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...

55. Intermission 2

Intermission #2

Pony's Log Number 300: They say that the seeds of true love can be planted long before a pony openly admits to them. But I never thought those seeds were planted THIS long ago...

It was a beautiful sunny day in Ponyville park. The mane seven and Spike were just relaxing and enjoying themselves. After Candace and Shinning Armor's wedding, everypony was looking forward to just some time to relax and enjoy themselves without another crisis to deal with. They had even invited the Cutie Mark Crusaders to partake in the food as well as the fun. Everypony was just relaxing on a nearby laid out picnic blanket as Mario was busy cooking some hayburgers over a barbecue grill Spike had lit up. He had even chosen to wear a chief's hat and white apron. Twilight just sat a short distance away watching him with a lovesick smile on her face. Mario waved at her from time to time, making the purple pony giggle and wave back in return. Since they had become a couple, the two ponies were more inseparable than ever. It seemed they couldn't even say goodnight to each other without nearly crying, even when Mario only lived less then 10 yards away from the Golden Oak Library. While seemed to have a hard time dealing with seeing Twilight and Mario kissing and saying cute remarks with each other. The rest of the Mane six seemed to tolerate their lovesick behavior without too much fuss. After all, they had been waiting for the day Twilight would admit to loving Mario. Twilight felt like the happiest mare in Equestria, hopelessly and deeply in love. She couldn't be happier to have Mario for her coltfriend now. Just having him nearby was enough to put Twilight in a good mood these days. Even at the park, she loved just sitting quietly and watching him cook their lunch. She was in pure bliss until...

"EARTH TO TWILIGHT!" somepony shouted in a squeaky voice. Twilight shook her head to snap out of her daze when she noticed Sweetie Belle glaring at her. She and Apple Bloom had been asking her questions for a while now regarding her feelings for Mario.

"May I help you?" Twilight asked, slightly annoyed since she was trying to relax and watch her coltfriend cook.

"I asked you why you waited so long to tell Mario that you loved him?" Sweetie Belle repeated hastily, "I mean you're not the type of pony that would lead a guy on right?"

"No! That's not the reason at all!" Twilight snapped defensively. The two fillies didn't seem phased by Twilight's snappy response.

"You clearly returned his feelings so why did you make him wait?" Apple Bloom asked, "Doesn't seem fair...especially since Mario told us he's been in love with ya since day one, even after you called him weird." Twilight couldn't resist an eye roll, but she did find their protectiveness over Mario a little cute. A little cute is the word because she knew both these fillies had a crush on him.

"I don't think you would understand..." Twilight answered, only earning glares from the two fillies.

"If you're talking about telling Mario the truth about how we feel about him, then we actually do," said Apple Bloom.

"I cried when he found out," said Sweetie Belle, "You know. I get it. I'm too young for him! But still, to hear Mario actually reject me with his own lips! I just don't think I could take that kind of rejection!" Sweetie Belle began to cry dramatically as Apple Bloom looked rather indignant.

"I can see how she and Rarity are sisters," Apple Bloom said quietly to Twilight.

"At least I didn't blurt out my feelings in the middle of class!" Sweetie Belle remarked, "You were bawling your eyes out when everypony was laughing at you."

"Oh please don't bring that up," said Apple Bloom wearily since it had taken weeks before the teasing about just that alone finally stopped, especially from two particular little bullies, "I guess the point is that...we're you afraid to admit you loved him?" Twilight just sighed before she gave them both a nod.

"You've heard just how hurt he was when he confessed to me and I ran away," said Twilight, "and then when he started to keep his distance from me, I started missing him something awful and I tried everything to kind of...block that pain out..."

"Is that why you tried to enchant us with that doll?" said Sweetie Belle. Twilight blushed a deep shade of red.

"That was more from me trying to handle a problem I had involving a friendship report and not trusting him," said Twilight, "He was angry over that too...(sigh)...let's face it girls. I haven't done a very good job appreciating him or his love for me. I didn't think I deserved his love. It wasn't til I was at risk of losing it forever when I finally found the confidence to admit it. I just want it to last forever...he deserves that much after what I put him through. I really do love him so much..." The two fillies looked at her sympathetically.

"Did ya cry when you told him?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yes," said Twilight quietly with a sad look on her face, remembering how she had a meltdown when Queen Chrysalis was so close to draining Mario's love. She still had nightmares about it as she felt new tears wanting to escape her eyes as Applejack and Rarity approached. They took note that some tears had escaped Twilight's eyes as she quickly tried to wipe them away.

"Are you girls giving Twilight a hard time?" Applejack asked sternly.

"I know you two loved Mario as well, but there is no need to be sore losers about it," said Rarity.

"We were just asking why Twilight waited so long to tell him," Apple Bloom replied, slightly annoyed.

"Yeah, I mean we were afraid to speak up about it and cried when he found out," said Sweetie Belle, "it also didn't help that some sisters gave us a hard time about it." Rarity immediately looked at Applejack.

"You gave Apple Bloom a hard time over her crush on Mario?" said Rarity in surprise. Applejack went agape.

"I...I was just caught off guard by it," said Applejack, "I was never jealous and that's the honest truth. I mean...did you like him?" Rarity blushed a bit.

"I...I did," said Rarity, "But I was more jealous over the fact he was getting along with Sweetie Belle better than I was until we did the Sisterhooves Social. I mean...the only other pony besides Pinkie Pie who admitted to having a crush on him was Rainbow Dash..."

"Rainbow Dash has a crush on Mario?!" Scootaloo exclaimed since she was parking her scooter close by when she heard the conversation.

"Wuh? Huh? YAHH!" Rainbow spluttered since she had been dozing in a nearby tree branch when the sudden statement made her tumble out of the tree with a THUD.

"Do you have a crush on Mario?" Scootaloo asked curiously. Rainbow stuttered a bit to speak as her cheeks turned light pink.

"Hey, it's cool," said Scootaloo, "I have a crush on him too...just something about him that makes me feel...I don't know...pretty? I guess..." Rainbow just blinked as the others giggled to each other. Twilight just rolled her eyes irritably at them. She knew Mario's heart was only for her, but seeing so many of friends admitting to have a crush on her stallion made her very jealous.

"Hayburgers are ready!" Mario called out as Twilight clapped excitedly as she zoomed over to snuggle the side of her coltfriend.

"Oh I can't wait to eat what you made for us my snuggle-wuggle cutie-patootie," said Twilight.

"I'm glad my little cutsie-woosie bunny-wunny," Mario replied as they nuzzled noses with each other.

"Oh please no!" Scootaloo shouted with her fore-hooves in the air.

"Anything but that!" Sweetie Belle cringed uncomfortably and Apple Bloom look disgusted.

"I think I just lost my appetite," Apple Bloom groaned as she put a fore-hoof on her stomach. Mario and Twilight laughed.

"The look on your faces was so worth it," said Mario remarked as he and Twilight laughed some more. The three fillies soon realized that, once again, they had been tricked.

"Ugh, we get it!" Sweetie Belle barked, "No more love potions or matchmaking. Eesh..." The others just laughed as Rarity gave her little sister a hug.

"We're glad you learned your lesson," said Rarity, "Now let's get something to eat. I'm quite famished." The three fillies nodded as they got in line. The eating was rather quiet. Though everypony took notice that Mario and Twilight were feeding each other and giggling as they did so. When the couple had finished, they shared a quick kiss with each other. Then Twilight tucked her head underneath Mario's chin as he held her close with a soft smile on his face.

"Awwww!" said the three fillies together as well as Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. They all had to admit they found Mario and Twilight's cuddling adorable.

"Okay, I'm not one for sappy or cutsie stuff, but...that was kind of sweet," Scootaloo admitted as Applejack and Rarity chuckled to each other. The new couple soon pulled away since they knew everypony else was watching them.

"Now tell me, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle," said Mario, "Why were you asking my marefriend all those questions?"

"We just wanted to know why she waited so long to admit to being in love with you," said Sweetie Belle, "We all could tell that she definitely had feelings for you long before Cadence and Shinning Armor's wedding." Twilight looked away, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"Just leave her be girls," said Mario, "As they say: good things always come to those who wait. And that doesn't just include cutie marks." Twilight giggled as they shared another quick kiss and then went back to their cuddling.

"I'd still like to know when Twilight knew you were her special somepony," said Fluttershy as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"We have to assume that it was during the whole fiasco with Discord," said Rarity, "She did kiss Mario on the lips during that incident after all."

"And you were in love with "Tom" at the time," Sweetie Belle remarked smugly as Applejack and Rainbow snickered.

"We agreed to never speak of that again!" Rarity repeated with irritation. She couldn't believe her friends had told Sweetie Belle about that incident.

"Actually...the truth is..." said Twilight timidly, "I fell in love with Mario way before that..."

"Really?!" said Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders at once. Applejack and Rainbow cooed. Twilight blushed and Mario looked at her curiously.

"Exactly how long ago are we talking about here, sweetie?" Mario asked as Twilight felt a little bashful.

"Well...huh?" Twilight was then interrupted when she felt water hit the front of her nose. She looked up to see a huge mass of clouds above the sky.

"I thought we were supposed to have clear sunny skies today!" Mario pointed out as it began to rain. Rainbow grunted in annoyance.

