Balanced Aspect was a very old stallion. And over the many, many centuries, he’d like to have thought that he’d seen a lot, that absolutely nothing would surprise him anymore.

Until he got an invitation in the mail.

For a birthday party.

For… a baby alligator…

“Yo! Aspect?” Rainbow poked the stupefied stallion with a hoof as he just stared at the blindingly pink invite. “You uh, you okay buddy? You’ve been standing there for a while now. Any longer and you’ll start growing moss on your fur.”

“Does she...do this often?” Aspect asked finally.

“Huh? Oh yeah? It’s Gummy’s birthday huh? Sweet!” Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and cracked her neck. “I mean, yeah, she throws parties for everypony… and Gummy is like, her best friend… besides,” she smirked and kissed his cheek. “What have you learned about Pinkie Pie?”

“She’s more unpredictable than Surprise,” Aspect sighed. “Fine. Just...what do you get a baby alligator?”

“Eh, just bring whatevs,” Rainbow shrugged. “Pinkie’ll be glad if you just show up. Otherwise…” the mare tapped her chin and shrugged. “Ask Candyflanks. Anyway, I gotta work, laters!” She turned, gave him a deep kiss and then rocketed into the sky for weather duty.

“Mkay,” Aspect mused. “I think I’m going to hit up Fluttershy for a recommendation, then see if there’s like...a pet store in town.”

There was a crash from inside and… and, yup. The Manticore kitten had found one of Realm’s paintbrushes and was now giving it a good chew, even as the puny alicorn chased her around.

“Darice!” Aspect called out. “Come here!”

The Manticore paused, her ear flicking at the strange name. Though somehow, it seemed to ring a bell inside of her as she turned and waddled over to Aspect, barbed tail swinging back and forth in a lazy wag.

“Give that here,” he said, softly tugging on the paintbrush and dangling a toy mouse in front of her with his other hoof.

Darice let go of the thoroughly mangled brush in favour of her plushie prey, batting the mouse down the hallway with a paw and then chasing after it.

“Sorry about this, son,” Aspect said as he held up the mangled brush.

“I just...I swear I put those away, in my saddlebags,” Realm muttered as he took the brush and sighed. “Well, I guess I’m going out into town to see if they have an art supplies store. I need a replacement for this one.”

“Just make sure your homework is done,” Aspect replied. “And don’t forget your magic practice.”

“I know,” Realm replied. Aspect nodded once at the pinto alicorn and gave him a soft rub on the head with a hoof before setting out for his first destination for the day.

First stop, Fluttershy.

Her cottage was as lovely as always, It did look like something straight out of a Tolkien book though. Aspect knocked on the front door, received the expected squeak of surprise and mild panic, before the door cracked open and Fluttershy peeked out.

“A-Aspect?” she opened the door more and breathed a sigh of relief. “Hello. What can I do for you? Oh! Has the kitten caused you any trouble? Oh please tell me she hasn’t hurt herself or somepony else. Maybe I should—”

“The only thing that’s happened is her being a cat and thinking everything is a chew toy,” Aspect replied, shaking his head. “No, actually, I have a different question.” He pulled out the invitation he’d gotten by way of explanation.

“Oh, Pinkie’s party for Gummy?” Fluttershy said, holding up her own. “What about it?”

“What do you get a baby alligator?” Aspect asked.

“Ahh,” Fluttershy nodded, now understanding his dilemma. “Hmm, well if I remember correctly, Pinkie recently ran out of scale polish. You could get some of that. I’m fresh out as well however. But Barnyard Bargains might stock it.”

“My thanks,” Aspect nodded his head. “See you at the party, then.”

“Of course,” Fluttershy smiled back as he left for said supermarket.

And it was busy, half of Ponyville must have been in here, buying something or other. And it was huge, probably the biggest building in Ponyville by far.

Aspect had no idea where ‘scale polish’ would even be, but he had nothing but time to wander and look. And who knew, he might come across something interesting in the meantime.

He had to give this store credit, it sold just about everything, though a lot of it was fairly generic.

Then he heard an unfortunately familiar voice. A rather antagonistic mare that was currently discussing something with an earth pony stallion, one with a brown coat and a black mane and tail.

“And then he has the gall to put a filthy mutt in the class! A predator!” she complained. “What if our little Diamond gets hurt? Who will carry on the family name then?”

Aspect merely did his best to ignore her. It wasn’t easy. Didn’t these ponies believe in signs for anything? He would have to go down every aisle at this rate.

“Well dear, I’m sure it sounds simply horrible…” Oh geez, that stallion could not have sounded less interested if he tried. “But honestly, if Miss Cheerilee allowed it then—”

“That mare couldn’t teach a dog to sit… well, maybe she’ll get that chance now,” Spoiled Rich chuckled at her own tasteless joke. “I swear... just give me ten minutes alone with the School Board…”

Aspect grit his teeth. Ignore her. Just ignore her…

“...I’d get rid of that useless teacher and those troublesome students. The mutt, that freak son of his, and those Blank Flanks that constantly harass my poor Diamond.”

“Because there’s another teacher within ten miles of this town that has the spine to stay and teach the spoiled brat you’ve turned your daughter into, much less put up with the weekly disasters we experience,” Aspect couldn’t stop himself. “Also, I believe it’s the teacher’s job to pass or fail students, not yours. She’s the one who has dominion over who is and isn’t a student.”

Spoiled jumped a little and turned around, trademark sneer on her face. “Oh, well look at what the Hydra dragged in… And what did you say about my beloved Diamond? She’s ten times the pony anything from you could ever hope to be… oh wait, all yours are adopted aren’t they?”

“There is more to being a parent than bloodlines,” Aspect snipped back. “It’s about actually connecting with your children, teaching them the same solid values you were taught. Of course, anything that raised you, I wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole that was on fire.”

“Now, now…” the stallion present stepped between them. “Let’s not be hasty, plus I don’t want a scene in my store…”

Spoiled snorted loudly and turned away, walking off in a huff. The stallion sighed and shook his head. “She wasn’t always like this you know…”

“She’s raising her daughter in her image, or so my students say,” Aspect snipped. “You can either do something about it, or your entire family will be the rotten apple of the bunch.”

The stallion sighed, nodding his head slightly but said nothing as he followed her.

And oh look! Just beyond where the spoiled pony was, the scale wax! Excellent! Aspect picked up two tins.

