Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

158. Hard to Say Anything

Hard to Say Anything

Pony's Log Number 708: At last! My Big Brother has a chance to have his own special somepony, the only obstacle is a pony that acts a little too smooth for his own good...

One day at Sweet Apple Acres, Mario and Apple Bloom were working together to give the barn a new coat of paint. Mario was doing the red part while Apple Bloom was painting the white trimmings. Mario had just finished with all the red sections while Apple Bloom was about to finish her portion of the white sections.

"Great job, little sis," said Mario, "I reckon the new paint job is finally done!"

"Thanks for helping me out, big brother," said Apple Bloom as she wiped some sweat from her brow. It was then Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo arrived on the farm while the former was using her magic to carry a cardboard box.

"Hey, Apple Bloom! Hey, Mario!" said Sweetie Belle, "Rarity's reorganizing her shop, and look what she found! Old costumes from the talent show!" The three fillies and Mario all peeked inside of the box.

"We thought they'd come in handy in case we ever help a pony out on a play or need to make a quick escape disguised as clowns," said Scootaloo as she put on a rainbow afro wig. Apple Bloom then put on a pirate's hat and Sweetie Belle put on some gaucho glasses. Mario then removed off his beret and put the wig on his head.

"Dun-dun dutta-dutta dun-dun da-da! Circus! Afro! Circus! Afro! Rainbow! Circus! Afro! Circus! Rainbow! Rainbow! Afro!" Mario chanted as he danced on his hind legs and then posed. The three fillies shared funny looks with each other and then burst out laughing as they fell onto their backs.

"Mario, you are so silly!" Scootaloo as she took the rainbow afro back and put it on her head again.

"I'll say," said Apple Bloom once she calmed down. It was then a green apple rolled over to Apple Bloom. The four ponies turned to see that Big Mac was loading up his wagons with lots of apples. It was then another apple fell out of a barrel the red stallion put it back into the barrel.

"Here ya go, Big Mac," said Apple Bloom as she and the rest of their group walked up to the red stallion. Big Mac took the apple and put into another barrel.

"Whoa, that sure is alot of apples!" Scootaloo remarked.

"I'll say," Mario added in agreement.

"Are you makin' another delivery to Starlight's old village?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"That's an awful long way for a pony to go, isn't it?" Sweetie Belle remarked.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac as he pushed a bucket loaded with apples onto his wagon.

"You've been goin' there alot lately," Apple Bloom remarked, "What is this, your fifth trip this week?"

"Yeah, Big Bro," said Mario, "I know I had asked you to go make a delivery there, but I didn't expect you to make so many. Is there something going on that we should know about?" Big Mac winced and then laughed nervously.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac, but then glared at Mario before adding, "Buzz off!" Mario blinked at Big Mac's defensive nature but then recovered.

"Fine," said Mario, raising his fore-hooves up in the air.

"Okay, well, have fun," said Apple Bloom to Big Mac went back to finish loading his cart. Apple Bloom the turned to Sweetie Belle, "So what other costumes did you being, Sweetie Belle?"

"Are you crazy?!" Scootaloo interjected.

"Nah, that's just me," Mario blurted out and then blushed and face-hooved himself, "I did not just say that out loud." The three fillies snickered.

"You did," Scootaloo giggled and then calmed down, "Anyway, we can't talk costumes at a time like this!"

"Time like what?" Apple Bloom asked innocently.

"Your oldest brother is hiding something," said Scootaloo, "Did you see the way he was acting?"

"I certainly did," said Mario, "That red stallion only gets defensive when he's trying to keep something secret."

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle added, "He totally blushed when you brought up how often he's been going to Starlight's old village."

"I can't believe I missed that," said Mario, "but you're right, Sweetie Belle."

"Something is definitely going on," Scootaloo pointed out, "There can be only one reason a pony would travel so often."

"Well, what do you three think the reason could be?" Mario asked, curious to what the three fillies had in mind.

"He's taking private skiing lessons!" Scootaloo shouted.

"He's training for a marathon!" Sweetie Belle shouted at the same time as Scootaloo.

"I've been cooking alot of broccoli and he wants to get away from the smell!" Apple Bloom said at the same time as her two friends. The three fillies looked at each other and then laughed. Mario just rolled his eyes.

He had a good idea why Big Mac would be going to Starlight's old village and blushing about it.

After all, he was the one who asked Big Mac to go make the first delivery.

(Main theme)

A few minutes later, Big Mac was placing a tarp over his wagon as the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Mario were watching from behind some hay bales.

"Maybe he's a spy on a mission to thwart an evil villain with a secret weapon: an apple cannon!" Scootaloo suggested. Mario blinked.

"Seriously?!" Mario remarked as he gave the orange filly a skeptical look.

"No, that's crazy!" said Apple Bloom, "I think it's my broccoli thing."

"Sis, the smell ain't that bad," Mario told her as a matter of fact.

"Why don't we just ask him?" said Sweetie Belle. Mario smiled at her.

"Always knew you were the sensible one," said Mario, which made Sweetie Belle giggle as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo shot him glares that he didn't notice.

"You saw how shifty he was acting earlier," Scootaloo pointed out.

"Hey, that is a good point, Scoot," said Mario, "I asked him outright if there was another reason he was making so many trips and he told me to bud out. He knows he can confide in me so...why push me away?"

"Exactly," said Scootaloo, "There's no way he'll tell us what he's doing. Plus, I really wanna go undercover. We already have costumes." Mario pondered for a moment.

"You know what," said Mario and then gave them a determined smile, "Let's do it!" Apple Bloom smirked.

"This is why I call Mario the cool brother," said Apple Bloom as Mario chuckled and hugged her to say thank you. Scootaloo then put her afro wig back on.

"Call me "Agent Rainbowhead"," said Scootaloo.

"I'll be "Shimmering Spectacles"," said Sweetie Belle, "a librarian with a mysterious past."

"And I'll be a pirate spy!" said Apple Bloom, "Arrgh! A spy-rate!"

"And I'll be your mysterious but attractive head of the spy agency," Mario remarked in his country accent while putting on a very thick mustache, dark shades, and a fedora hat.

"Who's name is Charlie! SQUEE!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo excitedly. Apple Bloom just smiled. Then the three fillies posed in a way that parodies the 1980s intro to Charlie's Angels. Mario, to keep true to the parody, just held out a radio speaker from the side with a fore-leg. Then a record scratch was heard when they saw Apple Bloom turn to see that Big Mac was already on his way with his wagon.

"Avast! Our ship be leavin' port!" Apple Bloom announced.

"Huh?" said Scootaloo as she and Sweetie Belle had puzzled looks on their faces.

"Big Mac's leavin'!" Apple Bloom snapped, "If we gonna be spies, we gotta go! Now!" The three fillies charged off to catch up with Big Mac. Sweetie Belle was the first to make it as she jumped up and lifted the tarp so Apple Bloom and Scootaloo could crawl in. Then she crawled inside the wagon herself.

"Is everypony here?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I think so...wait! Where's Mario?" said Apple Bloom.

"Hi there!" said Mario as he suddenly appeared behind a barrel of apples.

"YAH!" the three fillies yelped.

"Don't scare us like that!" Sweetie Belle snapped.

"Mario, how you get in here before us?!" Scootaloo asked.

"I can run at Mach 2 after all," Mario replied as a matter of fact.

"Oh, yeah, heh," said Scootaloo, feeling rather silly she had forgotten about that. Mario then sat down beside Apple Bloom and pulled her close with his wing. Apple Bloom then cuddled up his side and closed her eyes to get comfortable.

"I love you, sugarcube," said Mario in a gentle but sweet tone.

"I love you, too," Apple Bloom sighed comfortably. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle just exchanged smiles with each other.

Since it was a long trip, the four ponies had removed their disguises and were doing their best to stay busy. Sweetie Belle was grateful that she had brought along a book to read. Scootaloo tried to tease Sweetie Belle about trying to act like Twilight. Only for Mario to say that one of the things he liked about Sweetie Belle was that she did share things in common with Twilight. Scootaloo felt rather jealous until Mario gave her a hug with his wing to feel better. Soon, Scootaloo was just sitting quietly looking rather bored, even as she lay comfortably on Mario's side. Apple Bloom had fallen asleep with Mario holding her close protectively with his wing. Sweetie Belle was just re-reading her book. Suddenly the wagon stopped and Apple Bloom woke when she heard Big Mac whistling outside.

"Big Mac's a-comin'!" said Apple Bloom, "Quick! Act like apples!"

"What? How?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"You tell me," Mario remarked.

"Grrrrrr!" Apple Bloom growled annoyingly.

"Alright! Alright!" Mario conceded, trying to think of a way he and the three fillies could be an apple. Big Mac then removed the tarp from his wagon. He then grabbed the bucket of apples the four ponies were hiding behind. Scootaloo was just squatting low while Apple Boom, Sweetie Belle, and Mario smiled and stayed motionless with apples on top of their heads.

There's no way Big Mac won't see us Mario thought, He isn't that stupid.

To Mario's surprise, Big Mac didn't notice them at all. In fact, he looked rather lovesick as he walked from the wagon. Mario, followed by Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo ,all poked out of the collections of barrels.

