Celestia and Luna Regret Playing Truth or Dare

by Diamond_Emblem

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Starlight Glimmer, Romance, Princess Luna, Drama, Spike, Comedy, Princess Celestia
Length: 15781

It's been a few months since the Mane Six played their first game of Truth or Dare at their slumber party. Starlight and Spike are here to join the fun, too. Then two unexpected guests come knocking. It'll be total chaos.

Months ago, the Mane Six played their first round of Truth or Dare. As a result, they ended up having a rap battle, learned about secret crushes, and managed to start a beautiful relationship between one of the Mane Six and a Wonderbolt. Since their first game, Starlight Glimmer and Spike joined the fun. This week is the same as always. But little do they know, two unexpected guests come to play.
The rules are simple.
1. If choosing Truth, you must tell the truth when some pony asks you a question.
2. If choosing Dare, you must perform the dare some pony dares you to do.
3. You cannot change your choice once you have selected something to perform.
4. You cannot choose somepony to dare you to perform something or ask you something.
5. The game ends at midnight when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna say it ends.

Featured!
Credit and big thanks to monakaliza on Deviantart for allowing me to use the lovely artwork!
It's recommended to read What Happens at the Lit Club... and The Mane Six Regret Playing Truth or Dare if you want to understand some stuff that's going on.

Published 2016-07-18 03:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-09-05 19:12:56 UTC

Chapter 1: Knock Knock

"Starlight, do you mind helping me set up for tonight's slumber party?"

Before Twilight had asked for help, Starlight Glimmer had been staring in frustration at the blank pages of her new journal, quill in a full bottle of ink.

The journal was a gift to her from Twilight, being her teacher and all. On the front cover of the leather journal was Starlight's cutie mark, full color and all. It had been gifted to her because Twilight had insisted Starlight could use it to write down a lesson of friendship she had learned.

The bad part was Twilight was going to collect it the next day to check on Starlight's progress.

It's been nearly a week since Twilight has given me this journal, and I still don't have a friendship lesson, Starlight mused. Twilight's going to be disappointed, especially since I haven't been trying. She blamed her lack of friendship lessons on the...first fight.

"Uh, I don't mind at all!" Starlight called out. "I'll be there in a moment!"

Starlight closed her journal and promised herself that she would find a friendship lesson to write about. Even though she had only a few hours to do so. Hopefully, the slumber party would teach her a valuable lesson about friendship. She got up from her seat in the library and left.

As Starlight made her way to the official slumber party room, she thought back to her very first slumber party. Sweet Celestia, she couldn't believe it had been months since her first slumber party and game of Truth or Dare. Each slumber party was fantastic, and every game of Truth or Dare made Starlight regret playing it. But she couldn't help the smile that slid onto her face at the memory of Rainbow Dash acting like a fish or Spike trying to juggle half a dozen Rarity plushes.

Spike...

Starlight shook her head at the thought of his name. She had  managed to avoid him for a solid week and Starlight wanted to keep it that way. She continued on her way to the slumber party room.

Inside the slumber party room, Twilight was hanging up streamer decorations from the middle of the ceiling to the end of the ceiling. The streamers were in the pattern of a rainbow. The streamer colors went from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Or was it purple? After the sixth color, the streamer color went back to red. Several glow-in-the-dark stars hung at different heights from the ceiling, each star attached to a wire. One star was so low, Starlight could touch it with her horn if she stood on her hindquarters.

"Whoa," Starlight said, walking in. "This place looks stunning! Fantastic job, Twilight!"

Twilight turned to Starlight and smiled. "Thank you!" she said. "This week is Fluttershy's turn to bring food and drinks. So we can wait for the others to arrive in a few minutes. Or maybe some of our friends are helping Fluttershy carry the refreshments."

Starlight suddenly became confused. "But you asked me to help you set up the room," she said.

Twilight flapped her wings nervously. "Well, you see, I actually wanted to talk to you about something important," she explained.

"Really?" Starlight asked. Knowing her luck, Twilight was going to ask how her journal was coming along or what the sudden influx of letters from Sunburst was about. Questions she didn't want to reply to. "What about?"

Twilight folded her wings and sighed. "What's going on between Spike and you?" she asked.

Starlight's heart leaped out of her chest. This question was even worse.

And since she definitely didn't want to answer, Starlight naturally responded, "What do you mean?"

"After my first real game of Truth or Dare, the two of you hung out more often. Like every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you two used to go to Sugarcube Corner for snacks and you came back with a few bags of goodies. Spike and you spent a lot of your time in the castle reading and talking. And Spike never reads! If that weren't enough, you two went out for random walks!"

"Hey! My personal life is none of your business," Starlight snapped.

"Actually, it is," Twilight said. "I watch over your progress of friendship, who you make friends with, and what kind of ponies your friends are."

Starlight tried to make a comeback, but she knew any one that she would try to make would be a failed attempt.

"How did you notice our schedule?" she asked instead. She resisted the urge to say, former schedule.

"It had been going on for about four, five weeks, so I was able to pick up the pattern on the third week," Twilight replied. "Now answer my question: What's going on between the both of you?"

"I still don't understand your question," Starlight said.

"Ever since Spike's visit to the Dragonlands, you two have been distancing yourself from each other," Twilight explained. "You've stopped hanging out. Whenever I have you two work together, work ends up as a fighting match. What about? I'd like to know!"

"Everything between Spike and I is alright," Starlight lied.

Twilight stared at her for a few seconds. "There is something wrong between you two, and I am going to find out what it is," she said. "No matter what it takes."

A determined expression settled on Twilight's face. Now Starlight was certain Twilight was going to keep her vow and use any method she could to figure out what was going on. She heard Pinkie Pie recount a time when Twilight spied on her and ran tests to try to make some sense out of Pinkie's Pinkie Sense.

"Then good luck, because nothing is wrong between Spike and I," Starlight said.

"We'll see about that," Twilight said.

Suddenly Twilight's ears perked up as if she heard the Ding! of the toaster in the kitchen. How was she be able to hear it from the second floor of the castle? Starlight wasn't sure.

"The others are here," Twilight said. "I'm going to get my stuff. Meanwhile, you can settle yourself in."

Twilight left the slumber party room. Starlight looked around the room. It was a shame she didn't get to help. Maybe she would have learned a valuable lesson about friendship.

"Ahem."

Starlight turned her head and body around to face Spike, who appeared in the doorway. His arms were crossed and in the light of the stars, Starlight could see he was frowning.

His eyebrows furrowed. "You're standing on my spot," he said.

Starlight looked behind herself and saw Spike's bed. She was on Spike's spot of the room.

"Sorry," she mumbled, walking over to her own bed, next to Fluttershy's. It had been added the Saturday of her second slumber party.

Starlight could sense Spike roll his eyes. "I doubt it," he mumbled as he brought in his sleeping bag.

She whipped her head around and glared fiercely at the dragon. "Oh please!" Starlight snapped. "Like you're sorry for meeting Dragonlord Ember!"

"Are you bringing this up again?" Spike said through gritted teeth. His back faced Starlight as he curled his claws into a fist.

"This never ended!" Starlight said angrily.

Spike turned to face her. He was glaring at Starlight.

"And neither will your conversations with Sunburst!" Spike snapped. "So it's totally fine that I'm still in contact with Ember!"

"You're what?!" Starlight shrieked.

"You heard me!" Spike yelled. "You're still in contact with Sunburst, so why can't I keep in touch with Ember?"

"You can!" Starlight yelled.

"And why do you care?!"

"I don't!"

"Well, I don't care that you still talk with Sunburst!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

Starlight turned herself away from Spike. A few tears fell, but Starlight blinked the rest back. Their arguments were escalating and ending quickly now. They were also becoming worse.

She quickly wiped away the tears on her face and dried her eyes. She couldn't let Spike get to her. Even though...

"Hey, guys!"

Starlight turned and put on the best smile she could muster. "Hey, Rainbow," she greeted.

Rainbow Dash zoomed into the room, dropping her slumber party gear on the floor behind her bed. She landed on her bed and grinned. "Long time, no see! How's life been, Starlight?"

"Oh, you know, busy as always," Starlight said. "Learning about friendship and writing about it. Nothing exciting for me."

"Still getting letters from Sunburst?" Rainbow asked. Starlight studied Rainbow's smirk and determined there was a different meaning to her question. From out of the corner of her eye, Starlight could see Spike's grip on one of his bedposts tighten.

Starlight laughed nervously. "And replying!" she said as cheerfully as possible.

Judging from Rainbow Dash's even smugger look, Starlight could tell she didn't believe her. Before she could begin an argument, the rest of the Mane Six filed in.

Fluttershy was carrying several bags in her saddlebag    bagception?    and a little yapping dalmatian pounced Fluttershy's bed.

For the past few weeks, Fluttershy had brought along her puppy, Cookie Dough, to the weekly slumber parties. She claimed Cookie got lonely in her cottage when she left for the slumber party. So Fluttershy brought Cookie Dough to the Castle of Friendship every Saturday night. No pony really complained or argued. Cookie Dough was too adorable.

"Hello, everypony!" Rarity said. "It's a pleasure to be back with all of you again!"

"Oh that's right," Fluttershy said. "You came back from your business trip to Canterlot a few hours ago, didn't you?"

"Indeed I did!" Rarity said. She walked over to her bed and used her magic to take off her saddlebag. She placed it at the foot of her bed and said, "Not only did I see how successful my boutique has gotten, I checked on the Tasty Treat Restaurant. Saffron and her father are doing better than ever!"

"That's amazin' news!" Applejack said, lowering her saddlebag on her bed. "Ah'm glad you and Pinkie Pie managed to pull that restaurant out of the dark and into the limelight."

"They totally deserve the limelight!" Pinkie Pie said, hopping onto her bed. "Their food is DELICIOUS!"

"Now, enough about me," Rarity said, resting on her bed. She flashed a knowing smile to Rainbow Dash. "How has life been treating you, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow blushed furiously. "Soarin' took me on a date to Manehattan on Thursday," she mumbled in reply.

Rarity batted her eyelashes at Rainbow. Of course, there was always the one detail she wanted to know.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, we did kiss! At least my kiss count is higher than yours!"

Rarity gasped in shock. "How dare you!" she said. "I will have you know my relationship with Fancypants is very complicated, and new to me, with him being in Canterlot and I here in Ponyville. He has to maintain his social status and I have to maintain my business."

"But did you see him in Canterlot while you were there?" Twilight asked, helping Fluttershy unload her saddlebag.

