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...

96. Intermission 4

Intermission #4

Pony's Log Number 500: Who says Alicorns can't have fun like normal ponies?

Only a few days had passed since the defeat of Tirek as the Mane seven were now back at the Crystal Empire. But this time it was for a much happier occasion. For today was the day Fluttershy and Shenran were finally going to be married!

The wedding itself was intended to be a small celebration, but all of Ponyville wanted to be there as well as several guard's ponies were loyal to him when he was second in command. Not to mention the Crystal ponies, who were all very fond of the Pegasus. Shenran was always kind and friendly to them whenever he was on patrol. So the wedding was much larger than Twilight and Mario's wedding, but they didn't mind that a bit. For the moment, Shenran was in a small room trying to get ready for the wedding where Discord and Mario were keeping him company.

"Discord! Will you get these blocks of ice off my hooves!" Shenran bellowed. The draconequus, wearing a nicely dressed jacket, shirt, and red bow tie, chuckled to himself.

"But I thought the groom was supposed to get cold feet before the wedding," Discord replied innocently.

"Figure of speech, you dodo!" Shenran retorted, "Just like how Fluttershy wasn't supposed to disappear before the wedding."

"I know, I know," said Discord as he rubbed his head and made the ice cubes on Shenran's hooves disappear, "Fluttershy gave to me good afterward. I don't think she's fully forgiven me yet for the Tirek incident."

"Ya think?" Shenran snapped.

"You don't need to rub it in," said Discord quietly, "And I am grateful you're even allowing me to attend the wedding despite everything."

"Well, if our friends can forgive you, so can I," Shenran replied, "besides, I do owe you one for saving my life."

"I hope you believe me when I said I wasn't trying to destroy you," said Discord, "even if I had turned back to evil, I still had standards."

"I do," said Shenran simply as he continued looking at himself in the mirror and brushing his mane. Discord gave a yawn.

"Well, this is boring," said Discord, "I guess I'll try and mingle with the wedding guests. Assuming anypony will want to..." Discord then disappeared before Shenran, or Mario, who had been watching the whole conversation and wearing his own tux, could reply. Shenran huffed.

"He's gonna be a handful," said Shenran.

"Well, that's the price of being with Flutters," said Mario with a smirk. Shenran glared.

"You enjoyed him messing with me didn't you?" Shenran asked. Mario smiled innocently.

"Did I?" Mario replied in an innocent tone. Shenran rolled his eyes when he heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Shenran asked.

"Big Brother?" said Sweetie Belle, "Do you mind if I keep you company?" Mario couldn't help but chuckle. Just like with Cadance's wedding, Sweetie Belle was back to being one of the flower girls along with Apple Bloom and Scooter. She was already dressed up as Mario let her enter the room.

"You look beautiful, Sweetie Belle," said Mario.

"Thank you, you look very handsome," Sweetie Belle replied.

"What about me?" Shenran asked, feeling a little jealous.

"Well of course you too, big brother," said Sweetie Belle. Shenran smiled as he used a wing to pull the filly in for a hug. Mario smiled as the two ponies just held each other when there was another knock on the door. Mario opened it to see his wife, wearing a pink and yellow bridesmaid dress and her mane and tail braided with white and blue flowers.

"How's the groom?" Twilight asked.

"He was a little nervous," Mario replied, "but as you can see, a little cuddle time with his little sister is really helping him feel better." Twilight chuckled when she saw Shenran and Sweetie Belle hugging each other, "How the bride?" Twilight gave a long sigh.

"She's chugging along," said Twilight quietly, not wanting to mention how nervous the yellow Pegasus was.

"Is something wrong with Flutters?" Shenran asked as he held Sweetie Belle with his wing, "Is she having second thoughts?"

"I think she's more worried you're having second thoughts, Shenran," Twilight replied.

"Never!" said Shenran, "I'm just getting anxious because I'm apart from her. I just wanna be married. I miss my girl..." Shenran began to cry as Sweetie Belle used a fore-hoof to wipe his tears. Twilight gave him a sympathetic smile. Even Mario would get that way being apart from her for too long and they had been married for a while now.

"Well, Fluttershy is just about ready," said Twilight, "Come on, Sweetie Belle. You need to get ready while Mario and Shenran head into the main room for the wedding." Sweetie Belle groaned as Shenran gave her a kiss on the cheek to help her feel better.

Soon, the time for the wedding had began. Both sides of the room were filled with ponies. Most of those from Ponyville were at Fluttershy's side, along with Discord. Shenran's side was filled with the guards ponies and the Crystal Ponies. Shenran had chosen Mario as his best stallion and Shining Armor was one of the grooms ponies. Fluttershy had the rest of the girls with her as her bridesmaids. The yellow Pegasus had surprised everypony by choosing Rainbow as her maid of honor. (Even though Rarity and the Cakes did the majority of the planning for the wedding.) But Rainbow was rather honored and she wore her bridesmaid's dress proudly. And just as promised, Cadance was standing at the front wearing a special dress and her crown to marry the two Pegasi.

Then the time came for the wedding to begin. Shenran had a teary smile on his face as Fluttershy headed down the aisle. She was wearing a sleeveless white wedding dress that had a mint colored layers along the back of the skirt with green and white butterfly shaped gems as well as a matching colored ribbon along the waist. Her hair had been done in an elegant updo with one her bangs still hanging to the side a bit. Her veil had been attached to a beautifully crafted tiara that was covered in pink gems. She was also wearing the necklace Shenran had made her around her neck. Fluttershy was also being guided down the aisle by a pale light grayish green Pegasus stallion with light purplish mane and tail. This happened to be her father. Her mother was in the crowd, who had the same coat as Fluttershy but with a raspberry colored mane and tail, flower earrings, and turquoise square-framed glasses. As soon as they reached the front of the crowds, Mr. Shy lifted Fluttershy's veil, gave her a kiss, and guided her over to Shenran.

"Take care of her son," Mr. Shy said in a very soft tone. Shenran nodded as Fluttershy giggled happily as she handed Rainbow her wedding bouquet. Fluttershy and Shenran then faced each other.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to wed Fluttershy and Shenran in holy matrimony," said Cadance before turning to Shenran, "Do you, Shenran, take Fluttershy to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Shenran gave the yellow Pegasus a loving smile.

"I do," said Shenran as Fluttershy smiled and began to cry.

"Do you, Fluttershy, take Shenran to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Cadance asked the yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy sniffled.

"I do," Fluttershy replied softly, her voice cracking a bit since she was crying tears of bliss. Shenran gently used a fore-hoof to wipe away her tears. Angel then hopped up holding a pillow with fore-leg sized wedding rings to the bride and groom, which the two Pegasi placed on each other's fore-hooves.

"Then in the power invested in me," said Cadance, "I now pronounce you mare and colt. You may kiss the bride!" Shenran and Fluttershy did just that as everypony cheered. Discord was actually crying.

"I love moments like this!" said Discord as he grabbed Angel and blew his nose on the back of the rabbit's suit jacket. Angel squeaked angrily at Discord.

"Oopsies!" Discord said innocently as he held the bunny by his top of his jacket. Angel pouted indignantly.

The wedding reception was lively as everypony mingled with each other and congratulated the married couple. Fluttershy had removed her veil and her mane was completely down, but kept her tiara on her head since Shenran said she looked like a princess. Discord didn't hesitate to get overly festive with his congrats that even Pinkie got jealous of being upstaged, but they settled things afterward...mostly. Mario and Twilight had just arrived as Shenran was hugging Fluttershy's parents.

"I know that if your mother and father were here that they would be very proud of you," said Mrs. Shy to Shenran. The Pegasus stallion smiled as warm tears left his eyes.

"Welcome to the family son," said Mr. Shy as he and his wife headed back to their table.

"Mom, Dad," Fluttershy asked, "Where's Zephyr?" Both parents just sighed and gave her sheepish smiles on their faces. Fluttershy just huffed indignantly. Shenran looked at Fluttershy sympathetically. He had met her so-called little brother a few times and was well aware that the Pegasus had...issues.

"No worries Fluttershy," said Shenran soothingly as he wrapped a fore-leg around his new wife, "At least, everypony else came." Fluttershy gave her husband a warm smile. Mario and Twilight approached with the later wrapping her fore-leg around her husband's fore-leg.

"Congrats on the wedding, buddy," said Mario, "I know you will make Flutters very happy."

"Thanks Mario," said Shenran.

"So where are you guys going for your honeymoon?" Twilight asked. Shenran and Fluttershy smiled.

"Fluttershy said she's always wanted to visit the Equestrian outback," said Shenran, "So we're going to go there to observe and hopefully interact with the wild animals out there for a few weeks."

"Cool," said Mario, "Let us know if you meet any of Charlie's cousins out there. By the way, did you need any...house sitters while you two are away?" He and Twilight gave the newlyweds over the top smiles.

"Oh no," said Fluttershy, "We asked Discord to look after the cottage and all the animals while we're away. And I already warned him to keep everything as I like it too."

"Or we destroy him!" Shenran added with a malicious smile on his face.

"Stop it!" Fluttershy scolded as she swatted his side, "He'll behave and take good care of our cottage and the animals."

"Oh," said Mario and Twilight, looking a little disappointed.

"Is...something the matter?" Shenran asked.

"Oh no! Not at all," said Twilight with a sheepish smile on her face, "We just wanted to know who would take care of your animals. That's all! Come on honey!" Twilight then pulled Mario away as the newlyweds gave them puzzled looks. The royal couple has barely recovered when they noticed Celestia and Luna were just sitting at their own table, the latter gave a loud yawn.

"Rough night Aunt Luna?" Mario asked as he and Twilight approached their table.

"Not exactly," said Luna bluntly. Mario and Twilight shared concerned looks with each other.

"Is...something wrong?" Mario asked as Luna sighed.

"Guess as much as I enjoy all the regality of being a princess," Luna replied, "it can get a bit tiring." Twilight looked rather puzzled.