What? Spike might appreciate it. He hummed as he went down the aisles towards the register...and paused as he passed one particular aisle.

Hmm. Party hats. In a rainbow of colors and patterns. And they had a nice little top.

He knew a pink party pony that might appreciate that. Plus it might get her off his case for...a day. He picked up two boxes full and nodded to himself as he checked out. The price was pretty good too, well the hats were cheap at least.

Not too much call for scale wax, so the price of that was a bit much. Ah well.

The time showed he still had a little while before the party started…

Best to head home and put these things away, then. He could also go by the library and drop off the extra tin.

Yeah, library first, home second.

When he got there, he… noticed Twilight acting a tad strange around him. At the very least, she seemed to be careful with what she said around him.

“Oh cool,” Spike said when he was handed the tin. “You really okay with it? I mean, this stuff isn’t cheap.”

“I picked it up for you,” Aspect replied. “Why wouldn’t I be okay with it? Go wild. Just not too wild. Like you pointed out, not the cheapest stuff.”

“Okay, well, thanks!” Spike smiled. “Soo, anything else we can do for you?”

“One thing,” Aspect said, before pointing a wing at Twilight. “You’re skating around me like I’m a hole in the ice. Fess up. What’s going on that you’re treating me with foal gloves?”

“Huh… n-no I’m not, ahaha! W-Why would you say that?” Twilight’s eyes were like a deer in the headlights.

“Twilight, you’re a worse liar than Applejack,” Aspect deadpanned.

“Lying, I’m not lying… I’m, um…”

“Realm didn’t tell you?” Spike deadpanned. “She and he had a big old heart to heart the other day.”

“That doesn’t explain why she’s treating me like a button that’s labelled ‘do not press’,” Aspect replied.

“Some things were brought up, and now Twilight’s afraid you’re angry at her.” The dragon sighed and shook his head. “Ponies are so dramatic.”

“...This is making less sense by the second,” Aspect sighed. “Why would I be angry at her? Hell at this point the birthday party for Gummy looks sane by comparison!”

“Because I was angry at you for not teaching me any of the unique magics you have okay!” Twilight half-shouted, her eyes narrowed into a frown. “Yet apparently, foals are perfectly fine to teach!”

“There’s a difference between a foal and an adult pony,” Aspect replied. “There’s one very important difference that makes it so much harder to teach a full-grown pony anything.”

“And what’s that?” Twilight’s inner fire sputtering out.

“A lifetime of experience,” Aspect replied. “A lifetime of knowing, for sure, that this is how things are done. To teach an adult is to make them unlearn their skills. Not all are as malleable as I might like. Pegasi, they can learn it. Earth Ponies, no problem. But the most pushback I ever got from teaching adults was from the Unicorns.”

Twilight blinked slowly as that realisation dawned on her. “So… a pony like me…”

“You would have to learn an entirely new method for casting magic, that goes against all your other skills. It would grate on your nerves. Also, quick litmus test. Spike, how organized is she?”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “You’re kidding? Right? She has a checklist for her checklists!”

“So yeah,” Aspect replied with a nod. “It would probably go against the fiber of your being to learn Sorcery.”

“How so?” Twilight spoke up. This was the most he’d ever talked about it with her. “I mean, you’ve never told me a thing about it. E-Even the Princess won’t tell me…”

“It’s about tapping into the natural musical magic of the world, and using it to power your spells in rhyme and verse,” Aspect replied. “Music, rhythm, harmony, all in concert to bring about deep magics. The sort of which can’t be easily reversed. The only way to undo a Sorcery is with another Sorcery, or a deeper magic.”

“Deeper magic, like, the Elements?” Twilight continued to ask, writing this down.

“Something like that,” Aspect nodded. “So yeah. Sorcery isn’t something to idly teach. We have to pick the right ponies. Foals have a greater appreciation for power, because they have none.”

“So, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks huh?” Twilight sighed and set her scroll aside. “Well… not going to lie. That’s a bit depressing. Could, I ask a favour maybe?”

“You can ask,” Aspect nodded. “No promises about whether or not I’ll be able to fulfill it.”

“Could I, attend the classes you teach. At the very least, I’d love to see the learning process and take notes.”

“You can try, but you’ll be missing the first few lessons,” Aspect pointed out. “It’s not easy coming into a lesson halfway.”

“Well, then you just get to tell me all about them,” the unicorn smiled widely.

“Maybe,” Aspect replied. “I’ll ask Tia if she thinks it’d be a good idea. If she agrees, you can attend.”

“Spike, take a letter please~” Twilight sang as she skipped towards him.

“Aaaand I’m suddenly getting the idea this will not end well for me, soooo...exit!” Aspect called out as he backed out of the library.

Yup… Tia was totally going to make him pay for that later. He could tell. On the plus, the party was drawing near so he figured he had just enough time to go home, get what he needed and be at Sugarcube Corner right on time.

Or in this case, drop off the party hats for when he needed a gift idea for the pink mare and then head over to the corner. Also, enough time to make sure Darice was being well-behaved.

And to his surprise, she was. He found her curled up asleep in the living room, right in a beam of sunlight that streamed through the open window.

“Aww…” Aspect cooed as he walked into the house. She was so adorable while she was this small. Then her tail lashed out and stabbed the carpet a few times in her sleep.

Okay, less adorable. Hmm. He should probably feed her while he was here. He walked over to her bowl in the kitchen and carefully scooped out some dry feed for her, plonking it down into the bowl.

“Hmm, off somewhere?” a voice asked to see Hurricane lazing on a painted cloud.

“The Pink One has a party for her pet alligator today,” Aspect replied as he put the rest of the food away. “She’ll throw a party for anything. And we already know she’s unpredictable. So I figured it’d be better to attend than risk her ire.”

“A party… for an alligator… oye,” Hurricane shook her head. “What the hell has Equestria come to?”

“More peaceful times, apparently,” Aspect replied. “Heck, I have a freakin’ manticore living with me.”

“So I saw… did you finally go nuts? Immortality send you round the bend?”

“Got guilt-tripped into it,” Aspect sighed. “It’s not like she can really hurt anypony who lives here. Who knows, maybe this will be the one manticore that redeems them to me.”

“Hah! Guess we’ll see,” the painted mare shrugged. “Well, I’m gonna jet. Written wants to see if the weather in the Castle painting can be manipulated. It’d give me something to do at least.”

