Chapters Rarity was practically hanging off of Twilight as the purple unicorn paced around the room, trying to think of a logical reason to explain her friend’s behaviour.
“Is there something the matter, my snuggly wuggy kissy bear?” gushed Rarity, as she planted a kiss on Twilight’s right cheek.
The unicorn blushed as she became flustered and annoyed; a very bad combination. Twilight thought of Rarity as no more than a very good friend, one of her best friends. She had nothing against Rarity if she was a filly-fooler, but to put it in laypony’s terms, ‘Her barn door didn’t swing that way.’
Rainbow on the other hoof was practically rolling on the floor laughing, “Oh, Luna, you should see your face, Twilight! You’re all red! Redder than a red bartlett, as Applejack would say!”
“Rainbow, this isn’t funny! Rarity probably banged her head really hard against the wall. She might have a concussion, as she’s certainly not thinking straightly…no pun intended.” After a moment she added, “And a red Bartlett is a type of pear!"
The white unicorn hugging Twilight let go and stared up toward her with sad blue eyes, “Y-you don’t like me?” She wailed, collapsing to the floor.
Twilight sighed, even for Rarity; this was being a little too dramatic, “Rarity, you’re one of my best friends, of course I like you, bu-”
“NO! No more lies, my darling Sparkle Bun. You don’t love me!” Another wail was heard as tears began to flow from the white unicorn’s eyes.
“Rarit-”
“I thought we had something special!”
Twilight facehoofed, “We do. Now please be quiet.” she muttered through grit teeth.
“Of course we do! I don’t know what I was thinking. Come here, my fluffy wuffy tuffy bun!” Rarity’s tears instantly dried up and began to pull the purple unicorn back into an embrace, getting uncomfortably close to Twilight’s mouth, her own lips pursed. Twilight grimaced and teleported a few metres away, next to Fluttershy.
At this, the cyan Pegasus broke down laughing again, “Her nicknames for you are just so cute, don’t you think, wuffy tuffy bun ?” Another round of giggles filled the library.
Spike was staring at the ponies uncomfortably, he knew exactly what was going on; the love potion. He knew he should probably come clean and tell Twilight what he had done, but to be honest, he was just too embarrassed. Clearing his throat slightly, Spike began to stretch and yawn, “You know what guys, it’s kind of late, I think I’m going to go hit the hay. Good night everypony.”
The other ponies merely nodded in acknowledgement of his departure as Rarity started to play with Twilight’s mane. Muttering under her breath, Twilight levitated a book off the shelf toward her. It was the big book of Pony Psychology, and in it was hopefully a way to treat a very unique sort of…concussion? For the love of Celestia, she didn’t even know what was wrong with her friend! Twilight could only hope that the effects weren’t permanent.
As the lavender unicorn feverishly scanned her book, as well as try to ignore the love struck unicorn who whispered sweet nothings into her ear, Fluttershy prodded Rainbow Dash in the back with one of her wings, catching the pegasus’ attention.
“Something up, Fluttershy?” asked Rainbow, “You want to go home or something? I don’t mind taking you; you probably need some rest after that little accident.”
The yellow Pegasus seemed to ponder this for a moment before nodding, “Okay, let’s go back to my place.”
Rainbow Dash extended her wings and flew toward the still gaping hole in the middle of the library wall, “Hey, Twilight, I’m going to bring Fluttershy back to her cottage, and then probably go home myself. Have fun with your little fillyfriend.” She said with a wink.
“Thank you, Darling!” smiled Rarity, wrapping a forehoof around the studious unicorn, “Say good bye to our friends, Sparky Pie.”
“Good.Night.” growled the purple unicorn, trying to brush off the annoying pony snuggling against her neck.
With another mischievous nod, Rainbow Dash flew off with Fluttershy trailing after her. The rainbow pony made sure to fly slowly, despite her teasing, she was a bit concerned for Rarity. The fashionista had always struck her as a mare with eyes only for stallions; it had certainly seemed that way until just today. Who’s to say that Fluttershy hadn’t been affected someway by the crash as well? After a few minutes of flying, the two pegasi landed in front of the peaceful cottage just outside of the Everfree forest. Rainbow Dash always liked it here; it was nice and quiet, perfect for naps.
“Dashie?” came the soft voice of Fluttershy.
“Yeah?” asked Rainbow Dash, turning around to get a good look at her friend.
The yellow Pegasus moved slightly closer to the cyan pony. Her face was no longer covered by her pink mane, her bright blue eyes were half lidded, which were staring right at the pony before her.
“Dashie?”
Rainbow Dash swallowed, getting a bit antsy, “Yes, Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy moved even closer to her, their muzzles almost touching, “Dashie?”
“Y-yes?” Their proximity was getting much too close to be comfortable, no matter how good of friends they were.
“Will you be my very special somepony this Hearts and Hooves day?” Whispered the yellow peagsus, blushing furiously.
Just then, back in Sugarcube corner, Pinkie Pie accidentally bucked her old gramophone, causing the needle to slide off the record, creating a horrible scratching sound.
“WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash’s pupils shrank into pinpoints as she darted away from the Pegasus, the sudden motion causing Fluttershy to overstretch and fall forward.
Fluttershy however thought nothing of it. She got up and did something nopony, nozebra, nobody in all of Equestria would ever thought she was capable of doing. The shy yellow Pegasus launched herself at Rainbow Dash and pinned her to the ground. Blushing, she leaned forward and whispered into the cyan pony’s ear, “I said, will you be my very special somepony? Be my snookie wookie honey bunch?”
This was too much for the rainbow pegaus, Rainbow Dash scrambled out of her friend’s grasp and zipped off, “My barn door don’t swing that way!” she shouted, flying off back in the direction of which they came.
Fluttershy’s feathers bristled, “Snookums! Come back!” she pleaded, darting off and flying after her. She took off with speed rivaling Spitfire of the Wonderbolts, causing the little woodland creatures that lived around her cottage to poke their heads out in curiosity.
The rainbow Pegasus didn’t dare look back, she could already hear the pony’s wings flapping heavily behind her. She was fast. Much faster than Dash had remembered. Who was this creature that had taken sweet, timid little Fluttershy and replaced her with a filly fooling Pegasus who called her, her…snookie…wookie honey…bunch. It sounded more like a breakfast cereal than anything. Dash shivered, she knew how Twilight felt about Rarity’s nicknames now. Blargh.
Dash decided to fly toward Sweet Apple Acres, if there was one pony anypony could count on, it was Applejack with her level headed reasoning and mediator skills…well, level headed to a degree.
“AJ! Help!” shouted Rainbow Dash, zipping quickly through the apple trees of the farm, hoping to lose the mare chasing her. It was no use; Fluttershy was keeping in perfect pace and sync with her, and was even starting to catch up.
“YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE ME!” shouted Fluttershy, pushing forward in a burst of speed.
A set of tired green eyes cracked open as a drowsy orange earth pony was slowly awaken by the ruckus on her farm. With an exasperated groan she sat up, “Fluttershy?” she muttered, clearly stressed and exhausted. She trotted to her window and opened it, “Go home!” shouted the pony.
“Applejack! Make like an apple and…er…apple…what do apples do?” muttered the cyan pony to herself, “Never mind, just come outside!”
The tired farmer stumbled down a flight of stairs and half fell through her front door, tired and grouchy, “Rainbow! It’s two in the mornin’! What in tarnation are you doing out here, shouting and causing a ruckus?!”
“Make like a peach and accept your friends for their faults! Look out below!” Rainbow bellowed. The Pegasus crashed head on into the earth pony, sending the two flying back into the house.
Applejack’s apple green eyes glared into Rainbow dash’s own, obviously not amused. Dash gave her a sheepish smile, “Hey, fancy meeting you here…” she said weakly.
“Ah live here.” came the cold response.
The glare continued. Even after another Pegasus landed gracefully at the front door, Applejack continued to glare at her cyan friend. It was two in the morning. Two in the bucking morning, and these two were flying about, wreaking havoc. They better pray to Celestia, Luna and whatever other deities out there that they hadn’t waken Granny Smith. A Granny Smith woken up from her sleep was worse than an angry Applejack getting rammed into a wall at two in the morning by her stupid blue friend.
“What are ya’ll doing around here…AT TWO IN THE BUCKIN’ MORNING?!” she hissed.
“I’m so sorry to disturb you,” came the soft voice from the door, “But Snuggle Bunny insisted on playing tag. Oh, I told her it was a dumb idea. I’m sorry, Applejack.” frowned Fluttershy.
Rainbow stared blankly at the Pegasus, “What?”
Fluttershy clip clopped over to the two, giving Rainbow Dash a look one would give a young filly after catching her stealing cookies from the cookie jar, “She just wanted to spend some time with me; we didn’t mean to bother you.”
Rainbow’s jaw dropped to the floor, “Y-you’re lying! That’s a lie! You don’t lie! You’re Fluttershy! You…you badly cover for my lies!”
