I woke up in the morning to find myself on the floor, sprawled out and looking to the ceiling. I groaned and sat up.

“Wow. I must have slept hard to have fallen out of bed.” I said. I then groaned as I heard my own voice, and felt my body. Yep, it wasn’t a dream. I’m still a mare!

I sighed and went about my business in the bathroom. That was VERY strange, going with different body parts.

Anyway, I walked downstairs and saw Twilight, cleaning up the house with Spike.

I walked up to her and chuckled nervously. “H…hey Twi.” I said uneasily.

She turned around and looked at me. “Still didn’t change back huh? I’m sorry, Jordan.” Her voice was heavily apologetic, with a hint of….falsehood. Like she was sorry, but not sorry at the same time. I don’t know why.

I sighed. “It’s fine, let’s just hope Zecora can make some kind of cure. So, what’s with all the cleaning?” I asked her, as I looked around and noticed the house was in bad shape. Books were everywhere, trash scattered, dust everywhere, etc.

“The princess is coming for a visit, tomorrow! Everypony in town is either cleaning, preparing, or decorating.”

Suddenly, there was a crashing sound. Twilight looked at spike and glared.

“Oh! Hurry up, Spike! This place isn't gonna clean itself.” Twilight said, clearly worried about the state of the library.

“It also didn't mess itself up.” Spike said, resentfully of Twilight and I’s messmaking.

He then looked at me and started snickering. “Hey there, JORDY.” I gasped and glared at him.

“Jordy?! Seriously?!” I said with anger in my new feminine voice. Spike chuckled. “I came up with names for the others yesterday, so that’s your girl name. Jordy Jordy Jordy Jordy Jordy!” He finished emphatically.

I sighed softly. There was no stopping Spike’s sense of humor, was there?

“Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow!” Twilight exclaimed, breaking up our argument.

“I thought this was just an unofficial casual visit.” Spike asked curiously as he dusted the shelves.

“There's nothing casual about a visit from royalty. I want this place to be spotless, and you've barely made a dent in the clutter.” Twilight said, half reprimanding Spike.

“Maybe you should, ugh, start reading them one at a time-- woah ho!” Spike said as he suddenly fell off the ladder.

“Everything's got to be perfect. No time for fooling around.” Twilight said. I patted her shoulder.

“Twilight, please stop worrying. You’re freaking out for no reason. The princess has been here before, remember? She didn’t freak out about the state of Ponyville anyway. It’s not like this is Canterlot, it’s rural Ponyville.”

Spike then cut in. “You know, this would be an awful lot easier if there weren't three of us here getting under each other's feet.”

“Great idea. You clean, me and Jordy, I MEAN JORDAN, will go see how everypony else's preparations are coming.” She said as she motioned me over to the front door. I glared my eyes angrily at her and followed her outside.

We then walked throughout the town together, towards Ponyville Park. Twilight sighed. “I hope nopony is slacking around, I want this place to look perfect for the princess.”

“Twi, calm down. I’m sure everything’s fine, you’re over-thinking all this.” I said, trying to calm her down. But it didn’t really work. When we got to the park, she started to survey the surroundings, and noticed that while everything as a whole was in order, the banner welcoming the princess was messed up; Celestia was cut off at the end of it.

“What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked as she looked at a pony named Golden Harvest for answer.

“We couldn't fit it all in.” Golden replied.

“You can't hang a banner that says ‘Welcome Princess Celest’. Take it down and try again.” Twilight ordered them, and they groaned.

Twilight then went to a stallion watering plants. “That looks perfect. Keep up the good work.” And she moved on. We started walking together to the bakery.

Twilight greeted the cakes. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How's the banquet coming?”

Mrs. Cake had a grimacing look. “Uh...it would be coming a little better if...” She darted her eyes to the table, where Pinkie was simply devouring every sweet in sight!

Twilight gasped. “Pinkie! What are you doing? Those sweets are supposed to be for the princess.” She scolded the pink pony.

Pinkie quickly thought of a lie to make herself seem good. “I know. That's why I'm tasting them. Somepony needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue, and I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king, or a queen, or a princess.”

I chuckled. “Nice try Pinkie. And yes, before you ask I’m still a mare, so don’t even speak about it.” I ordered.

