The Element of Empathy

by Lil Snowflake

Rating: teen
Tags: Anthro, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Mystery, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Self Insert, Profanity, Adventure, Violence, Human
Length: 50319

An Anthro Human in Equestria Story that follows the MLP storyline. Sunset Shimmer accidentally summons a family of humans from Earth to Canterlot. Despite her appearance, the human, named Eleanor, is not what she appears to be...

Sunset Shimmer was undergoing another exam test for another semester as Princess Celestia's protege. However, her magic goes haywire and summons a portal to another world. From the other side of the portal, a family of humans, from a far away planet, called Earth, appeared in the classroom.

Unfortunately, the magic returns to normal and the portal closes before anyone can react or make sense of what's happening.

Seeing this as an opportunity, Princess Celestia appoints one of the humans, the eldest daughter named Eleanor Carter, as Sunset Shimmer's study partner.

How will this story unfold? Come and see.

Cover Art belongs to Maytee.
Anthro Pony Designs belong to StasySolitude.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Lauren Faust, Hasbro and DHX Studios.

Published 2019-11-15 00:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2021-05-08 20:51:52 UTC

The Mare in The Moon

~Eleanor's POV.~

I woke up with a gasp, as the doors of the castle library flew open to indicate my new study partner's return. That's the third time I've had that dream this week. Who was that Pony? What's her connection with Princess Celestia? Or is it me? Why would I dream that?

Oh, hey there, viewers. Long time no see. :D

It's been a very long time since my family and I were teleported to the world of Equestria, met Sunset Shimmer and I became her study partner, only for her to leave to another world.

I'm now 25 years old, a citizen of Equestria and a talented mage. I've been studying the arcane arts with my classmates and they think I'm doing very well. They still think I'm odd for being a human, but they accept me as a young mage, since humans of the old days used to be able to use magic as well.

Even my sense of style has changed. I am now wearing a white collared shirt, under a dark grey sweater-vest. Black khaki pants with white socks and black mary-jane shoes. Similar to my new study partner...

Speaking of... My new study partner, that opened the door, revealed to be a young Unicorn, named Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle was a Unicorn mare. Her mane and tail were well-combed and a sapphire blue with pink and purple streaks. Her coat was a light mulberry purple and violet eyes.

She wore a white collared shirt under a purple sweater-vest and dark blue khaki pants. Her Cutie Mark patch a large pink star and little white stars was located on the left hip of her sweater-vest.

"Spike! SPII-IIKE!" Twilight called, then she looked down at the floor, "Spike?"

Spike, our young purple and green dragon assistant, sat up and recovered from the impact, as I rubbed my head. Spike wore a light green t-shirt under a purple un-buttoned shirt and matching shorts.

Twilight smiled, "There you are." She ran past us and started searching through the book, "Quick! Find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies." She looked at Spike and asked, "What's that for?"

Spike looked at his tail and noticed it impaled his gift for Moondancer. He removed it from his tail and answered, "Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but..."

An impaled teddy bear fell out of the wrapping and dropped to the floor with a squeak.

Twilight sighed and resumed searching through her books, "Oh, Spike. You know we don't have time for that sort of thing."

"But we're on a break!" I argued, getting up to my feet, as I stretched my arms from my nap.

Twilight ignored me and used her magic to grab some books from the top of the bookshelf nearest to her.

She searched the books, "No. No. No. No, no, no!" She growled in frustration and shouted, "SPIKE!"

"It's over here!" Spike answered from another high self.

Twilight used her magic to grab the book. But Spike still had hold of it. Spike fell off his ladder and flew toward Twilight, landing with a face plant.

Twilight looked at the book and smiled, "Ah!"

She dropped the other books and walked toward the nearest the podium. I helped Spike back to his feet and we started picking the books Twilight dropped.

"Elements. Elements. E, E, E..." Twilight muttered as she used her magic to flip through the pages, then read in a clear voice, "Aha! 'Elements of Harmony'. See 'Mare in the Moon'?"

My eyes widened as Spike spoke up from on top of a ladder, "'Mare in the Moon'? But that's just an old pony's tale."

"Mare. Mare..." Twilight muttered, as she flipped through the pages, "Aha! 'The Mare in the Moon. Myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal'."

I closed my eyes and heard an evil laugh echoed through my head. In my black vision, all I could see was a pair of menacing, yet very sad turquoise eyes.

Why?

Twilight gasped and asked, "Spike. Ellie, do you know what this means?"

"No." Spike answered.

However, he lost his balance and fell off the ladder. I caught Spike in my arms, before he hit the ground.

"Take a note, please." Twilight instructed, giving Spike a parchment and quill, "To the Princess."

Spike smiled and jumped out of my arms, "Okie-dokie."

Spike started writing, as Twilight paced and spoke, "'My dearest teacher, My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster'..."

"Hold on." Spike spoke up, "Preci... Preci..."

He gives Twilight a lost look. Being a baby dragon, he doesn't understand large words.

"Threshold." Twilight simplified.

Spike tried again, "Thre..." But to no avail.

Twilight raised a brow, "Uh...brink?"

Spike gave her a look. She groaned in frustration.

"Why not just say, 'We have foreseen a premonition of the future'?" I suggested.

Spike and Twilight looked at me with raised brow. "Vision." I simplified.

Twilight and Spike looked at me. Spike wrote down my suggestion and nodded for Twilight to continue.

Twilight returned pacing and continued, "'For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she is about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle'."

"'Twi-light... Spar-kle.'" Spike finished and answered, "Got it!"

Twilight nodded and smiled, "Great! Send it."

"Now?" Spike and I asked.

Twilight nodded, "Of course!"

"Uh...I don't know, Twilight. Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration, and it's, like, the day after tomorrow." Spike shrugged his shoulders.

"That's just it, Spike." Twilight replied, "The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It's imperative that the Princess is told right away!"

"Impera...Impera..." Spike tried to write, but, again, didn't quite know how to spell the word.

"Important!" Twilight shouted.

The volume and force of the word threw Spike toward me and we rolled into the nearest bookshelf, "Ow..."

"Okay, okay!" Spike replied, getting back to his feet. He took a deep breath, rolled up the parchment into a scroll and burned it with his green, magical fire breath. The cinders flew out of the window and toward the castle, "There! It's on its way."

"But I wouldn't hold your breath, Twi." I warned.

Twilight smugly smiled at me, "Oh, I'm not worried, Ellie. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor, she's never once doubted me."

I tilted my head and looked away in thought. Spike let out a burp and his fire breath morphed into a rolled up scroll.

Twilight smirked, "See? I knew she would want to take immediate action."

Spike opened the scroll, cleared his throat and read, "'My dearest, most faithful student Twilight, you know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely'."

Twilight looked out the window and smiled.

"In 3... 2... 1..." I counted down.

"'But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books'!" Spike finished.

Twilight gasped, as I smiled, "There it is."

"'I have given you an assignment for you outside of Canterlot'." Spike continued reading, "'Spike and Eleanor will accompany you. You leave as soon as possible'."

Twilight sighed.

*Later, Flying over the Plains...*

"'My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville'." Spike continued reading, as we were riding a chariot, drawn by non-morphic Pegasi guards, to our next destination.

I remember Ponyville being mentioned by my family. A few years ago, my mother grew tired of the city life in Canterlot that she wanted to move to a more simpler and quieter life, but didn't want to move too far from where I was. So, my family moved to Ponyville. Mum kept her job as a nurse for the local hospital. Sam became waitress at the local cafe. And Steve joined construction and repair.

We kept in touch via mail. Our mail courier is a delightful and helpful Pegasus mare named Derpy Hooves, but I call her Ditzy Do.

"'And I have an even more essential task for you to complete; Make some friends'." Spike finished reading Celestia's letter.

Twilight just sulked and sighed softly.

"Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library." Spike tried to encourage, "Doesn't that make you happy?"

Twilight suddenly raised her head, "Yes. Yes, it does. You know why? Because I'm right. I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return."

"What about making friends, like the Princess said?" I asked in a concerned tone.

Twilight shook her head, "She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends."

The carriage landed and the Pegasi whinnied, indicating we have reached our destination. Twilight, Spike and I exit the carriage.

"Thank you, sirs." Twilight thanked them. The guards snorted, and they returned to Canterlot.

"Maybe the Ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" Spike spoke up, as an earth pony mare skipped toward us.

The mare stopped in front of us and smiled. Her fur was a light pink color and her mane and tail were a darker shade of pink, and were poofy and wild. Her eyes were a light shade of blue.

She wore a light blue t-shirt under a pair of pink overalls, with a light blue charm bracelet on her left wrist, and her Cutie Mark patch of three party balloons was located on her right pocket.

She looked like she was made of cotton candy. Or gumballs.

"Come on, Twilight. Just try." Spike encouraged Twilight.

Twilight looked at the mare and waved her hand in uncertainty, "Uh...hello?"

I quickly shook my head and waved my hand with a small shy smile.

The mare jumped into the air with a long gasp of surprise. Then she zoomed off somewhere. That was one odd Pony.

Once calmed, Twilight noted, "Well, that was interesting, all right."

With that, she walked off. Spike and I sighed and followed after her. This is not gonna end well at all.

*Sweet Apple Acres...*

"'Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer's Checklist. Number one, banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres.'" Spike read the Checklist, as we entered a large farm, full of apple trees.

"Yee-Haw!" A pony shouted, startling Spike, Twilight and I.

We turned and saw an orange earth pony mare run and kicked an apple tree, with buckets around it. The apples fell in all of the baskets.

Not one missed.

The pony crossed her arms proudly. Her mane and tail were blonde and her eyes were green. Her mane and tail were in a low ponytail. She wore a cowgirl, setson hat, a white tank top under an orange un-buttoned shirt. Denim shorts with a brown belt. Her Cutie Mark patch of three red gala apples in a triangular formation was located on her right hip of her shorts.

Twilight sighed, "Let's get this over with." She walked to the earth pony mare with a smile, "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

The mare grabbed her hand and shook it violently, "Well, Howdy-doo, Miss Twilight. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We, here, at Sweet Apple Acres, sure do like makin' new friends." She introduced herself in a very strong Southern accent.

I smiled sweetly, "Nice to meet you, Applejack. I'm Eleanor, but you can call me Ellie."

"Frie-e-e-ends? Actua-a-ally-y-y-y, I..." Twilight tried to explain, but Applejack let go of her hoof.

"So, what can I do ya for?" Applejack asked with a kind smile.

Twilight Sparkle was still shaking her hand, so she couldn't speak. I grabbed her hand and stopped it from shaking. Spike suppressed a laugh.

"Well, I am, in fact, here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration." Twilight Sparkle explained and asked her, "And you are in charge of the food?"

Applejack nodded with a proud smile, "We sure as sugar are. Would you and your friends care to sample some?"

I smiled, "We'd love to, Applejack."

"Well, as long as it doesn't take too long." Twilight answered with an raised eyebrow.

Applejack rang a loud triangle bell, then shouted, "Soup's on, everypony!"

On cue, a large group of ponies charged toward us and carried us to a round table. Applejack appeared beside us.

"Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple Family." She smiled.

"Thanks, but we really need to hurry." Twilight Sparkle tried to explain, but a pony with a plate of apple fritters stopped her.

"This is Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious. Gold Delicious. Caramel Apple. Apple Strudel. Apple Tart. Baked Apples. Apple Brioche. Apple Cinnamon Crisp..." Applejack introduced the ponies, as each gave us their specialty. Leaving us with a large pile apple related treats.

She took a deep breath, before she carried on, "Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom and... Granny Smith." She finished, before putting an apple in my mouth.

Big McIntosh was a large Earth Pony stallion. A couple of inches taller than Steve. His fur coat was a brick red color. Mane and tail were a ginger orange color in neat combed style. Green eyes. His mane reached to his shoulders. He wore a dark red collared shirt with pockets, and blue khaki pants. His Cutie Mark patch of a shining green apple was located on his left pocket.

Apple Bloom was a young, yellow Earth Pony filly, with a pink bow in her red mane. She wore a yellow shirt under a pair of denim overalls and had no Cutie Mark yet.

And Granny Smith was a female was an elder Earth Pony mare. Her fur coat was a pale green. Her mane and tail were white, due to age, and tied in a bun. Golden eyes of wisdom and life-long lessons. She wore a plaid shawl over her shoulders and a light green dress with an apron around her waist. A Cutie Mark patch of an apple pie was located on her apron.

"Up'n'attem, Granny Smith. We got guests." Applejack woke the elder pony.

"Wha..? Soup's on? I'm up. Here I come, Ah'm coming." She woke up and walked over to us.

Applejack put her arm over Twilight's shoulder, "Why, I'd say they're already part of the family."

I swallowed the apple with wide eyes, and Twilight gave them a nervous chuckle, "Okay. Well, I can see that the food situation is handled. So, we'll be on our way."

"Aren't yah gonna stay for brunch?" Little Apple Bloom asked in the same Southern accent, giving us a sad look.

"Sorry, but we'd an awful lot to do." Twilight told her as gently as she can. Everypony sighed in sadness. Twilight looked around, trying to find a way out of this, but she gave up, "Fine."

Everypony cheered.

*Later, in Ponyville...*

"Food is taken care of. Next is the weather." Spike informed Twilight and I, as we entered the streets of Ponyville.

"Ugh, I ate too much pie." Twilight Sparkle moaned over her full stomach of apple pies and cakes.

I'd admit, the food was really good, but very filling on the first two servings. Spike and I didn't look as bad as Twilight did. Spike only ate some apple fritters, while I ate two apple fritters and an slice of apple cinnamon cake.

"Hmm... There's supposed to be a Pegasus Pony, named Rainbow Dash, clearing the clouds." Spike told us, looking up at the sky.

Twilight and I looked up and the clouds were still around.

"Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" Twilight asked.

I gasped and pushed Twilight aside, as something flew into me. The collision caused me to fall into the mud puddle with a mare. The mare and myself were covered in mud.

The mare was a light cyan Pegasus mare, with spiky rainbow mane and tail. Her eyes were a rose pink. She wore a black sports tank top under a blue jock jacket and black sports leggings. Her Cutie Mark patch of a white cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt was located on the chest area of her top.

I was guessing that this Pony was Rainbow Dash...

Rainbow Dash got up and looked at me with a small chuckle, "Um... 'Scuse me?"

I got back up to my feet and tried to dust myself off, keeping my composure. Rainbow Dash chuckled again, "Here, let me help you."

She flew off for a second and returned with a small rain cloud. She jumped on top of it a few times, making the cloud rain on top of me. Rainbow Dash looked over to see me. I was soaked. Hair, skin and even my clothes. I kept my composure, but I was cold and embarrassed.

Rainbow Dash suppressed a laugh, "Oops. I guess I overdid it." Then she thought for a second, "Umm... How about this?" She flew around me in great speed, creating a small tornado, "My very own, patented, Rain-Blow Dry. No, no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." Rainbow smiled proudly, as she landed and looked at the results.

My hair was a mess. I looked like a sad clown. Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, as Spike followed her, when he saw my 'new look'. The only one that kept her composure was Twilight Sparkle.

"Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash." Twilight concluded, getting Rainbow Dash's attention.

Rainbow Dash stopped laughing and stood up proudly, "The one and only." She took off into the air and looked at Twilight, "Why? You heard of me?"

"I heard you're supposed to be keeping the sky clear." Twilight snapped, but she calmed down and smiled, "I'm Twilight Sparkle. And the Princess sent me to check on the weather."

"Yeah, yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing." Rainbow Dash told her, lounging on a cloud.

"Practicing for what?" I asked with a raised brow.

"The Wonderbolts!" She pointed to a poster of the Wonderbolts nearby, "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow. And I'm gonna show them my stuff." Rainbow Dash explained, flying to another cloud.

I smirked, "The Wonderbolts?"

"Yup." Dash answered.

"The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?" I asked.

"That's them." Rainbow Dash answered again.

"Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus, who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day." I teased with a smile.

"Hey! I can clear the sky in ten seconds flat!" Rainbow Dash defended.

"Prove it." I dared.

Rainbow Dash gave me a look, and began flying around, kicking out every cloud in the sky. She flew very fast, that the wind picked up whenever she fly past us.

"Loop-de-loop around and wham!" She muttered, as she hit the last cloud. "What did I say? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging." Rainbow Dash gloated with a smile.

Spike and Twilight Sparkle had their mouths open from shock, while I smiled and clapped my hands. I've heard that Rainbow Dash was fast, but to see it in person... Wow!

"You should see the look on your face." Rainbow Dash laughed, as she flew by behind us, "You're a laugh, you two. I can't wait to hang out some more." With that, she flew away.

"Wow. She's amazing." Spike was able to say with a smile.

Twilight Sparkle gave him a blank look, as he began playing with the my messy hair, trying not to laugh.

Twilight looked at me with a genuine smile, "Thanks, for pushing me out of the way."

"It's no problem, Twi." I replied, smiling back at her, then walking to the Town Hall. Twilight Sparkle followed me to the Town Hall.

"Wait. It's kinda pretty once you get used to it." Spike lightened as he followed us.

As we entered the hall, Spike got the checklist out, "Decorations. Beautiful..." Spike said the last part love-struck. There were banners of ponies, the sun and the moon, colorful streamers and all sorts. It was very beautiful.

"Yes. The decor is coming in nicely. This oughta be quick. I'll be at the Library in no time. Beautiful indeed." Twilight examined, as we looked around the hall.

"I agree." I nodded in agreement, with a small smile.

"Not the decor. Her." Spike replied, pointing to a Unicorn mare.

Her fur coat was a very pale grey, nearly white. Her mane and tail were purple-blue, wonderfully combed with a natural curl. She wore light blue eye-shadow over her darker blue eyes. She wore a white t-shirt under a light grey blazer and light grey formal pants. Her Cutie Mark patch of three blue diamonds was located on the left side of her blazer.

The Unicorn mare was using her blue magic to pick out a colored ribbon, "No. No. No. Oh goodness no."

"How are my spines? Are they straight?" Spike asked, checking himself. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes, and walked to the Unicorn mare, while I gave a lighthearted giggle.

"Good afternoon." Twilight greeted the Unicorn.

"Just a moment, please. I am in the zone, as it were." The Unicorn told her, as she continued to looked at the colored ribbons. She smiled, and tied a red sparkly ribbon in a bow, around the pillar in front of her, "Ah, yes. Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent."

She turned and looked at Twilight and I, "Now, um, how can we help yo-" She gasped in shock as she saw my messy hair and bangs, "Oh my stars, darling. Whatever happened to your coiffure?"

I tilted my head in confusion, then looked at my bangs, "Oh, you mean my hair?" Then I assured, "It's a long story. My friend, Twilight, and I are just here to check on the decorations, and we'll be out of your hair."

"Out of my hair? What about your hair?" The Unicorn asked, as she jumped behind me and started pushing me out of the Town Hall and to a place called 'Carousel Boutique'. Spike and Twilight followed, of course Spike used his tail to fly.

Silly love-struck dragon.

*A Little Later...*

After the Unicorn, Rarity, sorted my hair, which was now shorter and easier to maintain, she got my trying her new outfits for humans, as she judged them on me, "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... Shiny."

We stopped on a dress that made me look like a Victorian princess of darkness.

"Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." Rarity encouraged, as she tightened the corset of the last outfit.

I struggled to breathe as I spoke, "We've... Been sent from... Canterlot... To-" Rarity stopped pulling with a gasp, causing me to fall forward and bump into Twilight Sparkle and Spike, "Ow..."

"Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it!" Rarity smiled with glee and stars in her eyes. She got a little too close to Twilight and I, as she continued, "We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..."

Then she looked at the emerald on the chest area of the dress, "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" And she walked off.

Twilight quickly grabbed my hand and dashed toward to the exit of the Boutique, "Quick! Before she decides to dye your hair a new color!"

Spike sighed, as I grabbed Spike's hand and dragged him behind us.

*Outside Ponyville...*

"Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked, still love-struck and thinking about Rarity.

"It was very generous of her to fix my hair." I smiled.

"Focus, Casanova." Twilight told Spike, "What's next on the list?"

Spike cleared his throat and looked at the Checklist, "Oh, uh, music. It's the last one."

I smiled, then we heard a group of birds singing. Spike, Twilight Sparkle and I went to investigate and saw a yellow Pegasus mare. Her back was facing us, so we couldn't see her face.

From what we could see, the mare's mane and tail were a cherry blossom pink. Her fur and feathers were a butter-cream yellow color. She wore a light green sweater and a pair of white khaki pants. Her Cutie Mark patch of three pink butterflies was located on her right hip. So graceful and gentle.

The Pegasus was conducting music with a bunch of birds. A blue jay was a little out of rhythm, so the Pegasus kindly told him.

"Hello." Twilight Sparkle greeted loudly, startling the Pegasus, and scaring the birds away.

The Pegasus looked at me and Twilight. Her eyes were a light blue and were hooded, to add to her delicate figure.

I quickly shook my head and spoke, "Oh, I'm very sorry for my friend, here. We didn't mean to startle you." I apologized politely and softly, "We're just here to check on the music, and it's sounding beautiful."

The Pegasus landed in front of us, put her hands behind her back, scuffed her hoof in the ground, and avoided eye-contact, not saying a word.

Twilight looked at me, then gave the mare a nervous smile, "I'm Twilight Sparkle."

The Pegasus timidly still said nothing.

"My name is Eleanor." I introduced myself in a gentle tone, "What's your name?"

The Pegasus spoke in a soft, and very quiet voice, "Um... I'm... Fluttershy..."

I nodded with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm sorry. What was that?" Twilight asked her, getting closer, so she could hear her.

The Pegasus, Fluttershy, repeated her words, softer and more quieter than before, backing away from Twilight

"Didn't quite catch that." Twilight told her.

Fluttershy backed away again, and squeaked in timid fear. The birds came back.

"Well, um, it looks like your birds are back." Twilight noticed and encouraged, "So, I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work."

The timid Pegasus squeaked in reply.

"Okay." Twilight muttered, walking off. Spike walked out of the bushes with a smile. "Well, that was easy." Twilight told him with a smile.

I heard a gasp from behind me, "A baby dragon!"

Fluttershy charged from behind me and stopped in front of Spike, making me and Twilight fly a few feet away from them, "Ow..."

"Oh. I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's so cute." Fluttershy cooed, staring at Spike with a sweet smile.

"Well, well, well...!" Spike looked at Twilight and with a cheeky smile, and crossed his arms.

"Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful, I just don't know what to say." Fluttershy smiled excitedly, hovering during the last part.

I recovered and smiled, "Heh. I didn't know you had a thing for animals."

Fluttershy smiled back at me, "Oh, yes. I love all animals. Big and small."

I gave her a bashful smile. I think I'm falling for the timid Pegasus.

Twilight grabbed Spike's hand and dragged him close to her, "Well, in that case, we'd better be going."

She began walking off. I quickly followed her by her side.

But Fluttershy followed to talk to Spike, "Wait, wait. What's his name?"

"I'm Spike." Spike introduced himself.

"Hi, Spike. I'm Fluttershy." Fluttershy introduced herself, then smiled with excitement, "Wow, a talking dragon. And what do dragons talk about?"

"What do you wanna know?" Spike asked.

"Absolutely everything." Fluttershy answered with a smile. Twilight groaned in frustration and annoyance.

"Well, I started out as cute little purple and green egg..." Spike began telling his story to Fluttershy.

*Later, Outside the Library...*

"...And that's the story of my whole entire life. Well, up until today." Spike finished his story, then asked Fluttershy, who followed us all the way, "Do you wanna hear about today?"

"Oh, yes please." Fluttershy insisted.

Then Twilight turned to Fluttershy, before Spike could say another word, "I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville. And my poor baby dragon needs his sleep." She lied to the gentle Pegasus.

"No I don't." Spike shot back, but Twilight lightly kicked, making it look like he fell.

"Awww... wook at dat. He's so sweepy, he can't even keep his widdle bawance." Twilight cooed in a baby tone. Spike and I gave the lavender Unicorn a glare.

Fluttershy picked Spike up, "Poor thing. You simply must get into bed." She flew into the library, but Twilight stopped her and pushed her out.

"Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well g'night." Twilight told Fluttershy, as I walked into the library.

Twilight Sparkle slammed the door closed in Fluttershy's face and locked it. It was very dark in the library.

"Rude much?" I asked Twilight with a glare, as Spike folded his arms.

"Sorry, guys. But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time." Twilight explained, then realized how dark it was and began looking around, "Now, where's the light?"

The light was switched on, and everypony was in the library yelling, "Surprise!"

Twilight groaned in annoyance.

"Surprise!" The pink pony from before shouted with a large smile on her face, "Hi. I'm Pinkie Pie. And we threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh, huh, huh?" She introduced, then asked me and Twilight, jumping all over the place.

"Very surprised." Twilight Sparkle told her, then added in annoyance, "Libraries are supposed to be quiet!"

"Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring!" Pinkie Pie started chatting, as Twilight went off to get a quick drink. "Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all 'Hello' and I was all... " Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp, then continued, "Remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!"

Twilight groaned a little. She stopped at the drink table, and started pouring some juice, from the red bottle, into a cup. I drew a blank, unsure how to explain to the lavender Unicorn that she was gonna drink a cup full of hot sauce.

Pinkie Pie continued with her story, "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went ...!" Pinkie Pie took a deep gasp again, "I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!"

Suddenly, Twilight stopped drinking, and turned to see everypony. She tried to say something, but her face was turning red and she was crying

"Are you alright, SugarCube?" Applejack asked Twilight.

Twilight's mane and tail burst into flames, as she jumped into the air, and dashed to the washroom.

"Aww! She's so happy, she's crying." Pinkie Pie said with that huge smile plastered on her face.

Spike picked up the bottle and read the label, "Hot sauce."

Pinkie Pie poured some on to a cupcake and ate it without a single flinch from the sauce, "What? It's good."

*Later, that night...*

I walked out of the library for a breathe of fresh air, from being around so many ponies. I've never been one for crowds, or loud noises, or parties. So I just needed some time alone to think.

I looked up at the moon, as four stars circled around it, getting closer as they circled. The moon's eye glowed. I blinked, as a vision played in my mind.

"Nellie? Are you alright?" I heard a voice speak from behind me.

I blinked, as my vision returned to normal. I shook my head and turned to see Pinkie Pie and faked a smile, "Yeah. I'm alright. Just been staring at the stars for too long."

Pinkie Pie smiled, "Okay. Applejack called me to get you. It's time to see the sun rise." Her smile grew tighter, "You know what that means?"

With that, she hopped off to follow the other ponies making their way to the Town Hall. I looked at the moon one last time, then followed the excited Earth Pony mare.

*Later, inside the Town Hall...*

Everypony gathered around the grand stage, as we waited for the mayor, Mayor Mare, to introduced the coming of the celebration. Pinkie Pie dashed right next to Twilight Sparkle.

"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited? 'Cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited- Well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went..." Pinkie took a deep gasp, then continued, "But I mean really, who can top that?"

I kept my eyes on the moon and the stars. The stars were moving closer to the moon, quicker than before.

Fluttershy's birds sang their song, as a spotlight shone upon an adult, light brown earth pony mare with white mane and tail, wearing glasses and a business tie.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts. As the Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." The Mayor announced. Everypony cheered in joy.

"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year." The Mayor continued, as I looked at the moon. I saw the stars enter the moon, and the unicorn crater formation disappeared. I held my breath.

"And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." The Mayor began the introduction of Princess Celestia.

I saw Fluttershy look at her birds with a smile, "Ready".

"Princess Celestia." The Mayor finished, as Rarity pulled the rope, Fluttershy's birds sang, and the curtains revealed to show nothing.

"Huh?" Rarity exclaimed, as she noticed and began to look backstage.

"This can't be good." I heard Twilight mutter to herself, as everypony began to mumble to themselves.

"Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation." Mayor Mare told everypony, as they went quiet.

Pinkie Pie jumped in excitement, "Ooh, ooh. I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" She asked, as she began looking around.

Rarity returned with a shocked look on her face, "She's gone."

Everypony gasped in shock and horror.

"Ooooh. She's good." Pinkie said with a smile, until she yelped loudly.

A mist of dark blue and stars appeared on the balcony. Everypony was tense and began muttering. I narrowed my eyes and prepared myself.

"Oh no." Twilight grimaced, as the mist took the form of a young adult Alicorn.

The Alicorn was covered in black fur. Her eyes were turquoise with a menacing glare. Ethereal mane and tail that looked like the night sky. She wore a dark blue Greek dress with a light blue armor breastplate. Her Cutie Mark was splodge of indigo night sky with a crescent moon. Located on the chest area of the armor.

"Nightmare Moon."

Spike gasped and fainted.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little, sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon greeted, with an evil smile on her dark face.

"What have you done with our Princess!?" Rainbow Dash asked her in a 'demanding to know' tone. She dashed to fight Nightmare Moon, but Applejack was able to catch her by the tail.

"Whoa there, Nelly." Applejack calmed.

Nightmare Moon chuckled. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Do you know who I am?" She asked with a serious look replacing her smile.

"Ooh, ooh. More guessing games. Um, Hokey Smokes. How about... Queen Meanie? No. Black Snooty. Black Snoot-" Pinkie Pie guessed with a cheerful smile, but Applejack put an apple in her mouth, to stop her from talking.

Nightmare Moon looked around the crowd of ponies, then laid her eyes upon me. The other ponies around me stepped away from me, as Nightmare Moon flew toward me.

She smiled, "Well, well. A Child of the Night to welcome her queen's return." Then she raised my chin to look at her in the eyes, "Tell me, My Little Warrior, where are the others?"

I refused to answer her. Nightmare Moon frowned at me, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" She glared at me, "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

"I did!" Twilight Sparkle spoke up, catching everypony's attention, including Nightmare Moon's, "You're the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon." She finished.

Everypony gasped in shock and fear.

Nightmare Moon chuckled again, "Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me. Then you must know why I here."

"You're here to..." Twilight tried to answer, but couldn't bring herself to finish. "To..."

"Remember this day, little ponies. For it will be your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon announced, laughing evilly, as thunder and lightning flashed and crashed.

Her mane and tail flew upward, forming a small tornado over her head.

To be Continued...

The Elements of Harmony

~Eleanor's POV.~

Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, as her mane and tail floated upward.

"Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!" Mayor Mare told the royal guards. The guards took flight and dashed toward the evil, black mare. I gasped.