Fluttershy raised a hoof and touched Rainbow Dash’s cheek, “Oh, don’t be that way Dashie Pie.” The hoof slipped upward and brushed the rainbow mane back, stroking it gently, “I promise to give you more attention from now on.” she smiled sweetly at her.
Applejack stared at her two friends; her groggy mind had not exactly comprehended what was going on, “Snuggle Bunny? Tag? Dashie Pie?” she repeated.
The cyan Pegasus knocked the butter coloured hoof away, “Fluttershy, you’re making me feel awkward…” she whined, “Stop being awkward!”
The gentle Pegasus pouted, “But I just want to show you how much I care! I love you, Dashie Washey! And with that, she leaped onto Rainbow Dash, happily hugging her neck.
“Oh…erm…” Applejack shuffled her hooves on the wooden floorboards, “So…you two…are…”
The sentence was left hanging in mid-air, just long enough for everypony but a giggling Fluttershy to feel awkward with the whole situation.
“No!” Blurted out Rainbow Dash, “We’re not together! Fluttershy just hit her head really hard. Really, really, really hard. Into Rarity. And books. A lot of books.”
The farmer nodded knowingly, “Ah. Books, ah understand. Those things ain’t to be trusted.”
Fluttershy pouted, “Applejack, are you sure you’re not just saying that because you can’t read?”
The Pegasus received an indignant glare, “Ah can to read! Some parts! Ah can read some parts of…the language…”
“W-what’s going on?” cut in another voice. At the stairs was a small yellow filly, rubbing her tired orange eyes. Her mane was dishevelled from sleep and her voice was groggy and low.
“Applebloom, go back to bed. Adults are talkin’.” chided Applejack.
“Ah’m not sleepy anymore!” retorted the yellow filly, blinking rapidly to compensate for her heavy eyelids, “Ah wanna stay up now!”
“Oh, let her stay up.” smiled Fluttershy, “Dashie Washey and I will take care of her, Aj.” A sudden squeal erupted from the Pegasus, “It’ll be like taking care of a foal of own! We’ll be a big happy family!”
“What? No! Why are you doing this?! You’re acting wackier than a kiwi in a coconut!” groaned Rainbow Dash.
Applejack furrowed her eyebrows, “What’s with you and yer fruit puns today?”
The gentle pony was practically bouncing up and down now, “Oh, but that means we have to get married first! I’ll have to ask Rarity for a nice wedding dress, oh and one for you too! Unless you rather have a suit. I’m so happy, snuggy bun!” She cooed, cuddling up to Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash was frowning intensely, when had Fluttershy become so…assertive? Where was the quiet yellow Pegasus that didn’t make such ridiculous suggestions?
Applebloom looked at Fluttershy curiously; the mare was acting weird, like a few apples short of an apple pie weird. In fact, it reminded the filly of last year’s Hearts and Hooves day, where she and her friends gave her brother and teacher a love poison, causing them to act ridiculously lovey-dovey, with the worse, absolute worst nicknames ever. It was a horrible day, a day the Cutie Mark Crusaders promised to never talk about again.
“Snuggy Bun?” she said slowly, eyeing her older sister for any clues on what was going on.
Applejack shrugged, “Apparently, Fluttershy hit her noggin hard, real hard on some books.”
“And Rarity!” added Rainbow Dash, “Actually, Rarity was acting super…gooey with Twilight too! In terms you can understand, Aj, the two are a few apple seeds short of a blueberry fritter!”
The orange pony nodded, deciding to ignore the terrible usage of fruit and fruit related terms, “Then it’s decided, tomorrow we visit Twilight and see if she’s got any idea what’s going on, but for now, I’m going to bed. It’s two… somethin’ in the buckin’ mornin’!” She growled, starting to trot back up the stairs to her room, “C’mon, Applebloom, bed time. And Rainbow?”
Rainbow Dash perked up, “Yeah?”
“Get the buck outta mah house.”
The Pegasus snorted, “Fine, whatever.” Flying out of the humble abode, she soared high above the clouds, heading north. After a few minutes of causal flying, she reached a moderately sized cloud residence, with bright rainbow waterfalls flowing around it. Even in the darkness of the night, they were still bright and colourful to look at. Rainbow Dash landed at the front door of the cloud house and pushed the door open, she was finally home. Smiling, she trotted up to her room and crawled into the nice fluffy cloud bed. The Pegasus closed her eyes and tried to forget the events of the day, focusing on only her breathing.
“So, we’re finally all alone, huh, Snookums?”
Amethyst eyes exploded open as the yellow Pegasus behind Rainbow Dash smiled, casually resting her chin on the cyan pony’s shoulder.
Rainbow Dash nearly jumped out of her coat, “Get out!” she yelled, flying to the door and opening it, “Out, out, out!”
Fluttershy’s wide eyes started to brim with tears, “But we’ve always had sleepovers, I thought you…loved me, Rainbow Cakes.” she whimpered.
Dash groaned in frustration, “Y-you…you’re being…stop that!” she yelled, her voice cracking slightly, “You’re clearly not thinking straight, Fluttershy. I mean, you want to marry me. You were talking about raising a family with me. I’m not comfortable with that!”
The yellow coated Pegasus sniffled, and for a moment, Rainbow Dash could almost see the meek and gentle Fluttershy again, the one who wasn’t obsessed with naming her after pastries. In a moment of weakness, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and sighed.
“Fine. You can stay over, but we are not sharing the same bed!” With a huff, the rainbow Pegasus flew back downstairs, and settled onto her couch. Sighing contently, she closed her eyes and tried dream her favourite dream; flying with the Wonderbolts as their Captain. Suddenly she felt a warm body being pressed against her in an embrace, opening her eyes, she saw none other than the pink maned Fluttershy.
“You said nothing about sharing the couch.” she said innocently.
Rainbow Dash facehoofed, this was going to be a long night.
A/N: Thank you for reading and thank you for any constructive criticism!
A bright pink earth pony was bouncing along happily, greeting all the ponies she passed by with a huge grin and wave of a hoof. Today was a good day, today was a Thursday, and Pinkie Pie loved Thursdays. Well, actually, Pinkie Pie loved all days of the week. She loved everything, and everyone. Except party-poopers, but it was okay, if she ever met a party-pooper, she’d just throw them a party to get the poopiness out of them, and then everypony would be happy with sunshine and rainbows. With a hop jump, and a skip, she bounced through the doors of Ponyville’s Public Library.
“Hiya, Twilight!” chirped the pink pony, grinning widely as she entered.
“Rainbow Dash, you bring my fluffkins back to me, right this instant!” screeched a furious Rarity.
The cyan Pegasus was hovering around the ceiling of library, holding Twilight Sparkle in her hooves as the purple unicorn focused on reading and flipping the pages in a very large, leather bound book. On the ground was a lassoed Fluttershy sitting in the corner, tied in a way she couldn’t use her wings. Sitting on Rarity was an orange farmpony in a Stetson, who was also most likely the one who had tied up the pegasus.
“Twilight, “drawled the cowpony, “Can ya read any faster? Rarity is a lot heavier than she looks!” A grunt was heard as the white unicorn tried to buck Applejack off her back.
“Get off me!” she hissed.
“I’m sorry, Applejack, but I can’t seem to find anything in here to explain what’s going on!” said Twilight with an edge of hysteria creeping into her voice.
“Snuggy Bunny?” murmured Fluttershy, using her azure eyes to plead to the Rainbow pony, “Dearest, please untie me…unless you like bondage, I suppose.” she said softly and suggestively.
Pinkie Pie stared on in awe and confusion, all five of her friends were shouting and screaming, well, except for Fluttershy, and even Sweetie Bell and Applebloom were there, looking on at the chaos that ensued, “This is some sort of party?” The pink pony perked up, “YOU GUYS THREW A PARTY WITHOUT ME?!” she squeaked.
“No, Pinkie!” grunted Applejack, now clearing struggling with her unicorn steed, “Fluttershy and Rarity are horribly sick or somethin’, so Rainbow and Ah brought ‘em over here. AppleBloom tagged along with me, and Sweetie Belle eventually passed by after Rarity apparently never went home yesterday. This ain’t no joke! We don’know what’s goin’ on with them, but-”
“THEY’RE IN LOVE WITH ME AND TWILIGHT!” finished Rainbow Dash.
“But I love you guys too!” beamed Pinkie.
Twilight Sparkle nearly facehoofed, “No, Pinkie Pie, not just love, in love.”
“This is better than daytime TV!” whispered Sweetie Belle to the yellow filly beside her.
“What’re ya talkin’ about? Daytime TV sucks!” whispered Appleboom back.
Pinkie pouted, “Oh, okay. So…what’s going on? Are you guys getting married? Are you throwing a bridal shower or something then? I COULD PLAN THAT!” she squealed again, “THERE SHALL BE CAKES!”
