Disclaimer: All MLP:FiM characters belong to Hasbro and DHX Media. I do not own any of them except my OC.

I was coming back to the castle after having my daily meditation with the Tree of Harmony and I heard some talking going on, so I quickly rushed in there and looked for where it was coming from. It was Sunburst talking to Twilight for some reason. Hmmm. I got my eye on you, Sunburst. He said "Princess Twilight, what an honor this is." What? Getting called by the map? It's not that great. "I mean, it is, right?" Eh, not really. "I'm called for a friendship mission?" Why else would your cutie mark be glowing? Twilight said "You sure are. And it must be a special one." I guess. "No pony outside of Ponyville has ever been called before." I still have yet to be called by the map. Sure, I live in Ponyville, but I'm not from here, so yeah. I lived in Florida, but came from Maryland even though I lived in Virginia for most of my childhood. It's kinda weird. Spike said "If you need some pointers, let me know. I've been on my fair share of missions." HA! Yeah, right. I laughed hysterically out loud and appeared before them saying "That's real funny, Spike. The only one I can remember was with Ember and Thorax when you thought it was a good idea not to tell them the truth because they wouldn't "like each other." Spike just gave me a deadpan stare and said sarcastically "Ha ha. Very funny." Twilight said "Zach is right. You've only been on one." Spike replied "And that's my fair share." Yeah, sure okay whatever.

We walked in the throne room and over there was Starlight. Huh. I guess she must have been called too. Sunburst said "Starlight! You mean we've both been called?" Apparently so. "This is great." Well, by the way Starlight's face is, I'm not so sure about that. Starlight said sarcastically "Yeah. Great." Dang, what's got her in the dumps? Sunburst asked "Aren't you excited?" From the way her face looks, no. "You and me! On a mission! Together." That does sound exciting, but I don't think that's why Starlight is feeling this way. All she gave in response was a groan. "I'm sorry, are you not excited to go on a mission with me?" I'm not sure. Starlight said "No." What? Dang, that's harsh and not very nice. Sunburst was crushed, but Starlight quickly said "No! I mean, yes. Totally excited about us going together, just not so excited about where." Sunburst looked at the map and said "Sire's Hollow?" Hmm. That place. Wait, that can only mean one thing. Starlight said "Yep. Home." That instantly struck a chord with me and I just looked down in depression and sadness because of what it reminds me of. Sunburst said "Oh. Great." Spike just went over while Twilight noticed my expression. She asked "Zach, are you alright?" I said turning away and leaving "I'm fine. It's nothing." Twilight asked "Are you sure?" I said "I don't want to talk about it." I continued walking and looked outside on the balcony and just sighed. Bringing up Sire's Hollow just brings the pains I've tried to bury for years back. It's kind of difficult to explain.

I went into my shadow form and listened to what Spike had to say. He said "You know, I can go if you two don't want to." You can't do that, Spike. The Tree of Harmony will refuse to let you do that. "I am kind of an expert." No, you're not. You've only had one friendship mission so far and that's not really a fair share of them. Everypony just groaned and Starlight and Sunburst headed out to go back "home" for them. I followed them of course because of curiosity for one, and two, it's part of my duty to keep my subjects safe and make sure nothing happens, so yeah. I was inside the train walls right next to where Sunburst and Starlight were sitting and just watched them to see why they felt this way. I know why, but I want to see if they'll tell me why. They don't know I'm here and I know it's wrong for me to follow them and to be eavesdropping on their conversations, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. End of conversation. Starlight said "It's not that I don't want to go home, it's just that whatever I do, my dad treats me like a filly, like nothing's changed since I was a foal." Huh. Okay, not only is that embarrassing, but that is really cringey as well for the parent. I would never treat my children like that once they were an adult. Sunburst said "Huh." while Starlight said "I know. I'm a horrible daughter." No you're not. I know your past was not the greatest, but don't bring yourself down like that. I'm sure you were a good daughter throughout your childhood.

Sunburst said "No, no. My mom actually does kind of the same thing." Oh brother. Let's hear this story. I'm sure I can relate to this. Starlight looked up and said "Really?" I think so. Sunburst said "I don't even have to go home. She sends me letters constantly asking about my plans for the future." Or not. I mean, if your mom sends you letters, it would be polite to answer them, but if she's constantly bugging you about that, then it's understandable. My mother did something like that when I was a child, but she was trying to make sure I was successful in life, which I am right now. "*says in high pitched mocking voice* You're a grown-up pony, Sunburst. You need a plan." Okay, that sounds like micromanaging to me. If your child is a full grown adult, don't make decisions for them or try and tell them what to do because they are an adult and you are no longer legally responsible for them. They are responsible for their own actions and can make their own decisions just fine. So chill. "I haven't been home in a while either." It's understandable. Starlight said "Hm. We'll just have to explain to our parents that we are on an important friendship mission, so they can't bother us." Good luck with that. Sunburst asked "Do you think that will work?" No, because the friendship problem is the solution. Let me explain.

