Orca217

Chapter 24: The Liberation of Kessel Half a year later It was a calm spring day in Ponyville as Cody, Twilight, Sunset, Spike, and the rest of Harmony Squad were doing some reading. Cal and Nash were also present. “Glad you could come over, Cal and Nash,” Cody said while reading. “Good to see you too, Cody,” Nash replied. “Nice new home you and the wives have here,” Cal added. “Thanks,” Cody said. It wasn’t long before they heard a knock on the castle door. “I’ll get it,” Spike said as he went to answer the door. “Who is this? Please identify yourself,” Spike demanded. “Starlight Glimmer,” a voice spoke up, “I wish to see Prince Cody and Princess Twilight.” “They’re in the library,” Spike replied as he opened the door. It wasn’t long before Spike returned to the library with Starlight. “Princess Twilight, Prince Cody, I’ve been thinking and have been watching you for a while now and I decided that I want to give friendship another chance,” Starlight said. “Good thinking, Starlight,”

Chapter 22: The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows One day, Bucky was spending his day with Pinkie, helping her watch Pound Cake and other things. She was currently at work with some cupcakes doing what she did best: Decorating them! Not eating them. “Five hundred and sixty-six, five hundred and sixty-seven, five hundred and sixty-eight,” Pinkie counted aloud, “Phew! Look at that, Pound Cake and Bucky! I am so close to breaking my personal cupcake-icing record!” Pinkie then slid down her ladder, showing that she was covered in cake batter. “What’s the prize if you win?” Bucky asked as Pound Cake flew off of his back and went to sit on Gummy for a ride. “Just bragging rights,” said Pinkie, “I’ve noticed little Pound Cake seems to like you.” Bucky smiled as he extended a fist and little Pound returned it for a fist-bump and giggled to himself. “I honestly don’t see why I had such a hard time with him before,” Bucky replied, “Pound seems to listen to me now...” He then snickered as he added, “...And I didn’t need to dump flour on myself either.” “You had to go there didn’t you,” Pinkie remarked indignantly. It was then Mrs. Cake walked in with Pumpkin, carrying her piggyback as she was reading a note. “My goodness!” said Mrs. Cake, “I can’t believe what I’m seeing here!” “Pretty impressive if I do say so myself,” said Pinkie smugly, only earning an eye roll from the blue Earth pony. “I think she’s referring to something else, Pinks,” Bucky replied as he walked up to the two mares. “Pinkie, would you mind watching the counter while I pop to the supply room?” Mrs. Cake asked, “We’ve just received a very special order, and the ingredients need to be perfect.” “Okie-dokie-lokie,” said Pinkie. “Anything I can do to help?” Bucky offered as Pumpkin gave a happy squeal. “I’ve been meaning to sweep the floor...if you wouldn’t mind, dear,” Mrs. Cake offered. “I’m on it,” said Bucky, giving her a salute and hovered over to where the broom closet was. “Thanks dears!” Mrs. Cake replied and then zoomed away, making Pinkie spin about and she faceplanted on top of the note. Pinkie then read the note, her eyes quickly bugging out onto the paper. Hey eyes eventually punctured the paper itself. “A baby?!” Pinkie exclaimed as she pulled the paper away with a big smile on her face, “Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are having a baby?!” Pinkie squealed excitedly. Bucky stopped sweeping when he saw Pound, who now had his pacifier in his mouth, stick the pacifier into Gummy’s. Bucky just chuckled at both Pound’s silliness and then smirked at the news. “Shining’s finally gonna settle down and become a father huh? Lucky stallion,” Bucky remarked. Pinkie then appeared a hug him, Pound, and Gummy at once. “This is the best news ever!” said Pinkie happily, “I can’t wait to tell Twilight and Cody!” Bucky smiled in agreement when Mrs. Cake peeked out of the supply room. “Oh, em, Pinkie, Bucky, uh” Mrs. Cake stuttered before whispering, “…it’s a top secret surprise.” She and Pumpkin both made prolonged shushing sounds to emphasize their point. “No problem!” said Bucky as Mrs. Cake slowly backed into the room, “Right Pinkie?” Pinkie didn’t answer but just stared into space as she let go of Gummy and gulped. “A top secret surprise?!” Pinkie remarked dreadfully, “That means I have to keep the exciting news...to myself!” Pinkie began to panic as Bucky just sighed and rolled his eyes. “Ponyville, we have a problem,” he remarked. A few minutes later, finished sweeping and Mrs. Cake took over watching the twins. Pinkie and Bucky took a walk around the town area. The former, however, was still on edge about the secret as Gummy was in Bucky’s arms sucking on the pacifier in his mouth. “Even thought I didn’t technically make a Pinkie Promise to Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie told Bucky, “I can’t tell Twilight, Cody, or anypony the big news! That would make me a...a...a big old surprise ruiner!” “But Pinkie, Cody says that you’re pretty good a keeping a secret. This shouldn’t be any different!” Bucky said. “Bucky, those secrets are about private information secrets,” said Pinkie, “This is along the lines of “getting your cutie mark” or “life-changing happy news” secrets! I’m not very good at keeping those! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ruined my own surprise parties because my mouth moves faster than my train of thought! Gummy can testify to it! Right, Gummy?” That was when she noticed Gummy sucking on the pacifier. “Did you take that from Pound again?” Pinkie asked slyly, “Don’t you know it’s wrong to steal from a baby?” Bucky just rolled his eyes. As much as he wanted to tell Pinkie that Pound had put the pacifier into his mouth, he has given up trying to comprehend how Pinkie communicated with Gummy. Thus he kept his mouth shut. “What’s all this about a baby?” said Rarity as she approached them. “What? Who? What?” Pinkie stuttered, “Who said something about a baby?!” Pinkie just gave the white pony an innocent smile, but Rarity wasn’t going to back down. “You did, Ms. Pie, just now,” Rarity answered, “What were you talking about?” Pinkie’s eyes shifted about nervously before grabbing the pacifier and putting it into her mouth, sucking on it as she shrugged her shoulders and walked off. Bucky just shook his head and rolled his eyes, as Rarity gave the pink pony a puzzled look. “To answer your question, Pinkie caught Gummy sucking Pound’s pacifier,” Bucky said, “She thinks Gummy stole it from him.” “I see. Pinkie could’ve just said so instead of acting so jumpy,” Rarity replied. “She’s just having a moment of anxiety,” said Bucky simply, “You know like how Twilight gets panic attacks from time to time?” “I see...hope she’ll be alright,” Rarity replied. “She will, she will,” Bucky said reassuringly, waiting for Rarity to walk away, before muttering worriedly, “I hope...” Later that day, most of Harmony Squad had gathered in the throne room for an meeting. Rarity had just arrived to see that Pinkie still looked rather on edge. She gave the pink pony a worried look as she took a seat on her throne. It was then Cody arrived to sit in his throne. “Great! Everypony’s here,” said Twilight as Spike handed the purple alicorn a note, “Now I don’t have to wait any longer to tell you all the wonderful news! Somepony special is coming to visit Ponyville, and my husband and I need your help getting everything ready!” The others began chattering with each other excitedly. “It’s...” Twilight continued. “...Shining Armor and Princess Cadance!” said Twilight and...Pinkie...at the same time? Twilight was just left stunned as Pinkie just gave a huge toothy grin. Bucky groaned inwardly as Cody and Sal shared puzzled looks with each other. “Yes,” said Twilight, “and their coming-” “-Tomorrow!” said Pinkie and Twilight together. Twilight was left stunned once more as Pinkie continued smiling awkwardly. Even Rarity gave Pinkie an awkward look. “Yes,” Twilight tried to continue again, “on the-” “-Friendship Express rather than the Crystal Empire train so as not to cause too much of a scene when they skip town to come visit?” Pinkie finished and gave a squee, sweat dripping from her forehead, especially since Bucky was literally giving her a death glare at this point. “Yes,” said Twilight uneasily. “Annnnd?” Pinkie asked as she got into the alicorn’s space. “And that’s it,” Twilight replied. “Oh,” said Pinkie, not hiding the disappointment. “Uh, how did you know all that?” Rainbow asked as Bucky winced discreetly. “Uh...Pinkie Sense?” Pinkie replied with a nervous laugh. She just smiled with embarrassment as she went back to her throne. “So, you said you need our help with something?” Rainbow asked. Twilight and Cody exchanged smiles with each other. “Follow me,” said Twilight as she flew off. Rainbow soon followed. It wasn’t long before Twilight and Cody lead the group into a spare room in the castle that was filled with toys, books, ant farm, and more. “Sweet posters!” said Rainbow, “Is that Smash Fortune?” “It sure is!” Twilight replied. “Flash Sentry and I loved reading those comics when we were younger,” Cody added. “When Shining Armor said he wanted to come to the castle and visit,” Twilight explained to the others, “Cody and I started collecting things he liked when he was a colt as a surprise!” “Surprise?!” Pinkie exclaimed as she popped out of a chest with an old guard’s helmet on her head. Rainbow hovered over to the pink pony and gave her a skeptical look. Pinkie just laughed nervously before turning the helmet around to hide her face. Bucky just glared at the pink pony and Cody noticed. “Bucky, is there something we need to...” Cody tried to say in a hushed tone. “It’s between me and Pinkie,” Bucky replied directly in the same tone. “Alright then,” said Cody slowly. “I’ve been so excited that it’s been hard to keep it to myself,” Twilight continued as Fluttershy walked about the room. “I have no idea what that’s like!” Pinkie remarked in a muffled tone as Rainbow landed and gave her a funny look. “Aww, look at the cute little ant farm!” said Fluttershy she peeked inside and saw a small ant carrying a leaf. The ant saw Fluttershy’s eye, shrieked, and ran off. “And check out all these old comic books!” Spike remarked as he picked up one still in its packaging. “Be careful!” said Twilight, “They’re mint-in-bag!” “Plus it took me forever to even find them too, and cost me quite a few bits too!” Cody added. Spike just went to blow off some dust when he ended up spitting a flame and burnt the comic book into ashes. He quickly put the ashes into the packaging slip and whistled nervously to avoid getting caught. He had only taken two steps when he found Cody giving him a death glare. “Does everything I tell you just go in one side of your head and out the other?” Cody asked in a low and stern tone. “Heh...oops?” Spike replied. “What’s this?” Pinkie asked as she pulled out an old doll. “This is Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry him around like his baby!” Twilight replied. Pinkie then winced and nearly dropped the doll, but after some juggling managed to regain her grip on it. “Yeah! Really cute!” said Pinkie, laughing nervously as she spoke. Twilight just shared a look on concern at her still jumpy friend. “It is a bit juvenile for castle decor, but it is very sweet of you both,” Rarity remarked. “I’m sure Shining Armor will love it,” Fluttershy added as Sal and Bucky nodded in agreement. “So do we, but there’s a few more things I’d like to add before he gets here, and we could really use a hand collecting them,” Twilight replied as Cody nodded in agreement. “Whatever you need, sugarcube,” said Applejack as she walked up to Twilight and gave her a wink, “we’ll help you get it.” Everypony else gave general comments of agreement. “Thanks, everypony,” Twilight replied, “My husband and I can’t wait til they walk in and see everything!” “Totally understandable,” said Rainbow, “Watching somepony else be surprised with is almost better than being the one who’s getting the surprise!” Pinkie now looked worried. “But...eh...what if the surprise is something so incredibly exciting that a pony can’t keep it in any longer,” Pinkie whined as she backstroked along the floor, “and she has to tell the pony standing next to her what it is or she might explode?!” Pinkie then grabbed Fluttershy tightly, making the yellow Pegasus lost her breath for a moment. “Pinkie, you’re cutting off Flutters’ air!” Bucky said sternly as he went to pull her off. “S-s-s-sorry,” Pinkie apologized as she loosened her grip, “I just need an answer to my question!” “I would say...no,” Fluttershy replied, giving the pink pony a concerned look. “The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!” Rarity said dramatically as she stuck her nose into Pinkie’s face. She just laughed nervously. “Gotta bounce!” Pinkie interjected as curled up into a ball started ricocheting about, making pinball noises, when she crashed through several walls and right out of the castle. The others looked out of the hole Pinkie had made with concerned looks on their faces. “So, I know the bar is set pretty high, but does anypony else think Pinkie Pie was acting weirder than usual?” Rainbow asked. “When are you guys going to tell the difference between Pinkie being random and Pinkie’s got a problem?” Cody replied. “Hmm...you’re right. Pinkie seemed to be a little jumpy about some sort of secret or something,” Sal added. Back at Sugarcube corner, Pinkie raced toward the back entrance of Sugarcube Corner, slammed the door shut and panted heavily. “Phew, that was close!” said Pinkie, “Too close.” KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK “Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” Pinkie screamed. “Pinkie, chill out! It’s me!” Bucky said from outside the door, “Now let me...WAH!” Bucky was then pulled inside and pressed against the wall by the pink pony. “Did anypony follow you?” Pinkie asked with squinted eyes. “No!” Bucky retorted, “I told everypony...” “You told! You told! YOU TOLD THEM!” Pinkie shrieked when Bucky shoved a hand on her mouth. “I told our friends something was bothering you and I was here to help,” Bucky replied slowly, “The secret is still safe. They’re not going to bother you because I said I would help you. You’re my friend and I love you. I want to help you keep this secret. Okay?” Bucky then pulled his hand off of her mouth. Pinkie just exhaled loudly before she hugged and kissed him gently. “Thanks, Bucky,” said Pinkie, “But that was still way too close...I almost spilled the beans. Beans that would be really hard to clean up!” “Do you really have no control over your own excitement?” Bucky asked. “I have limits, Bucky!” Pinkie snapped, “It’s an ongoing problem for me! Cody knows that!” “Alright, alright. Just calm down and we’ll figure out a way you can relax,” Bucky replied. “For starters, I obviously can’t be around my friends right now,” said Pinkie as she walked forward a bit, “Or anypony for that matter...except you, Bucky...since you already know the secret. Hmm...that’s it!” “What’s it?” Bucky asked curiously. “If Shining Armor and Cadance are coming tomorrow, then all I have to do is lock myself in my room away from everypony until they arrive! Then I won’t ruin anything!” Pinkie replied. “Well, you don’t have to lock yourself up in your room, but I agree that having some time to ourselves would be a good idea,” Bucky said, then playfully squeezed her breasts, “Maybe I could relieve your stress and give you a Pinkie Cream Pie.” “Sounds good,” Pinkie replied flirtatiously, while moaning. It was then that Pinkie and Bucky began making out as he moved his hands down to her rump and squeezed it. He lifted Pinkie up by her legs and carried her upstairs. Just then, Mr. Cake arrived. “Oh, good, you’re back!” said Mr. Cake, “Mrs. Cake needs my help, but these deliveries can’t wait! I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to be my backup delivery pony, Pinkie!” Pinkie cringed. “I...did?” said Pinkie as she tried to remember, which in turn, triggered a flashback. Flashback Mr. Cake was busy loading up some goods into his wagon. ”Maybe I should hire somepony to be my backup delivery pony,” Mr. Cake pondered aloud. ”I’ll do it!” said Pinkie as she sat on the front porch mixing some chocolate batter in a bowl. ”Really?” said Mr. Cake in surprise. ”Sure!” Pinkie answered, “There’s no possible way that I could ever have anything that might interfere with doing that task, like a gigantic, emotionally exhausting surprise that would make it super hard to be around other ponies.” ”Great!” said Mr. Cake before adding skeptically, “Uh, you’re sure you won’t change your mind?” ”No way!” said Pinkie as Gummy popped out of the chocolate cake batter, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” End Flashback “Oh yeah,” said Pinkie as she remembered, “I Pinkie Promised I’d do it. And I never break a Pinkie Promise! Never!” “Well, thanks again!” Mr. Cake replied, “You’re a real cake-saver!” Mr. Cake headed back into the kitchen. Pinkie just looked worried as her mane deflated a bit and she sighed to herself. “Why didn’t you tell Mr. Cake...” Bucky tried to ask when Pinkie put a hand on his mouth. “A pinkie promise is a pinkie promise and I must keep it,” said Pinkie sadly, “Hm. Maybe it’ll be a quiet day and I can just avoid everypony!” “Uh, Pinks,” Bucky replied, but it was too late. Pinkie looked outside and found that nearly everypony imaginable was walking and chatting about the town area. Pinkie was looked at the sight dreadfully. “I was trying to warn you that everypony is pretty much out and about today,” said Bucky. Pinkie groaned to herself. It wasn’t long before Pinkie and Bucky were now each wearing a pair of gaucho glasses as they hid both themselves and the Cake wagon behind a bush. Then they tip-toed together until Pinkie managed to hide herself, Bucky, and the wagon behind a very thin tree trunk. Then they were hidden behind a nearby building. Pinkie poked out to scan around but quickly retreated when she saw a Pegasus fly past. “Is this really necessary?” Bucky asked. “Are you gonna help me or not?” Pinkie snapped in a harsh whisper. “Sorry! I’m not as good at following your randomness like Cody is, but I’m trying!” Bucky snapped. Pinkie just rolled her eyes and charged forward with Cody hovering behind her. She began to cautiously continued forward. “Hiya, Pinkie Pie! Hiya, Bucky!” shouted a voice. Pinkie looked to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders were now walking along side her. “Hey, girls!” said Bucky, trying to direct the conversation so Pinkie didn’t have to talk. “Heard any good gossip today?