Seeking the Dreamers

Everypony was, dead to the world, from the huge festivity of the previous night; so all were sleeping in. So when the rooster crowed at Sweet Apple Acres, not a soul, not even Applejack, got up with the crack of dawn. Everypony was just way too exhausted and burnt-out, not to mention they all had major headaches, from all that sugar they'd ingested the night before. As a result everyone just needed to sleep in some and relax. Thus when the copper orb of sky fire rose steadily into the morning sky no-one even batted an eyelid. It was too bad that everypony was so tired for the reason that the sunrise was more magnificent was due to Fledge's powers. For a bit of a rainbow light was dancing with in the already enchanting colors of sunrise. It was true that seeing the sun both rise and set was unquestionably the best part of the day. Yet today no pony was ready to get up. After the rooster gave up trying to wake up everyone all that was heard was a lot of snoring. It seemed the loudest snorer was Rainbow Dash, who while sleeping on a fluffy white cloud was snoring so loudly; it could've been mistaken for thunder! Oblivious to this she, slept on and was muttering random junk about Wonderbolts and racing.

It wasn't till about 10:00 that everypony finally got up. Despite the fact that it looked like a certain dragon was already up and busy doing his job. He was busy cooking some eggs and sizzling some bacon in a frying pan. Along with singing an aria that wasn't recognizable to Twilight at least. The smell of a late breakfast woke the princess up from her slumber and she raced down to the kitchen. When she got there she was out of breath as if she'd just run a derby. Looking around she saw Fledge was sitting at the table talking with Spike. It looked so peculiar seeing such a handsome steed sitting in her kitchen just talking like he was a normal pony. Yet he wasn't a regular pony, he was a hero and a prince. Therefore feeling slightly shy as well as a bit awkward Twilight strolled calmly into the room. She tripped on a stray egg and skidded into the wall causing a big pan of bread dough, to fall on her head, getting it all into her pretty mane. Both Spike and Fledge were immediately by her side. She was extremely embarrassed at the same time as she looked up at them between the messy goo.

"You're alright, Twilight? Sorry about dropping an egg on the floor. Let's get you cleaned up and I'll make a fresh batter for a new loaf of bread." Spike apologized to her as he helped her up. She still looked mortified by the messy goop that was now ruining her mane's soft silkiness.

"It's alright, Spike, it was an accident, so don't feel too bad about it, alright? I'll just go get cleaned up in the bathroom. Hopefully some of Rarity's special shampoo will get this gunk out of my mane," she replied sheepishly as she started to walk out of the kitchen. She was almost out of the kitchen when Prince Fledge stood in her way. She turned away so he won't see her face which was as red as a beet from looking so terrible.

"You know I can clean up this mess so you won't have to miss breakfast. Give me a second," he started to say when she tried to speak too, "It's really alright…" But his golden horn glowed brightly and almost instantly she found herself looking truly like a princess. She was immaculate and her mane felt like she'd just showered with a number of scented oils. She even smelled nice as if she was wearing some expensive perfume. Catching a glance of her reflection in kitchen's open window she thought she'd never looked better. "Wow, I look so super chic, thanks, Fledge!" she thanked him and giggled a bit. He blushed a second before smiling at her and replying, "It's no trouble, Twilight. I'm glad to help a friend out. So let's have some breakfast now shall we? I've got a lot to do and little time to do it in. So I'm famished. Traveling across worlds is very draining in many ways. So, Spike? Is breakfast ready yet?"

"It's coming! Hold your ponies! Don't rush a masterpiece!" snapped the annoyed dragon as he worked feverishly to concoct a meal for them. He was just putting some fresh bread into the oven to bake and trying to flip some eggs at the same time. He was so cute and adorable as he worked and he went on singing his aria which wasn't half bad all things considered. Deciding it had been too quiet for too long Twilight tried to make conversation, sipping her apple juice she flipped her mane and asked, "So tell me, Prince Fledge, what is the food like where you are from? I mean I know great detail about what the landscape is like, yet I do not know in great detail what the more mundane things in your Sovereignty are like. So what do you normally eat for breakfast?"

"Well, for starters, Twilight, my dinning hall is very big, big enough that it could probably hold everyone in Ponyville and then still has room to spare! Like the rest of my floating palace it's made of solid gold with precious gems adorning it here and there. The windows are stained glass masterpieces each telling a tale from some bedtime story from the "Ponytales" storybook. It also has a gigantic crystal chandelier with a few fuchsia flowers and candles lining the walls. So it's also very beautiful."

