Trade ya!
Pony's Log Number 422: Trading with each other can be fun, but one must take into account the consequences of doing so. They can even affect those we care about...
The Mane seven were now riding a train toward Rainbow Falls. For today was a special day on the Equestrian calendar.
"SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
"Pinkie...indoor voice please?" Mario groaned as he held his now throbbing head.
"Sorry, big brother," said Pinkie as the train pulled into the Rainbow Falls station, "I just so excited like...Yes! Best day ever! We're all going to the Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange!" Soon Applejack was busy loading up a wagon she had brought to carry their items for trading as Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Rarity walked off the train.
"And not just going -," said Pinkie as she bounced out of the train and headed over to Twilight, who was using her magic to hold some books, "we're accompanying a prince and princess on an official royal duty!" Pinkie's shouting startled Twilight as Mario just hovered over to his wife with an annoyed look on his face.
"Please, it's not that big of a deal," said Twilight as she put her books into the box and Pinkie smiled behind her, "There always has to be a princess at the Exchange."
"Umm, if it's only a princess," said Mario as he landed and walked along side his wife, "then what am I supposed to do?"
"You're going to share the royal duty with me, sweetie," said Twilight as she lead the rest of the group through a tunnel to the grounds of the Trade Exchange, "Last year was Princess Cadance, this year it's me and my husband. It's just a formality. I'm sure none of the other ponies will even notice I'm here." It wasn't until Twilight turned around when she and Mario were taken by surprise as they saw some ponies cheering for them. They also took notice as the crowd set up a banner to welcome the royal couple to the Trade Exchange. Plus lots of confetti was falling from the sky.
"Wow, look over there, a princess!" said one pony.
"And the prince is here too," said a mare as some other mares and fillies squeed with glee.
"Oh, this is amazing!" shouted another pony. Mario and Twilight were left rather stunned from all the commotion as Applejack stood beside them.
"Could be wrong," said Applejack, "but I think they might've noticed." Twilight and Mario just laughed nervously while Applejack just smirked at them.
Hopefully all the hype about me and my wife will settle down...eventually... Mario thought to himself.
(Main Theme)
As the Mane seven began to head to the location where Twilight had wanted to set up a stand of her own, Fluttershy noticed a statue of a bunny impersonating cupid.
"Oh my goodness!" said Fluttershy as she admired the statue.
"You can say that again, Flutters," said Mario, "this place is a literal treasure trove of rare and exquisite goods and potpourri."
"You said it," said Rarity as she admired herself while wearing a pink hat that had a rose clipped on the brim, "The Rainbow Falls Traders Exchange is simply divine. You can get anything you want here!" Rarity then gave the pony holding the mirror for her the pink hat and got a brown fedora hat in exchange.
"If'n you got the goods to trade for it," said Applejack.
"But sometimes ponies might not be willing to make an exchange," Mario added, "But smart traders never give up!"
"You've been playing way too much Monopoly you know that," Fluttershy remarked. Mario snorted.
"This is coming from the pony who actually beat me the last time we played," Mario remarked as Fluttershy just stuck her tongue out at him. Mario stuck her tongue back at him before they continued on their way. Then Spike, holding what appeared to be a comic book in his claws, was just following the group when he suddenly tripped over a rock.
"Wha?" Spike grunted as he saw his comic fly into the air...and right toward a puddle of mud, "Nooo!" Fortunately for Spike, Twilight caught the comic before the comic could come close to the mud.
"Thanks, Twilight," said Spike as he grabbed the comic book, "Whew. On ding, nick or dent, and this Power Ponies comic book wouldn't be in perfect mint condition anymore. And if you want to trade for a mint condition comic, you gotta have a mint condition comic." Spike then walked away. But then some ponies took notice of the royal couple and started murmuring and staring at them. Twilight and Mario took notice as the former blushed, covered her face with her wings, and ran off. The rest of the group watched Twilight take off.
"Wait up, honey!" Mario called out as he went after her.
"I guess two ponies who are here on official prince and princess business had to have expected a little fussin'," Applejack remarked as they followed after the royal couple at a rather casual pace.
"It's not that we didn't expect it," said Mario, "but Twilight here isn't used to being the center of attention like this."
"And you are?" Rainbow asked.
"I'm a little more used to it," said Mario, "Hey, at least I'm not getting a big ego from it!"
"Oh you had to bring that up," Rainbow remarked annoyingly.
"But all we're supposed to do is settle disagreements over whether a trade is fair or not," said Twilight as the rest of the Mane seven reached the stand, "And since the rule is that a trade is fair as long as both ponies get what they want, there's never been a disagreement. So there's really no reason for anypony to treat me or my husband as anything special." Twilight then noticed that everypony wasn't looking at her but rather something behind her. Twilight tuned around to see a small little filly standing nearby.
"Hi there," said Mario gently.
"Hi!" said Twilight, "Can I help you?" The little filly then held up a picture of Twilight and smiled excitedly. Twilight just sighed annoying and autographed the picture. Then the filly held up a picture of Mario, which Mario signed as well. The little filly giggled happily before flying away.
"There's a pony here who's got a signed first edition of Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Statue, and I'm gonna get it!" said Rainbow excitedly, "I've been able to get first editions of all the Daring Do books, except this one! Nopony's ever put together a whole set, and I'm gonna be the first! If it hasn't been traded yet...It's the only one in all of Equestria!" Rainbow looked rather worried.
"Oh no!" said Fluttershy as she walked up to the blue Pegasus and showed her a whistle in the shape of a bear, "I'd really hate to see you disappointed. I did want to trade this bear call for a bird whistle, but getting that book seems so important to you, so if you need me to help you first..."
"Normally I'd say I don't need any help," said Rainbow, "but you're right. This is really important. I've gotta get that book!" Rainbow then held Fluttershy by the side and the two Pegasi zoomed off as Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, and Mario waved her goodbye. Spike ran off to find the comic book trader.
"Well, I'm off to take a gander at some of the vintage stalls," said Applejack as she put a loaded sack on her back. Twilight then used her magic to grab the box loaded with books as Mario helped his wife stack them up.
"Did you say vintage?" said Rarity excitedly as she put on her own saddle bags on her back and went up to the orange pony, "Why, old and rare items are so in style right now! I'm hoping to get a vintage item as well. I just hope I brought enough to trade."
"I know what you mean, Rarity," said Applejack but then she got an idea, "Hey! Why don't we pool our trade stashes?"
"Pool?" Rarity asked.
"That way," Applejack explained as she walked in front of Rarity, "if one of us finds somethin' real valuable she can't live without..." Rarity then gasped when she realized what Applejack was talking about.
"She'll definitely be able to get it!" said Rarity as she nuzzled the side of Applejack's head, "Who could say no to exchanging a single object for such a huge assortment of items? Oh yes! That is absolutely brilliant! I'm so glad I have a friend like you, Applejack."