"I'll go find out," said Rainbow as she took to the skies as the rain got heavier, "You guys go find some shelter."

"Quick everypony," said Apple Bloom, "Our clubhouse is close by!" No one protested as the yellow filly led the way and everypony ran towards the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse. It wasn't long before the nine ponies and dragon were now inside the clubhouse, trying to dry themselves off as the rain poured down outside. Fluttershy then shook the excess water off herself when she turned to see she had gotten Mario soaking wet.

"Oops, did I do that?" Fluttershy remarked innocently as Mario glared at her. Twilight then shook herself dry as well, getting him so soaked that he was now sitting in puddle of water.

"You know what, Fluttershy," said Twilight with a smirk, "that is funny." The two mares laughed as Mario glared and used a towel to dry himself off. The others snickered as well.

"I get no respect, no respect at all," Mario muttered as Twilight kissed his cheek and snuggled against his side. It was then Rainbow arrived, her mane draped over her face from getting soaked.

"Air heads," Rainbow muttered before addressing her friends, "Apparently, the weather team lost a shower and it somehow drifted over here. It's pretty big so we might be stuck here until the cloud drains itself out." Everypony groaned.

"Now what can we do?" said Scootaloo.

"Well, we were in the middle of a question before the rain came," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom, "Twilight, when did y'all realize you were falling for Mario?"

"Was it on Hearts and Hooves Day?" said Rarity, "Mario said you really enjoyed the little scavenger hunt he created for you...and the red roses."

"It...was before that," said Twilight quietly. Twilight's ears lowered. She really didn't want to say until Mario pecked her cheek.

"Just be honest," said Mario, "how long ago did you feel something for me?" Twilight just sighed.

"I've pondered this since the day I confessed my love to you, Mario," said Twilight, "and I realized the first time I found myself really liking you...was..." Everypony looked at her eagerly as Twilight felt more and more embarrassed.

"Right after our first year at Magic School," said Twilight and Mario's jaw dropped. Some of the other ponies gasped.

"You liked him way back then?" said Rainbow.

"That was when I realized...well...actually I got an idea," said Twilight as she recomposed herself and turned to Mario, "Sweetheart, do you remember that weekend during Summer break when I let you stay at my family's house?"

"Mario," Rarity cooed, "you got to stay with her family for a weekend? You lucky colt." Mario blushed.

"Rarity, please," Mario retorted, "I was younger than Sweetie Belle when it happened."

"You don't say?" said Rainbow with a smirk on her face. Twilight then got an idea.

"Since we're going to be here for a while, sweetie," said Twilight as she looked over to Mario, "How about we tell them a story about how we spent the weekend with my family?"

"Alright," said Mario, "though I will admit I...was rather shy back then..."

"What was Mario like when he was our age?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"He was alot like he was today," said Twilight, "but he wasn't lying when he said he was like Fluttershy. He also had a bit of a potbelly and his voice was super squeaky."

"Ugh, don't remind me," said Mario, "I remember when my voice started deepening that it would crack...alot. And the bulk of it was during my years on that track team."

"Was Twilight alot like she is now?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yes, but alot more studious," said Mario, "Aside from me, Twilight never really considered friendship very valuable so aside from me and until Celestia asked her to start babysitting Spike, I was the only person who she would talk to. That weekend was the first time she would actually talk to me about something other than studying. So shall we tell these ponies our little weekend adventure, sweetie?" Twilight smiled as the rest of the group cheered.

"Alright, so...if I recall," said Twilight, "We had just finished our summer semester together." Pinkie gasped.

"Mister and Misses Straight A students had to do summer school?!" said Pinkie.

"That is a shocker," said Rainbow.

"Well, like you said Rainbow," said Mario, "we're both a bunch of eggheads. We took extra classes for extra credit and such."

"That sounds like you and Twilight," said Fluttershy as some of the other ponies giggled to each other.

"Eeyup," said Mario as he and Twilight blushed, "So anyway...we had just got back from seeing our professors and...well...Twilight wasn't too happy about the fact the professors wouldn't give her the syllabus for classes in the fall...which were still five weeks away..." Twilight rolled her eyes at that comment, even if that was true...

Flashback

Inside the hallway of what was one of the dormitories to Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns, two unicorns were arriving back at their dorm rooms. The peach colored colt was feeling rather annoyed as his friend and fellow student, a purple filly named Twilight Sparkle, was fuming.

"I can't believe the professor had the nerve to lock me out of the classroom for demanding the fall syllabus!" Young Twilight complained, "How am I supposed to plan my studies without it?"

"Maybe we'll just have to wait till day one to do it," Young Mario proposed.

"Are you crazy?" said Young Twilight, "How can those professors find that appropriate? You know I like to plan my day out each day at least a month ahead! That way I know exactly what I need to do! If we're going to be the students of Princess Celestia, we need to stay organized! Without organization, there's nothing but pure chaos! Then we'll fall behind on our studies and then we'll failed and I'll get expelled from school..." Young Twilight began hyperventilate until Young Mario pulled her in for a hug. Young Twilight just looked stunned and stopped talking.

"What are you doing?" Young Twilight asked bluntly.

"Giving you a hug," said Young Mario plainly, "It seems to settle you down when your anxiety gets the better of you. Feeling better?" Young Twilight just rolled her eyes as he let go and gave her a cute smile.

"Yes," she replied annoyed, "Thanks, Mario." Young Mario smiled.

"It's why I'm here," said Young Mario, "to look out for you."

"Only because Princess Celestia asked you to," said Young Twilight she walked ahead. Young Mario froze for a moment before caught up with Young Twilight. He turned to give Young Twilight a death glare so they were making eye contact, which made the purple filly stop moving.

"I look out for you because I want to be your friend," said Young Mario sternly, "All Mom did was help me find the courage to speak to you. If you haven't noticed, you're the only pony I can even speak to casually minus our professors! Even when we're with the group I usually speak up about as much as Moon Dancer."

"I...never noticed that you didn't speak to any other ponies," said Young Twilight.

"That's because you're too busy with your nose in dusty old books all day," Young Mario remarked, "I bet you have no idea how many times I've saved your flank from crashing into walls and others ponies because you keep walking and reading at the same time from one place to the next." Young Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Never mind," said Young Twilight, "Let's just get back to my dorm. I've got another idea for a research project."

"Another one?" Young Mario groaned, "Look I know we're both Celestia's personal students, but don't you think we should take a break or something? Even a well trained mind needs to rest and rejuvenate itself."

"Isn't that what sleeping is for?" Young Twilight remarked as they arrived at her dorm room, "and have you been reading the philosophy books again?"

"No, that was actually words of wisdom from Mom herself," Young Mario replied. Young Twilight looked puzzled but then remembered that he was referring to the Princess. Even with Mario explaining that Princess Celestia had taken him in, she still found it hard to believe that he could call such a royal figure his mother. She quickly shook off the thought as she walked inside her room with Mario right behind her.

"Looks like the mail mare came by," said Young Twilight as she used her magic to lift the letters and took a look at them as Young Mario set his heavy saddle bags down on the floor.

"Phew!" Young Mario exhaled, "Carrying all those heavy books better give me some muscles in the long run or I'm going to complain to the professors about giving us such heavy textbooks every semester!" Young Twilight just had a bored look on her face, not really listening to Young Mario, until her eyes widened at one particular letter.

"This one's from my home," said Young Twilight as she quickly opened it and read the message inside. She was beaming when she finished reading it.

"What does it say?" Young Mario asked curiously.

"My B.B.B.F.F is home for the weekend from the cadet academy," said Young Twilight excitedly.

"Your what?!" Young Mario asked puzzled.

"B.B.B.F.F.," Young Twilight repeated, "Best Big Brother Friend Forever!"

"Oh..." said Young Mario slowly before mumbling to himself, "Guess that would make Cadance by B.B.S.F.F? Ugh, I don't think that'll catch on..."

"So...I guess you'll get that weekend rest after all," said Young Twilight, "Did you have any plans?"

"Actually...that's why I was telling you about taking a break," said Young Mario, "Mom and I were going to spend the weekend together, just the two of us. No duties, no obligations, and none of those snobbish Canterlot elites shooting their mouths off. Just Mom and I having fun together. I can't wait!" Young Mario bounced on his hooves as Twilight giggled.

"Alright, it looks like we've both got plans this weekend, "said Young Twilight, "This will be the best weekend ever!"

"Yeah!" said Young Mario excitedly.

"Hello my faithful students," said Princess Celestia as she arrived to make a visit, "What seems to be all the excitement?" Mario nuzzled her leg before backing away to smile at her.

"Well, Twilight is going home this weekend to see her big brother," said Young Mario, "and we've got a mother-son date!" Young Mario chuckled happily, but then Princess Celestia looked away, causing Young Mario's smile to break into a frown.

"Not again..." Young Mario groaned sadly, "No date this weekend?" This hadn't been the first time something had come up. In fact, it was quite the norm. His mother was the ruler of Equestria after all.

"I'm so sorry, Mario," said Princess Celestia, "I just got a message that there's been a situation in Vanhoover. I'll be gone all weekend taking care of it." Young Mario just looked at her sadly before looking away.

"You know I can't shirk my responsibilities my son..." Princess Celestia explained.