A small smile appeared on Rarity's face. "Well, yes," she replied. "As a matter of fact, Fancypants took me to a fashion show yesterday. Oh, you'll never guess who I saw there."

"Oh! Oh! Hoity Toity!" Pinkie Pie guessed. "No, Sapphire Shores! No, wait! How about   "

"Coco Pommel!" Rarity squealed. "I got the chance to chat with her, and she explained to me that they were featuring one of her dresses!

"If one of Coco's dresses got featured at a fashion show in Canterlot, that must mean Coco's making it big in the fashion world," Twilight said.

"Indeed she is!" Rarity exclaimed. "I'm so happy for her!"

"So, anypony else got something exciting to share?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Twilight smiled as if she'd been holding in the news for days. "Well, I finally got the opportunity to talk with Mayor Mare on Wednesday. She's agreed to begin planning and funding a new library and a new bookstore in Ponyville!"

Like every Saturday night, the Slumber-Party Eight caught up with each other about what was happening in each of their lives. Fluttershy spoke of Cookie Dough, who had recently gotten into the Everfree Forest. Luckily, Discord was able to find the puppy before she could get into serious danger. Pinkie Pie had visited the rock farm on Wednesday to see how her family was doing. Applejack had chores, as usual, but had managed to sneak in a night out in Ponyville.

"Anything going on for you, Spike?" Rarity asked the dragon, who was eating some potato chips. Starlight had noticed things between Spike and Rarity had been going smoothly ever since they had a heart-to-heart talk at the Star Night Festival. Their friendship had been growing stronger, from the looks of things. Not that Starlight cared.

Spike swallowed and grinned. "Oh, you know, the usual," he said. "Helping Twilight around the castle. Enjoying life."

"Ooh! Have you gotten any letters from Ember?" Twilight asked eagerly. "I have a question about dragon sleeping patterns and a few other    "

"Sleeping patterns?" Rainbow Dash interrupted. "You could ask Ember how much treasure she has as a Dragonlord, or any past wars the dragons have fought, but you decide to ask her about dragon sleeping patterns?"

"Well, why not?" Twilight asked.

"I still can't believe Spike's first friend from the Dragonlands is Ember," Rarity said. "The new Dragonlord!"

"Yeah, that's REALLY crazy!" Starlight said through gritted teeth. She violently dipped her chip into some sauce. As a result, the chip broke.

Starlight noticed Spike was enjoying this. He said, "Yeah, Ember's great! One of the best dragons I've ever met!"

"Hey! I have an idea!" Starlight said. "Let's stop talking about Ember and talk about somepony else!"

"Somepony like Sunburst?" Fluttershy asked politely.

Spike's claws suddenly balled into a fist, crushing the chips he was about to eat. Several pieces crumbled out of his fist.

"Yeah! What's going on with Sunburst these days, Star?" Rainbow Dash asked with a sly grin.

"Oh, nothing much," Starlight said with a soft smile. Spike glared at her and dropped the chips out of his claws. The crumbs were all over his bed, but he didn't really care. Starlight's smile made his heart beat faster, but it also made his temper boil. And Sunburst? So we're playing this game, are we now? Spike mused angrily.

"Are you sure that's all that's going on with him, darling?" Rarity asked, batting her eyelashes.

"I don't understand what you mean," Starlight said, grinning. She knew exactly what was happening and she wanted it to happen. It irked Spike. A lot.

Twilight didn't seem amused. "Um, hey, how about we start the game early?" she asked.

"Oooooh yes!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Please! I have been waiting FOREVER to play Truth or Dare!"

"It's only eight, and we can definitely play four rounds of Truth or Dare!" Rainbow added.

"Okay, we'll start playing!" Twilight said. "Let's go over the rules first."

"One, if choosing Truth, you must tell the truth when some pony asks you a question," Fluttershy stated.

"Two, if choosing Dare, you must perform the dare some pony dares you to do," Rarity said.

"Three! You cannot change your choice once you have selected something to perform!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Four. You cannot choose somepony to dare you to perform something or ask you something," Starlight said. Spike and she exchanged fierce glares.

"And the final rule!" Twilight said.

Suddenly, their ears were filled with three powerful rings, coming from the doorbell downstairs. The doorbell shouldn't have been able to make that much noise. Only enough so Twilight could hear. But judging by the faces on each of her friends, Twilight knew she wasn't the only one who heard it.

The ringing stopped. Everypony blinked as if coming out of a trance. They looked around, exchanging curious glances with one another.

Fluttershy was the one who finally spoke. "Who could that be at this hour of the day?" she asked.

"I don't know," Twilight admitted. "I'll check out who it is. Don't start the game until I come back!"

Twilight left the room and trotted downstairs. Who could be at the Castle of Friendship's door at this time of the day? Ponies were surely getting ready to close up shops, maybe head out for something fun to do, or perhaps the Ponyville Tavern. But coming to the Castle of Friendship? The only ponies who came were the Mane Six, Starlight, and Spike.

She trotted down the grand staircase of the castle and hurried to the front doors. The echo of her hoof steps against the floor was all she heard besides the thoughts racing through her head of whom it could be.

Twilight slowed once she reached the doors. She took a deep breath and opened one of the doors.

"Hi! How can I help    AGHHHHHHHHH!"

Twilight took several steps back, but not before slamming the door. Her heart was trying to jump out of her body. Once she was calm enough, she immediately became unnerved again.

Why would I slam the door?! she mused frantically. Why?! I need to open it again! Hopefully, they won't be mad at me!

Twilight quickly rushed to the door and opened it again. She had to tilt her head upwards to talk with them.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" Twilight said nervously with a sheepish grin. "How...lovely to see you at this time of day!"

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood side-by-side, beaming as if they didn't mind having a door slammed in their faces. In fact, they seemed eager about something. They wore their own saddlebags, and for some strange reason, neither of them wore their crown.

"It's lovely to see you again, Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia said.

Twilight shook her head. "What are you doing here at this time?" she asked.

Celestia and Luna exchanged glances. Luna smiled. "Well, Twilight Sparkle, do you remember the night you asked us to extend the night?" she asked.

"Well, yes, of course," Twilight said. She remembered vividly that she wanted to get back at Rainbow Dash for making her act like a princess for a whole hour. She had teleported to the Canterlot Castle and asked for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to make the night stop before midnight.

"My sister and I were wondering..." Celestia smiled. "We were wondering if we could play with you girls this week."

Twilight blinked and her eyes widened. Here were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, saddlebags ready for a game of Truth or Dare. Their expressions said they were waiting a long time to play.

"Don't the both of you have work running Equestria?" Twilight asked.

"Of course, if it's alright with your friends and you," Luna said.

"No. I mean, I'm sure my friends wouldn't mind having you join us for this week's game of Truth or Dare," Twilight said in a daze. She opened the door wide. "Come in."

"Princess Celestia?!" Spike asked.

"Princess Luna?!" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Three princesses in one room at the same time?" Starlight asked. "This is a first for me."

"You'll get used to it," Applejack said.

"Hello, Elements of Harmony!" Celestia greeted the room. "My sister and I have decided to join you for a game of Truth or Dare!"

"Oooooh really?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Great! We're just about to start! Let's go over the rules again! One, if choosing Truth, you must tell the truth when some pony asks you a question. Two! if choosing Dare, you must perform the dare some pony dares you to do. Three! You cannot change your choice once you have selected something to perform. Four! You cannot change your choice once you have selected something to perform! And finally, five! The game ends at midnight!"

Luna smiled, taking a seat next to Twilight's bed. Celestia took a seat by Starlight's bed, which made a circle with the rest of the beds. Celestia said, "Sounds like fair rules." She exchanged another round of knowing looks to Luna.

Luna spoke. "Is it alright if my sister and I just change one rule?" she asked.

Twilight glanced around the room. The faces on her friend's faces said, No but Fluttershy replied, "Of course."

"The game shall end when the Royal Sisters say it ends!" Celestia announced.

The Mane Eight glanced around, giving looks that said Oh boy. But instead of saying that aloud, they nodded their heads in agreement with the new rule.

"And you thought this was a good idea?" Spike whispered to Twilight, who flew onto her bed.

"Well, I couldn't say no to them," Twilight whispered. "And I certainly didn't know how to respond to such a surprise. I had to let them in. Besides, it's just one game."

"A game that ends when both Royal Sisters say it ends," Spike said. "This won't end well."

"None of our games ever end well, do they?" Twilight asked.

Spike nodded. "True," he said. "But with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, things could get a little hectic."

"Just one game," Twilight said. "That's it. We can do this. And we'll end up regretting playing this, but we always do that at the end of these games.

"If everything's taken care of, then I say this week's game of Truth or Dare shall BEGIN!" Pinkie Pie yelled. Suddenly, she brought out her party cannon. She stuffed it with scented streamers Maud had gotten her for the Pie Sisters' Surprise Swap Day. She lit the fuse and dozens of streamers blasted out of the cannon, sending sweet-smelling aromas around the room.

The game was on.

Chapter 2: Twilight: Spend 30 Minutes with Trixie

Twilight shook the scented streamers out of her mane before saying, "I love these new streamers as much as you do, Pinkie, but they're a slight pain to clean up after."

Rainbow nodded in agreement, flapping her wings to rid her feathers of streamers. "Maybe can you not do that next time?" she asked.

Pinkie Pie grinned sheepishly. "Sorry!" she said. "I just can't help myself!"

Applejack chuckled. "Ah'm sure ya couldn't," she said, "with those streamers bein' from yer sister Maud and all." She used her tail to sweep the streamers off her bed. "Alright, now that we've got the party canon outta the way, who's got the Wheel of Choice?"

Princess Luna turned to Twilight. "What is this Wheel of Choice Applejack speaks of?" she asked. "This princess needs to know everything before beginning a game."

"It's this cardboard wheel that Rarity designed," Twilight explained. "We decided that we'd use the wheel to decide who's turn it is. We also use it as a fair method to pick the players who suggest Truth questions or Dares to the pony chosen. We just spin the arrow in the middle of the board, and when the arrow stops, the pony the arrow points to takes their turn."

Celestia had been listening to Twilight's explanation of the Wheel of Choice. She asked eagerly, "May I spin the Wheel of Choice?" She raised her right hoof as if she were in school asking the teacher a question. Quite the ironic analogy.

"Of course, Your Highness!" Rarity said enthusiastically. She tapped her chin and after a moment, said, "Pinkie was the last one who took their turn last week, correct? She must have the Wheel of Choice."

"Uh huh!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Lemme just find it first!"

