"We all make choices. But, in the end, our choices make us".
-Andrew Ryan

Twilight was in a daze. All around her, she can see ponies running to and fro across Ponyville's town square. She can hear their screams of terror rising high into the midnight sky. As Twilight regained her senses, she turned around and saw her friend, Rarity; unconscious and bleeding. Then, she started to remember the events that lead to this calamity. "An explosion, yes, there was a large explosion that knocked both of us out. But what caused...?" Suddenly, she remembered! "Those metal monsters!" One of them threw a bomb at them and that's how they ended up in this state of peril. Twilight can still see the metal clad creatures running rampant across town; sowing chaos and destruction as they charged through in a blind rage. One of them was big, round, and bulky and was armed with a drill, which was implanted in its left arm. The other was slightly taller than its counterpart; but still as bulky. This one carried some sort of construction tool that shot out deadly projectiles into the fleeing crowd; inflicting casualties. Both wore old diving equipment and had a horrible smell that couldn't be described. As Twilight gazed at the carnage, she couldn't help but look at the bright, pulsing, light at the center of the square. She turned away; tears streaming down her face. As she looked upon Rarity's bloodied brow, she quietly sobbed; trying hard to fight back the tears.
"What have I done?" the young princess wondered aloud. "What have I done?!"

The sun shined brightly over the little town of Ponyville. Spring is in full swing; with flowers blooming and birds chirping their sweet songs through the warm, spring air. But, every pony is much too busy to enjoy the scenery. Some were hanging banners, while others were setting up booths and venders; the whole town was covered with festive decorations. In the center of this maelstrom of activity, a young, purple alicorn goes through a check list with her small dragon companion.
"Okay! Now that I have the check list, we should start our inspection on the north side."
She turned to her number one assistant.
"Are you ready, Spike?"
The little dragon replied with a confused look on his face.
"Uh, yeah, sure...But, remind me again why we're doing this, Twilight?"
Twilight was rather annoyed by his question.

, she thought. Nonetheless, she felt like making her point crystal clear, despite her friend's ignorance to the significance of the situation. She took a deep breath and let out a slightly exasperating sigh.
"I keep telling you! We're making sure everything is ready for the ' Great Comet Ceremony'."
Spike continued to stare wearily at his mentor as she continued to speak.
"This festival is supposed to mark the arrival of Astra's Comet; a celestial body that comes only once every 200 years."
"So?” Spike questioned bluntly.
"So! Seeing it is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
Spike quickly noticed Twilight's excited expression; a sign that meant that she took this event very seriously. He also knew that she had a temper and that temper can quickly go out of hoof, if it wasn't properly controlled. So, he shrugged his shoulders in compliance.
"Aright, aright! I get it!"
Twilight started to calm down when she heard his response. But, that suddenly changed when Spike continued to talk.
"But, I still can't see why you're getting so worked up over a flying space rock."
When Spike realized his mistake, it was too late! He started to shake when he saw Twilight give him a piercing glare. But, he stopped when he noticed her closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Twilight, for her part, realized that it was useless to yell at Spike for making a stupid comment. Besides, she is a princess and that is not how a princess behaves. So, she calmed herself down and replied.
"It's more than just a 'flying space rock'."
Using her magic, Twilight pulled out an old, leather bound book out of her nap sack and flipped the pages until she reached she found the one she was looking for. She, then, turned the book around and showed it to Spike. This particular page contained an old manuscript that had a drawing of a flaming purple comet, streaking through the sky. Under it, were a group of unicorns gazing upon it, with halos surrounding their heads. Spike stared at it with wonder.
"Whoa", he exclaimed. Spike couldn't help being impressed. Beaming with pride, Twilight smiled and started to explain.
"According to legend, Astra's Comet is supposed to increase the magical abilities of every unicorn in Equestria."
"Just unicorns?” Spike asked.
"Afraid so", replied Twilight; her smile slowly fading.
For the moment, they were both silent. They knew that this festival was something only unicorns can enjoy; which left the other ponies out. But, Twilight soon regained her optimism and, finally, broke the silence.
"That's why I decided to make the main theme of this festival to be, 'Magical Charity: using your magic to help others'."
"That's sounds great!” Spike exclaimed. "I also can't wait to see what Rarity will do with her magic". The little dragon's cheeks began to blush when he thought about his crush on the beautiful, unicorn mare.
Spike, suddenly, regained his sense when he heard Twilight giggle. But, the alicorn was sympathetic.
"We'll find out soon enough."
Twilight used her magic to place her things in the nap sack and pulled out the list. She turned to Spike.
"Number one assistant! Let's start the inspection!"
The little dragon snapped to attention and gave a hearty salute. "Aye, ma'am!” he replied.

