The Mane Six Regret Playing Truth or Dareby Diamond_EmblemChaptersChapter 1: Just an Average Slumber PartyChapter 2: Who was Applejack Crushing On?Chapter 3: Twilight Acts Like a PrincessChapter 1: Just an Average Slumber PartyChapter 1: Just Your Average Slumber Party Twilight Sparkle waited impatiently at her bedroom window as the sun was halfway gone at the horizon. It was Saturday night, and Twilight's newest favorite part of the week. She could remember the day Starlight Glimmer, ex-villain, post-friend, finally turned her back on equality and embraced new unique friendships. It had been a few weeks since then. Now, Twilight could hear Starlight and Spike from down the hall in the study room coming up with things to do for the night. Twilight had told them about the weekly event that occurred in the castle, and they respectfully spent Saturday night outside the castle. Twilight focused on the sun. About two-thirds of it was below the horizon. Only a few minutes until Twilight would be galloping around the castle to get ready for the Saturday night slumber party. As a celebration for welcoming a new friend, Twilight and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony decided to have a slumber party ever Saturday night. They were full of laughs, excitement, and time they could spend together having fun. Twilight enjoyed them as much as everypony else. Finally, the last bit of sun fell under the horizon. Twilight squealed excitedly, clapping her hoofs together. She galloped out of the door hurriedly and traveled downstairs to the kitchen. Twilight cast a spell that lit up the kitchen with a soft white light. She opened some kitchen cabinets and levitated a few bags of junk food onto a smooth marble counter. Twilight proceeded to open a drawer and got out half a dozen large bowls. She trotted over to the counter and started opening the bags. She emptied them, separating the bags by type of snack. Twilight went over to the refrigerator and took out some delicious grape punch she had made in the afternoon and fetched some cups. She levitated everything to the Mane Six's bedroom, the room Luna had cast her spell in for the whole Tantabus-trapping adventure. Twilight placed everything in a semi-circle, making sure everything was perfect. The cups were set around the punch bowl evenly. "Hmm..." Twilight placed a hoof on her chin. She was missing something... "Ah!" Her eyes lit up. She was missing the extra blankets and pillows! She chuckled at her mistake. Twilight trotted out of the room and went around the corner to the room four doors down, housing extra everything. She entered and levitated everything she needed outside and back into the room. Twilight organized everything so everypony had two extra blankets and two extra pillows. She placed them on their beds, in case they were warm when they came over. She sighed happily and sat down at the foot of her bed. Her friends were to arrive in a few minutes, maybe fifteen at most. Twilight rubbed her chin. Maybe we could play some good old fashioned board games, she mused, or perhaps go stargazing at the balcony. That'd be relaxing, and I'd love to show the view to everypony. A knock came from the door. Twilight hurriedly opened the door, thinking her friends had shown up. Starlight Glimmer was looking at her hooves like she was afraid of something. She looked up with a startled expression. "Oh, did I bother you?" she asked. "I'm really sorry about disturbing you." "Not at all, Starlight," Twilight assured her. "What's going on? Have you come up with something to do?" "Yes, Spike and I have decided to go out to the Star Night Festival that's in Ponyville," Starlight explained. "It's only here for two nights, and I was busy helping Applejack with her chores today. But I wanted to go at this hour anyway because I heard the festival is even better at night. Hence, why it's probably called Star Night. Festival." She smiled sheepishly. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about." "So what did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked. Starlight rubbed her right foreleg. "Well, you see, I've always spent time with my friends, well, our friends, during the day, but I've never experienced friendship during the night," she explained. "Like what you and everypony do on Saturday nights." Twilight was incredibly skillful at reading between the lines. Well, the majority of the time, anyway. Starlight Glimmer wanted to join them all in their slumber party. "You mean, have a slumber party?" Twilight asked, confirming her inference. Starlight smiled. "Yes, like having a slumber party," she said. Twilight chuckled lightly. "I'm certain our friends would be happy to have you here for a slumber party," she said. "Oh, just not this week," Starlight said hurriedly. "I don't know anything about slumber parties at all. I was thinking of reading up about slumber parties instead and come next week." "Yeah, I've tried that," Twilight confessed, "and that didn't turn out so well. You don't get all your answers from a book." "Oh. I see." Starlight's enthusiasm seemed to deflate a little. "Does that mean I would have to wing it?" "All you would need to do would be to learn from everypony," Twilight explained. "That's what I did." She embraced Starlight. Twilight could feel Starlight moving her hooves uncertainly until she was hugging Twilight back. "I'll make sure to ask everypony to have you at next week's sleepover. After all, you're the reason we celebrate weekly." Twilight could sense Starlight smile. "Thanks, Twilight," Starlight said. She let go, and Twilight did the same. "Thanks for everything. For the home at your castle, your friendship, and everything I've learned." "That's what friends are for," Twilight said with a smile. "Hey, Starlight! We should get going!" Twilight and Starlight turned to see Spike run over to them. Spike said, "I heard at nine, they have a constellation contest. With your studies and my time with Twilight, we could totally win!" "I'm glad the two of you have become great friends," Twilight said. She turned to Starlight. "Now go. I don't want to keep you from your night out in Ponyville," Twilight said. "Yeah," Starlight said. "Let's go have fun, Spike!" "See you two later!" Twilight said. She watched Spike and Starlight eagerly travel downstairs, talking and getting hyped. Twilight got back into the room and sighed. I wonder when everypony will get here. Out of nowhere, a party cannon went off somewhere in the castle. Twilight's ears rang for a moment. She shook her head quickly and laughed. Now they were here. "Heyyyyyyyyyyy, Twilight!" "Howdy, sugar cube." "What's up, Twi?" "Twilight, darling, what a wonderful evening!" "Hey, Twilight." Twilight welcomed and embraced all her friends as they entered the room. "Hey, everypony!" she said. "So, how's the week been for each of you?" Rainbow Dash flew onto her bed, throwing her sleeping bag onto the foot of her bed. They had all told her it was pointless to bring a sleeping bag on the second week, but Rainbow had persuaded them that it felt more like a slumber party, sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag. "Me? I had a great week at the Wonderbolt Academy," Rainbow Dash explained as she stretched her wings. "Yours truly managed to break another academy record." "Another record?" Applejack asked. She unrolled her plain orange sleeping bag. "Shoot, Rainbow. At this rate, you'll be a Wonderbolt Academy legend." "Yeah, I know," Rainbow said smugly and stuffed her mouth with chips. "Oh! That reminds me," Rarity said excitedly, levitating her sleeping bag to the ground. She whisked out a magazine from her saddlebag. It was from the newest magazine company in Canterlot, "Fashion Figures." On the cover was a picture of Rarity and Sassy Sandals presenting the newest dress that was rocking Canterlot Boutique. It was a slim, black dress, lined with diamonds and tightened with a purple waist. "The Unicorn's Rarity of a Dress: Rarity Unicorn's Latest Fashion Success," could be read above the picture. Rarity squealed, "I've been featured on the cover of this week's Fashion Figures magazine!" "Wow! That's wonderful, Rarity!" Fluttershy said. She sat down with her sleeping bag. "Recently, a friend I know has been looking for ways to make a statement. She's had rallies in Manhatten and Appleloosa. It's such a wonderful thing, looking for ways for the little creatures of Equestria to be noticed like one of us. There's going to be a rally in Trottingham on Wednesday, which I'll be going to." "Ooh, what's their name?" Rarity asked eagerly. "Fawn Evergreen," Fluttershy replied. "She's an amazing pony! I hope you all get to meet her someday." "What have you been up to, Applejack?" Pinkie Pie asked as she hopped into her sleeping bag. "I spent allllllllllllll of this week helping bake so many orders! There were even a few from Canterlot!" "Ah've had the usual, and Starlight helped me today," Applejack explained. "Though, come to think of it, Applebloom wants to go to that Star Night Carnival tomorrow night, before it goes to another town. So Big Mac and ah are gonna take her." AJ rested herself on her sleeping bag once she had unrolled it. "What about you, Twi?" "Oh, same old, same old," Twilight replied. "Starlight and Spike are going to the Star Night Carnival. Starlight said it was better at night." She served herself some punch. "Speaking of Starlight, she asked me if she could come to one of our sleepovers. What