"Stand back, you fools!" Nightmare Moon shouted, as her eyes glowed white, and lightning struck in between the guards and herself.

The guards halted their charge, and Nightmare Moon laughed. She morphed into mist of the night sky, and, of course, flew toward me and circled around me. I closed my eyes and braced myself.

I felt a pulse of pain course through me as I heard Nightmare Moon's voice whisper in my ear, "Equestria will be ours yet, My Loyal Warrior."

The pain subsided, I opened my eyes and Nightmare Moon was gone. Rainbow Dash dashed after her, since Applejack's grip loosened. Twilight picked up Spike over her back and left the town hall in a hurry. I followed behind her.

I was looking through the library, while Twilight put Spike to bed.

As Twilight arrived, she started looking through the pile of books I made, "Elements. Elements. Elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon, without the Elements of Harmony?"

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew into the library and into the lavender unicorn's face, "And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow Dash asked, "And how do you two know about Nightmare Moon? Are you spies?"

Applejack stopped Dash from asking anymore questions, by pulling her tail back, "Simmer down, Sally." She let go and looked at me and Twilight Sparkle, "They ain't no spy. But, they do seem to know what's going on. Don't ya, Ellie?"

Twilight looked at the Ponies before her, waiting for an answer. I looked at Twilight and moved my head and waved my hand to gesture 'Go on'.

Twilight Sparkle sighed and explained, "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them, I don't even know what they do!"

"'The Elements of Harmony; A Reference Guide.'" Pinkie Pie read, looking at a bookshelf, close to the door.

Twilight dashed toward the shelf and stared at the book, accidentally throwing Pinkie away, "How did you find that?"

"It was under 'E'..." Pinkie Pie answered in a sing-song voice, jumping around.

"Oh." Twilight uttered under her breath. She used her magic to open the book and began reading, "'There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the Elements was in the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is now-'"

*At the Entrance of the Everfree Forest...*

"The Everfree Forest." Everypony grimaced in fear.

I tilted my head in confusion. I never understood why the Everfree Forest is so scary. Just because it looks after itself without any pony magic to help...

"Wheee! Let's go." Pinkie Pie encouraged, walking into the forest.

"Not so fast!" Twilight Sparkle spoke up, Pinkie froze in mid-step, "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd rather do this on my own."

"No can do, SugarCube. We're not letting any friend of ours go into a dangerous place alone." Applejack told me. Twilight froze, at the word 'friend'. Again with that word, "We're stickin' on ya like caramel on a candy apple." Applejack finished, as she and the others trotted into the forest. Everypony agreed.

Pinkie Pie un-froze and hopped, "Especially if there's candy apple in there." Twilight Sparkle stared at her in confusion, "What? Those things are good." Pinkie Pie followed the other Ponies.

"I understand why you're taking so much responsibility, Twilight." I spoke up from behind her, "But, you must understand that you can't do everything on your own. Sometimes, you just need a little faith."

Then I followed the Ponies into the Everfree Forest. The moment I entered the forest, I began hearing voices whisper in my ear. I looked up and the leaves were moving in the trees in wonder.

"So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight Sparkle asked, as we walked down the forest.

"Ugh. Heavens no. Just look at it, it's dreadful." Rarity answered, with slight fear in her voice.

"And it ain't natural. Folk say it don't work the same as Equestria." Applejack included.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight asked in curiosity.

"Nopony knows. Ya know why?" Rainbow Dash said and asked, in a creepy voice, creeping toward Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Rainbow, quit it." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, but she didn't listen.

"'Cause every pony who's ever come in, has never come OUT!" Rainbow spooked, jumping and shouting the last word.

Suddenly, the cliff we were standing on gave out and everypony fell, except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew to save Pinkie Pie and Rarity. I pushed my hands forward and the cliff created a foothold strong enough to hold Applejack and my weight. However, Twilight continued to fall and found herself hanging over the edge of the cliff, with nothing the grab onto. Applejack and I looked at each other, uncertain who would go first.

Applejack was the first to jump off the foothold and slide towards Twilight, "Hold on. I'm a-comin'."

She grabbed her by the hands, but she wasn't strong enough to pull Twilight up.

"Applejack, what do I do?" Twilight Sparkle asked her in a panic.

Applejack looked up, then looked at Twilight, "Let go."

"Are you crazy?" Twilight asked her.

"No, I ain't. I promise ya'll be safe." She told the lavender Unicorn with a calm tone in her voice.

"That's not true!" Twilight Sparkle told her, trying to help herself up a bit.

"Now, listen here. What I'm tellin' ya is the honest truth. Let go, 'n' you'll be safe." Applejack assured her.

Twilight looked at Applejack. Twilight let go and screamed for dear life. Acting on instinct, I leaped off the foothold and used my magic to levitate myself and dove toward Twilight. Once Twilight was close enough, I reached my hand toward her and my magic was able to catch Twilight before she hit the ground.

Twilight looked up at me and sighed in relief, as I lowered her and myself gently to the ground.

Applejack made her way down the cliff, by jumping down the stones that lead the way down. Once everything calmed down, we continued down the path through the Everfree Forest.

I felt a pulse of pain surge through my head, but I ignored it and caught up with the others.

Of course Rainbow Dash was telling the story of how I was able to save Twilight, "And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, WHOOSH! Ellie leaped off the cliff, loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time."

Twilight rolled her eyes, "Yes, Rainbow, I was there." She smiled at me, "And I'm very grateful, but we gotta-" Then she gasped in shocked.

A large Manticore roared loudly to catch our attention.

A Manticore is a large lion with dragon wings, large teeth, and a scorpion's tail. They're very dangerous when disturbed or under attack.

"A Manticore!" Twilight identified, as it roared in anger and rage.

"We gotta get past him." Twilight Sparkle told everypony.

The Manticore aimed to attack Rarity, but Rarity dodged and punched him in the chin, knocking him back a bit, "Take that, you ruffian!"

The Manticore roared at Rarity. Rarity's mane got fluffed up and poofy, like Pinkie's but more wild. Rarity looked at her mane in dismay, "My hair!" Then she remembered the Manticore and ran.

"Wait." Fluttershy tried to say, but she was too quiet for everypony to hear her.

The Manticore chased Rarity, until Applejack jumped on to its back. "YEE-HAW! Get along, little doggy!" She shouted, as the Manticore thrashed around, trying to get her off.

"Wait." Fluttershy said again, but a bit louder. Sadly, she still couldn't be heard.

The Manticore was able to throw Applejack off his head.

"All yours, partner." Applejack told Rainbow Dash, as she flew past her.

"I'm on it!" Rainbow Dash saluted, flying at full speed toward the Manticore.

"Wait!" Fluttershy tried to shout again, but nopony listened.

Rainbow Dashed used her Rain-Blow Dry to distract the Manticore. However, the Manticore used its scorpion tail to attack Rainbow Dash, causing her attack to stop and crash toward us.

"Rainbow!" Twilight called in worry. She landed in front of us and tried to get back up.

Twilight glared at the Manticore. He scuffed his right paw, as she and Applejack leaned forward, ready to charge.

They charged toward the Manticore, until I jumped in front of them and shouted, "STOOOOP!"

The four mares stopped a few feet from me. I turned to Fluttershy and nodded with a smile, "Go ahead, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy nodded back, turned to the Manticore and smiled. She walked up to him. The Manticore roared and raised his right paw.

"Ellie, what are you thinking?" Rainbow asked me.

"Watch." I simply answered.

"Shh... It's okay." Fluttershy told the Manticore in a kind tone.

As she put her hand over his left paw, she assured him with a smile. The Manticore looked a little uncertain, but showed Fluttershy a large thorn in his left paw.

"Oh, you poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy said, showing sympathy for the Manticore.

"Little?" Rainbow Dash repeated in confusion.

"Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy assured the Manticore, as she grabbed the thorn and pulled it out. The Manticore picked her up and roared.

"Fluttershy!" The others called out of worry for the shy Pegasus.

The Manticore purred in happiness, as he licked Fluttershy's face and mane in gratitude.

She giggled, "Aw, you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are."

We walked past the Manticore, but I stopped for Fluttershy. The Manticore put her down and she joined the rest of us.

"How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked her.

"I didn't. Sometimes, we just need to be shown a little kindness." She answered with a smile.

Suddenly, I felt the pulse of pain again from before. The pain surged through me, as I could hear Nightmare Moon's voice in my head, "My Little Warrior... I'm waiting for you..."

"Ellie! You coming?" I heard Twilight call out to me.

I shook my head and quickly followed close behind, "Y-yeah. I'm right behind you."

"Ugh... My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity whined, as we entered a dark forest. The forest covered the moon, making it hard to see in front of our noses, "Well, I didn't mean it literally."

"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it." Twilight told everyone.

Everyone started shouting at each other, due to the darkness.

"Oh wait. I think I stepped in somethin'." Applejack spoke up, as she lifted her hooves.

Fluttershy must've saw something, because she screamed in fright.

"It's just mud." Applejack told Fluttershy, until she saw what Fluttershy screamed at.

She yelped and joined us. The trees glowed with scary faces. We screamed in fright, except for me and Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie was laughing at the trees, making funny faces and giggled, I made scary faces and giggling with Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie, Eleanor, what are you two doing? Run!" Twilight asked us, and told us with pure worry and fear.

I just shrugged, "Silly fillies. This isn't scary."

"Oh, girls. Don't you see?" Pinkie asked, until she started dancing.

Pinkie, the Girls and I laughed the scary faces away, and continued to laugh out of joy and enjoyment.

We laughed our way to the river, but we stopped to notice the waves were rapid and wavy. Impossible to swim across.

"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Suddenly, we heard a distant cry from down the river. We followed the river and saw a purple sea serpent, with an orange, combed mane, and half-a-mustache, crying in sorrow. Thrashing his tail, creating the wild waves.

"What a world! What a world!" The crying serpent cried, as he threw his fists into the water.

"Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?" Twilight Sparkle asked the sea serpent in a polite tone.

"Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this 'tacky' little cloud of purple smoke just wisped past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off." The serpent explained, before sobbing again, "And now I look simply horrid!"

He dove into the river, with his head laying on the bank, and the water splashed all over us.

"Oh, you poor thing." I sighed in sympathy.

"Oh. Gimme a break." Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance.

"That's what all this fuss is about?" Applejack asked, not understanding fashion.

"Why, of course, it is! How can you be so insensitive?" Rarity snapped, as she walked to the sorrowful sea serpent, and stroked his chin, "Oh, just look at him. Such lovely, luminescent scales."

"I know." The serpent answered, sniffing a bit.

"And your expertly coiffed mane." Rarity added with a smile.

"Oh, I know. I know." The serpent smiled, stroking his mane.

"Your fabulous manicure." Rarity continued.

"Oh, it's so true." The serpent continued to smile, until Rarity's smile vanished.

"All ruined without your beautiful mustache." Rarity finished.

"It's true! I'm hideous!" He cried, covering his face.

"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulous-ity go uncorrected." Rarity said with determination. She ran toward the sea serpent, and ripped a scale off from his side.

"Ow! What did you do that for?" He asked.

"Rarity, What are you-" Twilight Sparkle was cut-off by Rarity used the scale to chop off her tail.

All of the ponies gasped in shock, as the serpent fainted.

Rarity used her magic to fuse her tail to what remained of the sea serpent's mustache.

The serpent laughed in joy and relief, "My mustache. How wonderful."

"You look smashing." Rarity smiled.

"Oh, Rarity. Your beautiful tail." Twilight frowned sadly, at the sight of Rarity's new short tail.

"Oh, it's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back." Rarity assured her with a small smile.

Twilight Sparkle smiled back, then Rainbow Dash whispered to her, "So would the mustache."

"We can cross now. Let's go." Twilight Sparkle told everypony, starting to cross the calm river. The Girls and I followed behind her.

As she reached half-way across, something purple lifted us from the water. It was the serpent

"Allow me." He insisted. So, we jumped across his back and made it to the other side.

As we traveled through the forest we came to a bridge with the ruin just on the other side.

"There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" Twilight Sparkle smiled with relief and happiness. She charged toward the bridge.

"Twilight, wait for us." Applejack called, as we followed after us.

"We're almost there!" Twilight told us, until she came across the bridge and slipped.

She struggled to prevent herself, so I grabbed her by the tail and pulled her to safety.

"What's with you and fallin' off cliffs today?" I asked her with a joking smile.

We all looked over the misty chasm. The bridge was broken on the other side. The rope was snapped.

"Now what?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Duh..." Rainbow replied, as she flapped her wings.

"Oh yeah." Pinkie Pie said with a smile.

With that, Rainbow Dash dived into the chasm to fix the bridge. There was a few minutes of silence, until Twilight called out, "Rainbow! What's taking so long?"

I looked across the chasm and narrowed my eyes. Rainbow Dash was talking to a trio of dark-toned pegasi.

But something was off about them. I gasped in clarity and shouted to Rainbow Dash, "Don't listen to them, Rainbow!"

But the mist moved over the bridge and muffled my voice. I growled in frustration. Then saw Rainbow Dash flying toward us as the mist cleared.

The girls and I cheered in joy and relief as Rainbow Dash returned from fixing the bridge. The mist cleared and the three pegasi were gone.

"See? I'd never let my friends hangin'." Rainbow told me with a smile, as we crossed the bridge.

I smiled in relief, as voices began chanting again. Then another pulse of pain surged through me.

Nightmare Moon's voice echoed in my ear, "The time is close, My Little Warrior..."

I shook my head and followed close behind the others.

The Girls and I entered the ruin and saw the Elements of Harmony upon the center altar. The Elements were fossilized gems, like they haven't been used for centuries.

"Whoa." Applejack gasped in awe, as we saw the altar, "Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what ya been waitin' for?" Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle, as the lavender unicorn looked at the altar.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "The Elements of Harmony. We've found them."

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew and picked up the Elements, one-by-one, and placed them in front of me.

"Careful. Careful." Twilight told them, not wanting to break the Elements.

"One, two, three, four..." Pinkie Pie counted, then she drew a blank a little, "There's only five."

"Where are the sixth?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight, as Fluttershy put down the last one.

"The book says: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause that sixth Element to be revealed'." Twilight answered, as she examined the fossilized Elements.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked, not understanding riddles much.

I glared at the amber-golden mare, "Applejack, language."

"I'm not sure. But, I have an idea." Twilight told us, "Stand back. I don't know what will happen." Then she looked at me, "Ellie, I need you to stay with me." She closed her eyes, as her horn glowed in her magical aura.

"Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Applejack told everypony, as she and the Girls left the ruin.

Suddenly a cold chill ran down my spine and I didn't move. I couldn't feel my legs. It was like my whole body shut down. My head was lowered, my bangs shadowing my eyes. I tried to move, but nothing seemed to be responding.

Suddenly, a smile grew on my face as I darkly chuckled. I walked past Twilight and walked over to the Elements of Harmony. I pushed Twilight over, cancelling her spell.

Twilight recovered and looked at me in shock, "Eleanor, what are you-"

I looked her and smirked. My entire body was moving on its own. I felt a dark presence and a tornado of night sky appeared, picking up the Elements and was about to take them away.

"The Elements!" Twilight gasped. I chuckled and entered the tornado, teleporting myself to the other side of the castle.

I tried to fight whatever was controlling me, but it's stronger than I thought it would be. As I reappeared from the teleportation, I bowed before the pony in front of me, Nightmare Moon.

I heard Twilight's voice gasp behind me, "Eleanor? How could you?"

I turned and looked at my best friend with a dark smirk. Twilight saw Nightmare Moon and gasped, "Rainbow Dash was right! You were a spy for Nightmare Moon!"

Twilight! You don't understand! I'm not in control of myself. Help me!

Silence, you fool! You are a Child of the Night. Serve your queen!

Nightmare Moon, you don't have to do this. This isn't the way. Please, Princess Luna. I know what's it's like to feel underappreciated.

You do?

No! You don't know what's like! You'll see! The night will last forever!

Please, you have to listen to me! Even with all that power, you'll always be alone. Even with followers. Is that truly what you want? To be alone?

You have no right to tell me what I want! I...

I...

My body turned and saw Twilight Sparkle leaning forward slightly, ready to charge. Her horn glowing in her magical aura.

"You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon and I asked in unison.

Twilight charged toward toward Nightmare Moon. Acting on it's own, my body turned and charged toward the lavender Unicorn.

I charged into Twilight with a powerful shoulder-tackle, knocking her a few feet from Nightmare Moon to her left.

Twilight looked at me, "Eleanor, what are you doing?"

"Something I should have done a long time ago." I answered with Nightmare Moon's voice under my own.

Twilight picked herself up and charged to attack me. I kicked her back and Twilight tried to hit me with a magical blast. I punched my fist into the ground to create a shield of earth. The magical blast faded and I lowered my shield. With a small smirk, my hands glowed in a fiery orange glow and I attacked Twilight with a blast of fire, throwing the lavender Unicorn into the wall behind her.

She looked at me and noticed a moon symbol glowing under my bangs, on my forehead. Like Nightmare Moon's breastplate. Twilight gasped and turned to Nightmare Moon, "What have you done to my best friend?"

My body froze and I looked at Twilight.

Did she just call me her best friend?

Twilight took advantage and knocked me a few feet from her with a magical blast from her horn. Memories of Sunset Shimmer flashed before my eyes for a second, then I shook my head and growled at my study partner.

Twilight, stop! Let me talk to her.

Nightmare Moon chuckled with a dark smile, "I just awoken her inner warrior. She's a Child of the Night."

I smirked, my hands glowing leaf green and charged toward Twilight Sparkle. Twilight braced herself and her horn glowed. Just as I got close enough, she vanished. Twilight Sparkle reappeared behind Nightmare Moon, but she was a little dizzy.

She recovered and then lit her horn up again, "Just one little spark. Come on, come on!"

The Elements glowed in Twilight's magical aura, and sparks flew around them. The magic hit Twilight and threw her away from the Elements of Harmony, leaving Nightmare Moon with the fossilized gems.

"No. No!" Nightmare Moon grimaced, as the Elements glowed. Twilight Sparkle smiled, but the Elements stopped glowing around Nightmare Moon. Nothing happened.

"But... Where is the sixth Element?" Twilight Sparkle wondered, as Nightmare Moon and I laughed.

Nightmare Moon destroyed the Elements into shards with one powerful stomp.

"You little fool! Thinking you can defeat me!" Nightmare Moon shouted, "Now, you will never see your princess, or your sun. The night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon laughed, as her mane and tail rose to the sky once again.

Twilight looked at us in hopeless defeat. Suddenly, I heard the voices of the Girls calling out Twilight's name.

Applejack. Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash. Rarity. Twilight Sparkle.

I felt something warm building up in my heart. It felt powerful.

I understand now!

Twilight gasped in shock, then looked at me and Nightmare Moon, "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony, just like that? Well, you're wrong. Because the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!" She told us, as the six mares arrived by her side.

The shards glowed and began to circle around five of the mares.

"What?" Nightmare Moon asked in confusion and shock.

"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the Spirit of Honesty." Twilight Sparkle started, as the orange shards circled Applejack.

"Fluttershy, who tamed the Manticore with her compassion, represents the Spirit of Kindness." The pink shards surrounded Fluttershy.

"Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the Spirit of Laughter." Blue shards circled Pinkie Pie.

"Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the Spirit of Generosity." Indigo shards floated around Rarity.

"And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire, represents the Spirit of Loyalty." Twilight finished, as the light red shards circled Rainbow Dash.

"The spirits of these five Ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us." She told Nightmare Moon and I.

"You still don't have the sixth Element. The spark didn't work." Nightmare pointed out, looking around for something.

"But, it did. A different kind of spark." Twilight replied. She turned to her five friends, "I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared for you. The spark ignited inside me, when I realized you all..." She turned back to Nightmare Moon and I, "Are my friends!"

Suddenly, a light shone above Twilight's head. A fossilized gem, with a six-point star marking, appeared, floating above her head. A glowing, pastel green wisp of light appeared from above the stone and flew toward my heart, making my eyes glow in colors of the rainbow.

"You see, Nightmare Moon. When those Elements are ignited by the... The Spark, that resides in the hearts of us all, along with the one with a pure heart revealed, it creates the sixth Element and the Hidden Element. The Elements of... Empathy and Magic." Twilight explained, as a bright light consumed her and the others.

The glowing shards created necklaces around the Girls' necks, as the sixth Element created a tiara on top of Twilight's head. My Element fused into me, merging with the magic of the Elements, turning me into a rainbow beam and create a tornado around Nightmare Moon.

Twilight opened her eyes and there was a flash of light. Once the light faded, everypony dropped to the ground in slight exhaustion, then recovered.

"Ow. My head." Rainbow Dash said in slight pain.

"Is everypony ok?" Applejack asked, looking around.

"Oh thank goodness." Rarity shouted, getting everypony's attention. She was smiling, looking at her fully re-grown tail.

"Why Rarity, it's so lovely." Fluttershy complimented with a smile.

"I know. I'll never part with it again." Rarity said, rubbing her head against her crest.

"No. Your necklace. It looks just like your Cutie Mark." Fluttershy simplified.

"What? Oh?" Rarity asked, as she looked her necklace.

It was gold with the indigo gem, in the shape of a diamond, just like her Cutie Mark.

"So does yours." Rarity noticed Fluttershy's.

Fluttershy looked and gasped with a smile. Everypony's necklace looked like their Cutie Mark. Mine looked like a green wisp or a leaf.

"Look at mine. Look at mine!" Pinkie cheered, jumping around, looking at her necklace.

"Aw yeah." Rainbow Dash smiled in pride of her necklace.

Twilight looked at her tiara and noticed, like the necklaces, a gem that looked like her Cutie Mark too. My smile turned to a frown and I lowered my head in shame.

Twilight walked over to me and put her hand over my shoulder. I looked at her and she smiled. She knew I wasn't in control of myself when I fought her.

"That was awesome!" Rainbow Dash smiled and me, "You turned into a rainbow." Then she dashed toward me, "What was it like? Was it cool?"

"It was exhilarating! But terrifying." I answered, "I'm also a bit thirsty."

Rainbow Dash frowned, while I gave her a sheepish smile, "And just like that, the magic is gone..."

"Gee, Twilight." Applejack spoke up to Twilight Sparkle, "I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hoo-ey. But, I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship."

"Indeed, you do." A voice spoke, as the sun rose from the mountains.

From the light of the sun, a tall and regal, pale pink, almost white Alicorn appeared. She had a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. She wore a white Greek dress, a sun broach and golden shoes. Her mane was pastel-toned and was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Everypony bowed, except Twilight.

I gasped in recognition of the Alicorn before us and bowed.

"Princess Celestia." Twilight smiled, as she ran toward the Princess of the Day.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student." Celestia greeted Twilight with a hug, "I knew you could do it."

"But, you told me it was all an old pony tale." Twilight reminded her.

"I told you that you needed to make some friends. Nothing more." Princess Celestia reminded Twilight, "I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart." She explained, as Twilight looked at the Girls and I, who smiled at her too.

"Now, if only another will as well." Celestia added in a sad tone.

We stopped smiling and followed her gaze. In Nightmare Moon's place, was a smaller, navy blue Alicorn, with the same Cutie Mark as Nightmare Moon, only the patch of night was black. Her mane and tail were turquoise, just like her eyes. And she wore a small, black tiara.

"Princess Luna." Celestia greeted. The alicorn, Princess Luna, gasped awake from the sound of Celestia's voice.

"It has been a thousand years, since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." Celestia told her.

"Sister?" Twilight and her friends repeated in unison and confusion.

"Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked. We all leaned forward and held our breath. Of course, Pinkie leaned too far forward and fell.

With tears in her eyes, Luna dashed into a hug with Celestia, "I'm so sorry. I've missed you so much, big sister."

"I've missed you, too." Celestia said with tears in her eyes, and hugged Luna back.

Princess Luna turned to me. I bowed my head. Princess Luna rested her hand over my shoulder, "I'm so sorry that I controlled you, Child of the Night. You were right."

I gently wrapped my arms around the young Alicorn, "It's okay. All is forgiven."

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie's sobs disturbed the reunion. Then she stopped, "Hey. Do you know what this calls for?"

*Later, at Ponyville...*

"A party!" Pinkie Pie finished, as we began a large celebration upon our return.

Eveypony welcomed us back from the Everfree Forest, including Spike, who gave Twilight Sparkle a large hug. As Celestia and Luna arrived, Luna looked a little upset, until two pegasi foals gave her a necklace of flowers around her neck. Indicating that they don't see her as a threat anymore. Luna smiled at Celestia. Twilight looked sad.

"Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Celestia asked Twilight.

"That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." Twilight told her with a sad look.

Celestia smiled, "Spike, take a note, please." Spike got a paper and quill, and began writing Celestia's words, "'I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.'"

The Girls and I gathered around Twilight Sparkle and cheered in happiness that she didn't have to leave us.

"Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia. I'll study harder than ever before." Twilight Sparkle promised her with a smile.

The Ticket Master

~Eleanor's POV~

It was just before noon, in Sweet Apple Acres, as Applejack, Twilight and I just finished picking for the Golden Delicious apples. Of course, Applejack asked us and Twilight and I had no schedule today.

Spike was looking through the apples, for a snack, "No. Nope. Nope--"

"Thank you both kindly, Twilight, for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these golden delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles." Applejack thanked, giggling on the last part, which caused me to giggle on the thought.

"No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry." Twilight answered with a smile on her face.

"I know, right?" Spike added, accidentally throwing an apple over Twilight's head. Twilight glared at him.

"Puh-leez, Spike, you've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked." Twilight pointed out, putting emphasis on the 'we'. As we walked back to the barn.

"Exactly. You three are taking so long, I missed snack-time." Spike explained.

I rolled my eyes at him, in humor.

As Spike continued looking through the apples, Twilight's stomach growled in hunger. She laughed nervously, "Eh, I guess we better get some food."

"Nope. Worm. A-ha!" Spike said as he searched, until he found a large, bright red apple.

Twilight licked her lips at the sight of the apple, "Oh Spike, that looks delicious." However, Spike ate the apple. Twilight glared, "Spike!"

Spike looked at Twilight, and swallowed before speaking, "What?" Then, he put his claws over his stomach and burped out a green flame, which transformed into a scroll.

"It's a letter from Princess Celestia." Twilight identified as Spike opened the scroll.

He clears his throat and read, "'Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of', eh, yadda yadda yadda, 'cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest'."

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight and Applejack shouted in excitement.

I shrunk me head into my shoulders. I'm not very fond of parties. Including the annual Great Galloping Gala. High society Ponies mingling, talking about businesses, casting down the lower classes. *Shudders*

"Woo-hoo!" Applejack cheered as she and Twilight jumped around together in joy.

Spike silently gagged, then burped up two golden tickets from his fire breath, "Look, two tickets."

"Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?" Twilight said, then asked Spike.

"No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly, frilly, frou-frou nonsense." Spike answered, lying through his teeth.

His lie made me giggle lightly and give him a look, "And who said it was girl-y and frou-frou?"

Twilight smiled, "Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice."

"Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go." Applejack told Twilight, before going into her dream land, "Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles till the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip."

Applejack returned to reality, "Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala."

"Oh, well in that case, would you like to--" Twilight began to ask, before I felt tense and pushed her and Applejack back a few steps. "Ellie, what was-"

"Whoa!" We heard Rainbow Dash shout, until she fell from the tree on the other side of the fence, and crashed on top of me. "Ow..."

"Are we talking about The Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow asked, putting landing on me behind her.

"Rainbow, could you... Maybe... I dunno... GET OFF ME?!" I asked Rainbow, struggling to breathe.

Rainbow looked at me and quickly hopped off me, "Oh, I'm sorry. Ellie. You should've said something."

I stood up, dusted myself off and glared at her. I said 'ow' and 'get off'. What else could I say? 'Quack'?

"Rainbow Dash, you told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing, spyin'?" Applejack told and asked Rainbow, annoyed from her lying from before.

"No, I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" Rainbow answered, then asked Twilight with a huge smile on her face. I shook my head, knowing where this was going.

"Yeah, but--" Twilight tried to answer, but Rainbow cut her off.

"YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at The Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now." Rainbow Dash went into her dream world, "Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on The Wonderbolts, but then in would fly, Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, The Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member."

Rainbow left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!"

Applejack pulled Rainbow away from Twilight, "Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here." She let go of Rainbow's arm before continuing, "I asked for that ticket first."

Rainbow glared at Applejack, "So? That doesn't mean you own it."

Applejack glared back, "Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a arm-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket."

With that said, Rainbow Dash and Applejack went to a tree-stump and locked arms. Both struggled to overpower each other, but Twilight got in between them.

"Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?" Twilight told them.

Applejack dashed in front of Rainbow, "Drummin' up business for the farm?"

Rainbow dashed in front of Applejack, "A chance to audition for The Wonderbolts?"

"Money t' fix Granny's hip."

"Living the dream."

Twilight got a little lost, "Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?" Her stomach growled again. She chuckled, "Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?"

Spike hopped onto Twilight's back, and we walked off to Ponyville to get some lunch.

"Okay." Applejack and Rainbow agreed with a sad tone. Then, they resumed their arm-wrestle.

I felt Twilight look at me, "Why aren't you asking for the ticket, Ellie?"

I gave her a light smile, "I don't want to go with just one of my friends, Twilight. If all my friends are going, I'm going too." Twilight smiled at me. Then my smile went serious, "But, I must warn you, Twi. Like the Leprechauns of my world, you're holding something everyone wants. Best to keep this quiet, until you make your mind up."

Twilight nodded in understanding, and we continued to walk to the town.

*Later, in Ponyville...*

"So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked, as we were walking down the town.

"I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?" Twilight answered, then stated thinking.

I gasped, as I sensed a lot of pink, and pushed Twilight aside. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie dashed out of SugarCube Corner and crashed into me. However, she caused me to crash into Twilight and Spike. The crash caused Spike to drop the tickets on to Pinkie's nose.

"You really need to stop doing that." Twilight told me.

I gave her an apologetic look, "Sorry. Force of habbit."

Pinkie noticed the tickets and screamed, "Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!" She stopped and got a better look, "Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!"

Pinkie went into her dream world and began singing,

Pinkie returned to reality and began jumping around Twilight and I, "Oh thank you Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever." Pinkie batted her eyes rapidly.

