How This Started: Chapter Six

Unicorn Princess stepped off the stage. "We're going to the next town over," she called. "We need to gather more protesters."

The unicorns of Joyfulville crowded around her, gasping at her power. "You're really the princess?" one asked. And then they rose into the air.

Not a single unicorn was left behind. They flew and flew, searching for another town, but they couldn't find one until late at night. The town was called Shimmer, and it was dark and silent.

"Shh," Unicorn Princess whispered to Handsome Prince. "Something seems suspicious, but we should land here. They might help us." She tipped her wings downward, and followed by Handsome Prince and the unicorns of Joyfulville, she landed in Shimmer.

The second her hooves hit the ground, she could tell something was wrong. She shivered. But still she stepped deeper into the suspicious village.

Lines of humans stood in front of each house, holding spears, poised for attack. But they didn't seem to notice Unicorn Princess and the others walk by.

She saw a house with a small light emerging from the inside. She turned close to it, knocking on the door. A unicorn with bright purple fur and a light blue horn answered.

"We are travelers," she whispered. "Please, let us into your home. He and I will enter and the others can remain outside."

"I'll let you in my home," the unicorn said. "My name is Laughter. Who are you?"

"I'm Unicorn Princess," she said. "Close the door, and I'll tell you why we're here."

Laughter gasped. "The- the princess? Come in, come in, take whatever you like!" He closed the door, and Unicorn Princess sat on the couch.

"Well, my father is dead, and a human named Meanie Boy has taken over." Unicorn Princess sighed. Laughter gave her an odd look.

"You think I don't know? Our town tried rebelling, and he killed off half. Now his troops are here, day after day, and we can get killed for even saying something like 'I don't like Meanie Boy.'"

"We'd like you to join us. We can beat them. If you ally with us, you'll have the power of two towns on our side!" Unicorn Princess begged.

"One and a half," Laughter said sadly. Tears came to his eyes. "At least... at least Bouncy is okay." He went up the stairs and entered a room. "You can sleep on the couch," he yelled.

"Who's Bouncy?" Unicorn Princess asked.

"I don't know," Handsome Prince said. He lay on the couch, and Unicorn Princess went after him.

Laughter entered his room. "Bouncy?" he whispered.

Bouncy rolled over. "Oh, Laughter, it's you," he said with a slight smile. "Who's here?"

"Travelers," Laughter said. "Well, actually... rebels."

"There are rebels again?" For once, the light reappeared in Bouncy's eyes. His gorgeous eyes.

"There are. A whole town of them. They came from far away to take Meanie Boy off the throne." Laughter lay on the bed next to Bouncy.

"That's good," Bouncy smiled.

"One of them is the princess," Laughter explained.

"Really? The one rumored to have survived?" Bouncy asked.

"Yes. That very one."

"She must be amazing," Bouncy said in amazement.

"Not as amazing as you," Laughter said, grinning.

And then he knew what he had to do.

He held one of Bouncy's hooves in his own and leaned in.

And he knew Bouncy felt the same way.

They kissed.