Basically, they think there is a friendship mission somewhere in Sire's Hollow which is correct. However, they think that their parents will just get in the way and are a nuisance. But what they don't realize is that their parents are the friendship problem. So basically, they are running away from the issue at hand which is kind of foolish and stupid. But, to be fair, they have no idea yet that will be the issue. They'll figure that out later on. But they think they can escape this when I know full well after time and time again that won't happen. Starlight said "Nope!" What? So I said all that for nothing? Curse you, Starlight Glimmer. The train came to a halt and had arrived at Sire's Hollow. Sunburst and Starlight got off and I soon followed as well. Sunburst sighed and said "The great thing about home is it always stays just how you left…" before coming smack dab right into a metal fence gate which makes that statement false in this case. Okay, who put that there? Starlight asked "Where did that come from?" I have no idea. Whoever did that was an idiot. Sunburst opened the gate and a female voice over a loudspeaker said "Welcome to Sire's Hollow." That is very creepy and disturbing in my opinion. They walked in and some pony shoved what looked to be like perfume saying "Essence." What are you talking about? What do you mean by "essence?" Sunburst asked "Essence of what?" The pony replied "You tell me." and sprayed the perfume in Sunburst's face which made him cough because of how strong that is.

I always hated the smell of perfume. Now women, please don't get offended here. I have a good reason to. Perfume is just so strong that I can taste it and it's just not one of those things I would like to taste in my mouth, thank you very much. So yeah, I probably offended all the women by saying that, but here's the thing. I already have a girlfriend, so it does not matter to me if I say that or not. Anyways, moving on. Starlight asked "What is it?" Sunburst said "Ah. Chocolate? Maybe?" It looks like chocolate. The female pony carrying the perfume said "Not chocolate maybe. Chocolate definitely." What is the difference? Also, how was Sunburst supposed to know if it's actually chocolate or not? You can't expect ponies to know what kind of flavor perfume something is if you blast it in their face. "And all of the benefits with none of the drawbacks." What's that even supposed to mean? The pony walked away and Sunburst asked "Didn't this used to be a fruit stand?" Maybe? I've never been here nor lived here, so I have no idea. The pony said "I don't know what it used to be. The Sire's Hollow Development Committee determined what it is." What? This is not some major city. It's just a small little town. That's quite ridiculous to say in my opinion.

Sunburst asked "The Sires Hollow Development what?" You heard what she said. I've never heard of it before, but I heard what she said. "Where do ponies buy fruit?" I guess it's common for the citizens of the town to buy fruit here. The pony said "You can get a fruit smoothie two doors down." Okay, I guess things have changed. Sunburst said "All the shops are different. Everything's changed!" Well, at least this side of town is. Starlight said "Not everything. That's the same as it ever was." Oh, yeah from what I've seen in the Season 5 finale, that still looks the same from then. Sunburst and Starlight walked over to the library and they tried going in, but they got stopped when two ponies came out. The white pony said "Sorry, our bookstore's been declared a "site of historical significance" by the Sire's Hollow Preservation Society." What is with all these organizations today?! First, you have the Sire's Hollow Development Committee, and now you have the Sire's Hollow Preservation Society. This is really weird. Whoever put these in place probably doesn't realize that this isn't a major city and is a small town that doesn't need these things. The brown pony said "You'll have to experience the books from here." How do you "experience" books from the window? How do you even "experience" books in the first place? If you know how, let me know in the reviews section. "That's why windows are see-through." That's not the same thing.

Sunburst said "What?" You heard them. They just had the balls to do that. Starlight asked "Preservation Society? What is happening around here?" I have no idea and I'm going to find out. Suddenly, a voice said "I'll explain it to you, Sugar-Plum." Oh dear. From what the expression is saying on Starlight's face, I think that is her father. "You are just as cutsie-wootsie as ever!" That is really cringey and creepy. Also, very embarrassing too. Starlight got annoyed and said "Dad! Quit it! What is going on?" Yeah, I want to know too. Firelight said "Oh! Just a father wanting to preserve our town's rich history for his little Pumpkie-Wumpkin." UGH! The cringe! He reeks of it. Starlight said annoyed "Dad! You promised no pumpkin-wumpkins in public!" Yeah, that is pretty embarrassing if you ask me. How does this stallion have the balls to do this and not feel ashamed about it? Sunburst just laughed at that while I gave a confused stare because it's not really that funny. Firelight said "Sorry, Chipmunk Cheeks." I want to slap this stallion so hard right now, but I can't have borth Sunburst and Starlight seeing me here, so I'll have to deal with it for now. Starlight said "Don't. You're preserving the whole town?" Yeah, that's pretty much overkill if you ask me. I don't think we need to have a town literally be a museum. "That's crazy." It is and I don't think that is a very good idea to begin with.