Suddenly, Fluttershy hopped in through the front door. “Twilight, Pinkie, you won't believe... oh, I'm sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?”

“No, not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home. What's going on, Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked as she continued to eat.

“You won't believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Come on out, little guy. It's okay.”

Suddenly, some sort of flying creature flew out of Flutters’ hair!

Fluttershy gasped. “Three?”

The bug flew to Twilight. “They're amazing. What are they?” She asked.

“I'm not sure. I'm also not sure where these other two came from.” Huh, strange, I thought to myself.

“I'll take one off your hooves. I've never seen anything so... adorable. Besides, it'll be nice to have a companion for Spike so he won't bother me so much while I'm studying.”

I then took one and sort of cuddled it. “Awww, it’s so adorable!” I gasped and put my hooves over my mouth. What the… is being a mare making me act differently?! When I was a stallion I would have never used that word!

“Pinkie, I’m sorry we don’t have any more…” Fluttershy said sadly.

Pinkie inspected the creature and groaned. “Ugh! A parasprite? Are you kidding? I don’t want one anyway!”

Fluttershy was confused, and so were Twilight and I. “Ugh?”

“A para-what?” Twilight asked.

“How could you not like...” Fluttershy started to say as Pinkie went to the front door.

“Ugh. Now I gotta go find a trombone.” She told us.

“What in the name of Equestria do you need a trombone for?!” I asked.

“No time to explain! Gotta go!” Pinkie said as she dashed away.

Twilight shook her head. “Ahhh, typical Pinkie.”

My parasprite purred, and I nuzzled it softly. “So cute…” I said and smiled.

Twilight smiled at her parasprite. “Come on, let’s go see how Rarity’s doing with her preparations. See you later, Fluttershy!” Twilight said as she and I left the bakery.

On the way there, my parasprite kept cuddling me and it nestled my hair. I could feel my heart beam. It was so cute.

We walked in the Boutique and walked upstairs to Rarity’s bedroom/work room. There, we saw her working on Rainbow Dash.

“Stand still, Rainbow Dash.” We heard Rarity command said Pegasus.

“Ugh, I caaan't, I need to flyyy! This is waaay too boring for me.” Rainbow replied, in an almost begging tone of voice.

“Do you want to look nice for Princess Celestia or not?” Rarity gave the ultimatum. Dash looked at Rarity before she gave up and sat still, letting the fashionista do her work.

“Wow. Rarity, those outfits are gorgeous.” Twi and I said at the same time.

“Mmhmm. Thank you. Nice to know someone appreciates my talents.” She replied as she glared at Rainbow.

“Rarity, I’m not sure if I’ll be a mare or stallion during the visit. Can you just make an outfit for both just in case?”

Rarity nodded at me. “Of course darling, don’t worry about it!” She said as she waved her hoof.

“Ugh, sooo boooring.” Dash complained. Then our parasprites chirped, catching the attention of Rarity. “Huh?”

“What's that sound guys?” Rainbow asked, and our parasprites showed themselves to the girls. But now, there were six of them! We had three each!

Rainbow looked at them in wonder. “Wow, what are they?”

“The better question is, where did they come from? I only had one a minute ago.” Twilight said in confusion.

I gasped. “They’re…. multiplying, somehow…”

Rainbow smiled. “Uh, I'll take one.” She said flatly, trying to retain her “cool”.

“Me too, oh, they're perfect.” Rarity said as she cuddled her new friend.

Pinkie then showed up. “Does anypony know where I can find an accordion?”

Twilight, Rainbow and Rarity all made baby noises at their parasprites. I went to Pinkie cursiously.

“Pinkie, what in the hay do you need an accordion for? Shouldn’t you be preparing for the princess’s visit instead of goofing off?” I stated inquisitively.

She just stammered for a minute before she turned to leave. “Durgh! Thanks a lot.” She said as she angrily left.

I scoffed. “Well somepony’s angry nopony else wants to goof around today. Twilight, let’s finish checking the decorations and stuff, shall we?”

She nodded and walked to me, holding her parasprite. For the next few hours, we checked the progress, and finally went home to sleep.

We went to Twilight’s bedroom and made sure everything was spotless. She sighed.

