The Crystal Empire Part 2
Pony's Log Number 302: Never has relying on our friends and each other for victory been so important...
I always skip the "previously on My Little Pony" Segments.
(Main Theme)
As the dark shadow cloud made its way towards the Empire, King Sombra revealed his head as he laughed evilly and slowly made his way towards the Crystal gate.
"The Empire is under attack," said Shining Armor as he helped Cadance get back on her hooves. With a quick smile to each other, Cadance then narrowed her eyes and used her magic to reactivate the protective barrier around the Empire. King Sombra tried to charge through, but his head hit the reappearing barrier.
"Arrgh!" he groaned as the tip of his red horn was broken off and fell inside of the barrier as it closed up. It wasn't long before the horn tip sank underground. Cadance smiled as she saw the barrier was restored but then winced since she was still feeling very exhausted.
"I have to find the Crystal Heart!" said Shining Armor with much determination in his tone.
"No," said Twilight as Mario helped the struggling alicorn from losing her balance before Shining Armor went to help support his wife, "You stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. Mario and I will retrieve the heart." Mario narrowed his eyes and nod.
"Let's a-go!" said Mario before making his horn glow a shade of pink, which created a red heart that floated over Cadance's horn, making it brighter, "It's not much, but it will at least give you some extra energy to keep the barrier up until we find the Crystal Heart." Cadance and Shining Armor smiled before he joined Twilight and Rainbow.
"Let's do this!" said Rainbow as they headed inside the palace.
"I've been trying to figure out how Mario and I are meant to pass Celestia's test," Twilight told Rainbow and Mario.
"Should we really be worrying about that right now, sweetie?" Mario asked, "We've got more at stake than passing a test at the moment!"
"I'm just saying," Twilight continued, "retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do." She turned to face Rainbow who was hovering overhead with a confident smile on her face.
"Name it," she replied.
"You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Faire going," Twilight instructed.
"What?" said Rainbow in shock, "With that thing moving into the Empire?"
"The whole purpose of the Crystal Faire is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies," Twilight explained as they continued to make their way out of the palace, "so they can activate the Crystal Heart."
"Yeah, and?" said Rainbow with an eye roll as she flew right above the two ponies.
"Focus Dashie!" Mario snapped, "This is very important!"
"If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Crystal Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won't matter if we find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Faire." Applejack was busy trying to keep a crystal pony from taking a peak at the fake Crystal Heart and quickly covered it with a sheet and guarded it. It was then the three ponies exited the palace.
"Keep the Faire going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high, "Rainbow summarized as gave Twilight and Mario salute and flew off.
"Twily! Mario!" Shining Armor called out as he held Cadance close to him, "Be careful. The both of you."
"I will," said Twilight.
"Yes, sir," Mario replied and then the two ponies took off into the city. Little did anypony know that by allowing the tip of Sombra's broken horn to sink underground that it would produce a black crystal, allowing the wicked king magical access to the Empire as he growled in determination.
Meanwhile, the crystal ponies were playing ring toss, making their bodies sparkle. Autumn Gem, who had become slightly discouraged, started eating some crystal corn to make herself sparkle again. Fluttershy and Shenran watched from nearly, exchanging both a smile and a cuddle with each other. At another stand, Rarity was busy creating hats and other crafts made out of crystal hay as several crystal ponies came to watch her make her creations. They soon sparkled and started fighting over her items as Rarity quickly scooted out of the way. Spike just watched Rarity as Rainbow arrived next to the marshmallow pony from a nearby bush.
"Okay. here's..." Rainbow whispered and the lowered her voice so only Rarity could hear. Rarity's eyes shrunk when she heard the plan.
"Huuuuh?" Rarity winced as the crystal ponies all looked at her puzzled. Rarity quickly tried to recompose herself, "I...just found out they're offering face painting for the little ones." Rarity gave a nervous laugh as the crystal ponies kept staring at her. Rainbow then took off as Rarity pulled Spike close and whispered to him.
"Uh-huh. We can do that," Spike replied but then his own eye bugged out when he heard the rest, "Twilight and Mario are doing what?!" Spike then took off as some crystal ponies watched him leave.
"He...really..loves getting his face painted," said Rarity, "Haha."
For the moment Mario and Twilight were walking past a flugelhorn stand in deep thought.
"Who wants a flugelhorn?" Rainbow shouted.
"I want a flugelhorn!" Pinkie called out, wearing a jesters outfit. Rainbow just glared.
"Who else wants a flugelhorn?" Rainbow asked annoyingly.
"I want a flugelhorn!" Pinkie screamed and threw temper tantrum. Mario, who took notice, rolled his eyes.
"Pinkie always was the baby of the group," he remarked.
"And what do you say I am to the group, sweetie?" Twilight asked with a glare.
"The beautiful and lovable genius," Mario answered with a smile.
"Okay, thank you," Twilight answered with a proud smile when she looked back and saw the Crystal Palace sparkle before her.
"I got it," said Twilight, "Sweetie, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Mario looked at the palace himself before his face brightened.
"I sure am!" Mario answered. It was then Spike arrived out of breath.
"Twilight, Mario, wait!" Spike panted, "I'm coming with you!"
"You can't," said Twilight, "Mario and I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by ourselves." She and Mario then walked off.
"I know," said Spike, "I promise I won't lift a claw to help you two." Spike soon found himself being placed into Twilight's back.
"Not a claw, Spike," said Twilight as she gave the dragon a smile.
"But do let us know if you spot anything," Mario added as they went on their way at high speed, or at least as fast as Twilight could run.
"Where are we going exactly?" Spike asked as the two ponies quickly ran between two crystal ponies.
"We think we might know where King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart," said Twilight.
"The castle?" Spike replied in surprise.
"The king would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here," Twilight explained, "they'd have been too afraid to even try."
"Not only that," said Mario, "but when you think about it. For the king to hide the Crystal Heart here would have been too easy. It's the old double-reverse psychology and we figured it out."
"Hey, schmoopy, I'm the one who figured it out," Twilight said smugly. Mario just gave her raspberry as she returned it.
"Oh brother," said Spike, "I hope you're right."
"You and us both," said Twilight as the three then made their way inside.
Outside, Applejack was just nervously looking about when Rainbow appeared before her, making the orange pony whinnie in surprise as she backed away on her hind legs. Rainbow then crouched low like a guard dog as she saw a crystal pony casually walking by.