"I think what Luna means that she's tired of ponies just treating her as a princess and not just as...a pony," Celestia explained, "I have to admit that I feel just the same way from time to time. After all, ponies keep treating us as a guest of honor when this day belongs to Shenran and Fluttershy." Mario pondered.

"You know, Mom, Aunt Luna," said Mario as Twilight listened with interest, "When was the last time you two just had day or night when you two just...relaxed and did something fun?" Luna looked at Mario as if Discord had crawled right out of his head. Celestia pondered.

"Not since our little hang out together," said Celestia, "I know Luna enjoyed herself that last time you came to spend time with us."

"I did enjoy knocking you into that bush, Sister," Luna remarked as Celestia rolled her eyes. Mario snickered, remembering that incident all too well.

"Well, Mom," said Mario, "Why don't you and Luna let me know when you can spare a day or two and we can have a little hang out together. We'll just have a little casual alicorn party. We can even dress up in comfy clothes for the occasion."

"Hey, I want in!" said Cadance to Mario as she suddenly appeared beside him and Twilight, "We still haven't gotten to spend one-on-one time together yet."

"Sure Cadance!" said Mario excitedly, "I'd love to have you join us! Just let us know when you're all free. I know that's not easy, but...I think you all owe it yourselves to have a little fun from time to time. We all could use a little fun time after that whole mess with Tirek." The three princesses nodded as Mario and Twilight headed on their way back to their table.

"That was nice of you to offer Celestia, Luna, and Cadance some time off," said Twilight.

"I hope you don't mind," said Mario, "I forgot to ask if you agreed with that idea."

"I do," said Twilight, "I think they need a time to relax...it's just whether or not Equestria lets them have that chance."

"Oh, I hear ya, sweetie," said Mario in agreement, but he had a different reason for suggesting the idea to Celestial, Luna, and Cadance. Before Mario could say what it was, they arrived back at their reception table where Applejack and Big Mac were waiting for them.

"Say Big Brother," said Applejack, "Big Mac, Granny Smith, and I have to go to Coltifornia. There are several ponies there that want to do business with us. We'll be gone for about a week and I know you and Twilight are busy, but we need somepony to watch over the barn and little Apple Bloom while we're gone."

"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied.

"We'd love to!" said Twilight excitedly before Mario could answer.

"Great! Thanks Twilight and Mario!" said Applejack as she and Big Mac walked away. Mario gave his wife a glare.

"Was that payback for asking the princesses to hang out without asking you?" Mario asked.

"No," said Twilight before adding smugly, "It's not like you were gonna say no to your little sister anyway." Mario just rolled his eyes, but Twilight was right about that.

A couple of days later, the royal couple had settled in at Sweet Apple Acres. Mario and Twilight felt right at home being on the farm. With Mario being so experienced with the farm chores, Twilight didn't have much trouble modifying their schedules so that all the farm chore were taken care of. She loved watching Mario quietly take care of the chore with his little freight trains. Plus the rest of their friends seemed to be just as busy. The Cake got another huge catering order and needed Pinkie Pie to help. Rarity had taken off the Canterlot for a few days to scope out a property for a possible second boutique. Rainbow had been called in for some routine training as part of the Wonderbolts reserves for a few days. Of course, Fluttershy and Shenran were on their honeymoon. Even Spike had been called back to Crystal Empire to help Shining Armor. So this meant that Twilight and Mario were left alone at the farm to take care of the chores, but they didn't mind that a bit.

"It's kind of like we're on our own vacation," Twilight told her husband one day as she collected some apples with her magic.

"Well you know what they say," laughed Mario as he was tilling a field close by, "A change is as good as a rest."

Mario woke up one morning just before Celestia raised the sun. He always like to get an early start so the chores were taken care of by mid-morning. However, rather than seeing his wife still sound asleep on her side of the bed, he found that Twilight was just looking out the window. He took notice that she was staring at their new castle in the distance.

"Sweetheart?" Mario asked gently.

"GAH!" Twilight yelped as she quickly turned around, "Oh, heh, hi dear."

"Is something on your mind, my love?" Mario asked softly. Twilight sighed.

"Can I confide a secret with you?" Twilight asked.

"Of course, honey," said Mario as he sat beside her, "You can tell me anything. What's on your mind?"

"Well...y-y-you see," said Twilight nervously, "That...castle...our castle..."

"Yes...what about it?" Mario asked slowly as Twilight gave a loud sigh.

"I hate it," said Twilight outright. Mario stared and then he laughed. Twilight took offense and glared at him until Mario finally settled.

"S-s-sorry dear," Mario chuckled, "I didn't mean to laugh. It's just...I feel just the same way."

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Uh-huh," said Mario, "I mean sure. It's nice that we have our own castle and such, but...I don't like being in it either. It's not the same as..."

"...the Golden Oak Library," said Mario and Twilight together as they sighed sadly to each other.

"You know, dear," said Mario softly, "We haven't exactly gone back to see if there's anything we can salvage from the wreckage."

"I don't think there's anything to salvage," said Twilight.

"Keep in mind, honey," Mario reminded her, "Tirek only blew up the ground floor and up top. The basement might still be intact. We did put alot of stuff in storage and I did manage to use our new speed to grab most of our pictures and photo albums and tossed them below so they wouldn't be destroyed." Twilight whimpered as a clear sign she wasn't eager to go back. Mario held both her fore-hooves in his own.

"It's okay if you wanna cry when we get there," said Mario, "I know I'm gonna cry. We can cry together and I'll hold until you're ready for me to let go." Twilight giggled.

"That's what I love about you, Mario," said Twilight sweetly, "you're not afraid to show your feelings." Mario smiled as the two shared a kiss and then headed downstairs to make breakfast together. Once they had finished eating, Mario began shunting and loading a long freight train. He had some deliveries to do before they could head to the Library. He left the front car empty so Twilight could enjoy the ride. Mario was just fastening the coupling with Twilight started climbing into her freight car instead of just hovering into it.

"TOOT-TOOT!" Mario whistled and started off, but Twilight wasn't ready and tumbled into her car.

"Oomph! Hey! Wait Mario, wait!" Twilight complained. But Mario wouldn't wait.

"Come on! Come on!" Mario puffed impatiently but had a mischievous smirk on his face.

"Alright! Alright don't fuss! Alright don't fuss!" grumbled Twilight as she got comfortable and Mario started pulling the train out of Sweet Apple Acres. Their first stop was Fluttershy's cottage, where Mario had some bags of chicken feed and other animal feed to give to Discord. As mentioned before, Discord was in charge of taking care of Fluttershy's animals and he made a habit of teasing Mario for having to wait for the deliveries. This time around, Mario arrived early at the cottage, shocking Discord as he appeared with a pair of blue jays on his shoulder, who were ironically named Annie and Clarabelle.

"Where have you been lazy bones?" Mario teased as Twilight finished dropping the animal feed and bird feed bags by Discord, "Oh I can't wait for dawdling draconequuses like you! Good-bye!" Mario then did a Toot-Toot with his horn and pulled his train away with Twilight giggling inside her own freight car.

"Wooo-oosh!" said Discord to his blue jay friends, "have you ever seen anything like it?" Both Annie and Clarabelle agreed that they never had.

Mario soon brought his train down into the market area, making a delivery to Backyard Bargains, Golden Harvest's stand, and then Lily, Roseluck, and Daisy's flower stand. Twilight was rather impressed.

"I'm surprised you aren't the best delivery pony in Equestria," said Twilight, "you're as regular as clockwork. Never late, always on time. Most of the time..."

"You had to go there didn't you..." Mario remarked as Twilight chuckled to herself. They soon arrived at the remains of the Library. Twilight barely waited for Mario's train to stop before she hopped out of her freight car and approached the remains of what had once been their home.

"We've had so many memories here," said Twilight sadly as her eyes watered, "Many of them we shared with our friends. But the best memories were of how we went from best friends to each other's special someponies. It might have been my home to start with, but it became our home. I never thought we would actually lose it..." It was then Twilight began to sob.

"I know Twilight," said Mario gently but then his voice broke, "even before we got married. This place always felt like home to me too, especially when I was struggling to feel like...I'd never find my true home..."

"Oh honey..." Twilight croaked before they both broke down sobbing loudly. At first, they just held each other's fore-hooves but then they slowly hugged each other and let all their tears fall until they could shed no more. They had barely started to calm down when Mario felt a gentle fore-hoof on his back. Mario turned his head to see that it was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Each filly had teary eyes and sympathetic looks on their faces.

"Oh, hi..." said Mario gently as he and Twilight pulled away, "Sorry you girls had to..." Mario was stopped as Sweetie Belle raised a fore-hoof to his mouth.

"We just came to offer you both a little love," said Sweetie Belle gently, "if you want it..." Mario and Twilight chuckled as they allowed the three to join them for a group hug. Mario held Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle while Twilight decided to hold Apple Bloom. Mario wanted to cry at the sight. It wasn't often that Twilight and Apple Bloom would share a hug. It wasn't that they didn't care, but rather they often forget that they were sisters-in-law. The three fillies didn't mind crying as they were held and then pulled away once they had calmed down.

"Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked as she wiped her eyes, "Does this mean we can't do Twilight Time anymore?"

"We liked being able to spend time with you and Mario," said Scootaloo, using a fore-leg to wipe away her own tears.

"Twilight Time will still continue if you girls want it to," Twilight replied, "We just need to find a new meeting location."

"Why not the castle?" Scootaloo asked as she pointed to the structure a short distance away. Twilight winced inwardly.

"We're still getting adjusted to living in the castle," Mario replied, "Plus its really easy to get lost in there. I spent an hour just trying to find the bathroom the other day." The three fillies cringed.

"Yeah..." said Sweetie Belle, "As much as I'd like to explore the castle, getting lost isn't any fun."

"Still be fun to try!" said Scootaloo.

