> Starbloom Chronicles
>  by L_Wolf
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Hornless Twilight Arrives - Starbloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1
First day of School


        It had been close to a week since Twilight had stopped having her dream and things seemed to have gotten back to normal. Well as normal as things get in Ponyville, but Twilight also seemed to be getting ready for someone. She had cleaned out a spot in her tree house and had an extra bed put in. Though she would not explain too much about it, her friends still helped her get the new room setup.

        When a small filly arrived in town, everyone was curious about her. She seemed to be a little younger than Apple Bloom and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, but she was travelling alone. The most surprising thing however was how much she looked like Twilight Sparkle. She had the same coloring, her mane, eyes and fur color was identical to Twilight. The real difference was that she was an Earth Pony, and she had a patch of gray fur on her flank were her cutie mark would be. She also had a patch of gray fur on her head, were a horn would be if she had been a unicorn. 

        When the young filly came into town Twilight went to meet her and started to talk with her before taking her back to the library, which shocked all her friends. It wasn't that she was bad with kids, it was that she never seemed to be the type to let one stay with her. The little filly herself seemed pleased with the idea, so no one protested.

        "You finally made it," Twilight said to the young filly smiling at her. "How was your trip here?" She asked as she brought the filly up into the library. Spike was away in Canterlot so they were alone for now, he would definitely be in for a surprise when he got back.

        "It was good, but there’s it’s a long walk between here and Canterlot though." The filly replied to the question, looking up at Twilight as she walked with her. "I also decided on a new name, so it won’t be so confusing." She looked back at her flank. The lack of her cutie mark still hurt.

        "Oh?" Twilight asked looking back at her before frowned a bit. "Don't focus on it. I know it's hard but you have to look forward to the future. You've been given a second chance... we've been given a second chance."

        The small filly nods looking back to Twilight, "I know, and I am grateful. It still hurts remembering the past and who I once was." She took a deep breath then smiles at her. "Thank you, for bringing me here from the world I was in. I still don't know how everything went so wrong...." she had a few tears in her eyes biting her bottom lip then looks up at Twilight fighting back the memories and smiles "But the name I picked for myself is Starbloom."

        "That's a good name, Starbloom. Calling you Twilight as well would have been confusing for everyone and rather hard to explain." Twilight said taking Starbloom up to look around the room she had gotten ready for the new arrival. Even with the new name, she knew her friends had many questions for her about Starbloom and why she was here. She'd have to decide what to tell them, but that could wait until tomorrow.

        Starbloom looked around the room Twilight had set up for her; she could see some of her old friends in the room. Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all had helped, she could tell by the decorations. She looked back at Twilight and smiled "This is great, thank you."

        "You're welcome Starbloom, but now its bed time. Got an early morning tomorrow," Twilight gave her a small grin. "Tomorrow you start school."

        Starbloom blinks at her a few times. "School? I'm the same age as you... oh wait." She looks at herself in a mirror. "That's right I'm a filly again." She blushed a bit having forgotten what had happened to her for a minute. "Luckily I'm young enough where it won’t look weird when I try to write with my mouth."

        Twilight smiled at her helping her into bed using her magic to pull the covers over her. "That's right; we never did learn that, always had magic to do all that. Maybe I should teach myself muzzle writing so I can help you learn."

        Starbloom didn't answer though, as soon as she had laid down in bed, she was out like a light, the long trip finally catching up with her. Twilight just smiled at her and put the lights out before leaving Starbloom's room and heading downstairs to the main hall of the library. "Sleep well, Starbloom."

        She went over to her desk and started to use her magic to get a parchment, instead she stops herself and instead uses her muzzle to get one carefully taking it down and putting it on the desk. Using her hooves to place it, she then gets a pencil and holds it doing her best; she starts to teach herself how to write without using magic.


Morning


        Twilight had spent most of the night doing her best to learn how to write with her muzzle instead of using magic. It had been hard but before she fell asleep, she was getting better at it. Without Spike around, she almost slept in but she did manage to get up early enough to get Starbloom up and ready for her first day of school in Ponyville.

        Starbloom woke up tired but ready to start the day, she was out of bed quick after being woken up and headed down stairs having a light breakfast of sliced fruit and apple juice. They both left the library and started to walk towards the school. "Are you ready for this Starbloom?"

        "Yes I am Twilight," she smiled as she walked with her, looking around quietly. This Ponyville was just like the one she was used to, though some things were different, small details like the coloring on Sugar Cube Corner, a few of the trees where different species and a restaurant she frequented was in a different place. She looks back and looking at Twilight's old school saddlebags smiling that was the same as her own in her world.

        After reaching the school, they meet with Cheerilee and talk with her about getting Starbloom enrolled into the school. It was simple enough. It was early in the day, so by the time they finished, the fillies and colts started to show up. "Have fun Starbloom, I'll see you after school."

        Starbloom smiles at Twilight, "See you later Twilight." she watches as Twilight headed back home. She looked at the other fillies and colts as they got to school. She started to feel a bit nervous until she saw Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle arriving.

        She was about to go say hi to them then remembered, she wasn't supposed to know who they are. So she stayed put, watching as they went inside. She went in as well, Cheerilee asked her to wait before taking a seat so she did. Standing by her new teacher as the rest of the students came inside. 

        "Good morning class, I would like to introduce you to a new student today. Her name is Starbloom; she is from Canterlot, say hello class." Cheerilee said in her cheerful tone, smiling down at Starbloom. Starbloom gave a nervous smile back before looking back at the class. They all said hello to her in a cheerful "Hello Starbloom."

        Cheerilee continued speaking, "Now who would like to help our new friend get settled into class?" At first, no one said anything before Apple Bloom raised her hoof "We will Ms. Cheerilee," she said indicating to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who gave an enthusiastic nod in agreement. "Alright girls. Thank you so much" Ms. Cheerilee before looking to Starbloom, "Go ahead and find a seat. There is one free over near Twist." Cheerilee nodded her head towards the desk.

        Starbloom smiled at her before she headed over to the seat and found a spot for her saddlebags before taking a seat and readied herself for her first day of class in a normal school. Ms. Cheerilee gave her some special help with muzzle writing since Twilight told her Starbloom didn't know how yet. Nevertheless, she picked it up quick, faster than Twilight had the night before in fact.


Afternoon


        Starbloom had been nervous most of the day, but started to relax as the day went on. She did her very best to hide her true intelligence from the class and Ms. Cheerilee though. She was worried ponies would start to ask questions about it. Soon lunchtime came and she headed outside to enjoy the day and have her lunch. She had thought she'd have lunch alone but soon The Cutie Mark Crusaders showed up at her table and joined her.

        "Hi Starbloom!" All three said in unison before joining her at the table. Each putting their lunches on the table Starbloom was at; she watched the three in amusement, finding it hard to remember a time when she was little, having friends like these three.

        "So Starbloom, you enjoying yourself here?" Sweetie Belle asked her before munching on an apple slice Apple Bloom had given her.

        "Yes it's very nice, different from Canterlot though." Starbloom replied smiling, a bit nervous about the questions but doing her best to answer honestly without giving too much away.

        "So you’re staying with Twilight? Isn't that kind of boring living in a library?" Scootaloo asked, between bites of a daisy sandwich.

        Starbloom hide her annoyance at the question. "Not at all, I enjoy reading. ‘Specially the Daring Do series of books" She had hoped mentioning Daring Do would make Scootaloo think twice about libraries being boring.

        Apple Bloom had actually been quiet during out most of the conversation, but she spoke up now "Hey how would you like to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" She asked suddenly and to the surprise of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Starbloom herself was also pretty surprised by the question, she knew they took in new members like Babs, but that was Apple Bloom's cousin.

        Starbloom was just about to answer when she heard two high-pitched voiced from behind her yell "Hi Blank Flanks!" She winced and looked back to see who it was. She recognized the two, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She knew them from the cute-ceañera about a year back. The other three looked annoyed until they saw the genuine look of pain in Starbloom's eyes from the comment.

        Scootaloo jumped up from the seat fluttering her wings, "Hey! That's not nice," She said to them coming around the table protectively in front of Starbloom. "You should be a lot nicer to our new friend." She flutters her wings again in anger. The Cutie Mark Crusaders was used to comments from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. However, they had no idea what happened with Starbloom, all they knew was she looked hurt from the comment.

        Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both got up from the table as well, standing next to Scootaloo. "Ya’ll best just leave her alone," Apple Bloom said to them stomping her hoof. Sweetie Belle kept quiet but just looked mad, as much as she could anyways, narrowing her eyes at the bullies.

        Starbloom got up and moved around and in front of the three; they were curious about her actions but stayed behind her in a show of support. She had calmed herself enough to do what she felt she had to do; she looked at both of the girls quietly for a moment. Turning so they can see her flank, showing the gray patch of fur, her head lowered for a moment before looking at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo smiling at them. "I would like to join, yes." She said softly

        She then looked back at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Shaking her head, she frowned at the antics of the spoiled fillies. "Yes, my flank is blank, but it won’t be forever. Like all ponies, I'll get a cutie mark someday. Also, once I get my cutie mark, I won’t let it define who I am nor how I treat other ponies. Even ones without cutie marks." after she said her piece she headed back into the schoolhouse with the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders following after her, leaving the two bullies looking confused and surprised.

        After getting back inside the school, she headed to her desk, took a seat resting her forelegs on the top, and rested her head in them. The episode with the bullies had left her feeling drained and she didn't know why. However, she didn't have time to think about it when the other three came in. All three looked at her concerned and Sweetie Belle spoke up first. "Are you okay Starbloom?" to which Starbloom nods at her before Scootaloo spoke up, "Don't let those two get to you, they're always like that.... ouch" Apple Bloom nudges Scootaloo hard "That ain’t helping," she said softly before looking at Starbloom. "Don't worry ‘bout 'em too much. Besides, that li’l speech ya gave ‘em left ‘em frozen as ice cubes."

        Starbloom looks up at them and smiles "Thank you, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. It means a lot to hear you say that." She smiles at Scootaloo, "Even what you said helped. I'll try not to let it bother me too much." She would have to try and not be so sensitive about not having a cutie mark. This was a new life, and she would earn a new mark someday. She just had to find out what she was good at, besides magic of course.

        A sudden realization hit her and her eyes went wide. The other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at her worried for a moment "Are you alright?" Apple Bloom asked noticing the look of panic in Starbloom's eyes. Starbloom tried to calm herself back nod and she nods slowly closing her eyes "Y... yeah I'm okay." She was glad to hear the bell ring and the girls going back to their seats without asking anything else, the rest of the class coming in from lunch along with Ms. Cheerilee. Who after getting the class settled, went on the rest of the day's lessons.

        Starbloom wasn't able to concentrate though, as her mind raced with the new thought in her mind. What if I don't have any other special talents? What if magic was it for me? She fought back the emotions swelling up in her so she wouldn’t disrupt the class, and tried to keep her mind focused on Cheerilee’s lessons.

        She almost slipped when Cheerilee asked a question she shouldn't have known the answer to, but managed to catch herself and give the wrong answer after raising her hoof. Which got a good laugh out of the class until Cheerilee got them to settle down. However, Sweetie Belle, who was nearer to Starbloom than Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, had noticed Starbloom had looked distracted since lunch.

        After class, Cheerilee dismissed them and Starbloom got up from her desk and put on her saddlebags. The other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders following her. "Hey Starbloom, want us to walk home with you?" Sweetie Belle asked when they had caught up with her.

        "Mm? Oh no, that's okay it's across town and I don't want you to be late getting home." She said smiling at them, who didn't look convinced. "You can if you want to though." she quickly added.

        The three smile at back at her "Good ‘cause we were gonna follow you home anyways." Scootaloo said before grunting when Apple Bloom nudged her. "Ouch, cut it out" 

        Starbloom just giggled softly at the two and smiles again. "I figured that," started to walk with the three to the library. She knew they would want to ask her questions and she wasn't sure how to answer them.

        "Are you feeling alright?" Sweetie Belle asked after a few minutes of silence. "All through class you looked distracted."

        "I'm alright Sweetie Belle, just had a lot on my mind," she answered before adding. "Twilight will want to know about how my day went, not sure how to explain what happened with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon is all."

        "I understand, that can be tough to explain to a grownup" Apple Bloom nodding at her before pausing "Wait, how’d ya know their names?" She asked, not remembering any of them mentioning Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon's name to Starbloom.

        Starbloom almost froze as she quickly thought up a reason. She looks over at Apple Bloom, "I remember hearing it from attendance this morning." She quickly said which was true.
        "Ohhh, ya' got a good mem’ry Starbloom." Apple Bloom said and Starbloom smiled at her, glad they bought the excuse. She hated to lie, but she didn't want to try to explain the truth to her new friends. The rest of the walk to the library was uneventful, the girls just making small talk and getting to know Starbloom better. Luckily, none of the questions got too personal or too much into her past. After getting home, she said good-bye to them and headed inside.


Evening


        After coming inside, Starbloom let out a huge sigh of relief and flopped down "Thank goodness that’s over." She groaned a bit, startling Twilight who was working at her desk.

        "Rough day?" Twilight asked getting up and using her magic to get the saddlebags off Starbloom and putting them away. "Care to tell me all about it over some tea?" Both of them began walking into the kitchen. Starbloom took a seat and explained what had happen that day, Twilight listening quietly while fixing some tea and putting a cup in front of Starbloom.

        "Sounds like an eventful day, but also sounds like you handled yourself well." Twilight said with a smile as she took a sip of her tea. "If you want, I can speak to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's parents for you. However, I want to get back to this thought you had, and I must say it does raise an interesting question. Can somepony who has lost their cutie mark get a new one...?" Twilight considered the idea quietly.

        "No, that's ok you don't need to speak to their parents, I can handle them." Starbloom said taking a drink of her own tea, before looking back to Twilight and nodding at her slowly. "I don't ever remember hearing about anyone losing a cutie mark before. Other than special cases with prisoners like myself... and from what I know about those cases, they never earned a new one..."

        Twilight nodded slowly as she thought about that, thinking carefully what to say. "True, but in those cases the prisoners are confined to prison so they don't have the ability to experience things to gain a new cutie mark either. Therefore, there is a very real chance you will earn a new one in time. In addition, I'm sure, as a new member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, you'll have plenty of different experiences to learn from. Just try not to get into too much trouble." She said grinning softly at Starbloom.

        They spent the rest of the evening talking about school, and how things went. Starbloom showed off her muzzle writing, much to Twilight's embarrassment of her own lack of progress. After dinner, Starbloom did what homework she had from school that day before going to take a good long shower and relaxing. The day had been stressful but also good. She made new friends and despite everything that happened with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, she had fun. As she got into bed she hoped tomorrow would be better, or at the very least, less stressful.

> Crusader's Cape
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


        Starbloom woke up feeling better; pushing the events of yesterday from her mind, she got out of bed and checked the time. It was still early. Even Twilight was still in bed, so she headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower before school. She stood under the warm water letting it relax her before washing herself off.

        She was getting used to doing things without magic, though it could still be tricky. Once she had finished washing, she turned the water off and shook herself dry before getting out. She went to the mirror and brushed her mane and tail out then brushed her teeth.

        By now, Twilight was up and getting breakfast ready for the both of them. She smiled to herself, she had only been here a day but Twilight had made her feel very welcome. She wasn't sure if it was because they are the same pony at heart, or because she felt responsible for bringing her. Either way she was grateful for it. Starbloom headed downstairs to the kitchen and took a seat, looking up at Twilight as she finished preparing breakfast and placed it on the table.

        "Good morning Starbloom, did you sleep well?" Twilight asked, joining the filly at the table. Since she hadn't been in such a rush, she was able to make a better breakfast than the day before. 
        "Yes I did, thank you." Starbloom replied smiling at Twilight. Starbloom had been having dreams of her former life, but they hadn't been bad dreams. She ate quietly, thinking about something before she spoke up. "Do you think I can walk to school myself today?"

        Twilight was surprised by the request looking at the small filly, but she had to remind herself that Starbloom was a grown up at heart. "Yes of course, if you think you’re ready." Twilight said after thinking about the request. "Just don't push yourself too hard okay?"

        She smiles at Twilight nodding at her. "I won’t Twilight, I promise, thank you." She finished her breakfast just as a knock came from the library's front door. She got up from the table. "I think that's Sweetie Belle," she said to a confused Twilight as she goes to get her saddlebags. "See you later Twilight."

        "Have a good day Starbloom." Twilight called back to the filly and smiled, shaking her head giggling softly hearing the door close. "Wonder if I was like that at her age." She cleaned up the dishes and put everything away. She started to make some tea and get things ready for her friends. She had promised to explain about Starbloom today.


Twilight


        About an hour after Starbloom and Sweetie Belle had left the library and went to school, Twilight's friends arrived. She opened the door to let them inside. She still wasn't sure if she had made the right choice, but it was too late now. Once they had come in, she closed the door and went to take a seat with her friends.

        "Good morning everyone, thank you all for coming." Twilight smiled at the gathered group of friends. "As I had promised yesterday, I'll explain about Starbloom today. I must admit I spent all of yesterday and last night thinking about the best way to do this." She looks up at the ceiling closing her eyes for a minute.

        "Take yer time, sugacube." Applejack said reassuringly to Twilight. "We wanna know ‘bout this new filly an’ all, but don't stress yerself about it."

        Twilight smiled at Applejack before nodding. "Rarity, you remember when I came to your place about two weeks ago with those dreams I been having?" She asked, looking over at Rarity who nodded at her with a smile. "But of course I remember. I had never seen you in such a state." Rarity answered her.

        "Well it turns out the dreams went beyond just being simple dreams. What I was dreaming turned out to be a different timeline all together," she paused to let that sink in as she considered how to continue. She looks over at Fluttershy spoke next.

        "You mean, like the multiverse theory?" Fluttershy asked, and then shrank back when everyone looked at her wide-eyed as if she had a manticore on her head. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt with my silly idea."

        Twilight shakes her head, "No, not at all Fluttershy that is actually correct. It is like the theory of the multiverses." She said then looks at her other friends, most of whom didn't seem to understand. "Let me explain it this way," she said using her magic to float over a coin. "Say I threw this coin in the air, there is a chance it'll land Celestia side up, and a chance it'll land Luna side up."

        "What does that have to do with the multiverse thing you and Fluttershy were talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked looking at the coin then back at Twilight blinking a bit. She looked at the others to see if any of them was getting it. Rarity seemed to have an idea about it, but Pinkie Pie and Applejack looked just as confused as Rainbow Dash was.

        Twilight tosses the coin in the air; watch it flip in the air and land Luna side up. "In this timeline, it landed Luna side up. But just consider for a minute, the moment the coin went into the air, a separate timeline came into existence where it landed Celestia side up."

        "I still don't get it, does that mean there is a thousand me's running around?" Pinkie Pie asked looking at Twilight, then down at the coin picking it up. "What if I caught the coin when you threw it?"

        "In theory, yes Pinkie." She said looking over at her taking the coin back. "If you had caught it, then we would be in that time line." She shakes her head and smiles. "But let's put the whole multiverse theory aside for a minute. I'm getting off track. The dream I was having I was seeing into one of these other timelines. The experiment I was performing that resulted in the small explosion, well in the timeline I was seeing into the explosion had been a lot bigger, Spike actually died in it, and the most of the library was destroyed in the blast."

        The other five all looked at each other for a minute before looking back to Twilight, who gave them time to let what she had just said sink in. Rarity spoke up again as she looked at her, "What does this have to do with Starbloom, Twilight?" though having said that something dawned on her, "You don't mean... she is actually you from that timeline do you?"

        Twilight gave a slow nod to her friends, "Yes Rarity, she is. Why she is a filly I'm not sure but I brought her here from her timeline to ours." She took a deep breath, "The explosion had caused many events to unfold that resulted in Celestia stripping away her horn, and cutie mark."

        Everyone was quiet for a few minutes before Applejack put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder and Rarity spoke up, "You didn't want her to suffer that fate alone did you?"

        Twilight shook her head and smiled at Applejack, then looked back to the others. “I had to try to do something to help her, though I'm not sure how I managed to bring her to this world. Now that she's here though, I'm going to do my best to help her. It could have easily have been me in her place."


        The other five nod at Twilight and smiled at her in understanding. "We will all do what we can to help as well Twilight. You don't have to do it by yourself." Rarity said, the others nodding in agreement.


Starbloom


        "Good morning Starbloom." Sweetie Belle smiled at her as she walked out of the library closing the door, both started to walk to school. "After school you wanna come to the Cutie Mark Crusader club house with me?" She asked looking over at her Starbloom.

        "Good morning Sweetie Belle," Starbloom smiled back, Sweetie Belle following alongside her. "Sure that sounds like fun Sweetie Belle. I suppose Apple bloom and Scootaloo are going to be there?"

        "Not today, Apple bloom has to help on the farm and Scootaloo said she wanted to practice some new tricks, so it'll just be us." Sweetie Belle answered.

        "Well, that's too bad, but I'm sure we'll still have fun." Starbloom said with a smile to Sweetie Belle. 

        Starbloom looked up at the school when they got to it. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo arrived shortly after, and all four of them went inside to get into their seats. The school day passed quietly, Starbloom avoided any major slip-ups and at lunch Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon pretty much avoided her and the other members of the Crusaders. 

        Once school was over, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo headed home and Sweetie Belle and Starbloom first went the Library so Starbloom could drop off her saddlebags and let Twilight know where she was going. After that, they went to Carousel Boutique so Sweetie Belle could do the same.