"I can't believe that actually worked!" said Mario as Sweetie Belle pulled out some binoculars to scope around, "Then again...did Big Mac have...hearts in his eyes?!" There was no reply as Sweetie Belle finally spotted Big Mac talking with a familiar magenta unicorn with purple mane and tail that were tied with a blue double beaded tie.

"Who's that pony," Sweetie Belle asked.

"Which one?" Mario asked.

"Let me see!" said Scootaloo as she peered into the binoculars and saw Big Mac talking to the unicorn, "I dunno. Shouldn't have taken the binoculars. I don't know anypony in this town." Mario rolled his eyes in agreement as Sweetie Belle used her magic to put the binoculars away.

"That must be Sugar Belle," said Apple Bloom, "Applejack told me about her bakery. Obviously, she's just been orderin' a lot of apples." It was then Big Mac knocked on the door to the house and Sugar Belle came out to say hello, giving Big Mac a flirty smile as she invited him inside.

"So nothing fishy's going on," Sweetie Belle remarked.

"No way!" said Scootaloo, "We came here to be spies! And no spy I know has ever solved a case that quick!"

"Mmm, how many spies do you know?" Sweetie Belle asked. Mario then instinctively looked away and whistled innocently. Fortunately, none of the three fillies noticed.

"That's...not important," said Scootaloo, mainly because she didn't have an answer and she didn't know that Mario is, or was, a spy. (If you remember the Slice Of Life chapter.), "What's important is that we do more recon."

"Umm, what do you think, Big brother?" Apple Bloom asked Mario, who was just pondering to himself.

"I think there's more going on here than just an apple delivery," said Mario, even thought he already had a pretty good idea what was going on. Sure, he could say it outright, but he found it more beneficial to have the three fillies figure it out, "I'm down for a little undercover investigation! So let's do it!" Scootaloo smiled excitedly.

"I think you might have surpassed Rainbow Dash in being the coolest pony in Equestria," said Scootaloo before adding quickly, "but don't tell I ever said that!"

"I won't," said Mario as he put his mustache, glasses, and hat back on, "So what do we do Agent Rainbowhead?"

"Follow my lead," said Scootaloo as she put her wig on and jumped out of the wagon. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle put their disguises back on as well before they followed the orange filly to a nearby table that was set up just outside Sugar Belle's bakery window. Mario then surprised the three fillies by holding a dark blue tiny mushroom in his forelegs. He then tossed it above his head to trigger its magic.

(Cue "mini mushroom" fanfare)

This shrank Mario down in size. With Mario no bigger than a Breezie, he carefully flew over to Scootaloo's rainbow wig, sat down and held some binoculars as he and the orange filly peered inside. As the two ponies peered inside, they saw Sugar Belle just smiling as Big Mac unloaded the last of what looked like a huge pile of apples into the main room.

"Whoa," said Apple Bloom as she appeared underneath Scootaloo, "She sure likes her apples."

"I'll say," said Mario in a high pitched tone due to being so small. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom snickered.

"Mario, I can't take you seriously with that voice," Scootaloo giggled.

"I'm working on it!" Mario snorted, which only made Apple Bloom and Scootaloo snicker some more. Then Sweetie Belle appeared underneath Apple Bloom.

"What is she doing?" Sweetie Belle asked, "Making the biggest apple pie in Equestria?"

"I hope not," said Mario, "You know how stubborn Applejack is about the family keeping that world record." Sweetie Belle started giggling alot as Mario just rolled his eyes, knowing his high pitched voice was the cause of the marshmallow filly's giggles. The four ponies then began to focus on the conversation going on inside.

"Thanks for coming all this way, Big Mac," Sugar Belle told the red stallion. Big Mac just snorted and gave a whinnying laugh in reply.

"It sure is nice seeing you again so soon," Sugar Belle added.

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied, gigging as hearts floated above his head.

"All I used to bake were boring old muffins," said Sugar Belle, "but thanks to your apple deliveries, I get to make all kinds of delicious treats! Apple pies, apple fritters, apple turnovers, caramel apples, caramel apple cakes..." Sugar Belle sighed as she walked to her rather small and fully filled display case, "...I just wish I had more room to display it all. My shelves only hold so much." Mario and the three fillies just watched and listened to the conversation with interest.

"I'm tellin' you," said Apple Bloom, "this pony reeeeaaally likes her apples." Sweetie Belle then gasped.

"Or Big Mac!" Sweetie Belle said.

"Huh?" said Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in surprise.

"That's the vibe I'm getting," Mario remarked in his high pitched tone.

"Just look!" Sweetie Belle told them. Sweetie Belle then turned around accidentally bumped her nose into Big Mac's.

"Ooh! Uh..." Sugar Belle giggled.

"Oh, I..." Big Mac replied as he giggled as well. Mario just smirked and shook his head.

"Sweetie Belle, Mario, I-I think you're right!" said Apple Bloom, "I think my brother has a crush!" Apple Bloom jumped into the air despite being in the middle of their filly stack.

"Shh!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Keep it down, Apple Bloom!" Mario said in a loud whisper as he hopped out of Scootaloo's wig and returned himself back to normal size. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle got off the table so they were all back on the ground. It was then the front door opened and a clearly lovesick Big Mac walked out of the building.

"Psst! Big Mac!" Apple Bloom called out. This made Big Mac shake his head rapidly to snap himself out of his lovesick state. Apple Bloom turned to her fellow Crusaders and Mario.

"Now remember," Apple Bloom told the three ponies, "My brother's super shy, so he's probably gonna be embarrassed about his crush. Just try and make him feel comfortable."

"Sure thing, little sis," said Mario as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. It was then Big Mac walked up to the group.

"Hey, Big Mac, it's me! Apple Bloom! And your little brother, Mario!" said the yellow filly as she removed her pirate hat and Mario removed his disguise.

"Eeyup..." said Big Mac slowly.

"We're here, too!" said Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo as they removed their own disguises.

"Mm-hmm," said Big Mac with a nod and a smile.

"I'm gonna ask you a very personal question," said Apple Bloom to her oldest brother, "and I want you to answer honestly." She then gestured for Big Mac to lean toward her, which he did.

"Do you have a crush on...Sugar Belle?" Apple Bloom asked Big Mac.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a big smile and hearts started floating around him.

"Well, that was easy," said Scootaloo.

"Yeah," Mario pondered, "Makes me wonder why he gave me such a hard time about it." Big Mac then blinked and then blushed as he looked away and whistled. Mario smirked.

"You gave me such a hard time when I asked you to make this delivery in the first place!" Mario remarked.

"Wait! You asked Big Mac to make deliveries to Sugar Belle?!" Sweetie Bell exclaimed.

"Indeed," said Mario, "She sent me a letter a week ago saying that she needed an ingredient to help spark her baking creativity. I really wanted to help Sugar Belle out since I owed her one for saving my life."

"Is that when Starlight beat you up the first time?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It was," said Mario, "But all in the past. I figured Sweet Apple Acre apples could give Sugar Belle the inspiration she needed and I asked Big Mac to make the delivery."

"But why have Big Mac make the delivery and not you?" Scootaloo asked. Mario looked at Big Mac, who just looked away indignantly.

"I found out that Big Mac's been...resenting me," said Mario sadly. The three fillies blinked.

"Why?" the three fillies all asked at once.

"He told me he was feeling a bit jealous seeing Twilight and I together all the time," Mario replied, "It just reminded him of the fact he did feel lonely, but he didn't want anypony to help, or force him into a relationship. So rather than say Sugar Belle was a nice filly who would love to meet him or push him to ask her out. I told him to go and make a new friend. I told him nothing about Sugar Belle other than the fact she likes to bake, saying he can decide for himself what he thinks of her. He made it clear that he would do the delivery, be nice, and nothing more. But...I guess something changed when you got here, huh Big Bro?" Big Mac blushed deeper and snorted.

"Okay fine!" Big Mac snapped, "It was love at first sight! Ya happy?" Mario just gave his older brother a smile.

"Of course," said Mario, "I mean it was wishful thinking, but I hoped this would happen. You deserve to have a beautiful mare in your life too. And I guess we Apple stallions know how to pick 'em." Mario gave Big Mac a wink. Big Mac chuckled.

"True," Big Mac replied as his eyes went back to being hearts as he thought about Sugar Belle once again.

"This is so excitin'!" said Apple Bloom, "My oldest brother has his very first crush!"

"First crush?" said Scootaloo, "What about Cheerilee?"

"It doesn't really count when you trick a pony into drinking a love potion, does it?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Nnope!" Big Mac said angrily.

"I would agree," said Mario, "after all, you saw firsthand while they were gushing over each other. The love they shared wasn't anything genuine or sincere. Real love comes from the heart and you feel it the moment you lay your eyes on them. You just know they are the one because you feel something deep inside."

"Uh-huh," said Big Mac with a nod.

"Of course..." said Mario slyly, "I do recall Granny Smith telling me that you did have some feelings for Cheerilee way back..."

"One. Day," Big Mac threatened as he glared sternly at his younger brother to be quiet. Mario was taken aback and then looked annoyed.

"I've been wondering where Apple Bloom got that line from," said Mario as Big Mac rolled his eyes.

