Or, Developing a Suitable Strategy for Managing Stairs...
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Or, Developing a Suitable Strategy for Managing Stairs...
Term was coming to a conclusion at Canterlot High School. There was no doubt whatever about that. Since Christmas had ended, up until about now, school had been in session, and boy had it been a season to remember.
If one were to include the events of the previous term, this was perhaps the most bizarre and chaotic year in the history of Canterlot High School. Occurrences of note had begun when a gas main had exploded outside the school on the night of the Fall Formal. Yes, that was the official story, but everyone at the school knew the real cause.
Sunset Shimmer.
Who, it had turned out, was not merely a human with a vindictive, nasty streak, but rather an alien from another dimension entirely, who had arrived here after having an argument with her mentor, Princess Celestia. It caused a lot of confusion that the school Principal’s counterpart was the ruler of an entire dimension on the other side of a statue. Anyway, her plan had been to forcibly conquer her home and rule it, and in order to do this she had stolen a crown and travelled here with the intention of winning the title of Fall Formal Princess so that she could take over the entire school student body and use them as soldiers to take over Equestria.
But that hadn’t happened, as even though Sunset seemingly had the entire title comprehensively seized, she hadn’t reckoned with an unexpected force.
Princess Twilight Sparkle had pursued the renegade unicorn to this world and rallied the students against her. Sunset had taken the crown and been transformed into a She-Demon.
But she had been unable to stop the combined might of Twilight and some old friends (Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie) who had rallied against Sunset. The magics unleashed that day had reformed Sunset, and it seemed that all was good in the world.
These friends and Sunset formed a rock band called the Rainbooms as a way of healing the wounds of the past. But those who thought that the world was secure with Sunset reformed were wrong.
An old threat from the ancient times of Equestria had surfaced. This threat consisted of three girls collectively known as the Sirens. Formed of Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, and Aria Blaze, they had used their singing to take control of the student body and the teachers, and engineer a Battle of the Bands to sow discord-
“I don’t approve of you giving me a bad name, Mr Author!”
I am terribly sorry Discord. They had gathered and engineered a Battle of the Bands to sow chaos. The students and teachers had been at each other’s throats for days, with the direct exception of the Rainbooms themselves, who had been shielded from the effects.
Only later, when the Rainbooms began to crack under the pressure, even with Twilight’s support, did the true objective of the Sirens become clear. The Rainbooms were carrying Equestrian magic on their persons, which the Sirens ate for food. By making them fall out, it would fuel them with infinite levels of power.
But they failed to reckon with Sunset Shimmer, who was able to prevent the Sirens from making off with most of the magic, and seemingly stopping them forever. With Sunset redeemed in the eyes of the students, and another threat seen off, it seemed that Christmas could at last be peaceful, and free of enemy threats. Even if most people couldn’t remember what had happened.
Sadly, those who believed that Christmas would be quiet were wrong. That year, a MyStable account had appeared called ‘Anon-a-Miss'. This started targeting students by posting their darkest secrets, though nobody had any idea how the account had got their hands on the information.
The first to be targeted was Applejack, with a personal family secret which had immediately put suspicion on her younger sister, Apple Bloom. However, she and her closest friends, colloquially referred to as ‘the Crusaders’, were soon cleared of all blame, although a violent confrontation with Misty Fly was unfortunately unavoidable. Working together, they successfully figured out that the Sirens were behind the mess, using secrets they had gained during the time when they had mind-controlled all of the students. The Sirens had attempted to evade capture from the police by escaping in a diesel engine, but had been stopped, and dealt with, in spectacular style, by Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, one of the Middle School students. As a result, Christmas had been saved, and happiness had rung that season.
Then, in January, the Sirens had struck again, sabotaging a freight train with the intent of derailing it in Canterlot, destroying the entire town in the process. Many had attempted to stop the runaway train, but all had failed, until Sunset Shimmer, and an engineer from Crystal City called Lightning Dust, had coupled an engine onto the back and slowed it down, saving the entire city (although they had some help from a railroad employee called Discord).
