Ever since she came to Ponyville, Sparkler has been met with one adventure after another. From coming out with her Alicorn wings to time Travel and clones.
But despite all that, she couldn't be happier. For She has ascended from a small town girl livin in a lonely world to a happy mother of eleven and Fiancée to princess Twilight Sparkle, living in a town that accepts her for her. Plus she has Fleur and Fancypants as siblings.
Now, With summer here, and the kids away at summer camp, what adventures await our favorite non-royal Alicorn and her friends?
If this story gets 50 likes I'll add to Sparkling Storytime.
“And so! It is hereby decreed that Melody Sparklehearts is welcomed into the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Exclaimed Sweetie Belle. She lit her horn and a CMC cape appeared around Melody’s neck. “From this day henceforth, you have sworn to assist Foals in finding their Cutie Marks, as you yourself once did. Congratulations Melody!” She exclaimed as confetti rained down from the ceiling.
Melody’s siblings and Pearl and Lucky cheered. Lightning was recording the whole ceremony on his phone.
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo rushed in and hugged Melody. “Congrats dude, er, I mean girl.” Scoots exclaimed, messing up that Melody wasn’t a colt anymore.
“Thanks you guys.” Melody responded, smiling. It was a beautiful day in Ponyville and Melody and her siblings were hanging out with the CMC along with Pearl and Lucky. Melody was just inducted into the CMC.
“Congrats Melody!”
“You’ll do great!”
“Now you can help us find our Cutie Marks!” Melody’s siblings and Lucky and Pearl said.
Melody laughed and nodded. “That’s right. I’m gonna help all of you find your Cutie Marks this summer.” She declared. “I already have some ideas.”
“Can’t wait to hear them.” Apple Bloom responded.
“But not today. Because today is all about you Sextuplets.” Pearl said.
“Yeah! Your birthday!” Lucky exclaimed happily, fluttering her wings cutely in excitement.
“Yeah.” Crystal responded. “And our first one with our new family! Which grew substantially since we got here.”
“Yeah…” Melody responded. It was hard to believe that she was finally able to celebrate her birthday after three years of Sparky and Misty outright banning such an action.
“Something up Melody?” Sweetie asked.
“Oh, I was just thinking how this is gonna actually be our first birthday since…” Melody trailed off.
Mystic got what Melody was saying and she hugged her. “Hey. I’m sure they’re smiling their flanks off today. And hey. They did say that when you guys and Mom all had a shared dream about them.” She said.
“Yeah! And you know what? It’s even better than the last time you were able to celebrate it! Because you have five sextuplets to share it with. Plus you have a large family and friends! All the makings of the best day ever!” Lucky commented.
“Yeah. You’re right. Today’s gonna be the best day ever.” Melody said.
“Speaking of best. Pinkie’s probably gonna throw you the best party ever.” Scootaloo commented.
“Has your mom horn pulsed you with a party location?” Pearl asked.
“Not yet. Maybe soon.” Lightning responded.
Elsewhere in Ponyville, spontaneous music started up as Sparkler burst out through a door of a store. With Bradford and Potion Nova, her friends from Saddle Arabia, coming up behind her. After a moment of music, they started singing.
🎶Something tells me that today’s a good day So don’t you worry I have just the song for you
So get up on your hooves and shake your tail And you’ll forget about your worries in no time at all
That’s what you’ll do ooh ooh!🎶
Sparkler smiled as she floated six wrapped gifts in her magic. Nova and Brad followed suit with some gifts of their own.
🎶So if you had a bad day Then that’s kinda tragic But with a little bit a music And a touch of magic
You’ll feel pure joy And you’ll forget what’s Been troubling you!
So put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok!
Now put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok! Everything is gonna be OK!
Are you coming down With the glooms? Well don’t you worry I have just the cure for you
Now get up off that chair And tap those hooves And let the music just take you away from caring
That’s what will happen
So if you had a bad day Then that’s kinda tragic But with a little bit a music And a touch of magic
You’ll feel pure joy And you’ll forget what’s Been troubling you!
So put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok!
Now put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok! Everything is gonna be Ok!
I know that some things Might seem down And you want to just go back to bed
But so long as you have friends You can weather anything at all!
So put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok!
Now put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok! Everything is gonna be Ok!
So put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok!
Now put your hooves up high ‘Cause we’re feeling alright!
Everyday is awesome In Ponyville!
So put your hooves up Put your hooves up!
Everything is gonna be ok! Everything is gonna be Ok!🎶
The spontaneous Musical number ended as Sparkler and her two friends made it to the castle of friendship. Around that time Fleur De Lis and Fancypants arrived. Sparkler smiled when she saw them. “Fleur! Fancy! You made it!” She exclaimed happily as she hugged them.
“As if we’d miss our nieces’ and nephews’ birthday.” Fancypants responded.
“Plus, it let us hear you three singing. That was a good song.” Fleur responded.
“Yeah. It can really be this season’s theme song.” Potion Nova responded.
Sparkler nodded. “Well, come on in. Everything should be set up now for the party.” She said.
The five of them entered the house part of the castle and climbed the stairs into the main castle. Fancy glanced around. “I still am amazed you and Twilight actually combined houses Sparkler.” Fancypants commented.
“It was Starlight’s idea. Both houses had sentimental value to us, so we decided to go with the best of both worlds.” Sparkler responded.
“Well it looks great.” Nova said.
They soon entered a ball room which was decorated with a rainbow theme. Balloons, streamers, the whole nine yards. Twilight saw the five enter and she smiled when she saw Sparkler with the presents. “They finally got done!” She exclaimed.
Sparkler smiled. “Yep!” She responded as she floated the boxes under a table that had a lot more presents on it.
Fancypants smiled as he lit his horn and six gifts appeared from a saddlebag he was wearing, enlarged, and joined the mountain of presents. “I do hope the kids like their gifts.” He commented.
Twilight smiled. “I’m sure they’ll love them Fancypants.” She said.
“And they’ll love that their entire family is here to celebrate with them. And then some.” Sparkler added as she looked around.
Also in the ballroom both hers and Twilight’s parents, Cadence, Shining, Flurry, Night Mare, Sparkler’s parents, Celestia, Luna, all their friends from both sides, The Harmonic Medleys, and some ponies from town that the kids had gotten along good with, including Airwave and Lyrica. Sparkler smiled warmly at the sight. And to think, all this is because Melody escaped from an awful situation.
“I gotta hoof it to you and Twilight Sparkler.” Candy said, pulling Sparkler out of her thoughts. “You two sure know how to go all out.”
“Pinkie helped.” Sparkler responded. “She’s the ultimate party planner.”
“And don’t you forget it!” Pinkie called out from across the room.
That got a chuckle out of everypony as Pinkie continued. “Anywho, if we're all here then get the guests of honor back here!” She demanded. “It’s party time!”
Sparkler chuckled and turned to Candy. “Are you sure Melody’s ready for a surprise party where she’s the center of attention?” She asked Candy.
“I’m sure Sparkler. She’s done very well with surprises. Heck, your most recent time adventure should be a good indicator of that.” Candy responded.
Twilight smiled and lit her horn, horn pulsing their horned children.
“Squawk! I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces. Squawk!” Flappy commented.
Some time later, Melody, her siblings, and Scootaloo brought their scooters to a halt in front of the castle and Mystic, Pedal, Lucky, Pearl, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom all got off their sleds. Pearl smiled. “Ok, wing powered scooters is the BEST way to travel!” She exclaimed.
“You bet your flanks it is!” Scootaloo responded.
“We were going super speed!” Dark-Wing exclaimed excitedly.
“Yeah. Ooh!” Lucky said. “I got an idea! I can ask my mom and dad for a scooter and then we all can have a race to see who’s the fastest!”
Scootaloo blinked, before she smiled. “How have I not thought of that before? Yeah! We should totally do that!” She said. “And summer’s here so we have plenty of time!”
“Why would that affect our race?” Melody asked. “Yeah you have school but we could just do it after school.”
Sweetie Belle laughed. “True. But we’re on summer vacation. So no school.” She said.
“What’s summer vacation?” Melody asked.
Everyone but the sextuplets had to refrain from gasping in surprise. “Y’all don’t know what Summer Vacation is?” Applebloom asked.
“No?” Crystal asked. “We’ve never gone to school.” She said.
Sweetie, Applebloom, Scootaloo, Lucky, and Pearl Deadpanned. “Clones?” She asked.
Sprinkle, Pedal, and Mystic all nodded. “We know what Summer Vacation is.” They said.
“And you didn’t explain it to them why?” Lucky asked.
“Never crossed our minds.”
“Ok.” Applebloom responded as spontaneous music started.
“Alright time for a musical explanation on what Summer Vacation is.” Sweetie said
At that moment, Discord popped in and snapped his fingers, fast forwarding the entire episode. “Sorry guys. No time for this little musical explanation.” He said as he snapped his fingers again and the world returned to normal speed. After that he popped away.
The kids all arrived at the ballroom door that Sprinkle said their parents wanted them to go to. Melody smiled. “Wow. Summer Vacation sounds awesome.” She said.
“It is!” Lucky responded. “Now, let’s see what’s behind these doors.” She said.
Melody pushed the doors open…and the room was dark. “Huh?” She asked as the kids all walked in. “Mom? Mommy Twi?” She asked.
With the sextuplets distracted, the other kids quietly separated from them. The sextuplets meanwhile continued to look around…until the lights came to life, confetti cannons fired and confetti started raining down, and a bunch of ponies appeared out of nowhere and all shouted. “Surprise!”
“Squawk! Surprise! Squawk!”
“Squeak! Surprise! Squeak!”
“Crow! Surprise! Crow!”
The sextuplets blinked and registered what was happening. Around they saw the ballroom decorated, and all their friends and family smiling at them. Pinkie rolled up a big cake. And they definitely didn’t miss the rainbow theme. “Whoa!” Trail said. “What’s this?”
“Squawk! It’s your 6th birthday party! Squawk!” Flappy exclaimed excitedly. “And your first one in Ponyville!” She added.
“Yeah. Don’t think we weren’t going to go all out for this.” Sparkler said as she and Twilight came up and hugged the sextuplets. “Oh, and Melody, you good?” She asked.
“Candy said you were ready for surprises. So that’s why this was a surprise.” Twilight explained.
Melody laughed. “Yeah. I think my PTSD has finally left me. At least enough that I can be surprised safely.” She said.
“Awesome!” Pinkie responded as the gathered crowd cheered.
After a moment, Pinkie immediately put party hats on the sextuplets. “Well come on everypony! Let’s party!” She exclaimed.
And so the party started. There was cake eating, dancing, singing, and of course the best part for any kid, the presents. And boy oh boy did that result in a LOT of wrapping paper.
While everypony was having cake, which had previously been rigorously guarded by Mark and Amber against the cake loving Princess Celestia, Sparkler, the Harmonic Medleys, and Twilight hopped onto the stage and Sparkler tapped the mic to get everypony’s attention. “Ahem. May I have everypony’s attention please?” She asked. Once all eyes were on her, she continued. “Twilight and I would just like to say thank you for being here to celebrate our first kids’ 6th birthday. And their first one with us. Lumber, Melody, Trail, Lightning, Sky, Crystal. You six may have entered our lives rather unexpectedly. But you six laid the groundwork for the family we’ve become today, and began the greatest adventure of our lives.
“We love you guys. Always.” Twilight said.
The crowd went aww, as Sparkler grabbed a guitar in her magic. “This number goes out to the birthday boys and girls. Let’s hit it Harmonic Medleys!” She said.
Feathers counted them down and the band started playing. After a few notes, Sparkler and Twilight hit it.
🎶Everypony has a tune Waiting to be heard
A special song inside of you Just waiting for you to sing
Today’s the day that your tune emerged
So belt it out sing it loud!
It’s The Melody that soars the Sky
It sparkles like a Crystal Strikes as hard as Lumber
Blazing the Trail as fast as Lightning
That’s your tune so Play it proud! Play it proud.
Life is not always easy
Sometimes it can Be a pain
But know that you are not alone
The band’s all here Playing together!
The Melody that soars the Sky
It sparkles like a Crystal Strikes as hard as Lumber
Blazing the Trail as fast as Lightning
That’s your tune so Play it proud! Play it proud.
And no matter where you are
And No matter what you do
Your band will never break apart
Your song will play for all of time
The Melody that soars the Sky
It sparkles like a Crystal Strikes as hard as Lumber
Blazing the Trail as fast as Lightning
That’s your tune so Play it proud!
The Melody that soars the Sky (Play it proud!)
It sparkles like a Crystal Strikes as hard as Lumber (Play it proud!)
Blazing the Trail as fast as Lightning (Play it proud!)
That’s your tune so Play it proud!
Play it proud!
Play it proud!🎶
The song came to an end and the sextuplets, who were crying tears of joy, flapped their wings and flew onto the stage, where they tackled their parents. “That was amazing!” They cried as the crowd cheered.
Sparkler and Twilight smiled as they hugged the six birthday foals. “Happy Birthday you guys!” They said.
Celestia and Luna smiled when the family was hugging. “Look at her. So happy.” Celestia said.
“She is honestly going to lose it when she finally learns the truth.” Luna commented.
Later, the party came to an end and all that were left of the partiers were Sparkler and her family, the princesses, and the Mane 6. “So!” Pinkie said as she bounced around the birthday foals. “Did you have an awesome day or what?” She asked.
“The best day ever!” The kids said.
Sparkler smiled. “I’m glad.” She said. “Pinkie was aiming for that.”
“Uh huh!” Linnie replied.
Twilight meanwhile was cleaning up the wrapping paper when Fancypants approached her. “Twas was an excellent party Twilight. And might I say that you and Sparkler sounded great up there on stage.” He said.
“Yeah. We do make a good team.” She responded as she looked over and saw Flurry tackle Sparkler. She giggled. “Flurry really likes Sparkler.” She commented. “She tackles and hugs her whenever she sees her.”
“Must be her magnetic personality.” Fancypants joked.
It was at that moment when there was a massive explosion of magic and the entire room filled with gold smoke.
The golden smoke cleared gradually as everypony coughed it up. Sparkler fluttered her eyes open. “Oh for Faust’s sake Flurry sneezed again!” She exclaimed. She glanced around and at first she saw nothing inherently wrong. She smiled. “Oh, ok things seem normal this time.” She sighed in relief.
“Uh…I wouldn’t say that.” Fancypants responded as he pointed his hoof downward.
Sparkler looked at where he was pointing…and her jaw dropped, Twilight Sparkle, her fiancée…was a baby! She took another look around and noticed much more than that.
The Mane 6 were all Flurry’s age.
Shining and Cadence were CMC aged.
And Celestia and Cadence looked like they were teenagers. Sparkler blinked, before she screamed. “WHAT HAPPENED?!” She shrieked.
“Squeak! Another sneeze. Squeak!” Streaker responded.
“Crow! And this time it seems to have regressed everypony except Starlight, Night Mare, you, and the kids. And also us and dad. Crow!” Flapperina added.
The Mane 6 looked at each other and themselves, and all of them except Pinkie started to cry. Wailing like babies do. The ponies who could actually think immediately went to the nearest baby and started working to quiet them. “Hey, hey it’s ok girls. No need to cry.”
“We’ll get you back to normal.”
Flurry was giggling. Luna raised an eyebrow at her. “Pray tell, Should young Flurry Heart not have been able to do magic with her horn inhibitor on?” She asked.
Cadence, after calming down Rarity, walked up to Flurry and took her in her forelegs. Her eyes widened as she realized the problem. “Shiny? Where’s her magic inhibitor?” She asked.
“What? It’s not on her?” Shining asked. He rushed over to his wife and daughter, and indeed saw that Flurry was free of a magic inhibitor. “Oh no. No no no where is it? I could’ve sworn I put it on her this morning!”
“Well it’s not on her and it allowed her to do this!” Cadence shot back.
Sparkler blinked, before she lit her horn and captured all the babies in her magic. “Ok, ok I’m sure we can fix this. Everypony not affected aim your horns at the stage and cast an age spell. Everypony affected, onto the stage.” She said.
“Nah. I don’t think I will.” Luna said.
Sparkler’s eyes widened and everypony stared at Luna. Celestia gulped. “Luna, come on, let’s get on the—”
“No!” Luna responded, cutting Celestia off. “You’re not our mom, and neither is she.” She pointed at Sparkler.
Sparkler gasped. “Luna, are you OK?” She asked, afraid of the answer.
Luna scoffed. “I’m fine. I’m just not going to be a lab experiment.” She said.
Starlight blinked. “Uh, we’re not—“
Before Starlight could go on, Luna lit her horn…and vanished into thin air. Everypony gasped. “Uh…that can’t be good.” Fleur said.
Celestia’s eyes widened in realization. “She is acting like she did back when we were in our teens…whatever Flurry did must be reverting our minds as well.”
Night Mare’s eyes widened in horror as it dawned on her what that meant. “And right now, you’re a teenager too…”
Sparkler lit her horn and aimed at Celestia. “I never thought I’d be blasting at you Princess, but we need you back to your proper age NOW!” She blasted at Celestia with an age spell. Celestia disappeared in a blue smoke.
Everypony around watched as the smoke cleared…and much to their surprise, Celestia appeared unaffected. “…Why didn’t that work?!” Starlight asked, panicky.
“This is bad.” Fleur responded.
“Yes, it is. I can feel my mind reverting.” Celestia responded. She took a deep breath. “A teenager is not fit to rule a nation. Much less teenagers like myself and Luna.”
“Ok so what do we do? I mean it’s not like you can temporarily crown somepony else in your stead.” Shining responded.
“Given the circumstances, I am afraid we have no other options.” Celestia responded. She stared at Sparkler. “Sparkler, I understand that you do not wish a crown on your head. But I am afraid I must ask you to act in mine and Luna’s name as acting Princess of Equestria.” She said.
Sparkler blinked while she processed what Celestia just said. “Celestia, with all due respect, FLEUR would be a MUCH better option. She probably knows more about this than I do.” She said.
“I am afraid Fleur’s ties to certain ponies makes her a less than ideal option.” Celestia responded.
“She’s right.” Fleur responded. “Fancy and I have regular contact with ponies that would JUMP the opportunity to manipulate a princess. And I’m not ashamed to admit I can be more easily swayed than Celestia.”
Sparkler stared at everypony. Night Mare bit her lip. “And an Alicorn would be taken more seriously…” She said.
Sparkler’s mind was racing. She had already accepted that she’d be a princess consort, but she wanted nothing more to do with royalty than that. “I…I don’t know…” She said.
“Sparkler, I would not be asking you if I didn’t have complete confidence that you are able.” Celestia said, offering her an encouraging smile. “Please, we need you.”
Sparkler looked around to the ponies around her, all of them were smiling at her. Right then, something tugged on her leg. She looked down and saw baby Twilight looking up at her with the cutest smile she’d ever seen. Finally making up her mind, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it.” She said.
Celestia nodded and turned to Spike. “Spike, take note of this and send it to Raven Inkwell, with the request to get to Ponyville as soon as possible to assist Sparkler.” She said as she lit her horn and removed the crown from her head. “I, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, under the most extraordinary of circumstances, are stepping down from the throne of Equestria and naming Sparkling Medley acting Princess until such time when myself and Luna are able to reassume the throne.” She said as she placed her crown on Sparkler’s head. “I have every confidence that you will not let myself, Luna, and Equestria down.” She told Sparkler.
The kids, who had been watching the whole thing and had taken to keeping the foal Mane 6 occupied, smiled and applauded. Sparkler sighed. “I just hope nopony ends up regretting this.” She said.
Celestia nodded, before her eyes widened. After a second, they returned to normal and she smiled. “Now, are we done here? I like, have things to do.” She said.
Everypony’s jaws dropped. It seemed Celestia’s mind reverted.
Sparkler gulped. “Uh, Celestia. I think it’s best if we turned in for the night.” She said as she looked at her phone’s clock. It indeed was bedtime.
Celestia smiled and lit her horn. “Great. I need my beauty sleep, mind raising the moon and lowering the sun?” She asked as she tossed an object to Sparkler, who caught it in her magic. “That should help you. Toodaloo!” She said as she walked out of the room.
Sparkler blinked, before she whirled around and looked at Flappy and his kids. “Flappy, you and your kids go make sure Luna and Celestia do NOT leave this castle. At least tonight.” She said.
Flappy nodded and he and the kids soared out of the room after Celestia. Sparkler gulped as she looked at the device Celestia had given her. Her eyes widened as it dawned on her what happened. “What just happened?” She asked.
“You were just crowned Princess of Equestria after Flurry Heart sneezed and deaged everypony else Celestia trusted to take her place.” Fancypants responded.
Sparkler stared at Fancy, then at the device…and when reality struck what happened…her brain shut down and she outright fainted.
Night Mare and Starlight caught Sparkler. “Oh yeah. This is gonna be rough.” Starlight commented.
The sun lit up Equestria as it rose into the sky. On the balcony of the Castle of Friendship, Starlight smiled as she used the device Celestia gave Sparkler the previous day. “Yeah. I can already tell this isn’t gonna be a quick fix. Considering Sparkler couldn’t age Celestia back to her right age I don’t think the others will be so easily reverted either.” She said as she trotted back into the castle and into the kitchen.
Slowly but surely, the castle’s occupants started trickling into the kitchen for breakfast. The Medley foal herd brought in the baby Mane 6, Shining and Cadence brought Flurry. Finally, the last pony not there was Sparkler. Fleur and Fancypants looked around, and Fancypants sighed. “I was hoping that yesterday’s incident was just a dream.” He said.
“Nope.” Crystal responded. “It happened. And now we have a real problem on our hooves.” She said as she sat Rarity in a high chair Starlight made.
“We’re sorry everypony.” Cadence said.
“Yeah. It’s our bad.” Shining added.
“Eh, we’ve seen stranger things.” Flash Sentry responded. “This is like, another Tuesday here in Ponyville.”
“Hey…guys?” Asked Sparkler. Everypony turned to see Sparkler standing there, with a baby Twilight on her back. “Can anypony explain why Twilight is a foal? And why I found this.” She held up Celestia’s crown in her magic. “On the nightstand?” She asked.
“Squawk! Don’t you remember what happened last night? Squawk!” Flappy asked.
“The Sextuplets’ birthday party?” Sparkler responded. “After that it’s a blur. I had a weird dream last night though. Flurry sneezed, turned a bunch of ponies into foals and teenagers, and I had to assume the throne of Equestria.” Sparkler chuckled at that as she went over to make herself a mug of coffee. Clearly not realizing that it wasn’t a dream when she set Celestia’s crown and Twilight on the table…or rather tried to, because Twilight just clung to her. Sparkler gave up after a sec and just let her hug her from behind.
Everypony watched her make coffee. Lightning pulled out his phone. “Mom, that wasn’t a dream.” He said.
Sparkler laughed. “Oh don’t be silly Lightning. There is no way in the world I’d ever agree to take the throne of Equestria. I’m just assuming whatever happened last night happened after you guys went to bed.” She said.
Lightning levitated his phone over to Sparkler. “Watch this.” He said. “Not edited, it’s what really happened.” He added.
Sparkler played the video that Lightning had, and she watched the events of yesterday. Starting with Flurry sneezing, and everything else that happened afterwards, ending with Sparkler fainting.
Sparkler blinked when the video ended. And she took a look around again, and saw that except for Celestia and Luna, who had yet to show up for breakfast, the mane 6 and Shining and Cadence were regressed. “You have to be kidding me.” She said. “No, no this is just a prank dream. Haha, Ok Luna you got me. You can change the dream to something less pranky now…please–Youch!” Sparkler yelped as her mane was pulled back by a tiny Rainbow Dash, who laughed and flew around the kitchen. “Rainbow Dash!“ Sparkler growled. “That hurt! And no flying in the kitchen you’ll hurt…your…self…” Sparkler stopped as she realized what she was doing, and that it hurt, the age-old indicator that it was reality and not a dream. “Oh…” She said as the reality of the situation at long last reached her.
“Yeah. I sent the decree to Raven and she sent a reply saying she’ll be on the first train to Ponyville today.” Spike responded.
Sparkler stared at the crown, and then at the regressed ponies. “Where’re Celestia and Luna?” She asked.
“Last I saw them they were in their rooms.” Night Mare responded. “I’ll go check on them.” She said as she dashed off.
Sparkler whirled her head around and saw Twilight on her back. She lit her horn and placed Twilight on the table. “Let’s try this again. Starlight, help me out here.” She said.
Starlight nodded and she and Sparkler lit their horns. They aimed at baby Twilight and blasted her with an age spell. The resulting smoke enveloped Twilight entirely. Everypony watched as the smoke cleared, and much to everypony’s annoyance, it did nothing. Everypony let out a groan.
“Alright, let’s eat breakfast and then let’s all head to the throne room to talk about what the heck we’re going to do.” Sparkler said.
Out in the streets of Ponyville, Raven Inkwell galloped away from the train station headed right for the Castle of Friendship. Behind her were a squad of guards. Raven was panicking as she carried saddlebags full of papers and documents and all sorts of other things. “Just as we’re a week from the Summer Sun Celebration.” She commented. “What even happened?”
She and the guards soon reached the castle and she knocked on the door. After a second, it opened to reveal Spike the dragon. “Raven. Good.” He said as he let her and the guards in.
“I came as soon as I could. What happened Spike?” Raven asked.
“It’s more believable if you see, but to put it simply, Flurry Heart is OP.” Spike responded.
Meanwhile, in the throne room, Sparkler had activated the map and that seemed to keep the Mane Foal six occupied while the ponies who could comprehend what was going on talked about what to do. Celestia meanwhile groaned. “Ugh. Is this gonna take much longer? Luna and I want to go out and have some fun.” She complained.
“Yeah. Because I SO want to hang out in the sun all day.” Luna responded sarcastically.
“Oh come on Lulu. It’ll be fun!” Celestia responded.
Everypony else glanced at the two teenage princesses, before Fancypants cleared his throat. “Well, I think it’s safe to say that we need to find a way to fix this as soon as possible. Preferably before the Summer Sun Celebration.” He said.
“The Summer what now?” Sparkler asked.
“The Summer Sun Celebration. Remember?” Starlight asked. “The main Celebration is happening in Ponyville this year.”
Sparkler nodded. She had been told that. Her eyes widened as she realized that with Twilight and Celestia out of commission, the task of prepping for the Celebration fell to her. “…Oh Faust what am I going to do?” She asked.
At that moment, the doors swung open and Spike and Raven rushed in. Raven skidded to a halt and nodded. “Raven Inkwell, assistant to Princess Celestia. I came as soon as I…” Raven trailed off when she saw the situation.
The Elements of Harmony were foals.
Shining Armor and Princess Cadence were kids.
And Celestia and Luna were teenagers.
Raven blinked, connecting the dots as to what happened. “Yep. Yeah that should do it for having a legit reason for naming Sparkling Medley acting Princess.” She said.
Sparkler nodded. “Hello Raven. Thank you for coming so quickly.” She said.
“It’s my job to assist the princess in her duties.” Raven responded.
Celestia nodded as she took Luna’s hoof in her own. “Ok if we’re done here Luna and I have things to do.” She said as she pulled Luna away. Leaving the room before anypony could stop them.
Sparkler watched them go and sighed. “Night Mare?” She asked.
“I’ll go keep an eye on them.” Night Mare responded as she left to follow the two princesses.
Sparkler turned to the others. “Starlight I’d appreciate it if you worked to reverse the spell.” She said.
Starlight nodded. “I’ll get somepony to help.” She said. Leaving immediately.
“Fleur, Fancy, Shining, Cadence, would you four mind watching the kids and the Mane 6?” Sparkler asked.
“Aww! We wanted to help you with your new Royal duties!” Sparkler’s kids all whined.
“If I end up needing you, I’ll be sure to call. But for now, I need you to help keep the foal Mane 6 out of trouble.” Sparkler responded. “It’s an important job.”
The kids all perked up at that. “Ok!” They responded. Fancypants and Fleur ushered the others out of the room, although Twilight refused to go, clinging to Sparkler. She looked up at Sparkler with pleading eyes, as if begging her to let her stay.
Cadence saw this and smiled. “Twily. Wanna come read with us?” She asked.
“We’ll read your favorite book.” Shining said.
Much to everypony’s surprise, Twilight shook her head and stayed clinging to Sparkler. Sparkler, after getting over her shock that Twilight Sparkle rejected reading a book, sighed. “Alright fine. You can stay Twily.” She said.
Twilight smiled widely and climbed onto Sparkler’s back, burying her muzzle in her mane and giggling.
Everypony else left and then there was Raven, Spike, Sparkler, and Flash.
Raven lit her horn and spilled the contents of her saddlebag all over the table. “Right. So I brought everything on the docket for the next week for Princesses Celestia and Luna.” She said.
“And I have Twilight’s schedule.” Spike said as he held up a scroll.
Sparkler took a deep breath and nodded. “Ok, let’s take this one day at a time, and Raven, if it’s possible, try to limit the amount of travel Between here and wherever Celestia and Luna are going.” She said.
Raven nodded as she took a quill and parchment in her magic. “I can reschedule all of Celestia’s and Luna’s appointments this week to take place here no problem.” She said. “Uh, ya might wanna get that crown on.” She added.
Sparkler looked at Celestia’s crown, which rested on Twilight’s throne. “Do I have to?” She asked.
“Twilight might be able to get away with not wearing her crown, but I’m afraid the ruling monarch of Equestria has no choice. Even if it’s only temporary.” Raven responded.
Sparkler sighed in response and lit her horn. She took the crown and plunked it onto her head. “Alright fine. But I swear to Faust if any of my friends bow, I’m ditching this—“ Sparkler was cut off when the crown glowed, and a wave of magic washed over her. After a moment, the crown dimmed and everything seemed normal. Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “The hay was that all—Raven? Spike? What’s up with you two?” She asked Raven and Spike, who’s jaws were on the floor.
Spike gulped, before he grabbed a mirror out of frame and pulled it in front of Sparkler. “I think this might be a clue.” He said simply.
Sparkler took one look at herself in the mirror, and she held it together for three seconds before she screamed.
“I CAN CRYSTALIZE?!”
Raven and Spike nodded. Sparkler looked at herself again. “No, no, not now. This is certainly a clue and I DON’T want it right now.” She panicked.
Sparkler had wanted to ditch the crown at the castle the moment she found out that it made her crystallize. She wasn’t dumb, she knew full well what that meant for her origins. And she had ENOUGH on her plate without this revelation.
Alas, Raven was rather insistent because otherwise nopony would believe she was named Acting Princess. So, Sparkler begrudgingly left the castle wearing the crown, and apparently stuck in Crystal form, with baby Twilight on her back, with Raven and Spike walking beside her, and guards behind her. Oh, the guards. Another thing Raven was insistent on. “Yeah. This reaffirms my stance that I will never be anything more than a princess consort.” She said. “This is legitimately every reason why I refused a crown. I constantly feel like all eyes are on me.”
Indeed, she had noticed EVERY SINGLE pony out in town staring at her. Mainly in shock because it was common knowledge that Sparkling Medley was and never would be a full Royal. Stopping at Princess Consort. So there was definitely a boatload of confusion today.
“Squawk! Well, we can look on the bright side. Squawk!” Flappy said, he was riding on Sparkler’s back with baby Twilight. “Squawk! Your Crystal form gives off a HUGE clue to your origins. Squawk!”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.” Sparkler replied. “If anything that makes it worse, because I can’t DO anything about it.” She added.
“Yeah. Between Celestia’s Luna’s and Twilight’s schedules, you kinda got a full week.” Raven responded.
“Gee, thanks for the reminder.” Sparkler deadpanned. “Spike Please tell me Twilight wrote down talking points for the meeting with Mayor Mare.” She said.
“She did.” Spike responded. “They’re mainly about the Summer Sun Celebration since she was spearheading preparations here.”
“Right.” Sparkler responded. “I hope the others are managing.”
Elsewhere in Ponyville, Mark was doing patrols alongside Investigators Nosey and River, and they were idly chatting along the way. “Has Lucky asked you and Amber if she could go to Camp Little Hooves?” River asked Mark.
“Yeah. Pearl’s been talking about it nonstop ever since we came home yesterday from the party.” Nosey added.
Mark chuckled. Yesterday, one of the Sextuplets’ gifts, that was extended also to the rest of the Medley kids, was an invitation to spend the summer at Camp Little Hooves, which their uncle Shining Armor was recently made Director of. After the party, Lucky and Pearl had immediately asked if they could go too.
“We told her this morning she could go. You?” Mark asked.
“Same.” River said.
“Gives her a chance to make new friends. And it gives us some quality time together.” Nosey said.
The three of them giggled at that. Until they noticed something approaching. They focused their eyes, and what they saw made their jaws drop.
“Come on Lulu! Let’s go stuff our faces at Sugar Cube Corner!” Celestia exclaimed as she pulled Luna along.
“Oh for Faust’s sake Tia, what’s the fixation on sweets?” Luna responded.
Behind them, Night Mare was running, and she looked out of breath. “Come on Celestia! Luna. At least slow down so I can catch up!” She complained as she ran after them.
The three galloped away and left Mark, Nosey, and River flabbergasted. Did they just see that? “Did anypony else see that? It looked like Princesses Celestia and Luna.”
“But they’re smaller…and are acting like teenagers? What?” Mark asked, confused. “The heck happened to them?”
Meanwhile, back at the castle, Rainbow flew all around the library laughing. While Sky and Trail chased her. “Rainbow! Please land.” Sky said.
“You could hurt yourself! And at your age that’s REALLY bad!” Trail added.
Rainbow laughed and continued flying. Meanwhile Lumber was keeping Fluttershy occupied with an animal book. Crystal and Lightning were keeping Rarity busy by doing a fashion photoshoot, Light and Dark were tickling Applejack to entertain her, and all the other kids except Flurry were trying to keep Pinkie Pie under control. She was trying to use her tail to fly.
Cadence, Shining, Fleur, and Fancypants meanwhile were combing the bookshelves, trying to find a particular book. “Where is it? Where is it?” Cadence asked.
“Found it!” Fancypants called out and held out a book in her magic.
Cadence descended from the air to check the book, and she smiled. “Yes! I knew she’d still have it.” She said. “Twilight’s favorite book. Lords of the Horn.” She said.
“Lords of the Horn? That’s one of my favorite foalhood books.” Fleur responded. “But it was, and still is, a level four book. When did Twilight get this?”
“When a foal her age would normally be reading level one.” Cadence responded.
“She’s a smart cookie even back then.” Shining commented fondly.
Cadence nodded and cleared her throat as she approached the couch. “Alright kids! Story time!” She called out. “Who wants to read with me?” She asked.
The Medley kids all brought the foal Mane 6 around and Cadence started reading, with Shining, Fleur, and Fancy keeping an eye on the kids to make sure everypony stayed put.
Elsewhere in the castle, Starlight and Trixie entered the ball room the incident took place, and Trixie was laughing her flanks off. “Wait wait wait. So a baby Alicorn, managed to regress the Elements of Harmony to babies, the Crystal Empire’s monarchs to kids, and Princesses Celestia and Luna to teenagers?” She asked.
