"Ah really must thank ya for helpin’ me with this Dusk Shine. If we get all of these here golden delicious apples into the barn by noon Big Macintosh will have to wear one of granny’s girdles into town. It’s a Shame Twilight wasn’t around to help, but that don’t mean that ah don’t appreciate yer help none.”

“It’s a pleasure Apple Jack. Since Twilight moved here my job as a personal guard became nonexistent because she’s just a normal pony around here as far as everpony else is concerned.”

“So that’s why ya took up a position in the town watch then. Don’t rightly know what they do, but granny says they help keep Timberwolves from straying into town.”

“While Timberwolves are one of our main concerns we also make sure that children don’t wonder out of town on their own.”

“Well at least ah don’t have to worry about getting a letter about Apple Bloom having gone up to our cousin’s in Fillydelphia alone again.”

While the two ponies continued their conversation Spike was busy riding on Dusk Shine’s back while sorting through the apples. During his sorting he managed to find an apple that was far more beautiful than any gem he had ever consumed and dove in for a bite. Dusk Shine plucked the apple out of his grasp using his telekinesis much to the young dragon’s annoyance.

“Sorry Spike, but if you want that apple you are going to have to pay for it.”

“Dusk Shine! Just because you’re my guardian when Twilight is out doesn’t mean you can treat me like little kid!”

“I treat you rather well young drake. In fact if you were a wild dragon you would still be treated like a baby. What’s so bad about me? I’m practically Twilight’s brother.”

“Well at least Twilight would have let me eat the apple.”

“Trust me when I say this, she would have done the exact same thing that I did.”

“Aw, what do you know?”

“Quite a bit more than you would imagine Spike, now let’s pay for that apple and get home. The residency’s basement still needs cleaning and I need to get ready for Sunny’s visit.”

“Aw… does Sunset really have to…” Whatever Spike was going to say was cut off by a belch of green fire that plopped an envelope on Dusk Shine’s head.

“She’s my fiancé Spike. Now let’s see what that letter holds.”

“Hey! You can’t read that! That’s for Twilight!”

“To Twilight, I am afraid that I can’t put off the true reason behind your placement in Ponyville any longer… yes Sunset was correct about your banishment …I am sure you understand that the abuse of your position has garnered this action; furthermore because of your refusal to appear at other Grand Galloping Gala’s when you were still considered my student you must now attend the next one…I was hoping to break your banishment to you later, but with your friends, Spike, and Dusk Shine there to lend you support I felt that you would be capable of handling the full truth behind your placement in Ponyville…I also couldn’t in good conscience forgo your studies either.

As stated in my previous letter a pony that abuses their position in the way that you do with no hesitation is unworthy of ascension. You will no longer be considered my personal protégé because you are no longer residing in Canterlot. As for the gala no other gala will be required since this will be your first and your last, and without a date I seriously doubt you would be willing to attend another. The main reason for your required attendance is just for the public to know that you do actually exist, especially before the letters that a new opening for a student has opened up are made public.

My brother finds my willingness to punish my most prized student by disowning them rather…distasteful to say the least. Although if I were to let all of those who abused their position into the court systems, then I’m afraid that there would no longer be an Equestria. However, I feel that Ponyville may do you some good so I won’t completely disband your studies, just the preparations for ascension and politics will be dropped. In truth I am unwilling to punish you for such a small grievance, and you already seemed to have the law code memorized anyway...Your brothers didn’t force you to memorize it because they had to did they?

Sunset Shimmer has made a surprising amount of progress lately and I can see that she will make a fine princess one day. If you one day prove that you are worthy of forgiveness then I will consider taking you back after making sure that you have learned your lesson… Maybe one day I will be calling you princess Twilight Sparkle. I will still be keeping a close eye on you now that you are the bearer of the element of magic. The others bearers will be treated similarly as well.

I will also be sending you lesson plans and visiting regularly even though you are no longer being taught personally by me. If you are curious as to why I’m still sending you lesson plans…well I did say I wasn’t going to forgo your studies, but just so you’re clear I’m still going to be the one to decide your lesson plan…And believe me there were takers…actually only one and that was my brother. I would wish for you to view it as being transferred to the Unicorn College of Advanced Magic. It is surprisingly well funded and teaches a tougher curriculum than my personal one oddly enough. The reasons for me arranging your lesson plans are simple though… As a bearer of an element of harmony you are in a position of… rather great importance, and if a threat only the elements were capable of defeating were to arise I wouldn’t want to find out that one of you died after having had an unfortunate accident.

If the other bearer’s wish for me to send them texts or lesson plans you can tell them that I’d be more than happy to oblige. I’m sure the bearer of the element of laughter would appreciate such a thing. As for the others they can just go back to doing what they normally do...no matter how mundane it must be. Although Rainbow Dash seems to be a character who lives life in a way that defines exciting…if not constantly nearly getting killed that is. Still…there’s something about her eyes that puts me off...perhaps the near red coloration of them is reminding me of a darker time in Equestria that I’d rather forget…Unfortunately Artemis would disagree on that part, he is rather fond of red eyes...sorry I’m rambling aren’t I?

