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...

124. The Crystalling Part 1

The Crystalling Part 1

Pony's Log Number 601: I don't know what's the bigger issue here: Seeing my new sister being pushed into a situation she's isn't ready for...or the fact I found out my niece is overpowered!

Three days had passed since Mario's birthday party and life for the Mane nine, as well as Spike and Diamond Tiara, had become pleasant again. This morning, Starlight was trying to find her way around the castle on her own. Up until this point, she usually had Spike, Twilight, or even Diamond Tiara around to help her navigate the castle. But she was, like the others mares of the group, still independent at heart and was determined to find her way around the castle on her own.

Unfortunately, for the time being, she was having a hard time doing just that.

"Okay," said Starlight, sighing to herself, as she headed down the hallway, "Library...Library...Where did they put the library?" Starlight then came to an T intersection and looked down to left path and then the right. It was then she noticed that all numerous doors looked exactly the same. Starlight sighed again.

"This castle looked a lot smaller from the outside," Starlight muttered, "Guess Mario wasn't kidding when he said he got lost trying to find the bathroom." Starlight then decided to walk up to a door and opened it. She was given the shock of her life to find that it was not only the bathroom, but Spike was inside brushing his teeth, wearing both a spa headband and a bath towel around his waist.

"Morning, Starlight!" said Spike with his mouth full of toothpaste.

"Whoops!" said Starlight, feeling very embarassed as she quickly looked away and shut the door, "Sorry, Spike! I guess I'm still trying to find my way around. I usually have Di or Mario at my side to help me get to where I need to go. You don't happen to know where the library is, do you?" '

"Next door on the left!' said Spike, not even bothering to rinse his toothpaste filled mouth as he peeked out of the door. Starlight bashfully looked away since the little dragon was still in his towel and turned to see the door he was talking about.

"Oh. Thanks!" said Starlight and headed inside, where she found Twilight reading a scroll.

"Acceptance, mm-hmm," Twilight read aloud, "Altruism, definitely." She then noticed the lilac unicorn peeking in, "Starlight, good morning, come in!"

"Sorry I'm late," said Starlight, "I got a little turned around." It was then Mario walked in.

"Good morning ladies," said Mario in a cheerful tone. Twilight giggled as Starlight just smiled.

"Good to see you dear," said Twilight as she and Mario shared a kiss, "How was the early parkour run?"

"Pretty good," said Mario as he gave Starlight a quick hug, "nothing like a little platforming to stretch the hooves and lift up your spirits. How are you doing, sis?" Starlight chuckled. They may have only been friends for a few days, but their friendship had grown alot in that short time.

"Just fine, bro," said Starlight, "I know it's been almost a month, but I'm still can't believe you're both letting me stay here...as Twilight's pupil and as Mario's honorary sister...after everything I did..." Starlight looked a little glum until Mario put a fore-hoof on her shoulder.

"It's all in the past Starlight," said Mario, "I forgave you, my wife forgave you, so did our friends and even my Mom." Starlight's eyes popped out.

"I still blows my mind hearing you call the Princess of Equestria, Mom," said Starlight, "but I guess I should be grateful she was so nice to me. I thought for sure she'd blast me to kingdom come after what I did to you."

"She was upset," said Mario slowly, "But once I told her that we had settled things and were friends, she was willing to forgive you. Besides, I still feel bad that I made Mom and Luna cry after I told them about how I was feeling lately. Mom definitely regrets not stepping in more when she would find me getting bullied."

"Well, I'm not one to dwell on the past," said Twilight.

"Lucky you," said Starlight and Mario wearily.

"And neither should either of you," said Twilight as she headed over to a table, "Anyways Starlight, this castle is your home now, and as far as being my pupil goes, I was just trying to figure out what your first friendship lesson should be!" Starlight and Mario blinked.

"I thought she was already past her first friendship lesson," said Mario, "I thought she was already heading to lesson four at the minimum."

"Since when?" Twilight asked surprised.

"I thought lesson one was befriending our group," Mario replied, "and lesson two ended up having her confront me and apologize. You could even say lesson three was spending time with me and learning about each other. All of those lessons she passed with flying colors. Starlight has definitely earned a special place in my heart." Starlight smiled humbly at the remark.

"That may be how you teach Di about friendship, my sweetie," said Twilight, "but those experiences were just to help Starlight feel at home, even if somepony made things a tad difficult..."

"Okay, what happened not to dwelling on the past?" Mario asked skeptically. Twilight smiled apologetically.

"Sorry," said Twilight, "my point is, my dear husband, that while you like teach through experiences and being in the moment, I prefer to handle things by the textbook. And I'm currently working on Starlight's upcoming friendship lessons as we speak."

"Oh, well, it looks like you're really narrowing it down!" said Starlight as she looked at the scroll.

"Oh, these are just the A's," said Twilight as she pointed to a table filled with stacks of papers and scrolls, "After this, I move on to the B's!" Twilight smiled excitedly. Starlight winced as she put on a brave smile, but Mario could tell that the lilac unicorn was feel very, very overwhelmed. Mario looked worried.

He inwardly felt that sometimes Twilight followed the textbook a little too well.

(Main Theme)

As life continued outside the castle, Starlight was looking through all the papers Twilight had laid out.

"I know I'm just learning about friendship," said Starlight, "but I didn't think there were this many lessons to anything. How do we choose?"

"Maybe I should pare things down a bit before we go through them," said Twilight as she took the stack of papers Starlight was holding with her magic, "Why don't you join the others in the throne room? They're planning our trip to the Crystal Empire when Shining Armor and Princess Cadance have their baby!"

"Throne room! Got it!" said Starlight as she raced out of the library, but within a few seconds, she had returned, "um, which way is the throne room?" Starlight laughed nervously. Twilight let out a sigh and rolled her eyes. Mario just chuckled before telling Starlight exactly where she needed to go.

Inside the throne room, the rest of the Mane nine and Diamond Tiara were now sitting around the Cutie Map table.

"I still can't believe I get to meet Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's new baby and see it be...uhhh...Crystal...ized?" Diamond Tiara remarked, finding it difficult to think of a better word for what they were going to do with the baby for the Crystalling.

"Well, I think we should leave ASAP," said Rainbow as Starlight entered the room, "I don't want to miss the Crystalling!"

"I agree, we should leave right now," said Diamond Tiara in agreement.

"But, um, shouldn't we wait for the invitation?" Fluttershy pointed out.

"And don't you have a science test tomorrow?" Shenran added as he looked suspiciously at the tiara-wearing filly. Diamond Tiara just smiled sheepishly.

"Well, as much as Twilight's tutoring is helping, science still isn't my best subject," Diamond Tiara said honestly. The others chuckled sympathetically.

"Frankly," said Applejack, "I'm not exactly clear on all the customs and traditions of the Crystal Empire, especially when it comes to a Crystalling."

"What's a Crystalling?" Starlight asked as she walked up to the orange pony.

"Well, that's just it, darling," Rarity answered, "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's baby is due any day, and we're still not sure. The Crystal Empire was gone for a thousand years. A lot of their customs are a bit murky."

"We know it's got somethin' to do with the new baby," Applejack pointed out.

"And a party!" Pinkie said quickly as she got into Starlight's face and smiled like a mad mare.

"And the Crystal Heart," Fluttershy added.

"And a party!" Pinkie shouted again, making Fluttershy flinch and raise a wing over her face.

"Will you quit scaring my wife!" Shenran scolded.

"And a party!" Pinkie shouted.

"Yah!" Shenran said when Pinkie got into his face and knocked him off his throne.

"And some kinda cool energy," Rainbow added as she hovered behind Starlight.

"And...a party!" Pinkie repeated once again as she tossed some confetti into the air. Starlight gave the pink pony a funny look as Rainbow just shrugged her shoulders. While Starlight had accepted the old philosophy: It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it, the lilac unicorn hadn't gotten used to Pinkie's randomness just yet.

"It's not too hard to understand," said Spike as he approached the table, "Most things in the Crystal Empire aren't. Like how I'm a big hero there, for example." Spike then showed a drawing of his statue and smirked cockily. Starlight just looked puzzled, Diamond Tiara, Rainbow, Applejack, and Shenran looked unamused, Rarity snorted and tried to avoid laughing, Fluttershy just looked rather blankly at him, and Pinkie got into the foreground and looked at Spike skeptically.

"Eh..." said Spike as he smiled sheepishly as he placed a giant potted vase into the table, "plus, I've had to help Twilight and Mario do a lot of research on Crystallings." He then showed a picture on the vase of two ponies with a newborn baby.

"Whenever a baby is born in the Crystal Empire," Spike explained, "the parents bring it before the Crystal Heart. They get the purest shard of crystal they can find, then pick a crystaller to present the baby to everypony who comes. Then they all share the light and joy they feel, feeding it into the crystal that joins with the Heart, and increases its power! And this is going to be a royal Crystalling, so pretty much the whole empire will show up. That hasn't happened in a millennia!" As Spike spoke, the group saw that several pictures illustrating the event. One showed the father picking the shard of crystal and choosing a crystaller, the mother presenting the baby before a crowd of ponies, and the crystal heart starting to glow brightly.

"What do you mean it increases the Crystal Heart's power?" Starlight asked curiously as Spike put the potted vase off the table.

"The energy it uses to protect the Crystal Empire, I guess," said Spike, "Mario might know a little more about it, being the Element of love and having love magic and such..."

