Chapters Chapter 1: It's all coming together
The little town of Ponyville was peaceful and quiet. At the farthest part of this town was the large crystal castle that belonged to Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. But there was a very large line of ponies waiting at the front gates of Twilight’s castle.
It all started when Twilight announced that she is looking for students of her own. Twilight felt that she was ready to give lessons to the next generation just as Princess Celestia taught Twilight. Before Twilight knew it, many ponies tried show her why they are worthy of becoming her students. Twilight was uncomfortable about all this attention she gained. She only wanted to teach the lessons of friendship to those who needed it. But Twilight will find these students more sooner than she expected.
Guide Light
At the farthest part of the large line was an excited unicorn mare waiting with anticipation. She had long, brown mane that curled at each end. Her coat was tan and her eyes were light blue. The cutie mark on her flank was a yellow lantern with a white star at the center.
Guide Light has waited her entire life for this opportunity of becoming Twilight’s personal pupil. Ever since she heard great stories about Twilight, Guide Light wanted to become as great as her. Throughout Guide Light’s life, she has been practicing the same magic Twilight did before becoming a princess. Today, Guide Light believed, was the day she shows Twilight why she is worthy and her dream will finally come true, as soon as the line shortens. Guide Light hopes that Twilight hasn’t pick any pony yet.
Fireworks
In another part of Ponyville was a small park where a yellow Pegasus was about to practice for something. She had red, spiky mane that was tied into a pony-tail along with light green eyes. Her cutie mark was a firework exploding into the air. Before she began, she pulled out her pom- poms and turned on her stereo.
Firework had this bombastic personality that made every pony feel motivated every time she cheered. Soon, she became one of the head cheerleaders of Ponyville’s local hoofball team, the Wonder Colts. She has been practicing for each upcoming game to help motivate the team so they could win.
When she completed her daily warm-up, she was ready to pull off her grand finale, the Big Bang! It was a routine that Fireworks thought would be the perfect way to finish her cheering. She started with a long cartwheel and turned it into some acrobatic flips. Then, Fireworks would jump and start rolling in the air, finishing with a perfect landing on her hind hooves. Unfortunately, she didn't land on her hind hooves on time and ended up bouncing off the ground towards the main road.
Lone Wolf
Walking down the streets of Ponyville was a large, scary earth pony. He had dirty, white mane that was awfully very long. His coat was dark gray and his cutie mark was a head of a wolf with a moon behind it. His bright yellows eyes showed such a frightful scare that made every pony scared to be around him.
Lone Wolf didn't like being present near ponies as they make him feel like he was an outcast. What made Lone Wolf scarier was his temper every time something bothers him. Lone Wolf was on his way towards a farmers’ market when he saw some ponies started walking away from him.
'Great, I have to face another day of going through this town again. ' Lone Wolf thought.
Despite his stubborn and distant attitude, the only thing that kept him sane was the Everfree Forrest. The dark, hidden forest was the perfect place for him where he can’t get bothered by anything.
Lone Wolf's thoughts were interrupted when he heard screaming from behind him. Before Lone Wolf could turn around, a red and yellow object crashed on top of him and he was as well with no idea of what's happening right now.
Comfort Cub
At the local fabric store in Ponyville, the door opened and a stallion was exiting the building. He was an average sized pony with a turquoise coat. His yellow, short mane was combed nicely to the side and the cutie mark was a crying teddy bear offering a hug. He made his way toward home while carrying a bag full of string, cloths, and stuffing for stuffed animals.
Comfort Cub wasn’t like any other colt. Most of the stallions his age would go play sports or other boyish things, but Comfort prefers to sew the most adorable stuffed animals and give them out to those who needed it. He doesn’t really interact with other ponies because it wasn’t in his comfort zone. Comfort was fine being different, but sometimes he feels lonely when he is by himself.
Comfort heard some yelling from down the streets and saw some ponies rolling heading towards his direction. In a state of panic, Comfort began running as fast as he could from the ponies. But they soon caught up to Comfort and in no time, he was rolling and screaming along with them.
At last, Guide Light was next in line for the entrance exam of her life. When she entered the audition room, she was overjoyed from seeing Princess Twilight sitting on a desk across from the room. Guide was so excited of meeting her idol that she didn’t realize that she was standing there like an idiot while Princess Twilight was just staring at her.
“Um…can I help you?” Twilight asked the smiling statue at the door.
Guide quickly shook her head and began walking inside of the room. She turned towards Twilight’s direction and bowed.
“Princess,” Guide began, “my name is Guide Light and it is an honor for me to demonstrate my abilities to prove that I am worthy of becoming your student.”
“Alright, you may begin.” Twilight responded.
Guide started with her horn glowing yellow. She then increased her magic with her ideal spell. Before she could perform it, a large crash came from the window and the three ponies landed right on top of Guide. The impact made Guide lose concentration and caused her to shoot a magic beam that bounced off everywhere. The beam almost hit Twilight if it wasn’t for her magic force field. When the disaster was over, Guide opened her eyes to see an angry Princess Twilight standing in front of her. Guide saw what her magic beam did; the walls had burned holes, the windows were all shattered, and the floor had a large crack who knows how long it will take to fix.
“Am I in?” Guide asked with a nervous grin.
The four ponies stood there facing Princess Twilight while she figures out a punishment.
“Do you have any idea what all of you have done?!” Twilight scowled.
Fireworks was rubbing her shoulder, feeling completely guilty. Lone Wolf was thinking that he could care less about what happened.
“Let me explain, you ponies just destroyed property that belonged to a royal princess in Equestria.” Twilight pointed out.
“I’m so sorry!” Guide and Comfort apologized at once.
“I didn’t mean to destroy you castle, Princess!” Guide pointed to the others. “I wasn’t involved with these troublemakers!” Lone Wolf and Fireworks both glared at Guide while Comfort just looked at her.
“Well, you can make this up by cleaning and fixing this room.” Twilight said as she levitated some mops and brooms to the ponies.
Twilight left the ponies to start cleaning, making Guide feel angry from what happened. “I can’t believe you guys did this to me!” Guide using her magic to restore the walls.
“Hey! It was your magic that almost destroyed this place.” Lone Wolf barked.
“Well, it was you and these two who landed on top of me that started this.” Guide said bitterly.
Lone pointed at Fireworks, “It was Ms. Domino here who caused this chain reaction!”
“I’m not a domino! I’m a cheerleader, totally a different thing.” Fireworks replied. “Also, I was practicing for an upcoming hoofball game.”
Lone, Guide, Fireworks continued to bicker to one another, Comfort on the other hoof was too busy cleaning up and trying to avoid the argument.
“Who cares about impressing some alicorn princess or cheering for some dumb sport anyway?” Lone teased.
Both of the mares gasped from what came out of Lone’s mouth. Comfort ducked and covered from the bomb that was about to blow.
“TAKE THAT BACK !” The mares yelled at the same time. Soon, all three of the ponies started yelling at each other and Comfort was still covering his ears
Twilight returned to check the progress, but she was shocked from what she saw. The alicorn princess had never seen ponies or living creatures at each other’s throats like this. A sudden idea appeared inside Twilight’s mind, thinking that it would be an excellent decision that could help these ponies.
“QUIET!” Twilight screamed, causing everypony to freeze from their tracks. She then used her magic to separate the three, Comfort stood back up to see what the princess wanted. “From what I can see, you ponies have no experience with friendship, do you?” Twilight asked.
The four ponies just looked at each other with no idea what Twilight is saying.
“We can make a deal, either you can continue cleaning up this mess until it’s spotless or I’ll drop charges if you agree to become my students on friendship?”
Without hesitation, Guide cried out, “I’ll do it!” She then quickly ran up to Twilight to shake hooves. “Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!”
“Same here!” said Fireworks after she dropped her mop and joined the mares.
“Okay,” Comfort quietly said, joining the group.
At first, Lone was about to decline until he saw the large mess. “Fine,” he grumbled, trying not to show defeat.
“Now then,” Twilight used her magic to restore the room from the way it was. Guide was amazed at Twilight’s magical abilities, but Lone was ticked that the princess could’ve fixed the room the entire time. “Class starts at 8:00 a.m., so don’t be late!”
“I won’t!” Guide cheered as she galloped to the exit. The others followed and made their way back home to prepare for tomorrow.
At night, Twilight looked out her bedroom window as she thought about the decision she made. “Will I be able to do teach these younger ponies friendship?” Twilight asked herself. She thought for a moment and shook out all of her doubts. “Yes! I can! Princess Celestia taught me, now it’s my turn to teach the magic of friendship!” The young alicorn went to sleep, not knowing what the future will be for herself or for her students.
Chapter 2: Meet and Greet
The next morning, Twilight was making preparations for her classes. She levitated several desk chairs in a circle and brought out her chalkboard. Spike entered the room carrying some notebooks for Twilight's class while trying not to fall over.
"Where do you want these, Twilight?" Spike asked.
"Place each one on each desk," Twilight replied.
Spike did what she said and placed each book on a desk. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"
"I'm completely positive about this, Spike." Twilight said with pride. "My lessons of friendship will make a difference to those ponies."
"Yeah, but do you have any experience with handling a class? I mean, I know you're smart but - " Spike was interrupted when he heard a knocking from the castle entrance.
"Could you get that for me, Spike." Twilight asked her dragon. "I need to get a few more things." she then flew out of the room.
Spike slowly opened the doors and heard a high-pitched squeal that almost made him deaf. Before Spike could recover, Guide ran up to him while jumping up and down with excitement.
"Oh my gosh! You're Spike, Princess Twilight's number one assistant! It's an honor to meet you! Can you answer some questions that I have?" Guide said all at once.
'Well, she is unique. ' Spike said in his mind.
Guide immediately calmed down from her excitement and spoke with a more serious tone. "My apologies, I am Guide Light and one of Princess Twilight's new students."
"Nice to meet you, Guide Light." Spike pointed to the room. "The classroom is that way,"
"Thank you, noble dragon." Guide bowed her head and proceeded to the classroom.
Before Spike followed, he heard another knock from the door and answered it. Once opened, Fireworks made her entrance by doing several acrobatic flips and landed with a perfect split.
"Ta-Da! Fireworks yelled as she panted from making that entrance.
"You must be a new student?" Spike guessed.
"Yeah! Fireworks is the name, cheering is my game!" she said while shaking the dragon's hand.
When Spike pointed at the classroom, Firework got up and flew right in. Spike was about to leave until he heard a knocking a third time in a row. Grumbling from all the interruptions, Spike walked up to the door to answer it. Comfort was standing outside feeling a little timid from the sudden opening of the door.
"Are you a new student?" Spike asked. Spike was suddenly picked-up by the colt and was given a nice, friendly hug.
"Aren't you such a little cutesy-woodsy dragon?" Comfort gushed as if he was holding a foal.
"Um, hello." Spike interrupted, feeling really uncomfortable.
Comfort suddenly realized this and placed Spike down. "I'm sorry," Comfort apologized. "I'm Comfort Cub, it's nice to meet you."
Spike thought that this stallion wasn't so bad, despite the weird hugging. He politely showed Comfort where the room was and the stallion thanked Spike before leaving. When Spike closed the door, he turned around and saw a scary stallion right in front of him. "AAAHHHH!!!!" Spike screamed as he fell with his back on the floor. Lone laughed as he enjoyed scaring the baby dragon.
"You-You should have seen the look on your face! That was priceless!" Lone chuckled as he walked away, towards the class.
When the grey stallion left, Spike stood back up and calmed his breathing from the fright he experienced. 'What a jerk!' Spike thought as he took deep breaths.
All four of the students were inside the classroom while waiting for Princess Twilight. Guide was busy pulling out her books she might need for the class, Fireworks was just humming a song while on her desk, Comfort just sat on his desk, feeling really nervous about what the class will be about, and Lone just slouched on his desk.
"When is the princess gonna show, it's already past eight!" Lone groaned.
"Princess Twilight is probably making some last minute preparations." Guide replied.
"If she doesn't show then I'm out of here." Lone said. "Isn't there a rule saying if a teacher doesn't show, you can leave?"
"Well, I would never leave my class even though the teacher is late." Guide snarled at Lone.
'Teacher's pet, ' Lone thought.
Fireworks appeared at the center of the class with a megaphone in her hoof.
"I know how to cure everypony's boredom!" Fireworks said. She began doing one of her cheer routines with her pom-poms. "1...2...3...4 we don't know what's in store! 5...6...7...8 all we have to do is to wait!" As Fireworks did a flip, she accidentally knocked off Guide's books.
"Hey! Watch it!" Guide yelled as she started shooting beams at the cheerleader. Guide kept shooting at Fireworks, but the pegasus was avoiding every blast. One of these beams hit Lone right out of his desk. He looked at the mares and gave them an angry glare that made them wish they didn't do that.
Twilight and Spike made their way towards the classroom with all the materials for the students.
"I don't know, Twilight." Spike said. "I think some of the students you chose are bad news."
"Don't worry, Spike, I believe these young ponies will be great after I'm finish teaching them."
Suddenly, Twilight and Spike heard a loud explosion from the classroom. Both of them rushed inside and where were completely shocked from what is happening. Lone started throwing some tables at Guide and Fireworks while they avoid being killed. Comfort was under his desk trying not to get spotted.
Twilight immediately flew up in the air and used her magic. "STOP!" she yelled. The four ponies were surrounded by pink aura and paused.
"Sure, you totally got this." Spike said with sarcasm.
Everything was back to the way it was and the four ponies sat on their desks.
"Okay, things may have gone on the wrong hoof and luckily, I'll forgive this." Twilight said. "But, as long as you behave. Is that clear?"
Everypony, except for Lone, nodded with agreement.
"Now, let's begin!" Twilight smiled. She used the chalk to write some words on the board saying:
Friendship 101: Know your friends.
"The best way to make friends is to get to know one another." Twilight turned to the student. "Let's begin with our introductions. Just tell us your name and more about yourself." She looked around the room as if there were more students. "Do I have any volunteers?"
"Me!" Guide was the first to raise her hoof.
"You may go first." Twilight said.
"Thank you!" Guide cried out. She then cleared her throat and began. "My name is Guide Light and my favorite hobbies include: studying, magic using, and spending time with you, Princess!"
"Aw, thank you," Twilight said with a blush.
"I like to go next!" Fireworks waved.
"You may do so Ms....? Twilight asked.
Fireworks stood up from her seat and made her introduction. "My name is Fireworks and the one thing that I love to do more than anything is cheer-leading!"
"Why?" Twilight asked.
"Because giving a cheer will help anypony feel better and do their best!" Fireworks said.
Lone moaned loud enough for everypony to hear.
"Why don't you go next, young colt?" Twilight pointed at Lone.
"Fine, call me Lone Wolf and just like my name, I prefer to do things alone." Lone replied.
"Nice to meet you, Lone Wolf." Fireworks said as she was shaking Lone's hoof.
Lone pulled his hoof away and growled like a dog towards Fireworks.
"Okay," Twilight said and turned to Comfort, who was the last to be introduced. "why don't you tell us about yourself?"
Comfort started panicking from his nervousness since he doesn't tell about himself that much. He slowly regain his thoughts and began his introduction. "Hello everypony, I'm Comfort Cub.....and.....I enjoy sewing......stuffed animals." Comfort stuttered on the last part.
"Sorry, what was that?" Twilight asked.
"Stuffed animals?" Comfort answered.
Lone burst out laughing, "Y-You make stuffed animal?! That is the most lame and girly thing I have ever heard!" he chuckled.
Comfort slowly lowered his head with shame.
Twilight saw this and yelled, "That's enough Lone Wolf!"
"Yeah, don't hurt the dude's feelings!" Guide barked.
As Twilight was giving Lone his punishment, Fireworks slowly tapped Comfort's shoulder that caught his attention.
"Hey," Fireworks whispered. "just so you know, I think your hobby is pretty neat."
Fireworks' words made Comfort a little better as he lifted his head with a smile.
After the introductions, Twilight started her lecture on the definition of friendship. While the princess was lecturing, Guide was writing every important thing on her notes as well as Comfort like the good colt he is. Fireworks just got distracted as she twirled her pony-tail and Lone was napping the entire time.
Once class was over, everypony packed up their things and exited the castle. Twilight watched her students leave from the window, feeling proud of what she had done.
"First day was a success, huh Spike?" Twilight asked.
"By success, do you mean two out of four students listened to your lecture while the others just got distracted?"
Twilight became shocked, not realizing that she was so busy with her lectures that she never paid attention to her students. The princess slowly slumped to the floor with her head hung with disappointment.
"But don't worry, Twilight!" Spike trying to cheer her up. "There's always next time."
Twilight felt a little better from Spike's words, she can still teach these ponies friendship.
Chapter 3: Weekend Hangout
Twilight continued to give lessons of friendship to her students until it was the end of the first week. The students were allowed to have the weekends and holidays of like any other teacher would do. When Saturday came around, every pony from the class enjoyed their day-offs from lessons. Comfort Cub was relaxing with a warm drink at Ponyville's local cafe where he usually goes from time to time. He let it all soak in as he watched the view of his peaceful town.
Comfort was interrupted when he heard a mare's voice. "Hey, Comfort Cub!"
He turned and saw Fireworks sitting in another table near the cafe. It felt weird for Comfort to see one of his classmates in the same public place since he had no idea what the others do in their spare time. Fireworks walked up to Comfort's table and sat beside him.
"Good to see you!" Fireworks said with her usual grin. "I didn't know you would be here?!"
"Yeah," Comfort awkwardly replied. "I sometimes go here to hang out."
"Me too!" Fireworks said. "Hey! Do you want to try the key-lime pie here? It's really good!"
At first, Comfort would deny this kind of request, but he thought Fireworks wasn't that bad despite being loud and cheerful. "Okay," Comfort nodded.
Fireworks called the waiter over to ask for another key-lime pie. Once it arrived, Comfort took a small bite from the pie and he thought it was delicious.
"This is good!" Comfort admitted.
"See! Didn't I tell you?" Fireworks claimed. "So, do you want to visit Guide Light's house?"
"You know where she lives?" Comfort asked with curiosity.
"Of course, her mom and I enjoy spending time together." Fireworks explained.
Comfort thought it would be a good idea to hang out since Princess Twilight wanted the students to make friends with each other. " Alright," Comfort answered.
Both of the friends paid the bill and made their way towards Guide Light's house. When they made it to the door, Fireworks knocked on the door and an older mare answered it. The mare had a tan coat and light brown eyes that were similar to Guide's except for the blonde manes and a feather duster for a cutie mark.
"Fireworks! It's so good to see you!" The mare said.
"Good to see you too, Feathers." Fireworks cheerfully replied. She pointed to Comfort, "This is Comfort Cub, he's also a student of Princess Twilight!"
"Well, it's so nice to meet you Comfort," The mare shook Comfort hoof, "My name is Feather Dust and I'm Guide's mother. It's so nice to have one of Guide's friends to come and visit."
"The pleasure is mine," Comfort responded.
The three of them entered the house and sat inside the living room.
"Where is Guide Light?" Comfort asked Feather Dust.
"Oh, she is sleeping-in from late night studying." Feather Dust replied.
"Does she always do that?" Comfort asked another question.
"She always studies until bedtime, but she does study very late since she doesn't have lessons on the weekends." Feather Dust brought some drinks.