My brother also wishes for me to let you know that you can send him letters anytime. He has taken a liking to familiarizing himself with the nobility and has befriended Sunset Shimmer to the point where I think that he is tutoring her. His popularity among the nobility was surprising to say the least, although there are still a few who are uneasy around him. I’d say those nobles are the intelligent ones if they all didn’t come to me just to propose a new way to make them the center of the universe…

Contained within this letter are two tickets to the gala, one is for you and one is for a friend of your choosing. These are the only tickets that I will be sending your way because of your ongoing punishment for abusing your power. I will also be expecting your brothers Dusk Shine and Shining Armor to be there as well in order to formally present their engagements before the nobility. I have found that springing royal weddings on the nobility at the last minute has rather unfavorable effects. Your ruler Princess Celestia Equestris.” Dusk Shine finished reading while having two tickets held aloft in his magical grasp.

“Oh my… Ah knew that Twilight didn’t like Celestia an’ all… but ah never would of thought that Twilight would give Celestia a reason fer such a thing. The princess always seemed so…nice. Ah just can’t imagine anypony disownin’ Twilight, especially after all that your sister has done for ya and how she faced down the Nightmare with us. Now ya better apologize to yer sister about readin’ her mail.”

“She has me pre-read her letters in order to make sure that some random pony isn’t trying to send her… distasteful images again.” The stallion said while producing a hoof written letter from Twilight allowing him to read her mail.

“W-well… ah guess ah can understand why she might have a few stallions chasing her tail. So is…is she looking for a stallion?”

“No…I’m afraid not.”

“Uh! My mom better have a stallion in mind soon… I’m beginning to think that she might be a lesbian with the way she looks at Sunset and her general unwillingness to give any of her suitors a chance.”

“Now Spike… ah’m sure Twilight has a good reason for not wanting to get busy yet. Ah’m also sure that Dusk Shine wouldn’t allow his sister to do anything funny with his sweetheart.”

“Leave him be… He hit the nail on the head. Twilight is into mares not stallions. Just don’t go telling anypony. She’s rather embarrassed about it and wants to tell ponies when she’s ready. And Spike if you ever tell anypony that Twilight is a lesbian before she’s ready, I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that her last suitor forgot who he was for a month.” Dusk Shine said effectively silencing the young dragon.

“Aw shoot! Now ah have to go tell Big Mac that Twilight isn’t interested… nor will be.”

“Funny. I never pegged Big Macintosh as a pony who would be interested in the intellectual type.”

“Well…he is smarter than he looks. Pa never wanted him to be stuck on the farm. We just couldn’t pay the bills school would cost though.”

“Huh…well I better get going. Sunny won’t be too happy if I show up late. Tell Big Macintosh that he can study with me if he wants to.” The stallion said while paying for Spike’s apple before running back to the residency.

When Dusk Shine arrived at the residency he set Spike down and told him to go play at Fluttershy’s for a little while. Spike eagerly agreed and ran off while following the path that would lead the dragon to the mare’s hut. Dusk Sine could only chuckle at the young drake’s enthusiasm to visit his favorite dragon sitter.

Fluttershy had proven oddly adept at taking care of Spike and had an unusual amount of knowledge pertaining to his species. Dusk Shine had asked her about it earlier, but the mare replied with having gotten to know that momma dragon when her child was injured. Something felt a little odd about getting to know about dragons that well in such a short amount of time, but Dusk Shine didn’t want to intrude in her life.

Sunset Shimmer arrived at the residency a few minutes after Dusk Shine had arrived. She was smiling and had an overall pleasant air about her that was unusual for the mare. Dusk Shine wondered why she was so happy right now of all times, but she was probably going to tell him about that anyways.

“Hey! Guess what?”

“What?”

“We are going to have our engagement announced at the Grand Galloping Gala! The royal sun butt is finally doing something nice for us.”

“Yeah right… Read the letter she just sent Twilight.” Dusk Shine said while handing her the letter.

Sunset’s facial expressions went from full blown joy to almost pure unfiltered rage in a matter of seconds. Then an expression of odd smugness came upon her face that was probably due to the part about Artemis. Then her expression turned to one of annoyance and then a small bit of worry.

“Dusk Shine… How are we going to pull off Twilight and you being in the same room at the same time?”

“I don’t know… Maybe Artemis can figure out something?”

“I’ll talk to him about it but even he has limits on what he can arrange with Celestia. Although a powerful illusion spell and a good actor might do the trick.”

“We could enchant more armor…but I’m already at my limit on the number of suits I can have. At least I can still study magic… even if Celestia no longer views me as her personal protégé.”

“Uh! It wouldn’t surprise me. That bitch thinks that she can do whatever she wants and I have a feeling that she’s going to be making your stay here a personal Tartarus. Were you even bad enough to get sent here and disowned?”

“We’ve done some things together that I’m glad Celestia doesn’t know about when it comes to that topic. Remember when we discovered the want it need it spell along with the bad luck spell and charm.”

“Oh you mean the spells obsession, ruination, and Atraction. I still don’t understand how that book on dark magic got out of the restricted section of the library. And yes I remember when we found them. I’m just glad obsession wasn’t cast at a very high power, from what I’ve heard it can cause ponies to kill each other over something.”

