broken pieces of rock.

Snowfall then stomped away indignantly as Snowdash rolled her eyes and continued sweeping.

“Whoa, ponies actually enjoying Hearth’s Warming Eve. Where did they get that crazy idea?” Snowdash muttered to herself.

“Celebrating the holidays isn’t anything crazy at all,” said a voice. He looked just like Smokey wearing an olden suit with a festive scarf around his neck, along side his twin brother in a similar outfit who resembled Jasper.

“It was at that moment Huff-Puff and Crystal Ore appeared in the doorway. They were Snowfall’s younger brothers and they were always very kind and cheerful to everypony they met,” Twilight narrated.

“Huff-Puff! Crystal Ore! What’s up, dudes?” Snowdash replied as they shared a hoof bump. Snowfall was quite annoyed.

“What are you doing here, little brothers?” Snowfall asked rather rudely, but the twins didn’t notice.

“Well, big sis. Tonight is Hearth’s Warming Eve, we and our wives are hosting a little party at our home this evening,” Huff-Puff replied on behalf of him and Crystal Ore.

“Oh yeah,” said Snowdash, “It’s gonna be awesome!”

“How can you even afford to host a party? Especially when you two wasted your time marrying mares with no wealth to their names instead of doing something more productive with your lives!” Snowfall remarked.

“What can I say? We fell in love, that is something productive, big sis,” Crystal Ore replied.

“Surely you must have had your eyes on somepony in your life!” Huff-Puff added.

“Love failed me years ago! It’s big waste of time, just like this blasted holiday!” Snowfall yelled.

“Hearth’s Warming is not a waste of time, big sis,” Huff-Puff said.

“It’s a special time of year where ponies are meant to celebrate with family and friends. You’re more than welcome to join us,” Crystal Ore added.

“You two are fools, little brothers. Now get out!” Snowfall yelled.

“Huff-Puff and Crystal Ore were disappointed, but they didn’t let Snowfall’s sour mood ruin their holiday spirit. It wasn’t the first time Snowfall had turned them down.” Twilight narrated.

“Oh well. Happy Hearth’s Warming to you, Snowfall,” said Huff-Puff.

“Will you still be able to join us, Snowdash?” Crystal Ore asked.

“Totally!” Snowdash said as the twins smiled and took their leave. Snowfall groaned and rolled her eyes.

“Today is nothing to celebrate. Hearth’s Warming Eve is a menace. A dangerous day for all of Equestria,” Snowfall replied.

“Dangerous?! It’s awesome! It’s the day we remember how unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies came together in friendship to defeat the windigos!” said Snowdash.

“That silly legend is the problem! Telling everypony that “singing songs and being nice” will solve anything? I’ve spent years studying magic, and that’s not how it works,” Snowfall replied.

“I think you might be missing the point,” Snowdash said.

“Snowfall then teleported towards Snowdash and got in her face saying, “Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria. That’s a worthy goal for any pony. But, by all means, if you want to go home early, ignore all of the work you have, and spend the rest—”

“Sweet!” Snowdash exclaimed before zooming away. 

Snowfall rolled her eyes as she looked out of the window and saw Snowdash disappear behind some buildings. A few other ponies were chattering happily on the streets.

“I hate Hearth’s Warming Eve! All of Equestria would be better off if we just skipped the day altogether,” Snowfall said.

Snowfall began singing in a sickingly sweet tone, she closed the curtains behind her, and stood on the tip of her hooves to pick up a square bottle, while scheming and preparing a cauldron, and then filling it up with such things as a discarded wreath, a toy from a child that has been taken away, and all sorts of chemicals in all sorts of colors.


(Say Goodbye to the Holiday)

“Once the spell is cast, all of Equestria will be better off, and they’ll have me to thank for it!” Snowfall said.

“Wait a minute. Snowfall doesn’t like Hearth’s Warming Eve so she decides to cast a spell to get rid of it altogether? That seems a little extreme,” Starlight spoke up, interrupting the story for a moment.

“I know her attitude just screams, ‘Bah humbug’, but that’s just crazy and insane,” Eric added.

“Says the pony who tried to make everypony the same by replacing their cutie marks with equal signs,” Spike muttered as he sipped his cocoa. But Twilight heard him and raised a wing over him.

“I think what Spike is trying to say is that everypony has their reasons for doing things. Even Snowfall. And if I could continue the story, we might just find out what they are,” Twilight said, giving him a couple of glares.

“Proceed,” said Spike.

“Snowfall was all set to cast her spell that would erase Hearth’s Warming Eve for all time when a voice from the hearth caught her attention,” Twilight continued narrating.

“You sure you wanna go through with this?” asked a voice similar to Applejack.

“Huh?! Who’s there?!” Snowfall asked whilst startled.

A ghostly pony appeared from the cauldron who looked like Applejack, wearing a dress with a country hat, short boots with snowflakes, and her mane in braided pigtails appeared.

“The Spirit of Hearth’s Warmin’ Past, that’s who. And you and me have got to have us a little chat,” the spirit replied.

“A spirit?! I didn’t cast any spirit summoning spell. What are you doing here?” Snowfall said suspiciously.

“You don’t think a spell like that would get by without some powerful forces noticin’? You’ve got our attention, Snowfall Frost, and we’ve got some pretty strong opinions on this spell of yours,” the Past spirit replied.

“’We’?” Snowfall asked.

“They’ll be along in a bit. For now, it’s just you and me. Let’s get a move on. We got a ton to see and barely any time to see it,” said the Past spirit.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got a spell to cast, and I don’t need a history lesson about Hearth’s Warming Eve,” Snowfall said.

“We aren’t goin’ to the past to learn about the holiday. We’re goin’ to learn about you,” the Past spirit replied.

She then made a rope appear and magically made the rope to lasso Snowfall, who yelped and then wailed as she was towed right out of her window and into the winter’s night sky.


(Seeds of the Past)

The Past spirit and Snowfall make their way into the village. It was then three foals walked up to filly Snowfall, who was wearing a blue schoolgirl’s outfit and straw boater hat. Filly Snowfall then used her magic to set up some decorations.

“Aw, look how cute you were. Looks like you’re not too upset it’s Hearth’s Warming Eve either,” the Past spirit said.

Just then a grey unicorn with a black suit and a stern face came into the room.

“Just what do you think you’re doing, Snowfall?” he asked sternly.

“Decorating the classroom for Hearth’s Warming Eve, Professor Flintheart!” Filly Snowfall replied with a big smile on her face.

“You said you wanted to learn to be a powerful unicorn, did you not?” Flintheart asked her.

“I do!” Filly Snowfall replied.

“And what is the way that one becomes a powerful unicorn?” Flintheart asked bluntly.

“Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria,” Filly Snowfall replied with a big smile on her face.

“And how do these help you to learn magic?” Flintheart asked as he picked up an ornament.

“I want to be strong enough to stop windigos and help ponies!” said Filly Snowfall.

“That’s just a story we tell little ponies. Real magic takes time to learn,” Flintheart said sternly as he used his magic to shatter the ornament into a million tiny pieces, leaving Snowfall upset.

“It’s your choice. Spend your time learning to become a powerful unicorn or play with your toys and make nothing of yourself,” said Flintheart rather snootily as he pushed the box toward Filly Snowfall and walked away.

Filly Snowfall looked conflicted for a bit but then a stern look appeared on her face as she stomped away. The filly then looked out of the window as the three foals came up to it and smiled. Filly Snowfall glared at them and shut the curtains. She then dumped her box into the trash can, set up some books, and started to study.

Soon enough, more memories passed Snowfall by; her graduation from grade school, the deaths of her parents, and lastly meeting a unicorn stallion named Winter Star, who resembled Sunburst, only he wore an olden brown shirt and vest. This was one of Snowfall’s most bittersweet memories, since Winter was her boyfriend for a time before he left for Fillydelphia to become a magic teacher.

Snowfall had opened her eyes and found that she was in front of her cauldron. She looked around to find that she was alone again...and back in the present time...supposedly.

“Spirit? What am I supposed to—” Snowfall tried to say until she noticed a huge present in the room.

Without warning, confetti launched into the air with the sound of a cannon fire and out came the shadowy figure of the next spirit.

“Snowfall Frost! It is I, the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents!” the spirit said in a reverberating voice.

The spirit revealed herself as somepony resembling Pinkie Pie, only she wore a wore a candy covered wreath crown and a yellow and white robe.

“Um, don’t you mean “Present”, like the time?” Snowfall asked in confusion.

“No! Toys, Hearth’s Warming doll... Here, want a cupcake?” the Presents spirit replied.

“Fine, “Presents”. All of the pointless things ponies waste their time on,” Snowfall remarked.

“Oh, Snowfall, it’s not what the gift is that matters, it’s what the gift means!” said the Presents spirit as she grabbed the items from her trash can.

“It doesn’t mean anything. It’s just stuff!” Snowfall said.

“Exactly! Sometimes a cupcake means “I love you!” Or a toy means “Hi, how’re you doing?” Sometimes a book means “Your mane looks amazing!” And sometimes a scarf means... Well, a scarf usually means you look cold. That one’s easy,” the Presents spirit explained.

“I don’t understand anything you’re saying,” Snowfall replied.

The spirit then began to shake and tremble, as her whole body twitched and she exclaimed, “Whoa! Whoa!”

“What’s happening to you?!” Snowfall asked.

“My Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Presents Sense is going off! That means a song is coming on!” the Presents spirit replied.


(Pinkie’s Present)

“And the reason is to be with your friends!” Twilight sang, mimicking Pinkie Pie before speaking normally, “What?”

“You know you’re doing your Pinkie Pie voice, right?” Starlight pointed out.

“I was not!” Twilight replied blushing in embarrassment.

“You’re cute when you blush, Twily,” Storm said.

“Oh, stop it, Storm,” Twilight replied.

Spike and Eric laughed at her near-authentic imitation.

“Oh, you think that’s funny?” Twilight asked Eric suspiciously, “Well, how funny is THIS?!” She scooped up Eric in her hooves and then blew a raspberry on his belly, making him laugh out loud.

“So, what happens next?” Starlight asked.

Twilight set Eric back down beside her before she tried to keep narrating, “Well, the party was—”

“Wait! Can we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa,” Spike interrupted.

“Fine,” Twilight groaned as Spike left the room, then called out, “But hurry up! We’re almost to the best part!”

Soon enough, Spike returned and blew on his cup as he got comfortable back on the sofa next to Twilight.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Spike said.

“The party was in full swing,” Twilight narrated.

Snowdash was with Huff-Puff and Crystal Orb at the moment looking rather glum.

Just then, the twins’ wives came in, their names were Merry, who resembled Rarity and was Crystal Orb’s wife, and Flutterholly, who resembled Fluttershy and was Huff-Puff’s wife.

“Snowdash!” Merry greeted.

Merry wore a crimson red dress with reddish violet trimmings, a pale crimson red hat with a reddish violet band and gold rings, and she had a small black collar with a gold piece around her neck. Flutterholly wore a whitish apple greenish gray dress with flowers on it, green and pink trimmings on the sleeves, a lime green shirt ring, and a moderate green scarf on her neck.

“Hey, Merry,” Snowdash said.

“Why, whatever is the matter, darling?” Merry asked in concern.

“Was it the eggnog? Oh, I knew I put in too much cinnamon!” Flutterholly asked.

“Oh, no, the eggnog was awesome, Flutterholly, I’m just mad at somepony who was complaining about how awfully boring Hearth’s Warming Eve is,” Snowdash explained with a disappointing tone. “And you’ll never guess who it is.”

Merry and Flutterholly knew who she mentioned as they exchanged their glances, before Merry began, “I don’t suppose that pony’s name starts with “Snow”?”

“And ends with “Frost”?” Flutterholly ended.

“She said Hearth’s Warming Eve is just an excuse to party, and we would all be better off spending time working to make Equestria a better place,” Snowdash said.

The crowd booed, while some made insulting names about Snowfall, but they weren’t aware that Snowfall was overhearing everything from outside, like it was as if she was invisible but even though she was just outside the window.

“What does Snowfall think a better Equestria looks like?” Merry asked.

“Ponies working hard, learning, and using their abilities for the benefit of Equestria,” Snowdash replied.

Flutterholly and Merry just giggled to each other. Their husbands just gave them both a worried look. Snowfall just winced again. It was then a snowball nearly hit her from behind. She turned around to give a glare when she found that some foals were just playing and making a snowpony.

“Merry, honey. Let’s not blame my sister for thinking like that,” Crystal Orb said.

“What do you mean, darling?” Merry asked.

“She used to enjoy Hearth’s Warming when we were foals,” Crystal Orb replied.

“If you want to blame anypony for that kind of thinking, Holly babe. Blame the late Professor Flintheart, he’s the reason she’s acting like a jerk about the holiday, cause he was an even bigger jerk for filling Snowfall’s head with such lies,” Huff-Puff said.

“How awful, now I feel sorry for her. I’m proud of you for speaking on your sister’s behalf, Huff-Puff,” Flutterholly replied.

“Crystal, I know your sister may be misguided, but it’s still nice that you care for her,” Merry said to her husband.

“It looks like we’ve got everything on Snowfall’s list right here,” Merry said to Flutterholly and Huff-Puff.

“I think a perfect Equestria looks a lot like a Hearth’s Warming Eve party,” Flutterholly said, with the twins nodding in agreement.

“I just hope Snowfall changes her ways and comes to her senses,” Crystal Orb replied.

“Me too! Too bad it’s going to be the last one ever! Ever! Ever! Ever!” the Presents spirit said ominously. Her voice then disappeared as a foggy mist suddenly began to surround Snowfall.

“Spirit? What do you mean? What’s going to happen?!” Snowfall asked.

Just then, a cold wind blew and a large dark cloaked figure appeared before Snowfall.

“Who are you?” Snowfall asked in fear.

“I am the Spirit of Hearth’s Warming Yet to Come,” the figure replied as she opened her wings.

“Are you here to show me what future Hearth’s Warming Eves are like?” Snowfall asked.

“No, for there are no more Hearth’s Warming Eves for me to show,” the Future spirit said, revealing her face and appearance were similar to Princess Luna.

“Why not?” Snowfall asked.

The spirit shook her head and said, “You will succeed in erasing the holiday of Hearth’s Warming Eve forever, as you wished, Snowfall Frost.”

“And what happens?” Snowfall asked.

The spirit showed Snowfall a land where everything was buried under several yards of snow. Cold winds blew across a deserted landscape, burying homes up to their chimneys and pipes. Only dead trees occupied the area with no ponies to be seen. The spirit then looked sternly at Snowfall, which made the unicorn back away nervously until she found herself against to the edge of a cliff.


(Luna’s Future)

“Windigos?! They aren’t real! It’s just a little filly’s story!” Snowfall exclaimed.

“They are all too real, Snowfall, and your actions will allow them to return. The future of Equestria shall be bathed in a blanket of eternal snow!” the Future spirit replied firmly before disappearing from view.

“No! I never meant for this to happen! I didn’t understand! I didn’t see how important Hearth’s Warming Eve was! Please, spirit! I haven’t cast the spell yet! Is there still time?! I’m sorry!” Snowfall cried out.

A bright light flashed before Snowfall. She quickly looked around to find that she was back in her study room, then quickly opened the window and saw that the festivities were still in full swing outside.

“There’s still time!” said Snowfall excitedly and quickly closed her window. She had some work to do.

Back at the party, the ponies were all enjoying themselves when Merry, Flutterholly, Crystal Orb, and Huff-Puff heard a knock on the door.

“Oh, my,” Merry gasped with a hoof over her lips, along with Flutterholly gasping in shock. “Snowfall Frost?” Flutterholly asked in confusion.

“I was hoping I wasn’t too late for the party? I brought gifts,” Snowfall said, then brought her gifts for the party over. 

The record needle scratched and the music stopped playing, and everypony became unaware of the presence of their unexpected guest.

Snowdash, while drinking a mug of apple cider, could hardly believe her eyes, then spat out her drink in shock, and asked, “Boss?!”

“I was wrong earlier, about Hearth’s Warming Eve. It’s not all about singing and presents. The singing and presents are all about celebrating the ponies in our lives. The ponies we should listen to more often: our friends and family,” Snowfall said, then gave Snowdash a present.

“Wow! Dragon toenail? Uh... thanks?” said Snowdash whilst opening and eyeing her present.

“I was in a hurry. I’ll do better next time,” Snowfall replied.

“Ha. You kidding? No one’s ever given me dragon toenail before! It’s awesome! Now come get some eggnog!” said Snowdash excitedly.

Snowfall then came inside fully and enjoyed the party with her brothers, Snowdash, Merry, and Flutterholly. She then bumped into a stallion, who revealed to be her old boyfriend, Winter Star.

“Winter! You’re here!” Snowfall said as the two hugged.

“Hi, Snowfall. I transferred to teach magic here in Canterlot, in the hopes of seeing you again,” Winter replied.