Spike picked up the tickets, as Twilight began to explain, "Um, actually--"

Suddenly, we heard a gasp from behind Spike. It was Rarity, "Are these what I think they are?"

"Uh--" Twilight was lost for words.

I face-palmed and shook my head in annoyance. Here we go. So much for trying to keep the tickets quiet.

"Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to The Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot." Pinkie answered with a large grin on her face.

Rarity smiled in excitement, "The Gala? I design ensembles for the Gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet Him."

"Him!" Pinkie joined, then got confused and asked, "Who?"

"Him." Rarity explained, as she entered her dream world too, "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is..." She giggled, "What I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams."

Rarity left her dream world and looked at Twilight, "Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... Party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you?" She turned her head away in a pout, "Hmph."

"Rarity, are you crazy? Prince Blueblood?" I asked in astonishment, "He's.... He's... He's..." I couldn't bring myself to finish.

"Perfect? Yes, I know." Rarity smiled at me.

"Hey!" Spike shouted, as a white rabbit, Angel, took the tickets from Spike's hand and took them to show Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gasped, "Angel, these are perfect."

Twilight got her voice back and spoke up, "Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to."

"You haven't?" Pinkie and Rarity asked in unison. Pinkie was frowning, and Rarity was smiling.

Fluttershy spoke up, catching everypony's attention, "Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else--"

"You? You want to go to the Gala?" Rarity asked in disbelief.

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

Fluttershy returned to reality, floating in mid-air, and hugging Angel. This made me smile.

Twilight looked very unsure, "Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful?"

I put my hands together with stars in my eyes, "I'd be more than happy to show you around, Flutters."

"Wait just a minute." Rainbow voice broke the silence. We looked up and saw Rainbow Dash above our heads.

"Rainbow Dash, were you following us?" Twilight asked, in pure annoyance.

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody." Rainbow Dash asked, slightly lying through her teeth.

"Wait just another minute." Applejack spoke up from behind us.

"Applejack, were you following us too?" Twilight asked, as Applejack walked toward Rainbow.

"No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business." Applejack answered, pointing to Rainbow Dash. Then hissed, "Still trying to take my ticket."

"Your ticket?" Rainbow asked, putting emphasis on 'your'.

Pinkie Pie joined in, "But Twilight's taking me."

The ponies began to argue over the ticket, and who should get it. Getting louder and more into a riot.

Feeling too much pressure, Twilight closed her eyes, put her hands over her ears and curled up into a ball.

Not wanting my best friend in this state, I shouted at the top of my lungs, "STOOOOOP!!!"

Everypony stopped, except for Pinkie, "And then I said, 'Oatmeal, are you craz--' Oh." Pinkie stopped talking.

"Girls, there's no use in arguing." I told everypony.

"But Ellie-" Rarity began, but I cut her off, "Ah! This is Twilight's decision, and I'm gonna make sure she makes it on her own. And right now, she certainly can't think straight with all this noise..."

Twilight stood up and smiled at me, then her stomach growled again, "Not to mention hunger. Now go on. Shoo!"

Everypony left Twilight and I alone, grumbling a little as they went.

Twilight tried to reassure them, "And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow."

*Later, At A Restaurant...*

"Thanks for helping me back there, Ellie." Twilight thanked me with a smile.

I smiled back, "That's what friends are for."

"What am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala." Twilight summarized in great confusion, as she started picking petals from a flower, "Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?"

Her stomach growled again, so she ate the petals.

"Have you made your decision?" The waiter asked, in a strong French accent.

Out of frustration, Twilight shouted, "I CAN'T DECIDE!"

"Twilight, he just wants to take your order." Spike clarified, pointing to his menu.

Twilight blushed a little, "Oh. I would love a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich."

"Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked the waiter, but he got a glare. "No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy."

The waiter looked at me. "Make that two ham and cheese sandwiches, please."

The waiter nodded his head, took Spike's menu and left our table.

Twilight sighed, "What do you think, Spike?"

"I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like the regular food just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?" Spike answered, then asked in a rhetorical tone.

"I mean about the Gala and the ticket and who I should take." Twilight simplified.

Spike pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oh. You're still on that?"

"Spike, listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I--" Twilight began to panic, until our food arrived.

"Ah, your food." The waiter delivered our orders.

Spike began eating his hay fries. I quietly ate my ham and cheese sandwich. I have to say, the food in Equestria is not bad. Good thing these ponies are omnivores. I wouldn't be able to live without my meat. Heheheh.

"Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat." Twilight smiled with delight. She was about to take a bite, but paused when she noticed the ponies running inside.

"Em, madames? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?" The waiter asked.

"It's not raining." Twilight said, until she looked around. It was raining, but not on us. "What's going on?" She asked.

"Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?" Rainbow greeted, then asked us with a big grin on her face, popping out of the hole, in the large rain cloud, right above us.

"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight asked, getting annoyed.

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

"You've got to be kidding..." I sighed in a deadpan tone.

Twilight raised an eyebrow, "Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?"

Rainbow played innocent, "Me? No no no, of course not."

"Uh-huh." Twilight nodded.

"Seriously, I'd do it for any pony." Rainbow admitted, but everypony was still running for shelter. "Heh heh, eh." Rainbow chuckled nervously.

"Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now." Twilight told Rainbow in pure annoyance.

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Ugh, fine." With that, she closed the hole. However, the cloud was still dark grey.

Twilight smiled, "That's better." However, rain poured over her, ruining our lunch, and before she could take a bite. Twilight growled in annoyance.

"Twilight, it's raining." Rarity arrived, under one of her umbrellas.

"No, really?" Twilight asked in full sarcasm.

"Come with me before you catch a cold." Rarity insisted, dragging Twilight to her shop. Spike and I followed closely.

As we arrived, Twilight shook the rain out of herself, but accidentally soaked me and Rarity.

"Heh heh, oops, sorry." Twilight apologized, chuckling slightly. Rarity looked annoyed and cross. I just laughed it off.

Rarity calmed and smiled, "Oh no, it's quite alright. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?"

Twilight drew a blank, "Uh..."

I flinched in knowing what's going to happen.

"Makeovers!" Rarity called in cheer, as she and Twilight were hidden behind a changing door.

I could hear Twilight mutter from all the noise, "Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight."

Rarity removed the door to reveal Twilight wearing a light blue and purple, regal dress with a gem encrusted trim and a golden belt for detail.

"There. Oh, you're simply darling." Rarity smiled.

Twilight looked at the dress and smiled, "Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?"

I face-palmed and shook my head, and Spike gagged.

Rarity looked at Spike with smile, "And you. Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." Then, Rarity called the door again.

"D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!" I heard Spike shout, from the noise. The door was removed again, to reveal Spike in a purple, Victorian squire uniform. Spike sulked.

"Oh, Spike." Twilight giggled, along with me.

"Now you just need a hat." Rarity added, placing a black hat with golden trimmings. Then she looked at me, "Ellie. I have just the outfit for you."

I backed away and warned with a glare, "You stick one pin in me, and you'd wish you've never met me."

Rarity nervously giggled and stepped away from me.

"Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk, see you back at the library." Spike told us, rushing out of the store, leaving the outfit behind.

Rarity laughed a little, "Oh, who needs him anyway." Rarity put a mirror in front of Twilight, before she continued, "This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at The Grand Galloping Gala."

"Wait, The Grand--" Twilight began, but Rarity cut her off.

"And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence." Rarity turned and found a mannequin with the same dress as Twilight, "I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I." She hugged close to Twilight, "Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the Unicorn." Rarity realized what she said, and nervously laughed, "Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course."

Twilight stared at Rarity with annoyance and anger, "I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else." She took off the saddle, before she continued, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch."

Applejack appeared at the door, with a smile on her face, "Did somepony say lunch?"

Applejack grabbed Twilight's hand and lead her outside. Where a large cart of apple treats were piled up in.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Twilight smiled.

"I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty." Applejack enlisted, until she realized what she said last, "Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friend?"

Twilight's stomach growled, and her smile turned into a look of pure annoyance.

"Is that a yes?" Applejack asked. I tilted my head when I realized that Applejack's aura had little to no obsession over the extra ticket.

"No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!" Twilight shouted, and ran off.

"So, that's a maybe?" Applejack asked in slight confusion.

*Later, Outside the Library...*

"Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating." Twilight moaned in annoyance.

I nodded my head in understanding. I opened the door, and to our surprise, Fluttershy and some animals were cleaning the library.

"Are you kidding me?!" I shouted in frustration.

Twilight gasped, "Fluttershy, not you too?"

Fluttershy saw us, "Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you."

"It's summer." Twilight corrected.

"Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea." Fluttershy explained, as Angel was mixing a salad.

"You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right Angel?" Fluttershy replied, then asked Angel, who gave her a glare. "Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket." She corrected.

Twilight had enough, "No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Twilight told Fluttershy, opening and pointing to the door.

Outside was bunch of ponies, with Pinkie Pie. This isn't gonna end well.

"SURPRISE!" The ponies shouted, as Pinkie Pie grabbed Twilight and began throwing her into the air,

"PIIINKIIIE!!" I shouted, having enough of everypony harassing Twilight. The ponies let her drop to the ground.

"Yes, Nellie?" Pinkie asked, batting her eyelashes.

I helped Twilight up, as I answered, "At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket."

"Wait, what ticket? What Gala?" A pony asked. I shiver ran down my spine. Uh-oh...

"Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie Pie told the other ponies.

"The Grand Galloping Gala?" The ponies asked in unison. All the ponies began giving us extra special favors, out of nowhere.

"Would you like any help with your gardening?" A pony said, holding a plant.

"I have a cartload of extra carrots." Another pony offered.

The offers continued, and Twilight, Spike and I were surrounded.

"What are we gonna do?" Spike asked in a slight panic.

"We're... Gonna... RUN!!!" Twilight answered, shouting the last part, then we dashed off.

The ponies followed us all over Ponyville. We tried hiding behind Applejack's cart, but the ponies found us in two seconds. Twilight, Spike and I ran half-way through Ponyville, to get disguises to fool the ponies. Twilight was a mid-aged mother, Spike was a baby, in a crib, and I was the concerned, but very proud aunt. The ponies ran past us, without noticing. Twilight gave me a concerned look. My warning was right. I hate that!

We ran the other directions, but the ponies found out in seconds. Twilight, Spike and I hid under the bridge. The ponies past us again, but Spike lost his grip and fell into the river. Twilight picked him up and we ran again. The splash caught the ponies' attention. We tried disguising ourselves as mannequins, but the ponies caught on after running past us again. They continued to chase us, until we were caught in an alley. The offerings just kept coming. The pressure was overwhelming. The pressure caused Twilight to teleport us back to the library, without warning.

When we reappeared, Spike and I were all slightly burnt up, and a tad bit dizzy. Never teleported before.

"Ugh, warn me next time you're gonna do that." He advised Twilight.

"I didn't even know it was gonna happen." Twilight answered, then quickly ordered, "Now quick, lock the doors."

We all did so. Twilight was blowing out the lights, as Spike and I locked every door in the library. Once it was dark and quiet, we relaxed in relief. Until I felt a tense tingle up my spine, as the lights were switched back on and our friends were of the windowsill, smiling.

Twilight snapped under the pressure, "Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you. And giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!"

With that, Twilight curled up into a ball, with her hands over her ears, and tears welling up in her eyes. The ponies looked at Twilight in concern. I stroked Twilight's back and gave them a disappointed stare. They started this, now they fix it!

Applejack was the first to speak up, "Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you." She stroked Twilight's hair, "And if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise."

"Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful." Fluttershy apologised.

"And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends." Pinkie sulked.

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

Rainbow Dash smiled and cheered, "Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha!" She started dancing and singing, "I got the ticket, I got the ticket-"

Rainbow noticed the rest of us giving her a look. I glared at her, "Rainbow..." Can she let go of her pride and think about others, for once?

Rainbow thought for a second and spoke up, "You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for The Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either."

Applejack nodded, "We all got so gun-ho about going to the Gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you."

"We're sorry, Twilight." The Ponies apologized in unison.

Twilight got out of her little ball and smiled at her friends. She said to Spike, "Spike, take down a note."

Spike got a pen and parchment and started writing Twilight's words,

"Dear Princess Celestia,
I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful." She put the two golden tickets into Spike's scroll, "So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala."

I smiled, while the other Ponies looked at her in confusion, "What?!"

"Just like what Ellie said to me this morning, if my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either." Twilight answered with a smile.

"Twilight, you don't have to do that." Applejack pleaded.

Twilight shook her head, "Nope. I've made up my mind." She looked at Spike, "Spike, you can send the letter now."

Spike opened the window and sent the letter with his fire breath.

Fluttershy looked back at Twilight, "Now you won't get to go to the Gala either."

Twilight smiled, "It's okay girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me." Overjoyed, the others huddled up in a group hug. "So I would rather not go at all."

I smiled at Twilight, while Spike just silently gagged. Suddenly, he started to look like he was gonna barf.

Applejack glared at Spike, "Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment."

My spine tensed in realization, "Applejack, duck!"

As predicted, Spike let out a flaming burp. Applejack quickly ducked out of the way of the flame, "Whoa, Nelly!"

The flamed rolled and transformed into a scroll. Twilight gasped, "A letter from the Princess? That was fast."

Spike unrolled the scroll and read it out loud, "'My faithful student Twilight,
I'm proud you listened to your friend's advise. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?'" Something gold come to view and Spike showed them to everypony, "Seven tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala."

All the girls gasped, as Twilight smiled, "Now we can all go."

The ponies cheered in excitement, until Twilight's stomach growled quite loudly. Twilight giggled nervously. A whole day of worrying and not a bite to eat. Hehehe.

Rarity put her hand over Twilight's shoulder, "Allow us to treat you to dinner."

Everypony else agreed and began leaving the library. As each pony left the door, they grabbed a ticket each from Spike.

"What a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash smiled, as she left the door.

"And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me." Pinkie cheered, following after Rainbow.

Applejack and I were the last to leave. Applejack grabbed her ticket, then realized I didn't. So, she grabbed it and gave it to me.

Spike pouted in disappointment, "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" Then he burped another letter. He unrolled it and read, "'And one for you, Spike.'"

Spike came jogging out of the library, giggling like a little girl, and holding another ticket in his hand. He stopped and noticed Applejack and I folding our arms and smiling at him.

"I mean, gross, I have to go too?" Spike corrected himself, walking past us. Then he dashed after the others and giggled.

Applejack and I chuckled and followed after the others. This year is gonna be loads of fun in Ponyville. I can feel it.

Applebuck Season

~Eleanor's POV~

It was a very calm sunny day in Ponyville. Everypony was out and about doing their own thing and socializing. Twilight and I thought it was a good idea to get some fresh air. Since the ticket incident, about a week ago, Twilight really needs it to clear her head.

Suddenly, the ground started shaking under my feet. Everpony else felt it too, and there was a faint rumbling sound. It was getting louder. No, it was coming closer.

Rainbow Dash took off into the air and looked over the other side of town. After a few seconds, she shouted in a very loud voice, "STAMPEDE!"

Everypony looked over and saw what Rainbow Dash was shouting about. A large herd of non-morphic cows was stampeding toward Ponyville! Everypony panicked and started running all over the town. Some were smart enough to get indoors and shut the doors and windows. But only some.

The only Ponies that weren't running around in a crazy panic were Pinkie Pie and Mayor Mare. Mayor Mare was trying to get everypony's attention, while Pinkie was just... Well... Going with the vibrations of the ground.

"Hey...! This makes my voice sound silly!" Pinkie shouted, with a laugh and her voice reverberating.

Twilight looked at her and shouted, "Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?! Run!"

"Everypony calm down. There is no need to panic." Mayor Mare tried to assure everypony.

Rarity walked over to her, "But Mayor, whatever shall we do?"

"Look there!" Rainbow Dash alerted, getting everyone's attention.

We all looked at the cow herd and saw a familiar orange mare and brown dog running alongside them.

"YEEHAW!" The mare shouted in cheer.

The mare was Applejack. Everypony's panic turned to relief and they cheered for her. We all watched in suspense as Applejack and her dog, Winona, herd the cows into a more orderly formation.

"This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen." Pinkie Pie smiled, munching on a bag of popcorn. Wait, what?

Applejack whistled and Winona ran to the front of the herd. AJ jumped on the back of one of the cows and used a lasso to grab the leading cow. She ran alongside her and used her strength to veer the herd away from the bridge.

The herd calmed down and everypony that watched cheered. The other Ponies got out from their hiding places and gathered at the bridge.

Applejack smiled and twirled her hat, "Yee haw!" Then she made her way back to Sweet Apple Acres.

Once AJ was gone, Pinkie Pie cheered, "Yee haw! Ride 'em, cowpony!"

"Applejack was just... Just..." Mayor Mare tried to compliment, but couldn't find the words.

Pinkie Pie popped out from above us, hanging upside-down, and finished, "Appletastic!" Then she fell with a thud.

Mayor Mare smiled and nodded, "Exactly. We must do something to thank Applejack for single-handedly saving the town."

Pinkie Pie recovered from her fall and smiled, "I know. A party!"

Everypony agreed and we started with the preparations.

*A Week Later...*

The preparations for Applejack's 'Thank You' party were almost finished. With the help of everypony in Ponyville, we were able to finish in over half the time it would have took if Pinkie did it all by herself.

Rarity was just finished tying a red ribbon around a tree, near the Town Hall, as Twilight walked up to her and asked, "We all ready?"

Rarity nodded, "Just one last thing." Then she used her Unicorn magic to put up the apple banner over the top balcony of the Hall, "Now we're ready."

Twilight smiled and asked, "Is Applejack all set?"

"Actually, I haven't seen her all week." Rainbow Dash answered, as she returned from her watch.

"Not since the stampede." Pinkie added, as she arrived.

My stomach turned in worry, as I stayed quiet and played with my thumbs.

Rainbow Dash just smiled and assured, "But she'll be here for sure. Applejack is never late."

*A Little Bit Later...*

With all the preparations finished and the invitations sent, the party can start. Everypony gathered around the Town Hall. Twilight arrived at the podium with a stack of speech cards. She cuts the cards in half and straightened them out.

She grabbed the first card and spoke up, "Welcome everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to-"

Rainbow Dash dashed in, interrupting Twilight's speech, "Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there? What an athlete. This week she's gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it's gonna be so awesome."

Twilight pushed Rainbow off the podium and picked up her cards again, "Exactly. And..."

This time, Pinkie Pie interrupted by popping in front of her, "This week, I get to run SugarCube Corner for the first time."

"What does that have to do with Applejack?" Twilight asked, stepping aside and folding her arms.

Pinkie stared blankly at Twilight, then answered, "Oh. Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me. Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!"

Everypony cheered and clapped their hands at the announcement. Twilight pushed Pinkie off the podium, "Oh-kay, that's great." Then picks up her cards again, "Now if I could just make a point without being inter-"

This time again, Fluttershy snuck her way to the podium, "Twilight?"

"-Rupted." Twilight sighed and stepped aside for Fluttershy.

Fluttershy took the podium and apologized, "Twilight, I'm so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season." Twilight rolled her eyes in impatience, "She's gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills."

Twilight glared at Fluttershy. Fluttershy timidly left the podium and rejoined the crowd.

Twilight turned to the crowd and asked, "Anyone else? Anyone? No?" Nopony replied. Twilight smiled, "Well then, as I was trying to say..."

Then she looked to her left and saw Mayor Mare smiling at her and batting her eyes.

Annoyed and lost patience, Twilight growled, threw her cards into the air and left the podium, "Urgh! Never mind."

Mayor Mare took the podium and cleared her throat, "And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award..." She gestured to a large trophy, "To our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!"

Everypony cheered, as the curtains opened. Unfortunately everyone stopped to see that Applejack wasn't present.
Spike however was still cheering, "Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean--" He realized nopony else was cheering and stopped with an embarrassed blush.

Mayor Mare cleared her throat in uncertainty.

Everything was quiet and still. "Awkward." Spike spoke up, voicing my thoughts exactly.

Then a familiar southern accent called from the back, "I'm here. I'm here." We all looked and saw Applejack arriving through the crowd. She yawned and dropped apples along the way, "Sorry I'm late--whoa-- I was just... Whoa... Did I get yer tail?"

Applejack walked in front of us. She looked exhausted. Bags under her eyes. Her walking pace was wobbled and she was carrying two buckets of apples over her shoulders.

To be blatant, Applejack looked like she was gonna collapse at any time.

She made it to the stage and to the podium with Mayor Mare, "Miss Mayor." Applejack pushed her aside, "Thank you kindly for this here... Award thingy." She yawned and looked at the trophy, "It's so bright and shiny and..." She looked at her reflection in the award and laughed, "Heh, heh, heh. I sure do look funny, heh."

She started making faces in her reflection of her award, "Ooo-ooo."

Pinkie Pie joined her in making faces, "Woo-ooo." "Ooo-ooo."

Twilight walked to the stage and spoke up, "Okay. Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony."

Applejack yawned and smiled, "Yeah. I like helpin' the ponyfolks and..." She yawned again, "And stuff." She closed her eyes and started snoring for a few seconds. Then she woke up and shook her head violently, "Oh, uh, yeah. Uh... Thanks."

She took the trophy and dragged it with her back to Sweet Apple Acres. Okay, now I'm sincerely worried.

Once Applejack was gone, Twilight raised a brow, "Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little--"

"Tired?" Rainbow Dash guessed.

"Dizzy?" Fluttershy whispered.

"Messy?" Rarity guessed, earning glances from the rest of us, "Well, did you see her mane?"

"'Overworked' is a word that comes to mind." I spoke up, folding my arms and tilting my head.

"She seemed fine to me." Pinkie Pie smiled, then repeated, "Woo! Woo!"

A welling feeling of deep concern made my stomach turn. Applejack's overworking herself to the bone and she's badly sleep deprived. Following my gut, I walked to the apple orchard.

Once I was there, I found Applejack bucking a tree full of apples. The apples fell in the baskets and Applejack took a moment to catch her breath. However she violently shook her head to wake herself up. She kicked the air and lost her balance for a second.

"What in Luna's moon is she trying to do?" I asked myself.

Applejack repositioned herself and kicked again, but she ended up kicking one of the baskets over. She sulked, "Whoops."
She walked over to pick up the apples.

"Hey Applejack!" I called.

Instead of answering me, Applejack laid on the ground and fell asleep.

"Applejack?" I repeated with a raised brow.

Applejack didn't answer and started snoring.

I'm gonna hate myself for doing this. I walked over to the sleeping Earth Pony and shouted as loud as I could, "APPLEJACK!!"

Applejack shot awake. She stood up and shook her head violently again. Applejack looked at me and smiled, "Oh, howdy Ellie."

"What is all this?" I asked, looking around the orchard.

"It's Applebuck season." Applejack answered, walking over to a nearby tree. She kicked it and lost her balance for a second, "Whoa."

"Applebuck season?" I repeated, walking beside her.

Applejack nodded, "Neh, it's what the Apple family calls harvestin' time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell 'em."

She walked to the next tree. I walked beside her, "But why are you doing it all alone?"

"'Cause Big McIntosh hurt 'imself." Applejack answered casually.

"And Apple Bloom?" I asked.

"She's in school. And she's not strong enough just yet."

"Granny Smith?"

"She can't do this anymore."

"What about your other relatives? Red Gala? Apple Fritter? Golden Delicious? Can't they help?" I asked in deep concern.

Applejack sighed and kept walking, "They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards. So, uh, I'm on my own."

I stepped in front of her, stopping Applejack in her tracks, "Which means, I should really get back to work." Applejack looked at me and cleared her throat with a small smile, "Ahem... hint hint? Get back to work?"

I nodded in understanding and stepped aside.

Applejack wobbled for a second then asked me, "Could you step aside, Ellie?"

"I'm right here." I told her, then asked, "You sure you're alright, Applejack? You're not looking too good."

Applejack violently shook her head again and kept walking, "Eh, don't any of you three worry none, I'm just fine and dandy." She tried to kick the next tree, but missed by an inch, "Whoa."

I walked over to her and put my hand over her shoulder, "Do you... Need some help?"

Applejack raised a brow at me, "Help?" Then shook her head and removed my hand, "No way, no how."

"But there's no way you can do it all on your own." I pointed out.

Applejack glared at me, "Is that a challenge?"

My eyes widen, "What?" I quickly shook my head, "No!"

"Well, Ah'm gonna prove to you that Ah can do it!" She shouted, then walked off to the next tree, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to buck."

The worrying feeling in my gut worsened. I sighed and made my way back to Golden Oak Library. Inside, Twilight was reorganizing the shelves. And Spike was helping her going through the alphabetical order. I took my journal from my bedside drawer and went to the balcony.

Princess Celestia gave me a journal on my first day in Equestria, to keep track on how I'm settling in. I haven't written in it often, since Sunset Shimmer left. But now, with Twilight Sparkle and her lessons on friendship, it gave me a reason to write again.

Of course, Twilight also forced me to write my thoughts about the lessons we learned as well. She can be very persuasive when she wants to be.

I started writing in my journal, until I was startled by something crashing on the balcony's fence. I looked and it was Rainbow Dash.

"Can I help you, Rainbow?" I asked her.

"I think somepony else needs your help." She told me.

"Let me guess. Applejack?" I guessed.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yep."

I closed my journal, put it back in my drawer and made my way back to Sweet Apple Acres. One thing that sticks with Applejack: When she's done her job in Ponyville, she goes straight back home.

When I arrived, Applejack was still bucking the apple trees. Only problem was she had full baskets over her shoulders and she was picking up the apples that fell.

Applejack picked up an apple and hit her head again a branch, "Ow!"

"Applejack, can we talk?" I asked, making my presence known to her.

Applejack stared at me, played with her ear, then leaned closer to me.

"Applejack, can we talk?" I repeated in a slightly slower tone.

"Can bees squawk?!" She shouted, then scratched the back of her head, "I don't think so!"

I shook my head, "No. Can we talk?"

"Twenty stalks?" Applejack shouted, "Bean or celery?"

I shook my head again, "No!" Then I shouted, "I need to talk to you."

She raised a brow at me, "Yah need to walk to the zoo? Well, who's stoppin' you?"

"I need to talk to you!" I shouted louder.

Applejack stared at me for a second, then smiled, "Oh! Well why didn't you say so? What you wanna talk about?"

"Rainbow Dash dropped by the library today!" I told her.

"That's quite neighborly of her!" Applejack smiled.

I shook my head, "Not really! She crashed on to the balcony, after you launched her into the air!"

Applejack looked away, "Oh, yeah." She sulked and returned to normal volume, "I wasn't feeling quite myself this morning."

"That's because you're working too hard and you need help." I told her in my normal tone.

Applejack looked at me and shouted, "What? Kelp?" Then raised a brow, "I don't need kelp. I don't even like seaweed."

"HELP!" I yelled, "I said you need help!"

Applejack glared at me, "Nothin' doin', Ellie. I'm gonna prove to you, t'everypony, that I can do this on my own."

She walked off, only to hit her face against a branch again, "Ow!" Then she looked at me, her eyes like Ditzy's, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go help Pinkie Pie."

With that, she wobbled off to Ponyville. I took a deep breath to calm my frustration.

*Later that day, in the Ponyville Urgent Care...*

Twilight, Spike and I arrived to the Ponyville Urgent Care center. We got a call about half of Ponyville were suffering very bad.

"We came as soon as we heard." Twilight told the head of the care, Nurse Redheart.

"Oh thank you, Twilight." Nurse Redheart sighed in relief, "We need all the help we can get."

Twilight, Spike and I looked at the patients. Green in the face. Keeled over in pain. Hugging their stomachs. Even vomiting in provided buckets.

"Oh no!" Twilight gasped, "What happened?"

Spike picked up a half-eaten muffin on the ground.

"It was a mishap with some of the baked goods." Nurse Redheart answered.

Pinkie Pie shook her head, "No, not baked goods, baked bads."

I took the muffin from Spike's hand and examined it, "Potato chips." I licked the muffin and smacked my lips in thought, "Soda. Lemon juice." Then a worm poked out, "And worms?"

Realization hit me, "Oh, no. Applejack!"

Applejack's sleep deprivation must've made her misheard Pinkie's instructions!

Spike started eating one of the bad muffins he found on the ground. "Want one?" He asked me and Twilight.

Twilight looked away in disgust, but I made my way back to Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight followed behind me.

*Back at Sweet Apple Acres...*

I found Applejack laying on her back on a tipped over wheelbarrow in a large bucket of apples. She fell asleep.

"Applejack, we need to talk." Twilight spoke up.

Applejack shot awake, "Wha, huh?" Then looked at me, "Oh, it's you, Ellie." She yawned, then frowned, "I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still no."

I shook my head, "Not to upset your applecart, but you need help."

Applejack struggled to pick herself up, "Hardy har. And no I don't."

I walked toward her and took hold of her forearms, "Here, let me help you."

Applejack looked at me, "Help?" Then slapped me away, "No thanks." Then she forced herself back to her hooves, "A little more..." Her hand slipped a bit, "Little..." She stood up, "There."

She grabbed the wheelbarrow and made her way to another tree, "I'll prove that this apple can handle these apples."
Applejack went on all-fours and started kicking the tree. But nothing was happening, "Come on apples fall off!"

Twilight decided to speak this time around, "A.J, I think you're beating a dead... Tree."

Applejack looked and Twilight was right. The tree had no leaves. And it was Summer. So, the tree was dead.

"I knew that." Applejack quickly replied, then walked deeper into the orchard.

Twilight and I followed close behind her.

"Actually Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about." Twilight told the overworked farm girl, "Ellie and I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and--"

Applejack cut her off with an annoyed sigh, "You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now, Twilight."

"But if you'd just let us help-" I started.

Applejack cut me off with a growl, "Ugh." Then shouted at me loudly, "No, no, NO! How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from nopony!"

Then she left in a huff.

I sighed in light annoyance, "Ugh. That girl's as stubborn as Shimmer."

Twilight looked at me with a raised brow, "Who's Shimmer?"

"Uh..." I scratched the back of my head, "No-one you need to know."

I marched my way back to Ponyville. Twilight followed close behind me, humming a tune. My heel tapped the ground and I felt something uneasy surge through me.

I stopped in my tracks, "Twilight, hold up. You feel that?"

Twilight stopped and looked at me, "Feel what?"

"The ground." I answered, removing one of my sandals. I pressed my bare foot on the ground, "It feels heavier than normal."