"Why does the universe hate me so much?" Young Mario yelled with tears in his eyes, "All I want is just some time with my Mom, but every time I just want to be with you. Something keeps us apart! I try so hard not to be a demanding spoiled brat like other colts and fillies my age and I try not to trouble you by doing my studies and staying out of trouble! It's not fair! All I have is you for a family ever since Big Sis left to go study overseas! Even with Twilight for a friend and our little study group, I STILL FEEL ALONE! ESPECIALLY WHEN EVERYPONY ELSE HAS A FAMILY TO SPEND TIME WITH BUT ME!"

"Mario! Please I..." Princess Celestia called out as Young Mario ran out of the room sobbing and shut the door to his dorm loudly.

"It must have been hard having Princess Celestia for a mom sometimes," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, she had to have been super busy all the time," Apple Bloom added.

"Indeed it was," said Mario, "Don't get me wrong. Princess Celestia is one of the most loving and caring ponies you could know. It's such a blessing to call her my Mom. Just spending time with each other was always really difficult, and the disappointment hurt a lot to. Despite my upbringing and the heartache, I really didn't want to end up like Diamond Tiara. All I wanted was to just have fun with my family.

"Fortunately," said Twilight, "I had a solution to help Mario out this time around."

"Why not before that?" Scootaloo asked. Twilight just whimpered.

"As I said before, she didn't value our friendship...for the time being," said Mario and then he and Twilight continued their story.

Both she and Young Twilight could hear Young Mario crying loudly inside his dorm room. Princess Celestia just sighed to herself sadly. Even she knew just how much Mario had been wanting spend time with her this weekend. As much as she tried to work her schedule around by having him join her in some of her travels in the past, she knew that once he started school that she would need to make time for him, which was easier said than done and she hadn't been doing a good job at it. Young Twilight just listened to Mario's wails for a moment. She felt sorry for him and didn't like seeing her...at the time...study partner...to be so sad. It wasn't much longer before she got an idea.

"Princess Celestia," said Young Twilight, "I have an idea that might cheer him up."

"What is it?" Princess Celestia asked curiously as Young Twilight walked up to her. She knelt down as the young filly whispered her idea to the alicorn. Princess Celestia couldn't help but smile.

It was a few minutes later that Princess Celestia allowed herself in Young Mario's room. She found that he was just sitting on his bed with his face buried into his pillow. He looked up at her with red eyes and sticky cheeks.

"Sorry Mom," said Young Mario sadly, "I didn't mean to..."

"It's alright my son," said Princess Celestia as she sat beside the bed, "I know you've been waiting to spend time with me and I'm very sorry that this keeps happening. But I want you to understand something. No matter how much time we get to spend with each other, know that I love you very much and you are loved. I miss having you at my side and being able to see you between duties." Princess Celestia began to caressed his now messy mane as Young Mario chuckled and sniffled a bit.

"I miss that too," said Young Mario, "I miss being with my Momma." Princess Celestia smiled.

"While this doesn't make up for canceling on you last minute," Princess Celestia continued, "Twilight does have something she would like to ask you." Young Mario's interest was piqued as the purple filly walked inside.

"What's up Twilight?" Young Mario asked curiously.

"Mario, would you like to come spend the weekend with my family?" Young Twilight asked. Young Mario was left shocked as he instantly sat up on his dorm bed.

"Umm...s-s-sure," said Young Mario with an eye blink. Young Twilight could tell Mario wasn't as excited as she had hoped.

"Don't want to?" Young Twilight asked.

"N-n-no, I-I-I mean yes...yes I'd like to," Young Mario stuttered, "I...just...you surprised me. I've never been invited to spend the weekend at a friend's house before." Young Twilight smiled.

"I'm sure you'll have fun," said Young Twilight, "Shining Armor likes playing board games and trains so you'll get along with him."

"Um...c-c-cool," said Young Mario, "T-t-thank you, Twilight."

"You're welcome," said Young Twilight as she made her way out of the room as Mario watched her take her leave.

"And you were worried that you and Twilight weren't becoming friends," said Princess Celestia, "Now you'll get to have some fun together with something other than studying."

"Great..." said Young Mario, but deep down inside he was feeling very, very worried.

"I always assumed you would be super duper excited to get to spend time with Twilight, especially at her home," Pinkie pointed out.

"I was," said Mario, "but keep in mind that I had a crush on her back then. And I was going to meet her parents and her big brother."

"Oh," said all nine ponies at once.

"You must have been panicking overtime meeting Shining Armor for the first time," Fluttershy remarked.

"Yeah," said Mario, "it didn't help the old Canterlot group had stopped by to remind me of what was at stake."

Early that Friday as Mario was busy getting his things for the weekend, Young Twinkleshine, Young Minuette, Young Lemon Hearts, and Young Moon Dancer were in his room. They had stopped by to invite him and Twilight for donuts. Twilight had turned them down, like usual, but they were surprised to hear Mario pass until he told them why and Young Twinkleshine and Young Minnuette cooed. By now, these girls all knew that Mario had a crush on Twilight, including Young Lyra, who was apparently absent from the group doing her own thing.

"Spending the weekend at your crush's house," said Young Twinkleshine.

"And to think Twilight actually invited you!" Young Minuette added. Young Mario just rolled his eyes at them. As much as he tried to be mature about it, the constant love talk would really get on his nerves from time to time.

"I think I just need to keep things as friends," said Young Mario, "I'm already nervous as it is since this is the first time I've been invited to somepony's house, especially overnight." The four fillies looked rather stunned.

"You mean...we've never invited you to our houses yet?" Young Lemon Hearts remarked in shock.

"Not even for dinner?" Young Minuette added in the same tone.

"No," said Young Mario as he grabbed his favorite toy train and some other items into his saddle bag.

"We gotta remember to do that sometimes so u can meet our parents," said Young Minuette, "Do you think you're ready?"

"I'm...almost done packing..." said Young Mario slowly.

"She means are you ready to meet her parents, and her big brother," Young Twinkleshine asked. Mario felt his body tremble.

"I-I-I g-g-guess," Young Mario replied timidly.

"It's a big deal for a girl to introduce you to her parents," Young Lemon Hearts added, "if you ever want to date Twilight, you gotta get her parents to like you."

"I...know..." Young Mario said wearily.

"And if they don't like you," Young Twinkleshine added, "you can kiss your chances of dating Twilight goodbye."

"EEP!" Young Mario squeaked.

"Let's not forget that she has a big brother," Young Lemon Hearts said, "He might just turn Mario into a throw rug when he finds out your in love with his little sister."

"Uhh...girls..." said Young Moon Dancer as they looked and found poor Young Mario rocking on his back holding his hind legs with her fore-legs. The poor colt was beyond nervous now and just humming fearfully to himself.

"Nice job girls," said Young Minuette, "You've traumatized him!"

"Well, you know we like to keep talking!" Young Twinkleshine added, "You could have stopped us!" Young Minuette rolled her eyes as Young Moon Dancer helped Mario get back to his hooves.

"Don't worry about it," said Young Moon Dancer, "If you just be your normal cute self, you'll be okay." Young Mario didn't feel any better. He still felt very scared inside.

"Wait a second here," said Twilight, "Did Moon Dancer have a crush on you or something? She called you cute." The other adult mares smirked as Mario just stayed quiet.

"You gotta answer, Mario," Fluttershy teased. Mario just snorted.

"I think she did," said Mario, "but...I never pursued it because I was already committed to my crush on Twilight. Nopony deserves to be second choice." Fluttershy rolled her eyes.

"Kiss up," she remarked.

"Hey, you're one to talk," Mario shot back, "Shenran says he's committed to you and you alone. If you gave the word, he'd be your stallion in an instant!" Fluttershy blushed as the other snickered.

"Wait...is Shenran that handsome stallion that was dancing with Fluttershy at the wedding?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I think so," Sweetie Belle answered, "He was pretty cute..."

"Sorry girls, Shenran is taken," Rarity said with a smile.

"OH COME ON!" Sweetie Belle remarked, "why are all the good stallions taken?!"

"I'd like to know that myself," Apple Bloom added as Applejack and Rarity chuckled.

"You two have plenty of time to find your special somepony," said Applejack, "Right Scootaloo?" Scootaloo then blushed since she had kept quiet to avoid the conversation. She didn't want anypony knowing she was interested in Shenran too and that she was very disappointed he was taken.

"Uh...r-r-right," the orange Pegasus said sheepishly, "Can...we get back to the story please?" Mario and Twilight chuckled to each other.

As said before, Young Mario was very nervous. In fact, he still looked rather frantic as he sat beside Young Twilight inside the carriage. Her parents had offered the carriage so they could get to the young filly's house quickly. Young Twilight was just busy talking about how excited she was to see Shining Armor to notice that Mario was sweating and trembling nervously as he sat next to her. Young Twilight then took notice that Mario was just staring into space.

"Mario?" Young Twilight said annoyed, "Are you listening to me?"

"Yes," said Young Mario quickly, "you said you were excited about visiting Shining Armor and that you used to have adventures together where you tried to capture monsters. One time, you built a fortress to the kitchen with blocks and made him dance in order to get through and Cadance saw the whole thing, making him very embarrassed. And you were telling me how one time you tried to speed eat your bowls of cereal together and he got milk up his nose!" Young Twilight blinked.