After Snowfall explained to him and her brothers along with their wives and Snowdash about how she changed her ways, they forgave her, then Winter gave her a present, she opened it revealing a diamond ring and gasped with joy.

“Snowfall Frost, will you marry me?” Winter asked.

“Yes! I’ll marry you, Winter Star!” Snowfall replied as she shared a kiss with her new fiancée.

“And from then on, it was always said of all the Hearth’s Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall’s was the Hearth’s Warmingest,” Twilight finished narrating, then closed the book, “The end.”

“Well, that’s it! Thanks for letting me read you the story. Guess you can call it a night. We are all heading downstairs, and if you wanted to, you’d be welcome to join us,” Twilight said.

“What did you think of the story, Eric?” Storm asked.

“It was great, Daddy,” Eric replied, “Most of it seemed familiar to me.”

“What do you mean, sweetie?” Twilight asked.

“Jasper, Smokey, and I will tell you later. Now I’m ready to join the party,” Eric replied.

Starlight went downstairs to join the others.

“Welcome to the party! Happy Hearth’s Warming, Starlight,” Twilight and Storm said.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Twilight and Storm,” Starlight replied.

Just then, everyone including Eric started singing:

(Hearth’s Warming Eve is here Once Again - Reprise)

The party was now in full swing, Eric was mingling with his friends, and under the mistletoe, Twilight and Storm shared a kiss, same with Rainbow and Forest, Rarity and Jasper, Applejack and Smokey, even Trixie and Flash.

“I’m glad you and your family could make it, Nightshade,” Eric said.

“It’s good to see you, Eric,” Nightshade replied. “You too, Apple Bloom.”

“Glad you’re here, Shady,” Apple Bloom said as she and Nightshade shared a kiss under the mistletoe.

Eric and Sweetie Belle also shared a kiss, as did Slapstick and Scootaloo, Zuni and Pip, and Marina and Rumble.

“Eric! Can you come here, please?” Storm called.

“I’ll be right back, everyone,” Eric said to his friends.

Once Eric went over to where his parents and their friends were, he asked, “What is it, Daddy?”

“We have some wonderful news for you,” Twilight said.

“What is it, Mommy?” Eric asked.

“Sweetie, I’m pregnant!” Twilight said.

“Mommy, is that true?!” Eric asked happily.

“Yes, you’re gonna be a big brother soon!” Twilight said excitedly.

Eric got excited and jumped into his mother’s hooves and hugged her, she hugged him in return and his father did too. Rarity and the others congratulated Twilight and Storm. Eric was happy knowing that he was gonna have a sibling, he went over to rejoin his friends.

“What’re you so happy ‘bout, Eric?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’m gonna be a big brother!” Eric said.

“Congratulations, Eric!” Sweetie Belle replied as she hugged him.

“Way to go, Eric! Now we’ll both have a sibling,” Nightshade added.

Soon enough, the party ended and dinner was over, then Eric had already went to sleep in his bed.
> Chapter 11: Tough Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One early spring day, after Fluttershy’s brother Zephyr Breeze graduated from mane therapy school, he was still in an emotional shamble after he found out that the mare he admired was already in a relationship. Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo noticed this and were trying to come up with a solution.

“You girls think we should help Zephyr?” Eric asked.

“He’s like super obnoxious, according to Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo said. “I don’t think any mare would want to be with somepony like him.”

“That didn’t stop her and Fluttershy from helping him overcome his fear of failure. I think everypony deserves a special somepony, even Zephyr,” Eric replied, “I think that’s why he’s not himself today.”

“Good thinkin’, Eric. Maybe we could ask him why he likes Rainbow and help him get over her,” said Apple Bloom.

The four friends went over to Zephyr, then Sweetie Belle said, “Hi, Zephyr. Are you alright? You look troubled.”

“Great. Never been better,” Zephyr replied sarcastically.

“Somethin’ tells me you’re not,” Apple Bloom said.

“What is it about Rainbow Dash that you like?” Scootaloo asked.

“She’s athletic, fast, gorgeous, and a great flyer,” Zephyr replied.

“I’m pretty sure there are other, unattached mares who fit your description,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Such as Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts. I think she’d be right for you,” Eric added.

“If I couldn’t have a chance at Rainbow Dash, what makes you think I may have one with Spitfire?” Zephyr asked with concern.

“Because we can help you not be a weirdo or obnoxious,” Scootaloo replied, “On a date, you just need to talk normally, like you’re talking to us right now.”

“I need some time to think,” Zephyr said.

“Sure. Take all the time you need, there’s no rush,” Eric replied, “If you need us, we’ll be at our clubhouse.”

Hours later, the Wonderbolts were performing an air show in Ponyville. Zephyr Breeze got a ticket and to his surprise, he was sitting next to Rainbow’s boyfriend, Forest Thunder.

“Hello, Zephyr. I didn’t expect to see you here,” Forest said. “I thought you wouldn’t bother to show up upon knowing Rainbow is dating me.”

“I’m still trying to get over her, I’m mainly here to watch Spitfire perform,” Zephyr replied.

As the air show went on, Zephyr was admiring Spitfire’s moves and enamored by her performance, while Forest was primarily focused on his girlfriend’s performance.

“What a mare!” Zephyr said.

Soon enough, the show was over and Forest met up with Rainbow. Upon seeing Spitfire, Zephyr composed himself, muttering, “Remember what the CMCs said, talk normally.”

“Hi, Spitfire,” Zephyr said.

“Hey, Zephyr. Haven’t seen you since Rainbow had you train with us,” Spitfire replied.

“I’m glad I finished mane therapy school, ‘cause when Rainbow made me train with you, that was just crazy,” said Zephyr, “Your performance was very graceful.”

“Thanks, Zephyr,” Spitfire replied.

At the CMCs clubhouse, Eric and the three fillies were coming up with a solution to help Zephyr to win Spitfire’s heart.

“It seems Zephyr is open to seeking a relationship with Spitfire, but she has to like him too in order for it to work out,” Sweetie Belle said.

“We’d better not get too involved y’all,” Apple Bloom said, “Remember what happened with Miss Cheerilee and Big Mac?”

“Hey, we agreed never to use that love potion, I mean poison, ever again. Right?” Scootaloo said.

“I remember, you told me about that last year, since I wasn’t here when that happened,” Eric added, “Besides, I have a better idea.”

“What do you have in mind, Eric?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“We can show Zephyr how to be a secret admirer. That’s a subtle technique,” Eric replied.

“Good thinkin’, Eric,” Apple Bloom said.

Just then, Zephyr came in and said, “Here’s Zephyr!”

“We’re glad you’re here, ‘cause we’re gonna show you how to be a secret admirer,” Scootaloo replied.

Zephyr sat down and asked, “What must I do?”

“For one thing, you shouldn’t sign your name on a love letter. You should also make sure you leave one that says something sweet, but not too mushy,” Eric replied.

Eric and the three fillies explained to Zephyr what it takes to be a secret admirer, including how to write a love poem.

The next day, at Wonderbolt headquarters, Spitfire was in her office when Soarin came in with some mail. She then opened it and it read: 

“To Spitfire

Your pretty face I shall always remember...

You’ll warm up my heart in September...

For you are the one I desire...

Your secret admirer ”

“I wonder who wrote this,” Spitfire said to herself.

“It seems you’ve got a secret admirer, Captain,” Soarin replied.

Over the course of the week, Spitfire kept receiving poems, bouquets of flowers, and boxes of chocolates. As soon as she was finished training cadets for the day, Spitfire got a note that said:

Please meet me by Saddle Lake near Ponyville

Soon enough, at the lake, the four CMCs were keeping well hidden in the bushes when they saw Spitfire flying down near them, happened to notice Zephyr Breeze waiting for her and went over to him.

“Hi, Spitfire,” Zephyr said.

“Hi, Zephyr. Did you send me those gifts?” Spitfire asked.

“I did. In my mind, you’re the most gorgeous and athletic flyer I’ve met,” Zephyr replied.

“You flatter me, Zephyr. You’re quite ‘dashing’ yourself,” Spitfire said.

“Good one, Spitfire. I didn’t know you had a sense of humor,” Zephyr replied.

“Not many stallions were able to win my heart like you did. It takes determination to woo a mare like me, and that’s exactly what you’ve shown me when you became my secret admirer,” Spitfire explained.

“If it wasn’t for Eric and his friends’ help, I probably would still be a lovesick stallion,” Zephyr replied then asked, “Would you like to join me for a date anytime soon?”

“I’d like to get to know you as a friend first, so let’s give it two weeks before we can go on a date,” Spitfire replied before kissing Zephyr’s cheek.

Zephyr blushed up a storm and said, “See you around, Spitfire.”

“See you ‘round too, Zephyr,” Spitfire replied before taking off.

Zephyr also took off saying, “Yes! Thank you, CMCs for your help!”

Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo came out of the bushes saying quietly, “Happy to help, Zephyr.”

“We did it, girls!” Eric said as they entered a group hug.

They also gave each other their signature hoof/fist bump, then went back to their homes.
> Chapter 12: The Applewood Derby
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was another spring day at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. All the students were chattering excitedly with each other when Cheerilee made her presence known.

“Good morning, Miss Cheerilee!” all the students said in unison.

“Good morning, everypony! I hope you brought your thinking caps, because today we’re going to learn about physics!” said Cheerilee.

“Physics?” Scootaloo wondered.

“Mm-hmm! Specifically, the use of force in energy conversions! In this case, using mechanical work to convert potential energy into kinetic energy!” Cheerilee replied.

“The what now?” Apple Bloom asked.

Eric, Zuni, Marina, Slapstick, and Holly looked confused too.

“Um, Miss Cheerilee? That sounds a bit over our heads,” Sweetie Belle said raising her hoof.

“Yeah. Why would we even need to know that stuff?” Scootaloo added.

“Oh, it’s very important. In fact, you’ll most likely end up using it tomorrow,” Cheerilee replied.

“Tomorrow? What for?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Why, for participating in the... Applewood Derby!” said Cheerilee as she flipped her blackboard revealing the blue prints for a racing cart.

The students all gasped and then cheered excitedly.

“Oh, phew! For a second, I thought we were gonna have to, you know, learn stuff,” Snails said as he wiped his brow.

“We get to race in the Applewood Derby tomorrow? That’s so cool!” Scootaloo said as she did a hoof-pump into the air.

“My family’s talked about it for years, and now I’m finally old enough to race!” Apple Bloom added as she clapped her fore-hooves excitedly.

“Now hold on to your horseshoes, everypony. You’ve got a lot of work to do before you’re ready to race,” said Cheerilee.

“Yeah, but... not schoolwork, right?” Snips wondered.

“There’ll be a block of applewood just like this one waiting for you at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow, and you’ve got one day to turn it into a race-ready cart,” Cheerilee explained.

She pulled down a shade that had a picture of what the applewood chunk looked like. The students groaned, except for Eric, Holly, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick who were still curious as this was new to them.

“Oh, yeah... That is a lot of work,” Scootaloo said.

“Mm-hmm. Luckily, you’ll each get to pick an older pony to help you! But choose wisely, because they’ll also have to ride in the cart with you during the race,” Cheerilee replied.

“Hmmm... I think I know just the pony to ask,” Scootaloo said.

“Me too!” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Me three!” Apple Bloom added.

Eric raised his hand and asked, “What’s the Applewood Derby?”

“Since this is new to you and your non-pony friends, the Applewood Derby is an annual cart race which has been held in Ponyville since two years after it was founded.” Cheerilee explained, “Just remember, everypony. Your cart has to be able to finish the race if you want to win one of the awards; Fastest - for winning the race, naturally, Most traditional - for the best working replica of an original Applewood cart, and Most creative - for the cart with the best overall design.” 

“Hoo-wee! Those ribbons are the bees’ knees,” Apple Bloom said dreamily.

“Uh-huh...” said the rest of the class in the same dreamily tone.

“All right then, class! You’ve got a lot to learn if you want to build a race cart,” Cheerilee said.

“Aww... I knew there was gonna be a catch!” Snips complained.

After school, Rocky, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon were walking together as Scootaloo was on her scooter and waved to the two fillies as she rolled by. Holly, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick went to their homes. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Eric were walking side by side a short distance away as Sweetie Belle was using her magic to carry and read a book as they walked together.

“Wow! Have you seen what the carts used to look like in the olden days?” Sweetie Belle asked.

She then showed a picture of some ponies wearing olden attire and driving a classic cart.

“Yeah, I know all about them. When Ponyville started the Derby, they decided to use the wood from our apple trees for the carts. The race has been a part of Sweet Apple Acres ever since,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Your family really has amounted to everything in the history of Ponyville, Apple Bloom,” Eric said.

“I just think these old carts look so cool! But I guess you and Applejack will probably win the award for the most traditional, huh?” Sweetie Belle said as she put the book back in her saddlebag.

“The Apples usually do. But honestly, I’d rather build the fastest cart there is and win the race!” Apple Bloom said before Scootaloo zoomed past them on her scooter.

“But... I’m pretty sure Scoot and Rainbow Dash’ll take that award,” Apple Bloom finished.

“I want to build a fast cart too, and maybe win second place,” said Eric, “I’m also gonna ask my parents for help.”

“You know, I race around so much on my scooter, being the fastest isn’t such a big deal. Maybe I’ll try to make the wildest looking cart I can think of!” Scootaloo said.

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Sure! If I win most creative, you can totally win the award for fastest!” Scootaloo replied.

“And I can win the award for most traditional!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly.

“Sounds like we’re all gonna try somethin’ different. I can’t wait to tell Applejack!” said Apple Bloom.

“Let’s get to it!” Scootaloo replied.

“Go, Crusaders!” the four friends cheered and shared a hoof/fist bump together.

Soon enough, Scootaloo went over to Rainbow’s cloudominium and was telling her all about the Derby.

“Are you kidding?! Of course I’ll help with the Applewood Derby! I want you to have as much fun as I did when I was a filly!” Rainbow said.

“Wait, Cloudsdale has a derby too?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sure! Practically every town in Equestria has one! I still remember racing my cloud cart...” Rainbow replied, sighing contently.

**Flashback**

”This is so awesome!” Young Rainbow shouted happily, wearing an aviator’s hat and goggles, as she zoomed about the cloud racetrack in her cart and then went through a loop-de-loop, “Woo-hoooooo!”

**End flashback**

“And lemme guess. You won fastest cart,” Scootaloo said, causing Rainbow to open her eyes and come back to reality.

“Heh, obviously!” Rainbow replied, waving her fore-hoof off in a dismissive manner.

“So what do you say? Will you help me make my race cart?” Scootaloo asked.

“Help you? I’m all over it! I’ve got tons of ideas,” Rainbow replied.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got a lot of— Whoa.” Scootaloo tried to say as she was cut off when something flew over her head, “Ideas of my own. Um...” Another object flew over head and then a soccer ball bumped and knocked over a nearby flower vase.

“What are you looking for?” Scootaloo asked.

“The blueprint for my derby cart, of course!” Rainbow replied as she held a gold trophy with a blue ribbon on it, “I’ll have to change it a little ‘cause this race is on roads, not clouds. But trust me, your cart is gonna be amazing!” 

Rainbow then ducked back inside of her chest and tossed out a book, a dumbell, and a suitcase. Scootaloo did her best to dodge the items since they all came flying at her.

“Um, okay, Rainbow Dash, thanks!” Scootaloo said nervously as she turned to leave, “How awesome is this? With Dash on my team, how could anything go wrong?”

At Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was telling Applejack about helping her at the derby.

“Well, I’m mighty flattered you wanna work with your big sis on your cart. I mean, the Applewood Derby did—” Applejack tried to say before she was cut off.

“—start on our farm. I know,” Apple Bloom interrupted.

“Well, I couldn’t be more proud to help my little sister take the prize for most traditional,” Applejack said.

“Actually, I was kinda thinking of somethin’ else. Like... fastest?” Apple Bloom replied.

Applejack scoffed, “Fastest? Apple Bloom, things aren’t like they were in the old days. The fastest cart now has gotta be slick and modern and—” she retorted.

“Exactly!” Apple Bloom pointed out.

“Not Apple at all. The Apples win most traditional. We have since the Derby started! Why would anypony want to win anythin’ else?” Applejack said, “Now why don’t you head off and get some chamomile vines, some hickory sticks, and some apple barrels, and I’ll show you what an Apple family cart should look like!”

“I guess I do have a family tradition to uphold...” Apple Bloom replied sheepishly.

At the Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle was surprised to see Rarity’s reaction when she told her the news.

“The Applewood Derby?!” Rarity said gasping and then giggled excitedly as she bounced on all four of her hooves, not even caring that she had several upper class ponies starting at her in a snooty fashion, “Of course I’ll help!”

“Wow. Uh, Rarity, I didn’t know you’d be this excited,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Me? Oh, why, I’m just itching to right an old wrong from long, long ago!“ said Rarity.