“Please don’t remind of their real names. It’s bad enough that Celestia thinks that I accidently reinvented a spell. I would hate to think of what would happen if she found out that we looked up dark magic.”

“Speaking of her let’s go inside, I have a few choice words about her that I wish to say away from the ears of foals that are passing by.” The mare said while entering the residence and throwing up a soundproofing spell.

“That Damned bitch is going to pay for having treated you like some piece of trash to be thrown away! That mare should take lessons from her brother on how to not be a complete ass!”

“Feeling better?”

“A little bit.”

“Hey, at least she’s not completely giving up on Twilight. If she were she wouldn’t continue sending lessons and an offer to come back later. Although I have a feeling Twilight is going to be freaking out about the banishment while in reality I’m freaking out about the gala.”

“Well you seem to be taking it pretty well so far.”

“Let’s just say like you I’m waiting for a more appropriate time to vent my feelings.”

“Just make sure you don’t scare Spike again. I don’t want to hear that he called a doctor and that you wound up in a padded cell…again.”

“Hey that was only once! To be honest Celestia was really cruel when she tried to convince me that Slender Mane was real.”

“Oh yeah…that was pretty horrifying.”

(_o_============================================_o_)

[Meanwhile at Canterlot]

“Oh of all the insufferable things that I have witnessed since my return.” Artemis grumbled as he stormed down the hall and to his sister’s chambers.

Two guards were standing outside of his sister’s room decked in the normal bronze armor that they wear. Artemis had plans to improve the armor but Celestia was fighting his changes at every turn. Surely his sister cared whether or not they were outfitted with the best possible protection. Although, Artemis was beginning to doubt that. As Artemis approached the door the two guards snapped to full attention and crossed their spears.

“Halt! The princess is not accepting company at this time.” The guards said in unison.

“I wish to speak with my sister on a matter that is of utmost importance.”

“I am sorry but you will have to come back later.” The guard on the right said.

“I understand, but please slip this note under her door so she will know that I wish to meet with her.”

“Of course your majesty.” Said the guard on the left.

Artemis left more infuriated than before and began to wander the castle in order to pass the time while his sister finished whatever she was doing. He briefly considered going over the genealogy records in order to see if the old nickname he had given her still held a bit of truth. He decided to forget about such thoughts though and decided to talk with those who were patiently waiting for a chance to talk with Celestia.

By the time Celestia returned to resume her Day Court Artemis had already seen to evrypony and there was no pony currently waiting to speak with the solar princess. Celestia just looked at the room with a baffled expression on her face at the sight of the empty throne room. Artemis could see a slight twitch in Celestia’s left eye and that her tail had stopped flowing.

“H-how…did you do this?”

“It was quite simple really. I had those who wished to talk about things such as the construction make an appointment with the secretary to propose their ideas at the next Equestrain Construction Guild’s conference. Then I did the same with the other propositions by assigning appointments to the corresponding guilds. At the end of the guild's conference the guild will propose to you what they have accepted from those who came to petition and seek your guidance. I dealt with the tax and business propositions personally.”

“H-how could you defer my subjects to the guilds!?”

“Celestia those guilds know more about what the petitioners are talking about and can propose more meaningful insights and provide better help. You and I both know that you are not omniscient and I just cut your work load in half. You should really be thanking me for having taken care of that buildup of requests that was going to have you backlogged for three months.”

“What have I told you about interfering with the government!?”

“Seriously sister I am beginning to wonder what being a prince actually means if I can’t do my job.”

“Your job is to deal with those who petition during the middle of the night and taking care of the dreamscape. Now what was it you wanted to talk with me about?”

“Which brings me to my next problem dear sister… When I was banished two thousand years ago the steam engine was just being built and circuitry was starting to be looked into. When I came back I was expecting to see a plethora of new and exciting inventions the likes of which I have never seen! Then I find out that almost no advancements in technology have been made. When I look into the dreams of ponies they dream of nothing more than living the life they live and achieving some smaller dreams like becoming a famous fashion designer. Sister, your ponies have no desire to push further or reach for the stars or go beyond their main goals in life. I am afraid that their creativity and desires to become the very best pony possible have stagnated. From what I’ve seen I’m happy that they use glowing crystals instead of fireflies for a noncombustible light source.”

“They are happy and content. There is nothing more to be done on technology’s behalf when it comes to that.”

“What do you do when ponies come to you with new ideas for inventions sister?” Artemis said taking on a more serious tone.

“Why would you wish to know such things dear brother?”

“Avoiding my questions will only make me believe my suspicions about your dealings sister. Now answer me with the truth and the full truth.”

“They are penciled in for a later appointment…and have medium priority.”

“I’ve seen that list sister…they have no priority in your mind.” Artemis said before exiting the throne room.

(_o_============================================_o_)

“So Dusk Shine are you feeling better after having gotten all of that distress out of you system?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“Yeah…Although I wish there was a spell to just remove it.”

“We both know that in order to remove something you have to place it in something else. Nopony wants your stress to suddenly invade their body and cause them to have a mental breakdown…although it would be useful against enemies.”