“See you later, you old warmare,” Aspect replied as he nodded at her.

“You two, you old troublemaker,” she nodded back and flew from the canvas.

“Well, off to attend a party,” Aspect chuckled as he made his way through his house again.

“HHIIII ASPECT!” Pinkie launched herself out of the doorway as he went to raise a hoof to knock, the pink mare dangling around his neck in a hug. “I’m soooo superglad that you made it!”

“Pinkie…” Aspect gasped out. “Air!”

“Ahh, I keep forgetting some ponies need that,” Pinkie said and released him, before hugging his barrel. “I haven’t seen you in a super long time.”

“Sorry, been busy,” Aspect replied, carefully hugging her back.

“Baah, you’re soooo boring sometimes, you gotta get out there and live!” She giggled then a super serious expression crossed her muzzle. “Okay, real talk. You and Dashie. Are you treating her good?”

“Of course I am,” Aspect replied with a firm nod. “Oh, remind me to go to work with her one day and talk to her coworkers for her. I’ve been hearing...things.”

“Things?” Pinkie asked him in a surprised tone.

“Things,” Aspect intoned.

“Things huh?” Pinkie’s voice was… oddly calm and reserved. That… that could not mean good things for the ponies involved. He remembered the few times Surprise truly got mad…

“Trust me Pinkie, I can handle it,” Aspect soothed. “I just have to go in one day. It’ll stop, promise.”

“Oh fiiiine,” Pinkie perked back up and cartwheeled backwards into the room. Twilight and all her friends had gathered, and Pinkie had also invited Bon Bon and Lyra to join too. The stallion went around and made small talk with everypony, catching up with them as he relaxed and enjoyed the party.

Never in his long life, did he think he’d enjoy a birthday party for an alligator of all things. And Pinkie had loved the gift he brought for her beloved pet, stowing it in her mane as she collapsed his lungs with another hug.

“Pinkie…” Aspect gasped out.

“Ahh, sorry!” she giggled and released him. “Sooo, are ya having fun? Huh?”

“It’s quite the fun party, yes,” Aspect agreed.

“Whoohoo!” Pinkie backflipped. Okay, what? How does a pony backflip?

Even Gummy’s tail wagged back and forth with the music playing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand Pinkie,” Aspect sighed.

“Nopony will ever understand Pinkie Pie,” Twilight sighed, standing behind him. “Also, I have a small question.”

“Fire away,” Aspect returned.

“What does Princess Celestia mean when she says. ‘Aspect has til tonight’?”

“Til tonight...to what?” Aspect replied.

“Well she never said, aside from ‘getting your affairs in order’?”

“It can’t be that bad,” Aspect replied. “Let’s just enjoy the party.”

“Yeah,” Twilight nodded as Rainbow flew up and grabbed ahold of her stallion, dragging him off to the dancefloor, Bon Bon soon joining them for a three-way dance. It was a little hard to keep up with both mares, but it was something Aspect managed to get the hang of eventually.

And that was when he noticed everypony else had stopped to watch the trio of lovers dance.

“Aww, how sweet~” Rarity cooed.

“Mhm, s’pretty adorable,” Lyra nodded.

“I’m glad I have your seal of approval, ladies,” Aspect replied with a bow. Bon Bon just chuckled and Rainbow Dash was a blushing, stuttering mess. One that Aspect was quick to nuzzle lovingly. And that only made her worse.

“Aww, Dashie is soo cute~” Pinkie giggled. “Gummy thinks so too.”

“Gah! I-I am NOT cute!” Rainbow stuttered. “I am cool, and awesome, and amazing… but I am NOT cute!”

“Nopony said you couldn’t be all those things,” Aspect pointed out.

“Aspect… don’t you dare call me--”

“Fine, but one day you will accept the title,” Aspect replied, nuzzling her again.

“The day I accept that is the day you declare yourself an Alicorn Prince of Equestria,” she retorted.

“Hmmmmm…” Aspect hummed.

“Aspect, you are not assuming command of a nation, just to get Dash to admit she’s an adorable little mare,” Bon Bon chided him.

“That seems like a good reason to take control to me,” Aspect retorted. “Besides, you already know that I see all ponies as adorable.”

“True, true,” Bon Bon nodded and Lyra smirked.

“Oh. does that mean I’m adorable too?” she hummed, batting her eyes at him.

“Like I said, all ponies are adorable,” Aspect replied. “Foals moreso.”

Lyra smiled… then paused as that comment registered. “Hey!” she shouted, as everypony else shared a laugh.

A while later, the party ended as the group went their own ways. Pinkie thanked everypony for coming and three mares were following Aspect back to his house.

“So…” Rainbow said once she was sure they were out of earshot. “We have a secret we gotta share Aspect. And this is the hardest secret you will ever need to keep okay?”

“Listening,” Aspect replied.

“Okay, so tomorrow is Pinkie Pie’s birthday, and the girls and I are gonna throw her a surprise party. You think you can help us out?” Rainbow asked.

“Keep a surprise…” Bon Bon started.

“From Pinkie Pie?” Lyra concluded.

“The master party planner?” Aspect tacked on.

“YES!” Rainbow nodded. “Can you imagine it? Pinkie’s always throwing parties… but when was the last time she had one thrown for her?”

“Huh… I… don’t actually know,” Bon Bon mused.

“Okay, for the record, I am pretty good at keeping secrets,” Aspect stated. “Most ponies, not so much. That’s why Honesty is a virtue. So...I can do it. Just...try not to let her find out yourself.”

“Yeah. this’ll be freakin’ epic!” Rainbow cheered and looked at Aspect. “Hey… maybe, we should show Bon Bon our latest ideas~”

“Ideas?” Aspect tilted his head.

“Ideas?” Bon Bon echoed.

“Ooh, ideas?” Lyra chimed in.

“You know… a certain…” Rainbow paused and tapped her chin. “Uniform~”

“Ooooh, ideas,” Aspect mused. “That might be worth showing off.”

“What… are you two planning now?” Bon Bon deadpanned.

“And can I join in?” Lyra asked, her tail wagging.

“Lyra, no,” Aspect told her. “Not for you.”

“Aww…” the unicorn pouted and Bon Bon just chuckled, patting her back.

“And maybe we’ll show it off to you when we get home, Bon Bon,” Aspect smiled.

“Hmm, curious…”

“I’m never gonna get somepony,” Lyra pouted.