“Yes Trix.” Starlight responded as she lit her horn to cast a scan spell. “And because of that Sparkler was forced to take on the role of Acting Princess. Meaning we need to find a way to break through Flurry Heart’s OP magic, and fix this mess before Sparkler loses it.” She said. “She has three Alicorn’s worth of work she needs to do and I have no doubt she’s already wearing out.” She said.
“And you need the great and powerful Trrrrixie’s help. Alright. Trrrrixie shall help. But first, where is she?” Trixie asked.
“Where’s who?” Starlight asked.
“Twilight! Duh. Trrrrixie wants to see her in all her foalish glory.” Trixie responded.
Starlight deadpanned. She could tell exactly what Trixie was thinking. “She’s with Sparkler. Feel free to try and laugh at her to her face. Sparkler has the power now to throw you in the dungeon.” She told Trixie.
That shut Trixie up and she huffed. “Fine.” She said.
Starlight nodded. “Now let’s get to work.” She said.
“Ok. So there’ll be a town meeting later to get everypony up to speed on the plan for the Summer Sun Celebration and we’ll go from there.” Mayor Mare said.
“That sounds good.” Sparkler responded.
“Right. Alright. Now that that’s out—“ Mayor Mare was cut off when a crumpled up piece of parchment was thrown at her. Everypony turned to see Baby Twilight was crumbling up pieces of parchment from the trash bin and throwing them around. “Yeah. Maybe you could explain why it is that you’re wearing the crown and why Twilight is like this?” Mayor Mare asked. To say she was shocked when Sparkler came in saying she was Acting Princess was an understatement.
Sparkler sighed. “We’re not totally sure. But basically, Twilight, and all of the Elements of Harmony are foals, and Princesses Celestia and Luna are teenagers. Essentially, I’m only wearing this crown, enduring being stuck in Crystal form, and running the entire nation of Equestria, because everypony else who is both capable and trustworthy for the task is out of commission.” She explained. “We’re working to get them back to normal but it’s not gonna be a quick fix.” She said.
Mayor Mare nodded. “Ahem. Alright then. Well, I’m sure you’ll do fine Sparkler. The princesses wouldn’t have appointed you to this if they didn’t have faith in you.” She assured Sparkler.
“Wish I had that faith in me. I don’t even know the first thing about ruling a nation.” She said.
“Well I can see you won’t need to do it alone.” Mayor Mare responded. Gesturing to Raven and Spike.
Sparkler glanced at the two, and nodded after a second. “True.” She said.
“I think you’ll be fine.” Mayor Mare responded. “Just remember you aren’t alone.”
MANDATORY TOWN MEETING AT 4:00PM TOWN HALL DO NOT BE LATE PLEASE.
The citizens of Ponyville saw flyers with this message on it all over town, and many were confused. Before, the meeting was optional…now it wasn’t. So near 4:00PM, ponies were filing into Town Hall. Absolutely nopony failed to notice Sparkler up on the stage with Mayor Mare. Especially her Saddle Arabian friends.
“Whoa. Check out Princess Sparkler.” Hanzal commented.
“Ok, Celestia and Luna are teenagers, Sparkler’s a princess…and a Crystal pony? And apparently princess of…something.” Mark said. “What is going on around here?”
“Maybe Sparkler’ll tell us?” Nova asked.
Soon, Mayor Mare cleared her throat to address the crowd. “Good afternoon everypony! Thank you all for coming. I understand that you have questions as to why this was turned into a mandatory meeting. Well, due to extraordinary circumstances, Equestria is under new temporary rulership and preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration are now being led by this new ruler.” She announced.
Everypony started muttering to themselves while Sparkler stepped up. “Hey there Everypony. Uh, I’ve been named Acting Princess until the true rulers of Equestria are able to rule again.” She announced. “Rest assured this is only temporary and I’m sure everything will be back to normal soon.” She said.
At that moment, everypony heard giggling booming from the microphone on the podium. They turned their attention to it and saw what the crowd recognized as Twilight…but she was small.
Sparkler, after blinking in shock. Lit her horn and pulled Twilight away from the expensive equipment. “Twilight no! That’s not for babies!” She exclaimed as she took Twilight in her hooves. “I thought I told you to stay out of sight.” She said.
Twilight put on a sad, apologetic face, and Sparkler’s own expression softened. She shook her head and glanced up to see the crowd staring at them. Sparkler had wanted to keep it under wraps as much as possible but…she really couldn’t hide what was in plain sight. “Yeah uh…long story short, the Elements of Harmony are foals, and every other monarch in Equestria are…underaged and not currently in a state to rule…hence why I’m wearing the crown.” She explained. “And stuck in Crystal Form apparently.”
The crowd stayed silent, not really sure what to make of that. Mayor Mare decided to get the meeting back on track. “Ahem. So uh…with the team leaders out of commission, we’ll need new ones to help coordinate the preparations.” She said.
And so the meeting went on as normal…aside from the occasional Twilight playing with the mic. After the meeting, the ponies filed out. Soon, Sparkler, Raven, Baby Twilight, and Spike remained. “Ok.” Sparkler said. “What’s next on either list?” She asked who were essentially her royal advisors.
Raven answered. “Just one more thing today…oh…” She stopped when she read the name of Sparkler’s next appointment. “Uhm…a meeting with the pony heading the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot…Prince Blueblood.”
Spike blinked. “Blueblood? If I remember right he was among the rioters from that trial a while back.” He said.
Sparkler froze when she heard that. “Aw crud.” She said. She immediately was not looking forward to this.
“The sooner we get back to the castle, the sooner we can get this over with.” Raven responded.
Sparkler took a deep breath before nodding. “I swear if he starts lamenting me I’m kicking him out.” She said. It wasn’t lost on her that the Ex Nobles lamented her refusal to wear a crown. And now there was a chance for them to go on and on about how it shouldn’t have taken an extraordinary circumstance to get a crown on her head.
So the four left Town Hall, and didn’t even get ten feet before Sparkler’s name was called. “Oi! Princess Sparkler.” Sparkler noticed her Saddle Arabian friends catch up to them
“So, you’ll never be a princess eh?” Asked Brad.
“And have you seen yourself? You realize that means you could very well be from the Crystal Empire right?” Nova asked.
“Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You look good.” Hanzal complimented.
“How exactly did Celestia and Luna get regressed to teenagers? I saw them heading to Sugarcube corner the other day.” Mark asked.
Amber and Candy were going to say something, but something inside Sparkler snapped. “Alright everypony quiet!” She cried out.
That shut everypony right up. Sparkler glanced around and saw the shocked expressions on their faces. She sighed when she realized what she just did. “I’m sorry guys. I didn’t mean to yell. I’m just under a lot of stress right now.” She apologized. “And it isn’t helping that You just called me Princess Sparkler. Please, PLEASE do not do that again. That is literally the last thing I need right now.” She pleaded.
“As you wish Sparkler.” Mark responded. “But as an officer of the Ponyville Police Department I do need to know what happened to the princesses.”
“In short, Princess Flurry Heart sneezed, and the resulting magic regressed everypony who can be trusted with the task of ruling the nation to a point where they cannot do so.” Sparkler responded. “Well, everypony except one.”
“Yikes. Talk about unlucky.” Candy responded.
“Yeah. And you know the worst part? It’s not the duties surprisingly, but the fact that apparently this crown is cursed and it unveiled a massive clue to my origins, and I can’t do a darn thing about it because I’m stuck here ruling Equestria!” Sparkler exclaimed. “Ugh! Darn it it’s not even one day yet and I already feel like wallowing in a pool of anxiety.”
“Aww! You need a hug!” Candy said as she pulled Sparkler into a comforting hug, which their friends joined in. “It’ll be alright Sparkler. You’re not alone.” She said.
“Yeah! If you need help just holler!” Amber added.
Sparkler nodded. She was grateful not all her friends were regressed into less than helpful kids. “Thanks guys.” She said.
“Celestia! Get back here! I told you no more sweets!” Exclaimed Night Mare from the distance.
The gang turned their heads to see Night Mare, Teen Celestia, and Teen Luna. And Celestia was trying to get away. “But I haven’t finished sampling all the sweets yet!” Celestia complained.
“I don’t care!” Night Mare growled. “I told you we needed to go home!”
“I don’t want to.” Celestia responded.
Sparkler groaned as she parted from the hug. “For Faust’s sake.” She lit her horn and popped away.
She popped back in in front of Celestia, cutting off her path. “Celestia! Turn back around and go back to the castle!” She said. “I’m sure you had ENOUGH sweets today.” She said.
“No. You’re not my mom.” Celestia responded.
Sparkler rolled her eyes. She knew what she had to do. But she couldn’t believe she was about to say it. “I may not be your mom but I AM Acting Princess. And as Acting Princess I ORDER you to go back to the castle!” She growled.
“And what if I say no?” Celestia asked slyly.
“Then she has grounds to take disciplinary action against you for defying orders.” Mark responded as he approached. “Equestrian Law 43 subsection 45. Any individual who defies a perfectly reasonable and just order from the highest authority in the land will face disciplinary action. Up to and including a week in the dungeon.” Mark said. “Now, I’m sure the Acting Princess doesn’t want to put you away for a week. But I doubt she’ll be as patient as she normally is.” Mark told Celestia.”
Celestia rolled her eyes…before turning around and walking to the castle. Sparkler stared at Mark. “I didn’t know that law.” She said.
“Because it doesn’t exist.” Mark responded. “But then again, Princess Celestia is only a pony. I doubt she remembers every single law in the Equestrian constitution. Especially in her current state.”
“I never thought I’d see the day a police officer would lie to a princess.” Night Mare commented after gesturing Luna to follow Celestia. “Nice thinking.”
“It’s my duty to assist the ruling body of Equestria should they need it.” Mark responded.
“Thanks Mark. I don’t have the mental capacity to have a prolonged argument with teenagers. Not when I’m surely about to have one with an Ex Noble.” Sparkler responded.
“Pardon?” Mark asked.
“Yeah. I have to meet with an Ex Noble. One who previously lamented my choice to not be a princess.” Sparkler explained.
That was all Mark needed to hear. “I’ll call Nosey and River and we’ll get to the castle as soon as possible.” He said.
“I doubt that’s necessary.” Raven responded.
“We’re dealing with ponies who hate Sparkler’s guts. I highly doubt they’ll care about the law over their desire to get rid of her.” Mark responded.
“I’m not even gonna argue that. Just don’t step in unless I need you.” Sparkler responded.
Back at the Castle, Blueblood paced back and forth in the throne room of the Castle of Friendship. He had gotten word the princess wanted to have their meeting here in Ponyville, and he didn’t like it one bit. Where the hay is she? The sooner we have our meeting the sooner I can get out of this backwater town.
As if on cue to his thoughts, the doors opened and Flash and Raven entered. “Ahem. Presenting her Acting Royal Highness, Princess Sparkling Medley.” Flash said, stepping aside and revealing Sparkler in all her shining glory.
She didn’t even take 5 steps into the room before Blueblood started. “YOU!” He growled.
“Yes.” Sparkler responded. “It’s me. Twilight and all the other princesses are unavailable right now and they named me Acting Princess in their—“
“No!” Blueblood growled. “You had your chance and you dishonored yourself and all the Alicorns with your refusal to wear a crown. You can’t just change your mind!” He exclaimed.
Sparkler sighed. She correctly predicted this reaction. “Celestia herself asked me to do—“
“She would not dare!” Blueblood cut Sparkler off again. “Where is she!” He growled.
“It’s not this imposter. I can tell you that much!” Blueblood responded. “I will not accept this ruffian as a princess. Not now, not ever!”
“Then GO!“ Sparkler growled at Blueblood. “Go! Get out! I am not gonna sit here and take your crap when I have better things to do!”
“Oh I will. And I’m taking the crown with me!” Blueblood growled as he reached for the crown to take it from Sparkler.
Sparkler lit her horn and threw Blueblood back. “NO!” She growled. “There is a reason I was named Acting Princess over you! Because I was the only one Celestia trusted. If she wanted you to have the crown you would’ve had it by now. But no. You don’t have the crown. Now either get back to the reason for this meeting or GET OUT!” She shouted the last two words in the RCV.
Blueblood scrambled to his hooves, before huffing and storming out. “I will see to it that the main Summer Sun Celebration is held in Canterlot where it SHOULD. Not here in this backwater town!” He growled as he left.
Sparkler took a deep breath while Raven was scribbling down on a parchment. Once she was finished she rolled it up and hoofed it to Spike. “Spike send this to Chief Quill in Canterlot.” She said.
“What did you just write?” Sparkler asked.
“A direct order from Royalty telling Quill to lock down everything essential to Equestria’s stability. Financial and otherwise.” Raven responded. “Now if the Ex Nobles still want a Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot, it’ll have to be from their own pockets.” She explained.
“You seemed quick to do that before Sparkler even said anything.” Flash responded.
“I know Blueblood. And I am certain he will try to ruin the country just to make you look bad.” Raven told Sparkler.
Sparkler blinked, before she genuinely, surely smiled for the first time that day. “I wasn’t sure I was gonna like you Raven.” She admitted. “But you just made me smile for the first time today.”
Raven smiled back at Sparkler. “Just doing what I can to help the monarch of Equestria.” She said.
Sparkler nodded, and glanced up at the crown. “If he was the last thing today can I take this off now?” She asked.
“Go ahead.” Raven responded.
Sparkler immediately took off the crown, and just like that, she decrystalized and returned to her normal look. “Ah, much better.” She said. “Now, let’s go get something to eat and HOPEFULLY get our friends back to their normal selves.”
The sun grazed the land with it’s warmth to signal another glorious day in Equestria. Sparkler stood on the balcony of the Castle of Friendship, a sleeping baby Twilight on her back. Sparkler held the device she dubbed the Time Dial. Once the sun was raised, and the moon lowered, she nodded and tucked the Time Dial back in the place she was keeping it. “Alright. Sun is up, the start of a new day. And today I am going to take on my Royal duties head on.” She said to herself.
“Glad to hear you full of determination.” Raven said.
Sparkler turned to see Raven walk out onto the balcony. Sparkler smiled. “Yesterday was a mess, but now that I got a good sleep, I’m ready to face the day. What’s on the docket today?”
“For Twilight, just go visit Moondancer at the New Golden Oaks Liberty and make sure everything’s on track.” Spike responded as he came out onto the balcony.
“And amazingly, that’s IT.” Raven said. “Blueblood must’ve told everypony that you were Princess and everypony canceled their meetings they would’ve otherwise had with Celestia or Luna.” She explained. “Though I suspect we’ll be hearing from them in no time when they discover they’ve been locked out of everything.”
Sparkler smiled widely. “Oh thank Faust. This just got a lot easier.” She said. Relieved that her Royal Duties essentially reduced by 2/3rds overnight. “I never thought I’d actually be GLAD they hate me.”
“I hate to say it, but I can see the benefits.” Raven responded.
“So Twilight and Moondancer actually had a lunch planned, since she was supposed to go at around Lunch time.” Spike explained.
“Right, she told me about that.” Sparkler responded. “Right, so if it’s at noon, than we still have a few hours.” She said. “…huh. I actually don’t know what I’m gonna do in that time. I doubt I’ll be much help to Starlight’s and Trixie’s efforts.”
“Maybe breakfast first?” Spike asked.
Sparkler nodded and they went in for Breakfast.
Meanwhile, in the apartment above the New Golden Oaks Library, which had only recently finished construction on the foundation of where Sparkler’s house stood before it merged with the castle, Moondancer made herself a nice plate of pancakes and sat down. And while eating, was flipping through a book. “Ok Crystal Empire History, let’s see if you’re hiding a certain Crystal Alicorn in your index.” She commented to herself.
Suffice to say, the revelation that Sparkler could crystalize was guaranteed to make the rounds in the news. Both because she was Acting Princess, AND because of the possibility of her actually being royalty after all to the Crystal Empire. And Moondancer had become very interested in Sparkler even before yesterday. Ever since Twilight Sparkle introduced the two of them when Twilight first came to her about being the New Golden Oaks Librarian, a job Moondancer happily accepted.
“Heh. Of course I’d do anything for my favorite Alicorn.” Moondancer giggled at that thought. Specifically seeing the state she was in yesterday. “Faust, just when I thought she couldn’t get more adorable.” She mused. “Although I guess that means today’s lunch is canceled.” She said with a disappointed sigh. Shaking her head clear, she resumed her eating and reading. “I really should get over my crush on her. Sparkler got to her first, and I’m not getting in the way of their relationship. Not with how far in they are.” She told herself.
Later on. After having a good time with the kids and playing with the baby mane six, Sparkler, Spike, and Baby Twilight headed to the New Golden Oaks Library. Sparkler smiled at the thought. “I’m glad they found a use for my house’s old foundation. And Ponyville got a new resident out of it too.” She commented.
“You shoulda seen Twilight’s face when Mayor Mare came to her with the idea. She was practically BEGGING to make it so.” Spike responded.
“I saw her expression the rest of the day. Yeah I could tell she was really happy about it.” Sparkler responded with a chuckle.
Baby Twilight giggled too and nuzzled Sparkler’s back neck. After which she wrapped her cute little legs around her neck. Sparkler let out a sigh. “Good thing you’re easy Twily.” Sparkler responded.
Soon, Sparkler and her companions came up to the new Library, which had a sign that said closed for organization. Sparkler smiled as she knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal Moondancer holding an open book. She glanced up and saw who was at the door. She closed the book and gave off a sly smirk. “Well if it isn’t Princess I’ll-Never-Wear-A-Crown.” She said.
Sparkler laughed. “Wow. Ok, that’s a new one.” She said. “Afternoon Moondancer.” She said.
“Hello Sparkler, Spike, Little Twilight.” Moondancer responded.
“Hey Moondancer.” Spike waved.
Twilight giggled and waved. Moondancer smiled. “So, what brings you here?” She asked.
“Twilight had it on her list today to check in to make sure the Library could still open on time. It was under her official Royal duties list.” Sparkler explained.
Moondancer chuckled. That sounded just like Twilight. “Of course she did. Well come on in then.” She said.
She let Sparkler Spike and Little Twilight into the Library. Moondancer closed the door. “Everything is on schedule to have the Library’s grand opening next week.” Moondancer said. “Just waiting on a few book deliveries.”
Moondancer nodded. “Yeah. So, how’s being Acting Princess Sparkler?” She asked.
“Well, yesterday was exhausting. But fortunately the Ex Nobles still hate me and refuse to meet with me.” Sparkler responded.
“They canceled their meetings. So Sparkler’s Royal load reduced by 2/3rds overnight.” Spike explained. “So this little check in was the only thing on the agenda today.”
“Well that’s good.” Moondancer responded. “Then you have time.” She said as she summoned some books. “I’ve been doing a little digging.” She explained.
“Digging?” Sparkler asked.
“Into Crystal Empire History. Trying to find evidence of YOU.” Moondancer told Sparkler.
Sparkler’s eyes widened when she realized what Moondancer was doing. “You’re trying to uncover my origins.” She said.
“Yesterday provided a HUGE clue Sparkler.” Moondancer responded as she opened one of the books. “You can Crystalize. Just as all Crystal Ponies can. AND you’re a Natural Born Alicorn.” She explained.
“Ok?” Sparkler responded.
“So, based on all available information we can come to some conclusions and theories. We can conclude that you are from the Crystal Empire. Unless somewhere else in the world has Crystalizing Ponies but I doubt it.” Moondancer said.
“That makes sense.” Spike commented.
“And as far as theories go. All of them are related to a crown.” Moondancer continued. “Based on all available info, you, Sparkler, are either the daughter of a past ruler of the Empire, a past ruler reincarnated, OR, THE ruler of the Crystal Empire who, through some accident or something, forgot who she was.” Moondancer said.
Sparkler’s eye twitched. “D-Did they really ALL have to be related to Royalty?” Sparkler asked.
“Sparkler, you are an Alicorn.” Moondancer responded. “I know the two concepts are independent and there’s always a first time for everything, but Historically, Alicorns have always been Royalty. There has never been a Non Royal Alicorn before.”
“True…” Sparkler responded.
“Look, all I’m saying is that there’s a possibility that you ARE royalty. Reincarnated, descended. or amnesiac.” Moondancer said. “You gotta accept that.”
“Ok, but there’s another thing to consider. I was born in 980. And I’m FAIRLY sure the Crystal Empire was still MISSING then.” Sparkler reasoned. “So if any theory is likely to be true it’s Reincarnation.” She said.
“I never said they were perfect theories but given everything we have so far it’s the best I got.” Moondancer responded. “The only way to know for sure is to dig through the history books.“
Sparkler smiled and shook her head. “Believe me I would LOVE to go to the Crystal Empire right now and dig through its Libraries. Alas, Equestria needs me.”
At that moment, Spike’s tummy Rumbled. Spike blushed. “Ahem, and my tummy needs food. Wanna go get lunch anypony?” She asked.
“I’m down. Moondancer? Want to keep that Lunch you and Twilight planned?” She asked.
“Sure. I don’t mind an extra Pony or two. Or that Twilight is an adorable foal.” Moondancer responded.
Sparkler nodded and the four left the Library to go get some lunch.
“Hey Twily.” Sparkler cooed at Twilight. “Wanna have some lunch?” She asked.
Twilight smiled and opened her mouth, but refused to sit in the High Chair at their table. Instead staying hugging Moondancer’s neck while the three of them and Spike had lunch outside. Sparkler and Moondancer just chuckled while Sparkler floated over a milk bottle and let Twilight suck on it’s…whatever that opening is called. “I never thought I’d have to do this with Twilight.” She commented.
“Just another Tuesday in Ponyville.” Moondancer commented. “Good thing she has an amazing Mare to take care of her in this state.”
“She has a couple available, she just chooses me 99% of the time.” Sparkler responded.
“Fortunately for us she hasn’t tried to spark yet. Flurry Heart is OP enough.” Spike commented.
Moondancer nodded. That’s when they heard shouting from the distance. “NO! No! We are not going out of town for Lunch Celestia!” Growled Night Mare. “We are staying in town and having something sensible!”
Sparkler groaned while Moondancer sighed. “Any progress in getting them back to normal?” She asked.
“No. And I’m seriously worried about what could happen if we don’t. And not just because I’ve been named Acting Princess.” Sparkler responded. Indeed she was beginning to worry that her temporary “promotion” could turn into a LONG term thing. She could very well be Princess of Equestria, and have to end up also ruling the Crystal Empire for the next 7 years depending on what age Celestia was currently. “Oh my Faust I just realized I could very well have to assume rulership of the Crystal Empire as well if we don’t find a way to fix this soon.” She realized.
“You could always appoint Fleur De Lis to that position.” Spike suggested. “I’m pretty sure there are no Nobles in the Crystal Empire who could sway her.”
“That might be an option we need to explore.” Sparkler responded.
“At least if that ends up happening then you could travel there to go to its Library.” Moondancer commented.
“Ok can we not talk about that anymore?” Sparkler asked. “I can Crystalize. We know that. But we can’t do anything with that information right now so can we not bring it up anymore so it doesn’t drive me crazy so quickly?” Sparkler asked.
“Sorry Sparkler.” Moondancer apologized. “A major step has been taken in solving the biggest mystery we’ve ever seen. That has ponies excited.” She explained.
“Yeah.” Sparkler relented. “I just wish something would come along to change the subject.”
“Yo Medley! Got a minute to talk Your Majesty?” Asked a familiar voice.
Sparkler turned her head around to see who called out her second name…to see Star Sound standing there waving her down. Part of her was annoyed somepony addressed her as royalty, but the other part was glad Star Sound was here. She turned to Moondancer and Spike. “Watch Twilight. I gotta go see what Star Sound wants.” She said as she got out of her seat and trotted over to Star Sound.
“Mr. Sound. Good to see you.” She said happily.
“Good to see you too Sparkler. I hear you’ve been promoted…Your Majesty.” Star Sound responded.
“Temporarily.” Sparkler said. “Temporarily Acting Princess of Equestria—“
“Sparkler!” Came a whiny voice. Sparkler sighed and facehoofed when Celestia approached them. “Sparkler, Night Mare won’t let us go to Canterlot for lunch. I’m tired of the restaurants here!” Celestia complained.
“Give me a sec Mr. Sound.” Sparkler responded. She magically grabbed Celestia’s ear and pulled it in so she could whisper into it. “Listen Tia. It makes NO sense to go all the way to Canterlot just for lunch. And I very much want you to stay in this town until we find a way to change you back. Now, either have something here or go back to the castle and SIT there.” She hissed. She let go of Celestia and gestured her to go back to Night Mare.
Celestia stomped off as Sparkler turned back to Star Sound. “Apologies Mr Sound. Now what can I do for you?” She asked.
Star Sound shook his head clear of what he just witnessed and smiled. “Tell me, do the Harmonic Medleys need a piano player?” He asked.
Sparkler blinked and tilted her head to the side a little in confusion. “Uh…where did that question come from?” She asked.
Star Sound smiled and nudged his head to gesture to the Unicorn next to him that Sparkler only just then realized was there, and she knew immediately who it was. “Allow me to introduce to you, Chroma Keys, AKA Princess Press on stage.” He said.
Sparkler’s eyes widened while the Unicorn Mare smiled and bowed her head. “Your Majesty.” She said.
Sparkler shook her head. “No, no don’t do that. Please, my rulership is only temporary. But oh my Faust.” She said. She couldn’t believe the greatest keyboard player of all time was standing right in front of her. “P-Princess Press…It’s a true honor to meet you.” She said as she shook hooves with Chroma. The mare who could play any keyboard instrument.
“Could say the same to you. You’ve been making the rounds in the music world with your work with Airwave and more recently the Harmonic Medleys.” Chroma responded.
Sparkler didn’t know HOW she was still standing and hadn’t fainted yet. Not only was she meeting a music legend, but that legend affirmed that she herself was a rising sensation.
“Ahem. Not sure if you heard but Chroma’s band, the Keytones broke up last month.” Star Sound explained.
“Aww. That’s too bad.” Sparkler responded. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah.” Chroma responded. “I’m not even sure what happened. It just…happened.”
“Since then Chroma’s expressed interest in joining a new band. She came to me for ideas. And your band was the first one to come to mind which fit her criteria.” Star Sound explained.
“Fun, versatile, adaptive, and features some kind of piano instrument.” Chroma said.
Seriously, HOW was Sparkler still standing? She was talking to two legends in the music industry, one of them had once said her silly little operation in a BASEMENT caught his attention, and now that same pony was here with a famous keyboard player, and by the sound of it, she was looking to join her band that she helped bring to life for FUN. If she didn’t already know that Luna was in no shape to do so, she woulda thought this was a dream Luna gave her.
After a second of staring in shock, Sparkler snapped herself back to reality. “So you’re thinking Princess Press would be a good addition to the Harmonic Medleys.” Sparkler said.
“Yes.” Star Sound responded. “And there’s also the fact that the Harmonic Medleys are playing the main Summer Sun Celebration in a few days, which in my eyes makes it a legit band.” He added.
Sparkler nodded. She remembered two weeks ago when Celestia herself came to her to ask if the Harmonic Medleys wanted a new gig at the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville. “Head to the castle, I’ll gather the members of the Harmonic Medleys and meet you there.” She said. She lit her horn and teleported to Moondancer and Spike, asked them to foalsit Twilight just a little longer, and then poofed away.
After alerting Flash, who was at the castle, Sparkler teleported to where Autumn and Feathers were, told them there was an emergency Harmonic Medleys Meeting, and on the way, told them about who she just talked to.
“Wait wait wait, Princess Press, the greatest Keyboard player of all time, is here?” Autumn asked.
“Yep.” Sparkler responded excitedly.
“And she wants to join OUR band? A silly little fearsome foursome only a few months into it’s lifespan?” Feathers asked.
“Yep!” Sparkler responded excitedly. “Can you believe it?”
“It’s awesome!” Feathers responded.
“Heck yeah it is!” Sparkler responded. She fluttered her wings cutely, and suddenly Crystalized. The three mares stopped and Sparkler looked at herself. She shrugged. “Eh, the crown must’ve activated my change power permanently. Who cares, let's go meet Princess Press!” She exclaimed as she resumed walking.
Autumn and Feathers looked at each other, before smiling and chuckling as they followed Sparkler.
Soon they got to the castle, and the four bandmates met with Star Sound and Princess Press. And after a very quick talk among the bandmates and a demonstration of Princess Press’s skills for Flash Sentry, the Harmonic Medleys became a Quintet.
Later, Sparkler walked Star Sound to the train station to see him off. “A pleasure to see you as always Mr Sound.” Sparkler said. “Sorry you missed Airwave.”
“Eh, I’ll catch him on his next tour stop. You and your band are the reason I made a trip here.” Star Sound responded.
“And I thank you for this wonderful distraction from this week’s major Catastrophe.” Sparkler responded.
That got both of them laughing. “I like you Sparkler. You got a real sense of humor.” Mr. Sound said.
“I was being serious.” Sparkler responded.
“Of course you were.” Star Sound responded.
The train arrived and Mr. Sound shook Sparkler’s hoof. “Good luck here Sparkler, I can tell you’re doing a good job.”
“Have a safe trip back.” Sparkler responded. “Feel free to stop by anytime.”
“Oh I’ll be stopping by alright. Sooner than you might think.” Star Sound responded.
“Oh?” Sparkler asked.
“I haven’t been sitting around since my Label went up in flames. I’ve been working hard. And my latest project keeps me busy. That’s all I’m saying there.” Star Sound responded. He boarded the train and shot Sparkler one last look. “Keep your musical skills sharp Medley. You’ll need them.” He said.
Sparkler watched as the train soon pulled out, and she was intrigued. “Hm. I wonder what he’s been doing.” She mused as she eventually walked off the platform and headed back home.
Sparkler and Raven trotted with Twilight on Sparkler’s back. They were headed for lunch after making the rounds for the day’s princess duty schedule. “Ok so everything’s in order for the Summer Sun Celebration, and you’re meeting with your band for practice this afternoon.” Raven said.
“Yep. And thanks to hatred I can actually fit in a practice.” Sparkler responded. Ok, she had to admit, the Ex Nobles hating her guts actually had one positive perk, they avoided her like a plague, which left her schedule freer than she thought.
“Sad, but true.” Raven said.
They made it to an outdoor cafe and ordered. Not even a few minutes into their meal, they all heard a very loud. “HEY! YOU!” Coming from a familiar, and angry voice.
Sparkler turned and sure enough, saw Prince Blueblood storming over to them. She shook her head. “Ugh. I’m on break Blueblood, whatever it is can—“
“SHUT UP!” Blueblood growled, cutting Sparkler off. “What did you do!” He demanded.
“Excuse me?” Sparkler asked.
“The treasury!” Blueblood growled. “No pony can access it!”
Sparkler sighed. She saw this coming. “Yeah. Raven and I had it, and everything else essential for Equestria’s survival locked down.” She explained.
That sent Blueblood into a fuming rage. “You CANNOT do that!” He growled.
“Actually, we can.” Raven responded. “We can take any measure necessary for Equestria’s survival. And your last visit here made me realize that right now, you and all the other Ex Nobles are a risk to that survival.” She explained.
“Then how are we supposed to hold a Summer Sun Celebration!” Blueblood exclaimed.
“Pay for it yourself?” Sparkler suggested. “I mean Celestia didn’t strip you of your wealth when she—“
“Silence!” Blueblood cut her off again. “You will unlock the treasury this instant!” He demanded.
She never thought she’d think it, but right now, Sparkler was glad she was wearing a crown. If only to make sure Blueblood remembered who was in charge. “I will do no such thing. For one, you are forgetting the magic word. And for two, you have done nothing to show that you can be trusted at this time to have access. So scream at me all you want. You might get a noise complaint against you.” She said with a sly smirk.
While Blueblood was fuming, from up above on a rooftop, a black furred unicorn stallion watched. He shook his head. “Single braincelled fool. He doesn’t seem to realize he’s screaming at a pony who can very much have him thrown into the dungeon whenever she wants.”
“You could get him with a tranquilizer dart from here.” Suggested a Pegasus Mare who came up beside him. “They don’t call you Midnight Arrow for nothing.”
“Lunar Diamond, my love, that will blow our cover for sure. Us and Fletcher and Omega are supposed to stay incognito.” Midnight responded. “Besides, I think our apparent Crystal Pony can handle him.”
“I’m calling it now, she’s a Crystal Princess.” Lunar Diamond said.
“We shall see.” Midnight responded. Midnight suddenly felt like they were being watched. He glanced around, seeing nothing. “Hmmm…” He said under his breath.
High in the sky, Sky Flitter, Trail Blazer, and Sprinkle Medley soared through the air, looking around for a little Baby Rainbow Dash, who got away from them. They soon found their target. “There she is!” Sprinkle exclaimed.
Sky saw Rainbow and smiled. She bolted for the baby and before the foal could get away, Sky scooped her up in her forelegs. “And gotcha!” She said.
Rainbow giggled while Trail and Sprinkle approached. “Wow. You’re a fast little one aren’t you.” Trail said.
“That’s what happens when we accidentally let her get out.” Sprinkle said.
“Good thing we can actually keep up with her when she’s like this.” Sky said. She turned her attention to Baby Rainbow. “Hey Dashie, wanna go see Soarin?” She asked. “He came by asking to see you.”
Rainbow smiled widely and nodded. The three Medley siblings smiled, flapped their wings, and headed back to the castle.
Elsewhere in the sky, Light Wing and Dark Wing were chasing a flying Pinkie Pie, who was using her tail as a propeller. “Pinkie! Come on! Come back, please!” Light Pleaded with the filly.
Pinkie giggled and kept going. Dark shook his head. “Sweet Faust how is she even DOING that?” He asked.
“Dude, remember what Mom and Mommy Twi told us, never question Pinkie.” Light responded.
“Hey guys!” They heard their friend Lucky call out. Lucky came out from a cloud and joined them in the sky. “How’s it going?” She asked.
“Just chasing a baby physics breaker. Nothing out of the ordinary around here.” Dark responded.
Lucky laughed. “Bet you never thought you’d do that when you came here from the future.” She mused.
Dark nodded. While the knowledge that he and Light were from the future wasn’t exactly confidential, it still wasn’t something they’d normally talk about. But when asked by Lucky and Pearl where they were from, they said the future without even thinking it. “I don’t suppose you have any ideas?” Dark asked.
Lucky smiled. “Hey Pinkie!” She called out. “Want some candy?” She asked.
Pinkie stopped right in her tracks and whirled around. She smiled widely and watched as the three batponies, who didn’t have enough time to stop, zipped past her, slowed down, and approached her. Light scooped Pinkie up and sighed in relief. “Candy, why didn’t we think of that?” He asked.
“It’s so obvious in retrospect.” Dark commented.
Pinkie laughed, before she reached up onto her mane, pulled out a full sized party cannon being held up by balloons.
Light, Dark, and Lucky’s eyes widened. “Pinkie! No!” They exclaimed, begging her not to set it off.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be as Pinkie lit the fuse. And while the blast wasn’t anything terrible, the cannon’s recoil sent Pinkie soaring through the air again. Light groaned. “Pinkie Pie!” He exclaimed as the three batponies chased after her again.