**Flashback**

Filly Rarity smiled as she watched the judge come to see her creative cart, which was white with a purple feathery accents on it. 

“I designed my own cart when I was just a little filly,” Rarity narrated, “and I was positive I was going to win the prize for most creative, hooves down! But I came in second. Second! Filly Rarity was then shocked to see her cart got a second place ribbon. She looked devastated and on the verge of tears. 

“You? Second in most creative?” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “To whom?!”

Filly Rarity then looked to see that the blue ribbon has gone to a filly Ditzy Doo, who had build a cart that looked very amaturish, to her at least. The other ponies cheered for filly Ditzy as she stood on her hind legs. Filly Rarity watched as a large dark cloud appeared over her and poured rain on top of her. 

“But I learned a valuable lesson,” Rarity narrated. Filly Rarity’s had tears creeping in her eyes as she glared at filly Ditzy jealously and angrily. 

**End flashback**

“I learned to know my audience, and the race cart audience wants big! They want bold!“ said Rarity. Sweetie Belle and the other customers were all just staring at her. Rarity then glared at them.

“Chop chop! Everypony out! We’ve got work to do!“ Rarity ordered. The upper class ponies all chattered indignantly as they left. Rarity then closed the door.

“This will take all of my considerable skills...” said Rarity as she marched into the foreground with a notepad in her magic grip and she started to scribble and hum to herself, “...but I will fashion the biggest and boldest Derby cart to ever win the prize for most creative!” Sweetie Belle just gave Rarity a worried look as Rarity continued to scribble her notes.

“Actually, I was sorta thinking of something more... traditional?“ Sweetie Belle replied.

“Oh! Please, darling, leave tradition to the Apples. We’re doing big, we’re doing bold!” Rarity said with an annoyed look on her face and laughed haughtily, she then hummed some more, “Soon the prize for most creative will finally be in my hooves!” She then smiled with determination as Sweetie Belle gave her a skeptical look.

“You mean my hooves,” Sweetie Belle replied, feeling a bit indignant.

“Yes, that’s what I said – my hooves.” said Rarity, before being stern, “Darling, I hope you’re ready to get an early start tomorrow!” She then trotted off.

“Uh... how early?” Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.

At the Castle of Friendship, Eric had notified his parents about the Applewood Derby.

“I don’t know if you racing is a good idea, sweetie, ‘cause you’re six years old and this seems dangerous,” Twilight said.

“But, Mommy, being six or even five never stopped me from holding my own against Glacio’s minions. Thanks to my magic training with you and daddy,” Eric replied.

“I think you should let him race, Twily. If he can hold his own against Glacio’s minions, then surely he can handle the Applewood Derby,” said Storm before turning to Eric, “After all, I was your age when I started racing in the Canterlot Mountain Derby and I won it six times, ‘cause I have the 1st place trophies and ribbons for fastest to prove it.”

“You make a good point, honey,” Twilight said before turning to Eric, “Okay, Eric. You can race in the derby tomorrow, as long as you have me with you.”

“Thanks, Mommy,” Eric replied as he hugged her.

“By the way, Eric. You won’t need to worry about making your own cart, ‘cause I brought my old one down so you can fix it up and race in it,” Storm said, “I even invited Moonshadow, Stardust, and your grandpa to watch you race.”

“Cool. Maybe I’ll give it a new paint job too. Thanks, Daddy,” Eric replied.

It was still dawn when Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Storm led the Cutie Mark Crusaders to the area of Sweet Apple Acres where they and their adult partners would go to assemble their race carts, and to where Eric would fix up his dad’s old cart. The four friends were each pulling a kart loaded with building the supplies and all had very drowsy looks on their faces. It was then they reached an area of the farm that had some very tall walls surrounding it. The nine ponies, plus Eric could hear some construction sounds from inside the walled area. 

Sweetie Belle let out a tired yawn and then groaned “Rarity, the sun’s not even up yet,” she complained as Scootaloo walked past her in the background with a cranky look on her face.

“You’re telling me, Sweetie Belle,” Eric added in a tired tone.

“Oh, apples, quit complainin’! In my day, we were up even earlier!” Applejack replied.

“Hey, I’d get up in the middle of the night if it means my cart crosses that finish line first and wins fastest!” Rainbow remarked.

“And my cart wins most creative!” Rarity added.

“And my cart wins most traditional! Hoo-wee, it’s gonna be a good day!” said Applejack.

“You mean our carts, right?” Scootaloo asked rather indignantly.

“Yes, that’s what we said, darling,” Rarity quickly replied.

“Yup,” Applejack added in agreement.

“Our carts,” Rainbow corrected. The three older ponies walked away as the Cutie Mark Crusaders just shared worried looks with each other.

“Their carts? It almost sounds like they’re planning on building them without us,” Apple Bloom said.

“I’m sure they meant “our” carts. Like, the team cart, right?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Of course! I mean, they’re all our older sisters, practically,” Scootaloo replied. “Plus, they’ve all done this before. I’m sure they know best. Let’s just buckle down and get to work!”

“At least my mommy is allowing me to race in my daddy’s old cart once I fix it up, with him helping. I’m lucky I don’t have to worry about mommy hogging it,” Eric added.

With determined looks on their faces, the four friends pulled their wagons toward the wooden fenced areas that were considered their team’s top-less cart garage.

As the sun started to creep into the sky, the other fillies and colts with their respective adult partners were busy working on their own carts. In addition to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their respective older sisters, plus Eric and his parents, Diamond Tiara had partnered up with her butler Randolph, Snips and Puppydog Tails, Train Tracks with Crimson Skate, Sugar Stix and Winter Lotus, and finally Crackle Pop and Ditzy Doo. Applejack had covered hers and Apple Bloom’s cart with an apple red tarp and Rainbow didn’t resist putting up an entrance sign made of cloud towers and a rainbow banner. One thing to notice was the fact that the adults were busy working on the carts themselves while their filly partners hadn’t even arrived at their garages. Scootaloo was already tiring out having to pull her wagon loaded with supplies alone. Rainbow showed her no sympathy.

“Scootaloo, where have you been? I’ve only got ‘til noon to make the fastest cart ever!” Rainbow snapped, then zoomed away as Scootaloo recovered.

“Uh, about that. I was really thinking of going for the most creative prize. I mean, I know all about speed already, so...” Scootaloo tried to say.

“Exactly! It’s all about speed! You’ve gotta get across the finish line to win a prize, so we might as well get there first, right? Hey, I left a bunch of paint cans by the road. Bring them up here, would ya? Nothing as fun as painting racing stripes on the winning cart!” Rainbow interrupted her.

Scootaloo sighed and agreed reluctantly, saying “Right... Fun...”

She then walked off the collect the paint. At Applejack and Apple Bloom’s garage, Applejack was under the tarp working on the cart while Apple Bloom was forced to sit nearby and hadn’t been allowed to do much of anything.

“Spendin’ time buildin’ a cart with my big sister? Why, this is just tee-riffic! Um... how can I help?” Apple Bloom said, trying to stay optimistic. She smiled sheepishly and noticed that Applejack wasn’t listening.

“You can feast your eyes on... this!” said Applejack excitedly as she removed the apple red tarp to reveal the kart. Apple Bloom gave a wide smile and then it quickly turned into shock. There before her was an apple red traditional cart. “I-I mean, it ain’t quite finished yet.”

“Oh, good,” Apple Bloom replied in relief.

“But don’t it have the makin’s of the best cart you ever did see? Uh... is somethin’ wrong, Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked.

“Actually, I was kinda thinkin’ of somethin’ a little more modern, and less rickety. With maybe a chance of winning?” Apple Bloom suggested, poking one of the pole holding the cart roof up and making it wobble about.

“Bless my hooves, I thought we covered this! Tradition is all that counts! And who knows tradition better than Apples? Nopony, that’s who! So are you an Apple, or are you an Apple?” Applejack said annoyingly as she slammed her Stenson hat on the ground, then snorted.

“I’m an Apple, but... what if I just take off this fringe?” Apple Bloom asked, then went to step into the front part of the cart.

“No, not the fringe!” Applejack protested, then looked away as she heard a crashing sound.

The front part of the cart broke off completely.

“Ugh! Why, shoot! Now I’ve gotta start all over from scratch! And it’s almost race time!” Applejack said angrily.

“Oh. So, maybe we can redesign it then? Just a little,” Apple Bloom asked.

“No time! And who’d want to redesign somethin’ that’s already perfect?” Applejack snapped.

“Right...Perfect...” Apple Bloom replied dejectedly.

“Okay, so I sketched out some of my ideas. How about a nice yellow fringe on top?” Sweetie Belle said as the sound of wrench was being under underneath a tarp that Rarity had put over the cart.

“Oh-ho-ho-ho, darling. The fringe is not exactly big! And that yellow is the least bold color I can imagine!” Rarity replied.

“Well, it doesn’t have to be yellow. But I really do love the old-timey style. Like this,” said Sweetie Belle. She then showed Rarity a picture of what she wanted her cart to look like. Rarity looked at the picture with large eyes and then quickly recovered.

“Sweetie Belle, precious face, “old-timey” is just another word for passé. Remember, big and bold! I do have a reputation to uphold! It was one thing to lose as a filly, but can you imagine if I didn’t win the most creative now? Ponies might stop buying my couture!” Rarity replied.

“But we’re supposed to be doing this together!” Sweetie Belle protested.

“Yes, of course we are, darling. In fact, we just finished.” Rarity said, then removed the tarp. Sweetie Belle went agape at what she saw, “Voila! I know. You’re speechless.” There before the two sisters was a cart in the shape of a swan that had a crown and necklace just like Celestia’s.

“Well, if that isn’t big and bold, I don’t know what is! Isn’t it wonderful?” Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle just gave Rarity a skeptical look, but it went unnoticed as Rarity walked up to the cart and hummed to herself.

“Right...Wonderful,” Sweetie Belle replied dejectedly in agreement.

At Eric and his parents’ garage, he was had finished fixing up the old cart and gave it a red paintjob, he also painted the number 95 on the sides.

“What do you think?” Eric asked.

“It looks great, sport. Nice touch with the racing number. I had that when your mom and I first participated in the Running of the Leaves,” Storm replied.

Rainbow continued to work on hers and Scootaloo’s cart. Scootaloo then thought it would be a good idea to put a giant chicken head on the front for a hood ornament. Just as she rushed away to get a pair of chicken wings to attach to the sides, Rainbow shook her head disapprovingly and took the chicken head ornament off, leaving Scootaloo shocked and annoyed. Later on, Rainbow had flew away and come back to find that Scootaloo had put the chicken wings into the sides of the cart. She looked at them disapprovingly. Scootaloo then returned holding a chicken head on a stick when she saw Rainbow fly above her with the removed chicken wings. Scootaloo was left disappointed and ignored.

At Applejack and Apple Bloom’s garage, Applejack was working on the large wooden wheels for the cart. Apple Bloom then tried attaching spoiler to the back of the cart and then quickly walked away. Applejack, holding a garland in her mouth, bucked the spoiler off just as Apple Bloom came back. Apple Bloom was shocked and a little hurt. She then tried to paint some flame decals on the sides and then walked off again. Applejack wasted no time painting the flames off and walked away, leaving Apple Bloom sad and ignored.

At Rarity’s and Sweetie Belle’s garage, Rarity was adding a fresh coat of paint to the cart. Sweetie Belle rushed up and tried tying her yellow garland around the top. Rarity was taken aback and Sweetie Belle smiled. Rarity then smirked as she removed, gave Sweetie Belle the brush, and walked away. Sweetie Belle felt most annoyed. A little note of interest was that while other carts had steering wheels, Rarity’s and Sweetie Belle’s cart used a pair of dual sticks that had gems on them to control the steering with a third stick for something else. Rarity then walked away, but when she came back, Sweetie Belle had replaced the control sticks with a rustic steering wheel. Rarity glared. Sweetie Belle then rolled her eyes and put the control sticks back into place. While Rarity was pleased, Sweetie Belle felt annoyed and ignored.

At Eric and his parents’ garage, they were testing the cart’s steering and brakes, and they were also drying the paint with a fan. They also doing a final inspection on the chassis.

As the other pony pairs were excitedly finishing their carts, Sweetie Belle was just sitting alone at the top of a nearby hill when Apple Bloom came up to her.

“Hey, Crusader... How’s it goin’?” Apple Bloom asked tiredly.

Sweetie Belle sighed as she pointed to the swan cart that Rarity was shining and said, “Rarity’s definitely made the biggest, boldest cart anypony’s ever seen.”

“Wow. Well, Applejack’s built somethin’ so traditional, it’s practically an antique,” Apple Bloom replied.

Sweetie Belle looked agape at the apple red cart with green garland along the rooftop. It was then Scootaloo arrived and sighed loudly and said, “No matter what I say, there’s no talking Rainbow Dash out of making the fastest cart in Equestria.”

“At least my mommy respected the idea I had in mind. In fact, I’m lucky daddy talked her into letting me race at all,” Eric added.

“Good for you, Eric. But it doesn’t look like any of us ended up with what we wanted,” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

“But... I’m sure our older sisters know what they’re doin’. Right?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Right,” Scootaloo replied.

“Right,” Sweetie Belle agreed.

“And even if our carts aren’t exactly what we had in mind, it’ll still be fun to drive them to the finish line,” Apple Bloom said.

“Sure! The race is the best part!” Sweetie belle replied.

“Yeah! CMCs behind the wheels!” Scootaloo agreed.

“Way to think positive, girls,” Eric said.

The four friends cheered and gave each other a hoof/fist bump.

“Derby racers to the starting line! Derby racers to the starting line!” Cheerilee called.

The four friends went over to the track, then Eric got into his cart with Twilight alongside him, he couldn’t help but hear his friends complaints.

“Mommy, my friends aren’t satisfied with their carts since their sisters did virtually all the work and they didn’t get the designs they wanted,” Eric said.

“You’re right, sweetie. The nerve of their sisters, hogging the carts from your friends,” Twilight replied, “That’s just wrong.”

At the starting line, the fact the three adults were in the driver’s seat and alone hadn’t gone unnoticed by Cheerilee, who was wearing a cheerleader’s outfit.

“Um, aren’t you all missing somepony?” Cheerilee asked.

“They’ll be along,” Applejack quickly said.

“And, uh, usually the younger ponies drive the carts,” Cheerilee pointed out in a hushed tone.

“Darling, do these look like usual carts to you?” Rarity replied.

Cheerilee just rolled her eyes, then Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo got into the carts alongside the older mares and strapped themselves in, and so did Eric.

“Speed...I...am...speed,” Eric said to himself.

“Good self motivation, Eric. Your dad used to say that when he was racing in this cart, and also during the Running of the Leaves,” Twilight replied.

“It was also from a movie I’ve seen,” said Eric.

Cheerilee sounded the bugle and said, “Racers! On your marks, get set, go!”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!” Sweetie Belle screamed since the high momentum and being so high above the ground scared her.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!” Scootaloo screamed since the speed was a little too fast for her comfort zone.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!” Apple Bloom screamed...at the fact the cart was way too slow! So slow that even Cheerilee was staring with wide eyes at the cart from the background.

“Can’t we go any faster?!” Apple Bloom complained.

“Faster? Don’t be silly. This is perfect!” Applejack exclaimed. Apple Bloom just groaned.


(Derby Racers)

The crowd cheered as the racers turned a corner, then as they past another house, then a third time as the racers crossed a bridge, then a filly cheerleader appeared, along with a colt cheerleader, and finally Cheerilee herself in the middle of them.

“Having any fun yet?” Scootaloo asked.

“Nope! Maybe if we could go a little faster!” Apple Bloom said.

The crowd cheered as the racers drove by, then again as four ponies did a wave, then again a third time as the racer drove past, and three ponies popped out from behind a hay bale, including Bulk Biceps wearing a soda hat. Rarity then used her controls to open the wings of her swan cart, which prevented two racers on both side of her cart to pass. Rainbow Dash pushed down on her steering wheel to make the cart go even fasters, which made Scootaloo lips flap about.

As the racers came to an intersection, the CMCs shouted in unison, “Look out!” 

Everypony has crashed into each other in a large heap of ponies and broken up carts in the middle of the intersection. Everypony groaned, but fortunately, aside from a few scratches and bruises, nopony was seriously hurt. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, including Eric weren’t in the large pile of ponies or broken carts. They had all jumped clear, but still had gotten slightly battered and scratched up from the landing.

“Eric, are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“I think so, but I hurt a lot,” Eric replied trying not to cry.

“Oh! My beautiful swan cart is an ugly duckling!” Rarity complained dramatically.

“And my old-time cart is a rootin’ tootin’ wreck!” Applejack said in a sad tone. Rainbow Dash then passed the two of them pushing the remains of her cart.

“It still counts as a win if I push my cart across right?” Rainbow asked as one of the wheels bounced forward after it broke off completely. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were furious and just looked at each other.

