Aurora awakes once again to the peaceful sounds of animals going about their mornings. She sits up and stretches the stiffness out of her body. She gets up off the couch and neatly folds the blankets and puts the pillows away. After getting dressed she wanders over into the kitchen and begins preparing her usual breakfast of fried eggs on. As she did she recalled the events f the past two weeks.

Since she arrived in Equestria her friends have been trying to make her feel more welcome and comfortable in Ponyville. This is partly the reason why she has remained with Fluttershy. Despite having befriended the other ponies Fluttershy was the first friend Aurora had and as such Twilight asked if Fluttershy would object to Aurora remaining there for a while. Fluttershy was delighted to have Aurora remain with her and tried to make the cottage more suitable for her. She offered Aurora the bedroom while she herself would sleep on the couch. Aurora however declined not wanting to be a bother. In fact out of all Fluttershy's attempts to make her feel comfortable the only thing she managed was for Aurora to take up residence at all.

Rarity also managed to make some less over the top clothes for Aurora to wear despite being confused why Aurora would want to wear clothes all the time. With some input Aurora now wears plain t-shirts along with various jeans. It took a while but eventually Rarity managed to rein in her desire for flair.

Pinkie Pie held a party to welcome Aurora to town and to thank her for helping them stop Nightmare Moon, while Rainbow Dash has taught her how to be cooler and make more friends. Finally Twilight Sparkle has been teaching Aurora all about pony culture and history. Every day Aurora visits her to learn more and try to fit in with the other ponies.

As Aurora finishes her breakfast Fluttershy comes in.

'I've told yo before, you don't need to tidy up in the morning, you're a guest here,' she tells Aurora.

'As I've told you before, I do it because I'm a guest here,' Aurora replies with a laugh.

'Are you going to visit Twilight again today?' she asked.

'Yeah. She's helping Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres today and she asked me to meet her there,'- Aurora says cleaning the dishes, - 'Is there anything you need me to do while I'm out?'

'No, I'm going into town with Angel today for more groceries,' she replied sitting down to eat.

'All right, I'll head there now,' Aurora says walking out the front door with a wave.

As she makes her way into town she contemplates her future in Equestria. I can't stay with Fluttershy forever. There must be something I can do to provide for myself. I know that they have a currency they call 'Bits' but how do I go about earning any. I mean it seems the only way to earn some involves having a cutie mark of some sort. Maybe I should ask Twilight how.

She makes her way through town and waves to the ponies going about their lives. After helping the others and saving Princess Celestia the residents of Ponyville have accepted her into their society. They have no problem talking to her anymore and no longer avoid her like the plague.

She proceeds through town, quickly making her way to Sweet Apple Acres where she spots Twilight, Spike and Applejack waiting for her.

'Am I late?' she asks jogging to meet them.

'You're just on time Aurora. Ready to get started?' Applejack replies.

'Absolutely. So what is it we are doing exactly?' Aurora answers looking around.

'We're here to help Applejack harvest apples and bring them to the barn while Spike here throws out the bad ones,' Twilight pipes up.

'Lets get started then,' Applejack says lifting up several empty baskets.

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

As the group begins working to harvest the apples Aurora once again begins her lesson on pony culture.

'Twilight how exactly does one go about getting a job?' Aurora asks right off the bat.

'Typically your cutie mark dictates the kind of skill you have and therefore what job would best suit you,' Twilight answers gathering apples.

'Okay, since I don't have a cutie mark what kind of job would I look for?'

'I'm not entirely sure, you're an oddity and I suppose the only reliable method would be trial and error to find your talent. Or you could just look for a simple job, although given your lack of a cutie mark I can't imagine that would work out. Finally you could look for a job not many ponies perform or want to,' Twilight replies picking up a basket of apples, 'Why do you want a job anyway, I thought you were staying with Fluttershy?'

'I am but I don't want to be a burden to anypony. I would feel much better if no one had to worry about me,' Aurora answers lifting a one as well.

'You could work here on the farm, it'd be nice having more help around here,' Applejack says hoisting a large basket herself.