        At the boutique, Starbloom noticed the odd look Rarity kept giving her, but she kept quiet. She figured by now Twilight had told Rarity and the rest of the girls about her, though she wasn't too sure what exactly Twilight had told them. "I'll be back later Rarity," Sweetie Belle said, bringing Starbloom out of her thoughts. She nodded at Rarity and smiles.

        "Alright Sweetie Belle, you two have fun and stay out of trouble." Rarity said smiling to both of them as she sees them to the door. "And Sweetie Belle, try to be back before dinner alright?"

        "I will Rarity," Sweetie Belle smiles and the two fillies head out of the boutique and make their way to Sweet Apple Acres where the club house was. Passing by where Apple Bloom was helping, stopping to say hi to her. "Hi Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle greeted her friend. Starbloom smiles "Hello Apple Bloom."

        "Hiya girls, what brings ya'll here?" Apple Bloom asked smiling coming over from where she had helped to stack baskets of apples.

        "We're going to club house; I thought it would be good to show Starbloom." Sweetie Belle said smiling at Apple Bloom. Starbloom remained quiet but gave a nod at what Sweetie Belle had said. Looking all the work Apple Bloom had to do then looked over at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

        "If you want we could help you with this work," Starbloom offered, Sweetie Belle blinks at her and Apple Bloom shakes her head. "Nah that's okay, I can handle this. Ya'll go ahead and check out the clubhouse," Apple Bloom said smiling.

        Sweetie Belle smiled, "We'll see you later Apple Bloom." she said before leading Starbloom away. "See you later" Starbloom called behind her as she ran to catch up with Sweetie Belle, following her along the path heading into the apple orchard where the clubhouse was.

        Soon they came upon the clubhouse built into one of the bigger trees, Starbloom looked at it in amazement smiling. "That is very cool, you girls built this?" She asked looking over at Sweetie Belle, her eyes wide.

        "Well no, it used to be Applejack's but Apple Bloom fixed it up for us." Sweetie Belle said smiling at Starbloom. "Scootaloo and I helped, but Apple Bloom did most of the actual construction work and painting."

        "Oh I see," Starbloom nods as she listens to Sweetie Belle, wondering why Apple Bloom didn't get a construction cutie mark for all the work she did to the clubhouse. She followed Sweetie Belle up the walkway and inside, still amazed by everything. It was her first time seeing it. Even when she was still Twilight, she never came out to the clubhouse.

        Sweetie Belle gave Starbloom the basic tour of the clubhouse. Showing her their thinking spot, the map, roll call list, and everything. "I must admit, I’m impressed with everything." Starbloom said she walked around looking at everything, "I never had anything like this growing up...." She blinks and quickly corrected herself "In Canterlot I mean" she looks at Sweetie Belle and smiles, relieved that Sweetie Belle didn't seem to notice the slip.

        Sweetie Belle smiled big at Starbloom and nods a lot. "We're very proud of our club house. We have all kinds of fun out here coming up with plans and adventures to get our cutie marks."

        Starbloom nodded, she knew that much. she moved to the window and sat down, looking out it. "I'm sure we'll get our cutie marks soon." She looks over her shoulder at Sweetie Belle smiling.

        Sweetie Belle smiled back at her and nods. "That's the right attitude for a Cutie Mark Crusader!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly. "Oh yeah I almost forgot." Sweetie Belle goes to a trunk, opens it taking out a newly made Cutie Mark Crusader cape, and gives it to Starbloom. "We'll still have to do the initiation but I think it'll be fine if you have your cape now."

        Starbloom smiled wide taking the cape, trying it on and looking it over, and smirked lightly to herself seeing the gold silk on the inside. She had heard from Fluttershy how upset Rarity was when she found out Sweetie Belle used it the first time. However, since then Rarity had kept a supply of the silk just for Sweetie Belle to make capes out of for new members. "It's great Sweetie Belle, thank you so much."

        Sweetie Belle and Starbloom spent the next hour or so talking about ways to earn cutie marks. Starbloom restraining herself to keep from telling Sweetie Belle she should focus on singing. She knew it was best for Sweetie Belle to discover the talent on her own, despite it being so obvious. Once it started to get dark, they left the clubhouse and started heading back into town.

        "I'll see you tomorrow at school Starbloom, have a good night." Sweetie Belle said after reaching the middle of town waving to Starbloom before heading to the Boutique.

        "Good night Sweetie Belle, see you tomorrow." Starbloom said waving back to Sweetie Belle before heading on her way to the library, still wearing her cape and smiling happily. She broke into a gallop, feeling the wind in her mane and the cape ruffle behind her. She giggled to herself before slowing down and blushing once she got near the library. She hadn’t done anything like that in years.

        She got over to the door and opened it, heading inside looking around, "I'm home Twilight." She called and closed the door behind her, seeing Twilight coming out of the upstairs area. She shows off her cape to Twilight and grinned. "What do you think?"

        "Very nice Starbloom, I see you got your own Crusader's cape." She was happy to see Starbloom's spirit was up after yesterday. "I'm glad you had fun, now go get cleaned up for dinner."

        "Alright Twilight," Starbloom said smiling as she heads to her room, she removed the cape and put it away before going into the bathroom to wash up. Today was definitely a good day for her, and she hoped tomorrow would be just as much fun.

> Welcome, Welcome, Welcome
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3






	"You are to be stripped of your magic and sentenced to living out the rest of your days in Canterlot's Prison as a hornless unicorn." Celestia clapped her hoof loudly on a piece of wood signaling judgment has been passed. Then she lowered her horn towards Starbloom.

"But I'm not a unicorn anymore! Please Princess don't do this to me again!" However, the alicorn just closed her eyes and spread her wings wide releasing the beam of magic that encompassed the fillies’ body, Starbloom letting out a loud cry as she felt the magic course through her body. It felt like a needle was burrowing into her forehead were her horn would have been.





        Starbloom sat up quickly, panting hard. Her eyes wide as she looked around her room. It was still dark outside, and though she wasn't too sure what time it was, she knew she wasn't going back to sleep any time soon. She rolled off her bed and looked up at the clock letting out a soft sigh. "Five forty-eight, might as stay up until it's time to go to school." She headed into the bathroom and turned on the water stepping into shower, relaxing under stream of hot water.

        She shut the water off after a few minutes and shook herself dry before coming out and dried herself off better with a towel before brushing out her mane, and then her teeth. Coming out of the bathroom she looked to the clock to see what time it was, is was still pretty early so she went down into the library's main hall and light one of lanterns before getting down a book and started to read quietly.

        "Equestrian History?" Starbloom nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Twilight speak up behind her. Looking over her shoulder at Twilight smiled at her. "Sorry Starbloom I didn't mean to scare you like that. What time did you get up?"

        "A little before six," Starbloom said closing the book and putting it away. She wasn't sure if she should tell Twilight about the dream or not. Course if anyone would understand the dream, Twilight would. "I had a bad dream and it woke me up." Twilight looked over at Starbloom her eyes full of concern.

        "Was it... that dream?" Twilight asked going over to where Starbloom was standing. Starbloom gave her a slow nod and Twilight's look of concern shifted to a look of worry. "What did the dream feel like? Did it seem like more than a dream?"

        "No, it didn't seem like more than just a normal dream. And I'm having a hard time remembering details about it." Starbloom said trying to put Twilight's mind at ease. Which Twilight did seem more at ease about it but there was still a look of concern in Twilight's purple eyes. "I don't think there is anything to be worried about."

        Twilight just nods at Starbloom, ruffling the filly’s mane with her hoof. "Alright if you’re sure. Just let me know if you have any more of those dreams, or if anything doesn't feel normal, alright?" Starbloom nodded in response, and both went into the kitchen for breakfast, just a simple breakfast of wheat toast and apple juice.

        "When is Spike supposed to get back from Canterlot?" Starbloom asked taking a drink of her juice, looking up at Twilight, she wasn't that hungry so she didn't eat too much of her toast. She had mixed feelings about seeing the little dragon, she knew it was going to hurt, but she also missed him.

        "He'll be back in two more days," Twilight said watching the small lavender filly. "Will you be okay?" She could see the apprehension in Starbloom's eyes. It was hard for her to imagine what it would be like for her seeing Spike after what had happen in her timeline.

        Starbloom didn't answer at first, she just looked into her cup quietly before looking at Twilight and nodded lightly with a smile. "Yeah, I think so. I do want to see him again," She looks up at the clock and blinks. "Oh no I'm going to be late!" She got up quickly and hurried to the door.

        "Starbloom, your saddlebags." Twilight called to her using her magic to float the saddlebags over and put them on the fillies back. "Have a good day." Twilight smiled watching as Starbloom gallops down the street towards the school.

        "Thanks Twilight!" She calls back as she gallops off to school quickly, not wanting to be any later than she already was. She couldn't believe she didn't notice the time sooner. I hope Ms. Cheerilee isn't too upset with me.

        She galloped quickly through the town, dodging ponies along the way. She squeaks and slides to a stop almost running into Pinkie Pie outside of Sugar Cube Corner. "Hi Starbloom! What are you doing this early in the morning?" The hyper pink pony asked.

        "Hi Pinkie," Starbloom said panting softly a little out of breath. "I'm actually running late for school." Starbloom answered moving to get around Pinkie Pie and continue towards the school building.

        "Oh I see, well you better hurry then silly!" Pinkie said with a giggle and bouncing after her. "Oh I totally need to throw you a welcome party to."

        Starbloom rolled her eyes a bit at that, but smiled looking at Pinkie. "Yeah that sounds great Pinkie Pie, you should go plan that while I'm at school."

        Pinkie gasped sharply and bounced. "Great idea! I'll have the party ready by the time you’re done at school. So don't make plans!" Pinkie quickly bounced her way back to Sugar Cube Corner and went to work planning for Starbloom's welcome party.

        "What have I gotten myself into?" Starbloom asked to herself then heard the school bell ring. "Ack!" She started to gallop the rest of the way to school and went inside breathing hard. "S... sorry, I'm late Ms. Cheerilee." Starbloom said standing inside the door of the classroom.

        "It's alright Starbloom, just don't make a habit of it." Cheerilee said with her normal cheerful smile. "Now take your seat and we can get class started." Starbloom nods as she walks to her desk and placed her saddlebags nearby taking her seat. "Before we start class, I just wanted to remind everyone that we'll be starting Family Appreciation Day tomorrow. Now Starbloom I know you don't have family here in Ponyville but if you like, you can bring Twilight. Just let me know tomorrow when she can make it."

        Starbloom nods faintly, "Yes Ms. Cheerilee, I will thank you." She had never thought about Family Appreciation Day. She did remember it was a tradition in Ponyville, but Canterlot students didn't bring family members to class. She thought about it as class continued and as lunch rolled around, she still wasn't so sure. She made her way out of the schoolhouse to the tables outside.

        "So ya gonna ask Twilight?" Starbloom blinks and looks up brought out of her thought by Apple Bloom "Ya gonna ask Twilight to come to Family Appreciation Day?" Apple Bloom asked Starbloom again sitting across from her. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were sitting on either side of Apple Bloom also looking at her.

        "Oh, I haven't decided yet," Starbloom, said thinking about it. "She's pretty busy I'm not sure if she'll have time."

        "You should still ask her, I'm sure she'd love to come." Sweetie Belle said smiling at her. "Rarity is pretty busy to but she always makes time to come." Scootaloo nods in agreement chewing on a mouthful of hay fries.

        "You gonna ask Granny Smith to come again?" All four girls froze before looking over at Diamond Tiara. Apple Bloom frowning at her. "Maybe this time she can tell some embarrassing stories." Diamond Tiara grins.

        "It ain’t any of yer business who I bring. At least she didn't bore the class with a business lecture." Apple Bloom replied to Diamond Tiara. "Besides it ain’t zap apple season this time."

        Starbloom just stared quietly at Diamond Tiara, which started to make the bully feel uneasy. Diamond Tiara wasn't sure what it was about Starbloom's eyes but it made her uncomfortable to be stared at like that by her. "Well... whatever, I got better things to do." She quickly trotted off to find Silverspoon.

        "Glad she left before I gave her a piece of my mind." Scootaloo said then looks at Starbloom, blinking a bit, "Starbloom? Hey you alright over there?"

        Starbloom shook her head, looking over at the three. "Yea I'm fine. Sorry I was lost in thought for a minute." She said smiling at them. "I think I will ask Twilight to come. I'm sure she'd have some interesting stories to tell about studying under Princess Celestia."

        The other three didn't seem sure Starbloom had seemed dazed. They looked at each other before looking back to Starbloom. Sweetie Belle nodded at her and smiles. "Yea I'm sure Twilight will have great stories to tell. Hey do you wanna do your initiation after school today?"

        Starbloom almost jumped at the chance but then remembered Pinkie Pie said not to make plans. "I would but Pinkie Pie said she was going to throw me a welcome party after school. I'm sure she'll be upset if I didn't show up. But you guys are welcome to come for sure." She smiles at the three fillies.

        "Yay!" All three yelled at the same time. "I love Pinkie Pie's parties they are so much fun."

        Sweetie Belle said with a big grin. "Yea Pinkie Pie's parties are famous, you're lucky to have one thrown for you." Scootaloo said, smiling.

        Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically "Ya I love Pinkie's parties. She makes all kinds’a treats for them"

        "Time to go back inside girls" Cheerilee said, as she came over to the table they had been seated at. All four looking up at her and then around blushing "Sorry Ms. Cheerilee." They said before getting up from the table and clearing it before heading back into the schoolhouse, Cheerilee following them. They had missed hearing the bell ring to let them know lunch was over.

        The rest of the school day had passed quietly, Starbloom was still thinking about the best way to ask Twilight about Family Appreciation Day. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear Ms. Cheerilee call on her to answer a question at first. She blushed softly when Cheerilee came to her desk and tapped her shoulder. The rest of the class giggled.

        Cheerilee asked Starbloom to stay after class once everyone had left. "Are you feeling alright Starbloom, you have seemed preoccupied today." Cheerilee asked with genuine concern.

        "Yes Ms. Cheerilee I'm alright. I've just had a few things on my mind is all." She said honestly smiling up at her.

        "I've noticed, you know if you have a problem you can talk to me about it." Cheerilee said watching the small filly. "As a teacher it's my job to help all my students."

        Starbloom nods at Cheerilee smiling at her, "I know Ms. Cheerilee thank you. But I'm alright; I'll do my best not to let myself be distracted in class again." She couldn't really tell Cheerilee what had distracted her; it would be too hard to explain.

        Cheerilee considered Starbloom's answer for a minute before smiling. "Alright Starbloom, just keep what I said in mind. If you ever need to talk, I'm here to listen." She walks Starbloom out of the school. "See you tomorrow, remember to let me know what Twilight says about Family Appreciation Day."

        "I will Ms. Cheerilee. See you tomorrow." She smiles back at her teacher before hurrying to meet up with her friends. "Everything alright Starbloom? You didn't get in trouble did you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "No I didn't, she was just wanting to remind me about Family Appreciation Day, and asked me why I was distracted in class." Starbloom replied, walking with them. She was unsure if the party was going to be at Sugar Cube Corner or at the library.

        She decided to go Sugar Cube Corner first, since it was on the way. She walked with her friends on their way to Sugar Cube Corner to see if Pinkie was going to host the party there or not, the other three fillies were talking with each other. However, Starbloom wasn't paying attention; her mind was still focused on Twilight and Family Appreciation Day.

        “What do you think Starbloom?” Sweetie Belle asked her suddenly bringing her out of her thoughts. “Huh? What do I think about what?” Starbloom asked looking over her shoulder at the small white unicorn looking a little confused.

        “What do you think about getting our cutie marks as inventors?” Sweetie Belle asked smiling at Starbloom. Starbloom however just had an even more confused look on her face. “Inventors?” She didn't want to hurt her friend’s feelings but she really didn't see how that would work. “Sounds good, but what would we invent?”

        The other three seemed to think about it for a few minutes before looking back at Starbloom. “I'm sure we'll come up with somethin’” Apple Bloom said nodding at Starbloom. Starbloom just gave her a nod back, unsure what to say before turning to the door of Sugar Cube Corner and opening it looking inside.

        There didn't seem to be anyone inside so she closed the door. “I guess the party is at the libra... gah!” She cried out in surprise suddenly pulled back inside by Pinkie Pie in a tight hug. “No silly the party is here!” Pinkie said letting her go, the rest of her friends coming inside grinning. “Surprise!” The rest of the ponies of Ponyville yelled coming out of different hiding places, even Twilight came out from behind the counter.

        Pinkie put a party hat on Starbloom's head while grinning. “First, the welcome song!” The rest of the ponies gathered around and started to join Pinkie as she sang.


Welcome welcome welcome
A fine welcome to you
Welcome welcome welcome
I say how do you do?
Welcome welcome welcome
I say hip hip hurray
Welcome welcome welcome
To Ponyville today 


        Starbloom wasn't sure where it came from, but Pinkie threw hooves full of confetti into the air while grinning. Though she had learned long ago not to question stuff like that when it came to Pinkie Pie. “Did we surprise you?” Pinkie asked, still grinning. “Yes you did Pinkie Pie,” Starbloom couldn't help but smile at the hyper pink pony. “Thank you for the party.”

        “Your welcome Starbloom, now go have fun.” Pinkie said still grinning ear to ear as she bounced off to enjoy herself at the party. Starbloom just smiled again before taking her advice and walking with her friends to the snack table to get something to drink and some of the snacks. “Wow, looks like she went all out on this.” Starbloom said, getting some cookies on a plate and a cup of juice before finding an empty table to sit at. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom joined her with their own plates of goodies. “Pinkie always does. Remember Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera.” Scootaloo asked smiling.

        “How could I forget?” Apple Bloom said groaning softly, but smiles. “Wasn't all bad though, I did meet ya'll there.” She added looking at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Starboom smiled as she listened chewing on a cookie. She also remembered that day.

        Starbloom looked out at the party watching her old friends over in a corner talking and having fun much like she was with her new friends. Twilight looks back over at Starbloom and smiles before turning back to a talk with Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Starbloom shifted her attention to her own friends. “So should we dance, or play pin the tail on the pony first?” Scootaloo asked looking at the others. “Hey maybe we can get a cutie mark for pin the tail on the pony?” Sweetie Belle suddenly said with that little voice crack she gets when excited.

        “A pin the tail on the pony cutie mark? What would that kinda cutie mark look like?” Apple Bloom said but considered the suggestion. “It's worth a try.” The other two got up and started to follow Apple Bloom so Starbloom got up and followed as well.

        “You can go first Starbloom,” Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo blindfolded her and put the tail in her muzzle. She held it carefully while getting spun around. She wobbled her way forward and stuck the tail on the paper pony’s leg. They each took a few turns but none of them managed to get the tail in the right spot. Scootaloo did get the closest though pinning the tail on the ponies flank.

        “Well maybe pin the tail on the pony ain’t our special talent,” Apple Bloom said smiling. “Let's dance instead.” Scootaloo said, the rest nodding as they moved away from the game and started to dance, the party went well and smooth. Starbloom even got a few welcome gifts from her old friends but soon the party was over and everyone headed home.

        “Did you have fun Starbloom?” Twilight asked after they had gotten back to the library and got everything put away. “Yes I did Twilight. Oh I just remembered, Ms. Cheerilee wanted me to ask if you could come to Family Appreciation Day.” She had almost forgotten during the party. She looked up at Twilight trying to judge her reaction to the question.

        Twilight smiled at her nodding, “I'd be happy to come Starbloom, just let me know which day she wants me there.” Twilight could tell by the look in Starbloom's eyes that she had been worried about asking her. “I have been thinking, I should officially adopt you. What do you think?”

        Starbloom's jaw almost hit the floor at that, her eyes going wide. She knew Twilight would let her stay in the library but she never expected anything like this. “A.. are you serious? You want to adopt me?” She shakes her head lightly wondering if she had heard right.

        “Yes of course I am, Starbloom, you're going to be growing up here. It's only fitting that you have a parent, and we can't ask my parents since they live in Canterlot.” She smiles at Starbloom watching her expression change from shock to joy. That was more than enough of an answer for her.

        “I would love it Twilight, thank you so much.” She was almost in tears, she knew Twilight would have let her stay with her for as long as she needed to stay. But adoption never crossed her mind. “So, at Family Appreciation Day I, can introduce you as my mom.” She smiled at the idea, she didn't know why but it seemed to fit.

        “Yep, now get to bed it's late and we have a long day tomorrow. I'll pick you up after school and we can go to town hall get all the paperwork done.” Twilight said, ushering Starbloom up to her room and tucks her into bed. “Sleep well Starbloom.”

        “Goodnight Twilight, and thank you again.” She smiles at Twilight yawning softly snuggling down into the bed closing her eyes. Twilight smiles back and turned out the lights before heading down the stairs to her desk and got out a parchment and quill.





        Dear Princess Celestia,

                I thought I should update you on the current situation here in Ponyville. As you know, I have taken up caring for a young filly named Starbloom for the past two days. After much consideration and talking with my friends, I have decided the best course of action would be adoption. Tomorrow I will be going with her to the mayor’s office and filing the paperwork. I wanted you to be the first one to know of my official decision in the matter. If at all possible though, please don't let Spike know. I want to surprise him when he gets home.

                                                                Your Faithful Student,
                                                                                Twilight Sparkle





        Once Twilight finished her letter, she sealed it and used her magic to send the letter to Celestia in Canterlot. Even though she had Spike send the letters with his dragon breath most of the time, she did the have ability to send mail herself if she needed to. Once the letter had been sent she turned out the lights in the library and made her way to her bedroom, peeking in on Starbloom to make sure she was sleeping peacefully. Once she was sure everything was fine, she got into bed and went to sleep.

