Chapters Game Night 2: Games Among Friends
Chapter 1: The Games Begin
They all gathered in Twilight's throne room. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony chatted amongst themselves. Discord and Fluttershy entered together. Cadence and Shining Armor arrived last. Everypony mingled for almost an hour before Discord called for everypony’s attention.
“Alright everypony, thank you all for coming. Thank you for agreeing to participate in our little game night. It means a lot to me that you would give me this opportunity to exercise my powers of chaos. Since Cadence and Shining Armor are expecting anytime, they cannot participate, however they have agreed to help me manage the puzzles and challenges you will all work through.” said Discord.
“Let's get going then!” Said Rainbow Dash excitedly.
“First I need you to pair off. Rainbow Dash and Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy, and Rarity and Pinkie Pie.” Discord instructed as the six moved to their partners. “You will all face challenges. They will test your limits, but have no fear, you will never be in real danger. You will each leave two by two and receive your instructions as you leave.” Discord said.
The first to leave the room was Applejack and Fluttershy. They seemed to fade away as they left the Castle and the pair found themselves in an unfamiliar Forest. They froze as they listened to the rhyme that was their instructions.
Discord’s voice boomed, “In strange lands you find yourselves. Into each other’s shoes you’ll find you delve. Kindness sometimes lacks in a Farmer’s work, and honesty is a virtue the kind sometimes shirk. Onward you must travel to find your way, and homage to each other's talents must be paid.”
Back at the Castle, Twilight and Rainbow Dash set off and, like Applejack and Fluttershy, faded away as they left the Castle. The pair found themselves in a maze of high stone walls. “Another maze, not very original.” Said Rainbow impatiently. Instantly the roof closed on top of them, severely limiting the usefulness of flight. Twilight shot Rainbow an accusatory look.
Discord's voice began, “Two friends trapped in a maze. Puzzles Princess Twilight won't be phased. Which is why it's Rainbow Dash to solve this problem,a simple prospect for one so awesome. Challenges against your natures lie in your way, attention to each other’s talents you must pay. Bookworms seldom fly with grace and books can sometimes win a race.”
Rarity and Pinkie Pie were the last to leave. As they faded from view they found themselves in a crowded corridor in what seemed to be Canterlot Castle.
“Oo, how wonderful, we’re in Canterlot!” Said Rarity.
“Hip, hip, Hooray!” Pinkie Pie bounced enthusiastically.
Discord’s disembodied voice echoed through the corridor, “Parties suit you both after a fashion. Infact one might even call it your passions. Though profound differences there are, in how each pursue them thus far. Now Pinkie must must turn her prescient eye to the elegant by and by. Rarity must ignore her stylish instinct or run the risk of the fun going extinct. Fun and form sometimes clash but you ponies can balance this bash.”
Back at the Castle Discord turned to Cadence and Shining Armor. “Cadence I need you to monitor Pinkie and Rarity. Make sure they are acting as instructed and the events go as planned. Shining Armor, I need you to monitor Applejack and Fluttershy and see they also stay on plan. Be sure that they are reset anytime the wrong pony solves the problem presented to them. I will be focusing on Twilight and Rainbow Dash at the moment.” The couple looked at each other and Discord with amused and mischievous grins as they went about their separate tasks. “And so the games begin” Discord said smiling to himself.
Game Night 2: Games Among Friends
Chapter 2: Fluttershy and Applejack
After hearing their instructions, both Fluttershy and Applejack were quite puzzled.
“In strange lands you find yourselves. Into each other’s shoes you’ll find you delve. Kindness sometimes lacks in a Farmer’s work, and honesty is a virtue the kind sometimes shirk. Onward you must travel to find your way, and homage to each other's talents must be paid.” Fluttershy repeated. “What do you think it means?”
“It says we must travel onward. I reckon we oughta get movin and trust we will find where we're supposed to be.” Said Applejack. Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
They went west along the path they found themselves on. Soon they came upon a large bear blocking the path. Applejack immediately guessed that Fluttershy’s skills were the key to getting past the burly creature. “So whada we do Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. As she turned to her friend having not gotten a reply she was startled. Fluttershy was preoccupied with a struggle to move.