“They’re not your carts!” the four friends yelled angrily.

Everypony else, including their older sisters looked at them.

“Huh?” Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity asked cluelessly.

“We were supposed to design them!” Apple Bloom snapped.

“And we were supposed to drive them!” Scootaloo added.

“The Derby was supposed to be for us, not the three of you!” Sweetie Belle said sternly, “Now you’ve ruined it for everypony!” 

“It was very wrong of you to hog your sisters’ carts and steal the show! You should all be ashamed of yourselves!” Eric yelled.

The three older sisters shared sad looks with each other. Then they looked back and saw that everypony else was giving them glares or upset looks. Rarity whimpered as one of the wings to her cart came off completely.

“Yes, well, I suppose we might have gotten a teensy bit carried away...” Rarity said.

“But I thought you all wanted our help,” said Applejack.

“We did! We wanted you to help build our carts. But we all ended up with carts that are what each of you wanted!” Apple Bloom replied.

“Mm-hmm!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hummed in agreement.

“But why didn’t you say anything?” Rainbow asked.

“You’ve all done the race before,” Scootaloo replied in her defense, “I just figured you knew best.”

“Plus it’s hard to speak up to older ponies,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Oh, I certainly understand that. But you mustn’t think older ponies automatically know best,” Rarity said.

“And we probably could have done a better job of listening to you,” Rainbow added.

“Oof. I guess we owe all three of you an apology,” Applejack finished.

“Maybe not just us,” Apple Bloom said.

The three mares turned to see that the other racers were still glaring at them. Cheerilee then stomped up as well, looking just as angry and upset.

“Um, how do you feel about a do-over?” Rainbow suggested with a nervous chuckle.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea! But maybe the older ponies should sit this one out,” Cheerilee replied. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow just smiled sheepishly.

Later, Rainbow was wearing a red cap and purple pit crew outfit as she finished painting Scootaloo’s cart. Scootaloo now had her very own cart designed to look like a fire phoenix.

“Thanks for helping us fix up our carts,” Scootaloo said to Rainbow, “Pretty creative, right?” Rainbow smiled in reply.

Applejack, now wearing a green cap with a blue pit crew outfit, was testing out the spoiler on Apple Bloom’s kart. The yellow filly now had her own honest-to-goodness race cart.

“I know it’s not traditional,” Apple Bloom said, “But it sure looks fast, don’t it?” Applejack just smiled in agreement.

Rarity was wearing a light blue cap and cerulean blue pit crew outfit, she added the yellow garland to Sweetie Belle’s green traditional cart.

“You know, darling,” said Rarity, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that yellow fringe is bold after all.” It wasn’t long before the three fillies were heading toward the starting line with their new carts.

“Thanks, everypony,” said Sweetie Belle, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” Rainbow and Scootaloo shared a high-five before the three fillies drove away.

“Yup, I sure am glad Miss Cheerilee agreed to run the race over again,” said Applejack.

“Well, it isn’t every year I get to say this twice, but...” said Cheerilee, “Derby racers to the starting line! Derby racers to the starting line!” It was then the fanfare music began to play once again.

The racers then took off down the ramp for the second time. Apple Bloom to an early lead with her speedy apple race cart, and Eric behind her in his dad’s old cart.

“And it’s probably best keeping all the grown-ups on the sidelines,” Rainbow added, “But what are we supposed to do now?”

“I think I have an idea.” Rarity replied.

“Ahhh!” Rarity sighed as she sipped some juice through a straw, “Much better! Honestly, I’m not sure why we wanted to race those carts in the first place.”

“Seriously!” Rainbow sighed in agreement, “This is the most relaxed I’ve been all day.” It was then some spectators cheered as the carts zoomed down the track. Of course, Sweetie Belle was far behind, but she was enjoying her low top speed traditional race cart and waved hello to the spectators. Apple Bloom was in the lead with Scootaloo not too far behind.

“Go, Scootaloo, go!” Rainbow cheered excitedly, “Woo-woo-woo-woo!” She then looked to see Applejack was glaring at her while Rarity had a huge smirk on her face.

“Uhh, I mean...,” Rainbow stuttered and laughed nervously as she went back to reclining on her lounge chair, “This is the life, right ponies?” Rainbow just sighed contently but still lifted her shades and smiled as she watched the race. While Scootaloo wasn’t going for the fastest cart, she still placed in third and Apple Bloom successfully took first place. Sweetie Belle scored the most traditional prize and Scootaloo had managed to get the most creative for her phoenix cart. Eric won second place for fastest. The ponies surrounding the four friends cheered, including Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity’s boyfriends, Forest, Smokey, and Jasper.

“Way to go, little cuz!” Stardust said as she and Moonshadow hugged him.

“You made us proud, kiddo,” Moonshadow replied.

“Congrats on second place, me bucko,” Forest added.

Lancer then came up to him and said, “You’ve got a lot of stuff, kiddo.”

“Thanks, grandpa,” Eric replied as they hugged, “I’m glad you came.”

Moonshadow went over to Cheerilee and said, “That was come great cheerleading you did out there. Pardon me for saying this, but you look gorgeous in that outfit.”

“Thank you, Moonshadow. You’re such a flatterer,” Cheerilee replied.

“Would you care to join me at Sugarcube Corner for a sweet treat?” Moonshadow asked, “And maybe have dinner with me tonight, too?”

“I’d love that….sugar bear,” Cheerilee replied as she playfully teased him.

The CMCs looked on as they were happy that their teacher finally had a special somepony.

“I can’t believe it, our teacher finally found the perfect stallion,” Apple Bloom said.

“I’m glad that he turned out to be mine and my mommy’s cousin, Moonshadow,” Eric added.

“Great job winning second place, cutie boo,” Sweetie Belle said as she kissed Eric on his face. Eric blushed up a storm and they shared a kiss.
> Chapter 13: The Times They are a Changeling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A train was making its way to the Crystal Empire. Twilight and Storm had decided to visit the Crystal Empire and had brought Starlight, Spike, and Eric along with them.

“I hope Shining Armor and Princess Cadance don’t think it’s too soon for us to come back to the Crystal Empire for a visit. But I just know Flurry Heart’s grown so much already. I wonder if we’ll even recognize her,” Twilight said.

“Twily, there’s no way we can forget a little filly who likes to snuggle into our faces all the time,” Storm replied.

“She’s the only baby they have, Twilight. I think it’ll be pretty easy to figure out who she is,” Starlight added. Twilight just grunted annoyingly at the both of them.

“Sorry. I know you two want to visit your niece as much as possible, and I’m excited to see Sunburst again. I just don’t wanna fall behind on my friendship lessons back home,” said Starlight.

“I figured that, ‘cause it seems to me that you like each other but are unaware of the other’s feelings. I’m mainly excited to see my cousin again,” Eric replied.

“No comment,” said Starlight as she blushed.

“Starlight, your work in Ponyville isn’t going anywhere. Besides, I think we all know you can learn about friendship anywhere. Right, Spike?” Twilight told her before leaning forward to look at a seat across from theirs.

Spike was sitting opposite of them wearing a trench coat and holding a newspaper. 

“’Spike?’ Who’s ‘Spike’?” the dragon asked in a deep voice.

“Pfft. Uh, you’re Spike, Spike. And why are you dressed like that?” Starlight said.

“Guys, you’re blowing my cover!” Spike complained, groaning as he tossed the newspaper away and walked up to Starlight and Twilight. He was also carrying a small travel bag with him.

“Because you’re you... in a coat, hat and glasses. Also, we’re the only ones here,” Starlight pointed out.

“I could see through almost any disguise you have on,” Eric added.

“Right,” Spike replied.

“Spike, why do you need a disguise?” Twilight asked.

“Last time we came to the Crystal Empire, there was a lot goin’ on with the new baby and the Crystalling, but I still got mobbed in the street,” Spike explained.

“I wouldn’t say mobbed,” Starlight pointed out.

“And this is just a family visit. I wouldn’t want the presence of Spike the Brave and Glorious to turn it into some kind of circus,” Spike said smugly.

“We get it. The Crystal Ponies adore you,” Starlight replied.

“He did save the Empire. Twice. But still, I don’t think your presence will turn our visit into a circus,” Twilight added.

“Not if I find the right disguise, it won’t,” Spike said.

as he posed with a bright orange afro wig with his hat and sunglasses. Twilight, Starlight, and Storm just shared smirks with each other, while Eric burst out laughing.

“Spike, you look funny!” Eric laughed. Spike just blew a raspberry at him and rolled his eyes.

Once their train arrived at the station and had puffed away, the four ponies and Spike were surprised to see that the platform was empty.

“Uh, disguise or not, Spike, I don’t think you need to worry about being mobbed. Nopony’s here,” Starlight said.

The sound of the wind whistling could be heard as a tumbleweed drifted across the foreground.

“It’s like a ghost town,” Spike remarked as they headed to the Crystal Empire.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Twilight said.

“Where have I heard that before?” Eric muttered, “Right, from Star Wars.”

“You’re telling me, Twily. Something’s up,” Storm replied.

Soon, they were walking down the streets of the city, which was looking just as empty and deserted.

“Yeah, this is weird,” Starlight remarked.

“I guess I don’t need the disguise after all,” Spike said as he removed his disguise. Not three seconds later, Spike was surrounded by crystal ponies.

“It’s Spike the Brave and Glorious!” Honeysparkle shouted.

“He’s come to save us yet again!” Sapphire Joy added.

“And look, everypony, it’s Eric Sparkle!” another crystal pony shouted.

“Spike! Spike! Spike! Spike!” the crystal ponies shouted as they tossed Spike up and down.

“Save you from what?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, what’s going on?” Starlight added.

“Why was everypony hiding?” Twilight wondered.

“How can we help?” Storm asked. 

“Is Glacio’s army back here again?” Eric wondered.

Two crystal ponies, named Amber Laurel and Scarlet Heart, looked at them nervously.

“Oh, it sure looks like Princess Twilight, Prince Storm, their son and pupil,” said Amber Laurel.

“But how can we be sure?” Scarlet Heart remarked as they both winced.

“We can’t!”, “Either one of them could be the...you know!” said a third crystal pony named Golden Vas. She then cringed and ran off.

“What if this...isn’t...the real Spike?!” Amber Laurel gasped twice.

“Everypony, run!” Scarlet Heart screamed. The other crystal ponies ran for their lives, leaving Spike hanging in the air before he landed hard on the street below.

“Okay. Something strange is definitely going on,” said Twilight.

“Ya think?” Spike groaned.

The group wasted no time reaching the center of the city where the crystal heart and the castle were. Two royal guards were standing nearby as they nervously approached.

“Who goes there?” the first royal guard asked.

“Um, you don’t recognize the Princess and Prince of Friendship?” Starlight remarked. The two guards just glared.

“Of course we recognize them,” said the first guard.

“But that doesn’t mean it’s really them,” the second guard replied. Twilight and Starlight shared looks with each other.

“It’s okay, guys. They’re with me, and any friend of Spike the Brave and Glorious is a friend of the Crystal Empire, am I right?” Spike said.

“Huh,” said the second guard, “It does look like him.”

“Well, it would, wouldn’t it?” the first royal guard replied and stuck his face into Spike’s, “I’m sorry, but we’ll need to see some sort of identification.” Spike just looked dejected.

“We’ll take care of things from here,” said Cadance as she, Shining Armor, who was wearing his military armor, Sunburst, and Flurry Heart, who was sitting on a floating gold baby carrier chair. Storm just breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh, Cadance, thank goodness!” said Twilight, “What’s going on?”

“We can explain, Twily...if it really is you,” Shining Armor replied firmly.

“Sunshine, sunshine...” Cadance began.

“...ladybugs awake!” Twilight and Storm sang and danced with Cadance, “Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” Then they shared a happy group hug together and Sunburst approached holding Flurry Heart in her baby chair.

“Eric, is it really you?” Cadance asked just to be sure.

Eric nodded, then went up and hugged her, saying, “Hi, Aunt Cadance! Hi, Uncle Shining!”

“Hi, Eric. Good to know it’s actually you,” Shining replied as she and Cadance hugged him.

“It’s okay, everypony. It’s them.” said Shining.

“Of course it’s them! What’s all this about?” Starlight said.

“A changeling’s been spotted nearby,” Sunburst replied.

“A changeling?!” Twilight and Storm asked in unison.

“That’s not good,” Spike remarked.

“No, it’s not. After Queen Chrysalis took my place at our wedding and invaded Canterlot with her army of minions, we’re not taking any chances,” Cadance explained.

“Changelings feed off of love. And ever since Flurry Heart’s Crystalling, the Empire is filled with more love than anywhere in Equestria. It’s possible they’ve come for the baby,” Sunburst said.

“That’s why we posted the extra guards,” Shining Armor added, “and why we’re-”

“Checking everypony’s identity,” Twilight finished for him.

“I’m sorry for all of this. Flurry Heart’s really been looking forward to seeing you,” Cadance said.

Flurry Heart just giggled and cooed as Storm, Twilight, Eric, and Starlight gathered around her and smiled.

“Good to see you again, sweetie,” Storm greeted.

“Oh, she’s gotten so big!” said Twilight as Flurry Heart grabbed her fore-hoof, “My husband, Starlight, and I will do whatever we can to help protect her.”

“Hi, Flurry,” Eric greeted his cousin as she grabbed his face.

“To be honest, having you here is already a big relief,” Cadance replied.

“By the way, we have great news for you,” Storm said.

“Shining, Cadance, I’m pregnant,” Twilight added.

“Congratulations, Twilight,” Cadance replied.

“Mom and Dad will want to hear about this,” Shining added.

“The changelings have similar habits to creatures called dementors, which were from the world of my birth and they’re much worse. Just like changelings feed on love, dementors feed on happy memories, and they can also suck out one’s soul. That’s called the Dementor’s Kiss,” Eric explained, then shuddered.

“Valid point, Eric. And it’s a good thing we don’t have these dementors around here in Equestria,” Storm replied.

The second royal guard whispered something to Shining Armor.

“Hmm,” Shining Armor pondered before speaking, “The royal guards were wondering if Spike the Brave and Glorious would like to join in the search for the changeling.”

“Really?” Spike asked.

“Uh, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Spike. It sounds dangerous,” Twilight said worriedly.

“Come on, Twilight, this is Spike the Brave and Glorious you’re talking to. Have you ever known me to run from danger?” Spike boasted as he flexed his arms.

“Um...” Twilight tried to say slowly.

“I better go with him, in case there are more changelings out there,” Eric said.

“I think you should stay here, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

“They’ll both be safe with our guards,” Shining Armor said reassuringly as he leaned forward.

“Or will your guards be safe with me?” Spike bragged.

Twilight and Storm just smiled and rolled their eyes.

It wasn’t long before Spike, with Eric at his side, lead a large group of royal guard through the outer regions of the Crystal Empire. Since it was snowing, he had packed his winter coat, blue snow hat, pink scarf, and his pair of pink earmuffs for the trip and had put them on as soon as they reached the outer limits of the city. Captain Brawn was also accompanying them, as it was his duty to protect royalty, with Eric being a prince.

“Spike the Brave and Glorious, you’ve faced the evil changelings before. What can you tell us?” said the first guard.

“Care to fill us in?” Captain Brawn asked.

“Oh, uh, well, they are changelings, so they can...change,” Spike stuttered.

“They can also be stealthy as far as I’ve heard,” Eric added.

“You hear that? These monsters can look like any of us, so be on your guard, guards! Even more than normal,” the first guard told them others.

“And they could be anywhere,” Spike said as the other guards nodded in agreement, “So we should cover as much ground as possible.”

“Make it so,” Captain Brawn ordered.

“You, search that way!” Spike told one pair of guards, then they rushed away.

“And you, search that way!” Spike told another group as they took off in another direction. And other guards then took off in different directions as well. Spike then noticed that he, Eric, and Captain Brawn were alone.

“And...we’ll... just search... here, I guess,” Spike remarked.

“I hope you two know what you’re doing,” Captain Brawn said.

“Not many places to hide,” said Spike as he and Eric walked up to a rock, “Unless that rock is a changeling.”

“What?!” Eric exclaimed in disbelief.

“Okay, rock,” Spike demanded, “How do I know you’re really a rock?” The rock said nothing as Eric had a bored look on her face, “Hmm. Not talkin’, huh? We’ll you can’t fool me!” Spike then kicked the rock, cracking it in half.

“Uhh! Ow!” Spike yelped.

Spike and Eric walked into a patch of snow that caved in beneath them both, causing them to fall and scream. The cracked piece of rock Spike had chipped also fell down the hole and tumbled right after them. Spike and Eric were at the mercy of a steep ice slide and were unable to stop their momentum.

“Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help!” Spike yelped as Eric held him for dear life. The broken piece of rock continued to tumble after them. It was then the two friends saw that their slide ended in a small bottomless ravine.

“Uhh!” Spike grunted.