"Forget it!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle retorted. Scootaloo snorted.

"Party poopers," Scootaloo muttered, "Anyway, why are you guys here? Besides saying goodbye to your old home?"

"We came to see if there's any of our stuff wasn't completely destroyed," Mario answered.

"Want some help?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Let me see if I can find a safe path inside," said Mario, "Then you can help Twilight and I load anything we find into these freight cars." The three fillies nodded as Mario carefully made his way inside. In the end, the area was too unstable, but he did let the three fillies stay and help as he carefully managed to collect a few boxes of personal possessions that had survived. Mario did his best to hide his excitement, but he was overjoyed his train collection was one of them.

It wasn't long before the five ponies made their way back to the barn and the three fillies helped carry in the boxes of stuff Mario had found. Mario told Twilight to just keep most of their salvaged items inside their boxes in what was their own bedroom. Twilight pulled out her personally made Mario plush toy from a box and nuzzled it happily.

"Isn't he the cutest?" Twilight asked as she showed the plushie to the three fillies, who giggled at the sight.

"Oh!" said Apple Bloom as she rushed out of Mario and Twilight's room and came back a little while later holding a familiar ragged-looking doll in her mouth.

"Ew! Apple Bloom, why'd you bring that over here?" Scootaloo asked in disgust.

"'Cause it belongs to Twilight and Big Mac had no right to take it away from her," said Apple Bloom as she set Smarty Pants down. Twilight just smiled as she looked at her Smarty Pants doll and then set it back down.

"Tell Big Mac he can keep her," said Twilight, "he obviously needs her more than I do." Apple Bloom nodded and took Smarty Pants back to Big Mac's room. Scootaloo was a little puzzled.

"I'll never understand what makes having a plushie as an adult cool," Scootaloo remarked.

"Oh like you don't have a plush toy you cuddle at night," Sweetie Belle remarked.

"Quiet!" Scootaloo retorted angrily as her cheeks turned pink. Sweetie Belle and Twilight giggled to each other.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

"I'll get it," said Apple Bloom as she rushed downstairs. She opened the door to see Muffins wearing her mailpony's outfit.

"Special message for Mario!" Muffins said in a cheery tone.

"Thanks," said Apple Bloom as she took the letter, closed the door, and rushed upstairs.

"Hey, Big brother," said Apple Bloom as she returned to the bedroom. Mario was busy at the moment sorting some of the few books they had managed to salvage, "You got somethin' in the mail!"

"I see," said Mario as he used his magic to pick up the letter and opened it. Mario gasped excitedly.

"Oh wow!" said Mario in amazement.

"What's up dear?" Twilight asked.

"Mom, Aunt Luna, and Cadance said they would be willing to take time off of their royal duties this Friday Night!" said Mario excitedly.

"That's great sweetie," said Twilight, "Except...we're not staying at the castle at the moment."

"Mom knows that," said Mario, "but I told Applejack about it and she has no problem if we have our get together here." Twilight was most impressed that Mario had thought ahead.

"Well, if you've got the all clear," said Twilight.

"What about you?" said Mario, "You down for a little Alicorn fun this Friday Night?"

"Sure," said Twilight.

"Then I'll send a message to Mom right away," said Mario, "This Friday, we're gonna party Alicorn style!"

"Don't you need Spike to send a message to Princess Celestia?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Usually, but Twilight and I know a direct mail spell in case Spike isn't here or is too sick to send messages," Mario explained as he activated the spell and it teleported straight to Canterlot castle. It wasn't long before they got a letter in reply, making Mario and Twilight giggle excitedly.

"So...this party is...Alicorn's only?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It is," said Mario, "so..." Mario then placed a headband that had a cardboard unicorn horn on it. He placed the headband on Apple Bloom's head and then put on a pair of paper-crafted wings on her back.

"Whaddya know? Apple Bloom is now an alicorn!" said Mario, "She can come to the party and hang out with us." Apple Bloom giggled excitedly and gave her big brother a big hug. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom jealously.

"Did you want to come too?" Mario asked. The two fillies gave Mario huge, but sheepish smiles. Mario chuckled to himself as he got to work making another horn for Scootaloo and wings for Sweetie Belle. The two fillies squeed excitedly. They were going to their first ever alicorn party.

Friday seemed to come very quickly as Mario got to work getting everything ready for tonight's alicorn party. Twilight had been called by Mayor Mare to take care of some duties around town and would be gone for most of the day. Twilight said she would try to get home as soon as she could since she didn't want to miss out on all the fun. Mario had wanted to go with her, but Twilight insisted he get things ready for the party. Of course, she had a list of activities that she "thought" would be fun, especially for Celestia and Luna. Mario hadn't really checked the list himself just yet, but Scootaloo decided to do so.

"Book club session, fancy tea party, cross stitching and embroidering, classical music?!" said Scootaloo since she and the other two fillies were helping Mario get ready for the party, "This stuff is boring!"

"Hmm," said Mario as he looked at the list, "You're right, Scootaloo. Though Mom did ask if I could story tell some of my talking train stories for everypony so the book club session can stay on the activities list."

"What kind of activities did you have in mind for the party?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Hey, Big Brother," said Apple Bloom before Mario could reply, "I got that giant ramp all set up outside!"

"Awesome!" said Mario, "Mom will be so surprised when she sees it!"

"What do you need a ramp for?" said Scootaloo and then gasped, "Are we actually gonna do half-pipe with the princesses?!"

"Something like that," Mario said in a teasing tone, "You'll just have to wait and see!" Apple Bloom chuckled, but she actually didn't know what the ramp was for either.

"I really hope they all have a good time," said Mario.

"I'm sure they will," said Sweetie Belle, "You were trained by Pinkie, the party pony herself. You know how to throw a good party."

"I thought you said this was just a casual party, no pressure," Scootaloo added.

"It is," said Mario, "It's just...(sigh)...this party is more than giving the princesses a chance to relax and unwind, but I want Mom to have fun like the rest of us do. Just like good friends have fun with each other." The three fillies were stunned.

"Celestia...having fun as our friend?!" Apple Bloom said, finding the words foreign to her own tongue. Mario sighed loudly.

"That's the problem!" said Mario, "You girls don't find it weird Cadance and I are friends. You girls are friends with Luna. Celestia seems to be the only Alicorn nopony calls a friend, not even my wife. That isn't fair. Mom deserves a friend and to have fun with ponies who want to be her friends. That's what this party is all about." The three fillies smiled.

"Then if its friends and fun you wanna give to Princess Celestia and the others, then that's what we'll give her," said Apple Bloom as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded in agreement. Mario smiled, grateful for their support. The sun was just setting and everything was ready for the party. Mario had put on a light yellow polo shirt and his brown beret on his head to fit the casual theme.

"Okay, let's see here," said Mario as he used his magic to hold up a checklist, "We got lots of food and barrels loaded with apple cider?"

"Check," said Sweetie Belle as she stood by the barrels.

"Stacks of board games?" Mario asked.

"Check!" said Scootaloo as she held a stack of flat boxes with a fore-hoof.

"Stack of my talking trains stories and lots of mega-sized bean bags to sit in?"

"Check!" said Apple Bloom as she pointed to the books on the sofa.

"Music player with lots of party music tunes with a microphone for karaoke and dancing?"

"Check!" said Sweetie Belle as she stood by the music player.

"Every filly now an alicorn?"

"Check!" said the three fillies as they stood before him with their alicorn gear on.

"Then we're ready to go!" said Mario excitedly as he made his checklist disappear.

"Um, I do have one question," said Sweetie Belle, "You said this was casual party but how do we speak to..."

"You can call Celestia, Luna, and Cadance without their official titles and just be friendly like you are with Twilight and I," Mario explained, "Trust me, if you pay attention. You'll know when to crack a joke or tease them, especially Celestia and Luna. They will poke fun at each other since they are sisters."

"Okay," said the three fillies at once, but Mario could tell they were all nervous.

"Just relax girls," said Mario gently, "After all, the whole point of this party is so they can be regular ponies and have some fun...and a little mischief."

"Mischief?!" the three fillies said together.

"Of course," said Mario with a smirk, "Mom is known as a prankster."

"Cool!" said the three fillies excitedly.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Oooh! They're here!" said Mario excitedly, adjusted his favorite beret, and he rushed over to the front door and opened it. The three fillies felt their jaws drop at what they saw. All three princesses has traded away their crowns, shoes, and other royal accessories for casual outfits. Luna was wearing a white t-shirt with a light blue backwards baseball cap. Celestia wore a yellow and white backwards baseball cap with a baggy grey sweater. Cadance had worn a yellow top with some torn demin pedal pushers and her mane tied in her old fashioned pony tail, except the ribbon was yellow instead of blue.

"Hey, everypony!" said Mario as the three princesses walked inside, "love the casual outfits. Aw, Big Sis, you wore yellow just for me."

"Of course," said Cadance as the two shared a warm hug, "I like yellow too after all." Mario chuckled as he and Cadance stood before each other.

"Sunshine, sunshine! Ladybugs awake!" Cadance and Mario sang together and danced, "Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" The two laughed and shared a hug. Luna then took notice of the three fillies wearing what looked like alicorn costumes. She also noticed them snickering at Mario and Cadance's little dance.

"I thought this would be a private party," Luna remarked. The three fillies stopped snickering and looked rather nervous.

"No need to be rude, Sister," said Celestia, "Mario did say his sister and her friends wanted to show us a good time. Though I might ask what's with the costumes?"

"Mario said this was a party for alicorns only," said Sweetie Belle, "He made these for us so we could be alicorns and join the party." Celestia chuckled.

"Well there's no need for the costumes," said Celestia, "you are allowed to stay and enjoy our fun!"

"Thank you...Pr...I mean...thanks Celestia," said Apple Bloom, still a little uneasy as saying her name informally. Celestia smiled to assure the filly all was well and Apple Bloom felt better. The three fillies decided to keep their Alicorn gear on for now.