Suddenly, a different voice said "That's what I told him. I said "Firelight, you're crazy." Oh dear. This must be Sunburst's mother, Stellar Flare. Speaking of which, he asked "Mom?" Stellar Flare replied "Our village needs the same thing you do, Sunburst: a clear plan for the future." You put those pair of scissors back this instant! "That's why I started the Sire's Hollow Development Committee. And I've got plans for this little town. Big plans." What are you trying to do? Turn this into the next New York City or Los Angeles? I don't think so. Firelight stomped on the list and said with bitterness "Listen here, Stellar Flare, I'm not going to let you turn our historical heritage into Las Pegasus." Dang. I would not want that happening because the ponies over there are CRAZY! I cannot stand them at all because it's Equestria's vacation town, so yeah. I don't know how I was able to manage a few weeks back when I went there with Twilight. Stellar Flare fired back "And I'm not going to let you turn it into a museum!" So we got two different kinds of ponies here. We have one that is trying to make this town into a major city, and the other one trying to turn it into a history museum. Both of them snarled at each other and I just rolled my eyes because that's pretty pathetic if you ask me. Starlight said "Wait. Are you two fighting over this?" It appears so. Sunburst asked "Like, having a friendship problem?" It looks like it to me. I think that's what it is. Well that, and you guys needing to restore your relationship with your parents.

Stellar Flare said "Oh, there's no problem." By the way you're acting, I think otherwise. Firelight said "Because there is no friendship!" There was, but that tree has died. If you understand the illusion, you know what I'm talking about. Both of them walked away and it left the three of us. Sunburst said "Well, the good news is we know why we're here." That's an understatement. "Maybe we should have sent Spike after all." Uh, I don't think so. He would have no clue on how to do this. Starlight just sighed and picked up both Firelight and Stellar Flare with her magic and set them in front of her and Sunburst. She said "Sunburst and I were called here to do a job and it looks like you two are it." That's what I like about Starlight. She tolerates no bs from anybody. Twilight does the same, and so do I, but she just does it so well. I'm not trying to hit on her, okay? Chill people. I already have a girlfriend. I don't need two as herds are quite common here in Equestria. Stellar Flare asked "You mean your success depends on us?" It's not quite like that. Sunburst just said "Uh…." when Firelight says "And you have to hang out with us the whole time you're time?" Starlight said "Um…" while not noticing that both of them had huge grins on their faces.

Stellar Flare said "Well, I'll hear what you have to say, but every plan I've made for this town is perfectly reasonable." I disagree with that statement. Firelight said "Good luck convincing me my preservation efforts don't make sense." It really doesn't to be honest. Both Starlight and Sunburst sighed while I rolled my eyes because both of these parents are acting like 5 year old children fighting for toys or something. We went over and Stellar Flare just had to open the gate again with that annoying voice which is basically her to be honest, and whenever nobody's looking, I'll rip that thing off the fence with my paws and yeet it to the other end of Equestria where the Badlands are. I don't know how this will help. We went back to the library and this was going to be interesting. Starlight asked "So we can't hold the books?" Apparently not. The librarians said no and Sunburst asked "Can you hold the books?" The librarians said no once more and Starlight asked again "So nopony can read the books?" That would be pretty disappointing if the answer was yes. The librarians looked over at Firelight, who by the way was not helping and he said "Isn't she adorable?" What's that gotta do with anything, you dimwit? We went back over to the fence gate and I had to hear that STUPID voice again which drove me nuts, but I need to keep a low profile or else I'll have a lot of explaining to do. We went over to that perfume table and that pony said "You can call them smells, but I call them essence!" Shut the heck up, you stupid scumbag. I don't want to hear your big mouth.

The pony had to spray it in Sunburst's face again and he was dripping out a lot of tears out of that because of how strong it was. I don't like this pony very much. Poor Sunburst. Starlight took a sniff and said "Fruity." Huh. That one looked like chocolate to me. I don't know. They all look so similar to me. I'm sure all the purists would be angry at me, but I just don't care about fashion and stuff like that. It's not important to me and it's not my passion either. Sunburst said "Too bad there's nowhere to get actual fruit." Yeah, ponies need their source of fruit somehow. Stellar Flare said "In the future, all ponies will drink their fruit." UGH! GAG ME! That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I've had to deal with that crap for 20 years back home on Earth. People would always say that we would have flying cars and we'll sit on recliners having our food and drinks fed to us like we're a bunch of infants getting fed milk from their mother. Don't bring that stupid crap back up, Stellar Flare! Both Sunburst and Starlight coughed up that smoothie mainly because of how terrible it is and being quite ridiculous as well. Suddenly, we found ourselves at some sort of bakery when a giant loaf of bread was dropped onto the table cracking the whole thing. Eww. That's disgusting. That looks like something as hard as a rock.