"Protect it from what?" Starlight asked.

"I...didn't help Twilight or Mario with that part," said Spike as he rubbed his head and smiled sheepishly. The others just shared worried looks with each other.

Afterward, Starlight had been wondering down the halls alone. Mario had gone to help Diamond Tiara study for her test in another spare room. The lilac unicorn had just passed the library, where Twilight was still looking through some of papers. Mario had actually taken the liberty of telling Twilight that not everypony liked seeing huge tall stacks of papers and books on their first day of learning. So Twilight was trying to simplify things to help Starlight not feel so flustered. Twilight was still organizing everything when Starlight walked into the room.

"Hey, Twilight," Starlight asked timidly, "Can I ask you something about the Crystal Empire?"

"Huh! Funny you should mention it," said Twilight as she presented the lilac unicorn with three pieces of paper, "Because I just narrowed your first friendship lesson down to three options, and one of them is in the Crystal Empire!"

"Really?" said Starlight with interest.

"I found that's where the first pony you ever cared about lives!" said Twilight with an excited smile on her face. Starlight felt her heart rise to her throat.

"Sunburst?" Starlight said in shock.

"Of course, that's just one idea," said Twilight excitedly, "We could also go to Griffinstone. Making friends with a griffon is a challenge all by itself! Or we could tag along with the CMC's the next time they try to help a pony figure out why they're special..." As Twilight kept talking, her voice started to fade out as Starlight began to feel very, very nervous. She was starting the sweat and tremble a bit when Twilight stopped talking and took notice that Starlight was looking very overwhelmed.

"Starlight? Is something wrong?" Twilight asked with concern.

"What?" Starlight replied as she snapped out of her anxiety and tried to recompose herself, "O-oh no, heh, those all sound great!" She then gave Twilight a sheepish smile.

"I know!" Twilight said in agreement, "I guess you were right - it is gonna be hard to choose one!" Twilight just walked off as Starlight chuckled nervously.

"...yeah," said Starlight, but she bit her lower lip and started to panic again. By the time she had calmed down, she was just wondering down the halls when she decided to head into a room. Starlight was given the surprise of her life when she opened the doors and was buried alive under a ladder, stool, and some brooms and mops. She had accidentally opened up the castle's storage closet. She quickly recovered and used her magic to toss everything inside and shut the doors. She then went toward another door. Starlight was shocked when she found Spike standing on a stool, trying to look taller and posing before a mirror. Starlight looked rather disturbed while the little dragon was just feeling outright embarassed.

"Ugh, I am never gonna find my way around this place!" said Starlight irritably as she stomped away. Spike took notice that Starlight was looking glum and rushed after her.

"Gee, Starlight, what's wrong?" Spike asked as he followed the unicorn.

"I don't know, Spike," said Starlight, "Twilight's figuring out what my first friendship lesson is, and I guess I'm not exactly thrilled with the options. Well...with one of them."

"Which one?" said Spike.

"Reuniting me with my first friend," said Starlight sadly as she walked off.

"What's so terrible about that?" Spike asked as he stopped moving. Starlight just sighed and took a few more steps forward and then looked up. She then used her magic to summon a flashback.

"When we were foals, Sunburst knew everything there was to know about magic," Starlight narrated as her filly self and young Sunburst were sitting on a picnic blanket. Young Sunburst was reading a book and young Starlight was trying to pick up blocks with her magic but kept dropping them. Young Sunburst then showed Starlight a page from his book and smiled. Young Starlight tried again and was able to lift all the blocks with her magic and rotate them above her head with ease.

"He always knew just what to do," Starlight continued as her younger self spilled her glass of juice. Young Sunburst held a scroll and used his magic to clean up the mess. He then showed Starlight the scroll. Young Starlight then used her magic to clean up the entire kitchen, making the room sparkle and young Sunburst was most impressed.

"And he was always there to help me," said Starlight as the moment when young Sunburst saved her younger self from the falling books and got his cutie mark right after. Young Sunburst then saw the cutie mark, ran out of the house, bumping into young Starlight as he left. Young Starlight then saw young Sunburst surrounded by his family as his mother carried him away.

"I guess it's not surprising that Sunburst got his cutie mark in magic and...went off to Princess Celestia's school," said Starlight as her younger self watched young Sunburst being carried away and started to cry, "but when he left..."

"You blamed cutie marks and stripped a village of theirs," said Spike as he appeared in the foreground, "and when Twilight, Mario, and the others tried to stop you, you went back in time and almost destroyed Equestria and Mario's will to even want to exist or feel special." Starlight then made the flashback disappear.

"Not really stuff I'm super eager to tell Sunburst about," said Starlight.

"I don't think Twilight would expect you to tell Sunburst about that on the first meeting," said a voice. Starlight and Spike turned to see Mario just a short distance away, giving them both a warm smile.

"I guess you heard everything," Starlight remarked sadly. Mario nodded.

"Confronting the past is never easy, Starlight," said Mario, "especially when the past hurts. But if there's anything I've learned, it is always best to face the issue rather than running from it. You saw what happened when I tried to run."

"You hurt everypony feelings, especially Twilight's, who got so upset that she nearly destroyed the library and cried her eyes out thinking you didn't love her anymore," Spike pointed out. Mario glared.

"You know neither of us asked for you bring up our past mistakes," said Mario sternly.

"My bad," said Spike dismissively.

"Even if I do choose to confront Sunburst, who knows if he's even available," said Starlight, "I mean, he's probably some big important wizard now, and...I can't even find my way around yours and Twilight's castle." Mario chuckled.

"You'll figure it out in good time," said Mario, "But as for Sunburst, don't go assuming things about what or who he is now. All you're doing to hurting yourself. Now I'm saying this with love, but you did once assume that I was some stuck up, popular pony with an ego that needed a beat down."

"And found out that you're one of the sweetest and most caring ponies in Equestria," said Starlight. Mario just blushed.

"Maybe to you and our friends," said Mario timidly before speaking normally, "but my point is that you shouldn't judge a pony without getting to know them. Or in this case, getting to know them again."

"Besides Starlight," said Spike, "if Sunburst is that good with magic, maybe he'd appreciate your, uh..." Spike cleared his throat, "...exploits. You should talk to Twilight about it. I'm sure she'd want to hear what you have to say."

"I agree," said Mario, "If there's anything you learned from me, it's what happens when you're not honest with your friends. A good student and teacher friendship only grows strong when both ponies are honest with each other. Even my friendship with Diamond Tiara suffered when I closed off."

"I know," said Starlight, "But I don't want her to think I'm not ready to learn or that I'm not grateful for everything she's doing. And everything you've done..."

"I know you're not saying this because you're lazy or ungrateful," said Mario kindly, "this is about..."

"SPIKE! MARIO! COME QUICK!" Twilight shouted. Mario quickly lead the group toward the castle's west balcony, where Twilight was hanging her fore-legs on the railing with a huge smile on her face.

"What's up, dear?" Mario asked with concern as they arrived. Twilight kept smiling and pointed toward the blowing wind. It was then a large snowflake appeared. Twilight used her wing to gently grab it and the center of the snowflake unfolded to reveal an invitation.

"It's a Crystalling invitation!" said Spike.

"Shining Armor's a father!" said Twilight before saying in a proper tone, "I'm an aunt!"

"Oh by jove, that makes me the delirious uncle!" Mario added in a British accent, "Absolutely smashing!" Twilight and Starlight looked at Mario funny before they both laughed.

"Mario, you're so silly," said Twilight as she calmed down and then turned to Starlight, "Well, that settles it! Since we're going to the Crystal Empire, your first friendship lesson is going to be...reuniting with Sunburst." Mario and Starlight were both stunned as Twilight happily trotted back inside.

"Great..." said Starlight with a nervous smile on her face. Mario could tell she was getting anxious.

"Try and speak to Twilight about it," said Mario gently, "for now, I need to let the others know about the Crystalling date. You gonna be okay?" Starlight just released a long breath and nodded bravely. Mario smiled and then flew off into the distance.

Late that night, Twilight was just sitting on her end of the bed as Mario brushed her mane. As much as Mario enjoyed brushing his wife's mane, he had alot on his mind and Twilight had taken notice.

"Honey?" Twilight asked, interrupting Mario's train of thought.

"Huh...wuh...y-y-yes dear?" Mario stuttered. Twilight glared.

"I was asking you if you are excited about seeing the baby in a couple of days," Twilight said. Mario took a deep breath.

"Yes, but also nervous," said Mario, "I just hope the baby likes me..."

"Oh Mario, of course the baby will like you," said Twilight, "You're so kind, loving, sweet, and not to mention silly." Mario chuckled.

"Okay," said Mario as he sighed and went back to brushing his wife's mane. Twilight just smiled before giving him a knowing look.

"Guess I'm not the only one who gets zoned out when something is on their mind," Twilight remarked. Mario sighed again.

"Is it that easy to see?" Mario asked.

"When I take the time to pay attention," said Twilight, "wanna talk to me about it?"

"Yeah, I do," said Mario, "it's about Starlight's friendship lesson."

"I know, brilliant isn't it?" said Twilight, "Having Starlight reunite with Sunburst? Totally genius on my part." Twilight smiled proudly, but then noticed that Mario wasn't agreeing with her.

"You oppose?" Twilight asked in a tone more defensive than she had intended. Mario hummed for a moment.

"Torn is a better word," said Mario.

"What do you mean?" Twilight replied.

