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...

123. Intermission 5

Intermission #5

Pony's Log Number 600: Even when our own struggles feel like nopony's business but ours, we can always rely on our friends for help and moral support...

Three weeks had passed since Starlight had tried to destroy Equestria and tried to tamper with the very fabric of time. During those weeks, Starlight seemed to have found herself forgiven by most ponies in Ponyville. They seem to treat her as one of townsponies these days. The Mane eight enjoyed spending time with her, whether she was helping them out or just having fun with them. Rarity had even gotten Starlight a spa treatment and the lilac unicorn came home with a new mane style. Well, technically her mane style was roughly the same, but Starlight had let her front bangs grow and they now curved beautifully around her horn. All the girls, Spike and Shenran, loved the new hairstyle, leaving Starlight feeling very bashful at all the praise. She certainly felt like one of the Mane Eight. Actually, they could be considered the Mane nine now.

But there was one major issue. There was still one pony who didn't seem to want anything to do with her. That was Mario. While most of the injuries to his body and left wing had healed by this point, he was still fuming. He hated seeing Starlight so happy and made it his mission to keep as far away from the lilac pony as possible.

Diamond Tiara took notice. She could tell that Mario was definitely not happy that Starlight was now considered to be a part of the group. She was actually quite fond of Starlight. Being a former villain herself, even if Starlight had caused a far greater deal of trouble, she bonded with Starlight easily. She had no problem considering Starlight a close friend. She even convinced Silver Spoon to give the lilac unicorn a chance and threesome hung out together. While Diamond Tiara knew Mario would never try to tear their friendship apart. She could tell that Mario didn't like seeing her spending time with Starlight. As time wore on, Mario seemed to become more and more polarized with the lilac unicorn. Just a few days ago, Mario was helping Diamond Tiara with her homework when Starlight walked into the room.

"Let's so study someplace else," said Mario as he had teleported himself, his faithful student, and their milk and cookies to another room. Starlight looked hurt at seeing Mario walk off on her...again. Diamond Tiara decided to speak up.

"Master, if Starlight bothers you, maybe it's time you spoke to Twilight about it instead of grumbling and distancing yourself from her," said Diamond Tiara as they sat down in a new room. Mario just snorted.

"Fine," Mario said dismissively, "whatever. Now let's go over that algebra problem again..." Diamond Tiara just sighed, inwardly hoping Mario would take her advice.

But he didn't.

As the days went on, Mario just grew more and more miserable. One day, Starlight and Diamond Tiara had arrived at a small train yard where Mario would shunt and organize his freight cars on the west side of the castle. They noticed that he was being extra rough with the freight cars.

"You're no good to us now, Mario, you're dangerous!" said one freight car worriedly.

"Maybe you should consider letting Twilight or Diamond Tiara organize us for a while," said another freight car timidly. That last name wasn't just random. Mario had gotten Diamond Tiara to get in touch with her earth pony magic and built up her endurance to the point that the tiara-wearing filly could pull small trains on her own. Of course, the freight cars tried to play tricks on her, but they learned the hard way that Diamond Tiara was not a pony to mess with. But getting back to the issue at hand, Mario gave the freight car an icy glare.

"WELL TWILIGHT AND DIAMOND TIARA FAR TOO BUSY TO BE BOTHERED BY THE LIKES OF YOU!" Mario screamed and bucked a line of freight cars so hard that they bashed into the buffers and piled up, spilling their contents all over the ground.

"Oh come on!" Mario hissed angrily as he went to use his magic to clean up the mess.

"Maybe that wouldn't have happened if you'd curb that bad mood of yours!" said a stern voice. Diamond Tiara and Starlight turned to see Twilight standing nearby, looking sternly at her husband. She could tell that her husband was not just putting distance between himself and Starlight, but with the rest of the Mane Nine. Plus Twilight had heard from several ponies that Mario had been rather short and snippy to them whenever he did the grocery shopping. Twilight was getting downright tired of seeing Mario so grumpy and moody all the time.

And Mario was tired of Twilight getting on his case about it.

"Oh shut your trap!" Mario yelled. Twilight was shocked and Diamond Tiara and Starlight felt their jaws drop. They couldn't believe Mario said that to his own wife.

"What did you say to me?!" Twilight demanded angrily as Mario angrily coupled himself to his freight cars.

"You heard me!" Mario barked, "I'll be working late tonight so don't wait up for me!" He then angrily pulled his train away before Twilight could stop him.

"We're gonna talk about this when you get home, mister!" Twilight shouted as she huffed angrily and stomped back to the castle. Starlight just lowered her head sadly as Diamond Tiara patted her fore-leg for moral support. The filly could tell that Starlight was blaming herself for Mario's bad attitude.

Back inside, Twilight was in the throne room working on some paperwork as Starlight walked into the room. She could tell Twilight was grumbling angrily to herself as she was writing and reading the documents. Starlight thought about coming back later, but she really needed to speak to Twilight right away.

"Um...T-T-Twilight?" said Starlight nervously as she approached the table. Twilight's expression softened when she saw the lilac pony standing nearby.

"What is it my faithful student?" Twilight asked. Starlight gave her a funny look as Twilight just smiled but then made a face herself.

"Yeah, I don't see myself saying that," said Twilight dismissively, "Sorry. So what's up, Starlight?"

"Well, I just saw Mario tell you off and..." Starlight began.

"UGH!" Twilight growled angrily as she knocked over a stack of papers, making Starlight take a few steps back fearfully.

"He's been acting like this for weeks now and I am sick of it! You hear me! SICK OF IT!" Twilight vented angrily, "I don't know what his problem is!" Twilight panted in rage.

"Have you tried asking him?" Starlight suggested once she found it safe enough to speak.

"He won't talk to me!" Twilight snapped, "He keeps avoiding the subject and now he's just outright avoiding me! Does he not love me anymore?!" Twilight felt like she was gonna cry when Starlight looked at her sympathetically.

"I don't think that's the issue," said Starlight gently, "and I think I have a good idea about what the real issue might be."

"Please tell me!" Twilight pleaded, "Has Mario found love with another!?"

"Twilight stop!" Starlight retorted firmly, "This has nothing to do with you or Mario not loving you anymore! I think the problem is me!"

"You?!" said Twilight rather cluelessly, "Why would he be acting this way because of you?"

"Gee, I don't know," said Starlight bluntly, "I kept trashing him, insulting him, beat the stuffing out of him, told him he should've never been born...Shall I go on?! I hurt him really, really badly, Twilight. It's clear that he hates me and doesn't want me here!" Twilight sighed.

"You did do those things," said Twilight, "But we've forgiven you for it and you do belong here."

"Mario hasn't forgiven me and it's clear he doesn't want me here or wants to forgive me at all!" said Starlight sadly.

"And that isn't right," said Twilight angrily, "Yes, you did hurt Mario deeply, but that doesn't give him the right to withhold forgiveness from you or to keep giving you the cold shoulder. That's not what friendship is about and he knows that! He needs to stop acting like a two year old and get over it! You're here to stay. You're my friendship student! You're part of this group of friends and that is that!" Starlight looked at the purple alicorn sadly and turned to walk away when Diamond Tiara appeared. She had heard everything.

"Do you really think telling Mario to "get over it" is really going to solve this problem?" said Diamond Tiara sternly. Twilight took offense.

"Well Di, he's the one acting like a baby, Di!" Twilight retorted rudely.

"You are so shallow, Twilight!" Diamond Tiara yelled back, showing that her time with Mario had given her courage to speak back when she felt the purple alicorn was in the wrong, "While you've been having your anxiety attacks over your stupid princess duties, Mario's been dealing with something for some time now. Sometimes, I walk in on him and he's been crying, but he won't tell me why. Or he just looks so...empty and lonely. I once saw him with his train set and he didn't even want to play with it! Or he's reading a book and then just drops it like he has no will to finish it! The other day he made cookies and he looked so sad doing it. Who get's sad over chocolate-chips? It's like he doesn't enjoy the things he likes to do anymore! Recently, he was holding the plush toy of you. He just let it drop to the floor. He didn't even cuddle it! I even heard him say you don't love him!" Twilight was taken aback and Starlight was also stunned. Though the latter snickered at hearing Mario cuddle with a plushie, but quickly hid it and recomposed herself. Twilight sighed.

"I'll speak to Mario as soon as he gets home," said Twilight in calmer tone, but Diamond Tiara just felt her eyes fill with tears. Twilight wasted no time walking over to the little filly and held her close.

"Don't worry, Di," said Twilight gently, "We'll get to the bottom of this. I promise." Diamond Tiara just buried her face into Twilight's chest and kept crying as the purple pony continued to hold her.

By the time Mario had finally come home, it was very, very late at night. In fact, the Ponyville clock had struck one in the morning by the time the castle doors opened and Mario tried to walk inside as quietly as he could. Mario was tired and he didn't want to deal with anypony at the moment. Just as he entered the throne room to get toward the bedroom, he spotted a plate that had a rather large and very fudgy piece of chocolate cake.

"Ooh!" said Mario since he had skipped dinner and used his magic to pick up the cake and took a large bite out of it, humming to himself quietly. Suddenly, he felt something shift in the dark and quickly stood on his hind legs in a karate pose, still holding the cake with his magic. It was then a light turned on by the cutie map table and a chair turned around. There was Twilight, glaring at him sternly with her fore-legs crossed and one hind knee resting on top of the other.

"I thought you'd be back by eleven," Twilight asked in a calm but stern tone. Mario could have easily told Twilight that his last delivery was held up, but he was too irritated to use his common sense.

"I said I'd be back," said Mario bluntly as he got back on all fours.

"Well I assumed you'd be late, if you came back at all," said Twilight, narrowing her eyes at him, "You'd be back."

"Well...I'm back! Okay?" Mario retorted sarcastically with a heavy eye roll. He turned to leave when Twilight pulled the half-eaten cake slice away from him and tossed it away.

"Hey! I skipped dinner!" Mario protested angrily.

"Too bad!" said Twilight angrily as she got out of her throne, "We need to talk!" Mario growled.

"I've got nothing to say to you!" said Mario bitterly and turned his back on her. Twilight felt hurt as she felt her temper slip.

"What is wrong with you?!" Twilight snapped, "You've been acting like a jerk ever since Starlight moved in! I know she hurt your feelings, but maybe it's time you start acting like an adult stallion and get over it." Twilight had gone and said exactly what Diamond Tiara had told her not to tell Mario. Mario chuckled hollowly in reply.

"Right, that's my problem," said Mario sarcastically, "you got me all figured out don't ya, Twilight Sparkle?" Twilight just glared.

"I know you're not happy that Starlight's living here, Mario Star," Twilight remarked.

"Well, excuuuuuuuuuuuuse me, princess," said Mario spitefully, "I thought I made my feelings about you letting her move in and making her your student loud and clear. Not like my feelings matter when everypony else agreed with your stupid idea!"

"Well I don't understand why you're so opposed to the idea of her being here!" Twilight yelled, "I know she said some awful things to you, but Starlight needs friendship, not punishment!"

"Well, I guess we don't see eye to eye on that!" Mario yelled.

"And that's not like you," Twilight yelled loudly, "Why are you finding holding a grudge so acceptable? All it's doing is making you look pathetic!" Mario winced, and even Twilight knew she had gone too far.

"Listen! You think you can just get in my face and tell me how to feel inside!?" Mario yelled, "You have no idea how I feel!"

"I would if you stop acting like a baby and tell me!" Twilight shouted.

"FORGET IT!" Mario screamed and stomped away.

"FINE!" Twilight screamed back. Mario left the room and slammed the door hard. Twilight just panted heavily from feeling so angry and hot tears were now streaming down her face. Starlight and Spike then entered the room from the back door. Even in a castle this big, Starlight and Spike didn't find it that hard to hear all the shouting from their bedrooms.

"Twilight..." Spike asked gently.

"WHAT?!" Twilight barked in rage. Poor Spike was so frightened that he started to cry. Twilight gasped.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so, so, sorry," said Twilight sadly she pulled the little dragon in for a hug, "I didn't mean to yell at you, Spike." Spike just sniffled in reply. Starlight just sighed sadly.

"Twilight, maybe I should just go..." Starlight said quietly.

"NO!" Twilight said sternly, making Starlight jump, "No...If Mario's so miserable, then he can leave." Starlight was taken aback by the remark.