The pony behind the counter said "One hundred percent ancient pony grains." That would explain the category of "Let's turn everything into a history museum." "Just like the town founders ate." OH, DEAR ME! WHAT IS THAT?! They looked like they had a bunch of teeth punched out by a bunch of bullies. I am never eating that bread. I rather eat brussel sprouts and kale salad from Cracker Barrel than this crap whatever it is. A century old loaf of bread. Good grief. "Hope you like crust!" Not this kind of crust. I'd much rather eat stuffed crust from pizza than this century old piece of crap. Sorry if that offends you. I don't care. The pony walked away and Sunburst touched the bread which fell right through and made a loud thud noise. Starlight turned around and gave an angry glare at her father which he just sweated nervously in response. Then, we went back to the FLIPPING FENCE GATE again and Sunburst opened it back and forward just to demonstrate his frustration with it along with mine and Starlight's. Finally, Stellar Flare said "OK, it's annoying. I get it." Yeah, and I'm going to take this piece of worthless crap and let burn in hell. That's how annoyed I am with this stupid piece of crap. Once they were gone, I ripped that voice speaker box thing out of the fence gate and destroyed it and then headed back over to the middle of town. We finally regrouped at the fountain and Firelight said "Maybe my preservation efforts were a little over the top." That is a huge understatement. I understand that you want to preserve the town to show it's history, but you don't need to turn everything into a freaking history museum where nobody can touch it and can only stare at it!

The man carrying the bread had his cart break probably because one of those pieces probably weighs at least a hundred pounds, so he's probably carrying the weight of a car at this point which is very heavy considering the fact that it weighs 2,000 pounds which equals to one ton. Basically, it's very VERY heavy. Stellar Flare said "And I might have been trying to turn the town into a shopping mall." Yeah, this looks like the shopping mall that I would always go to from back home in Tampa. It was pretty nice, but all of this I'm seeing right here looks so similar to the one I went to in downtown Tampa. Firelight said "Well, whatever direction the town takes, from now on how about we work together on it?" How about no? I need to find the meme for that one, but I'm serious at the same time. Stellar Flare said "Deal!" and shook hooves with Firelight. They turned over to me, Starlight, and Sunburst and all of us had the kind of stares that say "We really don't care about that right now." You know what I'm talking about. "Sunburst, you should move closer to Ponyville." I mean, he really has no reason to foalsit Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire anymore, but still. You don't tell him where you want him to live. "After this success, I'm sure the Princess of Friendship will want to send you on more missions." What does that got to do with anything? Sunburst said "That's not really how it works." Yeah, I agree. And that's coming from me who spends a daily basis with the Tree of Harmony, so I know how this stuff works.

"Oh, look at the time. We should get going, now that we've solved the friendship problem! Right, Starlight?" Uh, no. I don't think so. You still have yet to figure the problem. This is far from over, Sunburst. Your cutie mark needs to glow again in order to confirm that the friendship problem has been solved. Since that's not happening right now, the mission has not been complete. I put up an obsidian wall in front of them to prevent them from leaving, and they stared wide eyed at that. Thankfully, neither of them knew that was my doing because they don't know that if I place an obsidian wall somewhere, then my presence is given away. "What is that thing?" An obsidian wall, you dimwit. Starlight said "I think it's some sort of strong wall that is preventing us from leaving. Anyways, the thing is, I don't think we did solve it." You would be correct. "When we solve a friendship problem, our cutie marks are supposed to glow." Bingo. Unfortunately, Firelight had to come over and say "Aww, don't be disappointed, Puddin'." Will you be quiet for JUST THIS ONCE?! PLEASE?! MY GOSH! "Your papa will work this out for ya." That has nothing to do with this.

Starlight sighed and said "My papa wasn't called by the map in Twilight's castle, I was." She's right. You can help her figure out the problem, but you can't solve it for her. If you try to do that, the Tree of Harmony will basically play keep away with the answer in it's grasp and will make it harder for you until you eventually just give up. Sunburst tried sneaking away, but his mother stopped him. Stellar Flare asked "How are you going to explain this to the princess?" I mean, she's got a fair point. But not only will you have to answer to her, but you'll have to answer to me and the Tree of Harmony on why you decided to avoid the friendship problem in the first place. And I don't take excuses either. None of us do. Not me, not Twilight, or the Tree of Harmony. "What's your plan if she fires you from friendship quests?" Okay, first of all, stop with the ridiculous "What your plan?" crap, and second, you can't be fired from doing friendship missions because it's NOT A JOB! This is not your typical 9-5 job in an office building where if you don't complete your work, or get in trouble, you'll be fired. The worst the Tree of Harmony will do is shame you and make you go out and do it again. This pony reminds me of Karen's sometimes. Good grief. Sunburst said, agitated "Mom! She doesn't… It's not…" before Stellar Flare said "Use your words, Sunburst." Bruh.

He's not throwing a temper tantrum, you dimwit. He's just frustrated at you because of how CRAZY you are about saying he always "needs a plan." Not everything requires a plan, you stupid idiot. That only made him scream out in frustration and his mother looked at him offended. This is just how a Karen acts. Get me out of here. Starlight said "I guess you two weren't the problem we were sent to solve, after all." I beg to differ on that. Stellar Flare said "So you don't even know why you're here?" Uh, yeah. This is how this stuff works. You don't come into a friendship problem knowing what the issue is. You have to find out what it is and it naturally comes right to you. "We have to figure this out before we run out of time!" OH MY GOSH! SOMEONE TELL THIS WOMAN TO JUST SHUT THE HECK UP BECAUSE SHE IS NOT HELPING ONE BIT! There is no time limit, you stupid scumbag. The Tree of Harmony does not tell you how much time you have. It just doesn't work like that. As long as you get the work done, it doesn't care how long you take. It's not on a time schedule. It just doesn't function like that. Sunburst sighed and said "Mom. There isn't a time limit." EXACTLY! BUT THIS STUPID MARE CAN'T REGISTER THAT IN HER DUMB BRAIN BECAUSE SHE IS A KAREN! I'm sorry for you having to hear me rant about this, but it just drives me nuts. If you've been in these situations before, you know how it feels.

