Once upon a time, in a great land called Equestria, there lived a wise king and a beautiful queen. Their names were King Sombra and Queen Celestia. They worked together to rule Equestria and make sure there was always peace and harmony. During their time together, they had six sons, two of which were adopted and four that were related to her by birth.
Prince Discord was her eldest son. Sombra and Celestia adopted him when they found him alone on the streets of Canterlot one day. He was a draconequus which is a creature made up of all sorts of different animals. He was always causing mischief and playing pranks on the castle staff as well as his family. Nevertheless, his family was more than accepting of him despite his appearance.
Prince Fancy Pants was her second eldest son and he was one of Queen Celestia's birth sons. He was refined and proper and always wanted to live up to his status as one of the Princes of Canterlot. He was careful to know the formal greetings and the proper way to drink tea. He always wore a suit and a monocle around his eye. He was very outgoing and would always be the first of Celestia's son to greet any visitors.
Prince Spike was the middle child and he was found as an egg on the doorsteps of the castle. When he hatched, Celestia and Sombra decided to adopt him and raise him as a prince. He loved to help other ponies and was very kind to everyone around him. He was much different than what ponies expected of dragons and the ponies of Equestria quickly learned to love and respect him as their prince. His appetite proved to be pretty big, but his heart was even bigger.
Prince Soarin was her fourth son and he just loved to show off. He loved the Wonderbolts and wished he could join them, but his princely status got in the way. He was a very gifted flyer, nevertheless, and tried to show it off when he got the chance. Despite his attitude and overconfidence, he was an amazing pony that you could always count on when you needed him.
Prince Cheese Sandwich was the second youngest. He threw the parties for the kingdom and never missed out on an opportunity to have fun. He found many things funny and could laugh when the rest of his brothers couldn't. His parties were considered the best in Canterlot and his best pal was a rubber chicken named Boneless.
Prince Flash Sentry was the youngest of his brothers, but he never let that get him down. Some of his interests lied in protecting and helping other ponies. He always loved to watch the royal guards practicing for their missions.
All six princes were gathered together in front of their parents, expecting them to deliver an announcement. Celestia had asked her sons to meet her there to tell them some very crucial information they would need to know.
"Good afternoon, my sons," Celestia greeted warmly.
"Good afternoon, mother," Fancy Pants returned.
"Hey, Mom," Soarin said. "So... you called us here because you had an announcement to make?"
"That is correct," Sombra replied. He straightened up and looked at his sons very gravely. "Your mother and I have been discussing some things and we've been debating on this decision for a while now."
"First, your Aunt Luna will be coming over to visit and she'll be bringing your cousins," Celestia declared.
"Aunt Luna?!" her sons exclaimed.
Celestia's sons loved it when Aunt Luna came to visit. She was very joyful and her attitude never failed to amuse them. They remembered playing games with her a lot as colts. Aunt Luna could be very competitive, but she was a good sport. She would congratulate the boys when they won.
"Spectacular!" Fancy Pants spoke. "It is always lovely to have Aunt Luna over at the castle."
"Why are you telling this now?!" Cheese Sandwich shrilled. "I haven't even started planning her welcome party!"
Celestia stifled her laughter. "It's alright, Cheese Sandwich. There is no need for a welcome party. I've called Aunt Luna over because I need her help this week."
"Great! A week!" Cheese Sandwich breathed in relief. "That should be enough time to set up a welcome party!"
"We can't wait to see Aunt Luna, but what exactly did you need her help with?" Flash wondered.
"Ah, yes," Celestia remembered. "You see, I need her help with the suitors that will be arriving the same week."
The boys were horrified. "WHAT?!" they shrieked.
Sombra seemed as if he had been expecting this reaction from his sons. "I'm sorry, boys, but this is an ancient law," he said solemnly. "We are not allowed to defy it. The law says you are only allowed to marry a mare of royal status. Your future wife can be a princess, a noble, a regent, or even a duchess. But as much as it pains me to say, your wife cannot just be anypony you meet. It must be a mare of royal status. I'm sorry, but this is the way it must be."
"Aw, come on, Mom and Dad," Flash said. "This isn't fair to any of us!"
"I wish it could be different, boys," Celestia claimed sincerely. "I don't want you to have to go through this either, but we have no choice."
"When I married, I always imagined... it would be... you know, for love," Cheese Sandwich admitted sadly.
"So did I, mother," Fancy Pants agreed.
"I don't want to marry a stranger, Mom!" Spike exclaimed. "This isn't how I want my wedding to be! This isn't how any of us want our weddings to be!"
"We don't want your weddings to be this way either," Celestia said. "Trust us when we say that... but there's nothing we can do."
Soarin was furious. "It's not fair!" he hollered.
"Mom, I refuse!" Discord agreed. "I don't want to marry anypony! This arrangement is just downright unacceptable!"
"Boys, we have to---" Sombra started.
"I don't care about some ancient tradition or whatever!" Discord continued. "I care about my life! I want to have my fun, Mom! I don't want to be tied down in a loveless marriage for the rest of my life. Why, that's a fate far worse than death!"
"Boys, if you'd just listen to---" Celestia didn't get to finish either.
"You can't just expect us to marry a mare we just met!" Flash argued. "None of us want that!"
His brothers nodded and made sounds of agreement.
"I refuse to---!" Soarin began.
Sombra was fed up. "Boys! That's enough! Perhaps you all need some time to think about this. Dismissed!"
The boys just stared at their father aghast. The tone he had just used was something they'd never heard from him before. Sombra held his dark gaze making the boys veer back.
Soarin finally yelled out in rage and flew out of the room. Discord snapped his fingers and teleported away furiously. Spike sighed and began to trudge out of the room. Fancy Pants stalked out of the room in a huff. Cheese Sandwich slinked away from his parents sadly. Flash was about to follow his brothers out, but the sound of his father's voice made him stop in his tracks.
"Flash?"
Flash Sentry turned around. "Yes?"
Sombra beckoned to a hallway. "I would like you to follow me."
"Okay," said a confused Flash.
Celestia nodded to her husband with a smile as Sombra and Flash left the throne room.
Flash and his father were walking down a long hallway with paintings hanging on the walls. Each painting was a picture of a previous ruler in Equestria. Flash noticed this and looked around at the kings. They each wore a crown with jewels inside. They were all richer than everypony in Equestria combined. But Flash noticed none of them smiled either. The life of a royal looked like luxury, but it was actually confinement. Flash assumed all of them looked so miserable because they had no choice but to be in their position. They must've been forced into an arranged marriage as well and crowned by force. They had it all, but none of them smiled.
"Do you know who these ponies are, Flash?" Sombra asked him.
Flash nodded. "These are the previous rulers in Equestria. I've seen this hallway many times."
"Flash, what do you notice about each ruler?" Sombra questioned.
"Uh... they all wear a crown?" Flash guessed.
Sombra chuckled heartily. "That is true, but that is not what I hoped to show you. You see, Flash, each ruler has a quality that makes him a great leader. Not a one is better than the rest. They all have their flaws and great qualities, but they were all amazing rulers. I expect you will do the same when I step down."