> Adoption and Power
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4


        It was another early morning for Starbloom, though not because of a bad dream this time. She just woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep, so she went through her morning routine of shower, hair brushing and teeth cleaning before going downstairs checking the time. “Still got about an hour before school starts,” she said to herself smiling to herself heading to the kitchen to get herself some breakfast.

        Twilight comes down twenty minutes later having found Starbloom's bed empty. “Starbloom? Everything okay?” She asked looking around the main room of the library before going to the kitchen.

        “Yea I'm alright Twilight I just woke up early is all,” she told Twilight who got herself a cup of tea and joined her at the table. “No bad dreams or anything.”

        “That's good, I was a little worried about that,” Twilight said sipping her tea. “Don't forget, I'll come pick you up after school today so we can go to city hall.”

        Starbloom smiles at Twilight, “I won’t forget, I'll also let Ms Cheerilee know you'll be coming to Family Appreciation Day.” Starbloom said getting from the table clearing her dishes from breakfast away and checking the time. “I better get going though, I don't want to be late again. Have a good day Twilight.”

        “Alright Starbloom, I'll see you after school. Have a good day.” She follows her to the door and helps her with her saddle bags.

        Just as Starbloom answers the door, Scootaloo was standing at the door, hoof coming down and bonking Starbloom on the forehead as she was just about to knock. A cute look of surprise on her face, “Oh uh um hi Starbloom, hi Twilight.” The little pegasus smiled doing her best to hold back a chuckle. “Sorry about that Starbloom.”

        Twilight couldn't help but smile at the sight. “Good morning Scootaloo. Come to walk Starbloom to school?” Scootaloo nods at Twilight.

        Starbloom blinks lightly moving Scootaloo's hoof off her head but smiles as well. “Morning Scootaloo.” After Scootaloo regained her composure and moved out of the library smiling Scootaloo turning to walk with her.

        Twilight closed the door of the library and smiled, heading into the kitchen to finish her breakfast before getting her day started. She had a lot to do today and she wanted to get most of it done before going to pick up Starbloom after school. She also needed to figure out what she would say at Starbloom's school that wouldn't bore the fillies, she had to remind herself not everyone enjoyed books and studying as much as she did.

        “Got anything planned for today Starbloom?” Scootaloo asked as the two fillies walked to the school-house across town.

        “Actually yea, but I think I wanna wait to tell you want it is still lunch time so I can tell Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as well,” Starbloom said smiling at Scootaloo really big.

        Scootaloo looks over at Starbloom and tilts her head noticing the smile. “Really? Must be pretty good news with a smile that big. Does it have to do with Family Appreciation Day?” Scootaloo asked her friend.

        “Yeah it does, but it's not about that. Twilight did say she'll come.” Starbloom said to Scootaloo still smiling happily.

        “Really? That's great Starbloom.” Both turned looking at Sweetie Belle who caught up with them, Sweetie Belle was smiling. Apple Bloom was walking with Sweetie Belle, she also looked happy with the news. “Rarity is gonna come and speak on my day.”

        “Applejack said she'll come to speak also.” Apple Bloom said smiling, before looking over to Scootaloo. “What bout you Scoots?”

        Scootaloo was quiet for a few minutes and Starbloom had an uneasy feelling. Scootaloo finally spoke up though. “I asked but my family said they were busy.” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both seemed to buy that answer, but Starbloom wasn't convinced, the look in Scootaloo's eyes told her there was more to the story then that. She let it be for now though, she'd do some investigating later.
        They reached the school shortly after and went inside. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo told Cheerilee who they were, and in Scootaloo's case weren't, bringing. “What about you Starbloom? Did Twilight say if she would be coming?” Cheerilee asked smiling down at her.

        “Yes Ms. Cheerilee, Twilight said she'll come, I just have to let her know which day you want her to come. She'll be stopping by after school.” Starbloom told her teacher smiling.

        “That's great Starbloom, thank you.” Cheerilee said with her cheerful smile. Starbloom smiled and went to take her seat, the rest of the students coming up Cheerilee letting them know who would be coming. Cheerilee also used the time to take attendance, so once everyone was seated she started class.

        The school day passed quietly and soon it was lunch time. Starbloom, and her friends headed outside to the table they normally had lunch at. It was a routine Starbloom was getting comfortable in, at first she felt nervous about going back to school and making friends with school age ponies. Now she was feeling relaxed and enjoying herself with her new friends, she was even enjoying school.

        “So what did you want to tell us, Starbloom?” Scootaloo asked bringing Starbloom out of her thoughts. “You said you had plans today, but wanted to wait ‘til now to tell us.”

        Starbloom looks over at Scootaloo and smiles before looking at the others. “I wanted to tell you all. Last night after getting home from the party, Twilight asked me if I wanted to be adopted. Which is why she is coming to school, she's gonna take me to the city hall to make it official.”

        Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle squeal happily, and start to congratulate her. “That's great Starbloom, I'm so happy for you!” Sweetie Belle says a big grin on her face.

        “Ya that's great Starbloom, congratulations.” Apple Bloom said quickly after Sweetie Belle finished talking.

        Neither Apple Bloom nor Sweetie Belle caught the slightly sad look in Scootaloo's eyes, she was trying to hide it with a happy smile. “Congratulation's Starbloom, I'm sure Twilight will make a great mom.”

        Starbloom smiled back at her friends, though the sad look in Scootaloo's eyes had concerned her. “Thank you everyone, I never expected her to make the offer when I came here from Canterlot.” She was also glad none of them asked her about her real parents, but she figured those questions would come later.

        “Course you know this means I'll have to throw another party!” Pinkie suddenly said causing the four to jump almost out of their seats at the table.

        “Gah! Pinkie don't do that!” Starbloom said panting trying to calm herself down. The other three doing the same. Starbloom looks over at Pinkie, “Where did you come from?”

        “I was coming out of the school after delivering an apple muffin to Cheerilee. I overheard what you four had been talking about.” Pinkie said smiling at them bouncing in place.

        The other four just blink at each other before looking back at Pinkie, “That sounds great Pinkie, but I think me and Twilight want to keep this quiet for now. At least until everything is official. Your promise to keep it quiet?”

        Pinkie stops bouncing in place and nods. “Oh, of course Starbloom, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. But after everything is official, it's party time.” Pinkie said grinning before bouncing off back to Sugar Cube Corner.

        “Are you sure you can trust her to keep it a secret Starbloom?” Scootaloo asked, both Apple Bloom and Starbloom nod at Scootaloo at the same time.

        “Ya should know the value Pinkie puts on a Pinkie Pie Promise, Applejack found that out the hard way.” Apple Bloom said first nodding at her.

        “Also, Twilight told me Pinkie is very big on keeping secrets,” she clears her throat. “Losing trust is the quickest way to lose a friend, forever.” Starbloom said in her best Pinkie Pie voice before following up in her normal voice. “That's what she told Twilight.”

        “I remember that, Rarity told me about that when Fluttershy was a model and Rarity got jealous about it.” Sweetie Belle smiled nodding then looks over at Starbloom, “Twilight told you about that?”

        Starbloom nods and did her best to keep calm, “Yea, she told me about it as we got to know each other. It was more from her perspective though of struggling to keep three secrets though.” She smiled, the other three nodding at her. Then the lunch bell rang, she was glad the focus shifted from her. 

        They got up and cleared the table, heading back to class and sit back down at their desks for the rest of the day’s lessons. She was glad her friends didn't ask too many questions when she slipped up. The rest of the school day went just as quietly as the morning did, as Cheerilee finished her lesson Twilight came into the school room, smiling and waiting.

        “That's all for today class, I'll see you bright and early in two days. Enjoy your weekend.” Cheerilee smiled and the rest of the class started to gather up their belongings before leaving. Starbloom cleared her desk and got her saddle bags on before going to say goodbye to Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

        “See you later,” Starbloom said smiling at her friends. “Maybe we can meet up later or tomorrow.”        

        “We'll see ya later Starbloom, if you can come by Sweet Apple Acres later today or tomorrow. We normally hang out at the clubhouse.” Apple Bloom said smiling the other two nodding and smiles before following Apple Bloom out of the school.

        After her friends left, Starbloom headed over to join with Twilight and Cheerilee who had been talking over when the best day for Twilight to show up for Family Appreciation day would be. “The first day back from the weekend sounds good Cheerilee.”

        Cheerilee nods and smiles at Twilight, “Alright I'll put your day for the first day of the week.” She smiles then looks to Starbloom, “Congratulations on your adoption Starbloom, I’m sure Twilight will be a wonderful mother. Have a good evening you two.”

        Starbloom just blushed faintly and smiles, “Thank you Ms. Cheerilee. I know she will be, see you after the break.”

        Twilight smiles at Cheerilee. “Thank you Cheerilee, have a good evening.”

        Twilight and Starbloom leave the school building and start on the walk over to City Hall. “How was school today Starbloom?” Twilight asked as they walked. “Anything interesting happen?”

        “Pinkie showed up, she wants to throw me an adoption party. I told her we wanted to keep it a secret until it was official though. She promised to keep it a secret.” Starbloom said smiling.

        “Ah I see, that's good thinking. Did you tell your friends?” Twilight smiles looking over at Starbloom.

        “Yea, that's how Pinkie found out, she overheard me telling them. Speaking of.... what do you know about Scootaloo's home situation?” Starbloom asked looking back up at Twilight. 

        Twilight paused blinking at the question before moving to walk with Starbloom again. “I honestly don't know that much about it, why do you ask? Do you think there might be a problem?” Twilight asked her voice laced with concern.

        “Well, it's more of a gut feeling. She doesn't invite family to Family Appreciation Day, and when I told them about my adoption even though she was smiling I could tell she was sad. I know you're gonna say I should ask her about it, but I don't want to pry or jeopardize our friendship.” Starbloom said sighing softly looking at Twilight who just gave a small nod. It was what she had been about to say, but she knew Starbloom was also right in her concern. She had to remind herself Starbloom was a filly, and so were her friends.

        “I can do some checking around for you Starbloom, without raising any unwanted attention if I can. I know she and Rainbow Dash are close, I'll start there.” Twilight said smiling at her.

        “Thanks Twilight,” Starbloom said smiling back. They continued to City Hall and talked to Mayor Mare about adoption and filling out the paperwork. Starbloom lied about her parents dying in an accident and losing her papers, so she got new ones. She hated to lie but it was the only way to get everything done without causing issues. Once the paperwork had been filled out and finished, Starbloom and Twilight headed home to the library. The whole ordeal took longer than they expected so by the time they were finished, it had started to get dark out. 

        After reaching the library, Twilight got a frame and put the adoption certificate in it and found a place to hang it up on the wall. Starbloom put away her saddlebags and smiled ,looking at the certificate on the wall. She thought for a few minutes then looked up at Twilight with a silly grin on her face. “Do I have to call you mom now?” Starbloom asked wiggling her ears.

        Twilight blinks at Starbloom then thought about it before smiling. “Only if you want to Starbloom,” Twilight answered, nodding to her moving to the kitchen to make a quick dinner for the two of them. Starbloom had followed her into the kitchen as well and sat at the table.

        “Remember when you said to come to you if something odd happened?” Starbloom said while watching Twilight slice up some carrots in a julienne cut.

        Twilight paused her preparations and nods looking over at Starbloom, “Yes, I remember... has something happened?” She asked a little uneasy with what the answer might be.

        Starbloom noticed the look but gives her a slow nod. “Yea it's happened twice, with Diamond Tiara, whenever she starts to tease me or my friends I....” she stopped trying to think of the right word before continuing. “I just kind of stare at her, and she gets really uneasy and nervous, almost timid, and leaves. It's not the familiar feeling of a magic surge but I feel something happen.”

        Twilight listens quietly as she finishes making dinner and serves a plate to Starbloom before joining her at the table. “How do you mean, stare at her?” Twilight asked her softly. “Could you demonstrate the stare?”

        Starbloom thought about it, “I can try to. I never tried to make it happen,” Starbloom said before taking a deep breath and focused on a wall in front of her, there is a small ripple of energy in the air on the wall Starbloom was looking at, and for a moment, the wall seemed to look scorched and burnt as if it had been in a blast, then it faded away as Starbloom snapped out of it.

        Twilight just stared at the spot on the wall for a few minute before looking over at Starbloom, “That.... was that your world, the place you’re from?” She asked watching the small filly quietly, Starbloom's eyes wide, at what she had seen, she looks at Twilight and nods at her.

        “I think it was Twilight. The library in my world was devastated from the explosion in the lab. But how is it possible I made part of it visible here?” Starbloom couldn't make sense of what she had seen and done, her mind going a mile a minute as she thought about it before something clicked in her mind. She looking at Twilight. “Does that mean, when I did that to Diamond Tiara she saw my world? No... that can't be right because to her it would look normal... unless” She rubbed her head with her hooves frustrated.

        Twilight shakes her head a bit and smiles, “Just relax Starbloom, we will figure this out together. Don't stress yourself out about it okay?”

        Starbloom nods and smiles back still frustrated but Twilight was right, they would figure it out together. Both ate quietly and relaxed, Starbloom putting the questions she had into the back of her mind for now. As she ate, Starbloom's head started to droop forward a little as she got drowsy. Starbloom didn't know it but she still retained some level of magic to her, but without her horn she couldn't focus it, so using it made her sleepy.

        “I think I'll go to bed now Twilight,” Starbloom said looking over at Twilight, picking up her plate and placing it on the counter. “Good night, mom.”

        Twilight nods at Starbloom and smiles softly at being called mom. “Alright Starbloom, sleep well.” She never imagined how nice it would feel to be called that.

        As Starbloom went up stairs to bed, Twilight cleared her own plate away as well and cleaned up the left overs for later. She headed into the library and started to search for books and reference guides about multiverse theories as well as anything she could find on what effect it would have both the worlds and anyone that might travel across those worlds. She settled in for a long night of research.

> Start of the Weekend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5


        Starbloom was up early the next morning sitting up and looking around yawning softly, wondering if this was going to become a habit. Slipping out of bed, she made her way downstairs, since it was the weekend she didn't have to rush to go to school.

        Getting to the main hall of the library, she saw Twilight was asleep, slumped over a book. Starbloom smiled and rolled her eyes lightly before going to the kitchen as quietly as she could to make some tea and toast.

        She sat at the table quietly sipping her tea and nibbling on her toast as she thought about what she should do today. Since she didn't have school, she figured she could go to the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ Headquarters and have fun with her new friends. 

        As she thought about what to do, Twilight came into the kitchen yawning. Looking over she saw Starbloom blinking at her. “You’re up early, I figured you would sleep in since there is no school today.” she stated as she went to get herself a cup of tea and join her at the table.

        “Yea, I woke up early again today.” Starbloom replied smiling as she slid over the last of the toast to Twilight. “Starting to wonder if it's gonna become a habit. Speaking of, you must have been up late studying again.”

        Twilight blushed softly at Starbloom nodding slowly. “Yeah I feel asleep at the desk.” Twilight said as she floated over a piece of the toast and took a bite smiling. “Do you have plans for today?”

        “I was thinking about that when you came in actually.” Starbloom said smiling. “I thought about going to the crusader's club house and spend time with my friends. If that’s alright.” She smiles looking at Twilight.

        “Of course, if you want to go spend time with your friends that's fine with me. I wont be here around lunch time though. I'll be at the train station to pick up Spike.” Twilight said smiling back at Starbloom taking another sip of her tea.

        Starbloom nods but had a light tinge of guilt wash over her at the mention of Spike, she was still a bit uneasy at the though of seeing him as much as she missed him. “Oh yeah, he's coming back today.” She smiled trying to hide the feeling of guilt.

        Twilight gave her a soft smile as she looks at the small filly, “Don't worry Starbloom, I'll be here to help you.” She said giving her a reassuring look.

        That did make Starbloom feel better and she nodded, taking another drink of her tea, “Thank you Twilight that makes me feel better.” She got to her hooves and cleared away her dishes setting them in the sink.


Twilight's Day


        Twilight watched as Starbloom cleared away the dishes smiling. Starbloom had adapted very well to not having magic to rely on. Twilight herself had practiced using her muzzle and hooves more than her magic for basic tasks because she wanted to be able to help Starbloom if she needed it. Not that Starbloom seemed to need any help with how well she had adapted.

        She sat at the table quietly sipping her tea while Starbloom finished clearing the table before leaving the kitchen and going into the main library hall, mentally going over what she had to do today in her head.

        She gets up from the table and clears it with her magic before heading into the library, looking at Starbloom who was sitting over in a corner of the library's main hall reading a book. Twilight made her way over to her desk and cleans it up, saving her spot in the book she was reading last night using one of her bookmarks. 

        She took down one of her parchments, quill and an ink well before starting to make a list of stuff she had to do today. She made out her list and checked each item as she did to make sure she didn't miss anything.

        Twilight knew she had to get Spike from the train station, get more ink for her ink wells and she wanted to go talk to Rainbow Dash about Scootaloo's family situation. Rainbow Dash knew the most about Scootaloo, and was the best person to ask.

        Twilight was double checking her list when Starbloom got up and checked the time before grabbing her saddle bags and heading to the Library's front door calling to Twilight, “See you later Twilight.”

        Twilight looks over at Starbloom smiling at her. “Have fun Starbloom and try not to cause too much trouble.” she called back to her with a soft giggle. She shakes her head lightly and smiles before heading upstairs to her bathroom to wash up. Sleeping at her desk did little for her mane. She could just image what Rarity would say if she saw her like this. 

        She giggles softly looking at herself in the mirror, doing her best Rarity impersonation she told her reflection. “Darling look at your mane! This simply must be taken care of immediately!” She starts the shower and waits for the water to warm up, brushing her teeth before getting into the shower to wash herself off.

        Once she had got herself washed off she turns off the water and shakes herself off before coming out of the shower stall and dries herself with a towel, and going back to the mirror smiling as she brushes out her mane and tail nodding and still in her Rarity voice, “Much better darling.”

        She giggles softly to herself again and makes her way back down stairs. She levitates her saddles bags over to her and on her back before heading out the door. She first made her way to the train station, checking the time on the large clock. Spike's train should be arriving pretty soon so she decided it would be best to wait for him.

        She didn't have to wait that long, the Friendship Express was almost always on time. She watched as the train pulled into the station and came to a stop watching as ponies started to leave the train. She spotted Spike and smiles waving a hoof to him, “Over here Spike,” she called out to him.

        Spike looked over and smiled big running over to her, carrying his bag. “Twilight! I never expected you to come and pick me up,” he said wrapping his arms around her right foreleg looking up at her.

        She smiled at him, “Of course I would come and get my number one assistant,” she replied with a grin lifting him and on her back, taking his bag and putting it in her saddle bag. “Did you have a good trip?” She asked as she made her way out of the train station.

        “Yep it was great, I had a lot of fun and your parents are doing good,” Spike said riding on her back as they left the station. “I hope you had fun without me here in Ponyville.” He smiles looking around the town as Twilight made her way to the store to get the stuff she needed.

        “I had a good time but I am glad you’re back Spike,” Twilight smiled but changed directions instead of going to get the ink, parchments and quills she headed to Sugar Cube Corner to get a snack first. She needed to tell him about Starbloom and even though she had thought about what to tell him, she was still nervous about it.

        “Sugar Cube Corner?” Spike questioned as he notice her change directions and head to the bakery instead of the office supply store. Twilight wasn't really known for spontaneity like this and it got his attention. “What's wrong?”

        Twilight raised an eyebrow and looked over at him but smiles. “Don't worry Spike, nothing is wrong. But I do have something I need to tell you.” She answered him as she heads into the bakery looking over the choice of sweets trying to decide what she wanted. Spike himself was practically drooling all over her mane and back.

        “Can I have one of those fire ruby cupcakes?” Spike asked looking at Twilight with big hopeful eyes licking his lips. Twilight just smiled at him and rolled her eyes a bit turning to look display again before making her own choice.

        “Hey Twilight! What brings you here?” Pinkie asked smiling from behind the counter. “Hey Spike welcome back from Canterlot!” She gave Spike a big grin before looking back to Twilight.

        “Hi Pinkie, just stopping in for a snack. I'll have one of those banana nut muffins and Spike wants a fire ruby cupcake.” Twilight smiles at her friend before she tilts her head slightly “Hey do you know where Rainbow Dash is today?”

        Pinkie Pie starts to get what Twilight asked for before pausing to think for a minute. “I think Rainbow Dash is moving some clouds in from Cloudsdale for an upcoming rain shower.” She said looking over at Twilight smiling as she brought over a small bag with the muffin and cupcake in it. “Here you got, that will be 5 bits.”

        “Oh so she might be gone for a few hours.” Twilight nods at Pinkie and smiles floating her money from her saddle bag and giving it to Pinkie. Despite her happy-go-lucky attitude Pinkie was a diligent worker. “Thank you very much Pinkie.”

        “Yep I'll tell her you're looking for her though if she stops by,” Pinkie smiled at Twilight taking the bits and passes the bag over to Twilight. “You’re welcome Twilight, have a great day!” Pinkie beamed at Twilight waving a hoof at her.

        Twilight smiled back and waves as she starts to make her way out of the bakery passing the bag to Spike to hold for her. But after leaving the bakery she frowned softly, she might have to wait and ask Rainbow Dash about Scootaloo later. Even with her speed Rainbow Dash wouldn't be back for a few hours since moving rain clouds took time.