“NO!” roared Twilight and Rainbow Dash the same time Fluttershy and Rarity squealed, “YES!”
The pink pony frowned slightly, “I’m getting mixed reactions here…”
At that moment, a young purple dragon tumbled down the stairs. He scrambled to his feet before sliding to the centre of the room, his arm over his forehead in a Rarityesque fashion, “That’s it, I can’t take it anymore!”
“Spike?”
“It was me, I did it all!” he cried, “It’s my fault Rarity and Fluttershy are acting like this!”
Pinkie Pie looked around before casually bucking a conveniently placed gramophone beside her, even though anypony else would swear it wasn’t there a second ago, causing a record scratch. She then flipped a light switch, throwing the library into complete darkness before rushing up onto a bookshelf with a large stage light to shine upon the dragon in the centre of the room.
“What do you mean, Spike?” asked Twilight, her voice soft.
The dragon sighed and looked down at his feet, which were shuffling uncomfortably, “Well, you see…”
Spike tipped the bottle of rainbow colour into his brew, and then stirred it with a Pegasus feather, just as the book dictated. He closed the book with a flutter in his chest, just as Rarity’s fair voice rang in from the main foyer of the library. With a deep breath, he poured the potion into a cup of tea and carried the tray downstairs.
The two Cutie Mark Crusaders listened to the dragon’s guilty confession with their jaws hanging open. They knew what this was, it wasn’t a love potion like Spike had thought, it was the love poison!
Twilight was listening intently and when the dragon finished his confession she stood, “Where is that book?” she demanded.
With his head hung low, Spike trotted off to fetch the recipe book. Sweetie Belle took one glance at her big sister, who was frantically struggling under the weight and muscle of the farm pony, and frowned.
“We should tell them.” she said to Applebloom.
The Apple pony nodded, “Twilight? Me n’ Sweetie Belle also have a confession…”
The unicorn frowned, “What is it, girls?”
“Uh, remember last year? When Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee kinda went overboard with Hearts and Hooves day, and tried to get married?” Sweetie Belle said this with a grimace, there was a CMC promise not to bring up the unfortunate incident again.
Twilight nodded, urging them to continue.
“Well, it was due to a love potion from the book you gave us, like the one Spike was talkin’ about, but it wasn’t actually a love potion, it t’was a love poison, and me Sweetie Belle and Scoots were so worried something horrible would happen ‘cause that’s how the tale about the prince and the princess went and Equestria exploded or somethin’, and we’re sorry!” blurted out Applebloom.
“But we got Scootaloo to hide the book afterwards, we have no idea how Spike got it!” added the unicorn filly.
Pinkie Pie stared at Twilight, who in turn looked to Applejack and Rainbow for support.
“Love poison?”
“That book you gave us, Twilight! It wasn’t fer a love potion at all, it was a love poison. It made Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee so lovey dovey and gross that we were scared Ponyville would fall into chaos like the Prince and the Princess of the book did, after they neglected their royal duties!”
Sweetie Belle nodded, “We fixed it in the end though, we had to keep them from looking into each other’s eyes for a whole hour, but we did it!”
At this point, Spike re-entered the room with a large brown book with golden letters spelling out ‘Brews, Remedies and Stews’. “Here it is!” With a thump, he dropped it onto the table, where Rainbow Dash flew over and placed Twilight back onto the ground. Twilight read the book and its chapters on the love poison quickly, her frown growing as she did so.
“Thank you for telling me, girls, but the solution that worked for Big Mac and Cheerilee was for when both ponies drank the love poison. In our situation, only Rarity drank it.”
“What about Fluttershy?” asked Applejack. Rarity, however, was finally been able to buck the earth pony off of her back with a large grunt.
With a yelp she flew into the air, landing on the other side of the room, “She didn’t drink it, did she?” asked the farmer from the floor, shaking her head from the pain.
Almost immediately the unicorn rushed over to Twilight and cuddled up to her, planting a kiss onto her cheek, “I missed you, schmoopykins!”
Rainbow Dash frowned and turned to Twilight, who also had a worried expression on her face, “Well, I remember her licking her lips when she woke up…and the tea was spilt on her.”
Spike felt his heart drop; he had accidentally poisoned Fluttershy too, hadn’t he?
Twilight let out an exasperated groan, “Okay, so both Fluttershy and Rarity are under the poison’s effects, but the question is how to fix it!”
“Keep ‘em away from you for an hour?” suggested Sweetie Belle.
Applebloom shook her head, “Weren’t you listening? That’s only when both ponies drink it.”
Applejack took the book from Twilight and began flipping through the pages. Her eyes scanned the writing and finally her hues lit up brightly, “Ah got it!”
She pointed an orange hoof to the centre of the page and began reading, “Says righ’ here that if only one pony is under its effects and is currently in love with another, then the cure is…for the not affected pony to... show love righ’ back?”
Pinkie Pie thought of bucking the gramophone again, but decided against it. Instead, the pink pony placed the needle gently on the record, deciding to play'fitting music' instead.
The farmer pony however took no notice, and merely glared pointedly at Fluttershy, “See? Ah can to read.” She said with a huff.
Rainbow Dash snatched the book away, reading its words for herself, “Love them back?! B-but, but, but…I don’t!”
Twilight herself was looking distraught, “I know, Rainbow, I know. But…we’ve got to grin and bear it. For the sake of our friends!”
The cyan Pegasus let out an upset groan, “Fine, fine. How did Spike even get that book anyways?” She muttered.
Spike shrugged, “It belonged under B, but I found it under E while I was reshelving.”
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle deadpanned, that was the last time they ever let Scootaloo dispose of anything.
The entire library was silent save for Rarity’s occasional cooing and gushing over Twilight’s apparent ‘silky, smooth and luscious mane’. After a few more minutes, Applejack huffed and stood with a mild grunt.
“So what’re we gonna do?!” she finally shouted, shattering the silence, “Sitting ‘round here on our flanks ain’t gonna accomplish anything!”
The orange farm pony trotted in a circle around her friends, making sure to make eye contact with each one, “Ah know the situation seems a bit bleak, but we gotta do somethin ’.”
Rainbow Dash fiddled with her hooves, “But the book said that we had to love them back. Don’t get me wrong, I love Fluttershy, but not like that.” There was a pregnant pause from the Pegasus, “That’s sort of thing’s reserved for Soarin’.” she said with a sheepish smile.
Spike rubbed his neck awkwardly, “Well, maybe you could pretend? Maybe take them out on a date or something…” his voice trailed off.
Sweetie Belle had a look of shock and concern on her face, “BUT I DON’T WANT TWILIGHT TO DATE RARITY! Oh, no offence Twilight, but I always wanted a cool big brother in law. Not that you’re not cool! But, like, somepony like Big Mac or something.” Sweetie Belle blushed as she realized what she was implying, “NOT THAT I MEAN I WANT BIG MAC TO DATE RARITY!” she squeaked.
Applebloom merely nodded, “Big Mac is pretty cool.”
Twilight let out a small offended gasp, “I’m cool too! Girls, I can be cool!” She was waving a hoof frantically at them, trying to accentuate her point, “We can have fun together, girls!”
“Err…you know what, I just remembered we have to meet up with Scootaloo…” started Sweetie Belle, inching away from the older unicorn.
The filly beside her nodded, “Yeah, we have…um…crusadin’ to do. See ya, Twilight.”
With another awkward glance shared between the two, the pair of fillies dashed out of the library, leaving the six grown mares to ponder what their next step would be.
The purple unicorn huffed, “I can be cool!” She turned to glare at her friends, “Right?”
“Er…Twilight, It’s not really that big of a deal.” said Pinkie wisely, “We still love you, even if you can be a lame-o McLamey pants sometimes.”
“Yeah!” interjected Rainbow Dash, “It’s just a part of your whole ‘I’m the prized student, ‘cause I’m super smart so I don’t get out as much’ nature!”
“Hmpf.”
Twilight telekinetically grabbed Rarity and began trotting up the stairs, with the unicorn ungracefully being dragged behind her.
“Snookums? Darling, please, you’re ruining my mane.” pouted Rarity.
“We’re going to have fun, Rarity. Because I’m fun! And cool!” she growled.
Rarity could only gulp as she disappeared behind a door with a loud bang.
While the others watched their unicorn friends disappear, Fluttershy nonchalantly brushed her wing under Rainbow Dash’s chin, “So, Honey Bunch, what are we going to do?” The yellow Pegasus gave her friend a look that made the cyan pony shiver.
“Well…”
Her desperate eyes were met with Applejack’s own apple green hues, urging her to continue. Even Pinkie Pie was shaking her head up and down with great vigor, a huge smile plastered on her face as she did so.
“You…wanna go out or something?” Rainbow winced, she knew the answer, and she wasn’t happy with it.
“YES!” Squealed Fluttershy happily, “Let’s go, Dashie bunchie!” with another girly giggle, the Pegasi grabbed Rainbow’s hoof and flew off, out of the library into the sunshine.