“Thanks for helping me snap out of it by the way.”

“Well I can’t let my colt-friend pass out from hyperventilating now can I?” Sunset said before a knock at the door interrupted.

“Hey! It’s me rainbow Dash! Twilight are you in there?” The mare said on the other side of the door.

“What do you want with Twilight this time Rainbow Dash?” Dusk Shine said while opening the door.

“Well… I was sleeping in a tree near Sweet Apple Acres and I happened to overhear that letter and I was thinking that maybe Twilight would take me to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Why do you want to go to the gala?”

“Think about it. I show up at the gala and meet the Wonderbolts in person. Then I show them a few of my Rainbow Dash style tricks and impress everypony at the gala. After that I get invited to join the Wonderbolts because of how awesome my stunts are and we perform together at the gala.” The cyan mare said while Sunset Shimmer burst out laughing in the other room.

“Yeah right! As if those stuck up nobles will pay any attention to what you do at the gala. It would take a natural disaster to get them to pull their heads out of their own asses.”

“Wow…I like your mare-friend Dusk Shine she’s got some guts in there. Now how about you and me think of something that will show those noble ponies what a true performance is like.” The cyan Pegasus said while gesturing towards Sunset Shimmer.

“I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy this.” Sunset Shimmer said with a grin spreading across her features, “Dusk Shine I’ll talk with you later. I’ve got a few ideas that I think Miss Rainbow Dash is going to enjoy.”

After Sunset Shimmer had left the residency Dusk Shine decided that he needed to go get some groceries and donned his armor. Dusk Shine wasn’t too happy with needing to be Twilight Sparkle when buying things, but shaving off a four percent tax by being a mare was too good to pass up. It also didn’t help when he had to have all of his money in Twilight’s bank account in order to keep a mare from having to sign off on his withdraws. As much as he hated it Twilight Sparkle was a necessary part of his life that kept him out of the poor house.

As Twilight walked through town she stopped off at Sugar Cube Corner in order to pick up some emerald cupcakes for Spike. It turned out to be one of the few bakeries willing to add gemstones to an item in case their customer had an odd craving. Back in Canterlot Donut Joe’s and a few select bakeries catered to weird tastes, especially when it concerned a mare named Beatrix Lulamoon. Ponyville only seemed to have a mare named Ditzy Doo who occasionally decided to experiment with flavors.

When Twilight walked into the store she was greeted with the smile of Pinkamena Diane Pie. Her wide smile grown less creepy over time, but she still felt a little uneasy around the mare. Pinkie gave her the treats for her dragon and cashed her bits without incident until she demanded the extra four percent. The disguised Dusk Shine gave her the bits and left knowing that arguing with the mare wasn’t worth it.

On the way to the venders located in the middle of town Twilight bumped into Fluttershy who was being told all about the letter from the princess by Spike.

“That’s why I’m going to be staying at your house for the night. Nopony wants to see the freak out Twilight is going to have after reading that letter.”

“Hi Spike! Don’t worry about bothering Fluttershy I already read the letter and I already got that out of my system. I mean it’s not like the princess is totally giving up on me.” The mare chuckled while a few hairs in her mane frizzed out.

“Oh. I’m happy that you are feeling better after getting that terrible news. I don’t know what I would have done if somepony told me I had to care for less animals.”

“Thanks Fluttershy. Now what brings you into town?”

“Oh I was getting ingredients for a salad that my pet bunny Angel wanted and I thought that maybe…you would like to bring me to the gala.” The butter yellow Pegasus whispered.

“Well you see I already kind of let Rainbow Dash believe that she was going.”

“Oh I understand…I guess I’ll never get to see the palace gardens and all of the lovely animals that live there. I was hoping to have listened to the exotic songs of the little birdies Celestia has and maybe even get to see a buzzard that actually buzzes. But you only have one ticket and I won’t dishearten Rainbow Dash by trying to get you to let me have her ticket.” The yellow mare said.

“Well…I might be able to get you a ticket to the gala…I already have one that Sunset bought for me so I have two extra. So I guess you and rainbow can have them.”

“Oh thank you Twilight, although I don’t want to intrude on anypony else’s chance to go.”

“Well can’t ah have a shot at asking Twilight for a chance to go to the gala?” Apple Jack asked while tending to her fruit stand.

“Oh hi Apple jack! I forgot that you were coming out here later today. So why do you want the ticket?”

“Well ah was hopin’ that ah’d be able to set up a stand at the gala and sell some down to earth Apple family style cookin’ and earn enough bits to maybe help renovate the farm a little bit.”

“Well I’m afraid that not many ponies are going to consider buying your treats while at the gala. Don’t get me wrong your food is amazing, but Sunset and Dusk Shine have been to the gala before and the nobles are more interested in the fancy dishes being served.”

“Ah see. Then ah guess ah’ll have to learn a few new recipes that will impress those noble ponies. Big Mac I’m going to the library take care of the stand while ah go an’ find what ah’m looking for.” The mare said while trotting off towards the tree in the middle of town.

“Wait! Apple Jack I didn’t say that you could have the ticket!”