"I feel the same way," said Applejack in agreement.
"Then let's go shopping!" Rarity said as the two ponies then took off. In the background, Spike had finally found the comic book trader. Back at Twilight's stand, the royal couple was busy setting up the books as Pinkie sat down nearby.
"Um, shouldn't your princeness and princessness be headed to the royal box seats?" Pinkie asked.
"I may be the princess on duty," said Twilight.
"And I may be the prince on duty," said Mario.
"But I don't think that means we have to sit up there all alone doing nothing," said Twilight, "Ever since I became a princess, Celestia's been sending me more books to read than ever."
"And I actually have to read them as well because there's no books on being an Alicorn prince," said Mario, "but many of the lessons and duties are the same to some degree."
"Either way, the Library is overflowing," said Twilight.
"I'll say," said Mario, "I got buried alive three times in just this last week because somepony kept stacking the books too high." Mario sneaked a glare at his wife, who just smiled sheepishly.
"I love you," was all Twilight could say as Mario rolled his eyes.
"Love you too, dear," Mario replied, making Pinkie giggle.
"So I figured while we're here," Twilight continued to get the conversation back on track and then folded up the empty box and set it aside, "I might as well trade away some books we don't need anymore."
"Mm-hm!" said Pinkie.
"Honey, do you think you could...manage alone for a bit?" Mario asked, "I wanted to take a look around."
"On one condition," said Twilight.
"Yes dear?" Mario asked skeptically.
"Trade for something you want for a change," Twilight said in exasperation, "It's not like I don't enjoy all those items you traded to give to me and all, but you never just get something you want. So I'm saying this now: Get something for yourself, promise?" Mario just sighed. Searching for something for Twilight always made shopping fun for him, but he knew he had to respect her decision.
"Okay," said Mario as he put his saddle bags into his back, "You'll send me a signal with our love magic if there's a dispute?"
"Of course," said Twilight.
"Alright then," said Mario as they exchanged a quick kiss, "I'll check back in an hour to see how you're doing." With that, Mario headed on his way as Twilight and Pinkie waved until he was out of sight.
It wasn't long before Rainbow and Fluttershy found the mare who had the book the blue Pegasus was looking for. Rainbow gasped excitedly.
"There it is!" Rainbow exclaimed, "The first edition of Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue! It hadn't been traded yet." Rainbow then hovered over to the book as Fluttershy hovered beside her. Rainbow wasted no time landing and getting into the trader's face, who name was Teddie Safari.
"Lucky for you," said Rainbow smugly to Teddie Safari, "because I've brought my most valuable possession to trade for it. My lucky horseshoe!" Teddie Safari just looked at the horseshoe.
"I don't want it," she said bluntly and shoved the horseshoe back to Rainbow.
"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed with her jaw dropping twice, stunned at her offer being rejected.
"It's just a rusty old horseshoe," said Teddie Safari, "That's not worth anything to me." Rainbow gave the trader a pouty face.
"But, but how is Rainbow Dash going to get the book she really wants?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, she's not," Teddie Safari answered bluntly. Rainbow sighed and fall into her back as Fluttershy watched her supposedly faint.
"Unless..." said Teddie Safari, which made Rainbow shoot up anxiously, "she can get me that." She then pointed toward another tent that had a two headed dog creature roped to a wooden pole. It was currently doing tug of war with the pony in charge of the tent. Rainbow looked shocked.
"Aww, an Orthros!" said Fluttershy, "How cute!" As she said that, one head broke a bone in half with just it's teeth and both heads smiled at them deviously. Rainbow was horrified.
"The pony running the ancient beasts stall doesn't want anything I got," said Teddie Safari, "But if you can get me the Orthros, I'll trade you the book for it."
"You got it!" said Rainbow excited before turning to Fluttershy as she waved Teddie Safari goodbye with her wing, "I don't know how, but somehow, we're gonna get that Orthros." The two Pegasi then headed on their way.
Elsewhere, Rarity was just looking around when her eye saw something and smiled. Applejack was also looking around the area when she saw something and smiled as well. The two ponies then rushed up to each other.
"Oh, Applejack," said Rarity excitedly, "I am so glad I found you."
"Me too!" said Applejack in the same tone, "You're not gonna believe it!"
"I found a super valuable vintage item I just have to have, and all its gonna cost is all our stuff!" they said excitedly at the same time, but then froze when they realized what the other had said.
"Uh-oh," they squeaked as each pony bit their lower lip. Not too far away, Mario was checking out all the tents. He was having a hard time finding something worthwhile for himself. It didn't help that whenever the trade ponies saw him, they would put on over the top smiles and try to offer him their items. Mario just glanced quickly to avoid drawing any attention to himself and soon sighed.
"Why is it that every time I can buy something," said Mario to himself, "I can't decide what I want or can't decide on anything I could buy?" Mario just kept walking about when he suddenly froze when he heard a tune coming from a short distance away. It was a rather peaceful tune too. Mario quickly followed the tune until he approached a music tent that had a sea shell music box. It was this music box that was playing the tune that caught his ears.
"Now why does that tune..." Mario then gasped as his eyes shrunk.
Flashback
It was a stormy night at Canterlot Castle as thunder and lightning raged in the sky. Young Mario was crying in his bed since the thunder and lightning was scaring him. It was then the lightning clashed loudly once again.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Young Mario screamed and cried harder. It wasn't long after Young Cadance appeared.
"What's wrong little brother?" Young Cadance asked softly.
"I don't like thunder storms," Young Mario sobbed, "The lightning is always so..."
KA-BOOM!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Young Mario screamed and hid under his blanket. Young Cadance used her magic to pull the blanket off of Mario and set him down so he was lying on his pillow, still trembling fearfully. Young Cadance began to stroke his mane and began humming a very gentle but sweet tune. Young Mario sniffled as he listened to the tune. He found that as he listened to the tune that his nerves began to settle and his body stopped trembling. The tune had no words to it, but Mario didn't care. He felt much better listening to Young Cadance hum her little tune.
"What kind of tune is that?" Young Mario asked, "I've never heard it before."
"It's something I came up with," said Young Cadance, "Feeling better, sweetie?"
"Uh-huh," said Young Mario timidly as the thunder clashed again, but Young Mario only flinched and Young Cadance began to hum to tune again, which not only helped Young Mario relax, but also fall happily asleep. Soon other memories were seen when Young Cadance would hum the tune as they spent time together and when it was his bed time. Eventually they were both humming the tune together as they took a walk down the streets of Canterlot or spending time in the park.
End Flashback
Mario hummed contently as a smile appeared on his face and the music box stopped playing.
"I have not heard that tune in years," said Mario.
"I see your interested in that music box," said a mare named Rare Tunes, "This music box contains a rare song from the Crystal Empire Princess herself. Only twelve of these were ever made and I happen to own one of them!" Mario was surprised, wondering when Cadance ever recorded that song, but shook the question off.