"Only beware, Celestia can get a little crazy when she eats alot of cake," Luna remarked.

"Oh shush, Sister!" Celestia retorted, "the same can be said for you and too much candy!" Luna gave Celestia a raspberry, making everypony else snicker.

"I am kinda hungry," said Cadance to Mario, "Can we eat first before we start the fun?"

"Sure," said Mario, "and we've got barrels of freshly made apple cider made by yours truly and my assistants." Celestia and Cadance oohed excitedly as they headed into the kitchen. Luna walked up to Mario.

"Mario, please tell me you didn't..." Luna said worried.

"HE'S GOT CAKE!" Celestia sing sang in pure bliss.

"We're in trouble," Luna remarked. The three fillies shared curious looks with each other. They weren't sure what to expect being at a party with the three princesses.

As time went on, the three fillies were enjoying themselves and they found it easier to just have normal conversations with Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. They were surprised to see Celestia and Luna get into a food fight and even had an apple pie eating contest, which Luna won. They even laughed themselves silly when Celestia and Mario actually did a burping contest, especially when Cadance laughed so hard that the cider she had tried to drink went up her nose.

A couple hours of good fun had passed when Twilight landed outside of the barn as music began to play.

(Cue "famous one word song by The Champs")

Twilight had just entered the front door of the living room and froze when she saw Celestia, Mario, and Cadance dancing on their hind legs.

(Cue saxophone fanfare)

"WOO!" the three ponies shouted.

(Cue saxophone fanfare)

"WOO!"

(Cue saxophone fanfare)

"WOO!"

(Cue music apex)

"Apple cider!" Mario chanted in a low voice.

"WOO!" Cadance and Celestia cheered and the three ponies began to continue dancing to the music. Luna chuckled to herself as she sat comfortably on a nearby sofa with the three fillies who were just clapping to the music. Twilight was still surprised at seeing everypony dressed so casually and out of their royal attire. Not to mention seeing Celestia acting so silly.

"When I heard Mario was going to have a party for you guys," said Twilight as she made her way to the sofa, "I didn't expect anything as crazy as this."

"You should've been earlier when Celestia and Mario did a belching contest," said Luna, "and Celestia actually won."

"A...belching contest?!" Twilight spluttered in shock.

"It was so awesome," Scootaloo added.

"Don't forget the karaoke!" said Sweetie Belle, "Celestia had such a beautiful singing voice! Then Cadance and Mario sang a duet that was so sweet!"

"But it was funny seeing Celestia and Mario sing a duet off key though," said Apple Bloom.

"And then Luna and I did a rap together," Scootaloo added as the orange filly and Luna shared a high hoof, "So cool!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Luna giggled to each other.

"It was also fun seeing little Sweetie Belle sing a love song to you husband," Luna added, making Twilight blink again in surprise.

"Luna!" Sweetie Belle retorted as she blushed, "now Twilight's not gonna like me anymore!" Twilight just too baffled to say anything, or feel jealous, when the music ended.

"APPLE CIDER!" Mario, Cadance, and Celestia shouted with their fore-hooves in the air and then fell into their back and laughed themselves silly.

"Ah, that was fun!' said Celestia, "so...what's next on the agenda my son?" Mario smirked as he sat up and noticed his wife standing by the sofa.

"Hey, sweetie!" said Mario, "Didn't notice you came inside! Is everything okay with the mayor?"

"Just about," said Twilight slowly, "So...I hear you guys have been doing some...interesting activities." Mario chuckled.

"This is the kind of fun I have with Mom all the time when I was little," said Mario, "this time it's so much better cause Cadance and Luna are here too. Not to mention our three junior alicorns."

"That's us!" said Sweetie Belle excitedly.

"And now you can join in on the fun, Twilight," Celestia added.

"Guess...I better go find myself a casual outfit then," said Twilight, not wanting to admit she had picked something a bit more formal than casual.

"Well, we can wait for you, honey," said Mario, "Just make sure it's cute."

"Mario, I could come out wearing rags and you'd think I'm cute," Twilight said bluntly.

"It's true," Mario replied honestly as everypony else snickered. Twilight just rolled her eyes and rushed upstairs.

"So what's next little brother?" Cadance asked curiously. Mario smirked again.

"You'll see once my wife comes back down," said Mario, "You're gonna go wild when you do!" The group waited until Twilight came down wearing a pink sweater jacket with a hoodie on it, her mane tied up in a bun and had put on a pair of cosmetic brown oval shaped glasses.

"Very cute, dear," said Mario as she gave him a kiss and wrapped a fore-leg around his own, "Follow me outside everypony!" Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly followed Mario and Twilight outside.

"So what did you set up out here, sweetie?" Twilight asked curiously. Mario then used his magic to flip a switch, which made some lanterns light up around what appeared to be a giant ramp with staircases along the sides. She then noticed that Mario had set up a collection of rectangular mattresses along one side of the staircase. Celestia and Luna were clearly surprised.

"Is this what I think it is?" Luna asked excitedly.

"You got it Aunt Luna," said Mario, "It's our very own patented mattress surfing ramp!"

"Mattress surfing?!" Twilight spluttered.

"We read about it in their journal, my love," said Mario, "Now we get to try it firsthand! So who's going to be first!"

"Allow me," said Luna smugly, "I was the mattress surfing champion back in the day."

"Sez you!" said Celestia. Luna glared as she picked up a mattress with her magic and set it up. She then jumped on it and rode it smoothly down the ramp to the bottom. Everypony, except Twilight, applauded her.

"Thank you," said Aunt Luna as she stepped off her mattress and picked it up with her magic.

"My turn!" Scootaloo shouted as Mario used his magic to set up the mattresses for each filly to take a turn. They cheered as they rode down the ramp excitedly. Twilight just watched the fillies but said nothing. Cadance then took a deep breath.

"Mario, think we can try it together?" Cadance asked nervously.

"Sure, come on!" said Mario as he used his magic to grab a mattress as he and Cadance walked up the stairs. Cadance had Mario ride in front since she was taller and wrapped her fore-legs protectively around his stomach. Cadance gave a light scream as they raced down the ramp together, but were both laughing together afterward.

"That was so much fun!" said Cadance excitedly.

"Surf's up ponies!" Mario called out in a surfer tone as everypony except Celestia took turns riding down the ramp on mattresses. With some coaxing, Mario finally convinced Twilight to try. She was a little nervous on her first ride, but once she did it, she wanted to go again and again. Even the three fillies rode a single mattress together. Cadance and Mario did another ride together as well. So did Mario and Twilight. Then all but Celestia tried going down the ramp while riding the same mattress. Sadly, they all wiped out, but were laughing themselves silly nevertheless. Celestia just chuckled to herself.

"Amateurs," Celestia muttered before announcing, "Alright! Everypony off the ramp. I'll show you how a real pro does mattress surfing." Mario and Twilight looked worried.

"Mom, don't do anything dumb..." Mario said wearily.

"Mario, just shut your mouth and let me do what I want," Celestia remarked annoyingly as she made her way up the stairs. The three fillies oohed at hearing Celestia tell Mario to back off. Mario was left speechless as Luna snorted while everypony else cleared the ramp.

"Is she really going to do this?" Luna muttered as Cadance looked at the moon princess curiously. Celestia made her way to the top of the ramp and set down the mattress.

"Fillies and gentlecolt," Celestia announced, "This is how you mattress surf! HA!" Celestia gave a firm battle cry as she rode her mattress down the ramp, while standing on it with just her hind legs. Celestia maintained her balance like a pro as her mattress came to the stop at the bottom of the ramp.

"Way to go Mom!" Mario shouted excitedly as everypony but Luna cheered. Luna just rolled her eyes annoyingly.

"Ta-da!" Celestia said proudly as she stood on her hind legs and posed, but secretly she wasn't going to tell anypony she hardly ever kept her balance mattress surfing like that. Luna knew this.

"Show off," Luna muttered to herself. Once everypony had tired themselves out, they headed back inside. The three fillies were now yawning as they walked inside.

"Looks like our junior Alicorn fillies are tiring out," said Cadance.

"But...we're not...(yawn)...tired..." Apple Bloom said sleepily.

"Well, let them stick around a little longer," said Mario, "Mom asked me to read some my talking train books." He then leaned toward Cadance sand said in a hush tone, "They'll fall asleep quickly with a good bedtime story and we can still enjoy ourselves afterward."

"Smart," Cadance remarked as they shared a hoof bump, "Time to gather around everypony. I'm gonna tell you guys a story."

"Wait...what?!" Mario exclaimed.

"I'm gonna tell you some adventures that Mario had when he first started working with trains back in Canterlot," Cadance told everypony.

"Oh wow!"

"Cool!"

"I've always wanted to hear about that," said Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom respectively as they grabbed the bean bags for everypony to sit on. Mario just glared at a rather smug looking Cadance.

"I thought I was reading my books to everypony," Mario replied.

"Well, we changed our mind," said Celestia, "Otherwise..." Celestia then pulled out a familiar book, "We can all view your baby pictures instead."

"MOOOOOOM!" Mario spluttered with large eyes, "I can't believe you brought that stupid book!"

"Well, a little blackmail never hurts," Celestia remarked as Luna giggled to herself. Mario glared as Twilight snickered to herself.

"Two against one huh?" Mario remarked as Cadance snickered.

"But sweetheart," said Twilight, "I really wanted to hear Cadance's stories about you." Twilight gave him the puppy dog pout, which with her glasses on was extra adorable. Mario snorted.

"Et tu, dear?" Mario asked as he glared at her.

"Lighten up, I'm not gonna embarrass you," said Cadance to soothe Mario's agitation, "Everypony here wants to know about your adventures pulling coaches." Mario sighed.

"Mind if we sit together while you tell everypony about these little adventures?" Mario asked, "Just like the good ol' days..." Cadance wrapped a fore-leg around Mario as they shared one of the larger bean bags. Twilight and the three fillies sat front and center while Celestia and Luna sat on the behind the others. Celestia then surprised Luna with a hug.