do you think, girls?" The room became abnormally quiet. Rainbow Dash piped up, "Would that mean this week is our last week slumber party as six?" "I guess so," Twilight replied. She saw a twinge of uncertainty grow on the faces of her friends. "Come on!" Twilight said. "This would be another way to further strengthen our friendship with her. And if Starlight were here, she could make the party even better!" She faced Pinkie Pie. "I know you, Pinkie, and you wouldn't be able to resist this kind of idea. More fun at a party?" Pinkie Pie beamed. "Of course!" she exclaimed. "Parties never have enough fun!" She suddenly grabbed Fluttershy over. "I'm sure Flutters likes the idea, too!" "It is certainly a better way to connect with her," Fluttershy admitted. "Then we'll just wait for everypony else to let this idea sink in," Twilight explained. Applejack sat on her hindquarters. "Twilight, the point of our slumber parties is for the six Elements of Harmony to spend times together and celebrate a new friendship. We established this friendship with Starlight. Ah love her to cubes as much as the next pony, but we've only had six slumber parties together. Our tradition would be broken." "We're having slumber parties because of Starlight," Twilight said. She could hear her voice beginning to rise. "If we hadn't become her friend, we wouldn't be having these weekly parties." "We could've started that thing at any time without Starlight!" Rainbow Dash said. "But it happened now and not later!" Twilight argued. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it's close to 9 PM, and we still haven't done anything fun," Fluttershy said quietly. The three ponies stopped arguing, silence entering the room once again. Rarity took a deep breath and said, "Fluttershy is right. We're meant to be having fun, not arguing about nonsense! I'll allow Starlight in the slumber party." "Rarity's right!" Pinkie said. "So we should have some real fun by playing some games!" "And talking!" Rarity added. And so, the six friends spoke and laughed and giggled about what games they should play. They shared their own experience with some of the games they had played, sending fits of giggles everywhere. Twilight had once played War (With Pillows and Toys) with Shining Armor. She had created a book fort and had Smarty Pants as the fort's captain. Rainbow had played Runaway Rainbow with Scootaloo. Rainbow had to run away from Scootaloo and make sure she wasn't caught for fifteen minutes. Scoot always lost, but Rainbow explained she had fun anyway. Pinkie shared how she had played Hide-and-Seek with the Cake twins. The game had taken a lot longer than Pinkie and the Cakes had wanted, but in the end, Pinkie Pie won. Finally, the friends were almost out of ideas. Twilight ate some marshmallows as Applejack told a game she had played. "As a lil' filly, Big Mac and ah used to play Apple Truth Toss," AJ explained. "The goal was to toss an apple back and forth with yer tail, and if you dropped the apple, the other pony asked ya a question, and ya had to tell the truth. Ah was so determined not to miss, ah even trained outside of playtime." "The truth, ey?" Rainbow Dash asked. She grinned. Twilight recognized her grin as a mischevious grin. "Hey, I know a game we can play!" "What game would that be, darling?" Rarity asked. Rainbow flew up to the ceiling. "Truth or Dare!" she replied. "That's an easy game!" Pinkie said. "If you choose truth, somepony asks you a question, and you've got to be honest! If you choose dare, somepony dares you to do something, and you gotta do that dare that somepony dared you to do!" "Except this time, it's got a twist," Rainbow explained. She grinned slyly. "The game doesn't end until sunrise!" "Sunrise? Really, Dashie?" Rarity asked. "That could take hours, and I need my beauty sleep!" "You don't ever have your beauty sleep during slumber parties," Rainbow said. "Oh yes I do!" Rarity argued. "Can't you at least lower the time frame?" "Fiiiiine." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "The game won't end until midnight. There, are you happy now?" "I am satisfied." Rarity nodded. "So, who wants to play?" Rainbow asked. "Sounds like fun!" Pinkie Pie said. "I'm not sure about this," Fluttershy said uncertainly. "Shoot, count me in!" Applejack said. "I'd be happy to join," Twilight replied. "Awesome!" Rainbow Dash did a loop-da-loop in midair. She landed, smiling mischievously. "So, who wants to start us off?" Chapter 2: Who was Applejack Crushing On?Chapter 2: Applejack: Who is She Crushing On? Applejack chuckled. "Shoot ah'll go first," she announced with a calm smile. "Excellent." Rainbow grinned slyly, rubbing her hooves together slowly. "So, what'll it be, AJ? Truth or dare?" "Ah'll have a different approach this time," AJ decided. "Ah usually pick Dare, but this time ah'll pick truth." She turned to Rarity. "And Rarity can ask me anything." "Hey! No fair!" Rainbow Dash said. "Anypony ask you a question." "Is that a rule?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow glared at her. "You win this round, Apple Butt, but next time, I'll get you good," she said. Rainbow sipped some punch from a cup she served herself. "So, Rare, what's the question?" Applejack asked. She was positive Rarity was going to ask if she liked being Apple Jewel and dressing up like a doll. But Applejack had detested it. She didn't like acting like some pony she wasn't, especially if she had to act like a classy mare. Dressing up, she could do. And doing it with an air of the country, easier. Rarity giggled. "Well, there's always been this one thing I've always wanted to know," she said. "Go ahead, Rarity," Applejack insisted. Answering was going to be a piece of apple pie with cherries on top. "Who do you have a crush on?" Rarity asked excitedly. Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. She rolled on the floor, and said, "Here's your karma, AJ!" Pinkie Pie looked on with a slight interest. Rarity looked incredibly sly, one of her eyebrows slightly raised while batting her eyelashes. Fluttershy blushed as if realizing she should have skipped this week's sleepover, and Twilight looked slightly uncomfortable. Applejack blushed deeply. "Ya know, I think a dare is better," she said hurriedly, "so ah'll just accept a dare!" "Nope! You can't change your decision!" Rainbow Dash said. "But that ain't a rule!" Applejack argued, doing her best to avoid the question. She couldn't answer. It was the biggest secret Applejack had kept for anyone for a long while. She had to keep her secret. Especially from a certain pony... "Arrrghhh!" Rainbow Dash growled in frustration. "It's alright darling," Rarity said to the rainbow speedster. "I do have a very ironic dare for our dear Applejack." "It better have nothing to do with dresses," Applejack warned. Even she could hear the hint of fear in her voice. "Applejack, I dare you to tell everypony here who your crush is," Rarity said. More laughter came from Rainbow Dash. Applejack tilted her hat slightly down so her friends wouldn't see her blushing beyond red. She heard Rarity say, "You can choose truth again, darling, but we're only going to go back and forth." "It's better than telling," Applejack mumbled. "What was that?" Rarity asked. "Ah said it's better than telling!" AJ exclaimed. Rarity giggled and Rainbow Dash munched on some more chips. Fluttershy trotted over to Applejack. She tentatively took off AJ's hat and whispered into her ear, "Come on Applejack. Maybe you'll feel more comfortable telling us by knowing I have a secret crush, too." Applejack's ears perked up. Fluttershy had a secret crush, too? This was news to her ears. "If somepony asks me about my crush, I promise I'll tell if you tell," Fluttershy said. "You would do that for me?" Applejack asked uncertainly. "Well, of course," Fluttershy replied. "If you get embarrassed, I get embarrassed. It's what friends do for each other." Applejack smiled. "Thanks, Flutters," she whispered. "Anything for my friend," Fluttershy said. She flew back to her bed, everypony waiting for an answer. Applejack gulped. She trusted Fluttershy but telling everypony was going to be hard for her. She felt sweaty and dizzy. "C'mon, AJ, we're waiting!" Rainbow Dash said in a mocking tone. "Do ya really wanna do this, Dash?" Applejack asked. "Ya don't know who it is that ah like. And the truth can change ya. That's mah burden as the Element of Honesty. Knowing the truth is powerful in more ways than one." Rainbow Dash sneered at her. "And my burden as the Element of Loyalty is I prefer my friends than something else I love. Just go ahead already! I wanna know who you're crushing on!" Applejack was filled with anger. Rainbow Dash didn't understand honesty. That was what separated Applejack and Rainbow Dash. AJ was cautious and knew what was best, but Rainbow was careless and brash. Well, more careless and brash than Applejack, at least. But Rainbow didn't understand. "OK, fine!" Applejack yelled. "Ya really wanna know who ah like? Fine!" AJ took a jagged breath. "I have a crush on Soarin'!" The silence that filled the room was an awkward one. Rarity and Pinkie Pie stared at Rainbow Dash. Everypony knew Rainbow Dash and Soarin' were going to hit it off. Rainbow Dash had started talking about Soarin' almost daily when Rarity brought up Fancy Pants. Rarity and Fancy Pants were definitely going to start dating, too. So knowing Applejack liked Soarin' complicated things. Rainbow