What Lies Beneath
I mean, growing up as a love-starved changeling? Or hiding underwater from an evil king all those years? Trusting anycreature must be so hard for you. And griffons never want to be around anycreature, even other griffons. And dragons are so fierce compared to us. There must be days you can't wait to get away from all us cute ponies. "Everypony know yaks think yaks are best!" Making friends with any other creature must seem like a step down. It's just so impressive how you keep trying to understand friendship, even though it isn't in your nature. Oh! I'll let you borrow my notes! It's what friends do. I'll be right back!
That's why we're studying together.
Right. To help us "disadvantaged" creatures.
You do not believe friendship is in your nature? That is NOT acceptable!
Mount Aris? Headmare Twilight sent me home? Wait. Am I suspended? Hello? Anygriff here? Hmm. They must be topside.
No. On so many levels. No.
Uh, hey! Storm King! You're nothing but a big, old bully with a silly name and a goofy crown! You thought you could scare us into doing whatever you wanted! But we learned that together, we're stronger than you! And now that we're rid of you, we're gonna soar through the sky and go on adventures and never give you another thought ever!
Maybe my past was so horrible, it's still inside me just waiting to come out again.
That's ridiculous. That's not who you are anymore. You've changed.
You! You're not Headmare Twilight, are you?
You're the Tree of Harmony!
The Tree of Harmony turned into a sparkly version of our headmare to talk to us? Did I miss a chapter in class?
Like all living things, I change as I grow. As I have grown, so have my abilities.
I'm a bit rusty on pony history. But since when does the Tree of Harmony trap creatures in a cave with their biggest fears?!
You chose what you saw in my roots, not me.
Our friendship got us past our fears!
You were more concerned with each other's well-being than your own. You were strong when your friends were weak. You let each other in and showed that you would be there for each other, no matter what. Friendship is in your nature.
Of course I haven't forgotten Starlight Glimmer! She stole my hive. Turned my subjects against me! So I'll take her friends away while she watches! And then, I'll destroy her!
You will go out there and find the others, you will bring them back here, and we will steal the Elements of Harmony so I can destroy Starlight's life like she destroyed mine! Understand?
What? Rainbow Dash! I think something's wrong with Pinkie! 
Not my problem. 
Grub-sitting you six is nothing like controlling my hive! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just destroy you all and start over! 
How dare you! I created you! 
("Don't try to reform me, Hag, because I'm made of cold stone.")
Nopony was at your desk. Imagine what Twilight would say. Oh, how could you, Starlight?! You've broken my trust and failed me completely! Oh, don't worry. I'll cover for you. By the way, I hope you like Limburger cheese. I got a month's supply for the teacher's lounge.
Magic is the most important element of friendship. So, today I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, will put on a magic show! 
This is your last warning. 
My problem? How is the fact that Twilight decided to put an incompetent, power-hungry unicorn in charge of her school my problem?!
What?! I-If you ever tell an— 
Nopony ever invited you to the school. And when you offered to help, I didn't listen. I was so worried about doing things Twilight's way, I didn't stop to think about being a good friend. I'd like to apologize for that. And offer you the job of vice headmare.
You might have misunderstood things just a little. 
No... because I don't have a family. 
Well, well, well, if it isn't the Princess of Jealousy. I guess we'll be going to the papers after all. 
Were we wearing our eye patch?
Yes, but the book's descriptions just drag on, and what about those silly unpronounceable names? Doctor whozit-whatsit.. Caballeron?
Um, Maud? Can I ask you a question? 
You just did. 
Well, can I ask you a question? 
Well if that's the case, lemme play you the song I just wrote two seconds ago! It's called "I've Got the Best Most Supportive Friends a Pony Could Ever Ask For"! It's a working title.
The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't chant. 
I am walking. 
For nine, at least! 
Magic, tra-magic... poof of smoke... want to wave your hooves... and tell a... little joke! 
Yona like new teacher. He big like yak! 