"I know," Flash replied. "I'm... I'm still unsure about being the heir to the throne. There's so much pressure. I know that heirs have to choose a good mare to wed because she'll become the queen. But... I don't know if I can handle it. I've never thought of myself as a good pony to be king. I'm not like you."
"I'm not asking you to be me," Sombra said in surprise. "I'm asking you to be you. That's all Equestria needs. Trust me, I know you can handle it. Mom and I talked for a long time about which one of you boys should be the future king. We decided on you because... well, Discord is out of the question with his love for mischief and his chaos powers."
Flash laughed. "That's true."
"Fancy Pants would be a great king as well, but he'd be a little too uptight about his principles and keeping his status," Sombra continued. "Spike is very kind and chivalrous, but he is more of a follower than a leader. Soarin wouldn't want the pressure of the entire kingdom on his shoulders and he's a bit too reckless to settle down as king. Cheese Sandwich... well... Cheese Sandwich..."
"It's okay, Dad," Flash said. "I know what you mean."
"That's why we were thrilled when your mother and I considered choosing you," Sombra told him. "We know you're a great leader as well as selfless and brave. We all believe in you. It's time for you to start believing in yourself."
Flash smiled a little. "Thanks, Dad. I'm still nervous to be the king, but as long as my family is there to support me, I think I can do it."
"I know you can do it," Sombra said.
Flash leaped forward to give his father a hug.
"And you'll have your future wife by your side to help out as well," Sombra reminded.
Flash's face fell. "Ugh, don't remind me."
Sombra sighed. He knew that his son hated to be forced into a loveless marriage and Sombra hated to do it to him just as much if not more. "Goodnight, Flash Sentry. I will see you tomorrow morning."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Flash said.
Sombra looked back at his son one last time before hesitantly leaving him in peace.
Flash looked up at all of the pictures one last time. The bold colors on the painting made them beautiful and bright, but the frowns would always bother him. The kings always looked unhappy in their positions and it didn't help to ease Flash's nerves.
Flash Sentry sighed as he left the throne room to get ready for bed. Flash gritted his teeth as scenarios of his marriage played in his mind. He felt cursed.
Throughout the week, Celestia and Sombra reminded their boys consistently of their marriages. Their attitudes towards it didn't change, but they became more mellow and accepting as the week pressed forward.
Little did the princes know of the fate that awaited them. Things seemed grim at the moment, but they had no idea what was in store. Fate always had a funny way of doing things.
Chapter 2: The Royal Dinner
King Sombra, Queen Celestia, and her sons stood in the throne room, awaiting the arrival of their Aunt Luna and her daughters.
Celestia turned to her sons with a reminder. "Now, I want all of you to be on your best behavior. Aunt Luna and her girls have had a hard week."
Discord snapped his fingers, making a golden angel halo appear just above his head. "When have I ever been bad?" he asked with a smirk.
The rest of his family just raised their eyebrows at him. They knew Discord perfectly well and he always found a way to cause mischief.
Discord sighed. "But this time, I'll be even better." He snapped his fingers and the golden halo vanished.
The doors to the throne room swung open as a few royal guards from the Lunar Kingdom presented three ponies to the royal Canterlot family. The tallest was Princess Luna. She had a dark blue coat, an astral mane that looked like the night sky, and a tail that matched. She had striking, icy blue eyes and a cutie mark of a waning crescent moon. Her two daughters followed her. One of them trotted along awkwardly and the other one held her head high and pridefully as if her title was something to be proud of.
"We are here, everypony!" Luna declared.
Celestia smiled. "It is great to see you again, dear sister!"
Celestia cantered over to her younger sister to embrace her. The two sisters looked overjoyed. They hadn't seen each other in what seemed like ages.
After the embrace was finished, Luna looked over to see King Sombra smirking playfully at the two from his throne.
"Hello, Sombra," Luna said. "Great to see you again."
"Hello, Luna," Sombra returned. "It's great to see you too."
Sombra and Luna embraced before Cheese Sandwich lit up.
"Aunt Luna! You're here!" Cheese Sandwich exclaimed. "I wasn't able to throw a welcome party, but I'm still happy to see you!"
"Thank you, Cheese Sandwich," Luna said with a giggle. "I find it great how you're always thinking of the happiness of your subjects. That is very important."
One of Luna's daughters smirked at Cheese Sandwich playfully. "So, now that you've welcome our mother, where's our welcome?"
"Oh, that was directed towards all of you, not just Aunt Luna!" Cheese Sandwich claimed. "It's always great to see our favorite cousins again!"
"You mean, your only cousins," Luna's other daughter proclaimed.
"Trixie, it's really all the same," Soarin told her in annoyance. "Welcome back!"
"Why, thank you, Soarin!" Trixie replied. "It's so sweet that you're always thinking of ways to make me happy!"
"Actually, I'm not---"
Trixie cut Soarin off. "Shh, I already know, Soarin. The Great and Powerful Trixie has returned to Canterlot Castle and she's ready to spend the week with her family!"
Trixie's sister turned to her. "Trixie, you might want to take it down a notch. This is a formal dinner and Mother did say she wanted us to make a good impression on not just our aunt and uncle, but our cousins as well," she reminded her.
"And what makes you think your younger sister can't handle it?" Trixie asked. "She's only The Great and Powerful Trixie!"
Trixie's sister rolled her eyes. "Right." She sighed. "Sorry, boys. It's great to see all of you again. It really is. We're so thrilled to be here."
"We're happy to hear that, Starlight," Flash Sentry said. "Are you getting forced into an arranged marriage anytime soon?"
Starlight Glimmer shook her head. "No. Not yet. But once both Trixie and I come of age, we will. We're cherishing our last moments of freedom."
Flash Sentry nodded in agreement. "We never knew how much we cherished those moments until now."
"Everypony, let's sit down for dinner!" Celestia urged. "The royal chefs have prepared a wonderful meal!"
"Oh, goody!" Cheese Sandwich exclaimed. "What did they make tonight?!"
Everypony took their spot at the table as the three main royal chefs, Gustave Le Grand, Sugar Belle, and Golden Harvest, entered the room with silver trays. Gustave Le Grand was the head chef and he was always sure that every meal was done correctly. Without him, the courses would sometimes be incorrectly done. Sugar Belle was the assistant head chef. However, she was only comfortable with trying to be in charge when Gustave wasn't around. Golden Harvest seemed to be the favorable chef. Everypony loved it when she pitched in with the meals.
"Dinner is served!" Gustave announced. He spoke with a light Prench accent. "It is ze finest meal in all of Equestria!"
The three chefs set the table and put the main courses down in the middle for the royal family to enjoy. When the covers for the silver platters were lifted, all of the dishes were revealed. Caprese pasta salad was the main course, mashed potatoes were the side dish, and baked alaska was the dessert. The royal family's mouths began to water and their eyes widened. Their hunger seemed to increase just by viewing their meal.
"Thank you so much!" Celestia told them. "It all looks delicious."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Sugar Belle replied. "We always have to try our best when it comes to a royal dinner. Especially when a visiting kingdom is involved."
"Sugar Belle here is responsible for the baked alaska," Golden Harvest claimed. "She's the best with sweet treats."