Rainbow Dash sighed and pulled her hoof away, all while flying toward Ponyville’s public park. The two landed under the shade of a large oak tree where Rainbow Dash decided to collapse to the grass and stretch herself out. With a content smirk on her face, the cyan Pegasus started to drift off. That is until a pair of forehooves landed heavily onto her stomach. With the breath knocked out of her, Rainbow looked up to see a slightly annoyed Fluttershy, staring down at her.
“Bunchie, I thought we were going to do something together.” she said quietly.
Rainbow rolled her eyes, “No, I asked you if you wanted to go out. “ She spread her hooves and wings around, taking in the nice breeze of the summer day, “And would ya look at that, we’re out.”
Fluttershy wasn’t satisfied with this answer. She got off of Rainbow Dash and sat down with a huff, folding her wings around her as she did so.
Rainbow Dash blinked stupidly, “What? What’d I say?”
The butter coloured Pegasus turned away, tilting her nose into the air and closing her eyes.
The cyan Pegasus bit her lip and sat up, “Hey, don’t give me that.”
There was a small flick of a pink tail, but no response was given to Rainbow Dash.
“FIIIIIIIIINE.” Groaned the agitated pony, “How ‘bout I teach you some more tricks? And this time, I promise you won’t crash. Maybe.”
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow, “But I don’t wan-”
“Come on!” Interrupted Dash, scooping the yellow peagsus up into the air. Once they were a good few metres into the air, Rainbow let her hover on her own.
“Alrighty, today I’ll be teaching you own of my personal favourites; the Cloud Breaker!” Dash had a giddy grin on her face; clearly she was excited to show off to her friend.
“But…”
“Here, I’ll show you how to do it first!”
With a confident smirk, Dash began to flap her wings heavily, launching into a full on sprint. Once she thought her speed was enough, she flew upward and performed a three loop de loops in rapid succession. On completion of the third, her wings snapped shut and she began to fall like a stone.
Fluttershy’s eyes widened with a gasp, but Rainbow Dash remained calm. She continued to fall and as she steadily approached the ground, Fluttershy couldn’t help but look away. With another smirk, the wings of the cyan Pegasus shot open, and with barely any distance from the ground left, Rainbow Dash glided back up gracefully.
“And that’s how you do a Cloud Breaker.” she stated triumphantly.
Fluttershy cracked open an eye. Upon seeing her friend in one piece, she lunged and pulled Rainbow Dash into a hug.
“Don’t do that, Rainbow Dash!” she whimpered, “I was so worried…I thought something went wrong, and…and…” She hiccuped.
Dash’s brows furrowed, “Gee…I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I didn’t know you’d be so worried…” she stared to stroke the pink mane with a hoof, hoping to comfort the whimpering Pegasus.
However dense other ponies might think Rainbow Dash was, the Pegasus did notice one thing odd. The supposedly love poisoned Fluttershy called her by her real name. None of the sugar bunch, snuggy bear stuff, but Rainbow Dash . Maybe the shock had cured her friend?
“Fluttershy?”
The yellow pony looked up, no longer softly crying, “Yes, Dashie Bunchie?”
Celestia’s mane . cursed Rainbow Dash, feeling her hopes being shattered at the sound of the stupid nickname.
“It’s your turn.” said the pony rather coldly.
Fluttershy’s pupils shrank, “N-no, I can’t, please don’t make me, Bunchie, please don’t!”
A defeated sigh was heard from the cyan peagsus, “Alright…fine. Do whatever you want then.” Looking dejected, Raindow Dash slowly began to descend back to the ground. She hadn't expected Fluttershy to attempt the trick, her feeling of dejection was more from the fact that one of her best friends had been poisoned and she couldn't do anything about it! Rainbow Dash grit her teeth in frustration.
“Wait!” called out Fluttershy, “I can’t pull off these tricks like you can, but…um…would you want to maybe go to the stream, maybe? We could feed the ducks or…play with the bunnies there...”
What Rainbow Dash would have said is that playing with animals was lame, but the way Fluttershy had asked her…it was almost like it was the old Fluttershy again. Despite the situation, Rainbow, with thoughtful look on her face, nodded, “Well…okay I guess.”
With a smile exchanged, the two flew off to the stream near Fluttershy’s cottage. Rainbow’s smile wasn’t forced at all, oh no. She loved playing with stupid ducks, I mean, the cute little duckie wuckies. Especially if it meant being on the ground, and not in the awesome sky. Yeah, she sure loved playing with animals.
Pinkie Pie and Applejack had been staring at the wooden door in front of them for the past twenty minutes, not exactly sure what they should be doing. Perhaps they should knock? But what if Twilight refused to open it for them? Maybe they should just kick it in? Oh, but what if Twilight was going open it and then they broke her door for no good reason?
“HELP ME! DEAR CELESTIA, HELP ME!” came the high pitched shriek from inside the room.
“Rarity!” shouted both Pinkie and Applejack at the same time. It was decided then. Applejack bucked the door open with all her might, causing it the fly off its hinges into the room. The two earth ponies galloped inside to find a trembling Rarity, cowering before Twilight Sparkle who had a large pointer stick in her telekinetic grasp.
“No, Rarity! The answer is X=7 because when you move it over to the other side, you have to change the sign!” she groaned, her tone frustrated.
“No more!” groaned the fashionista, “No more math!”
Twilight’s face dropped, “B-but, math is fun!”
“No it’s not!” blurted out Pinkie Pie, who then stuck both hooves into her mouth. She mumbled what sounded like an apology before bouncing over toward the mentally spent Rarity.
“What she’s tryin’ to say, sugarcube, is that…” Applejack searched for the right words, “That…me n’ Pinkie will help with the whole ‘having fun’ thing.”
The party pony nodded, taking her hooves out of her mouth, “You can’t exactly show somepony love if you’re threatening them with math and a pointer stick! Especially math!” Pinkie stuck out her tongue in disgust.
“Don’t worry, my dear darling Sparkle Warkle,” said Rarity, putting a hoof around the other unicorn, “I still love you.” The white unicorn was trembling slightly despite herself, there had been so many numbers. So many formulas...so many rules, and so many exceptions to the rules! Rarity felt herself getting light headed and nauseous all over again.
“I was afraid you’d say that.” grumbled Twilight, “So, Pinkie, AJ, what’d you have in mind?”
Pinkie Pie grinned widely as she reached behind her back and pulled out a large oven and baking supplies, “CUPCAKE BAKING CONTEST, CUPCAKE BAKING CONTEST!” Her baby blue eyes were practically sparkling in anticipation.
“Where did you get that?” muttered Applejack.
The pink pony smiled and patted her friend on the head, “Internet.”
Applejack could only stare at her, “Wha? I meant, how did you get that?”
“FedEx.” Came the simple response, “Now then, time make cupcakes!” she sang.
“It’s Pinkie.” was all Twilight could say to her farmer friend before settling down beside her own pile of baking supplies.
“Rules are…the best tasting cupcakes win! Readysetgo!” chirped Pinkie, who quickly went into pouring flour into her bowl.
The other ponies shrugged and began to bake their own cupcakes.
“Filles and gentlecolts!” announced Pinkie, suddenly with a microphone, “Today we have four lovely young mares, off on their quest to create the greatest cupcakes Equestria has ever seen! Right here before me, I have Applejack of Sweet Apple Acres. So, tell me, Miss Applejack, just what kind of cupcakes are you creating?”
“Uhm, apple ones Ah suppose.” replied the farmer, who was stirring her flour with a whisk, sticking her tongue out in concentration as she did so.
“Any special ingredients?” asked announcer Pinkie, “Or perhaps you’re confident in winning due to the fact that you’ve already sabotaged the other contestants!” she accused, "Added any chilli sauce to Rarity's cupcakes lately?!"
“What? No! That’s dishonest! We Apples work hard and do things the righ' way!” retorted Applejack.
“I’m watching you, bub.” grumbled announcer Pinkie, her eyes narrowed at the farmpony.
With a hop and a skip, announcer Pinkie Pie stuck her microphone into Rarity’s face, “And who might you be, fine miss?”
“Rarity?” half asked the unicorn, unsure what she was supposed to reply with.
“Ah, Miss Rarity Belle! So, what are you making today?”
“Ooo, I’m so glad you asked, I’m making these lovely dark chocolate cupcakes for my precious Sparkly Pie!” she squealed, “I just know she’ll love them.”
Announcer Pinkie nodded, “Hmm, yes, you might say…SHE’LL LOVE THEM TO DEATH, EH?”
Rarity frowned, “Excusez-moi?”
“The jig is up, Miss Rarity , If that is your real name! We all know you’ve been planning to assassinate the Princess, and the best way to do that is to slowly pick off her loyal subjects! One.By.One.” Pinkie inched closer to Rarity with each word, destroying all semblance of the term ‘personal space’.