        Twilight made her way over to a bench nearby and took a seat after Spike hopped off her back. She considered who else she could ask about the little filly’s home life. She looks at Spike and smiles, but she had other things to do today, she can wait to find out about Scootaloo later.

        “So what is it you wanted to talk to me about Twi?” Spike asked smiling up at her as he opened the bag to take out his cupcake and took a big bite of it. “Mm delicious fire ruby.”

        Twilight giggles softly at him smiling as she took out her muffin and took a bite of it. Considering her words carefully before speaking. “Well Spike, we have a new friend here in Ponyville named Starbloom. She's a little filly who has lived with me at the library for the past few days.”

        “S.. she isn't going to replace me is she?” Spike asked looking up at her with big sad eyes. “I'm still your number one assistant aren't I? You know I always do my best and I'll work h...” He blinks at Twilight's hoof in his mouth.

        “Calm down Spike, she isn't here to replace you. She does help out around the library but she has school so it wouldn't work out if she was my assistant.” She said trying to calm him remembering the same thing happened with Owlicious when she brought him in. To be honest, I adopted her so she's my daughter now..... Spike?”

        When he heard the word daughter he fainted and Twilight blinks at him tilting her head faintly. “Well that was unexpected. Spike wake up,” She shakes him lightly to wake him up. After a moment he sits up with a groan looking at her.

        “You adopted a filly, Twilight?” He was surprised and more than a little stunned at the revelation. “Is she a good pony at least?” He asked finishing his cupcake in one last big bite looking up at Twilight. “Who is she, where did she come from?”

        Twilight sighed a bit at Spike but smiled at him again softly. “Yes Spike I did, she has no one else. She is a very good pony and I know you'll like her a lot. Like I said, her name is Starbloom and she is an earth pony from Canterlot.” She decided to hold off on telling him who she really was and where she really came from for now.

        Spike nods at Twilight but wasn't sure about how he felt yet. “I trust you Twilight of course, and if you say she's a good pony then I'm sure she is a good pony.” He smiled up at her and hugged her foreleg again. It had been such a sudden surprise to him. He found it hard to imagine Twilight raising a young filly. “When do I get to meet her?” He asked after a few moments.

        “Later today, she's off playing with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle right now. She should be home around dinner though. She is looking forward to meeting you though.” She smiles at him and took another bite of her muffin.

        Spike nods at Twilight sitting next to her on the bench again looking up at the sky, a few pegasi were busy flying around moving rain clouds around and into place for the upcoming rain storm. “Why did you want to know where Rainbow Dash was?” He asked looking up at Twilight.

        “Oh, I just wanted to ask her some questions. Nothing you need to worry about though,” she answered him smiling finishing her muffin getting off the bench and waits for Spike to get back on her back. “Let's hurry and finish up my checklist for today and get back before the rain starts.

        “Alright Twilight,” he said smiling as he got back on her back taking out the checklist and a quill marking off a few things on the list. “I have missed this, I actually got a bit bored in Canterlot without you and your daily tasks.”

        Twilight just grinned and rolled her eyes up at him before making her way to the office supply store to get the stuff she needed. “I've missed having you here to help with these lists.” Twilight admitted to him.


Starbloom's Day


        Starbloom finished clearing away her dishes and went out of the kitchen into the library's main hall. First she heads up to room wanting to get everything ready for her day out with her friends. She searches around before finding another of Twilight's old saddle bags. She didn't want to use the same one she used for school, not wanting to have to repack it for school.

        She tried to think of what would be the best items to bring with her. She gets some old but clean towels, some bottles she had filled with water, a first aid kit. She looks in her bag after packing the first few items thinking. "Hmm what else should I bring," She thought as she puts her cape in the bag. She tosses a handful of bits Twilight had given her in the bag as well before picking it up and heads downstairs, looking around.

        Twilight wasn't in the main hall of the library so she figured she was either still in the kitchen or upstairs. She puts the saddlebags by the door before looking at the time. It was still early so she took down the book on Equestrian history she had been reading before and settles down in her spot to read.

        Shortly after getting settled in and started to read she could hear movement from the kitchen before Twilight came out. She heard Twilight move across the main hall and to her desk and heard the shuffling of papers. She looks over to see what she was up to before going back to her book, seeing that Twilight was cleaning up the desk she had been at when she came down stairs.

        She finished up the chapter she had been reading and checked the time again. Smiling she put the bookmark back into the book and put it away getting up looking over at Twilight who was double checking her list. She smiled and went to get her saddlebags opening the door. "See you later Twilight," she called over.

        Twilight looks over at Starbloom and smiled at her. "Have fun Starbloom and try not to cause too much trouble," Twilight called back to her and smiled hearing the giggle before she went out the door and closed the door trotting down the street. 
        She planned on meeting Sweetie Belle at Carousel Boutique first then suggesting they go get Scootaloo at her house. It was a good chance to try to find out if Scootaloo had a home. She made her way to the Boutique quickly and knocked on the door waiting quietly.
        "Good morning Starbloom," Rarity said as she answered the door, "What brings you here at this time of morning?" She asked looking down at the small filly smiling at her, moving to let her come inside.

        "I came to get Sweetie Belle, and then go pick up Scootaloo before going to meet Apple Bloom." Starbloom said as she went inside smiling back at Rarity looking around inside the Boutique's sales floor, it looked about the same as the Carousel Boutique in her world. "I hope I'm not too early."

        "Not at all darling, I'll let Sweetie Belle know you’re here." Rarity said with another genuine smile before heading up to Sweetie Belle's room to let her know her friend was here. "Feel free to look around."

        Starbloom nods and smiles watching as Rarity headed up the stairs to get her sister. She looked around the sales floor quietly as she waited, marveling at the dresses Rarity had for sale. She opens her saddlebag and pulls out her cape tossing it over her back and ties the neck so it wont slip off, she hears Rarity and Sweetie Belle coming down the stairs. She turns and smiles up at them.

        "Good morning Sweetie Belle," Starbloom said, Sweetie Belle smiled at Starbloom following her sister. She was also wearing her cape. She pushes passed her sister and trotted over to Starbloom.

        "Morning Starbloom!" Sweetie said bouncing in the air with a cute little squeak in her voice. Before blushing as her sister gave her a slightly annoyed look at being pushed. "Sorry Rarity." Sweetie Belle said with a grin.

        Rarity just sighed and smiled, "It's alright Sweetie, just be more careful. Now, feed Opal before you go please." Rarity said watching the two. "And do try not to cause too much trouble or get dirty."

        "Alright Rarity," Sweetie Belle said heading to the kitchen getting out Opal's food, Starbloom followed after Sweetie Belle to watch and offer some help if needed. Sweetie Belle seemed to be able to handle it though, filling up Opal's bowl and putting the bag of food back in the cabinet.

        Starbloom was still amazed at how Rarity liked to keep everything neat and organized. She wasn't sure if it was because she was a filly but she seemed to notice things differently then when she had been Twilight. "Ready to go Starbloom?" Sweetie Belle asked bringing Starbloom out of her thoughts.

        She looks over at Sweetie Belle and smiles at her nodding. "Yep, I'm ready." She answered following her out of the kitchen and back to the sales floor. "Have a good day, Rarity." Starbloom said smiling.

        "Thank you Starbloom, have a good day. You be good Sweetie Belle, and be back before it gets dark." Rarity said to the two small fillies by the door.

        "I will Rarity," Sweetie Belle said grinning as she opens the door. Both she and Starbloom walking out of the Boutique Rarity giving Sweetie Belle a doubtful look as Sweetie Belle closes the door. Sweetie Belle started to walk to Sweet Apple Acres and Starbloom blinks at her.

        "Shouldn't we go get Scootaloo?" She asked as she moved to catch up with Sweetie Belle tilting her head faintly.
        "She normally meets us at the club house. She's always there before anyone else," Sweetie Belle said grinning at her as she kept walking to the farm. 
        Starbloom didn't look convinced but nods at her as she walks with her tilting her head again faintly. It didn't make senses to her, why would Scootaloo always be there before everyone else. She started to wonder if Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom have ever been to Scootaloo's home. She did consider that, since Scootaloo was a pegasus that she might live in a cloud home. But the only cloud home she knew of in the area was Rainbow Dash's house, and Scootaloo couldn’t fly, making living in a cloud home rather dangerous.

        "What are you thinking about, Starbloom?" Sweetie Belle asked noticing the serious look on her face. She blinks at her but kept walking with her to Sweet Apple Acres. "Your not still worried about Twilight coming to Family Appreciation Day are you?"

        "Huh? Oh no I'm not worried about that," She said smiling at Sweetie Belle, walking next to her breathing in the clean air looking up at the sky. She noticed some pegasi moving clouds around. She took another breath, catching a hint of moisture in the air before looking back to Sweetie Belle.

        Trying to avoid any further questions about what she was thinking, she tried to change the subject, "Looks like we're gonna get some rain soon.  Hope it won’t mess up our crusading." She smiles at her as they reach the farm, letting Sweetie Belle lead as they start towards the clubhouse.

        Sweetie Belle looks up at the clouds being moved in and looks over at Starbloom nodding at her smiling. "Yea I guess so, but it shouldn't mess up our crusading Scootaloo and Applebloom had a great idea." Sweetie Belle grins big before trotting towards the clubhouse. Starbloom blinks at her before charging after her quickly to keep up, wondering what she had got herself into.

        The quickly reached the clubhouse when they started running across the fields. Once they get to the clubhouse they head up the ramp leading to the door and Sweetie Belle opened the door. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were already inside talking about the plans for today. Both looking over at the door smiling at them. "Mornin’ Sweetie Belle, mornin’ Starbloom." Apple Bloom said smiling. Scootaloo waving a hoof towards them.

        "Good morning Scootaloo, Apple Bloom." Starbloom said waving back heading inside and over to them removing her saddle bag. Scootaloo giving the saddlebags an odd look. Sweetie Belle follows Starbloom and takes a seat. "I wasn't sure if I should bring anything so I brought a few things."

        "You didn't have to bring anything Starbloom, but thank you." Scootaloo said smiling at her and wiggles her wings heading to her saddle bags to see what Starbloom had brought. Looking at the towels, pausing to look at Starbloom. "What are these for?"

        "I figured if we get dirty or something we can use these to get cleaned up." She nods at Scootaloo, smiling at her watching as she unpacked the saddle bags. "The water is for if we get thirsty, and first aid kit is if we get a cut or something." She smiles at all three of her friends.

        "That's good thinking Starbloom," Apple Bloom said smiling at her getting one of the bottles of water and removes the top taking a drink from it. Getting to her feet, putting the bottle of water down. "Time for yer initiation since it keeps gettin’ put off." Apple Bloom said smiling at her before moving to stand next to a podium. Scootaloo heading over to a drum and Sweetie Belle makes her way to stand behind the podium hopping up on a box and moves to her back legs putting her forelegs on the podium.
        Starbloom moves to stand in front of the podium looking up at Sweetie Belle with a big smile on her face. It was similar as to when she got accepted to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Sweetie Belle looked at her revised speech and cleared her throat before speaking. "We are gathered here today to welcome Starbloom as member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, our goal is to crusade so we may one day get our cutie marks. We pledge to stand beside our fellow sister in our crusade." Sweetie Belle spoke in a rather over dramatic tone. She continued speaking, looking at Starbloom. "Now repeat after me. I, Starbloom, promise to do my best to help my fellow crusaders in the pursuit of our Cutie Marks." All three of them was looking at smiling big.

        Starbloom took a deep breath and smiled big before repeating what Sweetie Belle said. "I, Starbloom, promise to do my best to help my fellow Crusaders in the pursuit of our Cutie Marks." She said smiling at her friends with a grin looking. All three stomp their hooves on the ground smiling big at Starbloom.

        "You are now an official member and sister of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Welcome to our little family," Apple Bloom said smiling at Starbloom and the other two nodding still with big grins on their faces. "An’ now that the initiation is out of the way, let's do some Crusadin’! Me an’ Scootaloo got it all worked out while you two was comin’ over. Gem huntin’!"

        Starbloom blinked at Apple Bloom as the other two come over and all three shouted at once. "Cutie Mark Crusader Gem Hunters! Yay!" Then clapped their hooves together before looking at Starbloom.

        Confused at first she went over and clapped her hoof with the other three and added her own "Yay?" The other three grinning at her when she does that. She wasn’t too sure if it was a good idea, but gem hunting was pretty safe. She just hoped they didn't run into any Diamond Dogs.

        The other three started to gather up what they would need to dig in the ground. So Starbloom repacked her saddle bags and put it across her back. Sweetie Belle came over smiling and tucked a folding shovel into one of the saddle bags. "Here you'll need a shovel to dig with." Sweetie Belle said smiling at her before going to get her own shovel.

        Once all of them had their stuff ready, they left the club house. The clouds were a bit thicker than earlier but it hadn't gotten dark. The crusaders headed out from the clubhouse and Sweet Apple Acres, the four of them making their way out to the gem fields. Something had been bugging Starbloom though about the gem hunting idea. As they got to the gem fields, Starbloom asked a question that popped into her head. "How are we gonna find the gems?"

        The other three stopped and looked at each other before looking back at Starbloom grinning a bit. "We'll just dig around ‘til we find them." Scootaloo said, the other two nodding firmly, giggling as they head out into the gem fields. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom getting out their shovels and start to dig around. Sweetie Belle also takes out a shovel and start to dig as well, Starbloom rolling her eyes lightly before smiling and sighs taking off her saddlebags and removes her shovel joining them in the hunt for gems.

        They spent about an hour digging around and they did manage to find a few small pockets of gems but no large collections. They took the gems they found and put them in Starbloom's saddle bags since she was the only one that brought one. After digging around a bit more and not finding any more gems, or getting a Cutie Mark, they decided that was enough. "Gem huntin’ ain’t for us I guess." Apple Bloom said helping Starbloom get her saddle bags on.

        Sweetie Belle jumped hearing a noise. "What was that?" She asked looking at the others who started to look around suspiciously. "I swear I heard something." She said moving to stand with the others. "Like a rustling sound, in the bushes."

        Starbloom started to feel nervous and peered over at the bushes watching them quietly the other three standing to her left also looking into the bushes before she felt something pull her saddle bag. "Hey!" She reared back and bucked hard at what grabbed her saddle bags from behind. She heard a loud wail and they turned to face who it was, it was a diamond dog holding his stomach, glaring hard at Starbloom.

        "Give us the gems in the bag!" He demanded, two other dogs coming out from behind a rock, another one coming from the brush they had looked at. "Give them now!" He demanded peering at the small group of fillies.

        Starbloom and Scootaloo both growled, peering back. Apple Bloom had her eyes narrowed as she looked at the one coming to them from the bushes ready to fight if she had to. Sweetie Belle tried to look as threatening as she could, but the effort just made her look a little ill.
        Starbloom wasn't sure if they would stand a chance in a head on fight with the diamond dogs. She thought quickly and remembered how Rarity handled them before. She couldn't reach the high pitch whine like Rarity but she glanced at Sweetie Belle and got an idea. "Sorry about this Sweetie." She said and quickly before Sweetie could response she bit her on the ear, firm but not hard enough to break the skin. The bite made Sweetie Belle squeal loudly in pain and wail in a high-pitched voice.

        The other two crusader looked at Starbloom and Sweetie Belle with a shocked look on their faces. The diamonds dogs hissed loudly and held their ears, scrambling off quickly to get away from the high-pitched squeal of Sweetie Belle. Starbloom quickly let go of Sweetie Belle's ear. "Run!" She told the other crusaders before bolting as fast she could, looking back to make sure the other three followed after her, which they did.

        It didn't take long before they reached the clubhouse. Oanting hard Starbloom shrugged the saddle bags off and checked Sweetie Belle's ear, apologizing profusely for biting her. "I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle, I didn't want to hurt you but it was the only way I could think of to make them leave." She said, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both looking upset at Starbloom.

        Sweetie Belle sniffed softly and flicked her bitten ear lightly, wiping her eyes with her hooves before hugging Starbloom. "I.. I understand, I remember Rarity telling me Diamond Dogs don't like high-pitched sounds." She blinked her eyes clearing the tears from them. "But... how did you know that?" She asked looking at Starbloom confused.

        The other two look at Starbloom as well, also confused and wondering the same thing now. Their anger at Starbloom for biting Sweetie Belle forgotten now. "Ya, how did ya know bout that?" Apple Bloom asked taking a seat next to Sweetie Belle waiting for an answer.
        Starbloom had to think quickly, she didn't think they would buy it if she told them Twilight had told her about it. "I read it in a book in the library." She said nodding quietly and smiling, hoping they would believe her. The other crusaders looked at her for a moment and she felt nervous, thinking they wouldn't believe her.

        "You must read a lot of books then," Scootaloo said nodding and smiles. "Lucky for us you're an egghead. I don't think Sweetie Belle would have thought about whining in time to save us." That earned her a nasty look from Sweetie Belle still massaging her ear.
        "I would have thought about it, eventually. Besides I didn't see you coming up with any ideas." Sweetie Belle said huffing a bit and puffing out her cheeks in a pout. "All that and still no Cutie Mark either. At least we got some gems though." She said reminding the group about the gems they had found. "How many did we get?"

        Starbloom blinks as the group looked at her, she goes over to the saddle bags and opens it up checking inside before taking out the gems they had gotten. "Let's see here. One, two, three..." she went on counting them out carefully as the others watched her intently.

        "Forty-six. Not too bad, really." She said smiling at her friends. She splits the gems out evenly between herself and her friends, giving each eleven of the gems that were close to the same size. "Hmm but we got two left over, what should we do with them." Everyone looked over at Apple Bloom waiting for an answer.

        "Why ya'll looking at me?" Apple Bloom asked blinking at her friends before thinking for a minute trying to decide. "I think, we should give em Sweetie Belle and Starbloom, since they did save us from those dogs." She said after considering for a few minutes. Scootaloo nodded in agreement smiling.

        "I agree we should let Sweetie Belle and Starbloom have them." Scootaloo smiled taking the two leftover gems giving one to Starbloom and the other to Sweetie Belle, both of them looking a little confused but nodded.

        "Thank you Scootaloo, Apple Bloom." Starbloom said smiling but takes Sweetie Belle's extra gem and replaced it with the one Scootaloo gave her. "I think Sweetie Belle should have the bigger one, since she got hurt" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom smiled at Starbloom's gesture.

        Sweetie Belle looked at Starbloom, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo for a moment before smiling and gives them a big group hug. "Aww thank you, you didn't have to do that." Sweetie Belle said before sitting back. The other three crusaders hugging back in the group hug smiling.

        Starbloom breaks loose of the hug after a moment and looks out the window wanting to check on the weather. The clouds where thick and were threatening to rain. "Looks like we're gonna be in for a good rain shower soon. If we want to get home before the rain comes I think we should call it a day." The sky was dark, making it hard to judge what time it was. She could just make out the sun though so she figured it was close to three in the afternoon, maybe even four.

        "Good idea, we don't want to be caught in this on the way home, Rarity would have a fit if I came home soaking wet." Sweetie Belle said getting up and gathering her small gems into a pile. "She’s already gonna be pretty mad at me for coming home dirty."
        Starbloom watched for a minute before getting some towels from her saddle bags and passed them out to her friends. When they looked at her confused, she unfolds one and puts Scootaloo's gem in it before folding it back up and smiles "To carry your gems in, this way they won’t get scratched." Starbloom said smiling. The others getting the idea and grinned doing the same thing.

        Starbloom herself put her gems in her saddle bag before pulling it on and waited for the others to be ready before walking with them to Apple Bloom's house. "See you later Apple Bloom," her friends said.

        "See ya'll tomorrow." Apple Bloom replied, before the trio walked back towards Ponyville. Starbloom got an idea as they walke.

        "Hey Scootaloo, want us to walk you home first?" She asked looking over at Scootaloo smiling at her, hoping she would say yes so she can get an idea of how she lived.

        "Nah you two better head on home. Don't want to be caught out in this if starts to rain." Scootaloo said, she had a good point and Starbloom mentally facehoofed at her logic. "I'll see you girls tomorrow," Scootaloo said cheerfully and broke away from the group heading off on her own. Starbloom made a mental note of the direction she headed.

        "See you tomorrow." Sweetie Belle said with a smile before also making her way home. Starbloom looked at Sweetie Belle smiling.

        "See you tomorrow, girls." Starbloom said smiling before sighing to herself and turned to walk to the library. She had really hoped Scootaloo would have let her go with her to her home, if only to make sure she had a home to go to.

        She kicked a rock as she walked before flinching at the rain started to come down. "Scootaloo had a point." She groaned softly and  started to run quickly as she could, carrying the heavy saddle bags on her back, her cape fluttering behind her, once she got to the door she opened it and quickly came inside shaking herself off sending a spray of water around her.

        "Hey! Do you mind?" a familiar voice said and it caused Starbloom to pause and look seeing Spike standing near the door soaked from Starbloom shaking herself off and holding a soggy scroll. "Wait, are you Starbloom?" He asked looking at the filly who was staring at him with an odd look on her face.

> Spike and Starbloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6


        Starbloom had tried to prepare herself all day for this, she knew she would see Spike today and she had a lot of mixed emotions about it. But now here she was, face to face with him and all she could was stand there in front of him staring with tears forming in her eyes. She didn't know what to say to him.

        "Starbloom, are you okay?" Twilight asked coming from the kitchen and walking over to her and Spike nudging her softly with her hoof. "It's okay you don't have to be scared." she said, trying to reassure the small filly.