“The decorations, the banquet, I really hope everything comes together in time for tomorrow.” Twilight said worriedly.

I patted her back. “Twilight, everypony knows how much this means to you. Don’t worry, nothing can go wrong. Let’s go to sleep.”

I then left the room and went to the guest room, and cuddled into bed. Suddenly, a thought popped into my mind that made me open my eyes wide.

THE PRINCESS IS COMING TOMORROW, and I’m still a mare! Oh no, this is not gonna be good for me, I can’t let her see me like this!

Maybe I can do something else when the princess visits. I’ll… I’ll go fishing on the lake! Yeah, I’ll do that, and the princess won’t have to see me like this. That’ll work, Twilight won’t mind if I’m MIA.

I rolled onto my side and got comfortable, and the next thing I knew I woke up the next morning.

I heard Twilight shriek and call my name. I got up from the bed and gasped.

The entire room was filled with parasprites!

“WHAT IN THE, what?! But I only had one parasprite last night!” I said as I fought through the crowd of them, using my hoof as a sword to slice my way through.

After much effort, I managed to get to the door and open it, making the crowd of parasprites flood into the hallway in a comical fashion.

I continued to fight through the crowd till I got to Twi’s bedroom.

“WHAT in the name of Celestia is this?!” I cried out.

“I don’t know! Spike! Wake up! What happened?” Twilight asked Spike, hoping he saw what happened.

“Huh? Whaaa! What's going on?” Spike said as he got swarmed by the little creatures.

Twilight was flabbergasted. “Where did they come from?”

Spike was just as lost as she and I. “I don't know. The little guy got hungry in the night, so I gave him a snack, but... I have no idea where these others came from. Oh no! They're messing up all my hard work!” Spike cried out as he went downstairs to stop them.

“Twilight, they must be multiplying somehow. We need to stop them before we have a massive infestation!” I suggested.

Twilight nodded. “I know, the princess will be here in a few hours.” She informed Spike and I.

“Spike, help me and Jordan round up these little guys.” She instructed said dragon.

“Ugh, what does it look like I'm doin'?” Spike asked as he started to lose his balance. “Ooow, waaah! D'oh.” He fell down. “I know, I know, ‘stop fooling around’.”

I looked at Twilight. “Come on, let’s go see if we can assist the others!” I said as I dashed out the front door. Rarity’s house was closest, so I decided to run there first.

I slammed the door open and ran inside. I heard Rarity.

“No creature that behaves so revoltingly is allowed in my boutique!” She said as she started to shoo them all away.

Pinkie Pie then showed up out of nowhere again! “Look everypony, Applejack loaned me a harmonica. Isn't that great?” She asked and we all looked at her in dumbfounded shock.
Pinkie gasped. “And not a moment too soon.”

Rarity then spoke up. “Ugh, Pinkie, we’re a little busy right now.” She told Pinkie.

Pinkie scoffed. “And I'm not? You know how many more instruments I've gotta find? A lot, that's how many. Now if we split the list between us, we might just make it in time.”

“Please, Pinkie, we don't have time for some silly scavenger hunt. We've got a real problem.” Rarity tried to reason, but Pinkie was still being her.

“You've got a real problem alright. And a banjo is the only answer!” Pinkie said as she left the boutique.

“I see we're having the same problem.” Rarity said to Twilight and I. We nodded, and all of a sudden Dash flew in.

“Ditto!” Dash said.

“Fluttershy knows everything about animals, I'm sure she can tell us how to stop them from multiplying.” Twilight suggested.

“Then what are we waiting for?! Let’s hustle over there, come on everypony!” I said as I started galloping towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

The girls followed right behind me, except Dash who flew. We made it to the cottage and Twilight sighed in relief.

“She…has…to…know how to get rid of them.” Twilight said as she opened the front door. As she did, a billion of the things came flooding out! Ok, not really a billion, but a lot of them!

“...or not.” Twilight said as we walked inside. “Ugh, do something Fluttershy, can't you control them?”

“I've tried everything I know: I've tried begging, and pleading, and beseeching, and asking politely and...” Fluttershy just stopped listing them off.
Rainbow was clearly annoyed. “Guh.”