'I would but I'm probably weaker than everybody else around here, look,' Aurora says hefting her small basket, 'you can each carry twice as much as I can, Twilight can even carry Spike as well,' she points.

'Well Thank you kindly, for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles,' she says laughing.

As the group continues on their way to the barn Aurora watches Spike throw out all the bad apples until he comes to a large red juicy apple, which he proceeds to eat without a second thought. As he does so his face scrunches in discomfort and he covers his mouth. Suddenly he lets out a massive burp of green fire, leaving a scroll floating in mid air. He catches it as it begins to fall and proceeds to read it.

'Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest' Spike states voice loud and regal.

'The Grand Galloping Gala,' Applejack and Twilight gasp in unison.

As the two ponies cheer in happiness Spike burps out two tickets to accompany the invitation.

'Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?' Twilight says almost jumping for joy.

'No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense' he says waving his paw at them.

'Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice,' she says.

'Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip,' she sighs happily, 'Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala,'

'Oh, well in that case, would you like to-' Twilight begins.

Aurora senses something coming fast and just manages to dodge when out of nowhere a blue streak slams into the ponies knocking them over and interrupting the conversation.

'Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?' Rainbow Dash cries lying on top of the others.

'Rainbow Dash. You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?' Applejack says staring daggers at her.

'No, I was busy napping,' Rainbow points at both a blanket and pillow on a tree branch, 'and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?' she asks, eyes wide and shining.

'Yeah, but-' Twilight begins again.

'YES! This is so awesome,' she yells interrupting Twilight again, 'The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!' Rainbow is suddenly pulled back by Applejack.

'Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here,' Applejack says spitting out Rainbow's tail, 'I asked for that ticket first'

'So? That doesn't mean you own it,' Rainbow yells.

'Yeah, because Twilight does' Aurora says to herself.

'Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket' Applejack says bending over a nearby tree stump.

The ponies lock hooves when Twilight gets between them and pushes them apart.

'Girls, as Aurora said, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much,' she says nodding at Aurora, 'Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?' she says calming the ponies down.

As the two competing ponies try to prove they have the best reason to go, Aurora turns to Spike.

'I don't think this is going to end as quickly or as quietly as Twilight believes,'

'You're right about that,' Spike says snickering.

'Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?' as Twilight says this her stomach rumbles, 'Listen to that, I am starving,' she chuckles nervously 'I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?' Spike climbs on her back and both her and Aurora leave the farm.

As they make their way back to the city Aurora asks Twilight more questions.

'What exactly is the Grand Galloping Gala anyway?'

'It is the biggest party of the year. Essentially Princess Celestia opens up the castle for all invited ponies to enter. They have music, festivities, food, and others. In short it is a large social gathering for important people in Canterlot,' Twilight answers, her smile soon turns into a frown, 'of course, now I have to decide who I should take,'

'Being Celestia's personal protégé shouldn't you have been able to go before?' she asks curiously.

'I was always focused on my studies but now that I have friends I'm actually looking forward to it,' Twilight says her eyes far away.

'Seems like a nice enough event,' Aurora states with a nod.

'Did you want to go as well?' Twilights asks stopping to look at her.

'Oh, no. I'm not a pony remember and I think that I would probably just make everypony uncomfortable if I were there,' she says shaking her head.

'I asked if you wanted to not if you should,' Twilight says staring at her.

'Truthfully? I'm not one for big parties, I don't want to be a burden, the ticket would be wasted on me as I would either give it to someone else or just hang about, finally the ticket is yours. It is not my place to ask you for a ticket or to influence you in any way, if you wish to consider me as a recipient I would not object but I wouldn't try to earn it either,' she replies staring back at her.

Twilight meets her eyes and searches in them before deciding Aurora is telling the truth. With a nod they continue on their way.

'Since you're looking for a job you could work with me at the library,' Twilight suggests.

'I would but I don't think many ponies use it, I would be payed for nothing,' Aurora replies head tilting in thought.

As they finally arrive into town spike speaks up.

'So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?' he says looking at the tickets.