“Are you feeling okay, Pinkie?” asked the unicorn, shrinking away from the pony’s intense gaze.
“BETTER THAN OKAY! I’M ON TO YOU, ‘RARITY’.” With a cartwheel, announcer Pinkie moved from Rarity’s booth to Pinkie Pie’s.
“So, who are you?” asked announcer Pinkie.
“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie from Ponyville and I just want to say it’s such an honour to be here! Hi mom! Hi dad! Hi Gummy!” The pink pony waved frantically to the camera, where camerapony Pinkie was filming.
Announcer Pinkie nodded slowly, “That’s nic-”
“Oh! Also, Hi Rainbow Dash, Hi Fluttershy! Hi Granny Pie and Big Mac, I’m on TV! And I want to give shout out to my sisters, HI GIRLS!”
“Moving on no-”
“OH WAIT! I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THE PRINCESSES! Hi Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, oh and Lyra, and Bon Bon, and I can’t forget Derpy Hooves! OH, and-”
“Kid, can we get this moving?” growled Announcer Pinkie.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Baker Pinkie smiled sheepishly.
“So, what are you making today?”
Baker Pinkie thought for a moment, as she threw a few bits of candy into her mixture, wrappers and all, “CUPCAKES! I even have a song! Wanna hear it?”
“Not re-” Announcer Pinkie was cut off by a nice little tune playing the background. Soundpony Pinkie was starting up Baker Pinkie’s requested track.
Baker Pinkie began to bounce up and down with the rhythm, “All you need is a cup of flour, add it to the mix! Now just add a little something sweet not sour, a bit of salt just a pinch!”
Announcer Pinkie facehoofed, “This broad’s crazy!” She whispered to stage director Pinkie, who only nodded in agreement.
Slowly but surely, announcer Pinkie tip toed away from the pink baker and appeared next to Twilight Sparkle, who had just taken her batch of cupcakes out of the oven and was beginning to decorate it.
“And who have we here?” she asked the unicorn.
“Pinkie…”
“I’m Pinkie, bub, I’m asking who you are!”
“Pinkie Pie, your-”
Baker Pinkie looked over from her booth, “I’m Pinkie Pie!”
Twilight rolled her eyes, “Pinkie, your cupcakes are burning!” In the booth beside her, a deep smoke was slowly rising into the air, followed by a terrible burning smell and small flames.
“Oh sugarcubes.” Pinkie Pie dropped the microphone and dashed to the oven, trying to fan it out with an apron.
Just then the doors of the library bursted open, and firefighter Pinkie, who was carrying a large hose, barged in and opened a powerful jet of whipped cream onto the oven, which also splashed the rest of the bakers. The small fire fizzled out from the cream, and firefighter Pinkie tipped her helmet, “No need to thank me, fillies, all in a day’s work.” Just as quickly as she came, firefighter Pinkie and her whipped cream hose disappeared out of the library doors once more.
Pinkie Pie poked her head out of the sea of whipped cream and licked her face clean, “Mmm! Delicious!”
Applejack could only stare at the mess that was created by her pink friend. She wanted to feel angry that she was covered in whipped cream, but instead, she just laughed. The farmer collapsed to the floor, rolling around in whipped cream and laughing. Rarity stifled a giggle at the sight before also bursting out into laughter, her eyes starting to water. Pinkie Pie was already grabbing her sides, crying from the side-splitting pain of her own giggles. At last, Twilight Sparkle couldn’t help but crack a grin, which evolved into laughter of her own.
After nearly ten minutes of continuous laughter and slipping in whipped cream, Pinkie Pie sat up and wiped away a tear. She sighed for a moment before jumping to her hooves, “OOO! WHO WANTS CUPCAKES?!”
With a clamor of excitement, the pink pony grabbed the decorated cupcakes off their respective booths and set them in the middle of her and her three friends. As for her own burnt cupcakes, she smothered with whipped cream and devoured them in a single bite. Her friends didn’t mind.
Rarity took Applejack’s cupcake, Twilight took Rarity’s, and Applejack took twilight’s. With a cheer and a slight squish as the three touched them together, the three friends ate their cupcakes with another laugh.
“I’m Pinkie, and it has been a beautiful day.” said announcer Pinkie, “The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and cupcakes have been eaten. The winner was…every baker that wasn’t Pinkie Pie, since she was the only one that burnt her cupcakes!”
“Aw, c’mon!” shouted Baker Pinkie in the background.
“This has been this week’s Steel Baker Equestria! Stay tuned for next time!”
"And, we're out!" announced Camerapony Pinkie.
"I can never understand how she does that..." whispered Twilight to Applejack. The farmer could only shrug in response.
"That's it folks!" declared Stage Manager Pinkie. All around, stage hand Pinkies and crew began packing up their set. One by one they cleared out of the library, leaving the four friends alone.
Applejack trotted up to her pink friend and handed her a cupcake, “Better luck next time, sugarcube.”
The party pony took it and with a smile, “Thanks, AJ!
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news girls, but it’s time to clean up.” said Twilight, pointing to the mass amount of whipped cream still over the floors.
Rarity’s horn glowed, “Alright then, that’s just what we’ll do.” she said with a determined glint in her eye. The others shared a knowing glance. Applejack smirked and grabbed a mop from the corner of the room with her teeth, followed by Pinkie Pie pulling out some spray and a piece of cloth, seemingly out of thin air. Twilight herself levitated a vacuum cleaner.
Four sets of eyes narrowed in determination, horribly intimidating the ocean of inanimate whipped cream, “It’s time to take out the trash.” Grinned Pinkie Pie.
“That’s a spoon-billed sandpiper!” A butter yellow hoof pointed to a small white bird standing in the middle of the stream, where it was grooming itself.
“Oh, and that’s a Luzon bleeding heart!” gushed the Pegasus, smiling widely as a small dove flew over her pink mane.
“And those are Passer Domesticus!” squealed Fluttershy, noticing a group of brown and white feathered birds chirping around her.
Raindow Dash was not amused, “Those are sparrows.” she said pointedly.
Fluttershy nodded, “Yes, Passer Domesticus, commonly known as the house sparrow.”
The cyan Pegasus dead panned, “Thank you, Fluttershy.” With a groan, she flipped onto her back to watch the clouds in the sky pass lazily by. It was a nice day, a day perfect for taking naps, or maybe do some wicked tricks, not for watching a bunch of lame birds flap around. Rainbow bet she could fly circles around the avian creatures any day of the week!
“Honey Bunchie,” groaned Fluttershy slightly, tracing circles on Rainbow Dash’s stomach, “What’s wrong?”
Rainbow grimaced at the touch, it was awkward. Fluttershy was her best friend, not her lover. She rolled away.
“Bunchie…are you not having fun?” asked the gentle Pegasus, her voice small and timid.
Rainbow Dash sat up, “No, no, I am!” She bit her lip, “Just maybe not as much as you are.”
Fluttershy looked toward the happily bubbling stream, “Well, there’s other animals closer to the water…if you want to give them a chance that is.”
Rainbow sucked on her teeth; maybe she had been a little closed minded. Fluttershy did seem to be having fun, and here she was being a, as Pinkie Pie would say, a stupid meanie fun-sucker sucky pants. She rolled her eyes at the thought, what pants? Nevertheless, the pony trotted over to the stream, where she could see some ducks float happily around, with small fish swimming around their feet.
For a while, instead of animal watching as her friend suggested, the Pegasus was actually staring into her own reflection. Dang, I look gooood. She thought shamelessly, Awesome rainbow mane, award winning smile…yep. Rainbow Dash, you are a picture of perfection!
Her ego stroking was cut off in mid hair flip however, as a splash was heard, also drenching the pony in progress.
Sputtering, Rainbow backed away from the stream, soaked, “W-what?”
A giggling was heard from behind her, Fluttershy had a hoof over her mouth, but her eyes gave it away.
“What was that for?!” pouted Rainbow Dash, shaking the water from her coat.
“It wasn’t me.” said the peagsus innocently, “Look.”
Rainbow frowned, but looked where her friend was pointing to. A small trout was laughing at her, happily splashing around as it did so.
“Hey!” Shouted the pony angrily, “What was that for?”
With another grin, the trout spat a jet of water into Rainbow Dash’s face, before diving back underwater.
“Oh, no you don’t!” came the indignant shout. With a battle cry, the cyan peagsus launched herself into the stream after the fish, however almost immediately she realized her mistake. Pegasi can’t swim.
Panicked, she began to flail around, somehow making it to the surface, “Help! Fluttershy! Applejack! Casually drowning here!” She felt herself go under the water again but kicked hard and managed to break surface once more, “ Anypony?!”
“Rainbow…” came a small voice.
“F-Flutte-” The cyan pegasus spat out water, “Help!”
Fluttershy watched with an amused smile as her friend struggled around in the chest high water. Sure, peagsi couldn’t swim, but in this shallow stream, they sure as heck could at least stand.