“Ah’ll tell y’all what. I don never seen a filly as powerful as that Flurry Heart there.” Commented Granny Smith.
Pedal and Lightning brought baby Applejack to Sweet Apple Acres, if only to let her family know that she was safe and was being taken care of.
So they were all having lunch, with Big Mac feeding AJ. “Eeyup.” He said to Granny Smith’s comment.
“I just can’t believe Sparkler actually accepted the crown.” AppleBloom commented. “Figures it would take something like this to get one on her head.”
“Oh believe us AB, this was the only way to get a crown on her head.” Lightning responded with a chuckle.
“The poor whippersnapper.” Granny Smith said. “I don hope she’s doin alright.”
“She’s holding on.” Pedal said. “The Ex Nobles hating her finally came in handy because that means she doesn’t have to deal with them. But even then, I can tell she’s not gonna last forever.”
“Maybe it would help if y’all left AJ here with us.” Granny Smith suggested. “Let us care for her until y’all find a way to change her back.”
“Sadly, mom would prefer it if AJ stayed with us. We don’t know what else might have happened so until she’s back to normal, she’d like her to stay at the castle so we can keep an eye on her.” Lightning explained.
“Hopefully it won’t be too much longer before she’s back to normal.” Pedal added.
“Alright fine. I’ll trust Y’all.” Granny responded. “But anything bad happens and I’ll come after you.”
Meanwhile, at Fluttershy’s cottage, Angel Bunny hopped outside to see Lumber Striker, Flappy, his kids, and…a Baby Fluttershy? What?
Angel hopped over to the landing site as Lumber set Fluttershy down on the ground. “And here we are.” He said. “A nice, peaceful time with animals.” He said.
Fluttershy smiled and giggled as the animal tenants living in and around the cottage approached her, a mix of confusion, intrigue, and happiness that she was back.
Angel Meanwhile glared at Lumber and the parrots. Flapperina shrugged. “Crow! Yeah I know Angel. That’s Fluttershy. Don’t worry, we’re working to get her back to normal. Crow!” She explained.
“Squeak! Yeah. We just brought her here so she can see you guys again. Squeak!” Pecker added.
Angel narrowed his eyes at Lumber and the parrots, before turning his attention to Fluttershy, who immediately hugged him when he got within a Forelegs’s reach.
Back at the castle, baby Rarity was posing in front of a dark blue backdrop on the stage built in the hall room while Mystic and Medley were acting as the ponyrazzi. “Yeah that’s it. Work that dress girl.” Mystic said as she took pictures on her phone. “You are slaying it.”
Rarity giggled while Crystal and Melody looked through the clothes racks that they managed to conjure out of thin air for dresses they could put Rarity in next. “Ooh.” Melody said as she pulled a dress out. “This one looks cute.” She said. She did a double take. “Did I really just say that?”
“Really? You’ve been a filly for months.“ Crystal responded. “Still getting used to it?”
“I HAVE gotten used to it. But every once and a while there’s something I say that surprises me.” Melody responded. “Remember last week when I saw my coat and wondered aloud if Rarity could add a few purple stripes to it to kinda girlify it a bit?”
“I see that as you embracing your inner filly.” Crystal responded.
“I mean, there’s no way to change me back so might as well embrace it right?” Melody asked.
“That’s the spirit.” Crystal responded. She glanced at the dress Melody had found and smiled. “Let’s dress her up in it.” She said.
“Faust I hope Rarity doesn’t get mad if any of these dresses are not fashionable.” Melody commented.
“I’m sure we’ll be getting an earful if she does.” Crystal responded.
Meanwhile, in the Library, the castle Library, not the New Golden Oaks Library, Flurry, Cadence, Shining, Fleur and Fancy were hanging around. Flurry and Cadence were reading, Shining decided to pass the time by reading some comic books he found. Hey, might as well embrace being a foal right? And Fancypants was looking through a book, which Fleur got curious about. “Whatcha reading dear?” She asked.
“Crystal Empire history.” Fancy responded. “Trying to find any mention of You and Your sister.” He explained.
“Us?” Fleur asked.
“Honey, Sparkler can Crystalize, so it stands to reason that as her sister YOU too can Crystalize.” Fancy responded. “We can conclude that you both are from the Crystal Empire. But what doesn’t add up is the timeline. Because the Crystal Empire’s only been back for a few years and for you and me, we’ve known each other FAR longer than that.” He explained. “And as for Sparkler, SOMEPONY had to have dropped her off in KiliHima Village 22 years ago. She couldn’t have just MAGICALLY appeared on the doorstep of Mrs Aurora’s and Mr Thundercracker’s house.”
Fleur nodded. “Yeah. It does seem rather odd.” She said.
“You tell me.” Fancy responded. “Something just doesn’t feel right here. You’d think a pair of Alicorns would show up in Crystal Imperial History. But so far, nothing. Something rather suspicious if you ask me.”
“Yeah.” Fleur responded. Her mind racing. I wonder if I can convince Clear Cut to let me tell Fancy…that way he can understand the secrecy…
Later that evening, Lunar Diamond was on a rooftop, watching the castle. After a moment, her instincts told her she was being watched from behind. She drew her two swords from their hilts and whirled around in a battle ready stance, only to find nothing. She raised an eyebrow, until she glanced back behind her to find a cloaked figure hovering in the air. Before she had time to react, the cloaked figure slammed into her and sent her careening through the air.
She crashed down into the ground by the local lake. Luckily she didn’t lose her swords so after shaking off the pain and shock, Lunar grunted, picked her swords back up, and took a ready stance as the cloaked figure landed in front of her and drew a sword of their own. “You are spying on Sparkling Medley.” The cloaked figure said as they pointed their weapon at Lunar.
“What’s it to you?” Lunar asked as she kept her eye on the cloaked figure, determined not to be surprised like that again. “And how do YOU know who Sparkling Medley is?”
“I have my ways.” The cloaked figure responded. Without saying anything else, the cloaked figure rushed forward and raised their sword for an attack.
Lunar crossed her swords to parry the attack. The three swords clash together in a sword lock. “Whoa!” Lunar exclaimed. “Chill the frack out pal!” She pushed the cloaked figure away with all her might.
The cloaked figure recovered from the push back and swung their sword again, and again. Lunar parried and dodged each attack and got in some attacks of her own, which the cloaked figure parried and dodged with ease. Sweet Celestia this guy’s good. Lunar thought. It was well known in the Royal Guard that Lunar Diamond was the best Sword wielder in Equestria. But by the way this cloaked figure was built, they weren’t FROM Equestria.
The sword clashing continued for several moments. But eventually, the cloaked figure took advantage of an opening and promptly disarmed Lunar. Her swords went flying out of her wings, and just to add insult to injury, the cloaked figure roundhouse kicked her down to the ground. With her down, the cloaked figure pointed their sword at her. “I must say, you fight well. But now you will tell me what I want to know.” They said.
Lunar grimaced as she caught her breath. “All I’m gonna say is that I’m under orders from Princess Celestia herself.” She growled.
The cloaked figure, upon hearing that, their eyes widened. “Princess Celestia…” The cloaked figure hesitated. “You’re royal guard.” The cloaked figure said.
“That’s right. And she ain’t alone.” Said a voice from behind the cloaked figure. Along with the sound of a bow being drawn.
The cloaked figure glanced around, and it seemed that during their bout, a trio of ponies arrived. And all of them had arrow weapons that were targeting the cloaked figure.
Fletcher smirked as he aimed at the back of the cloaked figure. “Consider your next move VERY carefully. I think you can see that you’re outnumbered.” He said.
No creature moved for a few moments. “If you are royal guard for Princess Celestia. Then we are allies.” The cloaked figure sheathed their sword and allowed Lunar to get up.
“Allies eh? Not the first word I’d use considering you just attacked our teammate.” Omega responded.
“She was watching the castle in which Sparkling Medley lives. And I have observed her and the black furred pony watching her earlier today.” The cloaked figure explained.
“Oh? And why would our activities attract your attention?” Midnight asked.
“Because I have similar goals to you. The protection of Sparkling Medley.” The cloaked figure explained.
“Is that right?” Lunar asked. “What’s YOUR interest in the Acting Princess?”
The cloaked figure was about to respond, before they felt something. “You four must go. I have urgent business to attend to.” He said.
“You aren’t going anywhere until you explain your interest in Sparkler. If we’re allies you shouldn’t have any problems disclosing that information.” Fletcher said.
The cloaked figure looked around at the four ponies. They could see it in their expressions that they were not going to let them go until they got answers. Deciding on a course of action, the cloaked figure nodded. “If I tell you. You all must vow first that this information will not reach Sparkling Medley’s ears until I say so.” They said. “It is vital for the survival of the entire world.” They explained as the cloaked figure looked into the sky and nodded.
The four special forces ponies glanced at each other, before they all lowered their weapons slowly. “You know more about Sparkling Medley than anypony else.” Omega said.
“That is correct colonel.” The pony’s eyes widened and they whirled around to see Fleur De Lis land. Fleur folded her wings back to her sides and approached. “Clear-Cut, I came to talk to you about my husband. I feel like he needs to know the truth about myself, and Sparkler. He’s digging into Crystal Empire History.” She said.
“Can he be trusted? He is an Ex Noble.” Clear-Cut asked in responded.
“I am sure once we explain the situation, he will understand.” Fleur responded. “He may have been a Noble, but he’s one of only two ponies to actually DESERVE the title.”
Clear-Cut stared at her for a moment, before nodding. “Summon him. I really do not want to have to explain it more times than needed.”
Fleur nodded and lit her horn, teleporting Fancypants all the way from the Castle to the lake. Fleur calmed him down when he panicked and explained why he was brought here.
After everything was calm, and Fancy agreed to hear the cloaked figure out, Clear-Cut began to explain the truth. The truth of who Sparkler really was, and Fleur for that matter.
While Clear Cut and Fleur were revealing everything to the Special Forces unit assigned to Sparkler’s protection and Fancy, Blueblood and a few other Ex Nobles were walking through the Everfree Forest in the outskirts of Ponyville. One of the Ex Nobles gulped. “Uh, Blueblood? Are you sure we should be doing this? I mean, we’re in the freaking Everfree Forest for Faust’s sake.” They said.
“Oh relax will ya? It’s night time, the monsters are asleep.” Blueblood responded.
“Still, maybe we should go back—“
“No!” Blueblood growled. “This Forest holds the key to getting rid of that falsicorn. And then taking the crown for ourselves. If Auntie Celestia is willing to hoof the crown over to an imposter, then clearly Alicorns are no longer fit for royal duty at all. It’s time to sweep away the old guard and install a new ruler.” He said with a chuckle.
“You mean this is a plan to take over Equestria?” Another Ex Noble asked, shocked.
“It’s the only way to get the treasury unlocked and finally have our Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot. Where it’s SUPPOSED to be.” Blueblood responded.
The other Ex Nobles glanced at each other, and gulped. In truth they felt this was rather extreme, but they also wanted the Falsicorn gone. And Blueblood had the most solid idea to do so when all else had failed. So they continued on following Blueblood.
The next day, in the ballroom in the castle of friendship, the music faded out, signaling the end to a Harmonic Medleys performance.
Once the new song concluded, the kids, babies, Spike, Raven, Fleur and Fancy all applauded. Sparkler and her bandmates smiled and bowed. Flash smiled and turned to the newest Harmonic Medley, Chroma Keys. “Wow. You really live up to your stage name, Princess Press. You got your part of the song down to a T.” He said.
Chroma laughed. “Flash, Please, just call me Chroma.” She said. “If my fans want to call me that. Ok, but my bandmates are to use my given name Chroma Keys.” She said.
“Whatever you say Chroma.” Sparkler responded. She shivered a little. She still couldn’t believe the best keyboard player to ever exist was a member of their band. Ok, now I can look back at this week and pick something out that WASN’T me wearing a crown. She inwardly sighed in relief. While true that this week wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be, something she could thank the Ex Nobles for because they HATED her. She was still worried that she would have to file this under “weeks she might actually change if given the chance.” Now it was becoming increasingly unlikely she’d have to do that.
Raven smiled and glanced at her clipboard. “Alright, if practice is finished, it’s time for you to fulfill your next Royal duty. Make sure everything is set for tomorrow.” She told Sparkler.
“Right.” Sparkler responded. She lit her horn and summoned the crown. She crystalized the moment it touched her head. After the crown was settled on her head, Sparkler started for the door. “Let’s stop in with Starlight and Trixie and see how their progress goes.” She said.
Raven nodded and the two of them trotted off, after Baby Twilight was safely riding Sparkler’s back. Fancy smiled. “Nice to see her finding her flow.” He commented.
“Was rocky at first but she found her center.” Cadence responded.
“Boy do we have a progress report for you.” Starlight said when the three ponies entered the room.
Trixie, despite her telling Starlight the other day that she WOULDN’T, got her first look at Baby Twilight and started laughing. “Ha! Aww look at poor Wittle Baby Twily.” She said. “This is priceless.”
Twilight deadpanned while Sparkler and Starlight facehooved. “Trixie!” Starlight said sternly.
Trixie continued laughing, until a blast of magic hit her and enveloped her in magenta smoke. The smoke quickly cleared to reveal Trixie was not a pony anymore, but rather a blue FROG!
When the smoke cleared and Starlight, Sparkler saw what they knew Twilight had done, it was their turn to laugh. Twilight too.
Trixie saw them laughing and raised an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?” She asked.
Starlight made a reflective surface appear out of nowhere in front of Trixie to see her froggy self. “What goes around comes around.” Starlight responded.
Trixie got one look at herself and screamed. “Eeek! I’m a frog!” She exclaimed.
“Probably as revenge for laughing at Twilight.” Sparkler responded.
Trixie scowled at the laughing Twilight. “Alright Princess. You had your laugh. Change me back now.” She demanded.
“Yeah. I don’t think she understands that.” Sparkler responded. Twilight was still a laughing mess.
Starlight lit her horn and changed Trixie back into her pony self. “Next time don’t do something I tell you not to do.” She told Trixie.
“Fine.” Trixie responded.
Starlight nodded and turned to Sparkler. “Now that we got that out of the way, progress update!” She said. “Through our spell analysis from the residual energy left behind, we’ve learned that the spell that Flurry used is a spell that we can’t undo easily, but the magic is wearing off slowly and once it does we should be able to get them back to normal.” She said.
“Good.” Sparkler responded.
“Any idea when the spell will wear off?” Raven asked.
“Not for a few weeks.” Starlight revealed.
“WEEKS?!” Sparkler and Raven exclaimed. “Starlight, PLEASE tell me you have a shortcut.” Sparkler pleaded.
“Yep. We do. We can overpower the magic if we fire a concentrated age spell for a continuous period. We’re currently testing to see how much is required.” She explained.
“Couldn’t we just get all the adult horned ponies we can and overcompensate?” Sparkler asked.
“No, because too much magic and we could risk making the affected ponies too old.” Starlight responded.
“That makes sense.” Raven responded.
“Ok, let us know when you have the answer.” Sparkler said.
“Aye aye Sparkler.” Starlight responded.
Sparkler nodded as she Raven and Twilight left.
Out in Ponyville, Sparkler and Raven walked side by side, headed to the area where the actual Celebration was taking place along the way ponies who were passing them waved. “Hey Sparkler!”
“How’s it going?”
“Looking forward to tomorrow!”
“You’re doing great!”
Sparkler smiled sheepishly at the praise she was getting. Raven smiled too. “Sounds to me like IF you needed to be Acting Princess for just a little longer. These ponies wouldn’t mind.” She said.
“It’s nice to know my approval ratings won’t be an issue in Ponyville. Still, this is more Celestia’s angle than mine.” Sparkler responded.
The trio approached the area where the Celebration was taking place. There were tents and ponies bustling around getting everything ready. They eventually made it to the stage and got Flagged down by Vinyl, who was at her DJ station setting it up. “Yo Sparkler! Are the Harmonic Medleys playing tomorrow?” She asked.
“You know it Vinyl!” Sparkler responded happily. “Even got a new bandmate for the occasion.”
“Sweet!” Vinyl responded. “Can’t wait!”
Sparkler smiled as Raven bit her lip. “Ahem. Sparkler, have you considered that maybe you won’t be able to perform tomorrow?” She asked. “If Celestia and Luna aren’t returned to normal today you might have more important things to do tomorrow.” She said.
Sparkler took a deep breath. “Raven, I have spent the past week of my life fulfilling princess duties. And the Harmonic Medleys have been preparing for this since Celestia recruited us. Mark my words, I will not sit this performance out. Whatever’s on the schedule at that time will just have to wait.” She explained sternly to get the point across.
Twilight from behind Sparkler stuck her tongue out at Raven. Raven’s eyes widened, before nodding. “Very well.” She said. “I guess you’ve earned a break after this week.”
Sparkler nodded in approval. Right then, they all heard screaming, followed by a loud roar. Everypony turned their heads to the source…and saw a two story tall monster approaching them. Everypony’s eyes widened. Raven gulped. “W-what is that?!” She asked.
Sparkler stared at the monster. “We’re in trouble.” She said.
The monster roared again and ponies everywhere began screaming in terror and galloping in all directions. The monster looked around until it seemingly lay eyes on Sparkler directly. It roared and shot a beam of energy directly at her.
Sparkler, thankfully coming out of her shock and horror just in time, lit her horn and erected a shield that managed to stop the beam, but the continuous flow of the beam still pushed Sparkler back a few feet. The beam stopped and the monster roared and resumed approaching.
“Of course. OF COURSE a monster has to attack NOW!” Sparkler exclaimed.
Twilight saw the monster and started crying her eyes out and wailing. Sparkler immediately turned to her and smiled. “Hey, hey it’s OK Twily.” She cooed. “It’ll be ok.”
“Sparkler it’s mouth is open again!” Raven exclaimed.
Sparkler took one glance at the monster, saw its mouth open, and flapped her wings to fly Twilight and Raven out of the way. The beam of energy shot passed them.
Vinyl saw the beam coming right at her and leapt out of the way. The beam hit the DJ set and blew it to bits. Vinyl saw what happened and growled. “Hey! Watch it pal!” She said.
Sparkler landed on the ground. Raven saw the monster following them. “This isn’t good.” She said.
“No kidding.” Sparkler responded.
“Sparkler!” They heard Moondancer exclaim. They saw her race up to them. “Are you guys ok?” She asked.
“For now.” Sparkler responded.
Twilight saw Moondancer and flew from Sparkler’s back to Moondancer, clinging to her and whimpering, clearly terrified. Moondancer hugged Twilight comfortingly. “Hey, hey, it’s ok. It’s ok.” She cooed.
“Right, Moondancer, you and Raven get Twilight back to the castle and warn them. Tell Fleur I need her help.” She instructed. “And check in with Starlight and Trixie. We need Twilight back as soon as possible.”
“Right.” Raven responded as she and Moondancer took Twilight and ran.
With them out of the way, Sparkler turned her attention back to the monster. She took a deep breath. “Alright Sparkler, you got this.” She said as she lit her horn and charged at the monster. “Eat this you monster!” She blasted at the monster with magic.
From afar, Blueblood and another Ex Noble watched as monster and Sparkler slugged it out. Blueblood smiled wickedly. “Yes. That’s it, destroy the Falsicorn.” He said.
“Blueblood, I still think this is a little extreme.” His companion stated. “Not to mention—“
“Quiet!” Blueblood roared as the battle raged on.
On the castle balcony, the kids had heard commotion while the Mane 5 were napping, they saw the monster attacking and groaned. “Sweet Tap Dancing Faust did that monster HAVE to attack now?” Sky asked.
“You sound like monster attacks are normal around here?” Light responded.
“We live next to the Everfree Forest. That place is crawling with monsters and they routinely come here.” Crystal explained.
“Oh.” Dark said. He and Light looked at each other. Thinking the same thing. This place just got more interesting.
At that moment, Fleur rushed into the balcony, having seen the commotion through a window. “Kids! Get inside and stay with uncle Shining and uncle Fancy!” She instructed as she spread her wings and took off towards town, probably going to help Sparkler.
Down below, Moondancer and Raven approached the castle, Moondancer noticed Fleur De Lis launch from the balcony. “Guess she got the message already.” She commented as the mares burst through the doors and Raven led them to where Starlight and Trixie were.
“Guys! How goes the spell overcoming?” Raven asked. “We need Twilight back to normal NOW.”
“Yeah. We saw the commotion.” Starlight responded. “Still working on it.”
“I’d hurry it up. Sparkler didn’t sound like she and Fleur could beat that thing alone.” Moondancer responded panicky.
Sparkler blasted at the monster, scoring a direct hit on its chest. The monster roared and swung its claws downward, trying to hit Sparkler. Sparkler quickly dodged out of the way and the hand smashed into a tent, crushing it. “Oh come on!” Sparkler groaned. “Did you really have to do that?” She asked.
“Acting Princess!” Called out a familiar voice. Sparkler turned to see Bon Bon galloping towards her.
“Bon Bon?” Sparkler asked. “What are you doing here? You need to get away from here!”
“Not when you need help.” Bon Bon responded. “Trust me. I’m experienced in monster hunting.”
Sparkler was gonna question it but decided against it for the time being. “I’m open to ideas on how to stop this thing.” She said.
“One idea comes to mind.” Bon Bon responded.
The monster opened its mouth and fired another energy beam. Sparkler saw it coming and grabbed Bonbon. “Watch out!” She cried as she carried her to safety.
The beam destroyed even more of the Summer Sun Celebration as Sparkler landed. Bon Bon pointed at the monster. “I’ve watched that thing this entire battle, and I noticed that it’s only attacking you. Nopony else.” She explained.
Sparkler’s eyes widened. “You mean that monster’s after me.” She realized.
“Yeah. And we can use that to our advantage.” Bon Bon said. “If you can lead it to the lake, we can trick it into going INTO the lake, and with any luck you’re powerful enough to to FREEZE the whole lake, if that doesn’t stop it it should at least trap it for a while.” Bon Bon explained.
Sparkler listened to Bon Bon’s plan, and she smiled. “Considering the Elements of Harmony are all out of commission, that’s a good idea. Let’s do it!” She said.
“Right. I’ll go ahead and set the trap. You keep that thing busy and lead it to the Lake.” Bon Bon said. With that, she ran off.
Sparkler nodded and turned her attention back to the monster, who was charging up for yet another energy beam. She flapped her wings and took off. “Hey hothead! You want me? Come and get me!” She exclaimed as she blasted at the monster with magic.
The monster fired at Sparkler and she dodged, beginning to head for the lake. The monster followed without hesitation.
Up further along the street the monster was going to go down, Night Mare, Celestia, and Luna trotted unknowingly TOWARDS the action. Luna rolled her eyes. “Can’t we just go back to the castle now?” She asked.
“Aw come on sister! Aren’t you having fun?” Celestia asked as she pranced around.
“I’d rather just go back and read comics.” Luna responded.
Night Mare meanwhile was looking at the two alongside Flash Sentry, who Sparkler assigned to keep them safe. Night Mare was near her breaking point after a week of having to deal with these two. I hope Starlight and Trixie find the threshold soon. She thought. She had received updates over time and by the sound of it they were REALLY close. “That’s a good idea.” She said.
“Let’s go back to—“
At that moment, they heard a roar and the three of them saw the monster coming, and Sparkler land right in front of them and blast at the monster. After that, she turned to the four. “You four, back to the castle. Now!” She ordered.
“Whoa! What’s THAT thing?!” Celestia exclaimed. “Kill it!” She said as she hid behind Night Mare in terror. “I’m too young to die!”
The adults watched their princess cower in fear. And gave each other a look that screamed ‘how did these two mature enough to rule a nation?’
Luna, unlike her sister, smiled and lit her horn. “Oh hay yeah. I’ve been wanting to fight monsters. Let’s—“
“No!” Sparkler exclaimed as she stepped in front of Luna. “Luna, you need to get out of here now!”
“Aww! But I wanted to fight a monster.” Luna responded in a whiny tone.
“Oh no. No no no you are not fighting any monsters. Flash! Take everypony back to the castle.” Sparkler ordered.
“Night Mare can do that. I’m sticking with you.” Flash responded. “My first duty is your safety.”
“It’s getting closer!” Celestia screamed.
Everypony looked and saw the monster getting dangerously close, and it opened its mouth for another energy blast. Luckily though, it didn’t get a chance as a powerful magical blast hit it right in the mouth and canceled the charge. While the Monster roared, everypony saw Fleur De Lis land on the ground. “Normally I’d give you a chance to leave. But mess with my sister. You don’t get that option.” She said as she blasted at the monster again.
Sparkler heard what Fleur said and her mind immediately thought Of course I only get a sibling with that mentality AFTER the period where I would actually need it. She shook her head clear of the thought and turned back to Night Mare and the princesses. “Get out of here, Fleur and I will hold this thing off.” She said.
“Ugh. Fine.” Luna responded. Night Mare ushered them away while Flash readied his spear.
“I don’t suppose there’s a plan?” He asked.
“Yeah. It looked like you were leading this guy somewhere.” Fleur added.
Sparkler nodded as she blasted at the monster. “Bon Bon is setting up a trap by the lake. This thing is after me. So I was leading it to the lake. Once we get it there, we’re gonna make if fall in and Fleur, you and I are gonna FREEZE the lake to trap this thing.” Sparkler explained.
“Huh. That’s actually a genius plan.” Flash responded.
“Bon Bon came up with it. It’s relying on mine and Fleur’s power and this thing’s IQ, which I doubt is very high.” Sparkler responded.
“Then let’s do it.” Fleur responded.
“Let’s coral this idiot like a sheep dog!” Sparkler proclaimed.
While the three started attacking and leading the monster to the lake, Fletcher and Clear-Cut watched from above a rooftop. Fletcher drew his bow and aimed at the monster. “Yep. Looks like now’s the time to jump in.” He said.
“No.” Clear-Cut responded. “Not yet.”
Fletcher gave Clear-Cut a confused glare. “Not yet? The frack does that mean? I thought it was your sworn duty to protect Sparkler with your life. It certainly looks like she could use the help.” He said.
“They have a plan.” Clear-Cut responded. “We will only step in if it’s the only way she’ll survive this fight.”
Fletcher rolled his eyes. “Fine. My team and I agreed to follow your lead so that’s what we’ll do. But when we report to Celestia you’ll be in it.” He said.
Down by the lake, Bon Bon secured a pole into the ground several yards away from another pole that she had planted. “These had better be strong enough to trip that monster.” She said. She would normally have more gear available, but that was when she was a secret agent. Now she only had what was in her case back home, and whatever she found lying around in Ponyville. Once she hammered the pole into place, she used her grappling hook to tie a line between the poles, creating a giant tripwire. She nodded approvingly at her handiwork and glanced around for the monster. Which she saw approaching. “It’s go time!” She said.
Sparkler and Fleur blasted at the monster while Flash landed beside Bon Bon. “Bon Bon, is your trap ready?” He asked.
“Just finished.” Bon Bon responded. “With any luck it’ll trip this thing and it’ll crash into the lake.”
“Let’s hope!” Flash responded.
Sparkler and Fleur continued blasting at the monster as they neared the lake. Fleur noticed the lake approaching and smiled. “Almost there!” She said.
“Let’s hope Bon Bon’s plan works!” Sparkler responded. She flew to hover over the lake in the middle. And stopped there. “Yoo-hoo! I’m over here!” She told the monster.
The monster roared and stepped forward, it had one foot on each side of the line, it tried to take a step but it got its good caught in the line. It began falling forward.
Fleur saw the monster falling and decided to help by striking it in the back with her hind legs in a flying buck.
Sparkler got out of the way as the monster came crashing down. The splash down drenched Bon Bon and Flash. Bon Bon smiled though. “Haha! Yes!” She exclaimed.
“Now’s your chance!” Flash told the Alicorns.
“Come on Fleur! Let’s put this thing on ice!” Sparkler said as she lit her horn.
Fleur did the same and they blasted at the water with a freezing spell. The lake quickly started freezing, and the monster was stuck in Ice in no time. The monster’s head was still free so it tried to fire its energy beam, but Sparkler quickly froze its mouth shut.
The monster struggled in its new prison and Fleur and Sparkler landed next to Bon Bon and Flash. “It worked!” Fleur exclaimed excitedly.
“We actually bucking did it!” Flash cried out with joy. “We beat a monster!”
“Bon Bon, that was a genius plan!” Sparkler told Bon Bon.
“Sometimes simplicity is best.” Bon Bon responded.
While the four were celebrating their seeming victory, Blueblood saw the whole thing and growled. “Oh no you don’t.” He said as he lit his horn and blasted at the ice, cracking it.
The monster tried to escape, and was eventually able to do so, using the weakened ice to its advantage to break it.
Sparkler and her teammates watched in horror as the monster got free. “Oh come on!” Bon Bon exclaimed in frustration. “Why couldn’t it have been that easy? For ONCE?!”
Sparkler lit her horn again. “I don’t suppose there’s more water nearby.” She said,
“No.” Bon Bon responded.
“Alright. Get out of here Bon Bon. It was a good effort but I think you need to get to safety.” Flash responded.
“I’ll go find Lyra and Tootsie then.” Bon Bon responded.
“Tootsie?” Sparkler asked.
“Yeah. Tootsie Flute. Lyra and I adopted her yesterday actually.” Bon Bon explained.
“Aww Congrats.” Fleur responded. “I’m sure you two will be good mothers.”
“Yeah. And if you ever need any parental advice just hit me and Twilight up.” Sparkler added.
“Thanks.” Bon Bon responded. With that, she took off.
Sparkler nodded and the three turned back to the monster, who had finished turning around. “Ok. I guess we need to destroy this thing with force. Let’s give it everything we’ve got!” She said.
Fleur and Flash nodded and Fleur lit his horn. Flash let out a sigh. “We really should think about upgrading the Royal Guard’s arsenal, a spear doesn’t do much these days.” He commented. “Maybe you could Sparkler?” He asked.
“Really Flash? Now?!” Sparkler asked.
“Just a thought.” Flash responded.
Sparkler rolled her eyes. “Just take it up with Celestia. She’ll be back to normal soon.” She said.
At that moment, Sparkler got a Horn Pulse, from Starlight.
Starlight: WE GOT THE ANSWER!
Sparkler smiled in relief.
Sparkler: AWESOME! What is it?
Starlight: A single Alicorn with Unicorns as boosters should be enough for most of the babies.
Sparkler: Will it fix Twilight?
Starlight: 99% sure it will.
Sparkler: Good enough for me. Fleur’s on her way.
Sparkler cut the connection. “Fleur! Get back to the castle, they found a fix for this, but they need you.” She said.
“What about you?” Fleur asked.
“I’ll keep this thing busy until somepony gets back here.” Sparkler responded.
“What?” Fleur asked. “I am not leaving you to face this thing alone.”
“We don’t have time for this!” Sparkler responded. “Just go before I’m forced to pull rank on you.” She said.
Fleur bit her lip, before she hugged Sparkler. “Just stay alive ok? I just got you back as a sister.” She said.
“Oh you aren’t getting rid of me that easily.” Sparkler responded.
Fleur nodded, before she spread her wings and took off towards the castle.
Sparkler nodded and turned to Flash. “Let’s give it our all.” She said.
“Copy that.” Flash responded as the monster roared.
Back at the castle, Starlight sat Twilight down on the floor. “Alright Twilight, we’ll get you back in just a moment.” She said.
“I remain confused.” Trixie said. “Why can’t Princess Cadence be the Alicorn?” She asked.
“Because she’s a foal, remember?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah. I’m not as powerful as I am as an adult.” Cadence said.
“That makes sense.” Moondancer commented.
A few moments later, Fleur galloped into the room. “We better hurry and get Twilight back to normal.” She said. “Sparkler’s only got Flash out there with her.”
“So basically she’s all alone.” Trixie responded.
“Ahem. Don’t count the Royal Guard out.” Shining interjected.
“Oh yeah? Where were they when Chrysalis attacked?” Starlight shot back.
That shut Shining up as Fleur nodded. “Ok, now what do I need to do?”
“You and I need to shoot a continuous age spell at Twilight. To put it simply, we’re speeding up time as far as growth is concerned.” Starlight responded.
Fleur nodded. “Ok, then let’s do it.” She said as she lit her horn.
Starlight also lit her horn and stood next to Fleur. Together, they blasted at Twilight with an age spell. As the beam held, Moondancer noticed that Twilight was growing, in the way that one would expect when ponies grow older. “It’s working!” She called out.
Fleur and Starlight kept up the pressure, Moondancer started glancing at the age clock that Starlight put together to ensure the right ponies were returned to the right ages. After a moment, the clock struck green, which meant Twilight was back to normal! “Ok that’s enough! Twilight’s back to normal!” She exclaimed.
Fleur and Starlight cut the spell and the magic ceased.
Everypony watched as Twilight opened her eyes, and started examining herself. After a second, she beamed. “It worked!” She exclaimed as she pranced around. “I’m me again!”
What happened next shocked everypony. Especially Moondancer, whom Twilight pulled in and locked lips with in a passionate kiss that until now they had only seen her give to SPARKLER.
The kiss didn’t last long as Twilight pulled back after a few seconds and continued prancing around. Moondancer was left in a state of total shock. D-Did Twilight just…
Fleur meanwhile, in her shock, had different thoughts in her mind. If she breaks Sparkler’s heart by CHEATING on her…
Starlight blinked before coming out of her shock. “Twilight, are you ok?” She asked.
Twilight stopped Prancing, and nodded. “Yep, I am, thanks Starlight.” She said.
“Good. Because Sparkler’s out there and she needs your help fighting the monster.” Starlight responded.
And as if something clicked in her brain, Twilight flapped her wings and rocketed out of the room through an open window. Fleur, after getting over her shock, followed her.
Trixie came out of her shock and blinked. “Ok, is Twilight cheating on Sparkler?” She asked, referring to the kiss.
The remaining ponies all stared at her as if she were crazy. Trixie raised an eyebrow. “What?”
The monster roared as Sparkler and Flash went at it, blasting it with magic and swiping at it with a spear. A pointy stick that didn’t really have the same effect as a magical blast.
Sparkler continued blasting at the monster, until she saw a few ponies running for their lives. She saw the monster about to swing its tail right into them, so she lit her horn, encased them in a magical bubble, and threw them to safety. The tail missing them as a result. “SPARKLER WATCH OUT!” She heard Flash call out.
Sparkler only had just enough time to turn her head before the monster smacked her with its claw, sending her careening down and smashing into the front of the New Golden Oaks Library. She bounced off the floor and crashed into the bookshelves, knocking books off and burying her in them. She groaned from the pain of THAT as she got up on her hooves. She looked around at the mess and sighed. “Moondancer’s gonna be ticked.” She said.
Outside, Flash growled and swung wildly at the monster with his spear. “You just set forth your destruction at the hooves of very passionate bookworms!” He shouted at it.