Then the red-maned gardener mares gasped, "The horror, the horror."

Twilight and I looked and saw the three gardener mares laying on the ground.

"It was awful." The pink one with a blonde mane grimaced.

"A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster." The pink and green one shouted.

Twilight looked where the pink and green one was looking and the street was calm and quiet, "I don't get it."

The pink and blonde one got to her hooves and ran to the garden of her store, "Our gardens, destroyed."

The red-maned one ran over to the flowers, "Every last flower, devoured."

"By... By... THEM!" The pink and green one shouted, pointing to the other side of the street.

On the other side was a large group of bunnies, eating the leaves and grass of the street.

Fluttershy was having trouble getting them to listen to her, "Oh my. Oh... Please stop, little bunnies. Oh no! Please, let's go home. Oh my goodness."

My temper reached its peak, "Alright. Enough is enough!"

I marched back to Sweet Apple Acres and was able to find Applejack kicking another tree at the top of a hill.

I don't know how I was able to find her so fast. It was like I knew the orchard like the back of my own hand.

"Must... Keep... Buckin'... Just... A few... More. Must finish harvestin'." Applejack mutter to herself, as she kicked the tree.

"Alright, Applejack. I'm not going to take this anymore." I told her, "Your apple bucking hasn't just been causing you problems! It's over-propelled Pegasi. Poisoned half the town. And scared bushels of innocent kittens. I don't care what you say... You! Need! Help!"

Applejack kicked the tree again. The apples fell into the baskets and she smiled, "Ha! No I don't. Look, I did it." I looked and the orchard was clean from apples, "I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d'ya like them apples?"

"Um, how do you like them apples?" Big McIntosh asked, looking to the other side.

Applejack was only able to clear half the orchard.

Applejack was overwhelmed by the shock, Where'd all the apple...?" She mumbled in incoherent gibberish and fainted.

"Applejack?" I called, "Applejack!"

Applejack opened her eyes and looked at me, "Huh?"

I smiled in relief, "Oh, good, you're okay." Then turned serious, "Look Applejack, I respect the Apple family ways." Applejack looked at the other half of the orchard, "You're always there to help any pony in need, so could you let your pride go and let your friends do the same for you? Let them help you in return of helping them?"

She closed her eyes and nodded, "Okay, Ellie."

I smiled and gave the farm girl my hand, "There you go." Then helped her to her hooves, "Now, let's get you some rest."

*The Next Day...*

With Applejack well rested, she and I asked our friends to help with the rest of the orchard. They were more than happy to help.

While the others were working, I wrote into my journal,

Dear Princess Celestia,
Our friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help any pony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer.
Your student,
Eleanor May the Hedgehog.

Applejack arrived with a cart of seven bottles of apple juice, "How about y'all take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya!"

The others stopped working and gathered around the cart.

"Girls, I can't thank you enough for this help." Applejack admitted, "I was acting... A bit stubborn."

"A bit?" Twilight repeated with a raised brow.

Applejack nodded, "Okay. A mite stubborn, and I'm awful sorry." Then smiled, "Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you six as my friends."

The girls and I grabbed a bottle each and started drinking.

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Phew! That applebucking sure made me hungry."

"And I've got the perfect treat." Spike smiled, lifting an arm-full of the 'baked bad' muffins from yesterday.

"Eeew... Spike, I threw those all away." Pinkie exclaimed in disgust, "Where'd you get them?"

"From the trash." Spike answered casually.

Disgusted, the girls and I stopped drinking our juices and walked away.

Spike followed behind us, "Just a little nibble? Come on."

In unison, we were said no.

Griffon The Brush Off

~Eleanor's POV~

It's a quiet day in Ponyville. A few days since Applebucking Season. Right now, Twilight, Pinkie and I were in the park, enjoying the day. Twilight was sitting on the bench, reading one of her favorite books. I was sitting up-side down beside her, watching the clouds.

And Pinkie Pie was telling a story of one of Rainbow Dash's flight stunts, "Nail-biting action overload! She was like a stunt superstar, flying higher and higher, and then Rainbow Dash swooped down -- Swoosh -- And right before she hit the ground -- Shoom - She pulled up -- Vrrrmmm!"

"Uh-huh." Twilight nodded, turning a page of the book.

"Then what happened?" I asked, looked at Pinkie.

"And then she looped around and around like - Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo!" Pinkie answered, spinning her head in a circle, then falling on to her back.

"Uh-huh." Twilight nodded again.

"Sounded like a very neat trick." I smiled.

Then Rainbow Dash flew by above the trees. Pinkie Pie got to her hooves and followed after her.

Twilight sighed, "Phew." And turned the page.

~Pinkie Pie's POV~

"Rainbow Dash!" I called after the rainbow-themed Pegasus.

She looked at me and then started to pick up speed. I noticed where she was going and chased after her, "Rainbow Dash."

"Not now, Pinkie Pie." She told me, as she continued flying.

"But, but Rainbow Dash–" I tried to speak, but she flew farther from me.

"I'm in the middle of something." Rainbow Dash picked up more speed.

"But–"

"I said not now-"

Then *wham!* Rainbow rammed into a mountain that was right in front of her. She slid down the mountain, to ground level and looked at me.

"I was gonna tell you to look out for that mountain." I told her.

Rainbow grumbled under her breath. Hey. I tried to warn her.

*Later, the next day...*
~Rainbow Dash's POV~

I spent most of the day, trying to avoid Pinkie Pie.

That random pony never stops until she gets what she wants. Sometimes it's beyond understanding and it gets annoying.

Anyhoo, I was napping on a cloud above Ponyville's town center, until I heard familiar humming. I picked up two handfuls of cloud and plugged my ears with them.

However, I was able to hear Pinkie ask Derpy, "Hi, I'm looking for Rainbow Dash. Have you seen her?"

I gasped and started digging into the cloud to hide.

"Hi Nellie, have you seen Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie asked.

"Can't say I have, Pinkie. Sorry." Ellie answered.

"Okay, thanks anyway." Pinkie assured, then turned to Twilight, who was on her way to the book store, "Twilight, have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?"

"Isn't she right up there?" Twilight asked.

Uh-oh...

"Rainbow Dash."

I quickly took off and flew as fast as I could to the back of Applejack's house. I peeked at the road and did see the pink pony anywhere.

I sighed in relief, "Phew. That was close."

I turned then heard a familiar voice, "Hi!"

I gasped in started, then flew off again, "Aah!"

I into the leaves of the Golden Oak Library. Once I lost sight of that pink pony, I caught my breath and smiled.

"Hi again." The voice smiled from below me.

I screamed and flew off again at top speed, "Aah!"

I flew over the hills and hid behind a cloud, creating a fake speed trail. Pinkie Pie followed after it. I snuck past her and landed near the lake.

Everything was quiet again, until a voice spat something and spoke to me, "I need a favor, Rainbow Dash."

How does Pinkie Pie find me so fast?!

I was about to fly away again, but I sulked, "Oh, forget it."

I gave up and fell to the ground.

"I totally promise it'll be totally fun." She assured me.

I just sighed in defeat, "Okay."

*A Little Later...*

Pinkie told me to grab a small thundercloud and position it close to the town hall.

She measured it and instructed, "Over to the right." I moved the cloud to her instructions, "No no, a little to the left. Oh wait, back to the right. Now a little lefti-sh while staying right-ly. Stop. Hmm. Maybe a few inches to the south. Now a couple centimetres north. Okay. One more smidgimeter to the--"

Annoyed and impatient, I shouted, "Pinkie Pie!"

Pinkie sheepishly smiled, "Uh, I mean, perfect. Now wait for my signal."

She hid behind the door-way, as Spike exit the town hall with a pile of scrolls in his arms. Pinkie Pie gave me the signal, and I kicked the cloud.

The cloud sparked with lightning and loud thunder. Spike jumped, "D-aah!"

Pinkie grinned and Spike started hiccuping.

Pinkie burst into laughter, "Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Spike into getting the hiccups."

I giggled. Spike turned to Pinkie and I and laughed, "Good one, Pinkie *Hiccup* Pie. *Hiccup* You're always pulling a fast one *Hiccup* on me." He picked up a scroll, but hiccuped an his fire-breath caught the scroll, "Nnaa--"

"Oh no, you're not hurt are you?" Pinkie asked in concern.

"Ne*Hiccup*eh, don't be *Hiccup* silly, dragons are *Hiccup* fire-proof." Spike answered between hiccups.

Pinkie Pie smiled in relief, "Oh, okay, good."

Then both she and I continued our laughter. Spike picked up half the scrolls, but his fire-breath hiccups burnt them toward Canterlot.

"I wish the same thing *Hiccup* were true with scrolls." He muttered under his breath.

He tried picking another scroll, but the scroll got caught in his fire-breath hiccups. Pinkie and I laughed. Pinkie fell on her back.

"Have you ever seen anything more hilarious?" Pinkie asked, between laughs.

I smirked, "I can think of one thing."

I kicked the cloud and another roar of thunder and lightning cracked.

Pinkie jumped, "Aah!" Then started hiccuping, like Spike. She laughed.

I smiled, "I didn't take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie."

"Are you *Hiccup* kidding? *Hiccup* I love to pull pranks." She smiled, as I landed to her level, "It's all *Hiccup* in good fun, and Pinkie Pie lo*Hiccup*oves to have *Hiccup* fun! *Hiccup*"

"You know Pinkie Pie, you're not as annoying as I thought." I admitted with a smile. Pinkie hiccuped again, then I asked, "You wanna hang out?"

Pinkie grinned and started to hiccup all over the place,"That'd be- *Hiccup* I'd really- *Hiccup* When do- *Hiccup* I mean- *Hiccup* When would you- *Hiccup*-"

I raised my hand over her mouth, as she zoomed toward me, "A simple nod would do."

Pinkie Pie nodded, "Mmm-hmm."

And so, we got some pranking supplies from the party shop, and began our day of pranking other ponies. Pinkie Pie made sure that the pranks were harmless but still a good laugh.

The first pony we pranked was Rarity. We left a bouquet of paper flowers with sneezing powder on her doorstep. Pinkie rang the doorbell and we hid behind the bushes.

"Is she even home?" I asked in whisper.

"I don't know." Pinkie snickered, "This is gonna be gold."

The top half of the door opened and revealed Rarity looking around.

"There she is." Pinkie Pie alerted, as we hid.

Rarity looked at the flowers. She sniffed the flowers and got sneezing powder all over her nose. She sneezed and Pinkie and exit our hiding spots laughing. I held the sneezing powder in my hand.

I dropped the powder and ran off to do more pranks on our friends. Pinkie zoomed behind me. She got caught by the powder.

The next we pranked was Twilight and Ellie. I was thinking about shocking Ellie with a hand-buzzer, but Pinkie advised against it. Ellie is extremely sensory sensitive, so a buzzer might hurt her more than it normally would a normal pony. Also she has no fur or scales.

So Pinkie and I decided a combination prank. Invisible ink and mentos.

We pranked Applejack next, buy painting her apples with whacky designs. Not to worry. It comes off after one drop of water. Applejack didn't like our prank, so she threw her apples at us.

Our next prank was a turtle that squirts water at our victim. I use that term lightly, they're still our friends.

I looked over the telescope and snickered.

"Is someone over there? Who're we gonna squirt? Who're we gonna squirt?" Pinkie asked, giddy with excitement.

"Fluttershy." I answered.

"WHAT?" Pinkie exclaimed, dropping the squirter on the floor, "Nononononono, we can't prank Fluttershy, I mean, she's so sensitive. It'll hurt her feelings, even our most harmless prank."

"Yeah, you're right." I sighed with a raspberry, "We need another victim who's made of tougher stuff. So, who's it gonna be?"

Pinkie Pie chuckled, "Oh, I've got someone in mind. The toughest around."

That got my interest, "Oh, awesome." Then asked, "Who? Who? Do I know them?"

She giggled and pointed to the lake, "Oh, yes. You're very close."

I looked at my reflection and saw that there was black ink around my right eye. I smiled at the pink pony, "Good one, Pinkie Pie."

I gave her a 'down-low', but I made her keep missing. She and laughed the sunset away.

*The Next Day, Outside Ponyville...*
~Pinkie Pie's POV~

The sun was rising over the mountains, as I made my way to Rainbow Dash's house outside of town. I was wearing a pair of wacky sunglasses, an arrow-through-the-head headband and a party hooter in my mouth.

I arrived just under the house and called, "Rise and shine Rainbow Dash! It's a brand new day and we got a lot of pranking to-"
However, what looked at me wasn't Rainbow Dash. Heck, it wasn't even a pony. It had a beak. White feathered head. Brown body of fur and feathers. Large wings. A leonine tail. Golden talons and back paws.

It wore a red tank top under a black leather jacket, and matching red shorts.

"Ooh." I uttered, stepping back from the creature's stare.

Then Rainbow Dash appeared, "Mornin', Pinks." She flew toward me and spoke to the creature staring at me "Gilda, this is my gal pal, Pinkie Pie."

The creature, Gilda, landed in front of me and saluted, "Hey. What's up?"

Everything on my face dropped to the ground. Gilda stood a tall 5 foot 10 with a strong, tomboyish build. Stronger than Dash's.

"Pinkie, this is my Griffon friend, Gilda." Dash introduced me to Gilda.

"What's a Griffon?" I asked.

"She's half-eagle, half-lion." Rainbow Dash started.

Then Gilda leaped in front of me and hugged Rainbow Dash, "And all awesome." The two shared a secret handshake, "Yeah, that's right."

Something about the Griffon made my stomach turn. Like she's a bad influence on Dash, or something worse...

Dash turned to me, "Gilda's my best friend from my days at Junior Speedster flight camp." Then asked Gilda, "Hey, remember the chant?"

Gilda nodded with a smile, "Sha, they made us recite it every morning, I'll never get that lame thing out of my head."

"Sooo..." Rainbow started, smiling.

Gilda rolled her eyes, "Ugh." Then smiled, "Only for you, Dash."

Rainbow Dash and she lifted into the air and danced,

'Junior Speedsters are our lives,

Sky-bound soars and daring dives

Junior Speedsters, it's our quest,

To some day be the very best!'

I couldn't help but laugh at how funny the dance was. I smiled at the duo, "Oh that was awesome, and it gave me a great idea for a prank." I grabbed my accessories and looked at Gilda, "Gilda, you game?"

Gilda smiled at me, "Huh. Well, I groove on a good prank as much as the next griffon." Then turned to Dash, "But Dash, you promised me we'd get a flying session in this morning."

She took off into the air. Rainbow looked a little uncertain, "Yeah, uh, well..." The she turned to me, "Pinkie Pie, you don't mind, do you? Gilda just got here. We'll catch up with you later."

Then she took off after Gilda.

I gave an uneasy smile, "Oh. Um, well sure, no problem. Have fun you guys, I'll, uh, just catch up with you--" I sighed, "Later...."

*A Little Later, in Ponyville...*
~Rainbow Dash's POV~

Gilda and I raced each other across the skies, performing tricks and clearing a few of the clouds along the way. We found a large, stable cloud and crashed into it, laughing.

Gilda got back to her paws and smiled, "Whoa, that was sweet. Just like old times."

I nodded, "Yeah, only faster." We shared a brofist, "So now what?"

We aimed for another, but a familiar pink Earth Pony's head peeked through the cloud and smiled, "Hey there."

"Huh?" Gilda and I raised a brow.

"It's later. And I caught up." Pinkie explained, as she appeared and disappeared from the cloud, like she was bouncing off something.

I looked and it turned out she was using a large trampoline to reach us. Wow, talk about resourceful.

I giggled at the pink pony, "Pinkie Pie, you are so random."

Pinkie smiled at me. Then Gilda spoke up, "Hey Dash, think you got enough gas left to beat me to that cloud?"

That got my wings itching, "A race? You are so on."

We crouched, ready to take off. "One, two, three, go." Gilda counted down, then we flew off.

We raced toward the cloud and I smiled, "I win."

Gilda shook her head, "As if. I won, dude."

"No way." I exclaimed.

She nodded, "Yes way."

Then we started arguing over the victory. Pinkie Pie showed up, this time using balloons, "Wow guys, that was really close, but I think Rainbow Dash beat you by a teeny weeny itty bitty hair, or a teeny weeny itty bitty feather."

I smiled, "Hah, see? Good thing Pinkie Pie's here to keep you honest, G."

Gilda looked like she was about to lose her temper, but she calmed and told me, "Okay... Dash, last one to that cloud up there is a gnarly dragon egg. Go!"

I took off and flew toward the cloud. I was there first for real this time, because Gilda showed up a second later.

Pinkie Pie rejoined us, this time in a strange contraption, "Oh wow, you guys almost got away from me that time."

Gilda put her arm over my shoulder, "So, Dash, got any new moves in your tricktionary, or are you 100% old school?"

I smiled, "New moves? Heh, sit back G, this is gonna take a while."

Then I took off into the air.

~Pinkie Pie's POV~

With Dash gone, Gilda turned her attention to me, "Hey Pinkie, c'mere."

I leaned my pedi-coptor a smidgemeter closer to her, "Yeah?"

She grabbed the pole of my contraption, then got really close to my face, "Don't you know how to take get lost for an answer? Dash doesn't need to hang with a dweeb like you now that I'm around. You're dorkin' up the skies, Stinkie Pie, so make like a bee and BUZZ OFF!"

She grabbed the propeller and I span out of control. I flew around the area and crashed to the dirt road, just outside of Sweet Apple Acres.

I recovered from the crash and thought about Gilda's words and actions. That was really mean.

*A Little Later, In Golden Oak Library...*

I decided to tell Twilight and Nellie about what Gilda was about, and what she did.

"So Pinkie Pie, are you sure that this friend of Rainbow Dash is really so mean?" Twilight asked me, her eyes glued on a spell book.

"Um, yeah." I answered, "She keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she pops my balloons, and she told me to buzz off. I've never met a Griffon this mean. Well, actually, I've never met a Griffon at all, but I bet if I had, she wouldn't have been as mean and grumpy as Gilda."

"You know what I think, Pinkie Pie." Twilight spoke up, looking at me.

I nodded, "Hmm?"

"Well, I think... you're jealous." She told me.

"Jealous?" I exclaimed.

"Green with envy." Spike nodded, "Well, in your case, pink with envy."

Nellie shook her head, "I dunno. I have a pen-pal that's a Griffon and she's very sweet."

Twilight rolled her eyes, "Well, yes." Then looked at me, "Jealous. Listen Pinkie, I don't want to upset you, but just because Rainbow Dash has another friend doesn't make Gilda a grump. I mean, perhaps it's you, Pinkie, who needs to improve her attitude."

"Improve my attitude?" I repeated in shock, "But I... D... B.. It's Gilda that... D... Are you seri..."

I couldn't find the words to express how I felt at that moment. I growled, then walked out of the library.

~Eleanor's POV~

Pinkie growled and stormed out of the library, slamming the door behind her. Twilight sighed.

I folded my arms at my best friend, "That wasn't nice, Twi."

"Don't tell me you believe her." She looked at me.

"Actually, yes. I do." I answered.

I walked out of the library and found Pinkie just outside of the tree, sulking as she walked.

"Maybe Twilight is right." She spoke to herself, "Maybe Gilda isn't a big, meanie, grumpy, mean-meanie-pants. Maybe I'm just a big jealous, judgmental, jealous-jealousy-pants."

She sighed and resumed sulking.

"Hey, Pinkie." I called after her.

Pinkie turned to me, "What? You're gonna say you agree with Twilight too?"

I shook my head, "Not really. I believe you about Gilda being mean."

Pinkie just sighed and sulked again. Twilight's words must have really got to her.

An idea hit me, and I put my arm over her shoulder, "Hey, how about a good, foamy shake to turn that frown up-side down. My treat."

Pinkie looked at me and nodded with a small smile. With that, I took Pinkie to SugarCube Corner and treated her to her favorite strawberry shake. I had a triple chocolate. She was still sulking.

Then we heard laughter over our heads and the sound of flight. Pinkie gasped and hid close to me.

"That was sweet." An unfamiliar voice chuckled.

Then Rainbow Dash sighed, "Ugh, I gotta take care of a few weather jobs around here. Shouldn't take long. Just, uh, hang out in town and I'll come find ya."

Rainbow landed in the other side of town with a Griffon wearing red and black.

The Griffon smiled, "That's cool, I guess. I'm gonna go chow down."

"Later." Dash farewelled, then flew off to take care of her job.

"That's Gilda?" I asked Pinkie.

Pinkie nodded her head. Gilda looked around and saw a vegetable stand. Granny Smith was walked toward it.

Gilda hid behind the stand. Once Granny Smith was close enough, Gilda moved her tail up to her and moved it like a snake.

Granny Smith shrieked in fear, "Aaah! A rattler, a rattler! Run for the hills!" Then ran away as fast as she could, "Everybody forsake yourselves!"

Gilda smiled, but a mare was looking at her. Gilda pressed a tomato with her tail and shook her head, "This stuff ain't fresh, dude."

"Aw, poor Granny Smith, she didn't know it was a joke. How mean." Pinkie frowned, then shook her head, "No, no, I can't misjudge her. It was kind of a funny prank, I guess."

I shook her head. Then Gilda used her tail to snatch an apple from Applejack's stand, and ate it. Nopony else noticed.

Pinkie gasped, "I did misjudge her. She's not only a meanie, mean-pants, she's also a thief." Then she shook her head, "Nonononono, she might give it back. It's just a joke."

I sighed, "Pinkie, you've got to stop this. Twilight hasn't met Gilda yet. Follow your gut, for Luna's sake."

Fluttershy walked past us, softly walking backward, leading a family of ducks through the town, "Alright little ones, this way, this way. Mama duck, you're free and clear."

She didn't notice she was heading for Gilda.

"Fluttershy, watch out for-" I called, but she bumped into the Griffon.

"Hey!" Gilda shouted, as Fluttershy bumped into her.

"Please excuse me." Fluttershy politely excused.

"I'm walkin' here." Gilda glared.

Fluttershy backed away from her, "Oh, um, I'm sorry. I-I-I was just trying to..."

Gilda rolled her eyes and mocked in a soft voice, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Then shouted, "Why don't you just watch where you're going, doofus?"

"B-b-b-but I... I..." Fluttershy stuttered, as the ducks waddled off.

Gilda took a breath and roared at her. Fluttershy ran away, sobbing. My hand balled into fist of anger.

Gilda sighed and rolled her eyes, "Ugh, please, all these lame ponies are driving me buggy. I gotta bail." Then she took off.

I looked at the pink pony sitting next to me, "Still think she's playing around, Pinkie?"

Pinkie shook her head, "She's a grump, and a thief, and a bully. The meanest kind of mean meanie-pants there is. I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy like that. No. One. This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style."

*A Little Bit Later, in SugarCube Corner...*

"Welcome, welcome. Welcome!" Pinkie greeted, as the guests arrived.

Pinkie decided to throw a party for Gilda. I'm not a big fan of parties, but hopefully this will better Gilda's attitude with the townsfolk of Ponyville. She's been holding up so much of Dash's time, that Dash hasn't seen her true colors.

"Who's this Gilda I've heard nothing about?" Applejack asked Rarity.

"I hear she's an old friend of Rainbow Dash." Rarity answered, "A Griffon, so rare."

"You've met Gilda, right?" Twilight asked Fluttershy, "What's she like?"

"Oh, um, well..." Fluttershy stuttered, then answered, "I'll tell you later, Twilight."

"Welcome. Welcome." Pinkie continued to greet.

Fluttershy walked over to Pinkie, "Um, Pinkie Pie, about this party for Gilda. Umm... Do you really think it's a good idea? I mean–"

Pinkie patted her head, "Don't worry your pretty little head about mean old Gilda. Your auntie Pinkie Pie's got it all taken care of."

"I'm a year older than you." Fluttershy pointed out.

Then Gilda showed up.

Pinkie Pie smiled, "Gilda! I'm so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties." She extended her hand, "And I really, truly, sincerely, hope you feel welcome here amongst all us ponyfolk."

Gilda shook Pinkie's hand, the got shocked. Pinkie laughed and revealed a hand-shake buzzer on her palm.

Everyone else laughed with her. The Rainbow Dash showed up, "Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer. You are a scream."

"Yeah..." Gilda chuckled nervously, "Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie."

"Come on G, I'll introduce you to some of my other friends." Dash offered, as she walked off.

Gilda smiled, "Right behind you Dash." Then glared at Pinkie, "I know what you're up to."

Pinkie smiled, "Great."

Gilda shook her head and growled, "I know what you're planning."

"Well, I hope so." Pinkie giggled, "This wasn't supposed to be a surprise party."

"I mean, I've got my eye on you." Gilda warned her.

"And I got my eye on you." Pinkie replied.

Then she turned to everypony in attendance, "Everyone, I'd like you all to meet Gilda, a long-time, dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let's honor her and welcome her to Ponyville."

Everypony cheered. Gilda gave them a forced smile. Rainbow Dash put her arm over Gilda's shoulders.

"Welcome to Ponyville, Gilda." I greeted with a friendly smile.

Gilda gave me a look, "What are you supposed to be? Some kind of hairless monkey?"

I shook my head, "Part of the monkey family, sort of. I'm a human."

Gilda's eyes widened, "A human. I thought they were extinct."

"Nah. I prefer the term 'Relocated'." I explained.

Then Pinkie offered, standing near a bowl of lemon drops, "Please help yourself."

Gilda smiled, "Vanilla lemon drops. Don't mind if I do." She ate one and then she blew fire like a dragon, "HOT!"

"G, the punch." Rainbow directed.

Gilda grabbed a glass and started drinking. However the glass was dribbling over her crest, "Huh?"

"Well, whaddya know, pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass." Pinkie smiled.

Rainbow Dash smiled, "Ha. Priceless. Priceless." Then laughed.

Gilda was starting to take breaths, uncertain to take another glass or cup.

I gave her my glass of milk, "Here. Milk will drown out the pepper in a flash."

Gilda took the glass and chugged the milk down. She caught her breath and smiled at me, "Thanks." Then rolled her eyes, "Yeah, hilarious."

"Hey G, look, presents." Rainbow Dash pointed to a table full of well-wrapped presents.

Gilda grabbed one that was shaped like a can. She pulled on the bow and springy snakes flew out. A burst of air ruffled Gilda's feathers. Everypony laughed at the prank.

"Spittin' snakes. Hah, somepony pulled that prank on me last month." Applejack laughed.

Gilda rolled her eyes again, "Ha ha." Then glanced at Pinkie Pie, "I bet I know who that was."

"You do?" Pinkie asked with an innocent smile.

After everything calmed down and Gilda smoothed her feathers, the party began and everypony was having a really good time.

Pinkie Pie arrived from the kitchen with a large cake on a cart, "Cake time everypony."

The cake was cased with cream fondant icing and purple-pink butter cream frosting. On top were nine blue and yellow candles.

"Hey, can I blow out the candles?" Spike asked, like a birthday kid.

"Why don't we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike." Twilight answered, "She is the guest of honor after all."

Gilda moved Spike out of the way, "Exactly."

She took a deep breath and blew the candles out. However they re-lit themselves. Gilda blew them out again, but they re-lit again. Everypony laughed, as Gilda continued to blow the candles out, but they kept re-lighting themselves.

Spike chuckled, "Re-lighting birthday candles, I love that prank. What a classic."

"Now, I wonder who could've done that." Pinkie wondered, rubbing her chin in thought.

Gilder glared, "Yeah, I wonder."

"Mmm, who cares." Spike spoke up, as he literally dug into the cake, "This cake is amazing."

"Spike!" Twilight scolded.

"What?" He asked, then smile, "It's great, try some."

Gilda looked ready to blow a fuse, until Rainbow Dash asked, "Hey G, you're not upset about some silly candles, are you?"

She shook her head, "No way Dash, like I said, I'm down with a good prank."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Come on then, let's have some cake."

Gilda grabbed Pinkie and took her behind the cake, "Hey, I'm watching you. Like a hawk."

"Why? Can't you watch me like a Griffon?" Pinkie asked.

Then Applejack spoke up, "Hey y'all, it's pin the tail on the pony. Let's play."

Rarity smiled, "Oh, my favorite game." Then asked, "Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?"

Gilda quickly grabbed the tail, before Rarity could, "Well, I am the guest of honor, and I'll have the purple tail."

Pinkie nodded, "Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first. Let's get you blindfolded."

Spike hopped on to Gilda's shoulders and tied a blue blindfold over her eyes.

"Hey what-- Ugh-- what are you doing?" Gilda asked, as Pinkie grabbed her and span her around.

"We're spinning you around and around and then you can pin the tail on the pony." Then she guided her to the poster, "Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail."

"Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail." Gilda mocked, then shook her head, "Hmph, yeah, right. This is another prank, isn't it?" Then she turned around, "I'm going this way."

Gilda made her way to the kitchen.

"Wait. The poster is this-" Pinkie tried to tell her.

I looked at the floor and saw her step, "Gilda, watch out for the-" Gilda stepped on some frosting and lost her balance. She crashed into the kitchen, "Frosting..."

She walking of the kitchen, covered in cake batter and icing. The tail hung from her beak, making her look like she had a mustache.

"Uh, Gilda? You pinned the tail on the wrong end." Pinkie Pie pointed to her nose.

Gilda noticed and everypony started laughing at her.

Gilda lost her temper and roared, "This is your idea of a good time? I've never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life." She glared at Pinkie, "And Pinkie Pie, you! You are queen lame-o with your weak little party pranks. Did you really think you could make me lose my cool?" She put her arm over Dash's shoulder, who was frowning, "Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together. Come on Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene." She was on her way to the exit, but Dash didn't move, "Come on Rainbow Dash. I said, we're leaving."

"You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party." Rainbow Dash admitted.

"What?" Gilda exclaimed in shock, then looked at Pinkie.

"So I guess I'm queen lame-o." Rainbow glared.

"Come on, Dash, you're joshing me." Gilda pleaded.

"They weren't all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off." She explained.

Pinkie face-palmed, "I shoulda known, that dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it."

I nodded, "So did the re-lighting candles."

Gilda shook her head, "No way. It was Pinkie Pie, she set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me."

"Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude." Pinkie explained, "I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down."

"And you sure didn't need any help making a fool of yourself." Rainbow added, "You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my new friends. If being cool is all you care about, maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else."