“Why aren’t you helping me?” whined Rainbow Dash, frantically flailing every appendage she owned around.
“You could just…you know, stand.” said Fluttershy lightly, trying not to burst out into giggles.
The flailing stopped. Rainbow Dash looked down at her hooves and stood, the water barely coming up to her shoulders.
“Uh…I knew that.” she said sheepishly, slowly getting out of the water. Rainbow took a seat on the grass next to Fluttershy. She then shook off the water on her coat and extended her wings, trying to let them dry.
The butter yellow peagsus gave her a nuzzle, “Are we okay now? Are we calm?”
Rainbow Dash blushed, mostly out of embarrassment, she was supposed to be one of the greatest fliers of Equestria. The Wonderbolt’s Captain! Eventually. How would she ever live down getting tricked by a fish and nearly ‘drowning' in a shallow stream?
Think of it as self-sacrifice , said a voice in the pony’s head, Stop being so hard headed and just have fun.
Breaking away from Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash stood up wordlessly. The Pegasus trotted off, leaving the other behind. Frowning, the yellow pony flew after her.
“Bunchie?”
Rainbow Dash ignored her. She continued to walk, since her wings were still wet, with her eyes forward. Eventually, they broke out of the small forested area they were in, but even so, Rainbow continued to trot forward, finally stopping at the top of a large hill. When she turned around, her amethyst eyes glinted with mischief, and she broke out into a large smile.
“You’re it!” she laughed, poking Fluttershy in the chest with a hoof, before rolling down the hill, giggling all the way.
Fluttershy herself was initially shocked at her friend’s sudden change of mood, but she didn’t complain. With a laugh of her own, the Pegasus flew down after the rolling pony, the wind of her wings sending the hundreds of dandelion seeds below flying into the sky.
At the base of the hill, Rainbow quickly jumped to her hooves and started to dash off. Fluttershy would catch soon, she knew. Wings beat hooves.
“Hmm….” The cyan Pegasus stopped for a moment, noticing a few small holes in the ground. Dens, she realized. A small grey and white head poked its way out of the den, its small pink nose sniffing the air around it.
“Hide me, quick!” ordered Raindow Dash to the small bunny, who only cocked its head in response.
“I mean, hide me…please?”
With a grin, the bunny stuck its paws into its mouth and blew, creating a shrill whistle. All around, other furry heads began to arise from their earthy homes. Before she knew it, Rainbow was surrounded by at least thirty of the small bunnies.
“That’s not really hiding m-” Before the pony could finish her sentence, she was jumped by a mass of fluff and paws, covering every inch of her blue body. She was covered completely just in the nick of time, as the butter yellow Pegasus flew by at that moment, in search of the other pony.
“Hello, little bunnies. Have you seen my friend? She’s a peagsus like me, only with a rainbow mane and a blue coat.” said Fluttershy softly to the mass of bunnies before her. They were arranged on the ground in an oddly ponyesque manner, but she decided to shrug it off.
A small grey and white bunny hopped in front of her, before shaking his head in a negatory manner. He and his family hadn’t seen anything of the sort, oh no.
“Oh, well, thank you anyways.” And with that, the yellow peagsus flew off again.
Rainbow Dash coughed and sputtered as she shook off the furry camouflage and her lungs tried to suck in fresh air. The bunnies didn’t smell bad, but she had her allergies to be mindful of.
The grey and white bunny sniffed her curiously, before offering Rainbow a piece of carrot.
“Hey, you bunnies aren’t so bad. I can see why Fluttershy likes you guys.” said the Pegasus thoughtfully, taking the piece of carrot into her mouth as she did so. The bunnies seemed to beam at the pony’s compliment.
“You know what, I’m gonna call you….” Rainbow thought for a moment, “Skittles! No wait…Professor Flufferkins! No…” The Pegasus suddenly perked up, “I got it! I’ll name you Havoc and Destruction!”
The grey and white bunny seemed to give the Pegasus a ‘What in buck’s name is wrong with you’ look.
“No? How about Pepper? Yeah, that’s it! Pepper!”
Pepper grinned at his new name, and bounced in place happily.
Before Rainbow could say anything else, a small blue butterfly landed on her snout, fluttering gently. What was not gentle however was the sudden shove from the back, causing the Pegasus to face plant into the dirt.
“You’re it.” Said Fluttershy non-chalantly, casually inspecting her hooves.
Rainbow Dash started to giggle, then laugh. Then roll around laughing. Pepper promptly joined in. Then Pepper's entire family happened to join in.
Fluttershy could only stare on; not comprehending what was so funny. The cyan pony and around thirty small bunnies were practically bouncing around in laughter. Wiping a tear from her eye, Rainbow Dash clumsily stood and wrapped a wing around her friend, “You sure got me, Shy. You sure got me.” she said with a smile.
Rainbow Dash turned to west, sighing contently at the now orange tinted sky. The sun was finally setting for the day, “It’s nice isn’t it?” she asked softly.
Fluttershy had a small smile on her lips as she leaned against her friend, watching the magnificent sunset, the sky alight with warm oranges, reds, and yellows.
“Yeah. Yeah, it is.”
Rainbow Dash hesitated for a moment, but then leaned in and planted a small kiss on Fluttershy’s forehead, “I love you, Fluttershy. I’m glad we were able to spend the day together.” While Rainbow Dash harboured no romantic feelings toward the mare, the cyan Pegasus now realized she hadn’t exactly been the easiest pony to work with. She should have been strong and accepting of the situation, like Twilight had been, and not have acted like an immature foal.
Fluttershy however, seemed to be in a trance.
Rainbow frowned slightly; she had been expecting some sort of response from the pegasus, “Fluttershy?”
The yellow Pegasus blinked and gasped slightly, as if somepony had splashed her with cold water while she was asleep.
“Rainbow Dash?” she murmured, “Rainbow…when did we get out here?”
“Oh,man! Am I pooped!” yawned Pinkie pie.
The four mares were lying on the ground, exhausted. Cleaning was hard work. With magic or not, a Pinkie Pie mess was a Goddess sized problem, or at least a ten pony problem, and these four had to clean it on their own. Applejack let out a loud groan as she stretched; sighing contently once a loud crick in her back was heard.
“Boy howdy, Ah’m plum tuckered.” murmured the farm pony sleepily.
Rarity was already lying on the floor, snoring softly. Twilight noticed this and smiled. The lavender unicorn levitated the other onto the couch and wrapped a warm blanket around her sleeping figure. Bending down, she placed a small kiss on Rarity’s cheek, “Sleep well, Rarity. I’ll find a cure for you soon.”
Standing back up, Twilight suddenly felt the impact of fabric and feathers smack her in the face. Blinking rapidly, she saw the grinning face of Pinkie Pie, who held a pillow over her head.
“Pillow Fi-”
Before she could finish, an orange hoof was shoved into her mouth, “No. Nuh uh. Ah wanna go back home and sleep.” growled Applejack, glaring into the blue eyes of the party pony.
Twilight snickered, “She’s right, Pinkie. It’s late and we’re all tired. Applejack’s getting cranky and we all know how she is when she’s cranky.”
Pinkie Pie visibly deflated, literally. Her bright, poofy pink mane straightened and drooped as she stared at Twilight with pleading eyes, “B-but…pillow fight!”
“And I told you I’m too fabulous for Haute Couture!” mumbled a sleepy voice. The three ponies turned their heads to see Rarity flip around in her sleep, dangling half off the couch Twilight had placed her on. With a patient sigh, the lavender unicorn trotted to Rarity’s sleeping figure and gently nudged her back onto the couch, adjusting the unicorn’s blanket she did so. The white pony smiled contentedly in her sleep.
Pinkie pouted slightly before shrugging and springing to her hooves, her hair regaining its poofiness as she did so, “Wow, Rarity seems exhausted!” she exclaimed, “Maybe you’re right, Twilight, it is a little late.”
With a little bounce her in step, Pinkie Pie trotted off to the door of the library, “Later, Twili-”
At that moment, the door was bucked open by a bright cyan pony. The party pony had to jump out of the way of the speeding Rainbow Dash as she rushed in, with Fluttershy close behind her.
“I DID IT! I FIGURED IT OUT!” boasted the Pegasus.
“Shhhh!” hissed Applejack, “Ah’ve got a doozy of a headache righ’ now.” The farm pony groaned and pulled her hat over her eyes, lying down as she did so.
“What’s going on, Rainbow?” asked the lavender unicorn.
“Filles, may I present to you…drumroll please, the cured Fluttershy!” grinned Rainbow Dash, posing dramatically in front of the yellow Pegasus, who was looking down uncomfortably at the floor.
“Quiet down, Rainbow, Rarity’s sleeping.” chided Twilight. However, she walked over to Fluttershy to examine her. Had she really been cured? The yellow Pegasus was standing modestly to the side, unsure what was going on.
