Starlight's First Vacation With Her Friendsby CAPTAIN YOSHI HDChaptersInviting StarlightCollecting SeashellsA Walk With FluttershyPlaying Catch and Learning To SurfBuried and TickledThe Perfect SandcastleInviting StarlightTwilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy were packing their stuff for their trip to the beach. The beach is open for the Summer, it maybe packed, but there are still some fun activities to do there. Twilight's bringing her bag for collecting seashells, Pinkie Pie's bringing her beach ball, Rainbow Dash's bringing her surf board, Applejack's bringing her Frisbee, Rarity's bringing her beach hat and beach umbrella, Fluttershy's bringing her beach shoes in the form of seashells, and Spike's bringing his sand toys to play in the sand. They all were wearing sunglasses, except Spike. Rarity's glasses were lady-like. They were nearly getting ready to leave. "Hope this vacation was better than last time.", Spike hoped. "I hope so too, Spike.", Twilight said. "Yeah, lets just say last time was a disaster.", Rainbow Dash said. "There was a tornado that caught fifty-five fillies from the water and 20 grown ponies on the sand.", Fluttershy said. "Luckily, nopony was hurt after that.", Applejack said. "Apple Bloom told me that her biggest fear of all is being grabbed by a tornado or a wind storm and she'll be flying through the sky. If she had wings, she'll save herself by flapping them. I'd hate to lose my sister in a tornado." "Hopefully, there will be another one, it will be fun being caught by one.", Pinkie Pie said. The group was shocked. "Pinkie!", Twilight scowled. "Are you a red neck or something? They're dangerous, you'll probably die after you crash." Pinkie giggled. "Just kidding, Twilight.", she said. "I'm sure this beach day will be peaceful. But, there will seagulls flying around, so maybe a little bit peaceful." Spike was glancing on how good the girls look. "You six look great for the beach.", he said. "Especially you, Rarity, you look lovely with those glasses." Rarity giggled with embarrassment. "Spike, stop, you're getting me too flattered.", she said. "My face is now getting red, now that I'm embarrassed by my little Spikey-poo." "And, Fluttershy, seashell shoes are a good look for your hooves.", Spike said. Fluttershy smiled and blushes lightly. "I was hoping you would like them.", she said, flattered. "I got them four years ago, they're pretty old." Applejack pointed at Spike's backpack full of beach toys. "Looks you're bringing the same things you bring as usual whenever we go to the beach, your backpack full of sand toys, so you'll playing in the sand... all by yourself. I wish you would just let us play with you.", she said. "I know I play with my sand toys all on my own, but this time I'll let one of you play with me.", Spike said. "Wow, Spike, that's really nice of you.", Twilight said, cheekily. "I use to play with sand toys at the beach when I was a filly." "Did we ever put sunscreen on?", Pinkie asked. "Yes, Pinkie, we just did that like five minutes ago.", Rarity said. "Don't want to get a sun burn again." "Anyways, lets rock and roll.", Rainbow Dash said. As they were about to leave, Spike spotted something unusual. "What a second.", he thought to himself. He counted the group of ponies. "One, two, three, four, five, six. A missing one, and that's Starlight. Excuse me for a second?" The six ponies stopped and turned to Spike. "What is it, Spike?", Twilight asked. "Aren't you forgetting somepony?", Spike asked. They all got confused. "Forgetting... somepony?", Fluttershy asked. "Who?", Pinkie asked. "Who are you talking about?" "Starlight.", Spike said. "Oh... uh... I don't know about bringing Starlight along, Spike.", Twilight said. "I don't know if she's ever been to the beach before. As normal, she stays here to do magic with Trixie." "Even if she hasn't, you can bring her along, I just hope she'll start to like the beach, she'll have a blast.", Spike said. "You'll bring her, right?" Twilight thought what would Starlight do if she went to the beach and didn't know what activities there are. She assume that Starlight would sit around and watch the group have fun. For years, she's been enslaving an entire village and not find anything fun to do." "We'll teach her the activities we do at the beach.", Spike said. "Come on, she'll have a fun time there." "Alright, Spike.", Twilight said. "If you say so, I'll invite her to come with us." "Where is she?", Spike asked. "She's in the library doing her spells.", Twilight said. She went over to the library and entered it. She saw Starlight sitting at the table with a hoof to her face. "Hey, I thought you were doing your magic spells." Starlight faced Twilight. "I've been doing a lot of spells this morning.", she said. "Trixie has a lot of ideas for magic spells, she teaches me them. But, she can't come today, because she's in Las Pegasus. I'm like really bored right now. And what's with the little bag and sunglasses, you going to a nice, relaxing hotel?" "I'm actually going to the beach with my friends, Starlight.", Twilight said. "Do you want to come along with us?" Starlight rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. "Uh, I don't know about that, Twilight.", she said. "I've never been to the beach before. I don't know any of the activities ponies do there. I'm a bit naïve about it." "We'll teach the stuff ponies do there.", Twilight said. "Come on, it will be a great experience for you." Starlight's lips curled into a smile. "Ok, Twilight, I'll go.", she said. "Do I need to bring anything?" "You can take sunglasses if you want.", Twilight said. "Um, I'm going to stick empty-hoofed.", Starlight said. "Good.", Twilight said. "Don't forget to put sunscreen on, the sun's very bright out there. And you do have to watch out for those annoying seagulls, they're like zoo explorers that can think we're zoo animals, which they have a stick to poke at a monkey and laugh about it." Collecting SeashellsThe group arrived at the beach. The sun was in the sky shining bright like a huge light bulb in the air. There weren't many seagulls flying through the sky, so it'll be less annoying, not so much squawking. The beach is supposed to packed often, because it's Summer. But, this time, it isn't. It's so unusual. Thankfully, there's enough space around for everypony to have play time on the sand. "Well, were here.", Twilight said. "Can't you just smell the air. It smells fresh on the beach. Either that, or is it the sunscreen making the smell." "Nah, it's the smell of the salty ocean.", Spike said. "Starlight, are you sure you never been to a beach before, but heard of them?", Rainbow Dash asked. "Yes.", Starlight said. "I've never done any activities on the beach before. What exactly do you girls do?" "Well, Starlight, there are a lot of fun stuff to do on the beach, I go around and collect seashells, Rarity lays down on the sand - which is not really an activity, Rainbow Dash surfs in the waves, Pinkie Pie plays catch, Applejack swims in the water, Fluttershy walks around the area, and Spike plays in the sand with his toys.", Twilight explained. "I assure you, Sugarcube, you'll have lots of fun here.", Applejack said. "Yeah, you and I are going to surf in the huge waves to make everypony jealous.", Rainbow Dash said. Starlight chuckled. "I wouldn't exactly make anypony jealous if I was really good at something, Rainbow.", she said. "If I were to brag, I would make somepony insanely jealous, but I'm not doing that." "I would play catch with you, Starlight, but you're going to have to use your hooves to throw the ball.", Pinkie said. "If you bounce it off your horn, it would pop, and I don't want it to pop. I had this ball for eight years." "Pinkie, if it were to pop, I'd buy you a new one.", Starlight said. "If you're going to buy Pinkie Pie a new ball, it would have to be the same as that ball.", Fluttershy said. "It has to be a pink ball, because pink represents her name and it's the color of her fur." Starlight looked at Applejack and Rarity. "She has a point, you know, Sugarcube.", the farmer said. "I agree with Applejack, Darling.", Rarity said. Spike glanced at Starlight's body, thinking she'll get a sun burn. "Do anypony ever put sunscreen on Starlight.", he asked. "I put sunscreen on Starlight before we left, Spike.", Rarity said. "There's no need to worry about a thing." "Are we going to find a spot or are we going to waste our time talking about the beach?", Twilight asked, trying to get a move on with her friends. The group walked on the soft sand. Spike breathes slowly as he moved his toes in the sand. Fluttershy, however, didn't feel the sand, because she was wearing her seashell shoes. If she's wearing seashell, why isn't she doing the same Twilight's going to do, such as collect seashells. Rainbow Dash was in mid-air, flapping her wings, so she's not touching the sand. The sand may be hot, but it didn't bother Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, or Rarity. As for Starlight, she was jumping, feeling the burn on her hooves. "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!", she yelped. "The sand's so hot! Somepony get a blanket!" Twilight lifted Starlight up with her magic and Rarity quickly set up the beach blanket. "There you go, Darling.", the white unicorn said. Twilight gently put Starlight on the blanket. "You okay?", she asked. Starlight used a towel to brush the sand off her hooves. "I'm alright, Twilight.", she said. "So, since we're here, what do we do?" "You can do whatever you want, Starlight.", Twilight said. "We already had lunch, so feel free to do whatever." She grabbed her bag and put it around her neck