The monster roared and swung its tail at Flash, sending HIM careening into the library and just barely missing Sparkler as he crashed into the bookshelf next to her. Knocking HIM out cold. “Ugh…” Was what Sparkler heard before Flash blacked out.
Sparkler looked at the monster. Recognizing that she was now really alone. “Frig.” She said as she lit her horn, panting a little. She couldn’t keep this up. She could feel her strength waning.
The monster roared, and charged up its energy attack. Sparkler produced a shield around herself and the unconscious Flash, with mixed feelings about it being able to take the hit this time.
Just as the monster was about to fire however, there was an explosion on its snout. It completely dissipated the charge. Above the Library, Fletcher drew an arrow for a second shot alongside Midnight Arrow. “We should’ve stepped in sooner. Let’s roast this chicken.” Fletcher said as he and Midnight fired another arrow shot.
On ground level, Omega charged at the monster and open fired with her twin saddle mounted crossbows which had automatic arrow loading mechanisms. All the while Lunar and Clear-Cut swooped in with their swords and slashed at the monster’s legs.
The monster roared in pain and stepped back. Sparkler, seeing the monster fall back, as well as the two who swooped in and slashed at it, stood there in shock, before slowly and cautiously stepping out of the Library. She glanced around, and saw four ponies and one cloaked figure regroup. The cloaked Figure noticed Sparkler and stared directly at her. “Are you OK Acting Princess?” He asked.
Sparkler nodded, still unbelieving of what she was seeing. “Who are you guys?” She asked.
“We’re allies to the crown.” Fletcher responded. Not saying anymore than that.
Sparkler nodded as she grouped up with them. “Thank you. Flash Sentry is still in there, unconscious.” She explained.
“Then let’s finish this thing quickly.” Midnight suggested.
Sparkler glanced back at the monster, who was still recovering. She lit her horn, and was surprised when she found that she suddenly had all her strength back, as if she hadn’t spent the past hour fighting this thing. What the heck? She thought. It was like something energized her.
The monster roared and began charging up for another energy attack, before a big blast of magic came hurling at it. The impact was so hard that the monster was forced back several feet. Sparkler and her apparent allies glanced up to see a sight that made Sparkler’s heart swell with joy. Twilight Sparkle and Fleur landed on the ground beside them, and they all could see that Twilight was FUMING. “You are SO getting blasted back to the hole you crawled out of! Attacking my fiancé is bad enough, but NOPONY trashes a Library and gets away with it!” Twilight growled.
“Twilight! You’re back to normal!” Sparkler exclaimed happily.
Twilight’s anger temporarily subsided as she turned and immediately pulled Sparkler into a hug. “Sparky! Thank Faust you’re ok!” She exclaimed happily. “I’ve never been so scared in my life for you!”
Sparkler chuckled. “Good to have you back to normal Twily.” She said as she returned the hug.
“Ahem! I hate to break up the reunion but we got a monster to fight!” Lunar interjected.
Twilight and Sparkler parted from the hug and all eight of them looked at the monster. “So, what’s the plan Sparkler?” Fleur asked.
Sparkler smirked. Her confidence at an all time high now with reinforcements here. “We knock this thing right out of town. Arrows attack from afar, Swords below, Twilight, Fleur, with me attacking from above.” She gave out instructions.
Her allies nodded in agreement and stood ready, waiting for her signal.
Sparkler took a deep breath, before giving that signal. “Go!” She ordered.
The team sprang into action. The Alicorns launched into the air with their horns lit and started blasting at the monster in a swarm formation, Fletch, Omega, and Midnight started barraging the monster with Arrows from three different sides, Fletcher’s and Midnight’s arrows had a very explosive effect, and Clear Cut and Lunar began slashing at the monster with their swords while flying low and fast.
The monster roared and kept trying to focus on Sparkler, but the all sides constant attack made it difficult.
Sparkler was blasting away at the monster with her horn, and she could definitely feel the change in her energy. Like she got a second wind and THEN some. Does this crown keep me energized or something? She thought. She was feeling stronger than ever, but didn’t know why. Was it the fact that reinforcements arrived? Was it really the crown’s magic? But that couldn’t be it because she only just now was feeling the power.
The monster in the meanwhile was getting wrecked now. After several minutes of constantly being attacked from all sides, the monster exploded into nothing. Blueblood watched in horror as his plan combusted. “Curses!” He growled.
With the monster at last destroyed, Sparkler, Fleur and Twilight landed in front of their allies. Behind them, there was a crowd cheering and applauding. Celebrating the victory.
The ponies glanced at the crowd. Sparkler sighed and smiled. She knew they were cheering for her above the others. She did just spend the last hour fighting a monster relentlessly.
Twilight smiled and turned her attention back to their allies…only to notice one missing. “Hey, weren’t there five of you?” She asked.
Fletcher and his team glanced around for Clear Cut, but found nothing. Midnight sighed. “He does that a lot.” He said as the four of them started to leave.
Sparkler noticed and raised an eyebrow. “Where are you going?” She asked.
“Our next mission.” Fletcher responded.
“Orders from the princess.” Omega added.
Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Thank you.” She said. “You really saved the day here.”
“All in a day’s work, your majesty.” Lunar responded.
Sparkler nodded, and then felt something. That second wind was now gone, vanished as fast as it appeared. Ok, it’s definitely not the crown. She thought. As the citizens continued applauding, Sparkler remembered Flash and went to check on him. Fortunately he came around and was fine.
Back on the rooftops, Clear Cut sighed in relief. “She did good.” He said.
“Yeah. Although I could tell she had more power than she normally does.” Fletcher responded as he walked up beside Clear-Cut. “You act as a booster for her don’t you.” He said.
“Magic is a fickle thing.” Clear Cut responded as they watched the Alicorns fly off. That monster was not of this world…he is coming.
The Summer Sun Celebration was in shambles. Sparkler, Twilight, Fleur, and all of Ponyville walked around inspecting the damage. Booths were destroyed, the stage where the princesses were supposed to put on their big show of raising the sun and lowering the moon was all but trashed, and the entire situation looked grim.
The three Alicorns were picking up all sorts of chatter. Ranging from “This is a mess and a half.” To “now we can’t do the Celebration tomorrow.” And including. “What are we going to do now?”
Sparkler, upon hearing these things, could tell that optimism and hope were low, if not outright not present, in Ponyville. They were really looking forward to this. She thought. She’d be the first to admit that this would be her FIRST Summer Sun Celebration, so she had yet to see why it was so exciting, but that didn’t change the fact that the ponies around her were excited. After looking around at the disheartened ponies. Sparkler had an idea. We can still do this. She thought as she made her way to the stage. Twilight noticed and raised an eyebrow. “Where’re you going Sparkler?” She asked.
Sparkler turned back to Twilight and smiled at her. “To do my temporary job.” She said simply as she hopped onto the stage, summoned a megaphone, and addressed the crowd. “May I have everypony’s attention please?” She asked through the megaphone.
All eyes turned to Sparkler, who continued after a moment. “Alright, I know things look grim right now, the Summer Sun Celebration is in shambles thanks to this latest monster attack. But you know what? I think we can get this all fixed in time.” She said.
That had ponies muttering in confusion. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What’s she doing?” She asked.
“Yeah. I know it might sound crazy. How can we repair all this work in one day? But I do really believe we can do it. I admit I’ve never been to a Summer Sun Celebration before, but I do know how important it is. I know you all have been looking forward to it.” Sparkler said, ponies agreeing with her. “I’ve heard the stories about what’s happened in this town since Twilight Sparkle moved here. You’ve all been through Tartarus and back dealing with monsters, evil villains, and whatever else happens to return after a long time. In every story, in every crisis, this town always bounces back to normal. At an almost comically impossible speed.” Sparkler said.
Fleur and Twilight saw ponies agreeing with Sparkler. Fleur smiled as she realized what Sparkler was doing. Sparkler continued. “If we’ve done it before, why shouldn’t we be able to do it now? Why should we let one monster ruin our fun?” She asked.
It was working. Sparkler could tell that spirits were rising. “We can get this mess back in order, we can have a Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow, and we can prove that we can do anything. Because we have something stronger than any monster can break. You know what that is?” Sparkler asked the crowd.
“The Magic of Friendship!” The crowd responded, their hope and optimism restored.
“So come on everypony! Let’s do this!” Sparkler chanted.
The crowd cheered. Twilight had tears coming from her eyes. Sparkler got off the stage and trotted to Fleur and Twilight. “Head back to the castle, start restoring our friends, and tell everypony not essential to the age Spell working and not affected to come here. We’re going to need all the hooves we can get.” Sparkler told them.
Twilight reached out and pulled Sparkler into a hug. “You’ve made me so proud just now!” She cried.
Sparkler smiled sheepishly. “Hey, a princess is supposed to bring hope to disheartened ponies right?” She asked.
Fleur laughed as Twilight and Sparkler pulled apart. “I know you don’t want it Sparkler. But you definitely are worthy of being a princess.” Fleur responded.
“I should just stop denying that, should I.” Sparkler responded.
Twilight laughed as she and Fleur took off for the castle as Bradford and her Saddle Arabian friends walked up to her. “Oh yeah. I definitely wouldn’t complain if you changed your mind about being a princess Sparkler.” Mark said.
“Yeah. You got the looks, and you got the inspirational power.” Hanzal added.
Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Thanks guys. Now, let’s show everypony what teamwork is all about.” She said.
Everypony who heard that called out “yeah!” And they all started working…right as spontaneous music started playing.
Don't stop, keep on moving! magic's hot, it keeps us going! Helping each other every day!
With such a gigantic mess and not a lot of time! We're working and we're fixing There's no time to relax!
We have to keep on keeping on Like a well-oiled machine! With our heroes out of action There's no time for daydreams!
Don't stop! Let's work together! 'Cause our magic's hot! We'll go on forever! There's nothing standing in our way!
Sparkler found herself helping ponies repair a booth when she heard Melody’s voice. “Mom!”
Sparkler turned to see her kids arrive, with HUGE smiles on their faces.
“Mommy Twi said you needed our help.” Trail said.
“Whoa did that monster make a mess here.” Lightning observed.
“How can we help?“ Crystal asked.
Sparkler smiled confidently. “We need to get this mess all straightened out and fixed before tomorrow. And we need as many hooves on deck as possible. Lumber, help get the petting pen animals back into the fenced area.” She said.
“Roger that.” Lumber said as he trotted off.
“Melody, Pedal, Lightning, go find Big Mac and see what he needs help with.”
“Right!” Melody, Pedal, and Lumber responded.
“Sky, Sprinkle, Trail, collect some rain clouds and help put out the fires.”
“Fun!” Sky said as she Sprinkle and Trail took off into the Sky.
“Light, Dark, it’s getting to be night time so lend your night vision to whomever might need it, and your claws to help steady things.”
“Can do!”
“Mystic, Crystal, help anypony who needs a third hoof, or horn.” Sparkler finished telling her kids what to do.
“Aye aye mom!” Crystal responded as the kids all went off to help.
Raven watched them go, and looked around and saw ponies working hard. “The whole town’s working together.” She observed.
“We’re not gonna let some monster ruin the fun.” Sparkler responded.
Raven smiled. “You know Sparkler. I don’t care what anypony else says, if for whatever reason you were forced to take the throne long term, I’d happily serve you.” She said.
“Thanks Raven.” Sparkler responded. “You’ve been very helpful this past week.”
“All a part of the job Sparkler.” Raven responded as the singing started back up again. Everypony was working together to get everything done.
We're doing our best! We work as a team! We don't stop to rest! We've got the Magic of Friendship!
Don't stop! Keep on moving! Magic's hot! It keeps us going! Helping each other every day!
Don't stop! Let's work together! Cause our Magic's hot! We'll go on forever! here's nothing standing in our way!
No not today! No not today! There's nothing in our way! No not today! And we won't stop!
Sparkler eventually was helping Vinyl set up her BACKUP DJ system. “I’m surprised you had a backup DJ station Vinyl.” Sparkler commented.
“Living in Ponyville, you learn to appreciate Backups.” Vinyl responded.
Sparkler nodded and continued fiddling with wires, until she got a Horn Pulse from Cadence.
Cadence: Sparkler, we need you. Fleur can handle restoring the non Alicorn ponies on her own but for Celestia and Luna, due to THEIR Ages, we’ll need all the magically inclined ponies we can get if we want them back in a reasonable amount of time.
Sparkler: On my Way.
Sparkler got out from behind the DJ station. “Gotta dash Vinyl, they need me in order to return Celestia and Luna back to normal.” She said
“Roger that cap’n.” Vinyl responded.
Sparkler nodded and took off for the castle after leaving Raven in charge.
At the castle, Starlight was busy restoring the affected ponies not Alicorns, while Cadence kept glancing at Twilight. I trust her to not break Sparkler’s heart in such a way, but I also sense that crush she had on Moondancer years ago… Cadence bit her lip. She was debating whether to bring it up or not. After a few seconds of deliberation, She decided on a course of action. She tapped Twilight on the shoulder. “Hey Twily? Mind stepping out with me to talk?” She asked.
Twilight raised an eyebrow, but nodded and followed Cadence out the door. Once they were in the hallway, Cadence went for it. “Twilight, have you been feeling anything….strange lately?” She asked.
“Strange?” Twilight asked. “Other than being reverted to a foal I haven’t felt anything strange.”
“Are you sure?” Cadence asked. “Because I’m sensing something from you. The signs of an old crush?”
“Cadence what’s all this about?” Twilight asked. Confused.
Cadence sighed. “Remember that crush on Moondancer you had long ago?” She asked. Twilight nodded in response. “Yeah it seems to have resurfaced.” She revealed.
Twilight’s eyes widened in shock. “What? No. No, I'm over it. And I’m with Sparkler now. I’m about to MARRY her.” She said.
“I know Twily.” Cadence responded. “But sometimes old crushes can resurface even if we’ve forgotten about them. And if we were regressed to foals, our inhibitions could be removed and we, in excitement, kiss our old crushes as passionately as we do our current loves.” Cadence said.
Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What? What does that even—“ Twilight stopped when she ran back through her memory…and realized what she did when she first restored. “Oh…” She realized. Horror in her eyes.
Cadence nodded. “Now, I’m not telling you what to do or anything. But I do have advice for you. If for whatever reason you decide you’d be happier with Moondancer, it’s better if Sparkler knew upfront. Rather than going behind her back.” She explained.
Twilight’s brain took a moment to process what Cadence said, before laughing. “Wait, you actually we’re worried I’d CHEAT on Sparkler?” She asked. “I would NEVER do anything like that. If, for some unfathomable reason, that my heart would switch to another, I would make sure Sparkler and I broke up on good terms. No secrets, no going behind the back, everything would be out in the open.” She said.
Cadence smiled and sighed in relief. “You can’t blame me for having the thought Twily. It’s my job to worry about love lives.” She said.
“Well I appreciate the concern but don’t worry.” Twilight responded. “I’m sure this crush will pass just like last time.” She said confidently.
“We’ll see.” Cadence responded.
They both went back into the room, and soon Sparkler burst in. “Alright. I’m here.” She said. She looked around and saw that pretty much everypony was back to normal. “Oh thank Faust! You’re all back to normal!” She exclaimed happily.
Rainbow Dash smiled. “Yeah! Thank Faust for that. That was not fun.” She said.
Pinkie laughed. “Oh come on Dashie, you know you liked it. And I bet soarin did too.” She said.
Rainbow blushed while everypony else chuckled. Sparkler glanced around. “So, where are Celestia and Luna?” She asked.
“Celestia! Starlight wants the both of you to go to her! Don’t you ignore that request!” They all heard Night Mare growl. “And that goes for you too Lu—no, NO! Luna don’t you—“ That’s when they heard laughing. Sparkler and Twilight rushed out to see, much to their shock, that Night Mare had a cake thrown in her face and Luna and Celestia were laughing.
Twilight rushed to her sister’s side and started cleaning her up. “Nighty, are you ok?” She asked.
Night Mare took a deep breath. “Get them back to their proper ages. I am at my wit’s end with those two.” She deadpanned. “How these two managed to mature into the leaders we know today is BEYOND me.”
Sparkler nodded and turned to the two laughing princesses. “Alright you two, come in!” She said. “It’s time to turn you back to normal.” She said.
“You’re not our mom.” Luna said.
“We don’t need to listen to you.” Celestia shot at Sparkler.
That’s it, Sparkler was gonna do something she honestly did not want to do. She lit her horn and captured the BOTH of them in her magic. “You’re being restored one way or another.” She said simply as she dragged them to the room. Celestia and Luna literally kicking and screaming.
Sparkler dragged them into the room. “One of us is gonna need to hold them down.” She said.
“I got that.” Moondancer responded as she lit her horn and held Celestia and Luna in her magic.
Sparkler, Fleur, Twilight, Cadence, Starlight, and Trixie all lined up and lit their horns. “Ok let’s put an end to this nonsense, finally.” Sparkler said as they all fired a continuous age spell at the two apparent crybabies.
The effects started showing immediately. Slowly but surely, Celestia and Luna started to age. The entire process took 10 minutes, but eventually, the spell casters heard Moondancer’s call to stop. They did, and Fleur and Sparkler collapsed, heaving. Neither of them had to hold a spell for that long before.
Moondancer kept the princesses in her magic. As they quickly discovered, the minds lagged behind a bit.
Celestia and Luna eventually came to and their eyes opened. They looked around, and were confused. “Uh, why are we rendered immobile?” Luna asked.
Moondancer smiled as she released the princesses. Sparkler stood up and approached. “Princesses? Are you ok?” She asked.
Luna shook her head clear, before nodding. “We are fine Sparkler.” She said.
Sparkler sighed in relief. “Finally, it’s over.” She said.
Celestia nodded as she quickly recalled what was going on. “Indeed. Thank you Sparkler. And…” She blushed and turned her attention to Moondancer. “We apologize for our behavior this week.” She said.
Luna nodded. “Yes…we were not the best ponies at that age.” She admitted.
Everypony in the room laughed. Night Mare smiled as she ran up and hugged her marefriend Luna. “I’m just glad everything’s back to normal.” She said.
Sparkler nodded. “And now that everything is, we could use everypony’s help. Today’s monster left the Summer Sun Celebration in shambles.” She said.
“Well then let’s get out there and help.” Applejack declared.
Back at the Summer Sun Celebration, everypony was still working hard. Light was guiding a pony who was repairing a table when his ear picked up stampeding hoof steps in the distance, getting closer. “Somepony’s coming everypony.” He called out.
Everypony near him stopped and looked around. Another pony noticed a cloud of dust being kicked up in the distance. “Yeah. Something’s coming.”
“Who?”
Dark glanced at the stampede and used his night vision to see who it was, and he smiled when he did. “It’s the mane 6 and the princesses!” He exclaimed. “They’re back!”
True to his word, everypony entirely saw Sparkler return with the Mane 6 and the princesses. Just as spontaneous music returned and everypony resumed working.
Don't stop! Keep on moving! Equestria! Keeps on going! Helping each other every day!
When a best friend is in trouble None of us will rest! Ponies helping ponies Using every ounce that's left!
Pushing to the finish line Yeah, we'll keep on keeping on! When all of us work together We're always pulling strong!
Don't stop! Let's work together! Because our magic's hot! We'll go on forever! There's nothing standing in our way!
Raven smiled when Sparkler and Celestia approached her. “Your Majesty!” She addressed Celestia. “It pleases me to see you’re back to normal.” She said.
“Glad to be back, Raven.” Celestia responded. “What’s the situation like here?”
“We’re making good time.” Raven responded as she looked at a clipboard. “We actually have a shot of fixing this before the sun rises!” She announced happily.
“Well then, let’s keep it up!” Sparkler responded as the singing picked back up.
We're not giving up! Gonna see this crisis through! The moon lights our way Until the end is in view!
Don't stop! Keep on moving! Equestria! Keeps on going! Helping each other every day!
Don't stop! Let's work together! We're Equestrians! We'll go on forever! There's nothing standing in our way!
No not today! No not today! There's nothing in our way! No not today! And we won't stop!
Eventually, the crowd of ponies stood in front of the work they’d done at the crack of dawn. Raven was looking around checking everything. “Well everypony.” She said when she finished her inspection.
Everypony leaned in to hear what Raven’s assessment was.
Raven took a look around, inspecting everything. Around her she saw booths, tents, the stage was looking good, it was as if the monster never showed up. “We’ll everypony.” She said, addressing the crowd of gathered ponies, who worked their flanks off trying to get everything done. “I have to admit that I had my doubts it was possible. But you mad ponies actually managed it. The Summer Sun Celebration is back on. And on time!“ She announced happily.
When that registered with everypony, everypony cheered. They did it!
Sparkler smiled as she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “I knew we could do it.” She said.
Twilight smiled and wrapped Sparkler up in a tight hug. “And it’s all because of you!” She exclaimed.
“You have made us very proud.” Celestia said to Sparkler, smiling at her.
“It wasn’t just me.” Sparkler responded. “It was all of us. What’s the saying? It takes a village to build a bridge?”
“Very true.” Luna responded.
Raven smiled as she approached the princesses. “Right, now it’s time for the moment everypony’s been waiting for, the raising of the Sun and lowering of the moon.” She said.
“The demonstration/representation of Celestia’s victory over Nightmare Moon.” Fancy responded. “Always awe inspiring.”
Sparkler nodded as her mind drifted to other thoughts. Doesn’t that seem like rubbing salt in old wounds at this point? Indeed, in truth, whenever she had the time and brainpower for it, her mind often drifted to what she was told was the purpose of the Summer Sun Celebration. And had the thought that with Luna and Celestia together again and ruling in harmony…the Celebration seemed like it was now a dated event that was more serving as a yearly reminder to Luna of how she messed up. And that seemed to be not a nice thing to do.
She didn’t get the think on it for very long as Twilight nudged Sparkler along. “Come on Sparkler, let’s go.” She said.
“Go?” Sparkler asked Twilight. “Go where?”
“To the stage to participate in the demonstration.” Luna responded.
Sparkler’s eyes widened. “M-ME?! Up there with you?! B-B-But isn’t it for princesses only?” She asked.
“You are still a princess are you not?” Celestia asked.
“ACTING princess.” Sparkler reminded Celestia. “Heck, we should just do the transfer right now before—“
“Erm, sorry, don’t have time before.” Raven interrupted Sparkler. “I’m afraid it must be after.”
Sparkler stammered. “I…I…I can’t.” She said. “I’m not worthy to go up there with you guys.” Why did she want to curl into a tiny ball and hide from everypony now?
Celestia smiled warmly at Sparkler. “Sparkler, you’ve been through a busy week this week. Completing mine, Luna’s and Twilight’s duties while prepping for the Summer Sun—“
“Actually the Ex Nobles canceled all their meetings once Blueblood found out I was Acting Princess.” Sparkler cut Celestia off. “Apparently they didn’t like that.”
Celestia blinked, and sighed. “Let me guess. He tried to take the crown?” Sparkler nodded in response. “Alright. But the point stands Sparkler. Ruling a nation is no easy task, less so given the circumstances of your rise to power. It takes a special kind of pony, even for one week. And that’s to say nothing of what was accomplished overnight because of your leadership.”
“Yeah!” A pony near them exclaimed as the crowd cheered and applauded. Praising Sparkler.
Sparkler smiled sheepishly. Luna smiled. “If you really do not want to go up there, then we will not force you. But know that if anypony deserves to be up there, it is in fact, you.” She said.
Sparkler looked between the princesses, then at Twilight, and then around at the crowd, who were all smiling encouragingly. After a moment, she made up her mind. “Alright.” She said. “I’ll do it.” She said, following the princesses up to the stage.
Twilight beamed. “Just follow my lead.” She said.
Sparkler nodded in response.
And so, the demonstration commenced. Celestia and Luna lit their horns and moved their respective celestial bodies once that part was done, Sparkler followed Twilight as they soared through the air over the crowd. She heard an explosion and looked behind her to see a sight that she now was glad she turned to see. Hers and Twilight’s Cutie Marks appeared in the sky. Twilight’s star, and Sparkler’s music staff and Microphone. With a smile, she continued to follow Twilight as the four Alicorns landed with the crowd cheering and applauding.
Twilight took a look at the sky with hers and Sparkler’s Cutie Marks and beamed. “Oh Sparkler PLEASE join us every year from now on. I want to see that in the sky every year.” She said.
Sparkler laughed. “I think this might just be a one time thing Twilight.” She said. “This…just isn’t me.”
“That may be so.” Luna responded with a smile. “But you have most certainly earned it.” She said. “I do not believe we will need to go through this again, but should something occur, I have no qualms about you wearing the crown.” She told Sparkler.
“Indeed.” Celestia said. “Really Sparkler. Luna and I are forever grateful to you for what you did this week.” She said. “Despite your reservations, you are indeed worthy of being a princess. And this week is an excellent showing of it.”
“Yeah! You go Sparkler!” Somepony from the crowd chanted, until then the crowd had been calm and attentive, but then the crowd went wild, cheering and applauding Sparkler.
Sparkler looked around, and literally everypony was cheering and applauding her. Her eyes watered and she smiled sheepishly from the praise. “Thank you everypony.” She said. “Your support helped get me through this week.”
“Now, if you would like to get that crown off your head, we would be more than happy to take the throne off your hooves.” Luna said.
Sparkler lit her horn to relieve herself of being a princess, finally, when something stopped her. Something that clicked in her mind. “Actually…” She gulped, wondering if she was making a MASSIVE mistake. “Before I do that. May I do one more thing?” She asked.
Celestia was admittedly surprised, but nodded, interested in seeing what Sparkler was going to do. Sparkler nodded back and addressed the crowd. “Ever since I was informed of the Summer Sun Celebration, I have been looking forward to it. I was looking forward to attending such an important and ancient tradition in Equestria. But as I learned more about it, and more specifically, the reasons behind it, I started thinking about it in the modern world. A world where The Royal sisters are together again and ruling as one.
“My understanding is that the Summer Sun Celebration is meant to celebrate Celestia’s triumph over her sister, who at that time was Nightmare Moon. That was a thousand years ago. Three years ago, Nightmare Moon was defeated and Princess Luna was restored to her former self. And since then there has been no strife between the sisters. No conflicts, just peace, and harmony.” Sparkler looked back at Twilight and the Royal sisters and smiled, before continuing. “The Summer Sun Celebration celebrated the triumph of one sister over another. And up until three years ago it was an appropriate holiday. But now…it seems to be rubbing salt on old wounds more than anything else these days.” She said.
The crowd, and the princesses, glanced at each other, the crowd muttering. Sparkler continued after a second. “With all that in mind. I think that the Summer Sun Celebration has run its course. I believe it is appropriate to retire the holiday. And replace it with a holiday that’s more fitting to the current peaceful relations between sisters. The Festival of Two Sisters perhaps.” Sparkler proposed. She glanced back at Celestia and Luna. “If I may make a proposal.”
Celestia and Luna blinked. “Ahem. I uh…do not disagree with Sparkler sister.” Luna admitted in a hushed voice.
“Neither do I.” Celestia responded. “Sparkler, I believe that is a wonderful idea.” She said aloud.
“WHAT?!” Exclaimed the familiar voice of Blueblood.
Everypony stopped and all turned to see Prince Blueblood, and he was raging furious. “Has everypony lost their MINDS?! After locking us out of the treasury, you now have the NERVE to attack an ancient Equestrian tradition that’s stood for centuries?! THIS is exactly why I sent that monster after you! So I could take the crown and save Equestria from the line of royalty that has CLEARLY failed if it allows an imposter to take charge!” He growled. “This Festival of Two Sisters will NEVER come to fruition! It is time for the Alicorns to step down and make way for a new guard that will preserve—“
“Ahem.” Came a loud voice that cut Blueblood’s rant off. Blueblood turned to see Flash standing there with Royal guards.
Blueblood smiled for some reason. “Captain Sentry, good. Arrest those failed Alicorns!” He ordered.
Flash and the Royal guard didn’t move. Everypony else was staring at Blueblood, thinking the same thing. ‘This pony is crazy.’
Sparkler’s perplexed look became one of rage when Blueblood confessed to releasing that monster. She felt a tap on her shoulder. She then heard Celestia whisper something to her. Something that made her smile. Luna was whispering to Twilight too, which Sparkler guessed contributed to why Blueblood was still standing, rather than being buried into the ground by Twilight. Sparkler smiled as she nodded with what Celestia had suggested. “Ahem. My apologies. I have one final act to perform as Acting Princess.” She said.
Everypony watched as Sparkler stepped off the stage and walked Directly to Blueblood, who watched her every move, and was fuming still. “You will surrender the crown and give it to me immediately!” He growled at her.
“Oh I’ll give you something alright.” Sparkler responded. “I’ll give you a punishment fit for the crimes you have committed.” She informed him.
“PUNISHMENT?!” Blueblood exclaimed in shock.
“Yes. Punishment.” Sparkler responded. “Setting a monster loose on an innocent population, treason and terrorism with your intentions to take the throne for yourself. And assault on an Alicorn because that monster focused on me.” She chuckled and shook her head. “You were two days away from never having to deal with me again. Two days before everything went back to normal. But no. You had to be impatient and you had to make such a big stink out of me to send a monster to destroy me.” She said. “As Acting Princess of Equestria, I hereby strip you of your title as Prince, something you only retained because you were the Princess’s nephew, and I sentence you to the maximum of a thousand years in the dungeon for your crimes against Equestria.” She proclaimed. Normally there would be an entire process but Celestia had told her she was allowed to issue a judgment now because SO MANY ponies clearly heard Blueblood’s confession that there was no way it could be disputed. “It is further ordered that Blueblood’s wealth be seized and used to fund the New Golden Oaks Library here in Ponyville. That should help with the damages you caused with that monster attack.” Sparkler added, to which Moondancer and Twilight smiled widely at. “Congratulations and thank you MR. Blueblood. Because of you I can now look back on this week and say I’d do it again if given the choice.” She finished. “Flash! Take him away!” She ordered.
“With Pleasure your majesty.” Flash responded as he and the guard grabbed a shocked Blueblood and dragged him off.
Everypony took a second, but the crowd eventually cheered and Applauded. Sparkler smiled as she turned and took a bow. She wasn’t going to even try to hide that she fully enjoyed doing that.
She soon felt a hug around her leg, and she looked down to see a young colt hugging her and beaming up at her. “You’re my favorite Acting Princess Princess Sparkler!” He exclaimed. “I’m gonna start a fan club about you!” He told her.
Sparkler bit her lip…before smiling and patting the colt on the head. “You do you kid.” She said. She wiggled out of the hug and started for the stage. “Now, unless Anypony else wants to be thrown in the dungeon by me for a crime they committed.” She got up onto the stage. “I think it’s time we had a reinstatement of management.” She said.
Celestia and Luna smiled and knelt before Sparkler. Twilight smirked at her. “You enjoyed that.” She said.
“Ooh did it feel good to stick it to an Ex Noble.” Sparkler responded as she lit her horn and levitated the crown off her head. “It is with great joy, and relief, that I step down as Acting Princess of Equestria, and restore Princesses Celestia and Luna to the thrones of Equestria.” She said as she placed the crown on Celestia’s head.
When the crown was removed from Sparkler, she finally decrystalized and her fur returned to normal. With the crown back on Celestia’s head, her pink mane returned to the wavy rainbow mane of a princess.
While the crowd cheered and Celestia and Luna rose back to power, marking the end of the reign of Sparkler, Pinkie raced onto the stage beaming. “Ok! Now that everything’s back to normal, LET’S PARTY!” She exclaimed happily.
Sparkler smiled and nodded. “Right, Harmonic Medleys! Let’s rock and roll!” She exclaimed.
With that, the party moved to the lake, which Pinkie Pie managed to unfreeze somehow, and Sparkler performed with the Harmonic Medleys. Chroma Keys killed her keyboard part.
🎶The summer that we wanted Yeah, we finally got it Now's the time we get to share(Oh yeah, oh yeah)
Each day we'll be together Now until forever So everypony, everywhere(hey)
Let's take it to the beach Take it there together
Let's celebrate today 'Cause there'll never be another
We're stronger this time Been there for each other
Everything's just right
Everypony all for one A real summer has just begun Let's rock and roll and just let go Feel the rhythm of the drums We're gonna have fun in the sun Now that all the hard work, work is done Everypony, one for all and all for one (all for one) All for one, one (wooh yeah)
Summertime together Now we're even closer That's the way it's meant to be
Oh, we're just getting started Come and join the party You deserve it, same as me(yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Let's take it to the beach Take it there together
Let's celebrate today 'Cause there'll never be another
We're stronger this time Been there for each other
Everything's just right
Everypony all for one A real summer has just begun (yeah) Let's rock and roll and just let go Feel the rhythm of the drums We're gonna have fun in the sun Now that all the hard work, work is done Everypony, one for all and all for one
Everypony up
Everypony rock it
Take it from the top
And never ever stop it
It's not about the future
It's not about the past
It's makin' every single day Last and last and last
Fun and sun what could be better? Let's have fun Everyone together now Everypony, e-everypony now
This is where our summer really begins Let's just hope it's always gonna be like this It's the party you don't wanna miss
Colts Show 'em we can make some moves hey
Mares Show 'em we know how to groove, oh
HereAnd now Let's turn the partyout Everypony jump in
Everypony all for one A real summer has just begun Let's rock and roll and just let go Feel the rhythm of the drums We're gonna have fun in the sun Now that all the hard work, work is done Everypony, one for all everypony all for one
Let's rock and roll and just let go Feel the rhythm of the drums We're gonna have fun in the sun Now that all the hard work, work is done Come on, everyone, let's dance We can't let the moment pass Let's make the party last
All for one All For One🎶
“I love my new teddy bear.” Melody exclaimed as Twilight and Sparkler tucked her into bed that night, with a new teddy bear that was one of only 6, the presents Sparkler had gotten the day of the sextuplets’ birthday.
“We’re glad sweetie.” Sparkler responded.
“Yeah. Sorry we kinda forgot about them till now.” Twilight responded. Feeling guilty.
“Considering what cousin Flurry did. I get it.” Melody responded. “Besides. It was worth the wait.” She added.
Twilight smiled. “We’re glad you like it.” She said.
Melody nodded. “Thank you.” She said.
Sparkler and Twilight smiled warmly as they kissed Melody, and Maddy the dog, who still chose to sleep with Melody, goodnight after which they left her room. As they were walking to their own room. Twilight nuzzled Sparkler. “I’m so proud of you Sparkler.” She said. “Really I am.”
Sparkler smiled warmly. “Well, it wasn’t all bad. Plus I really couldn’t say no with you looking up at me with pleading eyes.” She added.
Twilight blushed and smiled sheepishly. “Yeah…thanks for looking after me.” She said. “Sorry if I was a hoof full.”
Sparkler laughed. “Eh, not as bad as I thought you were going to be.” She admitted. “You mainly just clung to me.”
“I love you. Can’t really help wanting to show it.” Twilight responded.
“Wasn’t complaining.” Sparkler chuckled.
They proceeded to their bedroom and slipped into bed. They wrapped their hooves around each other to cuddle each other. “Goodnight Sparky.” Twilight said. “I love you.”