"Do you think we can ask if she wants to hang out?" Fireworks asked.
"Sure sure, allow me!" Feather Dust made her way upstairs with Comfort and Fireworks from behind.
Feather Dust slowly opened Guide's door wide enough for all three of the ponies to come in. The only thing that Comfort can hear in the room was loud snoring coming from the bed. He looked around the room, realizing that the snoring wasn't the only weird thing in the room. All of the walls had posters of famous unicorns, but most of these posters had Princess Twilight on them. Guide's shelf was filled with spell books and scrolls that were filling up the spaces. There was a large, wooden desk that had nothing but notes and books piling on top. What caught Comfort's attention the most were the Princess Twilight figurines that were displayed on the window, each figure had a different pose.
Feather Dust started waking up Guide. "Guide," Feather Dust whispered. "some of your friends came to hang out."
Guide's eyes slowly opened to view her mom. Guide looked and saw Fireworks and Comfort waving at her. Next thing they knew, her classmates were running from the room while avoiding the flying books and figurines aiming at them.
After a large argument between mother and daughter, Guide, wearing her saddle bag full of books, followed Fireworks and Comfort down the streets of Ponyville.
"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was to enter some pony's room while they were asleep?" Guide growled.
"I thought friends could do that as long as they respect each other's privacy?" Fireworks pleaded.
"Whatever," Guide grumbled.
Comfort walked beside Guide and said, "I don't think your room is weird, I have some stuff animals in my room."
Guide felt a little better from hearing that she wasn't the only pony with a skeleton in her closet.
"Here we are!" Fireworks pointed to their destination, which was the local arcade in Ponyville. Both Comfort and Guide were curious about the reason why their cheerleader friend brought them here.
"Exactly why are we at the arcade?" Guide asked.
"I thought this would be a good start since we haven't got to know each other." said Fireworks as they walked inside.
"To me, arcades are nothing but ways to waste bits from fillies and colts to do nothing but press buttons." Guide shared her opinion.
"But it's so fun!" Fireworks whined.
Guide was about to say no again until she saw the puppy pouted faced Fireworks. Guide sighed, "Fine,"
Fireworks squealed with joy and gave each of her friends a bag of bits. "Let's go!" she pushed Comfort and Guide deeper into the arcade.
Comfort was searching for a game that matched his idea of fun. The closet thing he could find was a retro game machine that had pictures of 8-bit aliens attacking Earth. The controls were a simple joystick and button, on the front of the machine had large, green letters saying: Invasion Day . Comfort placed one bit inside the slot and gave the game a try. After ten seconds later, he lost all three lives and the screen displayed Game Over. Comfort was about to leave until he heard Guide's voice.
"Want to see how it's done?" Guide said as she slowly walked toward the game and inserted a bit. Comfort was amazed that after ten seconds, Guide was able to continue with all of her lives still in play. She kept her spaceship from getting blasted while shooting the aliens.
"Wow! You're doing great!" Comfort cheered.
"Thanks," Guide said with pride while beating the high score. Somehow, Guide was able to pass every level in the game with top scores.
"You were amazing!" Comfort praised Guide as they were walking.
"No biggy," she said with an increased ego. "I was able to see the aliens in a fast pace. That what happens when you study at that speed."
"I could use a tutor like that," Comfort admitted, "want to give me some pointers?"
Guide was stunned that some pony wants help from her. Her old classmates wouldn't because she was difficult to keep up with. Comfort seem to be a nice pony who needed her help when it comes to knowledge. "A-Alright," Guide nervously answered.
Several ponies ran past Guide and Comfort towards a large crowd. Both of them made their way towards the crowd what's happening. At the center was a large dance machine with the sign saying: Hoof Hoof Revolution . The pony playing on the dance floor was none other than Fireworks. She hit every dance move correctly as the song was playing. The screen showed that Fireworks was making top scores from each move. "Oh hey guys!" Fireworks said still dancing in the game.
"How are you winning this game?" Guide asked with surprise.
"When you're a cheerleader like me, you got to have an active body." Fireworks explained.
She quickly grabbed Comfort's hoof and tried to pull him in. "Come on, Comfort! Join me!" Fireworks pleaded with excitement.
"I don't know if I - Whoa!" Comfort screamed being pulled on to the dance floor.
Both Fireworks and Comfort started dancing with the music. Even though Comfort felt really unsafe, he also felt excited at the same time. The song finished and every pony in the background cheered for the dance partners. Fireworks and Comfort bowed and made their way towards Guide.
"You guys were spectacular!" Guide clapped her hooves.
"Thanks," Comfort blushed. Soon, the three friends exited the arcade and it was starting to become evening. They gave each other their good-byes and went home. As each of the friends walked away, they had some thoughts about what happened today.
'Man, guess those two weren't so bad after all. Guide said in her mind.
'I really hope we get to spend some more time together! Fireworks cheered in her mind
'I haven't felt that good in a long time. Comfort thought as he continued to his house.
All three of the ponies experienced a great memory that could lead to a new friendship.
Author's Note
The next chapter will have Lone Wolf as the main problem. That was the reason I didn't include him in this chapter.
Chapter 4: Wolf Barks and Monster Roars
The weekend passed and all of Twilight's students returned for more new friendship lessons. Everypony, except for Lone, talked to one another about what happened at the arcade. Twilight noticed the tensions between each student disappeared and she was satisfied that they were getting along.
"I see that everypony had a good weekend?" Twilight asked.
Guide, Fireworks, and Comfort nodded in agreement while Lone just yawned with boredom.
"Let's begin!" Twilight started writing on the chalkboard.
Friendship 101:
Help Your Friends
"Helping one another is a good way to make friendships stronger." Twilight explained "It shows that you're never alone when you face a tough challenge."
Fireworks accidentally dropped a book from her desk and it landed right next to Lone. Twilight thought of a way to demonstrate her lesson.
"Lone Wolf," Twilight called out, "could you get that book for Fireworks? I believe she will appreciate it."
Lone did not care what Twilight requested from him. All he did was kick the book back near Fireworks.
"Um, thanks Lone?" Fireworks said.
Twilight felt very annoyed from Lone's actions, but she decided to let it go and move on.
The class went on with more lectures from Twilight. "Who would like to answer this question?" She asked. Guide was the first to raise her hoof, but Twilight turned towards Lone and noticed that he was not paying attention. "Lone Wolf," Twilight asked politely, "can you answer this question for me?"
"Because you don't know the answer or you don't want to?" Twilight faced Lone.
"Both," Lone said rudely.
Twilight felt annoyed a second time from Lone, but she kept herself calm and allowed Guide to answer. Halfway of the class, Comfort was in a middle of an assignment when a spitball hit his head. He turned and saw Lone with a straw in his hoof.
"Can you please stop, Lone?"Comfort asked.
"Hmm....when I feel like it." Lone smiled. He continued to shoot spitballs until Twilight had enough of it.
"That's it!" Twilight yelled. "Lone Wolf, stay seated! The rest of you, please step outside while Lone and I have a discussion." Twilight demanded.
The students did what they were told and exited the classroom with the doors shut.
"Is there a problem, Princess?" Lone asked.
"Yes," Twilight said, "you have been acting like a delinquent since the beginning of my classes." Twilight explained.
"Well, it's not my fault these classes are boring." Lone said as he flicked a pencil.
"Boring?!" Twilight became shocked. "These lessons helped me become the pony I am today." Twilight replied with anger in her voice.
"Oh sure," Lone said, "getting some wings and a crown, ta-da! You think you're better cause you're a princess." Lone talked back.
"You should appreciate that I made you one of my students!" Twilight glared.
"Appreciate it?!" Lone questioned. "I didn't ask for this in the first place!" Lone started to yell. He then stood face to face with Twilight and asked "Do you know why, Princess? It's because I don't need you, I don't need friendship, and I don't need anypony!" Lone stomped towards the door to punch it open and stormed off, leaving the rest of the students shocked from what happened. They walked slowly back to the classroom to check on Twilight. She was sitting on the ground with her hoof on her face as she groaned with frustration.
"Twilight?" Comfort asked the princess, "Is everything alright?"
Twilight was so stressed that she couldn't find a proper answer. She only said "Class is dismissed, I don't want to be disturbed."
The three friends nodded in agreement and left the princess alone. Twilight walked to her room where she laid down and tried
"I heard from the others about what happened." Spike said as he entered the room and sat next to Twilight.
"What am I going to do, Spike?" Twilight whined. "I feel like I haven't made any effort with these ponies."
"It's only the second week," Spike replied.
"Today, Lone was misbehaving and he threw a fit at me!" Twilight groaned. "Not a good way to start off."
"Maybe you should ask somepony for advice?" Spike suggested to Twilight.
"Like Princess Celestia?" Twilight thought, "But she is too busy, I can't think of anypony else who has experience with- " Twilight suddenly had an idea of who should she speak to. She then trotted to the door, "Thanks, Spike!" Twilight yelled before she left.
"No problem!" Spike yelled.
Twilight flew across Ponyville until she saw the schoolhouse. She landed at a safe distant and walked toward the building. The bell rang and the young fillies and colts left the school wit Cheerilee standing at the entrance.
"Good-bye everypony!" Cheerilee yelled to her students. "See you all tomorrow!" She turned to see Twilight standing right in front of her. "Oh, hi Twilight!" Cheerilee said with surprise. "How are you?"
"Just fine, Cheerilee," Twilight replied, "May I come in?"
"Sure," Cheerilee smiled. Both of them entered the schoolhouse and they sit on some chairs near Cheerilee's desk.
"So what can I do for the princess?" Cheerilee joked.
"You know that I now have students of my own?" Twilight asked.
"Oh yeah! I heard about that." Cheerilee remembered about that news. "I think that it's nice of you to share your knowledge to the younger ponies." Cheerilee said. "How are they?" she asked.
"Well, most of them are fine," Twilight replied. "it's just that this colt in my class recently talked back to me for forcing him to learn friendship."
"Sometimes it's hard for teachers to teach those kinds of students." Cheerilee advised. "It only depends if the student wants to learn something, you can't force anypony to accept new lessons."
"That's true, I haven't exactly given any thought about that." Twilight realized. "All I wanted to do was to teach friendship, just like how Princess Celestia had taught me."
"It's our job as teachers to make sure that the students get the knowledge." Cheerilee said. "There is always another side of a story you don't really notice."
"What should I do then?" Twilight asked.
"Let him have some time by himself, he will probably cooperate when he realized that he needs your lessons."
"If he doesn't?" Twilight asked once again.
"Then it's his lost, you are a great teacher, Twilight." Cheerilee said.
After Twilight thanked Cheerilee and flew back to the castle, her mind was processing the advise she was given. She hasn't really put any thought about what was best for her students because she only wanted to teach friendship to those who needed it. Maybe Lone needs to realize how important friendship is to him. She returned to the castle and made her to her room to sleep on it.
Guide, Comfort, and Fireworks were at Ponyville's local cafe, trying to forget what happened during class.
"That was something, huh?" Fireworks broke the ice.
"No kidding, how dare Lone!" Guide growled, "Talking to Princess Twilight like that!"
"Now now," Comfort trying to calm Guide down, "let's not get angry for something that was just some misunderstanding."
"How can you say that?!" Guide was offended, "That jerk has been nothing but a meanie since class started!"
"M-Maybe if we talk to Lone, we can understand why he acted the way he was." Comfort suggested.
"Why should we do that?" Guide demanded.
"Didn't Princess Twilight mention a lesson that involves not judging anypony?" Comfort trying to recall that lesson.
"Oh yeah!" Fireworks remembered, "it involved Princess Twilight and her friends being exposed to Poison Joke and blamed it on that zebra for cursing them."
Guide realized that she was accusing Lone like how Princess Twilight had accused Zecora for a misunderstanding. "The lesson was to never judge a book by its cover." She admitted. "But still, how are we suppose to look for Lone?"
"We can walk right over there and ask him." Fireworks pointed towards Lone who was getting some fruit from a salespony. He slowly turned around and walked down the streets. Fireworks and Guide stood behind a barrel while Comfort was confused about what they were doing. He was suddenly pulled toward the two mares and had a hoof on his mouth.
"Shh!" Guide and Fireworks hushed Comfort.
"Don't you know being sneaky is the key of spying?" Fireworks whispered.
"Isn't that kind of wrong?" Comfort question the mares' logic.
"One of the best way to research is to study subjects in their natural habitat." Guide explained.
The three friends followed Lone as he continued to walk in the streets of Ponyville. The friends continued until they recognized the place Lone just entered, the Everfree Forest!
"Why is that bonehead going into the forest?!" Guide asked. "Doesn't he know that place is dangerous?!"
"Maybe he is visiting somepony?" Fireworks suggested. All of them continued to follow Lone while staying cautious about the dangers in the Everfree Forest. They stopped in their tracks when they saw Lone entering an old, abandon cottage.
'This is where Lone lives? ' The three friends thought.
Before Lone opened the door, he lifted his head and said "I know you three are hiding, come out or I'll do that for you."
Worried that they were spotted, the three friends quickly came out from hiding. Now, they were being stared at by a mean-looking colt.
"Hey Lone, how are you?" Fireworks awkwardly said.
"Is there a reason why you three were stalking me?" Lone asked in a rude manner.
"You do realize that it's dangerous to live in the Everfree Forest." Guide pointed out.
"That means ponies won't enter the here and bother me, like what you're doing right now." Lone claimed.
"Look, we wanted to know if we can help you understand that Twilight's lessons are important." Guide said.
"Let me tell you what I told the princess," Lone raised his voice, "I don't need lessons or friends!" He slammed the door, leaving the three friends alone.
"Well, that didn't help," Guide said as they exited the forest.
"Maybe he needs some time to think about it." Comfort suggested.
Lone watched as the ponies left the forest. He turned and made his way to the kitchen. 'Why should I care about some lessons/ ' Lone thought, 'Friendship never did anything to me, ' He made his way to his bed, which was a dirty mattress, and slept there for the rest of the day.
At night, Twilight was still thinking about Cheerilee's advice. She had to be patient for her students. Despite their flaws, friendship can find its way even towards the most different. Twilight called it a night and went to sleep. A night in Ponyville was peaceful, citizens were dreaming, the stars and moon shined the sky, and the land was silent. It was interrupted when a large roar woke up the entire population of Ponyville. Everypony went outside to find out where it came from. The roar was from the Everfree Forest, the same area where Lone's cottage was. Guide, Fireworks, and Comfort had all the some thoughts, Lone!
All three of them ran as fast as they could towards the Everfree Forest. Even though it was completely dark, Guide was able to use her horn to light the way. They were about to reach the cottage until Lone came crashing down to the dirt. He had scratches and bruises all over his body.
"Lone!" the ponies cried out as they ran to help Lone.
"What happened to you?!" Comfort said with worry.
"Some....thing.....attacked.....m-me." Lone moaned in agony.
"What attacked you?" Guide asked.
Lone struggled to point his hoof towards the moving trees. The creature got close enough to be seen by the four ponies. It was a giant Timberwolf that was the same size of a mountain. It howled with anger as it was about to attack the ponies.
"Just...go!" Lone continued to moaned, "Leave me!"
"No, we're not!" Guide talked back. "Comfort! Get Lone to safety as fast as you can! Fireworks and I can hold off this beast!"
Comfort nodded and started to pull Lone away from the upcoming fight with the timberwolf.
"Hey! Big, bad, and smelly, over here!" Fireworks called out.
The timberwolf turned towards the mares and Guide fired a yellow beam at it, which caused the timberwolf to get angry and roar even louder. Fireworks flew all around the timberwolf to distract it, but it started swatting in the air as if Fireworks was a fly.
"Na-na!" Fireworks taunted. "You can't get-" before she could finish, a wooden paw slammed her near Comfort and Lone.
"Fireworks!" Guide screamed.
"I'm alright," Fireworks got up from the ground. "it didn't hurt that much."
The large timberwolf started growling at Fireworks, Comfort, and Lone. Guide ran next to the others and charged her horn for another spell. Fireworks pounded her hooves to show that she was up for a fight. Even though Comfort was very frightened, he stood in front of Lone, ready to protect him. Lone was shocked that these three ponies would risk their lives after all he did to them. Both sides were about to charge until Princess Twilight flew down and shot a large, pink beam shot the timberwolf on the head. She flew towards the other ponies to check on them.
"Is everypony alright?" Twilight immediately asked.
"We're fine," Guide confirmed. "Lone has some wounds from that timberwolf."
"Get him to safety, I'll handle this." Twilight flew back into the battle and started shooting lasers at the timberwolf. Guide, Comfort, and Fireworks carried Lone away from the area. Lone slowly went unconscious from all the pain he took.
He started to wake up and found himself laying in a bed inside Ponyville Hospital.
"Lone!" The three ponies arrived at the door.
"What happened?" Lone asked.
"Princess Twilight came to the rescue after the timberwolf attacked." Guide explained. "When we carried you to a safe distant, she was able to defeat it and helped us get you to the hospital."
"You were pretty bruised up," Fireworks added, "luckily the doctors were able to patch you up from the damage, free of charge."
From all that had happened, Lone was confused about these three saving him from the timberwolf. "Why did all of you save me?" he asked, "I could've done this on my own."
"Well, if you did that, then you would have been timberwolf food." Guide sassed. "Besides, you're one of us, and we never leave anypony behind."
Princess Twilight entered the room to check on her students. "Hello everypony,"
"Hey Princess!" Fireworks replied.
"Could you give some privacy between me and Lone?" Twilight requested. "I like to talk to him for a moment."
The three students nodded and left the room. Twilight approached Lone.
"What did I do this time?" Lone sighed, waiting for a lecture.
"You're not in trouble," Twilight said. "That timberwolf was on a rampage lately and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry a clear choice of talking my lessons. I thought that if you learned more about friendship, you would gain things that you needed in your life."
Lone was surprised to hear that from a princess of Equestria.
"I'm going to give you some options, Lone." Twilight said. "You can no longer take the classes and live your life, or you can continue your studies on friendship to find what you need." She turned towards the door and said, "The choice is your's."
After the princess left, Lone was thinking about the decision he was given. Ever since he took part in these lessons, he wanted to quit in the start of it. But after what his classmates and teacher did, he started to have second thoughts. Throughout his life, Lone had been on his own without anypony to care for. Other ponies would think he was scary, but his classmates didn't treat him like some criminal. Lone looked out of the window to figure out his thoughts.
Few days had passed and Lone was recovering from his injuries. Class at the castle wen on, but the students were uncertain if Lone quit the classes or was still recovering. Twilight started writing on the chalkboard and began. "Okay class, today we will discuss-" the door slowly opened and everypony looked to see who it was. Entering the room was Lone as he walked toward his desk.
"I see that you have returned, Lone." Twilight presumed.
"I came to learn more on what I needed," Lone turned his head to see his three classmates smiling for his return. "and that is friendship."
Twilight smiled and resumed her lesson. She was proud of Lone for making this decision. A decision that can change his life for the better.
Class continued for Twilight's students as they learn more about friendship. Each of them made good efforts with their assignments. Unfortunately, the students still bicker to one another, especially Lone, Guide, and Fireworks. Comfort on the other hoof still avoids the arguments as it was his nature not to get involved with those kind of things. Twilight decided to go back to Cheerilee to seek more advice.