“Oh that’s alright Twilight, really. I’ll be okay.”

“But Fluttershy what about your dream to see the palace gardens?”

“It’s more of a small wish. I don’t dream of Canterlot’s gardens but it would be nice to have seen them once. I’m happy that Apple Jack is going. She’ll be able to help her family more that way.”

“Ugh! Fluttershy I can’t decide who I want to give the tickets to now. Apple Jack is determined to help her family and…well if I don’t bring you along then I’ll feel bad about having left you here and Rainbow Dash is going no matter what if Sunset Shimmer is planning something with her.” Twilight said.

“Oh! Sunset Shimmer is planning to do something with Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah. Now let’s see here I need a bag of carrots, ten apples, a cabbage, and a few sapphires that I’ll need to go to Rarity’s in order to pick up.” The mare rattled off while looking at her grocery list.

“Make sure to get some quartz and topaz.” Fluttershy added.

“Oh right. Sorry I forgot about that because the Nightmare came back.”

“I understand. It wasn’t important when compared to a national crisis.”

The rest of the grocery shopping when on rather normally until Dusk Shine spotted Pinkie flitting through the crowd. He couldn’t find the mare afterword and continued on his way until he came across the boutique that Rarity owned. While waiting for a response to his knocking Dusk Shine began to wonder why there were a few tents in the distance just behind rarity’s boutique. His musing was cut short when he heard Rarity screaming something from inside the building.

“Sweetie Belle please put that back! No pony must be allowed to see such a filthy thing, especially when you are tracking dirt though my boutique with it!”

“Sorry Rarity but Scootaloo suggested a way for us to get our cutie-marks and I needed this.”

“Sweetie Belle… I know that Scootaloo is your only friend at school so far but do you really need to be dragging that…thing around?”

“But Rarity I need this in order to do what we planned…I…I don’t want to disappoint her.”

“”W-well I suppose you can use it, but take it out the back and don’t let anypony know that I own such a filthy thing.”

“Yay! Thank you Rarity you are the best sister ever!” The little filly said before scampering off.

Dusk Shine who was at the door was not quite sure what he had just overheard, or who Sweetie Belle was. Rarity up to this point hadn’t mentioned anypony by the name of Sweetie Belle nor had Dusk Shine noticed her when he was introduced to the rest of the town. It was possible that she had just arrived recently though, but Pinkie would have thrown her a party if that were the case.

Rarity opened the door looking rather frazzled and her mane was probably going to get reworked before the day was over. She noticed who had come to visit her and eagerly pulled everypony inside before closing the door. Unlike before when the shop had been neat and tidy it was now a complete and utter mess.

Mannequins were knocked over and a few boxes of supplies were overturned. The oven was emitting a black cloud of smoke that was slowly making its way upstairs to where the bedrooms were at. Papers that were covered with glue and macaroni art were laying on a few nearby counters and there was a small trail of dirt, chipped stone, and gem shards that led out the back door. Whoever Sweetie Belle was she was the queen of destroying houses.

“I’m so sorry darlings my younger sister Sweetie Belle is staying with me during the school year because my parents thought that moving around all of the time wasn’t healthy for her. I just hope I can survive that long. Don’t get me wrong all of the other times my sister has been here she has been an absolute doll, but she tends to get things a bit…messy.” The mare said while examining the exact state her business was in.

“Well…I don’t want to intrude, but why is are there crushed stones and gems on the floor?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh Sweetie Belle just decided to drag around an old tool that I had lying around and that was the result.”

“Oh my. Is your sister going to be alright? I’ve never seen anypony cause such a mess.”

“She’ll be fine…I hope. I just hope she doesn’t poke her eye out with that thing.” Rarity mumbled.

“Hey Rarity Twilight has two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike shouted loud enough for Sweetie Belle’s imaginary friend, Iron Hoof, who was sleeping in the young filly’s room upstairs, to here.

“Spike! You didn’t need to tell Rarity that!”

“Oh Rarity do you have any topaz and a lot of quartz? Twilight needs to make a purchase for her baby dragon.”

“Oh of course darling. I’ll even give them to you for free as payment if you’re taking me to the gala.”

“What gave you that impression Rarity?”

“Twilight, darling. Your assistant there wouldn’t be spouting out that you have two tickets to the gala unless you were going to give them away. I’ll gladly accept one and attend the celebration.”

“Well I already kind of told Fluttershy she could have the last one.”

“Oh poo. I was looking forward to catching the eye of the prince at the celebration.”

“But Rarity I thought you no longer wanted Blueblood after what Twilight said.”

“Ew! Being that stallion’s fiancé is a travesty I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I want to woo Prince Artemis and have him make me his princess.”

“Um Rarity…aren’t you just being a little selfish, or conceited.” Fluttershy said.

“Fluttershy! A mare can dream can’t she? I would still love to just socialize with all of those fancy ponies and possibly attract a little more business to this place though.”

“Are the sales really that bad?”

“NO! It’s just that not everypony truly appreciates a Rarity original. Sure I tend to have my hooves full at times, but I want to get out there Fluttershy. I want to be remembered and I need to know ponies in high places in order to even get the attention of someponies. It’s not about fashion Fluttershy, I figured that out a few years ago, it’s about status and what your clothes can do for them concerning it.” The marshmallow colored mare said.