"What are you lookin' at!?" Rainbow demanded as the crystal pony backed away nervously, "that's what I thought!" Rainbow sternly crossed her fore-hooves and watched the crystal pony run off. Rainbow then felt herself being pulled back by the tail.
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?" Applejack whispered to her, "We're supposed to be actin' like nothing's wrong."
"Exactly," said Rainbow as she growled as two more crystal ponies, making them wince and run away. Rainbow just smirked in satisfaction when Applejack tapped her on the shoulder.
"What I mean is," Applejack continued in a hushed tone, "maybe you should let me keep the Crystal Ponies away from the fake Heart while you show off your joustin' skills."
"Huh. Seeing my awesomeness does have a way of putting ponies into a pretty good mood," Rainbow bragged before she flew off. Applejack wiped her brow in relief.
Elsewhere in the Faire, some ewes were bleating and hopping up and down happily, making a crystal pony sparkle as they enjoyed the ewes inside the pen. It was then Fluttershy came by holding a shepherd's staff as she closed the gate to the pen.
"Come on, Knight Fluttershy," said Rainbow as she pushed Fluttershy forward from behind, making the yellow Pegasus drop her staff.
"Huh?" said Fluttershy puzzled.
"It's showtime," Rainbow replied as she continued to push the yellow Pegasus toward the jousting arena. It was a few minutes later that Shenran arrived carrying a large sack of ewe feed.
"I got the food for the ewes, Fluttershy," he called out as he set the bag down and noticed the dropped staff, "Fluttershy?" Shenran looked around before finding a spare light blue feather on the ground. Shenran growled. Aside from Mario, Fluttershy had also confided with him about her negative feelings over Rainbow. While he knew they had settled things and he had befriended Rainbow over the short time he had spent with her, Fluttershy did mention that Rainbow was still very pushy with her.
And Shenran didn't like that at all.
"What are you forcing my girl into this time, Rainbow Dash?" Shenran muttered sternly before he flew off to find both Pegasi.
Back at the location of the fake Heart, Applejack was just standing on her hind legs as she leaned against the statue with her fore-arms crossed. It was then Autumn Gem arrived.
"How are y'all feelin'?" Applejack asked, trying to make casual conversation with her, "Havin' a good time?"
"The best I've had in over a thousand years!" Autumn Gem replied happily, but was also trying to see around Applejack as she titled her head to block her view.
"Well, that's good!" Applejack answered as she made Autumn Gem back away a bit from the fake Heart, "Gotta renew that spirit of love and unity if your gonna power up that Crystal Heart right?"
"I sure would like to see it before the ceremony," said Autumn Gem as she tried to look around Applejack as she blocked her view again, "It's been such a long time."
"Oh, I hear ya, but, uh..." said Applejack as she started to fan herself with her stenson hat, "phew! Gettin' a little toasty out here. Bet you'd like to cool off with a little Crystal Empire nectar!" Applejack pointed at the stand as Autumn Gem smiled and walked away. Applejack then saw another crystal pony walk up to the fake heart and went to peek under the cloth. Applejack made a panicked noise and rushed over to stop him.
"Uh, you tried to the Crystal Empire fritters yet?" Applejack suggested as she held the treat in a fore-hoof, "Made from a traditional Crystal Empire recipe! You're gonna love 'em!" The crystal pony then sparkled and licked their lips. Then another crystal pony arrived and started snooping around. Applejack then tossed the fritter away for the hungry crystal pony to go after it as she went up to the other crystal pony nearby.
"Uh, I hear there's a joustin' match about to start!" said Applejack loudly so she could get the attention of any other crystal ponies nearby, "You don't want to miss that!" As the rest of the crystal ponies walked away Applejack looked rather worried.
"Come on, Twilight and Mario..." she pleaded in a hush tone, "These Crystal Ponies are more curious than a cat!"
Inside of the castle, Mario and Twilight were frantically running about try to find any sort of clues that would lead them to the Crystal Heart. They both sighed loudly when their efforts weren't giving them any results. Spike just panted since he was finding it more difficult not to "lift a claw" and help, especially as he watched Twilight and Mario looking around.
"It's gotta be here somewhere," said Twilight, "it's gotta be!"
"I'm checking every nook and cranny that I can, sweetie!" Mario called out.
"Well, look harder!" Twilight snapped as she checked a small shelf.
"Why don't you look harder!" Mario retorted, "and stop bossing me around!"
"Hey, I'm your marefriend!" Twilight yelled, "Don't talk to me that way!"
"I'll stop when you stop talking to me that way!" Mario yelled back as they both glared at each other. It was then they both saw Spike looking under a rug.
"Not a claw, Spike," said Twilight.
"Uh..." Spike murmured and laughed nervously as Twilight rushed out of the room. Mario just followed behind her, but did check under the rug to see if there was any clues. Once he found nothing, he followed after Twilight.
"Celestia's orders!" Twilight yelled as Spike jumped and frantically followed. Mario rolled his eyes.
"Were your ears stuffed or something?!" Mario snapped, "She said that we need to be the ones who help Cadance and Shining Armor protect the empire. They said nothing that we can't get help." Twilight just glared and groaned as she checked the main throne and examined it further.
"Mario...look at that!" Twilight pointed out.
"At what?" said Mario irritably until he examined the throne and noticed a familiar crystal on the top of it. It was then both Mario and Twilight remembered something.
"If the Empire is filled with hope and love," said Princess Celestia as she shot a beam at the crystal, making it shine, "those things are reflected across all of Equestria. If hatred and fear take hold..." Princess Celestia than made her eye look like Sombra as she fired a black beam at the crystal.
"I get it!" said Mario.
"Of course!" said Twilight. It was then Spike ran into Twilight from the back and fell over.
"Argh! What?" said Spike panting as he got up, "Did you find it?"
"No," Twilight answered, "Because this isn't King Sombra's castle."
"Well, isn't this where he lived when he was in power?" Spike replied puzzled.
"It is," said Twilight, "But it didn't look like this. Ready Mario?"
"I'm ready," said Mario as they both stood before the throne. Mario and Twilight closed their eyes and grunted as they struggled to disguise their magic to look like King Sombra's before they fired a pair of black beams at the crystal above the throne. The crystal produced a dark shadow that revealed an underground spiral staircase from the floor. Twilight clapped her fore-hooves excitedly as Mario smiled in amazement.