"So they're still fighting?" Cheerilee asked.
"Yes," Twilight replied, " I don't know how I can stop these arguments from happening."
Cheerilee tapped her hoof on her chin as she thought of a perfect idea. Then, it came to her, "How about a class pet?"
"Excuse me?" Twilight tilted her head.
"Taking care of a pet can help classmates work together." Cheerilee explained.
Twilight thought about it for a moment and she believed it was a good idea.
The next day, the students were on their desks and waited for Twilight to start the lessons. But they were also curious about what was under the curtain next to the princess. "Today class, we will start with a team bonding project." she pulled the curtain with her mouth to reveal a large, glass tank on top of a wooden table. Inside was a light green frog with pitch-black eyes and the size of the frog was similar to a bowling ball.
"This is Croaky," Twilight introduced the frog, "he will be our class pet, I want all of you to take good care of him."
The four students walked up towards the tank to have a better look at their new pet.
"Aww! Isn't he cute!" Fireworks cooed as her face pressed against the glass.
"It looks really weird with those eyes." Guide claimed.
Twilight levitated a book with the title: 'Guide to Pet Frogs ' to her students. "This book will tell you how to take care of Creaky." she said. "Now, let's get class started!"
The day went on as usual for the class, once it was dismissed, the four students gathered around to figure out the proper way to take care of Croaky from the guidebook. Guide read the entire first few chapters to figure out the basic procedures for feeding the frog.
"Okay, it says here that the appropriate amount should be about two slices of oranges per a day." Guide explained.
"Can't we just give him all the slices so we don't have to feed him." Lone suggested.
"Then Croaky will die from eating too much." Guide answered. "So who wants to feed Croaky?"
"Why can't you do it, Guide?" Lone questioned.
"Because I'm the pony who is 'guiding' the facts, this is my job."
"Sure," Lone said with sarcasm. "it's the most important job."
"I'll do it!" Fireworks volunteered as she took the slices of oranges in her hoof.
She opened the tank and was about to drop the slices until Guide screamed, "Stop!" Fireworks froze in her tracks.
"Don't just drop the slices in the tank, gently put it in there." Guide explained.
Fireworks carefully put the slices to the dish, but Guide kept saying that it was not in the right spot. Croaky hopped towards the food dish to begin eating.
"So, what's next?" Fireworks asked Guide.
"Hmm...Croaky's tank is a little low on water," Guide said. "we should fill it so Croaky has more water to swim in." she turned to Lone, "Can you please get the water, Lone?"
"Fine," Lone grumbled as he went to fetch the bucket.
"Since we need to clean up Croaky's habitat, Comfort, why don't you hold on to him?" Guide suggested.
"Sounds good to me," Comfort replied. He reached into the tank with one hoof. "Don't be shy Croaky, I mean no harm." Croaky slowly approached Comfort's hoof and jumped on top of it.
At the same time, Lone came back with a bucket full of water. "Here's the water," Lone said.
"Good, now pour the water in the tank in a small amount." Guide said.
Without hesitation, Lone poured the whole bucket into the tank, almost flooding the habitat.
"I said a small amount, Lone!" Guide yelled.
"It was an accident!" Lone barked.
Soon, Lone, Guide and Fireworks argued again on a small incident. Feeling terrified for the worse, Comfort tried to calm his friends down while Croaky was on his head.
"Come on guys, let's not yell - "
"STAY OUT OF THIS COMFORT " All three of them yelled.
Croaky screeched with fear and jumped off Comfort's head to make another big leap towards the window. All four of the students were shocked and made their way to the window to see what happened to Croaky. Luckily, the frog was still alive but he was at a far distant.
"We got to get Croaky or else we're dead!" Guide yelled.
"Couldn't agree more!" Lone said as he jumped off the window with Fireworks flying in pursuit. Guide used her magic to teleport outside of the castle while Comfort just used the front door. All four of the students were chasing after Croaky while he was hopping. Croaky finally stopped on top of the Apple Family fruit stand.
Lone saw Croaky first and said, "I got this one!" he then leaped to catch Croaky, but Croaky got scared and jumped away. This caused Lone to crash right on top of the stand, leaving nothing but a pile of broken wood and squashed apples.
"Frogs tend to jump fast if frightened, Lone." Guide pointed out.
Fireworks dashed as fast as she could to reach Croaky. He was still jumping in fear down the main streets of Ponyville. At the right time, Fireworks flew towards Croaky as he made a big leap and grabbed a gold of the frog.
"I got you, Croaky!" Fireworks claimed as she held the frog in the air. But Croaky started squirming in Fireworks hooves and his slippery skin got him out of the hold of Fireworks. "Eww!" Fireworks squealed as she shook the slime off her hooves.
Guide and Comfort went after Croaky to catch him.
Comfort was the only one left chasing Croaky. He found the frog on top of a lily pad in a large lake. Comfort slowly approached Croaky and reached out once more to bring him home. "Here Croaky, I just want to get you back to class." Comfort pleaded. Croaky felt calm when he saw Comfort, he was the only pony who wasn't trying to do harm. Just then, Lone came running towards the lake with a bad temper.
"I'm gonna get you frog!" Lone yelled as he jumped to get Croaky. Lone ended up falling in the lake and Croaky jumped off Comfort's hoof. Fireworks arrived to the lake with a frozen Guide on her back.
"Did you catch Croaky yet?" Fireworks asked.
Lone came out of the water and spit some out of his mouth. "No," he grumbled.
After Lone got himself dry and Guide's paralyzing spell wore off, the four students continued searching for their class pet.
"This is bad you guys," Guide said. "Princess Twilight trusted us with Croaky and now we lost him."
"You don't have to remind us, Guide." Lone said.
"This wouldn't have happened if you stop jumping at Croaky like some predator." Guide snarled at Lone.
"At least I tried," Lone talked back, "all you did was use magic to catch Croaky and it ended up shooting back at your face!"
"I have to agree," Fireworks admitted, "that spell didn't quite help at all."
Guide scoffed with betrayal, "Says the mare who let go of Croaky for slime on her hooves!"
Once again, all three of them argued to one another. Comfort had the last straw with these arguments and screamed, "Will you guys be quiet!"
Comfort's scream interrupted the three ponies and now they were shocked from what come out of Comfort's voice next, "Chasing Croaky across Ponyville started with the three of you yelling at each other! All four of us are responsible for Croaky and it's our job to find him! We can either yell for our mistakes or suck it up and at least work together!" Comfort ended up panting from all that yelling.
Guide calmly admitted, "He is right, I was acting kind of bossy, didn't I?"
"At least you didn't act like some tough guy, huh?" Lone agreed.
"Or didn't get grossed out by slime." Fireworks joining them. All four of them started laughing from their mistakes they made.
"Alright, let's get Croaky back, together!" Guide said. "And I think I just figured out how to do that," Guide rubbed her chin.
Croaky continued to hop across Ponyville, carrying on with his business. He suddenly heard a frog croak and went to look the source of it. When Croaky arrived, it was only a stuffed replica of himself. Croaky had no idea that Guide was hiding begind a crate, using a spell that makes her voice sound like a frog's voice. When Croaky was at a close distant from the fake frog, Lone came running towards Croaky, saying "I'm gonna get you frog!" That caused Croaky to get scared and hopped as fast as he can from Lone. The frog continued to hop until he reached towards a contraption that looked similar to a teeter-totter. Lone saw Croaky jump on the 'X' and yelled, "Now!"
Fireworks appeared, doing her acrobatic flips and landed on the other side of the plank, causing Croaky to fly in mid-air. Before Croaky was about to get squashed to the ground, Comfort brought out a sack he made and caught Croaky with it. The plan was a success for the four friends. When the three of them approached Comfort, he carefully brought out Croaky and said, "It's okay Croaky, they won't fight anymore.?
Croaky looked at the other three and croaked, which probably means that he was convinced. Soon, the students returned to the classroom to bring Croaky home. Princess Twilight entered the room to see her students with their pet.
"There you all are!" Twilight said, "Where have you four been?"
"We were just taking Croaky outside for some exercise." Fireworks cheerfully lied.
Feeling not convinced, Twilight decided to play along with it. "Well, I hope that outing has made the four of you learn something."
The students looked at each other and smiled as they realized that they did.
Chapter 6: Stay-over Storm
Despite it being a cloudy day in Ponyville, that didn't stop Twilight's students from enjoying a Saturday together. Now that Lone was fully accepted as a new friend, they could play a fun game of Four Squares at the local park.
"Isn't this fun guys?" Fireworks cheerfully asked.
"If we were into games for little foals," Lone said with sarcasm.
"You're never too old to have fun!" Fireworks defended.
Suddenly, thunder caused the friends to stop what they were doing and noticed that it started pouring. The four of them ran to the closest tree they could find to stay dry from the rain.
"How am I suppose to get home with all of this rain pouring down?" Guide asked herself, "It's too far for me to run."
"Same here," Fireworks agreed, "I don't know how to move the clouds yet."
"Well, I don't care if I get wet or dirty." Lone said. "See you guys later," Lone was about to leave the tree until Comfort came up with an idea.
"Wait!" Comfort said, "My house is nearby, maybe we can stay there until the storm is over."
Fireworks and Guide nodded in agreement while Lone just sighed and went along with them. All three of the friends followed Comfort until they reached a large two-story house. When the four friends entered the front porch, Guide noticed a sign next to the door. It said: The Rest and Relaxing Bed and Breakfast , the logo was a large, white pillow with two R's and two B's on the center. Comfort carefully opened the door and turned on the lights. Inside was a large living room with matching furniture and there was a desk on the side of the wall, similar to a hotel desk.
"You live in a hotel?" Guide asked Comfort as she looked at the room.
"It's a bed and breakfast," Comfort corrected, "my parents own it. They won't be back until tomorrow, so make yourselves at home."
Lone jumped to the closest couch and leaned back as he relaxed from the softness of the cushions. "Aww yeah," Lone said.
Comfort came back with some towels to dry off his friends. Once they were all done getting dry, Comfort asked, "Do you guys want to see my room?"
Lone and Guide looked at each other with curious expressions, Fireworks quickly said, "Well sure!"
Comfort lead the way for his friends towards his room. They entered the dark room and Comfort turned on the light. From what Comfort's friends saw was completely unbelievable. Comfort's room was filled with stuffed animals, Guide remembered Comfort telling her that he had stuffed animals in his room, but she didn't expect for the room to have this many. Stuffed birds were hanging on the ceiling and stuffed fishes were inside a fish tank without water. The bed was a large stuffed bear with a blanket and pillow on the belly. Comfort's desk had some small boxes filled with needles, strings, fabric, buttons, and stuffing. There was also a sewing machine beside of the boxes to go along with the work space. Fireworks was excited when she saw the room.
"This....is....so.....CUTE!" she started to pick up one the stuffed animals to give it a hug.
"I see that you enjoy sewing them," Guide said to avoid the awkwardness.
"Yeah, I actually made these plushies by myself." Comfort replied.
"Cool!" Fireworks said, she picked up a very long stuffed ferret. "Can I have this one?!" she acted like a filly in a candy store.
"Umm.....sure," Comfort answered.
The four friends sat together on Comfort's floor as they figure out how to spend the time.
"How about we play a game?" Guide suggested.
"I got some board games," Comfort left the room to come back with some rectangle boxes. "I think we can start with this one," he brought out a green box with a picture of a small, white stallion wearing a black coat and top hat.
"Ooh! Monopony ! This is my favorite game!" Guide cheered as she opened the box.
"Why are you excited about a game that involves money?" Lone asked.
"It's because I rule at this game." Guide smirked as she levitated a silver boot, declaring that it was her game piece.
"I'll give it a try!" Fireworks picked up the silver cart.
"Sure," Comfort picked up a silver top hat.
"Might as well," Lone sighed as he picked a silver dog as his game piece.
"Let's begin!" Guide declared as she rolled the dice.
At the end of the third game, Guide pumped her hooves as she took in all of her victories. "Woo hoo! I won!" Guide cheered.Lone grumbled and Fireworks was still happy even though she lost.
Comfort decided to close the box, "Okay, how about another game?" he pulled out a deck of cards, "How about a game of Go Fish?"
The four friends had cards in their hooves as they asked each other if they had some particular cards.
"Do you have any 8's?" Fireworks asked Guide.
"Go fish," Guide replied.
Several minutes later, Guide won with the most matched cards.
"Seriously," Lone said with anger, "how did you win in a simple game of Go Fish?"
"Easy, I memorized the questions you guys asked because it shows which cards you have. When I drew the right cards, I asked you guys about the cards depending on who has what." Guide explained.
Comfort felt the tension between each of his friends. "Okay," he said nervously, "let's take a break and I'll go get some snacks." Comfort left his room for a few minutes and came back with a plate full of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. "What could be more better than staying indoors on a rainy day than enjoying some-"
"S'mores!" Fireworks cheered as she grabbed some of the ingredients from Comfort's plate. "Thanks Comfort, you're such a sweetie!"
Comfort blushed from Fireworks' praise. "Ah, thanks." Guide used her magic to levitate some of the food to make her s'more. Soon, all four of them enjoyed some s'mores as they sat on Comfort's floor. It would have been peaceful if it wasn't for Lone's loud chewing.
"You sound like an animal, Lone." Guide claimed.
"Hey, it's the way I chew," Lone said with a mouth full of s'mores. He accidentally swallowed the whole thing and ended up choking.
Comfort quickly panicked and cried, "Don't worry Lone, I'll save you!" Comfort quickly wrapped his hooves around Lone's stomach and squeezed it very hard. It caused Lone to spit out all of the s'mores from his mouth and it splattered on Guide and Fireworks.
"Ewww!" The mares said at once as they tried to get the s'mores off of each other.
Once the choking was over, Comfort said, "Lone! Are you okay buddy?"
Lone was breathing hard from all the s'mores he swallowed and threw up. "Yeah, I'm fine." he said as if it was no big deal.
"I dare you...to pout like a little puppy!" Fireworks said to Lone.
Lone groaned as he did what he was dared. He rolled at a slowed pace and pouted like Fireworks said. "Now, it's my turn," Lone tried to figure out the perfect dare for Fireworks. "I dare you to bend your hooves in the form of a pretzel!"
Fireworks puffed her chest with pride and said "Sure! Being a cheerleader involves having your body completely flexible!" she made her hooves twist and turn as if it her bones were made of taffy. Comfort, Guide, even Lone were surprised from their cheerleader friend's flexibility. When Fireworks was done, she was completely transformed into a pony pretzel. "See, I told you."
"Good," Lone said with an evil look, "then you can't stop me from doing this." he bumped his hoof on Fireworks' muzzle and it caused her to fall over.
"Ouch," Fireworks squealed with a little pain in her voice. Lone was rocking back and forth ,laughing until his thighs hurt.
"Hey! That wasn't nice you jerk!" Guide used her magic to give Lone the worst shock he had ever experience.
"I was just having fun." Lone growled at Guide.
Comfort got up from where he was standing with a very upsetting look. "Will you guys just get along please!" he said as he was about to cry. "I invite you to my home, offer you my games, and let you eat the food that I prepared and this is how you repay me?!" the other three saw Comfort about to go on a verge of crying. He quickly ran to the bathroom and locked himself inside. Guide, Fireworks, and Lone were left in the room, soaking in all the things that their young colt friend said.
"What caused him to be so upset?" Lone questioned.
Guide noticed a small book beside Comfort teddy bed and retrieved it with her magic. The book was titled: How to Make Good Friends and there was a teddy bear bookmark inside a chapter. Guide, Fireworks, and Lone read it and it was about allowing a pony's friend to his or her house and spend some time together. This was completely similar to what Comfort was doing when he invited his friends to his house. It made all three of them feel completely bad.
"Guys," Guide said, "we really messed up for Comfort. All he wanted was to see us have fun together and we blew it."
"I agree," Fireworks nodded, "we should go apologize."
"True," Lone agreed, "besides he gave us some s'mores, you can't be a true friend unless you offered some s'mores." Lone joked.
All three of them walked towards the bathroom where a large weeping came from inside. Guide gently knocked on the door and heard a very sad voice. "Go away,"
The three friends looked at each other as they try to figure out how to cheer up Comfort. Guide said, "Comfort, we now understand that you just wanted us to bond more and we really appreciate that." There was no response from Comfort.
Lone walked up to the door and said, "I'm sorry I still acted like a jerk, I'm still trying to get a hang of this 'being nice to others" thing."
"I have no idea what I did wrong." Fireworks added.
The door slowly opened to reveal a pair of puffy eyes from crying, "Do you guys really mean it?" Comfort asked.
"We sure do Comfort, we promise that we will get along," Fireworks turned to Guide and Lone, "right guys?"
"I promise that I'll lower my chances of winning." Guide promised.
"I promise that I'll be less of a jerk as long as you keep making us some of those delicious s'mores." Lone promised.
Comfort slowly walked out of the bathroom while blowing his muzzle with some toilet paper. "I'm fine now, thanks for coming over you guys!" he immediately gave his friends the biggest hug Comfort has ever given. This made Lone feel more awkward but Fireworks kept him from leaving this happy moment.
The four friends came back to the room and allowed Comfort to pick the next activity, which was a teddy bear tea party. "Would you like another s'more Ms. Fireworks?" Comfort asked with a polite manner.
"Why yes I would Mr. Cub, thank you?" Fireworks picked the s'more up with her hooves. "I believe Ms. Furry would like some too." she pointed to her new stuffed ferret that who was wearing a princess dress.
"How about you Bearington?" Comfort asked a medium-sized, brown teddy bear. "Would you like some s'mores?" Bearington did not make a reply as he was just a stuffed bear, but Comfort pretended that he replied. "Here you go, enjoy!"
Guide was sipping her cup of tea as she enjoyed Comfort's way of having fun. Lone tried to bear with it as he is taking part in the most ridiculous activity he has ever been since he joined his friends. Luckily, his eyes noticed the window and there was no more rain coming from outside.
"Oh look at that," Lone interrupted, "there is no more rain, so we can go home now!"
Comfort moaned with disappointment, but he agreed. Guide, Lone, and Fireworks helped Comfort clean up everything before they leave. They waved good-bye to Comfort as they made their way home from spending time with their unusual, but caring friend.
Chapter 7: Mastermind's Maze
In one of Twilight's lectures, she was discussing how she was able to defeat Discord with the help of her friends. "Can anypony ask me how I was able to free my friends from Discord's corruption?" Twilight asked.
"With the magic of friendship?" Fireworks guessed.
"A little more specific," Twilight corrected.
"Some giant rainbow that turn creatures into stature?" Lone guessed.
"There was something more specific that I did," Twilight corrected again.
Guide raised her hoof to get Twilight's attention. "Yes Guide?"
"You used a special memory spell to each of your friends to remind them of what element they represented." Guide answered.
"That is correct! Good for you Guide!" Twilight praised.
Guide felt some pride building inside when she was praised by the pony she looked up to for many years.
After class, Twilight's students made their way down the streets towards the local cafe. Guide was really happy from the perfect A+ she received from her recent test she took from Twilight. Her friends were following behind her as they were holding the scores from their test.