Then, Canterlot High School had taken on Crystal Prep Academy in the Friendship Games, which had gone weird due to the prescence of magic and their world’s Twilight Sparkle. Overwhelmed by the magic, she had been transformed into a Demon that had wrought a path of destruction, before being saved and reformed by Sunset.
Apart from that, life had largely continued as normal, barring Scootaloo rising from the grave, having briefly died, and the Crusaders successfully reopening a railway and preventing a train robbery from succeeding. They had been honoured by the community-no, the country, that very day.
But now, term was almost over, and the holidays were only days away. There was one last major event on the school calendar, however.
Much like the Fall Formal, the next occasion on the list was the Spring Fling, which was similar to the Fall Formal. The students were currently gathered in the school hall for an assembly, regarding the event, such as instructions for that night. At the moment, Vice-Principal Luna was running the students through the rules.
“We would like to thank all of our students for their hard work this term,” Vice-Principal Luna informed the student body. “We appreciate, what with runaway goods trains, students sprouting wings, large plants, portals, and many other things afflicting the school this year, that it was hard to keep an eye on studies and sports. But you, as ever, have pulled through and excelled in everything you have done.”
Celestia took up the mike. “Tonight, is the last major fixture of the term. The Spring Fling should be a good opportunity to cool off and enjoy yourselves before the holidays.”
Luna took the mike once more. “But, remember that just because it is the last event this term does not mean you can throw the rules out of the window. As a result, the rules are as follows;
“The doors will open at 6, in order to take advantage of the longer days, and tickets will be required in order to enter. In addition, proceedings will have concluded by 10, with the contest for best costume being judged at 9, and the best couple being judged at 8.”
Murmurs filled the auditorium. “Costume?” one voice said.
“Well, there go my hopes of throwing something together at the last minute,” said another.
Celestia looked mildly annoyed. “We did tell you about costumes several weeks ago, so you would have plenty of opportunity to prepare them for the occasion.”
“But some of us have had exam prep!” said another voice still. “We only have a certain number of hours in the day.”
Luna spoke once more. “24, same as the rest of us, if I remember correctly. Maybe if you slept less, Miss Dash, you would have more time to prepare a costume.”
Snickers filled the auditorium echoing from the students, as a certain prismatic-haired girl went red and put her head in her hands.
Celestia spoke up once again. “Whether you arrive in your costumes is up to you, as there are changing facilities available here.”
“With good reason!” called a voice. “Rarity would probably struggle to fit through the doors with what she’s got planned.”
“Shush you!” the fashionista hissed. “And how do you know what I have planned?”
“Fair point.” The other student fell silent.
Celestia shrugged. “I would like to be able to get through the rest of this briefing for the students without any further interruptions.”
Given the bell was ticking closer and closer to the end of the day, nobody dared speak up.
Celestia raised the mic once more. “Remember, the most important rule is to enjoy yourselves. So, we expect you to do exactly that! We will be!”
Luna shook her head as she and her sister walked off stage. “Must you be so informal?” she asked.
“Oh, loosen up a bit Luna!” Celestia said. “It’s a night of fun.”
Luna smiled. “I do suppose dressing up never loses its appeal.”
In the corridor headed toward the end of the school, four girls had gathered and were busy emptying their lockers.
“Who’s lookin’ forward ta tonight?” Apple Bloom called. “Cause Ah am!”
“Button’s going with me,” Sweetie Belle smiled. “I can’t wait to see what he’s got lined up for his costume.”
“How’s yours coming along?” Scootaloo asked. “I imagine Rarity put a lot of work into it.”
“You know what she’s like,” Sweetie Belle answered. “She started work on both mine and hers straight after New Year.”
“That’s dedicated!” Cozy Glow added. “I only got around to mine last week.”
“What are ya goin’ as?” Apple Bloom enquired.
Cozy smiled. “That’s a secret.”
“Same fer me!” the farm girl replied, with her trademark smirk.