She shuffled through her saddlebag, throwing out several items, which included a notebook, several rubber ducks, a life preserver, and a tuba. Luna was fascinated by the number of items Pinkie could hold in what looked like a saddlebag that could only carry a few books at most. How could she manage to fit, of all things, a tuba in it? Why in Equestria did she have a tuba in her saddlebag for a slumber party in the first place?

"A-HA!" Pinkie Pie took out a pink cardboard circle with a red arrow dangling from the center of it. "Here it is!"

She jumped off her bed and landed on the floor. Pinkie let the Wheel of Choice fly into the air and land on her head. She walked like a Canterlotian, back straight, head high, hoovesteps dainty but powerful,  and made her way to Princess Celestia. Pinkie Pie lowered her neck and presented the Wheel to Celestia by saying, "It is my honor to present you with the Wheel of Choice. Spin if YOU DARE!"

Pinkie slid the Wheel off her head and onto the floor in front of Celestia. She hopped back to her bed and grinned. "Let's do this!" she exclaimed.

Celestia smiled. "Thank you, Pinkie Pie," she said. She held down the cardboard with one hoof and spun the arrow with another.

The arrow spun around for a few moments. All eyes were on the arrow, each player hoping it didn't point towards themselves. With the exception of Celestia and Luna. The Royal Sisters were eager to take their turns, not knowing the true evils of Truth or Dare.

The arrow slowed down. The eyes of the players moved to the direction the arrow was pointing at.

Twilight.

"I guess it's my turn!" Twilight said sheepishly. What a way to begin the game.

"Truth or Dare?" Rainbow asked with one of her famous sly grins.

"Tonight, I think I'll be frisky," Twilight said. With Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in the game, the possibilities were going to be 100% disastrous. So why delay the inevitable?

"Dare," she said.

"Twilight Sparkle, first up to tango, the first player to choose dare?" Applejack asked with a grin. She whistled. "And ah thought the chances of Flashlight were greater!"

"Very funny, Applejack," Twilight said, rolling her eyes, "but I don't have a crush on...that Royal Guard member."

"What Royal Guard member?" Celestia whispered to Starlight excitedly. Twilight Sparkle, with a crush? This was big news to her. She needed to know everything about this stallion. Then Celestia could endlessly tease both Twilight and the Royal Guard member.

Starlight Glimmer shrugged. "I've never known Twilight had a crush," she whispered.

"And now, to spin the wheel three more times!" Pinkie said. "Whoever the arrow points to gets to dare Twilight, and out of those three dares, she has to pick one."

"I shall spin the wheel this time!" Luna declared. She reached over and spun the arrow with incredible force. The arrow spun at a high velocity for a few moments before it slowed down. Starlight. Luna spun two more times, and the arrow landed on Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Alright!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Whaddya girls have for Princess Twilight?"

Rainbow Dash came up with a dare immediately. "Challenge Discord to a food fight!" she said.

"Okay, no," Twilight said. "Let's hear what other dares there are. Starlight?"

"Um..." Starlight had learned a few weeks back that Twilight was afraid of quesadillas. Perhaps a dare about the tasty food?

"I dare you to learn how to make a quesadilla," Starlight said.

Twilight shuddered. "Definitely not," she said."What dare do you have for me, Rarity?"

"Well, I have been thinking about this dare for several days," Rarity said. "And I think you'll prefer this dare to the others."

"Then please, share your dare, Rare," Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash stuffed her hoof into Pinkie's mouth. "Yes, Pinkie," she said. "The sentence rhymed."

She took out her hoof and quickly wiped it with a napkin. Pinkie Pie giggled and said, "You were one step ahead of me, Dashie!"

"Twilight," Rarity said, "I dare you to spend half an hour with Trixie."

Twilight's eyes widened in surprise.

"Trixie?" Celestia asked. "As in, Trixie Lulamoon? The mare who used the Alicorn Amulet to take over Ponyville the day I was coming to town with the delegates from Saddle Arabia?"

"You know about Trixie, Princess Celestia?"  Fluttershy asked politely.

"Do I know her?" Celestia asked. "She could be my potential niece-in-law!"

The room suddenly became quiet, registering the words one of the Royal Sisters had said. All eyes moved to Princess Celestia, who was covering her mouth with her hooves.

The only nephew Celestia had was Prince Blueblood. Potential niece-in-law? How much did the public not know about the Royals? And how did Twilight not know about this sooner?

"WHAT MY SISTER MEANT TO SAY!" Luna yelled in her Royal Canterlot voice. Her face was beaded with sweat and her pupils had shrunk by several times. She plastered a nervous smile on her face.

"She MEANT to say Trixie Lulamoon could be her potential nnn...new LIBRARIAN! At Canterlot Castle!" Luna said nervously. She glanced around the room, scanning the faces of each player. None of their faces said they believed her.

Applejack coughed awkwardly. "Ah suppose that's another story for another time," she said. "Now, back to Twilight!"

Twilight nodded. "I think I will accept Rarity's dare to spend time with Trixie." It was the only reasonable dare for Twilight to do. A food fight with Discord would just end up with a clean up crew for all of Ponyville. And why would Twilight want to make the stuff of her nightmares? She was surprised she didn't get nightmares about the cheesy tortilla. But thirty minutes with Trixie? That was alright.

"Is Trixie still in town?" Rarity asked, turning to Starlight. "You're the closest to her out of...the majority of us."

Starlight nodded in reply, smiling. "Last week, Trixie told me she was thinking about permanent residence here in Ponyville," she said. She gasped, a wonderful idea forming in her head. She noticed Celestia's frown of disapproval out of the corner of her eyes. "If Trixie does stay, can she come to our weekly slumber parties?"

Her question was met with silence. Spike could understand what his friends were thinking. None of them had seen Trixie for months, as far as Spike knew. Having Trixie at one of their slumber parties? Give it a few weeks with them all spending time with Trixie, then maybe they'd consider inviting her. That was if she did stay in Ponyville.

"I...suppose my question is best saved for another time?" Starlight guessed, clearly upset.

"For the best," Rarity agreed.

"So, ahem, where can we find Trixie now, Star?" Twilight asked , moving on from Starlight's question.

"Right now, Trixie is staying at the Ponyville Inn. But I think she's practicing her magic at the park," Starlight replied.

"Then let's go!" Rainbow Dash zoomed out of the room, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake.

The players looked at one another, exchanging glances before Rainbow dashed back into the room.

"Um, hello?" she asked impatiently. "Let's go already!"

"Yes, Rainbow! What a marvelous idea!" Rarity said sarcastically. "We'll go around Ponyville, with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight all with us! No pony would EVER notice them with us!"

Rainbow glared at Rarity. "Hey, you don't have to be sarcastic about it!" she said, flying back to her bed.

"But Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in their forms would give us unwanted attention for the night," Fluttershy pointed out.

"Which is why Luna and I will change our forms," Celestia said.

"What    ?"

Twilight's question was interrupted with two powerful glows, one golden, the other blue. The glows were so blinding, Twilight had to avert her gaze to the other side of the room. Even then, she could see the glow, and could feel the burning heat from the magic being performed. Her friends averted their gazes by covering their eyes with their legs or a pillow.

Finally, after a few moments, the glows and heat died down. Twilight turned her head back to the princesses and suddenly gasped.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were no longer. In Celestia's place sat a unicorn about Twilight's age. She had a white coat, stunning blue eyes, and an ombre mane, with the colors red, orange and yellow. Her cutie mark was a coal on fire.

In Princess Luna's place, there was a unicorn who had a light blue coat, midnight blue mane, and magenta eyes. Her cutie mark was a star with a tiara on it. She winced. "That spell always hurts," she said.

"It hurts worse for me," Celestia(?) said. "This forms feels strange without my wings."

"Indeed it does," Luna(?) nodded in agreement.

"So, you changed forms," Twilight said. "What are your names now?"

Celestia smiled. "Ember Fuel," she said. Her voice was slightly different. Younger and immature.

"Stargaze Headdress," Luna said. Her voice sounded like it had when the Elements of Harmony restored Luna from her Nightmare Moon form.

Starlight and Spike definitely exchanged death glares from across the room. They weren't even trying to be secretive anymore.

"Those are lovely names," Fluttershy commented. "But, um, this dare is just for Twilight. She doesn't need a lot of help finding Trixie, does she?"

"No," Twilight agreed. "I just need Starlight and somepony else. Everypony else can still play the game."

"I shall go with you!" Celestia/Ember Fuel declared.

"And why is that?" Twilight asked.

"Because my word is law!" Celestia said. Twilight raised an eyebrow. This kind of behavior from Celestia was shocking, to say the least. Twilight had never seen the princess act in such a way.

Twilight turned to face the rest of the players. "What will you all do while I'm gone?" she asked.

"We keep playing," Rainbow replied. "That's what we did whenever somepony went somewhere to do something!"

Sounded good to Twilight, but it would also mean she would miss out on the next turn. If luck had been on her side, Twilight would watch the arrow land on Starlight, and then Twilight, and then she would ask Star what was happening between Spike and Starlight.

But unfortunately, fate decided she had to talk to Trixie.

"Alright, then you all go at it," Twilight said, rising from her bed. "Starlight, Princess Cele    Ember, let's go."

Twilight trotted out of the room, Starlight and Ember Coal following close behind.

As soon as they were out of ear distance from the room, Celestia said to Twilight, "Young filly, I'd like to have a word with you."

"Ditto," Twilight said.

It was about eight thirty when they arrived at the Ponyville park. On their way to the park, several ponies had questioned this Ember Coal that was walking with Twilight and Starlight. Luckily, the mares explained Ember was just staying in Ponyville for the night. No further questions were asked.

The sunset had just arrived. Ponies were gathering at the park to enjoy the weekend night. How the sun had set without Celestia's magic, Twilight wanted to know. But what she wanted to know even more was what Celestia was keeping from her.

"Why didn't you tell me that Trixie and Prince Blueblood are dating?" Twilight demanded as soon as they arrived.

"And you didn't tell me about the crush you have on a Royal Guard?" Ember asked.

"That's different!" Twilight said, stopping to face her former mentor.

The look in Ember's eyes said it was a lie. "You and I both know there is no difference between our secrets," she said. "Now, you begin, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight stared at Ember. The mare's gaze was intense, the only look Celestia gave to the unicorns who had broken important rules, one of them being never to try dark magic. Twilight remembered the fear on the faces of the unicorns. They never could stand against Celestia's Look.