"What grade did you guys get?" Fireworks asked, "I only got an A- on my test,"
"Same here," Comfort replied, "I'm alright with my grade."
"I only got a B+," Lone also replied, "we could ask Guide what she got, but-" the three friends looked at Guide, who was skipping as she walked. "I think it's obvious of what score she got." Lone groaned.
When all three of the ponies made it to the tables, Guide was talking about how great she did on her test. "As always, I got a perfect score!"
"We know Guide," Lone interrupted, "you showed it while we walked all the way to the cafe."
"This test proves that my intelligence is quite large." Guide said.
'So is your ego ,' Lone thought.
"Does anypony else notice that these tables look like mushrooms?" Fireworks got distracted from listening to Guide.
"Look Guide," Comfort politely said, "we know that you're really smart, but can you-"
"This also proves that I am Twilight's top student." Guide said.
"You don't deserve that title," a voice called out.
Those words caused Guide to get angry, "Who said that?!" she demanded.
"Me!" a unicorn mare walked towards the four students. She had a very dark purple coat and jet black manes. Her cutie mark was a pair of round glasses that had swirls. Her eyes were autumn orange and she had this grim facial expression that shows she is not a pony to mess with.
"Who do you think you are saying stuff that is not true?" Guide asked.
"My name is Mastermind, I'm a unicorn who should've been Princess Twilight's student." the mare introduced herself.
"Why didn't you?" Fireworks asked.
"I was in line on that day Princess Twilight was looking for some students. I showed my magic to her and she thought I had the potential, until you four came and took my opportunity from me!" Mastermind glared at the four students.
"Well, I'm sorry that Princess Twilight choose some better ponies than you." Guide sassed.
Mastermind looked like she was about to explode. "I demand a duel to see if the four of you ponies are even worthy of being Princess Twilight's students."
Lone and Fireworks got up from their spots to get ready for a fight while Comfort was slowly going under the table. Guide held her hoof out to stop her friends, "Don't worry guys," Guide said, "I got this one." she developed a confident smile.
The three friends looked at each other with questioning expressions.
"Why can't we do anything?" Lone demanded.
"This mare has magic, so she has an advantage." Guide explained. "Dueling just me will keep things fair."
Lone slumped back into his chair, meaning that Guide was probably right. Fireworks and Comfort nodded in agreement to let Guide do this duel.
They decided to duel near the large lake so no pony will get hurt. Guide and Mastermind were in a stand-off position while the other three students sat in the sidelines to cheer for their friend. Actually, the colts sat in the sidelines and Fireworks was busy giving cheers to Guide.
"Are you ready to taste defeat?" Mastermind asked Guide.
"The only thing I will taste is victory!" Guide pledged.
Both of the unicorns light up their horns to start the duel. Mastermind shot an orange beam to the ground that caused a large earthquake to shake Guide. Guide stood back up and started using her magic. Guide's horn glowed and pies from all of Ponyville came flying in the air towards Mastermind. Luckily, Mastermind used a magic bubble to protect herself. But she didn't noticed the pie that teleported right in front of her and it splattered on her face. The three friends laughed from Guide's sneaky trick, but Mastermind grew more furious and decided to use her secret weapon. She light up her horn and the ground started to shake. A small orb appeared out of Mastermind's horn and it grew larger in each passing second. The orb transformed into a large dragon that was made out of Mastermind's orange magic. It breathed fire at Guide, covering her with nothing but burning, hot flames.
"Guide!" Comfort, Lone, and Fireworks were shocked from what could possibly be the last time they saw their friend. Inside of the flames was a yellow force field that surrounded Guide in order to protect herself. When the dragon ran out of fire to breath, Guide took the opportunity to defeat the dragon. She started by lighting up her horn to summon an anvil that landed right on top of the dragon's head. The dragon roared with pain and collapsed to the ground. Guide finished the job by using a yellow beam to erase the dragon, leaving a shocked and humiliated Mastermind all by herself.
"This isn't over!" Mastermind yelled as she ran away like a coward.
At the same time, Princess Twilight arrived to the scene. "Is everypony alright?! I noticed the pies flew to this area, along with the large, orange dragon that started attacking!"
"It's alright, Princess," Guide said as she approached her teacher. "Some pony wanted to challenge us to see if we were worthy of being your students, but I was able to beat her all by myself."
Twilight turned to her other students, "Why didn't you three do anything?"
Before any of them could answer, Guide interrupted "It's because I thought it would be fair to face a unicorn with another unicorn. Also, I was your top student for this challenge." Lone and Fireworks rolled their eyes from Guide's boast.
Twilight noticed this, but calmly said, "Well, just be more careful next time, okay?" Her students agreed with some nods and went home for the day.
After class in the next day, Guide was studying at the castle library. Twilight slowly entered the room to approach her student.
"Hey Guide," Twilight greeted.
"Oh! Hi Princess!" Guide said with joy as she saw her teacher.
"Shouldn't you go home? Class is done for the day."
"Yeah, but I'm doing some extra studying to keep my brain in shape." Guide replied.
Twilight took a deep breath before she was about to speak. "Guide, I want to talk to you about what happened yesterday." That made Guide lower her smile, not aware of what Princess Twilight is going to say next. "You shouldn't have faced Mastermind all on your own." Twilight said.
"But, I had to because I was better with my intelligence and magic!" Guide said.
"True, but sometimes there can be situations where you won't be there for your friends. Sometimes, you got to let them figure problems out on their own." Twilight gently placed a hoof on Guide's shoulder, "Next time, just give your fiends a chance to do their best."
Guide sighed in defeat "Sure," After Twilight left the library, Guide decided to pack up and head home. While on the way, she kept thinking about what Princess Twilight had advised her.
'Why is Princess Twilight so worried about me ?" Guide said in her mind. 'I don't think that my friends are useless, but I've been working really hard ever since I was given this opportunity to become Princess Twilight's student .'
Guide noticed Mastermind walking towards her. 'Oh great, I have to deal with her again .'
"Why hello, Ms. Guide Light," Mastermind had an evil grin on her face.
"What do you want, Mastermind? Another humiliating defeat by me?" Guide asked.
"Oh, I'm not going to challenge you this time." Mastermind's words made Guide raise an eyebrow in suspicion. "I'm going to test your other classmates to see how worthy they are as Princess Twilight's students." Mastermind pulled out a golden scepter that had a glowing, blue orb. "You're just the reward if they win."
Twilight's other students were hanging out at their same table at the local cafe, but their relaxation was interrupted when Mastermind approached them. "Why hello everypony," Mastermind greeted. The three of the students were not pleased when they saw the unicorn mare.
"What do you want?" Lone said with disgust.
"I just want to perform an experiment and you three are my test subjects!" Mastermind delightfully said.
"Forget it,"Lone barked.
"But if you win, you'll get a prize." Mastermind pleaded once more.
"No....way!" Lone declared.
"Get me out of here!" Guide's voice called out. This made all three of the friends completely shocked when Mastermind pulled out the scepter with the blue orb. Inside was Guide who was now the same size as a mouse and her hooves were pressed on the glass.
"What did you do to Guide?!" Fireworks demanded.
"Oh, I simply decreased her size and trapped her in my scepter." Mastermind said as she swirled it around, making Guide dizzy.
"Can you change her back, please?" Comfort said politely.
"Only when you get through my maze." Mastermind hit her scepter to the ground and a blue flash took all three of the ponies into a large, blue-colored arena. A hologram of Mastermind's head appeared above the other ponies. "Welcome to my mind maze!" the head hologram yelled out. The ground started to rumble and white walls started rising, separating Comfort, Lone, and Fireworks from each other. "This special maze has all sorts of puzzles, tricks, and dead ends that can stop you!" an hour glass appeared with the sand starting to fall down. "You have until the sand runs out to get to the center, or you will never see Guide again. Also, you can't fly above the maze thanks to a force field I placed on the top. Good luck!" she disappeared and the sand continued to fall.
Comfort started to quiver from the fear he is experiencing. "T-This is impossible!" Comfort said.
"Hey, we just have to get pass the obstacles to get to the center." Lone said.
"I agree!" Fireworks encouraged. "Whoever reaches the center first, save Guide immediately!" she then ran into her path of the maze. Lone and Comfort followed to their paths as well. At the center, Mastermind was sitting on her throne as she watched the little ponies go in her maze like some lab rats. Guide was sitting inside her orb prison, feeling completely helpless.
'What am I going to do?!' Guide thought , 'My friends can't survive this maze without me !' But Guide remembered what Princess Twilight had told her earlier. Guide managed to calm down a little and tried to think of a solution as she looked around her orb prison.
Lone continued to move left and right in the maze until the walls blocked him in all directions.
"Welcome to your first puzzle, Lone!" Mastermind said. A color wheel appeared in front of Lone and three darts teleported into his hooves. "The only way to get through is by hitting all three darts on the red color, but how can you aim at a fast pace?" The wheel started spinning faster by each second. Without even thinking, Lone just threw his darts one at a time and all three were on the red color.
"What?!" Mastermind was shocked from Lone's accurate aim. "How did you hit all three darts on red?!"
"Just got lucky?" Lone guessed. The walls opened up and Lone made his way to the maze.
Fireworks ran as fast as she could into the maze. It was her turn to get blocked by walls and Mastermind's voice said "Here is your puzzle, Ms. Fireworks!" A wooden table appeared in front of Fireworks and it had three twigs on top of it. "The only way to get through is by making these three twigs into four without breaking them!" Fireworks rubbed her chin as she brainstormed for a solution. It took her a few seconds to figure it out and placed the twigs into the shape of the number 4. The table disappeared and the walls lowered, making Fireworks run forward.
Mastermind grumbled from Fireworks' achievement. 'These ponies are smarter than I thought,' Guide was still figuring out an escape plan.
Comfort was next to get blocked in all paths and Mastermind made sure this puzzle was more difficult. "Hello Comfort Cub," Mastermind's voice greeted. "Hope you're ready for a tough puzzle." A large picture of a flowered vase appeared on the wall. "The only way to solve this puzzle is by recognizing what does not belong in this painting." Comfort walked closer to the portrait to figure out the answer. Mastermind thought she was going to win this time until Comfort figured it out.
"I got it! This vase is painted green, but there is a small patch of blue paint strokes hidden on the lower left because it was painted over by the green paint!" The walls were gone and Comfort continued his path to the maze.
Mastermind grew more furious as the ponies solve more puzzles to move forward. Finally, the three students arrived at the center of the maze at the same time without a moment to lose as the hour glass still have some sand on the top. Mastermind still had some tricks up her sleeves. "Well done, my little ponies," Mastermind said as she slowly clapped her hooves. "You've almost completed the maze, but there is one last challenge, defeating me!"
"Bring it!" Lone yelled as he pounded his hooves together. Mastermind light up her horn and this time, three blue gladiator ponies appeared in front of each of the students. "Good luck," Mastermind cheerfully said.
Lone was in a head-butting contest with his gladiator pony, Fireworks was dodging all of the attacks of her gladiator pony, and Comfort was getting chased by his gladiator pony. Mastermind smiled as she saw the hour glass was running out of sand. Comfort continued his run until he ran towards Fireworks. She noticed this and came up with an idea. Fireworks dodged another attack, this allowed her to get Comfort out of the way. This caused the two gladiator ponies to crash to one another, making them shatter into pieces. Comfort and Fireworks high-hoofed each other from their accidental victory. Lone was still in a head-butting standoff with his gladiator pony until Fireworks came doing flips to make a big leap and a large hoof kick to the gladiator pony's face. It tumbled backwards and trip from a sitting Comfort, causing the gladiator pony to shatter to the ground.
Mastermind finally had it and stood up from her throne. "That's it!" She aimed her scepter at the three ponies. "I will be Princess Twilight's student once I'm done with you!" Suddenly, little yellow sparks appeared all over the scepter, causing Mastermind to drop it. The orb shattered and Guide returned to her normal size.
"Guide! You're back!" Fireworks cheered.
"I was able to reverse her spell so I can get out of that thing." Guide explained. "Thanks for distracting her while I was busy."
"No prob," Lone said.
Guide glared at Mastermind for probably putting Guide inside of a scepter and trying to hurt Guide's friends. "Now to get us out of this dumb maze." She light up her horn and started chanting a spell.
Mastermind growled with anger and tried to use her magic until Lone landed right on top of her with Fireworks and Comfort following in pursuit, making a large dog pile. A large flash appeared from Guide's horn and all of them returned to Ponyville. Once again, Twilight came flying towards her students to see what was going on. "What in Celestia was that?!" she asked. "First, I noticed a blue flash from my castle window and then another flash from where you four are."
Within seconds, Mastermind used her horn to teleport herself out of the dog pile to who knows where.
"She got away!" Lone growled.
"It's alright," Guide said. "sooner or later she will regret her mistakes."
"Can anypony tell me what the hay is going on?" Twilight demanded.
Guide started telling Twilight about the maze where Lone, Comfort, and Fireworks were able to save Guide from being trapped inside of Mastermind's scepter.
"I'm amazed that you three were able to make it through without Guide." Twilight said.
"I believe Mastermind made a mistake of believing that Lone, Comfort, and Fireworks weren't able to solve all of her puzzles." Guide smiled at her friends/classmates. "They didn't need my help because they have enough skills that can make up for my intelligence."
Twilight smiled at Guide for learning a new lesson with the help of her friends.
Chapter 8: Poison Jokes on You
With the upcoming hoofball game of the Wondercolts vs. the Fillydelphia Falcons, everypony was excited about it. This meant the Wondercolts would have to train like never before to become stronger. The cheerleaders would have to cheer their hardest to lift the players' winning spirits. From the minute Fireworks wakes up to the minute she falls asleep, she has been practicing nonstop. Fireworks was working on a new routine while she was with her classmates at the castle library. Princess Twilight thought that teaching her students about potion making would benefit them. Guide was so excited that she started working on some formulas for some good potions. Guide's classmates were with her because she needed somepony to test these potions. Guide was near a workbench as she did nothing but mix, heat, and pour ingredients.
"Are you done yet?" Lone moaned.
"Chemicals can't blend within seconds." Guide said.
"Are you sure these potions won't do any harm on us?" Comfort said nervously.
"Don't worry," Guide guaranteed. "these potions are made from safe ingredients that won't hurt anypony." she said as she poured some test tubes together.
Lone and Comfort noticed that Fireworks was not focusing on the project and more on her cheer-leading.
"Is it weird that Fireworks is focused just like Guide today?" Lone asked.
"I think there is a hoofball game tonight." Comfort guessed.
"Go! Go! Wondercolts! Go fast like lightning bolts!" Fireworks cheered as she finished with a pose.
"She must really want the Wondercolts to win," Lone said.
"Some ponies say that this game could be the biggest for the Wondercolts." Comfort replied.
Guide was trying to concentrating on her potions if it wasn't for Fireworks' cheers. "Fireworks!" Guide yelled.
Fireworks froze midway on her routine, showing that she was listening. "Yeah?" Fireworks asked.
"This may not be a science lab, but can you please stop horsing around!" Guide said with a bit of anger in her voice.
"I would if I could...but," Fireworks landed with a perfect split. "I really need to practice."
"Well, can you at least get to a far distant so you don't break anything?" Guide asked.
Fireworks stuck her tongue out and walked farther away from the workbench.
After that, Guide resumed with her project. Several minutes had passed and Guide finally completed her first potion. "Ta-da!" Guide said was she levitated a vile of blue liquid.
Comfort was impressed from looking at the vile, but Lone just sat there with a raised eyebrow.
"What's in it?" Lone asked.
"Just a little potion that I made from some special plants." Guide said.
While Guide was explaining the long and complicated formula for her potion, Fireworks was preparing for another routine.
"Okay Fireworks," Fireworks said to herself. "time for the Firewheel!" she started running at a short distance and made some large cartwheels all the way towards the the other students. Comfort and Lone got out of the way, but Fireworks ended up landing on top of Guide. This made Guide let to of the potion and it shattered on the ground. A large puff of blue vapor exploded in the library. Twilight and Spike heard the explosion and ran inside to see what happened.
"What the hay is going on?!" Twilight called out.
When the fog started to clear out, Guide was the first to appear. "I think we're all fine." Guide said, but she became shocked when Guide saw Twilight and Spike. "Hey, why is Princess Twilight red and why is Spike orange?" Guide then looked at her hooves and shrieked "Why are my hooves pink?!"
Fireworks was the next pony to shriek when she appeared out of the fog. Fireworks started to panic from looking at her hooves, which were ten times larger than before. "My hooves!" Fireworks yelled. "How am I suppose to cheer now that my hooves are the same size as boulders.
Lone was next to come out of the fog. He looked around his body to see any changes, but he was still the same pony. "Ha! Nothing happened to me!" Lone said with a high-pitched chipmunk voice. He quickly covered his mouth to prevent anypony else from hearing. Everypony did here Lone's new voice and Spike was laughing so hard that he rolled on the floor.
"Th-this is even better than when Twilight and our friends were affected by the Poison Jokes!" Spike said.
Twilight ignored Spike's laughter and discovered that Comfort was nowhere to be seen. "Where is Comfort?" Twilight asked.
"I'm right here," Comfort replied but he was nowhere in sight. The other ponies looked around to find Comfort.
"Where?" Lone asked and he suddenly felt something on his shoulders. He quickly backed away and punched something very soft.
"Ow!" Comfort yelled.
It took Guide a few seconds to figure out what happened to their turquoise colt. "Comfort, The potion made you invisible!"
"Whoa!" Comfort said.
"Can anypony tell me what happened?" Twilight demanded.
"Gladly," Guide insisted. "I completed a potion that had Poison Jokes as the main ingredient. Ms. Cheerleader just happened to land on top of me, causing the potion to shatter and the substance got on to us."
Fireworks started to get into a panic frenzy. "W-we need to change back! The hoofball game is tonight and I can't cheer with these hooves."
"Can't you just take a bubble bath? It is made of Poison Jokes after all." Spike suggested.
"Yes, but the potion was also made of other chemicals, so taking a bath won't make the effects disappear." Guide explained.
"Then how Guide?!" Fireworks yelled as she used her large hooves to shake Guide.
Guide was able to recover from getting dizzy before she could reply. "The solution is to make an antidote to reverse the effects of the Poison Jokes." Guide tried to read some books on the table. "But unfortunately, color blindness makes me unable to tell which is red or blue."
"Spike and I can help you make the antidote." Twilight said as she walked to the workbench. Spike was too busy coming up with funny names for Twilight's students.
"Hmm....Guide Blind, Lone Chip, Firehooves ...and Camo Cub! Ha-ha!" Spike then went with Twilight to the workbench to help with the antidote.
"Lone, Comfort, how about you two go help Fireworks get ready for the game, we'll meet you there when we are done." Twilight suggested.
"Alright," Lone said as he made his way to the exit. "Let's go Comfort."
"I'm already at the door, Lone!" Comfort yelled from far away.
As the sun was setting, everypony made their way to the stadium for the hoofball game. Fireworks, Lone, and Comfort were behind the benches as they figure out what to do.
"This is terrible!" Fireworks panicked. "The game is about to start and I can't go out there looking like this." Fireworks lifted her hooves, which was difficult because of their heavy weight.