“I’m sure there’s a pony out there for you,” Aspect replied. “Granted, I don’t know who they are, but I’m sure they’re out there, just waiting for somepony as eccentric as you in their lives.”

“Yeah… you trying to cheer me up and making me even more depressed…” the minty unicorn sighed and hung her head.

“There’s mint ice-cream in the freezer,” Bon Bon pointed out.

“Whoohoo!” Lyra cheered and gallopped off to raid Aspect’s kitchen.

“Nice to know she’s easily bought,” the stallion chuckled. Bon Bon giggled and bowed her head.

“Mint ice-cream, works everytime,” she mused and bumped his flank with her own. “So… what’s this idea hm?”

“Oh, well why don’t we go up to the bedroom, and Dashie can show you this nice little uniform she found…”

“Hooboy,” Bon Bon chuckled and followed them. This should be interesting.

The next morning dawned bright and early. Aspect yawned as he went through the morning ritual. Oh, yeah. Today was a day when he would have to keep a secret from Pinkie Pie.

Eh, how hard could it be?

“HI ASPECT!” Pinkie shouted, bouncing out of his shower.

“PINKIE!” Aspect shouted, jolting back. “What are you doing in there?!”

“Silly Aspect, I came to invite you to Gummy’s After Birthday Party!” she sang, bouncing around the room. “Since everypony said they had sooo much fun yesterday, I thought, why not do it again today. So, it’ll be this afternoon at Sugarcube Corner!”

“I am terribly sorry, Pinkie,” Aspect replied to her. “But I have previous engagements. I can’t always party, but I do love it when I can. Maybe next time?”

“Oh…” Pinkie deflated a little, but perked right up. “Okie Doki Loki then! Ohh, is Dashie here?”

“She took off already,” Aspect replied. “Before I could go with her too. I think she’s trying to hide it from me.”

“Huh, oh, you mean that meanie mcmeanerson at her work?” Pinkie frowned. “Hmm, Dashie isn’t so good at dealing with emotional stuff.”

“I’m getting that sort of impression, yes,” Aspect replied. “Well, thank you for the visit Pinkie. Perhaps I’ll be able to attend the next party.”

“Okie doke, I still got a whole lotta friends to party with~” she giggled and paused mid bounce… in mid air. Complete with screeching car brakes sound effect. “Oooh yeah, try using whipped cream instead of chocolate sauce next time, it’s really fun~” And then she continued on her way, humming a merry little tune.

“...Not even going to ask how she knew that,” Aspect muttered, before continuing on his way. He had a party to help set up. And a perfect gift for her.

As he took care of a few things in town, Aspect stumbled across something that made him pause. Twilight was sneaking through town with a package on her back.

And about a dozen feet behind her, was a bale of hay, wearing an overcoat and groucho glasses…

“Just ignore it, Aspect,” the stallion muttered as he went about his chores.

A rainbow streaked overhead as he was heading home, Rainbow busting some clouds before angling down and landing in front of him.

“Yo, sup?” she said, wiping some sweat from her brow and flicking her mane.

“Besides you?” Aspect quipped before kissing her. “Not much. Was thinking of heading out to wherever you and the others were holding the party for Pinkie.”

“Ahh, well about that, I’m kiiiinda hiding from Pinkie at the moment, so yeah, mind harbouring a fugitive for now?”

“Just get inside and don’t answer the door,” Aspect replied. “But first, where’s the party at?”

“AJ’s barn,” Rainbow nodded.

“Thank you,” the stallion replied as he double-checked his saddlebags before heading out again. Rainbow watched him close the door and sighed. Well, technically she wasn’t lying about housesitting. And…

“Stupid Raindrops,” she muttered. “I can get a relationship by myself…”

Aspect made sure to take the long way around to the Acres, not wanting to risk going through town and possibly catching Pinkie’s attention. If she found out about the party before the party was ready, then there would be no surprise. So…

He made it there without incident, and saw Applejack and Rarity setting up decorations. The farm mare was the first to notice his arrival.

“Oh, howdy there Aspect, y’all here to help out?”

“Mmhmm, brought a present and I’m willing to lend a hoof where needed,” Aspect replied as he reached into his saddlebags and brought out the two boxes of party hats, setting them on the table.

“Oh, Pinkie’ll flip when she sees them, and we totally forgot ‘em, so thanks,” Applejack nodded.

After a while, Twilight, Shy and Rainbow showed up to finish things off, the latter having narrowly avoided Pinkie and Aspect was roped into… making construction noises. With powertool noises…

Which he wasn’t even sure was a thing in Equestria. But if it meant fooling Pinkie…

And… it worked? Well… kay.

And after a while longer, the party was ready to go. All that was left was for the guest of honor to arrive.

“Aspect, Rainbow? Could you go and get her please?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no,” Aspect replied, crossing his forehooves in front of himself. “No no no. I am not getting anywhere near her. At least not on purpose. There’s no telling how she’ll respond on a good day.”

“Don’t be such a wuss,” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Come oooon.”

“I’m not going and that’s final,” Aspect huffed. “That mare is crazy incarnate. Yes, she’s a good friend, but we just spent all day lying to her. For a good reason, but I’m pretty sure she won’t take it well.”

“Aspect, Pinkie is fine,” Rainbow sighed as she dragged him out of the door. “Come on, we’re burning daylight.”

“Does the word no mean anything?!” Aspect cried and broke free. “Look. I just...I get a bad feeling about this, okay? I’m actually scared of going there. Please don’t make me.”

“Aspect, what the hay?” Rainbow let him go as she dropped down and frowned. “Why are you? You’re actually scared of Pinkie Pie? I mean, you’re a friggen alicorn.”

“And she’s a pony that can’t be explained,” Aspect illuminated. “Now unhinge that pony, and you can see why I might be a little wary of her.”

“Aspect, Pinkie’s a bit strange, but she’s not crazy,” Rainbow’s frown deepened. “And, I don’t appreciate you dissing my friends like that.”

“Look, I’m sure she’s a fantastic friend, and a wonderful pony. But please, please don’t make me go with you to get her. I’ve learned to listen to my gut when it says something is a bad idea.”

Rainbow sighed and turned around. “Fine! I’ll be back soon,” she said rather curtly and flew off, literally leaving him in the dust.