        When Twilight nudged her it snapped her out of her emotional roller-coaster and she smiled weakly at Spike nodding at him. "Yes, I'm Starbloom... Twilight told me all about you Spike and I'm glad to meet you." she managed to find her voice and speak. She wasn't to sure what Twilight had told him so she decided not to offer anything. She looks up and over at Twilight smiling at her. "If, it's alright I'd like to go take a bath? Got kinda dirty from crusading today," she asked Twilight, the look in her eyes saying she needed some time to herself.

        "Of course Starbloom, that sounds like a good idea," Twilight answered the small filly noticing she was covered in dirt now that she got a better look at her. "Do I even want to know what you girls have been up to?" Twilight asked after having a good look at her.

        Starbloom gave her a cheesy grin and shakes her head lightly, she answered Twilight saying, "Probably not, but it wasn't anything dangerous." She thought it best not to mention the diamond dogs, so continued by saying. "We just went hunting for gems."

        Twilight blinked at Starbloom and shakes her head a bit, "Gem hunting? Well as long as you’re safe. Now go and get cleaned up for dinner," Twilight told the filly.
        Through all of that Spike remained quiet before hearing the mention of gem hunting. He drooled a little and looked at Starbloom. "Did... you find any? Gems I mean." He asked with a hungry look in his eyes. "Please tell me you found a few," he said smiling at her.

        She looks at Spike and smiled  nodding her head to him. "Yes actually we did find a few," she answered reaching back into her saddlebag and takes out one of the gems showing it to him. It was a small emerald. "Here you can have it," she said giving it to him before heading upstairs to take a bath.
        Spike grinned as she gave him the emerald and licked his lips. "Thank you so much. It looks delicious, mmm I love emeralds," he said as he gave the emerald a lick.
        Starbloom smiled as she made her way up the stairs and to her room putting her saddle bags in a corner and took a deep breath, taking off her cape and putting it on a hook  on the wall before going into her bathroom. She started the water in the large tub, raising the lever to turn the shower on.
        "Brilliant Starbloom, you finally see Spike after weeks and you act like a filly..." She scolded herself, pausing as she looks at herself in the mirror sighing softly. "Well, I guess that is because I am a filly." She reminded herself shaking her head before getting to the tub and closed her eyes letting the water from the shower rain down on her. She gets her sponge and starts to scrub the dirt and mud out of her coat.

        It took a bit of work but she managed to get her coat clean so she started to wash out her mane using her fore-hooves to lather up the shampoo in her mane before turning to do her tail. Once she was cleaned and rinsed off, she plugged the tub and switched the shower off to fill the tub and settled into the raising water to relax.

        "I need to relax, this Spike isn't my Spike from world. I must remember that and not let my emotions get the better of me." She told herself closing her eyes and turned off the water relaxing. After a few moments she heard a knocking on her bathroom door and looks over to it tilting her head faintly. "Come in," she answered the knock wondering who it was.

        It was Twilight who came into the bathroom and trotting over to her. "Are you okay Starbloom? You seemed upset when I came out of the kitchen." She spoke softly and had a look of concern in her eyes as she looked at the young filly in the tub.

        "I'm alright Twilight, just seeing Spike after all this time. My emotions got the best of me I guess," Starbloom replied in an equally soft voice. "I guess I wasn't as ready as I thought I was," she added closing her eyes again sighing softly.
        Twilight nods softly to Starbloom as much as she tried she couldn't picture how the filly was feeling seeing Spike again after having thought she lost him forever. She smiles at Starbloom and using her magic she got a towel. "Well come on let's go have some dinner." Twilight said holding the towel up.
        Starbloom nodded, getting up and draining the tub. She shakes herself off to get most of the water off her before hopping out and let Twilight finish drying her off with the towel. "Thank you Twilight, what are we having for dinner anyways?" She asked moving to the mirror to straighten out her mane with a brush as Twilight put the towel away.

        "Nothing too fancy, vegetable stew, bread and some of Applejack's Apple Cider." Twilight said smiling waiting for Starbloom to finish before walking with her down the stairs back to the Library's main hall before heading into the kitchen. Spike was already there having set the table and waiting.

        "There you two are, I thought I would have to start without you." Spike said looking over Starbloom and Twilight the emerald Starbloom gave him sitting on a smaller plate. He planned on saving it for desert. 

        Twilight gave him a smile as she used her magic to fix everyone a plate and set it on the table for them as she spoke. "Sorry to keep you waiting Spike, Starbloom was pretty dirty from her gem hunting." She gave Starbloom a smile before continuing. "I can only imagine how Rarity reacted if Sweetie Belle was just as dirty."

        Spike went lovey dovey at the mention of his crush and Starbloom giggled softly to herself nodding at Twilight. "She was just as dirty, so was Scootaloo and Apple Bloom." She said to Twilight looking at Spike who composed himself.

        The rest of dinner went by with general chatting about Spike's trip and Starbloom's crusading adventures and how school had been going. Spike did ask about where Starbloom was from. But she gave her general answer that she was from Canterlot but left details vague when she could and doing her best to change the subject.

        Once dinner had been finished, both Starbloom and Spike cleaned the table. Spike insisted he could do it on his own but he was still happy for the help. Twilight watched the two for a moment before going into the main hall of the library and settled at her desk. She was still researching Starbloom's ability, before Spike left Canterlot, Twilight sent him a letter asking to bring her a few books. Being the faithful assistant he was, he got exactly what she requested.

        She opened one and started to read, it was a book of medical information on unicorns that had lost or damaged their horns in one way or another. Most of the book was about unicorn anatomy and on how the horn was connected to the skull and how it acted as a focusing point for magic, but she eventually found the entry she was looking for.

        A unicorn that has had its horn removed, either through accident or magically removed as punishment for their crimes must undergo treatment to remove magic build up that develops over times. Most unicorns use their magic on a daily basis so it is not a wide-spread problem except in areas where there is already a lot of magic buildup.
        The rate at which unicorns’ magic builds up differs from pony to pony, but the average time for treatment is normally every three months, but unicorns with an extremely high level of magic need to undergo treatment for magic build up much more often. These unicorns are normally the ones whose special traits or talents focus on magic in general.
        If left untreated, magical build up can become dangerous for unicorns without a horn, possibly leading to mental and emotional instability. If left untreated the unused magic can reach a critical point that results in magical explosion, much like a balloon filled with too much air.
The signs of magic build up is easier to see with unicorns with intact horns, they typically have sparks of magic and a bright glow on the tip of their horn. If a unicorn has no horn, the signs are harder to spot, they are more often prone to emotional outburst and show signs of mental instability as mentioned above. 

        That part caused Twilight to go into a panic as she started to frantically search through the book looking for a treatment for magic build up. The loss of a unicorn horn was such a rare occurrence that she never considered the possibility of adverse side effects to it.

        "What's the matter, Twilight?" Spike asked, both he and Starbloom had come out of the kitchen to see Twilight reading the book and the frantic look spread across her face. Spike and Starbloom walked over to where Twilight was standing, her eyes quickly going over the page as she re-read it before she started to quickly flip through the pages of the book looking for something.
        "Twilight?" Starbloom spoke up as she looked up at her tilting her head. "Twilight, what's wrong?" Starbloom was starting to get worried herself as she saw the frantic reading and searching. She knew all too well something was going on. Twilight tossed the book in the air with her magic out of frustration.
        "Hey careful I have to return that to the library in Canterlot!" Spike said quickly catching the book before it hit the ground looking over at Twilight, but the look was more of worry then anger. "Come on Twilight, tell us what's wrong?" Spike pleaded with Twilight looking up at him holding the book.
        Twilight sighed and flopped on her flank looking down before looking at Spike then over at Starbloom. "We have a problem, I'm afraid Starbloom might be suffering from magic build up." She said looking at the floor of the library. Both Spike and Starbloom looked at each other before looking back to Twilight confused.
        "Magic build up? But Starbloom doesn't have Unicorn magic, she's an Earth Pony." Spike said looking at Twilight tilting his head in confusion. Starbloom started to look a little worried she looked at the book Spike was holding and recognized what it was. She never read the book herself but she knew it was a medical book.

        "Actually Spike, I am a unicorn, just a hornless one." Starbloom said sitting in front of Spike looking down. She had wanted to keep it a secret but if there was a problem like this it would be best to come clean now. "My horn was removed a few weeks ago." She sighed softly rubbing her right fore-hoof on the floor of the library floor.

        "Wait... what?" Spike asked looking from Starbloom to Twilight and back to Starbloom. "But how, why? I thought only criminal unicorns had their horns removed." He said with an even more confused look on his face now.

        "That doesn't matter now Spike," Twilight said getting more in control of herself looking over at Spike then at Starbloom. "We need to find a way to drain Starbloom's magic and soon or..." She said frowning and not wanting to think about what could happen.

        "How do we do it?" Starbloom asked looking up at Twilight trying to think of something, but without a horn it seemed impossible. "Unless...." She said as she got an idea and focused on pushing the magic out of her, focusing the magic on some books on a bookshelf. 

        It was clearly a strain on her as she started to sweat and gritted her teeth but her eyes soon flared with her magic aura and the books come off the shelf and floated around her. The initial strain over she let out a deep breath and held the books in her magic, making them orbit around her. It was still clearly hard to hold the books up  without a focusing point like her horn, and she was burning through her magic build up quickly, the aura around the books and her eyes started to flicker before fading quickly and the books dropped to the ground.

        Starbloom also went down with the books dropping to the ground, her magic spent, leaving her exhausted. She laid on the ground panting hard, fur matted with sweat but smiling. "I... did it..." She said before passing out. Twilight and Spike quickly checked to make sure she was okay.
        Twilight smiled softly and nods, levitating Starbloom with her magic "Yes, you did." She carried Starbloom up to her room, wondering if this was how the parents of a unicorn foal felt when their child first used magic. She pulled the covers on Starbloom's bed back and placed her in it, tucking her in. "Sleep well, Starbloom." Twilight said smiling and kissed her forehead before heading back down stairs.

        She saw Spike putting away the books Starbloom had dropped and went over to help using her magic to pick up some of the books and put them away. Spike turning around when he saw the books floating. "Who is she Twilight?" Spike asked a serious look on the baby dragon's face. "Tell me the truth."
        Twilight sat down sighing softly, she had a feeling this was coming after that display of power. "Spike... she is me. From the world in my dream. You remember me telling you about them right?" She asked looking at her assistant as he came over and sat in front her.
        His only answer to her question was a nod. Twilight continued by saying "I'm not sure how it happen but those were not dreams, not really. I was seeing this other world and this other Twilight. My theory is that when we performed that experiment it linked us and allowed me to view her life through my dreams."

        "But how did she get here and why is she a filly?" Spike asked after a few moments when Twilight finished speaking. "In your dream you told me you touched your horn to her head, breaking the link between the two of you."

        Twilight frowned and shakes her head slowly. "That, isn't all that happened. I never told you, or anypony else this but after Starbloom disappeared, Luna appeared in my dream, I think it was the Luna from Starbloom's world. She told me she would use the rift created from the experiment to send her here, for a second chance. That she and Celestia wanted her student to live a normal life, to bring her into the dream world she had to make her a filly again. Celestia couldn't bear the thought of Starbloom being condemned to a life in prison." She explained to Spike, using Starbloom's new name to make it easier for Spike to understand.

        Spike sat quiet for a while as he thought about what Twilight had told him, Twilight wasn't known for being able to keep secrets. The fact she managed to keep that to herself meant the conversation between her and the Luna in her dream must have been pretty emotional and tough for her to talk about.
        "Spike, we need to find a way for Starbloom to easily and safely use her magic without it being so much of a strain on her, before her magic build up gets high again." Twilight said looking at Spike getting back on her hooves. "Make some tea, we're in for a long night of study"

        Spike nods and got to his own feet. "Right away Twilight." he said before leaving the main hall of the library to make some strong tea to help keep Twilight awake as she started to pull books down from the book shelves and stack them next to her.

        Twilight started to read the books feverishly trying to find an answer thinking to herself as she did so, I won’t let you down daughter, I won’t let you die from this. She knew that much stress Starbloom put on herself to use magic without a horn could be fatal if she kept it up.

> Starbloom's Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7


Starbloom got to her hooves slowly and looked around. Her mind was hazy and she wasn't to sure how she got out to the gem fields, or even why she was out here in the middle of the night. She turned around a few times before starting to walk back to the Library. "How am I gonna explain this to Twilight, she is gonna be so mad at me." She grumbled to herself as she walked towards the path that went back to Ponyville.

After a few minutes of walking she blinks and looks around finding herself back where she started from. Looking around more she wondered if she had gotten turned around in the dark. She looked over her should at where she swore she came from and yelped jumping back a bit. "What the..?" She asked herself finding she was in the gardens of Canterlot now.

"How did I get to the gardens in Canterlot?" she asked with a groan and looked around the gem fields gone now. "I must be dreaming, there is no other explanation." She told herself and scuffed a hoof against the ground. But something caught her eye and she looked up spotting something glowing up in one of the towers.

She starts to walk to the large doors leading into the tower and found it was already open enough for her to get inside. She knew it was a dream now, no guards and the door part of the way open. She made her way into the tower and looked around finding the door that lead up to the tower. She pushed the door going up open and looked up at the flight of stairs sighing.

"Of course, even in a dream I gotta climb stairs in towers." She said to herself shaking her head as she started to trot up the stairs wondering if she'll dream herself getting tired, but she didn't have to wait to long for an answer, roughly halfway up the stairs her legs started to get sore and she felt tired from the long climb.

Despite her legs starting to hurt and being tired she didn't give in and kept trudging along the long winding stairway leading up scolding the logical part of her mind for making a dream feel so real. The constant sweating didn't help either she hadn't remembered it being so hot up here. She paused every so often to wipe sweat away from her eyes.

As soon as she reached the top of stairway she flopped down and groaned loudly at the strain in her legs. Looking at her forelegs she blinks at the odd red stain on them tilting her head before crying sharply and holds her head. A sudden and sharp pain radiating from were her horn should be. 

She fought back the pain in her head and struggled back to her hooves. Looking up she saw her friends standing at a door wearing crusader capes, but not the normal ones Sweetie Belle made. These were highly detailed and finally stitched like something Rarity would make. The red of the capes sparkled like fine ruby, the blue field like sapphire and the gold filly sparkled like pure gold with silver stitching.

Sweetie Belle making a motion for her to come before Scootaloo and Apple Bloom pulled the door open. She forced herself through the pain to walk a head to the room beyond the door. But the light coming from it hurt her eyes and made the headache worse. As she got closer she felt her back get a little heavy and looked back noticing she was wearing a crusader cape of her own.

The image of Sweetie Belle however kept motioning for her to keep going and enter the room in front of her. She didn't know why but she knew she had to enter that room, to find out what was making the glow and maybe even find some answers.

She passed into the room and found herself standing in the library back in Ponyville. She looked around slowly tilting her head. She saw Twilight sitting at her desk pouring over a book, a stack of books next to her. Spike was curled up on the floor sleeping quietly. She remembered Spike would do that during all night study sessions.

She saw her friends coming around her and stand with her as she felt something pull her to move again and she started to the basement of the library Sweetie Belle opening the door for her, and she moved inside. She looked back to the other three who had stayed put looking at her. She looked back towards them for a few moments before nodding her head slowly. "I understand, I have to go alone from here," she said to the image of her friends who nod back at her.

She turned and walked down the stairs into the basement hearing the door close behind her the room was light up but not from the lights. She knew the source of the glow was coming from inside the basement, she turned to face the middle of the basement seeing a shining orb of light hovering in the middle of the room.

She made her way closer to the orb which started to dim and slowly fade away showing a head-dress, it wasn't a crown or anything like that. It was a simple silver band with a strange violet colored crystal in the middle. She couldn't stop herself as her fore hooves moved to lift the band up and put it on, the crystal rested where her horn would have been.

As the band rested on her head she felt the pain in her head melt away and her strength return to her legs, she didn't feel tired anymore and she felt at ease, her stress melting away. She closed her eyes and smiled before opening her eyes again only to find herself standing in her room, looking at a mirror the band on her head the crystal glowed bright and for a moment she could have sworn she saw the outline of a horn coming from the crystal as the light faded away again.

Starbloom groaned softly as she got up slowly rubbing her head a bit looking around slowly. "Wow... that was some dream..." she said to herself noticing it was actually late for once. She slipped off the bed and made her way to the bathroom to wash off her face and brush her mane.

Checking her forehead, no blood or anything. She didn't think there would be but she had to check. Once she was cleaned up she brushed her mane and headed down stairs looking around quietly. It was still pretty quiet even for a library, she wondered if Twilight and Spike was still sleeping.

She made her way from the main hall to the kitchen to get herself something to eat and make a pot of tea. Now that she was a wake she started to wonder what the dream meant. The gem fields, Canterlot, the basement, that head band. As well as her friends wearing those fancy capes and guiding her along.

Once the tea was ready she made herself a cup and grabbed an apple before sitting down at the table sipping her drink. She knew the dream could have just been that, a dream. But she remembered it so clearly even now, normally if she remembered a dream it was important.

She took a bite of the apple as she thought on the dream, considering the different aspects of it and what they meant. She figured the gem fields was because she went their with her friends. Since she hung out with them was also probably the reason they had been in the dream. Them urging her to keep going she suspected was because they wanted to help her.

The rest she couldn't figure out though she rubbed her face with a hoof and signed to herself softly taking a sip of her tea. "Why was I in Canterlot and then the library basement?" She frowned asking herself taking another bite of apple. She thought about going to the basement to see what was down there right now.

"Would Twilight want me to go down there...?" She asked herself sipping her tea before deciding it would be fine. She got to her feet and made her way to the basement door and opened it looking inside. It was dark though, the lights out and no mysterious glows. She backed up a bit and closed the door before turning to go back to the kitchen.

She stops finally noticing Twilight and Spike at Twilight's desk. Both sound asleep she tilts her head shaking her it. It was uncanny they had been asleep the same way she saw them in her dream, Spike curled up near the desk. Twilight at her desk her head and fore hoove on the desk.

She moved over to the desk and carefully nudged Twilight with a fore hoof. "Twilight? Wake up Twilight." She said softly trying to wake her up. Twilight and Spike both stirred at the sound of Starbloom's voice. She takes a few steps back smiling. "Good morning, what are you doing sleeping down here?"

"Mmm.... Starbloom?" Twilight asked sitting up and looking around before getting to her hooves smiling at her "Looks like I fell asleep doing research," she said smiling at her then looks over at Spike who was moving to his feet and stretching. She wasn't sure when they had fallen asleep last night. "How did you sleep?" She asked looking back over at Starbloom.

Starbloom considered her answer for a few minutes before answering the question. "I slept alright, I must have been pretty tired." She smiled up at Twilight wondering if she should tell her about the dream or not. She didn't want to worry her about it though so she decided to keep it to herself for now. "I made some tea, if you two want some." She said smiling up at Twilight then over at Spike.

"That sounds great, thank you Starbloom." Twilight said smiling as she started to walk to the kitchen with Spike following after her. Starbloom also walks with them to get some more tea. Twilight gets down a cup for herself and one for Spike filling them with tea sitting them on the table. She also gets herself and Spike a wheat muffin. "You want one Starbloom?" She asked looking over at Starbloom.

"No thank you I had an apple," Starbloom said smiling refilling her tea cup and settled at the table. She watched Spike and Twilight join her at the table. She smiled thinking for a few minutes before asking Twilight. "What were you two researching last night?"

Twilight sipped her tea and considered the best way to answer the question. She didn't want to scare Starbloom with the danger she was in from over using her magic like she did last night. "Just a better way for you to use your magic without making yourself real tired like last night." She said smiling as she nibbled on muffin. Spike for his part kept quiet letting the two talk as he enjoyed his breakfast.

Starbloom thought for a minute nodding to Twilight smiling, "What about a magic focusing headband?" She offered remembering the headband in her dream. She knew crystals could be used to harness and improve magic. She actually wondered why she didn't consider that when she was analyzing her dream.

Twilight paused as she though about the idea of using a headband taking a sip of her tea. "I think that might actually work. Would have to get Rarity's help designing it and making sure it fits," Twilight said as she smiled thinking over the idea in her head. "You can go to Rarity's and get her to make one while I research the best type of crystal. Just make sure she leaves the gem socket in the front empty."

Starbloom smiles at Twilight nodding before moving to get up. Spike also got up to clear the table for Starbloom. "I've got this, you better hurry." Spike said smiling at Starbloom, who nods at him and smiles back as she makes her way from the kitchen.

"Thank you Spike," she said going to the door and opens it up heading out of the library closing the door behind her and breathes in the morning air. It still had the smell of the rain from yesterday, but the skies were clear now. She made her way down the street heading to Carousel Boutique.

It was closer to noon when she got to Carousel Boutique, she opened the door and made her way inside, the shop was open by now so she didn't have to knock. She made her way inside and looks around finding Rarity working on one of her many designs. She didn't see Sweetie Belle so she figured she was with the rest of the crusaders.

After a few minutes Starbloom spoke up to get Rarity's attention. "Morning Rarity." She said a bit loudly to break through her concentration. Rarity stopped and looked around before seeing Starbloom standing nearby smiling up at her.

"Good Morning Starbloom darling, what can I do for you?" Rarity asked pleasantly though slightly annoyed at being interrupted. "Why aren't you off playing with your friends?"

"I overslept, so I wasn't awake when they came by this morning." She said sheepishly grinning before continuing. "The reason I'm here though, I need a head band made. Made out of silver with a gem socket here," she points at forehead where her horn use to be. "The socket needs to be empty though Twilight is gonna find the right crystal for it."