"My brother has a crush! My brother has a crush! My brother has a crush!" Apple Bloom sing-sang as she bounced over to a random pony reading a magazine, and two mares as she walked backwards across the main street before rear ending Big Mac's side.

"Apple Bloom, no need to tell all of Equestria about it," Mario remarked sternly, "You did that when I first told you about my crush on Twilight!"

"I said I was sorry!" Apple Bloom retorted and realized something as she looked at her oldest brother, "Wait! Does Sugar Belle even know you like her?"

"Uh-uh," said Big Mac with a shake of his head.

"Then you gotta tell her!" Apple Bloom told him.

"O-Oh...eh...ehhh..." Big Mac stuttered, mumbled, and gulped nervously.

"I don't think it's a good idea to push a pony to confessing their feelings," said Mario, "your sisters all pushed me to confess to Twilight and...it blew up in my face...and my heart too..." Mario rubbed his shoulder uneasily since his long term memory still made that moment fresh in his mind.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac in agreement and worriedly.

"Mario, this is a completely different situation," said Apple Bloom, "Applejack said that the biggest mistake they made when pushing you to confess was the fact they didn't know if Twilight liked you back and ignored the fact she was really nervous on that date. That's not the case here."

"We're pretty sure Sugar Belle likes you!" said Sweetie Belle, "She keeps ordering apples just so she can see you again."

"That is a good point," said Mario, "Sugar Belle really seems happy to see you and it certainly looks like more than just a friend. But that's just hopeful thinking on my part."

"Eeeyou think so?" Big Mac asked hopefully.

"Totally!" said Sweetie Belle, "But you'll never know if you don't try."

"She's right, Big bro," said Mario, "Despite what happened when I confessed, I don't regret doing it. You can't control how Sugar Belle will feel about it, but it doesn't hurt to be honest with her."

"Okay!" said Big Mac. He then plucked a nearby blue flower and headed back to the bakery.

"You got this, Big Bro!" Mario called out.

"Go get her, Big Mac!" Scootaloo shouted encouragingly. Apple Bloom just smiled as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shared a hoofbump behind the yellow filly. Big Mac began to sweat nervously as he stood at the door. He then took a deep breath, brushed back his mane, and knocked on the door. Sugar Belle opened and smiled cutely at Big Mac. Big Mac just looked lovesick. Before he could find his words, a light tan stallion with a light brown mane and tail shoved him out of the way.

"Hey, girl," said the stallion in a rather smooth accent, "heh-heh. I was writin' poetry by the pond when I saw these flowers. I thought I'd show them how pretty you are." He then gave Sugar Belle a bouquet of roses in the shape of a heart.

"Oh! Heh. Thanks, Feather Bangs," said Sugar Belle as she accepted the flowers. Big Mac just felt his heart crack on two and walked off in defeat.

"Um, is it possible to have two crushes at once?" Scootaloo asked the others as they watched Big Mac walked sadly away, "Because it looks like Big Mac may not be the only pony that Sugar Belle likes." In the background, Sugar Belle smiled as Feather Bangs flicked his mane and gave the unicorn a flirty smile. Apple Bloom winced. Sweetie Belle looked worried. Mario scoffed loudly.

"There always has to be that kind of pony in these situations," Mario muttered bitterly.

"What do you mean?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Are you saying Twilight had a crush on two ponies?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in shock.

"Twilight most certainly didn't have two crushes," said Mario indignantly, "But I did have some competition from a smooth talking, mane flipping, stallion called Zoot Suit. We used to complete for Twilight's affections back in the day when I was just a little older than you three. But the problem was that, true to Twilight's nature, she never noticed any of our efforts to impress her. Then I thought I had lost when Zoot Suit managed to ask Twilight out on a date and she said yes. It broke my heart. But that night, I found her still in her room studying. I asked her about the date and her reply was: "I was asked out on a date?!" So long story short, Zoot Suit got stood up and gave up on her, saying I could have her. And that was end of the rivalry for Twilight's heart. Of course, Twilight admitted she never even knew we were competing for her affections so...I certainly felt ridiculous."

"Well at least things worked out in the end," said Sweetie Belle, "But geez, you weren't kidding when you said Twilight was a little too into her books when she was younger."

"Oh, you have no idea," Mario remarked with an eye roll. It was then they noticed that Big Mac was getting ready to leave.

"Hey, Big Mac," Apple Bloom called out as the four ponies caught up to the red stallion, "Where ya goin'?"

"Home!" said Big Mac in a firm but sad tone.

"Now hold on there, big brother," said Mario, "Just because there's somepony else after Sugar Belle's heart doesn't mean you gotta throw in the towel!"

"Mario's right," said Sweetie Belle, "You can't let that Feather fella get in the way of your one true love!"

"You gotta take him down!" Scootaloo added.

"What can he do that you can't?" Apple Bloom asked.

"That!" said Big Mac bitterly as he pointed behind him. There was Feather Bangs was juggling some red balls for Sugar Belle.

"Whoops! Heh-heh," Feather Bangs chuckled, "These balls are like you. I'll always catch you if you fall." It was then three fillies appeared behind him and sighed in a lovesick fashion. Apple Bloom just stared. Scootaloo, Big Mac, and Mario were most annoyed. Sweetie Belle...had apparently been swooned and had a lovesick smile on her face.

"Seriously? That line worked?" Scootaloo remarked.

"Only cause he's got the looks and smooth talk to pull it off," said Mario irritably when he noticed the lovesick smile on Sweetie Belle's face, "Ain't that right Sweetie Belle?" Mario glared as the filly looked at Mario and then smiled sheepishly while her face turned completely pink.

"She'll never picked me," said Big Mac sadly.

"Never say never, Big Bro," said Mario, "Just cause that Feather dork can talk the talk doesn't mean he can walk the walk."

"Right!" said Scootaloo as they shared a fist bump.

"Uh...what?" Big Mac asked, not understanding what Mario was saying.

"Sure she will," said Apple Bloom to her oldest brother, "'cause we're gonna help you."

"You got that right," said Mario with determination, "No smooth talking dweeb is gonna get between my Big Brother and his special somepony!"

"No love potions!" Big Mac said sternly.

"Say what?!" said Mario puzzled when the three fillies laughed.

"Don't worry, Big Mac," said Apple Bloom, "We learned our lesson the hard way." Mario then remembered what Big Mac was talking about.

"Oh, right, I remember that story," said Mario.

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, "We're never gonna do that again."

"Besides, I know exactly what to do!" Sweetie Belle as she used her magic to hold up a book, "When I was younger, I read all the fairy tales."

"When you were "younger", huh?" Scootaloo teased since this was the same book Sweetie Belle had been reading on the ride here. Mario was now smirking as well.

"And this is the same filly who said she outgrow all of her little filly interests," Mario remarked.

"Well, I was younger on the way here!" Sweetie Belle pointed out defensively as Scootaloo and Mario kept smirking at her, wiggling her eyebrows at the white filly.

"It was a long ride!" Sweetie Belle snapped before she quickly recomposed herself, "Anyway, as long as we do what the book says, you're pretty much guaranteed a happy ending." She then opened the book and started to scan through it until she found a knight fighting a dragon to save a princess.

"Uh, how about this one?" Sweetie Belle suggested as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood beside her, ""Rescuing a damsel-pony in distress". That's perfect. Of course, we'll have to improvise without a dragon."

"Huh," said Apple Bloom, "Too bad Spike isn't here. Not that he's very threatening."

"True," said Mario, "Sugar Belle could defeat him by just tipping him over." The four ponies laughed.

"Maybe Mario could turn into a dragon?" Sweetie Belle suggested as she looked at Mario, "You said you had a transformation bracelet that you used to when you and Spike sneaked into the dragon lands."

"Unfortunately, Twilight destroyed it," Mario remarked annoyingly, "Apparently I had some close calls when I was undercover and she doesn't want me becoming a dragon anymore." The three fillies groaned.

"So what should we do?" said Scootaloo, "Wait around for Sugar Belle to get herself into a scary situation?"

"Or...we bring the danger to her," said Apple Bloom sly as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo smiled slyly as well. Big Mac gulped nervously as Mario looked rather uneasy.

"Girls...what do you have in mind exactly?" Mario asked suspiciously. Apple Bloom then gestured for the alicorn prince to lean in as she whispered her idea to him. Mario's worry soon turned into a sly smile of his own.

"Apple Bloom, I like the way you think," said Mario. Big Mac just gave Mario an "are you kidding me?" look in the background.

A few minutes later, Sugar Belle left her bakery and was walking down the main street with her saddle bags on her back. Inside an alleyway was Big Mac, Mario, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom. They were in position to put their idea into action.

"All right," said Apple Bloom, "Scootaloo's gonna pretend to take Sugar Belle's things, then you swoop in and stop her. Ready?" Big Mac winced at the idea, but then smiled and nodded.

"Nnope," said Big Mac as he shook his head immediately and smiled nervously.

"Big Mac, this is not that difficult to understand," said Mario.

"Come on!" Sweetie Belle added, "You're gonna be her hero! In fairy tales, the knight in shining armor always gets the girl."

"At least that was true for Shenran," Mario remarked.

"Not helping!" Apple Boom said through her teeth.