Gilda looked hurt for a second, then covered it up, "Yeah? Well you, you, you are such a, a flip-flop: cool one minute and lame the next. When you decide not to be lame anymore, gimme a call."

With that, she left SugarCube Corner and took off.

"Not cool." Rainbow muttered under her breath.

"Wow, talk about a party pooper." Spike spoke up.

The others muttered among themselves on what just happened.

"I'm sorry everypony, for bringing Gilda here. I didn't know how rude she was." Rainbow apologized, then turned to Pinkie, "And Pinkie Pie, I'm really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her."

Pinkie shrugged, "Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that's your business."

Rainbow smiled, "I'd rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?"

Pinkie nodded, "No hard feelings."

The two shook hands, but ended up getting shocked. Everypony laughed, as they revealed to both have hand-shake buzzers.

I glanced at Twilight, "Twilight, don't you need to say something?"

Twilight nodded, "Okay, Ellie." She walked over to Pinkie, "Hey Pinkie. Sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks likes I'm the one who misjudged you."

Pinkie smiled, "It's okay Twilight, even you can't be a super smart, smarty, smart-pants all the time." Then encouraged, "Come on everypony, there's still a whole lotta party to finish."

'Dearest Princess Celestia,
Today I learned that it's hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who's not so nice. Though it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and the one who is true will surely come to light.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.'

Boast Busters

~Eleanor's POV~

"Come on, Twilight, you can do it!" Spike encouraged Twilight with a smile.

Twilight nodded, "Okay, here goes."

She closed her eyes and her horn lit up in her magical aura. She raised her hand toward Spike and his muzzle sparkle with the magical aura, until a black mustache appeared. Twilight opened her eyes and Spike looked at the mustache before him.

I smiled and clapped my hands, while Spike smiled, "Ha ha! Ya did it!" He walked over to the checklist and checked an item off, "Growing magic, that's number twenty-five. Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting."

Twilight smiled bashfully.

Spike checked his new mustache in the mirror and smiled, "And I think this is the best trick so far." Then he acted swarve and cool, "Hello, Rarity. What's that? Aw, it's nothin', just my awesome mustache."

Twilight, Spike and I shared a laugh, until Twilight told Spike, "Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, it's just for practice, and it's gotta go." Her horn lit up with her magical aura again.

"Wait!" Spike shouted, but the mustache glowed. Spike flinched, and the mustache vanished. Spike frowned, "Aw, rats."

Twilight and I lightheartedly giggled. With everything checked off the list for today, Twilight wondered what we should do next. My stomach growled, so I figured we grab a bite to eat at SugarCube Corner. My treat. Twilight and Spike agreed and we exit the Library, to make our way to SugarCube Corner.

"Twenty-five, Twilight." Spike smiled, "Twenty-five different kinds of tricks and counting." Then he wondered, "I thought Unicorns were only supposed to have a little magic that matches their special talents."

Twilight nodded, "True, for ponies whose talents are for things like cooking, or singing, or math." But then she wondered, "But what if a Unicorn's special talent is magic?"

I casually shrugged my shoulders, "Well, there's a reason Princess Celestia made you her star pupil. You're a prodigy, Twilight."

Spike nodded in agreement, "Right. And you know a ton of magic."

Twilight waved her hand in dismissal, "Oh, Spike, stop. I'm sure there are lots of Ponies, right here in Ponyville, that know just as much magic as me." She turned to me, "Take Ellie for instance."

I frowned and looked at my hands, "I still don't know how I'm able to harness magic, like you do, Twilight. It still scares me..."

Spike shook his head, "Are you two kiddin'? I don't think there's another Unicorn, or Human, in all of Equestria with your kind of abilities."

Suddenly, two Unicorn colts came charging toward us, "Gangway! Comin' through!"

The two colts charged past me and Twilight, but into Spike, dragging him along with him.

One of the colts was tall and slender built with large ears. His coat was a golden tan and his mane and tail were a grey-ish blue. He wore a buttoned shirt under a turquoise sweater-vest and tan pants.

The other colt was short and chubby built. His color scheme was the opposite of the other colt. Blue coat and golden tan mane and tail. He wore a black t-shirt and denim pants.

"Snips, Snails!" Spike shouted, "What's goin' on?"

The Unicorn colts, Snips and Snails, came to a sudden stop, knocking Spike into a flowerbed.

"Wha, haven't you heard?" Snails asked, "There's a new Unicorn in town!"

Snips nodded, "Yeah! They say that she's got more magical powers than any other Unicorn ever!"

Twilight and I tilted our heads in interest, "Really?"

Spike picked himself up and shook his head, "Aw, no way. That honor goes to Twilight here."

Twilight smiled and blushed bashfully, then asked the colts, "Where is this Unicorn?"

"Ho, she's in the Town Square." Snails answered, then ran down the road, "Come on!"

Snips smiled and hopped on the spot, "Yeah! Come on!" Then he followed after his friend, "Whooo!"

With that, Twilight, Spike and I followed the colts to the Town Square, to find a colorful, but plain-looking, travel cart parked in front of the Town Hall.

"Come one, come all!" A voice called from the cart, "Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

The cart unfolded into a small stage. In a poof of smoke, appeared a female Unicorn. Her fur was light blue, with white mane and tail with pale blue streaks. Her eyes were a light purple color and she wore a purple magicians hat and matching cape. A dark blue leotard with lace stockings and formal gloves.

The audience around us gasped in awe at her entrance.

"Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by Pony eyes!" The Unicorn, Trixie, declared, as she raised her hands into the air.

Fanfare music played and and fireworks shot into the air. I narrowed my eyes and folded my arms at the display. I was not impressed by this character.

"My, my, my! What boasting!" Rarity frowned.

Spike shook his head, "Come on, no Pony's as magical as Twi-- Twi-- Twi-- Oh!" He looked at Rarity, regained himself and cleared his throat, "Hey, Rarity, I, uh-- Mustache!" Then he ran off, much to Rarity's confusion.

"There's nothing wrong with being talented, is there?" Twilight asked in uncertainty.

Applejack shook her head, "Nothin' at all, 'cept in when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons."

Rarity nodded in agreement, "Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us."

Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement, "Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us."

I glared at the prideful Pegasus, "Rainbow..."

Rainbow Dash looked at me, then corrected herself, "Eh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. Boo!"

Trixie frowned and folded her arms, "Well, well, well, it seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience." Then she challenged, "Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical Unicorn in all of Equestria?"

Rarity blew a raspberry, "Just who does she think she is?"

Spike nodded in agreement, "Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is--"

Twilight Sparkle quickly put her hand over Spike's muzzle, "Spike! Shhh!" Then she dragged me and Spike to the back of the crowd.

"What? What's wrong?" Spike asked Twilight.

"You see the way they reacted to Trixie?" Twilight frowned in uncertainty, "I don't want anyone thinking I'm a show-off."

I smiled and shook my head, "Twilight, you're not a show-off. Your magic is-"

Suddenly, Trixie's fanfare music and fireworks went off again, blocking what I was about to say next. Thanks Trixie! Thanks a bunch!

Rainbow Dash flew toward Trixie, "So, 'Great and Powerful Trixie'. What makes you think you're so awesome, anyway?"

Trixie smirked, "Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!"

Then there was another display of fanfare music and fireworks. Only, this time, the fireworks displayed an image of a large bear in the sky. I folded my arms and raised a brow. That doesn't look like an Ursa Major...

"What?" Snips gasped.

"No way!" Snails gasped.

Using the fireworks, Trixie told her story, "When all hope was lost, the Ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!"

"Saw-weet!" Snips and Snails smiled.

"That settles it." Snips spoke up.

"Trixie truly is the most talented, the most magical, the most awesome Unicorn in Ponyville." Snails cheered.

Snips shook his head, "No, in all of Equestria!"

I folded my arms and asked, "Then what about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? Aren't they the most powerful of all Equestria?"

Snails glared at me, "What do you know? You're just a measly little Human."

My blood boiled under my skin, "How dare you..."

Spike stepped beside me and nodded, "How do you know? You didn't see it! And besides, Twi--"

Suddenly, Twilight used her magic to morph his mouth into a zipper and zipped his mouth shut, stopping him from speaking any more praise about her magical talents.

Trixie chuckled, "It's true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville."

The crowd fell silent.

Trixie raised a brow, "Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?" She chuckled, "Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians -- anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!?"

Another display of fanfare music and fireworks. My blood boiled in annoyance. Will you please stop with the fanfare and fireworks!? It's getting really annoying!!

Spike un-zipped his mouth and begged Twilight, "Please! She's unbearable! Ya gotta show her! Ya just gotta!"

Twilight shook her head, "There's no way I'm going to use my magic now, Spike. Especially since--"

Trixie turned her attention to the front of the crowd, "Hmm, how about you?"

Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat in fear.

"Well, how about it? Hm? Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can't?" Trixie asked.

Twilight looked away and rubbed her arm in uncertainty, "I-- I--"

Trixie turned to Applejack, "Well, little hayseed?"

Applejack growled in annoyance, "That's it! I can't stand for no more of this!"

"You show her, AJ!" Spike encouraged.

I glanced at Twilight. She looked frightened and uncertain of herself. Trixie's antics are getting the better of her. She thinks she's just like Trixie, if she used her magic.

Applejack climbed on to the stage and grabbed her lasso from her belt, "Can your magical powers do this?"

Then Applejack started doing impressive tricks with her lasso. Skipping and hopping through the lasso without losing her hoofing and used her lasso to grab a red gala apple, from a tree, and ate the apple. The crowd cheered at her performance.

Applejack smiled at Trixie, "Top that, missy."
Trixie waved her hand and removed her hat, to reveal her horn, "Oh, ye of little talent. Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!"

With that, Trixie's horn lit up with her magical aura. Applejack's lasso came to life and started wiggling in front of Applejack. Simple telekinesis. The other end grabbed an apple from the tree and the tied around Applejack's hooves and tripped her onto her back and put the apple into her mouth. The crowd laughed and cheered at the performance and Applejack's misfortune.

Trixie smiled, "Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails."

Rainbow Dash flew over to the stage and folded her arms, "There's no need to go struttin' around and showin' off like that."

Trixie looked at the rainbow-themed Pegasus, "Oh?"

"That's my job!" Rainbow jabbed a thumb to her chest.

With that, she flew around the windmill at great speed and used the momentum to charge through a line of clouds. She dived down through the clouds, collecting droplets of water that followed after her, back to the windmill and back the stage. She came to a stop and the droplets crashed into her back, creating a rainbow over her head.

"They don't call me 'Rainbow' and 'Dash' for nothin'!" Rainbow Dash smiled proudly.

The audience cheered at the cyan Pegasus' performance.

Trixie scoffed and waved her hand, "When Trixie is through, the only thing they'll call you is 'Loser'."

With that, Trixie's horn lit up and she fired a beam of magic at the rainbow. The rainbow twirled itself around Rainbow Dash and began spinning her around. The rainbow took her into the air, still spinning and eventually landed her, head-first, on the ground. Then the rainbow vanished into the sky.

"I think I'm gonna be sick." Rainbow Dash gulped with dizzy eyes. Applejack helped Rainbow Dash to her hooves.

"Seems like any pony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie." Trixie smirked, as her horn lit up again and she summoned a small thunder cloud.

The thunder cloud floated behind and lightning struck Rainbow Dash, "Ow!"

The crowd laughed at Rainbow Dash's misfortune. My blood boiled even further, but I tried to keep myself composed.

Remember what happened last time, Ellie. No good will come if you lose your temper now...

"What we need is another Unicorn to challenge her." Spike spoke up, nudging Twilight, "Someone with some magic of her own."

Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement, "Yeah! A Unicorn to show this Unicorn who's boss."

Applejack nodded with a smile, "A real Unicorn to Unicorn tussle."

Twilight Sparkle's eyes darted around in uncertainty, "Uh..."

Then Rarity stepped forward, "Enough. Enough, all of you. I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace."

"Ooo, what's the matter? Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?" Trixie mocked, pointing to Rarity's mane.

Rarity frowned, "Oh, it. Is. On!" She marched onto the stage and around the Unicorn performer, "You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A Unicorn needs to be more than just muscle."

Rarity lit up her horn with her magical aura and the curtain of the stage removed itself from the rail and spun around the fashionista, creating a beautiful Greek dress with a golden trim, and Rarity's mane styled into a fancy bun, "A Unicorn needs to have style."

The audience 'ooh'ed at Rarity's display of talents and style.

Rarity smiled proudly, "A Unicorn is not a Unicorn without grace and beauty."

Trixie smirked and lit up her horn again. A chill ran down my spine about this one.

"Rarity won't let Trixie get the best of her!" Spike smiled, "She's strong, she's beautiful, she's--"

Suddenly in a flash of light, everyone gasped at the result of Trixie's spell on Rarity's mane.

"Quick! I need a mirror! Get me a mirror!" Rarity shouted, "What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!"

Twilight shook her head, "Nothing."

"It's fine." Rainbow Dash quickly answered.

"It's gorgeous." Applejack defended.

"It's green." Spike answered with all honesty.

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and I glared at the young dragon, "Spike!"

"What?" Spike asked in confusion.

But Spike wasn't lying. Trixie turned Rarity's mane into a shade of green that looked like it was made of seaweed or moss. This made my blood boil even more, it was burning my bones. But I kept my composure.

Rarity gasped, "Ugh, no. Green hair! Not green hair!" She cried and ran off the stage, "Such an awful, awful color!"

Spike nudged Twilight's hip, "Well Twilight, guess it's up to you." The other Ponies looked at her, "Come on, show her what you're made of."

"What do you mean? I'm nothing special." Twilight quickly shook her head.

"Yes, you are!" Spike encouraged, "You're better than her!"

Twilight shook her head again, "I'm not better than anyone."

This caught Trixie's attention, as she laughed and turned to my friend, "Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all."

Twilight rubbed her arm, "Who, me? I'm just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go."

Then she ran off to the library. I reached out to her, "Twilight, wait." But she was already out of reach and gone.

Trixie smiled and laughed, "Ha! Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing Unicorn in all of Equestria."

That was it! That was my breaking point from all of this! I marched onto the stage and walked over to the boastful Unicorn, "Just who in the name of Hell do you think you are?!"

Everypony gasped at my words. I didn't care. I was so angry I could punch someone in the face and scream.

"You think you're the most powerful Unicorn in all of Equestria, Trixie? What you've proved here is that you're nothing more than a bully and a jerk." I told the blue Unicorn, "I should know, I've met Ponies like you. Nothing but brutish methods and boastful behavior. You're not great and powerful. Hell, you're not even that talented. You're just a child with shiny new ribbons."

Trixie looked at me and glared. She pushed me away from her, causing me to lose my balance and fall onto the stage.

"How dare you speak out of terms!" She shouted, "You're nothing but a measly little human. Before your people were wiped out, you humans were slaves to the great and powerful Ponykind. And do you know what happened to slaves that stepped out of line, like you?"

She smirked and lit up her horn. She summoned the same storm cloud that attacked Rainbow Dash and moved it over my head. I picked myself up to my feet and started running from the cloud. The cloud quickly followed after me, as I ran off the stage and down the streets of Ponyville.

*Later that Night...*

I finally got rid of the thunder cloud that was chasing me all day. All it took was a little bit of magic to dispel it and make it poof back into nothing. Boy, am I exhausted.

I walked into the library and sighed. Then I sensed a lot of negativity within the room. Spike was nowhere to be seen and Twilight was reading a book on her bookstand.

I took a step back, "Whoa... What's all the negativity in here? It feels like there was a fight went off in here."

Twilight sighed, "Spike was trying to convince me that showing off my magical talents would not make me like Trixie."

I folded my arms, "And you ignored him?" I walked over to the lavender Unicorn, "Twilight, sometimes you've got to listen to those around you. There's a huge difference between you and Trixie. She's a boastful bully. You're humble and helpful. You use magic to help others. Trixie uses magic to show off. Completely different."

Twilight said nothing and resumed reading her book. I balled my hands into fists and growled in anger and frustration. This isn't the first time Twilight Sparkle has ignored my when I was right. Sometimes I don't know why I bother to speak, when not even my best friend listens to me.

Suddenly, Spike came running into the room, catching his breath, "Twilight! Ellie! You've gotta come! Quick!"

Twilight shook her head, "I already told you, Spike, I don't wanna show up Trixie!"

"What's wrong, Spike?" I asked, sensing his urgency.

Suddenly, there was a loud roar coming from outside of the library, alarming Twilight, Spike and myself. It sounded like a...

"Uh, is that what I think it is?" Twilight asked.

Spike nodded, "Majorly."

Spike grabbed Twilight and my hands and we dashed outside the find the citizens of Ponyville were running away from something. Well, except for Snips, Snails and Trixie.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked Snips and Snails.

"We brought an Ursa to town." Snips answered casually.

"You what!?!" Twilight and I exclaimed in unison and shock.

Snails shook his head with a smile, "Don't worry, the Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it."

Trixie, who was wearing a light pink nightgown lowered her head, "I can't."

"What!?" Snips and Snails gasped.

"Oh, I can't, I never have." Trixie admitted, "No one can vanquish an Ursa Major. I just made the whole story up to make me look better."

"Made it up!?" Snips and Snails gasped again.

The creature, a large blue Ursa, emerged from behind the house behind us. Twilight, Trixie, Snips, Snails and Spike froze in fright, as did the other Ponies in Ponyville. But I raised a brow and looked at the Ursa. I felt something different about this Ursa.

I looked at my friends and looked at the Ursa. As much as I'm uncertain how much magic I can control, I have to show Twilight that there is a difference between her and Trixie, and show Trixie that I am more than just a low human.

I walked over to the Ursa. The Ursa roared at me, but I stood my ground. I reached my hand up to touch its nose and started singing.

~Twilight Sparkle's POV~

Ellie walked over to the Ursa. The Ursa roared at her, but she stood her ground. Ellie is either very brave, or very stupid to think she can take on an Ursa that size. She's just a human, she doesn't know enough magic to face this creature. I would step in a defend my best friend, but I don't want to be like Trixie.

Then Eleanor raised her hand and put it over the Ursa's nose. A calming music filled the air and Ellie started singing in a foreign language.

As she sang, her body was enveloped by a mystical blue flame, as was the Ursa. The Ursa looked like was about to fall asleep. Eleanor raised both her hands into the air and the mystical aura lifted the Ursa into the air, rocking it softly. A large bottle of milk appeared in the air and moved itself toward the Ursa. The Ursa took the bottle and started drinking, drifting off to sleep.

The mystical aura grew stronger, as Eleanor waved her hands over her head and resumed singing. The aura transported deep into the Everfree Forest, into a large cave on the other side.

The song was over and the mystical aura faded away. Ellie lowered her arms and looked like was about to topple over. I quickly ran over to my best friend and caught her before she hit the ground.

Eleanor opened her eyes and looked at me, "Twilight Sparkle?"

I smiled and hugged my best friend close to my chest. I was relieved my best friend was okay.

~Eleanor's POV~

Twilight smiled and hugged me very tightly. I hesitated for a second, but hugged her back. I thought I would've lost control for a second there. That was some very powerful magic I used. But I was able to get the Ursa Minor safely back home without harming him.

Then there was the sound of cheering coming from behind us. Twilight and I turned and saw Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and the other citizens of Ponyville applauding and cheering.

"Unbelievable!" Rainbow Dash cheered with a smile.

Spike clapped his hands, "That was amazing!"

"Heavens to Betsy!" Applejack gasped with a smile, "We knew you had ability, but not that much!"

Twilight hugged me close, "Please, please don't hate us."

"Hate you?" Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash repeated in confusion.

"Why, whatever do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.

Twilight lowered her head, "Well, I know how much you all hated Trixie's showing off with her magic tricks, and I just thought--"

Rainbow Dash cut the lavender Unicorn off, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Magic's got nothing to do with it. Trixie's just a loudmouth."

Rarity nodded n agreement, "Most unpleasant."

Applejack nodded as well, "All hat and no cattle."

I smiled, "Like I've been trying to tell you, Twi."

Twilight raised her head slightly, "So, you won't mind my magic tricks?

"Your magic is a part of who you are, Sugarcube, and we like who you are." Applejack smiled, "We're proud to have such a powerful, talented Unicorn, and a powerful sorcerer as our friends."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "And after whuppin' that Ursa's hind quarters, we're even prouder."

Twilight's eyes brightened up, "You are?"

Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity nodded. Twilight smiled and looked at me. I smiled back and picked myself up back to my feet.

"Wow, Ellie, how'd you know what to do with that Ursa Major?" Spike asked me.

I shook my head, "That wasn't an Ursa Major, Spike. It was just a baby, an Ursa Minor.

"That was just a baby?" Trixie gasped in shock.

"And it wasn't rampaging, it was just cranky because someone woke it up." I explained, glancing at Snips and Snails.

The other Ponies turned and glared at the two Unicorn colts. The colts shrunk down, "Aaaawww...."

"Well, if that was an Ursa Minor, then what's an Ursa Major like?" Spike asked in a slight panic.

I shook my head, "You don't wanna know."

Trixie walked over to me and smirked, "Your puny human magic may have vanquished an Ursa Minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

She threw a smoke bomb to the ground and ran off out of town.

"Why that little..." Rainbow Dash growled, then took off into the air to follow after her.

Twilight waved her hand, "Just let her go. Maybe someday she'll learn her lesson."

I nodded in agreement, and then turned to the two retreating colts, "Now, about you two."

Snips let out a nervous laugh, "Uh, we're sorry that we woke up the Ursa Minor."

Snails nodded, "We just wanted to see some awesome magic."

Snips nodded in agreement, "Yeah! And the way you vanquished that Ursa Minor was awesome!"

I narrowed my eyes at the colts and folded my arms in disappointment. That's no excuse for nearly destroying the town. Snips and Snails lowered themselves to the ground, "We deserve whatever punishment you give us." Snails told me.

I turned to what was left of Trixie's stage, "For starters, you can clean up this mess."

Twilight raised a finger and smirked, "And... What do you think, Spike? Should I give them number twenty five?"

Spike smiled in agreement, "Oh, twenty five! Yes!" Then added, "And I think I deserve it, too."

Snips and Snails raised a brow, "Yeah?"

Twilight and I smirked, "I think you're right."

Twilight's horn lit up with her magical aura and Snips, Snails and Spike grew mustaches.

Snips, Snails, and Spike smiled, "Sweet!"

*The Next Morning...*
'Dear Princess Celestia,
I have learned a very valuable lesson about friendship: I was so afraid of being thought of as a showoff that I was hiding a part of who I am. My friends helped me realize that it's okay to be proud of your talents, and there are times when it's appropriate to show them off... Especially when you're standing up for your friends....'

"So, you finally admit that you're the most talented Unicorn in all of Ponyville?" Spike asked, as he returned from his time with Rarity.

Twilight nodded with a smile, and glanced at me, "Well, yeah. As long as a certain learns to accept her magical abilities too."

I gave out a lighthearted giggle, then asked Spike, "So, how did it go with Rarity?"

Spike lowered his head and sighed, "Eh, she didn't go for the mustache."

Twilight giggled, "You know, Spike, that mustache has nothing to do with who you really are. Maybe you should just try being yourself."

Spike brightened up and smiled, "Or... Maybe the mustache wasn't enough. Maybe if I had a mustache and a beard?"

Twilight and I rolled our eyes, "Uh, not this again!"

"Okay, imagine me with a nice, long, Fu Manchu type beard." Spike told Twilight, "Or maybe a goatee. Oh, no a soul-patch right on my chin!"

I let out a giggle, but my happiness faded as I thought about what Trixie said. Where humans in Equestria slaves before they were wiped out? Or did Trixie say that to get under my skin? I need to talk to Princess Celestia about this...

Dragonshy

~Eleanor's POV~

It was a nice and calm summer day in Ponyville. About a week since Trixie came around and the Ursa Minor attacked Ponyville. Everyone was outside, enjoying the lovely weather and hanging out with their friends. I was relaxing near the fountain, reading a book on Equestrian history, when a faint, but noticeable odor of smoke and brimstone was sneaking in the air, causing me to slightly cough.

Then Fluttershy came running into the park, "Help. Help! Please? Help? There's- There's a horrible cloud of smoke. It's headed this way and-" She squeaked and flinched, as a red ball with stars came flying toward her.

Luckily, Rainbow Dash came flying by to catch the ball and resumed kicking it into the air, "Don't be such a scaredy-pony. It's just me, future Equestria ball-bouncing record holder." She resumed counting, "Three forty six, three forty seven..."

I closed my book and sat up, looking at Fluttershy. Did I hear that right? A cloud of smoke heading toward Ponyville? I looked up to the sky, past the trees, and saw a large cloud of smoke heading toward the town. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Here we go again...

"This calls for a celebration!" Pinkie Pie cheered.

Fluttershy shook her head and waved her hands in decline, "Oh, no, Pinkie Pie, this is no time for celebration. This is a time for panic, for-"

But Pinkie wasn't listening and smiled, "Ooo! I'm going to need balloons! One for every pony in Ponyville!"

She hopped down toward the park and Fluttershy followed after her, "There's- There's smoke. And- And where there's smoke, there's fire. And-"

Pinkie Pie came to a stop, causing Fluttershy to crash into her, then Pinkie started counting, pointing to each of the other Ponies, "Let's see, that's one, two, three, four..."

"Three hundred fifty four..." Rainbow Dash counted, as Pinkie counted, "Five, six..." "Three hundred fifty five..." Then Rainbow lost her count, "No, wait..."

Pinkie booped Rainbow Dash on the nose, "Seven."

This caused Rainbow to drop the ball. She picked the ball up, put it under her arm and glared at the pink Pony, "Pinkie Pie! Now I have to start over."

Fluttershy nodded, "We're all going to have to start over, in a new village." Rainbow Dash flew off into the clouds, as Fluttershy continued, "'Cause ours is gonna be-"

"Hey, Rainbow Dash, wait up!" Pinkie Pie shouted, as she followed after the rainbow Pegasus.

Fluttershy shook her head again and turned to the other Ponies that were ignoring her, "Oh, please, this is an emergency. I-I need everypony to-"

Suddenly, from on top of a bridge, Twilight spoke up, "Listen up!" Everyone turned to her, "Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria."

The other ponies gasped and began murmuring to each other, "What?" "Oh no!" "That's awful!"

Fluttershy leaped into the air, trying to get everyone's attention, "That's what I've been trying to-"

Twilight raised her hand, "But don't worry, I've just received a letter from Princess Celestia informing me that it is not coming from a fire."

Fluttershy sighed and smiled in relief, "Oh, thank goodness."

"It's coming from a dragon." Twilight finished announcing.

Everypony gasped and Fluttershy shook in fear, "A... D-dragon?"

*A Little Bit Later, in Golden Oak Library...*

"What in the name of all things cinnamon swirled is a full-grown dragon doing here in Equestria?" Applejack asked, as Twilight Sparkle searched through her books and backing her backpack.

I raised my hand and answered, "Sleeping, of course."

Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at me with raised brows of confusion, "Huh?"

Twilight nodded, "Ellie's right. According to Princess Celestia, he's taking a nap. His snoring is what's causing all this smoke."

Pinkie frowned, "He should really see a doctor. That doesn't sound healthy at all."

"Well, at least he's not snoring fire." Rarity pointed out, then asked, "What are we meant to do about it?"

"I'll tell you what we're meant to do." Rainbow Dash spoke up, "Give him the boot. Take that." She kicked the centerpiece of the library table, then charged, "And that!"

Twilight caught the centerpiece and Rainbow crashed into a shelf of books.

I shook my head, "Brute force is always the answer, Rainbow Dash. We need persuasion and reasoning."

Rarity looked at me, "You seem to know a lot about dragons, Eleanor."

I folded my arms and nodded, "Dragons and I have a history."

Twilight raised her hand and spoke up, "We need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else." Rainbow Dash picked herself up as Twilight continued, "Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail." Rainbow saluted, "If we do, Equestria will be covered in smoke for the next one hundred years."

Fluttershy gasped and started trembling in her horseshoes. I noticed this and raised a brow.

Rarity scoffed and commented, "Talk about getting your beauty sleep."

"All right everypony, I need you to gather supplies quickly." Twilight spoke up, as she put on her backpack, full of books and scrolls, "We've got a long journey ahead of us. Let's meet back here in less than an hour."

"Okay, girls, you heard her." Rainbow Dash rallied, "The fate of Equestria is in our hands. Do we have what it takes?"

The other girls, except Fluttershy and myself, nodded in agreement and exit the library to gather supplies and get ready for the journey ahead.

Fluttershy walked toward the door and stopped, "Um, actually..."

I walked over to the butter cream Pegasus and asked, "Is something troubling you, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy turned to me and nodded, "Um.... Yes. I'm afraid-"

"Move it, you two!" Twilight shouted. Fluttershy squeaked and hurried to her cottage. I frowned and glared at my study partner.

*An Hour Later, outside of Golden Oak Library...*

"All right girls, listen up." Twilight told the girls and myself, as she paced past us, "I'm mapping out the fastest route, but we've all got to keep a good pace if we expect to make it up the mountain by nightfall."

"M-m-mountain?" Fluttershy stuttered in fear.

Twilight Sparkle pointed to the tall mountain just outside of Ponyville, "The dragon is in that cave at the very top."

"Looks pretty cold up there." Applejack noted.

Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile, "You bet it is. The higher you go, the chillier it gets."

Rarity smiled, "Good thing I brought my scarf." She reached into her backpack and got out a pink striped scarf.

"Ooo! Pretty!" Pinkie Pie smiled, as Rarity wrapped the scarf gracefully around her neck.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, "Heh, oh yeah. That'll keep you nice and cozy."

I folded my arms and looked at the top of the mountain. Applejack was right, it does look cold at the top of the mountain. And I'm a human that has a low tolerance for cold temperatures. And Fluttershy was trembling like she had a terrible case of the chills. It was like she was frightened by something.

"Um, excuse me, Ellie?" Fluttershy called, getting my attention, "Is something bothering you?"

I looked at the shy Pegasus, and nodded, "Y-yeah. Something is bothering me."

Fluttershy frowned and lowered her head, "Oh. I'm sorry."

I quickly waved my hands in defense, "Oh, no! It's not you, Fluttershy." I lowered my hands and explained, "It's just that I envy you Ponies for having a thick fur coat to keep you warm. I don't have a fur coat, you see. And I can't help but notice that you're trembling like you have a bad case of the chills." I looked at Fluttershy with concern, "Is something troubling you?"