Scootaloo laughed. “I bet it’s a dress.”
Sweetie Belle was next to speak. “Do you have some sort of issue with that?” she asked, with an annoyed look in her eyes.
“Well, I hate wearing skirts,” Scootaloo began, “and I looked such an idiot at the Fall Formal.”
“At least you got to kiss Rumble,” Cozy Glow helpfully observed.
Scootaloo’s face went as purple as her hair. “You just HAD to mention that, didn’t you?”
Sensing an argument, Apple Bloom spoke up. “Let’s just keep our costumes secret and surprise one another. OK?”
There was a murmur of agreement. Sweetie Belle broke the silence. “So, who’s going with who?”
“Ah’m with Pip,” Apple Bloom answered. “Resident English an’ all.”
Sweetie Belle spoke up next. “As I hinted earlier, I’m with Button Mash.” Her eyes went all dreamy as she thought of him. “He’s so handsome.”
Scootaloo waved her arm in front of Sweetie Belle’s face. “Sop-ometer warning!” she shouted.
“What?” Sweetie Belle replied. “I like him!”
“You always were the romantic,” Scootaloo answered her. “I’m with Rumble, naturally enough.”
Cozy looked sad. “I...I haven’t actually got anyone for the Spring Fling.” She looked down at the floor.
Apple Bloom went over to comfort her. “Hey, Ah’m certain you’ll find someone,” she said to her warmly.
Cozy looked up. “Thanks Apple Bloom,” she said.
Scootaloo interrupted. “Can we get a move-on?” she asked. “The clock’s ticking, and I need some time to get ready.”
The girls filled their bags, closed their lockers, and headed outside to the streetcar stop.
When she got home, Apple Bloom immediately went upstairs to deposit her backpack and the contents, before opening her wardrobe and retrieving a suit carrier with a hanger set up in the middle. She then laid it down on her bed, and recovered a box from the bottom of her wardrobe as she did so, placing that on her bed as well.
As she prepared to take the whole lot downstairs, she looked outdoors-and saw Applejack emerge into the corridor with her stuff. There was rather a lot of it, and she struggled to fit through some of the doors as she did so.
“Need a hand?” Apple Bloom called.
“Ah’m fine sugarcube!” Applejack replied, as Big Mac emerged from his room, with another suit carrier.
“That’s a lotta fabric,” was his only comment.
Applejack shrugged. “Well, Ah kinda wanna impress Caramel,” she replied. “Besides, Rarity had the kindness ta make it fer me after Dash and Ah saved her little sis from bein’ hit by that runaway train back in January.”
“Ya saved me too!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, walking closer with her own items.
“Are ya ready ta go?” called Bright Mac. “Ah’ll take yer clothes in the truck.”
“Thanks pa!” Big Mac replied. “We’ll take the streetcar so you have space ta pack this lot.”
Bright Mac walked up the stairs. “Ah’m certain that ya’ll can’t have that much-” he stopped when he saw what Applejack was holding. “Good heavens.”
After a brief explanation, including how Applejack somehow managed to sneak her costume upstairs without anybody noticing, the family took the opportunity to load the truck with the costumes. It was hard work, but the process was completed soon enough. As Bright Mac closed the doors and hopped into the driver’s seat, the three siblings set off down the pathway toward the streetcar stop.
All the way, the three siblings discussed their costumes.
“Aw, come on Applejack!” Big Mac exclaimed. “Surely ya won’t be able ta move in all that!”
Applejack shrugged. “Rarity’s been teachin’ me all that sorta stuff. Ah know it’s a little different ta what Ah usually wear-”
“Ya don’t say!” Mac interrupted.
“If Ah may finish,” Applejack re-interrupted. “Ah know Ah usually don’t wear such fancy stuff, but it’s a special occasion, and Ah wanted ta make a special effort for Caramel.” Caramel was Applejack’s ‘friend’, though almost everybody on the farm suspected that it was something more than that.