“I…I can't move” Fluttershy said a little frightened.
It was then they both realized what was happening and what must happen next. Fluttershy would have to talk Applejack through dealing with the bear. Neither we confident about the prospect.
“Alright, whada I do first?” Asked Applejack.
“You approach the bear and ask him softly what’s wrong.” Said Fluttershy doing her best to demonstrate with her hooves stuck in place.
Applejack approached the bear, “Hey you, what's the matter with ya?” Applejack said more than a little rudely.
Fluttershy squeaked at this and crouched down.
The bear snarled and roared at Applejack. With a massive swipe, she swatted Applejack and sent her flying over Fluttershy's head.she then turned around and sat there with her back to them.
“Well ain't that somethin?” Said Applejack angrily. Before Fluttershy could stop her she was charging at the bear with determination in her eyes. Applejack headbutted the bear square in the back to no avail. Applejack then produced a rope and attempted to lasso the bear. The bear managed to grab the lasso and fling Applejack once again over Fluttershy's head.
“Stop!” Entreated Fluttershy as Applejack rushed past her.
“Wut?” Halted Applejack confusedly.
“You are attacking her, you should be caring for her.” Explained Fluttershy.
“But we just need by” said Applejack incredulously.
“Animals generally don't act so intransigently without some issue causing it. Just as your Brother doesn't shirk his work without cause, that bear would not sit and not search for food without reason.” Fluttershy expanded. “Find out what what she needs, help her and she will be in her way.” she concluded.
Applejack sighed, knowing Fluttershy was right. She once again calmly approached the bear, more careful to not provoke her this time. “I am sorry for attacking ya. I just meant to ask if ya needed help.” Applejack said in the most demure and apologetic tone she could muster. The bear looked at her suspiciously for a few moments and then bowed her head and gestured to her snout. There Applejack saw a red and bulbous looking beesting.
“Oh you poor thing” said Fluttershy behind them.
Applejack immediately went to work. She and her family were no strangers to bee stings. She carefully removed the stinger. Washed the area of the sting. And whipped up a balm from some of the plants around that Applebloom had learned from Zecora.
“There ya go. You should be all better in a bit.” Applejack said finishing. The bear replied with a thankful grunt and went on her way.
“See, all it took was a little kindness and care.” Fluttershy said feeling her hooves becoming free.
The two trotted onwards through the woods encountering few obstacles. The walk through the woods was invigorating for Fluttershy who had gone quite stiff during the ordeal with the bear. Applejack found the calm walk somewhat restorative herself after the beating she got from the bear. They walked for what seemed a half hour when they finally came to the edge of the woods.
They felt some relief to have cleared the unfamiliar woods for a few moments. When they finally turned their attention to the vast plain in front of them they saw their next challenge. In the middle distance they saw a hugely spread out herd of cows. Amongst them a corral with a wide open gate. “Okay Fluttershy, it seems you’re gonna have to corral these critters.”
“Me, Why me? I don't think I can.” Said Fluttershy meekly.
“You can, but you're gonna have to be a bit mean to ‘em. That is how you have to corral such critters.” Said Applejack.
“Why can't they just roam?” Asked Fluttershy.
“Because they can get into a while heap of trouble if left to their own devices. Don't you remember when a herd like that nearly trampled Ponyville because one of ‘em was spooked by a snake?” Entreated Applejack.
Fluttershy shuddered knowing that Applejack was right and that she would have to learn how to do this quickly.
Applejack, sensing her apprehension, said, “You are gonna have to be a little mean to ‘em. You are gonna have to be threatenin and mean it.”
“Can't I just talk to them?” Pleaded Fluttershy.
“If it were just one of them, yeah, but Cows are herd animals they act together with this many at hand and those instincts trump their reason oftentimes.” Explained Applejack.
