The Magick of Friendship: Spark of Something New

by Harmony Spirit

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Trixie, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Gilda, Big Macintosh, Random, Adventure, Derpy Hooves, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, DJ P0N-3, Zecora, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Granny Smith, Romance
Length: 103770

Retelling of Equestria from a different past and Universe, with some parallel events.

"Twilight Sparkle is at college age, with no life experience. Living in the castle in Canterlot for most her life, her only friends are her books and, in his mind, Queen Luna's student Harmony Spirit. Queen Celestia has decided that her young student needs to learn that there is more to life than books. So now she has to go to collage in a little town of Ponyville, but the education she will find there will be far more than she imagined she would ever learn."

Little things to remember:
- This is an anthro(Furry) story. Ponies evolved (with magick) and some races in this world are feral, but stand erect. Such as Gryphons, young Dragons, and so on.
- The story is set in a universe that is like a retelling of the FiM series. Once just an excuse to write an anthro(Furry) version of the show, because of Shon Howell's pictures of Twilight in collage, has grown into a series of stories that has a deep history, and characters mostly its own. Some events are mentioned from the show.
- I replace many words with more pony sounding words, just as the show, but I am pretty strict about it. Such as "Hoof(ves)" in place of hand(s) even if they have hands and fingers, they spent generations having only hooves.
- Celestia and Luna are Queens of their respective hours. Lauren had stated that she was going to have them as Queens, but Princess was more acceptable to little girls. (Darn Disney)
- It is a Queendom, a term I picked up from "The Looking Glass Wars" Since it is ruled by two Queens, with no grumpy males. hehe
- There are many countries around Equestria, with many races who also have made homes in the pony Queendom.
- Bay-B is the Bayland Beyond. A Multipurpose social device, like an iPhone or Android, with a laptop, and Nintendo DS mixed in. Pretty much the only thing in the market that does just about anything you can think. (Becomes pretty background after the first two chapters)
- Ponies are very open, so things like being naked, same sex couples, and sharing the land with all walks/trots/flights/etc. of life, is not a big deal. Though Unicorns are kinda stuck up about nudity in public. Silly shame.
- There are a few Original Characters in here, as well as some Background Ponies.

I have been pouring a lot into making a rich history, and develop the characters with the same passion as the show. It has made me grow as a writer. I am no New York Times Best Seller, so little things might be off, but hopefully will not ruin the experience.

Legal stuff taken out of the chapters, to make them smoother:

This story is based on characters from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic cartoon series. Characters which are under ownership of Hasbro and Lauren Faust. I claim no ownership of the original characters, nor is this a licensed work of either. This is a work of fan faction.

This is a furry(anthro) style story, so all characters are to be considered as such. It is set in its own universe, apart from the one the show is. It is a different spin on the series, set in a deep history devolved from inspiration from the original series. As such, some events are inspired by the original story, some lines and/or plots may have been used or modified for the purpose of humor, or connectivity to those events.

Story is created by Jimaza Dememder (c) 2011
My Little Pony is a property of Hasbro, originally created by Bonnie Zacherle (c) 1981
Friendship is Magic is created by Lauren Faust (c) 2010
Playful Paws, Dodgy Dice, Cloud Chaser, ZeroG Stormwing, Harmony Spirit, are owned by their respective players.

Published 2011-10-31 13:56:21 UTC
Last updated 2011-12-20 02:53:06 UTC

Ch02: Twilight's Pony Tale Part 2

The night was nearing it's end, the day was needed. So the Day Queen was starting her own ritual before starting the day's.

She emerged from her bed chambers, dressed in her robe, and not at all prepared, but she was gifted with a natural grace, that even fresh from bed, she had looked presentable. She was not all that concerned to look less then her best around her trusted guards, and aids. She greeted them all, as she was nearly glowing, her white fur sparkling from the reflections of her magick imbued hair's own light.

She made her way toward the chamber she spent much of her free time, what little she had. The personal study she could read tales of history and fiction. Some of which were written by both her, and her sister. Celestia was more of the historian with tales as the accounts of her long lost Guardians of Equestria, from a time when verging dangers required such heroes. Her sister Luna was more of a writer of the fiction.

This room was also where she found great inspiration, when she had to create royal addresses, or make words with those outside the boarders of Equestria.

She took her seat near an elegant fireplace, and with a glance of her lovely pink eyes, the fire started, casting a near haunting light. She opened up her book, one that told a history from one of the neighboring countries, and began to read a few pages. She always found, learning of new things, was a great way to ready for another day.

After a chapter, she closed the book back, and looked over at her desk near the table, and reached from her Bay-B device.

Looking it over, she saw a message on it. She could tell it was from Twilight Sparkle, her student afar, and smiled. "I hope her first day in Ponyville was well" She thought, and opened the message. She first noted the time it was sent. "That pony, she needs a book on getting some sleep" She laughed.

Dear friends of Twilight,

Hi, this isn't her, hehe. No, this is her new roommate, Pinkie Pie. Hi! If I don't know you, well, I hope we can meet, cause I love making friends, and meeting new faces.

Oops, getting off the track... I'm throwing Twilight a surprise party! Celebrating her arrival to Ponyville, and our fair town's newest member.

So come on! Join us in the Grand Hall this Friday, gonna have her show up around 6 or so, so be early so we can get ready! Gonna be so much fun!

Oh, one more thing... This is important... DON'T TELL HER! Please? Cause that would ruin the surprise... hmm unsurprised party? That might be fun, maybe next time.

OK, well, see you there.
Love, Pinkie Pie <3

Celestia place the device down, and smiled. "Well, I suppose things have worked out better then I thought. My faithful student, I had hoped you woud take to this task, with your usual diligence" She laughed at the thought of her reclusive student, now faced with a social life she'd never imagined having before.

The Magick of Friendship: Spark of Something New

Chapter 2 "Twilight's Pony Tales Part 2"

The dawn had come, and the sun was risen into the sky, as it had been made to by the Queen, for ages. All was as it had been, for the many times before. Life began, and daily activities started. The one difference, at least for one pony, was where she would find herself.

Twilight awoke, long after the morning began. She had been so wiped out by the past day, that she needed the long sleep she had. Maybe some Pegasus lag was to blame too. When she sat up, she looked around, not fully aware of herself. She began to panic, till her mind caught up with her body.

She placed a hoof on her chest, and signed. "Oh my..." She noticed something, the silky feel of her nightwear. "Wait a minute..."

She looked around, the room was cleaner, though mostly just shoved over to the right side. She also noted her luggage sitting near her bed, but mostly, that her cloths from yesterday were on top of the bags, and not on her.

Her ears went back in embarrassment, obviously Pinkie had dressed her, and though they were both mares, she had never been naked in front of another, much less, unconsciously. Most ponies did not find such things a big deal, but she was a bit self conscious, adding to her reclusive nature.

She relaxed a bit, thinking about the gesture, and smiled. Her friend thought enough to get her out of the cloths she had been in all day, and even got her into bed properly, instead of the passed out way Twilight had that night. Adding to it all, brought her bags in, and setting them near her. Mostly, that Pinkie had to have stay up pretty late to move all her things so Twilight had at least half the room. She had seemed weird at first, but she also had to have a good nature.

"Pinkie?" She called, since the bed of her room mate was covered, she was either out, or buried. "Are you here?"

She saw some movement, and turned to look over easier. "That's a yes, I hope..." Was either the pink mare, or something was living in the mess.

She heard the ring of the Bay-B, and so she reached over, and picked up the device. A message read "Yep" and Twilight sighed, and got up. Making her way to the pile, digging into it.

After a few things, she found the smiling face of the crazy pony. "Hiya"

"I see... you cleaned up..." Twilight said, looking around the mound.

"A bit, but I kinda got sleepy, and well, I think it musta fell over" She made a face in thought. "Maybe my stuff was tired too?"

Twilight and Pinkie spent a bit cleaning up the mess, and when it was done, Twilight decided to make her way to Apple Cider's. It was well into the afternoon, and she had not much energy after all she did this morning-ish.

On the way, she was met up with one of her new friends. More accurately, she was ran into by her.

With a thud, and shared sounds of pain. Twilight and Rainbow Dash laid on the ground.

"Oops, sorry Sparks" Rainbow said, getting up first, only as an after thought, did she offered to help the other up.

Twilight dusted off, once she was again vertical. "No, it's ok. I am sure I was not paying much attention either, I am not that awake right now"

"I should save my new moves for outside town, it's too cramped here"

The Unicorn studied the Pegasus. "Moves?"

"Yeah, duh, I'm training to be a Wonder Bolt. I did mention that, I think I did... what ever. I am and while I was taking care of some stray clouds, figured I'd get in some new tricks"

Twilight looked up, seeing the clear sky. "Looks fine now," She looked back down at the Pegasus "But you take care of clouds? Do not the unicorns do that? Canterlot, the unicorns control the weather"

Rainbow scoffed. "Well this is Ponyville, we are more traditional. We don't have many magick users here anyways"

Rainbow dash jumped into the air, and floated a bit. "Well, I have to bolt. More to do, fun, and work wise. Later Sparks" She shot off into the sky.

"Sparks?" She shrugged, and kept on toward Apple Cider's, but she didn't get far. She was pulled into a shop. "What the?"

"Twilight, darling" Rarity said, and she could swear the fellow unicorn was sparkling. Maybe she was, using her own magick to do so. "I just had to show you" She disappeared.

"What?" Twilight tried to follow, but lost her when she slipped out of sight. "Rarity?"

The other reappeared, holding something. "Isn't it absolutely beautiful? Oh I just had to make it, though it needs some work" She paused.

Twilight looked over, as she was lost in though. "Well, it does look rather niiieek!" She was abruptly pulled behind a dressing curtain. "Rarity, wait... ahh!" Before she knew what happened, she was in front of a mirror looking at herself. It was a nice looking dress, but not that much in Twilight's taste.

"Oh it is a thing of beauty... Hmmm... no no no" She started to summon some of her tools, and started to work on parts of the dress. "Oh now that I have your figure, I see" She was lost into her own little world, and Twilight stood there in a daze, slowly loosing her focus without her much needed caffeine.

"So you made this?" She came too, and began to wonder. The longer she looked, the more impressed she was.

"Oh yes, this is one of my originals. I was so inspired by our encounter yesterday, I rushed home and drew out the designs, and made an early start today" She never stopped working, she seemed to be a master of multitasking, as she never slowed in anything she did. "I was hoping to find you today, so I could do these little adjustments"

Twilight lifted her arm, and looked at the detail. "You have a real talent"

"Thank you dear, I've always had the horn for fashion, as it would happen" She sighed happily. "One day, I'll be a top designer, and all will know the name of Rarity"

She looked over at a Pegasus who was putting something out. Twilight looked over at him. He was an older pony, but still brimming with life, and beauty of his own. He was a faded blue, with a blonde mane.

Rarity looked back at her work, but Twilight's sight lingered. "He taught me much, once a great designer, but found the life took demanding. He likes to move at his own pace. Me, I can keep up. I've never had trouble with that"

"So what is his name?"

"Swanheart" She said with such respect, Twilight knew she really looked up to him. A personal hero, a true idol for her.

Twilight was still in thought, when she felt a pulling on the dress. "Ahh! Rarity?!"

The Unicorn paused, mid way of undressing her. "What?"

"Can I undress myself, and in privet?" She looked over, she was in plain view of the shop. She had issues with being exposed, growing up in the capitol city, she had some of the etiquette. "It maybe ok for most, but I really do not want to be naked in public..."

Rarity stood up, and stepped back. "Oh, yes, of course" She laughed a bit nervously. "Well, I get carried away. I was in the zone, as it t'wer" She paused. "Oh, but I do need to see your mark. I like to add that personal touch"

They disappeared into the dressing stall, and when they came back out, Twilight was back in her cloths, and Rarity was carrying the dress.

"Thank you dear, I shale incorporate the cutie mark" She thought a bit. "Maybe there?"

"Oh, but I don't know if I could afford such a lovely dress"

Rarity looked at her funny. "Afford? Oh dear, this isn't a commission. I did this as a gift, partly for the inspiration, and partly because of our friendship, the sisterhood we formed in that otherwise terrible line"

She found herself a bit take aback, surprised by such kindness only after a day's time. "Oh you-" Rarity cut her off "No argument. Now you can come back in a few hours, I should have it ready"

"I just wish I knew what I could wear this for, I've never been to a party, or anything like that to need such things"

Rarity giggled, something that Twilight found strange. "I am sure you'll find something. We have a pony around here who has parties as often as a week ends" She moved over to a table, and set down the dress. "She is due for one, it's been a little bit since the last one" She stopped, obviously recalling something. "but again... maybe not" She shrugged. "Never know with her" Had she been more aware, she might have caught the odd behavior.

Twilight moved toward her, and was noticeably slow in her motions. "Who is this party pony?" She gave a yawn.

"Oh dear, you need some of that, what was it now? Apple mocha?" She shook her head, and started to move Twilight toward the door. "Oh what ever, you look worn out, and the day is hardly been. Now go, get some more of that liquid energy"

"Ok ok, gee, I yawn and you get all worried" She smiled a bit. "I'll see you later, thank you so much"

"Any time dear" Twilight left, and Rarity sighed. "Oh mare, that was close..."

Twilight made her way to Apple Ciders, and headed in. The spot she had yesterday was open, and took the seat there. When she sat, she felt herself loose the little bit of steam she had, and she nearly slumped over in the booth. "Oh mare..."

"Looks like that Rarity wasn't lying, when she said y'all was tired" The familiar voice of the country pony said, as she sat down a cup before the worn out Unicorn.

She could smell the perfect brew of apples, creams and coffee. "You, are my favorite pony right now" Twilight said, taking the drink and having some to get her back up to talking. She made sure not to drink it too fast, no matter how bad she wanted too.

Applejack sat across from her in the booth, and studied her friend. "Y'all didn't sleep well?"

She was back up to speed, and sat up a bit more composed. "I did, but I just not use to doing so much activity, especially without some juice" She sipped some more. "This is the best magick any pony could produce" She smiled, getting one in return from the orange mare.

She went on, relaxing a bit. "My room mate had a bit of a mess on her hooves, and so I helped her out, then ran into Rainbow Dash, well, was crashed into, then Rarity had me sized up for a dress"

Applejack's smile went from gratitude, to knowing. "Seems y'all made a heep of friends, all in a day" She shifted out of the seat, and got up. "Well, enjoy that 'juice' I'll get y'all some eats"

"Bu-" She tried to protest, but the others finger came up and waggled before Twilight "A body needs more then just some mud, gotta have something solid in y'all. With me, I'll make sure y'all are well taken care of" She moved on, without giving a chance for the other to say anything.

Twilight smiled to herself, and pulled out her Bay-B's manual. "Well, looks like this will be as good as any time to study this thing"

Some time had pasts as Twilight learned the device, and enjoyed a great meal. She doubted she could ever enjoy food outside this place again.

She made ready to leave, and before she got far out of her seat, the orange pony returned. "Well, how'd y'all like it?"

"It was wonderful, I think Canterlot needs to take some notes"

"Shoot, that's mighty kind. Really all should go to Granny, she sure can make some scraps. Suppose something should be said about farm fresh too, don't think Canterlot gets too much in the right from the fields" She started to gather up the dishes, as Twilight started to pull out a wallet. "Hold there, won't have that"

Twilight blinked, and was surprised. "What? Paying? but do I not owe you something, for the food at least?"

Applejack gave her a wink. "I said, I'd always take care of y'all"

She had all the dishes up, and stood face to face with Twilight. "How can you keep in business, if you give things away?"

Applejack laughed softly. "Here in Ponyville, we do things for one another. We sell things, but we trade more than anything. Food for supplies, and that sort of thing. Sure places like Dressing Diamonds, where that Rarity works, sells their stuff, but services like ours works fine on trade"

"But why have money here? Seems trade would be just fine"

"Normally, sure, but when we get outsiders, we needed to adapt, or we'd start taking big hits in our supplies. Win loose kinda thing. We became a bit dependent on money, but we also now can get things from places like Canterlot" She held up her Bay-B "Win some, loose some" She gave a soft laugh.

Twilight thought about it. "Really not a bad system. Local trade, with outside incomes. I feel bad though, I ca not offer anything to trade"

Applejack put back her device, and took Twilight's hand in hers "Twi, having your friendship is a great return, keeping company with y'all, is a great payment worth some mud and victuals"

Twilight could feel her ears flush, and she put them back embraced. "That is probably the nicest thing I have been told"

"Tis nothing but the honest truth sugar cube"

***

Twilight made her way back to the dorm, it was getting close to night, and wanted to get more settled into her room. Hoping Pinkie had not done anything to it.

She was in really good spirits, with all that had gone on, so she was humming a bit to herself. She did not know the words, but recalled it was a song that Queen Luna's student use to sing when they studied. She use to find it annoying, but now she felt it was a great song.

"Oh, uh.... excuse me?" She slowed to a stop, and looked over seeing the yellow Pegasus who called to her.

"Oh, hi Fluttershy. How can I help you?" She snickered. "Guess it is funny, you are my student aid"

The other smiled a bit, enjoying the joke, then she turned serious again. "Um, can you help me with something?"

Twilight moved closer, and followed her around. "I'm a bit overwhelmed today, with my duties. I take care of animals around Ponyville, animal sitting, and so on. I just need some help to get finished before night comes" Twilight was happy to help.

They were gathering some of the animals around a little care center, and Twilight picked up a little skunk. "This is safe, right?" She held it out.

"Oh don't worry, animals are very nice, if you are kind to them. Respect them, and don't be afraid, and they'll react in kind"

"Sure do love animals" Twilight said, as Fluttershy closed up a couple more crates.

"Oh yes, they are great company, and I just love spending time with them" Fluttershy took the skunk, and placed it down. "He was getting antsy"

"Oh... good thing you caught that, hate to been sprayed"

The Pegasus watched the little critter walk off. "That's actually not so common as ponies think. It takes a lot out of them so it's a last resort. They'll usually give warning signs"

"Warning huh? sounds good, so what are they? I rather get a rock thrown at me, then sprayed"

Fluttershy giggled, and looked at her. "Well, I don't know about rocks, but they usually will hiss, or pat the ground" She got down on her fours, and started to pat the ground with her fore hooves. The sight made Twilight giggle, this in turn caused the other stop and look a bit confused.

"I'm sorry, but that was so cute"

"Oh my" She stood up, and hid a bit into her hair embraced.

Twilight tried to find her face. "Oh, don't be offended. I was not trying to be mean, I just thought it looked cute"

She squeaked. "Just not use to being... called cute..."

"Aw, but I guess I can share with that. I never had friends till I came here"

"Really?" She popped out of her hair, and looked at her. "Oh!" She looked at the dark sky, then pulled out her Bay-B. "Oh no, um... can you help me with one last thing?"

She blinked, the sudden change in her, but just added to the cuteness of her personality. "I guess, I am a bit sleepy, but I think I can"

"Oh, ok"

They walked on toward the auditorium. They neared the door, and Twilight was a bit confused. "This animal related?"

"Oh, uh... not really" She pushed open the door, it was dark inside, but Twilight walked in before Fluttershy.

The lights went on, and Pinkie popped seemingly from no where. "Surprise!" She and all the others shouted Causing Twilight to jump back. "It's a party for you, with all your friends, and some new ones too be!" She pranced around, as Twilight took in all the ponies there.

She was a bit teary eyed when it started to come together. "This... is for me...?" She looked at Pinkie, then spotted other faces she knew.

"Of course" Rarity said, coming up holding the dress. "I think this is a fitting place to debut" She smiled.

After a moment in the bathroom, she came out in the dress. It looked much nicer then before, it's shades of blues and starry patterns, really seem to match her. She found the cutie mark across her chest, seeming to control the other stars and designs.

The party was well on, and many ponies came to introduce themselves. Thankfully, they did so with the help of one of the girls Twilight had already known. All in all, she met Pinkie's bosses at the Sweet shop, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and some of her friends like Ditzy Doo, the mail mare. Rarity introduced her to her boss and friend, Swanheart, since they had not really met when she saw him earlier. Rainbow Dash showed her to Gilda, though the latter did not stick around long after that. She seemed a bit antisocial, but Twilight did not care. Gryphons were that way, it seemed.

She was feeling a bit tired, and a bit over overwhelmed by all the new faces, but with some Apple Java from Applejack, and so long as she stayed near her first friends here, it was doable to manage. A couple hours in, the party was slowing a bit any ways, so Twilight knew she could hold out till it was over.

Pinkie was bouncing around, and noticed the door opening. She made her way over. "Hello?" She startled the pony outside a bit, at the sudden appearance. He seemed to have been knocking for a little bit. "I swore everpony was here...." She looked at him, he was dressed a bit fancy, even for the party, and whats more, he did not look familiar to her. "Say, who are you? I know all of Ponyville... Are you a new pony too?! You can come join-"

"I'm sorry, but I'm just a messenger, here to deliver one to Miss Twilight Sparkle. Is she here?"

"Yes yes, oh, uh...." She bounced off, leaving the stranger confused.

She returned with Twilight, and pointed him out. "He said he has a message for you"

"What?" Another voice came, over flew the blonde Pegasus. "Messages? That's my job!"

Twilight looked at the Pegasus, then at the other. "Wait, I know you... you proceed...." She rushed past them, surprising them all. Ditzy glared at the other messenger, her eyes starting to go in different directions. The poor messenger felt uneasy.

Outside, Pinkie followed after, and for once stopped dead, with all her energy fading. "Oh my mare..."

Applejack looked around, and saw the door opened. Twilight and Pinkie were missing, and by the door was Ditzy Doo, and some stranger. "Hmm, that's odd" Couple others took notice of the sudden absence of both the guest of honor, and the host.

They moved toward the door, and opened both so more could get out. All stopped in shock at what they saw. Pinkie was still a bit frozen in place, and Twilight was clinging onto a taller mare than any there. One everypony in Equestria knew.

"Ho shit!" Rainbow Dash slipped out. "She does know Queen Celestia!"

They all looked at the White royal, who even in the darkness of her Sister's doing, she shined like the sun she wielded. Her dress not that of her usual style, but more formal, and more suited for a party. She did not loose any regality, maybe gained more with such an attempt to fit in with her subjects.

"Oh my Dearest Celestia, I can not believe you have come here" Twilight said, still hugging to her, and being hugged back. The two looking like mother and child. "But why did you come tonight?"

She gave a soft and short laugh, knowing, and caring all at once. "My most faithful student, I was invited. How could I miss your party"

All eyes, but Celestia and Twilight looked upon Pinkie. "I... uh..." She was rarely out of words. "Invited all her friends on the Bay-B" She laughed nervously.

"I thank you for doing so, Pinkie Pie" The Queen said. She and Twilight broke the hug, and moved closer to the crowd. She studied the faces, taking notice of a couple, she gave a smile to Swanheart, to that he nodded. "I am pleased to see that Ponyville is still the lovely community it was when I made my stay here so long ago" She could feel her age with those words, thinking how long it was when she was like Twilight, still growing and learning.

She turned toward the four ponies gathered nearest Twilight, the fifth of the core friends still a bit stuck in place. "I can tell of you four” she looked over at Pinkie “Five,” She corrected herself. “Are particularly important to my student”

She turned toward the distant one of the five. "I had heard of the welcoming comity, but does not seem you've lived up to that" She smiled. "No energy tonight?"

Pinkie blinked, then regained herself. "Oh, so sorry!" She started to bounce around, heading back inside, then quickly coming out again, with some balloons, and cake. "Here" She tied the balloons onto the bits of Royal armor, and hoofed over the cake slice. "Had I known, I'd have something for you done up. I don't want to steal Twilight's thunder, but if you like to stick around I can pull something together"

"No no, that is ok, I cannot stay long" she looked at the cake. "This is a bit more like what I've heard of Ponyville's Party Pony" She paused, as Pinkie put a party hat over her horn, and a noise maker in her mouth. "Well... a lot more like it" She laughed, causing the noise maker to sound off with ever laugh, causing the Queen to laugh more, getting the others to start laughing along.

The Queen did stick around a bit longer, no one wanted to bug her too much, and treated her more like one of the other ponies, than the Queen of their land. The party moved outside, as they watched the night sky glimmer. Soon they were joined by the other Queen of Equestria’s night.

The younger dark coloured pony appeared just past the gathering, wearing her royal armor, not so formal as her sister. She was on duty, and had to keep her appearance. She was slow to approach the group, till another pony poofed into the group.

All looked at the pair, they recognized Queen Luna, but not the lighter blue unicorn, with purple mane, and red glasses.

"Oh, Sister" Celestia moved toward her. "What brings you here? And Harmony Spirit?" The unicorn greeted the Day Queen, and then moved over toward Twilight.

"It's a bit late, for the Sun to be out... do you not think so?" She looked around, a bit timid to be out here.

"Hiya Twilight!" The unicorn hugged her. "Having fun I see"

"Hello Spirit" She hugged back "Yeah, it has been a crazy couple days"

He let go, and stepped back. "So, sticking around long?" She looked at him. "Luna said you might be coming back soon, now that you've made friends like Celestia wanted" A couple heard the conversation, and turned toward it. "Not... that I'm trying to steal you back" He laughed nervously.

The Queens came up to the group, and stood just behind the blue Unicorn. "I was going to let you know" Celestia began, then looked down at Harmony Spirit a bit sternly. "In my own way, but" She looked back up at Twilight. "If you wish, you can come back to Canterlot. I think you have learned a lot already"

The crowd was quiet, Twilight's closer friends stepping closer, looking a bit afraid that she might go.

"I..." She began, looking around. "I would love to come home..." She paused, looking at Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. "But I am not ready, I have much to learn here, and well" She turned back to her mentor. "New friends I would miss too much"

Queen Celestia smiled knowingly. "I thought so, I actually hoped you would say that" She looked out at the ponies. "Friendship is a magickal thing, and it can be created in moments, but the more you get to experience it, the more you can enjoy it's wonder" She looked back at Twilight. "You have many friends here, and much to look forward too. Learn from them, and they will learn from you, and you will all grow as ponies"

She stepped back, as Luna and Harmony moved away. "I must be off, to ready for the next day. Take care of my student" It went out to all of them, but five heard it most. They nodded, and Twilight ran up to the Queen. They embraced for a moment, and then parted.

"I will miss you, but I will make sure to always send you messages" Twilight said.

"I know you well enough, to know that" She smiled, standing with the other two. "Take care my Twilight Sparkle, you are in good hooves"

The little blue unicorn's horn was glowing pink, and the three of them disappeared.

Her closest friends came up to her, Applejack and Rarity hugging her, Pinkie jumped onto the three, and the Pegasus stood close by. Twilight had a tear in her eye, she found happiness she didn't know she was seeking. she felt more whole as a pony, then she ever did.

Ch03: Clash of the Unicorns

Chapter 3
Clash of the Unicorns

It had been a couple week since Twilight came to Ponyville, and it was now time for the first day of college. Something she was looking forward too, since she stopped taking her lessons at Canterlot, she was starting feel she was slipping. With college, she would keep up with her studies, and hoped to avoid the feeling she had about being so far from her mentor. She was glad that she had her Bay-B too keep contact with her.

She did feel right at home, no small part of that, because of her friends. With that feeling came her old habits of locking herself up in the room or library, when Pinkie Pie was around the dorm.

The day went on without much to say, she received her classes, and spent the time getting use to the set up. Fluttershy was there to aid her through the process.

The next couple days were rather simple, getting into the courses, and starting the college life. She had only one worry, that snooty Trixie, was in a couple of her classes. Just as when they first met, she made sure to be the one in the brightest light, and any time attention was diverted, she made sure it was never long.

Twilight worried about the rest of the semester, if this is how it started. she decided to try and ignored the proud Unicorn, who's magick was more like her name implied, tricks.

She avoided her the best she could in school, and classes, and for the most part it worked, but seemed every time Twilight was with Rarity, the bragging blue, would appear, to drive them both nuts. Suppose it was because only a hoof full of unicorns were in Ponyville, and fewer in the school, that it was Trixies way of being around familiar faces. She had a funny way to make friends, both Twilight and Rarity felt.

The month was nearing it's end, with the first week of school, and Twilight received a message from her mentor.

"My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, Your old friend, and fellow royal student, is going to be in Ponyville soon. He wished that he could come see you"

This was a bit odd for her, she was never very friendly those years they grew up together, as Celestia and Luna's students. He always tried, but Twilight was more into her books than him. She wondered why he always felt they were friends. Guilt started to take her, when she thought of how now she enjoyed friendship, and all a long, she had a friend back home.

It faded a bit, when she thought about it more. He always had friends, it was his way, always out and about, making friends with the citizens of Canterlot.

The message said he'd be around in the week's end, but it was vague about when.

***

Classes let out, and Twilight trotted happily out of the building, carrying her books and humming that same song she learned from Harmony Spirit, still wish she knew the words to it, but it did not stop her from enjoying it. She hoped that she would remember to ask him.

She walked toward her favorite place, to get her favorite drink. A routine she had formed early on, only modified to fit in her schooling. On her way she saw Pinkie Pie, who seem to always be out of school before her. Not sure if she had a free period or not, but like to think the teacher just wanted her out as soon as possible. She was walking and laughing, along with another pony. A familiar one, and a unicorn.

"Wait a minute..." She noticed the cloths, kind a like her style, the shirt, nothing special, a hooded sleeveless over shirt, and loose shorts that only made it down to the bend of his knees. She spotted the key features of this unicorn. Red glasses, just barely covering his eyes, if they were not partly down his muzzle, and the ankh necklace. Added to the blue coat, and violet mane and tale, she knew who it was that Pinkie seem to already be buddies with.

He spotted her, and stopped. Pinkie took a moment to notice, and stopped and looked at him, then at her. "Hi Twilight!" She shouted, not very far from her.

"Hello Pinkie," She took a moment, and looked at the other. "Hello Harmoneee~" She could not finish, he poofed and reappeared, clinging to her. Already she can see why he and Pinkie got along so quickly, and was glad Pinkie was not a Unicorn.

"Twilight!" He continued to squeeze the life out of her. "I missed you!"

"You know each other?" Pinkie did not take long to come bouncing up beside them.

"Yes, I have known her pretty much all my life" He answered, and let her go, when she looked like she was about to pass out.

She used him to keep herself up, gasping for air. "I... I... I wish you... you wouldn't do that..."

He smiled innocently. "I sorry"

After a moment, she regained herself, and took in a deep breath. "How did you meet Pinkie Pie so fast? Did you know her already?"

"Oh, no. I just met her like two minutes ago" He smiled, going back in detail of the advent.

-Pinkie was humming along, skipping a bit, thinking Pinkie thoughts, when she saw a bright flash of pink. "Oooh" She said, making haste to the source.

Just in the middle of the street, a bit of smoke was fading, and a figure was crouching to the ground. Slowly, it lifted it's head, and looked upon the Pink pony with glowing green eyes.

Frozen a bit, she watched as it stretched up to full height, standing glaring at her, looking like something from a scifi movie she saw once.

"Hiya" She said, smiling.

The figure was plain to see, and he smiled back. "Hi"

"I'm Pinkie Pie, oh you are new here? What a cool entrance! I wanna try!"

"Awesome! Oh, I'm Harmony Spirit. Let's do this!"-

"So we spent a few minutes trying out the entrance he did. It was awesome, I was all like 'Come with me, if you wanna party'"

Harmony started to laugh, and Twilight sighed. "I see things are still the same..."

She paused a moment, and she thought about it. "Funny, how much they are alike... I do not think he is as bad... prolonged exposure, cannot be good though"

She came out of her thoughts, and nearly jumped, as they both stared at her. "What?!"

"You were off in space" Harmony said.

"Ssshk, Pinkie Pie to Twilight, come in Twilight"

"Horsedon, we have a problem... we're out of squeezie cheese"

"NOOOOOO!"

They both started to laugh, and Twilight rolled her eyes. "I have to get to Applejack's" She moved on toward the diner. Harmony appeared before her, not long into her march. "What?" She looked back, seeing Pinkie bounding away.

"She had to go, but I'm here to spend time with you Twilight" He smiled, and to that, she smiled back.

They both headed to Apple Cider's, and she trotted in, and took her spot. Harmony followed and sat across from her. "So, this is a Ponyville dinner? I heard they were simpler, but wow, it's so much more open, and homey"

He looked around, at the decor, and some of the others around. As he was, Twilight wondered if she looked like such a... She pondered the term, not really sure what it was called when somepony was acting like Harmony was now. gawking, and showing that he is not from around here. "I will have to ask AJ, she knows a lot of terms" She said finally.

When she looked up, he was gone. She quickly looked around, and found him looking at some old signs that were on one wall near the kitchen.

He stepped back, and Twilight got up, knowing she would not get there in time, as Applejack came out of the kitchen, equally not paying attention as she carried a tray.

The dinner was quiet, following the loud crash, and the yelp out of both ponies, one of surprise, the other out of pain, as some hot drinks poured on her.

"Dang blast it! How'd hell am I suppose work when y'all not looking where your go'n?" she shouted, not even seeing who it was, she was too busy trying to get the hot liquid off her as best she could with only her hooves.

Harmony jumped up quick, and offered his hoof to help her up. "I'm so sorry, I was just... oh it's no excuse, I should been paying attention"

She calmed some, and looked up at him. "No, it's ok... it happens..." She paused, looking at him. She already had her hoof in his, and he was pulling her up. Something about him, seem to cause her to freeze up. She didn't even notice Twilight asking if she was ok.

"AJ?!" She shouted, snapping the orange mare out of her trance.

She looked at Twilight. "Oh... What?"

"Are you ok?" She glared at Harmony. "You need to be more careful, stop acting like an... oh what ever the term is, but stop acting like an outsider"

He hung his head, feeling bad as it was.

"Now now Twi, it was an honest mistake. I wasn't paying too much attention neither" She looked at the other Unicorn again. "Are y'all ok?"

"I'm ok, besides feeling bad I knocked you over"

She waved it off. "Think nothing of it partner, be a lesson fer me, not to come out with a hot tray, and my eyes blocked"

"Can I help at least, I can't just go on without making it up to you!" He nearly begged.

"Well... not very neighborly, to have a new face about town, feel'n so low" She thought about that. "Say, who are y'all? Don't believe we've met"

"I am, Harmony Spirit. Old friend of Twilight, and student of the Queen Luna"

"Well well, seems Ponyville has two royal students now" She smiled.

The two went on, and Twilight just shrugged and walked back to her booth. He always had an easy time making friends, even under the weirdest of circumstances. Most of the Unicorns of Canterlot were unaffected by his natural charm, though he always won them over eventually, but Earth and Pegasus seem to fall for him. A bit of a curse, he felt, for he was not even trying to trick ponies into friendship, just wanted to be friendly.

Some time past, and Harmony was working with Applejack, to take orders, and do what ever he could make up for the incident. She again was starting to notice something between him, and her friend.

She decided to let him go about with his personal mission, and so she got up, and headed out. She needed to get some things done any ways.

***

Harmony Spirit had spent nearly the whole day at Apple Cider's yesterday. He found Twilight's dorm easily, thanks to Pinkie's help, and finished out that day there, till it was after hours. He could not stay there, but luckily, he thought ahead, and made arrangements with Big Macintosh. When Twilight saw him the next day, he seemed to be in even higher spirits. She wondered what had gone on over at Sweet Apple Acres, then decided not to think about it too much.

It was getting late in the afternoon, and Harmony had met just about every pony that Twilight was closest too. After seeing him around all of the five closest of her new friends, she was seeing a connection between each of them, and him. Pinkies silliness, Applejacks honest nature, saw the same kindness as with Fluttershy, when they took care of her little charges. She imagined that he would even find similarities in Rarity and Rainbow Dash, was not so sure what it would be.

After a bit of thought, she told herself, "It is just my mind projecting onto him their traits" because she felt guilty for pushing him away, and her mind wanted to make it seem that he and her had always been friends, and as close as she was now with the girls. All to keep her from feeling so bad that a pony that has been in her life for over half of it, was more a stranger, than friends she had in just a few weeks.

Satisfied by it, she moved on. She actually forgot what she was doing, till he appeared before her, as he loved to do. Teleportation was his favorite spell.

"Hiya Twilight" He greeted her, hugging to her. This time, she did hug back. "Hello Spirit"

"What'cha doing today?" His eagerness to be around her, only worsen her self loathing.

"Nothing much planned, I am just heading to the library to get some books for next week's lessons"

He stuck his tongue out, and raspberried at the idea. "Let's have fun, what's there to do here?"

She started to think about it, when she heard the sound of another unicorn using a teleportation spell, or at least sounded like one. It was immediately followed by a voice she was growing to hate. "What is this?!"

She turned to look at the wizardly dressed Trixie, Harmony looked over with her.

"Another foalish Unicorn dares enter the realm of the all mighty Trixie?!" She stormed closer, glaring at the male blue Unicorn. "Foalish indeed, and I suppose that you are another of Canterlot? You think yourself better than us in this little town?"

"No" He said, a bit confused.

"Do not listen to her Spirit, she's just a pain in the flank" She turned to speak to him, but in a way to show how little she cared that the new comer was here.

He ignored her suggestion, and moved closer. "Hi, I'm Harmony Spirit"

Trixie looked at him, and snuffed his warm greeting. "Don't dare talk to the Mighty Trixie as if you are equal"

"How should I talk?"

"As the peasant you are" She gave a mocking laugh.

He gave his tongue another bit of daylight, and blew another raspberry. "What ever, if you are gonna be a poop, then I'll be on my way" He turned away, and trotted on. "Let's see the sights Twilight"

"Ha, you make a fine pair, losers of Canterlot!"

They ignored her, something she did not take well, so pressed on her verbal assault. "Is this how they raise the ponies in our capitol city? If your magick is as poor as Twilight, then I fail to see the wonder of the city"

Harmony turned. "Twilight is a great magick user, was she inclined, she'd show you!"

Trixie had a great sense on ponies, came with her calling. She could tell he was defensive of Twilight, she did not know it was any friend he was protective of, but that did not matter. She had a button. "Great? Ha, that is a laugh indeed. Trixie is the Great, and is far better then her. Her talents are not even on the level of a new born foal"

He moved closer, as Twilight tried to stop him. "She is just trying to lure you into a duel. do not, it's not worth it" She tried to reason, having faced her once a few days ago when Twilight was having a poor day as it was.

"So afraid is she, that I'll humiliate her again?"

Harmony growled. "You best stop, or I'll show you what real magick is!"

She started to laugh. "I doubt you could manage any better then she did" She was lying, for in their duel, Twilight proved far better in her magick.

Harmony's horn started to shine a pink hue. "You want magick?" His tone was dangerous.

"Please Spirit, stop, remember what happened last time you used magick in anger?"

"I'm not mad, besides, I've gain control over that problem, Luna has taught me well" He turned to Trixie now. "And that will be demonstrated now"

"Luna? You mean the Night Queen Luna?" This thought cause her to laugh even more. "First Twilight speaks of knowing Queen Celestia, and you think you know the Night Queen?" She was partly laughing through her words. "Are all from Canterlot so delusional?"

"Don't have to believe me, but you'll regret crossing a Black Magick Pony!" He started to phase from his normal blue coat, to a ever darkening one, slowly turning into a shadow of himself.

"Anything you can do, the Great Trixie can do, far better!" Her horn lit pink, and she too started to shape shift to a blackened version of herself, not as perfect as Harmony, but still was a shadow form.

Twilight watched as they did their spell work, and was worried. She had not seen Harmony use his magick for a long time, not since a tragic incident that unleashed a darkness that lurked in him.

With his Shadowed arms, he sent out a wave of blackness, that Trixie countered with her own, still not as strong looking as his, but it held against the attack.

Like a Black Rainbow, he arched over, not looking at all like a pony any more, till he was in front of her. She dispersed herself, and reformed behind him. with a quick motion, he made a cutting arch, that should have slicer her in two, but she was not so whole to be effected.

Twilight focused more on Harmony, as they continued to fight in their dark forms. she did not even notice others stopping and watching the morbid show of a long since Forbidden art.

She felt out his energy, making sure it was his, and not the other that was deep inside. If it should take hold, this little bout would turn into a nightmare.

After a few moments, they stopped their various shows of dark magick.

"You hold your own well, but all you do it mimic. I see through your kind of magick" Shadow Harmony said, with a voice as frightening as his form.

"It would be too easy to prove you so wrong" Shadow Trixie replied.

They became two waves of blackness, and crashed against each other. Pushing, and pushing, trying to get the other to yield.

"I am starting to believe that you are Queen Luna's student"

"Why is that?" He was skeptical of how genuine she was.

"Yes, only a student could be as much a looser as that master" She had no real face, but it was not too hard to tell, she had a wicked unseen smile.

Something snapped inside Harmony, and Twilight felt it immediately. "NO!" She cried out, hoping to prevent it, but it was too late. The thing deep inside, found the door, ripped open by the attack on the one pony most dear to the male Unicorn.

"You dare?!" He moved away, turning back to the shadowy figure, then all shadows faded away. Trixie reverted, but stay her shadowy self.

"Have I struck a nerve? So sorry, I guess I'd be touchy about having her for a master, after all the evil she's done"

Most knew the story by now, once long lost to time, only to a few was the tale of Nightmare Moon known. When she made her return a few years ago, most had not noticed, for it seemed over before the darkness spread through Equestria, and the Queendom was again ruled by two. The Day Queen, decided to unbanned the old stories, for she learned that covering the past, did nothing to prevent the repeat of it, only fueled it more.

Queen Luna was not so evil, but Trixie was using it to throw Harmony off, little did she realize, she may have awaken something as bad as Nightmare Moon by doing so.

Harmony stood still, eerily so, and Twilight ran up to him, and gripped him. "Spirit, Spirit, don't let it out!" But it was too late, the light in his eyes was gone, as with any colour. Not long, his eyes closed, a good sign, if not for the fact this was just part of what was too come.

"What are you goning on about?" Trixie asked, changing to normal and coming closer.

Twilight pushed her back, as she moved away. "Stay away from him!" She was in an aura of violet, and soon she disappeared.

Trixie looked at the empty space, that once was occupied by Twilight, and then looked at her opponent, and suddenly, felt the weight of what she had done. For his horn was now nothing but a vapor mockery of it's former self, and he sprouted wings of a pegasus, but much larger then she had seen in any other. even Rainbow Dash's impressive span was a filly's by comparison. She could feel the rushing energy inside the pony "what is going on?"

***

The Day Queen was making her way through the halls of her Castle home of Canterlot. In a few hours, her sister would wake, and she would prepare to yield her charge to that of Luna's own. Their ritual of Day and Night, was well practiced, and rarely interrupted, but she stumbled, causing her guards to halt in their march and turn inward to face their now kneeling Queen.

"Your Majesty?!" One called, a veteran that had served longer then any other of her current court. He knelled down, aged, but still strong form moving close to hers. He was most trusted, for a number of reasons, one of them, being he reminded her of one of the greatest heroes of the past. He too was an Earth Pony, though he did not posses the impossible magick that the other of legend did.

She looked at him, as he held to her, ready to lift her up with his never wavering strength. "I feel... a dark presence..."

He studied her, and after their years together, knew it was not foreign, but was not who he was first thinking. "Who... who is it? Not the younger Queen?" He was uneasy to suspect her, for with the last few years, he had spent some time with Queen Luna, and knew she was nothing like the evil creature harbored in her.

"No... but it is familiar to me" He helped her back, and they moved as one toward the Night Castle.

It was not long, till they was in the darker halls of the Night Castle. The Queen of the Twilight Realm, was not so dark as her tastes might make her seem.

Less time than it would normally, the two Queens were face to face. Both held deep concern, for the both knew what it was they felt. The fact was only further proven, when Twilight came rushing into the hall. She looked completely destroyed, almost as if she was the blame.

She did feel partly so, because if she had been a better friend to him, maybe she could have stopped him before it was too late.

***

Ponyville was in a panic, as many ponies and creatures were now running out the of the town. A tornado was whipping around, wrecking the nearest buildings, and in the middle, a Pegasus who looked asleep, yet was aloft, flying with no effort. His wings flapped, but so slowly, and effortlessly, that it was a mock to any of the fliers who knew what it took to be airborne.

Only the transformed Harmony and one other stood in the epicenter of the terror. Still being as defiant, and stubborn, Trixie called at the monstrosity. "You think you've won?! You cannot beat the Great Trixie!"

She shot out some spells, but it was no more then pebbles to a mountain at this point.

It seemed otherwise, by her stance and refusal to move, but she was not in her choice, as he body was so frozen with fear at the sight of this creature, she could do nothing but put on her show.

Soon a flash came, and Trixie turned her head enough to see Twilight, with not one, but both Queens of Equestria, and a small force of Guards. This seem to free her from the spot, and she moved out of the way as Celestia came closer with Luna near by. Twilight moved toward Trixie, as the Guards took up points around the tornado.

"I feared he would fall again..." Celestia said, with a deep pain.

"He is not lost!" Luna declared, looking from her student to Celestia "He can be saved..."

The elder looked at her for a moment. "But how many times?" She started, but stopped, not wanting to lecture her, in public, or at such a time. The pointed needed to be said. "He is that vortex that swallowed countless lives and a city, and very nearly two... This is the second time since then, he has become the Sleeper..."

"I will not give on him! He has made great progress!" She stood defiant, and despite her slight decrease of height to her sister, was not any less small.

"This is not his fault, he was provoked" Twilight said, coming over to them, dragging Trixie. "She caused this, by striking his weakest points. His love for those close to him"

They all looked at the blue unicorn, who crossed her arms, and looked away. Luna's gaze was most destructive. She wanted to grab her, and show her was the many years of Black Arts could be used at, but knew better than to fall prey to her emotions, something she tried to teach her student, she instead turned to him, now in the form they have dubbed "Sleeping Vortex"

She knew what to do, but each time, it's effects seem to weaken, and she feared that if this did keep happening, she could not stir her student back from the void.

With great focus, she began to shift her form, becoming less and less whole, and more like a specter. The other watched as she did so, only Celestia was not so surprised by it. As a ghostly form, she ascended and went into the tornado. She did not use her wings, or seemed effected by the roaring winds, and soon she was right before the sleeping pegasus. He was once the unicorn she treated like a son. In a way, he was. Adopted by her, when he was found lost, and had no memories or any one to care for him.

She reached into his mind, with a visual act of her ghostly hands going into the head of the sleeping one, her eyes now closed, and her own mind focused on the work she now took on.

The last time this happened, Twilight was too young to take the sight of all this, and was taken away by the guards. She now watched with heavy heart, at the sight of the Night Queen using an invasive spell. One that caused the other she worked on, to tremble of not the winds, but the surging in his mind. Twilight still felt a deep guilt that she could not hold him back from this, even as the true culprit stood by her, watching nearly as intensity as she was, she still felt no other was to blame.

After a moment, the sleeping, once unicorn, reached up, and grabbed the arms of the Queen, and ripped them from his form. She shot her eyes open, and shock as she was now being held, not by her student, but the evil in him. Despite her form now, he held on as if she never went intangible. She soon was feeling the effects of the winds, and when he let her go, she was flung out of the vortex.

Celestia and Twilight rushed over to where she would land, or rather crash, as she was still shocked by the fact her spell utterly failed. She laid in defeat, not daring to get up, as if the act was only more shame to her.

"Luna, what... what happened?" The older sister asked, kneeling by her.

"He is too deep, the evil has him trapped...." She sounded utterly tired, and weak. She, a master of the Dark arts that swallowed her once, and continue to plague her and the student, was no match for the one in him.

She shifted, and then started to stand quickly, before her sister had time to offer help. "The only thing left..." She started toward the vortex again, walking slowly, as a new aura started to surround her, one more sinister and powerful then she should be capable of.

Celestia knew it, and rushed over to her, grabbing her. "No! you would have us face two nightmares!"

Luna, still bathed in blackened light, looked at her. "I can control her for a short time, long enough to stop him"

With renewed urgency, the Day Queen tightened her grip. "What you plan is foalish! If it fails, then we would be at the mercy of a struggle of two monsters... without the Elements, I could not hope to stop either of you!"

As they debited, they did not see Twilight rush past. She had enough of blaming herself, and decided to take her own action. When either Queen noticed the flash of magick, she was gone.

"What was that?" Queen Celestia asked, looking toward the vortex, and then up. "Twilight?!" She called out, seeing her student now in the vortex, holding onto the figure inside.

She was assaulted by the winds, but she would not loose her grip. She clung to him, pressing herself tightly to his form. She spoke, but it seemed swallowed by the rushing air.

Trixie looked on from afar, despite her stance the whole time, and her attitude, she hid her guilt under neither. It crawled out slowly, and now as Twilight was put on the line, she trembled a bit. "Damn it..." She muttered, and she disappeared from the scene.

The Two Queens looked on, confused on what they could do, Luna stopped her change, and Celestia released her. They only watched as their students now struggled.

***

Harmony Spirit, stirred, and rolled over in his bed. He looked at the familiar sight of his massive collection of stuff dolls through hazy eyes, and after a moment, he shot up. Looking around, he saw the room he had in the Night Castle of Canterlot. "Did I just dream all that?" He asked himself, thinking back to what he could remember. He knew parts, but not the whole. He remembered Trixie, and how she was taunting him. Something he could care less about, but then she attacked Twilight, and even if she hardly spent time with him, he felt for her as he would any friend. With that meant, he would not stand for anypony hurting her. Then he remembered what sent him over, she started on his mentor, and dearest pony in his life, Luna.

He could recall how his blood was boiling, and felt the sensation of something taking over him slowly as she went on and on till he was so blinded by his rage... no, was not his rage. He was mad, but not as mad as he ended up being. The darkness inside him, fanned the flames, without speaking a word. All so it could reclaim him. As it had.

He could recall parts after, as he felt Luna's presence for a time, and then somepony else... Twilight. He could make out some words she had spoken to him.

"Spirit... I know you are there..." He lost some of it, but when she came through again he heard it so clear, and when he recalled those words he knew it was not her voice, but her heart to his. "I wish that I had not been so stuck in my books, when we grew up... I wish I had spent more time with you, I now know the joy of friendship, and I want us to be friends, like you always tried to be... Please break from that demon in you, and come back to us" He lost the words, but could hear something, a faint sound, but it soon came clear to him, and at that moment, he lost any memories. That would follow after that, it must have been when his will won out. As the time before, when Luna saved him when he was so much younger, he lost all consciousness.

He looked ahead, and thought about it all. "I thought I had this thing beat..." He spoke in his mind.

He did not notice, before he started to recall the past, that there was a guard in his room, and they had left shortly after he sat up. So when a knock came to the door, he was not expecting to see the Queens and Twilight walk in.

He looked over to them, and smiled. "Hiya..." He spoke weakly out loud, a bit tired still, from it all.

Luna was first, she had to be, for none had a bond as strong as theirs. They shared a past, and a curse, that was nearly a mirror of one another. Not even Star Shadows, who nearly lived her very life, but he did not have his demons any more. She moved up, and embraced him so tight, he was near passing out again, but he fought it, as he held back. "I'm sorry... my Queen..."

She slacked a bit, when he said that. He never addressed her so formally, he was the only other one, besides her sister, who called her simply by her name. Not with titles, or added words of respect, not that he lacked it. It bugged her a bit, but she knew why he did it. He felt a deeply regretful for what happened, he must have felt he lost her mutual feelings for him. "Do not... call me that..." She began, holding him close to her, as she whispered. "I will never stop caring about you, no matter what"

He could feel a tear on his cheek, but he was not sure if it was his own, or hers. Very well was both. "Of course... Luna" He started out unsure, but when he spoke her name freed of rituals, he smiled.

She let go, and stepped back, as Celestia and Twilight took up her sides. "I do not think Ponyville is as good for you, as it is for my student" The Queen tried to make the situation a bit lighter. "Glad to have you back to yourself Harmony Spirit"

He gave her a smile, and she nodded, and turned, her sister turning with her. With a last look back from the younger, they left him with Twilight, who looked a bit afraid.

"Do you remember anything?" She asked him, when she was sure to be alone. Not that she had anything to say that neither Queen could not hear.

"Only parts" He said. "I do remember everything before transforming into the Sleeper, and not much after"

She nodded, sitting on the bed, when he patted it as a hint for her too. They sat silent for a few moments, when he looked ahead, at the walls, adorned with various things, mostly toys, and figures of his varied interests. "You know..." He started, still looking away, but Twilight turned to look at him. "I grew up with you, since I had no memories before coming here. I've said I've known you my whole life, and it's true, cause I may not even have a life before. I could could be the demon inside the demon... or angel, that might be more fitting" He thought a bit more, before going on. "I can remember so much now, of growing up within the Castle, and spending time making friends with everypony I met. You were the only one who seem to avoid me"

She sighed, looking down. "I know... I wish I had been closer to you..."

"I might have a lot of ponies in my life, but I only have a few friends I consider close" He looked at her, but she did not see him. "You are one"

She turned, seeing his smiling face, that one that even when she grew up, could not help but smile back at, even when she wanted nothing but to study. Now, was no exception. As she smiled, she asked "How can you say I am though? I feel I hardly even know a reason, since I spent such little time with you. Even when we were together, I never paid you much attention"

"Well, you must have been paying attention, more than you think. You know that song that Luna sang to me when I was growing up, when she laid me down to bed"

Twilight paused, and wondered what he meant, and recalled in that moment she was clinging to the Sleeper, all she could think about was that song he use to sing when he was happier than normal, one she had been humming more and more since she came to Ponyville.

After a moment she felt an urge, and leaned over, and hugged to him. "So you did hear me?"

He nodded, as he hugged her back. "Some of it, but the right parts I think. You saved me"

She smiled, and sat back up. Then recalling something, she pulled out her Bay-B "Oh, the girls back in Ponyville sent their best wishes. They wanted to come, but we had already returned to Canterlot, by the time I filled them in"

"What? Aw, that's so sweet" He shifted, and jumped out of bed, and Twilight covered her eyes.

"Spirit, your naked"

He turned, and blew her a raspberry. "You and those silly shames. I must return so I can let them know I'm ok!"

"Please, put something on before you go..." Twilight asked, still covering her sight.

"Only cause my dear friend asks" He smiled, though she could not see, she did smile back.

"Ok" He threw on his sleeveless hoodie.

She looked, and then covered her eyes again. "Not nearly enough!" Since that was all he threw on.

"Too late!" His horn went pink, and he flashed in a teleportation spell.

"HARMONY!" She called after him.

Ch04: Dark Horse

The day was beautiful, Rainbow Dash actually seemed to take charge this day, and not a cloud could be seen. Weather was less predictable here, than in Canterlot, as the Pagesus some times brought on rain or storms with no warning, just to keep things feeling natural. Something long lost to ponies, outside Everfree Forest.

Ponyville was one of the places in Equestria that tried to rely less on magick and powers, and more on hard work, and traditions. Took Twilight some time to get use to these ways, but she also was fortunate that she was not one that needed to worry about doing much but study. She was on her way toward one pony that knew very well, the traditions and hard work it took to live as a Ponyvillian.

Applejack and her family were all hard workers in some form or another. Be they farmers, or trader. All over Equestria, ponies knew the pride and quality that came from the Apple Family. Nearly everything about the family, was held in high regard by it's members.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 4
"Dark Horse"

Twilight Sparkle, made her way down the streets of Ponyville. She acknowledged the greetings she received by friends, classmates, and other ponies that were just being friendly. Even though she had met them all in that party, neither she or most of them recalled each other too well. Ponies here were just friendly, to neighbors, or strangers.

She was on her usual mission of getting some of Applejack's specialty, and as she moved through the doorway, and started toward her seat, she paused, seeing somepony else sitting there. She did not recognize him, not even a little bit. She decided he was either new here, or just one she could not recall.

He faced away, all she could see from her position, was his coat was an off green, with a couple darken spots. He also had a dusty brown mane, that was loose and long. She noticed, that his hand and hooves were yellowish. He was an Earth pony, as far she could see, no wings or horn. Wore a brown leather-like jacket, and similar jeans, all looked well worn. He also had an old hat, much like Applejack's, hung up on the little pegs between booths. It may have been black at one point, but it too was faded. Despite it all, he did not look very old, not much older than her, maybe a bit younger than Big Macintosh. Thinking about that, she realized, he looked like he might be apart of the Apple family.

He must have sensed her prolonged stare, and turned his head, looking right at her. She felt herself freeze up, getting stuck in his gaze. His eyes were red, but not like fire or blood, but like the sweetest apples. They were alluring, and hypnotic. Calling to her, if they were real apples, she would be driven to eat them, but as eyes, she could only be helpless in being trapped in their beams.

She did not noticed that she was trotting toward him, till she looked down for a brief moment, seeing a bandana around his neck, black and marked with paisleys, looking like a bandit's. She stopped herself, and stood not far from him now.

"Can I help ya ma'am?" He spoke in that same accent like the other Apples, and she was more assured that he was related to them. though his was slightly different, something almost dangerous about it. Maybe he was from a more Western part of the southern areas of Equestria that bred those with it. Like those in the newer settlement of Appleloosa

She recovered herself, and shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry, I was just..." She turned inward for a moment "Becoming entranced" Then spoke aloud again. "I usually sit here, so was a bit surprised to see any pony else here" She then thought again "Good save"

He started to raise, he was definitely like the older brother of her best friend, tall, but not so built, more slender. He looked like he could move like the wind, if so inclined. She could see that those yellow areas around his legs and arms, also had a spot on his chest. Only showing a bit through a black button up shirt. "My apologies miss, twas just wait'n on my ol pal Mac"

It took her a moment, still a bit lost in thought. "Oh, no, you don't have to leave, I can sit some place else"

He plucked the hat off the pegs, and smiled at her, that may have been his most dangerous trait so far. "I can respect one who's favors consistencies, some times in life, things are just so random, one needs the little things" He made a fancy motion with putting his hat back on, finished with gliding his fore finger and thumb along the brim, then giving a tip of the hat. "Ma'am"

He walked off toward the front counter, taking an empty spot nearest to the kitchen window.