'I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?' Twilight answers stomach growling at her.

A door is thrown open next to the group and Pinkie Pie speeds through it knocking Twilight over and sending Spike flying. As she lies on the ground the tickets come to a rest on her muzzle. She gasps and bounces around screaming.

'Bats! Bats on my face! Help!' Pinkie stops and stares at the tickets, here eyes widening and sparkling, 'Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!'

She begins to sing another song about the gala. How can she create songs at the drop of a hat. Aurora shakes her head as Pinkie bounces around smiling.

'Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever,' Pinkie cries out her face inches away from Twilight.

As Spike picks up the tickets another voice rings out.

'Are these what I think they are?' Rarity gasps mouth open.

'Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot,' Pinkie cries hopping some more.

'The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour!' Rarity exclaims posing with each word, 'It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him,' Rarity sighs as she closes her eyes.

'Who is this 'Him'?' Aurora asks barely stifling a laugh.

'Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams. Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you?' Rarity cries her joy turning to disappointment in the blink of an eye.

As the ponies continue to talk Aurora spots a white rabbit jump up and grab the tickets before hopping over to a familiar pegasus.

'Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to,' Twilight points out interrupting the other two.

'You haven't,' Pinkie and Rarity gasp, Pinkie mouth dropping in disappointment while Rarity beams.

'Um, excuse me, Twilight,' Fluttershy says quietly approaching the group 'I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else-' she is suddenly interrupted by Rarity.

'You? You want to go to the gala?' she asks her mouth dropping to match Pinkie's.

'Oh, no,' she says backing away, Angel looks up at her expectantly 'I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!' she sighs just imagining it.

'That sounds really nice Fluttershy' Aurora says to her friend.

'Wait just a minute,' Rainbow interrupts from a nearby rooftop.

'Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?' Twilight glares as Rainbow lands in front of her.

'No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody' Rainbow says recovering from the accusation.

'You mean anypony who isn't you?' Aurora asks raising an eyebrow.

'Wait just another minute,' Applejack says before Rainbow can respond.

'Applejack, were you following me too?' Twilight asks her eyes narrowing.

'No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket,' she points to Rainbow. With this comment chaos erupts among the group. Each one clamouring to get the ticket and slowly crowding Twilight. Twilight sinks lower and lower to the ground to avoid the gazes. Aurora steps in and helps Twilight to her feet while trying to make space for her.

'QUIET!' she yells cutting off the conversation, 'Girls, there's no use in arguing' she says with a firm nod.

'But, Twilight-' Rarity begins, approaching her.

'Eh! This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo,' she says gesturing to the group, 'And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow,' she says to herself. Aurora watches them go before turning to Twilight.

'Did you want me to leave as well?' she asks meeting Twilights eyes.

'No,' she sighs, 'you're probably the only one who can be of any help,' she says, 'Now let's go get some lunch,'

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

The group arrives at a nearby diner and choose an outside table with 3 seats and plenty of sun.

'What am I gonna do? Five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala. Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?' Twilight says magically picking petals off a nearby flower.

'I hate to say it but with only two tickets you will end up disappointing four others,' Aurora says reading the menu.

'I thought you didn't want to go?' Twilight asks burying her head in her hooves.

'I don't but I assume you want to go, right?' Aurora asks raising an eyebrow over the menu.

'Have you made your decision?' a waiter says interrupting the conversation.

'I CAN'T DECIDE!' Twilight yells at him.

'Twilight, he just wants to take your order,' Spike says pointing at the menu.

'Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich,' Twilight says sitting up straight.

'And you ma'am?' he says turning to Aurora.

'Some buttered toast and apple juice please,' she says putting down the menu.

'Do you have any rubies?' Spike turns to the waiter, when he stays silent Spike continues 'No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy' he says turning back to Twilight.

'What do you think, Spike?' Twilight asks turning to the dragon.

'I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?' he shrugs.

'She means about the gala,' Aurora elbows him.

'Oh. You're still on that?' he says turning back to Twilight.

'Listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I-' she is interrupted as the waiter arrives with the food.

'Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat,' before she can take a bite a group of ponies gallop by in panic.

'Em, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?' the waiter asks from the diner entrance.

'It's not raining Twilight says.

She looks around and realises that it is indeed raining, on everything except their table.

'What is going on?' she asks looking up at a hole in the clouds. Rainbow pops her head through the clouds and smiles down at the group.

'Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?' she smiles.

'Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?' Twilight calls up.

'Trying to earn the ticket I suppose,' Aurora mutters.

'Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all,' Rainbow smiles.

'Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favours, are you?' Twilight asks eyes narrowing.

'Me? No no no, of course not,' Rainbow shakes her head, the sun forming a halo around her head.

'Uh-huh,' Twilight says sarcastically.

'Seriously, I'd do it for anypony,' Rainbow reassures her before realising that other ponies are being rained on.

'Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favours, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now,' Twilight calls up to Rainbow.

'Fine,' she groans pulling the clouds together.

'That's better,' Twilight sighs before resuming her lunch, but the rain begins to fall and the group and their lunches is soaked.

Aurora looks around for some shelter while Spike laughs at Twilight. Rarity walks by with an umbrella and looks at them with a raised eyebrow.

'You know it's raining right?' she asks.

'No, really?' Twilight asks sarcastically.

'Come with me before you catch a cold,' Rarity says pulling them under the umbrella.

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

Within minutes the group arrives at Canterlot Boutique where Rarity magically thrusts open the door and hurries them inside. Aurora wrings out her hair near the door while Twilight, trying to get dry shakes all the water off soaking Rarity in the process.

'Oops, sorry,' Twilight grins sheepishly.

'Oh no, it's quite all right,' Rarity replies shivering 'After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?' Rarity asks inches away from Twilight.

'Makeovers,' Rarity sings before Twilight can reply.

She yanks Twilight behind a cover allowing her to work in peace. As Twilight tries to object all Aurora can make out is the sound of clothes rustling and various objections. Finally Twilight is revealed in a beautiful jewelled harness of all colours.

'There. Oh, you're simply darling,' Rarity beams at her handiwork.

'Uh, yeah it is kinda pretty isn't it,' Twilight says looking down at herself.

As Spike gags at the sentiment Rarity startles him.

'And you. Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent,' Rarity says pulling him behind the little wall.

As Rarity repeats the process Spike protests are much more forceful than Twilight's given his nature. Wow she really can be quite stubborn when she wants to be Aurora smiles to herself. He is soon revealed in a blue suit which hugs him tight, restricting his movements. Rarity pulls out a large hat and puts it onto his head.

'Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library,' Spike waves stripping out of his clothes and running out of the store. Rarity turns back to Twilight forgetting about Aurora who is still dressed in wet clothes.

'Oh, who needs him anyway,' Rarity laughs approaching Twilight, 'This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala,' Rarity smiles as Twilight admires herself.

'Wait the Grand-' Twilight begins before being cut off.

'And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence,' Rarity gasps dashing over to a similar outfit to Twilight's, 'I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn,' she pauses as Twilight glares at her, 'Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course,' Rarity forcing a laugh.

'I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket,' she accuses taking off the outfit, 'Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else. Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch!' she yells storming out.

Aurora turns to look at Rarity. Her head is low almost touching the floor.

'Thanks for getting me out of the rain, Rarity,' Aurora nods to her.

Rarity looks up with a smile before realising that while she was trying to gain favour with Twilight she completely let another of her friends remain wet and cold. Her eyes drop to the ground again as she magically levitates a towel for Aurora. Aurora's face softens at the ponies humility. She walks over and puts a hand on her friends shoulder.

'I get the feeling it's all going to work itself out,' Aurora grins drying herself off.

Aurora turns around and leaves the shop almost knocking over Applejack and a cart full of treats.

'What's all this for?' Aurora aks as if she didn't already know.

'They were for Twilight but I guess I'm not the first pony to try and earn the ticket from her,' Applejack nods at the cart.

'Did it occur to you that it's not just because it has happened before but that by trying to prove how good a friend you are, it will be worse if she chooses somepony else?' Aurora asks her.