"Wow...that's exactly what I was saying..." Young Twilight said, still baffled, "How'd you do that?"

"Strong memory skills," said Young Mario timidly, "Twilight...can...can I ask you...something?"

"What's up?" Young Twilight asked.

"Do you think your parents will like me?" Young Mario asked quietly. Young Twilight blinked a bit.

"Why wouldn't they?" Young Twilight asked curiously. Young Mario felt really shy and quiet as he looked away. He didn't want to say anything to Young Twilight about liking her but he wasn't sure what else he could say that was honest. After a few seconds, he found something he could tell her.

"I've never meet anypony's parents before," said Mario quietly, "I know my manners and behaving and such, but...you did I was weird when they were around the first time we met. I don't if they think I'm weird too..." Young Twilight just smiled.

"You'll be fine and they don't think your weird," said Young Twilight, "My parents are very nice. I've told them all about you."

"Y-y-y-you have?!" Young Mario spluttered in complete shock.

"Yeah," said Young Twilight, "Especially my B.B.B.F.F." Mario whimpered to himself.

"Do you think he'll like me?" said Young Mario, "I've heard of big brothers being...protective of their little sisters..."

"Oh he's very protective, too protective for his own good," said Young Twilight, "but don't worry. He's a big dork just like you."

"Uhh...thanks?" said Young Mario wearily, not sure how to take the idea that Twilight thought he was a dork.

"See big brother?" Fluttershy teased, "Even your own marefriend thinks you're a dork. I told you that you were!"

"Oh hush, Flutters," said Mario annoyingly as the others snickered.

"No problem," Young Twilight answered and then noticed that they had arrived at her house, "Oh cool! We're here! Come on!" Young Twilight excitedly hopped out of the carriage as Young Mario took his time getting out. He then used his magic to pull out some bits to give to the pony driver.

"Thank you sir," he replied. Young Mario smiled before making his way up the stairs to the front door where Young Twilight was waiting impatiently for him. He took a slow deep breath as Young Twilight knocked on the door. It wasn't long before an adult mare appeared that look very similar to Twilight, except her mane and tail were shades of white and lilac while her coat was white.

"Mom!" said Young Twilight as she embraced the mare.

"Oh Twilight, I'm so happy to see you!" said the mare when she noticed the young colt standing nearby, "and who is your friend?" Mario just lowered his head shyly.

"This is Mario Star," said Young Twilight, "The colt I told you about who helped me get straight A's for my first year at Magic School. He's also that weird colt we saw get his cutie mark and started dancing." Young Mario blushed as part of his mind was screaming at him for not learning an invisibility spell. He couldn't understand why Young Twilight had to bring that up. The mare chuckled.

"Well, come on in dear," said the mare, "Don't be shy."

"Uh...um...okay...Mrs..." Young Mario stuttered.

"My name is Twilight Velvet, but you can call me Mrs. Velvet," she replied kindly.

"Okay...M-M-Mrs. Vel-Velvet," Young Mario answered timidly. The mare smiled and gestured for Mario to come inside, which he did. Mario then gasped silently as he looked about the house. The place looked rather cozy in his opinion. Sure, he was raised in the Palace, but something about this place just...felt more comforting to the little colt. It was like he could sense this home was filled with lots of tender love and care. He couldn't really explain why. But this thoughts were interrupted with he noticed a large stallion come down a set of stairs with a blue mane and tail and white fur. Mario felt even smaller than he already was when he saw the stallion's fully grown size up close.

"Twily!" said the stallion.

"Shining Armor!" Young Twilight shouted with glee as she ran towards him and they embraced each other happily.

"I missed you," said Young Twilight as she buried her face into his white coat.

"Same here Sis," said the stallion as they parted and that was when he noticed the young colt setting his saddle bags down, "Wait...since when did you get a boyfriend?" Young Mario's face went dark red as he looked away. Young Twilight just rolled her eyes.

"He's just my study partner, B.B.B.F.F.," Young Twilight replied, "I invited him over to spend the weekend with us." Shining Armor glared at him, making Mario's shutter fearfully as the white stallion approached him.

"So you're staying over for the weekend huh?" Shining Armor asked with a straight face.

"Y-y-y-yes S-s-s-sir," Mario stuttered.

"You consider yourself a good colt?" he asked sternly. Mario nodded as he looked at the stallion fearfully.

"Good," said Shining Armor, "You'll most likely be bunking with me in my room. So I hope you'll stay out of trouble and behave, especially around my sister! The last colt who didn't behave...let's just say he's swimming with the fishes..."

THUD

Shining Armor quickly turned around saw that Mario was now laying on his back completely unconscious.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Mario and Twilight were interrupted again when they found both Rainbow and Scootaloo on their backs laughing loudly.

"Shining Armor...scared you so bad...you passed out?" Rainbow exclaimed as she kept laughing hard with Scootaloo, "Oooh...too funny..." Mario glared when Twilight smirked deviously.

"You know, Rainbow," said Twilight slyly, "You still owe Mario that whole day of him seeing you wearing that giant pink bow in your mane since you tore it off after he left. Mario has it tucked away in his new saddle bags." Rainbow then stopped laughing and sat up.

"Uh...I'll be quiet now," she replied quickly.

"Wait, Rainbow Dash has a pink bow?" Scootaloo said as she sat up in surprise.

"Just get back to the story please!" Rainbow pleaded irritably as she put a fore-hoof over Scootaloo's mouth. Mario and Twilight exchanged chuckles before they continued.

Twilight Velvet gave Shining Armor a stern glare.

"I was only joking," said Shining Armor, but now both mother and sister were glaring at him. Shining Armor sighed.

"I'll fix this Mom," he said bluntly as Young Mario began to stir. Shining Armor gently help Mario sit up.

"Easy there little guy," said Shining Armor gently, "I was only kidding. I'm just protective over my sister. I want her to be safe and happy after all."

"Me, too," Young Mario replied softly. Shining Armor smiled.

"Ah! So you look out for her I see," said Shining Armor, rather impressed.

"I try to," Young Mario replied, "But Twilight is very independent. I can only do so much you know. She likes her personal space."

"It's true," said Twilight as a matter of fact, "I'm a big girl now!" Mario just gave a should shrug as Shining Armor smirked.

"I think you and me are going to get along just fine," said Shining Armor, "What's your name?"

"M-Mario Star, sir," said Young Mario bravely.

"Well Mario, why don't you follow me and I can help you get settled," said Shining Armor, "As I said before you passed out, you'll be bunking with me for the night. Hope you don't have an issue with snoring."

"Nah, I can manage," said Young Mario as he collected his loaded saddle bags.

"Need some help?" Shining Armor asked when he saw Mario straining a bit to carry his bags.

"I got it," said Young Mario, "This geek wants to build up his muscles." Shining Armor chuckled at the comment, so did Twilight Velvet and Young Twilight.

"Come on," said Twilight Velvet, "Your father is in the dining room."

"Okay," said Young Twilight, "Don't take too long to unpack Mario. I want you to meet my dad."

"Um...why are you in such a hurry to have me meet my doom?" Young Mario asked. In his young mind, protective big brothers were scary and protective fathers were even scarier.

"Yeah Twily, at least let me get to know the colt before you execute him," Shining Armor replied.

"Very funny," said Twilight Velvet, "now go unpack Mario and you be nice to him, Shining Armor." Young Mario then floated a piece of paper to the mare as he followed Shining Armor upstairs. Twilight Velvet opened it and instantly rolled her eyes.

"That's Mario's will isn't it," said Young Twilight in a deadpan tone.

"Eeyup," said Twilight Velvet.

"Did he leave me his books?" Young Twilight asked, only for Twilight Velvet to bop her on the bead with the paper and head into the kitchen to dispose of the paper. Young Twilight just sighed to herself and went to see her father. Back upstairs, Shining Armor welcomed Mario inside his bedroom. Mario felt a little afraid to enter, but after a deep breath, he managed to do so.

"Whoa..." said Young Mario as he looked around the room. Shining Armor's room had a nicely sized bed in the far corner surrounded with a bookshelf filled with various books, a rather large train set, a shelf that had some posters of the Royal Guard, an ant farm, and on the other side of the room were various board games, stacks of various comic books, and even some Power Ponies action figures.

"Pretty neat huh?" said Shining Armor as he pointed to the spare sleeping cot near his bed, "You'll be sleeping right over there so you can set your saddle bag there and get settled. Mario nodded as he headed over to the cot. As he started to unpack, he noticed a brown teddy bear on the bed.

"Is that your sleep toy?" Young Mario asked.

"Duh-huh-uhh," Shining Armor stuttered as he used his magic to pick it up and tuck it inside a drawer. Young Mario looked worried.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, sir," Young Mario replied sheepishly, "I still sleep with a doll. See?" Mario then pulled out a handmade plush toy of a pink alicorn. Shining Armor smirked.

"It's...pink..." he snickered.

"It's my big sis, Cadance," Mario said shyly, feeling a bit embarrassed as he hugged his toy close, "Well, not my real big sister but she always cared about me like I was her little brother." Shining Armor blinked.

"Wait...did you say Cadance?" Shining Armor said surprised, "As in Princess Cadance?!"

"Yes," Mario answered as he set his sleep toy down on the cot and unpacked some other items from his saddle bag.