Twilight thought it best not to linger, and took a seat, trying not to look over at him.

She tried to clear her mind, bringing it back onto thoughts of school, when Applejack came over. She was not looking much better, she seemed worn out, and had a distance in her eyes.

"AJ?" Twilight asked, noticing her just standing there, as if waiting for an order.

After a moment, the other mare snapped too, and looked down. "Oh, sorry Twi, just a bit... off today"

The Unicorn nodded. "I can tell, the notebook is flipped over"

With a quick glance, she turned it over, and opened it. "Damn, I hate when he comes around"

"Who is that?" Twilight had an idea, but felt the need to ask any ways.

"My cousin, he's a bit of a shadow on the family" She gave up trying to cover up the apprehension she felt, and slid into the seat opposite of her friend, with as sigh. "He's been gone for some time, but now he's back around. He and my brother get along pretty well, but me and him, not so much"

"So, what did he do, that has you so uneasy around him?"

Applejack did not answer right away, as if thinking of the unnamed advent in her past. "Best just leave it at, we've got some history"

She clearly did not want to go into it, so Twilight just left it alone. She was about to try and change topics, but the other mare went on. "His name, is Temptation, though some times calls himself Adams Apple. He and his sister live out in Everfree Forest, tells y'all much right there" She was not fully looking, but her eyes were on him as she spoke. "Their mother comes from our family, but she was bucked out before I was around. She was a real trouble maker. Everypony in the family called her by her new given name 'Poison Apple' for she brought nothing but ill"

Twilight listened on, as the other told the tale. "Out in Everfree, they say she made contact with the witches said to live there, none of the good ones neither, na, the bad ones. ‘Bubble Bubble’ and that mess" She was starting to sound like a crazy mare, telling tall tales. "None know who she mated with to spawn Temptation, or his younger sister Candy Apple, but when she disappeared, they came to the farm, looking for answers. I was less than Bloom's age when they came, and I saw my parents want'n to get rid of them, but my big brother decided to take em in"

"That must have went over well" Twilight decided to try and make it clear she was listening.

"Oh it was a big deal, but Mac made some real sense. 'They haven't done nothing wrong, aside being born by her. Any Apple should be allowed to fulfill their duties to the family. Tradition says that any of our kin must work on the farm a year, before they can be sent out into the world on their own. That should mean even if they are being bucked out'"

Twilight nodded, as she went on. "So with that, they decided to let them stay. Neither of them had any farm sense. He was too scrawny to be a workhorse, and she was too easy goin' to focus much on what we gave her. They never caused trouble, but they didn't work as much as they should have"

She did not go on, leaning back into the booth, looking a bit more aggravated.

"So... why did they leave?" Twilight was a little hesitant to ask, but her curiosity had the better of her.

"It was for the best, they all finished their year on the farm, and decided to go into the Everfree forest" She got up, probably a mixture of, not wanting to go on, and needing to get back to work. Seemed to be more to them leaving, but she was not about to go into it. "I'll see y'all in a bit"

"Ok Applejack..." She wanted to know more, but also did not wish to press her friend into a topic she was clearly uneasy on. She considers asking Big Macintosh, or maybe Apple Bloom, but she felt that would be rude to do so.

Twilight stuck around for an hour or so, but Applejack was not too talkative, so after a while, she decided to head on out. She made sure to let her friend know, and was off.

Outside, she made her way back home, to get onto her studied. She heard the sound of a Pegasus rocketing through the air, and knew it had to be Rainbow Dash. As much of a show off as she was, she made sure that even flying, gained her attention. She was no where near as bad as Trixie, in her need to be the best. Instead of bringing others down, she worked to make herself the best.

The blue mare spotted Twilight, and did a loop, then sped toward the ground. The Unicorn covered her head, fearing a crash, but with a quick mid-air flip, Dash landed skillfully. "Yo Sparks"

Twilight recovered, and looked at her. "Hello Dash, enjoying the day I see"

"As always" She grinned. "What'cha up too? Already leaving Jackie?"

"Yeah, she is in a bit of a funk, her cousin is in town"

"Temptation? Oh damn..." She looked toward the shop. "How is she acting?"

Rainbow Dash, being one of Applejack's oldest friends, was not surprising she knew something. "A bit distracted and distant"

"Thought so..."

"D... Do you know anything about why gets so worked up around him?" Twilight was hoping she did, but also feeling a little guilty for going behind her friend's back.

"No," That came as a mix of relief, and disappointed. "She never talks about it, and he doesn't either. Also Mac doesn't seem to know anything either. What ever it is, it's strictly between them" She turned. "I gotta go, maybe I can get her into a better mood" She snickered. "Maybe not better, but at least outta this one. Later Sparks"

Living up to her name, she dashed toward Apple Cider's. She was fast, land or air, but air was clearly her element.

***

Twilight hoped to get her mind off the whole thing, and buried herself in studying. She spent the rest of the day, well into the night, reading her lessons.

She realized the time, and went for her Bay-B, to check messages and get ready for bed. She rummaged her bag, but found nothing in there. "Oh no..." She looked around her pockets, and anything else she had today, thinking where she last saw it. "Cider's" She declared, recalling having it out for a brief moment before leaving.

She got up, and threw on some simple cloths she could go out in. She looked over at Pinkie, who had fallen asleep some time ago. The sight made her wonder if they would be open, or anypony was around.

She decided to try any ways, help to wear her out, so she could get some sleep. She always seemed to be more awake after a long cram, than any other time.

She made her way down the main streets, and looked around. She never been out at night in Canterlot, and never so late here. There were very few faces in the town, some ponies, but mostly, other visitors and neighbors who moved to Ponyville from various places.

She noticed the majority of these creatures, were the near demonic looking Gargoyles. She heard stories of these beings, who were stone in the day, and flesh at night. This was the first time she had seen them.

Day or Night, the citizens seemed no different. Some greeted her, as she passed them, as if she was no different. She was feeling nervous, but it really felt the same as the day. Darker, and new faces, but the same in nearly every other way.

She passed some shops she had seen open in the day, and felt more hopeful that AC's would be one too. She also noticed some places that she now recalled, never were open before. She was only a bit worried at the sight of a couple stores that were not there in the day. She would have to look into this another time, she was on a mission now.

She came upon Apple Cider's, and found it was open. She hesitated, not sure herself to why, but she did. After a moment, she walked in, and looked around. It was far less busy, but there were still creatures and ponies here.

She moved toward the counter to see if anypony she knew was around. She did not know who would be around, when the four of the family she knew, worked the days. Then she realized it, by the time a glossy red mare walked over. She reminded Twilight of Pinkie Pie, for as pink as she was, this pony was red, even her eyes were a deep maroon, almost brown. Like an apple stem.

"How do Miss, what can I do ya fer?" She was clearly an Apple, she had the accent, the little freckles around her eyes, and she looked like the one she met earlier. She surely was Candy Apple.

"Oh, yes. I was here earlier, and think I left my Bay-B here"

"Baby? Sorry, but ain't no babies around here" She was clearly not serious, as she had a smile, an almost unsettling.

"Oh well... uh"

"I'm only foal'n y'all, sure are a serious one partner. Well I ain't so sure, but I can go look"

"It's ok, Applejack might have it..." She tried to back out, but the other was not letting go so easy.

"AJ? Y'all a friend a hers? I'ma sure she'd have put it around her some where" She looked around, then disappeared under the counter.

Twilight tried to look over, too see where she went, but she popped back up before too long, startling her.

"This'n?" She held it up. "Mighty fancy one here, y'all must be somethin' special" She laughed, in a way Twilight was not sure how to take.

"No, I just... like the model" She decided to lie, to avoid staying too long. She was tired, and feeling a bit uneasy around her. Was not sure if it was just her, or because of Applejack's feelings.

"Well, you look like you want to git, so I won't keep y'all" She smiled, and for the first time, it did not seem to hide anything.

"Thank you... take care"

The other winked, and Twilight moved away. She was not far, when she bumped into another pony. She started to apologize, then she stopped, looking into the Red eyes of Temptation.

"Pardon me Ma'am" He simply said. He studied her a bit, and smiled. "I remember y'all, that mare from earlier"

"Y...Yes, that was me" She laughed nervously.

"Applejack's friend, if'n I'm right" She only nodded slowly. "Any friend of hers, is a friend of mine"

"I hate to seem rude, but I must be going... I have school tomorrow"

He nodded, and stepped aside. "I wouldn't want to keep y'all. Some time, y'all should stop by. I'd like to talk with y'all some time about Applejack. She won't say much to me, and I'd like to know how she is doin'"

Twilight started for the door, and nodded. "Yeah, uh... I'll see about it... Well... night"

"Ma'am" He had no hat on, but he dipped his head a bit. He, like Applejack, and any of the others, dressed for the shop, and not how they were on the street.

She made it home, a bit more confused then before. Neither seemed as bad as Applejack made them, but she also felt something hidden in their smiles. She did not know how to treat his request either. One hoof, she could go, and maybe learn about what he and her have in secret, but the other hoof, she does not want to end up hurting AJ.

She sat on her bed, watching Pinkie sleep. She was now half on the floor, half her face into the floor, legs over the bed. She wished she could live so worry free as the pink pony, she did not care who it was, she would be friends with anything. Making the best of any situation, and try to get everypony happy.

"I am going to try, maybe I can help fix something that was broken long ago... Something I have no idea as to what it is..." She laid into her bed, and tried to get some sleep.

***

The rest of the week went on as pretty much normal, Applejack seemed okay, since her cousin had not been around. Both of them were doing the nights at the shop, so she did not have to see them. She learned the much from Big Macintosh.

Friday came, and so Twilight thought it was the right time to go out and talk with Temptation.

She chose to wait till Applejack was sure to be gone, since she would have a problem with this meeting, and she only was hoping to help out her friend, not cause a problem.

She saw those same creatures for before, not so scary as she recalled. They acted as any pony did, just most not ponies, and it was night.

She made her way to Apple Cider's, passing one of those ghostly shops, that seem to only appear at night. She could see inside, and was shocked by the sight of ponies that looked long dead, and some seemed to be impossibly alive, or at least moving. She was doubting they were living.

In a slight panic at the sight, after one looked her right in the eye, with the one it had left, she started to back down the path. She was paying attention, till she bumped into something.

She could not move, afraid to look at what it could be. She felt fingers lightly grip her shoulder, and she yelped, and jumped away.

She looked at what was there, and saw Temptation standing there. "Howdy Ma'am" He said, and she calmed her self a bit. The other creatures were looking at her, when they passed. "Y'all seem rather jumpy, what has y'all in a freight?"

She hesitated, and dared a glance toward the shop. "I... I just saw... dead ponies..."

He moved closer, looking with her at the ghostly store. "Ain't never seen them before? They are about the night most often"

"I do not... usually go out at night..." She was starting to find a good reason why. Gargoyles, and beastly creatures, but zombies? Ghosts? In all the world, she never imagined they were real.

"Really now, y'all seem to be a night type. Might be just the colours" He looked at her now, then turned. "Well they ain't nothin' like I'm sure y'all heard. Right nice folks, just a bit smelly some" He paused again, studying her, she saw, and looked a bit nervous. "Would a taken y'all for a Necromancer"

"What? Me?.." She knew just what they were, rulers of death and life, and more often then not, some of the most evil creatures. Often too, creatures that have given their own lives away for the eternal unending existence of the dead they control. She was unsure of the zombies being “normal” but she started to wonder about Necromancers being all bad.

"Black magick? Anything?" She shook her head quickly. "Hmm, well guess I'm slippin', usually can pick up on ponies" He turned more, heading toward Apple Cider's. Twilight hesitated, then followed.

She sat at her spot, watching the others around the store, half fearing to see an undead come in. That started her to wonder if they ate normal things, or if they only ate flesh and brains like the stories always said.

"Ma'am?" She nearly jumped hearing the male pony trying to get her attention. She did not notice him come up.

She looked at him, clearing her mind of the zombies, and then calmed down. "Sorry, just lost in thought..."

"Not a problem little Missy, but what can I do for y'all?"

If anything, he was a good employee, more and more, she wondered what he did, that cause her friend to be so averted to him. "Oh, sorry, I am so use to AJ just bringing me things" She laughed a bit. She wondered too, if she should have a coffee so late. "Well actually, was hoping we could talk, when you had some time"

"Well sure. Just give me a moment" He walked off, and was gone not for too long, when he came back with a couple cups, and sat across from her. "Hope y'all like coffee" He pulled over the creams from the end of the booth. "I make it pretty dark, but if'n you want, plenty of this stuff to tame it"

"Thank you, I love coffee" She too a drink, and her eyes widened. "Oh Mare, that is strong"

"If'n it's too much..."

"No no, it is good, just been a bit since I have had full coffee. AJ always gives me her signature brew"

He leaned back, taking a drink of his. "She is fond of y'all then. She doesn't give that one out to much" Twilight nodded. "How is my cousin? Like I said, and sure she must've told y'all, that she doesn't speak to me"

"Yeah, she has said that... She has been doing well, I have only known her a few weeks now. Why not ask Big Macintosh? She said you two were friends"

"True, but as a big brother my self, I know he'd never tell me the truth, if something was wrong" He slacked his posture a bit. "Do wish we all could talk again. Not much of the family cares fer me or my little sister, all account of our mother"

"I do not know much about it, she did not wish to speak much of anything, just bits about you two coming to work for Sweet Apple Arches and how Big Mac stood for you two"

He nodded. "Well, out mother was a pretty evil pony. She manipulated others, and tried to use her ways to gain control over the family. She was bucked out of the family, and she lived out in Everfree for a time. That's why me and Candy live there now, just more at home" He paused to take another drink. "The whole family thinks we all are just like her, or are bandits, or criminals. So me and her just stay away"

He took another brief pause, changing the topic a bit. "Big Mac asked me to come by, cause they wanted to extend the hours here to all night, and knew we all were more night types. He knew I could hoof this place, and it'd still be in the family"

"If it is just you and Candy?" Twilight asked, after a quick sip.

"We have a couple other helping, same as the day. I'm no here every night either, but we're the ones running the night shift"

There was a silence, Twilight was not sure what to think. It all seemed like he and his sister just had a bad situation, and none of it their fault. Still was one lingering doubt, and she hesitated to ask.

"Bet y'all wondering, why she hates me?" He could read ponies pretty well, or he knew that was what was always in others minds who knew something was up between the two.

"Well... I uh..."

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it, but I cannot tell y'all, she and I swore to keep it between us. But it's something that will always keep us apart it seems. Something I'll regret as long as it does so"

He started to get up. "I should get back to work" She could feel the sadness in him, and that he was about at the end of wanting to think of the past.

"Ok," She was not quite so pleased that it ended there, but she respected their pact, and how he felt. "Was nice to talk to you Temptation"

He laughed. "Y'all can call me Adams Apple, though I'll wear the other, it’s the name my mother gave me" He paused. "Don't believe I have y'all's name"

"Oh, it's Twilight Sparkle" This made him laugh again.

"Sure y'all ain't a night pony?"

She shook her head, and smiled. "Nope, just a regular Unicorn"

He nodded. "Well even'n Miss Twilight"

"Night, Adams”

Ch06: An Apple a Day

The Magick of Friendship chapter 6
An Apple A Day

The trees that thrived all over the town, and parts of Ponyville, were beginning to turn their colours of Autumn. The winds had picked up a bit, and the chill was already starting to set in. Soon the running of the leaves would take place, and the preparations for Winter would come soon after.

Some of the ponies, were still dressing as normal in the warmer months, but some of the other creatures, who lived and visited alike, were not so accustom to the cold, even though it was barely so.

Twilight was one such creature. Canterlot was host to the best of Equestria, and that included the Unicorns. Though few places in this land were still influenced by nature's touch, the Capitol was one that was very far from her reach. The seasons there were more or less, the same. So the feel of cold in the air, was something rather foreign to the young mare.

She traded her short sleeve hoodie, for a full sleeve, and much thicker one. She felt a bit silly at being one of the few who needed to already bundle up, but she was at least happy, she was not the only one. She watched the young dragons, far more covered, than she was. Most, were of the hottest regions of their land, easily told by their darker and more red colours. She also noted the coverings on their feet, something ponies had recently started to wear too. She did not feel all that cold in her hooves, but she figured, come the snow, she would need these "boots" she has heard of.

After a brief trek through the chilled streets, she made her way into that old favorite, Apple Cider's. She would enjoy the warmth of the wonderful delights, all the more today.

Twilight moved to her spot, and took off her hoodie, and hung it off the little pegs by the booth. She settled in, and pulled out one of her books. A new tome of historical events, she found when doing inventory at her Library. The book was once in the locked part of the storage, where several accounts had been placed under order of the Queen, many forgotten years ago. But such things were no longer done, for the reasoning, was to avoid the repeat of the actions within. Something that was destined to happen, with or without general knowledge that it had happened before.

Twilight was curious, for the section was reinstated a few years ago, and yet these still laid in storage. It did not matter, she was now taking charge, and freed the lessons from their dusty prison.

This book had caught her attention, for it told stories from around the time that her mentor's sister, had lost her way. She always wanted to know more about the event, but feared asking. Both Queens, Celestia and Luna, were pained by the memories. The index listed some interesting stories. "Fading Light by the Moon: A Hero’s stand" "Echoes of Thunder: The Last Guardian of Equestria" were two she was very interested in.

She noticed the printing was dated long after the book banning on such tales, so she felt a bit naughty at the idea of having this. It was taboo at the time, and lost to the ages till now. She was starting to feel like a silly filly, giggling to her self, when she hear hoof falls stop by her.

She looked up, expecting Applejack, but she then looked down, at the face of Apple Bloom, who clearly took offense at the act. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Expect'n my Sister, not little ol me" She said, matter-of-factually.

"Well... yeah, but I did not mean--" The other put her hoof up.

"She's a bit, indisposed... So gotta deal with me" She was clearly aggravated, not over the extra work, or anything other then her biggest button. She hated to be taken as a "little Filly" She felt herself taller and older than she was. In ways, she was more mature, but she also suffered from the childhood she was pushing away. So was easily distracted by things that she felt more important to her growth. She was a great pony, but too quick to grow up, and like any of the Apples, too proud to be belittled in any way. Twilight wondered if it was a family trait, or just something with the two mares, but they both did not listen to any other reason, when they had their minds set.

Twilight knew to avoid going on about the topic, so she decided to skip it, and go onto what the youngest one said. "Where did she go? Not often she ever takes a day off"

"Oh she is a about, but not much in the working mood"

That shocked her even more, that mare did nothing but work. "Is she ok? Can I help?"

Bloom leaned on the table. "Don't know, she ain't much for words. None of us could get anything outta her" She stood back up after a couple moments there. "Maybe look for that Dash. They may butt heads like two stubborn billies, but they are mighty tight"

Twilight looked to the door, she usually came around in about this time. So she wondered if she should wait, or go look for her.

"Ok, I think I will wait and see if she will come by" She decided after a little time.

"Can I get y'all anything, in the mean time?" Twilight just shook her head slowly, she was more worried about her friend, then her own needs. With that, Bloom shrugged and moved off.

She sat there for, what felt an eternity. She tried a few times to get into the book, but was too focused on AJ, then anything else. She hopped that Rainbow Dash knew what was wrong.

It was a bit of time before Rainbow Dash nearly burst into the place, looking every bit of a star she thought she was. She quickly spotted Twilight, and turned her way. "Hey Sparks!" She was not a subtle pony, and today was no exception.

She sat into the spot across from her friend, and settled in. "Ya hear the news?"

Twilight cocked her head, and for a moment, forgetting about Applejack. "News?"

"Yeah!" She toned down, and leaned closer to the other pony. "AJ's gotta a crush on some pony" She leaned back up, and had as smile that spoke volumes about how much she enjoyed the fact. Either it was for the fact her old friend finally found some pony, or simple the fact, Dash loved juicy stuff like this.

The other mare was a bit off guard, and looks every bit as surprised as she was. "Really? how do you know? Who is it?" She was getting caught up in the mood of gossip, never truly dealing in it before.

"Hehe, well, I ain't saying who, but AJ told me herself" She then became a bit smug. "I, of course, had my suspicions of who"

Twilight calmed herself, and returned to her concerned, wondering now, if they were related. "Could that be why she is in a mood?"

"'Mood'?" She slammed her fore hooves down, pushing up. "I told her... freak'n..." She moved out of the booth, and marched toward the counter. "Yo, Big Mac, AJ back there?"

He looked at her a moment, and nodded.

"Hey Jackie, what's with this 'mood' crap? You gonna hide back there now?" But nothing came back, so she stormed through the kitchen, and disappeared into the back. Macintosh did not stop her, he was use to their antics, also knew, if any pony could get Applejack out of a bad mood, it was Rainbow Dash.

After a while, and a few noises, Rainbow returned to the front. She moved toward the booth, with her hair a bit ruffled, and she was smoothing it back out. She slammed back to her spot, and huffed.

"What?" Twilight asked, coming off my anxious then she meant too.

"She's being a big filly. She is all embraced by it all" She stuck out her tongue with a raspberry sound following. "Not a big deal, and no pony knows who it is, so" She let some air out, audibly, in a weary way.

She looked at Twilight. "I'm not saying who, but common, you have to have an idea? She's flirts with them all the time"

"'Flirt'? I do not think I know of that..."

Rainbow looked at her funny. "You don't know... What the hell did you do in Canterlot? So what, you have some ritual, or something, for showing attraction? Dress formal, and go 'I say, I do find you rather fetching'?" She spoke in a mocking voice, like an upper class pony.

Twilight was use to her jabs at the lifestyle, Dash imposed onto her. It was not completely unfounded, since she did live with the Queen, but still, she was very exaggerated in her takes on life in Canterlot. "No, but remember, I did not socialize too much" She would had sent a jab back, about "Perhaps if your head was not in the clouds, maybe you would remember such things" or something, but she was not very cleaver with such things, and less so, comfortable in playful insults.

"Well, think about that friend of yours, Harmonica, or something" Twilight corrected her, "Harmony?" but she just waved it off. "Remember how he was acting? All clingy, and friendly, and all that junk? It's kinda like that"

She tried to think about it, but she did not really see, cause he was always like that, with any pony. she made the point to Dash, who shrugged.

"I don't know, look it up, and maybe you'll see who it is I'm talking about"

She thought about it, and how Harmony and Applejack were acting, that day. Seemed a lot more then his normal behavior. "Is it Harmony?"

"Not saying, gonna have to ask AJ" She grinned, in a way that was confusing. It gave no clues.

***

Twilight was at her dorm, sitting at the desk, with her books out, and looking over them. She read from the dictionary/Thesaurus she had since she was little. It was always a big help.

-Flirt V. Behave in a frivolously amorous way. N. A pony who flirts. Flirtation N. Flirtatious adj.
-Frivolous adj. Not Serious; purely for or interested in pleasure.
-Amorous adj. Showing sexual desire.

She tried to consider the meanings. "So, flirting is showing interest, but in a joking way?" She thought about it more. But Flirting would not mean she had a crush... right? Or is this a reverse psychology thing?"

"Flirting?!" Pinkie Pie jumped behind her, causing the other to startle, and jump from her seat, crashing to the ground, she shouted out "Pinkie?!" as her notes went flying.

The Pink mare grabbed the notes, and looked at them. "Learning how to flirt? It's easy"

She took on a different stance, looking at Twilight, who looked back at her funny, as the pink lids flashed. "Oh Twilight, you are looking nice today. Can I help you up sweetie pie?"

Twilight paused, looking at her ever more oddly. "Wait... help?"

"Yeah, you are on the floor" She giggled, returning to her normal self.

"So... that can be used to flirt?"

"Yeah, it's all in the delivery. Like if I wanted to do something for you, like helping you off the floor, I'd do it with a look of longing, or say it in such a way, maybe add some pet names. The eyes are key too, or eye. Not every pony has two, some have one, some have 8, well, that's more spiders. At least if they run with scissors, they have spares" She giggled more.

Pinkie did help Twilight up, and they sat on her bed. "And some times, if some pony gives you more attention, then any other, that too could be flirting. Like if you were in a group, and they focused on you, more then any pony else"

Something popped into her head, and she was starting to grasp the whole thing. "Or they are at work, and they always help you out first"

"Yeah, like if I was at the Candy Shop, and you were there, I'd maybe do things to keep you around longer. Offer specials, or sample some of our things for free. Maybe even make something special"

"But, is that not just being friendly?"

Pinkie pointed at her eyes. "In the eyes, and the body language. Those are key"

Twilight plopped back on the bed, back to being confused. "But how do you know it is serious? Not just playing, or just being the pony's personality? The definition makes it seem more like a game..."

"Kinda is," Pinkie thought. "Used to break the ice, when meeting some pony new, that you get feelings for. Like you see some pony, and don't know em, and just feel like you need to talk to them. Shows interest, but doesn't come out too strong, and if it goes no where, nothing lost but time"

"This is too confusing..."

Pinkie just shrugged. "Best to try it out, and see it done, then to read about it. Kinda 'know it by doing' thing"

A Moment passed, and the pink mare turned to her. "So, who's the lucky pony?"

Twilight propped herself on her elbows. "What?"

"Well, why are you so interested in learning this? If you want to know flirting, you must have some pony in mind. Or some pony you might think is sweet on you?"

"Sweet on me?" She got the meaning, but was avoiding question at hoof. Her ears were folded back, telling of her embarrassment. She knew it was hopeless, Pinkie was far more persistent, than she was stubborn. "No, it's not me... I think some pony has a crush on me..." She felt a bit egotistical after saying it. Who was she to have any pony interested in her.

She let out an "oof" when Pinkie dropped onto of her. "Oh oh, who?!" She squeezed her. "For the love of the Queens, tell meeee!"

"I... I could not, not yet... I do not know for sure"

Pinkie got up, and jumped out of the bed. "Let's go find out!" She pulled out a shirt, and wrapped it around her head, and posed like an odd ninja. "I'm good at this stuff, I can hide out, and watch for the signs" She jumped over her bed, and hid on the other side. "I'll be a shadow in shadows, hidden away like a... sneaky thing"

Twilight sat up, and adjusted herself, where the other had caused her cloths to be a bit bunched. This was more for her to think, then to actually fix her appearance. "No, I have to go it alone"

"Aaaaw!"

***

The night was nearing, as the might of the sun was fading to await it's deserved rest. It was pretty cold now, and very fewer souls were out at this time. Between when the ponies and creatures of the day, where home or getting there, and those beings of the night were yet to be here. Twilight felt a lot more at ease in the night, though she still avoided looking into shops that should not be.

She went right to Apple Cider's, and walked in. She was hoping her target was still here, she did not honestly know where Sweet Apple Arches was, she had yet to go, but Adams, or Candy should know.

She spotted the glossy mare, cleaning some tables, and she moved up to her. "Excuse me, Candy?"

The other turned. "Yes'em? How can I assist y'all?"

"Is Applejack still around?"

The other thumbed over her shoulder, pointing toward the kitchen. "Eeyup, she's out back take in some of the late deliveries"

Twilight gave her thanks, and moved toward the location. On her way, she felt a little uneasy. She blamed it on the fact she was behind the counter. A lie to herself, she was really afraid this was all some misunderstanding, a joke by Rainbow Dash, and she was trotting right into it. She almost stopped herself, when she was about half way to the back door.

She saw Adams Apple, moving some things around, but she did not see Applejack. She now wondered if Candy just pulled her leg, she was known too. She nearly turned away, when she heard something banging, outside the door.

She passed Adams, who nodded, the way he always did, his charming eyes, did not grip her today, she was entranced on something else. It was a mixed feeling, but she still had to follow through.

She popped her head out, and looked to find the mare. She was in the ally way, moving some crates around. Not even noticing the other walking into the ally. "Hello, Applejack" Twilight started.

The other stopped, and looked. "Oh, howdy Twi... What brings y'all out so late?" She was either in a better mood, or hiding it.

"I wanted to talk to you, about something"

Applejack stopped all together, and replied at length. "Yeah?" She suspected something.

Twilight became a lot more shy, almost to the point of looking more like the animal loving Pegasus, than herself. Her ears were back, and she could hardly breath. She did not know why, but she was terrified all the sudden.

"Y'all ok sugar cube?" The yellow mare moved a bit closer.

"I uh... was just th... thinking about the..." She took a big pause before the last word. "Rumor..."

The other sighed deep, and sat onto some over turned crates. "That Rainbow Dash, ain't nothin faster in this world, then her, except that mouth"

"She did not say, but..." She started with confidence, but lost it fast. "I was wondering..." She felt like time was crawling along, and she was the only thing at normal time. She watched Applejack, who still had her head a bit low. "Is it me?"

The other slowly looked up at her, she said nothing, but her eyes told much. Twilight swallowed hard, for she knew then, she was indeed. She was excited, but also confused, and a bit afraid of it all. No pony had ever taking a liking to her, not like this, not even Harmony. Least that she had even noticed, he just liked friendship.

"I told her, that I was feeling somethin..." She began, slowly. "But I wasn't sure, I wasn't at all smitten just yet... just a bit... interested" she looked away, her confidence, and pride, she wore like a fine suit, left her naked before the purple mare. "From day one, I liked y'all, was clear of that. I felt something with y'all, like I had found something I didn't even know I was missing. I didn't say nothing, cause I didn't want to rush into something, and get either one of us hurt" She looked back at Twilight, looking almost as afraid as she was before. "I didn't want to loose you all together"

Twilight took a moment to think, she was good at that, and could use it to help her where she was not too good. Social situations like this. "I admit, I too felt something, but I was not sure what it was. I have never had a friend... well, that I acknowledged, and was not sure if it was just the java talking..."

A bit of a pause and silence fell between them, both lost in thought, as they looked at each other. "I feel a pull toward you, like a star to a planet... every day, I try to make sure that I see you, and not just for the coffee... guess I never really thought much about it until now"

Applejack looked down, not in disappointment or shame, she found it suddenly hard to look her in the eyes. Twilight went on, as she looked down. "It might be too soon to conclude anything... I do not know if it is just me, being so new to all this friendship and relationship stuff, or if it is real"

The yellow mare looked up again, and stood up, some of her old confidence returning. She even smiled, like she usually does toward the other pony. "Well Miss Twilight, I think we should take all the time we need. Till then, just gonna have to accept y'all as my friend"

They embraced each other, and held tight. "Either way, I am so happy to have you AJ"

"Me too, Twi"

***

Pinkie Pie was circling the room, pacing a rut in the floor as her hooves repeated the shape, over and over. she was unable to sit still, this much was normal, but the reason being was not. She wanted to know what had happened, Twilight left her with nothing but a mystery. Rainbow Dash liked to spread rumors, but Pinkie loved to know them all. Being in the know, was good for some pony who wished to have the kind of work she wished too. Knowing everything about clients, and situations, made it so much easier to fit events to them.

Twilight came home, finding her room mate in her cycle. "Hello, Pinkie" She greeted, as she closed the door.

"So?! What happened, what what?!!" She was frantic at this point. She was very near to loosing what little of "it" she had.

"Nothing, just a misunderstanding" She lied, for now, the whole thing would remain between her and Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. She hoped the latter would keep her muzzle shut about it.

Pinkie dropped to the floor. "Aaaw! Who was it?"

"Sorry, cannot say"

"But-" Twilight shook her head. "Do I know them?"

She thought about it, and smiled. "Yes"

"Ok... that narrows it down... Hey wait! I know every pony in Ponyville!!"

Twilight laughed, and went to her bed. "Maybe you will find out," she thought to herself.

Ch07: Down and Dirty Diamonds

Autumn was in full swing, and the air was deeply chilled, as the trees turned their leaves into the colours, telling of their own preparation of the nearing long rest. Each day, more and more, it was becoming clear that winter was not far off.

In Ponyville, they were near the time to gather the great harvest, but first would come the season of their celebration of the lives that once shared the world. It was not a time for sadness, but for joy. Those who once trotted with the ponies still living, were never truly gone, so long as they were remembered by the ones who remained behind.

The citizens of Ponyville, all had their ways to go about this, and some took to quiet mourning, others readied great celebrations.

Rarity took this time, to be the one to celebrate. She knew the season was ripe with those looking for ways to get their minds at ease, and seeking way to enjoy themselves. So each year, she would gather the friends she had, and some of the best customers of Dressing Diamonds, and put on a great party. She designed dresses, and suits, and all kinds of things, just for those who attended. It was a costly effort, both in materials, and in body. Those closest, would not be charged, but the others who either requested, or were just special customers, would pay, but not very much. It was more an admissions fee than for the clothing.

She was nearly done with work, but had some ponies to go. The regulars, and other paying clients, came first, and were long finished, all the was left, was her friends. She thrived under dead lines so near, even if she seemed stressed, and over worked, she secretly enjoyed taking on the impossible. Swanheart had long come to rely on this, and admired her for it. In his prime, he was never as at ease with such as she was now.

Rarity had a few names on her friend list, Twilight, of course, she was her "sister" after all. Pinkie Pie, despite how odd she was, she was a great help in this party effort. Fluttershy, she did not know her all that well, but she seemed important to Twilight, much as Rainbow Dash. They had their clashes over the years, but the pony had proven t be a loyal friend in times Rarity needed her. She found it odd, at times, that she did get along with the head strong Pegasus, even before Twilight came. She found it a bit odd there too, that she was close to her as well, but it might be due to their own common friend, Applejack. Rarity knew of her, and seen her at the diner, but she never really talked much to her. they both had younger sisters, and they were both friends. Applejack was very into her own work, something the Unicorn respected, but she also did not seem to have much an eye for fashion. Another pony on her list, was the always reliable, if not, very odd, Ditzy Doo. She was the one in charge of all the mail in Ponyville, and nothing came into the town, that was shipped or mailed, that did not go through her in the end. Rarity could not help but like the mare, for she just had a charm too her, that was hard to ignore.

She had some designs ready for each of them, at least on paper, but only a couple she begun. She decided to go out, and deliver the invitations, the VIP passes for her friends.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 7
Down and Dirty Diamonds

Rarity made her way through town, wrapped up in a stylish, but equally efficient design. She was nearly done with her VIP passes, and she made her way toward the farm, where the friend of both Rainbow and Twilight lived. She tried the diner, but her little sister said she was taking the day to ready the nearing harvests.

She did not mind, trotting around was nothing to her. "Let the Pegasus fly, and lesser Unicorns teleport" She would say. "I enjoy a good stroll"

She found the front gates of Sweet Apple Arches, an old fashioned wooden construct. It was not really for anything but show. She started down the path, it was a bit muddy, from the rains yesterday. More than once, she stuck her hoof into what seemed solid, but truly only a lying puddle. She quickly retracted the hoof, and shook it. Muttering "how gross"

She made her way down the path, that seemed so much longer then it was, and looked around. She saw the barn, the vest rows of trees, the fields, and various other areas, but she had no farm sense, nor an idea where Applejack could be.

For her fortune, the mare in question appeared from the side of the barn. She was in very dirty and worn cloths, and looked none too offended by her condition. She spotted the other, and waved and greeted. "Howdy, eh, Rarity" She recalled her name a bit harder than the other would have liked. Applejack had less reasons to think of the other pony, since she provided a service, she did not really need.

"Afternoon Applejack, I was looking for you" She started to move forward, and stepped into something, she prayed was just more mud. She gave a shiver, thinking about designing some kind of hoof wear, that covered and protected them from the elements and various little things like that, but was in high style. There were boots for the cold, but not very pretty.

"Me? What ever for? Apple Bloom causin’ trouble again, looking for her Cutie Mark?"

"Oh no no, just wish to pass on this invitation to my party for the Day of Remembrance. Since you are such a close friend of our Twilight, as well as sister to my own sister's friend. I wanted to extend this to you" She held out the invitation.

Applejack took it, and looked at it. "That's mighty neighborly of y'all, but not sure I could make it. I've so much to do around here 'n all"

"Oh, but every pony is going to be out celebrating, I'm sure you could take a day off. I've planned to make some party styles for each of those at my little gathering" She was trying to convince her, she was not sure if it was because of Twilight, or because no pony had ever turned it down before. "Twilight is going to be there, and so will Rainbow Dash. Apple Bloom can come, Sweetie would enjoy her company. It'll be lots of fun"

The other looked a bit troubled, and sighed. "Sorry sugar cube, but I just ain't much for this kind of thing. I just want to get my crops all done up before it's too late. If y'all want to invite my Brother, and sister, that is just fine"

Rarity looked a bit wounded. "But, you couldn't possible want to miss out. No pony has ever turned down a Rarity affair"

"Please don't push this, I just don't want to go..." She said more flatly. "Just ain't my thing"

Rarity got a bit more defensive. "But why not? Is it me?"

Applejack turned away, just a bit to not be facing her directly. "Not so much you, just I ain't into all that fashion mess. I'm a work horse, not a playful, or fashion pony"

"Are you saying what I do isn't work? What I do is a lot of work!" She snapped.

"I ain't try'n to say it ain't, just not for me, ok?" She spoke a little harsher now, matching the other pony's irritation. She did not want to fight, but she would not back down.

Rarity got into a huff. "I should have figured that. Forget it" She turned away.

"Told y'all not to push me, I tried to be civil, but y'all won't let well enough alone"

"Civil? Ha, what do you know of it, wallowing in the mud" Just had completely lost her cool, and now was going in for full attack.

Applejack was not one to take it though. "At least I put in an honest day's work, if'n the need came, for all ponies to do what they do best, at least mine would actually be needed. We'd all still be naked, if not for you snobby unicorns, and your shame"

"We just know what it takes, to live smart in this world"

The other just glared at her, and tossed the invitation to the ground, right into a pile of mud. "Y'all can stick that, where it don't shine. Maybe Twi's friend, but y'all ain't one of mine" She turned, and stormed off.

Rarity watched her, and glared at her, before turning away. She did not bother picking up the paper, she just wanted to put as much distance between her and the other as she could.

***

A couple days passed by, and Twilight was over at Dressing Diamonds, going over her design, and helping Rarity clean up a bit. She went for a trash barrel, and started to fill it with the various balls of paper Rarity left laying around her work space. Designs she found unfavorable. Twilight could not help but look at a few before tossing them out. She paused, looking at one, that seemed rather nice, and it was titled "Applejack's Dress"

She looked at Rarity, who had been a bit off her normal mood the last couple days. She must have tossed it by mistake. It looked perfect. So she undid the bunched sheet, and laid it on the table, then returning to her cleaning.

After a moment, she heard Rarity. "How did this get back here?!" Her voice followed by the crumpling of paper, and then the soft sound of it bouncing on the floor.

"What is wrong?" Twilight picked it up, looking at it. It was the design again, she picked it up. "This design looks so nice"

Rarity ripped it from her hooves, and squeezed it, like it was a life to be crushed away. "It's very existence, is what is wrong" She looked so angry, that Twilight was taken aback by it. she soften a bit, and tried to smile to assure her, that she was not the reason. "Dear, don't worry about this... just a problem I can avoid"

"But, that is for Applejack, is she not coming?"

Rarity flashed her anger again, but stopped herself from lashing out. "No, she isn't" She said flatly.

Twilight looked at her funny, and then looked away. "Don't worry about it hon, some ponies just don't mix. Just cause they have a common factor, like friends, or the like, doesn't mean they can change the fact, they just don't mix"

She turned away, and started working on something again. She was still had the design, it was in her hoof, but she placed it on the table, where she was working.

Later that day, Twilight crept over, and took the ball, and stuck it into her pocket. Rarity should not miss it, since she tried to get rid of it, nearly three times.

The purple unicorn felt she needed to fix this, she was not sure what happened, but she wanted to get it resolved.

She made her way out of the shop, and went toward the Diner, hoping to find out something from the other pony. Inside, she found Apple Bloom. From her, learned the fact that her older sister was not there today, but at the farm working on the crops. So after a brief bit of direction gathering, she was again off.

She made her way to the path for the farm, and stood outside it's gates. They were closed up, which seemed odd to Twilight, for they did not look like they would do much to keep anything in or out.

She opened them, and made her way down the path. It was pretty solid, she noticed a couple holes, but paid no mind. Outside the barn, she stopped, and looked around, taking in the vast fields, and groves. It was a massive farm, and surely a great undertaking to keep in order.

She noticed something looking half buried, next to her. She picked it up, and rubbed off some dried mud. "Rarity's invitation?" She knew something did happen between them, this was the confirmation.

She studied the paper, as if it could speak of the events here, when Applejack came into sight. She had some tools, and looked worn.

"Howdy" The Earth pony called, seeing her there.

"Hello AJ" She was not sure how to play this. Go right into the trouble, or work into it.

"What brings y'all here? Look'n to work?" She laughed, and Twilight joined in, if halfhearted.

"No, I was just wondering what became of you. Seems you have been out of the Diner a lot these last weeks"

She was now right in front of her, Twilight hid the invitation. "Well y'all know, it's been busy readying for the coming snow. Need all the stores we can get, so not to go hungry" She wiped her brow, despite the cold coming on each day, she easily worked herself into a heat. "I know y'all didn't worry much about that in Canterlot, some of my family works for the farms out that way, and they tell me, they have year round growth. Plants that ain't suppose to go on through out the year, do. Must be something"

"Yeah, it is pretty... neat. But here has all the seasons, and guess traditions too. It's not such a unique thing, to celebrate the season, and the Day of Remembrance, but here it seems like a huge deal. Every pony has their own things going on" Twilight watched her friend, to see if she saw through her tactics. She seemed unaware of where she was going. "Even Rarity has a special she puts on, for a very select few" The name registered, and Applejack's ears twitched a bit. She was hiding her true reaction. "I was just wondering if she had come by yet, she was really excite about those she has on her list, and really put her love into her designs. Should see mine, looks beautiful"

"Well..." She seemed a bit uneasy, and in thought. "Y'all know I ain't much for fancy parties, and all that" She was honest to a fault, so instead of confirming or breaking her code by lying, she avoided it. "Not sure how well I'd fit into it"

"It's not really about the styles, Rarity is just doing that for her clients, and for friends, out of love and appreciation. The party is more to get ponies into a better mood, when thinking of the coming day for the dead, and to celebrate the season"

Applejack looked away, she seemed heavy in thought, but Twilight tried not to bring mind to that. "I don't know..." Was all the Earth mare could say.

"Well, if you change your mind, just talk to Rarity. I'm sure she will be happy to hear if you want to come"

"Yeah..." She said weakly.

"Oh!" Twilight said, pulling out the piece of paper. It was still partly covered in mud, and folded up. Twilight did it last minute, so not to give away she already knew. "Found this on the ground, did not have a chance to see what it was, but since it's here at your farm, betting it is yours, or some pony here" She hooved over the invitation, and without a brief far well, turned and trotted away.

Applejack looked at it, and unfolded it. She read it out to herself. "Dear Applejack and Ponyville Family, you have been invited to the Dressing Diamonds celebration of the Day of Remembrance. To honor the hard workers of Ponyville who keep us going every year. You are both; friend of Twilight, one of my own dear friends, and one of the honoured workers. So I give this VIP invitation to you and your local family, to join us in celebration. Dress wear will be provided, and with luck, you all will love what I've come up with for you. So please let me know your answer, so I can get to work on your designs"

When she finished, she lowered the paper, and sighed. She felt bad for what she said to her, even though Rarity had pressing her. She was the one who refused to even consider. She now saw why the other was trying so hard to get her to come.

***

Not much later, it was starting to get late in the town, many of the little shops were closing up. Applejack made her way down the path, toward one such shop. She stood outside the elaborate entrance of Dressing Diamonds, much too much for her simple tastes.

She slowly opened the door, and trotted inside. She looked around, and saw it was pretty quiet. She was hoping that they were not yet closed. Locking doors in Ponyville, was a rare thing, so not unheard of to have shops unlocked, even if no pony was inside.

Rarity came out from back, and was mid sentence, when she spotted Applejack. "Sorry dear, but were are clo-" She stared at her, and resisted her urge to yell.

Applejack, for the most part, looked timid. She clearly was not here for another fight, and was not going to allow herself to get into one, should the other be up for one.

"What do you want?" She said bitterly.

"To... apologize..." This did take the other aback, she did not expect it in the least. Especially since, there was no reason she knew of, to why the Earth pony would want too. She was just as guilty of being rude, and she knew she was first to strike.

When Rarity did not reply, Applejack went on. "I decided, to take a look at this here invite" She held it up, as proof. "I should have at least considered it, but I was just out right... an ass about it. Here y'all were trying to do something for me, and my family, and I just thought it was some dress up party" She looked down, ears back.

Rarity's temperature cooled, and she started to consider her own faults that day. "I should have explained it, instead of just assume you'd jump at the opportunity. I know that you are not one for, glits, and glamor. You are a what Earth ponies are born to be, practical, and focused. Working hard, and living simple, happy lives. That was why I wanted you to come, because you work so hard, so the rest of us don't have to be in the fields. I shutter at the thought of being in the mud, when not in a spa, but you wouldn't think to waste time in a spa" She moved closer, and stood before the other. "I shouldn't have said what I said, I'm sorry"

Applejack looked up to her, and gave a weak smile. "I'm sorry too, just cause you don't break your back, reaping crops, and all that, doesn't mean, you don't put in an honest day's work" She looked at the invitation. "Is this still good?" She held it up again.

Rarity took it, carefully, in just a couple fingers. "Well... it's a bit dirty, but I think it is. Though, not as dirty, if I had stuck it, where the sun don't shine" She snickered, causing the other to laugh too.

After a hug, the two went back to Apple Ciders, and spent some time, getting to know one another better. Twilight showed up, not long after, and acted like she had no idea of the whole thing, but when Rarity saw the crumpled page that had the design she made, she knew what she had done.

Both Applejack, and Rarity learned that it is good to have a friend, who cared enough for them each, to try to fix their problems. They also found, that two so different, can get along after all.

Ch08: Toy Run!

Though not common for her, Applejack relaxed into her chair. She was at home, and the crops were set, and the farm was ready for the nearing winter. Some things were still growing, but she had a couple weeks before they would be ready to harvest and store. So she did what she rarely does, took some time off. Between the shop, and the farm, and the party at Rarity's coming, she needed some time to unwind.

She did not really know what to do with herself, so she sat there, thinking about the year, all that had gone on, and the bounty the farm yielded. It was indeed a good year, for the farm, and herself. She made a friend she did not know she was missing in her life, and she made a few through her. Though her cousin was back in town, and working at Apple Cider's, she did not care that much. Temptation was not a problem, being on the nights. She would avoid that bit of bad cider.

After a moment, she started to nod off, and her hat was right over her face. she was so relaxed, she did not even notice the sound of hooves on the old boards of the house.

Applejack was jarred awake, when something grabbed her arm, and her hat was removed. She flung open her eyes, and looked at Apple Bloom, who was doing the shaking. She also saw her two friends, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, the latter now wearing her hat. That irritated her a bit, but she was more concerned to their panic. "Y'all ok? What's wrong?"

"AJ, you gotta take us out!" Bloom exclaimed. That is when the panic was revealed to be excitement.

"Take y'all out? Where?" She looked at them all in turn, and stopped back on her sister. She looked like the filly she was, for one of the few times. She figured it was something to do with her cutie mark, since that is often the reason she actually seem to act her age, even if she was very serious about it.

"To Canterlot's Mall of Equestria! Yay!!!" They all shouted.

"What ever for?" then it hit her. "Oh no, again?"

The Magick of Friendship chapter 8
Toy Run!

Every now and then, the three, self named "Cutie Mark Crusaders" went out to the big city. They had a few ponies to take them, but this time it was Applejack's turn.

The girls were into a show that had started recently, one they all fell in love with after one episode. It seem to have that effect on a few, but it did not stop there. The show was a remake of an existing line, once based on toys, and became a long running line. The newest incarnation, was new life into a series, and seemed to draw in more fans than ever before.

Being a toy line originally, a new one was due, and it came out and sold out quickly. The girls had managed to get their hooves on most things, but now and then, they looked around to find the lost pieces. Applejack liked the idea, since it made her sister actually enjoy being a filly, instead of wanting to be all grown up.

So she was now on her way to Canterlot, she asked Twilight if she would go, but she was held up in her schooling, and Library work, much the same with all the others. Only she was free from school, and could easily leave work.

Applejack rode up front of the chariot, next to the unicorn, who made it lighter for the Pegasus who pulled it along in the sky. The three girls nearly bounced around in the back, making Applejack a bit nervous. She was not much for flying around, she liked being on the ground, but a quick flight was easier to manage, than a long trek, especially when Canterlot was easier to access by air.

The Mall of Equestria was located farther down the mountain perched capitol, but still was pretty well up in the sky. When they landed, Applejack was still uneasy by the height of it. The others, did not seem to care. "Come on Applejack!" Her sister said. "Yeah, let's hurry!" Sweete Belle added. "Before it's too late!!" Scootaloo finished.

The four made their way into the City, it was so vast, that it could hold the town of Ponyville in just the shopping district. The fact it was broken into districts, really proved that it was a massive city. It had a few ones, some bigger than others, and strategically placed. The Shopping one, was in prefect view of the Grand Castle above. Since it was the main attraction of the City, it was best to make sure it was seen from the busiest part. Other parts, like the ambassador's district, was set around the base of the mountain, making it nearest the Castle, on the lower raise, but also close to the other areas. Castle it self, was closed off by most areas, only few could freely move about the grounds. Ambassadors had the easiest access, but were also closely watched. Since the wars, the grounds were guarded in case another war came. Though it was a far off idea, since Equestria has long been the friend to the many of the other countries.

Applejack felt a bit overwhelmed, by the size, the stores here, were so much larger, and flasher. More over, there were many more of the same type, than Ponyville had. It made one wonder how they felt with so much competition near. She spotted some of the local diners and food services, and wanted to take a look to see how the big city ponies did things. The girls were more interested in hitting the shops. It would have to wait, she would not dare leave them alone in the city. Risks were low, but still there. No matter how utopian, every culture had it's troubles. Seemed to just be a part of life, not everypony could sit easy in peace. Please some of the ponies, some of the time, but not all the ponies all the time.

Their first stop, was "Toys 4 U" One of the biggest lines of toy stores. And so in they went. She looked around, as the girls dashed ahead. "Mighty large toy shop" she thought, as she trotted along. Seemed like it's own town, with signs pointing out where things were. She saw the direction that the three disappeared, and made her way there. It was a lot pinker than the rest, obviously to attract little fillies. Funny, she thought, because a few of the toys here, the biggest draws to little fillies, were collected by all ages, and all genders. She did not see much point in the collection of such things, but she also was not here to judge.

She found the girls, already going over the aisle. She looked at the toys, little pony looking figures. Kind of off shaped, but it was style. She recalled when she was little, they had this line, and it was a bit more like the original ponies of Equestira, the four legged kind. These ones were the same, but in a different style. Looked more cartoonish, but a bit cuter.

She picked up one, and looked at it. Was a Unicorn, by the horn, and it's colours seemed to look kind of like Twilight Sparkle. It was a lighter colour, and the hair was a bit off compared to her friend, but it still looked enough like her. Like the real one, it had a cutie mark, something these toys all had. Little marks, like real ponies, that gave individuality , and personality. It had a couple stars, and her name was "Constella Shine"

Apple Bloom saw her looking at it, and came off. "Found one you like?" She looked a bit hopeful. Applajack, like her little sister, did not spent too much time enjoying herself. They shared that, and with that, both worried for the other. Bloom knew her sister did not really spend her filliehood, acting like one. In the few things that made the little Apple enjoy being so young, she was hoping her sister would find the same escape.

"Na... just looked kinda like Twilight" She went to put it back, but felt hesitant.

"Should get it, won't hurt"

Applejack looked at her sister, and back to the toy. "No, what would I do with it? I don't think brushing it's mane, and pretending with it, is something a full grown mare should do" She paused, and looked at Apple Bloom, who seem to take that to heart, like she was now evaluating her own self. She feared she would ruin this for her, and quickly turned her statement around. "But you know?" she held it closer. "A mare has to know, when to relax, and enjoy the little things" She gave a fake smile, she hopped did not show in it's falsehood.

The little Earth pony thought, and smiled. "Yer right"

They both paused, when a stallion made his way through, excusing himself, to get to the shelf. "Pardon" They both moved, and looked at him. He was around Applejack’s age, and looked more like a fan of occult, and horror, than a little filly’s toy. He grabbed a couple, and smiled, trotting back out.

"Even a grown Stallion knows" Apple Bloom said, giggling, causing Applejack to laugh a little.

They went to a few other places, any where that had toys, and after a few hours, the girls had more for their own collections. Applejack just had the one, but it seemed enough for her. She did not see herself getting all obsessed over them, like her sister and friends, but she saw no harm in being so. Was all in fun, and what ever made ponies happy, was just fine.

She decided to take the girls to one of the diners, and see what they were about. Afterwards, she did not really see anything that was so special, just bigger, and a little more fake than her own place, but she might just be biased on that. It was enjoyable, and after a long day, the four were ready to go home.

It was getting dark, and the city was calming a bit, but as with Ponyville, it was not just a day city. With the Queen Luna taking over, the nocturnal creatures would be out. Far more kinds, and amount of them, than Ponyville had.

The three fillies were in the back of the chariot, looking over their haul, and Applejack sat up with the Unicorn "driver" as before. Not the same group as the flight in. She was still a bit nervous with the flight, but she we feeling better after today. She was holding to the bag with her own toy, not even realizing she was doing so, protectively.

She started the day with nothing to do, and was worried she would be bored, or felt the day a waste. After this trip, she was glad. Maybe not at first, when jarred awake.

***

When the four got home to Ponyville, it was late, and so Applejack called ahead to let those who needed too, that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were safe, and with her. She decided to let them stay over as well.

They were back at the farm house, and the fillies all galloped inside, and were playing around. It was late, sure, but they could have some time to enjoy themselves, especially when they would probably pass out soon enough. Applejack, on the other hoof, was worn out. She made her way to her room, and just reminded the three to not stay up too late. She knew better, that they would not really listen, but she still held onto the fact they had been going all day.

Applejack changed out of her cloths, into a simple shirt, and loose pants. She saw little point in dressy night cloths, and so did not wear them. Warmer nights, would not even bother with anything at all. She put the bag on her dresser, and trotted a way to the bathroom. When she returned, she took out the box with the little pony toy, and sat on her bed, fighting to get the thing out. "Need to be a safe cracker" She muttered. After a few moments, she had it out, but the mane and tail looked a bit frizzled, due to the little plastic and tape they used to keep it presentable in the box. She picked up the little brush that it came with, and started to work the mane back into order, but it was proving not so effective. She moved out of bed, putting the wreckage of the box on the dresser, and grabbing her comb. She did not use it too often, her mane was too thick, but she had it from her fillihood, and kept it as a reminder of when her mother use to brush her mane and tail.

Returning to her bed, she sat down, and started to work the little mane, with better results. She thought it a bit silly at first, but as the hair started to get into shape, she found herself enjoy it a bit. She then worked the tail, and took care to get it nice looking. She laid back, putting the brush and accessories on the stand beside her. She held the little pony, so much like her friend, looking over it. "What would Twilight think of this?" She thought to herself, laughing a bit. "Full grown mare, and I'm playing with toys? And actually having fun with it" She set it down, facing her by her bed.

She turned out the lights, and settled into bed, looking at the little pony toy as she felt her eyes grow heavy. "G'night, little Twilight" She said, closing her eyes smiling.

Ch09: Hit and Miss-Spell

Autumn was mid way, and the month was nearly over. The Last two days of the month, and first of the next, were all dedicated to celebrations. The first day was when the ponies came together, and had their Day of Remembrance. It lasted all three days, but it was the first that was truly for the memories of those lost. It was not unique to Ponyville, but here had many kinds of citizens, and so it was a bigger celebration than most other parts of Equestria. One of the few nights, that both day and night citizens mingled. Ponies, Dragons, Gargoyles, and many others.

The undead though, seem to stay away. Some would be honored this night, but they felt it was not appropriate for them to be there.

The second day, would be when the celebrations were truly started. Various parties, and occasions, held for the passed, and for the hard workers of Ponyville. Most of Equestria did the latter farther into the next month, but that was more a gathering of families, than a true testament to those who harvest the foods and needs of the ponies.

The Final night, one of the towns or cities of Equestria held a show, one so grand, that it drew crowds from all over and the various lands beyond. This year, Ponyville hosted it. They had several acts, who all would "wow" the crowd, and show off the talents of the locals of Ponyville. This year, one act would be preformed by the self named "Great and Powerful Trixie" Though off stage she was not too liked, on stage, her shows were something to witness.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 9
Hit and Miss-Spell

As with tradition, the creatures of Equestria, came from all over. The Day of Remembrance was into it's second day, and the parties and gatherings were being held. No part of Ponyville, or much of Equestria, was not out and enjoying themselves. Even the Queens were visiting the biggest celebrations, and made their way to Ponyville.

It was a brief stay, but Celestia, made sure to spend some time with her student.

She was already well into a conversation with Twilight, as they trotted along. "I see it has been eventful here" The radiant Queen spoke.

"Oh yes, it has. I have had so much fun being here, I can not thank you enough for getting me out into the world" Twilight said, all excited, and nearly beaming with her own light.