“I hope she’s fine,” Aspect sighed as he walked back in. “Rainbow’s off to get her,” he told the other mares. “I declined to go. Let’s get the last of these decorations up.”

“Uh… sure?” Twilight replied as the group watched him work.

Aspect sighed as he turned to the mares. “Over the years, I’ve honed my danger sense, so that I know when something is up. When something is afoul. It’s how I learned of some of the greater evils being around and up to no good. I...felt it. And right now my gut is telling me...that going to get Pinkie is a bad idea.”

“But, darling,” Rarity said. “So, you’re fine with sending Rainbow Dash… alone, to something you’re scared of.”

“I tried to get her to not go as well, but she just saw it as me wussing out,” Aspect sighed. “And if I went now, Rainbow Dash will likely not accept it as me being sorry. More like, me trying to prove myself better than her. I hope she’s fine. I just...Pinkie is...inexplicable. And trying to predict her reaction...likely won’t go well.”

“Well, ah still reckon yer fretting over nuthin’,” Applejack shrugged. “Well, while we wait fer ‘em to show up, let’s get to it.”

About ten minutes later, there was a bang at the barn door and Rainbow was dragging Pinkie in by her tail.

And… the pink mare looked different. Her vibrant pink coat was a more dulled colour and her impossibly poofy mane and tail were flat and hanging limp.

And that scowl, Aspect had seen pissed off dragons that didn’t look as terrifying.

He opted to simply act like a part of the scenery. He knew that was a bad idea.

“Surprise!” all the mares cheered, but Pinkie looked anything but.

“I really thought she’d be more excited,” Fluttershy said and Pinkie’s eye twitched.

“Excited?” Pinkie raised her voice. Aspect had never heard her yell in anger before. “Excited?! Why would I be excited to attend my own farewell party?!”

Oh yeah. She’d snapped.

“Farewell party?” Twilight questioned.

“Yes!” Pinkie screamed, actually lifting off of the ground in rage. “You don't like me anymore, so you decided to kick me out of the group and throw a great, big party to celebrate! A ‘Farewell to Pinkie Pie’ party!”

“Pinkie, the party is for you,” Aspect said softly. “But it’s not like that at all. Take a look around. At all the banners, streamers, cake. What do they say?”

“And then there’s YOU!” Pinkie said in a scarily calm tone. “‘Oh, sorry Pinkie, I have things to do today.’ Well duh, you’d rather party with them, than with me!?”

“Pinkie, please,” Aspect replied, before inclining his head at one of the banners.

“Yeah, why in the world would you think we didn’t like ya sugarcube?” Applejack said softly.

“Why? Why? Why?! Because you've been lying to me and avoiding me all day, that's why!” Pinkie yelled.

“Well duh!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “A surprise party is supposed to be a surprise.”

“If this is a farewell party,” Twilight said. “Then why does the cake I got say ‘Happy Birthday Pinkie Pie’?”

And then Pinkie paused… slowly looking around the room.

Could it be she was actually listening to them?

Pinkie squeaked and then she… well, exploded might be a good word for it. Colour returned to her coat and her mane poofed up like a swelling balloon, She reached out with her arms and somehow dragged every pony in the room into a hug. “Because it's my birthday! Ooh, how could I have forgotten my own birthday?”

“Because you’re so busy throwing parties for everypony else?” Aspect offered. “Selfless, I think is the word I’m looking for here.”

“And you like me so much you decided to throw me a surprise party!” Pinkie exclaimed and hugged them tighter.

“That what we’ve been trying to tell you darling,” Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.

“Aww, you girls are the bestest friends ever!” Pinkie giggled and looked at Aspect. “You as well!”

“Thank you for finally seeing it that way,” Aspect replied, before turning to Dash. “How bad was it?”

“I’m just glad I haven’t been replaced by a bucket of turnips,” the pegasus replied.

“Told you,” the stallion sighed.

“Huh?” Twilight overheard that. “Turnips?”

“You do not want to know,” Rainbow shuddered.

“So anyways, the party!” Aspect spoke up.

“Agreed,” Applejack nodded. “Alright girls, enough of this gab! Let’s Party!!”

Aspect watched the girls dance in a conga line, and somehow agreed to make this Gummy’s After-Birthday party as well… because, well because Pinkie Pie. He’d learned to stop questioning it by this point.

Twilight had also written something, before sending it off to Celestia. Presumably one of her ‘Friendship Reports’.

Soon the party had to come to an end, and Pinkie promising not to throw yet another one tomorrow. And now he and Rainbow walked home together, the sun setting in the horizon.

“It was nice to throw a party for Pinkie Pie for once,” Aspect mused.

“Yeah, despite the creepy town I went though to get her there,” Rainbow said. “Seriously, she was having a party with a bucket of turnips, a bag of flour and a rock… a rock I somehow got into an argument with…”

“I told you,” Aspect replied. “My gut is never wrong.”

“Yeah yeah, all hail Aspect’s All-knowing digestive tract,” Rainbow snarked and poked him with a wing. “Still… let’s not not throw Pinkie a surprise party again eh?”

“I think she’ll see it coming the second time around, but I agree with the sentiment,” Aspect chuckled.

“Hey Rainbow,” a mare’s voice called and the cyan pegasus groaned. She cast an irate glance up to see a yellow pegaus with a blue mane and tail.

“Raindrops…”

“You on another pity date?” she chuckled and Rainbow clenched her jaw. “I mean, Bon Bon letting you borrow her coltfriend again~”

“It’s amusing, hearing the preconceptions of the less well-informed, isn’t it?” Aspect asked Rainbow. “It’s like she doesn’t know about herding at all.”

“Well have fun,” Raindrops smirked, ignoring Aspect. “Make sure you return him in the condition you got him eh?” And with that, she flew off.

Rainbow stood perfectly still, aside from her left rear hoof tapping a rapid staccato against the ground. She wasn’t pissed… oh no, pissed was for ponies faaar calmer than she currently was.

“Watch,” Aspect said, flaring a wing. Lightning danced along it...and struck true, hitting the pegasus that had dared to insult them from far away. She let out a yelp and nearly fell out of the sky, managing to land on a cloud.

“Wh..whoa, Aspect! What the hay?” Rainbow shouted.

“I did it for Bon Bon and Spoiled Rich, besides, that was a love tap,” Aspect replied. “If I had actually meant to hurt her, she wouldn’t have survived the strike, pegasus or not.”