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Yeah, we're bored. Please say you have some interesting news,” Scootaloo added. “Nope!” said Pinkie as she took off at high speed. “Pinkie, wait up!” Bucky called out as he ran off after her. Rex and the three fillies were left stunned at seeing Pinkie take off like she did. “What was that all about, girls?” Rex asked. “I don’t know, but Pinkie’s rather jumpy today,” Apple Bloom replied. Pinkie just kept running until she bumped into somepony. “Ugh!” Pinkie groaned when she noticed that the impact had knocked her gaucho glasses on somepony’s pink mane. Bucky recognized it immediately. “Flutters?!” Bucky exclaimed as he helped his first girlfriend up. “Fluttershy, what a surprise!” said Pinkie, making Fluttershy turn around before Bucky could remove the gaucho glasses still stuck on her mane, “I mean, not a surprise!” Pinkie gave a squeaky smile in response. “You were in such a rush earlier,” said Fluttershy, “Twilight and Cody wanted me to ask you if you would bring some snacks to the castle for Shining Armor and Cadance’s visit.” “Definitely!” Pinkie answered quickly as she tried walking away, “Got it! Pinkie Promise! Yeah! Heh.” Bucky gestured behind Fluttershy to say no, but the yellow Pegasus turned around to look at him, which he just smiled innocently. “You know, maybe some baby carrots...” Fluttershy suggested. Bucky coughed definitely and Pinkie laughed nervously. “What did you say?!” Pinkie asked as she backed up. “Baby carrots!” Fluttershy repeated, “They’re Shining Armor’s favorite!” “Mine too!” Pinkie replied quickly, “Baby carrots are kinda like big carrots but smaller, kinda like how foals are tiny versions of their parents but smaller and cuter and-” “Pinkie zip it!” Bucky snapped under his breath, making Fluttershy look at him funny. He just gave Fluttershy a squeaky smile of his own. “Albino squirrel!” Pinkie shouted. “Where?” Fluttershy asked as she turned around to look, “Is is Albert?” Fluttershy then noticed that both Pinkie and Bucky were gone. An elderly stallion then walked by and greeted...her tail!? Fluttershy was stunned and still hadn’t noticed the gaucho glasses stuck on her tail. What are you up to Pinkie Pie? Fluttershy thought, And why do I get the impression our boyfriend is involved? Behind a house, Pinkie was leaning against a house to keep hidden. Bucky was standing beside her. “That was way too close!” Bucky remarked, “Fluttershy is gonna start asking me questions if you don’t cool it!” Pinkie put on a face of determination. “It’s time to kick this operation into hyper-hoof and avoid all ponies by all means necessary!” said Pinkie as she put a helmet on her head. “And how do you plan on doing that?” Bucky asked skeptically. “Just go with the program and don’t question it,” Pinkie remarked plainly as she put a helmet on his head. Shenran rolled his eyes and but complied anyway. He knew by now the common truth: It’s Pinkie Pie, don’t question it. Together Bucky and Pinkie rushed down an alleyway at high speed. Pinkie quickly knocked on the door to a pony’s home. The pony opened the door only to find nopony was there but just her delivery package on the front porch. The pony just took her package and went inside. It wasn’t until the pony shut the front door that Pinkie and Bucky were found on the roof with the wagon in tow. Afterward, Applejack and Sal were then walking about with baskets, carrying fresh apples. Applejack and Sal tried to say hello, but Pinkie and Bucky rushed past without saying a word. They were just left stunned at being ignored. Their next delivery was to Rarity, who was busy working in her boutique on her own. It was then a rope shot through her window with a knot on it. The delivery was then sent down the rope and stayed at the knot. Pinkie and Bucky shared a high five with each other as the latter held a cross-bow. As they continued their journey, Rainbow was hovering up above, but like with Applejack and Sal, Pinkie and Bucky rushed past her without saying a single word. The next delivery was at swimming hole where somepony was hosting a party. A little colt was playing in the water when a boat floated up to him with a cake, which made him very happy. Pinkie and Shenran surfaced from the water a short distance away, each of them wearing a snorkel mask. They quickly went under the water and headed toward the edge of the swimming hole before heading off once again. Along the way, Fluttershy and Rainbow were sitting at a bench chatting with each other. Nearby, Twilight and Applejack were sitting at a second bench while Cody and Sal were sitting at a third bench. Pinkie and Bucky both winced as they ran by. Twilight tried to wave hello, but was ignored, leaving them worried. “What are they up to?” Fluttershy wondered, “Bucky never avoids me like this! You don’t think he’s...upset with me?” Fluttershy was ready to cry. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it, Fluttershy. Bucky loves both you and Pinkie equally,” said Cody, “He said she’s dealing with something and he said he was going to help her with it.” “I just hate that he’s avoiding me,” Fluttershy replied sadly, “We never keep secrets from each other!” “Well, if it is a secret, I’m sure he’s got a good reason, even Twilight, Sunset, and I have our moments where we keep secrets from each other, but eventually reveal them to each other in good time,” Cody said, “Just cause Bucky might be keeping something secret doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you or trust you. He’ll tell you when the time is right.” Fluttershy just smiled and felt better. Meanwhile, Pinkie and Bucky had come to stop. Pinkie was feeling rather glum. “It didn’t feel good ignoring my friends like that...” Pinkie told her boyfriend. “I feel just as awful avoiding Fluttershy,” said Bucky, “I’m in for a big interrogation when I get home tonight.” “You can’t tell her!” Pinkie warned. “I won’t. I’m just gonna say it’s something I can’t explain right now and to just trust me,” Bucky replied, “That work?” “Y-y-yeah. Why didn’t I think of that?” Pinkie asked. “Because every time you speak, you nearly expose the secret?” Bucky remarked. “That was rhetorical question,” Pinkie remarked as she looked inside a window and saw a mare drinking a cup of either tea or coffee, “Maybe I can tell just one little pony the surprise?” “Pinkie...” Bucky warned. It was then Pinkie saw a reflection of Rarity in the window. “The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!” said the Rarity reflection. “You’re right, spooky-reflection-of-Rarity-that-I-know-is-actually-my-imagination,” Pinkie replied to herself as Bucky gave her a funny look, “I can’t tell anypony at all!” Pinkie sighed, “Then they would tell Twilight, and she wouldn’t be surprised. And it would be all my fault.” Bucky pulled Pinkie in for a gentle hug. “Let’s just finish these deliveries and you can relax at home, okay,” said Shenran. Pinkie gave him a sad smile in reply. Once all the deliveries were finished, Pinkie and Bucky sneaked back to Sugarcube Corner from the back door. They wasted no time heading upstairs were Pinkie plopped into her bed and Bucky just let out a long breath as he reclined on her nearby sofa. “Finally, I’m all aloney on my owney,” said Pinkie with a sigh. “I’m still here you know,” Bucky replied as a matter of fact. “Sorry,” said Pinkie when she noticed Gummy chewing on something, “Wow, great idea! I’m starving too!” Pinkie grabbed a green apple and gobbled it up. “This apple is delicious!” Pinkie said with her mouth full before she swallowed, “What are you having, Gummy?” The note Gummy was chewing on unrolled itself and Pinkie realized the note was. “Oh, no!” Pinkie exclaimed, “It’s the list Twilight helped me make yesterday so I wouldn’t forget all of my Pinkie Promises today! And I have three more things to do! Aw, four if you count bringing those snacks to Twilight’s castle! I’ve been getting liberal with those Pinkie Promises lately...” “More like you’ve been making them far too often recently,” Bucky remarked, “My biggest concern is if you are going to be able to contain yourself while you fulfill all these promises.” “Don’t have much of a choice do I?” said Pinkie, “As impossible as it sounds, I’m just gonna have to quietly do what I need to do. The less I say, the better.” “Alright,” Bucky replied, “Do you still...” “Of course I accept your help!” said Pinkie as she gave Bucky a tight squeeze. Once Pinkie had finally let Bucky go, the pink pony was outside the Ponyville schoolhouse making balloon animals for the colts and fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were also standing in line for their own animal balloon. “Ooh! I want a flamingo!” Sweetie Belle said. Pinkie quickly shifted the balloons and made the marshmallow filly a very elaborate looking balloon flamingo. Sweetie Belle happily took her balloon and walked away. Apple Bloom walked up next. “I want a goldfish!” Apple Bloom said. Pinkie made the yellow filly her goldfish balloon and walked away with it. Next up was Rex. “I’d like a phoenix,” Rex said. Pinkie made a balloon phoenix and gave it to the half-colt prince, then Scootaloo came next. “Surprise me!” Pinkie then got to work moving her hooves faster than the eye when she was suddenly distracted by the sound of a baby crying. She looked to see a mare pushing a baby carriage and didn’t pay attention to her hands before...too late. “Uh...Pinkie?” Bucky called out. Pinkie then looked at what she had ended up making with the balloons. “Is that a...baby carriage?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “AAAH!” Pinkie screamed before recomposing herself, “No! It’s a...” “Wagon!” Bucky said quickly as Scootaloo gave Pinkie a skeptical look. “Are you sure?” Scootaloo asked. “Next!” Pinkie shouted as Scootaloo walked away with the balloon carriage at her side. Featherweight was the next pony in line. “Uh, a baby pony, please!” said Featherweight before adding smugly, “Uh, unless of course that would be a royal pain...” “Interesting choice of words, Featherweight,” Pinkie replied as she stared the Pegasus colt down, making him quickly feel uncomfortable. “Was it?” he asked nervously. “I don’t know,” said Pinkie before narrowing her eyes at him, “Was it?” “Uh, maybe you’d better just make me a giraffe,” Featherweight stuttered. Pinkie just kept staring him down until Bucky pulled her back. It wasn’t long before Pinkie and Bucky were in town hall. Pinkie appeared to be staring something down and then tossed some manila folders into some filing cabinets. Bucky just watched from a short distance away as the manila folders landed in the cabinet drawers and closed on their own, except for the last drawer. Pinkie closed that one herself. “My, your friends weren’t kidding when they said you had a great filing system, Pinkie!” said Mayor Ivory Scroll, “You are Ponyville’s best kept secret!” Pinkie winced. “No, I’m not!” said Pinkie as she nervously walked to another side of the room to sort some papers. It was then the mayor looked about the room discreetly before approaching the pink pony. “Speaking of secrets, have you ever known somepony else’s secret?” the mayor asked Pinkie in a hushed tone. Despite the soft tone, Bucky heard the remark. “What is it about ponies talking about secrets…” Bucky asked. “Noooooo...” Pinkie replied after giving Bucky a stern glare. “A surprise that was so big and exciting that it was all you could think about?” the mayor pressed on. “Nope!” Pinkie said quickly and zipped away with Bucky. The mayor winced as she let out a strangled sigh. “Me neither...” Mayor Ivory Scroll remarked to herself. Pinkie finally was on her last task as she inflated an arm frailing tube unicorn balloon as Bucky had set up where the shopkeeper, whose name was Wooden Legs, wanted it. “That’s just what I wanted,” Wooden Legs laughed, “Thanks, Pinkie!” “You’re welcome!” said Pinkie. “Oh, by the way,” said Wooden Legs, “can you help spread the word about the big crib sale I’m having?” Wooden Legs showed Pinkie the flyer. Now it was Bucky’s turn to wince. “Not again...” Bucky groaned irritably to himself. “”Treat your foal like...royalty”?!” Pinkie read aloud as she backed away and tumbled into her back. Wooden Legs laughed. “Pretty good slogan, huh?” Wooden Legs remarked, “I came up with it all by myself!” “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Pinkie screamed as she mimicked the frailing fore-legs balloon before revving her hind legs and running off. Wooden Legs was left stunned as he looked at Bucky, who just smiled sheepishly before zooming off after the pink pony. “Oh, I thought it was clever,” said Wooden Legs. His only reply was the frailing arms balloon deflated in front of him. Back at the castle, the rest of Harmony Squad, which included Spike were busy getting the castle ready for Cadance and Shining Armor’s visit. Pinkie walked into the room with Bucky as they were carrying various plates of cut veggies on silver platters. Twilight was the first to notice them. “Those look yummy, Pinkie! Let me help you!” said Twilight as she set the platters on the table in the center of the throne room. Pinkie and Bucky said nothing as Twilight put some metal domes on top of the plates. “But we better cover them up so they don’t get spoiled!” Twilight added. “Why would they get spoiled?” Pinkie asked curiously, “We’re all gonna eat them super soon!” “Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are still coming this Friday aren’t they?” Bucky asked with a hint of dread in his voice. “Oh, didn’t anypony tell you?” Applejack remarked as she walked up to them, “Shining Armor and Cadance are held up. They may not arrive ‘til Saturday.” Bucky looked dumbfounded. “You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Bucky remarked with dread as Pinkie’s face contorted multiple times. “Whaaaaaaaaaat?!” Pinkie shrieked as she super jumped onto one of the branches of the room’s chandelier and started hyperventilating. “You...mean...” Pinkie said while trying to breathe, “I...have...to...wait...another whole day?! I don’t know if I can!” “Yes you can, Pinkie!” Bucky replied sternly as he made eye contact with the pink pony, “Yes you can!” “No I can’t!” Pinkie croaked and nearly on the verge of tears. “Bucky!” Cody shouted from below with Twilight and Spike standing beside him, “You told me you were gonna help Pinkie!” “I am helping her!” Bucky snapped, “Pinkie’s just got some anxiety. She’ll be fine!” Pinkie was still whimpering. “Pinkie Pie, do you have something you need to say?” Twilight asked gently, “You seem like you’ve been keeping something in.” Pinkie gasped dramatically and then put her hands over her mouth to silence herself. “Pinkie, you can tell us anything,” said Cody. “We’re here to listen,” Fluttershy added, hovering up to her. Pinkie vigorously shook her head. “Guys, maybe you should just let her...mmmph?!” Bucky was cut off when Fluttershy covered his mouth. “You had your chance to help her, dear,” said Fluttershy firmly, “Now it’s our turn.” “Well, go on then, sugarcube,” said Applejack as she walked forward a bit. “We’re not going to judge you, darling,” Rarity added. “You’ll feel so much better once you get it off your chest!” Spike continued. Pinkie was back to hyperventilating as she was breathing inside of a yellow balloon. “Whatever it is, you can tell us!” Rainbow finished as she hovered over, “We’re best friends!” Rainbow looked into Pinkie’s eyes, making Pinkie pop her yellow balloon. Pinkie then began to see Rainbow’s head as a balloon. “Friends! Friends! Friends!” Rainbow balloon chanted. “Tell!” said Twilight balloon as he appeared beside the Rainbow balloon. Then a Cody and Sal balloon appeared as well. “Tell! Tell!” reverberated the four balloons. “Friends! Friends! Friends!” the balloons chanted as a Spike balloon appear to chant as well in the foreground and floated away with wide-eyes, “Tell! Tell! Tell!” Pinkie began to tremble from all the mental peer pressure. “Okay, okay, you win!” Pinkie shouted and inhaled deeply, “Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have a-” “-An awesome weekend with the best little sister and little cousin in all of Equestria!” said a familiar voice that made both Cody and Twilight smile