"Whoa!" said Spike as he looked at the new passage, "When did you learn to do that?"
"That was a little trick Celestia taught us," said Twilight.
"By disguising our magic to look like King Sombra's," said Mario, "we were able to use our own magic to expose his illusion." Spike then gulped as he looked down the deep passage and whimpered.
"Well, Twilight," said Mario, "I'll roll into a ball, you balance on top of me with your hind legs, and we can roll our way down. Okay?" Mario then charged up his roll.
"No thanks," said Twilight smugly, making Mario uncurl and plop into her stomach, "I prefer to keep my hooves on the ground."
"Well, ain't we all snooty today?" Mario remarked annoyingly. Twilight stuck her tongue out at him.
"You stay here," said Twilight to Spike.
"Huh, if you insist," said Spike as the dragon breathed a sigh of relief. Twilight and Mario then lit up their horns and started to slowly descend the stairs. They hadn't gone too far down when Spike leaned over to see them.
"Can you see what's down there yet?" Spike called out, his voice echoing as he spoke. Twilight leaned forward over the stairs to try and scope the area below, but all she could see was darkness.
"Not yet," said Twilight, her own voice echoing as well, "I can't even tell how far down this goes!"
"Ugh, and to think I let Pinkie borrow my night vision goggles," Mario retorted annoyingly, "I still don't get how she broke 'em either." Twilight rolled her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me!" Mario snapped, "If it was dumb idea, you could have told me!"
"Well, maybe I didn't want to!" Twilight remarked. They two ponies glared before Twilight broke off some crystal and dropped it down below. Twilight then knelt forward waiting to hear the crystal make the sound that it landed. She then rubbed her ear and put a fore-hoof to it when there was a long silence.
"I'm waiiiiiitiiiiiing..." Mario complained softly as he tapped a fore-hoof one of the steps.
"SHH!" Twilight said sternly as she waited a another couple of seconds and heard the clatter. Twilight and Mario cringed as they nervously looked down the stairs.
"Spike?" Twilight called out.
"Yeah?" the dragon replied.
"Can you see outside?" Twilight asked. Spike then looked outside. He immediately took notice that the barrier was flickering and thunder was rumbling outside.
"Yesss...Crystalsss," King Sombra sneered as he used the black crystal that grew inside the barrier to turn the Crystal gate into black crystal. Spike cringed at the sight.
"It's not good!" said Spike, "Cadance's magic must be fading faster than before!"
"B-b-but, that's not possible," said Mario, "my love magic gave her a boost. It should have lasted much longer!"
"Apparently not," said Twilight, "Now c'mon." Twilight went to run down the stairs with Mario right behind her. Suddenly, one of the steps cracked and Twilight lost her balance.
"Twilight! Eeeeyipe!" Mario cried out as he tried to grab her to help her re-balance herself but was too late and they both ended up tumbling down the stairs.
"Ugh! Ow!" Twilight cried as she painfully tumbled about.
"Oomph! Oop! Eep! Yipe! Ugh!" Mario cried out as he tumbled down right behind her. Twilight then used her magic to stop herself from landing on her head at the bottom of the stair case. Mario ended up landing hard on his back since he failed to stop his momentum with his own magic.
"Ugh...I'm gonna need a long message at the spa after this," Mario muttered painfully.
"Twilight? Mario? Are you okay?" Spike called out.
"I think so..." Mario groaned.
"Yes..." said Twilight as she used her teleportation magic to get herself right side up. And then used the same magic to help Mario to his feet.
"Thanks," said Mario quietly as he rubbed his back with a fore-hoof for a moment. It was then they saw a large wooden door. Twilight used her magic to try and open it. The door then suddenly scooted away from her. Mario then found the door and tried to open it, but the door scooted away from him.
"What in the..." said Twilight as she growled and charged at the door, but smacked into the wall.
"Oh, it's that kind of door huh," said Mario as he noticed the door above the stairs and out of reach.
"You're not the only one that can pull illusionary magic," said Mario as he pulled out a blue switch with a letter P on it. Mario set the switch on the floor and stepped on it to make platforms appear.
(Cue favorite P switch fanfare)
Mario quickly jumped from platform to platform. Just as he landed on the platform in front of the door. Mario went to rush into it.
SMACK!
But ended up crashing into the wall as the platforms disappeared and Mario landed on his back..again. Twilight winced at the landing.
"Ow..." Mario groaned. Now Twilight was getting frustrated.
"Stop...moving!" Twilight shouted as she exerted herself to disguise her magic once more so she could fire her magic at a black crystal right above the door. This made the door stationary and open up with a loud creak.
"Well, that worked," said Mario as he and Twilight saw a bright light inside the door.
"Spike, I think it's here!" said Twilight with a smile.
"Let's a-go!" said Mario excitedly as they headed inside. When the bright light faded, Twilight found herself without Mario and...inside the main throne room of Canterlot Castle?!
"Huh?" Twilight exclaimed in shock as she looked around for a moment.
"What are you doing here?" said a very stern voice. Twilight saw that it was Princess Celestia, who was doing some letters alone with her back against the purple pony.
"I don't know!" Twilight answered, "I opened the door and-"
"And now you must go," Princess Celestia retorted, cutting Twilight off as she continued her letters.
"Go where?" said Twilight, feeling more confused than ever.
"Doesn't matter to me," said Princess Celestia coldly, "You and Mario failed the test, Twilight." Twilight looked in deep shock.
"I don't understand," said Twilight confused, "The test?"
"Not only will you or Mario not move on to the next level of your studies," Princess Celestia continued sternly, "you won't continue your studies at all!" Twilight felt her heart break as she look more devastated as she sat on the floor.
"I...You didn't say anything about no longer being your student if I failed!" Twilight replied as her eyes watered. Princess Celestia lifted a wing to comfort her, before roughly pushing her out of the way.
"Didn't I?" Princess Celestia retorted before adding, "and my son has a few choice words for you." Twilight then looked to see Mario glaring at her darkly. She could tell he was furious.
"What...what happened, sweetie?" Twilight asked confused and also a little frightened. Mario sternly pointed a fore-hoof to one stained glass window. Twilight looked with teary eyes at what appeared to be a large magic blast that shattered Mario's element to pieces. He then pointed to another stained glass window. This one showing Twilight's defeat by King Sombra, whose laugh echoed from it.