"I mean that I think it is a good idea for Starlight to confront Sunburst since he is the reason she lashed out and is afraid to make friends," said Mario, "but...I'm wondering if it is a good idea for you to...push her into it."

"I would like to prefer that I'm giving Starlight a gentle nudge in the right direction," said Twilight, "She needs to do this, honey. It will be a big help if she can at least put her hurt feelings out there, forgive him no matter what happens, and she can move forward with her life. It's not that different from when you had to confront Starlight about your hurt feelings and confronting us about your gloominess."

"True," said Mario, "I do agree with you. I guess my concern is that Starlight looks really nervous about it. When you told her you picked this for her friendship lesson, she looked like she was about to have a panic attack."

"Being nervous and even a little scared is natural," said Twilight, "but don't you worry about a thing, honey. Starlight won't be dealing with this friendship lesson alone. I'll be at her side when she goes to see Sunburst." Mario smiled and felt better.

"Good," said Mario, "Now let's make your mane nice and shiny." Mario was then taken by surprise when Twilight grabbed her brush away from him. She grabbed Mario's brush and began to brushing his mane.

"Huh?" Mario exclaimed.

"You're always brushing my mane," said Twilight, "Let me brush yours for a change." Mario just blinked and then sighed contently as Twilight made his mane and tail nice and shiny.

Even if she did run over a knot and made Mario yelp...three times to be exact.

Soon the day came when the Mane nine, Spike, and Diamond Tiara were on the train to the Crystal Empire. Starlight was just nervously looking out of the window before she looked at the rest of the group. Rarity was busy stitching the final touches on what looked like a baby blanket. Fluttershy and Shenran had each picked out a white and brown stuffed bunny and were chatting and giggling quietly to each other. Applejack was just sitting quietly next to something that was covered by a white cloth. Rainbow was sitting behind her as she gave a loud yawn and stretched.

"Uh, Applejack, what is that?" Rainbow asked as she noticed the object with the cloth over it.

"Oh, just a little somethin' for the young'un," said Applejack as she removed the cloth to show a hoof-crafted wooden cradle with a hoof-stitched blanket inside. Rarity, Fluttershy, Shenran all smiled as they gathered around it, "Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acre trees. We make 'em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight and Mario is practically family." Twilight smiled with gratitude.

"Uh, Sis," said Mario, "Twilight is family. You two are sisters-in-law." Applejack blinked.

"Oh...right," said Applejack with a sheepish chuckle.

"Hey, Applejack," said Shenran, "any chance Fluttershy and I can have a baby cradle or two made for us?"

"You and Fluttershy are having a baby?!" Rarity exclaimed as everypony, and dragon stared at them. Both Pegasi blushed bright pink.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" said Fluttershy and Shenran quickly.

"M-m-my bad!" said Shenran, "I was just asking for whenever we do have a baby. This cradle looks far more sturdy and durable than the ones they sell at the furniture shop."

"You can say that again," said Mario, "Mom said the cradle she used for me when I was a baby collapsed when she was rocking me to sleep not just three months after she took me in. At least that Apple cradle looks built to last." Applejack chuckled.

"Don't you worry, Shenran," said Applejack, "You and Fluttershy give the word and I'll have one crafted for ya faster than a pig cleaning its food trough." Fluttershy and Shenran smiled.

"Yeah...it's okay," said Rainbow, "but it's no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!" Rainbow then presented a mobile that had rainbows, clouds, and even lightning bolts dangling from it.

"Ooh!" said Rarity and Pinkie.

"Pretty," said Pinkie as she tapped one of the dangling charms, making the string break and the charms fell and shattered when they hit the floor. Rainbow glared as Pinkie just smiled apologetically.

"Well, a mobile is real nice..." said Applejack, "as long as you have somethin' to lay in so you can look at it." Applejack was then surprised when Rarity pulled out the blanket from the cradle and replaced it with the blanket she made.

"And a fetching blanket to keep you warm," said Rarity.

"I'm sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts," said Twilight, "but I think they're more happy we'll be attending the baby's Crystalling." Starlight, who was shown to be sitting next to Twilight, smiled in agreement.

"By the way, Diamond Tiara," said Rarity, "where's your present?" The tiara wearing filly patted her nicely wrapped present that was between herself and Mario.

"Some building blocks," said Diamond Tiara, "Any baby can have fun with those." Mario and Rarity smiled in agreement.

"And what about you, Mario?" Shenran asked. Mario chuckled as he showed them a rather big model tank engine.

"A train, of course," said Fluttershy. Mario smirked as he used his magic to grab a small rectangular card and inserted it inside a slot on top of the cab. Then he tapped the dome with his fore-hoof.

"Once upon a time was a small tank engine that lived in a big station on the island of Equestria," the Train began to play with Mario using his deep British voice and even had some background sounds, "He was a mischievous little engine with six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler, and a short stumpy dome." Mario tapped the dome to stop the player.

"Oooooooooooh!" said the entire group except Twilight and Diamond Tiara since Mario had shown them what the train could do before hand.

"Each of these cards is an entire volume of stories told in narrative form," said Mario as he held the three other cards with his magic along with the storage case and a scroll with the cards playlist on them, "So the baby can listen to every story and eventually read along when he or she is old enough. I'm gonna make sure she loves trains one way or another!" Twilight just chuckled at the idea.

"Ooh! I can't wait to see all the light and love make the Crystal Heart even more sparkly and shiny!" said Pinkie as she bounced up and down excitedly.

"Actually, Pinkie, the Crystal Heart is an ancient and powerful relic," Twilight replied, "Without its magic, the Crystal Empire would be lost to the Frozen North."

"Don't forget it also keeps away that evil King Sombra," Diamond Tiara added.

"Oh don't worry about him," said Twilight, "We took care of Sombra years ago. He's no longer a threat."

"If you...say so," said Diamond Tiara wearily, even Mario had agree that he didn't think Sombra had been destroyed for good. But that's another story...

"Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important," said Starlight, "I'd understand if you wanted to...you know...wait to do a different friendship lesson when we get back." She gave Twilight a sheepishly smile. Mario, Diamond Tiara, and Spike each exchanged knowing looks with each other. The reason Diamond Tiara knew about Starlight's anxiety because the lilac unicorn had confided in her about being nervous earlier that morning. Diamond Tiara actually understood Starlight's fear better than anypony.

"Are you kidding?" said Twilight, "This trip is perfect! Not only do my husband and I get to see the baby and take part in the Crystalling ceremony that helps maintain the magic of the Crystal Empire, but I'm starting my pupil off with the most amazing friendship lesson ever! I can't wait!" Twilight pulled her in with a fore-leg and gave Starlight a hug. Starlight just smiled sheepishly.

"Right...Me...neither..." said Starlight as Twilight grabbed a book to read. Starlight then looked across from her and saw Mario, Spike, and Diamond Tiara gave her firm looks.

"Tell her!" Mario mouthed to her as Spike and Diamond Tiara gestured for the unicorn to speak up. Starlight looked worried before finding her voice.

"Actually, Twilight," Starlight admitted, "I am a little worried about meeting Sunburst."

"Oh trust me," Twilight replied, "I know what it's like to see old friends. But I'll be right there to help you along just like Mario does with Diamond Tiara's friendship lessons. I've broken the whole lesson down into a few easy steps to ensure this reunion goes without a hitch!" By a few easy steps, Twilight unrolled a very long checklist as everypony else looked at it in shock, especially Mario. Starlight just chuckled nervously.

"As much as I should have expected this," said Mario to Spike and Diamond Tiara, "I was hoping my wife had something else in mind when she said she'd help Starlight with her anxiety."

"Maybe we should start calling her the Princess of Checklists," said Diamond Tiara. Spike snickered.

"Princess of Checklists, good one Di!" said Spike as they shared a hoof/claw bump.

"Ahem," said Twilight annoyingly since she had heard them. Spike and Diamond Tiara smiled innocently.

"We love you," Diamond Tiara said sweetly as the filly and dragon just kept smiling innocently. Twilight just groaned and rolled her eyes as Mario snickered to himself.

Soon, the train pulled into the station and Shining Armor was standing alone on the platform. Once the train had come to a complete stop, Pinkie bounced out and Rainbow flew out next with Twilight and Starlight right behind her as the former held her checklist.

"Step one," Twilight read as she and Starlight walked side by side, "head to Sunburst's house and get you two started on the right hoof. Step two, get to the castle with enough time to visit the ba-" Twilight was then cut off when she bumped into a pony. She then looked up to see Shining Armor, who was looking very tired and his mane and tail looked very frazzled.

"Shining Armor!" said Twilight excitedly as she gave her big brother a hug.

"Twilight...Mario...!" said the white stallion wearily as Mario gave him a hug as well.

"I didn't know you were meeting us!" said Twilight happily.

"Of course I am!" Shining Armor replied tiredly and making goofy looking eyes and faces, "It's me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn't I come meet my sister and brother-in-law? Though we have met before, heh-heh..." The others just gathered around him with worried looks on their faces.

"Master, not to be rude, but Shining Armor's scaring me," said Diamond Tiara timidly.

"You're be okay," said Mario as he gave her a quick hug.

"Are you all right?" said Twilight as Mario looked rather worried.

"Never better!" Shining Armor replied, still looking rather unstable, "Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you or Mario would know. You two aren't having a baby yet either right? Right? I mean how would I know? Unless you are, you wouldn't know, I know...You know?" Shining Armor then smiled at Twilight and Mario with large, insane eyes. Mario felt rather disturbed with Shenran standing next to him.

