Chương 10: Unbreakable Bonds

**Joy's Diary**

Date: …

I felt wonderful to meet her again. My 10th birthday was my most wonderful birthday ever. It brings so many surprises to me. The most amazing surprise was a gift which Bubble shared with me. We had our first kiss. I always felt that there is something special about our friendship. I came to know she felt the same way. I wish she could stay a little longer but I'm happy that we'll be meeting each other time to time.

During some days after she left I felt a little empty. It was obvious to me to miss her. And I knew the same thing was for her. But as we both promised to each other we'll not be sad for long so I soon came over it.

Signed

A little sad Joy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: …

Today I went to see the Wonderbolts Derby with Fancy Pants and his friend Fleur De Louise and also Shining Armor. Wonderbolts, they are known as best flyers in Equestria. The derby was amazing. There were so many ponies but a certain filly caught my gander. She was cheering for them at storm. That filly's mane was so… amazing. It was so colorful like a rainbow. First I think she was a colt but then I realized that she was not a colt but a filly with a boyish attitude. I didn't get a chance to talk to her. But I remembered that when derby was over she yelled loudly.

"One day I'll also become a Wonderbolt." her tune was full of pride.

Then I head back to the castle. Today was pretty fine day.

Signed

Joy Star

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: …

I celebrated my first Nightmare Night outside the castle. Before I was ten years old I only celebrated this night by getting sweets from my mother and my babysitter. But tonight I really celebrated this night along with some other colts and fillies. I said Twilight to also come with me but she said that she had lot to read. Well, her studies comes first but really! she even can't skip this just for one night. But Spike wanted to come along so she allowed him to go. Along with little Spike I came out of the castle to celebrate my first Nightmare Night. I was wearing a dark blue cloak on which there were designs like stars and fake beard. Somewhat like Starswirl used to be. I got caught up with some of my friends on the way so luckily I didn't have to spend this night completely alone. I collect so much of sweets. I had so much fun that night. Spike was also so much happy. I was also a little bit scared as well. I was happy that I was not alone. But overall I was much happier than I was scared.

Signed

A pretty scared Joy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: …

I am making good progress in my private lessons. I scored an 'A+' this time. Mom is so proud of me. Also I've a new found interest in learning about magic. Twilight was happy to help me with this. After all that's what she do. Mom tells me that I need to stay healthy too, so I need to exercise. Shining Armor took it upon himself to help me as my personal trainer. He's a nice colt but a tough coach I must say. Sometime I really got tired with all this exercise. So my dear cousin Cadence is always there to take me some unexpected breaks from training. Thank you so much Caddie.

Signed

A tired Joy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: …

Today was my 13th birthday. Today I became a teenager. My whole family and many friends were there. Along with them she was also there. I was so much happy when I saw her. Now she's even more beautiful and well… lovely. We both as always shared an excited and lovely hug when we saw each other.

"Hi Joy," she said as we hugged.

"Hi Bubble! It's so nice to see you again," I said as we tighten our grip around each other

"Yeah, nice and lovely as always," she replied and we released each other

In some time my birthday party was started. My party was so much fun as always. Blueblood was there and I was happy about that. For some time he had stop being mean towards me. Even when somepony started a food fight. He got dirty during this food fight but thank goodness he didn't become mean to anypony. He just left the party with a big frown on his face. At least he came there. After my other friends went to their places and Twilight to her study room, there was only me and Bubble now.

We talk to each other like all the day till evening. At evening Bubble and I were sitting on our favourite spot in the garden. I told her about that I was training for self-defence. She was a little surprise to know that. She told me that she took part in youngster's fashion show back in Manehatten and was appreciated so much. She told me that my support was with her all the time. Even when I was not there physically. Maybe that was because the time when I helped her to cheer up during talent contest. She couldn't see me but by only believing that I was there made her much more confident.

"You know Joy, you're becoming a handsome stallion," she said.

"Thank you Bubble, you… too look so much lovelier and… prettier!" I blushed.

"Thank you so much Joy." She said "You think that I could become a model or a pop singer."

"I know my very special friend is prettier than any mare in whole Manehatten and also has a very melodious voice. I bet you can be both," I replied and smiled

She giggled as I do this. We didn't notice that how much time we had been there. As I notice this was evening. Time was about to sunset. Bubble and I both went to my mother and this time we both enjoyed the beautiful view of sunset and moonrise.