He had smacked into a crag with Eric holding him for dear life from behind. Their chasing rock fell into the ravine. But they were safe.

“Phew!” said Spike as he kissed the crag that stopped their momentum. Eric just panted heavily for a moment before he sighed with relief as well.

“Okay. Maybe it’s time Spike the Brave and Glorious, plus Eric Sparkle, went back to, uh, protect those guards,” Spike said.

“Gah!” Spike yelped as he saw himself standing before him and then sighed with relief, “Just my reflection.” Spike and Eric turned to leave, but then the “reflection” of Spike remained.

“Huh?” said Spike suspiciously as he started doing poses and faces before the so called mirror, “Ha! Ha-ha!” The “reflection” managed to mimic all of Spike’s moves and poses.

“Hmm, just my imagination I guess,” said Spike as he walked away.

“Um, Spike, if that is an ice mirror...why can’t I see my reflection?” Eric said uneasily. 

It was then they heard the sound of somepony tripping. They both turned around and saw Spike’s “reflection” dusted itself off. It then winced once it saw their act was revealed and exposed their true form.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!”

Spike screamed and Eric took out his wand, then backed away.

“Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changeling!” Spike stuttered.

“Stay back, monster!” Eric said pointing his wand.

“No, wait! Come back!” said the changeling.

Spike then ran into the crag and Eric kept backing up until he bumped into Spike. The two were left woozily and ended up wobbling right over the edge of the ravine just as they recovered their senses!

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!” Spike and Eric screamed as they fell into the ravine. But then their fall momentum was stopped when they found the changeling had grabbed both of them.

“This is unexpected,” said Spike.

“Yeah. But what if he only saved us so he could feed on our love?” Eric added wearily. The changeling set both Spike and Eric into the snow.

“The ice is pretty slippery. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt because of me.” the changeling told them. Spike and Eric were surprised.

“You...saved us?” said Spike slowly.

“And...he’s really nice,” Eric added in a rather stunned tone.

“It’s okay. I know you don’t wanna be friends.” the changeling sadly, then turned to hover away.

“Wait!” Spike shouted.

“Hold up! We didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. We’re just...surprised. We didn’t think a changeling could be as nice as you,” Eric said.

“He’s right,” Spike added, “I don’t understand. Changelings are supposed to be evil...right?”

“Evil?” the changeling answered, “Oh, not me. All I’ve ever wanted is a friend.”

“You don’t say,” Eric replied with a curious look on his face. It was then a flashback was shown featuring a dark cavern filled with several insect like eggs.

“From the moment I first split my egg in the nursery hive...” the changeling narrated as his baby self broke out of its egg. The other newborn changelings came out of their eggs hissing and glaring at each other. His baby self whimpered and cowered back into its egg. The other changeling babies crawled toward Chrysalis and started absorbing her love magic. She then nuzzled and smiled deviously at the baby changeling that represented himself, which the baby cringed fearfully.

“I was part of the attack on Canterlot during the royal wedding,” the changeling continued as the flashback showed him, now an adult, hovering about as he saw his fellow changelings attacking and fighting, at the time, the Mane Seven, “but I’d never seen true friendship like that. And I couldn’t just steal it and feed on its love. I wanted to share it!” It was then the explosion was seen that Cadance and Shining Armor had created, with the help from Storm and Twilight, sent the entire swarm flying away.

As the flashback ended, Spike was in the verge of tears. Eric’s lips were quivering as tears streamed down his face.

“After that, I knew I couldn’t live with my kind anymore,” said the changeling, “I set off looking for love to share. but...”

“But...what?” Spike asked.

“I’m starving!” the changeling answered, “And there’s so much love in the Crystal Empire right now. It’s what drew me here. But it’s drivin’ me crazy!”

“That would be from the royal Crystalling,” Spike explained, “It’s pretty much a giant outpouring of light and love from the new baby.” The changeling then hissed loudly, making Spike and Eric winced.

“Oh, sorry!” the changeling apologized, “I’m just so hungry! If I had a friend, maybe the love we shared could sustain me, but I don’t think the Crystal Ponies want to be friends.”

“What if I told you there was somepony they respect and admire so much, he could convince them to give it a try?” Spike offered.

“If only that were true,” said the changeling sadly.

“It is!” said Spike, “I mean, I am! It’s me Spike the Brave and Glorious? I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

“Nope. But I was raised by an evil queen. Um...I’m Thorax. I can’t believe you want to help me.” the changeling replied.

“I’m Eric Sparkle and we wouldn’t turn away any...uhh...one...from looking for the magic of friendship,” said Eric, “Or in need of a friend.”

“Yeah,” Spike said in agreement, “Why wouldn’t we? Hasn’t anypony even just been nice to you?” Thorax gave another loud hiss, making Spike and Eric flinch.

“Uh! S-Sorry!” said Thorax, “Kindness like that kind of brings it out.”

“Is there anything you need to get off your chest?” Eric asked gently.

“Just that I’ve always been bullied for not being...evil...like everypony else,” Thorax replied, “And all I’ve ever wanted was a friend, but it seems like I never will. And it really hurts...alot. And I did admit I was part of the invasion during the royal wedding. And I regret it. Do you two still wanna be my friend?”

“Of course,” said Spike.

After a failed attempt to reason with Twilight, Storm, and the others about making friends with Thorax, Eric snuck out of the palace, following Spike back to the ice cave. Thorax was there waiting for them.

“So? So? Uh, what did they say?” Thorax asked excitedly, not noticing the glum looks on Spike and Eric’s faces, “How many new friends do I have?”

“Well, it didn’t go exactly the way I thought,” said Spike honestly.

“Yeah, our efforts to convince ponies that changelings could have good in them sort of...fell on deaf ears,” said Eric sheepishly. Thorax looked disappointed.

“I understand,” Thorax groaned, “Well, thanks for trying. I-I guess it’s not surprising. How can you expect ponies who looks like this...” He then changed into a light blue crystal pony, “...to trust something that looks like this?” He then changed back to his true appearance.

“It’s sad that we still live in a world where ponies still judge someone by their appearance. I know how you feel, Thorax. ‘Cause some ponies have judged me for being human, calling me ‘two-legged freak’, ‘flat-face’, or ‘rump-head’ even though everypony in Equestria knows who I am,” Eric explained.

“I think I might know!” said Spike. Thorax and Eric gave him a curious look. 

Once the three of them left the ice cave, Thorax assumed his crystal pony disguise and they headed back to the Crystal Palace. Just then, a snowstorm was blowing and Eric put his arm close to his face to keep the snow out, he soon got separated from Spike and Thorax. He could barely make out some silhouettes coming toward him fast, Eric took out his wand, ready to defend himself. But then, he was tackled, causing him to drop his wand and it blew away, he looked up and noticed there were four changelings.

“W-Who are you? What do you want with me?” Eric asked in a frightened tone.

“We’re looking for the deserter Thorax, have you seen him?” the first changeling said.

Eric’s eyes widened as if he knew what they wanted with him, “I d-don’t know what you’re t-talking about,” he replied.

“Something tells me you have seen him but don’t want to tell us, Eric Sparkle,” the second changeling said.

“H-How do you know who I am?” Eric wondered, “Maybe I’ve seen Thorax, but I don’t know where he went.”

“Our queen has formed an alliance with Glacio and his army, and he told us about you,” the third changeling replied.

Just then, they wrapped Eric up in changeling slime and they flew off with him.

“Let go of me!” Eric demanded.

Soon enough, they reached a cave where they set Eric down and attempted to interrogate him. All of a sudden, Queen Chrysalis flew into the cave towards them with three more changelings, including a one not much older than Eric.

“My queen, we couldn’t find Thorax, but we did find Eric Sparkle,” the first changeling said.

“We think he might know something about Thorax’s whereabouts,” the second changeling added.

“Bring him to me. I’ll deal with him myself,” Queen Chrysalis ordered.

The four changelings nodded and gave Eric to the queen, she removed most of the slime, but kept his arms and legs bound.

“Eric Sparkle. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Now tell me, where is Thorax?!” Chrysalis said.

“My family told me about you, Queen Chrysalis. I don’t know where Thorax is and even if I did, I’ll never tell you,” Eric replied in defiance.

“You’re a feisty little one, but you’ll soon learn some respect,” Chrysalis remarked, then hissed.

“I could n-never r-respect you,” Eric said beginning to cry, “Please, Q-Queen Chrysalis. Please let me go. *sniff* I wanna go back to my parents.”

“Quiet!!!” Chrysalis yelled, “I will drain all your love and use it to gain enough power for me and my army as we help Glacio and his army conquer Equestria!”

Eric just sat there crying, then she teleported him and the other changelings back to her hive.

“Pharynx! Lock him in the dungeon,” Chrysalis ordered.

Pharynx nodded and took him to the dungeon, where he was locked up. Eric sat back against the wall and cried, as he never felt so scared since he suffered Mr. Horvath’s cruelty. He also whimpered fearing the possibility of having his love drained like a dementor feeds on one’s happy memories.

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of the Crystal Empire, the snowstorm began to die down. Spike saw something blowing to him, he caught it and realized it was Eric’s wand.

It wasn’t long before the two friends were back at the palace. Two guards walked past a set of double doors, before Spike peeked out of the doors to see if the coast was clear. Then the doors opened to reveal that Thorax was now disguised as a light blue crystal pony as they walked out of the room.

“Spike, if you’re done searching for the changeling, Starlight, Storm, and I could use your help. We’re working on a protection spell for Flurry Heart, and nopony takes notes like you,” Twilight said.

“Uh, actually, Twilight, Storm,” said Spike, “we, uh, wanted to introduce you to my friend, uh...uh, Crystal, uh...Hoof! Crystal Hoof!” Spike looked around at the wall of the castle hallway and then Twilight’s hoof before he chuckled nervously, “My good friend, Crystal Hoof!” Thorax, or Crystal Hoof in this case, just smiled sheepishly as the latter nervously hid behind the two ponies. Twilight looked puzzled while Storm just raised a skeptical eyebrow at them.

“Nice to meet you,” Thorax said timidly as he raised a hoof to shake.

“Oh. Well, uh, nice to meet you, too,” Twilight replied as she returned the hoof-shake.

“How do you know Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, uh, Spike and I go way back,” Thorax said.

“To the Equestria Games!” Spike added quickly and also sweating, “That’s when we met. We’ve been pen pals ever since!”

“Pen pals? Spike! You could have been using my pen pal quill set! Why didn’t you tell me?” said Twilight as she leaned into Spike’s face.

“Well, I...I pretty much only write to him when you and Starlight are studying,” Spike replied.

“I like to brag to all my friends about my letters from Spike the Brave and Glorious,” Thorax said.

“Yeah,” said Spike with a nervous chuckle. He and Thorax both chuckled nervously.

“Well, I’m sure Starlight, Storm, and I can manage, if you want to spend time with your friend,” said Twilight.

“Hold on. Are you hiding something behind your back, Spike?” Storm asked.

Spike sighed as he revealed Eric’s wand.

Twilight and Storm’s eyes widened, then the former asked, “Spike, where is Eric?”

“He snuck out of the palace and followed me to look for the changeling,” Spike replied, sighing, “We must’ve gotten separated in a snowstorm.”

Twilight shed tears and began to cry at the thought of permanently losing Eric. Storm tried his best to comfort Twilight, he too feared the same.

Meanwhile, in the Changeling hive, the changeling Spiracle was having thoughts of leaving the hive like Thorax did, for he had enough of Queen Chrysalis, he then took his younger brother with him to the dungeon.

Once there, he went towards where Eric was being held, then two guards came up to them and said, “State your business.”

“Queen Chrysalis wants the prisoner immediately,” Spiracle replied. The guards nodded and opened the door.

They reached Eric’s cell and found him lying on the floor.

“Hey, Eric. Wake up,” Spiracle said gently nudging him.

Eric then woke up and was about to scream, but the younger changeling said quietly, “It’s alright, Eric. We won’t hurt you.”

“D-Do you h-have a name?” Eric nervously asked.

“I’m Pincer, and this is my big brother, Spiracle,” the younger changeling replied.

“We want to help you. Please come with us,” Spiracle added.

“Good to meet you, Pincer. You too, Spiracle,” Eric said as he got on Spiracle’s back.

Once the three of them left the dungeon, they were sneaking out of the hive, managing to dodge the guards until they were finally out of the hive. Spiracle, Pincer, and Eric were soon far enough away not to be spotted.

“How are we gonna get back to the Crystal Empire? That’s roughly more than a day north of here,” Eric wondered.

“I’ll teleport us there. I’ve been practicing after reading some magic books while I was undercover in Canterlot,” Spiracle replied.

Soon enough, Spiracle teleported himself, Pincer, Eric to the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. The two changelings immediately transformed into yaks, then Eric noticed a detachment of guards led by Captain Brawn and they went over to them.

“Thank you, Spiracle. You too, Pincer,” Eric said.

“No prob’, Eric,” Spiracle replied.

“Prince Eric, thank goodness you’re okay. We better get you back to the castle,” Captain Brawn said.

“I had help from these two yaks,” Eric replied pointing to Spiracle and Pincer.

The four of them made their way to the castle and then met up with Shining Armor.

“Prince Shining Armor, we haven’t found the changeling, but we found your nephew,” Captain Brawn said.

“Good work, Captain. Keep searching the city,” Shining replied.

Eric then hugged his uncle, then they went inside the castle and then entered the throne room.

“Eric! You’re safe!” Cadance said. Her smile turned into a frown as she noticed him crying. Eric then went over to his mother and hugged her.

“Eric, where have you been?” Twilight said sternly but she softened up as she saw the tears in his eyes. “What’s the matter, sweetie?” she asked concerned. Eric didn’t say a word as he kept crying.

“Perhaps yaks tell you. Changelings took him, but yaks free Eric from their clutches and brought him back here,” Spiracle said, trying his best to talk like a yak. Pincer nodded in agreement.

“Regardless of where you were. It’s a good thing you’re okay, Eric,” Storm said as he hugged him. Eric also hugged his aunt and his foalsitter.

Soon enough, Starlight noticed the guards searching literally everywhere in the castle and asked, “I know it’s bad that there’s a changeling around, but is all this really necessary?”

“If there’s one changeling, there may well be a whole army on the way,” Cadance replied.

“True. But Starlight has a point. This is getting a little out of hand,” Twilight said.

“I understand, but I don’t know what else we can do,” Cadance sighed.

“I do!” Spike called out.

Spike and Thorax entered the throne room. Everypony gasped.

“Eric, get behind me,” Twilight said to her son.

“Spike! What are you doing?! Get away from that thing!” Shining Armor said angrily as he and several guards rushed up to them.

“No. He’s not a “thing”! His name is Thorax, and he’s my friend!” Spike replied. The royal guards gasped, followed by Cadance, Sunburst, and then Starlight.

Spike leaned forward and began singing:

(A Changeling Can Change)

Shining Armor, the guards, Sunburst, and Cadance were still glaring at them. Spike gave them all sad looks, there was long silence as Shining Armor and the guards continued to glare. Then Twilight and Storm sternly approached Spike.

“Spike, we’re so proud of you,” said Twilight.

“You are?” Spike asked in shock.

“Of course,” said Twilight as she gave him a hug, “Spike, you’re a celebrity here in the Crystal Empire, and you risked all of it for a friend! I can’t imagine anything more brave than that.”

“We’re sorry we didn’t believe you and Eric before,” Storm added.

“As the Prince and Princess of Friendship,” Twilight spoke, “we try to set an example for all of Equestria. But today, it was Spike that taught us that a new friend can come from anywhere. I guess everypony still has things to learn about friendship. Even us! And if Spike says Thorax is his friend, then he’s our friend too!” Twilight then extended a fore-hoof to Thorax to shake.

“Oh behalf of the Crystal Empire, I would like to extend my hoof in friendship, and I’m sure all of my subjects are eager to do the same,” Cadance said. The guards all cheered in agreement. Thorax just gave them a teary smile. Cadance then presented Flurry Heart to Thorax. The changeling looked a little nervous at first, but then Flurry Heart cooed in her cute manner. This made Thorax relax and he found he could handle being near the baby without losing any self-control.

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire, Thorax. I’m sorry we didn’t take the time to get to know you. Maybe we can change that now.” Shining Armor added.

“That’d be so amazing! I want to know all about friendship, and maybe one day I can take that knowledge back to the Changeling Kingdom! If my kind learned how to create love for one another, maybe they wouldn’t have to take it from others!” said Thorax.

“To Spike the Brave and Glorious!” the first guard cheered.

The guard picked him up and started tossing him and Thorax into the air as they cheered for them. Twilight just watched the scene with an emotional smile on her face as Storm pulled her close and nuzzled her head affectionately.

“Looks like you were right after all,” Starlight said as she walked up to them.

“Right about what?” Twilight asked.

“Friendship lessons can happen anywhere,” Starlight replied. Twilight and Storm just smiled.