As Fireworks got more worked up, Lone tried to figure out what to say to calm her down. "Look, Fireworks," Lone said to get her attention. "I know that you're upset about what happened to you. Do you think you got problems? I have a chipmunk voice for Celestia's sakes!" Lone said with a serious tone, but it was hard for Fireworks not to laugh because it was high-pitched. You can't just give up just for some big hooves! The ponies here didn't come to see you quit! They came to see the Wondercolts win this game and the team can't win without that burning spirit inside of you!"
Lone's words now made Fireworks tear up with hope. How could she have forgotten how important cheering was to not only to herself, but also to the ponies who needed it. Fireworks wiped off the tears and a new confident formed inside of her. "Thanks, Lone." Fireworks gave Lone a big hug, which caused him to suffocate due to the large hooves.
"There, finish!" Comfort said cheered as he showed Lone and Fireworks what he had made. It was a pair of large, blue and yellow pom-poms that were big enough for Fireworks hooves. "These pom-poms will are big enough to hide your hooves so no pony will notice." Comfort said as he helped Fireworks put them on.
"They're perfect, Comfort!" Fireworks said with joy, "But, how did you make them?"
"Oh, it was easy," Comfort replied. "I simply sewed those spare pom-poms together to make them bigger."
Fireworks felt as little ticked, considering that those were her backup pom-poms. But she decided to let it go because Comfort didn't know any better.
The intercoms called for all cheerleaders for the opening ceremony for the teams. "You better get out there and cheer for the Wondercolts. Comfort and I will find a spot to cheer you on." Lone said. Fireworks thanked Lone and Comfort before she went into the locker room to change into her uniform. After that, Fireworks made her way towards the other cheerleaders. Fireworks was able to make it in time to stand on her position next to an earth pony named Pigtails, a close friend of Fireworks. Pigtails had dark yellow manes that were tied into two long pigtails that reached all the way to the floor. Her coat was light pink and her cutie mark was a white pony mannequin head that wore a brown wig. Pigtails smiled when she saw Fireworks arriving to the position.
"Hey Fireworks!" Pigtails said with relief.
"Hey Pigtails," Fireworks replied nervously.
"Where have you been?" Pigtails demanded. "Coach Boots was about to have a fit if you didn't make it on time."
"I...had some last minute errands to run, yeah that's it." Fireworks was giving a smile to show that she was fine.
"Okay," Pigtails shrugged and turned back into position.
Lone and Comfort were lucky enough to find some seats with a good view of the game. However, Comfort 's invisibility made things worse for him each time a pony tried to sit where he was or when a vendor throws peanuts at Comfort's face.
It was five o'clock and the intercoms turned on. "Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to today's game of hoofball!" Everypony cheered and clapped their hooves with excitement. "Let's give it up for the home team, the Wonderful Wondercolts!"
Two cheerleaders opened a Wondercolts banner and several colts in blue and yellow hoofball uniforms ran through the banner. The ponies cheered as the Wondercolts made their way to their area.
"Now, let us introduce the opponents of tonight's game!" The announcer said. "Similar to their mascot, they flew high through every victory during this season. Will this be another win for them? Give it up for...the Fillydelphia Falcons!" Another pair of cheerleaders opened up a Fillydelphia Falcons banner and some colts in red and black uniforms appeared. "Now, let's start off with the Equestia National Anthem!"
Several ponies in uniforms marched across the field as they held the large flag of Equestria. The marching band began playing the anthem as the flag stood tall and high. After the anthem, the cheerleaders went into position before they started their cheer.
"You know," Lone whispered to Comfort. "I don't see what's the big deal about hoofball anyway."
The music played and the cheerleaders did their routine.The cheerleaders made some amazing flips and spins each time they jump. "Go Go Wondercolts! Go fast like lightning bolt!" Even though Fireworks' hooves were heavy, that didn't stop her from cheering. The cheerleaders finished things off with a group pose, which made everypony scream and hit the benches even louder.
After they watched the cheerleaders, Lone turned to Comfort with a sly smile , saying "I'm starting to like this game."
The game went on for two hours and the scores were tied. The cheerleaders were in a huddle as they figure out a plan. Among the cheerleaders was an older, dark-green mare who was Coach Boots, the cheer-leading coach.
"Alright ladies," Coach Boots said. "It's still half-time and we really need to cheer our hardest to help our team win." she turned to Fireworks, "Ms. Fireworks, I believe it's time for you to shine by leading the cheerleaders for that finishing move of yours."
Fireworks felt her heart race when she knew what her coach was talking about. The Cheer Tower was a complex cheer routine that she and the other cheerleaders have been practicing for the past months. They were able to perform the routine perfectly because Fireworks didn't have large hooves back then. Fireworks felt very scared from the pressure until she remembered what Lone had told her, even though his chipmunk voice was still funny.
Fireworks nodded and said "Yes, I can!"
"I knew I could, now let's go ladies!" Coach Boots yelled and the cheerleaders made their way to the field. Once the cheerleaders were on their positions, they began performing the Cheer Fountain. This routine involves each mare to spin jump to form a tall tower made of ponies. The cheerleaders started the stacking and Fireworks started to get more nervous. It was until Fireworks saw all of Ponyville, along with Lone and Comfort, cheering for the Wondercolts. After Pigtails jumped and landed on her spot, Fireworks was next as she did flips towards the stack of ponies. It felt difficult as Fireworks' hooves made her weight heavier. She finally jumped from the ground and performed the longest she had ever pulled. Fireworks landed right on top of Pigtails' fore hooves with her back hooves. The weight from Fireworks' hooves made it difficult for the bottom cheerleader to maintain balance. Everypony faced suspense as they watched to see if the tower will stay strong or fall apart. From a stroke of luck, the tower remained in balance and Fireworks struck a pose to make it part of the act. Everypony was silent for a few seconds until they cheered for the cheerleaders' excellent performance. At the same time, the Wondercolt quarterback was able to make it to the goal and made a touchdown.
Twilight, Spike, and Guide made their way to Lone and Comfort. Guide was no longer color blind and she was very happy.
"Guys!" she yelled as she levitated a vile of light blue liquid. "We finally made the antidote!" Guide's jaw dropped when she saw the tower. "Fireworks did that?"
"Yep," Lone replied. "Even with large hooves, Fireworks still made it possible."
The crowd cheered as the Wondercolts gathered for their victory huddle for winning the game. Most parts of their victory wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Fireworks' burning spirit for cheering.
Chapter 9: Friends of Harmony
Comfort Cub was on his way to Princess Twilight's castle. As Comfort opened the classroom doors, he was ready for another day of friendship lessons. That changed when he saw Lone, Guide, and Fireworks standing around a large pink box that was tied with a yellow ribbon. Comfort slowly placed his teddy-bear saddle bag on his desk and joined his classmates on the viewing of the present.
"Where did this present come from?" Comfort asked the others.
"I don't know," Guide replied. "I saw this present when I first arrived and that was when the others did as well." Guide moved in closer to read the tag. It was written with pink cursive letters that spelled out: To Twilight's students
Guide noticed Fireworks pulling the ribbon off from the box. "Fire! What are you doing?!" Guide yelled.
"But it's for us," Fireworks said as the ribbon was completely removed. The top swung opened with large amounts of confetti shooting in the air. Along with the confetti, a pink object jumped out from the box and made a perfect landing near the students. It was none other than Pinkie Pie, the super-duper party pony of Ponyville.
"Surprise!" Pinkie cheered as she threw more streamers and confetti.
Comfort screamed in terror as he fell right on his back.
"Pinkie Pie!" Fireworks cheered as she approached the party pony.
"Hi Fireworks!" Pinkie responded as she gave Fireworks a big hug.
Twilight entered the classroom and saw what was going on. "I see that the four of you just met Pinkie." Twilight said to her students.
"How can I forget the pony who threw me the best cuteceañera when I was a filly!" Fireworks replied.
"You were filled with so much joy that you couldn't stop smiling for a whole month!" Pinkie Pie said and then she gave a friendly hug to Guide. "And how can I forget the mare who enjoyed her Princess Twilight themed birthday party!"
Guide blushed in embarrassment when that was told out loud. "Oh," Guide pretended to sound surprised. "you remembered that."
Pinkie was about to give Lone a hug until he said "Don't even think about it."
Pinkie pouted and decided to greet Comfort, who for some reason was hiding behind a fortress made of stacked up desks. Pinkie was about talk until she heard hoof steps getting closer to the classroom. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy entered from the door.
"Sorry about the delay, Twilight." Applejack apologized. "You know how much time apple-bucking takes."
Guide's eyes widened when she saw Twilight's friends. "Sweet Celestia!" Guide screamed as she gave each mare a frantic hoof shake. "It's an honor to meet the ponies who represent the Elements of Harmony!"
"Well," Rainbow Dash enjoyed the praise. "it's always great to meet another adoring fan."
"Oh, I'm only a fan of Princess Twilight." Guide said. "But I do appreciate you guys for helping the princess save Equestria."
There was an awkward silence on Rainbow Dash and the others. Twilight cleared her throat to break the ice.
"Now that we're all here, I like to discuss today's lesson." Twilight said.
All of Twilight's students were seated on their desks as Princess Twilight was going over a lecture. "What made me a princess of Equestria wasn't from my advanced knowledge or talent of magic," she then pointed at her friends who were standing ini front of the classroom. "It was because of my friends helping me understand more about my capabilities. So for today's assignment," Twilight showed her students the chalkboard with the usual title:
Friendship 101: Elements of Harmony
"all of you will spend time with each of my friends this week and understand why their elements are very important in friendship." Fireworks and Guide were excited from this assignment. Line just yawned with no interests while Comfort was feeling tense, especially when he had to spend time with Pinkie Pie.
"So wait," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "you want us to waste an entire day with your students like we're teachers?"
"Come on Rainbow," Applejack said. "maybe some of these ponies will think of you as a great role model."
Imagining all of Twilight's students cheering for Rainbow Dash made her completely convinced. "Alright, I'm in."
Little did the others know, Pinkie was worried about why did Comfort act scared when she was nearby.
Day 1: Applejack
The first pony who the students will spend time with was Applejack. For her day, she wanted the students to help her buck apples at Sweet Apple Acres.
The students were working their hardest at the farm. Fireworks made some acrobatic flips as she bucked an apple tree. Lone enjoyed the work because he get to hit trees just for the fun of it. Guide was busy looking at the clipboard as she kept track on how many apples they have harvested. Comfort wasn't strong enough to buck apples or smart enough to keep inventory, so the best job Applejack could assign to him was to pick up the fallen apples.
Comfort kept on picking up apples until he flinched when Pinkie Pie popped out of an apple basket.
"Well hi Comfy!" Pinkie said with a smile.
"Aah!" Comfort backed up towards one of the apple trees. Next thing Comfort knew, he ran as quick as lightning to get away from Pinkie. When Comfort made it to the others, he was completely exhausted from all of the running.
Guide was so busy studying her clipboard that she accidentally knocked one of the apple barrels and it spilled all over the ground. Everypony turned their heads towards Guide to figure out what happened. To avoid getting in trouble, Guide blamed it on Fireworks. "Um, Fireworks! Why did you do that?!"
Fireworks was offended, "My fault! I wasn't even near those barrels!" she approached Guide with anger.
"Maybe it fell over from your improper method of apple bucking!" Guide said.
Both mares were facing one another with rage in their eyes. Luckily, Applejack arrived and separated the mares before things got intense.
"Alright y'all, break it up!" Applejack demanded. "Now tell me why the hay are you two yelling at each other?"
"Guide was lying just to avoid getting in trouble for knocking over a barrel!" Fireworks hissed.
"That's not true!" Guide tried to defend herself.
Applejack approached Guide with a stern look. "Guide, I want you to tell me the truth, did you see Fireworks knocking over a barrel?"
Guide admitted her guilt as she sighed and looked at the ground. "No, because I was too focused on my clipboard."
"You see Guide, it's not very nice to tell lies because it's not true and it damaged Fireworks' trust towards you." Applejack explained. "I wouldn't be on my farm or with my friends if it wasn't for my element of Honesty."
"You're right," Guide said as she apologized to Fireworks. "I'm sorry."
"No prob," Fireworks said as she smiled. Applejack felt good from the deed she did until she noticed the area where Lone was working. "Hey! You're suppose to apple buck the trees, not damage them!" Applejack ran to Lone who was continuing to punch the trees until large dents appeared.
Day 2: Rarity
The students were at Carousel Boutique for Rarity's day with them. She thought making some outfits for they would help the students understand the element of Generosity. Fireworks was standing still as she was modeling for a red dress that Rarity was working on.
"Thanks for making me your model, Rarity." Fireworks said. "This dress looks amazing!"
"Oh, no problem." Rarity responded. "I should be thanking all of you for helping me out."
Rarity called to Fireworks to take a break and went to check on the other students. Lone was sleeping on Rarity's special red couch while Guide was organizing all of Rarity's needles and threads. Comfort caught Rarity's attention when he was sewing up a piece of fabric that she made. The lines of thread were in a perfect pattern as it helped hod the fabric together.
"Oh that looks lovely, Comfort." Rarity said as she was approaching.
"Thanks," Comfort replied. "I've been sewing stuffed animals ever since I could remember."
"Well, if you are ever interested in the fashion business, let me know." Rarity said while giving a wink.
Comfort turned back to the fabric, but he thought he saw Pinkie in the mirror. Making sure that it was just a trick, Comfort checked again and there was nothing there.
Rarity was about to call Fireworks to resume modeling until she saw the cheerleader looking at a red ruby that was suppose to match the dress. Rarity coughed in her hooves to get Fireworks attention.
"Hm? Oh sorry Ms. Rarity." Fireworks said. "I couldn't help but notice that this necklace is beautiful."
Rarity smiled and levitated the jewel to Firework. "How about I give it to you as a gift for helping me out?"
Fireworks cheered with joy as she gave Rarity the biggest hug she could give. "Thank you so much!"
"No problem," Rarity said. "it's what I do."
Day 3: Fluttershy
Spending the day with Fluttershy wasn't that bad, especially when they spend time with the animals. Fireworks was trying to chase some birds to feed them some seeds. Guide looked around the fish pond so she could feed the fishes. Comfort was having the time of his life because he was getting tickled by a bunch of puppies.
Fluttershy was giggling from watching the puppies. "It looks like the puppies have a liking towards you, Comfort." She suddenly heard a crashing sound and saw Lone chasing Angel Bunny all across the garden.
"You're gonna pay for spitting at my face!" Lone yelled as he kept running.
Angel only replied by spitting out his tongue until he was trapped near a tree. Lone was about to give a real punisment to Angel as the colt approached with cracking hooves.
Fluttershy quickly flew between the two to prevent any fighting. "Stop!" Fluttershy yelled to Lone. "You shouldn't harm an innocent creature just because of something small."
"But that little booger spit chewed-up lettuce at me after I gave him his lunch! There's no way I'll let him off-" Lone was interrupted when Fluttershy gave him the scariest stare she had ever given. Lone immediately surrendered and backed away. Angel was laughing at Lone's humiliating defeat until he received a glare from Fluttershy.
"Don't think that you're off that easily, mister." Fluttershy said. "It wasn't very nice to spit at somepony's face. Now I want the both of you to apologize at this instance!" Fluttershy glared at both of Lone and Angel as she waited for a response.
Angel was the first to offer his paw for a shake. Lone did the same with his hoof and they both shake on it.
"See," Fluttershy proved. "Isn't it better when we use kindness to solve things?"
Comfort was putting some food in the puppies' food bowls as the puppies started to nibble. Comfort noticed a particular beaver that had a form of a pony and hair that was pink. He recognized who it was within seconds and he was getting tired of it.
Day 4: Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash had Twilight's students do workouts near the lake for her day. Lone was doing an excellent job as he lifted weights with only one hoof. Since Fireworks was the only pegasus in the class, she was given training on how to make clouds disappear. Comfort and Guide weren't doing such a good job as thy struggle to lift the weights.
Rainbow Dash noticed this and called to Lone, "Hey Lone, can you help out Comfort? It looks like he really needs it."
Lone whined as he approached Comfort. Comfort continued to lift the dumbbells but it wouldn't work. Lone just waited and did absolutely nothing. Rainbow Dash saw that Lone wasn't even lifting a hoof to help Comfort and flew closer to Lone.
"Lone, why aren't you helping Comfort?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Lone looked at a darker blue Comfort who was still trying to lift.
"Lone," Rainbow sighed. "sometimes you got to help those who are weak because it's the right thing to do. That's what loyalty is all about."
Lone remembered when his classmates did the same when he was attacked by the timberwolf. He did what he was told and helped Comfort with the dumbbells.
"Great!" Rainbow Dash said. "Now try to help Guide next."
Lone made his way while Comfort took a break from exercising. He heard a bubbling sound from the lake and he obviously knew who it was.
"Pinkie, I know that's you." Comfort said with a tone that sounds like he had enough.
Pinkie emerged from the water, wearing a snorkel and goggles. "Oh, hi Comfort." Pinkie said with pure innocence.
"Why have you been spying on me?" Comfort asked.
"I just wanted to figure out why are you so distant towards me." Pinkie replied with puppy dog eyes.
"By what? Stocking me everyday like some creepy pony?" Comfort said.
Those words made Pinkie's manes deflate and she slowly turned around to drag her hooves away from the lake, showing that she won't bother Comfort anymore.
Day 5: Pinkie Pie
The students made their way towards Sugar Cube Corner for their day with Pinkie Pie.
"I wonder what Pinkie will have in store for us?" Fireworks said as she flew alongside her classmates.
"Probably some kind of party that she planned." Guide guessed.
"I sure hope not." Lone grumbled.
Comfort was the only pony silent in his students' conversation as he was worried about what Pinkie will do.
The students made their way up the stairs towards a very dark room. The lights suddenly turned on and confetti flew everywhere.
"Surprise!" Pinkie yelled as she threw more confetti. There was a colorful banner that spelled: I'm sorry for what I did and can we be friends party!
Pinkie approached the shivering Comfort. "I'm very sorry for spying on you, Comfort." She then gave him a nice hug. "Can we still be friends?"
From the sudden panic inside of Comfort, he was able to push Pinkie off from him and yelled "No! I don't want to be friends with a pony like you!"
Tears started to develop in Pinkie's eyes as she began to cry very loud. Guide and Fireworks confronted Comfort for what he did.
"Why did you do that to Ms. Pinkie?!" Fireworks demanded.
"Yeah," Guide agreed. "what did she ever do to you?"
Comfort was able to recover from the mares and took a deep breath. "Do you really want to know? It all started when I was a small colt."
A flashback appeared with a young Comfort running to his living room that had lots of streamers and balloons everywhere.
"Happy Birthday, Comfort!" His parents cheered as his mom placed a party hat on Comfort.
"Yay! Best birthday ever!" young Comfort cheered.
His parents showed Comfort the best present they had ever given to him. Sitting near the corner was the largest teddy bear Comfort had ever seen. The bear even wore a red, shiny ribbon as a bow tie to make itself more presentable. Comfort was about to embrace the bear until it started to shake.
"Surprise!" Pinkie said as she popped out of the bear's mouth, causing some stuffing to fly out of it. That sudden outburst from coming out of a teddy bear terrified the hay out of Comfort as he ran out of the room.