And he smashes things like a yak, smells like a yak... 
Uh, why do the Hippogriffs need ships if they can turn into seaponies? 
Fine! If pony no want tell Yona story, then Yona tell pony story! From class report! "When Yona come to pony school, Yona not fit in. Pony ways strange. But Yona find friends! Yona meet Professor Rockhoof! Pony brave and strong as yak! Not afraid! Hero! When Yona grow up, Yona want to be just like Professor Rockhoof!" 
What's the difference? 
No. It isn't. 
Mm-hmm! Besides, there's no way I'm living without pillows.
Hey, Yona! Come check out this view! Unless you're too scared. 
And finally, magical artifacts will stop working. When the sun sets on the third day, the magic in our world will be gone forever! 
You might get some company soon, if I can't make that annoying Neighsay back off! All this magic needs time to drain from Equestria before my vortex sucks it to another realm. Three days can sure seem like forever, huh? You know, you ponies got it all wrong. Friendship isn't magic. Friendship is power! With Twilight and her lackeys out of my way, all of Equestria will bow to me! The future Empress of Friendship!
Fine! I'll help you leave! Just please stop! 
Tirek's in! 
You're the one who doesn't get it, Cozy. Friendship is powerful, but power isn't why you make friends. I'm sorry I couldn't teach you that. 
As for Cozy Glow, I can assure you — where she's going, she won't be causing any more trouble. 
Hey, neighbor. Wanna be friends?
Or definitely not the clowns I ordered. 
Oh, goody. All four Princesses. Here's the deal, ladies. I need your magic. Give it up nicely, please, or we make it difficult for everyone! 
And why should we cower before you? There's one of you and hundreds of us. 
Well? Answer it! 
I just can't talk to you right now. 
Aww, the "Princess of Friendship". With no friends! And no way out. 
Why are you doing this? You're a pony! Just like me. 
Why are you saving me? 
Puuuuuuuuuuuudding!
Long live the king.
Listen to me. You don't need me. You don't need the princesses, and you certainly don't need the Elements. Fluttershy, you will always be kind. Applejack, you will always be honest. Rarity, you'll always be generous.And Rainbow Dash will be loyal as can be. Pinkie will always bring laughter wherever she goes. And Twilight...you are and always will be the embodiment of magic. You lost sight of what's in front of you. You're here, together, willing to give everything you've got for Equestria. Nothing and nopony can ever take that away from you, because that's who you are. 
Ocellus! There you are! The hive has been worried sick! Why did you leave without telling us? The last time you and your friends did that, it almost brought our kingdoms to war! 
Plus, the entrances to the tunnels below the castle have been sealed, so there's no underground access. And even if you could get in — which you can't — I've doubled the ranks of security. Ponies protect every hallway and door, which can only be opened with royal guard medals. 
How about somethin' a little more down-to-earth? Like, I distract the guard ponies with a farewell performance by my alter ego, famous country-western superstar Apple Chord!
So, while Shining Armor went on and on about his improved security measures, Luna and I struck a deal. She put Zephyr in charge of the catacombs and helped keep Celestia out of the castle hallways. Once Luna was on board, I just had to do my part and make sure we stuck to Twilight's plan so we'd all get to the throne room at the same time. I knew Shining Armor would let it play out until the last possible second. Then, while everyone was distracted by his gloating, all Luna had to do was float the crown over to me. 
Had a perfect record. 
Oh, Dusty Pages left the library moons ago. Didn't you know? 
It's either that or be yourself and bond with Wind over comic books and role-playing games. 
It says very clearly on page six-forty-seven of the expanded buckball tournament rules that "a goal is scored when an Earth pony sends the ball into a basket". But it doesn't say which basket! 
But Yona yak. Yona not pony. 
Pony, pony, more pony. 
And even if he did, Chrysalis obeys no one.
Mmmm... So much love. I haven't eaten this well in ages. 