and over her shoulder. "You want to collect seashells with me?" "Sure.", Starlight said. She got off the blanket, once again feeling the heat of the sand. She took a deep breath, getting used to the sand being hot, because of the sun beaming down on it. "Guess this isn't that bad after all." The two walked off, keeping their eyes out for shells. "Bet I'll find a larger shell than you.", she said, cheekily. "Bet you don't.", Twilight said, raising her eyebrows up and down and making Starlight chuckle. As they collected seashells, Starlight wondered how long Twilight went to the beach. "You know, Twilight, I'm kind of curious.", she said. "How long have you been to the beach?" "I've been to the beach since I was a filly, Starlight.", Twilight said, picking up a shell. "My foal sitter, Cadence and my family taught me every activity about the beach. We collected seashells by the shore, we built sand castles, and swam in the water. Whenever Mom's resting on the sand, trying to catch a tan, me, my brother, and Cadence sneak up to her and bury her in the sand. My mom loved being buried in the sand since she was a filly." "Wow, your mom is pretty much a sand lover.", Starlight said, picking a shell up. "Does it help her relax more?" "Yes, because the sand's so warm as always.", Twilight said. "Did you have a trip to the beach in recent times?", Starlight asked. "The first time me and my friends came to the beach was a month after me and Spike moved to Ponyville.", Twilight said, picking up another shell. "We were going to stay for three hours, but we cut the time short, because poor Spike got pinched in the finger by a crab." But, how can a crap pinched Spike's finger that easily? Was a crab's claw that strong to hurt scales? Twilight read something in book about sea creatures, and she found a strange creature called the 'bulk crab'. It's a strong crab that can pinch anything, whether it's thick and thin. "Oh my gosh.", Starlight gasped. "Was he okay?" "The crab was still holding on to the finger when me and my friends got to him.", Twilight said. "Fluttershy used the stare on him to make him stop, then she lead him back into the ocean. When we got home, I put a bandage on Spike's finger to make it feel better. Everything was fine at the end, but apparently, the vacation was ruined." "I'm sorry to hear that.", Starlight said sadly, picking up another shell. "As for the last vacation, there was tornado.", Twilight said. "Luckily, none of us were hurt." A Walk With FluttershyTwilight and Starlight came back to their spot and saw that Spike was cuddled up in Fluttershy's arms, feeling hurt and terrified. "Girls, what's wrong with Spike?", the purple alicorn asked. "Did somepony hurt him?" "Yes, Twilight.", Fluttershy said. She pointed to two colts playing with Spike's sand toys. One of them was white with a yellow mane and a match on fire that represents his cutie mark. And the other one had turquoise fur, a dark blue mane, and a drip of water as a cutie mark. "We saw it happen, Darling.", Rarity said. "They forced him to give up the toys to them, and they threatened that if he tries to get them back, they drown him in the water. Hurt and upset he was, he came running to us." Starlight's face turned a bit red and blew steam from her nose. "That's it.", she snarled. "You can mess with me, but you don't mess with my friends." She went toward them, stomping her hooves on the sand. The two colts were making sand mountains with the shovels. The turquoise colt had a small mountain and the white colt made one that was much bigger. "Aw come on, I dug much more sand than you.", the turquoise colt said. "You did not.", the white colt said. "Your mountain is much smaller than mine. We agreed that, the colt with the biggest mountain wins. Do I have to explain the rules a billion times to you?" "Hey you!", Starlight shouted. The boys turned and saw Starlight walking toward them. "Who? Us?", they asked. "Yeah! You!", Starlight pointed out. "Aren't those my friends toys?" "Which friend?", the white colt asked. "My dragon friend behind me with my other friends.", Starlight said. "Oh, yeah.", the turquoise colt said. "Of course. What about it?" "I want you to give them back to him.", Starlight commanded. "Buck off, lady.", the white colt scoffed. "We're not giving anything no wimpy dragon like him." Starlight gasped in shock and turned around to see Spike even more hurt. Starlight's head was now filled with steam. She went a little more close to the boys, overcasting her shadow above them. "Didn't we-", the turquoise colt started, when they turned around to see Starlight's furious face. "What... did... you... call... ME!", Starlight growled. "You take that back, give those back, and apologize!" "Listen here, missy!", the white colt scolded. "I'm not here to play games with a grouchy unicorn like you. We just want to be left alone while we play with these toys. No matter what you want, we're just going to ignore you." Starlight burst out steam from her ears with anger. "Oh yeah!", she roared. "Maybe this will change your minds!" She grabbed a shovel with her magic and dug two holes in the sand. She then grabbed the two colts by the tail and hung them over the holes head first. The boys started to panic. "HEY!", the white one yelled. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" "I'll dip your heads in these holes if you don't apologize!", Starlight shouted. "WE'RE APOLOGIZING AND YOU CAN'T MAKE US!", the turquoise colt shouted. Starlight lowered their heads slowly in the holes, making the boys panic even harder. They screamed and begged for mercy. "OKAY! WE'RE SORRY!", they both said. "WE'LL GIVE HIM BACK THE SAND TOYS AND LEAVE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS ALONE! PLEASE DON'T HURT US!" "Good.", Starlight said calmly, setting the boys down. Then, she went back to anger and shouted with fire in her eyes. "NOW, GET LOST YOU MORONIC BRATS!" The boys screamed and ran off, crying. Spike happily ran to his toys. "Thank you so much, Starlight.", he said. "You had no idea... how awesome I thought that was." Rainbow Dash, however, was laughing. "You were so mad.", she laughed. "You used to be a villain to us and now you're one to them." "Can I be honest with you?", Applejack asked. She chuckled. "You scared me a little bit like that." Twilight patted Starlight's shoulder. "You're not bad in my book, Star.", she said. Starlight blushed. "Thanks, Twilight.", she said. "I really appreciate that." "Fluttershy, can you take Starlight on a walk to distract her?", Spike asked. "Um, why do you want me to distract her?", Fluttershy asked. "I want to make her a surprise, but I can't let her see it, because it'll ruin it.", Spike said. "Okay.", Fluttershy said. "Starlight, do you want to take a walk with me around the beach?" "Sure, Fluttershy, I could use the exercise.", Starlight said. Before they could leave, the two bullies caught them with her mom. Their mom was a unicorn, she had orange fur, a pink mane, and a cup of lemonade that presents her cutie mark. "There, Mom, that's the unicorn that tried to kill us.", the white colt said. The mom had an angry face. She walked toward Starlight with angry. "Uh oh.", Starlight said fearfully. She was thinking what will the mom do. Get the guards to put her in a cell? Who knows. "Excuse me!", the mom snarled. Sweat came down Starlight's face. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, was shaking in fear behind Starlight's back hooves. "What is she going to do?", she asked, still shaking. "Do you have any idea what you could have done with my boys?!", the mom asked angrily. "You could have made them suffocate in those holes! You could have killed them!" "I-I'm sorry, ma'am.", Starlight said nervously. "They... They..." "Starlight, Sweetie, let me handle this.", Rarity said, budging in front of her friend. "Pardon me, Darling, this has been a big misunderstanding. Your boys stole my little Spikey-poo's sand toys and threatened to kill him, if he got them back." The mom didn't seem angry anymore with Starlight, but she's now angry with her boys. "Is that true?", she asked seriously. "N-No, we were just... we were... Fine, we did take them and threat him.", the turquoise colt confessed. "Finally, some kind of bully who gives in.", Pinkie scoffed. "You know what?", the mom asked. "That's it, you two are grounded." "Mom!", the two colts said. "You two are coming with me.", the mom said, grabbing her boys by the ear and dragged them across the sand. "I told you not to be a bully to other ponies on the beach, but you disobeyed me. When we get back to the house, you boys will be disciplined." "Bye bye, boys.", Starlight taunted, leaving with Fluttershy. "It was very nice of you to stand up for Spike.", Fluttershy cooed. "You were like Rainbow Dash when she stands up for me." "Yeah, Rainbow Dash has been telling me about the creatures who scolded, such as those two colts from Cloudsdale, a gryphon named Gilda, and... Gabby Gums.", Starlight said. "Who is Gabby Gums?" "Gabby Gums isn't really a pony, it's a newspaper department.", Fluttershy said. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo worked for Gabby Gums, everypony was getting great news on the papers, until we found out that they were stalking us and harassing us and insulting us about what we do." "And this Gilda, what's her problem with you?", Starlight asked. "Well, she just doesn't have a problem with me, she has a problem with everypony, except Pinkie Pie.", Fluttershy said. "During, she kept stealing stuff from everypony, and during the party Rainbow Dash was pulling pranks on her without Gilda noticing it. She thought it was Pinkie Pie pulling the pranks. Then, Rainbow Dash exposed herself to Gilda, and that made the gryphon upset and leave." "Hopefully, that turned well at the end.", Starlight said. "Oh, it did.", Fluttershy said. "Let me tell you something, not I was the only one bullied, but there were three fillies that were bullied." "Who were those three fillies?", Starlight asked. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.", Fluttershy said. "Oh, of course, I know them.", Starlight said. "How were they bullied?" "They didn't have their cutie marks yet and these two rich fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were such legit jerks to them.", Fluttershy said. "Until, that pink filly stood up to her mother for them and helped them get their marks." "Well, they got along pretty well.", Starlight said. Playing Catch and Learning To SurfStarlight raises her hooves in the air, she prepared to hit something that will fall from the clear air. She quickly swung her hooves forward, hitting Pinkie Pie's beach ball back into the air. The ball flies straight back to Pinkie Pie, as she bent her front hooves in position to hit the ball with her head. She straightened her front hooves once more to let her magenta cotton candy mane to bounce the ball back to her friend. Luckily, it doesn't hurt her head every time she hits it. How could it not hurt her when it hits her mane? How come she doesn't get a headache after hitting the ball a lot of times with her head. "You know, Starlight, you should come to our picnics more often.", she said. "You can also do fun activities while you're at a picnic." "Well, back in my past, I did nothing that was fun or entertaining, but I did enslave an entire village of ponies to make everypony think they're not special at all.", Starlight said. "Let me ask you a question, Starlight, its a simple one.", Pinkie said, throwing the ball to Starlight. "Does your family go to the beach every once an a while?" "I've been telling a million times before, Pinkie.", Starlight said, throwing the ball back to Pinkie. "I don't remember my family. The only pony I've been living with is Sunburst. Until he left for Celestia's school of magic. Does your family go to the beach? Are they interested in a place like this one?" "Nah.", Pinkie said. "My family never goes to the beach." She cut between her speech as she threw the ball back to Starlight. "They always say that a beach is an awful place to be. My mom doesn't like getting wet, Limestone doesn't like how the sand gets mushy whenever it's wet, and Marble has a big fear of being buried alive." "Okay then. I guess everypony has their opinion about... What a minute.", Staright paused, as she missed the ball, letting it bounce off her mid-section. It was an activity that she never heard about in her life "Buried? Did you say 'buried'?", she asked. "Yep, that's what I said.", Pinkie said. "Why you ask?" "Is that even a activity at the beach?", Starlight asked. "Yeah.", Pinkie said. "Why? Did you not know that at all? Has nopony told you?" "Twilight and Rarity were telling me all the activities you can do with sand when I was building a sandcastle with Spike.", Starlight said. "They told me how deep you can dig holes, build a bunch of sandcastles, and write big words using something you write with. But, they haven't told me about that activity." "Aha.", Pinkie said. "They must've left that part out." "All my life, not only ponies or other creatures can be buried.", Starlight said. "Villages get buried during a snow storm or a really bad flood, or statues can get buried if they're part of an abandoned town. I read that in history books." "Wow, you're pretty logical about things that can get buried. I know I don't read a lot of books.", Pinkie said, picking up her ball, which bounced off Starlight's back when she missed it. Pinkie brushed the sand off the bottom and the top. "Do you want to continue playing?" "Um... I'm good for now, Pinkie.", Starlight said. "Alright, suit yourself.", Pinkie said. "But, thanks for playing with me though. I do appreciate you for that. I'll go ask Dash if she can play with me." "Actually, Pinkie, I was going ask Starlight if she can surf with me.", Rainbow Dash asked, surprising the two pink creatures from above. She chuckled. "Sorry for surprising... or pretty much scaring you two, I should start walking on the ground and greet you next time." "You didn't scare me, Rainbow Dash.", Starlight said. "I was just surprised. So, you were right the first time, you didn't have to correct yourself. Speaking of which, can you teach me how to surf? I've never surfed before." "Sure.", Rainbow Dash said. "I'd be happy to teach you." She and Starlight walked over to the water. Starlight was standing on all four hooves on a surf board. Sweat was coming down her head, trying to keep her balance on every edge. "Is this how you do it?", she asked. "Yep, that's perfect balance, Starlight.", Rainbow Dash said. "Just wait for the perfect wave to come by and surf on it." "Alright.", Starlight said. "But, how do I start surfing? Do I just run into the water, get on my surf board once I get near a wave, and just soar along the water." "That's right.", Rainbow Dash said. She kept her eye on the ocean, looking for a wave. She widened her eyes as she spotted a wave that was five inches high. "There's a wave that's perfect for you. Go for it." Starlight ran towards that wave. And in an instant, she hopped on her surf board and surfed on the wave. She was at perfect balance, the perfect stable point to not being knocked over. It was beautiful, it was so great. She was having a good time. Rainbow Dash spun in the air, feeling happy and impressed. "You go, Starlight!", she cheered. "That's what I'm talking about." Starlight slid back to Rainbow Dash with her board on the water. "I got to say, Rainbow Dash, that was awesome.", she said. "This vacation is getting better and better. And it won't stop. I kind of want to do this again some other time." "I'm glad you enjoyed it.", Rainbow Dash said. "You are now a surfer." "I'm going to go rest with Twilight and Rarity.", Starlight said. "I'll catch you later, Rainbow." "Catch you later too, Starlight.", Rainbow Dash said. "Oh, I... hope I didn't hurt Applejack's head while I was surfing.", Starlight said. "Don't worry, she's at a clear space in the ocean.", Rainbow Dash said. "So, I'm sure she's fine." Buried and TickledStarlight was heading back to the spot with an exhausted look on her face. She gets on the beach blanket and sat down to catch her breath. She holds herself up with her hooves on the ground, so she doesn't have to lay down. "So much for playing catch with Pinkie Pie and surfing with Rainbow Dash.", she groaned. "Hey, Starlight.", Twilight said. "You alright?" "Yeah, I'm okay, Twilight.", Starlight said. "I've been spending eight minutes throwing the ball to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash taught me how to surf. I just needed to sit down and take a break." "You've done a lot so far.", Twilight said. "First, you went seashell collecting with me, then you went on a walk with Fluttershy, then you built a sandcastle with Spike, then you played catch with Pinkie Pie, and now Rainbow Dash taught you how to surf. Guess your first vacation with us is going well." "Yeah.", Starlight said. "I do have a question for you two." "Yes?", Twilight asked. "What is it, Darling?", Rarity asked. "Is burying in the sand an activity on the beach?", Starlight asked. "Yes it is.", Twilight said. "Why?" "You didn't mention that.", Starlight said. "We had to leave that part out, because we thought being buried alive was your biggest fear.", Rarity said. "That's not my biggest fear.", Starlight said. "Oh.", Twilight said. "So, how did you know about that?" "Pinkie told me.", Starlight said. "She mentioned that her sister, Marble's biggest fear is being buried alive." "Oh?", Rarity asked. "Marble may be the pony who hated being buried, but Pinkie loved being buried, because she always knew it was so relaxing." "You do make a good point, Rarity.", Starlight said. "Speaking of that, do you want to be buried?", Twilight asked. Starlight looked at Twilight and Rarity. She didn't answer, but blinked a few times. She fidgeted with her hooves, then she finally spoke up. "Uh... I don't know about that, Twilight.", she said. "I might not be able to move when that happens, and I might get dirty. Besides, I think that's a bit childish." Rarity chuckled. "It's not that childish, Darling.", she said. "You can do that at any age. You may get dirty, but it is relaxing. Can you please give it a try. I promise you won't have too much sand on you." Starlight puts a hoof to her chest and let the struggle all out with a deep breath. "If you two are making promises to not do too much, then you two can absolutely bury me.", she said. "Actually, Starlight.", Twilight said. "I'm not going to bury you. Rarity's going to bury you, I'm going to be at the top of your head, smoothing out your mane to help you relax." "Okay, then.", Starlight said. "What exactly do you need me to do?" Twilight was sitting on a spot on the sand. She pointed at it, showing Starlight she needs to lay down there. "You lay down on your back right here.", she said. Starlight walked over to the spot and laid down on her back. "What else do I do?", she asked. "That's it, just keep laying down and relax while Rarity puts sand on you.", Twilight said. "Rarity, get the shovel." "On it, Twilight.", Rarity said, grabbing her shovel. She gave Twilight a wink before speaking to Starlight. "Are you ready, Starlight?" Starlight wanted to make a little nervous panic. But, instead, she was smiling. "Sure.", she said, giggling. She