Donate What You Can

Princess Twilight Sparkle sighed as she stared out onto the town of Ponyville from the balcony of her new castle. Her purple eyes scanned the ruins of what used to be a flourishing, beautiful town. Hundreds of ponies were working hard to restore the crumbled buildings, houses, and establishments set up throughout the town. Even her closest friends were doing all they could to help their home; Pinkie was holding a bake sale, Rarity was making clothes to help raise money, Applejack was working on restoring her home, Fluttershy was busy building sanctuaries for animals that lost their homes, and Rainbow Dash was working away at destroyed buildings.

And then, there was Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle found herself hardly able to help around. She couldn't bake, couldn't sew, was denied the request to help around Sweet Apple Acres, didn't know enough about animals to help Fluttershy, and was always given the whole "A princess shouldn't be doing manual labor" bullshit. She didn't know how much she could help with, since nopony wanted her help, or she simply couldn't perform the task. It made her rather angry, but she never really said anything about it.

Letting out a long, unenthusiastic breath, Twilight turned around from her balcony and trotted back into the castle. The inside was gorgeous. It was a pretty shade of blue and glistened beautifully under sunlight. The crystal looked so cold. It wasn't warm like the wood of Twilight's old home. Even the floor was cold, and hard enough for the alicorn's hoof-steps to echoe throughout the room, alerting all who were near there was another pony present. She loved all the space, along with her new, very large home. She didn't, however, love the events that caused her new home to be created.

I can't believe Tirek caused so much damage... The young pony thought as she walked over towards the center of the room. She carefully took a seat on her newly created throne and let out a breath. I mean, I just wish there were more I could do to help my friends restore Ponyville. They all have their various methods of raising money... and then there's me. I can hardly pick up anything to do. How can I call myself the Princesss of Friendship when I'm not even helping my friends right now. The mare placed her hooves on the rest of her seat, then proceeded to lower her head into her hooves like a saddened dog. Why can't I find a place where ponies will accept my help...? What can I do by myself to help the rebuilding of Ponyville? What can a princess really do in this situation...?

It was then, the young mare perked up her ears at the sound of faint echoes bouncing off the walls in the near distance. She lifted her head and looked around. The shadow of a young, familiar dragon was being cast off the hallway wall and quickly approaching.

"Spike?" the alicorn questioned, turning her head in the direction of her adopted son. His shadow quickly became a figure as he entered the throne room. He had a smile on his face, and a small stack of books in his arms.

"Yeah?" he responded casually, dropping the books onto the ground near his seat. Twilight greeted Spike with a smile.

"Oh, nothing... I'm just feeling kind of down..." She sighed and glanced away. Before the young dragon even had a chance to ask what was wrong, the mare elaborated. "I mean, even you've managed to find a way to help out with restoration of Ponyville... Yet, it seems as though nopony thinks I'm cut out to lend a hoof." She frowned and looked back up at her friend. "I mean, what am I supposed to do? It's not like I have any bright ideas on how to fundraise."

For the longest moment, Spike said nothing. He simply took in what Twilight told him and considered other options. From what he'd seen, she was having quite a lot of trouble finding a job around there. He wasn't exactly sure why. Who wouldn't want a princess to help hang out with them and help? It seemed a bit irrational to him.

"Well..." the dragon started hesitantly. "Why don't you try organizing stuff like you did during last year's winter wrap-up?"

"Everypony already has their idea planned out and in action. This isn't like the winter wrap-up, Spike. Ponies are more individual and have their own ways of doing things. They don't need somepony to help organize."

"Oh... Well, why don't you try to use one of your special talents to help raise bits?" he suggested hopefully. "Like, I don't know... Start a tutoring business?"

"Last time I tried something like that, everything turned into a complete disaster..." The princess then chuckled, looking back on the events. Who would have guessed how an innocent study session with her three favorite fillies would turn into such chaos so quickly?

"Hehe, yeah..." Spike agreed with a laugh, reflection on the events as well. "I can't believe how crazy ponies went just to get a chance to hang out with you!"

Twilight chuckled at the thought. At first the statement held no value, but after a short moment, she had inspiration strike her like a lightning bolt.

"I can't believe how crazy ponies went just to get a chance to hang out with you!"

It was then, the mare's pupils grew double in size and her heart skipped a beat in sudden realization.

"That's it..." she said with a smile of glee. Her horn illuminated and grabbed a hold of the baby dragon. She forced him into her chest and gave him a deadly squeeze in admiration. "That's it!" she chirped. "I know how I can help raise bits for Ponyville! Spike, you're a genius!"

"Ummm.... thanks?" the poor thing said hesitantly as he struggled to be released from her magical prison. His inner request was answered, as Twilight let go of him and hopped up out of her throne.

"I have to get started!" she said with a smile as she raced from the throne room and into the hallway the baby dragon had originally entered from, ready to make her contribution count.