"Suddenly fatherhood really terrifies me," said Mario worriedly.

"You're not the only one who's afraid right now," Shenran added.

"Oh honey, that won't happen to you," said Fluttershy, "Mario on the other hand..." Mario didn't retort, but rather looked hurt.

"Oh, lighten up, Big brother," said Fluttershy, "I'm only teasing out of love, not to knock you down."

"I know," said Mario quietly, "Just still feeling a little vulnerable from what happened a few days ago." Fluttershy gave Mario a hug to feel better. While Twilight and some of the others had heard the conversation, Shining Armor had been too spaced out to notice and just sighed.

"Sorry, I haven't really slept since Cadance had the baby," Shining Armor told the group, "Come to think of it, she hasn't either. It sure would be great to get a break."

"Oh, of course!" said Twilight, "I don't know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help!"

"And we're more than happy to offer our assistance," said Mario, "right everypony?" The others nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry, Starlight," said Twilight, "but I guess combining your first lesson with this visit wasn't such a good idea."

"Oh, uh, don't be ridiculous!" Starlight said in a rather relived tone, "You're an aunt and Mario is the delirious uncle now!" Mario's jaw dropped as everypony minus burst into laughter.

"Starlight!" Mario whined as Starlight smiled and chuckled apologetically.

"Oops, sorry," Starlight replied timidly before speaking to Twilight again, "my point is that's way more important than some friendship lesson." She then gave Twilight an over the top smile.

"I just wish there was a way to do both," said Twilight sadly. Diamond Tiara looked at Starlight and Spike looked at the checklist Twilight made. The little filly smiled and then whispered something to the little dragon. They exchanged a nod with each other.

"Maybe there is!" Spike asked.

"We can help Starlight with her friendship lesson!" said Diamond Tiara.

"You've already done the work for Starlight's lesson with this list," said Spike, "All we have to do is follow it."

"And I can help Starlight with her anxiety," Diamond Tiara added, "If there's anypony who understands how intimidating it is to mend a broken friendship, it's me. I was just as nervous when I had to do that with Silver Spoon." Neither the filly or dragon had noticed that Starlight had face-hoofed herself and groaning. She glared at Mario.

"Don't give me that look," Mario snorted softly, "this wasn't my idea."

"Spike, you're a genius!" said Twilight, "So are you Di!"

"Yeah..." said Starlight with a nervous laugh before adding through her teeth and a death glare at the filly and dragon, "...geniuses."

"Then it's settled!" said Twilight, "Shining Armor, Mario, and I will head straight to the castle, and you three can head straight to Sunburst's!"

"Aye-aye, Princess!" said Spike and Diamond Tiara as they saluted Twilight and started marching off.

"Uh-huh," said Starlight wearing as she followed the filly and dragon with an annoyed look on her face.

"Be sure to tell the baby cousin Di says hi, okay master," Diamond Tiara called out.

"I will, my faithful student," said Mario with a chuckle, "Good luck!" Diamond Tiara waved thank you as the rest of the Mane Nine watched them disappear.

"Alright, big brother," said Twilight, "let's go see this amazing baby pony!"

"Oh yeah!" Mario added excitedly, but then they found that Shining Armor was fast asleep standing up.

"Ahh...the baby..." Shining Armor murmured as he snored. Twilight and Mario just looked at him sympathetically.

"I'll lead the way," said Mario as he hopped into Shining Armor's back.

"Eeeeeeeeee-yah!" Mario cried out as he picked up Shining Armor with just his fore-hooves and stood on his hinds legs, "Come on!" Mario then walked off on just his hind hooves. The others just smiled and followed Mario. Apparently, they were used to seeing Mario pull off amazing feats by now. They were barely halfway to the castle when Shining Armor woke with a start.

"WAH! I'm being abducted!" Shining Armor shouted when he realized somepony was carrying him.

"Calm down, big bro," said Mario as he trotted along, "It's only me!" Shining Armor blinked and then whimpered, especially when he saw some crystal ponies looking and snickering at him.

"Could you...put me down please?" Shining Armor asked timidly, "This is really embarassing." Mario noticed the chuckles from the crystal ponies and set the stallion back on his four hooves.

"Sorry, just trying to help," said Mario as the others caught up with them.

"It's cool," said Shining Armor, "Come on!" Shining Armor then headed...in the wrong direction.

"Uh, bro," Mario replied, "I thought the castle was that way?"

"I knew that, I knew that!" Shining Armor replied as he walked past in the correct direction. Twilight and Mario just smirked to each other.

Meanwhile, Diamond Tiara, Starlight, and Spike were now walking down another street. Starlight as still dreading her meeting with Sunburst.

"I know you're a little worried about this reunion," said Spike, "but I'm sure Twilight's got everything covered."

"Everything, except how I'd rather do absolutely anything else," Starlight remarked annoyingly.

"Come on, Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "This is something you need to do. It's gonna help you settle things so you can finally start moving on from your past."

"I doubt that," said Starlight worriedly.

"Oh, I bet Twilight's taken that and your reluctance into account," said Spike, "It's all part of the lesson. Trust the lesson."

"Yes, thus speaks the great Spike the Wise!" said Diamond Tiara sarcastically, Spike just glared at her.

"Right..." Starlight remarked with an eye roll. Then they walked past the statue of the little dragon. Starlight smirked deviously as she got an idea and rushed up to Spike.

"Hey, i-is that...you?" Starlight asked curiously as she pointed at the statue.

"Oh, yep, it sure is!" said Spike as he went back to the list.

"Funny," said Diamond Tiara, "I thought it be surrounded by lots of pigeons." Spike stuck his tongue out at her before looking back at the list.

"Now, according to the list," Spike continued, "Sunburst's house is-"

"Why is there a statue of you in the Crystal Empire?" Starlight asked.

"We don't have time for-YIPE!" Diamond Tiara yelped when a crystal pony bumped her out of the way, sending her crashing off screen.

"Because Spike the Brave and Glorious saved all of us from King Sombra!" said a pony named Scarlet Heart.

"And then again during the Equestria Games!" added another pony named Amber Laurel.

"Really?" Starlight asked as Diamond Tiara, who had now recovered, glared at the lilac unicorn from the background.

"Really!" said a pony named Golden Vas and then shook Spike's claw, "Big Fan."

"Um, when were you going to tell me about this?" Starlight asked.

"He kind of...mmmph!" Diamond Tiara as shushed when Starlight put a fore-hoof in her mouth.

"Nah, it's no big deal," said Spike modestly.

"It most certainly is!" four crystal ponies said together, startling Starlight, Spike, and Diamond Tiara since they had popped up from nowhere.

"That's it!" said Starlight as she made a stool appear before Spike and a box of popcorn for herself, "We're not going anywhere until I get the whole story!" Other ponies started gathering around to hear the story as Spike began to narrate. Diamond Tiara glared.

"Starlight, we don't have time for this!" said Diamond Tiara, "We need to-Ooh! Is that popcorn caramel flavored!?"

"Uh-huh," said Starlight in a sweet tone as she gave the filly the popcorn box. Diamond Tiara took the box and started eating the contents. She figured they could take a little story break after all.

Back at the castle, Shining Armor had brought the rest of the Mane nine to the entrance of the baby's new room.

"Before we go in," said Shining Armor, "I should probably tell you. Seeing the baby might be a bit of a shock."

"Why is that?" Mario asked curiously.

"Well...maybe it's best if you see for yourself," said Shining Armor with a sheepish smile on his face.

"Come on, big brother," said Twilight, "I've met babies before. I expect meeting this one won't be any different. Come on, honey." Mario and Twilight were the first to enter the room. There they saw, Cadance, who looked just as tired and frazzled as Shining Armor, along with Celestia and Luna. Mario smiled but then noticed that Cadance was glaring at him.

"I take it you told Cadance about..." Mario began.

"All in good time, my son," said Celestia, "come say hello to their baby girl." Mario's eyes shifted to the baby sitting on the bed, which had a pastel pink coat with a purple and blue mane, a very long horn, and was snuggling inside of a blue blanket. Mario then looked at Cadance, who was still giving him a death glare. Mario then nervously approached the baby bed with his wife and the rest of the Mane nine behind them.

"Hey, there," said Mario in a gentle voice, "I'm your Uncle Mario."

"And don't worry, little one," said Shenran as he and Fluttershy peeked from behind him.

"He's not a crazy as he looks," said Fluttershy as Mario gave the yellow Pegasus the stink eye. The baby just giggled as the Mane nine all smiled at her.

Suddenly, the baby opened a pair of wings that were about as big as her body! Then cooed happily at the ponies. The eight ponies were in deep shock.

"Of course, I could be wrong," said Twilight wearily as Flurry Heart kept burbling.

"The baby is an Alicorn?!" said Twilight once she was able to speak again.

"It looks that way," said Cadance in a tired tone.

"But...But...But...But I thought Alicorn wings had to be earned by accomplishing some great, princess worthy deed!" said Rarity and Twilight nodded in agreement.

"Just princess worthy, Rares?" Mario remarked annoyingly as he opened his wings.

"Mario, get over it," Cadance said rather rudely, leaving Mario hurt.

"Yeah," said Applejack, getting a glare from Mario, until he realized she wasn't agreeing with Cadance, "How can you just be born with 'em?"