Queen Luna looked about, as she following them at a distance. She was still not so much for conversation, she did not know Twilight all that well, and the ponies here even less. She enjoyed the time out, but felt timid with so many faces after so many life times away.

Where the Queens went, creatures of all kinds took notice, and made their respects. She wished that her own student was here, but Harmony Spirit was back home, watching over the Castle with Star Shadows. Both could hoof themselves in the duties, but this day was all celebration. So not much was need, but tending to the Sun and Moon.

She sighed, as she trotted along. Looking up from the ground, looking at the two, Student and Master, enjoying each others company, and it only made her wish her own was here more.

"Excuse me?" A little voice came, and Luna stopped, and looked down. A small pony, very young indeed, was standing there.

"Hello little one" She knelt down, so she was closer. Luna was not as tall as her sister, but she was more so than most ponies, and to a little foal, she was a giant.

"I just... wanted to say..." The little one was very nervous, and had trouble speaking, but Luna tried to show she was not gonna bite, with a gentle smile. It seemed to work, and the little filly eased, and hugged her. "Thank you, for visiting us, and bringing such beautiful nights to Ponyville"

As quickly as she came, she galloped off, leaving Luna a bit surprised, but equally happy. She did not get to hear that often, and it really made her feel better.

She stood back up, and looked over, seeing her sister and Twilight looking at her, smiling each. She flicked her ears back in embarrassment, and tried not to show it. "I uh..." She nervously fixed her hair.

"It is always a pleasure to hear from those you watch over, that they appreciate it" Celestia said, in her caring manner. Luna just nodded, smiling, trying to hide it.

It was short, but it was a nice visit, both Queens, and Twilight had a good time, but the two Royal Sisters had to be off to the next town. It was a good act, for them to show they did not lock themselves away from those who looked up to them. Events like this, were just such times they should be out and about.

As they left, Twilight returned to her dorm, to get ready for Rarity's party. Knowing Applejack was going to be there, made her happier. She would go either way, but she wanted to see her friends all together, getting along.

She made her way to the shop, she noticed several of the other ponies and creatures of Ponyville. They were making their own way to their parties, and just having their fun around town. This day, the last of the month, was one that also had the little fillies and colts, gathering candies, and masquerading as things other then themselves. The ritual, was something from another land, based on an old tradition. Twilight did not know it, but it was at least fun for the younger ones.

She was at Dressing Diamonds, and noticed how it looked nothing like a store, but more of a smaller hall. Decorated to befit all the kinds of celebrations, even the idol and friend of Rarity, Swanheart, was done up to match. He was giving out the candies, and greeting the guest. "Hello, Miss Twilight, Rarity is in the back. Applejack had arrived a bit ago, and she is trying to help her with the custom dress" He could not help but laugh, Twilight found it hard to imagine her friend dressed up, and giggled too.

"Thank you" She dipped her head, and went in.

Looking around, she saw some faces she knew, but there were more she did not. Many of those who came from all over, from Rarity's invitations.

She went to the back of the shop, where Rarity's studio was. She heard the sounds of struggles, and peered inside.

"Blast it! Why do I gotta wear that thing?! Can't hardly breath" She heard Applejack first, and Rarity soon after. "Because, it is a corset, and it allows the body to fit into the dress I made for you, now hush, and suck it up!"

"Tar nation!" She weezed, as Twilight trotted in.

"Well, I never thought I would see this" She laughed.

Applejack glared at her, trying to breath through her constricted diaphragm.

"She is such a big foal, Rainbow Dash didn't complain nearly as much" Rarity stated, helping the Earth pony into the dress. It was earth tones, and looked like it may have been suitable to wear in the fields of the pony's farm. It was rather suiting for her, all be it more fancy than she would like. The sleeves were long, but rolled up, in a way that added to the style. The Skirt, was flowing, but not flashy, just enough to look good, but also be practical. The buttons were custom, to be little apples, and she even had a hat, much like her old one, but dresser, and still fresh with colour, with a fancy belt around crown, it too had an Apple, that was much like her cutie mark. The Brim had little designs etched into it. She had her usual loose braid, tightened, and even her tail was likewise. The mane that hung in front of her face, was curled and came down over a bit more.

"This is the only time, I'm getting fancy..." She muttered. "I can hardly breath"

Rarity waved her off. "Big Filly"

Twilight laughed a bit at the two. "You two are so funny"

They both looked at her, after staring each other down. "How so?" The asked together.

"Oh, nothing" Not long ago, they had nothing in common, and for a time, were even at odds, but here they looked like old friends. Rarity once said that they just did not mix, but this moment seemed to be more then enough to prove otherwise.

The three came out into the main hall, each in their dresses. Twilight's was something looking royal, with dark tones, and little glimmering stones, like stars, and gave off a feel of magick. A two piece, with the long flowing skirt, and a top that closed up from neckline to the waist, but went on going down and back around the skirt. It also had a hood, since it was some Twilight seem to have in most her styles, also added to the sorcerer robe style. The center of the bust was sown into the fabric, the style of her cutie mark.

Rarity's was silky, and flowed like water off her form. It was sleeveless, and top half had all the right lines and support to accentuate herself. It was tastefully so, but any looking, would find themselves looking twice, to get a full view. Made to be subtle, but still draw attention. Not so much to steal the show, but just to make sure none, especially her clients, forget that she was a just as lovely, and appealing, as her designs. Maybe a night for honouring others, but did not hurt to still advertise for the future. She had her hair much as she always did, but bond the end of it, in the back, was clasped by a Diamond clip, and was slung over her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash was over at one of the tables, messing with the food. She was dressed in something of simple colours, her mane and tail had enough colour, that a dress could easily be overwhelming to the eye. It was not as dressy as all the other styles, something streamline, and flattering. It was a shorter skirted dress, and sleeveless, and low cut neckline. Not so much as advertising as Rarity, but more to keep an active pony, cool. Her mane was tamed, and clipped toward the bottom. She wore a necklace, of a three coloured thunderbolt.

Dash was busy chatting with some other Pegasus, who was dressed in a uniform. An air force pony. Despite both their fancy styles, neither seemed to be very classy. Laughing, and eating while talking, and making a bit of a mess.

Rarity spotted Fluttershy over in a corner, looking to be trying to hide. She was dressed up too, much more Earthy looking than any pony else. Even Applejack's looked more city compared. Rarity used plants as inspiration, and it was more covering than the others as well. Some of the flowers, there were little butterflies. "Oh, hello" Fluttershy said, as the hostess came over.

"Why are you over here? You look great"

"I just.. don't do well in groups" She seem to shrink a bit.

Rarity put an hoof on her shoulder. "Come on, tonight is a night to enjoy yourself, not hide a way" She moved behind her, and pushed her into the crowd. Fluttershy struggled to get back into the corner, but Rarity was too insistent.

"Here!" She said, pushing her up to another pony. A tall Earth pony, who was dressed almost like shy Pegasus. "This is May Flower, one of the Royal gardeners. And this is Fluttershy, Ponyville's own little animal and planet expert"

"Oh my..." Fluttershy muttered.

"Hello" He smiled.

Twilight was over with Applejack, watching Rarity playing match maker with the timid pony. "Poor Fluttershy" Twilight laughed softly.

Applejack looked over at them, then back at Twilight. "Y'all don't look near as uncomfortable in your dresses as I am" She had been looking at all the others in the party. "That Rarity put me in this blasted thing, to get back at me"

"She did not, it is a normal part of dresses. Pretty much ever mare has to where one" She looked around, to make sure no pony was looking at her. She undid a couple buttons, and showed her own. Applejack looked at it, and nodded. "It is not easy to be pretty"

The Orange mare looked ahead. "Ain't that the turth. Why any pony goes through this, is well beyond my mind"

"Go through what?" Pinkie popped up behind them, causing them both to jump.

"Land sakes! Do y'all gotta do that?"

"Do what?" Another voice said, causing them to jump again, as Ditzy Doo stood there.

Twilight tried to get her breath. Pinkie and Ditzy looked alike, wearing what seemed like what dress and uniform had, if they had children. The Pink mare, was in something like her current job. An older fashion soda shop uniform, but made into a flowing dress. The grey Pegasus, was in a dark coloured uniform, something like a postal courier. Two of the strangest ponies in Ponyville, and most dedicated to their jobs. Was fitting they were dressed so. They also seem to be the only ones of Ponyville, that did not show off their Cutie Mark in their dresses.

"What were you two talking about?" Ditzy asked, coming over by Pinkie.

"Corsets" Applejack said bitterly.

"Oh? How come?" Pinky asked.

Twilight looked at her. "Cause, Applejack does not like wearing them"

"Really?" Pinky thought. "I don't have to" She said, not so much to brag, just putting it out there.

"You don't?" Applejack asked. "Why she get a way with it?"

Pinky pulled up her front, showing her thin build. "Wouldn't do much" Ditsy nodded too, tapping her own stomach. "Me either"

"Of course..." Twilight said, with a hint of jealousy.

"Suppose, with that crop of energy y'all have, it's no wonder you ain't got nothing extra" Applejack said, not so jealous as Twilight, only thinking she wished she was so lucky to avoid this torture device.

The party went on, and went pretty well. All of Rarities friends and clients were enjoying themselves. It was a complete success, even if Applejack kept complaining about the corset. Rarity found it funny, she was so uncomfortable in a corset, as Rarity herself would have been in the fields of the farm.

Took some time, but the gathering broke up, and all the ponies went home, or to their temporary residence for the holiday. The month was now over, but one day was left to the Day of Remembrance.

***

The third day of celebration came, and Ponyville was filled to its boarders with creatures from all over. This year was the one that the little town was host to the main attractions of the final day. The two Queens returned, now as guests for the grand show, and did not socialize as they would any other time. It was a time for the acts, not for the Royal Sisters. This time, Harmony Spirit, Luna's own student, was in attendance. Star Shadows had, remained behind to tend the day. He was not one for social gatherings, so he did not mind at all.

For the first time, since she left Canterlot, Twilight was in her student robes, and sat with her mentor, as the shows went on. Her friends, had spots close to them, and watched on as the acts preformed.

Local, and ponies from all over Equestria, were putting on shows. Magick acts, finest of the land. Daring stunts, and many kinds of performance. It was nearly a Talent show, for the variety of acts. Bands, and DJs, were aiding the acts, and putting on their own shows. One such, as Vinyl Scratch, or DJ Pon-3, as most called her. A White Unicorn, who's talent for spinning, really fed the moments for the performers, and herself.

As the day grew on, it was nearing the time for the shows to come to an end. One final act was to perform, an act of magick, but one the was promised to be greater than any other seen.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie!" The voice called out, one from the pony's own mouth. She took the stage, with no shame, and lacking no pride. This was moments she shined like no other, this was her element, to grab the crowd, and keep them entranced.

She called up simple tricks, to draw them into her act, all a ploy to lull them into comfort, before she unleashed her greatest spell.

Twilight, and few others who had to deal with her normally, had to admit, she was a show pony like few others, and she did have talent to back up her arrogance. Though they felt that it was unfortunate, since it justified her.

"Now, my enthralled audience, I shale do, what few even dare to dream!" She stood in the spot light, she was far brighter, and needed nothing to draw attention. She was all that any pony thought of at the moment. "In this land of Equestria, are things, that even mighty dragons would think twice about challenging, but I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, can do things no other can. I can battle and tame the dreaded Ursa Major!" A collective gasp came from the audience, few muttered among themselves over the claim, and more were in doubt of such things.

She smirked, and looked out at them, in a wide gaze. "I see you all are skeptical... well, I guessed such. It is hard to take it straight from the pony's mouth, but words are cheap..." She lifted her arms, horn aglow, and the stage was gone, and behind her, was a large cage, holding a beast that cause many to panic, and cry out in terror. A large bear shaped creature, wicked claws, each longer than a house, and teeth of equal intensity. The creature seemed unreal, for it looked to be made up of Night sky. Even Celestia and Luna looked on in shock. Either could stand against such a creature, but it was not easy. Here, this little unicorn, claimed she could do it, and would seem, with little effort.

"Behold, the creature we all... well, excluding myself, Fear!" She snapped her fingers, and the cage was gone like the stage, but the monster remained. This renewed the fear in the audience, and she turned to them. "Calm yourselves, for this is no danger!"

She turned to the creature, that was looking around, seeming to assess the situation, and it then looked at the crowd. Letting out a roar, one that shock not only physically, but the very soul.

"Down creature! You are mine to command, and I command you cease this noise!"

It looked at her, and then let our another roar, but she did not show fear. She stood against it, and summoned her magicks, and sent the beast back. It skidded, and looked a bit shocked and dazed.

"I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! I caught you once, and I will defeat you again!"

It returned to its ferocity, and started toward her, but she again, pushed it back.

The gathering, looked on, as a small pony, battled a creature that was the size of the elder dragons. They were mixed between fear and elation, for the show they witnessed.

"My Queen?" Twilight turned to her mentor. "What do you think we should do?"

She sat there, watching them battle, and waited a moment, thinking of her answer. "I do not think we should interfere. Not yet" she sensed something, and was not giving out what it was.

"She put up a decent fight, against me," Harmony started. "Might have more power the either of us has seen"

"Now!" Trixie called out. "I will imprison you again!" With a motion, she was alight in her magick, and soon the Ursa was too. "Yield beast!" She shouted, and a cage formed around it. It stood in the large construct, and looked around.

Trixie landed, and turned a way, back toward the audience. "See, I have done it again! It is my-" She was cut off, as the beast roared, and the cage shattered. "What?!"

With a quick turn, she tried to summon the spell again, but the beast batted her away. She flew a bit, and crashed into a near building. The audience began to panic, and make for any where but here.

Celestia, and Luna looked on, with their students and their friends, still near. "We have to stop-" Twilight began, but Celestia moved before them, and did nothing else.

The creature began to rampage, and strike at the buildings.

Trixie stood up, looking nothing like an arrogant unicorn, but a defeated warrior after a long battle. "How could this fail?" She said to herself. "How?"

With renewed energy, she summoned more of herself, and struck at the beast again. "YIELD!!!" But it did not, and kept destroying.

Twilight did not want to wait for Trixie to finish, no way this was part of her act, since she was no longer even looking all powerful.

She rushed past and charged into the battle, her horn now alight, and she summoned her own magicks to strike the beast. These were more effective, and caught its attention, signified, by a roar.

She did not back down, and unleashed more spells on it. Fire, lights, summoning things to strike it. The whole was working, as it was looking to be wearing on the onslaught.

It collapsed, but clearly not finished. Twilight took the moment to get her breath. As she was, she noticed something strange. She learned about these creatures once, and something about this one seemed wrong.

She studied it close, looking it over, and saw something wrong in the constellations that made up it's body. "This is not an Ursa.. not a real one" She looked at Trixie, after her thoughts, and realized the truth. It was a powerful spell, one she had never been able to pull off, at such a scale. This was an illusion, a temporary trick, to create something solid, and nearly real, but it was just a spell, that could be undone.

She refocused her magicks, and recalled the matrix of the spell work, to reverse it, she hoped that Trixie did not change the spell, or she would not be able to break it down.

The false Ursa rose and resumed its attack, moving toward Twilight, who stood there, horn aglow, but eyes closed. It neared her, and raised its paw to strike her. As it racked the sky, closing on her, Trixie actually cried "Look out!" The paw would never reach, as it dissolved before it could finish the path. The whole beast followed after, and it was over in an instant.

Twilight opened her eyes briefly, before collapsing to the ground. "Thank the Stars..." She muttered, as she was soon swarmed by many of those who were still by, mostly the ponies and creatures who made Ponyville their home. They made way for the Queens, and those who were close by them. Twilight was now in a circle of her friends and loved ones, as they made sure she had space. Applejack and Harmony were closest, propping her up.

As she recovered, the other turned their attention to Trixie, who was still in shock.

They surrounded her, after the trouble she caused, they were all justifiably angry with her. She backed up, but had no place to go. She was against the building that her own spell had flung her against.

"You terror!" One shouted. "You are going to pay for this!" Another said. "If not for Twilight, we could all be out on our rears, with no homes. We could have been killed"

Twilight recovered enough, to watch as the other unicorn was gripped in fear. The others looked almost bloodthirsty with rage. The Arrogant magick pony, looked like a child now. She had no pride, or arrogance, only fear and shame. The Great and Powerful Trixie, looked meek and sorrowful.

Trixie may be a pain, but she was not trying to hurt anypony, and Twilight knew that deep inside, she also knows how a spell can go astray in an instant. Something started to burn in her, seeing her like this, one of the few ponies that shares in her unique gift of magick. She was now in trouble, even if it was self caused.

Twilight regained her energy, and charged through the crowd, and stood between them and Trixie. Who looked at her oddly, wondering what the violet unicorn had planned. The Crowd was equally confused by the act as well.

They are started up, shouting and calling names out. "STOP!" Twilight shouted. A Silence fell, and all eyes looked surprised toward her.

"How can you all be so cruel?" She began. "Can you not see how scared she is, and how sorry she is? She has been a pain in the flank for everypony, but she has never gone out of her way to hurt anypony" She looked over the crowd.

"But look at what she's done!"

"I know that there are few Unicorns in this town, fewer who can summon magick as her or I. So you ponies do not know what it is like to try to control magick, especially on that scale of ours. One small mistake, could change a simple spell, into a disaster"

They all seem to calm a bit, a couple others seem to agree with her. She could not tell if they were locals, or some of the visitors. She did not really care, she just wanted to turn the crowd.

Twilight turned to Trixie, who still could not make sense of her sudden defense. "You are not without blame Trixie. You and I, we are both blessed with Magick as our special ability. That means we have to control our spells. You are a show off, and try to be too flashy. You need to focus more on-"

"What ever" She snapped. "I messed up, no need to go on" She looked past Twilight at the crowd, and glared. "I will do better next time, and I will be more... careful... I guess" She brushed past Twilight, looking more angry than sorry now.

Twilight watched her go, after she made it a few tails, a flash of light, and she was gone.

***

Twilight was helping the others clean up the mess, tempers had cooled, and the ponies just wanted to put it all behind them. No pony really said anything, so the only sounds was the cleaning. Even some of those not of the town, were cleaning.

The last day of Remembrance, and it was one to remember indeed.

After it was done, Twilight trotted home. She was tired from everything, and needed a long rest. She paused a moment, thinking she heard something. She shrugged it off, and continued on.

She heard it again, and stopped. "Hello?"

Something moved in the shadows, of one of the allies. "You should be happy" Trixie said, coming into the light. "You are the student of Queen Celestia, a great magick user” She paused a brief moment. “Plus the whole town thinks you are a hero. Such glory"

"I did not do it for glory. I do not use my magick to show off, or to get fame" Twilight said, with a hint of annoyance.

Trixie scoffed. "Well lucky you, you don't have too" She trotted past Twilight, and stopped.

"It has been a long day, can you be a pest later?" The violet mare, was not in much a mood, after everything, the other seemed to learn nothing. "Seriously, after all this, you are-"

"Didn't come here to pester you Twilight Sparkle. I came to say... Thanks..."

She looked surprised. "What?"

"I messed up, and it would have been really bad if you hadn't been there. Being a good show pony, means always doing your best in the spot light. I push myself, and well... I failed today" She looked to the sky, looking at the stars. "Funny, when a star shines, it's light is taken for granted, but when it falls, everypony makes a fuss" She sighed. "But that is the way of those who are made into stars"

She looked different now, she was not at all like herself, or a side any had seen. "You ok Trixie?"

"I'm fine" She started to trot away.

She watched her go, she felt funny. Twilight was use to Trixie being in her face, but never seen her so deep in thought. She wanted to follow her, and try to get more, but she felt it best to just leave it be for now. Maybe one day, she would break the unicorn's shell, and see what was inside her mind.

Ch10: Darkwing Messanger

When Twilight Sparkle was enrolled in the Povyville college, she was past the usual date for eligibility, but when the one enrolling you is the Queen of Equestria, it is hard for a simple school to refuse.

By being entered late, she did not get to take the testing to see her levels. So after a semester, she finally took the aptitude test, and was found to be far more advanced than the first year courses. So with awarded credits, and some reworking, she was placed into higher classes for most of them. She was now in second, and some even third year.

With new courses, she was now entering a more challenging semester, in ways she was yet to realize.

The Magick of Friendship chapter 10
Darkwing Messenger

Twilight was very excited, she would hope to learn more from the classes she was moved up in. She would also share a class with her friend Rainbow Dash, who was not so into the classes as the Unicorn was.

She easily found the room for "History of Equestria" She felt a little confident that she was still advanced for this class, but she also felt that way in most her studies.

The class was set up like most of the larger colleges, the history course was a big thing for Equestria since it was restored. Queen Celestia wished that all the ponies had a good grasp on the past. It was a key course for a general diploma, and an option for masters.

She took a seat in one of the lower rows, so to be closer to the lessons. Twilight was well settled in by the time the bulk of the class came in, and before it was time for class to start. The teacher, a faded brown Earth stallion, went to close the door, as Dash and a Gryphon skirted being late. "Seems you two are getting better at telling time" He said, with littler humor.

"Miracle can happen teach" Dash said, and made her way to the desk. The other did likewise, she looked even less enthused by this class than the Pegasus. Twilight recognized her, but could not really recall where.

The Pegasus took a seat by her, and her friend by her. "Yo Sparks" Dash said, and Twilight greeted. "That is my main bird, Gilda"

Twilight moved to look at her, and greet her, but she did not seem to care much more for it, than the class. "Yeah, cool" She said coldly. "Why we down so far?" She was asking the mare closest to her.

Rainbow Dash turned to her. "Because, I wanted to sit by my bud Sparks"

The teacher called attention to himself. "Today, will start on the bits we left off on. A review of the course so far, was the War of the Night Beasts. Much of our history has been lost, but bits and pieces have been gathered, and we know the war was a great struggle when Magick had become the main source of all things in Equestria..."

Gilda grumbled, and Dash echoed her reaction. "What a bore" The Gryphon said.

Twilight did not pay much attention to the two making jokes, locked back into her study mode. She was listening intently, she knew much of this already, but she liked the way he told the stories.

"Hey Tulip" Gilda whispered, Twilight correcting her on the name before other went on. "Yeah, sure. You seem to like this learning junk, should let Me and Dash copy off ya. Help us out, we can help you out too"

"G, don't bug her, she's my friend" Dash interjected.

"Why I'm asking, what friends do, right?"

"I could not do that, I would be robbing you both of the education you are here to get" Twilight replied.

"Well, you see?" Gilda went on. "I don't do very well with learning here and now. I need time to go over things, but when you need the answers here and now, I fall behind. Dash, she is just lazy" She added the last part, caused her friend rolled her eyes as she was talking.

The Unicorn seem to consider the facts. "Well..."

"Don't do it, she is messing with you, she just doesn't want to listen"

"Dash? You bitch, almost had her"

"Told ya, she is a friend, don't screw with her" She jabbed a finger at her.

They both glared at each other, and Twilight sank in her seat a bit, looking ahead.

"Well" The teacher spoke, right at the three. "Seems another reminder from last semester, you two lacking in your attention span. I am surprised you have sat so close, and surprised at you miss Sparkle" His gaze focused on her. "I would have expect you would be more attentive, being an advanced student" He gave a sturdy glare at the two known trouble makers. "Try not to let these two get to you, we are in college after all. Queens help you, if I see notes being past around" A couple others around them, laughed and giggled at the comment.

"Hey, don't sweat it teach, just me and G you have to worry about" Rainbow Dash defended, and the older stallion rolled his eyes.

Gilda leaned back in her seat, something was on her mind, and it was not anything good. She was disappointed to loose a free ride, but she was also feeling something else, with the weight of her stare on Twilight.

The class went on, with little interruption. When it was over, the teacher called Dash and Gilda over to talk. "Look you two, can we go one semester without your trouble? I try to be nice, but you both still slack off. I would not mind so much, if you did not draw others into the little trouble cloud you float on"

"Hey, we passed last time" Dash said, Gilda was less than caring about the whole thing. "Made it through one year, and onto another one"

"Yes, but you barely made it by. How you two goofed off, missed classes, and still managed to pass with semi-decent grades, I can not fathom. What are you gaining by being here? Why waste time and money, if you are not taking it serious?"

"I'm going to get into the Wonder Bolts!" Dash declared.

"Try to remember that, and maybe you will shape up. I have had a couple come through here, and they worked hard to get the best grades and pass with flying colours. Pardon the pun. You have potential Rainbow Dash, if you apply yourself. Leave the High school toughmare behind, and act like you are in college. I should not even be needing to say this" He paused. "I am only doing so, because I do care for my students. I teach, because it is what I love. So you must learn, so you can do what you love"

His words seem to actually make a dent in the Pegasus. Gilda was less than impressed. "We done?"

He looked at her, and sighed. "You have a lot of potential, and even could become the first Gryphon to pass college. Something-" She held up her clawed hand. "I'll behave, just enough with the lectures. Your class is out, and so am I"

Dash watched her go, and followed after her. The teacher rubbed his head. "Like a bad High School drama"

***

A couple days in, and the words of their teacher, Mr. Passage, still filled her mind. Dash felt she wanted to try harder, but Gilda was not going to be much help, so she went to Twilight.

She tried to get Gilda to take Twilight's help too, but the Gryphon was becoming more distant. Dash could not see it, but Gilda had something against the Unicorn. She avoided her as much as she could. Dash just shrugged it off, and took lessons under her friend.

"Oh mare, this sucks!" Rainbow Dash declared. They were in the Ponyville Grand Library, so Twilight tried to quiet her. "Sorry Sparks, but this junk is just boring"

"It is not so hard, if you can related to it" Twilight explained.

"That's the problem, I don't care about any of this. History is pointless"

Twilight was trying to think of how to get her friend interested. "Well, if we do not know the past, we may repeat things, like the bad stuff"

"Still don't care. Why do I need to know about the founding of Ponyville, or how ponies got to trotting on two legs?"

"Well, what are you studying as your major?"

"What ever, I just went in for a general knowledge thing, so I could get through easy, but now I'm stuck in courses I don't care about"

Twilight was a bit surprised. "Not learning a trade? What if you do not get into the Wonder Bolts, or after if you do? Should have something to fall back on"

"I'll be dead, my life is for being a Wonder Bolt. I'm gonna be the best flyer in Equestrian Hist..." She grumbled, causing Twilight to giggle. She did not want to learn it, but she wanted to go down in History.

"Well, what about that? What about the early flyers of Equestria? I bet you could learn something from that. The first Pegasus, the first Wonder Bolts, even the War Time flyers"

Dash thought about it. "Well, I guess there maybe something to learning that"

Twilight smiled, and pulled out a book. "This has some good stories in it, around the era when Queen Luna was gone. I have not read it all yet, but sure it will be more help to you" She looked at her Bay-B, and saw the time. "We should go, the Library closes soon" Rainbow Dash nodded, and they gathered their things, and moved out of the building.

They trotted a bit down the path, when Gilda swooped in. "Dash, there you are, where did you go?" She looked at Twilight, who waved, but she did not respond to it. "We were going to do some of our moves today, now it's too late!"

"Sorry G, I was out with Sparks today, trying to get on this learning thing"

The Gryphon did not like the fact she was with Twilight, and did not hide her annoyance too well. "What ever, lets go, maybe we can practice some things before it gets dark" She went to grab Rainbow Dash's arm, but she moved away.

"Sorry G, I have to get home and work on this. Twilight gave me a book to look at with some of early Legends of Equestria. Might learn some new moves" She sounded more excited, but her friend was not.

"What ever" She grumbled, and took off. It left both of them confused, but Dash shrugged it off. she knew Gilda well enough, that she was moody at times.

***

Things started to improve, Rainbow Dash was getting better in her classes, and Twilight and her were getting to be closer. Though the same could not be said for Gilda, who seem to grow more distant, to even her friend. She was also slipping in her classes. Where Dash was showing up far more than she did before, Gilda was showing up less.

Twilight had the feeling Gilda did not like her, but she also knew that she and Rainbow were very close, and did not want their relationship to end over her interference in the Pegasus' lessons.

After class, she found Gilda, and waited until she could get a moment alone with her. She followed her, and when she was out in the open, and called her name.

Upon hearing her name, the Gryphon turned, she knew it was not Dash, but she did not look surprised to see Twilight, she looked more mad than anything. "What?"

"I thought I could talk to you, seems you are starting to fall back. If you like, I can help you. It worked for Rainbow Dash, maybe-" The Gryphon came up to her, and grabbed her shirt. "What is wrong?" Twilight was shocked by it, but tried to stay calm.

"You! Dash and me, were perfect, till you came in, and started changing her. Now she does more reading than anything else" She deepened her stare. "I tolerate you, only because of Dash. So leave me alone, and you better stop filling her head with all this study crap too. I've known her longer than any one, and I won't let some fancy Unicorn, steal her a way. Our system worked, and we'd be out of school with little headache"

"Steal? I'm not trying to-" "You want to be a book worm, go ahead. Leave Dash out of it, and do yourself a favor, and avoid me. Birds eat worms, and don't think I won't destroy you. Dash's friendship, can only save you for so long" She let Twilight go, not so much releasing her grip, and pushing her out of it.

As Gilda stormed off, the Unicorn felt a bit teary eyed, she did not want to be trouble, but she feels she did something wrong.

She finished school, and made straight for home. The encounter still weighing on her mind. She did not have work, and did not even stop by Apple Cider's.

She came in, and went right to her bed, and laid there, face down, thinking about it all.

"Hiya, Twila" Pinkie popped in, not long after, giving her little chance to recover. "What's wrong?" The pink mare moved over to her, and sat on the bed.

"I had... a bad day..." She said, a bit muffled. Did not seem to hinder the other.

She put her hand on Twilight's back, and rubbed it comfortingly. "Aw, wanna talk about it?"

"Not really..."

Pinkie thought, and stopped her rubbing. "Well, not going to be very helpful, if I don't know what happened" She shifted to lay beside her, and rested her chin on Twilight's head. "I can't read minds"

"A talent Pinkie does not have. I was wondering if there was anything you could not do" Twilight said, coming off more harsh then she intended too, it did not seem to effect the other any though.

"You can tell me, I'm good at secrets. I'm like a treasure chest of secrets"

"I would believe that"

Pinkie got off, and resumed sitting on the bed, and Twilight sat up too. She decided it would be easier to just tell her, and went over the events of the last few days. After she finished, Pinkie nodded. "That is one nasty birdy, she doesn't like anypony, except Rainbow Dash. Be a good idea, to leave her alone"

"But what about Rainbow Dash? She wants me to stop talking to her too, I can not just stop talking to her"

"Have to do what you feel is right, I would avoid Gilda though"

Twilight thought about it, and nodded slowly. It was not really much help in her situation, but talking about it seemed to do her better.

***

A few days went on, Rainbow Dash was getting better in school, and everything seemed to be going ok. It was not long till something came to a head, between Gryphon and Unicorn.

Twilight was trotting down the hall, heading for her locker, when she saw Gilda in her path. She also noticed the other, and when she past, she made sure to bump into her. "Watch out Bookworm"

Twilight paused, and something in her took hold. "Why don't you?" She let out, not sure where it came from.

"What?” She turned.

Twilight turned to face her as well. "I said, you should watch out. You bumped into me" She had this brewing in her for some time, the fact the bird was so rude to everypony, even those who only wanted to help, was too much. "I have done nothing to you, but try to be nice, and I'm sick of having to worry about myself around you"

Gilda moved closer to her. "Better watch yourself, Dash can't save you, if you push me"

"Do not need her too. I am not afraid of you, and not going to be afraid to spend time with her either. Get over, what ever it is that you have against me, cause I am not trying to steal her from you"

She grabbed Twilight by the shirt, and pushed her to the lockers. A few were watching, some looking shocked that any would stand up to the known bully. "You sure love to talk, but don't know when to shut it. Good thing you like to learn, because I'm going to teach you something"

Before she could make a move, Twilight's horn shined, and Gilda went flying across the hall to the wall. She recovered from the crash, and stood up with rage in her eyes. "You're dead!"

Twilight did not move, and as the other came, an Officer grabbed her. "Well, seems we're back in Grade school. Starting fights again, this will be the last time Gilda" He looked at Twilight. "And you will have some explaining to do too"

The whole thing became a big problem, more for Twilight, than the other involved. Given Gilda long list of trouble, and not being her first fight, she was out for the semester, making her have to take make up courses in the summer. Twilight, unfortunately for her, was in a similar situation. She was a special case, allowed after the registration period, and advanced late in the year, she was on a high standard, and so was also out for a couple weeks. She would have little trouble making it up, but the fact she was out of class for the time, was more of the punishment as it was intended. With the coming Winter break, she would be out till next year started.

That was not the end of it for either of them, and Twilight was trotting home, when Gilda came across her. "I have a beating waiting for you"

Twilight did not back down, and she declared she would keep her ground. She was not very skilled in fighting, but she knew defensive magick, and was able to keep herself from getting a worse beating, thanks to it. She took on Trixie’s false Ursa, she knew she could hoof the hot headed bird.

Rainbow Dash swooped in, and pushed them apart. "What in Everfree is this?!"

"Dash, help me kick her ass, she is using magick to keep me from beating her down"

Rainbow Dash looked at her, then looked at Twilight. "What happened?"

The Unicorn answered, going over the little bits. "So we both were restricted from entering the school"

"And she got this semester take'n away. I have to do it all over in summer!"

Dash stood there, not able to believe what was going on. "G, why do you always start crap? You're never getting out, if you keep this up" She sighed. "I can't believe, two of my friends, are fighting like this"

"She is no friend, she wants you to forget about me!" Gilda said, pointing her finger at the other.

"What? I just wanted us all to get along"

"Liar!"

"Stop it!" Dash shouted. "Why can't we just get over this?" She looked at Gilda. "We've been friends forever, and I'm also friends with Twilight. Can't you accept that?"

"No, because she wants you to forget me. She lured you away with all the history crap, and now you spend your time with her, or in the books. When was the last time we hung out?"

Rainbow Dash thought it over.

Twilight moved closer. "You can not believe this? I would not try to keep you a way from your friends"

"She's Canterlot, and a brat of the Queen. Can't trust those upper class royal types!"

Dash looked very deep in thought, and looked up to Twilight. "I... know I've always had trouble with the High class, after what happened... but I want to believe Twilight isn't like that... but I have to trust Gilda" She looked at Twilight.

"What?" Any could feel the pain in her voice.

"I've known her most my life, and I'd trust her with it. You don’t know what I’ve gone through, and she’s been the only one I’ve had, not even family... I want us to be friends Twilight, but..."

Twilight's eyes were welling up, and she looked a way. "No, do not say anything" She looked at Gilda, and glared through her tears. "Looks like you won, you wanted her to yourself, and you got it!"

Her horn shown bright, and in a flash, she was gone.

"Twilight..." Rainbow Dash said weakly.

"Feh, who needs her. She would just do what those upper class ponies always do with us on the lower cut. Use us, and trick us"

The Pegasus looked at Gilda, not sure what she just did. She felt she was partly wrong for doing it, but she could not turn her back on the one friend she had through everything. Her heart sank, as she thought about the pain she caused, but she had bad run in with the royal class before. And one time, that changed her whole life. She felt torn by the whole thing.

***

Rainbow Dash tried to get a hold of Twilight, but she would not respond. She was not do back in school for a while yet, and so the only choice was to find her. She tried the Library, but no luck, and so she tried Apple Cider's.

She trotted in, and looked toward the booth she usually was, but was not now. She spotted Applejack, and called out to her. "Hey, AJ?"

The Orange mare turned, and glared at her. "Woah, what's that for?"

"Y'all have to ask?"

Dash paused, and knew she knew. "Well, I'm trying to find her"

"So y'all can do more damage? How could y'all? Twilight is a sensitive pony, and done nothing to deserve that"

"The hell? I just said I had to side with Gilda on it. I wasn’t trying to hurt her. If you only knew how hard it is to trust any pony from Canterlot, after what I've gone through"

She jabbed a finger at her. "Where she is from, ain't the problem. The fact y'all took that damned Gryphon's side, is more the point. Y'all know that monster better than any of us, and should know she ain't worth trust'n to watch a hayseed, let alone telling the truth"

"That is right, I do know her better than any pony, just cause you all see her as some monster, doesn't mean she is. She has been through a lot, and her and I have been through too much for me to just throw it a way on a little butting of heads! Would you have sided with a new friend, over one you've share a long history with?"

Applejack snorted. "For one, I don't associate with low down snakes. If'n I did, I'd know all the shedding they do, ain't gonna change the fact they are still snakes.

"What ever history y'all have, most be worth it, if you can destroy a poor mare's heart. She came here, and has grown so attached to all those here, and y'all were one she held close" She paused a moment. "She ain't been nothing but nice to us all, and done nothin' to suggest she would do any harm. Don't know what y'all have against the royal types, but what ever it is, Twilight isn't like that"

"How do you know? Maybe she isn't so pure, maybe she is hiding something. Canterlotians are all stuck up, and snobby. Treating the rest of us in Ponyville, or even Cloudsdale, like we are lesser creatures!"

Applejack studied her. "Of all ponies to be talk'n about being stuck up. Y'all are the biggest show off in Ponyville, and all you care about is being number one. Y'all act more like these supposed bad Royal types"

She turned, finding it hard to look at her. "I knew y'all had bad judgment, being friends with that bird and all, but trying to drag down Twilight, to defend that vile Gryphon? It's a new in low. Y'all choose the Gryphon over Twilight, but I'm choosing Twilight"

Rainbow Dash was a bit confused, all the rage and anger was gone for a moment. "Choosing her?"

"Yeah, if'n y'all are gonna stay friends with her, then I ain't keep'n friendship with y'all. Y'all asked who I'd pick, well y'all are proving to be a snake, and even after all the years, I see the skin shed'n. I said it before, choose her over a snake"

Dash was hit hard by that, nearly loosing her balance. "But-" Applejack turned completely. "Y'all made a huge mistake, and airn't own'n up to it. So, we'all are done"

She started to trot away, as the other was still trying to process what had happened. "I won't buck you out, ain't the Apple way too, but I don't have to serve, or talk to y'all"

She was nearly back to the kitchen, when it all sank into Rainbow. She clenched her fists, and shouted. "Fine!" And stormed out, nearly knocking over a dragon coming in.

Out of sight, Applejack pressed her back to the wall, and covered her eyes in her arm. "Damn it Dash..."

Ch11: Loving Ponies, Smitten Dragon

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 11:
Loving Ponies, Smitten Dragon

Fluttershy made her way down the halls of the college, it was between classes, and so she needed to get to her locker for the next lesson's gathering of books and such things. She liked to travel light, and despite the distance she had to go for nearly each class, she felt it was better to use the locker.

She was nearly there, when she spotted a figure outside hers. She hesitated, and came to a stop, ducking out of the way. "Oh my..." She said to herself, thinking about something that had been going on for a while now. She had been finding little notes in her locker, and now, she believed she knew who it was.

She dared a look, as the figure fiddled in their pockets. He was a young dragon, by their species standards, he was merely a child, but he was into his adulthood, if he was a pony. Tall, and thin, not very defined in his build, maybe something due to his dragon age. His body was not really grown, since many were massive creatures. His body was purple, and he had several spines from tail to head, that were green. They was small in size, until about the back of his neck, where they grew and curved up, than over, ending in a long one above his brow. Looked like a Mohawk. His face was narrow, and head a bit oval, but all like a smaller version of the dragon he would be one day. His lower jaw line, and down his neck, and chest, was a lighter green than his spines, with the reptilian ridges of softer flesh than the scaled hide. He wore an open purple vest. by all accounts, he was very attractive, and with that vest, and dark not so tight, nor loose pants, that skirted over his four toed clawed feet, he was dressed to kill, along with his looks.

If it was any other, Fluttershy would have been thrilled, but she had one problem, a fear of dragons. Though she had not been there, she had family who survived the Dragon wars, and she heard so many tales of their power, and danger.

She needed to act, because she did not want to lead him on either, but she did not want to really confront him.

He seemed to be taking his time, and was not expecting his attraction to show up. She slowly approached, and squeaked out "Excuse me?"

He nearly jumped, and turned to her. He looked panicked, but calmed when he saw her. "Thank the Shapers, thought you were some one else" His voice was smooth, and fluid. He could do well in a profession needing an alluring voice, he had a knowledgeable sound.

She was a bit confused, but decided to go on with her question. "Uh... why are you... at my locker?"

"Yours?!" This seemed to surprise him. "Oh no, I thought this was some one else's" He put his clawed hand to his face, and rubbed his forehead. "Cinders"

Fluttershy was relieved and also her heart sank a bit. All the time she was reading these messages, she was not the actual intended.

He seem to sense her troubles, or maybe just felt bad he lead her on. "I'm sorry, you seem great, for the few seconds I've been here" He laughed uneasily. "I've just had my eyes on another... does explain why she never wrote back to me"

"No... it's ok..." She looked away, rubbing her arm. "Kind of a relieve, cause I'm... I don't... I uh... Have some issues with... dragons" He voice grew lower as she went, nearly whispering the last word.

He heard it fine though, what seemed like ears, the little three point frills on the side of his head, coloured like his softer areas, able to pick up that soft voice. "Really? Well, do not have to worry, my kind is not like the ones from those... bad times. Name's Spike" He held out his claw.

She looked at it, shakily, and reached for it. His smile seem to sooth her, she was feeling less afraid of him. Was also starting to see the charm in his looks, and the sharp reptilian face. She was starting to wish she was this unknown pony, who had his attention. "I'm... Flutter...shy" She was a bit louder, but not much so.

"Nice to meet ya"

"So, who is it? That you are looking for? I won't tell them" She started to open her locker.

"Well..." Now it was his turn to look timid. "She is the most beautiful creature I've ever seen, with long curling mane, and tail, a pure white coat, like angel wings, and a look that could melt a stone heart"

She opened the door, and started take some things out. "Well, sounds like somepony I know" She looked at him. "Not Rarity?"

He nodded slowly, his little frill ears, folding down. He did not look so much like the charming young heart throb, as a little boy that he probably truly way by the dragon's description.

She smiled a bit, thinking about it all. How cute he was, and wondering what Rarity would think, given her personality. She loved attention, when she found it good. "Well, you were close, hers is right there" She pointed at a locker not far away. Enough so, the numbers were similar to Fluttershy's. "Oh, you may want these back then" She pulled out a few little notes, most folded up like diamonds, others in little squares with animal paw prints on them.

He took them, then looked at the square ones. "Thanks, but..." He pocketed them, and pulled out a couple square ones. He read one, and then looked at her. "These ones I didn't do" He gave her the ones he had out, then when through the others taking out all them. "I think that you do have an admirer"

She folder her ears back, and receded into her hair a bit. "Oh my... really?" She looked at them, and smiled a bit.

Spike put an arm around her, and smiled, returning to that charming dragon she first saw. "By that one I read, looks like they have quiet the crush on you. If not for Rarity, I might have to fight this one off"

She made an eek, and receded more.

He looked over, and yelped. "Oh cinders!" He backed up. "I'll see you around... bye!" He dashed off, leaving a confused Fluttershy to come out of her hair hole, and look toward his panic. She knew why he was so quick to run, the mare of his heart, was trotting her way toward her locker. She was looking every bit of a beauty, most saw of her.

"Oh, Fluttershy, how are you today dear?" Despite her very being, the aura she gave off, and the way she seemed, and the reputation she had. Rarity was a kindhearted pony, who cared for all. She was a bit into herself, and enjoyed the finer things, but she was not cruel, or conceded like most of her class.

"Hello Rarity, I am well. How are you?"

"Lovely, but that is a given" She snickered. "Oh, don't you have class soon? It's very near the start of the next courses"

Fluttershy gave a little "eep" and looked at the time. "Oh no no, I'm going to be late... oh my..." She jumped up, and started to fly down the hall.

Rarity smiled, and continued on.

***

The next day, Fluttershy came down the hall, and spotted Spike, this time at Rarity's locker, and was putting his notes in. He spotted her, and stopped. "Hi again"

"Hello Spike, you are trying again I see" She kidded him she did not feel so afraid of dragons, least not him, not any more. she ran into him a couple times yesterday, and he seemed to be a great dragon.

"Yeah, I got it right this time" She went her own, and opened it, finding a new note. "Oh" she muttered. It was square, so see knew it was from her own admirer. She read it, and smiled. These little things seem to bring her a bit of joy, just thinking some pony took a liking to her. She paused, and wondered. "Spike is a dragon... I wonder" She started getting images of potential suitors, but then they went from charming ones like Spike, to scarier ones. She nearly jumped, and Spike poked her arm.

"Oh sorry, seemed a bit troubled. Your pen pal didn't break up with you, did they?" He looked genuinely concerned.

"No, just something else..." She looked over. "You might want to hide"

He turned and saw Rarity. "Cinders!" He tried to run, but crashed into Fluttershy. They fell, and in the time it took for them to get back up, it was too late. She was nearly upon them, so he hid behind his new pony friend.

"Hello dear, who is that?" She cocked her head, to look around the other.

"Oh, this is Spike" She said, grinning to herself. She did not play tricks, but this seemed like a good idea to be playful with her new friend. "He's almost as shy as I am"

"Oh, well, he should not be. He looks rather cute, what I saw" She winked, when he peered around. She then turned to her locker, and opened it. She did not see the fear in Spike's face. "Oh my my, so many little notes. Is it Ponitines Day?" she giggled, holding up a big one, shaped like a long ruby. "How cute, they are all like little gems"

Spike sucked in his lower lip, and frills folded tight in embarrassment. Fluttershy kept him hidden. "What does it say?"

"Very much, but mostly, that these others, were in the wrong locker, and so might be a bit dated. I believe I have an admirer" She snickered. "It has been some time since I've had notes in my locker, seems kind of foalish for college" her tone was un-telling of her feelings.

Spike's heart sank, reading into it as a bad thing. "But," His hope raised. "It is very charming, and cute. I hope to meet this one some day, he writes divinely" She had read a few in a short time. "Words alone, I believe I'm in love" She grabbed her things, and a few more notes, and closed the locker, smiling. "Really makes my day" She was genuine, as she spoke.

"I know how you feel" She said, forgetting herself. "Oh my, I mean..."

"Oh? Some pony else getting little missives?" She neared her, and winked. "Looks like we have some investigating to do. Let me know if you see any pony leaving these, and I'll tell you if I see who's doing the same for you" She grinned, and trotted along, reading another. Fluttershy heard a little giggle from her as she was down the hall.

She turned to Spike, who was on the floor, sitting. "She... liked them... and she wants to meet me..." He said, looking a bit troubled.

"You ok?"

"Yeah... I just... never thought she would actually be interested... I hoped! but... wow" He really seemed to be like herself, very timid, at least when it came to Rarity.

"You want me to lie, and say I have not seen who is putting them in her locker?"

He looked up at her, again looked much younger. "Please, at least... for now"

She smiled, and helped him up. "Ok, I promise to keep it between us"

***

The week was nearly over, and Fluttershy still had no idea to her own admirer, but she had become close with Spike in the time. He was a very goodhearted dragon, with varying interests. He like to have that smooth, cool guy bravado, but he was a very deep thinker, and was pretty well read. He was becoming a master of the language of Equetria, a future as a writer, seemed his path.

The quiet mare decided to introduce him to Twilight, since they two had much in common, and maybe by the time he was ready to talk to Rarity, he would have some courage from her own friends.

The halls were clearing out, as the day was over, and Fluttershy found Spike by her locker. She greeted him, and received one in kind. She quickly deposited her things, taking only what was needed for home studies, and the two headed toward where she believed to find Twilight still lingering.

Sure enough, the unicorn was in the Library, cleaning up a mess of books she had gathered. "Hello Twilight," As ever, Fluttershy spoke softly. "Busy day of learning?"

"As always, and would not trade it. Though was more for Rainbow Dash, than myself today" She laughed, and noticed the dragon in tow. "Oh, who is this?"

She turned, and introduced them, with a bit of back story. She left out the details of Rarity, by his request. Twilight seemed more curious. "Well, Spike, if Fluttershy likes you, then I should too" She smiled and studied his looks, and style, and wondered more what drew these two together. After the Applejack and Rarity incident, she long learned not to judge friendships.

"So," Spike began, looking at some of the books. "You are interested in literary works?" She nodded. "Read any of the imported works? Like Gryphiam Sharpsbeak? It's from the Gryphon's era of creative works, and a bit hard to properly translate into Ponish, but they are worth a look" he laughed, at a thought in his head. He decided to share it. "They make less sense in Draconian"

"Oh, so you enjoy writing? I admit, I have not seen much outside the domestic works" Fluttershy was already happy how fast they seem to get along, like they had always known one another.

"Though Celestia had a good collection of works from all over" Twilight paused, and realized she mentioned the Queen. She tried not to speak much of her relationship with her in budding friendships. A few knew, because of both the party, and the celebration of the Day of Remembrance, but she still did not want to use it like an ice breaker.

"You know the Queen? Well well, maybe you've seen my cousin. He is a Royal ambassador, actually one reason I know Ponish, and am here." He paused a moments, a bit hesitant to say what was coming next. "I'm actually the Third son of the Dragon King"

Both Fluttershy and Twilight froze, such a revelation, and shock to learn. "Y... you're a Prince?" Twilight asked.

He looked a bit embraced, and scratched the side of his scaled face. "Yeah... well.. it's not such a big deal. Third son, means if I was to ever be King, it would be ages away. Dad has many to go, and my oldest brother isn't even an ancient like my Sister"

"Wow, Spike, that is something still. I'm Queen Celestia student, but not an heir to the thrown"

"Please, don't make a big deal of it, I don't want it to be something to define me. Another reason I'm so far from home. I wanted to live a life free of being treated like a Prince"

She nodded, thinking about how a couple ponies acted when she was found out in her own Royal connections. "I understand"

Spike and Fluttershy helped clean up with Twilight, and they all headed to Apple Cider's. Twilight and Spike continued to act like they have know each other for years, something to their similar interests. Fluttershy was sure of that, but she was glad that they did get along so well.

They arrived, and instead of Twilight's booth, they sat at one of the tables. The booth could hold at least four, but Spike's tail would have been an issue. So an open chair was needed. This spot was under Apple Bloom's care, and she made her way over to them.

"Well, y'all try'n something new" She said, standing near Twilight. "And bringing friends" She looked at Fluttershy and then Spike, where she froze up a bit, an odd look in her eyes.

Twilight looked at her, then at Spike, returning to her, when she spoke. "You ok?"

She blinked a couple times, and resumed herself. "Yeah, yeah, just thinking about something. So what y'all have? I don't make that stuff my sister does, so don't be ask'n" She looked away, but kept Spike in the edge of her sight.

Twilight helped them decide on some food, and Apple Bloom was off. Spike was pretty hard to figure out, he was not too into pony food. He had a taste for gems, and so it was not easy finding anything suitable. Twilight could not help notice, the little mare was keeping an eye on the dragon during the whole order. The Unicorn could not figure out what was in her mind.

***

A couple days went, and was nearing the end of the week. The two ponies, and dragon, were becoming very close friends, but Spike was still not ready to confront Rarity. So he went on slipping notes in her locker.

Fluttershy own interest, was taking a new turn. She actually wanted to set up a meeting with them, and she felt very nervous in doing so. After some thought, and pestering by Spike, she did decide too, only if he'd talk to Rarity. So the two set their dates, and prepared to meet them.

Spike would be first, though it was not his choice. He was at the locker, about to put the note in, when Rarity came up on him. She came from a different path than normal, so caught him unaware.

"Well, it is you" She said, causing him to jump. She giggled at him, but not meanly, only humored that he is so afraid of her and the feelings. "So you are the one giving me those lovely little letters?"

He pressed up to the lockers, looking at her. His heart was rushing, and breath was hard. He was not ready, but he had no choice now. He nodded, weakly, but enough to make the unicorn go on.

"Well, I must say, having a dragon's attraction, is very flattering. I know many seem to take a liking to me, but I just never would imagine, it would span species" She spoke thoughtful, she was not trying to sound pompous, but the sentence was not easy to make any other way. "You should not be so afraid of your feelings dear"

She put her hand to his cheek, he was uneasy, but then started to relax. Her soft touch was soothing. "We should sit and talk some time" She smiled.

***

The weekend came, and Fluttershy hid in a bush outside the Ponyville Gardens. She was to meet her admirer here, but she was so afraid of who it was. She knew from the notes, they was a very sweet and caring... what ever they could be. She was surprised she got the answer back. Leaving a little piece if paper in the locker, so if anyone was looking, they would see it. She was hoping it was not some pony being mean, when the answer to this meeting, was "yes" she was feeling like a little filly, with all this note passing, and secret meetings.

Every pony, and creature that came by, she was hopeful, but also afraid it was them. She wanted to leave, but she could not be so mean. This one wanted to meet her, and had been leaving notes for some time now, that she would feel horrible if she stood them up. She actually started to cry, at the thought of some poor soul looking, but not finding who they were hoping to.

Wiping her eyes, she stood up, and felt the courage to wait openly for them. Maybe they were hiding, equally afraid, and so, it could happen she would seem to have done that. No matter what, she would not hurt anything.

Some courage drained away after a couple moments, she was thinking of hiding again when she saw a dark gray pony coming. His hair was a strong blue, and his eyes, behind glasses intended to aid the brown orbs see better. He wore a green hoodie, and blue jeans. He was bundled up for the cold. She knew it was him, because he was looking nervous, and darting his eyes around. He did not see her yet, she was angled behind a tree from his point of view.

She pressed up to the tree, she felt her heart beat picking up. She was not sure what of this all, was causing it too. He trotted past, and stopped by the bush she was hiding in earlier, and she had confirmation now. He was just where she said to be, and he was looking around.

She nearly jumped, when he slowly turned his head, and looked right at her. Both seem to freeze in their places. After a few moments past, he spoke. "H....hi. I'm glad you came. It's.... um.... great to finally meet you."

She hid a bit into her hair, starting to wonder if she could handle this after all. "Oh uh... I... oh dear me..." She started to look very nervous.

He flicked his ears back in a blush and kicks at the ground a little. "I'm uh.... I'm nervous too, this is my first time doing something.... like this."

"Really?!" She said a bit surprised. "Oh.. I mean... just seems a pony like you would...." Ears go back in embarrassment. "have no trouble" The more she stood there, the more she was entranced by him.

He slowly looks up at her and smiles. "Heh, it took enough courage to even start putting letters in your locker. I'm generally pretty shy by nature."

She looked at his smile, and could feel herself melt. "I...I... I can't be so special... to need much courage" She looked away a bit, feeling a bit unworthy to have anypony in love with her, especially this one she found so charming.

He blushed more and looked away in the other direction. "I think you are...you're so gentle and caring.....you're quite amazing." The heat in his ears rose as he spoke, could not believe he said all that.

She played with her hair a bit "Really?.. I mean... I just enjoy animals, and want to keep them well"

He tried to look at her again, and would nod "Well, I really admire that."

Fluttershy looked at him "So... you like animals too?"

"Oh yes, maybe you could teach me some things" He nods more and smiles again as he speaks, starting to get more relaxed as they talked.

Her passion for animals over took her timid nature. "Oh yes, I'd love to show you what I can do! Just really takes a gentle hoof, and lots of love"

His smile grows as he sees her more clearly now that she's perked up. "Well I do have lots of love."

She blinked a couple times, seeing that smile again, returning her to her timid nature. "Oh dear..."

His heart sinks a little from seeing her reaction "Didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...."

"Oh no... you didn't... I'm just not...so... use to... being around s-somepony... so... cute" she hid a bit in her hair, and her words trailed a bit getting softer, nearly whispering the last word.

Getting nervous again and his ears burning in a blush. The insides of them, a deep red, and he kicks at the ground more "I've never been called cute before..."

"Really?.. I'm... a bit surprised by that" She blinked a bit, she truly could not believe it.

She noticed the time, seeing the shadows casting on some of the things on the ground. "Oh dear... Gardens are going close soon" She looks over at the entrance.

He looks over to where she is and notices "Oh yeah, guess we'll have to leave soon."

"It is too bad, the Garden is so lovely" She turns back to him, and smiles a bit, still very timid, but she was feeling less so as she spent time with him.

He looks around at the Garden and nods, then smiles warmly back at her "Yes it is."

"But getting to meet you after so long... was worth it" She paused, something crossing her mind.

He looks toward the ground "I've been nervous about this all day, but I'm glad we finally got to meet."

"Oh dear me... I never asked your name... I'm sorry" She looked a bit teary eyed, feeling so ashamed at herself for not being polite to one who actually wanted to be with her.

He thinks too, realizing he did not know hers as well. "Heh, that's alright." Holding out a hoof "I'm Playful Paws....um...what's yours?"

She looks at it, and slowly puts her in his. "I'm uh... Flut...ter... s...shy..."

Starts in a slow shaking motion "Fluttershy is it? That's a cute name, suits you very nicely."

Her ears went tightly back, hiding her embarrassment. It only made it more apparent. "Oh dear... it's not... so special..."

His tails sway back and forth "I think it fits you perfectly"

"Eep" She notices the tails. "Oh, you have two? That is so cute"

He turns around to show her, the split in it to show two tails "Been that way since birth"

Fluttershy became fascinated. "Really? Never seen anything like it" She pauses, noticing how she was looking at his rear a bit more then the tails. She quickly stood back up, and hid into her hair, near completely. "Oh dear me..."