The first thing Twilight noticed was the fact that she wasn’t hanging off of Rainbow Dash’s neck, or nuzzling her. The second thing was the love-struck school filly look in her eyes was gone, replaced by Fluttershy’s clear minded set of aqua irises.
“If it’s not any trouble, could somepony please tell me what’s going on?” asked Fluttershy meekly, watching curiously at the lavender unicorn’s inspection of her hooves.
Twilight finished prodding at one of Fluttershy’s wings to raise her head and meet the confused eyes of the Pegasus.
“You were poisoned.” Twilight stated simply.
A small gasp escaped the Pegasus. “P-poisoned?” she stuttered.
Twilight gave her friend a comforting pat on the back, “Don’t worry, not poisoned poisoned. Rather, you were the victim of a potion that clouded your…views on a certain pony.”
Fluttershy blinked, “Pardon me?”
Pinkie nodded, “You were in love with Dashie!” she added, trying to help the Pegasus understand.
“In…love?” Fluttershy’s pupils shrunk as she turned to face the cyan Pegasus, “R-Rainbow, I d-don’t feel th-that way about y-you.” stuttered the butter yellow pony awkwardly.
Rainbow Dash beamed, “I know! And that’s totally okay!” With a slightly delirious smile, Rainbow Dash collapsed to the ground, giggling slightly to herself. The nightmare was over, she could finally rest.
“What we’re trying to say is that you accidentally ingested some love poison and fell in…well, not love…” Twilight pondered for a moment, “You became extremely infatuated with Rainbow Dash, but now…it appears that you’re okay.” The unicorn frowned for a moment, “Rainbow, what exactly did you do to cure Fluttershy?”
The cyan pony on the ground perked up, “I have absolutely no idea! I’m just that awesome!” she declared loudly.
“CELESTIA DANG IT, FILLY!” Shouted Applejack, “AH AM TIRED! I AM PLUM TUCKERED OUT, AND JUST WANT A NAP! USE YER GOSH DANG INDOOR VOICE!”
“OH, GRACIOUS!” whined a grand voice, “Will somepony, please, BE QUIET?!”
Applejack cringed at the sight of a waking Rarity stumbling to her hooves, “Oops, my bad.”
The unicorn pouted as she looked around, “This isn’t my house."
“You fell asleep here, Rarity, after the cupcake baking contest.” said Pinkie Pie with a grin.
Rarity’s brow furrowed, “What cupcake baking contest?”
Pinkie nearly deflated again, “The one where we all had super-duper fun at because we’re such great friends and cupcakes are delicious, and oh please tell me you had fun!” she squeaked.
The fashionista frowned, “I’m sorry, darling, but I don’t exactly remember what happened.”
“Fluttershy didn’t remember anything either!” Added Rainbow Dash, seeing a pattern.
The yellow pony frowned, “Well, actually I remember you being grumpy when we were at a stream…”
Twilight Sparkle was trying her very best to withhold her frustration, “Rainbow Dash, tell me exactly what you did with Fluttershy today.” She ordered.
The Pegasus blinked, “Um, okay. Well, first we went to the stream to watch a bunch of birds flap around be lame, then I fell into the stream, uh, then we played tag and I met some bunnies.”
The unicorn nearly facehoofed, this wasn’t enough information for an analysis, “What were your thoughts, feelings? Anything? Work with me here!
“Alright, sheesh calm down, Twilight.” Rainbow scratched her chin as she thought back to the day’s events, “Well, in the beginning I was pretty annoyed with the whole situation, you know, Fluttershy being all lovey dovey,” the yellow Pegasus blushed and buried her muzzle into her hooves at this, “and I wasn’t having fun at all at the stream, and then when the stupid trout tricked me into jumping into the stream, oh that really sucked, and-”
“Get to the point, Rainbow.” sighed Twilight.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, “Right, so I was just about to stomp away, but then a little voice told me, hey, just think of it as self-sacrifice. Fluttershy was having fun, and I didn’t want to be a fun sucking sucky pants, so I just went with it. Something tells me she would have done the same for me.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Is that all?”
The cyan Pegasus suddenly turned red and looked away, “Um, well, then at the end of the day, after our game of tag, I um, kissed Fluttershy on the forehead and told her that I loved her and was glad we got to spend the day together.”
The yellow Pegasus in question was a bright shade of crimson as she tried to disappear within her mane, trying to be as small as physically possible. It was even worse that she didn’t remember anything.
“BUT IT’S NOT LOVE, AS IN…YOU KNOW, LOVE LOVE. JUST FRIENDSHIP LOVE!” choked out the cyan pony quickly, “I didn’t mean it the other way!”
“Hmm…I think that just might be it.” murmured Twilight to herself, “Rarity, dear, how do you feel?”
“I feel just fine, darling, thank you for asking!” chirped the unicorn.
There it was. Or rather, wasn’t. Rarity wasn’t gushing over Twilight, nor was she calling her silly pet names. It seemed as if the unicorn was also cured, but how?
“Rarity, do you remember anything at all after the cupcake contest?”
“Well, now that I think about it…” her voice trailed off for a moment, “I remember a lot of laughter. Something was really funny…and while I have no actual memories of what happened, I can feel some sort of fuzzy warm feeling associated with the contest.” Rarity smiled sheepishly, “I don’t meant to sound cheesy, but it was that happy feeling a pony gets when she spends time with ponies she loves; her friends.”
Twilight processed this for a moment, before levitating a small book from one of the shelves and placing it before her. Eros, Agape, and Philia; The Types of Love , it read.
The unicorn flipped to a page and began to read.
Eros is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. Eros can be interpreted as a love for someone whom you love more than Philia, love of friendship. It can also apply to dating relationships as well as marriage.
Agape means love, or unconditional love. It often refers to a general affection or deeper sense of "true love" rather than the attraction suggested by Eros, it is also a sacrificial love and can also be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard, used to put the needs of others before oneself.
Philia means friendship or affectionate love; it is a dispassionate virtuous love including loyalty to friends, family, and community. In ancient texts, philos denoted a general type of love, used for love between family and between friends.
Twilight closed the book with a small smile, “I know what happened.”
The other five leaned in, listening intently, “The cure is to show love right back.” Said the unicorn, echoing the farmer’s words from when they had first read the effects and conditions of the potion.
“While the love poison put the drinker under the effects of Eros love, in laypony’s terms, the kind of love hormonal teenaged ponies feel, the cure was to show love back to them, in the form of either Eros, Agape or Philia.”
Applejack frowned, “Pardon?”
“Remember Rainbow’s reaction to when she found out she’d have to ‘love’ Fluttershy back? Rainbow expected Eros love, you know, the kind of love that leads to marriage.” Twilight grinned again, “But the book never specified what type of love one had to show back to the drinker. Rainbow showed Fluttershy Agape love instead; when she swallowed her pride and hard-headedness and decided that she was going to make Fluttershy happy, instead of attending to her own wants and needs. Agape is the love of self- sacrifice, very fitting for the element of loyalty might I add.” said the unicorn with a wink.
“So that cured Fluttershy…” the farmer pony realized, “But then, Rarity?”
“Philia, the love of friends and family.” Stated Twilight, smiling proudly at the fact that she had pieced all the clues together, “I’m guessing since Fluttershy remembered Rainbow acting like a grouch before she decided to pony up and deal with the situation, the whole game of tag and kiss was what ultimately led to Fluttershy’s recovery, therefore it was those events she had forgotten.” Twilight took a breath and continued, “Similar to our cupcake contest with Rarity. She has no recollection of the contest, nor the clean-up, and right afterward she fell asleep. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that if she was awake, she probably would have remembered the events up to Rainbow’s sudden entrance.
Applejack thought for a moment, “That…that makes sense.”
Twilight nodded, “The bonding between friends, and the clean up afterward, where we all had to work together, and despite the labour, the fact that we accomplished our goal together was satisfying and fulfilling. And…well, I kissed her cheek when I ‘lovingly’ tucked her into bed, that might have had some effect too, I guess.” half chuckled the unicorn.
Rarity blushed slightly, “Oh, stop it you.”
“Hey…now that everypony’s okay…” said another voice.
A small purple dragon slowly entered the main foyer of the library, shuffling nervously, “Uh, I just wanted to apologize to Rarity and Fluttershy.” Said Spike.
Rainbow Dash glared at the drake.
“Okay, I wanted to apologize to everypony for the trouble I put you all through when I accidentally… purposely poured the love poison into the tea.” The dragon frowned guilty, “It was wrong of me.”
Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes, “Well, as long as it was a purposeful accident.” The unicorn cracked a smile, “Come here, Spike.”