excitedly. There at the entrance to the throne room was Shining Armor and Cadance, who were surrounded by several pieces of luggage. “Hi, everypony,” said Cadance with a giggle. Pinkie just exhaled loudly and allowed herself to fall off the chandelier. “Shining Armor, Cadance! You’re early!” said Twilight as she hopped up to them, “I thought something had come up and you weren’t gonna make it until Saturday!” “So did we,” Cadance replied, “Turned out we weren’t needed in Maretonia until next week. And the summit we were supposed to attend today had to be rescheduled, so...we got here even sooner than planned!” “Surprise!” said Shining Armor as he pulled Twilight close as they exchanged smiles with each other. Pinkie just stood a short distance away biting on her nails. “It’s wonderful to see you all again!” said Cadance to the rest of the group as Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Rarity started chatting excitedly. “Not as much as me!” Cody replied as he gave his favorite cousin a loving hug and kissed her cheek, “I really missed you, Cadance!” “I missed you too, cuz,” said Cadance, “If I may ask, where’s Sunset?” “She’s in Canterlot hanging out with her mom,” Cody replied. “I’m so glad you’re here!” said Twilight, “Cody and I have a big surprise for you!” “Oh, yeah?” he asked curiously. By now, Pinkie was sweating and looking very nervous as her eyes rapidly shifted about. A little later, they were making their way down the hallway. Cadance was in the lead with Twilight and Cody alongside of her. The rest of the girls were also around Cadance, except for Pinkie who was with Shining Armor and Bucky a few meters behind the others. Spike was also behind them carrying all the bags by choice since Cody had offered to carry them instead. Shining Armor took notice that Bucky looked uneasy and that Pinkie was avoiding any eye contact with him. “Lucky we came when we did, huh?” said Shining Armor, “I’m guessing you saw the scroll we sent to Mr. and Mrs. Cake?” Pinkie blushed and Shining Armor looked at Bucky. “Hey, I’m impressed you’ve been able to keep our secret this long!” said Shining Armor. “So you’re gonna tell Twilight and Cody now?!” Pinkie asked getting into Shining Armor’s face and pleaded. HONK! Shining Armor quickly shoved a hand onto her mouth. Then looked to see if anypony had heard. Fortunately, Cody and the others were busy chatting away and hadn’t heard a thing. “You’re gonna have to wait just a little bit longer,” Shining Armor replied in a hushed tone, “We have something special planned. It’ll be worth it, I promise.” Shining Armor walked away to catch up with the others. Pinkie just glared at him. “It’d better be,” said Pinkie bitterly. Once the group had left the castle, Pinkie was holding her breath and sweating nervously. Bucky let the pink pony hold his hand for some security, but it only helped a little bit. It was then Fluttershy approached. “Bucky, I’m very, very patient, but poor Pinkie’s been anxious all day and I feel like I have a right to know what’s going on!” Fluttershy said calmly. Bucky just took a deep breath. “I can’t explain right now. But when I’m ready, I’ll gladly tell you what’s going on with Pinkie,” Bucky replied, “Please just trust me, Flutters. I can take care of Pinkie, even if it seems otherwise.” Fluttershy just stared but then sighed as she gave her boyfriend a soft smile. “Alright, I trust you,” said Fluttershy before she hovered over to Twilight and Cody. Bucky then sighed and gave Pinkie a wink. Pinkie released a loud breath to feel better, but she was still feeling anxious. “So, do you think Shining Armor liked his surprise?” Applejack asked. “Didn’t you see him?” said Twilight, “He couldn’t stop raving about it.” A flashback of a few minutes ago was seen of Twilight and Cody showing Shining Armor the special room. Shining Armor shrieked with glee as he tapped the ant farm, snuggled his favorite doll with a wide smile at his face. He then screamed at seeing the burnt up comic book as Twilight looked shocked while Cody face-palmed himself for forgetting to get rid of it. Then Shining Armor held both Twilight and Cody under an arm each as he spun about like he was their own personal merry-go-round. “Where did Shining Armor and Cadance say they’d meet us? I’m starving!” Rainbow said as her stomach growled. “In the town square,” Twilight replied, “I wish they’d waited to walk over with us, but they said they had something to take care of first!” “They’re gonna have a lot more to take care of soon,” Pinkie muttered through gritted teeth when Bucky gave her a disapproving head shake. “What?” Twilight asked. “Nothiiiiiiiiiing!” Pinkie replied and zoomed ahead of the group. Bucky then went over to her as Twilight just looked at Fluttershy, who simply shrugged. Twilight and Cody just exchanged looks and shrugged as well. They figured Bucky would handle the pink pony for the moment. They looked around to see that Shining Armor and Cadance were nowhere to be found. “That’s odd,” said Twilight as she looked around and Pinkie leaned against the statue fountain nearby, “Usually they’re quite punctual.” “Maybe they’re fashionably late for once,” Cody replied. Rainbow just groaned loudly. “Ughhh! I need a hayburger in my belly right now!” She whined as she tapped the statue several times. “Seesh, and you complain that Rarity is a whiner?” Cody remarked, making Rainbow blush as he and Rarity shared a fist-bump. It was then Twilight noticed something inside the statue’s mouth. “What’s this?” Twilight asked as she used her magic to grab what appeared to be a scroll. Twilight opened it and gasped once she read it. “Cody! Look!” said Twilight excitedly as Cody walked up and looked at the scroll himself. “Oh that is so cool!” Cody replied happily. “What does it say?” Rarity asked. “A scavenger hunt!” said Twilight, “Shining Armor used to set these up for me when I was a filly! He even did some for both me and Cody too!” “Those were lots of fun!” Cody replied, “We even wore safari caps a few times too.” Twilight giggled. “True. At the end, there was always a big prize, like a new book, or several new books, or-” Twilight said. “We get the picture!” Pinkie snapped and used the scroll to smack Twilight on the head, “You like books!” “Wasn’t always just books,” said Cody, “Sometimes there was a new toy or a new board game.” “So what’s the first clue?” Applejack asked. “I hope it’s something about eating lunch!” said Rainbow. Cody rolled his eyes in reply. Pinkie then took the scroll to read it herself. “”You’ve got a scroll, you’re on a roll, why don’t you take a peek where young ones spend their week? A piece of paper will continue this cape”!” Pinkie read. Twilight and Cody pondered when a light-bulb appeared above their heads and quickly lit up. “I’ve got it!” Twilight said, “”Where the young ones spend their week”?” “I’m not quite followin’,” Applejack replied. “It will once we get there,” said Cody. It wasn’t long before they had arrived at a familiar red building as the school bell began to ring. “It’s the Ponyville Schoolhouse!” Twilight pointed out. “Good enough for me!” Pinkie replied as she appeared in the background, “Now where’s the next clue?” Pinkie began to pant like a puppy as she sniffed the ground. She then stuck her face into a bush, getting a leaf on her nose and sneezed. Pinkie then to scratch her head with her hoof as everypony else gave her a funny look. “I love you, Pinkie, but sometimes you are just too random,” Bucky remarked. “Extra, extra! Get your Ponyville news!” said Featherweight, wearing a newspaper boys outfit, “Read it in the paper! Extra, extra!” Cody stared at the colt for a moment and then realized something. “Twily, what was that clue again?” Cody asked. “”A piece of paper will continue this caper”,” said Twilight and then gasped, “It’s in the Foal Free Press!” Cody handed Twilight a bit so she could rush over and purchase a copy of the newspaper. She then brought the newspaper over to the group as they all tried to read it together. “Ooh, look at that dress the mayor is wearing in the social report!” said Rarity, “Why, it’s stunning!” “Uh, didn’t you make that, Rarity?” Applejack asked bluntly. “Yes, what is your point?” Rarity asked, flicking her mane. The others just gave her unamused looks. “Focus, everypony!” Pinkie snapped as she punctured the middle of the newspaper and scanned it sternly on her own. “You know, there’s really no time limit on these scavenger hunts, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “The whole point of a scavenger hunt is having fun,” Cody added, “Isn’t that what you do best?” “Aha! There!” said Pinkie with a determined smile on her face as she pointed a finger to one article. Twilight and Cody leaned in to see the article. “Hey, Pinkie is right!” Cody replied, “That’s the next clue!” “”Though this hall is rather small, in it you’ll find files of all kinds”,” Twilight read aloud, “”Take a look at the back of the birth certificate of Applejack”.” Applejack blinked in surprise as everypony else stared at her. “I don’t like where this is goin’,” Applejack said wearily. “Let me guess, because you don’t like seeing your baby photos?” Sal asked. “Correct,” Applejack replied. It didn’t take too long for Cody, Sal, Bucky, and the Mane 6 to reach the Town Hall. Mayor Ivory Scroll was waiting for them and nervously pacing about outside. She then saw Pinkie zoom up to the entrance and headed inside in a hurry. The mayor gave them a huge smile to welcome them and danced about excitedly as the others walked inside at a casual pace. “Baby!” the mayor muttered quietly, “A royal ba-!” “A-hem?” Pinkie said with a glare as she closed the Mayor’s mouth. “Does anypony know where the birth certificates are kept?” Twilight asked from inside. Pinkie zoomed in. “Ooh! I do, I do!” said Pinkie, “Go down that hall, then you take a left, then a right, then another right, then a slight left, and it’s a third door from the right!” “Wow, Pinkie,” Fluttershy remarked, “I never knew you knew so much about town hall.” “There’s a lot of things I know!” Pinkie replied, “That you don’t know I know!” Pinkie then held her breath and zipped down a hallway. She then rushed over to a file cabinet and scanned the folders. It was then she took out a folder containing Applejack’s birth certificate and Twilight looked at it. “Oh, you’re so cute,” said Fluttershy as she, Twilight, Cody, and Sal looked at her baby picture and giggled to each other. Applejack just blushed before she turned the certificate around and there was the next clue. “”The next place is where you can buy a table or chair, or some comfy beds to rest little heads”?” Twilight read. “Huh?” Cody wondered, feeling rather as stunned. Pinkie was just bouncing up and down like a soda can being shaken. But then lost patience once she saw everypony was in deep thought and zipped away. Then she came back. “Ugh, really? None of you?” Pinkie complained. “Well...I had an idea where to go,” said Cody, “But that last part threw me off...the place may or may not sell beds to “rest little heads”...right?” Pinkie groaned loudly and shoved everypony at high speed to the location Cody had been thinking of since Pinkie had thought the same thing. “It’s obviously the furniture store!” Pinkie retorted once they arrived outside the shop and bounced about, “Go in! Go in!” “I don’t know...” said Twilight uneasily. Cody wasn’t too confident either. “Daagh, fine!” Pinkie snapped before charging into the store, causing some rumbling and commotion inside before she popped back outside sitting inside a crib. She sternly pointed at a note pasted on the back of it. “Wow, you’re scary good at this, Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow, clearly impressed. “”It seems we’ve save the best for last”,” Pinkie read quickly, “”We hope that you’ve had a blast. Now it’s time to take a break where you can get a slice of cake”!” “Sugarcube Corner!” the others shouted at once. Pinkie just scoffed. “That was an easy one,” said Pinkie, waving a fore-hoof dismissively. It didn’t take long for Cody, Sal, Bucky, and the mares to arrive at Sugarcube Corner and walk inside. Cadance and Shining Armor shared smiles with each other as the latter approached the group. “Surprise! Twily, Cody, did you both like the scavenger hunt?” Shining Armor asked. “It was perfect!” said Twilight, “Just like old times, except even better because this time we got to share it with our best friends!” Pinkie appeared and shoved herself between Applejack and Rarity, ruining the moment and getting glares from the two mares. “There’s just one thing missing, isn’t there?” Twilight asked in a not-so-innocent tone. “What’s that?” Shining Armor asked in an innocent tone of his own. “Mmmm, the book prize at the end!” Twilight replied. “Or some prize at the end,” Cody added, “I don’t see any treasure chests around.” “Shining Armor never used treasure chests for the prize!” Twilight retorted. “He did with my prizes,” Cody said as a thought bubble appeared above his head showing him opening a treasure chest and holding a light above his head as he smiled widely. Shining Armor laughed as he put a fore-hoof on his little sisters shoulder. “There’s still a prize for the both of you, but it’s a little different this time,” said Shining Armor as he backed up to stand beside Cadance. “Oooooh! A mystery prize,” Cody remarked as he looked at his wife. “Oh, I don’t understand,” said Twilight. Pinkie just giggled quietly to each other as Bucky put a hand to his mouth for the pink pony to keep quiet. “All the places we sent you today had something in common,” said Cadance. Cody sat in place and pondered as Twilight paced about. “First we went to the schoolhouse,” said Twilight as Pinkie began to tremble violently, leaving Applejack worried. Bucky hugged Pinkie to make her stop, but was then trembling with her, leaving him dizzy once he let her go. “And then we read the Foal Free Press...” Twilight continued, “After that we found Applejack’s birth certificate.” “We’ve got the schoolhouse, the newspaper, the birth certificate...” Cody pondered. “...And then the last clue was under a crib,” said Twilight. Pinkie giggled maniacally as she held the cake twins. “Hmm...School...foal...birth certificate...and crib,” Twilight repeated and Cody hummed. “All the pieces to the puzzle but we just gotta put them together,” Cody pondered aloud. Pinkie looked ready to explode as the pupils of her eyes went all swirly. It was then the four puzzled pieces came together to show an image of a new born foal. Cody and Twilight gasped as the cloud bubble burst. “No way!” Cody exclaimed as he looked at his wife. “Can it be?” Twilight added, “Are you two...?!” The couple looked at Shining Armor and Cadance. They split up to show Cody and Twilight a large cake decorated in baby colors and other baby related objects. “We’re having a baby!” Shining Armor and Cadance announced together. Pinkie made several exaggerated faces before jumping into the air. “A baby, Twilight and Cody!” said Pinkie, “It’s a baby! Woo-hoo!” Pinkie then bounced around the area like crazy. Twilight and Cody just stood in place with their jaws hanging out. “You mean...” said Twilight as she slapped a hand to her head and Cadance and Shining Armor show the couple the cake again, “I’m going to be an aunt?! And Cody’s gonna be an uncle?! This is best prize ever!” Twilight opened her wings and smiled happily. Cody was also happy knowing that he was gonna be an uncle. Cadance and Shining Armor laughed. “I’m so happy for you, Cadence,” Cody croaked, “I love you so much! The both of you!” Shining Armor gave him a hug as well. Twilight then went to hug them next. “Oh, I love you guys, too! And we can’t wait to meet your little foal!” Twilight said. “Neither can we,” Shining Armor replied. “Is this what you two were hiding?” Fluttershy asked. Bucky nodded as Fluttershy kissed his cheek. “I’m glad I decided to trust you,” said Fluttershy as they shared a nose nuzzle and went to congratulate the expecting couple as well. The Cake family had also come out to give their congrats as well. Meanwhile, Pinkie was still bouncing about. “I did it, I did it, I did it!” said Pinkie when she suddenly froze in mid-air and squeed, “Go, Pinkie.” It was then that the congratulations party had begun. Shining Armor and Mr. Cake share a hoof bump with each other. Fluttershy, Bucky, and Rarity were chatting with each other. Twilight, Cody, Sal, and Applejack were doing the same. Cadance then decided to walk up to the four of them. “So, Cody, since we’re on the subject of babies, how long before you, Twilight, and Sunset decide to have any?” Cody and Twilight blushed deep red as they eyeballed each other. “I don’t think Mom and Father are ready to be grandparents just yet, since she’s due next month to have my new sibling,” Cody replied. “Besides, our highest priority for the time being is fighting the Empire,” Twilight added. “No rush, you two,” Cadance chuckled, “I was just asking.” Twilight and Cody just smiled, but the embarrassment was still on their faces as the pink alicorn walked away holding a piece of cake with her magic. She headed over to Pinkie. “You did it, Pinkie Pie!” Cadance giggled as she put the cake slice on the table and gave her a hug, “You kept it a surprise! Thank you! Was it much trouble?” “Piece of cake!” said Pinkie with a squee and a wink. “I get the pun, Pinkie,” Bucky replied with a laugh, then turned to Cadance, “It was quite difficult, but we managed.”