"Wait! I wanted to show you to your birthday cake!" Pinkie yelled as she tried to chase Comfort while she was still inside of the large teddy bear. A pink pony inside of a large bear would be a good reason for Comfort to run for his life.
"And that's why I don't want to be with Pinkie." Comfort said as he finished the story.
The three students and Pinkie, who stopped crying to hear the story, stood silent as they processed the story in their minds.
"So, you're afraid of Pinkie just because she ruined your birthday present." Guide summed it up.
"I would've been traumatized if a large, walking teddy bear chased after me." Lone said.
"Look Comfort," Fireworks said. "I know that you have some kind of fear against Pinkie, but that shouldn't stop you from understanding that Pinkie is a good pony." Fireworks gestured to Pinkie to come over. "She maybe a strange pony, but she is the sweetest I have ever seen."
Comfort realized that Fireworks was saying the same lesson Princess Twilight had taught them when she had to fix her friendship with a pony named Moondancer.
It was Pinkie's turn to speak, "I'm sorry for ruining your party and making you feel scared. Can we start over as friends?" Pinkie offered a hoof shake.
Comfort decided to make up with Pinkie even though she was a little crazy. He lifted his hoof for a shake but Comfort ended up getting a big hug that Pinkie wanted from him.
Not only the four students formed new bonds with each of Twilight's friends, but one of the students was able to forgive somepony for an unintentional accident.
Chapter 10: Cutie Stories
After the students finished their friendship lesson with Twilight, Pinkie surprised them with a "Just for the Fun of Throwing a Party" party. Pinkie took the liberty of inviting all of Twilight's friends. The party was a blast as everypony enjoyed playing games, dancing to music, and talking to one another.The students were also introduced to the Cutie Mark Crusaders who now have their cutie marks.
"So your talents are to help ponies to find their talents?" Lone asked the young fillies.
"That's right!" Scootaloo said with pride.
"Then why are there smaller marks inside of the shields?" Lone said as he pointed the wing/lightning bolt on Scootaloo's mark.
Scootaloo brainstormed for an answer. "I think it represents my other talent of being quick and high-spirited."
"Well, I think all of your talents are wonderful!" Fireworks said to the CMC.
While Fireworks and Lone were talking to the fillies, Comfort and Guide were listening to Twilight about what happened after she came back from her lecture at the School For Gifted Unicorns.
"So this Starlight Glimmer was able to go back in time and prevented the Sonic Rainboom from happening?" Guide tried to repeat the story.
"That's right, and the change caused different timelines to appear with many of our old enemies ruling each one." Twilight replied.
"Whoa," Comfort said as he soaked all of it in. "Time-traveling is can be such a scary thing." Comfort shivered from the thought.
"Luckily, the spell was sucked inside the portal so nopony will ever use it again." Spike said as he joined the conversation.
"Man, it must be special to have a bond like the Rainboom to help form all of your talents." Guide sighed from thinking about it.
"So how did you get it?" Twilight asked.
"Get what?" Guide was confused.
"Your cutie mark, you have been in my class for a while and we haven't really talk about cutie marks yet." Twilight said.
The other ponies just happen to join Twilight when she brought up the topic. Pinkie started to get excited.
"Ooh, another cutie mark origin story!" Pinkie said and then she gasped. "How about we listen to Twilight's students' stories on how they got their cutie marks!" She sat on the floor with a box of popcorn in her hooves.
"I think that can be a cool idea." Rainbow Dash agreed. "Maybe we can find a bond that connects them on how they got their marks." She sat down with the others.
The ponies waited for any of the students to start. "So," Twilight tried to encourage her students. "who will like to go first?"
"I go first!" Fireworks called out.
"Alright," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "I like to hear how you became the spontaneous pony you are today."
"Believe it or not Ms. Dash," Fireworks said. "I was sort of different before I discovered my talent."
Fireworks' Mark
Near a small house in Ponyville, a small and hyperactive Fireworks was playing around outside. Fireworks continued to play as if she didn't have a care in the world. Her mom called from the door.
"Fireworks!" Fireworks' mom yelled. "Time to go to the soccer game!" Young Fireworks ran inside as she got ready to support the Ponyville Power Players. The Power Players was a soccer team of colts and fillies. Even though they didn't win a few games during the season, that didn't stop them from trying.
Fireworks and her parents arrived in time for the first game that went on for a few hours. The Power Players' score was much lower than the opponents. This made most of the team feel really depress from this. As time went on, Fireworks needed to use the little filly's room. "Mom," Fireworks said. "I need to go to the bathroom."
"Alright, sweetie." Her mom replied. Fireworks was walking down the stairs of the benches and she wasn't aware of the spill of soda on one of the steps. She slipped and it caused her to bounce on each step of the benches. Most of the players and the audience noticed the unexpected event that was happening. Fireworks bounced off from the last steps and spun into the air towards the ground. From some unexpected luck, Fireworks landed with both of her back hooves on the ground. Some of the audience were amazed from what just happened. Fireworks didn't know what she did, but for some reason, she liked it.
Next thing Fireworks knew, she performed some flips and spins that encouraged the Power Players to win their game. The crowd cheered from the Players' victory. Something happened inside of Fireworks that made her feel special. Why should she waste her hyperactive energy on playing around when she can use it to give everypony the motivation they needed? After Fireworks' realization, an image of colorful, exploding fireworks appeared on Fireworks' flank. This marks Fireworks's talent to help ponies keep going with a fire inside of them.
"Pretty good story, Fireworks." Rainbow Dash praised. "But my story was still the best and most important one." Some of the others rolled their eyes from Rainbow's comment.
"Well," Lone interrupted. "I'm gonna get some snacks to ease my boredom." He made his way to the food table to pick out some pastries.
Twilight came up with an idea. "How about you tell us how you got your mark, Lone?" Lone felt a little startled from hearing that.
"Yeah," Pinkie huffed as she put both hooves on her hips. "How did you become such a grumpy grump?"
Lone sighed as he had to reply that annoying question. "Fine," Most of the others sat closer so they could listen. "When I was a kid, I didn't have much."
Lone's Mark
Deep within the Everfree Forest, frogs croaked, beasts roared, and insects buzzed. A younger and innocent Lone was playing around as he was chasing a small ladybug. From the distance, a large, gray wolf appeared from the shadows as he scanned the area to look for something. When the wolf spotted Lone, he barked to the colt to get attention. Lone heard the call and made his way to the wolf. The larger wolf barked and growled in a manner as if he was scowling at Lone for running off on his own. Lone whimpered as if he was apologizing for doing such a thing. The large wolf nudged Lone to follow as they made their way to the pack. The wolf pack was the only family he has ever had. All he could remember as a foal was that he was crying in the middle of the forest when the pack found him. Before some of the wolves were about to devour Lone, the chief wolf decided to take Lone in and raised him as her own. Despite the chief's noble decision, the other wolves kept their distances from Lone because he was very different from them.
All of the wolves in the pack gathered to hear what the chief has to say. The chief warned in wolf barks that there was something fierce coming in the Everfree Forest. She wanted every wolf in the pack to stay sharp so that they can take down the monster to prevent it from killing the pack. Lone felt terrified from hearing the news as he thought the monster will eat him first. The pack started moving to look for food and shelter in order to stay alive. That didn't stop Lone from feeling tense from every step he makes because he was afraid of the beast already. Most of the wolves just rolled their eyes to show that Lone means nothing to them. The large, gray wolf was at Lone's side so the colt would be safe. This particular gray wolf was assigned to be Lone's guardian until Lone was old enough to take care of himself. Even though Lone was such a pain, he was sort growing on the gray wolf because Lone was his only company.
The gray wolf noticed Lone getting more closer to his leg and then Lone was on the wolf's back. The gray wolf grumbled as he had to deal with Lone. He talked to Lone face to face in wolf language, saying that Lone should be more brave because he won't be a pup forever. Night arrived in the Everfree Forest where more deadly creatures started to lurk in the darkness. A few of the strong wolves stayed awake to keep watch while the others went to sleep. Lone had the most difficult time falling asleep while he was terrified of the beast in the woods. A loud roar made every wolf in the pack immediately wake up. Lone was as shaken as a chihuahua when he heard that noise. The trees on one path started to collapsed as something was about to approach the pack. The monster was a large ,scaly serpent that was the same size as a train. The serpent licked it lips to show that it has a craving for some wolves.
The pack started attacking the long serpent but it was too large to strike down. The serpent's large tail swiped across the ground and five wolves were sent flying towards some trees. The chief wolf was busy clawing at the hard skin of the serpent and it caused the serpent to back away. While the wolves continued fighting, Lone was trying to find a safe place to hide until he was surrounded by a large tail. The tail coiled Lone so tight so that he can't escape. Lone's guardian wolf noticed this and he went towards the serpent to save Lone. The wolf took one large bite on the tail and the serpent screeched in pain. The serpent's tail allowed Lone to make a quick getaway as he wormed out of the coil. But the guardian wolf was too late to let go as the serpent bit him on his neck. Lone was horrified from this tragic accident until the other wolves tackled the serpent, leaving Lone's guardian wolf laying on the ground. Lone rushed towards his guardian wolf to make sure there weren't any more serious injuries. He moved closer to see if the gray wolf was alright, but the marks on the wolf's neck was starting to burn. Lone formed tears in his eyes from the guilt that he had caused to his closest friend. The gray wolf slowly raised his head to grumble something to Lone. The wolf told Lone that it wasn't his fault that the serpent took one bite. It was part of living. Before the wolf closed his eyes for one last time, he told Lone to stay strong and protect the pack like how the gray wolf had protect Lone. Lone's guardian wolf collapsed to the floor without any signs of breathing.
Lone felt a new level of pain from the death of his protector. Something inside Lone snapped and all of Lone's sadness was replaced with anger towards the serpent. Lone immediately ran towards the serpent and he went on a nonstop punching to the monster. The serpent crashed on a large rock and it still tried to fight back despite the pain. Lone figured out an idea and he hit the side on the rock. It started to crumble and it fell right on top of the serpent. The wolf pack gathered to see if the serpent was still alive and it was completely dead under that rock. The wolves noticed Lone approaching the rock and all they did was stare at him from the one of the most shocking things the pack has ever seen, Lone defeating a beast all by himself. Lone walked slowly on top of the rock so that he can look up to the wolves to show that he was something they don't want to mess with. But he was still saddened from the loss of his guardian wolf because of Lone. To honor the gray wolf, Lone howled to honor his guardian's bravery. The other wolves joined in on the howling until the entire Everfree Forest heard those howls. A sudden flash appeared on Lone's flank and it was an image of a gray wolf head with a full moon behind it. Lone didn't know what this mark means, but that gray wolf on his flank reminded him of his gray wolf friend. Lone thought it was a symbol to show that it was this one wolf who gave Lone the courage to do things.
After Lone finished his story, all of the guest couldn't help but have tears in their eyes for hearing such a tragic story.
"T-that was one of the most saddest stories I heard!" Pinkie cried out as she blew her muzzle on a tissue.
"Hmph," Lone shrugged as if it was nothing. "I was able to live with after a few days."
"So what happened to the wolf pack?" Twilight asked while wiping the tears from her eyes.
"That is another story to tell." Lone said.
"It must be cool to get a cutie mark for doing something that daring." Comfort complimented.
"So did you do something daring to get your cutie mark, Comfy?" Fireworks teased.
"Well.......no." Comfort said with disappointment.
Comfort's Mark
At the Ponyville playground, a group of colts was playing a round of kickball. One of these colts was a small and young Comfort as he was waiting for his turn. During the game, the colts were having fun as they slide across the dirt or crash to one another without a care in the world. Comfort was a little nervous because the game may involve some bruises, but he was going to try. When it was his turn, most of the colts moaned as they have to let Comfort kick a ball. With Comfort's personality, the colts thought that he'll squeal when the ball rolls towards him. But the colts were surprised when Comfort kicked the ball and it flew at a good distance. Comfort ran as fast as he could to avoid being out. After Comfort passed the third base, he was almost home free. Before the colts could tag the ball on Comfort, he skidded across the dirt ground to get to home base. Unfortunately, Comfort was only a few inches from the base when the ball finally hit him. Comfort not only was out of the game, he ended up with some scrapes that reached all across his arms. With all the new pain Comfort developed, he started crying while he was still on the ground. The colts did nothing with the crying Comfort on the ground.
"Ah!" one of the colts moaned, "will this guy stop crying already!"
"Let's just leave the crybaby alone, maybe he'll stop after a few hours or more." the colts chuckled as they left Comfort who was still suffering from his scrapes. Comfort continued to cry until he noticed a shadow was over him. The source of the shadow was a short, elderly mare. She had a light blue coat that was almost similar to Comfort's but more blue instead of turquoise. Her silver ,white mane was tied to a long ponytail and the color of gold was shining inside her eyes. Her cutie mark was a knitted blanket that was tied to a pole to make it look like a flag. Comfort recognized this mare after a second because how could he forget the appearance of his grandma, Cover Quilt.
"Oh Comfort," Cover Quilt spoke with a gentle tone, "You got some scars on your legs." She slowly picked up Comfort while trying not to make him ache from the lift. "It will be alright, Comfort. We'll just head back home and patch you up."
After hearing that, Comfort panicked from the imagination of his parents freaking out from his wounds.
Cover Quilt chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, your parents are at a business trip so they won't be home until the evening." That helped Comfort calm down a little.
Even though being in charge of a hotel was the dream for Comfort's parents, it still was a lot of work to do. Luckily, Cover Quilt was retired and lots of free time which allowed her to foal-sit Comfort while the parents were working. Once Cover made it to the kitchen, she placed Comfort on top of the counter and looked for the first-aid kit. Cover made sure to follow the proper procedures of applying bandages.
"Could you please hold out your hoof, Comfort?" Cover asked. Comfort did what his grandma told him. "Now, this will hurt a little." she sprayed an anti-bacteria spray on the wound and it really stung Comfort. After a few minutes of careful bandaging, all of Comfort's scrapes were covered with white bandages. "Well," Cover suggested. "now your pains are covered and you're part mummy!" Cover giggled from her little joke she made. But Comfort only responded with whimpers and tears coming out of his eyes.
"Why am I such a wimp." Comfort hiccuped from crying. "Does it mean that I'm not a true colt at all?" Cover walked towards Comfort to look at him face-to-face.
"No, Comfort." Cover placed both hooves on Comfort's shoulders. "The reason why you cry is that it shows that you care deeply about the things you feel. Those colts don't understand because they only suppress their feelings to put their pride first." Cover gave her grandson the most caring hug she has ever given. "But you, Comfort, are very special. You never let those kinds of thoughts enter your mind which goes to show that you're a true stallion who is not afraid to show his feelings." Cover's words and hug gave Comfort a warm spot in his heart as he felt more relieved as somepony understands how he feels. "Now, how about we go do some knitting?"
That question brighten Comfort more than usual. Even though Comfort wasn't good at many things, his grandma showed him the wonderful joy of knitting and sewing. Cover was proud that Comfort has learned so much from her with the sewing skills. Cover was working on a very long blanket with some particular colors that matched the sky. Comfort on the other hoof was working on his own little project. It was a simple stuffed bear that younger ponies would hold in their hooves, except that the fur was made of scraps of cloth that Cover no longer used for her sewing. Instead of black beads for eyes, the bear had different glass marbles in the pupils. It's not the best bear Cover has ever seen, but she was proud for her grandson for trying to make something from scratch. Comfort tied up the last button and lifted up his bear as if it was Comfort's own child.
"Wow!" Cover said with excitement, "That looks really good, Comfort."
"Thanks, Grandma!" Comfort hugged his new bear. "I'm going to call him Bearington!"
"That's a good name." Cover said.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure that stitching is a very useful skill." Comfort pouted.
"Hey," Cover gently lifted Comfort's chin. "There will come a time when certain skills will be needed. Even if the skill is very small." She then lifted Comfort up in the air as if he won something. "One day Comfort, you will play your part in this world!"
Comfort felt a little better after the next day. He and his grandma went to the market fair to get some more material for their daily stitching. After they were done, both of them had baskets filled with yarn balls and fabrics in their hooves. These materials were just enough to make some sweaters for the cold weather.
The stroll was interrupted when they heard a filly crying up ahead. A young filly was bawling while a stuffed pig was torn opened next to her. Cover noticed this and decided to let her grandson take care of it. She nudged Comfort as if he already knew what to do. Comfort was a little confused until he finally understood. He slowly approached the filly and sat down next to her.
"Did this piggy got broken?" Comfort asked politely.
The filly replied with a nodded and tried to tell Comfort what happened. "I-I ran along the streets and I accidentally tripped. My piggy is now torn and my parents will yell at me!" The filly wiped some snot off her nose but continued to cry.
Comfort calmly gave the filly a hug in hopes that it will feel better. "It will be alright. It was only an accident."
At first, the filly felt grossed out since it was a colt hugging her, but for some reason this colt was different. He was more gentle than any pony she had met. Once Comfort was done hugging, he immediately pulled out his little sewing kit. His grandma said that it Comfort will never know when one toy will get damaged, so that's why he always carry a little sewing kit in case that would happen. Comfort began replacing the stuffing inside of the pig and then stitching up the pig. After a few minutes, the pig was good as new.
"Wow!" the filly cheered as she lifted it up the air. "Thank you so much!" the filly then gave Comfort a kiss on the cheek and left with a goodbye wave.
That left Comfort embarrassed and happy when he got a kiss.
"That was so nice of you, Comfort.'' Cover patted his head.
"It was nothing." Comfort acted modest, but he saw his flank glowing and a crying cutie mark appeared. This mark showed Comfort's ability of showing some care after dealing with pain.
"Aww!" most the ponies cooed after hearing Comfort's story. Lone and Rainbow were not affected by such sappiness.
"It wasn't very exciting," Comfort said as he looked at his mark. "but at least I got my mark from it."
"And it was very good for you!" Firework said while she and Pinkie gave Comfort a big hug, causing him to blush even redder.
Guide coughed to interrupt this touchy moment. "I know we heard a lot of great stories, but can we get to mine please?!"
"I think that's a good idea," Twilight was refilling her punch. "I've been wondering what made you into a skilled unicorn."
"Actually," Guide rubbed her hooves, trying not to look embarrassed. "I have you to thank for that, Princess."
Twilight tilted her head as she was confused from what Guide meant.
Guide's Mark
Guide was a young filly when she returned from school. It was another day of going through lessons about things she already knew. As she walked in, her mother was making some dinner for the night.
"Oh, hi sweetie!" Feather Dust called out. "How was school?"
"Just another pointless day of learning." Guide sighed as she sat on a chair near the table.
"What's wrong?" Her mother asked.
"I've been obtaining knowledge since I was born and I feel like there's no point to it all." Guide laid her head on the table.
Feather Dust wasn't so sure on how to solve this problem since she wasn't a unicorn like her daughter and wasn't highly intelligent. "Sweetie, there will come a time that you will find that purpose that brings you to your fullest. But for now, enjoy what you have."
Despite that line Feather made, Guide decided to go along with it and replied with a nod.
"Good!" Feather picked up a basket of food to Guide. "Now, can you please take this to your father, he must be hungry from working at old pawn shop."
"Alright, mom." Guide levitated the basket and made her way to the Gold Coin Pawners Shop.