"Sorry..." said Mario.

"Hmmm..." Big Mac sighed, "Mm-hmm." He then gave a smile to say okay. Apple Bloom then peeked out from their hiding place and waved a fore-hoof for Scootaloo, who was hiding in a bush wearing the gaucho glasses and her rainbow wig. The wave Apple Bloom made with her fore-leg was Scootaloo's cue to spring into action. Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a nod and then charged for Sugar Belle, snatching her saddle bags and rushing off as fast as she could. Sugar Belle yelped as she was being robbed.

"Oh! Somepony, help!" Sugar Belle cried out as Scootaloo kept running away with the saddle bags. Big Mac then stood in Scootaloo's way and firmly raised a fore-hoof to stop her. Scootaloo skidded to a stop so quickly that she tripped over a rock and tumbled forward. The momentum made her toss the saddle bags high into the air. Time slowed down as the saddle bags began to descend right into Big Mac's fore-hoof. But then out of nowhere, Feather Bangs appeared and intercepted the saddle bags. Mario was shocked.

"What the...?!" Mario exclaimed, "where did he come from?!" Mario didn't get an answer as Feather Bangs returned the saddle bags to Sugar Belle.

"Here's your sugar, Sugar," said Feather Bangs in his usual smooth tone, "Though it is not as sweet..." He gave a chuckle and flicked his mane, "...as you." Nearby, the three mares that were following him gave a lovesick sigh.

"Oh give me a break..." Mario remarked in disgust. Sugar Belle just sighed with gratitude.

"Thank you, Feather!" said Sugar Belle. Feather Bangs smiled and then shot a smirk at Big Mac and the others, who were looking very annoyed.

"That smooth-talkin' pony stole our rescue!" Apple Bloom complained, "And it totally would've worked!"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac angrily.

"We're just gonna have to keep trying!" Sweetie Belle replied, "Big Mac, are you ready to take it up a notch?"

"Oh, yup!" said Big Mac with determination.

A few minutes later.

"Oh, nope," said Big Mac wearily as he was wearing a blue renaissance style shirt.

"Are you sure the shirt is really necessary?" Mario asked since they had asked him to quickly sew it up for the red stallion.

"Trust us!" said Sweetie Belle, "There's nothing more romantic than waking your special pony from a sleeping spell with a magical kiss." Sweetie Belle then showed the two stallions a picture of the knight about to kiss the sleeping princess. In the distance was Sugar Belle, who was taking a peaceful nap on a hammock.

"See?" Sweetie Belle pointed out as she showed the knight and princess riding a carriage into the sunset, ""They rode off into the sunset"." The three fillies sighed as hearts floated around them. Mario chuckled.

"That's nice in theory," said Mario, "But Sugar Belle is just taking a nap, not under the a sleeping spell that needs to be broken."

"Eh, just a minor detail, Mario," said Apple Bloom, "Any sign of Feather Bangs?" Scootaloo quickly scanned the area to make sure the smooth talking stallion was nowhere to be found.

"Negative!" said Scootaloo, "Coast is clear!"

"Good," said Mario as he shot out a ring of magic from his horn, "and this spell will allow me to detect him if he gets anywhere within thirty yards of that hammock. He won't be stopping us this time!"

"It's now or never, Big Mac!" said Apple Bloom. Big Mac gulped nervously as he slowly marched up to Sugar Belle. He had just gotten in range when he bit his lower lip. Apple Bloom then took off toward the red stallion. Mario winced when he saw Apple Bloom rush up to him.

"Apple Bloom, what are you doing?" Mario called out in a loud whisper. He watched as the yellow filly began to push Big Mac forward a bit so his head was towering the sleeping mare. Then Mario saw Apple Bloom climb on top of Big Mac as she pushed his head forward to go for the kiss. It was then Big Mac puckered up.

"No, stupid!" Mario bellowed in a loud whisper, "I told you to go for the cheek, not the lips!" To make matters worse, just as Apple Bloom jumped off of Big Mac's back, Sugar Belle woke and up and gasped as she saw Big Mac puckering his lips at her. Mario could see that Sugar Belle was not only awake, but also looking very disturbed.

"Abort! Abort! Abort!" Mario called out when his horn began to glow to signal a certain stallion was about to attempt to take over. Mario rushed over to block what was an oncoming carriage from reaching Big Mac and Sugar Belle.

SQUASH!

And the carriage flattened him in the process. Then it bashed Big Mac out of the way.

"Oh-ho-ho, girl, you been workin' hard all day," said Feather Bangs, "Allow me to treat you like the princess..." he chuckled and flipped his mane, "...you are." Big Mac glared indignantly as the three fan ponies sighed in their lovesick fashion. At this point, Mario managed to get himself un-flattened and snarled at Feather Bangs. Sugar Belle just smiled as she hopped into the carriage and rode off into the background. Big Mac, Mario, and Apple Bloom just glared as they disappeared.

"Hey! That's our metaphorical sunset they're riding off into!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"All right, this ends now," said Scootaloo, "Feather Bangs may have good timing, and...a good mane..." Sweetie Belle looked swooned once again and just nodded in agreement about the good mane. Mario felt his temper boil.

"Geez, if you two are so swooned over him, why not go marry him already!" Mario yelled before glaring at them. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were taken aback by Mario's harsh tone. Apple Bloom then approached the now bitter looking stallion as Big Mac looked at him skeptically.

"Mario?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Hey, no need to get snippy," said Scootaloo indignantly, "Sweetie Belle and I have to move on from you sooner or later!" Mario blinked and then scoffed.

"But why him?!" Mario snapped, "UGH!" He then turned away from the two fillies as he pouted bitterly. Apple Bloom just gave him a sympathetic look.

"Mario, are...are you jealous?" Apple Bloom asked. Mario blinked.

"Pfft! Why should I be jealous?" Mario remarked, "I don't care if you like Feather Bangs! I don't even know why it bothers me! I'm married stallion for pony's sake! It's not like I care that's he got the looks and the smooth talk to get any girl he wants while ponies like me have to work their flanks off just get a girl to even give 'em the light of day!" Mario panted heavily as Big Mac and the three fillies gave him sympathetic looks.

"This situation reminds you of what you had to go through to get Twilight to notice you, doesn't it?" Big Mac remarked. Mario then blinked and closed his eyes as tears pricked his eyes.

"Growing up, I used to have alot of trouble finding my confidence and speaking up to get girls to notice me," said Mario sadly, "and seeing ponies like Feather Bangs do it so easily made me feel so...so...pathetic. Plus I had to lose my true self in order to be a smooth-talking, mane flipping pony." Mario then turned to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "I hate to admit it but, seeing you two getting swooned by him makes me feel...like I'm becoming out of date once again." Mario then began to cry.

"Stop right there, Mario!" said Scootaloo, "That is not true."

"Just cause we think Feather Bangs is cute, doesn't mean we're gonna stop wanting to spend time with you," said Sweetie Belle as she walked up to crying stallion, "He might have good looks, but you've got something he doesn't, a loving and caring heart."

"And no matter when we find our special someponies," said Scootaloo, "We'll always love you." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle then kissed Mario's cheeks twice. Mario chuckled as he hugged them both before wiping his tears away.

"Sorry for getting so snippy," said Mario, "I just really believe Sugar Belle is the girl for Big Mac and I can't stand it that Feather Bangs keeps getting in the way. I want my Big Brother to have a special somepony like I do!" Big Mac just hummed in understanding.

"I've got an idea," said Scootaloo, "Let's see him compete with a song!"

"That's genius, Scootaloo!" said Mario as the orange filly beamed with pride.

"S-Say what now?" Big Mac stuttered and blinked.

"Of course!" said Apple Bloom, "Why didn't we think of it before?"

"Every great love story hinges on the romantic musical number," said Sweetie Belle as she showed a picture of a stallion and mare singing to each other, "Big Mac, you gotta write a song for Sugar Belle!"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with determination as Mario blinked in surprise. The three fillies then shared a high hoof with each other.

"Uhh, Big Mac," said Mario uneasily, "Have you ever written a sing before?"

"Nnope," said Big Mac, but didn't lose the determination in his tone, "That's where you come in."

"WAH?!" Mario exclaimed in shock. Sure he had helped composure music with Sweetie Belle in the past, but he had never written actual lyrics before.

It wasn't long before Sugar Belle was busy setting up her desserts on her display case. Big Mac, Mario, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders just watched her from the window. Apple Bloom then jumped off the table she and the other fillies were standing on.

"Come on, Big Mac!" said Apple Bloom.

"It's a-go time!" said Mario with a small hoof-pump. It was then the three fan fillies appeared in the fore-ground. It should be noted that they all had valley girl accents.

"Feather Bangs is sooo romantic," said the earth pony mare named Swoon Song.

"When he speaks," said the Pegasus mare named Fond Feather, "I pretend he's talking to me." Mario just glared at the three mares.

"That my friends is the fine line between being lovesick and being completely hopeless," said Mario. Big Mac just sighed in defeat as the three fan ponies walked off.

"It's okay, Big Bro," said Mario, "You've got this!"

"Come on!" said Apple Bloom, "You can do better than him! Just like we practiced!" Big Mac just gulped since he was still feeling very nervous inside.