He wiggles a little, swaying the tails more to show, giggling at her reaction "Hehe" Looking around again "We should really go, they're closing"

She came out of her hair, and looked at the entrance, than looked back to him. "Yes, we should go"

He starts to lead, walking next to her, letting his hoof take a gentle hold of one of hers.

She did not resist, and held back to his. Looking a bit shy, but more so, lovingly at him.

Turns his head to her, giving her a warm smile, happy with the outcome of their meeting.

The Pegasus smiled back, turnings her head a bit, still feeling overwhelmed by the feelings she had. For the first time, being so close to another.

And so the newborn lovers trotted off into the distance, ending another perfect day in Equestria. Even if it was just for them.

She would later realize, the pony by her side, left paw prints, instead of hoof prints, as he trotted. He was practically born for her, in all he was.

***

Spike trotted into Apple Cider's, he looked a bit down. He did not see the Blue Pegasus storming her way out, looking very mad. She pushed him aside, and he wondered what her problem was, but did not really care too much either. He was hoping to find Twilight, but she was not around. So he sat at a table, and just waited.

Apple Bloom came up, she seemed to move a bit slow, but she did not avoid him. He did not really notice, he was lost in thought.

"Hello... again" She said, a bit shaky.

He looked over to her, and tried to compose himself. "Hi" He simply said.

"Y'all ok?" Her unease faded for a moment.

"Just... it's nothing. You don't want to listen to a stranger complain..."

"Well, if'n it's about the food, or service here" She tried to make a joke, it did cause a small snort of laughter.

"No, just my own problems"

She seemed so much like her sister, as she hopped into the seat across from him. Seemed an Apple trait to take on others burdens. "Y'all can go on, I'll listen. Not much to do around here right now, least for the moment. Some air needs to clear, so I got the ears, if y'all got the time" She smiled, and received one back.

"Ok, well, I'll skip the long winded stuff, and go right too it. I had a crush on somepony. After all the waiting, turns out, we just do not match up too well" She nodded, as he went on. "I fell for her, because of looks, and not because of her personality. Nothing wrong with her, but just isn't so much my type, as I thought she'd be" He sighed. "I wasn't much the type she was looking for either"

"Well," Bloom started. "I can't say I know too much for all the love stuff, but I can figure how you feel" She paused a moment, thinking. "I've had my share of crushes, but nothin' ever truly went any where. Sucks being so young, and far more mature then those about y'all"

Spike laughed a bit. "I can relate to that. I'm roughly your age, if you convert the dragon to pony age difference. So I feel a bit like that in college. I'm not really that old or mature for my pony age"

With both of them sharing a common problem, it broke the ice, and had both of them talking. They sat and talked for a little bit, about feeling out of place, growing up, and doing things for themselves, not what every one else wants them too do. Apple Bloom got up, to go take care of some customers, and then came back with a bowl.

"What's this?" Spike looked at it. Full of little stones.

She flicked her ears back, and spoke a bit timidly. "Well... I heard y'all last time, about liking stones and all. So I went out and found some... in case you came back"

He recognized that look, he had it so many times over Rarity, and now here was this pony, more alike him than the other could ever be. He smiled, and picked up one of the rocks. They were not rarer ones, like he preferred, but the fact she did this for him, made them far more precious than any other could be. "Thanks Apple Bloom, means a lot"

She looked away, making her look adorable in her shyness. He did not know how rare it was, she acted this way. She always showed strength, and pride. "J...just Apple Family hospitality" She tried to cover it up.

"Y... y'all like em? I got what I could find..." She did not look at him, but he smiled more any ways.

"Better than sapphire"

Maybe his dreams had fallen with Rarity, but here he found something else, in the real world that he felt was going to turn out better.

It was almost a mirror, of her older sister and Twilight, when she came in. Apple Bloom gave the main of her attention toward Spike, as they sat and talked. In a short time, they started to build a relationship.

ch12: Temptation and Salvation

The last couple weeks had been eventful, friends lost, loves found. One of those loves, was of the young Dragon and filly. Spike had his eye on another, but found a better connection in Apple Bloom.

At first, Applejack had no problem, she saw how they were, her sister would bring in gems just for the dragon, but she started to think, as her mind cleared of the recent incident with Rainbow Dash, she started to get worried about her sister with one twice her age, and outside their species. She tried not to be judgmental, but the idea of her sister with a dragon was unsettling.

Applejack confronted her about it, but the fiery filly would not listen. She became stern, and put her hoof down. "Y'all are too young to be in a relationship, and y'all don't know well enough if'n you want to be with a dragon, of all creatures"

"What he is? Shouldn't matter, and besides, since y'all gonna use it against him, he's also about my age, by their age" Bloom countered. "Ain't nothing wrong with him, and I am too old enough to know what I want. Just cause I ain't got no cutie mark, and am so small, every pony thinks I'm too young or little. Candy Apple understands me, Adams Apple does too, why can't any pony else?"

The older mare's ears flicked at the mention of the two. "Y'all not suppose to be hang'n around those rotten bunch, y'all no idea who they are!"

"Cause y'all ain't tell'n no pony, and because he respects you, he doesn't either. He cares about you, and us all too. I think y'all being a immature filly with Adams"

"This isn't about me, it's about y'all. Stay a way those two, and I forbid y'all to be courting that dragon!"

"Y'all ain't my mama!" She let it out, and regretted it. She covered her mouth, and Applejack stood silent, a shadow fell over her face by her hat. Making her eyes unreadable. "Applejack... I..."

She turned a way. "I cannot deal with this, I just lost a long time friend, and now you are running around with lovey eyes on some dragon" She did not look at her, as she went on. "You have no idea what Big Macintosh and I go through to take care of y'all. That is why I say y'all are too young, you don't know how hard life is.

“I let y'all have your fun, and pretty much do what ever y'all want, but when either of us try to set boundaries, y'all make a fit. Maybe I ain't mama, maybe I ain't got what it takes to raise a filly, but here I am... Doing it!"

She turned, and looked at her. "Y'all will learn that life isn't just all games, and looking for cutie marks. Y'all wanna be treated like a full grown mare, then y'all gonna stay here and work, here, and Apple Cider's. Gonna put in full days, and see what it is you've been wanting so damn bad"

Apple Bloom studied her, and looked down. "Maybe I don't know all the work you two do, but it ain't like I don't try to help out. I do a lot of work too... Y'all are willing to let me do more work, but not fall in love" She looked back up. "Ain't nothing wrong with Spike, he's a good g-" Applejack cut her off in a sharp tone. "I ain't hear'n no more of it, y'all will listen fer once! So long as it is me and Big Mac taking care of y'all, it's our rules!"

Apple Bloom did not drop it, and shot back. "It ain’t ‘You and Big Mac’ It’s only you! I doubt he cares either. But y’all are so steadfast at being the head of our family. Y’all won’t have to take care of me, I'll be fine on my own!"

She dashed out of the room, and soon out of the house. Applejack was stunned for a moment and then tried to follow, but she was gone. The fields were bare, but the land was vast, it was easy to loose sight of a small figure in the countless shapes.

"Damn it..."

]Magick of Friendship chapter 12
Salvation in Temptation

Apple Bloom galloped from the farms and orchard, and out past the boundary of her old life. She was young, but she was also far more mature than most gave her credit for, and she was tired of it. She wanted to go to Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo, but knew it would be the first place Applejack would look, and she needed some time away. She had a couple other friends, but neither would truly sympathies with her mistreatment.

She knew it then, the one place she could go, one that Applejack would think last to look. She would hesitate to even look at all.

Applejack got a hold of her brother, Twilight, and a couple others she could count on. She fought back the pain, when she thought about how much help Rainbow Dash would have been. Luckily, both Pinkie Pie, and Ditzy Doo came to the call. With their abilities to find any pony, her little sister was sure to be found.

She did not know what to feel about this; one hoof, she was worried, and mad at herself for causing the little filly to run off. The other, she was even more enforced that she was still immature, and needed to grow up. Galloping away from a problem, was not the way to solve things. The longer it took, the more the first hoof was on her mind.

"I wish mama was still here, this would never have happened..." She thought, as she was at Rarity's

"Hello Applejack, Sweetie Belle is right here" She had received the message on her Bay-B about the whole thing, and made sure her little sister was there so her friend could talk to her.

The little filly came out, looking nearly as worried as Applejack. She was one of Bloom's closest friends and obviously cared a lot for her, but also meant she did not know where she was.

They all talked, Applejack, trying to get an idea where her sister would have gone. She knew many of her favorite spots to go, but Bloom was no foal. If she did not want to be found, she would not go to those obvious places.

She had little luck, as did Fluttershy, who had went to talk with Scootaloo. Twilight looked all over Ponyville, Pinkie, and Ditzy looked farther past. She could not be very far, but was a slim chance.

Big Macintosh stayed at Apple Ciders, hoping she might come there, and a few others, regulars, and friends, were keeping their eyes open for any sign of her too.

Applejack returned home, and waited there, for word, or sign of her sister.

With a loud thud, she slammed her head to the front door frame. She played it all over in her mind, trying to think of what she could have done differently.

Their father, a strong and proud pony, leader of the Apples, and made all the hard choices. He always knew what best to do, and Applejack thought she had that trait too. She stood in the middle of the room, and took off her hat, his hat. She looked at it, her brother was suppose to be the one wearing it, he was the first in the family, and a stallion. He gave it too her, because he believed she was the one too next lead the family, and because the ribbon she wore, that their mother gave her, was due to be passed onto Apple Bloom. She had her cutie mark, and it was tradition that the youngest or with no mark, was to have it. She did not want to give it up, it was all that she had left of her mother, and she worried she would loose her mama forever without it. When Macintosh gave up his hat, so she could still carry a physical memory of their parents, she realized that it was not bows or hats, but they themselves, who carried on their parent's memories. She knew her mama would wanted for the bow to be passed on, as she had before.

She put the hat down, doubting herself more and more, that she was not ready to be head of the family, and felt she shamed the memories of them both. Apple Bloom, was the last foal of their parents, and she neglected to take care of her, and now she was gone some where.

Again, she replayed the fight, this time something of it struck her. "Temptation" She muttered.

She thought it over, how Apple Bloom brought them up, and was in defense of those outcast Apples. She then realized, "If she was to go some where none would want too look, even if'n they thought too look, it would be his place in Everfree" The very last word sent a new terror in her. "If'n she is there, she went into that beast riddled Forest!"

She did not grab the hat, or anything else, she dashed right out and headed straight for the Everfree Forest.

***

In Everfree Forest, a land avoided by most of ponykind, few dared enter here. Since the time, long ago, when Nightmare Moon first struck and destroyed the Castle of the Royal Sisters. The land was changed forever; where most of Equestria was ruled by magick forces, Everfree existed on its own, with no need for outside influence. With that, the land was also where many of the dreaded creatures lived. It was once, a place where the Night Beasts lurked, now it was scattered with creatures of legends. The Cockatrice, whose gaze could turn any to stone, multi-headed Hydra, swamp creatures, who could devour ponies into their muck, deadly flowers, that poisoned, or even ate other creatures, the oversized insects, Dark Witches, who fell from the gentle path that normal witches walked, Sorcerers, and so many other dangers. If a pony was lost here, hope would be likewise.

Applejack did not care for herself, she knew the risk, and wanted only to find her sister. Her cousins lived in their terrible place, and that only added to their crimes. No good pony would choose to live in a place so full of danger, and bad history.

She hoped, despite her feelings about Temptation, that if her sister came here, she made it too him. He was the lesser evil at this point.

This would be the first time she had ever been to his place, and honestly had not an idea what she was looking for. Figuring she would find the lost ruins of the Castle before finding him, but when she came upon a small hut, it looked a bit odd for a pony, even him. The hoof prints, and many of them, told her it had to be Temptation and Candy. What other pony could live in this Queen forsaken forest? She was hoping she did not just find a Centaur home.

With a knock, she alerted the owner of her presence. Applejack heard a sound, and then hoof falls. A pair, not four, so was not a centaur. The mare was hopeful, although oddly so, till the door opened. There stood another mare, hardly dressed, and what she wore was not typical of the Equestrian breed. She was in a worn looking wrap, adorned with many kinds of jewels, bangles, rings in her ears and on her fingers, several rings around her neck, giving it a bit of a longer look. Also had a Mohawk mane, and did not look like a pony, but some strange creature. White with black stripes, or maybe black, with white? Applejack could not figure, did not much care.

"Who this be, who give my door a knock. Do not get visitors, so this is a shock" She spoke in a foreign accent, one the orange pony did not know.

"I was looking for somepony else," Applejack started slowly at first, still taking in the stranger. "Y'all know of any ponies who all live in this here Forest?"

She nodded. "That I do, indeed I do. One Stallion, and a Mare too. Both Apples, but not of a tree, but they are friends of mine you see"

The rhyming was a bit odd to her, but she still was not here to worry over little things. "Do y'all know if'n a little filly has been about? Maybe she's gone to their home?"

With another nod, she pointed down a path. "I see things, with my sorcery and powers. A little filly was by, only ago a few hours. Follow this path, and you'll find the three. The little one you seek, that is where she'll be"

She looked down the path, then to the strange pony like creature. "Thank you..."

"Zecora. She'd welcome you back, any time Applejack" She gave a bow, and disappeared inside closing the door. Leaving the other wondering how she knew her name.

On she went, with the strange Zecora behind, she followed the path hoping it was not some trap or trick.

Applejack spotted the house, and nearly rushed to it, but stopped herself. She was worried about seeing Temptation, but was also concerned about Apple Bloom. She was torn, she knew where her sister was now, and she should be safe. Then she remembered why she personally had it out of the Stallion, and charged on to the steps leading to the door.

With hard strikes, she knocked on the door, hearing the sound to hoof falls again, and waited to see who would answer. It was none other than Temptation. "Well, cousin, ain't expected to see y'all" He spoke as upbeat as he could, but the lingering doubt of this being a good visit, was in his voice.

"Y'all have my sister?!" She was quick to shout, after all the years she had been at odds with him, Applejack had little control talking around him.

"Have? I don't keep her. Nope, somethin' else be keep'n her here. She won't say" He turned, and moved a way, giving an inviting gesture. "Welcome to come in, but she seems might upset cousin"

The reminder was not needed, but it did calm her temper some. She nodded and trotted in.

His home was not too unlike her own; it was done up in a western style, a bit more poor, seeing how lived out here, one did not really bother with fancy styles. It was not much in the family’s style, any how.

She did not take in too much, wanting to know where Bloom was, and Temptation lead her to there.

Candy Apple saw her cousin, and stood up, Bloom saw her too, and stayed in place, looking more angry. Both of the cousins decided to leave the sisters alone.

"Didn't think y'all come here..." Apple Bloom said, looking away.

"I would go any where to find y'all, make'n sure y'all are ok. Near all of Ponyville is out and about... I was so worried"

"Why? So y'all could boss me around more?!"

Applejack lowered her head. "I don't try to boss y'all around, I try to take care of y'all... I'm not the best, I know that... I don't even deserve to lead out family, if'n I can't prevent my own sister from running away"

The other noticed the lack of her hat; she usually took it off for work, but otherwise wore it proudly as a sign of leadership.

"I worry so much about y'all Apple Bloom, about y'all growing up too fast, and not enjoying your time" She took a pause. "Maybe, I just keep treat'n y'all like a filly, cause I hope y'all never have to grow up, and face the troubles of adulthood. I was fast to grow up too, and though I’m happy with most things, I look back and wish I hadn’t been in such a rush”

Apple Bloom was quiet for a moment, listening to her sister speak. She knew Applejack had nothing bad intended for her, and was doing her best. "I'm sorry I ran off. Guess I ain't so old yet, that I still run away from home" She gave a weak smile, Applejack tried to return it, but she was still embroiled with her own demons, feeling unfit to be the head.

Apple Bloom stood up, and came to her sister. "I know y'all are doing yer best Applejack, heck, y'all are doing a might fine job at it. The Farm is doing better than it has in some time, least what I've heard from Granny and Big Mac. Apple Cider's is doing very well too. Maybe I didn't get to know Mama and Papa too well, but I bet they'd be proud of y'all" Applejack looked at her, tears in her eyes. "I know I’d be, and am mighty proud to have y'all as my sister" Bloom finished.

Applejack leaned down, and the two sisters hugged for some time. "I guess, y'all are much more mature than I give y'all credit fer"

Apple Bloom risked it, and asked. "So... can I see Spike?" She spoke slowly, and was worried she would ruin the moment, but Applejack did not get mad or anything.

"If'n y'all like him so much, I guess then y'all know what y'all want"

They did not stay long, Applejack still was not too comfortable around Temptation. Before they left, she did thank him for watching Apple Bloom.

"It's what family does, cousin. Even if y'all don't much care for me, I'm still part of the family"

She sighed, and nodded slowly. She did not linger, and the two were on their way back home.

***

After the crisis, every pony returned to their lives, and things between the two Apple sisters had changed. Applejack did give her more work, but also did not try to hinder her chances to have fun. Bloom decided to go easy with her quest to grow up so fast. She never stopped seeking way to earn her mark, and the trio of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, would go on till they each had theirs.

Ch13: What ever did you see in Everfree

The year was nearly over and the cold of the coming winter was strong, some felt that it was stronger than normal. The bitter chill in the wind, felt like some omen.

The cursed land of Everfree, where much of Equestria feared and avoided, was gripped in early winter. It was leaking out to the nearby lands of Ponyville, and Fluttershy was first to feel the harshness of it.

Quickly she aided the animals to their rest for the winter, or escaping from the chill. She was aided by some of her friends, as they came to help out with the sudden change. Though she was at the most risk of Everfree, with its cold breath on top of her now, they feared it would be too much for her to bare out in this open land. After much insisting, she was also given her own place to be in the early winter. Rarity was first to offer a place, but her mate Playful Paws was the more likely choice for her.

"Something ain't right here" Applejack pointed out, almost needlessly. "This is a couple weeks too soon for the scheduled winter; Everfree ain't never blown up a storm like this before"

They all looked to the now dead looking trees that were the border to the fearful land. Something was near the edge, and was watching them.

It made a motion, with what looked to be its arm, and the wind kicked up and in the dust of the snow hid the escape of the figure.

"What in the world was that?" Rarity asked, looking a bit scared.

"I do not know, but it was using magick. Not any I have ever felt before" Twilight commented.

Applejack seemed lost in thought. "AJ?" Spike asked, standing close by among the worried friends and citizens.

She snapped too and looked at the Dragon, then all the rest. "It seemed a might familiar. The shape that is..."

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 13: What did you see, there in Everfree?

Twilight tried to get help from Canterlot to investigate this occurrence, but they saw it as Ponies jumping at shadows. Everfree Forest has so many legends, that a trick of the eyes could start the mind thinking. Even Queen Celestia was less than convinced it was anything. "Merely an early winter for that Nature ruled land and perhaps just one of the Witches playing a game with worried ponies"

But Twilight knew some of the magick used by the witches. They were in tuned with nature, and thrived in Everfree. Good or bad, they all used the natural elements to do spell works. She thought about it, and it did feel something like their kind of magick, but she did not think that either; the kinder Witches would waste time with bringing early snow, or the Wicked ones would do so little as this, if they did anything against Ponykind. Something not heard of in ages.

It was natural magick, but it was not witchcraft.

She looked up more about those who worked in Nature. She found many types, but none seemed to fit. Druids seemed to keep to themselves, only tending to Nature's needs. Shaman were more able to use the magicks, but like the druids, were more into the working with Nature for the good, than using it for tricks or evil. Nymphs, and Spirits, Pixies, and Faeries, all seemed too out of place to be to blame.

Twilight scanned all her books, going A-Z in all possible magick users. She spotted a couple things in her search, not of this case, but just interest that she would like to look into later. One was a Kelpie. A pony-like demon, that lured those foalish enough to get too near, to their deaths. It was in here, a book of magick creatures, for it is said to cast a spell on its victims. It seemed a rather weak way to include the creature. The next she would stop at was Unicorns. She found it strange that it showed; not only one that looked to be from long ago when they stood on fours. Looked like a goat cross breed; cloven hoofs, beard, and long thin tail with a puff on its end. Seemed there was another kind of Unicorn that lived outside Equestria, and did not use magick like the home grown kind. It was more of Magick, and many legends were about it.

After a few moments getting lost in the idea of these foreign creatures, she went on through the book. She saw one thing toward the end, a VooDoo priest, but it was another that was not in Equestria. She closed the book, and signed. "What could it have been?" After much studying, she decided it was of those times that required action, not reading.

***

Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Spike, Fluttershy, who really did not wish to be there, Playful Paws, Applejack, and Apple Bloom, who snuck along. They all gathered outside where Fluttershy's house once was, but now it was just a mound of snow.

"Everfree has been busy" Spike pointed out.

“Or rather, this mystery creature, to put it more accurately" Twilight corrected.

"Can I... uh just stay... behind?" Fluttershy said meekly. Paws wrapped his arms around her, and it seemed to bring her out of her fear a little bit.

"Don't y'all wanna know what ate your house?" Bloom asked.

This cause the mare to receded back into her worry. "Oh my… Ate my house? I think I really should stay behind..."

"I'll stay with you" Playful Paws said, holding her closer. She gave him a smile.

Applejack took front, and stood before the blowing winds. "Anypony..." she paused, looking over to Spike. "Er, any one, not go'n in, stays behind. Rest of us, let's go!"

With a few nods, the little group moved on. Lead by Applejack with Twilight close by, using her magick to feel out anything nearby. Apple Bloom, and Spike took the sides, incase Twilight did not see something in time. Rarity was in back, struggling to keep up. She was not properly dressed for a winter trek, though not completely unprepared.

"This snow is horrid, even colder than pony grown verity" She stated with a slight whine in her tone.

She stopped, and the others noticed and stopped too. "What are y'all doing?" Applejack asked, coming around to her. "Should've left that big ol bag behind with them two" She was in her full command mode, nothing was going to hold or stop them.

"Well, if I had done that, then we wouldn't have these now" She pulled out some boots, but they were rather fancy looking, with style, and flair all too Rarity.

She passed them out, though she did not make any for Apple Bloom, and never thought of dragon sized. "Sorry, I do not really have any for you two. Had I known...” She paused and thought a little. “Oh but I suppose, you might fit into Fluttershy's pair, Apple Bloom"

She looked at them, and shook her head. "If'n Spike ain't got em, neither will I"

He looked at her. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine"

"But Spike, y'all are a dragon, they don't like the cold much"

Rarity took the time, to go over to Twilight. "Actually, if you can help me, I might be able to modify these. I had made em for... well, as an extra, incase, with Fluttershy's stallion and all" She was covering up the truth. She had made these ahead of time, when there was another Pegasus in the group of friends. She did not wish to bring up the bad memories for both Twilight and Applejack.

She did not seem to catch the cover up. "Oh? What can I do?"

As Spike and Bloom went on, Rarity and Twilight used their magicks to reshape the boots to fit the longer feet of the dragon, with room for the claws. It did not take too long, given Twilight’s magick, and Rarity’s vision. "Pardon us, but I think we've fixed the problem" Rarity said, and held up the new boots. "See, just a bit of in the field modification"

With both satisfied, and the group more suited for this weather, they reformed their ranks and moved on deeper into the snowy landscape of Everfree. Even though Applejack had already been through it once not so long ago, the snow changed it so much it looked barely as it did then.

After what seemed to take forever; they found a little hut, one that Applejack did recognized. It had a few hoof prints in the snow. "So she was active" She muttered.

The others had no idea who it was, but the leading mare did, and she moved in. "Zecora?" She was knocking on the door, as Rarity, Twilight, Both Spike and Apple Bloom stood back. "Zecora?" Bloom muttered, recalling the name. She started to notice the area, and knew her cousin was not too far away.

The door opened, and out stepped the black and white pony-like creature, wearing some more clothing than last time the Earth pony saw her. Only some simple material, to keep her from the cold that has claimed so much already. "Well well Applejack, I see you are back. Friends and you, what can Zecora do?"

"Y'all bringing this winter into Equestria? I know y'all got some crazy hooky pocus, able to know my name, and all that" She was in a mixture of accusation, and trying not to be accusing.

She cocked her head, a bit confused looking. "Snow, I do not know. I have done nothing, not one thing"

Applejack let up a bit, but was not so convinced. She did not know this one too well.

"A Zebra?" Twilight said in a burst of revelation. All eyes turned to her. "Now I know; you are a zebra, from a far off land..." She trailed off, as if more to say.

"This is true, what you have said. You're studying serves you well, one so read" Zecora said, moving out to be more in the middle of the group. She seemed to have no fear of them, even though she was out numbered.

"A land that practices VooDoo and very strange magick... Ones I don't recognize"

The other nodded. "I do Voo Doo, and other magicks too"

"Then, it must be y'all!" Applejack shouted. "Twi said she felt a strange magick a brew'n, and it wasn't one she's felt before. Who else here can do that? Also saw y'all out on the boarder earlier, watch'n us"

The zebra turned and looked at the pony, her usual soft grin, fading a bit. "What do you say? that I have some game to play? You speak of snow, but tis the season for it to show. I have no power over the elements, or nature's will. If you are looking to blame, then this role I will not fill"

"We're..." Twilight moved between the two. "Not blaming you, only looking for reasons. Equestria does not get snow till a bit later, and it is all coming out of Everfree" She took a moment, to look at Applejack. "If you can help us find what is causing this, it is starting to cause us problems for us"

"I don't know how well I feel of this one. My cousin lives out here, and any pony like him, that chooses this Celestia forsaken place, ain't right" Applejack was no longer shouting, but still sounding very condemning.

"So, I helped in your quest before. Now I am shunned? Now you find me to blame for the mess? I am stunned" Zecora had no smile, but a scowling look.

"Don't y'all be eyeball'n me"

"Applejack” She looked at her, than the other. “Zecora. Please?" Twilight tried to snuff out this. "Look, we do not know this land, or much about you, we are just a bit uneasy. If we all just think, we can sort this out"

"Don't know how I feel about all this either" Spike whispered to Apple Bloom and Rarity.

"I know. She is so weird, and what is with her fashion sense? Fluffy might be the season, but it looks like she took it off some creature" Rarity shuddered.

"I don't know, she seems nice, maybe we should just give her a chance" Bloom defended. She stepped toward the other three. "Hey Applejack, we should give her a try. I bet she be a big help with her magick. Besides, I remember Adams Apple saying she's a might good neighbor"

"Temptation?” Applejack over heard. “That settles it! I ain't trustin' no one that bad Apple approves!" She started to storm off.

"But..." Twilight started. She was torn, because Applejack usually was right, but she also knew anything that had to do with her cousin makes her a bit blinded to the facts.

Zecora looked at her, and spoke for her. "She is head strong and thick in it too. Despite how she is now, I see a future for you two" Twilight looked at her and put back her ears embraced, picking up her meaning.

"Should go on now, you pony kind. For not here, the trouble you'll find" She spoke out for all to hear, and then went back into her hut.

Now with Zecroa behind, a possible big help in this search. They all turned and followed after Applejack.

"Hey sis, we gonna ask Adams Apple or Candy about this?" Bloom said, cutting the older mare off.

"No!" She snapped.

"We should try to get all the information we can" Twilight tried to reason.

"I ain't deal'n with that crooked branch of my family!"

"Then let me and Twilight go!" Bloom stomped her hoof.

The orange pony looked her a moment. "Fine, but I ain't go'n near him"

The two went off, leaving Rarity, Spike, and Applejack to wait.

Applejack was pacing, still steaming over the whole thing. The other two did not have much to go on, when it came to why she was so mad. Rarity only knew little bits about the pony she not so long ago, she became friends with. And Spike knew even less, and only what little he knew was from Apple Bloom.

Rarity looked to Spike. "I'm wondering why I came, I feel like I'm just a background pony in all this"

Spike shrugged. "Safety in numbers?" Despite the time he spent falling over for her, when they had their date and did not work out. They did not share an awkward moment, for they both had come to the understanding that neither of them was truly right together. Rarity was more or less humoring him, though she had enjoyed those love notes.

She nodded, and thought a bit. She was pretty bored. She worried about Fluttershy's problem, but not being a fighter like Applejack, or very versed in magick like Twilight, Rarity had little to offer in this. "I wonder what Pinkie Pie is up too?"

"Don't think I've met her"

"How long have you been in Ponyville?" She asked a bit surprised.

"Came here, shortly before the start of the school year, why?"

She thought about it. "Well, usually every pony meets her nearly as soon as they come to Ponyville"

They went on, just killing time, till the two others returned. Applejack had cooled a bit, and was looking at some of the winter fauna. She did not like this place, any more than any pony else. It exists outside the magick that fuels all life in Equestria, and as a pony who makes her living being in charge of growing plants and trees, she felt a bit unnerved that they did not really need her.

The two returned, and shared what they learned. A mysterious happening had been going on for a few days; something was using a strange magick to change the seasons in Everfree. A few days ago, it was hot as summer, then, it became cold as midwinter.

Twilight was conducting the tale, and made sure to avoid any direct mention of her, but Zecora was working on a way to find the source of the trouble. She was not native to Ponyville, but knew that this land was not meant to change seasons on a daily basis.
"So, they do not know what is going on, any more than we do" Twilight finished.

"We're back to nothin'" Applejack sighed.

They heard a sound, and from a path came the mysterious zebra. She looked a bit troubled.

Applejack moved first, and was standing before her. "Look,” She began, after her pacing and thinking. “I'm sorry about earlier, just-" The other cut her off, with a raise of her fore hoof.

"This is not the time, you must hurry. For your friends, will face its fury!"

"Pardon?"

She grabbed Applejack's arm, making her cry out "Hey?!" And the zebra started to pull her along. The others quickly followed. "What are y'all doing?" Zecora had a good grip, might be a good match of Applejack in a hoof wrestle.

"No time, not time, must stop this crime!" She stopped fighting, and went along with it.

Twilight noticed that it was the direction back to where Fluttershy and Playful Paws were, back to the formers snow covered home.

After what seem less time than it took to get as far as they did, they were back out. Fluttershy looked over, from a little chair she dug out. "Oh, you are back" She softly spoke, seeming not as worried as before.

Playful Paws poked his head from out behind a snow pony he was working on.

"Danger is on its way, listen to what I say. Go now, run a way!" Zecora shouted, and pushed Applejack out of the forest, and the others followed.

"Land Sakes, what are y'all doing?" She turned to look, and saw a rush of snow coming up to start blocking entry to Everfree. "Zecora!"

She looked right at Applejack, and Twilight, who was now standing by the Earth pony. The Zebra looked far scarier, as she was being wrapped by magick forces. "An evil is in this land, and I will make my stand. Till this veil of snow comes down, stay safe in your town"

"But, I can help!" Twilight said. "I'm a strong Unicorn!" She did not like to boast, but this moment called for it.

She shook her head, and started to be lost in the thickening curtain of snow. "Stay in your place, only this I must face"

Something was moving toward her, a black looking cloud that looked like it was made up of little things, squirming, and moving through the air.

It was nearly upon the Zebra, when the snow was done forming a shield. "Zecora?!" Twilight called out, but she heard nothing back.

They all stared at the wall. No pony knew what just happened, or what to do.

Applejack slowly moved up to the wall, and put her hand on it. Was not clear what was on her mind, but she seemed very lost in thought.

"Oh no!" Apple Bloom cried. "Adams, and Candy!" She ran up to the wall, and started to pound on it, with no effect. "No, they'll be in trouble, just like Zecora!" She had tears in her eyes, as she kept on hitting the solid ice and snow wall.

Applejack did not say anything, and lowered her head.

"Cannot let this be..." Twilight said, starting to pace. She was feeling out the magick, and found none in that cloud, but something was lingering around it.

"Well," Rarity began. "That Zecora character seemed well in hoof with the situation, not to mention all those other strange magick users in Everfree. I'm sure they'll be able to beat this" She did not sound so convinced in her own words. She had her arm across her chest, holding to her other, with her head not fully lifted. She was trying to ease everypony's mind, but did not think it worked too well.

Applejack shot her head up, looking to see how high the wall was. She backed up a good distance, and ran with all watching her. She was near the wall and jumped, but only got a short height up. She tried to dig into it, but the ice over it prevented even her hooves from making much of a scratch.

She slid down, and moved back again. Again she ran at it once more, but instead of a jump, she leaned down and put her hands down, spinning her body as she slid on her palms. With a sound that could put fear into thunder, she bucked the wall.

It had little effect. Small dents were left, and she fell to the ground rubbing her joints. The vibration sent a pain through her whole body. "Damn it..." She had struck some of the greatest trees in her farm, but in all her practiced years, never had she felt like she was bucked.

The others said nothing; they all wanted to do much the same but could not. None knew much of the Zebra, but she had just put herself in risk to save them, and she could not have known much more of them than they of her.

Fluttershy watched them trying to go back, and knew well enough it was very important to her friends to try and help this other she only briefly saw. She jumped up and flew, going to the top of the wall. As she neared the lip, a strong wind blew her back, sending her tumbling down.

Playful Paws galloped and caught her in time, both falling to the ground but much more harmless than her fall would have been.

Looking defeated, they all sat there, worrying, wondering what it all meant, and what would happen to those in Everfree.

Twilight stopped, her horn lit up, and she disappeared. The others looked at the empty space, and realized she teleported into Everfree.

She was not gone long, and she reappeared looking winded, and scared. She held her chest, panting for air as Applejack galloped up to her, supporting her as she stood. The others came in, and awaited her coming words.

"N...nightmare..." They all felt a prickle of fear, assuming her next word. "Nightmare, it is a complete nightmare in there. The Trees, the land, it is all a twisted forms of themselves... all the beasts I have read about, and heard lived there, I saw so many..."

"Zecora?" Applejack asked, but the other mare shock her head. "Wonder what happened to her?"

"Ew, what is that?" Rarity asked, seeing something on Twilight.

She panicked, and started to dust herself in a frantic manor. A little fluffy ball fell to the ground. They all looked at it, and tried to make sense of it. Whatever it was, is a clue to what was going on in Everfree.

***

After the little puff sprouted wings and bug eyes, Twilight caught it and put it into a cage. She performed tests, feeding it things, finding little it would not eat. Each time, more would sprout from it. She had sent a warning to Queen Celestia, and she had put a team on trying to get back into Everfree. The risk of the Night Beasts was too great, and she now knew it was not ponies over reacting to an early winter.

No word of success had come through, and it had been a few days since that one that one day that affected all the ponies in strange ways. Applejack and her little sister were still trying to find a way through, helping the efforts. As expected, Adams and Candy had not been seen.

Rarity could not focus on her shop and so often came to Twilight, to see what was becoming of the strange bug. Fluttershy and Playful Paws went to the Library, and were helping Twilight too. Seeking any information about the bug, or anything related to the goings on.

Spike had gone to his cousin and tried to get some help from the dragons, but they had a strong policy of staying out of foreign affairs. He hoped he could convince any of the dragons staying in the Canterlot Ambassador District to help, unofficially, but they too seemed bound to their code.

It was bigger than one Zebra or two cousins; it was the safety of all Equestria at risk, but Zecora, and the two Apples was what drove the ponies, and dragon, first involved.

"Ew, a Parasprite" Pinkie said, coming into the little lab Twilight set up. "Where did you find those?"

"A what?" The other mare said in surprise, nearly dropping what she was doing.

"Parasprite, nasty little things. Eat and eat, and eat, then pop out more and more and more, to eat and eat and eat, to pop-" Twilight stopped her. "They are a horrible pest, destroyed Grammy Pie's candy shop when she was about my age"

"The facts that early business, and being a candy shop, runs in the family… is not a surprise. But that you know of these things, when no pony else does, is!" Twilight took hold of her. "Do you know what it means? Why they are in Everfree, or what is going on?!" She was desperate.

"Going on?"

"You do not know? About Everfree is locked a way behind ice so thick, they cannot be broken. Or that any who teleport into there, nearly go mad when they come back from the horrors they see?"

She shook her head, quickly, and overly energetic.

"Figures... This thing came out with me. What attracts them?"

She shrugged, with Twilight no longer holding her. "I don't know. Only know that they eat and eat, and make more and more"

Twilight put her fore hoof to her face. "There goes that..."

"They like music. But if Everfree is blocked off, can't really put them anywhere. That is the only place they are safely out of the way. See the Parasprite is the preferred snack of the Magick Seeker Bats; they possess a strange amount of magick that satisfies the Bat's appetite. Not as much of a powerful source like a Unicorn, or something magickal, but enough to get them through the day. Ironically, the Parasrpite is attracted by the Magick Seeker Bat's scent. Why they produce so many, too keep their numbers up. Believed to be part of the once needed 'Nature's Balance' that keeps the Bats from devouring too much magickal creatures, and keeping the Parasprites going despite their fate"

She waited till the other was done, and Twilight slowly removed her hoof, and looked at the pink pony. She spoke at length. "Where... did... you find.... that?" Her eye twitched.

"In this book" she held it up. The Cover read "Myths and Legends of Everfree"

"Where was that book?!"

She looked over at the pile, and pointed to a little bit past the middle. "I think it was here? Or there… hmm"

"But, I have gone through all these books, and did not even see that one!"

"Pinkie Keen eyes" She smiled.

She saved herself the mental aggravation, and just accepted the facts. "Ok, so they are fed on by Magick Seeker Bats?"

"Yep" she opened the book. "Says here; The Magick Seeker Bats are drawn to large sources of magick, draining them of enough to fill the bat. It is usually not enough to do much harm to the source, unless in the case of the Parasprite, or creatures smaller than the bat, or of magick like Faeries, or pixies. It puts off a scent that attracts Parasprites, as they are the typical food of the bats, being more available than most other sources"

"Well," Twilight started. "I guess it makes sense then. The cloud was either Parasprites seeking the bats, or the bats seeking Zecora. Or something like that. Does not really help the problem of getting back into Everfree"

A pounding came to the door, and Twilight went to answer. Apple bloom was standing there, out of breath. "What is wrong?" The older asked the winded filly.

"C...Candy Apple, she's back at the shop. She got out!"

The news was a bit welcome, but she worried why Adams was not with her.

They all rushed over, and came into Apple Cider's, and saw Candy looking nothing of herself. She was ragged, and worn. None of her usual, though off putting, demeanor. Her coat even seemed to have less gleam than normal.

For the first time, Applejack was not acting mad or anything toward the other, she looked concerned and caring. She was bringing her a drink.

"Candy, tell em" Apple Bloom said, as they were nearer.

She nodded. "Well, y'all know how things are. Something came, and over took Everfree. It's not nearly the nightmare y'all think it is, but it ain't much better" She took a drink, gathering herself. "Them creatures are about, and it's all snow, and beasts now. Adams said he saw some of the witches fighting, but couldn't make out no clear winners. He sent me out, to try to find help, and he all stayed behind to try to fend em off"

"How did you get out?" Twilight asked.

"We have a little path, on the nights that Everfree is less then neighborly; we all can still git back and forth. Luckly, it ain't all froze up like I hear the rest of it is"

She looked right at Applejack, who did not look away. "I know we all have a bit of a past cousin, but please..."

Applejack did not wait; she stood up, and never looked away. "I might not like him, and I'm iffy on y'all... but y'all are family, and that means..." Candy joined in with her. "Apples Bunch together and never let each other fall"

Ch14: The Snow Flies

A few days ago; Everfree began to shoot out snow, and devoured the lands around it. After a quick journey into the Forest, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Apple Bloom, and Spike, found Zecora, a strange Zebra from another land. When she had no answers for them, about what was going on, they moved on to ask Applejack's cousin. By the time Twilight and Apple Bloom returned, Zecora came for them and forced them out of Everfree, right before a strange living cloud came on her and she sealed the Forest from the rest of Equestria with a magick wall of ice and snow.

After many tried, nothing could break or go over, so Twilight tried to teleport; and when she returned, she told of how the land was now a Nightmare realm and the legendary Night Beasts were back. She also brought a strange mound of fluff that might be a clue to what is going on.

The Parasprite, and a surprise lesson from Pinkie, plus the return of Candy Apple. A move into Everyfree is in works to save Zecora, Adams Apple, and possibly the whole of Equestria.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 14: The Snow Flies

A team of royal guards were attempting various tests and attacks, to break through the impossible shield. As they found out, as Twilight and her friends had, flying and teleporting were useless.

Queen Celestia trotted slowly to the wall, from where she was surveying the attempts. The others parted, as she stood near the wall.

All eyes fell upon her as she raised her arms from her sides, and her glorious wings flung out behind her. The magickal mane stretched to toward the sun above. With no aid of her wings, she floated up toward the sky and from the right angle she was in the center of the sun. Arms, Legs, Wings, all pointed in six equally spaced parts of the circumference. Her horn pointed up.

After a moment, the sky grew dimmer, not from clouds but the sun itself seemed to fuel into her. Her mane started to fade into the bleeding sun light. She lowered her head, aiming her horn down to the wall below, and energy formed at its tip. Shortly she blasted out a beam of purest Sunlight, the beam was focused, and like an arrow, shot the wall.

The wall did not change, and the energy launched at it rebounded and shot right back at the Queen, much to her shock. She was sent flying, crashing to the ground, as wild energy flew off from the impact point.

She lied there, unmoving, as the sky grew dimmer. Even her magickal mane was now normal hair, pooling around her in a pink sea.

Her guards and any pony near rushed to her, keeping a distance as one of the high ranking guards kneels by her. "My Queen!" He called.

She stirred, and sat up. "Well... that was impressive" The Queen, with some aid, got up to her hooves and stood there a moment as her mane slowly resumed its wondrous form. She slowly trotted to the wall again, placing her fore hoof to it.

"How is it possible, that something could cast a spell so strong?"

"It was not a strong spell, but a well-crafted counter. It is a simple spell to cast on something. Takes all magick assaults, and sends them back. Glad I choose to forgo using the full of the sun” The aforementioned orb was returning to normal, as she studied the wall.

***

The small group made it through the tunnel that the two Apple cousins had made. It was Only Twilight, Applejack, Candy Apple, and Pinkie Pie. Rarity found out of the news, but felt she offered little to the cause, and Spike and Apple Bloom stayed back to tell Queen Celestia of the news.

She wanted to charge in with her Student, but Twilight made a request that she stay out. If they did not return in a day's time, they could take the action needed.

Fluttershy and Playful Paws watched over the entrance though neither felt they really could do much if anything came through, but it at least gave them something to do and in these times, idle minds wondered to danger thoughts.

Twilight was first out of the passes that opened right near the little home of Adams and Candy Apple. She looked around, and noticed it was not as horrible as she recalled, but it still was not very good. She could see the land had become twisted, still blanketed in snow and few areas looked like some monstrous things had crashed through.

The other joined her, and took in the scene. None found it much better than her. Even Pinkie was a little taken aback by the sight. "Granny Pie, use to sing me a song," She started. "About Giggling at the Ghosties," They looked at her. "But I don't think it would work too well at this..." They feared a song, but found they were more afraid that even Pinkie Pie could not make light of this.

Twilight started to cast a spell, one that was mostly show, something she saw from Trixie. “A big flashy display”

"What in Tar-nation, are y'all doing?" Applejack asked, looking around to see if any of the unseen dangers saw what she was doing.

A little speck moved, and more and more moved, till a small group of them came into view. Little bats started flying around, a few Parasprites around them. Twilight stopped, and then cast a quick cage spell, and trapped one.

As the others flew around her for a moment, they moved on, some feeding on the Parasprites. All that was left was the one she caught. "I caught one, a Magick Seeker Bat" She said, a bit excited.

"Well and good, but why?" Applejack asked, looking at it.

"It will lead us to whatever is the strongest source of active magick. If it is Zecora, or whatever is causing all this” They all looked at her in amazement, it was a good plan, though none really knew what would happen if they came upon the source of the trouble.

With an easy spell to control minds, one that did not work very well on higher evolved minds, like most ponies or the like. It was pretty good on the simple minded creatures that lived on instinct, more than thought. With it, she commanded the Bat to seek, to find a source of great magick. It was easier than using her own spell, for her magick could be traced back easily, and she did not want to be surprised.

After some time, they all stopped and took a break. The Bat was leading them some place, for it never deviated from its path as most would naturally if it felt a nearer source or just lost interest. What it was tracking was big, this Twilight knew with a mental probe as it repeated "Food, big food"

She instructed it to take a break, it hesitated but did obey, coming back and landing on her shoulder.

"Look like a Pirate" Pinkie Pie stated, giggling. It was the first time since being here she did, and it was more soothing to hear then any thought it would be. "Twilight, the Pirate, Twirate... or Pirlight? Magick Beard, the Unicorn scourge of the Seas"
Was good that she was able to joke around again, and they all laughed some. Twilight suspected Pinkie was making a point to lighten the mood. She was smart and knew how to read ponies, and given her very nature, all this gloom was too much for her to stand by and allow.

After a brief rest, they moved on again. Following a little Bat, whose sole purpose, was to be their guide.

Twilight noticed that the whole time, Applejack and Candy Apple stayed very close. She took it as a good thing, for it seemed the crisis at least brought the two together again. Applejack was even looking protective of the other, as she would for Bloom, Big Macintosh, or Granny Smith. It was leading her to think to where Adams Apple was. They did not search the house, for Candy did say he went off to fight the creatures, but she was getting worried and she could see a bit of that concern in Candy's eyes.

The Bat made a sudden stop, and started to flutter around in the air. Twilight read its mind. "Danger! Bad food!" It was crying out. And with no warning, a large hand gripped the bat.

Twilight cried out for it as she had become a bit attached to it, and rushed forward casting a quick spell to force the hand open. She leapt onto it, and tried to manually do what the spell could not. She was rushed into the air, and saw just what she was fighting. It looked like a formation of ice, with disembodied limbs, and no legs to speak of, just a flow of snow keeping it up. It was three times her size, but she still fought it. She could feel the Magick that brought it to life, it was natural magick, but it was tainted with something like hatred. It felt familiar to her, but could not place it.

"Twilight?!" Applejack shouted, not wasting time to rush the creature. She jumped onto it but fell through, with only the snow to grab onto.

"Applejack!" Candy called. "Let me give you a boost!"

She nodded, and galloped at her. Candy leaned down, getting into a squat. Applejack jumped onto her back, placing her hooves on her shoulders and the other used her legs. Candy’s were not as powerful as the Orange mare's but strong enough to get her enough air to jump off and make it to something solid. She gripped to the creature, and started to climb to its "head"

"Y'all like messing with my friends?" She said at its shoulders, looking it dead in the eye holes. She turned, and with a fluid motion, she single kicked its head causing a massive crack that spread like shattering glass and sounded much the same.

It was not long till it let go of the bat, and its whole hand fell from its magick bonds. With a thud, Twilight rolled off the limb, and scooped up the bat. Applejack was not done and jumped up; bring both hooves down, breaking the body of the beat.

It was over much as it began, suddenly. The creature was nothing but ice and snow. Twilight would have dubbed it an Elemental, but it had no will and was not so much a spirit of snow, just something constructed of it. Naming would wait, as she was more concerned over the bat. Applejack dusted herself off, and trotted over to her. "Y'all ok?"

Twilight nodded, but only answering for her. She was casting spells, nothing really in particular; she was hoping to feed the bat to heal it. "Come on, you will be ok" Twilight was not sure she was right, as it did not seem to take to the energy she was offering.

The other two came to her, and looked on as she tried to save the bat. Neither Applejack, nor Candy really grasped why she was so worked up over the bat, but Pinkie seemed to understand, as she was a bit teary eyed.

"Can't y'all git another one, partner?" Candy finally asked.

"It... not the simple..." Twilight quietly replied.

"Why? Was before"

"He has been leading us this whole time!" She snapped looking at her with anger, mixed with sorrow. "If I had not forced him... he would not have been attacked”

"Y'all do-" Applejack put a hoof on Candy’s shoulder, and stopped her.

"Reminds me of Gummy" Pinkie said still looking as wounded by this as Twilight. "I had to give him up, he was too big"

After a moment of trying, the magick was not helping, and the bat was fading. There was silence as Twilight held the creature to her, crying to herself. Now, not even Applejack or Candy was safe from the pain the mare felt.

Something happened, and in a flash the bat was gone, but a little stone appeared and a rush of loose magick flooded the area and was being absorbed into it. Twilight could not help but drop the stone and fall backwards, they all took a step back as the colours surged and poured into the stone. With a second flash, the stone rose into the air and a sound of something shattering filled the area. A form appeared in the light now shooting out from the stone. When it was gone, a creature was hovering in the air. A Bat-like creature, more like a small Gargoyle than any other creature Twilight could think of. It was a little taller than a pony's head, and had much the same features of a bat in all its structure, but was lengthier, and almost attractive like an elf. Its wing span was three times its own height, and its ears were long and pointed.

Twilight could sense the power it held; it was consumed in magick energies, and like the bat before, seem to feed on it. The creature looked at her, and then flew to her. She hesitated, not knowing what it would do, but it landed and watched her. She was about to attempt a mind reading spell, but it suddenly filled her mind with its voice. "I serve you, my master, my creator"

She stared at it in shock. The others gathered around, looking at it. "What is that thing? You ok Twi?" Applejack asked, ready to move.

"I do not know..." She answered, and then focused on the bat thing. "What are you? And what did you mean 'master'?"

Again its voice was hers alone to hear. "I know nothing of what I am, but a servant for the one who gave birth to me. As I died in that primitive form, you fed me magick, and I was able to use it to take on my current form. My kind long to find such chances to be what we are truly meant to be"

She nodded. "I see"

"See what? The Bat thingy? I see it too" Pinkie said, poking it. The bat glanced at her, and she yipped.

"Cannot hear... it?

"Hear? Don't hear a thing" Applejack stated.

Twilight looked down to the bat, and then back up. "I guess… he only speaks to me..."

"This is too weird" Candy said. "And I've lived here for a good many years"

They all heard a sound, and Twilight quickly stood, and they all turned to the sound. The bat creature flew up, and took perch on Twilight's shoulder.

From the trees came a figure, looking very tired and worn. Their steps were weak, and each must have taken great effort. "Y..you... were not suppose to... return. Your.... own deaths, do...do you yearn?" Zecora stumbled, and fell. Applejack and Pinkie rushed and caught her before she hit the ground.

Abandoning their original trek, the group went back to the house and set the weak Zebra up in a chair. Twilight did her best to try and heal her, but she was drained of many things and not all could be healed by spells. Her will was weak, and obviously lost some amount of blood.

She tried to instruct her in some potion making, but Twilight did not take too much into that kind of healing. She was not good at making anything like that. Pinkie on the other hoof, rushed out and gathered what she could find and tried it herself.

After both brew and magickal healing, Zecora was well enough to tell the tale. She had faced the Parasprite cloud, but it was not the cause of all the trouble. They were only drawn by her magick and the Magick Seeker Bats.

After she made sure all of the Forest was locked up, Zecora sought out the source of the trouble and found many monsters were coming from nowhere. After much seeking, she found a single figure spreading vile magick in all directions. Using the natural flow of life in Everfree to spawn the creatures every pony was seeing. They were not real, much like the Ice Elemental they fought. Only constructs, to instill fear and prevent any from coming into the land.

She told them she tried to fight the figure, but it was too strong for her kind of magick and force her into retreat. Another came and managed to save her, but they were separated and she knew not where he was now.

Applejack and Candy knew it was Adams, he was the only other here who would save a pony.

"The real creatures that are here for keeps, are all trapped in very deep sleeps" Zecora went on. "Only we three, the two Apples and me, are awake and free"

Most had not taken notice of the world around them, as the scene began to change outside. The nightmarish landscape was changing back to normal. It was not complete, nor immediate. Candy took notice, for she was looking out the window hoping to see her brother. "Y'all see something?"

The others stood up and took a look. With fresh eyes, they saw the change instantly. "Yeah, it is a bit different" Twilight confirmed, and they all took in the scenery. "Zecora?" Twilight turned to her. "Take us to this thing you found, and galloped from"

She was hesitant, but nodded. The small group headed out into the forest, following the zebra as she made her way through. She clearly knew these lands, and not even with the odd changes still in effect did she faultier.

The longer they went, the more things changed and soon they were near the area Zecora found the figure, and here were the lingering effects of whatever it was.

All that stood here now was a pony, which was not so much dressed, as hosting an arrangement of flowers and vines. She looked like as if she was a statue, being still for a time long enough for the plants to claim her body as home. Her body was light brown, like wet mud. Her hind hooves and fore hooves, were green, fading into the brown partly up the limbs. Her mane and tail were a mixture of greens, like a canopy of tree leaves. Her eyes were sky blue, and looking deep into them, one felt like they were flying through them.

"Is... that her?" Twilight asked as they stood a distance away, the other not seeming to take notice of them. She was busy laying her hooves onto parts of the land, pushing a way the taint.

Zecora shook her head, and slowly moved forward. She seemed to sense something, as Twilight did too. She possessed a great amount of magick, natural magick that not even the greatest Shamans or Druids could dream to wield.

"Danger..." The Gargoyle-bat creature said into Twilight's mind.

She wanted to ask what he meant, but the figure turned and looked at them, finally acknowledging the group. "Greetings" She raised her arms wide in a gesture of invitation. She looked at them all, and smiled. It was soothing, but seemed to hide something. "If you are here to stop that which tainted this land, your worries are past"

"You took care of it?" Twilight asked in disbelieve.

She nodded, coming closer. Both Applejack and Candy Apple stepped back. Pinkie and Twilight stood their ground, as Zecora moved closer.

"What you have done, the battle you won. It is hard for me to see, it's seem impossible to be" Zecora said, now not far from the other. "Your power is great, this I can feel. Tell me your name, so I know to whom I kneel" She finished, bowing to her.

The other laughed, sounding like bird's singing. "I have many names, but to you ponies, I can be 'Nature's Love' I believe that is suitable to how your kind names each other. Please, do not feel the need to bow or kneel. I am simply a guardian of Nature. These few spots of land that are under the Great Mother's watch are mine to serve"

She looked out at the others, as Zecora stood straight again. Twilight and Pinkie came closer, but the two cousins stayed back. The little creature took to the air, to keep its own distance.

"Guardian? I did not know Nature had such things?" Twilight asked.

"This land of ponies, has become one, like much of the Dragon lands, and some other areas in this world, that thrives upon the use of Magick. Though the Dragons are still very strong in Nature’s embrace. A time ago when this was part of the Royal Sister's Castle, it too was under magick, but that same source caused a great rift. When it was sealed, it drained away the magick here. Nature reclaimed this land, so it would not be a void. A dead land"

Twilight nodded. "So, what was that thing that attacked this land?"

"That too, was part of that legacy. A lingering specter of the lost magicks, it had been gathering for a time and finally came to life. It was helped by some of the evil magicks of those who live in this land. Since it is a natural realm, the magick has no place to flow but too the gathering of negativity. Good magicks would have done nothing, and the Seeker bats and their true forms, the Protectors" She pointed at the creature that Twilight had helped bring to life. "Are here to try and keep the magick from gathering as it did. But Protectors are the only ones that can truly do the task at… hoof. The larval forms seek only the Parasprites. It takes much to create a Protector, so few are around"

"I see, but wait, I thought the Parasprites were food for the Seeker Bats, and..."

Nature's Love laughed again. "The Parasprites are actually the cause of the dark magick. Enough magick gathered to realize the danger of the Seeker Bats, and so to prevent them from gathering the needed magick, created the Sprites to multiply rapidly and feed them weak magick. Enough to keep them satisfied, but too little to allow them to grow into maturity"

"Ha, I knew they were bad!" Pinkie stated, feeling proud of her self. "Granny Pie was right"

"Please," Twilight started. "You know so much of this land, and things we ponies can only assume. Come with me, and together we can gather the knowledge you have and teach Ponykind so much about Nature"

The Guardian shook her head slowly. "I am sorry, but I cannot leave the realms of Nature. What knowledge I have, is not for me to share. I can only give out what I have. I must return to a more enriched environment of Nature. Combating the dark magick, and getting through that barrier of ice was much of a strain" She turned slightly. "Maybe one day, you all will learn a lesson of Nature" Something sounded dangerous in her words.

She looked past the three nearest, and despite the distance, seem to lock eyes with Applejack who flinched. "Some hold a love for nature, even if they do not know it. They will be the ones who will first be granted the true love of Nature" She glanced at Twilight. "Others… May find it harder to receive it"

Her departing words felt like both a blessing, and a warning. Applejack gritted her teeth. She took it as the latter. "Nature, maybe in primitive times, but we ponies can care for ourselves, and our lands just fine without it"

The Guardian did not stop, nor showed she heard. Just went on, with each of her step leaving blooming flowers, and growing plants in the wake.

The group returned back to the home of the Apple cousins, but Applejack waited outside as the others were inside. Twilight and Zecora were getting ready to take down the barrier and needed some rest, Zecora also needed to tell her of how to do it.

"Nature... ha" Applejack muttered. "I'll accept magick, but nature can't compare to what I can do with my own two hooves" She gripped her firsts, as if to grasp her point.

She heard a sound and looked over, seeing a figure coming from the trees. "Back again? Y'all want to try me? Could go for a scrap"

"Not really Cousin" Adams Apple said, coming into view. He looked worn out, and tired. "Am a might bit surprised ta see y'all around this place"

Applejack looked away. "Yeah, well... Candy came for help, and I won't be much of an Apple myself, if'n I didn't live up to the code"

Adams smiled. "Thank you Applejack. Y'all don't like me, but Candy didn't do nothin' to y'all. Glad you didn't hold our problems against her"

"Said, it was family code... y'all are..." She found it hard to say it. "...Family..." She fixed her hat. "Don't be gettin' no ideas now, I ain't still have'n much to do with y'all... but... glad y'all are both ok"

This took him by surprise, and he did not really know what to say back.