"Aw, thank you, Golden Harvest," Sugar Belle said. "And your cooked carrots look amazing!"
"Thank you so much!" Golden Harvest exclaimed with delight. "I had to make sure I got it just right!"
"All ze royal chefs!" Gustave bellowed. "We need to leave ze royal family to eat in peace! Come back to ze kitchens to clean up ze mess!"
Sugar Belle sighed. "Okay, Gustave."
"Sometimes, I wish our head chef wouldn't be so bossy," Golden Harvest uttered.
"Aw, come on, Golden," Sugar Belle told her. "You know Gustave just wants to make sure the meals are perfect."
Golden Harvest giggled. "That may be true."
"Have a good meal, Your Majesties!" Sugar Belle exclaimed.
The royal chefs bowed in respect before exiting the dining room.
Celestia turned to her sons after they had eaten for awhile. "Now, boys, we must discuss something since we didn't have a chance to when we made the announcement."
"Ugh, what else is gonna make our lives miserable?" Soarin groaned.
"Soarin Skies, listen to your mother," Sombra chided.
"Fine," Soarin mumbled.
"There is going to be a royal ball at the end of this week!" Celestia declared. "Luna, Starlight Glimmer, and Trixie will be participating in the festivities, but only for the fun of it. The whole land of Equestria is invited to the ball and will be able to come, but they must be old enough to attend. There are also royals coming from across the sea. At this royal ball, you will each choose the mare you are to wed. Remember---"
"The mare you choose must be of high royal status," her sons replied, dryly.
"Very good," Celestia said. "All I ask of you is to be yourselves."
"Now, that is advice I can take," Spike claimed.
"I'm glad," Celestia said.
"We are excited for the royal ball!" Luna exclaimed. "We are to help with the preparations. We'll do everything we can to make the ball perfect. After all, my favorite nephews are choosing their future wives. I'm going to make sure no nephew of mine has to marry a pompous regent or a snooty princess."
Luna winked playfully as the princes chuckled. They knew she meant well.
"Favorite nephews?" Spike asked. He pretended that he had a long, flowing mane and tossed it behind his shoulders as if to imitate Trixie's behavior. He spoke in a nasally voice. "You mean your only nephews."
Everypony guffawed, except for Trixie who just cast a dirty glance at Spike. The boys relished one of the last feelings of joy that they would feel before the royal ball arrived.
Chapter 3: The Royal Ball
Sunlight lightly streamed into the room through the blinds. Flash Sentry grumbled a bit and tossed his blankets over his head before rolling over to go back to sleep. The beds were luxurious and inviting. It was never easy to leave them in the morning. Discord slept upon a holographic bed while the six brothers snoozed on. It was a quiet and peaceful morning until the door creaked open and a loud voice startled them.
"Not waking up on time? That's strike one."
The boys sat up to look at the intruders. They were Prim Hemline and Sassy Saddles, the royal advisors. They were never satisfied with the way the princes behaved. It was their duty to fix them up before any important royal events.
Soarin turned his gaze towards the clock. "Is the ball really today? This week just flew by so fast."
"Yes and you boys are running extremely late," Sassy Saddles told them. "There's only an hour until the royal ball begins and you all look like you were tossed around in a tornado."
"Hey!" Fancy Pants cried.
"Come along now," Prim Hemline beckoned. "Wake up."
Flash Sentry rolled over, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. "Prim Hemline, Sassy Saddles, could you just wake us up a little quieter next time, so we don't almost have a heart attack?"
Spike groaned loudly. "Aw, just ten more minutes."
Prim Hemline was starting to grow impatient. "All of you! Get up!" she ordered.
Her loud, jarring voice sent the boys scrambling out of bed in a hurry.
"Stand in a line," Sassy Saddles instructed.
The princes awkwardly formed a straight line. Immediately, Prim Hemline and Sassy Saddles began to inspect them.
"So... what do we do?" Flash Sentry wondered. "Do we just fix our manes a bit and get dressed in something formal?"
Prim Hemline shook her head. "You are not even close to being ready for the ball! Look at you six! Not nearly presentable enough! Are you going to present yourself to your future wives looking like that?"
"Well, if it gets rid of them, we might as well," Soarin replied.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Prim Hemline said. "We'll fix you right up! Come along now!"
As the Prim Hemline and Sassy Saddles worked on preparing the princes for the ball, they talked to them a little about their appearance and behavior.
As Sassy Saddles moved onto working with Discord, she stared at him for a very long time. "Now, let's see here. The drac...dralonomy... the drumology?"
"Draconequus," Discord corrected, flatly.
"Precisely," Sassy Saddles said. "Now let's see what can be done about... that."
Discord furrowed his brow. "Did you just point to all of me?"
Sassy Saddles ignored his question as she took a shiner to begin shining Discord's horns. Discord let out a loud sigh as she worked endlessly to clean him up for the ball.
Meanwhile, Prim Hemline was working on preparing Spike for the ball. "Ah, yes. The dragon."
"Uh, hi," Spike greeted. He gave them a short, awkward wave.
"Stand still," Prim Hemline urged. "You're about to look fabulous!"
After each and every prince looked the best they possibly could, Prim Hemline and Sassy Saddles began to coach them on their ettiquette.
"Now, do you boys know the proper behavior for a ball?" Prim Hemline wondered.
The princes only stared at her blankly. Their mother had always told them to be themselves. They never remembered going over any mannerisms for a royal ball.
"Does Queen Celestia teach her boys anything?" Sassy Saddles asked.
"Yes," Soarin replied. "To be ourselves."
"Stand up straight," Prim Hemline began. The princes fixed their postures. "Divine. Make sure your posture looks inviting and---"
"Oh, Mother of Luna!" Soarin cried. "I think I broke my spine!"
Soarin collapsed on the ground. Discord, Fancy Pants, Spike, Cheese Sandwich, and Flash Sentry desperately made sure that he was okay. Soarin gave them a nod before rising to his hooves with a groan of pain.
"Now, it's almost time for you to go on," Sassy Saddles said, ignoring what had just happened. "Make your mother proud!"
"I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach," Cheese Sandwich declared as they began to go out for the ball.
"I'm feeling a little topsy-turvy myself," Discord admitted.
"It's okay, guys," Flash Sentry assured them. "It'll all be over after tonight."
"And then it's off to get married," Soarin muttered.
The princes let out a collective sigh. None of them wanted to be married to the strangers that came overseas. A few of the boys had even dreamed of finding a mare to fall in love with. That wasn't a possibility now. They doubted they would find love in the restless crowd.
As the boys walked into the ballroom, many colors were presented. The floors were cleaned and had a brand new shine to them. The walls were decorated with bright golden banners. In the corner, there was a snack table with an abundance of food. Gently frosted cake pops were included on a silver platter. There was also a savory vegetable platter with buttermilk ranch in the middle. There was a bowl of wholesome strawberries next to a fountain spurting out rich, creamy chocolate. In the middle of the room, there was a vast stage with an assortment of orchestral instruments. Near the stage, there was a black platform for the princes to stand. Sombra and Celestia stood upon this platform to greet their sons.