Sugar Belle was still busy arranging her desserts when Apple Bloom peeked in from the front door of the bakery and then gestured for Big Mac, Mario, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo quietly sneaked inside the bakery. They quickly and quietly set up and Mario used his magic set up what looked like a electrical barrier that faded away once it covered the entrance of the front door.

"What was that?" Apple Bloom asked.

"A magical force field trap that will keep Feather Bangs from getting inside," said Mario, "It will only trigger if he walks through the door. I kind of hope he tries because he'll be twitching uncontrollably for about a hour afterward...heh-heh-heh..." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom glared and Mario took notice.

"Relax," said Mario, "The trap will disappear after he gets zapped once. It will take an hour for him to shake it off and by then Big Mac will open up to Sugar Belle and they'll live happily ever after." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded in approval. Once set up was complete, the lights to the bakery turned off, startling Sugar Belle as she looked around. There in the dark was a farm backdrop and Big Mac standing on a stage. It was then some country music began to play.

[Big Mac - A spotlight appeared as he began to sing. Then a cardboard sun was lowered just behind him. Apple Bloom, Mario, and Sweetie Belle smiled as they hid underneath a table. Apple Bloom held a robe that was holding up the cardboard sun. Scootlaoo was hanging above holding the spotlight on the red stallion. As Big Mac sang, Sugar Belle gave him a funny look but eventually smiled.]

We'll take a walk down by the river
Watch the sunset from the field
We'll plant the seeds of love together
And water'em right for a really good yield

[Big Mac - He then wrapped a fore-hoof around Sugar Belle as a lilac eye appeared with his cutie mark on the iris. Then a cherry blossom appeared in a rye field as Big Mac and Sugar Belle, each wearing a hat and shirt, walked across the farmland, past some cows and pigs. He then grabbed Sugar Belle's fore-hooves and gazed into her eyes as she smiled back.]

Sugar Belle, sweet as pie
You're the apple of my eye
A cherry blossom in a field of rye
And when the herder's milked and fed
And the pig are in the sly
Won't you be there by my side

Then the moment was ruined when the country music shifted into generic pop music and multicolored spotlights appeared as Feather Bangs started singing and dancing in a fashion similar to Justin Beiber. He had also brought along three backup dancer ponies to assist his performance. Mario's jaw hit the floor when he saw the earth pony as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were looking just as shocked.

"What the...?!" Mario replied, "I put up a trap! I put up a trap! How'd he get past my trap?!" It was then he saw a pony wearing a Feather Bangs outfit. His mane and tail sticking out in all directions, twitching uncontrollably as he walked in front of them. Clearly Feather Bangs had convinced another pony to be his decoy to set off the trap so he could get inside. Mario was beginning to regret he made the trap one shot only.

"OH COME ON!" Mario bellowed and then whimpered as he face planted the floor. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just looked at him sympathetically.

[Feather Bangs - He danced and sang in the foreground while his support dancers danced in the background. Then they lifted him into the air.]

Oh, oh
Oh, ah-oh
When you appeared before me
My heart stopped beating
Stars crossed the sky
To come and see what I was seeing
You were the one
That made me believe I could fly
Whoa, whoa, whoa

[Feather Bangs - The scene changed to the shore of the beach as more red birds flew above him and across the foreground. Then he reclined in the beach before standing up and then drew a pink heart before him. Sugar Belle looked very uncomfortable and tried to sneak away, but she was quickly grabbed by the background dancers and tossed onto the stage, making her land hard on her stomach.]

Bird could not sing
A song that as beautiful
I'd do anything
That's irrefutable
'Cause you are the sun
Painting my heart in the sky (whoa-oh, oh)

[Feather Bangs - He held her fore-hooves as he sang to her, but Sugar Belle cringed uncomfortably as he leaned into her face. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Big Mac, and Mario all gave long faces and glares at Feather Bangs. Then the three fan ponies appeared, one of them holding a banner with an eye, a heart, and a horseshoe (I-love-you). Mario then angrily used his magic to push them out of their way. Back on stage, Sugar Belle just sat on stage uncomfortably as Feather Bangs was carried off by the backup dancers on top of a giant candy cane. Sugar Belle looked very annoyed and then Feather Bangs grabbed her, twirled her around and then let go as he stood in his hind legs, sending the mare flying off screen.]

Sugar, Sugar Belle, whoa-oh
When will you tell me that you feel the same?
Like an angel on a candy cane
Or the sunlight shining through a drain

Big Mac then angrily stomped on stage and shoved Feather Bangs off the stage so Scootaloo could shine the normal spotlight on him. Mario was going to see if Sugar Belle was okay after being tossed so roughly, but Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle held him and shook their heads.

[Big Mac - He continued singing as Sugar Belle recovered and found Apple Bloom put on a pair of blue-colored glasses over her eyes. Sugar Belle shot the yellow filly a death glare, making Apple Bloom smiled sheepishly. Sugar Belle then stood up and dusted herself off, glaring at Big Mac, which made him stutter as he sang and ended up repeating himself at the end.]

Sugar Belle, when I look in your eyes
I see the color blue

"Aren't her eyes magenta?" Sweetie Belle whispered to Mario.

"Big Mac took over the rest of the writing when I asked the same question," Mario remarked as he groaned inwardly.

And it reminds me of the sky above
Uh, which is also...blue

Sweetie Belle just looked unamused.

"I can tell," Sweetie Belle remarked as Mario groaned.

"We need to pull the plug on this," Mario said worriedly.

"No! Why?" Apple Bloom asked as she rushed up to Mario. It was then the backup dancers got in front of Big Mac, followed by a carriage, the fan ponies smirking, and then Feather Bangs was seen inside of the carriage. He was wearing sunglasses and had a very flirty smile on his face.

"That's why!" Mario pointed out irritably.

[Feather Bangs - As he sang, one of the backup dancers bit into a piece of watermelon. He then walked down the street and then stood on a stage as he danced some more with his backup dancers.]

Hey, hey, hey, yeah
Be my sugarplum
I will be your watermelon
Every time you smile
I can feel my heart a-swellin'
Blood is rushing from my head to my hooves, yeah
I start movin' when I'm feeling that groove, yeah

[Big Mac - he quickly buried Feather Bangs alive in a pile of apples while he sat on top of them. Sugar Belle just glared as Big Mac struggled to remember the rest of the song. The three fillies and Mario peeked out from a nearby barrel as they watched him. Apple Bloom the face-hoofed herself. Sugar Belle cringed, especially when Big Mac leaned in toward her.]

I've been writin' this song for you
Searchin' for the perfect rhyme
For the words I wanna say
Something...somethin', somethin', somethin'...Be mine

Mario had had enough

"That's it! Shows over!" said Mario as he tried to step forward, but Scootaloo held him back.

"I don't think you can stop this even if you tried," said Scootaloo. Mario then saw Feather Bang appear on the right side of Sugar Belle and pulled her over so they were dancing on their hind legs together.

[Feather Bangs - As some Michael Jackson sounds were heard, he gave Sugar Belle a flirty smile as he sang with an autotune voice. Sugar Belle pulled away from him repulsively. As Feather Bangs kept singing, Sugar Belle irritably backed away from him. He then slid into a spotlight and kept walking after her. Then he as well as some of his backup dancers were reclining on a rotating daisy. Then he hopped from one flower to the next as his backup dancers gathered around him.]

Every day I see you
I know you could be the one for me
Feel my heart a-beating like
The rain upon a bumblebee
Don't you see that cloud, uh-oh, uh-oh
Whenever you are near me, I'm so...uh-oh

[Big Mac - the farm backdrop appeared in from of Feather Bangs and his crew as well as some hay bales. Big Mac say down, playing his banjo in an over the top tone.]

Sugar Belle!
Roses are red and violets are blue!

[Feather Bangs - He and his backup dancers got in front of Big Mac as he sat in a chair. He then leaned back and pulled a cord as gooey cheese sauce fell on top of him. Mario shrieked at the sight of the gooey cheese and cowered behind Apple Bloom, who looked most annoyed. Sugar Belle looked very disturbed.]

Sugar, Sugar!
My love is burning hot like a cheese fondue!

[Big Mac - He got into Sugar Belle's face.]

Sugar Belle!

[Feather Bangs - he also got into Sugar Belle's face. This made the magenta unicorn wince and cringe.]

Sugar Belle!

Mario could stay silent any longer.

"Guys stop!" Mario called out, "You're overwhelming her!"

[Big Mac - He held a blue flower.]

Sugar Belle!

[Feather Bangs - He stood over Big Mac as he showed Sugar Belle the rose bouquet.]

Sugar Belle!

"Cut it out!" Mario yelled, "Both of you back off already!"

[Big Mac - he gave Sugar Belle a desperate look.]

Sugar Belle!

[Feather Bangs]

Sugar Belle!

[Big Mac and Feather Bangs - Big Mac stood on his hind legs as he tried to hold Feather Bangs back, but Feather Bangs used the help of his backup dancers to stay above him and dangle forward a bit. However, this made all the ponies tower dangerously over Sugar Belle. Sugar Belle was leaning away fearfully.]

Sugar Belle!

"STOP!" Mario screamed.

CRASH!