“If we can't get them under control before the princess arrives, it'll be a total disaster.” Twilight said to us in despair. Right then, a parasprite hacked up, and out came another parasprite.

“A-HA! So THAT’S how they multiply! Disgusting!” I said.

“Ew! I couldn’t agree more, Jordan!” Rarity said in disgust.

Suddenly, Applejack came out of nowhere. “Here's all those apples you wanted, Fluttershy, but I still can't figure why y'need so many.” The parasprites then went to the bucket and DEVOURED all the apples in no time. “Hey!” Applejack scolded at them.

“What do we do?” Fluttershy asked us.

Twilight gasped. “I got it! No ponies can herd like Applejack and Jordan!”

Rainbow piped up. “Yeah! We can drive 'em back into the forest.”

“Seems as good an idea as any… I don’t see any other way of getting rid of them in time for the princess’ visit. Applejack, should we?” I asked, not sure if she was ok with being a herder for hire.

Applejack scoffed. “I'll rastle 'em up with you, but we’ll need everypony's help to do it. Twilight, you and Rarity wait over there. I'll herd the little critters straight at ya like a funnel. Rainbow Dash, you and Fluttershy stay on top of 'em, don't let 'em fly away.”
Rainbow Dash nodded. “Aye aye.”

“Jordan, y’all will be in the back, chasing them with me.” I nodded and went to where she was. We then scared the parasprites into one massive herd, and I nodded at AJ.

“All right y'all, here goes nothin'.” Applejack said as we all started moving, causing the parasprites to all move with us. “Look out Rarity, that one's fixin' to get away.” AJ directed at Rarity. “Keep a lead on 'em, Rainbow Dash!” She instructed Dash. We were now close, we could see the trees of the forest! “Hold on everypony, we're almost there.” Applejack told us as we neared our goal.

Out of nowhere, Pinkie appeared next to Twilight! “Pinkie!” Twilight cried out.

“Twilight, we don't have much time.” Pinkie told Twilight.

“You're telling me. The princess could arrive at any moment.” Twilight informed the pink mare.

“Exactly. That's why I need you gals to drop what you're doing and help me find some maracas.” Pinkie told us.

“PINKIE, are you genuinely crazy? Listen, if you’re not gonna help us herd these things to the forest, get out of here!” I yelled at her as I ran.

“Why are ALL OF you so stubborn!” Pinkie cried out in frustration as she ran off another direction.

“Forget her. Focus. Head 'em up and move 'em out.” Applejack ordered us. Suddenly, she pulled me to the side, as the girls stepped away from the snowball of parasprites, and they rolled into the forest!

“WO-HOO! Awesome work everypony!” I called out and gave high-hoofs to everypony.

Rainbow cheered too. “All right!” She said as she gave Fluttershy a hard high-hoof, making her say ouch from pain.

“We did it.” Twilight said triumphantly. “Nice work, Applejack.” She thanked said pony.

Applejack smiled. “Couldn't a'done it without y'all. Especially my number one critter coraller.” She said as she gave me a noogie on my head.

“Now let's get back and clean up the mess they made before the princess arrives.” Twilight suggested, and we all hurried back to Fluttershy’s cottage.
As we walked up, Twilight spoke to us. “Okay, everyone knows what to do, right? We gotta work extra hard to make up for lost time.”

We opened the door, and a million parasprites shot out of the cottage!

“Where did they come from?” Twilight asked in annoyance.

Fluttershy sheepishly smiled. “Well, I may have kept just one. Heh. I couldn't help myself. They're just so cute.”

“AGH! Fluttershy, bad call!” I said.

“We don't have time to keep rounding up these things. What do we do now?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow answered her. “We call in the weather patrol. Time to take out the adorable trash. YAAAAAA!” Rainbow said as she started to make a parasprite tornado!

Twilight cheered her on. “Way to go, Rainbow Dash!”

“Looks like our problems are solved.” Applejack added.

Pinkie AGAIN showed up out of nowhere. “They will be with these cymbals.” The parasprites then flew to her and took the cymbals. “Hey! Give me those back!” She ordered them.

Rainbow lost control of the tornado as the cymbals got thrown into the crossfire. They acted like weapons! “Whoa. Yaa! Yow! Whoa! Wow! I can't hold it! She's breaking up.” Dash said as she crash landed to the ground, the parasprites now free.