"Boys, you're just in time!" Celestia said. "The ball is about to start!"
Luna and her daughters entered the room, taking in the scenery with expressions of awe.
"The ballroom looks lovely!" Luna complimented. "The maids did a great job shining the floors! You may want to give them a raise."
"I will keep that in mind," Celestia replied with a chuckle.
"We are going to mingle with the guests when they arrive, but you will look great on the platform," Luna insisted.
Soarin gritted his teeth. "Yeah, great."
Only moments later, guests began to arrive in large crowds of ponies. About every time they thought all of the guests had arrived, a new crowd would come pouring into the ballroom.
"Alright, boys," Sombra said. "It's time for the ball to begin. I wish you the best of luck."
"Thanks," Flash Sentry said. "We'll need it."
"Stand up straight and tall," Celestia told them. "The trumpeter is about to introduce us to begin the ball."
Spike sighed. "But I didn't want the ball to start."
"Don't be ridiculous, Spike!" Fancy Pants said. "A royal ball is a great way to socialize with ponies and practice your conversation skills. It's just the arranged marriage part I don't like."
Spike chuckled. "That's true," he realized.
A boisterous fanfare began to play and the crowd came to an abrupt hush. After the fanfare was finished, the trumpeter cleared his throat and began to introduce the princes, "Announcing their Royal Highnesses, the Princes of Canterlot! Welcome to the Royal Ball! I am happy to announce that any princess here is eligible to try for any of the prince’s hooves in marriage! Proceed!"
"Well, I don't have hooves, so does that mean I'm free?" Spike joked.
"And my hoof is certainly not up here," Discord added.
Celestia turned the prince's attention to the suitors trying to act flirty to get the princes to notice them. "Boys, look! Look at the lovely suitors!"
"Uninterested," Soarin replied.
Suddenly, the suitors rushed over to the platform with excited squeals and screams to win the prince's hooves. Discord and Spike were excluded. All they could do was watch in shock as the rest of their brothers were drowned in the madness.
Discord turned to Spike. "Well, not much of a shocker here, huh?"
"Exactly," Spike agreed. "These princesses only want our brothers for their looks or their money! That's not what true love is. Love is---"
"Spike," Discord interrupted. "I don't need to hear one of your cringey, mushy talks about love."
"But love is the way two ponies look deep into each other's eyes and see the beauty in each other inside and out," Spike continued.
Discord groaned. When Spike continued, Discord covered his ears and sang loudly over him.
"Love is the way your heart pounds in your chest whenever you see her pass by," Spike claimed. "Love is the way you feel that swarm of butterflies flutter around in your stomach whenever she does that cute little snort when she laughs. Love is the way you miss her, even when she just left yesterday. Love is---"
"Spike, I get the picture," Discord said. "That's enough!"
Spike crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at Discord.
"What?" Discord asked. "I didn't want to listen, okay?"
"No kidding," Spike scoffed.
"Think those suitors have stopped competing for our brothers attention?" Discord wondered.
"Well, it looks like they have a little air for now," Spike answered. "Come on, let's go!"
Discord and Spike rushed over to their frazzled brothers to help them to their hooves.
"Are you guys okay?" Spike asked.
"I don't want to look at a mare again," Soarin replied.
"Then, how are you going to be around Mom?" Discord inquired.
Soarin rolled his eyes. "I meant, any mare who wants to marry me for money! I can't stand it anymore!"
"Help me," Cheese Sandwich croaked.
"Cheese, are you okay?" Spike questioned.
"I cannot recall the sound of silence, nor the beauty of an empty room," Cheese Sandwich answered.
Flash Sentry scanned the room. He saw ponies laughing and sharing drinks together. He saw ponies dancing gracefully on the enormous dance floor. He envied those ponies. They had joy and privileges he could never have. "Well... maybe I could just look for a good princess to be my future queen instead of waiting for them to come to me."
Flash Sentry continued to look around the ballroom. Moments later, his sights landed on a royal purple unicorn reading a book by herself. She smiled dreamily as she used her magic to turn each page. Her eyes were a dark purple and her mane was an even darker shade of purple. Streaks of violent-pink flowed through her mane like magma.
"Hey, the one reading a book is beautiful!" Flash Sentry said. "I'm going to greet her."
"Flash, don't get infatuated with her," Fancy Pants warned. "We don't even know if she's a princess."
"Well, only one way to find out," Flash Sentry claimed.
Flash Sentry stepped off of the platform to trot over to the young mare. The unicorn was so enhanced by her book that she didn't even avert her eyes until Flash Sentry spoke to her, "Hello, m'lady. Are you a princess that has come to seek my hoof in marriage?"
"No, I'm just here to enjoy the ball," she replied, closing her book with a warm smile. "It's actually my first royal ball. It's beautiful in the palace!"
Flash Sentry chuckled. "The maids and royal decorators really gave it their all for this ball. Where are you visiting from?"
"My best friends and I are visiting from Ponyville," the mare answered. "We're honored to attend, Your Majesty. Many thanks."
The mare lowered her head in a respectful bow and Flash Sentry stifled his affectionate laughter.
"It's alright," Flash Sentry assured. "No need for formalities. You may just call me Flash."
The mare looked at him with surprise. "Okay. Hello, Flash. It feels kinda strange addressing one of the princes that way."
"May I get your name?" Flash Sentry asked.
"I'm Twilight," she replied. "Twilight Sparkle. It's nice to meet you."
"Twilight Sparkle?" Flash Sentry breathed.
She nodded. "Uh-huh."
"That's a beautiful name," Flash Sentry told her.
Twilight smiled. "Thank you."
Flash Sentry and Twilight shook hooves.
"So, where are these friends of yours?" Flash Sentry asked. He remembered that Twilight had said she was attending the ball with friends.
"They're over there," Twilight answered, motioning to the snack table.
Flash Sentry looked over to the snack table to see five other mares by the snack table. An orange earth pony fidgeted anxiously as she struggled with mannerisms, a yellow pegasus hid behind her rosy pink mane, and a blue pegasus looked utterly bored. A pink earth pony had her face stuck in the chocolate fountain as she lapped up the chocolate pouring down from it and an off-white unicorn looked horrified.
"Pinkie Pie!" she cried. "Don't put your face in the chocolate fountain! That is extremely rude! What would Queen Celestia think if she saw you?"
"Sorry, Rarity," Pinkie Pie replied, sheepishly.
The blue pegasus moaned. "Ugh, I hate this. Can we go home now?"
"Don't you fret, Rainbow Dash," the orange earth pony said. "It's just a few more hours."
"Hours?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "How am I going to live?!"
"For Celestia's sake, Rainbow!" Rarity said. "It's a royal ball! Our first royal ball to be exact. You should enjoy yourself."
"Rarity, I'm bored out of my mind," Rainbow Dash replied. "There's no way I could possibly get something good out of any of this."
The orange earth pony sighed. "Uh... there's just too many manners to remember. Good manners are important and all, but half of these gosh darn silly mannerisms are downright unnecessary!"
"Now, now, Applejack," Rarity said. "These manners are very important. We must make a good impression on the nobles."