"Mario...I..."
"We. Are. Finished," said Mario darkly, "I want nothing to do with you."
"Mario..." Twilight croaked as her already breaking heart ripped in two.
"I HATE YOU!" Mario screamed before walking off on her. Twilight just knelt on the floor and began to cry.
"Twilight! Mario! Twilight! Mario!" somepony called out as Twilight's surroundings faded. Spike had made his way down the staircase. Apparently Twilight and Mario hadn't moved through the door at all. They were just sitting before the door with red and green eyes and devastated looks on their faces.
"Twilight? Mario?" Spike called out, "Twiiiilight! Marioooo!" Twilight was the first to snap out of it as she looked rather upset.
"I know you told me to stay up there," Spike explained quickly, "but you were down here for such a long time and you weren't answering and I got so worried so I came down here and you and Mario were staring at that wall and...wait, Mario? Mario snap out of it!" Mario was still in his state of devastation when he finally snapped out of it. He couldn't help but shed tears afterwards as he regained his composure.
"Mario, sweetheart, are you okay?" Twilight asked gently. Mario just shook his head and held a fore-hoof to his head. Twilight then looked suspiciously at the opening and ducked behind the door.
"So...I was calling you and Mario, but I couldn't seem to get your attention, and-" Spike then stopped when he noticed the door only lead to a blank wall, "what were you looking at? I mean...it's just a wall..." It was then the black crystal triggered, creating an illusion for Spike and making his eyes green and red.
"Ponyville? Well, how did I get..." Spike said puzzled until he saw something that had him in tears, "No! I don't wanna go! Please, Mario! I thought we were brothers! Please, Twilight, don't make me!"
SLAM!
Twilight sternly slammed the door shut, snapping Spike out of it but his tears remained.
"King Sombra's dark magic," Twilight explained, "A doorway that leads to your worst fear."
"We were home," said Spike sadly as he cried, "You and Mario told me you didn't need me anymore. You were sending me away!" Twilight pulled Spike into a hug.
"A fear that will never come to pass," said Twilight softly, "I'm never gonna send you away. Neither will Mario."
"Twilight..." said Mario in a shaky tone.
"Yes, sweetie?" she asked with concerned.
"Do you love me?" Mario asked quietly as his tears continued to fall, "Am I special?" Twilight was puzzled but then realized why he was asking this.
"Mario..." said Twilight, "what happened? Did Princess Celestia fail you?"
"Yes"
"Did she dismiss you as her student?"
"And as her son! She banished me!"
"Did I break up with you?"
"Uh-huh," Mario whimpered, "You said you hated me! But the worst thing...was..." Mario sobbed a bit before trying to regain some composure.
"What is it, sweetie?" Twilight asked, placing a fore-hoof on his cheek. Mario looked at her sadly.
"Everypony said I was worthless," Mario croaked, "including you and Mom..."
"Oh, sweetie," said Twilight, "Nopony thinks you're worthless. I don't think you're worthless. I love you."
"I love you, too," Mario answered as he managed to finally slow down his tears, "I'm sorry I was being so difficult before."
"I'm sorry, too," said Twilight, "When things get frustrating, that is when we should rely on each other instead of fighting with one another. Just know that I think you're very special and I wouldn't want any other pony as my coltfriend."
"You're the only pony I want for my marefriend," Mario answered as they shared a kiss with each other.
"Gross! I came down here for this!" Spike remarked as he turned away and made a face. Mario and Twilight chuckled.
"You know it's funny, sweetie," said Twilight, "while nopony told me that I was...you know...I had the same worst fears as you. In fact, while being dismissed and failing the Princess was heartbreaking. What devastated me the most was you breaking up with me and you saying that you hated me."
"Really, sweetie?" Mario replied in surprise.
"Uh-huh," said Twilight, "Losing you hurt more than anything. I want our love to last forever."
"Me, too," said Mario.
"Guess we both have that in common with each other now," said Twilight, "and now we know that we feel the same way about each other."
"It really lightens that fear a bit," said Mario.
"Yeah...it does," said Twilight as they shared a nose nuzzle and a smile with each other. Then they both stood up, "and I know that by working together, we're not going to fail this test."
"Right," said Mario, "Double team...together this time!" Twilight nodded before they both fired a normal magic blast at the black crystal. This caused the illusion to be destroyed and the true room that was behind the door appeared. Mario and Twilight walked eagerly inside, but then groaned and lowered their heads when they saw what was inside.
"What's in there?" Spike asked.
"Stairs," said Mario and Twilight sheepishly.
"Lots and lots of stairs," Twilight added as she and Mario ventured forward, but then they both stopped.
"Maybe you should come with us this time," said Twilight to Spike.
"Good idea," said Mario, "C'mon, little bro!" Spike smiled happily as he proudly followed them from behind as they made their up the stairs.
Back outside the palace balcony, Cadance was starting to tire out again as her horn glow was continuing to flicker. Shining Armor took notice and then glared as he heard King Sombra's wicked laughter in the distance, followed by more rumbling thunder. The wicked king had not only managed to restore his broken horn, but was also creating two dark shadows from the blackened Crystal gate as he laughed wickedly once more.
Meanwhile, the crystal ponies were cheering as Rainbow, now wearing a jousting uniform, smiled confidently to the crowds. Fluttershy then made her way forward and nearly tipped herself over by the jousting rod that was attached to the side of her uniform. While the crowds were cheering for her, the poor yellow Pegasus could only make scared, nervous noises to the crowd. Pinkie, still in her jester outfit, continued to do handstands to entertain the crowd before she heard some more rumbling thunder and looked up. Pinkie then quickly blew the flugelhorn, this time on key, to start the match. It was then Shenran arrived.
"Where in Equestria are those two?" he said to himself before he saw Rainbow Dash charging forward. He then tilted his head and gasped when he saw Fluttershy, who hesitated and then charged forward herself at the blue pegasus. Rainbow made a determined face as she came at Fluttershy full force. Poor Fluttershy was so scared that she stopped charging and could only brace for impact.
CLANG!
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" Fluttershy screamed as she went flying backwards a good distance before landing in a nearby pile of soft crystal hay. Shenran felt his heart drop.
"Fluttershy!" he cried out and headed over to her. The crystal ponies cheered.