"The birth of an Alicorn is something Equestria has never seen!" said Celestia.

"It is beyond even our understanding," said Luna.

"That's not very reassuring," said Fluttershy in a hushed tone to Rarity and Shenran.

"This...is...AWESOME!" Mario said excitedly. Rainbow and the others gave Mario a funny look.

"Ok, first of all, that's my line," said Rainbow, "and second of all, why are you so excited about this?"

"Rainbow, did you already forget about Roll?" Mario asked. Rainbow looked puzzled before the other seven ponies remembered.

"Oh!" all but Twilight said at once.

"Now we understand," said Applejack with a smirk.

"You're excited that it is now possible your future daughter might also be born an Alicorn," said Rarity.

"Future...daughter?!" Celestia said in shock as Luna just smirked.

"You two are having a baby and didn't even tell me!" Cadance snapped in shock and with a good hint of anger as well.

"Nononononononononono!" Twilight exclaimed as she and Mario blushed and had sheepish smiles on their faces, "we're not having a baby! Honest!" Cadance just glared.

"We just already decided on a name when it's a girl!" said Mario, "Cinnamon Sparkle, or Roll for short." Celestia chuckled.

"Cinnamon Roll...very cute," she replied.

"And what if it's a boy?" Shenran asked.

"Booker, of course!" said Twilight with a squee. Mario winced.

"I'm praying for dear life it will be a girl!" Mario whispered to Shenran, who snickered.

"Wow!" Pinkie exclaimed as she appeared before the baby, "A unicorn, and a Pegasus! So she could be a super-strong flyer and have crazy baby magic!"

"Hear that Mario, you get to be target practice!" Fluttershy teased.

"Not if I use you for a shield!" Mario retorted.

"You stay away from my wife!" Shenran warned. Fluttershy giggled as Mario rolled his eyes.

"Well, I know all about super-strong flying!" said Rainbow.

"And Mario and I can help keep tabs on her magic!" said Twilight, which made Cadance and Shining Armor smile. But when Mario went to smile, Cadance looked away. Before Mario could asked Cadance why she did that, the baby got a tickle in her nose and then...

Ah-CHOOOOOOOO!

"Momma mia..." Mario groaned in shock with his eye enlarged and his jaw hanging out. As the baby let out a sneeze, she fired a huge blast of magic that went though several floors above them. Several ponies looked down the hole and one even had a burnt mane. The others were just as shocked.

"It appears her magic is more powerful than that of a newborn unicorn," said Celestia, "and this is considering Mario has the greatest magic concentration of any pony!"

"Not anymore Mom," said Mario, "Starlight Glimmer holds a mana level over 20,000. And I can guess this baby Alicorn has a mana concentration that is even higher."

"Starlight Glimmer has a higher magic power than you," said Shining Armor, "No wonder she found it so easy to beat you up."

"That's not funny, big brother!" Twilight said sternly as Mario looked sadly away.

"Sorry, I was just teasing," said Shining Armor.

"At least we would confide in you about it if it had happened to us!" Cadance snapped angrily, "instead of being told by somepony else about it!" As Mario sighed, he figured that was the reason she kept being so cold to him.

"Mario, you and Cadance can discuss that situation at another time," said Celestia.

"Right now, the crowds have already started to gather," said Luna as she noticed the ponies outside.

"This Crystalling is gonna be some party!" said Pinkie as she inflated a green balloon and started to float upward, but then the balloon popped and the pink pony landed on her flank.

"Do you think we should call it off?" Cadance asked.

"Um, we've faced a lot worse than baby magic," said Rainbow confidently.

"Speak for yourself," said Mario as he remembered all the misadventures he had dealing with Pumpkin's magic.

"I can't imagine cancelling such a beautiful and important ceremony over something so potentially adorable!" said Rarity as Applejack, Fluttershy, Shenran, Pinkie, and Rainbow gathered around the marshmallow mare and made general comments of agreement.

"In light of the little one's abilities, this Crystalling might be more important and ever," said Celestia as she looked at the baby and then at Cadance, "Perhaps you should address your subjects and remind them of that."

"Hm," Cadance hummed as she gave her new daughter a kiss, who made baby noises in reply as Shining Armor fell asleep...again, "But first, I need to have a word with my little brother and I won't take no for an answer or delay the matter any further! Do I make myself clear!" Mario whimpered as he sank low to the ground.

"Cadance please," said Twilight as she put a fore-hoof on her husband's back.

"It's alright, Twilight," said Celestia, "Luna and I will be there to provide our support. Now come, my son." Mario sighed as he gave his wife a hug and a kiss and headed out with the other three alicorn princesses.

"Honey?" said Twilight as Mario was heading out of the door.

"Yes, dear?" Mario asked.

"If you ever feel alone," said Twilight as she placed a fore-hoof on her chest, "just remember that we are with you in your heart." Mario smiled and then left the room. Twilight then walked up to her still snoring brother.

"Shining Armor!" Twilight asked, "Do you have everything you need for the ceremony?"

"Huh?" said Shining Armor in a tired tone before his eyes nearly popped out, "Oh, no! I still have to interview the honor guards, choose the purity crystal, and pick a crystaller!" Shining Armor then rushed forward, bounced on his fore-hooves, and then sat down on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

"Alright, take it easy," said Twilight as she walked up to him, "Pinkie can stay here with me and keep an eye on the baby!" Pinkie just smiled and gave a squee as the baby clung onto the pink pony's face and eyes.

"And we'll all help you with everythin' else," said Applejack, but then they all noticed that Shining Armor had fallen asleep on the floor.

"...baby..." Shining Armor snored. The others just looked annoyed and unamused.

"That is," said Rarity bluntly, "If you can stay awake long enough to tell us how." Shenran looked worried.

"I really hope this isn't gonna be me when Flutters and I decide to have our baby," said Shenran.

"Who knows?" said Rainbow, "But you might have it worse if you and Flutters still plan on having twins." Shenran winced.

"You'll be okay, my love," said Fluttershy, "Unlike Mario, you've got experience with lots of baby animals. You're more ready than you think."

"Does this mean you're ready to have a baby?" Shenran asked curiously. Fluttershy smirked.

"Don't push it," said Fluttershy as Shenran just chuckled nervously and breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside another room, the four alicorns had arrived inside of a rather spacious room. Cadance was just sitting very still and glaring at Mario. Mario took a long deep breath as he tried to get his thoughts together.

"Cadance, I know you're upset that you had to hear about my...problem...from Mom instead of from me," said Mario, "my only excuse was that you were due to have the baby soon and I didn't want to cause you any..."

"Mario," said Cadance in a stern but quiet tone, "What have I always told you when it came to stuff like this?" Mario sighed.

"That you'll always make time," Mario answered quietly.

"Exactly!" said Cadance firmly, "Even if I couldn't come and see you, you could've at least written a note saying you were upset. Instead you let Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna tell me when I should've heard about all of this from you!"

"I was scared!" Mario said feebly as his eyes watered, "I didn't want to burden you with the fact I'm not strong enough to handle being bullied!" Cadance was taken aback.

"Mario! Do you know who you're talking to?" Cadance retorted angrily but then her voice broke as she continued, "This is your big sister! We used to tell each other everything! Unless that's changed, I think I have a right to know when my own little brother is feeling worthless and suffering from gloominess!" Mario began to cry.

"Well, that's how I feel about myself lately," Mario sobbed, "Those hurtful words are just getting to be too much for my heart. I've been feeling really down about myself too and I don't even want to be around anypony anymore because I was so angry with myself. Even with all my friends, I feel so alone. I was afraid to tell my friends how I felt because I thought they would abandon me. I didn't want to hurt them just because I'm too weak to deal with being bullied. But I hurt them anyway because the anger boiled over! I hurt all my friends and I hurt my wife by telling her she loves her books more than me! That's really hurt her deeply and yet I honestly believed that I really wasn't worth more than books. Despite everything I've accomplished Cadance, I feel like nothing but a worthless, pathetic loser! I even ran away from everypony for four days, hurting them all even more, because all I wanted to do was disappear...I'm a horrible pony..." Cadance just walked up slowly to Mario, who was just crying, and lifted his chin to they were making eye contact.

"Mario," said Cadance in a gentle and firm tone, "I don't ever want to hear you talk about yourself like that again. You are a very special pony to me, to Aunt Celestia and Luna, Twilight, and all your friends and family." Mario sniffled.

"I had hoped when you returned from studying abroad that I could've shown that I managed to overcome all this doubt and lack of self-esteem," said Mario sadly, "But I couldn't do it. I'm still afraid they'll abandon me one day, even if it sounds ridiculous. I'm so sorry...I let you down...". Cadance looked at her sadly and she began to cry.

"You've got nothing to be sorry for," said Cadance as tears streamed down her face, "Well, except for...actually, I'm can assume you apologized to your friends for being mean and told them how you felt right?" Mario nodded.

"I did," said Mario, as he continued to cry, "But I still hurt everypony I love...all because I was scared to be honest with them and all this hurt was poisoning me! Why was I so stupid to keep it all to myself? I know better yet I still did. So...stupid..."

"Stop calling yourself that," said Cadance firmly and sadly, "You're not stupid. When you're upset, it's hard to think straight. In the end, you realized you needed help and went to your friends for help." Mario sniffled.

"What's wrong with me?" Mario asked, "Why do I feel this way?"