"I can make a good impression, Rarity!" Pinkie Pie claimed.
"Said the pony with chocolate smeared all over her face," Applejack joked.
"Speaking of that, here's a napkin, Pinkie Pie," Rarity offered. "Clean your face."
Pinkie Pie used the napkin to rub the chocolate off of her face as Rarity turned to another one of her friends.
"Fluttershy, dearest, this ball is definitely a time to work on your social skills," Rarity told her.
"Social?!" Fluttershy cried.
Rarity sighed. "Scratch that. We don't have time for this anyway."
Rainbow Dash was growing increasingly annoyed. "Fluttershy's social skills aren't the problem here. The problem is those high class noble ponies staring at me like I'm a hobo! It's starting to freak me out! Let's leave!"
Rainbow Dash tried to usher her friends out of the ballroom, but she was only met with disapproving glances from the rest of them.
"Wow, what an interesting set of ponies," Flash commented.
"Yup," Twilight replied. "Those interesting, insane, lovable ponies are my best friends." She held her head high as she looked over her friends with pride.
"Such a diverse group of friends too!" Flash added.
"Oh yeah!" Twilight said. "I like to, um... meet around, you know?" She chuckled nervously.
"Are you okay?" Flash asked her.
"Ugh, I'm sorry," Twilight told him. "It's just... I feel so strange talking so casually to a prince."
"Don't worry about it!" Flash reassured her. "You can be yourself around me." He smiled warmly.
"Thank you so much for everything, Flash!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Of course," Flash said. "Anything to make you feel comfortable."
Flash looked over and caught sight of his brothers. Soarin was waving him over, impatiently.
"Oh, I'll be right back!" Flash claimed. "One of my brothers needs something."
"And I'll be waiting for your return," Twilight said.
Flash and Twilight gazed at each other for a moment longer before Flash broke the eye contact and turned away to meet with his brothers. Making his way back to the platform, he snuck glances at Twilight every now and then.
When Flash reached the platform, Soarin began to speak, "What are you doing, Flash?! Mom will get us in huge trouble if she finds out you've been giving special treatment to that girl!"
"Relax," Flash told him. "Mom won't find out... right?"
"Mother is quite smart and might see through your scheme, brother of mine," Fancy Pants claimed. "I just don't want you to get in trouble."
Flash sighed. His mother wasn't a fool and couldn't easily be tricked. She'd probably find out what he was doing in no time. He realized Fancy Pants was right. "Alright. This is the last night I'll see her anyway. Maybe we should just wander looking for the suitors who have come to call."
Fancy Pants nodded. "I agree. We certainly can't disobey our mother."
Spike sighed wistfully. "Let's go. I really doubt I'll find love in any of those high class princesses, but I guess love isn't really the point anyway."
"You're probably right, Flash," Cheese Sandwich said.
"I know we don't like it, but what choice do we have?" Soarin said. "Mom seemed very upset when we argued with her about it."
Discord decided to add his thoughts into the mix whether they were wanted or not. "I, for one, despise this! I am a draconequus and deserve to be treated as a living thing! I will not be a mere prize to some prissy princess pony!"
Soarin narrowed his eyes. "Discord, you're going to get in trouble."
The word 'trouble' only made the notion sound more enticing to Discord. "Exactly!" he replied. "That's the fun part!"
"You know what isn't fun?" Soarin asked in exasperation.
"Your stupid decision to marry a stranger?" Discord shot back, impenitently.
Soarin wasn't having any of Discord's attitude. "Your attitude against this. No princess likes a prince with attitude."
Once again, being reminded of the fact that he would most likely never find true love for himself, Discord reined himself in and growled angrily. "Fine! I'll look around! But you know that all of the suitors came for you, not me!"
The princes broke apart and unhappily wandered throughout the ballroom. They weren't intent on looking for suitors as much as they had claimed to be, but if they happened to run into a princess that wanted their hoof, they would talk to them.
By fate, Flash managed to stumble upon Twilight once more. Twilight's facial features lit up as bright as the sun when she saw him. "You're back! Did things with your brother go okay?"
"Hm? Oh! Oh... uh... yeah." He was happy to see Twilight again, but he was still feeling crummy from his current predicament.
Meanwhile, near the punch table, Rarity was levitating a glass of punch and was about to take a sip when Fancy Pants accidentally bumped into her. Rarity's punch went flying forward and splattered all over Fancy Pants's tuxedo.
Rarity gasped in horror and humiliation. "Oh, I am so terribly sorry!" she cried. "Let me help you clean up!"
Rarity levitated a wad of napkins over to Fancy Pant's tuxedo and began to dab them against the stains on his suit.
"Oh no, it's quite alright, miss," Fancy Pants assured her. "It happens quite frequently with the butlers and such."
Rarity looked up and finally noticed who he was, a look of shock crossing over her face. "Can it be?! Are you Prince Fancy Pants?!"
"Yes, I am," Fancy Pants answered. "Hello, miss."
"Oh, I can't believe I could be so klutzy, Your Highness!" Rarity continued. "Allow me to finish cleaning that divine suit of yours!"
"It's alright," Fancy Pants said. "It's not necess---"
"Please, Your Highness! I insist!" Rarity told him. "I love fashion and I cannot let my crime against fabulousity go uncorrected!"
"Alright," Fancy Pants said with a smile. "I will allow it. Just this once though."
Nearby, Discord had stumbled into Fluttershy.
Fluttershy squeaked nervously. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I hate to be a bother! I'll just get out of your way!"
"Uh... that's okay," Discord assured her, awkwardly. "Do you need help?"
"Wait..." Fluttershy realized. "There's only one creature in Equestria with looks so unique, so diverse! Prince Discord! Is it you?"
"I'm sorry," Discord said, once again letting the awkwardness in the air get the best of him. "I'm not very good at the whole princely thing. I'm not actually very fond of it."
"Oh, I can see why," Fluttershy said. "It must be tiresome. I'm glad I got to meet you, Prince Discord! I'm honored!"
Discord smiled as he looked at her. Her eyes appeared to be shining in the light like a million crystals on a chandelier. "The honor is mine."
Not far away from them, Cheese Sandwich had stumbled into Pinkie Pie. They turned to each other simultaneously.
"Oopsie!" Pinkie Pie said. "I'm sorry! I can be such a klutz sometimes!"
Cheese Sandwich laughed in understanding. "Me too!"
Pinkie Pie inhaled deeply. "Prince Cheese Sandwich?!"
"The one and only!" he replied.
Pinkie Pie felt her excitement bubbling up from inside of her. "Wow!" she breathed. "You throw the second best parties in all of Equestria! I'm so excited to meet you!"
"Second best?"
"Only next to mine, of course!" Pinkie Pie joked with a playful wink.
Cheese Sandwich chuckled. He had a feeling that they would get along just fine.
Just a few feet away, Applejack had bumped into Spike.
"Oh, pardon me!" said Applejack. "I'm not so good at watching where I'm going."
"You're pardoned," Spike said. "I like your accent by the way."
Applejack was delighted. "Why, thank you kindly! You're Prince Spike, right? Well, howdy there! Nice to meet ya!"