"Bravo, Knight Rainbow Dash!" A crystal pony called out as the blue Pegasus took a bow and waved at the crowds. Rainbow then headed over to Fluttershy. She noticed that Shenran was nearby, giving Fluttershy a gentle head nuzzle as the yellow Pegasus whimpered as she lay on her back.
"Isn't there...somepony else who could...take over the jousting demonstration with you?" Fluttershy asked with a nervous exhale as she tried to catch her breath. Rainbow just scoffed.
"The fate of an entire empire rests on us showing these a good time," Rainbow remarked indignantly, "But, y'know, if that isn't important to you..." Fluttershy gave a loud whimper and started crying.
"Rainbow, not cool," said Shenran angrily, "What gives you the right to force Fluttershy to doing something like this? I may not have known her as long as you have, but I know that she doesn't like doing these kinds of sporting events!"
"Well, we're kind of pressed for time," Rainbow protest, "Sometimes a pony has to be taken out of their comfort zone!"
"Maybe so, but that doesn't give you the right to force her out of her comfort zone either!" Shenran retorted sternly, "Jousting is very dangerous and with the way you slammed into her could have caused a serious injury! And I'm not gonna stand here and let you do that to her again!"
"Shenran!" Fluttershy said as she raised her voice slightly. The Pegasus stallion looked back to see Fluttershy giving him a pleading look to stop fighting. Shenran released a harsh breath.
"Sorry, Fluttershy," said Shenran before looking at Rainbow, "I don't want to see you get hurt, especially by somepony who appears to be using you to inflate her ego!" Rainbow sighed loudly.
"Okay, okay," said Rainbow as she looked at Fluttershy, "I'll take it easy on you next time. But not too easy! I've got a reputation to maintain!" Fluttershy smiled at first but then nervously followed behind the blue Pegasus. Neither of the three noticed that one of the crystal buildings had turned into black crystal in the background. Shenran then stopped Fluttershy.
"Forget it," said Shenran, "I'll be the one jousting you this time!" Rainbow rolled her eyes but then smirked.
"Fine!" Rainbow snapped as she got into Shenran's face, "If you wanna be with my best friend, you're gonna have to go through me!"
"I don't need your approval to be with Fluttershy!" Shenran remarked indignantly.
"Then put your bits where your muzzle is, solder colt!" Rainbow taunted as Shenran glared.
"Don't think just cause you're a girl I'm gonna take it easy on you!" Shenran warned.
"Bring it on!" Rainbow challenged.
A few minutes later...
CLANG!
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rainbow shrieked as she was knocked into the air and landed in her own pile of crystal hay. The crystal ponies cheered as Shenran, now in his own jousting uniform, calmly waved at the crowd and took a bow.
"WAY TO GO SHENRAN! WHOOOO!"
Shockingly, that was from Fluttershy!
"Oh come on!" Rainbow complained, "it took me forever to get Fluttershy to cheer like that for me!" Shenran then helped Rainbow up as Fluttershy flew over to the two of them.
"Oh...sorry, Rainbow," said Fluttershy, "it's only because I love him." Fluttershy froze as her face went deep red. Shenran was just as stunned as he looked at her. Fluttershy gave a light squeak as she titled her head away. Shenran lifted a fore-hoof so they were looking eye to eye. Poor Fluttershy was crying as she bit her lower lip.
"I...I'm so sorry..." Fluttershy sobbed, "I...it just slipped out...and I...(whimper)." Shenran smiled.
"I love you too," Shenran said gently. That made Fluttershy giggle as Shenran dried her tears with a fore-hoof and then they shared a kiss.
"BLEH!" Rainbow groaned loudly before turning away from the site and crossed her fore-legs as she pouted. She actually wasn't disgusted.
She was jealous! Jealous that Fluttershy found herself a special somepony and she was still alone.
But...she would never admit to it.
Back at the palace, Twilight and Mario were continuing their venture up what felt like an endless staircase. Spike was struggling just to pull himself up from one step to the next.
"What if this is just more of his magic?" said Spike as Twilight titled her head slightly to the side and then stuck her tongue out in deep thought while Mario just looked up and scratched his chin, "He makes a door that leads you to your worst nightmare. Why not a staircase that goes on forever?" Twilight and Mario stopped moving as they were one stair flight above the dragon. They then looked back and then upward.
"Good point," said Mario, "I wouldn't put it past Sombra to do that." Twilight hummed in agreement before she used her magic to put Spike on her back.
"Sweetheart, what if..." Twilight whispered to Mario, who then smiled excitedly.
"I've been wanting to try that out," Mario replied eagerly, "Let do it!" Mario and Twilight then made some sounds of exertion as they made their horns glow. Suddenly, the two ponies and Spike were lifted into the air, turned over upside down and then began to slide down the underside of the stairs. They had successfully reversed gravity on themselves.
"Whoa. Whoaaa! Yaaaah!" Twilight called out excitedly.
"Yeee-hahaaaaa!" Mario shouted excitedly as well as the two ponies enjoyed their ride down their own makeshift slide.
Back outside, King Sombra's effort of taking over had not gone unnoticed. Elbow Grease noticed the blackened crystal building and his sparkle faded instantly. Rarity, who was nearby with her crafts stand, quickly made the stallion something to make him sparkle again. Rarity smiled and waved him goodbye before frantically trying to continue making crafts to keep the crystal ponies cheerful. But then another crystal building turned into black crystal, causing Fleur De Verre to cry out in distress and run away. A few other crystal ponies then began to chatter with each other, clearly frightened as Rarity tried to catch up with him. Before the area where Applejack was trying to keep the crystal ponies away from the fake Heart, dozens of crystal ponies were now surrounding it and they had all lost their sparkle. It wasn't long before Rarity arrived.
"Excuse me, pardon me," said Rarity with a nervous laugh before heading towards Applejack.
"I am running out of weaving materials for the traditional crafts booth!" Rarity told Applejack in a hushed tone, "I just made a hat out of three pieces of hay and a drinking straw." It was then the crystal pony wearing that very hat appeared in the foreground, "I made it work. But still."
"We gotta do everything we can to keep this thing goin'," said Applejack, "The Princess isn't looking so good." That was an understatement. Shining Armor was sitting down as he held his clearly exhausted wife as she was literally using every last bit of energy she had to keep the barrier up, but her horn was flicking even more now.