SPLAT!

Mario was too late. Big Mac and Feather Bangs, as well as the backup dancers, all lost their balance as they fell right on top of Sugar Belle. To make matter worse, they also smashed her display case to smithereens. To make matters even more worse, one of her pies smashed on top of her head. Big Mac cringed at the mess. Feather Bangs bit his lower lip,

"Now they've done it..." Mario groaned loudly as he took a step back nervously. The three fillies all winced as Apple Bloom face-hooved herself. As for Sugar Belle, her patience was obviously maxed out.

"What in Equestria has gotten into you two?!" Sugar Belle yelled, "If you think I'm the kind of pony who likes all this nonsense, then you clearly don't know me at all! I wish everypony would just...LEAVE. ME. ALONE!" Feather Bangs whimpered before he and his backup dancers ran out of the bakery as quickly as they could. The Cutie Mark Crusaders just sadly left next. Big Mac watched as Sugar Belle sadly surveyed the damage to her display case and his destroyed desserts. Big Mac tried to step forward but Mario held him back with a fore-hoof.

"Don't," said Mario sadly, "Just give her some space for now." Big Mac felt tears build up in his eyes so quickly that he couldn't stop himself crying before he ran out of the bakery as well. Mario just watched him disappear before looking back at Sugar Belle one more time.

"I'll I wanted to do was give Big Mac a special somepony," said Mario in sad but soft tone. Mario then sadly exited the bakery and closed the door. Sugar Belle gave a loud sigh before she hugged herself and began to cry to release all the frustration she was feeling inside. She didn't know that Mario could see and hear her from the window.

"I can't believe I was so stupid," Mario said to himself as a pair of tears left his eyes.

Later on, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were on the search. They had gone immediately to the wagon to wait for Big Mac and Mario to take them back home. But after a good half an hour of waiting. They found that neither stallion had returned. So they went to look for them, but were checking places that two large stallions wouldn't be hiding in. For example Scootaloo was looking under a vase that was on a table Party Favor and Night Glider were sitting at.

"Big Mac! Mario!" Apple Bloom called out as she looked through some binoculars. Sweetie Belle used her magic to lift a small rock to see if either two stallions were there. Of course they weren'.

"Oh, Big Mac?! Oh, Mario?!" Apple Bloom called out again, but no answer.

"Well, nopony's seem them," said Scootaloo as Sweetie Belle joined up with them.

"Aw, I feel terrible," said Apple Bloom, "I've seen my brothers so upset before, and if I know Mario, he's probably off somewhere blaming himself for all of this! And that's not fair. Those ideas were ours and he was just trying to be the cool and supportive brother! Oh, Big Mac?! Oh, Mario?!" Then Apple Bloom saw two familiar ponies in the distance sitting together. One was holding an acoustic guitar and the other was just looking glum as he looked through the fairy tale book. Mario was with his older brother, playing a sad song at the red stallions request.

[Mario - just sang with an Elvis Presley tone as he did some blue style rifts on his guitar. Big Mac looked through the book with tears in his eyes.]

Last since my filly left me
I found a new place to dwell
It's down at the end of lonely street to
Heartbreak Hotel where you will be

I'm feelin' so lonely, baby
I'm feelin' so lonely
I'm feelin' so lonely you could cry

Mario then did a slow guitar solo and then finished the song. Big Mac just closed the book and sighed sadly.

"Big Mac! Mario!" Apple Bloom cried out as the three fillies walked up to him.

"Are you okay?" Sweetie Belle asked gently.

"Nnope," said Big Mac sadly.

"No..." Mario groaned silently.

"And what's with the sad song?" said Scootaloo, "thought the guitar rifts were pretty sweet."

"Big Mac asked me to play something that fit the mood," said Mario as he put his guitar away.

"Sorry it don't work out with Sugar Belle," said Apple Bloom.

"No thanks to me," Mario remarked.

"Mario, stop it!" Apple Bloom said sternly, "Those were all our ideas! You were just trying to support us like you've always done." Mario just sighed. Sweetie Belle then walked up to her book.

"We don't get it," said Sweetie Belle, "Big, grand gestures always work in the fairy tales."

"But Sugar Belle's not a fairy tale princess," said Big Mac, "She's a real pony. She's kind, and she works hard and she's sweeter then everything in her bakery."

"I still can't believe that thought these ideas would work," said Mario, "Twilight hated it when I tried doing these things with her. I can't believe I was so stupid to think this would be different. I guess...seeing Feather Bangs upstage you just made me feel competitive and I...I wanted to make sure you got the girl no matter what it took. And by the time things got out of hand, I couldn't stop it. I'm so sorry, Big Mac." Big Mac just listened quietly and then smiled.

"I forgive you, little brother," said Big Mac, "It's my fault too. I went along with all these ideas when I should've known better." He then let out a big sigh, "But...what's done is done...and I can't take it back." Mario gave his older brother a sad look.

"Wait a minute," said Mario, "after I realized that treating Twilight like a fairy tale Princess wasn't working, I realized that I was focusing on the wrong thing."

"What do you mean?" Big Mac asked curiously. Apple Bloom pondered for a second and then got an idea.

"That's it!" said Apple Bloom, startling everypony as she swatted Sweetie Belle's book away, "We shoulda been thinking about what would mean alot to Sugar Belle!"

"Exactly, little sister," said Mario, "Once I stopped focusing on getting Twilight's attention, I realized that there was something that she needed. At the time it was a new saddle bag."

"I remember that story," said Sweetie Belle, "The store you tried to buy it from was closed and you tried to make her one."

"And despite it looking very bad, she loved it," said Scootaloo, "and she kissed you afterward!"

"That's right," said Mario, "Big Bro, is there anything you can think of that Sugar Belle wanted or needed?"

"Hmm..." Big Mac pondered and then gasped, "I know just the thing! But I'm gonna need your help! All of you!"

"Really?" said Apple Bloom as the two fillies and Mario gave him sad looks, "Even after we messed everything up?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac, "Come on!" Big Mac then took off.

"H-hey! Wait up!" Mario called out as he and the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed after him.

A few minutes later, Scootaloo was outside the bakery wearing just her gaucho glasses as she peeked out from a potted plant. She saw Sugar Belle walking down the street. Scootaloo then rushed up to her.

"Hello!" said Scootaloo in a fake voice, "My name's Shimmering Spectacles, and I'm a librarian with a mysterious past!" She gave a chuckle.

"Oh, okay, I'm..." said Sugar Belle casually, but then something clicked in her head as she gave Scootaloo a skeptical look, "Wait a minute. You look familiar." Sugar Belle gave the filly a glare.

"I shouldn't," said Scootaloo as she began to sweat nervously, "Um, uh, I'm new in town. Mind showing me around?"

"Uh, sure," said Sugar Belle as the view zoomed out a bit, "That's the whole town. It's just the one street." Sugar Belle then walked away. Scootaloo cringed as she tried to think of another way to get Sugar Belle's attention. She then saw a lose thread on her saddle bags and tugged it to make the bottom of one bag open up and spill out the banana the unicorn has purchased.

"Oh, no! Clumsy me!" said Scootaloo, "Here, let me help you clean it up!" Sugar Belle glared and had an "You've gotta be kidding me?!" look on her face. Nearby was the bakery, where Sweetie Belle was peeking out from the front door and saw everything.

"I don't think Scootaloo can hold her off much longer," said Sweetie Belle to Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Mario. They were busy building something when they gave each other panicked looks.

"Triple time, everypony!" Mario called out as Big Mac and Apple Bloom cringed. The three ponies ducked down and began to work even faster. Outside, Sugar Belle and using her magic to carry her bananas. Scootaloo was trying her hardest to get Sugar Belle to stop heading to the bakery, but Sugar Belle was having none of it.

"Uh, n-now hold on a minute," said Scootaloo nervously as she walked backwards to keep ahead of Sugar Belle, "Are you sure I can't buy you a new bag?"

"I'm good," said Sugar Belle bluntly, "It's no big deal."

"But, u-um, umm..." Scootaloo stuttered when she rear ended the front door. She looked behind herself, gulped, and then smiled sheepishly as she stood on her hind legs to block Sugar Belle from getting inside.

"Okay, what's going on?" Sugar Belle asked as she glared at Scootaloo.

Inside the bakery, Sweetie Belle was just waiting nervously at the door when Mario walked up to her.

"How's she doing?" Mario asked the marshmallow filly. He got his answer when Scootaloo burst open the door.

"AHHH! THE CUPCAKE HAS LANDED! REPEAT - THE CUPCAKE HAS LANDED!" Scootaloo screamed.

"Do a barrel roll!" Mario shouted.

"Oof!" Scootaloo grunted as she curled up into a ball and rolled away. Mario just blinked as he watched the orange filly roll off and Sweetie Belle gave him a glare.

"I didn't mean that literally," said Mario and then saw Sugar Belle walking in glaring at them, "Oop! Heh-heh..." Mario and Sweetie Belle just gave the magenta unicorn sheepishly smiled and walked away.

"Big Mac!" Sugar Belle said sternly when she saw the red stallion. Big Mac just smiled and turned around to show her the completed project. Sugar Belle was shocked as a happy smile appeared on her face.