"Huh?" Luna asked curiously.

"I love you, Sister," said Celestia sweetly, earning aws from the group. Luna just sighed.

"Love you too, Sister," Luna replied, but despite her dreary tone, she did mean it. Just something seemed to be bothering her...but that's another story.

"Okay," said Cadance, "So Mario began his days working with trains just about a year before he got his cutie mark. Now Mario was a hard working but rather impatient and fussy little colt too. Always pulling and shunting coaches about, ready to help the other locomotives take their long journeys. Mario even claimed that he could hear the coaches and freight cars talk. While nopony believed him, I did."

"Really?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Uh-huh," said Cadance, "I actually could hear them talk, but we were the only ponies who could. Never figured out why, but...anyway, Mario worked harder than any other ponies for the Canterlot train yard. However, the elites ponies were still making their efforts to poke fun at him."

"All because he could do what an engine could do?" said Sweetie Belle, "Those ponies can be so petty sometimes."

"Indeed," said Cadance sadly in agreement.

"Why do ponies find it so easy to pick on my husband so much?" said Twilight before Cadance could start her story, "He's such a sweetheart!"

"And cute!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo together, making Mario blush while Luna and Celestia snickered.

"That's just it," said Cadance, "Mario is so easily likable that it makes other ponies jealous. They thought Mario just wanted attention, but all he wanted was for ponies to like him. Mario has told you about the "Elite Trio" that used to give Mario a hard time growing up?"

"Yeah," said Apple Bloom, "Jet Set, Upper Crust, and..."

"Spoiled Rich," Scootaloo finished for the filly, "Who I might add has a daughter who goes out of her way to make us miserable!"

"Well, back then, she used be called Spoiled Milk," said Cadance, "They liked to tear Mario down, but then they went a step further when Mario was working at Canterlot station. I used to supervise him while he worked in the train yards. It was the first time he pulled a passenger train too."

"Oh no..." Mario groaned.

"I have to tell it," said Cadance to Mario as she used a fore-hoof to remove his beret and stroke his mane gently as she began to tell her story.

Flashback

Young Mario was grumbling to himself while he worked.

"I spend my time pulling and shunting coaches about," he complained, "ready for other engines to take out on journeys." Jet Set, his girlfriend Upper Crust, and her "best friend", Spoiled Milk, laughed at him since they were listening to Young Mario's grumbling.

"Why can't I pull passenger trains too?" Young Mario asked himself.

"You're too impatient," said Upper Crust.

"You'd probably leave something behind," Spoiled Milk added.

"Oh rubbish!" Mario retorted angrily, "One day, I'll show you!"

"That's enough Mario," said Young Cadance, "Just focus on your work and calm down." Young Mario huffed and did as he was told.

Later that night, Young Mario had arrived back at the engine shed when he noticed one train was surrounded by a flat car and several worker ponies.

"What's wrong?" Young Mario asked them curiously as Young Cadance arrived.

"Engine number 3 broke down," said Young Cadance, "The stallions are working hard, but they can't seem to fix it."

"Oh dear," said Mario worriedly.

The next morning, the engine was still in bad condition when Young Mario and Young Cadance arrived. Young Mario knew this engine pulled the first train of the day and he needed to get the coaches ready.

"If the engine is unable to work," he thought, "perhaps I can pull the train." Young Mario went off the get the coaches.

"Come along! Come along!" Young Mario fussed as he collected the coaches.

"There's plenty of time! There's plenty of time!" the coaches grumbled. Young Mario took them to the platform and wanted to an round at front at once, but Young Cadance wouldn't let him.

"Don't be impatient, Mario," Young Cadance warned. Young Mario smiled as he waited and waited. Ponies got in (including the Elite Trio), the conductor and stationmaster walked up and down, the porter banged the doors, and still no engine had shown up. Young Mario bounced on his hooves and got more and more excited. It was then the head of the Equestrian Railway at the time, Top Hat, came to see what was the matter. The conductor and stationmaster told them about the engine.

"Fine another engine," he ordered.

"Uhh...sir," said the station master, "there's only Mario." Top Hat smiled. He had seen what Young Mario could do firsthand.

"Well then, young colt," he said, "You'll have to pull this train. Be quick now!"

"Squee!" Young Mario giggled happily. Then he quickly ran round to the front and back down on the coaches ready to start. Young Cadance was at his side.

"Now let's not be impatient," said Young Cadance, "We'll wait til everything is ready." But Mario was too excited to listen.

It was then...it happened. Upper Crust and Spoiled Milk moved to the back of the train. Then Upper Crust put on a green floppy hat while Spoiled Milk snatched away the conductors whistle. Young Mario had just looked back when he heard the train whistle and saw something green waving. Young Cadance looked at the green object suspiciously.

"Wait a minute...that's not a...MARIO WAIT!" Young Cadance was too late. Mario started without his coaches. As he passed the first signal tower, ponies waved and shouted, but he didn't stop.

"They're waving cause I'm such a splendid pony," Young Mario thought importantly. He then snorted.

"All those other ponies who work on the railway told me it's hard to pull trains," said Young Mario to himself, "But this is really easy!"

"Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" Young Mario chanted, pretending he was pulling the express.

"Ponies never seen me pulling a train before," Young Mario continued, "It's nice of them wave." Young Mario gave a toot with his horn, "Toot-toot! Thank you!" Young Mario then came to a signal that was pointed up.

"Oh bother!" Young Mario thought, "Now I gotta stop and I was moving so smoothly too! What an annoyance signals are!" Mario blew an angry TOOT-TOOT with his horn. It was then the signalpony came up.

"Why hello, Mario," he said, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm pulling a train," said Young Mario, "Can't you see?"

"Umm...if that's true, where are your coaches then?" the signalpony asked.

"Why right behind...GASP!?" Young Mario then looked back, "Sweet Celestia! I did not just leave them behind!"

"Yes," said the signalpony, "You better go back quickly and fetch them." Poor Young Mario felt so embarassed and sad, that he started to cry.

"Oh cheer up!" said signalpony, "just go back quickly and try again!" Young Mario then headed back as quickly as he could. By the time he reached the station, all the passengers were talking at once. While Cadance had exposed Upper Crust and Spoiled Milk for their prank, all the passengers were still complaining. They were telling Top Hat what a bad railway it was. But when Young Mario came back, they saw that he was crying and couldn't be angry at the little colt.

"I'm so sorry," Young Mario sobbed as Young Cadance approached, "I heard a whistle and saw a green flag. Honest!"

"I understand," said Young Cadance as she dried his eyes and hugged him, "but next time, don't be so impatient that you forget to ask me if everything is ready." Young Mario nodded and wiped his eyes. Then his harness was coupled to the train and this time he really pulled the coaches. And he did quite easily too despite being just a colt.

However, the Elite Trio seemed to have gotten away with their prank without much consequence. Because afterward, they would laugh at Mario and say:

"Look, everypony!" they shouted, "There's Mario who wanted to pull a train, but forgot about the coaches!" The other train workers and passengers laughed as well, which earned glares from Young Cadance and Young Mario. For Young Mario had already learned not to make the same mistake again.

End Flashback

"Those three seem like a bigger pain than Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," said Scootaloo.

"Suddenly, Diamond's behavior makes a lot of sense," said Sweetie Belle, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

"You can say that again," said Mario as he felt somepony wrap their fore-hooves around his neck. He looked to see that Twilight was sitting on top of his back.

"Now don't you worry by little hubby-wubby," Twilight cooed, "Your lovey-dovey wifey is gonna take good care of you so those mean whittle bullies will leave my schmoopy-woopy teddy bear alone." The three fillies looked a little annoyed while Celestia, Luna, and Cadance were fighting hard not to laugh.

"You know," Apple Bloom realized, "that didn't gross me out as much as it did when Big Mac and Cheerilee did it."

"Yeah," Scootaloo add, "I actually thought it was kind of cute."

"Could be because Twilight sincerely loves Mario," Sweetie Belle added.

"I still feel a little embarassed about her saying that in front of all of you," said Mario as the rest of the alicorns were still snickering.

"But its adorable, Schmoopy," said Cadance with a giggle, using the nickname Twilight had given him. Mario gave Cadance a glare.

"Whatever you say Cadie-poo," Mario remarked with a smirk since that was her nickname Shining Armor had given her. Now it was Cadance's turn to glare.

"Don't ever say that name again," Cadance warned.

"You remember that the next you think about calling me Schmoopy," Mario retorted as they both glared, growled, and then laughed.

"I love you, Cadance," said Mario.

"Love you too, Mario," Cadance replied.

"So...did Mario ever prove he could be taken seriously?" Apple Bloom asked, "or did those three bullies still make trouble for Mario?"

"Well, right after Mario got his cutie mark," said Cadance, "Top Hat let Mario have his own branch lane for the summer as a gift."

"Cool," said Sweetie Belle, "too bad that train ride isn't around anymore."

"I know," said Mario, "it used to run around Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville, and the countryside surrounding Canterlot. It was good length too and I enjoyed every moment pulling trains down those tracks."

"Not to mention this one incident..." Cadance added, "and this story I learned from the conductor of Mario's old branch line. I wasn't there for this little incident."

"Oh please don't...muff..." Twilight then covered Mario's mouth and gestured with another fore-hoof for Cadance to tell the story.

Flashback

Young Mario was very proud of his little branch line. He felt it was very special part of the Equestrian railway. He even had two coaches that were painted in yellow that belong exclusively to him. The front coach could only take passengers, but the rear coach could take passengers, baggage, and the conductor. While the coaches were very old and needed a new paint job, Young Mario loved them very much. As they made their way down the tracks, Young Mario and the coaches would sing songs to each other.

"Oh come along, we're rather late. On come along, we're rather late," Young Mario sang as they left a station.