'No, I guess it didn't,' Applejack replies eyes wide.

'Something to think about I guess,' Aurora turns to go to the library.

After a few minutes she catches up to Twilight who is nearing the library.

'How are you doing?' Aurora asks looking her friend.

'Well Applejack certainly hasn't made anything easier,' she sighs, 'at least here I can get some lunch,' Twilight replies making her way inside.

As the door opens a scene straight out of a fairy tale greets Aurora. Animals are everywhere rearranging the books and dusting the room top to bottom. It's like a zoo in here Aurora thinks jaw dropped and stunned into silence. She looks around and notices Fluttershy cleaning some of the upper bookshelves.

'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' Aurora jokes eyebrow raised.

'Fluttershy, not you too?' Twilight groans

'Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you,' Fluttershy smiles as she continues dusting the books.

'It's summer,' Twilight states.

'Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea,' she gestures towards the bunny who smiles.

'You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?' Twilight asks.

'Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?' she looks down at the bunny who glares up at her, 'Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket,' she nods.

'No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave,' Twilight opens the door and is immediately pulled by Pinkie along with several other ponies.

As Pinkie does whatever it is she does Aurora turns to looks at Fluttershy.

'How exactly did you expect this to go?' Aurora asks eyebrow raised.

'I thought she would at least appreciate it,' Fluttershy answers confused.

'Your idea is probably the least over the top one I've seen but it's still more than necessary if you want the ticket,' Aurora tells her.

'What do you mean?' she asks lowering herself to the ground.

'I mean that Twilight knows you want the ticket and no matter what you do she will judge fairly rather than playing favourites, I expected you and the others would know this,' suddenly the shouting outside grows in volume and frequency. Aurora sprints out just in time to see a crowd gather around Twilight.

'-RUN!' Twilight cries galloping away from the crowd which proceeds to follow her.

Aurora turns to Pinkie as the ponies chase Twilight off.

'What did you do?' Aurora asks quietly.

'I kinda sorta told everypony that Twilight has an extra ticket to the gala,' Pinkie grins.

'Why would you do that?!' Aurora yells.

'I thought everyone should know,' Pinkie smiles.

'Pinkie that is just about the worst thing you could have done. I want you to go find Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash while Fluttershy and I get all the animals out of here,' Aurora glares.

Pinkie nods and gallops away from the library. Aurora heads back inside.

'Fluttershy, we need to get these animals out of here,' she says.

'Why?'Fluttershy asks.

'Twilight is being chased by a mob, when she comes back this will need to be a calm space with nothing besides her friends,' Aurora says gently leading a few of the animals outside.

..................................................................................................................................................................................................

After several hours Aurora and Fluttershy arrive back to see that the other ponies, minus Twilight, have arrived and are waiting above the main room.

'So Aurora, why did you call us here,' Applejack asks as she walks in the door.

'You are here to apologise when Twilight gets back in a few minutes,' Aurora looks up at them.

'But why, all we were doing was helping her,' Rainbow complains.

'Actually you were helping yourselves, it didn't occur to you that she didn't need or want your 'help'. Furthermore all you did was ruin each others chance of getting a ticket,'

'You're right, we were selfish and Twilight deserves an apology,' Rarity nods.

A bright flash of light blinds the group and in it's place stands Spike and Twilight dizzy and dazed.

'Warn me next time you're gonna do that,' Spike says swaying.

'I didn't even know it was gonna happen,' Twilight replies as Spike shakes ash off his scales, 'Now quick, lock the doors,' she turns and spots the others, 'Yaaaargh!' she cries out.

'I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!' she collapses to the ground hooves over her head.

'Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise,' Applejack says climbing down and laying a hoof on her head.

'Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful,' Fluttershy follows suit.

'And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends,' Pinkie frowns.

'Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did,' Rarity says.

'Yes! That means the ticket is mine,' Rainbow leaps in the air laughing, 'Ha ha, I got the ticket, I got the ticket-' she loos down and notices everyone glaring at her, 'you know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either,' she shrugs.