"Is everything in your empire know has "beautiful?" Because when Twilight here showed me her copy of "Ponytales" and was yammering on about how it looked she used the word beautiful quite a lot. So is that the only one to describe your homeland? Or is there anything that ain't beautiful?" Spike rudely interjected as he served them breakfast. He tossed a slice of bacon into his own mouth before rushing back to the oven to stop the bread from burning. He managed to save it in time and sighed with great ecstasy as he breathed in its heavenly scent. "Ah, cranberry and raisin bread! Yum, yum! Hope you like this, Prince Fledge, I know it's probably not as fancy or delicious tasting as whatever you eat back home, but hey I did my best!"

"Thank you kindly for the meal before us, Spike. It looks just fine. My servants couldn't have made it any better. You're such a good little dragon. Thanks!"

The little tubby lavender dragon just grin a toothy grin and seemed pleased. He seemed to be very happy with himself. Swelling with pride at such a complement he spoke in a slightly arrogant tone "Well, thanks, Prince Fledge! It's nice to be shown some appreciation for all of my hard work."

"Hey! I show you tons appreciation, Spike! We've been together from the time when I hatched your big purple egg! So don't act like I've not been grateful! I treat you decently!" retorted an angry Twilight. She glared at her assistant with a deadly stare which wiped that arrogant grin off his face.

"Sorry, Twilight, I've just felt at times you take me for granted, is all. Still, it's nice to know you do care about me, and that you do treat me with tons of respect. So thanks for being so kind to me," Spike apologized to his best friend. The purple mare looked still slight offended but soon changed to a pleasant smile.

"Apology accepted, Spike. Yet you do bring up a good point, when you'd asked Prince Fledge here if everything in his kingdom is 'beautiful'. So please tell us is there another word that can be used to describe your kingdom, other then beautiful?"

"Well, I guess there are other words to describe it. Yet the best I know is the word beautiful. However, it is also most magnificent and majestic land. Even greater then what is told in my ponytale. I've many servants of course, yet none of them are ponies. I'm the only pony in my world. My servants are other magical creatures from other children tales, along with a whole menagerie of normal animals, which I've collected in a manner so to speak, to keep protected from being wiped out. Others are born from the beautiful dreams of children. So it's a most amazing place and it's a beauty I want to protect at all times."

"Wow! Sounds amazing! Perhaps you can take Twilight and I there in the future. It would be an once-in-a-lifetime sorta deal. We've been to just about every place in Equestria, and even to an alternate world populated by these two legged weirdoes called "humans". I was a puppy dog during that one. It wasn't so bad and the treats tasted pretty good. Yet I still prefer my scales and fire powers. Dragons rock!"

Fledge burst out laughing gleefully and some apple cider spewed from his nostrils. This made the other two burst out in giggles and they all just laughed for awhile. It wasn't till Twilight snorted like a pig that they stopped. Chuckling in another embarrass expression she toyed with the pink highlights in her mane and spoke. "Well, as lovely as that sounds, we must get back focused on the matter at hand. This is helping you find your "Maiden". We've all read your legend and know you're seeking a maiden who has dreams of gold and a heart just as pure. So shall we go start looking for her? I'm sure you've got some idea as to who you're looking for. So shall we seek her out?"

The great prince just looked as uncomfortable as she'd been moments ago. Something was amiss that was for certain. She knew that look, that was etched so deeply onto his handsome muzzle, it was the look of uncertainty plus nervous. Like how she'd felt when she first became an Alicorn and was made a princess. It wasn't uncomplicated to go from being ordinary to extraordinary. However, she didn't anticipate seeing such an expression on the prince's features. It was perplexing and a curiosity at the same time.

"Prince Fledge? Are you alright? Is something wrong? Did I say something offending? Please tell me! You can tell me anything, I won't laugh. I mean unlike you I wasn't born a princess, you've been a prince all your life. Nevertheless, I can relate to being unsure and nervous from such high expectations. So if you've got something on your mind just tell me. Please."

Taking a deep breath the great protector of dreams confessed all of his woes and qualms, "I know you and every other pony in Equestria has read and known my tale for their entire lives. Yet the reason there isn't any conclusion to my tale, is because the ending to my tale has yet to be written! I do not know whom the "Maiden" is I seek. All I know is what the vision from my own dreams has told me. When the Plague of Disbelief began consuming my world's beauty and soul, I prayed for guidance to aid me in saving my home. I received a vision, an incomplete vision; all I know for sure is that a "Maiden" with dreams of gold and a heart just as pure, is needed to save my land from annihilation. I do not know however whom this Maiden is! It could be anyone in Equestria I don't know. I don't know if she's here in Ponyville or Canterlot or wherever! It was completely random when I crossed through the portal from Pegasus's Glen to this world. So no, I don't know whom I'm seeking!"

This revelation was of coursing very shocking to the both of them. It never had occurred to either of them that the story's ending had been ripped out, because there wasn't an ending. How do you help someone who didn't even know how to help himself? It was a big shock for sure! The prince took a good look out the window and gazed thoughtfully at the sun as if asking it to give him the hope for the answer to his problems. Even though the sun's magic was to bring new hope each day it seemed sadly gave no answer to the problem at hand. For a few moments all three of them looked sad and unsure, though Twilight got a determined look etched up her pretty features and it was a very inspiring look upon her face.