"We're coming along. We're coming along," the coaches sang. They didn't mind what Young Mario said to them because they knew he was trying to please Top Hat. They also knew too, that if Mario was grumpy, he wasn't grumpy with them.

One day, they had to wait for a train along the main lane, which left Mario feeling very grumpy. Mario looked along the rather empty set of train on the other side of the station platform.

"How in Equestria am I supposed to run my branch line properly if those main line engines are always late?" Young Mario complained, "They probably do it in purpose to make me look bad for those three snobs who are always bullying me!" Mario gave an angry TOOT-TOOT with his horn. He wanted to leave but he had to wait for the main line train. At last, the main line train finally arrived. Young Mario was too irritated to notice that the engine was wheezing and steaming excessively as it pulled into the station.

"Where have you been lazy bones?" Young Mario asked.

"Well excuse me," said engineer pony named Buffers annoyingly, "The system's been out of order all day today. You should be grateful I even showed up at all!"

"Rubbish!" said Young Mario rudely, "Try taking care of your engine next time!" The conductor blew his whistle and Young Mario left so quickly that he left him behind. The conductor waved his red flag to stop Young Mario, but the colt was well on his way out of the station.

"Come along! Come along!" Mario chanted to his coaches, but his back coach didn't want to.

"I've lost my nice conductor! I've lost my nice conductor!" the rear coach sobbed. The front coach tried to tell Mario what had happened.

"We've lost our conductor! We've lost our conductor!" the front coach tried to tell Young Mario, but the colt was hurrying and wouldn't listen. The two coaches wished they could put on their brakes, but couldn't do so without their conductor.

"Where's our conductor? Where's our conductor?" the coaches cried. But Young Mario didn't stop until he saw a signal was up. Young Mario was most annoyed.

"Bother that signal," said Young Mario, "Hopefully the conductor can tell me what the problem is." Young Mario waited and waited but the conductor didn't come.

"Umm, where's the conductor?" Young Mario asked his coaches.

"We've left him behind!" sobbed both coaches together. Young Mario growled as he face-hoofed himself. Then one of his passengers called out. Young Mario looked back and saw the conductor running as fast as he could with his flags in his mouth and whistle around his neck. He was very hot once he caught up to the train. So he had a drink and then told them what had happened. Mario was ashamed.

"I'm very sorry, sir," said Young Mario sadly.

"We all make mistakes," replied the conductor and then the two ponies heard a familiar sound, "Look Mario, the signal is down, we can go! Let's make up for lost time!"

"Oh yeah, Mario time!" Young Mario cheered excitedly, waited to make sure his conductor was safely on board, and then took off down the track. His two coaches were so pleased to have their conductor back.

"As fast as you like! As fast as you like!" the two coaches sang to Young Mario all the way. They reached the end of the line quicker than ever before. Young Mario was able to end his run on time after all.

End Flashback

"Well, Mario, you certainly knew how to recover from your mistakes," said Luna. Mario just blushed sheepishly as Twilight giggled.

"Now we come to what was Mario's finest hour," Cadance announced, "Just before I had to leave for my studies and Mario was going to begin magic school. Mario and I had decided to take a full train ride on the Canterlot Express, which was full of important ponies riding it as well."

"Did that include those mean bullies?" Sweetie Belle asked as she and the other two fillies started getting very drowsy.

"It did," said Cadance, "But it also included a rising star among the elites at the time named Fancy Pants."

"I remember him," said Apple Bloom, "He's really nice!"

"Indeed," said Cadance, "in fact, I noticed that the Elite Trio started to despise Mario alot once Fancy Pants befriended Mario. Anyway, Mario and I were just trying to enjoy the ride when I noticed that Mario was looking rather glum..."

Flashback

"What's wrong Mario?" Young Cadance asked as Young Mario sighed sadly while looking out the window.

"I know you say I shouldn't worry about tomorrow and such," said Young Mario quietly, "but I'm afraid of heading to Magic School. I'm glad that Mom is gonna teach me personally..."

"..don't you mean you and your "angel"," Young Cadance teased as Young Mario blushed and snorted.

"Oh, like a girl that beautiful would ever notice somepony like me," Young Mario remarked.

"Oh she will," said Young Cadance, who didn't know that it was Twilight, "Once she sees what a sweetheart you can be." Young Mario chuckled lightly as Young Cadance pecked his cheek. The two were sharing a hug when the train car jolted.

"What was that?" Young Mario asked, feeling rather frazzled from the suddenly jolt.

"I'm not sure," said Young Cadance, "But let's go find out!" Young Mario nodded as the two ponies headed toward the front of the train where several of the elite passengers were grumbling at once.

"You call yourself an engineer?!" Upper Crust bellowed.

"You are the most incompetent pony we've ever seen!" Spoiled Milk added, "You'll never work on this railroad again!"

"He won't find work anywhere when we're through with him!" Jet Set added.

"Now, now, let's not do anything rash!" said Fancy Pants calmly, "I'm sure the engineer is doing everything he can to try and get to the bottom of this situation." The Elite Trio just nodded in agreement. Fancy Pants then gave the engineer pony a nod so he could get back to work trying to figure out the problem with the engine. Young Cadance and Young Mario arrived.

"What's going on here?" Young Cadance asked.

"Ah, your majesty, Master Mario," said Fancy Pants, "it appears our engine is having some technical troubles of some sort."

"Anything I can do to help?" Young Mario asked. The Elite Trio chuckled.

"Let the grown-ups do their job little one," Jet Set told Young Mario condescendingly, "you just go read your books and stay out of the way." Upper Crust and Spoiled Milk snickered as Young Mario glared at them.

"Little ruffians like you should be seen, not heard," Spoiled Milk remarked.

"Who would wanna look at the likes of him?" Upper Crust remarked as Spoiled Milk snickered. Mario felt hurt.

"You know I've just about had enough of you making fun of my little brother!" Young Cadance said angrily to the two mares, "Where do you get the nerve to..."

CRASH!

Before Young Cadance could finish her statement, the group was shaken up by a loud crash. When they looked to see where the sound had come from, they noticed that the engine had completely fallen apart! Everypony was left in silence as the engineer climbed out of the wreckage.

"Never saw an engine just fall apart like that before," Young Mario remarked.

"Now we're stranded here!" said Jet Set melodramatically, "this is absolutely...dis...dis-"

"Disgraceful," said Upper Crust.

"Disgusting," said Spoiled Milk.

"Despicable," finished Jet Set. Fancy Pants just rolled his eyes.

"Well, no use crying over spilt milk, no offense," said Fancy Pants, "The express is now stranded out here without an engine and that large storm is heading in this direction." The group was silent for a moment as Mario just looked about the group. Upper Crust then discreetly looked at Young Mario deviously.

"Well since we can't find an engine to pull the train," said Upper Crust to her "best friend", and winked. Spoiled Milk then caught on to Upper Crust's devious scheme.

"Why not let Mario try?" Spoiled Milk suggested. Young Mario and Young Cadance were stunned.

"Say what?!" they said together.

"Why yes!" said Fancy Pants, "I will!" Young Mario and Young Cadance were speechless as the high class pony approached the young colt.

"Will you pull the Express back to Canterlot, my boy?" Fancy Pants asked. Young Mario wasn't completely sure he was capable. The Express was one of the largest and heaviest passenger trains in Equestria. At this point, Young Mario had never pulled anything that heavy before. Then Mario saw the evil smirks coming from the Elite Trio. His anger flared as he narrowed his eyes in determination.

"I'll do it," said Young Mario sternly. Fancy Pants smiled as Young Cadance looked worried. It wasn't long before the broken engine parts were cleared from the tracks, Mario had put on a yellow rain slicker and hat, and finally his harness as he coupled himself to the heavy train.

"Mario, are you sure you can pull this train?" Young Cadance asked worried.

"Do your best my boy!" Fancy Pants called out. Young Cadance looked back.

"I gotta try," said Young Mario, "We do need to get back to Canterlot after all. Who knows how long it will take before help arrives?"

"True..." said Young Cadance slowly and noticed that Young Mario's eyes were flaring with determination. She knew she couldn't persuade him otherwise.

"Alright," said Young Cadance slowly as she got back into the train where she found Fancy Pants sitting nearby.

"Might as well get comfortable," Spoiled Milk jeered to Jet Set, "I doubt we're going anywhere." Young Cadance growled inwardly at them.

"I have full confidence that Mario can do this," said Fancy Pants firmly, "He might be a young colt, but he's continued to surprise us all." Then with a sudden jolt, the train slowly but surely started to move. The Elite Trio were rather stunned. Young Mario, a colt who just barely gotten his cutie mark not a few months ago, was pulling the Canterlot express on his own. However the task was anything but easy. Plus Young Mario had barely picked up any speed when the train charged headfirst into a fierce rainstorm with heavy winds. He was soon pulling with every ounce of speed and strength he had. As if the odds weren't already against him as it was, he then came to a very steep hill. Young Mario found it very difficult to make the climb since his fore-hooves kept slipping on the wet tracks. Young Mario finally neared the top of the hill and found his grip on the tracks again.

"It's all downhill from here," Young Mario panted to himself, "Now we're on our way..." Sadly, Young Mario wasn't.

"AAAHH! AAAHH! MY LEG! OWW!" Young Mario cried out in pain and came to a stop on the loneliest part of the line. Young Mario waited as Fancy Pants and Young Cadance rushed out of the train and checked up on him.

"Looks like he's alright," said Young Cadance, "He just pulled a muscle on the hind leg."

"Oh thank heavens," said Fancy Pants, "I hope you aren't hurting too badly."

"Nothing I can't handle, sir," said Young Mario bravely. Fancy Pants chuckled at Mario handling any pain he had so maturely.

"I am very sorry I put you in such a predicament," said Fancy Pants sadly, "But I do honestly believe that you can do this."

"But there's no pressure," Young Cadance answered sternly as he handed Mario a bottle of water.