was going to break into laughter, she was more calm when she felt Twilight's hoof smooth out her mane. Rarity scooped up some sand in her shovel and poured it on Starlight's belly. Starlight sighed and fell asleep as Rarity scooped more sand and poured it on Starlight's higher part of her belly. By that, it's her chest. The third scoop of sand was poured on the same spot the first scoop was poured on, it made Starlight's heart beat. But, Starlight doesn't seem to be panicking. Guess the relaxing feeling got the better of her. Rarity scooped a lot of sand and poured it on Starlight's belly, it was enough to cover the pink unicorn's sides. "Oh, you like that, huh?", Rarity asked, teasingly. "This sand is like a big sandy blanket for your belly. Lets see how your flanks like it." She scooped up some sand covered up her flanks with it. "Well then, looks like every spot is covered by sand on sleeping Starlight.", Rarity cooed, patting Starlight on the head. "You may have gotten every part of Starlight's body, but you do need to cover up one part.", Twilight said, pointing at Starlight's lower part. Of course, Rarity has got every part, except her hooves and tail. "Her hooves." "And never forget the tail.", Rarity said. She scooped up chunks of sand poured them on Starlight's hooves and tail. She used the shovel to the pat the sand down on Starlight's body. "I think she's now finished. Unless, I get the front hooves too." She was about to scoop up more sand to cover up Starlight's front hooves. But, Twilight stopped her. "I'd rather not get her front hooves.", Twilight said. "We want it easy for her to get out." "Oh, alright.", Rarity said, putting the shovel down on the beach blanket. "Starlight.", Twilight cooed quietly in her buried friend's ear. "Wake up, Starlight." Starlight's eyes fluttered open. "Did you finish?", she asked. She looked at all the sand that was put on her. "Wow, Rarity, you do a great job at this." "Why thank you, Darling.", Rarity said. "I do have one question. Are you ticklish?" She slowly raised an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?", Starlight asked, blushing madly. "I said, are you ticklish?", Rarity repeated. "Why?", Starlight asked. "We thought we would see how much you would like it.", Twilight said. "Because, after we bury Pinkie, she would ask us to tickle her." "Um, ok, I guess.", Starlight said. "If that's what you want to do, then do it." Twilight and Rarity took Starlight's hooves with their magic and put them to the top of her head. They revealed feathers in their magic, put the tips to her forearms, and stroked them up and down. The feathers began to tickle Starlight. Starlight broke into laughter. "Hahahahahahahaha heeheeheehee. That tickles.", she laughed. "Aww, too ticklish?", Twilight asked, teasingly. "I'll act like that's a good thing." "Yeah, it's a great thing to be tickled.", Rarity said. Starlight's cheeks were red and tears were coming out of her eyes. "Hahahahahahahaha. Please stop. I'm too ticklish. Help me out of here. Hahahahahahaha.", she laughed. "Are you sure?", Rarity asked. "You don't want to stay in the sand a little longer, Darling?" She blinked three times. "Yes, I'm sure, I want to get out.", Starlight said. "Okay.", Twilight said. She and Rarity took Starlight's hooves. But, this time, they took her hooves with their hooves. They helped her sit up, knocking the sand off her belly. Though, she was still sitting down on her flanks with her back hooves still buried. Rarity picked Starlight up with her magic, held her in the air, and shook some of the sand off. "There you go, Starlight.", she said, putting her down. "Did you enjoy that?" "Yeah, it was pretty enjoyable.", Starlight said. She looks at her sandy body. "Though, I am still dirty." "You can go swimming with me.", a voice said from behind. Starlight turned around to see Applejack with her goggles on her head and still wet. "I'd love to swim with you, Applejack. I do need to get all this sand off." "Glad to hear that, Sugarcube.", Applejack said. "You are a bit dirty. Oh, don't forget your goggles. Don't want water in your eyes." The Perfect SandcastleStarlight was holding Fluttershy's hoof as she walked with her eyes closed. They were heading back to the spot, but Fluttershy told Starlight to keep her eyes closed, because Spike was making a surprise for her. Starlight wasn't sure how far they were from the spot, because she was keeping her eyes closed. "Fluttershy, how far are we?", she asked. "I don't like keeping my eyes closed for a long time. I'm afraid I might get hit by something, it could be bird poop or a beach ball." "You're fine, Starlight.", Fluttershy said. "We'll make it back in any minute. Just keep your eyes closed." Even if she closed Starlight's eyes with her wings, they would tickle her face a little. Of course, she has feathers on her wings. She was making sure that Starlight doesn't trip on anything. "Careful with your steps, Star. I don't want you to trip on something and fall." "I'm trying, Fluttershy.", Starlight said. "We've been walking on this path for ten minutes and we haven't seen anything on the ground, except sand. If there wasn't just sand, we would've seen starfishes and seashells. And if there are, then would've stepped on any of them." "We're here now, Starlight.", Fluttershy said. "You can open your eyes now." She gave Starlight a pat on the back for keeping her patience of keeping her eyes closed." "Thank gosh.", Starlight said. "It's about time I can see again." She opens her eyes and saw a sand sculpture of her head. "Oh my Celestia.", she said. "This is amazing. That sand sculpture looks just like my head. It has every single detail of my mane I have." "I made this for you, Starlight.", Spike said. "As a reward." He gave her a smile and rubbed his shoulder, feeling nervous if Starlight was going to do something to embarrass him. Starlight looked at Spike with confusion. "A reward for me?", Starlight asked. "What did I do to deserve to get rewarded?" "Since you got my sand toys back from those mean colts for me, I thought I would make you something like this. I built your head out of sand. ", Spike said. "You deserved it, Starlight." Starlight put a hoof to her chest with a loving smile, her eyes sparkled like she loved it so much. "Oh, Spike.", she cooed. "You're such a little sweetheart." She pulled him close and squeezed him tight with a hug. She cut between it by kissing Spike on the cheek. Rarity and Twilight were looking at the little dragon with smiles. Spike blushed and giggled with embarrassment. "I'm kind of embarrassed right now.", he said. "You can let me go now." "Oh.", Starlight said, unwrapping her hooves from Spike's body. "Sorry about that, Spike. This is just the sweetest thing that you've ever done for me. I've never got a special gift from you." "Well, I've been making sandcastles since we got here, so I thought I would take a break from that and make this for you.", Spike said. As for younger creatures, it's pretty hard to build sandcastles as a single builder. "You know, do you want to build one with me?" "Sure.", Starlight said. "I never made a sandcastle before, but I'd be happy to learn how to build one. It shouldn't be hard for me, because I heard that younger creatures have hard times building one by themselves." "Give me a moment, Starlight.", Spike said, turning to pick up his sand bucket and sand shovel. "Alright, lets get started on the- WHOA!", Spike yelped, turning around to see that Starlight already built a sandcastle. But, it wasn't just any castle, it was Twilight's castle. She got every detail, the balconies, the roof tops, everything. "Is that Twilight's castle?" "Yep.", Starlight said. "Pretty impressive, right?" Spike walked around the castle, taking a glance at every detail of the castle. His mouth was an inch open and his eyes were widened with surprise. "Holy mother of heaven.", he said. "This looks really good. You got every detail. How did you do that? This could take a lot of work to get the detail right." "Have you ever seen any sculptors?", Starlight asked. "All they do is get a giant thick brick and make a statue out of it. I became a sculptors using the sand way." "Wow, that's really impressive, Starlight.", Twilight said. "You seem like you know a lot about sculptors. You know, if you rewarded Spike for helping you out with something, you should make a sand version of the statue of him from the Crystal Empire." "Maybe.", Starlight said. "But, it could take a lot of work for me to get every detail. I don't take a look at it every single day, you know. As a matter of fact, is building sandcastles all you can do?" "Sand is just for building sandcastles.", Twilight said. "You can do other things with it." "She's right, Darling.", Rarity said. "Can you write big sentences, draw big pictures, digging holes. I've dug holes before, but not with my hooves, I only use shovels." "Why don't you like using your hooves, Rarity?", Starlight asked. "You at least got to dig with your hooves at some point." "She doesn't like getting her hooves dirty.", Spike said. "She gets upset every time when her hooves get dirty. Or muddy, getting muddy is even worse." "Thanks for the help, Spike.", Rarity said. "Really appreciate that." "No problem.", Spike said. "One time, Applejack made her step in mud that was under a wooden table while it was raining. She had to get into Twilight's place to go clean up." "Wow.", Rarity said, not being impressed with Spike telling the story. "Thank you so much for giving out every detail of the story, Mr. Obvious." "Oh shut up.", Spike said, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. "I'm with Rarity on this one, I'd be upset if I get my hooves dirty if I want to be a clean lady.", Starlight said.