Twilight was in shock. “Pinkie Pie, what have you done?” She asked rhetorically. It was clear that Twilight was not in the mood for any more games.
“I've lost a brand new pair of cymbals, that's what I've done.” Pinkie retorted, upset about the cymbals.

Twilight was fed up. “Will you forget about your silly instruments for one second? You're ruining our efforts to save Ponyville.” She tried to reason with Pinkie.

“Me? Ruin? I'm not the ruiner, I'm the ruin-ee! Or is it ruiness? Ruin-“ I cut her off, as I was now annoyed.

“PINKIE, please just listen. I know how much you love to have fun. I promise we’ll all have some fun sometime soon. But we have to get these stupid bugs out of here before the princess arrives! So, either help us or get out!” I shouted, giving her my ultimatum.

Pinkie just gasped in shock and looked at me, obviously holding back tears. “You…how could you be so mean?! FINE! I don’t need your help anyway!” She said as she ran off

“Come on y’all, there's no reasoning with that one. She's a few apples short of a bushel.”

I huffed. “I might have to agree, AJ… I can’t believe Pinkie wants to play in a band instead of helping us, her friends!”

I then gasped. “HOLD UP! If they ate all those apples earlier…. GIRLS, we have to get to Ponyville NOW!” I said and started running to town, them directly behind me in tow.

When we got there, we found out my fears were true. Parasprites were eating all food in sight!

“What do we do? They're eating all the food in town.” Fluttershy said in fright.

Applejack gasped. “My apples!” She then ran off towards the farm.

“We've gotta do something.” Twilight said as she tried to think of a solution. “I got it! I'll cast a spell to make them stop eating all the food.” She said as she started to power up her horn. All of a sudden, Pinkie showed up.
“Look, tambourines! If you could all just...” The parasprites again took her instruments!

Twilight cast her spell, and we were all waiting anxiously to see if it worked. The parasprites suddenly stopped eating the food. We all sighed in relief, but then something happened that made me just about lose it.

THEY STARTED EATING MATERIALS. Yes, materials! As in buildings, clothes, etc! They were literally devouring town!

“Heh. Hey, it worked. They're not eating the food anymore.” Rainbow commented a bit sourly.

“TWILIGHT, what did you do!?” I asked Twilight, but she was just in too much shock trying to process what had just happened to respond.

“Oh no... if they get inside my store... Everypony for herself!” Rarity shrieked as she ran up the road to her home

“Twilight, the library!” I said as I started sprinting to our home.

When we got there, we were stunned. “They're eating the words!” Twilight said as we watched a parasprite literally eat the words out of the book like spaghetti.

Twilight looked at me as she grabbed one of the parasprites. “Jordan, come on! We have to get to Zecora’s, she’s our last hope!” Twilight said as she sprinted out the house.

I followed her, in a quick gallop. “Good idea, maybe she has a cure ready!” We got to the hut in the forest pretty quickly, and Twilight slammed the door open, frightening Zecora.

“Ugh. Have you gone mad?” Zecora asked as she stared at us.

“Zecora, these little guys are devouring Ponyville, and the princess is on her way. Can you help us, please?” Twilight begged in desperation of the zebra.

Zecora studied the parasprite before she opened her eyes wide. “Oh, monster of so little size. Is that a parasprite before my eyes?” She asked in a riddle.

“I don't know! Is it?” Twilight asked frantically.

“Tales of crops and harvests consumed. If these creatures are in Ponyville, you're doomed.” Zecora ultimately stated, making us both gulp in fear.

“OH NO, the princess!” Twilight exclaimed as she ran outside. I then looked at the zebra mare.

“Zecora, I…” I started, before she cut me off by raising her hoof. “My friend, you are in luck. For a cure for your ailment, I might have struck. I just need more time, and all shall be made fine.” She rhymed.

I sighed. “Please hurry, that’s all I can ask. I’ve got to go, bye Zecora!” I yelled as I ran out the hut towards Ponyville.

I ran after Twilight and caught up with her, as she looked towards Canterlot. We saw the royal chariot flying towards town!

“Oh no, here she comes.” Twilight said in despair. Then… she got this look in her eyes, as if she was… inate. It was hard to explain.