"Absolutely nothing," said Cadance, "As to why, part of the reason you feel this way is because you still needed me when you were a colt...and I abandoned you..." Cadance began to sob as she held Mario close.

"Cadance..."

"Mario, don't deny it," Cadance sobbed, "I remember when you found me in the those caves. You said you felt like I abandoned you when you needed me the most. Then you broke down in tears."

"But you told me it wasn't on purpose," Mario whimpered, "It was the stupid mail service that broke our contact with each other."

"But I still never made the effort to come home and try to find out what happened!" Cadance added loudly, "I just assumed you didn't need me anymore and let you be! I left you at the mercy of those bullies and look what they did to you! The fact you're probably thinking "I wasn't worth coming back for" is just proof that the damage is done and I can't never fix it! It's all my fault you feel this way! I failed you! I'm so sorry! It's all my fault..." Cadance finally reached her breaking point as she and Mario wept in each other's fore-legs. Celestia slowly walked up to the two ponies and put a gentle fore-hoof on Cadance's back.

"Cadance," said Celestia gently as the pink alicorn and Mario pulled away and Luna pulled Mario close so he could rest his head on her shoulder and wipe his eyes, "You can't blame yourself for Mario's problem. Maybe we both could've stepped up more when Mario was being bullied, but what is important is that we're here for him now and help him overcome these negative feelings and sadness."

"Celestia's right," said Luna, "even Mario now understands that keeping to yourself and dwelling on the past won't make things right. We must learn to trust in our friends and family to help us overcome our inner struggles." Mario smiled in agreement and nuzzled her shoulder. Cadance chuckled and sniffled as she wiped her eyes.

"I'm so sorry I snapped at you, Mario," said Cadance, "I guess all the stress and lack of sleep clouded my ability to understand why you waited and why you'd be scared to tell me about this. I know we don't see each other as often as we'd like and I might be a new mother, but I still love you very much my little brother. I'm always here for you, no matter how busy we get." Mario smiled and gave his big sister another hug.

"I love you so much, big sister," Mario croaked.

"I love you too, little brother," said Cadance gently and stroked his mane with her fore-hoof.

"Cadence?" Mario asked meekly.

"Yeah?" Cadance answered.

"My friends have all told me that I can trust them to help me get over my past and this heartache," said Mario quietly, "I can trust in you to help me too?" Cadance smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Always," said Cadance as they held each other. Then Cadance remembered something once they felt better and pulled away.

"By the way," said Cadance asked, "how's your new relic coming along?" Mario smirked.

"It's ready for presenting actually," said Mario, "All in good ti-" Mario was stopped when Cadance put a fore-hoof to his mouth.

"I'll make time," said Cadance as Mario smiled excitedly. Celestia and Luna smiled as well, but the former did sigh since she knew they still had a Crystalling to do.

Back in the main city, Spike was now wrapping up his story about stopping Sombra. Starlight was now reclining on a beach chair, taking her time with her popcorn. Diamond Tiara was also reclining on her own beach chair, but had finished her popcorn and was fast asleep with the popcorn box over her face. The filly had already heard the story before...several times.

"...and that's how we found the Crystal Heart, defeated King Sombra, and saved the Empire," Spike concluded as the Crystal Ponies cheered.

"We love you, Spike!" said a pony named Cloudy Spinel.

"Yeah," added another pony named Coral Shores, "Tell the one about the Equestria Games!"

"Well, as much as I love reliving my heroic deeds," said Spike, "Starlight and I have an important lesson to do, by order of the Princess and Prince of Friendship!" Starlight's last bite of popcorn went down a bit hard as she looked a bit worried.

"Awww!" said some of the foals sadly.

"Aw, come on, Spike!" said Starlight as the little dragon was signing some autographs, "I want to hear about the games too! So does Di, right Di?" The tiara wearing filly only snored in reply.

"I know you're nervous about seeing Sunburst," said Spike as the crowd dispersed and he finished signing autographs to look at the checklist, "but it says right in step 3, uh, "Deal with your fears by facing them, not by putting it off"."

"Ugh," Starlight huffed as she tossed her box and got out of her beach chair, "Let's go get this over with. Come on, Di!"

"I'm awake!" Diamond Tiara shot up with a start, making the popcorn box on her face fly off before she recomposed herself, "Oh...time to go?"

"Afraid so," said Starlight bluntly. Spike just glared at the filly disapprovingly for sleeping through his story. Diamond Tiara just smiled sheepishly and rushed over to Starlight's side as they headed on their way to Sunburst's home.

Soon they reached a lonely house at the end of a very short street. Starlight slowly walked up to the door and knock with Diamond Tiara standing beside her for support.

"Wait!" Spike called out.

"Huh? What?!" Starlight stuttered.

"What now?" Diamond Tiara asked impatiently.

"Knocking on the door isn't the next thing on the list!" Spike pointed out.

"Seriously?" Starlight and Diamond Tiara said together annoyingly.

"Master would encourage Starlight to go for it before any doubt or second thoughts can creep in her mind and make her back out," Diamond Tiara pointed out.

"Di, Starlight is Twilight's student, you are Mario's student," said Spike and then spoke to Starlight, "I know Twilight can be a little nitpicky, but this is your first lesson as her pupil, and it's important we do it right!"

"Spike, experience has taught me that there isn't just one way to solve a friendship problem," Diamond Tiara pointed out.

"Just let me handle this!" Spike snapped. Diamond Tiara snorted and rolled her eyes.

I can understand why master gets so irritated when nopony listens to reason Diamond Tiara thought.

"Fine," Starlight conceded hastily, "What's the next thing on the list?" Spike cleared his throat and started reading.

""Before they see each other"," Spike read, ""be sure to highlight the importance of the meeting"."

"I'm sure we can skip that," said Starlight.

"I don't know..." Spike replied, "I mean if we skip it, the whole lesson could go south! And then you might end up taking a giant step backwards instead of forwards! Maybe you'll never be able to learn anything about friendship at all! It's almost like your whole future depends on this moment." Spike grabbed Starlight's face as he started to panic. Diamond Tiara just face-hooved herself and shook her head.

""Highlight the importance of the meeting", check!" said Spike as he checked of the step on the list, "I can't believe you wanted to skip that!" Diamond Tiara just glared.

"You are such an airhead sometimes," she remarked. Starlight just sighed and looked at the front door.

"Just keep calm and smile, Starlight," Diamond Tiara encouraged, "Maybe you'll dazzle him with your beauty."

"Di!" said Starlight, feeling rather embarassed by the remark.

"Hey, mistakes or not," said Diamond Tiara, "you are pretty, even Master would tell you that is true." Starlight just smiled before she timidly knocked on the door three times. After a few seconds of waiting, there was no reply. Starlight looked at Diamond Tiara and then at Spike, who both just shrugged their shoulders in reply. It was then the door slowly creaked open and a pony peeked out. Aside from being an adult, Sunburst looked the same except he now had a goatee, glasses, and was wearing a star-patterned cloak on his back.

"Sunburst?" Starlight asked nervously as the stallion stepped out into the open.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" Sunburst asked.

"It's...It's me, Starlight," the lilac unicorn stuttered, "We used to be friends?" Sunburst looked spaced out...for a moment, before he finally recognized her.

"Oh, of course! S-Starlight!" Sunburst replied, "My goodness, it-it's been a long time! What, uh, what have you been up to?"

"Me? Oh! You know, some of this, some of that," said Starlight, trying to find her words, "different...stuff. Right now, I'm sort of Twilight Sparkle's new pupil." Sunburst was stunned.

"The Princess of Friendship?" Sunburst replied.

"Heh...yeah...that's actually kind of why I'm here," said Starlight.

"Umm...is that your...daughter?" Sunburst asked as she looked at the tiara wearing filly.

"What?!" Diamond Tiara and Starlight exclaimed at once.

"Well, she looks so much like you," Sunburst remarked.

"I'm not her daughter," said Diamond Tiara sheepishly as Starlight smiled in the same manner, "I'm just a good friend of hers and I'm the pupil of Mario Star."

"The Prince of Friendship?" Sunburst replied.

"Yes, sir," said Diamond Tiara, "Anyways, Starlight was saying why she was here." Diamond Tiara then backed away so Starlight could continue the conversation.

"R-r-right," said Starlight, "I mean, I know you're probably very busy."

"What do you mean?" Sunburst asked blankly.

"Well, I figured after magic school, you'd go on do important wizard work, but..." Starlight explained.

"Oh. No. Y-Yes! Uh, y-yes," Sunburst stumbled, "that's me, yup." He then chuckled nervously, "Important wizard! Really busy with lots of, uh, w-wizarding...stuff." There was a short, but very awkward silence.

"Right. Uh, well..." Sunburst stuttered, "good to see you." He then closed the door before Starlight could reply.

"Well, that was..awkward," said Diamond Tiara.

"Huh. Maybe we should have skipped highlighting the importance of the meeting after all," said Spike.

"Ya think?" Diamond Tiara remarked in a snarky tone as Spike growled at her.

"Well, I guess that's that!" said Starlight as she turned to leave.

"Starlight, come on!" said Spike as he and Diamond Tiara got in front of her, "We have to at least explain what Twilight wants."

"And besides," said Diamond Tiara, "You're not the type of pony to give up so easily. Even Twilight would say friendship is always worth fighting for!" Starlight just groaned as Spike and Diamond Tiara pushed the lilac unicorn back to the front door. Starlight knocked on the door again and took a step back. When Sunburst reopened the door, all the unicorn would do was smile as her cheeks turned bright pink.