"Twilight don't know much about y'all, the real one" She moved closer to him, putting a hard finger onto his chest. "She seems to like y'all, if'n that'll change once she knows… I cannot say, but she is very accepting. So if'n you think I'm unforgiving about what happened, y'all ain't seen nothing if'n y’all hurt her"

He studied her, and smiled, causing her glare to deepen. "Y'all love her"

Applejack was stunned, and stepped back a bit. "How'd..."

"Cousin, y'all are only so protective of family, and those y'all care about. Ain't many outside our family y'all do. Also, part of who I am, to be able to read emotions"

He moved toward the door. "Y'all gonna tell her?"

"She knows, we're... making sure it's real" She looked shyly to the ground.

"I think it is. From what I've seen of her, and what I just saw... I can honestly say, it's real" He had his hoof on the knob, when he looked back and smiled at her. "Trust me on that"

***

Twilight and Zecora took down the ice wall, Pinkie and Candy made their way back to town to let the others know how it all went. Twilight addressed Queen Celestia on the matters. She went over the mysterious pony they met, and how it all was just twisted magick gone astray. She decided that if these Protectors were the key in preventing further troubles, she would have some of her top Unicorns go and raise their own and train them to do what they were born for. Seeing the one that was still with Twilight, she could sense the creature was not a threat. Breeding more was not something dangerous, but they would be watched just in case.

Zecora bidding her new friend farewell, returned to her home. Twilight stood outside Everfree, with the bat she had with her, and looked at him. "You should go back to your home too"

He looked at her. "I must stay with my master and creator"

"No, you do not. You are free to do as you please. I do not want to be your master, not in the way that you are a slave to me"

He looked down, then at the Forest. After a moment, he looked at her again. "I am free? Do as I wish?" She nodded. "I wish to stay with you. You gave me life, but also take care of me. You used your magick to create me, if unknowing, but with it was the love you had for that little bat I was. You wanted to have me then... do you no longer?" His handsome little face looked sad, almost painfully so.

She was stunned by his words, but she felt it was true. She had formed a love for the little bat when he was one, and even now wanted to keep him with her. "I do... I still love you and want to keep you, but as a friend not a pet or slave"

"Master" He said, in a loving way.

"No no, just call me Twilight. I am not your master"

He nodded. "So, what is my name?"

"What do you want?"

He thought about it. "I would like you to name me, seems proper, since you gave life to me"

After a few moments, something popped into her mind "Keese?"

"Sounds familiar, but I like it"

“Better than Batty or something, must assuredly” She looked around, and forgot there were still other ponies around. The others could not hear anything, but what she was saying. "Hehe... He only talks in my head...” She paused, realizing how that sounded. “That came out wrong... It is a telepathic kind of thing" She tried to defend herself, but they looked at her like she went mad.

With a sigh, she turned and trotted off, Keese following behind her. "Why do you not just think back? I can hear your thoughts, as you can mine"
“Now you tell me…”

Ch15: Lost in the storm, and the things found there

Winter set in at its normal time. After what happened in Everfree only a hoof-full of days ago, Twilight was a bit sick of snow already. She did not take to the cold very well, and found it hard to move around with the amount that was coming in. It was one of the few times she wished she was back in Canterlot. She imagined that it just took some getting use too, but even the ponies that lived through several winters in Ponyville found it just as annoying.

The violet Unicorn was still out of school, thanks to the problems she had with Gilda, and now that the winter break was on she had even longer to wait till she could resume what she enjoyed most.

Twilight took on more time at the Library, which was happy to have more of her. She brought order to the library, it had not seen in ages. Even found books thought long lost. Spike would come by at times to help her out, and let her know what was going on. They did not share any classes together, but they did take many of the same courses.

Normally, the mare would check the weather too see what was going to happen today. She found a "new" book, and was too excited by it to remember her routine. Had she known, she would have stayed home as many of the others did.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 15: Lost in the storm, and the things found there

After a good night's sleep, Twilight shot out of bed when she was aware enough to realize she was awake. She quickly made ready for the day, so she could get in some reading before she was due to work. Keese was still asleep, hanging from a shelf by her bed.

After an hour, she noticed that her roommate was still asleep. She went over and tried to wake the pink mare, who rolled off the bed and was not even phased by the fall.

"Pinkie?" Twilight called. "Pinkie?" She attempted again. "PINKIE?!" She shouted, and this finally stirred the pony. Keese snapped awake by the call, and looked around. He realized what was happening, and with a shrugged, went back to sleep.

With a quick yawn, Pinkie shot up and looked around. "What did I miss?"

"Class, if you do not hurry"

The other thought about the words. "Oh! I'm not going today, you silly"

"Me silly? I would trade places with you, if I could" She sighed, grabbing her book and getting her things ready to leave.

"Where are you going?"

Twilight paused, and looked over at her. "Work, you know I'm doing more hours at the Library"

"Today?" Pinkie looked confused by it.

"Yes, of course. A little snow is annoying, but not stopping me" She was dressing up into her warmest cloths. She did not really have much before she came here, but luckily she was dear friends with the most talented designer in Equestria. Making a sweater, or warmer cloths was foal's play for Rarity. "I'll see you later Pinkie Pie, take care of Keese" She scooped up her bag, and trotted out.

"Later? More like way later" Pinkie said, getting back into bed. "She must be brave, to go out when a storm is coming. Faces an Ursa Major, and evil magick, and she now is taking on a Blizzard" She shook her head. "Calls me silly"

***

Twilight made it to the Library, it was very quiet, the streets on the way had very few souls. She imagined today would be a good day to tackle the Third Wing; she was systematically working each of the areas. She kept a list of books missing, since she figured some where other parts of the library. It could be appalling to her, especially when she found a fiction novel in the Reference section.

She noticed after an hour or two, not a single pony had shown up, not even the other employees. She just shrugged it off. Gave her more time to work, and not have to stop. It took her a week to get the first area of the Library cleaned up, it was not so bad. The second took much longer, even more, if she was still in school. With no interruptions, she vowed to get this one done in a day. It was better than the second, but not by much.

It was getting past time for lunch, so she decided to break for a bit and get something quick. She moved back to the main area, and thought about it. "I'm the only pony here, who will watch the Library?"

After a mental debate and the growling in her stomach chiming in, she decided to just leave a sign. It was pretty dead today, so she hoped it would stay that way till she got back.

She went to the door and tried to open it, but it would not move. She double checked the locks and made another attempt, but nothing. She even made sure she was supposed to push not pull, but nothing explained the problem.

Rubbing some of the frost off the window, all she saw was white. "Weird..." She muttered. Then attempted a teleportation, but she found herself in the middle of a snow bank outside where it should have been steps. She quickly reversed, and reappeared inside, taking some snow with her. "Oh no!" She quickly started to clean it up.

After she finished, she sat at the front desk and thought. "What is going on?" She pulled out her Bay-B, and looked up the weather feed.

"Snow is in full swing today, the Weather Pegasi are the only ones out today in Ponyville's biggest snow storm in a few years. Not even our own Ditzy Doo would be out in this one. This was an automated message from Knows News, as I am, like you all should be, at home"

After the message, she noticed the single was very weak. It would be lucky to make any calls. She closed the device, and leaned back in her chair. "Oh great... The one time I forget to check the weather..." She dropped the device onto the desk, and rubbed her head. "This is a lesson, if I was going to write about this one I'd say: Dear Queen Celestia, I learned today; never forget to check the weather during the winter"

She thought it over, as her stomach grumbled at her foalishness. "I guess that is why Pinkie did not go out... She could have told me!" She was angry for a short time, but she shook her head. "No, was not her fault..."

Twilight gave thought to more teleporting, but she was too far from home and she recalled her teacher’s warnings. “Weather can affect spells” She did not know much of the area around here, so chances were she would only end up in more snow. Given her hunger, it was too risky to be porting all over in the snow.

She looked at the daisies in a vase next to the desk lamp, and they started to look like a Five-star meal.

"Dear Queen Celestia, Always bring snacks too..."

Getting up and decided to go back to work, hoping it would get her mind off it all.

***

"She what?!" Applejack shouted through the Bay-B's receiver, onto Pinkie's speaker.

"What? I thought she was just being tough. After all she's been through this year, a little snow as she called it, isn't a big deal"

"Y'all are more crazy than I knew! Letting a friend out into this!"

Pinkie thought about it. "I did try to warn her, but she was just so insistent"

The other mare sighed, was audible through the phone connections. Their phones barely had any signal, but stronger than it was deeper into Ponyville. "Sorry, it's just shocking to think she'd be so crazy to go out in this storm. She ain't from around these parts, and doesn't know what our storms are like"

She nodded, even though Applejack couldn't see it. "It's ok, I'm worried too, but what can we do? We can't get out there, any more then she can"

There was a silence, before Applejack spoke again. "I'll get her out"

"Might want to bring some food, she doesn't take any with her to work. Probably starving"

In the farm house, Applejack was already getting herself ready to attempt the weather. Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh looked at her. It was her brother to speak first. "Y'all cannot be serious. No one pony can handle this weather"

She shot a look at him, and stormed up to him. He was taller by a good margin, but details like that never stopped her. "That a fact? Y'all doubting my abilities?"

"Just say'n, this is mighty large fer y'all to take on. I think Twilight can manage one night in the Library"

She jabbed her finger into his chest. He was not effect too much by it, given his build, but it was meant to drive her passion. "A friend of mine is stuck out in this, and y'all want me to stay here and twiddle my hooves? I'll get to her and I'll save her, and I'll do it alone!"

She stomped past, and grabbed a bag she had set up with needs.

"Big sis, common, y'all can't do this alone. What if y'all get stuck out there too?" Apple Bloom said, being genuine in her concern.

Applejack stopped, and sighed. "Look, I ain't gonna sit by and let that poor mare starve for who knows how long, till some of this here snow is cleared away" She turned. "Trust your ol sister Applejack, I ain't let'n no snow stop me from getting to her"

Her words had a passion that showed more than her concern for a friend. It showed them that if she was ever set on something that she could be talked out of, this was definitely not one of those times.

The two of them stayed back to watch over things at the home, and Granny Smith. As Applejack pushed open the front door. She used all her might to force it, luckily the open fields allowed the snow to spread more so their home was not so buried as the town.

At first, the travel was easy. For one use to doing so each year, but when she reached the town line where the homes, shops, and buildings huddled together, the snow here were like mountains.

She pushed through, but could not get far. She moved back to where she started, and looked around. "Ah Ha!" She shouted, spotting a snow plow not too far away.

Quickly she went to it. It was a simple machine, designed to allow the pushing to be increased greatly so that one pony could move snow banks. It was not meant for such a large job, but Applejack was not a city pony. She worked the fields, and pushed machines that most ponies could not.

After she strapped into it, planted her hooves, and started to push the machine. It rolled slowly, but picked up speed as she moved toward the large bank. "Y'all gonna wish y'all stayed in them clouds" She taunted, and rammed the snow bank. It caused a violent jerk, and she would have flown out of the machine if she was not strapped in. "Tar Nation!"

She made a dent, but it was not much. She tried to push it, but the snow did not yield. So she backed it up and made another running start, but it ended up the same.

Angrily, she got herself out of it, stormed up to the mound, and punched it. Her first sank fast, and she nearly toppled into it. "Blasted thing! I can punch through it, but not plow?”

After some more searching, she found a shovel and started at it again making a tunnel toward the library. She knew Ponyville, nearly as well as her own orchard. Even with the snow, she knew the way to the place her friend was stuck.

The effort was great. Digging a path, making sure she did not get a cave in, and allowing her some opening behind in case she needed to get out. Her frosted breath came fast hard and heavy, as she dug through. She did not allow herself to rest, as she wanted to get there as soon as she could. "Gonna get y'all out Twi" She told herself, to keep her drive.

It took her a couple hours and she was nearing the Library, and well past her limit. She stopped a moment, and propped herself on the shovel. She took in many breaths; the cold was bitter to her lungs and started to hurt to breathe, nearly as much as it did to even move.

She coughed a couple times and nearly fell over, but her stubbornness was not going to allow her to stop here. With a fire in her eyes, she stood up and started at it again. Gritting her teeth, and ignoring all the signals her mind was receiving on the subject of the anguish she was in.

Visions began to take her mind, ones from a time long ago. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been out in a storm like this. They were too foalish to listen to the warnings, and were both trapped in a cave.

Applejack could tell Rainbow was getting sick, and knew she could not stay out in the cold. So she did much like she did now, and dug her way through the snow. She carried her friend on her back, and nearly crawled through the landscape till she found a house. It was the first time she met Fluttershy, and was the first time she had ever pushed her body to the point that she was so sick and weak after. Her family and friends wondered if she would make it.

She pushed the memory away, as this was not the time to be thinking of her. Had she not been in so much pain and focused on the task at hoof, she might have considered the irony. Here she was; doing much as she did back then, for the same pony that was part of the reason her and Rainbow Dash were no longer friends. It was not Twilight's fault, but had she not become so important to Applejack, maybe she would not have lost a longtime friendship. All because the other pony had chosen to side with her own longtime friend, rather than see that the one in question, was the root problem.

She shook her head, still thinking about the last couple months. "Ain't got time to waste on this" She thought, as she pushed on.

***

Twilight slumped over a stack of books, looking weak and tried. She was past the point of hunger, where she was almost sick to even think of food. She was well worn from all her work and she did not realize that teleporting would drain so much out of her. It was a simple spell, and she had performed it countless times. Harmony used it more than trotting, and he never seemed so worn out by it. Again she recalled the warning about weather effecting magick, maybe it caused her to use more effort than she planned. She had little choice, and now here she was.

"I really should have just conserved my energy" She thought, was beginning to miss Keese. He might absorb magick, but she found he could also offer some in a tight spot. It would have been nourishing since she was so tied to magick, would have help fight off some of her fatigue.

She heard a loud thud, as it echo through the library. She put it off as one of her hastily stacked books falling over. But she heard more noises following it, and then the same loud thud. The second time she recognized it, as the large doors shutting. She never heard it so clearly, especially in the third wing, but pony bodies did muffle the sound some.

After a moment she shifted and moved off the stack she was on, and made her way toward the front of the building. It took longer than she wanted it too, but she managed to get to the front and looked toward the door. It was still closed, but she noticed the bits of snow melting do to the heat off the candles. She looked down, and gasped. Applejack was sprawled out on the floor, looking almost dead covered in snow and a puddle forming around her.

Twilight had no idea where the energy came from, but she darted to the other pony and rolled her over. She was alive, but very worn out. She quickly moved her away from the snow, and even started to strip off the warmer, but soaked cloths she had on. She stopped at the under cloths, luckily for her own shame they were dry.

After some struggling, she managed to get the Earth pony to the fireplace. It was meant for ambiance so it was rarely used, but it also was far enough from the books that it was technically safe. With some logs still in it, she summoned enough of her reserved magick to spark a fire. With nothing else, Twilight used herself to blanket Applejack and keep her warm.

Eternity seemed to go by, as Twilight feared for her friend. Seemed like endless waiting before a soft snort escaped the sleeping pony. She started to stir, and Twilight laid her down over her lap.

Applejack slowly opened her eyes and in the haze, saw a face she knew but not the one she expected. The blue coat, and spiked wild mane, coloured like her name. "R...Rainbow... Dash?" She asked weakly. When the other, who was leaning over straightened a bit, she realized that the face she saw was only a memory. From when she was saved those years ago, in a situation that was too similar for her, and she started to tear up.

"Applejack, what is wrong? It is me, Twilight Sparkle" She tried to get through, but the pony was too lost in the past.

"Damn that mare..." She muttered, and after a few moments she wiped her eyes and saw Twilight. She shot up, but it was too much on her and she nearly fell forward. The other grabbed her before she did, and held onto her. "Land sakes... head rush"

"You ok AJ?"

She looked over, and weakly nodded. She was not too sure she was ok, but she shown enough weakness for today, as she barely made it here in her crazy rescue attempt. "I'm fine" With a pause, she rubbed her head and went on. "Y'all ok Twi?"

"Me? I have been in here all day. How in all Equestria did you get here? The news feed said it was crazy to be out, even for Pegasi"

Applejack spotted her bag, and reached for it. "T'was nothin' I've taken on worse..." she pulled it close, and opened it. "Besides, I needed to make sure my favorite customer was taken care of" She was getting back into her old self, and pulled out some little containers. "Hope y'all are hungry, cause soups on"

Twilight cried at the sight of food. It was not much, just simple little things the other could carry, but like the flowers on the desk earlier that were looking like fine dining. This was a Queen's Feast.

She had not intended too, but after the insistence Applejack ate with Twilight. It was meant for the other alone, but she had to admit she needed it nearly as bad. Maybe more, but she would not go that far.

They stayed near the fire, nearly cuddling as they restored their strength. Applejack was explaining what she went through, not in so much detail, only the little things. She did not want to make it look like some grand rescue, when in fact; she nearly killed herself to get here. Twilight could sense she was down playing her actions, but did not care. She was not alone now, and she was fed.

They both fell asleep, lying tightly together as they rested after a long day of hardships.

***

The morning came, and a sliver of light made through the windows as the sun was coming up. Twilight was on top of Applejack, curled up on her. The orange mare awoke first, seeing the sight and she smiled at the other. Her ears pulled back, a bit embraced. She was not a very gentle type, but she recalled her mother brushing her mane, and the feeling it gave her. So she decided to try it on Twilight. With a few tries, she found the pace and pattern and had her fingers brushing the purple mane. It was a bit messy at first, but as she worked it resumed some of the keep Twilight usually had.

Applejack found it odd how she enjoyed this, laying on the hard floor but feeling so comfortable with the pony on her. She had the image in her head, of that little pony toy she found, of how she had to fix its hair too. She tired to stop from a laugh, but her chest heaved with a quick snicker causing the other to shift.

She stopped her combing, and hoped she did not wake her. After a few seconds, she found she did. "Mmm... don't stop..." Twilight softly said, nuzzling in the others chest. So Applejack obeyed, and resumed playing with the mane.

Twilight was fully awake after a couple minutes, and was staring straight ahead at the burnt out fireplace. She did not really see it, her mind was more on the fact she never felt so happy. It seemed so long ago now; she just came to this town, and met all the ponies she now called friends. Applejack, she always felt so close too, but neither felt sure of their feelings. After last night, she was sure of herself, but was a bit afraid to ask if the other did too.

"Twi?" Applejack asked, going over similar thoughts. Twilight looked up to her. "Y'all... hungry?" She avoided the question she wanted to ask. "I think we have a bit left, kinda went pig-like on it last night"

Twilight moved her head back down and tightened her hold on Applejack, causing her to wonder about the Unicorn. "Y'all ok?"

She sat up, and Applejack did likewise. They were side by side, as the orange pony looked with concern at her. "Applejack..." Twilight started. "You... remember how we...we were waiting to..." She was having more trouble in talking now, than she ever did.
Applejack put her fore hoof gently onto Twilight's far cheek, and convinced her to look at her. "AJ, I..." She started to say, but was cut off when her friend moved in for a kiss. It was short and a bit surprising, but the best thing Twilight had ever felt. When the other pulled back, Twilight was left a bit wide eyed still in shock at the feelings it sent through her.

Applejack smiled weakly, ears back in a mixture of her feelings, and worry she might have moved too soon. "Sorry Twi... I just-" She was cut off when Twilight repeated the action and kissed her back, but neither pulled back or hesitated.

***

Most the day went by before any pony came to the Library to help get the two out. Big Macintosh had gathered some of the ponies he usually called on when it was time for Winter Wrap-up, and together they made a path to the Library. They did not bother to clear the streets, for the snow was still coming and was more too come. Thanks to Ditzy, the blizzard was on hold till Twilight and Applejack were safely home. Was a good thing Pinkie knew the odd Pegasus, for she sent the message out quickly.

He made his way into the building, and saw them sitting by the fireplace. "Hey?" He called. "Y'all ok?"

Applejack looked over, and nodded.

He came closer, and noticed the mess. Containers and some of Applejack's cloths she wore into the storm, and a couple other pieces. He decided not to dwell on it. "So y'all ready to git?"

His sister stood first, and helped Twilight up. Together they nodded to him, and the three started to pick up the mess.

"I think..." Big Mac started, stopping himself from picking up something. "I'll let y'all have this one"

Twilight picked it up and hooved the undergarment to Applejack, both of them in a bit of a blush. "Ooops" Was all she could get out.

"Not gonna ask"

After they picked it all up, they moved to the door and headed out into the cold. Applejack and Big Mac had something to wear, but Twilight's little hoodie, and what little she brought in yesterday, was not enough for the cold of today.

Applejack kept close to her, and used her body to blanket her. "Will always take care of y'all Miss Twilight" She said, with a bit of a laugh in her tone.

"That is mighty neighborly" Twilight said back, giggling a bit.

"Took y'all long enough" Big Mac said as they all trotted along, the others had already gone, putting back the machinery they used. Making sure nothing would be buried and of no use, come the next snow.

"Suppose, I have y'all's blessings in the matter?" Applejack asked, looking over to her big brother.

"Eeyep" He gave her a big smile. "Maybe she'll tame y'all a bit, and stop y'all from crazy stunts like last night" His words were true, but he was not scolding her. He would have done the same for her, or Apple Bloom.

Ch16: After the Storm

The year was nearing its end, and all the ponies were making ready for the new year. Winter was still in full, but the patterns formed for working around the weather made it seem like it was hardly there at all. After the early blizzard, the rest of the season would be a little easier.

Time for old troubles and problems to be forgotten, and for Equestria to start anew.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 16: After the Storm

Twilight made her way through the snow covered streets, on her way to the library. These last few days, she has cleaned nearly the whole place and reduced the lost book count from the dozens to a mere hoof full. The Owner loved having her, and wondered what they would do when she returned to her studies.

Her relationship with Applejack has grown stronger with each passing day, and she could not for see it ever weakening. Most their friends found it surprising, in it not happened sooner.

In the back of her mind, she wondered about Rainbow Dash. The fight they had still hurt her to think of, though it was not the Pegasus she fought, but Gilda. Dash had sided with the Gryphon, and even after hearing everything, still took her side. She learned that Rainbow Dash tried to find her, but when she crossed paths with Applejack, she found herself in another situation of “one or the other” She picked the other.

She did not see much of either since, both being flyers, it was not too hard to miss. Twilight still wondered if Dash was keeping up in her studies, or if she and Gilda had given up all together. It seemed most logical; neither seemed very keen on school, or fit into the collage mentality.

In the end, it did not matter now. Rainbow Dash, for some reason, felt she owed Gilda a great debt and was enough to cost her a few friendships.

With a sigh, she shook her head and continued on. Twilight forced the thoughts out, replacing it with ones of Applejack. For one who not even a year ago yet had any friends, now had a love.

Twilight was almost to her work, though she rarely felt it was a fitting description for it. She spotted something standings on the archway. When she was nearer, the Unicorn could make out the figure of Gilda. The gryphon stood cross armed, wearing a white heavy coat, and heavy winter pants. She was looking down with her sharp eyes, focused right at Twilight.

"What does she want?" The mare thought to herself, returning the strong gaze.

***

Applejack was in her shop early, after the incident in Everfree, she was a bit easier around her cousins. She and Candy Apple had the easiest time getting along, but she was still a bit unsure around Adams Apple. Applejack was making an attempt, but was not easy for her.

She relieved them from their night shift, and started getting ready for the day. This early, they did not serve much of anything. It was when they were cleaning things that needed to down for a good time.

The door was open, as it always was, but rarely did they see any pony come in. So when the little bell chimed, Applejack was a bit surprised. She assumed it was one of the two who just left, forgetting something. She came out front any ways, to make sure.

"Y'all forget..." She started, than stopped herself. Her brow came down heavy, and her ears flung back in anger.

Rainbow Dash stood there. She was in her bomber jacket, but added a scarf to her wardrobe, and thicker pants than her sportier ones. She did not look like she wanted a fight, but Applejack on the other hoof was ready too. It was one thing; when she and Twilight were friends, but now they were together. The memories of the hurt she endured because of this pony before her, was rekindled and hotter than ever.

"Get out!" She shouted, taking the other a little by surprise, for Applejack never told any pony to leave the diner. Was Apple Family code to never do such.

"AJ, we need to talk" She started; looking wounded, and spoke uneasily. "This can't go on"

"Then y'all broke it off with that snake?"

She did not give an answer, only looked away.

"I ain't no mind reader, did y'all or not? Cause if'n y'all are still with that beast"

"She's not a beast!" Rainbow Dash shot back, then calmed. "She's my friend... she's done a lot for me..."

Applejack turned away. "Get out, I won't talk to y'all. Time has passed, but y'all are still haven't changed"

"Please Applejack, give me a chance, I can tell you why... I miss what we had..."

"Not enough to give up the bird"

"Just let me-"

"No! I ain't listening to a word" She stomped off into the kitchen.

"I won't leave till you talk to me!" Dash shouted after her. "I'll stay outside. All day. All week!" She turned and went outside, standing by the door way. She pressed her back up to the wall, and waited.

***

Gilda had landed, and was standing before Twilight now. "We have some unsettled issues"

The pony did not back down, only stared back into her eyes. She was not going to be pushed around by her. "I figured, when Rainbow Dash trampled my heart, we were all done"

Gilda scuffed. "You are so sensitive. Look that is why I'm here... She's been a wreck since then, she has tried to talk to you, but you won't listen. She's tried talking to that hayseed pony, but she won't listen either"

"What do you expect? You attacked me, got me in trouble, and took one of my friends away! Isn't some little mare's tail, where everything magickally is happy after the day it through! I only was trying to help... both of you..."

The gryphon looked away. "I know... I don't need help, Dash does. She has for most her life... I was always the one to do it" She paused a moment, obviously not use to talking like this. "I've had her back for as long as I can remember, and she's had mine. I can't say too much, but understand... she is all I have" When she looked back, the fire was gone, doused by the tears forming in the edges of her eyes.

This sight knocked Twilight back, she did not know much of the gryphon, but knew she never let her guard down. She did not even know she could have a weak side, but she exposed it here, for her friend. "I..." She stuttered. "I do not know what to say..."

"Talk to her. I always thought she'd need only me... I hoped for it, but she needs you and that other pony too. She doesn't need me..." She turned a bit; it was too hard for her to be like this in front of any one.

Twilight moved closer, and put a hand on her shoulder. "She needs you, just as much as any pony else, not less. It is clear that she does, she let go of two friends to keep you" Gilda nodded weakly.

"I need her... I have no one else, I lost them... I don't want to loose Dash too"

"Just because she has friends, does not mean she will leave you. I bet even if you tried, you would find friendship too"

She shook her head at the last part. "Ponies hate Gryphons, since the wars... I can't say it's not justified, but still. The Dragons did worse things, and they are welcomed"

"To be fair, compared to a dragon, a gryphon seems like a small threat"

Gilda laughed weakly. "True..."

"Give us a chance. I was wiling to help you out. I was ready to tutor you, and wanted to make friends with you"

"I don't really need tutoring, Dash does... did..."

Twilight cocked her head. "Did? Did she drop out?"

Gilda laughed again, with a bit more enthusiasm. "That crazy pony, she's actually passing her classes, with ease. Did a good job on her"

"Then why not let me help you too?"

"One, kicked out. Two, I don't need it. I'm a lot more read, than I let on. I know all this crap. I just choose to slack till the last. I've pulled Dash through to make sure she passes too. Maybe not fair on her, but she has a dream, and I won't let it die because of technicalities like education"

Twilight was shocked from all she was learning from her. "Do you have a dream, or are you just in it for her?"

Gilda looked at her, not with any emotions, but as if she could find the answer in her. She had it but needed to allow it time to come out, for her to share. She looked away again, before she started. "Not really, I'm in school... for another reason. I'm just helping Dash get through, as well"

"Can you tell me? I have so many mysteries; I am starting to feel like a detective, trying to piece together some huge plot"

She shook her head. "Maybe someday. Not now, but maybe someday. It's not just mine to tell. Dash has, as you might say, 'a Hoof' in this. Her past, is hers to talk about"

She stretched her back out and her wings at the same time. "This is too early for me to be up, especially with no school. I'm glad we talked Twillit"

"Twilight..." She mumbled.

"Oh right, sorry. We... cool?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, I guess. Though I am not really sure what that means though... Assuming good?"

Gilda laughed, fully, with nothing holding her back. "It's good. Hopefully Dash and uh... what's her name, can make up too"

"Applejack? I do not know... She's a bit stubborn"

The other nodded. "As I've heard over the years, but if I know Dash, she's not one to give up on something she wants"

***

The day went on long, customers came and went, and everything in Apple Cider's was fine. Outside, Rainbow Dash kept to her word and waited. It started to snow again, and she had to shake off the gathering powder. She was freezing, but would not move, not till Applejack spoke to her.

She knew that Gilda went to see Twilight, and was hoping that they would patch things up. She would be next after Applejack, maybe Twilight would pass the word on. Given the time, she was getting doubtful. Either Gilda failed and as she feared, got into a worse fight with Twilight, or Twilight would not forgive her. Maybe she just did not have her Bay-B, or... She had to stop worrying over it.

"She's still out there" Apple Bloom mentioned to Big Macintosh.

"Eeyep..." He said softly. He knew better than any about the two mares at odds right now, and how Applejack and Rainbow Dash grew so close before.

When the blue Pegasus first came here, she was accompanied by the gryphon, and looked almost soulless. Both looked vary worn out, something he never learned of. They started into the school with his sister, and eventually, Applejack and Rainbow Dash started to become friends. Till one day they got into a fight over something stupid, as they often did.

It was around this time, that Rainbow Dash flew away into the cold winter. Applejack followed after, and despite the blizzard coming, she would not listen. She and Dash had some bet going, or something. Again, he did not know much on the details of it, but all he knew was that they were thought lost.

A day later, Applejack came crawling back, carrying her friend. Making it to Fluttershy’s home, and both looked like they would die any moment. Applejack was much worse off. She was cold, worn out, and running on nothing but will alone.

She was nearly lost, but Rainbow Dash stayed by her side, and maybe just that saved the little filly. She awoke to the sight of her friend's worried, but smiling face. From that day on, they were inseparable

Gilda always seemed to be a problem between them. It was the only thing between them, that could ever break up such a friendship, and it seems to done nearly that.

Big Mac looked out, seeing the shivering mare and frowned. "This has ta stop, they are being foals"

He rarely stuck his muzzle into his sister's business. She was very smart and knew just what she was doing... most the time. Sometimes, she was just too stubborn.

He went outside, and held out his coat. "Here, if'n y'all wait till Hell freezes over, y'all might not want ta yer self"

Rainbow looked at him, and gave a soft smile. "No, I'm fine"

He sighed. "Not many in this here world, who know Applejack so well. She is beyond stubborn, especially when she thinks she is right"

She looked out ahead. "That's just it, she is right... to a point" Her words were a bit shaky from the cold she was trying to ignore. "I'm not giving up Gilda, and once she hears me out, she'll understand that"

He lowered the coat, seeing it was hopeless, she was nearly as stubborn as the other mare she was waiting on. It was a battle of wills now. Would Dash give up, or AJ?"

It was starting to get late, the snow stopped but with the sun dropping, it was getting colder. Rainbow Dash found it hard to keep her eyes open, standing around so long was one thing wearing her down, but the cold sucked her energy.

She sneezed, snapping awake. "Uuuh"

"Y'all gonna just stand there all night, huh?"

She turned her head, and saw Applejack. "D-damn... r-right-t" She tried to smile, but it was too hard to form.

Applejack set up a small part of the diner for the two to talk, with no interruptions and ease dropping. Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom would make sure no pony sat too close.

When Rainbow Dash stopped shivering, after a few gulps of something hot, Applejack sat across from her and studied her. "So, y'all gonna convince me not to buck yer sorry flank outta here again?" She did not want to give away that she missed the other pony, and took up her usual defense.

"You want the whole story? Why Gilda is so important? Or you want a basic idea?" The other was not speaking as brash as she usually did.

"I don't know how long I can hold out, so better make it quick"

Rainbow Dash sighed. Part of her wanted to finally give out the details, but both she and her once closest friend were alike in many things, and being right to the point was one. "Without going too far, she saved me. I never really told you why I came to Ponyville, but before I did, before I met you, she was all I had left. I was all she had too. You saved me once, around this time. It nearly killed you. We were friends for-, nearly forever after that. Gilda and I both suffered something great. It should have killed us too, or at least, destroy who we were. It did destroy me, but somehow, she stayed strong and pulled us through"

The other mare thought about what she said. "So, y'all are saying, she isn't a full on snake"

"She's not one at all!" Dash snapped. "You heard what I said, she lost everything but me, and given the fact ponies don't take too kindly to Gryphons, she had little to be happy about. She brought me back to life, and did it on her own. No pony would help her, and most just ignored her. So you can hopefully see why she doesn't treat any very well"

Applejack took it in, but did not respond.

"I know. It's not right. I've tried to get her to ease up, but she's just as stubborn as us. What happened with Twilight, was horrible. Gilda was wrong, and I even got her to finally see that. I wish it didn't happen, but given what all she has done for me, even if she was in the wrong, I couldn't turn my back on her. I'm all she has! If I took Twilight's side, I don't know what she would have done..." She was a bit teary eyed as she near the end. "I really don't want to think about it... losing her, after everything..."

With a soft sound of thought, Applejack looked down, the words sinking in. She was seeing more about the Gryphon, and was seeing what she meant to Rainbow Dash. "I can... understand. Y'all weren't around when it happened, but I almost lost Apple Bloom. It was my fault, and it was stupid. I see in her, the last bits of my mama. I want so much to protect her, and all, but I'm too protective, and harsh... Maybe that's what Gilda and I share"

Dash looked at her, hopeful she was starting to open up to the star of this conversation.

"I can understand, I really can Dash... So maybe... I was wrong to be so quick to judge the situation, like I was when Bloom ran away. Y'all understand how I felt though, right? Y'all were the only one that knew my feelings about Twilight, and seeing her so hurt, in so much pain, I was so furious... I wanted to attack Gilda, I wanted to find her and beat the daylights outta her"

Rainbow Dash ran her fingers in her mane. "I'm glad you didn't... Though, you don't usually hold back. Why did you?"

"Because... Twilight said not too. She didn't want it to be worse, and she was hoping that maybe Gilda would come to her and try to fix things. Mare is a goodhearted pony, and wants all to get along and be happy. She's a bit out in the field though, thinkin' all plants can grow together"

Dash looked down with her eyes. "A sad fact, that not every pony can just be happy..."

"I wish I could live in Twi's world, where there is no pain or hurt"

"Be easier than Pinkie's world, where it's all candies and giggles" Dash smiled, getting one out of Applejack. "You know?" She started again, thinking about what the other said not too long ago. "Gilda did kinda want to try and patch things up. She came to me not too long ago, and said she wanted to undo what happened and confessed to all she did to Twilight"

"Did she now? Well, I guess she really ain't so bad, if'n she did that"

"She probably already talked to Twilight too. I haven't heard anything, but I'm hoping they patched things up too... We are patched up right?" She looked a bit worried.

Applejack smiled, and shook her head. "Y'all have to ask?"

She laughed nervously. "Well, never know"

They spent a good amount of time going over things since they stopped talking, that moment of their brake up; it seemed longer and longer ago.

***

The problems between Gilda and Twilight were fine now, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash were friends again. Dash still needed to fix things with her and Twilight. So she sought out the Unicorn, and found her leaving her work. When she started to say something, Twilight just clung to her tears in her eyes, as she was happy to have her back. After Applejack, she had expected some trouble, but was welcome to find Twilight was so willing to forgive her. She started to cry herself, thinking about how she could have ever said anything bad about her or think she was at fault in any way.

They clung together for some time, both missing each other more than they thought. For such a short friendship, they were tighter than some who have known each other their whole lives.

Ch17: Friends for the Holidays

Any reason to celebrate is all the reason needed for ponies to do so, and none more so than Pinkie Pie. For the winter holidays, she is Ponyville's best source of cheer. The time to join in the gathering of friends and family was nearing, as is the year's end. Where autumn had the days to remember those past, winter would be for those still with us. As Pinkie loved to shout when the first day begins, at the start of the New Year. "Let the old year's troubles stay in the past, and new friends and fun be found in this year!"

The Magick of Friendship chapter 17: Friends for the Holidays

Though close, the year was not done yet, and Pinkie Pie had much to set up. She used this time, to market herself and set up parties for those all over Ponyville. Normally, she would have her friend Ditzy Doo to help her. With the many letters and so much mail around this time, from ponies far and wide, which could not make it to their families, the wild eyed Pegasus was busy with her own duties.

She did find help from Twilight and Keese, with Fluttershy and Playful Paws lending their hooves too. Spike also came to help. He did it more for Twilight, he was becoming like an assistant to her, when he was not spending time with Apple Bloom.

As they were out and about, the others had their own duties. Applejack, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith, were making ready the farm for the Apple Family. It would be a time for them to return to the homestead, and join together as a family. Applejack even invited Adams Apple and Candy Apple, but they felt it was better to stay away. Not many in the family took to them any more then Applejack usually did, or use too.

Rarity was planning a small family get together. Herself, and Sweetie Belle, would be entertaining her parents. She would also have Swanheart join them, his family was near the Dragon boards, and in these seasons could not be so far from the shop.

Twilight wished to go back to Canterlot and see her parents and Queen Celestia, but for Celestia, she had much to do with the coming ceremonies. Her parents were also away for the seasons.

She decided to join Pinkie and her family, at the biggest party in Ponyville. It was a gathering for those with no place to really be, or wanted to do more than just sit at home. Twilight would join Applejack, but a gathering like that was best to keep to family. Maybe one day she would be a part of it.

Fluttershy and Playful Paws decided to stay home, and share their first holidays together. The Pegasus liked to keep things simple and quiet any ways, and Playful just loved to be around her. They would get a visit from some of their friends later in the day.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda did not seem to care about any of it, they stayed to themselves and pretty much avoided any pony. With how busy every pony was, none took notice of their absence.

***

Most the parties were set, so Pinkie took a break from them and welcomed her parents and sisters. Twilight had joined her later, and was talking with them about Pinkie's past.

"It is so hard to believe" Twilight said.

"Oh yeah, our little Pinkamena was not always a party pony" Her father said, sipping from a coffee cup. "Cannot tell you, how much joy it brought us seeing her smile like she did that first time. In those times, being happy was not something easily found"

Twilight gave a nod, as her mother started. "Was the first time since Granny Pie past, that any of us truly smiled" She turned to Pinkie. "You have much of her spirit"

"Aw, mom..." Pinkie giggled.

"It is a very unique experience, being her roommate" Twilight laughed. "I was not very social growing up. Not till I moved here for collage. I had no friends, but made many fast, and Pinkie is definitely one of the best I have"

Her father nodded. "It is good to hear she is doing well, thank you Miss Sparkle" her mother mirrored his feelings.

Learning of Pinkie's past was shocking, seeing what kind of pony she was, but she figured was why she was so happy. If Twilight had grown up a rock farmer with so little to be hopeful for, she would cling to happiness and never let it go. In a way, Twilight does that with her friends.

After some games and fun, the Pies headed for bed. Was not so late, but after a long travel they needed some rest. Pinkie had to start getting some more celebrations ready, and Twilight decided to head home for a bit.

On her way, she thought about her friends more. She wished she could spend more time with them in this season, they were like family. Rarity called her a sister. She decided to see if she had some time for her.

She moved through town, Rarity’s was nearly on the other side of the town than Pinkie and so Twilight would need to travel through. She was not surprised to find it was not very busy as it usually was. Some creatures had left already because of the winter, others more recently to be back home. Not all shared in this holiday in their lands, but since living here, they found it enjoyable or made their own take on it.

Passing Apple Cider's she saw the rarely used closed sign hanging off the door; it was so uncommon there was not even a place to properly hang it.

Out ahead, there was a large wagon and two ponies pulling it. Twilight moved closer, and recognized Big Mac, and soon saw the shape of Applejack's hat.

"Afternoon" Twilight called out.

They turned and looked. "Howdy" The stallion greeted.

"Howdo Sugar cube?" Applejack said, adding a wink.

They stopped, and the mare took off the yoke and embraced the unicorn with a kiss to finish.

"What are you two up too?" Twilight asked, after they broke their hug.

"Supplies. Apple Cider's gonna be down for a bit, and with all them ponies acome'n, gonna need some stuff. Nice thing own'n a diner; extra pots, and kitchen stuff for the mouths, and plenty of chairs for them flanks"

Twilight nodded, and looked at the wagon. "You need help? That looks heavy"

Applejack took a mocking pose of defense. "Y'all say'n I can't hoof it?"

"Do have your brother with you" She smiled.

Applejack snorted, still not really mad or being truly stubborn as she would any pony else. "I could do it myself, but two makes it go faster"

Big Mac rolled his eyes.

"I saw that" She spun her head around, glaring at him.

"A'course y’all did"

"Know?" She started, looking back at Twilight. "Y'all can still join us. Y'all are nearly family"

Twilight shook her head. "No, that is fine. Might be a bit soon for me to get to know the whole family" She laughed nervously.

"Ok Twi, but if'n you change yer mind"

"Do not worry, if'n I do, I will let you know" She smiled.

With another kiss, they parted and Twilight went onward toward Rarity.

The hour was later than she had realized, but she was almost there. Looking up to the sky, it was then she saw that it was getting dark. "I wonder if I should still go?" She paused and noticed something, a bright colour in the clouds. "That... Rainbow Dash? I have not seen her for a while"

She stopped, and thought. "Wonder what she is...” She paused for her coming pun with a giggle. “Up too?"

After a moment she cast a spell on herself self, seemingly doing nothing, but Twilight teleported to the cloud bank.

"Shit!" Rainbow Dash called out, not expecting the sudden appearance of Twilight. "How did you get up here?"

"Teleportation"

Dash stood up, and looked at her. "How are you standing up here?"

"Cloud Walker, a spell made so Ponies can stand on clouds and move around like Pegasus. I suppose I could have given myself wings, but that would take a lot of magick and a couple Crimson Steer energy drinks" She laughed a bit, but the other pony did not get it. She coughed her way out of the laugh. "So, what are you doing?" She avoided explaining the energy drink’s slogan.

With a sigh, Rainbow Dash lied back down. "Nothin'"

"No plans for the Holidays?"

"Just me and G, hang'n"

Twilight moved a bit closer. "Not going to visit your family?"

Dash winced at that, but shrugged it off for an answer. She could sense something more, but felt it was not right to push it. "What about Gilda? Does she have any plans?"

The other mare rolled, and closed her eyes. "No. We're just going to spend it like we always do. Drunk, and alone"

Gilda flew in and spotted Twilight in the clouds with Dash, she slowed and hid out of sight. "What is she doing up here?" She asked herself. She did not harbor bad feelings any more, but she was not easy around her just yet.

"Why not join Pinkie and myself? We're having a big party, and her parents are coming. Be good for Gilda too. Be the first time since the whole thing, which we really hung out. Maybe she and I can start getting along"

"Not sure she'd be interested either"

"Give it a chance Rainbow Dash, I bet she would make a ton of new friends. I did when Pinkie did that party for me"

The Pegasus looked at her. "That party WAS for you, this one isn't for G. I know you mean well, but common Sparks"

"I do not see the problem. She opened up to me, and I gave her a chance. With you there, your friends will welcome her"

She scoffed. "Please; G is one of those things about me, most my friends don't like. I don't care what any pony says, she's not a bad bird. Just moody, and protective. Gave her a bad rep, and not many ponies are too forgiving like you"

Twilight looked beaten, and gave a sign to match. "At least think about it, talk to her about it. I will vouch for her, and I am sure Pinkie will just enjoy having another body in her party"

Dash gave a sigh of her own. "Maybe" Was all she said.

"I should go, I am not sure how long this Cloud Walker spell lasts"

"Ha, hard to imagine you don't know about a spell" She paused, and caught on. Was Twilight finding a polite way to leave. She obviously realized that the Pegasus was not in the mood for company. "I'll see you around Twilight," She rolled back to look at her. "Glad we're back to being friends"

"Me too" Twilight smiled, and teleported.

Shortly after she left, Gilda "showed up"

"Hey Dash, looking rested" She mocked, landing on the clouds and walking slowly toward the pony.

"You know me"

"Anything happen when I was gone?" She hid her knowledge of the conversation that had just gone on.

She looked at her, studying her. She was wondering why she would ask that, she should have known better since nothing was really going on in the sky. "Nope"

Gilda knew she was lying, she heard most of what they talked about, but didn't press it. "Thought so, sleeping all the time ain't gonna get much action"

She sat down near Dash and let herself fall back on top of her, causing the mare to let out a groan as all air rushed out of her. "Damn it G!"

The gryphon rested her head on her friend's stomach. "Well, if you're gonna be a lump in the cloud, might as well make use of ya"

Dash reached down, and plucked a feather. "Ow! Ass"

"Finch"

Gilda rolled off and Dash tackled her, pinning her down. "Ha. Part lion? A little lion cub?"

The griffin pushed her off, and pinned her down. "Who's laughing now? I've seen Mini ponies put up better fights"

Dash struggled and started them both rolling, till they fell off the cloud. They did not have much time to stop their fall, and crashed to the ground laughing.

"Ow, my ribs" The Pegasus said, still laughing. "Think I broke one" She coughed.

Gilda sat up, and looked the other over. "You ok?"

Dash tried to sit up, but felt a sharp pain. "Ow, shit... something is broke"

The gryphon was not sure what to do, she never really took any lessons in medical but she knew enough. If it hurt to move, then best not too.

She spotted a pony, and rushed over to him. He saw her coming at him, and panicked. "Oh mare!" He started to gallop, but Gilda grabbed him.

"Dude, get some help!"

"What?" He looked at her, not seeing any danger from her eyes, only concern.

"My friend is hurt, go get a doctor... please?" He nodded, and galloped off.

She returned to Rainbow's side, and did not leave.

"This isn't a big deal, just need a moment... ack" She rubbed her side. Gilda looked over her, looking scared. Dash remembered that look from long ago. "G, I'm not going let a little pain get me, stop worrying"

She tried not to look so concerned, but it didn't work.

***

"But why?" Twilight asked the front desk at the Ponyville hospital.

"I'm sorry, but only relatives can see her right now. Visiting hours are currently over, besides."

"But... Can I at least know how she is? What happened?"

The mare behind the desk shook her head slowly. "I am sorry, but information like that is only available to family members"

Twilight sighed, and trotted a way taking a seat in the lobby. "What is wrong with this place? What would it hurt to have me see her?" Twilight sat for a while, not really paying any mind to time.

"Y'all best let me up there!" She snapped out of her daze, and looked over to see Applejack shouting at the mare at the desk.

"Miss please, only family can see her, and currently the visiting hou-" The other was not having that. "I don't care what's open or closed, she is damn near a sister ta me and I wanna see her!"

"If you do not calm yourself, I'll be forced to call security"

“The Queen’s own guard ain’t stop’n me, I'm seeing my friend!"

"AJ" Twilight said, putting her hand on her shoulder.

The Mare spun, and looked at her, first with fire, then turning to concern. "Twi..." They hugged, and Twilight trotted her back to the seats.

"Ain't fair... I've known that mare fer a good part of my life, she's as much my sister as Apple Bloom" She slammed her fist on the armrest.

"I know, I want to see her too, I want to know what happened. I just heard she fell, and had a sharp pain in her side"

"I need to know what is wrong, I can't just sit here, and think of all this mess" Applejack said, looking down at the floor.

"I am sure it is just a busted rib, something small. Little things can hurt"

"And waiting, and not knowing... kills"

They sat there for a while, neither saying anything. Twilight looked at the clock a few times, but Applejack just watched the floor. "I just got her back... I can't lose her again" Both of them shared the same thought.

A figure moved behind them, and stopped. "Oh good, you got the messages" Gilda said.

Twilight looked back to see her. "You sent them?"

She looked as bad as they did, but she seemed to have more will to move around and talk. "Yeah, I figured you two should be first to know"

She took a seat next to the unicorn; for the first time, not looking uneasy to be around them. Her concern was higher than her stigma. "...When she hit the ground she seemed fine, but after a couple seconds, she had pains and couldn't move"

Applejack snapped back to reality, after hearing Gilda's story of the event. "Damn it!" She grabbed Gilda's collar. "Why didn't y'all get hurt, why Dash!" She stared into the Gryphon's eyes, with fire and misplaced rage. She only got concern and shame back.

"I wish it was..." Gilda said getting teary eyed. This made the Earth pony relax her grip and lean back, losing all her rage. "I don't want to lose her, any more than you two"

Applejack studied her eyes, and saw a reflection of her own worries. With no warning, she pulled Gilda into a hug and the two held tight as they let their tears out.

Twilight watched them, and wiped her eyes. "Please be ok Dash" she muttered, looking a way.

***

Gilda managed to convince the receptionist; that she was related to Rainbow Dash, saying she was adopted into the family. She had some pictures that showed her with the family, at a very early age. Twilight wanted to ask about the ponies in the picture, but knew now was not the time.

After a few minutes she returned, and let the others know what was going on. "She has a broken rib. It was pressing into her lung, why she was coughing, and hurt so much. She should be out of surgery, and fine" She smiled at the last part and the other two mirrored it.

"Land sakes, that's a load off. Good thing y'all are family" Applejack said, patting the gryphon's shoulder.

"How soon can we see her?" Twilight asked.

"They said I can see her as soon as she is out, but visitors have to wait till morning" She sighed. "I think I can get them to let one of you go instead, I think she'd like to see one of you more than me..."

Twilight was going to say something, but Applejack spoke first. "No, you go. She's said it a many times that y'all are very important to her. She needs y'all more than either of us"

Gilda looked at her surprised by her words, and deeply moved. She fought back the urge to cry, and nodded.

As if sensing her uncertainty over Applejack's sudden change of heart toward the gryphon, the orange mare put a hand on the others shoulder. "Look, we have a mighty lot of bad crop between us. I ain't gonna lie, I still not too sure on y'all. After all the years, can y'all really blame me?" Gilda shook her head. "But one thing we share is our love of that head strong stubborn mare. If'n it was a race, I'd say I lost long before I started, when it came to being her closest friend. Maybe I come second, but not the point” She paused a moment. “I saw y'all in your raw moment and it showed me, yer not all bad. Maybe after all this, we can sit down and make some peace"

Gilda was unsure. She just never felt very safe around ponies, but Twilight had proven she was not after her and Applejack was one of the few as dear to Rainbow Dash, as Gilda was. After some thought, she nodded. "Sounds... cool. We should, for Dash"

Applejack nodded. "And for us too, never hurts to have more friends"

She was again taken aback, growing up with ponies looking at her like a monster. She never imagined any would want anything to do with her, besides Rainbow Dash. She now stood before two, who both expressed that they would be willing to see past the monster she allowed herself to become and offer her friendship.

"What are y'all wait'n for?" Applejack grabbed her, and started moving her toward the doors to the recovery rooms. "Go make sure she is ok, for all of us. Countin' on y'all Gilda"

"Ok, ok, I'm going!" She mocked her usual harsh ton, but the smile was a giveaway. She went on through the doors, and Applejack stood on the other side for a time till Twilight came up to her.

"Sorry Twi. I know y'all must want to go see her, but I felt she needed Gilda. I think she needed to be with Dash too"

Twilight hugged her from behind. "You just beat me too it AJ"

The Earth mare put a hand onto Twilight's arm around her. "I never imagined I'd do anything like that. I hate... hated... her once... Seeing her so destroyed, with none of that cocky attitude, or rudeness... after all I seen of that bird..."

"I understand... believe me, and it was not the first time I have seen one of those in Ponyville who seems to have nothing good to them, show a side that makes you wonder if there is something more there"

"Who else?" Applejack turned her head a bit, but could not really get Twilight in full view.

She took a moment before answering. "Remember Trixie?"

"Who could forget?"

"I do not wish to speculate, but I have seen a glimpse of a side she keeps hidden"

"First Gilda, and now Trixie? Makes y'all wonder about every pony, what if ponies like Pinkie ain't so nice? Maybe she is some evil mastermind, or has some dark past?"

Twilight laughed at the idea of Pinkie being evil. Applejack join in, not being entirely serious.

***

It took a few days but Rainbow Dash came out fine, bragging that she had ribs removed, and so she'd be lighter and faster. She even had a race with Gilda, as soon as she had the chance. Everypony was glade she had not changed, and she would not be slowed down.

Gilda started to go back to being distant and cold, but she was not as mean or rude as she was before. She was not just yet ready to start spending time with the ponies, like they were old friends. She did share some time with Applejack, but it was not all that frequent.

The holidays neared their end, with only the Year's End Celebration to go. Pinkie's family had gone back home, as many others did, it was often a time for the Town's ponies to gather and celebrate the year past and bring in the next.

Though it was all Pinkie's planning, it was the Mayor's duty to host the occasion.

She was gracefully aged; mane a silvery grey, and reading glasses that hung partly down her nose, with beads going down and around her neck. She was dressed in a suit of violet, simple but still one of Rarity's fine works.

"Mares, and Stallions," She started, standing before the whole of Ponyville. "And our many, many species who call our beautiful town of Ponyville ‘home’" Given the verity of creatures who live here, this would have gone on till the next Year's End if she named each. "After a wonderful year of trails, scandals, new faces, and many wonderful times, personal, or public, most brought to us by our talented Pinkie Pie. We have come to the end of it, as our glorious Queen of Night ascends the Moon higher into the Midnight hour; we prepare to welcome the New Year. We shale watch as the Last Moon sets, and the First Sun arises. We take this time to let old grudges and petty problems, be forgotten. Allow new loves and friendships in their place. Enjoy the goods of the Past Year, and look forward to the ones from the coming"

She drew forth a letter. "I have grand news as well. As we all know, the Cities and Towns of Equestria all are competing for special blessings from the Queens. It may be a friendly competition; one cannot help being excited when you learn that our fair town has been blessed as 'Most Diverse, and Welcoming Town or City in Equestria'" The crowd cheered out, it was no small term. Since the end of the Wars, and the forming of the United Races, for Lasting Peace and Prosperity; Equestria, one of the founding lands, has striven to ever be a country of just that, A Land of Peace and Prosperity for all to share in.

Being a Diverse and Welcoming town, meant that Ponyville was the capitol of the ideals. It was a title that came and went, but few had held onto it as long as Ponyville or won it as many times. Every time it was a joyous occasion for the ponies and creature that made it home.

"From her own words," The Mayor started again. "Ponyville has always maintained a high level of good will, and caring. The souls of this town have provided many things for all Equestria, from the talented trades and skillful supplies such as foods and goods, to the volunteers and citizens who go out of their way to make our Land a better place for Ponies and our Neighbors. With their noble motto 'Where some pony is always willing to lend a helping hoof' Ponyville has also received high praise from my dearest student, who I sent there to gain an education that cannot be taught in class, but learned from living in a place that will build character, teach good will, and show what it means to be a pony of Equestria. A town that truly shows all of the signs of our lost, but not absent Elements of Harmony; of Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Charity, and Laughter. I give my highest Blessings to this Town, and its citizens - Queen Celestia"

After the words of the Queen, and a small speech about the coming year, the citizens began to celebrate the Year's End.

Rainbow Dash dragged Gilda along. "Common!"

"No, I don't belong here!" She protested.

"You belong, as much as any pony"

"Yeah, pony..."

Dash kept tugging, but paused at her retort. "You know what I mean! Besides, AJ and Sparks will want to see you here"

Gilda hesitated in a comeback. "Maybe, but no one else"

"Give... it... a... ...TRY!" She pushed Gilda, and she stumbled into another pony.

"Damn it Dash..." She crashed to the ground, and picked herself up after a moment.

She lifted her head, and came face to face with a pink pony. "Hi!" She said. She was smiling, both with her mouth and her eyes. Her ears were perked forward in a way, that if they had any way too, this is how they'd smile too.

"Uh... Hello..." She said a bit uneasy, she knew of Pinkie Pie and was not so sure she was ready to deal with a pony like her.

"Come on, let's get you up" She held out her hoof, after a moment Gilda took it and allowed her to help her up. She did not need the help, but Dash was watching her and she wanted to make the effort.

She dusted herself off, when she was back up standing. "Thanks"

"Gilda?"

"That's the name" She said, in a bit of an uncaring tone.

Rainbow Dash came over, and out her arm around Gilda. "G, this is Pinkie Pie, I think you know her. she's a bit crazy, but can be some fun... Hey, remember when we replaced Pierce's Balloons with lead ones?!" Shad asked excitedly.

"YEAH! He couldn't pop 'em... Till her used his magick" She laughed, and Dash joined in. Gilda tried too, but came out weak.

"Oh, right... uh Pierce, he's this Unicorn that goes around poking things. Usually popping balloons, and putting wholes in things. Doesn't do anything bad, but it's pretty weird and annoying. Pinkie and I thought it would be funny to use some Lead Balloons she bought, and see if we could pull one over on him... Didn't work too well"

"Ok... guess had to be there" Gilda said.

"Yo G, hang here with Pinkie, gonna find some drinks. Otta be some good stuff around" Dash said, and rushed off.

Gilda watched her go, and then turned back to Pinkie.

"So..." Pinkie started, looking a bit nervous.

"Yeah?" Gilda studied her.

"Uh... What's it like being a Gryphon?"

She looked at the pony with an annoyed expression. "That's a stupid question. I don't know what it's like to be anything else"

"Oh right... Well... What do you like to do?"

"Writing a book?"