The pair began their inspection of the town square. As they walk up and down town square, every booth, souvenir, and food item was inspected to see if it's in "tip-top shape" (as Twilight would say). During the inspection, the young alicorn couldn't help taking in the festive scenery. The streets were lined with stands that displayed everything from party horns to candy apples. Princess Twilight gazed at the streamers and banners that hung over the town square, fluttering in the breeze, as she walked through the busy crowd. "Everything seems to be in order", she thought. Then, she spotted someone familiar in the mist of the square. An orange earth pony with a golden mane and a cowboy hat was setting up her wagon; loaded with apple pies. Twilight trotted over to the wagon; her face beaming with gladness.
"Hi Applejack!"
The orange earth pony turned around and replied, with a smile.
"Howdy Twi!"
Howdy Spike!"
Both walked towards each other, until they were at a good talking distance. Applejack greeted them, promptly.
"How are ya'll doin'?"
"We're doing fine.” Twilight replied. "Spike and I were just checking up on the preparations. Making sure everything's in 'tip top shape'."
A loud, growling, noise interrupted the conversation. Twilight was embarrassed when she realized that was her stomach that growled. She felt rather sheepish. But, Applejack just chuckled.
"Seems like you worked yerself up an appetite, sugar cube."
"Sorry about that", said Twilight, sheepishly. "I was so eager to get this festival set up, that I forget to eat breakfast."
Spike couldn't help rolling his eyes. "You're telling me", he muttered. He still remembered the tiredness he felt when Twilight woke him up at six in the morning and made him rush downstairs; without as much as a bite to eat. It wasn't long before he heard his stomach growl. After that, there was an awkward silence, which was quickly broken by laughter from Twilight and Applejack.
"Well, in that case...” Applejack said, after catching her breath from all that laughing. She reached into her wagon and pulled out an apple pie. She, then, proceeded to cut two slices from it and served it to her friends.
"Ya'll can have these, on the house."
Twilight uses her magic to levitate the two slices from the wagon's make-shift table and gave one of them to Spike, who was eager to gobble it up.
"Thank you, Applejack!” said Twilight. "But, you didn't have to do that."
Applejack replied, with a smile.
"Hey! That's what friends are for, right?"
Twilight thought about what she said. Applejack has always been known for her honesty; that statement was testament to that. Even though she is a princess, that didn't change the status of their friendship. That was enough to make her happy. Before she can dwell on that thought, an energetic voice rang out.
"Oh! Can I have a slice?!"
The trio turned to see a happy, pink earth pony bounding towards them. They can obviously see that she was very excited today (this was nothing new, since she was like that all the time).
"Well, 'hi' to you too, Pinkie", Twilight said sarcastically.
"Oh! Hey Twilight!” Pinkie Pie replied, oblivious to her sarcasm. Her focus was on the apple pies. But, Applejack will have none of that. She knew Pinkie was a glutton for sweets.
"Uh, Pinkie", she asked, "didn't you eat breakfast?"
Pinkie Pie thought about it for a second. "Well, yeah", she said reluctantly. She felt disappointed that she wouldn't be able to have a slice of the Apple family's famous pies. But, Applejack warmed up to Pinkie.
"Don't you worry, sugar cube, there will be plenty of pies for the festival tonight."
With that, Pinkie's smile grew wider, as she thought about the festival; she was practically bouncing with joy (for she loved to make and take part in parties of any kind).
"Oh! I'm really really really really really really really excited right now!"
"For the comet?” Twilight asked.
"No, silly", she giggled, "for the super-duper festival, tonight."
"Oh", Twilight said flatly. It seemed like every pony is looking forward to this big festival, without realizing what it's really about. She was a little depressed that no pony was taking this as seriously as she is. Pinkie was keen to Twilight's change of mood. So, she resorted to doing what she did best: cheering her up.
"But, this comet will be a really neat thing to see, too."
Twilight smiled. She was glad to have a friend like her. Pinkie was always there to make others happy; no matter kind of mood they were in. No matter what, Pinkie Pie would always find a way to bring out a smile. Twilight wanted to thank her. But, before she could speak, another voice chimed in.
"It most certainly is."
A beautiful white unicorn, with an elegantly flowing, purple mane approached the little group; carrying new fabrics and sewing threads in her bag. She always had a talent for making stylish clothing and her latest trip from the fabric merchant was, all and all, routine. But, the conversation between her friends caught her interest.
"Hi Rarity!” Twilight said.
"Howdy!” said Applejack.
"What's shaking?” chimed Pinkie Pie.
Spike was in a love-struck daze before he answered with a meager "hello".
"Good day to you all", Rarity replied, in a musical tone.
Now, their little group was getting bigger. But, Twilight didn't mind; she was happy to be with all of her friends. And, she was sure every pony else felt the same.
"So, what brings you out here, Rarity?” asked Applejack.
"Well", Rarity replied, " I was on my way home from one of my shopping trips, buying some new fabric, you see, when I couldn't help but notice all of you talking about the Comet."
Twilight was puzzled. "How do you know about Astra's Comet?"
"Twilight, daring!” Rarity said coyly, "Every unicorn knows that every 200 years, the Comet increases our magic by tenfold! Why, I heard from the nobles in Canterlot how their ancestors used the Comet's power to do extraordinary things."