“That doesn’t mean you should sell out or attempt to marry a prince who may not even like you. It’s just that maybe they have another pony in mind that they want. It’s better to ask politely and accept getting turned down than to go overboard.”

“Overboard! Trying to woo a prince is going overboard?!”

“Um…yes? But only if you don’t ask if they are taken first or if they are even looking.” The butter yellow Pegasus said nervously.

“Uhm…maybe I’ll come back later it seems that you two are having a moment. Just come over later with the gems and I’ll give you the bits for them. Come on Spike we need to go get some lunch.” Twilight said while grabbing Spike and leaving Fluttershy to help Rarity.

“Yes, Twilight I understand fully. I was just about to suggest that you leave us alone to ‘talk’ this out.”

Twilight took Spike to a local diner in order to eat some lunch. Between getting groceries, helping Apple Jack with her bet, and talking with Sunset the mare had almost completely forgotten to get something for herself to eat. She noticed Sunset eagerly dragging Rainbow Dash to a far off part of town and silently apologized. Sunset Shimmer was notorious for causing trouble if she could get away with it.

The waiter for the establishment came out and gave twilight the menu while Spike asked about the possibility of getting a ruby. After Twilight placed her order she noticed a pink mare by the name of Pinkamena approaching and taking a seat right next to Spike. The mare gazed at the two with an unblinking stare before bending over and eating the flower that was decorating the table before talking with the two.

“So Duskie up to anything lately? Oh hi Spike I almost forgot that you were here! Don’t worry I’ll still be there to plan your twelfth birthday! Trust me its’ going to be super-de-duper fun and there will be plenty of gems, and pin the tail on the dragon, and other party games, and my minimum of five gifts, and a bunch of balloons, and…”

“Pinkie!”

“Oh hey Duskie…! I mean Twilight! I heard that you have a few tickets to the gala taking place in Canterlot. I already have a ticket so don’t worry about me yet, at least not until the gala that is. I also heard all about that little predicament with Celestia and the wedding stuff by the way. Oh I’ll be so jealous of the pony that gets to set up those celebrations. By the way have you met Iron Hoof the tyrant lord of Trottingham? He’s in town, although I doubt you’ll have a run in with him considering that he technically doesn’t exist, but what can you do? Oh are those hay fries!” The mare said as soon as the food arrived.

Pinkie noticed Spikes meager meal of a salad and a few hay fries and hoofed over a bit of quartz that she found when dusting the attic. The young Drake enjoyed the little crystal while it lasted, completely unfazed by the dust clinging to it. Twilight started to pick up her sandwich when Pinkie noticed Apple Jack running into Berry Punch’s soda bar and promptly did a spit take after taking a swig of Twilight’s juice.
Twilight wasn’t amused by the fact that her food was now covered in juice and Pinkamena’s spit. She let the soggy sandwich land on the plate and slid the plate over to the pink menace that had ruined her lunch. The mare swallowed the whole thing in one gulp and left only the silverware and plate behind. Twilight was still unsure of how the mare did it, but she decided to let it slide considering the stories Rainbow Dash has told.

“Pinkie?”

“Yes Duskie? What do you want?”

“Why are you here?”

“I could ask anypony the same question and I could gather a multitude of answers Duskie. Some would say that I was born into the world like any other. Others would say I’m just a background pony wanting to get some attention, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong there. Some would even say that there is no reason for anypony to be anywhere and that we just are. Others would propose chaos theory and argue that you can’t prove that anything exists without using another supposedly real thing that you cannot prove exists. Then there will be some that say we were born from a divine power that brought our world into existence. But the answer to your question, Duskie, is I’m here to tell you that I’m going to be attending the fanciest party ever! Oh my I might need to learn how those kinds of praties go! I don’t want to ruin it! Also sleep lightly Duaskiee, Pinkamena is always watching. Always watching! I mean seriously once she got wind of you she hasn’t left me alone. Okay bye!” The mare said with a wide smile on her face before disappearing after Twilight blinked.

“That…was kinda creepy.” Spike said to a Twilight that was now paying her bill.

Twilight merely nodded and pulled Spike along and started on a journey back over to the apple stand in order to get a meal that she could clean off. Before she could get close to the stand Rainbow Dash flew in front of Twilight, and the rest of the small crowd in front of the stand, and began purchasing as many of the fruits as she could. By the time Twilight got to the front Big Mac only had one apple left. Unfortunately Flutterhsy’s pet, Angel the bunny, had reserved an apple and with no more apples left Twilight had to find something else to satisfy her hunger.

Twilight could almost picture that little bunny laughing at her right now. Sure the mare hadn’t had many interactions with eh little pest so far, and she was glad it was like that. For a kind and sensitive mare like Fluttershy her pet bunny was pretty much the exact opposite. Twilight sometimes wondered if the Nightmare had chosen the bunny for its next host, but unfortunately Angel was worse. As a result Twilight tended to avoid the bunny if possible.