"If the music box is so rare," said Mario, "Then why is it up for a trade?"
"As rare as this music box is," said Rare Tunes, "I've grown tired of hearing the tune all the time. There's just something about it that doesn't make me find it worth holding into anymore." Mario smiled eagerly.
"But that doesn't mean I'm just gonna give it up easily," said Rare Tunes sternly, "I know who you are Prince Mario. If you want that music box, you better have something really, really good to trade for it. And I don't except autographs!" Mario snorted.
"I'm not conceded thank you very much," said Mario indignantly, "But I do have some rare gems of my own to trade. So let me see..." Mario set his magic saddle bag down and began digging inside of it for the items he was willing to trade. It was then Applejack lead Rarity toward another tent of some vintage items.
"So, where is this valuable vintage item you want to trade everything we have for?" Rarity asked as they stood before a table with various items.
"There!" Applejack replied as she pointed to a very old and rusty tin plate.
"Where?" Rarity asked, supposedly having a hard time "seeing" the vintage item Applejack was talking about.
"Right there!" said Applejack again. Rarity then noticed the item Applejack was pointing at.
"But...that's a dented old pie tin," said Rarity.
"A dented vintage pie tin," said Applejack, "The metal they used to fashion this one helps cook pies up to five seconds faster! They don't make 'em like this anymore!" Applejack then shoved the tin into Rarity's face, making her recoil at it.
"I'm so glad you showed that to me darling..." said Rarity with an over the top tone as she used her magic to forcefully set the pie tin back on the table and knocking over several items on it.
"...Because once you see what I've found," Rarity continued as she had Applejack reluctantly follow her, "you won't want to waste our trade good on that." Rarity giggled to herself as she brought Applejack to another tent.
"Just look at this gorgeous vintage brooch," said Rarity as she showed Applejack a gold broach that had emeralds and red rubies on it, "It's one of a kind!" Applejack just narrowed her eyes as she examined the broach.
"It's look exactly like the one you're already wearin'," said Applejack bluntly as she lifted a part of Rarity's mane to show a broach that did look exactly like the one on display on the marshmallow mare's saddle bags.
"Well, yes, they may look the same," said Rarity, "But I know it's older, and that's what makes it more divine!"
"But that doesn't make a lick of sense!" Applejack protested, "Why, I'd wage if I switched them up, you wouldn't even know the difference!"
"Oh, don't be silly, of course I would!" said Rarity smugly. Applejack just raised an eyebrow and glared at her. Applejack then placed both broaches onto a nearby table and used both her fore-hooves to shuffle to two broached about very quickly.
"So which is the vintage one?" Applejack asked.
"That one, of course," said Rarity as she pointed to the broach at the right.
"Hah, you're bluffin'!" Applejack retorted.
"Am I?" Rarity asked confidently, "How can you tell?"
"Well...because..." said Applejack as she looked at the broaches and grunted angrily, "I can't, 'cause the one you wanna waste our whole stash on is exactly the same as the one you already got! There's no way anypony would notice the difference!" Applejack then walked off as Rarity put her broach back onto her saddle bags.
"I'd say it's a lot more likely they'd notice that then some dented tin that cooked a pie a whole two seconds," Rarity retorted, hitting a nerve with the orange pony as Applejack stopped walking and gasped silently.
"It's five seconds faster!" Applejack snapped as she got into Rarity's face. The two ponies then growled at each other.
As Applejack and Rarity stared each other down, Fluttershy and Rainbow were heading to the ancient beasts tent. The Orthros was growled as he chewed a metal chain in half. Rainbow stopped approaching the creature and gulped. Ironically, it was Fluttershy who walked up to the Orthros with a confident and calm smile on her face. The Orthros barked at Fluttershy, making her mane fly about, but Fluttershy was completely unphased. She then put a fore-hoof under his chin and rubbed, making both heads smile and drool happily. Rainbow was amazed.
"Yes, such a good two-headed boy," said Fluttershy sweetly as she used her other fore-hoof to run the top of one of the heads, "Yes, you are!" The Orthros just made some happy noises in reply as he lay on his back. Then Fluttershy began to rub his belly, making his hind legs kick impulsively.
"Stop that!" shouted a pony named Cratus, who was in charge of the ancient beasts tent, as he shouted at some creatures inside the tent, "Don't you start now, too!" He then exited the tent as Fluttershy stopped petting the Orthros and headed over to Rainbow.
"Okay, I can see you're busy," said Rainbow to Cratus, "so I'll give it to you straight. I need to trade this horseshoe for...that!" Rainbow then pointed to the Orthros.
"Nope," said Cratus, plain and simple.
"Aww," Rainbow groaned as she and Fluttershy looked disappointed.
"Down boy!" Cratus yelled at the Orthros as he started chewing on the stick that had a lamp at the end of it, "Watch out for the lamp!" Then lantern them flew off and broke when it hit the ground a short distance away.
"Well, I could use another lamp," said Cratus as he inspected the damage. Rainbow smiled excitedly. It wasn't long before they arrived at a tent where a pony was offering lamps for trade...that looked like Discord.
"A whole stand filled with Discord-shaped lamps?" Rainbow said in disbelief, "Seriously?!" Fluttershy just smiled.
"They really do have everything at the Traders Exchange," said Fluttershy, "I wonder if I should think about getting one."
"Do you really think Shenran is gonna let you have that in your house?" Rainbow remarked.
"He knows Discord will be a regular visitor to what will become our home," said Fluttershy, "and he knows that I want him and Discord to be friends. He loves me enough to do that." Rainbow just rolled her eyes annoyingly as she walked up to the pony in charge of the tent.
"Will you trade a lamp for my horseshoe so I can trade it for an Orthros and get my book?" Rainbow asked.
"No," said the pony, whose name was Stellar Eclipse. Rainbow bit her lower lip before giving him a shocked look. Fluttershy gave him a sad look.
"But I'd trade it for an antique chicken," Stellar Eclipse offered.
"Great!" said Rainbow as she and Fluttershy smiled and then froze for a moment, "What's an antique chicken?" Soon the two Pegasi had found a tent where a pony was selling the very item Stellar Eclipse wanted. The pony in charge was named Match Game. (Who apparently had a brother named Gene Rayburn. Just kidding, vintage game show joke.)
"Oh I got all kinds of antique chicken statues," said Match Game, "I got blue hens, speckled grays, your-" Rainbow and Fluttershy were stunned at first before the former quickly lost patience.
"Okay, cool!" Rainbow interrupted hastily, "So will you trade one for a horseshoe so I can trade it for a lamp and then trade it for an Orthros so I can get my book?" Rainbow bit her lower lip anxiously as she waited for an answer.