Inviting StarlightTwilight Sparkle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy were packing their stuff for their trip to the beach. The beach is open for the Summer, it maybe packed, but there are still some fun activities to do there. Twilight's bringing her bag for collecting seashells, Pinkie Pie's bringing her beach ball, Rainbow Dash's bringing her surf board, Applejack's bringing her Frisbee, Rarity's bringing her beach hat and beach umbrella, Fluttershy's bringing her beach shoes in the form of seashells, and Spike's bringing his sand toys to play in the sand. They all were wearing sunglasses, except Spike. Rarity's glasses were lady-like. They were nearly getting ready to leave. "Hope this vacation was better than last time.", Spike hoped. "I hope so too, Spike.", Twilight said. "Yeah, lets just say last time was a disaster.", Rainbow Dash said. "There was a tornado that caught fifty-five fillies from the water and 20 grown ponies on the sand.", Fluttershy said. "Luckily, nopony was hurt after that.", Applejack said. "Apple Bloom told me that her biggest fear of all is being grabbed by a tornado or a wind storm and she'll be flying through the sky. If she had wings, she'll save herself by flapping them. I'd hate to lose my sister in a tornado." "Hopefully, there will be another one, it will be fun being caught by one.", Pinkie Pie said. The group was shocked. "Pinkie!", Twilight scowled. "Are you a red neck or something? They're dangerous, you'll probably die after you crash." Pinkie giggled. "Just kidding, Twilight.", she said. "I'm sure this beach day will be peaceful. But, there will seagulls flying around, so maybe a little bit peaceful." Spike was glancing on how good the girls look. "You six look great for the beach.", he said. "Especially you, Rarity, you look lovely with those glasses." Rarity giggled with embarrassment. "Spike, stop, you're getting me too flattered.", she said. "My face is now getting red, now that I'm embarrassed by my little Spikey-poo." "And, Fluttershy, seashell shoes are a good look for your hooves.", Spike said. Fluttershy smiled and blushes lightly. "I was hoping you would like them.", she said, flattered. "I got them four years ago, they're pretty old." Applejack pointed at Spike's backpack full of beach toys. "Looks you're bringing the same things you bring as usual whenever we go to the beach, your backpack full of sand toys, so you'll playing in the sand... all by yourself. I wish you would just let us play with you.", she said. "I know I play with my sand toys all on my own, but this time I'll let one of you play with me.", Spike said. "Wow, Spike, that's really nice of you.", Twilight said, cheekily. "I use to play with sand toys at the beach when I was a filly." "Did we ever put sunscreen on?", Pinkie asked. "Yes, Pinkie, we just did that like five minutes ago.", Rarity said. "Don't want to get a sun burn again." "Anyways, lets rock and roll.", Rainbow Dash said. As they were about to leave, Spike spotted something unusual. "What a second.", he thought to himself. He counted the group of ponies. "One, two, three, four, five, six. A missing one, and that's Starlight. Excuse me for a second?" The six ponies stopped and turned to Spike. "What is it, Spike?", Twilight asked. "Aren't you forgetting somepony?", Spike asked. They all got confused. "Forgetting... somepony?", Fluttershy asked. "Who?", Pinkie asked. "Who are you talking about?" "Starlight.", Spike said. "Oh... uh... I don't know about bringing Starlight along, Spike.", Twilight said. "I don't know if she's ever been to the beach before. As normal, she stays here to do magic with Trixie." "Even if she hasn't, you can bring her along, I just hope she'll start to like the beach, she'll have a blast.", Spike said. "You'll bring her, right?" Twilight thought what would Starlight do if she went to the beach and didn't know what activities there are. She assume that Starlight would sit around and watch the group have fun. For years, she's been enslaving an entire village and not find anything fun to do." "We'll teach her the activities we do at the beach.", Spike said. "Come on, she'll have a fun time there." "Alright, Spike.", Twilight said. "If you say so, I'll invite her to come with us." "Where is she?", Spike asked. "She's in the library doing her spells.", Twilight said. She went over to the library and entered it. She saw Starlight sitting at the table with a hoof to her face. "Hey, I thought you were doing your magic spells." Starlight faced Twilight. "I've been doing a lot of spells this morning.", she said. "Trixie has a lot of ideas for magic spells, she teaches me them. But, she can't come today, because she's in Las Pegasus. I'm like really bored right now. And what's with the little bag and sunglasses, you going to a nice, relaxing hotel?" "I'm actually going to the beach with my friends, Starlight.", Twilight said. "Do you want to come along with us?" Starlight rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. "Uh, I don't know about that, Twilight.", she said. "I've never been to the beach before. I don't know any of the activities ponies do there. I'm a bit naïve about it." "We'll teach the stuff ponies do there.", Twilight said. "Come on, it will be a great experience for you." Starlight's lips curled into a smile. "Ok, Twilight, I'll go.", she said. "Do I need to bring anything?" "You can take sunglasses if you want.", Twilight said. "Um, I'm going to stick empty-hoofed.", Starlight said. "Good.", Twilight said. "Don't forget to put sunscreen on, the sun's very bright out there. And you do have to watch out for those annoying seagulls, they're like zoo explorers that can think we're zoo animals, which they have a stick to poke at a monkey and laugh about it."
Collecting SeashellsThe group arrived at the beach. The sun was in the sky shining bright like a huge light bulb in the air. There weren't many seagulls flying through the sky, so it'll be less annoying, not so much squawking. The beach is supposed to packed often, because it's Summer. But, this time, it isn't. It's so unusual. Thankfully, there's enough space around for everypony to have play time on the sand. "Well, were here.", Twilight said. "Can't you just smell the air. It smells fresh on the beach. Either that, or is it the sunscreen making the smell." "Nah, it's the smell of the salty ocean.", Spike said. "Starlight, are you sure you never been to a beach before, but heard of them?", Rainbow Dash asked. "Yes.", Starlight said. "I've never done any activities on the beach before. What exactly do you girls do?" "Well, Starlight, there are a lot of fun stuff to do on the beach, I go around and collect seashells, Rarity lays down on the sand - which is not really an activity, Rainbow Dash surfs in the waves, Pinkie Pie plays catch, Applejack swims in the water, Fluttershy walks around the area, and Spike plays in the sand with his toys.", Twilight explained. "I assure you, Sugarcube, you'll have lots of fun here.", Applejack said. "Yeah, you and I are going to surf in the huge waves to make everypony jealous.", Rainbow Dash said. Starlight chuckled. "I wouldn't exactly make anypony jealous if I was really good at something, Rainbow.", she said. "If I were to brag, I would make somepony insanely jealous, but I'm not doing that." "I would play catch with you, Starlight, but you're going to have to use your hooves to throw the ball.", Pinkie said. "If you bounce it off your horn, it would pop, and I don't want it to pop. I had this ball for eight years." "Pinkie, if it were to pop, I'd buy you a new one.", Starlight said. "If you're going to buy Pinkie Pie a new ball, it would have to be the same as that ball.", Fluttershy said. "It has to be a pink ball, because pink represents her name and it's the color of her fur." Starlight looked at Applejack and Rarity. "She has a point, you know, Sugarcube.", the farmer said. "I agree with Applejack, Darling.", Rarity said. Spike glanced at Starlight's body, thinking she'll get a sun burn. "Do anypony ever put sunscreen on Starlight.", he asked. "I put sunscreen on Starlight before we left, Spike.", Rarity said. "There's no need to worry about a thing." "Are we going to find a spot or are we going to waste our time talking about the beach?", Twilight asked, trying to get a move on with her friends. The group walked on the soft sand. Spike breathes slowly as he moved his toes in the sand. Fluttershy, however, didn't feel the sand, because she was wearing her seashell shoes. If she's wearing seashell, why isn't she doing the same Twilight's going to do, such as collect seashells. Rainbow Dash was in mid-air, flapping her wings, so she's not touching the sand. The sand may be hot, but it didn't bother Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, or Rarity. As for Starlight, she was jumping, feeling the burn on her hooves. "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!", she yelped. "The sand's so hot! Somepony get a blanket!" Twilight lifted Starlight up with her magic and Rarity quickly set up the beach blanket. "There you go, Darling.", the white unicorn said. Twilight gently put Starlight on the blanket. "You okay?", she asked. Starlight used a towel to brush the sand off her hooves. "I'm alright, Twilight.", she said. "So, since we're here, what do we do?" "You can do whatever you want, Starlight.", Twilight said. "We already had lunch, so feel free to do whatever." She grabbed her bag and put it around her neck and over her shoulder. "You want to collect seashells with me?" "Sure.", Starlight said. She got