Fluttershy looked at me with wide eyes, then at the mountain. She quietly squeaked and nodded her head. I looked at the mountain and tried to sum it up. Fluttershy's not afraid of heights. She's not afraid of caves. She's not afraid of the cold. The only thing left was the dragon. My eyes widen and I gasped. Fluttershy is afraid of dragons!

Fluttershy continued to tremble badly. I took hold of her hands and looked at her dead in the eyes, "It's gonna be alright, Fluttershy. If it makes you feel better, I'll talk to Twilight and see if we can stay down here, where it's safe. How's that?"

Fluttershy looked at me and nodded. I nodded back with a small smile, then made my way to Twilight, who was surveying a map toward the mountain.

"Twilight, I have to speak to you." I spoke to the lavender Unicorn.

But Twilight's eyes refused to leave the map, as she answered, "Uh-huh. Well, we could go this way."

"Twilight, I don't think you understa-" I tried again, but Twilight cut me off, "Uh-huh. No, we want to avoid that."

I raised a brow and just spoke, "Twilight, my hair is turning pink!"

Twilight nodded, her eyes glued on the map, "Uh-huh."

I took a breath, then told Twilight, "Twilight, Fluttershy and I are gonna stay here in Ponyville, while you and the others deal with the dragon."

Twilight gasped and turned to me, "Wait! You two have to come! Your history with dragons and Fluttershy's way with wild animals will surely come in handy."

I folded my arms, "Oh, now you decide to listen..."

Fluttershy shook her head, "I don't think I-" Twilight cut the shy Pegasus, "Oh, and don't worry about your little friends in the meadow. Spike's got it covered while you're gone."

Spike nodded and smiled, "You can count on me!" However, Angel Bunny climbed on top of Spike's head and thumped his foot on top of Spike's head. Spike lost his composure and the animals scurried off. Spike chased after them, "Hey! Hey! Wait!"

Fluttershy shook her head, "I don't really think he's up to the task." Twilight rolled up her map and put it back in her backpack, ignoring Fluttershy's words, "Maybe... but... but..."

I folded my arms and scuffed my foot across the ground in frustration.

Rainbow Dash walked up to Twilight, "Are you sure you want Fluttershy and Ellie to come along? I mean, Fluttershy's afraid of her own shadow. She's just going to slow us down. And Ellie's a human. She'll probably freeze to death while we're up the mountain."

Twilight smiled and waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, Fluttershy's just a little nervous. And I taught Ellie a little flame spell to warm her up. Once we get going, I'm sure they'll be fine."

Suddenly, Fluttershy squeaked in fright again. We all turned to find Fluttershy jogging on the spot, staring at her shadow, then jumped into a bush. I helped Fluttershy out of the bush and assured her that nothing was going to hurt her.

Twilight turned to the others, "All right girls, move out!"

With that, Twilight and the others dashed down the path toward the mountain.

Fluttershy froze on the spot, "But... but...!" And she screamed, as the others carried Fluttershy and I down the path. I shouted as loud as I could, "TWILIGHT BELLATRIX SPARKLE, YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!"

*A Little Later, At The Base of The Mountain...*

The Girls and I arrived at the base of the mountain. A loud snore echoed in the air and shook the ground beneath us, as another cloud of smoke exit the cave and followed the trail of smoke in the sky.

Fluttershy gasped and hid behind me.

"Whoa." Rainbow Dash gasped, then asked, "What was that?"

"That is the sound a dragon makes when he snores." I answered.

Fluttershy looked at the mountain and trembled in her horseshoes, "It- it's so... High!"

"Well, it is a mountain." Rainbow Dash pointed out. Then she took off into the air, "I'm going to fly up there and check it out!"

But Applejack grabbed her by the hoof and pulled her down, "Hold on, now. I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all."

The others nodded in agreement. Rainbow Dash folded her arms and pouted, "Oh, all right."

And so, the Girls and I started climbing the slope of the mountain. Applejack had hold of my hand, just in case I lose my footing and lose my balance.

"I hear the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon's scales are the jewels they use to build their nests." Rarity smiled at the thought, "Ooo, if I play my cards right, I might be able to convince him to part with a few!"

Pinkie Pie smiled and imitated the deep and gruff voice of a dragon, "Welcome to my cave, Rarity. Care for a diamond? Rawr!"

The Girls and I started laughing, except for Twilight, who marched ahead of the line.

I calmed my laughter and spoke up, "I think you're gonna have some trouble with your plan, Rarity."

Rarity looked at me and asked, "Why is that?"

"Girls! This is no laughing matter!" Twilight scolded, before I could answer with a small joke. Then she asked, "Fluttershy, you're the expert on wild creatures. What do you think the dragon will be like?"

But there was no answer. Twilight looked around, "Fluttershy?"

The rest of us looked around and noticed Fluttershy wasn't with us. We looked down and saw Fluttershy was hiding behind a bush, back at the base of the mountain.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash shouted at Fluttershy, "What are you waiting for? An invitation?"

Pinkie Pie smiled and dug into her backpack, "Ooo, I think I have one in my backpack!" She got out a card with a blast of confetti, startling Rainbow Dash.

"I-it's so... So... Steep." Fluttershy stuttered in fear.

"Well, it is a cliff." Rainbow Dash pointed out, "You could just, oh, I don't know, fly up here?"

"Come on, Fluttershy, you can do it." Pinkie Pie encouraged, flapping her arms, "Flap those wings!"

Fluttershy emerged from the bush, "Oh... Okay."

Fluttershy took a breath and flapped her wings. She flew up to meet us. The Girls and I smiled at Fluttershy's accomplishment. However, there was another snore from the dragon. Fluttershy froze on the spot and her wings quickly closed themselves, causing her to tumble into the mountain and crash into the bush at the base of the mountain.

"Fluttershy! Are you alright?" I called the timid Pegasus.

"I'm okay..." She squeaked back, as she picked herself back to her hooves and tried flapping her wings again. But her wings refused to open.

Twilight sighed and shook her head in impatience, "Uh, we don't have time for this." I glared at the lavender Unicorn and grabbed the map from her backpack. Twilight looked at me, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to need this, if I'm going to take her around the mountain another way." I answered, as I looked over the map.

With the map memorized, I put the map back in Twilight's backpack and rode down the mountain to meet up with Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash sighed and folded her arms, "Around the mountain? That's going to take them forever."

I met up with Fluttershy, as another snore erupted from the mountain. Fluttershy froze on the spot and fell on her back.

I looked up the mountain and called, "Don't worry, Twi. We'll be there before you know it."

With that, I began helping Fluttershy to regain her nerves and help her meet the others around the mountain.

*Ten Minutes Later...*
~Twilight Sparkle's POV~

The other girls and I waited for Eleanor and Fluttershy to meet up with us, as they took a route around the mountain. Applejack was pacing back and forth. Rainbow Dash was hovering up-side down. I was looking over the map and the dark trail of dragon smoke in the sky. And Rairty and Pinkie Pie were playing tic-tac-toe.

"Whoo-hoo! I win again!" Pinkie cheered.

Rarity sighed, "That's thirty-five games in a row." Then she smiled, "Best of seventy-one?"

Then there was a sound of approaching hoofsteps and footsteps. Eleanor and Fluttershy finally arrived. Eleanor had hold of Fluttershy's hands and she smiled, "There we go. Well done, Fluttershy. You made it."

Fluttershy blushed and smiled, "Thank you, Ellie."

"Told you it was going to take them forever." Rainbow Dash whispered to me.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Ten minutes wasted and the crisis is getting worse...

With Eleanor and Fluttershy reunited with the rest of us, it was time to continue the mission. We continued to follow the map, until we came across a gap in the path. Rainbow Dash was the first to leap over the gap, showing it was an easy jump across. Followed by myself, then Rarity, then Applejack, then Pinkie Pie and then Eleanor. Last one was Fluttershy.

"Your turn, Fluttershy." I told the yellow Pegasus.

Fluttershy hugged closely to a nearby boulder, "But... It's so... Wide."

I rolled my eyes and folded my arms, "Come on, Fluttershy, we should be much farther along by now."

"You could just leap on over." Applejack gently encouraged.

Fluttershy look over the gap, "I-" Another dragon snore and Fluttershy cuddled close to the rocks, "I don't know."

"There's nothing to be afraid of." Pinkie Pie cheerfully encouraged, "It's just a hop, skip and a jump." She leaped over to Fluttershy with ease, "See?" Then she broke into song,

Pinkie Pie leaped back to the rest of us and Fluttershy stood up, "O-okay. Here I go." She hopped closer to the gap, "A hop."

"That's it." "You're doing great!" "You've got it." "Almost there." The Girls cheered and encouraged.

"Skip." Fluttershy skipped and jumped over the gap.

"Just don't look down." I told her.

In mid-jump, Fluttershy looked down and froze. Luckily her hands were able to reach the other side of the gap. The gap was actually smaller than she estimated.

Rainbow Dash sighed and rolled her eyes, as she and Eleanor got Fluttershy to our side of the gap.

Fluttershy smiled sheepishly, "I guess I forgot to jump."

~Eleanor's POV~

"Let's keep it down." Twilight whispered quietly, as we entered an unstable area, "According to my map, we're entering an avalanche zone. The smallest peep could cause a huge rock slide."

Fluttershy trembled as she took hold of my hand, "An... An ava... Ava..." Twilight quickly 'shh'ed her and we quietly made our way across the avalanche zone.

However, Rainbow Dash flew too close to a nearby tree and two leaves landed on Fluttershy. Startled and frightened, Fluttershy yelled, "AVALA-!"

But I quickly covered her mouth. Fluttershy's echo faded and the Girls sighed in relief. However, the ground started shaking and the rocks from the rock slide crumbled and started to fall around us.

"Avalanche!" The girls shouted in panic.

The Girls started running around the avalanche, avoiding getting squashed by the larger rocks. Applejack tackled Twilight out of the way. Rainbow Dash used her flight skills. Rarity and Pinkie Pie stayed close to the wall. Fluttershy and I stayed away from the avalanche as much as possible.

Once everything calmed, the dust and smoke cleared to reveal that our path was now buried in stones and rocks.

"Oh my!" Applejack coughed, "Everypony okay?"

Twilight Sparkle turned to the Earth Pony and smiled, "Thanks to you I am."

Rarity looked herself over and shook the dust, that covered all over her body, on to Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie cheered and smiled, "Whoo-hoo! Let's do it again!"

Rarity smiled and dug into her backpack, "This is why a girl always packs extra accessories." She grabbed her scarf from before and wrapped it around her neck. Then she gasped and resumed digging in her backpack, "Oh, please tell me I brought the tiara that goes with this."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and glared at the Unicorn fashionista, "Uh, think we got bigger problems than making sure our hair bows match our horseshoes."

Fluttershy frowned and lowered her head, "Sorry."

I smiled and helped the timid Pegasus to her hooves, "Aw. Don't worry about it, Butterscotch. We all make mistakes."

Applejack nodded in agreement with a small smile of her own.
Twilight nodded, "Yeah, we'll just have to..." She sighed in dismay, "Climb over."

With that, the Girls and I tried our best to climb over the rocks and stones that buried the path toward the dragon's cave. Once we were on the other side. Fluttershy lost her footing and slide down the rocks, taking Rarity and Applejack with her.

Rainbow Dash struggled to help Rarity out from under Applejack and Fluttershy.

"My apologies." Rarity apologized.

Rainbow Dash glared at Fluttershy, "Not your fault."

Fluttershy frowned and lowered her head. I glared at the impatient, blue Pegasus, as I helped Fluttershy back to her hooves.

Rainbow Dash flew over to Twilight and whispered, "Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?"

"We're about to find out." Twilight answered, as we arrived to the front of a large cave entrance, "We're here."

With a determined look, Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash, you'll use your wings to clear the smoke."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Mm-hmm." Then took off into the cloud trail of smoke.

Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie and Rarity, "Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you'll create a diversion to distract the dragon if things get a little hairy in there."

Pinkie Pie and Rarity nodded, as Pinkie Pie dug into her backpack and got out a rubber chicken toy, much to our confusion.

Twilight regained herself and turned to Applejack, "Applejack, you're ready with the apples in case he decides to attack."

Applejack smiled and kicked two apples into a nearby tree.

"But it shouldn't come to that, because Fluttershy and Eleanor will do what they need to do to wake him up, and between the three of us, we should be able to get him to understand why he needs to go." Twilight explained her plan.

"Uh... Twilight-" I raised my hand, but Twilight cut me off, "Is everypony ready?"

Everyone, except Fluttershy and I, nodded in agreement. I tried to speak up, but Twilight didn't glance at me.

"Okay then, we're goin' in." Twilight answered.

With that, Twilight and I entered the dragon's cave.

"So, what is the best way to wake up a sleeping dragon without upsetting him?" Twilight asked, as we walked deeper into the cave.

"The best way is to-" I was about to answer, but Twilight looked around and called, "Fluttershy?"

I folded my arms and glared at the lavender Unicorn in frustration. She asked the timid, frightened out of her wits Pegasus, and she doesn't bother to ask someone who has a history with dragons!? Give me a bucking break!!!

Twilight turned and exit the cave, "Oh, come on!"

She walked over to Fluttershy, who has curled up into a ball, and began pushing her toward the cave, "Come on! We have to do this!" Rainbow Dash joined her, "Now! Every second longer..." Rarity joined, "That dragon sleeps is another..." Applejack joined, "Acre of Equestria that is covered in smoke." Pinkie Pie was the last to join.

"I- I-" Fluttershy stuttered, then admitted, "I can't go in the cave."

The Girls sighed in impatience and dismay of Fluttershy's answer.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and exclaimed, "Oh, great! She's scared of caves now, too!"

Fluttershy shook her head, "I'm not scared of caves, I'm scared of..." She mumbled the last word quietly.

"What's that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"I'm scared of..." Fluttershy repeated, mumbling the last word again.

Twilight cupped her ear, "What?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose, "Oh, for the love of..." Then I shouted, "Fluttershy is afraid of dragons! There! You happy!?"

Another dragon snore blew in another cloud of smoke into our faces. Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind me.

"But Fluttershy." Twilight spoke up, "You have a wonderful talent dealing with all kinds of animals."

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes, because they're not dragons."

"Oh, come on!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "We've seen you walk right up to a horrible manticore like it was nothing."

Fluttershy nodded again, "Yes, because he wasn't a dragon."

"Spike is a dragon." Pinkie Pie pointed out, "You're not scared of him."

Fluttershy nodded again, "Yes, because he's not a huge, gigantic, terrifying, enormous, teeth-gnashing, sharp-scale having, horn-wearing, smoke-snoring, could eat a pony in one bite, totally all grown-up dragon!"

Another dragon snore shook the ground. Fluttershy hugged her knees close the chest and started trembling again.

"But, if you're so afraid of dragons, why didn't you say something before we came all the way up here?" Twilight asked.

"Because you didn't listen!" I shouted, letting all my frustration out, "Fluttershy and I tried to tell you before we left, but no! No-one listens to the human or the timid Pegasus. You've been so obsessed with this mission that you neglected to listen! Every time you asked Fluttershy about the dragon, you neglected the one person that has history with them. Again, no-one listens to the human." Tears of anger welled up in my eyes, "Maybe Trixie was right. Humans are inferior to the great Pony Tribes of Equestria. Because your best friend basically means nothing to you!"

Twilight's eyes widened, as she recollected what has transpired today. She rubbed her arm and gave me an apologetic look, "Ellie, I'm sorry that you feel that way. I- I didn't know."

Applejack walked over to Fluttershy, "All of us are scared of that dragon."

"I'm not!" Rainbow Dash interjected proudly.

Applejack rolled her eyes, "Almost all of us are scared of that dragon, but we've got a job to do." Then she encouraged the timid Pegasus, "So, get in there with Twilight and show her what you're made of."

Fluttershy turned to look at her friends, "I- I- I just..." She lowered her head and turned away with a sad sigh, "Can't."

I sadly frowned at the timid Pegasus, "Fluttershy..."

With Fluttershy gone, Twilight mustered up her courage and entered the dragon's cave, "I'm goin' in. He... Probably just doesn't realize what he's doing..." She looked back at the entrance of the cave, "Right?"

The Girls nodded in agreement and encouraged Twilight to reason with the dragon. I was about to say something, but Twilight was already in front of the sleeping dragon.

She walked closer and called, "Mr. Dragon." She bumped into something and saw that was dead in front of a large dragon, "Excuse me." The dragon grumbled, as he continued sleeping. Twilight tried again, "Mr. Dragon."

The dragon opened its amber-golden eyes and looked at the lavender Unicorn.

Twilight smiled, "Oh, good, you're awake. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Twilight-"

The dragon yawned, releasing its foul, brimstone breath into Twilight's face.

Twilight coughed a bit, before continuing, "Sparkle, and my friends and I are residents here in Equestria." She gestured to the outside of the cave. The Girls smiled and waved in greeting, "Ponyville, to be exact." Twilight resumed, "We've come here to ask that you find another spot to take your nap. It's just that you seem to be doing an awful lot of snoring, and every time you do you send out a terrible cloud of smoke." The dragon let out another puff of smoke at Twilight. The lavender Unicorn coughed, before continuing, "Equestria simply can't survive a hundred years in a dark haze. You understand, don't you?"

The dragon sat up and stretched its body with a loud yawn. It was a very big dragon with ruby scales and rose quartz pink spikes. A citrine yellow underbelly and large wings.

"So, you'll find another place to sleep?" Twilight asked hopefully.

The dragon laid back down in his nest of gold and gemstones and blew another cloud of smoke at Twilight. Twilight quickly left the cave, as another cloud of smoke exit the cave close behind her.

"So much for persuading him." Rainbow Dash noted.

"I tried to tell you, Twilight." I spoke up, "Once a dragon makes himself comfortable in his nest, he's not going anywhere."

"Now what?" Applejack asked.

"Obviously, this situation just calls for a little 'pony charm'." Rarity spoke up, as she walked into the cave, "Allow me, girls." She walked up to the dragon and called, "I'm so sorry to interrupt." She cleared her throat, "But I couldn't possibly head back home without mentioning what handsome scales you have." Then she started picking up certain gems and jewelry from the dragon's nest, "And those scales have to be hidden away in some silly cave for a hundred years?"

The dragon smiled bashfully. But I noticed what she was really doing.

"Rarity, what are you doing?!" I whispered, "Put those gems down, now!"

But Rarity ignored me and continued what she was doing, "Personally, I think you should skip the snoozing and be out there, showing them off." Then she smiled, "Obviously, I would be more than happy to keep an eye on your jewels while you're gone."

The dragon caught her words and angry gathered his nest close to him. Rarity ran back outside, leaving the gems she collected in the cave.

Rarity pouted in disappointment, "I was this close to getting that diamond."

"You mean... Getting rid of that dragon?" Twilight corrected.

Rarity nodded with a sheepish smile, "Oh, yeah... Sure."

I folded my arms, "Dragon are very greedy creatures by nature, girls. They would never part with gems, gold or anything shiny." I shrugged, "Sorry, Rarity."

Rarity glared at me, "Oh, you tell me that now?!"

"What in tarnation...?" Applejack exclaimed in surprise.

The rest of us turned to see Pinkie Pie dressed as a birthday present, with flippers, a red nose, balloons, and swirly glasses.

"Darling, you look ridiculous." Rarity told Pinkie.

Pinkie nodded, "Exactly!" Then she made her way into the cave, "Sharing a laugh is a sure-fire way to get someone on your side!" She greeted the dragon, "Hi!"

But the dragon growled and attacked her. Pinkie returned to us, looking a bit burnt and beaten up.

"Apparently he doesn't like laughing, heh. Or sharing."

Rainbow Dash lost her patience, "All right, that's it! We tried persuasion, charm, whatever it is Pinkie Pie does. It's time to stop wasting time!" She flew into the air, "I'm going in!"

My eyes widen, as I called after the cyan Pegasus, "Rainbow, no!"

Rainbow flew toward the dragon and kicked him in the chin, "Get! Out!"

The dragon let out a sneeze, the recomposed himself and growled angrily at Rainbow Dash. Now, she's done it!

Rainbow Dash sheepishly smiled, "Heh. Sorry."

The dragon blew smoke at Rainbow Dash, causing her to roll around the ground, outside the cave and into the rest of us. We braced for impact and fell like bowling pins. The dragon exit the cave, ready to attack the rest of us. It blew flames at the Girls, but I quickly used my magic to redirect it back toward the dragon.

The dragon turned its attention to me and attacked me with his claws. Since I was smaller and faster, I was able to use my magic to create a shield and bounced back to claws. I ducked out of the way of the second claw attack and slide under the dragon's belly to get to the tail. Thinking I was after his treasure, the dragon was able to blindside me by stomping on the ground and whacked me hard with his tail. I flew into a rock and felt something crack in my body. My body surged with pain and I couldn't move.

The last thing I saw was Fluttershy's worried face and her calling my name, before I blacked out from the pain.

When I felt my strength returning to me, I opened my eyes to find myself back in the Golden Oak Library, laying in bed. Was it all just a dream?

I sat up to find my torso, and head covered in bandages. I rubbed my throbbing head and looked around, "Twilight?"

Twilight came up the stairs and smiled in relief, "Ellie! Oh, thank goodness. We were worried that we lost you." Then she asked, "How are you feeling?"

I sat up and placed my hand over my throbbing side, "A bit sore, but I'll manage." Then my memories came rushing toward me, "The dragon! He have to sto-" My body surged with pain, as I tried to stand up.

Twilight forced me to sit down, "Easy there. The dragon is gone. Fluttershy was able to persuade him to find somewhere else to nap."

I smiled in relief and pride for the timid Pegasus. I knew Fluttershy would be able to confront her fear. She's a lot stronger than she realizes.

Bridle Gossip

~Eleanor's POV~

"Wow, what a gorgeous day!" Twilight smiled, as she, Spike and I took a walk into town.

"Rainbow Dash must have gotten up early for once and cleared all the clouds away." Spike smiled, as he looked up to the sky. Not a cloud in sight.

Twilight nodded in agreement, "I bet all of Ponyville is going to be out enjoying the sunshine." But once we got into town, no-one was outside. Twilight looked around in confusion, "What? Where is everypony?"

Twilight, Spike and I looked around and only caught a glimpse of some of the citizens locking their doors and closing their window shutters. We were able to catch Shoeshine closing her windows and Berry Punch dragging Berry Pinch inside and locking the door. Everything went deadly quiet.

"Is it some sort of Pony holiday?" Spike wondered, as we walked around town.

"Not that I know of." Twilight answered, shaking her head.

"Does my breath stink?" Spike asked. He let out a fire-breath belch then sniffed the air.

"Not more than usual." I answered with a humored smile.

"Is it... Zombies?!" Spike asked fearfully, taking hold of Twilight's hand.

"Uh... Not very likely." Twilight answered assuringly.

"Not likely..." Spike scooched closer to Twilight, "But possible?"

Suddenly, as we passed SugarCube Corner, Twilight, Spike and I heard a familiar voice, "Psst!"

Twilight and I looked around, until we saw Pinkie Pie pop out from the darkness within SugarCube Corner, "Twilight! Nellie! Spike!" She beckoned up inside, "Come here! Come! Here! Hurry! Before she gets you!"

Twilight, Spike and I quickly entered the cafe, as Pinkie closed the door behind us. It was so dark that Twilight, Spike and I couldn't see a thing two feet in front of us. Pinkie turned on a flashlight into our eyes.

Spike jumped and hugged close to Twilight, "Who?! The zombie pony?"

Pinkie Pie moved the flashlight toward her face and trembled in fear, "Z-Zombie pony?!"

Spike hugged closer to Twilight and hugged tightly to her waist. Twilight turned to the baby dragon, "Spike! There are no zombie ponies."

I turned to Pinkie Pie, "What are you doing here alone in the dark, Pinkie?"

Pinkie shook her head, "I'm not alone in the dark."

Our eyes adjusted to the darkness of the café, that Twilight, Spike and saw Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack's younger sister, Apple Bloom, within the café, with us.

Twilight looked at me and gasped, "Ellie! I didn't know your eyes glow in the dark."

I tilted my head in slight confusion, "Okay..." Then I turned to everyone else, "What are you all doing here in the dark?"

"We're hidin' from her!" Applejack answered, pointing out the window.

Twilight and I looked outside to see, standing alone in the streets of Ponyville, was a tall and slender Pony wearing a hooded cloak, and was digging into the ground. She stopped for a moment, then glanced at SugarCube Corner. The others, except Twilight and myself, gasped and hid behind the curtain.

"Did you see her?" Apple Bloom asked, "Did you see... Zecora?"

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack scolded her younger sister, "I told you never to say that name."

"Well, I saw her glance this way..." Twilight started.

"Glance evilly this way." Pinkie corrected.

"And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason." Twilight finished, folding her arms.

"No good reason? You call protectin' yer kin no good reason?" Applejack asked, "Why, as soon as my sister saw Zecora ridin' into town, she started shakin' in her lil' horseshoes."

"Di-i-i-id no-o-o-ot!" Apple Bloom protested, as Applejack shook her shoulders.

"So I swept her up and brought her here." Applejack finished, hugging Apple Bloom closely.

Apple Bloom pried herself away from her older sister, "I walked here myself!"

"For safe keepin'." Applejack added.

Apple Bloom glared at her older sister, "Applejack, I'm not a baby! I can take care of myself!"

Applejack stubbornly shook her head, "Not from that creepy Zecora."

"She's mysterious." Fluttershy spoke up.

"Sinister." Rainbow Dash added.

"And spoooooky!" Pinkie Pie finished.

I looked out the window again, to watch the pony, Zecora. Everypony gathered close to me and watched Zecora. Zecora stopped digging and stood upright. She reached for her hood and removed it from her head. We were able to see a bit of what she looked like.

Zecora was a female Zebra with a mohawk mane and large earrings in her ears. The Girls gasped and hid behind the curtain again.

"Will you cut that out?" Twilight sighed in annoyance.

"Just look at those stripes!" Rarity pointed out, "So garish!"

"She's a Zebra." I answered.

Everyone, but Twilight, looked at me with raised brows of confusion, "A what!?"

"A Zebra." I repeated, then I turned to Rarity, "And her stripes aren't a fashion choice, Rarity. She was born with them."

Rarity gasped and fainted on to the ground.

"Born where?" Applejack asked, "I've never seen a Pony like that in these parts, 'cept... her!"

I folded my arms in thought, "Well, judging from what I've seen, she's definitely not from around here." I shook my head, "And she's not a Pony. Zebras are from the land of Farasi." I looked out the window for a second, "But I've never seen her in Ponyville." I turned to the others, "Where does she live?"

"That's just it, she lives in..." Applejack paused for a second, "The Everfree Forest!"

Suddenly, there was a loud crash in the café, startling everyone inside. I squeaked in fright and hugged close to Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight turned to the kitchen and scolded, "Spike!"

We turned to the kitchen to see Spike covered in fallen saucepans and frying pans. He smiled sheepishly, as I calmed, "Uh, sorry."

"The Everfree Forest just ain't natural." Applejack continued, "The plants grow..."

"Animals care for themselves..." Fluttershy added.

"And the clouds move..." Rainbow Dash included, as she, Fluttershy and Applejack finished in unison, "All on their own!"

Rarity shook her head and trembled, "What's than the Everfree Forest is the Deep One residents. Those aquatic Ponies give me the creeps..."

I lightly glared at the Fashionista Pony. For some reason, I felt offended by her words.

"And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there, doing her evil... Stuff!" Pinkie explained, "She's so evil, I even wrote a song about her!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Here we go..."

Pinkie Pie broke into song that was quick-tempo and danced,

Pinkie Pie froze in place, catching her breath.

Twilight raised a brow, "Wow. Catchy."

Pinkie Pie calmed and smiled, getting down from the table, "It's a work in progress."

I folded my arms and shook my head, "This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors."

Twilight nodded in agreement, "Ellie's right." Then she turned to the others, "Now, what exactly have you actually seen Zecora do?"

Rainbow Dash was first to answer, "Well... Once a month, she comes into Ponyville."

I nodded, as Rarity added, "Then, she lurks by the stores."

"Okay." I folded my arms again. Then Fluttershy finished, "And then, she digs at the ground."

I sighed and shook my head, "I'm sorry. But how is any of this bad? Maybe she comes to town to visit?"

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "Yeah! Maybe she's just tryin' to be neighborly."

Twilight nodded and pointed out, "And maybe she's not lurking by the stores, maybe she's going to them, lurk free, to do some shopping?"

Apple Bloom nodded again, "Yeah! Everypony likes to shop. You know what I think?"

"Apple Bloom! Hush and let the big Ponies talk." Applejack told the young filly sternly.

Apple Bloom marched toward a quiet corner and muttered her breath, "I am a big Pony!"

"W-what about digging at the ground?" Rainbow Dash asked, "You've got to admit that's weird."

"What if she's digging for innocent creatures?" Fluttershy asked.

I shook my head and assured the timid Pegasus, "I'm pretty sure she's not doing that, Fluttershy." I rubbed my chin, "Maybe she's softening the ground to plant something?"

"I am sure there is an explanation for everything Zecora does." Twilight spoke up, as Pinkie Pie continued to sing, "And if anypony here were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth."

The other Ponies declined and Pinkie started sharing rumors about how 'evil' Zecora is. I looked around and noticed a young filly was missing from the café. I turned and noticed the door was open.

I snuck past the other Ponies, out of SugarCube Corner, and noticed Apple Bloom quietly following after Zecora. Before she went any closer, I grabbed Apple Bloom's hand and turned her to me, "Where do you think you're going, Little Missy?"

Apple Bloom turned to me and swallowed a lump in her throat. She looked at me and answered, "I'm gonna go talk to Zecora. I don't think she's as evil as they say she is."

I smiled, "Well, why didn't you just say so? I was gonna do the exact same thing." I took hold of her hand, "Come on, Zecora's gone this way."

Apple Bloom smiled and we followed Zecora down the path that lead outside of Ponyville and into the Everfree Forest. Just as we reached the entrance of the forest, Apple Bloom came to a stop. I looked at her, she looked frightened.

"Don't worry, Apple Bloom. I'm right here with you." I assured her.