"You don't mean that," said Starlight.

"Well, he's not the Mario I love anymore!" Twilight croaked before she started to cry, "I wish he'd get lost!" Little did anypony or dragon know, that while Mario had slammed the door. He hadn't walked away from the doors and had heard everything as large tears were now streaming down his cheeks.

Next morning, things were rather quiet in a specific room when Twilight suddenly burst open the door. Starlight was with her.

"Alright Mario! This is gone far enough!" Twilight yelled, which made Starlight wince, "You're gonna tell me why you...huh?!" To bring everypony up to speed, Mario had slept in his office room, which he used for writing his stories and doing other types of paper work. He figured Twilight wouldn't let him stay in the bedroom after their fight and had immediately gone to this room instead to sleep. Twilight knew Mario would be here but was surprised to see that the room was empty.

"Yeah...go ahead and run, Mario," Twilight remarked bitterly as Starlight walked into the room, "You've been so good at it lately." Starlight then headed toward a sofa that had a sloppily placed blanket and found a scroll on the seat pillow. She quickly opened it with her magic and scanned it over.

"Um...Twilight?" said Starlight, "You might wanna look at this." Twilight sternly took the note with her magic.

Twilight

I heard what you said last night. If that's how you really feel, then I will leave. Don't bother looking for me either! It's clear you don't want me around anymore so I will grant you your wish! By the time you find this note, I'll be long gone and you'll never have to put up with me ever again.

I think you'll agree that you and the others would be much happier if I disappeared from your lives forever.

Goodbye

Mario

As she read the note, Twilight felt her temper flare, but the moment she read the last sentence, that very flame was doused instantly. Large tears began streaming down her face as her lips quivered and she started to breathe heavily.

"Twilight?" Starlight said gently as Twilight buried her face into the lilac unicorn's shoulder and started to weep. Starlight just used a fore-hoof to pat her back, but she couldn't help but feel a little awkward about comforting a pony since she had never done so before.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

The knocking of the castle doors echoed down the halls. Twilight immediately stopped crying and hovered out of the room. Starlight quickly followed close behind on hoof. Twilight flew toward the front door, quickly trying to wipe her eyes to hide the fact she had been crying. She quickly flew past the throne room and opened the doors to head down the hallway to the front doors. She was then stopped in her tracks when she found before her the rest of the Mane nine were already in the main lobby thanks to Spike. They all had stern looks on their faces.

"Should I even guess why you're all here?" Twilight asked in exasperation as she landed. Applejack was the first to step forward.

"We need to have a word with your so called husband and my big brother," Applejack said sternly.

"All his grumbling is spreading nothing but a bad atmosphere where ever he goes!" Rarity added as a flashback showed what had happened, "Just the other day, Mario was helping me fill an order, but he kept making the same mistakes, ripped several fabric sheets, and then shattered some rare gems! I finally told him he couldn't help me anymore until he calmed down. He got so angry that he bucked the mannequin with the dress on it and stomped off! I still can't believe he even did that and then he slammed the door before I could say anything!"

"That's nothing," said Applejack as a flashback showed what happened, "He came to help me buck apples and I found the apple trees had been damaged because he was bucking them so hard. I told him to calm down and he got so angry that he bucked a tree super hard and it fell off its roots and timbered into four other trees, knocking them all over! He then stomped away saying he doesn't want to help around the farm anymore! I nearly said something I regret, but I just said for him to leave and don't come back until he learns to keep his cool."

"That's not the worst of it!" said Pinkie angrily as her own flashback was shown, "Mrs. Cake asked Mario to deliver some goodies to a party in his freight cars. He was getting his harness on when I accidentally tripped and the pie I was carrying hit him in the face. Several other ponies laughed at him. Mario screamed at them to be quiet and then banged into the freight cars so hard that several of the goodies were damaged when he roughly pulled the train away! The customer was furious and we had to give the delivery on the house to apologize!"

"Didn't Mario pay you back?" Starlight asked as the flashback ended and she appeared beside Twilight, "I saw him grumble about having to give up some of his bits the other day..."

"Yeah...by throwing the bag of bits at Mrs. Cake fore-hooves and flew off without saying sorry!" Pinkie retorted, "he's never rude to Mrs. Cake like that!"

"He's been rude to everypony," said Rainbow angrily as another flashback showed the event, "the other day I found a grey cloud hovering over him. I joked about always having to buck them away all time and he exploded at me. Then..." Rainbow suddenly looked insecure as the flashback ended, "I said nopony wants to be around him anymore. He called me Rainbow Crash and ran off. I know what I said was wrong, but he knows just how hurtful that nickname is for me and he still said it! It made me cry...and I never cry...at least out in public!" Rainbow looked like she wanted to cry again when Fluttershy just sighed.

"What happened with you?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy sighed again as Shenran put a fore-leg around her shoulder.

"Angel thought it be funny to play the old "pull the seat from under a pony as they sat down" prank," said Shenran, "Mario really got angry with him and he threw a carrot hard at Angel's head, leaving a big bruise and making the bunny cry."

"I got really mad at him for that," said Fluttershy sternly, "Angel may have been in the wrong for pranking Mario, but Mario had no right to hurt Angel back. I started scolding Mario, but then Mario started screaming at me. Shenran then pinned him down and started yelling at him for being mean to me. Mario pushed Shenran off, broke down in tears, and flew off out the window." Twilight and Starlight just gave their friends some sad and sympathetic looks.

"Do you know where Mario is now?" Shenran asked. Twilight felt her tears began anew.

"No," Twilight said as her voice cracked and she made the note appear, "I just got this note that he left Ponyville and isn't coming back!"

"WHAT?!" the rest of the group exclaimed in shock.

"We got into a fight last night and I said if he's not happy to leave," Twilight sobbed, "and now he's gone and I don't know where he could be!" Twilight then lost herself in her tears as Starlight looked at her sadly. The rest of the Mane nine gathered around her for comfort until the purple pony calmed down and stopped crying.

"Now don't you worry one bit there, Twilight," said Applejack, "Mario ain't gonna get away from us that easily."

"We'll search the skies!" said Rainbow.

"The land!" Fluttershy added.

"And the sea!" said Pinkie, now wearing an eye-patch and a captain's hat.

"We won't rest until we find Mario and bring him home, darling," Rarity said reassuringly. Twilight just wiped her eyes and smiled.

It was hours later and the sun had already set as Twilight paced back and forth inside the library room. Everypony else had gone off to search for Mario. Twilight had wanted to join the search, but the others had convinced her to stay in Ponyville in case Mario had decided to come home on his own. Twilight felt very lonely as she took a seat next to a stack of books. She picked up a book with her magic to read it when she remembered an earlier argument with her husband.

Why don't you just tell me what's wrong?!

I don't need to tell you anything! It's not like you would care!

What gives you the right to say that I wouldn't care?!

Because I went into this marriage knowing I would always be second to your books!

Twilight felt her heartbreak. Out of all the harsh words they had exchanged with each other. That statement hurt her the most. She looked at her library books as the words rang in her mind.

I would always be second to your books!

Second to your books!

Second to your books!

Twilight gritted her teeth as she took the book in her magic and did something she had promised herself she would never do.

She threw the book against a wall. Then she punched the other two stacks of books that were on the table and sent them spilling all over the floor. She then charged her horn and fired blast after blast at the bookshelves, sending the books flying off and scattering onto the floor. Twilight started grabbing the books and throwing them randomly away from her. She then grabbed another book and went to use her magic to rip the book clean in two.

"FREEZE!" a voice screamed behind her. Twilight looked back from the corner of her. She saw Spike glaring at her angrily and balling his claws.

"Drop. The. Book. Now!" Spike instructed in a low, serious, and very stern tone. Twilight hesitated and gritted her teeth as the book shook in her magic grip.

"NOW!" Spike screamed angrily. Twilight groaned loudly before slamming the book to the floor and lowered her head as she panted heavily, sweating dripping from her fore-head. Spike calmly walked up to her and rubbed her back until the purple pony had finally calmed down.

"Come to the kitchen," said Spike gently, "I made some tea and I don't think you should be in here right now." Twilight just looked at him before giving him a sad smile on agreement and they quietly left the library room.

"Don't worry about the mess this time, Spike," Twilight said in a quiet and lifeless tone, "I don't care if the library's organized anymore..." Spike just gave her a worried look.

"I love Mario more than my books right? Right?! Right?!" Twilight asked in desperation and with a panicked look in her eyes. Spike put a claw over her mouth.

"Yes, you do," said Spike gently, "Now go get some tea and calm down. Please." Twilight wanted to retort, but she could see that Spike looked very worried and even frightened.

"I'm sorry I scared you," Twilight said in a soft but very sad tone.

"It's okay," said Spike, "Now go relax." Twilight conceded with a nod and walked sadly away. In the end, Twilight had gone back to the throne room and was just quietly drinking her tea when the rest of the Mane Nine arrived. Twilight looked hopeful at first, but then saw that Mario wasn't with them.

"Where's my husband?" Twilight asked desperately.

"Starlight and I checked all of Appleloosa and Dodge Junction," said Applejack, "Nothing. Cherry Jubilee said she's looking out for him if he showed up."

"I searched all of Manehattan," said Rarity, "Coco said she would keep her eyes out in case if he showed up."

"We searched all of Ponyville and the Everfree Forest," said Shenran with Fluttershy beside him, "No sign of him. Fluttershy even went bravely by herself looking through the Castle of Two Sisters, but no luck."

"Even Zecora said she hasn't heard word about Mario either," said Fluttershy, "but knows that he is deeply troubled."

"I searched every part of the sky," said Rainbow sadly, "Even Cloudsdale and Las Pegasus! I did have some good luck in bumping into Spitfire so the Wonderbolts are searching as well if that helps." They all turned to see Pinkie, who looked rather glum.

"No luck finding Mario in Canterlot?" Twilight asked. Pinkie stayed quiet for a moment, which was out of character, but she then took a deep breath.

"I have some good news and some bad news," said Pinkie uneasily, "What do you want first?"

"Does it matter?" Rainbow remarked, "unless you found Mario..."

"I did find him..." said Pinkie sadly. Everypony and Spike gasped.

"You did?!" Twilight exclaimed, "Well, where is he Pinkie? Where's my husband?" Pinkie just looked at her sadly.

"Pinkie..." Twilight said in a slow and firm tone, "Where? Is? Mario?" Pinkie took an exaggerated deep breath.

"The good news is that Mario is in Canterlot," said Pinkie quickly, "The bad news is that he's not coming home." Twilight glared.

"Oh, he's coming home alright!" said Twilight as she went to light up her horn for teleportation.

"No!" Pinkie protested as she grabbed Twilight, "Princess Celestia said not to!"

"What?!" Twilight said in shock as the others looked just as stunned. Pinkie took a step back.

"I went to the castle first to see if Mario was there," said Pinkie, "and I managed to find Princess Celestia as I was heading to the throne room. She told me that Mario had arrived earlier that day. She said, in Mario's words, that he needed some time away from Ponyville and she could tell he looked grumpy. So she said to let Mario be and if he doesn't come home in a few days, she'll speak to him personally." Twilight just listened attentively before she sighed.

"At least we know where he is," said Twilight, showing some relief.

"Yeah, but what are gonna do about his attitude?" Rainbow asked.

"I can speak for everypony here that we've had quite enough of his unpleasant nature," Rarity added.

"You're not the only ones," said a voice. The group looked to see Diamond Tiara, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, around her.

"I came by earlier when Spike told me master had left," said Diamond Tiara, "We've been searching Ponyville and Sweet Apple Acres trying to find him. We had no idea he was in Canterlot."

"Is Big Brother gonna come home soon?" Apple Bloom worriedly.

"He doesn't even want to hang out with us anymore," said Scootaloo, "I challenged him to a race the other day, but he ignored me."

"He's been grumpy ever since Starlight came to Ponyville," said Sweetie Belle sadly as tears appeared in her eyes as she looked at the lilac unicorn and snapped, "Why'd you have to be so mean to him?!" Starlight just looked away sadly and Twilight took notice.

"Leave Starlight alone, Sweetie Belle," said Twilight gently and firmly, "She's sorry but Mario doesn't seem willing to forgive her like you did with Di."