"Nice to meet you too!" Spike agreed.
Spike wrapped his claw around Applejack's hoof to shake it. The two had to admit that it felt a little strange, but it was still amiable to do so.
Once again, as if by fate, Soarin stumbled upon Rainbow Dash. However, Soarin accidentally went tumbling forward, knocking him and Rainbow Dash to the ground in an awkward position.
"Hey! Get off me!" Rainbow Dash demanded.
Soarin's cheeks reddened from the embarrassment. "Heh, sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!"
Soarin awkwardly scrambled to his hooves and offered one of them to Rainbow Dash. "Allow me to help you up!"
"Prince Soarin?" Rainbow Dash was taken by surprise.
Soarin nodded and gave her a playful smirk. Rainbow Dash took his hoof and Soarin pulled her back to her hooves.
"Please forgive me," Rainbow Dash said, quickly. "I wasn't thinking. I didn't mean to get all snappy." She didn't really want to come home and tell her friends that she had upset a prince that day.
To her relief, Soarin smiled and seemed to be very understanding, "No, it's okay. I understand. We all have our days."
Everyone finished their exchanges and walked away, feeling their spirits rise a bit higher.
Twilight, in particular, felt a great sense of excitement and had to tell her friends about her encounter with Prince Flash. As she rushed over to her friends, she could have sworn that her friends were also running towards her at the same time.
When Twilight reached her friends, Twilight and her friends spoke in unison, "Girls, you will never believe what just happened! I stumbled into one of the princes!"
Twilight and her friends just stared at each other for a long time. Had they really all just said the same exact thing?
Rainbow Dash was the first to speak again. "Whoa, we all met one of the princes?"
"Well, there's six princes, six of us," Twilight observed. "It must be our connection as friends!"
Twilight and her friends shared a laugh. That always felt nice.
Flash and his brothers had grouped up and talked about the same events. Now, they were eager to talk to the girls again and approached them once more.
"Excuse us?" Flash said.
Twilight and her friends turned to face the princes. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Whoa."
"Oh my gosh! They're all right there!" Pinkie Pie squealed.
"Oh, we almost forgot!" Rarity claimed.
Rarity's friends recognized what she meant and they bowed in respect to the princes.
"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Your Majesties," Rarity said.
"We apologize greatly if this seems too personal, but may we perhaps get your names?" Flash wondered.
Everyone, but Rarity looked at each other uncertainly for a moment.
"Why, certainly!" Rarity exclaimed. "My name is Rarity! I plan on owning a personal boutique here in Canterlot!"
Fancy Pants already felt his infatuation with the young mare beginning to grow. "A rarity indeed," he purred.
Rarity felt quite touched by his compliment and smiled to herself.
"Flash has already received my name, but the rest of you might as well know it too. It's Twilight Sparkle. Twilight for short."
"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm Ponyville's prime party planner! After all, you can't live life without some fun!"
Cheese Sandwich grinned. "I love to throw parties!"
"I know that, silly!" Pinkie Pie giggled. "I attend all of your parties! I never miss out on a chance to have fun!"
"Me neither!" Cheese Sandwich agreed.
The two exchanged a hearty laugh. The girls continued to give them their names.
Rainbow Dash was beginning to gloat. "Rainbow Dash. Best flyer in Equestria. Currently in the Wonderbolts Reserves. My dream is to become the best Wonderbolt in the skies!"
Soarin felt himself growing excited. "I love to fly! I want to be a Wonderbolt too, but I can't since I'm a prince and everything."
"And that's a shame too," Rainbow Dash said, genuinely. "You would've made a pretty awesome Wonderbolt. Not as awesome as me, but up there!"
Soarin narrowed his eyes and began to tease her, playfully. "Oh, we all know I would've beat you by a mile."
This only amused Rainbow Dash and her smirk grew even wider. "Don't get your hopes up, prince."
"My name's Applejack! I live on Sweet Apple Acres down in Ponyville. Sound familiar?"
Flash nodded. "We've heard of Sweet Apple Acres before!"
"They have the best apple pie!" Soarin added.
Soarin's brothers shook their heads and laughed while Applejack and her friends giggled.
"Why, thank you, Prince Soarin!" Applejack said. "We down at Sweet Apple Acres sure do try our best to grow the best gosh darn apples in all of Equestria."
"Have you been successful?" Soarin asked.
"So far," Applejack replied, proudly.
"I have no doubt about it!" Soarin said.
"Wow, that sounds amazing," Spike said. "I sure love the apples from Sweet Apple Acres! Is it fun to work in the fields?"
"Yes, but it can be hard work sometimes!" Applejack replied. "But it sure is worth it!"
"I know that for sure," Spike said.
Fluttershy chimed in quietly. "And I'm Fluttershy."
Discord chuckled. "What a fitting name for a mare like you!"
Fluttershy smiled timidly and nodded.
"Uh... she opens up once you get to know her," Rainbow Dash claimed.
"Discord, you're really amazing," Fluttershy told him. "I adore animals and you are a mix of so many interesting creatures."
Discord was surprised. "W-wow, that... that is the nicest thing anypony has ever said to me. Th-thank you, Fluttershy."
"My pleasure," Fluttershy spoke.
"It was really nice to meet you," Twilight told them. "All of you. Thank you. You have made us feel like the luckiest mares in Equestria."
"Of course," Flash said. "It was nice to talk to you girls. Do... do you think you'll be at royal balls in the future?"
Twilight's smile carried a mysterious allure. "Perhaps. Only time will tell."
"Why, of course we will!" Rarity said. "A chance like this just cannot be ignored!"
"Rarity, we don't know if it we can always make it to---" Twilight started.
Rarity quickly interrupted. "Alright, then we'll be at most of them."
"We can't wait to see you there," Flash told them.
"It was nice meeting you!" Twilight exclaimed. "Goodbye!"
"See ya later!" Applejack said.
"Goodbye!" Fluttershy added.
"See ya later, sweet potater!" Pinkie Pie told them.
"See ya!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Goodbye!" Rarity added. "Again, many thanks!"
The princes watched until the girls disappeared into the sea of ponies.
"For some reason, I'm really looking forward to the next royal ball," Flash declared.
"Me too," the rest of his brothers agreed.
"Boys!" Celestia called from the platform. "I need you!"
Soarin sighed. "Come on, guys."
The princes met their mother over at the platform.
Celestia's expression was solemn. "Have you picked a mare to wed yet?"
Flash sighed. He and his brothers had forgotten all about the suitors after they had met the six mares that night. "No, mother. We have not."
Celestia sighed. Her eyes looked sad. "I'm sorry. We arranged this royal ball in hopes that you could have somefreedom in who you married. We hoped picking your suitor from mares who volunteered would ease the blow. But… it appears as if I will have to pick for you."
"Mom, no!" Flash protested.
"I have no other choice," Celestia claimed.
"Of course you have a choice!" Flash shot back. "There's always a choice!"
"Not when it comes to ancient law," Celestia continued.
Discord felt his rage spilling over the edge. "This is despicable! You can't force us to marry a pony of your choice!"