off the blanket, once again feeling the heat of the sand. She took a deep breath, getting used to the sand being hot, because of the sun beaming down on it. "Guess this isn't that bad after all." The two walked off, keeping their eyes out for shells. "Bet I'll find a larger shell than you.", she said, cheekily. "Bet you don't.", Twilight said, raising her eyebrows up and down and making Starlight chuckle. As they collected seashells, Starlight wondered how long Twilight went to the beach. "You know, Twilight, I'm kind of curious.", she said. "How long have you been to the beach?" "I've been to the beach since I was a filly, Starlight.", Twilight said, picking up a shell. "My foal sitter, Cadence and my family taught me every activity about the beach. We collected seashells by the shore, we built sand castles, and swam in the water. Whenever Mom's resting on the sand, trying to catch a tan, me, my brother, and Cadence sneak up to her and bury her in the sand. My mom loved being buried in the sand since she was a filly." "Wow, your mom is pretty much a sand lover.", Starlight said, picking a shell up. "Does it help her relax more?" "Yes, because the sand's so warm as always.", Twilight said. "Did you have a trip to the beach in recent times?", Starlight asked. "The first time me and my friends came to the beach was a month after me and Spike moved to Ponyville.", Twilight said, picking up another shell. "We were going to stay for three hours, but we cut the time short, because poor Spike got pinched in the finger by a crab." But, how can a crap pinched Spike's finger that easily? Was a crab's claw that strong to hurt scales? Twilight read something in book about sea creatures, and she found a strange creature called the 'bulk crab'. It's a strong crab that can pinch anything, whether it's thick and thin. "Oh my gosh.", Starlight gasped. "Was he okay?" "The crab was still holding on to the finger when me and my friends got to him.", Twilight said. "Fluttershy used the stare on him to make him stop, then she lead him back into the ocean. When we got home, I put a bandage on Spike's finger to make it feel better. Everything was fine at the end, but apparently, the vacation was ruined." "I'm sorry to hear that.", Starlight said sadly, picking up another shell. "As for the last vacation, there was tornado.", Twilight said. "Luckily, none of us were hurt."
A Walk With FluttershyTwilight and Starlight came back to their spot and saw that Spike was cuddled up in Fluttershy's arms, feeling hurt and terrified. "Girls, what's wrong with Spike?", the purple alicorn asked. "Did somepony hurt him?" "Yes, Twilight.", Fluttershy said. She pointed to two colts playing with Spike's sand toys. One of them was white with a yellow mane and a match on fire that represents his cutie mark. And the other one had turquoise fur, a dark blue mane, and a drip of water as a cutie mark. "We saw it happen, Darling.", Rarity said. "They forced him to give up the toys to them, and they threatened that if he tries to get them back, they drown him in the water. Hurt and upset he was, he came running to us." Starlight's face turned a bit red and blew steam from her nose. "That's it.", she snarled. "You can mess with me, but you don't mess with my friends." She went toward them, stomping her hooves on the sand. The two colts were making sand mountains with the shovels. The turquoise colt had a small mountain and the white colt made one that was much bigger. "Aw come on, I dug much more sand than you.", the turquoise colt said. "You did not.", the white colt said. "Your mountain is much smaller than mine. We agreed that, the colt with the biggest mountain wins. Do I have to explain the rules a billion times to you?" "Hey you!", Starlight shouted. The boys turned and saw Starlight walking toward them. "Who? Us?", they asked. "Yeah! You!", Starlight pointed out. "Aren't those my friends toys?" "Which friend?", the white colt asked. "My dragon friend behind me with my other friends.", Starlight said. "Oh, yeah.", the turquoise colt said. "Of course. What about it?" "I want you to give them back to him.", Starlight commanded. "Buck off, lady.", the white colt scoffed. "We're not giving anything no wimpy dragon like him." Starlight gasped in shock and turned around to see Spike even more hurt. Starlight's head was now filled with steam. She went a little more close to the boys, overcasting her shadow above them. "Didn't we-", the turquoise colt started, when they turned around to see Starlight's furious face. "What... did... you... call... ME!", Starlight growled. "You take that back, give those back, and apologize!" "Listen here, missy!", the white colt scolded. "I'm not here to play games with a grouchy unicorn like you. We just want to be left alone while we play with these toys. No matter what you want, we're just going to ignore you." Starlight burst out steam from her ears with anger. "Oh yeah!", she roared. "Maybe this will change your minds!" She grabbed a shovel with her magic and dug two holes in the sand. She then grabbed the two colts by the tail and hung them over the holes head first. The boys started to panic. "HEY!", the white one yelled. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" "I'll dip your heads in these holes if you don't apologize!", Starlight shouted. "WE'RE APOLOGIZING AND YOU CAN'T MAKE US!", the turquoise colt shouted. Starlight lowered their heads slowly in the holes, making the boys panic even harder. They screamed and begged for mercy. "OKAY! WE'RE SORRY!", they both said. "WE'LL GIVE HIM BACK THE SAND TOYS AND LEAVE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS ALONE! PLEASE DON'T HURT US!" "Good.", Starlight said calmly, setting the boys down. Then, she went back to anger and shouted with fire in her eyes. "NOW, GET LOST YOU MORONIC BRATS!" The boys screamed and ran off, crying. Spike happily ran to his toys. "Thank you so much, Starlight.", he said. "You had no idea... how awesome I thought that was." Rainbow Dash, however, was laughing. "You were so mad.", she laughed. "You used to be a villain to us and now you're one to them." "Can I be honest with you?", Applejack asked. She chuckled. "You scared me a little bit like that." Twilight patted Starlight's shoulder. "You're not bad in my book, Star.", she said. Starlight blushed. "Thanks, Twilight.", she said. "I really appreciate that." "Fluttershy, can you take Starlight on a walk to distract her?", Spike asked. "Um, why do you want me to distract her?", Fluttershy asked. "I want to make her a surprise, but I can't let her see it, because it'll ruin it.", Spike said. "Okay.", Fluttershy said. "Starlight, do you want to take a walk with me around the beach?" "Sure, Fluttershy, I could use the exercise.", Starlight said. Before they could leave, the two bullies caught them with her mom. Their mom was a unicorn, she had orange fur, a pink mane, and a cup of lemonade that presents her cutie mark. "There, Mom, that's the unicorn that tried to kill us.", the white colt said. The mom had an angry face. She walked toward Starlight with angry. "Uh oh.", Starlight said fearfully. She was thinking what will the mom do. Get the guards to put her in a cell? Who knows. "Excuse me!", the mom snarled. Sweat came down Starlight's face. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, was shaking in fear behind Starlight's back hooves. "What is she going to do?", she asked, still shaking. "Do you have any idea what you could have done with my boys?!", the mom asked angrily. "You could have made them suffocate in those holes! You could have killed them!" "I-I'm sorry, ma'am.", Starlight said nervously. "They... They..." "Starlight, Sweetie, let me handle this.", Rarity said, budging in front of her friend. "Pardon me, Darling, this has been a big misunderstanding. Your boys stole my little Spikey-poo's sand toys and threatened to kill him, if he got them back." The mom didn't seem angry anymore with Starlight, but she's now angry with her boys. "Is that true?", she asked seriously. "N-No, we were just... we were... Fine, we did take them and threat him.", the turquoise colt confessed. "Finally, some kind of bully who gives in.", Pinkie scoffed. "You know what?", the mom asked. "That's it, you two are grounded." "Mom!", the two colts said. "You two are coming with me.", the mom said, grabbing her boys by the ear and dragged them across the sand. "I told you not to be a bully to other ponies on the beach, but you disobeyed me. When we get back to the house, you boys will be disciplined." "Bye bye, boys.", Starlight taunted, leaving with Fluttershy. "It was very nice of you to stand up for Spike.", Fluttershy cooed. "You were like Rainbow Dash when she stands up for me." "Yeah, Rainbow Dash has been telling me about the creatures who scolded, such as those two colts from Cloudsdale, a gryphon named Gilda, and... Gabby Gums.", Starlight said. "Who is Gabby Gums?" "Gabby Gums isn't really a pony, it's a newspaper department.", Fluttershy said. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo worked for Gabby Gums, everypony was getting great news on the papers, until we found out that they were stalking us and harassing us and insulting us about what we do." "And this Gilda, what's her problem with you?", Starlight asked. "Well, she just doesn't have a problem with me, she has a problem with everypony, except Pinkie Pie.", Fluttershy said. "During, she kept stealing stuff from everypony, and during the party Rainbow Dash was pulling pranks on her without Gilda noticing it. She thought it was Pinkie Pie pulling the pranks. Then, Rainbow Dash exposed herself to Gilda, and that made the gryphon upset and leave." "Hopefully, that turned well at the end.", Starlight said. "Oh, it did.", Fluttershy said. "Let me tell you something, not I was the only one bullied, but there were three fillies that were bullied." "Who were those three fillies?", Starlight asked. "Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.", Fluttershy said. "Oh, of course, I know them.", Starlight said. "How were they bullied?" "They didn't have their cutie marks yet and these two rich fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were such legit jerks to them.", Fluttershy said. "Until, that pink filly stood up to her mother for them and helped them get their marks." "Well, they got along pretty well.", Starlight said.