"You like writing? I never would have guessed"

The gryphon sighed. "No, that was a sarcastic question..."

"I wasn't asking sarcastic" Pinkie looked at her funny

"I meant me"

"I know, you said you are writing a book, right? Or would it be left? Can you write a book right? Wouldn't that be redundant?"

Gilda stood there looking at her for a moment, and then started to laugh.

"What? The right book, or writing right? That are you writing? or Lefting? Mmm, if you are left hooved, would you be lefting? Maybe Wlefting, since you add a 'w' to right"

Gilda laughed harder, causing Pinkie to start laughing too.

"You know Gilda?" Pinkie asked, after they stopped laughing. She looked at her quizzically. "I heard a lot of things about you, and how mean you were. I've seen it first hoof too"

"Yeah?" She started to get defensive.

"But I think it was all a mistake. You seem like a good gryphon. Though never met another gryphon, but as far as I'm concerned, means gryphons are good"

She looked at her, then turned her head a bit, fixing the feathers hung over her brow. "Thanks Pinkie... no idea what the means to hear"

Pinkie hugged her, but Gilda hesitated. After a moment, maybe seeing no end till she did or because she truly wanted too, she hugged back. "You know, I've heard about you from Dash"

"Yeah?!" She was excited.

"She said you were a bit weird, but a fun pony to know"

Pinkie grinned. "I am!"

"Yes you are" Gilda laughed. "Also seem to hide a deeper insight. You act silly, but really you know what you are doing"

"Oh?" She seemed to be confused, but also hiding something.

"Yeah, maybe you are weird, but seems like a front"

Pinkie looked serious, and smiled knowingly. "For such a tough girl, you seem pretty insightful too"

Gilda shrugged. "I know stuff, doesn't mean I have to act like a total snob or lord it over everyone else"

"Hehe, you know, that's how I feel. I like being seen as a weirdo, than some smarty"

"No fun being a nerd" Gilda laughed, with Pinkie joining in.

"Twilight not included" Pinkie added, and Gilda nodded in agreement. “So what gave it away?”

“Body language and your eyes,” She started. “Could tell you were trying to get me to loosen up, and relax”

“At least it worked” She smiled. "Say, when is your birthday? Or... hatchday? You hatch?"

"Yeah, I was hatched. Why are you asking?"

She pulled out her Bay-B, and pulled up a date book program. "Because, I have nearly every pony... er... one's in here. I try to do something for everybody in Ponyville. Some are harder than others. Each month, I post in school who all have one coming. I usually also have the first week of the next month"

"Sounds cool, though I'm outta school for a while" Gilda was feeling an odd connection with this mare, and it was nice.

Rainbow Dash came back, as they were still talking. "Yo, ain't got nothing around here stronger than mouthwash. Freak'n public celebration" She came up to them. "Pinkie, next year we need a private party so we can have some good drinks"

"Punch is good... but not punches... They hurt"

"You are so Random, Pinkie Pie"

Gilda smiled, and Pinkie smiled with her. Rainbow Dash did not really know what they shared, but she smiled with them. Dash was happy seeing her oldest and dearest friend getting along with some of her other friends.

It was the start of a new year, and things were looking up already. The assembled creatures gathered in the Center of town, awaiting the sign of Moon to shine out the light of the final moment of the year.

They all called out, as the seconds neared the Midnight hour. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... And as the last number was chanted, the Moon turned a new colour, and cast out a bright rainbow of lights, lighting the night.

All over Equestria, cries went out, as the New Year began. Friends, lovers, strangers, and all kinds, joined together for one purpose; the welcoming in of a New Year.

***

Queen Luna stood at her Alter for this special ceremony arms raised. Beside her was her student, Harmony Spirit. On her other side was the Midnight blue Alicorn, with a mane of shadows, dressed in dark robes, like a cultist. His haunted Moon yellow eyes looked onto the sight of the real Moon. He wore no smile, but in his eyes they seemed to reflect his deeply buried joy. So in love was he, with the night and everything it brought.

Queen Luna lowered her arms and turned, looking at her student then to Star Shadows. "Another wonderful year is on its way" She said.

"Welcomed with arms wide open" Harmony said.

Star Shadows stayed silent, just watching the sky.

"You know, if you would like too,” Luna began. “Next year, you can do it as you had before, Star. I know how you enjoyed your duties in my absence"

He turned, and shook his head. "As I am no longer Star Light, nor am I at liberty to enjoy the duties he once performed"

"You worry too much. In a short time I was welcomed back, and you were too. You redeemed yourself, and I welcome your assistance. It is a new year. One of them, you should allow yourself to let go of your mistakes. It is what we celebrate this for. Ponies and creatures of all kinds come together, to forgive and forget” When it seemed he still did not accept her words, she went on. “Old hates and rivalries undone, and friendships forged. Allow yourself to be open to all options, even if you do not agree with others choices or opinions, if you are open minded and kind, you will find yourself with a whole new world of enjoyment"

He nodded, but with little enthusiasm. "I was nothing till your Sister gave me all that I was, and I betrayed her..."

"Let's not dwell on our pasts," Harmony started. "We all have dark sides. Make peace, and smile. I've done it, Luna has done it, and I'm sure there are those out there who have too. This year, will be a great year, if we all let ourselves enjoy it!"

***

Gilda was with Dash but surrounded by her friends, and their friends. She allowed herself to smile, and enjoy this night. Did not matter if it was only for tonight, she felt she had some friends. Especially with the pink mare, who seem to stick close to her the rest of the night.

Ch19: Diamond in the Rough

Winter neared its end and the big Winter Wrap up Celebration was to start, as ponies were making ready for the thaw. Some; warming themselves up for a new year of hard work, others preparing their shops for the next season of fair, and the rest helped clean up the town. Every soul who called themselves a Ponyvillian was busy in this time of the year.

Rarity had a shop filled with the garb of winter weather, and now must make ready for the warmer seasons coming and clear out her winter selection. It was one of the biggest sales for the shop, setting up the feel for the rest of the year.

The work was hard enough, but her mentor and dearest friend Swanheart, received an urgent message to come home for the health of a relative. The sale would have to be led by Rarity alone, with only the two other designers and tailors to back her up.

She loved to shine under pressure, but she never knew when it was too much till it was far more so.

The Magick of Friendship chapter 19: Diamond in the Rough

"Are you certain?" Swanheart asked Rarity, not looking at her as he packed his bags. Rather plain looking for one in the fashion world, but despite all his accolades, he found himself less into the flashy side of being a designer.

"Oh of course dear, I've hooved this shop many times. What is one little sale?" She waved him off even though he could not see her gesture, finishing with a laugh to prove how little she felt the pressure.

Rarity had run the store many times in the past, it was practically hers. She had even dealt with big sales before, but Swanheart was always near or one of the other designers. He only had two others, and one was sick. Rarity was down to herself and Mend. He was not much of a designer, only had a gift for sowing. They had many styles ready, but the production was going to be the hard part with just the two.

"You have proven yourself countless times to be the one to take on my legacy, but I have never left you with so much to do. Clearing out the old, bringing in the new, and getting all the displays up, and making the shop just so? Oh my little diamond, I worry you'll be overwhelmed. I certainly would be" He did turn now, looking at her with a deep concern. He also held a look, one usually held by a lover.

Rarity hated when he looked at her so. It made her ears burn, and her heart skip. They both had a deep love for one another, but they both agreed that it was too much to risk that which they have worked so hard to gain. If their love should fall to ruin, their lives would be wrecked. They needed one another more as partners and friends, than mates. The reason they gave others, was the age gap. It did not matter to them, but it was easier for others to grasp.

"Do not worry dear" She recovered some of her composure. "I can take care of things. My friends can help in the decor, and I am sure Mend and I can deal with the work. It is mostly finished, only some little things to do" She lied, and Swanheart knew she was. They needed a whole store of new cloths and fashion wear, and she had only enough to fill one rack with several more needing to be ready in a few days.

He sighed and came to her, giving her a hug. They both embraced, longer than a simple fair well. "I know you are best under pressure, but do not allow yourself to crack"

She gave a nod. "Do not worry about me. I will shine on, as I always do"

"Shine on, you crazy Diamond" Were his parting words, as he made his way to see his family.

***

For the next couple days Rarity sealed herself in the shop, making a request to all her friends to not disturb her for the importance of her work. Most respected her wishes, busy anyhow with Winter Wrap Up, but Twilight could not keep away. She was a bit worried about her friend.

The violet Unicorn made her way through the shop toward the back room. On the way she noticed that the inside of the store was looking to be in partial construction, half set up, and half torn down. A bit chaotic, compared to the cleanliness and order it usually had.

Twilight peered around the door that leads to the shop Rarity liked to work, and saw her hovering over the sowing machine. Hearing the chi-chi-chi sound of the machine running threat through the materials, faster than pony hooves could. The machine had a bit of an advantage as Twilight knew after reading up on the workings, that the machine used two threads to make a seem.

The Unicorn wondered the best way to get her attention without startling her, if Rarity missed a stitch because of her she would feel awful, even if Rarity might not show how much it would make her mad.

Rarity stopped to move the fabric, so Twilight used it to knock on the door frame. Rarity's ears perked and turned back, her head moved after. She looked to be quite worn out, mane all frizzled, and she had many bit of tailor stuffs draped and poked into her. She looked like a pin cushion after a sowing box blew up.

"Twilight, dear" She said, at least sounding herself. She slowly stood, finding it hard to do so. "Oh my flank..." She muttered. "What brings you here?"

She entered the room fully, and held up a drink. "I figured that you could use some energy, after such a long stint in the shop"

Rarity laughed it off. "Oh, it is nothing to me dear" She took the cup, and drank a bit. "But it is much appreciated. Sorry I've ousted every pony, but I must get this done... It is nice to see another soul, after looking at nothing but thread and fiber"

"Can you use any help?"

"No, no, I am fine. Our other tailor is busy mass producing all the designs, we should be up and ready in a couple days" She smiled. "Yes, we are doing just fine"

"Rarity! Rarity!" Cried out a voice, one of the mare's little sister. She galloped into the room, looking very excited. "I got the position in the next play!"

"Oh? That is wonderful!" She said, not with any hesitation or falseness. She knew that Sweetie Belle has wanted to do design work for Ponyville plays for many years. It was a little thing ponies in her school could do to get extra credit.

"Yeah, yeah, and it's gonna be awesome! We are doing 'Escape from Midnight Castle', that story of the evil beast who takes Ponies and make them into monsters so he can take over the world! Or something like that. I forget, but the sets and costumes are gonna be awesome! Apple Bloom is getting Spike to play in the role of the baby dragon too"

"Really?" Twilight asked with a giggle. "Hard to picture Spike as a baby dragon"

Rarity thought about it. "Well, sounds fitting"

Twilight thought a bit of the story, recalling some of it. Some ponies were playing around when a group of dragons-like monsters attacked, trying to steal away the ponies, but thanks to the brave efforts of their friends, the fiends were defended off. They would strike again, and manage to capture four. One of the ponies flew off to find help, and came across a strange creature of another world, or something like that.

Sweetie broke her train of thought. "Trying to find somepony to play the human"

Twilight rubbed her head. "I wonder where they came up with that story? I mean, who thought up a creature called 'human'? They look like ponies do now, or those Anthroids that inspired Unicorns to turn ponies into these forms, but they need clothing and tools and stuff in order to survive. Seems like a crazy world they would be from"

The sisters looked at her, and thought about it. Sweetie Belle did not spend much time on it, and was quick to move on. "Don't know, but it's gonna be cool!" She was smiling so hard she had to rubber her cheeks. "Gonna get all kinds of ponies to be in it. Twilight, wanna play the pony named Constella? Your colours are a bit off, but think you'd be perfect! Applejack gonna play a role too, cause a pony is named Apple Brandy looks just like her! It's awesome, like so many of those characters were based on you all"

"Uh, well, I guess I could... I've never been in a play" She looked very nervous. "But I would think, being from long ago, we would be more 'based' on them"

"You can do it! All your friends will be there! Gonna be AWESOME!" She whipped her body around, and looked at Rarity. "Oh, can you help me out? I gonna need a lot of help making the costumes, and who better than Equstria's number one designer?! Be a Cutiemark Crusader's production, featuring designs by Rarity! Music by DJ PON-3"

"You've asked Vinyl?" Rarity asked, studying her sister.

"Well... no, but if you're on board, she'll do it for sure!"

"Should not abuse my connections, we have them because we know we would not take advantage of them" Sweetie nodded understandingly, least Rarity hopped that was what it meant.

"So will ya help with the designs and stuff?"

Rarity looked at her piles of unmade fabrics. "Well..." She looked back, seeing her sister playing the pout card. "Oh Sweetie, you cheat" She said, and then muttered. "Why did I teach her that?"

"Please sister? I can't do it without you"

"Ok..."

Twilight looked at her as the little fill bounced around, and galloped out the door. "Rarity? What about all this?" She indicated to all the work she still had, and was well aware of.

"As Applejack would say, 'Family comes first'" She picked up some blank pages. "I can do it. I'm nearly done with all this any ways" She lied through a smile.

"If you need help, I do not know sowing, but Fluttershy knows some things. She has told me befor. Maybe-" Rarity cut her off, raising her tired hoof. "No no, I can do this. It is a task of Dressing Diamond's employees to be ready for the sale, and a duty as a sister to help out mine"

***

A few days past since Rarity took on the added work of Sweetie Belle’s play, the sale was in a couple days and the play that weekend, and she was beyond overwhelmed and over worked.

Rarity sat slumped in an Apple Cider's booth, as Twilight stood by patting her on the back. "Come on Rarity, you can do it. You have Fluttershy, and I have always heard how great you are under pressure" She tried to build her confidence, but was not doing very well.

"I cannot hoof this much! I have to get the shop ready for our big Spring sale, or else we will be thrown off for the season maybe even longer! I also cannot simply let down my own sister! She has the opportunity to put on the Spring Play!" She cried out. "If only Swanheart was still here, but his family needed him..."

"Yo, what's wrong with Rarity?" Rainbow Dash came in, with Gilda in tow.

"Couldn't hear her?" Gilda said, sitting down across from her. "I could hear her from outside"

Rarity peered up glaring at the Gryphon, she had not spent as much time with her as the some of the others.

"Rarity needs to set up shop, finish some designs, and get everything set for the big sale. She also needs to help out Sweetie with that play"

"Why doesn't she just pull out of the play? Mean it's only a silly thing" Dash asked.

"That we've both been pulled into" Gilda added.

"I could not allow her to do that!" Rarity sat up. "She has wanted to do a play for years, and now she has her chance to put one together. She will also get extra credit, and be a little star of her school. What kind of sister would I be, if I failed her in this moment?"

Applejack came up and took the orders from the two new comers. She already tried to help Rarity, but she was a field sower not a cloth one. She left with a sigh, feeling bad she could not aid her friend now.

Dash scratched her head. "Then, put off the sale?"

"I could not do that either, we need this sale to pay for the season and besides, the ponies are coming from all over to be here. One cannot push back such an annual affair"

"You sound pretty damn screwed"

Rarity slammed her head onto the table.

"Y'all gonna do damage do'n that" Applejack said, bringing drinks for Rainbow Dash and Gilda. "And I ain't talk'n about my table" Rarity did not respond. "Try to stop her next time Twi" She finished, looking concerned.

"Why not ask Flutter? She can sow, and she's helped you before" Rainbow Dash went on, trying to give options.

Rarity muffled something, not lifting her head to speak. So Twilight took over. "Fluttershy is helping, but all the work that she needs requires more hooves than that. She needs about two others, but none of the other ponies are very skilled for the level she needs, in either project"

"The shop has a high standard, and I cannot allow my sister to be victim of subpar talents" Rarity rolled to one side, to speak clearly.

"Tried every one? And I mean, every ONE?" Gilda asked, stressing the last word.

"What do you mean?" Twilight replied.

"Said 'everypony' I know your kind uses that to group everyone together but do you mean it, or do you mean just ponies? You all know a few other species after all"

Rarity thought about it. "I suppose I had not thought of that. Hmm" She sat up, gathering names in her head. "Well, of the ones I know; I do not know if they are capable. I mean, Spike really does not strike me for the dress maker type"

"Well, sometimes folks don't show all their talents" Gilda said, drinking her hard cider.

"Don't suppose you know anyone?"

"At least one who has done some work, not professional but think they could manage"

Rarity threw herself across the table, gripping the other’s shirt and looked up at the Griffin with begging eyes. "Who?!" Her voice was scratchy and deep, as she whined from deep in her throat.

Gilda looked down at her and calmly took another drink. "Me"

They all went silent, even Rainbow Dash looked at her funny. "When in Everyfree, did you learn?!"

"Picked it up, I get bored and found sowing to be interesting. Made this jacket, hell I've fixed your crap. Ever wonder why your cloths get all torn up and are fixed? Ain't no damn fairy"

"You know me, I never cared enough to notice. If it ain't stinky or rags, I'll put it on. If it is, I still might" She laughed.

“You ever gonna replace that patch by the way?”

“No” Dash looked very serious about it.

Rarity clung to Gilda. "Please say you are telling the truth"

"I am. She ruins more cloths than Parasrpites, least What Pinkie tells me when I've talked about it"

***

Rarity was still down one body but with the aid of Gilda, who turned out to be very skilled, she was able to pick up a lot of slack.

She had all the shop's master designs done, and let Mend and Gilda have run of doing the mass production. Pinkie was doing the decorations in the shop as well as the ones in the play, she promised not to use anything crazy and follow Rarity's designs.

The over worked unicorn made her way to the play house where a rehearsal was scheduled for that afternoon. They had most the costumes made between Rarity and Sweetie Belle, though Apple Bloom seemed more capable with the design work. Despite all the work and little help available, everything was turning out.

Twilight and Applejack; the former already set with her lines but needed more stage time, and latter was just the opposite. They helped Rarity carry the costumes and materials over, as they had the time to do so.

The Production was small, at least for the costumes that needed to be made. There were a number of extras for some big dragon type scene, those proved more difficult to pull off. Spike kept on being a bit too picky on their look, as the resident dragon. Rarity found herself missing that short time he was tripping over himself to please her, he was far less of a pain then.

Twilight had offered to use her magick to change pony's colours, but being an Earth Pony play they felt it was not in tradition. It would be a pain for Twilight; her role as a pony named Constella, her coat was a between pink and violet, her hair would be the true trick for Twilight. Where hers was dark purple, Constella was white with a purple stripe like Twilight's own magenta. Lightening her coat was an easy trick, with the right materials, but fading her deep purple mane to white was pretty hard. She wanted to respect the Earth Pony ways, so she did not use magick.

She could not figure out why Applejack looked at her funny each time she saw the mare in her new colours. She had no idea that her love had a little pony toy that was a newer version of the same character she played now, with "Shine" added to her name.

Applejack's role was much easier to get into. Apple Brandy was not much different than herself. Found it a bit odd she was one of a couple ponies in this who either had a clone, or was not too far off from their character. Spike was dead on, aside from his age.

Rarity went on helping the other ponies in their costumes. She spotted Apple Bloom, the only one of their little trio actually acting in the play. Scootaloo was more interested in pyrotechnics. Rarity was a bit nervous, not recalling too many explosions in the original play that she remembered but easily recalling too many accounts of the little pegasus blowing something up. It was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, so it was lucky they had not made it into some futuristic space battle or something over the top.

The Apple filly was now purple coated, was a faded kind of to the tint of grey with a pink mane. She was playing the role of one of the few young fillies in the act, Ember. Was odd too; since she tried so hard to act older that she would take on a role like that, but it hit her when she noticed that her and Spike were doing lines together. She had recalled it now from when she saw the play before, it had seemed like Ember and Spike seem to become close in the prison scene. Young love she figured, that filly saw it and wanted to keep her dragon to herself.

Rarity giggled weakly to herself, in her place the unicorn would act just so if one she loved was playing a role opposite to her own.

She looked around, seeking out Rainbow Dash. She agreed to the show but the whole time acted a bit indifferent to being in the play. Her role was a leading one and suited her perfectly, Sky Fire. She was flashy, feared nothing, and was willing to do whatever it took for her friends. It was a hero's role, and one perfect for a pony who loved to be number one.

Rarity turned around a corner, and headed to the main dressing area. She could hear some voices in the mare stalls and put down her stack of costumes, heading back to the door.

"Come on Dash" She heard Gilda first. She thought it odd, since she swore Gilda was back at the shop.

"I'll do it. I promised I would, but doesn't mean I gotta like it" This time it was Dash, more clearly coming through.

Rarity peered in seeing Dash hunched over the sink, with her Bay-B sitting by her. "Can't believe you agreed to it if you feel so shitty about doing the role, better not back out. I've busted my liony ass for everypony. All your friends have"

"I know G... It's just so hard to think about her. It's like they are the same pony, Sky Fire and-" She stopped, hearing Rarity coming in.

"Can't even say her name Dash? I know she left us but-" Dash shushed her. "Rarity, what's up?" She said loud enough for Gilda to hear.

"Heard you talking, wanted to make sure you are ok" She looked genuinely concerned.

Dash turned back to the mirror, to make sure she was in order. "Yeah I'm fine, stage fright or something..."

Tossing the idea of the mare being any kind of afraid out of hoof, she pressed on. "I heard a bit of what you two were talking about"

"Don't worry, I'm still working" Gilda said not so much guilty she was not, but to try to divert the topic.

It was not working. "It's ok Gilda, I trust you are" She spoke honestly, it surprised her too. She turned concern toward the one here in the room. "Rainbow Dash, if you do not wish to do this, I'm sure I can get Sweetie to find somepony else"

"No, it's fine. We have only a week, and I promised Scootaloo. I won't break my word" She grabbed her Bay-B and started for the door, looking ahead with fire in her eyes. "I won't abandon those who need me"

Rarity watched her storm out, and sighed.

She glanced at herself in the mirror, her curly mane, straighten a bit and a solid shade of purple in place of her two toned. She was already set for her part as Glory. She did rather like the name, but her taste was not much for the Unicorn playing her. The Pink bow in her tail was simply appalling.

The pony in the mirror was not looking at herself, as she was hoping to see the lingering reflections of her friend. She looked deeply affected by something, but she did not know what nor seemed any other pony close to her was willing to talk about it.

Outside Pinkie, now hardly looking herself in the yellowish orange coat and blue mane. Her mane itself was even different, looking almost tame. How, in all the years Rarity has tried to calm it, she managed too now the unicorn could not even guess. To finish the transformation, Pinkie had a white spot on her nose. Rarity had to admit, she looked rather charming in her role of Bubbles.

Rarity was hoping the once pink mare could tell her something, since she and Gilda were now together, and she seemed to be in the loop. The mare just shook her head, saying that she had "Pinkie Swore" not to tell.

The last hope was Fluttershy. She heard that they lived in Cloudsdale together.

Rarity was glad she did not have Fluttershy's role of Melody. The off shade of blue was one thing, but the green mane would be too much for Rarity to take. She turned out to be a dead end despite the fact Rainbow Dash helped her out once when they were fillies, they never really spent time together and before she moved to Ponyville Dash seemed fine.

The dress rehearsal was nearly ready, and Rarity was out of time. Gilda came in looking about the same, as she ever did. Besides the blond dyed feathers, refusing to wear a wig, and dressed like Applejack might have in something of a farmer. It was fitting she play the role of Megan the human girl, being the only other species in the play besides Spike. It was also fitting, like Spike and Ember, Megan and Sky Fire had a bond in the story. They were two different species, and close friends.

The assembled players were; Megan, Spike, Constella, Ember, Bubbles, Melody, Sky Fire, Apple Brandy, and Glory. Roles filled by the circle of friends. There was Bow-Tie, an Earth pony with a blue coat and darker pink mane, with more than one yellow bow-tie in her mane and tail. Spun Sugar, a role Pinkie should have taken for their colours were nearly the same. There was also Moondancer, a white unicorn with a fiery red mane. Rarity wished she had that role, she thought about changing her mane to red after seeing the mare in the role.

There were more, but mostly background and filling roles of the nameless in the roles of background ponies, and the flocks of dragons that would come into the play a couple times.

Sweetie Belle had wanted to get Big Macintosh for the lead villain, Tirac, but he seemed uninterested. The idea of turning his sister into a monster and having his youngest sister dragged off to a cell was not something he wished to even pretend. The role would be filled by an actual Centaur. Adams Apple caught wind of the play, and when Apple Bloom asked him he was more than willing to help. Though Centaurs and Ponies do not get along, Adams' had a friend in one and they were willing to help in the play.

The centaur-like creature that he played was frightening and dangerous, claiming the four ponies for his chariot to bring about darkness to the land and rule over a twisted reality. He would find that Ember, one of the four caught, was too small and sent her to prison and punished his minion Scorpan for failing a second time in getting him the needed four.

Adams Apple would take the role of Scorpan. Would take some work, since he had no wings and despite the uneasy feelings Applejack still held, he was not at all scary.

He played it well, and even in the moment when Tirac mutated the three ponies into monstrous creatures a fate to befall the fourth pony, he would show his reluctance toward this whole evil plot but would go on to obey his lord by going out to capture the last pony. This would also show his underline good by saving the human girl from falling to her death.

His final moment, after the defeat of Tirac, he would return to the charming King, a role far more suited as many felt for the pony of Everfree.

After rehearsal, they all were instructed by their young director to keep in role as much as possible. "Live the role, be the pony you are in this play... er.. what ever you are!"

Rarity had to break that, even though she felt Glory was not too different, so she had little problem. Gilda was off putting, being so different than her usual self. She was bold and strong willed, but not at all rude or harsh. Adopting the role so easily, seemed to put Rarity and most of the ponies off most, those who have not spent so much time with the changing Gryphon.

The sale came and Rarity threw herself into that for the couple days it went on. Gilda moved to working on the Play finishing up the work there. The cast was set, the lines learned, and nearly all the props and sets were ready.

Everything went fine for her sale and how Rarity cleaned up, and managed herself through it after being worked non-stop for two weeks, no one knew. Some of that good old Unicorn magick, and Applejack's "Buck'n strong Apple Energy Juice" She would accredit her friends for coming together and keeping her going.

Like her sister; Sweetie Belle's big project went over well, the whole cast worked perfectly and much of Ponyville was impressed by the story they have all seen many times before but never with such a diverse cast.

With all the attention she earned, it went without saying that Sweetie earned much extra credit and praise. The one drawback, as the three young fillies would find...

They came out of the dressing room after inspecting their flanks and being disappointed. "Darn it, no cutie marks!" Scootaloo remarked.

"What's next?" Apple Bloom asked, and all three of them wondering what to try next for their marks.

Ch20: Fire in the Sky

Rainbow Dash was looking rather depressed lately, following the play. She was not talkative, and was evasive toward all her friends. Gilda remembered seeing this from her when Applejack, Twilight, and Dash had split as friends. She knew the reason for it this time, as she had felt a bit of it herself. The play stirred a part of the past up, and it was affecting Dash badly. Only Pinkie Pie knew what the two had gone through so many years ago. The only one of their new friends in on that which could knock the wind out of the highest flyers in Ponyville's wings.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 20: Fire in the Sky

Gilda had managed to get her friend to go out to Apple Cider's to actually socialize, it took a lot of muscle and effort but she won out over the stubborn mare. Thanks to some help from her own mare, Pinkie.

Dash hunched in the booth, as Gilda and Pinkie sat across from her. Gilda was balling up some napkins and flicking them at the pegasus. This caused the pink pony beside her to giggle, only encouraging her to do it more. It was not the time to cuddle Dash, Gilda felt she needed something to snap her out of it and some annoyance would do it, with luck.

She grew an evil smile after she found a wicked idea, and knew Pinkie would love to join in.

Outside, Twilight, Keese and Spike were coming to the diner when something caught the dragon's eye. "Is that Raibow Dash?"

The figure was shadowy from the sun behind, but had some looks like the mentioned mare. It came in closer, and landed a few tails away.

It was a pink pegasus pony, and she dressed in something like a uniform though very loosely worn and a few years out dated. An open light pink jacket with deep blue shoulders and a pair of blue Thunder bolts over her heart. Under the coat, was a blue zip up top that hung low on her neck and chest. She had a loosely worn yellow scarf, hanging evenly around her neck. Blue pants came down most her legs, cut off by leg guards on the lower section of the limbs in a deeper blue than the rest, with two straps holding them in place. The look finished off with a pair of gloves in the same shade, fingerless. While her coat was a pinkish hue, not so much like that of Pinkie Pie, but a faded shade. Her mane and tail long and wild, were both lighter blue than her clothing.

She seemed to be looking around for something, as she scanned the area. Her strong purple eyes fell onto Twilight, and she called out. "HEY!"

Twilight pointed at herself, and the other nodded. So she took it as a sign to go to her.

She did not get very far, before the other started talking again. "Hey Babe, you know a pegasus in this town named Rainbow Dash?"

"Babe?" Twilight asked herself. "Yes," She said aloud. "I do, she is one of my best friends"

She took a step toward Twilight, and pumped her fist in the air. "Radical! Where can I find her?"

"Can I ask who is seeking her?" She was feeling a little nervous of this new pony, and was not about to throw Dash into some trouble.

The other slapped a heavy hoof onto Twilight's shoulder. "Chill, it's cool, I ain't after her or nothing. Like, I don't wanna ruin the surprise, you know?" She grinned at Twilight. "So let's just say, ‘I'm a blast from her past'" She laughed at her own words, Twilight did not see the humor, but gave a weak laugh attempt.

"Well I can go get her, she should be over at Apple Cider's, Gilda said she--" The other cut her off, as her ears perked at the mention of Gilda. "No way! Major! G?!" She seemed excited. "Awesome to the max! Was like hoping that old finch was still flying with Rain. Wicked!"

The Unicorn was studying the other as she did not seem to act very mature, especially since she seemed to be a good few years older. Her dialect seemed to be the only thing aged about her. "Yeah... I will go see if she will come out..."

She made her way to Apple Cider's, glancing back a couple times at the other who was cracking jokes with Spike. She felt a bit bad for the dragon, leaving him with the strange pony.

Inside; Rainbow Dash had slumped down onto the table laying there as a pile of little paper balls and various things were piled on top of her.

"I see your pepper, and raise a creamer" Pinkie said, as she and Gilda had started a game.

"What..." She came up pausing in her speech, seeing the sight. "...are you two doing?" Twilight asked, stopping just beyond the booth. Spike was coming in, getting away with Keese on his shoulder. The Protector still only spoke to Twilight, but she was hoping that he would warm up to others. It was not a magick thing, but his choice.

"Try'n to piss Dash off so she'd get out of this funk" Gilda said, plopping a couple more creamers on the structure. Not even looking at it. She had a big grin on her face, mirrored by Pinkie Pie.

Twilight was starting to wonder who was becoming more like whom, as she rubbed her head. "Well, somepony wants to see you Rainbow. Said something about being 'A blast from your past'"

"Don't care" Dash said flatly, very buried.

"I said I would come get you" She took on a look of concern holding up her hooves, a display lost on the other pony who could not see if she cared.

"Looks like you lied. We can't be all good"

Twilight concerned deepened, she decided to try some of that attitude that she, the Gryphon, and the mysterious mare all had. "Come on, maybe she's look'n to race ya Rain"

Gilda whipped her head to look at Twilight, and Dash flung her eyes open wide. "Uh... what? Not me?" Twilight panicked not sure why they were staring at her, getting very nervous.

"Rain..." Dash said. She sat up all the stuff falling off her and everywhere. "Why did you say that? You've never called me just 'Rain'" She was looking dangerously serious.

"Just... what the pegasus outside called you, thought it sounded kind of... radical?"

Dash shot out of her seat, and rushed past her to the exit. Gilda quickly did the same grabbing Twilight on her way. "Only one who's called her that" She said, as she hurried her along. “Only one you’d get such an old term from, either”

By the time they were outside, they could hear Dash yelling. "How dare you come back here, after leaving us alone!" She seemed not very far from giving the other one of her strongest strikes. "We needed you, and you abandoned us!"

"Rain, chill, I didn't abandon you" The other lost much of her good spirits and was now trying to calm Dash down.

Tears were in the blue pony’s eyes now. "Then what do you call it? Me and Gilda were all alone, lost everything, and the one pony left in our lives just goes off on some stupid adventure. I use to look up to you Firefly” She looked down, fist tight. “That carefree attitude, and do what you want life! You have to take responsibilities, no matter how much you want to do it your own way!"

"Rain-" She tried to speak, but Dash cut her off. "No! Don't call me that, only my sister can call me that and she was gone with the rest of the family"

The other grabbed her. "DASH!! Listen damn it! I had a reason to leave, I knew you two totally would take care of your selves" Rainbow Dash broke out of the hold. "You two were tough, even then"

Twilight noticed Gilda was not nearly as angry as Dash was, but she was just as upset. Pinkie seemed to understand it too, and was holding the gryphon close to her.

"I couldn't stand thinking they were all gone Dash, I couldn't accept it! You snapped, and Gilda was devastated. It was hellacious, I couldn't leave things like that, I had to find them. There was one missing and I knew that more than us three survived..."

Dash turned away, looking to the ground. "I was there, I saw the bodies..."

"You count them?" She tried to look her back in the eyes.

She whipped around. "Count them?! How morbid are you?! Our Family was gone, and you want to practice your counting?!"

The other grumbled. "Dash... you're upset, I can feel that. I would totally be... if I didn't know. But listen to me, I-" Dash cut her off again, having a shorter fuse with her. "Why? Gone for nearly half my life and return now? Want a heroes' welcome?"

The other clenched her firsts. "Rainbow Dash! Stop being such a brat, and listen to me! We're not the only ones left!"

She stopped for a moment. "What do you mean?" Dash looked at her with suspicion.

"I told you, there was one body short” She relaxed, seeing her sister finally listening. “I left to find them, find her... Thanks to the help of some of the investigators” She paused, thinking back on the events. “It hurt to pick through our home and family’s ashes, but it had to be done Dash. I didn't want you to go through it, and I didn't want you to have hope for a chance that may not even like be there. You know?" She looked to be in a lot of pain in her mind, reliving what she spoke of. "I found out who it was that was missing. I've been on the hunt for her for all this time, I found her Dash... I found our little sister..." She was now getting teary eyed, trying to smile through the pain.

Gilda broke out in tears with them at the revelation. Pinkie gasped with Twilight, Keese, and Spike still in the dark.

"Y-you found... She's alive?!" Dash cried out. "Firefly... I'm so sorry... I didn't know you... you should have told me!" She grabbed the other pegasus, holding her by the shoulders shaking her as she trembled herself.

"Told us" Gilda said, now moving closer to them.

The one clearly now called Firefly, looked at her. "G... you..." She seemed to gain a new sadness in her eyes and weakening smile. "You look so much like your Brother did"

The gryphon stumbled in her steps, being knocked back by the reminder. "Damn it Fire..." She looked away.

"I'm sorry, but you know what he meant to me. Seeing you now... I'm sorry"

Dash did not let them have the moment, and gripped her older sister's coat tighter. "Where is she?!"

***

The three winged ones, minus Keese, took off. Twilight and the others opted to stay behind, as the moment belonged to them. Firefly led on, with Dash and Gilda very close behind. Though they wanted to be reunited with their lost past, none of them could move fast as they could normally, too much weighed on their hearts and minds.

They started to descend; the two following had found it odd that she was not going into the clouds, but as they neared their destination they found why. They were getting closer to Everfree, but more precisely, they were going toward Fluttershy's house.

Firefly answered the unasked question. "I was so blown away to find your little friend Fluttershy was out here. I heard you two had gone to Ponyville, and so I like came here to find you" She paused shortly, as they neared the ground. "I found her first, and it was pretty good, considering. She was so stoked to watch her for me"

They landed just beyond the little bridge that arched over a small stream. "That pony of hers is totally cute, and funny. Paw, or something like that"

Dash nodded, as they moved toward the house. She was not really paying attention as a piece of her about to come back, when she never thought she would ever see her again. The resident knew they were there, and came out to greet them. "Hello" She looked at Gilda and coward a bit.

"Relax, I ain't here to bite ya" She tried to reassure, but was not too successful. Gilda knew she would have to prove to her someday she was changed, and though the pegasus had seen a better side of the gryphon. Like Pinkie before, Gilda did something pretty mean to her too. She hoped to find some way to undo that.

Dash moved closer. "Where is she?" Any other day, Gilda might have made the crack about "You are sure in a hurry today, more than usual"

Fluttershy nodded toward the house, and out stepped Playful Paws. "Damn, you changed" Gilda joked this time, feeling the need to lighten the mood in some way.

"Funny" He said with a smile, moving aside gently pushing a little filly out into the open.

She was in ragged looking cloths, and looking even more timid than Fluttershy. Her coat was a cloudy blue-white, and her hair was clear sign she was related to Dash. Not as bright as the older mare, but was a rainbow of colours. The oddest features were her wings, as they were bandaged up.

The little pegasus looked up with eyes a bit distant, seeing her sisters and Gilda seem to bring her back from where ever she was. "Ra-RayRay?" She softly asked.

"CC!" Rainbow Dash cried out galloping to her, and scooping her up into a tight hug. "I... I can't believe it..." She was bawling out now, collapsing to the ground on her knees holding her little sister close.

The others all looked on, watching the two hug so tight. They did not care what was going on around them, they were reunited and that was all they cared for. No one there could hold back the tears from the moment. Seeing a pony that seemed to care for so little and was rash and harsh at times, reunited with one of the few things she deeply cared for.
Gilda wanted to join them for she cared nearly as much for the filly as the pegasus does, but she was not related to her so it did not feel right too. The scene caused memories flooded her mind of her own brother, which had been a long time now since he was gone.

Firefly could sense her pains and share in some herself. Gilda looked so much like her brother, and with all the emotions, was hard not to think of him. She loved both Gilda and her brother so she put her arms around the Gryphon, and pulled her close with no resistance. "I miss him too Gilda..."

Fluttershy and Playful Paws looked on the two groups, feeling all the weight of their sorrow. Little did they know, that none of them ever true allowed themselves to grieve over the events long ago. Fluttershy did not really know about what happen till Firefly came to her door. She had gone to Ponyville, around the time of the incident so she never learned of her lost history.

***

The ponies gathered at Apple Cider's. AJ closed it off for one of the few times so the Pegasus could go on uninterrupted. Rainbow Dash had gathered her closest friends, and some of theirs. In all it was herself, Gilda, Firefly and Cloud Chaser. Outside the Cloudsdale family was Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy and Playful Paws, Spike, Apple Bloom, and Rarity, the ponies closest to those who lived in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie had joined them she already knew the tale but wanted to be there for Gilda.

Dash felt like she was putting on another play with all the audience. "Ok, this ain't some little mare's tale. Hard enough doing this in front of you all, but you ponies... and dragon” She added for Spike. “Need to know, since you all have become important to me in some way"

"There is this move, I've only managed to do once" She paused. "Then again after what happened, I could never bring myself to do it again. I called it a 'Sonic Rainboom' and when I pulled it of the first time... So much happened that day, I defended Fluttershy," She motioned to the pegasus. "I discovered how much I love to race and how badly I want to win, and even my got Cutie Mark" For a moment she was excited, recalling all the good things she had nearly forgotten about. The reasons she had forgotten then also came back, and darkened her mood again. "It was such a great day, I was so happy but when I raced home to tell my family..."

-Many years ago, in the clouds around Cloudsdale-

A blue Pegasus filly flew toward the cloudy home where her family would be, she was looking proud and so happy. Her whole world changed, her cutie mark, the awesome move, and no longer would she be called "Rainbow Crash" after blowing those boys a way. When she made it there she found it was gone, only a trail of smoke leading down to the ground.

Her mood changed to confusion as she flew down to investigate, only to find the burning remains of the home, ruined and hardly recognizable. There was a small gryphon in the wreckage, trying to find anything but she stopped and looked at her friend tears in her eyes.

"Dash... you're alive!" She cried out.

"Gilda... w-what happened?" She found it hard to move, taking it all in.

The gryphon came over, and hugged to her. "I don't know, there was a huge boom and this rainbow wave, and shortly after that was some strange pony. I think it was a unicorn. It had a horn, but its eyes were glowing not its horn” Recalling it all, her breath started to pick up, as the emotions built. She fought them back, so she could finish. “Next I knew, the cloud blew up and a fire started. It destroyed the cloud, and sent everything down here. I've tried finding any one, but so far..." Her words became harder to say. "I've... only..." She lost her control and cried hard into her friend's chest, the other was still in shock and stood there. "Everyone is dead..." Gilda finally got out, if barely audible.

Rainbow Dash looked onto the ashes of her home, her family; she lost all her feelings, and was standing there as gone as her family. She had risen to the top only to have it all crash down on her. A filly hardly old enough to deal with the death of a pet, now stood with her only friend, the only one left in the world with the knowledge that she had no one left.

Gilda was not any better off as her brother had died not many years ago, he and the Pegasus family was all she had, since they escaped to Ponyville. The Gryphon Wars had torn much of their Empire apart, and she lost her family long before she even had memories to remember. She was able to go on because of the support of the family she had here, but now she had nothing but the pony she cried on, just as she was all that the filly had now.

-Back in Apple Cider's-

"I learned that Firefly hadn't been home, and she came to find me but I was completely gone at that point. I guess she went home, and found it all..." Dash finished, she looking distant.

Firefly looked at her and then the others. "I first found what happened, and searched the rubble for anypony, but I found only..." She paused a moment. "What was left... So bogus. But three were missing, Dash, G, and Cloud" She looked at the littlest of the surviving sisters. "I don't know how but she wasn't there, and so I left Rain and G and made a crazy journey to find Cloud Chaser. I don't know what happened that day, our home totally destroyed, family killed, and somehow Cloud was sent miles away. She was at some hellacious orphanage when I found her and as you can see, her wings are a totally messed up. She hasn't really told me why"

The little filly looked away. She, like all there, had tears in her eyes. Hers were a mixture of it all, and her own unique pains. Rainbow Dash hugged to her.

"We're all sisters, and we've lost so much," Firefly started. "But we have each other now"

Twilight and Applejack moved closer, the latter putting her arm around the former. All the others were quiet.

"You all have us too" Twilight pointed out, after a moment. "Maybe it does not replace what was taken... but we still love you Dash and Gilda" Pinkie nodded at that. "And you two are equally welcome" She said, to include the younger and older sisters.

***

In the days after her return Firefly seem to take on her normal personality; something like Rainbow Dash but in ways, worse. With her heavily dated collection of words, she seemed a bit lost in the era she grew up in. She was far more free spirited, and wild. She had managed to pull several pegasus in racing her. Was like seeing Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie combined, giving the image Pinkie with wings having no limits to her range.

Rainbow Dash seemed to change too; she was focused on her youngest sister, spending all her time with the filly and she even managed to help her learn to fly again. The story behind her wings was kept between them, but the lessons seem to bond the two sisters again. Cloud Chaser even was showing a new side. She started to spend time with Fluttershy, finding a kindred spirit in her. They shared a love for animals, and was not long till the little one started to warm up to others. Becoming quick friends with Spike, who helped her get to know Apple Bloom.

She was still nearly as shy as her new Fluttershy, but not so bad. The time together with the other pegasus was therapeutic for her. Whatever went on in the time lost had shattered her world and the gentle hooves of the yellow pegasus, and the kind nature of her mate Playful Paws, really seem to bring her back.

Seeing her little sister brought back to life, in a couple ways and being constantly pestered by her older sister, Dash started getting back to herself as well. Firefly was worse than Rainbow Dash had ever been in challenging Gilda to a race. She drove the gryphon crazy at times, and she would escape to Pinkie Pie's room. At times it would be a bit awkward for Twilight, who would find her escape in spending more time with Applejack in her shop or at home.

Thanks to just two new members of the town, much had changed. In addition to Gilda being around more in avoiding Firefly's need for a challenge, she was starting to change. It could be because of the older Pegasus, maybe because of her time with Pinkie Pie, or because a part of her past was now fixed. Only the three sisters knew what Gilda was like before, but maybe this is who she was before fate forced her to become strong enough for two and take on the world.

Twilight mused at the facts; when they first met, the Gryphon would sooner have bitten her head off than say a word to her. Now, she had become not only a friend to all the ponies, but even showed a gentle side. Cloud Chaser had made her and Rainbow Dash help with some animal sitting for Fluttershy. The picture was too perfect of the two "bad ass" girls of Ponyville, passed out with baby animals crawling all over them as they slept sitting up, completely worn out by the work in it all.

The Unicorn not so long ago the newest member of the town; was also glad that one of the many mysteries she has come to be in the middle of, was finally solved. She was still waiting to see what would come of the ones with Trixie who had been rather scares as of late, ever since the Day of Remembrance. Was also the lingering mystery between Applejack and Adams Apple, they were seemingly getting more comfortable around one another, but Applejack still had some reservations toward him.

She would settle for the happiness happening now, and let those things come to pass in time. Was not long before she would have been here a whole year, and she has experienced so much in that time. She liked to think she had grown a lot as well, no longer the little sheltered pony from Canterlot who did not wish to socialize.

Still though, when Firefly streaked past her this morning, in both the meanings of speed and nudity, she realized she still had some things she was not yet ready to be so lax on. To programed by Canterlot sense of “shame” Maybe someday, but not today. She just covered her eyes.

Ch21: A Wing and Being Fair

"DUDES" Firefly shouted nearly causing both Rainbow Dash and Gilda, to go deaf.

"For Queen sake, what?!" Dash shouted back.

Firefly slammed down a poster on the kitchen table causing the plates to rattle, that the other two were eating off for their afternoon breakfast. "Check it! The Iron Pony is coming up!"

"So?" Gilda asked, annoyed by the sudden outburst. It was too early in the afternoon for all this, and none of them were very early starts when they could help it.

"So?! It's a radical chance for us to totally show off! Think about it; the three bad sisters of Cloudsdale, totally blowing away the competition"

"You and Dash are the flashy ones, I don't think Cloud Chaser is gonna want to compete"

"Not her dude, she is like way too young to enter. You! Duh"

Gilda snorted a laugh. "Me?" Firefly nodded her head. "No way, I'm not a flashy type either"

Dash went on eating, taking the moment to try and finish. She knew the older mare was not yet done.

"I thought you were Eagle and Lion, not chicken and house cat. Cock-a-puss!"

Gilda growled and jumped at Firefly, who rocketed back laughing as she did so. "Damn it, I thought you forgot that!"

Firefly stuck her tongue out. "Wicked funnier when Brom did it, but still works on you"

"Gonna kill you!" She leaped over the table, Dash grabbing her bowl so it was not flung with the rest. She casually watched as her sister and best friend, raced through the house.

She dropped her bowl to the floor, and stood up. No pony accused them of being the most clean, or concerned in the matter. "Yo G?!"

Gilda was in the other room and peered around the corner to look at her. "What?"

"Let's do it, been too damn slow around here" She started to stretch, waking up her body.

"Sure" The gryphon easily agreed.

Firefly jumped into the room. "What? Just like that? So lame..."

Gilda pounced on her when she found the opening. "Ha! I'm going to pluck each of your feathers, and make you look like when you had the molting problem"

"I knew that would get you" Dash grinned, a bit of revenge for herself too. "Save some for me" Firefly had been flying both of them crazy, but they did enjoy it. Felt like everything was getting back to normal.

The Magick of Friendship chapter 21
A Wing and being fair

Signups for the Iron Pony was still a few days away; Firefly and Rainbow Dash went right into training, Gilda watched them sometimes remembering a much younger pair of sisters just as they are now. Pulling tricks and trying to outdo each other, laughing and loving every minute of it. Gilda was not as skilled as they were, she knew it, but they would never allow her to think it. To them, she was just as good as they were. Not better, neither could admit any was better.

Cloud Chaser came out of the house, seeing Gilda near the edge of the clouds. She trotted up to her, and looked out to see the streaks of colours that trailed the two older pegasi. "Back to their old tricks" She smiled. Seemed ages since she saw the sight of them like this, like Gilda after the accident that took a way her world, it was nothing but pain and hardship. Ponyville was her home now with her three sisters, Gilda being the third of her older sisters.

"Yeah..." Was all the gryphon could get out, she was a bit lost in thought.

"Not looking forward to the Iron pony thingy?"

Gilda snickered. "Squirt, you and me, we're not thrill seekers. Iron Pony is a lot of challenges of physical, mental, and just gifted abilities. I can do some of them, but I'm not an athlete like they are" She motioned out toward them.

The other nodded. "I heard Apple Bloom tried getting her sister to do it, but she didn't want to either"

"Give it time. With one 'Yo Jackie, get yer butt in this thing' from Dash and she'll be there"

"Really? She's just as bad as Ray Ray and Fire?"

She looked down at the pegasus who looked so much like Dash when they last had a whole family. "You haven't really spent much time with Dash's new friends?"

"Na. I've made some of my own already from school. AB, and Belle, and a couple others too like Twilight, Fluttershy, and their friend Spike"

Gilda thought, and she really did not know much about the ponies beyond the ones closest to Dash, Pinkie, and Twilight. "Isn't there another one, some little Pegasus?"

"Oh, Scootaloo? She's... weird"

"Weird huh? Think she was up here a couple times. Can't fly, right?"

Cloud nodded. "Not yet or something. She doesn't seem to like me. I tried to talk to her, but seems like after I said I was Ray Ray's sister, she wouldn't talk to me"

The older of the two nodded, and made an "Mmmhmm" sound through her beak. She figured Scootaloo was jealous, she knew that much of the filly. Remembering her more now that she thought of it, the filly was a lot like her idol. A tad bit too obsessive though, again, much like her idol.

"Oh well" Cloud Chaser said. "I've got AB, and Belle, and Fluttershy, and Playful Paws, and all them" She looked up at Gilda, who was back at looking at the other two. "You have a lot of friends too? Like all those ponies that were there when Rainbow and Firefly talked about what happened?"

"Not sure. I've tried to be nicer, and they seem to be ok with me now"

"Now?" The little pony was confused. She had spent most her time around the new faces, but has not yet heard much of the goings on of the past years.

Gilda did not answer right off thinking it over for a moment. "After what happened and Firefly was gone on her hunt for you, we left Cloudsdale. Dash wasn't much herself, and I didn't know what to do. I tried Canterlot. Being the Royal city and all, figured, 'hey, maybe they can help two who just lost it all'" Gilda scoffed. "They looked at me, and acted like I was some freak. The Gryphon Wars left a big scar on our relations" She paused a moment. "Luckily, Dash remembered Fluttershy, and how she went to Ponyville. It wasn't much better here. It was alright for her, but me, I was still the freak"

The last part seemed to hit Cloud a bit more than the rest did. She nodded very slowly, and understandingly. "It's not fun, being outcast"

"Changes you" Gilda added, continuing her story. "I became a lot colder, and tougher. I basically shut out the world, all but Dash"

"So this whole time you've only had my sister to talk to?"

She looked off not at the other two, but in a new direction. Looking back at all the years she was outcast, when in the last few months she was feeling more like one of the ponies, it was hard to bare. Knowing it was somewhat self-brought on "Pretty much" She finished.

Cloud seemed to be hurt by that fact too. She faced some terrible things when she was at the Carrot Top Orphanage, things she had yet to speak of. "I'm sorry Gilda" She hugged to her leg, sparking a bit of sadness in the Gryphon as tears started to form.

She leaned down, and hugged the little pegasus tight. "It's ok Cloud Chaser, things are better now. I have you and Firefly back" She smiled, causing one from the other.

"What about the others?" The filly asked, after they parted.

"I'm not sure, I'm really not. Like I said; I'm trying, but after so long of being distrusting of any of the. It is hard to let any of them close. Sure it is the same with them" She fixed her forelock of feathers as she paused. "I feel safe with Twilight, she seems to be cool. She is a nerd, but a cool one. Then Applejack, she probably has the most to hate me for..." She recalled that moment in their history with deep regret. "I caused her and Dash to break up as friends. They are very close, and I know she didn't like me before" She paused a moment. "We had a moment, but I don't really know if she is cool with me or doing it for Dash"

"Pinkie Pie?" Cloud asked, knowing the bond between them.

Gilda could not stop from smiling. She had such a short time with her, but just the thought of her made her feel better. It is still something no pony could fully figure out, but they are happy together and in the end, that is all the matters.

"Guess that's a good sign" The other giggled.

"Heh, yeah" She looked a bit nervous.

Cloud hoisted up a set of bags, a cross of saddle bags and fanny pack, and buckled them onto her waist. "I'm going to go to Fluttershy's" She paused. "She likes you too"

This confused Gilda, Fluttershy always seemed afraid of her even after the times she has helped her out.

"She does. Says that you are really good with the baby animals" She adjusted her bags. "Well, see you G"

"Later squirt" She watched the other leap off the cloud, and fly away. Before she was very far Dash and Firefly started doing circles around her, probably bugging her to fly with them. She smiled, thinking about her parting words about Fluttershy.

"G come on, gotta get some training in!" Dash called out.

"Y'know, most of the mix species competition is on the ground?!" Gilda said back.

The two sisters hovered there looking at her, then themselves, then returning to her. "So?!" They both said.

"Still the same" She muttered, taking flight.

***

Sign up day was here, and many ponies gathered to do so for the biggest event in Equestria. Gilda was surprised and over whelmed by the turn out. Not so much that Olymponia was full of potential competitors since it was held for all of Equestria, but the sheer number of ponies. They were to be several preliminaries, to cut down these numbers.

She was also surprised, as she was the only non-pony there. These facts made her feel a bit uneasy, starting to wonder if she should be here at all.

"Dash, this isn't right. I'm a Gryphon, this is a Pony thing. Look at the name, and look at this crowd"

Dash scoffed. "Just means nothing else has tried. It's for all Equestria, and we have many species. You'll just prove them that anything can compete"

"Totally!" Firefly said, pushing them along.

"I don’t like this" Gilda grumbled.

"They'll totally let you in, chill and quit being a whiny finch" Fire said.

They made their way to the sign up tables each going to sign in. "Sorry, she cannot compete" One of the ponies there said, as Gilda went to put her name in.

Fire and Dash both slammed their front hooves on the table. "The Hell she can't!"

Gilda sighed, and looked away. "It’s cool guys, I didn't want too"

"Why can't she?" Dash demanded to know, hearing Gilda or not, she was mad about it.

"'Iron Pony', it's in the name. We only allow Ponies into this, not even Pony-like creatures like Minataurs, Centaurs, Donkeys, Mules, Zebras, or whatever else. It's a Pony competition"

"Centaur shit, hellacious, that's what it is. You're just afraid to allow a real competitor into this!" Firefly snapped. "Don't be such a preppy ditz!"

Gilda tried to pull them away. "It's fine!"

"No it ain't!" Dash looked at her, then at the pony at the table. "It's speciest!" By now a few eyes were looking, only making it worse for Gilda. "Typical Gryphon hater"

Firefly did not seem to share that feeling at first, not having dealt with much as they had, but she could see the point. Gryphon wars had left a lingering grudge toward them, mostly only the older ponies felt it any more.

"Look," He huffed, pulling out a book. "This is the list of rules for these games. Right here, clearly states 'Only ponies can enter the competition, be they fit and able'"

"This thing is outdated" Dash grabbed it, and looked it over. "Ha, see" She threw it down, and pointed out. "Not only does it still say crap about four legs, but also mentions that Unicorns and Pegasus are not allowed in. Gonna turn me down?"

"That is an old rule; it states that if they are sponsored, they are allowed in. Since then it has been an unwritten rule that they are sponsored, since they are clearly Equestrian citizens. Part of that rule was so only Equstrians could compete, and around that time--" Dash cut him off. "Yeah, yeah, the first Pegasus were not consider Equestrians, and the Unicorns had detached from the country. I freak'n take History class"

“She is a citizen. She's lived in Cloudsdale, and then Ponyville for more than half her life. She goes to Ponyville Tech. I'll sponsor her, and so will my sister!"

Firefly nodded. "Totally"

"Not so easy if you are going to make this a big deal, then we'll need the old fashion way to do it. Get Cloudsdale or Ponyville to sign a sheet, and if you get a large percent of the populous of your town to sign it with the head of the town's seal, then yes"

"We'll be back!" Rainbow announced.

"Have three days, before signups are closed and preliminaries start"

They took off and headed back to Ponyville, a long flight but nothing for them.

"Don't need to do this, it's stupid" Gilda said, flying between them.

"It is stupid, not letting you in cause of some dated rule" Dash argued.

"It's totally bogus" Firefly said.

Gilda grumbled. "I've said I didn't want to join any ways, can drop here and nothing bad will happen to me or anyone else"

"Where is that G I use to know, who'd not let something like this stop her, the G who was ready for any challenge?" Dash tried to get her into it.

"She moved to Ponyville, and became an ass. Now there is only me, just trying to stay out of every pony's way"

Dash stopped, forcing Gilda too. Firefly circled back, not noticing till a little later. "Gilda, come on. We've gone through rough stuff, but things are different. Look at me, I'm back to normal. Fired up by the challenge and ready to show off"

"Normal?" She questioned. "Hardly different than before" Gilda pointed out.

"When was the last time I took on a competition?" She looked so serious, was almost too much to see.

The gryphon thought about it and other than small things with friends, or ponies who challenged her she had not done much but flying solo.

"Come on G, I want to try to let all the shit behind us. Fire is back, Cloud is back, and we have friends. Let's ring it all in, by beating the saddles off those Ponies"

Gilda looked down then back up, with determination. "Right. Let's show them all!"

"Everfree yeah!" Dash shouted then rocketed off, leaving her trademark rainbow trail. Firefly smiled at Gilda, and followed after. Gilda stayed a bit, and thought more on what all she said. "You have friends, I'm not so sure how many ponies are going to sign for me..."