Dash blinked like Applejack had spoken in a different language. "Oooooh! Saucy!" Pinkie Pie said. "Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!" Rainbow said. "Whoa!" "I very much regret daring you to say that," Rarity admitted. "Why do you like him?" Twilight asked. Applejack sighed, taking off her hat. "Well, ah first met him at the first gala we all attended," she explained, "when he bought an apple pie from me. After the gala, he bought another few pies and we started talking. He was really nice to me, which ah didn't expect. We hung out a few times after that. Then I started having these emotions that ah couldn't explain. But Rainbow Dash and Soarin' like each other, so ah knew ah could tell no pony. Until now, that is." "And you just decided I didn't need to know about this?" Rainbow yelled. "Especially the meetings! Not one of your friends knew about this! Mares and gentlecolts, Applejack, the Element of Honesty!" "There aren't any gentlecolts in the castle right now, Dashie!" Pinkie giggled. She suddenly gasped. "Unless they're hiding under one of the beds!" Pinkie Pie ducked under every bed, looking for a hiding colt. "I'm pretty sure there aren't any colts here, Pinkie," Twilight said. "Then can ya help me with these emotions?" AJ yelled. "'Cause ah I can't! All ah've tried to forget about Soarin' didn't work. Ever since you started talking so much about Soarin' ah've done mah best to keep these feelings down! But ah can't, ah just can't!" "I can't because I feel the same way about Soarin', which means you' should get some advice from Cadance!" Rainbow Dash's muzzle scrunched up. "But you can't. And now I can't imagine what will happen if you choose dare on your next turn." She glared at her and stretched her wings. Applejack gulped. This was the last thing she wanted to happen. There would be no telling what Rainbow Dash would dare her to do if she chose dare on her next turn. Anything could happen. Something could happen which would make Applejack want to pick dare again. "I think we should move on," Fluttershy said quietly. "Agreed." Twilight looked at Applejack with pity. The Apple looked incredibly guilty and flustered. Right now, she really needed a friend. Twilight went over to Applejack and comforted her with a wing. "It'll be OK, AJ," she said. AJ smiled. "Thanks, Twi," she said, resting her head on Twilight's shoulder. Was it just Twilight's imagination, or did Applejack's heart beat speed up? Chapter 3: Twilight Acts Like a PrincessChapter 3: Twilight: Act Like a Princess! "So, who would like to go next?" Rarity asked, looking around. "I would!" Twilight said excitedly, clapping her hooves together. She had only played Truth or Dare once when the storm in Ponyville forced Rarity and Applejack to stay at the Golden Oak Library for the night. It hadn't turned out like Twilight thought it would be. But now was a time when Twilight could play Truth or Dare with all of her friends. "What do you choose, Princess?" Pinkie asked, bouncing up and down. Twilight paused. What would she go with? Picking truth would help her friends know more about herself and establish more trust between them all. But dare would prove Twilight was willing to have as much fun as everypony else. Such indecision! She finally picked what she would do: "Dare!" Something clicked in Rainbow's head. Princess...Twilight didn't like ponies addressing her as Princess or Your Highness. So what were to happen if Twilight had to use those titles, as well as her crown? "Alright, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said. She flapped her wings, flying inches below the ceiling. "I've got a real good dare for you!" "So what dare do you have for me?" Twilight asked. The dare could be anything, from drinking hot sauce or racing her across Equestria. At this point, Twilight was beginning to regret choosing dare. "I dare you to spend one hour acting like Princess Twilight Sparkle!" Rainbow Dash declared. "30 minutes outside of this castle, and another 30 minutes with us!" "What?" Twilight's jaw dropped. She shook her head, trying to process the dare. "You want me to spend 30 minutes acting like a princess in Ponyville, and another 30 minutes acting like a princess with all of you?" Rarity giggled. "My, my, Dashie!" she said. "What an excellent dare. It'd be marvelous to see Twilight act like a princess!" "You know, you can back out of the dare!" Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice to Twilight. Twilight sighed. "No. I will not back out. I chose dare, and if it means I have to act like a princess, then so be it," she said. On the inside, Twilight was anxious. She never acted like Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, or Princess Cadance. Everypony treated her like she was special, and Twilight acted like it was nothing. What would ponies think of her when she took on the title of Princess Twilight Sparkle----and actually use it? Would they whisper rumors and tell neighboring cities about her behavior? Would her reputation as the Princess of Friendship be ruined? Will ponies still trust her? You're worrying too much. That's what Spike would have said, were he with them. "Wanna start using your thirty minutes outside?" Rainbow Dash. "Just to get this over with," Twilight replied. "Somepony should go with her, to make sure Twilight acts like a princess," Rarity said. "Ooh! Ooh! Applejack should go!" Pinkie exclaimed. 'She's the Element of Honesty, after all!" Rainbow Dash was suddenly in Twilight's face. "You better keep an eye on Apple Butt, too," she said. "Soarin's in Cloudsdale. Applejack is an earth pony," Twilight said. "You're overreacting a bit too much." "And you don't?" Rainbow asked. Twilight remembered the time she had to choose a friend to go to the gala with. She tried to make sense out of Pinkie's Pinkie Sense. She had panicked when she didn't have a lesson to send to Princess Celestia. There were dozens of times Twilight worried too much. And she had worried just now. "Touché," Twilight replied. Twilight and Applejack left the room, leaving the four ponies to continue playing. Twilight grabbed her crown and scepter from her room and threw on a red cape. As they reached the door, Twilight levitated her crown onto her head. "I regret choosing dare," Twilight admitted, staring at the doors. "Ah regret picking truth," Applejack confessed. "But ya got this, Twi. It's just thirty minutes. It'll be fine." Twilight smiled at her. "Thanks, AJ," she said. Applejack opened the doors for Twilight with little difficulty. Twilight levitated her scepter with her magic and walked down the steps. Princess Twilight and Applejack walked into town. Ponies glanced at them and then stared. Applejack could understand. Twilight never wore her crown, and never carried a scepter and wore a cape. One pony, Amethyst Star, kneeled as Princess Twilight passed. The princess smiled down at Amethyst. Other ponies followed her example. Applejack said, "Behold! Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship." "Hi, Princess Twilight!" said Lyra Strings. "Good evening, Your Highness," giggled Berry Punch. "Good evening, citizens of Ponyville," Princess Twilight said. She passed by kneeling ponies and occasionally signed autographs. Ponies squealed and chattered excitedly. "You're doing good, Princess Twi," Applejack said with a wink. "That's Princess Twilight," the princess said, but she was smiling. "Isn't this amazing, Spike?" Starlight asked. "Yeah! It's awesome!" Spike replied. Starlight Glimmer and Spike were at the entrance of the Star Night Festival. Lit lamp posts were scattered around blue-and-purple tents and booths. White and yellow flag banners were hung from a cord, tied at lamp posts. Some banners had small jars filled with fireflies hanging from them. Ponies trotted from booth to booth, winning prizes and spending bits. Some booths sent delicious fragrances into the air like baking popcorn and nachos dipped in melted cheese. Most importantly, ponies were having fun. An announcement could be heard from a large tent: "The Constellation Contest will begin in fifteen minutes. Telescopes will be provided as well as quills, ink, and paper. Come and have a go!" "I guess we have fifteen minutes before the contest," Spike said. "Mm-hmm," Starlight agreed. "So what do you want to play first?" "I've always loved that water gun game," Spike said. They walked into the festival grounds. "A water gun game?" Starlight asked. "You haven't played that?" Spike asked. "I was kind of busy creating a picture of equality as a filly," Starlight said, embarrassed. She blushed and her head drooped. "Well, now it's time for me to teach you!" Spike said excitedly. They searched around the festival booths. They found several food booths and even a water-dunking station, and, at last, found the water gun game. The booth was called, "Water Gun Balloon Blast!" Six ponies were waiting for another two players to begin playing. There were three shelves, lined with prizes. The first row had replicas of Princess Luna crowns and donut pillows. The second shelf was stocked with dark blue masks, as if for a masquerade, and blue-and-yellow striped rubber balls. The third row had Princess Luna plushies and white water guns. The countertop ponies sat in front of was lined with water guns. Below the shelves were red-and-white target boards. In the center, where the bull's-eye would be was a hole. There was something on top of the boards. Starlight