“I love you too Twily.” Sparkler responded. “Goodnight.”
With that, they drifted off to sleep.
Back in her room, Melody decided to tap her new teddy bear again. It started playing an audio message from her mothers.
“Hello Melody. It’s Mom and Mommy Twi. We just wanted to say we love you very much. You’ve been through so much in your life already. But you weathered through it all and now you’ve reached your sixth birthday. We’re so proud of you. And we always will be. You may be our daughter now, rather than our son. But you’re still the amazing little foal we met back in November. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Keep showing the world why you were named Thunder Kicker originally. And remember, friendship is Magic, and will never fade away.”
All the sextuplets got teddy bears with similar messages, having gotten what Melody’s birth parents gave Kicker back when he was a baby. Melody couldn’t help but chuckle at the last part of her message, remembering the future she visited...but smiled all the same as she lit her horn and summoned the only other teddy bear she had like the one in her hooves, the one her birth parents made for her. She drifted off to sleep holding both bears.
In the morning. Twilight was stirred awake by Celestia’s sun. She fluttered her eyes open, expecting to see her fiancée…but initially didn’t find anything. She glanced around curiously…until she saw something that made her eyes snap open and drowsiness to go away instantly. She bolted upright and blinked. She looked down at her fiancée…but there was a problem, a small, baby sized problem.
Twilight stared at her slumbering fiancée for a moment, before something inside her snapped and she let out a very loud voice. “OH COME ON!“
Baby Sparkler sat there, crossing her forelegs and pouting. After being woken up by Twilight’s frustrated groan, she quickly discovered she had regressed back into a Foal, a BABY foal, suffice to say, she was in a sour mood.
Twilight, Celestia, Luna and Starlight stood around the table, Celestia scanning Sparkler.
“So…she just…was like this where you woke up?” Starlight asked Twilight.
“That’s exactly it.” Twilight responded. “I woke up and there was little baby Sparkler.”
Sparkler glared at Twilight when she said that. Luna couldn’t help but chuckle. “Apparently she didn’t like being called that.” She said.
“Oh don’t worry Sparkler.” Starlight said. “We’ll get you back to normal. A simple age spell—“
“That won’t work.” Celestia cut Starlight off as she finished her scan.
Starlight and Twilight Blinked. “What?” They asked in unison.
“No age spell will work to get Sparkler back to normal.” Celestia responded. “This is a very unique situation.”
“How so?” Twilight asked.
“If you recall, Sparkler is a Crystal Pony. As evidenced by my crown’s magic.” Celestia explained.
“Yeah. That was a massive clue.” Twilight responded. “How does that figure into this?”
“A Crystal Form takes energy to maintain.” Celestia responded. “And it’s not meant to be held for long periods of time.” She said.
Starlight blinked. “Wait, don’t tell me. Your crown forced her to keep her Crystal form for WAY longer than it was meant to in a single session and now her body needs to recover the energy lost.” She said.
“Exactly.” Celestia responded. “And no amount of age spells will speed it up.”
Twilight facehooved when she realized that. “Oh for the love of…how long will she be like this?” She asked.
“She should be back to normal as late as tomorrow. So long as she doesn’t Crystalize anymore or use magic.” Celestia responded.
“So we actually DON’T want her to be happy.” Luna said.
Starlight let out a groan. “Hasn’t Sparkler earned a break after this week? Why did this have to happen?”
“Because Flurry Heart had a runny nose.” Luna responded.
Sparkler listened, and made it clear she didn’t like what she heard by bursting into a temper tantrum. Screaming, crying, wailing and flailing around.
Twilight flinched and lit her horn, taking little Sparkler in her forelegs and trying to soothe her. “Hey, hey, it’s ok Sparky, there’s no need to cry.” She said, rocking her tiny fiancée. “Shhh. Shhh.”
Sparkler heard her fiancée’s words, and looked up at her all teary eyed. Seeing Twilight’s reassuring smile reduced her cries to mere whimpers. Twilight smiled as she continued to soothe the distraught little one. “It’s gonna be ok Sparky. You’ll be back to normal soon. Just remain calm.” She said.
Sparkler heard her words, and her whimpering ceased and a smile returned to her face. After a final sniffle, she nuzzled Twilight’s chest. Everypony around them breathed a sigh of relief. Starlight nodded. “Ok so if there’s no way to speed up the process, breakfast everypony?” She asked.
Everypony heard Sparkler’s tummy growl, and she blushed. Everypony chuckled and proceeded to the kitchen where everypony else was already eating.
Soon, Twilight, Starlight, and Flash were seeing everypony out. Now that all the visits were done. Fleur and Fancy, alongside Celestia, Luna, and Night Mare, went back to Canterlot, Cadence and Flurry Heart were due to go back to the Crystal Empire, , and Shining Armor was planning to take the kids to Summer Camp, the kids were all excited to go. “We are going to Little Hooves! We are going to Little Hooves! They all sing songed.
Twilight chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time over there.” She said. “But PLEASE. Stay safe.” She said. “Listen to Uncle Shining, and keep your phones on you at all times.” She told the kids.
“Don’t worry Twily, they’ll be safe at Camp Little Hooves.” He said.
“It’s their first time away from home without us.” Twilight deadpanned. “I think I can be forgiven for being worried.”
“Right. Anyway, alright kids, time to go.” Shining said.
The kids smiled and hugged their mother. “See ya mommy Twi!” They said.
“See you in two months and three weeks.” Twilight responded, hugging each of the kids.
Sparkler, who had been resting on Twilight’s back, poked her head from behind and giggled, waving at her kids. The kids smiled and waved back. “Bye mom! Hope to see you back to normal tomorrow when we video call!” Melody responded.
Everypony chuckled as the kids proceeded out the door. Shining smiled and waved goodbye, before being pulled in by Twilight to whisper into his ear. “Anything happens to them, Sparkler and I will be less than pleased.” Twilight warned.
“Twilight, relax. I deal with Flurry every day. And besides, I can handle a bunch of kids. Otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted the job as camp director.” Shining winked.
Sparkler narrowed her eyes at Shining while Twilight did the same. “Seriously Shining, do not let anything happen to them that isn’t on the Little Hooves brochure.” She said.
“Sure thing Twily.” Shining responded. Twilight let him go and he left. The door to the castle closed.
Starlight spoke after a moment. “And for the first time in your relationship.” She said to Sparkler and Twilight. “You two are without children to care for.” She said.
“Squawk! If only Sparkler wasn’t a FOAL today. Squawk!” Flappy, who had been watching the whole time, commented.
“Yeah.” Twilight said. “Sparkler and I had planned to go help Moondancer fix up the New Golden Oaks Library today…but I guess that’s not happening.”
Sparkler coughed to get Twilight’s attention. Twilight glanced behind at Sparkler, and saw her smiling and nodding. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What? You want to go to the Library?” She asked.
Sparkler nodded. She didn’t want Twilight to have to give up any plans she didn’t need to. Twilight smiled. “Alright. We’ll go to the Library.” She said. “But don’t try sparking or anything.” She told her.
Sparkler nodded, smiling. Flappy, smirked. “Squawk! I’ll go get Mr. Sing Song. Squawk!” He said.
“Mr who?” Starlight asked.
“Squawk! Mr. Sing Song. Her foalhood doll. Squawk!” Flappy responded.
“Ooh! Like Twilight’s doll Mr. Smartypants!” Spike responded.
“Ok I think that’s the end of that conversation.” Twilight said quickly, while blushing.
Sparkler giggled. Twilight flinched. “No, no, don't laugh please.” She said. “I never have, and never will again ask you to do this but please don’t be too happy. You could Crystalize and we DON’T want that.” She explained.
Sparkler snickered, before calming down. She wrapped her forelegs around Twilight’s neck. Twilight sighed when she didn’t Crystalize. “Faust I SO want to head right to the Crystal Empire and figure out where you came from once and for all but something tells me that’s a horrible idea right now.” She said.
“Maybe next week Twilight.” Flash responded.
Meanwhile, at the New Golden Oaks Library, what’s left of it anyway, Moondancer was organizing books by shelf and storing them on what tables were still intact. “Thank FAUST no books were lost the other day.” She commented. She smiled as her mind wandered to the previous day and the absolute beat down Sparkler gave the treacherous Blueblood. “Yes. His wealth should certainly help fund the repairs, and cover Library expenses for years to come.”
At that moment, her horn tingled, signaling a horn pulse incoming.
Cadence: Moondancer, it’s Cadence, got a moment to talk?
Moondancer’s eyes widened. A princess just horn pulsed her asking if she could talk. Moondancer lit her horn and pulsed back.
Moondancer: O-Of course Princess Cadence. What did you want to talk about?
Cadence: I’d like to talk to you about what happened when Twilight was restored to her proper age.
Moondancer’s heart sank as her mind raced. She’s the Princess of Love, of COURSE she could sense my crush on her sister-in-law! taking a deep breath. She pulsed a response.
Moondancer: I know what’s implied here, and I promise I won’t get in the way of Sparkler’s and Twilight’s relationship. Yes, I still have a crush on Twilight but Sparkler got to her first fair and square, and I am not one to steal special someponies.
Cadence: Good to know. But I actually wanted to ask you to make sure Twilight doesn’t break Sparkler’s heart by cheating on her. I root for what the heart wants. And if Twilight’s heart longs for you instead of Sparkler, that’s what her heart wants. But Sparkler has been through too much crap to be heartbroken by a deceptive love triangle.
Moondancer was a bit stunned. …I don’t even know how to respond to that.
Cadence: So if Twilight reaches out and extends her heart to you, make sure she’s at the very least planning to break up with Sparkler before any date. I’d rather her not be a cheater.
Moondancer blinked in pure confusion before her brain caught up with her. Coming up with a response, she horn pulsed back.
Moondancer: Cadence? Why would Twilight ever reach out to me romantically? She’s engaged to Sparkler. D-Does Twilight have a crush on me?
Moondancer didn’t know if Cadence would answer, but she figured she’d asked. I mean, it’s not like it would be a secret at this point. She’s happy with Sparkler. And besides, Twilight would never have a crush on me anyway. Sparkler offers her more than I ever— Moondancer was brought out of her thoughts by a Horn Pulse.
Cadence: She did, long ago, and if what I’ve been sensing this past week from her is any indication, that crush never left, and has actually resurfaced.
…you have GOT to be kidding me. Moondancer honestly didn’t know how she felt at that moment. Excitement? Anger? Confusion? Perplexed definitely. Cadence sent another Horn Pulse in the meantime.
Cadence: I do not know what is going to happen in the near future, but at least you now know you had a chance…and maybe you still do. Twilight’s Monogamy was never brought up. And Sparkler’s never talked about it. So who knows.
Moondancer blinked as the horn pulses came to an end. Did Cadence just imply the possibility of a three way relationship? It was something Moondancer never considered…but now that she thought about it, she wouldn’t mind two lovers. “Hmm…I wonder…” She idly said as she got out a notebook and started writing down a title.
“Research into possible three way relationship. Section one, Sparkker’s interests.”
She smiled. “Well this is going to be interesting.” She commented. She didn’t know whether she’d fall for Sparkler or not, but she knew the best case scenario would be if all three of them were mutually interested in each—
“Wait…does she know about the kiss?!” Moondancer realized something, Sparkler might not know what happened. She gulped, now extremely worried what Sparkler’s reaction would be if she ever found out.
Right then, she noticed from her peripheral vision that Twilight had arrived. She smiled. “Twilight! Hi. How’s it–” Moondancer stopped when she saw something on Twilight’s back. A clearer glance revealed a baby Sparkler. Moodnacer blinked, before shaking her head. “Not even going to ask.” She said. Deciding to ignore it.
“Probably for the best.” Twilight responded.
Moondancer nodded, and she and Twilight began cleaning up the library. Sparkler being occupied with Mr. Sing Song.
Later that evening, It was well after dinner and Twilight was reading to Sparkler in the Castle Library, about a few minutes into that session, Sparkler began to glow bright. Twilight squinted her eyes so as to not go blind. A few seconds later, the glowing dimmed and Twilight opened her eyes to see that her fiance was back to normal
“Sparkler! You’re finally back to normal!” She exclaimed excitedly.
Sparkler smiled as she examined herself. She then looked up. “Alright universe, If you have ANYTHING else planned, do it now before we officially write this off as DONE.” She called out.
Sparkler and Twilight looked around and waited for something to happen, but nothing did. After a few moments, Sparkler nodded. “Ok, we’re good.” She said.
Twilight beamed and wrapped Sparkler up in a hug. “FINALLY! We can put this thing to rest.” She said, relieved it was over.
Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. Now we can just have a fun summer.” She said. “You and me, having fun in Ponyville.”
“Forget Ponyville.” Twilight responded. “Now that you’re back to normal we can go to the Crystal Empire and once and for all solve the mystery of who you really are and where you come from!” She exclaimed excitedly.
Sparkler bit her lip. Twilight saw it and raised an eyebrow. “Sparkler? Aren’t you excited?” She asked.
Sparkler sighed. “Actually...I think I’ve moved on from the need to know where I came from.” She said.
Twilight blinked. “Pardon?” She asked, not understanding.
“Twilight, My desire to find out where I came from and why I’m an Alicorn stemmed mainly from me being alone most of my life. I had thought that if others like me existed, then I wouldn’t feel so alone anymore, and that I’d finally belong.” Sparkler explained. “But when I moved to Ponyville and met you. And eventually ended up being engaged to you, those desires were filled. Thanks to you, the kids, and Ponyviile, I found a place where I can belong. I'm not alone, and most importantly, I’m happy.” She said.
Twilight nodded, understanding where Sparkler was coming from. But still. “But Sparkler, we’re SO CLOSE. This is our first real clue since we found out you were adopted.” She said. “Don’t you want to find out?”
“I still do, but I don’t see the need anymore to make a special trip to do it.” Sparkler responded. “If we were going to the Crystal Empire for other reasons, sure. But the sole reason? Seems like more trouble than it’s worth.” She admitted.
After looking at Sparkler, Twilight relented. She could see Sparkler’s logic. “Alright, We’ll put it on hold.” She said. “We have time because we’re immortal.”
Sparkler nodded. “Exactly.” She said. “Now, wanna get back to reading?”
Twilight nodded, and they got back to reading, cuddling up against each other on the couch.
It was bright and early on a beautiful summer day in Equestria. Sparkler smiled as she carried a large crate that was just delivered in her magic. “Finally, it’s all here.” She said as she trotted into the kitchen where her lovely fiancée was drinking her coffee. “Delivery! The wiring from Pony Wire arrived!” She announced as she placed the crate on the floor.
Twilight beamed. “Perfect! Now we have everything we need for a complete tech makeover of this castle!” She exclaimed excitedly.
“Intercom system, a better radio broadcast solution, finally wiring up the stage room.” Sparkler listed off their planned upgrades. “And we can see if your converted radio dish works for our phones.”
Twilight beamed in excitement. It had been months in the making, but at last, everything arrived to improve the castle. Her personal favorite upgrade was a radio Dish that she tinkered with to be able to essentially ensure, in no uncertain terms, that the phones that Sparkler and the kids brought from the future actually worked as intended. “Not gonna lie Sparkler, when you guys brought back phones from the future, I was excited because it meant I had a chance to FINALLY experiment with a popular communication medium in the bipedal world.” Twilight explained.
Sparkler giggled. “Too bad you couldn’t duplicate my phone with the same functionality intact.” She said. The minute everything calmed down when they got back from Detroit, Twilight tried to clone Sparkler’s phone so that their whole family would have them.
Twilight smiled. “May not have been able to replicate the phone, but I have other means at my disposal.” She said as she lit her horn and summoned something Sparkler wasn’t expecting, a lavender phone that had Twilight’s Cutie Mark on it.
Sparkler blinked before her mind caught up with her. “How did you get that?” She asked.
“My friends in the Bipedal World were very helpful.” Twilight responded. “And my counterpart over there gave me a very detailed rundown on phones and how they work.” She explained.
Sparkler blinked. “Oh…” Sparkler remembered recently when Twilight left for the Bipedal world. “Is that why you went there?” She asked.
“Partly. I also just wanted to visit my friends there.” Twilight responded.
“Did you meet my counterpart there?” Sparkler asked.
Twilight shook her head. “No. And I did ask. Nopony knows your counterpart.” She said.
Sparkler nodded. A bit disappointed, but she wasn’t expecting a yes. After all it was one in a billion chance. “Well then, maybe that’s the first thing we should do.” She suggested. “Set up your little experiment.
“Yes!” Twilight responded, fluttering her wings cutely. “Let’s go set up the first cellular network in Equestrian history!”
Sparkler chuckled as she and Twilight opened the crate to get at its contents.
And so they got to work. Thanks to magic, they didn’t need to do anything special to jam the wires through the castle walls and run them all over the place. In time, Twilight found herself in the breaker room while Sparkler hovered near the tippy top of the castle to ensure everything was good with the cellular dish. “Thank goodness you DIYed your music studio Sparkler.” Twilight said through the walkie talkie. “That experience is gonna come in handy now.”
“I just can’t believe you never found the breaker room until yesterday.” Sparkler responded. “You lived here for how many years now?”
“In my defense.” Twilight responded. “I had no reason to look for it until now. In hindsight, probably should’ve found it earlier. Faust last night was tedious.”
Sparkler chuckled over the walkie talkie. In preparation for this project, Sparkler and Twilight located the breaker room of the castle, which conveniently was also in Sparkler’s house’s basement, and spent the whole evening mapping it out. Which took even longer now that both the castle and the house shared the same breaker box. “It was worth it though. Because now we know exactly where every electrical circuit goes.”
“Plus we have extra slots open for things like this cellular network. You ready up there Sparkler?” Twilight asked.
“Ready Twilight.” Sparkler responded. “Let’s light this candle.”
Twilight nodded and flipped down her safety goggles. After securing them, she held up a pair of wires and touched them together. There was a spark, and then a powering up sound. She smiled. “So far so good.” She magically summoned her phone and checked. Much to her delight, she saw that she had full bars. “Full bars, that’s a good sign.” She dialed Sparkler’s number and it rang. After a second, Sparkler picked up the phone.
“You are a go for chat.” Twilight heard Sparkler say.
Twilight smiled and hung up. She lit her horn and teleported to where Sparkler was, hovering in front of the cellular dish. “It works! It really works!” She exclaimed.
Sparkler smiled and put her phone away before hugging Twilight. “This was a good idea you had Twily!” She said. “We have a reliable method of communication over long distances now.”
Twilight and Sparkler hoof bumped and Twilight whipped out her phone again. “Let’s call the kids.” She said.
After dialing Melody’s number, they were delighted to see that the signal went through. After a nice video chat with the kids, and after meeting their sons’ cabinmates, Sparkler and Twilight resumed wiring up the castle, shifting their focus to the intercom system. Starlight helped with this project. Eventually, after testing every single intercom unit, they moved on to the last planned project, completing the ball room they had converted into a performance room for Sparkling Harmony Records. There were lights, some smoke machines, mics, speakers, and there were film cameras just in case Sparkler’s clients wanted to make a short film. Just like the cellular dish was Twilight’s pet project, this performance stage was Sparkler’s. After a bit, Sparkler hooked up the final light, and she, Twilight Flash Starlight and Flappy, his kids, and Maddy stood back.
Sparkler held her breath as she raised a remote. “Ok. Wiring’s done. Let’s see if this works.” She said.
“Squawk! Let’s make it shine. Squawk!” Flappy said.
Sparkler nodded, and pressed the button.
The stage lit up as the speakers blared to life. The lights reacted to the beat and overall everything was working as intended. Maddy barked happily as Flappy’s kids smiled widely. “Crow! It worked! Crow!” Flapperina exclaimed.
Maddy and the kids raced onto the stage and started to dance. Flappy smiled at Sparkler. “Squawk! Looks like we got another service to offer our clients. Squawk!” He said.
“Yeah!” Sparkler responded excitedly.
Twilight smiled, happy that her fiancée was happy. She listened to the music a bit and had an idea. “Hey Sparkler, wanna get up there and give the stage its inaugural performance?” She asked.
Everypony smiled and voiced their agreement. Sparkler smiled sheepishly, before agreeing. “Oh alright.” She said as she trotted up to the stage, summoning her guitar. “Let’s rock this castle! 5 4 3 2!” She started jamming on her guitar, putting SHR's newest expansion to good use.
Sparkler, Twilight, and Flash all flew side by side above Ponyville on a beautiful Summer morning. Twilight was all giddy and bursting with excitement. “It’s finally here, it’s finally happening. I’m so excited!” She kept saying.
Flash and Sparkler chuckled. They knew exactly why Twilight was so excited. “Excited about the grand opening are we?” Sparkler asked.
“I have been dreaming of this for the last two years! I loved the Golden Oaks Library when I first moved here and was devastated when Tirek destroyed it.” Twilight said excitedly. “But now its legacy can live on in The New Golden Oaks Library!”
Flash chuckled. “I can see you spending all your time there Twi.” He said.
“And why would I do that if I have my own Library in the castle?” Twilight asked.
“Does the Castle Library have a Moondancer you can fawn over?” Flash asked.
That got two reactions from the mares beside Flash. Twilight immediately blushed and gained a look of horror, while Sparkler gained a look of confusion. “What’re you talking about Flash?” She asked.
Before Flash could answer, Twilight cut him off. “Oh that’s just Flash being silly. Ehehe. Says stupid things all the time.” She responded. “Hey Sparkler, mind going ahead? I just remembered I need to talk to Flash about something. Top secret Royal Guard stuff.” Twilight asked, hoping Sparkler would go for it.
Sparkler stared at the two for a moment, before shrugging. “Alright. But don’t be late. I think Moondancer wouldn’t be happy.” She responded and flew ahead.
Once Twilight was sure Sparkler was out of earshot, she whirled around and gave Flash a terrifying death glare. “What, the, hay Flash!” She growled. “What the heck was all that about?”
“I thought you had a crush on Moondancer?” Flash asked.
“Who told you THAT?!” Twilight asked frantically.
“Cadence. She seemed adamant I make sure you don’t go behind Sparkler’s back.” Flash responded
Twilight’s eye twitched. Before grabbing Flash and pulling him to a cloud. “Alright, what do you know?” She asked when they landed on the cloud.
“I know you had and maybe still have? A crush on Moondancer and SSC week reawakened that crush.” Flash responded. “Particularly I know about a certain kiss.”
Twilight had a look of absolute horror, and a hint of seething anger at Cadence. “That information DOES NOT reach Sparkler’s ears.” She growled at Flash. “Understood?”
“You mean you haven’t told her yet?” Flash asked.
“NO!” Twilight growled. “Do you have any idea how Sparkler could react to that? She could very easily interpret it as me cheating on her, she could become so emotionally compromised that she could have a magical breakdown and she could literally DIE! Meaning I would’ve killed Sparkler!” Twilight exclaimed frantically.
“You don’t know that will happen.” Flash responded.
“It COULD. And that’s what scares the living daylights out of me. That, and another terrifying thing. My crush on Moondancer hasn’t gone away yet. My heart still flutters thinking about her!” Twilight said. “I feel like I’m being unfaithful to the most amazing mare in the world, and I don’t like that Flash!”
“So what are you going to do?” Flash asked.
“I’m gonna wait and see if this crush passes. It did once.” Twilight responded. “If it does, I’ll tell Sparkler about it, if not…I don’t know.” She said.
“Want my advice? You should tell her soon regardless.” Flash responded. “She might explode, but she’ll want to hear it from you rather than a secondhoof source.” He reasoned.
“I know.” Twilight sighed. “It’s just we’ve been through so much together in such a short time. Hay, we have 11 kids off at camp right now. I just don’t want to give her a reason to think I don’t love her anymore when that couldn’t be farther from the truth.” She explained.
“Have you ever thought about polyamory?” Flash asked. “If your crush doesn’t fade, no reason why you can’t have both.”
Twilight blinked. She never even considered that she could have two lovers. But now that she was thinking about it… “Flash, that might have been the first thing out of your mouth today that I don’t want to kill you over.” She said. “That could certainly be an option, so long as Sparkler’s ok with it.”
Meanwhile, Sparkler came in for a landing in a gathered crowd. Moondancer saw her land and frowned. “Sparkler? Where’s Twilight? I expected her to show up with you.” She said.
“She’s talking to Flash about something.” Sparkler responded. “She’ll be here.”
“Good. She has been the most vocal proponent for this Library to be a thing and it would SO not be her if she didn’t come to the grand opening.” Moondancer said. “Er, barring mandatory princess duties or friendship missions.” She added.
Sparkler laughed. “She cleared her schedule just to be here. She’s not missing this thing for the world.” She said.
“Good. Maybe after this the three of us can sit down and read about the history of music.” Moondancer mused.
Sparkler chuckled. “I could probably TEACH that topic to anypony with the amount of musical history I’ve consumed over the years.” She commented.
“I bet you could.” Moondancer responded, both mares chuckled.
After a moment, they settled down, and Moondancer let out a discreet gulp. “Hey Sparkler?” She asked.
“Hm?” Sparkler responded.
Moondancer took a deep breath, she had decided that she was obligated to let Sparkler know this. “There’s something you should know. Something that happened the week of the Summer Sun Celebration.” She said.
Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “What’s that Moondancer?” She asked.
“When we turned Twilight back to her original age, before her mind could catch up, she was all happy and excited and in that excitement…she kissed me like she kisses you everyday.” Moondancer revealed.
Sparkler blinked. “Pardon?” She asked, not entirely sure what Moondancer was saying.
“She kissed me when she returned to the right age. And it wasn’t just an excited kiss, it was a genuine, heartfelt kiss you’d only give to your significant other.” Moondancer explained, bracing herself for the potential outburst.
“She kissed you?” Sparkler asked.
“On the lips, yeah.” Moondancer responded.
Sparkler blinked as she stared at Moonancer in confusion. “Uh…ok?” She responded, not sure how else to respond.
“I just thought you should know. As well as that fact that while I do have a crush on Twilight, I won’t get in the way. You got to her first fair and square.” Moondancer responded.
Somehow, THAT got Sparkler’s mind going. “Wait, she kissed you, and you have a crush on her…” Her mind was racing. Is Twilight cheating on me?! was one such thought that came to her mind.
“Yes. But I promise nothing’s going on between us.” Moondancer responded. “It was probably just a heat of the moment thing. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Moondancer pinkie promised.
As they both heard the ominous forever from Pinkie, Sparkler stared at her, before nodding. “Ok…thanks for letting me know Moondancer.” She responded, several things cropping up in her mind.
“Sure thing Sparkler. I’m sure you and Twilight will be very happy wives together.” Moondancer responded, glad to have that off her chest.
Sparkler nodded as Twilight and Flash arrived, and while Sparkler was confident that Twilight wouldn’t outright cheat on her with another pony, that didn’t stop the fear from creeping up in her mind. She glanced at Twilight. I’ll give her some time if she was planning to tell me. But someday soon we’ll have to have a talk about that. If only to make sure our relationship is safe. She thought as the grand opening ceremony began. She knew that her love for Twilight was as strong as ever, but she didn’t know if Twilight’s love for her was wavering or not. Even if she was confident about it.
“Well my lovely Fluttershy! It’s been fun. But I must return to my realm for a nice chaotic recharge.” Discord told his marefriend Fluttershy. Whom he had spent the day with, because of course.
“Aww. But I wanted to snuggle my favorite draconegus tonight.” Fluttershy whined, clearly disappointed that he couldn’t stay the night.
“Oh I know my fluffy love.” Discord responded as he hugged Fluttershy. “But alas, I cannot remain in this realm forever without risking losing my magic. That stone prison really messed with me…although I do see now that I…MAY have deserved it.” He relented.
“At least you’re good now. I like you better on our side rather than the villain’s side.” Fluttershy said, snuggling up to Discord.
Discord nodded. “Yeah. Me too.” He said. After a moment, he let go of Fluttershy. “Right, I shall see you soon my precious Animal Lover!” He said as he snapped his fingers and popped away.
Fluttershy sighed and smiled. “One of these days Fluttershy, one of these days.” She told herself as she trotted into the kitchen to start feeding her animal tenants…or not. Because her ears picked up a faint sound coming from her front door. Almost like, pawing? Curious, she walked to the front door and opened it, she looked all around, and when she looked down, gasped. In front of her was a…she believed it was a…ok she couldn’t figure out what it was but it had horns, and it looked like it was built like a purple lizard. The creature was looking at Fluttershy with almost pleading eyes.
After coming out of her shock, Fluttershy lowered her head to be eye level with the creature. “Aww. What’s wrong little one?” She asked. “Are you lost?”
The creature shook its head as its tummy rumbled. An indication it was hungry. “Oh, you’re hungry.” Fluttershy responded. The creature nodded and Fluttershy smiled. “Alright. Come on in.” She said, letting the creature inside.
The creature gave out a weak roar in gratitude as it hopped into the cottage. Fluttershy led it to the kitchen. “What do you eat?” Fluttershy asked the creature.
The creature roared in response. Fluttershy, who normally spoke all creature’s languages, was shocked to find she could not understand her new friend’s language. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Fluttershy asked.
The creature roared again. Fluttershy listened extra carefully this time, and she confirmed that she could not speak whatever language this creature was speaking. “I…I’m sorry, I can’t understand you.” She told the creature. Thinking of another solution, she opened up her cabinets to reveal the food inside. “Can you show me what you eat?” She asked the creature.
The creature nodded, and proceeded to hop onto Fluttershy’s back to see what was inside the cabinet. After a moment of searching, the creature pointed to a bottle of hot sauce. Fluttershy smiled. “You eat hot sauce?” She asked.
The creature nodded in response. Fluttershy proceeded to get out the hot sauce and opened the bottle. “Here you go.” She said, handing the creature the bottle. “Careful, it’s hot.”
The creature nodded and proceeded to down the whole bottle of hot sauce, like it was nothing.
Fluttershy watched in disbelief as the bottle emptied completely. Once done, the creature put down the bottle, and let out a burp. Fluttershy blinked, making a mental note to herself to stock up on Hot Sauce, if it was all this creature ate. The creature meanwhile smiled at Fluttershy and nuzzled her. Clearly grateful for the meal. Fluttershy giggled. “Are you in need of a home little one?” She asked.
The next day, it was the day of the weekly pet playdate. While Twilight and the girls all talked on a picnic blanket, waiting for Fluttershy, Flappy and his three kids were watching Maddy chase around a terrified Opal. Maddy was more trying to play with Opal, but Opal wasn’t having it. Flappy laughed. “Squawk! Maddy Medley. Best addition to the family since Melody. And you three of course. Squawk!” He said.
“Squeak! Why do dogs and cats hate each other generally? Squeak!” Pecker asked.
“Crow! Yeah. I don’t get it. Crow!” Flapperina said.
Flappy shrugged. “Squawk! I honestly have no idea. Squawk!” He said. “Squawk! But hey, ever since Maddy came along Opal hasn’t given us any trouble. So I sure as heck ain’t complaining. Squawk!” He explained.
Meanwhile, Pinkie was going a million miles a minute talking about potential wedding plans with Sparkler and Twilight. “We could have the both of you walking down the aisle to the song Marry You, your kids could be ring bearers and flower foals, We could have Ice Sculptures depicting all your best moments together, OOH THIS IS SO EXCITING!” Pinkie exclaimed.
Sparkler and Twilight couldn’t help but laugh hearing Pinkie’s mouth flying off to the races. After careful consideration, they had decided to let Pinkie Pie be the primary wedding planner. Something Pinkie Pie readily agreed to, revealing preliminary ideas that she had pre thought up. So far Pinkie had not suggested anything outlandish for the wedding, but they did already tell her that they wanted the event in Ponyville, and that they just wanted their friends and family there. Two stipulations Pinkie had gladly accepted.
“Ooh! Sparkler! Twilight! What do you two say to a wonderbolts salute? Like what we did with Sparkler’s birthday. Dashie can probably convince them a second time!” Pinkie suggested. “Imagine them drawing your combined Cutie Marks in the sky!”
Rainbow perked up at that suggestion. “Yeah. I’m sure I can convince them to do it. After all, it’s for one of Equestria’s greatest heroes, and a former acting princess, with a fan club.” She added, smirking at Sparkler.
Sparkler laughed. It took all of two minutes for the jokes to start about her short reign as acting princess. And she caught a glimpse of that fan club that one colt told her about. Which only added to the jokes. “I always thought that IF I were to get a fan club, it would be because of my music career.” She commented.
“Fate likes to throw curveballs at us darling.” Rarity responded.
“Totally.” Sparkler agreed.
“I’m so sorry I’m late everypony!” Everypony heard Fluttershy saying. They turned to see Fluttershy land on the ground in front of them.
Applejack smiled at Fluttershy. “Well about time y’all got here. What kept ya Sugarcube?” She asked.
“I had to run to the store and get a lot of Hot Sauce for a new tenant at my cottage.” Fluttershy responded as she sat on the picnic blanket with her friends.
“Does your new tenant only eat hot sauce?” Rainbow asked, confused.
Fluttershy shrugged. “Not sure, but he did only point to the hot sauce last night. Ron? Would you like to come out and say hi?” She asked as she turned her head to look behind her.
Everypony watched as a little purple lizard-like creature poked its head out from behind Fluttershy’s head, and after a second’s hesitation, the creature hopped off her back and into the middle of the circle of mares, and then waved at them, smiling nervously.
Rarity smiled. “Aww. What an adorable little fella.” She said.
“This is Ron. I’m not entirely sure what he is but he looks like a purple lizard.” Fluttershy explained.
“Well whatever he is, he’s cute.” Sparkler responded.
Off in the distance, Clear-Cut just spied the creature through his magnivision, and his eyes just retracted back into its sockets after they bulged out in surprise. “Space blast.” He said.
“What?” Fletcher, who was hiding with Clear Cut in the bushes, said.
Clear-Cut handed Fletcher binoculars and pointed towards the group, Fletcher looked through the binoculars, and saw the new creature. “Hm. Looks like Fluttershy has a new friend.”
“No!” Clear-Cut hissed. “That is not a new friend. That is a threat that must be eliminated.” He said.
Fletcher looked at the creature again, and then back at Clear-Cut, confused. “Cut, what’s the matter with you? The creature looks harmless.” He said.
“Harmless? Have you forgotten what I told you? That monster is of the same class as that monster that attacked during the week of Sparkler’s reign, and from so long ago that forced Sparkler to Saddle Arabia in the first place!” Clear-Cut hissed.
“I think you might be overreacting pal.” Fletcher responded. “I’m not seeing anything dangerous. Or at the very least nothing that Sparkler can’t handle on her own.”
“You say that now. But just wait.” Clear-Cut said. “I don’t know what that little menace is planning, but it’s nothing good.” He insisted.
Fletcher rolled his eyes. “Ok. Yeah. Can we get back to watching for ACTUAL threats now?” He asked. “Such as that darkness you said draws near?”
Clear-Cut groveled a bit. “Mark my words. That little menace is evil. I know it.” He said.
“Too bad you didn’t get called to come with us Sparkler.” Twilight said at the train station on a bright Sunny morning in Ponyville.