"Well, lemme think..." said Match Game as he pondered a bit before answering: "Uh, no."
"Aww," Fluttershy and Rainbow groaned together and turned to leave.
"But I'd gladly trade one of my chickens for a crystal chalice," Match Game offered, perking up the two Pegasi's spirits. Rainbow flew at high speed toward a tent that sold various crystal chalices and landed completely out of breath.
"Hold on a sec," Rainbow panted as she recovered and inhaled deeply, "We need a crystal chalice to trade for a chicken to trade for a lamp to trade for an Orthros. So what are you willing to trade for it?" Fluttershy then arrived as Rainbow was talking. The trader pony, whose name was Amethyst Gleam opened her mouth to speak.
"I'm guessing it's gotta be some crazy thing way across the Exchange," said Rainbow sadly as she walked away.
"Actually," said Amethyst Gleam, "I could use a slightly rusty old horseshoe."
"Yeah, like where am I gonna find-" Rainbow then realized what the pony had said, "wait, I've got one of those!" Rainbow then gave the pony her horseshoe and received a blue crystal chalice.
"Now that we've got the chalice, this is gonna be a cinch!" said Rainbow excitedly.
"Do you really think so?" Fluttershy asked.
"All we gotta do is bring this thing to the chicken stand," said Rainbow as she went to collect the chalice, "and we are-"
SMASH!
Rainbow had barely put her fore-hooves on the crystal chalice when it suddenly shattered to pieces.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rainbow and Fluttershy screamed.
"OH COME ON!" Mario bellowed in frustration from another part of the Exchange, "This is a gold record of Sapphire Shores greatest hits! Autographed by Sapphire Shores herself! Do you know how many of these exist? Only one! That's a fair trade for the music box!"
"But it's not something I want," said Rare Tune snootily, "So no deal!" Mario growled at her irritably. He had been offering various rare items to her and she turned them all down, even a rare golden mushroom that was hand crafted out of solid gold ore. Mario then did his breathing technique to calm himself down.
"Okay then," said Mario, "Then how about you tell me what you would want in exchange for the music box."
"You're hoof in marriage," said Rare Tunes smugly.
"Very Funny!" Mario snapped, "You know that I'm already married."
"Then I guess you're out of luck," said Rare Tunes with a chuckle. Mario just huffed but then got an idea.
"I'll be back," said Mario as he flew off to find Twilight for some advice.
Back at Twilight's stand, she was currently negotiating a deal with a little filly Pegasus for her books.
"You want me to trade all of my books for a broken pen?" Twilight asked the little filly, who nodded with a cute smile on her face. Twilight just rolled her eyes lightly, "Alright, fine. You got yourself a deal." Twilight and the filly went for a hoof exchange.
"STOP!" Pinkie shouted as she got between the two ponies and got into Twilight's face, "What are you doing?!"
"I was trying to get rid of all the books I don't need anymore," said Twilight as she looked at her books.
"For that?" said Pinkie as she pointed at the broken pen and the filly gave the pink pony a glare, "Do you reaaaaally want that?"
"Well, not really," said Twilight, "but I'm running out of library space, so-"
"Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh!" said Pinkie as she jumped into the foreground before zipping around Twilight and jumping onto her, "I can't believe that almost happened! But luckily, it didn't happen thanks to me." Twilight just glared at Pinkie annoyingly.
"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked.
"According to the rules of the Exchange," said Pinkie as she pulled down a scroll with the rules on it from the air and then grabbed Twilight by the face as the purple alicorn rolled her eyes at her, "a trade is only fair if both ponies end up with something they want. You can't break the rules! Did anypony see you do it? I don't think anypony saw!" Twilight then ribbed her sore cheeks as Pinkie scouted around. She then noticed the little filly with her broken pen and raised a fore-hoof to say she saw what happened.
"But you're not gonna say anything, are you?!" Pinkie asked as she got into the little filly's face, but then smiled, "Haha, I'm just kidding!" But then sternly added, "Or am I?!" and then added casually, "Sometimes I can't even tell!" Pinkie just laughed, but the poor filly was so disturbed that she ran for her life, leaving the broken pen behind.
"Y'know," said Twilight with a smirk as she walked up to Pinkie, "if you want to go check out the rest of the Exchange and trade whatever you brought."
"Nope, I just came to pony-watch," Pinkie replied quickly, "I'm not going anywhere. I won't let you make a mistake like that again!" Pinkie then put on a strawboater hat, a blue necktie, and a mustache before she stood before a podium. Twilight's jaw was left slightly opened until Pinkie closed it herself.
"Hey, everypony, step right up! Do not walk!" Pinkie advertised at Twilight's expense, "Gallop over here for your chance to trade for authentic, one-of-a-kind, official princess merchandise!" Several ponies gathered around the podium as Twilight just groaned to herself. It was then Mario arrived.
"What's going on here?" Mario asked.
"Ugh, Pinkie wants to help me trade my merchandise," Twilight remarked annoyingly. Mario then smirked.
"Hey, Pinkie!" Mario shouted, "I could use your-"
"Sorry, busy right now!" Pinkie shouted back.
"UGH!" Twilight and Mario groaned together.
"Well, I'm out of ideas," said Mario, "Umm, do you mind if I look at our book stash? I wanna see if there's anything I can use for trading."
"Did you find something?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah," said Mario, "but the pony is being very...ugh...difficult. I need some new trading material."
"You can check the books of you want," said Twilight, "assuming Pinkie will let you." Mario just looked rather downcast as he sat down.
"What did you find, sweetie?" Twilight asked curiously.
"A rare music box," said Mario, "it plays this lullaby that Cadance used to sing to me when I was a foal." Twilight gasped.
"It is the one that goes like this?" Twilight asked eagerly as she hummed a few bars and Mario nodded with a smile.
"Too bad the pony who has it doesn't want nothing I have to trade," said Mario sadly. Twilight pondered and then got an idea. She then went behind the shelter and pulled out a book and autographed the cover.
"This was one of my favorite books to read when I was a filly," said Twilight, "Tell the trader that and hopefully she'll be interested in it as...ugh...Princess merchandise." Mario kissed her cheek.
"Thanks honey," said Mario as he put the book in his saddle bags and flew back to the music stand. As Mario flew high into the sky, down below, Rainbow and Fluttershy were busy using glue and tape to repair the crystal chalice. Fluttershy then added some glue as Rainbow secured the last piece to complete the repair.
"Well, that took forever," said Rainbow, her mane covered in glue and pieces of tape.
"I just hope it looks okay," said Fluttershy. They returned to the antique chicken stand where Rainbow carefully handed the repaired crystal chalice to Match Game, who carefully examined it.
"This is perfect!" said Match Game as he took a hammer and smashed it. Rainbow and Fluttershy gasped.