and Spike took their seats. The booth pony said, "It's two bits per player." The booth pony was a mare, with light blue hair in a bun, a yellow coat, and magenta eyes. "It's on me," Starlight said before Spike could take out his bits. Starlight gave the booth pony four bits. "Alright, my little ponies, the game begins in ten seconds!" the booth pony said. Starlight panicked suddenly. She turned to Spike. "How do you play?" she asked frantically. "Relax!" Spike said. "Hold the button on the side of the gun. You have to aim the gun at the bull's-eye. Your balloon grows if you get the water in. If your balloon pops, you win!" "Ready? Set? Go!" the booth pony said. Starlight barely had time to register the words as she instinctively held down the button. She aimed at the bull's-eye like Spike had explained, but the target board was moving. "Nopony told me the target moves!" Starlight exclaimed. "Some games do that, others don't!" Spike replied. Starlight managed to catch up with the target. She glanced up at her balloon as well as the others. Her balloon was catching up with the second pony's balloon. She went back to her target and focused on the movement. The water spewed into the hole and the balloon gradually became bigger. Bam! Alarms and blue lights went off. Starlight stared at her balloon and saw it was gone, pieces of it strewn everywhere. "I won?" Starlight looked around. The other ponies clapped politely. Some left to play another game. "Congratulations!" the booth pony said. "What'll your prize be?" Starlight stared up. She really wanted the Princess Luna crown, but then took another look at the other prizes. Finally, she made up her mind. "I'd like the water gun, please!" The booth pony took out a stepping stool and reached for the water gun. She gave Starlight the water gun and said, "Thanks for playing!" "Wow! Congrats on the win!" Spike said. "Beginner's luck," Starlight said modestly. "Hey, how about we buy some food before the contest?" Spike asked. "Sounds delicious!" Starlight said. Spike laughed. The two went back to the food booths and bought two strawberry smoothies and hay fries. Starlight and Spike found a place to eat, a few yards away from the Constellation tent. Spike asked, "So, you having fun so far?" "Considering I've played only one game and won myself a water gun, yes!" Starlight said. She popped some more hay fries in her mouth. "And shoon, we're gonna win that contesht!" "Everypony, look! It's Princess Twilight!" Starlight and Spike suddenly heard a pony exclaim. "Princess Twilight?" Spike asked slowly. "But Twilight never uses her title," Starlight said, swallowing her food. "I guess Twilight's changed her mind," Spike said. "Let's go check it out before the contest starts." Starlight and Spike got up from their seats and trotted past a few booths. They saw Twilight wearing her crown and a red cape. Her scepter was levitating in the air. Ponies kneeled as she passed. Applejack walked with Twilight. "Hey, Twilight!" Spike greeted. "It's Princess Twilight, actually," Princess Twilight said, forcing a smile. "Princess Twilight? What are you all up to?" Starlight asked Applejack. "Rainbow dared Princess Twilight to act like a princess for 30 minutes outside of the castle," AJ explained. "I'm famished. I think I could go for some popcorn," Princess Twilight said. "I'll get you some popcorn!" said one pony. "Here! Take the rest of my popcorn!" another said. "I make the best popcorn in Ponyville!" said a third pony. "Applejack, would you please buy me a bag of popcorn?" Princess Twilight asked. "No problem, Your Highness," Applejack said. She trotted around to find some popcorn. "How's it going, Twi----Princess Twilight?" Spike said. "I am doing well," Princess Twilight replied. "Though this cape is starting to get bothersome." She took off her coat and folded it with her magic. She gave it to Spike and said, "When you get back home, bring this with you. I have some business with the princesses later on." "Ladies and gentlecolts, the Constellation Contest is about to begin!" an announcer declared. "That's our cue," Starlight said. "See you later, Princess Twilight." Princess Twilight smiled. "I wish you two the best of luck!" she said. She watched Starlight and Spike run towards the contest area. "What are you going to speak to the princesses about?" a pony next to Princess Twilight asked. "A very important matter that involves a compromise between the both of them," Princess Twilight replied. As soon as Applejack came back, Princess Twilight said, "My little ponies, I am afraid I must leave to Canterlot! It was lovely seeing you all tonight!" "Huh?" AJ asked, puzzled. "Applejack, we are going to Canterlot to meet with the princesses about an important matter," she explained. Princess Twilight waved goodbye to the ponies. She cast her teleportation spell and the two ponies were in Canterlot Castle. "Ya know, ah never did get a good look at this place," Applejack said. "As a filly, this castle became my home," Princess Twilight explained. "I remember it even after a long period of time." Princess Twilight traveled with Applejack to the Throne Room. On the way, Princess Twilight acknowledged the Royal Guards and conversed with them. She also snacked on the popcorn Applejack bought. Finally, Princess Twilight reached two recognizable huge doors. Two unicorn Royal Guards stood in front of the doors. "Princess Twilight." The Royal Guards kneeled before her. "Good evening," she said. "Are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna busy?" "Not at the moment, Your Highness," one guard replied. "Excellent. I would like an audience with them both," Princess Twilight said. "Of course, Your Majesty," the second guard said. The Royal Guards moved out of the way and opened the doors with their magic. Princess Celestia was talking with Princess Luna, occasionally chuckling and smiling. Princess Twilight walked forwards, Applejack following from behind. As the two ponies drew closer, Princess Celestia turned. She looked surprised to see Twilight with her crown and scepter. Applejack couldn't agree more. Princess Luna looked up, as well. They exchanged looks and Princess Celestia said, "Twilight! Applejack! good evening. What brings you to Canterlot?" "It's actually Princess Twilight," the princess corrected. Princess Celestia blinked. She turned to Applejack for an explanation. "It'd be better hearing it from Her Highness," Applejack said. "Well, Princess Twilight," Celestia said, "what can we do for you?" Princess Twilight cleared her throat. "You see, Princess Celestia, the bearers of the Elements of Harmony and I are playing the game of, 'Truth or Dare.' On my turn, I chose dare. I was given the dare of acting like Princess Twilight Sparkle." "And this involves us how?" Princess Luna asked. "You see, I was dared to act like this for an hour. It will be a long hour. And the game ends at midnight. But the game needs to keep going so there can be more fun and truth and dares done. And fun revenge," Princess Twilight explained. "Make midnight never arrive until I give you the word. Let the game last so I can get back at the pony who has dared me to act like Princess Twilight." "Princess Twilight, you understand what would happen if we were to set back the time?" Princess Celestia asked sternly. "Yes. And I have created a solution," Princess Twilight replied. "There can be two special days. They shall be called Daylight Savings. One day, ponies will gain one more hour of sleep, setting the time back by an hour. On the other day, the ponies will lose a day of sleep, and the clock will go forward." "And you suggest Daylight Savings to be today?" Princess Luna asked. "Yes," Princess Twilight replied. "Give us a minute to consider this," Princess Celestia said. The sisters raised their wings, as to make their conversation private. "Princess Twilight, are you sure about this?" Applejack asked. Princess Twilight nodded. "I am. Acting like I am currently is strange, but fun seeing how ponies react to me as Princess Twilight. And I love this game. I would like for it to continue for a long time." "It'll only be an extra hour," Applejack pointed out. "Then an hour I shall have." Princess Celestia turned. "Princess Twilight, we accept your suggestion. We shall alert Equestria of these changes," she said. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to come back and ask." "Thank you for your time," Princess Twilight said. She cast her teleportation spell once more and they were back in the Mane Room. "Not a second too soon!" Rainbow Dash said. A smile pulled at the corners of Princess Twilight's lips. "Rainbow Dash, you are in the presence of Princess Twilight Sparkle. This goes to everypony else when I say kneeling must be done before me." Pinkie Pie giggled. "That's the spirit, Princess Twilight!" she said. They all kneeled to Twilight, including Applejack. "Hey, Applejack didn't cause any funny business, did she?" Rainbow Dash asked sternly, suddenly in Princess Twilight's face. "No. She was fine," Princess Twilight replied. She turned to face everypony else. "As Princess of Friendship, I request that the next turn shall go to Rarity!" Rarity looked surprised. "Me?" she asked. "Yes. As a personal request from the princess," Princess Twilight said. "Hey! You're not done with your turn!" Rainbow Dash said. "Do you want to wait another hour for the next turn?" Princess Twilight asked. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "I guess not," she said. She flew onto her bed and said, "Your go, Rarity!"