"I used to know her before we graduated high school," Shining Armor remarked with a sigh.

"Hmm," said Mario, he remembered Cadance talking about being in love with somepony, but he was made a promise of secrecy to not say anything about it.

"So...tell me..." Shining Armor asked, "Do you like Twily?" Mario felt his face blush as he quickly looked away nervously.

"Come on, Mario," Shining Armor pushed on, "I'm gonna find out one way or..."

"Okay! Okay! I do!" Young Mario confessed in a panic, "She's smart and she's great pony to study with and I find her absolutely beautiful! Please don't hurt me!" Young Mario squatted to the floor with her fore-legs covering his head and trembled. Shining Armor just looked at him before pulling Mario to his hooves.

"Then tell me Mario," Shining Armor asked calmly, "How do you plan to get Twily to like you back?"

"Just being kind to her and treating her right," Young Mario answered right away, "looking out for her and being her friend. That way, even if she doesn't like me that way, we'll still be good friends."

"That sounds more like trying to befriend her rather than make her fall in love with you," Shining Armor pointed out.

"Well, I'd do anything to make her happy," said Young Mario shyly, "her happiness means more to me than mine. I've even given up nights of sleep when she's had anxiety over planning her schedules for the month. I wanted to help her have some peace of mind and do well in school."

"Oh Twilight, you and your over-planning everything," Shining Armor muttered, "You sure she's worth all that sacrifice?"

"Somepony once tried to fry the book she was reading when we were walking on campus once," Mario told Shining Armor, "As soon as I saw it, I jumped in front of the blast and took the hit, got badly burnt on the stomach for it too." Shining Armor blinked. Deep down he was very impressed, but he still had one more question in mind.

"What would you say is your weakness?" Shining Armor asked.

"I have a short temper sometimes, self-confidence issues, suffer from anxiety, and I believe that big colts can cry and show that they have feelings," Young Mario replied. Shining Armor was left speechless.

"You are one honest little colt," said Shining Armor, "you're certainly not like other colts your age."

"I know," said Young Mario bluntly, "I'm a freak."

"No you're not," said Shining Armor, "and I hope you don't let Twilight call you that."

"She just says I'm weird...and a dork," Mario answered. That made Shining Armor snicker.

"Well, we dorks gotta stay together," said Shining Armor, "But I'm glad to see my Twily is in good hooves. You're pretty cool, Mario Star." Young Mario smiled.

"Thank you, sir," said Young Mario, breathing an inward sigh of relief, "Does...this mean we can be friends to?" Shining Armor smiled.

"You got it...little buddy," the stallion answered as Mario smiled in return.

It was just before dinner as Twilight's father, Night Light, was checking in on Twilight Velvet as she got dinner ready for everypony.

"Is Mario still upstairs with Shining Armor?" Night Light asked as Twilight stood beside him.

"I think so," said Twilight Velvet as she used her magic to stir something in a pot, "I just hope Shining Armor is playing nice." It was then some shouting was heard upstairs.

"OH C'MON! How do you keep getting seven letter words? And is that even a real word?!"

"It's in the dictionary! See? Page 1028!"

"Did you memorize that thing?"

"I study with Twilight all the time. What do you think?"

Young Twilight and Night Light giggled as Twilight Velvet playfully rolled her eyes with a smile on her face. She was just glad Mario and Shining Armor were getting along.

"Alright boys, dinner's ready!" Twilight Velvet called out.

"Alright, Mom!"

"Yes, Mrs. Velvet!"

It wasn't long before the two boys arrived downstairs and Young Mario introduced himself to Night Light. Surprisingly, Young Mario had a much easier time introducing himself to Night Light than Shining Armor. As for dinner, Young Mario had hoped to just eat his share of the food quietly, but it seemed that Twilight Velvet and Night Light wanted to know as much about Young Mario as possible, including Shining Armor. They all wanted to know about Mario's adventures with the Princess.

"I still can't believe that you pulled the Canterlot Express all by yourself," said Twilight Velvet impressively.

"It was really hard though," said Mario, "Mom...I mean the Princess, said that I slept for two days afterward cause I burnt myself out pulling such a heavy train."

"Why bother to try if you knew it was going to be too much for you?" said Shining Armor, "I mean the train is usually full of Canterlot snobs anyway..."

"Shining Armor," said Twilight Velvet disapprovingly.

"Now, now dear, our son does bring up a good point," said Night Light as he held his wife's fore-hoof, "After all, Mario did say that only one elite was ever nice to him as the rest seem to take pleasure in putting him down."

"I've been...bullied alot," said Young Mario, "Just for being me and, for a while, because I didn't have my cutie mark." Young Mario smiled at the golden star that now showed proudly on his flank.

"I don't see you getting bullied at school," Young Twilight remarked irritably. She was feeling a little shut out of the conversation since her parents and big brother hadn't bothered asking anything about her during dinner.

"You're always reading and walking from place to place, Twi," Young Mario answered.

"Twilight Sparkle!" said Twilight Velvet sternly, "Didn't I tell you not to read and walk at the same time anymore? You'll get yourself hurt not watching where you're going." Twilight looked sheepishly at her but then gave Mario a glare to blame him for bringing it up.

"It's my fault, Mrs. Velvet," said Young Mario, "I am usually walking with her and I let her do that. I'll make sure she doesn't read and walk at the same time anymore. I'm sorry." Twilight Velvet was taken aback, so was Young Twilight, who looked surprised Young Mario had taken the blame for her. Shining Armor and Night Light exchanged smirks with each other.

Mario and Twilight were then interrupted again when they saw everypony else smirking and snickering at them.

"Now what?" Twilight asked irritably.

"So I took the fall for Twilight, what's so funny about that?" Mario asked in the same tone. Twilight looked at her coltfriend and covered her mouth with a fore-hoof to hide her own snickering. Mario noticed.

"What's so funny?" Mario asked when Twilight used her magic to hand him a mirror. Mario looked into it and his jaw dropped. Apparently Rarity and Sweetie Belle had sneaked behind him and had braided his tail and mane and stuck various kinds of flowers they had collected earlier into it. Mario just looked at the rest of the group, who were desperately trying to stay calm and smiled.

"Well, ain't I a pretty pony?" Mario asked in a deadpan tone. Everypony burst into loud laughter. Mario just looked miserable and embarrassed as Twilight gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," said Twilight with a giggle.

"Thanks, sweetie," Mario replied bluntly, "Can we please get back to the story while I have some dignity left?" Twilight chuckled as she leaned against him to continue the story.

Getting back to the story, Twilight Velvet was rather impressed to see Mario take the blame for one of Twilight's bad habits.

"I see," said Twilight Velvet with a smirk of her own once she recomposed herself, "I'll be holding you to that, Mario Star."

"Yes, ma'am," said Young Mario as he took a drink of his juice. Young Twilight just looked stunned before she rolled her eyes at him.

"You didn't need to do that you know," Young Twilight whispered to him, "My mom already likes you!"

"I didn't want to see you get into trouble because I brought that up," said Young Mario. Young Twilight then glared until she saw that he really was feeling guilty and softened a bit before nibbling on a dinner roll.

"Alright, everypony," said Twilight Velvet, "Time for after dinner clean-up. Whose offering...to..." Twilight Velvet than saw that everypony at the table had quickly disappeared. She gave a loud snort to herself.

"Um...excuse me?" said a timid voice as she looked to her side to see Young Mario smiling at her, "What should I do first?" Twilight Velvet smiled, grateful for at least one helper with dinner clean up.

"You can help me clear the table," she instructed. Mario smiled and got to work, then Twilight Velvet got an idea, "Mind if we get to know each other a bit as we work?"

"Um...o-okay," said Young Mario, "What do you want to know?" Twilight Velvet then leaned against the sink as Mario finished putting the dishes into it. Twilight Velvet then got to work washing the dishes as Mario stood next to her to dry them with a cloth using his magic.

"For starters, why did you take the fall for Twilight's bad habit?" Twilight Velvet asked, "I know for a fact that my daughter's been doing that ever since she learned how to hold a book with her magic."

"I didn't like seeing she was in trouble," said Young Mario, "I didn't want her mad at me because I brought that up." Twilight Velvet just hummed in reply.

"Do you like my daughter?" Twilight Velvet asked. Mario nearly dropped the plate he was holding with his magic but managed to catch it and place it on the counter.

"Yes, I do," said Young Mario, "But...like I told Shining Armor. I'm not trying to impress her or push her into liking me. I'm just...trying to a good and supportive friend and look out for her. I know I care about her."

"Do you think she's pretty?" Twilight Velvet asked with a smirk on her face.

"She's beautiful," said Young Mario, "and...before I say this...do you like me Mrs. Velvet?"

"Yes, I do," said Twilight Velvet simply.

"Okay, I wanted to know that before I said this next part," said Young Mario, "You must be the reason Twilight is so beautiful, Mrs. Velvet." Twilight Velvet giggled.

"I would like to think so," said Twilight Velvet, "but...why wait for to say I liked you before telling me that."

"I didn't want you thinking that I said that just to make you like me," said Young Mario, "I was...afraid of being misunderstood." Twilight Velvet was impressed.

"You're not like other colts," said Twilight Velvet.