“Mommy, since Thorax has been accepted, there are two other changelings who want the same thing,” Eric said, turning to his new friends, “Spiracle, Pincer, it’s okay to show your true selves.”

Spiracle and Pincer then assumed their true forms, Twilight and the others were surprised at first.

“My brother and I rescued Eric from the clutches of Queen Chrysalis. We hate her as much as you do and we seek sanctuary.” Spiracle explained.

Twilight came up to the brothers and said, “Thank you for helping my son.”

“We’ll tell Princesses Celestia and Luna what you did here today, and I’m sure they’ll grant you sanctuary,” Storm added.

“Thanks, Prince Storm. You too, Princess Twilight,” Pincer replied.

Soon enough, it was time for Eric and his parents, plus Spike, Starlight, and the changeling brothers to take the train to Canterlot.
> Chapter 14: The Spy and the Kirin Lord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once again it was the 21st of May and it was mid afternoon. At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight had finished bathing Eric, who now had his royal uniform on, and she was now brushing his hair in preparation for the Grand Galloping Gala. After Eric had his hair done, Twilight put on her dress from last year’s gala and Storm also put on his uniform from last year.

A few hours later, it was 6:00 in the evening and the Gala had begun. Eric walked between his parents as they entered the palace.

“Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle, Prince Storm Blade, and their son, Prince Eric Sparkle,” the announcer said.

After greeting various random guests who had just arrived, Twilight, Storm, and Eric were soon joined by their friends who were also invited to the gala. Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie wore their dresses from their first time at the gala a few years back. Starlight wore Twilight’s first gala dress, and Trixie wore the same dress she had when she was a bridesmaid. Forest and Flash wore the same suits they had during Twilight and Storm’s wedding, Jasper and Smokey wore their same dress robes, and even Spiracle wore a green suit for this year’s gala.

Eric’s friends, including his fellow CMCs were also present, along with Rumble, Featherweight, Pip, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo wore the same dresses they had last year, while the colts wore their attendance suits from Twilight and Storm’s wedding. Diamond Tiara wore a pearly pinkish white dress and Silver Spoon wore a black dress, and even Pincer wore a suit similar to his big brother had on.

“You look pretty, Sweetie Belle,” Eric said drawn to his girlfriend’s beauty.

“Thank you, Eric,” Sweetie Belle replied.

Eric, his parents, and all their friends went over to the buffet for dinner. Once at the table, they got themselves some salads, spaghetti, and some cheese. After they ate, Eric, his parents, and all their friends went onto the dance floor. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow were dancing with their boyfriends, Jasper, Smokey, and Forest. Even Flash and Trixie were dancing together. Twilight and Storm were also dancing together, Spiracle noticed this, then went up to Fluttershy and asked, “Fluttershy, do you want to dance with me?”

“I’d like that, Spiracle,” Fluttershy replied.

As they were dancing, Spiracle was drawn to Fluttershy’s natural beauty. Starlight and Sunburst also danced together, while Pinkie and her sisters were mingling.

Meanwhile, Eric was with Sweetie Belle, she took his hand and helped him get into position by putting her right foreleg on his shoulder, then Eric placed his right arm on her shoulder and his left arm around her foreleg, then they slowly danced together. Nightshade and Apple Bloom were also dancing together, along with Slapstick and Scootaloo, Marina and Rumble, Zuni and Pip, and even their new friend Pincer was dancing with Holly, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon, alternating between the two. Elsewhere on the dance floor, even Spitfire took a break from her Wonderbolt performance to have a dance with her new boyfriend, Zephyr Breeze. Pinkie and her sisters noticed Twilight’s cousin, Stardust was not really enjoying herself.

“Hi, Stardust. Is something wrong?” Pinkie asked.

“I ended up dating the wrong stallion. Timber Spruce has got a lot of nerve flirting with other mares behind my back, he’s overly flirtatious,” Stardust replied.

“I wouldn’t stand dating a stallion like that!” Limestone said, “I’d prefer one that’s tough, yet sensitive and responsible.”

“I’m sure you’ll find somepony better, Stardust. Maybe you’ll meet them here,” said Pinkie.

Back with Eric, Celestia and Luna came up to him, Twilight, and Storm.

“Hi, Princess Celestia. Hi, Princess Luna,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric. There’s somepony who wants to meet you,” Luna replied.

Eric walked in between the two princesses with his parents in tow. They met up with a sage green kirin with a brown mane and gray eyes, wearing a bronze robe and with a silver shirt underneath. He was also roughly the same height as Princess Celestia.

“Prince Eric Sparkle, we’d like you to meet our husband, Lord Emerald Spirit,” Celestia said.

“Good evening, Eric Sparkle. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Lord Emerald greeted.

“Good to meet you too, Lord Emerald,” Eric replied.

Just then, another stallion came up to them. Eric immediately recognized him from his parents’ wedding, as Radiant Hope’s dance partner. He wore a black tux alongside his cloak.

“Princess Luna, who is that stallion over there? I saw him dancing with Dr. Radiant at my parents’ wedding,” Eric asked.

“His name is Shadow Lock, and he is an agent in the Equestrian Secret Service, the best to come out of Trottingham,” Luna replied.

“Good to finally meet you, Eric Sparkle,” Shadow Lock said.

“Same here, Agent Shadow Lock,” Eric replied.

Soon enough, everypony and other invited creatures were gathered in a crowd, as Trixie was making an announcement from the stage.

“Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

In a puff of smoke, there Trixie came. The crowd was standing in awe.

“Would anypony like to volunteer and be a part of my performance?” Trixie asked. Eric raised his hand, then Trixie selected him, and then he went up to the stage.

“Now, Eric,” Trixie said. She then used her magic to pull out a total of 13 cards. “Pick a card, any card.” Eric picked out a single card. “Look at the card, but don’t tell anypony what it is.”

Eric nodded, then took a look at his card, revealing it as the King of Hearts. He then put it back in.

“Alright,” Trixie said, as she took the cards with her magic. “Now, I’m going to shuffle these cards to try to puzzle your mind, in hopes to get the card you picked.” Eric nodded and then Trixie asked him to close his eyes, and used her magic to pick up the deck of cards, and decided to shuffle them with her magic. Eric recalled picking the King of Hearts. Trixie then pulled out a random card, and it was revealed to be the card he picked, which was the King of Hearts. Trixie then asked, “Is this your card?”

“Yes! That’s it!” Eric replied.

“Folks, a round of applause for my special volunteer please?” Trixie asked, with a hoof around Eric.

The crowd then started applauding at Trixie’s performance. Trixie then bowed and said, “No trick is impossible for... The Great and Powerful... Trrrixie!”

“Did you see me, Mommy?! Did you see me?!” Eric asked excitedly.

“Yes! I did!” Twilight said, hugging him.

As Trixie’s magic show went on, she pulled off many acts and everypony was amazed. Flash was enamored by his girlfriend’s performance. After the show was over, Jasper and Smokey went up on stage with an acoustic guitar, Smokey started strumming and Jasper began singing:

(All credit for this song goes to Switchfoot)

After Jasper and Smokey’s performance, Eric, Twilight, and Storm met up with Lord Emerald and Shadow Lock.

“Good to see you again, Lord Emerald,” Twilight said.

“Same here, Twilight and Storm. I haven’t seen you since your wedding, even though I was with the guards, checking the underground access tunnels most of the time,” Emerald explained.

“Lord Emerald, Agent Shadow Lock, these are my friendship students, Jasper and Smokey,” Storm said.

“Good to meet you, Lord Emerald,” Jasper greeted.

“You too, Shadow Lock,” Smokey added.

“Great to meet you both,” Shadow Lock replied, Emerald nodded in agreement.

Everyone was once again on the dance floor, Twilight and Storm were dancing together, same with Eric and Sweetie Belle, along with all the others and their special someponies, even Eric’s friends. Lord Emerald danced with Celestia and Luna.

As Fluttershy and Spiracle were dancing once more, he spoke up, “Fluttershy, there’s something I want to get off my chest.”

“What is it, Spiracle?” Fluttershy asked.

“You’re the nicest and most beautiful pony I met and you make me feel warm and content inside. Ever since last week, I’ve started to like for you more than a friend, and the point is, I’m in love with you, Fluttershy,” Spiracle explained.

“Spiracle, I don’t know what to say,” Fluttershy replied, as she came up to him. She then gave him a kiss on the lips, his eyes widened but then he returned it.

Pinkie tapped Rainbow’s shoulder and she said, “Looks like Fluttershy finally has a special somepony.”

“I wasn’t sure that was ever going to happen. First Twilight, then Applejack and Rarity, then me and even Trixie, now Fluttershy. Now all that’s left is you, Pinkie,” Rainbow replied.

After an hour, Eric was sitting in between his parents, leaning on his mother’s left side, and she held him in her wing. he then felt something.

“What’s going on? I feel something,” Eric asked.

“That’s the baby kicking, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my new sibling,” Eric said.

“Do you want to go get some cake?” Storm asked. Eric nodded and then Twilight placed him on her back carefully and then they went to go get some cake, which was a chocolate mousse cake with vanilla frosting and had floral and royal décor on each side and corner of the cake. After they had their cake slices, Twilight wiped his face with her napkin, and then she saw him softly yawning, asking “Are you getting tired?”

“Yes, can we go home now?” Eric asked.

“Sure, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Eric got on his mother’s back as the three of them went back to the train station.
> Chapter 15: To Where and Back Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One day, Twilight, Starlight, Storm, Eric, and Spike were walking down some stairs while carrying some boxes loaded with heavy books. The others didn’t have to put much effort since their magic was holding the boxes, especially Eric with his wand. Spike had to use his natural dragon strength to carry his box. Suddenly, he lost his balance and fell forward down the stairs and yelped. But before he could hit the floor below, Twilight grabbed him with her magic and Starlight used her magic to grab Spike’s box of books before it could spill out its contents. Twilight then set Spike softly onto the floor below.

“Well, we don’t all have magical horns,” Spike said.

“True,” Storm replied as he used his magic to juggle several books above his head, “It is important that we unicorns, or alicorns, remember not to take our most basic magical skills for granted. Learning to find a balance between using magic and our physical strengths is what will allow us more flexibility in sticky situations.”

“Same goes for humans like me who can use magic, although we need wands for that,” Eric added.

“We’ve been meaning to move these older books to my reference section for a while. Got to keep the new books front and center! Thank you for your help.” Twilight said.

“Are you kidding? After all you, Storm, and Eric have done for me, this is the least I can do,” Starlight replied.

“Oh, please. We haven’t done that much,” Twilight retorted.

“Nah. You just taught me the value of friendship. Not much at all,” Starlight pointed out.

“We may have offered some guidance, but you are responsible for the pony you’ve become. I’m proud to call you my student and our friend,” Twilight replied.

“I’m also proud to call you my friend,” Storm added.

“I’m proud to call you my foalsitter,” Eric spoke up as he hugged her.

“Now we just need to get rid of these boxes. Spike, can you—? Spike?” said Twilight before turning to Spike.

“What’s that?” Spike asked.

“Is it a bird?” Twilight asked.

“Is it a parasprite?” Starlight asked.

“It’s...it’s...coming right at us?!” Storm exclaimed.

“It’s...it’s...incoming!” Spike yelled as they all ducked and covered.

“Hit the dirt!” Eric shouted.

The object then flew through the window at high speed and crashed into the boxes of books. The object soon recovered and revealed itself. It was Ditzy Doo, wearing her postal pony uniform.

“Oh, we usually get letters by dragon,” said Twilight.

“It’s the fastest way to get mail,” Spike boasted.

“If you don’t mind the smokey after-stench,” Storm teased. Starlight giggled as Spike gave the prince a raspberry. Twilight then went to take the letter with her magic, but Ditzy refused to let go.

“What’s up, Ditzy?” Storm asked, “Isn’t this letter for my wife?” Ditzy shook her head and walked over to Starlight.

“For me? Who’d be sending me a letter?“ Starlight asked.

“Maybe it’s a love letter from Sunburst confessing his long-time crush for you,” Eric replied, teasing her.

“Stop it!” Starlight scolded in a playful tone. The lilac unicorn went to open her letter and quickly scanned the contents. Starlight was shocked at what she had read, “It’s... the ponies from my old village,” she said.

“Are they in danger?” Twilight asked.

“Are they upset with you?” Spike added.

“No...it’s worse!” said Starlight, “They’ve invited me to the annual Sunset Festival!” Starlight looked like she was about to have a panic attack. The rest of them all had puzzled looks, except Storm, who sighed at the others for them being clueless.

“I can’t believe Twilight would forget her own anxieties meeting our old friends in Canterlot,” Storm muttered to himself.

The day of the Sunset Festival had arrived. Starlight’s old village was busy setting up table, banners, food, and other things. Starlight had just arrived outside of the town area. She nervously took a few steps forward, took a deep breath, and walked into town. It was then she found Party Favor and Double Diamond were putting up a party banner. They immediately turned around to look at the lilac unicorn.

“Uh, hey there, everypony,” Starlight said.

“Uh...Hey, Starlight. What are you doing here?” Party Favor asked slowly.

“I-I...I was invited,” said Starlight timidly as everypony else started staring at her, “To the Sunset Festival?” Starlight then held out her invite letter with her magic.

“Uh, yeah. But we didn’t think you’d actually show up.” Double Diamond replied sternly.

“You didn’t think we really wanted you here, did you?” Party Favor added as Double Diamond sternly shredded the letter. Starlight cringed at the letter shredding.

“But...I...apologized. I thought everything was fine.” said Starlight.

Double Diamond and Party Favor started laughing at Starlight. The rest of the surrounding ponies then did the same. It wasn’t long before their faces contorted from laughter to make them all look totally insane.

“Please...! Stop...! Stop...!” Starlight pleaded with her eyes closed. Suddenly day turned into night and all the ponies surround her were gone, leaving the lilac unicorn all alone.

“What happened?” Starlight asked, “Is anypony there?” It was then a white fog appeared and it was then Luna appeared with a warm smile on her face.

“Princess Luna? W-What are you doing here?“ Starlight asked.

“Dreams are my domain, Starlight Glimmer,”, “I am here because you need me to be.” Princess Luna replied. Starlight blinked.

“Oh, it’s only a dream.” Starlight said with relief.

“It may only be a dream, but the feelings in it are real,” Luna replied.

Starlight sighed, then said as she lowered her head, “Great. So I guess I’m more afraid of going back to the village than I thought. What do I do now?”

“I have been helped time and time again by seven very special ponies. They helped me overcome my past. You’re fortunate to have them as friends. I suggest you share your concerns with them. I see much of myself in you, Starlight Glimmer, and I can tell you from personal experience that things do indeed get better,” Luna explained.

Starlight smiled as Luna headed into the moon and disappeared.

It was a few seconds later, Starlight found herself inside her bedroom and woke up with a start. Starlight looked out at the moon shining outside her window and pondered to herself.

The next morning, she had the Mane Seven gather inside the throne room so she could discuss her situation as well as her dream. Spike and Eric were also there as well since they cared about Starlight’s issues as well.

“...and Princess Luna said I should tell you all how I was feeling,” said Starlight, “So...there it is. I’m afraid to go back to the village for the celebration.”

“But why, darling?” Rarity asked, “You went back to apologize. They accepted. Everypony has moved on.”

“But have they? They don’t really know how much I’ve changed. Or even worse, maybe I haven’t changed as much as I think I have!” Starlight said.

“Trust me. You are a totally different pony now. I mean, you were pretty awful,” Rainbow replied.

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack scolded.

“What? She was! It’s a compliment!“ Rainbow said in her defense.

“You seriously need to watch what you say, you know that?” Eric remarked.

“I don’t think they would’ve sent the invitation if they didn’t want you to come. I’m sure they’d be happy to see you!” Fluttershy pointed out.

“And getting an invitation to a party and not going?! That’s like... I-It’s like...! Well, I don’t know what it’s like, but it is definitely bad,” Pinkie remarked.

Starlight winced and gave the pink pony a skeptical look.

“Just be honest with them. I’m sure they’ll understand where you’re comin’ from,” Applejack said reassuringly.

“I understand how hard this is for you. Maybe if you took a friend along, it might make things easier. Somepony you trust who would look out for you?” Twilight added, giving a large smile and batted her eyelashes to give Starlight a very obvious hint. Spike, Eric, and Storm all rolled their eyes at her.

“Way to be subtle, Mommy,” Eric muttered to himself. Starlight then pondered for a moment and smiled.

“Actually, I can think of two friends that I would like to take with me,” Starlight said confidently.

Several hours later, Starlight, Trixie, and Eric arrived at the mountainous area where the lilac unicorn’s old village could be seen at the bottom of the valley.

“So that’s your old home,” Eric pointed out, since this was the first time he had actually seen it. Until now, he had only heard stories about it from Starlight and his parents.

“There it is! The town where you—” Trixie tried to say before being interrupted.