"He didn't have to run away because of it!" said Sweetie Belle sadly as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked ready to cry.

"Don't you worry girls," said Twilight, "We'll get to the bottom of this. Just leave it to us."

"We wanna help," said Apple Bloom, "Mario's our friend too."

"And he clearly needs us!" Diamond Tiara added. Twilight just sighed.

"Well, there's not much anypony can do right now," said Twilight, "Mario's at Canterlot with Princess Celestia and she told us to leave him alone for a while."

"I see," said Sweetie Belle as the others looked worried.

"You'll let us know when he comes back right?" Diamond Tiara asked. Twilight sighed, as much as she didn't want these four fillies involved, she knew they were not going to be turned away, especially since they were all very close to Mario.

"We will," said Twilight, giving them a hopeful smile, but deep down she was very, very worried.

Four days

That was how long it had been since Mario had left and hadn't come back home. Celestia and Luna had been called out on business the day after Pinkie had visited the castle so they hadn't been able to keep an eye on Mario at all. In fact, Mario wasn't exactly staying cooped up in the castle either.

He was spending most of his time during the day at Moon Dancers' home. Many ponies might wonder why the home of this specific pony. It was because Moon Dancer had been helping Mario with his special relic, now officially named as the "Double Gem Amulet". The two ponies had been hard at work trying to assemble the amulet and testing it out. So far the results had been rather mixed for the most part. At the moment, both Mario and Moon Dancers were exhausted.

"Ugh, the effects of each gem are doing their job," Mario panted.

"But the duration is still way too short," said Moon Dancer in the same condition, "I know heavy fatigue is supposed to be the side effect of using it for too long, but we shouldn't be getting this winded so quickly!"

"I agree," said Mario as he slowly felt his body recovering, "and the cool down still takes too long. But it seems like whenever we try to increase the duration, the strength of each gem's effect is weaker. I don't want the amulet to be too powerful, but I still want the duration to last long enough to be effective, as well as giving the pony the chance to disable the effects so the amulet can recharge without the risk of the fatigue."

"We just have to keep trying then," said Moon Dancer as she removed her prototype and started searching through her books, "I'm sure in time, we'll find a way to increase the duration and speed up the cool down of your new amulet." Mario nodded as he removed his own prototype and started searching through the spells he was using for the amulet. Moon Dancer noticed that Mario was looking glum. It hadn't been the first time in the past four days since he had arrived that this had happened. She tried a couple of times to ask him about it, but he seemed to change the subject, especially when she first asked why Twilight wasn't with him. Moon Dancer was not just smart like Twilight, but she was also more perceptive then the purple pony. She knew something was wrong and she knew Mario was bottling something up. As much as she wanted to continue working, researching, and testing out Mario's amulet, she knew Mario needed somepony to vent to.

"Mario, have you gotten in touch with Twilight since you came to Canterlot?" Moon Dancer asked.

"I'd rather not," said Mario, not doing a good job of hiding the bitterness in his tone, "I bet she thinks I'm with another mare because I don't love her anymore or something just as ridiculous!" Moon Dancer snorted

"You really think she'd assume I'm stealing you from her?" Moon Dancer asked indignantly, "I know I had a crush on you and all, but I'm over it. I love you as a friend and that's that!"

"Well, she seems to take pleasure in assuming a lot of things about me recently," Mario said spitefully, "She doesn't care about my feelings. She's never cared..." Moon Dancer watched as Mario sternly set his prototype on the table. She could tell that his temper was flaring and the alicorn prince was trying and failing miserably to contain it.

"Mario," said Moon Dancer gently, "let it out!" Mario did.

"GGGGRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"

Mario screamed as loudly as he could, his voice echoing and rumbling the house and the surrounding area. Mario panted heavily as Moon Dancer just remained calm with a blunt look on her face.

"Feeling better?" Moon Dancer asked in a blunt tone. Mario just huffed before lowering his head in defeat.

"No..." Mario said sadly. It was then there was some loud knocking on the door. Moon Dancer headed to the door and was surprised to see Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lemon Hearts standing outside the door looking worried.

"We were coming to invite you for a study break," said Minuette worried.

"Then we heard the loud scream outside," said Twinkleshine.

"Is everything okay?" Lemon Hearts asked.

"I'm fine," said Moon Dancer replied casually, "I wasn't the one who screamed just now." The three girls peeked inside and saw Mario looking very miserable.

"Mario?!" the three girls said at once. Mario quickly turned around saw the three girls looking at him.

"Oh...hi girls," said Mario with a simple wave of his fore-leg.

"What are you doing here?" said Minuette asked as the three girls entered the house and Moon Dancer closed the door.

"We were working on his new amulet," said Moon Dancer, "but then I noticed that something has been troubling him. That was when Mario screamed."

"I see," said Twinkleshine as she looked around the still cluttered surroundings, "Mario, where's Twilight?" Mario just sighed.

"She's not here," said Mario simply, "I came alone." The three girls looked at him with concern.

"Did something happen between the two of you?" Lemon Hearts asked. Mario winced and looked away.

"Would it have to do with your wife's new student, Starlight Glimmer?" Minuette asked. Mario raised his head in shock.

"How do you know about Starlight?" Mario asked curiously.

"We went to visit Ponyville just last week and Twilight introduced us to her," Twinkleshine replied, "It was later when we met up with Lyra that we saw you making faces behind Starlight's back and giving her the cold shoulder."

"What was that all about?" Lemon Hearts asked in a serious tone. Mario glared, but then softened.

"I'm don't know if..."

"Mario," said Minuette, cutting him off, "I know we weren't there for you before. But we are here for you now. Please tell us what's up."

"We care about you too," said Moon Dancer as she put a fore-hoof on his shoulder. Mario sighed and spent the next couple of hours trying to bring the girls up to speed about his situation. Since he figured they knew about Starlight's misdeeds, he mostly brought up some of the harsh things she had said to him. He started with what she told him when they first arrived at her village and then how she taunted and beat him up when they exposed her true cutie mark and everything she said and did to him during the whole time travel adventure.

"That girl made it her mission to hurt me so much," said Mario bitterly, "as much as I should've just let her words just wash over me. They...really got to me. Then to make matters worse...she gets to live in the castle with me and my wife. She looks so happy being part of our group. And it makes me so sick! Every day she's been there, I feel just so angry and irritable because of her and it's making me lash out at my closest friends. I don't mean to be so snippy! But I'm just feeling so angry right now! It's like she got away with everything she did, everything she did to me! Just like every other pony who's gone out of their way to make my life miserable! They always get away with it and I'm the one gets left in the dust feeling all beat up and feeling miserable. I suffer so much from it and nopony cares...nopony cares..." Mario felt tears streaming down his cheeks as he sniffled and tried to recompose himself. The four mares had stayed quiet as Mario said his piece and had looked at him sadly and sympathetically when he started to vent. Moon Dancer was the pony who chose to approach him first.

"From what you just told us," said Moon Dancer, "I don't think Starlight Glimmer is the main problem."

"What do you mean?" Mario asked rather defensively.

"You started talking about Starlight Glimmer upsetting you," Lemon Hearts explained, "but towards the end, you seemed to be more upset over the fact that you feel like ponies keep hurting you all the time and getting away with it."

"What's your point?" Mario snapped.

"Her point, Mario," said Twinkleshine firmly, "Is that we don't think it's Starlight that's gotten you so upset and angry. It's the seems to us that what's hurting you is what other ponies have said and done to hurt you. Starlight just happens to be the most recent pony to say those really hurtful words to your face and tried to beat you up."

"Let's not forget that you've had to deal with ponies who were always bullying you since you were little," said Minuette, "From what I can tell, all those hurtful words are just wearing you down...and Starlight seems to be the breaking point."

"And all that anger comes from being tired of it," said Moon Dancer, "and I'm not surprised. I've seen how harsh ponies are with you and it's not right. But what isn't right is that you didn't bother to tell the others about this and instead decided to just lash out at them and run away!"

"I didn't...I wasn't..." Mario tried to protest before he just slumped over in defeat and sighed loudly. He knew he could lie about running away, but knew it was no use. He didn't bother to ask how Moon Dancer had figured that out that he had run away from home, "I left because I think it would be better if they didn't have to be burdened over the fact that their friend isn't strong enough to handle a little criticism!"

"Mario, what you've been told isn't criticism!" Moon Dancer protested, "the words that ponies have been throwing at you since you were a foal, especially what Starlight said, are very hurtful. Being told your whole life that you're worthless, useless, garbage, etc. That's not criticism. That's bullying and it can have long term effect on a pony if they have to put up with it for a long time."

"You're right," said Mario, "It has affected me, but I didn't want to drag my friends into this problem." The four mares approached Mario, each giving him a gentle hug.

"Mario, you and Twilight are the ones who tell others that your friends are ponies that you can always be honest with," said Twinkleshine, "You need to give your friends some credit and be honest with them. They'll help you if you just give them the chance."

"But what if they don't understand?" Mario protested, "It's not their fault I feel like this!"

"Yet you've been acting like it has," said Lemon Hearts, "By being mean to Starlight and everypony else back home." Mario let out a shaky sigh.

"You're right," said Mario, "They have a right to know...it's just...will they even accept my apology after how I acted? Will they even listen? I was awful to them all, especially Twilight! I even said she loves her books more than me! That had to have stung!" The four girls winced.

"As much as I would admit that I thought that about Twilight myself," said Moon Dancer before telling Mario sternly, "you had no right to say that to her!"

"There's no way Twilight will accept my apology or listen to me now!" Mario whimpered, "she probably told the others what I said and they'll probably turn me away and won't hear me out either!"

"Mario, they're your friends," said Minuette sternly, "they might be upset with you right now, especially Twilight, but they'll listen to you. You just need to open up and be honest with them. Just like you always want us to do the same with you."

"And I know Starlight hurt you deeply too," said Twinkleshine firmly, "and you have a right to be angry, but that doesn't give you to right to be rude to her and shun her either. You might not want to hear this, but this situation is no different than your past issues with Trixie. Even if Starlight never says sorry, forgiving her is what's gonna help you feel better."

"Plus Twilight did say that Starlight is making an effort to make up for what she's done," said Minuette, "It's possible the reason she hasn't apologized to you is because she knows you won't accept it. If you give her the chance to say her peace, I'm sure she would apologize to you. But you need to let her know that you're willing to listen and not just ignore her. I wouldn't be surprised if she thinks you hate her." Mario just sighed.

"You're right, I have to tell my friends the truth and I have to confront Starlight," said Mario, "I guess the sooner I go, the better. But...I'm scared you guys. I usually don't have problems being honest with my friends, but this...I'm really scared..." Mario sniffled as a few more tears left his eyes. Moon Dancer used her magic to hand Mario a tissue, which he used to dry her eyes.

"Did you want us to come with you?" Twinkleshine offered.

"Yes, yes!" said Lemon Hearts, "We can come and give you some extra support."

"We're here for you after all, Mario," Minuette added.

"I don't want to trouble you..." Mario protested weakly. The three girls shared serious looks with each other.

"You clearly need us more than ever right now," said Moon Dancer as she stood beside the other three mares, "We're not asking anymore. We're going with you. No questions asked."

"Why?" Mario asked.

"Because we love you," said Minuette in a firm tone. Mario sniffled and gave them a teary smile. Thanks to Mario knowing teleportation. It didn't take long before he and the four Canterlot mares arrived just outside of the castle. They were all in awe at the sight of it.

"I can't believe you actually get to live here!" said Lemon Hearts in shock.

"It's like a real fairy tale!" Twinkleshine added.

"Not really," said Mario, "For the first couple of months, I got lost trying to find the bathroom." The four mares blinked before they snickered and started to laugh. Mario smiled, but he was feeling dreadfully nervous inside as he approached the front door. Moon Dancer took notice.

"You can do this," said Moon Dancer, "I know you're scared, but this is something you need to do." Mario took a long deep breath, whimpered, and then bravely knocked on the door. It wasn't long before Spike opened it and gave the stallion a glare.

"Twilight was wondering when you'd show up," said Spike sternly, "she and the rest of your friends are waiting for you inside, including Starlight." Mario was taken aback at hearing that everypony was inside waiting for him, but then just lowered his head in defeat. Spike then noticed the four girls behind them.

"Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer," said Spike in surprise, "What are you all doing here?"

"They're the reason I found the courage the come home," Mario said sadly, "Otherwise I'd still be in Canterlot, trying to disappear." Spike gave him a sad look.

"Do you really think running away was going to solve all this?" Spike asked him sternly, "Twilight was scared to death something bad had happened to you! Everypony else has been worried sick! Even Di's been staying here, crying herself to sleep wondering when you'd be coming home! Even the Crusaders are wondering why their best friend ran away instead of seeking them for help! Especially since Princess Celestia has said nothing about how you were doing."

"Mom got called out on business," Mario replied, "I was with Moon Dancer working on that Double Gem Amulet during the day and sleeping at the castle at night..."

"It still doesn't excuse the fact you've been so crabby with everypony, avoiding Starlight, hurt Twilight so badly she nearly blew up the library, and ran away from home!" Spike yelled as Mario just looked ashamed. He really wanted to disappear now.

"Spike, please," said Minuette as she stood beside the alicorn stallion, "Mario confided in us about what's been happening and he told us how he's been acting. He's not afraid to say he's sorry. He's afraid to tell you why he's been so grumpy." Spike raised an eyebrow.

"So...this isn't because you hate Starlight?" Spike asked curiously. Mario sighed.

"I'll explain everything once we get inside," said Mario and looked behind him, "All of us." He looked behind himself as the four girls smiled supportively. Spike just shrugged his shoulders.

"Follow me then," said Spike as Mario nervously obeyed with the four mares right behind him. It wasn't long before they arrived in the middle of the library, which had been cleaned up from Twilight's rampage a few days ago. Mario found the rest of the Mane nine, Diamond Tiara, and even the Cutie Mark Crusaders were there waiting for them, all sitting in a large semi-circle. They all had blank looks on their faces, except for Twilight, who just looked at him with a firm look on her face. Mario just stood bravely before them as the four mares behind him gathered next to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Twilight was going to ask about them when Spike whispered something to her. She then gave a nod and smiled at the four mares. She then put her stern face back on when she looked at Mario. Mario hadn't bothered to make eye contact with Twilight, but the purple pony could tell he didn't look angry or bitter anymore.

"I guess I should be thanking our old group for the fact you even bothered to come home?" Twilight asked Mario sternly. Mario just nodded, but was still too afraid to make eye contact with his wife.

"You know why we're all here don't you?" Twilight asked next.

"I've been acting like a jerk to you and everypony else who's here today," said Mario in a soft voice, "Acting moody and having a bad attitude, lashing out at everypony..."

"Don't forget avoiding, hurting, and pushing me away!" Twilight scolded severely, making Mario wince, "And I can speak for everypony here that were are all just about sick of it! Mario Star, you're not leaving this room until you tell us why you're acting this way! So I suggest you stop avoiding everypony and tell us the truth! You're always trying to encourage us to be open with you and now it's time for you do the same!" Mario felt his lips quiver, finding it very hard to find his own voice. Starlight stepped forward.

"You know you can just admit that you hate me," said Starlight firmly as Mario lowered his head, "I gave you every right too! I wounded you deeply! Just say it already!"

"No," Mario interjected in calm but definitive tone. Starlight's eyes shrunk.

"Wait...what?!" Starlight replied in shock.

"I don't hate you, Starlight," said Mario sadly as he looked up at her, "and you didn't wound me. You just kept dumping a ton of salt on a wound that's always been on my heart." Starlight was taken aback. Pinkie, Shenran, Fluttershy, and Rarity gave Mario very sad looks. In fact, Pinkie's mane and tail even flattened considerably. Even Rainbow and Applejack looked glum. Twilight took notice of the forlorn looks on her friends' faces. Spike just let out a long sigh as well. Even the four little fillies looked like they were about to cry.

"What do you mean, honey?" Twilight asked curiously, no longer glaring at him. Mario sighed as he gave his wife a very sad look.

"Honey...have you ever felt...worthless?" Mario asked timidly. Twilight was taken aback, unsure of what to say.

"W-w-w-why are you asking me this?" Twilight asked, stuttering from shock.

"Do you ever feel like nopony likes you?" Mario asked as his eyes watered, "Do you ever feel invisible and insignificant? Like nopony could ever...ever truly love and accept you?" Nopony noticed that Starlight was on the verge of tears as she covered her mouth with a fore-hoof and tears were slowly falling from her eyes as she took a few steps back. She knew that pain more than anypony realized, but nopony else had noticed.

"Is that how you've been feeling lately?" said Fluttershy, "and why you've been feeling so down and acting so angry with us?" Mario let out a sharp sigh.

"Some days I feel really happy with my life," Mario explained quietly, "But other days...I feel so strange...it's like everything just feels sort of...empty and hopeless...and those days have been more common recently, especially after we had our first Cutie Map mission. I just...don't feel like laughing or smiling like I used to. I don't have fun doing the things like I do anymore and sometimes I...you know what? N-n-n-never mind! Just never mind! This is just petty! It's stupid!"

"Mario don't!" said Pinkie sternly as she walked up to him, "This problem cannot be something petty if you feel this way. Now talk to us! Let us help you! What happens sometimes?" Mario bit his lower lip and looked away.

"Mario, all we want to do is help you," said Scootaloo as she took a step forward.

"Please talk to us, Big Brother," said Apple Bloom.

"It's not good to keep this all bottled up inside," Sweetie Belle added, "Talk to us!"

"But it's stupid!" said Mario, raising his voice at everypony, making Pinkie and the three fillies flinch, "I mean if you need to know why I've been so moody and angry. I'm not angry at any of you. I'm just angry with myself. I'm sorry I took it out on all of you, especially Starlight! She may have hurt me deeply, but she's not the one I'm truly angry at! It's me! It's me..." There was a long silence before Applejack took a step forward.

"We forgive you, sugarcube," said Applejack, "but the fact you've admitted that you're feeling angry with yourself is just more proof that what's bothering you isn't petty or stupid."

"Please talk to us, master," said Diamond Tiara as tears streamed down her face, "I've been so worried about you! I been seeing how sad you've been getting lately and I don't know how else to help you. You taught me that friends are honest with each other! I was honest with you when I was hurting and you've been helping me. Now it's your turn! Please talk to us! Let me help you this time! I...I love you..." Diamond Tiara broke down in tears and could no longer speak as her voice was drowned in loud sobs. Mario felt his heartbreak seeing his faithful student now crying loudly as Apple Bloom pulled the tiara wearing filly in for a hug. Mario took a shaky breath.

"Sometimes..." Mario croaked as he shakily continued, "Sometimes I don't even want to...spend time with my friends...or be around...anypony...not even my own wife..." It was then Pinkie's mane completely flattened and her coat even grayed slightly as tears appeared in her eyes. Fluttershy and Shenran were fighting back tears as well. While the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Canterlot group held their composure, many of them were how shedding their own tears. Twilight could feel her composure slipping.

"Honey..." she exclaimed in a sad tone.

"I'm sorry!" Mario replied as his tears began to fall, "I've been so scared to admit that to anypony because I was afraid that you would all think I don't want to be your friend anymore. Or...Or...you won't want to be my friends. I...I don't know why I feel like this. What have I got to be miserable about? I'm married to my special somepony! I'm a prince and I've got wings! I can fly like a Wonderbolt! I've got all these talents and abilities! I live in such a large and glorious castle! I've got friends! My own student of friendship whom I'm very proud of! I found who I'm related too! I've got jobs that I love doing! I'm in good health despite some serious accidents in my life that should have left me in the hospital or unable to even move! I should be happy! But I'm not...I'm not..." Mario then felt his tears increase as a sob escaped his mouth. The others just looked at him sympathetically. Starlight was sobbing quietly on her own. Twilight just looked at him sadly.

"Why didn't you tell us before, Big Brother?" Fluttershy asked, now crying as well as she stepped forward, "Instead of bottling up and lashing out at us?"

"You're always telling us that we can be open with each other," Rainbow added and was actually crying openly, "Doesn't that apply to you as well?"

"I get it! I'm a hypocrite!" Mario cried out.

"No, you're not," said Twilight gently but firmly, "not if you tell us why you didn't come to us sooner about all this." Mario tried his best to recompose himself before containing.

"I didn't feel like I deserved your help," Mario sobbed, "especially not after how I've been acting. It's not your fault I feel this way! I thought I was finally getting over these feelings when you became my friends, when Twilight fell in love with me, after everything I've accomplished, even overcoming my inner fears to race again and won Ponyville a gold medal! But...after Starlight hurt me the first time in her village...I realized that I still feel this way! Even with all of you here...I just feel so...lonely... (sob) I...I doubt any of you could understand that..."

"I do," said Rarity. Mario then looked up to see the marshmallow mare walked up to her, looking at him with eyes filled with compassion, sympathy, and held back tears.

"You do, Rares?" said Mario softly.

"Yes I do," said Rarity in very gentle tone, "You feel like you're stuck a deep dark pit, completely surrounded by darkness."

"And you think no matter how hard you try, you'll never see the light or find a way out," Pinkie added as she stood beside the marshmallow mare. Mario's face scrunched up before he wailed in a very sad and anguished tone as he began sobbing heavily as his tears flowed freely, creating small splashes on the carpet, as he buried his face into the carpet. Finally, all that inner turmoil that he had been holding on for so long was finally come out full force and Mario was powerless to stop it. Rarity, Fluttershy, Shenran, and Pinkie all pulled him up and held the alicorn prince for comfort with Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack joining in once Mario was sitting up. Then the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, and Spike tried to fit into the group hug. They were all crying as Mario sobbed loudly and heavily. Mario saw everypony sobbing and felt worse. He hadn't noticed that Starlight had chosen to remain where she was, crying alone. Not because she didn't care, but because she felt unworthy of joining in the group hug.

"Look at me! I'm nothing but a pathetic little crybaby!" Mario wailed, "Why am I being so selfish right now! I am stupid...so pathetic...a loser..."

"Mario, don't say stuff that!" Twilight pleaded in a broken tone as her tears kept flowing, "You're not selfish or pathetic for feeling this way."

"I'm hurting you all with my problems!" Mario retorted in a broken tone, "I made Pinkie's mane flatten! I made four fillies cry! I made you all cry! I was already so mean to you all! I'm a bad pony! I'm a good for nothing piece of trash...I wish I was never born!"

"Master, please stop staying such mean things about yourself!" Diamond Tiara sobbed, "you're not a bad pony!"

"And don't ever say you wish you weren't born!" Sweetie Belle croaked sadly, "I do sincerely love you! It's not just because of my crush on you anymore!"

"Me too!" Scootaloo croaked in a shaky voice, "I love you so much, Mario...you're not a bad pony!"

"Yeah, if I was such a good pony, I wouldn't be making you all cry over my stupid issues!" Mario snapped.

"Mario, everypony has problems," said Applejack gently but firmly as her own tears continued to fall, "Nopony is perfect and like we told ya before, y'all don't need to be perfect for us to love you. You're not selfish for telling us that you feel this way." Mario hiccuped several times before he could find his voice again.

"I-I'm so...so...(sob)...sorry..." Mario replied as his tears were soon drowning his ability to speak, "I t-t-t-t-tried s-s-s-so hard to d-d-d-deal w-w-with t-t-this, (sob) b-b-b-b-b-but I c-c-c-can't...(sob) I c-c-c-c-can't d-d-d-do it-t-t-t...(sob)(sob) I g-g-g-give up..." Mario then just let his tears consume him as he broke down. Everypony else just enveloped the alicorn prince as his crying overtook him. Nothing else was said as they went back to group hugging Mario and crying with him. It was a good ten minutes of crying before they all pulled away. While most of the group had settled down, Mario was still sobbing as they pulled away, but not as heavily. Fluttershy walked up to him.

"Mario..." Fluttershy said in soft but stern tone, "Look at me."

"Not the Stare! Not the Stare! I'm sorry!" Mario pleaded fearfully.

"Then look at me right now!" said Fluttershy firmly as Mario looked at her with bloodshot eyes and sticky cheeks. His body trembled a bit since he was still afraid of what the yellow Pegasus was going to say. Fluttershy held his fore-hoof to calm him down.