Back outside the castle, Cadance was addressing the crowds with Celestia and Luna standing behind her. A curtain had been placed around the outside entrances to the Crystal Heart.

"Dearest citizens," said Cadance in a tired but amplified tone, "I'm sure you are all just as thrilled and ready for this Crystalling as myself and Shining Armor." The crowd of ponies all cheered in reply. Shining Armor nervously watched his wife say her speech from behind the curtain. Mario had also rejoined everypony else minus Twilight and Pinkie. He would have gone to help his wife, but Cadance asked he stay close by so once she finished her speech, he could present his Double Gem Amulet. For the moment, Shining Armor was panicking.

"I'm not ready!" said Shining Armor as he breathed at an unsteady pace. He then flinched when he saw five royal guards standing before him.

"Take it easy!" said Rainbow as she held two guard's helmets in her fore-hooves, "Just pick whoever looks the most like honor guard material."

"Right...right," said Shining Armor as he took the two helmets and then slapped them on the heads of two random guards...backwards. The other royal guards just whimpered and backed away nervously.

"I'm sorry," said Shining Armor sadly to the others, "Fatherhood is way more stressful than I ever thought." Mario gave his brother-in-law a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and hugged him.

"I can only imagine," said Fluttershy sympathetically as Shenran looked at his former captain and friend sympathetically. It was then Rarity arrived.

"Now, I know choosing the crystal of purity is a very important decision," said Rarity as she held the case with several purified shards inside, "So I have gone through the trouble of arranging them in order from incredibly pure to outrageously pure."

"Um, Rarity, don't they all sort of look the same?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, well, to the untrained eye, perhaps," said Rarity.

"Fortunately, Rarity taught me how to spot those very tiny and intricate details," said Mario, "in the end, any shard big bro chooses will be a good one."

"What do you think, Shining Armor?" Rarity asked as she showed the shards to the stallion. Shining Armor began to panic again.

"I DON'T KNOW!" Shining Armor bellowed before crouching the ground and covering his eyes. Mario sternly walked up to him and smacked him across the face with his fore-leg twice.

"Get it together, bro!" Mario said sternly, "Is this how I'm supposed to behave when Twilight and I have a baby?" Shining Armor gave a strained gasped.

"You? Twily? Having a baby? Twily...having a baby?" Shining Armor babbled like a pony gone crazy before, "heh...heh-heh...heh-heh, heh-heh, heh-heh...DA-HA! HA-HA-HA! Hahahahahahahahaha-" Shining Armor then stood on his hind legs, raised his fore-legs in the air, and ran into the background in a zig-zag manner, smashing through a crystal and a wall, which left a cookie-cutter holes in the crystal and wall. The others were left dumbfounded as Mario groaned and face-hoofed himself.

"Mario!"

"Oh...um..c-c-coming Cadance!" Mario shouted before addressing the others, "Looks like I've got a relic to present. But uhh..."

"We'll take care of Shining Armor," said Fluttershy, "You go present your relic and then I might suggest checking up on Twilight."

"I hope Twilight and Pinkie are having better luck with the baby!" Rarity said in a quiet tone.

"We'll find out soon enough," said Mario, "anyways, Rares would you be willing to help me demonstrate the Amulet?"

"Why her?" Rainbow and Applejack asked jealously since they had wanted to demonstrate the new amulet.

"Cause I looked deep inside my heart and the first name that came to mind is Rarity," said Mario, "You did help with polishing and placing the gems after all." Rarity just smiled.

"I would be delighted," said Rarity. Mario smiled as the two ponies headed inside. Rainbow and Applejack just rolled their eyes before going to find Shining Armor.

Back in the baby's room, it was clear as day that both Twilight and Pinkie could use Mario's assistance. The baby had pretty much shown that she could fly proficiently with her wings and could fire magic blasts at will. Twilight was doing her best to block the baby's magic blasts, but she was clearly tiring out.

"And to think Mario was so excited about the idea of me and him having an alicorn baby," Twilight remarked tiredly, "boy, have I got proof to say otherwise!"

"Well...at least she's having...fun!" Pinkie remarked as she tried to hold onto the baby, but just like with Pound, Pinkie could not get her to land and was now being carried in the air at will.

"Whee!" said Pinkie, trying to make the best of the situation.

"Pinkie, hold her still!" Twilight called out.

"I'm tryiiiiiiiiiing!" Pinkie replied as she finally got her hind hooves on the ground and trying to stop the baby from moving around, but it was no use. Twilight then just barely ducked to avoid getting hit by another wild magic blast.

"Mario! I need you right now!" Twilight cried out, but she would have to wait just a little longer.

Back in the main throne room, Mario stood before Cadance, Celestia, and Luna. Rarity was standing off to the side as Mario began his presentation.

"Ever since the battle with Tirek," Mario began, "I've been wanting to create a way in which a pony could be granted with great boosts in their own natural speed and strength. Yet, at the same time, I didn't want ponies given access to such magic to become prone to it and are left at risk of being corrupted. Thanks to research efforts done by my wife, Starlight, and Moon Dancer, along with further assistance from my Twinsie over here, and Pinkie's sisters Maud, Limestone, and Marble, I've come up with the very relic that can grant a pony the abilities needed for those sudden on the spot disasters and emergencies. I present to you all..."

(Cue Mega Man 11 title theme)

"...the Double Gem Amulet!" Mario held on his fore-hoof a necklace made out of solid platinum that had majestic swirls along the bottom part that mirrored each other from the center moving outward. In the center was a blue gem to the left with a red gem to the right. Above the two gems was a smaller emerald cut white gem.

"The Double Gem Amulet is designed to provide anypony with incredible feats of speed and strength," said Mario, "but unlike other amulets that might do the same, with great boosts of strength come great costs. For the Double Gem Amulet was designed with a sort of fail-safe in mind."

"What do you mean nephew?" Luna asked.

"The Double Gem Amulet may provide great boosts to a pony," said Mario, "but it does cause a great strain on the body of a pony who uses it. But the strain is only severe if a pony were to overuse it. The Amulet is meant to be used in short spurts rather than long periods of time to prevent the magic from being overused or cause corruption.

"Is the strain dangerous?" Celestia asked curiously.

"I can be," said Mario, "During earlier testing, a pony suffered physical and magical drain if the amulet was overused. However, thanks to Starlight, I was able tone the effect down to feeling as if the pony had run at full speed for over twenty minutes non-stop. But the fatigue isn't permanent. The Double Gem Amulet magically bonds with the pony who uses it and thus when they suffer the fatigue, the amulet shuts down, rending it useless until the pony's body recovers via its natural cooling system. Once the pony's body recovers, then they can use the Amulet again at will."

"Is there a way to monitor when the amulet will cause your body suffer the fatigue?" Cadance asked.

"The pony can monitor the duration in two ways," said Mario, "The first is from the amulet itself. Each gem glows brightly when it is in use and as time passes, the glow of the gem slowly fades. If the gem's glow fades entirely, the fatigue and shut down will occur. And since looking at the amulet might not always be possible, the body's internal temperature also rises when the amulet is in use, just like when a pony exercises. If you're feeling overheated, you'll know you better disable to amulet soon or it's gonna shut down and you're gonna be left feeling exhausted."

"Impressive," said Celestia, "so...how does the Double Gem Amulet work?" Mario smiled as he had Rarity clipped the amulet on, which caused her body to sparkle for a second.

"As you can see on the amulet, there are two large gems," Mario explained, "The blue gem gives the pony a boost in speed while the red gem increases their power. For a Pegasus, the power increases their the aerial offense. For an Earth pony, their natural strength. For a unicorn, it provides a significant boost to their magical power. For an alicorn, it boosts all three." Mario then led Rarity toward an area against the wall where there was a small platform high above. Mario then made a plush toy that looked like the baby appeared.

"For example," said Mario, "Say the baby teleported herself up on that platform, but was afraid to teleport herself down, especially if she was surrounded by these." Mario then made some giant crystals appear that were sharp at the bottom and flat at the top to constantly fall around the plush toy.

"It's be pretty difficult to fly or climb up there and save her without getting hurt," said Mario, "but with the Double Gem Amulet...Rarity, please rescue my niece. To use the amulet, you can either tap the gem with a fore-hoof or trigger with your magic." Rarity flinched but then noticed that the crystals were coming down in a pattern.

"With pleasure," said Rarity. Mario then handed the others some goggles.

"With these on, you can see the effects of the Speed Gem from Rarity's perspective," said Mario as they all did so. Rarity then went to activate the amulet just at the crystal fell down in what looked like a set of platforms.

"SPEED GEM!"

Rarity shouted as the falling crystals started falling at a snail's pace. Rarity the hopped up the flat sides of each crystals. Since Rarity was moving so fast, she was creating a few after images behind her as she jumped about. Once she landed on the platform the plush toy was on, Rarity deactivated the blue gem, which still glowing just a small amount. Rarity sighed.

"How are you feeling Rarity?" Cadance asked.

"A little warm, but my body is already cooling down thank goodness," said Rarity, "now do I wait for the amulet to recharge to get down?"

"No need, Rares," said Mario and used his magic to make the falling crystals disappear, "you did what I asked." Mario then flew up, grabbed Rarity, and gently set her down.

"Merci," said Rarity.