Firelight said "So you're here for an extra-long visit?" Just shut up and sit down. Just let them do their work and don't ask questions. It's that simple. "You can stay in your old room Punkie-Wunk." You make that sound really creepy. "It's just how you left it!" That's probably not a good sight. Judging from the horrified look on Starlight's face, and rightfully so. That place looks horrible in my opinion. Sorry, Starlight. I don't mean to hurt your feelings. She just dashed off and brought Sunburst close to her to talk about something. She said "We need to find this friendship problem now!" Don't rush it too much. Firelight came up to Starlight and said "Now, I know you have your little job to do, but Stellar and I know the town a lot better than you two." I guess that's a fair point. Stellar Flare said "That's right! Neither of you have been home in ages." Gee, I wonder why. "You're going to need our help to succeed." Also another fair point I guess. I want to debate this, but I can't really find any counter argument to this one. Starlight sighed and said "I guess that makes sense." Poor them. Stellar Flare said "I already have some ideas." Oh gosh. Here we go again. Firelight said "Me too!" and both of them ran off. Sunburst said "I think I liked it better when they were fighting." Yeah, me too. It was already bad enough as it was, but now it's even worse.

I went over to where Starlight was and of course Firelight had to give a history lesson which was actually quite fascinating, but it has nothing to do with the current issue. He said "OK. Now that I've explained how Sire's Hollow was founded, we can start to explore all the possible friendship problems that might have developed over time." I mean, that is a fair argument in a sense because sometimes problems last for years. For example, back in Season 5, there was the whole Hooffields and McColts family feud issue. That basically was a problem for many years. Probably at least over half a century. Here, I'm not really seeing it. Starlight just facehoofed in frustration and said "I appreciate the history lesson, Dad, but I need to find the problem now… in the present." She has a good point. Firelight replied "Aw, now Hon-Bun, how are you gonna do that without all the backstory, huh?" That is a pretty fair argument. I've seen numerous times already in the series where the backstory led to why there was a problem in the first place. But this can't be applied here. "Oh, of course I know how hard it is for you to sit down and focus, so… Would it help you pay attention to hold on to your bwankie?" Oh, for CRYING OUT LOUD! SHE'S A GROWN MARE! STOP TREATING HER LIKE SHE'S 5 YEARS OLD OR SOMETHING. GOOD GRIEF!

He even went as far to get the cookies and milk and Starlight let out a groan in frustration and I went over to see how Sunburst was doing. Probably not that great. I heard Stellar Flare say "Now you've had a little setback, but don't worry. I know exactly what you need to do." Make another freaking plan? Sunburst rolled his eyes and said "Make a plan?" Stellar Flare replied "Already got one." Bruh. "Step one: interview the suspects." This is not a crime scene, you stupid idiot. "Step two: use your talents to solve the issue." What talents? You don't just magically snap your fingers and then it's suddenly solved. It don't work like that. "Step three: get the Princess of Friendship to send you on more missions!" *facepalms because of the amount of stupidity that is going into this* Sunburst groaned and said "Mom! It does not work like that!" Stellar Flare said "Uh-huh" and continued moving on basically ignoring him. Of course, Stellar Flare motioned for the weird perfume pony and the librarians to get moving. I think this was set up. The perfume pony said "Oh, thank goodness you are here. These two ponies refuse to use my essences." Gee, I wonder why. The white pony said "Maybe because we don't like to cover our natural scent." Um, I don't know. That sounds pretty disgusting to me.

Stellar Flare got mad and said "Ahem!" to which Sunburst and I rolled our eyes and the three ponies just groaned in frustration. The brown pony said "And she refuses to buy our books." Okay. What's the big deal? Then, all three of them said "Surely this is a friendship problem." Yeah, this is quite obvious it's not a real friendship problem. Sunburst had enough and said "It needs to be a REAL friendship problem! You can't just make one up! " He just stormed off and Stellar Flare got mad and said "This is what happens when we don't REHEARSE!" It doesn't matter. You can't just create friendship problems whenever you want. That's actually making the problem worse. You're not solving anything by doing that. I went back over to the fountain and I heard Firelight say "Starlight? Sweetie? I found a really old town bylaw that nopony agrees on." Cool. Nobody cares. "Apparently, we're not supposed to prance or canter after dinnertime." That's nice. Nobody cares though. "Could that be the problem? Sillyfilly?" I don't think so. Starlight was hiding at the fountain and suddenly, Sunburst was doing the same thing. Starlight asked "What are you doing?" What do you think he's doing? Sunburst sighed and said "Hiding from my mother. She started making up friendship problems for me to solve." That's pretty bad if you ask me.