“Bon Bon, okay then,” Rainbow nodded. “But. Uh, why Spoiled Rich?”

“Spoiled Rich insulted Bon Bon, so I zapped her,” Aspect elaborated. “So any time I hear Raindrops insulting you, I can do the same.”

“You zapped her?” Rainbow exclaimed. Then snickered. “Her nose is so pointy, it probably acted like a lightning rod.”

“You’d think so,” Aspect chuckled.

“You know…” Rainbow turned and stared at him, her eyes drooping into a half-lidded gaze as she chewed her bottom lip. “Standing up for me like that… I kinda liked it~”

“And to think, one day, you’ll learn how to toss around lightning like that too,” Aspect smiled at her.

“Hmm, that’ll be neat,” she hummed, stalking in a circle around him. “But, you know what I wanna do right now?”

“No?” Aspect offered.

Rainbow Dash just smirked as she advanced on him.

Okay, so… that happened.

Also, he thanked the stars that his house was on the outskirts of town… and prayed that nopony saw that happen.

“Oh would you lighten up?” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Geeze, it’s not like you haven’t done that before…”

“No, I’ve done it plenty of times,” Aspect replied. “In public, though?”

“Eh, you certainly weren’t complaining~” Rainbow smirked and bat her eyes at him. “Admit it, it was fu~un.”

“Why do I get the feeling you wanted to be caught?” Aspect mused aloud.

“Hmm, maaaybe~” Rainbow mused a she practically skipped down the hall.

“Are you going to do it again is the question,” the stallion asked more of himself than anyone else.

“Maaaaybe~” The pegasus sang back as she vanished from sight. She had an earth pony to find.

“I swear, these mares are insatiable,” Aspect muttered to himself, right before his vision was filled with a golden light and Celestia teleported into the room, sweeping the stallion up into a hug.

“Hello father!” she said in a singsong tone.

“What did you do this time?” Aspect asked. “That’s your ‘I ate all the cake before dinner’ tone.”

“What? Poppycock,” she muttered, a feather wiping some crumbs from her lips. “I simply came to see you and…” she paused and sniffed him. “What’s that smell?”

“Ap, no, we’re discussing why you’re here using that tone on me,” Aspect replied. “Nice try. That’s the tone you use when you’re trying to get out of trouble for something you’ve already done. Would it have anything to do with you sending Twilight a letter telling me to prepare my last will and testament?”

“Oh… that,” Celestia replied and her hug got tighter. “Perhaps… you could tell me, why your letting her study that magic hm?”

“How many times did a unicorn that merely used magic and spells...manage to reverse their thinking, and learn Sorcery as well?” Aspect asked. “Especially one that has checklists for checklists.”

Celestia sighed and let him go. “Dammit… she’d probably learn it anyway,” Celestia sighed. “Just, promise me one thing okay?”

“I can but try,” Aspect nodded at her.

“Keep an eye on her. I love Twilight like the daughter I never had but sometimes…” Celestia paused, like she was being careful about her wording. “Sometimes she’s just…”

“Just?” Aspect prodded.

“...Accident prone,” Celestia finally settled on.

“I think I can avoid that with two simple words,” Aspect replied with a smile.

“Oh?” his daughter asked. This ought to be good.

“‘Safety checklist,’” Aspect replied.

“...Why?” Celestia groaned and facehooved. “Why did I NEVER think of that?!”

“The simplest answers are the ones that stare us in the face and make us feel stupid for not seeing them,” Aspect chuckled.

“Hindsight is a bitch?” Celestia mused, remembering the many times he said that.

“As well, ‘If it were a snake, it would have bit you,’” Aspect added on.

“Apt, Twilight is terrified of snakes,” Celestia giggled. “Hmmmm,” She stretched her wings and yawned. “With the Gala coming up… I’ve been so busy, sorry Lulu and I haven’t visited.”

“It’s fine, I understand,” Aspect soothed over. “You two have obligations, duties. I knew that the moment the pair of you moved the heavens on your own. That you were destined for great things.”

“Comes with the territory I suppose,” Celestia shrugged. “So, are you still attending the Gala. It should be quite interesting this year.”

“Oh yes,” Aspect smiled. “And the wonderful madame Rarity has provided some last-minute outfits for two surprise guests. That old rule about Aspects getting in free stands, yes?”

“Of course,” Celestia nodded. “I gave Twilight and her friends their tickets a while ago.”

“I dare say that the sight of two more immortals at your little party will make it quite the talk, don’t you?” Aspect grinned.

“...Father, what are you planning?” Celestia said and sighed. “You’re going to bring Realm and Pup, aren’t you?”

“Actually, the pup is called Artemis now,” Aspect returned. “And perhaps I might. I might need Realm for my plan.”

“Plan, what plan. You never said you had a plan!?” Celestia sounded panicked now.

“Just a plan to...liven up the party,” Aspect chuckled darkly.

“Father… please, what are you planning?” Celestia’s panic increased.

“You’ll find out,” Aspect smiled at her. “I promise, it’ll be a Gala you won’t soon forget.”

“...I need to warn Luna… the moon’s supposed to be nice this time of year,” Celestia said flatly as she vanished with a gold flash.

“Oh, this will be fun,” Aspect chuckled.

“Sooo,” Clover hummed from a nearby portrait. “How was your day?”

“In a word, hectic,” Aspect replied. “Trying to keep a secret from the pony incarnation of chaos so that we could throw her a party for once...not easy.”

“Oh, you mean like that time we tried to throw one for Surprise?” Clover asked. “How long was Hurricane stuck flankfirst in that thunderhead again?”

“A few hours while we looked for an artist,” Aspect chuckled. “Mkay. Everypony knows the plan?”

“More or less, I think Hurricane and Platinum are especially looking forward to this,” Clover chuckled.

“Oh wonderful,” Aspect smiled. “This...is going to be the best Gala ever.”

Murphy could not have smiled any wider. Welp! Time to get to work~

The following morning had Aspect up a bit later than usual, but to his surprise, he found Realm and Artemis sitting at the dining table, either they hadn’t gone to school yet… or had pretty much turned around and come right back.

“Care to explain why the pair of you aren’t in school today?” Aspect asked as he looked at both of them.

“We tried,” Artemis said as he flipped a pebble between his fingers.

“New teacher isn’t very nice...” Realm concluded. “She wouldn’t let Artemis in class, so I ditched as well.”