Chapter 21: Crusaders of the Lost Mark It was another beautiful morning in Ponyville. All four of the CMCs were gathered in their clubhouse where Apple Bloom stood on a crate that was next to the poster on the wall that had drawing of various activities which were marked off with red Xs. “Okay, Crusaders!” said Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Rex, “Back to the business of earnin’ our cutie marks! Any suggestions?” “No, we’ve tried everything!” said Scootaloo sadly. “We’ve run out of ideas,” Sweetie Belle added. “Hey, now that’s just stinkin’ thinking girls,” Rex said in an encouraging tone. “Are you kiddin’ me, Crusaders?” Apple Bloom replied and leaned forward, “Rex is right. We can do better than that!” As Apple Bloom sang, she put up a empty sheet on the wall which cheered up Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Apple Bloom (sings): We’ve been searchin’ for our cutie marks For a while now Tryin’ to find out how we fit in So many ways we’ve tried before But we keep on tryin’

Chapter 20: Amending Fences One evening, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were sitting comfortably on a sofa in one of the castle rooms. It was then that Spike walked into the room wearing a handkerchief on his head, light blue and white apron, and some yellow gloves on his claws. “You know the worst thing about you being the Princess of Friendship?” Spike asked with a sigh as he pulled his yellow gloves off, “The dishes.” “At least they were your problem tonight,” Cody remarked. “Very funny,” said Spike, “It’s your turn tomorrow.” “Fine,” Cody replied. “Thanks for taking care of that, Spike,” said Twilight, “After three events in one week, we really needed to relax with a good book.” “It’s kinda funny, isn’t it?” said Spike to Twilight as he reached behind a pillow, grabbed a book, and reclined against said pillow, “All these ponies comin’ to you, Cody, and Sunset for advice about friendship, especially Twilight?” “What’s funny about that?” Twilight asked as she put her book away. “What do you mean?” Cody asked as he sat on the opposite end of the sofa. “You know, ‘cause you used to be famous for being such a bad friend,” said Spike. “What are you talking about?” Twilight asked, “Cody, Sunset, and I had good friends in Canterlot!” “Come on, Twilight,” said Spike, “Look at the wall. D’ya see any photos from before we went to Ponyville? Even Cody and Sunset have a few photos with the old group in Canterlot and most of them are without you! And look at you now, the Princess of Friendship.” Twilight looked at the pictures on the wall, which featured herself with Cody, Sunset, and the rest of Harmony Squad. She took a hard look at her coronation and wedding day photos to see that Spike was right. Her old friends from Canterlot were nowhere to be seen. “This is a disaster!” Twilight gasped as she paced about, “All my old friends! I can’t remember any of their names right now! But do you really think that they think I’m a bad friend?!” Cody and Sunset just looked away and said nothing. “Sunset?” Twilight asked more firmly. Sunset just looked sadly at her. “Tell me the truth,” said Twilight, “I wanna know what you think.” Sunset and Cody just sighed. “I can’t really say what they think about you as a friend,” Sunset replied slowly. “Yes...and?” Twilight asked, wanting Sunset to tell her the whole truth. “I wasn’t a good friend to them in those days either,” Sunset replied. “Thank you for being honest with me, Sunset,” said Twilight gently. “Well, I only meant that you’ve come so far,” said Spike, “You and Sunset are both great friends now, good wives to Cody, and-” “Oh I feel terrible!” said Twilight as she stopped listening to Spike, Cody, and Sunset, “I’ve gotta make it up to them!” Twilight then rushed out of the room. “Twily, where are you going?” Cody asked. “Pack a bag, you three,” Twilight told them both, “We’re going to Canterlot!” Twilight then took off and then came back again, “And make a list of my friends’ names. Uh, correction, our friends’ names.” Twilight then took off as Spike groaned. “Aw, me and my big mouth,” said Spike annoyingly. It was late that evening as Twilight and Sunset flew into the city grounds of Canterlot. Cody flew using a jet pack he built a while back. Spike was riding Twilight piggyback as she made a smooth landing. “You have definitely become a very proficient flyer, my loves,” Cody remarked. “Thanks, babe,” Twilight and Sunset said in unison as they sighed sadly. “Come on, Twilight,” Spike replied as she jumped off her back, “You’re getting worked up about nothin’.” “Easy for you to say,” said Cody quietly as they looked around the area. “The only logical place to start is at the beginning,” said Twilight as she looked toward a familiar tower. “Is that...our old home?” Sunset asked. That was what Sunset had always called Twilight’s old home back in the day. Twilight nodded as they made their way into the tower. It wasn’t long before Twilight found that she still had her old house key and the doors opened. Inside, the place was covered in a thick layer of dust and some cobwebs. “Oh. It’s exactly how we left it!” said Twilight as she looked around. Cody looked about as some dust hit his nose and he sneezed. “Cody and I don’t remember it being this dusty though,” Sunset remarked. Twilight then headed over to an open book that was covered in dust. She blew the dust away and recognized the pages. “Look! It’s Predictions and Prophecies! And it’s still open to the Elements of Harmony!” Twilight said. Spike then looked around and found a dusty and banged up package as well as a destroyed teddy bear on the floor. “And here’s the present I was gonna give Moondancer!” said Spike as he picked up the teddy bear first, “Huh. Guess she won’t be needing that.” Spike tossed it aside and then grabbed the battered package, “Hey, look! The rest of it’s still here!” Twilight then walked past him from the background and towards the giant window. “How could I have let this happen?” Twilight asked herself as she looked out of the window sadly. Cody nearly opened his mouth to answer but bit his lip to stop himself. “Come on, Twilight. Princess Celestia gave you, Cody, and Sunset an assignment,” Spike replied, “Nopony could blame either of you for that.” “But look at the way I left this place. It’s a total mess!” said Twilight as she leaned her face against the glass of the window, “Just like how I left my friendships.” “Not all of them,” Cody pointed out. “Yeah, but you still had to say you hated for me to realize how bad a friend Sunset and I were,” said Twilight sadly. Sunset sighed. “I thought you forgave me for that...” Cody replied quietly. “You, yes, but myself, not really,” Twilight replied, “But I don’t need to let things get that far this time around. I’ve gotta make it up toooo...uh...” Twilight looked at Spike, Cody, and Sunset with a sheepishly smile on her face. “Oh! Uh, Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moondancer,” Spike replied as he listed the girls’ names off. “Yeah. Them,” said Twilight as she continued to look out the window. Cody wrapped an arm around her as she leaned her head against his neck. Next morning, Spike was fast asleep on top of a stack of books with on open book resting on his head. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were wearing book bags. “Spike! Come on!” said Twilight, “We’ve got work to do!” Spike groaned as he stretched from his stack of books. “Have you been awake all night?” Spike asked. “No, but we woke up early this morning. Twilight was doing her own stuff while Sunset and I did some housecleaning. We didn’t finish, but at least the place is more presentable.” “Thanks, babe,” said Twilight as she grabbed some papers with her magic while talking to Spike as well, “I did a little research, and I think I know where we can find Minuette! This is one of my friends, right?” Spike, Cody, and Sunset just gave her a unamused look. It didn’t take them too long to find a building that had hour-glass shaped windows and an hour-glass shaped door on it. Twilight knocked on the door. “Uh, it’s not too late to forget I opened my big mouth,” said Spike sheepishly. “No, Spike, I’m glad you opened your big mouth,” Twilight retorted, “These ponies have probably been suffering ever since Sunset and I left. Wondering why their supposed friends would treat them so badly!” “While I was never close to them like I am with our Ponyville friends and our rebel friends, but you just gotta wonder,” Cody added. It was then the front door slowly opened. “Minuette?” Twilight asked as she stepped forward to peek inside. “Are you there?” Cody asked. It was then that Minuette appeared with a big smile on her face. Some ponies thought as was dentist or associated with toothpaste. “Twilight Sparkle! Cody Ando! Sunset Shimmer!” Minuette exclaimed with a laugh and made the three of them back away, “You old so-and-sos! What are you doing here?!” She looked back to see the baby dragon behind her, “Hey, Spike!” Spike just waved back. “Just look at these wings, huh?!” said Minuette with a giggle, making Twilight and Sunset impulsively open their wings, and then turned to Cody. He had forgotten how much Minuette used to be the optimist of the group. “Hey, grab a picture of me and the royal couple, will ya?!” said Minuette to Spike as she used her magic to shove a camera into his claws, “It’s still so amazing to say that. Royal couple.” Minuette giggled again, “Guess persistence really does pay off doesn’t it, Cody?” Cody and Twilight blushed, but for different reasons. “I tried to tell my co-workers we used to be friends back when,” said Minuette with another giggle cause this pony was loved to giggle, “But they never believed me!” Twilight and Cody just looked at Spike, who shrugged his shoulders and went to focus the lens on the camera. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset sat on the edges of the photo with Minuette sat between them with a huge smile on her face. “Wait-wait-wait! Really fluff ‘em up, huh?” Minuette said. She giggled excitedly as Twilight and Sunset fully opened their wings and the blue unicorn leaned in front of her with her huge smile and arms in the air. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset just smiled timidly as Spike took the picture. “So what are you doing here?” Minuette asked curiously, “I mean, I know you three are here all the time, but you never come to see me.” Cody opened his mouth to speak when Minuette cut him off. “Hey! I just had the greatest idea!” Minuette continued, “You wanna go see Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine?” “Of course!” said Twilight, “Our old friends!” “It’ll be great!” Minuette said with another giggle, “Come on! Let’s fly! Get it?” Minuette chuckled to herself as she walked ahead. “This is perfect!” said Twilight, “I can apologize to all three of them at once!” “Cody and I can do the same,” Sunset added as the royal couple went after them. “Let’s hope they’re not as traumatized as Minuette,” Spike replied, not hiding the sarcasm in his tone. It wasn’t long before the group had reunited and was now sitting at the table at Donut Joe’s shop. Spike was sitting at the counter talking with Donut Joe. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were with Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts. They were all laughing and enjoying themselves as they shared a plate loaded with delicious donuts on it. “She did, Twinkleshine literally spit out her oats when she heard you were the Princess of Friendship!” said Minuette. “We saw you both at the coronation and wedding,” Twinkleshine added, “That was some shindig!” “You did?” Twilight asked in surprise. “Sure!” said Twinkleshine, “We see you, Cody, and Sunset all the time!” “You remember our old friend, Lyra, right?” Minuette giggled, “She lives in Ponyville too.” “I remember, she has a bestie named Bonbon and they’re both dating my buddy from grade school, Flash Sentry,” said Cody. “We noticed. We’re always over there visiting her. Or she’s coming over here!” Minuette replied. She giggled again as she split a chocolate chip donut into two, “We’ve thought about asking you three to join us from time to time, but we just sorta figured you’d moved on.” Cody, Twilight, and Sunset each felt like they had gotten a hard slap in the face when they heard that. “Oh,” said Twilight sadly. “I...see,” Cody added in the same dejected tone. There was a brief pause as the three unicorns noticed how sad the royal couple looked. Lemon Hearts cleared her throat. “So what brings you three by anyway?” Lemon Hearts asked, “All those times you’ve come back to Canterlot, you never had donuts with us before.” Cody, Twilight, and Sunset exchanged looks with each other. “Should I...” Cody proposed. “It’s alright babe,” said Twilight as she sighed, “Well, uh, you see...Sunset and I came to apologize.” The three unicorns were left stunned as Minuette swallowed the piece of donut she had been eating. “For what?” she asked curiously. Twilight looked nervous as Cody held her hand. “Before we left Canterlot, Sunset and I didn’t really appreciate our friends, and that’s because we didn’t know how important friendship was,” Twilight explained, “But we’ve learned so much since Cody and I moved to Ponyville. I learned what is means to be a good friend and that we certainly weren’t one to the three of you. So for all the pain we caused you, we’re truly sorry.” There was a brief silence before the three unicorns burst out laughing. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were left stunned. “Oh, come on, Twilight!” said Minuette, “Sure, it might’ve stung a little bit when you three ran off to Ponyville without saying goodbye, but it’s not like we weren’t used to that from you and Sunset!” “Yeah, we didn’t take it personally,” added Twinkleshine. “But it’s really good to see you now,” said Lemon Hearts. Twilight just smiled, relieved that everything was okay. “Hey! Anypony up for a blast from the past?” Lemon Hearts asked the group. “Is it a good memory?” Sunset asked a tad worried. “Totally!” said Lemon Hearts, “Come on!” It wasn’t long before Cody, Spike, and the mares arrived at an old building. Twilight, Sunset, and Spike walked forward and looked inside of the window. Twilight gasped. “It’s our old science lab! I have so many great memories of this place!” Twilight said. “Same with me,” Sunset added as the other girls giggled. “Remember when Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in that beaker?” Minuette said as Twinkleshine and Sunset chuckled. Lemon Hearts just gave them an annoyed look. “Still have no idea why you stuck your head in that beaker to begin with,” Sunset remarked to the yellow unicorn. Twilight couldn’t help but feel a little left out. She had some memory of that little incident, but she did have her a memory of her own coming in mind. Suddenly as she looked inside the building, she could see their old science lab professor as several fillies and colts were gathered around chatting and asking the professor questions. Then young Lemon Hearts was running about with the beaker on her head as young Minuette and young Twinkleshine chased after her. At a nearby table were three unicorns. Two of them were reading a book, the first was young Twilight while the other was a butter colored filly with an orange mane and tail that had a lilac and violet streak in them. In fact her mane and tail style were exactly like Twilight, the filly’s name was Moon Dancer. They two were discussing their books together. “But according to this book, you’re supposed to add the sodium chloride first,” said young Twilight. “I read ahead,” young Moondancer replied, “and to make a proper salt lick, you need to add the molasses first.” “Well, I read ahead too, Moondancer, and I’m sure it was sodium chloride first,” said young Twilight in a rather arrogant manner. “Oh, I’ve got the wrong book, that’s so hilarious,” young Moondancer replied before adding dryly. It was then young Lemon Hearts, young Minuette, and young Twinkleshine ran behind them as the two went back to reading when young Sunset, sitting across from them and wearing safety goggles, was using her magic to hold a beaker with some potion in it and had a very durable plate with a homemade butter cookie on it. “Add just two ounces of this potion to the cookie, and...” young Sunset said quietly. BOOM! All young Sunset got was a small explosion that startled young Twilight and young Moon Dancer and had left the cookies in ashes and his face covered in black soot. “UGH! Not again!” young Sunset groaned as she shook the soot off her face. Back in the present, Twilight watched as her vision of the past concluded as the rest of the group was just chuckling with each other. “Whatever happened to Moondancer?” Twilight asked. “Moondancer?” Lemon Hearts exclaimed. “Yeah, you know, our other friend,” said Twilight. “I think she used to have a crush on me,” Cody added. “Oh, right!” Twinkleshine replied, “Moondancer! I remember her!” “I wonder what she’s up to,” said Lemon Hearts. “Yeah, I always liked her,” said Minuette, “We just sort of lost touch after you, Cody, and Sunset left.” “I think she went to live out by the stadium, didn’t she?” Twinkleshine asked. “Well, let’s go see,” said Lemon Hearts. Soon the group arrived to a house that had a very run down appearance, along with a run-down yard and broken up fence. “This...is Moondancer’s house?” Cody asked with concern. “I think this is the place,” said Minuette, “Didn’t used to look like this, though.” Twilight and Spike looked rather worried. Cody suddenly felt rather sad as he sat down. “What’s wrong, Cody?” Twilight asked. “Due to the state of this yard and this house, I sense somepony who has lost all their hope...so much sadness and bitterness...” Cody said, “And I want to see if there’s anything I can do to help.” Twilight then approached the door and knocked it. She then knocked again only for her fore-hoof to smash a hole in the door. Twilight peeked into the hole, only to see a familiar pony looking back at her. She gasped and backed away. The front door slowly creaked open. “Moondancer?” Twilight asked. “Is that you?” Cody asked. There before them was a familiar butter colored unicorn, but she was now wearing black glasses on her face, a worn black sweater, and had the bangs of her mane tied up with a beaded hair tie. She also had a very stern look on her face. “What do you want?” Moondancer asked rudely, “I’m trying to study.” “It’s us! Your old friends!” Twilight announced as a dynamic background appeared as Cody and the five ponies and Spike smiled for her. “Ugh!” Moondancer groaned loudly and slammed the door, killing the moment for Cody and rest of the group. “That’s old Moondancer, all right,” Minuette chuckled nervously, “She always did like her books. Hey! Kinda like you and Sunset used to be, huh?” Minuette giggled to herself as Twilight and