"Perfect for the broken chalice mosaic I'm making," said Match Game as he showed them his nearly complete artwork, "Alright, what kind of antique chicken do you want? I've got speckled, brown, gray..." Match Game continued to babble when Rainbow realized something.
"Oh no!" said Rainbow, "The pony we're supposed to trade the chicken statue to didn't tell us what kind he wanted! Okay, look, I'm fast. I'll fly over to the lamp stand and find out what kind of chicken he wants. Just don't let anypony trade for any chicken while I'm gone, okay?"
"Um, well, okay!" said Fluttershy rather hesitantly, "Um, I can do that, I think." Rainbow then took off. She had barely been gone for a second when a stallion named Coco Crusoe appeared at the stand.
"Um, well, maybe you shouldn't get one of those?" Fluttershy suggested meekly, before getting stared down by both the stallion and Match Game, "You know...unless you really want to..." Fluttershy then squatted to the ground and crawled away. Rainbow had seen everything and groaned irritably. Coco Crusoe began to examine the wares when Rainbow appeared in front of him.
"Beat it!" Rainbow snapped, making the stallion take off as Fluttershy just smiled sheepishly, "You go. I'll stay here." Fluttershy nodded and quickly took off into the sky. As she flew across the sky, down below her, Applejack and Rarity were sitting with her backs to each other and their fore-hooves crossed. Their bags loaded with stuff was between them.
"Well, since we can't both get what we want," said Rarity with a huff and pushed the bags closer to Applejack, "I will be the better friend. You take our trade goods and get what you want."
"I'm an amazin' friend!" said Applejack and pushes the bags back to Rarity, "So even though it's for somethin' that doesn't seem valuable at all, you take the stash."
"How dare you let me get what I want," Rarity retorted and shoved the bags back toward Applejack, up in the sky, Fluttershy was flying back to the antique chicken stand, "What kind of friend do you think I am? You are going to get what you want!"
"No, you are!" Applejack protested and pushed the bags back to Rarity.
"No, you are!" Rarity protested and pushed the bags back to Applejack and they repeated this several times over. Above them, Fluttershy and Rainbow had the right antique chicken (and lucky it didn't break on them) and were heading to the lamp stand.
The two Pegasi then flew above Mario, as he was waiting anxiously to see if Rare Tune was interested in the autographed princess merchandise.
"Very interesting," said Rare Tune as she flipped through the pages of the book.
"Yes?" said Mario hopefully.
"And I would like to have some sort of Princess memorabilia," said Rare Tune.
"So...do we have a deal?" Mario asked with a smile on his face. Rare tune smiled back.
"We totally..." said Rare Tune with a long pause, "do NOT have a deal!"
PLOP!
Mario then did a comedic plop on the ground before he got up and he groaned loudly and his eyes flooded with tears.
"Why do you want this thing so badly anyway?" Rare Tune asked in snobbish fashion, "Trying to impress your wife or something?" Mario sniffled.
"Cadance was my foalsitter and my friend," Mario replied sadly as he tucked Twilight's book into his saddle bags, "She used to hum that song to me to help me sleep at night, especially during thunderstorms or after having nightmares." Rare Tune blinked and then laughed. Mario just glared at her bitterly. Rare Tune stopped laughing then.
"Wait, you're serious?" Rare Tune asked.
"Do I look like I would make that up?" Mario snapped.
"Oh boo-hoo!" said Rare Tune indignantly, "You're still not getting this music box! You don't have nothing worth trading it for that I want."
"Assuming my hoof in marriage is the only thing you want," said Mario bitterly.
"I was just kidding," said Rare Tune dismissively, "the trouble is that nopony can find what I want so why bother asking?"
"Try me!" Mario demanded.
"No, I said nopony has it," said Rare Tune.
"Just ask me!" Mario said sternly.
"Why bother..."
"Ask me!" Mario yelled.
"No!" Rare Tune yelled back, "You're not getting this music box. I don't care if it means something special to you. Go cry a river someplace else!" Mario just panted a bit before just sighing in defeat and flew away. Rare Tune just watched him disappear with an eye roll, but then suddenly felt a little guilty herself.
Back to Rainbow and Fluttershy, the two Pegasi arrived at the lamp stand.
"Hello!" said Rainbow as her fore-hoof tapped the table impatiently, "We got the kind of chicken you asked for? Hello? Where's the pony running this joint?" Fluttershy then walked over and saw a sign posted on one of the tent poles.
"On break?!" Rainbow read aloud and groaned loudly, making Fluttershy flinch. Rainbow then grabbed the yellow Pegasus and carried her off.
Back at Twilight's stand, several ponies were gathered around the podium as Pinkie was advertising Twilight's books.
"These books made Twilight the princess she is," said Pinkie, "before that, she was nothing - a big, fat zero!"
"Hey!" Twilight retorted, clearly offended.
"That's not true Pinkie!" said Mario since he had arrived as Pinkie said that and added quietly, "I was the big, fat zero..."
"Mario!" Twilight exclaimed, shocked and hurt, "why would you say that?!" Mario just sighed and looked away sadly.
"Then she read these books and voila! Princess!" Pinkie continued as she removed her straw hat and had a crown on her head, "So who wants to start the bidding?" The crowd cheered excitedly as several ponies started holding up items for bidding. It was then Twilight got up on the podium beside Pinkie.
"Uh, just a moment please!" said Twilight to the crowd before turning to Pinkie, "I appreciate your help and all, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this. Nopony should trade for my books just because I'm a princess, or because Mario is a prince. We're not better than anypony else!" The crowd looked at her with blank and stunned looks.
"I know you're not better than everypony! Just leave this to me!" Pinkie said in a hushed tone before shoving Twilight off the podium, "Did I mention that Princess Twilight and Prince Mario got these books from Princess Celestia?"
"Whoa, wait," said Fleur De Verre, "you don't mean-"
"Oh, that's right," said Pinkie as she added another crown on top of the first one, "Double princess!" The crowd began to chatter excitedly as Mario helped Twilight to her hooves. Twilight just cringed and face-hoofed herself, but then remembered what Mario had said and the fact he was looking very glum.
"No luck with the music box?" Twilight asked gently. Mario shook his head and sighed.
"She was determined not to give it to me," said Mario, "I was too drained to try again and look around for something else." Twilight nuzzled his cheek and kissed it afterward.
"Don't let it get you down okay," said Twilight gently, "Soon the Trade Exchange will be over and we can go home and have a little date together. Okay?" Mario smiled and gave her a cheek kiss.
"And don't say you're a zero okay," Twilight told him before adding quietly to herself, "I don't even understand why you would even say that..."
"Nopony does..." Mario whispered softly to himself, but that issue was another story.
A little later, Fluttershy and Rainbow landed near a food vender that had a long line of ponies waiting to get something to eat. Fluttershy then saw Stellar Eclipse waiting in line and the two Pegasi quickly hovered over to him.