"You have nothing to be ashamed about," said Fluttershy gently, "You've said you were sorry for being mean. And we understand how you feel. I understand how you feel...alone, scared, and feeling like all those hurtful names and comments are tearing you apart inside...and it feels like the torment will never stop." Mario whimpered loudly since he hadn't even brought that up, but didn't deny it either.

"You need to let go of the past," said Pinkie, her eyes full of tears, "and that includes what Starlight said to you too. Holding onto that hurt is only hurting yourself. Look at how you were acting with us because you held onto all that hurt. You let it poison you! I know that you would never want to hurt us on purpose, right?" Mario sniffled and shook his head as his tears started to slow down.

"Pinkie's right," said Starlight, finally finding the courage to stepping forward with her eyes still full of tears, "Holding into what happened in the past is why I was so angry and mean to everypony, especially you. I was afraid to have friends, that fear turned into anger, then the anger turned into hate, and soon...I was doing horrible things like stealing cutie marks, destroying Equestria, and trying to destroy you from the inside out..." Mario just listened as he released a long, but shaky breath.

"Then tell me, Starlight," said Mario sadly, "What did I do?"

"What do you mean?" Starlight asked puzzled.

"What did I do you make you want to hurt me so badly?" Mario asked, not hiding his hurt, "and before you reply, the whole taking your town away doesn't count! You were already trying to rip me apart before you ever ripped my cutie mark off my flank! You might as well know, you achieved your goal! You did destroy me! I feel worthless and I wish I wasn't born! I concede defeat. You won, Starlight, you won..." The others looked at Mario sadly. To Mario's surprise, Starlight began to cry again.

"And I'm supposed to be happy about that?" Starlight replied in a broken tone, "I still can't believe I even went so far. To answer your question, you didn't do anything to make me treat you that way. I just saw how strong your bond was with Twilight and the others. I saw how much fun you guys had together. How much they loved and appreciated you. You looked so happy. It was something I wanted with my old friend Sunburst, but I thought I would never be able to have a bond that strong and special with anypony. It made me resent and hate you. You were giving Twilight and the others something I thought I could never have for myself! So...I sought to destroy your bonds and your happiness."

"So you were just jealous of the friendships we had," said Mario, "and that I had good friendships with Twilight and the other girls."

"Yes, petty as it sounds, it is true," said Starlight sadly, "plus...I also misjudged you as one of those stuck up princes like Blueblood so...it's also why I was so mean to you. I thought you had a big ego that needed to be torn down. I had no idea that you were so...so..."

"Feeble and pathetic?" Mario remarked.

"Sensitive and down to earth," Starlight corrected, "You're not conceited at all. Just a little hot-tempered and stubborn."

"Gee...thanks," said Mario with an eye roll.

"Sorry," said Starlight, "The point is that I was wrong about you. I've never met a stallion who is this open with their feelings before. You remind me of Sunburst..." Starlight felt her composure starting to slip as Mario gave her an understanding look.

"Sunburst is the pony who abandoned you isn't it?" Mario asked. Starlight was surprised.

"How'd...how'd you know?" Starlight asked in a soft tone, "that he abandoned me I mean. You were unconscious when I showed Twilight my past."

"Twilight me told that being abandoned by him had something to do with why you did all those terrible things," Mario answered, "I didn't want to understand or care at the time, but now that I've had some time to think, it makes sense why you didn't want to make friends again. You're afraid that somepony would hurt you like that again. I actually understand that feeling. I was once abandoned by somepony very special to me. As strong as my bonds are with everypony here, I was still terrified that I could do or say anything that would make those friendships fall apart or disappear forever..." Starlight felt her eyes had found another supply of tears as they streamed down her face.

"You...do understand how I feel..." Starlight whimpered.

"I would ask why you never told me about all this yourself," said Mario, "But I know that's because I haven't been very open to your feelings lately. And I've been very mean and cold to you. I'm so sorry, Starlight." Starlight was shocked.

"Sorry? Sorry?!" Starlight spluttered, "why should you say you're sorry to me?! I'm the one who hurt you so badly that you wanted to run away from your own friends and don't even think you're special! You should hate me right now! I deserve all that attitude you've been giving me! If it wasn't for Twilight, you would have had me thrown out of the castle by now! Punishment is all I really deserve!"

"No you don't!" said Mario sternly, "Wanna know why?" Starlight just gave him a curious look despite her tears.

"Unlike all those other ponies who went out of their way to tear me apart," said Mario, "You've made it clear that you weren't trying to hurt me on purpose. You were acting out because of your own fears and inner hurts. Isn't that true?" Starlight sobbed.

"Y-y-yes," Starlight hiccupped, "I'm so, so, sorry Mario. I'm so sorry and ashamed over what I did to you. It wasn't right of me to say all those awful things or beat you up. I was just so...angry...and hurt..." Now it was Starlight's turn to lose her composure to her tears. While she ran out after within a few seconds, Starlight was still sobbing heavily. Mario then got up and slowly walked up to her with a stern look on his face. They others watched with interest as Starlight looked frightened at seeing Mario approach her. Mario was within range, he raised a fore-leg into the air. Starlight whimpered loudly, fearing Mario was going to hurt her. But instead..,.

Mario pulled Starlight into a hug.

Starlight was left in shock as Mario held her close in a firm but very gentle grip. Starlight could tell she could pull away from Mario at any time, but...she found she didn't want to. Then Mario said something that made the remains of Starlight's walls crumble to dust.

"I forgive you, Starlight Glimmer."

Starlight felt like she was starting to hyperventilate. She couldn't believe Mario had said that to her. Mario could feel her panting and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"Calm down, Starlight," said Mario gentle and soothing tone, "I mean that. I forgive you...for everything."

"You...you...shouldn't," Starlight stuttered, her body trembling, "I don't deserve it!"

"Fine, you don't," said Mario, surprising everypony he would say that, "but I'm giving it to you anyway. From what I can see, Starlight, you don't want power, world domination, or equality. All you ever really wanted was friends who love and accept you for who you are, which includes the good, the bad, and the flaws. I know you find it hard to trust in me or anypony else right now. But I am stallion of my word. If you are willing to let me be your friend, I promise you. You'll never feel abandoned ever again. I would be honored to welcome you as part of my family."

"I don't deserve it! I don't deserve it!" Starlight sobbed, clearly feeling overwhelmed from everything Mario was telling her.

"It doesn't matter if you feel like you deserve it or not," said Mario gently, "Despite that you tried to hurt me, I chose to forgive you and now I wanna be your friend. Will you be my friend, Starlight Glimmer?" Starlight pulled away as her lips quivered.

"YES!" Starlight Glimmer wailed as she buried her face into his chest and cried loudly and tearlessly. Mario just held her securely, letting her know that he wouldn't let go until she was ready. Despite the tears resurfacing in their own eyes, the rest of the group couldn't help but smile. Even Twilight put a fore-hoof to her chest. She was happy that Mario had finally forgiven Starlight and was now giving her the same unconditional love and compassion he was famous for.

"Just let it all out, Starlight," said Mario as he began to cry again himself, "You don't have to live in all this hurt and bitterness anymore. You're surrounded by ponies who love and care about you. We'll always be here for you. I will always be here for you..." It was then his horn began to glow a bright pink as what looked like dust appeared above his horn as the very heart he had seen shattered was restored before it entered his horn. Mario's body began to glow pink as a warm smile appeared on his face. Suddenly his and Starlight's hearts didn't feel so heavy anymore.

"What's happening?" Starlight asked as they pulled away, "I feel so warm and safe all of a sudden." Mario chuckled as the pink glow disappeared.

"Apparently forgiving you restored my love magic," said Mario, "guess being so angry and bitter inside was why I wasn't able to recover it after the timeline was restored. I should've known. Even my own element doesn't work at all if my heart's intention isn't pure. The same would go for my love magic. The reason I couldn't get it back was because of I was holding onto all this bitterness and resentment. But like you said...when you're angry, all you can do is blame others for it. I'm sorry I blamed you for that, Starlight."

"I'm sorry too," said Starlight, "I did try to destroy your love magic after all, but I'm really glad the damage wasn't permanent. Thank you for forgiving me and for being my friend, Mario. That means a lot to me." Mario smiled.

"I'll always be here for you, Starlight," said Mario, "As you can see, even I have those fears about losing my friends too. In fact, I've struggled my whole life trying to believe that I'm not worthless..."

"And you don't have to feel that way," said Fluttershy as she and the others finally approached the two ponies.

"But we're all here for you," said Rainbow, "We love you Mario and we've always got your back."

"I know you might find this hard to do in your condition," said Rarity, "but you can trust us when we say everything will be okay. You do trust us don't you?"

"Of course," said Mario sadly, "I just didn't want to burden all of you..."

"You're not burdening anypony, big brother," said Applejack, "If Rainbow injured herself so badly that she could no longer be a Wonderbolt, do you think we'd abandoned her? No! Or if Twilight lost her eye sight and could no longer read books. Would we leave her to deal with it alone? Of course not! Or what if Rarity's fashion empire went bankrupt? We'd do all we could to help her get those debts paid so she could keep doing what she loves! We would never abandon each other and we would never abandon you."

"I know dealing with this can make life difficult at times, Mario," said Pinkie, "but that doesn't mean we're going to love you less or leave you." Mario smiled as he tried to feebly wipe his eyes.

"Thanks, everypony," said Mario, "Thank you for listening to me. But I just can't help but feel...ridiculous right now. It doesn't make sense but...every day or so...I just feel so scared that I'm going to wake up one day you're all going to leave me. Or that my wife will just get sick of me and want to end our marriage."

"I don't love books more than you!" Twilight wailed desperately.

"Twilight..." said Diamond Tiara firmly as the purple pony saw the four fillies giving her stern looks and shaking their heads. Twilight just sniffled and backed down...for the moment. Mario gave his wife a sad look before Rarity turned his head so they were making eye contact.

"I know this won't be easy," said Rarity, "but you don't have to deal with this gloominess alone. Not anymore. We know the way out of that deep dark pit you feel stuck in. All we ask is that you trust us to help you. No matter how long it takes, we will help you overcome this. Trust in your friends, Mario. Trust us." Mario sniffled and gave a brave nod.

"Okay," said Mario, "There just one thing though..."

"What's that?" Moon Dancer asked.

"I'm scared..." said Mario timidly.

"Don't be buddy," said Shenran, "Don't focus so much on tomorrow. Just take each day one baby step at a time."

"Just like you tell me," said Fluttershy, "You'll get past this, no matter how long it takes. It doesn't matter if it takes a few weeks or even if it takes a few years for you to fully heal. We'll be there for you every single day." Mario nodded as he finally wiped his eyes dry. He then went to stand up again when...

"Oh!"

PLOP!

Everypony gasped when Mario suddenly tipped over and passed out.

"MARIO!" The four fillies cried out as they rushed to him. Fluttershy and Moon Dancer already at his side checking him over.

"It's okay everypony," said Fluttershy as Moon Dancer did some medical checks of her own.

"All that emotional stress just took a toll on his body," Moon Dancer added, "All he needs is sleep." Twilight just nodded as she used her magic to put him on her back.

"Do...you need help?" Applejack asked worriedly since she had never seen Twilight carry Mario before.

"I've got him," said Twilight, "He's not that heavy when you've carried him long enough." Starlight just looked away since she knew why Twilight would have gotten used to carrying him. The rest of the group just watched as Twilight carried Mario back to their bedroom. She then tucked him into bed, kissed his cheek, and went back to the library. She then told Spike to prepare the castle for everypony else for an overnight stay. She was grateful today was the start of a long weekend and the Canterlot mares were more than excited to spend the next few days at the castle.

As the sun rose into the sky the next morning, the first rays of sunshine tickled Mario's nose and awakened him. Mario slowly opened his eyes and found that he was now in his bedroom. While he was feeling better, he didn't need long to remember what had happened.

"I've got nopony to blame but myself for that," Mario pondered aloud. He then turned to find his wife sleeping on her side of the bed facing him. He noticed that she still had tear strains on her cheeks.

"I really hurt you didn't I," said Mario sadly.

"No," said Twilight, showing that she was awake and her eyes were red from her tears, "I was the one who hurt you." Mario blinked as Twilight sat up.

"I don't understand..." Mario said honestly and sadly, "I'm the one who hurt you with my bad attitude and saying all those means things..."