Neither could Twilight, years later, a grown mare, Princess of Equestria, no longer a student. Her legs became weak. Sweat started trickling down Twilight's face. Celestia's look said, No matter what, I will learn what you are hiding from me. I should punish you right here and right now for not doing so before.

She couldn't withstand it. She quickly blinked and faced the ground, the effects of the stare wearing off.

"Flash Sentry," Twilight admitted. "I saw his alternate self in the other world. Without his help, I wouldn't have been able to set up the Fall Formal in time, which would have resulted in my failure to recover my crown and return to Equestria. I saw him in the Crystal Empire, and I...I just fell for him. For a few months, I might add.

"But no longer do I like him," Twilight said. "It's been months since I last seen him. My crush on him faded after our first game of Truth or Dare."

"I don't mean to be rude," Starlight interrupted, "but we should start walking to find Trixie."

Twilight and Celestia exchanged glances. "We can talk about my situation on the way," Ember said.

"Fine," Twilight said.

Starlight led the way. She claimed she knew Trixie's favorite spot to perform magic. Twilight paid more attention to Celestia than what she passed.

"Trixie and Blueblood have been dating for three months," Celestia said.

"Then why would you say Trixie could be a good niece-in-law?" Twilight asked.

Ember sighed. "I meant it as a joke," she said. "Luna knows if they'll get married. But Blueblood has been happier lately. That's all I really know about their relationship. I'm busy ruling Equestria with my sister, so it cuts quality time short."

"Then why are you playing Truth or Dare?" Twilight asked. She shook her head. "No, more important question: Why didn't you tell me about Trixie and Blueblood?"

"Why didn't you tell me about Flash Sentry?" Celestia asked.

Twilight's mouth opened to reply, but nothing came out. She promptly closed it back shut and stayed silent, until minutes later, she heard somepony yell, "ALWIND!"

A burst of wind suddenly flew their way. Twilight's mane flew in the wind, and it the breeze, she had to admit, felt nice.

The wind that had suddenly occurred died down. "Trixie!" Starlight called, surging forward.

Twilight looked in the direction Starlight was galloping in, and saw Trixie was holding a journal book with her magic. Nearby were other books, including, "Magic Tricks 101" and "Illusions Nopony Will Believe." She looked like she had been in deep concentration, her eyes slightly glazed over. Her magic aura was a paler pink than usual. She had been practicing magic under a willow tree. The billowy branches and leaves on the tree cast a large shadow in the sunset light.

Trixie lowered her book and smiled wearily as Starlight galloped forward, like just seeing Starlight, her best friend made her day a little brighter.

"Trixie! It's so good to see you again!" Starlight stopped in front of Trixie and smiled. Though embracing a friend was a good greeting, the two mares were still uncomfortable with the "friendship" concept.

"Yes, it has been a while since we have last seen each other," Trixie said. "Tell me, Starlight, what brings you here with your friend, Trixie?"

"Oh, right," Starlight said. "So, I'm in the middle of playing Truth or Dare. Twilight's turn is now and she chose Dare."

"Oh?" There was a twinge of...something on Trixie's face. "What was Twilight Sparkle dared to do?"

"I was dared to talk to you for half an hour," Twilight answered, coming forward. Celestia was close behind.

"Well, well," Trixie said. "Twilight Sparkle. It's been some time."

"Too long, I think," Twilight said cautiously. "So, you know why I'm here. You won't run away, will you?"

Trixie snorted in laughter. "Run away?" she asked. "For what reason?"

"Well, maybe you don't want to be around me is all," Twilight confessed. She was completely fine with Trixie now, but how did this blue-coated mare feel about the princess of friendship?

"I suppose we shall discuss it in the thirty minutes we have together," Trixie said. She looked out of the corner of her eye and saw a white-coated mare behind Twilight.

"Who is she?" Trixie asked, pointing to Ember.

Twilight looked behind her. "This is Ember Fuel," she said. "She's staying in Ponyville for the night."

Ember put on her best smile. "Hello!" she greeted.

Trixie smiled. "Hello, Princess Celestia," she said. "I have not seen you in a while, as well."

Ember paled if that was possible with her coat color. But she laughed. "Of course," she said. "You know about my anonymous disguise."

"That's not the point of what an anonymous disguise is, for me to know what it is," Trixie said, "but you have your reasons, Your Highness."

"Well, we'll leave you two here," Starlight said. "Come, Princess Celestia! I don't want to miss out on the next turn!"

"I'm right behind you!" Ember said, galloping behind Starlight.

"Uh, goodbye! See you soon!" Trixie called out. She turned to Twilight with a smug look. "Looks like we're going to have time to become besties, as they say!"

"Oh boy," Twilight said with a defeated expression.

Trixie and Twilight sat in the shade of the willow tree. It was beginning to grow darker, so Twilight had cast a spell with bright blue orbs of light around the tree and their location.

"So, what kind of magic were you practicing?" Twilight asked after two minutes of awkward silence.

"Elemental magic," Trixie replied.

"Really?" Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. The only magic Trixie used to be interested in was magic that defied all logics and blew the minds of ponies, who found it entertaining. "What inspired you to practice a different kind of magic?"

"Starlight Glimmer," Trixie admitted. "She told me one time that she'd been practicing all kinds of magic with you, and she said it was fun. Starlight said I should try different types of magic. So I recently got this book called A Unicorn's Guide to Beginner's Elemental Magic in a library in Canterlot."

"Gee, I wonder what you were doing there," Twilight said sarcastically.

Trixie raised an eyebrow, no doubt wondering if Twilight was nuts. But she said, "I started practicing elemental magic a week ago. It's much harder than I thought."

"What do you have trouble with?" Twilight asked.

"Mostly fire and water magic," Trixie replied. "They seem like the easiest things to control! But I soon learned if they aren't controlled, they can become unpredictable."

"I had trouble with fire and water magic, too," Twilight admitted.

Trixie laughed bitterly. "Twilight Sparkle, unable to perform a simple magic spell? I must be dreaming!" she said.

"I'm serious!" Twilight said. "I also had a lot of trouble with air magic. Controlling wind? I'd rather teleport  a few dozen times!"

Trixie smirked at Twilight. "Air magic is the easiest!" she said. "Whenever I cast a wind spell, I concentrate my feelings into the spell. The wind is powerful, but it can be gentle. It can make you feel like you are floating. It also hates being restrained. I've found that if you connect with the elements, the spell becomes easier and stronger."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "In all my years, I never noticed."

"Oh, come on," Trixie said. Her enthusiasm deflated. "The great and powerful Twilight Sparkle must surely have noticed. She is greater and far more powerful than Trixie, after all."

Twilight frowned. "What makes you say that?" she asked.

Trixie glared at her. "What does Trixie mean?" she asked. "You are the Princess of Magic! The Princess of Friendship, the most powerful magic of all! I've heard of the deeds you have performed with your friends! With your friends, you are practically unstoppable! It stopped the chaos spirit Discord! It ended Tirek's tyranny over Equestria! Even your friendship lessons reformed Starlight! You can do so much more than I can!"

At this point, Trixie had started crying. "It's hard knowing Starlight is your friend, the friend of the princess of magic," she said bitterly. "She's the first friend I've had in a long time. I originally performed magic shows to cheer ponies up, so they didn't have to be as down and lonely as I was. But the praise and approval got to my head and I started doing magic to prove how powerful I was.

"So you can understand now why Trixie doesn't believe you had trouble with magic," Trixie said, her ears flopping down in sadness.

After all that Trixie did, Twilight no longer had the heart to see her as an enemy. Trixie was essentially jealous of Twilight, bitter that she had more magic and friends than her. Something Twilight never thought Trixie would ever be jealous of.

"I didn't always have my friends," Twilight said softly.

Trixie wiped away her tears. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Before I moved here, I lived in Canterlot," Twilight said. "I didn't have any friends there. I was just there with me, myself, and I. I didn't understand how powerful the magic of friendship was until I came here. I am who I am now with my friends. But even with my friends, I was still scared. Discord almost won. I almost gave up on my friends because of a spell I cast. Every villain I've faced, I came close to losing my friends. I'm not perfect either, Trixie."

She turned to face the broken unicorn. "Starlight became my friend because she had nowhere else to start over," Twilight said softly. "She also needed a friend. I have a feeling you need a lot of friends."

Trixie stared at Twilight with doubt. "But I know nothing about friendship!" she said. "How am I supposed to make another friend?"

"Well, you just made one," Twilight said. She gave Trixie a soft smile. The unicorn became confused.

"You're willing to forgive me?" Trixie asked.

"Of course," Twilight said. "After all, a friend of Starlight's is my friend. We also have something in common."

Trixie cracked a small smile. "Like what?" she asked.

"Magic," Twilight said, raising the book Trixie had been using earlier. "I learned a trick with fire in my early years. Would you like help?"

"Yes, please," Trixie replied happily. "Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for being my friend."

"You can thank my friends, who will definitely become your new friends, too."

Chapter 3: Rainbow Dash: Stand-Up Comedy Act

"So, who wants to spin the WHEEL! OF! CHOICE!" Pinkie Pie yelled on her hindquarters.

"Go ahead, Pinkie Pie," Applejack said, smiling. She understood Pinkie's enthusiasm to spin the wheel every week. As long as the arrow never landed on herself.

"Weeeeeeeee!" Pinkie bounced off her bed and stood in front of the wheel. She turned around and sat down on the floor.  Using her tail, Pinkie spun the arrow around the board.

After a few tense seconds, the arrow slowed down and pointed to the next pony up.

Rainbow Dash.

"Really?" she groaned. "It's like I've been jinxed to almost always be one of the first players up!"

"Well, ya do deserve it from our first game of Truth or Dare," Applejack pointed out.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Do we have to bring that up again?" she asked with a clearly annoyed tone. "Our first game was months ago!"

"Ah don't have ta bring it up again," Applejack said. She smirked, knowing she was going to win this argument. "Ya can remember it whenever you see Soarin'."

"Princess Luna, Spike, and me!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Princess Luna, Spike, and you what?" Rainbow asked, turning away from Applejack's statement.

"We give you the choices you have!" Pinkie replied, hopping back onto her bed.

"Rainbow still hasn't chosen what she wants to do," Fluttershy said.

"You're absolutely right, Flutters!" Rarity said. "And what do you choose, Rainbow?"

"Dare, of course," Rainbow Dash answered with a scoff.

Spike spoke first. "Rainbow, I dare you to make your own tea!" he dared.

"That's the best you could come up with?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not choosing that one, it's way too easy! I could do it with my eyes closed. Next!"