It felt like another day in Ponyville to Guide. She couldn't help but smell the cooked hay that her mother made, it was irresistible to avoid. Unfortunately, that smell attracted a large grey bird from the sky and it flew right down to grab a bite. Guide was lucky to avoid getting bitten from that beak. She quickly ran around the area to look for a safe spot to hide under. A small ditch caused her to trip over, leaving her wide open. As the bird flew closer to Guide, she closed her eyes as she was about to meet her doom. That all changed when a large, pink beam shot at the bird, causing it to recover and fly away. A shadow went over Guide and she opened her eyes to see what the shadow came from. It was none other than Princess Twilight who came to Guide's rescue from that monster bird.
"Are you alright, little filly?" Twilight asked.
Guide didn't reply because she noticed how majestic the alicorn looked from the sunlight. "I'm fine," Guide said with her eyes wide-opened.
"Thank goodness!" Twilight wiped some sweat from her forehead. "You would not believe how many creatures have been escaping fromthe Everfree Forest. I'm just glad that nopony was harmed."
The large bird screeched as it flew back into the air to attack more ponies. "I better go stop that bird before it causes more havoc," Twilight was getting ready to take flight. "Take care!"
As the alicorn flew back into the action, Guide kept watching until Twilight was no longer in sight. After that day, Guide started looking up more about Princess Twilight. Guide was amazed on how a simple unicorn became a princess of Equestria. The more stories Guide hears about Princess Twilight, the more motivation she has from the princess. Since then, Guide started practicing her magic so that she could be as powerful as Princess Twilight. On one day, she activated a spell that levitated her entire house. Guide concentrated very hard as she thought about her dream to be like Twilight, a pony who can bring hope and friendship to everypony in Equestria. With all of that energy Guide gained, she was able to place her house down without her parents noticing. It was then her cutie mark appeared and it showed that her talent was to carry on the light that brings everypony hope that they needed.
"Wow," Twilight was shocked after hearing Guide's story. "I never thought I made that much of an impact to you, Guide."
"It's true," Guide said. "and now I'm extremely happy to be your student." Guide gave Twilight the best hug that was ever given.
"Aww!" Pinkie whined. "That's all! There wasn't one common thing that caused them to get their cutie marks!"
"It's alright, Pinkie." Twilight patted her on the shoulder. "You don't have to have a particular event or object to have friendship. All that matters is that you are with your friends now and you will continue to have them in the future."
After that saying, the Mane 6 gave each other a nice group hug to make good from this moment.
A thought came to Guide after a few seconds. "Twilight, what did Starlight Glimmer look like?"
"She was a light pink unicorn with purple and light blue mane," Twilight answered. "why are you asking?"
All of a sudden, Guide experienced a flashback that took place when Twilight was lecturing at the school in Canterlot. Guide was entering the castle to do her usual studying. As Guide trotted along, she noticed that the door to the Cutie Map was opened and a mare ,with the same description as Starlight, was looking at a scroll.
"Excuse me," Guide asked as she approached Starlight. The mare quickly roll up the scroll and made a smile.
"Can I help you?" Starlight asked.
"Why are you in Princess Twilight's castle? It's not polite to barge in unannounced," Guide glared.
"But, you're here." Starlight replied.
"I'm here because I'm one of Twilight's students and I'm allowed to enter her library to do some studying."
Starlight figured out a way to get out of this. "Oh, you're Twilight's pupil?!" she pretended to act surprise. "That must means that you must be very skilled!"
"Oh, well it's nothing." Guide blushed from that praise. "I just work really hard."
"I'm one of the head professors at a magic academy and I just wanted to ask if Twilight wants to attend an event." Starlight said.
"Sorry, but Twilight is away." Guide said.
"How about I wait here for her and you go do your studying so that you can be as talented as the princess?" Starlight asked.
Guide thought that this pony wasn't that bad based on her personality. "Alright," Guide agreed. "but don't do anything, understand." Guide looked with a serious face.
"You have my word." Starlight said as she had one hoof on her chest and one in the air to show that she promises.
Once Guide left the room, Starlight walked back into the room and sat on Fluttershy's chair, waiting for the return of Princess Twilight.
Guide came back from her flashback. "Oh, it's nothing, Twilight." some blush developed on Guide as she just let a villain trick her into leaving the Cutie Map room.
Chapter 12: Save the Princess! Part 1
The stretch carriage finally made it back to Ponyville, where it was dead silent during the night.
"Finally! We made it back!" Rainbow Dash declared as she stretched her wings from the long ride.
The students were still quiet after what happened at the Gala.
"Look y'all," Applejack placed her hooves on Guide's shoulders. "Twilight probably got too frustrated from the changeling incident. She must have did this to protect you all from harm's way."
Some of the students shrugged but weren't very happy.
"Who wants a cheer up hug?" Pinkie offered, but was given some glares for not helping.
"It will be alright everypony." Rarity assured to the students. "Maybe once everything starts to calm down, Twilight will consider bringing all of you back to class."
The ponies felt a little better from those words. Everypony made their way back home for a good night's rest.
The next day, Twilight was able to return to Ponyville after making sure the changelings were all captured. Everything was fine except for the fact she declared her classes to be over. Twilight felt some regret for doing such a thing, but it was for the best for her students no to be involved.
Spike noticed Twilight packing up all the stuff in the classroom. "Are you sure you should do this, Twilight?" Spike asked.
"I have to, Spike." Twilight levitated some books to a cardboard box. "Making my students go through similar dangers I face is not what a teacher should do."
"I don't know how your students are taking it." Spike worried.
Feather Dust knocked on Guide's door. "Honey?" Feather called her daughter. "Breakfast is ready."
"I'll be there in a bit." Guide sounded depressed.
Feather simply walked down stairs to make some last minute preparations.
Guide hunched over her desk with all of the windows closed. She never felt more down in her entire life. Guide's dream of being just like Princess Twilight crumbled because of the Gala's incident. Guide's room was now filled with reminders of the one pony Guide had let down.
Comfort exited his house after helping his parents with their bed and breakfast business. He noticed that a familiar large, gray stallion was sitting in the porch area.
"Lone?" Comfort asked directly. "What are you doing here?"
"I got nothing better to do since there's no more school." Lone replied as he leaned back.
Comfort felt surprised that Lone would visit him of all ponies since both of the colts don't really hang out that often.
"Also," Lone added. "my house collapsed and I needed a place to stay."
'That's the Lone I know,' Comfort thought as he sat next to Lone.
Fireworks wasn't in a good mood either while she practiced some more cheering. Her techniques were not accurate considering that she wasn't in the mood. Fireworks really missed the time she spent with her classmates and Princess Twilight.
Back at the castle, Twilight continued to pack up her classroom stuff before she put up the desks.
Spike made his way to help out Twilight, until he noticed a shadow looming over him.
The screams of Spike made Twilight drop everything as she ran out the room to look for her dragon.
"Spike?!" Twilight yelled out. She saw that Spike was levitating in the air from an orange aura. In front of him was a black-maned purple mare who Twilight could obviously recognized.
"Mastermind." Twilight growled.
"Why hello, Princess." Mastermind politely greeted with an evil grin.
"You have some nerve for returning after what you did to my students." Twilight said.
"Oh, that's in the past," Mastermind then placed a blue-jeweled amulet on her neck. "I have a new plan for those students of yours."
Twilight flew at Mastermind with both of their horns light up for attacks.
From the distance of Twilight's castle, the rest of the Mane Six were walking towards the front doors.
"Maybe we can convince Twilight to bring her students back." Applejack suggested.
"Which will probably be difficult." Rainbow Dash said.
A large explosion shattered the main doors of the castle and some smoke dispersed to the outside. The mares rushed inside to find out what happened. The smoke started to clear up to show Twilight standing in front of her friends.
"Twilight?!" The mares said at once. They noticed something happened to their alicorn friend. Twilight eyes were glowing with blue lights and stood completely still as if she was waiting for something.
"I'm afraid she is busy at the moment," Mastermind walked next to the princess. "She needs to get rid all of you first!" Mastermind light up her horn to force Twilight to shoot a beam at the mares.
Guide continued her moping with her face hitting the desk. Her depressing moment was interrupted when she heard a loud bang coming from outside her window. She looked out and noticed that a large cloud of smoke was rising from a far location.
Comfort, Lone, and Fireworks also noticed the smoke and realized where it was coming from. All four of the students rushed to the streets towards Twilight's castle. They all arrived to see that the castle has been damaged like a tornado was struct here. The students ran inside to find out what caused all of this damage. The hall's path was blocked by Twilight's friends laying on the ground. Most of the mares suffered from a fight judging by the large bruises on them.
Comfort and Fireworks immediately ran to the ponies to make sure there weren't any serious injuries.
"Ms. Applejack!" Comfort called out as he shook her.
"Oh," Applejack moaned in pain. Her eyes shot open when she saw the young ponies. "Quick! Get out of here!"
The students were confused from Applejack's warning.
"Where is Princess Twilight?" Guide asked.
"She was the one who attacked us!" Rainbow Dash called out.
Another explosion occurred from outside the castle. The students ran outside to try to stop Mastermind. Twilight was flying in the air shooting magic beams on the town buildings. While the princess was attacking, the students heard a familiar laugh.
"Come out, come out, where ever you are." Mastermind cried.
All of a sudden, Guide's eyes were filled with fury for that psycho pony controlling one of the alicorn princesses in Equestria. She starting running, with the others following, towards Mastermind's laugh.
"Well, if it isn't Princess Twilight's 'worst ' students." Mastermind teased. "Too bad she kicked all of you out."
"Free Princess Twilight at once!" Guide yelled out.
"Not gonna happen," Mastermind glowed her horn to command Twilight. "if I can't be her student, then I'll have to get rid of her students for humiliating me!"
Twilight shot a long magic beam across the students, but they dodged it to avoid being burned to a crisp. Guide countered it with a yellow beam shooting at Twilight. The princess felt the burn, but she kept firing at if the pain was nothing.
After several minutes, the fight ended up becoming a game of cat and mouse with Twilight searching for her former students. The ponies were able to find a temporary hiding spot under a hay cart.
"We're so doomed." Comfort panicked.
"No, we're not!" Guide declared.
"That nut job has an alicorn," Lone complained.
"Well we have friendship, which made Twilight an alicorn." Guide countered. "If we're able to fight against timberwolves, Mastermind ,and a large changeling, then we can handle fighting a princess." Guide examined the outside to check for her teacher.
"Alright, there may be a chance we could win this...if we all work together for this plan." Guide explained. The rest of the ponies nodded in agreement to follow their brainy leader. "Here is what we'll do," Guide started drawing on the dirt.
The brain washed Twilight continued to fly across Ponyville to look for her targets. A flying apple splattered on Twilight's face, which made her more irritated. She turned to see that Lone was standing next to a cart full of apples.
Hey princess!" Lone called out. "Do I get praise for giving a teacher an apple?" He threw another apple and it landed right through Twilight's horn. Lone then started running away from Twilight to avoid getting shot by her lasers. The alleyways of Ponyville were the best places for Lone to hide with Twilight's difficulties of flying through the tight narrow spaces. The chase came to a stop when Lone stopped in front of a dead end, allowing Twilight to come closer to him.
"Oh no! What ever shall I do?!" Lone pretended to be scared.
Fireworks heard the signal and flew right down with a drop kick to Twilight skull. The collision caused Twilight to crash to the ground from the large impact. Fireworks and Lone walked closer to Twilight to find out if she was alright.
"Sorry princess," Fireworks pleaded to avoid trouble.
"I think you did fine." Lone smiled.
Twilight's eyes opened and she flew back up to fire more magic beams. Fireworks and Lone ran as fast as they could from Twilight's attacks.
In another part of Ponyville, Comfort and Guide were sneaking around Ponyville to look for a certain evil mare.
"Let us hope our friends can handle Twilight while we find Mastermind." Guide said.
"I see her!" Comfort whisper as he saw Mastermind reentering the castle. Mastermind stopped in front of Twilight's injured friends who remained on the floor.
"What do you want?" Rainbow Dash growled.
"I just want to show you what it feels like when all of you are under my control." Mastermind's horn glowed the same blue aura. She suddenly conjured a force field to block off Guide's yellow beam.
"Don't you dare lay a hoof on them!" Guide yelled out. She continued to shoot beams at Mastermind's force field, giving Comfort the chance to seek quietly towards Twilight's friends.
"Hang on everpony!" Comfort assured as he pulled the mares to safety. Mastermind noticed Comfort's actions and smirked.
"I have to say," she admitted. "it was very clever for you ponies to strike me while the princess is away." Mastermind then glowed her horn to expand her force field. It then exploded a flash of white light, causing both Comfort and Guide to land on the ground due to the impact. Mastermind levitated an unconscious Comfort next to Guide so that both students were together. "Time to bring back the teacher!" Mastermind then used her horn to teleport Twilight into the castle. Twilight threw Fireworks and Lone next to the rest of the students. Guide was terrified for what was about to happen.
"Have a good look at your teacher, young ponies." Mastermind said. "Because it will be the very last time!" Mastermind and Twilight light up their horns at the same time.
"Now...CLASS DISMISSED !" Both mares crossed beams, making one giant blast that could destroy the young students.
Chapter 13: Save the Princess! Part 2
The fused beam of magic was flying towards what could be the destruction of Twilight's former students. Mastermind felt that this victory was so easy for her to grasp. She soon noticed that something was pushing the beam away. It was Guide using her yellow force field to block off Mastermind's attack.
"You think you're so smart, teacher's pet?" Mastermind called out. "Have some more!" She increased her magic to push her beam further to the students.
Guide's efforts to hold her spell was wearing off with the beam increasing it's power. She was uncertain about how long her force field will stay active. The rest of the students only stood there with disbelief from Guide's risky action.
"Guide!" Comfort panicked.
"Got....to....protect....friendship!" Guide suddenly felt a mysterious yellow aura flowing around her that caused the force field to push back the beam only to a few inches. Lone, Fireworks, and Comfort immediately ran to Guide to help her push back the beam.
"What are you guys doing?!" Guide yelled as her classmates held on to her.
"What do you think!" Lone yelled. "We're helping!"
"Can't have friendship without friends!" Fireworks teased. As the students continued to help Guide hold on, the force field was increasing it's size. Guide started to feel less terrified of getting blown up to pieces when her friends arrived. All four of the students soon had yellow auras flowing around them as they continued their efforts to push Mastermind's beam back. Suddenly, the force field exploded, causing the beam to disappear along with Twilight and Mastermind getting hit by the impact. Dust and concrete scattered all over the halls from the blast. It stayed completely silent for a long time. Guide was the first to wake up from the explosion. She looked around, only to see smoke almost everywhere. Her classmates were nearby and they struggled to get up after what happened with the force field. All four of the students started to look around to find Twilight and her friends. They started to see an orange light from the distant. The source of the light was from Mastermind's glowing horn aiming at the students. Mastermind shot beams at each of the students. They felt completely paralyzed from Mastermind's sneaky spell. The only thing the students could do was watch as Mastermind approach them with an insane expression on her face.
"Did you really think you beat me that easily?!" Mastermind snickered. "I only used the magic from the amulet to take control of Princess Twilight! I still have plenty of my own magic!" Mastermind charged her horn to make one destructive spell. Her opportunity was suddenly shattered when a pink beam shot her across the hard floor. The beam came from Twilight who was struggling to get up.
"Twilight!" The students cried out as they approach their teacher.
At the same time, the rest of Twilight's friends joined in on the gathering.
"Oh...," Twilight moaned. "what happened?" Twilight took notice of her friends having scars everywhere and the damage on the castle.
"It's a long story." Twilight's friends and students said at once before laughing.
Once the royal guards arrived to Twilight's castle, they tied up Mastermind and used some blocking spells to prevent her from getting away. Mastermind was going to be sent to the Canterlot dungeons for her crimes. It took several hours to repair not only Twilight's castle but almost all of Ponyville as well. Luckily, the residents were so used to fixing the town so often that it was a breeze to them. Twilight had all of Ponyville gather near her castle to say her apologies for the destruction. The ponies understood and they already forgave her.
After all the crazy events that happened, Pinkie decided to throw a victory party to say thanks to the four ponies who saved Twilight and almost all of Equestria. The party went on through nightfall as everypony had a good time. Twilight's students received many praises for their efforts in saving Twilight. Soon, all four of the students approached Twilight while she was talking to some ponies.
"Twilight!" Fireworks called out.
"Oh, hey everypony," Twilight replied. There was an awkward silence between all five of them.
"So anyway," Twilight said to break the ice. "Thank you so much for setting me free from Mastermind's control."
"It's nothing, we're use to it." Lone bluffed.
"Does that mean we can come back as your students?" Guide asked as her eyes were filled with high hopes.
"No," Twilight simply answered.
All four of her students were shocked.
"But, princess!" Guide pleaded.
"I'm sorry everypony," Twilight said. "but this kind of danger is exactly why I don't you to get involved with my teachings." Twilight then turned to fly away, leaving her former students disappointed.
A few days passed by till Ponyville went on as usual. The four ponies weren't in a merry mood since they no longer went to Twilight's castle for lessons. The four young ponies walked down the streets with sadden expressions of their faces.
"So, what do we do now?" Lone asked as he kicked a pebble.
"Beats me," Fireworks replied. "I guess we go back to our regular lives before we took Twilight's lessons." Fireworks notice Comfort feeling more sad from her suggestion. "But hey! We can still hang out as friends!" Comfort, Lone, and Fireworks realized that Guide was lagging behind them.
"I don't want to," Guide whispered under her breath. "being in those classes was the best experience I ever had." Tears started to pour down her face. "Ms. Twilight showed me how important friendship is and I failed her!" Guide collapsed as she started crying. All three of Guide's classmates walked closer to comfort Guide.
"Yeah," Comfort said in agreement. "you did so much to pass her expectations."
"Even though your obsession with her is a bit much," Lone commented.
Fireworks and Comfort couldn't tell if Lone's words were for ease or insult. Guide wiped a few tears off her face as she appreciated her friends supporting her way of thinking.
"She's probably too stubborn to continue." Applejack said as she and the rest of Twilight friends approach the four ponies.
"What do you mean?" Guide asked.
"I'm no expert on education, but we can easily tell that Twilight enjoys spending time with you four." Rainbow Dash said.
"When Twilight started these classes, we thought that was the best decision for us." Applejack said. "We may represent the Elements of Harmony, but that doesn't mean we'll last forever."
"Indeed, darling." Rarity added. "Seeing the four of you work together reminds me of the six of us when we save Equestria."
All four of the young ponies felt happy for receiving such complements from the heroes of Equestira.
Guide suddenly had an idea in her mind. "I believe I know how to change Princess Twilight's mind."
Fireworks, Comfort, and Lone immediately gathered around their brainy leader to hear her plan.
Chapter 11: Gala Crashers
It was a bright Monday morning as Princess Twilight was getting her classroom ready for another week with her students. Twilight could not believe that it has been this long since she took these ponies in to teach them about friendship. Despite each pony's differences, they were still a good bunch.
Spike quietly walked in the classroom with a loud yawn coming out of his mouth. "Another week of teaching, huh Twilight?"