“Magically stole everypony’s cutie marks, replaced them with equal signs, and forced them all to hide their natural talents? Yes,” Starlight said shamefully.

“I was going to say where you came from, but yours is a more... emotionally traumatic answer,” Trixie replied.

“I just want to... blend in. Be just another pony in the crowd enjoying the Sunset Festival with my friends,” Starlight told them sighing.

“Sounds good to me! And if things get weird for you, just let us know. We’ve got your flank,” Trixie replied with Eric alongside her.

“Is that a promise?” Starlight asked hopefully.

“Not just a promise,” Trixie said as she stood on her hind legs, “A great and powerful promise!” Trixie then threw down a smoke bomb. She, Starlight, and Eric coughed until the smoke cleared.

“Well, I couldn’t ask for more than that. If we’re gonna do this, let’s do it,” Starlight replied.

With enough being said, the three of them headed to the village. It didn’t take long for the them to reach the main street where everything was decorated for the Sunset Festival. Starlight looked around nervously. Trixie and Eric gave her assuring nods to let Starlight know she would be okay. In the center of the street, the stallions known as Double Diamond and Party Favor were hanging up a banner when Starlight approached them.

“Oh! Starlight, you came!” said Double Diamond excitedly. Starlight just gave them a nervous giggle and waved in reply.

“We were worried you wouldn’t be able to make it! Are you staying the whole week? We have different events planned each day!” Party Favor added.

“How is living in a castle?” the mare called Sugar Belle asked as she and the mare called Night Glider appeared behind Starlight.

“It is so good to see you!” said Double Diamond as he clapped his fore-hooves excitedly. Starlight just smiled and bit her lower lip, despite the cheerful greetings, she wasn’t feeling much better.

“Oh my goodness, it’s Eric Sparkle!” Night Glider pointing to Eric.

“Oh, yeah. These ponies are terrifying.” said Trixie in a mock-whisper, giggling. Starlight just rolled her eyes and groaned.

“It’s good to see all of you, too,” said Starlight, feeling rather embarrassed.

“You got here just in time. We were having some debate about these banners. Which do you think feels more “sunsetty”?” Party Favor asked.

“O-Oh, you don’t need me to decide that. Heh. Whatever you think is probably best,” Starlight replied, backing up a bit.

“Uh, well, how about helping us with the routes for the relay races tomorrow? Can you take a look?” Double Diamond asked.

“Oh, I-I shouldn’t. You all go ahead. I-I just want to enjoy the festival,” Starlight said quickly.

“But you will be a judge for the baking competition, right?” Sugar Belle asked.

“We had a few questions about the order of the acts for the talent show,” Double Diamond said.

“And the unicorns have a fireworks show planned! We could really use your help!” Night Glider added as she hovered from above the lilac unicorn.

Soon the four ponies were all taking to Starlight as once. Starlight quickly felt flustered as everypony seemed to be getting louder and louder.

“Everypony! Stop! You’re overwhelming her!” Eric pleaded. Even Trixie was looking very worried. Soon Starlight’s teeth were chattering, her brow got extra sweaty.

“NO!” Starlight screamed as she created a huge bubble to shove everypony away from her, except for Eric and Trixie. Once the magic bubble disappeared, the other ponies were dazed as Starlight crouched low to the ground, trembling heavily. Everypony else stood back up on their hooves, feeling rather weary from the sudden knock back.

“Trixie, get us out of here quickly!” Eric whispered frantically.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to thank you all for being such an amazing audience. Sadly, it is time for us to depart. Good night, fillies and gentlefoals!” Trixie said nervously, then dropped a smoke bomb. Unlike her other attempts at this little trick, she actually was successful with it. When the smoke cleared, she, Starlight, and Trixie were gone. None of the ponies even noticed that Trixie had tucked Starlight under her cloak as they, along with Eric, ran away from the village as quickly as they could.

It was such a long trip to and from the village that it was late afternoon by the time the three of them arrived back at Ponyville a few days later. Everypony was just doing their own routines when Starlight saw what appeared to be Pinkie bouncing casually in the background.

“Hey, uh, Pinkie Pie!” Starlight called out to the pink pony.

“Hey...” ‘Pinkie’ froze for a moment before continuing, “you!” Starlight and Eric rushed up to her.

“So...you’re probably wondering why we’re back so soon,” Starlight said sheepishly.

“Where were you?” ‘Pinkie’ asked. Starlight and Eric gave Pinkie a funny look.

“We... went to my old village? For the festival?” Starlight replied slowly.

“Ooh, sounds fun!” ‘Pinkie’ answered, “How was it?”

“It was kind of a disaster. I came back early because I freaked out!” Starlight said.

“It’s wasn’t her fault. The other villagers overwhelmed her,” Eric added.

“Ooh, sounds awful! Bye!” ‘Pinkie’ replied quickly in an over the top tone and bounced away. Starlight and Eric were left stunned and puzzled.

“That was... strange,” Starlight remarked.

“Isn’t she always strange?” Trixie asked rhetorically.

“Yeah, but not like that,” Starlight pointed out before calling out to what appeared to be Applejack and Rarity walking nearby.

“Hey!” Starlight called out as she rushed up to them, “I’m back early.”

“Ah. Welcome back?” ‘Rarity’ said in a rather nervous tone.

“Have you two noticed Pinkie acting a little strange?” Starlight asked them as Trixie and Eric caught up with her.

“Pinkie Pie always acts strange,” ‘Applejack’ replied. Rarity nodded in agreement.

“Told you,” said Trixie smugly.

“Anyway, I wanted to talk to all of you. Things didn’t go the way I thought they were going to go at the Sunset Festival,” Starlight said.

“What happened?” ‘Rarity’ asked.

“I kind of freaked out and ran out of the village,” Starlight admitted shamefully. Then they were stunned when ‘Applejack’ and ‘Rarity’ started laughing.

“You freaked out and ran away from a festival?” ‘Applejack’ asked as she slapped ‘Rarity’s’ side, “Ha! That’s the funniest danged thing I’ve ever heard all day.”

“Oh my,” said ‘Rarity’, “Let me guess. The decorations were terrifying!” They kept laughing, leaving Starlight puzzled. The lilac unicorn looked at Trixie, who just shrugged her shoulder. Eric glared at them angrily.

“What is wrong with you two?! This isn’t funny!” Eric yelled. Applejack and Rarity ignored him and kept laughing. Just then what appeared to be Fluttershy and Rainbow flew down. ‘Fluttershy’ then whispered something to ‘Rarity’.

“...’Applejack’ for friendship business,” was all Eric could hear from the yellow Pegasus.

“Hello, ponies and biped,” said ‘Rainbow’ as she landed and rudely shoved Applejack out of the way, “We need ‘Rarity’ and ‘Applejack’. Very important friendship business.”

The four ponies then stomped off. Rainbow then turned around definitely, whipping her tail at both Starlight and Eric’s faces. Eric and Starlight were shocked, while Trixie was indignant.

“I have to say, I’m really not as impressed with your friends as the rest of Equestria is,” Trixie remarked.

“Something’s not right here,” Eric added.

“I need to talk to Twilight and Storm!” said Starlight. Eric then got on her back as she and Trixie rushed to the castle.

Starlight was surprised to see that the door was locked, as she tried to pull the doors open, but it was no good.

“Alohomora,” Eric incanted quietly, pointing his wand at the door.

“Twilight? Storm? Hello?” Starlight called out and knocked on the door. It was then a sliding peep hole opened with what appeared to be Spike glaring at them.

“I don’t remember a peephole on this door,” Eric said in a hushed tone.

“What do you want? Twilight and Storm are very busy!” ‘Spike’ said.

“Spike, I really need to speak with them,” Starlight replied.

“This is my home and I live here!” Eric added.

“I don’t care! Make an appointment! They are a princess and prince, after all!” ‘Spike’ retorted.

Starlight then tried knocking again and said, “What’s wrong with you? What are you being so-” It was then the doors opened and what appeared to be Twilight and Storm were there. Spike was shown standing on a chair.

“Rude?” ‘Twilight’ finished as she gave ‘Spike’ a glare, “I think a certain dragon didn’t get his nap today.”

“Yeah, right, whatever,” ‘Spike’ mouthed off as he jumped off the stool and pulled it with him as he walked away. Starlight and Eric looked more puzzled than ever.

“Sorry. He’s been acting a little off all day. I think he missed a meal or something,” ‘Twilight’ said bitterly.

“It could be that he both missed a meal and didn’t get his nap,” ‘Storm’ added in equal bitterness.

“He’s not the only one. Everypony’s acting a little strange today,” Starlight replied.

“Yes, it’s definitely been one of those days!” said ‘Twilight’ dismissively before saying in an overly cheerful tone, “How are you?”

“Not great, actually. You’re probably wondering why we’re back from the village so early,” Starlight replied.

“I didn’t want to bring it up, but yeah, it did seem strange,” ‘Twilight’ said, “Did it not go well?”

“The townsponies kept asking me things, like they expected me to be in charge again. But being a leader is the last thing I should ever be, so we left. Very suddenly. In a literal puff of smoke,” Starlight explained.

“Wow, you should definitely never go back to that village,” ‘Twilight’ replied.

“They’ll just crowd you again without rest,” ‘Storm’ added.

“What?” Starlight asked in shock.

“If you were worried about what they thought of you before, it’s probably way worse now. I’d cut my losses,” ‘Twilight’ said.

“That’s...surprising advice, coming from you,” Starlight remarked.

“Trust me. We’re the Prince and Princess of Friendship. You don’t need those ponies. You can always make more friends,” ‘Twilight’ replied, giving an over the top smile.

‘Rainbow’ appeared from a set of double doors and sternly gestured for ‘Twilight’ and ‘Storm’ to come.

“Ah! Speaking of friends, if you’ll excuse me, important business to attend to!” said ‘Twilight’.

“Smell ya later,” ‘Storm’ added in a very smug tone as they headed into the room. 

‘Spike’ then gave them a “I’m watching you” gesture with his claws before rushing inside as well and slammed the door. This left Starlight and Eric alone in the foyer.

By nightfall, Eric was sitting quietly on Starlight’s bed with his plushie and dolls, while Starlight was pacing about alongside.

“Cut my losses? That can’t be right,” Starlight pointed out.

“I know, right?” Eric wondered as he let out a yawn.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this in the morning. Just try to get some sleep okay?” Starlight said.

“Okay...good night, Starlight,” Eric replied as he fell asleep in her hooves.

“Sleep tight, Eric,” said Starlight as she turned off her lantern and went to sleep.

In the Dream World

Starlight soon found herself back at her old village, but this time it was nightfall and the area was surrounded by ominous smoke. Starlight initially thought the village was abandoned, especially when two tumbleweeds rolled across the fore-ground. The doors to the houses then opened up as ponies walked across to the other houses across with stern looking faces. ”Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier,” said Starlight but found that all the ponies were ignoring her. She then smiled at Party Favor, but he took no notice of her, “Party Favor, can you hear me?” But there was no reply.

“I told you,” said a stern voice, “you can never speak to them again!” Starlight flinched. There before her was the Mane Seven. They were all looking at her with angry faces.

“What are you all doing here?” Starlight asked.

“Making sure you do what I said!” Twilight yelled as the seven ponies approached the lilac unicorn, “I’m your teacher, aren’t I? Didn’t I say never to come back here?!”

”Yes, but that just doesn’t seem right,” Starlight replied, “You aren’t acting like yourself! Storm, back me up here! Don’t you agree?” Storm just glared at her sternly without a word.

”Something is wrong!” Starlight and another voice shouted. An ominous wind blew past, making the other ponies disappear into the wind and leaving Starlight alone. She quickly realized what was happening.

“A dream?” Starlight said in realization, “This is another dream!”

“Starlight Glimmer...!” said a voice in a whisper.

“Princess Luna?” Starlight called out. It was then Luna appeared from the moon, but she was struggling to exit her portal.

“Starlight Glimmer!” Luna called out.

“Princess Luna, where are you?” Starlight said again.

“Starlight Glimmer, there is no time!” Luna pleaded desperate while trying to keep herself from being pulled back from her portal, “You must get help!”

“What? What are you talking about?” Starlight asked confused, “This is just a dream!”

“Not here!” Luna clarified, “In the waking world! They’ve taken my sister and I! It’s worse than the last time! Your dream called to me, and I was able to break through! You must find help!”

“What are you saying?!” Starlight asked, trying to make sense of Luna’s warning, “Who’s taken you?!”

”Be careful who you trust!” Luna warned, losing her grip on the portal’s edge, “You need all the help you can find! The changelings have returned and...GASP!” Before Luna could say anything more, she lost her grip on the portal edge and was sucked back inside of it.

“Princess Luna!” Starlight called out. She tried to pursue the moon princess, but fell into a bottomless pit.

Starlight shot up out of bed, sweating and panicking, Eric woke up as well.

“They’re back!” Starlight said.

“Let me guess, the changelings?” Eric asked.

“Yes, Luna told me in my dream,” Starlight replied.

“Queen Chrysalis and Glacio are working together and their armies have joined forces,” Eric said.

“Glacio’s back too?!” Starlight asked.

“Yes, and their combined armies are probably on their way to Canterlot right now,” Eric replied.

It wasn’t long before Starlight and Eric had managed to sneak out to the castle balcony. Starlight used her floating magic to get herself and Eric into a nearby bush. Starlight peeked out of it was quietly and quickly as she could. She then noticed that Trixie had parked her wagon nearby.

The two of them quietly approached Trixie’s wagon. Starlight then gave the door a light knock.

“Trixie?” Starlight called out in a soft tone, “Trixie, it’s Starlight and Eric! Are you awake?”

“Of course, Princess Celestia,” Trixie replied in a muffled and bleary tone, “...I’d love to perform for peanut butter crackers.”

Starlight knocked on the door a little louder, “Trixie, wake up!” she called out more firmly. It was then the wagon bounced about and several fireworks went off, startling both Starlight and Eric. Then some smoke can out of the window as Trixie opened it and stuck her head out, coughing from all the smoke. She was also wearing a starry nightcap on her head.

“Starlight? What time is it?” Trixie asked in a tired tone. 

“It’s late,” Starlight replied, “But Eric and I think we figured out what’s wrong with our friends!” Trixie yawned.

“I have a whole list of things that are wrong with your friends, but we can go over it in the morning,” Trixie said, then closed her window and headed back to sleep.

“No, Trixie, we’re in danger!” Starlight replied as she used her magic to pull the cerulean unicorn out of the wagon.

“Okay, fine! Aside from lack of sleep, how are we in danger?” Trixie asked hastily with a sigh.

“I think the-” Starlight began but then stopped as Eric whispered something to her. Starlight then gave Trixie a fierce glare.

“What did you tell us never to tell another pony?” Starlight asked slowly as she kept glaring.

“Starlight, Eric, if you woke up me up to play guessing games-” Trixie tried to protest.

“After we left my village, what did you tell me to never tell another pony you said?” Starlight continued as she grabbed hold of Trixie’s shoulders.

“That even Trixie’s made mistakes,” the cerulean unicorn replied through very gritted teeth.

“Trixie, there’s no time for this! What did you say?” Starlight demanded.

“That’s even Trixie’s made mistakes!” Trixie blurted out, “Are you both happy?!” Starlight and Eric both sighed with relief.

“Yes, we are,” Starlight replied, “Sorry, I just had to make sure you weren’t...” she then continued in a hushed tone, “...one of them!”

“One of who?” Trixie asked in the same tone.

“A changeling! Eric and I think they’ve taken Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” Starlight replied.

“Yeah, and they’re working with Glacio and his army,” Eric added.

“What?!” Trixie exclaimed as she bounced nervously in her hooves, “Are you sure?! I mean, who do we-? We have to tell Twilight and Storm!”

“If Eric and I are right, then it’s too late for that.” Starlight said worriedly.

A few minutes later, Starlight quietly opened the front door, looked around, and gestured for both Trixie and Eric to follow her. They nervously followed behind Starlight. It was then they saw a small amount of light peeking from a pair of double doors. They quietly peeked inside of the room while trying to avoid being seen.

Inside was the throne room, the ‘Mane Seven’ and ‘Spike’ were just chattering about with rather stern and irritable looking faces. ‘Applejack’ had just eaten a banana and tossed the peel right behind her. Meanwhile, ‘Spike’ was drawing a mocking picture of Fluttershy on her throne. ‘Fluttershy’ glared at him and then slugged him back so he bumped into ‘Pinkie’s’ throne. ‘Spike’ yelped at being knocked back. Then ‘Pinkie’ grabbed his head and made him smack the cutie map table face first. ‘Spike’ groaned as he slumped to the floor. ‘Rarity’ laughed at him maliciously. Starlight, Trixie, and Eric were shocked. Inside the room, ‘Pinkie’ gave ‘Spike’ a raspberry as he glared at her. It was then that ‘Twilight’ arrived with ‘Storm’ at her side.