"I can't imagine her magic is gonna last much longer," Applejack pointed out before trying to remain optimistic, "It's gonna be fine. These ponies are gonna power up the Crystal Heart when the time comes, and we won't be needin' her magic anyway." As Applejack spoke, the crowd of crystal ponies continued to grow.
"I sure hope that time comes soon!" Pinkie pointed out as she tried to balance on a ball and juggle flugelhorns, "Even I can't keep this party going forever!" Pinkie then shrieked as she lost her balance and tumbled to the ground, dropping the flugelhorns as one bonked her on the head. Unfortunately her ball bounced into the covered fake Heart, knocking it out from underneath the blanket and exposing it to the crystal ponies.
"This isn't the Crystal Heart," said Crystal Beau.
"Oh, of course it isn't," said Rarity with a nervous laugh as Applejack put on a nervous smile on her face, "The real one is-"
"On it's way!" Applejack blurted out.
"I was going to say "being polished" to buy us some more time?" Rarity retorted in a hushed tone.
"Oops," said Applejack as she and Rarity put on some sheepishly smiles on their faces as the two ponies and Pinkie were surrounded by crystal ponies. The crystal ponies then saw the barrier fading as King Sombra laughed.
"It's...It's him!" Sapphire Joy shouted as the other crystal ponies cried out in distress.
"Crystal heart..." King Sombra said sinisterly as his shadow form increased in size.
As for Mario, Twilight, and Spike, they were having the time of their lives. Well Twilight and Mario were enjoying themselves as Spike hung onto Twilight for dear life.
"Whoooooahahaha!" Twilight and Mario cried out happily.
"We actually studied gravity spells," Twilight told Spike, "thinking it might be on our test! Turns out we were prepared for this! Wooo-hooo!" She and Mario both laughed as they reached the end of the slide and Mario and Twilight flipped themselves and Spike right side up again.
THUD!
Unfortunately, they were rather high into the air and ended up making a hard landing on the floor below. Correction, Mario and Spike landed on the floor at the top of tower. Twilight landed on Mario's back.
"I'm always the fall guy," Mario groaned irritably.
"You do make a comfy landing pad my schmoopy," said Twilight cutely as she got off his back.
"Thanks," said Mario annoyingly as Twilight giggled and helped him to his hooves. Once the two ponies and Spike had recovered, they all gasped in awe at what was there. Before them in the middle of a circular floor was...the real Crystal Heart.
"That's it!" said Mario excitedly as Twilight smiled. Spike then gestured for Mario and/or Twilight to go grab it.
"Okay, first we need to figure if...Twilight, no, NO!" Mario called out Twilight had taken off toward the heart. As soon as her fore-hoof touched the innermost circle of the floor, it glowed red and an alarm sound went off.
"I knew this looked too easy," Mario said with a groan as he caught up to his marefriend, "it's a trap!" King Sombra then growled as a rumble was heard and the two ponies then dived at the Crystal Heart as black crystals surrounded them both. In their haste, the Crystal Heart had slipped out of their hooves and neither were aware that it had fallen outside of the black crystal prison. Mario and Twilight looked fearfully at the black crystals as more evil laughter was heard. Lightning struck outside as the barrier continued to flicker.
"The Heart..." said Twilight as she and Mario looked around, "Where's the Crystal-"
"I don't know," Mario interrupted as she searched as well, "I tried to grab it but I lost my grip on it."
"Here!" said Spike as he pointed at the heart and some point black crystals emerging from the floor, "It rolled over to me when you dropped it!"
"Don't move!" said Twilight as Spike tried to approach the two trapped ponies, causing more black crystals to appear from the floor and Spike nearly got his feet poked by them.
"You can move, just not toward us!" Twilight corrected as Spike backed up so he was standing right beside the heart. She and Mario then used their magic to try and teleport out of the black crystal prison. But as soon as they made it out, King Sombra's dark magic pulled them right back into their little prison. Mario then saw an opening and tired a homing attack to smash through, but the crystal were so dense that Mario winced and was knocked back and onto his stomach.
"That crystal is harder than a diamond!" Mario remarked.
"Now what, sweetie?" Twilight asked. Mario then opened his saddle bags and grabbed not one, but two gold rings. He set one ring in each of his fore-hooves and crossed them against his chest while sitting down. It wasn't long before the magic from the rings made his body give off a light blue glow. Mario then scanned around.
"Every diamond has a weak point..." he remarked before blinking, "There!" Mario then curled into a ball, spinning at a velocity faster than he had ever spun before and launched as the crystals weak point. Twilight backed away for safety as Mario tried as hard to break through, but even with the power of two power rings. Mario could not even make a scratch and soon rebounded away and slid back to Twilight on his stomach.
"This is all my fault," said Twilight sadly as she tried to push her way out, "How could I have been so foolish? I was so eager to get it! Then when I saw what going on outside, I..."
"It's not your fault," said Mario, sitting on the floor looking glum, "I was too slow to get us out of the trap and I dropped the Crystal Heart. I let you down..." Twilight then stopped trying to push her way out and headed over to her coltfriend.
"You could never let me down," said Twilight sweetly. The two went for a kiss...
"You two can kiss and make up later!" Spike interrupted, stopping Mario and Twilight's little moment, "You have to get out of there! You have to be the ones who bring the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadance! If you don't, you'll fail Celestia's test!" Mario and Twilight exchanged worried looks with each other.
"King Sombra is already attacking the Empire," said Twilight as she and Mario watched the thunder and flickering barrier as Sombra's magic was gaining more and more power, "He could reach the Crystal Ponies at any moment...reach Princess Cadance, my brother, my friends. There may not be enough time to find a way to escape." Mario listened carefully before narrowing his eyes in determination.
"Then none of it matters now," said Mario firmly.
"What?!" Twilight and Spike exclaimed.
"Passing or failing Celestia's test no longer matters now," said Mario with a stern look on his face, "Cadance and Shining Armor need the Crystal Heart right now! Then the Crystal Ponies can power it up and defeat King Sombra! You know what we have to do..." As Twilight pondered for a moment, Spike was nervously trying to avoid the rising black crystals from poking his feet.
"You have to be the one to bring the Crystal Heart to the Faire," Twilight told Spike sternly as she looked at him from a small opening from the black crystals.