"Look, I know it's your break and all," said Rainbow to Stellar Eclipse, making him take a step back, "but you've gotta open your stand so we can trade you for a lamp!" Stellar Eclipse's initial reply was his stomach growling.
"Sorry, girls," said Stellar Eclipse, "Been trading all day. My belly's tellin' me it's time to eat an oatburger."
"Oh, come on, please?" said Rainbow giving him a puppy dog pout.
"Pretty pretty please?" Fluttershy asked with her own puppy dog pout.
"Sorry," said Stellar Eclipse, "belly says "no"."
"But the Exchange ends at sundown!" Rainbow protested as she pointed to the sun that was already showing that it was late afternoon. Behind the blue Pegasus was Spike, who was still trying to get a trade with the comic book vendor.
"No!" said Stellar Eclipse sternly. Rainbow glared at him while Fluttershy looked disappointed. Rainbow then looked at the food stand for a moment.
"I've got an idea," said Rainbow as she and Fluttershy headed over to the stand. The pony in charge of the food vender had just handed a pony a greasy brown bag with their oatburger. Another pony dropped their bits on the counter and opened their mouth when a bag with an oatburger inside landed in their mouth.
"Next!" shouted Rainbow as the cook pony was left stunned. He turned to see Rainbow and Fluttershy busily helping to make the burgers. Fluttershy cooked the oat patties before tossing them to Rainbow, who caught them in the buns and tossed them into a brown bag. Then bucked the bag at the costumer, who caught it with their mouth and walked away.
"Next!" shouted Rainbow once a pony got their bag, "Next! Next! Next!"
Soon Stellar Eclipse had his food and their trade was made, along with the trade with Cratus for the Orthros. The two ponies were straining as they tried to get the Orthros to follow them to Teddie Safari's tent as quickly as possible.
"We're home free," said Rainbow until the Orthros knocked her down and covered her in slobber.
"As long as this thing doesn't drown us in slobber," Rainbow remarked as Fluttershy walked up to the Orthros and rubbed the chins of both heads.
"Oh, he's just an affectionate little two-headed fellow," said Fluttershy, "Aren't you, little boy?" While the Orthros was happy and licked Fluttershy in reply, it also meant extra slobber all over Rainbow's head and mane. As they pulled the Orthros along in the background, Rarity and Applejack were still fighting and shoving the bags back and forth between them.
"No I insist," said Applejack angrily, "You got fetch what you want, 'cause that's the kind of tried and true friend I am."
"Well! I am way too generous to let you out-friend me like that!" Rarity said angrily before they were staring each other down again. Until a magic glow pulled them both apart. They both turned to see Mario, who had decided to take a small walk, glaring at the two of them.
"Hey!" they both shouted.
"QUIET!" Mario bellowed sternly, making them flinch, "It's clear as day that pooling your stuff and convincing each other to use it to get what they want isn't working. Maybe it would be best if you two just take your own stuff and go trade on your own!" The two ponies glared but then glared at each other.
"Fine!" they both snapped, grabbing their own stuff and walked away with their noses in the air in different directions. Mario just sighed before heading back to Twilight and Pinkie.
Fluttershy and Rainbow were slowly but surely heading over to Teddie Safari's tent. A little too slow for Rainbow's liking, especially once she saw up ahead that the trader was packing up.
"We gotta hurry!" said Rainbow, but then things got more complicated as a huge crowd of ponies started walking perpendicular to them. Rainbow tried to find a way to get through, but the ponies were too close together.
"We're never gonna get to the Daring Do stand through this crowd in time!" said Rainbow as she face-hoofed herself. Fluttershy looked sad for a moment, but then got an idea as she pulled out her bear call and blew it. The loud roar scared off the crowd of ponies, and it even sent Teddie Safari ducking for cover.
"Come on!" said Rainbow as she pulled the Orthros so hard that Fluttershy, who had been holding the leash and the bear call, was startled and she dropped her bear call.
"My bear call!" Fluttershy cried out as she tried to go back and grab it, but Rainbow and the Orthros prevented her from trying to do so.
"We gotta go!" Rainbow yelled. It was debatable if she even knew Fluttershy had even dropped her bear call.
"Of course," Fluttershy conceded sadly as the bear call was lost in the crowd of ponies behind them, "It's just a bear call. There's nothing I could have traded it for that's more valuable to me then you. Maybe I can ask Shenran to get me what I wanted for a wedding present." Fluttershy then looked down at her necklace, which she had been wearing ever since Shenran had given it to her and smiled. She had also gotten used to thinking about him without breaking down into tears. Well...not completely, a tear left her eye as she looked at the pendant, but she was at least able to keep her composure. She didn't have much time to think about her fiancé when they arrived at the Daring Do tent, Teddie Safari cringed fearfully at the sight of the Orthros.
"Okay, the Exchange is almost over," said Rainbow, "but we did it, we traded crystal chalice for an antique chicken..."
"...and the chicken for a lamp..." Fluttershy added.
"And the lamp for an Orthros," Rainbow continued, "just like you asked." The Orthros then barked in reply.
"So there you go!" said Rainbow excitedly, "Now where's my book?"
"Yeah, you know, the thing is..." Teddie Safari said hesitantly, "I don't really want an Orthros anymore." Rainbow's eyes widened as her smile froze in place, which was a clear sign she went into shock.
"But...what do we do now?" Fluttershy asked as Rainbow groaned, her eyes got all swirly and she passed out.
(lose a life fanfare)
Surprisingly, Rainbow didn't need a green and white mushroom to be revived. All the Orthros had to do was drip slobber on her face this time around.
"Oh goodness, oh goodness," said Fluttershy worried, especially since she hadn't bothered to carry a green and white mushroom with her this time around. Rainbow soon came back to her senses and realized her face was covered in slobber.
"Argh! Ugh..." Rainbow grunted irritably as she woke up.
"Good boy!" said Fluttershy as Rainbow glared at the creature before glaring at Teddie Safari, who was still looking at the Orthros nervously.
"Hey!" said Rainbow angrily, "You said you wanted an Orthros!"
"I've been watching that thing over at the ancient beasts booth," Teddie Safari said fearfully, "It's crazy! I don't want one in my house!" The Orthros growled at her, clearly offended.
"There, there, that's a good Orthros," said Fluttershy, comforting the creature and used a napkin to wipe off one chin, "You just have to know how to train them. With a little patient training and a big slobber mop, they can be a wonderful household pet." The Orthros walked up to Teddie Safari, who flinched at first, but began to laugh as the creature licked her.
"All right, all right," said Teddie Safari, "I'll trade you." She then held the book in the air.
"Yes!" said Rainbow excitedly and started to drool with anticipation.
"If she comes and stays with us in Manhattan until it's trained!" Teddie Safari added as she pointed at the yellow Pegasus.