"Is...that a good thing?" said Young Mario with an uncertain tone.

"Of course it is," said Twilight Velvet, "It means your special." Young Mario smiled.

"Thank you, Mrs. Velvet," said Young Mario, "thank for letting me stay here for the weekend. I hope we can become friends."

"We already are, dear," said Twilight Velvet, "now may I give you some advice?"

"Sure," Young Mario replied.

"Just keep being your sweet and charming self," said Twilight Velvet, "And with she's ready. My Twilight will love you forever."

"Really?" said Mario hopefully, "You really think I'm good enough for Twilight? That we...we could be together."

"Yes I do," said Twilight Velvet sweetly. Mario put down the plate he finished drying and hugged the unicorn happily. Twilight Velvet was more than willing to return the gesture.

"Now wait just a minute there, Mario," said Twilight, "You saying that my mom knew that we were meant to be together?"

"It certainly does seem like she did," said Mario, "Plus Shining Armor told me on our wedding day that getting your Mom's approval and blessing was far more important than your fathers anyway."

"He would say that," Twilight remarked, neither confirming or denying that what her brother said was true.

Once Young Mario and Twilight Velvet pulled away, they went back to work. But the latter still had questions.

"Now tell me, Mario, what's your favorite music?" Twilight Velvet asked next.

"Don't laugh, but its...jazz and swing music," Mario answered. Twilight Velvet gasped.

"You like jazz and swing music too?" she replied excitedly. Mario smiled and found that he no longer felt shy talking to Twilight Velvet as he answered more of her questions long after the dishes were finished.

Later that night, Shining Armor was leaving his bedroom when Young Twilight appeared holding a book on her fore-hooves and wearing a safari hat on her head.

"Are you ready for a good ol' monster hunt?" Young Twilight asked excitedly. Shining Armor smiled.

"You bet, Twily, just-huh?" Shining Armor was caught off guard when he heard the sound of music being heard from downstairs. Young Twilight and Shining Armor exchanged puzzled looks before they headed downstairs. They were still making their way down the stairs when they stopped moving with surprised looks on their faces. Young Mario and Twilight Velvet were dancing together to some old swing music as Night Light stomped his hooves to cheer for them.

"Mario's got some dancing skills," said Shining Armor as he made his way downstairs. Young Twilight was indignant.

"Big brother," Young Twilight called out, "What about the monster hunt?"

"In a moment, Twily," said Shining Armor as Young Mario then made Twilight Velvet twirl and then dipped her to finish the song, which was impressive since he was just a little colt and she was a fully grown mare. Night Light and Shining Armor stomped excitedly as the two took a bow.

"Shall we dance some more?" Twilight Velvet asked.

"As you wish, m' lady," Young Mario replied politely. Another song began to play as they took hold. Night Light and Shining Armor just smiled and watched them dance. Young Twilight just watched them dance, feeling rather ignored before she snorted and headed upstairs without another word. She certainly wasn't feeling in the mood for a monster hunt anymore.

"I hope Shining Armor will read me a bedtime story," said Young Twilight later that night as she headed over to his bedroom, "I love it when Shining Armor reads to me "Gusty the Great"." Twilight then stopped just outside the door and her jaw dropped. There was Shining Armor, reading Mario's copy of the same book as he lay down in the spare cot cuddling his plush Cadance doll in his forelegs.

"...and while nopony had ever tried to reach Cloudsdale on hoof, Gusty the Great was not deterred!" Shining Armor read aloud. "She and her unicorn warriors marched up the hill."

"Wow," said Young Mario, "I wish I could be a great hero someday."

"I'm sure you will, little buddy," Shining Armor replied as Young Mario closed his eyes and listened as Shining Armor continued reading the book. Young Twilight just growled before stomping away.

"I liked "Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue" more anyhow," Young Twilight muttered to herself and headed back to her bedroom.

"Twilight, if you felt Mario was getting all the attention, why didn't you speak up?" Rarity asked curiously.

"Because it's hard for fillies like us to talk to grown-ups," Sweetie Belle answered for her, "Why else do you think we didn't come to you for help for situations like that love poison or Gabby Gums?" Applejack and Rarity suddenly felt rather guilty.

"Guess we both still have alot of work to do in trying to listen to them don't we, Rares?" said Applejack, remembering when she and Big Mac had literally refused to listen to the three fillies and turned them away. Rarity, of course, had encouraged Gabby Gums to the point that her own secrets were publicly exposed. The marshmallow pony knew that she was just as much to blame for Gabby Gums since she had encouraged Sweetie Belle, indirectly of course, to continue it.

"Indeed we do," said Rarity quietly as both their younger sisters cuddled up to them as Mario and Twilight continued the story.

The next morning, Night Light was busy making breakfast when a rather sleepy Young Twilight entered the kitchen.

"Morning Dad," said Young Twilight sleepily as she rubbed her right eye with a fore-hoof.

"Morning, pumpkin," said Night Light, "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yeah," said Young Twilight simply, "Have you seen Mom? Shining Armor and Mario aren't in his bedroom this morning."

"You're Mom thought it be a good idea to take them on one of her early bird parkour runs," Night Light answered. Young Twilight was wide awake now.

"What?!" Young Twilight exclaimed, "What is Mom thinking? I've never seen Mario do parkour before!?" It was just then the front door opened and the three ponies walked inside. Twilight Velvet and Young Mario were still full of energy while poor Shining Armor plopped to the floor in exhaustion. They were also wearing sweat headbands and wristbands.

"Woo, now that's what I call a good workout, right boys?" Twilight Velvet exclaimed.

"Yeah...good...workout," said Shining Armor wearily.

"It was awesome, Mrs. Velvet!" said Young Mario, "The wall jumping, wall walking, climbing, high stepping stones, vaulting, zip lining, and even spinning pole jumping...I've never felt so alive! I'm totally putting that in my daily exercise routine when we get back at school." He and Twilight Velvet shared a hoof-bump.

"You two seem to be enjoying each other's company," Young Twilight remarked annoyingly.

"You're Mom is so cool, Twilight," said Young Mario, "So is your big brother. He even read me Gusty the Great last night. Now I see why you like it so much. How can I thank you for inviting me over?"

"Well, actually..." Young Twilight began.

"Breakfast is ready!" Night Light called out as Twilight Velvet scooped Mario up onto her back.

"Come on, Mario," said Twilight Velvet, "Let's chow down!"

"Yee-haw!" Young Mario called out as the two headed into the kitchen.

"Umm...little help please..." Shining Armor begged since he was too tired to stand up. Young Twilight just sighed before helping her brother drag his hooves to the dining room to eat.

The rest of the day, Young Twilight was feeling more and more bad tempered. Breakfast seemed to center around Mario once again with her barely getting anything in conversation wise. Afterward Young Twilight went to ask Shining Armor about playing monster hunt with her, only to find him out cold on his bed taking a nap. She growled in anger as she slammed the book the floor, glaring at the discarded book before she heard some laughter downstairs again. Young Twilight rolled her eyes as she went to see what the fuss was all about. leaving her book behind.

"Okay, everypony, it is time for everypony's favorite game...BINGO!" Mario announced as he stood beside a small table with a bingo ball cage and a special screen to show all the numbers that were called out. Night Light and Twilight Velvet cheered as Twilight arrived.

"Hey, Twilight," said Night Light, "come and join the fun! Mario came up with this new innovative way to play bingo!" He showed her the cards. "Instead of just getting five in a row. We need to highlight all the dark colored numbers on the card to call bingo! How creative!"

"And each card has a lucky number on it in gold," Twilight Velvet added, "Mario says that if we get the lucky number, it's an automatic win!"

"Wanna play Twilight?" Night Light asked. Young Twilight just looked unamused before she sighed.

"Sure," she said with a bored look as she took a seat at the low table and Mario let her choose a self-made bingo card, "Wait, is that the letter T?"

"That is right," said Night Light, "Each round of bingo will spell out T-W-I-L-I-G-H-T! It's such a beautiful name."

"I agree," said Mario as Twilight Velvet giggled, but Young Twilight just rolled her eyes.

"Can we get started please?" Young Twilight asked rudely. Mario nodded as he used his magic to rotate the bingo cage and the first number came out.

"I-21!" Mario announced. He didn't wait long before calling out the next number, "N-45!" Young Twilight just sighed when a gold ball came out.

"Lucky number B-14!" Mario called out. Twilight looked at the lucky number on her card.

B-13

"It certainly feels like today's my unlucky day..." Young Twilight muttered to herself. Twilight only stuck around for the first couple of rounds of bingo before she decided to leave and just go read a book. Once she had finished her book, or could concentrate on reading, the sun was already starting to set as she left her room and headed back downstairs when she found Night Light just reading the late edition of the paper. She also noticed Shining Armor and Mario squatting by the side of the stairs...wearing Safari hats.

"And now Dr. Armor," said Mario, trying to talk with a rather squeaky British accent, "We appear to have spotted the rare and elusive, Lakitu."

"Ah, Dr. Star, you are indeed correct," said Shining Armor, using his own British accent, "According to the encyclopedia of monsters..."

"Page 85," Young Mario added, making Young Twilight gasp.

"The Lakitu is a monster that has a hard shell on its back but loves to ride the clouds," said Shining Armor, "It also likes to mess with the weather by raining down red eggs with spikes on innocent ponies." Young Twilight felt her temper boil.