“Okay, here's the plan. Rainbow Dash, you distract them.” She told Dash as she flew past us in a hurry.

“Good. Everyone else, we need to build an exact copy of Ponyville right over there. We've got less than a minute.” Twilight said as she looked around, the realized just what she was saying. “Zecora was right, we're doomed. Oh no, the princess's procession is here. It's all over!” Twilight said in complete despair as the princess got closer and closer.

Suddenly, Pinkie appeared with a myriad of instruments, playing some sort of polka medly. “Pinkie? We're in the middle of a crisis here. This is no time for your... nonsense?” Twilight finished with a question as the parasprites stopped what they were doing and followed Pinkie Pie!

We all then started following Pinkie as she led the parasprites out of the town, in a sort of procession. Then, the princess landed in front of us. I shrieked.

“OH HAY NO, I am not letting the princess see me like this! I’m going fishing!” I yelled as I started running away. Twilight called after me, but I just ran. I jumped into some bushes. I was a distance away, but I could still hear them all talking.

“Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil.” Celestia said as she greeted Twilight.

“Hello, princess.” Twilight responded with an uneasy smile.

“So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends. Say, where is Jordan though?” The princess asked, and my breathing hitched. PLEASE DON’T LET HER FIND ME!

Suddenly, there was a crash as Pinkie played her cymbals.

Twilight then tried to change the subject. “So... how was the trip? Hit much traffic?” Celestia just kind of ignored her, though, as a parasprite fluttered near her.

“Ah, what is this? Oh ho ho, these creatures are adorable.” Celestia said as she nuzzled the creature.

“They're not that adorable.” Dash mumbled under her breath.

“I'm terribly honored that you and the good citizens of Ponyville have organized a parade in honor of my visit.” Celestia told Twilight.

“Parade? Oh. Yes, the parade.” Twilight replied, improvising on the situation played.

“Unfortunately, that visit is going to have to wait for another time. I'm afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there's been some sort of infestation.” The princess informed all of us.

“An... infestation?” Twilight curiously asked.

Princess Celestia nodded. “Yes, a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town. I'm sorry Twilight, to have to put you all through so much trouble.”

Twilight tried to play it off as nothing happened. “Trouble? What trouble?”

Princess Celestia smiled. “Before I have to go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person? And Jordan, I know you are in the bushes. You may come out now.” She directed at me, and I opened my eyes wide as Twilight spoke.

“My... report?” Twilight asked, unsure if she had learned anything.

“Haven't you learned anything about friendship?” Celestia asked.

Twilight looked at Pinkie and smiled. “Actually, I have. I've learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It's a good idea to stop and listen to your friends' opinions and perspectives...” Pinkie’s cymbals crashed, and Twi continued. “Even when they don't always seem to make sense.” She finished.

“I'm so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle, and I'm very impressed with your friends as well. It sounds like you're all learning so much from each other.” Celestia commended the six mares.

“Thank you, princess.” Twilight thanked. Celestia then whispered something to Twilight, and the princess started walking towards me. I opened my eyes wide and started to sprint, but Celestia cast a spell to hold me in place.

“Jordan, Jordan. I know what has happened to you, and it’s quite alright. You have to reason to be ashamed or embarrassed.” Celestia comforted me as she surveyed my mare appearance.

I sighed. “I know… I’m just… I was scared for you to see me like this, Princess. I’m sorry I didn’t greet you with the girls. I guess I’ve learned something about friendship as well.”

Celestia smiled. “Care to tell me?” She asked with an inquisitive face.

“Sometimes… we tend to think our appearance or image is all that matters, that ponies might judge us based on that. But, true friends don’t care about looks. True friends will look past them, and focus on your personality.” I finished and smiled at her.

“Seems like you’re learning as much about friendship as Twilight is. I’m very proud of you Jordan. You’re a very bright young stallion, or mare in this case.” She held a hoof to her mouth as she giggled, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

“Very funny Princess.” She chuckled after I said this.

“I must go now, I shall see you and your friends later, Jordan. Farewell.” She said as she got in the chariot and flew off. I walked to the girls.

“Hey, what happened to the princess?” Pinkie asked as I walked up to them

“Emergency in Fillydelphia.” Twilight responded.