Signed

A very happy Joy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: …

I'm really surprised today. I never thought I'm able to do something like that. Bubble and I were taking a walk around the town. She'll be heading back tomorrow so a walk around the town seemed like a good idea. This time Twilight was along with us. Not to mention his brother is almost be with me every time I come out of the palace. Twilight had a book with her as always. At least we were able to get out of her study room. This morning seemed usual as all days. Ponies were going here and there. Some were buying some stuff from the market. And everything seems pretty normal.

But suddenly we heard cries of ponies. There was a scene of panic. Twilight was also knocked out of her reading. We started to head back to the castle along with Shining Armor. We saw the thing which was making all this terror as it came in front of us. It was huge four armed, two legged, and two winged bear monster. It was black and white in color. It even had sting like a bee. It was at a little distance in front of us. It roared upon us.

Shining Armor put all three of us on his back and trotted as fast as he could. Suddenly Twilight dropped her book. She then suddenly fell off his back too. I tried to hold her but I fell as well. As Bubble saw us falling she also jumped off his back to help us. Now that monster was just few steps away from us.

Shining trotted towards us in an instance. But now the monster was just a few steps away from us. He flew high upwards and set his sting in a position to attack us. He dive down on us and we scattered to save ourselves. Bubble was tripped on something. Then that bear prepared attack on her. We run to save her. I felt blood rushing in my front hooves as I was running. I ran as I never ran before. Only thing that was on my mind was to protect Bubble. I came in front of her as that bear was coming closer and closer. I crossed my wrists in front of my eyes. I prepared myself for pain as I thought it will hurt me badly. But then something more unusual happened. I felt a shock wave through my body as I saw beam of energy which somehow came from my front hooves and threw that monster far away maybe knocking him out. My whole body was tensed up. My front hooves were on fire. I fell on my knees was blacked out. Last thing I saw the faces of my three friends gathering around me.

I wake up to find myself on a bed. I was in a hospital room. I saw Bubble, Twilight, Heart, and my mother near my bed. A nurse was also there. They were all looking at me worried, a little confused, and shocked. I made a yawn as my whole body was still tensed up. I tried to get up just to stop by nurse who laid me on the bed again saying me to rest. Mom nuzzled my mane softly. My thoughts about recent events were still unclear.

"Wha… what happened?" I managed to ask

"Actually…" Twilight started

Twilight told me about the recent events before I was passed out.

"And… then you somehow used magic sending him away and then you…" Twilight was paused.

"So, I really did that?" I asked a little surprised myself.

"You… then you fell! A moment I was surprise to see you doing that and other moment horrified me!" Bubble completed. She was so much upset.

Everything was coming back to me. The strange bear, Twilight falling of his brother's back, me falling off Shining's back, Bubble coming after me, bear was about to attack and then… then I somehow used magic to create an energy shock wave that knocked out the bear. And then I was passed out. Thanks goodness that Bubble and everypony else was alright and that monster was captured as my mother told me.

I came to know that I was unconscious for almost three hours. Doctor told them that I was overall fine. The reason of my passing out was a huge power surge of magic. Mom and others were happy to know that I was alright. So we headed back home. I was on my mother's back. Mom didn't ask me anything more about that event. After reaching home mama took me to my room so I could have some rest. I was most surprised at my recent discovered ability. Twilight was more excited than me.

At time of sunset mom told me that she was so much worried when she heard that a monster was about to hurt me. And even more surprise when she came to know about my new ability. She told me that she'll help me to learn and tame my abilities. So I think I've to take another class from now on. Great! But I could help the people around me like Daring Do with my new discovered abilities.

Now it's night time. I'm unable to have a nap because of some reason. I'm surprised why Twilight wasn't here with her quill and scrolls. Like she always does when she discovers something new. Mom must prevented her to do so.

I thought writing dairy would be a good idea to pass time till I feel sleepy. But even after writing this long, it doesn't seem to work at all. I'm just gonna leave it here and going at the lake. I rarely get out of the palace at night. That would be a nice change.

Signed

A surprised and sleepless Joy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**End of Diary Entries**

Joy placed his dairy in his drawer and went out of his room. He tried to not make any noise. He silently left the palace. Two guards standing at the gate gave him a concern stare

"Prince! What are you doing here at this time of night?"