Aspect growled.

Aspect saw red.

Aspect didn’t say a word as he turned and left his home.

Miss Rich wanted to play these games?

Fine.

He could play. Step one: Finding Miss Cheerilee.

“Aspect?” Rainbow trotted downstairs, rubbing her eye with a wing. “Sup dude…” She saw his expression and frowned. “Uh, you okay?”

“Just gonna murder a pony, be right back,” He stated.

“....what?” Rainbow blinked and shook her head to wake up a little. “Okay, whoa. Chill. Did Raindrops do something again?”

“Spoiled Rich managed to get Cheerilee replaced,” Aspect retorted. “So I’m going to undo her little stunt. Publicly.”

“Oooookay, you’re starting to scare me there… uh, wait here… I’ll go and get Bon—”

It was too late, though. Aspect had already shrugged his saddlebags on and was out the door.

Tracking down Miss Cheerilee hadn’t been hard. At all. Just follow the sounds of a distraught, despondent schoolteacher. In other words…

A local coffee place, where the teacher was drowning her woes in caffeinated beverages, at least until Berry’s place opened and she could switch to alcohol…

“Miss Cheerilee,” Aspect said as he sat down in front of her. “I understand that you are, tragically, available. How would you like to get back to teaching?”

The mare sighed and looked up. Oh geeze, yeah, she looked terrible. “What do you want Aspect? I am in no mood for games…”

“Well, I came up with two plans on my way over here,” Aspect replied. “The first is, that I sell a lot of the rare relics and minerals and the like that I have collected over the years and use the proceeds to hire you on as a tutor to my kids. As well as to all the other foals, and pass out fliers offering them kinder, nicer classes at my mansion of a house. You’d make more money than you ever did under the school board, and still get to teach. Bonus, the only one you’d answer to is me.”

“A little underhoofed isn’t it?” Cheerilee asked, the usual bubbliness in her voice was gone.

“Considering that the likelihood I’ll be allowed back in to teach any of my classes is virtually nil, I’m feeling vindictive. Let’s see the school board stay strong when there are no students in their school. Bet that’ll make Spoiled think three, four times before she tries this again. Or if you’d prefer a second option, I like it too.”

“Fine, I’ll humor you,” the mare said. “What’s the second option and does it involve fire?”

“Nah,” Aspect replied, he swore he heard her mutter ‘pity’ under her breath, before his smile became even more mischievous. “How well-trained are you in Geomancy? Because I think that’s still technically your turf she’s horning in on. She can hardly give classes when the earth itself conspires against her.”

“Mister Balanced Aspect,” Cheerilee looked up from what appeared to be her fifth cup of coffee. “Are you suggesting that a grown mare stoop to launching petty pranks with possibly dangerous magic against another member of the community?”

“More like, making her think ‘her’ classroom is haunted by vengeful spirits level of pranks, thus making her quit, allowing you to swoop back in and reclaim your job,” Aspect returned.

“Tomato, tomato,” she said, using two different pronounciations. “Let’s get spiritual~”

Bon Bon frowned as she stared at the schoolyard, hiding in a bush with Aspect and Cheerilee.

“Okay, can somepony run this by me again?” she asked. “As to why Rainbow Dash burst into my kitchen… landed on a cake I’d been working on all morning… and now I’m facefirst in Cheerilee’s bushes?”

“Spoiled replaced Cheerilee,” Aspect summed up. “So we’re going to make the replacement realize the land itself does not want her there, and get her to quit. Cheerilee doesn’t have the fine training for that level of harassing pranks, though. So we could use your guiding hoof.”

“And you couldn’t just go to the Princess about this because…?”

“Oh, I have the response letter from them already, I plan to shove it in Spoiled’s face when she shows up asking ‘what the hell is going on here,’” Aspect replied. “As well as a second surprise I looked into. But first, I want her to realize that all she has wrought, I can undo, without them.”

“Stallions…” Bon Bon sighed. “Alright, let’s help Cheery get her school back.” She placed her hoof over Cheerilee’s, eliciting a slight blush from her.

“I need a direct connection through you to the land,” Bon Bon said. “While like this, you’re basically the bridge between us. Otherwise I won’t get anywhere.”

“Ah,” the earth mare nodded and closed her eyes. She could hear the land’s voice again. “It sounds… unsettled? Why?”

“The land is like that when a new pony moves in, it’s...confused for a time as to who it should listen to,” Aspect replied. “If the new pony is kind, the transition is painless. If the new pony isn’t…well, put it simply, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble getting the land to listen to you.”

Cheerilee nodded. If this new teacher was okay… well, sorry in advance about this. All was silent for a moment, then the ground started to shake slightly.

“Oooh, this’ll be interesting,” Aspect mused as he watched Bon Bon work.

At first, the ponies inside looked a little surprised at the sudden earthquake.

Then vines rose from the ground, dancing when the teacher was looking, but vanished when the students tried to see.

“Ooooh,” Aspect smirked. “Oh, that’ll be fun to try and explain.”

Bon Bon chuckled as the bewildered teacher rubbed her eyes… and saw a field of flowers… that constantly changed colours like a deranged kaleidoscope. All Aspect did in response was chuckle darkly and rub his hooves together, sad that he couldn’t participate to any great extent.

“Now… are you ready for this?” Bon Bon asked. “You see, Realm showed my your personal library of books. And I’m a bit of a horror buff you see…”

“Oh?” Aspect asked with a raised eyebrow.

Bon Bon smirked as two large stalks raised on either side of the school house, and two massive red flowers bloomed. “This is called the Pepper flower, because its spores looked like red pepper,” Bon Bon explained.

“Okay,” the stallion returned. “And this is scary how?”

“With a little help from our adorable Dashie…” Bon Bon pointed as the mare pushed a raincloud into place and gave it a kick. Meanwhile, Bon Bon rose some iron bark from the ground and made them rub together, causing a blood curdling shrieking

With a crack of lightning, the rain poured… and mixed with the red spores in the air…

A second later, it looked like it was raining blood.

“Oooooh, Aspect likes,” the stallion all but purred.

They saw the pegasus teacher and students run screaming from the building, not even noticing what was causing the effect, one that Bon, Cheerilee and Dash quickly cleaned up, leaving no evidence behind.

“Mmm, excellent,” Aspect smiled. “Think we’re ready for phase two?”

“”M’a little tired for some reason,” Cheerilee said, shaking her head.