the rest of the group had worried looks on their faces. “Exactly how we both used to be,” said Twilight. A few days later, Moondancer was making her way to the Canterlot Library. Across the street, Twilight, Cody, Sunset, Minuette, and Spike were sitting at a cafe table together. Each of them were wearing some sunglasses on their faces as they held menus. “Come on, Twilight!” Spike sighed in exasperation, “We’ve been watching her for three days! Library, house, library, house. That’s it!” “I have to agree with Spike, Twily,” said Cody, “I’m not sure what you’re trying to accomplish keeping your distance from her.” “Observation, babe,” Twilight answered as she used her magic to lift her shades onto her forehead, “If you’ve been watching her like I have, you’ll have noticed something. Nopony looks at her or says hello or even gives her a smile. It’s like she doesn’t even exist. Was she always like this?” “Well, she always was a little shy,” Minuette replied, “But for a while there, she was really starting to come out of her shell. Remember when she threw that party?” Twilight just blushed and shrugged as Cody rolled his eyes. “Oh, right, I think you and Cody might’ve been busy that day,” said Minuette. Flashback As the three of them stroll down the path, they soon found themselves blocked by the only other friends they had in Canterlot: Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine. “Hi, Cody!” Lemon Hearts and Minuette greeted flirtatiously in unison. “There you are, Twilight!” Twinkleshine said. “Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?” “Is that today?” Cody asked, smiling. “I almost forgot! Don’t worry, we’ll be there for sure.” “Oh sorry, girls. Sunset and I have got a lot of studying to catch on,” Twilight replied gently, “Plus, I think Cody is busy with Jedi training all day.” Cody turned to his friend and crush with a glare. “Twilight, wait!” Cody called out. The girls just stood there as Cody dashed after Twilight and Sunset, barely catching up. But clearly, the three friends looked indignant as they watched the three of them disappear. End flashback Back in the present, Twilight just stared into space with a devastated look on her face. “Thought she finally might be letting her guard down a little with that party,” said Minuette, “We invited her out a few times after that. But she was always too busy studying. So, eventually, we just stopped asking.” “I see,” Cody replied quietly as Minuette went back to reading her menu. “I had no idea that party was so important to her,” Twilight added. “I certainly did,” Cody replied, “I figured Moondancer would be hurt, but I didn’t expect anything as bad as this.” Twilight then stood up with her hands on the table. “I’ve gotta find a way to make it up to her!” Twilight said. “Twilight, just remember that all you can do is apologize to her. You can’t force her to...” Cody warned. “I’m sorry, but Twilight is focused on a mission and is no longer listening to a word you’re saying,” said Sunset with a cute smile on her face. “Please save your energy while I make Moondancer happy no matter what it takes. Goodbye!” Twilight added then teleported away before Cody could reply. He growled in annoyance. “I hate it when she gets like this,” Cody grumbled as Minuette giggled. “Guess some things never change, right, Spike?” she replied. “You got that right,” Spike remarked as the two snickered at Cody’s expense. He just set the menu standing up in front of his face and sulked. Back in the library, Moondancer was just busy reading and taking some notes with her magic. Twilight quietly walked inside and looked around. It wasn’t long before she found Moondancer and smiled. She quickly pondered before coming up with an idea. As Moondancer continued her note taking, Twilight decided to casually walk by in the background. “Oh, my gosh!” Twilight gasped in surprise, “Moondancer?! Is that-” “SHH!” the other ponies hushed sternly. Twilight felt embarassed and quickly zoomed off and hid behind a shelf. As Moondancer continued to read, Twilight decided to try approaching her again from the background and took a seat beside her. “Moondancer, can I talk to you for a min-” Twilight tried to ask. “Shh!” Moon Dancer retorted, but Twilight smiled smugly and pointed upward. Moondancer looked up to see that they were inside a barrier of some sort. “What is this?” Moondancer demanded. “Eh, a bubble of silence,” Twilight replied casually, “I haven’t seen you in a while and I thought it might be nice to catch up.” “For what purpose?” Moondancer asked rudely. “You know ‘cause we’re friends,” said Twilight. Moondancer just used her magic to shoot a magic beam at the bubble, making it pop loudly. “SHHH!” the other ponies retorted sternly. Twilight tried to retort, but got a death glare from Moondancer in reply. It wasn’t much longer before Moon Dancer had finished reading one book and was looking around for a second. She had just used her magic to pull out a book when she found Twilight looking at her with a cute smile on her face from the space the book had been. “I’m really sorry to bother you,” said Twilight, “I was just hoping we would go outside and talk for a bit.” Moondancer replied by glaring at Twilight and putting the book back on the shelf, which was right over Twilight’s face. She then stomped off. Twilight just peeked over the other side of the book shelf with a stunned look on her face. As Moondancer was reading another book, she had just turned the page when she noticed on one of the pages a basic black and white drawing of an alicorn on it. It was of course Twilight herself. “I’m sorry we skipped your party,” Twilight whispered. Moondancer screamed and shut the book. “SHH! QUIET!” The other ponies retorted sternly again. Moondancer quickly recovered and growled irritably as she opened the book. “Why won’t you leave me alone?” Moondancer demanded angrily, not noticing that other ponies were watching her supposedly yell at a book and were giving her funny looks, “I’m trying to study! You’ve got the wrong pony! I don’t have parties!” “You did once,” Twilight whispered back, “And Sunset and I were so caught up in our own studying that we didn’t take your feelings into account.” “Look, Twilight Twinkle-” Moondancer retorted. “Sparkle,” Twilight corrected, slightly annoyed. “Whatever,” Moon Dancer remarked with an eye roll, “I just need to be alone so I can study without some crazy pony trying to make friends, all right?!” “Fine!” said Twilight as she walked across the page importantly. “Wait. How did you get into my book like that?” Moondancer asked. Twilight just gave her a smirk. That had been her backup plan the entire time. Now the two ponies could talk. “I’ve been studying a new studying technique,” Twilight explained as she and Moondancer walked across a bridge on the way to her old tower, “I can only do it for a few minutes, but you’d be amazed how much you can pick up when you’re actually in a book!” “It’s one of Hayscartes’ methods,” Moondancer pointed out. “You know Hayscartes?” Twilight asked. “Of course!” said Moondancer, “He’s a genius!” “I have a copy of his Treatise on Ponies, you know,” Twilight told her. Moondancer just gasped with interest as Twilight lead the butter colored unicorn to her old tower and walked inside. “Babe, I’m here and we’ve got a guest!” Twilight called out. Moondancer froze stiff as her heart skipped a beat. “Did...did...did you just say “Babe, I’m here”?!” Moondancer asked in shock. She then gasped when she recognized Sunset flying down to them from the upper floor to Twilight. Cody also came down from the upper floor. “Hey Moondancer,” said Cody as he gave Twilight and Sunset kiss on the cheek, “Glad to see you again.” Moondancer blinked as her glasses slid down her nose. She quickly readjusted them with her magic. “Hi, Moondancer,” Sunset greeted. “Wait...Cody? You...you and Twilight...are a couple?!” Moondancer exclaimed in shock. “More than that, Cody is my husband,” Twilight replied. “I’m Cody’s wife also,” Sunset added. Moondancer was stunned. “Both of you and Cody...are married?!” Moondancer asked in a deadpan tone. “Guess you missed our coronation and wedding?” Cody asked. Moondancer blinked before putting on a very blunt looking face. “I guess I did,” said Moondancer bluntly. “I see. Well, guess you can say that my persistence paid off. Twilight and Sunset fell in love with me and we’ve been happily married ever since,” Cody replied. Twilight and Sunset nuzzled his cheeks as Cody chuckled. Moondancer just stared for a moment before she glared at the two. “Remind me why I’m here?” Moondancer asked annoyingly. The royal couple pulled away as Twilight cleared her throat. “Because I wanted you to see this,” said Twilight as she gestured for Moondancer to follow her upstairs. Cody and Sunset headed upstairs where Moondancer was looking around in awe. “What is this place?” Moondancer asked. “This is where Sunset and I used to live and where Cody used to study and do research projects with me,” said Twilight, “You mean, I never had you over?” Moondancer was too busy looking at Twilight’s book collection to answer that question. “Wow! A first edition of Principles of Magic!” Moondancer remarked as she pulled it out of the shelf, “Hey, didn’t I give this to you?” Cody winced and started whistling innocently. “Maybe?” Twilight replied sheepishly. “I did! Look, I even wrote something!” Moon Dancer replied as she opened the book, “‘To my friend, Twilight Sparkle. Thanks for introducing me to the classics’. I can see by the fact you left it here that it meant a lot to you.” Twilight, Cody, and Sunset could easily sense the sarcasm and bitterness in Moondancer’s tone as she closed the book. “To be fair, out first home in Ponyville did get blown up and nearly all but a small selection of books got destroyed. Your book would have been lost if we had taken it with us,” Cody said. “Not if it had mattered that I had given it to you,” Moon Dancer retorted bitterly. “Look, I didn’t bring you over here for even more poignant reminders of what bad friends Sunset and I were. I brought you here to give you this,” said Twilight as she walked over to Moondancer and presented her with a spare house key, “You can come here whenever you want and study to your heart’s content.” “Really?” Moondancer asked as she used her magic to collect the key. “Certainly, my wives and I hardly ever visit this place and we’d hate to see all these books just sit on the shelves not being used. You could use them more than us,” Cody replied. “But first, you gotta do something for the three of us,” Twilight said. “What?” Moondancer asked skeptically. “Have dinner with our old friends tonight,” said Twilight. “I’m covering the bill,” Cody added, “You can get whatever you like, dessert included.” “I can’t,” said Moondancer as she dropped the key, “I’m reorganizing my biology scrolls.” “Cody, Sunset, and I have been spending a lot of time with Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts since we’ve been back,” Twilight replied as she put an arm on her side, “They really miss you.” “Plus I’ve been wanting to fill you in on our adventures,” Cody added. “Look, I already told you!” said Moon Dancer as she swatted Twilight’s hand away, “The last thing I need is a bunch of ridiculous friend-making keeping me from studying!” She then started to leave when she walked past Cody and Sunset. “And as for whatever you wanted to discuss with me,” said Moondancer to Cody, “Go tell it to somepony who cares!” “Ouch...” Cody whimpered, feeling very hurt. “Considering who you married, you should be used to it!” Moondancer shot back as she headed toward the front door. “Moondancer, wait!” said Twilight, “A wise pony once told taught me that there’s more to life than dusty old books!” “I tried friendship and it’s just not for me,” Moondancer replied as she went to open the door to leave, “Now, if you’ll excuse me...” Twilight pondered quickly when she got another idea. “What if I taught you Hayscartes’ method?” Twilight proposed. Moondancer stopped to look at her as Twilight used her magic to tell her a paper saying when and where they were having dinner. Later that night, Cody, the seven ponies, and Spike were all sitting at a large round table at a rather nice restaurant in the heart of Canterlot. While everypony was glad that Moondancer had shown up, they were all having a hard time making conversation with her, except for Spike who was just keeping quiet and stuffing his face. “So, uh, what are you studying these days?” Minuette asked the butter colored unicorn. “Science, magic, history, economics, pottery, things like that,” Moon Dancer replied. “Yowza!” said Minuette and chuckled, “You planning on being a professor or something?” “No,” said Moondancer bluntly. “So you’re just...studying,” Minuette replied. “Sure you don’t have a goal in mind. Even when Twilight used to study, she had originally hoped to be a professor or the librarian of Equestria’s next greatest library,” Cody added. “Let me guess, your goals were to become a Jedi Knight and the new ruler of Equestria?” Moondancer asked bluntly. “Correct, and I succeeded with the former,” Cody replied. He told Moondancer and the others about the adventures he, his wives, and their Ponyville friends went on, including the missions offworld. The others oohed and awed impressively. Moondancer felt most annoyed. “Can I go now?” she asked rudely. “Moondancer, please,” said Twilight. “It’s all right, Twilight,” said Minuette, “We’re having a good time. Right, everypony?” The others just murmured sounds of uncertainty in reply. “So, uh...Spike, tell Moon Dancer that story ‘bout how Twilight had to read a book about doing a sleepover!” Minuette continued to try and keep the conversation going. Spike inhaled to speak. “Slumber 101?” Moon Dancer asked, “I’ve read that.” “Oh! Really?” Twilight chuckled. “Well, uh, did you know Lemon Hearts works at the Canterlot Palace?” Twilight stuttered, trying to come up with something to erase the awkwardness in the air. “Uh, yeah. It’s true,” said Lemon Hearts, “I do big events mostly. State dinners, that sort of thing.” “Remind us to ask for your help next time Canterlot hosts a summit,” Cody said, “Last time, my wives and I were busy for three days. We barely got enough sleep and woke up early, trying to get everything ready ourselves and it lead to some...unfortunate consequences.” “I said I was sorry,” Spike replied annoyingly, “It’s not my fault dragon sneeze trees upset my sinuses.” “I wasn’t going to bring you up, Spike,” said Mario with a glare at the little dragon. Another moment of awkward silence presented itself. “Ugh!” Moondancer huffed before stomping away. “Moondancer, we haven’t ordered dessert yet!” Cody called out. “Stuff it up your ear!” Moondancer shouted. Cody cringed and just looked most upset. The buttered colored unicorn was already out the door by the time Twilight had helped Cody recompose himself. She and Sunset teleported out of the restaurant, but not before Cody handed Twinkleshine the gems needed to pay for their meal with tip. “Moondancer!” Twilight called out but the butter colored unicorn kept walking and ignored her. Twilight and Sunset then teleported in front of her, with Cody. “You gotta give a friendship a chance!” said Twilight. “And you’re obviously upset with us, especially me,” Cody added, “Can’t we talk this out?” “Dah! I gave friendship a chance a long time ago,” said Moondancer sternly, “It didn’t work out then, it isn’t gonna work out now!” “Moondancer please...” Sunset replied. “I don’t wanna hear it!” Moondancer yelled as she angrily stomped away. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset looked hurt. It was then Spike arrived shortly after. “Twilight, Cody, Sunset, are you all right?” Spike asked as he saw the two mares’ eyes were filling up with tears. “No,” said Twilight, clearly upset, “No, I’m not.” Cody could see Twilight and Sunset walked away, about to cry. “Twily, Sunset?...” Cody asked gently. “W-where are you goin’?” Spike asked. “I don’t know Spike,” said Twilight sadly, “We really messed this one up. That party was everything to her. We can only imagine what it must’ve felt like when I didn’t show up.” Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Spike then noticed that the purple pony had left them to the west castle courtyard. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset looked to see another vision of the past manifest before their eyes. Flashback Moondancer was setting up for her little party. Back then, she looked the same as she did as a filly, except she had her black glasses on and her bangs were down. Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette had just arrived. ”Hey, Moondancer!” said Minuette, “Look at this spread, huh?” ”Thank you so much for coming!” Moondancer replied happily. ”Of course,” said Twinkleshine, “We wouldn’t miss one of our best friends’ parties!” ”Are Twilight and Sunset coming?” Moondancer asked excitedly, “And Cody too? I think I’m ready to tell him how I feel! I can’t wait to say those three words and make him my special somepony!” There was a long silence as the three unicorns winced. Moondancer didn’t need long to figure out the answer. ”Oh. Okay,” said Moondancer sadly but then blinked, “Wait, maybe that was just Twilight and Sunset! I’m sure Cody will...” The three unicorns cringed and looked away again. Moondancer than figured that if Twilight wasn’t coming, neither was Cody or Sunset. ”Oh...I see...” said Moondancer, now feeling heartbroken. ”Hey, we’ll still have fun, right?” Minuette chuckled nervously. ”Sure...” said Moondancer in a tone that had no emotion in her voice as she walked sadly away. End Flashback It was then the vision disappeared and Twilight just looked more glum. “If there was only a way to undo the damage,” said Twilight sadly. Cody sighed. “You can’t change the past, Twily,” Cody replied sadly. Twilight pondered and then smirked. “Cody, I have another idea,” said Twilight, “But...I need your help to make it happen. Will you help me?” Cody sighed. “Before I agree, what exactly is this idea?” Cody asked skeptically. “I’ll explain along the way. Right now, I know what we need to do and I know just who can help us,” said Twilight. She and Sunset hoped that once Cody heard about their idea that he would agree with it, and indeed he did. Next morning, Minuette had just arrived outside of the tower Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were staying in. She knocked on the door and then leaned in once she didn’t hear a reply. “Huh. Guess they must’ve gone back to Ponyville,” said Minuette casually and turned to leave. But then she noticed something in the distance. It was Twilight, Cody, and Sunset. The former was doing a bit of a super-pony pose as she flew with something pink on her, piggyback, and Spike was hanging onto Twilight’s tail for dear life. He had once again made the mistake of riding Twilight piggyback instead of Sunset, especially since Twilight wasn’t used to carrying anything bigger than Spike on her back. “Wheeeeeeeeee!” Pinkie screamed. “Huh?” Minuette exclaimed in surprise. “Whoooooaaa!” Pinkie laughed despite the fact that Twilight was coming in way too fast for a safe landing. “INCOMING!” Sunset called out as she saw Minuette in front of them since she couldn’t break Twilight’s momentum. It was too late, Twilight collided with Minuette and they all crashed landed into the grass below. Luckily, Cody landed smoothly and took off his jet pack. “Ugh, and I thought we had finally gotten past the crash landings,” Sunset groaned. “Sorry, Sunset,” Twilight groaned. “That was awesome!” Pinkie exclaimed as she jumped into the air and hovered about by twirling her tail like a propeller, “We gotta go flying more often, Twilight and Sunset! Same for you, Cody!” “Sure...” said Sunset wearily. “There you are!” Minuette laughed and already recovered from the crash, “I thought you threw in the old towel and headed home! Then again...Cody throwing in the old towel? Sounds kinda weird now that I think about it...” Minuette just giggled to herself. “We did head back home,” said Twilight, “But not to throw in the towel, we went to get our secret weapon. Minuette, meet-” “Hey! Pinkie Pie!” Minuette greeted excitedly. “Hi, Minuette!” said Pinkie as the two ponies shared a warm hug with each other, “Twilight, Cody, Sunset, you didn’t say Minuette would be here!” “We didn’t know she was looking for us,” Cody replied honestly. “You two know each other?” Twilight asked in surprise. “Oh, sure!” said Pinkie, “She was one of Cadance’s bridesmaids! We hang out all the time when she’s in Ponyville! Didn’t you know that? Ha! And you call yourself the Princess of Friendship!” Pinkie gave Twilight a playful jab. “Twilight, Cody, and Sunset briefed me on the way here,” said Pinkie to Minuette, “We’ll need fifteen bags of confetti and as many hands as we can get.” “Let’s go!” said Minuette excitedly, “We can pass by the donut place on the way!” Twilight, Cody, Sunset, and Spike watched them disappear before the latter turned to Twilight. “And what are we gonna do?” Spike asked the purple pony. “Just come with us,” said Twilight confidently as her plan was now underway. Elsewhere, Moon Dancer has just exited the Canterlot library when she noticed some books laying on the ground. She knelt down so see what the covers were. “Ooh! A Brief History of the Wagon Harness!” said Moondancer with interest and then looked at another book on the floor, “Huh? The Life and Times of Morari the Maneless?” She then picked up both books with her magic. She then noticed a long trail of dropped books on the ground and started to pick them up one by one. It wasn’t long before Moondancer had two very tall stacks of books. She then looked up and gasped, which caused her to drop all the books at her sides. She noticed the area was covered in decorations. “What is this?” Moondancer asked as she readjusted her glasses. “It’s a party. For you,” said Twilight as she, Cody, and Sunset appeared with party hats. Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lemon Hearts appeared as well, also wearing party hats. Spike then pushed a large cake over the group. “Surprise!” Pinkie shouted as jumped out of the cake, wearing her own party hat, and put one on Moondancer’s head. She also stuck a party blower into the butter-colored unicorn’s mouth. “Come on in!” said Twilight. “It’s party time!” Cody added. Moondancer then spat out the party blower in her mouth definitively. “Thanks, but no thanks,” Moondancer replied as she crushed the party hat with her magic, “I don’t do parties.” Moondancer started to walk away before Twilight teleport ported in front of her, which caused the purple pony’s hat to fall off. “I know, and I think it’s our fault,” Twilight said, “Back when we were in school together, you invited us to a party. Sunset and I were so focused on our studies that we didn’t show up. And I was the one who said Cody couldn’t come either.” “Big deal!” Moondancer retorted sternly. “It was a big deal, and now that I realized how important friendship is, I’d like to make up for our mistake with a new party. A party in honor of my friend Moondancer!” said Twilight as she presented the party to her. She then grabbed a swinging stick for a piñata and offered it to Moondancer, “Please, you’ve got to let me make this up to you.” Moondancer just glared as she took the stick with her magic. “And you think this is gonna do it, huh?” Moondancer asked irritably as she headed to the piñata. “Uh, yes?” Twilight asked sheepishly as Cody walked up to her. “Well, sure, why wouldn’t it?” Moondancer replied sarcastically as she lightly batted the piñata with the stick and then pointed it at Twilight, Cody, and Sunset, “That was only the first time I put myself out there, and then you didn’t even bother to show up! Then you three left town without saying goodbye even though we were supposed to be friends!” Moondancer’s voice broke and she began to cry. “I was humiliated!” Moondancer croaked, “I felt like I wasn’t important! I never wanted to let myself be hurt like that again!” She sternly pointed the piñata stick at the three other unicorns, making them wince, as she made Twilight sit down and lean away, “Those three finally convinced me that I had value! That other ponies might like me and want to be my friend! And you. Didn’t. Show. UP!” “Moondancer please...” said Cody gently. Moondancer then threw herself away from the group, buried her face into her arms, and wept loudly and bitterly. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset had never felt so terrible in their entire lives. The rest of the group felt sorry for their now weeping friend. Pinkie looked worried but then got an idea and whispered it to Spike, who quickly walked off. Twilight and Cody both approached the weeping pony as the former put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re right,” said Twilight, “This party can’t make up for the way Sunset and I hurt you. But please, don’t let our mistake be the reason you can’t be friends with anypony else.” “She’s right, and let me just say that I am very sorry for hurting you as well,” Cody added. “We were your friends then and we’d be honored to be your friends now,” said Minuette on behalf of herself, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts. Moondancer just sobbed and sniffled as she tried to wipe her eyes. “You don’t need to feel alone, Moondancer,” Cody added as Twilight put a hand on her shoulder, “Take a look over there!” Moondancer looked and there before her were three familiar ponies. The first was a teal colored pony with light and dark grey mane and tail, and her mane was in a bun and wearing orange glasses. The second pony was peachy pink colored with a tri-pastel orange colored mane and tail and wearing a headband as well as violet colored glasses. The third pony looked just like Moondancer, but had a lighter orange and purple streaked mane and tail, both of which were in buns. “What? That’s the librarian! The bookseller! My sister!” Moondancer exclaimed when she saw them. “You’ve got a lot of friends, Moondancer,” said Minuette as they all gathered around her. Moondancer smiled, even though the tears in her eyes hadn’t stopped. “I’m sorry, Moondancer,” said Twilight as she, Cody, and Sunset stood behind her, “We’ve faced magical creatures, the end of Equestria, the Empire, all sorts of things. But seeing how our actions affected you, that was one of the worst feelings we’ve ever had.” “Neither of us ever wanted to hurt you like this,” Sunset added. “We’re both deeply sorry,” Cody finished. Moondancer sobbed a bit as a warm but teary smile appeared on her face. “Thank you, Twilight and Sunset. Thank you as well, Cody,” said Moondancer, “I never realized how much I needed to hear that.” It was then that Twilight, Cody, and Sunset gave her a group hug. She then turned to face the others. “Now come on, everypony!” Moondancer announced boldly, “Let’s party!” She whispered timidly to Pinkie, “Right?” “Right!” Pinkie replied as she got her party cannon and fired it upward. POP WHISTLE! “YAAAAAAY!” everypony cheered. The party lasted all afternoon and late into the night. Pinkie and Lemon Hearts shared a giant cake. Moondancer started chatting with her three guests/friends about some books as Spike got some more punch. Then Spike was taking his turn of playing “Pin the tail on the pony” with Twilight, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and Cody. Then the disco ball rotated as several ponies chatted and danced with each other. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset did a little ballroom routine, which was impressive for the old group since they never knew that Twilight and Sunset liked to dance. Eventually, things started to die down and Moondancer gave her three guests a hug goodbye and thank you as everypony else started cleaning up the decorations. “I think it’s time for us to go, Moondancer,” said Twilight as she, Cody, Sunset, Spike, and Pinkie arrived. “Thank you for helping me make some new friends,” said Moon Dancer, “Even if they are my old friends.” Cody, Twilight, and Sunset gave Moondancer a warm hug as Pinkie bounced about happily behind them. “Oh. We’ll come back and visit soon,” Twilight replied. “That would be great!” said Moondancer, “You’ve still gotta teach me that Hayscartes technique!” “Deal,” Twilight replied. “Um, Moondancer?” Spike spoke up as he walked up to the pony with his package, “It got kinda banged up, but here’s a little something I wanted to give you back at your first party.” Moondancer grabbed the battered package and opened it. She nearly cried tears of joy at what was inside. It was picture of the old Canterlot group when they were still in school. Lyra was in the picture and, of course, Twilight and Sunset were reading and not even looking at the camera. Moondancer couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact she was just looking at Twilight and Cody was giving her stink eye as he squatted in front of the table. The picture now hangs on a nearby wall inside of her home. Moondancer now spent time with the other three unicorns doing many things, such as playing hoofball together in her front yard. She promised to clean up her house and yard, but wasn’t in a rush to do. All that mattered to her was that she had friends again and her life was so much better because of them.

Chapter 19: Castle Sweet Castle A week after solving their first friendship problem, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were at Fluttershy and Bucky’s cottage helping them with bath day. Cody chuckled as he, Bucky, and Twilight were busy helping to scrub some other critters. They too were rather dirty and grimy as well from working so hard. “Marriage is a wonderful thing,” Cody said as he finished giving some chickens their bath and even gave them hand-made bathrobes to wear when they finished, “Right dear?” Twilight just said nothing and continued to do her share of animal cleanings as some other critters waited by her to take their turn. Cody sighed. “Babes!” Cody called out again. “Yeah?” Twilight and Sunset asked as they continued with their work. “I love being married to you both!” Cody told her with a smile. “Same here,” Twilight and Sunset replied said plainly and continued to work. Cody looked hurt. He was hoping for a smile or a small giggle at the very least from his wives. “Am I getting dull?” Cody asked the critters gathered around him. They all chattered in their own dialect and then pointed something out to him. “Oh, right,” said Cody in realization, “She’s in the zone right now. No wonder her answers are so blunt. Okay, let’s get you all clean up and then I’ll praise my love to Twilight and Sunset later.” The animals all chattered in agreement as Cody got back to work. At that moment, Fluttershy had just filled up another tub with water and bubbles and began scrubbing a goat. Then Sunset started cleaning some pigs so they were squeaky clean. Cody scrubbed Harry’s back while Twilight brushed his teeth, which the bear smiled to show his now pearly whites. “Lookin’ good, Harry,” Cody remarked as he and the bear shared a high-five. Then Twilight and Fluttershy worked together to finished cleaning a pig while Sunset and Cody worked together to clean some humming birds, who sang happily. Soon their long job had been complete and all four of them were looking very dirty and grimy, even their manes and tails were very messy and in need of a good brushing. “Phew!” said Fluttershy as she wiped her brow, “Thanks for helping us get them so fresh and clean, you three.” “No problem, happy to do it!” said Twilight. “Nothing making us happier than when we can help out and spend time with our friends,” Cody added as Twilight and Sunset smiled and nodded in agreement. “You three probably can’t wait to get back to your castle and take your own baths, huh?” Fluttershy remarked, making the royal trio freeze for a moment. “Aren’t there more animals that need cleaning?” Twilight asked hopefully. “I think you three and I are the only ones left, and I can’t wait to get the mud out of my mane,” said Fluttershy as she stroked her mane. “Alright if I join you?” Bucky asked flirtatiously. “Of course,” Fluttershy replied sweetly. Twilight and Cody just exchanged worried looks. Then Twilight noticed Angel standing behind her hind leg and pushed him into some mud. “Oh no! Angel got dirty!” said Twilight in an over the top tone. “My, my! Guess our job isn’t finished after all!” Cody added in the same tone. “We’d better stay longer to help give him a bath too!” said Twilight, “Come on, honey!” “Yes, dear,” Cody replied as Twilight put Angel into a bath and they worked together to scrub Angel clean. Angel looked rather indignant. It was already dusk as Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were still trying to clean Angel. Fluttershy and Bucky had already taken their baths and they were now downstairs with the three of them. “Thank you both ever so much for staying to give Angel a bath, too, but, um...I think he’s dry,” Fluttershy said. Twilight was still using the towel to dry Angel off. “You never know, one little damp spot could risk Angel catching a cold after all,” Cody replied. Twilight lifted the towel and Angel just had his grumpy face on. Then his fur poofed out. “There, extra clean, extra dry, and extra fluffy,” said Cody. “He’s so fluffy!” Twilight called out. Cody stared, but then they both laughed. “Goodness! It’s gotten late!” said Fluttershy, “You two really didn’t have to stay all day. Not that we don’t appreciate it. Isn’t that right?” Fluttershy and Bucky then looked at Angel. Angel just grunted irritably as he glared at the both of them. Fluttershy then noticed that Twilight had grabbed a feather duster and was now cleaning the living room. “Just whistle while you work,” Cody sang as he fluffed up the pillow and cushions and whistled the rest of the song. Twilight soon joined him on the whistling. “I for one am exhausted,” said Fluttershy as she gave an overly-dramatic yawn. “Plus, we really need rest up for that big pancake breakfast tomorrow,” Fluttershy added as she noticed the two alicorns were still working and continued, “And I’m sure you have to get the castle ready.” “No!” Twilight interjected, “The castle’s...fine! Right dear?” “Y-y-yeah,” Cody stuttered, “The castle is simply divine after all! Nothing else needs to be done...at the castle.” “I see...” said Bucky skeptically, not believing either of them. Cody gave his wife a nervous look as Twilight quickly looked at her husband and then got an idea. “But maybe we’d better see if Pinkie Pie needs help with the pancakes!” said Twilight. “Great idea, honey! Okay, everything is good here. See ya tomorrow then! Bye!” Cody replied. He, Twilight and Sunset then went out of the cottage and headed to Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy, and Angel stepped outside and watched the royal couple disappear into the sky. Fluttershy looked at Angel. The bunny just glared at her both before he went inside and slammed the door behind her. “Um, Angel?” Fluttershy said as she knocked on the door since Angel had locked her out of the house. It was then that Bucky opened the door for her and she went back inside. The next morning, Harmony Squad was at Twilight, Cody, and Sunset’s castle enjoying themselves as they ate some tall delicious stacks of pancakes with lots of toppings like fresh berries and chocolate chips, and whipped cream. Everypony didn’t resist eating rather noisily, thought Rarity was the only pony using a fork with her magic. Pinkie literally faceplanted her own stack of pancakes. “Mm, these are delicious, Pinkie Pie!” said Applejack after she swallowed a bite. Pinkie lifted her face, showing her face was completely covered in whipped cream and chocolate chips. She then used her tongue to slurp up the whipped cream and chocolate chips off her face. “Thanks!” said Pinkie, “Cody and Twilight spent almost all night helping me pick the flavor! I kept thinking we found the right one, but they insisted I make even more to try. And more. And more and more and more and more!” Pinkie quickly stacked up pancakes until she had a very tall stack on her plate, “It was like they never wanted to-” “Leave?” Fluttershy and Bucky said together wearily. “Exactly!” said Pinkie as she took a large bite on the side of her tower of pancakes, “Eventually we ran out of time so we just went with every-berry-any-chip-surprise!” Pinkie then zipped over to Rarity. “The surprise is I lost a measuring spoon in the batter,” Pinkie told Rarity in a hushed tone, “Somepony’s gonna get a very special pancake!” Pinkie trotted away as Rarity used her magic to skeptically check her own stack of pancakes for anything unusual. “Up all night, huh? Is that why they’re so, uh...out of it?” Rainbow asked as she pointed to the royal couple. Each of them were sitting next to each other before their own stack of pancakes, but neither was eating any of them. Twilight and Sunset were snoring loudly, their manes and tails were very messy. Even Cody’s hair was messy. Twilight and Sunset then lifted their heads back as they kept snoring. Cody then leaned into her shoulder. “Um, Bucky and I, don’t mean to sound unappreciative, but has anypony else noticed that Twilight, Cody, and Sunset have been a little too helpful lately?” said Fluttershy. “Now that you mention it,” said Applejack, “They were lendin’ a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres the other day and stuck around ‘til dusk. Dug up fifty tree-plantin’ holes when all I needed was ten.” A flashback was seen of the farming grounds filled with holes and Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were inside one of the holes digging. Applejack and Sal were standing just outside the area when Twilight peeked out and smiled. Applejack just smiled back sheepishly. “They spent an entire afternoon rearranging a single gem drawer at the boutique,” said Rarity, “An entire afternoon!” A flash back was seen of Twilight and Cody, using their own magnifying glass, to examine and arrange a set of gems that “supposedly” looked exactly the same.” “You think that’s weird,” said Rainbow, “She and Sunset raced me, like, a hundred times the other day. And they lost every time, but they kept goin’! Best out of ten, best out of twenty, best out of a hundred!” A flashback was seen of Rainbow, Twilight, and Sunset racing each other. The first race had Rainbow finishing first, then Sunset was second, and Twilight was third. A later race showed the same results. Then a later race the same, but a key fact was that Twilight was getting more and more worn out until she and Sunset collapsed onto a cloud. “I mean, I know hanging out with me is awesome, but, at least for Twilight and Sunset, they’d rather keep losing than-” said Rainbow. “Leave?” Fluttershy and Bucky guessed. “Yeah,” Rainbow replied, “Who does that?” The three pegasi looked to see Twilight, Cody, and Sunset, who were still snoring. Then Twilight faceplanted her stack of pancakes and hugged them like a pillow. Cody was now using Twilight’s messy mane for his own pillow and snuggled contently into it. “Someponies who are avoidin’ somethin’, that’s who,” said Applejack as Pinkie flipped her plate of pancakes into the air and gobbled them all down at once, “Soon as they wake up, we’re gonna find out what.” Pinkie then hacked as she spit out...a measuring spoon?! The object went flying at Fluttershy, who was just taking another bite of her pancakes. The yellow Pegasus got bopped in the head as the stick end stuck itself into her stack. The others just stared at the spoon, looking stunned. “I win!” Pinkie shouted excitedly. “Huh?!” Twilight yelped as sat up with a pancake stuck on her horn. “Yah!” Cody yelped as he tumbled off Twilight’s mane and onto the floor behind her with a thud. “I’m pancake!” Twilight said quickly before recovering, “I mean, awake...” Twilight then lifted the pancake to smile at her friends. Cody and Sunset groaned as they sat up and rubbed the back of their heads. “Sorry, dear,” said Twilight as she helped her husband and Sunset back to their seats beside her. Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack stared at them for a moment. “Uh, Twilight? Cody?” Applejack asked, “Is there something you wanna tell us?” Twilight, Cody, and Sunset said nothing. Twilight just kept staring at the pancake on her face. “You know how much we appreciate all you do for us,” said Rarity as she used her magic to removed the pancake of off Twilight’s face, only for the three ponies to finch when Pinkie jumped up, snagged the pancake, and disappeared underneath the table, “and we simply adore having you around...but...we worry you might be...ahem...avoid something else?” Twilight and Cody shared worried looks with each other. Cody let out a long sigh. “I think we need to tell them, Twilight,” said Cody quietly. “Honey, please...” Twilight protested. “We’ve kept this secret for as long as we could,” Sunset interrupted, “I think it’s time we told our friends what’s going on. They all can tell something is up. And...maybe they can help...” “Oh, has it been that obvious?” Twilight asked the others. All but Pinkie, who was eating the pancake she got from Twilight’s horn, gave her worried and concerned looks. “You know Cody, you’re always saying that we can come to you about anything,” Bucky pointed out, “Doesn’t that applying to you and your wife as well? You can tell us anything. What’s on your mind?” Sal inquired. Cody and Twilight just shared worried looks with each other. “We’ve been...the thing is...” Twilight stuttered hesitantly as Cody put an arm around his wives’ shoulders, “We know it’s silly, but we...we’ve been avoiding...this place.” Twilight pointed to the castle itself as Cody and Sunset nodded in agreement. Rarity gasped dramatically. “Why in Equestria would you want to avoid such a gorgeous castle?” Rarity asked as Fluttershy and Bucky stood to the right of the royal couple. “Yeah, this place has everything!” said Pinkie as she popped out between Rarity and Twilight. “Big tall ceilings that make you feel tiny,” said Pinkie as she jumped high into the air and then appeared in the background to make herself look small. “Shiny new floors that are cold to the touch! Brrr!” Pinkie said as she rubbed a fore-hoof on the floor, lay down and shivered before zooming away. “And it even has loooong empty hallways!” Pinkie opened a door and shouted, making the word “hallways” echo through the castle hallways. She then returned back to Twilight, Cody, and Sunset. “Okay, I get it,” said Pinkie as Cody gave her a funny look. “The castle is amazing, but it just... it doesn’t feel like home!” Twilight sighed. “I agree, Twilight,” Sunset added. They then leaned their heads on the table sadly. “It’s just so different from the Golden Oak Library,” said Cody sadly as he rubbed his wives’ backs, “You just felt naturally at home there. This castle...it just feels like...a castle...” “What’re you talking about, Cody? You’re a prince, you grew up in the Canterlot Castle for fifteen and a half years. We’d think at least you would be used to this kind of place,” Rainbow replied. “True, but I don’t really know my way around in this castle yet,” Cody said, “That’s why Twilight, Sunset, and I have been staying in my old childhood bedroom.” Rarity chuckled. “Oh, is that all?” Rarity replied, “Why, you simply need to decorate, darling. Make this place your own.” “Easier said than done,” said Cody wearily. “He’s right,” Twilight added as Cody grabbed a pancake and took a small bite, “It’s just so daunting! Look how big it is! We-we don’t even know where to start!” Twilight was about to faceplant her plate of pancakes when Rarity pulled the pancakes out of the way as Twilight faceplanted the table. Cody then pushed his plate of pancakes away rested his head on his arms while leaning on the table. “You can start by letting us do it for you,” said Rarity. The royal couple just looked at the fashionista with weary looks on their faces as she walked up to them, “We will make this the castle of your dreams while the both of you go to the Ponyville spa for some much needed rest and relaxation.” Rarity then held up a mirror for both Twilight and Cody to see how they looked. “I’m saying this with love, but...have you two looked in the mirror, lately? I’ve never seen you both look this...mmmm...” said Rarity gently. “Tired?” Sal and Bucky proposed. “Frazzled?” Fluttershy said as well. “Yes!” said Rarity as she set the mirror down, “That is absolutely the words I was going to use.” “You don’t need to sugar coat it,” Cody replied in a soft and gloomy tone, “We both look like we got trapped in the Everfree forest all night. At least Twilight still looks beautiful. I, on the other hand, am completely hideous.” “Stop it!” said Twilight as she lightly swatted his head, making him flinch, “You’re still handsome to me, Cody Ando, and don’t you forget it.” “Thanks Twily,” said Cody, giving her a soft smile and Twilight smiled back. The others chuckled to each other. “Ooh, I guess we do need a little help, and so does our castle. And we know you’ll do a great job, because nopony knows us better than you.” said Twilight. “We’ll make this place feel cozier than hot cider on a rainy day,” said Applejack. “That’s definitely the kind of cozy my wives and I could use for this place,” Cody replied with a smile. Rainbow then gasped. “There’s gonna be cider?!” Rainbow asked hopefully with glittery eyes as she hovered into the air. Applejack and Sal gave her an annoyed look. Rainbow soon realized the orange pony was just using a metaphor. “Uh, I mean, let’s decorate!” said Rainbow once she recomposed herself. “Oh, no!” Spike exclaimed as he entered the dining room rubbing his eyes while holding a blanket and his Rarity plush toy, “Did I miss the pancakes?!” Spike then dropped his Rarity plushie and headed over to the table. “I sleep like a baby under that cold, cavernous ceiling,” Spike said as he climbed onto the table and started grabbing a couple of pancakes to eat. “Spike, I’m so glad you’re here!” said Rarity just as Spike was about to start eating. “Really?” Spike asked, rather surprised. “Yes!” Rarity replied, “You’re taking Twilight, Cody, and Sunset to the spa!” “Great! I’ve been meaning to get my claws done!” Spike said, then looked at his claws before taking a bite of the pancakes he had collected. He then noticed that everypony else was just staring and smiling at him. “Oh, you mean now!” Spike said with his mouth full before he swallowed, stuffed the pancakes in his claw into his mouth, grabbed and gobbled up two more pancakes and grabbed one pancake in each claw before guiding Twilight, Cody, and Sunset out of the dining room. “Babe?” Twilight asked as they walked side by side once they were out of the dinning room. “Yes, Twily?” Cody replied. “Do you really think I’m beautiful looking like this?” Twilight asked him. “Yes I do,” Cody replied, “Do you really think I’m handsome?” “Of course,” Twilight said. “We both do, no matter what,” Sunset added. Back in the dining room, Applejack had gathered the others around her. “Come on, y’all!” said Applejack, “We’ve got work to do!” It wasn’t long before the five girls, Sal, and Bucky exited the dining room and stated walking down one of the hallways. It was then that they started looking around for places to decorate. “Girls, since this is Cody, Twilight, and Sunset’s place, we need to make them feel at home first and foremost,” Sal replied. “We just need to look back on what we all liked about the Golden Oak Library and apply that to this castle,” Bucky added. Sal, Bucky, and the five mares then looked around the room. “Hey guys, how do my claws look?” Spike asked as he walked in. “Oh, Spike!” said Rarity, “Are you, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset done already?” “Don’t worry,” said Spike, “I ordered Twilight and Sunset the super-deluxe mane blow-out! They’ll be while.” “And Cody?” Applejack asked. “I ordered a full pedicure treatment for him,” Spike said, “He’ll be awhile as well.” “Since you’re here, Spike, maybe you can remind us of what we all liked about the Golden Oak Library,” Sal replied. “That way we can make Twilight, Cody and Sunset feel at home here. But we’re having trouble thinking,” Bucky added. “What are we gonna do?!” Rainbow asked as she hovered. “I dunno,” said Spike, “But Twilight and Sunset’s blow-out and Cody’s complete pedicure won’t take that long.” “Come on, guys, we’ve gotta do something!” Rainbow called out, “Twilight, Cody, and Sunset are counting on us!” “We made a lot of good memories in the Golden Oak Library, maybe you should surprise them with a part of it and something representing the memories we made,” Spike suggested. “Good thinking, Spike,” Bucky replied. “Spike, you’ve got to get back to that spa and stall them! Whatever you do, don’t let them come home!” said Rarity as she got into the little dragon’s face. “Like, forever?” Spike asked, “But we live here.” “Uh, yes, well, uh, maybe you could manage it ‘til...sunset-ish?” Rarity asked and battled her eyelashes at him. Spike was instantly lovesick as he floated into the air and hearts radiated from underneath him. “Anything for you, Rarity...” Spike replied in a dazed tone as he literally floated out of the room. Back at the spa, Twilight and Sunet had each of their heads under a hair-dryer dome and looking at themselves in the mirror while Cody stood nearby. It was then that she noticed Spike enter from the mirror. “Spike, you’re back!” Twilight said as the hair dome was lifted off her head, “How do we look?” They showed both the dragon and her husband the tops of their mane, which was now done in a bushy, slightly street punk style look. “A little like Sabine. Most impressive,” Cody replied. Twilight and Sunset each gave a light squee of happiness. “What about you, Spike?” Twilight asked the little dragon. Spike cringed for a moment. “Great!” Spike said quickly. “And more importantly, how does the castle look?” Twilight asked as her bushy bangs fell over her eyes a bit. “Great?” said Spike with a nervous look on his face, which neither alicorn noticed. “We can’t wait to go home and see it!” said Twilight eagerly as she and Sunset got up from the salon chairs. “What about you, sweetie?” Sunset asked. “I’m curious to see what our friends have came up with,” Cody added as he got up as well. “Great! I mean, no!” said Spike but then panicked as he grabbed Twilight and Sunset’s tails. “What’s up little buddy?” Cody asked as he, Twilight, and Sunset looked at him curiously. “I mean, uh, I’m not...quite ready to go yet,” Spike stuttered as he reached out and pulled one of the spa brochures, “Uh, why don’t we have a message? I was really hoping to get, uh...this thingy!” “The “Extra-strength-hot-stone-deep-tissue message?” Twilight read on the brochure. “That sounds rather...intense...” Cody said slowly. Spike gulped. “Yep!” said Spike bravely. “I think Sunset and I will just have a traditional message,” said Twilight as Lotus Blossom stood beside them. “Wanna join us honey? We can do a message together,” Sunset asked. “Sounds good to me,” Cody replied, “I was feeling a little lonely getting that pedicure all by myself.” “But if you want that massage, Spike,” said Twilight, “You go for it.” “Did somepony order massages?” Aloe asked when there was a loud crash from the wall next to her. Apparently Bulk Biceps was the masseur for the message Spike wanted. “Yeah! Let’s do this, little dragon!” Bulk told Spike. The little dragon cowered fearfully as the muscular Pegasus picked Spike up between his shoulder muscles and then smashed through the wall again to exit the room. “Oh, I hate it when he does that,” said Aloe wearily, “Come with me, prince and princesses.” Twilight, Cody, and Sunset sighed as they headed to the room for their couple’s message. Soon enough, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were just sighing and stretching contently. “Great suggestion, Spike,” said Twilight, “Sunset and I feel totally relaxed.” “Same here, dears,” Cody added, “My muscles feel nice and loosened up.” He then did a good flip into the air and landed perfectly as Twilight and Sunset watched. Poor Spike was behind them and bent out of shape from his deep tissue message treatment. “Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow...” Spike yelped as he tried to keep pace behind them and his joints cracking as he moved about. “You want to hop on?” Twilight offered, “Maybe I can get us to the castle faster.” Spike froze and winced as he saw that the sun was still fairly high in the sky as some birds flew across the yellowish orb. “Ow!” said Spike when he straightened up a little too fast, “I mean...how...nice is this day? I was hoping we could take a scenic way back.” “I don’t know,” said Twilight. “A scenic walk would be nice,” Cody said, “Would you mind if Twilight, Sunset, and I held hands while we do?” Twilight wasn’t feeling too sure about it. “Come on,” Spike pushed, “Walking is good for the post-massage circulation. And the hand-holding is cool. You can kiss each other for if it means you’ll do the walk with me.” “Really?” said Twilight, “I’ve never heard that theory, but if you’re okay with us holding hands, then let’s go.” “Same here,” Cody added as he offered his hands. Twilight and Sunset put theirs on top so it looked like they were holding each other’s hands. Along the way, they came to a very familiar place. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset shared sad looks with each other as the latter two sighed. “I really miss this place, Spike,” said Twilight since she, Cody, and Sunset had already shared a moment beforehand, “We had so many wonderful memories here.” Cody and Sunset nodded in agreement as Spike looked at the ruins quietly. “We did, didn’t we...” Spike replied sadly as a small tear came out of his eyes. “Oh, Spike, I’m so sorry,” said Twilight sadly, “Of course losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for you too.” Twilight then pulled Spike in for a hug as Cody and Sunset hugged Spike from the sides as the little dragon shed a tear. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we have the girls, Sal, and Bucky add some things to make the castle feel more like your home as well?” Twilight suggested. “Really?” Spike asked. “That’s a great idea, Twily,” Cody replied, “Why didn’t I think of that?” “Hop on!” said Twilight as Spike piggybacked onto her. Spike looked back to see the sun was still out. He winced as he saw Twilight open her wings to take off. Spike grabbed the edges as she tried to take off, making the purple alicorn land on her stomach. “Ow! What are you doing?” Twilight asked Spike. “I, um...I just thought of what I want!” said Spike. “Oh, okay,” said Twilight, “What is it?” “We’re listening,” Cody added. “It’s a...well, I want a...it’s...I kind of need a...a bed!” Spike stuttered with an over the top smile on his face. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset were stunned. “I thought you said you sleep like a baby in the castle,” Twilight said skeptically. “Yeah, you slept so soundly that you missed the pancake breakfast if you recall,” Cody reminded him. Spike scoffed. “Everypony knows babies are terrible sleepers,” said Spike. “Really?” Sunset asked, raising her eyebrow at him suspiciously. “Let’s go!” said Spike, wanting to reduce the risk of Sunset making eye contact with him. Twilight and Cody shared skeptical looks with each other before reluctantly headed off to find the local shop that sold beds. A little while later at the bed shop, Spike was testing a bed. Cody and Twilight looked very drained. Spike had literally been testing every nook and cranny of every bed in the shop. “How’s that one?” Twilight asked, “Too soft? Too hard? Too lumpy?” “Can you please pick something already?!” Cody said through his teeth despite the smile on his face. “Um...” Spike pondered as he sat up and looked out the window to see the sun was setting, “Just right! I’ll take it!” “Oh, thank goodness,” said Twilight as she, Cody, and Sunset sighed with relief, “I thought you’d never find one you liked! Let’s find a sales pony and get out of here!” It was then a sales pony appeared with a large smile on his face, ready to help. “Look there’s one,” Cody added as he looked behind himself, “I’ll go make the purchase and find out how soon they can deliver the bed to the castle!” “Sounds good to me……On second thought, I see another one that’s a little more my style,” Spike said, noticing Sal, Bucky, and the five mares out the window. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset groaned in frustration. Back with the others, they had all gone to the remains of the library. They were all feeling rather excited once Applejack had explained her plan, but when they arrived. The orange pony wasn’t feeling as confident about her idea. “Maybe my plan won’t work after all,” Applejack sighed as the rest of the group looked just as sad and worried. Then Rarity perked up. “Of course it will, darling,” said Rarity, “I can see it! You and Fluttershy, and Sal stay here. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Bucky you come with me. We’re going shopping! We’ll meet back at the castle.” The two group quickly split up and got to work. Applejack began digging outside the remains with a shovel. Applejack (sings): It’s not the things that ya gather ‘round Fluttershy instructed some critters to dig for her. Fluttershy (sings): It’s not how much you own Pinkie, Rarity, and Bucky came out with lots of shopping bags. Rainbow had so many that she struggled to get them out of the front door. Then they headed back to the castle. Rarity (sings): The things that hold the meaning in your life Are the memories you’ve sown Pinkie then dumped the contents of her shopping bags. Rarity, wearing her work glasses, picked up some gems and started sewing them together. Applejack then brushed and blew on what looked like some sort of wooden sculpture. Rainbow then pulled a rope through a pulley hanging from above. Rarity monitored the object’s position while Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Sal, and Bucky pulled on the ropes to lift the object to the ceiling. Then Sal, Bucky, and the five ponies admired their completed project and then exchanged smiles with each other. Everypony (sings): So we make, so we make, so we make This castle a home So we make, so we make This castle a home So we make, so we make This castle a home! A few minutes later, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset arrived. “Hello? We’re home!” Twilight announced as she opened a door as Cody, Sunset, and Spike walked in as well. Spike was carrying various items in his claws. “Welcome home!” the others said as they walked up to the royal couple and Spike. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset began to walk about the castle. They found that the group had supposedly done...very little changes to the decor. “Oh, I uh...love what you’ve done with the place,” said Twilight in a polite tone, “You did such a good job of...preserving the integrity of the original design.” “Aw come on!” Spike retorted, especially to Rarity, “It looks exactly the same. Do you know how hard it was to keep them from coming back here?! I never want to see another dust ruffle as long as I live!” “Easy there, Spike,” said Cody, “Obviously the old saying goes that when something ain’t broke, don’t fix...” Cody blinked, “Did you just say...?” “Wait,” Twilight interrupted, “Keep us from coming back here?” “Is there something we need to know?” Sunset asked suspiciously. Rarity laughed nervously. “It took a teensy bit longer than we thought,” Rarity admitted honestly. “What really makes a home feel like a home isn’t what it looks like,” said Applejack as she removed and held her stenson hat, “It’s the memories you make when you’re there.” Applejack then looked at the others. “So we’ve made something that celebrates the memories we’ve made since you both first moved to Ponyville,” said Rarity. Fluttershy and Rainbow then opened the doors to the throne room. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset gasped. There hanging above was the roots of a giant tree and along its roots were various strings of sparkly gemstones hanging from them. “The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we’ve had together,” said Fluttershy as she and Rainbow hovered before it. “That one shows your party at the Golden Oak Library welcoming you both to Ponyville!” Pinkie pointed out as she showed the gem with a picture of Pinkie, Twilight, Cody, and Sunset. “The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!” Fluttershy added as she showed them a gem with all seven of them sharing a table. Cody and Twilight giggled as they remembered their first kiss. They were quickly in awe as their mouths hung open. “We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones,” Rarity continued from behind the royal couple. “And the best part is, it’s made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library, so you two will never forget where you came from,” Applejack finished as the royal couple stepped toward the new chandelier. Twilight, Cody, and Sunset examined it quietly for a moment as Rainbow and Fluttershy landed behind them. The silence left the group feeling a little worried, until Twilight, Cody, and Sunet turned around. They each had a warm smile on their face and their eyes brimming with tears. “It’s exactly what the castle needed,” said Twilight happily. “We couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect,” Cody added in a cracked but happy tone as the two ponies rushed toward the others for a big group hug. “And we are ready to make new memories here,” Twilight continued. “We can finally call this castle home,” Sunset finished. “Then let’s start right now with a new memory cake!” said Pinkie as they pulled away. The pink pony came back with a giant cake on her back with each layer a different color, “Seven layer what’s-that-flavor mystery surprise! These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!” Pinkie pointed at the brown dots along one of the layers of the cake. “Let’s go the dining room,” Twilight suggested as she used her magic to open the doors, “It’s a little sparse, but at least there’s a table and chairs.” Cody, Twilight, and Sunset then froze in place when they looked inside to see the dining room had been given some fancy decor upgrades and decorations. Even the dining table had a beautiful cloth on top, plates of treats, and a unicorn table topper on it. “Whoa! What happened in here?” said Twilight in surprise, “Last time we checked, this place was empty!” “I couldn’t help myself!” Rarity confessed, “It was just begging for the personal touch!” “Truth be told...” Applejack added, “I couldn’t either. Your kitchen might have rustic farm decor, you three.” “Does that include some old fashion baking pans for pies and cakes?” Cody asked. “Of course!” Applejack replied as Cody clapped excitedly. “And there may or may not be some Daring Do posters up in your library,” Rainbow added. “And some stuffed animals in your bedroom,” Fluttershy continued discreetly to the three of them. Cody, Twilight, and Sunset smiled. “And we turned one of the empty rooms into a medication chamber,” Sal finished. “Give it try when you’re feeling stressed out. I’m sure it will prove useful!” Bucky offered. “Thanks, Sal and Bucky,” Cody replied. Just then, R5 came into the dining room, beeping and whistling excitedly. The droid then showed everyone a holographic layout of the castle. “Good job making a layout of this place, R5,” Cody said. “Let’s say we have dinner in Canterlot. Our treat for your help,” Sunset suggested. “Good thinking, ‘cause we’re starvin’,” Applejack replied as they all left the castle.

Chapter 18: The Cutie Map It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. For the most part, the citizens of the town seemed to have gotten adjusted to having a giant crystal castle just outside the town area. Inside the castle, Harmony Squad entered the main room where all the thrones were located. It had been roughly three days since their recent adventure on Lothal. Inside, Spike was just snoring peacefully on his throne. Pinkie wasted no time bouncing over to her throne and taking a seat on it. She or any other pony hadn’t even realized that the cutie mark on it began to start glowing as soon as she sat down it. Rainbow had just hovered over to her throne when Twilight, Cody, and Sunset approached. “Let’s go through this one more time,” Twilight asked. “Not again,” Cody groaned and even Rainbow face-palmed herself. “We’ve been over it like a million times, Twilight!” Rainbow retorted annoyingly, “We found all seven keys, found all seven power hearts, defeated Tirek, and got this sweet

Chapter 17: Sirens on Lothal A familiar TIE Defender and TIE Reaper came out of hyperspace above the planet Lothal. The two fighters landed in the northern mountains, exiting them were Darth Claw and Blueblood. “If I may ask, my apprentice, why the sudden interest in Lothal?” Darth Claw asked. “Master, it is alleged there’s something powerful hidden deep in these mountain caves. I’d like to find out what it is, don’t you?” Blueblood replied. “If it could prove useful in our struggle against the rebellion, then yes,” Darth Claw said. Blueblood and Claw entered the caves and went deeper inside until they found three fishy pony-like creatures frozen in carbonite. Darth Claw examined them closely with curiosity. “What are these creatures?” Darth Claw asked. “I believe these creatures are sirens and they’re originally from my homeworld of Equestria. Starswirl the Bearded fought them and banished them through a portal that must have sent them here one thousand years ago,” Blueblood explained. “Who could’ve imprisoned them in the carbonite?” Darth Claw asked. “According to the pictures on the cave walls we saw a while back, they were captured by the Jedi back then,” Blueblood replied. Blueblood and Claw activated a series of switches and slid the decarbonization lever. It wasn’t long before the sirens were released from their thousand year imprisonment and fell to the ground as they were unconscious. They soon woke up feeling very woozy. The first one was pale yellow green with raspberry eyes and a luminous vivid orange cranial fin with yellow streaks. The second one was pale light grayish fuchsia with mulberry purple eyes and a purple cranial fin with light brilliant aquamarine streaks. The third one was arctic bluish white with raspberry eyes and a light arctic blue cranial fin with moderate Persian blue streaks. “Ugh, I can’t see,” the third siren said. “Who freed us? Where are we?” the first siren asked. “We did. You’re on Lothal,” Darth Claw replied. “How long have we been frozen?” The second siren asked. “Over a thousand years. Your eyesight will return in time, temporary blindness is one of the effects of carbonite sickness,” Blueblood replied. “Do you three have names?” Darth Claw asked. “I’m Adagio Dazzle,” the first siren said. “Aria Blaze,” the second siren continued. “Sonata Dusk,” the third siren finished. “Good to meet you three,” Blueblood replied, “I am Prince Blueblood, the rightful heir to the throne of Equestria.” “I’m Darth Claw and Blueblood is my Sith apprentice,” Claw added, “Now we have a proposition for you once you’re recovered from the carbonite sickness.” “We’re listening,” The sirens said in unison as they had devious looks on their faces. One day on Equestria, Cody was deep in thought while sitting atop his old bed in Canterlot Castle. Just then, Twilight and Sunset came in and sat next to him. “Something on your mind, Cody?” Twilight asked. “I just can’t help but think about the people of Alderaan and that most of the survivors don’t have a home anymore,” Cody replied, “I believe we need to help them find a new home so they can rebuild their lives.” “Good thinking,” Sunset said. Just then, they received an incoming transmission as Hera Syndulla appeared on a hologram. “Harmony Squad, come in. We have a situation on Lothal,” Hera said. “What’s the situation, Hera?” Cody asked. “Three mysterious creatures are stirring up trouble, causing the people to turn on each other. They appeared to be singing,” Hera replied, “We need your help.” “We’re on our way, Hera,” Cody said as the transmission ended. Soon enough, all of Harmony Squad was gathered as they boarded the Star Hope. “R5, plot a course for Lothal,” Cody told his droid. Once the course was set, the Star Hope left the surface and jumped into hyperspace, headed for Lothal. Upon arrival at Lothal, the Star Hope landed at the spaceport in Capital City. It was then that Harmony Squad disembarked the ship and went to meet up with the remaining members of the Ghost crew. They wandered the spaceport until they found the Ghost and its crew. “Sabine! Good to see you, darling,” Rarity greeted. “Good to see you again, Rarity,” Sabine replied. “Howdy, Zeb!” Applejack greeted. “Good to see you, Zeb!” Rainbow added. “Good to see you too, Applejack and Rainbow,” Zeb replied as he gave them both a chest bump. “Hi, Hera,” Cody said. “Good to see you again,” Twilight added. “Good to see you too, everyone,” Hera replied, “By the way, I have someone I’d like you to meet.” “Who is it?” Sunset asked. “Harmony Squad, this is my son, Jacen Syndulla,” Hera said, showing them her infant son. “He’s so precious,” Fluttershy replied. “Such a sweet little thing,” Pinkie added. “How are you able to balance your commitment to the rebel cause and parenthood, Hera?” Cody asked. “I make the time for Jacen whenever I’m not fighting or making supply runs. When it comes to family, it’s more about spending quality time with them than about spending the most time with them, especially in my position,” Hera explained. “Good to know,” Sal replied. “When the time comes for all of us to raise families, we’ll take that into consideration,” Bucky added. “Pleasantries aside, I believe that the creatures you mentioned are called sirens. They’re from our homeworld of Equestria and they feed on negativity which gives them power. They were banished by Starswirl the Bearded over a thousand years ago, whose spell must’ve sent them here,” Cody explained, “According to various ancient Jedi records, the sirens were defeated by four Jedi Knights and imprisoned in carbonite, now they’re free.” “That’s not good,” Zeb remarked. “How did this happen?” Sabine asked. “Someone freed them, but who?” Flash said. “We’ll find out soon enough,” Cody replied. “We’ve been keeping tabs on these sirens for the past two local months and they’ve been performing in the square. That’s your best chance to find them,” Hera said. “Thanks, Hera,” Twilight replied. Harmony Squad walked around the city until they reached the square. They hid behind a building, waiting for the sirens to show up. “How are we supposed to defeat the sirens?” Rainbow asked. “Their powers are musical so we need to defeat them with music along with the Elements of Harmony,” Twilight replied. “Luckily we came prepared,” Sunset remarked. She, Cody, Flash, Spike, Sal, and Bucky took out some instruments, for the six of them to use. “Here they come,” Cody said, spotting the sirens. It was then that Adagio, Aria, and Sonata began vocalizing hypnotically as everyone in the city was watching and placed under their spell. They were absorbing all the negativity that the citizens were feeling as a magical green mist appeared. The Dazzlings (sing): Welcome to the show (vocalizing) We're here to let you know (vocalizing) Our time is now (vocalizing) Your time is running out (vocalizing) Cody and the others looked on with troubled looks as the city folk were under the sirens’ spell. “I think now would be a good time to use the Elements of Harmony and play some music,” Cody said. “Good thinking,” Twilight replied. The Dazzlings (sing): Feel the wave of sound As it crashes down You can't turn away We'll make you wanna sta-a-a-ay We will be adored Tell us that you want us We won't be ignored It's time for our reward Now you need us Come and heed us Nothing can stop us now It was then that Harmony Squad revealed themselves to the Dazzlings and faced them. “Who are you?!” Adagio asked. “We’re Harmony Squad and your concert is cancelled, sirens, we find your singing disturbing,” Cody replied, then turned to the others, “Hit it!” Harmony Squad tuned their instruments and began making music. Harmony Squad (sings): Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh I've got the music in me Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh Cody (sings): Don't need to hear a crowd Cheering out my name I didn't come here seeking Infamy or fame Harmony Squad (sings): The one and only thing That I am here to bring Is music, is the music Is the music in my soul Gonna break out (Out!) Set myself free, yeah Let it all go (Go!) Just let it be, yeah Find the music in your heart Let the music make you start To set yourself apart “So you want to turn this into a Battle of the Bands? Then let's battle!” Adagio said. The Dazzlings (sing): What we have in store (ah-ah) All we want and more (ah-ah) We will break on through (ah-ah) Now it's time to finish you! The Dazzlings vocalized as they tried to defeat Harmony Squad with their powerful voices and managed to knock them down, but they got back up and resumed singing. Twilight and five of the other mares activated the Elements of Harmony. Harmony Squad (sings): You're never gonna bring us down You're never gonna break this part of us Our friends are here to bring us 'round Not singing just for popularity We're here to let you know That we won't let it go Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow And you can try to fight But we have got the light of friendship on our side! Got the music in our hearts We're here to blow this thing apart And together, we will never Be afraid of the dark Here to sing our song out loud Get you dancing with the crowd As the music of our friendship Survives, survives! Got the music in our hearts We're here to blow this thing apart And together, we will never Be afraid of the dark Here to sing our song out loud Get you dancing with the crowd As the music of our friendship Survives, survives, survives! It was then that a rainbow beam shot up and engulfed the Dazzlings, knocking them down and shattered the gems in their chests as the music ended. The spell quickly wore off and the city folks were freed from the sirens’ control. The sirens recovered, trying to sing and recast their spell, but they lost their magic. The Dazzlings (sing off key): We will be adored Tell us that you want us We won't be ignored It's time for our reward... The people booed at the sirens, throwing fruit at them as they fled the square. “This is not over yet!” Adagio shouted. “You haven’t seen the last of us, Harmony Squad!” Aria and Sonata added. It was the three of them stole a shuttle and left Lothal. After a few hours, Harmony Squad soon returned to the spaceport and said their farewells to the Ghost crew as they boarded the Harmony Star. It was then that they took off and jumped into hyperspace, heading back to Equestria. Meanwhile, the Dazzlings took their stolen shuttle to the former Fortress Inquisitiorius on Nur. There, they met up with Darth Claw and Blueblood. “We failed to put the people of Lothal under our spell and we lost our musical powers,” Adagio said. “How unfortunate. Come, Adagio, Aria, and Sonata. I shall teach you three the ways of the dark side,” Claw replied as they followed him and Blueblood.