"I was just going to enjoy the beautiful night. I'll be here at the bank of lake." replied Joy

Guards let him proceed out of the palace. He went out of the castle and started to wander around. This was a beautiful night of summer season. He sat at the bank of the lake. He picked some pebbles and start throwing them into the lake one by one. Every time when stone made a splash he looked so amused. It was funny that until tomorrow he was just an odd looking but normal colt as he used to say himself with no special ability at all but today he discovered his new abilities which somehow made him feel special. He began to think about what he could do if he got control over them. Maybe he could help the people of Equestria to make his homeland a better place. But what if the people outside the Canterlot didn't like him much. Well, he already had met some colts and fillies who'd came from towns other than Canterlot. Some of them were very nice. Some of them were rude. There were also some fillies who showed very strange behavior towards him.

"I have to see that what life has stored for me," he said and let out a sigh.

"Yeah, sure you've to!" he heard a familiar voice.

"Bubble! What are you doing here?"

"Sleepless! Just like you," she said and sit beside him.

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled. He threw another pebble into the lake. She did the same. Then she sighs and looked towards his bipedal friend.

"Mind if I ask something Joy?" She said as she threw a pebble

"Well, you can ask!"

"I don't think you'd any idea about your powers until today."

"That's true! I'm as much surprised as you are."

"So, what were you thinking when you came in between that monster and me. It's not like I'm not happy that you saved my life but…"

"Actually, I never want anypony or anything to hurt you. You were always there when I needed you and whenever I felt bad about something. You mean so much to me." Joy said and threw another pebble.

Bubble took Joy in an embrace once again. Joy returned the hug and let her feel comfortable.

"You mean to me so much as well," she said. "Please don't try anything crazy next time." She said in a sarcastic manner.

"I'll try." He replied. "Till you don't put yourself in any danger Bubble."

"I promise I'll not," she said and chuckled.

"So I promise too," he replied.

Then they both released each other. Feeling so much relaxed than before. They both looked towards the moon. A pony shaped dark spot was on the surface. That remind Joy of what his mother told him about his aunt. Then he looked towards Bubble again. She giggled and looked towards the lake. Suddenly a blush appeared on her pink face.

"Joy, I want to tell you something," Joy gave her a reassuring look

"You remember my last visit here. You remember that evening when we… kissed each other." she blushed heavily.

"I can never… forget that evening neither… that kiss. That was the most beautiful evening ever," he blushed as well.

"Do you really mean all this? Do you really like me as . . . I did? Or I was…" she stopped when she felt a kiss on her cheek planted by Joy.

"I do like you Bubble, I… like you as you do like me. I was just a little shy to tell you directly until that evening. I can't tell how happy I was that evening."

"You're still being so shy. If you do why you didn't ever told me directly." she said in a little loud voice. "You know I was feeling guilty for being a little mean."

"Don't feel guilty Bubble. I always liked you. I like you so much," their eyes met each other

"I like you so much as well my prince," she said.

Joy was unable to say something. He smiled uncontrollably. She wrapped her front legs around his chest and nuzzled him softly. His cheeks became red with heavy blush as he felt her muzzle touching his nose along with her warm breath. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. She also did the same.

"I don't want you to leave Bubble," he said in a desiring tune.

"Joy soon I never have to leave you ever again. I promise. Beside I'm still here for the rest of the night," she replied.

At last they curled their lips into each other's. Their hooves and hands were continuously stroking each other's mane, neck, and waist. They kept each other like this for some minutes and then released each other reluctantly to catch some breath. Joy laid down on the grass. Bubble placed her head over his arm. After their breaths were calm down Bubble looked towards Joy. He was looking so much relaxed.

"Joy, my sweetie... Can I…" she soon noticed that her bipedal prince was already went to a slumber. A joyous smile was on his blushed face. He was so much relaxed so she didn't try to wake him up.

"I'll take that as a yes," she said.

Her horn glowed and she magically summoned a blanket over them. Wind was soothing and weather was just right. She went to sleep as well in the embrace of her childhood friend. After she knew that her very special friend always had same feeling as she had for him there was not any worry on her mind. It was a relief for them to finally be clear about their feelings for each other.

Cadence came to Joy's room and saw that door was open. She was here to look if her little cousin was having any problem. To her surprise Joy wasn't on the bed. She looked around to find him but couldn't. She was being worried about him. She decided to ask guards if they've seen him. She came to know that he was at the lake. It was much to her relief. She headed there to see what he was doing there that time of the night.