Playing Catch and Learning To SurfStarlight raises her hooves in the air, she prepared to hit something that will fall from the clear air. She quickly swung her hooves forward, hitting Pinkie Pie's beach ball back into the air. The ball flies straight back to Pinkie Pie, as she bent her front hooves in position to hit the ball with her head. She straightened her front hooves once more to let her magenta cotton candy mane to bounce the ball back to her friend. Luckily, it doesn't hurt her head every time she hits it. How could it not hurt her when it hits her mane? How come she doesn't get a headache after hitting the ball a lot of times with her head. "You know, Starlight, you should come to our picnics more often.", she said. "You can also do fun activities while you're at a picnic." "Well, back in my past, I did nothing that was fun or entertaining, but I did enslave an entire village of ponies to make everypony think they're not special at all.", Starlight said. "Let me ask you a question, Starlight, its a simple one.", Pinkie said, throwing the ball to Starlight. "Does your family go to the beach every once an a while?" "I've been telling a million times before, Pinkie.", Starlight said, throwing the ball back to Pinkie. "I don't remember my family. The only pony I've been living with is Sunburst. Until he left for Celestia's school of magic. Does your family go to the beach? Are they interested in a place like this one?" "Nah.", Pinkie said. "My family never goes to the beach." She cut between her speech as she threw the ball back to Starlight. "They always say that a beach is an awful place to be. My mom doesn't like getting wet, Limestone doesn't like how the sand gets mushy whenever it's wet, and Marble has a big fear of being buried alive." "Okay then. I guess everypony has their opinion about... What a minute.", Staright paused, as she missed the ball, letting it bounce off her mid-section. It was an activity that she never heard about in her life "Buried? Did you say 'buried'?", she asked. "Yep, that's what I said.", Pinkie said. "Why you ask?" "Is that even a activity at the beach?", Starlight asked. "Yeah.", Pinkie said. "Why? Did you not know that at all? Has nopony told you?" "Twilight and Rarity were telling me all the activities you can do with sand when I was building a sandcastle with Spike.", Starlight said. "They told me how deep you can dig holes, build a bunch of sandcastles, and write big words using something you write with. But, they haven't told me about that activity." "Aha.", Pinkie said. "They must've left that part out." "All my life, not only ponies or other creatures can be buried.", Starlight said. "Villages get buried during a snow storm or a really bad flood, or statues can get buried if they're part of an abandoned town. I read that in history books." "Wow, you're pretty logical about things that can get buried. I know I don't read a lot of books.", Pinkie said, picking up her ball, which bounced off Starlight's back when she missed it. Pinkie brushed the sand off the bottom and the top. "Do you want to continue playing?" "Um... I'm good for now, Pinkie.", Starlight said. "Alright, suit yourself.", Pinkie said. "But, thanks for playing with me though. I do appreciate you for that. I'll go ask Dash if she can play with me." "Actually, Pinkie, I was going ask Starlight if she can surf with me.", Rainbow Dash asked, surprising the two pink creatures from above. She chuckled. "Sorry for surprising... or pretty much scaring you two, I should start walking on the ground and greet you next time." "You didn't scare me, Rainbow Dash.", Starlight said. "I was just surprised. So, you were right the first time, you didn't have to correct yourself. Speaking of which, can you teach me how to surf? I've never surfed before." "Sure.", Rainbow Dash said. "I'd be happy to teach you." She and Starlight walked over to the water. Starlight was standing on all four hooves on a surf board. Sweat was coming down her head, trying to keep her balance on every edge. "Is this how you do it?", she asked. "Yep, that's perfect balance, Starlight.", Rainbow Dash said. "Just wait for the perfect wave to come by and surf on it." "Alright.", Starlight said. "But, how do I start surfing? Do I just run into the water, get on my surf board once I get near a wave, and just soar along the water." "That's right.", Rainbow Dash said. She kept her eye on the ocean, looking for a wave. She widened her eyes as she spotted a wave that was five inches high. "There's a wave that's perfect for you. Go for it." Starlight ran towards that wave. And in an instant, she hopped on her surf board and surfed on the wave. She was at perfect balance, the perfect stable point to not being knocked over. It was beautiful, it was so great. She was having a good time. Rainbow Dash spun in the air, feeling happy and impressed. "You go, Starlight!", she cheered. "That's what I'm talking about." Starlight slid back to Rainbow Dash with her board on the water. "I got to say, Rainbow Dash, that was awesome.", she said. "This vacation is getting better and better. And it won't stop. I kind of want to do this again some other time." "I'm glad you enjoyed it.", Rainbow Dash said. "You are now a surfer." "I'm going to go rest with Twilight and Rarity.", Starlight said. "I'll catch you later, Rainbow." "Catch you later too, Starlight.", Rainbow Dash said. "Oh, I... hope I didn't hurt Applejack's head while I was surfing.", Starlight said. "Don't worry, she's at a clear space in the ocean.", Rainbow Dash said. "So, I'm sure she's fine."
Buried and TickledStarlight was heading back to the spot with an exhausted look on her face. She gets on the beach blanket and sat down to catch her breath. She holds herself up with her hooves on the ground, so she doesn't have to lay down. "So much for playing catch with Pinkie Pie and surfing with Rainbow Dash.", she groaned. "Hey, Starlight.", Twilight said. "You alright?" "Yeah, I'm okay, Twilight.", Starlight said. "I've been spending eight minutes throwing the ball to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash taught me how to surf. I just needed to sit down and take a break." "You've done a lot so far.", Twilight said. "First, you went seashell collecting with me, then you went on a walk with Fluttershy, then you built a sandcastle with Spike, then you played catch with Pinkie Pie, and now Rainbow Dash taught you how to surf. Guess your first vacation with us is going well." "Yeah.", Starlight said. "I do have a question for you two." "Yes?", Twilight asked. "What is it, Darling?", Rarity asked. "Is burying in the sand an activity on the beach?", Starlight asked. "Yes it is.", Twilight said. "Why?" "You didn't mention that.", Starlight said. "We had to leave that part out, because we thought being buried alive was your biggest fear.", Rarity said. "That's not my biggest fear.", Starlight said. "Oh.", Twilight said. "So, how did you know about that?" "Pinkie told me.", Starlight said. "She mentioned that her sister, Marble's biggest fear is being buried alive." "Oh?", Rarity asked. "Marble may be the pony who hated being buried, but Pinkie loved being buried, because she always knew it was so relaxing." "You do make a good point, Rarity.", Starlight said. "Speaking of that, do you want to be buried?", Twilight asked. Starlight looked at Twilight and Rarity. She didn't answer, but blinked a few times. She fidgeted with her hooves, then she finally spoke up. "Uh... I don't know about that, Twilight.", she said. "I might not be able to move when that happens, and I might get dirty. Besides, I think that's a bit childish." Rarity chuckled. "It's not that childish, Darling.", she said. "You can do that at any age. You may get dirty, but it is relaxing. Can you please give it a try. I promise you won't have too much sand on you." Starlight puts a hoof to her chest and let the struggle all out with a deep breath. "If you two are making promises to not do too much, then you two can absolutely bury me.", she said. "Actually, Starlight.", Twilight said. "I'm not going to bury you. Rarity's going to bury you, I'm going to be at the top of your head, smoothing out your mane to help you relax." "Okay, then.", Starlight said. "What exactly do you need me to do?" Twilight was sitting on a spot on the sand. She pointed at it, showing Starlight she needs to lay down there. "You lay down on your back right here.", she said. Starlight walked over to the spot and laid down on her back. "What else do I do?", she asked. "That's it, just keep laying down and relax while Rarity puts sand on you.", Twilight said. "Rarity, get the shovel." "On it, Twilight.", Rarity said, grabbing her shovel. She gave Twilight a wink before speaking to Starlight. "Are you ready, Starlight?" Starlight wanted to make a little nervous panic. But, instead, she was smiling. "Sure.", she said, giggling. She was going to break into laughter, she was more calm when she felt Twilight's hoof smooth