Rarity tilts her head a bit looking confused at the request but nods smiling. "Of course dear, I'm sure I can do that. I'm not a jeweler though, but I can make something for you." Rarity answered before looking through her supplies and finds some silver fabric she used for her dresses.

She measures Starbloom's head and cuts the fabric to proper size, leaving a spot in the forehead for a gem, she makes a simple silver headband for Starbloom. After she gets it finished she puts it on Starbloom to test the fit and making sure the gem would be in the proper place. "How does that feel darling?" Rarity asked looking her over and fusing with her hair lightly.

"That feels good, not to tight or anything." She smiles at Rarity as she answers shifting a little as she fuses with her hair. Once Rarity finishes she looks up at her. "How much do I owe you?" She asked smiling.

"On the house dear, sounds like this is something you need." Rarity said smiling back at her and nods. "If you need any adjustments just let me know. You are a growing filly after all."

"Thank you so much Rarity," Starbloom said smiling at her, "I'll let you know if I need any adjustments on the head band. I should hurry back to Twilight, again thank you." She smiles at her turning to make her way out of the shop.

"Your welcome darling, have a good day," Rarity said watching Starbloom as she starts to leave. She then turns back to the design she had worked with when Starbloom came in.

Starbloom smiled as she made her way back to the Library quickly so Twilight could fit the gem onto her headband if she had found the right one for it. She moved at a steady pace, not running but she was moving quicker then a simple trot. She wanted to hurry and get back excited at the thought of being able to use her magic again.

As she made her way through the town she almost collided headlong into Applejack who was selling apples at a stall in the market place. "Whoa there, careful now sugar-cube," Applejack said managing to move to avoid being run into and stopping her before she collided with the apple stand. "What's got ya'll worked up?" She asked once she got Starbloom settled.

"Sorry Applejack. I was just in a hurry to get back home," Starbloom said looking up at the hard-working orange pony in front of her. "How is business doing?" She asked wanting to be polite.

"It's great Starbloom, thanks fer askin." Applejack replied smiling at her before tilting her head noticing the headband, mistaking it for a bandage at first. "Ya hurt yer head?"

"Huh?" Starbloom asked confused then remembered the headband, "Oh no, it's a headband not a bandage." She said smiling at her moving her mane up out of the way so Applejack can get a better look at the silver headband.

"Ah, I see is that somethin Rarity put together for ya?" Applejack asked getting a small bag of apples from her cart and Starbloom. "Here ya go, for you, Twilight an Spike to share." Applejack said smiling.

"Yep Rarity made it for me," She said smiling before taking the bag in her forehooves smiling. "Thank you Applejack. I better get going now." She said picking up the bag in her muzzle and starts to make her way back home, at a slower pace this time.

"Yer welcome Starbloom, have a fine day" Applejack said smiling as she watched Starbloom walk down the street before turning back to tending to her apple stand.

Starbloom smiled around the bag in her muzzle as she made her way down the street and finally got back to the library, reaching up and opened the door before heading inside and turned to close the door behind her. She looked around not seeing Spike or Twilight.

She went into the kitchen and put the bag of apples on a counter before coming back to the main lobby of the library. "Spike? Twilight?" She called as she started to look around for the two. She first went up stairs to check the bedrooms before heading back down stairs to think.

Twilight and Spike came out of the basement a few minutes later, "Ah good your back." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom as she went over to where Starbloom was sitting. She had a small crystal floating in her magic.

Starbloom got up and smiled at Spike and Starbloom, "Really? That's great I got the headband," She said reaching up and pushing the headband off her head with hooves and showing it to Twilight who took it with her magic.

"This should work perfectly. Rarity did a good job for short notice." Twilight said as she looked the silver threaded fabric over. She then used her magic to fix the crystal into the gem slot Rarity had made for it. "That should work perfect." She said as she used her magic to put the headband back on Starbloom's head, positioning it so the crystal is over the gray spot on her forehead.

Starbloom smiled at her and watched as she looked the headband over before fixing the crystal into the gem slot. "Yea Rarity did a really good job with it." Starbloom said and looked up as Twilight slide the headband back on her head. She felt it move to have the gem in the right place. 

Starbloom gave a shiver when she felt the gem press against the gray patch of fur and skin on her forehead once Twilight had gotten it into place. Not because the gem was cold, it was actually a bit warm, but do to a sudden surge of energy that went through her. "Oh... this feels kinda odd. I feel light-headed," Starbloom said as she sat down gave her head a bit of a shake.

"You want me to remove it Starbloom?" Twilight asked concerned as she sat across from her and watched the small lavender filly. She didn't know if this was how it was suppose to be, she hadn't found any records or books about this.

"No, I just need a minute." Starbloom said closing her eyes and took a few breaths to steady herself before she opened her eyes and stood back up. She concentrated and the gem glowed with a soft violet aura under her mane, her mane covered the gem so it wasn't easy to see. Turning she focused her magic more into the kitchen and floated the bag of apples out and over the them, a big smile on her face.

Spike jumped up and yelled "Alright you did it Starbloom! It worked Twilight!" He kept jumping up and down while her cheered for the two.

Twilight chuckled at Spike and smiled looking over at Starbloom. "That's great, I'm glad it worked, I was worried for a minute." She said as she watched Starbloom open the bag and takes out the apples with her magic and offered one to Spike and Twilight. "Thank you Starbloom." She said and took an apple in her own magic and took a bite from it.

Starbloom floated the last one back to herself and took a bit from it, she still had a big smile on her face. It had been so long since she had used magic she had forgotten how it felt. The magic flowed through her and out the gem easily as well, not like the burst of magic she used the night before that left her drained.
> Unicorn Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8


Starbloom spent the the evening practicing various tricks with her magic. She quickly learned however that she couldn't remember how to preform all of her spells. Levitation was easy enough, but almost all unicorns could do that. However she couldn't teleport or do any of the other magic she had worked hard on learning. "It's odd I can't do some of these spells... I don't understand it," Starbloom said pacing around the main lobby of library. 

Spike was watching Starbloom quietly as she paced and talked to herself. "Maybe the spells were tied to your cutie mark?" Spike suggested as he tried to be helpful. Starbloom paused for a minute to consider the idea, before she looked over at him and shook her head.

"I don't think so Spike. I know cutie marks is tied to a ponies special talent, but I really don't think spells are linked to it." She sighed and sat down to think. This situation was pretty unique so it was hard to say if what Spike suggested had merit or not. She considered what it meant if what he said was correct. "If loosing my cutie mark did cause me to loose the majority of my spells... what else did I loose?" She wondered out loud.

"Don't worry about it Starbloom, I'll help you learn some new spells," Twilight said to her as she came out of the kitchen after cleaning up the dinner dishes. "You went through something pretty traumatic and was cut off from your magic for a while. Besides your a filly now, the use of an age regression spell in this way has never been done before"

Starbloom sighed again but knew that Twilight was right about that. The trauma she went through and being cut off from her magic for as long as she had been was pretty hard on her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath thinking before she looked over at Twilight. "Your right Twilight, when I was this age all I knew was levitation that could be why it's all I can remember now," Starbloom said smiling yawning softly and shaking her head lightly.

Twilight smiled at her and giggled softly, "I think it's time for bed time," Twilight said urging Starbloom up stairs to her room. Starbloom didn't protest she was pretty worn out so she headed up stairs to her room. "Good night Starbloom, sleep well."

"Goodnight Twilight," Starbloom replied opening the door to her room and goes to bed, her lack of being able to remember spells still bothered her, but she was to tired to think about it and went to sleep quickly.

Spike looked up at Starbloom watching her quietly as she went to bed before looking over at Twilight before speaking, "Do you really believe it's her age limiting her magic and remembering her spells?" Spike asked, to which Twilight shook her head no to.

"I don't think so Spike, magic doesn't work that way. You don't get spells as you get older, you learn them much like you learn anything. Honestly her magic is different now, not just the fact it goes through a gem now," Twilight said taking a seat on a cushion and looking out the window. "It's weaker, maybe half of what it use to be. Part of that is her age, lack of a cutie mark and horn, but for the most part it's just been lost to her, since she isn't the element of magic any more."

Spike looked confused for a few minutes before looking at Twilight, "Are you saying your connection to the element of magic boosts your magic?" He asked her, it was hard to believe but it also made sense.

She looked over at Spike and nodded to him before starting to explain, "Yea, I believe so. It's a theory I came up with a while back shortly after beating Nightmare Moon. My magic had always been strong, but it increased a lot after I gained the element of magic. Like when I suddenly teleported with you to escape from the ponies chasing us for the Gala tickets. That's when I started to develop my theory."

Spike considered what she said for a few moments, "What your saying, is that each element boosts the holders natural element? Like Applejacks honesty, Pinkie's ability to make others laugh, Rainbow Dash's loyalty, Rarity's generosity, Fluttershy's kindness and your magic?" Twilight gave him a nod smiling, Spike continued. "So now that she has lost that connection she's back to how strong she was as a filly?" he asked still sounding a little unsure of the idea.

"I believe so Spike, her magic is still strong for a unicorn. But not as strong as it use to be. Honestly I don't think she'll be able to preform a lot of the old magic she learned." Twilight said with a sad look on her face, the prospect was a little depressing for her.

Spike could tell the idea was upsetting Twilight and he hugged her lightly. "Don't worry Twilight, I know she'll overcome this. She's just like you after all." He said looking up at her and smiles.

Twilight smiled at Spike and gave him a soft hug back nodding, "I know Spike, she'll be just fine." She moved to her hooves, "Come on, it's late we should get to bed as well." She said heading up the stairs to her room, she stopped to check in on Starbloom, using her magic to fix the covers before heading to her room. "Good night Spike."

Spike followed her to the room and got into his own bed getting under the covers. "Good night Twilight"


Morning


Starbloom awoke the next morning sitting up rubbing her eyes with her hooves looking around yawning. It was later then she expected she rolled off the bed and pulled her head band on adjusting it so the gem was over the gray patch on her forehead before she remembered today was Monday. "Oh horse apples! I'm late for school!" She quickly raced down stairs looking around using her magic to grab her saddle bags and slinging them across her back. Not taking the time she normally does to brush her mane.

"Starbloom! Don't swearing!" Twilight called to her from the kitchen, "What is all the ruckus about anyways?" She asked as she poked her head from the kitchen and looked at Starbloom as scrambled around the main hall of the library to get stuff ready.

"I over slept and I'm going to be late for school. Ms. Cheerilee already scolded me for that before," Starbloom said as she made sure she had everything ready quickly passing a brush through her mane and tail with her magic to at least make it present able. "Don't forget you need to be at my school 2 hours before it lets out for Family Apparition Day as well," Starbloom reminded Twilight.

Twilight nodded at Starbloom and smiles then almost choked, "Wait that's today? I totally forgot about that with everything that happen over the weekend. Hurry on to school Starbloom, I'll be sure to be there on time with something to tell the class," Twiligh told Starbloom.

Starbloom just sighed softly but nodded making her way outside quickly and galloped quickly through town on her way to the school hoping to make it there before the bell rung. She made it through the door and inside panting hard just as the finally bell rang.

"S.. sorry... Ms. Cheerilee, I overslept it wont happen again." Starbloom said trying to catch her breath as she made her way to her seat putting her saddle bags next to her and took her seat. She used her hooves instead of magic deciding to keep it a secret for now, at least until she told her friends about it.

"It's okay Starbloom, you made it inside before the bell so your not late. But do try to be more on time please," a few of the other kids in the class giggled but Ms. Cheerilee quieted them down before starting her lessons for the day. Starbloom did her best to pay attention but was finding it hard to concentrate.

She hadn't considered it before, but now she wondered if her friends would accept her now that she could preform magic again. As far as they knew she was just an earth pony who grew up in Canterlot. But now she was a unicorn who didn't have a horn and was augmenting magic power through an enchanted headband.


Afternoon


Afternoon rolled around class let out for lunch, the girls made there way outside and to the table they normally sat at. Since she had been in a hurry Starbloom didn't have a lunch so the three shared with her. Sweetie Belle spoke up first, "Hey Starbloom what's with the head band? Did you hurt yourself?"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle first before looking at Starbloom and noticed the woven silver headband peeking under her bangs. Apple Bloom spoke next before Starbloom had a chance to say anything, "Sweetie Belle that aint a bandage that's a headband like for exercising an` stuff."

Starbloom held up her hooves to stop them before they could continue so she could speak. "Girls please, it's not an exercising headband or a bandage. It's a special headband that Rarity and Twilight made for me yesterday," she said and took a deep breath. "I have something important to tell you, so I need you to listen okay?" She asked them.

The three crusaders got quiet and looked at each other before looking back and Starbloom and nodded before Apple Bloom spoke, "Alright Starbloom, you got our attention we'll listen carefully to what you gotta tell us."

Starbloom wasn't sure if she was ready for this, but she didn't have much choice now. She closed her eyes and took another deep breath relaxing herself, she opened her eyes and looked at her friends. "I'm not really an earth pony. I'm sure you've noticed I'm not as strong as Apple Bloom is, or as fast as Scootaloo. I'm a unicorn, but I lost my horn in an accident. Which is part of the reason I'm here in Ponyville as well, the head band allows me to use my magic again." She said looking at the three trying to judge the reaction but just before any of them had time to react a familier voice chimed in from the right bringing glares from all of the crusaders at the table.

"Well isn't that a nice little story blank flank," it was Silver Spoon speaking this time. Diamond Tiara was there as well but she had been trying to avoid eye contact with Starbloom and acting more timid, "What would make it better is if you was really an Alicorn princess with no wings or horn!" Silver Spoon continued while giggling.

Starbloom growled loudly and the gem on her headband flared brightly chasing her mane to ripple around her head, the necklace around Silver Spoon's neck slipped off her head and floated over head just out of reach. "I am not a liar!" Starbloom said her eyes took a faint purple aura and a small hole opened in the space behind the necklace and she flung the necklace through the hole causing it to disappear along with the necklace. Her mane settled back down and the glow around her eyes and the gem disappeared. Though she seemed to be in a daze as she locked eyes with Silver Spoon making her freeze in place and a look of pure fear come over her.

"Starbloom!" Hearing her name get called snapped her out of the daze she shook her head and looked around seeing Ms Cheerilee standing next to her, Silver Spoon freed from the gaze ran quickly back into the school. The rest of the school fillies just stared at her with a mix of awe and fear, even the Cutie Mark Crusaders just stared. "I think you should head home, you and Twilight can do Family Appreciation Day tomorrow alright?"

"I... I... yes Ms. Cheerilee.... I'm so sorry Ms. Cheerilee," Starbloom said on the verge of tears, she looked at her friends before she quickly ran back home whimpering softly leaving her saddle bags in the class room. Once she reached the Library she used her magic to open the door and quickly ran upstairs ignoring Spike when she asked what happen and why she was home early. She went to her room tossed her headband across the room and flopped on her bed to cry.

Twilight opened the door and came into Starbloom's room, seeing the headband on the floor across the room and Starbloom sobbing into her pillow it didn't take her long to figure out something happen at school involving her magic. She trotted over to the bed and sat next to it. "Starbloom, tell me what happen, please. So I can help." Twilight said softly reaching over and rubbing the fillies back gently trying to sooth her.

Starbloom sniffled softly and looked over at Twilight rubbing her eyes with a hoof resting her head on her pillow. "I.. was telling Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle about being a unicorn and... Silver Spoon called me a liar..." she started and sniffled a bit more before continuing, "I attacked her with my magic before I knew what happen, I locked my gaze on her freezing her in place, took her necklace and threw it into my world. I don't know why... I just didn't like her calling me a liar... I'm scared my friends hate me now... or worse are scared of me. Ms. Cheerilee sent me home and said tomorrow we can do the family appreciation day."

Twilight sat quietly and listen to what Starbloom told her softly rubbing the fillies back with her hoof to keep her calm. "I'm sure your friends will understand and wont be scared of you or hate you. As for your outburst I think it'll be best if you apologize to Silver Spoon tomorrow." Twilight said leaning over and kissing her forehead. "Now I think a relaxing bath and some rest will do you good alright?"

Starbloom nods at Twilight softly and smiles feeling better moving she gets her headband and puts it on the hook near her bend before going to the bathroom to take a hot bath to help relax her body and sooth her mind.  It had been a troubling day and she needed to relax. One thought did cross her mind, what happen to Silver Spoon's necklace when she threw it into her world.
> Unicorn Magic - Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 9


Starbloom made her way into the bathroom and looked out the window quietly before reaching over and turned the on the water. She looked out in the direction of the school wondering what had come over her to make her react so violently towards Silver Spoon. If she wanted to she could of seriously hurt her.

She took a deep breath and pushed the idea into the back of her mind before turning to bathtub and climbed in pulling the shower curtain closed relaxing under the hot jets of water. She closed her eyes and smiled, having missed her bath this morning it felt nice to feel the water flow over her coat and mane.

She picked up her scrub brush and ran it over the bar of soap a few times before starting to scrub her right side and flank, she could of used her magic but she had gotten use to using her muzzle to do this. Flipped the brush around to do her other side and flank.

Once she had finished her sides and flank she took the brush in a hoof and added more soap before doing her back with the scrub brush letting the shower water and soap run down her legs to wash them off. If she had gotten real dirty should would of had to scrub those as well.

Now that her coat had been cleaned off she pressed head against a lever to release some mane wash onto her head and reached up with her hooves to scrub her mane clean before turning to scrub her tail clean with left over mane shampoo.

After letting the shower rinse her off and she was clean, she turned the shower part off and plugged the tub settling onto all fours to relax into the slowly rising water. She rested her head on the sidewall of the tub closing her eyes, when she felt the water had risen enough she turned the water off and let her mind wander as she relaxed.

Starbloom remained in the tub until Twilight knocked on the door. "Starbloom, you have a visitor. Please come down stairs." She heard Twilight call to her from the other side of the door. She could only guess as to who it was, it could of been Ms. Cheerilee with Silver Spoon and her parents, or her friends.

She sighed softly letting the water out of the tub before getting up and shaking herself off before climbing out and drying herself. She wasn't sure if she really wanted to see any of them right now, she came out of the bathroom and made her way down the stairs carefully looking out into the main hall of the library. She was abit more relieved to see it was just Sweetie Belle waiting. 

Sweetie Belle heard Starbloom and turned to look up at her smiling. "Starbloom, are you alright?" she asked turning to face her as Starbloom made her way down the stairs. "I brought your saddle bag home for you, and wanted to check on you. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo wanted to come to but... I thought it best if it just one of us first."

Starbloom sighed but smiled at Sweetie Belle nodding at her, "Thank you Sweetie Belle, and I'm alright. I'm sorry if I scared you or the other girls. I don't know what happen or why I attacked Silver Spoon like that, I hope she's ok." Starbloom said as she came over and sat down on a cushion.

Sweetie Belle followed her to the cushion and sat across from her. "She is alittle shaken up but Ms. Cheeriliee said she'll be alright. She got off lucky though, so did you, we had to sit through another of Filthy Rich's boring business lectures." Sweetie Belle groaned softly but stopped seeing Starbloom frown. "Sorry Starbloom."

Starbloom sighed again shaking her head smiling faintly, "It's alright Sweetie Belle. From the way you talk about them they sound pretty bad. Just wish I had gotten out of it in a different way. I'm just glad Silver Spoon didn't get hurt, she might be a bully but hurting her or any pony isn't a good thing." Starbloom said closing her eyes remembering her Spike.

Sweetie Belle looked a little confused at Starbloom tilting her head faintly, "How did you learn to do that kind a magic anyways, I mean I know your a unicorn but your younger then I am and I haven't even learned basic levitation yet. I'm not even sure what type of magic you used."

Starbloom looked up at Sweetie Belle and bit her bottom lip, it was getting hard to keep up the lie, specially around Sweetie Belle, she might seem a little clueless most of the time. But the little unicorn could be perceptive if she wanted to be. "I studied a lot in Canterlot...." she sighed and shakes her head. "Look Sweetie I'm gonna tell you everything but please keep it to yourself, even from Scootaloo and Apple Bloom okay? I'll... tell them when I'm ready."

Sweetie Belle looked confused at first but after a moment she nods at her. "Alright Starbloom I promise I'll keep it a secret. I wont tell anyone, not even Scootaloo or Apple Bloom." She figured it must be something big if she wanted to keep a secret from the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Starbloom took a deep breath to relax before she spoke, "I'm Twilight Sparkle, from another dimension. When I was brought here, I ended being turned into a filly..." she reaches back and rubbed one of the gray patches of fur on her flank before looking at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle was quiet for a few minutes before tilting her head and looked at Twilight who was nearby watching and listening to them talk. Twilight nodded at Sweetie Belle letting her know everything Starbloom had said was true. Sweetie looked back at Starbloom. "How... how come you're here though?" was all she managed to think to ask.

Starbloom bit her bottom lip before she answered the question. "I.... I committed a crime, it was an accident in the lab here in the library. That's why I don't have a cutie mark, or my horn. Celestia striped me of both as punishment... how I got here though I'm still not to sure. I dreamed that Twilight, this world's Twilight, used her magic to bring me here." Starbloom said look over at Twilight and smiled at her.

Twilight came over and smiled back at Starbloom before looking at Sweetie Belle before speaking to both of them. "Actually, it was Princess Luna.... I never told you or anypony else, but the Luna in your world told me your Celestia was distressed over the judgment she had pass so she gave Luna permission to dream walk and bring you to this world. With the aid of this worlds Luna."