"Mario, yes you did do all those things, but we grew up together," said Twilight firmly as she looked at him, "until we came to Ponyville, didn't I always tune you out whenever you were telling me things?" Mario took a deep breath and nodded.

"It's clear that you've gotten so used to me just tuning you out that you probably just assumed that if you had a problem, I wouldn't care to listen to you," Twilight continued, "Isn't that true?"

"I didn't mean that remark about you loving books more..."

"I think you did," Twilight interrupted, "not because you resent me or wanted to hurt me on purpose, but because, deep down, you really believe that." Mario bit his lower lip.

"I...I..." Mario stuttered nervously.

"Mario, you promised in our wedding vows that we wouldn't hiding things from each other," Twilight warned, "Tell me the truth. Do you really believe your second to my books?" Mario took a deep breath.

"You just..." Mario said slowly as he found his words, "you seemed to be so stressed out all the time, especially recently with our royal duties as the Prince and Princess of Friendship. You've always needed me to be your rock and support. I...I never felt like my own problems or worries...were worth you dropping everything to help me. Plus I didn't think you would want to help me. When I was falling apart in Starlight's village, you left me to fall apart in the corner of the room and hit me. Then you dumped me over to Fluttershy..." Twilight was now crying.

"Guess Di was right," said Twilight in a cracked tone, "I've been so focused on my own petty problems that I've neglected my own husband!"

"Honey..." said Mario.

"It's true!" Twilight retorted as her tears kept falling, "you've been hurting all this time and the one time you really needed me, I panicked and told Fluttershy to help you! I'm your wife! I should've at least tried to put you back together again! Instead I let myself get too scared to try and I made somepony else do it! You needed me and I failed you!" Twilight buried her face into her fore-hooves and sobbed. Mario just held her close.

"Please don't cry, sweetie," said Mario gently, "You can't blame yourself for that. After all, I was the one who didn't even try to speak up about my gloominess. I wasn't giving you a fair chance to help me because I was hiding how I felt from you. And then when Starlight really hurt me, I didn't even try talking to you about it and I ended up hurting everypony when all that anger boiled over. You were right after all. Staying angry toward Starlight wasn't helping me at all. I was hurting myself by holding a grudge against her...and I wasn't even giving her a chance to say sorry."

"I can't tell you how proud I was when you openly forgave her yesterday," said Twilight with a teary smile, "The fact your love magic was restored was obviously proof that you meant it and you do want there for her like a true friend."

"I did mean all of that," said Mario, "I do care about Starlight. She seemed to understand how I was feeling inside. Even I can understand when the fear can sometimes leave you so angry and you make some...poor choices. We share the same insecurities. I feel less alone knowing that I'm not the only pony who has these doubts and fears of rejection and feeling like you don't matter." Twilight looked at him sympathetically as she wiped her eyes, but then saw something on their personal corkboard and got an idea. Mario noticed her looking at it.

"What's up, dear?" Mario asked curiously.

"Honey, the Train-Con is today," said Twilight. Mario groaned.

"Not interested..." said Mario quietly, "it's no fun going alone..."

"Why not ask if Starlight will go with you?" said Twilight. Mario raised an eyebrow.

"She likes model locomotives?" Mario said in surprise.

"I don't know," said Twilight, "but I don't see any harm in asking. You haven't had a chance to spend time together as friends yet."

"Yeah, that's...true..." said Mario sadly, "Alright...I'll ask her. Are you going to be okay sweetie?" Twilight just smiled bravely before she gave him a tender kiss.

"I love you more than anything," said Twilight sweetly, "promise me that you'll try harder to speak up when you've got a problem from here on out. And I promise to listen to you more, especially if you're feeling sad or lonely. I don't want my husband feeling sad anymore. I wanna make you happy." Mario smiled and gave her a kiss. Then a few tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry for everything I put you through these past few weeks," Mario croaked as he started to cry, "I still can't believe I said such awful things to you. I never meant to you hurt you. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I already have," said Twilight as she gently used a fore-hoof to wipe his tears away, "I love you, Mario. Just like friendship, there is gonna be times where our marriage bond is gonna be tested. But it's always worth fighting for. You can't get rid of me that easily! I'm sticking to you forever!" Twilight smirked, which made Mario chuckle.

"Thank goodness," Mario said with relief, "Can I hold you for a few minutes before I speak to Starlight? You are the cuddliest pony in Equestria." Twilight giggled as she snuggled up under his chin and they just held each other quietly.

Meanwhile, Starlight was in her new bedroom, wide awake and feeling rather puzzled as she lay on her bed.

After everything I did to Mario, all the awful things I said, he just...forgives me?! Just like that?! That make no sense!

So does the fact he understands how you feel! Starlight's mind protested.

I don't get that either! Starlight retorted back, He's the prince of friendship! He shouldn't be feeling that way!

Starlight, he's just a pony like you! He's not perfect and he wants to be your friend! Why are trying to find a reason to push him away?

Because I don't deserve his forgiveness! I don't deserve his understanding! I don't even deserve to be here! I don't...I don't... Starlight soon buried her face into her pillow and started to cry. Then there was a knock on the door.

"Starlight? Are you awake?" Mario called out. The lilac unicorn quickly sat up and wiped her eyes.

"C-c-come in!" said Starlight, trying to sound casual as she sat up on the edge of her bed, using a fore-hoof to brush her mane of any bed hair. Mario walked inside with a smile on her face.

"Morning Starlight," said Mario cheerfully.

"H-Hi," said Starlight timidly, "How are you feeling?"

"Better," said Mario as he sat next to her, "things definitely don't feel so bleak now that I've opened up to my friends about how I've been feeling. And stopped resenting you." Starlight just sighed sadly.

"You're sure you should stop resenting me?" Starlight asked before she could stop herself.

"Yes, you said you were sorry and I forgive you," said Mario, "besides, staying mad at you wasn't doing me any good. I just felt miserable and I was hurting my family, especially my wife."

"I see..." said Starlight quietly.

"Anyways, I wanted to tell you that there's this Train-Con today that I like going to every year," said Mario, "I wanted to know if...well...would you like to come with me?" Starlight's eyes widened in surprise.

"Me?" Starlight asked in shock.

"Yeah," said Mario, "Out of our group, I haven't had a chance to hang out with you. I'd like to spend the day with you. My wife doesn't mind that."

"But...but..." Starlight stuttered, "Why not ask the others? About Train-Con?"

"None of them share an interest in model trains and locomotives," said Mario sheepishly, "I invited them all, and I mean everypony that was here yesterday in the past. They got bored rather quickly...and let me know...mostly in unspoken terms."

"I see..." said Starlight slowly.

"If you're not interested, we can do something else," said Mario, "I just want to have fun with my new friend. We can do something you wanna do if you like." Starlight couldn't help but chuckle at how considerate Mario was being.

"Well, I've never really been into model trains," said Starlight, "But I guess I could give Train-Con a try."

"Really?" said Mario hopefully, "Thanks Starlight! That means alot to me. Just...promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Starlight asked.

"If you get bored, just let me know," said Mario kindly, "You don't have to pretend to like it for my sake. Okay?" Starlight blinked. Secretly, she was planning on faking it if she got bored to make Mario happy. But she could tell Mario preferred she be honest with him.

"Um...okay..." said Starlight sheepishly. Mario smiled.

"Come on! We can get something for breakfast along the way, my treat," said Mario, "I've got somepony I need to apologize to before we head to the Canterlot Convention Center." Starlight nodded as she grabbed the new saddlebag Rarity had made for her and Mario grabbed his own magic saddle bag. They had just passed the dining room when they heard some loud laughter. Mario and Starlight peeked in to find everypony else was having breakfast and chatting with each other.

"Hey! Mario!" said Minuette called out as the rest of the others said hello as well. Diamond Tiara rushed up to the alicorn prince and gave him a hug. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were right behind her.

"Are you feeling better?" the tiara-wearing filly asked as the others had hopeful smiles on their faces.

"Yes, much better," said Mario, "thank you for asking." The four fillies smiled and they gathered around him for a group hug.

"Are you guys hungry?" Applejack asked with a tall stack of Belgian waffles with lots of whipped cream and sliced apples on her stack, "Pinkie made plenty of waffles and toppings to boot!"

"Yeah," said Pinkie, her mane and tail now poufy again, "After everything that happened yesterday, I figured an extra special breakfast would help you feel super duper happy! And I know you hardly ever get to have fresh waffles." Mario chuckled.

"Well, you certainly made me smile," said Mario, "I was gonna just grab something at Sugarcube Corner since I...owe somepony an apology..."

"Mrs. Cake can wait," said Pinkie as she walked up to him, "and as much as I would never turn away a customer, I think you need more than just a pastry for breakfast this morning. Twilight told us you and Starlight were heading to Train-Con, but before you go, we would like to spend time with you. So come and eat with your family, okay? That includes you too Starlight!" Mario looked at the group, filling with lots of warm smiles and then at Starlight when her stomach growled and rumbled loudly. Starlight blushed shyly.

"Yeah, good idea Pinks," said Mario, "Starlight, will you sit next to me at the table?"

"Aw I wanted to...mmmph," Sweetie Belle was cut with Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo put a fore-hoof to the marshmallow filly's mouth.

"I think that would be a great idea," said Scootaloo. Starlight just chuckled.

"Alright," Starlight replied as Mario extended a fore-hoof and escorted her to the table. Starlight was surprised to see that Twilight didn't get jealous. She also giggled quietly when she saw Sweetie Belle snuggle up to Shenran and said "I love you, big brother".

Mario and Starlight were both grateful for the breakfast. They had their fill of the waffles with plenty of toppings before they bid the rest of the group goodbye. Mario couldn't help but give the other ponies a hug each, and gave his wife another kiss, before he and Starlight headed to Sugarcube Corner to apologize to Mrs. Cake and then headed over to Canterlot. Once they had left, the rest of the Mane nine had gone back to their homes while Twilight decided to take the four Canterlot mares to the Ponyville park for some fun. Minuette had fortunately found a ball and they were playing a game of catch together. But it wasn't long after they had started playing that Twilight started getting a little distracted. Twilight paid the price when the ball clocked her on the head, leaving her a bit woozy.

"Twilight!" said Twinkleshine as they rest of the girls rushed up to her.

"Are you okay?" Lemon Hearts asked worried.

"Ugh...but daddy, Shining Armor ate all the ice cream sandwiches!" Twilight said in a woozy tone before shaking her head, "Brbrbrbrbrbr! Ugh...S-s-sorry! Heh..." Twilight blushed in embarrassment. Despite getting a little woozy, she fully remembered what she had just said. The other girls snickered.

"We'll make sure Shining Armor buys some more ice cream sandwiches," Minuette chuckled as Twilight smiled in embarrassment, "anyway, what's on your mind?"

"Got some good books to read for later?" Moon Dancer asked curiously, "Any chance you can tell me the titles so I can check them out when you're done?" Twilight giggled.

"No, girls," said Twilight, "It's not about any books. In fact, I'm hating books at the moment."

"GASP!" said the four mares at once. Moon Dancer was so shocked that she put a fore-hoof over her heart and passed out.

(Lose a life fanfare)

"Who are you?" Twinkleshine asked in a rather fearful tone. Twilight just rolled her eyes.

"Girls, it's still me!" said Twilight, "I just find it hard to enjoy reading at all right now because...it was my love for books that made me not appreciate my friends and now I've learned that my love for reading made me neglect my own husband! And it goes all the way back to when we were foals! Maybe he wouldn't have gotten this depressed if I had just...just..." Twilight felt her eyes water as she took a slow breath to calm herself.

"Twilight," said Moon Dancer, who had already recovered from her shock, "I know I gave you a hard time about not appreciating us and Mario, but...just like Mario has to move on from the past. You need to do the same."

"You can't undo the damage from the past," said Minuette, "but you can make sure that Mario never feels that way ever again. Be there for him now and let him know how much you love him."

"I know," said Twilight, "Aside from the regret, I'm also worried about him and Starlight. I hope they will have a good time at the Train-con. Or at least have fun spending time with each other. I know Mario forgave her and meant it, but...guess I can't help but worry that something is gonna go wrong or they find out they can't be friends." The four mares stayed silent for a moment before Lemon Hearts walked up to her.

"Twilight, do you trust Mario?" Lemon Hearts asked in a serious tone.