"Uh-huh!" Twilight cheered. "Isn't it exciting to be a teacher?"
"If you're really obsessed with teaching," Spike finished with another yawn. He was interrupted when he burped out a puff of fire that turned into a ribbon-tied scroll. Spike picked it up and started skimming it.
"It's for you Twilight."
Twilight levitated the letter to read what it says.
"Dear Twilight, in the next two weeks, it will be the Grand Galloping Gala and I believe that it would be delightful that you would bring along your new students. I would love to meet them to see how they have been progressing from your lessons. There are four tickets for each of them. I hope to see you soon."
Twilight started to panic after reading the letter.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Spike was concerned.
"Princess Celestia wants to meet my students at the Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight breathing went haywire.
"It's just a meeting with the students, how bad can it be?" Spike gave Twilight a paper bag to breath with.
After a few deep breaths, Twilight calmed down. "It's not that I'm embarrassed of introducing my students, I'm only concerned of the little progress I made with them and a disaster might happen at the gala."
"This year's gala can't be worse than last year." Spike then remembered the Smooze incident. "Maybe we'll get a break?"
"I don't know Spike," Twilight looked out the window to see her students. "I just don't know."
Two weeks have passed and now the Mane Six and the students are riding a stretch carriage to Canterlot. Rarity insisted that she would make outfits for all of the students for such an occasion. Lone would definitely need one since he doesn't have that much clothing.
"This is so exciting!" Fireworks yelled as she looked outside of window. She wore a red glittery, strapless dress with red and white stripes on the skirt. Fireworks even wore the ruby necklace that Rarity gave to her to match the dress.
"Yeah!" Guide agreed. "Not only we'll be attending an exclusive party in Canterlot, we'll also meet Princess Celestia: the teacher of our teacher!" Guide's dress was golden yellow that matched her magic aura. Her mane was extra curly and was held together with a hair piece that was a white star just like on her cutie mark.
"This will be a complete bore!" Lone moaned. For Lone, he wore a simple white dress-shirt with a black vest. Rarity even made a black fedora to go along with the outfit, but Lone refused to wear it because it will make him look like a dork. That did not stop Rarity from casting a spell that attaches the hat to Lone's head until the Gala is over.
"I'm a little nervous about the Gala," Comfort said nervously while he was fixing his yellow bow tie that went along with his light blue dress jacket.
"It won't be that bad, silly." Pinkie patted Comfort on the head.
"Yeah," Fireworks agreed. "think of the Gala like a school dance where all of us will have one night to have fun!"
"Hope so," Comfort trusted his friends.
"So Guide," Fireworks asked. "what are you gonna do at the Gala?"
"I'm sticking with Princess Twilight to help her in case if something happens."
"Boring!" Fireworks whined. "I might find a nice colt to dance the night away." Fireworks sighed from the thought of finding her prince.
"Now don't expect too much at the Gala," Applejack chuckled.
"Indeed," Rarity agreed. "I met the pony of my dreams at the Gala and he was completely opposite of a prince."
"We all learned that what we needed to have the best night ever was each other!" Pinkie cheered as she hugged Rarity and Applejack.
The ponies laughed from Pinkie's remark from their first time at the Gala. While everypony were laughing and talking, Twilight sat far from her friends as she worried about what could happen to her students. Lone might get mad for some reason and go on a rampage. Guide could demonstrate her magic to prove that she was Twilight's student and the spell could go wrong. Fireworks will probably get too bored and do some cheer-leading routines that can possibly break her bones or the tables. Comfort's fragile behavior might cause him to get upset if he gets lost. The more bad scenarios Twilight imagined, the more worried she gets.
The stretch carriage finally made it to the castle entrance. The group exited the carriage to make it to the red carpeted path. The students couldn't help but stare in awe at the Canterlot Castle. Many high-class ponies were making their way to the main entrance for the Gala. Fireworks exploded across the sky from above. Ponies in royal armor blew their trumpets to introduce the guest for the celebration.
The Mane Six and the students arrived to the staircase where Princess Celestia was welcoming the approaching guests to the Gala.
"Why hello Twilight and friends!" Princess Celestia walked towards the ponies. "It is so nice for all of you to join us once again to the Grand Galloping Gala!"
Princess Celestia turned and noticed the students. "You four must be Twilight's new students. I am so grateful that she is passing on her friendship lessons to all of you."
"Oh, it's nothing." Fireworks said with modesty.
Guide tried not to faint for meeting one of the alicorn princesses. Before she could respond, Comfort came in from of Celestia and shake one of her hooves.
"It's so nice to meet you, Miss Princess." Comfort said with a gentle smile.
"Oh please, call me Celestia." Princess Celestia became flattered.
"Whatever," Lone groaned. He noticed Guide was giving him a deadly stare as if she was saying 'Don't mess this one up for me! '
"I hope that all of you will enjoy this year's Gala." Celestia bowed and returned to the staircase.
Twilight approached her students after Celestia left.
"Listen, everypony." Twilight had a concerned look. "I know that it's great that all of you were invited to the Gala, but please behave yourselves for this night."
"Don't worry, Miss Twilight." Guide promised. "We'll be on our best behavior," But the other students were gone when Guide turned her head. She gave Twilight a nervous grin. "I'll go look for them." Guide trotted into the crowd to search for her classmates.
"Oh boy," Twilight said with worry.
Fireworks walked pass the guests in order to make her way into the ballroom. She watched as several ponies danced to the elegant music played by the orchestra. Fireworks scanned the area to see if any colts were by themselves. A brown stallion with green mane caught Fireworks' sight as she saw that there wasn't any mares nearby, so it must mean that he is on his own.
"Excuse me," Fireworks approached the colt. "May I have this dance?"
The colt observed Fireworks to see if he will accept her request. "I'll pass." He walked off without giving a care for his reply.
To Fireworks, that was very rude, but she didn't give up that easily. Fireworks continued her search for her potential dance partner.
Lone dragged his hooves as he grew bored from attending such a boring and snobby party. He searched the rooms of the castle to look for a couch to nap on. 'Maybe I can sleep through this lame night. ' Lone slowly made his way down to one of the large hallways.
"Hey you!" a castle guard called out to Lone. The guard approached Lone with a serious look.
"Ponies are not allowed in these corridors without an authorized personnel."
"Fine," Lone whined and turned the opposite direction.
The castle guard grew suspicious of Lone, "Are you even an invited guest?"
Lone flashed a ticket in front of the guard's face.
"Right here is my proof."
The guard was a bit disappointed for not getting a chance to throw Lone out.
"Just be careful, alright." The guard walked pass Lone. "You never know what could be lurking in this castle, especially on the night of the Gala." Lone watched the castle guard trot to the next corridor.
"Whatever," Lone mumbled and then continued his search for a napping area.
Comfort's time at the Gala could've gone better, if he didn't spend the majority of it getting lost in the crowd. Luckily for Comfort that there are food tables all around the room so he won't go hungry. He continued to explore the party in hopes of finding anypony he knew.
Something bumped into Comfort and it was Guide who had her mane messed up from frustration.
"Comfort!" Guide wheezed as she was out of breath from running around.
"Guide! Are you okay?!" Comfort quickly escorted Guide to a nearby punch bowl where he gave eight cups to Guide.
"I...have been...looking for you guys all over the place!" Guide said as she was trying to recover.
"I got lost after everypony separated." Comfort tried to explain.
Guide immediately grabbed Comfort by the hoof and pulled him somewhere else. "Come on, we have to find the others before something goes wrong!"
Both of them made their way to the outside gardens where it was quiet and there was no pony around.
Guide spotted Fireworks sitting on one of the stone benches.
"Ah! Thank goodness!" Guide felt relieved. She pulled Comfort to place him on the seat next to Fireworks.
"Just stay here while I go look hunt down a certain wolf." Guide returned inside to complete her mission.
Comfort turned to see Fireworks with her head down and not saying anything. To Comfort, this didn't feel right.
"Fireworks?" Comfort said with concern.
The yellow mare lifted her head to look at Comfort, revealing that she had been crying the whole time she was in the garden.
"What's wrong?" Comfort asked.
Fireworks wasn't sure if she could tell about her feelings, especially to a colt, but this is Comfort who was asking.
"N-no pony wanted to dance with me." Fireworks sniffed.
Comfort was shocked. "Why not?"
"The colts thought that I was too weird and some even called me names and laughed." Fireworks felt the tears coming back.
Comfort gave Fireworks a tissue he kept in his pocket and she blew a lot of snot out.
As Fireworks continued to blow her muzzle, Comfort thought of a way to cheer her up. He gently wrapped his hooves around Fireworks and gave her a very heart-warming hug to make her feel better.
Fireworks' only reaction to the hug was relief from what Comfort did.
"It will be alright Fireworks." Comfort said with a quiet tone.
Fireworks felt so much better since Comfort was with her. She remembered Comfort's cutie mark story and understood why he was given that crying teddy bear as a cutie mark.
Comfort continued until it felt like the right time to stop hugging Fireworks.
"Alright," Comfort admitted. "let's fix this night for you." he offered his hoof to Fireworks.
"May I have this dance, my filly?" Fireworks was surprised from Comfort's request.
"I know that I'm not much, but I'm willing to try." Comfort gave a nervous smile.
To Fireworks, it was the sweetest thing Comfort has ever offered her. Although Comfort wasn't as strong as Lone, he was caring and helpful. The only thing Fireworks could do was to take Comfort's hoof and make their way inside.
"Just so you know," Comfort warned. "I hesitated because I don't know how to dance."
Fireworks giggled from such a silly thing. "You played Hoof Hoof Revolution with me before, this shouldn't be different."
Lone continued his search for a nice place to sleep until he made it to an empty room with a velvet couch. As Lone landed on the cushions, it sink his body for only a little bit. The night turned out great for Lone after all despite walking all over the halls to bump into a killjoy castle guard. The quietness of the room finally made Lone doze off into a peaceful slumber.
It felt like an eternity as Lone slept if it wasn't for a mare screaming in his ears.
"LONE! " the mare's voice screamed.
That caused Lone to flip from the couch to land on the floor. He saw that Guide was standing above him with an unsatisfied expression.
"What the heck Guide!" Lone barked.
"It wasn't safe for you to separate from the others." Guide huffed.
"Well excuse me for not getting the memo!" Lone talked back.
Guide and Lone were about to have a heated argument if it wasn't for the loud thump from the outside. Both of them followed the continuing thumping until they reached a certain door. Lone tried to open it, but it was locked. Guide used her magic to pick the lock and it flew wide open. Inside were several stallions and mares were tied up with green slime. Lone took a closer look to a particular white stallion.
"Hey!" Lone realized. "You're that castle guard who I bumped into!" Lone removed the green slime gag that was on the guard's mouth.
"Aah!" the castle guard yelled from the pain. "I'm not sure if I should thank you or yell at you."
Guide started to use her magic to remove the green slime from the others. "What happened to all of you?" Guide asked.
"Changelings." one of the mares answered. "They ambushed us one by one and used their magic to impersonate us."
Guide made a dramatic gasp from such a news.
Lone cracked his knuckles from the excitement. "Looks like we got some shape-shifting insects to beat down."
"No," the castle guard stopped Lone. "The changelings will have an advantage because of the large crowd." He joined the other castle guards. "Just stay put while we stop the changelings."
As all of the guards vanished, Lone sat on the ground and pouted. "I wanted to fight some changelings."
"Come on!" Guide grabbed Lone by the hoof. "We have to warned Princess Twilight about the threat!"
Lone followed Guide towards the grand ballroom. The lights were lowered and slow music played to set the mood for the many couples who were dancing.
Guide scanned the room to locate her teacher or the rest of her friends. "This is horrible!" Guide whispered to Lone. "Changelings attacking during the Gala?! What could be more disturbing than that!?"
Lone raised an eyebrow after he looked at the crowd of dancing couples. "I think I can." Lone pointed to where he was looking.
Guide looked at where Lone was pointing and she had to agree, it was disturbing.
Comfort and Fireworks had their heads on each other's shoulders as they danced along with the slow music.
Guide could not believe that those two are dancing together, even though they were completely opposite.
While Guide tried to process what she just saw, Lone spotted Princess Twilight talking to the castle guard. Lone believed in no doubt that the castle guard was a changeling because he was his wearing armor. Twilight nodded and followed the fake castle guard to the outside of the room. Lone sprinted through the crowd to the exit, making Guide follow him now.
Twilight and the fake guard arrived at the garden.
"I don't understand." Twilight looked to see that the area was empty. "Where is Princess Celestia?" It was too late when a green beam shot at Twilight from behind, causing her to fall to the ground. Then, several ponies in armor shot green slime from their horns at Twilight, forcing her to stick to the dirt floor. The princess tried to use her magic to escape if it wasn't for the slime that blocked her horn from doing anything.
"What is going on?!" Twilight demanded.
The fake castle guard approached Twilight. "Oh nothing." His horn light up with green aura. "This is just one of our jobs." Before the fake castle guard could do anything, Lone came tackling the fake with full strength towards a bunch of bushes. Guide joined in with her horn charged to fire several blasts at each of the other attackers. After all of the fake guards were knocked out, they changed back into their changeling form. Guide hurried to free Twilight from the slime.
"I'm so thankful that you're alright!" Guide said with a hug.
"Thank you, now can you please tell me what is going on?!" Twilight demanded.
Twilight was interrupted when she heard Lone punching the changeling to a pulp.
"Yeah! You like that, don't you!" Lone said as he continued punching.
Due to the severe pain, the fake guard finally changed back into a changeling, but that didn't stop Lone from his nonstop punching. Lone was stopped when Twilight used her magic to hold Lone's hooves.
"You're lucky that the princess is here to stop me!" Lone got off from the changeling. The ponies tied up all the changelings with some magic.
"Can you guys just tell me what is going on!" Twilight yelled in confusion.
Guide briefly explained the situation about the changelings.
A large crash came from the main ballroom along with the sounds of glass and wood breaking.
The three ponies rushed inside to see that some of the real castle guards were fighting their changeling copies. A blue force field suddenly blocked off the entrances and windows.
"Princess!" one of the castle guards said but ended up getting punched to the face.
''Where are all the guest?" Twilight asked.
"Your friends were able to evacuate them before the emergency force field appeared." one of the mare guards said while fighting another changeling.
Twilight frantically searched for a safe place for her students since the exits are blocked. She spotted a covered table and used her magic to pull her students towards it.
"Stay put!" Twilight commanded.
Before Guide and Lone could protest, Twilight flew out to help fight the changelings.
Little did Guide or Lone knew, Fireworks and Comfort were right behind them.
"Fireworks?! Comfort?!" Guide yelped. "What are you two doing here?!"
"All we remember was that some ponies were fighting each other and the crowd suddenly ran off." Fireworks answered. "We ended up getting trapped in the middle of this brawl!"
Guide sighed as she figured out a plan. "We can't leave leave this place because a force field is preventing anything from escaping. The best thing to do is to wait until the changelings are all defeated."
Lone didn't pay any attention to Guide because he was looking out of the table the whole time. "I should be out there fighting changelings!"
"You heard what Princess Twilight said!" Guide reminded. "We're suppose stay here where it is safe!"
A changeling was thrown towards the table, causing it to knock over during the collision. This left all four students wide open in the fight. The students saw Princess Twilight holding off a changeling that was larger than her.
Twilight had difficulties from fighting the rest of the changeling army. The large changeling took this opportunity by flying in the air to smack Twilight, making her crash on a stone pony statue. The princess slowly regain consciousness as she saw that the large changeling was about to make another attack.
A sudden yellow beam hit the changeling on the back of the head. The pain made the large changeling angry as he growled and turned to see who shot that blast. All four of Twilight's students charged at the large changeling with full force.
"Guys! No!" Twilight didn't want her students to get hurt.
Lone pushed the changeling away from Twilight. The large changeling easily picked up Lone and he threw the grey colt towards a table.
Fireworks ran as she made acrobatic flips to make one powerful kick to the changeling's face. He was only ticked off and swatted Fireworks to send her flying in the air.
Guide charged up her horn to make fire a long yellow beam at the changeling. The spell only paralyzed the changeling for only a second and he threw a piece of wall in return.
Lone returned to the fight by giving a sneaky uppercut on the changeling's chin. Anger boiled inside the changeling as he was about to strike back. The changeling was interrupted when he felt Comfort holding on to the legs to prevent any movements. Comfort was then kicked off by the changeling.
Lone grabbed the changeling's arms from behind and the colt still held on even though his captive struggled to get out.
"Sorry," Lone said. "I don't let go."
Guide fired a large amount of beams to the changeling's guts, causing him to get more dizzy.
To finish it off, Fireworks did some spinning kicks before she made a final bucking to the Changeling's face. "That's for hurting Comfort! Jerk!"
The guards were able to round up all the changelings in the ballroom.
Comfort slowly got up after getting kicked to the stomach.
"Comfort!" Fireworks flew next to him.
"I'm fine," Comfort gave a light smile. "it's only a small bruise."
Twilight immediately ran towards the large changeling and cast a binding spell on him.
"What were you four thinking?!" Twilight yelled. "You could've gotten killed from that changeling!"
"But, we were trying to save you!" Guide pleaded.
Twilight breath heavily from the frustration she was feeling, but she was able to calm down.
"Princess," one of the castle guards saluted. "we were able to take out all of changelings in the room. Once the force field is down, we need you to announce that the situation is resolved."
"I'll be right there," Twilight replied. The guard bowed to Twilight and walked away.
"Just stay right here." Twilight had a stern tone in her voice.
Guide was left with shame in her face for disappointing her teacher.
Once the force field was down, Twilight assured everypony that the changelings were all defeated. Twilight's friends were so glad that she was safe, but her mind felt guilty for letting her students take on such a deadly creature. How could Twilight allow such young ponies to fight battle that were hers? A real teacher would not accept such a burden. With all of these possible consequences that could happen, Twilight decided to do what is best.
The Gala was declared over and all of the guests returned home for the night.
Twilight found her students waiting in the halls while some medical ponies were patching bandages. Twilight asked if the medical ponies if they could leave the room so she could talk to her students. The medical ponies followed the princess's request and left the room.
"Thank you all for staying put while I was gone," Twilight said.
Some of the students smiled for the thank you.
Just looking at those expressions made it painful for Twilight on how she should break the news.
"I appreciate that you guys have been with me when I started these lessons," Twilight sighed with regret for what is about to happen. "But I'm afraid it has to come to an end."
"What?!" Fireworks, Comfort, and especially Guide yelled at once.
"P-princess!" Guide begged. "I apologize for what happened earlier! It was just that we didn't want you to get hurt!"
"I know, I know." Twilight tried to calm her students. "The four of you were brave enough to fight. I'm just afraid of getting all of you involved in another incident like this. I never intended this to happen when I decided to become a teacher. Please understand everypony."
Guide's eyes poured tears from her face as she started to get upset from what is happening.
"Guide, please." Twilight reached out to Guide, but her student ended up running away and bumping into the rest of the Mane Six when they walked in.
Twilight sighed again as she approached her friends.
"Can you girls bring all them back to Ponyville? I need to make sure everything is safe in Canterlot."
The mares nodded as they escorted Fireworks, Comfort, and Lone to the exit.
'Did I really make the right decision? ' Twilight thought.