“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah suppose he’ll be mighty impressed.” Whilst that coming out of anyone else’s mouths would be interpreted as sarcasm, Apple Bloom’s voice had enough innocence and warmth to indicate she was being genuine in her beliefs.
“What about you and Pipsqueak?” Mac asked. “Ain’t that the same sorta thing?”
Apple Bloom sighed. “Point taken. But his name is Pip!”
“He’s still a cockney,” Applejack snorted.
“He is not a cockney!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, her face getting redder and redder with the teasing she was getting. “He’s from this Nottingham place!”
“Perhaps it’s best we stop,” Big Mac said finally. That, at least, was a sentiment they all agreed on.
They piled onto the streetcar, which set off as it usually did with ringing of bells and clattering of wheels. It rumbled along the street, but unlike most days it had to stop at every single station along the way. This meant for very slow going, as passengers were getting on and loading their bags and suit carriers onto the streetcar.
Thiessen Boulevard, Rudell Street, Songco Drive...more and more people piled onto the streetcar; so many, in fact, it seemed that it would not get going again, and that people would need to get out and push! Thankfully, this proved not to be the case, and the driver was able to keep the streetcar moving.
Apple Bloom glanced over to where Sweetie Belle and Rarity were sitting, noticing that neither of them was carrying anything. “Where’s yer outfits?” she asked, visibly confused.
“Rarity had them dropped off at the school at the start of the day,” Sweetie Belle explained. “As a result, we don’t need to carry anything with us.”
“Well, it would have made a frightful mess of them, darling,” Rarity said, joining in the conversation. “Besides, I’d worked so hard on them it simply wouldn’t do to have them get dirty.”
“Sweetie Belle said somethin’ about ya workin’ on them since Christmas. That true?”
Rarity nodded. “It was a most entertaining diversion, I will admit. But look! We have arrived.” They looked out of the window, and saw the school looming in front of them, though the skyline was noticeably disrupted by the absence of the Wondercolt statue, which they still hadn’t got around to fixing due to budget cuts. “Well, I do say; these journeys are good for giving time for detailing the plot.”
Applejack laughed. “Rarity, Ah think Pinkie may be rubbin’ off on ya!”
Rarity made a noise akin to beatboxing. “Honestly, Applejack, I may be eccentric in some ways, but I would never stoop to her level of...bizarre!”
“Who’s bizarre?” asked Pinkie Pie, suddenly appearing behind them.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom simply looked at each other, and laughed.
Thankfully, they got into school without any other difficulties, and waited for Bright Mac to arrive. Once his truck had arrived, the three siblings unloaded their stuff from the truck.
“Have fun, colonel, and my two princesses,” he laughed, as he closed the door and drove off.
“Pa!” Apple Bloom shouted after him.
Applejack shook her head. “We ain’t livin’ this one down.”
After heading upstairs, the students went to the impromptu changing rooms in order to...change. From the boys, Button Mash was the first to emerge. He was wearing a white formal dress shirt with silver cufflinks, a red tie, tweed jacket and trousers, with a waistcoat done in the same pattern, and a watch and chain, which was plated in gold, and bore the letters MS&LR on the back panel covering the gears and springs. He also had a terrible black moustache on, but nobody knew where that had come from.
He opened the watch, and looked at the time. “Oh bother!” he said, in a terrible English accent. “It is past the rendezvous time. I only hope she didn’t forget.”
Just then, Sweetie Belle and Rarity emerged into the corridor. Both of them were matching long skirts, white shirts with jackets that matched the skirts, as well as large purple hats that sat upon their heads.
Button’s jaw dropped open.
Sweetie Belle spotted him. “Hi Button!” she said. “Or should I say, Sherlock Holmes?”
Button laughed. “We almost look like a matching pair!” he said, dropping the accent as he did so.
Rarity smiled. “Well, I chose the fashions of the Edwardian age as the basis of our outfits. But I decided to leave corsets out.”
“Thank heavens,” Sweetie Belle commented. She then looked to Button. “Well, shall we head downstairs?”