“Some sort of infestation.” Dash added.

“Oh no! Have they got parasprites too? Well, have tuba, will travel.”

I chuckled. “Don’t think that’s necessary, Pinkie.

Twilight nodded. “I think the princess can handle it.” She added.

Applejack walked up to Pinkie. “So you knew what those critters were all along, huh Pinkie Pie?”

“Well, duh! Why do you think I was so frantic to get my hooves on all these instruments? I tried to tell you.”

“We know, Pinkie Pie, and we're sorry we didn't listen. You're a great friend, even if we don't always understand you.” Twilight said as she smiled at the pink mare, and we all nodded in agreement.

“Thanks guys, you're all great friends too, even when I don't understand me.” She said with a slight giggle.

I then walked up to Pinkie with my head hung low. “I need to apologize the most, Pinkie… I was so rude to you back there in the forest. I treated you like hay when you needed me to listen to you and… can you ever forgive me?” I said with a somber look in my eye, expecting her to shun me for how rude I was.

But to my shock, she tackled me to the ground, making me yelp in surprise, and hugged me tightly. “Oh Jordan, I was never mad at you! I was just upset is all, of course I forgive you, best friend!” She said with a beaming smile. I returned it.

Twilight then smiled. “You saved my reputation with Princess Celestia, and more importantly, you saved Ponyville.” We then walked into town and surveyed it. Yeah, it was toast. Roofs were collapsed, walls eaten, doors gone, etc.

“...Or not.” Twilight said sheepishly.

I then looked at Twilight and put my hoof on her back. “Hey, Twilight, listen. You’ve done enough worrying and stressing already, over Celestia’s visit. We’ll worry about rebuilding the town later.”

I then looked right at her. “How about… we take a walk? All seven of us, and when we come back, we’ll worry about the town. Sound good?” Everypony went mhm in agreement, and I smiled.

“Well, we can’t go to the café like we usually do. So… how about we walk to a spot of mine? Follow me.” I said as I started walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, captivating their collective attention. I walked on the dirt path with the girls directly in tow, walking or flying, and walked up a hill at the side of the road.

This is the same hill where I saw the sunrise the morning of applebuck season with Applejack. I love this spot, it has a perfect view of both Canterlot, and the sunrise/sunset.

The girls gasped collectively as we got to the crest of the hill. “Wow, Jordan, this is a beautiful spot. How’d you find it?” Twilight asked.

“Well, the morning AJ and I went applebucking a few weeks ago, I made a sidetrip up here. I watched the sunrise, and it was gorgeous. I figured we could all unwind and relax here, maybe talk and such.”

Rarity smiled and sat down on the grass. “That sounds like a lovely idea, darling.” The girls all did the same, sitting on the grass with me and Rarity.

So, we talked for a while. Rarity was talking about a big order she had to get done in the next few days, Applejack had to get the harvest finished, etc.

The sun in the sky was now an extravagant, lavish orange and pink as it was on the brink of setting. I sighed happily as I looked at it.

“Equestria is such a beautiful place. I feel so happy I live here… and I’m so happy I met all of you girls.” I said with a smile and turned to them. “Girls, I love you all. In the past few weeks we’ve had so many crazy adventures, and I can’t wait for what comes in the future.”

I turned to all six girls, who were staring at me with smiles on their faces, waiting for me to finish my statement. I smiled.

“I belong with you girls. I don’t care if I ever get a cutie mark or anything; you girls are my everything.” I then made a motion with my hoof that told them to fall in for a group hug, which everypony, even Rainbow, accepted.

So, in a truly heartwarming scene, in the golden orange hue of the sunset, the warmness of the sun raining down upon us, we hugged as a group, as friends. The moment was truly perfect.

“Thank you for being my friends girls. I love you all…” I said with the biggest smile in the world.

The girls didn’t reply. I guess I just shocked them with the sudden speech, the sudden show of emotion. But I just needed to say it all. I needed to get it off my chest.

“Hey y’all, this was fun, but I gotta get my rear home. Granny will be mad if I ain’t there before dark. See y’all!” AJ said as she galloped down the hill.