"What are you two doing?" Young Twilight demanded angrily, making them both jump in surprise.

"Hey, Twi," said Young Mario, using his normal voice, "Shining Armor wanted to take me on a monster hunt. We just found the monster on page 85! Wanna try and help us capture it?"

"No!" Young Twilight yelled as she got into the young colt's face, "Listen Mario, you've been hogging my brother and my family from me all weekend! They've been so busy paying attention to you that they aren't paying any attention to me! These are MY parents! He's not YOUR brother! He's MY brother and I want him and the rest of my family back NOW!" Young Twilight was unaware that Twilight Velvet, Night Light, and Shining Armor were listening with interest. Mario was trembling and on the verge of tears.

"I'm...I'm s-s-sorry," Young Mario whimpered as he began to cry, "I...I just wanted your family to like me...and I feel...welcome here..."

"Oh they like you alright!" Young Twilight snapped, "All they've been doing is paying attention to you and not ME! This is MY family! NOT yours!" Mario just continued to sob as he ran back to the room as Young Twilight panted heavily when she realized what she had done. She then noticed the glares of Shining Armor as well as both her parents. Young Twilight then lowered her eyes sadly at them.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at Mario," said Young Twilight sadly as they moved to the living room, "but I do feel like you've all been ignoring me with Mario here. I came home to spend time with my B.B.B.F.F. The weekend is nearly half-over and I haven't gotten to do anything with him because he's been spending all his time with Mario. Do you guys like him more than me?" Twilight felt her eyes water as Shining Armor pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry about that Twily," said Shining Armor, "None of us have been trying to ignore you."

"We've been giving Mario some extra attention because he doesn't have a family," Twilight Velvet explained.

"But...he has Princess Celestia...doesn't he?" Young Twilight said puzzled.

"You mean you don't know?" Night Light said, "Mario is an orphan. He was rescued by Princess Celestia and she decided to take care of him instead of putting him in an orphanage."

"So...he's really her son?" said Young Twilight asked.

"He said she didn't adopt him," Twilight Velvet explained, "In his words, she didn't find it necessary. She loves him like her son and that's all that matters. Lucky colt."

"You can say that again," said Shining Armor as he turned to Twilight, "Don't you know that? Mario said he told you." Young Twilight suddenly felt rather uneasy.

"I...I guess I...wasn't listening," said Young Twilight sadly, "I mean...unless we're studying or doing a project together. I usually don't really ask him about his...personal life. He will mention a few things to me, but...I never really tried asking myself. I'm the protégé to the princess after all. I have to keep up with my studies."

"Mario is also a protégé to the princess, sweetheart," said Twilight Velvet, "but he still takes the time to try and get to know you. You should make an effort to get to know him, too."

"B-b-b-but I already have my friend, my B.B.B.F.F.," Young Twilight protested. Shining Armor chuckled.

"Twily, you silly filly," he replied, "Just because I'm your B.B.B.F.F. doesn't mean that you can't make friends with other ponies."

"Really?" Young Twilight asked.

"Of course," said Shining Armor, "You know, Mario really does care about you, Sis. He said he's always trying to help you and looks out for you. He told me he stays up all night when you're doing those monthly schedules."

"Yeah...that is true," said Young Twilight skeptically, but also embarrassed.

"I think he would make a good friend for you, Twily," said Shining Armor, "Besides, you know I can't always be around. So knowing he's looking out for you really gives me peace of mind that you're in good hooves."

"I can take care of myself, big brother," said Young Twilight smugly.

"Twily..." Shining Armor warned.

"Okay, I get it," said Young Twilight, "He is nice and all, but he's just...weird. I mean the way he's always so...nice and considerate of me. I mean...it's not the first time he's offered to take the blame and consequences for my...mistakes. He acts...differently from other colts..."

"That's not exactly a bad thing, Twilight," Night Light remarked, "Mario is just more mature than colts his age. I mean...would you rather he be thinking girls are yucky and have cooties and all that?" Young Twilight giggled.

"Yeah, it is kind of nice he doesn't act like that," said Young Twilight and then sighed, "I guess I do owe him an apology..."

"That would be a good idea," said Shining Armor with a smile. Twilight smiled back before heading back up the stairs. Or at least tried to, until she saw Young Mario coming down the stairs with his saddle bags on his back. Young Twilight took notice that Young Mario's eyes were red from crying.

"Where are you going?" Young Twilight asked. Young Mario just sniffled.

"I was going to go back to the school," said Young Mario softly, "I'm sorry I made you so angry, Twilight. I didn't mean to make your family ignore you. I...I just...your family made me feel so welcome and at home here. I guess I felt like I was part of it. I envy you Twilight...you have such a cool family. But...if me being here is making you so upset...I'll just go..."

"No!" said Young Twilight sadly, "I don't want you to leave!"

"But...you...you said..." Young Mario protested.

"I just got jealous that my family was paying so much attention to you," Young Twilight explained, "I...wasn't paying attention when you said that you had no family and that you were...an orphan..." Young Mario sighed.

"Not surprised," said Young Mario, rubbing a hoof on the floor, "You were always reading anyway. I never gave you a reason to care..."

"Mario, please stop," said Young Twilight, "Could you stop dismissing your feelings? Can you seriously say that you're not upset that I ignored you and didn't bother trying to get to know you better?"

"I...I don't wanna...bother you...it's my problem..." Young Mario stuttered.

"Mario!" Young Twilight snapped.

"You wanna know how I feel?!" Young Mario yelled, "I feel like nopony cares about me or do they even care to get to know me, especially you! I feel like you take me for granted and that I mean nothing to you! I bend over backwards everyday to make you happy and NEVER GET A SIMPLE THANK YOU!" Young Mario then bit his lip and tried to make a run for it, but Young Twilight blocked him. Young Mario just sat down and began to weep bitterly.

"You weren't kidding when you said you were like me," said Fluttershy, "Just wanting to avoid confrontations but at the same time, you were stuffing down all those negative feelings inside."

"Yeah," said Mario quietly, "Even if I had every right to just speak up and say that to Twilight, I felt so selfish and sick to my stomach letting it come out."

"I understand, big brother," said Fluttershy, "I don't like admitting I'm angry at somepony either."

"I've never held that against you, sweetie," said Twilight as she nuzzled his shoulder, "after how distant I was with you and not even saying you were my friend, you had every right to say that. You had every right to cry too. I did hurt your feelings." Mario just sighed and continued the story.

As Young Mario cried, Young Twilight then did something she had never done before for Young Mario.

Young Twilight gave Mario a hug. Usually it was the other way around.

"I'm sorry, Mario," said Young Twilight softly, "I didn't mean to take you for granted. I'm...just not good at being friends with other ponies. Shining Armor has been my only friend in my life. It's hard for me to see anypony else as my friend."

"Oh, okay," Young Mario croaked, "I won't bother you anymore..."

"No!" Young Twilight retorted, "Mario Star, I want to be your friend."

"Really?" Young Mario sniffled.

"Yeah," said Young Twilight, "You're really nice to me and you're a great study partner. And I really do appreciate you're looking out for me, especially when I like to read and walk around campus..." Young Twilight smiled sheepishly as Young Mario chuckled and started to calm down.

"So...will you stay?" Young Twilight asked with a cute smile. Young Mario wanted to tell Twilight how beautiful she looked smiling like that, but kept that to himself.

"Okay," said Young Mario gently as Young Twilight gave him another hug and he happily returned it.

"Okay, then, so who's up for a little monster hunt?" Shining Armor suggested.

"Yeah!" Young Twilight and Young Mario cheered excitedly. It wasn't long before they headed into another room upstairs, which happened to be the family's upstairs mini-library, and Young Twilight's favorite room of course. All three of them were donning safari hats as they tried to stay incognito in what was now a dark library.

"Today we are in the search for the rare, elusive fuzzy-fluff," said Young Twilight with her binoculars.

"According to the encyclopedia of monsters," said Mario, "Page 94..."

"The fuzzy-fluff is a very deceptive type of monster," Shining Armor add as they tried to quietly sneak about the dark library room, "it disguises itself as part of fog clouds and dark areas, hoping to strike at ponies who can't see or detect it from far away."

"The only way you can detect it is the fact that it looks like a hairy piece of cotton," Young Mario added.

"And let's not forget the golden rule when dealing with the fuzzy-fluff," Young Twilight added.

"Touch fuzzy, get dizzy," the three ponies said together. It was then Twilight Velvet, with pillows tied to her sides and head appeared before them.

"Fuzzy-fuzzy!" she said deviously before tapping Shining Armor on the shoulder.

"Oh no!" He yelped before he made his eyes go crossed eyed and wobbled about with a dorky smile on his face, "Happy...happy...happy..." Young Mario gasped.

"Shining Armor got touched by the fuzzy!" he exclaimed.

"Really? Cause he's looks rather normal to me," Young Twilight remarked.

"Very funny, Sis," Shining Armor remarked indignantly before remembering he was supposed to be infected by dizziness, "I mean...happy...happy..." Shining Armor continued to wobble about as Twilight Velvet came at them.

"Fuzzy-fuzzy!" she chanted again. Young Twilight and Young Mario looked rather bored.