Starlight said "My dad won't even let me talk to anypony, in case they're "strangers." I'm a GROWN MARE!" She has a very good point. Sure, there can be fishy people around, but you don't need to hold her back. Sunburst sighed and said "We're never going to find the friendship problem with them around, let alone solve it." I wouldn't be so sure about that. The pony with the century old bread said "Maybe you two should start looking for it on your own?" Now there's an idea. I used my scepter's magic to allow him to say that to them to get this train moving. Next thing I know, we are secretly having a meeting in the back of the library trying to discuss this problem. Starlight said "OK, so we wanted to talk to all of you, you know, in private." That might be challenging. Sunburst said "Just to see if there were issues any of you had with your friends." It's not the most practical thing to say, but it's a start considering how things were going before. The perfume pony said "Got it. Just one question. Why are we whispering?" Because it's a library? The male pony said "They're avoiding their parents." Basically. Everyone understood and nodded. Sunburst said "No. Not avoiding. Just taking a break." Technically, you are avoiding them even though that is the friendship problem.

Starlight said "Yeah. We needed to focus, but we're definitely NOT avoiding them." You're fooling no one at this point, Starlight. The white pony said "So you're whispering with all of us in the darkest corner in the shop, where nopony can possibly see because you're not avoiding them?" That's the problem with lying. It's just like the snowball effect. The more lies you tell, the bigger the snowball gets. Eventually, it will be so big that it will no longer be easy to control it. The more you lie, the more you have to explain. It's the stimple. I've learned that the hard way many times. Both Starlight and Sunburst nodded their heads yes and looked outside. Sunburst said "But they definitely can't hear us in here, right?" I can change that real quick. The bread pony said "No way! This is the antiquities section." What's that supposed to mean? "Nopony ever comes back here." I can think of a few ponies that would. Firelight said "There you are!" The entire group looked up to see him on the ladder putting a book away. "But what are you doing in here?" Because they can. "Is the friendship problem in my favorite section of the bookstore?" No, that's not what's happening. We're having a top secret meeting here and we would appreciate it if you left us alone. We went outside and Firelight continued to read book after book as we were walking out.

He said "...and then I thought the best way to look for a friendship problem in the present…" Starlight said "Dad!" before Firelight saying "...was to look back in our town history even FARTHER!" Are you stupid or something? I'm not even going to bother trying to say anything because how both him and Stellar Flare are driving me NUTS! Starlight just growled and then Stellar Flare came over and said "Sunburst! Finally. Now, I know you don't want me to "make up" a problem, but what if I start one?" ARE YOU fill in the blank STUPID?! THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORDS MAKE AND START! YOU DON'T CREATE PROBLEMS! DID YOU NOT LEARN YOUR LESSON FROM EARLIER ABOUT TRYING TO CAUSE PROBLEMS?! MY GOSH! BOTH OF THESE PARENTS DRIVE ME ABSOLUTELY INSANE! Ok, I'm done now. Sunburst said "That's not how this…" before Stellar Flare cut him off saying "I mean, no pony ever became a success by following all the rules, right?" Uh, maybe? I honestly have no idea. "How are things on your end?" Terrible. Thanks for asking. Firelight said "Couldn't be better." I beg to differ on that one. "New leads and such."

Starlight said "Guys?", but both of them ignored her. Stellar Flare said "We really are providing excellent assistance, aren't we?" YOU CALL THAT ASSISTANCE?! YOU ARE SO fill in the blank STUPID! You are everything BUT HELPFUL! Sunburst said "Guys!" but once again, they ignored him. Firelight said "I dare say our children should be grateful for our help." I think you're about to see that is not the case at all. Starlight said for the last time "GUYS!" Both her and Sunburst said "WE DON'T WANT YOUR HELP!" Firelight and Stellar Flare looked at their children with sadness on their faces, and Starlight and Sunburst looked at them with angry looks that could probably burn right through their soul. Stellar Flare said "I'm sorry, you don't want our help?" No, they don't. You just kept pushing their buttons and they finally had enough. Firelight said while laughing "That's… that's ridiculous. What reason could you possibly have for that?" EVERYTHING! Starlight said "BECAUSE YOU'RE DRIVING US CRAZY!" Both Firelight and Stellar Flare looked shocked and then became offended. Stellar Flare said "Oh, really? And just how am I driving you crazy?" BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW JACK SQUAT ABOUT HOW FRIENDSHIP PROBLEMS WORK AND ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO CREATE ONE! Sunburst said "BY ALWAYS COMING UP WITH PLANS!" Like I said, not everything requires a plan. "I DON'T NEED A PLAN!" I wouldn't say it like that.