What she saw was unexpected to her. Joy and Bubble were sleeping under a blanket on the soft grass. She couldn't help herself but awe at the cuteness of the moment as a blush appeared at her face. Her sweet little cousin was snuggling with his very first filly friend at the bank of the lake. A part of her wanted to wake them both up and ask about whatever was going on. But as they were sleeping totally relaxed she couldn't dare to wake them up. Instead she teleported both of them to Joy's room. She let them be like this and decided to wait for morning before she ask them anything about this. She was very surprised.

<Oh my goodness! Such strong feelings.> she thought. <Poor Twilight. She couldn't even get a chance." She sighed as she couldn't help herself but feel bad for Twilight.>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another dawn arrived in Equestria. Light was coming throw the window of Joy's room. Joy slowly opened his eyes as he felt the warmth of sun's bright light. First thing he noticed that he and Bubble were in each other's embrace. The blanket was fragrant with the soft smell of Bubble's strawberry perfume. He had that relaxing nap after a very long time. It was like the nights when he slept with his mother. Only this case was much different from that. He saw her face with pleasant smile on it as she slowly opened her eyes to see her special friend in front of her. She smiled more brightly to see him and so did he.

"Hey" said Joy "Do you sleep well?"

"I don't think it could be more relaxing than that." she replied. "Thank you."

"Joy…" she said.

"Yes, dear Bubble."

"Joy, how we are in your room." She said suddenly realizing their surrounding

"What! I too not remember how." He said as he looked around

They both sat up on bed suddenly. Bubble's mane was so upset and so as Joy's hair. Then Joy's saw a piece of paper beside his bed. On this there was a recognizable sign of his dear cousin Cadence. He unfold the paper. It was actually a note.

"Joy come to the main hall along with Bubble around 8 O' clock. I'm sorry that I accidently saw you two last night. Please pardon me for that. And one thing more Joy, I was so glad to see you two together. And in case you're wondering how you reached here well… I teleported both of you to your bedroom."

Joy's face got red as he read that note. His cousin had watched them snuggling together. He passed the note to Bubble. She read it and blushed as well. Then she took a deep sigh and looked towards the Joy. She put her hoof on his shoulder.

"Joy, let's get up now. There's still one hour left. We'll face it together," she said.

"O… okay Bubble. You're with me. Right?" he said nervously.

"Joy, I just said we'll face it together. Besides I was with you the whole night. How could I leave you now?" she said.

Joy nodded and hold her front hoof and leaned to plant a kiss on this. She planted a kiss on his hand as well. Bubble got up and went to bathroom for a quick refresh. Joy quickly washed his face and proceeded to change his pajamas. He had worn his shirt. He was still in his underpants and trying to pull his pants up when suddenly Bubble came out of bathroom with a towel wrapped on her mane.

"I'm ready… oh… I'm really sorry!" she blushed and tried to look away.

"No, it's fine… really. I'm just getting ready. There!" he said as he finally put his pants on.

"Let's just go there and tell them everything clearly," said Joy.

Bubble nodded as both friends headed towards the main hall. Some of the servants and maid gave them a concern stare as they saw them coming out of the room. They kept walking towards the main hall. At last they were there. There they saw, Princess Celestia, Cadence, and Heart were waiting for them. Princess Celestia said Cadence to leave to give mothers and children some privacy.

Cadence looked towards both of them and left the hall giving them a somewhat teasing look.

"I think you both will like to tell us something about last night," said Celestia.

"Ah… about that… mom, we want to tell you that…" Joy was paused

"That we like each other so much. We… love each other," she said as taking his hand in her hoof.

"Yeah mom, we do! We love each other. I was a little late to realize that. Sorry that I should have told this to you before," He said as he tighten his grip on her hoof.

Celestia and Heart kept looking at both children with a concern look. It made both of them a little scared. They both keep looking to their mothers holding each other hoof and hand.

"So you're saying that you're in a relationship. Don't you?" said Celestia looking towards each of them.

"Yeah, I guess we're," then he shook his head "I mean yes… we're… in a relationship. We want to be together... forever," he said as he gathered much courage to say this.

"And you Bubble. Don't you've something to say about this?" said Heart looking towards her daughter.

"Yes mom! Joy and I *are* in a relationship." she then blushed. "We only kissed so far... But you know, we really like each other..."

"I'm surprised at you, son." Joy became a little concerned at Celestia's tone.

"I'm surprised at you too, daughter." said Heart to her daughter.

"You both should have told us about this before," said Celestia as a bright smile appeared on her face "If you told us before I could make your room more comfortable for you twos," added Heart teasingly.