"Of course I do," said Twilight.

"Then you shouldn't worry about Mario and Starlight," said Moon Dancer, "Mario is alot of fun to be around after all. I'm sure he'll figure something out if Starlight gets bored at the Train-Con." Twilight smiled.

"You're right, thanks girls," said Twilight as she used her magic to grab the ball, "Shall we keep playing?" The rest of the group cheered as they got back into position to continue their game of catch.

"TWILIGHT!"

Twilight then accidentally tossed the ball high into the air. It was then Pinkie arrived and the ball hit Twinkleshine's horn and deflated.

"Pinkie! What's wrong?" Twilight asked when she saw how distressed.

"I'm the worst friend ever!" Pinkie said sadly, "The absolute worst! I'll never forgive myself for this! And I'm usually so good at remembering these things! Out of all the things I could forget. How could I forget this?!"

"Calm down, Pinkie," said Twilight, "What's the problem?" Pinkie began to cry.

"Mario's birthday is tomorrow and I completely forgot all about it!" Pinkie sobbed, "I have no plans at all for even a party!" Everypony gasped.

It wasn't long before Twilight summoned the rest of the Mane Nine, Spike, Diamond Tiara and the Cutie Mark Crusaders to the castle, found her little pocket book, and checked the date.

"She's right!" said Twilight, "I've been so caught up with Mario being upset that I completely forgot about Mario's birthday too!" The others gasped and they all looked devastated as well.

"Oh sweet Celestia! So did we!" Rarity exclaimed sadly as she looked at everypony else.

"We did too!" said Apple Bloom as the other three fillies looked just as sad.

"Ooh! Mario will be so devastated when he finds out!" Fluttershy said sadly, "He'll really think he isn't special...and it's all our fault..." Shenran held Fluttershy close as the yellow Pegasus began to cry.

"What are we gonna do, y'all," said Applejack worriedly, "I don't think I can take seeing my big brother cry like that again...or hear him say all those awful things about being worthless and such..." They all looked glum for a few seconds. Moon Dancer then realized something

"You guys," Moon Dancer pointed out, "We haven't missed his birthday. It's tomorrow, not today." Pinkie then gasped dramatically.

"She's right," said Pinkie, "we can put something together and give him the best birthday ever!"

"You're right, Pinkie!" said Twilight, "If all work together, we can make Mario a birthday party that will show him just how much we love him!" The others smiled in agreement.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" said Rainbow as she hovered out of her throne, "Let's get to work!" The others cheered and raised a fore-leg into the air before they spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening shopping, planning, and preparing everything for Mario's big birthday party.

Correction: a surprise birthday party.

By nighttime, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine were spending time with Diamond Tiara so they could get to know Mario's new student. They were playing a board game together in one room while Twilight had offered to help Moon Dancer as they continued to iron out the kinks to Mario's Double Gem Amulet in another room.

"I see what you were talking about, Moon Dancer," said Twilight in exhaustion as she removed the prototype from her neck, "but I don't think the problem has to do with the spells contained in each gem. It's the effect the amulet has on your body. The strain it puts on a pony is what's causing the duration to be so short. Maybe if you toned the body strain down a bit. We can figure out a way to increase the duration of each gem's special effects and lessen the side effects of overusing it."

"Might as well give it a try," said Moon Dancer, "Mario was just trying to provide a fail-safe in case if the amulet ended up in the wrong hooves. They couldn't take advantage of the amulet's power because the strain would wear them down if they used the magic for too long."

"It's a good idea in theory," said Twilight, "But the body strain the magic causes when being used is too strong. We need to..." Twilight then was cut off when she heard a faint sound of laughter enter in the distance. Twilight and Moon Dancer looked at each other before exiting the room. As they reached the throne room, they found Mario and Starlight walking inside, each wearing engineer's hats, and laughing together.

"Hey waiter! I'm in my soup!" said Mario with a funny face. Starlight laughed heartily. Twilight and Moon Dancer gave each other funny looks.

"I don't get it," said Moon Dancer.

"It's an inside joke," said Starlight as she calmed down. Mario then made his mane stick upwards and used his magic to make it look black.

"Hey Starlight, my new mane style is smokin'!" Mario remarked with cross-eyes.

"Pffff! Hahahaha!" Starlight laughed as Mario returned his mane to normal.

"What?" said Twilight puzzled.

"Long story short," said Mario, "There were some life sized engines at the Train-con. And one of the whistle values was clogged. I was peeking inside to see what was causing the clog. Then Starlight accidentally bumped the whistle chord, which not only cleared the clog, but made my mane stick up and covered it in soot. Plus I was frazzled at hearing the whistle blow to close to my ears." Starlight just snickered.

"Sorry," said Starlight.

"It's okay," said Mario, "Cause after I tricked you into looking at the other whistle valve and then your mane looked just a silly." Starlight giggled.

"True," said Starlight and then sighed, "I wasn't sure I'd have fun, but the Train-con was so cool! Looking at all the different model trains sets and landscapes ponies had made. Plus the life-sized trains you could actually get on were awesome!"

"Then Starlight got to play with one of the model trains and really got into it," said Mario.

"My favorite part was when you read the talking train stories to the foals," said Starlight, "I had no idea you were the author of those books. I was secretly a huge fan of them and I'm a grown mare! Now I know the author? I'm so honored." Mario smiled.

"Always happy to please a friend," said Mario, "or should I say sister?" Starlight giggled.

"Right back at ya, bro," said Starlight as they two shared a hoof-bump. Twilight just stared and then chuckled.

"This is amazing!" said Twilight, "I'm so glad you two had such a great time together. Now you two have something in common that you can both share."

"Actually, we found two things we enjoy doing together," said Mario, "Starlight, I learned, likes to fly kites. And I happened to find one in the shape of a tank engine. We tried them out during our lunch break."

"Mario is a natural at kite flying," said Starlight added as she and Mario exchanged smiles with each other.

"And you're a good friend," said Mario, "I had alot of fun spending the day with you. Thank you, Starlight." Starlight smiled, but then her eyes watered and she soon began to cry. Mario, Twilight, and Moon Dancers looked worried.

"Starlight..." Twilight said gently.

"Mario is such a big sweetheart!" Starlight sobbed, "He was so kind and considerate of my feelings all day. It was so easy to just be myself around him and open up! That's a big deal for me! I still can't believe I tried to hurt a pony like him...I still can't believe he wants me for a friend..." Mario pulled the lilac unicorn into a hug as Starlight cried harder.

"Starlight, please calm down," said Mario, "I forgave you and I meant it. You don't need to keep punishing yourself like this. What happened was in the past...if you want to feel better, you need to forgive yourself."

"It's so hard..." Starlight croaked as she looked at him with teary eyes.

"I know it is," said Mario in an understanding tone, "you're not the only pony who's too hard on themselves when they make mistakes. Even I'm finding it hard to forgive myself." Twilight and Moon Dancer gave the alicorn prince some sympathetic looks.

"For being angry?" Twilight asked gently.

"And for hurting the mare I love so, so, much," said Mario sadly. Twilight walked up and just rested her head on his shoulder.

"Just remember you two," said Twilight, "none of your friends are angry with either of you. We forgiven the both of you. Now all you need to do is forgive yourself." Mario and Starlight shared knowing looks with each other as the latter wiped her tears away. Then they both smiled and nodded. Twilight smiled as she took a step back.

"So...what have you guys been up to today?" Mario asked. Twilight and Moon Dancer winced since they didn't want to mention forgetting his birthday or the surprise party.

"We've been..." Moon Dancer said slowly before she found her words, "trying to figure that issue with your amulet."

"Amulet?" Starlight asked curiously.

"I wanted to create my own special relic," said Mario, "which I've dubbed the Double Gem Amulet. It's nearly complete, but were having trouble finding the right balance between the amulet's magic and the pony's fatigue level."

"Why would you need to do that?" Starlight asked.

"Mario's trying to put in a fail safe," Moon Dancer explained, "If a pony were to overuse the amulet, it would cause their pony to become heavily fatigued and the amulet would shut down until the pony's body naturally recovers. The effects seem to work a little too well."

"I gave the amulet a test run and within a few seconds, the amulet shut down and felt like Tirek had drained my magic again," said Twilight, "I think my husband was going more for natural exhaustion, not a full body drain."

"That would be correct," said Mario as he pondered. Starlight stared and then walked up to the group.

"Maybe I can help," said Starlight, "I...know a little about magic."

"A little?" Mario exclaimed with a smirk, "Twilight, I actually had some time to do a magic level analysis on Starlight. Her mana level was over 20,000! Neither me, you, or Princess Celestia has a magic concentration that high." Starlight blushed modestly from the praise.

"Well, then she might be able to help figure this out," said Moon Dancer, "How about it Starlight?" Starlight seemed a little hesitant, but mostly cause of the attention. She eventually smiled.

"Sure," she replied as the rest of the ponies smiled and headed into the other room to get to work.

The next morning, Mario was sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed. Twilight had just finished her cover up note. (and this was after writing about 100 failed attempts that she teleported away). She placed the note on his side table and then planted a very soft kiss on his cheek.

"I love you. See you soon my special birthday stallion," Twilight said softly before teleporting out of the room. She quickly picked up Diamond Tiara and together they made their way toward Canterlot. Rarity had left a message with the purple alicorn that she had run out of materials last night and needed them for the party's decorations. Twilight was more than happy to pick up the materials, but Diamond Tiara was a little worried.

"Twilight," the filly asked as she sat on the purple pony's back, "have you ever pulled a freight train before?"

"This is my first train," said Twilight excitedly, "I've watched Mario do it plenty of times to know what to do. How hard could it be?" Diamond Tiara sighed. She knew that freights cars tended to be silly and noisy. They talk alot and don't attend to what they are doing. And I'm sorry to say that they play tricks on a pony that isn't used to them. Diamond Tiara had learned plenty about freight cars. She warned Twilight to be careful, but Twilight was too busy setting up her train to listen.

Once Twilight had her train with all the materials set up, she quickly made a harness appear and coupled herself to the train. Then when the signal dropped, Twilight was ready. Diamond Tiara was in the caboose at the back and nervously blew the whistle.

"Toot-Toot!" Twilight sounded from her own horn and started off, but her freight cars weren't ready.

"Oh! Oh! Oh!" they screamed, "Wait Twilight! Wait!" But Twilight wouldn't wait.

"Come along! Come along!" Twilight huffed impatiently.

"Alright! Alright, don't fuss! Alright, don't fuss!" grumbled the cars. Twilight then used a small amount of magic to increase her top speed and endurance so she could enjoy running along the track. Soon, she began to go faster and faster.

"Wheeeeeeeeeeee!" Twilight cheered as she zoomed through a tunnel and continued their journey across the Equestrian landscape at high speed.

"Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" called Twilight, feeling very pleased with herself. Unfortunately, her freight cars were getting more and more irritable. At last Twilight slowed down as she came to a big hill. Twilight huffed and puffed as she pulled her train steadily up the hill.

"Steady Twilight! Steady!" Diamond Tiara called out as the train reached the top. Twilight began to apply her brakes.

"We're stopping! We're stopping!" Twilight sing-sang happily.

"No! No! No!" answered the cars, slamming into each other, "Go on! Go on!" Before Twilight or Diamond Tiara could stop them, they had pushed Twilight down the hill! And were rattling and laughing behind her! Poor Twilight tried as hard as she could to stop the freight cars from making her go too fast.

"Stop pushing! Stop pushing!" Twilight hissed as her horseshoes seemed to just slide across the tracks. The cars simply ignored her.

"Go on! Go on!" they giggled in their mischievous way.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Twilight screamed and was now at the mercy of a runaway train. She then looked ahead.

"It's the castle! Oh no! What am I gonna do?" Twilight cried. She rattled straight into the yard and swerved into a siding. Twilight and Diamond Tiara shut their eyes.

"Please, make 'em stop!" Twilight cried out when...

Thump

Twilight opened her eyes and saw that the front of her magic harness had appeared before her and allowed her to stop just in front of the buffers. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief until a dark shadow appeared over her. Twilight's slowly looked and there watching her was...Mario and Starlight, the former wearing a tennis visor and polo shirt in yellow while Starlight had on a pale blue visor and a matching polo with a white tennis skirt. Mario glared.