“Sure thing!” Button smiled, taking her arm.
Just then, they stopped. “Button,” Sweetie Belle asked, “why are you wearing your father’s moustache?”
A few minutes after that, Scootaloo appeared. She looked uneasy for some reason. She was wearing a purple dress with a full collar and knee-length skirt. She also wore heels, and although they were quite short, she still wobbled about somewhat. She glanced about her, concerned.
“Hurry up, Rumble!” she hissed. “I’d rather not die of embarrassment alone!”
Just then, Rumble appeared, dressed in blue jeans, a black and white striped T-shirt, a leather jacket, and black dress shoes. He had also spiked his hair up somewhat, and stepped over to Scootaloo.
“Well, you ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog,” he smiled, speaking with a voice that vaguely resembled a Tennesee drawl.
“Thanks Elvis,” Scootaloo replied. “Shall we get going?”
Rumble nodded. “Thank you. Thank you very much.” The two of them headed for the stairs, with Scootaloo still speaking. “You know, as much as I dislike skirts, at least I’m not wearing what some of the other girls are wearing...”
Finally, who should appear but Apple Bloom herself. And her effort was most elaborate.
She was wearing a dress that appeared to be a mash of Tudor and Mediaeval motifs. It was coloured purple, and had long sleeves terminating in gold coloured cuffs. The bodice had an elaborate gold pattern on it, which was matched on the skirt, which was two tone purple. The two different shades of purple were separated by a gold band, of which there was another on the base of the skirt, and another running around the bottom of the bodice. Apple Bloom was also wearing a pair of purple heels, with no socks, and a tall hat (Apple Bloom had no idea what it was actually called) upon her head, held in place only by gravity, which sat haphazardly above her bow.
She looked around her, with a smile on her face. “Well, it fits,” she smiled. “But Ah hope Pip don’t think Ah look silly.”
Suddenly, who should appear but a man in full armour, clad from head to toe in plate, with a helmet on as well. However, the subject had made sure to raise the visor so he could see where he was going. As he walked forward, he smiled at Apple Bloom.
“Good morrow, dame Bloom!” he said, and extended his hand. Unfortunately, he did not take much note of his weight, and toppled forward onto the ground with a bang.
Apple Bloom covered her mouth in shock, and bend down in order to help him up. “Are ya OK, Sir Pip?” she asked.
Once he was back on his feet, Pip spoke again. “Most fine, my lady,” he answered. “Shall we take our leave and head to the lower levels? I hear the King and Queen have organised a most fine occasion this day.”
Apple Bloom wasn’t sure whether to laugh at the spoof old English, or the level of dedication Pip was taking. “Let’s go,” she said, taking his hand. “And please don’t tread on mah skirt; Ah’d hate for Rarity ta have ta do emergency repairs on it.”
Indeed, Apple Bloom’s skirt proved to be a hurdle almost immediately. As they reached the stairs, Apple Bloom spoke up. “Er, Pip?”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Ah can’t exactly see mah feet, so Ah have no idea if Ah’m puttin’ them in the right place on the steps. What if Ah slip and fall down them?”
Pip thought for a moment. “That would be rather embarrassing.”
Apple Bloom nodded, remembering the looks on Scootaloo’s face when she had a costume malfunction at the Fall Formal. “Shall we use the elevator?”
The ride down was fairly simple, and the two of them stepped out into the corridor, to run into Rainbow Dash, dressed as a Blood Angels Space Marine.
“From the Old World?” she asked Pip. “Which order do you belong to? Blazing Sun? Reiksguard?”
Pip shrugged. “The Knights of the Round Table.”
Rainbow sighed. “So, you’re a Bretonnian. Great.” she turned to see Soarin’ walk forward, looking like a Chaos Space Marine. “What be you, traitor scum?”
“DEATH TO THE FALSE EMPEROR!” Soarin’ roared. “Evenin’ Crash!”
Dash looked around her, her face red.