"I mean, maybe I do, but it'll be MINE, NOT YOURS!" Sunburst turned his back on his mother and she said "Well, I'm sorry for trying to help!" Then she took off crying. I don't know now. Starlight walked up to her father and said "AND YOU'RE NOT ANY BETTER! I'M NOT A FILLY! I'M A GROWN PONY WITH A JOB TO DO AND I'LL DO IT ON MY OWN!" Firelight looked at his daughter and said "Well, I'll let you get to it, then." He walked off and left both Sunburst and Starlight alone with me watching. Starlight said "Great. Now we have to smooth things over with our parents on top of finding and solving a friendship problem." The friendship problem was right in front of you. The relationship with your parents is your problem. Sunburst said "It's almost like our relationship with our parents is the friendship problem." You would be correct. Starlight asked "You don't think that's it, do you?" Sadly, it is. The bread pony said "Ahem! That's what all of us think." I agree with him. Starlight groaned and fell to the ground saying "Why couldn't we have been sent to stop a war or something?" That would be my territory. The map doesn't really call out that kind of mission that much. I'm practically the only one that the map calls for that kind of thing.

But in theory, the map could send Twilight too so that the relationship could be restored or something. Starlight walked inside her childhood house and said "Dad?" to which Firelight responded "Hello, Ms. Glimmer. How is your friendship problem search going? I only ask as an interested observer, since I know you are an adult who's capable of doing things without help from any pony else." Yeah, he's sad. You need to fix this, Starlight. Speaking of which, she said "Actually, I think unburst and I figured out what it is." I don't think that really helped. Firelight said "So, Stellar and I weren't really helpful after all." I wouldn't quite say it like that. Starlight said "Well, we haven't actually solved it." Will you cut to the chase please? My gosh. "And I don't think we can." How so? "Not without you." I'm not really seeing where this is going. I went over to where Sunburst was and he stood in front of his mother. Stellar Flare said "Pungent!" I have no idea what that means. Probably that's what you say when you blast perfume in your face. "Oh, did you come by to be driven crazy by more of your mother's plans?" No, he came to apologize like how a man should. Sunburst said "No, I came to apologize." Told ya. Stellar Flare said "Well, it's going to take more than an apology to make up for telling me you don't want my help finding your friendship." I guess that's fair enough.

Sunburst said "Oh, I'm not sorry for that." Dang, he's got the balls to say that in front of his mother? That's pretty savage. "Starlight and I already figured out what the problem is." Stellar Flare said "This is a terrible apology." She's got a point. Sunburst said "Well, if you come with me and help fix it, I'll give you a better one." You better, or I'll slap you. We met back at the fountain and Starlight said "Usually, Twilight or one of our other friends gets called to a place with a friendship problem to fix." That is true. Sunburst said "But Starlight and I realized we came here to fix a friendship problem we already had." Your relationship with your parents. Starlight said "I'm sorry I've been avoiding coming home, Dad, but you can't keep treating me like a foal." She is technically right. I know it's hard for parents to let go of their children, but she's an adult and can make her own decisions. So, let her live her life. Firelight said "I'm sorry, Sugarbun!" What did she just tell you about the names you give her?! "I just know how hard things were for you when you left home. Yeah, we all know why and how that turned out.

"I guess I wanted you to feel safe, like when you were young." That's understandable, but you can't shield your children from the darkness of the world. It's just not possible no matter how hard you try. Starlight said "Dad, I know I've made some mistakes, and I'll probably make a bunch more, but I learn from them." She's right. They say you learn the most when you get something wrong than when we do something right. Also, we are all human and ponies too. We all have sinful hearts that want to do things that are wrong. But if we have God guide us, we can do better at not making mistakes and being forgiven. Even if no one in the world forgives you, God will always forgive you for your wrong doings. The only sin though he does not forgive is blasphemy or rejection of the holy spirit. The only unforgivable sin. But all other sin, he will forgive. Calm down, atheists. I know you don't want to hear this, but you don't need all the answers to life's questions. You only need to know that God loves you and that he sent his son to die on a cross to pay the penalty of sin. Also, this is necessary for the story, so I'm keeping this in here. "I think that's what growing up is." You are correct.

Sunburst went up to his mother and said "I'm sorry I never told you how much your plans bothered me, and I know you just want me to succeed, but I need to do that on my own." He's right. That's what my mother did. Except not on such an extreme level like how Stellar Flare was. Speaking of which, she said "I remember how lost you were when you flunked out of magic school. I thought as long as you had a plan, you'd never feel that way again." We will always feel lost at some point in our lives. It doesn't stop once you reach 18. Not everything in life will be easy. Sunburst said "You don't have to worry, Mom. I need to find my own way, but I definitely don't feel lost anymore." Suddenly, their cutie marks glowed which meant their mission is complete. The Tree of Harmony is very happy that you were able to restore your relationship with your parents. The bread pony cried and said "It's so beautiful!" Stop it. You're going to make me cry too. I can't have that. I am a man and men don't cry. I don't care what the rest of the world says. That's what I say and that's the only thing I will listen to. Sunburst and Starlight walked back to the train station with their parents and I followed close behind. Stellar Flare said "The glowing cutie mark is such a symbol of accomplishment." I can see how that is.