“It is ready?” ‘Twilight’ asked.

“Just one more,” ‘Applejack’ said as she set what appeared to be some sort of black seed on the table. The one seed then glowed as it shot a green beam of magic to each other seed, making it open up and glow. The four seeds then grow some ominous looking vines that joined together in the center, creating what looking like a video screen. There on the screen was the changeling queen herself.

“Queen Chrysalis!” Starlight exclaimed. The so called Mane Seven bowed before her, but all the changeling queen could do was roll her eyes.

“Ugh, I can’t take any of you seriously when you look like that,” Chrysalis remarked.

“Oh, right,” Fake Twilight replied. The eight changelings returned to their true forms.

“Much better. Now report!” Chrysalis ordered.

“Everything here is going according to plan!” said the changeling that posed as Twilight, “We’ve replaced the seven ponies and their dragon and have taken control of the castle.” The other changelings nodded.

“Excellent,” said Chrysalis, “And I’ve just received word that the princesses from Canterlot have successfully been replaced as well. Glacio is gonna be very pleased with us.” The eight changelings cheered. Starlight, Eric, and Trixie pulled away from the door a bit and winced.

“We thought too small last time,” Chrysalis continued, “One ponynapped princess wasn’t enough. With all the most beloved ponies of Equestria taken care of, nopony can stop us! All thanks to mine and Glacio’s planning!” Chrysalis than laughed evilly. The other changelings laughed as well.

“Once you’ve drained all the seven ponies’ and dragons’s love, kill them immediately! Along with Eric Sparkle and his friends once you have them! Leave my sisters to me, I’ll kill them myself!” Glacio said to Chrysalis as he appeared on screen.

“As you wish, Glacio,” Chrysalis replied onscreen.

With that, the video communication ended and the four seeds closed up. Eric gasped worriedly and began to shed tears at the thought of losing his family, his body was shaking heavily from fear. Starlight and Trixie both knew they need to leave and fast, especially for Eric’s sake. Starlight went to close the door when it suddenly creaked.

“HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!” the eight changelings hissed loudly before they went back to their disguises. They quickly burst open the doors to the main foyer.

The fake Mane Seven and Spike quickly split up to search, with the fake Twilight and Storm staying behind. Fake Twilight began to sniff about since changelings could sense love magic with their sense of smell. As for where the three ponies were hiding, Starlight had quickly used a vanishing spell to make herself, Eric, and Trixie invisible. Only a faint glow could be seen where they were hiding in the foyer, trembling fearfully with large eyes. Fortunately, Fake Twilight and Fake Storm didn’t see them. Then the three ponies felt their hearts drop to their stomach as fake Twilight and fake Storm stood right in front of them, leaned in, and they both took a sniff.

However, Starlight’s invisible spell also protected them from being detected because the changelings sensed nothing and walked off. Starlight waited until they were out of sight before making herself, Eric, and Trixie visible. Trixie and Eric gasped loudly since they had been holding their breath the entire time. Starlight quickly teleported them out of the castle and back to Trixie’s wagon before they could be heard.

Once they were outside, Trixie and Eric were still hyperventilating. 

“I can’t deal with this! I’m just a performer! This is... This is princess-level stuff! But the changelings have all the princesses... We’re doomed!” Trixie said frantically.

“Maybe not. Uh, Queen Chrysalis only said they took Luna and Celestia and obviously Twilight, Storm, and the others... but maybe Cadance is still safe. Our best bet is to get to the Crystal Empire before the changelings do. That way we can—” Starlight tried to say before a voice spoke up, “There’s no help coming from the Crystal Empire.” The two ponies and boy turned to see some bushes rustling. It was then a familiar changeling appeared.

“EEEEEEEEEEEK! EEEEEEEEEEEEEK! EEEEEE-”

Trixie instantly started shrieking uncontrollably. Starlight quickly put her in a bubble of silence as the cerulean unicorn continued to shriek. Starlight and Eric recognized the changeling.

“Thorax?” Starlight and Eric said together.

“Your wings look...different,” Starlight pointed out.

“I guess they do,” said Thorax modestly as he opened his wings. Starlight and Eric smiled but then she put on stern look, making her horn glow brightly.

“How do we know you aren’t some other changeling pretending to be Thorax?” Starlight demanded.

“You two were there when Spike defended me to the ponies of the Crystal Empire,” Thorax said, “Princess Twilight said-” Thorax quickly changed into Twilight and quoted her, “As the Princess of Friendship, I should set an example for all of Equestria. But it was Spike who taught me-”

“Okay, okay. I believe you. We don’t need the whole speech,” Starlight replied. Thorax then returned to his original form.

Starlight noticed that Trixie was still cowered against the wall of her bubble.

“Trixie, this is, Thorax,” Starlight explained, “He’s a reformed changeling, he’s on our side. Understand?”

Trixie was still very tense, but nodded that she understood. Starlight then popped the bubble, making Trixie land on her flank and rub her head since it bumped the wall of her wagon.

“Hi,” Thorax greeted as he extended a fore-hoof to shake, “It’s a pleasure to...”

“If Starlight says you’re on our side. I believe her,” Trixie replied nervously, “But maybe just stay over there for now, okay?” Trixie bit her lower lip nervously. Thorax looked a little hurt, but did as he was told.

“What did you mean there’s no help?” Starlight asked him, “Did the changelings get Princess Cadance too?”

“They took Cadance, Shining, and Flurry Heart!” Thorax replied.

“Not my little cousin!?” Eric gasped in devastation.

“Sunburst and Captain Brawn sent me here to get Princess Twilight and Prince Storm’s help, but...but it sounds like it’s too late for that, too! So...what should we do?” Thorax asked.

“Yeah, Starlight. What are we gonna do?” Trixie added frantically.

“I...I don’t know!” Starlight replied as she walked away from them a bit, “There has to be somepony else who can handle this?”

“There is nopony else! Everypony with powerful magic is already gone!” Trixie said.

“Not everypony, Chrysalis didn’t mention Lord Emerald. Maybe he can help,” Eric pointed out.

“You know whenever ponies talk about powerful magic, they always leave me out. If I weren’t so evolved, I might decide to take it personally,” Discord remarked, “Well, isn’t this quite the combination of secondary characters? Where are Twilight and the girls?”

“First,” said Starlight defensively, “how do we know that you’re really you?” Discord glared and then snapped his fingers. Some nearby flowers jumped out of the ground and started dancing. Then a tree turned into a cuckoo clock, but the cuckoo bird was just a gloved hand holding a frightened squirrel. Then the ground the group was standing on turned into soapy water, making them all but Thorax lose their footing and landed on their stomachs. The rest of the world looked completely chaotic and Discord had even tuned Trixie’s wagon into a pumpkin.

“Shall I continue?” Discord asked.

“Chrysalis and the changelings are back,” Starlight explained, “They’ve ponynapped all of the most powerful ponies in Equestria! Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Twilight, Storm, and their friends.” Discord was looking rather bored as Starlight spoke, but something snapped when he heard that Twilight and Storm’s friends had been taken, “We need to-”

“They took Fluttershy?” Discord said in a low whisper.

“Yes!” Starlight replied.

“Did somepony say ‘Fluttershy’?” a voice spoke up. Just then, Spiracle (who was now light red with moderate cyan eyes), Forest Thunder, Jasper, and Smokey came up to them.

“Forest! Jasper! Smokey! You’re okay!” Eric said.

“We came as soon as we could, and we couldn’t help but overhear that our girlfriends were taken by the changelings,” Forest replied.

“Glad you’re here, boys. We could use your help rescuing them,” said Starlight.

Eric gasped in realization as his eyes widened and said, “Wait a minute! Somepony has to go over to Canterlot and slay the basilisk! I gotta go find Lord Emerald!”

Eric then took off on his broomstick to alert his friends. Spiracle quickly took flight following him.

A short time later, they reached Sweet Apple Acres and went into Apple Bloom’s room.

“Apple Bloom, wake up,” Eric said as he gently nudged her. She woke up and asked, “Is somthin’ wrong, Eric?”

“The changelings are back and they took my parents and their friends, including Applejack,” Eric replied.

“That’s not good,” Apple Bloom remarked.

“Let’s go find and gather the others,” Eric said.

Eric and Apple Bloom went to Sweetie Belle’s place, while Spiracle went to find Scootaloo. Eric pointed his wand at the door and incanted, “Alohomora.”

Once inside Sweetie Belle’s room, Eric kissed her while she was sleeping, then he whispered, “Wake up, Sweetie Belle.”

Once Sweetie Belle woke up, she asked, “Eric, what’s going on?”

He told her about the changelings’ return and their capture of Twilight, Storm, and their friends.

Soon enough, Eric had gathered most of his friends together.

“We need to go to Canterlot and find Lord Emerald, but first we need to spend the night at my grandparents’ house,” Eric said.

Eric got on his broom and Slapstick rode with him, while Marina carried Holly and Spiracle teleported Zuni, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to Canterlot.

Once there, Eric led them to his grandparents’ house, then magically unlocked the door and Eric went to sleep in his mom’s old bed, while the three fillies went to his uncle’s old room, and the others went to sleep in the basement.

The next morning, Eric immediately woke up and crept downstairs to where his grandparents were.

“Morning, Grandpa. Morning, Grandma,” Eric said.

“Eric, why are you here and not at home?” Velvet asked.

“My friends and I came last night because the changelings are back and they took my parents and their friends, Princesses Celestia and Luna, along with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. We’re here to find Lord Emerald, and maybe Captain Blitzwing so they can help us kill the basilisk,” Eric explained.

“That’s not good,” Night Light remarked.

“Regardless of that, it’s always good to see you, Eric,” Velvet replied.

After having a good breakfast with his grandparents, Eric and his friends went over to Fancy Pants’ mansion to see Nightshade.

“Hello, Eric,” Nightshade said as he opened the door.

“Hi, Nightshade,” Eric replied.

“What brings you and the others to Canterlot?” Nightshade asked.

“The changelings are back and they’re working with Glacio and his army, they took my parents and their friends, along with my aunt, uncle, cousin, and the royal sisters. Starlight, Trixie, Thorax, Discord, Forest, Jasper, and Smokey are trying to rescue them. So It’s up to us to stop the basilisk, and we also need to find Lord Emerald and maybe Captain Blitzwing so they can help us,” Eric explained.

Nightshade nodded in agreement and went with Eric and the others towards the falls. There, Eric and his friends were looking out in a view of the plains and forest, whilst feeling a sense of doubt and he began singing, with his friends soon joining in:

(All credit for this song goes to Disney and Michael Bolton)

Soon enough, they were further outside the city hoping to find Lord Emerald. Just then, two familiar guards came up to them, Eric recognized them as Captains Blitzwing and Brawn, but he was unsure it was really them and asked, “Did you send Thorax to Ponyville last night to find my parents?”

“I did, me and Sunburst both. I fled the Crystal Empire as quick as I could,” Captain Brawn replied.

“Can you please tell us the last thing Princess Celestia told you before she and Luna were captured?” Nightshade asked Captain Blitzwing.

“She told me, ‘Find Eric Sparkle and his friends and keep them safe, for they’re our best hope at stopping the basilisk’,” Captain Blitzwing replied.

“We just had to make sure you weren’t changelings,” Eric said.

“Do you know where Professor Emerald is?” Nightshade asked.

“He should be on the opposite side of the mountain,” Captain Blitzwing replied.

“Spiracle, can you please teleport us to the opposite side of the mountain?” Eric asked.

“Maybe, but not all of us at once,” Spiracle replied.

Just then, Eric and his eight friends were teleported to Lord Emerald’s location. It wasn’t long before they found Lord Emerald, they also found Agent Shadow Lock.

“Professor Emerald, the changelings are back and they’re working with Glacio,” Nightshade said.

“Glacio and his army are likely on their way here right now. Do you think you and Shadow Lock can keep them busy while we slay Grimlock?” Eric added.

“Neither us us have run from a fight before, so why start now?” Lord Emerald replied.

He then teleported Eric and his friends, along with Shadow Lock to the outskirts of the city. Lord Emerald and Shadow Lock kept well hidden while keeping an eye out for Glacio and his army. It wasn’t too long before Glacio and his army reached Canterlot.

“If you changelings were able to deceive the ponies by disguising as my sisters and the guards, how could you not manage to find Lord Emerald! Where is he?!” Glacio demanded.

“Right here, Glacio!” Emerald said as he stood to face the ice prince.

The two were locked in a duel, while Shadow Lock dueled Frostbite.

“What’s the plan, Eric?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We’ll hide in Crystal Caverns, while Spiracle and Pincer lure Grimlock to us, and once inside, we’ll seal off the entrance and kill the basilisk,” Eric explained.

“We’re on it,” Spiracle replied as he and Pincer flew off to find Grimlock.

Eric and his eight friends, along with Captains Blitzwing and Brawn managed to enter the caverns.

“Do you think we were spotted?” Holly asked worriedly.

“I hope not, but in case they do and we get separated, we need a code phrase only we can memorize,” Nightshade said.

“How about one of us says ‘Marco’ and the other says ‘Polo’?” Eric suggested.

“Just who or what is Marco Polo?” Slapstick asked.

“He was a human explorer who lived long ago, but that’s not important right now,” Eric said.

“Good thinking, Eric,” Marina replied.

“No changeling could ever know that,” Zuni added.

“Nightshade, can you please cast the eye-protection spell on us?” Eric asked.

“Right away, Eric,” Nightshade replied, then cast the spell.

All of a sudden, some changelings disguised as royal guards spotted them and spoke up, “Halt! You’re coming with us!” The disguised changelings soon came towards them.

“Oh no,” Scootaloo said.

“How’d they find us?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Something tells me they were ordered to search literally everywhere,” Captain Blitzwing replied.

“What’re we gonna do, Eric?!” Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.

“We’re splitting up,” Eric replied before whispering, “Everyone, remember the code phrase, ‘Marco Polo’.”

Everyone nodded before spreading out. Just then, Spiracle and Pincer came back with Grimlock on their tails. 

“Pincer, you go with the others, I’ll take care of the drones pursuing them,” Spiracle told his little brother. Pincer nodded, then Grimlock chased after him.

“Hey! It’s me you want, come and get me!” Spiracle yelled to the drones pursuing Eric and his friends.

He managed to divert the drones towards him, then transformed into a large bug monster and fought them off.

“How exactly are we gonna kill the basilisk?” Scootaloo asked.

“We’ll corner Grimlock and I’ll slay him with this sword,” Eric replied as he picked up a sword.

Just then, Pincer joined them with the basilisk behind him and said, “Marco!”

“Polo!” Eric and the others replied in unison.

Eric and his friends, plus Captains Blitzwing and Brawn managed to corner Grimlock. They dodged his every attempt to bite them. Nightshade fired multiple magic blasts at the basilisk, but they had little effect. Eric then drew the sword and faced Grimlock, he swung it multiple times, but then Grimlock lunged at him and he pointed the sword causing the basilisk to get stabbed through the roof of his mouth. Grimlock violently thrashed around as he was dying and slashed Eric’s face diagonally with his wing claws, but missed his eyes, until the basilisk finally collapsed to his death.

“Eric! You’re hurt!” Sweetie Belle said.

“Let’s go find Philomena, she can heal me,” Eric replied.

“What do ya mean?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Eric told me a while back that phoenix tears have healing powers, they can heal the most deadly of injuries and they’re also the only known antidote for basilisk venom,” Nightshade explained.

Soon enough, Eric and his friends, along with Captains Blitzwing and Brawn were out of the caverns. Just then, they rushed into the city and kept Glacio’s minions busy while Eric and Captain Blitzwing went to find Philomena. It wasn’t long before they found her perched in a tree, she flew down and noticed Eric’s scar, then she shed some tears and his scar was healed.

Eric and Captain Blitzwing rejoined the others and fought off Glacio’s minions. Just then, Twilight, Storm, and their friends, Shining Armor, Cadance, Flurry Heart, the royal sisters, along with Starlight and her group and some of the newly reformed changelings joined in. Glacio and his army were shocked to see their now former allies had turned against them.

“What?! Impossible!” Glacio exclaimed.

“Queen Chrysalis has been deposed, Thorax is the new king of the changelings, and you’ve lost, Glacio,” Starlight said.

“Who are you?!” Frostbite asked.

“I’m Starlight Glimmer!” the lilac unicorn replied.

“Your pet basilisk, Grimlock is dead, Glacio. My friends and I have slain him,” Eric said.

“This is not over, everypony! We’ll make you all pay with your lives!” Glacio cried out as he and his army fled the area.

“Mommy! Daddy! You’re safe!” Eric said as he hugged his parents.

“Hi, sweetie!” Twilight replied.

“You did it, sport. You and your friends solved a centuries-old mystery and defeated the basilisk, you’re heroes,” Storm added.



After everyone shared a few tender moments with their family and friends, they set off for Starlight’s old village.



THE END