Chapter 1: Just an Average Slumber PartyChapter 1: Just Your Average Slumber Party Twilight Sparkle waited impatiently at her bedroom window as the sun was halfway gone at the horizon. It was Saturday night, and Twilight's newest favorite part of the week. She could remember the day Starlight Glimmer, ex-villain, post-friend, finally turned her back on equality and embraced new unique friendships. It had been a few weeks since then. Now, Twilight could hear Starlight and Spike from down the hall in the study room coming up with things to do for the night. Twilight had told them about the weekly event that occurred in the castle, and they respectfully spent Saturday night outside the castle. Twilight focused on the sun. About two-thirds of it was below the horizon. Only a few minutes until Twilight would be galloping around the castle to get ready for the Saturday night slumber party. As a celebration for welcoming a new friend, Twilight and the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony decided to have a slumber party ever Saturday night. They were full of laughs, excitement, and time they could spend together having fun. Twilight enjoyed them as much as everypony else. Finally, the last bit of sun fell under the horizon. Twilight squealed excitedly, clapping her hoofs together. She galloped out of the door hurriedly and traveled downstairs to the kitchen. Twilight cast a spell that lit up the kitchen with a soft white light. She opened some kitchen cabinets and levitated a few bags of junk food onto a smooth marble counter. Twilight proceeded to open a drawer and got out half a dozen large bowls. She trotted over to the counter and started opening the bags. She emptied them, separating the bags by type of snack. Twilight went over to the refrigerator and took out some delicious grape punch she had made in the afternoon and fetched some cups. She levitated everything to the Mane Six's bedroom, the room Luna had cast her spell in for the whole Tantabus-trapping adventure. Twilight placed everything in a semi-circle, making sure everything was perfect. The cups were set around the punch bowl evenly. "Hmm..." Twilight placed a hoof on her chin. She was missing something... "Ah!" Her eyes lit up. She was missing the extra blankets and pillows! She chuckled at her mistake. Twilight trotted out of the room and went around the corner to the room four doors down, housing extra everything. She entered and levitated everything she needed outside and back into the room. Twilight organized everything so everypony had two extra blankets and two extra pillows. She placed them on their beds, in case they were warm when they came over. She sighed happily and sat down at the foot of her bed. Her friends were to arrive in a few minutes, maybe fifteen at most. Twilight rubbed her chin. Maybe we could play some good old fashioned board games, she mused, or perhaps go stargazing at the balcony. That'd be relaxing, and I'd love to show the view to everypony. A knock came from the door. Twilight hurriedly opened the door, thinking her friends had shown up. Starlight Glimmer was looking at her hooves like she was afraid of something. She looked up with a startled expression. "Oh, did I bother you?" she asked. "I'm really sorry about disturbing you." "Not at all, Starlight," Twilight assured her. "What's going on? Have you come up with something to do?" "Yes, Spike and I have decided to go out to the Star Night Festival that's in Ponyville," Starlight explained. "It's only here for two nights, and I was busy helping Applejack with her chores today. But I wanted to go at this hour anyway because I heard the festival is even better at night. Hence, why it's probably called Star Night. Festival." She smiled sheepishly. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about." "So what did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked. Starlight rubbed her right foreleg. "Well, you see, I've always spent time with my friends, well, our friends, during the day, but I've never experienced friendship during the night," she explained. "Like what you and everypony do on Saturday nights." Twilight was incredibly skillful at reading between the lines. Well, the majority of the time, anyway. Starlight Glimmer wanted to join them all in their slumber party. "You mean, have a slumber party?" Twilight asked, confirming her inference. Starlight smiled. "Yes, like having a slumber party," she said. Twilight chuckled lightly. "I'm certain our friends would be happy to have you here for a slumber party," she said. "Oh, just not this week," Starlight said hurriedly. "I don't know anything about slumber parties at all. I was thinking of reading up about slumber parties instead and come next week." "Yeah, I've tried that," Twilight confessed, "and that didn't turn out so well. You don't get all your answers from a book." "Oh. I see." Starlight's enthusiasm seemed to deflate a little. "Does that mean I would have to wing it?" "All you would need to do would be to learn from everypony," Twilight explained. "That's what I did." She embraced Starlight. Twilight could feel Starlight moving her hooves uncertainly until she was hugging Twilight back. "I'll make sure to ask everypony to have you at next week's sleepover. After all, you're the reason we celebrate weekly." Twilight could sense Starlight smile. "Thanks, Twilight," Starlight said. She let go, and Twilight did the same. "Thanks for everything. For the home at your castle, your friendship, and everything I've learned." "That's what friends are for," Twilight said with a smile. "Hey, Starlight! We should get going!" Twilight and Starlight turned to see Spike run over to them. Spike said, "I heard at nine, they have a constellation contest. With your studies and my time with Twilight, we could totally win!" "I'm glad the two of you have become great friends," Twilight said. She turned to Starlight. "Now go. I don't want to keep you from your night out in Ponyville," Twilight said. "Yeah," Starlight said. "Let's go have fun, Spike!" "See you two later!" Twilight said. She watched Spike and Starlight eagerly travel downstairs, talking and getting hyped. Twilight got back into the room and sighed. I wonder when everypony will get here. Out of nowhere, a party cannon went off somewhere in the castle. Twilight's ears rang for a moment. She shook her head quickly and laughed. Now they were here. "Heyyyyyyyyyyy, Twilight!" "Howdy, sugar cube." "What's up, Twi?" "Twilight, darling, what a wonderful evening!" "Hey, Twilight." Twilight welcomed and embraced all her friends as they entered the room. "Hey, everypony!" she said. "So, how's the week been for each of you?" Rainbow Dash flew onto her bed, throwing her sleeping bag onto the foot of her bed. They had all told her it was pointless to bring a sleeping bag on the second week, but Rainbow had persuaded them that it felt more like a slumber party, sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag. "Me? I had a great week at the Wonderbolt Academy," Rainbow Dash explained as she stretched her wings. "Yours truly managed to break another academy record." "Another record?" Applejack asked. She unrolled her plain orange sleeping bag. "Shoot, Rainbow. At this rate, you'll be a Wonderbolt Academy legend." "Yeah, I know," Rainbow said smugly and stuffed her mouth with chips. "Oh! That reminds me," Rarity said excitedly, levitating her sleeping bag to the ground. She whisked out a magazine from her saddlebag. It was from the newest magazine company in Canterlot, "Fashion Figures." On the cover was a picture of Rarity and Sassy Sandals presenting the newest dress that was rocking Canterlot Boutique. It was a slim, black dress, lined with diamonds and tightened with a purple waist. "The Unicorn's Rarity of a Dress: Rarity Unicorn's Latest Fashion Success," could be read above the picture. Rarity squealed, "I've been featured on the cover of this week's Fashion Figures magazine!" "Wow! That's wonderful, Rarity!" Fluttershy said. She sat down with her sleeping bag. "Recently, a friend I know has been looking for ways to make a statement. She's had rallies in Manhatten and Appleloosa. It's such a wonderful thing, looking for ways for the little creatures of Equestria to be noticed like one of us. There's going to be a rally in Trottingham on Wednesday, which I'll be going to." "Ooh, what's their name?" Rarity asked eagerly. "Fawn Evergreen," Fluttershy replied. "She's an amazing pony! I hope you all get to meet her someday." "What have you been up to, Applejack?" Pinkie Pie asked as she hopped into her sleeping bag. "I spent allllllllllllll of this week helping bake so many orders! There were even a few from Canterlot!" "Ah've had the usual, and Starlight helped me today," Applejack explained. "Though, come to think of it, Applebloom wants to go to that Star Night Carnival tomorrow night, before it goes to another town. So Big Mac and ah are gonna take her." AJ rested herself on her sleeping bag once she had unrolled it. "What about you, Twi?" "Oh, same old, same old," Twilight replied. "Starlight and Spike are going to the Star Night Carnival. Starlight said it was better at night." She served herself some punch. "Speaking of Starlight, she asked me if she could come to one of our sleepovers. What do you think, girls?" The room became abnormally quiet. Rainbow Dash piped up, "Would that