Apple Bloom looked at me and gave me a smile. She took a deep breath and we entered the Everfree Forest. Apple Bloom and I followed Zecora deeper into the forest, until we entered a field of blue flowers. I recognized these plants and picked Apple Bloom over my shoulders, to avoid her from getting infected. My legs and feet brushed across the plants. Without a doubt I've already been infected....

Just as Apple Bloom were about to reach Zecora, a familiar voice shouted from behind us, "Apple Bloom?"

Zecora turned and saw us. Apple Bloom gasped and we turned to see the others standing in the field of blue flowers.

"You get back here right now!" Applejack told Apple Bloom sternly.

I gasped, "Girls, what are you doing? Get out of there!"

"Beware! Beware, you Pony folk!" Zecora warned in a heavy African accent, as she backed into the upcoming mist behind her, "Those leaves of blue are not a joke!"

Applejack ran out of the field and pulled Apple Bloom away from me, and shouted at Zecora, "Y-you keep your creepy mumbo-jumbo to yourself, ya hear?"

Then the Girls started talking over each other, shouting insults at Zecora. I frowned and shook my head. Poor Zebra...

"Beware! Beware!" Zecora warned before disappearing into the mist.

"Yeah, back at ya, Zecora!" Rainbow Dash shouted back, "You and your lame curse are the ones who better beware!"

Applejack turned to Apple Bloom, "And you! Why couldn't you just listen to yer big sister?"

Apple Bloom frowned and looked down, "I...I..."

"Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?" Applejack finished.

"Just like in my song!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, then she started singing a shorter version of her song, "Evil enchantress! With the dances! And the trances!"

I folded my arms and marched over to Applejack, "That's not exactly fair, Applejack! Apple Bloom was trying to prove a point."

Applejack glared at me, "And you encouraged her? How do we know you're not under a curse?

"You guys, there's no such thing as curses!" Twilight Sparkle argued back.

Rainbow Dash flew over to Twilight and pointed to her horn, "Well, that's interesting to hear coming from Miss. Magic-Pants herself."

"My magic, real magic, comes from within. It's a skill you're born with." Twilight pointed out, "Curses are artificial, fake magic. It's conjured with potions and incantations; all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. But curses have no real power, they're just an old Pony tale."

The other girls rolled their eyes and turned to return to Ponyville.

"Just you wait, Twilight. You're gonna learn that some pony tales really are true." Applejack told Twilight, before she left with Apple Bloom close to her.

Twilight sighed and lowered her head.

"Uh... Twilight?" I started, but Twilight ignored me and walked back to Ponyville. I sighed and noticed I was still in the field of blue flowers. I walked across the field of flowers and returned to Ponyville.

*The Next Morning, In Golden Oak Library...*
~Twilight Sparkle's POV~

I woke up from the rooster's call and the morning sun peeking through my bedroom window, "Ugh... What a dream..." I sat up from my bed, "Curses, schmurses." I got out of bed and walked over to my vanity mirror. I looked at my reflection and saw my bangs were in a mess, "Whoa!" I giggled, "Maybe Zecora cursed my hair."

I chuckled, picked up my hairbrush and brushed my bangs neatly. Once they were nice and neat, I noticed in the mirror something was wrong. I looked at my forehead and gasped, "Or she cursed my horn!"

My horn had blue spots all over it and was limp over my forehead. That's not good!

Then I remembered something. Ellie was close to Zecora before any of this happened! What if she got infected too?! Only one way to find out.

I dashed over to Ellie's bed, that was across from my own. She was still asleep. I quietly leaned and gently poked her shoulder, "Ellie?"

Ellie woke up with a sharp gasped and wide open eyes pupils for a moment. She calmed down, sat up and rubbed her eyes, "Twilight? What's wrong?"

"Have you noticed anything off, lately?" I asked.

Ellie squinted her eyes at me, then she reached over for her glasses. She put her glasses over her eyes, blinked, then looked at me again.

She looked at my horn and looked like she was about to burst into laughter. But she took a breath and asked, "What happened to your horn?"

"I don't know. I think Zecora might have done something to it." I answered in a slight panic.

Ellie gave me a deadpan look, "Or it could've been something else."

I looked at her nodded, "Yeah. You maybe right. We better call everyone who was around Zecora, just in case."

Ellie smiled and nodded. She was about to get out of bed, until she lost her footing and fell on the floor.

"Ow..." She muttered in a deadpan tone, rubbing her head, then asked, "What was that all about?"

Ellie removed her blanket from her legs. To our surprise, her legs weren't humanoid anymore. They were pony-like with pale green fur that faded to a malachite green at the calves. Her hooves were dark green and her fetlocks were similar to a Clydesdale. Upon her hips were marks of three mint leaves circling in a breeze.

A Cutie Mark!

She even had a tail. Her tail was thick, ginger-red with rusty red streaks and ombre. But that's not the worse of it. Her forearms and hands were covered in the malachite green fur and her ears were equine.

She looked like a hybrid between a human and a Pony!

"Holy Luna!" Ellie gasped.

"D-D-Don't worry, Ellie. W-We-W-We'll fix this." I assured, "I'll call everypony and see-"

Ellie cut me off with laughter. She wasn't in pain or anything. She was laughing in humor.

"This is hilarious! I'm a satyr." She was able to speak between laughs.

"This isn't funny, Ellie! Focus!" I shouted, getting her out of her laughing fit.

Ellie smiled at me, "Come on, Twilight. Grow a funny bone. This is hilarious."

I growled in frustration and made my way down the stairs to the library. I called everyone to come over and started looking through my books on a cure for this predicament.

*Later That Morning...*
~Eleanor's POV~

"No no no no no! None of these books have a cure! Ugh! There has to be a real reason for this!" Twilight exclaimed, as she searched through her books, and touched her limp horn, "An illness? An allergy?!"

"A joke?" I guessed with a shrug.

"A curse!" Spike guessed, as he was reading the 'Supernaturals' book.

"I said a real reason." Twilight folded her arms, "Something that points to something real."

"How about this one?" Spike asked, showing her the book.

Twilight took a look at the book, "'Supernaturals'?" She frowned, "Spike, the word 'supernatural' refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are as make-believe as curses." She pushed the book back, "This book is just a bunch of hooey!"

I folded my arms and frowned, "Twilight Bellatrix Sparkle, you're doing it again!"

Twilight looked at me, "What are you talking about?"

"Judging a book by its cover." I pointed out, "Isn't that what you're doing to Zecora, at this very moment?"

"I'm not judging a book by its cover." Twilight quickly defended, "Zecora is responsible for this, and that book is just a bunch of nonsense."

Spike looked at the book, then back at Twilight, "But what if you're wrong, Twilight? What if this really is a-"

"Ah pfurse!" Pinkie exclaimed, but couldn't get the words out, because her tongue was swollen to the point it was hanging out of her mouth and had blue spots, much like Twilight's horn.

"A purse? How could it be a purse?" Spike asked.

I giggled to hold back a burst of laughter, "She said 'curse', Spike."

Twilight Sparkle turned to the Pink Pony, "Pinkie? What happened?"

"Pee pah Zthecora!" Pinkie answered angrily, "Sthe put a cursthe on me!"

"Hey, say it, don't spray it, Pinkie!" Spike told her, slightly soaked in her spit.

Suddenly, there was a thud on the window. We all turned to find Rainbow Dash trying to fly into the library, "Ow!" She flew into the window again, "Oh! She's-" And again, "Trying to say- Ow!- Zecora-" She hit the wall close to the door, "Oh!" Then she crashed through the door and flew past us, "She slapped us all with a-" And she crashed into a bookshelf, and got tangled in the ladder, "Ow- Curse!"

Now that I got a good look, Rainbow Dash's ailment involved her wings turned up-side down. Now that's ironically funny.

"I'm afraid I have to agree." Rarity spoke up, as she walked inside, and blew her hair out of her face.

Rarity's ailment has made her fur, mane and tail all scruffy and tangled. Kind of like a dog that hasn't been groomed for a long time. I put my hand over my mouth to hold back laughter.

Twilight and Spike gasped, then a tiny, but familiar voice spoke from the door, "I hate to say I told ya so, Twilight, but I told ya so!"

Twilight, Spike and I turned to the doorway and found Apple Bloom with a four-inch-tall Applejack riding on her shoulder.

"It's a curse, I tells ya!" Applejack exclaimed.

Twilight and Spike gasped again, then Twilight turned to Fluttershy, who has been quiet the entire time, "But Fluttershy... Seems just fine!"

Rarity nodded in agreement, "Yes, there doesn't seem to be a thing wrong with her." Then turned to me, "Or Ellie for that matter."

I folded my arms and glared at the Fashionista Pony, "I'm wearing a dress and gloves for a reason, Rarity."

It's true... As much as I hate it, I'm wearing one of Twilight's sundress and formal gloves under my favorite hoodie, to hide my ailment. I really don't like dresses, but Twilight insisted, until we find a cure for our ailments.

"Zecora's curse turned Ellie into a satyr." Twilight explained.

"It's not a curse!" I shouted, then I turned to Fluttershy, "Flutters, are you okay?" Fluttershy shook her head and looked away, "Is there something wrong with you?" I asked. Fluttershy nodded and looked away again, "Would you like to tell us?" I asked in concern. Fluttershy closed her eyes and shook her head. I lightly smiled, "That's okay, if you don't want to."

Fluttershy smiled at me, but Applejack lost her patience, "Good gravy, girl! What's wrong with you?!"

Fluttershy lowered her head and frowned, "I don't want to talk about it."

Fluttershy's ailment made her voice deepen into a male voice. I covered my mouth again to keep in my laughter.

Spike snort for a moment, then burst into laugher, "This is hilarious! Look at all of you! We got: Hairity, Rainbow Crash, Eleanor Satyr, Spitty Pie, Apple Teeny, Flutterguy, and..." He stopped laughing and drew a blank, "Uh... I got nothin'..." He turned to me, "Twilight Sparkle. I mean seriously, I can't even work with that."

I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Twilight let out a sarcastic laugh and glared at Spike, "This is no joke, Spike. Now start looking for more books, so I can find a cure!"

Spike groaned and walked over to another bookshelf. Rainbow Dash managed to un-tangle herself from the ladder and suggested, "I think we'll find a cure to this curse at Zecora's place!"

"It's not a curse!" I told her.

Applejack nodded in agreement, "I agree with Dash! We'll go to Zecora's and force her to remove this hex!"

"It's not a hex either!" I exclaimed in frustration.

Then the Girls started arguing among each other on what to do and if this is a curse or not. I growled in frustration and decided to take actions into my own hands. I'm gonna go to Zecora, solve this debacle and find a cure for these ailments. This is my fault this has happened, so I'm gonna fix it. To Hell with the consequences!

With a bit of a struggle, walking on hooves, I managed to enter the Everfree Forest and find Zecora's home. Zecora's home was hard to miss. A hollowed out tree, like Golden Oak, with the smell of flowers, herbs and tea. Feels like a good place within this misunderstood place.

I swallowed a lump of anxiety in my throat and walked over to the door. I hesitated for a second, but gathered up my courage and knocked on the door. The door opened and I got a good look at Zecora.

She was a beautiful female Zebra with golden earrings, and bands around her neck and left forearm. She wore a white tank top under a black leather jacket, and a purple skirt with black leggings underneath.

Zecora looked at me and gave me a friendly smile, "Why, hello, my dear. What events have brought you here?"

I smiled back and extended my gloved hand, "Zecora, I presume? My name is Eleanor. I was asking if you can make a remedy for me and my friends."

Zecora shook my hand and stepped aside, "I invite you inside, so we can see what I can provide."

I smiled, "Thank you." And I walked inside. The inside of Zecora's home was very pleasant and looked like the true home of an alchemist. Hanging herbs and flowers. A cauldron in the center. Shelves of jars and pots of multiple things. This girl really knows what she's doing.

Zecora closed the door and looked at me, "Now, what can I do for you?"

I turned to the Zebra and looked at my hand, "Well, yesterday, we fell victim to the Poison Joke plant." I removed my hood and removed my gloves to show her my ailment, "I was wondering if you had a cure for the Poison Joke ailments?"

Zecora looked at my ears and forearms. She smiled and looked at me, "Ah, you are not what you appear to be. The true you, I can see." I raised a brow in confusion, then Zecora nodded, "Mix up a cure, I will. However I am missing some herbs from Ponyville."

I smiled, "Oh, I can get you the herbs you need. All I need is a list, and I'll get them for you."

Zecora nodded and looked over her book. I recognized the green cover of the book, Supernaturals! HA! I knew this wasn't a curse, and Twilight had the answer all along!! That silly Unicorn! What am I going to do with her? Zecora read the book and wrote down a list of the herbs she needed.

"The ingredients for this herbal bath, this forest and Ponyville does hath." Zecora explained, handing me the list, "Return with what I need, and let your friends take heed."

I took the list and looked it over. Knowing my herbs and botany, I knew where these plants grew and where to find them easily. I nodded with a smile and exit Zecora's home to find the herbs she needed.

During my search for the other herbs, I saw a familiar, yellow filly with a pink bow, searching through the mushroom patch. I smiled and walked over to the young filly.

"Now, what brings you to this neck of the forest, Apple Bloom?" I asked, making my presence known behind her.

Apple Bloom squeaked in startle and turned to me. She let out a sigh in relief and smiled, "Hey, Ellie. I heard you were helping Zecora gather these plants to help our friends. So I thought I can help out."

I smiled, "That's very sweet of you, Apple Bloom. I'm glad somepony else can listen to some sense."

Apple Bloom nodded and asked me, "So... What's next on the list?"

I thought for a moment, and grabbed the list from my basket, "Well... We got all the herbs from the forest. The rest we can find in Ponyville."

Apple Bloom smiled, "That's great. I can get the herbs from Ponyville, while you can help Zecora with the bath."

I was about to argue back, but I looked at my hands and realized Apple Bloom had a good point. I smiled at the young filly and nodded. She can be really responsible for a filly her age. I gave Apple Bloom the rest of the list and she followed the path out of the forest, toward Ponyville.

I turned and returned to Zecora's hut. Zecora turned to me and smiled, "Ah, welcome back my friend. Did your search come to an end?"

I smiled and handed the basket full of herbs, "I got the herbs from the forest, but Apple Bloom volunteered to get the herbs from Ponyville."

Zecora nodded, "Great faith in your friends, I see. With this bath, will you help me?"

I nodded, "Of course, Zecora."

With that, Zecora and I began mixing the herbs into the cauldron of water. Zecora smiled and started speaking in her native tongue. I smiled and stirred the herbal bath until it was in its right consistency.

Zecora dipped a small spoon into the bath and took a sip. She smiled in approval, "The perfect temperature, for Ponies, I presume." Then she looked at the door, "Now, where is that little Apple Bloom?"

I smiled, "I'm pretty sure she will be back soon. Finding the right herbs can be a bit challenging in Ponyville."

Suddenly, there was screaming from outside of the hut and Rainbow Dash came flying into the hut. Zecora and I gasped in shock. Zecora muttered in her native tongue, as Rainbow Dash flew around the hut and crashed into multiple things.

"What the hell!?" I exclaimed.

"Whoa there!" Applejack's tiny voice shouted from on Rainbow Dash's neck, "Easy, Rainbow Crash!"

Zecora shouted in her native tongue, but Rainbow Dash continued to fly across the room. Then Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and Fluttershy charged in through the door.

"What have you done with Apple Bloom!?" Twilight asked in a demanding tone.

Zecora continued to shout in her native tongue, as Rainbow Dash crashed across the room again. Applejack grabbed her lasso and threw it around Zecora's ear. Applejack leaped off Rainbow Dash and started wrestling with Zecora's ear.

"Applejack? Girls, what are you-" I was about to ask, but Rainbow Dash crashed again, "For crying out loud, Rainbow Dash! You have legs!!"

Zecora turned to Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and Fluttershy, "Ponies! What is this you-" But Rainbow Dash crashed into the cauldron and knocked the herbal bath all over the ground. Zecora gasped, "No! You know not of what you do! You have gone and spilled my precious brew!"

"Are you girls happy now?!" I asked the Ponies with furrowed brows of anger, "That brew was to help us!"

"We're onto you, Zecora." Twilight told Zecora, completely ignoring me, "I didn't want to believe that you've cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming!"

"What evidence?" I exclaimed, "If you girls stopped and listened to me, none of this would have happened."

"There's plenty of evidence, Eleanor." Rarity argued, "Zecora made me look ridiculous!"

"Zecora made me sound ridiculous." Fluttershy added.

"She made me speak ridiculous." Pinkie Pie finished incoherently, but I could understand her.

"She ruined my horn and turned you into a satyr, Ellie." Twilight pointed out, "What other evidence is there?"

"How dare you!" Zecora shouted angrily, "You destroyed my home, destroyed my work. Then rudely accuse me of being a jerk!?"

"You put this curse on us!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "Now you're gonna un-curse us!"

Zecora stomped her hoof, "It is unwise to venture down this road. Your actions will make my anger explode!"

"Where is Apple Bloom?" Twilight demanded, getting into a test of strength with Zecora.

Then Apple Bloom arrived to the scene, "Zecora! I think I found all the things ya asked for." She looked around the area and gasped, "What in Ponyville is goin' on here?"

At the sound of the filly's voice, Applejack stopped wrestling with Zecora's ear and looked at her younger sister, "Apple Bloom! You're okay!"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Apple Bloom asked.

Twilight stood in between Zecora and Apple Bloom in a protective manner, "Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you up into soup!"

Finally realizing what all this madness was all about, Zecora and Apple Bloom laughed at Twilight's accusation.

"Oh, Twilight. Did those silly fillies finally get in yer head?" Apple Bloom asked, "You know there's no such thing as a curse."

Twilight turned to the yellow filly, "Apple Bloom, sweetie. You can't just stand there and tell me this isn't a curse."

"This isn't a curse." Apple Bloom and I answered in unison, as the young filly entered the hut.

"If you will remember back, the words I spoke were quite exact." Zecora reminded the Girls.

I nodded in agreement and recited Zecora's words, "Beware, beware you Pony folk. Those leaves of blue are not a joke."

"It was a warnin'." Apple Bloom explained, "About that blue plant. It's called Poison Joke."

Zecora nodded, "That plant is much like poison oak. But its results are like a joke."

Applejack tilted her head and raised a brow, "What the hell does that mean?"

"Language, Applejack." I told the tiny farmer.

"It means this plant does not breed wrath. Instead this plant just wants a laugh." Zecora explained.

Applejack shook her head and asked the rest of us, "Will somepony please talk normal?"

I let out a relieved giggle, "It's what I've been trying to tell you girls. Poison Joke is a plant, which pollen will turn what you take pride in most into practical jokes. That's why our ailments are different." I folded my arms, "If this was a curse, the ailments would be the same on all of us."

Applejack looked at me with a deadpan expression, "Very funny."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and nodded, "Ok, fine." Then asked, "But what about the cauldron?"

"And the chanting?" Fluttershy added.

"And the creepy decor?" Rarity finished.

Zecora looked at the masks on the ground, "Treasures of the native land where I am from." She gestured to a green and blue one, "This one speaks 'hello'..." Then to one looking like a baboon mask, "And this 'welcome'."

"Not welcoming at all, if you ask me." Rarity commented, looking at a light mask with messy hair.

"The words I chanted were from olden times. Something you call a nursery rhyme." Zecora explained the chanting.

"The language she was chanting is Zulu." I explained, "A foreign language in my world, but the native tongue to Zebras."

"But the cauldron... The Apple Bloom soup?" Twilight asked.

Apple Bloom smiled, "Lookie here, Twilight. That pot of water wasn't for me, it was for all these herbal ingredients." She gestured to the Supernaturals book on the podium, "The cure for Poison Joke is a simple old-natural remedy. You just gotta take a bubble bath!"

Twilight took a look at the book and shook her head, "But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn't find anything. What book has this natural remedy?"

Zecora closed the book for Twilight to see the cover, "Here is the book you see. Sad that you lack it in your library."

I shook my head, "Actually, Zecora, Twilight and I do have this book." I glanced at Twilight, "But somepony thought it meant something completely different."

Twilight looked at me, then at the book. She lowered her head in shame, "I...I... I'm so sorry Zecora. I had the answer the whole time, if only I had bothered to look inside."

Zecora let out a lighthearted chuckle and turned to the others, "Maybe next time you will take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book."

Apple Bloom and I gave a lighthearted laugh.

"Zecora? Would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of the herbal bath?" Twilight asked Zecora.

Zecora nodded in agreement, "Mix it up I certainly will. Yet I am missing an herb from Ponyville."

"But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are mysteriously closed." Apple Bloom explained.

Twilight smiled, "Oh, well... I think we can help you with that."

*A Little Later, In Ponyville...*

With Zecora, the Girls, Apple Bloom and I entered Ponyville and made our way to the flower shop. However, everyone saw our ailments and accused the worst and ran into their homes and shops.

Twilight walked toward the shop and knocked on the door, "Daisy, we need to talk."

*Later That Day, In The Spa...*

With everything sorted out and everyone finally accepting and understanding Zecora, the Girls and I took a nice herbal bath within the spa. Our ailments were fixed and everything is back to normal. Alongside, we made a new friend as well. Now, maybe Twilight will not judge a book by its cover again. Fingers crossed...

"Miss Zecora." Lotus Blossom called Zecora, "I would love to get the recipe for this bath. It's simply luxurious!"

Zecora was about to answer, but Apple Bloom gasped in horror, "Applejack! Hey, where's Applejack?!"

The Girls gasped and exclaimed in shock and fright, as they started frantically searching the water for Applejack.

But Applejack's voice spoke up, "I'm right here, little sis." We turned to a small cup of water and Applejack was back to her normal size, "I ain't tiny no more!"

Rarity smiled with a relaxed sigh, "Ooh. I have never felt so lovely in all my life!"

I nodded in agreement, "I'll admit, it does feel good having normal feet again. You Ponies make walking on hooves look so easy." Then I shrugged, "I'm gonna miss the tail, though. Oh well."

Zecora smiled at me, "You still have much to know, young Child of Calypso."

I raised a brow and was about to ask, but Pinkie Pie emerged from the water and blurt, "Oh my gosh! I never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk. I mean I love talking so much and when I couldn't talk 'cause my tongue was all 'ehhhh'. It was the worst! Don't you agree, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yes."

The Girls, Zecora and Apple Bloom shared a laugh. I looked at Zecora with a raised brow. Does she know something that I don't? I guess only time will tell...

The Fall of Sunset Shimmer

~Narrator's POV~

"Now Sunset Shimmer..." The examiner told me, as he and the other two examiners got their clipboards ready, "For your final test, you shall need to wow us. Give us the best you've got."

"We're looking forward to seeing if you can top your 'synchronized dancing cats' piece from last semester." The second examiner added, "That was a dazzler!"

"As Princess Celestia's own student, we expect big, big things today." The third finished.

I smiled and waved my hand, "Well, you'll certainly see that."

With that, I began me presentation. My horn lit up with my magical, cyan aura, as I whistled casually and waved my hand around, using my magic to make a sunflower grow out its pot. The examiners were surprised that I was starting so simple.

I smiled proudly, but suddenly, my horn started to glow in a magenta pink color. I don't think this is supposed to happen... I tried to control the magic, trying to keep it contained, but it overwhelmed me. The magical aura enveloped my entire body and lifted me two feet into the air.

I tried to move, but the magic had its hold on me and overwhelmed me with powerful pulses of power. The other foals and examiners backed away from me, wary of what might happen next.

Suddenly, in an explosion of magic, the magenta aura shot into the ceiling of the classroom and opened what looked like a portal into another world. Then four creatures fell from the portal. Then the portal closed and the magenta pink magic faded away, leaving my horn to glow in its normal cyan color. I gently landed on the ground and I can control myself again.

The creatures that fell from the portal were very strange-looking. Slender build with flat faces and round ears located on the sides of their heads. No fur coat, no horns, no wings, no tails or hooves. Five-fingered hands and five-toed plantigrade feet. Light peachy skin and two of them had freckles across their faces. Two had shoulder-length, wavy blonde manes and light blue eyes. The third had a dark brunette mane and hazel eyes. The fourth had no mane and light green eyes.

Everyone stepped away from the hairless ape-like creatures. Gasping and staring in awe and fear. I noticed the brunette one blinked its eyes twice and started tapping its hands over the tiled ground.

I tilted my head. I've read about these creatures before. They used to coexist with Ponies over a thousand years ago. But something happened and they disappeared. I thought they went extinct or were wiped out by a powerful spirit. Guess I was wrong. They were called 'Humans'.

"You alright?" I asked, cautiously walking toward the brunette human.

The brunette human and one of the blonde humans were the same size as me, and younger-looking. So they must be about the same age as me. The younger blonde human looked at me, yelped and hugged closely to the older blonde human.

"Have you seen my glasses?" The brunette human asked, "I can't see very well without them."

I looked around and saw a pair of black framed glasses laying on the ground. I picked the glasses up and asked, "Are these yours?" I placed the glasses over the human's flat face.

The brunette human blinked its eyes and smiled at me, "Yeah. Thank yo-" The human looked at me and gasped, "I can't believe it." She leaned closer to me, "I've read stories about your people. But to see you in person..."

I raised a brow and tilted my head slightly. Suddenly, an older, more regal voice spoke from the other side of the classroom, "Sunset Shimmer, what happened?"

Everyone, including the humans and I, looked at across and saw a tall, regal, pale pink, almost white, Alicorn walking toward us. Her eyes were a pale magenta. Her lower-back length, pastel-toned mane was flowing, like there was an invisible wind. Her tail matched as well.

Upon her head was a golden crown with an amethyst in the center. Around her neck was a matching necklace. Upon her hooves were a pair of golden princess shoes. She wore a long, white, Greek dress with golden trims and a belt around her waist. Upon her left shoulder strap was a broach of a sun-like symbol.

Everyone, except the humans, gasped and quickly bowed in greeting and respect, as the Alicorn walked down the stairs to the front of the classroom.

"Princess Celestia!" I gasped, frozen still as a statue, "P-p-please, I-I-I can explain."

The Alicorn, Princess Celestia, looked at the humans, then she looked at me, "Just tell me what happened."

I looked at the humans for a second, then looked at the Princess, "Well, I was casting a simple growth spell, until my magic grew out of control. I tried to control it, but the magic and power overwhelmed me. My magic created a portal in the ceiling, and..." I pointed to the humans, "These humans appeared."

The older blonde human folded its arms at me and glared, "It's rude to point, young lady."

I looked at the humans and noticed where I was pointing. I quickly withdrew my finger and returned my attention to Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia looked at me for a second, and turned to the humans, "Do you humans have names?"

The humans looked at each other in uncertainty. The brunette human was first to respond. It picked itself to its feet and bowed its head in greeting, "My name is Eleanor May Carter, but I mostly go by Ellie."

Princess Celestia nodded, then turned to the other humans. "Lorraine Gentry." The older blonde answered. "Stephen Henderson." The bald human introduced. "S-Sam." The younger blonde stuttered.

Princess Celestia smiled and bowed, "Welcome to Equestria, Eleanor May Carter. Lorraine Gentry. Stephen Henderson and Sam." Then she looked at me, "Sunset Shimmer, I have noticed that your studying has gotten quite rigorous. How would you feel if one of these humans could help you?"

"Like a study partner?" I asked. Princess Celestia nodded.

I thought for a moment. Maybe this won't be a bad idea. Maybe one of these humans possesses a powerful magic that hasn't been tapped into. Maybe they can learn from me, as I can learn from them. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. How can I pass this up?

I looked at Princess Celestia and smiled, "Of course."

Princess Celestia smiled, "Wonderful." Then stepped aside, "Which one would you like to be your study partner?"

I looked at the humans and rubbed my chin in thought. Stephen and Lorraine look too old to learn the magic of Equestria. So that only left Sam and Eleanor. Sam hugged closely to Lorraine and shook her head. So that only left...

I pointed to the brunette human, "Eleanor."

Princess Celestia and Eleanor lightly smiled. I smiled back. I couldn't wait to get started with our lessons.

*The Next Day...*
~Eleanor's POV~

Sunset Shimmer and I got to know each other better, over time. The books she studied with were most fascinating. Magic, laws of physics, rules on how to use magic, even the history of Equestria.

It turned out that humans used to live in Equestria a long time ago, but after a time, they mysteriously disappeared. Sunset Shimmer had her theories and I wasn't quite certain if it was magic or some sort of accident that made them disappear.

Sam, Mum and Steve were able to make themselves at home in the city of Canterlot. Sam started school with the other fillies and colts. Mum became a nurse in the local hospital. And Steve became a mechanic.

I, of course, became Sunset Shimmer's study partner, and began studying magic. So far, I was able to levitate small objects with my mind and project a small orb of light from my hand.

Anywho, I'm rambling too much again.

Today was a nice summer day. Sunset Shimmer and I were sitting on a bench, reading some of the advanced spell books. Around us, Unicorns were enjoying the day and having picnics.

Across from us, I saw a teenage, white, male Unicorn and a teenage, light pink, female Alicorn playing with a young, lavender, Unicorn filly, around Sunset Shimmer's age. They looked like they were having fun.

"Sunset Shimmer!" A voice called.

I yelped in startle, then calmed down. Sunset and I looked over and saw five young Unicorn fillies around the same age as Sunset Shimmer.

One was yellow with a curly blue mane and tail. She wore a pink t-shirt and dark blue cargo shorts.

Another was in a full blue color scheme. To go with her blue color scheme, she wore a light blue tank top and denim jeans.

The third was in a pink color scheme with blue eyes. She wore a white layered t-shirt and pink shorts.

The fourth was a shade of mint green. Her mane was the a deeper color, but with a white streak, same with her tail. She wore a yellow and pink layered tank top and jean shorts.

The last one had a combed, red mane and tail, with a two-toned purple highlights and dark purple eyes. Her fur was a light yellowish grey. She wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses, similar to mine, and a yellow sun-dress.

"That vine you made was amazing!" The blue one exclaimed with a smile. Sunset raised an eyebrow.

"Really exquisite." The pink one added.

The green one nodded and asked, "Would you like to come have lunch with us." She looked at me with a smile, "We can get to know your new friend."

I smiled and was about to answer, but Sunset Shimmer scoffed and walked off, dragging me along with her, "Hmph! Ellie and I have better things to do than socialize! I'm going to re-read 'Advanced Elemental Magical Practices', and then Ellie's gonna help me practice for my advanced summoning spells exams. What are you studying for? Nothing, that's what."