She did not want to cause them to wonder or worry, so she rocketed off after them.

***

Gilda was not too surprised that Twilight was ready to help out. She made her way to the Mayor’s office, and spoke to her personally. She had started to become friends with her, so getting her to start the sponsorship was no problem.

The first day, was poor. The names they had earned were all the friends, relations, and such. Couple extended friends too, like Playful Paws' friend Dodgy Dice, or Rarity's fellow employees like Mend and Pearl Two.

Pinkie had a fit being fifth on the list, but with the Pegasus Sisters and Twilight first to know, she did not get the top spot. She had Ditzy Doo, and her little filly Dinky to sign. None were too sure with such an old rule, if fillies and colts could sign but was not going to stop the team on this mission.

With a hoof full of names, it was a far cry from the hundreds of citizens. Gilda was feeling doubtful that it would even happen. Maybe a hundred and she was feeling generous with that hope.

***

Gilda was training alone in a gym, as Dash and all the others were trying to gather names. She felt it a bit pointless to train, but working out at least took her mind off it. She knew the events, and since the competitions began, many were added and many discontinued. It once had about a hundred events, but it has been slimmed down a bit. Still stretching over the course of a week, it was no easy thing to take part in.

She did find it odd how as she passed ponies or they passed her, some would wish her luck. Confused that they would even talk to her, let alone wish her luck. She began to think about, how if this many ponies were well wishing she might have a shot at getting in.

Originally she was only doing it for Dash and Fire then she wanted out, but now she actually was feeling excited at the chance of competing. Her awkward replies of "thanks" turned into a smile, and full "Thank you" even striking small conversations. For the first time, she was feeling like she was not such an outcast, feeling like she was doing something her brother would have done. He was the first Gryphon to go through school, and graduate. He wanted to prove Gryphons were not the monsters they had been in war times, and could be one of the ponies.

Being the first non-pony in the Iron Pony Games made her feel that same joy he showed, every time he talked about bringing a new honor to the Gryphons. Reminded her why she was in college, so she could complete his dream. She would not screw around anymore, that is when she was allowed back.

Now, she was attempting to do what he might not even have. She would make her own name for her kind, to be in the Iron Pony Games. Hoping to win anything past getting in was foalish, since ponies had trained all their lives for this. Being first in was enough.

If she could not make it this time, she would try again next time. She had a dream of her own now, and she nearly cried thinking of how much pride Brom would have in her now. It has been far too long, since she had good reasons to remember him.

After all that she did today, she felt it was time to go home. She was getting too lost in thought over it all, and could not focus enough to train.

Gilda made her way toward Apple Cider's no longer feeling that awkwardness of being around ponies and happily, no longer getting odd looks. Thinking of the honor she would bring, she was feeling a pride for her people she never truly had before. Not since she and her brother fled shortly after the end of the war. She was very young, and had nothing but him. Till he made friends with a wild Pegasus, and she give them friends and a new family.

When she made her way into Apple Cider's, she found Applejack and Twilight sitting at the latter's usual booth. The former spotted her, and waved her over.

"Well afternoon" Applejack greeted.

"Hi, Applejack" She turned her head to look at the other. "Twilight"

"Hello"

"So, y'all look might bit worked. Train'n?" Applejack continued to lead the conversation.

Gilda nodded. "Been at the gym, if I do manage to get into this Iron Pony thing I want to be ready. Be pretty stupid to make a fuss and not even get far" She did not want to show how excited she had become over it, trying to sound as calm and cool as she usually would.

"It's a good idea to be prepared" Twilight added.

Applejack got up, and let Gilda sit down. "Yeah, but I'm not holding my breath. I know a lot of you guys are trying to help and I am grateful, but how many ponies are going to sign to help a Gryphon, especially me?"

"I'd figure a few" Applejack said with a smirk, as Twilight pulled out a stack of papers.

"What's that?" Gilda looked at it, a bit confused. It was a good amount of papers, could not possibly be the signatures.

"Just a ton-o-names"

Gilda looked at them seeing what, if anything did, fit to Applejack's description. "No way! Look at all these names... didn't just copy them did ya?" She looked at Twilight, and Applejack.

"Nope, been at it all day and we have all gathered enough names to getting you sponsored" Twilight said, smiling at the fact.

Applejack put her arm around Gilda. "Y'all fret'n over nothin'. Y'all have a nasty past with the folks here in Ponyville, but if you learn anything of us it's that we are good folk, and willing to help out one of our own. Even if'n they acted like a bad seed at first"

Gilda looked at her feeling overwhelmed, she felt confident that she had a shot but too see it all on paper and with the pony's words, she could not believe it all. "One of... your own?" She looked up at them.

"Of course, been here longer than Twi has and she's as much of a Ponyvillian as any of us"

Twilight smiled both to her lover, and at the gryphon.

"Well she's been a pretty model citizen. I've been nothing but an ass, how can you all just forget all that?" She felt herself getting a bit mad, not at them but herself. "How can I deserve this kindness?"

Applejack shook her head. "Now a few months ago, I'd sooner spit in yer eye than look at ya. Cause you were an ‘Ass’. I even told Rainbow, you were a low down snake and no matter how often a snake sheds its skin it's still a snake"

Gilda looked down at the table, her words were pretty true. Harsh, but at the time they were said she deserved them. "But, y'all proved me wrong. You care for Rainbow, you cared enough to get out of yerself long enough to fix what you helped ruin. Maybe all of Ponyville hasn't seen the new you, but enough of us have and know why you were like you were"

She nodded slowly, listening to the pony's words. She still did not feel she had any rights to a second chance.

"Some of us have are reasons for accepting you now, and giving you a chance, maybe the play fer some. Seeing you playing Megan, we all saw you could be a decent Gryphon. Me, and maybe Twilight too" Her ears perked up, hearing her name. "Seeing you after Rainbow Dash's accident, what I saw told me more than all the junk y'all have done over the years"

"It is true. That night, you really showed us that you were more than just a tough girl. One who wanting nothing more than to be angry and selfish" Twilight started. "It hurt a lot when Rainbow Dash chose you over me, and losing a friend for so long. It hurt as well, thinking of how much I wanted to help you and you just attacked me and kept Rainbow Dash to yourself. Before I ever knew what had happened before you two came here, I saw something of who you were with you at the hospital when you were willing to give up the chance to see your friend, your only one at that time, to the two ponies who you seem to think were stealing her from you. I knew then and there that you were not this monster you were acting to be, was something more"

Gilda was silent, this all was truly too much for her to take. Everything was changing so fast. She nudged Applejack, who let go of her and moved out of the seat. Gilda stood up, and moved back from the ponies. "I can't deal with this... all this kindness every pony is showing me now..."

"Simmer down sugar cube; it's not a bad thing er nothin'. We do care about y'all" Applejack tried to get near her, trying to reassure her.

Hearing the pony say "Sugar cube" Was the final straw. She knew she reserved that for ponies she liked, and even if she slipped it she did not show she regretted it. "I can't... I... I feel like this is some dream... and I'm gonna wake up, and I'm going to lose all this!" She was tearing up, as Twilight started to shift from her seat. "Please... just..." She did not know what she wanted to say. "Just, leave me alone"

She ran out the door and once in the open, shot into the sky. Applejack and Twilight came after her, but she was long gone.

"What happened? I thought she would have been so happy to see how much we all care?" Twilight said, looking very upset.

Applejack put her arm around her. "She needs time Twi. We should talk to Dash and Firefly, and see what they think. They know her better than us"

The other nodded. "Think we should tell Pinkie?"

"Knowing that mare, she knows" She gave a soft smile, one Twilight tried to match but she was feeling too upset by what just happened.

***

"Why did I run?!" Gilda shouted at herself in the same abandoned cave she and Pinkie had fallen for each other in. Was a safe place to get a way, where she could yell and beat on things without any worries. "I was so happy and was looking forward to it all..." She pressed her back to the wall. "Why do I always fight any happiness in my life? First when I moved here, then with Twilight, now this..."

Gilda slumped, dropping to the floor and covered herself in her wings. She wanted to hide from the world. Finally she had friends. Finally she was feeling welcome in a Pony town. Finally she was feeling more happiness, than pain.

"Maybe, you are afraid you will lose it all?" A voice said, causing her to spread her wings and look around.

She knew who it was, and sighed. "Did they tell you?"

"They?" Pinkie came into view, looking puzzled. "Who? Tell me what?"

"Why are you here then?" She was feeling too angry with herself she could not fight being rude, even to the one soul in this world she felt closer too than even Dash.

"Twitchy, twitchy-twitch" Pinkie trotted up to her, and leaned down. She took the Gryphon's claw, and pressed it to her chest. "My heart, it was hurting. I knew the one who lives there must be in pain" Gilda's eye watered again, she felt guilty for even having a single soul care for her, this one more so than any.

In these moments Pinkie was so different than her usual silly self, a deep caring mind hid under her untamed mane. Gilda was one of very few who knew or saw this. "I've gone through some rough stuff too, and thought I would never be truly happy again. I was so depressed in my younger years"

"You're not that old..."

"Hush, I'm in a moment" She did not seem or sound so, but Gilda knew she was being playful when saying that. "One day, I saw something that re-awoke something in me I thought I lost. I found the happiness I needed. I found myself that day. I know Gryphons don't have cutie marks, but if you did. I think you'd find yours soon"

"Why?" She looked confused, not really understanding the whole concept. Pinkie just smiled at her, to say that she wanted Gilda to figure it out. "Because..." Gilda tried thinking, pulling her claw back to her lap. "I made friends?"

"Maybe..."

"What?" She snapped, and Pinkie just plucked a feather from her wing. "OW!"

"You know; if you had only one feather, you couldn't fly?"

"Duh"

"We need many feathers, if we are to fly. You've struggled so long with only a hoof..." She paused, looking at her fore hoof then at Gilda's clawed hand. "Or clawful. I think you might be afraid of having full wings to fly higher than you ever have flown"

"I have all of my feathers! But that one now..." She paused. "Oh...Wait..."

Pinkie put it into her mane, and smiled at her more. "Macaroni"

Ignoring the random comment, Gilda grasped the concept. "I've been alone for so long with only Dash beside me, and now... I don't have to be... It's not just Dash any more... I have friends... I have a lot of friends?" She looked down. "And more... willing to... to be my friends..."

"I like my feather thing better, but yeah. Friends are there for you, and help you, and keep you in the air. The more you have, the higher you can go. The Magick of Friendship" She giggled,

"Lame Pinkie, but..." She smiled, wiping the tears a way. "You always know how to cheer me up. Not to get as lame as you, but Love is Magick"

"Oh puke. I deal with sugar and sweets all day, I don't need an overload" She laughed, causing Gilda to join in.

Pinkie was rubbing off onto the Gryphon, as was Gilda to the mare.

“Confound these ponies, drive me to friendship” Gilda said, getting up.

***

Twilight was talking to Queen Celestia over their Bay-B's, filling her in on the goings on in Ponyville. They had all the names they needed, and more. Nearly the whole of the city was willing to lend their support for the once bitter citizen.

"Does sound very interesting, you know, I believe Harmony has a friend going into it too" The Queen said, sounding if something else was coming to her. "You know? This reminds me of another Gryphon who was first to go to school in Equestria, and made it to collage"

There was a pause, after Twilight asked her "Oh? Do you remember their name?"

Twilight could hear odd sounds on the other end, Celestia liked to spend her free time in the study she had. Only she and very select few others knew of it or could get to it. A Queen had to get a way.

She was probably going through her collection of history. Twilight had seen it a couple times, but could only read a few books. It was a little tease for her so she would be motivated to learn more, Celestia did not realize at the time with whom she was dealing with.

"Ah, here we are" Finally came. "Equestrian firsts... It had to have been around the Gryphon Wars so narrows it down a bit, not much has gone on since then" She was more talking so Twilight knew what she was doing. "Here it is," She did not bother reading the various events she skimmed over to get there. "Around eleven years ago, the first Gryphon to go through Equestrian school, a resident of Cloudsdale named Bromwin. Finished his years in School, and was admitted into Hayvard after..." She trailed off.

"After? After what?"

"He apparently came down with a rare illness over that summer, and died before he could actually go to college. His admittance into Hayvard was an honorary one in light of his death, and great achievements he had made. Was a pretty big moment, it was one of the first times since the wars that the Gryphons had come to Equestria in peace" She sounded a lot sadder now, recalling more not in the book. "I remember it now. I met with the Emperor, and we held a special ceremony over the death of a great asset to both our lands. Though all the countries had already formed the United Races for Lasting Peace and Prosperity, his actions to that point now fully known to the Gryphons, brought us to a new peace between us. Still took time for the bitterness many older ponies felt to start to fade"

"That is pretty amazing. I was around then and under your tutelage. Why do I not remember any of this?"

"For the same reason I forgot about it..." Was a long pause, long enough Twilight nearly asked for her to continue. "Nightmare Moon returned... not too long after that"

Twilight nodded to herself. "Yes... that was a strong reason" Recalling that day, one of the worst she had seen. Only a few rivaled it; when the Shadows of Eternal Twilight attacked, and when Harmony changed for the first time, compared to it.

"Says here; he had a sister who was given a tuition to any collage she choose to go to, if she followed in his paw steps"

They both paused. "It must be her" Came from Twilight.

She was seeing some of why Gilda was acting odd now; it must be causing her to recall her brother. She mentioned having one before, but never elaborated on what happened. If he was first into college, it made sense why she was now trying to finish it. Also, if she was making this history as a first, it had to make her think of him.

Twilight was happy that she did not mess something up and push her friend away, but sad for her if this is the cause of what happened at Apple Cider's.

"I have to find her. She ran off earlier, and I think I know why" Twilight said.

***

Twilight did find Gilda, long after Pinkie did her magick. With some talking, she confessed her fears. Both Twilight and Applejack assured her, that she had nothing to worry about.

The gryphon, not so long ago was the bane for much of Ponyville, was now a celebrated citizen. She would make a new name for the town by entering, and if she made it into the Iron Pony she would boost Ponyville that much more. If she won any metals, well, that was more than Gilda even hoped for. Either way, Ponyville would be set to win the highest praise from the Queens yet again. This was not the sole reason; it was just in Ponyvillian nature to help others.

The sign up final day was tomorrow, and with her friends backing her, her new home backing her, and the spirit of her brother pushing her on, she was ready to show all of Equestria what she could do.

Ch22: Storm Before the Calm

The third day for the sign ups came, and Gilda was feeling confident if not a bit nervous at being the first non-pony in the competition. With her friends cheering her on, or pulling her along as with Dash and Firefly, she did not care. She was starting to feel like herself again, the one she was long ago when life was as happy as it was starting to be again.

Dash sought out the pony that gave them trouble last time, nearly threw the sponsorship at him. "See?!"

He looked at her with surprise, then down at the sheet skeptical. "Well I have to admit, I'm a bit stunned by this" He seemed ready to pull out some other ruling to prevent the entrance of the gryphon. The ponies were prepared for such.

Twilight had learned that dragons had a special talent of sending messages to each other and with it, had Spike’s cousin in Canterlot send over a Royal proclamation. "And, if that is not enough for you" She said stepping up placing the scroll before him, with more care than Dash had shown. "Read this"

He looked at her funny, and then opened the note. "This... cannot be real" He said, with a mix of shock and doubt.

"Look at the seal. It is official from both Queen Celestia of the Day and Queen Luna of the Night, declaring that the sister of one of Equestria's great citizens be allowed into these games"

"I can read that. But how is it that a Gryphon and some ponies of a small town, can get the Queen's backing?"

"Simple" Spike said, joining in the little trip to add his own royal weight to the argument if it became so needed. He hoped it would not be, for he did not enjoy flaunting his lineage. "She is the Student of Queen Celestia"

"And who are you? Not planning to enter too, are you?" He was starting get suspicious of them all.

"Spike Greenspine, son of Lord Dracomire Greenspine II" He held up his own royal documents.

Many were now looking at the group, over hearing the conversation going on. The stallion was nearly knocked out of his chair seeing this all. "Well... I suppose, if there was any reason to deny her, it would have been overruled... by three Rulers"

"Agreed" Another pony came up from behind the sign up one, and became their focus. She was dressed fair more formal than the other, wearing an official badge of the Comity of Iron Pony Judges. "We were told of this and it would seem that it has come to pass, the first non-pony to come to the Iron Pony games. I must say, it is an honour to see this day"

She was an older mare, though she fought the ravages of it off well. "May I be first to congratulate you on this achievement, and hopefully one that will open up these games to more races of our world" She held out her hoof, and Gilda took it firmly.

"Hey, I'm here to prove myself. Gonna show you ponies just what we Gryphons can do, in fair competition” Gilda said, showing her tough side again. She softened it by adding. “I am honoured to be a part of pony history"

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 22:
Storm before the Calm

The Preliminaries were held and when the final group was gathered for the true games, Firefly, Rainbow Dash, and Gilda made it through with ease.

Princess Celestia made an appearance, as she did each year to watch. This time however, she came to announce the history in the making.

"Citizens of Equestria and guests from our neighboring lands, this year will mark a true beginning of something and the end of another. This is the first time that a non-pony has made it not only into the competition, but also into the Games”

She took a bit of a pause, as a story was ready to unfold. “Not since the start of these games during a darker time in our history, when the Earth ponies were caught in a civil war between the Pegasus and Unicorn. When they needed these games to ease their worries and give them something to distract them. These games started the end of those wars, as the athletic Pegasus saw these games as a challenge, and the high classed Unicorn saw it as something of title and privilege to enter those simple games. The ponies then were not so ready to accept these new faces, and so they had to prove themselves but gaining favor from the Earth towns. These started the friendships that would spread to the rest of the cities and towns of Pegasus and Unicorn, and soon as the three stood against each other in friendly competitions and not conflict and they all saw that they were not separated by their differences but their own short sightedness. These early ponies learned the differences only keep apart if we allow them too”

With another pause, the Queen smiled greater at the future she saw. “I know that we who share this world together have long stopped the wars, but not all the unease. Here we are again, with a new face coming into our competition and setting a new page in our history. A Gryphon who I look forward to see compete”

Gilda was so nervous standing up by the Queen, but hid it with her pride and determination. "Gilda has been one of our own, for a number of years now. She is a true sign of how despite any disputes of the past, one can be as loved and welcomed as any other into our fair land as we had learned to accept ourselves. And this would go for any of the others who formed our United Races for Lasting Peace and Prosperity. Her home of Ponyville, nearly unanimously agreed to sponsor her. Not even in the ages ago, when the Pegasus and Unicorns needed such, had any received so near a complete town's backing"

The crowed gave their reaction to the speech, as the Queen took a brief pause. There were members of various other lands watching on, writing or recording the messages here to share back in their home lands.

"As it marks the end of the Species barrier on our humble Iron Pony, is too marks an end to the Games" The gathering was in shock, wondering what this news meant. "After this year," She regained their attention. "The Iron Pony Games are no more. They are to be replaced, by a new competition of our World’s races. The World Games, where each time it's held will be set in a new land to help inspire more unity between all peoples and creatures. The best of each land will come together and win glory for their home lands and honour to the meaning of living harmoniously with all life"

Two figures made their way to the area that the Queen was speaking. A large Dragon who looked every bit as regal and mighty, as the fierce King of Dragons should. Spike looked on beside Twilight, in as much shock as her. She, as most ponies, had never seen a fully grown dragon. The ones in the war were young and smaller. They could easily swallow a pony in a bite, but their King could take a clawful just as easily. Fortunately, the dragons showed little interested in ponies that way even in the war.

Much smaller but no less impressive, a Gryphon flew in adorned in Warrior armour and metals, all showing his glorious victories in battle. He was aged, but no less weak. Lord Friedrich Karl Galstov, Emperor of the Gryphons. He made his move toward Gilda, and placed a heavy claw onto her shoulder. "The Empire is honoured by having you. May you bring glory to your home and homelands" He spoke in a very hard voice tempered by years of wars and might that the Gryphons lived by, and loud enough for the crowd to hear. They cheered for her. Not many knew of the Gryphon ways, but any words with such praise made by any ruler was truly a great reward worthy of cries.

She gripped the arm on her shoulder, and stared deep into his eyes. It had been a long time since she practiced the Gryphon ways, but she remembered them well. “Show only strength, and pride” She thought, and then spoke with the same dedication. "The Honour is being so blessed by our Glorious Emperor. To prove my own against worthy opponents in a field, not of war, but of Honour and Glory"

As the Emperor nodded and they released each other, they turned their attention out to the assembled creatures as Queen Celestia resumed her speech. "I hope this is only the first of many meetings of the rulers of our lands, to ring in the start of the Games and a new era of harmony for all. Doing now when what the games had before, and unite us all.

"So without any further ado; let the final Iron Pony Games begin and let it, and those competing, go down in history as it sets the stage for The World Games!"

With a nod to the Dragon King, Celestia stepped aside. In a show that once was her place, the King bellowed out flames into the large torch. This marked that the Games were on, though the true games did not start till tomorrow. Today would be mostly shows done by select participants and celebrities of the games.

A cry went out of joy and hope for the future. Peace had not been scares, but these games would ensure that it would never be threatened again.

***

The Games would open in another day, now was time for celebration. Rainbow Dash, Firefly, and Gilda, all joined their friends in a local pub. Minus Spike, who decided to pay a visit to his father. It had been nearly a year since he saw him last. Twilight decide to pass on meeting the King, she was a bit nervous of such a creature.

Applejack and Rarity made the trip to Olymponia, the little sisters of the two would be under Big Macintosh’s watch till they all came to see the games tomorrow. Fluttershy and Playful Paws would as be joining them then.

They spent a few hours having fun, though was not the same without Pinkie. She wanted to come, but had to finish some things back home. After a few rounds, Dash and Firefly were pretty near wasted with the older of the two far more so. She had less control than Dash, and was already having trouble standing.

Twilight was surprised when she was hugged from behind. "Twilight!" The voice of the hugger cried out, and she knew it right away.

"Harmony!" She turned and hugged him back. She had come a long way from the mare that use to avoid much contact of any kind. When they broke, she turned slightly to her friends. "Remember most of these girls I hope"

"Who could forget?" He went on calling their names and giving each a hug, but stopped at Firefly and Gilda. "Not too sure now…" He laughed nervously.

Gilda was not so wasted as the other, and held out her claw. "Name's Gilda, old friend of Dash" He took it, and shook it firm.

"Oh yeah, you're the one that made history today! That is so awesome"

"Ain't no thang" She tried to play it off.

"But a Gryphon wing?" She looked at him funny. "Nothing… Who's the one on the floor?"

They looked at Firefly, who was lying on her side poking a bottle.

"That lush is Firefly, Dash's older sister"

He nodded, laughing. "She seems fun. Hey! You mares wanna meet my friend in the Games, guess your competition Gilda" He looked around, trying to spot them. "He said he'd be around here, just look for a hot looking white Pegasus with red mane. If you get lost in his Blue eyes, I warned ya" Harmony laughed.

"A 'special' friend?" Twilight asked, knowing other royal student's history of dating and playing around. Most Unicorns pretty much kept to themselves, quiet, and bit stuck up. Came from the main cities that were home to majority of the species, but Harmony was about as far from a typical Unicorn as they came. Why most found him easy to get along with.

He took on a more serious expression, one not very suiting to him. "No, he is too special to be some one-nighter" He resumed his almost Pinkie-like silliness, when he spotted his friend. "There he is!"

He dashed off into the crowd.

"One-nighter?" Rarity asked.

"Don't ask..." Was all Twilight said slouching a bit into her seat, the effects of her drinks starting to take hold of her.

Gilda seemed to be more interested. "He only chases Stallions or he go for Mares?" The three sober enough too, looked at her. "What? It's a party, besides Pinkie was... never mind..." She looked away, taking a drink.

Before any could wonder, Harmony returned pulling a white stallion with him dressed in baggy pants and a simple shirt with a flight jacket over. He wore tags, showing his service in the Air Force. He was a little older than Harmony seemed, but not very much.

He looked very shy, nearly fighting the Unicorn. "Common Zero!"

Rarity looked him over, seeming a bit interested. She was growing fond of the white coated, red mane ponies.

He nearly tripped, as Firefly had started to crawl around and was now in the path of the two. In an attempt to save himself, his wings spread and flapped enough to right himself.

The girls all took notice of his impressive wing span one far greater than most, nearly any Pegasus. Even Dash, who was not quite at the point of crawling on the floor drunk, even took notice. She was a bit of an angry drunk, instead of getting impressed she became a bit envious.

"This is ZeroG Stormwing. Told you he was hot" Harmony said with a wink, he was as flirtatious as any mare around his age. Despite the fact he was not one, did not stop him from acting it. His friend covered himself in his wings. "He's a bit shy" The unicorn went on, going into his wings. "Come out, they won't bite" He peeked out, and looked at Gilda. "You're not a biter right?"

"Depends" She said friskily.

"Hi" Zero said, still a little nervous toward the others. He came out of his wings, and sat down next to Twilight. She seemed least threatening also reminded him a bit of Harmony, so he felt a little easier by her. He was trying not to watch the drunken pink pegasus on the floor.

Harmony took a quick seat on the other side of his Pegasus friend surrounding him by Unicorns, as Twilight turned to Zero. "So, you and Harmony do it?" She was now fully suffering from a few too much to drink, and her inhibitions had faded. Harmony flashed a look of shock at her, never seeing this side of her.

Zero paused at the outburst, blinking a couple times in shock. "er...do what?" he asked looking over to Harmony, his eyes asking "what is she talking about" Gilda could not stop herself from laughing, taking another drink after the fit calmed. She gave a quick look to Dash, seeing if she was laughing but the pegasus seemed more distant as she was looking away.

Harmony patted Zero on the back. "Eh... never mind that, and No" He directed the last at Twilight. Applejack looked over at Rarity, who seemed to still be given the new pony eyes. "Smitten, partner?"

Rarity snapped out of her trance, and looked at the earth mare and composed herself. "Oh... I was just thinking, designs and all. He would make a fine model" She looked back, repeating herself with more passion. "A fine model..." Her interest in the white and red combination made her toyed with the idea of giving herself such, but she found she enjoyed it on others more. She enjoyed a bit of window shopping, and Zero was one she liked the sight of.

Zero sensed something, and looked over catching the white unicorn’s gaze. He gave a little smile to her. He looked around seeing each of the drinks and tried to get the bar keeper's attention, and as he leaned over the counter his wings relax and open wider again. The act caused both Harmony and Rarity to giggle in unison; they both shared an interest in the view. Zero's call went unnoticed, as the pub was a bit busy with the crowds from the preliminaries today.

Gilda decided to start some kind of topic, since every other pony seemed too drunk or horny. Ironically, the latter were all Unicorns. Applejack was hard to judge, but she seemed a bit tipsy. Gilda knew that she could make “em” strong, but not sure she could take “em” strong. "So, Zero you are in the Air Force?"

Zero sat down in the seat, waiting to try for the keeper's attention later. He looked over to Gilda "Yeah I am, been in the AF for 5 years now" he replied.

"Early start huh? Don't seem that old to me"

Twilight burped. "Oh my... I see stars...Aries?”

Zero glanced over, but ignored the burping unicorn. "Got in through the school, after graduation" he said, trying to recall.

The wasted Unicorn started grasping at dots before her eyes that were not there, magick and alcohol causing an odd effect.

Zero leaned over the counter again trying to get the barkeeper's attention again, as he leaned his jacket and t-shirt lifted up exposing his coat and a black marking not part of his cutie mark. Rarity noticed it, taking a long look. Harmony spotted her looking and almost looking protective, maybe jealous. As a Mare came over at Zero's call. "Yeah?"

"Can I get a large soda please, and whatever they want" he said pointing to the rest of the group. Gilda gestured for the same she had been having all night, Harmony called for a mojito. Applejack stopped Twilight from raising her hoof, and declined herself. They were nearly ready to go. Rarity decided on something lighter, she was not so into the effects of too much drinks.

After the others made their own requests Gilda looked at Twilight saying, "Sad thing, she's had only two" As she started to lie onto the table. "I bet this would be a good place too-" Applejack shot up, and grabbed the pony cutting her off. "Ok there Sugar Cube, think that is last call fer y'all" She helped her up, and moved her out. "Night all"

"Oh you naughty pony" Twilight said, leaning into Applejack. “All for yourself?” The other folded her ears back hiding her embarrassment, a rare sight on the Earth pony.

Zero looked over to Twilight, as she was stumbling all over "She really is a light weight huh?" he said "Good night" Said to Applejack as they moved passed him. He sipped his drink, after the keeper returned with the orders.

Harmony watched them leave, bidding his fair well as did Rarity and Gilda. Rainbow Dash was still keeping to herself. "Didn't even know she drank" the lighter blue unicorn remarked.

"Not too well it seems" Gilda said, moving closer. "So, it tough, being a flyer in the force?" She resumed the conversation she had started.

Zero sipped again "Oh it is tough, the training is the hardest but once you get your scroll and your wings it’s all worth it" he said with a smile, trying to be friendly.

No one had realized, but Gilda was keeping the topic of interest to the Pegasus so he would feel more at ease. She had picked up a few psychology tricks from Pinkie, and could tell the pony needed it.

"I think," Rarity started, coming closer. "It has given you a fine shape, maybe someday you could allow me the use of it" She giggled, clearly codes in her words. "For some sportier designs” She tried to cover them. “Swanheart has been wishing a new summer line for the fashionable and active" She leaned closer, whispering in his ear. "I'd like to see what that mark was under your shirt"

Zero's ear twitched as she whispered to him, feeling a flush in them never having this kind of attention before. His wings perked up, as did his tail.

Harmony hid his feelings at Zero's attention from Rarity, by smiling. The smile was real, since he enjoyed the fact his friend was finding more friends, but he was also interested in him. Fighting himself, for he knew he had a couple others he could court and it would be selfish. He did not wish to steal any chances from his friend, since his shyness seemed to make it hard for him to get close to many.

Rarity straightened, and finished her last drink in a long, slow, and seductive drain. Keeping her eyes on Zero "I shale call it a night myself. One need's her beauty sleep" she put her hand onto Zero's shoulder. "Hope to see more of you around" She winked. "Was nice to see you again Harmony"

Zero smiled to Rarity again "I am sure you will. Sleep well Ms" He could sense she was hinting to him to join her and as her eyes were on his, he moved them slightly to indicate he was going to stick around here.

With a nod, she showed she understood, and turned and trotted out.

"Night" Harmony said simply, watching her depart.

"Later Rarity" Gilda said. Rainbow Dash gave a brief wave. As Rarity headed out, she was looking back at Zero.

Zero waves to her while giving her a little nod, before turning back to Gilda "So Gilda is it? How long have you known the others?"

"A Good question, don't remember you around when I last visited" Harmony added.

"I've been around, as long as the moody one over there" she pointed at Dash. "But I wasn't the best citizen of Ponyville"

Zero gave a look over to the blue pegasus "Is she always this sociable?" he asked then looked back to Gilda "Oh what happened?"

"Eh, she is toasted. She gets moody when she’s had too much" She looked around. "Huh?" She asked, noticing the lack of the oldest of the group. "Where did Firefly go?” She shrugged, not very concerned. “Any ways, I was a jerk. To put is simply. Took some time but I finally came around, and well, now I'm one of the girls" Last part, she seemed to grow a stronger smile finally believing it herself.

Zero nods as he sipped his soft drink "Glade all things worked out for ya" He too looks around "Where did the other one go?"

Something fell onto Harmony, and he looks at it seeing a coat. Soon some shouts went out, cheering and whooping. Zero looked around for the noises "What was that?" he asked.

Dash's ears perk and she stood up, grabbing the coat then disappeared in the crowd. "Hmm" Gilda sounds, taking a drink. "Ok....she’s had a little too much" She said sipping again. "Firefly has not changed"

"Who is that any ways?" Harmony asked, turning from watching Dash trot off.

"Firefly? A loooong story. In short, Dash's older sister"

"I see" He looked back toward the rest.

"Who is this FireFly?" Zero asked with keen interest

"That one you tripped over. She is like Dash, but older and wilder"

"Interesting, man Harm you sure know a lot of interesting ponies" he looks a Gilda "and gryphons"

"Well, first time I've met her or Firefly. But you are definitely in that category too Zero"

"Thank you Harm" Zero says with a bit of a blush forming, his ears start to pull back to hide it.

"Interesting?" Gilda asked.

"Oh yeah! He's like the fastest flyer I've seen. Tell her" Harmony nudged Zero.

Zero blushes more, ears tightly back as he was nudged "Well..." he started think "Apparently a fast flyer" He says sipping his drink nervously.

"Go on Zero!" Harmony was getting more insistent.

"Yeah, come on" Gilda smirked.

"It’s...it’s not something I like to talk about..." Zero sips his drink again looking down at the counter.

"Well? Shouldn't leave gryphons waiting" Gilda laughed

Zero looks at her "Ok… I had to rescue somepony, went so fast I couldn’t believe it....I saved them....but that’s when the problems started"

Dash started on her way back, after taking Firefly to their room. She stopped, picking up the conversation going on and waited just out of sight.

"Not only did I save the pony... but I hurt them going too fast... I don’t know why I was cursed with these things, nothing but trouble." he sighs "I could of done nothing... but that would of been far worse if I didn’t"

Gilda nodded. "Sounds serious, but not doing anything is way worse when you know you could at least try"

"The problem with saving that pony was not for lack of trying, I was moving too fast to slow down in time. I hit them; hurting them badly, perhaps permanently" Taking a sip of his drink "Since then I’ve tried to avoid the lime light. I don’t want the attention, and it’s bad enough I was hailed a hero. I just wanted out. I found a program to get me from the school to the Air Force. For a time it was nice. Treated like one of the others, but that was until somepony noticed me..."

"Yeah, but hey earned you attention of the Wonder Bolts" Harmony pointed out. Unseen, Dash's ears perked.

"That’s one of the problems... I don’t like the attention... they have asked me to join so many times... I... have to find a way to turn them down"

Gilda seemed amused by the fact. "Thought it was the dream of all Pegasus, to be a Bolt"

"Maybe, but it’s not mine"

"Why?!" A voice shouted behind them. Gilda was first to spot the source, muttering an "Oh boy"

Dash stood not far from them. "You think you are so much better than the rest of us, with those freak wings?!"

"Dash, you're wasted, don-" Gilda got up to try to stop her, but the Pegasus pushed her back.

"It’s ok I can hoof this" Zero said, turning to Dash "No I don’t think I’m much better than anypony else, and yes your right they are freak wings. But do you think for one second I asked for this? No. I can’t help the way I was born. These wings make me special, just like your rainbow mane dose. I never asked to be a hero it was being in the right place at the right time. I’m sorry if that upsets you" He paused, hoping to find some way to cool her fire. "But I have heard a lot about the famous Rainbow Dash, you are a lot of young fliers inspiration to be the best" He finished, than sat back down.

"Feh, no Pegasus in their right mind would turn down the Bolts," His attempt seemed to fall on deaf ears. "Unless they think they are better. Don't try to foal me! I'm going to show you, and when I buck your ass in the games, than the Bolts will beg me to join them!"

Gilda grabbed her, and started to drag her off. "Time for little ponies to sleep it off" Gilda turned to the two stallions. "Sorry guys. She is a mean drunk. Don't take it to heart Zero. Laters"

"Wow... I had a crush on her for a long time. She is gonna have a mega hang over in the morning” He paused, looking at the bar top. “If she wants my place in the Bolts she is welcome to it"

“I don't know,” Harmony started, think about the times he has talked to her. Not as often as Applejack, or some of Twilight’s other new friends. “She seemed easier to talk to when I saw her before. Must be the booze, why I like Mojitos. Light, and limy" Harmony said, finishing it off.

Zero looks at his cola soft drink "I don’t drink alcohol, never liked it"

"Me either, but this is so light. I just like the Lime"

The other snickered a bit. “You are just too cute for words" He said, as he checked the time "It is getting late maybe we too should call it a night, seems all the fun has died down"

"Yeah, big day coming" He hugged to the other.

"Harm, I’m thinking of pulling out of the contest tomorrow."

"You can't!” He panicked. “I think you'll enjoy it. What better way to work those wings out, than against some of the best in Equestria?" His motives were more than that, he knew the pegasus was shy, and needed more than other Air Force officers to hang out with. Zero showed what he had, could open some doors for him. Harmony loved attention and friendship, so it seemed perfect for him.

The white pegasus was not so much the same in that attitude of "more the merrier" and wanted more to just have a few good friends, than too much attention. "That’s just it...if I do compete and win.....it would be something I don’t want"

"What about the mares? Like Rarity?"

Zero pauses, and thinking about her watching him after the little moment they had earlier. "Well... not sure" He tried to hide his smile.

Harmony Winks. "You should do it, if not for me, for her. I bet she would love to do some special designs with the winner"

Zero looked over to Harmony looking at him with a raised brow "The games are a big competition, how do you know I’m any good?"

Harmony patted his friend on the back. "You got in today, out of countless others. I think you can do just as good as any other, if you try"

He looks down sighing "They are all gonna expect the big hero to win....I just don’t want to upset everypony there...."

"It's all for fun, after today's big announcement. All the players are gonna put their very best into this game, The Last Iron Pony Competition. Besides, been some time since that rescue. Can't pass up being in the last games, if not now, you will regret it later. If not being Luna's student, and cause of my trouble with my magick, I'd enter"

"You think they would have forgotten about me, it would be nice to just walk into a room and not have anypony care who I was again" Zero was not so convinced.

Harmony sighs, looking a bit beaten. "I can't make you, but I think it would be nice for you. Can stretch your wings and not have to worry, cause it's a competition. Push yourself against the best in Equestria"

Zero looked at himself in the mirror behind the bar. He smiled and nodded "Ok I will do it, you will be there right?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss seeing you in action"

He blushed at the comment "I will do my best"

Harmony smiles and hugs to him, getting one back. After a couple moments letting the topic fall away, Harmony brought up one from a bit earlier.

"I still think you have a good shot at Rarity" Despite his earlier self, he now seemed willing to set his friend up on a date. "She is a very goodhearted pony, might come off a bit into herself, but more to her than that" He giggled, and Nudged the other pony. "You'd be cute together"

Zero looked at Harmony "How many of those have you had?" He pointed at the nearly empty glass.

"Only one. Why?

"Oh just wondering, you seem to keep wanting to hook me up with somepony" He laughed, causing the other to join him.

***

Later on after talking to Applejack, whom of the girls, Harmony was closest to besides Twilight. Harmony knew just what spurred the anger in the blue Pegasus. Given the facts; of how she had pushed so hard to be in the Wonder Bolts, finding an easy way in. It was no wonder, given the chances Zero had, and passed it up.

He shared the fact Zero was planning to back out, but Applejack stressed that it might do more harm than good. She knew Dash pretty well and when she had a challenge, she would not leave it be. He assured her that Zero would stay in, but he shared all this with the male pegasus any ways. Zero questioned himself, if he should give it his best or allow Dash to beat him.

The morning of the Games, had the Wonder Bolts putting on the opening ceremonies. The contestants all stood in their groups, and Zero happened to be near Rainbow Dash. Close enough to see her reactions.

When the Bolts first flew out, she looked almost like a filly. Getting excited, watching with foal eyes. She glanced over feeling the others gaze, and her expression turned neutral. She did not seem as mad as she was last night, but not very happy either.

After the opening, and another speech by the Queen of the Day, the contests began. The first round of games as tradition had it, was the hurtle jumps. A game matched by the Pegasus with the Ring Track, and the Unicorns with the Target Maze.

Since the pegasus rounds were not yet up, Zero made his way to the locker rooms to get ready. On his way, he was bumped by a fast talking white Earth stallion with a short mane, nearly as red as his own. "I must watch my trots, yes watch my trots. If I do not, I will get in an accident and my father would not like me getting in an accident, he would not AH!" He paused, and gave a bow. "Iappologiesandoffermybesttoyouinthegames"

"Uh... Thank you. Good luck as well" Zero was a bit confused by the speed of his words, almost as if he was so rushed he could not even slow down to take normal breaths. He noticed the marking on the back of his uniform of his town Marefune, and the Cutie Mark on his arm; A yellow sharp looking number 5, with a red equally sharp looking M behind. He recalled that before, an Earth pony said to be the greatest racer and able to get out of even the tightest jams. "Mach 5" His name came after a moment.

Not long after the other passed, another Earth pony came by and nodded at Zero. His face was covered in a dark mask, with goggles and an “X” above them. He wore a tight white suit for the games, but unlike all the others it only had an “M” Almost like Mach 5’s on the chest. He was a mysterious looking one, but Zero remembered hearing rumors about a “Shooting Star” who seemed to always show up around Mach 5, just when things seemed their worst.

After the two strange encounters, Zero moved on and went to the locker to get into his own suit for the games. He decided to wear the colours of his Unit in the Air Force.

He trotted his way to his locker opening up the door, finding inside a photo of his unit of pegasus with the words written "Good luck ZeroG!" He grew a little smile, as he started getting his cloths in order.

Most the ponies used community locker rooms, Zero was a bit shy but he did not feel he was so special to need a private one. Though he nearly wished he had chosen one, when he was half way into dressing and spotted Rainbow Dash making her way toward him.

He attempted to hide in his wings quickly getting into his suit, but the act failed. Dash grabbed his wing, and pulled it away to expose him. He yelped in surprise, and looked a bit shy.

"Oh, that is studdly" She sarcastically said. "Look, I ain't here to fight or nothing. I'm..." she paused. "Sorry about the Pub last night"

He looked at her oddly, not sure if she was being honest. A few rumors have gone around about her, and one was her unshakable mind. Once she was set on something, she did not take it back.

"I get to be mean, as G told you. So yeah, best of luck and junk. No hard feelings?" She held out her fore hoof. Zero looked at it, and took a moment before gripping it in his. Once he did, she held tight, and leaned in. "I want a good run in these games, I remember you, the Pegasus with the large wings. Don't disappoint me. You think I'm a mean when drunk, you ain't seen me when I feel cheated"

He wanted to fight her hold, but decided against it. "Don't hold nothing back either, cause I won't. When I win, and show the Wonder Bolts that I am better than you, I will be that much closer to my dream"

"I would give you the offer if I could, I don't like attention and all-" She cut him off. "I really don't care. You will be my ticket in. I've started to like history and am doing better in collage, but if I can get out of school now and still have a shot at the Bolts, I'm gonna take it"

She let him go, and stood back. She looked him over and smirked, than trotted off. He was not sure what her smile meant but it seemed to get to him a bit, with everything that had just happened and everything over the course of his life. "Ever pony wants to prove how good they are, or think beating me will make them some super star" He started to think. "It's either picking on me for my wings, or challenging me" A bit of him started to boil, having finally neared the end of a long fuse. "I will show her, and them all. Want to see what these freak wings can do?"

He quickly put on his Iron Pony uniform, and headed out of the lockers, to do some warm up. He was a very cool headed stallion, and did not let much get to him or get mad easily, but now he was done sitting back being picked on.

Ch01: Twilight's Pony Tale Part 1

Prolog

In Equestria, a land of ponies, there is the great Queen, and her Sister, both of whom rule the Day and Night respectively. Some time ago, they changed from the four legged talking ponies, into those who walked on two legs, their fore hooves, transformed into hands with fingers, and since that day, they have began to evolve their very way of life.

Now most ponies are very social, and love to make new friends. So a company that was well known for their entertainment devices, created an omni device, called the “Bayland Beyond”, often shorten to “Bay-B”. A social device able to connect all of Equestria, without any need of lines, or face to face contact. Friendships bloomed all over, and ponies who may never have met, became closer then friends they had near by.

Since most ponies were social, it did not mean all were, and some are reclusive. Not because they are antisocial, but simply because they cannot pry themselves from their books.

Twilight Sparkle, the current student of the Queen Celestia, is such a pony. She is a gifted Unicorn, that Celestia took under her wings, to teach the ways of magick that only the Great Queen knew. She was a great student, and learned quickly, but her thirst for knowledge, and desire to learn, has made her a shut in. This concerned the Queen greatly as she knew that, although Twilight would become a great Unicorn, she would ultimately be less of a pony if she did not gain life lessons. She needed to get out into the world, and experience things, that not even the best books, could ever teach.

She needed to experience the joys of laughter, the pain of sorrow. What it was like to share loves, and to experience first hoof, what it meant to live.

She could learn all the magick in the libraries, but she could only live through...

The Magick of Friendship
Twilight's Pony Tale Part 1
Chapter 1

Twilight Sparkle, a violet unicorn, with deep purple hair, with as streak of lighter purple besides a magenta one. dressed in her student cloths, almost robe liken to that of wizards, but far less baggy and covering. It was more like a vest over her normal clothing. She stood before her Queen and mentor, pleading with her. "But why? Am I failing? I will study harder, I do not want to learn from anypony else!"

Celestia, dressed in her royal garments, white with golden sun armor she always presented herself in in public with, as well as any royal matters. Looking on her student, and smiled to attempt to reassure her, that she was not being punished. "No, no, my most faithful student. This is no act of detention, it is a new lesson you must experience"

"I will read anything, I just do not wish to leave here" She was nearly in tears, she had not been away from Canterlot, much less Celestia, since she began her lessons years ago.

"The fact you keep your muzzle glued to those books, is why I am sending you off" She stepped closer, putting her fore hoof onto Twilight's shoulder. "You need to make friends, to experience the aspects of social life"

"Then I will spend more time with Queen Luna’s student Harmony Spirit, or any of the other ponies around here" She was sounding more desperate.

Celestia walked farther away, feeling a bit disappointed in herself. "I should have put her into the world sooner, now she is bound tighter then her tomes" She thought to herself. "Canterlot, is a wonderful place, full of great ponies, but it is not the life experience you need to be a whole pony" She turned toward Twilight. "This place is too sterile, and pure. Life is not, as sad as it maybe. But the conflicts in life, also gives rise to things unexpected, that balance out the bad, and often, out weighs them"

She paced a bit, as she could tell Twilight was still not allowing herself to embrace this study. "As I young Princess, I traveled this country, even beyond, but my travels made me grow, and I am thankful for it. One place really blossomed my growth. Ponyville, and over the years, it's held onto the values that it was founded on" She stopped, and looked at her student. "Ponyville Tech, will not only continue your lessons, but also give you the opportunities to grow heart and soul"

Twilight looked down, still not welcoming this big change in her life. "I will of course... do as you wish..."

"Do not take it so hard, treat this as the new assignment. Like when I've had you out on field lessons. Learn the meaning of being a friend, and what it is to have friends. What life is like for those not within the walls of a castle. Take notes, and report back to me. Use that Bay-B I gave you"

She pulled a purple and green device out of her pocket. "This? But it's just a toy"

The Queen laughed gently. "No, that is a device for socializing. I gave it too you to hopefully expand your world. I am surprised you do not know how it works, did you not read the manual?"

Twilight pocketed it, and curled her ears back in embarrassment. "Well.. I have been busy with other studies..."

"To think, you passed up a chance to read on something wholly new" She smiled, and came to her again. "You will be fine without me down the hall, and you will gain confidence in yourself as well"

***

No longer in the robe, now dressed in just her casual wear, a sleeveless hoodie, plain shirt, and shorts. she rode in the private chariot from Canterlot to Ponyville. Celestia had watched over Twilight for so long, she was like a mother, and so such privileges as this ride, came with being the Queen's "daughter". Also, the full tuition in the college, and set up with a dorm, and having the allowance to spend to live in her home for the next couple years.

She decided to land outside the town limits, so not to draw attention. She grabbed her saddle bag. She had only a few needs with her, her other effects would come to her dorm room later. She was kind of hoping her things would already be there, but she was not sure if it would be so.

With her bag in hoof, and set around her hips, she thanked the Strong Pegasus, who pulled the cart through the sky.

She lifted her hand, and looked at it. "I forgot my late" She turned back, but the chariot was gone. "Oh mare, I hope they have coffee at least" She looked toward the town, seeing some activity from her spot. "Celestia said it was a more rural town"

She walked toward the town, and as she neared, it grew bigger, and she saw more life. It was nothing like the markets back home, but not the one pony town she imagined either. The buildings were modern, but with old fashion touch. Every where there was development, looked like it was made to accommodated nature, more than the folks here. She saw many shops, and ponies who did not seem much unlike her. It made her feel a little easier, but she still could not handle the social aspect just yet.

She looked around, too nervous to ask for a coffee shop. In her scan, she noticed a few things she had not given much thought too. There was mostly Earth ponies, but saw some Pegasus, and one or two Unicorns. She also spotted a couple other creatures. Young dragons, Antrhoids, and a few other species from outside Equestria’s boarders. Some she could not place.

“Seems Ponyville is more lively then I thought it would be” As she was thinking to herself, she spotted a place that seem to be just what she was looking for.

"Apple Cider's: Farm Fresh Food, and drinks" She read, and on the window read "Cafe open"

She trotted in, and the place looked like a diner, but also had the elements of a coffee shop. "Wow, maybe I can get a latte or something" A sign she spotted said to seat herself, and wait for service. So she obeyed.

She found an open booth, and set up some of her books on the table, with plenty of room to work. She pulled out two books, a "Guide to Ponyville" and "History of Ponyville" Before she could look into either, an Orange coloured pony came up to her. Dressed in work appropriate cloths, with an apron over with the store logo and name. Hair braided, both mane and tail.

"Well How do miss" She said, and Twilight nearly jumped, and looked over. "H-hello..."

"I'm Applejack, and I'll be waiting on y'all today" She had a charming southern accent, and a welcoming smile. "Say, you don't seem too familiar, you new to these parts?"

"Yes... I'm Twilight Sparkle, I came from Canterlot, to attend college here"

"A pleasure make'n you acquaintance miss Twilight" She said. "Canterlot huh? Go figure. I'd imagine them castle schools would be much nicer then this one here"

"Well, I would not know, I was privately taught, but they decided that I should seek some unique lessons here. You do not happen to be attending there too?"

Applejack shook her head. "Na, I finished my lessons in high school. I enjoyed where I was in life, so no need to go out getting more learning. I like working the farm, and the shop here. Family owned for many generations" She pointed to the counter, at a red stallion, who was working back in the kitchen. "That's my older brother, Big Macintosh, or Mac if y'all like. He don't mind too much" She then pointed at a little filly trotting around with some food. "That there is my lil'sis Apple Bloom. And Granny Smith is about some place. She don't move to fast no more, but still likes to keep active"

"A nice family" Twilight was not too sure what to say.

"Thank ya, we may not run one of those big companies, or dressing ponies in the latest styles, but we be keep'n everypony fed, and happy" She paused. "Oh my, I completely forgot. What can I get y'all?"

"oh yeah, well, what do you have in the way of latte, or coffee?"

"How about I whip y'all up an Applejava, guarantee y'all love it. Best we have, accord’n to me. Course I'm not much for that stuff. I like teas or Cider for hot drinks" She started to trot off. "I'll be back sugar cube" she said with a wink.

"Uh..ok..." She figured best not to argue with her. So she returned her attention to the books. "Wonder if all the ponies here are so friendly?" She asked out loud, to no pony, but one heard.

"Mostly. Kinda sickening at times" A voice came.

Twilight looked around, till she heard a sound behind her. A blue Pegasus with a wild spiked rainbow mane, propped up on the back of the booth seat. "So, from Canterlot? Names Rainbow Dash"

Twilight looked at her funny. "You were listening to us?"

"Yeah, bad habit, really have to stop it some time" She said so uncaring. "So is all of Canterlot a castle, or just the Queen's place?"

The violet unicorn was a bit annoyed. "Well, the whole place is part of the castle, but as far as looks, only the Castle it self is-" Rainbow cut her off. "Ever see the Wonder Bolts? I'm going to be one some day" "really?" Twilight replied with little interest. "Everfree yeah, but I have to deal with school first. They only take graduates into their ranks"

Twilight was about to shrug her off, but caught what she said. "Wait, you are going to college too?"

"Yeah, it's ok... for school"

"Could you show me around?" She became more hopeful.

Rainbow turned around, and disappeared from view. "Sorry Sparks, but I'm a second year. Also, with all t he junk I have to do with school, and around town. I have no time too. You should get a Freshman aid when you set everything up, so don't worry too much about it"

Twilight thought about it. "Also," Rainbow went on. "Should also get a roommate, if you are dorm'n. I imagine you are, being so far out of town. They could help you too, well, as much as a another new student can. Heh"

She went back into thinking. "I've met two ponies so far, and probably meeting two more, at least" She said to herself.

"Hey?" Twilight jumped, as Rainbow Dash sat across from her. "Day Dreaming?" She laughed. "Guess we both have our heads in the clouds"

She pulled out a device, and put it on the table. "I like you Twilight, can't wait to hang out with you some more. Let's sync, so we can keep in touch"

"Sync?"

"Yeah, you have a Bay-B right? What pony doesn't?"

Twilight pulled out hers, and looked at it. "I do not know much about these things..." Rainbow grabbed it. "Wicked, a Dragon, that's a pretty rare one, for some pony who doesn't know much about em" She started to mess with it. "See?" She showed her the screen, showing a swirling pattern with "Awaiting friend"

Twilight took it back "Just do not hit anything" She picked up hers, and was about to hit something on it, when Applejack returned.

"Here y'all go Twilight" She looked over at Rainbow Dash. "When did y'all sneak in?"

"Sneak? Ha! Way you pay attention, I could blast through, and you wouldn't notice. Surprised Sparks here even got service"

"Why you trouble maker, y'all are lucky we don't refuse service, to even the most annoying customers"

Rainbow leaned over the table. "That's might neighborly of ya, Jackie" She said in a mock accent liken to Apple's.

"Told y'all, not to call me that!"

Trying to defuse the situation, Twilight changed the subject. "So, you have a Bay-B too, Applejack?

She looked at her, and pulled one out. "Sure as shoot'n"

"Hey now, I'm syncing with her!" Rainbow protested.

"Oh yeah?"

Rainbow stood up, and they placed both on the table. Twilight scooted over to the corner of the booth. "Ready slow poke?" Apple said. "Just try to beat me, Earthy"

They glanced over at Twilight. "Call it" She blinked. "Call what?" "Draw" She paused. "Uh...draw?"

Both jumped at their devices, and hit the sync buttons.

Twilight's own beeped. she looked at it, not seeing both them watching her. "You both are in my list now"

"But who is first?!" Rainbow grabbed it, and looked at it, and groaned. "Damn it!"

"Ha, showed y'all. You can fly around all ya want, but none can sync like me"

Rainbow looked at the join time. "So close, how'd this even know?" She looked at it again. "Celestia?"

"Yeah, she is my mentor... why?"

Apple looked at Rainbow, then Twilight, and Rainbow burst into laughter. "The Queen? Yeah right!"

"What? She is my mentor, she gave this thing to me" She started to get self conscious. She looked at Apple. "Why is is so funny?"

"I'm not doubt'n ya sweetie, just not too many consort with the Queen. The fact you came from Canterlot to learn here, when you were learn'n from her, it is hard to believe... for some" She glared at Rainbow.

"It's true, she wanted me to make friends, that is why she sent me here" She lowered her head, feeling like a lair, made her feel almost as bad as hearing she would be apart from her mentor.

"Don't fret Twilight, I believe ya"

She was not so convinced.

Apple sat beside her, and hugged her. "Common now, if'n y'all say she's is, then I believe it. Friends believe in friends"

Twilight smiled, hugging back, a bit mousy.

Rainbow stopped laughing, and sat back across form them. "It is hard to believe, but what ever Right? You are a riot Twilight"

"Y'all be nice to her" Applejack said getting back up. "I have ta get back to it, cannot give y'all all the attention now" She winked.

"Mossy on there" Rainbow said, as she walked away. "Jackie" She snickered, till a muffin got her in the head. "Hey! You wanna do this?!"

"Still haven't learned not to tangle with me?" The two butted head, and growled at each other. They stood, forehead to forehead, for a moment, till gravity seem to give way. They were both hoisted in the air by a red stallion Twilight saw earlier behind the counter.

"Do y'all have ta do this every day?" He looked at Applejack first. "Little Sister?"

She looked ashamed, and down. "Sorry..."

He then looked at Rainbow, who was all scrunched up in a pout. "Rainbow?"

"Yeah, sorry..."

Twilight watched them, as Big Macintosh put them back down. They shook fore hooves, not looking at each other. "Stop it" The big stallion said, when they started to grip tighter and arm wrestle in the air.

She could not help but giggle, and subconsciously picked up the cup. She had yet to tried it yet, and was not expecting the taste. "Oh my, that is wonderful" She blurted out, and then covered her muzzle.

A moment later, a little filly came over. Filling in for Apple, since she and Rainbow were put in time out. "Like that I hear" She said.

Twilight laughed nervously. "Yeah... I did not realize it was not my normal drink"

"Let me guess, Applejava?" Twilight nodded. "Yeah, she gets that a lot. Though she doesn't make it for just any one y'know?"

"Really?" She looked at it. "How come?"

"It's a specialty of hers. She gathers the best apples we all have. She gives it to only her closest friends. A might emphasis on 'Give'"

Twilight looked at her weird. "She does not charge for it" As an answer, the younger filly nodded. "Really? But we just met, why is she giving me this?"

Apple Bloom shrugged. "She likes y'all already. She is mighty easy to get along with, and she likes to make friends. I say this is the fastest she's given a friend she specialty"

Something bleeped, and Twilight looked at her Bay-B. "Oh darn, I'm late!" She quickly gathered her books, and bag, and moved to get out of the booth, and stopped. "So wait, I don't have to pay? What about a tip?" She pulled out a book. "It says 15% is customary, but 20% is nice... but any percent of nothing is zero..."