“Crash?” Apple Bloom asked.
Rainbow Dash leaned in, speaking as quietly as possible. “On my first day on the track and field team, I ran into a trash can by mistake.” She then turned back. “Care to state your origin, Clipper?”
“OK!” Soarin’ replied. “I tripped on a flagpole back in the day.”
Suddenly, Diamond Tiara sprinted past, wearing a fairly plain white dress with heels. “Hurry up Pharynx!” she shouted.
Just then Pharynx appeared, dressed in blue jeans and a white shirt. “Sorry I’m late!” he called.
Apple Bloom looked at Diamond in confusion. “Why somethin’ like...that?” she asked.
Diamond shrugged. “I usually wear something ridiculous most days, so I thought something like this would work today.” She then smirked. “But wouldn’t you trip in that thing?”
Apple Bloom went red. “Well, Ah’ll try not to,” she answered.
Diamond laughed. “See you in there!” She took Pharynx’s arm, and more or less dragged him in.
“I’d prefer to keep my arm in its socket!” he shouted as they vanished into the distance.
Rainbow smiled. “If that’s what your wearing, I wonder what AJ’s got,” she said, with a grin. “Let’s go!”
As they entered, the music was blazing in the hall, and the disco ball spun wildly, just like it had back in October. But then, the music died down.
Micro Chips (who it seemed was acting as MC) stepped forward and spoke up, focusing the spotlight on the two as they entered.
“And now, please welcome-Sir Pipsqueak, of Nottingham!”
There was a drum roll, and Pip bowed as best he could.
“And Lady Apple Bloom, of Canterlot!”
Apple Bloom tried to curtsy. Emphasis being on tried. But she lost her balance, and wobbled about until Pip caught her.
“Are you OK?” he asked.
“That could have been more embarrasin’,” she admitted. “Thank the Lord.”
Just then, the Ponytones materialised around her, and sang. “Thank the Lord!
(Thank the Lord!)
Apple Bloom looked at them in confusion. “Seriously?”
“Guys and Dolls?” Big Mac said.
The evening proceeded well, as they went through multiple eras of music during proceedings.
Scootaloo leaned in close to Rumble. “You know, this is actually rather fun!” she told him.
“I know!” Rumble exclaimed. “But remember-”
“You’re a womble?” Scootaloo replied.
Rumble laughed. “Good one!”
Meanwhile, Apple Bloom and Pip did a reasonable job of keeping their balance, until Applejack nearly knocked her sister over by mistake.
I shall now take the opportunity to describe what Applejack was wearing, and boy was it turning heads. She wearing a blue hoopskirt with elaborate patterning on the skirt, including some hearts and a symbol that vaguely resembled a treble clef. The whole ensemble was coloured blue, and Applejack, despite the perceived extra weight, was moving with a speed and grace that belied the fact she’d only worn the entire thing once or twice before.
Meanwhile, Apple Bloom nearly fell over again, but this time Rarity caught her. “Honestly darling!” the fashionista said. “Those are only two-inch heels.”
“Ah don’t normally wear heels!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Besides, you try stayin’ standin’ up in these things!”
“At least you know for next time,” Rarity answered, and walked away.
Elsewhere, Button and Sweetie Belle were putting down a pretty good tango (or at least a decent approximation of it).
“You dance extremely well, considering your footwear!” Button commented.
“I’ve had practice!” Sweetie Belle replied.
“And it show-look out!” Button’s foot narrowly missed hers, and the two of them toppled over, with Button on top of Sweetie Belle. “This is horribly awkward.”
About 30 minutes passed, before Apple Bloom suddenly became aware of a feeling familiar to all living beings building in her lower regions. Yes, she needed to use the restroom.
She indicated to Pip. “Do ya mind if Ah go relieve mahself?”
But the music was too loud. “Sorry, what?” Pip asked.
“AH SAID, DO YA MIND IF AH GO RELIEVE MAHSELF?!” Apple Bloom shouted at the top of her lungs.