"Don't worry, Prince Fledge! I've come a long way in my quest to understand the magic of friendship. I didn't know at first what I was looking for either, and every now and then the only way to find what you're seeking, is just to let things unfold in their own time. There're great mysteries of this world and I'd think from time to time we ought to just let the answers reveal themselves in their own time. So I shall help you in the best way I can. So come on! Get off your hindquarters and let's find the answers to your quest!"

So all three of them left the library tree and started to just take a walk through the town, as if hoping that the answers they sought would come to them. The town was now bustling with activity and every which way you turned you'd see ponies going about their business. Little foals and fillies were running amok playing with big balls and Frisbees. Fledge actually caught a stray Frisbee in his mouth, he then threw it far enough that some fouls caught it as they rushed to get to school. They smiled and so did he then just before Twilight and Spike got hit by a soccer ball he bucked that ball curling into the top right hoof corner! The children laughed and cheered loudly.

"Awesome shot, Mr. Dreamwings! Thanks!" the children called as their teacher Ms. Cheerilee shepherded them into the schoolhouse. She gazed kindly into the prince's soulful copper eyes and blew him a kiss. "Thanks for your kindness, Prince Fledge! Hope you've a nice day!" she called out to him as she smiled warmly and started to take roll call.

"She's an excellent teacher, isn't she?" he mused a moment, "She's so very kind, patient and understanding. That's the way all teachers should be. Good teachers help and encourage others. Not that I ever had a teacher or went to school, for that matter, still if I was a foal I'd want her to be my teacher."

"Yes, she is a good teacher, and all the children love her very much. Though I've found the greatest teachers in life is time and life itself. They alone teach you more then you'd ever get out of a thousand books. I mean learning about friendship isn't something a book can teach you. I'd to learn that the hard way. You know, why don't we stop at Rarity's? I need to get some more shampoo and conditioner from her, anyway."

"Sounds like a great idea, I would like to try some of that myself. I've got a large waterfall that flows throughout my palace, and there are three smalls ones that pour into these hot springs in my bathroom. It's the most amazing feeling to get a bath in that room. It's just so soothing and relaxing. No-matter- what your troubles are a bath in those waters washes away all your troubles, at least for a few minutes at least."

"It sounds delightful and very cool. Perhaps one day my friends and I could visit you and view the Golden Enchanted Sovereignty for ourselves? I'd like to see your world with my own eyes, not just read about it in a book."

Before more could be said they'd reached Rarity who flung open the doors to her boutique and was galloping towards the three of them with such elatedly. She jumped high into the air and did a big spin before landing gracefully at their hooves. "Oh! That sure felt wonderful, I've just been bursting at the seams with ideas for several new fashion lines since waking up. I've never felt more invigorated then I do right now. Of course I've already finished my "Fun for Fillies" fashion line. That will of course be featured on the runway soon. Although this golden fabric you've given me, my gentlecolt, is truly wonderful! It's so soft and wonderful! Soft as silk and smooth as satin! I've already made you as promised a fabulous outfit. Here it is!" she spoke really fast in a giddy tone of voice as her magic summoned a large golden wrapped box. The package zoomed right from her workroom and then right into his face.

"Uh, thank you, Rarity," he replied politely as he used his own magic to open the box up. Out came a beautiful coat of many colors. It wasn't just made from the golden dream fabric. It had amazing details in many other colors with the gold trimming it. (Think of Joseph's from the Bible coat and imaging it fit for a stallion) Tears welled up in his eyes and he said "I've never seen a more beautiful coat! Never in my wildest dreams! I'll wear it forever and for always. Thank you!"

"Welcome, good sir, let me help you get into it," Rarity replied as she helped the dashing debonair prince into the dream coat of many colors. She summoned a full length mirror so he could view himself, and he had to admit that he indeed looked very stunning and dashing. It was a good look. Rarity really knew how to do magic with any type of fabrics or knowing how to accessorize things just right. "I also made a few accessories to go with it. Here's the medallion I made for you. I hope you love it as much as the coat."

"It really looks wonderful. Thank you again. I really am grateful for all the kindness that you and all of your friends have shown me. Thanks."

"Oh it was nothing, sweetie! I'm just so inspired by you! I've just got all this energy and I can't wait to finish this new fashion line and show again at the Manehatten Fashion week! I know it be yet another opportunity to have my dream come true again."

"I've got to say, Rarity you've outdone yourself with that coat. It looks totally amazing!" Twilight agreed as she pulled the white unicorn to the side. Both of them just sighed dreamily as Fledge examined his new coat and medallion in the mirror.