Sparkler chuckled. The Cutie Map had called Twilight, and Starlight, on a friendship mission. “Yeah well, I think the map realized the overall mistake it made when it sent me to Saddle Arabia when it surely saw that Brad moved here a week later. And correctly deduced that I was less than pleased with it.” She responded, making the three mares chuckle.
“It’s scared of you now.” Starlight joked. “Terrified you’ll mangle it if it ticks you off again.”
“I just might.” Sparkler joked. The three mares laughed some more. “Seriously though, I totally would go with you anyway to Califoalnia, but Airwave and I need to record songs today for his new Album.” She explained. Her excitement about that prospect causing her to Crystalize.
Starlight laughed when Sparkler took Crystal form. “Ok now I can confirm once and for all that makes you happy.” She said.
Twilight chuckled at that as Sparkler rolled her eyes. Just as the princess jokes started, so did the jokes that now they could tell instantly if Sparkler was really happy. “Ha ha. Hilarious Starlight.” She said. “But ya know what? I’m actually glad that cursed crown activated my apparent crystalling power. So is Twilight. For reasons I can’t get into because this story isn’t tagged for it.” She told them.
Twilight blushed like mad while Starlight laughed. “Oh, I see.” She said.
At that moment, the whistle blew from the train, a final call before it went off. Twilight took the chance to usher Starlight inside. “Welp, that’s our cue to get out of here.” She said, shooting Sparkler a ‘You’re lucky I love you’ look. One that Sparkler chuckled at. With finally goodbyes and a sweet goodbye kiss, followed by the promise to call every day, Sparkler watched as the train departed, carrying her lover and Starlight away. Once the train was out of sight, Sparkler left the train station back into Ponyville, with Flash catching up to her once she left the station.
“So, Spike’s off in the dragon lands showing Gabby where his origin place, Flappy and his kids are in Canterlot visiting Mina. And with Twilight and Starlight on a friendship mission, that makes it just the two of us at the castle.” Flash commented.
“Yep.” Sparkler responded. “Huh. The last time a house I lived in was that empty was before Melody came into my life.” She said.
“And now you have 11 kids about to marry the Princess of Friendship and have BEEN a princess for a week.” Flash said.
“Speaking of, Flash you know you don’t have to follow me around everywhere right?” Sparkler asked. “You coulda just stayed back at the castle.”
“Technically you’ve been elevated in status now as an abdicated princess. Even though you were only an acting princess. That makes you more of a target for a certain group of ponies who set that monster on you.” Flash explained. “So you could say I’m keeping the guard up.”
Sparkler laughed. “Ok, I will admit you’re making sense.” She told Flash.
“Yo! Sparkler! Flash!” Called out a familiar voice.
Flash and Sparkler turned to see Derpy trotting towards them with her mail cart. Sparkler smiled. “Hey Derpy. What’s up?” She asked.
“Nothing much. You?” Derpy asked.
“Nothing out of the ordinary.” Flash responded.
“Cool. Anywho, since you’re here I don’t need to go all the way to the castle. Got some mail for the both of you.” Derpy said. She reached into her bag and pulled out two letters, one for each of them. “Here ya go.” She said.
“Thanks Derpy.” Sparkler and Flash responded as they took the letters.
“See ya around guys.” Derpy said happily before she trotted off.
With her gone, Sparkler and Flash looked at their mail. Flash saw it was from the castle. “Hm, letter from the castle.” He commented as he opened the letter and read it, his eyes widened and he got a big grin. “Finally!” He exclaimed.
“What is it?” Sparkler asked, curious.
“Got an order to report to Canterlot next week. Flash is getting a much needed armaments upgrade baby!” He said, clearly excited.
Sparkler chuckled as she opened her envelope. “You talked to Celestia after that monster knocked you out?” Sparkler asked.
“Before she even left.” Flash responded. “
Sparkler chuckled as she looked through her own letter, while the both of them started walking back to the castle. The Letter was from Star Sound.
Dear Sparkler,
I hope this letter finds you well. And if not, I do hope that I can put a smile on your face today.
Originally I would have come in pony to talk to you about this but something came up last minute. If the Harmonic Medleys are available and interested, I have been talking to some big names in the industry about possibly setting up collaborations with your band. Big names such as Sapphire Shores. She was particularly enthusiastic about the idea.
At the reading of Sapphire Shores’ enthusiasm, Sparkler’s jaw dropped. “Sapphire Shores?!“ She exclaimed. “The biggest star in the pop genre of music wants to collab with the Harmonic Medleys?!”
“Whoa.” Flash responded. “For real?”
Sparkler kept on reading the letter.
I realize that this is all coming out of the blue and I never actually talked to you first, but your incursions into the musical world, both through your work with Airwave and your own projects, it’s clear that you have real, solid potential. Think about this opportunity, I look forward to hearing your reply.
Keep on rocking, Star Sound
Sparkler reread the letter twice, but still couldn’t believe it. “Holy horsecrap.” She said. “Flash did I read this right?”
Flash glanced over the letter. “Yep. You did.” He said.
At that moment, Sparkler stopped and stood stock still and stiff, before her right leg twitched and her left wing flapped once before folding back in. “My Sparkler sense is tingling.” She said. “Something musically impressive is going down.”
Flash laughed. He knew what Sparkler was talking about. “Sparkler sense eh? That’s what you’re calling it?” He asked.
Sparkler nodded. It came as an absolute shock to her when it first happened, but along with her crystalizing power, the crown also activated some sort of Pinkie Sense level power that enabled her to locate something near her that was musically impressive. An ability that came to light when she was near Sweetie Belle that one time at the park, when the Unicorn Filly had been singing. “I’m honestly not sure if putting that crown on me was a mistake or not. Because it gave me something to have in common with Pinkie, something I’d rather not have in common with her.” She said, shivering. “But since I have it, let’s check it out.” She said.
So she and Flash took off in a gallop to where her newfound sense was leading, and they quickly began to hear music from the distance. They turned a corner and saw a crowd of ponies gathered, and they were clearly encouraging something.
After glancing at each other, Sparkler and Flash joined the crowd and managed to wiggle there way through to see what was going on, and when they got to see it, their jaws hit the deck in absolute shock.
Sparkler and Flash stood there and watched in shock as SAPPHIRE SHORES and who were presumably two of her backup dancers broke it down in the open circle of the crowd, with Sapphire singing a song to boot. And they were pulling off some sick moves.
Sparkler watched the show and was struggling to process what was going on. The letter she got from Star Sound mentioned Sapphire Shores…and now she was STANDING in the direct vicinity of the famous music artist. Almost like the letter was foreshadowing. Did…did Sapphire Shores jump the haybale a bit? She thought, Sapphire was very likely to be here to do that collab.
“Holy horsecrap, she’s good.” Flash commented to her.
Sparkler could only nod in agreement as the performance came to an end.
Sapphire Shores smiled as the crowd applauded. “Aww. Thank you everypony! So glad you enjoyed it!” She called out to the crowd.
As the crowd began dispersing, some after getting autographs, Flash leaned in and whispered to Sparkler. “Might be a good time for an emergency band meeting. That letter and her showing up on the same day is a sign.”
Sparkler blinked, before whispering back to Flash. “Assemble the band members at sugar cube corner. Now.” She told him.
Flash nodded and took off. Leaving Sparkler alone.
Sapphire glanced around at the dispersing crowd, until she came to lay eyes on Sparkler. She smiled as the description of Sparkler matched that which Star Sound gave her. “Ah! You must be Sparkler.” She said as she approached the now shellshocked frozen Alicorn. “The rising star Star Sound has told me so much about.”
It was at that moment that Sparkler had a thought she never expected to have. Somepony made a slip up, and it wasn’t on our end. Her mind started running through possible explanations while she found it in herself to respond. “Uhm…yes, that’s me. I…it’s an honor to meet you Sapphire Shores.” She said.
Sapphire smiled as she shook Sparkler’s hoof. “I gotta tell ya Sparks, when Star Sound first told me about you and your band and showed me some of your work, I knew any collaboration the Harmonic Medleys and I did would be a real head banger. Has Star Sound talked to you about that? A potential Collab?” She asked.
Sparkler so very much wanted to hide under a bed right then. She was basically caught naked with her tail between her legs. “Uhm…well…” She gulped. “I uh…he sent me a letter and I only got it about 5 minutes ago.” She admitted. “We hadn’t had time to think about it.”
Sapphire’s smiled faded as she raised an eyebrow. “Huh? I thought he was coming to talk to you in pony?” She asked, confused.
“He planned to, but something came up last minute so he sent a letter instead.” Sparkler explained.
Sapphire nodded and Sparkler could see that she was becoming embarrassed. “I…I jumped the haybale didn’t I?” She deduced.
“…maybe a little.” Sparkler admitted. “Sorry.”
Sapphire shook her head. “No, no it was my fault, I got too excited. I just love it when I get to collab with other artists in the music business.” She explained.
Sparkler nodded sympathetically. She understood that feeling all too well. Getting to work with others in her industry. She remembered how excited she was when Airwave first came to her. It was a dream come true.
After a silence had befallen the two, Sparkler broke it. “Well, I mean, we can look at the bright side, may have been out of the blue but I personally wouldn’t say no to collaborating.” She told Sapphire.
That lifted Sapphire’s spirits a little. Sparkler continued. “Look, I gotta consult with my band but I’m pretty sure they’ll be open to it, give me say…an hour or so and there’ll be a definitive answer.” She told Sapphire.
Sapphire beamed, smiling again. “That would be great. Thank you Sparkler.” She said. “And…sorry again for dropping this on you like this. Error on mine and Star Sound’s ends.” She said.
Sparkler nodded, and took off, headed for Sugar Cube Corner
Flash had gathered the other members of the Harmonic Medleys and they now sat in a booth in sugar cube corner. “Wait wait wait, Star Sound sent Sparkler a letter mentioning Collabs with other names in music?” Chroma asked.
“And today, Sapphire Shores just HAPPENS to be in town the same day Sparkler gets that letter?” Feathers asked.
“Yes and yes.” Flash responded. “I doubt it’s a coincidence.”
“You think Sapphire’s here to collab with us?” Autumn asked.
“Possibly.” Flash responded.
“She sure jumped the haybale there didn’t she.” Chroma commented.
“Yeah.” Flash responded.
At that moment, Sparkler burst through the doors of the bakery and galloped to her bandmates. “Guys! Emergency Harmonic Medleys meeting!” She called.
“Whoa. Calm down there Medley. Flash already told us what happened.” Chroma responded. “Is Sapphire here to collab?”
“Yeah she is!” Sparkler responded excitedly, her excitement causing her to Crystalize.
Her bandmates blinked at her transformation, Feathers chuckled after a moment. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you crysalizing Sparks.” She said.
“Though it does suit you.” Autumn added.
Sparkler just smiled and shook her head. “I blame the crown.” She said. “But that’s not important right now. So, what do you guys think of this collab idea?” She asked.
“Oh I am SO down for it.” Chroma responded. “I love the idea of collaborating.” She said.
“I won’t say no.” Autumn responded.
“Neither will I. It could be a lot of fun.” Feathers said.
“Count me in 100%.” Flash said.
“Great! Come on, let’s go find her and then we’ll go to the castle to start writing a song.” Sparkler said.
At that moment, Sparkler received a horn pulse…from Airwave.
Airwave: Yo Sparkler, are you busy? A good friend of mine just arrived that I’m sure you’d like to meet. We’re at ElectroScratch.
Sparkler blinked. A sneaking suspicion cropping up of who Airwave’s friend was. “I think I know where Sapphire is.” She said.
“Where?” Asked her bandmates.
“Vinyl’s place. Airwave just Horn Pulsed me, says he wants to introduce me to a friend of his.” Sparkler explained. “I bet it’s Sapphire.”
“Want us to head to the Castle while you go get Sapphire?” Autumn asked.
“Sure.” Sparkler responded.
So, while the Harmonic Medleys left for the castle, Sparkler made a b-line for ElectroScratch. Making it there in only a moment. She swiftly made her way down the stairs and immediately saw Airwave with exactly who she suspected he was with, Sapphire.
Airwave saw Sparkler off his peripheral vision and glanced to the stairs to see his friend approach. “Yo Sparkler! Nice of you to join us.” He said.
Sparkler smiled. “Morning Airwave. Lyrica still at home?” She asked.
“Yeah.” Airwave responded. “Another tour around Equestria tired her out.”
“The downside of touring.” Sapphire commented. “Lot of late nights.”
“I can second that.” Sparkler responded.
“Yeah. So, Sapphire, this is my friend I told you about. Sparkling Medley.” Airwave told Sapphire.
“Yeah. We’ve met already.” Sapphire revealed.
“Yeah. She was making a show for a crowd that my Sparkler Sense detected.” Sparkler explained.
“Oh. Cool!” Airwave responded.
“Though May I ask how you two know each other?” Sparkler asked.
“We’ve been friends for quite a while. Did a collab together before Star Records went ablaze.” Sapphire explained.
Sparkler’s eyes widened as her brain connected the dots. “Right! Face to Face. That song’s one of Airwave’s most famous works. Top of all charts for a record breaking 2 months.” Sparkler stated. “I listened to it constantly when it came out.”
Sapphire chuckled. “Sounds like you’re a fan.” She deduced.
“Big fan.” Airwave responded.
“Yep.” Sparkler admitted, with no shame whatsoever.
Sapphire chuckled. “So, Sparkler, have you talked to your band yet about collabing?” She asked Sparkler.
“Huh?” Airwave asked. “Collabing?”
“Long story Wave. Courtesy of Star Sound.” Sparkler responded before directing her attention to Sapphire. “And yes Sapphire, I have. And the Harmonic Medleys are in.” She announced.
“Sweet!” Sapphire responded, excited.
Sparkler smiled as she turned to Airwave. “Ahem, you don’t mind taking a raincheck on the plan to record songs for your album…do you?” She asked.
Airwave chuckled. “Nah, I don’t mind at all.” He said. “I’m happy for you actually. You’re being recognized for the Star you are.”
Sparkler blushed at Airwave’s words while Sapphire had an idea. “Hey. You know what would be fun? If Airwave joined in on the fun. A three-way collab!” She suggested.
While Airwave smiled, and said he wouldn’t say no, Sparkler meanwhile wondered if this was a dream. Luna I swear to Faust if this IS a dream, do not DARE interrupt it! She thought. Sparkler smiled after a moment to process what was happening. “Well then let’s get to the castle and start writing a song.” She proposed.
And so they did. Once the three got to the castle, they met up with the other members of the Harmonic Medleys and got to work.
Sparkler trotted into her bedroom after brushing her teeth and getting ready for bed. She could not stop smiling after the productive day she had with her band and Airwave and Sapphire Shores. “The Harmonic Medleys, Airwave, and Sapphire Shores. I can’t wait to see the final product of our collab.” She said as she hopped into bed and snuggled up to her life sized Twilight plushie from Griffonstone. “Now I’m glad that Griffon made these. Gives me something to snuggle.” She commented.
At that moment, she heard her phone go off with the ringtone she set for it, the song she used for her first music festival in Ponyville. One of the best days of my life. She thought as she looked at who was calling and answered to hear Twilight’s voice. “You’ve reached Sparkling Medley, go.” She said.
“How’s my favorite Alicorn?” Asked Twilight.
“I can’t stop smiling today Twi. You’ll never believe what happened.” Sparkler responded.
“Try me. Remember where we’re living.”
“The Harmonic Medleys are joining forces with Sapphire Shores and Airwave for a three way collab project!” Sparkler announced excitedly.
“No way! That’s so awesome! Congratulations!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly.
“Thanks!” Sparkler responded.
Maddy, who was laying in bed with Sparkler, barked happily and licked her face. Sparkler chuckled. “So, yeah. We’re planning on performing the song live when it’s done. Hopefully you’re back by then.” She told Twilight.
“We’ll see. The friendship mission is gonna be delayed a day because one of the parties involved had to leave for a business meeting. She out logicked me by saying friendship isn’t as important as keeping food on the table at the end of the day.” Twilight responded.
“She has a point.” Sparkler responded. “Gotta pay the bills.”
“Right.” Twilight relented.
“So. You and Starlight gonna have fun in Califoalnia in the meantime?” Sparkler asked.
“I guess we’ll go to the amusement park tomorrow.” Twilight responded. “Though I refuse to go on that tunnel of love ride without you there.” She added.
“I would never have even known if you just never said anything.” Sparkler teased.
“I would never be unfaithful to my fiancé. Plain and simple.” Twilight shot back.
“Good to hear.” Sparkler responded.
“Yeah.” Twilight responded. “Hey Sparkler? Mind if we have a talk when I get back? I need to talk to you about something important.” She asked.
“Why not just do it over the phone?” Sparkler asked.
“It’s uh…it’s better if we talked in pony.” Twilight responded. “Please?”
Sparkler bit her lip. It’s probably about that kiss. She thought before replying. “Uh sure. Yeah sure Twi. We can talk when you get back.” She said.
“Great. See you day after tomorrow hopefully.” Twilight said. “I love you.” She added.
“Love you too Twily, have a good night.” Sparkler said.
With that, the connection was cut.
Several miles away from Ponyville, in Califoalnia, Twilight let out a sigh as she put down the phone. “Faust I hope she doesn’t get too mad at me.” She said.
“You mean that kiss with Moondancer?” Starlight, who was in the room, asked.
“Yeah. That’s what I mean.” Twilight responded. “In my excitement to being back to normal I committed the worst crime in romance, I kissed another as I kiss my lover.” She said.
“Oh come on Twi, that was because your brain needed a moment to catch up. It was a heat of the moment thing. I’m sure Sparkler will forgive you.” Starlight told her.
“Except it’s not just that. My old crush on Moondancer resurfaced and has not gone away yet. I have tried to forget about Moondancer, but every time I just wind up daydreaming about snuggling both her and Sparkler in bed.” Twilight responded. “I think I’ve actually fallen for Moondancer alongside Sparkler.”
“Well at least you aren’t denying it like last time.” Starlight joked, Twilight gave her a very unamused glare. Starlight stopped laughing and cleared her throat. “Sorry. Bad joke.” She said. “Look, whether Sparkler is happy with you for this or not, she’ll appreciate that you didn’t try to hide this more than you already did. And even then, it was only to ensure you weren’t going to make a big deal out of nothing.” She explained. “It’s better to be honest than deceitful.”
“Still, I’m really, REALLY worried that Sparkler’s gonna have a magical breakdown from this. She’ll have a breakdown, nopony will be able to stop it, she’ll explode. And now she’s gone and it’s all my fault!” Twilight panicked. “I killed Sparkler!”
“Twilight! Calm down!” Starlight told her. “Relax. She’s not dead yet.”
Twilight took a deep breath, like Cadence taught her, and calmed down. “I’m just really scared.” She said.
“Yeah. It’s hard knowing your lover can blow up if she becomes too emotionally compromised.” Starlight said. “But sometimes, you just gotta take that risk. It’s better if she knew it upfront rather than behind her back.” She said.
Twilight sighted. Starlight was right. “You're right…we need to have this talk.”
“The sooner the better.” Starlight responded. She hugged Twilight before smiling. “So, you think Sparkler’s monogamous or would she not mind having multiple lovers?” She asked jokingly.
Twilight blushed like mad. “Uhm…I don’t think even she knows.” She said. “I mean, given her history.”
“Are you gonna ask?” Starlight asked. “Because the best case scenario is probably all three of you loving each other mutually.” She reasoned.
“That would be the best case scenario.” Twilight admitted. “If we could all love each other.” She sighed. “But I’m not gonna ask. At least not yet.”
“Alright but you might want to hurry. Otherwise Moondancer could be stolen from you.” Starlight said.
Twilight deadpanned. “If I had to choose between Moondancer and Sparkler if I could only have one lover, I would choose Sparkler. Plain and simple.” She said. “Sure my heart yearns for Moondancer now too, but Sparkler trumps Moondancer. Every variable taken into consideration.”
Starlight laughed. “Better not let Moondancer hear that.” She said.
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get to bed.” She said.
The next day, back in Ponyville, Sapphire and Sparkler left Ponyville General after getting one of Sapphire’s injured backup dancers there. “I told him not to try that Quadra Tiger Sashé. It’s the most difficult and risky dance move ever created.” Sapphire said, sighing.
“The only one to successfully compete that move is its creator, Beat Drop.” Sparkler responded. “Over 100 years ago.” She added.
Sapphire raised an eyebrow at Sparkler. “How do you know that? Very few ponies know that little known fact.” She asked.
“I had a lot of free time growing up. Musical history was a genre I consumed a lot.” Sparkler responded.
“Huh. You really are a musical nut aren’t you.” Sapphire said with a chuckle.
“My cutie mark is in music. What did you expect?” Sparkler responded, chuckling as well.
The two chuckled for a moment before calming down as they continued their walk. “So, I don’t suppose you know anypony who can bust a move on short notice?” Sapphire asked Sparkler.
“Unless my Sparkler Sense happens to point us to a superb dancer, we might be out of—“ Sparkler was cut off when her right wing flapped up and down once, and her hooves tapped and her right hoove pushed out to point to a specific direction, and all that was in rhythm.
Sapphire was nearly hit with the wing and stepped back to avoid another hit. “Whoa, Sparkler, what was that?” She asked.
Sparkler blinked, taking a moment to process what was going on. “My Sparkler sense just went off. Something musically impressive is going down.” She glanced to see where her hoof was pointing, and saw it point directly at the New Golden Oaks Library. “The NGOL…But the only pony I know to be there right now is…”
“Think it’s worth checking out?” Sapphire asked.
“My sense so far has pointed me in the right direction, might as well.” Sparkler responded.
So they took off for the New Golden Oaks Library, as they approached the door, they heard music coming from inside. Sapphire’s eyes widened as she recognized the song being played. “It’s one of my songs. Lucky Star.” She said.
“Sure sounds like it.” Sparkler responded before she opened the door.
Almost immediately, Sparkler and Sapphire saw the reason Sparkler’s sense went off. There, in the middle of the library with her horn lit, was Moondancer, living up to the DANCER part of her name, because she could absolutely bust a move.
Moondancer continued to bust a move, and actually sang along with the lyrics. She was completely oblivious to the fact that she now had a two pony audience. Sparkler stood there slack jawed, unable to tear her eyes away from the apparent breakdancing genius in front of her. Sweet freaking tap dancing FAUST! She’s good! She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
After a moment, the song came to an end and Moondancer shelved the last of the books, which she had been shelving the whole time impressively. After a moment of silence, Sapphire decided to break it. “Wow. That was some amazing moves you busted out there.” She said.
Moondancer, her back still turned to the two, yelped and jumped high in the air, she landed on the ground, whirled around, and saw Sparkler standing there with an earth pony mare. “Eep! Sparkler! I didn’t see you there. Hi. Uh…how long were you standing there for?” She asked.
Sapphire glanced over at Sparkler, smiled, and used her hoof to push Sparkler’s mouth closed. That snapped Sparkler out of her shock and she sent off. “That was amazing Moondancer! I didn’t know you could dance like that!” She exclaimed.
Moondancer blushed, realizing Sparkler saw her dancing. “Yeah…just something I sometimes like to do.” She admitted.
“You’re pretty good for somepony who only does it “sometimes”.” Sapphire responded.
Moondancer nodded. “So uh…what brings you here? Along with…Sapphire Shores?” Moondancer asked, recognizing the famous pop star.
Sapphire and Sparkler glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing. Sparkler turned back to Moondancer. “How would you like a chance in the spotlight Moondancer?” She asked.
Moondancer blinked, confused. “What?”
Sapphire explained the situation, saying they were looking for a backup dancer last minute. Moondancer was a bit taken aback, but after thinking about it, she agreed to step in for the injured backup dancer.
Two days later, in the late afternoon, Sparkler was welcoming ponies who came to the castle to see the live performance of the three way collab between the Harmonic Medleys, Airwave, and Sapphire Shores. It was super advertised thanks to Pinkie Pie finding out and getting excited.
At least she waited for us to say it was ok. After a call to Twilight no less. She thought. She glanced out into the world outside the castle, and to speak of the devil, she saw Twilight and Starlight walking up the path. She beamed as she flapped her wings, glided down the stairs, and crashed into Twilight in a loving hug. “Twilight! You made it!” She exclaimed.
Twilight giggled as she hugged her fiancé back. “Like I was gonna miss this pivotal moment in your life. I’m so happy for you.” She said.
“Anything we need to know beforehoof?” Starlight asked.
“Only that I found out something that I would like to talk to you and Moondancer about Twilight.” Sparkler responded.
Twilight gulped, her mind racing with what Sparkler could mean. “Uh…what do you mean Sparkler?” She asked.
“Moondancer is apparently a dancing queen, and somehow you could still work on improving.” Sparkler responded.
Twilight blinked, before actively beating down a sigh of relief, but also had to chuckle. She knew exactly what Sparkler was getting at. “Honestly? It never, ever came up.” She said.
“Might need to fix that.” Sparkler responded.
The three chuckled as Sparkler led them to what was now being dubbed Sparkling Harmony Records Showcase Stage. Once they got in Sparkler moved to where her fellow music artists and bandmates were gathered and gave the green light to get the show started. She got a mic and hopped onto the stage to address the crowd. “Yo what up everypony!” She called.
The crowd cheered as Sparkler continued. “Today is a VERY, very exciting day. I know rumors have been going around. And I like to think that yes, they are true, Sapphire Shores is in town, and you lot are in for a very special treat. Just like when they made the song Face to Face, she and Airwave are back at it again, and this time, myself and the Harmonic Medleys are joining in on the fun. Fillies and gentlecolts, it is my privilege to introduce to you our three way collab song, Make Your Mark!”
The crowd went wild as Feathers, Autumn, Flash, and Chroma started playing and Sapphire, Airwave, and Moondancer and the other backup dancer joined Sparkler on stage and they started singing.
(Imagine two girls and a guy singing, guy singing the rap part, girls the Main verses, and all three singing the chorus.)
Twilight’s jaw dropped when Moondancer stepped onto the stage and started dancing. She deduced that Sparkler found out Moondancer could dance, but she still was shocked when Moondancer was up there in the spotlight. Holy Faust look at the two of them up there! She thought. She was absolutely mortified to learn that this only made her fall harder for Moondancer and Sparkler. Oh come on! That’s it. Tomorrow I’m getting Sparkler flowers. Hopefully that will help hold off her anger. She thought. She wasn’t a fool. Sparkler being mad at her for this was almost a guarantee. Still, it’s better if we had the talk. She thought as she watched the two objects of her desires break it down.
Twilight flew down and landed in front of the flower shop. Sparkler was off seeing Sapphire Shores to the train station, which afforded her the chance to run out and get flowers that she hoped would help hold off Sparkler’s possible anger. Sweet Faust I’ve never been so nervous. She thought as she entered the store.
Inside the store, a white furred Pegasus mare with a manestyle similar to Twilight peeked her head up over the counter, and smiled when she saw who entered. “Twilight! Hey there!” She said.
“Hey Blossomforth.” Twilight responded. “I need to get some flowers.” She said.
Blossomforth smiled. “Oh, you came to the right place. What’s the occasion?” She asked.
“I need a way to keep my fiancé from getting mad at me.” Twilight responded.
Blossomforth blinked. “Wait, you mean Sparkler?” She asked. “What did you do?” She asked.
“I…kissed another as I kiss her…and that was because of an old crush that has since resurfaced and now my heart longs for two.” Twilight responded, blushing.
Blossomforth blinked, did she hear right? “Uhm, wanna run that by me again? It almost sounded like you were cheating on Sparkler.”
“I didn’t cheat on her…exactly.” Twilight responded. “It’s complicated, but. Do you know what flowers would be best here?” She asked.
“Alright, alright.” Blossomforth said. “You’ll probably want roses in yours and Sparkler’s colors.” She said. “How big a bouquet?” She asked.
“As big as it is reasonable.” Twilight responded.
“You really want to make sure Sparkler doesn’t get ticked do ya.” Blossomforth chuckled. “Alright. Coming right up.” She said.
Meanwhile, Sparkler was trotting back to the castle after seeing Sapphire Shores off. She had an extra spring in her step, still reeling from what had happened. I performed a song with Sapphire and Airwave. Eeee! She wouldn’t deny that it made her really happy to have been a part of that.
“Squawk! Hey Sparkler! Squawk!” She heard her parrot Flappy call out. She turned and saw him land on her back.
“Hey there Flappy!” Sparkler responded. “How was visiting Mina?” She asked.
“Squawk! We had a good time. Got to see a wonderbolts show. Squawk!” Flappy responded. “Squawk! But that pales in comparison to you supposedly. What’s this I hear about you doing a joint song with Airwave and Sapphire Shores? Squawk!” He asked.
Sparkler chuckled. “Long story Flappy, but the gist of it is, Sapphire wanted to do a collab with the Harmonic Medleys. Airwave joined in, and we performed our new song live on stage yesterday.” She said.
“Squawk! And you didn’t think to recall me for that? Squawk!” Flappy asked. “Squawk! You didn’t think I’d want to be here for that?! Squawk!”
Sparkler’s smile faltered when she realized that she DID forget about Flappy. “Aww crap I didn’t think to tell you. I’m sorry Flappy.” She said.
Flappy smiled at Sparkler. “Squawk! Good think I’m more happy for you than I am mad that I missed a high point in your life. Squawk!” He responded. “Squawk! I HOPE you got a recording of it though. Squawk!” He added.
Sparkler chuckled. “Twilight recorded it on her phone and we have an official SHR record.” She responded.
“Squawk! I’ll be listening to that record if you don’t mind. Squawk!” Flappy responded.
Sparkler laughed. “It’s a banger, that’s for sure.” She said.
They returned to the castle to find Flapperina, Streaker and Pecker playing with Maddy, who was very happy to see them again. “Yo chicks!” Sparkler called out.
The chicks turned to see their granny Sparky. “Squeak! Granny Sparky! Squeak!”
“Crow! Granny Sparky! Crow!” They said happily as they hugged Sparkler.
“Hey there chicks. I hear you had a good time in Canterlot.” Sparkler said.
“Crow! We saw the Wonderbolts! Crow!” Flapperina said. “Crow! It was awesome! Crow!”
“That’s good to hear.” Sparkler responded.
“Hey Sparkler. Your back.” Said a voice from behind.
Sparkler turned, and at first was happy to see Twilight…but it took all of 2 seconds to realize Twilight had gone out and gotten flowers. A big bouquet of roses in hers and Twilight’s colors. “Uh…hey Twilight.” She said. “Whatcha…whatcha got there?” She asked.
“Uhm…they’re for you.” She said, letting Sparkler take the roses in her magic, which she did. “Mind if we have that talk I eluded to the other day?” She asked.
Sparkler glanced between Twilight and the pets. “Flappy? Can you the chicks and Maddy give us a minute?” She asked.
Flappy nodded, and quickly ushered his kids and Maddy away. After a moment of the two being alone in silence, Sparkler spoke up. “I’m sure You’ve been told what getting somepony roses could mean.” She said.
“Yeah. I was told.” Twilight responded. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something that happened during the week of your reign as acting princess.” She said.
“Would that be your kiss with Moondancer?” Sparkler asked.
“Yes—YOU KNOW?!” Twilight shrieked in shock when Sparkler’s words dawned on her. Sparkler KNEW about the kiss?! “H-h-how?!” She exclaimed.
Sparkler sighed. “Moondancer saw fit to inform me of the incident at the NGOL grand opening. She wanted me to know that even though she has a crush on you, she wouldn’t get in the way of us.” She explained, setting the roses aside.
Moondancer likes me back?! Was Twilight’s first thought, one she immediately pushed aside for the moment. “I…I…I’m sorry Sparkler.” Twilight responded, being brought to the edge of tears. “I…I don’t know what came over me. I was just so excited about being returned to normal and then Cadence said my inhibitions were removed and…I’m a horrible lover.” Her voice cracked at that last bit as a few tears rolled down her cheeks.
Sparkler approached Twilight and pulled her into a comforting hug. A hug that Twilight returned immediately. They sat there for a moment before Sparkler spoke up again. “Have your feelings for me changed at all since that kiss?” She asked.
“Absolutely not…not in the negative way at least.” Twilight responded without hesitation. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I love you. And I will always love you. I have no second thoughts of marrying you in the future.” She said.
After the obligatory forever that came with the Pinkie Promise. Sparkler responded to Twilight. “That’s all I needed to know Twi.” She said. “Am I a little upset that you hid this from me for as long as you did? Maybe a little. But I understand that it was just a heat of the moment thing.” She added. “So long as we’re still good, than it’s ok.” She said.
The fact that Sparkler was a little upset didn’t surprise Twilight, but she was relieved that Sparkler understood…for now. “T-there’s a reason I kept this from you for as long as I did.” She said.
“What’s that?” Sparkler asked.
Twilight gulped. “Long ago, I had a crush on Moondancer, but I never pursued it because of reasons. When I was turned into a baby, that crush resurfaced…and it has since stuck with me and even grew into full on feelings.” She admitted.
That took Sparkler by surprise as she pulled back. “What?” She asked.
Twilight panicked a little. “I know I just said I loved you and I stand by that. I still love you, honest!” She said quickly. “It’s just…now my heart yearns for two. You AND Moondancer.” She said. “That’s why I hid this from you at first, I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t making a bigger deal out of this than I had to.” She said.
Sparkler blinked. She did not know how to respond to that. She…she now yearns for two…Did that mean Twilight wasn’t monogamous? She had seen this before in 2022, and by the looks of it she found herself in a love triangle. “Uh…” was all she could say.
Twilight gulped. “I’d choose you over her you know.” She said. “If I do have to choose between the two of you I would choose you every single time.” She said.
That snapped Sparkler out of her shock. “Twilight, are you saying you want a three way relationship with Moondancer and me?” She asked.
Twilight sighed and nodded, ashamed that this was how this was going. Sparkler nodded. “So you’re not monogamous then. Good to know.” She said. “Twilight. In the near year that I’ve known you, you’ve made me happier than I’ve been in my whole life. You, quite literally, saved me from the abyss I put myself in. I want you to be just as happy as you’ve made me. And if having both me and Moondancer makes you happy…I don’t have any problems sharing you with her.” She said.
Twilight stared at Sparkler in disbelief. “Are…are you serious?” She asked.
Sparkler nodded. She had done a lot of thinking, and had even had the passing thought that Twilight liked Moondancer in response, and she decided she wasn’t opposed to sharing Twilight with Moondancer. “I am. The heart wants what the heart wants, and who are we to deny our hearts’ wishes?” She asked.
Twilight blinked, before she tackled Sparkler on the floor and kissed her lovingly. After a moment, she pulled back smiling. “I’m so glad you’re ok with this! I was so worried you were gonna have a magical breakdown!” She exclaimed.
Sparkler laughed. “Hey, my mental state has improved a lot so it’s gonna take a lot more to get me to magically break down.” She said.
Twilight laughed as she hugged Sparkler. “I guess you’re right.” She said.
Sparkler nodded. “So, you gonna go to her now?” She asked.
“I will, eventually, right now I just want to be with you. And bask in the fact that we’re all good.” She said.