Twilight forgoing the idea of eating anything that could be purchased walked to the park in order to eat a little bit of grass. Fortunately nopony could technically ruin this meal without doing something over the top or drastic. Unfortunately she failed to notice the buzzing sound that was progressively getting louder and a screaming filly shouting for her to get out of the way. The very next thing Twilight knew was what it felt like to be plowed over by a wagon that was hitched to a scooter.

The fillies Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had finished their latest attempt at finding out what their special talent was and only managed to get dirty. They were speeding through the park in order to give Rarity her tools back when they noticed a lavender unicorn was in their way. Scootaloo who knew that there was no way for her to avoid hitting the pony at her current speed called out to alert the pony and hopefully cause her to move. Instead they were ignored and wound up ramming into the mare, and knocking the purple dragon off of his feet and into the wagon.

Sweetie Belle pulled Spike up and locked eyes with the creature that had just been ran over. Spike took note of his helper and found a rather young filly that bore a striking resemblance to Rarity. The filly seemed almost awestruck by the purple dragon and had a look in her eyes that made him feel like he had seen that look before. She was cute to be sure and most likely very close to his age, but Rarity was a gem that shone brighter than anything in Spike’s mind.

Spike didn’t mind being ogled by the filly too much, he never got too much attention when he was younger considering he was raised in Celestia’s palace. Although he couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about soaking up this filly’s attention with no intention of returning the favor. From Spike’s often limited experiences with Dusk Shine he had gleaned that playing with a pony’s or any creature’s emotions, fate, destiny, or livelihood was the quickest way to be considered an absolute dick.

Spike wondered if Rarity knew of his attraction to her considering how easy it was to tell that the filly next to him was obviously falling head over hooves for him. Spike suddenly realized that they had stopped and something had been dropped off at Rarity’s before they started speeding off again. Spike face palmed when he realized that he hadn’t noticed that they had stopped and was now stuck riding with a love struck filly. He also realized that he had no idea where they were heading or why.

The trio stopped just outside of an ice cream parlor and Spike was shoved inside by the fillies he had begun to mentally call his captors. The white unicorn filly slid into a booth and Spike was sandwiched between her and the orange Pegasus that made up the other part of the group. Unlike the unicorn filly who was trying to get closer to Spike the orange Pegasus didn’t seem very interested in his presence.

“Oh hello Scootaloo and its nice to see you in town again Sweetie Belle. Although I didn’t know that you would have a new friend with you. May I ask what your name is?” The waiter asked the trio.

“I’m Spike de Drako, but you can call me Spike.”

“What a neat name I didn’t know dragons knew Esperanto.”

“I’ve never really had any interactions with dragons the pony that hatched me and raised me for eleven years was the one that came up with my last name.”

“Well now that introductions are out of the way how about I get to your orders.”

“I want a chocolate milkshake and hay fries!” Sweetie Belle said.

“I’ll have a hayburger special and a vanilla shake.” Scootaloo said casually.

“Uh… I’ll just have a vanilla shake.” Spike said not knowing how many bits the other two had to spend.

“So Spike I’m Sweetie Belle and this is Scootaloo! I really hope that we can be friends and hang out sometimes!” Sweetie Belle said after the waiter had left to prepare their orders.

“Oh, uh, right. Yeah I guess we can be friends, but what would your parents think about you hanging out with a dragon?” Spike said hoping that Sweetie Belle’s parents would find it scandalous.

“As long as I’m not talking to Iron Hoof my parents don’t care who I hang out with!” The filly replied energetically.

“Who’s Iron Hoof?” Scootaloo asked.

“Oh, um. Nopony…just an imaginary friend.” Sweetie Belle said innocently.

“Um. What about me being a guy surely you two don’t want to get cooties.” Spike said hoping that the two still believed in that sort of thing.

“Rarity says cooties don’t exist Spike…do you not like me?!” Sweetie Belle asked with tears starting to form in her eyes.

“Of course I like you! It’s just that, uh, I’m seeing somepony else!” Spike said while starting to sweat.

“Huh? Who are you seeing?” Sweetie Belle asked with her eyes narrowing.

“Um. Iron Hoof?” Spike said trying to fix the blunder he had created.

“Nice try Spike. Iron Hoof has never seen you before and I would know if he was seeing you. I just want to know who you are dating.” The filly said with an innocent smile.

“R-Rainbow Dash!” Spike said hoping they would buy it.

“Spike! Rainbow Dash is twice your age that’s gross!”

“Rainbow Dash is dating a dragon that’s so cool!” Scootaloo said.

“Oh hey look the milkshakes are here!” Spike said while trying to distract Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle was no longer amused with Spike’s antics. Sure she could handle him knowing about her crush, but to outright try and wiggle his way out of hanging out with her was unacceptable. She knew Rainbow Dash and unlike what Scootaloo thought she knew Spike wasn’t up Rainbow Dash’s alley. Whoever Spike was holding out for Sweetie Belle was just going to have to try harder than her at wooing Spike.

“Spike I know you’re not dating Rainbow Dash, but why won’t you give m-us a chance?” Sweetie said while gesturing to Scotaloo.

“Uh. I’m a dragon who is faithful to his first maiden?”