Apple Bloom grabbed her arm, and pulled out of the seat. "Now git, don't worry about that stuff. I recall y'all said you are late"

"Oh right... uh... Thank her for me"

"Scoot!"

***

Twilight Sparkle walked onto the campus, and looked around. "A good sized school" She thought. See spotted the line. "Guessing that is the place"

She moved to the line, looking at her Bay-B for the time. "Mare I wish I come here sooner"

"Oh, wouldn't matter hon" The pony before her said, still turned away. "Of course, I was late too" She was messing with something. "I stopped by earlier, and saw it was pretty long, so I left help out at the shop I'm working at"

"I see" She sipped her java. "Well, at least it was not a waste"

"Pardon?" The pony turned around. She was a unicorn, with violet hair that flowed from her head like a stream, getting darker where it curled up like a gentle wave. She was all white, and dressed in some dress Twilight had never seen before. It was very pretty, and unique. "Oh my, another unicorn!"

"Yeah?" Twilight was a bit nervous at the response.

"There are so few here in little old Ponyville, that makes us like sisters!" She hugged to her. "c'est magnifique! I'm so glade to meet you... oh uh, what is your name dear?"

"Twilight Sparkle..." She was a little put off by her, she was as friendly as Applejack, but more enthusiastic.

"I am Rarity, in name and style" she laughed, letting Twilight go. "Oh dear, this will be good. I was hoping to find some unicorn friends here. So what is your specialty?"

"Specialty?" She was a bit confused by the question.

"Yes yes, the unicorn specialty? I am a designer, and my abilities are perfectly suited to my gift for fashion"

"Oh, yes, well. I actually do not have a special ability, I can just do magick. Transformations, modifications, spells, that type of thing"

"Pfft" They heard, and looked over to see a blue pony, wearing something like Twilight's training robes. "Your specialty is magic? I dare say you make me laugh"

"Who are you?" Rarity asked, not taking to this unicorn at all like she did Twilight.

"I am Trixie, the most powerful magic user of all Ponydom!" She whipped up a sparkling storm around her. "You can claim your gift is magick, but compared to Trixie, you may as well be just an Earth pony"

Rarity scoffed. "You don't impress me, but do keep talking, so when the line grows, you'll be far behind us"

Trixie laughed. "I have long been done with this. Commoner" She disappeared.

"Good riddens" Rarity said, looking back at Twilight. "Some ponies huh?" She changed the topic. "So, where are you from Twilight? I've never seen you in Ponyville"

"Oh, Canterlot. Ce..."She stopped recalling the last time she was mentioned. "My mentor thought it would be good for me to get some culture"

"Canterlot!" She said most excitedly. “I knew you were special" She seem to sparkle, making Twilight wonder if she had that as one of her magick abilities. “I should have known. you have an air that speaks of the upbringing of a pony from the Queendom capitol"

“Home schooled?” She recovered a bit from her excitement. “My my, that must be nice. Private lessons, and never having to worry about out shinning any pony else with your looks? Oh it makes me jealous to think of”

"Really?" She felt a bit embraced.

"Oh yes, say, let's sync our Bay-Bs. This horrid line is so long, and we should be connected any ways" She pulled out hers, it was one like Twilight's. She did likewise. "Oh, again, I should have expected no less. A Dragon model. I love the green and purple colours, it's oh so lovely"

"Thanks, it was a gift from my mentor"

"Such a great teacher, with wonderful taste" She smiled so purely, it was warming.

Twilight looked down a bit, despite the smile. "Yeah..." Memories of Celestia still seem to be too sore, was only one day, she was wondering how she would survive.

"Oh now, don't be upset. You have a friend here, and I'll not let you be a mope" Twilight smiled at Rarity's kindness.

They synced their devices, and they made a sound Twilight had not heard, a sound that excited the other unicorn. "You see, we are sisters!"

"Huh?" She looked at the screen. "Soul friends?"

"Yes yes, did you not know? These wonderful toys rate friendships, based on the info you put into it. When two match, you are destined to be friends. But our codes also matched, so that means we are truly inseparable!" Rarity hugged to her again, this time Twilight hugged back a bit. "Oh I can't wait to spend time with you, we are going to be the best of friends, you and I"

***

After a long time in the line, only the ever draining Applejava, and Rarity to get her through. Twilight felt pretty close to Rarity after a long chat with the unicorn. She found herself reflecting on her day as she headed toward the dorms.

She found the dorms, and walked in, looking around. They had a small desk set up in a little lobby, and a couple doors and some stairs.

She went up to the desk, and saw a pony sitting facing away. "Pardon me?"

He turned, and looked at her. "Oh, hello" He was bit overly friendly in his tone. "How can I help you hon?"

"Is this a co-ed dorm?" Twilight asked, a bit worried. New place was one thing, but if she was stuck with a stallion, she would be a lot to deal with.

"Oh no, I'm just helping out here" He giggled a bit.

She signed relieved. "Well, I'm looking for my aid. I know I'm really late, the registration took longer then I thought. They said that my aid would be here" She pulled out the papers.

He looked them over, and turned away, pulling out his Bay-B. When he was done, he turned back. "Luckily, she is still around. She'll be in, just one moment"

"Thank you" She went and sat down, and sighed. "What a busy day. So many new faces, and so much to learn" She paused. "I hope I can handle this," She closed her eyes for a moment. "Being alone now... well" She smiled a bit. "I guess not really" Thoughts of the ponies she met still played in her head.

She heard the door open, and opened her eyes and looked in the direction. A Yellow pegasus came into the room, with light pink hair, and soft blue eyes. She looked uneasy, as she came up to Twilight. "Um... Hi... I'm Fluttershh...."

"Huh?" Twilight asked, looking at her funny.

"Flut...t... oh my..." She whimpered.

Twilight's Bay-B went off. She pulled it out, and the Pegasus seem to brighten up. "Oh my, is that a Bay-B Dwagon?"

"Y-yes?" She stopped from looking at what set it off.

"I've never seen a Bay-B dragon model before. Those are really nice, and rare. I love these devices" She pulled out hers. "Mine is only a Bay-B Bunny, but it's still pretty neat"

"That is nice..." She looked around. "So uh, you were going to help me with getting all situated?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm very bad at meeting new ponies... uh. I'm Fluttershy" She sounded less nervous now, the little device was becoming an ice breaker.

Twilight laughed nervously. "Yeah well, before today, I did not really have any friends, or know that many ponies"

"Really? That is terrible, oh, but you have made some friends though?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I did meet some. It's been a really busy day, and been so more active then I have ever been before" She sighed a bit, expressing her weariness.

"Oh, well, I guess you'd like to get things done as fast as possible, so you can get settled in. I'm sorry" She picked up on the subtle, but telling hint.

"I am the one who was running late"

Fluttershy sat down, and pulled out some papers. "Well, we should really get things set up" She smiled softly.

***

"Well, here you are" Fluttershy said, as they came up to the door to her dorm. She hooved over the key card. "I think your new roommate is home. Her name is..." She looked at her notes "Oh my, I can't find the papers on that..."

"It is alright. I just hope she is quiet, I'm very tired and need to get some sleep" She was long past her energy form the java, and was looking more worn too display how wiped out she was.

"Oh poor thing, should get you to bed right away"

Twilight laughed nervously. "I will get right on that. Thanks for everything, was really informative"

"Of course, is my duties to help the 1st years. Well, good night" She smiled softly, and bowed a bit, before turning away.

"Night"

As Fluttershy trotted away, Twilight opened the door. The door did not move though, and she forced it open. It was not easy, but she managed to pull some reserves of energy, and was rewarded by falling forward into the room.

"Ow" She rolled over, and looked up into the starry blue eyes of a nearly completely pink pony. "uh...."

"Oh! Hi! Gee, you sure have a funny way of coming into a room, can I try that?" She skipped out the door, and closed it.

"What the?"

The door opened, and Twilight quickly rolled out of the way, as the pink pony crashed like she had, moments before. "Well, that is not as fun as I thought, but still fun!" She gasped. "I haven't seen you in Ponyville before! You are new?"

"Yes, my name is Twi-ay-eeelihhhht" She found it hard to speak, as the pink earth pony squeezed her.

"Oh my gosh, that means you need a party, and some candies. You made any friends? I can get you to know every pony! We can have so much fun. I love when new ponies come to town!"

She let go, and started to rummage through some of the huge mess in the room. Twilight stood up and stumbled back, trying to get her breath.

"Oh, I'm Pinkie Pie" She popped out of a mound, with some silly antenna on her head. "Nice to meet you Tw-eye-lihhht" She giggled. "That's a silly name. I like it"

"Actually," She sat on the bed across from the bulk of the mess. "It is just Twilight Sparkle"

"Oh, well, that's good too" She disappeared again. “You need to make a ton of friends, cause it's just so wonderful to have friends. You do have some, right?"

"Yes, I have made a few" She looked, but saw no sign of the bouncy pony.

"That's good, cause I'd be so sad to think that any pony is without friends" She popped out, and started to prance around the floor. "Yes yes yes yes!" She held out a Bay-B "Now we can sync, and be friends for sure!"

Twilight sighed, and pulled out hers "I am so tired, so if we make it quick. I would really like to get some sleep" She did not like coming off so rude, but with fading might, she was loosing any spare effort to be polite.

"Oh, I understand" She took the device. "I'll just do it for you so you can..." She looked over, and saw Twilight passed out. "Aw, she is all tuckered out"

She undressed her a bit, so she did not sleep in all her cloths. “Hmm, I wonder why she doesn’t have anything to wear?” She asked herself, as she rummaged through the bag Twilight had with her.

A knock came at her door, and Pinkie covered the nearly bare unicorn, and went to the door. “Hellooooo?” She nearly sang.

“Hiya!” The pony on the other side said. A greyish blue pegasus, with blond hair, and golden eyes stood there with a cart behind her. “I believe this is the room of...” She looked at a card. “Twilight Sparkle”

“Yes, well, partly yes, see it’s my room too” Pinkie stated.

She stepped aside. “I have a delivery of luggage. It’s a strange delivery, but I don’t question the mail, just get it through”

After a moment, the luggage was inside the room, and the mailmare was leaving. “Thank you Ditzy!”

Now with some cloths, Pinkie finished what she started. She set Twilight back into bed, and covered her up. "There we go"

Pinkie sat on her own bed, and looked around. "Wow, I made such a mess" She looked down at the two Bay-Bs. She synced them, and set hers down, getting up to put Twilight's down by her.

She stopped, and looked at it. "Oooh, idea"

Ch05: Over Curricular Activity

Another day of college was down, and the studious purple unicorn mare made her way to her little dorm, to get started on her lessons. She made it home, and opened the door, finding Pinkie Pie there. Usually she was out and about, but she was rummaging through some cloths, and making hasty work of finding what it was she was after.

Twilight paid little attention too it, she was always on the move, and was near equally up to one of her little games. So she toss her bag on the bed, after a quick greeting to her roommate, and she followed soon after the bag.

She laid on the bed, and pulled out a book, and wasted no time getting into the chapter. Off hoof, she asked. "Do you ever relax?" The other just simple said "Nope" Pinkie was now into a uniform, something like an older style soda shop. Short sleeve shirt, of a light colour, simple pants, and an apron laid over it, of a deeper blue colour. It read "Sugar Cube Corner" Finished with a little square paper hat.

"So what are you up too, today?" She asked, after she heard the rustling calmed a bit.

Pinkie gave another short and quick answer of "Work"

Twilight noticed the shortness, something unlike the pink one's normal self. "Work?" She asked, dropping the book down enough to look at her, as she was about out the door.

"Yeppers. Gotta go! Bye!"

"Hm..." Twilight put her book down, and sat alone in her room. She did so for a few moments, some how not feeling very much like studying. She was so use to the other mare being around when she studied, she now found it hard to focus without the little distraction.

She retrieved her Bay-B, and started to look for something else to do. She first called up Rarity, but she replied. "Sorry dear, but we are very busy today. Swanheart needs me"

"One down..." She thought, trying next Fluttershy, but she was not answering, so usually meant she was doing something animal related. She tried Rainbow Dash, but she was doing her practices, and she knew that Applejack was busy too. Apple Cider's was always busy after school. She nearly thought to call Harmony, but he was more than likely, asleep, being a Night student.

"I use to love this, but now I do not know what to do with myself..." She thought, putting her device down, and laying back. "Maybe I should look into after school things?"

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 5
Over Curricular Activity

Pinkie Pie made her way into the shop, an older style Bakery, and soda shop. It was lined with candies, and sweets of all kinds, and a simple counter with clear sight to the spread of fountains, with just about every kind of drink on tap, at least ones not requiring i.d. to drink. They had all kinds of things, even mixes, where one could get a malt, or Egg Creams. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were happily in the past with their shop, and many younger, and older ponies alike, were just as happy here. Pinkie was in paradise.

She had taken the job; one, out of passion for the candies she enjoyed, and the vast uses of the bakery for her parties. Two, for the need of her college course. She had a clear vision of her future, and it was to be the owner of her own company that provided entertainment, and joy. She was a real party pony, and this would ensure she could continue that life, and spread it through out Equestria. Driven by that, she also had a great business sense.

This was the first day, toward a life time of her dream. This was the start of her true education in the field of working the business. She would start out doing what any pony would at the job, but she would learn everything it took to keep a place going, by working her way up to the top. She giggled at a mental image of her ruling the world, with sugar and baked goods.

***

Rarity rushed about the designer shop Dressing Diamonds, owned by her friend, and mentor Swanheart. Today was busy, as some visitors had come, and wanted to get into the latest fashions, by the still great designer.

Swanheart was well known, and once was at the top of the game, and every pony knew he was still the best, even if he gave it all up to come to this little town, and run a little simple shop.

His young protege, was not always the pony of fashion she was now. He often would watch her work, thinking back to the times not so long ago that he found her. When a little Unicorn, who had not a friend in the world, who felt like an unloved child, bumped into him. She was carrying a little folder, and some pages fell free. As he helped her pick them up, he saw the designs she had made. From there, was a friendship bloomed, and a little filly, changed from an outcast, to a beautiful soul, that all would grow to love and admire.

She had all his passion, and far more talent then he would admit he ever had. She did not need shaping, just direction, and in a few short years, she was his right hoof mare. She knew him better than any, and he knew her likewise. He admitted, if he was not so far into his life, he would court the young, rising star. He knew she felt very much the same, but they were pleased with their relationship as is. She needed some pony who could keep up with her, and despite his still youthful appearance, he could not fake his slowed trots so easily.

She had protested going to school, since she knew the business, and learned everything any could hope to know from him. He insisted, that she needed more then just that. He warned her, that even if at the time, your passion seemed set, that one day, you may wish to change it. He had nothing but the fashion and designs, and now, when that no longer fulfilled his heart, he had nothing more to turn to.

She entered late, but she was in college for him, and for her own good. She would learn more of her love, but she would also have a fall back into other studies, and one day, it may become useful. She trusted Swanheart, more than she may trust any soul. He was surely looking out for her, and would do anything to help her achieve her dream, to be the designer that would shape the world's views.

***

Fluttershy spent her days, free of college needs and duties, out in the world of flora and fauna. She helped all over Ponyville, those whom had animal friends, and were in need. She was connected to them, far more then any other pony could be. She was learning her doctrine, and was going to help every little creature she could. The studies went farther, into even the more advanced races, she could easily go from veteran, to Doctor. Biological studies of species from around the world.

Now, she was taking care of her own little animal friends. Some days she just needed to get away, and relax. In her home, a simple little cottage outside the town, unfortunately close to Everfree Forest, was just the place. Animals started to move toward this place, for she always took care of them. The dangers of the Forest, never seem to be as near as they really were. If karma was anything, hers shielded her from the risks of being so near this place.

Here, was nothing of the modern world, save a few little things that living in this age required, such as power to her home. she only used it for her Bay-B, and a little radio. She was very in tuned with nature, and knew much of the little things that could be used to keep life well.

Her parents help her with college funds, for they too respect the world they live in, and their little girl's dreams, and want her to be happy doing what she loves. She uses her work through college, and aid at the veterinary office to keep her little home with the needs of life. Fortunately, many of the ponies, have some love for the feral creatures that share their country. So repayment is easy through her skillful services.

With her education, would come more opportunities to spread her care. She would one day, be able to heal the world... if not just her animal friends, but anything that needed it.

***

Rainbow Dash rocketed through the sky, followed closely by her oldest friend, Gilda, the Gryphon. She was uncommon in these lands of ponies, for not so long ago, the world of Ponies was stuck in two wars. One from the Gryphon Empire, and since then, it's been hard for them to feel welcome here in Equestria. Gilda, however, remains, all because of her friend Dash.

The untameable Pegasus, has a dream, one not share by Gilda, but at least respected. She hopes to become a Wonder Bolt, and wow the world with her skills. She would have long since joined their training camp, but they require a college education. So Dash finds herself in a situation of being forced to learn a trade, all for a dream. With out much interest, Dash did not know what to choose to major in. So she is pretty much just learning bits of everything, with a very hectic path, she made more work for herself.

She and Gilda just manage to get by, and only they know why Gilda is even going at all. She has less reason to be there, but that is a secret of their own. Even though last year, both pretty much messed around, Dash had to struggle to pass, and Gilda seemed to have no trouble. Still only a low grade, but she passed. Dash still jokes with her, calling her the "Closet Egghead" If these two will make it through another year, much less to graduation, no pony knows. All that is known, is that Dash will one day stun the world with her skill. Till then, they fly through the air. Pulling stunts, and maneuvers, all trying to out do each other. A game they play to better each other.

***

Applejack, a pony who enjoys the simplicity of life. Her family has been on the same course of generations. Farmers, cultivators of the world around them, shaping it into a land fertile and rich of life. All Equestria owes thanks to the needs of their lives, to this family, more so than any other. The young pony, who very nearly runs the family shop, second only to her Brother, is the very pride of what it is to be an Apple.

She came out of high school, already doing what she wanted, and had nothing else to yearn for, than to be exactly where she was. She loves her work, and is filled with pride for her duties to the family.

She worries about her younger sister, who is not so driven. She works hard, and does what ever is needed, but little Apple Bloom seems to be seeking something else in her life.

She has yet to find her mark in this world, and so she may very well grow into something other then the mare expected of her, and nearly every colt and filly to ever be born into the line.

Applejack will love her sister, no matter what, but is very worried about her future. Even at times like this, when Apple Cider's is full to it's rafters, with hungry ponies and creatures, she takes a moment to look at her sister. Her fears of her falling far from the tree, like the one that brought Temptation and Candy Apple into the world did, are soon washed away. She sees the determination and focus of the little filly. She could rule the world, if she put her mind to it. In a way, Applejack is glade she isn't so set into the life expected for her. She never regrets being where she is now, but AJ grew up feeling she had little choice, if she did not want to be the Apple she is now, or not. She would try not to force such onto her sister.

***

The next day, Pinkie Pie came home, later than usual. Twilight should have been there, but she was gone. It did not really alarm her, she was probably at AJ's.

So she just jumped into bed, and snuggled her pillow. She was not due at the Sugar Cube Corner today, as it was a part time job she started for her course in Busyness Management. Pinkie had big dreams of running her own place, and knew what it took, she just needed all the proper papers and credits to go along with it. So she took up Mr. and Mrs Cake’s offer to work at their store. She really enjoyed the place, being overly addicted to sweets, and her cheery attitude was a plus for customers.

She rolled over, and looked at the ceiling, and thought to her self. "What to do?" She freed up her week before hoof, to be open to work any days, but now she was at a loss.

She noticed a note on the desk, and rolled off the bed, falling to the floor, and popping up by the desk. Resting her chin onto it, as she read the message.

-Dear Pinkie Pie

To let you know, I've started to work at the library, and will not be home till late. So do not freak out, and send out a search party... again... I just needed something to do with myself, when every pony else seems too. I will see you tonight.

--Twilight Sparkle

Pinkie fell back to the floor, and laid there. "Hmm, sounds like she felt left out... alone... DESPERATE!" she spoke out loud. She rolled around, thinking. "Poor Twilight, we neglected her, and now she's reached out, and got a job..."

She popped up, and stood in the middle of the room. "I know! I'll rally the troops!"

She pulled out her Bay-B, and called up Rarity, she had nearly every pony in her books, more so now with the ones she found from Twilight's and from the party she had that second night for her new friend.

"Hey!" She called out, when the other mare picked up.

"Oh my, what is it?" She was alarmed by the shout, and annoyed by it equally. Pinkie told her about Twilight's job. "Oh.. well that's nice... I suppose..." She wasn't too sure why she was being told.

"You know what this means?"

"Not... really dear"

Pinkie sighed. "She felt abandoned, and now needs to find something to keep her happy. We were too busy for her, she needed us, and we failed her."

"I don't think it's that serious... But that is interesting. She called me yesterday, and was asking about spending time together. I was busy with the shop"

"See see? I have my job now, you have your's, Applejack has her's, Fluttershy is busy most the time, and Rainbow Dash is all ways zip zip, zoooooom! Woo Woo WOOO! We need to make time for her!"

Rarity was starting to see the logic, and that made her shiver a bit, understanding what Pinkie was getting at. "I guess we all could make something work"

"Good, I'm gonna get the others in on it, we'll make sure she never feels abandoned!"

She made good on it, and called up all those in Ponyville that were close to Twilight.

***

A fresh week started, and Twilight was unaware of what had gone on in the last on. She came to Apple Cider's, and went in finding it about as busy as any after noon. She sat in her spot, and awaited the appearance of Applejack, but when she came, she did not from the back, but through the fount door, dressed in her off duty cloths. Partly rolled up, faded blue jeans, long sleeved flannel, that was rolled half up her arm, an old vest, and her tan cowboy hat. She sat across from Twilight, and smiled. "Howdy"

"Uh, Hi... not working.. today?" The very idea of her friend taking a day off, was hard to imagine, she was here nearly every day, and those days she was not, she was at the farm.

"Na, took some time, so I could spend it with y'all. We don't hang out much, beyond this old place. Heard y'all were working now"

"Yeah, started to work at the Ponyville Grand Library. Keeps me busy, but not fully in yet. I had a trail week, and going to find out if they will keep me around" She laughed at her next thought. "Guess being the Queen's student, is not enough"

Applejack laughed too, and after she went on. "So, what are y'all gonna do till then? I'm up for anything, been some time since I let myself have some fun" She relaxed into the seat a bit.

"I was going to just come here, as I normally do, then head to the dorm and study"

"Shoot Twi, need some fun in your life" She shot up, and grabbed her arm. "C'mon, let's go have some fun"

She was pulled along, and quickly grabbed her bag. "Well, I was a bit hungry"

"Y'all eat here all the time, lets go see some of the other eats around Ponyville"

The two went out the door, and did not get far, before Rainbow Dash came swooping in.

"Hey, what's up?

"Was about to take Twilight out on a day of fun"

Dash floated there, a bit surprised. "What? Without me? I am the pony who, if some pony's talent was fun, they'd have me on their butt! I'd have it, but my talent is being awesome, so kick ass thunder bolt" She started to pull her pants down to show it.

Twilight stopped her. "That is ok! Do not need to show it"

Mid pull, she looked at her funny. "Just my butt dude, nothing we ain't seen"

"I have seen enough, rumps, for a good while, thanks..." In truth, she had only seen a few, but images of Harmony Spirit naked, popped in her head, causing her to shutter in embarrassment.

Dash stuck her tongue out, blowing a raspberry. "What ever, Canterlot prude"

"Hey now, she just ain't so use to the flow of things here" Applejack defended.

"She's been here for how long? What she gonna do in the summer, when it's so hot that most of us go naked?"

"Y'all go naked, most of us try to keep it respectable. Ain't nothing wrong with the pony body, but not all folks around here are so warm to the idea" Dash made a open close motion with her hand, and mocked AJ soundlessly, with her mouth, tongue hanging out. "Why you!"

Twilight felt her hunger grow, and knew these two could go on for some time. "I am... gonna go find some food then..." She backed up, as they clearly did not hear her, and she headed toward another place she had seen before that was a quick little place.

She would not get far when ran into Pinkie Pie. "Oh, uh hi..." She was nervous, cause she knew that Pinkie would try drawing her into talking, and she was getting too hungry to last much longer.

She hugged to her. "Hiya! I was looking for you!"

"Really?"

"Yep, I wanted to see if you wanted to do something today?"

It was not so uncommon that she would run into each of her friends, but when three were seeking her out, she started to sense something was up.

"Well, I was--" She stopped, when she saw Rarity coming. "No, she could not be..."

Pinkie turned to look, seeing Rarity, who had spotted them both, and was now galloping up to them "Twilight, dear, I was looking for you"

Twilight's eye twitched.

"Oooo, Twitchy eye, that means..." She was cut off, when Rarity caught up. "Oh Twilight, I was wondering if you'd mind coming by. I'd like to do some designs with you, and to, as they say 'hang out'"

"Well... You see..."

"Pardon me?" She heard from behind, and turned seeing Fluttershy. "I see you are a bit busy, but if you would like too, when you have time of course... If you liked some company, I'm free"

Twilight receded into her mind. "Did I win some money? No, Ponvillians does not really care about money... is it something in the stars? What was my horoscope today? Expect all your friends to want you to starve to death?"

"Hey Sparks?!" Rainbow Dash called.

"Oh Mare, they are done fighting..." She said in her mind.

Soon, she was surrounded by her five closest friends, and they were all going on about things they would like to do, or spending some time with her. All this, and her hunger, she could not take it.

"Oh my MARE! I need space!" Her horn shined, and she teleported. Leaving the group looking around for her.

Twilight appeared in the middle of the library, and looked around. A few faces turned to the bright flash, but otherwise paid no mind. She calmed herself, and sighed. "At least, I will be safe here" She spoke softly, and to her self any ways.

She put a hand to her stomach, and winced, as it gurgled. "Oh... novas" she muttered, she was worse off now, then before. Magick took much effort, even simple spells, and that took energy, and she was running so very low.

She moved to one of the tables, and sat down, laying her top half, on the table. She thought to herself. "I could hide here, but I can not eat in here... why are all the ponies so interested in me now? What in the world, did I do to become mare popularity?"

She sighed again, followed by a grumble from her gut. "I am glad my friends like me, but this is simply too weird"

After a moment, trying to pull from her reserves, she moved to sit up. she spotted Pinkie coming around a book case. "Oh no..." she thought, getting an image in her head of "Pinkie Pie + Library = Mayhem!!!"

She made a move to dash out, but she was too drawn out, and collapsed.

"Woah there, Twi" She heard Applejack's voice, then something slide under her, and soon gravity seem to loosen.

She looked weakly at Aj, as she carried her out of the Library, saying "Have mercy..."

***

The girls all came together, and talked to Twilight, over dinner. She was ravenous, and clearly showed it when she ate. They went over the whole thing, about how Pinkie Pie mistook the note as a cry for help, and how they all tried too hard, to fix their neglect of her.

She reassured them, she felt nothing of the sort, that she just realized, every pony had something in their life, but her. She was not seeking attention, just more from her time here. She loves to read, as any pony knew, and she loves to share knowledge, so this was a great place to do both. She never felt abandoned by her friends.

They accepted it, and made sure that they would try to make more time for her, and she promised to keep them in the know, so Pinkie did not take it the wrong way... again.

Ch18: There When you have fallen furthest

A few days had pasted since the End of the Year party. On that night Gilda felt like she was one of the girls, but she was feeding off the excitement all shared in that night. Afterwards, she reverted to being a bit of a shut in. She did talk more to some of the ponies, but not very often. Pinkie Pie seemed to be relentless; she loved having friends, and would not give up on Gilda.

It both annoyed and challenged the Gryphon, for Pinkie was the only one who seemed unafraid of any danger Gilda could possess to her.

Seeing her friendship possibilities opening, it started to make her feel funny. So she started to spend more time with Dash, possibly afraid that she would drift from her.

The Magick of Friendship Chapter 18: There, when you have fallen furthest

Gilda and Rainbow Dash were alone in the Pegasus’ cloud top home, just spending a lazy afternoon together, as they often did when neither felt like doing much else. Up here, few bothered them, and made it easy for them to relax.

Something more than what they had talked about, seemed to be on the Gryphon's mind, and she did not seem willing to speak of it. Normally, Dash was not too keen to pick up on this, but she knew Gilda too well. When she was not looking at her or being distant with her oldest friend, something was wrong.

"Yo G, what's up?"

The Gryphon looked at her, and then away. "Nothin' Why you asking?"

"I know this, you are hiding something. Tell me!" Dash was lying on her back in a cloud bed, then rolled to her side. She almost looked like a pin up, since she was not in much but her bomber jacket. Dash and Gilda did not really care about staying "respectable" So when they were not forced, they often strutted partly, if dressed at all. Gilda was still in her street cloths, being cold as it was still winter. The Pegasus was a bit more use to it than her friend.

Rainbow Dash’s changed position did not seem to improve Gilda's far away attitude. "It's nothing! Damn"

With focused gaze, the Pegasus glared at her till the other felt the weight and looked at her. "Not going to drop it... are you?" Dash only raised her eyebrow as answer enough. "Fine..." She stood up from the little chair, and looked at the window, or rather the hole in the cloud. "Dash, we've known each other longer than pretty much anyone else, not counting Fire" The pony seemed to have mixed feelings, hearing the name. "I... don't know how to say this. I don't have a way with words, like Twilight" She turned back, looking at her friend, the only one who has always been there for her. Until recently, she was the only friend she's had. "I..." She took a paused, looking a way again.

"What?! Tell me, tell me, tell me!" Rainbow pestered.

"I love you damn it!" She shouted out, but not the way she wanted to say it.

Dash forced her breath through closed lips, making a sound like passing gas. "That all? I love ya too G, you know that. We are like birds of a feather... don't hit me for the lame pun"

"Not like friends, or flight sisters! I mean... deeper than that. Don't make me sound stupid with that 'like you like you' crap"

This made the other shift her position and sit up a bit, surprised by this news. "You sure?" Was all she could think to say.

"I think after so many years I'd know!" Those were not the words Gilda was hoping to hear.

"Ok, ok, it's not a problem G, but... I don't know..." She looked down, thinking. "I'm not ready for that"

Gilda's eyes narrowed a bit. "For what?"

"Relationships, damn. It's what we're talking about right?" She paused, and thought. "I don't think I'm ready to be in one, I'm too focused on my goals. I need to stay on track, so I can become a Wonder Bolt"

"So, that is your answer. You rather be a Wonder Bolt?"

"Not 'rather', I just need to achieve that first before I can do anything else. I've spent nearly two years in Collage taking classes I didn't really give a crap about, all so I could graduate and go to the Training camp. Also, you should keep focused on your own goals. Dating and all that, would distract us both"

Gilda turned away again, looking back out at nothing particular. "Fine, whatever... forget... I said anything..." Her voice was breaking up a bit, as she fought it.

"G, I-" Dash tried to save the moment, but Gilda was not accepting it.

"No, it's over. Moving on!" She snapped and stormed out.

The Gryphon moved to the edge of the cloud, hesitating a moment before she shot into the sky. Rainbow Dash came out, just to see her go. She wanted to go after her, but something stopped her. She just let out a deep sigh.

Gilda flew for awhile, till she felt too drained to go on. Landing on a ledge of an old building, she managed to stand and took a few steps inside. When there was no light of day coming through, she sat and balled up into herself, wanting to hide from the world.

She bared herself and confessed something she had felt for some time now. She reserved herself for so long, but with everything in the last few weeks; from making peace with Twilight, and earning new friends because of her stupid move that put Dash in the hospital, and even after the party for the end of the year. All the new emotions brought on by letting her guard down and making friends, allowed her heart to feel.

The Gryphon longed for love, but never knew it. Dash was the perfect choice; she knew all about her, and was almost just like her. But unlike the Gryphon, the Pegasus had a bigger goal in mind and was working to achieve it. She had to work hard, where Gilda just had something to prove and it was not really a challenge for her to see it through.

Moments past, till she heard a sound and pulled her head out of her arms and looked over. Pinkie Pie was coming up the steps, holding some random looking objects. "Oh great..." Gilda muttered lowering her head back down, hoping the uninvited guest would turn away or not see her.

Pinkie did notice the other, and stopped. "Oh, hi" Her upbeat and chipper voice, cut like an icy wind.

"I... want to be alone..." She replied flatly.

Pinkie did not hesitate and came closer, rather than leaving. "Why would you want that? Everypony wants to be with somepony else"

Gilda cringed at that.

"Wanna talk?" She set down the items, and moved closer still. She was being cautious, with reason.

"Look, we may be kind of friends now, but I'm not really all that interested in talking to any one, not right now..."

Pinkie was not so easily deterred, and she moved in front of the other. "Should let it out, I'm a good listener, even if I talk a lot"

The Gryphon glared at her, but such warnings did not phase the pony. She was coming to admire her for that, not letting anything stop her from what she wanted. "I'm going to fly a way now, and you are going to drop this"

She went to get up, and Pinkie put a fore hoof on her shoulder. "You know, I am very persistent and I can follow any pony, or even a Gryphon" She gave a grin that seem to reassure that she could. "I've chased down Rainbow Dash a couple times, so don't think-"

"Don't say that name..." She cut off, batting the hoof a way, causing Pinkie to blink in confusion. Everyone knew that no two were closer than "Dash" and "G"

"What happened?"

Seeing little choice, Gilda decided to just stop fighting, and talk. She relaxed back to sitting. "I have a bit of a problem with her"

The pony settled in next to her. "Oh? What kind?"

"Romantic..." The words came out before she even thought them. Instead of covering up her slip, she went on. She bared herself once today; why not try for strike two? "I've known her all my life, and thought me and her had something... I was wrong. All she cares about is those damn Wonder Bolts"

"I don't think that is all, she is just super focused on it. Why not just be there and help her along, so when she gets in, you and her could be together"

Gilda scoffed. "What makes you think she'd want me? She basically said she didn't. Besides, once she is a Wonder Bolt, she'll have any one she could want"

Pinkie shrugged, she was not going to lie or pretend she knew. "Not sure, kinda seemed obvious. You and her, maybe she won't, but at least you can stay friends. Would suck, to have one little thing, ruin a life time of friendship"

She studied the pink mare; she had seen some of this insight from her before. Of all the ponies, despite this, she never imagined she would be getting sound help form Pinkie "I just... I have no one any more... Not since my brother died, I've felt so alone. Dash has been by my side, and always there... how could I love anyone else? Who else?" She felt herself breaking down, a fear of being alone starting to set in. She embraced herself, holding tightly. She fought them before, but now her tears started to come out freely. She had these fears a long time ago, and suppressed their memories. Her world crumbled once, with the death of her brother. It happened again, when nearly all else she held dear was gone. Now she felt that last part of her happiness, was going to be gone as well.

Pinkie frowned and put her arms around the Griffin, pulling the other to her. "Don't worry, you'll find some pony... or one, I guess. Don't want to limit you now" She gave a soft giggle, one that Gilda actually felt herself share in it. "You won't be alone, Rainbow Dash still cares about you, and now you have more friends too. After the party, you showed a lot of us you are not so bad. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy... well she is afraid of you still, but that's just her, being her. Rarity likes you, and I like you too” She paused a moment, with a name smile. “Honestly though, not very hard to get me to like any p- one."

Gilda looked off, thinking about it all. She did have to admit, she was not alone. Her closest friend maybe did not want a relationship like that, but did not mean she wanted to cut things off completely. She felt oddly at ease in the others embrace, a comfort she has not felt in a long time. Dash and her were always so defensive of their feelings, she did not get any tenderness.

"Why," Pinkie started up again, causing the other to look at her. "I bet you'd find some...one, who'd share your feelings. Oh Mare. It's hard not saying ‘pony’" She giggled.

Gilda studied her. "You think so?" She felt so vulnerable right now, nothing like herself. Even the once painfully upbeat voice of this pony, was sounding like music.

“Oh yeah, ages of saying ‘every pony’, ‘some pony’, not easy to change”

“I meant finding someone”

Pinkie gave her famous smile, and looked right at her. "Of course, just need to show more that side of you I saw at the Year's End party. It's an attractive side"

Gilda blinked at the comment, she had never heard those words used on her. Little tufts of feathers came up around her mouth, in the show of embarrassment for avian. She grabbed her own chest, as her heart was starting to race. The more she studied the pony, her smile, and the brightness of her eyes, her caring, and the very air around her. Gilda did not understand it, or why she was feeling funny. She looked away, then back at the pony again. She did not know what was going on.

"You ok?" Pinkie leaned closer, trying to see anything.

She could not think, she only reacted, and soon Gilda found herself giving what was the Gryphon equivalent to kissing. A soft bite on the others cheek. The edge of her beak, where flesh met, was pressed beside Pinkie's lips. Gilda was just as surprised by the act as the pony was, who looked wide eyed for a moment. Even as they both realized what was going on, neither pulled away.

After a moment, Gilda let go and they sat there staring off into space, both wondering if it had happened at all.

"Wow... that's a Griffin kiss" Pinkie said, coming out of her trance. She looked at Gilda, who seemed ashamed by it.

"Pinkie... I..." She stood up, and ran into a leap. "I'm sorry" She called back, as she darted off. Pinkie slowly rose up, and looked toward where the other flew. She rubbed her cheek tenderly. It did not really hurt, but it left something more behind than pain or a mark.

***

Gilda flew frantically, trying to find some place to hide. She repeated the scene over and over, trying to make sense of it. "Why did I do that? Why?!" Her thoughts shouted.

After a long flight, she came to a cave on top of a mountain that looked over Ponyville. She could have flown out of the land, but she felt compelled to stay.

Inside the cave, she stumbled to a stop and threw herself against the wall, back pressed to it. "What is wrong with me? Am I so desperate, that any one that seems to like me I throw myself on?" She started to doubt herself more, wondering if she loved Rainbow Dash at all or if it was just their history. She hardly knew Pinkie. She seemed nice, caring, and even challenged her in ways no one else had dared too, but she could not be in love. Not after so short a time on talking terms, and a few kind words.

A Vision of Pinkie came to her, and she felt her heart race again. She clenched her chest, trying to stop the frantic beats. "Why do I feel like this? I... I didn't even feel this way around Dash..." She more and more, felt the love she thought they had was only one of convenience not true. She equally wondered why she felt for Pinkie Pie, what should have been for the Pegasus.

She clenched her eyes and tried to stop the tears, those painfully confusing tears, from flowing. It made no sense, love at first sight, and instant romances. Nothing but foalish stories... right?

"Gilda?" She heard a voice in the back of her mind. "Gilda?" It called again, clearer and identifiable. It was Pinkie. Now she was haunting her mind. "Gilda? What are you doing?"

She jumped when she realized that it was not a memory, but reality. The Pink mare was there, here and now. "How the-"

Pinkie came closer, and smiled, that smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Silly, if you want to play 'Hide and Seek' should try farther outside Ponyville for it to be a challenge for me"

Gilda calmed herself, and sat back to the wall. "Why... why did you come? After that..."

Pinkie cocked her head. "Why not? You didn't do anything bad, just a... I've heard the term before..." She was snapping her fingers, as if it would help her recall. "Spike told me... Love bite?" She smiled reassuringly. It made Gilda only be drawn more to her, but still did not know why she was at all. "Are you ok?"

She looked away, it was hard too, for some reason she wanted to keep her eyes on her. She fought looking back. "I'm confused... I thought I loved Dash, but I don't think it was... now... now I think I've fallen for you... but I don't know why"

"Fallen Gryphon? Hmm, could be a story title" She giggled, then turned more serious. "Some times, it's hard to understand our hearts" She said, coming closer. "My body does random things, and I don't know why, but it can predict events. Been called ‘Pinkie Sense’" She sat by Gilda, who still had to fight herself from looking. "Did you mean it? The Love bite? Did you feel something inside you?"

Gilda opened her eyes, still gazing away. "Yes..." She felt a hand on hers, and looked at the pink tone covering her bird like claws. It was smaller, but seemed to pin hers there. She followed the arm attached, and looked into the pony’s eyes. She looked more serious, than she thought possible of her.

"You felt something and well..." Pinkie took the others clawed hand, and placed it over her pony chest. "You know what this means, when my heart is doing this?" Gilda looked down, as if she could see the rapidly beating heart. She could only feel under her fingers and palm, and shook her head to answer. "Darn, cause I don't either. Hehe... but, it's a new feeling and I have an idea though... I think I might be in love too"

Gilda stared deep into the others eyes; she played games and knew how to read a lie, but the heart, their hearts, didn't lie, and neither did the locked eyes.

"Maybe it doesn't make sense, but love doesn't need years to grow, it can take moments. Look at Twilight and Applejack. Maybe it took them time to admit it, but they've always loved each other from day one" Pinkie smiled again, and Gilda found herself mirroring it. "We can wait, if you like. See if it's-" She was cut off, and Gilda pulled Pinkie's forehead to hers. She wished she had lips, since it would have been so much easier for her to show how she felt. They both just closed their eyes, and felt the warmth between them. Somehow it felt right, so oddly so. Had things still been the same, she would not even look at the pony, but now she was wondering how she ever was apart from her.

"You know something?" Pinkie started, Gilda moved to look at her as she slowly opened her eyes. "I remember when you and Rainbow Dash came here. I tried to make friends with you two, but you pushed me a way. She was willing, but you seemed defensive"

Gilda studied her, and felt overwhelming shock when she recalled it all.

Long ago; they came to Ponyville, in hopes to find a place to start over. After losing everything, they had no home or hope, but this town was known for having countless lives of all breeds. Still, Gilda was not very welcoming to new friends. She wanted to keep herself and Rainbow Dash safe from any pain.

She remembered a Pink pony that Dash seemed to take too, but Gilda felt oddly about her. She was a threat to her and she made it clear, she wanted the pink pony gone. It was only the start of what she did. She terrorized any who came close to Dash, even an old friend of hers who happen to live here now. Like Fluttershy.

The pink mare always seemed to take everything Gilda threw at her, and came back for more. Not for abuse, but hoping for friendship.

It was at a party, when things really turned. The pink pony tried to make peace, but Gilda still would not have it, and after a display of her true self at the time, she left the party and ruined her chances of being friends with anyone in the town. Dash stayed behind, and made friends and later came for her.

A deal was made; that she would try to be less mean, and the others would not bug her. Though over those years, she did not keep too true to her end as the ponies had.

"It was you..." Gilda said, laying her back to the wall again. "I can't believe it... I forgot about all that... but you remembered..." She became teary eyed. "How could you want to be around me?"

Pinkie took her claw and held it tight, surprisingly so for a little mare. "Because, friends forgive friends" She smiled, showing she was fully honest.

Gilda could not look at her now, with these memories restored. "I'm a monster..."

Pinkie pulled her from the wall, and held tightly to her. "No, you were..."

Gilda clung tightly to her. "Pinkie... I... I want to tell you something..."

"You can tell me anything. I'm good at keeping secrets"

"I just hope Dash won't be mad. It's something we've both kept to ourselves since it happened, and we left Cloudsdale. Maybe if you know, I won't feel so bad cause you'll know why I acted that way..."

***

Gilda returned to the cloud home of her oldest friend, she was a bit worried on how Dash would be feeling, but she could not avoid her. They lived together, and she needed to know.

She stepped inside, and looked around. "Yo, Dash!" She called.

Rainbow Dash came out, still only in her jacket. She did not leave, but looked like she was troubled. "G?"

"Glade you dressed up and searched for me" She said at first, but regretted it. "Dash... I'm sorry I left like that..."

The mare trotted up to her, still looking forlorn. "I figured you needed some time" She answered, without sarcasm. "Sorry I shot you down... I can't say I've changed my mind on it but I should have dealt with it better" She hugged to the Griffin. "I can't lose you Gilda..."

Gilda hugged back. "You won't... When we lost everything, I promised I'd always protect you" She went quiet for a moment. "Maybe that is why I was thought we had something more"

"We could, maybe... I don't know" Rainbow Dash looked away. "I just don't know what I want, besides the obvious"

"Take your time, really... But I can't wait any more though" They broke the hug, and Rainbow Dash looked at her. "Don't worry Dash. I ain't leaving, but..." She looked away, as if the far wall was holding her words. "In a few short days, I've finally found ponies that treat me like you and your family always did... maybe I'm rushing into it, but I've spent like half my life being with no one but you. Not that it's bad, but now my heart aches for more..."

Dash sat in a chair, and looked at her. "So... what'cha gonna do? Not horse around with every pony you can I hope" She gave a laugh, she was not purely serious, but did not toss the notion completely out. Gilda was strange, and she could easily fall into that.

The Gryphon snorted a short laugh, "You crazy?" She looked at her, giving her a knowing look. "I'm still iffy on those ponies, takes more than a clawfull to change years of bitterness" She changed back to her serious tone. "I am gonna start opening up though and I've..."

Dash leaned forward. "What?"

She muttered something, no longer looking at the other.

"What?" But the other did not speak much louder. "Damn it, you finch, speak up!"

"I'm seeing someone, ok?!"

The pony sat back, and thought it over. "Don't waste time, damn. Thought I was fast. Who is it?"

"Uh..."

"Oh come one, you’re getting like Fluttershy... is it Fluttershy? Wait... she's seeing that weird cat pony"

Gilda rolled her eyes, and took a seat. "You know em... and gonna laugh at me"

"Hmm. Fluttershy is taken, Twilight and Applejack are together. Rarity is kinda like me where she is too focused on her own thing... hmm... Only leaves Big M, Pinkie Pie, Derpy, Trixie... but you only really met Pinkie, as far as I know. You’re seeing Big Mac?"

"A town full of mares and after I tried for you, you pick a stallion?"

"Well, he does get around from what I've heard. About every mare in town either wants him, or claims to been with em"

Gilda settled into the seat.

"I can't ask cause AJ would buck my ass, but am curious how true it is... Hey! You're not getting off that easy!"

"That's what she said" Gilda laughed and Dash would have, and fought doing so. She was on a mission.

"Tell me who?"

She shook her head.

"Damn it, tell me!"

"Make me" Gilda stuck her tongue out.

"What are you, a hatchling? You sure gone soft on me"

"What?"

Dash nodded. "Oh yeah, old G wouldn't be afraid of nothin'"

"I Ain't!"

"You are"

Gilda growled, and stood up. "It's Pinkie Pie!"

The smile and humor in Rainbow Dash bled away, replaced by complete shock. "P-P-Pinkie?"

Though she was not close enough, Gilda wiped her face as if spat on. "Yes, and next time, less drool" She sat back down in a sulking posture, looking a way.

"Dude, that is crazy. Of all ponies... I guess Derpy would be worse, but damn"

"Yeah, whatever"

"Common G, Pinkie Pie? That mare is so random, and weird. Sure, she can pull some good pranks, and I like her and all, but to date her? I'd go out of my mind, but I bet she can be pretty wild in the hay"

Gilda glared at her. "Ok ok, damn. It's kinda hard to see you two together, just doesn't make sense"

"And what would?" She asked feeling a bit insulted.

"Easy, I'm not trying to start anything, just say'n. I've known you most my life, I've kinda known Pinkie for a while, it's all square peg, round hole"

Gilda relaxed. "I know... When I flew from here, I wanted to be left alone. But she found me, by mistake, and some reason I just opened up. She listened, she understood, and she cared. Even after I stupidly gave her a love bite, she didn't even flinch or nothin'. She accepted it, and even came after me when I flew away from her"

Rainbow Dash watched, as her friend showed her rare side. A side that seem to be showing more often since the string of incidents in the last few weeks, she always had a wall up and took it down for very few. Dash was realizing if Pinkie got to see this side, it was pretty serious between them.

"I thought I was just throwing myself at her," She started again. "She was just what I needed, after what I said to you. We sat and talked for a good while, and I think... she IS what I need for my life" Gilda looked at her with complete seriousness. "You ponies haven't seen a side of her she's shown me twice. She is a lot deeper, and more thought out than most think. Sure, she has her dreams of business, but it's not luck she can pull off what she does. Did ya know she was a Rock farmer? How's that work?"

Dash nodded, more at the whole not the last question. "I guess you and her have something then. No pony better to get friends with"

"What do you think, about me and her?"

"What can I? Gonna do what you want no matter what" She joked. "It's sounds good G, looks like you found somepony else to deal with your shit"

Gilda throw a pillow at her, as the mare started to laugh. "You are such an ass"

Dash shrugged. "What can I say?"

"I told her..."

The other mare looked serious. "Told her... what?"

Gilda hesitated. "About... what happened"

"What?!" She stood up quickly, but after a moment past she sat back down looking heavy in thought.

"She won't tell, she promised. I just... I needed her to know..."

"I just, didn't want anypony to know. I wanted that all to be behind us"

Gilda looked down. "I know, but... after all the years, it's been so heavy on my mind. I needed to let it out, if I was ever going to change... Also, so she knew why I've been the way I have been. I told her not to make a big deal about it, just keep it to herself. I trust she will"

Rainbow looked up. "I suppose, it was bound to happen. I wonder... if I should tell AJ, or Sparks... They are the closest thing to family I have... anymore"

"That is your call. It's more your deal then mine, so it's all on you"

The Pegasus nodded.

***

Pinkie came home, and opened the door of her dorm room. She looked over to Twilight, who was lying in bed reading. "Hi" She greeted, getting the same in response.

Pinkie sat on her bed, and started to do something on her Bay-B. After a few moments of silence, Twilight dropped her book, looking at the other. "Oh, you are still here"

"Hmm?" Pinkie said, looking up. "Beer?"

"You ok?"

The pink mare looked around. "Me? Yeah, why?"

"I wonder, you've been in here for several minutes and said only 'hi'. Usually say something about your day or what is going on"

"Oh... right. I was just thinking"

Twilight rolled to her side. "Are you going to tell me? Do not usually have to prod you to talk"

Pinkie gave a weak laugh. "I just... learned something... I can't tell you though. I promised not to share it... I shouldn't even have said this much..."

The other mare sat up. "Oh? Now you have to, because it is going to drive me nuts"

Pinkie shook her head. "No, no. I can't, it would break the vow I made to my... to uh... a friend"

Twilight studied her, trying to read her. Pinkie looked back, and covered her head. "No! No mind reading!"

"I would not use that on you. You are acting strange, even for you. What is wrong? Can you tell me anything?" Twilight looked very concerned for her.

"You won't be freaked out if I tell you something?"

"Kind of hard to promise on that, not knowing the thing we are talking about. If you told me you were really a stallion, I might be a little freaked. I mean, I have known you this whole time, and you are not a mare? Be pretty odd... then again, given your nature, it would not be such a shock in the grand scheme" She paused and shuttered. “But then again, you have seen me naked...”

Pinkie looked at her funny, and sighed. "Ok, well... I'm seeing someone"

"Wait... what? It is Ditzy?" She seemed a bit shocked, then excited. "I can see that, you two are pretty close. Imagine the possibilities. You could deliver invitations to parties at a record speed. Ditzy Pie? Or Pinkie Doo?"

"Twilight?" She snapped out of her imagination, and looked at Pinkie. "You're starting to sound like me... No it's not Ditzy Doo, although the idea isn't too bad. You wouldn't guess, in a Moon Mare's age"

"Do not think I could, you know all of Ponyville and the choices are endless. I could see if that Dr. Whooves has some kind of match maker device, to help narrow it down..."

Pinkie rubbed her head. "Ok, I'll just tell you" Twilight leaned in, from her seat at her own bed. "It's... Gilda..." She was not ashamed, but nervous how her friends would take this news.

"GILDA?!"

"The Legend of..." Keese’s ear twitched. He was sleeping till now.

Twilight was leaning, and fell forward.

Pinkie Pie looked down at her.

The other pony sat up on the floor, and rubbed her nose. "You cannot be serious. I know she has changed, and we are all trying to make friends, but dating? Wait... I thought... you know? Rainbow Dash and her were a couple. The way she acted, and sounded, made it seem like they were"

"Dashy didn't want a relationship at this time, wants to be focused on her goals"

"The old Gilda, might blame me for that..." Twilight muttered, playing back all she has seen of the Gryphon. Good memories have been made, but bad are hard to forget. "So how did it happen?"

Pinkie thought about it all. "Well... it's wasn't by chance that I found her up in one of the old towers from the Ponyville former castle"

"Former Castle?" Twilight sat back onto her bed, and looked at her.

"Oh yeah. When the Earth ponies came to this land, they had their own Castle for the Lord of Ponyville. It was before we moved to a Mayor system. She wasn't a very nice Lord, and even fought against the Royals. Kinda funny Gilda ran, er... flew there, since she was a lot like that corrupted Lord. Was even the Tower she made her last stand against the revolting ponies"

"Really?" Twilight and Pinkie forgot the point of this topic, and were lost in the history lesson. "I'll have to ask Mr. Passage about this one"

Pinkie nodded. "Any who; I saw Gilda zoom past, and she looked a bit troubled. All the time I've seen her, she has never flown sloppy like that. So I decided to go investigate, but I figured it would be hard for me to just show up on her account. So I grabbed some junk lying around, and acted like I was just there for something else. Glad she didn't ask, or I would have been found out" She laughed.

"It is hard to figure you out some times Pinkie, you act so silly but then you do acts like that, with so much thought" Pinkie only gave her a silly smile.

"She needed a friend, and well, I was around. We talked at the celebration, and I liked what I saw. She really seemed to be changing, or opening up to us. To be honest, she has always fascinated me. Even when she first came to Ponyville with Dashy, and acted so rude"

Twilight nodded, thinking about the meaning. "Kind of like how I was interested in Applejack?"

"Yeah, cept AJ wasn't a meany" Pinkie looked toward the small window of their dorm room. "I'm glad she's different than she was in those early days, I hate not being able to bring happiness to everyone in Ponyville, and she always eluded me"

"So, you really just wanted to make her happy? Just because it is something you do?"

"Make it sound so cold Twilight" She looked oddly serious. "I didn't grow up very happy, not till one day when I saw my first rainbow and found my love of celebration and spreading joy. Maybe it's a bit selfish that I want everyone happy, but it's not like it's a bad thing"

Twilight started to think about Star Shadows, the pony who took Luna's place for several ages and fell to his own demons. He never seems happy, nor seems to want to be happy. Self-punishment for his betrayal to Queen Celestia, and the Night he loved so dearly. "Not everyone... wants to be happy" She said slowly.

Pinkie looked at her, and then a way. "I... don't want to believe that... but I guess it's true. Gilda wasn't one of those. I could tell she didn't want to be the mean Gryphon she was. I know too, because of what she told me. It wasn't her fault. It was what life threw at her"

Twilight nodded. "Well, I guess so. Queen Luna became Nightmare Moon, because of the lack of love from ponies. She was treated poorly, and just snapped. Star Light too, he felt the same neglect she did and tried to use his powers to change that and became Star Shadows"

"Don't think I know him"

"It was long ago, but he took Queen Luna's place for a good many centuries. Seemed the night was cursed, till the last few ages when more Night creatures and ponies started showing up. Now the Night is as active as Day. Love is what anyone really needs to keep happy. Friends, family, or mates" Pinkie nodded in agreement. "But Pinkie, are you sure about her? Are you just going along with it because it is what she needs, or are you really in love with her? Cannot just use yourself to make others happy"

"To give laughter, I'd give my very being" She looked even more serious, and seemed to have a light in her eyes. "But, it’s not just that. What she felt for me, was just what I felt for her. I look back, and think about how many times I tried to be friends and how many times she shot me down, and even hurt me... physically and in my heart... it wasn't just my nature to make everyone happy, it was my heart wanting her. Don't ask me why, I still don't know why I want her so bad"

"Maybe, it is simple chemistry. She is typically so opposite you, that it draws you to her. You are so genuinely nice and caring, that she is drawn to you. I can only guess that based on the little hints I've gathered, that she has a troubled history with little to no pony that cared about her"

"Pretty close" Pinkie said, standing up. "I do know this; she has seen this side of me that you've now seen. She understands it, and welcomes it. I feel most ponies can't accept me serious. I don't like to be, but it's nice to have someone who I can be with, and not wonder in the back of my mind 'Are they wondering when I'm gonna do something stupid?' It's a curse I share with Ditzy Doo” She paused a moment. “She doesn't mind being called Derpy, but it's a name given because every pony thinks she is just some silly mare, who delivers mail.

"I think that is why I was attracted to Gilda. She doesn't care if I'm silly, or serious. I mean, she didn't care for much of anything, but because she is so open about who she is she could accept me for me"

Twilight nodded, and then stood. Trotting to her, she put her fore hoof on the other’s shoulder. "Maybe that is true about Gilda" She paused. "Pinkie, I admit, it is hard to see you this way. That is because we all love seeing you smile, and keeping us all in good spirits. You give us strength, like when I lost Rainbow Dash. You kept me going the whole time. That was one of the hardest things I have dealt with, and you were the one who had me smiling. You are like the embodiment of Laughter and joy, in a way it hurts to see you any other way"

Pinkie nodded slowly. "I am glad that I can do that for you, and everyone, but even clowns need to cry"

Twilight hugged her. "And when you do, you know I will be right here"

She hugged back. "Thanks Twilight" After a brief moment, she spoke again. "I bet this will completely freak out every pony else" She laughed, resuming some of her normal personality. "Oh I know, I'll throw a party and break the news then. How can any pony let silly news, ruin a party?"

"There is the good old Pinkie" Twilight smiled.

"I hate to be too serious, too long. Silliness reset" She stuck her tongue out, and made beeping sounds.