"Yes, of course," said Fancy Pants in agreement, "Tell us, Mario, do you honestly believe you can get us to Canterlot? Don't you worry about those other Elite ponies. You've already shown them a thing or two by getting us this far." Young Mario pondered quietly to himself before letting out a long sigh as the wind rustled by.

"I'm gonna give it my best shot," said Young Mario confidently. Fancy Pants smiled as Young Cadance just gave him a worried smile.

"Very well, my boy," Fancy Pant replied, "But don't try to overdo it. Your well-being is more important than getting to the station. Understand?" Young Mario nodded as Fancy Pants and Cadance headed back inside the train. Once the conductor blew his whistle, Young Mario grunted as he began to pull the train, which was far more difficult since the tracks were wet and very slippery. In spite of the rough conditions, Young Mario managed to pull the train along at a steady pace, but he had to work very hard. It wasn't long before he was pushing himself to the limit. Everything soon felt like a blur to the young colt. He was getting too tired to move another yard forward. But he did...then another...then another...and another.

At Canterlot station, the storm was making its exit from the city when...

TOOT-TOOT-TOOT!

Finally, tired but triumphant, Young Mario made it to Canterlot Station!

"I'm here at last!" Young Mario wheezed as he plopped onto the track stomach first with a tired but happy smile on his face. Celestia was rather surprised to see that Young Mario was the one who pulled the train, including Top Hat. Nevertheless, they were very impressed. All the passengers, including the Elite trio begrudgingly, said thank you. But Young Mario had fallen asleep almost before Young Cadance had put him onto her back. As they walked away, Fancy Pants stood beside a rather proud Celestia.

"You have such a gallant little colt for a son, your highness," said Fancy Pants, "I see Mario doing great things for Equestria. With some rest, exercise, and training, Mario will grow even stronger and be ready for tomorrow!"

End Flashback

"And..." Cadance concluded happily, "Mario was always ready for tomorrow." Twilight, Celestia, Luna, clapped lightly as Mario just looked away with blushed cheeks. It was they heard a light snore and turned to noticed that the three fillies were now fast asleep.

"I think I'll tuck them in for the night," said Mario as he used his magic to carefully put all three fillies into his back.

"Let's me help," said Cadance as she picked up Sweetie Belle and Mario had Apple Bloom and Scootaloo on his own back. It didn't take too long before the three fillies were tucked in bed for the night. Mario and Cadance headed back downstairs together when Mario froze as soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs with Cadance right behind him.

"And here's when Mario made his first cake," said Celestia as she pointed into a picture with Twilight sitting next to her left while Luna was on the right, snickering at the pictures, "He wanted to be the cake topper."

"MOOOOM!" Mario whined as he tried to get the book, but Celestia held into it with her magic, "Put that thing away!"

"No, if I wanna show your pictures I can!" Celestia protested, "Now here's one where he tried to play hide in seek with the royal guards...and lost his diaper."

"AUUUGH!" Mario screamed, but had put a sound proof bubble around his head beforehand as he ran outside. The other alicorns laughed as Twilight went outside to get her clearly flustered husband back inside. They all noticed that Mario had a very grumpy looking face when he came inside.

"So...aside from embarassing me...our junior alicorns have pretty much gone to sleep," Mario pointed out.

"I thought we were gonna party all night long," Luna remarked.

"Agreed, Sister," said Celestia, "I can sleep any day of the year. I'm here to have fun and the night is still young."

"I'm not tired either," said Cadance, "But I'm hoping the next activities aren't too exciting." Mario pointed a fore-hoof to the stack of board games, "I can work with that."

"Same here," said Luna, "I still say Celestia cheated with she beat me the last time we played Monopoly."

"You just can't let that go can't you?" Celestia remarked indignantly. Mario chuckled.

"I'll go get the game board," said Mario, "Just beware, Luna. Mom taught me everything I know about Monopoly. She can't even beat me!"

"Only cause I hold back," Celestia said muttered.

"Say somethin' Mom?" Mario asked.

"Nothing!" Celestia retorted with a smile as Mario went to get the game board. Twilight and the others just snickered to each other. She knew Mario was a good player, but she was curious to see how good Celestia would be.

Within a couple of hours, Twilight got her answer when Celestia bankrupt her quickly and then Mario defeated Cadance. Now only Celestia, Luna, and Mario remained as Twilight rested her head against Cadance's side as Luna took her turn. The moon princess then went to draw a card, which ironically was the Go To Jail card.

"WHY MUST THIS BOARD TEASE ME ABOUT MY IMPRISIONMENT!" Luna bellowed in her Canterlot voice, making everypony wince.

"Luna please!" Twilight retorted.

"We've got three sleeping fillies upstairs!" Cadance added sternly.

"Sorry," Luna said quietly, "I just felt like the game was mocking me over it." Mario gave Luna a soft smile as he quickly teleported beside her and kissed Luna's cheek.

"I've had plenty of rounds where that happens to me," said Mario gently as he teleported back to his seat between Celestia and his wife, "If it makes you feel better, I've landed in jail eight times to your six." Luna smiled, but deep down Mario could tell she was still troubled. He didn't have time to think about as Celestia rolled some doubles.

"You can't be serious!" Celestia protested as she landed in a green property with hotels.

"You owe me 1275 bits please," Mario told her.

"Excuse me?" Celestia protested as she got into Mario's face, causing him to lean back, "I'm your mother! I raised you! I owe you nothing!" Mario just winced as Celestia stared him down. Luna and Twilight snickered as Cadance just rolled her eyes.

"Now you see how Celestia wins at this game," Cadance pointed out to the others, "But seriously Aunt Celestia, stop threatening your son and pay up."

"Actually, I'd prefer to live," Mario remarked as Celestia smirked.

"I taught him well," said Celestia and went to take another turn when Cadance held the dice from the sun princess with her magic. Celestia snorted before handing Mario the bits and then rolled. It wasn't long before she lost all her bits landing on Luna's hotel on the red properties. Then Luna got Mario bankrupt soon afterward.

"Yes! Thou has served justice!" Luna cried out in victory as Celestia gave her a funny look.

"We need to work on your victory shouts," Celestia told her. Luna gave her older sister a raspberry, which Celestia returned the gesture.

"And they're supposed to be the mature ones," Mario told Cadance bluntly as he and the pink alicorn had bored looks on their faces.

"It still baffles me too little brother," said Cadance. Twilight gave them a funny look but giggled afterward.

"Why do I feel like you two were criminal masterminds back in the day?" Twilight wondered out loud.

"And that reminds me of another story," said Princess Celestia as she pulled out the baby book again, "it was the first summer Cadance foalsat Mario overnight..."

"Oh please no!" Mario pleaded.

"Not that story!" Cadance protested, but their pleas were left unheard. Twilight and Luna were laughing themselves silly by the end of it. Mario and Cadance were inwardly pleading that they could disappear as they buried their faces into some spare pillows for the entire story.

It was about an hour before dawn when nearly everypony had pretty much worn themselves out. Luna and Cadance were fast asleep against opposite sides of one sofa and Twilight was resting peacefully in one of the larger bean bags. Mario, now with dark circles under his eyes kissed his wife's cheek before going to sleep in a large bean bag beside her. He then noticed that Celestia was nowhere to be found.

"Mom?" he asked softly and sleepily. Mario then checked the kitchen and found Celestia just sitting in a corner facing the wall.

"Mom?" Mario called out as Celestia turned around in a defensive position holding a slice of cake with her magic. Her cheeks were covered in buttercream frosting.

"You had four slices tonight, young lady," Mario scolded playfully, "don't you think you've had enough?" Celestia snorted as she angrily smashed the cake slice into her mouth at once and munched it sloppily and irritably. Mario just smiled. Celestia noticed that the alicorn prince was watching her once she had finished munching her cake.

"May I help you?" she asked rudely. Mario then walked up to her nuzzled her side.

"I love you, Momma," said Mario softly. Celestia then chuckled to herself as she wiped her mouth with her sleeve before wrapping a wing around her son. They stayed close but quiet for a few minutes before Mario pulled away.

"Thank you," Mario said softly.

"For what my son?" Celestia asked.

"For taking some time off and just having some fun with me and Twilight," said Mario, "It's nice when we can just meet with each other and not get interrupted by duties, a crisis, or Discord for that matter."

"I agree," said Celestia, "I guess you needed this night of fun just as much as I did."

"Maybe," said Mario, "but the real reason I had this party was because I worry about you."

"What do you mean?" Celestia asked. Mario took a long deep breath as he approached the back door window.

"Here in Ponyville, I've always had my friends," Mario explained, "ponies that I can talk about anything that was on my mind. I know that they are there for me and I go to them whenever I need them. Mom, tell me. Do you have a pony that you can talk to about what's on your mind?" Celestia was taken aback by the question and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Umm, I...I've got Luna back so..." Celestia stuttered as Mario shook his head.

"I spend time with Luna in the dream world at least once a week," Mario replied, "she says you don't confide in her."

"Well, she seems to have her own issues to deal with these days," Celestia retorted defensively, "it's not like she'd care if I just started talking and crying my eyes out!"

"But sometimes that's the best thing you can do for somepony," said Mario, "Give them an ear to let them speak their mind and shed tears if necessary. You're not weak for doing so. Just because ponies picture you as this sort of immortal, almighty alicorn doesn't mean you have to be!"

"Well, my position requires me to be strong at all times," said Celestia firmly, "you know that."

"While on duty, yes," Mario replied calmly, "but not all the time. Even I know you're not strong all the time. Wanna know why I tease you about talking to yourself?"

"Please enlighten me," said Celestia indignantly.

"Because you have nopony to confide in about what troubles you," said Mario. Celestia wanted to retort but then just sighed, knowing Mario was right.

"It's not like you can fix my problems," Celestia said softly as her eyes watered.

"Maybe not," said Mario, "but I care about what you have to say. Please talk to me, Momma. Tell me what's on your mind."