"You made me a new display case?" Sugar Belle said happily.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac bashfully as he blushed as well.

"And you made it bigger! You remembered!" Sugar Belle said excitedly and gasped, "Now I have twice as much room for all my desserts!" Sugar Belle then gasped again as she got a smile with anime eyes, "which means...I can make even more! I've been dying to try baking cream pies, whoopie pies, and icebox cakes and, of course, more apple treats!" She gave Big Mac a flirty smile before walking up to him.

"Oh, Big Mac, thank you so much," Sugar Belle told him in a tone filled with gratitude, "This is the sweetest thing anypony's ever done for me." Big Mac blushed and chuckled.

"Uh, y-y-yeah, or-or nope or..." Big Mac stuttered, trying to find his words, but then Sugar Belle put a fore-hoof to his mouth as she giggled.

"I like you, too," said Sugar Belle. Big Mac just sighed happily as the two shared a gentle nose nuzzle together.

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" the cutie mark crusaders and Mario cooed as they made themselves known. Big Mac and Sugar Belle looked down to see them.

"That was the most romantic thing ever!" said Apple Bloom while Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Mario smiled with anime eyes.

"Wait a minute," said Sugar Belle, "I recognize you fillies and the fact you're with Prince Mario!" She turned to Big Mac, "Have they been with you this whole time?" Big Mac nervously smiled.

"Ee-" Big Mac tried to say before Apple Bloom and Mario stood beside him.

"I'm Big Mac's little sister," said Apple Bloom.

"And I'm his little brother," said Mario. Sugar Belle blinked.

"Uh...I had no idea you had a brother...and a sister too," said Sugar Belle in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm related to Apple Bloom and Big Mac despite being an alicorn," said Mario, "I'm kind of uh..."

"The sparkling diamond in the rough!" Sweetie Belle replied before Mario could think of something less...positive about himself.

"And so handsome!" Scootaloo added as she and Sweetie Belle sighed in a lovesick manner. Sugar Belle couldn't resist a giggle.

"And these are mine and Mario's friends," said Apple Bloom.

"Wait, if Mario's related to you..." said Sugar Belle, "Is he the reason Big Mac's been coming here this whole time?" Big Mac blinked.

"Only for the first trip," said Mario, "If I'm being completely honest, I was actually hoping you two would connect with each other. But like you, Big Mac does not like being caught in the middle of any matchmaking. So I asked if he would at least make the delivery and make a new friend. You even said in your letter sometimes you felt a little lonely so I thought I recommend you a friend at least. But I guess once Big Bro saw your beautiful face, he kept wanting to see you again and again." Big Mac blushed and looked away as Sugar Belle giggled.

"Well, I do find Big Mac very attractive," Sugar Belle replied, battling her eyes and making the red stallion giggle giddily with hearts in his own eyes, "but I can't believe that you would even think I would like Big Mac trying to impress me. Even you told me those things didn't work on Twilight." Mario then blushed in embarrassment.

"Oh, um...w-w-well, y-y-you see..." Mario stuttered nervously, not sure how to explain his bitter feelings about Feather Bangs.

"That was our fault," said Sweetie Belle as she stepped in.

"We're sorry for everything we put you through today, Sugar Belle," said Apple Bloom, "Big Mac would have never gone through with all of those crazy..."

"...over-the-top..." Sweetie Belle added.

"...downright ridiculous..." Scootaloo added.

"...attempts to impress you if we hadn't put him up to it," said Apple Bloom, "and the reason Mario went along with it was because he so loving, caring, and supportive. He'd rather try to make our wacky ideas work out and just telling us outright the idea is stupid. Either way, we learned our lesson and Mario was reminded about something he already knew. Romance isn't about impressing somepony. It's about doin' somethin' that means somethin' special to that pony you love-Heh..." Apple Bloom then cleared her throat, "...like a lot." Apple Bloom just smiled sheepishly.

"Uh, Apple Bloom, I think they get it," said Sweetie Belle. As Apple Bloom was talking, Sugar Belle just face Big Mac a cute smile. Big Mac smiled back with a light blush as the two ponies walked back up to each other. As the three fillies and Mario looked, they saw Big Mac and Sugar Belle sharing another nose nuzzle. Sugar and Big Mac chuckled to each other as the two ponies looked lovesick into each other's eyes. Mario couldn't resist a silent chuckle when he turned to the three fillies.

"Why'd you stop me from telling Sugar Belle about Feather Bangs?" Mario asked, "He's the reason I got so competitive that I thought impressing Sugar Belle could work. And I knew better too."

"Mario, it's okay," said Apple Bloom, "Just let us take this one for ya. Consider it thank you for being so sweet to us all the time." Mario smiled as he pulled all three fillies in for a hug.

"I love you guys," said Mario softly as the three fillies smiled. Then they were interrupted when they turned to see Big Mac and Sugar Belle still sharing nose nuzzles with each other.

"I...think we should have those two alone," Mario whispered.

"Good idea," said Scootaloo as the four ponies slowly walked backwards out of the bakery.

"Sugar Be-eee-eee-elle...!" Feather Bangs sang as he held a phonograph above his head, "Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo...yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah..."

"Oh, give me a break..." Mario groaned as he face-hoofed himself.

"Relax, cutie," said Sweetie Belle, "Just leave him to us." Mario gave the marshmallow filly a skeptical look as the three fillies walked up to Feather Bangs.

"Sorry Feather," said Scootaloo, "You're a little too late."

"Yeah!" said Apple Bloom, "Sugar Belle's already picked her special somepony!" Feather Bangs looked to see Sugar Belle and Big Mac holding each other as hearts floated in the air above them. Feather Bangs looked a little heartbroken. Mario couldn't help but give him a sympathetic look.

"But don't worry," said Sweetie Belle, "You've got three not-so-secret admirers right behind you!" The three fan ponies sighed and looked at him cutely. Feather Bang blushed at the attention, making it clear he had never noticed them until now.

"What should I say to them?" Feather Bangs asked with a nervous laugh.

"Say what?!" Mario asked, completely surprised.

"Uh, you're askin' us for advice?" Apple Bloom replied, just as stunned.

"Uh-huh," said Feather Bangs, "Look, I-I can mane flip, write poetry, and juggle, but actually talkin' to a pony? Oh, it scares me almost as much as loneliness."

"Seriously?!" Mario snapped, "Dude, you can capture the eyes of any girl without even trying that hard! And you're telling me you get insecure just talking to a girl?"

"Um...yeah?" Feather Bangs replied with a sheepishly smile on her face. Mario just stared at him in disbelief.

"Just goes to show ya," said Sweetie Belle, "That even smooth talking ponies can have doubts and insecurities." Mario was still in disbelief when Feather Bangs looked nervously at the three fillies.

"Will you help me? Please?" Feather Bangs asked. The three fillies turned away to confer. Apple Bloom was still getting over her shock over what they had just learned.

"Gee, I don't know about this," said Apple Bloom.

"He just needs a little help in the conversation department," said Scootaloo, "Besides, I don't think Big Mac is ready to leave just yet." The three fillies and Mario, who was just listening to their conversation quietly, all turned to see Big Mac and Sugar were still giggling and nuzzling each other.

"Let's do it!" said Sweetie Belle as the three fillies turned to face Feather Bangs.

"Feather Bangs," said Apple Bloom, "the Cutie Mark Crusaders are..."

"...at your service!" said the three fillies together. Feather Bangs did a mane flip. The three fillies each did a mane flip of their own. Then they all laughed as Feather Bangs gave a wink as an iris out in shape of a heart appeared over him. Mario just smiled and rolled his eyes at them before walking off to see if he could find something to do until Big Mac and Cutie Mark Crusaders were finished with their business.

"Hey, wait up, Prince Mario!" said Feather Bangs, "I was...hoping you could help me too?" Mario blinked.

"Seriously?" said Mario.

"Uh-huh," said Feather Bangs, "You are married to Princess Twilight after all. You obviously know a thing or two about finding your special somepony. Think you can help a stallion out? Please?" Feather Bangs gave Mario a pleading smile. Mario just sighed.

"Alright, since you asked," Mario conceded, but was inwardly worried what he was getting himself into.

At the end of the day, he found Feather Bangs wasn't conceded at all. He just had his own interests and was looking for his own special somepony. Remembering that they had learned from their mess with Sugar Belle, each filly took the time to speak to the other fan ponies to find out what they liked and see if they shared anything in common with Feather Bangs. But their efforts only made the fan girls realize that they had never liked Feather Bangs at all, but were just swooned by his smooth talking. As they spoke to each fan pony, they encountered a visiting Wonderbolt mare named Blaze, who kept encouraging each of the fan ponies to be true to themselves and pursue what they liked to do. This left each fan ponies going off to pursue their interests, making the Cutie Mark Crusaders feel like they had failed in helping Feather Bangs find his special somepony. At least it seemed that way until they found out that Blaze had similar likes and interests as Feather Bangs. In the end, Mario gave Feather Bangs the courage he needed to ask Blaze out. And Blaze said yes! So, things worked out and their mission was a success.

Late as the sun beginning to set in the horizon, Mario and Big Mac were walking side by side as they headed back home. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were now fast asleep inside of the wagon. Big Mac was in good spirits, whistling a little tune as the two brothers trotted side by side. Once Big Mac stopped, he turned to speak to Mario.