mean this week is our last week slumber party as six?" "I guess so," Twilight replied. She saw a twinge of uncertainty grow on the faces of her friends. "Come on!" Twilight said. "This would be another way to further strengthen our friendship with her. And if Starlight were here, she could make the party even better!" She faced Pinkie Pie. "I know you, Pinkie, and you wouldn't be able to resist this kind of idea. More fun at a party?" Pinkie Pie beamed. "Of course!" she exclaimed. "Parties never have enough fun!" She suddenly grabbed Fluttershy over. "I'm sure Flutters likes the idea, too!" "It is certainly a better way to connect with her," Fluttershy admitted. "Then we'll just wait for everypony else to let this idea sink in," Twilight explained. Applejack sat on her hindquarters. "Twilight, the point of our slumber parties is for the six Elements of Harmony to spend times together and celebrate a new friendship. We established this friendship with Starlight. Ah love her to cubes as much as the next pony, but we've only had six slumber parties together. Our tradition would be broken." "We're having slumber parties because of Starlight," Twilight said. She could hear her voice beginning to rise. "If we hadn't become her friend, we wouldn't be having these weekly parties." "We could've started that thing at any time without Starlight!" Rainbow Dash said. "But it happened now and not later!" Twilight argued. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it's close to 9 PM, and we still haven't done anything fun," Fluttershy said quietly. The three ponies stopped arguing, silence entering the room once again. Rarity took a deep breath and said, "Fluttershy is right. We're meant to be having fun, not arguing about nonsense! I'll allow Starlight in the slumber party." "Rarity's right!" Pinkie said. "So we should have some real fun by playing some games!" "And talking!" Rarity added. And so, the six friends spoke and laughed and giggled about what games they should play. They shared their own experience with some of the games they had played, sending fits of giggles everywhere. Twilight had once played War (With Pillows and Toys) with Shining Armor. She had created a book fort and had Smarty Pants as the fort's captain. Rainbow had played Runaway Rainbow with Scootaloo. Rainbow had to run away from Scootaloo and make sure she wasn't caught for fifteen minutes. Scoot always lost, but Rainbow explained she had fun anyway. Pinkie shared how she had played Hide-and-Seek with the Cake twins. The game had taken a lot longer than Pinkie and the Cakes had wanted, but in the end, Pinkie Pie won. Finally, the friends were almost out of ideas. Twilight ate some marshmallows as Applejack told a game she had played. "As a lil' filly, Big Mac and ah used to play Apple Truth Toss," AJ explained. "The goal was to toss an apple back and forth with yer tail, and if you dropped the apple, the other pony asked ya a question, and ya had to tell the truth. Ah was so determined not to miss, ah even trained outside of playtime." "The truth, ey?" Rainbow Dash asked. She grinned. Twilight recognized her grin as a mischevious grin. "Hey, I know a game we can play!" "What game would that be, darling?" Rarity asked. Rainbow flew up to the ceiling. "Truth or Dare!" she replied. "That's an easy game!" Pinkie said. "If you choose truth, somepony asks you a question, and you've got to be honest! If you choose dare, somepony dares you to do something, and you gotta do that dare that somepony dared you to do!" "Except this time, it's got a twist," Rainbow explained. She grinned slyly. "The game doesn't end until sunrise!" "Sunrise? Really, Dashie?" Rarity asked. "That could take hours, and I need my beauty sleep!" "You don't ever have your beauty sleep during slumber parties," Rainbow said. "Oh yes I do!" Rarity argued. "Can't you at least lower the time frame?" "Fiiiiine." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "The game won't end until midnight. There, are you happy now?" "I am satisfied." Rarity nodded. "So, who wants to play?" Rainbow asked. "Sounds like fun!" Pinkie Pie said. "I'm not sure about this," Fluttershy said uncertainly. "Shoot, count me in!" Applejack said. "I'd be happy to join," Twilight replied. "Awesome!" Rainbow Dash did a loop-da-loop in midair. She landed, smiling mischievously. "So, who wants to start us off?"
Chapter 2: Who was Applejack Crushing On?Chapter 2: Applejack: Who is She Crushing On? Applejack chuckled. "Shoot ah'll go first," she announced with a calm smile. "Excellent." Rainbow grinned slyly, rubbing her hooves together slowly. "So, what'll it be, AJ? Truth or dare?" "Ah'll have a different approach this time," AJ decided. "Ah usually pick Dare, but this time ah'll pick truth." She turned to Rarity. "And Rarity can ask me anything." "Hey! No fair!" Rainbow Dash said. "Anypony ask you a question." "Is that a rule?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow. Rainbow glared at her. "You win this round, Apple Butt, but next time, I'll get you good," she said. Rainbow sipped some punch from a cup she served herself. "So, Rare, what's the question?" Applejack asked. She was positive Rarity was going to ask if she liked being Apple Jewel and dressing up like a doll. But Applejack had detested it. She didn't like acting like some pony she wasn't, especially if she had to act like a classy mare. Dressing up, she could do. And doing it with an air of the country, easier. Rarity giggled. "Well, there's always been this one thing I've always wanted to know," she said. "Go ahead, Rarity," Applejack insisted. Answering was going to be a piece of apple pie with cherries on top. "Who do you have a crush on?" Rarity asked excitedly. Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. She rolled on the floor, and said, "Here's your karma, AJ!" Pinkie Pie looked on with a slight interest. Rarity looked incredibly sly, one of her eyebrows slightly raised while batting her eyelashes. Fluttershy blushed as if realizing she should have skipped this week's sleepover, and Twilight looked slightly uncomfortable. Applejack blushed deeply. "Ya know, I think a dare is better," she said hurriedly, "so ah'll just accept a dare!" "Nope! You can't change your decision!" Rainbow Dash said. "But that ain't a rule!" Applejack argued, doing her best to avoid the question. She couldn't answer. It was the biggest secret Applejack had kept for anyone for a long while. She had to keep her secret. Especially from a certain pony... "Arrrghhh!" Rainbow Dash growled in frustration. "It's alright darling," Rarity said to the rainbow speedster. "I do have a very ironic dare for our dear Applejack." "It better have nothing to do with dresses," Applejack warned. Even she could hear the hint of fear in her voice. "Applejack, I dare you to tell everypony here who your crush is," Rarity said. More laughter came from Rainbow Dash. Applejack tilted her hat slightly down so her friends wouldn't see her blushing beyond red. She heard Rarity say, "You can choose truth again, darling, but we're only going to go back and forth." "It's better than telling," Applejack mumbled. "What was that?" Rarity asked. "Ah said it's better than telling!" AJ exclaimed. Rarity giggled and Rainbow Dash munched on some more chips. Fluttershy trotted over to Applejack. She tentatively took off AJ's hat and whispered into her ear, "Come on Applejack. Maybe you'll feel more comfortable telling us by knowing I have a secret crush, too." Applejack's ears perked up. Fluttershy had a secret crush, too? This was news to her ears. "If somepony asks me about my crush, I promise I'll tell if you tell," Fluttershy said. "You would do that for me?" Applejack asked uncertainly. "Well, of course," Fluttershy replied. "If you get embarrassed, I get embarrassed. It's what friends do for each other." Applejack smiled. "Thanks, Flutters," she whispered. "Anything for my friend," Fluttershy said. She flew back to her bed, everypony waiting for an answer. Applejack gulped. She trusted Fluttershy but telling everypony was going to be hard for her. She felt sweaty and dizzy. "C'mon, AJ, we're waiting!" Rainbow Dash said in a mocking tone. "Do ya really wanna do this, Dash?" Applejack asked. "Ya don't know who it is that ah like. And the truth can change ya. That's mah burden as the Element of Honesty. Knowing the truth is powerful in more ways than one." Rainbow Dash sneered at her. "And my burden as the Element of Loyalty is I prefer my friends than something else I love. Just go ahead already! I wanna know who you're crushing on!" Applejack was filled with anger. Rainbow Dash didn't understand honesty. That was what separated Applejack and Rainbow Dash. AJ was cautious and knew what was best, but Rainbow was careless and brash. Well, more careless and brash than Applejack, at least. But Rainbow didn't understand. "OK, fine!" Applejack yelled. "Ya really wanna know who ah like? Fine!" AJ took a jagged breath. "I have a crush on Soarin'!" The silence that filled the room was an awkward one. Rarity and Pinkie Pie stared at Rainbow Dash. Everypony knew Rainbow Dash and Soarin' were going to hit it off. Rainbow Dash had started talking about Soarin' almost daily when Rarity brought up Fancy Pants. Rarity and Fancy Pants were definitely going to start dating, too. So knowing Applejack liked Soarin' complicated things. Rainbow Dash blinked like Applejack had spoken in a different language. "Oooooh! Saucy!" Pinkie