"We're sorry, but---"
Flash scoffed, louder than he had meant to. "There's nothing you can do? Ugh! Forget it! This ball is over!"
The princes stalked out of the room, sending a lot of glances from shocked guests their way.
"Boys, wait!" Celestia cried.
The door to the ballroom shut with a rather jarring slam. Everyone in the room just stared at the door, still taken aback by the sudden departure of the princes.
Celestia felt tears begin to well up in her eyes and a hoof place itself comfortingly on her shoulder. She looked over to see Sombra standing there with a sad smile on his face. Celestia sighed and turned her head back towards the door, questioning her decision.
The princes sat inside of their room, attempting to wipe away the stress of the situation. Running out of the royal ball wasn't the most mature reaction, but it seemed like the only way to sort through their thoughts. They were each lying on their beds and staring at the ceiling in silence. The silence grew louder and louder until it became deafening. It became too much for Flash.
"We need an escape," Flash finally spoke.
"I agree," Discord said. "We need to leave and find a better life somewhere else."
"Me too... but where do we go?" Soarin wondered.
"Away," Spike replied.
Soarin sat up to look at Spike. "No, I'm serious," Soarin said. "Where do we go?"
Cheese Sandwich rubbed his hoof against his chin in thought. "Well, I suppose we could try Ponyville! The girls said they lived there."
The girls at the ball. The six wonderful mares that they had stumbled upon by what seemed to be destiny. They just couldn't forget them, no matter how hard they tried.
A smile crept across Flash's face. "That's perfect."
"You can definitely count me in!" Discord said.
"But we'll need to keep a low profile," Flash claimed. He rose to his hooves and trotted over to an old chest in the corner of the room, dusting it off before prying it open. He pulled out six dusty cloaks which used to be their cloaks for travelling, but they were deserted when the boys started travelling less when they grew older.
"Discord, can you make yourself look a bit more like a pony?" Flash wondered.
Discord smirked. "Say no more."
Discord snapped his finger and a flash of magic turned him into a very hideous looking pony. His hair had not turned into a pony mane very well, making him look nearly bald and his eyes were still the same red-yellow color. His tail was mismatched to his mane, a crimson red like his normal tail instead of changing to match his hair color.
His brothers just stared for a moment.
"Good enough," Flash said. "Now, put the cloaks on."
His brothers put their cloaks on and threw the hoods over their head to hide their facial features. All except for Fancy Pants.
"Fancy Pants, put your cloak on," Flash urged.
Fancy Pants frowned. "But it's so tacky!"
"Do you want to escape or not?" Flash asked.
Fancy Pants cringed and reluctantly took the cloak from Flash's hoof. He put it on slowly.
"Alright, let's go!" Flash beckoned.
As quickly and silently as possible, the princes slipped out of the castle gates, careful to avoid the guards.
With Discord's teleportation power, they had reached Ponyville in a matter of seconds. They looked around the small town and compared it to the grandness of Canterlot. Of course, it was much smaller and much fewer ponies roamed the streets. However, they looked friendlier and more inviting. Ponies in Canterlot tended to strut around and viewed themselves as the upper crust of Equestria, but everypony in Ponyville didn't seem to smack a label on anything or anyone. The houses were more traditional and the town gave off a peaceful, welcoming vibe.
"Alright, guys," Flash said. "Now that we're here, where do we stay?"
Cheese Sandwich's attention seemed to be focused elsewhere. "Hey, look! It's the girls!"
"Cheese, this is no time for---" Flash began.
"No, really!" Cheese Sandwich claimed. "Look!"
Cheese Sandwich pointed towards a diner on the right side of the road. A few of the tables were outdoors and ponies sat around the tables, chatting and laughing with one another. At one of these tables were the six mares that they had met at the royal ball.
The princes couldn't believe their eyes.
"No way," Discord said.
"This is perfect!" Flash told them. "We can ask the girls if there's any hotels around here or anything!"
"Let's go," Fancy Pants agreed.
Cautiously, the boys approached the table of the girls. None of them seemed to notice the boys at first. They were all too focused on the story Pinkie Pie was telling. Pinkie Pie always had a way of making her stories fun and exciting.
Twilight looked over to her left and she was the first to notice the boys standing there. The rest of the girls noticed after they looked in the direction Twilight was gazing.
"Hi there," Twilight greeted. "Can we... help... you?"
"Ah, yes," Discord spoke without thinking to disguise his voice. "You see, we are travelers and we are looking for a place to spend the night."
An expression of shock crossed over Fluttershy's face. "Prince Discord?! Wh-wh-what are you doing in Ponyville?!"
Discord returned Fluttershy's shock. "Wh---? How did she...?"
"Well, I memorized the sound of your voice," Fluttershy explained, sheepishly. "I just couldn't help myself."
"So, if that's Prince Discord, does that mean---?" Twilight observed.
Flash sighed. "Guess it didn't take you girls too long to blow our cover, huh?"
"Just don't tell anyone that we're here!" Spike pleaded.
"Come with us," Twilight beckoned. "It's safer where nopony can see you."
The princes agreed and they followed the girls. They ducked behind a tall tree which seemed to be a residence of some sort. A balcony with a telescope upon it was at the top of the tree and windows covered the trunk of the tree. There was another balcony near the middle of the tree with a lantern hanging from the handle that stretched from the window. At the base of the tree, there was a deep cherry red door with an image of a flickering candle on the front.
Once they were all concealed behind the tree, the princes decided it was safe to unveil their faces. The princes put the hoods of their cloaks down and Discord snapped his fingers, reverting back to his original form.
"What brings you to Ponyville?" Pinkie Pie wondered.
"We wanted to escape," Flash admitted. "We don't want to be a part of an arranged marriage. We thought Ponyville might be a good place to hide."
Twilight was a bit surprised. "Hide? What about your family? You don't want to make them worried. And it is a part of your royal duty to---"
"Please," Soarin said. "Don't tell anyone. They'll... they'll make us go back."
Twilight stared at the princes for a moment. They seemed desperate to escape their confinement and Twilight began to feel sympathetic. She knew she wouldn't want to participate in an arranged marriage either. "We understand," Twilight said. "We don't want you to be trapped in a loveless marriage either. We'll try our best to give you a place to hide here."
"Thank you," Flash replied.
"You don't know how much we appreciate your kindness," Fancy Pants added. "Could you perhaps guide us to some hotels around here?"
Twilight thought for a moment. "Well... there's the Ponyville Inn, but I think it's full. The Summer Sun Celebration is being held in Ponyville this year."
"Oh, that's okay," said a rather disappointed Flash.
"Aw, poo," Discord cursed. "What are we supposed to do now?!"
"I guess we'll have to go," Flash said, believing there was no other option. "Sorry to bother you, girls. Thanks for your help."
The princes sadly turned to go. Maybe there was an open hotel in another town. Not all hope was lost, but their hopes of staying near to the girls seemed to be diminished like a gust of wind blowing out the flame of a candle.
"Don't go!!" a voice pleaded from behind them.
They turned back to the girls to see a very nervous Twilight chuckling from embarrassment. "I mean, maybe there's another option."
"What do you mean?" Flash wondered.