"Me?" said Spike, "but Twilight, Mario-"
"Go!" Twilight shouted.
"But-" Spike protested.
"GOOOO!" Mario and Twilight shouted louder. Spike quickly picked up the Crystal Heart and dived outside of the tower just in time as black crystals sealed up any escape from it. Spike just nervously stood on the edge, figuring out how he could possible get down.
Back on the ground, the crystal ponies were in chatting with each other worriedly, especially at the sight of the increasing number of black crystals. The mane five along with Shenran, Cadance, and Shining Armor were on the balcony above.
"Now, don't y'all worry your pretty, little Crystal heads!" said Applejack as she and Rarity waved at them, "The real Crystal Heart will be here any second!"
"I don't know if they believe you..." Rarity pointed out in a hushed tone.
"Don't know if I believe me..." Applejack remarked honestly. Then Cadance's magic faded completely, causing the barrier to dissolve.
"He's back! I can't take it!" Sapphire Joy shrieked, "Ugh!" As the crystal pony attempted to make a run for their life, they crashed into one of the black crystals as King Sombra appeared shaped like a shadow serpent before them.
"Ahhhhh..." King Sombra remarked deviously.
"King Sombra...!" Sapphire Joy cried out as she shrieked again.
"My crystal slaves..." King Sombra said evilly. Shenran then growled and approached Shining Armor.
"I'm ready to protect and serve, my Prince!" Shenran said bravely as he unsheathed his new pair of dual swords.
"At ease, Shenran!" Shining Armor said sternly, "You're no match for King Sombra. We need the Crystal Heart right now!" Shenran obeyed and put his swords away. But he still looked frustrated until Fluttershy walked up to him and leaned against his side. Shenran held her protectively.
Up above the group, Spike was frantically trying to find a way down.
"Whoa! Huh!" said Spike before spiting some fire as he tried to avoid the ever increasing number of black crystals.
"Yah!" Spike yelped nervously as he jumped toward a tall structure with a narrow and twisted path before calling out, "Hey! Up here!" Rarity was the first to notice him.
"Spike?" Rarity called out as Applejack and Pinkie looked up.
"Is that what I think it is?" said Shenran as Fluttershy put a fore-hoof to her mouth in shock. Shining Armor looked up as well as the rest of the group looked worried.
"I got the Crystal Heart!" Spike called out loudly. Sadly, Kind Sombra heard him as well.
"That is mine!" he said as he burrowed underground and made his way towards the baby dragon. Spike then made his way down the thin and twisted platform. King Sombra then made a large black crystal crag appear as he stood on the top of it with his restored physical form, as it rose up to intercept Spike and the Crystal Heart.
But then, Spike tripped and fell, dropping the Crystal Heart, as they both fell right toward King Sombra. Rarity gasped.
"Spikey-wikey!" Rarity cried out as the rest of the group cringed, except for Cadance and Shining Armor. He quickly put Cadance onto his back. She looked up wearily and saw Spike and the falling Crystal Heart in the distance. She also saw King Sombra rising on top of the black crystals to intercept them, growling with determination. Cadance then opened her wings as King Sombra inched closer to Spike and the Crystal Heart. Shining Armor held Cadance with both his fore-legs and threw her as hard as he could.
"Hah," said King Sombra as he was within reaching distance of Spike and the Crystal Heart, "Huh?" Then Cadance zoomed by at top speed, grabbing the Crystal Heart with new found magic and Spike grabbed Cadance's back before Sombra had a chance to do so. Spike held on for dear life as Cadance flew through the sky at top speed. The crystal ponies all watched in awe and amazement.
"Behold!" Bright Smile said to the others, "The Crystal Princess!" Cadance then landed firmly before them, smashing the fake heart to pieces.
"The Crystal Heart has returned," Cadance told them all, "Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not." Cadance then tossed the heart in the center area where two pillars of crystal appeared that magically levitated the Crystal Heart into place. The crystal ponies all sparkled as they knelt before the Crystal Heart. As they did so, the ground around them began to glow light blue.
"What?" said King Sombra in shock, "No...No! Stop!" But the blue glow soon lit up all the streets in the empire before the glowing magic all converged into the crystal heart. The heart began to rotate quickly before it gave off a large and powerful wave of blue colored magic. Turning Cadance, Spike, Shining Armor, Shenran, and the mane seven into crystal ponies!
"Oooh!" Rarity giggled excitedly in her crystal form. As the magic wave passed by, all of Sombra's black crystals and magic were destroyed, including the ones holding Mario and Twilight prisoner, allowing them to see each other in their crystal forms.
"Oh Twilight," said Mario, mesmerized by her appearance, "You are a beautiful crystal pony." Twilight smiled and giggled.
"Well, you're a handsome crystal pony," she replied as they shared a quick kiss and smile with each other.
Outside, King Sombra gasped as the magic wave came at him. He screamed as the magic literally destroyed him completely, leaving nothing but his red horn, as the magic wave carried it off, never to be seen again (or so we hope). The magic wave pushed back the dark clouds as a large beam of light erupted from the top of the Empire's tower, creating the northern lights across the skies of Equestria. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched the site from within their castle before the former tapped her horn against the latter, making them both smile. The rest of the mane seven smiled as Shenran and Fluttershy shared cute smiles with each other and then held each other, Applejack and Pinkie shared a high-hoof, and then Shining Armor embraced his wife happily as she and Spike landed on the balcony. Cadance then waved at the crystal ponies as they cheered happily. Spike, however, winced a bit before looking up. While he couldn't see them, Mario and Twilight were looking down at the group from above with Mario holding Twilight close as they sighed and squatted down to the floor.
"Good job Spike," Twilight said softly.
"Mission accomplished," Mario added, "I hope..."
Now the crystal ponies were sparkling all the time now and were much more cheerful as they interacted with each other about the city. Once the celebration had ended and Cadance had been given time to get a good night's rest, the Princess and Prince, along with Shenran, escorted the mane seven and Spike to the train station.
"I do so wish it was permanent," said Rarity, lamenting over the fact the crystal transformation was only temporary, "Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?"
"But...good things are better when they're a rarity," said Applejack giving the marshmallow pony a wink.
"Aww," said Rarity as she laughed at Applejack's little pun. Shenran and Fluttershy then shared a tender hug with each other.
"Until we meet again," said Shenran sweetly as he held her fore-hooves, "I love you, my princess."