“Because I channelled my power through you,” Bon Bon said, and Cheerilee blinked.

“That reminds me, you’re a Geomancer too Bon?”

“Well of course I am, we’ve done… this…” Her eyes widened and she facehooved. “Oh horseapples.”

“Explanations later,” Aspect replied, standing up out of the bush and shaking the leaves off of himself. “We need to get Cheerilee behind her desk before Spoiled shows up.”

“Okay, why?” Cheerilee asked.

“Because Spoiled isn’t the head of the school board anymore, much as she might like to tout her connection to it,” Aspect replied. “Turns out I have more land and assets than she does. Funny thing, eh? Old stallion that owned the place before me had a lot of land that came with the place. Granted, about half of it is in the Everfree, but even without it...”

“Get to the point,” Bon Bon said.

“It is remarkably easy to overturn a decision one school board member made, when you have all the others attending a meeting, and they know you have ties to the Princesses,” Aspect replied. “Miss Crabtree here technically didn’t make it half a day before she was ousted. Any schoolteacher that turns away an alicorn from attending isn’t someone they want in their school.”

“...Aspect, you scare me sometimes, you know that?” Bon Bon muttered. “Exactly who rules Equestria here? The princesses, or you?”

“Celly and Lulu can keep their castle on the mountain, I’d be happy with getting Spoiled out from underhoof down here,” Aspect muttered back.

“If you two are done, shall we?” Cheerilee said as she stood up and started walking towards the school. Some of the panicked students ran up to her, but a few gentle words calmed them down and she herded them inside.

Aspect smiled as he sat outside the front door to the school, simply pulling out three scrolls from his saddlebags and holding them in his hoof as he waited. He’d noticed Diamond Tiara hadn’t been one who’d come back just yet...three guesses where she was.

And lo and behold, the mare of the hour was soon stomping towards the school, her face contorted with rage.

“Miss Cheerilee,” she said in that haughty tone of hers. “Just what are you…?” Her eyes fell on Aspect and she sighed. “And how did I know you would be involved…”

“Your singular action was revoked this morning by the school board,” Aspect replied, hoofing over the first scroll. “Shame on you for not informing them that you were getting her replaced. I also got her a nice pay raise while I was at it, turns out, that study came out in her favor.”

Spoiled’s eye twitched. “When the education department hears that she’s bringing dangerous carnivores to the school…”

“And your teacher turned away not only the tame half-pony Diamond Dog pup that came along, but the alicorn colt that accompanied him that tried to get him in,” Aspect returned. “For shame.”

“A dangerous carnivore, part of a gang responsible for foalnapping ponies,” Spoiled replied. “And not to mention your chimera son, whose legitimacy as an alicorn has yet to be—”

“Actually, it was confirmed by Princess Celestia herself,” Aspect replied. “All three tribal magics, and a unique magical aura that he generates as a part of burning off his magic. He’s learned to suppress it, which is the only reason ponies aren’t going half-mad with inspiration from being around a living Muse. As well, the pup was never actually a part of the foalnapping of ponies. Not only was he much too young, he confessed to me he actually set some free from the others. They’ve also kicked him out so he can focus on learning and growing strong enough to lead them. Imagine, a dog taught by ponies, taught their values. It could be the start of actual acceptance, and you would stand in the way of that with your bias. For. Shame.”

Spoiled looked anything but shamed.

“And, I suppose playing some petty pranks on poor Crabtree is your…” She sighed as Crabtree whispered in her ear. “This land is NOT haunted, don’t be ridiculous!”

“Actually, no,” Aspect replied. “This is my revenge.” He hoofed over the second scroll. The one containing the minutes of the board meeting where he’d been elected the head of the school board.

Spoiled looked at the scroll, her eyes widening with every word. “This… this cannot be true…”

“And of course, we mustn’t forget the backing of the Princesses,” Aspect replied as he hoofed over the third scroll. The one that would be the final nail in the coffin, the one he’d calmed down and written to both Tia and Lulu for.

“WHAT!?” Spoiled screamed, looking at the paper. Her face went through a variety of motions, before she let out a raged cry and stormed out of the schoolhouse.

“And there we have it,” Aspect mused. “Finally. She may still be a school board member, but she cannot attack me or my children through this venue again.”

“So um…” Crabtree stood there. “Well...what do I do?”

Cheerilee sighed, she was likely only following Spoiled’s orders and really had nothing to do with this. “Well, how long have you been a teacher?”

“Only a few months,” she replied with a weary sigh. “Guess it’s back to Fillydelphia then…”

“Well,” the fuschia mare hummed. “I could always use a teacher’s aide, or maybe we can work a rotating shift? I’d not say no to a little time off, especially now that we’re getting more students and a larger curriculum.”

“And as the head of the school board, I can reinstate you as a teacher right now if I pleased,” Aspect replied. “As long as you make me one, simple, promise.”

“W-What’s that?” Crabtree whimpered. To be honest, this stallion scared the feathers off of her.

“Don’t turn Artemis away again,” Aspect stated. “He may be a Diamond Dog, but he’s a pup that never harmed anypony and only wants to learn. He has the makings of a leader in him. I would like to say that we had something to do with that when he eventually goes back.”

“Y-Yes!” Crabtree nodded. “I’m sorry about that… Spoiled told me, well, simply terrible things about them. Things I’m beginning to think weren’t true.”

“She doesn’t like me at all,” Aspect pointed out. “So anything she said about me or my children, was said so that you would do exactly what she wanted. Only this time, she bit off more than she could handle. Because now...she can’t do it again.”

“I doubt she’s done,” Cheerilee sighed. “Well, come on Miss Crabtree. Let’s get some proper introductions out of the way, and then we’ll have a bit of fun for the day.”

“And I’m just thankful this was as easy as it was,” Aspect sighed. “Because I am seriously running out of gambits to try on her.”

“Sucks when you can’t just use a sword on your problems huh?” Bon Bon smirked as she led him out of the schoolhouse.

“Things were so much easier to solve when they were actively trying to destroy the valley,” Aspect muttered.

“Such is the way of life,” Bon Bon nodded sagely. “Come on, come by my shop and I’ll give you some sweets to perk you up.”

“And suddenly life is amazing~” Aspect replied with a skip in his step.

Author's Note

I have been busy, I will tell you what.

And so the spoiled one is sorted for a time.

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