“We’ll see about that Spikey Wikey. Rarity says that anypony who tries to control who you hang out with because you are dating them makes them a very dangerous individual. Now do you want a hay fry?” Sweetie Belle asked Spike while holding a hay fry out to him.

“I hope Twilight is having a better time than I am right now.” Spike thought.

(_o_============================================_o_)

“Oh there you are Twilight, darling. You must simply try my newest dish Apple slices marinated in rum and baked in cinnamon.” Apple Jack said while finally having managed to get a fancy cookbook.

“Apple Jack? Why are you talking like that?”

“Like what darling? I assure you that I am talking no different than I usually do.”

“Really? Because right now you sound more like Rarity.”

“Oh, uh. Ah have no idea what yer talkin’ bout. Ah dun made some fancy vittles fer ya an’ now yer accusin’ ma of talkin’ different.”

“Uh? Why is your normal accent thicker now? Apple Jack are you trying to tell me something?”

“No. Ah just want yer opinion on the food ah made! Now chow down Sugar cube and tell me what ya think!”

Twilight who by that point had grown rather hungry considering her last attempt at a meal had left her running around Ponyville trying to find the ponies that foalnapped Spike. So she eagerly ate every piece of food on the tray and noticed that it wasn’t bad. In fact the food was quite good and had quite a kick to it. Then she looked over at Apple Jack and noticed that there were three of her.

“H-heeeey Aapple Jack. I didn’t know ya could do magic. Maybeee y’ could teach me ssomeeetime.” Twilight said before falling over.

“Maybe ah shouldn’t have added the extra dragon liquor after ah cooked it.” The mare said before dragging Twilight home.

“Heey where da ya think we’re goin’? *hic* Ah need ta find me a dragon. Ya know t’way don’t ya? *hic* purple dragon, wander whot he doin’ out there. Hopin’ he finda nice dragoneeess, maybeee t’will calm im down.” Twilight said letting her head flop to the side.

“Sorry Twi but ah think ya need to rest fer a while before ya try to look fer ‘im.”

“Okaay. H-h-hee wanted me to take Rarity to the gala an’ ‘elp im to ask heer out ya know. *hic* Ah tells him he’s t’young but he won’t listen. Hope he knows she aint lookin’ fer a foal ta date.” Twilight said to a confused Apple Jack.

“Oh dear! Apple jack what has happened to poor twilight! Speek to me darling are you alright?”

“Hey Rarity. Ya know magic too? *hic* Why can’t ah do that. Apple Jack was goin’ ta do that at the gala when ah take ‘er right?”

“So Apple Jack you think that you can take the ticket from Twilight by getting her drunk huh? Well I would never stoop to such a level. It’s a good thing I know a little spell to fix that.”

“What makes ya think she would take you to the gala?”

“Because I have class deary something that you are truly lacking.”

“Oh really well I’m sorry to rain on your parade but I can be just as fancy as you. Now dear, why don’t you just let Twilight take me to the gala hmm?” Apple Jack said while mocking Rarity.

“Well played Apple Jack, but I will still have the last laugh!”

“Really now?! Well Ms. frou frou ah happen to respect someponies decisions and ah’m willing to let Twilight decide who she really wants to bring to the gala when she in a sober state of mind.”

“Alright then. Whoever pleases Twilight the most over the course of the day gets all rights to the ticket? Deal?”

“Deal!” Apple Jack said while spitting onto her hoof and hoof bumping Rarity.

“Ew! Now that we have our little bet, it! IS! ON!”

The two mares ran off to get ready for what they were planning to do in order to “win” the tickets, leaving Fluttershy to tend to the inebriated Twilight. Fortunately Fluttershy knew that Carrot Top had a recipe for a hangover cure. Well cure may have been too strong of a word, but it certainly dulled the effects greatly. After the mare had placed Twilight in her bed she flew off in order to get the tonic that would help Twilight later.

“I hope Rarity and Apple Jack don’t hurt themselves.” The mare said while heading off towards Carrot Top’s farm.

Author's Note

I'll give you three guesses as to who Twilight's last suitor was.

Alright so for those of you who are wondering Celestia has it set up so that ponies must have her approval before they are allowed to patent or sell an invention to the public. Those with high priority meet with her after maybe month to a few year's time.

Those who are medium priority usually end up getting to Clelestia close to the end of their lifespan if ever.

Low priority never get to talk to the princess and it's more of a formality than anything.

Dusk Shine is capable of holding off on panic attacks because of the need to keep from blowing his disguise. Even when Celestia is being a butt head. He's actually happy that he is now out of Celestia's direct gaze, but even then she still manages to make things hard.

Pinkamena...why are you interested in Dusk?

Apple Jack can still speak with a fancy accent even after coming back home from the time she ran away in the canon mlp universe.

I originally didn't want to have Spike and Sweetie Belle to meet just yet for obvious reasons. Although a love triangle can be fun to mess with, just hope Sweetie Belle doesn't find out her sister is who Spike wants.

Feel free to comment and critique this at your pleasure. I enjoy the feedback and wish to make this better. Also do you think Artemis was right when he sent the ponies to talk to the guilds?