Starbloom tilted her head faintly before nodding at Twilight smiling. "I see, thank you for telling me." she said to Twilight before looking at Sweetie Belle, "That's... how I know the magic I do, but it's been limited to mostly levitation right now. I have to learn a lot of it over again."

Sweetie Belle was quiet for a minute, and Twilight went back to her desk letting the two have some privacy. "I'm sorry that happen to you Starbloom. I don't know what I would do with out my horn." She said as she reached up to rub her own horn a little before looking at Starbloom. "And you also lost your cutie mark. That explains why you looked so hurt when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon teased you."

Starbloom nodded at her softly. "Yea, it is. It just reminded me of what happen and why I don't have one anymore. I can handle being a filly again, and meeting so many great friends like you and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo." She said smiling at Sweetie Belle. "I'm glad you came to visit, if you want I can walk you home so we can explain to Rarity why your late getting home, if you haven't told her already."

"That sounds good Starbloom, I would like that. I came right over here so I didn't tell Rarity. I'm sure she's worried by now," Sweetie Belle said with a soft giggle smiling. "But I think she'll understand when we tell her."

Starbloom nods at Sweetie Belle and headed to her room to put her saddle bags away, she looked at the head band and took a deep breath. She grabbed the silver threaded band and put it on her head fixing the gem into place shuddering at the magical energy rush through her body before heading down stairs.

"I'm ready, if you are Sweetie Belle." Starbloom said smiling at her. Sweetie Belle got up and smiled following Starbloom to the door, Starbloom used her magic to open the door letting Sweetie Belle head out first before turning to Twilight, "I'll be home soon, mom." she said before closing the door catching Twilight look over and smile at her.

"What, does it feel like?" Sweetie Belle asked Starbloom as they started to walk to Rarity's place, "To use magic I mean, I've only had small bursts of energy. I never used magic itself."

"It's..." Starbloom started before stopping to think of the best way to explain it, "It feels like a rush of energy, like when lighting hits the ground nearby and you get that tingle all over." She said hoping that was a good explanation, honestly it was hard to explain the feel of magic coursing through her.

"Oh, I don't know if I ever remember feeling that before." Sweetie Belle said as she though about it. "Would it be hard to learn how to do some magic, like levitation? Rarity keeps telling my I'm to old not to know how to do that yet." Sweetie continued with a frown the idea of studying not really appealing to her.

"It's not that hard, once you start it's pretty easy to pick up. As a unicorn basic levitation almost becomes second nature pretty quickly." She said before coming to a stop looking around she floated over a rock and sits it on the ground in front both of them. "Go a head and give it at try, focus pushing your will through your horn and out to the rock, going around the rock and lifting it up."

Sweetie Belle looked at Starbloom, then over to the rock nodding, she concentrated on the rock, her horn flickering a few times as the rock took on a green aura, after a few moments the rock lifted up as Sweetie Belle's horn was light up in a green aura of magic. "I.. I did it!" She squealed excitedly, her concentration faltering and rock dropping back to the ground. "Awww... I had it to."

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie Belle and giggled softly, before she spoke to her. "It's a very good start though Sweetie Belle, you need to keep some concentration on the task but with practice you'll get it and be levitating stuff like a master. After that it's simple manipulation of what your levitating, for writing, or working on things like Rarity does with her dresses."

Sweetie Belle looked at the rock and muttered to herself "Dumb rock," before looking at Starbloom and smiled nodding as they started to walk again. "I think I understand what you mean about feeling the surge of energy to. It's.. hard to explain, kind of a warm tingle all over. I'll practice though and learn how to levitate, maybe then Rarity will let me help her around the shop more." Sweetie Belle said more determined then ever to learn how to levitate things.

Starbloom smiled but sighed giggling softly. "I'm sure you will Sweetie Belle," she said as they reached the Boutique, she let Sweetie Belle open the door, Sweetie tried to use her magic, though all she managed to do was rattle the handle around before giving up and using her hooves to open it.

Sweetie Belle let Starbloom head inside first before following her in and pulled the door closed. "Rarity I'm home, I'm sorry I'm late but I have a good reason I promise." She called out to her sister.

Rarity came down stairs, her mane frazzled and threw her arms around Sweetie Belle in her dramatic fashion. "Oh Sweetie Belle darling I was so worried when you didn't come home right away. This reason of yours better be very good.... oh you brought a guest?" she said finally taking notice of Starbloom standing nearby. "Starbloom, how nice to see you again my dear. How are you feeling?"

Starbloom smiled at Rarity and nodded at her faintly. "I'm doing well thanks to Sweetie Belle, I had a rather rough day though." Starbloom told her smiling over at Sweetie Belle who was still trapped in Rarity's hug.

Rarity frowned abit as she heard about the rough day and motioned for them to have a seat. "A rough day you say? Please, do tell me about it and how my darling Sweetie Belle helped you feel better." Rarity said as she took a seat and settled herself comfortably smoothing out her mane. "Sweetie Belle, please be a dear and bring the tray of treats and tea."

"It's okay Rarity, I got it." Starbloom said, her gem stone flaring and her magic released into the kitchen finding the tray and floated into the sitting area placing it carefully on the coffee table. "I do need to get back into practice and learn control again." She said softly blushing faintly, "I am sorry if I over stepped any boundaries."

Sweetie Belle watched in amazement as the tray of treats floated in from the kitchen and placed itself on the table. She moved to take a seat next to Starbloom and smiled over at Rarity. "Wow Starbloom, that was amazing. Will I be able to do that if I practice more with my magic?" she asked looking hopeful.

Starbloom was about to say something in reply to Sweetie Belle but Rarity spoke up first. "Your magic Sweetie Belle? Are you starting to actual practice and learn?" She asked before looking over to Starbloom, "And it's no problem at all Starbloom."

Starbloom smiled and Sweetie Belle grinned nodding at her. "I'm learning to levitate, Starbloom showed me how. But I'm not very good at it," She said then concentrated her magic onto one of the cookies on the tray, her horn glowing more easily this time and the cookie floated up off the tray covered in Sweetie Belle's green aura.

"On my Sweetie darling that's very impressive. Starbloom must be a wonderful teacher." Rarity said watching the cookie float held in Sweetie Belle's magical grasp. "Can you bring the cookie towards yourself or move it anymore then make it hover?" Rarity asked her sister.

Sweetie Belle shook her head no at the question frowning softly. "Not yet, I just learned how to levitate it." She said looking at the cookie suspended in the air in front of her. But she was able to maintain her concentration enough to keep it in the air while talking.

Starbloom smiled at Rarity then over at Sweetie Belle, spoke softly in to her. "Like with bringing it into the air, feel your magic move the cookie how you would move it with your hoof. If you want it to move close to you, feel it move close you."

Sweetie Belle nodding softly and did as she was told, feeling her magic move the cookie with it's force, the cookie flying forward and smacking her in the face. Starbloom and Rarity both winced at the sound of the cookie smacking against her. "That... might of been to much force darling." Rarity said looking at a rather stunned Sweetie Belle with cookie crumbles on her muzzle.

Rarity's magic coming to life and took up a cloth and wiping her face clean. "Anyways, back to the matter at hoof, how come you were late getting home?" Rarity asked as she put the cloth away and floated a cup of tea to herself and took a sip.

Sweetie Belle blinked coming out of the shock of being hit with a flying cookie and looked at Starbloom before looking at Rarity. "I think it might be best for Starbloom to explain what happen first before I tell you why I was late." Sweetie Belle said, thinking it best for Starbloom to tell Rarity what happen school.

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie Belle before using her own magic to get a cup of tea and took a sip taking a deep breath. "I'm, not to sure how much Twilight had explained about me. But I'm sure you know I'm a unicorn by now." Starbloom started and Rarity nodded in reply, "Well, at school today, Silver Spoon, one of the school bullies started to call me a liar, and I... lost control of myself and used my magic on her. Ms. Cheerilee made me go home early from school, and I left my saddle bags in the class room."

"Oh my, I see that explain why you had been upset. But what does this has to do with Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked, looking at Starbloom then over to Sweetie Belle. "I hope you weren't involved in any of this fighting or anything."

Sweetie Belle shook her head, "No I wasn't Rarity I didn't get involved, Silver Spoon is always teasing us and picking on us. But after school ended I took Starbloom's saddle bag home so she wouldn't loose it, and I wanted to make sure she was okay and make her feel better. That's why I was late getting home."

"I see, well that is very kind of you Sweetie Belle," Rarity said smiling at her, but looked back over at Starbloom. "But if I may I would like to speak with Starbloom in private." Rarity added her smile fading lightly. "Please head to your room and get cleaned up for dinner alright?"

Sweetie Belle looked abit confused at first nodded at Rarity. "Alright Rarity. I'll see you later Starbloom." Sweetie Belle said before getting up and made her way up stairs to her room to let Rarity and Starbloom talk in private.

Starbloom sat quietly watching Sweetie Belle go upstairs before looking back at Rarity letting out a soft sigh placing the tea cup back on the tray. She waited to see what Rarity would say before speaking. "Starbloom, this outburst you had again Silver Spoon, how bad did it get? Did you harm her?"

Starbloom shook her head lightly, "No, I didn't hurt her.... not physically I did project fear into her, and threw her necklace into my world. To be honest I don't even know how I managed to open the portal or project the fear into her... and it does worry me that something like that might happen again." Starbloom said admitting her fears out loud as she laid herself down on the cushions in the seating area. 

Rarity watched the small filly quietly and nodded at her slowly. "I understand, it worries me as well. I might not show it all the time, but Sweetie Belle one of my valuable treasures in this world and I would hate to have something happen to her." Rarity said moving around and sits next to Starbloom placing a hoof on her shoulder. " I know you wouldn't do anything to harm her, I hope you can get control of these, outburst, before something happens to Sweetie Belle."

Starbloom looked over at the hoof on her shoulder and smiled up at Rarity nodding at her slowly. "I would never do anything to hurt Sweetie Belle, or any of the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. I'll do my best to get control of this problem so I wont hurt her, or anypony else." She said closing her eyes tight against some tears that had started to form. "I don't want a repeat of what happen to Spike...."

Rarity frowned and nodded slowly stroking her shoulder softly. "I know darling, I know... does... did you tell Sweetie Belle? About what happen I mean." She asked softly as her hoof rubbed her shoulder lightly to calm Starbloom.

Starbloom shook her head as she relaxed. "No, I didn't tell her what happen to Spike... I did, tell her who I am and where I came from though. I didn't go into detail though, just that I committed a crime that was an accident. I.. just couldn't keep lying to her and making up stories."

Rarity nodded at her slowly sighing softly, she had wished Starbloom didn't tell Sweetie Belle, but she could see the reason as to why she did tell. "I see, I suppose that it's for the best she knows." Rarity said patting her shoulder before moving back to her cushion.

Starbloom sat up and wiped her eyes with her hooves abit. "Thank you Rarity, for understanding. I think I'll head back to library now." Starbloom said moving to her hooves and stretched herself out taking a deep breath. 

"Alright Starbloom," Rarity said moving to the bottom of the stairs and called up "Sweetie Belle, Starbloom is heading home, if you wish to say goodbye to her." There was a thud and the sound of hooves scrambling that caused Rarity to cringe a little before Sweetie Belle appeared at the top of the stairs looking down.

"Good bye Starbloom, I'll see you tomorrow!" Sweetie Belle called to Starbloom waving with a big grin.

"See you tomorrow Sweetie Belle, good bye," Starbloom called back up to her waving in return smiling before she looked over to Rarity, "Good bye Rarity, thank you for the tea, and the talk." She said smiling up at Rarity as she used her magic to open the door and headed out side. 
> Scootaloo
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 10


After leaving Rarity's house Starbloom started on her way back to the house when she saw Scootaloo walking down the road. She almost made her way over to say hi but decided now was a good time to get some answers about where her friend lived. The prospect of her not having a family still bothered her.

She followed Scootaloo quietly keeping a safe distance behind her so she wouldn't be noticed, but also not wanting to loose sight of her. She glanced around noticing the houses around them started to look less well maintained and more run down. Starbloom felt a hollowing feeling in her stomach starting to form, until she saw Scootaloo stop and look at one of the houses.

Scootaloo pushes pass a broken gate and makes her way up to the house rests her scooter against a pillar before going inside, her ears perking up as she listens carefully to the sounds coming inside. She could hear Scootaloo talking to somepony, the voice that replied was an older stallion.

Starbloom made her way out from behind the bush and closer to the house propping herself up on her front hooves to get a peek inside. She could see Scootaloo at a stove making dinner and the older stallion, a pegasus with a faded orange coat and light red mane. She noticed a cutie mark of a rain cloud on his flank when he turned around to leave Scootaloo in the kitchen.

She dropped down and moved around the house slowly, "So, she does have a home, and a dad. She whispered to herself quietly. Why would she not want to bring him to school?" She asked herself quietly as she props herself back up and looks in a window at the stallion in the living room.

The stallion was sitting on a couch drinking what looked like cider from a bottle and reading a paper. She glanced around the living room, she could see a picture of Scootaloo, the older male she figured was her father and a mare, from the picture the mare looked to be a pegasus as well. More of a pink in color, with a darker pink mane. Starbloom figured that was her mother.

"Starbloom! What are you doing here?!" she heard Scootaloo's voice and jumped falling over onto her back and looked up at Scootaloo, who was giving her a rather annoyed look. "You spying on me?" Scootaloo growled flicking her tail behind her.

"S.. Scootaloo.. I'm so sorry, I just... I just got worried when you didn't want to bring anyone to Family Appreciation Day... I jus..." she was about to say something else when she got cut off but the male voice of Scootaloo's dad.

"Scootaloo, who's your friend?" The older male asked poking his head out the window, Starbloom could hear a distinctive slur in his voice. "Is she gonna stay for dinner?"

Scootaloo groaned abit and looked at her dad, before looking over at Starbloom who was moving to get back to her hooves. "Dad, this is Starbloom, one of my friends from school. I guess she can stay for dinner if she wants to." Scootaloo said still sounding pretty annoyed as she made her way back around the house to head back inside.

Starbloom followed after her looking around quietly, despite the rundown neighborhood the place was in decent shape. She followed her into the house quietly into the kitchen, Starbloom looking over and noticed Scootaloo's dad had gone back to drinking and reading his paper. 

Once inside the kitchen Scootaloo went back to fixing dinner and looked over at Starbloom, "So why are you here, why did you follow me?" Scootaloo asked, the annoyance still in her voice but not as sharp as it was earlier. "If it's about what happen at school with Silver Spoon, don't worry about it. Silver Spoon deserved it."

Starbloom looked around the kitchen before taking a seat sighing softly. "I do want to apologize for that, but I was worried.. about you since none of in the cutie mark crusaders have ever been to your home, or meet your parents." Starbloom said quietly watching Scootaloo, "I, noticed the hurt look when I told you Twilight adopted me and it got me wondering if you might be an orphan or homeless."

"Well, I'm not I have a home and a dad, we take care of each other...." Scootaloo said quietly fixing some bowls of the vegetable stew she had been working on.

Starbloom used her magic to take the bowls and place them on the table once Scootaloo had finished them. "I know your a tough filly Scootaloo, but if there is something wrong you can tell me, I want to help you if I can," Starbloom said getting to her hooves and heading over to the table.

Scootaloo watched the bowls float away as Starbloom took them and put them on the table. "Starbloom...." Scootaloo started then saw her dad coming into the kitchen for dinner. "It's fine dad just has a hard with work is all." She said smiling at her then looks over at her dad.

Starbloom nodded lightly tilting her head faintly as she listens and watched moving to take a seat after Scootaloo and her dad sat down. She used her magic to eat quietly watching the two to see how they interacted with each other.

Scootaloo was doing her best to keep her dad happy, getting him refills for his drink, bread, and anything else he asked for. Her dad for the most part seemed dismissive, barely offering a word of thanks to her. She watched everything as it played out in front of her quietly.

She caught a rather unstable glimpse in her dad's eye when she dropped a piece of bread on the floor and heard her apologize repeatedly as she cleaned it up. She knew that Scootaloo wouldn't be safe staying with her dad, if he wasn't abusive yet, he would become so soon. 

Once dinner had finished, Starbloom helped Scootaloo clean up while her dad went back to the living room to drink and read his paper. She considered asking Scootaloo about dad and what happen with her mother but decided it would be best not to. "Thank you for dinner Scootaloo, I should be getting home soon." Starbloom said once everything had been put away and the dishes cleaned up. "I'll see you at school tomorrow." Starbloom smiled at her and made her way outside, she looked over at Scootaloo's dad and said good bye to him as well before making her way out of the house.

Once she was far enough away from the house she broke into a full gallop to get home quickly, she wanted to talk to Twilight about what she had learned about Scootaloo. By the time she reached the library she it was starting to get dark. She used her magic to open the door and went inside looking around. "Mom, I'm home, are you here?" She called looking around.

"I'm in the kitchen Starbloom, where have you been?" Twilight asked coming out of the kitchen with a cup of tea. "I was starting to get worried and was about to go looking for you." She scolded the young filly, but the look of concern in her eyes showed she was just worried.

"I'm sorry mom, I was on my way home from Rarity's house when I saw Scootaloo.... I followed her home and well... she does have a home and a dad, but I'm worried that he might not be the best person to take care of her." She told Twilight, both of them heading into the kitchen Starbloom getting herself a cup of tea.

"What makes you say that Starbloom? Did you see him hurt her or something?" Twilight asked her concern for Starbloom replaced with worry about Scootaloo.

"No, I didn't see him hurt her.. but he spends all his time drinking cider and reading a news paper. She spends her time at home making sure he's happy and nothing upset him..." Starbloom told Twilight before taking a sip of her tea before continuing, "She drop a piece of bread and she kept apologizing and I could see this look in his eye like any minute he was going to do something."

Twilight sat quietly as she listens to Starbloom speak about Scootaloo and her father. She remained quiet for a few minutes taking a sip of her tea. "I see, that is very troubling. I'm sure you've already come up with this solution but we need to get Scootaloo out of that house soon."

"Who could that be at this time of day?" Twilight said as she got up and went to the door, letting out a loud gasp as she opens the door. "Starbloom get the first aid kit, hurry!" Starbloom heard Twilight call to her.

Starbloom ran quickly to the bathroom upstairs and used her magic to pull out the first aid kit before making her way down stairs, she saw Twilight floating Scootaloo to a pile of cushions. "Scootaloo! What happen?" She quickly ran over passing the first aid kit to Twilight as she did so.

Scootaloo curled up on the cushion, and she looked roughed up. "He.. didn't like the stew." She said softly before flopping her head on the cushion groaning and holding her side. Starbloom put her hoof on her shoulder and tried to shush her and sooth her while Twilight carefully did her best to give her first aid.

Starbloom looked up at Twilight, and Twilight nodded softly before her horn took on a bright glow and she disappeared in a flash of light. Starbloom stayed with Scootaloo making sure she was comfortable. She used her magic to pull a blanket over her sighing softly. "I was hoping we had more time before something like this happen." She said softly to herself sitting on a cushion next to Scootaloo.

Starbloom got to her feet after about an hour to do some work around the library, she came over to check on Scootaloo from time to time but the little pegasus just slept quietly. She heard the door open and looked over seeing Twilight coming inside with Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash had both anger and concern in her eyes as she made her way over to Scootaloo to check on her. Starbloom moved off to talk to Twilight, looking up at her.

"Scootaloo's dad is going to institution for what happen, when I came to talk to him about what he did. He didn't even remember. I took him to a the doctors, he's suffering from a sever mental breakdown brought on from the death of his wife." Twilight told Starbloom quietly so not to disturb Scootaloo,

Starbloom frowned softly but nodded slowly looking back up towards Twilight, "What's going to happen to Scootaloo? I don't want her to have to move away to some orphanage or something." Starbloom said softly looking over at Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo tilting her head then looking back at Twilight.

"Rainbow Dash is going to take her in and keep an eye on her for now. I arranged it with the mayor so she can at least finish the school year here... but I'll be honest after that I don't know what is going to happen. She might have to go to Cloudsdale." Twilight said softly reaching over and hugging Starbloom softly rubbing her back.

"I understand, I hope she'll be able to stay in Ponyville though," Starbloom said sighing softly leaning against the rubbing on her back softly. "Either way I'm glad she'll be safe and wont be hurt again."

Scootaloo woke up quietly, all the talking even quietly causing her to stir. She sat up slowly and winced faintly looking around. She saw Starbloom and Twilight nearby before seeing Rainbow Dash nearby. She let out a quick gasp and jumped up before flinching and flopping back down onto her hind legs. "Ow.... Rainbow Dash? Why are you here?"

"Hey Kiddo, how you feeling?" Rainbow Dash asked, she was feeling a little awkward. "Twilight told me you got hurt, and you are my number one fan after all. I had to come and visit you after hearing that." She smiled at Scootaloo ruffling her hair carefully.

Scootaloo winched faintly at the ruffling but smiled at Rainbow Dash, "I'm a little sore, but I'll tough it out," Scootaloo said, trying her best to be brave and tough. "It's cool you came to visit me though."

Rainbow Dash smiled but sighed looking at Starbloom and Twilight before looking back at Scootaloo, "Look kiddo you don't gotta be tough with me, you are gonna be staying with me from now on after all." Rainbow Dash said with a wink at her. "Just like a little sister."