Spike crossed his arms as Luna spoke. He had to make better dares and questions. All of his were never picked, and he didn't blame anypony for it. Once, he had dared Fluttershy to be alone outside in the dark for ten minutes. Ten minutes later, they found Fluttershy eating and chatting with half a dozen owls. Another time, Spike asked Twilight what her favorite memory was. She had picked Spike's question, which led to the others saying it wasn't fair that Twilight got to answer an easy question.

"Rainbow Dash, your Princess of the Night dares you to perform a stand-up comedy act at the Ponyville Tavern!" Princess Luna announced.

Rainbow smiled. "Hey, that's actually a pretty good dare," she said. "I might go with that dare! I mean, how hard can stand-up comedy be, right?"

Princess Luna beamed with pride. She did something right during her first game of Truth or Dare! One accomplishment checked off her list.

"You got anything better than a stand-up act, Pinkie?"  Rainbow asked.

"I sure do!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I dare you to perform a Sonic Rainboom and right after, perform a bunch of Wonderbolt stunts!"

Rainbow frowned. "I would do that," she said, "but performing a Sonic Rainboom would require me to go at super speed right after I perform it, and I wouldn't be able to slow down fast enough to perform any stunts. So I'll go with the stand-up act!"

"Then what are we still doing here?" Pinkie Pie asked, doing a cartwheel. "Let's go to the Ponyville Tavern!"

"One moment, Pinkie Pie," Luna said. "What about Celestia and Starlight? They should be back from the park any moment now."

"Leave them a note," Applejack suggested. "Write an' say we're at the Ponyville Tavern for Rainbow Dash's dare. They can meet us there or stay here until we get back."

"Wonderful idea, Applejack!" Stargaze said. "Let me find myself a bottle of ink, a quill, and parchment. Twilight Sparkle must have those supplies around here somewhere, correct?"

"If she didn't, she wouldn't be Twilight Sparkle," Rarity said with a smile.

"I don't know about you guys," Rainbow said, "but I'm gonna get a head start to the Ponyville Tavern. Wouldn't want to delay my awesome performance!"

Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and sped out of the slumber party room, leaving the other players in her dust.

"Stand-up comedy act?" She scoffed as she shoved the entrance double doors open, letting her exit into fresh air. "It's gotta be a piece of cake!"

"I can't change my choice, can I?" Rainbow asked, gulping.

Rainbow, Spike, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Stargaze Headdress were backstage in the Ponyville Tavern. Backstage, it was quite big, when it looked smaller on the outside. Several lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room. There were four chestnut brown doors, each opening to a dressing room for whoever was performing. Rainbow had fortunately booked an empty room before any other acts were taken. Or rather, unfortunately. The rest of the backstage area was with ponies running around, doing a sound check and making sure the lighting was correct for the next performance. Behind them was the red curtain, waiting to be pulled open.

Rainbow was in her dressing room. She had her door wide open, which revealed a mess of clothing and beauty products. Rarity was running around, adjusting a design, then throwing it away for another one. Fluttershy did her best to help Rarity by using hair care tips her brother, Zephyr Breeze, had given her.

Heh, Rainbow mused, smirking. Only one of the few times Zephyr's advice is actually helpful.

But she had to admit, Zephyr had learned a lot. Fluttershy was able to style Rainbow's hair so it was straight, but at the ends, her hair was curled ever so slightly. Her hair looked good.

Rainbow didn't have to worry about her hair as much as she worried about what she was going to do. A stand-up comedy act? What in Equestria was she thinking?! She didn't know anything about comedy besides pranks and bad puns. If only Pinkie Pie could give her some pointers. But Pinkie was the ultimate comedy master. Rainbow couldn't be able to learn anything in ten minutes. And trying to remm=emeber her joke? Even harder.

Stargaze smiled. "Now you regret your choice, Rainbow Dash?" she asked.

"I should have known this wasn't going to be easy!" Rainbow groaned.

"Wellllllllll, you did say, 'how hard can stand-up comedy be,' which meant you thought a stand-up act was going to be easy!" Pinkie Pie pointed out.

"Hey!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Don't use my own words against me!"

"Aha!" Rarity levitated a purple sequin top and a silver necklace. "These will look wonderful on you." Rarity closed the door and the ponies outside could hear Rarity say, "Make sure her hair doesn't get messy!"

Spike walked over to the red curtain and took a peek at the tavern. The tavern was full of ponies having a good time, drinking cider and eating nachos. They sat at wooden tables, on wrap-around red couches. On each circular table was a candle, lit with an enchanted flame so the fire could not spread or use the wax from the candle. To the left was the bar and to the right was more seating and the restaurant area. The walls were made from cobblestone and the ceiling from strong pink wood.

He spotted something interesting, something very interesting. Ember Coal, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight, and Trixie were all sitting together at one of the tables near the front stage. They were chatting and laughing, eating hay fries and drinking water, like they were old friends.

"Well that's something you don't see every day," Spike mumbled to himself.

Spike stole a glance at Starlight. She seemed to be giggling about something Trixie had told her. He wished he was in earshot to hear Starlight's giggle. At least one if they were never going to reconcile.

He quickly pulled his head back from the curtain when Starlight Glimmer caught him staring. His heart beaten rapidly in fear of what would happen when he got back to the castle.

"Two minutes till showtime!" somepony announced.

"I'm nearly done!" Rarity exclaimed from the dressing room.

"Should we go to the tavern area to watch Rainbow Dash perform?" Stargaze asked.

"No," Applejack said. She smirked. "Ah wanna see Rainbow's face when she breaks down here."

"One minute!" the same pony shouted.

The door to Rainbow's dressing room burst open. Rainbow Dash was pushed out by Rarity and Fluttershy. She rocked the shirt and necklace, and her hair went along very well.

"Please don't make me do this!" Rainbow Dash pleaded.

"It was your choice!" Pinkie Pie said, helping move Dashie.

"And it's time for you to pay the price!" Applejack said, joining in.

A light tapping emitted from the speakers in the spectator area. All heads turned to the stage, where Amethyst Star had the microphone.

"How's everypony tonight?" she asked with a smile.

The audience cheered and hollered in response. Amethyst said, "Well, you're night's about to get better. We have a special stand-up act from Ponyville's Wonderbolt hero, Rainbow Dash! Give it up for her!"

Amethyst placed the mic on a wooden stool. She got off stage as Rainbow Dash tripped onstage.

The crowd of ponies smiled and giggled lightly, thinking it was a part of the act.

"How good is Rainbow Dash with comedy?" Celestia asked Twilight.

"Trust me when I say Rainbow had no idea what she was getting herself into," Twilight said, grinning.

Rainbow sat on stage for a moment, staring at the ponies who were waiting for comedy. Their grins faded when they realized the rainbow speediest was just sitting there.

If she was going to suffer from embarrassment, she might as well do it properly. Rainbow got up and grabbed the mic. She flapped her wings nervously and cleared her throat.

"So, uh...How are we doing tonight?" Rainbow asked, sweat trickling down her face.

The audience replied with "Good,"s and, "Okay"s or nods. Rainbow exhaled. She could do this. She could do this. She just had to make up something funny. Easy.

"Well, I'm glad you were having fun," Rainbow said to the crowd. "Because I don't know about anypony here, but last night, I got it on with a stallion last week."

The crowd just stared in silence.

"By the way, anypony remember what 'it' was? I can't remember anything from last week," Rainbow said hastily.

A few laughs rose from the crowds. Rainbow tried breathing normally. "This one time, I drank too much cider, I woke up in a tree. And the smart side of me asked, 'When did the tree pick me up from the party?'"

Several laughs erupted from the crowd. Rainbow grinned. Maybe this would turn out okay. But she would have to last for a few more minutes.

"So, how do you ponies spend your Friday nights?" Rainbow asked. "I bet you don't have to do a chore for Princess Twilight."

Applause erupted, hooves stomping and cheering were meant for Twilight. She smirked as Rainbow Dash continued her joke.

"You'd think it'd be a nice chore, right?" Rainbow asked. "It's Princess Twilight, Princess of Friendship, my friend! Of course it's gonna be an easy chore right? Does reorganizing her clothes sound like a nice chore?"

Several ponies laughed or booed in reaction. Twilight shook her head, trying to keep herself from laughing.

"Ever try to sort out your clothes after a shopping spree?" Dash asked. "It's pretty hard, especially since you gotta organize your new clothes with the old ones, make some new room. But Princess Twilight didn't want me to organize her clothes by new or old. She wanted me to reorganize them by material, color, type of clothing, and size. Which is about a hundred times harder than sorting after a shopping spree."

Ponies laughed and whistled, stomping their hooves in approval.

"So I take a look at her clothes, right?" Rainbow asked. "There's about two dozen clothes. I think to myself, 'I got this, I got this.' But I had no idea what the material was or what the size was. There were the times when Twilight was still a unicorn, but now she's an alicorn. Thinking about this now, why does she still have her old clothes if she can't fit her wings in it? Can she magically take her wings off and pretend she's Twilight Sparkle? Prance around Ponyville, saying, 'I am Twilight Sparkle!'"

The audience was loving it. Even Celestia and Trixie were laughing. Starlight was barely containing her giggles.

"I had to read books to find out what the materials were!" Rainbow said. "Unfortunately, I could not get past the first sentence before falling asleep."

Twilight rolled her eyes, while Starlight chuckled lightly.

"So I just gave up. I go to find Twilight, I ask her, 'Why do I have to organize your clothing if you can do it?'

"She tells me, 'To see if you can actually do something,'" Rainbow said.

At this point, the entire audience was laughing, with Twilight as the exception.

"I get mad. You'd get mad too if the Princess of Friendship said that to your face," Rainbow said once the applause died down. "What do I do? I only sort out her clothes by color. She gets mad when she finds out a few minutes later. She says to me, 'Didn't you hear what I wanted you to do?' I reply, 'Yeah, I did. You said to sort your clothes by color.' Twilight then says, 'Looks like you couldn't do something.' And I respond with, 'OK then! Show me how to do something!' Twilight says, 'Okay!'

"What then happens is Twilight reorganizes her clothing. I sat there, watching her do the work for me. I'm just there, watching. When she's nearly finished, twenty minutes later, she sees me on the floor. She asks, 'What are you doing?' And I reply, 'I am watching you do something.'"

The tavern erupted with cheering, applause, and hooves stomping. Twilight finally laughed, pounding her hoof on the table.

"Thank you, everypony!" Rainbow said, grinning.

Amethyst Star got back on stage. "That's all the time our comedy segment has for tonight!" she said. "Next up, we have Sweetie Belle's Singing Bells."