"I love you, too, my prince," said Fluttershy in the same tone and smiled, "I'll come back soon and I'll keep writing to you."
"I'll do the same," said Shenran as he kissed her cheek, making her giggle before they reluctantly separated. Shenran tried to be strong, but he couldn't help letting a small tear escape his eye. Shining Armor and Cadance were walking alongside Twilight and Mario as they arrived at the train station. Both Mario and Twilight were still worried.
"Everything's going to be okay," Shining Armor assured Twilight and Mario, "You two gotta stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarassing." Shining Armor was only teasing as Twilight sheepishly looked away as Mario just playfully rolled his eyes.
"It wasn't us who saved you in the end," Twilight reminded her older brother, "It was Spike."
"It's just a test," said Shining Armor, "Maybe she'll let you retake it." Cadance then discreetly smacked Shining Armor on the side with one of her wings.
"I don't think she's gonna give us a new test," said Twilight as she turned to walk sadly to their train. Mario didn't follow.
"Twilight, wait!" said Mario, causing Twilight to stop and look at him.
"I need you to know," Mario continued, "no matter what happens when we see Mom again. I will always love you. Even if we fail and she dismisses us as her students, we're going to stay together. I promise you." Twilight then felt her eyes water as she rushed over to him and embraced him happily, sharing a brief kiss with him.
"Same here," said Twilight as she pulled away, "if our time with Celestia ends, then we will start a new path...together." The two ponies then tapped their horns together, creating several neon hearts rise from them. Cadance and Shining Armor just smiled as they held each other close. Shenran nodded in approval. For he knew that these two ponies were meant together.
Back in Canterlot, Mario and Twilight were with Princess Celestia. Spike was anxiously pacing back and forth in front of the doors outside the castle as the rest of the mane seven were waiting for the two ponies as well. Pinkie sat down and chewed on her horseshoes with Applejack putting a fore-hoof on her back for comfort. Fluttershy just sat quietly worried as Rarity reclined on the ground in dramatic fashion. Rainbow just hovered about with a worried look on her face.
"Keep it together, buddy..." Spike said to himself as he breathed heavily, "Gotta stay strong...for Twilight and Mario..." Spike stood before the front door, wishing he could hear what was going on.
Inside the main hall, Princess Celestia was just looking out of a window. The magical lights of the Crystal Empire were still gracing the sky. Mario and Twilight were just standing nearby with their heads low. They had given the alicorn princess their full report on what had happened.
"It's beautiful," Princess Celestia remarked at the sight.
"I wish it had been us who ultimately made it so," said Twilight, "But it wasn't."
"King Sombra was gaining power at a rapid rate," said Mario, "We had no choice but to let somepony else save the day." Princess Celestia approached the two ponies, next to her was a new stained glass window of Spike saving the Crystal Heart.
"Twilight, Mario, as I understand it," said Princess Celestia with a smile, "Spike brought Princess Cadance the Crystal Heart because you weren't sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. Neither of you were willing to risk the future of the citizens of the Crystal Empire in an effort to guarantee your own. Far better that I have two students who understand the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for their own best interests." Mario and Twilight lifted their heads to face Princess Celestia.
"Does this mean...?" they said together anxiously.
Back outside, Spike was beginning to panic.
"They're totally gonna lose it!" Spike said as he breathed heavily, "Keep it together, buddy...you gotta stay strong...for Twilight and Mario...!"
THUD!
Spike then got the door smacked into his face as both Mario and Twilight came out. The others just looked at them worried.
"We passed!" Mario and Twilight said together excitedly as they jumped into the air. The rest of their friends all smiled and cheered for them.
"Ooh, "said Mario and Twilight happily as they held each other and jumped about before they gave Spike a hug. Rarity then began to sing.
[Rarity - She walked up to Twilight and Mario, the two ponies made an O with their mouths as their cheeks turned light pink from feeling slightly embarassed. Rarity then raised their chins as the three ponies walked side by side.]
You were prepared to do your best
Had what it takes to pass the test
All those doubts you can dismiss
turn out you were...
[Everypony minus Twilight and Mario - Then all but Spike zipped away, making the dragon make an O shape with his mouth.]
...prepared for this!
[Applejack - wrapped a foreleg around Twilight from the side as she, Twilight, Mario, and Rarity walked along]
You clearly have just what it takes
[Pinkie - appeared as the ponies left walking on some tall stilts, but then lost her balance. The group winced as Pinkie crash landed.]
To pass a test with such high stakes
[Fluttershy - flew over to the group from the right.]
We knew for sure you would prevail
[Rainbow - hovered above as she reclined lazily on a cloud.]
Since when do these two ponies ever fail?
[All but Twilight and Mario - they all march out of Canterlot single file with Applejack leading the way and Twilight and Mario at the back as the other sing together. They were then seen walkin in a v shape with Twilight and Mario in the middle.]
All those doubts that you can dismiss
Trust yourself and you cannot miss
[Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity - stand side by side to Mario's left]
Turns out you were
[Mario]
Turns out I was
[Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike - Rainbow and Fluttershy hover together in the background while Spike stood in the foreground on Twilight's right.]
Turns out you were
[Twilight]
Turns out I was
[All but Twilight and Mario - As they finished the song, they were all riding the train together as it headed back home to Ponyville. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watch the train disappear. They quickly exchange smiles and some nods before Princess Luna showed Princess Celestia a book with a dark blue cover.]
...prepared for this!
"Yeah, I knew everything was going to be fine," said Spike with a nervous laugh as he sat on Twilight's back before leaning forward and giving a long sigh. Twilight and Mario just exchanged smirks with each other and then a loving nose nuzzle.
They were just glad the test was over.
And there love for each other had grown stronger.
Another epic adventure complete and Mario and Twilight's relationship continues to grow!
And don't worry, Shenran will be back in the future. I'm glad alot of readers are taking a liking to him. As for their relationship, it's pretty much up in the air at the moment even though Shenran and Fluttershy do love each other. For those who know what happened from season 3 onward, you could say I needed a pony to initiate another...love triangle...
Now for the serious note: I'm REALLY weary about the next episode. Those who have read this story from the start will know why. I'm gonna write it, but I do ask just one thing...
Does anypony know how I can contact Dr. Wolf for Mario Star? He's gonna need a therapist...
Peace Pony Fans!