"Shall we run for our lives?" Young Twilight remarked.

"Oh yes, lets," said Young Mario.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" the two little ponies shouted as they split up as Twilight Velvet gave chase after them. Despite their screaming, Young Twilight and Young Mario couldn't help but laugh as Twilight Velvet chased them about. They soon began taunting her.

"Can't catch me!" Young Twilight said.

"Can't catch me!" Young Mario shouted to make Twilight Velvet change her pursuit.

"Can't catch me!" Young Twilight repeated when...THWACK! Young Twilight had been having so much fun trying to evade Twilight Velvet as she ran into a nearby book shelf. Several books came tumbling out of it, which wouldn't have been a big deal since Young Twilight was pretty good at holding several books with her magic. The problem was that the entire book shelf was loose and her running into it had caused the entire shelf to start tipping over! Young Twilight was so shocked that she couldn't move.

"Twilight!" Young Mario called out as the shelf came tumbling down on the little filly. Twilight Velvet gasped when Young Mario dashed over to her and pushed Young Twilight out of the way just as the shelf came crashing down. The two little ponies were holding each other tightly when Mario opened his eyes first.

"Are...are you okay?" Young Mario asked worried as Young Twilight opened her eyes. She looked at Mario and saw how worried he was.

"I'm...fine..." said Young Twilight, her eyes just staring at Mario's face.

Mario really does care about me, Young Twilight thought to herself, Now that I look at him. He's actually really cute...

Young Twilight's eyes shrunk as the thought came into her head and her cheeks turned pink. Mario looked puzzled until he realized that he was still holding her and let go.

"S-s-s-sorry," said Young Mario nervously as he backed away to give the filly her personal space, "I-I-I d-d-didn't mean to frazzle you..."

"N-n-n-no, it's...it's okay," said Young Twilight bashfully as she stood up, "You...you saved me...You saved my life. You're my hero, Mario!" Young Mario chuckled.

"Anytime, Twilight, anytime," said Young Mario with a smile, "I'm always here for you." Young Twilight giggled happily as she rushed over and gave him a hug, which he returned.

Then she kissed his cheek before running out of the room as fast as she could.

Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet laughed as Young Mario just stood there. A soft smile appearing his face as his cheeks turned bright red.

Later that night, Mario was still smiling happily as he snuggled his little Cadance plushie in his fore-legs.

"Now this was a good day," said Mario with a happy sigh.

"Did you enjoy your little kiss?" Shining Armor teased as he sat on his bed and looked at the colt.

But Mario was embarrassed and pretended to be asleep.

End Flashback

"AAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo cooed at the end.

"So little Mario got his first kiss," Applejack added.

"It was on the cheek you guys," said Mario, "we all know that the real kiss was when she cured me from Discord's corruption." The others nodded in agreement.

"I just don't understand something," said Rainbow, "If Twilight fell for Mario way back then, why did she wait til now to speak up about it?"

"Yeah, I mean Mario's feelings for Twilight were so obvious," Pinkie added, "I mean...I had no problem telling him the truth when I was falling for him way back when."

"I noticed..." Mario remarked wearily. Twilight just stayed rather quiet as she looked at the floor.

"Leave Twilight alone girls," said Rarity, "admitting you're in love with somepony is probably one of the most difficult confessions to make."

"We can all agree with Rarity on that," said Scootaloo, "I mean why should Mario like us? We're not like other fillies. We don't even have cutie marks."

"So what?" Mario asked, "You don't need a cutie mark to catch my attention and I like that you three are different. Different is interesting. It's exciting. I think I'd get bored being with three fillies who were like everypony else." The three fillies smiled, but then Twilight just sniffled.

"You really want to know why I waited?" Twilight asked her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes.

"Sweetheart..." Mario said gently.

"Twilight, there's no reason to get bent out of shape over this," said Applejack gently, "Everypony is ready for love at their own pace. Mario understands that."

"But it wasn't fair!" Twilight snapped as her tears streamed down her face, "I knew I liked him. I even knew he liked me. Why didn't I try to pursue my feelings sooner? Well, think about it! As I said before, until I came here, I didn't value friendships at all. Even when I did consider Mario as my friend, I certainly didn't treat him like one. I took advantage of him! I probably even used him! Yet he still loves me! When I heard about it at Pinkie's Birthday party, I panicked because it didn't make sense! He shouldn't love somepony who treated him so badly. This entire time, he thought he wasn't good enough for me, but the opposite was true! I'm not good enough for him! When I knew I could return his love, what did I do? I kept running. You all think I'm so brave and a great leader, but I'm not! I'm a coward!" Twilight then cried loudly, her tears splashing onto the wooden floor. Mario wasted no time pulling Twilight into a hug.

"Please don't cry, Twilight," said Mario gently, "I forgive you...for everything."

"How can you?" Twilight asked in tears.

"Because I'm just as much at fault for that as you," said Mario, "I was so desperate to be loved and accepted by you, even by our friends, that I let you treat me that way just so you wouldn't have a reason to...reject me. Now I know that I don't have to be treated like a doormat to be accepted by anypony. I have best friends who I call my sisters, a little brother, and a marefriend, who love and accept me for being myself." The others smiled in agreement.

"Neither of us are perfect Twilight," Mario continued, "and we still have a lot to learn about the magic of friendship. I know I do. And you are not a coward. We all get scared sometimes."

"Not me," Rainbow remarked.

"Yes you!" Everypony minus Scootaloo told Rainbow bluntly.

"She does?" Scootaloo asked surprised as Rainbow just chuckled sheepishly and looked away. Mario glared at Rainbow for a moment before turning to Twilight, whose tears had barely started to slow down.

"Admitting your feelings to somepony is no exception," said Mario, "I was scared telling you. I'm not surprised you were too."

"At least you didn't run off on me like I did," said Twilight sadly.

"But now I understand why," Mario answered, "I'm not mad at you over that anymore. You weren't ready for love. Why else do you think I never pushed you when we were dating about your feelings?" Twilight smiled.

"Because you wanted me to be ready for it," said Twilight with giggle, "You're too good to me, Mario. Thank you for being so patient and understanding with me."

"Well, I love you, my Twily," said Mario sweetly.

"I love you, too, my Mario," Twilight replied as she shared a nose nuzzle and a quick kiss. The others smiled when Rainbow realized that the inside of the clubhouse was brighter.

"Hey, everypony!" said Rainbow as she hovered over to window, "it's stopped raining outside!"

"Well, shall we continue our day at the park then?" Twilight asked as the others cheered.

"Umm, can I please fix my mane and tail first?" Mario asked.

"Awww, Rarity and I worked so hard on those flower braids," Sweetie Belle pouted.

"We don't mean to take advantage of you or embarrass you, darling," Rarity added, "But we really do think you look rather dapper." Despite her words, Rarity did give him a pouty face as well.

"I kind of agree. You look really cute with your mane and tail like that," said Twilight, "it's only for a day." The others just smiled as Mario rolled his eyes.

"Alright, fine," said Mario, "just make sure Shady Daze doesn't get my picture okay. I don't need the entire town seeing me like this on the Foal Free Press!"

"It actually would make a good front page," said Fluttershy.

"Flutters!" Mario warned.

"Just kidding," Fluttershy giggled as the others laughed. Mario just rolled his eyes as Twilight kissed his cheek and he held her lovingly.

A few days later in Canterlot, the sun was setting as Princess Celestia was just sitting comfortably on her throne. Princess Luna took notice that the elder alicorn looked in deep thought as she entered the room.

"Is something troubling you, sister?" Princess Luna asked curiously.

"I've just been thinking about Twilight and Mario," said Princess Celestia. Princess Luna smiled.

"I'm not surprised," said Princess Luna, "Mario's being dreaming of Twilight being his special somepony for quite some time. It's wonderful that his dream has become a reality."

"Indeed, my sister," said Princess Celestia, "I've always known that their destinies were intertwined with each other. But with their new relationship will come new challenges. After all, a relationship is a special kind of friendship."

"Where are you going with this, sister?" Princess Luna asked curiously.

"What I'm saying is that true love, like friendship, must overcome trails and challenges to persevere," said Princess Celestia, "if their love is to be part of their destiny, they must learn to work and cooperate with each other no matter how difficult things become."

"Well said," Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "I may not know much about the subject myself, but won't those challenges present themselves in due time?"

"Perhaps," said Princess Celestia, "but as their teacher, I need to make sure that they will be ready. When the opportunity presents itself..."

"...I will put their love and what they've learned about friendship to the test..."

As Princess Celestia spoke, Princess Cadance was inside her bedroom reading a book. On the left page was the image of an evil looking unicorn standing above what appeared to be a majestic city. But not just any kind of city...

A city made entirely out of crystal...

There's the prelude to Season 3 and a cute little back story of Mario and Twilight as young ponies. Hope you enjoyed it.

The biggest dynamic change for this season is going to be Mario and Twilight as a couple now. But let me make one thing clear. They DON'T live together. And I'm gonna try not to get too fluffy either. This is a K rated story.

Plus there will be more great moments coming up. Mario has love magic that needs to be developed, maybe Shenran might return, perhaps the Cutie Mark Crusaders will do a turn battle, and let's not forget what happens at the end of season 3!

It's gonna be BIG!

Peace Pony Fans.