Pie said. "Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!" Rainbow said. "Whoa!" "I very much regret daring you to say that," Rarity admitted. "Why do you like him?" Twilight asked. Applejack sighed, taking off her hat. "Well, ah first met him at the first gala we all attended," she explained, "when he bought an apple pie from me. After the gala, he bought another few pies and we started talking. He was really nice to me, which ah didn't expect. We hung out a few times after that. Then I started having these emotions that ah couldn't explain. But Rainbow Dash and Soarin' like each other, so ah knew ah could tell no pony. Until now, that is." "And you just decided I didn't need to know about this?" Rainbow yelled. "Especially the meetings! Not one of your friends knew about this! Mares and gentlecolts, Applejack, the Element of Honesty!" "There aren't any gentlecolts in the castle right now, Dashie!" Pinkie giggled. She suddenly gasped. "Unless they're hiding under one of the beds!" Pinkie Pie ducked under every bed, looking for a hiding colt. "I'm pretty sure there aren't any colts here, Pinkie," Twilight said. "Then can ya help me with these emotions?" AJ yelled. "'Cause ah I can't! All ah've tried to forget about Soarin' didn't work. Ever since you started talking so much about Soarin' ah've done mah best to keep these feelings down! But ah can't, ah just can't!" "I can't because I feel the same way about Soarin', which means you' should get some advice from Cadance!" Rainbow Dash's muzzle scrunched up. "But you can't. And now I can't imagine what will happen if you choose dare on your next turn." She glared at her and stretched her wings. Applejack gulped. This was the last thing she wanted to happen. There would be no telling what Rainbow Dash would dare her to do if she chose dare on her next turn. Anything could happen. Something could happen which would make Applejack want to pick dare again. "I think we should move on," Fluttershy said quietly. "Agreed." Twilight looked at Applejack with pity. The Apple looked incredibly guilty and flustered. Right now, she really needed a friend. Twilight went over to Applejack and comforted her with a wing. "It'll be OK, AJ," she said. AJ smiled. "Thanks, Twi," she said, resting her head on Twilight's shoulder. Was it just Twilight's imagination, or did Applejack's heart beat speed up?
Chapter 3: Twilight Acts Like a PrincessChapter 3: Twilight: Act Like a Princess! "So, who would like to go next?" Rarity asked, looking around. "I would!" Twilight said excitedly, clapping her hooves together. She had only played Truth or Dare once when the storm in Ponyville forced Rarity and Applejack to stay at the Golden Oak Library for the night. It hadn't turned out like Twilight thought it would be. But now was a time when Twilight could play Truth or Dare with all of her friends. "What do you choose, Princess?" Pinkie asked, bouncing up and down. Twilight paused. What would she go with? Picking truth would help her friends know more about herself and establish more trust between them all. But dare would prove Twilight was willing to have as much fun as everypony else. Such indecision! She finally picked what she would do: "Dare!" Something clicked in Rainbow's head. Princess...Twilight didn't like ponies addressing her as Princess or Your Highness. So what were to happen if Twilight had to use those titles, as well as her crown? "Alright, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said. She flapped her wings, flying inches below the ceiling. "I've got a real good dare for you!" "So what dare do you have for me?" Twilight asked. The dare could be anything, from drinking hot sauce or racing her across Equestria. At this point, Twilight was beginning to regret choosing dare. "I dare you to spend one hour acting like Princess Twilight Sparkle!" Rainbow Dash declared. "30 minutes outside of this castle, and another 30 minutes with us!" "What?" Twilight's jaw dropped. She shook her head, trying to process the dare. "You want me to spend 30 minutes acting like a princess in Ponyville, and another 30 minutes acting like a princess with all of you?" Rarity giggled. "My, my, Dashie!" she said. "What an excellent dare. It'd be marvelous to see Twilight act like a princess!" "You know, you can back out of the dare!" Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice to Twilight. Twilight sighed. "No. I will not back out. I chose dare, and if it means I have to act like a princess, then so be it," she said. On the inside, Twilight was anxious. She never acted like Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, or Princess Cadance. Everypony treated her like she was special, and Twilight acted like it was nothing. What would ponies think of her when she took on the title of Princess Twilight Sparkle----and actually use it? Would they whisper rumors and tell neighboring cities about her behavior? Would her reputation as the Princess of Friendship be ruined? Will ponies still trust her? You're worrying too much. That's what Spike would have said, were he with them. "Wanna start using your thirty minutes outside?" Rainbow Dash. "Just to get this over with," Twilight replied. "Somepony should go with her, to make sure Twilight acts like a princess," Rarity said. "Ooh! Ooh! Applejack should go!" Pinkie exclaimed. 'She's the Element of Honesty, after all!" Rainbow Dash was suddenly in Twilight's face. "You better keep an eye on Apple Butt, too," she said. "Soarin's in Cloudsdale. Applejack is an earth pony," Twilight said. "You're overreacting a bit too much." "And you don't?" Rainbow asked. Twilight remembered the time she had to choose a friend to go to the gala with. She tried to make sense out of Pinkie's Pinkie Sense. She had panicked when she didn't have a lesson to send to Princess Celestia. There were dozens of times Twilight worried too much. And she had worried just now. "Touché," Twilight replied. Twilight and Applejack left the room, leaving the four ponies to continue playing. Twilight grabbed her crown and scepter from her room and threw on a red cape. As they reached the door, Twilight levitated her crown onto her head. "I regret choosing dare," Twilight admitted, staring at the doors. "Ah regret picking truth," Applejack confessed. "But ya got this, Twi. It's just thirty minutes. It'll be fine." Twilight smiled at her. "Thanks, AJ," she said. Applejack opened the doors for Twilight with little difficulty. Twilight levitated her scepter with her magic and walked down the steps. Princess Twilight and Applejack walked into town. Ponies glanced at them and then stared. Applejack could understand. Twilight never wore her crown, and never carried a scepter and wore a cape. One pony, Amethyst Star, kneeled as Princess Twilight passed. The princess smiled down at Amethyst. Other ponies followed her example. Applejack said, "Behold! Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship." "Hi, Princess Twilight!" said Lyra Strings. "Good evening, Your Highness," giggled Berry Punch. "Good evening, citizens of Ponyville," Princess Twilight said. She passed by kneeling ponies and occasionally signed autographs. Ponies squealed and chattered excitedly. "You're doing good, Princess Twi," Applejack said with a wink. "That's Princess Twilight," the princess said, but she was smiling. "Isn't this amazing, Spike?" Starlight asked. "Yeah! It's awesome!" Spike replied. Starlight Glimmer and Spike were at the entrance of the Star Night Festival. Lit lamp posts were scattered around blue-and-purple tents and booths. White and yellow flag banners were hung from a cord, tied at lamp posts. Some banners had small jars filled with fireflies hanging from them. Ponies trotted from booth to booth, winning prizes and spending bits. Some booths sent delicious fragrances into the air like baking popcorn and nachos dipped in melted cheese. Most importantly, ponies were having fun. An announcement could be heard from a large tent: "The Constellation Contest will begin in fifteen minutes. Telescopes will be provided as well as quills, ink, and paper. Come and have a go!" "I guess we have fifteen minutes before the contest," Spike said. "Mm-hmm," Starlight agreed. "So what do you want to play first?" "I've always loved that water gun game," Spike said. They walked into the festival grounds. "A water gun game?" Starlight asked. "You haven't played that?" Spike asked. "I was kind of busy creating a picture of equality as a filly," Starlight said, embarrassed. She blushed and her head drooped. "Well, now it's time for me to teach you!" Spike said excitedly. They searched around the festival booths. They found several food booths and even a water-dunking station, and, at last, found the water gun game. The booth was called, "Water Gun Balloon Blast!" Six ponies were waiting for another two players to begin playing. There were three shelves, lined with prizes. The first row had replicas of Princess Luna crowns and donut pillows. The second shelf was stocked with dark blue masks, as if for a masquerade, and blue-and-yellow striped rubber balls. The third row had Princess Luna plushies and white water guns. The countertop ponies sat in front of was lined with water guns. Below the shelves were red-and-white target boards. In the center, where the bull's-eye would be was a hole. There was something on top of the boards. Starlight and Spike took their seats. The booth pony said, "It's two bits per player." The booth