"I don't suppose there's a way for you to get it to glow all the time." No, Stellar Flare. It doesn't work like that. Sunburst chuckled a little bit and said "Heh heh. Pretty sure it doesn't work that way." You would be correct. Starlight said "Not unless we solved a few friendship problems every few seconds, and I kinda hope this one will be it for a while." If I'm correct, this will be the last friendship mission you will ever do in the series. If I'm wrong, someone tell me. Firelight said "You know, it seems to me your map is saying we're not just your parents, we're your friends too." Exactly. My parents were always my best friends. I didn't think that as a kid, but once I was an adult, I thought of them that way as well and I'm okay with that. They raised me into the man I am today. Starlight said "I guess so." Stop it! You're making me get emotional again. Firelight said "So, if I promise to treat you less like a little filly and more like a friend, will you visit more?" Starlight said "Absolutely." Both of them hugged and I was on the brink of tears. I'm trying my hardest not to cry, but this isn't really helping. Sunburst said to his mother "And if you start to drive me crazy again, I'll tell you instead of never coming home." I think that would work a lot better than how you have been doing that.

Stellar Flare said "That's lovely of you to say, dear, bout you know, I can always visit you." Oh dear. This sounds like a disaster to me. Firelight said "Stellar, you're a genius!" Oh great. Now you got him involved. Dang it. I feel bad for Starlight and Sunburst. "How do you feel about a road trip?" How about no? Stellar Flare said "I might have a few plans for that." Both Starlight and Sunburst looked at each other nervously and waved for the train to get here. Once they got onto the train, I headed back home. I think I'll take the scenic route home. Once I was out of sight from anypony, I went back into my lion form and started walking home downcast. I feel slightly envious of both Starlight and Sunburst. Now you may ask why would I feel that way? Well, the thing is they still have their parents around. I think you can guess what the fate is with mine. Both of them hugging their parents just reminded me of my parents all up until that dreadful day which I do not feel like talking about. I probably wouldn't be able to finish the story without crying my eyes out. I looked up at the night sky and kept walking.

[Insert Homesick from MercyMe]

As I was walking back to the castle, I was singing this song looking up towards heaven where my parents currently were and it only made me more depressed. I finally got back to the castle and just laid in my bed with my face planted in the mattress. I don't know how it happened, but the waterfall basically started coming. Basically, I was crying my eyes out. All the years of pains and burdens came out of me like a pipe that burst and the water came blasting out. Suddenly, I heard the door knock and I heard Twilight say through the door "I know you're in there. I'm coming in!" She opened the door and said "Where have you been?! I've been worried sick all day!" When she saw my current state, her expression went from anger to concern. She said "Zach? Are you alright?" All I did in response was to grab Twilight and cry in her chest. Yeah, I know real smart. But she's all I got for family right now. She hugged me back and comforted me which only made me cry harder. She said "Zach. I know you're upset, but I'm begging you to please tell me what's going on. I can't bear seeing you like this." I said "I got slightly envious of Starlight and Sunburst because their interactions with their parents reminded me of mine. Which are no longer around. They died a long time ago."

Twilight looked at me with shock for a second and then she started to get emotional too. She said "I-I had no idea you felt that way. I-I'm s-sorry you had to experience that." I said "I really do miss them. You're the only family I have right now. *says with voice cracking* I just feel so lonely!" Next thing I know, Twilight has herself wrapped around my neck and was crying too. I just cried along with her because of how painful it felt. After a few minutes, the crying stopped and Twilight looked me in the eyes and said "I don't know how your parents were like, but I'm sure you were a great son for them. Also, as long as you're around, I will always be here for you." I said "Thanks, Twilight. You didn't have to come in here." Twilight said "Of course I had to! You were gone all day and I worry about you. Nopony should ever have to go through something that painful in their lifetime." I said "I guess you're right." Twilight began to get up, but I said "Hey Twilight?" She said "Yes, Zach?" I said "I know it's an odd request, but can you sleep with me tonight, so that I feel less lonely? It's probably stupid of me to ask this anyways." Twilight jumped on the bed and said "Of course not, silly! I'll gladly sleep here with you to make you feel loved and cared for." I yawned and turned off the lights. I said "Goodnight, Twilight." Twilight said "Goodnight Zach." We soon drifted off to sleep and I sighed happily. Even though my parents may be gone, they live in me forever.

AN: Okay, I'm sorry about this being late AGAIN! I went to a party yesterday to hang out and have food. Yes, we were doing all that crap. Don't none of you snitch to that stupid governor Ralph Northam or else I'm gonna be ticked. Yeah, I don't like him mainly because of the guidelines he makes and like everyone else, I want this stupid pandemic to be over. So hopefully, no one gets offended. I don't want to get into a political discussion because I don't welcome that here and this is meant for entertainment and nothing else that involves politics. Hopefully, you guys understand that. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Next Chapter: School Field Trip! When Fluttershy wins Teacher of the Month, Applejack and Rainbow Dash get upset and are determined to win the award. So Twilight suggests taking the students on a field trip to try and compete for it. Zachary comes along to make sure nothing bad happens. Of course, things do go wrong and it leaves everyone in a sticky situation. Will Rainbow Dash and Applejack be able to get the group out of it, or will Zachary have to do all the work and both teachers will fall short again?

Until then, my fellow readers