Sparkler smiled as she wrapped Twilight up in a hug. “A princess with a harem.” She commented.
In the dead of night in Equestria, Ron hopped through the Everfree forest, looking around. He had been woken up by a strange noise only he could hear and decided to investigate. He hopped into a clearing in the forest when he heard that noise again. He looked around. He roared out, trying to scare whatever was out there off.
That didn’t work out because Ron heard a pop and turned just in time to see a little spark of magic fly towards him and expand around him into a cage. Ron gasped before he tried to break out. He roared as loud as he could, trying to get some help.
“Don’t waste your breath. I ensured nopony could hear you.” Ron heard a voice say, he turned to the source and found…an Alicorn filly no older than 8 approach?
Ron let out a confused and terrified whimper. The filly chuckled. “Aww. Are you scared? Good. You should be if you know who I am and who I’m related to.” The filly said. “Now, we BOTH know you can talk so START talking. What are you planning in regards to Sparkling Medley?” She asked. “And who sent you?”
Ron gulped. “L-look, I don’t know what you’re talking about, I just—“
“Step away from the cage!” Growled a voice, cutting Ron off. Both Ron and the Filly turned to see four ponies and a Clear-Cut step out from the shadows, the ponies and creature had their weapons drawn.
Fletcher examined the situation, and his eyes widened when he gazed upon the Alicorn Filly. “Another Alicorn? Just how many are out there?” He asked.
“Alicorn?” Clear Cut asked. He took a closer look at the Filly and noticed that she had a horn and wings. “What the, who are you?” He asked the filly. “What’s going on here?”
“You first.” The Alicorn filly responded. “This is my turf.”
Clear-Cut clenched his sword as he glared at the filly, and that’s when he noticed something around her neck, a necklace, one with a very, VERY familiar, light blue heart pendant. “Where did you get that?” He said.
“Get what?” The Alicorn filly asked.
“That. That necklace. Do you have any idea how significant that necklace is?” Clear-Cut asked the filly.
While Fletcher and his team glanced at each other confused, the Alicorn Filly glanced down at the necklace she was wearing. “This? This has been in my family since the Dawn of Equuis itself. Passed down for generations, it’s a reminder of our family heritage, and a reminder of the mission we’ve been given.” She said.
Clear-Cut glared at the Filly. “Young filly, I know exactly who should have pendants like that. So I’m only going to ask this once. Who, are, you.” He asked, firmer than last time.
“All I’m going to tell you for now, is that I’m descended from the same family as Sparkling Medley.” The filly said.
While Fletcher and his fellow special forces guards’ eyes widened in shock. Clear Cut just stared at the filly. “That is incredibly unlikely. It’s MORE likely that your family stole that pendant.” He said.
The Alicorn filly smiled. “Oh I assure you Clear-Cut, my words are genuine.” She said, revealing that she knew exactly who Clear-Cut was.
While the filly and Clear-Cut were having a back and forth, Ron, who was still in the cage, was outright panicking. It was already bad enough that he was trapped in a cage, but now that he knew Clear-Cut was around, and yes, Ron absolutely knew who the figure with the cloak was, especially in relation to his own kind, Ron was desperately trying to get out of the cage. “Clack, clack clack clack I gotta get out of here.” He murmured to himself as he pawed and struggled at the cage bars. He was absolutely fearing for his life at this point.
Eventually, his attempts to escape caught the attention of the filly who caught him. “Hey! Trying to escape are we?” She asked Ron.
Ron jumped, before he just broke down. “Please! I mean no harm! I’m not like them! I don’t have any plans involving Sparkling Medley! I just want to live a peaceful life being a good pet to Fluttershy!” He cried out.
“Likely story!” Both The filly and Clear-Cut shot back at him, further terrifying Ron.
“Please! You have to believe me! I’ll do anything, just let me stay where I am now!” Ron begged.
The filly and Clear Cut were about to deny that, but Omega spoke up. “Guys, I think he’s being honest.” She said.
Clear Cut whirled around and glared at Omega. “You’re kidding right?” He asked.
“No, I’m not. Look at him. Does he really seem like he has any malice planned?” She asked. “I was watching him this whole time and the entire time he’s been in that cage, he’s been clearly fearing for his life. Villains typically throw more insults and be braver.” She commented.
“Must be a good actor.” The filly responded.
“Or maybe he's being truthful about his intentions. He was within reach of Sparkler at least once so far and he did nothing.” Omega reasoned. “We should give him a chance.” She proposed.
Ron nodded desperately. “Yeah! Put me on probation or whatever, I just want to go back to Fluttershy!” He pleaded.
Clear-Cut and the filly glanced at Omega, Ron, and then each other. After a few hard moments, the filly lit her horn and the cage disappeared. “Get out of here.” She told Ron.
Ron watched the cage vanish and he smiled widely in relief. “Thank you! You won’t regret this!” He said.
“We better not.” Clear-Cut responded. “I got my eye on you you little rodent.” He warned Ron.
Ron nodded and hopped off. Clear-Cut turned to Fletcher and his team. “You four watch him and continue watching Sparkler.” He said. “This Filly and I are going on a little trip.” He said.
Fletcher nodded and led his team away. Clear-Cut turned back to the filly. “Got anypony where you live that might miss you?” He asked.
The filly shook her head. “Parents died in an accident involving a Timberwolf and the orphanage I was sent to couldn’t care less where I am. Where are we going?” She asked.
“To confirm your identity and get some answers. Because I know EVERYTHING about Sparkling Medley’s family and I do not know you.” Clear-Cut responded.
“Fair enough.” The filly responded as she and Clear-Cut walked off.
Sparkler sat in the Library in the Castle of Friendship, reading a book she found dealing in romance and a specific section titled “A Web Of Hearts”, which was an entire section dealing in polyamoruous relationships and the different aspects of it. Why was she reading this? Because her fiancé, Twilight, was on her way to confess to Moondancer that she loved her in addition to Sparkler. And inviting her to join their relationship.
“In a polyamorous relationship, while it is not necessary for all parties to have mutual affections for each other, it IS however the best case scenario. It is best that, when a new party joins the relationship, all parties involved take a look at the incoming party and try to find a spark between them.” She read out loud. “That makes sense. It would be better if we all loved each other mutually…” She said as her mind raced as she continued to read. “The first step to finding a spark with multiple partners is to identify if you are monogamous or not.” She glanced up from the book into the sky in thought. “That’s a good question.” She said.
She was in the process of thinking about her own monogamy when she saw the mirror in the room light up. She blinked before it registered what was happening. Wait a minute, who was that mare Twilight had said was visiting today? She was trying to remember who Twilight had said was visiting from the Bipedal World when an orange Unicorn with a flamey mane and tail, and a sun cutie mark, appeared from the portal.
The mare shook her head to clear the dizziness. “Ugh. We really need to think about trying to fix the dizziness from this portal.” She said as she opened her eyes and saw not Twilight, who she was expecting, but rather a hot pink Alicorn Mare that she did not recognize. The mare blinked. “Uh…hi?” She said uncertainly.
“Hi there.” Sparkler responded. “Are you Twilight’s friend from the Bipedal World?” She asked.
“Yeah. That’s me. I’m Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said as she stepped off the platform.
“Sparkling Medley. Sparkler for short.” Sparkler said as she held out her hoof to shake Sunset’s.
Sparkling Medley…RIGHT! Twilight’s Fiancé, that new Alicorn that came out of nowhere! Sunset finally recognized Sparkler thanks to her journal conversations with Twilight, plus another factor that took her a moment to remember.
Sunset smirked as she shook Sparkler’s hoof. “So YOU’RE Twilight’s Fiancé. She’s talked a lot about you in our journal messages.” She said.
Sparkler blushed. “What does she say?” She asked curiously.
“That you’re the most interesting pony she’s ever encountered. Possibly born in the Crystal Empire, and confirmed Natural Born Alicorn.” Sunset said.
Sparkler chuckled. “Yeah. I know I’m a walking mystery.” She said. “It’s nice to meet you Sunset.” She said.
“Likewise Sparkler.” Sunset responded. “So, where did Twilight get off to?”
“She is currently on her way to the New Golden Oaks Library to confess her love for it’s Librarian, Moondancer.” Sparkler responded with a chuckle.
Sunset blinked, not expecting that response. “Uh…I thought you two were getting married?” She asked.
“We are.” Sparkler responded. “Twilight and I talked about it after an incident during my week long reign as acting Princess and I have no problems sharing her with Moondancer.” She said.
At that, Sunset couldn’t help but snicker. “Oh yeah. She told me about that. And if I remember correctly, before that she said that you would never, ever wear a crown for any reason.” She said, smirking at Sparkler.
“Ok, in that, very specific instance, there were literally no other options.” Sparkler responded. “The point is, I will only ever be a princess Consort, and nothing else.” She said.
“If you say so Sparky.” Sunset responded. “So you’re really ok with sharing her with Moondancer?” She asked.
“Yes.” Sparkler responded. “I am. Because I can take solace in the knowledge that I am the one who lives with Twilight, and I am the one she co-parents 11 adopted foals with.” She said.
Sunset straight up laughed that time. “Oh yes, the Medley Next Gen Herd. She told me all about that.” She said. “Makes me wonder if your counterpart in our world will adopt that many.” She asks.
“Who knows. Speaking of, has my counterpart turned up?” Sparkler asked.
“She actually just moved to Canterlot City from Saddle Arabia last week.” Sunset responded.
“Nice.” Sparkler responded.
Sunset nodded. “So, back to you and Twilight.” She said as they began walking out of the library. “So you aren’t going to get jealous that Twilight will now spend time with Moondancer?” She asked.
“Nope. In fact, according to this book I’m reading, I should try to find a spark between myself and Moondancer so that all three of us can mutually love each other.” Sparkler responded.
Sunset smirked. “I heard the first step to that is figuring out if you're monogamous or not.” She said.
“Yep.” Sparkler responded. “That is indeed the first step. And right now I actually don’t know since I’ve never had to ask myself that before.”
“Never had this scenario before?” Sunset asked.
“Exactly.” Sparkler responded.
Meanwhile, standing in the front of the NGOL, Twilight was nervous beyond reason, even if she was confident she would get her desired result thanks to mutual affection. Come on! She likes you, you like her in addition to Sparkler, this should be easy. Yeah, it turned out it was easier said than done. After a few moments, she took a deep breath, and entered the NGOL.
Moondancer, who was busy stacking books to be returned to their shelves, heard the door open and turned to see Twilight enter. “Twilight! Hi!” Moondancer said happily.
“Hey there Moondancer. How’s it going?” Twilight asked.
“It’s going good. How bout you?” Moondancer asked.
“Pretty good.” Twilight responded. “Hey, Moondancer? Got a minute to talk?” She asked.
“Sure.” Moondancer responded. “What’s up?” She asked.
“Remember a few weeks ago during Sparkler’s reign? When I was turned back to normal and we uh…” Twilight trailed off.
Moondancer, getting what Twilight was talking about, nodded. “Yeah…I remember…it was…good.” She admitted.
Twilight nodded in agreement. “Yeah Uhm…so, funny thing, that kiss seemed to have reawakened an old crush that I had on you a while back and has not gone away.” Twilight confessed. “And it would seem my heart now yearns for both you and Sparkler.” She said.
Moondancer’s eyes widened. Was it really happening? Was twilight about to ask her out?! “You…you mean…” She asked.
“Yeah. I mean what I say. And it would be nice if we could maybe…go out sometime?” Twilight asked, blushing and smiling sheepishly.
Moondancer stood there staring at her princess, the only, at least for the time being, object of her desires. She couldn’t believe it finally happened, she had the chance to court TWILIGHT FREAKING SPARKLE! She opened her mouth to say yes without hesitation…before something clicked in her mind, something very important that she was obligated to do before accepting any romantic offers from Twilight. “Twily, you have no idea how much I WANT to say yes right now, but before that, we need to talk about your OTHER lover. Does Sparkler know?” She asked.
“She does. And she is ok with sharing me with you.” Twilight responded.
“And she can back up that statement herself?” Moondancer asked. “Like I can go to her right now and ask?”
“Yes Moondancer.” Twilight responded.
“Where is she? It’s not that I don’t trust you, I do. It’s just that Princess Cadence instilled in me the sense that she would blow a gasket if I didn’t hear it from Sparkler herself before saying yes to your advances.” Moondancer explained honestly. “After all, we all know what Sparkler is in danger of if she’s emotionally compromised.”
Twilight shivered at that. “Ugh, don’t remind me.” She said. “I can tell her to meet us for lunch.” She said.
“Please do,” Moondancer responded. “And…thank you for understanding.”
Out in Ponyville, Sparkler and Sunset were heading to the lunch date that Twilight had pulsed Sparkler, and the resulting conversation had Sunset laughing because apparently Twilight completely forgot about Sunset. “Well now we know why she wasn’t there when you came as you had a planned visit.” Sparkler said.
“Too excited about having Moondancer to remember little ol me.” Sunset responded.
“I mean to be fair, Twilight’s only a pony, she has desires and such and sometimes those desires overwrite preexisting commitments.” Sparkler responded.
“Ditto that.” Sunset responded.
Eventually they reached the Hayburger and entered to find Twilight and Moondancer already at a table. They trotted over to a smiling Twilight who noticed them. “Sparkler! Sunset. I’m so sorry about that Sunset, I completely forgot you were coming, I was just so excited about—“
“It’s fine Twilight.” Sunset interrupted Twilight. “I completely understand that I’m not as important as your love life.”
Twilight blushed while Moondancer giggled. “I take it YOU are the famous Sunset Shimmer?” She asked.
“I am. You Moondancer?” Sunset asked.
“Yep. Nice to meet you.” Moondancer responded.
“Likewise.” Sunset responded as she and Sparkler slid into the booth, sitting across from Twilight and Moondancer.
Once they were settled, Moondancer turned her attention to Sparkler. “So Sparkler, you’re ok with sharing Twilight with me? You know about our…I’m gonna say accidental kiss from a few weeks ago and you’re cool with it?” She asked.
“Yes Moondancer, I will admit I was a little upset that Twilight hid it from me for as long as she did. But she had a good reason and I get it was a spur of the moment thing a few weeks ago. The heart wants what the heart wants so if Twilight longs for both you and me, I don’t see why she can’t have both of us.” Sparkler responded.
Moondancer smiled widely and in relief. She had fulfilled her perceived obligation to Cadence. “Good.” She said, before she turned to Twilight and pulled her into a big kiss on the lips, before pulling back a few seconds later. “Yes Twilight, I’d LOVE to go out with you.” She told Twilight.
Twilight was caught completely off guard by Moondancer’s sudden advance, and only nodded at her response as her brain tried to process what just happened. After a moment, Sparkler smirked. “Twily? You ok?” She asked.
Twilight blinked, before she lit her horn and teleported Sparkler over to hers and Moondancer’s side of the booth and hugged the both of them tight. “I’m so happy to have the both of you in my life!” She exclaimed happily.
Moondancer and Sparkler chuckled as their princess hugged them. They smiled at each other and bumped their hooves together, coming to a silent agreement to respect each other’s relationship with Twilight.
Sunset giggled at the sight, before her eye caught a glimpse of the karaoke stage in the restaurant. The sign above it said “ALL WELCOME TO SING ANY TIME.” She smirked as she turned back to the three lovers. “Hey Twilight. If you can spare Sparkler for a few minutes there’s something I have wanted to do with her when I visited, if she wants to of course.” She said.
“What is it Sunset?” Sparkler asked.
Sunset nudged her head to gesture at the stage. “You and me, up there, singing a duet. Let’s see why they call you the princess of Music.” She said.
Sparkler blinked. “What? Who calls me that?” She asked. She saw Twilight blush, which she took as an answer. “Really Twily?” She asked.
“I’m sorry Sparkler, but your musical talents are the best I’ve ever seen. You absolutely deserve the title.” Twilight responded.
“You didn't ask Celestia to make it official did you?” Sparkler asked.
“Nope.” Twilight responded.
Sparkler nodded as she wiggled out of Twilight’s hug. “Good.” She said as she and Sunset went up on stage. After playing with the jukebox for a moment, they picked a song, and began to sing a duet.
“So.” Sparkler said as she paced back and forth in front of Moondancer and Twilight. “Moondancer has been a dancing genius for the entire time you have known each other, you two have hung out together on multiple occasions before Twilight came to Ponyville, and, Moondancer, you’ve SEEN her dance at school functions and the like. And yet Twilight is STILL a mare with four left hooves.” She said. “Do I understand that correctly?” She asked.
“Yep.” Moondancer responded.
“Pretty much.” Twilight said.
Sparkler nodded. It was a beautiful summer day, and it was the day that she and Moondancer agreed on to finally make a dancer out of Twilight. A good one. “Ok. So as you can imagine, I have some questions. Not the least being, HOW is Twilight still so bad at dancing?!” She asked.
“We uh…” Twilight trailed off, not knowing what to say.
“I guess it just never came up.” Moondancer said.
“Never came up? Moondancer, how many times have you seen her dance? Didn’t you WANT to ensure she doesn’t embarrass herself?” Sparkler asked.
“Hey. For your information I do not get embarrassed when I dance.” Twilight defended herself.
“Don’t you think your friends get embarrassed?” Sparkler asked.
Twilight remained silent. Sparkler nodded. “Well, doesn’t matter now. Because today is the day that we finally get you dancing like a pro.” Sparkler declared.
“Still can’t believe I let you two talk me into this.” Twilight commented. “You two realize dancing isn’t a necessary—“
Sparkler made a wrong answer sound effect. “Eh, wrong. It IS necessary. What if you had to win a dance battle to save Equestria?” Sparkler asked.
Twilight’s eyes widened in shock. “Wow. You went there.” She said.
“You bet I did.” Sparkler said. “Trust us Twi. We wouldn’t be bothering if we didn’t think it was important.”
Twilight glanced between Sparkler and Moondancer, before sighing in defeat. “When I thought about the three of us together, I didn’t think you two would be ganging up on me like this.” She commented.
“Thought we’d gang up on you in a different scenario?” Moondancer asked.
“Moondancer, keep it PG for the readers.” Sparkler said.
“Fine.” Moondancer responded.
Twilight, hearing that, blushed like mad. “Yeah let’s circle back to dancing shall we?” She asked quickly.
Sparkler nodded. “Yes. Let’s get started.” She said, she pressed a button on a remote, and the stage room, which they were in, sprang to life. “And what better way to learn than by doing it to this brand new song that Moondancer and I whipped up over the weekend precisely for this purpose?” She asked.
Twilight’s eyes widened in shock as she heard the music start. “You two went to the trouble of making a new song for this?” She asked.
“Sparkler reasoned that it would make it more special if we made a song for you to learn how to dance to.” Moondancer responded, hoof bumping Sparkler.
Twilight stared at her fiancé and her marefriend, before smiling widely. “Aww. That’s so sweet.” She said.
“You know it.” Sparkler responded. “Now, check this out.” She said as she launched into the song.
Gets stuck like this catchy song we’re singing now
You gotta follow your beat And then soon you will see
You won't have that far to go Until vour song starts to grow
All you need is your beat
All you need is your groove To get them stompin' their hooves
And then the next thing you know imagination will flow
All you need is your beat All you need is your beat
Now that you’ve got rhythm You have to listen hard
As those airwaves are Transmitted to your brain
And when it gets those signals It will tell your body what it should do
You gotta follow your beat And then soon you will see
You won't have that far to go Until vour song starts to grow
All you need is your beat
All you need is your groove To get them stompin' their hooves
And then the next thing you know imagination will flow
All you need is your beat All you need is your beat🎶
While they were singing, Moondancer and Sparkler guided Twilight through how to dance properly. Twilight initially wasn’t having much luck, but she was quickly getting the hang of it, and after a couple of hours, she was dancing on her own without assistance. Sparkler and Moondancer smiled when she started doing that.
🎶That’s it girl Shake your tail
Hear that beat And move your hooves
And now you’ve found Your dancing spark
Let it shine for All to see!
You gotta follow your beat And then soon you will see
You won't have that far to go Until vour song starts to grow
All you need is your beat
All you need is your groove To get them stompin' their hooves
And then the next thing you know imagination will flow
All you need is your beat
You gotta follow your beat And then soon you will see
You won't have that far to go Until vour song starts to grow
All you need is your beat
All you need is your groove To get them stompin' their hooves
And then the next thing you know imagination will flow
All you need is your beat All you need is your beat
All you need is your beat
All you need is your beat!🎶
That night, Sparkler led her friends, both from Ponyville and from Saddle Arabia, to the stage room, after inviting them to see a spectacle.
“Now what’s this about Sparkler?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, you didn’t go into much detail when you sent for us.” Rainbow said.
Sparkler was about to answer, before Pinkie cut her off. “Isn’t it obvious?! Sparkler and Moondancer spent today teaching Twilight how to actually dance and now we’re about to see the fruits of that labor!” She said.
“Sparkler, PLEASE tell me that’s true.” Flash said. “I can’t go through another Royal function that lets her dance.” He pleaded with her.
Sparkler glared at Pinkie for ruining the surprise, but nodded. “Yes guys. What Pinkie said is true. No longer will you have to suffer through Twilight’s four left hooves. Now she has two right and two left hooves.” She said as she brought all of them into the stage room.
Moondancer was up on stage with a mic. Once she saw everypony get settled, she spoke. “Ahem, welcome fillies and gentlecolts, tonight you shall witness history being made, as an amature dancer blossoms into a pro. Hit it!” She called out.
The music started, the light show began, and a puff of magenta smoke appeared out of nowhere and cleared up to reveal Twilight, who started busting a move.
All the friends watched, and true to Sparkler’s word, Twilight no longer sucked at dancing. It was surreal almost.
Half way through. Flash leaned over to whisper into Sparkler’s ear. “You did all of Equestria an incredible service today.” He said, winking at her.
Sparkler and Moondancer smiled and bumped their hooves together. They were proud of themselves and Twilight for their work today. Moondancer sneaked a glance at Sparkler, and blushed lightly. She and I clearly make a good team. And we sound good when singing together. She noted. She wouldn’t deny that she had a blast working with Sparkler on the song, and today when they taught Twilight how to dance correctly. This is going in the research log. She told herself, making a note to add to her research journal after this.
“Ugh. Manehattan.” Rarity commented. “Good to open a fashion branch, bad for finding a friendship problem due to its size.” She said.
“Oh I agree with you there.” Sparkler responded, glancing around the city. That morning, the Cutie Map had called her and Rarity to solve a friendship problem in Manehattan. Sparkler was understandably wary considering her LAST Friendship Mission. But Manehattan she had never been to before so she was more receptive. That and there was also the fact that her sister Fleur De Lis was also going to be in Manehattan so she figured it was a good chance to meet up and have some fun.
“Ooh. I know what you and Fleur should do Sparkler.” Rarity said out of the blue. “Go for a late night flight in the sky over the city. Manehattan’s skyline is a wonderful sight I hear. Especially at night.” She said.
Sparkler giggled. “Not a bad idea, Rarity.” She said. She glanced up at the sky, and it dawned on her that she and Fleur never really spent time together just one on one before. Every other time it had been with their significant others. Wow. We really lost so much time and now, even if we’re immortal, we can’t spend as much time as we’d like together. She thought. It wasn’t lost on her that they now had their own lives they had to live. They couldn’t just hang out whenever they wanted now. Like they would have been able to had they grown up together. “Are they out there…” She idly said out loud without meaning to.
“Pardon darling?” Rarity asked.
Sparkler blinked, glanced over at a confused Rarity, and blushed. “Oh…I was just thinking about my biological family…Fleur’s adopted too. So that means that, assuming they’re not dead, our bio family is out there somewhere.” She said.
“Yes they are.” Rarity said. “And I’m sure you’ll find them. One day.” She assured Sparkler.
“I hope we do. Because I can’t help but wonder why they’d separate us if they’re the ones to drop us off at the doorstep.” Sparkler said.
“Yes. It does seem rather odd. But if Flurry Heart is any indication, perhaps they didn’t want to overload a single pair of parents.” Rarity responded.
“Maybe.” Sparkler responded. “But then that begs the question, why were we given up…”
They eventually did find the Friendship Problem, which turned out to be a roommate squabble where one was taking advantage of the other without realizing. Once that was solved and their Cutie Marks glowed to signal a mission success. They met Fancypants and Fleur in front of Rarity’s Manehattan store, the Manehattan Manifigue. They spent the evening together and eventually ended up in the apartment of Coco Pommel, the Manifigue’s manager and friend to Rarity.
Soon, night had befallen the city and ‘twas time for everypony to return to their hotels for the night. Or so Sparkler had believed. Because as they were budding farewell, Fleur had come out and asked Sparkler if she would like to go for a fly with her.
Sparkler blinked in surprise. She didn’t know if it was a coincidence or if Rarity had put her up to it but seeing an opportunity she had regretted not having until now, she smiled. “Sure.” She said. “I’d love to go flying with you.” She said, spreading her wings.
After agreeing to meet their respective companion back at their hotel, Sparkler and Fleur took off into the air, soaring through the night Sky above the city. Sparkler glanced down at the city below, and was amazed by all the lights. “Wow. What a view.” She commented.
Fleur smiled as she looked down. “Beautiful isn’t it. Every time I fly, I always am dazzled by the lights of whatever city or town I’m flying over.” She said.
“Sure beats the desert. That’s for sure.” Sparkler said.
“I’ll bet.” Fleur responded. They fell into silence for a moment, before Fleur broke it again by softly humming a familiar tune to Sparkler.
“Cloud 9.” She named the tune. “You know that song?” She asked.
Fleur smiled sheepishly, and nodded. “Contrary to my public image, I find the more pop culture music to be my style than the classical music one might expect from somepony of my stature.” She admitted.
Sparkler smiled. “I hear that song in my head every time I go for a fly like this. It’s just…there’s something calming and freeing about its lyrics.” She said. As spontaneous music began playing.
“I can see that.” Fleur said. “I’ve always had to hide my wings, but also needed to fly to avoid my wings atrophying. But now that everypony knows…I feel free.” She said. After a moment, she started singing.
🎶Waking up, ready for some action Strapping in, ready for the ride Going big now that I can take it, All the way to cloud 9
Sparkler smirked as she and Fleur started flying more seriously, rather than casually.
Dropping in, wanna feel the rush now Sun is out, the wind is in my hair Nothing else could be quite as awesome, As when I'm soaring through the air
So here we go, And we ain't gonna take it slow We're ready now to touch the sky, This must be how it feels to fly,
I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9! Oh oh Cloud 9!!!
Don't give up, keep on taking chances Put in time, till you get it right Winding up, swinging for the fences Won't go down without a fight
Going hard, push it to the limit To the edge, go to the extreme There's no doubt that I'm gonna win it Never giving up the dream
So here we go, and we ain't gonna take it slow We're ready now to touch the sky, This must be how it feels to fly,
I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9! Oh oh
So here we go, and we ain't gonna take it slow We're ready now to touch the sky, This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! I'm on cloud 9! This must be how it feels to fly, I'm on cloud 9!
Oh oh🎶
Towards the end of the song, right at the final chorus, Sparkler noticed Fleur’s Cutie Mark glowing, and that Fleur had crystallized, Sparkler noticed that her Cutie mark was glowing as well and that she herself had crystallized. She smiled as at the end of the song, they criss crossed paths and at the intersection, their Cutie Marks appeared in the sky overlapping each other.
Sparkler looked behind her and marveled at the display in the sky. “Whoa. Look at that.” She said.
Fleur glanced behind her and saw the display. “Wow. Did we do that?” She asked.
“I think so.” Sparkler said. “Wow. It’s amazing.”
“Yeah…I would say it is.” Fleur said. She glanced over at Sparkler and saw she had crystalized. “Ya know you Crystalized.” She said.
“As did you.” Sparkler said.
Fleur looked at herself and saw that Sparkler was right. “Whoa…My first Crystallization. Sweet.” She said.
Sparkler giggled. After a few moments, the two sisters settled on a cloud and looked at their cutie marks in the sky. “It must be a sign.” Sparkler said. “They go together so well.”
“A sign that you and I are better together than separated…” Fleur said. Her smile faltered as she looked down. “I’m sorry I was never there Spark.” She said. “Had I known where you were I woulda sent for you in one way or another. Then maybe you wouldn’t have gone through all those years in school.” She said.
“Well…It is what it is.” Sparkler responded. “But what’s important is that I healed, and now I’m in a place I can truly belong. Surrounded by friends and family.”
“I’m happy for you Sparkler. Really, I am.” Fleur said. “And…You’re about to be surrounded by more family.” She said.
“What?” Sparkler asked.
“Fancypants and I are moving to Ponyville.” Fleur explained. “Rarity and I have been in communication about me becoming a model for her business. And Fancypants wants to help Twilight turn Ponyville from being a defacto Capital of Friendship to being an ACTUAL capital of Friendship.” She explained.
“That’s quite an undertaking.” Sparkler said. Her eyes widened when it dawned on her what Fleur just said. “Wait, you two are MOVING to Ponyville?!” She asked.
“Yep.” Fleur responded. “So we’ll be able to hang out more often.” She said.
Sparkler smiled widely as she tackled her sister in a joyous hug. “This is awesome! You’ll love it in Ponyville, I just know it.” She said.
“I already do.” Fleur responded.
Meanwhile, Rarity was getting ready for her beauty sleep, when her eyes widened as a vision of fire, destruction, and chaos flashed before her eyes. She gasped as she blinked and looked around, seeing that all was normal. “Huh…That’s…odd.” She said glancing out the window into the outside world, which looked normal. What the hay had that been all about? After pondering for a few seconds, Rarity shrugged and went back to her preparations for bed time. Dismissing it as nothing.
Deep in the Everfree Forest, in a village hidden away, Melody Frost was packing a Saddlebag in her room in the orphanage, while talking to a crystal projection of Fleur De Lis and Aqua Blossom, two of her cousins. “So you’re moving to Ponyville Fleur?” Frost asked.
“Yes. Fancy and I decided it was best to leave Canterlot and start fresh in the de facto Capital of Friendship.” Fleur responded.
“Nice.” Aqua responded. “Maybe I should move there after summer is over and you me and Sparkler can finally be sisters together.” She mused.
“Aqua. You know full well that she can’t know that you’re her sister too until she’s ready.” Frost told Aqua.
“I know. And I hate it.” Aqua responded, pouting.
“Don’t you think I want to tell her I’m her cousin? Believe me I would love nothing more than to do just that. But Clear-Cut was very specific. Sparkling Medley is to remain ignorant in order to live her life as happily as she can before the darkness comes back.” Frost said. “And HE got that directly from the top. So all of our hooves are tied.”
“I’m just about ready to give the top the double middle hoof.” Aqua commented.
“Take solace, cousin.” Frost responded. “According to Clear Cut, the time is near.”
“It better be near.” Aqua said.
Frost nodded. “Alright, I’m off. Fleur, I'll see you when you move to Ponyville.” She said. Aqua and Fleur disappeared and Frost’s pendant stopped glowing. Frost saddled up her bag and climbed up on the window sill. “Alright Frost. Time for patrol.” She told herself.
“Frost! Could you come heat up the water? The water heater’s broken!” Called in an older mare.
Frost inwardly groaned. It was the director of the orphanage she lived at. Who had very quickly started calling on her for every little thing because she was an Alicorn since she had arrived last year. “Coming Madame Motem.” She called out with a sigh. One of these days. I’m gonna get out of here. She thought.
It wasn’t that she HATED the orphanage. The foals there were nice and overall the orphanage did take care of her, minimally. But she longed for the day she could get out of there and be with her biological family, like her cousins Fleur and Aqua. Soon Frost, soon you won’t have to hide it anymore. She thought as she climbed off the sill inside the orphanage and went to do as she was asked.
Sometime later, Sparkler, Twilight, and Moondancer were in the Castle of The Two Sisters in the Everfree Forest. The gang had decided to take a group trip to the Castle to resume their project of restoring it. A project that Sparkler and Moondancer happily signed on to assist in. Today, Twilight had the three of them organizing the library. “Hey. While we’re here. Anypony want to see if there’s any mention of Sparkler in here?” Moondancer asked.
Twilight’s eyes widened. “What?” She asked.
“Think. This castle is probably older than Canterlot. Who’s to say it doesn’t have a record of earlier Crystal Empire history in it?” Moondancer reasoned. “For all we know the answer to it all could very well be here.”
Sparkler and Twilight glanced at each other, Sparkler shrugged. “I mean, we are already here so it could be worth a shot.” She said.
“Yeah.” Twilight said. “Why didn’t I think of that? That’s a great idea Moony!” She told Moondancer.
Moondancer blushed while Sparkler chuckled. It had only been two weeks thus far. But she could tell the two were trying to make up for lost time. This allowed her to see just how similar Moondancer and Twilight actually were to each other. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they were actually clones of each other. She thought. It had surprised her how similar the two looked when she first met Moondancer. And…she wouldn’t deny that for the briefest moment, she held the slightest attraction to Moondancer. Now, two weeks into Moondancer courting Twilight, and two weeks into Sparkler’s own investigation per the section on polyamorous relationships, she had already come to the conclusion that yes, she was not monogamous and she would not mind having multiple lovers.
Once she had figured that out, she began looking for signs of a spark between her and Moondancer. She already had noted that her appearance definitely would be a factor. Which showed her that she had a type for Twilight’s specific mane and tail style. And under that, she had jotted down Moondancer’s surprising musical history knowledge. She didn’t strike me as somepony to know much about musical history. Talk about a surprise. She thought.
While Twilight, Sparkler, Moondancer, and the Mane 6 went about their business. Frost, who was finally set free after doing a few more chores than she expected, had noticed them through her magically heightened vision and decided to investigate. There they are again. She had thought as she spied on them through the holes in the walls. This was not the first time she saw them at the castle whilst on patrol. And it always intrigued her why they kept coming back. This castle is beyond repair. Surely they know that. She had thought.
At one point, she spied through a window which led to the Library, and her eyes widened when she saw SPARKLING MEDLEY in there. Sparkler… She stared at the older Alicorn going through a book, her mind racing. She must have come here with the others… She concluded. She struggled to keep her breathing under control. She’s right there…I could…she shook her head. She couldn’t. She knew that she couldn’t. “Not yet.” She whispered, before something happened that scared her to death…she let out an involuntary cough.
The cough was loud enough to alert Sparkler, who was the closest to the window. Frost saw Sparkler turn her head towards the window. So she bolted away from there before Sparkler could see her. Crap! She thought. Her cover was nearly blown.
Inside the castle, Sparkler heard the cough and glanced around to the source. She looked out the window and saw what she thought was the tip of a tail disappearing behind the wall. “What?” She asked aloud.
“What is it Sparkler?” Moondancer asked.
Sparkler glanced at Moondancer, then the window, before shaking her head. “N-nothing.” She said. Why do I get the feeling we’re being watched? She thought.
Frost waited until she was sure nopony would see her enter, before she quietly slipped into the Castle of the two Sisters. She navigated into a secret hallway that she was sure none of them had found. Once she was sure she was alone, she pressed a stone and a secret passage opened up. She slipped through it and found herself in a room with a single table in it. She made sure the passageway was closed before she stepped up to the table, onto a pad, and lit her horn.