out her mane. Rarity scooped up some sand in her shovel and poured it on Starlight's belly. Starlight sighed and fell asleep as Rarity scooped more sand and poured it on Starlight's higher part of her belly. By that, it's her chest. The third scoop of sand was poured on the same spot the first scoop was poured on, it made Starlight's heart beat. But, Starlight doesn't seem to be panicking. Guess the relaxing feeling got the better of her. Rarity scooped a lot of sand and poured it on Starlight's belly, it was enough to cover the pink unicorn's sides. "Oh, you like that, huh?", Rarity asked, teasingly. "This sand is like a big sandy blanket for your belly. Lets see how your flanks like it." She scooped up some sand covered up her flanks with it. "Well then, looks like every spot is covered by sand on sleeping Starlight.", Rarity cooed, patting Starlight on the head. "You may have gotten every part of Starlight's body, but you do need to cover up one part.", Twilight said, pointing at Starlight's lower part. Of course, Rarity has got every part, except her hooves and tail. "Her hooves." "And never forget the tail.", Rarity said. She scooped up chunks of sand poured them on Starlight's hooves and tail. She used the shovel to the pat the sand down on Starlight's body. "I think she's now finished. Unless, I get the front hooves too." She was about to scoop up more sand to cover up Starlight's front hooves. But, Twilight stopped her. "I'd rather not get her front hooves.", Twilight said. "We want it easy for her to get out." "Oh, alright.", Rarity said, putting the shovel down on the beach blanket. "Starlight.", Twilight cooed quietly in her buried friend's ear. "Wake up, Starlight." Starlight's eyes fluttered open. "Did you finish?", she asked. She looked at all the sand that was put on her. "Wow, Rarity, you do a great job at this." "Why thank you, Darling.", Rarity said. "I do have one question. Are you ticklish?" She slowly raised an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?", Starlight asked, blushing madly. "I said, are you ticklish?", Rarity repeated. "Why?", Starlight asked. "We thought we would see how much you would like it.", Twilight said. "Because, after we bury Pinkie, she would ask us to tickle her." "Um, ok, I guess.", Starlight said. "If that's what you want to do, then do it." Twilight and Rarity took Starlight's hooves with their magic and put them to the top of her head. They revealed feathers in their magic, put the tips to her forearms, and stroked them up and down. The feathers began to tickle Starlight. Starlight broke into laughter. "Hahahahahahahaha heeheeheehee. That tickles.", she laughed. "Aww, too ticklish?", Twilight asked, teasingly. "I'll act like that's a good thing." "Yeah, it's a great thing to be tickled.", Rarity said. Starlight's cheeks were red and tears were coming out of her eyes. "Hahahahahahahaha. Please stop. I'm too ticklish. Help me out of here. Hahahahahahaha.", she laughed. "Are you sure?", Rarity asked. "You don't want to stay in the sand a little longer, Darling?" She blinked three times. "Yes, I'm sure, I want to get out.", Starlight said. "Okay.", Twilight said. She and Rarity took Starlight's hooves. But, this time, they took her hooves with their hooves. They helped her sit up, knocking the sand off her belly. Though, she was still sitting down on her flanks with her back hooves still buried. Rarity picked Starlight up with her magic, held her in the air, and shook some of the sand off. "There you go, Starlight.", she said, putting her down. "Did you enjoy that?" "Yeah, it was pretty enjoyable.", Starlight said. She looks at her sandy body. "Though, I am still dirty." "You can go swimming with me.", a voice said from behind. Starlight turned around to see Applejack with her goggles on her head and still wet. "I'd love to swim with you, Applejack. I do need to get all this sand off." "Glad to hear that, Sugarcube.", Applejack said. "You are a bit dirty. Oh, don't forget your goggles. Don't want water in your eyes."
The Perfect SandcastleStarlight was holding Fluttershy's hoof as she walked with her eyes closed. They were heading back to the spot, but Fluttershy told Starlight to keep her eyes closed, because Spike was making a surprise for her. Starlight wasn't sure how far they were from the spot, because she was keeping her eyes closed. "Fluttershy, how far are we?", she asked. "I don't like keeping my eyes closed for a long time. I'm afraid I might get hit by something, it could be bird poop or a beach ball." "You're fine, Starlight.", Fluttershy said. "We'll make it back in any minute. Just keep your eyes closed." Even if she closed Starlight's eyes with her wings, they would tickle her face a little. Of course, she has feathers on her wings. She was making sure that Starlight doesn't trip on anything. "Careful with your steps, Star. I don't want you to trip on something and fall." "I'm trying, Fluttershy.", Starlight said. "We've been walking on this path for ten minutes and we haven't seen anything on the ground, except sand. If there wasn't just sand, we would've seen starfishes and seashells. And if there are, then would've stepped on any of them." "We're here now, Starlight.", Fluttershy said. "You can open your eyes now." She gave Starlight a pat on the back for keeping her patience of keeping her eyes closed." "Thank gosh.", Starlight said. "It's about time I can see again." She opens her eyes and saw a sand sculpture of her head. "Oh my Celestia.", she said. "This is amazing. That sand sculpture looks just like my head. It has every single detail of my mane I have." "I made this for you, Starlight.", Spike said. "As a reward." He gave her a smile and rubbed his shoulder, feeling nervous if Starlight was going to do something to embarrass him. Starlight looked at Spike with confusion. "A reward for me?", Starlight asked. "What did I do to deserve to get rewarded?" "Since you got my sand toys back from those mean colts for me, I thought I would make you something like this. I built your head out of sand. ", Spike said. "You deserved it, Starlight." Starlight put a hoof to her chest with a loving smile, her eyes sparkled like she loved it so much. "Oh, Spike.", she cooed. "You're such a little sweetheart." She pulled him close and squeezed him tight with a hug. She cut between it by kissing Spike on the cheek. Rarity and Twilight were looking at the little dragon with smiles. Spike blushed and giggled with embarrassment. "I'm kind of embarrassed right now.", he said. "You can let me go now." "Oh.", Starlight said, unwrapping her hooves from Spike's body. "Sorry about that, Spike. This is just the sweetest thing that you've ever done for me. I've never got a special gift from you." "Well, I've been making sandcastles since we got here, so I thought I would take a break from that and make this for you.", Spike said. As for younger creatures, it's pretty hard to build sandcastles as a single builder. "You know, do you want to build one with me?" "Sure.", Starlight said. "I never made a sandcastle before, but I'd be happy to learn how to build one. It shouldn't be hard for me, because I heard that younger creatures have hard times building one by themselves." "Give me a moment, Starlight.", Spike said, turning to pick up his sand bucket and sand shovel. "Alright, lets get started on the- WHOA!", Spike yelped, turning around to see that Starlight already built a sandcastle. But, it wasn't just any castle, it was Twilight's castle. She got every detail, the balconies, the roof tops, everything. "Is that Twilight's castle?" "Yep.", Starlight said. "Pretty impressive, right?" Spike walked around the castle, taking a glance at every detail of the castle. His mouth was an inch open and his eyes were widened with surprise. "Holy mother of heaven.", he said. "This looks really good. You got every detail. How did you do that? This could take a lot of work to get the detail right." "Have you ever seen any sculptors?", Starlight asked. "All they do is get a giant thick brick and make a statue out of it. I became a sculptors using the sand way." "Wow, that's really impressive, Starlight.", Twilight said. "You seem like you know a lot about sculptors. You know, if you rewarded Spike for helping you out with something, you should make a sand version of the statue of him from the Crystal Empire." "Maybe.", Starlight said. "But, it could take a lot of work for me to get every detail. I don't take a look at it every single day, you know. As a matter of fact, is building sandcastles all you can do?" "Sand is just for building sandcastles.", Twilight said. "You can do other things with it." "She's right, Darling.", Rarity said. "Can you write big sentences, draw big pictures, digging holes. I've dug holes before, but not with my hooves, I only use shovels." "Why don't you like using your hooves, Rarity?", Starlight asked. "You at least got to dig with your hooves at some point." "She doesn't like getting her hooves dirty.", Spike said. "She gets upset every time when her hooves get dirty. Or muddy, getting muddy is even worse." "Thanks for the help, Spike.", Rarity said. "Really appreciate that." "No problem.", Spike said. "One time, Applejack made her step in mud that was under a wooden table while it was raining. She had to get into Twilight's place to go clean up." "Wow.", Rarity said, not being impressed with Spike telling the story. "Thank you so much for giving out every detail of the story, Mr. Obvious." "Oh shut up.", Spike said, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. "I'm with Rarity on this one, I'd be upset if I get my hooves dirty if I want to be a clean lady.", Starlight said.