Fluttershy hugged me goodbye. “I have to go home and feed the animals dinner, I’m late as it is. See you everypony.” She said as she carefully trotted down the hill.

“Yes, and I simply must get Sweetie Belle ready for bed. Good night friends.” Rarity said as she followed Fluttershy in the same manner.

“I gotta get home too, the Cakes’ will be worried! BYE!” Pinkie said as she hopped merrily down the hill.

Rainbow got in flying position. “Gotta clear the clouds one more time before bed, cya!” She said as she zoomed off into the night.

That left me and Twilight. She noticed that I was staring blankly into the distance, towards Canterlot.

She nudged my shoulder. “We should be getting home. We have a big day of repairing the town tomorrow. You coming?”

I shook my head. “Naw, I’ll stay here for a bit.”

She nodded. “Ok, see you at home later.” She started walking away, then I got an idea.

“Twilight?” I called her name before she got far. She turned to me. “Yes?” I motioned her over and she sat down on the grass next to me.

I sighed. “Sorry Twi, but I got so much on my mind… I’m going coco loco lately. I just figured sitting here and thinking would help.” I said a little sadly.

She nodded. “I know you’re going through a lot with this new body stuff. Is that all you’re worried about?” She asked, as if she suspected I had a deeper reason to worry.

I sighed, and told her the truth. “The other night, after the sleepover, when I was on my walk, something…. Happened, Twi. I got attacked by…something. I don’t even know who, or what. Zecora found me, and she saved me. I… I’m just scared. I’ve been having nightmares, and now this attack… what if somepony’s out to get me?” I said with worry and fear in my voice.

Twilight surveyed me with her eyes, formulating an appropriated response before she finally replied.

“I’m…not sure. Because me and the girls hold the power to the elements of harmony, we’re not exactly small targets. It…could be…” She hesitated, gulping before she continued. “It could be that, to hurt us, whatever this attacker is, is hurting you. I’m not sure.”

“I’ll do anything to protect you girls, even if it means sacrificing myself to whatever it is. I won’t let you get hurt. And that’s a promise Twi.”

We both then looked in opposite directions, me to the left, her to the right, before we turned our heads to look at each other, and gasped.

Our noses were now touching! I immediately blushed red and pulled back slowly. But, with every step I moved back, Twilight moved forward.

I sighed heavily. “Twilight… I…” I started, before all of a sudden I felt an… energy surmounting in my horn. I saw hers light up, and all of a sudden our horns sparked, again!

I gasped as I felt a surge of energy swirl throughout my body. I now felt…. Reinvigorated, rejuvenated, empowered. I looked at her, who was blushing just as bad as me.

“Twilight, please, you understand magic and unicorns better than I do, what does this sparking mean?” I asked, desperate to have an answer.

She stammered, trying to tell me. “It…it… it means…means… it means you and I…” she couldn’t finish her sentence as she turned her head away, too embarrassed to finish.

I thought about what she was trying to say, trying to somehow decipher it, to comprehend it.

After several moments of thinking, I still just couldn’t think of a reason. I was still at thought process one. Maybe it was just that she thinks of us as best friends. But then again, it doesn’t spark with any other unicorn. Well, Rarity is the only unicorn friend she has other than me, and they’re not best friends, so it could be. I then looked at her.

“We should be getting home, it’s dark and cold. Let’s go.” I was about to get up to walk, but suddenly, she teleported us home.

When we stopped and were inside the library, I smiled at her. “Thanks, I was too tired to walk anyway. I’m going to bed. See you tomorrow, Twilight…” I said as I slowly walked up the stairs, leaving her to whatever she would do downstairs.

As I got into bed I chuckled lightly. Thank Celestia the library was left untouched today, it’s the only home I have.

Boy, my head is just flooded with thoughts right now. Town is destroyed, the princess postponed her visit, and I’m still a mare. Jeez, things are never simple, are they?

At least we got the parasprites out of town. We should have just listened to Pinkie. I feel bad for snapping at her like that. I’ve got to do something to tell her I’m sorry. I don’t want her mad at me.

I rolled onto my side and cuddled the pillow I was on, slowly drifting to the dream world with an immense smile on my face.

Author's Note

Heya! I don't have very much to say this time. I hope you're ready for Winter Wrap Up!