The pad and the table flowed as they responded to her magical signature and the table lit up, projecting a map of the entire world on its surface. “Thank you mom and dad.” She commented as a few dots appeared on the map. A red dot and a few blue dots. “Ok…Aqua and Refract are at Camp Little Hooves, Fleur is in Canterlot getting ready to move, me and Sparkler are here at the castle, and the only active Ultra Monster should be Ron, who is in the castle as well.” She said. “And Clear Cut is here keeping an eye on Sparkler as well. Yep. All dots are accounted for.” She said with a smile. She went to dim her horn, but before she could, a new dot appeared at the Castle of The Two Sisters. A new blue dot. “The heck?” Frost asked, confused. “A new dot? But that shouldn’t be possible.” She said as she looked closely at the new dot. She knew exactly how this table worked and what it could pinpoint
Right then, her pendant glowed, and a Crystal projection of Clear-Cut appeared next to Frost. “Frost, Sparkler is in the Everfree forest.” He said.
“Yeah.” Frost responded. “I know. I was nearly caught when spying on her.”
“What?!” Clear-Cut asked. “Frost, you can’t take risks like that.”
“Yeah. I know. But we may have a new problem. The Medley Table just sprouted a new blue dot. Making one more dot then should be there.” Frost told Clear-Cut.
“What?” Clear-Cut asked. “But…that would mean…”
“Yeah.” Frost responded. Both of them stared at the new dot. Both of them fully aware of what it could mean. After a few moments of looking, Frost dimmed her horn and the world projection vanished. “I’m going to investigate.” Frost said.
“No, I will do that. You need to get out of the castle before you’re seen.” Clear-Cut responded.
“I know this castle better than you do. Plus I’m smaller and blend in better with the castle. Sorry dragon boy, this one’s mine.” Frost responded, cutting the connection from her Pendant. She snuck out of her little hideout and back into the open Castle. “Either it’s one of the Mane 6, or somepony new just arrived here.” She commented as she moved quietly.
Elsewhere in the Castle, Sparkler was exploring more of the castle, she was alone with her thoughts. Which drifted back to what she had seen. I definitely saw a tail tip in the window… She thought. She was running through who it could have been. Surely it wouldn’t be one of her winged friends. They knew they didn’t have to hide from her. Maybe it was a new pony she HADN’T met? But who would want to watch them.
Soon, something happened that made her forget about the mystery pony. “Sparkler…” Said a voice that echoed through the castle.
The sudden ominous voice spooked Sparkler and she stopped in her tracks. “W-who’s there?” Sparkler asked, looking around.
“Sparkler…” The voice responded, after which, a secret passage opened up right next to her, spooking her even more.
Sparkler stared at the open passageway, debating what to do. “Sparkler…come to me…” The Voice said.
Sparkler didn’t know what compelled her to listen to the ominous voice. But for some reason, she took a step forward, and another, and another, until she entered the passageway the passage closed behind her, and she kept walking forward. The Ominous summons acting as a kind of guide, telling her the way to go. As she progressed, Sparkler had her horn lit, both for light and for defense. I wonder if I should–Oh… Sparkler was about to wonder if she should have contacted Twilight, but before she could, she came into an open cavern, and she saw something that she had never seen before, but most certainly HEARD about. A crystal tree, with 5 branches and different colored gems within each branch. It was something that she knew could only be one thing.
“The Tree of Harmony.” Sparkler whispered.
The tree glowed as she heard the Ominous Voice again. “Sparkler…Come to me…” Sparkler’s eyes widened as she pieced together that the TREE was the one summoning her. At that moment, she horn pulsed Twilight telling her where she was.
Sparkler: Ok, you’re probably not going to believe me, but I’m being called by the Tree of Harmony. I’m in its chamber now.
With that done, Sparkler stepped closer to the tree. Curious as to what it was doing.
She opened her mouth to say something, before the star in the middle of the tree, which she figured was the Element of Magic, glowed brightly and shot a beam directly to her horn. When the beam connected with her horn, her eyes glowed bright white and she Crystalized right then and there.
Witnessing this was none other then Clear-Cut, who was hiding behind a crystal formation. He witnessed what was going on with outright confusion and curiosity. What the claw is that tree doing? He thought.
Twilight meanwhile flew out of the castle and down to the Cave opening which led to the Tree of Harmony. Sparkler’s Horn Pulse was surprising, but she knew better than to question her sincerity, especially since the tree had called to ponies before in the thousand years since its creation. She entered the cave and turned the corner to see a sight she was not expecting. The Element of Magic was connected to Sparkler’s horn via a beam of energy, and Sparkler was crystalized, and glowing. “What the heck?!” She asked frantically. “Sparkler what’s going on?” She asked.
Within the castle, Frost was busy attempting to find that newest dot. Still baffled that such an occurrence was possible. If there’s another Medley out there, why didn’t the table detect them until now? She thought. She couldn’t place it, but she had a bad feeling about it. Simply BECAUSE the dot appeared now Vs when she started using the table.
Sparkler found herself in an astral plane not unlike that which she found in the dreamscape, she looked around. “Hello?” She asked. Initially finding nopony around. Sparkler was confused as all heck. One moment she was standing in front of the Tree of Harmony, the next she was in this environment, presumably pulled here by the Tree itself.
“Greetings my child. At last we meet.” Said the voice from before.
Sparkler looked behind her to where the voice came from, and saw an Alicorn with white fur and a rainbow mane and tail. She pieced together this was a sort of construct. “Are you the Tree of Harmony?” She asked.
“I prefer to go by just Harmony, but indeed.” Harmony said. “Welcome Sparkling Medley. I have longed to meet you.” She said.
“You have?” Sparkler asked.
“Yes.” Harmony said. “I have waited for you to visit the Castle of the Two Sisters. I knew that you eventually would.” She said.
“Why?” Sparkler asked.
“Because I must warn you. There is a grave danger coming. The world as we know is in danger.” Harmony said.
Sparkler’s eyes widened. A grave danger? “What? What do you mean a grave danger?” She asked. “And…why warn ME versus the element bearers?” She asked. Curious as to why Harmony would warn just her when she wasn’t an element bearer.
“Because they cannot stop this danger. They have tried before, but ultimately, only one pony can hope to stop this threat. You.” Harmony informed Sparkler.
Sparkler’s jaw dropped. HER?! “…What?” She asked, her mind racing.
“Yes.” Harmony responded. “You alone have the power to defeat this threat once and for all.” She said.
“…If the Elements of Harmony can’t ultimately defeat this threat, then we’re doomed.” Sparkler said after a few moments of shock.
Harmony chuckled. “You doubt yourself.” She said.
“Of COURSE I doubt myself. My magical power is only a small FRACTION of the Elements of Harmony. Not even a single Element’s worth.” Sparkler responded. “If they couldn’t do it what hope do I have?”
“Do not worry Sparkling Medley. You will not be alone. You have others that will guide you and help you towards your destiny.” Harmony said.
In the outside world, Twilight glanced nervously between the Tree of Harmony and Sparkler. Trying to figure out what was going on.
Eventually, the Element of Magic ceased glowing and retracted its beam. Sparkler stopped glowing, decrystalized, and stood there, frozen, her mouth agape.
Twilight saw Sparkler return to normal and smiled. “Sparkler. Are you ok? What happened?” She asked.
Sparkler heard her, and wanted to respond. But she couldn’t. Her mind was racing too much trying to process what just happened, it tried to not shut down, but it ended in futility as it completely crashed, and she fainted.
Twilight saw her fainting and quickly caught her. Fear and panic quickly overtaking her expression. “Sparkler?! What happened?” She asked as she quickly made sure Sparkler didn’t just DIE. Fortunately, there was still a pulse. After failing to rouse her fiancé, Twilight decided she needed to get Sparkler home.
Clear-Cut watched her carry Sparkler out of the cave, and the second they were gone, he whirled his head back around and approached the tree. “Ok Harmony.” He said. “You and I need to have a talk. Because CLEARLY you did SOMETHING.” He told the Tree.
Later that day, Ron peered into the window of the Castle of Friendship, looking at the slumbering Sparkler. “I wonder what happened for her to be sleeping this time of day.” He commented.
“Funny. I was going to ask you the same question.” Said a voice from within the bush.
Ron peered into the bush, and was pulled into it by none other than Melody Frost. He yelped as Frost glared at him. “Ok you little runt. What did you do.” She said.
“ME?!” Ron asked surprised. “I didn’t do anything!”
“You didn’t do anything?” Frost asked. “There’s an extra dot displayed on the table, Sparkler is called by the Tree of Harmony and is knocked out. You did something.” She told Ron.
“You really think I have the power to mess with the Tree of Harmony? If Ultra Monsters had that power don’t you think You-Know-Who would have used that the LAST time he was around?” Ron asked. “Cross my heart and hope to fly stick an cupcake in my eye I have NOTHING to do with this.” He Pinkie Promised.
Frost groaned. “I don’t like this. Something’s up. Something not accounted for in the grand plan.” She said.
“I’m sure it’s nothing bad.” Ron said.
“But we don’t KNOW. And that’s the problem.” Frost responded.
“We?” Ron asked. “You mean you and Clear-Cut?”
“And you.” Frost responded. “Congrats Ron. You’re being drafted.” She said with a smirk. She and Clear-Cut talked the other day, and they agreed that so long as Ron was around, they would make use of him.
“Whoa whoa whoa.” Ron said. “I didn’t sign up to come to this planet and I did not sign up for this little war of yours. I just want a peaceful life with Fluttershy. Or better yet, to GO HOME.” He insisted, irritated.
“Remember that little bit about being on parole?” Frost asked. “You are in a position none of us are in. You can safely interact with Sparkler without arousing her suspicion. That makes you perfectly suited to keep an eye on her when we cannot.” She said. “So you bet your tail you’re getting drafted into this war.” She said.
Ron wanted to strangle Frost in that moment, but he restrained himself. He took a deep breath, deciding to just go with it. “You know what? FINE. I’ll play this little game. But I want all of you to stop watching me. I have no malicious intentions, I have no quarrels with Sparkler or ANYPONY in her family. I just want to live a peaceful life. WITHOUT anypony looking over my shoulder.” He said.
“I suppose you’ve earned that trust.” Frost said. “But if we get wind–”
“You won’t.” Ron cut Frost off.
“Fine.” Frost said. “Come to the Castle of Two Sisters tonight. There’s a mandatory meeting for our little team.” She said.
“Whatever.” Ron responded as he hopped off.
Frost rolled her eyes. “Oh he’s gonna be there. Whether he likes it or not.” She said. She took one last look through the window at Sparkler, before she snuck off back into the Everfree Forest. Unaware of the true extent that the Tree of Harmony summoned Sparkler for.
Much to Twilight’s utter chagrin, Sparkler had been knocked out for the last three days. Ever since she fainted after the Tree of Harmony summoned her. Sparkler was medically fine, as confirmed by Nurse Redheart, who was kind enough to do a house call. But she still hadn’t woken up.
Now, Twilight and Moondancer were having lunch in the castle kitchen. Moondancer noticed Twilight’s gloomy mood. “Worried about Sparkler?” She correctly guessed.
“Of course I’m worried about her.” Twilight responded. “It’s been three days since her encounter with the Tree of Harmony, and I can’t even BEGIN to guess what happened. The Tree of Harmony is an all powerful ancient artifact powered by six gemstones. For all we know Sparkler now has the knowledge of Faust herself.” She said.
“What I’m trying to figure out is why the tree called Sparkler Vs you or one of the other element bearers.” Moondancer commented. “She’s not a bearer.”
“All I know is that if the Tree of Harmony summoned Sparkler, it’s got to be important.” Twilight responded. Her mind racing.
“We’ll just have to ask her when she wakes up.” Moondancer responded. “Speaking of her…Twilight what would you say if Sparkler and I got together?” She asked.
Twilight’s eyes widened. “You and Sparkler?” She asked.
“Yeah. Like, you love me and Sparkler equally. I love you, and so does Sparkler. If Sparkler and I loved each other it would complete the set.” Moondancer explained.
Twilight nodded. “I mean…that makes sense. But that question still came a bit out of nowhere.” She said.
“Yeah…I…may have been trying to find a spark I may hold for Sparkler. As the book on romance suggests in it’s polyamorous section.” Moondancer explained.
Twilight blinked at Moondancer, surprised with this revelation. “Oh…ok.” She said, trying not to get her hopes up. Sparkler and Moondancer loving each other would be the best because that would mean that the three way relationship was pretty much secured on stable ground. But she also knew that one could not force love. It had to come naturally. And she had no idea where Sparkler stood. “D-did you find a Spark?” She asked Moondancer.
Moondancer looked away and smiled sheepishly. She had spent the past few weeks studying the time she spent with Sparkler. Particularly when the two hung out when Twilight had Royal duties or something. Analyzing her feelings towards Sparkler. And after learning more about Sparkler and getting to know her personally, Moondancer came to the conclusion that there was a spark that she held for Sparkler. Her love of learning and impressive technical knowledge were forefront reasons for the spark to form. “Yeah.” Moondancer responded. “Yeah I did.”
Twilight beamed in delight and hugged Moondancer. “That’s great!” She said.
“Yeah. Well, it’s not much if Sparkler doesn’t return my feelings for her.” Moondancer pointed out.
“I hope she’ll be willing to give it a shot.” Twilight said.
As if on cue, there was a puff of smoke that suddenly appeared, and dissipated to reveal Sparkler.
Neither Twilight nor Moondancer had time to process what was going on before Sparkler tackled Twilight in a tight hug. And it quickly became apparent that she was in a panicked state with what flew out of her mouth. “Twilight! Oh thank FAUST you’re here!” She exclaimed. Twilight felt a few tears from Sparkler that dropped onto her fur.
“Sparkler?” Twilight asked, immediately worried for her Fiance. “Sparkler, what’s wrong sweetie?” She asked, wrapping Sparkler up in her wings to try and soothe the distraught mare.
“Sparkler said nothing as she continued to cling to Twilight, seemingly having a panic attack. Moondancer watched from the outside and her mind raced. Either she had a nightmare and Luna didn’t do her job…or maybe the Tree of Harmony did something. She thought as she approached Sparkler and Twilight. “Hey, Sparkler.” She cooed as she patted Sparkler’s back. “It’s ok Sparks, Twilight and I are here for ya.” She said.
Sparkler’s ears perked up at the sound of another voice. She turned her head away from Twilight to see Moondancer smiling at her. “Moondancer?” She asked. She shook her head, seemingly coming to her senses. “W-what happened?” She asked.
“You were knocked out for three days after your encounter with the tree of harmony.” Moondancer responded. “And you just came in here a few moments ago and acted like you hadn’t seen Twilight in centuries.” She added.
“Tree of Harmony?” Sparkler asked. Her mind raced as she remembered what had happened. “Right…Harmony had called me…” She said.
“Harmony?” Twilight asked.
“That’s apparently what the Tree’s conscience is called.” Sparkler explained, shivering a bit as she remembered what Harmony had said…again.
“Sparkler?” Twilight asked, feeling the shiver. “What happened?”
“Harmony summoned me…she wanted to warn me that a grave danger was coming.” Sparkler revealed.
“What?!” Twilight and Moondancer asked in unison, surprised. “What danger?”
“She didn’t say.” Sparkler responded. “Just that apparently it’s something the Elements of Harmony tried to conquer, but failed…she said I was the only one that could defeat the threat once and for all.” She said, shaking, clearly frightened, prompting Twilight to hold her lovingly.
“It’s gonna be OK Sparkler.” Twilight said. “Whatever this threat is, we’ll face it together. You’re not alone.”
“Are you sure Harmony didn’t tell you anything about the threat?” Moondancer asked.
“She didn’t.” Sparkler responded. “Just that the Elements have tried, but ultimately they failed.
Twilight sighed. “That barely narrows it down aa to which known villains we’ve faced that COULD come back.” She said.
“Yeah.” Moondancer said. “Although…Harmony COULD also be referring to a threat the pillars of harmony faced. Or the stones themselves.” She offered.
“So really it could be anything.” Twilight reasoned.
“C-Can we not talk about armageddon anymore today?” Sparkler asked. “I don’t want to think about it yet.”
Twilight leaned in and nuzzled Sparkler’s cheek. “Alright, we’ll send a message to the Princesses tomorrow.” She responded.
Sparkler nodded, grateful. Moondancer though got the hunch that there was something Sparkler WASN’T telling them. “Did…did Harmony tell you anything else?” She asked. “Anything at all?”
Sparkler winced. Moondancer was right, Harmony DID tell her something else. After a few moments, she spoke. “...She told me I had another blood relative out there…Living in the Everfree Forest.” She revealed.
Twilight’s and Moondancer’s jaws dropped and they gasped. “What?!” They exclaimed.
Meanwhile, in the forest village where she lived, Melody Frost stopped what she was doing and let out a light gasp, feeling a disturbance. “Something’s wrong. Something is very VERY wrong.” She said.
Fleur De Lis came in for a landing on the Castle of Friendship’s balcony, where she found her sister Sparkler pacing back and forth, waiting for her. “I got your letter sis.” Fleur said. “You said it was urgent?” She asked.
Sparkler took a deep breath. It was the day after she awoke from being knocked out by the Tree of Harmony. Once she came to and came to her senses, she sent a letter by Spike’s firemail directly to her sister, telling her they needed to talk. “I did.” Sparkler responded. “A few days ago I was summoned by the Tree of Harmony.” She told her.
Fleur gasped. “The Tree of Harmony summoned you? For what purpose?” She asked.
“Apparently to warn me of an incoming grave danger that only I can stop.” Sparkler responded. “But that’s not important right now. The more immediate concern is what ELSE that tree told me.” She said.
Fleur’s eyes widened. “A grave danger approaches?” She asked.
“Yes. But again, not the immediate concern.” Sparkler reminded Fleur. “That tree told me something else, and it concerns both of us.” She said.
“What is it?” Fleur asked.
“Fleur…We have a cousin, living in the Everfree Forest.” Sparkler told Fleur.
Much like Twilight and Moondancer, Fleur’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Only in this case, it was an act. Because she knew full well that it was true. “What?!” She asked. CRAP! She knows!
Sparkler, falling completely for Fleur’s act, nodded. “Yeah. A cousin, in the forest.” Sparkler responded.
Fleur’s mind raced. Many questions forming in her mind. But she asked out loud the questions that kept up her act. “How could ANYPONY be living in that place?” She asked. “It’s crawling with monsters.”
“Zecora the zebra lives in the Forest.” Sparkler told her, referring to the Zebra she had met some time ago.
“Could SHE be our cousin?” Fleur asked.
“No, the tree gave me a description, and Zecora doesn’t fit it. She’s a kid, about 8, and more importantly, she’s an ALICORN.” Sparkler explained. “Fleur, there’s ANOTHER Alicorn out there!” She exclaimed.
Fleur wanted to send Melody Frost a Horn Pulse to warn her that Sparkler was now aware of her existence…But something stopped her. Something that she was not expecting. A desire to bring their family together. It was stronger than the obligations Clear Cut told her she had. “Did…Did the tree say where in the forest this cousin was?” She asked. “And did she give you a name?”
“Melody Frost, but it didn’t tell me where.” Sparkler responded. “BUT, I finally mastered a new trick. The Alicorn Sense Celestia has.” She said with a smile. “And what’s more, we managed to figure out how to target specific areas. So if I just target the Everfree Forest…” She lit her horn and concentrated. Locating their cousin after a second. “...And we got a hit.” She announced. “Come-”
“Sparkler!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie, who suddenly landed on the balcony…Without any sensible means of actually GETTING up there.
Sparkler jumped a bit. “Pinkie. What’s going on?” She asked.
“My Pinkie Sense told me you and Fleur were going to meet your cousin. Mind if I set up a ballroom in the castle to throw a welcome party for her?” She asked.
Sparkler blinked, before chuckling and shaking her head. Of COURSE Pinkie would sense it. “Sure.” Sparkler said. “But you might want to wait for Twilight and Starlight to come back from their friendship mission.” She said, Twilight and Starlight were called that morning on a Friendship Mission in Canterlot. So Twilight said she’d take the chance to warn Celestia and Luna of the impending danger.
“Of course Silly! After all when Twilight marries you this cousin will be her cousin-in-law.” Pinkie said. “Anywho, I got a party to plan.” She said as she bounced into the castle, past Moondancer. “Hiya Moondancer! Have fun with Sparkler and Fleur in the forest.” She said.
While Moondancer watched Pinkie bounce into the castle, Fleur and Sparkler noticed Moondancer come. “Oh. Hi Moondancer.” Sparkler responded.
“Hey Sparks. Fleur. Nice to see you again.” Moondancer responded.
“Moondancer.” Fleur acknowledged.
“Have you told her yet Sparkler?” Moondancer asked.
“Just did. We were just leaving now, if Fleur is able.” Sparkler said.
“Oh I’m definitely coming.” Fleur responded.
“And so am I.” Moondancer said.
“You are?” Sparkler asked, noticing that Moondancer had saddlebags on her.
“If you’ll let me. Been wanting to go on an adventure with you.” Moondancer responded.
Fleur and Sparkler looked at each other. Fleur shrugged. “Up to you.” Fleur said.
Sparkler thought for a moment, before nodding. “Be our guest.” Sparkler responded.
Moondancer smiled as she lit her horn, and cast a wing spell on herself, making beautiful butterfly wings appear on her sides. “Always wanted to fly. I assume we will be flying there yes?” She asked.
“That’s right.” Sparkler said. “If we walked there that’s plenty of opportunity for monsters to get us.” She explained.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Fleur asked as she spread her wings. “Let’s go.”
Sparkler and Moondancer spread their own wings. “Let’s fly.” Sparkler said as the three ponies took off.
“Harmony said WHAT?!” Frost shrieked. She and Clear-Cut were within the chamber which housed the Medley Table, and Clear Cut just told her what Harmony told him.
“Yeah. Not only did Harmony reveal to her that there was a threat coming that only she could defeat, but she also made Sparkler aware of YOU.” Clear Cut responded.
“Harmony knew the master plan. She MUST have known.” Frost said. “Why would she say that to her?”
“Because there is no reason to keep her in the dark.” Said a familiar voice as an astral projection appeared before Frost and Clear-Cut.
Frost and Clear-Cut turned their heads to look at the projection, they recognized it as Harmony, the conscience of the Tree of Harmony. Frost’s expression turned to a glare. “Why in the world would you out me?” She asked. “You know the Master Plan.”
“I do.” Harmony responded. “That does not mean I agree with it 100%.”
“Do you not–” Clear Cut started before Harmony cut her off.
“I’m gonna stop you right there Clear-Cut.” Harmony said. “I am fully aware of the Master Plan, Sparkler’s true destiny, all of it. And my response is utter confusion. You want her in the dark until you tell her in two months. When it would be better to have her on alert so she has a better chance of fulfilling her destiny?” She asked.
“It’s so she won’t agonize over it and live her life peacefully for as long as possible.” Clear-Cut responded.
“And keeping her in the dark about her family? What’s your excuse there?” Harmony asked.
“I had my orders.” Clear Cut said.
“So no excuse then.” Harmony deduced. “No reason why Sparkler can’t know that she has more biological family. She already knows she’s adopted, and meeting her family does not constitute her learning of her true destiny.”
“It’s a risk.” Frost responded.
“And what reason would she have to question you if you do not give off the impression?” Harmony countered.
Frost and Clear-Cut stayed silent, Harmony continued. “Frost, you want to get out of that orphanage correct?” She asked. “You want to be with your biological family again?” She asked.
Frost hesitated, before nodding. “Yes.” She admitted.
“As I thought.” Harmony responded. “Sparkler has been through a lot since birth. She grew up without ever knowing that her biological family was out there somewhere. Did ANYTHING negative happen when she found out Fleur was her sister?” She asked.
“There was a risk.” Clear Cut said.
“But did anything negative happen?” Harmony asked again.
“..No.” Frost and Clear Cut responded.
“And that was because Fleur never said anything. Frost has an advantage of never having met her before. So she’s even less likely to be mad.” Harmony said.
“Where are you going with this?” Clear Cut asked.
“Sparkler knowing who her biological family is will not negatively impact the Master Plan.” Harmony said. “If you don’t want to tell her about Aqua Blossom, fine. She’s miles away anyway. But Frost, both you and Fleur are HERE, NOW. You can give Sparkler what she’s always desired. To feel like she belongs. True she has found that in Ponyville but still. It will put her at ease knowing that she is not the only Alicorn in her family.” She explained.
Clear Cut and Frost looked at each other, each pondering Harmony’s words. “...I suppose you have a point.” Clear Cut finally admitted.
Harmony smiled. “With all that in mind. Cool your wings and just be happy that SHE’S happy.” She told them. “Because at the end of the day, Family is what matters most.” She said.
Clear Cut took a deep breath. “Alright. You’ve made your point. I guess we were overreacting a little.” He said.
Harmony nodded. “Glad we agree. Now, Frost, Sparkler, Fleur, and their friend Moondancer will arrive shortly. They know you’re here in the Castle of the Two Sisters. I suggest you make yourself findable.” She said.
Frost took a deep breath, let it and, and nodded. “Ok.” She said, nervousness mixed with excitement creeping in. “I hope I can convince one of them to take me in…” She said.
“I have no doubt one of them will.” Harmony said. “Now go.”
Frost nodded. “Right.” She said as she left the chamber.
Clear Cut watched her go, and turned back to Harmony. “PLEASE do not tell Sparkler anything else related to any of this.” He pleaded with her.
“I have already told her all she needed to know at the moment.” Harmony responded as she disappeared. “However, I WILL tell her if you do not in 2 months.” She warned.
Clear Cut nodded, understanding completely.
In the upper levels of the castle, Sparkler, Fleur, and Moondancer landed in the Castle throne room. “Your sense told you this cousin of yours was here?” Moondancer asked.
“Apparently.” Sparkler responded. “If I had to guess, this cousin is exploring.”
“Can’t say I blame them.” Fleur said. “This is a Historic Place.” She said.
At that moment, all three of them heard the sound of rocks falling. They turned their heads, and saw a little gray Alicorn Filly, age 8 by the look of it.
For a moment, nopony made a sound or moved, until Sparkler made the first move. “Hello there.” She said as she approached the filly. “Are you Melody Frost?” She asked.
Frost, for the briefest moment, second guessed her decision to finally reveal herself. But her desire to get out of the orphanage won out as she nodded. “Yeah?” She fake asked, remembering to keep up the charade that she didn’t know full well that they were coming for her…And that she had no idea who they were because of what Sparkler said next.
“I’m Sparkler. This is Fleur and Moondancer…And Fleur and I are your cousins.” Sparkler said.
Summer love hangin' in the air Hot sand on my hooves but I don't care It's all I ever wanted, I hope it never ends So good to get away All day in the car but that's okay 'Cause I like, like, like it like that Just chillin' with my friends
'Cause I (I) know (know) A summertime vacation song And you (you) know (know) Wherever we go you'll be singin' along Like na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na
Road trippin' with my friends And wherever we go, the song never ends And turn up the radio Drop the beat and dance Not gonna get a minute of sleep I'll be owin' through the boardwalk Movin' my hooves, yeah So come along with me Let's have a crazy time
'Cause I (I) know (know) A summertime vacation song And you (you) know (know) Wherever we go you'll be singin' along Like na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na
It's such a crazy journey But I'm not in any hurry I'm takin' my time It's all I ever wanted To not know where we're goin' Enjoyin' the ride Yeah, yeah
'Cause I (I) know (know) A summertime vacation song And you (you) know (know) Wherever we go you'll be singin' along Like na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na Na, na, na!
Airwave hit that last note and the song came to an end, eliciting a round of applause from his audience in the Sparkling Harmony Records Live Performance room, which was converted from one of the MANY ballrooms in the Castle of Friendship.
Airwave’s audience? Lyrica, Sparkler, Flappy, his kids, Melody Frost, Maddy, and Star Sound, who had paid them a visit just before the show.
Lyrica smiled as she trotted up to Airwave and gave the handsome hazel skinned changeling a kiss on the cheek. “Another wonderful performance Wavy.” She told him.
“Definitely!” Frost commented as she fluttered her wings cutely and hovered around Airwave. “I can’t believe I just watched THE Airwave perform his latest hit! I’ve heard all your songs and DREAMED of meeting you in pony!” She fangirled over Airwave.
Everypony around Frost couldn’t help but chuckle at the little filly’s excitement. It had been a full week since Frost came to live with Fleur and Fancypants once they had officially moved to Ponyville, and while ANOTHER Alicorn appearance was shocking, everypony quickly came around. And Sparkler and Fleur had been spending as much time with Frost as they could to make up for the lost time, which wasn’t exactly hard with all of them living in the same town.
Today, Sparkler was foalsitting Frost while Fancypants had a meeting with Twilight and Mayor Mare over turning Ponyville into an ACTUAL capital of Friendship rather than a De-facto one, and Fleur and Rarity were busy making fashion. And this afforded Frost the chance to meet her idol in music, which explained the fangirling.
“You and Airwave are doing amazing work here Sparkler.” Star Sound commented.
“Crow! Seconded! Crow!” Flapperina responded.
“Squeak! She’s the best Mixer ever! Squeak!” Streaker said.
Sparkler blushed and smiled sheepishly. “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far.” She said.
“I absolutely would.” Airwave responded. “Seriously Sparks. My songs lately would not be half as good without you mixing them.” He said.
“I concur wholeheartedly!” Frost responded.
Sparkler just smiled and shook her head. “If you guys insist.” She said.
Maddy barked happily and nuzzled her hoof while Flappy nodded, turning to Star Sound. “Squawk! So, Mr. Sound, you said you had something to talk to Sparkler about? Squawk!” He asked, bringing them back to why Star Sound was there.
“I did.” Star Sound responded. “Remember a few weeks ago when The Harmonic Medleys collabed with Sapphire Shores?” He asked.
“Make Your Mark. Oh that song absolutely rocks!” Frost responded. “Listen to it constantly.”
Sparkler chuckled as she nodded at Star Sound. “Yeah. I remember one of the highlights of my life so far. Why?” She asked.
“Another Artist has expressed interest in a collab.” Star Sound announced. “Countess Coloratura.” He said.
At the mention of that name, Sparkler’s excitement blasted through the roof. “Countess Coloratura? She’s the third biggest star in Equestria, behind Airwave and Sapphire Shores.” She stated.
“Correct. Your band is getting quite the attention.” Star Sound responded.
“Squawk! Is she on her way now? Squawk!” Flappy asked.
“She’s currently in Manehatten. I told her I’d meet her there after I came to talk to you.” Star Sound responded.
“Well thanks for ensuring we aren’t sprung on this time.” Sparkler joked, remembering how their last collab came to be. “Give me a few hours to talk to my bandmates.” She told Star Sound.
“I anxiously await your answer.” Star Sound responded.
Sparkler nodded, and lit her horn to teleport to where each of her bandmates were. Flash was out at the hayburger restaurant with his new marefriend, and Autumn, Feathers and Chroma were at the pet park with Bella. All of them gave a unanimous yes to collabing with Countess Coloratura and Sparkler told Star Sound as much. Star Sound said he’d be back with the Countess in a few days, and after a nice lunch, he took his leave on the next train.
The next day, Sparkler and Applejack were out in the Castle’s backyard. Continuing to put together and expand the playhouse Sparkler’s dad made her when she was a filly, “Hey AJ?” Sparkler asked.
“Yeah Sparks?” Applejack asked.
“Didn’t you once say that you and Countess Coloratura were friends?” Sparkler asked.
“Yeah? Why?” Applejack asked.
“She’ll be here in a few days to collab with the Harmonic Medleys.” Sparkler responded.
“She’s coming here?!” Applejack shrieked, the apparent shock caused her to knock over a bucket of nails and screws.
Sparkler heard the commotion, and Applejack’s subsequent Rated E swearing, and poked her head in the “basement” part of the playhouse where the farmpony was. “Everything OK?” She asked.
“Yeah. Yeah everything’s fine.” Applejack responded. “Just a bit surprised is all.” She tried to hide the blush that was forming in her cheeks.
Sparkler caught the blush before Applejack pulled her hat over her face. “Is something wrong?” Sparkler naked, confused.
“N-No. Everything’s fine.” Applejack responded.
That raised red flags for Sparkler immediately. It was a well known fact that Applejack, who was the element of honesty, was actually incapable of making up a convincing lie, which probably was WHY she was the element of honesty. That combined with the blush at Coloratura’s name made Sparkler think of what could be going on. “Applejack, whatever you got going on you can tell me.” She said. “I can keep a secret.”
Applejack looked at Sparkler all embarrassed, she KNEW Sparkler could keep a secret, having seen her do it before. With a sigh, she decided to tell. “Rara and I used to date each other.” She said.
“Really?” Sparkler asked. Now fully inside the basement area.
“Yeah.” Applejack responded. “Back in school, and after she moved to Manehatten we tried to keep a long distance relationship.” She explained.
“Tried?” Sparkler asked. “What happened?”
“Her manager happened.” Applejack responded. “Her old manager manipulated her into becoming a Diva and it drove a wedge between us.” She explained. “Last time she was here we managed to patch things up, and got rid of the manager along the way.”
“So you two are back together now?” Sparkler asked.
“Well, no.” Applejack responded. “Kinda forgot about that. We just went back to being friends like we used to.”
Sparkler smiled. “Well, at least you two are friends again.” She said.
“Yeah…Friends…” Applejack responded nervously.
Sparkler caught the tone of Applejack’s voice, and the way she was acting, and it told her something was up. “You still have feelings for her don’t you.” She guessed.
Applejack jumped a little when Sparkler said that, but she didn’t deny it. “Yeah, I do.” She said. “It was a nasty breakup, but despite that, I knew it wasn’t her fault. She was being manipulated. So, my heart never really moved on from her.” She told Sparkler.
“You should totally talk to her about this when she comes.” Sparkler suggested. “I mean, the news hasn’t said anything so I don’t think she has a new partner.”
“She doesn’t. She’d tell me otherwise.” Applejack responded.
“So you should talk to her, see if she’d like to restart the fire.” Sparkler said.
“But what if she says no?” Applejack asked. “We got a good thing goin and I ain’t about to mess that up.”
“It still won’t hurt to bring it up.” Sparkler responded. “I mean, how long were you two together?”
“...Since 5th grade until we both graduated high school.” Applejack admitted.
“Eight years…wow her manager must have messed with her head a lot.” Sparkler commented. “Anyway, If you two had a happy 8 years together, I’m sure it shouldn’t be TOO bad. Sure it might bring up painful memories but worst case scenario she says she doesn’t want to talk about it and you say sure.” She said.
“Ya really think so?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah. I mean, if she’s really your friend she won’t get mad at you for bringing it up.” Sparkler responded with a reassuring nod.
“Good point…” Applejack responded. “Not sure how to bring it up though…” She said.
“Oh, I got an idea.” Sparkler responded with a smile. Already thinking of the perfect way.