Pip nodded. “By all means.”
Apple Bloom picked up her skirts as best she could and sprinted for the restrooms, only to find an incredibly long queue waiting before them. And she couldn’t wait, as the sensation was slowly getting worse.
“Ah’ll go upstairs with the elevator!” she exclaimed, and went over to call it. After a few moments, it arrived, and Apple Bloom got onboard as fast as she could. She punched the button for the next floor, and the elevator began to shudder upwards as it received the instructions, arriving at the next floor quite quickly. Apple Bloom waited for the door to open, and walked across the corridor to the restrooms.
As this an E-rated story, I will not go into the details of the girl’s restrooms. Apple Bloom emerged a few minutes later, a smile on her face and confidence in her step. She walked back over to the elevator, which had subsequently gone up a floor. She pushed the call button.
Nothing happened.
Just then, the elevator shot past, and there was a loud bang down below. Apple Bloom looked down. “Oh dear,” she said. The elevator had crashed at the bottom. Thankfully, nobody was on board, but Apple Bloom was most glad she was not on board.
But she then gulped. She needed to get back downstairs to the party, and there was only way to do that. She would need to brace the stairs, whilst wearing a long skirt and being unable to see where her feet were.
She nervously went over to the stairs, and looked down. There were 10 stairs in front of her, followed by a landing, which featured a turn to the right, and then another 10 stairs to the ground floor. This would not be easy.
“Alright Sugarcube,” she said to herself. “You wore a dress all night and didn’t trip once...sort of. Y’all can handle a few stairs!”
She lifted her skirt, and stepped forward, sticking her tongue out in concentration. And she took a first step. “Just take it one step at a time,” she added, remembering the ease with which Sweetie Belle did this sort of thing. She took another step, and then another. And then another.
Before she knew what had happened, she was at the bottom of the first flight of stairs. She exhaled the breath she had been holding for most of the flight of stairs. “By golly!” she exclaimed. “This ain’t so hard after all. Don’t know what Ah was so worried about!”
As she reached the 5th stair of the second flight of stairs, Applejack appeared. “Oh, there ya are Sugarcube!” she called. “Did ya enjoy the Spring Fling?”
Unfortunately, this was the worst possible thing she could have done, as Apple Bloom was distracted for a moment, and put her foot where no step was. And she slipped, tumbled forward, rolled down the remaining stairs, and landed in a puddle produced by a careless janitor who had passed through the area a moment earlier.
“Ow!” she exclaimed. “Ah wasn’t expectin’ a cold bath!”
Applejack cried out in shock. “Ya OK?” she asked. Apple Bloom groaned in response.
Applejack extended her hand, and now her helped her somewhat soggy younger sister back onto her feet. She laughed. “Fer a beautiful princess yer kinda a clumsy one too,” she snorted.
Apple Bloom, for one, was not in the mood for laughing, and simply glared at Applejack. “Thanks a lot,” she said. “Now Ah’ll need ta get a hairdryer to clean this off.”
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie appeared. “Did somebody say ‘hairdryer’?” she asked. Whipping one out of her hair, she switched it one and had Apple Bloom dried out in seconds.
“How on Earth were you even powering it?” asked Pip, who had by now appeared and had seen what had happened.
Apple Bloom shrugged. “Pip, she’s Pinkie Pie. Anythin’s possible!”
“Okie-dokie-Loki!” Pinkie responded, and vanished off.
“There’s one last song before we conclude tonight’s proceedings,” Pip said. “Want to join me for one last dance?”
Apple Bloom headed over and took his hand. “Sure thing, mah prince,” she smiled, and away they went, forgetting the incident that had just occurred, and dancing the last of the night away to the sound of American folk.
Author's Note
Well, here it is. The longest one-shot I have ever written.
This story was based on a comic I found on Deviantart back in December, and it stuck in my memory, as I thought Apple Bloom looked strangely adorable in Medieval attire. I referenced some other art by the same artist, and voila, this story happened.