“GROUP HUG!” Shouted Pinkie Pie, grabbing all six of her friends to squeeze together. Twilight was grinning widely as she felt the comforting presences of her closest friends. Their friendship really was magic.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, I learned that while we show our family and lovers one type of love, and our friends another, that doesn’t mean that we love anyone of them less. In fact, sometimes we need more than one of the three kinds to have a healthy relationship between each other. Along with that, the emotion of love is something powerful and we shouldn’t go out of our way to manipulate it, we should just let it be. No pony can force two ponies to be together, as both parties need to share the mutual feelings.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
“Happy Hearts and Hooves day! Oh my Gosh, please don’t forget to try some of the cookies everypony! Remember, everything’s on sale today because it’s Hearts and Hooves day, yippee! Buy some treats and sweets for that very special somepony! Don’t miss out!”
A pink blur was racing around Sugarcube Corner, excitedly bouncing up to the patrons with thousands of suggestions of cakes and pastries tumbling out of her mouth. While Pinkie Pie was giddily advertising the delicious treats the bakers had created, sets of couples around the store were happily browsing and purchasing her suggestions. All around the small settlement of Ponyville, little colts were shyly confessing to their schoolyard crush about their feelings, mares and stallions were off on romantic walks, picnics, or impatiently trying to get through the day, with only thoughts of what was waiting for them at home to spur them on.
However, someone, or somedragon was fiendishly rubbing his claws together, trying to supress his giddy giggles. Brewing a solution on the second floor of Ponyville’s Public Library was none other than Spike the dragon, whose smile was wide in anticipation as he stirred his brew with a Pegasus feather he may or may not have stolen off one of her friends after a crash landing from a new stunt.
“This is going to be awesome!” He said with a manly, I repeat, a manly squeal. He was a strong, brave dragon who didn’t take guff from anypony!
“Spikey Wikey, is everything alright in there?” chimed a melodious voice from the main floor, “Twilight wants to know what’s taking so long to ready the tea.”
Spike sighed, he may not take guff from anypony, but this wasn’t just anypony. This was Rarity. The most gorgeous, generous, beautiful unicorn he had ever lain his eyes on. Even if said unicorn still treated him like a baby…which he wasn’t. As much…anymore…maybe.
“Coming!” He called back, picking up the tea tray. Just before descending the stairs however, the dragon tipped the vial of bubbling purple potion into one of the cups, the one right in the middle of the three cups.
Twilight Sparkle smiled when she saw her assistant come down the stairs, with a nice spring in his step.
“You’re sure in a good mood, Spike.”
The dragon grinned, “Well, it is Hearts and Hooves day. I sure love holidays!” And Rarity.
The small dragon set the tray of refreshments down before the two unicorns before taking a seat for himself. Rarity was at the library to borrow a few books on “Ye old Equestrian fashion” which she claimed was quickly coming back into style. Twilight, of course, had a freaky amount of knowledge on the subject, or at least that time period, and before anypony knew it, Rarity had been thrown into a so-far-two-hour-long-history-class.
“Here you go, Twilight.” Spike handed her the first cup of tea, which the unicorn wrapped her magic around, accepting it.
“And for you, Rarity.” The dragon offered the white unicorn the cup in the middle, hoping nopony else could hear the pounding in his chest. What Spike had laced the tea with was none other than a love potion, one which will make the drinker fall in love with the first pony, or dragon, they see.
“Thank you, Spikey Wikey.” smiled the Unicorn, levitating the cup with her own magic.
The suspense was nearly choking Spike as Rarity closed her eyes and lifted the cup to take a sip. The dragon swallowed, Rarity’s lips were on the cup! It was tilting back, she was drinking…and…
CRASH!
A horrible shattering sound of glass and splintering wood was heard as the window was shattered, sending a yellow mass of feathers and pink mane straight into Rarity. The two ponies were knocked back against the wall of the library, with books falling upon them, scattering around the floor. Both seemed to be unconscious and unmoving, a stark contrast to the sudden cyan blur flying through the hole created by the initial crash.
“Horsefeathers!” cursed the cyan Pegasus, who zipped passed a stunned Twilight and Spike toward the victims of the crash.
“Oh my gosh, Fluttershy, are you okay?” she asked frantically, half shaking the yellow Pegasus. Her mane was dripping with something wet and mildly sticky and…
The Pegasus screamed, “TWILIGHT! FLUTTERSHY’S GOT…HER MANE IS COVERED IN…” sputtered the pony.
“Rainbow Dash, calm down!” ordered the Unicorn as she trotted over to the crash site. “It’s just tea. See?” she pointed a purple hoof to the tea cup on the yellow pegasus’ head, looking very much like a ceramic hat a few sizes too small.
With a groggy groan, the butter coloured Pegasus stirred. Her azure blue eyes fluttered open tiredly, as she smacked her lips slightly, tasting an odd honeyesque flavour in her mouth.
“Fluttershy!” cried Rainbow Dash, hugging her friend, “I’m so sorry, that trick was way too advanced for you. I can’t believe I pressured you into doing it. I mean, you even said you didn’t want to, but no, I made you do it, and then you lost control and crashed and then you hit Rarit-” The cyan pegasus’ eyes widened at the realization that the white unicorn was also on the floor, possibly injured.
“…I’M A BAD PONY.” she wailed, clutching the butter coloured Pegasus even harder.
“Rainbow, it’s going to be okay!” half shouted Twilight, “Please calm down. There’s no need to send them, and you…mostly you, into further shock.” The unicorn was bending down beside Rarity, gently brushing the elegant mane from her face.
“Spike, go get some towels and ice packs. It’s time to play doctor.”
With a salute, the dragon rushed off to fetch the items she had ordered, hoping desperately that no harm had come to his beloved white unicorn.
Rainbow Dash on the other hoof, was still sobbing manically into Fluttershy’s pink mane.
“BAD PONY. BAD PONY!” she repeated over and over.
Suddenly, she felt a hoof begin to stroke her mane, followed by Fluttershy’s gentle voice, “Rainbow, it’s going to be okay. I’m okay. I’m perfectly fine. In fact, it’s you I’m worried about.”
With a sniff, her amethyst hues blinked out tears to meet the gentle gaze of the Pegasus she was gripping.
“You…okay? Good?” she choked out, unable to form a proper sentence.
Fluttershy’s gaze unfocused for a moment, her hoof going lack against the pegasus’ rainbow mane.
Still staring into Fluttershy’s azure blue gaze, Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed for a moment. She would be sobbing more, and she would be a little more frantic, if not for the fact that Fluttershy’s eyes just flashed purple for a few moments. This little revelation snapped the Pegasus out of her shock, and she straightened her posture, leaning back to get a good look at her friend.
“Fluttershy?”
The pony in question shook her head and smiled shyly back at the Rainbow Peagsus, “Yes, Rainbow?”
Before she could say anything else, Rainbow Dash was interrupted by a loud and dramatic wail, “Owwww, my head! Why does it hurt so much?” It yelled.
Lying on Twilight was none other than Rarity, eyes closed with a hoof over her forehead for maximum drama queen positioning.
“Rarity, let’s use our indoor voices to complain.” smiled Twilight patiently, who was allowing Rarity to use her lap as a cushion to rest on.
“I’m not complaining! I’m whining ! Complaining would mean that there’s some pony out there who could possibly fix this dreadful migraine I have, but there isn’t!” Whined the unicorn, voice sounding much like an immature filly throwing a tantrum.
“Rarit-”
“No! It’s horrible!” she pouted, finally opening her eyes. Staring right into her own royal blue hues were Twilight’s own violet irises.
That is if Twilight have could call them blue at all. There was a small spark in Rarity’s eyes that appeared as her gaze met the purple unicorn’s; a small purple spark, causing Rarity’s eyes to seemingly turn purple, if just for a moment.
“My, oh my.” breathed Rarity. The unicorn pushed herself up into a sitting position to take a better look at the purple mare before her.
Twilight inched ever so slightly away from her friend, “Are you alright…?”
Rarity gave her friend a sultry look and leaned toward her, “I’m better than alright, I’m in love!”
There was a clatter at the staircase as Spike tripped down the steps, sending the towels and ice packs he had been carrying flying in different directions. Did his ears deceive him? Did the potion actually work? The young dragon was so excited that his concoction had worked that it didn’t even register to him that there was no way he could have been the first being the unicorn had seen after drinking the tea.
With a love-struck schoolcolt grin on his face he bounced toward Rarity and took one of her hooves in his claws, “I’m so happy! Now we can finally be together, my beloved!” His eyes were hopeful as his smile beamed at her.
Frowning, Rarity quickly pulled her hoof away, “No offence, Darling, but I wasn’t talking about you.” with another suggestive glance launched toward the purple unicorn beside her, she grinned, “I was talking about my Schmoopy doopy Sparkle Pie!” And with that she pulled Twilight into an embrace and began nuzzling her mane.
Everypony else, and spike, in the room stared on in stunned silence. Twilight sat with her mouth open in shock as the unicorn hugging her continued to giggle and nuzzle at her mane.
Finally, Rainbow Dash broke it.
“Schmoopy… doopy Sparkle… Pie?”
A/N: This is my first story, so please do tell me if anything such as formatting is off. Feedback and constructive criticism would also be nice. Thank you! =]