"Huh?!" both teenagers looked towards each other. After they understood what their mothers were saying they both blushed and rubbed their mane. "I think we should've told you about this before," said Joy "This mean you don't have any objection on our relationship?" said Bubble with a bright cheerful smile.

"I never had any. In fact I knew about this for much time," said Heart in a little teasing manner. Bubble blushed and smiled at this

"And you mom. Do you knew this too?" Joy asked his mother

"Let's just say I'm glad with my son's decision. But I must say for a shy colt like you that was surprisingly quick," said Celestia.

Both mothers came towards their children and embraced them in a lovely hug. Celestia had no objection on his son's decision. After all it was his life and she didn't want force her choices on him. She was happy to see him happy. Bubble was also so much glad. Heart was also glad for his daughter. Everypony there was happy.

But today was the day when both friends have to apart once again. Heart was even agree to let her daughter stay there some more time for she knew that it would be rude to apart them instantly after their confession. Joy was happy to know this but he didn't want to be a drawback for his very special friend. She also have the responsibilities back in Manehatten. And so Joy also needed some time to learn about his new powers which may could help him to know himself a little better. Even though they knew that their mothers were happy for them to be in relationship but for some reasons both children knew that it would be too early for them to move to further steps in their relationship. So even that was a little hard but they were agree to wait a little more.

"Next time Joy, I'll be expecting a wonderful date by my sweet coltfriend," said Bubble as she heard the whistles of train

"Be certain about that my lovely marefriend. And remember next time I'll not let you go this easily," replied Joy.

They shared a farewell hug and nuzzled each other. They were being apart once again. Once again he had to wait for long time to see her again. But both of them were happy. They were happy for each other. They were happy for each other's progression in life. They were happy to finally confess their love for each other.

"Bubble! Are you comfortable about telling me how was that?" asked Heart.

"How was what?" Bubble said in a concern way

"You know dear, your… time with coltfriend," she said a little sarcastically.

Bubble didn't replied but her red cheeks were more than an answer to her mother. Heart smiled and nuzzled her daughter's mane. <It must been soothing I suppose.> Heart thought as a lovely smile appeared on her face.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You never told me you like her son," said Celestia

"Actually I guess I was a little shy to tell this. But I was gonna tell you soon."

Celestia chuckled at this and embraced her son in her wings. She was happy for him. Although her son was not a baby anymore who she found two days ago but a teenager. But for her he will be forever her little Joy. The one who walked shakily, the one who was only one to call her mama, the one who rides her back, and one who even once pulled her beautiful mane. Now Celestia was just waiting for a certain pony. The one for who she was waiting for almost thousand years. Because there were only three years and so left in her return.

<Once she'll be here our family will be completed for real.> she thought.

The upcoming days brought forth many ups and downs for Joy and Twilight. Twilight was a little sad because she… likes him much as well. She didn't called him for several days after that. Joy was surprised at this behavior of her. After having a talk with her cousin Cadence he realized the reason behind her behavior.

"So things doesn't turned out the way she hoped and that's why she's so much sad," said Joy

"Yep, but this is not your fault cousin so don't you feel bad about this."

"Will she . . . never talks to me again now?" he asked.

"No, no Joy. She's just sad. Give her some time and she'll understand. Trust me."

Joy nodded and hugged his cousin in thanks. It was helping for him. By a reassurance from her he could hope that Twilight and he still be friends.

And it didn't took her so long before she decided to talk with her friend Joy. After all he was a good friend to her and also the first colt she ever considered her friend after his BBBFF. She was feeling guilty over her behavior and decided to apologize to him.

"No, no Twilight. I don't think it will be necessary. I'm happy that we're still friends."

"Please, please! I was so rude to you. I almost even ruined your day. Say, you forgive me for this."

"Twilight," he sighed. "Okay," and then chuckled a little. "I forgive you. No hard feelings?"

"No hard feelings," she reassured.

So they remain friends after all. That's the best thing about friendship. Seeing a friend happy makes you happy automatically.

After spending some time thinking over it, Celestia appointed her most faithful student to help her son to learn more about his magical powers. It could be first step for Joy to know himself a little more. Twilight was happily agreed to be his tutor. Joy was so much happy for this. He wanted to learn to control his powers so he could help the peoples of Equestria like his hero Daring Do. So his lessons were started under the guidance of his mother and her student Twilight.

(End of Season 1)