Pinkie was especially impressed. "I didn't know it could do that!" The other ponies just rolled their eyes in amusement.
"Oh! I just realized something!” Pinkie exclaimed. "Twilight's an alicorn!" Every pony raised their eyebrows. "Yeah, we all know that.” Spike said dryly, "This is nothing new." But Pinkie Pie raised her front hoof and shook it around; a gesture that tells the others to 'hold on a minute.'
"Wait, wait, wait, and hear me out!" Her friends stood patiently as she started to explain: "The Comet is supposed to increase a unicorn's magic right?" They nodded. "And the alicorns have more power than any unicorn on the planet, right?" Again, they nodded (but, they were confused as to where Pinkie's explanation was going). "Well", Pinkie continued to say, "now that Twilight is an alicorn, she should be able to use the comet's power to make some really awesome spells!" The others were stunned! They knew Pinkie Pie to be bubbly and a little bit random, at times, but, this time, she made an excellent point.
"That's right!” exclaimed Rarity. "You can use your magic to do something extraordinary. And, if I might be bold, you can even surpass the Princesses!" (She was referring to Celestia and Luna).
"Holy Celestia!” Applejack gasped. She turned to Twilight and asked: "Can you do that?"
The young princess was hesitant to answer. She knew her magic as at an advanced level. But, she never thought of herself as powerful as Princess Luna; let alone be as powerful as her mentor, Princess Celestia. The very thought of surpassing them was unthinkable! Twilight struggled to come up with an answer.
"Well, I..."
"Incoming!"
A familiar voice cried out to the ponies below. They quickly moved aside as a blue streak came zooming into the square. It came to a screening stop in front of Applejack's wagon; kicking up a cloud of dust. The group coughed and gasped, as the dust cloud engulf them. The cloud dispersed to reveal a cyan pony with a bright rainbow mane. The young pegasus mare was beaming with confidence.
"Did you guys see that?! That was a pretty sweet landing!"
The others were still in shock from her sudden entrance. Rarity, on the other hand, was not amused.
"I swear, Rainbow Dash," she said, shaking the dust from her mane, “the day you start kicking up dust is the day I use a better brush."
Rainbow Dash wasn't fazed by her fancy friend's brash declaration. "Oh, come on, Rarity. I didn't kick up that much dust. Besides, if I wanted make a bigger cloud, I would have dive in at steeper angle."
She, then, walked over to Applejack's pie wagon.
"So, A.J, you got any spare pies? I'm famished!"
Applejack was more than happy to oblige. "Comin' right up!"
"So, I take it you finished setting up the banners?” Twilight asked.
"Yep!” the proud pegasus replied. "And I cleared all the rain clouds from the Ponyville area. This place is going to have clear skies tonight."
"That's good to hear.” resounded Applejack, who was serving a slice of pie to Rainbow Dash. "And, by the way, don't you mind Rarity. That was one heck of a landin'!"
The two bumped their hoofs together.
"Is every pony alright?” asked a soft, tender voice.
It came from a yellow pegasus mare, who was gently gliding down to join her friends. She had a worried look on her face. It was the fear that her friend, Rainbow Dash, may have caused harm to herself and every pony else from that stunt she pulled. But, the others gave her warm, reassuring smiles.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy.” assured Twilight, "We're alright?"
She breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
"I tried to tell Rainbow Dash that diving at such a steep angle was dangerous."
Rainbow, still eating her pie, turned to reassure her easily frightened friend. "Don't sweat it, Fluttershy. I told you it would work and it did." With that out of the way, she quickly changed the subject.
"So, what are you guys talking about?"
Pinkie Pie was the first to respond: "We were talking about how the comet is going to make Twilight more powerful than Princess Celestia!"
Twilight, once again, felt uncomfortable. She thought Rainbow Dash's stunt would distract everyone and they would move on. Seems like it didn't work. Now, she was worried that Dash would ask the same question as Applejack. But, to her surprise, the reaction was quite different. Twilight watched as Rainbow Dash went from chuckling to laughing out loud!