Rainbow Dash took a bow before escaping backstage. The players were waiting for her.

"I did awesomely," Rainbow said, smirking.

"Ah'm sure you did," Applejack said, grinning.

Rainbow glared at AJ. "What's so funny, Apple Butt?" she asked.

"Oh, nothin'," Applejack said. She smirked. "But did you notice Pinkie Pie reenacting yer scenes behind ya? The ponies sure loved it."

Rainbow Dash blinked. She looked around and saw Pinkie Pie was not there.

"PINKIE PIE!"

"PINKIE PIE!"

"To be honest, Dashie's stand-up act was actually pretty funny," Pinkie said to the four mares at their table.

"Did you really ask Rainbow Dash to do that?" Trixie asked Twilight.

Twilight smiled. "No," she replied.

Chapter 5: Rarity: How's Her Relationship with Spike?

Starlight stared in frustration as Spike clambered back onto his bed. She vaguely noticed Rainbow Dash had spun the wheel, but she wasn't focused on her.

Spike loves this game, does he now? Starlight mused angrily. A small part of her asked, Does he love it as much as me    , uh, Ember? I mean, he couldn't possibly love me.

Starlight could remember the days Spike had made her laugh. She remembered vividly how much fun they had had at the Ponyville Tavern one night. She remembered with perfect clarity the day she had started falling for him.

Starlight also remembered the day that shattered her fantasy.

"Hey, Starlight! I'm back from the Dragonlands!"

Starlight had been in the middle of reading another friendship assignment. #11: Learn more about your friend. What's their favorite color? Where did they grow up? What kind of hobbies do they have?

She moved them aside, glad there was an excuse to ignore them, and beamed as Spike entered her room. "I missed you!" she said. "You've been gone for days. I'm going to guess your mission is over?"

Spike nodded and said, "It was worth a good three-day trek, to and from." He gestured for Starlight to rise.

Starlight got out of her seat and followed Spike out of the room. They had been planning to go to the park when Spike came back from his journey, and that was where they were going.

She couldn't help but smile all the way there. Even though there wasn't much conversation between the both of them on their way to the park, just being near Spike was enough.

It was two weeks ago when she started...feeling something towards Spike, sometime after Princess Flurry Heart was born. She had felt the same thing toward Sunburst but in a much friendlier and lighter way. Her feelings for Spike were different. More intimate, perhaps? And certainly stronger.

Starlight presumed, because of these feelings, she couldn't get Spike out of her head.

It was nearing dusk as they headed to the park. Starlight glanced around and saw other ponies were watching as they passed, whispering. Some seemed to smile and giggle. If they were thinking the same thing Starlight was...She couldn't help but blush at the mere thought.

Minutes later, they arrived at the park. Few ponies were there, which made their night out seem more like a date.

This is anything but a date, Spike thought. Starlight probably doesn't feel the same way I feel about her.

"So, tell me about your trip," Starlight said. "How was it?"

"A little time-consuming, but it was worth it," Spike replied. "I had to go to the Dragonlands because a new Dragon Lord was needed. I competed in it. I had to! If I hadn't the dragons would have run wild, destroying Equestria!"

"And how did you do that?" Starlight asked.

"I had to get the bloodstone scepter from a volcano and get there first before anyone else," Spike explained.

Starlight became confused."If you got the scepter, then why are you here? Shouldn't you be taking care of the Dragonlands?"

"No," Spike replied. He smiled, sending butterflies into Starlight's stomach. "I have a home here, and I've got a bunch of friends! Wouldn't ever want to leave Ponyville."

Blushing, Starlight asked, "Is there any other reason?"

This time, Spike blushed. "Well..." he said, shrugging. "Oh! I almost forgot. I had the help of a dragon named Ember. She's the daughter of the old Dragon Lord, and she's the one in charge of the Dragonlands now."

Starlight froze. "Ember?" she asked. "How is she?"

"She's awesome!" Spike replied eagerly. "Even though she didn't want my help at first. Ember warmed up to me, and I became her first friend! Because of our alliance, we were able to get to the scepter. And I thought I was a goner when Garble showed up. Star, you should have been there to see Ember fight him! She also rescued me when I thought she wouldn't! Goes to show dragons can be friends. Twilight isn't the only one who's good with    Star?"

Starlight had completely stopped. Her lip trembled slightly and her ears were down.

"Are you okay?" Spike asked worriedly.

"No," Starlight replied. "I'm feeling a little dizzy. I need to go back to the castle."

"Oh," Spike said. "Here, I'll come with you    "

"No thank you," Starlight interrupted fiercely. "I need to be alone right now."

"Oh," Spike said dejectedly. "Then are we still on for tomorrow's baseball game?"

"I don't know," Starlight replied, turning away from Spike. "I'll tell you tomorrow."

"Starlight    "

But Starlight was gone. Once she was out of sight, Starlight began galloping back to the Castle of Friendship. Before she knew it, Starlight was crying.

What was I thinking?! I'm out of my mind! Of course Spike would fall for somedragon after getting his heart broken by Rarity! Starlight screamed in her head.

Spike watched as Starlight left the park. He was speechless, his heart slightly broken. He plopped himself on the ground and took out a fire ruby necklace. It was smaller slightly smaller than the one one he had gifted Rarity, but this one was encrusted with diamonds on the perimeter.

"Today was probably a bad day to ask her out," Spike said to himself. "Maybe it's too soon."

Ever since that day, everything between Spike and her went downhill. Starlight canceled on several more days, and Spike soon found out that she was writing more letters than usual with Sunburst. Then the fighting began...

No, Starlight thought, shaking her head. I refuse to think back.

She half-heartedly munched on some hay fries as the ponies were announced.

"Alright! Rarity! It's your turn," Rainbow Dash announced. "And the players who will make suggestions for you are Twilight, Luna, and Fluttershy!"

"Truth!" Rarity exclaimed. "Twilight, darling, go ahead and ask me a question!"

Twilight was about to yell, Have you and Fancypants kissed? But she suddenly noticed how Spike and Starlight stole glances and glares from one another. It wasn't possible, but could something be brewing between Starlight, Spike, and Rarity? Was there a love triangle going on? Definitely unlikely, since Rarity was dating Fancypants...But she had to try.

"How is your relationship with Spike?" Twilight asked.

"Oh! I'd like to know as well," Luna said. "I never knew in the first place Spike had a crush on Rarity."

"And I am interested to hear how the two of you have been doing with each other," Fluttershy said.

Rarity frowned. "Three ponies and you all ask the same question?" she asked. "No fair!"

"Fair," Twilight said.

"Hmph!" Rarity stuck her nose in the air, causing her horn to hit a star. "Then I suppose I shall tell you how things are going between Spike and I.

"As all of you know, Spike confessed his feelings for me during our first game of Truth or Dare," Rarity began.

"Luna and I did not know," Celestia pointed out.

"Hey, how come you two are still in your incognito forms?" Rainbow asked, hovering over them.

"It requires a vast amount of energy to transform back into our real forms," Luna explained. "We must wait until we have regained enough energy."

"And these forms are really comfortable," Celestia added.

"Rarity?" Spike asked. "I didn't confess my feelings to you. Somepony else must have!"

"Er, yes, that's right," Rarity said. "Anywho, I learned Spike had had a crush on me for over a year. I told him we could not be together, for I did not feel the same way about him! My feelings went to Fancypants. Ever since then, Spike and I have become closer friends! I don't ask him to help me in the boutique anymore, and if he offers, I turn him away. We've spent some time discussing some fashions designs and if gemstones is a yes or no since they are in season. And I've begun learning several interesting facts about gemstones! All thanks to Spikey." Spike and she exchanged smiles.

"To answer the question, everything between Spike and I is splendid!" Rarity concluded.

"Alright, let's see who's next!" Rainbow said.

"Hold on," Twilight interrupted.

The players turned their heads to Twilight. Fluttershy was the one who asked, "Hold on for what?"

"I just...want to see what Spike says!" Twilight replied. "You know! To see if he agrees with what Rarity said."

Spike raised an eyebrow as Twilight asked, "So, Spike? Is what Rarity says true?"

"Well, yeah," Spike replied. "Everything's a lot better than it was before."

"So, you don't write letters to Ember all the time?" Starlight suddenly asked.

Spike's eyes widened in surprise, but he said, "When I'm working with Rarity or doing something else, I usually sneak in a letter to Ember."

Starlight glared fiercely at Spike as he smugly ate some hay fries. Twilight glanced back and forth between the two. Even Cookie Dough whimpered, as if she didn't like what was going on.

Okay, so the problem doesn't seem to be coming from Rarity, Twilight thought. Her eyebrows furrowed. But how does Ember play into this?

"Um, how about we find out who goes next?" Fluttershy asked politely, petting her puppy.

"Just a minute," Celestia said.

"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned. "Come on, already! I wanna see who goes next!"

"Spike, when was the first day you had a crush on Rarity?" Celestia asked.

Spike played with his fingers and pretended to remember. "Uh...the Summer Sun Celebration last year?" he said sheepishly.

Rarity's jaw dropped. "Wha    ?!" she exclaimed in shock.

"And you no longer have a crush on her?" Luna asked.

"Nope!" Spike replied. "Wouldn't want to keep my friend from dating a stallion she really likes."

"Really, now?" Starlight asked. She raised an eyebrow and said smugly, "And if I like Sunburst?"

Spike's eyes widened in surprise. The other ponies giggled and whispered, Celestia whispering, "I ship it!"

He crossed his arms. "That's your problem, isn't it?" he asked.

"I don't have a problem," Starlight spat, turning away from Spike. Was it Twilight's imagination, or did Spike seem to frown unhappily as Starlight did so?

No matter what, I will find out what's going on with Starlight and Spike, Twilight mused, even if it takes the entire game to discover the problem.

Tonight was supposed to be a night of laughter and fun and bonding, but walls were thick between Spike and Starlight, and she feared they would grow thicker if she didn't do anything about it.

Twilight gently lifted a quill, a bottle of ink, and parchment from under her bed, writing down a few notes as Pinkie Pie spun the arrow.

Chapter 6: Pinkie Pie: Act Like a Canterlotian for 15 Minutes

"Looks like it's my turn!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

The arrow had landed on the party pony. She giggled and spun three more times, the arrows landing on Princess Celestia, Spike, and Fluttershy.

"Truth or Dare?" Starlight asked with what seemed to be a half-hearted smile.