Nice to see you too... uh... Which one are you again? The party one? Apple Dash! Or was that the country one? 
Fluttershy. The one who loves creatures. Are... all these yours? 
What?! No! None of them are.
Oh-ho-ho, runt's got wings. I'm soooo impressed.
Put that rock back! Immediately! 
It's supposed to be heating the eggs! Now they'll never hatch! 
Stake your claim! Don't stop! Just do! Be the one and only... you!
But catchin' the Great Seedlin' is helpin'! He can make the trees blossom all the time! 
Look out, Great Seedlin'! Here we come!
Ocellus, it's perfectly normal for a Changeling to struggle with identity issues, but—
I'm Terramar, Silverstream's brother. I've been looking all over for you. Silverstream is missing!
You got the "hunk" part right.
The only thing I see... is the end of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!
Are you kidding? CMCs forever!
I bet you wish I'd never come back so you could still rule day and night! 
Calm down, Luna! 
I do know. And I wouldn't trade you for any of the adventures on my list. 
...I completely lost my laugh! 
I just can't have funny ideas. I need to wander the land and see ponies laughing at them. You can run the factory, but I need to liiiiiive! And don't think I've forgotten about you, little buddy.
A good cheer squad gets the fans excited, which gets the team excited. But if nopony's excited, then no... pony... buys... any... souvenirs! 
Another question! I want to stay in the zone. That way, I can sleep in the zone! Wake up in the zone! And be totally in the zone tomorrow! 
Twilight and Pinkie Pie forever! Ooh! We could be Team Twinkie! Or Team Pink-Light! Sparkle Pie! No-no-no-no! Twi-Pie!
I'm not sure you wanna take that job, Spike. The score-keepin' can get a mite intense.
Yeah. Starlight used to do it, but now... Well, I can't even say the word "trivia" around her. 
It was, wasn't it? Now that is something to think about...
Bringing him here seemed the right thing to do. I've never seen geckos breathe smoke though. Have you? 
Well, maybe I don't want to switch back. I've only been able to talk to you since we met. And now I can talk to anypony I want! Roses are red, violets are blue! You sell flowers...and so do you! 
Well, I can't believe you work here every day! These animals are crazy! No wonder you don't have time for me. 
Oh, Angel. That is so sweet. But now that I know what you go through every day, I understand why your time with me is so important. I promise to always make time for you.
And that is why I simply cannot bear the thought of having hurt you! And even though I don't know what it is that I did, I want you to know that it doesn't matter! Because I am prepared to do anything to make it right! And scene. 
Turns out we have a lot in common! We both come from cultures that don't have the friendliest of reputations. 
Your scroll said you were too tired to do anything today. But I guess you were just too tired to do anything with me. 
You apologize a lot. 
Eeyup! 
Life at the School of Friendship is like a song, and although she started out singing her part pianissimo, Ocellus is now soloing fortissimo! 
Indeed. 
The science curriculum at this school is somewhat lacking, but Yona has taken to the subject like a yak to smashing! If fostered, I believe she could easily blaze a trail and expand our understanding of science itself! 
Phyllis, no!
I decided to find out which author is really telling the truth, so I joined Dr. C's Tenochtitlan expedition! 
Say whaaaaaaat?! 
Fool! Don't you know that's poison?! 
Feel later! Now it's time to escape! 
Hey, what's going on? I thought your first co-written novel would bring out a ton of fans. 
I wish we didn't have to wait to grow up. 
I wish it would happen all at once. Then we'd know everything we need to get to the fair and back with no problem. 
I just wish we were as old as our sisters. Then nopony could tell us what to do, and we'd be able to take care of ourselves. 
We wish we were foals again.
Sugar Belle! 
Discord! 
What did I do?! 
And Mudbriar was there, bein' as logical as ever, but his ears was all pointy-like. And then Discord showed up and... well, you know, he was pretty much the same. 
It is my sincere pleasure to say, for my second Apple family wedding, that I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!