She laughed so hard, she was at the point of tears. In the mist of her wild cackling, Rainbow managed to catch her breath and replied.
"Oh my gosh! That's the funniest thing I ever heard!" She turned to Twilight; tears still streaming down her face. "I mean, you're pretty good with magic. But...*pfft*...to be better than...*hee*...Princess Celestia?!" Barely able to contain herself, Rainbow laughed out loud again. Twilight, for her part was not amused. She pretended to scowl at her. But, deep down, she knew Rainbow Dash was right. Despite her status as an alicorn princess, Twilight never thought she could be better than her mentor. Even if she studied every spell known to pony kind, she still wouldn't be a match for the Royal Sisters. Twilight took a deep breath and sighed.
"You're right. I'm not as good as Celestia. In fact, I don't want to be."
Her friends were baffled.
Twilight hung her head low with shame as she continued. "The truth is, I don't know what I'm capable of. Ever since I became an alicorn, I had to struggle to cope with my new responsibilities. I want to use my magic to help others! But, sometimes, I'm afraid of misusing them in a way that can put ponies in danger." A tear start to trickle down her cheek. "Sometimes I wish I could give it all up!"
Her friends were moved by her confession. They all could feel the pain Twilight was going through; even Rainbow Dash felt guilty for laughing at her. But, none of them knew what to say. But, then, Fluttershy boldly took the first step. She put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder.
"Twilight...we all feel your pain. But, I want you to know that we will be here for you." The sad princess shifted her eyes towards Fluttershy's warm smile. Then, Applejack came to her side. "We've been through hard times before and you always helped us through every one of them." She, too, placed her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "We're here for ya, Twi!"
Twilight slowly raised her head and smiled. Rarity came close to her, as well. "If it makes you feel any better," she said, “I've decided to use my magic to repair every piece of fabric in Ponyville for the Comet festival, tonight." Then, Pinkie Pie chimed in.
"Don't feel bad, Twilight. You might not be good at magic as Princess Celestia. But, you're really super-great at being a friend!" She gave a beaming smile, as Twilight regained her posture. Finally, Rainbow Dash, approached her, sheepishly. She felt bad about what she had done. "Twilight...” she stammered, "I'm...really sorry for laughing at you." She made her way to the friend circle. "I want you to know that I'm here for ya, too." Twilight looked around at all her friends. Their faces shown with sympathy and care. Then, she looked down at Spike, whose eyes were sympathetic, but determined. He nodded.
It was then that the alicorn princess realized that friendship truly is a wonderful thing. She remembered the days where she was alone; without a friend in the world. She remembered the first day she came to Ponyville, when she felt really annoyed by Celestia's request to make friends. Now, she was glad that she took her mentor's advice. The thought of the dangers, perils, and mishaps they've endure; while, all the time, learning about the meaning of friendship, brought tears of joy to young princess' face. Twilight turned to her friends.
"Thank you." She said softly.
They all joined in a warm embrace. At that moment, they swore to keep their friendship alive; no matter what happens. After they were done, Twilight turned her attention to the town square, where all the booths were set and the streamers waving high over their heads and loudly proclaimed.
"Come on, girls! Let's make this a night to remember!"

Author's Note

Hey guys! So...this is my first FiM story. I can see that you guys liked it, so far. Here, I tried to stay true to the character's personalities and the show's premise on friendship. I know you want to see more "Bioshock" stuff in this story. But, that's coming up later.

I especially like the part where Twilight confesses her shortcomings and all of her friends comfort her in her hour of need. I liked it because, its something you would see on the show: no matter what the challenge, you can always count on your friends to help you stand up and face the challenge; again and again.

Well, there's more to come. So, stay tuned.

Next chapter: MAGIC PARTY!!!!