pony was a mare, with light blue hair in a bun, a yellow coat, and magenta eyes. "It's on me," Starlight said before Spike could take out his bits. Starlight gave the booth pony four bits. "Alright, my little ponies, the game begins in ten seconds!" the booth pony said. Starlight panicked suddenly. She turned to Spike. "How do you play?" she asked frantically. "Relax!" Spike said. "Hold the button on the side of the gun. You have to aim the gun at the bull's-eye. Your balloon grows if you get the water in. If your balloon pops, you win!" "Ready? Set? Go!" the booth pony said. Starlight barely had time to register the words as she instinctively held down the button. She aimed at the bull's-eye like Spike had explained, but the target board was moving. "Nopony told me the target moves!" Starlight exclaimed. "Some games do that, others don't!" Spike replied. Starlight managed to catch up with the target. She glanced up at her balloon as well as the others. Her balloon was catching up with the second pony's balloon. She went back to her target and focused on the movement. The water spewed into the hole and the balloon gradually became bigger. Bam! Alarms and blue lights went off. Starlight stared at her balloon and saw it was gone, pieces of it strewn everywhere. "I won?" Starlight looked around. The other ponies clapped politely. Some left to play another game. "Congratulations!" the booth pony said. "What'll your prize be?" Starlight stared up. She really wanted the Princess Luna crown, but then took another look at the other prizes. Finally, she made up her mind. "I'd like the water gun, please!" The booth pony took out a stepping stool and reached for the water gun. She gave Starlight the water gun and said, "Thanks for playing!" "Wow! Congrats on the win!" Spike said. "Beginner's luck," Starlight said modestly. "Hey, how about we buy some food before the contest?" Spike asked. "Sounds delicious!" Starlight said. Spike laughed. The two went back to the food booths and bought two strawberry smoothies and hay fries. Starlight and Spike found a place to eat, a few yards away from the Constellation tent. Spike asked, "So, you having fun so far?" "Considering I've played only one game and won myself a water gun, yes!" Starlight said. She popped some more hay fries in her mouth. "And shoon, we're gonna win that contesht!" "Everypony, look! It's Princess Twilight!" Starlight and Spike suddenly heard a pony exclaim. "Princess Twilight?" Spike asked slowly. "But Twilight never uses her title," Starlight said, swallowing her food. "I guess Twilight's changed her mind," Spike said. "Let's go check it out before the contest starts." Starlight and Spike got up from their seats and trotted past a few booths. They saw Twilight wearing her crown and a red cape. Her scepter was levitating in the air. Ponies kneeled as she passed. Applejack walked with Twilight. "Hey, Twilight!" Spike greeted. "It's Princess Twilight, actually," Princess Twilight said, forcing a smile. "Princess Twilight? What are you all up to?" Starlight asked Applejack. "Rainbow dared Princess Twilight to act like a princess for 30 minutes outside of the castle," AJ explained. "I'm famished. I think I could go for some popcorn," Princess Twilight said. "I'll get you some popcorn!" said one pony. "Here! Take the rest of my popcorn!" another said. "I make the best popcorn in Ponyville!" said a third pony. "Applejack, would you please buy me a bag of popcorn?" Princess Twilight asked. "No problem, Your Highness," Applejack said. She trotted around to find some popcorn. "How's it going, Twi----Princess Twilight?" Spike said. "I am doing well," Princess Twilight replied. "Though this cape is starting to get bothersome." She took off her coat and folded it with her magic. She gave it to Spike and said, "When you get back home, bring this with you. I have some business with the princesses later on." "Ladies and gentlecolts, the Constellation Contest is about to begin!" an announcer declared. "That's our cue," Starlight said. "See you later, Princess Twilight." Princess Twilight smiled. "I wish you two the best of luck!" she said. She watched Starlight and Spike run towards the contest area. "What are you going to speak to the princesses about?" a pony next to Princess Twilight asked. "A very important matter that involves a compromise between the both of them," Princess Twilight replied. As soon as Applejack came back, Princess Twilight said, "My little ponies, I am afraid I must leave to Canterlot! It was lovely seeing you all tonight!" "Huh?" AJ asked, puzzled. "Applejack, we are going to Canterlot to meet with the princesses about an important matter," she explained. Princess Twilight waved goodbye to the ponies. She cast her teleportation spell and the two ponies were in Canterlot Castle. "Ya know, ah never did get a good look at this place," Applejack said. "As a filly, this castle became my home," Princess Twilight explained. "I remember it even after a long period of time." Princess Twilight traveled with Applejack to the Throne Room. On the way, Princess Twilight acknowledged the Royal Guards and conversed with them. She also snacked on the popcorn Applejack bought. Finally, Princess Twilight reached two recognizable huge doors. Two unicorn Royal Guards stood in front of the doors. "Princess Twilight." The Royal Guards kneeled before her. "Good evening," she said. "Are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna busy?" "Not at the moment, Your Highness," one guard replied. "Excellent. I would like an audience with them both," Princess Twilight said. "Of course, Your Majesty," the second guard said. The Royal Guards moved out of the way and opened the doors with their magic. Princess Celestia was talking with Princess Luna, occasionally chuckling and smiling. Princess Twilight walked forwards, Applejack following from behind. As the two ponies drew closer, Princess Celestia turned. She looked surprised to see Twilight with her crown and scepter. Applejack couldn't agree more. Princess Luna looked up, as well. They exchanged looks and Princess Celestia said, "Twilight! Applejack! good evening. What brings you to Canterlot?" "It's actually Princess Twilight," the princess corrected. Princess Celestia blinked. She turned to Applejack for an explanation. "It'd be better hearing it from Her Highness," Applejack said. "Well, Princess Twilight," Celestia said, "what can we do for you?" Princess Twilight cleared her throat. "You see, Princess Celestia, the bearers of the Elements of Harmony and I are playing the game of, 'Truth or Dare.' On my turn, I chose dare. I was given the dare of acting like Princess Twilight Sparkle." "And this involves us how?" Princess Luna asked. "You see, I was dared to act like this for an hour. It will be a long hour. And the game ends at midnight. But the game needs to keep going so there can be more fun and truth and dares done. And fun revenge," Princess Twilight explained. "Make midnight never arrive until I give you the word. Let the game last so I can get back at the pony who has dared me to act like Princess Twilight." "Princess Twilight, you understand what would happen if we were to set back the time?" Princess Celestia asked sternly. "Yes. And I have created a solution," Princess Twilight replied. "There can be two special days. They shall be called Daylight Savings. One day, ponies will gain one more hour of sleep, setting the time back by an hour. On the other day, the ponies will lose a day of sleep, and the clock will go forward." "And you suggest Daylight Savings to be today?" Princess Luna asked. "Yes," Princess Twilight replied. "Give us a minute to consider this," Princess Celestia said. The sisters raised their wings, as to make their conversation private. "Princess Twilight, are you sure about this?" Applejack asked. Princess Twilight nodded. "I am. Acting like I am currently is strange, but fun seeing how ponies react to me as Princess Twilight. And I love this game. I would like for it to continue for a long time." "It'll only be an extra hour," Applejack pointed out. "Then an hour I shall have." Princess Celestia turned. "Princess Twilight, we accept your suggestion. We shall alert Equestria of these changes," she said. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to come back and ask." "Thank you for your time," Princess Twilight said. She cast her teleportation spell once more and they were back in the Mane Room. "Not a second too soon!" Rainbow Dash said. A smile pulled at the corners of Princess Twilight's lips. "Rainbow Dash, you are in the presence of Princess Twilight Sparkle. This goes to everypony else when I say kneeling must be done before me." Pinkie Pie giggled. "That's the spirit, Princess Twilight!" she said. They all kneeled to Twilight, including Applejack. "Hey, Applejack didn't cause any funny business, did she?" Rainbow Dash asked sternly, suddenly in Princess Twilight's face. "No. She was fine," Princess Twilight replied. She turned to face everypony else. "As Princess of Friendship, I request that the next turn shall go to Rarity!" Rarity looked surprised. "Me?" she asked. "Yes. As a personal request from the princess," Princess Twilight said. "Hey! You're not done with your turn!" Rainbow Dash said. "Do you want to wait another hour for the next turn?" Princess Twilight asked. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "I guess not," she said. She flew onto her bed and said, "Your go, Rarity!"