"I just can't help but wish I had made some better choices regarding my attitude," Celestia explained, "especially with the way I treated Luna growing up. If I had paid more attention to her jealousy and the bitterness and resentment that was forming in her heart, maybe...maybe I could have settled things before her feelings turned into hatred and suffering. You already know that banishing Luna to the moon was the most painful decision I had to ever make."

"I...remember," said Mario gently, "I remember when I was just a colt. I would walk past your room. Sometimes you would talk to yourself. Other times, when you thought you were alone. I could hear you cry. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to just rush in there and hold you, kiss your cheek, and just say things would be okay."

"Why didn't you?" Celestia asked.

"At the time, I didn't think it would have mattered," Mario answered honestly, "I mean I was just a small insignificant colt. I didn't think the love and compassion I had to offer would have mattered." Celestia hummed.

"I hope you realize just how valuable your love and compassion is now," said Celestia, "You would not have connected with so many ponies, the Elements, and the Power Hearts, if your love wasn't valuable or special."

"Then let me give you that love now," said Mario as he pulled Celestia in. The holding was a tad awkward since Celestia was so tall, but the sun princess did her best to enjoy the love her son was giving her. It was only seconds before Celestia began to cry.

"Ponies think it's so easy being such a majestic princess that is loved and admired by many," Celestia sobbed, "They think that I can do so many things that even I find are impossible. They think I live such a happy and perfect life, but it isn't true...I've made so many mistakes...especially with Luna."

"Have you at least apologized?" Mario asked as he gently rubbed her back.

"Of course," said Celestia as she continued to cry, "But it's not enough. I can't turn back time! I can't take back the hurtful words I said to her. I can't force her to open up with me. You've proven you're better at that than me. Plus..." Celestia found herself crying harder, "...you're one of very few ponies who finds me approachable when they have a problem or need help. I wish Luna could do the same. I can see her recovering, but deep down, I don't know what's going on inside. Is she really happy, or is she still hurting? I'll do anything to help her, but I can't because I don't know how to help. I hate feeling so helpless..." Celestia then let her tears take over as she just let herself cry as Mario held her gently. Neither pony noticed that Luna had woken up and was secretly listening in from the other side of the door. He even used a fore hoof to rub her back gently and waited until she had calmed down before speaking again.

"Have you tried telling her how you feel about what happened?" Mario asked.

"I don't want to make her feel bad or make her think I'm guilt-tripping her," Celestia sniffled, "She'd probably assume I was just trying to make myself feel better."

"And that's your mistake," said Mario as they pulled away, "Take it from somepony who used to be afraid to confide in his own friends, his own wife, because he assumed how they would react to my feelings. Just like you tell me all the time, you're not perfect and you make mistakes. Maybe you should tell Luna that. Let her know that you don't think you're perfect and that you have these insecurities."

"Wait, are you telling me I should talk to Luna about my flaws," said Celestia, giving Mario a funny look. Mario smiled.

"My name is Mario Star," he told her, "I have a short temper, anxiety, and a fear of failure and rejection." Celestia blinked.

"I'm Celestia," she replied, "I...talk to myself...have fears of failing ponies...an unhealthy obsession with cake... and I think acting like a perfect princess will get ponies to like me and treat me like I'm just a regular pony."

"She admits that?!" Luna mouthed soundlessly in complete shock.

"Pleasure to meet you Celestia," said Mario, "It's nice to know you're not perfect either. Wanna hang out sometime?"

"I would love to," said Celestia as the two chuckled with each other. Celestia wiped her eyes.

"That wasn't as bad as I thought," said Celestia, "Do you...really think Luna will open up to me if I'm just honest with her?"

"It would certainly help," said Mario, "I take the time to tell Luna what's on my mind. The trick is just being honest with her. Don't worry too much with trying to do her favors and don't push her either. Just let her know her voice is important and she'll open up when she's ready." Celestia smiled.

"I'm surprised you never considered being a therapist," said Celestia, "You're easy to talk to and open up with." Mario chuckled.

"I'm the Element of Love," said Mario, "sharing love and compassion to others is something I'm good at, especially empathy, but I will admit that it's not easy to do so sometimes. I know it's better than share love to ponies who won't appreciate it then not at all, but it doesn't make it easy for me to do so."

"But you are learning not to let their lack of appreciation get you down," said Celestia, "And you're learning to accept the fact that not everypony is going to change their opinion of you no matter how much you accomplish."

"True," said Mario, "I'll never understand what I do that makes ponies dislike me so much."

"It's their problem my son," said Celestia, "As far as I'm concerned, you've more than proven that you deserve to be the Prince of Friendship." Mario smiled as they both shared a loving hug. Luna just smiled before heading back to her end of the sofa to go back to sleep. Mario then gave Celestia a couple of kisses on the cheek. Celestia returned the gesture, making Mario chuckle. It had been a long time since he had gotten a motherly kiss from Celestia.

"You know Mom," said Mario, "We might be mother and son. We might both be alicorns. We are also royalty, but we're something that is far more special."

"What's that my son?" Celestia asked.

"We're best friends," said Mario, "and we got to have fun like best friends. Same goes for Cadance and Luna too. " Celestia's eyes sparkled as she pulled Mario into another hug, but unlike the last hug, Celestia held him lovingly in both of her fore-legs. Celestia cried tears of joy.

"You have no idea how much that means to me," said Celestia happily, "thank you Mario. My son. My best friend." Mario smiled as a pair of tears left his eyes. It was then they both heard a humming sound. The two ponies pulled away looking around to see where the humming sound was coming from. Celestia then tilted her head to the side. Mario looked rather puzzled until he looked behind himself and saw that his cutie mark was glowing.

"That's...never happened before," Mario said in surprise. It was then a golden object in the shape of a flower appeared before the two ponies.

"What is that?" said Celestia, making it clear that she didn't even know what the object was.

"I don't know," said Mario, "but the magic that's coming from it feels familiar..."

"Of course it is," said a voice when a mysterious sparkle appeared beside the golden flower, "This before you is a Flower Sprite. They are special flowers that blossomed from the Tree of Harmony." Celestia and Mario were amazed.

"It's beautiful," said Mario, "when did this...Flower Sprite...blossom? And since when can the Tree of Harmony communicate with us? I mean I know the Tree of a living being..."

"...My ability to communicate with ponies is because of you, Mario," said the sparkle, "When you reunited the Seven Powers Hearts with the Elements of Harmony, you allowed the Tree of Harmony to produce these beautiful flowers that are filled with the magic of all seven Elements. Whenever a great presence of the magic of friendship is detected, these Flower Sprites will appear. Please retrieve and take care of them. For they will serve you and your wife as the Prince and Princess of Friendship." The sparkle then disappeared, leaving only the Flower Sprite behind. Celestia and Mario were left stunned for a few seconds before the former snapped out of her stupor.

"You better collect the Flower Sprite, my son," said Celestia. Mario blinked a few times before walking up to Flower Sprite and jumped up to grab it.

(Cue Mario Sunshine "Got a Sprite" fanfare)

The Flower Sprite floated down beside Mario. He then grabbed it with his fore-hoof, spun around on his hind legs and posed. The Flower Sprite than entered Mario's body for safe keeping. Celestia smiled. It was then Twilight, Cadance, and Luna peeked into the room. Apparently the fanfare music had woken them up.

"What's going on in here?" Cadance asked. Mario and Celestia both explained about the Flower Sprite. However, the only thing they discussed about their personal conversation was they considered each other as best friends. Cadance, Luna, and Twilight awed.

"That's so sweet," said Cadance.

"Yes it is," said Luna with a smile.

"Great, we're all friends," said Twilight rather crankily, the fact her bangs and bun had hairs sticking out showing how tired she was, "Now can we please get some sleep? I'm beat." Mario was rather surprised.

"Honey, I know you're tired," said Mario, "But aren't you the least bit intrigued about these Flower Sprites?" Twilight gave her husband a tired chuckle and a smile.

"Based on experience," said Twilight tiredly, "We'll learn about them when the time is right." Mario just smiled as the other princesses chuckled in agreement. Before getting some sleep, Celestia went to raise the sun. As the giant yellow orb peeked over the new Castle of Friendship, a view was shown of the room where all the thrones were placed.

It was then the star rug on the ground began to glow showing...

...a picture of a Flower Sprite with a purple number one on it...

There might not have been much of a plot for this intermission chapter, but I really wanted this chapter to be just some good, family friendly fun with five alicorns and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And all you readers who loved the Railway Series references got lots of them in this chapter. Also the song Mario, Celestia, and Cadance were dancing to was "Tequila" by the Champs, only I changed the word they chant to "Apple Cider" to make it more family friendly and more relevant to Equestria. However, the dancing routine is actually based on the scene from the original live action TMNT movie from the 1980s.

Plus I dropped some hints to some problems, Mario, Twilight, and Luna will be addressing later this season.

And I think you all can guess what the Flower Sprites will do. For the time being, Flower Sprites will be a reward for friendship missions and from epic adventures. (Like two part stories for example.) There will be one episode that will be an exception, but I'm not gonna say which one it is. Plus I'm still deciding if each mission will earn ponies only one Flower Sprite...or multiple ones...

I'm still trying to out where my permanent source for notes will be for Season 5, but that doesn't mean I can't give you guys a preview of what's to come.

The most obvious will be Starlight Glimmer. This will be Mario's toughest challenge yet, especially since it will be the first time his skills are finally matched. Other highlights include the royal couple adjusting to life in a new castle, friendship missions, the second gala, Mario and Rarity starting a new boutique, return of Inspector Mario, and more!

There are also three episodes I'm really looking forward to doing. Slice of Life: Mario role will be a complete surprise! Amending Fences: Mario finally interacts with the old Canterlot group. And, one of my favorite episodes, Crusaders of the Lost Mark. Mario will play an important part in helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders while at the same time dealing with a long time bully of his own!

Until next time...

Peace Pony Fans!