Fluttershy knew there was no sense fighting what had to happen any longer. She flew meekly in the direction of the cows. “Okay” she said softly.
“Alright cows, back into the corral or else.” Fluttershy said unconvincingly. Only two of the cows moved into the corral and it was altogether unclear whether it was because of Fluttershy.
“You've gotta mean it. These critters can sense when you're fibbin.” hollered Applejack a ways away.
Fluttershy took a deep breath. Almost gasping she drew it in so hard. “Into the corral cows.” Fluttershy ordered only slightly more convincingly.
“Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” Applejack said frustratedly as she galloped on to help Fluttershy. As a few cows started to steer into the corral in a flash, The two ponies found themselves back at the edge of the forest with no cows at all inside the corral.
“Wellp, looks like we just found out the hard way what happens if we try to help each other too much.” Sighed Applejack.
Fluttershy sighed and continued in her work. Each attempt she grew more inpatient and more insistent. Still the cows mostly ignored her efforts. Eventually Fluttershy grew frustrated enough as to yell outright at the cows. “ALL OF YOU COWS NEED TO GET IN THAT CORRAL OR YOU ARE GOING TO GET INTO BIG TROUBLE!” Fluttershy yelled honestly to the cows while circling them in the air.
“Okay, okay, why didn't you say so?” said one of the cows as they hurried into the corral and shutting the gate themselves.
Fluttershy let out a satisfied sigh. She couldn't help but smile at the lesson in assertiveness she just received.
Applejack smiled as she walked up beside a landing Fluttershy. The two began to Trot in the direction of the setting sun.
“Twilight said this was fun.” Said Fluttershy with a smile.
“Pretty good so far.” Agreed Applejack.
The two faded as they walked away towards the setting sun.
Game Night 2: Games Among Friends
Chapter 3: Pinkie Pie and Rarity
Rarity stood confused for a moment after they received their instructions. She repeated the rhyme:
Pinkie Pie replied cartwheeling around Rarity, “Isn't it obvious? We're each going to throw a party! Only instead of doing what we’d do naturally, I have to throw a stylish and dignified party, and you have to throw a less restrained fun party!”
“Oh my, that might be difficult.” Rarity said considering the notion.
“What makes you say that?” Asked Pinkie.
“Well I am good at the stylish, dignified party, you are extraordinary at making parties fun, we are each likely poor at the other.” Rarity observed.
Minuette walks in, “Thank Celestia you two are here, we're running out of time for set up for these parties. Rarity you are working a children's party in the east ballroom. Pinkie, you have a garden party in the South garden...wait that can’t be right”
“It’s right” Rarity and Pinkie said at once.
“Okay, I have another party in the north lawn. See you two later.” Said Minuette, turning back the way she came.
“Oh my goodness, what are we gonna do? I have no idea about how to throw a fancy shmancy party!” panicked Pinkie Pie.
“Just calm down. The key to any high society event is to keep it clean and keep the conversation going. Ponies attend such get togethers to mingle” said Rarity.
“Ooooh, Thanks! The key to a fun party is to keep it moving and make sure ponies have lots of fun activities to choose from.
With worried and hesitant glances back towards each other, Rarity and Pinkie Pie went their separate ways to put their parties together. Neither were very confident in their ability to do what was before them. They both reminded themselves to ask themselves what the other would do if they became unsure.
Pinkie Pie left the corridor and exited the Castle into the garden. Looking around, she knew first she’d need some decorations. Her first instinct was balloons and streamers. But she stopped and asked herself how would Rarity decorate for a garden party. She came to the conclusion she would opt for clean white linen tablecloth covered tables with tasteful flowers and lanterns for when it got darker. Next was the food. Some tasteful and less messy hors d’oeuvres would be the way to go. Pinkie’s thoughts drifted to Discord and she remembered he had just taught her his cucumber sandwich recipe. “ Oo, those would be perfect” she thought out loud and rushed to the Castle kitchen to get to work on them.