"What do you think you're doing?" Mario asked sternly. Twilight looked very upset.

"I...I was bringing Rarity materials," said Twilight timidly. Her cover story went like this. She told Mario that she and Rarity, along with the Canterlot girls, were going to create a fashion show for his birthday and they wanted Mario to stay at the castle until they were ready. Mario didn't show any signs of not believing his wife, but Twilight didn't like seeing Mario angry again...and this time she knew it was her fault he was mad.

"That's fine and all but why did you come so fast?" Mario asked in the same tone.

"I...I didn't mean too," said Twilight as a few tears pricked her eyes, "I was pushed." Mario snorted.

"You've got alot to learn about freight cars, Twilight," said Mario firmly, "maybe after pushing and arranging them about here for a few weeks. You'll know just as much about them as I do. Then you'll be, as they say on the railway, a really useful pony." Twilight just sniffled.

"Yes dear," said Twilight sadly and went to back up so she could pull her train to the boutique. Mario got in front of Twilight as she changed the switch. He could tell she was trying not to cry.

"I'm sorry if I sounded a bit harsh, honey," said Mario gently, "I just saw how fast you were coming and I got scared. Pulling freight trains is very dangerous. I don't want to see you get hurt, especially because you didn't know how to handle freight cars." He gave her hug.

"Thanks for caring about me, honey," said Twilight as she wiped her eyes with a fore-leg, "I'll see you later okay. Have fun with your tennis match." Mario smiled and gave a nod as Twilight headed on her way. Mario released a deep breath as Starlight approached.

"You gonna be okay?" Starlight asked. Mario smiled.

"Yeah," said Mario, "Just got a little scare. As I've told you before, I've been in plenty of accidents over the years. I'd hate to see Twilight in one."

"She's lucky you care so much," said Starlight as she used her magic to pick up a tennis ball, "Now let's get back to our game! I still need to beat you!"

"You mean I'm supposed to beat you!" said Mario with a smirk as he made his tennis racket re-appear.

"We'll see," said Starlight and the two friends laughed and headed back to the court Mario had created on the outer edge of the train yard.

"Hey, Starlight," said Mario.

"What's up?" Starlight asked curiously.

"I guess I wanted to know," said Mario, "My friends say I can trust them to help me get past this...gloominess. Can I trust you to help me too?" Starlight just blinked and then smiled.

"Yes, you can," said Starlight. Mario smiled, showing that he believed her.

It was late afternoon by the time Twilight had returned to the castle. Mario and Starlight were playing a game of Monopoly in the library room.

"Okay, seriously!" said Mario, "That's the fifth time you've rolled and got the one number you needed to avoid paying me any expensive rent."

"What can I say?' said Starlight smugly, "the dice like me." Mario just rolled his eyes. He wanted to accuse Starlight of cheating, but he knew she wasn't. He went to roll the dice when Twilight entered the room.

"Hello!" said Twilight in a cheery tone and got Mario attention.

"Hey...honey?!" Mario exclaimed in shock. There before him was Twilight, wearing a soft yellow sleeveless mini dress with a large yellow bow in her mane. Mario was so surprised that he dropped the dice.

"You like my outfit?" Twilight asked. Mario just stared and nodded. Twilight giggled.

"Come on," said Twilight as she wrapped a fore-leg around Mario's fore-leg, "I wanna show you something. You too Starlight." Starlight just smiled since the purple pony had filled her in on the surprise and had been asked by Twilight to keep Mario busy. Twilight pulled Mario along as the couple hovered out of the castle and Starlight trotted behind them. Mario was long before they landed and saw Starlight put a blindfold over his eyes.

"What's this all about anyway?" Mario asked.

"You'll see," said Twilight as they headed into town together. Starlight was just smiling excitedly at the surroundings. Twilight then removed the blindfold and Mario gasped in surprise. The entire town was decorated and covered in pictures and banners of himself. One banner caught his eye, which said in large letters...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIO!

He then noticed Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the rest of their class smiling before him.

"Surprise!" said Cheerilee, "My class has something special to share with you for your special day!" Mario looked puzzled.

"What is it?" Mario asked. It was then a melody began to play. Mario noticed Sweetie Belle putting his Prince crown on his head. Then Apple Bloom put on a special satin cape that had a large yellow star with a number 1 on the back. The rest of the class gathered around him.

[Schoolponies - The young colts and fillies started to sing, leaving Mario stunned. He watched them circle around him and kept singing. As they said the last line, Mario smiled and put a fore-hoof to his chest.]

He's a really useful pony, you know
Just ask other ponies, they'll tell you so
He runs and jumps and whistles
Rushing to and fro
He's the really useful pony we adore

[Schoolponies - The young colts and fillies then guided Mario to march with them as they continued to sing. Mario just smiled and looked at them while they marched and sang in front of him. Mario smiled happily when he heard them call him a super star.]

He's the one, he's the one
He's the really useful pony, that we adore
He's the one, he's the number one
Mario the Super Star!

[Schoolponies - They stopped marching and gathered around Mario as they continued to sing to him. Mario then looked puzzled until he saw that Celestia and Luna had arrived for the party, making him smile excitedly when he noticed that the rest of the Mane nine, the Canterlot mares, and several of the other town's ponies had gathered around him as well.]

He's a really useful pony, you know
Just ask his mother, she told him so
Now he's got a kingdom to call his very own
He's the really useful pony we adore!

[Schoolponies - the young fillies and colts then had Mario march with them once again. This time, however, the other townsponies were watching the march from the sidelines with smiles on their faces. The rest of the Mane nine and Spike were following the march from behind Mario, who was just smiling happily.]

He's the one, he's the one
He's the really useful pony, that we adore
He's the one, he's the number one
Mario the Super Star!

[Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon - The five fillies stood before them as a flashback showed some past moments when Mario was helpful, whether it be fixing a broken wheel, helping another pony in their shop, making deliveries, and even rescuing a small colt from a falling stack of hay bales, which the mother gave Mario a grateful hug and the alicorn prince smiled sheepishly.]

Let's go Mario! He's always there
Whenever you need a hoof
If you need help with a situation
Who comes into mind?

[Schoolponies - Back in the present, the young fillies and colts lead the march again with Mario behind them smiling happily and the rest of the Mane nine and Spike marched behind him.]

He's the one, he's the one
He's the really useful pony, that we adore
He's the one, he's the number one
Mario the Super Star!

[Twilight - As Mario was still marching, when Twilight came up to him from the left.]

He's a really useful pony, you know

[Applejack - The orange pony then put Big Mac next to him for a joke, which Mario glared at her.]

Maybe little

[Rainbow - She hovered above Mario to sing her part, which Mario looked up and smiled.]

But he's never slow!

[Fluttershy - She hovered next to Rainbow as she sang her part and Mario looked at her from below.]

Stand back in amazement

[Pinkie - She bounced along from the right side of Applejack.]

Just you watch him go!

[Rarity - She appeared on the left side of Twilight. Mario blushed at being told once again that they adored him.]

He's the really useful pony we adore!

[Rest of Mane Nine as well as the Canterlot mares - Mario marched happily with the Main nine and Spike now marching around him as they sang the chorus. Mario looked to his left and right, smiling at them.]

He's the one, he's the one
He's the really useful pony that we adore
He's the one, he number one
Mario the Super Star!

[Main Choir - as the Mane nine, Spike, the Canterlot mares, the schoolponies all marched with Mario. The ponies watching what had now become a pony parade sang the chorus. Then they all arrived at the front of town hall where a huge stage had been built with a banner that had Mario's picture on it. As Mario stood at the center of the stage, they all sang the final part of the song with his friends behind him and Princess Celestia and Luna at the right side.]

He's the one, he's the one
He's the really useful pony that we adore
He's the one, he's the number one
Mario the Super Star!

He's the really useful pony we adore!

As the song finished everypony cheered for the Alicorn prince. Mario was now crying tears of joy, deeply touched, as Spike appeared and set up a microphone in front of him. Mario quickly recomposed himself and cleared his throat everypony.

"Thank you," said Mario happily, "Thank you everypony for this wonderful birthday party. Many of you know that these past few weeks have been pretty rough for me, even made me rather angry and rude to many of you. I am most grateful to how forgiving and understanding you've all been with me despite my mistakes. It really means alot to me to know that despite those mistakes that I've found a special place in all of your hearts. I love you all!" The audience and his friends all smiled before they applauded of him once more. Mario fought back a sob as his tears began knew. Twilight then walked up to him, held him close and kissed his cheek. It was then Mr. and Mrs. Cake rolled in a rather giant chocolate fudge cake with candles already lit up on the top layer.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm," Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Shenran hummed to emphasize they were about to sing.

"Oh no..." Mario groaned, dreading what they were gonna do. Twilight just bit her lip. A clear clue she knew they were going to do this.

"Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo," sang the three Pegasi, "you look like a monkey..."

"AND!" Shenran sang loudly.

"You smell like one too!" the three Pegasi finished as Mario looked most indignant. Everypony else laughed. Twilight and Starlight laughed the hardest of all.

"Seriously?" Mario asked.

"Oh, lighten up bro," said Shenran as he walked up to the birthday stallion.

"We didn't sing that to be mean," said Rainbow, "Even the best of friends tease each other."

"Our teasing is out of love," said Fluttershy, "We sang that because we love you." The three Pegasi gave Mario a group hug. Mario just smiled and hugged them back. Once they pulled away, some trumpet fanfare was heard as Twilight then hovered above the cake and did something made Mario giggle and cry happy tears as he placed a hoof over his heart.

[Twilight - Using a voice amplifying spell, she sang the traditional happy birthday song to in the sweetest voice Mario had ever heard. Several others ponies found the moment adorable and romantic.]

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday my precious Mario!
Happy Birthday!
To!
You!

Everypony cheered, and several awed, as Twilight landed and gave her still crying husband a kiss. She then held him with a fore-leg as she addressed the crowd.

"I now officially declare today to be...Mario Star Day!" Twilight said proudly. Everypony cheered. Mario just gave them all a teary smile. Today was definitely the best birthday ever. And now it was time to party and celebrate with all his friends!

Just a few days ago, Mario felt hopeless and alone...

But thanks to good friends...and that now included Starlight...

Mario knew things would get better.

Pretty dramatic huh? Alot of readers might not know this, but ever since I entered season five, I've been dealing with depression lately. As much as I love writing to everypony and such, just like Twilight, I often put too much expectations on myself to keep delivering new content for everypony in a timely manner. Plus sometimes, like Mario, I feel blue, even when I've got true, true friends who love and support me.

Surprisingly, I actually love Starlight Glimmer because personal struggle is very similar to what I had to deal with in the past. It took stepping out of my comfort zone to make Starlight so cruel to Mario and making Mario despise her. Now they're gonna be very close friends and Starlight will have somepony she can open up with, which I'm hoping will help me develop her characters a little better then the show did.

Special thanks to Inky Scrolls for the fanfiction Blue Note and Nordryd for his story, A Glimmer of Hope in helping me find my words in describing Mario's confrontation.

My actual birthday always falls on a long weekend. That's why Mario's did as well.

Kudos if you caught the Railways series references and the song. And if you caught the joke Birthday song from Madagascar.

I actually tweeted with Kelly Sheridan, Starlight's voice actor, about the Train-Con idea. She said Starlight could either enjoy it or be bored, but I appreciated her feedback with my idea. Mario needed a friend to enjoy trains with.

Season six is now upon us! What can you pony fans expect? Well, Mario has a new friendship with Starlight and Diamond Tiara will be making plenty of appearances as well. You get to see how Mario and Twilight's teaching styles differ. We get to meet Mario and Twilight's new niece, the ever so cute Flurry Heart. (Big fan of her!). Mario will finally present his "Double Gem Amulet" to everypony. Other big highlights include the next chapter of the CMC's story arc, Shenran dealing with his brother in law, Mario helping Rainbow adjust to being a Wonderbolt, opening up the Manehattan Boutique, Shenran meets Daring Do and will get his first Cutie Map mission, some Mario Kart, zombie ponies, and let's not forget that Guy's Night will now be a group of five and not three!

As for the Season six finale, I can only drop one hint...

Shenran...and a KEYBLADE

Next Time: Starlight will confront the friend who hurt her and Mario and the others get to meet Flurry Heart!

Peace Pony Fans!