"Gosh, training an Orthros takes a long time," said Fluttershy, "I'll probably be gone from Ponyville for...I don't know how many moons! Plus I would have to tell Shenran to postpone our wedding plans...and I've already been waiting so long to be married to him..." Fluttershy then got a loving nuzzle from the Orthros as she noticed Rainbow just starting eagerly at the book.
"But...if that's is what you really want..." said Fluttershy to Rainbow, but the blue Pegasus hadn't been listening.
"So we got a fair deal?" Teddie Safari proposed.
"Of course it's a deal!" said Rainbow as she snatched the book and flew into the air excitedly, "Yeah-eah, woo!" She then gave a happy squee as she opened it and flipped through the pages.
"I did it! I did it!" said Rainbow, "Fluttershy can you believe it?" Rainbow didn't get an answer and then looked down below to see Teddie Safari leaving the ground with Fluttershy and the Orthros. She then remembered what exactly she had traded to get her book.
"Oh no!" said Rainbow in devastation, "What did I do?!" She then remembered the fact that Fluttershy was engaged and cringed, "EEEP! Shenran's gonna kill me..."
Just a short distance away, Pinkie was still trying to advertise Twilight's book. Mario was just sitting against the stand, waiting for the sun to set so they could leave.
"Who's got something valuable enough to trade for Princess Twilight's Princess books that she got from Princess Celestia? Did I say "princess"?" Pinkie proposed.
"Oh give it a rest," Mario remarked irritably with an eye roll.
"Over here, over here!" shouted Minuette as she held up a nicely sized pink gem.
"Oooh!" said Mario excitedly, "I could make Twilight a nice broach necklace with something like that!"
"Oh, come on!" said Pinkie, making Mario groan since he knew the chance of getting that pink gem were now gone. She then jumped on Twilight, who glared at her annoyingly, "These are the books the princess would sit up all night, with nothing to read by but the light of her own horn!" It was then another pony held up some weird looking green object that had a face on it.
"Ooh, now that looks fun - but not fun enough!" said Pinkie as she held a book to her chest, "these are the books that made Twilight the princess she is! So who's got what it takes to trade for them?" Twilight then smiled when she heard that. The crowd just looked rather stunned.
"Well, when you put it like that..." said a pony before the rest of the crowd just walked away feeling disappointed and no longer interested in trading.
"Wait, stop, come back!" said Pinkie, "Uh, these books aren't that great..." Pinkie giggled nervously, realizing her efforts to "help" Twilight had failed. She was surprised to see Twilight was smiling.
"Oh, yes they are," said Twilight.
"But I thought you wanted to get rid of them!" Pinkie remarked.
"None of those ponies had anything valuable enough to trade for my books," said Twilight, "Not because these books belong to a princess, and prince, but because they helped make us who we are. Just like you said." Twilight then used her magic to hold up several different books.
"This was the one I was absorbed in the day Spike decided he owed Applejack a life debt," said Twilight. Mario then held up another book.
"This is the book I was reading when Rainbow Dash and I had our first one-on-one chat with each other," said Mario, "and this book was the one I was reading when Gilda was being mean to you."
"And this one reminds me of the day I got it - which was the day I met you," said Twilight to Pinkie before picking up another book, "I can't believe I was actually going to trade this book away!"
"What's so special about that book?" Mario asked curiously. Twilight hugged it with a fore-leg.
"When we first started dating," said Twilight, "I would spend countless nights trying to read through this book, but I was always distracted because I kept thinking about you. Soon I began to just have the book open, but I kept asking why all I could think about was you." She then turned some pages to show a page of the book that had some wet stains on it, "This was the very page was on when I realized I had fallen in love with you." She then showed a few more pages with wet stains on them as well, "And these are all the pages I spent trying to read but ended up crying because I couldn't find the courage to tell you, which sounds so dumb when I think about it. Confessing my feelings to you was the best decision I ever made in my life. It makes me so happy to know that I'm your wife and that I get to spend the rest of my life with you!" Mario let a few tears leave his eyes before they shared a loving hug with each other. Pinkie just watched and smiled at the two.
"We may never need to read these again," said Twilight to Pinkie, "but that doesn't mean they don't have value. I realize that now, thanks to you, Pinkie."
"I told you I'd take care of everything!" said Pinkie.
"Well, I'm glad at least you get to go home happy, dear," said Mario.
"Aw, no good trades big brother?" Pinkie asked as Mario shook his head, "want my help?" Mario was about to say no when he chuckled.
"You know what, why not?" said Mario, "Nothing I did was working...UGH!" Mario and Twilight were given the shock of their lives when Rainbow slammed into them.
"Twilight! Mario!" Rainbow said in desperation, "I need you to say a trade wasn't fair! Fast!" Twilight cringed as Mario looked worried.
"Just let me take care of this dispute first," Mario said to Pinkie.
Soon, Twilight and Mario were sitting in their booth wearing their crowns on their heads as they listened to both sides of the dispute. Several other ponies had come to watch and see how things would unfold.
"We've heard what you both have to say," said Twilight, "and I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash, but my hooves are tied. You said it was a fair trade."
"Maybe next time, you'll think more carefully about the terms of a trade before accepting it," said Mario, "But Miss Safari did ask if you thought it was a fair trade and you accepted the terms, even if it meant trading Fluttershy, who was willing to be traded despite the fact she's engaged to be married."
"Wait! Your engaged?" Teddie Safari asked the yellow Pegasus.
"That's why I am wearing this necklace," said Fluttershy as she showed the pony the broach.
"Yeah, I said it, but I was wrong!" said Rainbow, "I did want that book, a lot. I said I wanted it more than anything in all of Equestria. But there's nothing that's worth as much to me as a friend. I might have forgotten that for a little bit, but it's true. Which means there's no way this trade can be fair!" Teddie Safari looked indignant as Fluttershy smiled.
"Oh come on, that's..." Teddie Safari retorted but then softened as she shed a few tears, "the sweetest thing I've ever heard. Okay, the trade's off." Rainbow handed the book back to Teddie Safari before tackling Fluttershy to the ground, but then they were both tackled by the Orthros which licked Fluttershy happily. The crowd cheered.
"And with that, I declare this trail, and this year's Rainbow Falls Trader's exchange, over!" Twilight said as she banged the gavel. Teddie Safari walked in one direction as Fluttershy and Rainbow headed off with the Orthros.
"Wait!" Pinkie called out from a distance as she walked up to Mario and Twilight with, surprisingly, Rare Tune at her side.
"The trade exchange can't be over yet!" said Pinkie, "Rare Tune has an offer for Mario!" Mario and Twilight looked surprised as they hovered out of their box. Rare Tune looked away and huffed.
"The reason I don't find this music box worth keeping is because I don't know the lyrics to the song," said Rare Tune, "But Princess Cadance never came up with lyrics to this song."