"Why thank you, honey. Tell me the truth, Twilight? Don't you agree he's the dreamiest debonair pony you've ever laid eyes on? Think he'd like my new hairstyling products as well? I've got the perfect herbal formula that would really make that bronze mane and tail of his to shine!"

"Actually we're coming to get those products, which I think are fabulous too. I mean part of fashion is of course make-up and hairstyling. So this side business of yours is really terrific," she sighed and whispered onto her generous friend, "He is so amazing. I wish the other girls could help him. For that's all I want to do is help him out in his quest."

"Well then it's a good thing I stopped by then!" called a voice from above them. They looked up as Rainbow Dash zoomed in a figure eight and landed dramatically in front of them. "Oh yeah! Who's rad, who's bad, who never been had? I'm totally rockin' it! I just came from Sweet Apple Acres. I was helping Applejack plant those seeds; Princey boy gave her last night. I had Fluttershy help me move some rain clouds over to the best spot to plant them. Fluttershy stayed beyond for a moment to get earthworms and bees to help the trees sprout. Kinda creepy," she shuttered and then threw back her rainbow mane. "Well all in all I'd say things are beyond awesome! Though I must admit that gigantic cake that Pinkie Pie made last night still giving me a bad headache! Never eat four slice of chocolate strawberry cake in one night, girls, or you'll wake up with both a major stomachache and a mondo headache."

"Well take that into account, Rainbow Dash. Now let's get the rest of the girls. Prince Fledge really needs our help."

"What does that stud need help with? He's totally awesome and fastest pony I've ever seen, aside from myself of course, the greatest fastest flyer in all of Equestria! What does dream boy need help with?"

"Well, Rainbow…you see… AHH!" All of the ponies and Spike then just screamed and jumped very high as a huge monster came crashing down on them. It turned out to just be Pinkie Pie who was galloping very fast towards them with wagon full party decorations and a few huge piñatas. She didn't seem to notice she'd almost crushed her very best friends; all she seemed to care about at the moment was catching a few boxes of some type of new desserts she'd stacked on top of the piñatas. She caught all four of the cyan and fuchsia boxes and smiled widely at her friends.

"So super duper sorry, girls! I was just in such a big hurry because I wanted everything to be perfect for the new pony. I mean he's totally amazing and all the wonderful things about him and what he told us last night I was just so inspired! I know now that I want to see the biggest smile ever on his face! So I baked him so many treats to make him feel better, since he seemed so depressed last night! And I want to bake another big cake but I want his opinion on what flavor it should be and so I need to get this done and that done and everything in between. So where is the handsome prince? What? You girls okay?"

"Take a breather, Pinkie! We all need to be hurry and maybe you ought to take a pass at the sugar. You've definitely need to stop eating so much of those sweets. It's making you way too hyper! Besides your cake from last night may've been tasty but it gave all of Ponyville a major headache! So just calm down some, okay, Pinkie?" the blue Pegasus tried to tactfully tell her bright pink friend.

"Alright! Now where is Applejack and Fluttershy?"

"Right here y'all! We just got done plantin' them there seeds, I've got a good hankerin' that those golden delicious will be sprouting in no time at all. And then it's all over but the apple buckin' through my new dreamy golden apples! Heck, I can smell Granny Smith's pies already when those beauties start growing into big and delicious apples! Thanks, Fluttershy for gettin' your little critters to help me get those seeds planted!"

"It was nothing a good friend wouldn't do for her friend. Sharing kindness is so easy if you just remember that there is a lesson to learn in all of us. And that is my friend to be kind to all around us. I'd love to see what we can do for our new friend Prince Fledge Dreamwings. So girls what can we do to help him?"

"Well, guys I've got some bad news about that…"

"What?! What?! How can there be bad news? What's in all that is awesome could be wrong, Twilight?!"

"Well, for starters could you please stop interrupting me, Rainbow Dash? I can't talk if you keep on jabbering!"

"Sorry!"

"As I was saying, Prince Fledge told me that he…"

"I can tell them what my problem is, Twilight. It'd make me feel better if I did tell them, as a sign that I can trust you all to help me in my quest."

"Okay. Go ahead."

"Thanks. Now as I told the ravishing Princess this morning I've no idea who the maiden is I'm seeking. I know you all know my tale like the back of your hoof, yet I've no idea whom I seeking to help me. It was totally random me showing up here. So if you could all help me find my maiden I'd be forever grateful for your help."

There was a bit of a gasp and they all took a step back and looked at him in wonder. Then after the shock wore off they all said the first thing that came to their minds. "We'd love to help you Prince Fledge and we swear with Princess Celestia as our witnesses we won't stop till we help you find your maiden!"

"Thank you. Thank you all very much. Now shall we begin by getting to know each other better? The more you know the more it helps."

All six ponies sighed dreamily and nodded then they began to teach the magic of friendship to their new friend.