After first Scootaloo wasn't sure if she heard right looking over at Starbloom and Twilight, both smiling at her before looking at Rainbow Dash. "Are you serious? I'm going to live with you?" She asked Rainbow Dash who nodded at her in reply. "Yes!" She jumped into the air fluttering her wings rapidly before wincing at the strain and falling back down, Rainbow Dash catching her before she hit the ground. "Easy now kiddo, you need to recover. Come on I'll take you to your new home so you can rest." She told Scootaloo placing her on her back carefully. Looking over at Twilight "Thanks Twi, for coming to get me."

"Your welcome Rainbow Dash. I know you'll take good care of her." She told Rainbow Dash walking with her to the door, Starbloom followed as well. Twilight opened the door for Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. "Have a good night Rainbow Dash, if you need help just let me know." Twilight told Rainbow Dash noticing Scootaloo had fallen asleep on her back. "Careful flying home, she's fallen asleep"

"Good night Twilight, Starbloom. I'll make sure Scootaloo get's better." Rainbow Dash said smiling at them then looks over at Scootaloo who had fallen asleep on her back. "I'll be careful, and if I need help I'll be sure to ask." She added as she turned around and flapped her wings carefully taking off and flying back to her home, being sure to make sure Scootaloo didn't slip loose and fall.

Twilight and Starbloom went back inside and Twilight used her magic to close the door, both heading to the seating area and sat down. "Are you sure Rainbow Dash can handle this mom?" Starbloom asked looking over at Twilight. "She's loyal, I know that, but not always the most reliable and dependable."

Twilight smiled at Starbloom and nodded at her, "I'm sure she'll do fine Starbloom, if she needs help, we can give her the help she needs and she's doing a fine job with tank... besides people said the same thing about me raising you." She told Starbloom doing her best to reassure her.

Starboom sighed abit nodding slowly with a smile. "I guess your right, I'm sure Rainbow Dash can handle this. At least Scootaloo is out of that house and with someone that'll take care of her." Starbloom said yawning, it had been a long and stressful day. "I'm gonna go to bed, good night mom." Starbloom said heading to her room.

"Good night Starbloom, sleep well," Twilight said smiling up at her before moving to her hooves and starts to clean up the main hall of the library. She paused tilting her head then started to smile giggling softly. "I guess Starbloom is just gonna call me mom now," she said softly to herself.
> Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11


Starbloom was up alittle later then normal again, sitting up in bed rubbing her eyes she looked at the clock yawning softly. "Mmm at least I didn't over sleep..." She said softly rolling off the bed and getting up and going into the bathroom to rinse off and brush out her mane for school. 

After getting herself ready for school she gets her saddle bag and heads down stairs. "Morning mom," She told Twilight who was getting some breakfast ready. She floated over a piece of toast and nibbled on it. "Hope today is better then yesterday." She said sitting at the table bringing over a glass of orange juice.

"I'm sure it will be Starbloom, just try not to let Silver Spoon or Diamond Tiara bother you." Twilight said as she joined her at the table with her own toast spreading some honey over one. "I'll be at your school in time for Family Appreciation Day as well."

"Alright mom, thank you." She smiled at Twilight finishing her toast and took another drink of her orange juice getting to her hooves as she heard a knock at the door. "Wonder who that is, I don't remember Sweetie Belle saying she would pick me up," she wondered out loud heading to the door and opened it seeing Apple Bloom standing waiting for her.

"Mornin` Starbloom, I figured I'll walk with you to school." Apple Bloom said as Starbloom came outside closing door behind her. "I figured we needed to talk as well." Apple Bloom said as they started to walk towards the school.

"Ya, I guess we do need to talk," Starbloom said sighing softly, looking over at Apple Bloom, "I am sorry about what happen at the school with Silver Spoon, I didn't mean to scare anypony, specially you or Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle. It just sort of happen when she called me a lair."

Apple Bloom looked back over at Starbloom shaking her head abit. "I'm not talking bout that, Silver Spoon needed to be put in her place for being a bully. I'm talkin bout why didn't you tell us you was a unicorn? We would of understood you didn't have to hide that from us."

Starbloom blinked and looked at Apple Bloom. "Oh... well I didn't think there would be any way to get my magic back... so I figured I would have to live my life as an earth pony. Didn't think being a unicorn would ever come up," she replied hanging her head lightly sighing before flicking her tail lightly then looked up and glanced over at Rainbow Dash's cloud home.

"Starbloom, ya don't have to keep secret's from yer friends you know that right?" Apple Bloom asked looking at Starbloom then blinked lightly seeing her looking over at Rainbow Dash's house looking up over at it as well. "What is it? Why ya'll starin at Rainbow Dash's place?"

"Huh?" Starbloom blinked looking at Apple Bloom, then remembered Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle probably didn't know what happen last night, atleast not yet anyways. "Oh yea I know I don't gotta keep secrets.... Apple Bloom, something happen last night and, Scootaloo is living with Rainbow Dash now.. I was just wondering if she'll be coming to school today."

Apple Bloom's eyes went big. "What?! What happen to Scootaloo? Is she okay? Why wouldn't she be at school?" She was about to ask more questions but Starbloom stopped her putting a hoof on her muzzle.

"Easy now and I'll tell you everything when we catch up to Sweetie Belle so I can tell her to, let's hurry so I can tell you before the bell rings." She said Apple Bloom nodding and both breaking into a gallop to catch Sweetie Belle before reaching the school.

"Apple Bloom, Starbloom, good morning!" Sweetie Belle said happily smiling at both of them as they caught up with her. "Why you two in a hurry though?"  She asked seeing they had been out of breath from running to catch up with her.

"Starbloom.. has something to tell us bout Scootaloo, but wanted to tell both of us together," Apple Bloom said as the three started to walk more slowly to the school so Apple Bloom and Starbloom could catch their breath.

Starbloom nodded still breathing a little on the heavy side not having the same stamina as Apple Bloom has, so it took her longer. "Well, after leaving your house yesterday Sweetie Belle, I saw Scootaloo and followed her back to her place.... I meet her dad and we had dinner together. Well... I went home after and a little later Scootaloo.... she came over and mom went to see her dad.... he has to stay in a special home for ponies like him and Scootaloo is living with Rainbow Dash." She did her best to plan it with out giving away to much detail, scare or upset Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom... or embarrass Scootaloo.

Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stayed quiet for a few minutes before Sweetie Belle spoke up, "Why doesn't she stay with her mom?" She asked looking over at Starbloom tilting her head. But before Starbloom could answer Apple Bloom looked over at Sweetie Belle to answer her.

"She probably aint gotta mom anymore," Apple Bloom said sighing softly, then looked over at Starbloom who nodded in confirmation at what Apple Bloom said. "Poor Scootaloo, I hope she'll be okay gotta be rough on her loosing her mom, then her dad." She said softly, she knew how it felt herself, having lost her own parents even if she had been pretty young when she lost her own parents.

"She's a tough filly, but I know it'll take her a little while to recover from this loss which is why I'm not sure if she'll be in school today or not. But she is happy to be staying with Rainbow Dash," Starbloom said looking up as they got near the school. The bell hadn't rung yet so she looked around. "Now... I guess I should apologize to Silver Spoon. Mom told me I should." Starbloom said looking over at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

Both of them looked back at her for a few minutes before nodding, "If ya gotta then alright Starbloom. Want us to come with ya?" Apple Bloom asked looking over at Sweetie Belle then back at Starbloom.

"No it's okay I should do this on my own, thank you though," She said with a smile before heading off to find Silver Spoon looking around quietly. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom going inside the school to wait for Starbloom. It didn't take her to long to find Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, the two standing near the back of the school talking.

Silver Spoon saw Starbloom coming over and squealed hiding behind Diamond Tiara. "S.. stay back!" She squeaked loudly whimpering and hiding from Starbloom as best she could. Diamond Tiara just rolled her eyes and sighed moving out of the way.

"I wont hurt you Silver Spoon, I just came to apologize for what happen yesterday, and to give you this," She said her horn lighting up and she took out a replacement necklace from her saddle bag floating it over giving it to Silver Spoon. "I'm sorry I lost my temper yesterday and did what I did to you."

Silver Spoon took the necklace looking it over before putting it on looking over at Starbloom. "Well, I guess this will do. Apology accepted, I guess." She said flicking her tail a bit, this causing another roll of her eyes from Diamond Tiara. Starbloom just sighed softly shaking her head.

Starbloom looks over at Diamond Tiara and tilts her head faintly to one side. "I'm also sorry for making you feel uncomfortable as well, I shouldn't of been doing that to you." She said nodding her head at Diamond Tiara softly. Diamond Tiara just gave a faint smile at Starbloom.

"Don't worry about it Starbloom, you've... given me a lot to think about. About how I've been treating other ponies. It's actually strengthen my relationship with my father as well." Diamond Tiara said, smiling at her again.

Starbloom smiled back nodding at her, "I'm glad to hear that." She said before making her way back to the front of the school house to make her way inside to be with her friends.

Silver Spoon looked over at Diamond Tiara and smirks at her abit, "You are so weak, I don't know what that unicorn wanna be did to you but your as bad as those blank flanks now." She said flicking her tail and trots off with her nose in the air leaving Diamond Tiara alone.

Diamond Tiara just shrugs lightly but smiled anyways watching Silver Spoon leave as she herself makes her way to head go inside, but before she does she gets stopped by a yellow earth blank flank named Noi and the two of them start to talk as they head inside the school.

Starbloom went over to her seat and sat down putting her saddle bag near her desk to get ready for school day to start. Ms. Cheerilee came into the school and went to stand by her desk. "Do to the events that happen yesterday, we swapped around the days, so Twilight will be coming into day, since Filthy Rich came in yesterday." Ms. Cheerilee started off before looking over at Starbloom. "Twilight will be able to make it today right?"

Starbloom nodded at Cheerilee smiling at her, but she noticed Scootaloo hadn't shown up yet so she figured she would be absent today. "Yes Ms. Cheerilee, she said she'll be here on time." Starbloom answered her, to which Cheerilee smiled nodding before starting off the school day, with a test causing the class to groan.

After the test the rest of the day went along normally, and lunch rolled around. Starbloom, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went to their normal table to have lunch but had a surprise waiting for them, Scootaloo was sitting at the table waiting for them smiling. Rainbow Dash was there as well.

"Hey girls, how's class going?" Scootaloo asked with grin looking over at the three as they came over to her. "Sorry I'm late but me and Dash was getting things settled," She looked better then last night, one of her wings had a bandage around it.

"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle yelled happily and ran over to give her a hug, Starbloom came over more slowly smiling at her, "Hey Scootaloo, how you feeling?" Starbloom said being more careful so not to hurt her when she hugged her, after Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle let go.

"I'm feeling alright Starbloom, my wing is pretty sore but it should heal up good as new soon." Scootaloo said, looking over at Rainbow Dash, who smiled before going into the school to talk to Ms. Cheerilee. "Rainbow Dash wanted me to stay home but I had to see my friends."

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom smiled, and Starbloom nodded as the group took a seat at the table. "We're glad yer alright Scoots," Apple Bloom said, "Starbloom filled us in about what happen, though she didn't tell us ya got hurt." Apple Bloom said peering over at Starbloom.

"I didn't think it was my place to go into... to much detail," Starbloom said nodding at Apple Bloom fidgeting abit and Scootaloo smiled a bit. "I wasn't sure how much Scootaloo would want to tell you herself anyways."

"It's alright Starbloom, I'm sure it'll come out sooner or later." Scootaloo said, looking at her wing wiggling it faintly. "My dad, hurt me last night and I ran away to Starbloom's house... after that I don't remember to much. But Rainbow Dash told me this morning Twilight took him to the doctors and the doctors put him in a special home and I was gonna live with her for now on."

Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom's eyes went wide hearing that Scootaloo had gotten hurt by her dad. They had been about to speak when Rainbow Dash came over. "I'm gonna head to work now kiddo, I'll come get you at Starbloom's house later when I get done so I can take ya home alright?"

"Alright Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo said smiling up at her watching as she took off into the air and headed into the skies to start working on the weather for the area before looking back to her friends. "Since, I'm staying with Rainbow Dash now, I'm gonna see if Ms. Cheerilee will let me bring her to Family Appreciation Day."

"I'm sure Ms. Cheerilee will be alright with that," All four of the girls blinked hearing someone speak before looking over seeing Diamond Tiara standing near the table with her friend Noi. "Hey girls, after talking with Starbloom this morning, and thinking over things the past few days.... I wanted to apologize with how I have been treating you. I don't know, if we can ever be friends, but we don't have to be enemies either."

Starbloom smiled, but the other three just looked pure dumb struck at what just happen. The last person they had expected to be nice to them, let alone apologize to them was Diamond Tiara. "Well, thank ya Tiara, I don't know what made ya change so much but I'm glad you did." Apple Bloom said with abit of a nerves smile. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both nodded agreeing with Apple Bloom.

Diamond Tiara smiled back at Starbloom and then smiled at Apple Bloom and the other two. "Your welcome, to be honest it was Starbloom, I don't know what she did to me the first time I started teasing her. But it made me see things differently, about how it felt be the one being bullied. Then seeing how Silver Spoon acted I just couldn't stand it anymore. I meet Noi here and we became friends." Diamond Tiara said smiling and Noi smiled at the four crusaders sitting at the table.

"Well I'm glad your being nice now and made a nice friend like Noi," Sweetie Belle said smiling at Diamond Tiara and Noi. "It's nice to meet you Noi. I think I remember seeing you around town, aren't you a member of the filly scouts?" She asked.

Noi nodded at Sweetie Belle. "Yes I am, we raise money to help other ponies less fortunate. That's how I meet Diamond Tiara, she and her dad donated some bits to start a shelter in Baltimare." Noi said smiling at the group, and Diamond Tiara blushed faintly.

They were about to keep talking when the bell rang calling them all inside. The four crusaders getting up from the table and cleaning it off, Sweetie and Starbloom using their magic to put the trash in a trash can. Sweetie starting to get better control over her levitation. Once the table was clean they went inside and sat down.
> Family Apprication Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 12


After lunch had ended and everyone had gone back into the school house they sat down and got ready for the rest of the school day. They still had an hour before Twilight would arrive for her presentation for Family Appreciation Day so Ms. Cheerilee gave them the hour for silent reading.

The hour passed pretty quick and Twilight arrived at the school coming into the room. "Good afternoon Ms. Cheerilee," Twilight greeted smiling before turning to the class giving them a smile as well. "Good afternoon class. It's nice to see you all today."

"Good afternoon Twilight, say good afternoon class." Ms. Cheerilee said pleasantly before addressing the class, who replied with a cheerful 'Good Afternoon', before Ms. Cheerilee looked back to Twilight. "So Ms. Sparkle what are you going to tell the class about today?"

Twilight smiled at Cheerilee, looking over at her. "Well, Ms Cheerilee I thought about that for a long time." She said floating her saddle bags off her back and placed it on the ground opening it she took out her Element of Harmony crown and rested it on her head. "As you know, I studied for years under Princess Celestia, I moved here to Ponyville, became an Element of Harmony, and stayed to study the Magic of Friendship." She continued before taking a seat in front of the class.

"After thinking about it long and hard I decided I wanted to talk about the magic of friendship and friendship itself," She started looking over at Starbloom who smiled at her and nodded faintly. Twilight gave her a smile back before continuing to speak. "Friendship is a wonders and powerful thing. It binds up ponies together love and harmony, and there is all different types of friendship, the bond of friendship in a small group of close friends or the love of family."

"The magic of friendship can be sparked between as little as two ponies or a large group of ponies. So long as there is caring and understanding in the group," She continued smiling at the class looking at them closely before she went on, "If they are your true friends that bond will be very hard to break."

"My group of friends, some of them you have probably meet, are all different with different likes and hobbies. But we are all friends and get along great. Sometimes we have fights but in the end we are all friends. Not even Discord could change that in the end," She said smiling at the class before moving to her feet. "Thank you all for listening to me, and I hope you will consider what I said class. Ms. Cheerilee, thank you for having me."

For a moment the class was quiet before clapping the hooves together for Twilight, though Silver Spoon looked more then a little unhappy with a sour look on her face like she had bitten into a lemon. Diamon Tiara however was happy, smiling at Noi before looking back up at Twilight clapping her hooves more.

"Glad to have you today Ms. Sparkle, thank you for coming. I think your lesson on Friendship went over very well." Ms. Cheerilee said before looking out over the class. "If you would like to wait a moment I'll dismiss the class and you can walk home with Starbloom." She continued before speaking to her class. "Alright class, that is all for today, have a good day."

"Good bye Ms. Cheerilee," the class said together as they got up and started to gather everything together and get ready to leave. Starbloom packing her saddle bag and placing it on her back before saying good bye to her friends. She made her way over to Twilight smiling up at her.

"Are your ready to head home Starbloom, or do you want to walk home with your friends?" Twilight asked looking down at her. "I can take your saddle bags home if you want to hang out with your friends." She offered smiling at her.

Starbloom considered the idea for a minute and smiled. "I think, I would like to explore friendship with my close friends for a while," She said smiling as she moved closer to her Twilight. Twilight looked confused for a moment then smiled at her. "Alright, let's go home then," She said as the two left the school and started to head home.

"How did everything go today Starbloom?" Twilight asked as the two walked towards the library. "No issues I hope," she made a detour heading to Sugarcube Corner to stop off and get a snack.

"No issues at all mom, I apologized to Silver Spoon, she accepted, more or less.... and Diamond Tiara apologized for all her teasing and seems to changing her ways." She said smiling at Twilight. "I'm glad Scootaloo is doing better to, she seems happy living with Rainbow Dash."

"Glad Silver Spoon accepted your apology and Diamond Tiara is being nicer to you." Twilight said as they went inside and found a table to sit at, the place had a small seating area, though not typically known for dine in business. "Yea, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo seem to be doing alright together. Still a little early to tell how things will go with them though."

Pinkie Pie came over, smiling bright. "Hi Twilight, Starbloom, what can I get for you two today?" she asked in her typically happy and cheerful manor. "We're having a special on these amazing banana nut muffins today if you'd like one of those."

Starbloom and Twilight both took a minute to consider what they wanted before Twilight looked up at Pinkie first and spoke. "I'll have a cup of rose tea, and one of your banana nut muffins." She then looked over to Starbloom, "What about you Starbloom, what would you like to have?"

"I'll have a strawberry tea, and a slice of carrot cake," she said smiling at Pinkie Pie before looking back over at Twilight who nodded at Pinkie.

"Okay dokay! Coming right up." Pinkie said before bouncing off to the kitchen to get what Starbloom and Twilight ordered. It didn't take to long before she got everything and make her way back out with the tray balanced carefully on her head setting it on the table. "Here you go. Enjoy, if you need anything else just ask." She said before making her way to go back to work.


"So, Starbloom honestly, are you happy with things have turned out since coming to this world and this Ponyville?" She asked sipping her tea quietly. "All things considered I mean, I know there have been a few rough patches of course."

Starbloom tilted her head faintly looking at Twilight but nods at her smiling. "Of course mom, I am happy with things have turned out. Honestly I couldn't be happier.... of course I wish thing had turned out differently. Even with the rough patches things have been great, I have you as an amazing mom, I have great friends as well."

Twilight smiles at Starbloom sipping her tea again. "I'm glad to hear that, I know it hasn't been easy for you... I couldn't imagine having gone through what you have and still remaining as happy as you are." She said before taking a bite of her muffin.

"I had help, you, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle.... Princess Celestia and Luna when I first arrive," She said softly sipping her milkshake looking at her cake before looking. "Honestly I was a wreck when I first got here... Princess Luna was convinced I had gone insane from the dimensional transfer. It took almost two days for me to calm down."

Twilight nodded quietly as she listen to Starbloom while she spoke but remained quietly letting her speak. "When I first woke up, I was in a royal guest room, under guard of course. I was convinced I was to be executed... every time Princess Luna or Princess Celestia tried to come near I started to stream and ran away trying to hide from them," She said, causing Twilight to chuckled softly imaging Luna and Celestia's reaction to Starbloom actions. "I would only eat if I saw one of them or a royal guard try the food first. Eventually though, I started to understand they were just trying to help me."

"Once I did calm down enough though, they explained I was here, in this world, and that you had offered to help take care of me and get me settled, or I could of stayed in Canterlot and study under Celestia and Luna" She said smiling eating a small piece of her cake. "So once I was strong enough and had recovered I decided to came here to Ponyville."

Twilight smiled at her and nods sipping her tea, "I'm glad you did decide to come to Ponyville and stay with me." Twilight said, she didn't know Celestia and Luna offered to let her stay in Canterlot, but she was glad Starbloom decided not to stay with them.

"I'm sure things would of been pretty different if I did stay in Canterlot, I doubt I would of have such great friends or a great mom either," Starbloom said smiling at Twilight finish her cake and sipping her drink. "I'm glad I decided to come to Ponyville as well. My world or this world... Ponyville is my home now."

Twilight nodded as she finished her muffin quietly smiling at her, it was true. She couldn't imagine going back to Canterlot to live now. She had so many friends here, she had family in Canterlot of course, but her friends and her home was in Ponyville now. "I know how you feel Starbloom, I couldn't picture myself living anywhere else anymore." Twilight said smiling. "Speaking off, ready to go?" She asked moving to her hooves.

Starbloom nodded and moved to her hooves as well, Twilight putting the bits for the bill on the table as well as some for a tip before both left Sugercube Corner and made there way to the Library. Starbloom moving over and leaned against Twilight softly. "I love you, mom." Starbloom said looking up at her smiling.

Twilight paused for a moment before looking at Starbloom and smiles back feeling her heart melt and a few tears forming in her eyes. "I love you to Starbloom," She said leaning back against her gently as they walked back home.