Twilight fumbled for an answer. "Well, um... maybe you can stay with us! I think we have room in our houses for guests."
"Really?" Flash asked. "You'd do that for us?"
"Of course!" Twilight replied. "It makes us happy to help. Right, girls?"
Twilight's friends nodded and made sounds of agreement.
"Oh, thank you so much!" Flash exclaimed.
"Of course," Twilight said again. "Flash, you can stay in my house! I have an extra bed available for guests in my library."
"You live in a library?" Flash asked. The smell of books must have been overwhelmingly delightful.
"Yes!" Twilight replied. "I love to read!"
"Great!" Flash exclaimed. "I love adventure stories!"
Flash had always read adventure stories growing up. They took him to far-off places that he could never imagine travelling to. He loved the daring heroes and the intense action. He loved the suspense that built up inside of him when something exciting was taking place. He would skim over the paragraphs as fast as possible to see what happened next.
"I've got some adventure stories that you might enjoy!" Twilight offered.
"I'll be there!" Flash said.
"Let's go!" Twilight beckoned. "I'll show you my favorites!"
Twilight rushed off in excitement and Flash followed her with a smile. The rest of the princes were taken aback a bit when they saw Twilight open the door to the tree they were standing behind and run inside with Flash on her tail. The door closed just as fast as it had opened.
"And I've got a guest room in my boutique!" Rarity added. "I have gemstones as far as the eye can see---"
Spike felt excitement begin to well up from inside of him. "Gemstones?" he asked, eagerly.
"Yes, all kinds of gemstones!" Rarity confirmed. "I use it for my fashion designing---"
"You're a fashion designer?" Fancy Pants asked.
"I certainly am!" Rarity replied. "I try my best to put TLC in every stitch. That stands for time, love, and couture."
Spike began to speak, "Rarity, do you think I can stay---?"
Fancy Pants unintentionally cut Spike off, "Miss Rarity, may I perhaps spend my time in your boutique? I do appreciate a mare with a keen eye for fashion."
Rarity was more than delighted to have him stay. "Why, of course you may, Fancy Pants! I'm so flattered that you're interested in my designs. I can show you my latest fashion line if you come along with me."
"I would love to see what you've created," Fancy Pants said.
Rarity began to lead Fancy Pants back to her boutique as he put the hood of his cloak back on. Spike watched them go and sighed, dejectedly. Only Applejack seemed to take notice.
"I have room in my cottage for anyone who'd like to stay," Fluttershy chimed in. "I always have a guest room in case of slumber parties. I have a garden full of wonderful flowers and there's all types of animals inside and out."
Discord cringed at the light and happy description. "It sounds so... beautiful."
"Oh, it is!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Would you like to stay, Discord? I bet you'd fit right in!"
An awkward silence filled the air. Discord was confused by this. Fluttershy had mentioned animals at her cottage, so he wondered if she was comparing him to her animal friends. "I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted."
Fluttershy realized what he meant and felt a little guilty. "Oh, I apologize, Discord! If you don't want to stay, I-I understand. It’ll probably be much more comfortable for you if you stayed with somepony else," she said, quickly. Fluttershy sighed. She hadn't meant to upset Discord, especially since she was beginning to grow fond of him.
Discord looked at her. "Oh... I'm being guilt tripped," he muttered to himself. He spoke up, "I shall be more than happy to stay in your... cottage."
"Oh, wonderful!" Fluttershy exclaimed, her features brightening in an instant. "I was hoping you would say that!"
Fluttershy flew up next to him with eagerness. "Come on! I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!"
Discord forced himself forward and followed the mare to her cottage. The lack of chaos would normally give him a headache and he was unsure if Fluttershy was open to letting him create his own. He would have to ask her.
After they disappeared into the distance, Pinkie Pie began to speak to Cheese Sandwich in the same eager manner, "Cheese Sandwich! I think I have the perfect place for you! There's an extra guest room in Sugarcube Corner with the Cake family! That's where I live! There's all sorts of sweet treats like cake, cookies, brownies---"
"Say no more! I'm coming!" Cheese Sandwich said.
"Woohoo!" Pinkie Pie cheered.
The two rushed off together, giggling like a pair of maniacs. The pair seemed like a match made in heaven.
"Well, Soarin's the only one left who can come up and stay in my house since I live in the clouds," Rainbow Dash realized.
"You do?" Soarin asked.
"Yup!" Rainbow Dash replied. "Got the only cloud house in all of Ponyville!"
"Sweet, I'm-" Soarin winked. "Up for the challenge."
Rainbow Dash smirked at his attempt to make a funny pun. "Make a joke like that and I'll send you to stay with Pinkie Pie and Cheese. They're a lot more-" Rainbow Dash nudged him with a playful gleam in her eye. "cheesy."
Soarin chuckled.
"Let's go," Rainbow Dash said. "I've got some racing trophies if you'd like to see them."
"Cool!" Soarin exclaimed.
In a matter of seconds, the two rushed off, leaving their respective trails behind them as they flew.
Spike sighed sadly. He had wanted to stay with Rarity, but once again, he failed to get his way. Spike was unsure if it was because he was a dragon, but the notion of it made him feel left out.
Slowly, Applejack made her way over to the dejected dragon, "Well, uh... my guest room is open. Do you want to stay with me down on Sweet Apple Acres?"
Spike sighed. "Looks like that's the only option. I just... I wanted to stay with Rarity."
Applejack chuckled. "I'm not insulted. She has lots of gemstones and I think Twilight said something about that being a dragon's main source of food once."
"It... wasn't because of the gemstones," Spike admitted. He paused, considering if he should really tell Applejack about his feelings. He decided that he could trust Applejack. She didn't seem like the type to blabber everyone's secrets against their wishes. "Okay, don't tell anyone else this... but I sort of like Rarity." He sighed. "But once again, Fancy Pants always gets his way just because he's a pony and I'm..." He said the word with a venom as if he was no longer proud of it, "A dragon."
Applejack tried to sound as comforting as possible, "Spike, I'm sure that's not why she invited him to stay. Come with me. I don't have any gemstones, but I do have some apple pie that you might like if you're feeling hungry."
Spike smiled weakly. "Well, I do like apples."
"Then, let's go," Applejack said. "There's lots of apples down where I come from."
Spike only nodded and began to follow Applejack. Throwing on the hood of his cloak, he glanced back in the direction Rarity and Fancy Pants had gone. They seemed to be going in the opposite direction. He looked back down towards Applejack. She was staring down at the grass and not saying a word. Spike considered asking Applejack if she was alright, but surmised that getting Applejack to reveal personal feelings would have to wait until they knew each other better.
Spike stared ahead. The roads gradually turned into grass and the buildings began to disappear. A big red farm came into view and miles of apple trees covered the fields ahead of him. This would be his new home.
Author's Note
You know, this story got so much hate I almost didn't want to release this chapter.
But I did. I tried to pace things a bit better to see if that helps.
If you're going to leave a downvote, please think about it before doing so. Please don't go around FIMfiction downvoting stories just because they don't have the pairings that you like. Everybody has a varying opinion. I wouldn't do that to anybody else, so please don't do that to me.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