"That's because she never had them published," said Mario, "I actually know the lyrics to the song. Would you be willing to trade me the music box for a copy of the lyrics?" Rare Tune looked at him bluntly.
"Sure," said Rare Tune as Mario smiled excitedly.
"But only if you sing the lyrics to me!" Rare Tune proposed, "I hear the new Prince has a singing voice so let's hear it!" Mario looked a little insecure for a moment before sighing deeply.
"Okay," said Mario as he used his magic to make his guitar appear, "Just give me a few seconds to tune this up first."
"Look everypony!" somepony called out, "the Prince is gonna sing!" Soon a rather large crowd gathered around them, even Fluttershy and Rainbow, along with the Orthros, had decided to stick around as well. Mario then noticed the crowd and felt very nervous.
"Uhh..." said Mario timidly.
"You can do it, honey," said Twilight sweetly, "I wanna hear you sing." Mario smiled, feeling a little better. Pinkie gave him a wooden stool to sit on as he held his guitar and started strumming.
[Mario - he closed his eyes as he sang. Rare Tune looked a little snooty at first, but then her facial expression softened into a smile. The crowd of ponies then started swaying to the music as Mario did a short guitar solo right after singing the first part.]
Waves crashing down
Splashes and ripples resound
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Where the flow ends,
What shall there be?
A present is found
Down by the shore of the sea
Unlock the doors
You may have the key...
[Mario - He whistled and then continued to sing the song, Twilight just smiled as her eyes watered. Pinkie was fighting back tears as a large smile appeared across her face. Fluttershy and Rainbow each shared smiles with each other. Rare Tune was now smiling and swaying to the music.]
Out past the doors
Opposite sides
Thrills are in store
Worthwhile and Engaging
In that same way
The happiness switched
Just maybe...
Exactly what you are creating?
Waves crashing down
Splashes and ripples resound
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Where the flow ends,
What shall there be?
A present is found
Down by the shore of the sea
It's calling out
It's time to go see!
Mario then played a few more strums of his guitar and opened his eyes. He noticed the crowd was all smiles, many of the ponies shedding happy tears before they all cheered happily. Mario smiled back until he saw Rare Tune holding the music box for him to take. She gave him warm smile as tears streamed down her own eyes.
"Thank you," Rare Tune said happily. Mario smiled as he used his magic to hand her the lyrics to the song, which she took as Mario got his music box. Mario couldn't help but hug it as Twilight and Pinkie wrapped their fore-legs around him for a hug.
Nearby, Spike had finally negotiated a deal with the comic book pony for a trade. The two carefully made their exchange. The comic book pony then hugged his issue while Spike smiled and ran off with his new comic.
That night as the Mane seven rode the train home, Spike showed his new comic book to Pinkie, who looked at it while she sat across from him. Twilight and Mario just cuddled up in another seat as the former read one of the books from the box. Rarity was just sitting quietly alone as she noticed that Applejack was sitting across from her, looking out of a window. Rarity then used her magic to present Applejack with a rather worn pie tin.
"I know it's not the pie tin you were after," said Rarity as she took a seat beside her, "but I hope you like it. It's the rustiest piece of junk I could get." Applejack then smiled as she grabbed her hat and showed Rarity a purple diamond shaped broach.
"And I know you're gonna love it," said Applejack as Rarity took the broach, "'cause you already a bunch of ones that look exactly the same sittin' in the drawer doin' nothin'. So that should settle it once and for all which of us is the better friend."
"Oh come on!" said Rainbow, who had been sitting on the seat behind them, "You both gave up what you wanted to get something for each other! That's the coolest thing a friend can do. Trust me, I know." Rainbow then set down beside Fluttershy, put a fore-hoof around Fluttershy, and gave her a wink.
"Plus who knows what Shenran would have done to you if he knew you traded Fluttershy for a book," Applejack pointed.
"I'd rather not think about it," said Rainbow as she shuttered.
"Don't worry, Rainbow," said Fluttershy, "As far as I remember, there was never a trade." She gave the blue Pegasus a wink, making Rainbow feel much better.
"Hey, where's your double-doggie?" Pinkie asked.
"I traded it for something way better," said Rainbow as Fluttershy held the bird whistle that she had wanted and blew it, summon a bird out of nowhere onto the yellow Pegasus's fore-hoof.
"Well, what do you know?" said Twilight as she showed Rainbow a book, "my copy of Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue. It's just a beat up old paperback, not a one-of-a-kind first edition..." Rainbow gasped excitedly, took the book, and hugged it.
"Even better," said Rainbow, "because I can read this one with all my friends." Everypony else gathered around her as Rainbow opened the book to read it. Twilight just giggled to herself.
"So...you're really happy that paperback copy, Dashie?" Mario asked with a casual tone and a smirk on his face.
"Of course!" said Rainbow.
"Okay," said Mario as he held a book with his magic, "I mean I did get this First Edition Copy from the Trade Exchange..."
"What!?" Rainbow said in shock and excitement, the others were just as surprised, "How in Equestria did you get that?"
"Apparently, she was interested in trading it for one of my handcrafted golden mushrooms," said Mario, "Fluttershy told me how much you went through to get it despite nearly making a very bad decision. So I got it for you." Rainbow gave him a teary smile as she took the book and hugged him happily.
"Thanks bro," said Rainbow in a soft voice, "I love you." The others awed, making Rainbow feel a little embarassed but did her best to hide her now blushing face behind her book.
"Don't be embarassed Rainbow," said Mario, "you're just being grateful. I love you too little sis." Rainbow smiled, but still felt rather embarassed as she retook her seat. Mario just smiled as he pulled out his guitar and just started strumming as the rest of the Mane seven listened.
While he didn't sing the words this time around, the girls still enjoyed the music nevertheless.
It's a very soothing tune.
Hope you enjoyed the alternate ending to this one! Plus Rare Tune was just a made up pony for this episode. I didn't really have an inspiration for her character other than a snooty music collector.
Plus I left a very subtle clue about an issue Mario will be dealing with for most of Season 5.
If you could guess, the lullaby Mario enjoyed and sang was a slightly modded and translated version of K.K. Bossa from Animal Crossing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I use Netflix to watch and collect the notes I need for each chapter and I am still unsure if Hasbro renewed the contract or not. Next Episode might arrive without a problem, but anything beyond that might be delayed if Netflix does remove My Little Pony. Other streaming sites have proven unreliable or have given my computer infections despite having two protection programs. Even if I use Leptua720HD clips, which was how I used to collect the notes, it was alot harder. So chapters might take longer to be released. So please if anypony knows if Netflix isn't losing My Little Pony please let me know. I hate to put this story on hiatus, especially with the Tirek Arc so close.
Nest time...(Hopefully) We learn why an artist's creativity should be revived with magic. Plus some have been want some heartfelt moments with Spike.
Peace Pony Fans!