"Dare, of course!" Pinkie said, hopping onto her bed. "So, what dare is everypony gonna make for me? Will it be daring me to battle a ferocious beast in the Everfree Forest? Or will I be dared to walk on a thread across a fifty-feet chasm? OR will    "

"Pinkie Pie, I dare you to act like a Canterlotian for 15 minutes," Celestia interrupted.

Pinkie paused. "OR act like a Canterlotian!" she said, chuckling. "What else do ya ponies have?"

"I dare you to eat two dozen cupcakes in ten seconds!" Spike dared. That sounded like a good dare, didn't it? Unless Pinkie Pie choked on them. Or threw up.

"What dare do you have for me, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked, jumping on her bed, her head hitting the stars, making them dance in the air.

"Um, I guess, I dare you to run from the castle to Sweet Apple Acres and back in two minutes," Fluttershy said.

"Hmm..." Pinkie Pie stopped jumping and rubbed her chin. "You know what? I'll act like a Canterlotian for fifteen minutes!"

Immediately, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Twilight rushed over to her and started shouting.

"Always stay poised and don't slouch when you walk!" Celestia said.

"A mare never runs, jumps, skips, or hops, she only walks with grace," Luna said.

"Don't have too much for breakfast or lunch, save your stomach for dinner, and even then, don't eat a lot," Twilight said.

"Always looks your best," Celestia said. "You never know who's looking."

"First impressions are based on appearance and manners," Luna said. "Never act rude or snide, ponies will start whispering."

"Always keep in touch with a handy tabloid," Twilight said. "Gossip is everywhere    "

"Alright, alright, I get it!" Pinkie Pie said. "I think I got this in the bag!"

Rarity scoffed. "Not in that state of yours!" she said. "A true Canterlotian must have a fabulous sense of fashion! Not too dazzling, wouldn't want the others to get jealous, unless they're your enemies, of course. Appearance is everything!"

As she talked, Rarity swiftly used her magic to grab several accessories out of her saddlebag, including a pair of shades, a cream colored summer hat, and a red scarf. She helped Pinkie Pie put on the accessories while Rainbow Dash checked the clock.

"Whenever you're ready, Pinkie!" Rainbow said.

Pinkie grinned as she got off her bed. "Ready!" she replied.

"Fifteen minutes starts now!" Rainbow exclaimed.

Immediately, Pinkie Pie's hair deflated, she straightened her back and she said, "What am I doing here? I should be eating dinner! One of you, bring me my dinner this instance!"

The whole room stared in surprise at Pinkie's impeccable acting skills. For a moment, they could see a mare of Canterlot in a fashionable hat, a scarf that complimented her complexion, and sunglasses that went well with her accessories.

"Well?" Pinkie Pie snapped. "Where is my dinner? I can't afford to eat any LATER!"

"Well, one of us is gonna have to," Applejack said, stepping onto the floor. "Right away, Miss Pie."

"And make it snappy!" Pinkie said as AJ walked out of the room.

"Miss Pie, how lovely to make your acquaintance!" Rarity said, beaming. "Rarity Unicorn. How do you do?"

"The name is Pinkie Peach," Pinkie said, smiling. "So honored to see you. I've heard of your boutique in Canterlot. I say, it's certainly riveting! You sense of fashion is what Canterlot needs to see these days."

She turned to the princesses. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna. Princess Twilight, I can't tell you how honored I am to be standing before!" Pinkie said kneeling before them.

Celestia grinned as Luna's giggles were muffled by her hooves. "We're honored to be in your presence!" she said.

Twilight smirked. "Yes, Pinkie Peach!" she exclaimed. "We're so glad you're here!"

Pinkie Peach looked around the room. Her eyes landed on Starlight. "You there!" she said.

Starlight blinked. "Me?" she asked, pointing at herself.

"Yes, you!" Pinkie replied. "Go find out why my dinner is taking so long!"

"Right away, Miss Peach!" Starlight said, her mouth twinging with a smile and trotted out of the room.

"Somepony tell me what's going on with Jet Set," Pinkie Peach said. "He says he's coming to Fashion Week in Manehattan, but he hasn't shown up any of the past years!"

"Oh, I can tell you all about that," Rarity said, waving a hoof.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "These are gonna be a loooong fifteen minutes," she said.

Starlight entered the castle kitchen and found Applejack tossing an apple back and forth with her tail.

"Hey there, Starlight!" Applejack greeted, flicking the apple with her tail so it flew into a bowl with other fruits. "Did Pinkie Pie send ya down here to check on how her dinner's goin'?"

"Yeah," Starlight said, smiling. "You're not actually going to make her dinner are you?"

"Eynope!" Applejack replied heartily. "Fifteen minutes pass by quick. By the time ah would've finished makin' dinner, the next turn would start."

"So you're going to stay here until the fifteen minutes are up?" Starlight asked.

"Eyup!" AJ replied. "What about you?"

"I don't wanna go back upstairs for a while," Starlight admitted.

Applejack's eyebrows furrowed. "Got somethin' ta do with Spike?" she asked, resting a foreleg on a countertop.

Starlight's eyes widened. "How-How did you know...?" she asked, her eyes flopping down.

"Well, for starters, you two have been starin' daggers at each other throughout the game!" Applejack pointed out. "Second of all, Spike was tellin' me about his unstable relationship with you."

Starlight's heart jackhammered against her ribs. "Spike went to you for help?" she asked.

"Sure did," Applejack replied. "Was really worried, too. Ah would tell ya about what we talked about, but you're gonna have ta ask him yourself."

Spike was worried about me...Does that mean he does care? Starlight wondered.

Applejack turned to the clock. "Looks like Pinkie's fifteen minutes are almost up," she said. She reached into a cabinet and grabbed a bag of gummy bears. "Might as well get Pinkie something since we're here."

As they walked back to the slumber party room, Starlight was lost in thoughts. Spike had gone to Applejack because of Starlight. Had she done something wrong? Was this about when Starlight left that sunset from the park? If Spike had sought help, did that mean he didn't want to be fighting with Starlight? Did he care about her?

By the time they arrived, Pinkie Pie was saying something about sugar.

"    and although it is very sweet and oh so scrumptious, I'm afraid I could lose a few pounds before I go back into sweets," Pinkie Peach said.

"You're absolutely right!" Rarity agreed, nodding her head. "A lady must keep her body in shape after all!"

"A question, dear Rarity," Pinkie Peach said. "Has Fancy Pants seen that old marefriend of his, Fleur de Lis, recently?"

Rarity's face fell. "No," she replied uncertainly. "I-I mean, they still talk and have tea, but    "

Suddenly, Pinkie Peach's hair poofed back into curls and the hat fell off. Pinkie giggled as she did a cartwheel. "Weeeeeeeeeeee!" she exclaimed, her sunglasses falling off.

The room, excluding Rarity, laughed as Pinkie Pie jumped back onto her bed. "That was fun!" she said. "But not as fun as the game! Let's continue!"

And although Fluttershy got up to spin the wheel, Spike stole a glance at Rarity, who seemed shaken by Pinkie Peach's last question. She stared at the floor with a rather mixed expression.

He also stole a glance at Starlight. She was glancing at him. They stared at each other for a few intense seconds and then Starlight turned away, looking embarrassed.

Chapter 7: Fluttershy: Would She Go Back to the Other World?

Fluttershy had spun the arrow, and it had landed on Twilight.

"Looks like it's your turn again, Twi!" Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

Twilight rolled her eyes, knowing she didn't have to go next. "Rainbow, you know it isn't," she said. "You know what happens if a pony who went is chosen again. We have to spin the wheel again! It'll be my turn again when everypony's gone and we're on the next round!"

Rainbow groaned as Fluttershy spun the wheel again.

Fluttershy.

"Oh my," she said, blushing furiously. "What are the odds?"

"The real question that should be asked is, 'Truth or Dare?'" Starlight said.

"W-Well, I suppose I could do truth," Fluttershy decided.

"Truth it is!" Rainbow said. "Go on, Flutters! Spin another three times!"

Fluttershy sighed as she did so. After a few tense seconds, the arrow pointed to Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.

"Oh, this is gonna be good!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Mares! Ask your questions!"

"Okay, I have a good one!" Twilight said eagerly, her mouth spreading into a grin. "Do you still have the same crush you did the first time we played Truth or Dare?"

Fluttershy blushed furiously. "Next!" she called out in a quiet voice.

"Really gotta know this one," Rainbow said, her wings flapping. Her eyes darted back and forth as if she were nervous. "Do you miss the other world? Do you wanna go back there?"

Her question caught Flutters by surprise. Her ears twitched downwards as she returned to her bed, careful not to lay on Cookie Dough. "Rarity?" she asked timidly.

Rarity looked just about ready to ask several questions, but she faltered at the expression on Fluttershy's face. She pressed her lips together for a few seconds before saying, "I would actually like to know the answer to Rainbow Dash's question as well."

"Oh." Fluttershy seemed even more upset. "That seems to be the topic of discussion."

"One question, when did Fluttershy go to the other world?" Celestia asked. She seemed rather cross. Twilight suddenly remembered Fluttershy wasn't supposed to go in the other world. It was just Twilight who had permission.

"It was a dare, Your Highness!" Rainbow Dash said nervously. "We didn't actually intend to break your rules."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie said. "Please don't be mad!"

Princess Celestia rubbed her head from a growing headache. "It's alright," she said. "The princess instinct in me just jumped out. That's all. Let's continue."

"I suppose I can answer Rainbow Dash's question," Fluttershy said. "Do I miss the other world?"

Twilight glanced around the room. She realized every player in the room was staring at Fluttershy with an uneasy tension. She knew she was anxious as well. What if Fluttershy did miss the other world?

"My time in the other world wasn't long," Fluttershy said. "But I did enjoy it. Meeting everyone there, they were so nice and kind! Sunset Shimmer was also very nice, especially since we had to clear up which Fluttershy was which."

"You meet both Sunset Shimmer and your alternate self?" asked Luna incredulously.

"Yes," Fluttershy replied. "The other students were very welcoming. I'd like to be with that group if I ever want back to the other world."

"And with Nami?" asked Rainbow slyly.

Fluttershy blushed. "He's going to college next year. I wouldn't be able to see him again," she said quietly.

"Well, there's always his Equestrian counterpart," Rarity said in a sing-song voice.

"Let Fluttershy finish!" Starlight said.

Fluttershy looked around as the room became quiet. She continued. "But the other world was strange. There wasn't any magic. I didn't have my wings. And there's already one Fluttershy at Canterlot High. There doesn't need to be another one. Besides, I already have a souvenir." Fluttershy petted Cookie Dough. The little dalmatian was sleeping soundly, curled up into a ball.