"Hey, little bro," said Big Mac.

"What's up?" Mario asked since he was just enjoying the landscape.

"I wanted to say thank you," said Big Mac, "If you hadn't suggested I come back this delivery, I wouldn't have found my special somepony and become the happiest pony in Equestria." Mario chuckled and then sighed.

"No thanks to me..." Mario remarked.

"Mario, stop!" said Big Mac, "Despite some mistakes, it all turned out. Sugar Belle understands that you got a little blind-sighted due to Feather Bangs." Mario cringed as his cheeks turned bright red.

"And it nearly ruined your chances of getting together with her," said Mario, "All because I got so competitive, so determined to make sure he didn't take that opportunity away from you. That I let things get so out of hoof."

"Just tell me, little brother," said Big Mac, "Why did you let Feather Bangs get under your skin so much?" Mario gave him a sad look.

"Because I know what it's like to be in love," said Mario, "to feel too shy and insecure to want to speak up and get the girl you love to notice you. Then you watch as some other pony has the confidence you always wanted and is able to capture their hearts instantly. And you feel completely helpless to do anything about it. I hated feeling that way and I could see you having those same feelings. I couldn't take seeing you look so defeated..." Big Mac gave him a sympathetic look and then smiled.

"You've always been able to sympathize with my feelings," said Big Mac, "and it's nice to know that we share alot in common with each other. It's kind of why you and Sugar Belle are the only ponies I find the confidence to say more than one or two words a day."

"If you find it easy talking to Sugar Belle," said Mario, "Then I do believe she is the one pony for you, Big Brother. But...no rush of course. I never tried to push Twilight when we were in our relationship. Not even the marriage. Thought I still say Celestia was trying to push us to get married when we got our wings."

"Oh, I remember that story," said Big Mac as he and Mario laughed.

"But, in the end," said Mario as they both calmed down, "it was something she had been wanting just as much as me. And I really am hoping, someday in the future, that I can look forward to the day you and Sugar Belle are standing at the alter."

"Don't push it," Big Mac warned.

"I'm not, Big Bro," said Mario, "In fact, I advise you to just let the relationship grow on its own. Just like you would a typical apple tree. When given proper amount of time to grow and develop, it will grow into a strong, healthy, and long lasting relationship. The love that blossoms between you two will last forever." Big Mac smiled.

"Wisely said, little brother," said Big Mac, "and I appreciate the fact your letting me handle the relationship my way. I'm sure Apple Bloom and her friends will do the same, but Applejack is going to be a different story."

"I don't think Applejack will meddle with your relationship with Sugar Belle," said Mario, "She might be too shocked to say or do much of anything."

"Is it really impossible to see me winning the heart of a girl on my own?" Big Mac replied.

"Not impossible," said Mario, "but I know it would be very difficult for you to do this alone given your shy nature." Big Mac sighed.

"True..." the red stallion admitted, "If you, Apple Bloom, and your friends hadn't gotten involved, I don't think I ever would've spoken up. I think you can guess why."

"Afraid she would've turned you down?" said Mario, "I hope my story didn't discourage you."

"It didn't," said Big Mac, "I guess...I just never thought Sugar Belle would find me worth her time. In fact, I still don't know what she sees in me. I'm just happy she does find me worthwhile."

"I understand that completely," said Mario, "I guess we just need to remember that it doesn't matter whether we think we deserve our mares or not. But rather just be thankful everyday that we're not alone anymore. Out of all the stallions in Equestria they could ever have, they chose us."

"Yeah...Sugar Belle chose me," said Big Mac.

"And Twilight chose me..." Mario added as the two stallion sighed and hearts floated above their heads. They then realized they were both getting lovesick, looked at each other, and then laughed.

"Say, little brother," said Big Mac, "I was wondering, if you and Twilight aren't busy. I wanted to show Sugar Belle around Ponyville this weekend. Think you'd be up for makin' it a double date?"

"I'll check out schedule once I get back to the castle," said Mario, "A double date would be alot of fun. I'm sure Sugar Belle would enjoy it."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac as the two brothers shared a fist bump and then spent the rest of the trip walking in silence.

It was nightfall by the time Mario had arrived at the castle and walked through the entrance doors. Twilight was there waiting for him.

"Where have you been?" Twilight asked sternly, "I've been worried sick! You know the Cutie Mark Crusaders aren't supposed to be out this late at night!"

"Sorry, my love," said Mario, "We decided last minute to join Big Mac on a trip to Starlight's old village." Twilight blinked.

"Why would Big Mac be visiting there?" Twilight asked. Mario smirked.

"Because he has a crush on Sugar Belle," Mario replied casually, "And, after a few matchmaking hiccups, Big Mac and Sugar Belle confessed that they like each other. I do mean like." Twilight gasped excitedly.

"Awww, Big Mac has a girlfriend now?!" said Twilight, "That is so sweet! We should totally ask if they want to do a double date!"

"Actually, I was gonna ask you the same question," said Mario, "I just need to check our schedule."

"Ask if this Friday would work! Do it now!" said Twilight giddy and clapped her fore-hooves. Mario then smirked as he teleported to Sweet Apple Acres. About thirty seconds later, he returned.

"He said that would work just fine," said Mario, "he's gonna be sending her some more apples tomorrow so he can ask her then." Twilight squealed excitedly.

"This is amazing!" said Twilight, "I know you've been worried about Big Mac finding his special somepony, but now he finally has so he won't be jealous of us anymore."

"True," said Mario, "But I nearly mess it up though..." Twilight blinked and then glared at him.

"What happened?" Twilight asked skeptically. Mario then explained what had happened, including his feelings about Feather Bangs. By the time he had finished, he was surprised to see that Twilight wasn't upset at all for his mistakes. she just looked at him sympathetically.

"I know I give you a hard time for it," said Twilight, "But I know that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle genuinely love you for the right reasons despite their crushes. Even if they found that Feather Bangs you mentioned attractive, he could never replace you in their hearts. And I hope you know that not all smooth talking ponies are as shallow as Zoot Suit."

"Wait...you actually remembered him?!" said Mario, "You said do didn't even know we were competing over you. And you said yes to a date with him and then acted completely clueless about it when you missed out on it!"

"Mario Star," said Twilight, "I might have been clueless about alot of your efforts to impress me and be a sweetheart, but I was well aware of when you two were competing for my attention. In fact, I was more upset with the fact that he kept making you think you had to impress me. And it was stressing me out. While I acted like I only cared about studying, I was trying to find my courage to tell you the truth about my own feelings. But the more pushy you two got with me, the more I closed off. And I knew that was hurting you. That's why I lied about accepting his date and then didn't show up. I never wanted to go. I just wanted him to back off so I could focus on finding my courage to tell you my feelings." Mario just looked at her sadly.

"Don't you think you went too far, sweetie?" said Mario, "Even if Zoot Suit was a jerk, standing a stallion up for a date...it hurts." Twilight then looked very guilty.

"You're right, I did go too far," said Twilight, "But now you know that I only did it so he'd back off and I could focus on you. I still wish I had been a little braver with my feelings and more considerate with yours. Maybe you wouldn't keep doubting that you're special if I just took the time just to say. Yes, Mario Star, you are special. That's nothing to get anxious over."

"It's all in the past, sweetie," said Mario, "In the end, everything we've gone through was worth it. You're my wife and we're going to spend the rest of our lives together. And I will love you. I will love you always." Twilight gave her husband a teary smile as she rushed into his fore-legs for a hug. Mario held her lovingly and used a fore-hoof to stroke her mane.

The two alicorns remained that way for hours before heading off to bed. But one thing was both in their mind.

They hoped that one day...

...Big Mac and Sugar Belle could share such a loving and tender moment with each other.

I have to be honest that Feather Bangs is one of my least favorite characters in the show. Growing up, I was kind of like Big Mac, the shy pony who had to compete with the smooth talking pony to capture the heart of that one mare that I really liked. Unlike Big Mac, he got the girl and I was left heartbroken and alone... It's also why Mario has such bitter feelings with Feather Bangs...until the very end. It also shows that, despite being married, he's not looking forward to the day Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle outgrow their crushes on him.

Kudos if you caught my parody to Madagascar 3, and I had to change the "polka dot" to "rainbow" for obvious reasons.

Kudos if you caught my parody to Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel. Like some other songs, I ponified and made the lyrics a little more family friendly.

You might not know this, but when Leptuia720HD on youtube posted the clip of Scootaloo stalling Sugar Belle, I actually posted a comment making the same "barrel roll" joke under the same user name that's in this story. It's still posed for those who want to check it out and leave a like or comment.

The alternate ending for Feather Bangs is actually based on a story event from the MyLittle Pony: Magical Adventures app, which is developed by both Hasbro and Gameloft. Since the main show never did nothing else with Feather Bangs, I figured I'd give Feather Bangs a happy ending since, in the game's story event, he does end up with Blaze for his girlfriend.

Next Time: Mario and Rarity team up to remind Applejack about how important it is to remember the Golden Rule of Honesty, which is ironic since Applejack is the Element of Honesty.

Peace Pony Fans!