I looked back at the Unicorn fillies. They looked hurt by Shimmer's words. The light yellowish grey one looked at me. I gave her a sympathetic look then turned to Shimmer.

"Actually, Shimmer. I'd like to get to know some of your classmates. Practice Princess Celestia's lesson on humility." I told her.

Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Fine. But don't take too long. We're study partners for a reason."

I nodded and joined the other fillies. The light yellow filly regained her smile and we got to know each other over lunch.

The all-blue filly was named Minuette.

Lemon Hearts was the yellow and blue one.

Lyra Heartstrings was the green one.

The pink-schemed Unicorn was Twinkleshine.

And Moondancer was the yellow one with glasses.

*A Little Later, in Celestia's Castle...*

Princess Celestia has called Sunset Shimmer into the main foyer, so she could talk to her. Shimmer insisted that I'd come along. Just in case something goes wrong.

"Sunset Shimmer, I've heard that you're not getting along well with the other students." Princess Celestia told Sunset Shimmer, "We've talked about the fact that personal relationships-"

Shimmer cut the Princess off, "Personal relationships? Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best."

I shook my head, "Shimmer, trying to make friends doesn't make you weak." Princess Celestia smiled and nodded at my words.

Then she looked at Shimmer, "We've talked about friendship and its importance before, and we've discussed that you need to open yourself up to new friends." Then she lightly smiled, "And you remember that talk we had about humility?"

"I remember how boring it was." Shimmer answered.

"I enjoyed it. The other classmates don't think I'm weird, thanks to a chat about it." I answered with a small smile.

Princess Celestia smiled at me, as she lead us to a small room with a strange mirror. There was something about the mirror, that made me feel uncertain.

"Look into this mirror, and tell me what you see." Princess Celestia told Shimmer.

"A beautiful pony that has nothing but power and potential." Shimmer answered, looking at her reflection and touching her face with a smile.

She stepped aside and it was my turn to look. I looked at my reflection.

I saw a lonely human girl with no place to call home. A sad blue aura surrounded her petite body and a hole in her chest. Like something was missing. Her eyes longed for a place where she truly belonged. Friends. Family. Then something happened.

The blue aura melted into a colorful vapor and the vapor flew around my reflection and took the shape of a group of 6 colors; Purple, orange, yellow, pink, cyan and white. My reflection glowed green. A rainbow burst out of the vapor.

"I see a group of friends. Rainbows. Happiness and smiles." I answered.

Princess Celestia smiled at my answer, but turned to Shimmer, "Care to try that again with our talk about humility taken to account?"

I stepped aside. Sunset Shimmer growled under her breath and looked at her reflection again, "I see a pony, who isn't powerful enough. Somepony who could be great, powerful... Somepony that could rule Equestria."

I looked at Shimmer's reflection and saw her as an Alicorn. But something felt off. The reflection smirked, starting to grow taller, morphing into a teenage human girl. Then she was engulfed in fire. I took a step back in fear, as I saw a pair of menacing cyan eyes and draconic wings sprouting out of the flames.

Princess Celestia must've noticed my fear and moved Shimmer and I away from it, "Maybe we better move on..."

"Wait, what was that? I thought I saw-" Shimmer exclaimed, as Princess Celestia guided us away from the mirror.

"Oh, it was probably a trick of the light. Our lesson is over for today. For tomorrow, I want you to reflect on the discussion we've just had." Princess Celestia answered.

Sunset Shimmer kept her eyes on the mirror. I guess she doesn't know what the meaning of her reflection's actions meant.

I shuddered, as the thought came to me.

*A Few Weeks Later...*

It's been a few weeks since the lesson with the mirror. It still worries me that Sunset saw what her reflection did. However, it seemed to have caught Shimmer's attention. Through the past few weeks, Shimmer kept asking Princess Celestia about it, and Celestia kept refusing.

One day, during a windy picnic, Shimmer brought it up again, "You know what's fascinating? Mirrors. About that one in..."

Princess Celestia had enough, "Sunset Shimmer. We've been over this, we will get to the mirror and many other lessons in due time. When you're ready."

The windy weather turned into rain. Worried that this weather will turn into a storm, I cuddled close to Princess Celestia. Celestia saw me, and put her wing over my head. Dang it, I hate rainy weather. Celestia and I walked back to the castle. Sunset Shimmer made her own way back.

With my strong hearing, I was able to catch Sunset Shimmer mutter under breath, "I am ready."

I looked back at Shimmer, as she walked off. My heart sank, she's slowly turning into the demon I saw in the mirror. That's not good.

*Later, that Night...*

I was in my room, in the castle, laying on my bed, staring at the night sky. The moon was in the center of the sky. The moon's eye glowed. I heard a voice speak to me.

"Protect your friend. She is following a path not destined for her..."

With that, the moon's eye stopped glowing and continued its duty. I heard a rapid knock on the door. I walked over and opened the door. It was Sunset Shimmer at the other side. She wore her signature magenta pajama shirt and shorts, and had a large grin on her face.

"Shimmer? It's the middle of the night. We have exams in the morning." I whispered, rubbing my eye.

"I think I've found something about that mirror. Why we saw what we saw." Shimmer answered.

I sighed. This again? Shimmer is very persistent when she wants something. Whether it be magic or answers.

"There's a section, in the library, that is about certain books on types of magic. I need your help to find it." She explained.

"Shimmer, think this through, for once." I told her, "You're walking down a path that will lead you closer to what you saw in the mirror." I put my hands over her shoulders, "Please, just listen to me. No good will come of this. Just go back to bed and pretend nothing happened."

Shimmer looked at me dead in the eyes, but she shook her head, "Don't you understand, Ellie. There is a way that I can be greater than Princess Celestia. I'm going to the library regardless of what you say. Are you with me or not?"

I thought for a second and remembered what the moon told me. I looked at Shimmer and nodded. She smiled, grabbed my hand and lead me into the library. I hope I'm making the right choice in protecting Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset Shimmer lead me to a door, that was locked tightly. The door said 'Dark Magic. No Entry'. A voice inside my head told me to go back to bed. But my gut told me I needed to stay with Shimmer. She needs me. With a simple lock-pick spell, Sunset Shimmer opened the door and we entered the room.

I gotta say, there were a lot of books in this section. Why did Princess Celestia keep this room locked like a secret?

'Dark Magic'... Hmmm...

"Not ready? I'll show her not ready." Shimmer muttered under her breath, then she joked, "You'd think this place would be better guarded."

I suppressed a giggle, then started looking through the books. Sunset Shimmer and read through a bunch of books. 'Crossing Over', 'The First Ponies', all sorts.

"Nothing on the mirror yet, but a few of these spells will come in handy..." Sunset Shimmer said, as we read the books.

I closed my book and set it aside. Then, another caught my eye. 'Canterlot Castle. A History. Vol II'. I picked up the book and started reading it. I smiled, "Shimmer, I think I found something."

I gave the book to Shimmer and she started reading it. She smiled, "Well done, Ellie. You've got really good eyes."

I smiled and gave a quiet giggle.

Shimmer flipped through the pages, "The Crystal Mirror... Every 30 moons, a portal will open to... Another world?"

I shook my head, "I'm pretty sure it's not my world. I would've noticed something."

"That's not really for you two to know, now is it?" A familiar voice asked from behind us.

Sunset Shimmer and I turned and saw it was Princess Celestia and a couple of her guards. How did she know we would be here?

Of course, the librarian! She must've slipped past us.

The guards grabbed me by the arms and dragged me away from Sunset Shimmer.

"Please, let me go." I asked the guard on my left, trying to struggle free.

"I'm sorry. Princess' orders." The guard on my left answered.

"How dare you keep this kind of magic from me! You know that I'm ready for this, that I can be great!" Shimmer shouted at Princess Celestia.

"You could be great." Princess Celestia corrected in a calm tone, "I thought I saw compassion and sincerity in you, but it was nothing but ambition. The compassion and sincerity came from Eleanor. You're being selfish, you need to step back and reflect-"

In anger, Sunset Shimmer's horn glowed black with a cyan hue. Her eyes emitted a black haze. Oh no.

She cut Princess Celestia off, "I'm selfish?"

Her horn fired a strong beam of black and cyan magic. I forced myself out of the guards' grip and pushed Celestia aside. Shimmer's beam hit me in the chest, where my heart was. A sharp pain struck my heart and my body was overwhelmed with pain. I fell to the ground, holding my chest in pain.

I felt a pair of soft and gentle hands over my shoulders. I looked up and saw Princess Celestia's deeply concerned expression.

"That book, right there, says that I could become as powerful as an Alicorn Princess! I could rule here! It's selfish of you to keep me from my rightful place!" Shimmer continued, "I deserve to stand beside you and be your equal... If not, your better. Make me a Princess."

"No." Princess Celestia answered in a low tone, "Being a Princess must be earned. I have been trying to teach you everything you need to know, but you've turned from it. Everytime you say you 'deserve' to get something without the effort just proves to me that you're not ready."

Then she announced, standing up and held me close to her, "Sunset Shimmer. I am removing you from the position of my pupil. If we cannot get past this, your studies end here. You are welcome to stay in Canterlot, but you are no longer welcome in the castle."

"We'll never get past this because you aren't seeing how great I deserve to be. Is that really all you have to say to me?" Sunset Shimmer asked with a sharp glare.

"No. The guards will escort you out." Princess Celestia answered.

With that, the guard walked beside Sunset Shimmer and escorted her out of the building, at the doorway Shimmer hissed, "This is the biggest mistake you'll make in your entire life."

Once Sunset Shimmer was gone, Princess Celestia lowered her head with a sad look, "One of many." She turned her attention to me and helped me back to my feet, "Are you hurt?"

I stood up and answered, "A bit sore, but I think I'll be alright." Then I looked at the regal Alicorn of the day, "Uh... Princess Celestia? Am I in trouble too? Are you gonna banish me as well?" I asked, as my mind raced with paranoid thoughts.

Princess Celestia looked at me with a small smile and shook her head, "No, Eleanor. Like I told Sunset Shimmer, I see compassion and sincerity in you. You went out of your own way to help her. I even saw you with the other students. You can stay in the castle, and we'll find you a new friend."

I regained my smiled. Princess Celestia and I entered the room, with the mirror inside. To our surprise, the guards were inside and were knocked out. Sunset Shimmer was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh, Sunset Shimmer... No..." Princess Celestia grimaced.

Celestia and I helped the guards back up their hooves. "Sir, what happened?" I asked.

"She took us by surprise and just... Just... Jumped into the mirror. I don't know." One of the guards answered the best he could.

"Shh. It's fine." Princess Celestia assured, then asked, "If you're feeling up to it, would you please help move the mirror to a safer place?"

*The Next Morning...*

While Princess Celestia and the guards were moving the mirror, Princess Celestia advised me to stay in my room and just wait. I laid on top of my bed and stared at the sky in sadness and wonder.

Will I be able to see Sunset Shimmer again?

Can she be forgiven for what she's done?

Who will be the next pupil for Princess Celestia?

Will she, or he, be as good as Sunset Shimmer?

And what the heck is gonna happen to me?

Look Before You Sleep

~Eleanor's POV~

"Come on, Ellie." Twilight Sparkle encouraged me, "You can do it!"

I swallowed a lump in my throat and looked at the teacup. It's been over a week since the Girls and I tried to persuade a large dragon to take his nap elsewhere. Ever since then, I've been resting and recovering in Golden Oak Library and learning new magic from Twilight Sparkle. Right now, Twilight has been teaching me how to transfigure inanimate items into other inanimate items. Such as teacups into fruit or plates into books.

I closed my eyes and focused my thoughts on the spell Twilight taught me. I reached out my hand and tapped my finger into the teacup resting on the library table. There was a sound of a magical poof and then Twilight's voice cheered, "You did it! Wonderful job, Ellie! Well done!"

I opened my eyes and looked at the table. Laying in the place of the teacup was a small tangerine orange. A smile grew on my face. I did it! I can perform transfiguration magic! This is great!

Twilight ran over to me, hugged me and began spinning us around, "You're doing awesome, Ellie. You're becoming a very powerful mage!"

I giggled and hugged Twilight tightly. Suddenly our bodies started to glow and there was a bright light.

~POOF~

~???'s POV~

I stopped spinning and opened my eyes as the bright light vanished as soon as it appeared. Then I noticed Ellie was nowhere to be seen. Did I spin too fast and ended up throwing her somewhere?

I looked at my hands and noticed they were a darker shade than Twilight's fur color. And my nails were green.

"Why are my... Your nails green?" I asked in a light tone of my voice. I found Ellie's sandals and they were smaller than usual, "Why are your... My shoes too small for my... Your feet?"

I searched my body and found I was wearing a polo shirt under a green sweater vest with black khaki pants. My hooves were green, like my nails, and I was taller than normal. I was nearly as tall as Princess Celestia.

I gasped as my voice changed to a deeper tone, "T-Twilight?"

"Ellie! Wha? What happened to us?"

I looked over my body, "I... I think we fused!"

My eyes widen in shock and disbelief, "Fusion Magic?! But that's forbidden and a type of Pony Magic! How can a human use Fusion Magic?!"

I shook my head, "Never mind that now. We need to un-fuse, before someone sees us."

I nodded my head and closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm myself down. My body was enveloped by the light again and...

~POOF~

~Eleanor's POV~

Twilight and I un-fused and sat facing each other. We looked ourselves over and we were back to normal. Thank goodness for that.

Twilight was shocked beyond belief. She smiled and hugged herself, "That felt... Exhilarating! I never thought Fusion Magic would be so... Wonderful!"

I shook my head, "Fusion Magic shouldn't be taken lightly, Twilight. There's a reason why it's forbidden."

Twilight tilted her head slightly, "Why? We just fused and nothing bad happened."

"Yet..." I pointed out. Then I explained the story, "You see, over a thousand years ago, before Starswirl the Bearded became the legendary sorcerer we know today, three Ponies, one of each tribe, discovered a magic that allows the magic of two or more to merge together into one... Single... Entity."

Twilight lowered her head, "Fusion Magic."

I nodded, "It fused the three Ponies to create the first Alicorn. Three minds... One body... Tremendous power." I frowned and shook my head, "However, one of the minds of the Fusion became hungry with power and wanted to use Fusion Magic to grow into a more powerful being. Dragons. Timberwolves. Griffons. Chimeras. Zebras. Centaurs. Anything with a connection with the magic of Equestria, the Fusion fused with."

Twilight leaned closer to me with interest, "What happened to the Fusion? With all that power, something had to give."

I shook my head again, "It died, Twilight. With all that power, word got out that the Fusion was hungry for more. Starswirl knew what had to be done. To save Equestria, he used his magic to de-stabilize the Fusion and free the components within. However the magic was so strong, the Fusion collapsed upon itself and released the magic it absorbed. But the innocent components of the Fusion were never seen again."

Twilight stared at me with wide eyes. Suddenly, lightning flashed and a loud thunder clapped across the sky. I flinched and squeaked in fear. Twilight wrapped her arms around me, to make me feel better. It helped a little.

After a few seconds, everything calmed and I looked outside. Still standing out in the rain, two mares were trying avoid the rain. One was hiding under a picnic bench, and the other was out in the open.

I walked over to the door and called out as loud as I could, "Applejack! Rarity!" Twilight joined me, as I called again, "Applejack! Rarity!"

The two mares turned to the library and called, "Ellie/Eleanor?"

I beckoned the two mares inside, "Come on inside, quick!"

Applejack and Rarity quickly ran toward the library. But Applejack stopped at the doorway, "Whoa, Nelly." Then she asked, "Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?"

"It is, if you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home, like we do." Twilight answered with a smile, "Come on in!"

Rarity smiled and entered the library, "We are most grateful for your invitation."

Applejack nodded in agreement, "Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality."

She was about to enter the library, until Rarity stopped her and pointed to her muddy hooves and hands, "Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?"

Applejack growled and muttered under her breath, "If I gotta spend one more second with that fussbudget, Rarity, today, I can't be held responsible for what I'm gonna do." With that, she walked outside and looked for the hose.

"Some storm, huh?" Twilight smiled, trying to start a conversation "The Pegasus Ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you and Applejack don't have any trouble getting home."

Rarity shook her head, "It may indeed be a problem."

"Well, you're welcome to stay, if need be." I answered with a small smile.

Twilight nodded, "Spike is away in Canterlot on royal business. Ellie and I are home all alone tonight." Then she gasped and smiled, "You and Applejack should totally sleep over!" She clapped her hands in excitement, "We'll have a slumber party! I've always wanted one of those."

Rarity blinked, dumbfounded, then gave a nervous smile, "Oh! Uh, goodness. Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now. Ah, silly me, I can't possibly stay here all night..." She frowned, "With Applejack."

Twilight walked over to one of the shelves and grabbed a book with a brown cover and a picture of two pillows. She showed it to Rarity and Rarity read, "'Slumber 101: All You've Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask.'"

"My own personal copy." Twilight smiled proudly, "It's a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents." Her smile grew bigger, "I've been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great!"

Rarity gave a nervous laugh, "Yes, uh, great."

I looked over to the window and saw that Applejack was having trouble washing the mud off the frogs of her hooves. I walked outside of the library and walked over to Applejack. I grabbed the hose and began washing the mud off her hooves.

"Thank you kindly, Ellie." Applejack thanked me.

"Think nothing of it." I answered with a smile.

Once the mud was washed off, Applejack's hands and hooves were clean enough to go inside. Applejack and I entered the library, and Applejack gasped, "What in tarnation!"

We just caught Rarity applying a mint green mud mask onto Twilight's face.

"Now wait just a goll-darn minute!" Applejack spoke up, getting the girls' attention, "Ya make me wash the mud off my hands and hooves, but it's okay for y'all to have mud all over yer faces?"

Rarity waved her hand, "Silly! This is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion."

Twilight smiled and clapped her hand in excitement, "We're giving each other makeovers! Eee-hee!" Then she grabbed her book, "We have to do it, it says so in the book."

Applejack grabbed the book and gave it a read, "'Slumber 101: Everything You'-" Her expression changed, and she looked at her wrist, "Oh hey, heh, would'ja look at the time. I gotta skidaddle on home quick." She adjusted her hat and turned toward the door, "I'm powerful late for, uh, fer somethin'." Then she ran toward the door, "Uh, g'night."

Suddenly, there was another flash of lightning and another loud clap of thunder. Applejack and I yelped in fright and Applejack returned with a sheepish smile, "Or maybe I'll sit here for a spell."

"Hurray slumber party!" Twilight cheered, clapping her hands.

Applejack looked uncertain, until Rarity splashed her face with the mud mask, then placed two cucumber slices over her eyes. I removed my glasses and rubbed my eyes, then Rarity splashed my face with the paste. Then she put two cucumber slices over my eyes.

"What in the world is this for?" Applejack asked.

"To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course." Rarity answered with a rolling eyes tone in her voice.

"Puffiness-schmuffiness!" Applejack smiled, the picked the cucumbers from her eyes and ate them, "That's good eatin'!"

I removed the cucumbers from my eyes and ate one, "Actually, the cucumbers don't do anything. They actually keep the paste from getting into your eyes." Then I tasted the paste, "Uh... Rarity? Did you get this paste from the Aloe Sisters?"

Rarity looked at me, "Yes. How did you know?"

I smiled, "This isn't mud, it's mint paste. A paste mixed with mint, witch hazel and bloodstones. A recipe I gave to the sisters a few weeks ago. It asks like a mud mask but it also clears acne and more rejuvenating for your complexion."

Rarity smiled, "My, my, Eleanor. You sure do have a knack for herbs and beauty products."

I shrugged, "I just know my plants and gemstones. It's a talent."

Twilight clapped her hands again, "Hee-hee! Isn't this exciting?" She turned to put her book on the podium behind her, "We'll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun."

Rarity turned to Applejack, "Did you hear that, Applejack? You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight's very first slumber party, would you?"

Applejack shook her head, "Of course not, 'n you wouldn't either, I reckon?"

"So do we have an agreement?" Rarity asked.

Applejack nodded, "You betcha." She spat into her hand and extended it to Rarity.

Rarity winced in disgust, "Oh! Gross! You know, there's messy and there's just plain rude."

Applejack glared angrily at the white Unicorn, "You know, there's fussy, 'n there's just plain gettin' on my nerves."

"Fortunately, I can get along with anypony, no matter how difficult she may be." Rarity shot back.

Applejack raised a brow, "Oh yeah?" Then lifted her head proud, "Well, I'm the "get-alongin-est" pony you're ever gonna meet."

Rarity shook her head, "That's not even a word."

I got in between the two quarreling Ponies, "Girls, that's enough. We don't want to upset Twilight, do we?"

Rarity and Applejack looked at me, looked at each other, then looked away, "No."

Twilight popped up from beside me and wrapped her arms around me, Rarity and Applejack, "This is going to be the best-est slumber party ever! Yay!"

"Yay." Applejack, Rarity and I cheered in a subtle deadpan tone.

*A Little Bit Later...*

"So, how are you getting along over there, Applejack?" Rarity asked Applejack with a smile.

While getting makeovers, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and I changed into our nightwear and got our manes and tails into curling pins. Since Rarity and Applejack didn't come prepared, Twilight and I had some spare nightwear we could donate.

Right now, Rarity was wearing one of Twilight's nightgowns. Applejack was wearing a polo shirt and shorts. Twilight was wearing a two-set of her favorite star-themed nightwear. And I was wearing galaxy-themed nighttime overalls.

"Just fine, Rarity." Applejack answered, looking like she just lost her pride.

I winced and started scratching my head, "Ugh! Where the hell did you get these pins? They bloody itch something awful!"

Rarity frowned at me, "Language, Eleanor!"

Twilight giggled, "This is so awesome!" She grabbed her book and a quill, "Makeovers, check."

With her magic, Twilight made the pins disappear. The itching subsided and I sighed in relief.

Twilight looked over her book and smiled, "Ooh, it says here we have to tell ghost stories." She asked, "Who wants to go first?"

Applejack quickly raised her hand, "Me!" Then she told her ghost story, "I'd like to tell y'all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove everypony crazy with her unnecessary neatness. Oo-oo!" She glanced at Rarity, "I'm sure y'all are familiar with that one?"

Rarity shook her head, "Never heard of it, but I have a much better one." Then she began her ghost stories, "It's the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everypony within a hundred miles! Oo-oo!"

Applejack shook her head, "That's not a real story. You made it up."

"It is a ghost story, they're all made up." Rarity pointed out.

Another lightning flash and thunder clap. The lights went out, causing Applejack, Rarity and I to scream.

Twilight got a lantern out and smiled, "I've got one! This story is called The Legend of The Headless Horse."

Another lightning flash and thunder clap. I curled up into a ball, closed my eyes and covered my ears.

Rarity noticed this and asked, "Eleanor? Are you alright, darling?"

Twilight looked at me and put her hand over my shoulder, "Maybe you should sit the rest of the slumber party out, Ellie. Just until the storm passes."

I nodded my head in agreement. I picked myself up and hurried down into the basement, as Twilight began her story, "It was a dark and stormy night, just like this one. And three ponies were having a slumber party, just like this one..."

I closed the door and walked down the stairs of the basement. I walked past Twilight's science equipment and into a spare room. I laid on the bed and rested my head on the pillow. I stared at the ceiling for ten minutes, then my eyelids began to feel heavy and I closed my eyes to welcome the dreamscape to take me on my next adventure.

*Dream*

*Dream End*

~CRAASH!!!~

My eyes snapped open to the sound of something big crashing into the library. I hopped out of bed, grabbed my dressing gown and made my way up the stairs.

I walked up to the main floor and saw that there was a large pine tree poking from the upstairs' bedroom. The window was open and the wind was blowing into the library. Rarity and Twilight were sitting on both sides of the tree and Applejack was hanging from a rope.

"I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!" Rarity shouted to Applejack, shielding herself from the wind with a book.

Applejack climbed back into the room and glared at Rarity, "Well, ya shoulda tried harder!"

I face-palmed with a small tired sigh. You know what? I don't need an explanation for what just happened. I think I just figured out the main part of it. Applejack and Rarity have been quarreling again and took it too far. The storm struck the tree outside, and Applejack used her rope to prevent it from crashing into a nearby house. However, the tree crashed into the library. Communication!

"I'm mighty sorry, Twilight." Applejack apologized.

Twilight looked around at the mess in the bedroom, "It's... Well, it's not okay. There's a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, and the book doesn't say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party." She looked over her book and skipped through the pages in a panic, "Or at least I haven't found that entry yet."

Applejack looked over to Rarity, who was cleaning up the mess on her end, ignoring the tree in the bedroom, "What in tarnation are y'all doin' over there?!"

"Cleaning up this mess somepony made." Rarity answered with a glare, "Who was that again? Oh, right, that's you."

I face-palmed again and shouted, "I don't care who started it! JUST GET THE TREE OUTTA HERE!!!"

Twilight continued looking through her book, "'Baking'... 'BFFs'... 'Brothers'... There's nothing in here about branches."

Applejack tried kicking and attacking the tree, to make it break or move, but the tree wasn't budging. She turned to Rarity, "Rarity, for pony's sake, stop sweatin' the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!" But Rarity ignored her and kept cleaning up her side of the mess, "I said hussle over here and help me!" Applejack shouted, but Rarity ignored her.

Applejack thought for a moment, and sighed, "Look, I'm sorry, all right?"

That got Rarity's attention, "What was that?"

"I said I'm sorry!" Applejack repeated, "I shoulda listened to you when you noticed where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin' attention to detail would'a saved us from this whole mess. But right now, ya need to stop bein' so dang fussy pickin' up all the little things and help me move the one big thing in here that actually matters! Please!"

Rarity turned to Applejack and walked over, but she hesitated at the sight of the dirt and mess, "But I'll get all icky!"

"Dammit!" Applejack shouted in annoyance, trying to keep her temper, "What the... Eh... You..."

I rolled my eyes and turned to Rarity, "Yes, you will get 'icky'. But getting dirty is a result of hard work. Take your job for instance, Rarity. When you create an outfit, do you keep everything neat and tidy?" Rarity looked away in thought, "No, you don't. I've seen how you work. Now, let's work together and solve this problem."

Rarity looked at me, then at Applejack. She gathered up her courage and smiled at us, "Let's do this."

With that, Rarity, Applejack and I came up with a plan to take care of the tree. In the meantime, Twilight was still occupied with her book, "Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties. Is that what we're doing right now? Does this count as camping?"

Rarity and I took a step back and I took hold of Rarity's hand. We combined our magic to cast a powerful transfiguration spell. In a flash of magic, the tree transformed into a group of little, wooden decorations. All that was left was the stump hanging by the window.

Applejack was about to kick the stump out of the window, but Rarity cleared her throat. Applejack lowered her leg, turned toward the stump and picked it with her hands. She carefully dropped the stump over the window and closed the window.

Rarity smiled, then looked over herself in disgust, "U-ugh. Oh, I look awful."

Applejack rubbed her chin in thought, then smiled with an idea. She grabbed a couple of cucumber slices and put them over Rarity's eyes, "Better?"

Rarity smiled, "Hmph, thanks."

Rarity reached over to Applejack and the two mares hugged. I folded my arms and smiled in relief.

Just then, Twilight looked away from her book and saw the decorations, "Oh, pretty! Where did these come from?" Then she gasped and returned to her book, "They're not in the book either."

*A Little Bit Later...*

With everything cleaned up and everyone wide awake, Twilight thought it was a good idea to play a game of '20 Questions'. It was Twilight's turn to think of something and Applejack, Rarity and I have to ask what it is.

"Is it bigger than a barn?" Applejack asked.

Twilight giggled, "Nope."

"Is it smaller than a saddle?" Rarity asked.

Twilight giggled again, "No!"

"Is it as tall as a Pony?" I asked.

Twilight nodded her head, "Yes. Only three of your twenty questions left!"

Applejack sighed, "We're never gonna guess what you're thinkin' of, it could be anythin'."

"Are we getting warmer?" Rarity asked.

Twilight frowned in concern, "Why? Is it too cold in here for you? I can turn up the heat."

"She means are we gettin' any closer with our guesses?" Applejack simplified.

Twilight's eyes cleared, "Oh!" Then shook her head, "No. And that technically counted as a question, so only two more left!"

Applejack thought for a moment, the guessed, "Is it... A six-legged pony with a purple polka-dotted mane and shootin' stars comin' out of his eyes?"

"Who flies through the air all over the world to hide magic, sparkly eggs?" Rarity added.

Twilight nodded with a smile, "That's it!"

Applejack and Rarity raised a brow, "It is?"

"No." Twilight admitted. With a chuckle, she pointed over our heads, "It's that."

Rarity, Applejack and I followed and saw she was pointing to a telescope. Never would have guessed that!

"But it was just so nice to see you two finally getting along, I wanted you to be able to win together." Twilight explained.

Rarity, Applejack and I shared a laugh.

Twilight smiled, "See? We could have been having fun like this all along."

"If only somepony hadn't been so persnickety." Applejack noted, glancing at Rarity.

"Well, maybe she wouldn't have been if somepony else hadn't been so sloppy." Rarity glanced at Applejack.

"Sorry for being such a pain in the ass." Applejack apologized to Rarity.

Rarity shook her head, "Oh, no, I'm sure I was much worse."

Applejack smiled, "That's kind of ya to say, but I'm the one who's sorry."

Rarity glared at Applejack, "Oh, I'm much more sorry than you are."

Applejack glared back, "Ugh. Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not!"

"Are too."

Then they started smiling, "Are not."

"Are too."

Rarity and Applejack shared at laugh, as Twilight Sparkle announced, "I declare my first slumber party a success!"

Applejack, Rarity and I shared a high-five and cheered for a successful slumber party.

Twilight grabbed her book and quill and checked the list, "Have fun, check."

After a few minutes of setting up a new game, I walked up to the upstairs bedroom and grabbed my journal and a mechanical pencil.

Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, Twilight and I learned that it is amazing how two ponies of polar opposites would get along so well. We learned that if you embrace each other's differences, you can find a friend in anypony.

I closed my journal and Twilight spoke up, "So, who's up for another slumber party tomorrow night?" Then she thought back, "Ugh. How about a week from Thursday? Oh, how about two weeks from Saturday? A month from now?"

Applejack, Rarity and I shared a laugh.