Smiling, she looked up. "Cookie Dough is all I need," Fluttershy said.

Rainbow Dash frowned. "But that doesn't answer the question," she said. "Would you go back to the other world?"

"Maybe," Fluttershy said. "But in the end, I wouldn't. Why would I want to leave my home, where all my friends are?"

"Not even to see Nami one last time?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. "He's a year older than me," she said. "Besides, we're from different rules. It'd certainly be a long-distance relationship."

"And you still got a crush on...you know?" asked Rainbow.

Fluttershy blushed. "We don't have to talk about that right now," she said.

"I'm sorry," said Luna, "but who's Nami?"

"Nami's this really cute guy Fluttershy met in the other world!" replied Pinkie Pie, doing a cartwheel around the room.

Celestia's face was like stone. "I'm sorry," she said, "but was it Fluttershy's idea to go to the other world?"

All eyes turned to Celestia. She looked quite stern.

Rainbow nervously replied, "N-No. I...threw her into the portal maybe?"

"You THREW HER?!" Celestia yelled.

Several players backed up onto their beds. Rainbow Dash flinched as Celestia yelled, "Do you know what the consequences of your actions would have resulted in?! Fluttershy could have gotten injured! The portal could have been destroyed! Did Fluttershy agree to your throwing her into the portal?"

Rainbow's ears fell back. She opened her mouth to answer, but no word was spoken.

Celestia rose. She was about to yell even more, but she glanced down. Luna stared in disbelief at her.

"I..." Celestia's face fell. "I'm sorry."

She left the room. The room was silent as Fluttershy got up. Cookie Dough had woken up. She whimpered as Fluttershy left the room. Luna didn't seem to have the motivation to go and comfort her sister. She had never seen Celestia so...angry.

Celestia was down the hallway, sitting alone in despair. She didn't seem to notice when Fluttershy arrived next to her.

"Princess Celestia?" Fluttershy asked.

She looked up. Her face showed sign of tears, and her lip seemed to tremble. "Oh, Fluttershy," she said. "How are you? I'm terribly sorry I raised my voice. I didn't mean to..."

"I'm sure you didn't, Your Highness," Fluttershy said.

"It's just..." Celestia sighed. "It's difficult, playing a game and having a good night, knowing I'm still one of the rulers of Equestria. The princess part of me just seems to stay. I never truly got to relax and unwind like I have tonight. I ruined the game, didn't I? I shouldn't have come. This was a bad idea."

"No," Fluttershy said. "You did not. If anything, you made it better. "

Celestia looked up at Fluttershy with doubt. "I think you're mistaken," she said, shaking her head.

"On the contrary," Flutters said. "Coming here tonight, you helped us understand our princess better. Not the Princess Celestia part of you. The normal Celestia, the mare who's just like everypony else. I'm glad you came tonight, Princess. You need to unwind and relax as much as Luna needs to."

Celestia cracked a smile. She said, "Thank you, Fluttershy. It's no wonder you're the bearer of the Element of Kindness. And please, don't call me Princess. Tonight, I'm Celestia."

Fluttershy smiled kindly. "Of course, Pri  Celestia," she corrected herself.

She helped Celestia up and walked with her back to the slumber party roomed.

"If you'd like, I can help you to relax," Fluttershy offered.

"I will have to take you up on that offer," Celestia said. "It's been Luna knows how long since I've truly been at ease."

When they opened the door, the entire room turned to look at them.

"Feeling better, sister?" Luna asked, getting up to look at Celestia.

Her sister smiled. "Yes, I'll admit I am," she replied.

Twilight grinned. She stood in front of the wheel. "Wonderful!" she said. "Because I spun the arrow, and it landed on your part of the room!"

"Looks like you're up, Sister!" Luna said with a wicked grin.

Chapter 8: Celestia: Basically, Cakelestia

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 9: Spike: Saving a Damsel in Distress

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 10: Starlight: What was Her Worst Date?

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 11: Applejack: Who Does She Really Have a Crush on?

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 12: Luna: Listen to Rarity and Twilight Debate "Midnight"

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 13: Fluttershy: Talk for Ten Minutes Straight

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4: Princess Luna: Has She Ever Had a Crush?

After Rainbow Dash chased Pinkie Pie for a good fifteen minutes, the players all decided it was a good idea to get back to the Castle of Friendship. But not before ordering a whole lot of hay fries and saying goodnight to Trixie.

"I really did have fun tonight," Trixie said to Twilight. "I don't remember having this much fun before."

Twilight smiled. "If you did, that means I'm going to have to find some time next week to hang out with you again," she said.

Trixie beamed. "Do you really mean that?" she asked.

"Of course!" Twilight replied. "As long as you're up for the night out."

"The Great and Humble Trixie will always be up for a night out," Trixie said.

Waving goodbye, Twilight watched Trixie leave the couch and head to the staircase on the left side of the tavern, where the Inn part of the Ponyville Tavern and Inn was at.

Another fifteen minutes later, Pinkie Pie's saddlebag was stuffed with hay fries and the Truth or Dare Squad was back in the slumber party room.

"It's been nearly an hour, but this game is already saucy!" Pinkie Pie said to Rainbow Dash. She gasped in horror. "Sauce! I FORGOT TO ASK FOR SAUCE FOR THE HAY FRIES!"

"Tragic," Rarity said, posing dramatically before resting on her bed.

Celestia and Luna settled themselves on the floor while everypony else sat on their rightful beds. Applejack asked, "So, who wants ta spin the wheel this time?"

"Ooh! Me!" Spike said, jumping off his bed. He rushed over to the wheel, which was in the middle of the room. He flicked the arrow with ease and watched with everypony else as the arrow pointed to the next pony up.

Princess Luna.

"Well, luck is a very mean lady tonight," Luna grumbled as Celestia kept herself from laughing.

"And who will be giving the suggestions to Princess Luna?" Rainbow asked.

"Let's find out!" Spike replied. He spun the arrow three more times to reveal the players who would give suggestions to Princess Luna.

The arrow slowed down to Applejack, Celestia, and Pinkie Pie.

"Curse it all!" Luna said, stomping a hoof on the floor.

Celestia grinned. "Luck is a lady to me tonight," she commented.

"So, Truth or Dare, Your Highness?" Fluttershy asked politely.

Luna had to think about it. So far, none of the ponies had done truth, so truth should be done. But dare seemed to end in more positive results. Then again, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash had done more positive dares, which would explain the outcome.

In the end, Luna took the road less taken by.

"Truth," Luna said. "Applejack?"

"Yer Highness, do any Equestrians still see ya as Nightmare Moon?" Applejack asked.

Luna immediately thought, No. I will not choose this question. Mostly because she didn't know the answer herself.

"Sister?" Luna asked.

Celestia smiled. "Luna, dear, have you ever had a crush on somepony?" she asked.

"Oooh! I wanna know that, too!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "My question is the same as Princess Celestia's!"

"Is that allowed?" Luna asked.

Twilight nodded. "It's the negative factor of having the player able to choose whichever truth or dare is present," she explained.

"Please, Princess!" Rarity squealed. "I'd LOVE to know if there's ever been a special somepony in your heart!"

"I...suppose I can answer this question," Luna said hesitantly.

"Wonderful!" Celestia exclaimed. Her eyes narrowed. "Because I have never been able to drag the answer out of you before. Now is the perfect opportunity."

"Princess Luna, have you ever had a crush on somepony?" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly.

The players in the room stared at Luna for an answer, a fortunately easy one to answer. Luna replied, "No. I have never had a crush before."

The entire room gasped and stared at her in shock. Celestia looked the most shocked. Her mouth was agape, and her eyes were wide.

"You've never had a crush on somepony?" Fluttershy asked. Even the quiet pegasus seemed to be taken back.

"Er...no?" Luna said uncertainly, her ears flopping down.

"What...What's the story behind that?" Rainbow asked, flapping her wings nervously.

Luna sighed. She knew somepony was going to ask that question. "It's simple," she said. "I've never been attracted to anypony before in my life."

"Not ever in your over 1,000 years?" Starlight asked.

"No," Luna replied. "And even if I did have a crush on somepony, I would choose to tell you if I know anypony who still knows me as Nightmare Moon."

"So, no crush?" Spike asked one last time.

"No," Luna said.

"You know, it could happen," Rainbow said.

"How would you know?" Luna asked, rolling her eyes.

"It happened to Twilight and me!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "The two mares who everypony thought would be bachelorettes forever!"

"What do you mean?" Luna asked.

"I'm dating Soarin, a stallion in the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow said.

Celestia gasped. "The tabloids said no such thing!" she said.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Those tabloids are pure garbage, Tia," she said. "We learned this after we read an article about Prince Blueblood and Trixie getting married in Manehattan."

"They were right about Photo Finish and Hoity Toity's break up!" Celestia pointed out.

"No, they were not," Luna argued. "I saw them walking together to a fashion show the other day."

"Hey! Did the fashion show happen to be in Canterlot?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Luna raised her eyebrows. "Yes, but how did you    "

"Rarity and Fancypants went to the same on together!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Luna flicked Celestia's horn. "I told you I saw Rarity and Fancypants there!" she said.

"But I've heard about the number of stallions Rarity has had a crush on," Celestia said. "I didn't think they would ever become an item."

"Well, it happened!" Rarity said, batting her eyelashes. There was a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Celestia is right about the number of stallions Rarity had crushed on before," Twilight remarked.

"And all the guys who've ever liked Rarity is a stallion and a dragon!" Pinkie Pie said.

Celestia and Luna blinked. "What?" Luna asked.

"I, uh, sorta had a crush on Rarity for a long time," Spike said sheepishly.

Celestia smiled. "Do you like anypony else now, Spike?" she asked. "What about that dragon you told me about from the Dragonlands? Ember, wasn't it?"

"HEY!" Starlight suddenly exclaimed, jumping up. There was a crazy grin and twitch on Starlight's face. "I have a WONDERFUL idea! How about we find out who goes NEXT?!"

The players stared at Starlight with confused expressions. Spike, however, smirked and crossed his arms.

"I suppose we should go on with the game," Rarity said.

The room was quiet, save for the yapping of Cookie Dough.

"Hey, Luna?" Celestia whispered.

"What is it, sister?" Luna asked. She figured Tia was going to apologize to her about asking her such a rude and meaningless question, revealing the emptiness in Luna's life.

"If I pick dare on my turn, can you dare me to take the puppy? I have not heard nor seen it until now, but I want it."