'We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gung-ho we were making you,' Applejack frowns.

'We're sorry, Twilight,' the ponies say in unison.

'Spike, take a note,' he pulls out a scroll and a quill, 'Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful,' she magically levitates the tickets around the room 'So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala,' she puts the tickets back in the scroll.

'What?!' the ponies cry out in unison.

'If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either,' Twilight finishes.

'Twilight, you don't have to do that,' Applejack tells her.

'Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now,' Twilight nods.

As Spike sends the letter Aurora walks over and puts her hand on Twilights shoulder.

'I'm proud of you, but it's not over yet,' she tells her.

'What do you mean?' Twilight asks.

'I'm not sure but I do know it will make you happy,' Aurora winks.

'Now you won't get to go to the gala either,' Fluttershy says.

'It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I would rather not go at all,' she says. All the ponies gather around and hug her, they look at Aurora expectantly.

'Oh, all right,' she walks forward and joins the group hug. They hear the sound of Spike retching.

'Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment,' Applejack tells him shaking her head.

'Now hold on, I think this is more than just Spike's immaturity,' Aurora tells her.

Spike suddenly burps and a scroll appears in the air, with the princesses seal on it.

'Whoa Nelly!' Applejack gasps in surprise.

'A letter from the princess? That was fast!' Twilight exclaims.

'My faithful student Twilight,' Spike reads, 'Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala,' he says pulling them from the scroll as everyone else gasps.

'Now we can all go,' Twilight cries as the other ponies cheer.

Her stomach rumbles loudly drowning out the cheers. she lets out a short laugh.

'Allow us to treat you to dinner,' Rarity declares.

'What a great way to apologize,' Rainbow affirms.

'And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me,' Pinkie laughs bounding out the door.

As Aurora walks out she and Applejack hear a loud burp and a flash of green light shines out of the library windows. They turn to see Spike skip out of the doorway giggling at the ticket in his hands. He spots them and immediately changes.

'I mean, gross, I have to go too?' he pretends to hurl. Aurora raises an eyebrow at him. He shrugs and continues on his way giggling.

Aurora hurries to catch up to the group while Twilight drops back to talk to her.

'So you knew I would get more tickets from Celestia?' Twilight asks.

'Not quite, I got the feeling it would work itself out and from what I know of your relationship with her, she would sort it out...or you would make I fair by forsaking all the tickets,' Aurora answers with a shrug.

'I think I found the perfect job for you,' Twilight tells her.

'What would that be?' Aurora asks eyes gleaming.

'You would make a good teacher, especially if you develop your ability so that you are aware of more specific outcomes,' Twilight smiles.

'Are there any schools around here, or do you mean a more general teacher, someone who just gives advice or acts as a seer?' Aurora replies tilting her head in thought.

'We have a school for young ponies to learn basic subjects,' Twilight explains, 'It will also teach you more about our world than even I could, but I will be more than happy to help you along anyway,' Twilight glances at her.

'That sounds like a wonderful idea Twilight,' Rarity inputs, 'My younger sister goes there and she could show you around,' she tells Aurora.

'My sister does too, if you get a job helping Miss Cherilee you could wind up teaching her as well,' Applejack grins.

'I see my decision has been made for me,' Aurora laughs, 'Tomorrow I will try to get an audience with Miss Cherilee and see about getting a job there,'

'In the meantime you are more than welcome to stay at my place,' Fluttershy offers.

'You know, you guys are really the best friends a girl could have,' Aurora beams at them, 'Now lets go get some food,' she laughs.

Author's Note

Wow is this late. Sorry about this but with a new job and a more busy social life than before I have been very tired and less motivated to write this. Hopefull things will calm down. Expect another update tomorrow to make up for this. What do you guys think so far? Now that Aurora is looking for a job, I can break away from the Mane 6 for a while to develop Aurora's life in Ponyville. At some point soon a large plot will developd introducing all new characters, an all new town and an all new villain. Finally this plotline will also exclude the Mane 6. Stay tuned and talk to you all soon.