"Rares, would you mind if I demonstrated the red gem?" said Mario.

"Of course not, darling," said Rarity as Mario removed the amulet and put it on himself.

"Luna could you lower your head for a second," Mario asked. Luna looked rather puzzled for a moment as she did what Mario asked. Mario then tapped her fore-head, making her pupils shrink for a second. Mario stood still once he removed his fore-hoof from Luna's fore-head with his eyes closed. Soon his mane, tail, and cutie mark now resembled Luna's, except his mane and tail were pale blue because that was Luna's true mane and tail color when it wasn't naturally flowing.

WEAPON GET: MOON CRUSHER

"Oooh! Shenran said you used this copy magic when you tried to defeat Chrysalis with the Elements of Harmony," said Cadance impressively.

"That is correct," said Mario, "using my copy magic, I now have a limited magic ability inspired by Luna herself. Watch!" Mario then made some changelings appear made from cardboard cutouts. Mario then used his magic to make four medium sized rocks in the shape of crescent moons, crash down on top of the cutouts and destroying them. Then regenerated the cutouts and did it again.

"Very impressive ability," said Luna before smirking, "and I approve." Celestia just rolled her eyes but still smiled.

"And that's just with my natural magic," said Mario, "Watch this!" Mario then activated the red gem.

MORE POWER!

With the red gem activated, Mario summoned the attack, but this time, twenty moon shaped rocks came crashing down. Mario gave a light battle cry each time he launched the attack. After doing the attack three times, Mario deactivated the gem.

"Very impressive," said Cadance as she clapped for Mario.

"Indeed, you and your friends have created a fine amulet," said Celestia, "but the body strain and fatigue that it causes does concern me..."

"Well, the risk is there to prevent the amulet from being over used, Mom," said Mario as he removed the amulet and held it in his fore-hoof, "It was done on purpose. It at least reduces the danger should the amulet fall into the wrong hooves. Regardless, I believe that the Double Gem Amulet can be tool to greatly benefit ponies for the greater good if used properly. Just knowing when and where to use it requires proper judgment." Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all smiled in agreement. It was then Rarity walked up and whispered something to him.

"Oh! Oh, right!" said Mario, "Now if that will be all, I promised my wife I'd go see her once business had been taken care of. Are we okay now, big sis?" Cadance chuckled.

"Yes, little bro," said Cadance, "Go see your wife." Mario smiled and quickly teleported away. He was grateful she didn't ask why he had to see Twilight right away.

Back at Sunburst's house, he and Starlight were sitting at a table where the former had given the latter a tea cup and pot. There was an awkward silence since neither pony was making the effort to speak to the other.

"So...the Princess and Prince of Friendship want you and I to be friends again?" Sunburst said at last.

"Heh, I know," said Starlight, "Weird, right?" She gave him an over the top smile.

"Uh, I don't understand," said Sunburst, "did something happen to you after I left for magic school?"

"What?" Starlight spluttered before she tried to recompose herself and pour some tea into her cup, "No! I-I don't see what that has to do with anything. W-Why would you even ask that? I mean, did something happen to you after you left for magic school?" Sunburst seemed to be staring at the cup Starlight was cluelessly overflowing before he heard the question Starlight asked and froze.

"What? Um, no," said Sunburst as he started to struggle to find his words, "L-like you said, I'm a..." He cleared his throat definitely, "...i-important wizard." Spike and Diamond Tiara just watched the scene unfold. The former was worried while the other just glared.

"I'm sure there's something on Twilight's list that can help here," said Spike worriedly as he started looking at the list.

"Spike, the problem here is that Sunburst isn't being completely honest with Starlight," said Diamond Tiara, "I mean look at this place! Not even Moon Dancer has her home this cluttered! Not to mention dusty!" Diamond Tiara coughed as a dust cloud hit her nose.

"So you think Sunburst is hiding something?" Spike asked.

"Yes," said Diamond Tiara, "if there's one thing Master has been teaching me, it's the subtle clues to when a pony is hiding the truth. I'm no expert at it, but just the way Sunburst keeps stuttering hints he's hiding something from Starlight."

"Sure he isn't just dazzled by her beauty?" Spike remarked. Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes.

"No," Diamond Tiara retorted indignantly, "he's hiding something alright. Does Twilight have any solutions for something like that on her checklist?"

"Do you have any ideas if she doesn't?" Spike asked. Diamond Tiara winced.

"You search that part of the list," said Diamond Tiara, "I'll check this part!" Spike just nodded in agreement as the two friends began to search Twilight's checklist together.

Inside the baby's bedroom...

"MARIO! HELP ME!" Twilight screamed, now feeling very overwhelmed as the baby flew overhead with Pinkie still clinging onto her.

"Please land now! Please land now!" Pinkie pleaded, who had now gotten tired of flying in the air and yet didn't want to let go of the baby. It was then Mario appeared.

"Did somepony call for a...hero?" Mario asked smugly.

"Look out!" Twilight called as Mario saw an incoming magic blast heading straight at him.

GOTTA DODGE!

Mario used his amulet to make time slow down around him as he easily moved out of the way. He then disabled the amulet so the magic blast quickly flew past and over Twilight's head.

"I guess your Double Gem Amulet is a success," said Twilight with relief as she stood up and nuzzled her husband.

"Yeah," said Mario as he held Twilight close and created a hoof-held shield to subconsciously block the baby's magic blasts, "Sorry I left you alone for so long. Cadance and I had alot to discuss and then she asked me to present my amulet too. Have you guys been able to manage?"

"Oh sure," said Pinkie as she hovered by, "Twilight was barely starting to fall apart before you got here."

"Pinkie!" Twilight retorted as she smiled in embarrassment at her husband. Mario just chuckled as they both ducked to avoid another magic blast. Twilight then got an idea.

"Honey, give me your amulet!" said Twilight as Mario used his magic to clip it onto her neck. Since Twilight had helped to test the amulet out, she knew how to use it.

SPEED GEM!

Twilight activated the amulet to make the baby slow down to a crawl. And of course, Pinkie had to make funny faces in slow motion. Twilight quickly encased Pinkie and the baby inside a large pink bubble before deactivating the gem.

"Wow! Nice thinking!" said Pinkie. Twilight and Mario shared smirks and then gave each other a hoof-bump.

Back outside the castle, Rainbow and Applejack had managed to bring Shining Armor back so he could do his what had to be done for the Crystalling. As Shining Armor made his choices, Shenran and Fluttershy helped the stallion keep calm as best as they could. But Shining Armor was still breathing rather heavily when Cadance, Celestia, and Luna came out of the castle.

"Okay," said Shining Armor as he walked up to his wife, "I chose the honor guard, picked the purity crystal, and I know exactly who I want to be our crystaller..."

"...and destroyed public property due to madness," Shenran muttered to his wife, only to get jabbed to keep quiet.

"So, all we need is..." Shining Armor continued and then stumbled.

"The baby?" Cadance asked as a matter of fact. Shining Armor whinnied since he didn't remember where the baby was or that Twilight and Pinkie were watching her.

"We're here!" said Twilight as she and Mario used their magic to contain the baby and Pinkie inside the magic bubble. Shining Armor breathed a sigh of relief.

"She's a really strong flyer!" said Pinkie as the baby continued to do loop-de-loops inside the bubble. Cadance then used her magic to separate the baby from Pinkie. Pinkie floated over to Twilight and Mario while the baby floated just above Cadance. She whimpered a bit over being separated from Pinkie as tears built up in her eyes.

"Uh oh," said Mario wearily. When...

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

The baby began crying so loudly that her screamed caused sonic waves. Everypony winced at the loud volume, except for Mario, who's body flickered red since the sonic waves were dealing him damage until...

(Kirby lose a life fanfare)

Mario was knocked out. But that wasn't the worst thing that happened. The baby's loud crying caused the Crystal Heart to stop rotating...

...crack...

and then shattered it into pieces!

Everypony gasped in utter shock as the baby innocently flew into Cadance's extended left hoof. The others, minus Mario, gathered around the shattered remains of the Crystal Heart.

"I'm guessin' that's gonna make it harder to do the Crystalling," said Applejack wearily.

"It's worse than that," said Twilight fearfully as she peeked out of the curtain, "Without the Heart, the Crystal Empire's about to be buried under a mountain of ice and snow!" It was then the wintry and stormy weather began to creep toward the main city from all sides. Everypony was worried, except for two ponies.

The first was the baby, who was too young to understand what she had done and just burbled innocently.

The second was Mario because he was still unconscious...

...and nopony had even noticed!

To be continued...

You can probably guess why Mario has a sinking feeling about Sombra still being a threat.

I hope Cadance didn't sound too off character for getting angry with Mario. In the end, she was never angry with him, just upset that he feels so down on himself because she wasn't there to help him. You can even say the lack of sleep was also why she was so snappy.

And I just had to have Shining Armor flip out over the idea of Mario and Twilight having a baby. The way he was acting so goofy, it just worked.

Plus I had to include Mario introducing the Double Gem Amulet in part one cause its gonna come in handy in part two. If you didn't guess, it's a parody to the Double Gear System from Mega Man 11.

Next Time: Can Diamond Tiara and Spike help Starlight and Sunburst come clean with each other? Can the rest of the Mane nine restore the Crystal Heart? Can Flurry Heart's power be contained? Will anypony even notice that Mario's unconscious and revive the poor guy?!

Stay Tuned!

Peace Pony Fans!