Meanwhile Rarity was having a much harder time getting started. She began to panic as she imagined the little colts and fillies darting about with nothing to do. Then she asked herself, what Pinkie would have at most children’s parties. “Games!” She decided out loud. “I need games.”
Rarity immediately set about setting up a pin the tail on the pony game. First she drew a large poster sized stylish picture of a tailless pony. Then with her discerning eye she chose the ideal color to cut out multiple tails from. She found some pins and posted the picture on a wall and used the rest on the tails.
Pinkie Pie finished her refreshment preparations and stopped to consider what else her garden party might need. “Ordinarily I'd make sure there were games and fun stuff to do, but what kind of games could I have?” Thought Pinkie. “Rarity might know surely we can at least get the other’s advice.” She thought deciding to head to the ballroom where her children's party was.
She found the ballroom empty. “Rarity must be out getting some things.” She thought. Pinkie looked at the pin the tail on the pony game Rarity had already done. “She’s going to need a few more games than this for all these fillies.” Pinkie thought looking around and began to work.
At the same time Rarity had decided to drop by the site of the garden party Pinkie was supposed to be putting together. She saw the decorations Pinkie had prepared as well as her refreshments. “Oh my, Pinkie has been busy. I wonder where she got off too?” Thought Rarity. “I was going to ask her for some more activity ideas… Oh that floral arrangement just won’t do.” She thought as she started to fiddle with one of the decorations.
At once the two mares found themselves back in the same corridor they began in with Minuette rounding the corner towards them.
“Oops” they said together.
“Thank Celestia you two are here, we're running out of time for set up for these parties. Rarity you are working a children's party in the east ballroom. Pinkie, you have a garden party in the South garden...wait that can’t be right” said Minuette.
“It's right, we'll get right on it. We know where we're going, thanks Minuette!” Said Pinkie waving her on.
After Minuette had left Pinkie began, “I'm so sorry it's my fault, I went by your party to ask some advice and started doing stuff.”
“I am afraid I am guilty of the same thing” confessed Rarity.
“Okay, horseshoes, a ball to buck around and a piñata or two.” Advised Pinkie hurriedly. “What activities can a setup for the fancy ponies?” She asked Rarity.
“Croquet, horseshoes would be fine, and ballroom music to dance to. Anything else you can tell me?” Answered Rarity.
“Cake and cookies!” Yelled Pinkie galloping away.
In a whirlwind of activity they each set up their respective parties, careful not to receive too much help from the other.
Rarity felt very pressed getting the piñatas, the cake, and all other materials she needed. Rarity raced to set up the games, pin the tail on the pony, mini hoofball, and two piñatas. She worked as hard as she could and barely finished hanging the last streamers and balloons before the fillies and their parents came in. With a sigh of relief, Rarity realized the kids were all having fun and relishing the sweets. “So far so good.” She said to herself.
Pinkie had devoted all her energy and talent into her preparations this time around. She picked colorful arrangements to serve a centerpieces on round tables with crisp white tablecloths. Croquet and horseshoes waited for the Canterlot elite to play. Discord's cucumber sandwiches, a batch of cupcakes from her favorite Canterlot bakery, and several pots of tea waited for the guest to arrive. Fancy Pants and his guests entered moments after Pinkie came in with the live string quartet. “I’m sorry, I just got them here they’ll need a few moments to get situated.” Pinkie apologized to the crowed.
Fancy Pants replied, “Fret not my dear, you have done a splendid job. All the right elements are in place, I can take it from here. You should go relax, perhaps check and see how miss Rarity is faring.”
Rarity left the ballroom just as Pinkie arrived. She held to door open for Pinkie to peek in. Pinkie saw fillies and Colts chasing each other around covered in chocolate and frosting giggling. “Looks like you party is going well” said Pinkie.
“I take it yours goes well also.” inquired Rarity.
“Fancy Pants took charge once he and his guests arrived.” Answered Pinkie.
“I wonder how we'll know we’ve finished.” Said Rarity as the two faded down the hallway.